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 [US17BIISIT 
 
THE 
 
 DRAMATIC WORKS 
 
 MASSINGER ^AND FORD. 
 
 r 
 
 *-\ 
 
 AN INTRODUCTION, 
 
 BY HARTLEY COLERIDGE. 
 
 A NEW EDITION, 
 WITH FRONTISPIECE AND VIGNETTE. 
 
 UHIVSRSlTFl 
 
 GEORGE ROUTLEDGE AND SONS, 
 
 THE BROADWAY, LUDGATE. 
 NEW YORK: 416, BROOME STREET. 
 
 1869. 
 
LONDON : 
 BRADBURY, EVANS, AND CO., PRINTERS, WHITEFRIARS. 
 
'> 
 
 ^v^^ 
 
 
 
 fo 
 
 
 
 THOMAS CAMPBELL, 
 
 ESQ. 
 
 THIS EDITION 
 
 
 OF 
 
 
 
 THE DRAMATIC WORKS 
 
 i 
 
 OF 
 
 
 
 MASSINGER 
 
 AND 
 
 FORD 
 
 IS INSCRIBED 
 
 
 BY 
 
 
 
 
 THE PUBLISHER. 
 
 5>i'7 
 
 \ 
 
 
 2.37 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 MArS SINGER. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 INTRODUCTION ix 
 
 LIST OF PLAYS li 
 
 COMMENDATORY VERSES ... Hii 
 
 THE VIRGIN-MARTYR - 1 
 
 THE UNNATURAL COMBAT 26 
 
 THE DUKE OF MILAN 49 
 
 /the BONDMAN 74 
 
 THE RENP:GAD0 99 
 
 THE PARLIAMENT OF LOVE «> 123 
 
 THE ROMAN ACTOR 144 
 
 THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE 166 
 
 J THE MAID OF HONOUR 189 
 
 THE PICTURE 213 
 
 THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST 240 
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY "^^^taL ' '^^^ 
 
 J A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. . " ^^p^J- . .290 
 
 THE CITY MADAM 315 
 
 THE GUARDIAN 340 
 
 A VERY WOMAN; OR, THE PRINCE OF TARENT '6(H> 
 
 THE BASHFUL LOVER . . 391 
 
 THE OLD LAW 415 
 
 POEMS .... 441 
 
 GLOSSARY 44.' 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 19 
 
 FOED 
 
 LIST OF PLAYS 
 
 COMMENDATORY VERSES » 
 
 / THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY ..'... 1 
 
 V^'TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE . . 25 
 
 \^THE BROKEN HEART . . ' ... 48 
 
 \/lOVE'S SACRIFICE 74 
 
 'ERKIN WARBECK 
 
 THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE 123 
 
 U^ 
 
 
 THE LADY'S TRIAL 146 
 
 THE SUN'S DARLING 
 VTHE WITCH OF EDMONTON 
 i GLOSSARY 
 
 169 
 185 
 209 
 
.....SRSITy] 
 
 ^IFO' 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 BY HARTLEY COLEEIDGB. 
 
 T'HE lives of our dramatists " of the great race " furnish few materials for drama. They are pro- 
 vokingly barren of incident. They present neither complicated plots, nor striking situations * 
 nor well-contrasted characters. In their own age, they were overlooked as too familiar — in the next, 
 cast aside as unfashionable. The conjectures of recent curiosity are not more certain than the Syrian 
 Pantheism of the Irish round towers f, the hieroglyphic dynasties of Egypt, or the earthenware 
 theology of Etruria. 
 
 Many causes may have contributed to efface the footsteps of those great masters from the sands of 
 time. Theatres were burned by accident or design — demolished by authority of mob, parliament, 
 corporation, and 'prentices J, and at last suppressed by a civil conflict, which, realizing the extremities 
 
 * I beg pardon. The life cf Ben Jonson does present at least one striking situation, which would make a fine 
 picture either on the stage or v n canvas. I allude to that juncture, when amid a company of friends assembled to 
 congratulate his discharge from prison, his mother produced the packet of poison, which she meant to have given him, 
 had he been sentenced to pillory and mutilation for his reflections on the King's countrymen. But is there any good 
 authority for the story ? 
 
 The fate of Marlow was a real tragedy ; I am afraid but too certain. George Peele was actually introduced upon 
 the stage under the designation of George Pie-hoard in the " Widow of Watling Street." 
 
 t Those who are curious to ascertain the degree of certainty intended, may consult Mr. O'Brien's «' Round Towers 
 of Ireland," the works of ChampoUion, Klaproth, &c., and the " Storia degli antichi Popoli Italiani, di Giuseppe 
 Micali." 
 
 X A ludicrous " Ballade in praise of London 'Prentices, and what they did at the Cockpit Play-house in Drury Lane," 
 may be found in the first volume of Mr. Collier's " Annals of the Stage," p. 402. This outrage took place in 1617, on 
 Shrove Tuesday, a day of general licence, barbarity, and riot ; when the London apprentices claimed an immemorial 
 privilege of attacking houses of ill-fame, covering their true English love of mischief with a pretence of moral reform. 
 The following verse may be quoted as illustrative of the text. 
 
 " Bookes old and young on heap they flung. 
 And bum'd them in the blazes, 
 Tom Decker, Hey wood, Middleton, 
 
 And other wandering crazies ; 
 Poor Daye Miat day not 'scaped away ; 
 
 And what still more amazes, 
 Immortal Cracke was bum'd all black, 
 Whicn every body praises." 
 
 " Immortal Cracke " never recovered itora his scorching ; but is dead and forgotten. Mr. Collier doubts whether it be 
 the name of an author or of a play. Assuredly the latter, or perhaps the name of a character. By the way, crack, 
 often used by our old writers for a mischievous urchin, is probably an abridgment of crack-rope. Massinger uses the 
 term at full length. ' 
 
 The Globe on the Bankside was bnmea 29th June, 1613. The Fortune in GoIdingLaneon the Sunday night preceding 
 December 15, 1621. Ben Jonson alludes, in his Execration upon Vtdcan, to both these conflagrations. The Globe was 
 fired by the wadding of the chambers (small pieces of ordnance) falling on the thatch. The cause of the Fortunes' 
 
 h 
 
mTRODUCTlON". 
 
 of tragedy and farce, absorbed all memories, all hopes, and interests, in itself. Libraries were 
 dispersed, plundered, or retailed for daily sustenance. A new era of dramatic composition commenced 
 with the Restoration, when the mighty labours of the past were just old enough to be superannuated, 
 and not old enough to be antique. Milton lived on in the solitude of his blindness — the ghost and 
 witness of departed greatness. Cowley and Dryden contrived to merit fame without foregoing 
 popularity, by investing the robust intellect and subtile fancy of a former generation in modish 
 habiliments. Butler, like Hogarth, struck out a way for himself, in which he has had many 
 imitators, and no rivals. But no one of these, with all their varied excellence, was suited to create 
 or sustain a taste for the imagination and philosophy which they superseded. The town and the 
 court, not the people, were paramount on Parnassus, and town and court alike were subjected to 
 French influence. 
 
 But, I believe, after all, that the principal reason why so little has been told of our old dramatists 
 is — that there was very little to tell. 
 
 They might, no doubt, have written most interesting autobiographies or reminiscences. But I am 
 not aware that, in that diary-keeping age, any dramatic writer left a diary. It is hardly probable 
 that many dramatists have chronicled their days. Not that they were too constantly engaged. 
 Sir Edward Coke, Eichard. Baxter, Whitlocke, Clarendon, — lawyers, statesmen, kings, have left 
 minute and regular diaries *. Even men of pleasure have kept an audit book of their sins, and 
 recorded of themselves what one might fancy a Papist would blush to mutter in confession. But the 
 life of a dramatist, dependent for his daily bread upon the caprice of actors, and the humour of chance- 
 collected audiences, must be too exciting, too fragmentary, for an employment which requires a calm, 
 if not a cheerful, mind. The man whose means of existence are at the mercy of a contingent future, 
 has little inclination to dwell upon the past. You might as well expect the diary of a gamester. 
 
 However it be, our elder dramatists have told us little about themselves, and their contemporaries 
 have told us little about them. Letters they must occasionally have written ; and the letters of that 
 time, when newspapers were not, contain a great deal more matter of fact than the flippant and 
 sentimental missives of later date. Yet, except Ben Jonson, whose epistles ought surely to be 
 appended to his works, or printed in some accessilile form, has any dramatist left " a collection of 
 letters 1 " There is, indeed, a short and melancholy note, in which the name of Massinger is joined 
 with those of Field and Daborne ; a memorial of poverty, only less afflicting than poor Bums' death- 
 bed supplication for the same trifle of five pounds. 
 
 misfortune does not appear. Prynne of course ascribes both combustions to the Divine judgment. The Prynnes of 
 our times were equally charitable when the -two " great houses" were consumed. Lighter and saner wits do not seem 
 to have taken the matter very seriously. Sir Henry Wotton, describing the fire of the Globe in a letter to his nephew, 
 concludes thus:— "This was the fatal period of that virtuous fabric, wherein j'et nothing did perish but wood and 
 straw, and a few forsaken cloaks ; only one man had his breeches set on fire, that would perhaps have broiled him, 
 if he had not, by the benefit of a provident wit, put it out with bottle ale."— Annals, vol. iii. 299. Probably a hit at the 
 preposterous size and padding of the femoral garments then in use. 
 
 * There is an excellent article on diaries in DTsraeli's Curiosities of Literature. He does not mention the very curious 
 diary of Pepys, that whimsical compound of knavery and simplicity, of politics and piety, of foppery and worldly 
 wisdom ; nor the yet more interesting journal of the excellent Evelyn ; nor Bubb Doddington's, the honestest self- 
 exposure ever made by a self-conscious, self-satisfied rogue. Mr. Collier gives some curious extracts, surelynot intended 
 for the public eye, from the diurnal of Sir Humphrey Mildmay, a man of wit and pleasure about town in the age of 
 Massinger. The following, it will be admitted, are characteristic items, and evince good husbandry in sinning. 
 
 £. *. d. 
 
 "21 Jan. 1631.— To the wanton nurse at M. Langhome's . . .010 
 
 To Mother Gill, a poor naughty woman • ..010 
 
 14 Jul. 1632.— To a pretty wench at Paul's Wharfe . . .010 
 
 27 Nov. At a tavern with Ann Cressy 8 
 
 14 Jul. 1634.— To a tavern with a Bona 10** 
 
 It does not appear that extravagance was among Sir Humphrey's failings. He was probably a Romacist, for among 
 his disbursements we find eight shillings for a Rhemish Testament, and three for popish books; but, perhaps, he 
 hankered after all forbidden things. The MS. is in the library at Lambeth, and may supply some valuable information 
 on the subject of prices. 
 
INTRODUCTION-. 
 
 The incuriosity of contemporaries has been amply atoned in the last century. Letters, diaries, 
 memoirs, family papers, public records — everything in manuscript or print — has been rummaged 
 with indefatigable eyes. Every syllable, parenthesis, blank, and erasure, has been tortured — yea 
 exorcised, for intelligence respecting men, of whom their contemporaries hardly thought it worth 
 while to invent anecdotes. Much collateral knowledge has been elicited by the research, and much 
 forgotten literature brought to light ; but, with regard to the immediate objects of inquiry, it has 
 rather led to additional doubt of what was heretofore taken for granted, than added to the scanty 
 amount of ascertained facts. It is very well that so few reputations have suflfered by the scrutiny ; 
 for, had the dramatists been conspicuous for either vice or folly, they would not have shared the fate 
 of the heroes before Agamemnon. They lived in an age of personality. The great eye of the world 
 was not then, any more than now, so intent on things and principles, as not to have a comer for the 
 infirmities of individuals. I question whether, with all our newspapers, reviews, magazines, biogra- 
 phies, and autobiographies, a more personal history could be compiled of the courts of George III. 
 and IV. than of those of Elizabeth and James. In no age have men been wanting to woo the 
 favour of the multitude by informing them, that their Betters were no better than they. The 
 numerous memoirs, diaries, pamphlets, letters, so costly to collectors; "Wilson, Winwood, 
 Weldon, Osborne, Peyton, Sanderson," and others, who, as Mr. Gifford remarks, "contributed to 
 propagate a number of scandalous stories, which should have been left sub lodice, where most of them 
 perhaps had birth," sufficiently prove that kings and lords, at least, were not secured from calumny 
 by the darkness of their excessive splendour. Nor were all the eyes of curiosity directed upwards : 
 not a murder, rape, or adultery, could occur without being improved in the pulpit, set to tune by 
 the ballad-mongers *, or dramatized on the scene. In our own days, Thurtell, Corder, Greenacre, 
 the Bloody-lane, and the Red-bam, have been exhibited in tearful melo-drama. That it should be 
 
 ♦ " Graculo. You may see 
 
 We are prepared for hanging, and confess 
 
 We have deserved it. Our most humble suit is. 
 
 We may not be twice executed. 
 
 Timoleon. Twice? 
 What meanest thou ? 
 
 Gra. At the gallows first, and after in a ballad 
 Sung to some villainous tune. There are ten groat rhymers 
 About the town, grown fat on these occasions. 
 Let but a chapel fall, or a street be fired, 
 A foolish lover hang himself for pure love. 
 Or any such like accident ; and before 
 They are cold in their graves, some damn'd ditty 's made. 
 Which makes their ghosts walk." JIassinokr. TJie Bondman, 
 
 These "damn'd ditties" once composed a very considerable part of the only literature that could truly be styled 
 popular. Swift or Arbuthnot has a very humorous paper on the subject, written about the time that the penny stamp 
 was inflicted on loose sheets. Of late, the victims of the law have been twice executed at the minor theatres. The 
 melancholy music and nasal imtrumentation of these historic ballads were a frequent theme of satire with the old 
 dramatists, between whom and the ballad-makers there was no good will. 
 " If I have not ballads made of you all, and sung to filthy tunes, may this cup of sack be my poison."— J'a^*/a/r' 
 " Now shall we have damnable ballads out against us. 
 Most wicked madrigals. And ten to one, too. 
 
 Bung to such lousy lamentable tunes." Humorous Lieutenant 
 
 " They rail upon the general 
 And sing songs of him,— scurvy songs to worse tunes." 
 
 Flbtchbr's loyal Subject. 
 
 There is certainly nothing bo Ingnbrious as the cracked voice of a ballad-singer, in a dull, ni-lighted back street, on 
 a rainy night of November. But at present, great men have worse enemies to dread than ballad-singers or players. 
 If their bodies escape the surgeons, and their skulls the phrenologists, their fame, their letters, their family secrets, 
 their least-considered words, are at the mercy of knavish booksellers, radical magajEioists, ill-masked maligners, silly- 
 m'ld idolaters, and even honest admirers of more zeal than prudence. 
 
 bi 
 
xU • INTKODUCTION. 
 
 so, is a reproach to the taste of the galleries themselves ; but bad taste is no novelty. The stage has, 
 ere this, been indebted for plots to the Tyburn Chronicle. It is enough to mention the titles of 
 "The Yorkshire Tragedy," ♦' Arden of Feversham," "Murderous Michael," "The Fair Maid of Bristol," 
 " A Warning for Fair Women," " The Tragedy of John Cox of Collumpton," &c. all founded on 
 recent atrocities, and decisively proving that this very illegitimate species of drama is not recom- 
 mended even by originality of invention. The singularity of the old criminal tragedy is, that 
 characters, some recently hanged, and others, it might be, living among the identical audience, are 
 made to talk as poetical blank-verse as the authors could have put into the mouth of Caesar or 
 Cleopatra. We do not read that the genuine furniture or weapons of the murderers were exhibited 
 in these performances *. 
 Even the license of the old comedy of Greecef, in producing living persons, sometimes of high 
 
 * " There is a species of dramatic representation, different from any of which we have yet spoken, and which may 
 be said to form a class of itself: — it may be called domestic tragedy, and pieces of this kind were founded upon 
 comparatively recent events in our own country. Of these several are extant, such as ' Arden of Feversham,* the 
 story of which relates to a murder committed in the reign of Edward VI. ; « A Warning for Fair Women,' arising out 
 of a similar event in 1573 ; ' Two Tragedies in One,' part of which is founded upon the assassination of a merchant of 
 London of the name of Beech, by a person called Thomas Merry ; ♦ The Fair Maid of Bristol,' which had its origin also 
 in a recent tragical incident ; indeed it seems to have been the constant practice of the dramatists of that day to avail 
 themselves (like the ballad-makers) of any circumstances of the kind which attracted attention, in order to construct 
 them into a play, often treating the subject merely as a dramatic narrative of a known occurrence, without embellish- 
 ng, or aiding it with the ornaments of fiction. Shakspeare is supposed to have been concerned, at least, in one 
 production of this kind, « The Yorkshire Tragedy ' (founded upon an event in 1604), which was played at the Globe 
 theatre, and printed with Shakspeare's name, in 1C08. The internal evidence, however, of Shakspeare's authorship, 
 is much stronger than the external, and there are some speeches which could scarcely have proceeded from any other 
 ^en."— History of Dramatic Poetry, vol. iii. 49,50. 
 
 " The Yorkshire Tragedy " is certainly much better than the rest of the disputed plays—' Pericles 'excepted ; but 
 in diction, versification, and sentiment, as well as in its subject, I agree with Hazlitt, that it is more in the manner of 
 Hey wood, the Lillo of a more imaginative age, than in that of Shakspeare. It is, however, no argument against its 
 authenticity that the plot is not such as Shakspeare generally chooses, or could be supposed to approve. There can be 
 little doubt, that he, as well as his fellows, was sometimes obliged to work to order upon stories not at all to his own 
 taste. But surely, at a time so affluent in dramatic genius, the simple merit of particular speeches can be no fair proof 
 of Shakspeare's authorship, nor does the striking elevation of insulated passages above the level of a work conclude a 
 difi'erent writer. The same man may produce a few flashes of volcanic splendour, and a vast monotony of dull 
 extravagance. 
 
 The death of Marlow might seem a tempting subject to a dramatist of the Domestic school ; but I have not seen or 
 read of any previous to the short and recent attempt of Mr. Home, which contains much poetry in little space, but 
 certainly does not offend by that prosaic reality, which is censured both on moral and critical grounds. A poet, to 
 tell the truth, is a very unmanageable character in a Poem, or even in a prose Romance. 
 
 Massinger has no play that classes exactly with " Arden of Feversham," and •* The Yorkshire Tragedy," though 
 •' The New VS'ay to Pay Old Debts " probably glances at recent transactions. Ford and Dekker's " Witch of Edmonton " 
 falls under the denomination of News-plays, 
 
 The play-bill of one of the minor theatres, announcing "The Hertfordshire Tragedy," promised the identical gig 
 in which Thurtell drove poor Weare to be murdered, and the identical table on which were placed the pork-chops 
 eaten in commemoration of the sacrifice. Music-sellers vied for priority in publishing the score of the song, siuig by 
 Hunt on this interesting occasion. 
 
 t "Lenard Halidav, Mayor, 1605. 
 
 " Whereas Kempe, Armyn, and others, players at the Black-Friers, have again not forborn to bring upon their 
 stage one or more of the Worshipful Company of Aldermen of the City of London, to their great scandal and to the 
 lessening of their authority, the Lords of the Right Honourable the Privy Council are besought to call the said players 
 before them, and to enquire into the same, that order may be taken to remedy the abuse, either by putting down or 
 removing the said theatre." 
 
 From this document it appears that the ofiFence was not the first of the kind ; and we may conjecture, though not 
 certainly conclude, from the wording, that individual aldermen were the objects of ridicule, though, perhaps, not 
 absolutely named by their registered christian and sur-namcs. 
 
 From a letter to " certain justices of the peace of the county of Middlesex " from the privy council, 10th May, 1601, 
 we learn " that certain players, who used to recite their plays at the Curtain in Moorefields, do represent upon the stage 
 in their interludes the persons of some gent, of good desert and quality, that are yet alive, undt;r obscure manner, but 
 yet in such sort as all the hearers may take notice both of the matter, and the persons that are meant thereby." Hera 
 
mTRODUCTION-. xiii 
 
 rank, upon the stage, by name, or by characteristics not to be mistaken, was not unknown to the 
 palmy period of our drama. The authority of the master of the revels, backed by a court to which 
 the theatres were indebted for their toleration, was insufficient to prevent the most flagrant invasions 
 of the sanctity of private life. In short, personality, in its most offensive form, which has been 
 accounted the peculiar vice of the present age, was equally prevalent under the Tudors and the first 
 Stuarts : though, from the comparative slowness of communication, and the absence of an uncontrolled 
 periodical press, the appetite was less extensively stimulated and more irregularly supplied. But it 
 is not to the want of that appetite that we are to attribute the scanty materials of dramatic biography. 
 It may be thought, however, that the annals of an existence passed in labours, seldom remitted 
 and poorly remunerated, barely relieved by the most successful efforts, and driven by failure into 
 
 we have the middle comedy of Greece. It is probable that much of this Aristophanic licence was extemporal, and 
 inserted at the discretion of the actors, who would have a shrewd guess at the measure of impudence which the 
 audience for the time being were likely to relish. The Curtain, though one of the oldest theatres, was in little repute, 
 and frequented chiefly by the unwashed. But in 1639, the Prince's players, then performing at the Red Bull, incurred 
 the wrath of the privy council, by personal allusions to an alderman who had been a blacksmith in Holborn. Now 
 the Red Bull eeems to have been a place of genteel resort, for it had silk curtains. — Collier's Annalt, vol. ii. p. 93. 
 
 But aldermen and common councilmen were long considered the lawful game of the stage, which was, perhaps, 
 justified on the principle of retaliation. But the following extracts from Lord F. Egerton's translation of Von 
 Raumer's "History of the 16<ft and \7th Centuries," (a history of nothing but the intrigues of ambassadors,) which I 
 owe to Mr. Payne Collier's " New Facts regarding the Life of Shakspeare," must " give us pause." They are derived 
 from a despatch of the French ambassador, Beaumont ; and it, perhaps, may be as well to remember, that they are 
 the narrative of a Frenchman, not supported, as far as I know, by collateral evidence, translated from French into 
 German, and from German into English. 
 
 " April 5, 1606, 1 caused certain players to be forbid from acting • The History of the Dnke of Byron,'" (a tragedy by 
 Chapman ;) •* when, however, they saw that the whole court had left town, they persisted in acting it ; nay, they 
 brought upon the stage the Queen of France and Mademoiselle de Verneuil. The former having first accosted the 
 latter with very hard words, gave her a box on the ear. At my suit three of them were arrested ; but the principal 
 person, the author, escaped." 
 
 Pretty well this, but not absolutely incredible. The murder of the Marquis D'Ancre, which took place in the middle 
 of April 1617, was dramatized in June of that year, but forbidden to be performed ; and in 1624, Middleton. in his 
 •' Game of Chess," regardless of the inhibition against bringing " any modern Christian king upon the stage," (the 
 Sultan, the Sophy, and the great Mogul, were therefore excluded from the protection,) produced the King of Spain, 
 the Count Gondemar, and other persons connected with the Spanish court, to the great indignation of the Spanish 
 ambassador, and to the no small embarrassment of King James, who dreaded a rupture with Spain above all things. 
 Tlie play was performed nine days successively, a very extraordinary run at that time ; and is said to have raised for 
 the theatre more than £1500, which Mr. Payne Collier considers a palpable exaggeration. The piece, however, was 
 forbidden, the actors reprimanded, and the author, who " shifted out of the way " at first, forgiven upon surrender. 
 But I cannot help suspecting, that in what follows, the French ambassador must have been hoaxed. Surely, if King 
 James, as the identical King James, had been thus insulted, we should have had other information of the fact. But 
 it is not impossible that in some ^7.9 or burlesque piece, like •' Tom Thumb the Great," or " Bombastes Furioso," the 
 representative of a king had ventured to take off some peculiarity of the King, (whose gait and utterance were very 
 obnoxious to mimicry,) and perhaps alluded to some current scandal. " One or two days before, they had brought 
 forward their own king and his favourites in a very strange fashion. They made him curse and swear, because he had 
 been robbed of a bird, and beat a gentleman, because he had called off the hounds from the scent. 
 
 " He has made an order that no play shall be henceforth acted in London, for the repeal of which order they have 
 already offered 100,000 livres. Perhaps the permission will be again granted, but upon condition that they represent 
 no recent history, nor speak of the present time. 
 
 " We have no other record of this temporary inhibition of dramatic performances. If the Queen of France and 
 Mademoiselle Verneuil once figured in Chapman's plays, they were omitted when those plays were printed in 1600."— 
 New Facts, &c. 16, 17- 
 
 The prudence or good fortune of Shakspeare, who never appears to have been called in question, either for personal 
 
 allusions (though his hit at his old neighbour is sufficiently obvious) nor for meddling with matters of church and 
 
 ■'■-' . h ."i-j icmai ivable. The company in which he was a sharer, with James and Richard Burbage, George Peele 
 
 -0 .-rtrly as 1589, in a memorial first published by Mr. Payne Collier in his " New Facts," take occasion to commend 
 
 . .!*elves on this special account, «' that they have brought into their plays no matters of state and religion unfit to be 
 
 dhd by them, or to be presented before lewd (i. e. unlearned) spectators ,• " Massinger, we shall see, was not so 
 
 Cautious nor so fortunate. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 those dismal sanctuaries of obscure distress — Alsatia or the Compter — were quarry too low for the 
 very kestrils of an age still aristocratic and chivalrous on the surface, though Democracy, the " old 
 fellow in the cellarage," was already at work below. The success or poverty of a dramatist might 
 excite no more sensation than the similar vicissitudes in the fortunes of a strolling player, or any 
 other Unfortunate living from hand to mouth. Yet less were simple respectability and moderate 
 prosperity calculated for public notice. It was not then the custom to write three or more volumes 
 upon every man or woman whose name had appeared in a title-page, or frequently occurred in a 
 newspaper. Not every life of unpretending piety procured admission into the brief obituary of a 
 Gentleman's Magazine. Personality, the rage for anecdote, the desire of publicity — though not less 
 intense than at present — were certainly far less diffusive. The fashion of autobiography and 
 confessions had not yet been imported from France, for the tiiaries appear to have been strictly 
 private. Hence we are left without direct information on that concerning which it would be most 
 important to be informed — the process whereby great minds were furnished and developed. 
 
 Dr. Farmer has remarked, in his " Essay on the Learning of Shakspeare," that " play-writing, 
 in the poet's age, was scarcely considered a creditable employ." This is rather too loosely and 
 sweepingly asserted. No doubt the Puritans, the Corporation of London, and the grave, flat-capped, 
 thrifty citizens in general, thought it a very sinful employ. Perhaps the men of business, of the 
 stamp of Lord Burleigh and Sir Edward Coke, thought it a very idle one. But when queens and 
 noble ladies did not hold it derogatory to perform in "Masques of Blackness*" when plays were 
 
 * Ben Jonson's " Masque of Blackness " was composed, as the author himself declares, at the express commandment 
 of the queen (Anne of Denmark), who had a desire to appear along with the fairest ladies of her court, as a negress. 
 I doubt whether the most enthusiastic amies des noirs among oiu* modern beauties, would willingly undergo such a 
 transformation. What would the Age say, if our gracious Queen should play such a frolic ? This masque ought to be a 
 special favourite with the Emancipated in the isles of the far west. What if it were revived for their benefit ? There 
 is a strong rage among oar nobility for the resuscitation of " Antique Pageantry," and a masque, at least as rational 
 as a tournament, might be rendered almost as expensive, and would not be half so dangerous. Inigo Jones must have 
 been an admirable contriver of spectacle. However mean and meagre might be the properties of the common stages, 
 the court exhibitions lacked no " pomp or circumstance," no quaint device to charm the eye and ear. The getting- 
 up of the old masques is very minutely detailed in the printed copies. In the " Masque of Blackness," the queen, and 
 eleven noble females, representing the 'Daughters of Niger,' «« were placed in a concave shell, like mother-of-pearl, 
 curiously made to move on those waters and rise with the billow, the top thereof was stuck with a cheveron of lights, 
 which, indented to the proportion of the shell, struck a glorious beam upon them as they were seated one above 
 another ; so that they were all seen, but in an extravagant order. ♦ * * On the sides of the shell did swim six huge sea 
 monsters, varied in their shapes and dispositions, bearing on their backs the twelve torch-bearers, who were planted 
 there in several graces, so as the backs of some were seen ; some in purfle, or side ; others in face, and all having their 
 lights burning out of whelks, or murex shells. The attire of the masquers " (the queen and ladies) " was alike in all, 
 without difference, the colours azure and silver, but returned on the top, with a scroll and antique dressing of feathers 
 and jewels, interlaced with ropes of pearl ; and for the front, ear, neck, and wrists, the ornament was of the most 
 choice and orient pearl ; best setting off from the black." I suspect these are the words of Inigo himself. 
 
 It must not be supposed that these high-born masquers sooted their delicate complexions like the Wowskies of our 
 barefaced stages. The masque of black velvet was then as common as the black patches in the time of the Spectator, 
 they have supplied the dramatists with frequent allusions. 
 
 « These happy masks, that kiss fair ladies' brows. 
 
 Being black, put us in mind they hide the fair." Romeo and Juliet. 
 
 « 'Tis well the mask of night is on my face." Ibid. 
 
 « You never can be old ; wear but a mask 
 Forty years hence, and you will still seem young 
 
 In your other parts." Waiting Maid to the " City Madam." 
 
 Still the daughters of Niger will be more naturally represented by the natural velvet of Prince Memnon's sisters, 
 when negro civilization has reared a court and a stage. It is interesting to speculate how the negro poets, in 
 addressing their smooth-skinned beauties, will vary the common phrases of European gallantry. The word/atr, in 
 its enlarged, and perhaps original extent of meaning, must be retained, if they write in English ; for what will care, 
 despair, air, hair, debonnair, iio. do without it ? But the rose and the lily must absolutely b< discarded. I am act 
 aware of any perfectly black flower, but the darkest hyacinth, transferred from the tresses to the comploxlox nuny 
 serve at a pinch. The teeth may still be " quarrelets of pearl " ( Herrick), or moon-light peeping through the fissures 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 publicly acted by academicians and lawyers — when the providing theatrical entertainments for the 
 court was the express duty of an officer invested with extraordinary powers, the composition of a 
 poem adapted to scenic representation could hardly have been discreditable per se. "Was it 
 discreditable to Sackville to have written " Gorboduc ] " Did " Gammar Gurton " preclude 
 Dr. Still from the bishopric of Bath and Wells ] But then the queen and her ladies did not take 
 money at the door. Neither Still nor Sackville sold their dramas to the players — there '« the rub. 
 It was not creditable to be a dependant on a play-house : it was not creditable to be a servant of 
 the public. That man was slightly honoured for being applauded, who, for applause and subsistence, 
 gave to others the privilege of hissing him. The dramatist, the genius, was admired, but his quality 
 was not respected. Success, whether as poet or actor, made a man interesting, and therefore 
 acceptable in all societies where wit, talent, or the reputation of either, was in request ; but his occupa- 
 tion conferred no settled rank. A merchant tailor knew his place ; a poet must sit where his patron 
 bade him. Literature of any sort, pursued for bread, does not, and perhaps should not, bestow the 
 decided caste of a regular profession ; and has never, in England, obtained the splendid honours 
 which even players, musicians, and buffoons*, have received in Italy and some continental courts. 
 Moreover, the character of some of the dramatists, and those the earliest distinguished, was not such 
 
 of a pitchy cloud. Diamond may bear its heraldic signification, which, in the blazon of nobility, is sable ; but ivory 
 must give way to ebony. «' Vaccinia nigra leguntur," will be a popular motto. Snow, which has no resemblance to the 
 human skin under any climate, and milk, and " breasts of cream," and " little azure rills," will not do ; but cherries 
 and marble may keep their place, for both are sometimes black, and so may the swan, in Australia ; and the native 
 whose mistress betrays no tint of convict mesalliance, may truly call her 
 
 " Rara avis in terris, nigroque simillima cygno." 
 
 Locks may still be crisp, but they must no longer flow, they must hold no dalliance with the amorous wind, nor vie 
 with the tendrils of the gadding vine, nor must the African Eve 
 
 *« down to her slender waist. 
 
 Her golden, unadorned tresses wear." 
 
 Nor must the innamorato quote Donne's beautiful lines about " pure and eloquent blood | " but rather commend the 
 trusty hue that tells no tales ; and here old Ben will serve him rarely, 
 
 " The Sun, the best judge, and most formal cause 
 Of all dames' beauties, in their firm hues draws 
 Signs of his fervent'st love, and thereby shows. 
 That in their black, the perfeot'st beauty grows. 
 Since the fix'd colour of their curled hair. 
 Which is the highest grace of dames most fair. 
 No cares, no age can change, or there display 
 The fearful mixture of abhorred grey. 
 Since Death herself— herself being pale and blue. 
 Can never alter their most faithful hue." 
 
 A proof that negroes were not common in England when Jonson wrote ; for many of my readers will remember the 
 old street-sweeper, at the Obelisk, whose hair was '* white as wool," quaintly resembling the white ashes, sprinkled over 
 the charred faggots of an extinguished wood fire. I know not whether Ben, or rather, Pliny, is correct in stating that 
 ^thiops never dream. 
 
 When " Othello" is adapted to the negro stage, Othello should be a white man, and Desdemona like the "starred 
 ^thiop queen." 
 
 " The Masque of Blackness " was represented at the marriage of Lady Susan Vere, daughter of the whimsical Earl 
 of OrfoT-l, and grand-daughter of Lord Burleigh, with Philip Herbert, afterwards of Pembroke and Montgomery, the 
 • ■ mil "f Massinger ; in the household of whose ancestors the poet was probably brought up, which must apologise for 
 ::.<' <^ngih and apparent irrelevance of this note. 
 
 ■ Tl he aotors and inventors of the Italian pantomime (which is not like ours, a speechless motion of living puppets, 
 
 u a Luilosque of provincial dialects and humours, closely resembling an entertainment to which Augustus was 
 
 J irtial) rividled the Paris and Bathyllus of antiquity, in the honours they obtained. Constantini, inventor of the 
 
 • 'zotin, the Narcissus of pantomime, was ennobled by a king of Poland. " He acted without a mask, to charm by the 
 
 oeautiful play of his countenance, and display the graces of his figure." The Wit and harlequin Domenic sometimes 
 
 dined at tlie table of Louis XIV. Tiberio Fiuriili. who invented the character of Scaramouch, had been the amusing 
 
II^TRODUCTION. 
 
 as to propitiate the favour of the serious towards their calling. Shakspeare seems to have felt this. 
 Massinger and Heywood frequently complain of it : and Ford, like Congreve, is ever eager to 
 disclaim the trade of a play-wright. 
 
 But whatever of disrepute or suspicion might adhere to the dramatic art, it certainly will not 
 account for the obscurity, not to say mystery, which hangs over the private transactions of its 
 professors. They were not excluded from the meetings of the great or of the learned. They were 
 not recluse students, buried in their libraries or estranged from the busy world. By far the greater 
 number of them were gentlemen of liberal education, living in the full career of society. Nor, had 
 it been otherwise, would they have escaped notice, had their destinies been anywise remarkable, or 
 their characters impressed with eccentricity. Your " way of life " cannot creep along in such forlorn 
 or shady sequestration, but you will be found, if any one think you worth seeking for. Neither in 
 the city's indistinguishable multitude nor the country's too conspicuous singleness, can the man be 
 secure from publication whose humours will enliven a farce, whose physiognomy will suggest a 
 caricature, or whose adventures may form the ground-work of a novel. If we except Shakspeare, of 
 whom little is really known but the comfortable fact that, after writing the finest plays in the world, 
 he retired on a moderate independence, and died, alas ! prematurely, near his native to^vn ; and Ben 
 Jonson, who has told us something about himself, and whose scholarship achieved a place among the 
 weightier intellects to which the genius of Shakspeare never aspired, of which among the dramatists 
 are most anecdotes extant ? Kit Marlow, George Peele, and Robert Green. Had Ford and Massinger 
 been like them, — their jests, their follies, their sad catastrophes, would not have perished for want of 
 historians. There is no human creature so insignificant but may become famous for vice, sedition, 
 lawlessness, or buffoonery. The police reports and the Newgate Calendar are rolls of fame from 
 which no degree is excluded. The rogues and harlots of less inquisitive ages have not sinned or 
 suffered without a memorial. We know almost as much of Rowland Yorke * and Captain Stukely 
 as of Spenser or Drayton. Sir Jeffrey Dunstan the mayor of Garrat f, and Sir Jeffrey Hudson the 
 
 companion of the boyhood of Louis XIV., and from him Moliere learned much, as appears by the lines under his 
 
 portrait. 
 
 " Cet illustre commddien 
 
 De son art traya la carrifere, 
 II f ut le maltre de Moliere, 
 Et la Nature fut le sien." 
 «' This rare comedian drew the chart. 
 The line and progress of his art ; 
 He taught Moliere, that humorous elf. 
 What only Nature taught himself." 
 The last lines of an epitaph, on one of these pantomimic actors, may be applied to many of them during their 
 flourishing period. 
 
 " Toute sa vie il fait k rire, 
 
 II a fait pleurer a sa mort." 
 « All his life he kept us crowing, 
 Dead— he sets our tears a flowing." 
 Several of these admirable actors were literary men, who have written on their art, and sho^vn that it was one. 
 The Harlequin Cecchini composed the most ancient treatise on this subject, and was ennobled by the Emperor 
 Matthias ; and Nicholas Barbieri, for his excellent acting, called the " Beltrame," or " Milanese Simpleton," tells us, 
 in his treatise on comedy, that he was honoured by the conversation of Louis XIIL, and rewarded with fortune.— 
 D'lsraeWs Curiosities, 218. 
 
 The English nobility would ill endure to have a harlequin made partaker of tlieir honours ; and I doubt whether 
 a limited monarch could with propriety admit even a Grimaldi to his table. 
 
 * I must confess that all my knowledge of these worthies is derived from a note in the " Monastery." They werf 
 probably fair enough samples of men about town, as they were before profligacy put on the garb of sentiment. Of 
 such characters we find many specimens in the old plays, such as "The Yorkshire Tragedy," "London Pro.ligal," 
 " IIow to know a good Wife from a bad one," &c. Is it in compliment to Rowland that the veiled editor of a eei tain 
 periodical assumed the title of " Oliver Yorke ? "Stukely is the hereof " The Battle of Alcazar," written, v- ir, -supposed, 
 by George Peele, and of another play expressly called " Stukely." The name seems doomed to dramatic infamy. 
 t In Hone's "Table Book," second series, will be found a portrait and memoir of the once well-known Sir Jeffrey 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 dwarf*, live still in the pages of eccentric biography; and Morland, as a man, is better known than 
 Hogarth. On the other hand, high intellectual celebrity does not always confer personal notoriety, 
 or preserve the events of a life from oblivion. In truth, the best and happiest lives are generally 
 the least entertaining to read. It may be regretted that quiet, useful, unostentatious virtue so 
 seldom survives in the world's memory : but the regret is foolish and presumptuous ; and I am by 
 no means assured that the modern custom of courting fame, for qualities sufficiently rewarded by 
 
 who served the mob in the double capacity of fool and dwarf. He was a foundling ; picked up in the parish to which 
 he owed his name ; but no fairies took charge of him, as Charles Lamb assures us they did of Sir Thomas Gresham. 
 He was aband(med to the muddy patronage of Trivia and Cloaeina ; yet he was, awhile, a great man in his way, 
 especially at Westminster elections. Lamb, who well remembered him when " in his sear and yellow leaf " he took 
 refuge in a hovel near Bethnal Green, has described his forlorn grimness in a paper of pathetic humour, such as Elia 
 alone could write. -^^ 
 
 * " Jeffrey Hudson, when he was about seven or eight years old, was served up in a cold pie, on the Burleigh Hill, 
 the seat of the Duke of Buckingham, and as soon as he made his appearance, presented by the duchess to the queen, 
 who retained him in her service. He was then but eighteen inches in height. In a masque at court, the gigantic 
 porter, (Will Evans) drew him out of his pocket, to the surprise of all present He is said to have grown no taller till 
 he was thirty, when he shot up to three feet nine. Soon after the breaking out of the civil war, he was made captain 
 in the king's army. In 1644, he attended the queen into France, Avhcre he had a quarrel with a gentleman named 
 Crofts, whom he challenged. Mr. Crofts came to the place of appointment, armed only with a squirt. A real duel 
 ensued, in which the antagonists came to the field on horseback, and fought with pistols ; Crofts was killed at the 
 first shot." — Dr. Hudson's History of London. 
 
 If ever duellist deserved an honourable acquittal, little Jeffrey was the man. He was bom at Oakham in Rutland- 
 shire : very proper that the least man should be born in the least county ; and no less proper that his birth should 
 be preceded by a comet, which was actually the case, for there was a comet in 1618, and Je9"rey was bom in 1619. 
 Like Priam, Pompey, Belisarius, Napoleon, and other sports of fortune, he exhibited in his latter years a sad contrast 
 to the felicities of his outset. He experienced the same neglect as other faithful cavaliers of larger dimensional^ was 
 committed to the Gate-house, under suspicion of the popish plot ! and died a prisoner, aged sixty-three. I believe his 
 conveyance in the body of a bass viol, and other particulars recorded by Sir Walter Scott in his " Peveril of the Peak," 
 to be altogether apocryphal; but there may be some ground for his addiction to alchemy and the mysteries of the 
 Rosy Cross. 
 
 The Royal Martyr had a passion for those irregularities of nature, which were once common appendages to every 
 regal and baronial establishment. Most readers will remember Waller's pretty verses on the marriage of the dwarfs, 
 which was negotiated by King Charles, who gave away the bride :— 
 
 " Design or chance makes others wive. 
 
 But nature did this match contrive. 
 
 Eve might as well from Adam fled, 
 
 As she deny'd her little bed 
 
 To him, for whom Heav'n seem'd to frame 
 
 And measure out this only dame." 
 The marriage was productive : but if the king's intent was to perpetuate a miniature race, it was disappointed ; for 
 the children grew to the ordinary size. We cannot call this princely partiality for human lusus naturce, a remnant 
 of Gothic barbarism ; the taste is classical, nay Augustan. " Habent hoc quoque delicice divitum ; malunt qucerere 
 omnia contra naturam. Gratus est ille debilitate; ille ipsa infelicitate distorti corporis placet, alter emitur quod 
 alieni coloris est," says Quintilian. Clemens Alexandrinus severely censures the passion of great ladies for deformed 
 pets, upon whom they bestowed caresses for which their lovers sighed in vain, and which their husbands could not 
 always command. Ammianus Marcellinus describes the wealthy madams of his days, attended semiviro comitatu, 
 young and old, but generally dusky, misshapen, and ill-favoured. Augustus is said by Suetonius to have disliked these 
 waifs of nature, and shrunk from them as of ill omen. Pumilos, atqiie distortos, et omnes generis ejusdem tit ludibria 
 naturce et mali ominis ahhorrebat ; yet the same historian relates that he compelled a youth of good family, named 
 Lucius, to appear on the public stage, because he was under two feet in height, and weighed but seventeen pounds, 
 and had a prodigious voice.— L. ii. 43. We need not wonder that Domiti.an, at the gladiatorial games, was constantly 
 attended by a scarlet-robed little urchin, with a preternatural small \\e2iA,—puerulus coccinatus parvo portentosoque 
 capi'e— for the palled appetites of despotism seek for stimulation in everything monstrous and abortive. But better 
 taste might have been expected of Charles, who was capable of appreciating the beautiful in art, and doubtless in 
 nature also. Be it recollected that this odd sort of virt4 was not without its uses in ruder ages : it procured an 
 asylum in the houses of the affluent, for many helpless beings, who, even now, to the disgrace of our police, are 
 incarcerated in caravans, and dragged about the country by brutal show-men. " God tempers the wind to the 
 shorn lamb." 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 peace of mind, an approving conscience, and the affectionate esteem of a worthy few, is not one of 
 the worst symptoms of the times. Good people in a private station should be thankful if their lives 
 are not worth writing. Public virtues exerted for public ends, the worthy issues of mighty minds, 
 fitly aspire to publicity, and are justly rewarded with fame. "A city set on a hill cannot he hid** 
 But the virtues of home ; the hourly self-denials, so habitual as hardly to rise above the horizon of 
 consciousness, — 
 
 •' That best portion of a good man's life, — 
 His little daily unrecorded acts 
 Of kindness and of love," 
 
 the virtues, which, in either sex, are inherited from the mother, and consist in heing rather than in 
 doing, permit no stronger light than gleams from the fireside. They flourish best when unobserved, 
 even by those who inhale joy and goodness from their fragrance. Of them it may truly be said, — 
 
 " The principle of action once explore. 
 That instant 'tis a principle no more." 
 
 They can be understood by none, and Tcnown only to those who love the good beings whom they 
 actuate, — and by loving know them. For in the spiritual world there is no knowledge but by love. 
 In our essential selves we neither can nor ought to be known to any but to those whom we love, and 
 who love us. There is a worse than indelicacy in soliciting the gaze of the world by laying bare the 
 sanctities of affection ; the frailties by which we may be endeared to our kindred in blood and soul, 
 but should neither be admired nor judged by the ignorant unsympathising multitude. It is enough 
 if our works have no need to shun the public eye, which they ought sometimes to seek, and never to 
 fear. Render unto Ccesar the things that he Ccesar's. But in ourselves ; the very things we are, we 
 are only God's : we belong not to the world, — no, not to our own will. A good heart is a Holy of 
 Holies, not to be profaned by unconsecrated gazers. 
 
 There is no vanity so pernicious, so heart-emasculating and heart-hardening, as that of which the 
 heart itself is the object. Better be vain of your brains, your figure, your dress, your face, your 
 muscles, your purse, or your pedigree, than of your heart. People enamoured of their own goodness 
 generally entertain a sneaking partiality for their hosom sins. "The pride that apes humility" 
 produces far worse consequences than " cottages with double coach-houses ; " but none more dangerous 
 than the self-gratifying disclosure of weaknesses to which certain confessors are so prone. Now this 
 vanity and this pride are greatly nourished by a fashionable sort of biography, which stages the 
 minutest passages of every-day existence, — exhibits the child or the female at their prayers, in their 
 little round of charity, in their diet and attire ; and makes the death-bed itself a scene of display. 
 
 The age of the great drama was neither a happy nor an innocent age. It was a time of much vice, 
 much folly, and much trouble ; but it was also an age of prodigious energy. Everything, good or 
 evil, was on a colossal scale. The strength of will kept equipoise with the vigour of intellect. There 
 were too many to admire themselves and others for potency in ill, not a few who sought and obtained 
 6clat by the inventive extravagance of their absurdities, — but no one valued himself or others for 
 petty amiabilities or amiable weaknesses. It was an age of high principle and of vehement passions, 
 not of complacent sentimentality. Hence the minor and negative virtues, which are all that a poor 
 man in general can display, and the trivial accidents which make up the sum of private existence, 
 were suffered to join the vast silence of forgotten moments, without note or comment : and hence, I 
 conclude, that of our greatest dramatic artists little has been told, because there was little to tell ; 
 little to gratify the malicious curiosity which fed on corruption ; and little which the better sort 
 considered worthy a lasting record, — though doubtless much that exercised the patience and evoked 
 the noblest faculties of the dramatists themselves. }'' § 
 
 Great part of this induction may resemble the inductions to some of our old plays, which m^S^t 
 suit any play, being appropriate to none ; but for lack of better it may serve as an apology for the 
 very brief biographical notices which I can prefix to the present edition of the surviving works of 
 Massinger and of Ford. For these few particulars I am indebted to Mr. Gifford. I am not afare 
 that subsequent inquiry has added anything material to the facts which he has gathered with £nch 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 commendable industry and illustrated "with so much critical acumen, nor that he has been convicted 
 of any important error. I have not access to those sources from which alone fresh intelligence can 
 be expected, but I believe it has been sought diligently and in vain by more competent persons. 
 Indeed, few authors of equal merit and reputation have been so little noticed by contemporaries, and 
 none so nearly forgotten in succeeding times. Shakspeare, Jonson, Beaumont and Fletcher, were 
 always great names ; and Fletcher, long after the Eestoration, retained a large share of theatrical popu- 
 larity. But Massinger and Ford were hardly ever acted, and hardly ever read. Even Dr. Johnson 
 does not seem to have been aware that Eowe was beholden to Massinger for the plot of his 
 " Fair Penitent," — and the Doctor had no such partiality to the Whig Laureate as would induce him 
 to dissemble a fact not very creditable either to the originality or the honesty of Rowe, — who must 
 have strongly assured himself that Massinger was an unknown writer, or he would not have ventured 
 to publish his borrowed play without-arhint of acknowledgment. The long disappearance of these 
 excellent works may be partly attributed to the want of collected editions. It does not appear that 
 there was any entire publication of Massinger before Coxeter, or of Ford before Weber*. 
 
 Those who derive pleasure or improvement from the works, will doubtless wish to be better ac- 
 quainted with the men, — ^would have rejoiced if they had left us some touching or cheerful recollections 
 
 * I never saw •« Coxeter's Massinger," nor collated Monk Mason's, and have therefore neither the right nor the 
 inclination to repeat GiflPord's ever- recurrent sarcasms on their imperfections. The services of Mr. Gifford, as an editor 
 of the text, can hardly be overrated : his arrangement of Massinger's verse, places him on a level with Porson as a 
 master of the res metrica ; his antiquarian illustrations are curious and learned, without any of that Etalage of obscure 
 reading, which swells so many editions to an elephantiasis; and if he partook a little of his favourite Ben's acerbity of 
 temper, much should be forgiven to a man who, I believe, had no real malice against any human being, who was 
 neglected and maltreated at the period of life which should store up happy feelings to serve for the remainder ; and 
 who declared, in the hearing of Mr. Southey, that he never had a day of joyous health. Still, as Lord Byron, or his 
 annotator, has well observed, it is unpleasant to take any man's prejudice for a travelling companion, be it through a 
 country, or through a book. How can we expect forbearance, or tolerance, in disputes of politics or religion, when a 
 disputed reading of an old play is capable of agitating the bile so furiously ? 
 
 Rowe, it is said, formed the plan of an edition of Massinger, but abandoned it for reasons best known to himself- That 
 which bears the name of Coxeter, was first published in 1759, twelve years after his death, by a bookseller of the name 
 of DelL Coxeter, from the account of Sir Egerton Brydges, in his additions to the " Theatrum Poetarum," appears to 
 have been a man of fortune, a diligent collector of old plays, and the first projector of Dodsley's collection. In preparing 
 his Massinger he availed himself of some MS. notes of Oldys, which, if the statement of the antiquary be correct, he 
 did not come over honourably by. As he did not live to complete his design, the absence of acknowledgment should not 
 be laid at hio door. " When I left London," says Oldys, " in the year 1724, to reside in Yorkshire, I left in the care of 
 the Rev. Mr. Burridge's family, with whom I had several years lodged, amongst many other books, a copy of ' Langbaine,' 
 in which I had written several notes and references to further the knowledge of these poets. When I returned to 
 London in 1730, 1 understood my books had been dispersed, and afterwards becoming acquainted with Mr. Coxeter, I 
 found that he had bought my 'Langbaine' of a bookseller, as he was a great collector of old plays and poetical books. 
 This must have been of great service to him, and he has kept it so carefully from my sight that I never could have the 
 opportunity of transcribing into this I am now writing the notes I had collected in that. Whether I had entered any 
 remarks on Massinger, I remember not, but he had communications from me concerning him, when he was imder- 
 taking to give us a new edition of his plays, which is not published yet." This might be legal, but was hardly the part 
 of a gentleman. I remember to have heard one that is with God, compare a plagiary from MSS. to a certain parasite 
 that fastens to the roots of plants, and deprives them of their due nurture, while none can see the cause of their 
 inanition. 
 
 In 1761, a reprint of Coxeter's Massinger appeared, under the auspices of Thomas Davies, the biographer of Garrick, 
 and memorialist of the stage, whose pretty wife has been very impudently mentioned by Churchill. This edition was 
 accompanied by an Essay on the old English Dramatic Writers, by the elder Colman, addressed to Garrick. It was 
 called " very correct," by Bishop Percy, perhaps out of pure good-nature. " Monk Mason's," as Mr. Gififord says, " is 
 little more than a servile copy of it, with all its errors." 
 
 As for Weber, to the exposure of whose blunders Mr. Gififord has devoted no less than one hundred caustic pages (a 
 better method than obtruding the vituperation at the foot of every page), he was an unfortunate Gennan, whose name 
 must be familiar to all readers of Lockhart's " Life of Sir Walter Scott," on accoimt of the wonderful presence of mind 
 displayed by Sir Walter in controlling his mania. It was certainly a presumptuous undertaking of a foreigner, not 
 critically acquainted with our language, to become the editor of our ancient writers, and rather odd that any bookseller 
 should select him for the purpose. But the ofiTence is hardly worthy of a castigation severe enough for a wilful corrupter 
 of holy writ. Poor fellow ! he is gone. Requiescat in pace. 
 
IlfTRODUCTIOK 
 
 of themselves, — if some relative or well-acquainted friend had done for them what so many sons, 
 wives, and executors, have done for persons, it may be, less likely to be remembered a century 
 hence. We would gladly overlook them at their desks, accompany them in their suburban walks, be 
 made confidants of their loves and partakers of their friendship, have joined them with their great 
 compeers and jovial comrades at their evening recreations, have known what manner of men they 
 appeared to those who saw them in the body and heard them converse in plain prose like men of this 
 world. Above all, we would fain be enabled to trace the progress of their minds, the education of 
 their genius, the sources of their knowledge, the action of circumstance, the working of the spirit of 
 their age, and of its wonderful proceedings on their moral and intellectual constitution. But our 
 curiosity will never be gratified ; and we ought gratefully to remember that we possess a large and 
 noble sample of so much of their complex being as is capable of an earthly permanence : for intellect 
 alone can put on a shape of earthly immortality, and become an everlasting and irrefragable witness of 
 its own reality. Neither poets, nor painters, nor sculptors, nor even historians, can erect living monu- 
 ments to any but themselves. The exactest copy of the fairest face, or the loveliest soul, becomes in 
 a few years a mere ideal, only commendable as it expresses universal beauty or absolute goodness. 
 Only the painter's or the poet's art is really perpetuated. All — but the mind — either perishes in 
 time, or vanishes out of time into eternity. Mind alone lives on with time, and keeps pace with the 
 march of ages. Beauty, ever fleeting and continually renewed, does its work, then drops like the 
 petals of the blossom when the fruit is set. Valour and power may gain a lasting memory, but 
 where are they when the brave and the mighty are departed] Their effects may remain, but they 
 live not in them any more than the fire in the work of the potter. Piety has a real substantial 
 immortality in heaven ; its life is laid up with God, — but on earth its record is but a tale that is told. 
 But intellect really exists in its products ; its kingdom is here. The beauty of the picture is an 
 abiding concrete of the painter's vision. The Yenus, the Apollo, the Laocoon, are not mere matter 
 of history. The genius of Homer does not rest, like his disputed personal identity, on dubious testimony. 
 It is, and will be, while the planet lasts. The body of Newton is in the grave, — his soul with his 
 Father above ; but his mind is with us still. Hence may we perceive the superiority of intellect to 
 all other gifts of earth, — its rightful subordination to the Grace that is of Heaven. 
 
 Philip Massinger, the son of Arthur Massinger by a mother whose name is unknown, was born 
 sometime in the year 1584. It does not appear that his register has been discovered ; but most 
 probably his native place was at or near Wilton, the magnificent seat of the Earls of Pembroke, to 
 which illustrious family his father was a confidential retainer. To this fact we have the express 
 testimony of the poet himself, in his dedication of " The Bondman," to Philip Earl of Pembroke and 
 Montgomery : " However I could never arrive at the happiness to be made known to your Lordship, 
 yet a desire to make a tender of all duties and service to the noble family of the Herberts descended 
 to me from my dead father, Arthur Massinger. Many years he happily spent in the service of your 
 honourable house, and died a servant to it, leaving his to be ever most glad and ready to be at the 
 command of all such as derive themselves from his most honoured master, your Lordship's most 
 noble father." 
 
 We are not certified of the situation which Arthur held in the noble household, but we may be sure 
 that it was neither menial nor mean. Service in those days was not derogatory to gentle birth. 
 The highest characters in the state had been pages, and learned from their attendance on noble ladies 
 no little of their chivalrous gentleness, their duteous phrase, and enthusiastic loyalty. It was no 
 more disgrace to knight or statesman to have been a page, than to a lord mayor to have been an 
 apprentice ; and as the first municipal magistrate would never blush to acknowledge that he had 
 closed his master's shutters, so would not a Raleigh or a Walsingham have thought shame to be 
 reminded that they had sometime held a lady's train. And yet pages were subject to a discipline at 
 which apprentices now-a-days would revolt ; but then under-graduates were not exempt from the 
 like:— 
 
 " Art thou scarce manumised from the porter's lodge, 
 And now sworn servant to the pantoffle, 
 And darest thou dream i.f marriage?" New Way to Pap Old Debts, Act I. 
 
IlfTRODUCTION. 
 
 So saith Welborn in his rags to young Allworth in his page's gay attire, manifestly reflecting on his 
 youth alone, and not on his rank, which was more than respectable. Perhaps Massinger had some 
 occurrence in the family of Pembroke in his recollection while writing the passage. 
 
 This is a state of things that never can be reinstated. But it was good in its day, and tended to 
 give to servitude and subordination, through all degrees, a dignity and self-respect highly favourable 
 to good government and to rightful liberty. Too many at present regard service with feelings only 
 proper to a land of slaves. Ko reciprocal duty, no natural or religious bond, is acknowledged on 
 either side : and it needs must be, that the lowly will consider that as an insult which their superiors 
 regard as a calamity or a stain. The senatorial rank of the bishop "gentles the condition" of the 
 poorest curate whose life is becoming of his function ; the youngest ensign in a marching regiment 
 is exalted by belonging to the profession of the Duke of Wellington. In a well-ordered state, — a 
 state of graduated dependence and universal interdependence, — honour should flow, like the precious 
 ointment, from the head to the skirts of the garment. 
 
 But we have more direct evidence of the high estimation in which Arthur Massinger stood with 
 his noble master, from the important mission wherewith he was intrusted. In the Sidney letters, 
 vol. ii. p. 933, we may read, — " Master Massinger is newly come down from the Earl of Pembroke, 
 with letters to the queen for his lordship's leave to be away from this St. George's day." The bearer 
 of such a request to so punctilious a lady as Queen Elizabeth, must at least have been a gentleman. 
 
 Of the family of Herbert *, with which the Massingers were thus honourably connected, there are 
 
 * The origin of this family was Welsh. Sir William Ap Thomas of Ragland Castle was knighted for his services in 
 the French wars by Henry V., a monarch whose affection for his native principality has been immortalized by Shak- 
 speare, doubtless on chronicle authority : though the praises of Cambria could not be unacceptable to the Tudors, 
 whose reputed descent from King Arthur commended their dynasty even to their Sassenach subjects, many of whom were 
 devout believers in the prophecies of Merlin, and perhaps imagined in the accession of Henry VII. the promised resusci- 
 tation of the hero of the Round Table. Shakspeare, moreover, who passed many happy days in Wales, was evidently 
 well inclined towards Welshmen, as the pleasant humours of Sir Hugh Evans and of Captain Fluellen, the most 
 amiable of all his ludicrous characters, sufficiently testify. The posterity of Ap Thomas, probably from some inter- 
 marriage, took the name of Herbert. William Herbert, whom Izaac Walton calls the " Memorable," was created 
 Earl of Pembroke by Edward IV. 1469. The peerage expired in his son Richard, whose daughter married Charles 
 Somerset, first Earl of Worcester. Ragland Castle must have gone with her, for it was a Somerset and a Worcester 
 who defended that fortress, the last that held out in the King's cause, with such heroic loyalty. From Ewyjfs, a 
 natural son of William the first Earl of Pembroke, came Sir William, in whom the peerage was restored. "He was 
 in 1552 commissioned to view the fortifications of Berwick ; and on the I7th of February, 1552-3, he rode into Londun 
 to his mansion of Baynard Castle with three hundred horse in his retinue, of which one hundred of them were gentle' 
 men in plain blue cloth with chains of gold and badges of a dragon on their sleeves." Debrett, to whom I owe what 
 little of heraldic lore I possess, has not told us from what chronicler he borrows this piece of history, but it smacks of 
 old Stowe, and is curiously illustrative of the manners of that time. It may be as well to observe that a wivem vert 
 is the Pembroke crest. Earl William married Anne, daughter of Lord Parr of Kendal, and sister to Queen Catherine 
 Parr, by whom he had issue two sons. The elder, Henry, the patron of Arthur Massinger, succeeded his father as 
 Earl of Pembroke, and sat on the trials of Thomas, Duke of Norfolk, 1571, and on that of Mary, 1686. He was thrice 
 married. His third wife was the sister of Sir Philip Sidney, to whose request we owe the Arcadia, which wears her 
 name as a favour ; on whom Ben Jonson wrote the famous epitaph— 
 
 " Underneath this sable hearse 
 Lies the subject of all verse, 
 Sidney's sister, Pembroke's mother : 
 Death, ere thou hast slain another 
 Learned, and fair, and good as she, 
 Time shall throw a dart at thee." 
 
 An epitaph, which though happily turned, is too hyperbolical, too clever, and too conceited to be inscribed on a 
 Christian's tomb. The sweet and brotherly dedication to the Arcadia does this great lady far more honour than Jon- 
 son's tomb epigram. Of all the writers of that true age of chivalrous courtship, Daniel best knew how to address 
 himself to female greatness. He was in earnest, and could do honour to the rank without adulation ; to the sex, with- 
 out usurping the language either of love or of devotion. His epistles to the Countess of Cumberland, to the Countess 
 of Bedford, and to the Lady Anne Clifford (whose preceptor he was) are among the finest moral poems in the world. 
 4i8 dedication of Cleopatra to the Countess of Pembroke is not so good The most interesting part of it is the stanza 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 many panegyrics, but none more pithy and valuable than that of good Izaak Walton, who might -well 
 be the most delightful of biographers ; for who, with such affluence of information, had lives of such 
 Christian excellence to record ] Speaking of George, who sanctified the name and pedigree, he says, 
 
 wherein he laments the narrow range of the English tongue, which deprived our poetry of the European fame of the 
 classic and Italian bards : 
 
 <» Oh that the ocean did not bound our style, 
 
 Within these strict and narrow limits so. 
 
 But that the melody of our sweet isle 
 
 Might now be heard to Tiber, Arne, and Po, 
 
 That they may know how far Thames doth outgo 
 
 The music of declined Italy." 
 
 The complaint long continued just. Voltaire maliciously inquires, whether Shakspeare was ever heard of out of 
 England. Boileau, upon reading Addison's Latin verses, affected surprise that an Englishman could be a poet, and 
 guessed that there might be something worth looking at in our whistling vernacular, which Charles V. was for talking 
 to the birds. Bayle knew nothing of Milton but that he was the opponent of Salmasius and Morus ; and Quadrio, a 
 voluminous Jesuit, who wrote a huge work, " Delia storia e dell' ragione d'ogni poesia," which Mr. D'Israeli, to whom 
 I am indebted for my knowledge of the worthy Father's name, has toiled through, at the commencement of his labours 
 knew of no English poets but John Gower, Arthur Kelton, flourishing 1548, (John Skelton ?) and William Wj-cherly. 
 Not till his fourth volume had he discovered the existence of Shakspeare ; and in his fifth he speaks of " II celebre 
 Benjanson," and his comedies of " Bartolomeo Foicere" and "Ipsura Veetz," which latter Mr. Douce conjectured to 
 be Shadwell's " Epsom Wells." Upon Milton he is a little better informed, for he says that he spoke of Christ like an 
 Arian. To make amends, however, for his slight notices of our literature, evidently derived partly from Voltaire and 
 partly from the mouth of some illiterate English tourist, he compliments us on a great improvement in the mechanism 
 of puppet-shows ! ! ! Mr. D'Israeli ascribes this continental neglect of our writers to our own neglect of bibliography, 
 which left foreigners without a guide in their researches. Bibliographers are very useful to those who like to talk of 
 books they never saw ; but I rather suspect that the long-continued insulation of our literature is to be ascribed mainly 
 to the unnatural coxcombry of our polite travellers, who affected to depreciate their mother tongue, and babble in vile 
 French and worse Italian about the superior beauties of southern idioms. Something must also be attributed to 
 the real diflSculty of our language, and its harshness to unaccustomed ears ; something also to national and religious 
 prejudice. Many of our books could not safely be read in Spain or Italy : the best of them were in open rebellion 
 against the French Academy ; and Germany was not yet a literary region. At all events the case is far different at 
 present. Shakspeare is even a greater name in Germany than in our own land. I have seen Retsch's illustrations 
 of " Hamlet," " Macbeth," &c. with explanatory quotations in German, French, and Italian. Our popular novels are 
 even translated into Spanish. " Tom Jones" indeed has long been a favourite in Spain. It may be remarked, that 
 the most intensely national works acquire the widest reputation. Hogarth is as well known and as much admired in 
 Germany as in England, and yet he is John Bull all over. The Scotch novels were published in French and German 
 as soon as they appeared in Edinburgh. The fancy and imagination of Britain are leavening the whole mind of 
 Europe ; and in the commerce of letters, we are no longer, as heretofore, an exclusively importing nation. 
 
 Revenont d, not moutons. The Countess of Pembroke was herself a poetess and a dramatist, but I cannot pretend 
 to have seen any of her productions, therefore cannot decide how far they justify the commendations of Daniel, who is 
 more complimentary than usual in their behalf. It appears that she versified some portions of the Psalms, for thus 
 sings her eulogist :— 
 
 " Those hymns which thou dost consecrate to heaven, 
 
 Which Israel's singer to his God did frame. 
 
 Unto thy voyage eternity hath given. 
 
 And makes thee dear to him from whence they came." 
 If so, it Is a pity they are not authorised to be sung in churches, for the present versions are a disgrace and a mischief 
 to the establishment. By nothing have the Dissenters made more way than by their evangelical hymns and con- 
 gregational psalmody. The countess's tragedy is called " Antony," and is a translation from Robert Gamier, an early 
 French dramatist, whose plays have been skilfully analysed, with admirably translated specimens, by the best of 
 translators, the Rev. H. Cary. Mr. Collier, in his " History of Dramatic Poetry," has given a short sample of her 
 ladyship's blank verse, which is as heavy and monotonous as blank verse translation of rhyme generally is, from pre- 
 serving the pattern and cadence of the original — a fault which even Cary, in his excellent " Dante," has not always 
 avoided. Now and then you may detect the outliue of the terza rima. French plays should assuredly be translated 
 into couplet measure. The countess survived her husband twenty years— happy as the praises of grateful poets could 
 make her— happy in the fair reputation, and it is to be hoped in the duteous attendance, of her elder son— and happy 
 in dying too soon to see her younger offspring 
 
 Hold a wing 
 
 Quite from the flight of all his ancestors. 
 
TNTRODUCTIOK 
 
 " The place of his birth was near the town of Montgomery, and in that castle that did then bear the 
 name of that town and county. That castle was then a place of strength and state, and had been 
 successively happy in the family of the Herberts, who had long possessed it, and with it a plentiful 
 estate, and hearts as liberal to their poor neighbours ; a family that hath been blessed with remarkable 
 wisdom, and a willingness to serve their country, and, indeed, to do good to all mankind, — for which 
 they were eminent. But, alas ! this family did in the late Rebellion suffer extremely in their estates, 
 and the heirs of that castle saw it laid level with that earth which was too good to cover those 
 wretches that were the cause of it." 
 
 What a gentleman was Izaak, though he commenced business in a shop wherein two men had not 
 room to turn themselves ! He chooses to forget entirely that the meanest, if not the worst, of those 
 " wretches whom the earth was too good to cover," the very man who was appointed to convey to 
 his royal benefactor that insolent demand jrhich went to strip him of all his prerogative, and so far 
 provoked King Charles out of his usually guarded speech, that he answered him with, " No, Phil — 
 Br God, — not for an hour," and who actually renounced his rank to sit in a kingless Parliament, was 
 the head of the family of Pembroke. This is true gentility. 
 
 Of the childhood and boyhood of Massinger no record remains. It has been said, indeed, that he 
 was brought up in the family of his father's patron ; but if so, how comes it that in 1624, when his 
 " Bondman " was first printed, he " had never arrived at the happiness to be made known " to Philip 
 of Montgomery 1 He must needs have known him as a boy, and was not likely to have forgotten the 
 circumstance in his dedication. I do not, however, recollect where Philip spent his tender years. 
 He certainly was a courtier in his teens. Could it indeed be proved that the child Massinger 
 wandered in the marble halls and pictured galleries of Wilton, that princely seat of old magnificence, 
 where Sir Philip Sidney composed his Arcadia; that his young eyes gazed upon those panels 
 whereon the story of Mopsa and Dorcas, and Musidorus and Philoclea, were limned in antique 
 tracery ; that he was dandled in his babyhood by the fair Countess of the Arcadia, and shared the 
 parting kiss of Sir Philip when he set forth for those wars from which he was never to return,— 
 with what accumulated interest should we read his dramas, several of which display an intimacy 
 
 Though so well renowned for cherishing the muses, it does not appear that she bestowed either bounty or countenance 
 on the son of her husband's old and faithful servant ; a fact which, combined with the apparent neglect of so dis- 
 tinguished a Msecenas as her son, makes it too probable that Massinger had offended the family by quitting his studies ; 
 possibly slighting the preferment to which their favour would have conducted him. Henry, the second earl of the 
 second creation, died in 1601, and was succeeded by his son William, who was governor of Portsmouth and chancellor 
 of Oxford ; an honour he seems to have well deserved, since honest Antony Wood says of him, " that he was not onlyl 
 a great patronizer of learned and ingenious men, but was himself learned, and endowed to admiration with a poetical^ 
 geny, as by those amorous and poetical airs and poems of his composition doth evidently appear, some of which had; 
 musical notes set to them by Henry Lawes and Nich. Laneare." It is not often that Antony smiles upon anything 
 " amorous and poetical ;" he seems to have had as indifferent an opinion of poetry as Locke or Jeremy Benthara : but 
 perhaps he thought it, like hunting or hawking, a gentlemanly recreation, in which a nobleman might be allowed to 
 indulge. At the period when Antony's opinions were fashioned, not only poetry, but philology in general, was con- 
 sidered as little better than a showy accomplishment, a fringe of learning, that might adorn, but could not clothe or 
 arm the inner man— such at least was the judgment of the universities ; at present the tendency is too much the 
 other way. But Pembroke had other panegyrists than the old Jacobite antiquarian of Merton ; half Lincoln fens 
 were employed in his praise, and Mr. Campbell supposes that he was the mysterious subject of Shakspeare's sonnets, 
 an hypothesis to which I can by no means accede. No doubt, however, he was a patron of the drama, and probably 
 of its greatest author, for he was joined with his brother Philip in the dedication to the folio of 1623. As he is nowise 
 connected with the known history of Massinger, we need say no more of him than that he died in 1630, leaving no 
 issue, although, upon Mr. Campbell's supposition, he had been passionately exhorted not to 
 
 •* bear his beauties to the grave 
 
 And leave the world no copy." 
 
 He was succeeded by his brother Philip, already created Earl of Montgomery, from whom the titles have descended 
 together to the present time. I cannot conclude this overgrown note without suggesting the possibility that among 
 the family papers of the Herberts something might be discovered to throw light on the early history of Massinger, and 
 to account for his apparent alienation from a house of which he was in some sort a member. But perhaps the search 
 has already been made in vain. 
 
 )u 
 
INTRODUCTIOK 
 
 with the details of noble housekeeping, not likely to have been acquired in the latter periods of the 
 poet's existence ! Is it not possible that Sir Philip may have been his godfather, and given him his 
 name 1 The conjecture is in strict accordance with the manners of that age, and almost derives a 
 plausibility from the sequel of Massinger's fortunes. It is a common trick of Fate to flatter the 
 infancy of those whose manhood is written in her black book. 
 
 "At thy birth, dear boy I 
 Nature and Fortune joined to make thee great ; 
 Of Nature's gifts thou naay'st with lilies boast, 
 And with the half-blown i-ose : but Fortune, oh ! 
 She is corrupted, changed, and won from thee ! " 
 
 King John, Act iii. Scene 1. 
 
 Many a dawn of golden beauty harbingers a day of troubled dimness : many a one has smiled in the 
 cradle on the fair, the great, the good, and the wise, whose death-bed was without a comfort or a 
 comforter. 
 
 But enough of these speculations. Juvenile biography was little in vogue in the days of Elizabeth 
 and James, (though the sayings and doings of some few distinguished children, as Sir Philip Sidney, 
 and Henry Prince of Wales, have been fondly recorded.) It is not, therefore, to be wondered, that 
 the boyish days of Massinger present a blank, upon which it were easy to write a multitude of 
 possibilities. For instance, we know that there was a company of actors, calling themselves the 
 Earl of Pembroke's players. We know that theatrical companies were often itinerant, and used to 
 be entertained and employed at the country mansions of the nobility ; that the female parts always, 
 and sometimes the whole plays, were performed by boys. It is possible enough that Massinger may 
 have seen the earl's players in his boyhood ; it is possible that he may have worn petticoats amonxr 
 them, as Achilles did at Scyros, and so may have acquired an early hankering after the stage. 
 Both biographies and histories of formidable length have been constructed out of such possibilities, 
 and put forth with all the confidence of eye-witness, sometimes to the subversion of all recorded 
 testimony. But I dare not be thus dogmatically hypothetical. Facts are not to be deduced from 
 premises, like conclusions in mood and figure. 
 
 Somewhere or other Massinger obtained a classical education. That his works evince. He was 
 probably acquainted with the French and Italian, perhaps with the Spanish language, then a point of 
 fashion : but these might be the acquisitions of his riper years. He seems to have read some of the 
 Fathers, and to have dipped into theology and moral philosophy. But his learning is no way 
 scholastic or profound : it is that of a reader, rather than of a student. His classical allusions are 
 frequent, but not like those of Ben Jonson, recondite, nor like those of Shakspeare and of Milton, 
 amalgamated and consubstantiated with his native thought. They float, like drops of oil on water, 
 on the surface of his style, and have too much the air of quotations. What erudition he possessed 
 he was not shy of displaying ; no more was Shakspeare : Jonson was not a whit more of a pedant 
 than his contemporaries ; he showed more reading, because he had more to show. 
 
 Massinger, whoever was his schoolmaster, entered a commoner of St. Alban's Hall, Oxford, 
 May 14th, 1602. I give this date on the authority of Mr. Giffbrd, who says that he had the 
 memorandum of his matriculation before him, wherein he is styled the son of a gentleman : " Philip 
 Massinger Sarishuriensis, Generosi Jilius" Yet Antony Wood places his entrance in 1601. Davies 
 fails in his attempt to account for the discrepancy, by the change of Style. But Antony was not 
 writing on oath, and was not likely to take the pains of accurate reference about a man who was only 
 a poet, — a race for whom he had as little respect as for womankind. He difiers from Langbaine on 
 a point of rather more importance. Langbaine believes that he was supported by his father, and 
 that he stuck closely to his studies. Wood asserts that his exhibition was from the Earl of 
 Pembroke, and " that he gave his mind more to poetry and romance for about four years or more, than 
 to logic and philosophy, which he ought to have done, as he was patronised to that end." Undoubtedly 
 he ought, if he could. It would have been better for him if he had. He might have obtained a 
 fellowship, and become, like Antony, a great antiquarian, though I think it more likely that he 
 would hi)^ e turned out a passionate puritan divine. /But whatever were the cause, he quitted the 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 university abruptly, and without a degree ; whether in consequence of his father's death, (the date 
 of which is uncertain,) or of the failure of remittances from other quarters, or, which is most probable, 
 from impatience of academic restraint, (the more irksome, as at the time of his entrance, he consider- 
 ably exceeded the average years of an under-graduate of that time, when under-graduates were 
 subject to a discipline only calculated for the lowest form,) or an eagerness to follow the bent of his 
 genius, and the steps of Shakspeare, Fletcher, and Jonson, no doubt, in his esteem, the greatest and 
 happiest of men. We cannot conceive, with Davies, that his lack of logic made the terrors of an 
 examination too awful for his nerves. He has never been accused of any criminal irregularity. 
 He, at least, was not a deer-stealer, nor a libeller of the landed aristocracy. Wood only charges 
 him with his addiction to poetry and romance. But it is very probable his father's death-^Bereft 
 him of the heart and hope of his academical studies ; for it does not appear that he had brother or 
 sister to rejoice in his success, or reprove his indiscretion. If any conception of his character may 
 be formed from his plays, he had a strong and independent spirit, ill calculated to brook or retain 
 the favour or surveillance of patronizing superiors. There is too much likelihood that he gave 
 some oflfence to the Herberts, or he would hardly have been overlooked by so generous a friend of 
 genius as earl AVilliam. Young men, smit with the passion of liberty, too often seek it where it is 
 never to be found, in a life without regular profession or definite controul. 
 
 Gilford conjectures that Massinger had, " during his residence in the university, exchanged the 
 religion of his father for one at that time the object of terror, persecution, and hatred ; " and 
 concludes, from the " Virgin Martyr, the Renegado, the Llaid of Honour, and from casual intimations 
 scattered over his remaining dramas," that he had attached himself to the Church of Rome. This is 
 very possible, but there is not even circumstantial evidence of the fact. His dramas, like those of 
 his contemporaries in general, were mostly founded on French or Italian novels, or old legends, 
 which it would have been no easy matter to convert to Protestantism, without converting them to 
 irony and satire. His characters are Catholics of the old church, and he makes them speak as 
 such ; they are Catholics, superstitious Catholics it may be, but neither Protestants nor Papists. He 
 never brings the old and reformed churches into opposition, as had frequently been done upon the 
 stage, in spite of repeated orders to the contrary. A writer, who lays bis scene in a Mahometan 
 country, and makes his characters Mahometans, must be, pro tempore, and dramatically, a Mahometan 
 himself. He must speak of Mahomet as a true prophet, acknowledge the divine authenticity of the 
 Koran, and use no ill language of the Houris; yet he may do all this without bringing any just 
 suspicion upon his Christianity, so long as he does not bring Christian and Moslem together, for the 
 purpose of throwing discredit on the former, or setting off the latter to advantage, as Voltaire has 
 done in his "Zaire." Now Massinger has given no such proof of his preferring the proscribed to 
 the established church. He never, that I can discover, alludes sj>ea'fically to the Church of England 
 at all. At any rate, his religious tendencies, whatever they might be, could have little to do with 
 his quitting Oxford, a university always more Catholic than Protestant, attached to every relic of 
 antique formality, as a faithful widow to the effigies of the husband of her youth, or a too confiding 
 damsel to the tokens of a lover whom she would never have forsaken, if he had not forsaken her. 
 Nothing but an overt act of Popary (not likely to have been unknown or unmentioned by Antony 
 Wood) would have endangered Massinger on the banks of Isis. There is nothing in his known 
 works from which we can even conjecture the creed of his conviction, what he did or did not believe. 
 If there ever were any such data, the " Master of the Revels " has intercepted them on their way to 
 posterity. It is impossible to say in what measure he partook of the errors and superstitions which 
 had incrusted Chrislianity, in the lazy lapse of ages, and which were rejected by the Divines who 
 undertook to restore the Primitive Church. But if it be duly considered, that in his days, the 
 visible Church of England was an untrimmed vessel, lurching now towards Rome, and now towards 
 Geneva, it is no wonder if many of the young, the impassioned, the imaginative, inclined towards 
 that form of faith and of worship, which wore at least the semblance of venerable seniority, 
 gave ample room for tlu^ fancy and the affections, was inextricably intertwined with the vhole 
 tissue of chivali"y and romance, hallowed alike the gorgeous ceremony, the austere fast, and the 
 periodic day of rustic merriment — and " was all things to all men," holding out the honours of 
 
xxYi INTRODUCTION. 
 
 apotheosis to the ascetic, and offering an easy absolution to the voluptuous. Contrast with this the 
 saturnine ri^-our of Ultra-protestantism, its utter antipathy, not only to the acted drama, but to all 
 the poetry of life, manners, and nature ; consider the indefatigable and undaunted industry of the 
 propagandists of Romanism, then recommended by the prestige of peril, who so well know how 
 much of their system it may be expedient to bring into relief, and what should be discreetly 
 left in shadow, apprised, as by an instinct, whom and how, and when, to attack ; and the most 
 zealous Protestant will rather be thankful that all the young genius of Britain was not enlisted 
 under the banner of the Cross Keys, than angry at such as clung to the " decaying sanctities " of 
 olden time *. 
 
 * Let us examine how far these three plays—" The Virgin Martyr," « The Renegado," and « The Maid of Honour," 
 exhibit " innumerable proofs" that Massinger was a Roman Catholic. 
 
 The " Virgin Martyr " is the joint work of Massinger and Decker ; and though their several shares in the composition 
 may be discerned with proximate probability, it is not known which of them selected the story, or whether either of 
 them chose it at all. It may be the rifacciamento of an older play. It may be borrowed from the work of some foreign 
 dramatist, or founded on one of the so called mysteries. I am not well enough read in martyrology to point out tho 
 particular legend which suggested the plot ; but the tale is made up in great measure of the common-places of the 
 monastic romance, which were as often repeated, as ingeniously varied, and as indispensable, as those of the modern 
 novel. The outline may be sketched as follows :— " In the bloody times of Dioclesian, there lived at Cassarea a noble 
 virgin, named Dorothea, fair and rich, and much beloved of Antoninus, the Governor's son of Caesarea, who, for her 
 sake, rejected the profifered love of Artemia, the Emperor's daughter. But because Dorothea was a Christian, and had 
 devoted her virginity to Heaven, and Antoninus was an idolater, she would not be wooed of him, or other earthly 
 suitor. And she had a page, named Angelo, whom she found at the temple-gate, in likeness of a • sweet-faced, godly, 
 beggar boy,' asking an alms, but in truth he was an angel, come to guard her from all evil and temptation, from fear 
 and from pleasure, for the exceeding favour he had to her holiness and her virginity. Now there was in Ca;sarea a 
 certain Theophilus, a cruel persecutor of the Christians, who had for his servant a fiend named Harpax, by whose 
 means he was informed of many things that of himself he could not have known, and particularly of the love that 
 yown^ Antoninus bore to Dorothea, \\\\erQoi he also did inform the Princess Artemia; so, by the contrivance of 
 Dorothea's wicked servants, Theophilus, with Sapritius the Governor, and the Princess, were brought to overlook where 
 Antoninus was wooing Dorothea, -promising her riches and worldly glory, and liberty to worship after her own fashion, 
 if she would consent to be his wife— all which she set at nought for the love of Him to whom she was betrothed in 
 Heaven. Whereat the Princess, seeing that she was lightly esteemed of him to whom she had demeaned herself to 
 solicit his affection, was exceeding wroth, and would have slain both Antoninus and Dorothea,'bMt that she loved Iiim, 
 and would not give to her the martyrdom which she longed for. Howbeit, Dorothea was bereft of all her goods, and 
 shut up in prison ; and Antoninus given in charge to his father the Governor. 
 
 " But when it was heard that the young man had fallen sick, and would not be comforted, the Princess, who was an 
 Emperor's daughter, and of a high and noble spirit, was moved with compassion ; and subduing her own desires, gave 
 consent that if Dorothea would return and worship the gods of her fathers, she should be wedded unto Antotiinus. 
 Now, Theophilus had two daughters that had heretofore been Christians, but, because they loved the world, and feared 
 their father, and the terror of his torments, had turned back to their idols. These young damsels, Calista and Ghristeta, 
 were set on by their father to persuade Dorothea to renounce her faith and become even as they were. But Dorothea 
 wrestled mightily, and overcame— having Angelo, her good angel, ever at her side, so that Calista and Christeta again 
 forswore the gods of the heathen ; and when the time came that they should bring forth Dorothea to bow before the 
 image of Jupiter, they cast the image on the grt>und and spat upon it. Whereupon Theophilus, at the instigation of 
 Harpax, sieyf them, and sent back Dorothea to be tortured. All this while Antoninus continued sick and beside him- 
 self, so that his father, hearing him still call out on Dorothea, not being willing that he should perish, sent for Dorothea, 
 that the young man might have his will on her. But when the young man saw her, and heard her words how good they 
 were, and perceived how excellent a thing is virgin chastity, his heart was changed, and he would not touch her. So 
 Sapritius, in his rage, would have given her up to a slave; but the slave being a Briton, would do no suoh vile deed. 
 Then the Governor would have sent for ten slaves, but he was smitten down by an unseen hand, and one side of his face 
 blasted as with lightning ; whereat he was the more hardened ; and he and Theophilus called Dorothea witch . and hired 
 her wicked servants to torture her; but their arms were withered, so that they could not. Wherefore, because it was 
 thought they did their work slightly, they were sent unto the death, and Dorothea was doomed to be beheaded. And when 
 she was brought to the place of suffering, Antoninus would go with her, that he might see her for the last time, and die. 
 But when he heard her discourse of Heaven, and the divine joys whereunto she was hastening, then did he desire to go 
 with her. And behold, Angelo, in his true shape of an angel, appeared above to Dorothea alone, and told her that he had 
 been her page, the beggar-boy, whom she had cherished. Then she made request, that Antoninus, for the true love he 
 had borne her, might be converted and his • love changed to the love of Heaven.' And forthwith he felt a holy fire 
 within, and was changed, and became a Christian. And because Theophilus, mocking, had desired to taste the fruit o 
 
INTKODUCTION. 
 
 Whatever might be Massinger's tenets, his works are strongly tinctured with religious feeling. 
 He had manifestly read and thought much on religious subjects, and sometimes ventures upon 
 topics, which might be deemed fitter for the pulpit than the stage. Gifford has highly and justly 
 commended his reverence for holy things, and his abstinence from jocular allusions to Scripture. 
 
 Paradise, ot which she had spoEen, she prayed that some of that fruit might bo given to him after she was dead. And 
 then she bowed her neck to the axe, and Antoninus fell dead at her feet. And they were both carried by Angela to 
 Heaven. Now, it came to pass, that Tlieophilus was sitting alone, devising new tortures for the Christians ; and 
 suddenly there was a great light, and a sound of heavenly music, and a fair- faced boy, which was Angela, entered with 
 a basket of fruit and flowers, the like whereof never grew on earth. And when he tasted the fruit, and found how good 
 it was, and he thought how that it was deep winter, and found that the doors were closed, so that no mortal thing 
 could come in, he remembered the words of Barathea, and believed. And when Ilarpax, the fiend, in his own likeness, 
 mocked and tempted him, he held up a cross made of tlie flowers of Paradise, and the fiend fled howling ; and the angel 
 came and strengthened him. So he gave his signet that all the Christiaus should be set at liberty, and conveyed away 
 out of the hand of the persecutor. But when the Emperor found that Theophilus had become a Christian, he was 
 hardened more and more, and put him to strange torments ; Harpax also assaulting him. Then did Dorothea appear 
 on high, in exceeding glory, with Antoninus, Calista, and Christeta, in white garments, and Angelo, after all, holding 
 forth the crown of martyrdom. So Theophilus, ilaQ persecutor, died a martyr ; but the Emperor was hardened still." 
 
 I cannot pretend, in this succinct narration, to have rivalled Charles Lamb and his excellent sister in the art of 
 turning drama into narrative. The " Shakspeare Tales " is an unique book, the beauty of which all can perceive who 
 are worth pleasing; but few, who have not tried the like, can appreciate the difficulty, the matchless skill of its 
 execution. Neither am I fully satisfied with my imitation of the antique legendary style. But something like this, I 
 opine, might have been the story on which Massinger and Decker founded the " Virgin Martyr." It is monastic enough 
 in taste and feeling, but has nothing peculiarly popish, or even Romish ; nothing that might not have been believed, in 
 what are accounted the orthodox authoritative ages ; little that contravenes the positive creed of the strictest Church- 
 of- England man The possible appearance of good and of evilspirits, guardian angels, and devils in masquerade, is no 
 distinguishing tenet of the church of Rome. The extraordinary worsliip of virginity, the amorous piety, the yearning, 
 the passionate seeking after martyrdom, not as a duty, but as a merit and an especial mark of favour, originated long 
 before '• the supremacy of crafty Rome," and survived, in a considerable portion of the church , long after the separation. 
 They are (to use a word of my revered father's coining,) raihev patristic than popish : those who objected to the com- 
 pulsory celibacy of the clergy, and disapproved of the monastic constitution, yet held celibacy " a more excellent way." 
 Queen Elizabeth disapproved of married bishops. Jeremy Taylor, himself twice married, is large in praise of single 
 life, as a state vowed and devoted to God. And Donne, so passionate a lover of his wife, in speaking of the Saviour's 
 immaculate conception, calls it " a singular testimony how acceptable to God that state of virginity is ; " adding, " He 
 does not dishonour physic that praises health ; nor does he dishonour marriage that praises virginity." It should be 
 remembered, however, that Donne had been a Roman Catholic, and change of communion by no means necessarily 
 works a change in taste, sentiment, or feeling. But, on this head, it is impossible to go farther than Tertullian, 
 Ambrose, and Jerome, (who asserts that the pagan sibyls received the gift of divination in prcemium virginitatii). 
 Now it would be as absurd to call them papists as protestants. As for the miraculous events of the " Virgin Martyr," 
 some of our soundest Divines allude to legends quite as marvellous, and no better authenticated, with apparent faith. 
 Jeremy Taylor talks of the eleven thousand virgins as if he believed every word about them. The marvellous efficacy 
 ascribed to the cruciform figure is the nearest approach to popery in the « Virgin Martyr." Persons who read the play 
 through for the first time, will be amazed and horrified at the unutterable beastliness which Decker has daubed upon 
 this picture of virgin sanctity. The exhibition of racks, scourging, and beheading, with the poor appliances of 
 Massinger's stage, must have been more ridiculous than terrible ; but the superhuman atrocity, obduracy, and blasphemy 
 of the persecutors, of the Princess Artemia herself, one might think would make an atheist shudder. Yet, I doubt not, 
 they drew down thunders of applause, and contributed mainly to the great and continued popularity of the piece 
 while the lovely strains of piety, the sweet imaginations realising wildest fancy, which the better genius, the still 
 revisiting Angelo of the authors, charmed from their hours of quiet, passed ofiF as heavily as pure poetry generally does 
 in our overgrown theatres. 
 
 I have dwelt the longer on the " Virgin Martyr," nut because it is a fair sample of Massmger ; for though the opening 
 speeches of Dioclesian and the captive kings (borrowed freely from Tacitus and Caractacus,) have much dignity, his 
 part of the play is not in general above good middling, (to use the language of the trade quotations) ; but because it is 
 the most remarkable exemplification of the taste of our play-going ancestors with which I am acquainted, and should 
 be carefully perused by all people who exclaim against the degenerate taste of the moderns. 
 
 The " Renegado " must be despatched more briefly. Perhaps, the success of the conversion scene, in the " Virgin," 
 indueed Massinger, wlio, unlike Shakspeare, was apt to repeat himself, to try the effect of another. I shall not forestall 
 the reader's curiosity by an abstract of the plot, which is amazingly complicated, nobly careless of the possible, but yef 
 ao vivid, so full of action, and so strongly drawn, that, with all its absurdities, it never perplexes, or leaves you in doubt 
 
 c 2 
 
INTRODUCTION". 
 
 ' But I doubt whether the simple perversion of words found in the Bible to a ludicrous sense, 
 however offensive to taste and decorum, would so much shock a modern hearer, as solemn appeals 
 to Heaven, and discourses on the most awful mysteries, uttered by a painted player, or a boy 
 in petticoats, upon a stage but just vacated by a buffoon or ribald rake. This incongruous mixture, 
 
 where the actors are or what they are about. But this lucidness of business, this clearly defined procession of incidents, 
 is a common merit of all our elder dramatists, strongly contrasted with the confusion, perplexity, and inconsequence, 
 occasionally to be found in the narrative poems and tales of the latter days. To our present purpose ; it is decidedly 
 Italian, and decidedly popish. There is a noble maiden abducted by a renegado pirate from Venice to Tunis, and sold 
 to Asambeg, the viceroy, whose attempts upon her chastity are frustrated by the virtue of a relic which she always 
 carries about her. — Her brother, VitelU, who comes to seek her in the disguise of a merchant, sets up a shop in the 
 bazaar, and puffs off his wares in a very English fashion — Ilis servant, Gazet, the clown, (rather more entertaining 
 than the generality of Massinger's low characters). — The renegado, Grimaldi, a Venetian profligate, who has snatched 
 the host out of the priest's hand at the moment of consecration ; turned corsair in the Viceroy's service; bullies and . 
 blasphemes in the first act, falls into disgrace with the Viceroy, is stripped of all his plunder, sinks into despair, 
 consigns himself to eternal perdition rather too learnedly, is converted by a Jesuit, (the same from whom he tore the 
 consecrated element) by a pious fraud : becomes, after his melanclioly, " a good and honest man," and finally aids the 
 escape of the Christian captives ; an instance of reformation unparalleled till the days of Count Fathom. Hardy Vaux 
 turning preacher in Australia is nothing to it. — Father Francisco, the Jesuit, whose power of conversion is nothing 
 short of miraculous. Massinger must have been a bold man, or confident of protection in some quarter, to represent in 
 such fair colours, (for the character is beautiful in the detail) an order abhorred and dreaded like witchcraft. — 
 Asambeg, the tyrant lover of Paulina, (not quite so bad as zeal could wish a Turk to be). The Princess Donvsa — niece 
 to Sultan Amurath, who falls in love with VitelU at the Bazaar— has him smuggled into her palace, where, at first, he 
 is desperately afraid, then desperately virtuous, — rather too iimocent indeed for a full-grown Venetian— but, in tho 
 course of some twenty lines, all that a woman of Donusd's stamp could wish. A short conversation with Francisco 
 convinces him of the enormity of the sin in which he was glorying; and when he is introduced a second time to his 
 expectant mistress, he sets forth the horrors of her crime, and the depth of her degradation, with a fervour of indignant 
 eloquence in which Massinger, always greatest when most moral, almost exceeds himself. Still it is not language that 
 a youth could or should u.se to a woman in whose fall he had been participant. Like a hundied similar passages in the 
 old plays, and old sermons too, it proves the co-existence of the austerest theoretical chastity, Avith a total absence of 
 that sensitive modesty, that instinctive shrinking from "every appearance of evil," which we suppose at once the sign 
 and amulet of purity. This is very popish, and very patristic, and very puritanical ; an inevitable consequence of 
 auricular confession, that worst of popish abuses, and hardly less incident to the self-examination and comparing of 
 experiences recommended by certain sectaries. TvSidt tnocvrov does not always descend from Heaven. We may be too 
 well acquainted with ourselves. But to return. Vitelli's lecture is cut short by the entrance of the Capiaga, Aga, and 
 Janizaries, shortly followed by Asambeg and Muslapha, Basha of Aleppo, the princess' suitor, (who has discovered her 
 incontinence from one of her waiting-women,) and, in company with the Viceroy, has been lying perdu, to obtain 
 evidence of the fact. VitelU, of course, is carried off to prison, and Donusa committed to custody, to await the sultan's 
 sentence. That sentence is death, reprievable on condition that she convert her paramour to Islaim, and marry him. 
 This she joyfully consents to, notwithstanding the contemptuous rebukes of Mustapha and Asambeg, whom she has been 
 lecturing very unanswerably on their enormous indulgence of the vice, one single case of which condemns a woman 
 beyond earthly redemption. She is introduced into the prison. A scene of controversy follows. Donusa sets forth, in 
 admirable Janguage, the hard yoke of Christianity, and the boundless licence of Mahometism ; and concludes with an 
 argument taken in part from Minucias Felix, (as Gifford informs me) which Pagans have used against Christians, 
 Romanists against Protestants, which Mussulmen might have used as plausibly against both, however its force be abated 
 in the present condition of the Turkish and most other Mahometan empires. 
 
 Be wise, and weigh 
 
 The prosperous success of things; if blessings 
 
 Are donatives from Heaven, (which, you must giant. 
 
 Were blasphemy to question,) and that 
 
 They are call'd down and pour'd on such as be 
 
 Most gracious with the great disposer of them. 
 
 Look on our flourishing empire, if the splendour 
 
 The majesty and glory of it dim not 
 
 Your feeble sight, and then turn back and see 
 
 The narrow bounds of yours, yet that poor remnant 
 
 Rent in as many factions and opinions 
 
 As you have petty kingdoms. 
 
 I have beard Protestants reason in the same way, not distinguishing between what makes a nation great, <ind wha< 
 
I]SrTRODUCTIOIs\ 
 
 derived from the old miracle-plays and moralities, is far more frequent in Massinger than could be 
 wished. Even were his scenes entirely purged of their licence and scurrility, there would still 
 remain an insuperable objection to prayers not meant to be prayed, but acted ; and preaching, 
 which however serious or tragic, could hardly be in earnest. Some people complain of the want of 
 
 makes a people happy. But let that pass. Vitelli replies in a fashion I should hardly recommend a missionary to 
 follow. Without answering any of Donusa's arguments, or advancing one in favour of Christianity, without even 
 explaining what Christianity is, he falls to abusing, first the lady, and then Mahomet, of whose doctrines it would t-eem 
 that Massinger knew nothing, but the veracious story of the pigeon. He makes Vitelli accuse Donusa of bringing her 
 " juggling prophet" in comparison with 
 
 That most unaccountable and infinite Essence 
 That made us all and compreliends his work. 
 
 Now Donusa had done no such thing, and if she had, she would have been a heretic to her own creed, which is most 
 strictly unitarian, or rather monotheistic, and lays to the charge of Christianity the giving to the All-One a son and an 
 equal. However, Vitelli prevails by a question, which, well pronounced, might have its weight on the stage. 
 
 Can there be strength in that 
 
 Religion that suflfers us to tremble 
 
 At that which every day, nay hour, we haste to ? 
 
 Donusa replies, " This is unanswerable," and so it would be, if none but Christians dared to die, or if no Christian 
 feared death. But is not this a singular conversion, sudden as ever took place at a revival or camp meeting, and effected 
 without allusion to any single doctrine, name, or duty, but what Christians and Moslem hold in common reverence? 
 I cannot but suspect that the Master of the Revels, who always seems to have done his work by halves, as piddlingly 
 as the Editor of the "Family Dramatists," has been meddling here. Perhaps what he expunged would have placed the 
 question of Massinger's religion out of all doubt. It may be remarked that Dorothea advances nothing in proof of her 
 own faith, except obloquy against Jupiter, Venus, &c. But now we come upon ticklish ground indeed. Donusa, pro- 
 fessing herself Christian, and therefore ready to die with Vitelli, must be baptized. Francisco, for some unexplained 
 reason, cannot have access. Vitelli asks him, whether, as a layman, he may lawfully perform that office. 
 
 Francisco. A question in itself with much ease answei ed. 
 
 Midwives upon necessity perform it ; 
 
 And knights that in the Holy Land fought for 
 
 The freedom of Jerusalem, when full 
 
 Of sweat and enemies' 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 must I think it now 
 
 In you a work less pious. 
 A few scenes further, the baptism is actually performed on the stage; at least, if simple aspersion suffice for that 
 sacrament, for no form of words is employed. Perhaps the actor was directed to supply the omission by some 
 'indistinct muttering. Massinger plainly asserts baptismal regeneration — 
 
 The clearness of this is a perfect sign 
 
 Of innocence : and as this washes off 
 
 Stains and pollutions from the things we wear. 
 
 Thrown thus upon the forehead, it hath power 
 
 To purge those spots that cleave upon the mind, 
 
 If thankfully received. 
 
 * * * * 
 
 Donusa. I am another woman ;— till this minute 
 
 I never lived, nor durst think how to die. 
 
 How long have I been blind ! yet on the sudden. 
 
 By this blest means, I feel the films of error 
 
 Ta'en from my soul's eyes. 
 I do not think this can be orthodox Catholicism, either at Rome or anywhere else; but that it should have been 
 presented on an English stage, when the stage itself was so sore a stumbling-block to the most popular party, and 
 when the touching matter of relif 'on or state was so strictly and repeatedly forbidden, is one of the strangest facts in 
 dramatic history. Surely Sir Henry Hi rbert must have been weary with his expurgations, and fallen asleep over the 
 MS. The validity of lay-baptism — a disputed point among Protestants — is allowed by the Church of Rome in extreme 
 cases— a curious exception to her genera/ system of hierarchy. But what a question to moot in a theatre ! I conjecture 
 
XXX 
 
 mTEODUCTIOK 
 
 religion in plays ; I complain of its superabundance. In palliation, however, of what cannot be 
 justified, let it be remembered, that our ancestors, both before, and for some time after our secession 
 from the Roman church, were upon much more familiar terms with their religion than we are wont to 
 be with ours. It was not " of their lives a thing apart," the employment of a sabbath, of a morning and 
 evening hour, demanding a remotion from all but itself : it mingled with everything, their labours, 
 their bargains, their courtship, their daily business, and evening leisure, and was not frowned away 
 (like the Chaplain, of the Spectator's day, at the drawing of the cloth) from their mummings, and 
 Whitsun ales. Every period of relaxation was a feast of the church, and those who abolished the 
 religious ceremonies, were not always able to abolish the eating, drinking, and merry-making. 
 Whether the change be for the better, this is no place to discuss ; but I assure such pious persons 
 
 that it was much agitated about the time when the " Renegado" was first produced (early in 1624) ; that some of 
 Massinger's patrons were deeply interested in it ; and that the theatres were chiefly patronised by Romanists and 
 semi-Romanists. In fine, the " Renegado " is a monkish story, dramatised with the faith of the imagination ; whether 
 with the faith of the heart, I leave for the reader's decision. 
 
 The " Maid of Honour," though the scene be partly laid in Sicily — which was, indeed, long a Spanish dependency— 
 looks liker a Spanish than an Italian story. It were well worth the while of a gentleman litterateur, who had leisure 
 to search out, and wealth to purchase, literary rarities, to examine the numerous collections of French, Spanish, and 
 Italian fictions, and half-fictitious histories, for the sources of Massinger's plots. But Giff"ord supposes that many of 
 the loose pamphlets, to which the dramatists were more immediately indebted, lying heaps upon heaps in the vaults 
 below St. Paul's, perished in the fire of London — a manifest judgment, as some will say, for such abuse of consecrated 
 excavations : not worse, however, than making a Bond-street of Paul's Walk, as was usual with our ancestors, and 
 not much worse than making the holy edifice itself an expensive show. From whatever quarter derived, the " Maid of 
 Honour" is, in its conception, chivalric, though injudiciously overlaid, in the first acts, with English politics. Its 
 religion is the religion of knighthood and la belle science, not of the cloister nor the Vfttican. Except that the heroine 
 turns nun, it furnishes no proof of Massinger's recusancy. One fine passage, indeed, proves, if anything, that he 
 was not a papist :— 
 
 Camiola. Religion bars our entrance ; you are, sir, 
 A Knight of Malta, by your order bound 
 To a single life ; you cannot marry me : 
 And I assure myself, you are too noble 
 To seek me, though my frailty should consent. 
 In a base path. 
 
 Bertoldo. A dispensation, lady, 
 Will easily absolve me 
 
 Camiola. O, take heed, sir 
 
 When what is vow'd to Heaven is dispensed with. 
 
 To serve our private ends, a curse must follow. 
 
 And not a blessing. Jet I. Sce7ie 2. 
 
 Now here is a plain denial of the Pope's prerogative. Dispensations were among the most profitable ways and means 
 of the Roman court. Queen Henrietta herself, not waiting for a dispensation for her marriage with a heretic prince, 
 was doomed by the priests to rigorous penance, and was even compelled to walk barefoot to Tyburn ; " where, under 
 the gallows where so many Jesuits had been executed as traitors to Elizabeth and James, she knelt and prayed to 
 them as martyrs and saints, who had shed their blood in defence of the Catholic cause." Mr. D' Israeli, to whom I 
 owe my acquaintance with this and many other almost incredible anecdotes, says there is a very rare print which 
 has commemorated the circumstance. Curiosities, 297. But is the rare print the sole authority for the fact ? 
 A most extraordinary secret history of the late English reigns might be compiled out of the rare prmts of Gilray, 
 Rowlandson, Cruikshank, &c. 
 
 But it is high time to conclude this long inquiry, from which, after all, nothing can he concluded, but that 
 Massinger had no abhorrence of the ceremonies, institutions, or devotional affections, of the unreformed church. 
 He probably went as near Rome as his reason would permit him ; but there is no proof that he ever renounced the 
 English communion : and I am confident that he was no Papist, no priest-ridden slave— never believed that any 
 priest or bishop could reverse the immutable laws of right or wrong— dispense with the duties of children and parents, 
 husbands and wives, subjects and rulers— insert or blot a name in the book of life. Superstitious he might be ; 
 most men of genius are so in someway or other: but the superstitions of genius are harmless to men of genius, 
 however pernicious when congealed to dogmata by the sunless atmosphere of vulgar souls. Fanatic or bigot, 
 Massinger was not. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 as, unacquainted with our ancient manners, imagine a superior sanctity, a more awful regard 
 of holy times, and things, and words, in the days that are gone, that it is even as I have stated it. 
 I mention it merely to account for an apparent inconsistency in Massinger. 
 
 Massinger must have quitted Oxford about 1G06. Antony Wood says, that "being sufficiently 
 famed for several specimens of wit, he betook himself to writing plays." None of these early famed 
 specimens of wit are extant ; nor is the precise period of his commencing dramatist ascertained. 
 There is, indeed, a passage in the " Old Law," a play in Avhich he is supposed to have had a share, 
 which might seem to carry back the date of his authorship to 1599, when he was only in his 15th 
 year. The " Law," on which the play turns, enacted that all men in the dominions of Epire, " living 
 to the age of fourscore, and women to the age of threescore, shall the same day be instantly put to 
 death ; " and the interest depends on the eagerness of bad sons to be rid of their fathers, bad wives 
 of their aged husbands, and tired husbands of their old wiveF,, contrasted with the earnest endeavours 
 and pious stratagems of the good son Cleanthes to preserve his superannuated sire. Gnotho, the 
 clown, naturally curious concerning the years of his Agatha, desires the clerk to consult the register, 
 who reads as follows: — "Agatha, the daughter of Pollux, born 1540, and now 'tis 1599." Now I 
 think there can be no doubt, that this was the actual year in which the play was first performed. 
 There could be no other reason for so monstrous an anachronism. But though the plot is tragi- 
 farcicul enough to have been invented by a boy of fifteen, it is utterly improbable that Massinger was 
 concerned in it so early. If his name is correctly prefixed, it must have been for additions and 
 alterations made at some subsequent period, according to the common practice of that age. Payments 
 for additional scenes, reformations, &c. are common in the old theatrical accounts. Thus Ben Jonson 
 received of Henslow forty shillings for writing his additions to Jeronymo, 25th September, 1601 ; 
 and the 22d June, 1602, 101. " in earnest of a book called ' Richard Crookback,' and for new additions 
 to Jeronypio." In the office-book of Sir Henry Herbert, Mr. GiflTord found this item : — " Received 
 for the adding a new scene to the 'Virgin Martyr,' this 7th July, 1624, 105." Shakspeare, doubtless, 
 was often employed to make such reformations upon older plays, as we know was the case with the 
 " Comedy of Errors," " Taming the Shrew," and the 2d and 3d parts of " Henry VI." In the " Old 
 Law " there are some scenes so vastly superior to the rest, that one could hardly wish them to be the 
 work of the same brain. I would fain suppose them to be Massinger's ; but Charles Lamb (who is 
 but a cold admirer of our author) hath judged otherwise. " There is," says he, "an exquisiteness of 
 moral sensibility, making one to gush out tears of delight, and a poetical strangeness in all the 
 improbable circumstances of this wild play, which are unlike anything in the dramas which Massinger 
 wrote alone. Middleton and Rowley, who assisted in this play, had both of them finer geniuses 
 than their associate." Those who read Lamb's selections only (not that they are the only beauties) 
 will probably agree with his decision. They will not improve their relish by reading the piece 
 throughout. The characters of Eugenia, the would-be widow, and Lysander, her dotard husband, 
 who attempts to give his years the lie by capering, drinking down a company of young springalds, 
 &c. are pitiably disgusting. Mr. Lamb should have informed the readers of his specimens that the 
 " Old Law " is all a trick of the Duke to try the temper of his young subjects, and that the old folks, 
 supposed dead, are produced alive and well, in the 5th act. The play was not printed till 1656, 
 evidently by some distressed actor for a temporary supply. I am inclined to think that the name 
 of Massinger was added to those of Middleton and Rowley without any authority. 
 
 For some years after his departure from Oxford, we hear nothing of Massinger at all. We cannot 
 tell whether he went immediately to London, and applied to the theatres for employment, or tried 
 and abandoned any other pursuit, or dwindled away some small patrimony in attendance on fortune*^ 
 and the great. But it is most likely, that repairing to the metropolis, an aimless adventurer, he fell l| 
 in with some of the numerous players and play-writers with whom the toAvn was swarming, some of 
 whom might be old school or college associates, and between ambition and desperation, became a 
 member of the fraternity. Play- writing was then the only species of literatu re, certainly the only species 
 of poetry, by which ready money could be raised. Though not held in Athenian estimation, the 
 drama was popular, fashionable, and highly patronised. King James was among its most distin. 
 guished protectors ; at the very commencement of his reign he had licensed the company, heretofore 
 
xxxii 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 called the Lord Chamberlain's, whereof Shakspeare, Burbage, Hemming, Condell, Armyn, &c., 
 were members, to take upon themselves the title of " the King's Servants " (all actors, be it observed, 
 were supposed to be servants either of the court or of the nobility). The Queen adopted the Earl of 
 Worcester's players, and Prince Henry's name was bestowed on those of the Earl of Nottingham. 
 Plays, as well as masques, were performed at court, and in great houses, on the principal festivals, 
 weddings, and other days of high ceremony. Honourable gratuities had been given both to authors 
 and actors. Many of the brightest of the time shone in both qualities. The stage was evoking and 
 realizing the finest imaginations of the strongest intellects. It promised immediate profit, immediate 
 applause, and a place among honoured names hereafter. 
 
 Massinger arrived in London at an exciting time. The visit of the King of Denmark to his august 
 brother filled court and city with triumphs, masques, and revellings. No doubt the drama, decked 
 out with a splendour alien to its usual habits, contributed to entertain the monarch stranger. It is 
 said, that " Macbeth " was then first performed, and that King James wrote to Shakspeare a letter 
 of compliment and commendation. I cannot tell what effect these incidents, if true, might have in 
 determining Massinger's course \ but dimmer omens of success have ofttimes given the casting- 
 weight to inclination. 
 
 >- Massinger seems to have been of a shy, reserved, and somewhat melancholy nature. Nothing in 
 his writings betokens the exuberant life and dancing blood of Shakspeare and Fletcher. This 
 defect of animal spirits, perhaps, prevented him from following the example set by Peele, Marlow, 
 Middleton, Rowley, Decker, Heywood, and Shakspeare himself, of uniting the functions of actor and 
 author. This was probably a prudent course for prudent men. It secured a pittance not quite so 
 precarious as the scanty remuneration of the dramatists. Instances were not rare of actors retiring 
 in good circumstances. Dulwich college remains to testify the successful industry of Edward AUeyn, 
 who, to his engagements of actor, author, and manager, added the important office of " Master of 
 the Bears and Dogs *." It is possible that Massinger had tried the stage and failed, as Ben Jonson 
 had done before, and as Otway did afterwards ; but we know nothing of his progress from 1606 till 
 sometime between 1612 and 1614, when the melancholy document already alluded to, exhibits him 
 as engaged with Field and Daborne in the construction of a drama — name unknown. It was 
 discovered by Malone at Dulwich College, and seems to be without date ; but Mr. Payne Collier 
 judges it not later than 1614 — eight years previous to the first edition of the " Virgin Martyr," the 
 earliest published play bearing Massinger's name. It is as follows : — 
 
 * Th is office must needs have been accounted honourable ; for in 1600itvvas held by a knight, Sir James Darrington. 
 It could hardly have been esteemed profane or immoral (except by the rigid puritans who condemned all exhibitionfl 
 as heathenish vanities) ; for AUeyn is designated by it in the letters patent for the foundation of Dulwich College, 
 1620. It could not be vulgar ; for bear-baiting was among •' the princely pleasures of Kenilworth," provided for the 
 entertainment of a Virgin Queen. Nor could the penny-wisest economist complain that it was over-paid; for the 
 regular salary, exclusive of fees and perquisites, was but a farthing a day. As for the inhumanity of the business, 
 that was little dreamed of; for in all the invectives and petitions launched against the sport by the city, and the 
 pulpit, and the puritans, the torture of the animals is hardly alluded to. The only person who seemed to care for 
 poor Bruin was his keeper. In Lysons's " Environs of London " is a curious complaint of Alleyn concerning the hard 
 and unsportsmanlike usage which his shaggy charges had sustained, when lent out on some public occ;ision. There 
 were VVyndhams in those days. Among the charges so perseveringly alleged against the theatres, one was that they 
 seduced the people fi-{)m bear-baiting and other manly recreations. Allusions to this amusement are so common in 
 Shakspeare, that it is no breach of charity to suppose that he was an occasional visitor at " Military garden Paris." 
 Slender could commend his valour to sweet Ann Page by no stronger instance than this : " I have seen Sackerson 
 loose twenty times, and taken him by the chain" Why, Othello could not brag more amoroubly. It would be as 
 utterly unjust to suppose that our bear-baiting ancestors resembled the blackleg ruffians of the modern fancy, as that 
 the Olympic victors celebrated by Pindar were like modern prize-fighters, pigeon-shooters, and riders against time. 
 Their amusement might be a rough relic of the hunter state, but it was not mercenary, base, and fraudulent. The 
 vile spirit of gambling, which produces more cruelty than antique rudeness shall ever have to answer for, has degraded 
 all the athletic exercises of England. 
 
 Butler is the Pindar of the bear- wards. There is more humour, as distinguished from wit, aad more graphic power 
 in his " Bear-Bait," than in any other part of Hudibras. 
 
 Some curious particulars concerning this ancient sport may be found in Hone's " Table-Book ; " an amusing reposi 
 tory of antiquities, and modern oddities that will he antiquities in the twentieth century. 
 
INTRODUCTION. xxxiii 
 
 " To our most loving friend, Mr. Philip Hinchlow, esquire. These, 
 " Mr. Hinchlow, 
 
 " You understand our unfortunate extremitie, and I doe not thincke you so void of 
 cristianitie but that you would throw so much money into the Thames as wee request now of you, 
 rather than endanger so many innocent lives. You know there is x^. more at least to be receaved 
 of you for the play. We desire you to lend us v^. of that ; which shall be allowed to you, without 
 which we cannot be bayled, nor I play any more till this be dispatch'd. It will lose you xxZ. ere 
 the end of the next weeke, besides the hinderance of the next new play. Pray, sir, consider our 
 cases with humanity, and now give us cause to acknowledge you our true friend in time of neede. 
 Wee have entreated Mr. Davison to deliver this note, as well to witness your love as our promises, 
 and alwayes acknowledgement to be ever, 
 
 " Your most thanckfuU and loving friend, 
 
 -"^ "Nat. Field." 
 
 " The money shall be abated out of the money remayns for the play of Mr. Fletcher and ours. 
 
 Rob. Daborne." 
 "1 have ever found you a true loving friend to mee, and in soe small a suite, it beeinge honest, I 
 hope you will not fail us. Philip Massinger." 
 
 Indorsed : 
 " Received by mee Robert Davison of Mr. Hinchlow for the use of Mr. Daboerne, Mr. Feeld, 
 Mr. Messenger, the sum of v^. Rob. Davison." 
 
 This tripartite supplication requires a few remarks and commentaries. Philip Hinchlow, or 
 Henslowe, whose account-book has thrown so much dubious light on our early theatrical history, 
 though extensively engaged in theatrical speculation, was no regular scion of the play-house, but 
 " seems originally to have been a sort of pawnbroker who advanced money upon various kinds of 
 property, but especially wearing apparel. The players often pledged their dresses with him, and 
 afterwards hired them when they were wanted ; this probably was the commencement of Henslowe's 
 connexion with plays and theatres. Various companies, in this manner, might become his debtors, 
 and he ultimately possessed a large share of the wardrobe and properties of the play-houses in which 
 he was concerned. In 1591 he either extensively repaired or built the Rose on the Bankside, and, 
 on the 8th of February in that year, he began to register his receipts *." A comfortable kind of 
 person for three poets to be obliged to, when, it is to be feared, they had nothing but the forestalled 
 labour of their brains to pledge ; and were, too probably, in the catchpole's custody, if not actually 
 in Limbo ! Whether Christianity, or the loss of the 20/ suggef.ted by Field, had most effect in 
 moving the old pawnbroker's bowels, I leave to the reader's charitable judgment. The name of 
 Nathaniel Field, who was Massinger's partner in the " Fatal Dowry," and author of two comedies — 
 " Woman's a Weathercock," from which Lamb has given extracts, printed 1612 ; and "Amends for 
 Fair Ladies," 1618 ; but both written and acted before 1611 — appears in the list of sharers in the 
 Globe and Blackfriars, along with Burbage, (the original Richard III., Hamlet, and Othello,) Lowin, 
 (the original Falstaff,) and others of histrionic note, in a patent under the great seal, dated the 27th 
 March 1619 — 20. He performed as one of the "Children of the Queen's Chapel" in Jonson's 
 "Cynthia's Revels," 1600 — in his " Poetaster," 1601 — and as a child of "the Queen's Revels" in 
 " Epicoene," 1609 — in which latter year he is mentioned with Shakspeare, Daborne, and Kirkham in 
 
 * History of Dramatic Poetry, vol. iii. 85. By several passages in the same work, we find that Henslowe's extortion 
 was a frequent subject of complaint with the players. But players are apt to be exorbitant as well as pawnbrokers. 
 There is no coming at the rights of the matter now. Philip was far from a learned clerk ; not that his orthography, 
 or rather heterography, is any decisive test of his attainments; for men of classical education at that time spelt as 
 strangely as any love-sick cook maid, ere the schoolmaster was abroad. His diary, we are told, has been wickedly 
 mutilated by tliievish autograph hutiters, who think themselves richer by filching an author's good or ugly name. 
 It supplies a great deal of information respecting the payment of authors and actors, and tlie properties of the play- 
 houses; which though in some respects far le^s various and appropriate than those exhibited in Hogarth's Barn, 
 were exclaimed against by many, as tending by their mimic gorgcousness to bring the splendour of the crown itself 
 into contempt. 
 
mTRODUCTION. 
 
 a curious document brought to light by the indefatigable Collier, and given in his " New Pacts.'* 
 It authorises "the said Robert Daborne, William Shakspeare, Nath. Field, and Edward Kirkham, 
 from time to time, to provide and bring upp a convenient nomber of children, and them to instruct and 
 exercise in the quality of playing tragedies, comedies, &c., by the name of Children of the Revells to 
 the Queene, within the Black fryers in our citie of London, or elsewhere within our realme of England." 
 It would seem that Shakspcare soon drew out of the concern. He had formerly spoken with some- 
 thing like ridicule of these juvenile actors, who were thus enlisted, or rather impressed, into the 
 service of Melpomene and Thalia, though with his usual discretion he muzzles the point of his cen- 
 sure, by intrusting it to that very civil, simple, good-sort of a gentleman, Rosencrantz : — " But there 
 is, sir, an aviary of children, little eyases, that cry out on the top of question, and are most tyran- 
 nically clapp'd for 't. These are now the fashion, and so berattle the common stages {so they call 
 them) that many wearing rapiers are afraid of goose ([uills, and scarce dare come thither." But 
 Hamlet's question in reply, is hardly fair. '' What ! are they children 1 Who maintains them 1 
 Will they pursue the quality no longer than they can sing 1 " Now, as to their maintenance, the 
 children of the Queen's Chapel and the children of Paul's were probably better secured in that respect 
 than their elders of the quality ; and good provision was made for them when they could no longer 
 sing. As early as the reign of Edward IV. it was appointed "Also when they " (the children of the 
 Chapel) " be growen to the age of eighteen yeres, and then theire voyces be chaunged, and they 
 cannot be preferred in this chappell, nor within this court, the number being full, then yf they will 
 absent, the king signeth onely such child to a colledge of Oxford or Cambridge of the king's foundation, 
 there to be in findeing and study sufficiently till the king otherwise list to advance him." And 
 James I., in the first year of his reign, ordained that " after serving three years, if they lose their 
 voices they shall be sent to college to be taught at the king's charge." Yet many good people, who 
 are scandalized at the Latin plays of Westminster, Avill be surprised that in the pious days of England; 
 in the glorious morning of the Eeformation; in "great Eliza's golden time,-" under Kings and 
 Queens, that were the nursing-fathers and nursing-mothers of the Church — the public acting of plays 
 should be, not the permitted recreation, but the compulsory employment of children devoted to 
 sing the praises of God, — of plays, too, the best of. which children may now only read in a " family " 
 edition, — of some, whose very titles a modern father would scruple to pronounce before a woman or 
 a child *. 
 
 Richard III., who appointed the first public bearwarden, was also the first Avho exercised the pre- 
 rogative of impressing singing men and children, "even from cathedrals, colleges, chapels, and houses 
 of religion," for the royal service. But a usurper may afford a precedent to the most legitimate 
 sovereign; and accordingly we find that, in 1586, Queen Elizabeth "issued a warrant under her sign 
 manual, authorising Thomas Gyles, master of the childrefn of Paul's, to take up any boys in 
 
 * Among the plays claimed by William Beeston, as " Master of the King and Queen's young company of players, at 
 the Cockpit in Drury-lane," were Ford's " 'Tis Pity She's a Whore ; " his only less offensive « Love's Sacrifice," and 
 "A Fool and her Maidenhead soon parted ; " a play of which I never heard elsewhere. This was in 1639. Three years 
 afterwards the theatres were closed by authority of Parliament. I really think that it was almost time. Can it be 
 wondered that old Prynne thought an attack upon plays a convenient vehicle for censure of a Court, which licensed 
 such juvenile prostitution ? 
 
 What made the abomination still worse was, that these poor children were purposely selected to utter the grossest 
 licentiousness and personality— as Heywood was constrained to confess in his Apology for Actors : " Now to speak of 
 some abuse lately crept into the quality, as an inveighing against the state, the court, the law, the city, and their 
 governments, with the particularizing of private men's humours, yet alive, noblemen and others, I know that it 
 distastes many ; neither do I by any means approve it, nor dare by any means excuse the liberty which some arrogate 
 to themselves, committing their bitterness and liberal invectives against all estates to the mouths of children, supposing 
 their juniority to be a privilege for any railing, be it never so violent. I could advise all such to curb and limit this 
 presumed liberty within the bounds of discretion and good government." 
 
 It should be mentioned that the acting of plays by the children of the Chapel Royal was forbidden, when a new 
 warrant of impressment was issued to Nathaniel Giles, Mus. Doc, August 1626. Beeston 's boys, therefore, needed not 
 lose their voices with " hallooing and singing of anthems." But the part of a choir-boy is too histrionic to be wholesome 
 in itself. Dicky Suet. " Clicrub I'ieky," was a chorister of Paul's- 
 
INTRODUCTION". 
 
 cathedrals or collegiate churches, in order to be instructed for the entertainment of the court." 
 James I. passed a similar order. I do not allude to these facts to throw odium on the memory of a 
 great queen, or of a good-hearted and calumniated monarch, hut that parents and children may be 
 duly thankful that they do not live in the good old times. 
 
 Shakspeare seems to have foreseen, or more likely observed, one necessary consequence of this 
 premature exhibition. " If they should grow themselves to common players {as is most like, if their 
 means are no better)." The royal bounty would not, and could not, provide for all ; and many, who 
 had the offer of liberal education and a sober livelihood, would never be weaned from the stimulating 
 pursuit of their boyhood. The Children of the Revels were not always children ; and the argument 
 of Reed, that Field, the juvenile actor, who played in "Epicoene," in 1609, could not be old enough 
 •to produce a comedy in 1611, and therefore could not be Massinger's coadjutor in the " Fatal Dowry," 
 falls to the ground, when we see that in,ihe same year, 1609, he was old enough to undertake a share 
 in management with Shakspeare. I have little doubt that a considerable portion of those lads became 
 confirmed players. Field must have been an actor of some eminence, — for we find that Henslowe 
 stipulated to allow him six shillings a week (a fair salary at that time ), in addition to the profits of 
 his share (a theatre was then a sort of joint-stock company), as a retaining fee. 
 
 Robert Daborne, though he appears in such poor plight in the mendicant letter, was a man of 
 good family, and academic education. In the preface to his "Christian turned Turk," 1612, he says, 
 " my own descent is not obscure but generous." He wrote besides the " Christian turned Turk,'' 
 and the " Poor Man's Comfort," printed, probably long after his death, in 1655 ; " The Devil and 
 Machiavel," and the "Arraignment of London," which have not been discovered. He was in orders: 
 his sermon, preached at Waterford, 1618, still survives. Perhaps he obtained some Irish prefer- 
 ment, and abandoned the "loathed stage." He was, however, by no means the only clerical dramatist 
 of his time. Jasper Maine, and Cartwright, were both Divines, — the latter " a florid and seraphical 
 preacner," as old Fuller hath it. 
 
 It does not appear to me certain, from Daborne's mention of " Mr. Fletcher's play and ours" that 
 Massinger ever assisted Fletcher. But an epigram of Sir Aston Cockayne, who knew them both 
 well, and was Massinger's friend and patron, is much stronger evidence on this point. It is addressed 
 to Humphrey Moseley, on his publishing the folio Beaumont and Fletcher : — 
 
 In the large book of plays you late did print 
 In Beaumont and in Fletcher's name, why iu't 
 Did you not justice ? Give to both their due ? 
 Since Beaumont of those many writ but few, 
 And Massinger in other few ; the main 
 Being sweet issues of sweet Fletcher's brain. 
 But how came I, you ask, so much to know 
 Fletcher's chief bosom friend inform *d me so. 
 
 I cannot agree with Mr. Gifford that the chMhosom friend was necessarily Massinger himself, — nor do 
 I know that his hand has been detected in any of Fletcher's surviving works : but I think the lines 
 almost conclusive of the fact, which may furnish a field of curious investigation to Fletcher's next editor. 
 Mr. Gifford asks, could the play for which the small advance was solicited be the " Fatal Dowry ] " 
 There is no knowing. The "Fatal Dowry "was not printed till 1632; but this proves nothing. 
 The " Unnatural Combat " was not printed till 1639, yet there is every reason to suppose that it w;ls 
 written prior to the " Bondman," as it is not mentioned in the office-book of Sir Henry Herbert ; 
 and Massinger, in his dedication, calls it an " old tragedy." There is strong internal evidence, in the 
 earlier scenes of the " Fatal Dowry," that it was written by a man in debt, — for their direct tendency 
 is to make creditors odious, and to hold up the laws of debtor and creditor to detestation. But it ia 
 not the only play in which Massinger has betrayed how keenly he felt 
 " The world was not his friend, nor the world's law." 
 
 He seldom slips an opportunity of glancing at the abuses of the courts, and the corruption of justice. 
 The topic was, indeed, popular, — but he handles it with the sore sincerity of a sufferer. The " Cit? 
 Madam " sets forth with fearful vividness the miseries to which the mere turn of trade might reduci 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 an honest man, and tlie worse than despotic power which the law put into the hands of the obdurate, 
 — alloAving the same individual to be at once plaintiff, judge, and executioner. I cannot but think, 
 that in penning the pathetic pleadings of Luke in behalf of the unfortunate merchants, he forgot 
 that he was putting his own afflicted heart into the mouth of a villain. The " New Way to Pay Old 
 Debts," by its very title, indicates an embarrassed author ; and the whole piece is a keen and powerful 
 satire on the mis-government which furnishes arms to the wicked. 
 
 My revered father, in a lecture which I shall never forget, with an eloquence of M'hich the Notes 
 published in his Remains convey as imperfect an impression as the score of Handel's Messiah upon 
 paper compared to the Messiah sounding in multitudinous unison of voices and instruments beneath 
 the high embowered roof of some hallowed Minster, contrasted the calm, patriotic, constitutional 
 loyalty of Shakspeare, with the ultra-royal ism of Fletcher on the one hand, and the captious whiggism 
 of Massinger on the other. He should have remembered that Shakspeare was a prosperous man, of 
 a joyous poetic temperament, while Massinger's native melancholy was exacerbated by sorrow and 
 disappointment. 
 
 The sequel of his story contains little but the dates of his works. His dedications inform us that 
 he had patrons ; but we know not who M^ere his bosom friends. In all probability he never married ; 
 and if he loved, he has left not a stanza nor a hint of his success or rejection. Sometimes I have 
 imagined that, like Tasso, he fixed his affections too high for hope, as his fortunes were certainly 
 too low for marriage. I ground this fancy, — for it is but a fancy, — on the " Bondman," the " Vei'y 
 Woman," and the " Bashful Lover," in all of which high-born ladies become enamoured, as they 
 suppose, of men of low degree. To be sure, they all turn out to be gentlemen in disguise. This 
 discovery is necessary to make the marriage prudent, like the reformation of the agreeable rake in 
 the last scene of more recent comedy. But after all, the lady's love was for the slave, the incognito. 
 Methinks, he soothed his despondency with a visionary unsphering of those stellar beauties, whose 
 effluence was t)redominant over his affections, though they hardly consoled him with so much as 
 " collateral light." He dreamed and shut his eyes, and tried to dream again — a dream he willed not 
 to see realized,* for whatever might be his political bias, he was sufficiently aristocratic in all that 
 
 * Massinger, liberal as he was, had a superstitious horror of mesalliance. 
 
 One aery with advantage, ne'er discloses 
 The eagle and the wren. Tissue and frieze 
 
 On the same garment! Monstrous. Maid of Honour. 
 
 Where, by the way, Massinger seems to have tumbled into an anti-climax. For the eagle's aery and an old cloak are 
 as ill matched as the frieze and tissue. But the allusion is to the livery of Mary of France and Charles Brandon. 
 Things may be good or beautiful in themselves, but their dignity or meanness is merely circumstantial. The fool's 
 coxcomb was the Kt<§/3«o-/« of the Persian king. Vide Aristophanes in Avibus, aut vocem Ku^/Soto-/* apud Scapulam. 
 The same comparison a little varied occurs in the " New Way to Pay Old Debts," where Margaret says to Lord 
 Lovel — 
 
 You arc noble, 
 I of a low descent, however rich. 
 And tissue matched with scarlet suits but ill. 
 Where scarlet, which, in point of taste, might match with tissue very well, is evidently chosen as the city colour. 
 But the sentiment is much more characteristic of Margaret, who could not be ignorant of her father's ill name, and 
 who was in love with a page, that of the high and haughty " Maid of Honour," whose descent could not be mean, and 
 who loved the man to whom she depreciated herself. Besides, her scruple is frivolous and vexatious, for her lover is 
 but a left-handed offspring of royalty. She had better reason to object to his birth than he to hers. In these cases, 
 the old dramatists and romantical writers had an infallible mode of reconciling nature and aristocratic prejudice. 
 The lovely Shepherdess or Squire of low degree always proves to be a lost or disowned shoot of royalty :)r nobility. 
 «' The Winter's Tale " furnishes a beautiful instance of this lucky kvetyvai^urt^. 
 
 Cervantes happily ridicules this sort of equivocal generation. «' The knight having set out for the army, comes to 
 battle, overcomes the king's adversary, takes many town8,makes divers conquests, returns to court, visits his mistress 
 m the ordinary manner, and the affair being concerted between them, demands her in marriage as the reward of his 
 service ; the father refuses to grant the boon on pretence of not knowing who this hero is ; but, nevertheless, either 
 by stealth or some other way, the infanta becomes his wife ; and at last the king is overjoyed at his good fortune, when 
 the knight proves to be the son of a valiant monarch of some unknown country, for I suppose it could not be found on 
 the map."— Z>on Quixote, part 1, book 9, chap. 7. 
 1)071 7 be too xiire thnl he's n Beefeater. 
 
INTRODUCTION-. xxxvil 
 
 comes home, and concerns our "business and bosoms." His social morals were derived from 
 chivalry and feudal days. In truth, both chivalry and feudalism tended to set the ^'ftw " on a level 
 with the king — at an incommunicable distance from the many. The reverence for descent and 
 degree, always stronger and longer strong, in the retainers of great houses than in the great them- 
 selves, was transfused from Arthur to Philip, and betrays itself in an aversion to jparvenu wealth 
 and civic ostentation, worthy a forfeited Highland chief of '45, or a French marquis of the old 
 r6gime. Charles Lamb remarks how acceptable his showing-up of the City must have been to 
 the haughty females of the Pembroke family. But it is only poor gentility that really enjoy such 
 exhibitions, even as the rich vulgar gloat upon caricature representations of that esoteric school of 
 fashion, in whose secrets they are uninitiate. 
 
 Massinger, who fell short of Shakspeare in his veneration for constituted authority, had a far more 
 exclusive devotion to rank and blood.^His menial and plebeian characters are, with hardly an 
 exception, worthless, disagreeable, and stupid — stupider than he meant them to be ; as he had no 
 turn for low comedy, nor indeed for comedy of any sort, if comedy be that which " tendeth to 
 laughter; " for of all dull jokers he would have been the dullest, if Ford had not contrived to be still 
 duller. His fools are " fools indeed," and bores and blockheads into the bargain. His attempts at 
 drollery painfully remind you of 
 
 Sober Lanesborough dancing in the gout. 
 What is much more grievous, he puts his worst ribaldry into the mouths of females. His chastest 
 ladies are very liberal of speech, even according to the standard of his age, but some of his " humble 
 companions" and waiting-gentlewomen would disgrace a penitentiary. I speak not of such as 
 Calipso in the " Guardian," who only talk professionalhj, but of those in whom some regard to 
 modesty and their mistresses' ears would not have been dramatically improper. It is a comfort 
 that they resemble no real women of any sort, and that no women had to act them. 
 
 Now Shakspeare reserves all his contempt for the mob as a body corporate. For the sovereignty 
 of the people he did entertain a most disloyal disrespect ; but individually, his subordinates are good 
 folks in their way : and when not merely fantastic, like Trinculo, 2iick Bottom, and Pistol, have 
 generally a heart under their garb of motley. Lears Fool, half-crazy, half-idiot, is heart " every 
 inch of him." Hoav skilfully is he commended to our good- will before he enters on the scene ! 
 " Since my young lady 's going into France, the Fool has much pined away." ToucJistone is capable 
 of love and fidelity, and Costard is stoical under his misfortunes. Then for the softer sex, — Who 
 would not snatch a kiss of Maria, mischievous minx and forgeress as she is 1 " Nettle of India ; " 
 *' Youngest wren of nine." She really deserved a soberer husband. But I hope Sir Toby reformed 
 after marriage. The nurse is not a very discreet guardianess for a Beauty in her teens ; but though 
 her principles are far from rigid, and her language sails a little too near the wind, there is no harm 
 in her at the bottom. She is none of your ever-craving doorkeepers of the stage. She does all for 
 the best : errs out of pure good-nature, and anile importance, and is very near, if not quite, as honest 
 as Friar Laivrence, himself a Nurse of different sex and higher education. Emilia is the same 
 character, in somewhat higher rank. But is not Mrs. Quickly the pleasantest hostess that ever gave 
 short measure and long credit ] How different a being from Massinger's Dame Tapwell, who spurns 
 from her door the man who had upmade her by his ruin ! Even Doll Tearsheet is a presentable 
 personage compared to some whom Massinger has made confidantes of noble maidens. 
 
 But Shakspeare scruples not to bestow the loftiest virtues and richest poetry * on persons of menial 
 
 ♦ Hear Timon's Under Butler : 
 
 As we do turn our backs 
 
 From our companion thrown into his grave. 
 
 So his familiars from his buried fortunes 
 
 Slink all away ; leave their false vows with him 
 
 Like empty purses picked ; and his poor self 
 
 A dedicated beggar to the air, 
 
 "With his disease of all-shunn'd poverty, 
 
 Walks, like contempt, alone.— Act iv.a. 2. 
 
mTRODUCTION. 
 
 condition. Old Adam makes servitude as venerable as grey hairs ; Timon's steward and household 
 remain steadfast when all the " summer files" have flown. Their loyalty is a holy relic of antique 
 faith, an amulet against the infection of their master's misanthropy. Shakspeare seems to have 
 disliked nohody — but constables and jobbing justices, and deals very leniently with them. He was 
 in perfect good-humour with court, city, and country, and spared none of them when a joke came 
 into his head. But again be it remembered, Shakspeare was a prosperous man, of a happy 
 complexion, and could take an excursion when he chose into "Warwickshire or Faery land. 
 
 We are naturally curious to inquire whether Massingcr was known to Shakspeare ; and whether 
 they liked one another ; and what they thought of each other ; and whether they ever took a cup of 
 sack together at the Mitre or the Mermaid ; and whether Massinger was ever umpire or bottle-holder 
 (he was too grave to be a partaker) at those wit-combats, so happily described by Old Fuller ; * which 
 nevertheless I shrewdly suspect, if taken down after the manner of the Nodes Amhrosianoi, + would 
 
 Hear too, Alexander, Usher to laisc Cresscide " 
 
 Hector, whose patience 
 Is, as a virtue, fixt, to-day was moved, — 
 He chid Andromache, and struck his armourer ; 
 And, like as there were husbandry in war. 
 Before the sun rose he was harnessed liglit, 
 And to the field goes he ; where every flower 
 Did, as a prophet, weep what it foresaw 
 In Hector's wrath !— Act i. s. 2. 
 
 • It may be asked, do not these poetic speeches in the mouths of underlings violate dramatic decorum ? to cfMion of 
 Aristotle ? Certainly they do. Servants in general not only do not talk thus,— but they talk nothing like it. There ia 
 no hint in their talk, and probably no germ in their thoughts, that could under any circumstances expand into such 
 poetry; and were a plebeian character to hold such language throughout a play, it would be an impropriety, in any 
 but a romantic-pastoral drama, which nowhere imitated the language of real life. But with Shakspeare these 
 speeches constituted the whole character, — the persona merely appear to utter them, and then depart. He felt in 
 truth that they were too poetical, too Shakspcarian, to be entrusted to any of the active partners of the plot. The 
 Greek dramatists, whose practice Shakspeare follows in many things, whether knowingly or unconsciously, in like 
 manner generally distribute the oc^yce, ^£g»j — the reflections and retrospects, and descriptions, which suggest either a 
 splendid or an abstruse diction, between the Chorus and the Nuntius, — who are, for the most part, no characters : 
 the Chorus being only xy^vriji «a-g«.«7«9 a sleeping partner, and the Nuntius a viva-voce newspaper. The restricted 
 plan of the Greek drama, and the epic nature of many of its subjects, necessitated a great deal of narration, which it 
 has been thought necessary to enliven by a gorgeous display of imngery, and an oriental pomp of words. But the 
 good sense of the authors showed them that such language, uttered by interested personages, would destroy all 
 verisimilitude ; they therefore committed it to the Nuntius, whose only business was to talk. The English reader 
 may form a good idea of this part from the choruses to Henry V. 
 
 * ''Many were the wit-combats betwixt him (Shakspeare) and Ben Jonson, which two I behold like a Spanish 
 gi-eat galleon and an English man-of-war. Master Jonson, like the former, was built higher in learning,— solid 
 but slow in his performances. Shakspeare, with an English man-of-war,— lesser in bulk, but lighter in sailing, 
 could turn with all tides, and take advantage of all winds, by the quickness of his wit and invention."— Fuller's 
 
 Worthies. 
 
 t The genuine Noctes (now collected, revised, and published in a separate form) will not only afford to future 
 historians a true feeling of the spirit of the times, and to all readers a shoeinghorn to thought or to laughter, but 
 form a valuable addition to dramatic literature. Barring an occasional irregularity of plot, they are perfect specimens 
 of comedy. Indeed, I know not any comedy in which actual conversation is so naturally imitated, without ever 
 stiffening into debate or amabcean oratory, or slipping into morning-call twaddle. Whatever the strain, whether wit, 
 or fun, or pathos, or philosophy, — it arises spontaneously, as the tones of an aeolian harp ; you never feel that the party 
 are met to discuss anything. One topic succeeds another, with the same apparent casualty, and the same under 
 current of suggestion, as in the Odes of Pindar. The characters are sustained with consummate skill and consistency. 
 Christopher North himself is, perhaps, the happiest speaking mask since Mp Father Shandy and My Uncle Toby were 
 silent (for Elia is Charles himself). To be sure, the compotators have no bowels for Cockneys or Whigs. Yet I like 
 their Toryism, because it is of the old, hearty, cavalier, fox-hunting, beef and port kidney, such as Ben and Shakspeare, 
 and Dick Corbett (pride of the lawn), would have chimed in with. Tories, of the Ambrosial sect, understood, that in 
 order to be a gentleman it is necessary to be a man. The prudish Conservatism of the present day is no more like 
 genuine old Toryism, than Milton's Republicanism was like modern Badicalism- Let all Blues, of ei'her sex, or 
 
INTRODUCTION". 
 
 not have much enhanced the fame either of Shakspeare or Jonson, whatever they might say for their 
 conviviality. The vnt-comhats in their plays, are the dullest sins of which they are ever guilty. 
 Eepartee is the accomplishment of lighter thinkers and a less earnest age. Besides, Uliau fxyfj/xoi/a 
 'XvfXKOT^iv. Most likely Shakspeare and Massinger met, but we have no ground to conjecture the 
 amount of their acquaintance. As dramatists, they were hardly contemporary — at least, Shakspeare 
 retired some years before Massinger produced his earliest extant play ; though no less than nine, 
 exclusive of the " Old Law " (his share in which is doubtful), are placed, in the lists of Malone and 
 Gifford, before the " Virgin Martyr." * Let us take it for granted that the old Bard encouraged the 
 young aspirant (for he knew the fatalities of the human will too well to dissuade), and prognosticated 
 his future greatness ; though the prognostics of poets with regard to each other are as fallible as their 
 political vaticinations. There can be no doubt that Massinger admired and studied Shakspeare. 
 In the haste of composition, his mind turned up many thoughts and phrases of the elder writer, in a 
 more or less perfect state of preservation, but he was neither a plagiarist nor an imitator. His style, 
 conduct, characterisation, and metre, are perfectly distinct. No serious dramatist of the age owed 
 Shakspeare so little. Yet in a mock romance called " Wit and Fancy in a Maze, or Don Zara del 
 Togo," 1656, where an uproar of the poets is described, Massinger is introduced as one of Shakspeare's 
 body-guard. Hence, and from an ambiguous expression or two in his prologues,t seeming to glance 
 
 none, — liberal or conservative, high churcli, low church or no church, — water drinkers or liqueur sippers, — keep in 
 good company, out of the reach of Christopher's crutch. 
 
 * Their titles are, « The Forced Lady," «« The Secretary," " The Noble Choice," " The Wandering Lovers," "Philenzo 
 and Ilippolyta," " Antonio and Vallia," " The Tyrant," " Fast and Welcome " (a title that does not sound popish), and 
 
 The Woman's Plot," which last was acted at Court in 1621. All these, except "The Secretary," which seems to 
 have been printed, though now lost, with "The Spanish Viceroy " (acted 1624), "Minerva's Sacrifice" (Nov. 3, 1629), 
 and "Believe as You List" (May 7, 1631), perished in Mr. Herald Warburton's kitchen by a more ignominious 
 combustion than the Alexandrian library, though that was twice consumed,— first by Christian zeal, and then by 
 Saracenic fanaticism. Mr, Warburton should have walked barefoot over the ashes of Herculaneum for a penance ; 
 but he did no penance : and I am afraid he did scold his cook, who was not to blame. Yet I would commend this 
 incident to the serious reflection of those persons who would not have domestics able to write, or to read writing. 
 Only consider,— they might have been sermons instead of plays. Fifty-two sermons,— warranted original ! We 
 need not, however, utterly despair of recovering some of these sybilline books. The " Parliament of Love " came 
 to light very opportunely for Mr. GifiFord, by whom it was first printed (though with some unavoidable lacunae) 
 from a MS. in the possession of Mr. Malone, and supposed to be Massinger's autograph, with sundry obliterations 
 and interpolations, by the oflScious — I mean oflicial— Sir H. Herbert. A lucky discovery put the fact beyond 
 doubt. Mr. Gifford, in the interval between his first and second edition, received a letter from Mr. Octavius 
 Gilchrist, announcing that Mr. Blore, in collecting materials for a History of Derbyshire, had discovered, among the 
 papers of the late Mr Gell of Hopton, a copy of the original edition of the " Duke of Blilan,"— presented by the author 
 to Sir Francis Foljambe, a Derbyshire gentleman, to whom he afterwards dedicated his " Maid of Honour,"— interlined 
 and corrected throughout with his own hand, and preceded by a copy of verses addressed to Sir Francis himself. The 
 acquisition of this treasure must have brightened at least one day in Gifford's painful existence. It established 
 jMassinger's claim to the " Parliament of Love," sometime attributed to Kowley, — a play in which the Editor had 
 the interest of a foster-father, — though, as seems to me, of no very gracious child. It decided the orthography of 
 Massinger's name,— which Mr. Malone would have to be Messenger,— as it is spelt in Davison's endorsement. A 
 man who makes a name has an undoubted right to spell it as he ch oses. But, above all, Mr. Gifford ascertained 
 from Massinger's own hand the correctness of several of his conjectural emendations ! His triumph must have been 
 as great as Bentley's when he found that his conjectural restoration of a Greek inscription was the actual reading of 
 the stone. These statements, derived from the advertisement to the second edition, may give us hope, that in some 
 forgotten hiding-place of some old Catholic or Royalist mansion, redolent of foisty antiquity— where countless 
 generations of the genus Blatta have wi-ought their winding catacombs for centuries,— some unknown labour of 
 
 Massinger, Fletcher, or Shakspeare himself, may now bz crumbling Were it but a note or a memorandum 
 
 While speaking of Mr. Gifford, I must take leave gently to complain of him, and other investigators of 
 
 curious literature, for referring, with the most provoking bibliographical accuracy, to books and manuscripts which, to 
 all but one out of ten thousand, might as well be in the lost Pleiad as where they are ; instead of transcribing the 
 passages required to establish the point in question. I am sorely puzzled about Don Zara del Fogo, with whom 1 
 have no acquaintance, and no chance of an introduction. I cannot tell what he implies by making Massingf r a 
 satellite of Shakspeare. 
 
 t TTo siiliniits 
 'i'o the grave ccubure of those abler wits 
 
INTRODUCTIOK. 
 
 at the impatience of Ben at the ill-usage of his "New Inn," and other senilia, it has been surmised, 
 I hope erroneously, that he was ill-aflfected towards Jonson, It is an unwise thing in an author to 
 show that he is hurt, and a vain attempt to appeal against the decrees of such an irresponsible despot 
 as an audience. It is only for a Coriolanus, Shakspeare's Coriolanus, to say to the people, " I 
 banish you." But it is worse than unwise to reproach an aged genius with the decay of his powers, 
 and if Massinger joined with the "stinkards, in the twopenny rooms," or the gallants who took 
 tobacco on the stage, to insult the infirmities of poor old Ben, not all our admiration of the Dramatist 
 ought to save the man from contempt. But I do not, I cannot believe it. Genius may be vicious, 
 may be mad, but can it be base ? 
 
 ]!^Iassinger himself was not tame to censure. It appears that his " Emperor of the East " was 
 opposed on its first appearance. The dishonour was fairly wiped off when the play was commanded 
 sit court. A court bespeak * was the highest favour a dramatist could look for ; and Massinger took 
 the occasion to express his vexation in an occasional prologue, as follows : — 
 
 A 
 
 As ever, sir, you lent a gracious ear 
 
 To oppressed innocence, now vouchsafe to hear 
 
 llis weakness, nor dares he profess that when 
 The critics laugh, he *11 laugh at them again. 
 Strange self-love in a writer ! — Prologue, to Guardian. 
 
 Let others, building on their merit, say 
 
 You 're in the wrong, if you move not that way 
 
 Which they prescribe you ; as you were boimd to learn 
 
 Their maxims, but incapable to discern 
 
 'Twixt truth and falsehood. Ours had rather be 
 
 Censured by some for too much obsequy 
 
 Than tax'd of self-opinion, — Prologue to Bashful Lover. 
 
 .. cannot positively affirm that Massinger did not Avrite this mob-adulation, for everything he has written in rhyme ia 
 exceedingly clumsy, but there is no proof whatever that ho did write it, Prol<'gues were then, as in later times, 
 after-thoughts, nnd in general not composed by the author of the play. No one can think, for instance, that the 
 prologue to "King Henry VIII." was written by Shakspeare, — or Ben Jonson either. Such jobr, were generally 
 committed to the operatives of the play-house. Dryden seems to have been the first who fairly set his wits to work 
 at a prologue or epilogue. I believe Mr, Miles Peter Andrews was the last who acquired a reputation in this line. 
 Epilogue writers in particular have applied the experimentum crticis, to ascertain how much doggrel, vulgarity, and 
 impudence, they could get an actress to speak, or a gallery to endure. 
 
 Nothing short of demonstration shall make me believe that Massinger curried favour by insulting Jonson. There 
 were hands enough about any play-house for such dirty work, and I beg leave to propose that the obnoxious lines be 
 attributed to Swanston, the "wretched player," as Gifford calls him, who, while his fellow actors either fought for 
 their royal patron, or were content to beg, steal, or starve, as best they could, slunk over to the prevailing party, and 
 professed that " he had always been a pre-sbyterian in his heart," 1 confess, I can bring no evidence of this, only 
 Swanston was an actor at the theatres where Massinger's plays were produced, very famous in Chapman's Busfi/ 
 d'Ambois, and the only one of the quality that ratted ; and what is a little additional soot to a chimney-sweeper? 
 
 * Massinger had his share of bespeaks. It may surprise some of our Sabbatarian high-church-men that the semi- 
 canonized Charles ordered "The Guardian," — no very Hannah Morisco drama — to be performed at court on Sonday, 
 12th January, 1633. just after the appearance of Prynne's Histriomastyx. This looks like defiance, and to say the best 
 of it, was in bad taste. For 'the Book of Sports there was at least a plausible pretext— the inhibition of healthful 
 exercises in the open air does not induce the labouring class to keep the sabbath holy. But there is a wide difference 
 between out-of-door recreation, permitted to the poor on their only day of leisure, and a play performed for lucre, in a 
 crowded room, before persons who may see plays any day in the week. But it was by no means the only instance in 
 which Charles, partly from opposition to the puritans, and partly in complaisance to his wife, outraged the religious 
 feelings of his best friends. He actually gave leave to a French company to play on sermon days during Lent. How 
 came it that Laud did not remonstrate against acts, which, whether criminal or not, were certainly Mali exempli, 
 and superfluously unpopular? Perhaps he did— and was disregarded ; perhaps his devotion to the king, as head of 
 the church, closed his lips. Yet St, Ambrose did not scruple to put an emperor to open penance. Loyalty is the 
 boundcn duty of a Christian, but ultra-royalism is the Acliilles heel of the Church of England, which has suffered 
 more by the reign of Charles II than by the temporary domination of its enemies. Sir Henry Herbert, who know 
 well enough who was at the bottom of the Lent business, refused ten pounds from the French players " because he 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 A short petition. At your feet, in me 
 The poet kneels, and to your Majesty 
 Appeals for justice. What we now present, 
 When first conceived, in his vote and intent 
 Was sacred to your pleasure, in each part 
 With his best of fancy, judgment, language, art 
 Fashioned and formed so as might well and may 
 Deserve a welcome, and no vulgar way. 
 lie durst not, sir, at such a solemn feast, 
 Lard his grave matter with one scurrilous jest ; 
 Hut laboured that no passage might appear 
 But what the Queen without a blush might hear, 
 And yet this poor work suffered by the rage 
 And envy of someXatos of the Stage. 
 Yet still he hopes this play^ which then was seen. 
 With sore eyes, and condemned out of their spleen. 
 May be by you, the supreme judge* set free 
 And raised above the reach of calumny. 
 
 I know not what Queen Henrietta did and did not blush at, but certainly I would not undertake to 
 read the " Emperor of the East " in the presence of female majesty, without considerable curtailment, 
 and the entire excision of the prose part of the fourth scene of the fourth act, in which the author 
 (not Massinger, who never wrote prose), for the sake of a scurrilous jest, has committed a medical 
 
 1 
 
 wished to render the Q,ueen, his mistress, an acceptable service." Yet he made Massinger pay twenty shillings for a 
 play he would not permit to be performed. — Sneak ! \j 
 Queen Henrietta paid Massinger a more unusual compliment than ordering his plays at court. She attended tliq^ 
 
 performance of his "Cleander" (a lost tragedy), at the Blackfriars' Theatre. Considering what theatres then were, 
 when the young gallants were in the habit of displaying their bravery and tobacco-pipes on stools upon the stage (a 
 nuisance which Charles II. thought necessary to abate by an order in council), and when there were twopenny rooms 
 wlieie ale and tobacco were sold, I cannot think this a very queenly or prudent condescension. On another occasion, 
 February, IfiSU, when Davenant's " Triumphs of the Prince d' Amour " was presented at the Middle Temple, the 
 daughter of Henri Quatre with her ladies sat on the platform with the promiscuous assemblage, in the dress of 
 citizens' wives, then far more distinct from court habiliments than at present. Charles should not have permitted 
 these vagaries. Unseemly condescension never atones for habitual hauteur ; and unpopular personages, by hunting 
 popularity, only add contempt to hatred. Popular characters, Avhile their day lasts, may do anything ; their vices 
 are only proofs of a good heart; their ill-humours are dulces Amaryllidis irce— pretty Fanny's way— their grossest 
 absurdity is perfume in the i>ublic nostrils. 
 
 Decipiunt caecum vitia, aut etiam base 
 Delectant, veluti Halbinum polypus Agnae. 
 
 But every man that squinted was not a Wilkes, even in the heyday of Wilkes and liberty. Kemble's cough and Kean'a 
 " damnable faces " were only admired in Kemble and Kean. Desdemcma might not have fancied Ignatius Sancho, 
 though she fell in love with Othello. The very peculiarities, which as symbols of individuality, serve as pegs for love 
 to hang upon, are just as liable to arrest the burs of hatred. Every one must have felt this in their own case. A lisp 
 — a stammer— a provincial accent— a cast of the eye — un petit nez retroussi, how amiable in the amiable, in the 
 disagreeable how odious. 
 
 A popular person can do nothing wrong : an unpopular person, especially if of high rank, can do nothing right. 
 The French never affected puritanical rigour. Yet the levities into which Marie Antoinette was seduced by the over- 
 confidence of virtue, were served up as a bonne-bouche for jacobin malice. But what with the common unthinking 
 vulgar is merely prejudice, becomes deadly rancour when vulgarity i? intensified by fanaticism. Poor Henrietta and 
 her royal husband were sorely mistaken if they thought that by publicity and splendour they could appease a hatred 
 which had usurped the throne of duty. 
 
 I know not whether Massinger received any pecuniary bounty from the king beyond the customary honorarium, 
 which he ni'ght share with the players. Charles gave Cartwright forty pounds for his " Royal Slave," perhaps from 
 some mysterious presentiment connected with the name. His interest in theatricals was more than consistent with 
 the gravity of his character. He furnished Shirley with the plot of his "Gamester," and desired Sir H. Herbort to 
 inform him that it was the best play he had seen for seven years. I like Charles all the better for these things, bnt 
 the puritans did not. His expenses in masques and pageants would have paid and armed many loyal soldiers, and 
 perhaps might have bought off a patriot or two. 
 
y'.ii 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 anachronism. But surely Massinger could have no right, after authorising this prologue, to reflect 
 on Ben. 
 
 With this doubtful exception, our author seems to have lived on good terms with all his brethren. 
 No line in his plays could annoy any writer — living or dead — which is more than can be said for 
 Shakspeare, who was rather prone to parody. Shirley, Ford, May, GofF (in a Latin epigram which 
 would puzzle Martial, and break Prjscian's heart), George Donne (whom Mr. "Weber innocently 
 confounded with Dr. John Donne), and a cortege of Jays, and W. B.'s, and T. J.'s, heralded his plays, 
 like the dwarf before the giant, with commendatory verses, which it is well to accept as testimonies 
 of friendship — for assuredly they are good for nothing else. 
 
 His dedications are beautiful samples of pure mother English, commendable for a self-respectful 
 respectfulness, very different from the presumptuous adulation of Dryden and Young, but painful 
 from their weary iteration of complaint and acknowledgment — ■ 
 
 I 've heard of hearts unkind, kind deeds 
 
 With coldness still returning; 
 
 Alas ! the {jratitudc of men 
 
 Hath oftener left me luouining. — Wordsworth. 
 
 Complaint seems to have become habitual to him, like the sickly tone of a confirmed valetudi- 
 narian, who thinks you unfeeling if you tell him he is looking well. We are accustomed to hear of 
 the peaceful days of Charles, as days when the sister Muses sang together in the warm light of a 
 Christian Phoebus. Yet Massinger continually talks of his " despised quality," and addresses each 
 successive dedicatee as his sole and last hope. Gifford says, " all Massinger'a. patrons were persons . 
 of worth and consideration." He never degraded himself, like poor Otway, by dedicating to a titled 
 courtezanf; but his principal patron, Philip of Pembroke and Montgomery, has left a stain upon the 
 name of Herbert which no dedication can wash away. His ignorance and cowardice have, no doubt, 
 been much exaggerated ; but of his brutality, meanness, and ingratitude, there can be no doubt 
 at all. 
 
 The only undramatic x>oem (if so it may be called) of any length that Massinger has left, memo- 
 rializes the death of this nobleman's eldest son, who died at Florence, January, 1636. It might as 
 well be forgotten — if it were not for one passage, curious as illustrating the customs of the age. 
 
 That great ladies mourn 
 His sudden death, and lords vie at his urn ' 
 
 Drops of compassion ; that true sorrow fed 
 With showers of tears, still bathes the widowed bed 
 Of his dear spouse — 
 
 Now this " dear spouse " had never been, in any rational or Christian sense, a wife at all. 
 Charles Lord Herbert was married (if the profane abuse of a hoi}'- ceremony can constitute marriage) 
 to Mary, daughter of Villiers Duke of Buckingham, 1634, when the poor little girl was so young, 
 that it was expedient the bridegroom should immediately set out on his travels. Providence 
 employed the small-pox to disappoint the avarice or ambition of the match-makers. Had this 
 young couple arrived at nubile years, would either of them have been bound in conscience to stand 
 to the bargain ] 
 
 Is it not lamentable to see a man like Massinger, Avhom we would preserve in everlasting remem- 
 brance, constrained to write nonsense for a poor pittance from one who deserved not the impunity 
 of oblivion % 
 
 Nil habet infelix paupertas durius in se 
 
 Quam quod ridiculos homines facit. — Juveval, iii 132. 
 
 The woes of poverty might well be borne, 
 AVere not the poor compelled to merit scorn. 
 
 Massinger did feel, painfully feel his humiliation. The degradation of patronage ate into his 
 soul. It is good to be dependent, where the dependency grows out of natural relation, or constituted 
 order. But to sue for dependence ; — to court the bondage of obligation, as it is a sore evil for any 
 
INTRODUCTION. xliii 
 
 man, so for the highly-gifted and high-minded it is worse than pauperism. Literature is a bad 
 trade ; but it is better to pursue it as a trade, than calculate upon the bounty of great ones, which 
 is only honourable when " it droppeth as the gracious dew from heaven." To inward disquietude, 
 and a desire to utter in falsetto what his poverty forbade him to speak in his natural tones, rather 
 than to any sincere sympathy with the nascent republicanism of his age, we must ascribe the angry 
 dislike of kings, and courts, and ministers, which is so obtrusive in Massinger's plays, and the 
 unnecessary, — unpoetical baseness of many of his characters. His political sentiments, abstractedly 
 considered, are, for the most part, just ; but tliey are thrust in head and shoulders, where there is 
 no dramatic call for them. He could not get fairly out of England — not the grand ancestraP 
 England of imaginative patriotism — but the factious, quarrelsome, half-servile, half-rebellious 
 England of his own day. He felt the manacles about him. 
 
 And drneged, at eagh- remove, a lengthening cliain. 
 
 His political allusions sometimes brought him into trouble ; and if King Charles had not been 
 more liberal than Sir Henry (who did little more credit to the name of Herbert than his kinsman 
 Philip), he might have suffered more severely. On the 11th January, 1631, the Master of the 
 Revels refused to license a play of his, the name of which has not transpired, " because it did 
 contain dangerous matter, as the deposing of Sebastian king of Portugal by Philip II., there being 
 peace sworn between England and Spain. I had my fee notAvithstanding, which belongs to me for 
 reading it over, and ought always to be brought with a book." So far Sir Henry, who seems to 
 have been a mighty gnat-strainer, and a bit of a puritan, who reconciled his conscience to the 
 profane employment of reading and allowing plays, by exacting the uttermost farthing from poet 
 and player — holding with hh fellow-creature in Sheffield's Session, 
 
 Though the function was wicked— the salary was good. 
 
 Now mark the difference between a Jack in office and a generous King. In 1638, when the 
 dispute ran high about ship-money, ^Inasinger produced a play on the history of Don Pedro the 
 Cruel, called " The King and Subjeci,." in which occurred the following passage : — 
 
 JSIonies ? We '11 raise supplies which ways we please. 
 And force you to subscribe to blanks, in which 
 We 11 mulct you as we shall think fit. The Caesars 
 In Rome were wise, acknowledging no laws 
 But what their swords did ratify ; the wives 
 And daughters of the senators bowing to 
 Their wills as deities, &c. 
 
 *' This is a piece taken out of Philip Massinger's play, called the King and the Subject, and 
 entered here for ever, to be remembered by my son, and those that cast their eyes upon it, in 
 honour of king Charles my master, who reading over the play at Newmarket, set his mark upon the 
 place with his own hand, and in these words : — ' This is too insolent, and to be changed.' Note, 
 that the poet makes it the speech of a king, Don Pedro, king of Spain, and spoken to his subjects." 
 — Register of Master of Bevels. 
 
 Now there can be little doubt, that by Don Pedro Massinger meant King Charles, and more than 
 insinuated that the liberty taken with the people's purse would be extended to their wives and 
 daughters ; and had Charles not chanced to read the play at NcAvmarket, ten to one Sir Henry 
 would have dealt with Don Pedro as he did with Don Sebastian, pocketed his fee, and left the poet 
 his pains for his labour. But the king was content to set his mark over the obnoxious passage, and 
 gave his special allowance to the writer who had gone out of the way for a clap-trap at his expense. 
 In the same register we read : — 
 
 " At Greenwich, the 4th of June. Mr. W. Murray gave me power from the king to allow of the 
 play, and „old me that he would warrant it." 
 
 Sir Ilcnry informs us that the name of the play was altered. Mr, Malone conjectures that it was 
 
 the " Tyrant' before mentioned ; but I do not see how that could mend the matter. It was acted 
 
 June 5, 1G38, but never printed, and has not been found. The fcubject has great dramatic 
 
 rf2 
 
xliv INTRODUCTION. 
 
 capabilities ; but I doubt whether Massinger would treat it worthily either of the theme, or of 
 himself. Neither Tragedy nor Comedy, in the strictest force of the terms, was his province. 
 Besides, he had an unlucky habit of getting into a passion with his bad characters, and making 
 them wilful demonstrators of their own depravity. Smollett, particularly in his Count Fathom, 
 falls into this mistake. Euripides was not free from it. It nowhere occurs in Homer, Cervantes, 
 or Shakspeare, the great and true dramatists, and very seldom in Fielding or Sir Walter Scott. 
 
 Massinger's excellence — a great and beautiful excellence it is — was in the expression of virtue, in 
 its probation, its strife, its victory. He could not, like Shakspeare, invest the perverted will with 
 the terrors of a magnificent intellect, or bestow the cestus of poetry on simple unconscious loveliness. 
 
 We draw to a close. After " The King and Subject," so happy in its timely expurgation, Massinger 
 produced two dramas, " Alexius, or the Chaste Lover," and " The Fair Anchoress of Pausilippo." 
 It is a pity they are both lost, for the titles promise much in his best way. The last was acted in 
 January, 1640. On the 16th March in the same year, he went to bed in apparent health, and was 
 found dead in the morning in his house on the Bankside. Such is the received account ; but he 
 seems to have had none to care for him, none to mark his symptoms, or to detect the slow decay 
 which he might conceal in despair of sympathy. 
 
 Poorly, poor man, he lived — poorly, poor man, he died. 
 
 He was buried in the churchyard of St. Saviour's, and the comedians were his only mourners — 
 perhaps half envious of his escape from the storm that was already grumbling afar, and sending 
 ahead its herald billows. No stone marked his neglected resting-place, but in the parish register 
 appears this brief memorial, "March 20, 1639-40 — buried Philip Massinger, a strakgek." His 
 sepulchre was like his life, obscure : like the nightingale, he sung darkling — it is to be feared, like 
 the nightingale of the fable, with his breast against a thorn.* 
 
 John Ford + was descended from a family long settled in the north of Devonshire. Those who 
 have an opportunity of consulting Prince's " Worthies of Devon," may find a great deal about his 
 genealogy, but little or nothing about himself. Suffice it to say, that Thomas Ford, of Ilsington, 
 married the sister or daughter " of the famous Lord Chief Justice Popham, and had issue John the 
 Poet and several others." John the Poet Avas baptized in Ilsington church, 17th April, 1586, and 
 became a member of the Middle Temple, November 1602. He found a cousin, John Ford (the 
 Fords were almost all Johns,) at Gray's Inn. No small advantage is it for a youth, on his first 
 entrance at town or college, to have a kinsman or friend established just before him, old enough for 
 a counsellor, and not too old for a companion.^ To the influence of John Ford, of Gray's Inn, it 
 
 * Following Gifford, I was here led into an error in the first edition, which I suffer to stand in the text, the more 
 to fix attention on the correction. Massinger was buried in St. Saviour's, March 18, 1638-9 ; and no less a sum than 
 £2 was paid for his funeral, which shows that he was interred Avith unusual cost and ceremony. Gifford (strangely 
 enough) did not know that every person there buried, who did not belong to the parish, was termed " a atranger." 
 See these facts in Collier's Memoirs of the Principal Actors in the Plays of Shakspeare. 
 
 t Lucian wrote a whimsical piece called A/«>j iptuvr^ivrmt the lawsuit of the bowels. The letter E might find 
 ground for litigation in the names of Shakspear or Shakespeare, Massinger or Messenger, and Ford or Fordo. lam 
 not aware that any autograph of the last has been discovered ; but the anagram. Fide Honor, seen in the title-pages 
 of some of his plays, pleads for the final E. I doubt, however, if anagrams are legal evidence in these cases; and the 
 matter is not worth contesting,— as this anagram is no way significant or pra?figurative, like some wliich Camden has 
 collecttd. The most extraordinary instance of anagrammatical prophecy tliat I remember, is that of Horatio Nelson, 
 — Honor est a Nilo, The Cabala cannot equal it, 
 
 X This observation I owe to my late father, who often used to dwell on the advantage he derived from finding his 
 fellow Christ's-boy Middleton, afterwjirds Bishop of Calcutta, at Cambridge, and the loss he sustained at the depar- 
 ture of such a guide and example. I experienced a similar loss at Oxford, in the late Bishop of Barbadocs, now master 
 of St. Augustine's College, Canterbury, though his rank in the university would have prohibited him from associating 
 with a freshman who was not his kinsman. 
 
INTRODUCTION xlv 
 
 may perhaps be attributed, that John Ford, of the Middle Temple, stuck to his legal studies, and 
 persevered in his profession, seemingly with good success, though we know not what was the peculiai 
 nature of his professional engagements. He did not forget the obligation, but affectionately 
 remembered his cousin, and is anxious to proclaim to the world, that he had not left his " calling 
 for the idle trade *." 
 
 As plays and masques were periodically represented by the Inns of Court, a young lawyer's 
 becoming a writer of plays could be no indecorum : yet it was not in this line that Ford first 
 appeared in print. He was early in the field. In 1606, in his eighteenth year, he published 
 " Fame's Memorial," a tribute to the memory of Charles Blount, Lord Mountjoy f, for by that title 
 he is better and more honourably known, than by the earldom of Devonshire. It is dedicated to the 
 Lady Penelope, the unhappy cause of the great Mountjoy's unhappiness. Ford speaks of himself as 
 "a young stranger, totally unknown " to the lady, and probably to her lord also ; but the sad history 
 and premature death of such a man must have been rife in the mouths of men, and well might 
 actuate a genius yet in the egg, but destined to be potent in the issues of erratic passion. 
 
 The dread strife 
 Of poor humanity's afflicted will 
 Struggling in vain with ruthless destiny. — Wordsworth. 
 
 I say genius in the egg, for a young crocodile could not crawl forth from the shell, prematurely 
 crushed, a more unseemly miniature of its future self, than " Fame's Memorial " presents of the 
 future Ford. It is worth reading as a warning to all those fip-ure-casters who prognosticate the 
 success or failure of authors from their Juvenilia. Had any seer predicted that the maker of all 
 that stuff was to deserve a lofty seat among England's dramatists, he would have been as heartily 
 laughed at, as he who should have foretold to Trajan, that a Christian priest would one day fulminate 
 
 * His dedications sire tiresomely iterative upon this point. He calls " The Lover's Melancholy " " the first fruits of 
 his leisure,"—" 'Tis l*ity, &c.," " the first fruits of his leisure,"—" The Lady's Trial,"" tl>e issue of less serious hours; " 
 and he tells the Earl of Antrim, to whom he presented the "Fancies Chaste and Noble," that his "courtship of 
 greatnes^s never aimed at any thrift." So much the better ; but what was all this to the public or his patrons either? 
 
 Ford's dedications present a curious contrast to Massinger's in snotlier respect. Ain all his dramas his language, 
 when not obscured by vain emulation of Shakspeare's involution and superfoetation of thought, is as clear as the stars 
 on a frosty night when there is no moon,— but in his prose addresses he is sometimes as laboriously unintelligible as 
 if he would give the Sphynx a lesson— that might have saved her lifo— to secure her meaning from being guessed by 
 having no meaning at all. Take a specimen : " As plurality hath reference to a multitude, so I care not to please 
 many, but where there is a parity of condition, there the freedom of construction makes the best music." Is not this 
 curiosa iufelicitas f 
 
 t The life of this great man is the finest subject for biography now unoccupied. He Avas the true conqueror of 
 Ireland.— the friendly rival of Essex,— the more his friend because he had been his rival ; but that sad destiny which 
 makes some men martyrs,— and inflicts on others infinite pains, far worse than mai'tyrdom, — tried Mountjoy to the 
 utmost. If he failed,— ^ef hhn that has no sin throw the first st<me. He loved the sister of Essex, and she loved him. 
 But the Court of Wards interfered, and she was sold to Lord Rich. The natural consequences followed. Yet neither 
 Mountjoy nor the lady suffered in reputation, till they married. It is difficult to calculate the issues of etiqtiette. 
 Court morality, when it is at the best, was rather conventional at all times,— so, as long as Lord Mountjoy (made Earl 
 of Devonshire by James L) suflTered hia connexion with Lady Rich to be a thing which everybody knew but nobody 
 was obliged to know, all went en well. The lady was received, and Mountjoy enjoyed the favour which his public 
 service had earned. The lady parted from the man who, taking her against her will, must be deemed guilty of what 
 the Inw, till lately, punished with death, a penalty which should have remained as long as death was inflicted at all. 
 Yet I say not tliat Mountjoy and she did right. However bitter the cup of duty may be, duty comnuuids us to drink 
 it even to the dregs. 
 
 Laud married them. King James said, "Ye have gotten a fair woman with a foul heart." I hope this was not 
 true. Rut Mountjoy felt it. He that might fairly have claimed the highest place among England's subjects for his 
 well-deserving, pined away, and died untimely,— the victim of an iniquitous law and an unfortunate passion. 
 
 Ford was not the only poet that wept for the death of Mountjoy. The moral Daniel wrote one of his sweetest 
 monodies on that occasion. 
 
 Ford no doiibt remembered Mountjoy and his hapless love when he wrote the " Broken Heart." By far the fines* 
 scrnc in all the old Dramatists (Shakspearp of course excepted) is that in which Penthea laments her "enforced 
 marri.igo." 
 
xlvi INTKODUCTIOK 
 
 from the Seven Hills more dreaded edicts than his own. In the paucity of direct information, we 
 are glad to hang a conjecture on any loop of an author's raggedness. Mr. GifFord has discovered, 
 from certain hints in the " Memorial," that Ford, at eighteen, was the prey of a hopeless passion 
 for a nymph so cruel, as to earn the classical appellation of Lycia, or she-wolf. Most poets thiuk 
 it necessary to be, or to have been, in love, and most men at eighteen fancy themselves so. 
 
 Ford submitted to the usual dramatic apprenticeship, and like the pupils of the great masters in 
 painting, was content to forward the works which his elders had designed, or retouch what time had 
 discoloured. He assisted Webster in " A late Murther of the Sonne upon the Mother," a play not 
 extant, and perhaps no great loss. Such as have an appetite that way, and no dread of the night- 
 mare, may " sup full of horrors " on the remaining dramas of Webster. No doubt it was of the same 
 class with " Arden of Feversham," and the " Yorkshire Tragedy." He joined with Decker in the 
 " Fairy Knight " and the " Bristowe Merchant " — both lost. The latter was probably founded on 
 some recent event. " An 111 Beginning has a Good End," acted at the Cockpit, 1613, "The London 
 Merchant," " The Royal Combat," and " Beauty in a Trance," entered on the Stationers' books, but 
 not printed, were used up by Mr. Warburton's cook. 
 
 The "Witch of Edmonton," by Decker, Rowley, and Ford, probably appeared about 1622 or 1623, 
 for a woman, named Elizabeth Sawyer, was executed on a charge of witchcraft in 1621, and the play 
 was evidently got up to take advantage of a temporary excitement ; it has all the incongruity that 
 might be expected in a hasty work of three authors. Ford once more united with Decker in the 
 " Sun's Darling," a moral masque, acted March, 1623-24, but supposed to be a recast of an older 
 piece. The last act, which bears the strongest marks of Ford, may have been written at a later 
 period, after the accession of Charles I., as it evidently alludes to the Scotch, and their repugnance 
 to the religious ordinances of the prelacy *. As it was not printed till 1657, when it appeared under 
 
 * Raybriglit, •' the Sun's Darling," having successfully sated himself with the other Seasons, thieatens to visit the 
 realm of Winter, by which Scotland is evidently intended— much to the consternation of the poorer inhabitants, two 
 of whom open the 5th act, with politic grumblings, for which they are thus rebuked by Winter : — 
 
 What sullen murmurings does your gall bring forth ? 
 Will you prov 't true, " No good comes from the north ? " 
 Bold, saucy mortals, dare you then aspire 
 With snow and ice to quench the sphere of fire ? 
 Are your hearts frozen like your clime, from thence 
 All temperate heat's fled of obedience ? 
 How durst you else with force think to withstand 
 Your Prince's entry into this his land? 
 A Prince, who is so excellently good. 
 His virtue is his honour, more than blood ; 
 In whose clear nature, as two suns, do rise 
 The attributes of merciful and wise ; 
 ■ Whose laws are so imparttal, they must 
 
 Be counted heavenly, 'cause they *re truly just: 
 
 Yet you, wild fools, possess'd with giant rage. 
 
 Dare, in your lawless fury, think to wage 
 
 War against Heaven; and from his shining throne 
 
 Pull Jove himself, for you to tread upon ; 
 
 Were your heads circled with his own green oak. 
 
 Yet are they subject to his thunder-stroke ; 
 
 And he can sink such wretches as rebel, 
 
 From Heaven's sublime height to the depth of Hell. 
 
 1st. Clown. The devil he can as soon! We fear no colours ; let him do his worst ; there *8 many a tall fellow, besides 
 us, will rather die than see his living taken from them, nay, even eat up : all things are grown eo dear, there 'a no 
 enduring more mouths than our own, neighbour. 
 
 2nd. Clown. They say this Prince too would bring new laws upon us ; new rites into the temples of our Gods ; and 
 that 's abominable. 
 
 Winter A most fair pretence, 
 To found rebellion upon conscience I 
 
INTRODUCTION xlvii 
 
 the auspices of Theophilus Byrde and Andrew Pennycuyke, two actors out of work, obliged, like 
 other distressed tradesmen, to sell oflf their stock for what they could get, there was time enough for 
 alterations ; and it would naturally be printed as it was last acted. 
 
 Ford now took a long rest. At least we hear nothing of him till 1628, when he produced the 
 " Lover's Melancholy," acted Nov. 24, and printed the following year. In his dedication he says, 
 " My presumption of coming in print in this kind, has hitherto been irreprovable ; this piece being 
 the first that ever courted reader." "We may fairly conclude, therefore, that whatever dramatic 
 works he had previously written, alone or in concert, had not been printed. Though himself a 
 member of the Middle Temple, he dedicates " To my worthily respected friends, Nathaniel Finch, 
 John Ford, Esqrs., Mr. Henry Blunt, Mr. Robert Ellice, and all the rest of the nolle society of Gray's 
 Inn." This was a compliment to his cousin. Most likely N. Finch and John Ford, who are 
 designated esquires, were benchers, or otherwise distinguished by forensic honours. The title of 
 the piece was seemingly suggested by Burton's "Anatomy of Melancholy," then recently published. 
 Ford borrowed as freely from that delightful book as Sterne — more honestly, for he could have 
 neither hope nor wish of concealment, but not to so good purpose. The play is ushered, as usual, 
 by commendatory verses by George Donne (a regular contributor on these occasions, whose rhymes, 
 occasional as the bellman's or the Laureate's, may be excused if they exhibit the same degree of merit), 
 William Singleton, a relation of Massinger's, Hum. Iloworth, whose tribute has all the oracular 
 darkness of no meaning; and *0 cpiKos, who seems to have estimated his offering at its true worth, 
 — for thus saith he, 
 
 Tis not the language, nor the fore-placed rhymes 
 
 Of friends, that shall commend to after times 
 
 The Lover's Melancholy. 
 
 In great men's houses, you must thread your way through a file of menials, who pass your name 
 like a watch-word, till the man of figure finally commits you to the drawing-room. The com- 
 mendatory verses that throng the entrance of old books would be almost as troublesome, if you 
 could not brush by without heeding them. 
 
 M'oLSsinger wrote rapidly and incessantly. No wonder. It was his vocation. A week's holiday 
 might have thrown him out of employment for a year. Operative authors should keep the Sabbath, 
 but they should make no Saint Mondays. They should observe the painter's rule, ne dies sine linea. 
 Like poor hacks on the road, while warm in the harness we jog on, not very happy perhaps, but still 
 with a certain sense of power, hardly conscious of each separate effort, and precipitated by accumu- 
 lated velocity. But let us once get cold, and our joints stiff, the whole arrear of weariness comes upon 
 us with compound interest, the toil which was hardly felt in the act becomes terrible in the retrospect, 
 and nothing short of the actual cautery of antique Irish posting can set us in motion again. Ford 
 was a professional gentleman. Perhaps in his younger days, he did look to the stage for a supplement 
 
 Dull, stubborn fools ! whose perverse judgments still 
 
 Are govern'd by the malice of your will. 
 
 Not by indifferent reason, which to you 
 
 Comes, as in droughts the elemental dew 
 
 Does to the parch 'd earth ; wets, but does not give 
 
 Moisture enough to make the plants to live. 
 
 Things void of soul ! can you conceive, that he* 
 
 ■\Vhose every thought 's an act of piety. 
 
 Who 's all religious, fumish'd with all good 
 
 That ever was comprised in flesh and blood. 
 
 Cannot direct you in the fittest way 
 
 To serve those Powers, to which himself docs pay 
 
 True zealous worship ; nay 's so near allied 
 
 To them, himself must needs be deified. 
 These passages proclaim a date later than 1624. It is to be remarked that all these deified perfections have fallen 
 upon Ilaybright, between the 4th and 5th acts. In the previous scenes, little of which attest the hand of Ford, he hafl 
 been represented as an unstable voluptuary, wholly governed by his minion, Folly. 
 
xlviii INTRODUCTION 
 
 to a scanty allowance. His share in the price of a play might pay for an extra supper, (not a ten- 
 pound supper, however,) an excursion down the river, or a little extravagant charity. At least, his 
 quality as dramatist gave him a free admission to the theatres, and entitled him to speak of 
 Shakspeare, and Fletcher, and Burbage, and Lowin, as if he belonged to the set. Young templars 
 to this day are proud of knowing actors and dramatic authors. Ford could not pique himself on the 
 smiles of actresses, for in his day there were none. Eut when he had outgrown the vanities of his 
 youth, and established himself in business, he ostentatiously disdained all view to profit in his 
 writings, and appeared on the stage or in print only at irregular intervals. He had, and took time, 
 to wi'ite up to his own ideal. He disowned all courtship of the vulgar taste ; we might therefore 
 suppose that the horrible stories which he has embraced in "'Tis Pity She's a Whore," "The 
 Broken Heart," and " Love's Sacrifice," were his own choice, and his own taste. But it would be 
 unfair from hence to conclude that he delighted in the contemplation of vice and misery, as vice 
 and misery He delighted in the sensation of intellectual power, he found himself strong in the 
 imagination of crime and of agony; his moral sense was gratified by indignation at the dark 
 possibilities of sin, by compassion for rare extremes of suffering. He abhorred vice — he admired 
 virtue; but ordinary vice or modern virtue were, to him, as light wine to a dram drinker. His 
 genius was a telescope, ill-adapted for neighbouring objects, but powerful to bring within the sphere 
 of vision, what nature has wisely placed at an unsociable distance. Passion must be incestuous or 
 adulterous ; grief must be something more than martyrdom, before he could make them big enough 
 to be seen. Unquestionably he displayed great power in these horrors, which was all he desired ; 
 but had he been " of the first order of poets," he would have found and displayed superior power 
 in " familiar matter of to-day," in failings to which all are liable, virtues Avhich all may practise, 
 and sorrows for which all may be the better. 
 
 These three tragedies were printed in 1633. It is in the two former that Ford's tragic fame is 
 founded. "Love's Sacrifice," is a most unsavoury offering, certainly not to Venus Urania, and 
 contains little to atone for a disgusting story, clumsily plotted, and characters essentially vile. 
 
 His next work was of a more pleasing description. It is indeed the best specimen of the historic 
 drama to be found out of Shakspeare ; and, as a compact consecutive representation of a portion of 
 English history, excels King John or the two Parts of Henry IV. It has. as much unity as the 
 dramatic history admits or requires ; a clearly defined catastrophe, to which every incident conti-i- 
 butes, and every scene advances. Ford showed great judgment in selecting a manageable episode of 
 history, instead of a reign or a " life and death," which no one but Shakspeare could ever make 
 practicable. With still finer tact, he represents PerTcin WarhecTcsx^ a thorough believer in his own 
 royalty. It is not necessary to suppose that he anticipated Horace Walpole or Malcolm Laing. 
 Most likely he never asked himself who was the real Perkin Warbeck, but what sort of a Parkin was 
 best suited for dramatic effect. A poet or dramatist is not required to settle historic doubts. When 
 Burns and Wordsworth tuned the complaints of the captive Mary, they did not consider whether the 
 woman living in the 16th century, deserved captivity. " Perkin Warbeck " was printed in 1634. If 
 we may judge from the unusual number of Commendatory Verses (among which the name of the 
 perpetual George Donne and John Ford of Gray's Inn, are conspicuous) it must have excited much 
 attention. We may regret that Ford did not pursue the vein so prosperously opened, or repose 
 under his laurels; for his comedy, "The Fancies, Chaste and Noble," adds little to his reputation. 
 And his tragi-comedy " The Lady's Trial," though not ill conceived, and in some parts, beautifully 
 written, is abrupt in its conclusion, and unsatisfactory as a whole. The former was printed in 1638 ; 
 the latter in 1639. 
 
 From this time, we hear no more of Ford. Two years elapsed and the dramatist's " occupation 
 was gone." Some suppose that our author died shortly after the appearance of " The Lady's Trial ;" 
 but inquiries, too late to arrive at certainty, have scented a faint tradition, that he withdrew to his 
 native place, married, became a father, lived respected, and died at a good old age. It has 
 even been asserted that Sir Henry Ford, secretary for Ireland in the reign of Charles II. (at whose 
 aeath, in 1684, the line of Fords terminated,) was the poet's son or grandson. All this appears 
 to me very dubious. John Fords were confessedly numerous in the nciglibourhood. Curious people 
 
INTRODUCTION. xlix 
 
 who ask for information from country folks, will seldom be altogether disappointed. Some years 
 ago, at least, there was in most villages a hoary chronicle, a dealer in recollections, who, like the 
 host of the village inn, made it a rule never to be out of anything that was called for. Yet there is 
 little wonder if Ford be not remembered in Devonshire, like his contemporary and countryman 
 Herrick. Hcrrick was, till Burns appeared, the most rural of poets. Thei-e is a singular contrast 
 between his avowed partiality for town, and the rusticity of his muse. He sung the employment, the 
 festivals, the' superstitions of the peasantry, the flowers that adorned their may-poles and hock carts, 
 the ale that made their hearts merry, the yew and rosemary that made their funerals fragrant ; and 
 he had pious moods beside, in which he breathed hymns which some aged rustics still mutter among 
 their nightly prayers. It is not likely that the lads or lasses of Ilsington got Ford's plays by heart. 
 Besides, the parishioners of Dean Bourne. might be proud to have had a poet for their parson ; but 
 how could it interest the yeomanry of Devon, that a retired lawyer, perhaps a man of cold and harsh 
 demeanour *, had written plays at which London playgoers had shuddered. Devonshire was a loyal 
 county, or perhaps a retired dramatist might have found it prudent to say as little of his stage- 
 triumphs, as a retired slave-trader in a philanthropic suburb, of the sale of his cargoes. Could it be 
 proved that Ford enjoyed the fruits of his labours on his native ground, and lived contented and 
 happy, an undistinguished country-gentleman, he might serve to " point a moral," though hardly to 
 " adorn a tale." Massinger lived and died in poverty. He was a mere author. Ford, by adhering 
 to a regular profession, held his head high in the world ; addressed his dedicatees as men on whom 
 he was conferring honour ; laid aside both gown and pen when the first grey hair gave warning, and, 
 free from care and ambition, had " leisure to bo good " ere he was called a^way : and yet achieved the 
 fame which so many seek by the sacrifice of health, fortune, and heart's ease, at those spare hours 
 which every economist of time may make out of minutes wisely saved f. Pity that so excellent a 
 lesson should rest on an obscure tradition. 
 
 * Almost the only contemporary notice that occurs of Ford does not indicate a popular character. 
 Deep in a dump John Ford was alone got, 
 With folded arms and melancholy hat. 
 
 So quotes Gifford from the " Times' Poets," a piece of which I never heard elsewhere. Probably it was a precursor nf 
 the Duncind, Pursuits of Literature, English Bards and Scotch Reviewers, &c. recording the names of many scribblers 
 that would else have been forgotten ; but affording no information about the names we should wish to remember. 
 Whether the cited couplet had any other foundation than the gloom of Ford's plots, or perhaps the title of his " Lover's 
 Melancholy,"! cannot tell. Melancholy was the fashion of that age. It is the natural excess of a thoughtful generation. 
 The •' melancholy hat " is extremely graphic. Our present tiles are ill adapted to the expression, but tlie large beavers 
 of the seventeenth century (Ford hardly wore the puritanical high»crown) could be cocked to fierceness or slouched to 
 despondence at pleasure, i ai inclined to conjecture from these lines, and from the general hauteur of his dedications, 
 that Ford kept much aloof from autliors and actors by trade. Yet if we are to trust old Iley wood, he did not escape 
 that familiar corrui)tion of his name, which in his case had not even the plea of brevity — 
 
 Mellifluous Shakspeare, whose inchanting quill 
 Commanded mirth or passion, was but Will, 
 And famous Jonson, thougli his learned pin 
 Be dipt in Castaly, is still but Ben. 
 Fletcher and Webster, of that learned pack 
 None of the meanest, neither was but Jack, 
 Decker but Tom, nor May, nor Middleton, 
 Anil he j but now Jack I''i)id, that once was John. 
 
 Uii rarchy of A ngels 
 
 \ This sentiment I owe to a preface of tiic late Sharon Turner, the Anglo-Saxon historian, whence it was cited by 
 Mr, Southey. 
 
J 
 
A LIST 
 
 MAS&tNGER'S PLAYS. 
 
 The Forced Lady. T. 
 
 Warburton's servant. 
 
 Destroyed by Mr. 
 
 2. The Noble Choice. C. 
 
 3. The Wandering Lovers. C. 
 
 4. Philenzo and Hippolita. T. C. 
 
 The above three are entered on the Sta- 
 tioners' books, by H. Moseley, Sept. 9, 
 1653 ; but not printed. Destroyed by 
 Mr. Warburton's servant. 
 
 5. Antonio and Vallia. C. 
 
 6. The Tyrant. T. 
 
 7. Fast and Welcome. C. 
 
 The above three are entered on the Sta- 
 tioners' books, by H. Moseley, June 
 29, 16fi0 ; but not printed. Destroyed 
 by Mr. Warburton's servant. 
 
 8. The Woman's Plot. C. Acted at Court 
 
 1 621. Destroyed by Mr. Warburton's ser- 
 vant. 
 
 9. The Old Law. C. 
 
 10. The Virgin-Martyr. T. Acted by the 
 
 Servants of his Majesty's Revels. Quarto, 
 1622; quarto, 1631; quarto, 1661. 
 
 11. The Unnatural Combat. T. Acted at 
 
 the Globe. Quarto, 1639. 
 
 12. The Duke op Milan. T. Acted at Black. 
 
 Friars. Quarto, 1623 ; quarto, 1638. 
 
 13. The Bondman. T. C. Acted Dec. 3, 1623 ; 
 
 at the Cockpit, Drury Lane. Quarto, 1624 ; 
 quarto, 1638. 
 
 14. The Renegado. T. C. Acted April 17, 
 
 1624, at the Cockpit, Drury Lane. Quarto, 
 1630. 
 
 15. The Parliament of Love. C. Acted Nov. 
 
 3, 1624, at the Cockpit, Drury Lane. 
 
 16. The Spanish Viceroy. C. Acted in 1624. 
 
 Entered on the Stationers' books, Sept. 9, 
 1653, by H. Moseley; but not printed. 
 Destroyed by Mr. Warburton's servant. 
 
 17. The Roman Actor. T. Acted October 11, 
 
 1626, by the King's Company. Quarto, 
 1629. 
 
 18. The Judge. Acted June 6, 1627, by the 
 
 King's Company. Lost. 
 
 19. The Great Duke of Florence. Acted 
 
 July 5, 1627, at the Phoenix, Drury Lane. 
 Quarto, 1636. 
 
 20. The Honour of Women. Acted May 6, 
 
 1628. Lost. 
 
 21. The Maid of Honour. T. C. Acted at 
 
 the Phoenix, Drury Lane. Date of its first 
 appearance uncertain. Quarto, 1632. 
 
 22. The Picture. T. C. Acted June 8, 1629, 
 
 at the Globe. Quarto 1630. 
 
 23. Minerva's Sacrifice. T. Acted Nov. 3, 
 
 1629, by the King's Company. Entered on 
 the Stationers' books, Sept. 9, 1653; but 
 not printed. Destroyed by Mr. Warburton's 
 servant. 
 
 24. The Emperor of the East. T. U. Acted 
 
 March 11, 1631, at Black-Friars. Quarto, 
 1632. 
 
 25. Believe as you List. C. Acted May 7, 
 
 1631. Entered on the Stationers' books, 
 Sept. 9, 1653, and again June 29, 1660 ; 
 but not printed. Destroyed by Mr. War- 
 burton's servant 
 
lii 
 
 LIST OF MASSINGER'S PLAYS. 
 
 26. The Unfortunate Piety. T. Acted 
 
 June 13, 1631, by the King's Company. 
 Lost. 
 
 27. The Fatal Dowry. T. Actedby the King's 
 
 Company. Quarto, 1632. 
 
 28. A New Way to pay Old Debts. C. 
 
 Acted at the Phoeni!:, Drury Lane. Quarto, 
 1G33. 
 
 29. The City Madam. C. Acted May 25, 
 
 1632, by the King's Company. Quarto, 
 1659. 
 
 30. The Guardian. C. Acted October 31, 
 
 1633, by the King's Company. Octavo, 
 1655. 
 
 31. The Tragedy of Cleander. Acted May 7, 
 
 1634, by the King's Company. Lost. 
 
 32. A Very Woman. T. C. Acted June 6, 
 
 1634, by the King's Company. Octavo, 
 1655. 
 
 33. The Orator. Acted June 10, 1635, by the 
 
 King's Company. Lost. 
 
 34. The Bashful Lover. T. C. Acted May 9, 
 
 1636, by the King's Company. Octavo, 
 IfiSS. 
 
 35. The King and the Subject. Acted June 5 
 
 1638, by the King's Company. Lost. 
 
 36. Alexius, or the Chaste Lover. Acted 
 
 Sept. 25, 1639, by the King's Company. 
 Lost. 
 
 37. The Fair Anchoress of Pausilippo. 
 
 Acted Jan. 26, 1640, by the King's Com- 
 pany. Lost. 
 
COMMENDATORY VERSES 
 
 MASSINGER. 
 
 WORK, " THE DUKE OF MILAN," OF HIS BELOVED FRIEND THE AUTHOR. 
 
 I AM snapt already, and may go my way ; 
 
 Tlie poet-critic 's come ; 1 hear him say 
 
 This youth 's mistook, the author's work's a play. 
 
 lie could not miss it, he will straight appear 
 At such a bait ; 'twas laid on purpose there, 
 To take the vermin, and I have him here. 
 
 Sirrah ! you will be nibbling ; a small bit, 
 A syllable, when you're in the hungry fit. 
 Will serve to stay the stomach of your wit. 
 
 Fool, knave, what worse, for worse cannot deprave thee ; 
 And were the devil now instantly to have thee, 
 Thou canst not instance such a work to save thee, 
 
 *Mongst all the ballets which thou dost compose, 
 And what thou stylest thy Poems, ill as those. 
 And void of rhyme and reason, thy worse prose : 
 
 Yet like a rude jack-sauce in poesy. 
 
 With thoughts unblest, and hand unmannerly. 
 
 Ravishing branches from Apollo's tree ; 
 
 Thou mak'st a garland, for thy touch unfit. 
 
 And boldly deck'st thy pig-brain'd sconce with it. 
 
 As if it were the supreme head of wit : 
 
 The blameless Muses blush ; who not allow 
 That reverend order to each vulgar brow. 
 Whose sinful touch profanes the holy bough. 
 
 Hence, shallow prophet ! and admire the strain 
 Of thine own pen, or thy poor cope-mate's vein ; 
 This piece too curious is for thy coarse brain. 
 
 Here wit, more fortunate, is join'd with art. 
 And that most sacred frenzy bears a part, 
 Infused by nature in the Poet's heart. 
 
 Here may the puny wits themselves direct, 
 Here may the wisest find what to affect. 
 And kings may learn their proper dialect. 
 
 On then, dear friend ! thy pen, thy name, shall spread, 
 And shouldst tliou write, while thou shalt not be read. 
 The Muse must labour, Avhen thy hand is dead. 
 
 W. B. 
 
liV COMMENDATORY VERSES. 
 
 THE AUTHOR'S FRIEND TO THE READER, ON THE " BONDMAN. 
 
 The printer's haste calls on ; I must not drive 
 
 My time past six, though I begin at five. 
 
 One hour I have entire, and 'tis enough ; 
 
 Here are no gipsy jigs, no drumming-stuff. 
 
 Dances, or other trumpery to delight, 
 
 Or take, by common way, the common sight. 
 
 The author of this poem, as he dares 
 
 To stand the austerest censure, so he cares 
 
 As little what it is ; his own best way 
 
 Is, to be judge, and author of his play : 
 
 It is his knowledge makes him thus secure ; 
 
 Nor does he write to please, but to endure. 
 
 And, reader, if you have disbursed a shilling, 
 
 To see this worthy story, and are willing 
 
 To have a large increase, if ruled by me, 
 
 You may a merchant and a poet be. 
 
 'Tis granted for your twelve-jDence you did sit, 
 
 And see, and hear, and understand not yet. 
 
 The author, in a Christian pity, takes 
 
 Care of your good, and prints it for your sakes ; 
 
 That such as will but venture sixpence more, 
 
 May know what they but saw and heard before : 
 
 'Twill not be money lost, if you can read, 
 
 (There's all the doubt now,) but your gains exceed. 
 
 If you can understand, and you are made 
 
 Free of the freest and the noblest trade ; 
 
 And in the Avay of poetry, now-a-days. 
 
 Of all that are call'd works, the best are plays. 
 
 W, B. 
 
 ro MY HO>?OURED FRIEND, MASTER PHILIP MASSINGER, UPON HIS " RENEGADO." 
 
 Dabblers in poetry, that only can 
 Court this weak lady, or that gentleman, 
 With some loose wit in rhyme ; 
 Others that fright the time 
 Into belief, with mighty words that tear 
 A passage through the ear ; 
 Or nicer men. 
 That through a perspective will see a play, 
 And use it the wrong way, 
 (Not worth thy pen,) 
 Though all their pride exalt them, cannot be 
 Competent judges of thy lines or thee. 
 
 I must confess I have no public nam e 
 To rescue judgment, no poetic flame 
 To dress thy Muse with praise. 
 And Plioebus his own bays ; 
 Yet I commend this poem, and dare toll 
 The world I liked it well ; 
 And if there be 
 A tribe who in their wisdoms dare accuse 
 This off'spring of thy Muse, 
 Let them agree 
 Conspire one comedy, and they will say, 
 *Tis easier to commend, than make a play. 
 
 JAMES SHIRLEY. 
 
COiMMENDATORY VERSES. 
 
 TO Ills WORTHY FRIEND, MASTER PHILIP MASSINGER, ON HIS PLAY CALLED 
 '« THE RENEGADO.- 
 
 The bosom of a friend cannot breathe forth 
 
 A flattering phrase to speak the noble worth 
 
 Of him that hath lodged in his honest breast 
 
 So large a title : I, among the rest 
 
 That honour thee, do only seem to praise, 
 
 Wanting the flowers of art to deck that bays 
 
 Merit has crown'd thy temples with. Know, friend. 
 
 Though there are some who merely do commend 
 
 To live i' the worlji's opinion, such as can 
 
 Censure with judgment, no such piece of man 
 
 Makes up my spirit : where desert does live, 
 
 There will I plant my wonder, and there give 
 
 My best endeavours to build up his story 
 
 That truly merits. I did ever glory 
 
 To behold virtue rich ; though cruel Fate 
 
 In scornful malice does beat low their state 
 
 That best deserve ; when others, that but know 
 
 Only to scribble, and no more, oft grow 
 
 Great in their favours, that would seem to be 
 
 Patrons of wit, and modest poesy : 
 
 Yet, with your abler friends, let me say this. 
 
 Many may strive to equal you, but miss 
 
 Of your fair scope ; this work of yours men may 
 
 Throw in the face of envy, and then say 
 
 To those, that are in great men's thoughts more blest. 
 
 Imitate this, and call that work your best. 
 
 Yet wise men, in this, and too often, err, 
 
 When they their love before the work prefer. 
 
 If I should say more, some may blame me for't, 
 
 Seeing your merits speak you, not report, 
 
 DANIEL LAKYX. 
 
 TO HIS DEAR FRIEND THE AUTHOR, ON " THE ROMAN ACTOR.* 
 
 I am no great admirer of the plays. 
 
 Poets, or actors, that are now-a-days ; 
 
 Yot, in this work of thine, methinks I see 
 
 Sufficient reason for idolatry. 
 
 Each line thou hast taught Caesar is as high 
 
 As he could speak, when groveling flattery, 
 
 And his own pride (forgetting heaven's rod) 
 
 By his edicts styled himself great Lord and God. 
 
 By thee, again the laurel crowns his head. 
 
 And, thus revived, Avho can affirm him dead ? 
 
 Such power lies in this lofty strain as can 
 
 Give swords and legions to Domitian : 
 
 And when thy Paris pleads in the defence 
 
 Of actors, every grace and excellence 
 
 Of argument for that subject, are by thee 
 
 Contracted in a sweet epitome. 
 
 Nor do thy women the tired hearers vex 
 
 With language no way proper to their sex. 
 
 Just like a cunning painter thou let'st fall 
 
 Copies more fair than the original. 
 
 I'll add but this : from all the modern plays 
 
 Ihe stage hath lately born, this wins the bays ; 
 
 And if it come to trial, boldly look 
 
 To carry it clear, thy witness being thy book. 
 
 T. J. 
 
Ivi COMMENDATORY VERSES. 
 
 IN PHILIPPI MASSINGERI, POET^ ELEGANTISS. ACTOREM ROMANUM, TYPIS EXCCSUM. 
 
 Ecce Pliilippinse celebrata Tragoedia Mus3b, 
 
 Quam Rosens Britonum Roscius egh, adest. 
 Semper fronde ambo vireant Parnasside, semper 
 
 Liber ab invidise dentibus esto, liber. 
 Crebra papyrivori spernas incendia pgeti, 
 
 Thus, vaenum expositi tegmina suta libri : 
 Nee metuas raucos, Momorum sibila, rhoncos, 
 
 Tarn bardiis nebulo si tamen ullus erit. 
 Nam toties festis, actum, placuisse theatris 
 
 Quod liquet, hoc, cusum, crede, placebit, opus. 
 
 THO. GOFF. 
 
 TO HIS DESERVING FRIEND, MR. PHILIP MASSINGER, Ur .N HIS TRAGEDY, 
 " THE ROMAN ACTOR." 
 
 Paris, the best of actors in his agi'- 
 
 Acts yet, and speaks upon our Ra/nan stage 
 
 Such lines by thee, as do not derogate 
 
 From Rome's proud heights, and her then learned state. 
 
 Nor great Domitian's favour ; nor the embraces 
 
 Of a fair empress, nor those often graces 
 
 Which from th' applauding theatres were paid 
 
 To his brave action, nor his ashes laid 
 
 In the Flaminian way, where people strow'd 
 
 His grave with flowers, and JNIartial's wit bestow'd 
 
 A lasting epitaph ; not all these same 
 
 Do add so much renown to Paris' name 
 
 As this, that thou present'st his history 
 
 So well to us : for which, in thanks, would he, 
 
 (If that his soul, as thought Pythagoras, 
 
 Could into any of our actors pass,) 
 
 Life to these lines by action gladly give, 
 
 Whose pen so well has made his story live. 
 
 THO. MAY. 
 
 UPON MR. MASSINGER HIS " ROMAN ACTOR." 
 
 To write is grown so common in our time. 
 That every one who can but frame a rhyme. 
 However monstrous, gives himself that praise, 
 Which only he should claim, that may wear bays 
 By their applause, whose judgments apprehend 
 The weight and truth of what they dare commend. 
 In this besotted age, friend^'tis thy glory 
 That here thou hast outdone the Roman story. 
 Domitian's pride, his wife's lust, unabated 
 In death, with Paris, merely were related. 
 Without a soul, until thy abler pen 
 Spoke them, and made them speak, nay act again 
 In such a height, that here to know their deeds. 
 He may become an actor that but reads. 
 
 J^i^rX FORD. 
 
COMMENDATORY VERSES. Ivu 
 
 UPON MR. MASSINGER'S " ROMAN ACTOR." 
 
 Long'st thou to see proud Caesar set in state, 
 
 His morning greatness, or his evening fate, 
 
 With admiration here behold him fall, 
 
 And yet outlive his tragic funeral : 
 
 For 'tis a question whether Caesar's glory 
 
 Rose to its height before, or in this story ; 
 
 Or whether Paris, in Domitian's favour, * 
 
 Were more exalted, than in this thy labour. 
 
 Each line speaks him an emperor, every phrase 
 
 Crowns thy deservirjg temples with the bays ; 
 
 So that reciprocally both agree. 
 
 Thou liv'st in him, and he survives in thee. 
 
 ROBERT HARVEV. 
 
 TO niS LONG-KNOWN AND LOVED FRIEND, MR. PHILIP MASSING ER, UPON HIS 
 *' ROMAN ACTOR." 
 
 If that my lines, being placed before thy book, 
 Could make it sell, or alter but a look 
 Of some sour censurer, who 's apt to say. 
 No one in these times can produce a play 
 Worthy his reading, since of late, 'tis true. 
 The old accepted are more than the new : 
 Or, could I on some spot o' the court work so. 
 To make hira speak no more than he doth know ; 
 Not borrowing from his flatt'ring flatter'd friend 
 What to dispraise, or wherefore to commend : 
 Then, gentle friend, I should not blush to be 
 Rank'd 'mongst those worthy ones which here I see 
 Ushering this work ; but why I write to thee 
 Is, to profess our love's antiquity, 
 Which to this tragedy must give my test. 
 Thou hast made many good, but this thy best. 
 
 JOSEPH TAYLOR. 
 
 TO MR. PIHLIP MASSINGER, MY MUCH-ESTEEMED FRIEND, ON HIS " GREAT 
 DUKE OP FLORENCE." 
 
 Enjoy thy laurel ! 'tis a noble choice. 
 
 Not by the suffrages of voice 
 Procured, but by a conquest so achieved, 
 
 As that thou hast at full relieved 
 Almost neglected poetry, whose bays, 
 
 Sullied by childish thirst of praise, 
 Wither'd into a dullness of despair. 
 
 Had not thy later labour (heir 
 Unto a former industry) made known 
 
 This work, which thou mayst call thine own. 
 So rich in worth, that th' ignorant*may grudge 
 To find true virtue is become their judge. 
 
 GEORGE DONNE. 
 
Iviii COMMENDATORY VERSES. 
 
 TO THE DESERVING MEMORY OF THIS WORTHY WORK, " THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE, 
 AND TUB AUTHOR, MR. PHILIP MASSINGER. 
 
 Action gives many poems right to live ; 
 This piece gave life to action ; and will give, 
 For state and language, in each change of age. 
 To time delight, and honour to the stage. 
 Should late prescription fail which fames that seat, 
 This pen might style the Duke of Florence Great. 
 Let many write, let much be printed, read. 
 And censured ; toys, no sooner hatch'd than dead : 
 Here, without blush to truth of commendation, 
 Is proved, how art hath outgone imitation. 
 
 JOHN roRD. 
 
 TO M^ WORTHY FRIEND THE AUTHOR, UPON HIS TRAGICOMEDY "THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 "Was not thy Emperor enough before 
 
 For thee to give, that thou dost give us more ? 
 
 I would be just, but cannot : that I know 
 
 I did not slander, this I fear I do. 
 
 But pardon me, if I oflfend ; thy fire 
 
 Let equal poets praise, while I admire. 
 
 If any say that I enough have writ. 
 
 They are thy foes, and envy at thy wit. 
 
 Believe not them, nor me ; they know thy lines 
 
 Deserve applause, but speak against their minds. 
 
 I, out of justice, would commend thy play, 
 
 But (friend, forgive me) 'tis above my way. 
 
 One word, and I have done, (and from ray heai't 
 
 Would I could speak the whole truth, not the part, 
 
 Because 'tis thine,) it henceforth will be said. 
 
 Not the Maid of Honour, but the Honour'd Maid. 
 
 ASTON COCKAINE. 
 
 TO BIS WORTHY FRIEND, MR. PHILIP MASSINGER, UPON HIS TRAGICOMEDY STYLKO 
 
 " THE PICTURE." 
 
 Methinks I hear some busy critic say. 
 Who 's this that singly ushers in this play ? 
 'Tis boldness, I confess, and yet perchance 
 It may be construed love, not arrogance. 
 I do not here upon this leaf intrude. 
 By praising one to wrong a multitude. 
 Nor do I think, that all are tied to be 
 (Forced by my vote) in the same creed with me. 
 Each man hath liberty to judge ; free will. 
 At his own pleasure, to speak good or ill. 
 But yet your Muse already 's known so well 
 Her worth will hardly find an infidel. 
 Hero she hath drawn a Picture, which shall lie 
 Safe for all future times to practise by ; 
 Whate'er shall follow are but copies, some 
 Preceding works were types of this to come. 
 *Tis your own lively image, and sets forth. 
 When we are dust, the beauty of your worth. 
 He that shall duly read, and not advance 
 Aught that is here, betrays his ignorance : 
 Yet Avhosoe'er beyond desert commends. 
 Errs more by much than he that reprehends ; 
 
COMMENDATORY VERSES. li^^ 
 
 For praise misplaced, and honour set upon 
 
 A worthless subject, is detraction. 
 
 I cannot sin so here, unless I went 
 
 About to style you«only excellent. 
 
 Apollo's gifts are not confined alone 
 
 To your dispose, he hath more heirs than one, 
 
 And such as do derive from his blest hand 
 
 A large inheritance in the poets' land. 
 
 As well as you ; nor are you, I assure 
 
 Myself, so envious, but you can endure 
 
 To hear their praise, whose worth long since was known, 
 
 And justly too preferr'd before your own. 
 
 I know you'd take it ftn* an injury, 
 
 (And 'tis a well-becoming modesty,) 
 
 To be parallel'd with Beaumont, or to hear 
 
 Your name by some too partial friend writ near 
 
 Unequall'd Jonson ; being men whose fire. 
 
 At distance, and with reverence, you admire. 
 
 Do so, and you shall find your gain will be 
 
 Much more, by yielding them priority. 
 
 Than, with a certainty of loss, to hold 
 
 A foolish competition : 'tis too bold 
 
 A task, and to be shunn'd : nor shall my praise, 
 
 "With too much weight, ruin what it would raise. 
 
 THOMAS JAY. 
 
 TO MY WORTHY FRIEND, MR. PHILIP 5IASSINGER, UPON HIS TRAGI-COMEDY CALLED 
 "THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST." 
 Suffer, my friend, these lines to have the grace, 
 That they may be a mole on Venus' face. 
 There is no fault about thy book but this, 
 And it will show how fair thy Emperor is. 
 Thou more than poet ! our Mercury, that art 
 Apollo's messenger, and dost impart 
 His best expressions to our ears, live long 
 To purify the slighted English tongue. 
 That both the nymphs of Tagus and of Po 
 May not henceforth despise our language so. 
 Nor could they do it, if they e'er had seen 
 The matchless features of the Fairy Queen , 
 Read Jonson, Shakspeare, Beaumont, Fletcher, or 
 Thy neat-limn'd pieces, skilful Massinger. 
 Thou known, all the Castilians must confess 
 Vego de Carpio thy foil, and bless 
 His language can translate thee, and the fine 
 Italian wits yield to this work of thine. . 
 Were old Pythagoras alive again. 
 In thee he might find reason to maintain 
 His paradox, that souls by transmigration 
 In divers bodies make their habitation : 
 And more, than all poetic souls yet known. 
 Are met in thee, contracted into one. 
 This is a truth, not an applause : I am 
 One that at furthest distance views thy flame, 
 Yet may pronounce, that, were Apollo dead. 
 In thee his poesy might all be read. 
 Forbear thy modesty : thy Emperor's vein 
 Shall live admired, when poets shall complain 
 It is a pattern of too high a reach. 
 And what great Phoebus might the Muses teach. 
 Let it live, therefore, and I dare be bold 
 To say, it with the world shall not grow old. 
 
 ASTON cocKAijnr. 
 
Ix COMMENDATORY VERSES 
 
 A FRIEND TO THE AUTHOR, AND AVELL-WISHER TO THE READER, ON " THE EMPEROR 
 
 OF THE EAST." 
 
 Who with a liberal hand freely bestows 
 
 His bounty on all comers, and yet knows 
 
 No ebb, nor formal limits, but proceeds. 
 
 Continuing his hospitable deeds. 
 
 With daily welcome shall advance his name 
 
 Beyond the art of flattery ; with such fame, 
 
 May yours, dear friend, compare. Your Muse hath been 
 
 Most bountiful, and I have often seen 
 
 The willing seats receive such as have fed. 
 
 And risen thankful ; yet were some misled 
 
 By NICETY, when this fair banquet came, 
 
 (So I allude) their stomachs were to blame, 
 
 Because that excellent, sharp, and poignant sauce. 
 
 Was wanting, they arose without due grace, 
 
 Lo ! thus a second time he doth invite you : 
 
 Be your own carvers, and it may delight you. 
 
 JOHN CLAVEM. 
 
 TO MY TRUE FRIEND AND KINSMAN, PHILIP MASSINGER, ON HIS «« EMPEROR OF THE EAST.' 
 
 I take not upon trust, nor am I led 
 By an implicit faith : what I have read 
 With an impartial censure I dare crown 
 With a deserved applause, howe'er cried down 
 By such whose malice will not let them be 
 Equal to any piece limn'd forth by thee. 
 Contemn their poor detraction, and still write 
 Poems like this, that can endure the light. 
 And search of abler judgments. This will raise 
 Thy name ; the others' scandal is thy praise. 
 This, oft perused by grave wits, shall live long, 
 Not die as soon as past the actor's tongue. 
 The fate of slighter toys ; and I must say, 
 'Tis not enough to make a passing play 
 In a true poet : works that should endure 
 Must have a genius in them strong as pure, 
 And such is thine, friend : nor shall time devoui 
 The well-form'd features of thy Emperor. 
 
 WILLIAM SINGLETON. 
 
 TO THE INGENIOUS AUTHOR, MASTER PHILIP MASSINGER, ON HIS COMEDY CALLED 
 •' A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEIiTS " 
 
 'Tis a rare charity, and thou couldst not 
 
 So proper to the time have found a plot : 
 
 Yet whilst you teach to pay, you lend ; the age 
 
 We wretches live in, that to come the stage. 
 
 The thronged audience that was thither brouglit, 
 
 Invited by your fame, and to be taught 
 
 This lesson ; all are grown indebted more, 
 
 And when they look for freedom, ran in score. 
 
 It was a cruel courtesy to call 
 
 In hope of liberty, and then, inthrall. 
 
 The nobles are your bondmen, gentry, and 
 
 All besides those that did not understand. 
 
COMMENDATORY VERSES. Ixi 
 
 They were no men of credit, bankrupts born, 
 Fit to be trusted with no stock but scorn. 
 You have more wisely credited to such, 
 That though they cannot pay, can vahie much. 
 I am your debtor too, but, to my shame, 
 Repay you nothing back but your own fame. 
 
 HENRY MOODY, MUcS. 
 
 TO raS FRIEND THE AUTHOEy ON " A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 You may remember how you chid me, when 
 
 I rank'd you equal with those glorious men, 
 
 Beaumont and Fletcher : if you love not praise, 
 
 You must forbear the publishing of plays. 
 
 The crafty mazes of the cunning plot, 
 
 The polish'd phrase, the sweet expressions, got 
 
 Neither by theft nor violence ; the conceit 
 
 Fresh and unsullied ; all is of weight, 
 
 Able to make the captive reader know 
 
 I did but justice when I placed you so. 
 
 A shame-faced blushing would become the brow 
 
 Of some weak virgin writer ; we allow 
 
 To you a kind of pride, and there where most 
 
 Should blush at commendations, you should boast. 
 
 If any think I flatter, let him look 
 
 Off from my idle trifles on thy book. 
 
 THOMAS JAY, MiUs 
 
THE YIEGIN-MAETYE. 
 
ui CBn 
 
 ::^*2: 
 
 '■aHIVlRSITT] 
 THE VIRGIN-MARTYR. 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONiE. 
 
 Dio<;LESrAN, I _ . „ 
 
 King of Pontus. 
 
 King of Epire. 
 
 King of Macedon. 
 
 Sapritius, Governor of C<ztarea. 
 
 Theophilus, a zealous Persecutor of the Chris- 
 tians. 
 
 Skmpronii's, Captain of Sapritius* Guards. 
 
 Antoninus, Son to Sapritius. 
 
 Macrinus, Friend to Antoninus. 
 
 Harpax, an evil Spirit, following Theophu>08 
 in the shape of a Secretary. 
 
 Angelo, a good Spirit, serving Dorothea in the 
 habit cf a Page. 
 
 SCENE, — C^SAREA 
 
 HiRcius, a Whoremasfer, ) Servants of 
 Spungius, a Drunkard, j Dorothea. 
 Julian us, ) , „ 
 
 Geta i ^^^'"(^^i* of Thkophii,u3. 
 
 Priest of Jupiter. 
 British Slave. 
 
 Artemia, Daughter to Dioclksiaw. 
 Calista, ) ^ , „ 
 
 Christeta, \ ^a^ffhters to Th«ophilus. 
 
 Dorothea, the Virgin-Martyr. 
 
 Officers and Executioners. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I.— The Governor's Palace. 
 
 Enter Theophilus and Harpax. 
 
 Theoph. Come to Caesarea to-night I 
 
 Harp. Most true, sir. 
 
 Theoph. The emperor in person ! 
 
 Harp. Do I live ? 
 
 Theoph. 'Tis wondrous strange ! The inarches 
 of great princes, 
 Like to the motions of prodigious metfeors, 
 Are step by step observed; and loud-tongued | 
 
 Fame 
 The harbinger to prepare their entertainment : 
 And, were it possible so great an army, 
 Though cover'd with the night, could be so near, 
 The governor cannot be so unfriended 
 Among the many that attend his person, 
 But, by some secret means, he should have notice 
 Of Caesar's purpose ; — in this, then, excuse me, 
 If I appear incredulous. 
 
 Harp. At your pleasure. 
 
 Theoph. Yet, when I call to mind you never 
 fail'd me 
 In things more difficult, but have discover'd 
 Deeds that were done thousand leagues distant 
 
 from me. 
 When neither woods, nor caves, nor secret vaults. 
 No, nor the Power they serve, could keep these 
 
 Christians 
 Or from my reach or punishment but thy magic 
 Still laid them open ; I begin again 
 To be as confident as heretofore, 
 It is not possible thy powerful art 
 Should meet a check, or fail. 
 
 Enter the Priest of Jupiter, bearing an Image, and 
 followed by Calista and Christeta. 
 
 Harp. Look on the Vestals, 
 The holy pledges that the gods have given you, 
 Your chaste, ftiir daughters. Were't not to up- 
 A service to a master not unthankful, [braid 
 
 I could say these, in spite of your prevention. 
 Seduced by an imagined faith, not reason, 
 (Which is the strength of nature,) quite forsaking 
 The Gentile gods, had jrielded up themselves 
 To this new-found religion. This I cross 'd, 
 Discover'd their intents, taught you to use. 
 With gentle words and mild persuasions. 
 The power and the authority of a father. 
 Set off with cruel threats ; and so reclaim'd them ; 
 And, whereas they with torment should have died, 
 (Hell's furies to me, had they undergone it !) 
 
 \_ Aside. 
 They are now votaries in great Jupiter's temple. 
 And, by his priest instructed, grown familiar 
 With all the mysteries, nay, the most abstruse 
 Belonging to his deity. [ones, 
 
 Theoph. 'Twas a benefit, 
 For which I ever owe you. — Hail, Jove's flamen ! 
 Have these my daughters reconciled themselves, 
 Abandoning for ever the Christian way, 
 To your opinion ? 
 
 Priest. And are constant in it. 
 They teach their teachers with their depth of 
 
 judgment, 
 And are with arguments able to convert 
 The enemies to our gods, and answer all 
 They can object against us. 
 
 Theoph. My dear daughters I 
 
THE VIRGIN-MARTYR. 
 
 Cal. We dare dispute against this new-sprung 
 In private or in public. [sect, 
 
 Harp. My best lady, 
 Persever in it. 
 
 Chris. And what we maintain, 
 We will seal with our bloods. 
 
 Harp. Brave resolution ! 
 I e'en grow fat to see my labours prosper. 
 
 Theoph. I young again. To your devotions. 
 
 Harp. Do — 
 My prayers be present with you. 
 
 iExcimt Priest, Cal, and Chris. 
 
 Theoph. O my Harpax I 
 Thou engine of my wishes, thou that steel'st 
 My bloody resolutions, thou that arm'st 
 My eyes 'gainst womanish tears and soft compas- 
 Instructing me, without a si^h, to look on [sion. 
 Babes torn by violence from their mothers' breasts 
 To feed the fire, and with them make one flame ; 
 Old men, as beasts, in beasts' skins torn by dogs ; 
 Virgins and matrons tire the executioners ; 
 Yet I, unsatisfied, think their torments easy — 
 
 Harp. And in that, just, not cruel. 
 
 Theoph. Were all sceptres 
 That grace the hands of kings, made into one. 
 And offer'd me, all crowns laid at my feet, 
 I would contemn them all, — thus spit at them ; 
 So I to all posterities might be call'd 
 The strongest champion of the Pagan gods, 
 And rooter out of Christians. 
 
 Harp. Oh, mine own. 
 Mine own dear lord ! to further this great work, 
 I ever live thy slave. 
 
 Enter Sapritius and SEMPRomus. 
 
 Theoph. No more — The governor. 
 
 Sap. Keep the ports close, and let the guards 
 be doubled ; 
 Disarm the Christians ; call it death in any 
 To wear a sword, or in his house to have one. 
 
 Semp. I shall be careful, sir. 
 
 Sap. 'Twill well become you. 
 Such as refuse to offer sacrifice 
 To any of our gods, put to the torture. 
 Grub up this growing mischief by the roots ; 
 And know, when we are merciful to them, 
 We to ourselves are cruel. 
 
 Semp. "You pour oil 
 On fire that burns already at the height : 
 1 know the emperor's edict, and my charge, 
 And they shall find no favour. 
 
 Theoph. My good lord. 
 This care is timely for the entertainment 
 Of our great master, who this night in person 
 Comes here to thank you. 
 
 Sap. Who ! the emperor ? 
 
 Harp. To clear your doubts, he doth return in 
 triumph. 
 Kings lackeying by his triumphant chariot ; 
 And in this glorious victory, my lord, 
 You have an ample share : for know, your son, 
 The ne'er enough commended Antoninus, 
 So well hath flesh'd his maiden sword, and died 
 His snowy plumes so deep in enemies' blood. 
 That, besides public grace beyond his hopes, 
 There are rewards propounded. 
 
 Sap. I would know 
 No mean in thine, could this be true. 
 
 Harp. My head 
 Answer the forfeit. 
 
 Sap. Of his victory 
 There was some rumour : but it was assured. 
 The army pass'd a full day's journey higher, 
 Into the country. 
 
 Harp. It was so determined ; 
 But, for the further honour of your son. 
 And to observe the government of the city, 
 And with what rigour, or remiss indulgence. 
 The Christians are pursued, he makes his stay here : 
 
 \_Trvmpets. 
 For proof, his trumpets speak his near arrival. 
 
 Sap. Haste, good Sempronius, draw up our 
 guards. 
 And with all ceremonious pomp receive 
 The conquering army. Let our garrison speak 
 Their welcome in loud shouts, the city shew 
 Her state and wealth. 
 
 Semp. I'm gone. lExit. 
 
 Sap. O, I am ravish'd 
 With this great honour ! cherish, good Theophilus, 
 This knowing scholar. Send [for] your fair daugh- 
 I will present them to the emperor, [ters ; 
 
 And in their sweet conversion, as a mirror, 
 Express your zeal and duty. 
 
 Theoph. Fetch them, good Harpax. 
 
 lExit Harpax. 
 
 Enter SKMPRomus, at the head of the guard, soMurs lead- 
 ing three Kings bound ; Antonintis and Macrinus hear- 
 ing the Emperor's eagles ; Dioclesian with a gilt laurel 
 on his head, leading in Artemia : SAPRmus kisses the 
 Emperor's hand, then embraces his Son ; Harpax brings 
 in Calista atid Christeta. Loud shouts. 
 
 Diccle. So : at all parts I find Csesarea 
 Completely govern'd : the licentious soldier 
 Confined in modest limits, and the people 
 Taught to obey, and not compell'd with rigour : 
 The ancient Roman discipline revived. 
 Which raised Rome to her greatness, and pro- 
 claim 'd her 
 The glorious mistress of the conquer'd world ; 
 But, above all, the service of the gods 
 So zealously observed, that, good Sapritius, 
 In words to thank you for your care and duty, 
 Were much unworthy Dioclesian's honour. 
 Or his magnificence to his loyal servants. — 
 But I shall find a time with noble titles 
 To recompense your merits. 
 
 Sap. Mightiest Csesar, 
 Whose power upon this globe of earth is equal 
 To Jove's in heaven ; whose victorious triumphs 
 On proud rebellious kings that stir against it, 
 Are perfect figures of his immortal trophies 
 Won in the Giants' war ; whose conquering sword, 
 Guided by his strong arm, as deadly kills 
 As did His thunder ! all that I have done. 
 Or, if my strength were centupled, could do, 
 Comes short of what my loyalty must challenge. 
 But, if in anything I have deserved 
 Great Caesar's smile, 'tis in my humble care 
 Still to preserve the honour of those gods, 
 That make him what he is : my zeal to them 
 I ever have express'd in my fell hate 
 Against the Christian sect that, with one blow, 
 (Ascribing all things to an unknown Power, ) 
 Would strike down all their temples, and allows 
 Nor sacrifice nor altars. [tliem 
 
 Diode. Thou, in this, 
 Walk'st hand in hand with me : my will and power 
 Shall not alone confirm, but honour all 
 That are in this most forward. 
 
THE VIllGlN-MARTYR. 
 
 Sap. Sacred Csesar, 
 If your imperial majesty stand pleased 
 To shower your favours upon such as are 
 The boldest champions of our religion ; 
 Look on this reverend man, [points to Theophi- 
 
 Lus] to whom the power 
 Of searching out, and punishing such delinquents, 
 Was by your choice committed : and, for proof, 
 He hath deserv'd the grace imposed upon him, 
 And with a fair and even hand proceeded. 
 Partial to none, not to himself, or those 
 Of equal nearness to himself ; behold 
 This pair of virgins. 
 
 Diode. What are these ? .^ 
 
 Sap. His daughters. 
 
 Artem. Now by your sacred fortune, they are 
 fair ones. 
 Exceeding fair ones : would 'twere in my power 
 To make them mine ! 
 
 Theoph. They are the gods', great lady. 
 They were most happy in your service else : 
 On these, when they fell from their father's faith, 
 I used a judge's power, entreaties failing 
 (They being seduced) to win them to adore 
 "The holy Powers we worship ; I put on 
 The scarlet robe of bold authority. 
 And, as they had been strangers to my blood, 
 Presented them in the most horrid form. 
 All kind of tortures ; part of which they suffer'd 
 With Roman constancy. • 
 
 Artem. And could you endure, 
 Being a father, to behold their limbs 
 Extended on the rack ? 
 
 Theoph. I did ; but must 
 Confess there was a strange contention in me, 
 Between the impartial office of a judge, 
 And pity of a father ; to help justice 
 Religion stept in, under which odds 
 Compassion fell : — yet still I was a father. 
 For e'en then, when the flinty hangman's whips 
 Were worn with stripes spent on their tender limbs, 
 I kneel'd, and wept, and begg'dthem, though they 
 
 would 
 Be cruel to themselves, they would take pity 
 On my gray hairs ; now note a sudden change. 
 Which I with joy remember ; those, whom torture, 
 Nor fear of death could terrify, were o'ercome 
 By seeing of my sufferings ; and so won. 
 Returning to the faith that they were born in, 
 I gave them to the gods. And be assured, 
 I that used justice with a rigorous hand. 
 Upon such beauteous virgins, and mine own, 
 Will use no favour, where the cause commands me, 
 To any other ; but, as rocks, be deaf 
 To all entreaties. 
 
 Diode. Thou deserv'st thy place ; 
 Still hold it, and with honour. Things thus order'd 
 Touching the gods, 'tis lawful to descend 
 To human cares, and exercise that power 
 Heaven has conferr'd upon me ; — which that you. 
 Rebels and traitors to the power of Rome, 
 Should not with all extremities undergo. 
 What can you urge to qualify your crimes. 
 Or mitigate my anger } 
 
 K. of Epire. We are now 
 Slaves to thy power, that yesterday were kingjf, 
 \nd had command o'er others ; we confess 
 Our grandsires paid yours tribute, yet left us, 
 As their forefathers had, desire of freedom. 
 And, if you Romans bold it glorious honour, 
 
 Not only to defend what is your own. 
 
 But to enlarge your empire, (though our fortune 
 
 Denies that happiness,) who can accuse 
 
 The famish'd mouth, if it attempt to feed .' 
 
 Or such, whose fetters eat into their freedoms, 
 
 If they desire to shake them off? 
 
 K. of Pontus. We stand 
 The last examples, to prove how uncertain 
 All human happiness is ; and are prepared 
 To endure the worot. 
 
 K. of Macedon, That spoke, which now is 
 highest 
 In Fortune's wheel, must, when she turns it next, 
 Decline as low as we are. This consider'd, 
 Taught the Jigyptian Hercules, Sesostris, 
 That had his chariot drawn by captive kings, 
 To free them from that slavery ; — but to hope 
 Such mercy from a Roman, were mere madness : 
 We are familiar with what cruelty 
 Rome, since her infant greatness, ever used 
 Such as she triumph'd over; age nor sex 
 Exempted from her tyranny ; scepter'd princes 
 Kept in her common dungeons, and their children, 
 In scorn train'd up in base mechanic arts, 
 For public bondmen. In the catalogue 
 Of those unfortunate men, we expect to have 
 Our names remember'd. 
 
 Diode. In all growing empires. 
 Even cruelty is useful ; some must suffer, 
 And be set up examples to strike terror 
 In others, though far off : but, when a state 
 Is raised to her perfection, and her bases 
 Too firm to shrink, or yield, we may use mercy, 
 And do't with safety : but to whom ? not cowanls, 
 Or such whose baseness shames the conqueror, 
 And robs him of his victory, as weak Perseus 
 Did great ^milius. Know, therefore, kings 
 Of Epire, Pontus, and of Macedon, 
 That I with courtesy can use my prisoners, 
 As well as make them mine by force, provided 
 That they are noble enemies : such I found you. 
 Before I made you mine ; and, since you were so, 
 You have not lost the courages of princes. 
 Although the fortune. Had you born yourselves 
 Dejectedly, and base, no slavery 
 Had been too easy for you : but such is 
 The power of noble valour, that we love it 
 Even in our enemies, and taken with it. 
 Desire to make them friends, as I will you. 
 
 K. of Epire. Mock us not, Csesar. 
 
 Diode. By the gods, I do not. 
 Unloose their bonds : — I now as friends embrace 
 Give them their crowns again. [you. 
 
 K. of Pontus. We are twice o'ercome ; 
 By courage, and by courtesy. 
 
 K. of Macedon. But this latter, 
 Shall teach us to live ever faithful vassals 
 To Dioclesian, and the power of Rome. 
 
 K. of Epire. All kingdoms fall before her ! 
 
 K. of Pontus. And all kings 
 Contend to honour Csesar I 
 
 Diode. I believe 
 Your tongues are the true trumpets of your hearts, 
 And in it I most happy. Queen of fate. 
 Imperious Fortune ! mix some light disaster 
 With my so many joys, to season them, 
 And give them sweeter relish : I'm girt round 
 With true felicity ; faithful subjects here. 
 Here bold comma'nders, here with new-made 
 friends : 
 
THE VIRGIN-MARTYR. 
 
 AOT I. 
 
 But, what's the crown of all, in thee, Artemia, 
 My only child, whose love to me and duty, 
 Strive to exceed each other 1 
 
 Artcm. I make payment 
 But of a debt, which I stand bound to tender 
 As a daughter and a subject. 
 
 Diode. Which requires yet 
 A retribution from me, Artemia, 
 Tied by a father's care, how to bestow 
 A jewel, of all things to me most precious : 
 Nor will I therefore longer keep thee from 
 The chief joys of creation, marriage rites ; 
 Which that thou may'st with greater pleasures 
 
 taste of, 
 Thou shalt not like with mine eyes, but thine own. 
 Among these kings, forgetting they were captives ; 
 Or those, remembering not they are my subjects, 
 Make choice of any : By Jove's dreadful thunder, 
 My will shall rank with thine. 
 
 Artem. It is a bounty 
 The daughters of great princes seldom meet with.; 
 For they, to make up breaches in the state, 
 Or for some other public ends, are forced 
 To match where they affect not. May my life 
 Deserve this favour ! 
 
 Diode. Speak ; I long to know 
 The man thou wilt make happy. 
 
 Artem. If that titles, 
 Or the adored name of Queen could take me, 
 Here would I fix mine eyes, and look no further ; 
 But these are baits to take a mean -born lady, 
 Not her, that boldly may call Csesar father : 
 In that I can bring honour unto any, 
 But from no king that lives receive addition : 
 To raise desert and virtue by my fortune. 
 Though in a low estate, were greater glory. 
 Than to mix greatness with a prince that owes 
 No worth but that name only. 
 
 Diode. I commend thee ; 
 'Tis like myself. 
 
 Artem. If, then, of men beneath me, 
 My choice is to be made, where shall I seek. 
 But among those that best deserve from you ? 
 That have served you most faithfully ; that in dan- 
 gers 
 Have stood next to you ; that have interposed 
 Their breasts as shields of proof, to dull the swords 
 Aim'd at your bosom ; that have apent their blood 
 To crown yo«r brows with laurel ? 
 
 Macr. Cytherea, 
 Great Queen of Love, be now propitious to me ! 
 
 Harp. \_to Sap.] Now mark what I foretold. 
 
 Anton. Her eye's on me. 
 Fair Venus' son, draw forth a leaden dart. 
 And, that she may hate me, transfix her with it ; 
 Or, if thou needs wilt use a golden one, 
 Shoot it in the behalf of any other : 
 Thou know'st I am thy votary elsewhere. {_Aside. 
 
 Artem. [advances to Anton.] Sir. 
 
 Theoph. How he blushes ! 
 
 Sap. Welcome, fool, thy fortune. 
 Stand like a block when such an angel courts thee ! 
 
 Artem. I am no object to divert your eye 
 From the beholding. 
 
 Anton. Rather a bright sun, 
 Too glorious for him to gaze upon, 
 That took not first flight from the eagle's aerie. 
 As I look on the temples, or the gods, 
 And with that reverence, lady, I behold you. 
 And shall do ev€r. 
 
 Artem. And it will become you. 
 While thus we stand at distance ; but, if love. 
 Love born out of the assurance of your virtues, 
 Teach me to stoop so low — 
 
 Anton. O, rather take 
 A higher flight. 
 
 Artem. Why, fear you to be raised ? 
 Say I put off the dreadful awe that waits 
 On majesty, or with you share my beams, 
 Nay, make you to outshine me ; change the name 
 Of Subject into Lord, rob you of service 
 That's due from you to me; and in me make it 
 Duty to honour you, would you refuse me ? 
 
 Anton. Refuse you, madam ! such a worm as I 
 am. 
 Refuse what kings upon their knees would sue for ! 
 Call it, great lady, by another name ; 
 An humble modesty, that would not match 
 A molehill with Olympus. 
 
 Artem. He that's famous 
 For honourable actions in the war. 
 As you are, Antoninus, a proved soldier, 
 Is fellow to a king. 
 
 Anton. If you love valour. 
 As 'tis a kingly virtue, seek it out. 
 And cherish it in a king ; there it shines brightest. 
 And yields the bravest lustre. Look on Epire, 
 A prince, in whom it is incorporate : 
 And let it not disgrace him that he was 
 O'ercome by Caesar ; it was victory, 
 To stand so long against him : had you seen him. 
 How in one bloody scene he did discharge 
 The parts of a commander and a soldier. 
 Wise in direction, bold in execution ; 
 You would have said, Great Caesar's self excepted, 
 The world yields not his equal. 
 
 Artem. Yet I have heard, 
 Encountering him alone in the head of his troop. 
 You took him prisoner. 
 
 K. of Epire. 'Tis a truth, great princess ; 
 I'll not detract from valour. 
 
 Anton. 'Twas mere fortune ; 
 Courage bad no hand in it. 
 
 Theoph. Did ever man 
 Strive so against his own good.-' 
 
 Sap. Spiritless villain ! 
 How I am tortured ! By the immortal gods, 
 I now could kill him. 
 
 Diode. Hold, Sapritius, hold. 
 On our displeasure hold ! 
 
 Harp. Why, this would make 
 A father mad ; 'tis not to be endured ; 
 Your honour's tainted in't. 
 
 Sap. By heaven, it is : 
 I shall think of it. 
 
 Harp. 'Tis not to be forgotten. 
 
 Artem. Nay, kneel not, sir, I am no ravisher. 
 Nor so far gone in fond affection to you. 
 But that I can retire, my honour safe : — 
 Yet say, hereafter, that thou hast neglected 
 What, but seen in possession of another. 
 Will make thee mad with envy, 
 
 Anton. In her looks 
 Revenge is written. 
 
 Mac. As you love your life, 
 Study to appease her. 
 
 Anton. Gracious madam, hear me. 
 
 Artem. And be again refused ? 
 
 Anton. The tender of 
 My life, my service, or, since you vouchsafe it, 
 
THE VIRGIN-MARTYR. 
 
 My love, my heart, my all : and pardon me, 
 
 Pardon, dread princess, that I made some scruple 
 
 To leave a valley of security, 
 
 To mount up to the hill of majesty, 
 
 On which, the nearer Jove, the nearer lightning. 
 
 What knew I, but your grace made trial of me ; 
 
 Durst I presume to embrace, where but to touch 
 
 With an unmanner'd hand, was death ? The fox, 
 
 When he saw first the forest's king, the lion, 
 
 Was almost dead with fear ; the second view 
 
 Only a little daunted him ; the third, 
 
 He durst salute him boldly : pray you, apply this j 
 
 And you shall find a little time will teach me 
 
 To look with more familiar eyes upon you, 
 
 Than duty yet allows me. 
 
 Sap. Well excused. 
 
 Artem. You may redeem all yet. 
 
 Diode. And, that he may 
 Have means and opportunity to do so, 
 Artemia, I leave you my substitute 
 In fair Caesarea. 
 
 Sap. And here, as yourself^ 
 We will obey and serve her. 
 
 Diode. Antoninus, 
 So you prove hers, I wish no other heir ; 
 Think on't : — be careful of your charge, Theophi- 
 Sapritius, be you my daughter's guardian, [lus ; 
 Your company I wish, confederate princes, 
 In our Dalmatian wars ; which finished 
 With victory I hope, and Maximinus, 
 Our brother and copartner in the empire, 
 At my request won to confirm as much, 
 The kingdoms I took from you we'll restore, 
 And make you greater than you were before. 
 
 \_Exeunt all but Antoninus and Macrinit.s. 
 
 Anton. Oh, I am lost for ever ! lost, Macrinus ! 
 The anchor of the wretched, hope, forsakes me, 
 And with one blast of Fortune all my light 
 Of happiness is put out. 
 
 Mac. You are like to those 
 That are ill only, 'cause they are too well ; 
 That, surfeiting in the excess of blessings, 
 Call their abundance want. What could you wish. 
 That is not fall'n upon you } honour, greatness. 
 Respect, wealth, favour, the whole world for a dower; 
 And with a princess, whose excelling form 
 Exceeds her fortune. 
 
 Anton. Yet poison still is poison, 
 Though drunk in gold ; and all these flattering 
 To me, ready to starve, a painted banquet, [glories 
 And no essential food. When I am scorch'd 
 With fire, can flames in any other quench me ? 
 What is her love to me, greatness, or empire, 
 
 That am slave to another, who alone 
 Can give me ease or freedom ? 
 
 Mac. Sir, you point at 
 Your dotage on the scornful Dorothea : 
 Is she, though fair, the same day to be named 
 With best Artemia ? In all their courses, 
 Wise men propose their ends : with sweet Artemia. 
 There comes along pleasure, security, 
 Usher'd by all that in this life is precious : 
 With Dorothea (though her birth be noble, 
 The daughter to a senator of Rome, 
 By him left rich, yet with a private wealth. 
 And far inferior to yours) arrives 
 The emperor's frown, which, like a mortal plague, 
 Speaks death is near ; the princess' heavy scorn, 
 Under which you will shrink ; your father's fury, 
 Which to resist, even piety forbids : — 
 And but remember that she stands suspected 
 A favourer of the Christian sect ; she brings 
 Not danger, but assured destruction with her. 
 This truly weigh'd, one smile of great Artemia 
 Is to be cherish'd, and preferr'd before 
 All joys in Dorothea : therefore leave her. 
 
 Anton. In what thou think'st thou art most 
 wise, thou art 
 Grossly abused, Macrinus, and most foolish. 
 For any man to match above his rank, 
 Is but to sell his liberty. With Artemia 
 I still must live a servant ; but enjoying 
 Divinest Dorothea, I shall rule. 
 Rule as becomes a husband : for the danger. 
 Or call it, if you will, assured destruction, 
 I slight it thus- — If, then, thou art my friend, 
 As I dare swear thou art, and wilt not take 
 A governor's place upon thee, be my helper. 
 
 Mac. You know I dare, and will do anything ; 
 Put me unto the test. 
 
 Anton. Go then, Macrinus, 
 To Dorothea ; tell her I have worn. 
 In all the battles I have fought, her figure. 
 Her figure in my heart, which, like a deity, 
 Hath still protected me. Thou can'st speak well : 
 And of thy choicest language spare a little. 
 To make her understand how much I love her. 
 And how I languish for her. Bear these jewels, 
 Sent in the way of sacrifice, not service. 
 As to my goddess : all lets thrown behind me. 
 Or fears that may deter me, say, this morning 
 I mean to visit her by the name of friendship : 
 — No words to contradict this. 
 
 Mac. I am yours : 
 And, if my travail this way be ill spent. 
 Judge not my readier will by the event. [_Exeunt. 
 
 ACT 11. 
 
 SCENE I. — A Room in Dorothea's House. 
 Enter Spun'gius and Iliwyua. 
 
 Spun. Turn Christian ! Would he that first 
 tempted me to have my shoes walk upon Christian 
 soles, had turn'd me into a capon ; for I am sure 
 now, the stones of all my pleasure, in this fleshly 
 life, are cut ofl. 
 
 Hir. So then, if any coxcomb has a galloping 
 desire to ride, here's a gelding, if he can but sit 
 hiin. 
 
 Spun. I kick, for all that, like a horse ; — look 
 else. 
 
 Hir. But that is a kickish jade, fellow Spun^ 
 gius. Have not I as much cause to complain as 
 thou hast ? When I was a pagan, there was an 
 infidel punk of mine, would have let me come upon 
 trust for my curvetting : a pox on your Christian 
 cockatrices ! they cry, like poulterers' wives : — No 
 money, no coney. 
 
 Spu7i. Bacchus, the god of brew'd wine and 
 sugar, grand patron of rob-pots, upsy-freesy tip 
 
THE VIRGIN-MARTYR. 
 
 piers, and super-naculum takers ; this Bacchus, 
 who is head warden of Vintners'-hall, ale-conner, 
 mayor of all victualling-houses, the sole liquid 
 benefactor to bawdy-houses ; lanceprezade to red 
 noses, and invincible adelantado over the armado 
 of pimpled, deep-scarleted, rubified, and carbuncled 
 
 Hir. What of all this ? 
 
 Spun. This boon Bacchanalian skinker, did I 
 make legs to. 
 
 Hir. Scurvy ones, when thou wert drunk. 
 
 Spun. There is no danger of losing a man's 
 ears by making these indentures ; he that will not 
 now and then be Calabingo, is worse than a Cala- 
 moothe. When I was a pagan, and kneeled to 
 this Bacchus, I durst out-drink a lord ; but your 
 Christian lords out-bowl me. I was in hope to 
 lead a sober life, when I was converted ; but, now 
 amongst the Christians, I can no sooner stagger 
 out of one alehouse, but I reel into another ; they 
 have whole streets of nothing but drinking-rooms, 
 and drabbing-chambers, jumbled together. 
 
 Hir. Bawdy Priapus, the first schoolmaster that 
 taught butchers how to stick pricks in flesh, and 
 make it swell, thou know'st, was the only ningle 
 that I cared for under the moon ; but, since I left 
 him to follow a scurvy lady, what with her praying 
 and our fasting, if now I come to a wench, and 
 offer to use her anytliing hardly, (telling her, being 
 a Christian, she must endure,) she presently han- 
 dles me as if I were a clove, and cleaves me with 
 disdain, as if I were a calf's head. 
 
 Spun. I see no remedy, fellow Hircius, but that 
 thou and I must be half pagans, and half Chris- 
 tians ; for we know very fools that are Christians. 
 
 Hir. Right : the quarters of Christians are good 
 for nothing but to feed crows. 
 
 Spun. True : Christian brokers, thou know'st, 
 are made up of the quarters of Christians ; parboil 
 one of these rogues, and he is not meat for a dog : 
 no, no, I am resolved to have an infidel's heart, 
 though in shew I carry a Christian's face. 
 
 Hir. Thy last shall serve my foot : so will I. 
 
 Spun. Our whimpering lady and mistress sent 
 me with two great baskets full of beef, mutton, 
 veal, and goose, fellow Hircius 
 
 Hir. And woodcock, fellow Spungius. 
 
 Spun. Upon the poor lean ass-fellow, on which 
 I ride, to all the almswomen : what think'st thou 
 I have done with all this good cheer ? 
 
 Hir. Eat it ; or be choked else. 
 
 Spun. Would my ass, basket and all, were in 
 thy maw, if I did ! No, as I am a demi-pagan, I 
 sold the victuals, and coined the money into pottle 
 pots of wine. 
 
 Hir. Therein thou shewed'st thyself a perfect 
 demi-christian too, to let the poor beg, starve, 
 and hang, or die of the pip. Our puling, snotty- 
 nose lady sent me out likewise with a purse of 
 money, to reUeve and release prisoners : — Did I so, 
 think you ? 
 
 Spun. Would thy ribs were turned into grates of 
 iron then. 
 
 Hir. As I am a total pagan, I swore they should 
 be hanged first : for, sirrah Spungius, I lay at my 
 old ward of lechery, and cried, a pox on your two- 
 penny wards ! and so I took scurvy common flesh 
 for the money. 
 
 Spun. And wisely done ; for our lady, sending 
 It to prisoners, had bestowed it out upon lousy 
 
 knaves : and thou, to save that labour, cast'st it 
 away upon rotten whores. 
 
 Hir. All my fear is of that pink-an-eye jack- 
 an-apes boy, her page. 
 
 Spun. As I am a pagan from my cod-piece 
 downward, that white-faced monkey frights me 
 too. I stole but a dirty pudding, last day, out of 
 an almsbasket, to give my dog when he was hungry, 
 and the peaking chitty-face page hit me in the 
 teeth with it. 
 
 Hir. With the dirty pudding ! so he did ms 
 once with a cow-turd, which in knavery I would 
 have crumb'd into one's porridge, who was half 
 a pagan too. The smug dandiprat smells us out, 
 whatsoever we are doing. 
 
 Spun. Does he ? let him take heed I prove not 
 his back-friend : I'll make him curse his smelling 
 what I do. 
 
 Hir. 'Tis my lady spoils the boy ; for he is 
 ever at her tail, and she is never well but in his 
 company. 
 
 Enter Anoelo with a book, and a taper liglded ; seeing 
 him, they counterfeit devotion. 
 
 I 
 
 Ang. O ! now your hearts make ladders of 
 your eyes. 
 In shew to climb to heaven, when your devotion 
 Walks upon crutches. Where did you waste 
 
 your time. 
 When the religious man was on his knees, 
 Speaking the heavenly language ? 
 
 Spun. Why, fellow Angelo, we were speaking 
 in pedlar's French, I hope. 
 
 Hir. W^e have not been idle, take it upon my 
 word. 
 
 Ang. Have you the baskets emptied, which 
 your lady 
 Sent, from her charitable hands, to women 
 That dwell upon her pity ? 
 
 Spun. Emptied them ! yes ; I'd be loth to have 
 my belly so empty : yet, I am sure, I munched 
 not one bit of them neither. 
 
 Ang. And went your money to thi prisoners ? 
 
 Hir. Went ! no ; I carried it, and with these 
 fingers paid it away. 
 
 Ang. What way ? the devil's way, the way of 
 The way of hot damnation, way of lust ? [sin, 
 
 And you, to wash away the poor man's bread, 
 In bowls of drunkenness? 
 
 Spun. Drunkenness ! yes, yes, I use to be 
 drunk ; our next neighbour's man, called Chris- 
 topher, hath often seen me drunk, hath he not ? 
 
 Hir. Or me given so to the flesh : my cheeks 
 speak my doings. 
 
 Ang. Avaunt, ye thieves, and hollow hypocrites ! 
 Your hearts to me lie open like black books, 
 And there I read your doings. 
 
 Spun. And what do you read in my heart ? 
 
 Hir. Or in mine ? come, amiable Angelo, beat 
 the flint of your brains. 
 
 Spun. And let's see what sparks of wit fly out 
 to kindle your cerebrum. 
 
 Ang. Your names even brand you ; you are 
 Spungius call'd, 
 And like a spunge, you suck up lickerish wines, 
 Till your soul reels to hell. 
 
 Spun. To hell ! can any drunkard's legs carry 
 him so far ? 
 
 Ang. For blood of grapes you sold the widows 
 food. 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE VIRGIN-MARTYR. 
 
 And, starving them, 'tis murder ; what's this but 
 
 hell ? 
 
 Hircius your name, and goatish is your nature ; 
 You snatch the meat out of the prisoner's mouth, 
 To fatten harlots : is not this hell too ? 
 No angel, but the devil, waits on you. 
 
 Spun. Shall I cut his throat ? 
 
 Hir. No ; better burn liim, for I think he is a 
 witch : but sooth, sooth him. 
 
 Spun. Fellow Angelo, true it is, that falling 
 into the company of wicked he-christians, for my 
 part 
 
 Hir. And she ones, for mine, — we have them 
 swim in shoals hard by 
 
 Spun. We must confess, I took too mucJTout 
 of the pot ; and he of t'other hollow commodity. 
 
 Hir. Yes, indeed, we laid Jill on both of us ; 
 we cozen'd the poor ; but 'tis a common thing : 
 many a one, that counts himself a better Chris- 
 tian than we two, has done it, by this light ! 
 
 Spun. But pray, sweet Angelo, play not the 
 tell-tale to my lady ; and, if you take us creeping 
 into any of these mouse-holes of sin any more, 
 let cats flay off our s1<ins. 
 
 Hir. And put nothing but the poison'd tails of 
 rats into those skins. 
 
 Ang. Will you dishonour her sweet charity, 
 Who saved you from the tree of death and shame ? 
 
 Hir. Would I were hang'd, rather than thus be 
 told of my faults ! 
 
 Spun. She took us, 'tis true, from the gallows ; 
 yet I hope she will not bar yeoman sprats to have 
 their swing. 
 
 Ang. She comes, — beware, and mend. 
 
 Hir. Let's break his neck, and bid him mend. 
 
 Enter Dorothea. 
 
 Dor. Have you my messages, sent to the poor, 
 Deliver'd with good hands, not robbing them 
 Of any jot was theirs ? 
 
 Spun. Rob them, lady ! I hope neither my fel- 
 low nor I am thieves. 
 
 Hir. Delivered with good hands, madam ! else 
 let me never lick my lingers more when I eat 
 butter'd fish. 
 
 Dor. Who cheat the poor, and from them pluck 
 their alms, 
 Pilfer from heaven ; and there are thunderbolts, 
 From thence to beat them ever. Do not lie ; 
 Were you both faithful, true distributers ? 
 
 Spun. Lie, madam ! what grief is it to see you 
 turn swaggerer, and give your poor-minded rascally 
 servants the lie ! 
 
 Dor. I'm glad you do not ; if those wretched 
 people. 
 Tell you they pine for want of any thing. 
 Whisper but to mine ear, and you shall furnish 
 them. 
 
 Hir. Whisper ! nay, lady, for my part I'll cry 
 whoop. 
 
 Ang. Play no more, villains, with so good a 
 lady; 
 For, if you do 
 
 Spun. Are we Christians ? 
 
 Hir. The foul fiend snap all pagans for me ! 
 
 Ang. Away, and, once more, mend. 
 
 Spun. 'Takes us for botchers. 
 
 Hir. A patch, a patch ! lExeunt Spun, and Hir. 
 
 Dor. My book and taper. 
 
 /*V)/7. Here, most holv mistress. 
 
 Dor. Thy voice sends forth such music, that 
 I never 
 Was ravish'd with a more celestial sound. 
 Were every servant in the world like thee, 
 So full of goodness, angels would come down 
 To dwell with us : thy name is Angelo, 
 And like that name thou art ; get thee to rest. 
 Thy youth with too much watching is opprest. 
 
 Ang. No, my dear lady, I could weary stars, 
 And force the wakeful moon to lose her eyes, 
 By my late watching, but to wait on you. 
 When at your prayers you kneel before the altar, 
 Methinks I'm singing with some quire in heaven, 
 So blest I hold me in your company : 
 Therefore, my most loved mistress, do not bid 
 Your boy, so serviceable, to get hence 
 For then you break his heart. 
 
 Dor. Be nigh me still, then : 
 In golden letters down I'll set that day, 
 Which gave thee to me. Little did I hope 
 To meet such worlds of comfort in thyself. 
 This little, pretty body ; when I, coming 
 Forth of the temple, heard my beggar-boy, 
 My sweet-faced, godly beggar-boy, crave an alms 
 Which with glad hand I gave, with lucky hand ! - 
 And, when I took thee home, my most chaste 
 
 bosom, 
 Methought, was fill'd with no hot wanton fire, 
 But with a holy flame, mounting since higher, 
 On wings of cherubins, than it did before. 
 
 Ang. Proud am I, that my lady's modest eye 
 So likes so poor a servant. 
 
 Dor. I have offer 'd 
 Handfuls of gold but to behold thy ])arents. 
 I would leave kingdoms, were I queen of some. 
 To dwell with thy good father ; for, the son 
 Bewitching me so deeply with his presence, 
 He that begot him must do't ten times more. 
 I pray thee, my sweet boy, shew me thy parents ; 
 Be not ashamed, 
 
 Ang. I am not : I did never 
 Know who my mother was ; but, by yon palace, 
 Fill'd with bright heavenly courtiers, I dare 
 
 assure you. 
 And pawn these eyes upon it, and this hand. 
 My father is in heaven : and, pretty mistress. 
 If your illustrious hourglass spend his sand. 
 No worse than yet it does ; upon my life. 
 You and I both shall meet my father there, 
 And he shall bid you welcome. 
 
 Dor. A blessed day ! 
 We all long to be there, but lose the way. 
 
 lExeu7it. 
 
 SCENE II. — A Street, near Dorothea's 
 House. 
 
 Enter Macrinus, met hy Theophilus and Harpax. 
 
 Theoph. The Sun, god of the day, guide thee, 
 Macrinus ! 
 
 Mac. And thee, Theophilus ! 
 
 Theoph. Glad'st thou in such scorn > 
 I call my wish back. 
 
 Mac. I'm in haste. 
 
 Theoph. One word. 
 Take the least hand of time up: — stay. 
 
 Mac. Be brief. 
 
 Theoph. As thought : I prithee tell me, good 
 Macrinus, 
 How health and our fair princess lay together 
 
8 
 
 THE VIRGIN-MARTYR. 
 
 This night, for you can tell ; courtiers have flies, 
 That buzz all news unto them. 
 
 Mac. She slept but ill. 
 
 Theoph. Double thy courtesy ; bow does An- 
 toninus ? 
 
 Mac. Ill, well, straight, crooked, — I know not 
 
 Theoph. Once more ; [how. 
 
 — Thy head is full of windmills : — when doth the 
 
 princess 
 Fill a bed full of beauty, and bestow it 
 On Antoninus, on the wedding-night ? 
 
 Mao. I know not. 
 
 Theoph. No ! thou art the manuscript, 
 Where Antoninus writes down all his secrets : 
 Honest Macrinus, tell me. 
 
 Mac. Fare you well, sir. [Exit. 
 
 Harp. Honesty is some fiend, and frights him 
 A many courtiers love it not. [hence ; 
 
 Theoph. What piece 
 Of this state-wheel, which winds up Antoninus, 
 Is broke, it runs so jarringly } the man 
 Is from himself divided : O thou, the eye, 
 By which I wonders see, tell me, my Harpax, 
 What gad-fly tickles this Macrinus so. 
 That, flinging up the tail, he breaks thus from me. 
 
 Harp. Oh, sir, his brain-pan is a bed of snakes, 
 Whose stings shoot through his eye-balls, whose 
 
 poisonous spawn 
 Ingenders such a fry of speckled villainies. 
 That, unless charms more strong than adamant 
 Be used, the Roman angel's wings shall melt. 
 And Csesar's diadem be from his head 
 Spurn' d by base feet ; the laurel which he wears. 
 Returning victor, be enforced to kiss 
 That which it hates, the fire. And can this ram, 
 This Antoninus-Engine, being made ready 
 To so much mischief, keep a steady motion ? — 
 His eyes and feet, you see, give strange assaults. 
 
 Theoph. I'm turn'd a marble statue at thy lan- 
 guage, 
 Which printed is in such crabb'd characters, 
 It puzzles all my reading : what, in the name 
 )f Pluto, now is hatching } 
 
 Harp. This Macrinus, 
 The line is, upon which love-errands run 
 'Twixt Antoninus and that ghost of women, 
 The bloodless Dorothea ; who in prayer 
 And meditation, mocking all your gods. 
 Drinks up her ruby colour : yet Antoninus 
 Plays the Endymion to this pale-faced Moon, 
 Courts, seeks to catch her eyes — 
 
 Theoph. And what of this .'' 
 
 Harp. These are but creeping billows, 
 Not got to shore yet : but if Dorothea 
 Fall on his bosom, and be fired with love, 
 (Your coldest women do so), — had you ink 
 Brew'd from the infernal Styx, not all that black- 
 Can make a thing so foul, as the dishonours, [ness 
 Disgraces, buffetings, and most base aff"ronts 
 Upon the bright Arteraia, star o' the court, 
 Great Csesar's daughter. 
 
 Theoph. I now conster thee. 
 
 Harp. Nay, more ; a firmament of clouds, being 
 With Jove's artillery, shot down at once, [fill'd 
 To pash your gods in pieces, cannot give. 
 With all those thunderbolts, so deep a blow 
 To the religion there, and pagan lore, 
 As this ; for Dorothea hates your gods. 
 And, if she once blast Antoninus' soul. 
 Making it foul like hers, Oh ! the example — 
 
 Theoph. Eats through Csesarea's heart like 
 liquid poison. 
 Have I invented tortures to tear Christians, 
 To see but which, could all that feel hell's tor- 
 ments 
 Have leave to stand aloof here on earth's stage, 
 They would be mad till they again descended. 
 Holding the pains most horrid of such souls. 
 May-games to those of mine ; has this ^y hand 
 Set down a Christian's execution 
 In such dire postures, that the very hangman 
 Fell at my foot dead, hearing but their figures ; 
 And shall Macrinus and his fellow-masquer 
 Strangle me in a dance ? 
 
 Harp. No : — on ; I hug thee. 
 For drilling thy quick brains in this rich plot 
 Of tortures 'gainst these Christians : on ; I hug 
 thee ! 
 
 Theoph. Both hug and holy me : to this Doro- 
 Fly thou and I in thunder. [thea, 
 
 Harp. Not for kingdoms 
 Piled upon kingdoms : there's a villain page 
 Waits on her, whom I would not for the world 
 Hold traffic with ; I do so hate his sight, 
 That, should I look on him, I must sink down. 
 
 Theoph. I will not lose thee then, her to con- 
 found : 
 None but this head with glories shall be crown'd. 
 
 Harp. Oh ! mine own as I would wish thee ! 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. — A Room in Dorothea's House. 
 
 Enter Dorothea, Macrinus, and Angelo. 
 
 Dor. My trusty Angelo, with that curious eye 
 Of thine, which ever waits upon my business, 
 I prithee watch those my still-negligent servants. 
 That they perform my will, in what's enjoin'd them 
 To the good of others ; else will you find them flies, 
 Not lying still, yet in them no good lies : 
 BiJ careful, dear boy. 
 
 Ang. Yes, my sweetest mistress. [Exit. 
 
 Dor. Now, sir, you may go on. 
 
 Mac. I then must study 
 A new arithmetic, to sum up the virtues 
 Which Antoninus gracefully become. 
 There is in him so much man, so much goodness, 
 So much of honour, and of all things else. 
 Which make our being excellent, that from his store 
 He can enough lend others ; yet, much ta'en from 
 The want shall be as little, as when seas [him, 
 Lend from their bounty, to fill up the poorness 
 Of needy rivers. 
 
 Dor. Sir, he is more indebted 
 To you for praise, than you to him that owes it. 
 
 Mac. If queens, viewing his presents paid to the 
 whiteness 
 Of your chaste hand alone, should be ambitious 
 But to be parted in their numerous shares ; 
 This he counts nothing : could you see main armies 
 Make battles in the quarrel of his valour, 
 That 'tis the best, the truest ; this were nothing : 
 The greatness of his state, his father's voice. 
 And arm, awing Csesarea, he ne'er boasts of ; 
 The sunbeams which the emperor throws upon him, 
 Shine there but as in water, and gild him 
 Not with one spot of pride : no, dearest beauty, 
 All these, heap'd up together in one scale. 
 Cannot weigh down the love he bears to you 
 Being put into the other. 
 
SCENE III. 
 
 THE VIRGIN-MARTYR. 
 
 
 
 Dor. Could gold buy you 
 To speak thus for a friend, you, sir, are worthy 
 Of more than I will number ; and this your Ian- 
 Hath power to win upon another woman, [guage 
 'Top of whose heart the feathers of this world 
 Are gaily stuck : but all which first you named, . 
 And now this last, his love, to me are nothing. 
 
 Mac. You make me a sad messenger ; — but 
 himself 
 
 Enter Antoninus, 
 Being come in person, shall, I hope, hear from you 
 Music more pleasing. 
 
 Anton. Has your ear, Maori nus, 
 Heard none, then ? ^^ 
 
 Mac. None I like. 
 
 Anton. But can there be 
 In such a noble casket,, wherein lie 
 Beauty and chastity in their full perfections. 
 A rocky heart, killing with cruelty 
 A life that's prostrated beneath your feet ? 
 
 Dor. I am guilty of a shame 1 yet ne'er knew, 
 Thus to hold parley with you ; — pray, sir, pardon. 
 
 \_Going. 
 
 Anton. Good sweetness, you now have it, and 
 shall go : 
 Be but so merciful, before your wounding me 
 With such a mortal weapon as Farewell, 
 To let me murmur to your virgin ear, 
 What I was loth to lay on any tongue 
 But this mine own. 
 
 Dor. If one immodest accent 
 Fly out, I hate you everlastingly. 
 
 Anton, My true love dares not do it. 
 
 Mac. Hermes inspire thee ! 
 
 Enter above, Artemia, Sapritius, Theophilds, 
 Spungius, and Hircics. 
 
 Spun. So, now, do you see ? — Our work is done ; 
 the fish you angle for is nibbling at the hook, and 
 therefore untruss the cod-piece-point of our reward, 
 no matter if the breeches of conscience fall about 
 our heels. 
 
 Theoph. The gold you earn is here; dam up 
 And no words of it. [.yonr mouths, 
 
 Hir. No ; nor no words from you of too much 
 damning neither. I know women sell themselves 
 daily, and are hacknied out for silver : why may 
 not we, then, betray a scurvy mistress for gold ? 
 
 Spun. She saved us from the gallows, and, only 
 to keep one proverb from breaking his neck, we'll 
 hang her. 
 
 Theoph. 'Tis well done ; go, go, you're my fine 
 white boys. 
 
 Spun. If your red boys, 'tis well known more 
 ill-favoured faces than ours are painted. 
 
 Sap. Those fellows trouble us. 
 
 Theoph. Away, away ! 
 
 Hir. I to my sweet placket. 
 
 Spun. And 1 to my full pot. 
 
 lExeunt Hir. and Spun. 
 
 Anton. Come, let me tune you : — glaze not thus 
 With self-love of a vow'd virginity, [your eyes 
 Make every man your glass ; you see our sex 
 Do never murder propagation ; 
 We all desire your sweet society, 
 But if you bar me from it, you do kill me, 
 \nd of my blood are guilty. 
 
 Artem. O base villain ! 
 
 Sap. Bridle your rage, sweet princess. 
 
 Anton. Could not my fortunes, 
 
 Rear'd higher far than yours, be worthy of you, 
 Methinks my dear affection makes you mine. 
 
 Dor. Sir, for your fortunes, were they mines of 
 He chat I love is richer ; and for worth, [gold, 
 You are to him lower than any slave 
 Is to a monarch. 
 
 Sap. So insolent, base Christian ! 
 
 Dor. Can I, with wearing out my knees before 
 Get you but be his servant, you shall boast [him. 
 You're equal to a king, 
 
 Sap. Confusion on thee, 
 For playing thus the lying sorceress ! 
 
 Anton. Your mocks are great ones ; none be- 
 neath the sun 
 Will I be servant to. — On my knees I beg it, 
 Pity me, wondrous maid. 
 
 Sap. I curse thy baseness. 
 
 Theoph. Listen to more. 
 
 Dor. O kneel not, sir, to me. 
 
 Anton. This knee is emblem of an humbled 
 heart : 
 That heart which tortured is with your disdain. 
 Justly for scorning others, even this heart. 
 To which for pity such a princess sues, 
 As in her hand offers me all the world. 
 Great Caesar's daughter. 
 
 Artem. Slave, thou liest. 
 
 Anton. Yet this 
 Is adamant to her, that melts to you 
 In drops of blood. 
 
 Theoph, A very dog ! 
 
 Anton. Perhaps 
 'Tis my religion makes you knit the brow 
 Yet be you mine, and ever be your own : 
 I ne'er will screw your conscience from that Power, 
 On which you Christians lean. 
 
 Sap. I can no longer 
 Fret out my life with weeping at thee, villain. 
 Sirrah ! lAloud. 
 
 Would, when I got thee, the high Thunderer's hand 
 Had struck thee in the womb ! 
 
 Mac. We are betray'd. 
 
 Artem. Is that the idol, traitor, which thou 
 Trampling upon my beauty ? [kneel'st to, 
 
 Theoph. Sirrah, bandog ! 
 Wilt thou in pieces tear our Jupiter 
 For her ? our Mars for her ? our Sol for her ? — 
 A whore ! a hell-hound ! In this globe of brains. 
 Where a whole world of furies for such tortures 
 Have fought, as in a chaos, which should exceed, 
 These nails shall grubbing lie from skull to skull, 
 To find one horrider than all, for you. 
 You three ! 
 
 Artem. Threaten not, but strike: quick ven- 
 geance flies 
 Into my bosom ; caitiff ! here all love dies. 
 
 lExeunt abov<'. 
 
 Anton. O ! I am thunderstruck ! We are both 
 o'erwhelm'd 
 
 Mac. With one high-raging billow. 
 
 Dor. You a soldier. 
 And sink beneath the violence of a woman ! 
 
 Anton. A woman ! a wrong'd princess. From 
 such a star 
 Blazing with fires of hate, what can be look'd for, 
 But tragical events ? my life is now 
 The subject of her tyranny. 
 
 Dor. That fear is base, 
 Of death, when that death doth but life displace 
 Out of her house of earth ; you only dread 
 
10 
 
 THE VIRGIN-MARTYU. 
 
 The stroke, and not what follows when you're 
 
 dead ; 
 There's the great fear, indeed : come, let your eyes 
 Dwell where mine do, you'll scorn their tyrannies. 
 
 Re-enter below, Artkmta, Sapritius, Theophilus, a 
 guard ; Angelo comes and stands close by Dorothea. 
 
 Artem, My father's nerves put vigour in mine 
 arm, 
 And I his strength must use. Because I once 
 Shed beams of favour on thee, and, with the lion, 
 Play'd with thee gently, when thou struck'st my 
 I'll not insult on a base, humbled prey, [heart. 
 By lingering out thy terrors; but, with one frown, 
 Kill tliee : — hence with them all to execution. 
 Seize him ; but let even death itself be weary 
 In torturing her. I'll change those smiles to 
 
 shrieks ; 
 Give the fool what she's proud of, martyrdom : 
 In pieces rack that bawd too. [_Points to Macr. 
 
 Sap. Albeit the reverence 
 I owe our gods and you, are, in my bosom. 
 Torrents so strong, that pity quite lies drown'd 
 From saving this young man ; yet, when I see 
 What face death gives him, and that a thing within 
 
 me 
 Says, 'tis my son, I am forced to be a man, 
 And grow fond of his life, which thus I beg. 
 
 Artem. And I deny. 
 
 Anton. Sir, you dishonour me. 
 To sue for that which I disclaim to have. 
 I shall more glory in my sufferings gain, 
 Than you in giving judgment, since I offer 
 My blood up to your anger ; nor do I kneel 
 To keep a wretched life of mine from ruin : 
 Preserve this temple, builded fair as yours is, 
 And Caesar never went in greater triumph. 
 Than I shall to the scaffold. 
 
 Artem. Are you so brave, sir ? 
 Set forward to his triumph, and let those two 
 Go cursing along with him. 
 
 Dor. No, but pitying, 
 For my part, I, that you lose ten times more 
 By torturing me, than I that dare your tortures : 
 Through all the army of my sins, I have even 
 Liabour'd to break, and cope with death to th' face. 
 The visage of a hangman frights not me ; 
 The sight of whips, racks, gibbets, axes, fires. 
 Are scaffoldings by which my soul climbs up 
 To an eternal habitation. 
 
 Theoph. Csesar's imperial daughter ! hear me 
 speak. 
 Let not this Christian thing, in this her pageantry 
 Of proud deriding both our gods and Csesar, 
 Build to herself a kingdom in her death. 
 Going laughing from us : no ; her bitterest torment 
 Shall be, to feel her constancy beaten down ; 
 The bravery of her resolution lie 
 Batter'd, by argument, into such pieces, 
 That she again shall, on her belly, creep 
 To kiss the pavements of our paynim gods. 
 
 Artem. How to be done ? 
 
 Theoph. I'll send my daughters to her. 
 And they shall turn her rocky faith to wax ; 
 Else spit at me, let me be made your slave, 
 And meet no Roman's but a villain's grave- 
 
 Artem. Thy prisoner let her be, then ; and, 
 Sapritius, 
 Your son and that, be yours : death shall be sent 
 To him that suffers them, by voice or letters, 
 
 To greet each other. Rifle her estate ; 
 Christians to beggary brought, grow desperate. 
 
 Dor. Still on the bread of poverty let me feed. 
 
 Ang. O I my admired mistress, quench not out 
 The holy fires within you, though temptations 
 Shower down upon you : Clasp thine armour on, 
 Fight well, and thou shalt see, after these Vv^ars, 
 Thy head wear sunbeams, and thy feet touch stars. 
 lExeunl all but Angelo. 
 
 Enter HiRCius and Spungius. 
 
 Hir. How now, Angelo ; how is it, how is it ? 
 What thread spins that whore Fortune upon her 
 wheel now ? 
 
 Spun. Com' esta, com' esta, poor knave ? 
 
 Hir. Comment portez-vous, comment portex- 
 vous, mon petit gar^on ? 
 
 Spun. My pretty wee comrade, my half-inch of 
 man's flesh, how run the dice of this cheating 
 world, ha .-' 
 
 Ang. Too well on your sides ; you are hid in 
 gold, o'er head and ears. 
 
 Hir. We thank our fates, the sign of the gingle- 
 boys hangs at the doors of our pockets. 
 
 Svun. W^ho would think that we, coming forth 
 of the a — , as it were, or fag-end of the world, 
 should yet see the golden age, when so little silver 
 is stirring ? 
 
 Hir. Nay, who can say any citizen is an ass, 
 for loading his own back with money till his sou 
 cracks again, only to leave his son like a gilded 
 coxcomb behind him .'' Will not any fool take me 
 for a wise man now, seeing me draw out of the pit 
 of my treasury this little god with his belly full of 
 gold } 
 
 Spun. And this, full of the same meat, out of 
 my ambry ? 
 
 Ang. That gold will melt to poison. 
 
 Spun. Poison ! would it would ! whole pints for 
 healths should down my throat. 
 
 Hir. Gold, poison ! there is never a she-thrasher 
 in Csesarea, that lives on the flail of money, will 
 call it so. 
 
 Ang. Like slaves you sold your souls for golden 
 dross, 
 Bewraying her to death, who stept between 
 You and the gallows. 
 
 Spun. It was an easy matter to save us, she 
 being so well back'd. 
 
 Hir. The gallows and we fell out : so she did 
 but part us. 
 
 Ang. The misery of that mistress is mine own ; 
 She beggar'd, I left wretched. 
 
 Hir. I can but let my nose drop in sorrow, with 
 wet eyes for her. 
 
 Spun. The petticoat of her estate is unlaced, I 
 confess. 
 
 Hir. Yes, and the smock of her charity is now 
 all to pieces. 
 
 Ang. For love you bear to her, for some good 
 turns 
 Done you by me, give me one piece of silver. 
 
 Hir. How 1 a piece of silver ! if thou wert an 
 angel of gold, I would not put thee into white 
 money unless I weighed thee ; and I weigh thee 
 not a rush. 
 
 Spun. A piece of silver ! I never had but two 
 calves in my life, and those my mother left me ; 
 I will rather part from the fat of them, than from 
 a mustard-token's worth of argent. 
 
THE VIRGIN-MARTYR. 
 
 11 
 
 Hir. And so, sweet nit, we crawl from thee. 
 
 Spun. Adieu, demi-dandiprat, adieu ! 
 
 Ang, Stay, — one word yet ; you now are full of 
 gold. 
 
 Hir. I would be sorry my dog were so full of 
 the pox. 
 
 Spun. Or any sow of mine of the meazles either. 
 
 Ang. Go, go ! you're beggars both ; you are 
 not worth 
 That leather on your feet. 
 
 Hir. Away, away, boy ! 
 
 Spun. Page, you do nothing but set patches on 
 the soles of your jests. 
 
 Ang. I am glad I tried your love, which, see ! 
 I want not, -^ 
 
 So long as this is full. 
 
 Both. And so long as this, so long as this. 
 
 Hir. Spungius, you are a pickpocket. 
 
 Spun. Hircius, thou hast nimm'd : — So long 
 as ! — not so much money is left as will buy a louse. 
 
 Hir. Thou art a thief, and thou liest in that gut 
 through which thy wine runs, if thou deniest it. 
 
 Spun. Thou liest deeper than the bottom of 
 mine enraged pocket, if thou affrontest it. 
 
 Ang. No blows, no bitter language ; — all your 
 gold gone ! 
 
 Spun. Can the devil creep into one's breeches ? 
 
 Hir. Yes, if his horns once get into the cod- 
 piece. 
 
 Ang. Come, sigh not ; I so little am in love 
 With that whose loss kills you, that, see i 'tis 
 
 yours, 
 All yours : divide the heap in equal share, 
 So you will go along with me to prison, 
 And in our mistress' sorrows bear a part : 
 Say, will you ? 
 
 Both. Will we ! 
 
 Spun. If she were going to hanging, no gallows 
 should part us. 
 
 Hir. Let us both be tum'd into a rope of onions, 
 if we do not. 
 
 Ang. Follow me, then ; repair your bad deeds 
 past ; 
 Happy are men, when their best days are last ! 
 
 Spun. True, master Angelo ; pray, sir, lead the 
 way. lExit Anoelo. 
 
 Hir. Let him lead that way, but follow thou me 
 this way. 
 
 Spun. I live in a gaol ! 
 
 Hir. Away, and shift for ourselves : — She'll do 
 well enough there ; for prisoners are more hungry 
 after mutton, than catchpoles after prisoners. 
 
 Spun. Let her starve then, if a whole gaol will 
 not fill her belly. {,Exeunt. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I. — A Room in Dorothea's House. 
 
 Enter Sapritius, Theophilus, Priest, Calista, and 
 Christeta. 
 
 Sap, Sick to the death, I fear. 
 
 Theoph. L meet your sorrow. 
 With my true feeling of it. 
 
 Sap. She's a witch, 
 A sorceress, Theophilus ; my son 
 Is charm'd by her enchanting eyes ; and, like 
 An image made of wax, her beams of beauty 
 Melt him to nothing : all my hopes in him. 
 And all his gotten honours, find their grave 
 In his strange dotage on her. Would, when first 
 He saw and loved her, that the earth had open'd, 
 And swallow'd both alive ! 
 
 Theoph. There's hope left yet. 
 
 Sap. Not any : though the princess were ap- 
 All title in her love surrender' d up ; [peased, 
 
 Yet this coy Christian is so transported 
 With her religion, that unless my son 
 (But let him perish first!) drink the same potion, 
 And be of her belief, she'll not vouchsafe 
 To be his lawful wife. 
 
 Priest. But, once removed 
 From her opinion, as I rest assured 
 The reasons of these holy maids will win her, 
 You'll find her tractable to anything. 
 For your content or his. 
 
 Theoph. If she refuse it. 
 The Stygian damps, breeding infectious airs. 
 The mandrake's shrieks, the basilisk's killing eye. 
 The dreadful lightning that does crush the bones, 
 And never singe the skin, shall not appear 
 Less fatal to her, than my zeal made hot 
 With love unto my gods. I have deferr'd it. 
 In ho][>es to draw back this apostata. 
 
 Which will be greater honour than her death, 
 Unto her father's faith ; and, to that end. 
 Have brought my daughters hither. 
 
 Cal. And we doubt not 
 To do what you desire. 
 
 Sap. Let her be sent for. 
 Prosper in your good work ; and were I not 
 To attend the princess, I would see and hear 
 How you succeed. 
 
 Theoph. I am commanded too, 
 I'll bear you company. 
 
 Sap. Give them your ring. 
 To lead her as in triumph, if they win her, 
 Before her highness. \,Exit, 
 
 Theoph. Spare no promises, 
 Persuasions, or threats, I do conjure you : 
 If you prevail, 'tis the most glorious work 
 You ever undertook. 
 
 Enter Dorothea and Angklo. 
 
 Priest. She comes. 
 
 Theoph. We leave you ; 
 Be constant, and be careful. 
 
 \_Exeunt Theoph. and Priest 
 
 Cal. We are sorry 
 To meet you under guard. 
 
 Dor. But I more grieved 
 You are at liberty. So well I love you. 
 That I could wish, for such a cause as mine, 
 You were my fellow-prisoners : Prithee, Angelo, 
 Reach us some chairs. Please you sit 
 
 Cal, We thank you : 
 Our visit is for love, love to your safety. 
 
 Christ. Our conference must be private, pray 
 you, therefore. 
 Command your boy to leave us. 
 
 Dor. You may trust him 
 
12 
 
 THE VIRGIN-MART VK. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 With any secret that concerns my life, 
 Falsehood and he are strangers : had you, ladies, 
 Been bless'd with such a servant, you had never 
 Forsook that way, your journey even half ended, 
 That leads to joys eternal. In the place 
 Of loose lascivious mirth, he would have stirr'd 
 To holy meditations ; and so far [you 
 
 He is from flattery, that he would have told you. 
 Your pride being at the height, how miserable 
 And wretched things you were, that, for an hour 
 Of pleasure here, have made a desperate sale 
 Of all your right in happiness hereafter. 
 He must not leave me ; without him I fall : 
 In this life he's my servant, in the other 
 A wish'd companion- 
 ing. 'Tis not in the devil. 
 Nor all his wicked arts, to shake such goodness. 
 
 Dor. But you were speaking, lady. 
 
 Cal. As a friend 
 And lover of your safety, and I pray you 
 So to receive it ; and, if you remember 
 How near in love our parents were, that we, 
 Even from the cradle, were brought up together. 
 Our amity increasing with our years, 
 We cannot stand suspected. 
 
 Dor. To the purpose. 
 
 Cal. We come, then, as good angels, Dorothea, 
 To make you happy ; and the means so easy, 
 That, be not you an enemy to yourself, 
 Already you enjoy it. 
 
 Christ. Look on us, 
 Ruin'd as you are, once, and brought unto it, 
 By your persuasion. 
 
 Cal. But what foUow'd, lady } 
 Leaving those blessings which our gods gave 
 
 freely. 
 And shower'd upon us with a prodigal hand, 
 As to be noble born, youth, beauty, wealth, 
 And the free use of these without control, 
 Check, curb, or stop, such is our law's indul- 
 gence ! 
 All happiness forsook us ; bonds and fetters. 
 For amorous twines ; the rack and hangman's 
 
 whips. 
 In place of choice delights ? our parents' curses 
 Instead of blessings ; scorn, neglect, contempt. 
 Fell thick upon us. 
 
 Christ. This consider'd wisely. 
 We made a fair retreat ; and reconciled 
 To our forsaken gods, we live again 
 In all prosperity. 
 
 Cal. By our example, 
 Bequeathing misery to such as love it, 
 Learn to be happy. The Christian yoke's too 
 
 heavy 
 For such a dainty neck ; it was framed rather 
 To be the shrine of Venus, or a pillar. 
 More precious than crystal, to support 
 Our Cupid's image : our religion, lady. 
 Is but a varied pleasure ; yours a toil 
 Slaves would shrink under. 
 
 Dor, Have you not cloven feet } are you not 
 devils ? 
 Dare any say so much, or dare I hear it 
 Without a virtuous and religious anger ? 
 Now to put on a virgin modesty. 
 Or maiden silence, when His power is question'd 
 That is omnipotent, were a greater crime, 
 Than in a bad cause to be impudent. 
 Your gods! your temples ! brothel-houses rather. 
 
 Or wicked actions of the worst of men. 
 Pursued and practised. Your religious rites ! 
 Oh ! call them rather juggHng mysteries. 
 The baits and nets of hell : your souls the prey 
 For which the devil angles ; your false pleasures 
 A steep descent, by which you headlong fall 
 Into eternal torments. 
 
 Cal. Do not tempt 
 Our powerful gods. 
 
 Dor. Which of your powerful gods ? 
 Your gold, your silver, brass, or wooden ones, 
 That can nor do me hurt, nor protect you.'^ 
 Most pitied women ! will you sacrifice 
 To such, — or call them gods or goddesses. 
 Your parents would disdain to be the same. 
 Or you yourselves ? O blinded ignorance ! 
 Tell me, Calista, by the truth, I charge you. 
 Or anything you hold more dear, would you, 
 To have him deified to posterity, 
 Desire your father an adulterer, 
 A ravisher, almost a parricide, 
 A vile incestuous wretch ^ 
 
 Cal. That, piety 
 And duty answer for me. 
 
 Dor. Or you, Christeta, 
 To be hereafter register'd a goddess, 
 Give your chaste body up to the embraces 
 Of goatish lust ? have it writ on your forehead, 
 " This is the common whore, the prostitute. 
 The mistress in the art of wantonness. 
 Knows every trick, and labyrinth of desires 
 That are immodest ?" 
 
 Christ. You judge better of me, 
 Or my affection is ill placed on you ; 
 Shall I turn strumpet ? 
 
 Dor. No, I think you would not. 
 Yet Venus, whom you worship, was a whore 
 Flora, the foundress of the public stews. 
 And has, for that, her sacrifice ; your great god, 
 Your Jupiter, a loose adulterer. 
 Incestuous with his sister : read but those 
 That have canonized them, you'll find them worse 
 Than, in chaste language, I can speak them to you 
 Are they immortal then, that did partake 
 Of human weakness, and had ample share 
 In men's most base affections ; subject to 
 Unchaste loves, anger, bondage, wounds, as meri 
 
 are ? 
 Here, Jupiter, to serve his lust, turn'd bull. 
 The shape, indeed, in which he stole Europa ; 
 Neptune, for gain, builds up the walls of Troy 
 As a day-labourer ; Apollo keeps 
 Admetus' sheep for bread ; the Lemnian smith 
 Sweats at the forge for hii'e ; Prometheus here, 
 With his still-growing liver, feeds the vulture ; 
 Saturn bound fast in hell with adamant chains : 
 And thousands more, on whom abused error 
 Bestows a deity. Will you then, dear sisters. 
 For I would have you such, pay your devotions 
 To things of less power than yourselves ? 
 
 Cal. We worship 
 Their good deeds in their images. 
 
 Dor. By whom fashion'd ? 
 By sinful men. I'll tell you a short tale, 
 Nor can you but confess it is a true one : 
 A king of Egypt, being to erect 
 The image of Osiris, whom they honour. 
 Took from the matrons' neck the richest jewels, 
 And purest gold, as the materials. 
 To finish up his woi-k ; which perfected. 
 
WENE II. 
 
 THE VIRGIN-MARTYR. 
 
 13 
 
 With all solemnity he set it up, 
 
 To be adored, and served himself his idol ; 
 
 Desiring it to give him victory 
 
 Against his enemies : but, being overthrown, 
 
 Enraged against his god, (these are fine gods, 
 
 Subject to human fury !) he took down 
 
 The senseless thing, and melting it again, 
 
 He made a bason, in which e\inuchs wash'd 
 
 His concubine's feet ; and for this sordid use, 
 
 Some months it served : his mistress proving 
 
 false. 
 As most indeed do so, and grace concluded 
 Between him and the priests, of the same bason 
 He made his god again ! — Think, think, of-*his, 
 And then consider, if all worldly honours, 
 Or pleasures that do leave sharp stings behind 
 
 them, 
 Have power to win such as have reasonable souls, 
 To put their trust in dross. 
 
 Cal, Oh, that I had been born 
 "Without a father ! 
 
 Christ. Piety to him 
 Hath ruin'd us for ever. 
 
 Dor. Think not so ; 
 You may repair all yet : the attribute 
 That speaks his Godhead most, is merciful : 
 Revenge is proper to the fiends you worship, 
 Yet cannot strike without his leave. — You weep, — 
 Oh, 'tis a heavenly shower ! celestial balm 
 To cure your wounded conscience ! let it fall, 
 Fall thick upon it ; and, when that is spent, 
 I '11 help it with another of my tears : 
 And may your true repentance prove the child 
 Of my true sorrow, never mother had 
 A birth so happy ! 
 
 Cal. "We are caught ourselves. 
 That came to take you ; and, assured of conquest, 
 We are your captives. 
 
 Dor. And in that you triumph : 
 Your victory had been eternal loss, 
 And this your loss immortal gain. Fix here, 
 And you shall feel yourselves inwardly arm'd 
 'Gainst tortures, death, and hell : — but, take heed, 
 
 sisters, 
 That, or through weakness, threats, or mild 
 Though of a father, you fall not into [persuasions, 
 A second and a worse apostacy. 
 
 Cal. Never, oh never ! steel'd by your example, 
 We dare the worst of tyranny. 
 
 Christ. Here's our warrant. 
 You shall along and witness it. 
 
 Dor. Be confirm'd then ; 
 And rest assured, the more you suffer here, 
 The more your glory, you to heaven more dear. 
 
 \^Exeunt, 
 
 SCENE II — The Governor's Palace. 
 Enter Artemia, Sapritius, Theophilus, and Harpax. 
 Artem. Sapritius, though your son deserve no 
 
 pity, 
 
 We grieve his sickness : his contempt of us, 
 
 We cast behind us, and look back upon 
 
 His service done to Csesar, that weighs down 
 
 Our just displeasure. If his malady 
 
 Have growth from his restraint, or that you think 
 
 His liberty can cure him, let him have it: 
 
 Say, we forgive him freely. 
 
 Sap. Your grace binds us, 
 Ever your humblest vassals. 
 
 Artem. Use all means 
 For his recovery ; though yet I love him, 
 I will not force affection. If the Christian, 
 Whose beauty hath out-rivall'd me, be won 
 To be of our belief, let him enjoy her ; 
 That all may know, when the cause wills, I can 
 Command my own desires. 
 
 Theoph. Be happy then, 
 My lord Sapritius : I am confident, 
 Such eloquence and sweet persuasion dwell 
 Upon my daughters' tongues, that they will work 
 To anything they please. [her 
 
 Sap. I wish they may ! 
 Yet 'tis no easy task to undertake, 
 To alter a perverse and obstinate woman. 
 
 \_A shout within : loud music, 
 
 Artem. What means this shout ? 
 
 Sap. 'Tis seconded with music, 
 Triumphant music. — Ha ! 
 
 Enter Sempronius. 
 
 Semp. My lord, your daughters. 
 The pillars of our faith, have converted. 
 For so report gives out, the Christian lady, 
 The image of great Jupiter born before them. 
 Sue for access. 
 
 Theoph. My soul divined as much. 
 Blest be the time when first they saw this light ! 
 Their mother, when she bore them to support 
 My feeble age, filled not my longing heart 
 With so much joy, as they in this good work 
 Have thrown upon me. 
 
 Enter Priest, with the image of Jupiter, incense and 
 censers ; followed by Calista and Christeta, leading 
 Dorothea. 
 Welcome, oh, thrice welcome, 
 Daughters, both of my body and my mind ! 
 Let me embrace in you my bliss, my comfort ; 
 And, Dorothea, now more welcome too. 
 Than if you never had fallen off ! I am ravish'd 
 With the excess of joy : — speak, happy daughters, 
 The blest event. 
 
 Cal. We never gain'd so much 
 By any undertaking. 
 
 Theoph. O my dear girl. 
 Our gods reward thee ! 
 
 Dor. Nor was ever time, 
 On my part better spent. 
 
 Christ. We are all now 
 Of one opinion. 
 
 Theoph. My best Christeta ! 
 Madam, if ever you did grace to worth, 
 Vouchsafe your princely hands. 
 
 Artem. Most willingly— 
 
 Do you refuse it .-• 
 , Cal. Let us first deserve it. 
 
 Theoph. My own child still ! here set our god ; i 
 prepare 
 The incense quickly : Come, fair Dorothea, 
 I will myself support you ; — now kneel down, 
 And pay your vows to Juptter. 
 
 Dor. I sheQl do it 
 Better by their example. 
 
 Theoph. They shall guide you, 
 They are familiar with the sacrifice. 
 Forward, my twins of comfort, and, to teach her. 
 Make a joint offering. 
 
 Christ. Thus iThcy both spit at the image, 
 
 Cal. And thus. Ithrow it down, and spurn it. 
 
 Harp. Profane, 
 
14 
 
 THE VIRGIN-MARTYR. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 And impious ! stand you now like a statue ? 
 Are you the champion of the gods ? where is 
 Your holy zeal, your anger ? 
 
 Theoph. I am blasted ; 
 And, as my feet were rooted here, I find 
 I have no motion ; I would I had no sight too ! 
 Or if my eyes can serve to any use, 
 Give me, thou injured Power ! a sea of tears, 
 To expiate this madness in my daughters ; 
 For, being themselves, they would have trembled 
 
 So blasphemous a deed in any other : [at 
 
 For my sake, hold awhile thy dreadful thunder, 
 And give me patience to demand a reason 
 Ti'or this accursed act. 
 
 Dor. 'Twas bravely done. 
 Theoph. Peace, damn'd enchantress, peace ! — I 
 should look on you 
 With eyes made red with fury, and my hand, 
 That shakes with rage, should much outstrip my 
 
 tongue, 
 And seal my vengeance on your hearts ; — but 
 
 nature, 
 To you that have fallen once, bids me again 
 To be a father. Oh ! how durst you tempt 
 The anger of great Jove ? 
 
 Dor. Alack, poor Jove ! 
 He is no swaggerer ; how smug he stands ! 
 He'll take a kick, or anything. 
 Sap. Stop her mouth. 
 
 Dor. It is the patient' st godling ! do not fear 
 him ; 
 He would not hurt the thief that stole away 
 Two of his golden locks ; indeed he could not : 
 And still 'tis the same quiet thing. 
 
 Theoph. Blasphemer ! 
 Ingenious cruelty shall punish this : 
 Thou art past hope : but for you yet, dear 
 
 daughters. 
 Again bewitch'd, the dew of mild forgiveness 
 May gently fall, provided you deserve it, 
 With true contrition : be yourselves again ; 
 Sue to the offended deity. 
 
 Christ. Not to be 
 The mistress of the earth. 
 
 Cal. I will not offer 
 A grain of incense to it, much less kneel, 
 Nor look on it but with contempt and scorn, 
 To have a thousand years conferr'd upon nve 
 Of worldly blessings. We profess ourselves 
 To be, like Dorothea, Christians ; 
 And owe her for that happiness. 
 
 Theoph. My ears 
 Receive, in hearing thi^, all deadly charms, 
 Powerful to make man wretched. 
 
 Artem. Are these they 
 You bragg'd could convert others ! 
 
 Sap. That want strength 
 To stand, themselves ! 
 
 Harp. Your honour is engaged, 
 The credit of your cause depends upon it : 
 Something you must do suddenly. 
 Theoph. And I will. 
 
 Harp. They merit death ; but, falling by your 
 'Twill be recorded for a just revenge, [hand. 
 
 And holy fury in you. 
 
 Theoph. Do not blow 
 The furnace of a wrath thrice hot already ; 
 ^tna is in my breast, wildfire burns here, 
 Which only blood must quench. Incensed Power ! 
 Which from my infancy I have adored. 
 
 Look down with favourable beams upon 
 
 The sacrifice, though not allow'd thy priest, 
 
 Which I will offer to thee ; and be pleased, 
 
 My fiery zeal inciting me to act, 
 
 To call that justice others may style murder. 
 
 Come, you accurs'd, thus by the hair I drag you 
 
 Before this holy altar ; thus look on you. 
 
 Less pitiful than tigers to their prey : 
 
 And thus, with mine own hand, I take that life 
 
 Which I gave to you. SjLills them. 
 
 Dor. O most cruel butcher ! 
 
 Theoph. My anger ends not here : hell's dread- 
 ful porter. 
 Receive into thy ever-open gates 
 Their damned souls, and let the Furies' whips 
 On them alone be wasted ; and, when death 
 Closes these eyes, 'twill be Elysium to me 
 To hear their shrieks and bowlings. Make me, 
 
 Pluto, 
 Thy instrument to furnish thee with souls 
 Of that accursed sect ; nor let me fall. 
 Till my fell vengeance hath consumed them all. 
 
 lExit, with Harpax. 
 
 Artem. 'Tis a brave zeal. 
 
 Enter Angelo, smiling. 
 
 Dor. Oh, call him back again, 
 Call back your hangman ! here's one prisoner left 
 To be the subject of his knife. 
 
 Artem. Not so ; 
 We are not so near reconciled unto thee ; 
 Thou shalt not perish such an easy way. 
 Be she your charge, Sapritius, now ; and suffer 
 None to come near her, till we have found out 
 Some torments worthy of her. 
 
 Ang. Courage, mistress ; 
 These martyrs but prepare your glorious fate ; 
 You shall exceed them, and not imitate. \.Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. — A Room in Dorothea's House. 
 
 Enter Spungius and Hirchts, ragged, at opposite doors. 
 
 Hir. Spungius 1 
 
 Spun. My fine rogue, how is it ? how goes this 
 tattered world ? 
 
 Hir. Hast anj' money ? 
 
 Spun. Money ! no. The tavern ivy clings 
 about my money, and kills it. Hast thou any 
 money ? 
 
 Hir. No. My money is a mad bull ; and find- 
 ing any gap opened, away it runs. 
 
 Spun. 1 see then a tavern and a bawdyhouse 
 have faces much alike*; the one hath red grates 
 next the door, the ocher hath peeping-holes within 
 doors : the tavern hath evermore a bush, the 
 bawdyhouse sometimes neither hedge nor bush. 
 From a tavern a man comes reeling ; from a 
 bawdyhouse, notable to stand. In the tavern you 
 are cozen'd with paltry wine ; in a bawdyhouse, 
 by a painted whore : money may have wine, and*a 
 whore will have money ; but to neither can you 
 cry Drawer, you rogue ! or, Keep door, rotten 
 bawd I without a silver whistle : — We are justly 
 plagued, therefore, for running from our mistress. 
 
 Hir. Thou didst: I did not: Yet I had run 
 too, but that one gave me turpentine pills, and 
 that staid my running. 
 
 Spun. Well ! the thread of my life is drawn 
 through the needle of necessity, whose eye, look- 
 
8CENK III. 
 
 THE VIRGIN-MARTYR. 
 
 15 
 
 ing upon my lousy breeches, cries out it cannot 
 mend them ; which so pricks the linings of my 
 body, (and those are, heart, lights, lungs, guts and 
 midriff,) that I beg on my knees, to have Atropos, 
 the tailor to the Destinies, to take her sheers, and 
 cut my thread in two ; or to heat the iron goose 
 of mortality, and so press me to death. 
 
 Ilir. Sure thy father was some botcher, and 
 thy hungry tongue bit off these shreds of com- 
 plaints, to patch up the elbows of thy nitty 
 eloquence. 
 
 Spun. And what was thy father ? 
 
 Hir. A low-minded cobler, a cobler whose 
 zeal set many a woman upright ; the remembrance 
 of whose awl (I now having nothing) thrusts such 
 scurvy stitches into my soul, that the heel of my 
 happiness is gone awry. 
 
 Spun. Pity that e'er thou trod'st thy shoe awry. 
 
 Hir. Long I cannot last ; for all sowterly wax 
 of comfort melting away, and misery taking the 
 length of my foot, it boots not me to sue for life, 
 when all my hopes are seam-rent, and go wet- 
 shod. 
 
 Spun. This shows thou art a cobler's son, by 
 going through stitch : O Hircius, would thou and 
 I were so happy to be coblers ! 
 
 Hir. So would I ; for both of us being weary 
 of our lives, should then be sure of shoemakers' 
 ends. 
 
 Spun. I see the beginning of my end, for I am 
 almost starved. 
 
 Hir. So am not I ; but I am more than 
 famished. 
 
 Spun. All the members in my body are in a 
 rebellion one against another. 
 
 Hir. So are mine ; and nothing but a cook, 
 being a constable, can appease them, presenting 
 to my nose, instead of his painted staff, a spit full 
 of roast meat. 
 
 Spun. But in this rebellion, what uproars do 
 they make ! my belly cries to my mouth, Why dost 
 not gape and feed me ? 
 
 Hir. And my mouth sets out a throat to my 
 hand, Why dost not thou lift up meat, and cram 
 my cliops with it ? 
 
 Spun. Then my hand hath a fling at mine 
 eyes, because they look not out, and shark for 
 victuals. 
 
 Hir. Which mine eyes seeing, full of tears, 
 cry aloud, and curse my feet, for not ambling up 
 and down to feed colon : sithence if good meat 
 be in any place, 'tis known my feet can smell. 
 
 Spun. But then my feet, like lazy rogues, lie 
 still, and had rather do nothing, than run to and 
 fro to purchase anything. 
 
 Hir. Why, among so many millions of people, 
 should thou and I only be miserable tatterdemaU 
 iions, ragamuffins, and lousy desperates ? 
 
 Spun. Thou art a mere I-am-an-o, I-am-an-as : 
 consider the whole world, and 'tis as we are. 
 
 Hir. Lousy, beggarly ! thou whoreson assa 
 foetida ? 
 
 Sp9in. Worse ; all tottering, all out of frame, 
 thou fooliamini ! 
 
 Hir. As how, arsenic ? come, make the world 
 smart. 
 
 Spun. Old honour goes on crutches, beggary 
 
 rides caroched ; honest men make feasts, knaves 
 
 sit at tables, cowards are iapp'd in velvet, soldiers 
 
 as we) in rags ; beauty turns whore, whore bawd, 
 
 and both die of the pox : why then, when all the 
 world stumbles, should thou and I walk upright 2 
 Hir. Stop, look ! who's yonder ? 
 
 Enter Angelo. 
 
 Spun. Fellow Angelo ! how does my little man ? 
 well? 
 
 Ang. Yes ; 
 And would you did so too ! Where are your clothes ? 
 
 Hir. Clothes ! You see every woman almost go 
 in her loose gown, and why should not we have 
 our clothes loose ? 
 
 Spun. Would they were loose ! 
 
 Ang. Why, where are they ? 
 
 Spun. Where many a velvet cloak, I warrant, 
 at this hour, keeps them company ; they are 
 pawned to a broker. 
 
 Ang. Why pawn'd ? where's all the gold I left 
 with you ? 
 
 Hir. The gold ! we put that into a scrivener's 
 hands, and he hath cozen'd us. 
 
 Spun. And therefore, I prithee, Angelo, if thou 
 hast another purse, let it be confiscate, and brought 
 to devastation. 
 
 Ang. Are you made all of lies ? 1 know which 
 way 
 Your guilt-wing'd pieces flew. I will no more 
 Be mock'd by you : be sorry for your riots. 
 Tame your wild flesh by labour ; eat the bread 
 Got with hard hands ; let sorrow be your whip. 
 To draw drops of repentance from your heart : 
 When I read this amendment in your eyes. 
 You shall not want ; till then, my pity dies. 
 
 [Exit. 
 
 Spun. Is it not a sliame, that this scurvy pueriiis 
 should give us lessons ? 
 
 Hir. I have dwelt, thou know'st, a long time in 
 the suburbs of consfdence, and they are ever bawdy ; 
 but now my heart shall take a house within the 
 walls of honesty. 
 
 Enter Harpax behind. 
 
 Spun. O you drawers of wine, draw me no more 
 to the bar of beggary ; the sound of Score a pottle 
 of sack, is worse than the noise of a scolding 
 oyster wench, or two cats incorporating. 
 
 Harp. This must not be — I do not like when 
 
 conscience 
 Thaws; keep her frozen still. [Comes forward.'] 
 
 How now, my masters ! 
 Dejected ? drooping ? drown'd in tears ? clothes 
 
 torn ? 
 Lean, and ill colour'd ? sighing? where's the 
 
 whirlwind 
 Which raises all these mischiefs ? I have seen yo ' 
 Drawn better on't. O ! but a spirit told me 
 You both would come to this, when in you thrust 
 Yourselves into the service of that lady, 
 Who shortly now must die. Where's now hev 
 
 praying ? 
 What good got you by wearing out your feet, 
 To run on scurvy errands to the poor. 
 And to bear money to a sort of rogues, 
 And lousy prisoners ? 
 
 Hir. Pox on them ! I never prospered since 1 
 did it. 
 
 Spun. Had I been a pagan still, I should not 
 have spit white for want of drink ; but come to any 
 vintner now, and bid him trust me, becaus*» I 
 turned Christian, and he cries. Poh ! 
 
16 
 
 THE VIRGIN-MARTYR. 
 
 Harp. You're rightly served; before that peevish 
 lady 
 Had to do with you, women, wine, and money 
 Fiow'd in abundance with you, did it not ? 
 
 Hir. Oh, those days ! those days ! 
 
 Harp. Beat not your breasts, tear not your hair 
 in madness ; 
 Those days shall come again, be ruled by me ; 
 And better, mark me, better. 
 
 Spun. I have seen you, sir, as I take it, an at- 
 tendant on the lord Theophilus. 
 
 Harp. Yes, yes ; in shew his servant : but — 
 hark, hither I — 
 Take heed nobody listens. 
 
 Spun. Not a mouse stirs. 
 
 Harp. I am a prince disguised. 
 
 Hir. Disguised ! how ? drunk ? 
 
 Harp. Yes, my fine boy ! I'll drink too, and be 
 drunk ; 
 I am a prince, and any man by me. 
 Let him but keep my rules, shall soon grow rich, 
 Exceeding rich, most infinitely rich : 
 He that shall serve me, is not starved from plea- 
 sures 
 As other poor knaves are ; no, take their fill. 
 
 Spnn. But that, sir, we're so ragged 
 
 Harp. You'll say, you'd serve me ? 
 
 Hir. Before any master under the zodiac. 
 
 Harp. For clothes no matter ; I've a mind to 
 both. 
 And one thing I like in you ; now that you see 
 The bonfire of your lady's state burnt out. 
 You give it over, do you not ? 
 
 Hir. Let her be hang'd ! 
 
 Spun. And pox'd ! 
 
 Harp. Why, now you're mine ; 
 Come, let my bosom touch you. 
 
 Spun. We have bugs, sir. 
 
 Harp. There's money, fetch your clothes home; 
 there's for you. 
 
 Hir. Avoid, vermin ! give over our mistress ; a 
 man cannot prosper worse, if he serve the devil. 
 
 Harp. How ! the devil ? I'll tell you what now 
 of the devil, 
 He's no such horrid creature ; cloven-footed. 
 Black, saucer-eyed, his nostrils breathing fire, 
 As these Iving Christians make him. 
 
 Both. No ! 
 
 Harp. He's more loving 
 To man, than man to man is. 
 
 Hir. Is he so .' Would we two might come 
 acquainted with him . 
 
 Harp. You shall . he's a wondrous good fellow, 
 loves a cup of wine, a whore, anything ; if you 
 have money, it's ten to one but I'll bring him to 
 some tavern to you or other. 
 
 Spun. I'll bespeak the best room in the house 
 for him 
 
 Harp. Some people he cannot endure. 
 
 Hir. We'll give him no such cause. 
 
 Harp. He hates a civil lawyer, as a soldier does 
 peace. 
 
 Spun. How a commoner ? 
 
 Harp. Loves him from the teeth outward. 
 
 Spun. Pray, my lord and prince, let me en- 
 counter you with one foolish question: dees the 
 devil eat any mace in his broth ? 
 
 Harp. Exceeding much, when his burning fever 
 
 takes him ; and then he has the knuckles of a 
 bailiff boiled to his breakfast. 
 
 Hir. Then, my lord, he loves a catchpole, does 
 he not ? 
 
 Harp. As a bearward doth a dog. A catchpole ! 
 he hath sworn, if ever he dies, to make a serjeant 
 his heir, and a yeoman his overseer. 
 
 Spun. How if he come to any great man's gate, 
 will the porter let him come in, sir ? 
 
 Harp. Oh ! he loves porters of great men's 
 gates, because they are ever so near the wicket. 
 
 Hir. Do not they whom he makes much on, for 
 all his stroaking their cheeks, lead hellish lives 
 under him ? 
 
 Harp. No, no, no, no ; he will be damn'd be- 
 fore he hurts any man : do but you (when you are 
 throughly acquainted with him) ask for anything, 
 see if it does not come. 
 
 Spun. Anything 1 
 
 Harp. Call for a delicate rare whore, she is 
 brought you. 
 
 Hir. Oh ! my elbow itches. Will the devil 
 keep the door } 
 
 Harp. Be drunk as a beggar, he helps you home. 
 
 Spun. O my fine devil ! some watchman, I 
 warrant ; I wonder who is his constable. 
 
 Harp. Will you swear, roar, swagger ? he claps 
 you 
 
 Hir. How ? on the chaps ? 
 
 Harp. No, on the shoulder ; and cries, O, my 
 brave boys ! Will any of you kill a man ? 
 
 Spun. Yes, yes; I, I. 
 
 Harp. What is his word ? Hang ! hang I 'tis 
 nothing — Or stab a woman ? 
 
 Hir. Yes, yes ; I, I. 
 
 Harp. Here is the worst word he gives you : 
 A pox on't, go on ! 
 
 Hir. O inveigling rascal ! — I am ravish'd. 
 
 Harp. Go, get your clothes; turn up your glass 
 of youth, 
 And let the sands run merrily : nor do I care 
 From what a lavish hand your money flies, 
 So you give none away to beggars 
 
 Hir. Hang them I 
 
 Harp. And to the scrubbing poor. 
 
 Hir. I'll see them hang'd first. 
 
 Harp. One service you must do me. 
 
 Both. Anything. 
 
 Harp. Your mistress, Dorothea, ere she sufferij, 
 Is to be put to tortures : have you hearts 
 To tear her into shrieks, to fetch her soul 
 Up in the pangs of death, yet not to die ? 
 
 Hir. Suppose this she, and that I had no hands, 
 here's my teeth. 
 
 Spun. Suppose this she, and that I had no teeth, 
 here's my nails. 
 
 Hir. But will not you be there, sir ? 
 
 Harp. No, not for hills of diamonds ; the grand 
 master. 
 Who schools her in the Christian discipline. 
 Abhors my company : should I be there. 
 You'd think all hell broke loose, we should so 
 
 quarrel. 
 Ply you this business ; he, her flesh who spares. 
 Is lost, and in my love never more shares. lExit. 
 
 Spun. Here's a master, you rogue I 
 
 Hir. Sure he cannot choose but have a horrible 
 number of servants. lExeunt. 
 
THK VIRGIN-MARTYR. 
 
 17 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I.— The Governor's Palace. 
 
 Anioninus on a couch, asleep, w?7ft Doctors about him,; 
 Sapritius and Macrinus- 
 
 Sap. O you, that are half gods, lent^then that 
 life 
 Their deities lend us ; turn o'er all the volumes 
 Of your mysterious ^sculapian science, 
 T' increase the number of this young man's days : 
 And, for each minute of his time prolong'd. 
 Your fee shall be a piece of Roman gold 
 With Caesar's stamp, such as he sends his captains 
 "When in the wars they earn well : do but save him, 
 And, as he's half myself, be you all mine. 
 
 1 Doct. What art can do, we promise ; physic's 
 As apt is to destroy as to preserve, [hand 
 
 If heaven make not the med'cine : all this while, 
 Our skill hath combat held with his disease ; 
 But 'tis so arm'd, and a deep melancholy. 
 To be such in part with death, we are in fear 
 The grave must mock our labours. 
 
 Mac. I have been 
 His keeper in this sickness, with such eyes 
 As I have seen my mother watch o'er me ; 
 And, from that observation, sure I find 
 It is a midwife must deliver him. 
 
 Sap. Is he with child? a midwife ! 
 
 Mac. Yes, with child ; 
 And will, I fear, lose life, if by a woman 
 He is not brought to bed. Stand by his pillow 
 Some little while, and, in his broken slumbers, 
 Him shall you hear cry out on Dorofhea ; 
 And, when his arms fly open to catch her, 
 Closing together, he falls fast asleep. 
 Pleased with embracings of her airy form. 
 Physicians but torment him, his disease 
 Laughs at their gibberish language ; let him hear 
 The voice of Dorothea, nay, but the name. 
 He starts up with high colour in his face : 
 She, or none, cures him ; and how that can be, 
 The princess' strict command barring that happi- 
 To me impossible seems. [ness, 
 
 Sap. To me it shall not ; 
 I'll be no subject to the greatest Caesar 
 Was ever crown'd with laurel, rather than cease 
 To be a father. \_Exit. 
 
 Mac. Silence, sir, he wakes. 
 
 Anion. Thou kill'st me, Dorothea ; oh, Doro- 
 
 Mac. She's here : — enjoy her. [thea ! 
 
 Anion. Where ? Why do you mock me? 
 Age on my head hath stuck no white hairs yet, 
 Yet I'm an old man, a fond doating fool 
 Upon a woman. I, to buy her beauty, 
 (In truth I am bewitch'd,) offer my life. 
 And she, for my acquaintance, hazards hers : 
 Yet, for our equal sufferings, none holds out 
 A hand of pity. 
 
 1 Doci. Let him have some music. 
 
 Anion. Hell on your fidling ! 
 
 [_Star ting from his couch. 
 
 1 Doct. Take again your bed, sir ; 
 Sleep is a sovereign physic. 
 
 Anton. Take an ass's head, sir : 
 Confusion on your fooleries, your charms ! — 
 Tliou stinking clyster-pipe, where's the god of rest. 
 Thy pills and base apothecary drugs 
 Tbreaten'd to bring unto me ? Out, you impostors ! 
 
 Quacksalving, cheating mountebanks ! your skill 
 Is to make sound men sick, and sick men kill. 
 
 Mac. Oh, be yourself, dear friend. 
 
 Anton. Myself, Macrinus ! 
 How can I be myself, when I am mangled 
 Into a thousand pieces ? here moves my head, 
 But where's my heart } wherever — that lies dead. 
 
 Re-enter Sapritius, dragging in Dorothea by the hair^ 
 Angelo following. 
 
 Sap. Follow me, thou damn'd sorceress ! Call 
 up thy spirits. 
 And, if they can, now let them from my hand 
 Untwine these witching hairs. 
 
 Anton. I am that spirit : 
 Or, if I be not, were you not my father. 
 One made of iron should hew that hand in pieces, 
 That so defaces this sweet monument 
 Of my love's beauty. 
 
 Sap. Art thou sick ? 
 
 Anton. To death. 
 
 Sap. Wouldst thou recover ? 
 
 Anton. Would I live in bliss ! 
 
 Sap. And do thine eyes shoot daggers at that 
 Tliat brings thee health ? [man 
 
 Anton. It is not in the world. 
 
 Sap. It's here. 
 
 Anton. To treasure, by enchantment lock'd 
 In caves as deep as hell, am I as near. 
 
 Sap. Break that enchanted cave : enter, and 
 The spoils thy lust hunts after ; I descend [rifle 
 To a base office, and become thy pander. 
 In bringing thee this proud thing : make her thy 
 
 whore. 
 Thy health lies here ; if she deny to give it, 
 Force it : imagine thou assault'st a town's 
 Weak wall ; to't, 'tis thine own, but beat this dovm. 
 Come, and, unseen, be witness to this battery, 
 How the coy strumpet yields. 
 
 1 Doct. Shall the boy stay, sir ? 
 
 Sap. No matter for the boy : — pages are used 
 To these odd bawdy shufilings ; and, indeed, are 
 Those little young snakes in a Fury's head, 
 
 Will sting worse than the great ones. 
 
 Let the pimp stay. lExeunt Sap., Mac, and Doer. 
 
 Dor. O, guard me, angels ! 
 What tragedy must begin now ? •^ 
 
 Anion. When a tiger 
 Leaps into a timorous herd, with ravenous jaws, 
 Being hunger-starv'd, what tragedy then begins ? 
 
 Dor. Death ; I am happy so ; you, hitherto. 
 Have still had goodness sphered within your eyes. 
 Let not that orb be broken. 
 
 Ang. Fear not, mistress ; 
 If h6 dare offer violence, we two 
 Are strong enough for such a sickly man. 
 
 Dor. What is your horrid purpose, sir? your 
 Bears danger in it. [eye 
 
 Anton. I must 
 
 Dor. What? 
 
 Sap. [within.'] Speak it out. 
 
 Anton. Climb that sweet virgin tree. 
 
 Sap. [within.] Plague o' your trees ! 
 
 Anton. And pluck that fruit which none, I think, 
 e'er tasted. 
 
 Sap. [within.] A soldier, and stand fumbling so ! 
 
 Dor. Oh, kill me, ^ [Kticels 
 
Id 
 
 THE V^lIlGiN-MARTYR. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 And heaven will take it as a sacrifice ; 
 But, if you play the ravisher, there is 
 A hell to swallow you. 
 
 Sap. [within.] Let her swallow thee ! 
 
 Anton. Rise : — for the Roman empire, Dorothea, 
 I would not wound thine honour. Pleasures forced. 
 Are unripe apples ; sour, not worth the plucking : 
 Yet, let me tell you, 'tis my father's will, 
 That I should seize upon you, as my prey ; 
 Which I abhor, as much as the blackest sin 
 The villainy of man did ever act. 
 
 [Saprit.ius breaks in tvith Macrinus. 
 
 Dor, Die happy for this language 1 
 
 Sap. Die a slave, 
 A blockish idiot ! 
 
 Mac. Dear sir, vex him not. 
 
 Sap. Yes, and vex thee too ; both, I think, are 
 geldings ; 
 Cold, phlegmatic bastard, thou'rt no brat of mine ; 
 One spark of me, when I had heat like thine, 
 By this had made a bonfire : a tempting whore, 
 For whom thou'rt mad, thrust e'en into thine arms. 
 And stand'st thou puling ! Had a tailor seen her 
 At this advantage, he, with his cross capers. 
 Had ruffled her by this : but thou shalt curse 
 Thy dalliance, and here, before her eyes. 
 Tear thy own flesh in pieces, when a slave 
 In hot lust bathes himself, and gluts those plea- 
 sures 
 Thy niceness durst not touch. Call out a slave ; 
 You, captain of our guard, fetch a slave hither. 
 
 Anton. What will you do, dear sir ? 
 
 Sap. Teach her a trade, which many a one would 
 learn 
 In less than half an hour, — to play the whore. 
 
 Enter Soldiers with a Slave. 
 
 Mac. A slave is come ; what now ? 
 
 Sap. Thou hast bones and flesh 
 Enough to ply thy labour ; from what country 
 Wert thou ta'en prisoner, here to be our slave ? 
 
 Slave. From Britain. 
 
 Sap. In the west ocean ? 
 
 Slave. Yes. 
 
 Sap. An island ? 
 
 Slave. Yes. 
 
 Sap. I'm fitted : of all nations 
 Our Roman swords e'er conquer'd, none comes 
 The Briton for true whoring. SiiTah fellow, [near 
 What wouldst thou do to gain thy liberty ? 
 
 Slave. Do ! liberty ! fight naked with a lion, 
 Venture to pluck a standard from the heart 
 Of an arm'd legion. Liberty ! I'd thus 
 Bestride a rampire, and defiance spit 
 I' the face of death, then, when the battering ram 
 Was fetching his career backward, to pash 
 Me with his horns in pieces. To shake my chains 
 And that I could not do't but by thy death, [off, 
 Stoodst thou on this dry shore, I on a rock 
 Ten pyramids high, down would I leap to kill thee. 
 Or die myself : what is for man to do, 
 I'll venture on, to be no more a slave. 
 
 Sap. Thou shalt, then, be no slave, for I will set 
 Upon a piece of work is fit for man ; [thee 
 
 Brave for a Briton : — drag that thing aside, 
 And ravish her. 
 
 Slave. And ravish her ! is this your manly ser- 
 A devil scorns to do it ; 'tis for a beast, [vice ? 
 A villain, not a man : I am, as yet. 
 But half a slave ; but, when that work is past. 
 
 A damned whole one, a black ugly slave, 
 
 The slave of all base slaves : — do't thyself, Roman, 
 
 'Tis drudgery fit for thee. 
 
 Sap. He's bewitch'd too : 
 Bind him, and with a bastinado give him, 
 Upon his naked belly, two hundred blows. 
 
 Slave. Thou art more slave than I. 
 
 [//e is carried in. 
 
 Dor. That Power supernal, on whom waits my 
 Is captain o'er my chastity. soul, 
 
 Anton. Good sir, give o'er : 
 The more you wrong her, yourself's vex'dthe more. 
 
 Sap. Plagues light on her and thee ! — thus down 
 I throw 
 Thy harlot, thus by the hair nail her to earth. 
 Call in ten slaves, let every one discover 
 What lust desires, and surfeit here his fill. 
 Call in ten slaves. 
 
 Enter Slaves. 
 
 Mac. They are come, sir, at your call. 
 
 Sap. Oh, oh ! IFalls down. 
 
 Enter Theophilds. 
 
 Theoph. Where is the governor ? 
 
 Anton. There's my wretched father. 
 
 Theoph. My lord Sapritius — he's not dead! — 
 That witch there — [my lord ! 
 
 Anton. 'Tis no Roman gods can strike 
 These fearful terrors. O, thou happy maid. 
 Forgive this wicked purpose of my father. 
 
 Dor. I do. 
 
 Theoph. Gone, gone ; he's pepper'd. It is thou 
 Hast done this act infernal. 
 
 Dor. Heaven pardon you ! 
 And if my wrongs from thence pull vengeance down, 
 (I can no miracles work,) yet, from my soul. 
 Pray to those Powers I serve, he may recover. 
 
 Theoph. He stirs — help, raise him up, — my lord! 
 
 Sqp. Where am I ? 
 
 Theoph. One cheek is blasted. 
 
 Sap. Blasted ! where's the lamia 
 That 'ears my entrails ? I'm bewitch'd; seize on 
 
 DiT. I'm here ; do what you please. [her. 
 
 Theoph. Spurn her to the bar. 
 
 Dor. Come, boy, being there, more near to 
 heaven we are. 
 
 Sap. Kick harder ; go out, witch ! ^Exeunt. 
 
 Anton. O bloody hangmen ! Thine own gods 
 give thee breath ! 
 Each of thy tortures is my several desth. lExit. 
 
 SCENE 11.—^ Public Square. 
 Enter Harpax, Hircius, and Sfungius. 
 
 Harp. Do you like my service now ? say, am 
 A master worth attendance ? [not I 
 
 Spun. Attendance ! I had rather lick clean the 
 soles of your dirty boots, than wear the richest 
 suit of any infected lord, whose rotten life hangs 
 between the two poles. 
 
 Hir. A lord's suit ! I would not give up the 
 cloak of your service, to meet the splayfoot estate 
 of any left-eyed knight above the antipodes ; be- 
 cause they are unlucky to meet. 
 
 Harp. This day I'll try your loves to me ; tis 
 But well to use the agility of your arms. [only 
 
 Spun. Or legs, I am lusty at them. 
 
 Hir. Or any other member that has no legs. 
 
 Spun. Thou'lt run into some hole. 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE VIROIN-MARTYR. 
 
 10 
 
 Hir. If I meet one that's more than my match, 
 and that I cannot stand in their hands, I must and 
 will creep on my knees. 
 
 Harp. Hear me, my little team of villains, hear 
 me ; 
 I cannot teach you fencing with these cudgels, 
 Yet you must use them ; lay them on but soundly ; 
 That's all. 
 
 Hir. Nay, if we come to mauling once, pah ! 
 
 Spun. But what walnut-tree is it we must beat ? 
 
 Harp. Your mistress. 
 
 Hir. How ! my mistress ? I begin to have a 
 Christian's heart made of sweet butter, I melt ; I 
 cannot strike a woman. 
 
 Spun. Nor I, unless she scratch ; bum my mis- 
 
 Harp. You're coxcombs, silly animals, [tress 1 
 
 Hir. What's that ? 
 
 Harp. Drones, asses, blinded moles, that dare 
 not thrust 
 Your arms out to catch fortune : say, you fall off, 
 It must be done. You are converted rascals. 
 And, that once spread abroad, why every slave 
 Will kick you," call you motley Christians, 
 And half-faced Christians. 
 
 Spun. The guts of my conscience begin to be of 
 whitleather- 
 
 Hir. I doubt me, I shall have no sweet butter 
 in me. 
 
 Harp. Deny this, and each pagan whom you 
 meet, 
 Shall forked fingers thrust into your eyes 
 
 Hir. If we be cuckolds. 
 
 Harp. Do this, and every god the Gentiles bow 
 Shall add a fathom to your line of years. [to, 
 
 Spun. A hundred fathom, I desire no more. 
 
 Hir. I desire but one inch longer. 
 
 Harp. The senators will, as you pass along. 
 Clap you upon your shoulders with this hand, 
 And with this give you gold : when you are dead, 
 Happy that man shall be, can get a nail. 
 The paring, — nay, the dirt under the nail, 
 Of any of you both, to say, this dirt 
 Belonged to Spungius or Hircius. 
 
 Spun. They shall not want dirt under my nails, 
 I will keep them long of purpose, for now my fin- 
 gers itch to be at her. 
 
 Hir. The first thing I do, I'll take her over the 
 lips. 
 
 Spun. And I the hips, — we may strike any 
 where % 
 
 Harp. Yes, any where. 
 
 Hir. Then I know where I'll hit her. 
 
 Harp. Prosper, and be mine own ; stand by, I 
 must not 
 To see this done, great business calls me hence : 
 He's made can make her curse his violence. [.Exit. 
 
 Spun. Fear it not, sir ; her ribs shall be basted. 
 
 Hir. I'll come upon her with rounce, robble- 
 hobble, and thwick-thwack-thirlery bouncing. 
 
 Enter Dorothea, led prisoner; Sapritttts, Theophilus, 
 Angelo, and a Hangman, who sets up a Pillar.- Sa- 
 PRiTius and Theophilus sit; Akgelo stands fcy Doro- 
 thea. A Guard attending. 
 
 Sap. According to our Roman customs, bind 
 That Christian to a pillar. 
 
 Theoph. Infernal Furies, 
 Could they into my hand thrust all their whips 
 To tear thy flesh, thy soul, 'tis not a torture 
 Fit to the vengeance I should heap on thee, 
 
 For wrongs done me ; me ! for flagitious facts. 
 By thee done to our gods : yet, so it stand 
 To great Caesarea's governor's high pleasure, 
 Bow but thy knee to Jupiter, and offer 
 Any slight sacrifice ; or do but swear 
 By Ceesar's fortune, and be free. 
 
 Sap. Thoushalt. 
 
 Dor. Not for all Caesar's fortune, were it chain'd 
 To more worlds than are kingdoms in the world. 
 And all those worlds drawn after him. I defy 
 Your hangmen ; you now shew me whither to fly. 
 
 Sap. Are her tormentors ready ? 
 
 Ang. Shrink not, dear mistress. 
 
 Spun, and Hir. My lord, we are ready for the 
 business. 
 
 Dor. You two ! whom I like foster'd children 
 fed. 
 And lengthen'd out your starved life with bread. 
 You be my hangmen ! whom, when up the ladder 
 Death haled you to be strangled, I fetch'd down. 
 Clothed you, and warm'd you, you two my tor- 
 
 Both. Yes, we. [mentors ! 
 
 Dor. Divine Powers pardon you ! 
 
 Sap. Strike. 
 
 \_They strike at her : Angelo kneeling holds her fast. 
 
 Theoph. Beat out her brains. 
 
 Dor. Receive me, you bright angels I 
 
 Sap. Faster, slaves. 
 
 Spun. Faster I I am out of breath, I am sure ; 
 if I were to beat a buck, I can strike no harder. 
 
 Hir. O mine arms I I cannot lift them to my 
 head. 
 
 Dor. Joy above joys ! are my tormentors weary 
 In torturing me, and, in ray sufferings, 
 I fainting in no limb ! tyrants, strike home, 
 And feast your fury full. 
 
 Theoph. These dogs are curs, 
 
 [Comes from his seat. 
 Which snarl, yet bite not. See, my lord, her face 
 Has more bewitching beauty than before : 
 Proud whore, it smiles ! cannot an eye start out. 
 With these ? 
 
 Hir. No, sir, nor the bridge of her nose fall ; 
 'tis full of iron-work. 
 
 Sap. Let's view the cudgels, are they not coun- 
 terfeit ? 
 
 Ang. There fix thine eye still ; — thy glorious 
 crown must come 
 Not from soft pleasure, but by martyrdom. 
 There fix thine eye still ; — when we next do meet, 
 Not thorns, but roses, shall bear up thy feet : 
 There fix thine eye still. [Exit. 
 
 Dor. Ever, ever, ever ! 
 
 Enter IIarpax, sneaking. 
 
 Theoph. We're mock'd ; these bats have power 
 Yet her skin is not scarr'd. [to feU down giants, 
 
 Sap. What rogues are these ? 
 
 Theoph. Cannot these force a shriek ? 
 
 [Beats Spungfus. 
 
 Spun. Oh ! a woman has one of my ribs, and 
 now five more are broken. 
 
 Theoph. Cannot this make her roar? 
 
 [Beats IliKcius ; he roars. 
 
 Snp. Who hired these slaves ? what are they ? 
 
 Spun. We serve that noble gentleman, there ; 
 he enticed us to this dry beating : oh ! for one half 
 pot. 
 
 Harp. My servants ! two base rogues^ and some 
 time servants 
 To her, and for that cause forbear to hurt her. 
 
20 
 
 THE VIRGIN-MARTYR. 
 
 Sap. Unbind her ; hang up these. 
 
 Theoph. Hang the two hounds on the next tree. 
 
 Hir. Hang u-s ! master Harpax, what a devil, 
 shall we be thus used ? 
 
 Harp. What bandogs but you two would worry 
 a woman ? 
 Your mistress ? I but clapt you, you flew on. 
 Say I should get your lives, each rascal beggar 
 Would, when he met you, cry out, Hell-hounds ! 
 
 traitors ! 
 Spit at you, fling dirt at you ; and no woman 
 Ever endure your sight : 'tis your best course 
 Now, had you secret Itnives, to stab yourselves ; — 
 But, since you have not, go and be hang'd. 
 
 Hir. I thank you. 
 
 Harp. 'Tis your best course. 
 
 Theoph. Why stay they trifling here ? 
 To the gallows drag them by the heels ; — away ! 
 
 Spun. By the heels ! no, sir, we have legs to do 
 us that service. 
 
 Hir. Ay, ay, if no woman can endure my sight, 
 away with me. 
 
 Harp. Dispatch them. 
 
 Spun. The devil dispatch thee ! 
 
 \_Exeunt Guard with Spungius and HrRCius. 
 
 Sap. Death this day rides in triumph, Theo- 
 See this witch made away too. [philus. 
 
 Theoph. My soul thirsts for it ; 
 Come, I myself the hangman's part could play. 
 
 Dor. O haste me to my coronation day ! 
 
 {_Exeunt. 
 « 
 
 SCENE III The Place of Execution. A 
 
 Scaffold, Block, ^c. 
 Enter Antoninus, supported hy Macrinus, and Servants. 
 Anton. Is this the place, where virtue is to 
 suffer, 
 And heavenly beauty, leaving this base earth, 
 To make a glad return from whence it came ? 
 Is it, Macrinus ? 
 
 Mac. By this preparation, 
 You well may rest assured that Dorothea 
 This hour is to die here. 
 
 Anton. Then with her dies 
 The abstract of all sweetness that's in woman ! 
 Set me down, friend, that, ere the iron hand 
 Of death close up mine eyes, they may at once 
 Take my last leave both of this light and her : 
 For, she being gone, the glorious sun himself 
 To me's Cimmerian darkness. 
 I Mac. Strange affection ! 
 
 ! Cupid once more hath changed his shafts with 
 And kills, instead of giving life. [Death, 
 
 Anton. Nay, weep not ; 
 Though tears of friendship be a sovereign balm, 
 i On me they're cast away. It is decreed 
 i That I must die with her ; our clue of life 
 I Was spun together. 
 I Mac. Yet, sir, 'tis my wonder, 
 
 That you, who, hearing only what she suff'ers. 
 
 Partake of all her tortures, yet will be, 
 
 To add to your calamity, an eye-witness 
 
 Of her last tragic scene, which must pierce deeper, 
 
 And make the wound more desperate. 
 
 Anton. Oh, Macrinus! 
 'Twould linger out my torments else, not kill me, 
 Which is the end I aim at : being to die too, 
 What instrument more glorious can I wish for, 
 Than wnat is made sharp by my constant love 
 
 And true aff*ection ? It may be, the duty 
 And loyal service, with which I pursued her. 
 And seal'd it with my death, will be remember'd 
 Among her blessed actions : and what honour 
 Can I desire beyond it ? 
 
 Enter a Guard bringing in Dorothea, a Headsman he/ore 
 her ; followed hy Theophilus, Sapritius, and Harpax. 
 
 See, she comes ; 
 How sweet her innocence appears ! more like 
 To heaven itself, than any sacrifice 
 That can be off'er'd to it. By my hopes 
 Of joys hereafter, the sight makes me doubtful 
 In my belief ; nor can I think our gods 
 Are good, or to be served, that take delight 
 In off"erings of this kind : that, to maintain 
 Their power, deface the master-piece of nature, 
 Which they themselves come short of. She ascends, 
 And every step raises her nearer heaven. 
 What god soe'er thou art, that must enjoy her, 
 Receive in her a boundless happiness ! 
 
 Sap. You are to blame 
 To let him come abroad. 
 
 Mac. It was his will ; 
 And we were left to serve him, not command him. 
 
 Anton. Good sir, be not ofi'ended ; nor deny 
 My last of pleasures in this happy object, 
 That I shall e'er be blest with. 
 
 Theoph. Now, proud contemner 
 Of us, and of our gods, tremble to think 
 It is not in the Power thou serv'st to save thee. 
 Not all the riches of the sea, increased 
 By violent shipwrecks, nor the unsearch'd mines. 
 (Mammon's unknown exchequer,) shall redeem 
 
 thee : 
 And, therefore, having first with horror weigh'd 
 What 'tis to die, and to die young ; to part with 
 All pleasures and delights ; lastly, to go 
 Where all antipathies to comfort dwell. 
 Furies behind, about thee, and before thee ; 
 And, to add to affliction, the remembrance 
 Of the Elysian joys thou might'st have tasted, 
 Hadst thou not turn'd apostata to those gods 
 That so reward their servants ; let despair 
 Prevent the hangman's sword, and on this sc.Jiff'nld 
 Make thy first entrance into hell. 
 
 Anton. She smiles, 
 Unmoved, by Mars ! as if she were assured 
 Death, looking on her constancy, would forget 
 The use of his inevitable hand. 
 
 Theoph. Derided too ! dispatch, I say. 
 
 Dor. Thou fool ! 
 That gloriest in having power to ravish 
 A trifle from me I am weary of. 
 What is this life to me? not worth a thought ; 
 Or, if it be esteem'd, 'tis that I lose it 
 To win a better : even thy malice serves 
 To me but as a ladder to mount up 
 To such a height of happiness, where I shall 
 Look down with scorn on thee, and on the world ; 
 W^here, circled with true pleasures, placed above 
 The reach of death or time, 'twill be my glory 
 To think at what an easy price I bought it. 
 There's a perpetual spring, perpetual youth : 
 No joint-benumbing cold, or scorching heat. 
 Famine, nor age, have any being there. 
 Forget, for shame, your Tempe ; bury in 
 Oblivion your feign'd Hesperian orchards: — 
 The golden fruit, kept by the watchful dragoa- 
 Which did require a Hercules to get it. 
 
SCENE I IX. 
 
 THE VlllGlN-MARTYK. 
 
 21 
 
 Compared with what grows in all plenty there, 
 Deserves not to be named. The Power I serve, 
 Laughs at your happy Araby, or the 
 Elysian shades ; for he hath made his bowers 
 Better in deed, than you can fancy yours. 
 
 Anton. O, take me thither with you ! 
 
 Dor. Trace my steps, 
 And be assured you shall. 
 
 Sap. With my own hands 
 I'll rather stop that little breath is left thee, 
 And rob thy killing fever. 
 
 Theoph. By no means ; 
 Let him go with her : do, seduced young man, 
 And wait upon thy saint in death ; do, do : 
 And, when you come to that imagined place, -"^ 
 That place of all delights — pray you, observe me, 
 And meet those cursed things I once call'd 
 
 Daughters, 
 Whom I have sent as harbingers before you ; 
 If there be any truth in your religion, 
 In thankfulness to me, that with care hasten 
 Your journey thither, pray you send me some 
 Small pittance of that curious fruit you boast of, 
 
 Anton. Grant that I may go with her, and I will. 
 
 Sap. Wilt thou in thy last minute damn thyself? 
 
 Theoph. The gates to hell are open. 
 
 Dor. Know, tlaou tyrant, 
 Thou agent for the devil, thy great master, 
 Though thou art most unworthy to taste of it, 
 I can, and will. 
 
 Enter Angelo, in the Angel's habit. 
 
 Harp. Oh ! mountains fall upon me. 
 Or hide me in the bottom of the deep, 
 Where light may never find me ! 
 
 Theoph. What's the matter ? 
 
 Sap. This is prodigious, and confirms her witch- 
 
 Theoph. Harpax, my Harpax, speak ! [craft. 
 
 Harp. I dare not stay : 
 Should I but hear her once more, I were lost. 
 Some whirlwind snatch me from this cursed place. 
 To which compared, (and with what now I suffer,) 
 Hell's torments are sweet slumbers ! lExit. 
 
 Sap. Follow him. 
 
 Theoph. He is distracted, and I must not lose 
 Thy charms upon my servant, cursed w^itch, [him. 
 Give thee a short reprieve. Let her not die. 
 Till my return. lExeunt Sap, and Theoph. 
 
 Anton. She minds him not : what object 
 Is her eye fix'd on ? 
 
 Mac. I see nothing. 
 
 Anton. Mark her. [serve ! 
 
 Dor. Thou glorious minister of the Power I 
 (For thou art more than mortal,) is't for me, 
 Poor sinner, thou art pleased awhile to leave 
 Thy heavenly habitation, and vouchsafest, 
 
 Though glorified, to take my servant's habit? 
 
 For, put off thy divinity, so look'd 
 My lovely Angelo. 
 
 Ang. Know, I am the same ; 
 And still the servant to your piety. [me, 
 
 Your zealous pra-yers, and pious deeds first won 
 (But 'twas by His command to whom you sent 
 To guide your steps. I tried your charity, [them) 
 When in a beggar's shape you took me up. 
 And clothed my naked hmbs, and after fed. 
 As you believed, my famish 'd mouth. Learn all, 
 By your example, to look ou the poor 
 With gentle eyes ! for in such habits, often, 
 Angels desire an alms, I never left you, 
 
 Nor will I now ; for I am sent to carry 
 Your pure and innocent soul to joys eternal, 
 Your martyrdom once suffer'd ; and before it. 
 Ask anything from me, and rest assured, 
 You shall obtain it. 
 
 Dor. I am largely paid ,> 
 
 For all my torments. Since I find such grace, 
 Grant that the love of this young man to me, 
 In which he languisheth to death, may be 
 Changed to the love of Heaven. 
 
 Ang. I will perform it ; 
 And in that instant when the sword sets free 
 Your happy soul, his shall have liberty. 
 Is there aught else ? 
 
 Dor. For proof that I forgive 
 My persecutor, who in scorn desired 
 To taste of that most sacred fruit I go to ; 
 After my death, as sent from me, be pleased 
 To give him of it, 
 
 Ang. Willingly, dear mistress. 
 
 Mac. I am amazed. 
 
 Anton. I feel a holy fire. 
 That yields a comfortable heat within me ; 
 I am quite alter'd from the thing I was. 
 See ! I can stand, and go alone ; thus kneel 
 To heavenly Dorothea, touch her hand 
 With a religious kiss. IKneeli. 
 
 Re-enter Sapritius and Theophilus. 
 
 Sap. He is well now. 
 But will not be drawn back. 
 
 Theoph. It matters not. 
 We can discharge this work without his help. 
 But see your son. 
 
 Sap. Villain ! 
 
 Anton. Sir, I beseech you. 
 Being so near our ends, divorce us not. 
 
 Theoph. I'll quickly make a separation of them : 
 Hast thou aught else to say ? 
 
 Dor. Nothing, but to blame 
 Thy tardiness in sending me to rest ; 
 My peace is made with heaven, to which my soul 
 Begins to take her flight : strike, O ! strike 
 
 quickly ; 
 And, though you are unmoved to see my death, 
 Hereafter, when my story shall be read. 
 As they were present now, the hearers shall 
 Say this of Dorothea, with wet eyes, 
 " She lived a virgin, and a virgin dies." 
 
 IHer head is struck off. 
 
 Anton. O, take my soul along, to w^ait on thine ! 
 
 Mac. Your son sinks too. IAntosiws /alls. 
 
 Sap. Already dead ! 
 
 Theoph. Die all 
 That are, or favour this accursed sect : 
 I triumph in their ends, and will raise up 
 A hill of their dead carcasses, to o'erlook 
 The Pyrenean hills, but I'll root out 
 These superstitious fools, and leave the world 
 No name of Christian. 
 ILoud music: Exit Anselo, having first laid bis hand 
 upon the mouths 0/ Anton, and Dor. 
 
 Sap, Ha ! heavenly music ! 
 
 Mac. 'Tis in the air. 
 
 Theoph. Illusions of the devil, 
 Wrought by some witch of her religion, 
 That fain would make her death a miracle ; 
 It frights not me. Because he is your son, 
 Let him have burial ; but let her body 
 Be cast forth with contempt in some highway. 
 And be to vultures and to dogs a prey. {Exmni 
 
22 
 
 THE VIRGIN-MARTYR. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I. — Theophilus discovered sitting in 
 his Study : books about him. 
 Theoph. Is't holiday, O Csesar, that thy servant, 
 Thy provost, to see execution done 
 On these base Christians in Csesarea, 
 Should now want work ? Sleep these idolaters, 
 That none are stirring ? — As a curious painter. 
 When he has made some honourable piece. 
 Stands off, and with a searching eye examines 
 Each colour, how 'tis sweeten'd ; and then hugs 
 Himself for his rare workmanship — so here, 
 Will I my drolleries, and bloody landscapes, ^ 
 Long past wrapt up, unfold, to make me merry 
 With shadows, now I want the substances. 
 My muster-book of hell-hounds. Were the Chris- 
 tians, 
 Whose names stand here, alive and arm'd, not 
 
 Rome 
 Could move upon her hinges. What I've done, 
 Or shall hereafter, is not out of hate 
 To poor tormented wretches ; no, I'm carried 
 With violence of zeal, and streams of service 
 I owe our Roman gods. Great Britain, — what ? 
 
 IReads. 
 A thousand icives, with brats sucking their breasts, 
 Had hot irons pinch them off, and thrown to swine ; 
 And then their fleshy back-parts, hew^d with 
 
 hatchets, 
 Were minced, and baked in pies, to feed starved 
 Ha! ha 1 [Christians. 
 
 Again, again, — East Angles, — oh, East Angles : 
 Bandogs, kept three days hungr,y, worried 
 A thousand British rascals, stied up fat 
 Of purpose, stripped naked, and disarmed. 
 I could outstare a year of suns and moons, 
 To sit at these sweet bull-baitings, so I 
 Could thereby but one Christian win to fall 
 In adoration to my Jupiter. — Twelve hundred 
 Eyes bored with augres out — Oh ! Eleven thou- 
 sand 
 Torn by wild beasts : two hundr.ed rammed in the 
 
 earth 
 To the armpits, and full platters roundabout them. 
 But far enough for reaching : Eat, dogs, ha 1 
 ha I ha ! [^« rises. 
 
 Tush, all these tortures are but fillipings, 
 Fleabi tings ; I, before the Destinies 
 
 Enter Angelo with a basket JiUed with fruit and flowers. 
 
 My bottom did wind up, would flesh myself 
 
 Once more upon some one remarkable 
 
 Above all these. This Christian slut was well, 
 
 A pretty one ; but let such horror follow 
 
 The next I feed with torments, that when Rome 
 
 Shall hear it, her foundation at the sound 
 
 May feel an earthquake. How now ? IMusic. 
 
 Ang. Are you amazed, sir ? 
 So great a Roman spirit — and doth it tremble ! 
 Theoph. How cam'st thou in ? to whom thy 
 A?ig. To you ; [business ? 
 
 I had a mistress, late sent hence by you 
 Upon a bloody errand ; you entreated. 
 That, when she came into that blessed garden 
 Whither she knew shewent, and where, nowhappy, 
 She feeds upon all joy, she would send to you 
 Some of that garden fruit and flowers ; which here, 
 To have her promise saved, are brought by me. 
 
 Theoph. Cannot I see this garden ? 
 
 Aug. Yes, if the master 
 Will give you entrance. LHe vanishes. 
 
 Theoph. 'Tis a tempting fruit, 
 And the most bright-cheek'd child I ever view'd ; 
 Sweet smelling, goodly fruit. What flowers are 
 
 these ? 
 In Dioclesian's gardens, the most beauteous, 
 Compared with these/ are weeds : is it not 
 
 February, 
 The second day she died ? frost, ice, and snow. 
 Hang on the beard of winter : where's the sun 
 That gilds this summer ? pretty, sweet boy, say, 
 In what country shall a man find this garden ? — 
 My delicate boy, — gone ! vanish'd ! within there, 
 Julianus ! Geta ! — 
 
 Enter Julianus and Geta. 
 
 Both. My lord. 
 
 Theoph. Are my gates shut ? 
 
 Geta. And guarded. 
 
 Theoph. Saw you not 
 A boy ? 
 
 Jul. Where? 
 
 Theoph. Here he enter'd ; a young lad ; 
 A thousand blessings danced upon his eyes : 
 A smoothfaced, glorious thing, that brought this 
 
 Geta. No, sir ! [basket. 
 
 Theoph. Away — but be in reach, if my voice 
 calls you. lExeunt Jul. and Geta. 
 
 No ! — vanish'd and not seen ! — Be thou a spirit, 
 Sent from that witch to mock me, I am sure 
 This is essential, and howe'er it grows, 
 Will taste it. lEats of the fruit. 
 
 Harp. Iwithin-I Ha, ha, ha, ha ! 
 
 Theoph. So good ! I'll have some more, sure. 
 
 Harp. Ha, ha, ha, ha ! great liquorish fool ! 
 
 Theoph. What art thou ? 
 
 Harp. A fisherman. 
 
 Theoph. What dost thou catch ? 
 
 Harp. Souls, souls ; a fish call'd souls, 
 
 Theoph. Geta! 
 
 Re-enter Geta. 
 
 Geta. My lord. 
 
 Harp, [within.'] Ha, ha, ha, ha ! 
 
 Theoph. What insolent slave is this, dares 
 Or what is't the dog grins at so ? [laugh at me ? 
 
 Geta. I neither know, my lord, at what, nor 
 whom ; for there is none without, but my fellow 
 Julianus, and he is making a garland for Jupiter. 
 
 Theoph. Jupiter 1 all within me is not well ; 
 And yet not sick. 
 
 Harp, [within.'] Ha, ha, ha, ha I 
 
 Theoph. What's thy name, slave .' 
 
 Harp, [at one end of the room.] Go look. 
 
 Geta. 'Tis Harpax' voice. 
 
 Theoph. Harpax ! go, drag the caitiff to my foot, 
 That I may stamp upon him. 
 
 Harp, [at the other end.] Fool, thou liest ! 
 
 Geta. He's yonder, now, my lord. 
 
 Theoph. Watch thou that end, 
 Whilst I make good this. 
 
 Harp, [in the middle.] Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ! 
 
 Theoph. He is at barley-break, and the last 
 Are now in hell. [couple 
 
 Search for him. [Exit Geta.j All this ground, 
 methinks is bloody, 
 
THE VIRGIN-MARTYR. 
 
 2li 
 
 And paved with thousands of those Christians' eyes 
 
 Whom I have tortured ; and they stare upon me. 
 
 What was this apparition ? sure it had 
 
 A shape angelical. Mine eyes, though dazzled, 
 
 And daunted at first sight, tell me, it wore 
 
 A pair of glorious wings ; yes, they were wings ; 
 
 And hence he flew : 'tis vanish'd ! Jupiter, 
 
 For all my sacrifices done to him, 
 
 Never once gave me smile. — How can stone 
 
 smile ? 
 Or wooden image laugh? IMusic] Ha! I re- 
 member, 
 Such music gave a welcome to mine ear, 
 When the fair youth came to me : — 'tis in the air, 
 Or from some better place ; a Power divine,-^ 
 Through my dark ignorance, on my soul does shine. 
 And makes me see a conscience all stain'd o'er, 
 Nay, drown'd, and damn'd for ever in Christian 
 JIarp. l7vithin.'\ Ha, ha, ha ! [gore. 
 
 Theoph. Again ! — What dainty relish on my 
 tongue 
 This fruit hath left ! some angel hath me fed ; 
 If so toothfull, I will be banqueted. lEats again. 
 
 Enter Harpax in a fearful shape,Jire fashing out of the 
 Study. 
 
 Harp. Hold! 
 
 Theoph. Not for Caesar. 
 
 Harp. But for me thou shalt. 
 
 Theoph. Thou art no twin to him that last was 
 here. 
 Ye Powers, whom my soul bids me reverence. 
 What art thou ? [guard me ! 
 
 Harp. I am thy master. 
 
 Theoph. Mine! 
 
 Harp. And thou my everlasting slave : that 
 Harpax, 
 Who hand in hand hath led thee to thy hell, 
 Ami. 
 
 Theoph. Avaunt ! 
 
 Harp. I will not ; cast thou down 
 That basket with the things in't, and fetch up 
 What thou hast swallow'd, and then take a drink, 
 Which 1 shall give thee, and I'm gone. 
 
 Theoph. My fruit ! 
 Does this offend thee } see ! lEats again. 
 
 Harp. Spit it to the earth. 
 And tread upon it, or I'll piecemeal tear thee. 
 
 Theoph. Art thou with this affrighted ! see, 
 here's more. [.Pulls out a handful of flowers. 
 
 Harp. Fling them away, I'll take thee else, and 
 In a contorted chain of isicles, [hang thee 
 
 In the frigid zone : down with them ! 
 
 Theoph. At the bottom 
 One thing I found not yet. See ! 
 
 [Holds up a cross of flowers. 
 
 Harp. Oh ! I am tortured. 
 
 Theoph. Can this do't ! hence, thou fiend in- 
 fernal, hence ! 
 
 Harp. Clasp Jupiter's image, and away with 
 that. 
 
 Theoph. At thee I'll fling that Jupiter; for, 
 methinks, 
 I serve a better master : he now checks me 
 For murdering my two daughters, put on by 
 
 thee. — 
 By thy damn'd rhetoric did I hunt the life 
 Of Dorothea, the holy virgin- martyr. 
 She is not angry with the axe, nor me. 
 But sends these presents to me ; and I'll travel 
 
 O'er worlds to find her, and from her white hand 
 Beg a forgiveness. 
 
 Harp. No ; I'll bind thee here. 
 Theoph. I serve a strength above thine ; this 
 small weapon, 
 Methinks, is armour hard enough. 
 
 Harp. Keep from me. [Sinks a little. 
 
 Theoph. Art posting to thy centre ? down, hell- 
 hound ! down ! 
 Me thou hast lost. That arm, which hurls thee 
 hence, [Harpax disappears. 
 
 Save me, and set me up, the strong defence, 
 In the fair Christian's quarrel ! 
 
 Enter Anqelo. 
 
 ■Ang. Fix thy foot there, 
 Nor be thou shaken with a Caesar's voice, 
 Though thousand deaths were in it ; and I then 
 Will bring thee to a river, that shall wash 
 Thy bloody hands clean and more white than 
 
 snow ; 
 And to that garden where these blest things grow, 
 And to that martyr'd virgin, who hath sent 
 That heavenly token to thee : spread this brave 
 
 wing, 
 And serve, than Caesar, a far greater king. [Exit. 
 Theoph. It is, it is, some angel. Vanish'd 
 
 again ! 
 Oh, come back, ravishing boy ! bright messenger ! 
 Thou hast, by these mine eyes fix'd on thy beauty. 
 Illumined all ray soul. Now look I back 
 On my black tyrannies, which, as they did 
 Outdare the bloodiest, thou, blest spirit, that 
 
 lead'st me, 
 Teach me what I must to do, and, to do well. 
 That ray last act the best may parallel. [Exit. 
 
 SCENE II. — Dioclesian's Palace. 
 
 Enter DrocLESiAN, Maximinus, the Kings of Epire, Pon- 
 tus and Macedon, meeting Artemia ; Attendants. 
 
 Artem. Glory and conquest still attend upon 
 Triumphant Caesar ! 
 
 Diode. Let thy wish, fair daughter, 
 Be equally divided ; and hereafter 
 Learn thou to know and reverence Maximinus, 
 Whose power, with mine united, makes one Caesar. 
 
 Max. But that I fear 'twould be held flattery, 
 The bonds considered in which we stand tied. 
 As love and empire, I should say, till now 
 I ne'er had seen a lady I thought worthy 
 To be my mistress. 
 
 Artem. Sir, you shew yourself 
 Both courtier and soldier ; but take heed. 
 Take heed, my lord, though my duU-pointed beauty, 
 Stain'd by a harsh refusal in my servant, 
 Cannot dart forth such beams as may inflame you, 
 You may encounter such a powerful one. 
 That with a pleasing heat will thaw your heart, 
 Though bound in ribs of ice. Love still is Love; 
 His bow and arrows are the same : Great Julius, 
 That to his successors left the name of Caesar, 
 Whom war could never tame, that with dry eyes 
 Beheld the large plains of Phars^ilia cover'd 
 With the dead carcasses of senators, 
 And citizens of Rome ; when the world knew 
 No other lord but him, struck deep in years too, 
 (And men gray-hair'd forget the lusts of youth,) 
 After all this, meeting fair Cleopatra, 
 
THE VIRGIN-MARTYR. 
 
 ACT V- 
 
 A suppliant too, the magic of her eye, 
 
 Even in his pride of conquest, took him captive : 
 
 Nor are you more secure. 
 
 Max. Were you deform 'd, 
 (But, by the gods, you are most excellent,) 
 Your gravity and discretion would o'ercome me ; 
 And I should be more proud in being prisoner 
 To your fair virtues, than of all the honours. 
 Wealth, title, empire, that my sword hath pur- 
 chased. 
 
 Diode. This meets my wishes. Welcome it, 
 Artemia, 
 With outstretch'd arms, and study to forget 
 That Antoninus ever was : thy fate 
 Reserved thee for this better choice ; embrace it. 
 
 Max. This happy match brings new nerves to 
 To our continued league. [give strength 
 
 Diode. Hymen himself 
 Will bless this marriage, which we'll solemnize 
 In the presence of these kings. 
 
 K. of Pontus. Who rest most happy, 
 To be eyewitnesses of a match that brings 
 Peace to the empire. 
 
 Diode. We much thank your loves : 
 But Where's Sapritius, our governor, 
 And our most zealous provost, good Theophilus .'' 
 If ever prince were blest in a true servant, 
 Or could the gods be debtors to a man. 
 Both they and we stand far engaged to cherish 
 His piety and service. 
 
 Artem. Sir, the governor 
 Brooks sadly his son's loss, although he turn'd 
 Apostate in death ; but bold Theophilus, 
 Who for the same cause, in my presence seal'd 
 His holy anger on his daughters' hearts ; 
 Having with tortures first tried to convert her, 
 Dragg'd the bewitching Christian to the scatFoid, 
 And saw her lose her head. 
 
 Diode. He is all worthy : 
 And from his own mouth I would gladly hear 
 The manner how she suifer'd. 
 
 Artem. 'Twill be deliver'd 
 With such contempt and scorn, (T know his nature,) 
 That rather 'twill beget your highness' laughter, 
 Than the least pity. 
 
 Diode. To that end I would hear it. 
 
 Enter Theophilus, Sapritius, and Macrinus. 
 
 Artem. He comes ; with him the governor. 
 
 Diode. O, Sapritius, 
 I am to chide you for your tenderness ; 
 But yet remembering that you are a father, 
 I will forget it. Good Theophilus, 
 I'll speak with you anon. — Nearer, your ear. 
 
 [To Sapritius. 
 
 Theoph. [aside to Macrinus.] By Antoninus' 
 soul, I do conjure you, 
 And though not for religion, for his friendship, 
 Without demanding what's the cause that moves 
 Receive my signet : — By the power of this, [me, 
 Go to my prisons, and release all Christians, 
 That are in fetters there by my command., 
 
 Mao. But what shall follow ? 
 
 Theoph. Haste then to the port ; 
 You there shall find two tall ships ready rigg'd, 
 In which embark the poor distressed souls, 
 And bear them from the reach of tyranny. 
 Enquire not whither you are bound : the Deity 
 That they adore will give you prosperous winds. 
 And make your voyage such, and largely pay for 
 
 Your hazard, and your travail. Leave me here ; 
 There is a scene that I must act alone : 
 Haste, good Macrinus ; and the great God guide 
 you ! 
 
 Mac. I'll undertake't; there's something prompts 
 me to it ; 
 'Tis to save innocent blood, a saint-like act : 
 And to be merciful has never been 
 By moral men themselves esteem'd a sin. \_Exit. 
 
 Diode. You know your charge ? 
 
 Sap. And will with care observe it. 
 
 Diode. For I profess he is not Ctesar's friend. 
 That sheds a tear for any torture that 
 A Christian suffers. Welcome, my best servant,""*^ 
 My careful, zealous provost ! thou hast toil'd 
 To satisfy my will, though in extremes : 
 I love thee for't ; thou art firm rock, no change. 
 Prithee deliver, and for my sake do it, [li»g. 
 
 Without excess of bitterness or scoffs, 
 Before my brother and these kings, how took 
 The Christian her death ? 
 
 Theoph. And such a presence 
 Though every private head in this large room 
 Were circled round with an imperial crown, 
 Her story will deserve, it is so full 
 Of excellence and wonder. 
 
 Diode. Ha ! how is this ? 
 
 Theoph. O ! mark it, therefore, and with that 
 attention. 
 As you would hear an embassy from heaven 
 By a wing'd legate ; for the truth deliver'd, 
 Both how, and what, this blessed virgin suffer' d, 
 And Dorothea but hereafter named, 
 You will rise up with reverence, and no more, 
 As things unworthy of your thoughts, remember 
 What the canonized Spartan ladies were. 
 Which lying Greece so boasts of. Your own ma- 
 trons, 
 Your Roman dames, whose figures you yet keep 
 As holy relics, in her history 
 Will find a second urn : Gracchus' Cornelia, 
 Paulina, that in death desired to follow 
 Her husband Seneca, nor Brutus' Portia, 
 That swallow'd burning coals to overtake him, 
 Though all their several worths were given to one, 
 With this is to be mention'd. 
 
 Max. Is he mad ? 
 
 Diode. Why, they did die, Theophilus, and 
 boldly ; 
 This did no more. 
 
 Theoph. They, out of desperation, 
 Or for vain glory of an after-name. 
 Parted with life : this had not mutinous sons. 
 As the rash Gracchi were; nor was this saint 
 A doating mother, as Cornelia was. 
 This lost no husband, in whose overthrow 
 Her wealth and honour sunk ; no fear of want 
 Did make her being tedious ; but, aiming 
 At an immortal crown, and in His cause 
 Who only can bestow it ; who sent down 
 Legions of ministering angels to bear up 
 Her spotless soul to heaven, who entertain'd it 
 With choice celestial music, equal to 
 The motion of the spheres ; she, uncompell'd, 
 Changed this life for a better. My lord Sapritius, 
 You were present at her death : did you e'er hear 
 Such ravishing sounds ? 
 
 Sap. Yet you said then 'twas witchcraft. 
 And devilish illusions. 
 
 Theoph. I then heard it 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE VIRGIN-MARTYR. 
 
 26 
 
 With sinful ears, and belch'd out blasphemous 
 
 words 
 Against his Deity, which then I knew not, 
 Nor did believe in him. 
 
 Diode. Why, dost thou now ? 
 Or dar'st thou, in our hearing 
 
 Theoph. Were my voice 
 As loud as is His thunder, to be heard 
 Through all the world, all potentates on earth 
 Ready to burst with rage, should they but hear it ; 
 Though hell, to aid their malice, lent her furies, 
 Yet 1 would speak, and speak again, and boldly, 
 1^1 am a Christian, and the Powers you worship, 
 ^&ut dreams of fools and madmen. ^ 
 
 Max. Lay hands on him. 
 
 Diode. Thou twice a child ! for doating age so 
 makes thee, 
 Thou couldst not else, thy pilgrimage of life 
 Being almost past through, in this last moment 
 Destroy whate'er thou hast done good or great — 
 Thy youth did promise much ; and, grown a man. 
 Thou mad'st it good, and, with increase of years. 
 Thy actions still better'd : as the sun. 
 Thou did'st rise gloriously, kept'st a constant 
 
 course 
 In all thy journey ; and now, in the evening. 
 When thou should'st pass with honour to thy rest, 
 Wilt thou fall like a meteor ? 
 
 Sap. Yet confess 
 That thou art mad, and that thy tongue and heart 
 Had no agreement. 
 
 Max. Do ; no way is left, else, 
 To save thy life, Theophilus. 
 
 Diode. But, refuse it. 
 Destruction as horrid, and as sudden, 
 Shall fall upon thee, as if hell stood open, 
 And thou wert sinking thither. 
 
 Theoph. Hear me, yet ; 
 Hear, for my service past. 
 
 Artem. What will he say? 
 
 Theoph. As ever I deserved your favour, hear 
 me, 
 And grant one boon ; 'tis not for life I sue for; 
 Nor is it fit that I, that ne'er knew pity 
 To any Christian, being one myself, 
 Should look for any ; no, I rather beg 
 The utmost of your cruelty. I stand 
 A:CComptable for thousand Christians' deaths ; 
 And, were it possible that I could die 
 A day for every one, then live again 
 To be again tormented, 'twere to me 
 An easy penance, and I should pass through 
 A gentle cleansing fire ; but, that denied me, 
 It being beyond the strength of' feeble nature. 
 My suit is, you would have no pity on me. 
 In mine own house chere are a thousand engines 
 Of studied cruelty, which I did prepare 
 For miserable Christians ; let me feel 
 As the Sicilian did his brazen bull. 
 The horrid'st you can find ; and I will say, 
 In death, that you are merciful. 
 
 Diode. Despair not ; 
 In this thou shalt prevail. Go fetch them hither : 
 [^Exeunt some of the Guard. 
 Death shall put on a thousand shapes at once, 
 
 And so appear before thee ; racks, and whips ! 
 
 Thy flesh, with burning pincers torn, shall feed 
 The fire that heats them ; and what's wanting to 
 The torture of thy body, I'll supply 
 In punishing thy mind. Fetch all the Christians 
 
 That are in hold ; and here, before his face. 
 Cut them in pieces. 
 
 Theoph. "Tis not in thy power : 
 It was the first good deed I ever did. 
 They are removed out of thy reach ; howe'er, 
 I was determined for my sins to die, 
 I first took order for their liberty ; 
 And still I dare thy worst. 
 
 Re-enter Guard with racks and other instruments of 
 torture. 
 
 Diode. Bind him, I say ; 
 Make every artery and sinew crack : 
 The slave that makes him give the loudest shriek. 
 Shall have ten thousand drachmas : wretch ! I'll 
 To curse the Power thou worship'st. [force thee 
 
 Theoph. Never, never : 
 No breath of mine shall e'er be spent on Him, 
 
 [_They torment him. 
 But what shall speak His majesty or mercy. 
 I'm honour'd in my sufferings. Weak tormentors. 
 More tortures, more : — alas 1 you are unskilful — 
 For heaven's sake more ; my breast is yet untorn: 
 Here purchase the reward that was propounded. 
 The irons cool, — here are arms yet, and thighs ; 
 Spare no part of me. * 
 
 Max. He endures beyond 
 The sufferance of a man. 
 
 Sap. No sigh nor groan, 
 To witness he hath feeling. 
 
 Diode. Harder, villains ! 
 
 Enter Harpax. 
 Harp. Unless that he blaspheme, he's lost for 
 ever. 
 If torments ever could bring forth despair. 
 Let these compel him to it : — Oh me ! 
 My ancient enemies again 1 IFalls down. 
 
 Enter Dorothea in a white robe, a crown upon her 
 head, led in by Angelo ; Antoninus, Calista, and 
 Christet A following, all in ichite, but less glorious f 
 Angelo holds out a crown to Theophii,us. 
 Theoph. Most glorious vision ! — 
 Did e'er so hard a bed yield man a dream 
 So heavenly as this? I am confirm'd, 
 Confirm'd, you blessed spirits, and make haste 
 To take that crown of immortality 
 You offer to me. Death ! till this blest minute, 
 I never thought thee slow-paced ; nor would I 
 Hasten thee now, for any pain I suffer. 
 But that thou keep'st me from a glorious wreath, 
 Which through this stormy way 1 would creep to. 
 And, humbly kneeling, with humility wear it. 
 Oh ! now I feel thee : — blessed spirits ! I come ; 
 And, witness for me all these wounds and scars, 
 I die a soldier in the Christian wars. \^Dics. 
 
 Sap. I have seen thousands tortured, but ne'er 
 A constancy like this. [yet 
 
 Harp. 1 am twice damn'd. 
 Ang. Haste to thy place appointed, cursed 
 fiend ! 
 
 fllARi'Ax sinks with thu7ider and lightning. 
 In spite of hell, this soldier's not thy prey ; 
 'Tis I have won, thou that hast lost the day. 
 
 lExit with Dor. ^c. 
 Diode. I think the centre of the earth be 
 crack'd — 
 Yet I stand still unmoved, and will go oa . 
 The persecution that is here begun. 
 Through all the world with violence shall run. 
 
 IFlourith. Exeunt. 
 
THE UNNATURAL COMBAT. 
 
 TO 
 
 MY MUCH HONOURED FRIEND, ANTHONY SENTLEGER, 
 
 OF OAKHAM IN KENT, ESQ. 
 
 Sir,— That the patronage of trifles, in this kind, hath long since rendered dedications, and inscriptions obsolete, 
 and out of fashion, I perfectly understand, and cannot but ingenuously confess, that I walking in the same path, may 
 be truly argued by you of weakness, or wilful error : but the reasons and defences, for the tender of my service this 
 way to you, are so just, that I cannot (in my thankfulness for so many favours received) but be ambitious to publish 
 them. Your noble father, Sir Warham Senti-eger (whose remarkable virtues must be ever remembered) being, 
 while he lived, a master, for his pleasure, in poetry, feared not to hold converse with divers, whose necessitous fortunes 
 made it their profession, among which, by the clemency of his judgment, I was not in the last place admitted. You 
 (the heir of his honour and estate) inherited his good inclinations to men of my poor quality, of which I cannot give 
 any ampler testimony, than by my free and glad profession of it to tlie world. Besides (and it was not the least 
 encouragement to me) many of eminence, and the best of such, who disdained not to take notice of me, have not 
 thought themselves disparaged, I dare not say honoured, to be celebrated the patrons of my humble studies. In the 
 first file of which, I am confident, you shall have no cause to blush, to find your name written. I present you with 
 this old tragedy, without prologue or epilogue, it being composed in a time (and that too, peradve.iture, as knowing as 
 this) when such by-ornaments were not advanced above the fabric of the whole work. Accept it, I beseech you, as it 
 
 is, and continue your favour to the author, 
 
 Your servant, 
 
 Philip Massinoer. 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONiE. 
 
 Beaufort Senior, Governor of Marseilles, 
 
 Beaufort Junior, his Son. 
 
 Malekort Senior, Admiral of Marseilles. 
 
 Malefort Junior, his Son. 
 
 Chamont, "j 
 
 Montaigne, yAssistants to the Governor. 
 
 Lanour, j 
 
 Montreville, a pretended Friend to Malbfort 
 
 Senior. 
 Belgarde, a poor Captain. 
 Three Sea Captains, of the Navy of Malefort 
 
 Junior. 
 
 A Steward, 
 An Usher. 
 A Page. 
 
 Theocrinr, Daughter to Malefort Senior. 
 Two Waiting-Women. 
 Two Courtezans. 
 A Bawd. 
 
 Servants and Soldiers. 
 
 SCENE, — Marseilles. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I.— A Hall in the Court of Justice. 
 
 Enter Montreville, Theocrine, Usher, Page, and 
 Waiting-women . 
 
 Montr. Now to be modest, madam, when you 
 are 
 A suitor for your father, would appear 
 Coarser than boldness : you a while must part 
 
 with 
 Soft silence, and the blushings of a virgin : 
 Though I must grant, did not this cause com- 
 mand it, 
 They are rich jewels you have ever worn 
 To all men's admiration. In this age. 
 
 If, by our own forced importunity, 
 Or others purchased intercession, or 
 Corrupting bribes, we can make our approaches 
 To justice, guarded from us by stern power, 
 We bless the means and industry. 
 
 Ush. Here's music / -j^, ■' icc^ 
 In this bag shall wake her, though she had drunk 
 
 opium. 
 Or eaten mandrakes. Let commanders talk 
 Of cannons to maKe breaches, give but fire 
 To this petard, it shall blow open, madam. 
 The iron doors of a judge, and make you entrance ; 
 When they (let tnem do what they can) with all 
 Their mines, their culverins, and basiliscos. 
 
THE UNNATURAL COMBAT. 
 
 27 
 
 Shall cool their feet without ; this being the pick- 
 That never fails. [lock 
 
 Montr. 'Tis true, gold can do much, 
 But beauty more. Were I the governor, 
 Though the admiral, your father, stood convicted 
 Of what he's only doubted, half a dozen 
 Of sweet close kisses from these cherry lips, 
 With some short active conference in private, 
 Should sign his general pardon. 
 
 Theoc. These light words, sir. 
 Do ill become the weight of my sad fortune ; 
 And I much wonder you, that do profess 
 Yourself to be my father's bosom friend, 
 Can raise mirth from his misery. 
 
 Montr. You mistake me ; ^ 
 
 I share in his calamity, and only 
 Deliver my thoughts freely, what I should do 
 For such a rare petitioner : and if 
 You'll follow the directions I prescribe. 
 With my best judgment I'll mark out the way 
 For his enlargement. 
 
 Theoc. With all real joy 
 I shall put what you counsel into act, 
 Provided it be honest. 
 
 Montr. Honesty 
 In a fair she client (trust to my experience) 
 Seldom or never prospers ; the world's wicked. 
 We are men, not saints, sweet lady ; you must 
 
 practise 
 The manners of the time, if you intend 
 To have favour from it : do not deceive yourself. 
 By building too much on the false foundations 
 Of chastity and virtue. Bid your waiters 
 Stand further off, and I'll come nearer to you. 
 
 1 Worn. Some wicked counsel on my life. 
 
 2 Worn. Ne'er doubt it, 
 If it proceed from him. 
 
 Page. I wonder that 
 My lord so much affects him. 
 
 Ush. Thou'rt a child, 
 And durst not understand on what strong basis 
 This friendship's raised between this Montreville 
 And 6ur lord, monsieur Malefort ; but I'll teach 
 
 thee : 
 From thy years they have been joint purchasers 
 In fire and water works, and truck'd together. 
 
 Page. In fire and water works ! 
 
 Ush. Commodities, boy. 
 Which you may know hereafter. 
 
 Page. And deal in them. 
 When the trade has given you over, as appears by 
 The increase of your high forehead. 
 
 Ush. Here's a crack ! 
 I think they suck this knowledge in their milk. 
 
 Page. I had an ignorant nurse else. I have 
 My lady's garter, and can guess [tied, sir, 
 
 Ush. Peace, infant ; 
 Tales out of school ! take heed, you will be 
 breech' d else. 
 
 1 Worn. My lady's colour changes. 
 
 2 Worn. She falls off too. 
 
 Theoc. You are a naughty man, indeed you are ; 
 Vnd I will sooner perish with my father, 
 Than at this price redeem him. 
 
 Montr. Take your own way. 
 Your modest, legal way : 'tis not your veil. 
 Nor mourning habit, nor these creatures tanght 
 To howl, and cry, when you begin to whimper ; 
 Nor following my lord's coach in the dirt, 
 Nor that which you rely upon, a bribe, 
 
 Will do it, when there's something he likes better. 
 
 These courses in an old crone of threescore. 
 
 That had seven years together tired the court 
 
 With tedious petitions, and clamours. 
 
 For the recovery of a straggling husband. 
 
 To pay, forsooth, the duties of one to her ; — 
 
 But for a lady of your tempting beauties. 
 
 Your youth, and ravishing features, to hope only 
 
 In such a suit as this is, to gain favour. 
 
 Without exchange of courtesy, — you conceive 
 
 Enter Beaufort junior, and Belgakde. 
 
 Were madness at the height. Here's brave young 
 
 Beaufort, 
 The meteor of Marseilles, one that holds 
 The governor his father's will and power 
 In more awe than his own ! Come, come, ad- 
 vance. 
 Present your bag, cramm'd with crowns of the 
 
 sun ; 
 Do you think he cares for money ? he loves plea- 
 sure. 
 Bum your petition, burn it : he doats on you. 
 Upon my knowledge : to his cabinet, do, 
 And he will point you out a certain course, 
 Be the cause right or wrong, to have your father 
 Released with much facility. ZExit. 
 
 Theoc. Do you hear ? 
 Take a pander with you. 
 
 Beauf. jmt,. I tell thee there is neither 
 Employment yet, nor money. 
 
 Belg. I have commanded. 
 And spent my own means in my country's service, 
 In hope to raise a fortune. 
 
 Beauf. jun. Many have hoped so ; 
 But hopes prove seldom certainties with soldiers. 
 
 Belg. If no preferment, let me but receive 
 My pay that is behind, to set me up 
 A tavern, or a vaulting-house ; while men love 
 Or drunkenness, or lechery, they'll ne'er fail me : 
 Shall I have that ? 
 
 Beauf. jun. As our prizes are brought in ; 
 Till then you must be patient. 
 
 Belg. In the mean time, 
 How shall I do for clothes ? 
 
 Beauf. jun. As most captains do : 
 Philosopher-like, carry all you have about you. 
 
 Belg. But how shall I do, to satisfy colon, 
 monsieur ? 
 There lies the doubt. 
 
 Beauf. jun. That's easily decided ; 
 My father's table's free for any man 
 That hath born arras. 
 
 Belg. And there's good store of meat .' 
 
 Beauf. jun. Never fear that. 
 
 Belg. I'll seek no other ordinary then. 
 But be his daily guest without invitement ; 
 And if ray stomach hold, I'll feed so heartily, 
 As he shall pay me suddenly, to be quit of me. 
 
 Beauf. jun. 'Tis she. 
 
 Belg. And further 
 
 Beauf. jun. Kvidiy, you are troublesome ; 
 Designs of more weight 
 
 Belg. Ha ! fair Theocrine. 
 Nay, if a velvet petticoat move in the front. 
 Buff jerkins must to the rear ; I know my man»^ 
 
 ners : 
 This is, indeed, great business, mine a gewgaw. 
 I may dance attendance, this must be dispatch'd, 
 
28 
 
 THE UNNATURAL CUAJBAr. 
 
 And suddenly, or all will go to wreck ; 
 Charge her home in the flank, my lord : nay, I am 
 gone, sir. [Exit. 
 
 Beauf. jun. [raising Theoc. /rom tier knees.} 
 Nav, pray you, madam, rise, or I'll kneel with you. 
 
 Page. I would bring you on your knees, were I 
 a woman. 
 
 Beauf. jun. What is it can deserve so poor a 
 name, 
 AS a suit to me ? This more than mortal form 
 Was fashion'd to command, and not entreat : 
 Your will but known is served. 
 
 Theoc. Great sir, my father, 
 My brave deserving father ; — but that sorrow 
 Forbids the use of speech 
 
 Beauf. jun. I understand you, 
 Without the aids of those interpreters 
 That fall from your fair eyes : I know you labour 
 The liberty of your father ; at the least, 
 An equal hearing to acquit himself: 
 And, 'tis not to endear my service to you. 
 Though I must add, and pray you with patience 
 
 hear it, 
 'Tis hard to be effected, in respect 
 The state's incensed against him : all presuming, 
 The world of outrages his impious son, 
 Turn'd worse than pirate in his cruelties, 
 Express'd to this poor country, could not be 
 With such ease put in execution, if 
 Your father, of late our great admiral. 
 Held not or correspondence, or connived 
 At his proceedings. 
 
 Theoc. And must he then suffer. 
 His cause unheard ? 
 
 Beauf. jun. As yet it is resolved so, 
 In their determination. But suppose 
 (For I would nourish hope, not kill it, in you) 
 I should divert the torrent of their purpose, 
 And render them, that are implacable. 
 Impartial judges, and not sway'a with spleen ; 
 Will you, I dare not say in recompense. 
 For that includes a debt you cannot owe me, 
 But in your liberal bounty, in my suit 
 To you, be gracious ? 
 
 Theoc. You entreat of me, sir, 
 What I should offer to you, with confession 
 That you much undervalue your own worth, 
 Should you receive me, since there come with you 
 Not lustful lires, but fair and lawful flames. 
 But I must be excused, 'tis now no time 
 For me to think of Hymeneal joys. 
 Can he (and pray you, sir, consider it) 
 That gave me life, and faculties to love, 
 Be, as he's now, ready to be devour'd 
 By ravenous wolves, and at that instant, I 
 But entertain a thought of those delights, 
 In which, perhaps, my ardour meets with yours ! 
 Duty and piety forbid it, sir. 
 
 Beauf. jun. But this effected, and your father 
 free. 
 What is your answer ? 
 
 Theoc. Every minute to me 
 Will be a tedious age, till our embraces 
 Are warrantable to the world. 
 
 Beauf. jun. I urge no more ; 
 Confirnti it with a kiss. 
 
 Theoc. [Kissing him.^ 1 doubly seal it. 
 
 Ush. This would do better abed, the business 
 ended : — 
 They are the loving'st couple I 
 
 Enter Bbaufort senior, JIontaigne, Chamont, and 
 Lanour. 
 
 Beauf. jun. Here comes my father. 
 With the Council of War : deliver your petition, 
 And leave the rest to me. 
 
 [Theoc. offers a paper. 
 
 Beauf. sen. I am sorry, lady. 
 Your father's guilt compels your innocence 
 To ask what I in justice must deny. 
 
 Beauf. jun. For my sake, sir, pray you receive 
 and read it. 
 
 Beauf. sen. Thou foolish boy ! I can deny thee 
 nothing. ^Takes the paper from Theoc. 
 
 Beauf. jun. Thus far we are happy, madam : 
 quit the place ; 
 You shall hear how we succeed. 
 
 Theoc. Goodness reward you ! 
 
 lExeunt Theocrine, Usher. Page, a7id Women. 
 
 Mont. It is apparent ; and we stay too long 
 To censure Malefort as he deserves. 
 
 IThey take their seats. 
 
 Cham. There is no colour of reason that makes 
 for him : 
 Had he discharged the trust committed to him. 
 With that experience and fidelity 
 He practised heretofore, it could not be 
 Our navy should be block'd up, and, in our sight. 
 Our goods made prize, our sailors sold for slaves. 
 By his prodigious issue. 
 
 Lan. I much grieve. 
 After so many brave and high achievements. 
 He should in one ill forfeit all the good 
 He ever did his country. 
 
 Beauf. sen. Well, 'tis granted. 
 
 Beauf. jun. I humbly thank you, sir. 
 
 Beauf. sen. He shall have hearing. 
 His irons too struck off ; bring him befoi'e us, 
 But seek no further favour. 
 
 Beauf jun. Sir, I dare not. lExit 
 
 Beauf. sen. Monsieur Chamont, Montaigne, 
 Lanour, assistants. 
 By a commission from the most Christian king, 
 In punishing or freeing Malefort, 
 Our late great admiral : though I know you need 
 Instructions from me, how to dispose of [not 
 
 Yourselves in this man's trial, that exacts 
 Your clearest judgments, give me leave, with fa- 
 To offer my opinion. We are to hear him, [vour, 
 A little looking back on his fair actions. 
 Loyal, and true demeanour ; not as now 
 By the general voice already he's condemn'd. 
 But if we find, as most believe, he hath held 
 Intelligence with his accursed son. 
 Fallen off from all allegiance, and turn'd 
 (But for what cause we know not) the most bloody 
 And fatal enemy this country ever 
 Repented to have brought forth ; all compassion 
 * * * * * * * 
 
 Of what he was, or may be, if now pardon'd ; 
 We sit engaged to censure him with all 
 Extremity and rigour. 
 
 Cham. Your lordship shews us 
 A path which we will tread in. 
 
 Lan. He that leaves 
 To follow, as you lead, will lose himself. 
 
 Mont. I'll not be singular. 
 
 Re-enter Beaufort junior, with Montreville, Mai.efoiit 
 senior, Belgarde, a7id Officers. 
 Beauf. sen. He comes, but with 
 A strange distracted look. 
 
SCKNK I. 
 
 THE UNNATURAL COMBAT. 
 
 2P 
 
 Malef. sen. Live I once more 
 To see these hands and arms free ! these, that 
 In the most dreadful horror of a fight, [often, 
 
 Have been as seamarks to teach such as were 
 Seconds in my attempts, to steer between 
 The rocks of too much daring, and pale fear, 
 To reach the port of victory ! when my sword, 
 Advanced thus, to my enemies appear'd 
 A hairy comet, threatening death and ruin 
 To such as durst behold it ! These the legs. 
 That, when our ships were grappled, carried me 
 With such swift motion from deck to deck. 
 As they that saw it, with amazement cried, 
 He does not run, but fiies ! 
 
 Mont. He still retains 
 The greatness of his spirit. 
 
 Male/, sen. Now crarapt with irons. 
 Hunger, and cold, they hardly do support me — 
 But I forget myself. O, my good lords, 
 That sit there as my judges, to determine 
 The life, and death of Malefort, where are now 
 Those shouts, those cheerful looks, those loud 
 
 applauses. 
 With which, when I retum'd loaden with spoil, 
 You entertain'd your admiral ? all's forgotten : 
 And I stand here to give account of that 
 Of which I am as free and innocent 
 As he that never saw the eyes of him, 
 For whom I stand suspected. 
 
 Beauf. sen. Monsieur Malefort, 
 Let not your passion so far transport you. 
 As to believe from any private malice, 
 Or envy to your person, you are question'd : 
 Nor do the suppositions want weight. 
 That do invite us to a strong assurance, 
 Your son 
 
 Malef. sen. My shame ! 
 
 Beauf. sen. Pray you, hear with patience, — 
 never 
 Without assistance or sure aids from you, 
 Could, with the pirates of Argiers and Tunis, 
 Even those that you had almost twice defeated. 
 Acquire such credit, as with them to be 
 Made absolute commander ; (pray you observe 
 
 me;) 
 If there had not some contract pass'd between you. 
 That, when occasion serv'd, you would join with 
 To the ruin of Marseilles ? [them, 
 
 Mont. More, what urged 
 Your son to turn apostata ? 
 
 Cham. Had he from 
 The stale, or governor, the least neglect, 
 Which envy could interpret for a wrong ? 
 
 Lan. Or, if you slept not in your charge, how 
 So many ships as do infest our coast, [could 
 
 And have in our own harbour shut our navy, 
 Come in unfought with ? 
 
 Beauf. jun. They put him hardly to it. 
 
 Malef. sen. My lords, with as much brevity as 
 I'll answer each particular objection [I can, 
 
 With which you charge me. The main ground, 
 
 on which 
 You raise the building of your accusation. 
 Hath reference to my son : should I now curse 
 
 him. 
 Or wish, in the agony of my troubled soul, 
 Lightning had found him in his mother's womb, 
 You'll say 'tis from the purpose; and I, therefore, 
 Betake him to the devil, and so leave him ! 
 Did never loyal father but myself 
 
 Beget a treacherous issue ? was't in me. 
 With as much ease to fashion up his mind, 
 As, in his generation, to form 
 The organs to his body ? Must it follow, 
 
 Because that he is impious, I am false ? 
 
 I would not boast my actions, yet 'tis lawful 
 To upbraid my benefits to unthankful men. 
 Who sunk the Turkish gallies in the streights 
 But Malefort ? Who rescued the French mer- 
 chants. 
 When they were boarded, and stow'd under hatches 
 By the pirates of Argiers, when every minute 
 They did expect to be chain'd to the oar. 
 But your now doubted admiral ? then you fiU'd 
 The air with shouts of joy, and did proclaim, 
 When hope had left them, and grim-look'd despair 
 Hover'd with sail-stretch'd wings over their heads. 
 To me, as to the Neptune of the sea. 
 They owed the restitution of their goods, 
 Their lives, their liberties. O, can it then 
 Be probable, my lords, that he that never 
 Became the master of a pirate's ship. 
 But at the mainyard hung the captain up. 
 And caused the rest to be thrown over-board ; 
 Should, after all these proofs of deadly hate. 
 So oft express'd against them, entertain 
 A thought of quarter with them ; but much less 
 (To the perpetual ruin of my glories) 
 To join with them to lift a wicked arm 
 Against my mother-country, this Marseilles, 
 Which, with my prodigal expense of blood, 
 I have so oft protected 1 
 
 Beauf. sen. What you have done 
 Is granted and applauded ; but yet know 
 This glorious relation of your actions 
 Must not so blind our judgments, as to suffer 
 This most unnatural crime you stand accused of. 
 To pass unquestion'd. 
 
 Cham. No ; you must produce 
 Reasons of more validity and weight, 
 To plead in your defence, or we shall hardly 
 Conclude you innocent. 
 
 Mont. The large volume of 
 Your former worthy deeds, with your experience. 
 Both what and when to do, but makes against you. 
 
 Lan. For had your care and courage been the 
 same 
 As heretofore, the dangers we are plunged in 
 Had been with ease prevented. 
 
 Malef. sen. What have I 
 Omitted, in the power of flesh and blood. 
 Even in the birth to strangle the designs of 
 This hell-bred wolf, my son } alas ! my lords, 
 I am no god, nor like him could foresee 
 His cruel thoughts, and cursed purposes : 
 Nor would the sun at my conrmand forbear 
 To make his progress to the other world. 
 Affording to us one continued light. 
 Nor could my breath disperse those foggy mists, 
 Cover'd with which, and darkness of the night, 
 Their navy undiscern'd, without resistance. 
 Beset our harbour : make not that my fault, 
 W^hich you in justice must ascribe to fortune.— 
 But if that nor my former acts, nor what 
 I have delivered, can prevail with you. 
 To make good my integrity and truth ; 
 Rip up this bosom, and pluck out the heart 
 That hath been ever loyal. \.A trumpet within. 
 
 Beauf. sen. How 1 a trumpet ? 
 Enquire the cause. [Exit Montrkvilub. 
 
30 
 
 THE UNNATURAL COMBAT. 
 
 Malef. sen. Thou searcher of men's hearts, 
 And sure defender of the innocent, 
 (My other crying sins — awhile not look'd on) 
 If I in this am guilty, strike me dead, 
 Or by some unexpected means confirm, 
 I am accused unjustly ! [Aside. 
 
 Re-enter Montreville with a Sea Captain. 
 
 Beauf. sen. Speak, the motives 
 That bring thee hither ? 
 
 Capt. From our admiral thus : 
 He does salute you fairly, and desires 
 It may be understood no public hate 
 Hath brought him to Marseilles ; nor seeks he 
 The ruin of his country, but aims only 
 To wreak a private wrong : and if from you 
 He may have leave and liberty to decide it 
 In single combat, he'll give up good pledges, 
 If he fall in the trial of his right, 
 We shall weigh anchor, and no more molest 
 This town with hostile arms. 
 
 Beauf, sen. Speak to the man, 
 If in this presence he appear to you, 
 To whom you bring this challenge. 
 
 Capt. 'Tis to you. 
 
 Beauf. sen. His father ! 
 
 Montr. Can it be ? 
 
 Beauf. jun. Strange and prodigious ! 
 
 Malef. sen. Thou seest 1 stand unmoved : were 
 thy voice thunder, 
 It should not shake me; say, what would the viper? 
 
 Capt. The reverence a father's name may chal- 
 And duty of a son no more remember'd, [lenge. 
 He does defy thee to the death. 
 
 Malef. sen. Go on. 
 
 Capt. And with his sword will prove it on thy 
 Thou art a murderer, an atheist ; [head. 
 
 And that all attributes of men turn'd furies, 
 Cannot express thee : this he will make good. 
 If thou dar'st give him meeting. 
 
 Malef. sen. Dare I live ! 
 Dare I, when mountains of my sins overwhelm me. 
 At my last gasp ask for mercy ! How I bless 
 Thy coming, captain ; never man to me 
 Arrived so opportunely ; and thy message, 
 However it may seem to threaten death. 
 Does yield to me a second life in curing 
 My wounded honour. Stand I yet suspected 
 As a confederate with this enemy. 
 Whom of all men, against all ties of nature. 
 He marks out for destruction ! you are just. 
 Immortal Powers, and in this merciful ; 
 
 And it takes from my sorrow, and my shame 
 
 For being the father to so bad a son, 
 
 In that you are pleased to offer up the monster 
 
 To my correction. Blush and repent, 
 
 As you are bound, my honourable lords. 
 
 Your ill opinions of me. Not great Brulus, 
 
 The father of the Roman liberty, 
 
 With more assured constancy beheld 
 
 His traitor sons, for labouring to call home 
 
 The banish'd Tarquins, scourged with rods to death, 
 
 Than I will shew, when I take back the life 
 
 This prodigy of mankind received from me. 
 
 Beauf. sen. We are sorry, monsieur Malefort, 
 for our error. 
 And are much taken with your resolution ; 
 But the disparity of years and strength. 
 Between you and your son, duly consider'd, 
 We would not so expose you. 
 
 Malef. sen. Then you kiU me, 
 Under pretence to save me. O my lords, 
 As you love honour, and a wrong'd man's fame, 
 Deny me not this fair and noble means 
 To make me right again to all the world. 
 Should any other but myself be chosen 
 To punish this apostata with death, 
 You rob a wretched father of a justice 
 That to all after times will be reCorSeJ. 
 I wish his strength were centuple, his skill equal 
 To my experience, that in his fall 
 He may not shame my victory ! I feel 
 The powers and spirits of twenty strong men in me. 
 Were he with wild fire circled, I undaunted 
 Would make way to him. — As you do affect, sir, 
 My daughter Theocrine ; as you are 
 My true and ancient friend ; as thou art valiant ; 
 And as all love a soldier, second me 
 
 \_They all sue to the Governor 
 In this my just petition. In your looks 
 I see a grant, my lord. 
 
 Beauf sen. You shall o'erbear me ; 
 And since you are so confident in your cause. 
 Prepare you for the combat. 
 
 Malef sen. With more joy 
 Than yet I ever tasted j by the next sun. 
 The disobedient rebel shall hear from me. 
 And so return in safety. [To the Captain.] My 
 
 good lords. 
 To all my service. — I will die, or purchase 
 Rest to Marseilles ; nor can I make doubt. 
 But his impiety is a potent charm. 
 To edge my sword, and add strength to my arm. 
 
 ^Exeunt. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE I. — An open space without the City. 
 
 Enter three Sea Captains. 
 
 2 Capt. He did accept the challenge, then ? 
 1 Capt. Nay more. 
 
 Was oveijoy'd in't ; and, as it had been 
 A fair invitement to a solemn feast, 
 And not a combat to conclude with death, 
 He cheerfully embraced it. 
 
 3 Capt. Are the articles 
 Sign'd to on both parts ? 
 
 i Cavt . At the father's suit. 
 
 With much unwillingness the governor 
 Conse:\ted to them. 
 
 2 Ca])t. You are inward with 
 Our admiral ; Could you yet never learn 
 What the nature of the quarrel is, that renders 
 The son more than incensed, implacable, 
 Against the father.^ 
 
 1 Capt. Never ; yet I have. 
 As far as manners would give warrant to it. 
 With my best curiousness of care observed him. 
 I have sat with him in his cabin a day together, 
 Yet not a syllable exchanged between us. 
 
THE UNNATURAL COMBAT. 
 
 31 
 
 Sigh he did often, as if inward grief 
 
 And melancholy at that instant would 
 
 Choke up his vital spirits, and now and then 
 
 A tear or two, as in derision of 
 
 The toughness of his rugged temper, would 
 
 Fall on his hollow cheeks, which but once felt, 
 
 A sudden flash of fury did dry up ; 
 
 And laying then his hand upon his sword, 
 
 He would murmur, but yet so as I ott heard lum, 
 
 We shall meet, cruel father, yes, we shall ; 
 
 When I'll exact, for every womanish drop 
 
 Of sorrow from these eyes, a strict accompt 
 
 Of much more from the heart. 
 
 2 Cupt. 'Tis wondrous strange. 
 
 3 Capt. And past my apprehension. "^ 
 
 1 Capt. Yet what makes 
 
 The miracle greater, when from the maintop 
 
 A sail's descried, all thoughts that do concern 
 
 Himself laid by, no lion, pinch'd with hunger, 
 
 Rouses himself more fiercely from his den. 
 
 Than he comes on the deck ; and there how wisely 
 
 He gives directions, and how stout he is 
 
 In his executions, we, to admiration. 
 
 Have been eyewitnesses : yet he never minds 
 
 The booty when 'tis made ours ; but as if 
 
 The danger, in the purchase of the prey, 
 
 Delighted him much more than the reward, 
 
 His will made known, he does retire himself 
 
 To his private contemplation, no joy 
 
 Exp r ess 'd by him for victory. 
 
 Enter Malefort jun. 
 
 2 Capt. Here he comes. 
 
 But with more cheerful looks than ever yet 
 I saw him wear. 
 
 Malef. jun. It was long since resolved on. 
 Nor must I stagger now [in't.] May the cause, 
 That forces me to this unnatural act 
 Be buried in everlasting silence, 
 And I find rest in death, or my revenge ! 
 To either I stand equal. Pray you, gentlemen, 
 Be charitable in your censures of me, 
 And do not entertain a false belief 
 That I am mad, for undertaking that 
 Which must be, when effected, still repented. 
 It adds to my calamity, that I have 
 Discourse and reason, and but too well know 
 I can nor live, nor end a wretched life. 
 But both ways I am impious. Do not, therefore, 
 Ascribe the perturbation of my soul 
 To a servile fear of death : I oft have view'd 
 All kinds of his inevitable darts, 
 Nor are they terrible. Were I condemn'd to leap 
 From the cloud-cover'd brows of a steep rock, 
 Into the deep ; or, Curtius like, to fill up, 
 For my country's safety, and an after-name, 
 A bottomless abyss, or charge through fire. 
 It could not so much shake me, as th' encounter 
 Of this day's single enemy. 
 
 1 Capt. If you please, sir, 
 You may shun it, or defer it. 
 
 Malef. jun. Not for the world : 
 Yet two things I entreat you ; the first is, 
 You'll not enquire the difference between 
 Myself and him, which as a father once 
 I honour'd, now my deadliest enemy ; 
 The last is, if I fall, to bear my body [it. — 
 
 ^^ar from this place, and where you please inter 
 1 should say more, but by his sudden coming 
 I am cut off. 
 
 Enter liKAvroBX junior awrf Montreville, leading in 
 Malefort senior ; MaLOAKoa following , with others. 
 
 Beauf. jun. Let me, sir, have the honour 
 To be your second. 
 
 Montr. With your pardon, sir, 
 I must put in for that, since our tried friendship 
 Hath lasted from our infancy. 
 
 Belg. I have served 
 Under your command, and you have seen me 
 
 fight, 
 And handsomely, though I say it ; and if now. 
 At this downright game, I may but hold your 
 I'll not pull down the side. [cards, 
 
 Malef. sen. I rest much bound 
 To your so noble offers, and I hope 
 Shall find your pardon, though I now refuse them ; 
 For which I'll yield strong reasons, but as briefly 
 As the time will give me leave. For me to borrow 
 (That am supposed the weaker) any aid 
 From the assistance of my second's sword, 
 Might write me down in the black list of those 
 That have nor fire nor spirit of their own ; 
 But dare, and do, as they derive their courage 
 From his example, on whose help and valour 
 They wholly do depend. Let this suffice, 
 In my excuse for that. Now, if you please. 
 On both parts, to retire to yonder mount 
 Where you, as in a Roman theatre, 
 May see the bloody difference determined, 
 Your favours meet my wishes. 
 
 Malef. jun. 'Tis approved of 
 By me ; and I command you [To his Captains.] 
 And leave me to my fortune. [Lead the way, 
 
 Beauf. jun. I would gladly 
 Be a spectator (since I am denied 
 To be an actor) of each blow and thrust, 
 And punctually observe them. 
 
 Malef. jun. You shall have 
 All you desire ; for in a word or two 
 I must make bold to entertain the time. 
 If he give suffrage to it. 
 
 Malef sen. Yes, I will ; 
 I'll hear thee, and then kill thee : nay, farewell. 
 
 Malef jun. Embrace with love on both sides, 
 Leave deadly hate and fury. [and with us 
 
 Malef sen. From this place 
 You ne'er shall see both living. 
 
 Belff. What's past help, is 
 Beyond prevention. 
 
 [They embrace on both sides, and take leave teverallp 
 of the father and son. 
 
 Malef. sen. Now we are alone, sir ; 
 And thou hast liberty to unload the burthen 
 Which thou groan'st under. Speak thy griefis. 
 
 Malef. jun. I shall, sir ; 
 But in a perplex' d form and method, which 
 You only can interpret : Would you had not 
 A guilty knowledge in your bosom, of 
 The language which you force me to deliver, 
 So I were nothing ! As you are my father, 
 I bend my knee, and, uncompell'd, profess 
 My life, and all that's mine, to be your gift ; 
 And that in a son's duty I stand bound 
 To lay this head beneath your feet, and run 
 All desperate hazards for your ease and satety : 
 But this confest on my part, I rise up, 
 And not as with a father, (all respect. 
 Love, fear, and reverence cast ott".) but as 
 A wicked man I thus expostulate with >( u. 
 Why have you done that which 1 dare not speak, 
 
;?2 
 
 THE UNNATURAL COMBAT. 
 
 And in the action changed the humble shape 
 Of my obedience, to rebellious rage, 
 And insolent pride ? and with shut eyes con- 
 To run my bark of honour on a shelf [ strain' d me 
 I must not see, nor, if I saw it, shun it ? 
 In my wrongs nature suffers, and looks backward, 
 And mankind trembles to see me pursue 
 "What beasts would fly from. For when I advance 
 This sword, as I must do, against your head, 
 Piety will weep, and filial duty mourn, 
 To see their altars which you built up in me, 
 In a moment razed and ruin'd. That you could 
 (From my grieved soul I wish it) but produce, 
 To qualify, not excuse, your deed of horror, 
 One seeming reason, that I might fix here, 
 And move no further ! 
 
 Malef. sen. Have I so far lost 
 A father's power, that I must give account 
 Of my actions to my son ? or must I plead 
 Asa fearful prisoner at the bar, while he 
 That owes his being to me sits a judge 
 To censure that, which onjy by myself 
 Ought to be question'd ? mountains sooner fall 
 Beneath their valleys, and the lofty pine 
 Pay homage to the bramble, or what else is 
 Preposterous in nature, ere my tongue 
 In one short syllable yield satisfaction 
 To any doubt of thine ; nay, though it were 
 A certainty disdaining argument ! 
 Since, though my deeds wore hell's black livery, 
 To thee they should appear triumphal robes, 
 Set off with glorious honour, thou being bound 
 To see with my eyes, and to hold that reason, 
 That takes or birth or fashion from my will. 
 
 Malef. jun. This sword divides that slavish 
 
 Malef. sen. It cannot : [knot. 
 
 It cannot, wretch ; and if thou but remember 
 From whom thou hadst this spirit, thou dar'st not 
 hope it. [thee 
 
 "Who train'd thee up in arms but I ? Who taught 
 Men were men onJy when they durst look down 
 With scorn on death and danger, and contemn'd 
 All opposition, till plumed Victory 
 Had made her constant stand upon their helmets ? 
 Under my shield thou hast fought as securely 
 As the young eaglet, cover'd with the wings 
 Of her fierce dam, learns how and where to prey. 
 All that is manly in thee, I call mine ; 
 But what is weak and womanish, thine own. 
 And what I gave, since thou art proud, ungrateful, 
 Presuming to contend with him, to whom 
 Submission is due, I will take from thee. 
 Look, therefore, for extremities, and expect not 
 I will correct thee as a son, but kill thee 
 As a serpent swollen with poison ; who surviving 
 A little longer, with infectious breath, 
 Would render all things near him, like itself. 
 Contagious. May, now my anger's up, 
 Ten thousand virgins kneeling at my feet, 
 And with one general cry howling for mercy. 
 Shall not redeem thee. 
 
 Malef. jun. Thou incensed Power, 
 Awhile forbear thy thunder ! let me have 
 No aid in my revenge, if from the grave 
 My mother 
 
 Malef. sen. Thou shalt never name her more. 
 
 iThey fight. 
 Beaufort junior, Montheville, Beloarde, and the three 
 Sea Captains, appear on the Mount. 
 
 Beauf. jun. They are at it. 
 
 "2 Capt. That thrust was put strongly home. 
 Montr. But with more strength avoided. 
 Belg. Well come in ; 
 He has drawn blood of him yet : well done, old 
 
 1 Capt. That was a strange miss. [cock. 
 Beauf. jun. That a certain hit. 
 
 \_Young Malefort is slain. 
 Belg. He's fallen, the day is ours ! 
 
 2 Capt. The admiral's slain. 
 Montr. The father is victorious ! 
 Belg. Let us haste 
 
 To gratulate his conquest. 
 
 1 Capt. We to mourn 
 The fortune of the son. 
 
 Beauf. jun. With utmost speed 
 Acquaint the governor with the good success, 
 That he may entertain, to his full merit, 
 The father of his country's peace and safety. 
 
 IThey retire. 
 
 Malef. sen. Were a new life hid in each 
 mangled limb, 
 I would search, and find it : and howe'er to some 
 I may seem cruel thus to tyrannize 
 Upon this senseless flesh, I glory in it. — 
 That I have power to be unnatural. 
 Is my security ; die all my fears, 
 And waking jealousies, which have so long 
 Been my tormentors ! there's now no suspicion : 
 A fact, which I alone am conscious of, 
 Can never be discover'd, or the cause 
 That call'd this duel on, I being above 
 All perturbations ; nor is it in 
 The power of fate, again to make me wretched. 
 
 Re-enter Bkaufort junior, Montrev(lle, Belgahde, and 
 the three Sea Captains. 
 
 Beauf. jun. All honour to the conqueror ! who 
 My friend of treachery now ? [dares tax 
 
 Belg. I am very glad, sir, 
 You have sped so well : but I must tell you thus 
 
 much. 
 To put you in mind that a low ebb must follow 
 Your high-swoll'n tide of happiness, you have 
 This honour at a high price. [purchased 
 
 Malef. 'Tis, Belgarde, 
 Above all estimation, and a little 
 To be exalted with it cannot savour 
 Of arrogance. That to this arm and sword 
 Marseilles owes the freedom of her fears, 
 Or that my loyalty, not long since eclipsed. 
 Shines now more bright than ever, are not things 
 To be lamented ; though, indeed, they may 
 Appear too dearly bought, my falling glories 
 Being made up again, and cemented 
 With a son's blood. 'Tis true, he was my son. 
 While he was worthy ; but when he shook off 
 His duty to me, (which my fond indulgence. 
 Upon submission, might perhaps have pardon'd,) 
 And grew his country's enemy, I look'd on him 
 As a stranger to my family, and a traitor 
 Justly proscribed, and he to be rewarded 
 That could bring in his head. I know in this 
 That I am censured rugged, and austere, 
 That will vouchsafe not one sad sigh or tear 
 Upon his slaughter'd body : but I rest 
 Well satisfied in myself, being assured that 
 Extraordinary virtues, when they soar 
 Too high a pitch for common sights to judge of, 
 Losing their proper splendor, are condemned 
 For most remarkable vices. 
 
 Beauf. jun. 'Tis too true, sir. 
 
SCENE III. 
 
 THE UNNATURAL COMBAT. 
 
 33 
 
 In the opinion of the multitude ; 
 But for myself, that would be held your friend, 
 And hope to know you by a nearer name, 
 They are as they deserve, received. 
 
 Malef. My daughter 
 Shall thank you for the favour* 
 
 Beauf. jun. I can wish 
 No happiness beyond it. 
 
 1 Capt. Shall we have leave 
 To bear the corpse of our dead admiral. 
 As he enjoin'd us, from this coast ? 
 
 Malef. Provided 
 The articles agreed on be observed. 
 And you depart hence with it, making oath 
 Never hereafter, but as friends, to touch 
 Upon this shore. 
 
 1 Capt. We'll faithfully perform it. 
 
 Malef. Then as you please dispose of it : 'tis an 
 object 
 That I could wish removed. His sins die with him ! 
 So far he has my charity. 
 
 1. Capt. He shall have 
 A soldier's funeral. 
 
 i_The Captains hear the Body off, with sad Music. 
 
 Malef. Farewell ! 
 
 Beauf. jun. These rites 
 Paid to the dead, the conqueror that survives 
 Must reap the harvest of his bloody labour. 
 Sound all loud instruments of joy and triumph. 
 And with all circumstance and ceremony, 
 Wait on the patron of our liberty. 
 Which he at all parts merits. 
 
 Malef. I am honoured 
 Beyond my hopes. 
 
 Beauf. jun. 'Tis short of your deserts. 
 Lead on : oh, sir, you must ; you are too modest. 
 [_Exeunt with loud Music. 
 
 SCENE II. — A Room in Malefort's House. 
 
 Enter Tubocrinb, Page, and Waiting-women. 
 
 Theoo. Talk not of comfort ; I am both ways 
 wretched. 
 And so distracted with my doubts and fears, 
 I know not where to fix my hopes. My loss 
 Is certain in a father, or a brother, 
 Or both ; such is the cruelty of my fate. 
 And not to be avoided. 
 
 1 Worn. You must bear it 
 With patience, madam. 
 
 2 Worn.. And what's not in you 
 
 To be prevented, should not cause a sorrow 
 Which cannot help it. 
 
 Page. Fear not my brave lord, 
 Your noble father ; fighting is to him 
 Familiar as eating. He can teach 
 Our modern duellists how to cleave a button. 
 And in a new way, never yet found out 
 By old Caranza. 
 
 1 Worn. May he be victorious. 
 And punish disobedience in his son ! 
 
 Whose death, in reason, should at no part move 
 
 you, 
 Ke being but half your brother, and the nearness 
 Which that might challenge from you, forfeited 
 By his impious purpose to kill him, from whom 
 He received life. [A. shout within. 
 
 2 Worn. A general shou t 
 
 1 Worn. Of joy. D 
 
 Page. Look up, dear lady ; sad news never came 
 Usher'd with loud applause. 
 
 Theoc. I stand prepared 
 To endure the shock of it. 
 
 Enter Usher. 
 
 Ush. I am out of breath 
 With running to deliver first — 
 
 Theoc. What.' 
 
 Ush. We are all made. 
 My lord has won the day ; your brother's slain ; 
 The pirates gone : and by the governor. 
 And states, and all the men of war, he is 
 Brought home in triumph : — nay, no musing, pay 
 For my good news hereafter. [me 
 
 Theoc. Heaven is just ! 
 
 Ush. Give thanks at leisure ; make all haste to 
 meet him. 
 I could wish I were a horse, that I might bear you 
 To him upon my back. 
 
 Page. Thou art an ass. 
 And this is a sweet burthen. 
 
 Ush. Peace, you crack-iope ! iExeuni 
 
 SCENE III.— ^ Street. 
 
 Loud Music. Enter MoNTBEVrLLE, Belgardb, Beaufort 
 senior, Beaufort junior ; Malefort, followed by Mon- 
 taigne, Chamont, and Lanour. 
 
 Beauf. sen. All honours we can give you, and 
 rewards. 
 Though all that's rich or precious in Marseilles 
 Were laid down at your feet, can hold no weight 
 With your deservings : let me glory in 
 Your action, as if it were mine own ; 
 And have the honour, with the arms ot love, 
 To embrace the great performer of a deed 
 Transcending all this country e'er could boast of. 
 
 Mont. Imagine, noble sir, in what we may 
 Express our thankfulness, and rest assured 
 It shall be freely granted. 
 
 Cham. He's an enemy 
 To goodness and to virtue, that dares think 
 There's anything within our power to give. 
 Which you in justice may not boldly challenge. 
 
 Lan. And as your own ; fof we will ever be 
 At your devotion. 
 
 Malef. Much honour'd sir. 
 And you, my noble lords, T can say only, 
 The greatness of your favours overwhelms me, 
 And like too large a sail, for the small bark 
 Of my poor merits, sinks me. That I stand 
 Upright in your opinions, is an honour 
 Exceeding my deserts, I having done 
 Nothing but what in duty I stood bound to : 
 And to expect a recompense were base. 
 Good deeds being ever in themselves rewarded. 
 Yet since your liberal bounties tell me that 
 I may, with your dlowance, be a suitor, 
 To you, my lord, I am an humble one. 
 And must ask that, which known, I fear you will 
 Censure me over bold. 
 
 Beauf. sen. It must be something 
 Of a strange nature, if it find from me 
 Denial or delay. 
 
 Malef. Thus then, my lord. 
 Since you encourage me : You are happy in 
 A worthy son, and all the comfort that 
 Fortune has left me, is one daughter ; now. 
 
34 
 
 THE UNNATURAL COMBAT. 
 
 If it may not appear too much presumption, 
 
 To seek to match my lowness with your height, 
 
 I should desire (and if I may obtain it, 
 
 I write nil ultra to my largest hopes) 
 
 She may in your opinion be thought worthy 
 
 To be received into your family, 
 
 And married to your son : their years are equal. 
 
 And their desires, I think, too ; she is not 
 
 Ignoble, nor my state contemptible. 
 
 And if you think me worthy your alliance, 
 
 'Tis all I do aspire to. 
 
 Beauf. jun. You demand 
 That which with all the service of my life 
 I should have labour'd to obtain from you. 
 
 sir, why are you slow to meet so fair 
 
 And noble an offer ? can France shew a virgin 
 That may be parallel'd with her ? is she not 
 The phoenix of the time, the fairest star 
 In the bright sphere of women? 
 Beauf. sen. Be not rapt so : 
 Though I dislike not what is motion'd, yet 
 In what so near concerns me, it is fit 
 
 1 should proceed with judgment. 
 
 Enter Usher, Theocrine, Page, and "Waiting-women. 
 
 Beauf. jun. Here she comes : 
 Look on her with impartial eyes, and then 
 Let envy, if it can, name one graced feature 
 In which she is defective. 
 
 Malef. Welcome, girl ! 
 My joy, my comfort, my delight, my all, 
 "Why dost thou come to greet my victory 
 In such a sable habit t This shew'd well 
 When thy father was a prisoner, and suspected ; 
 But now his faith and loyalty are admired. 
 Rather than doubted, in your outward garments 
 You are to express the joy you feel within : 
 Nor should you with more curiousness and care 
 Pace to the temple to be made a bride. 
 Than now, when all men's eyes are fixt upon you, 
 You should appear to entertain the honour 
 From me descending to you, and in which 
 You have an equal share. 
 
 Theoc. Heaven has my thanks, 
 With all humility paid for your fair fortune, 
 And so far duty binds me ; yet a little 
 To mourn a brother's loss, however wicked, 
 The tenderness familiar to our sex 
 May, if you please, excuse. 
 
 Malef. Thou art deceived. 
 He, living, was a blemish to thy beauties, 
 But in his death gives ornament and lustre 
 To thy perfections, but that they are 
 So exquisitely rare, that they admit not 
 The least addition. Ha ! here's yet a print 
 Of a sad tear on thy cheek ; how it takes from 
 Our present happiness ! with a father's lips, 
 
 A loving father's lips, I'll kiss it oif. 
 The cause no more remember'd. 
 
 Theoc. You forget, sir, 
 The presence we are in. 
 
 Malef. 'Tis well consider'd ; 
 And yet, who is the owner of a treasure 
 Above all value, but, without offence, 
 May glory in the glad possession of it .-* 
 Nor let it in your excellence beget wonder, 
 Or any here, that looking on the daughter, 
 I feast myself in the imagination 
 Of those sweet pleasures, and allow'd delights, 
 I tasted from the mother, who still lives 
 In this her perfect model ; for she had 
 Such smooth and high-arch'd brows, such spark- 
 ling eyes, 
 Whose every glance stored Cupid's emptied quiver. 
 Such ruby lips, — and such a lovely bloom, 
 Disdaining all adulterate aids of art, 
 Kept a perpetual spring upon her face. 
 As Death himself lamented, being forced 
 To blast it with his paleness : and if now 
 Her brightness dimm'd with sorrow, take and 
 
 please you. 
 Think, think, young lord, when she appears herself, 
 This veil removed, in her own natural pureness. 
 How far she will transport you. 
 
 Beauf. jun. Did she need it. 
 The praise which you (and well deserved) give to 
 Must of necessity raise new desires [her, 
 
 In one indebted more to years ; to me 
 Your words are but as oil pour'd on a fire. 
 That flames already at the height. 
 
 Malef. No more ; 
 I do believe you, and let me from you 
 Find so much credit ; when I make her yours, 
 I do possess you of a gift, which 1 
 With muc'h unwillingness part from. Mygood lords, 
 Forbear your further trouble ; give me leave. 
 For on the sudden I am indisposed, 
 To retire to my own house, and rest : to-morrow. 
 As you command me, I will be your guest. 
 And having deck'd my daughter like herself, 
 You shall have further conference. 
 
 Beauf sen. You are master 
 Of your own will ; but fail not, I'll expect you. 
 
 Malef. Nay, I will be excused ; I must part 
 with you. [.To young Ueaufort and the rest. 
 My dearest Theocrine, give me thy hand, 
 I will support thee. 
 
 Theoc. You gripe it too hard, sir. 
 
 Malef Indeed I do, but have no further end in it 
 But love and tenderness, such as I may challenge. 
 And you must grant. Thou art a sweet one ; yes, 
 And to be cherish'd. 
 
 Theoc. May I still deserve it ! 
 
 [Exeunt several ways 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I.- 
 
 -A Banqueting -room in Beaufort's 
 House. 
 
 Enter Beaufort senior, and Steward. 
 Beauf. sen. Have you been careful ? 
 Stew. With my best endeavours. [sir. 
 
 Let them bring stomachs, there's no want of meat. 
 
 Portly and curious viands are prepared, 
 To please all kinds of appetites. 
 
 Beauf. sen. 'Tis well. 
 I love a table furnish'd with full plenty, 
 And store of ft-iends to eat it : but with this caution, 
 I would not have my house a common inn. 
 For some men that come rather to devour me. 
 
THE UNNATURAL COMBAT. 
 
 S5 
 
 Than to present their service. At this time, too, 
 It being a serious and solemn meeting, 
 I must not have my board pester'd with shadows, 
 That, under other men's protection, break in 
 Without invitement. 
 
 Stew. With your favour, then. 
 You must double your guard, my lord, for on my 
 
 knowledge, 
 There are some so sharp set, not to be kept out 
 By a file of musketeers : and 'tis less danger, 
 I'll undertake, to stand at push of pike; 
 With an enemy in a breach, that undermined too, 
 And the cannon playing on it, than to stop 
 One harpy, your perpetual guest, from entrance. 
 When the dressel-, the cook's drum, thuatlers, 
 
 Come on. 
 The service will be lost else ! 
 
 Bemif. sen. What is he ? 
 
 Stew. As tall a trencherman, that is most 
 As e'er demolish'd pye-fortification [certain, 
 
 As soon as batter' d ; and if the rim of his belly 
 Were not made up of a much tougher stuff 
 Than his buff jerkin, there were no defence 
 Against the charge of his guts : you needs must 
 
 know him. 
 He's eminent for his eating. 
 
 Beauf. sen. O, Belgarde ! 
 
 Stew. The same ; one of the admiral's cast cap- 
 tains, 
 "V\Tio swear, there being no war, nor hope of any, 
 The only drilling is to eat devoutly. 
 And to be ever drinking — that's allow'd of, 
 But they know not where to get it, there's the spite 
 on't. 
 
 Beauf. sen. The more their misery ; yet, if you 
 For this day put him off. [can. 
 
 Stew. It is beyond 
 The invention of man. 
 
 Beauf. sen. No : — say this only, [ Whispers to him. 
 And as from me ; you apprehend me ? 
 
 Stew. Yes, sir. 
 
 Beauf sen. But it must be done gravely. 
 
 Stew. Never doubt me, sir. 
 
 Beauf. sen. We'll dine in the great room, but 
 let the music 
 And banquet be prepared here. [Exit. 
 
 Stew. This will make him 
 Lose his dinner at the least, and that will vex him. 
 As for the sweetmeats, when they are trod under 
 
 foot. 
 Let him take his share with the pages and the 
 Or scramble in the rushes. [lackies, 
 
 Enter Belgardr. 
 
 Belg. 'Tis near twelve ; 
 r keep a watch within me never misses, — 
 Save thee, master steward ! 
 
 Stew. You are most welcome, sir. 
 
 Bel(/. Has thy lord slept well to-night ? I come 
 to enquire. 
 I had a foolish dream, that, against my will, 
 Carried me from my lodging, to learn only 
 How he's disposed. 
 
 Stew. He's in most perfect health, sir. 
 
 Belff. Let me but see him feed heartily at dinner. 
 And I'll believe so too ; for from that ever 
 I make a certain judgment. 
 
 Stew. It holds surely 
 In your own constitution. 
 
 Belg. And in all men's. 
 
 'Tis the best symptom ; let us lose no time, 
 Delay is dangerous. 
 
 Stew. Troth, sir, if I might, 
 Without offence, deliver what my lord ha 
 Committed to my trust, I shall receive it 
 As a special favour. 
 
 Belg. We'll see it, and discourse, 
 As the proverb says, for health sake, after dinner, 
 Or rather after supper ; willingly theu 
 I'll walk a mile to hear thee. 
 
 Stew. Nay, good sir, 
 I will be brief and pithy. 
 
 Betg. Prithee be so. 
 
 Stew. He bid me say, of all his guests, that he 
 Stands most affected to you, for the freedom 
 And plainness of your manners. He ne'er ob- 
 served you 
 To twirl a dish about, you did not like of. 
 All being pleasing to you ; or to take 
 A say of venison, or stale fowl, by your nose, 
 Which is a solecism at another's table ; 
 But by strong eating of them, did confirm 
 They never were delicious to your palate, 
 But when they were mortified, as the Hugonot says. 
 And so you» part grows greater ; nor do you 
 Find fault with the sauce, keen hunger being the 
 
 best, 
 Which ever, to your much praise, you bring with 
 Nor will you with impertinent relations, [you ; 
 Which is a master-piece when meat's before you, 
 Forget yoTir teeth, to use your nimble tongue, 
 But do the feat you come for. 
 
 Belg. Be advised. 
 And end your jeering ; for, if you proceed, 
 You'll feel, as I can eat I can be angry ; 
 And beating may ensue. 
 
 Stew. I'll take your counsel, 
 And roundly come to the point : my lord much 
 
 wonders. 
 That you, that are a courtier as a soldier. 
 In all things else, and every day can vary 
 Your actions and discourse, continue constant 
 To this one suit. 
 
 Belg. To one ! 'tis well I have one, 
 Unpawn'd, in these days ; every cast commander 
 Is not blest with the fortune, I assure you. 
 But why this question ? does this offend him ? 
 
 Stew. Not much ; but he believes it is the rea- 
 You ne'er presume to sit above the salt : [son 
 
 And therefore, this day, our great admiral, 
 With other states, being invited guests, 
 He does entreat you to appear among them, 
 In some fresh habit. 
 
 Belg. This staff shall not serve 
 To beat the dog off ; these are soldier's garments. 
 And so by consequence grow contemptible. 
 
 Stew. It has stung him. [Aside. 
 
 Belg. I would I were acquainted with the play- 
 ers, 
 In. charity they might furnish me : but there is 
 No faith in brokers ; and for believing tailors. 
 They are only to be read of, but not seen ; 
 And sure they are confined to their own hells. 
 And there they live invisible. Well, I must not 
 Be fubb'd off thus : pray you, report my service 
 To the lord governor ; 1 will obey him : 
 And though my wardrobe's poor, rather than lose 
 His company at this feast, I will put on 
 The richest suit I have, and fill the chair 
 That makes me worthy of. ^ 2 [Exit. 
 
86 
 
 THE UNNATURAL COxMBAT. 
 
 Stew. We are shut of him, 
 He will be seen no more here : how my fellows 
 Will bless me for his absence ! he had starved 
 
 them, 
 Had he staid a little longer. Would he could. 
 For his own sake, shift a shirt ! and that's the ut- 
 Of his ambition : adieu, good captain. [most 
 
 lExit. 
 
 SCENE II The same. 
 
 Enter Beaufort senior, and Beaufort junior. 
 
 Beauf. sen. 'Tis a strange fondness. 
 
 Beauf. jun. 'Tis beyond example. 
 His resolution to part with his estate. 
 To make her dower the weightier, is nothing ; 
 But to observe how curious he is 
 In his own person, to add ornament 
 To his daughter's ravishing features, is the wonder. 
 I sent a page of mine in the way of courtship 
 This morning to her, to present my service, 
 From whom I understand all. There he found him 
 Solicitous in what shape she should appear ; 
 This gown was rich, but the fashion stale ; the 
 
 other 
 Was quaint, and neat, but the stuff not rich enough : 
 Then does he curse the tailor, and in rage 
 Falls ou her shoemaker, for wanting art 
 To express in every circumstance the form 
 Of her most delicate foot ; then sits in council 
 With much deliberation, to find out 
 What tire would best adorn her ; and one chosen, 
 Varying in his opinion, he tears off, 
 And stamps it under foot ; then tries a second, 
 A third, and fourth, and satisfied at length, 
 With much ado, in that, he grows again 
 Perplex'd and troubled where to place her jewels. 
 To be most mark'd, and whether she should wear 
 This diamond on her forehead, or between 
 Her milkwhite paps, disputing on it both ways. 
 Then taking in his hand a rope of pearl, 
 (The best of France,) he seriously considers, 
 Whether he should dispose it on her arm, 
 Or on her neck ; with twenty other trifles, 
 Too tedious to deliver. 
 
 Beauf. sen. I have known him 
 From his first youth, but never yet observed. 
 In all the passages of his life and fortunes. 
 Virtues so mix'd with vices : valiant the world 
 
 speaks him. 
 But with that, bloody ; liberal in his gifts too, 
 But to maintain his prodigal expense, 
 A fierce extortioner ; an impotent lover 
 Of women for a flash, but, his fires quench'd. 
 Hating as deadly : the truth is, I am not 
 Ambitious of this match ; nor will I cross you 
 In your affections. 
 
 Beauf. jun. I have ever found you 
 (And 'tis my happiness) a loving father, 
 
 ILoud music. 
 And careful of my good : — by the loud music, 
 As you gave order, for his entertainment. 
 He's come into the house. Two long hours since, 
 The colonels, commissioners, and captains. 
 To pay him all the rites his worth can challenge, 
 Went to wait on him hither. 
 
 Enter Malefort, Montatgnr, Chamont, Lanour, Mon- 
 TREviLLE, Theocrine, Usliep, Page, and Waiting-wo- 
 men. 
 Beavf. sen. You are most welcome. 
 
 And what I speak to you, does from my heart 
 Disperse itself to all. 
 
 Malef. You meet, my lord, 
 Your trouble. 
 
 Beauf. sen. Rather, sir, increase of honour. 
 When you are pleased to grace my house. 
 
 Beauf. jun. The favour 
 Is doubled on my part, most worthy sir. 
 Since your fair daughter, my incomparable mis 
 
 tress. 
 Deigns us her presence. 
 
 Malef. View her well, brave Beaufort, 
 But yet at distance ; you hereafter may 
 Make your approaches nearer, when the priest 
 Hath made it lawful : and were not she mine, 
 I durst aloud proclaim it, Hymen never 
 Put on his saffron-colour'd robe, to change 
 A baiTcn virgin name, with more good omens 
 Than at her nuptials. Look on her again. 
 Then tell me if she now appear the same. 
 That she was yesterday. 
 
 Beauf. sen. Being herself. 
 She cannot but be excellent ; these rich 
 And curious dressings, which in others might 
 Cover deformities, fi'om her take lustre. 
 Nor can add to her. 
 
 Malef. You conceive her right. 
 And in your admiration of her sweetness. 
 You only can deserve her. Blush not, girl, 
 Thou art above his praise, or mine ; nor can 
 Obsequious Flattery, though she should use 
 Her thousand oil'd tongues to advance thy worth, 
 Give aught, (for that's impossible,) but take from 
 Thy more than human graces ; and even then. 
 When she hath spent herself with her best strength , 
 The wrong she has done thee shall be so apparent. 
 That, losing her own servile shape and name. 
 She will be thought Detraction : but I 
 Forget myself ; and something whispers to me, 
 I have said too much. 
 
 Mont. I know not what to think on't. 
 But there's some mystery in it, which I fear 
 Will be too soon discover' d, 
 
 Malef. I much wrong 
 Your patience, noble sir, by too much hugging 
 My proper issue, and, like the foolish crow. 
 Believe my black brood swans. 
 
 Beauf. sen. There needs not, sir, 
 The least excuse for this ; nay I must have 
 Your arm, you being the master of the feast, 
 And this the mistress. 
 
 Theoc. I am any thing 
 That you shall please to make me. 
 
 Beauf. jun. Nay, 'tis yours, 
 Without more compliment. 
 
 Mont. Your will's a law, sir. 
 
 \_Loud music. Exeunt Beaufort senior, Malefort, 
 Theocrine, Beaufort junior, Montaigne, Chamont, 
 Lanour, Montreville. 
 
 Ush. Would I had been born a lord I 
 
 1 Worn. Or I a lady ! 
 
 Page. It may be you were both begot in court. 
 Though bred up in the city ; for your mothers. 
 As I have heard, loved the lobby; and there, 
 
 nightly, 
 Are seen strange apparitions : and who knows 
 But that some noble faun, heated with wine. 
 And cloy'd with partridge, had a kind of longing 
 To trade in sprats ? this needs no exposition : — 
 But can you yield a reason for your wishes ? 
 
SCKN"K III. 
 
 THE UNNATURAL COMBAT. 
 
 37 
 
 Ush. Why, had I been bom a lord, I had been 
 no servant. 
 
 1 IVom. And whereas now necessity makes us 
 We had been attended on. [waiters, 
 
 2 Worn. And might have slept then 
 
 As long as we pleased, and fed when we had sto- 
 machs, 
 And worn new clothes, nor lived as now, in hope 
 Of a cast gown, or petticoat. 
 
 Page. You are fools, 
 And ignorant of your happiness. Ere I was 
 Sworn to the pantofle, I have heard my tutor 
 Prove it by logic, that a servant's life 
 Was better than his master's ; and by that ,^ 
 1 learn' d from him, if that my memory fail not, 
 I'll make it good. 
 
 Ush. Proceed, my little wit 
 In decimo sexto. 
 
 Page. Thus then : From the king 
 To the beggar, by gradation, all are servants ; 
 And you must grant, the slavery is less 
 To study to please one, than many. 
 
 Ush. True. 
 
 Page. Well then ; and first to you, sir : you 
 complain 
 You serve one lord, but your lord serves a thousand, 
 Besides his passions, that are his worst masters ; 
 You must humour him, and he is boimd to sooth 
 Every grim sir above him : if he frown. 
 For the least neglect you fear to lose your place ; 
 But if, and with all slavish observation, 
 From the minion's self, to the groom of his close- 
 He hourly seeks not favour, he is sure [stool. 
 To be eased of his oflBce, though perhaps he bought 
 Nay, more ; that high disposer of all such [it. 
 That are subordinate to him, serves and fears 
 The fury of the many-headed monster. 
 The giddy multitude : and as a horse 
 Is still a horse, for all his golden trappings, 
 So your men of purchased titles, at their best, are 
 But serving-men in rich liveries. 
 
 Ush. Most rare infant ! 
 Where learn'dst thoti this morality ? 
 
 Page. Why, thou dull pate, 
 As I told thee, of my tutor. 
 
 2 Worn. Now for us, boy. 
 
 Page. I am cut off: — the governor. 
 
 Enter Beaufort senior and Beaufort junior, Servants 
 setiing forth a banquet. 
 
 Beauf. sen. Quick, quick, sirs. 
 See all things perfect. 
 
 Serv. Let the blame be ours else. 
 
 Beauf. sen. And, as I said, when we are at the 
 banquet. 
 And high in our cups, for 'tis no feast without it, 
 Especially among soldiers ; Theocrine 
 Being retired, as that's no place for her. 
 Take you occasion to rise from the table, 
 And lose no opportunity. 
 
 Beauf. jun. 'Tis my purpose ; 
 And if I can win her to give her heart, 
 I have a holy man in readiness 
 To join our hands ; for the admiral, her father, 
 Repents him of his grant to me, and seems 
 So far transported with a strange opinion 
 Of her fair features, that, should we defer it, 
 I think, ere long, he will believe, and strongly. 
 The dauphin is not worthy of her : I 
 Am much amazed with't. 
 
 Beauf. sen. Nay, dispatch there, fellows. 
 
 lExeunt Beaufort senior and Bbaufort junioi. 
 Serv. We are ready, when you please. Sweet 
 forms, your pardon! 
 It has been such a busy time, I could not 
 Tender that ceremonious respect 
 Which you deserve : but now, the great work 
 
 ended, 
 I will attend the less, and with all care 
 Observe and serve you. 
 
 Page. This is a penn'd speech, 
 And serves as a perpetual preface to 
 A dinner made of fragments. 
 
 Ush. We wait on you. [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE 111.— The same. A Banquet set forth. 
 
 Loud music. Enter Beaufort senior, Malefort, Mon- 
 taigne, Chamont, Lanour, Beaufort junior, Montrk- 
 viLLE, and Servants. 
 
 Beauf sen. You are not merry, sir. 
 
 Malef. Yes, my good lord, 
 You have given us ample means to drown all 
 
 cares : — 
 And yet I nourish strange thoughts, which I would 
 Most willingly destroy. [Aiidt. 
 
 Beauf. sen. Pray you take your place. 
 
 Beauf. jun. And drink a health ; and let it be, if 
 you please, 
 To the worthiest of women. — Now observe him. 
 
 Malef. Give me the bowl ; since you do me the 
 I will begin it. [honour, 
 
 Cham. May we know her name, sir ? 
 
 Malef. You shall ; I will not choose a foreign 
 queen's. 
 Nor yet our own, for that would relish of 
 Tame flattery ; nor do their height of title, 
 Or absolute power, confirm their worth and good- 
 ness, 
 These being heaven's gitts, and frequently coa- 
 On such as are beneath them ; nor will 1 [ferr'd 
 Name the king's mistress, howsoever she 
 In his esteem may carry it : but if I, 
 As wine gives liberty, may use my freedom. 
 Not sway'd this way or that, with confidence, 
 (And I will make it good on any equal,) 
 If it must be to her whose outward form 
 Is better'd by the beauty of her mind. 
 She lives not that with justice can pretend 
 An interest to this so sacred health. 
 But my fair daughter. He that only doubts it, 
 I do pronounce a villain : this to her, then. 
 
 [Drinkt. 
 
 Mont. What may we think of this ? 
 
 Beauf. sen. It matters not. 
 
 Lan. For my part, I will sooth him, rather than 
 Draw on a quarrel. 
 
 Cham. It is the safest course ; 
 And one I mean to follow. 
 
 Beauf. jun. It has gone round, sir. \_Exit. 
 
 Malef. Now you have done her right ; if there 
 be any 
 Worthy to second this, propose it boldly, 
 I am your pledge. 
 
 Beauf. sen. Let's pause here, if you please, 
 And entertain the time with something else. 
 Music there ! in some lofty strain ; the song too 
 That I gave order for ; the new one call'd 
 The Soldier's Delii/ht. [Music and a sonff. 
 
38 
 
 THE UNNATURAL COMBAT. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 Enter Bklqardb in armour, a case of carbines by his side. 
 
 Belg. Who stops me now ? 
 Or who dares only say that I appear not 
 In the most rich and glorious habit that 
 Renders a man complete ? What court so set off 
 With state and ceremonious pomp, but, thus 
 Accoutred, T may enter ? Or what feast, 
 Though all the elements at once were ransack'd 
 To store it with variety transcending 
 The curiousness and cost on Trajan's birth-day ; 
 (Where princes only, and confederate kings, 
 Did sit as guests, served and attended on 
 By the senators of Rome,) at which a soldier, 
 In this his natural and proper shape, 
 Might not, and boldly, fill a seat, and by 
 His presence make the great solemnity 
 More honour'd and remarkable ? 
 
 Beauf. sen. 'Tis acknowledged ; 
 And this a grace done to me unexpected. 
 
 Mont. But why in armour ? 
 
 Malef. What's the mystery ? 
 Pray you, reveal that. 
 
 Belg. Soldiers out of action, 
 That very rare ***** 
 h: * * * * but, like unbidden guests, 
 Bring their stools with them, for their own defence. 
 At court should feed in gauntlets ; they may have 
 Their fingers cut else : there your carpet knights. 
 That never charged beyond a mistress' lips, 
 Are still most keen, and valiant. But to you, 
 Whom it does most concern, my Idrd, I will 
 Address my speech, and, with a soldier's freedom. 
 In my reproof, return the bitter scoff 
 You threw upon my poverty : you contemn'd 
 My coarser outside, and from that concluded 
 (As by your groom you made me understand) 
 I was unworthy to sit at your table. 
 Among these tissues and embroideries. 
 Unless I changed my habit : I have done it, 
 And shew myself in that which I have worn 
 In the heat and fervour of a bloody fight ; 
 And then it was in fashion, not as now, 
 Ridiculous and despised. This hath past through 
 A wood of pikes, and every one aim'd at it, 
 Fet scorn'd to take impression from their fury : 
 With this, as still you see it, fresh and new, 
 I've charged through fire that would have singed 
 
 your sables. 
 Black fox, and ermines, and changed the proud 
 
 colour 
 Of scarlet, though of the right Tyrian die. — 
 But now, as if the trappings made the man, 
 Such only are admired that come adorn'd 
 With what's no part of them. This is mine own, 
 My richest suit, a suit I must not part from. 
 But not regarded now : and yet remember, 
 'Tis we that bring you in the means of feasts. 
 Banquets, and revels, which, when you possess, 
 With barbarous ingratitude you deny us 
 To be made sharers in the harvest, which 
 Our sweat and industry reap'd, and sow'd for you. 
 The silks you wear, we with our blood spin for 
 
 you ; 
 This massy plate, that with the ponderous weight 
 Does make your cupboards crack, we (unaffrighted 
 With tempests, or the long and tedious way, 
 Or dreadful monsters of the deep, that vfait 
 With open jaws still ready to devour us,) 
 Fetch from the other world. Let it not then, 
 In after ages, to your shame be spoken, 
 
 That you, with no relenting eyes, look on 
 
 Our wants that„feed your plenty : or consume. 
 
 In prodigal and wanton gifts on drones. 
 
 The kingdom's treasure, yet detain from us 
 
 The debt that with the hazard of our lives. 
 
 We have made you stand engaged for ; or force us. 
 
 Against all civil government, in armour 
 
 To require that, which with all willingness 
 
 Should be tender'd ere demanded. 
 
 Beauf. sen. I commend 
 This wholesome sharpness in you, and prefer it 
 Before obsequious tameness ; it shews lovely : 
 Nor shall the rain of your good counsel fall 
 Upon the barren sands, but spring up fruit, 
 Such as you long have wish'd for. And the rest 
 Of your profession, like you, discontented 
 For want of means, shall, in their present payment, 
 Be bound to praise your boldness : and hereafter 
 I will take order you shall have no cause. 
 For want of change, to put your armour on. 
 But in the face of an enemy ; not as now. 
 Among your friends. To that which is due to you, 
 To furnish you like yourself, of mine own bounty 
 I'll add five hundred crowns. 
 
 Cham. I, to my power. 
 Will follow the example. 
 
 Mont. Take this, captain, 
 'Tis all my present store ; but when you please. 
 Command me further. 
 
 Lan. I could wish it more. 
 
 Belg. This is the luckiest jest ever came from me. 
 Let a soldier use no other scribe to draw 
 The form of his petition. This will speed 
 When your thrice-humble supplications, 
 With prayers for increase of health and honours 
 To their grave lordships, shall, as soon as read, 
 Be pocketed up, the cause no more remember'd : 
 When this dumb rhetoric \Aside.'[ — Well, I have 
 
 a life, 
 Which I, in thankfulness for your great favours, 
 My noble lords, when you please to command it, 
 Must never think mine own. — Broker, be happy, 
 These golden birds fly to thee. lExit. 
 
 Beauf. sen. You are dull, sir. 
 And seem not to be taken with the passage 
 You saw presented. 
 
 Malef. Passage ! I observed none. 
 My thoughts were elsewhere busied. Ha ! she is 
 In danger to be lost, to be lost for ever, 
 If speedily I come not to her rescue, 
 For so my genius tells me 
 
 Montr. What chimeras 
 Work on your fantasy ? 
 
 Malef. Fantasies ! they are truths. 
 Where is my Theocrine 1 you have plotted 
 To rob me of my daughter ; bring me to her 
 Or I'll call down the saints to witness for me. 
 You are inhospitable. 
 
 Beauf. sen. You amaze me. [ship 
 
 Your daughter's safe, and now exchanging court- 
 With my son, her servant. Why do yoa hear this 
 With such distracted looks, since to that end 
 You brought her hither ? 
 
 Malef. 'Tis confess'd 1 did ; 
 But now, pray you, pardon me ; and, if you please, 
 Ere she delivers up her virgin fort, 
 I would observe what is the art he uses 
 In planting his artillery against it : 
 She is my only care, nor must she yield, 
 But upon noble terms. 
 
SCKNK IV. 
 
 THE UNNATURAL COMBAT, 
 
 Si) 
 
 lAside. 
 
 Beauf. sen. 'Tis so determined. 
 
 Malef. Yet I am jealous. 
 
 Mont. Overmuch, I fear. 
 What passions are these ? 
 
 Beauf. sen. Come, I will bring you 
 Where you, with these, if they so please, may see 
 The love-scene acted. 
 
 Montr. There is something more 
 Than fatherly love in this. [.Aside. 
 
 Mont. We wait upon you. [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE IV. — Another Room in Beaufort's 
 House. j^ 
 
 J?n^erBEAUFOHT junior, and Theocuine. 
 
 Beauf. jun. Since then you meet my flames with 
 equal ardour, 
 As you profess, it is your bounty, mistress, 
 Nor must I call it debt ; yet 'tis your glory, 
 That your excess supplies my want, and makes 
 
 me 
 Strong in my weakness, which could never be, 
 But in your good opinion. 
 
 Theoc. You teach me, sir. 
 What 1 should say ; since from your sun of favour, 
 I like dim Phoebe, in herself obscure, 
 Borrow that light I have. 
 
 Beauf. jun. Which you return 
 With large increase, since that you will o'ercome, 
 And I dare not contend, were you but pleased 
 To make what's yet divided one. 
 
 Theoc. I have 
 Already in my wishes ; modesty 
 Forbids me to speak more. 
 
 Beauf. jun. But what assurance, 
 But still without offence, may I demand. 
 That may secure me that your heart and tongue 
 Join to make harmony ? 
 
 Theoc. Choose any. 
 Suiting your love, distinguished from lust. 
 To ask, and mine to grant. 
 
 Enter at a distance Beaufort senior, Malefort, Montre, 
 viLLE, and the rest. 
 
 Beauf. sen. Yonder they are. 
 
 Malef. At distance too ! 'tis yet well. 
 
 Beauf. jun. I may take then 
 This hand, and with a thousand burning kisses, 
 Swear 'tis the anchor to my hopes .' 
 
 Theoc. You may, sir. 
 
 Malef. Somewhat too much. 
 
 Beauf. jun. And this done, view myself 
 In these true mirrors ? 
 
 Theoc. Ever true to you, sir : 
 And may they lose the ability of sight, 
 When they seek other object ! 
 
 Malef. This is more 
 Than I can give consent to. 
 
 Beauf. jun. And a kiss 
 Thus printed on your lips, will not distaste you ? 
 
 Malef. Her lips ! 
 
 Montr. Why, where should he kiss ? are you 
 distracted ? 
 
 Beauf. jun. Then, when this holy man hath 
 made it lawful ■ [Brings in a Priest. 
 
 Malef. A priest so ready too ! I must break 
 in. 
 
 Beauf. jun. And what's spoke here is register'd 
 above ; 
 
 I must engross those favours to myself 
 Which are not to be named. 
 
 Theoc. All I can give. 
 But what they are 1 know not. 
 
 Beauf. jun. I'll instruct you. 
 
 Malef. O how my blood boils ! 
 
 Montr. Pray you, contain yourself ; 
 Methinks his courtship's modest. 
 
 Beauf. jun. Then being mine. 
 And wholly mine, the river of your love 
 To kinsmen and allies, nay, to your father, 
 (Howe'erout of his tenderness he admires you,) 
 Must in the ocean of your affection 
 To me, be swallow'd up, and want a name, 
 Compared with what you owe me. 
 
 Theoc. 'Tis most fit, sir. 
 The stronger bond that binds me to you, must 
 Dissolve the weaker. 
 
 Malef. I am ruin'd, if 
 I come not fairly off. 
 
 Beauf. sen. There's nothing wanting 
 But your consent. 
 
 Malef. Some strange invention aid me ! 
 This ! yes, it must be so. [Aside. 
 
 Montr. Why do you stagger. 
 When what you seem'd so much to wish, is offer'd, 
 Both parties being agreed too ? 
 
 Beauf. sen. I'll not court 
 A grant from you, nor do I wrong your daughter, 
 Though I say my son deserves her. 
 
 Malef. 'Tis far from 
 My humble thoughts to undervalue him 
 I cannot prize too high : for howsoever 
 From my own fond indulgence I have sung 
 Her praises with too prodigal a tongue, 
 That tenderness laid by, I stand confirm'd. 
 All that I fancied excellent in her. 
 Balanced with what is really his own, 
 Holds weight in no proportion. 
 
 Montr. New turnings ! 
 
 Beauf. sen. Whither tends this ? 
 
 Malef. Had you observed, my lord, 
 With what a sweet gradation he woo'd. 
 As I did punctually, you cannot blame her, 
 Though she did listen with a greedy ear 
 To his fair modest offers : but so great 
 A good as then flow'd to her, should have been 
 With more deliberation entertain'd, 
 And not with such haste swallow'd ; she shall first 
 Consider seriously what the blessing is, 
 And in what ample manner to give thanks for't. 
 And then receive it. And though I shall think 
 Short minutes years, till it be perfected, 
 I will defer that which I most desire ; 
 And so must she, till longing expectation, 
 That heightens pleasure, makes her truly know 
 Her happiness, and with what outstretch'd arms 
 She must embrace it. 
 
 Beauf. jun. This is coriousness 
 Beyond example. 
 
 Malef. Let it then begin 
 From me : in what's mine own I'll use my will. 
 And yield no further reason. I lay claim to 
 The liberty of a subject. [Rushes forward and 
 
 seizes Theoc.]— Fall not off, 
 But be obedient, or by the hair 
 I'll drag thee home. Censure me as you please, 
 I'll take my own way. — O, the inward fires 
 That, wanting vent, consume me ! 
 
 [Exit with Theotirinb 
 
40 
 
 THE UNNATURAL COMBAT. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 Montr. 'Tis most certain 
 He's mad, or worse. 
 
 Beauf. sen. How worse ? 
 
 Montr. Nay, there I leave you ; 
 My thoughts are free. 
 
 Beauf. jun. This I foresaw. 
 
 Beauf. sen. Take comfort, 
 He shall walk in clouds, but I'll discover him : 
 And he shall find and feel, if he excuse not, 
 And with strong reasons, this gross injury, 
 I can make use of my authority. \_Exeiint. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I. — A Room in Malefout's House. 
 Enter Malefort. 
 What flames are these my wild desires fan in me ? 
 The torch that feeds them was not lighted at 
 Thy altars, Cupid : vindicate thyself. 
 And do not own it ; and confirm it rather. 
 That this infernal brand, that turns me cinders, 
 Was by the snake-hair'd sisters thrown into 
 My guilty bosom. O that I was ever 
 Accurs'd in having issue ! my son's blood, 
 (That like the poison'd shirt of Hercules 
 Grows to each part about me,) which my hate 
 Forced from him with much willingness, may 
 
 admit 
 Some weak defence ; but my most impious love 
 To my fair daughter Theocrine, none ; 
 Since my aifection (rather wicked lust) 
 That does pursue her, is a greater crime 
 Than any detestation, with which 
 I should afflict her innocence. With what cunning 
 I have betray 'd myself, and did not feel 
 The scorching heat that now with fury rages ! 
 Why was I tender of her ? cover' d with 
 That fond disguise, this mischief stole upon me. 
 I thought it no offence to kiss her often. 
 Or twine mine arms about her softer neck. 
 And by false shadows of a father's kindness 
 I long deceived myself : but now the effect 
 Is too apparent. How I strove to be 
 In her opinion held the worthiest man 
 In courtship, form, and feature ! envying him 
 That was preferr'd before me ; and yet then 
 My wishes to myself were not discover'd. 
 But still my fires increased, and with delight 
 I would call her mistress, willingly forgetting 
 The name of daughter, choosing rather she 
 Should style me servant, than, with reverence, 
 
 father : 
 Yet, waking, I ne'er cherish'd obscene hopes, 
 But in my troubled slumbers often thought 
 She was too near to me, and then sleeping blush'd 
 At my imagination ; which pass'd, 
 (My eyes being open not condemning it,) 
 1 was ravish'd with the pleasure of the dream. 
 Yet, spite of these temptations, I have reason 
 That pleads against them, and commands me to 
 Extinguish these abominable fires : 
 And I will do it ; I will send her back 
 To him that loves her lawfully. Within there ! 
 
 Enter Theocrine. 
 
 Theoc. Sir, did you call ? 
 
 Malef. I look no sooner on her. 
 But all my boasted power of reason leaves me, 
 A.nd passion again usurps her empire. — 
 Does none else wait me ? 
 
 Theoc. I am wretched, sir, 
 Should any owe more duty. 
 
 Malef, This is worse 
 Than disobedience ; leave me. 
 
 Theoc. On my knees, sir. 
 As I have ever squared my will by yours, 
 And liked and loath'd with your eyes, I beseech 
 To teach me what the nature of my fault is, [you 
 That hath incens'd you ; sure 'tis one of weakness 
 And not of malice, which your gentler temper. 
 On my submission, I hope, will pardon : 
 Which granted by your piety, if that I, 
 Out of the least neglect of mine hereafter, 
 Make you remember it, may I sink ever 
 Under your dread command, sir. 
 
 Malef. O my stars I 
 Who can but doat on this humility. 
 
 That sweetness Lovely in her tears ! The 
 
 fetters, 
 That seem'd to lessen in their weight but now. 
 By this grow heavier on me. lAside. 
 
 Theoc. Dear sir — ■ 
 Malef Peace! 
 I must not hear thee. 
 
 Theoc. Nor look on me .' 
 Malef. No, 
 Thy looks and words are charms. 
 
 Theoc. May they have power then 
 To calm the tempest of your wrath ! Alas, sir, 
 Did I but know in what I give offence, 
 In my repentance I would show my sorrow 
 For what is past, and, in my care hereafter, 
 Kill the occasion, or cease to be : 
 Since life, without your favour, is to me 
 A load I would cast off. 
 
 Malef. O that my heart 
 Were rent in sunder, that I might expire, 
 The cause in my death buried ! yet I know 
 
 not 
 
 With such prevailing oratory 'tis begg'd from me, 
 That to deny thee would convince me to 
 Have suck'd the milk of tigers ; rise, and I, 
 But in a perplex'd and mysterious method, 
 Will make relation : That which all the world 
 Admires and cries up in thee for perfections, 
 Are to unhappy me foul blemishes. 
 And mulcts in nature. If thou hadst been born 
 Deform'd and crooked in the features of 
 Thy body, as the manners of thy mind ; 
 Moor-lipp'd, flat-nosed, dim-eyed, and beetle- 
 
 brow'd. 
 With a dwarf's stature to a giant's waist ; 
 Sour-breath'd, with claws for fingers on thy hands, 
 Splay-footed, gouty-legg'd, and over all 
 A loathsome leprosy had spread itself. 
 And made thee shunn'd of human fellowships ; 
 I had been blest. 
 
 Theoc. Why, would you wish a monster 
 (For such a one, or worse, you have described) 
 To call you father ? 
 
SCENE 
 
 THE UNNATURAL COMBAT. 
 
 41 
 
 Malef. Rather than as now, 
 (Though I had drown'd thee for it in the sea,) 
 Appearing, as thou dost, a new Pandora, 
 With Juno's fair cow-eyes, Minerva's brow, 
 Aurora's blushing cheeks, Hebe's fresh youth, 
 Venus' soft paps, with Thetis' silver feet. 
 
 Theoc. Sir, you have liked and loved them, and 
 oft forced. 
 With your hyperboles of praise pour'd on them, 
 My modesty to a defensive red, 
 Strew'd o'er that paleness, which you then were 
 To style the purest white. [pleased 
 
 Malef. And in that cup 
 I drank the poison 1 now feel dispersed ^ 
 Through every vein and artery. Wherefore art 
 So cruel to me ? This thy outward shape [thou 
 Brought a fierce war against me, not to be 
 By flesh and blood resisted : but to leave me 
 No hope of freedom, from the magazine 
 Of thy mind's forces, treacherously thou drew'st 
 Auxiliary helps to strengthen that [up 
 
 Which was already in itself too potent. 
 Thy beauty gave the first charge, but thy duty, 
 Seconded with thy care and watchful studies 
 To please, and serve my will, in all that might 
 Raise up content in me, like thunder brake through 
 All opposition ; and, my ranks of reason 
 Disbanded, my victorious passions fell 
 To bloody execution, and compeJl'd me 
 With willing hands to tie on my own chains, 
 And with a kind of flattering joy, to glory 
 In my captivity. 
 
 Theoc. I, in this you speak, sir. 
 Am ignorance itself. 
 
 Malef. And so continue ; 
 For knowledge of the arms thou bear'st against me, 
 Would make thee curse thyself, but yield no aids 
 For thee to help me : and 'twere cruelty 
 In me to wound that spotless innocence, 
 Howe'er it make me guilty. In a word, 
 Thy plurisy of goodness is thy ill ; 
 Thy virtues vices, and thy humble lowness 
 Far worse than stubborn sullenness and pride ; 
 Thy looks, that ravish all beholders else, 
 As killing as the basilisk's, thy tears, 
 Express'd in sorrow for the much I suffer, 
 A glorious insultation, and no sign 
 Of pity in thee ; and to hear thee speak 
 In thy defence, though but in silent action. 
 Would make the hurt, already deeply fester'd, 
 Incurable : and therefore, as thou wouldst not 
 By thy presence raise fresh furies to torment me, 
 I do conjure thee by a father's power, 
 (And 'tis my curse I dare not think it lawful 
 "To sue unto thee in a nearer name,) 
 Without reply to leave me. 
 
 Theoc. My obedience 
 Never learn'd yet to question your commands, 
 But willingly to serve them ; yet I must. 
 Since that your will forbids the knowledge of 
 My fault, lament my fortune. iExtt. 
 
 Malef. O that I 
 Have reason to discern the better way. 
 And yet pursue the worse I When I look on her, 
 I burn with heat, and in her absence freeze 
 With the cold blasts of jealousy, that another 
 Should e'er taste those delights that are denied me ; 
 And which of these afflictions brings less torture, 
 I hardly can distinguish : Is there then 
 No mean ? no ; so my understanding tells me, 
 
 And that by my cross fates it is determined 
 That I am both ways wretched. 
 
 Enter Usher and Montrbvillb. 
 
 Ush. Yonder he walks, sir, 
 In much vexation he hath sent my lady, 
 His daughter, weeping in ; but what the cause is, 
 Rests yet in supposition. 
 
 Montr. I guess at it. 
 But must be further satisfied ; I will sift him 
 In private, therefore quit the room. 
 
 Ush. I am gone, sir. {,Exit. 
 
 Malef. Ha ! who disturbs me ? Montreville ! 
 your pardon. 
 
 Montr. Would you could grant one to yourself! 
 I speak it 
 With the assurance of a friend, and yet, 
 Before it be too late, make reparation 
 Of the gross wrong your indiscretion offer'd 
 To the governor and his son ; nay, to yourself ; 
 For there begins my sorrow. 
 
 Malef Would I had 
 No greater cause to mourn, than their displeasure ! 
 For I dare justify 
 
 Montr. We must not do 
 All that we dare. We're private, friend. I ob- 
 Your alterations with a stricter eye, [served 
 
 Perhaps than others ; and, to lose no time 
 In repetition, your strange demeanour 
 To your sweet daughter. 
 
 Malef Would you could find out 
 Some other theme to treat of ! 
 
 Montr. None but this ; 
 And this I'll dwell on ; how ridiculous, 
 And subject to construction 
 
 Malef No more ! 
 
 Montr. You made yourself, amazes me, and if 
 The frequent trials interchanged between us 
 Of love and friendship, be to their desert 
 Esteem'd by you, as they hold weight with me. 
 No inward trouble should be of a shape 
 So horrid to yourself, but that to me 
 You stand bound to discover it, and unlock 
 Your secret'st thoughts ; though the most inno- 
 Loud crying sins. [cent were 
 
 Malef And so,' perhaps, they are : 
 And therefore be not curious to learn that 
 Which known, must make you hate me. 
 
 Montr. Think not so. 
 I am yours in right and wrong : nor shall you find 
 A verbal friendship in me, but an active ; 
 And here I vow, I shall no sooner know 
 What the disease is, but, if you give leave, 
 I will apply a remedy. Is it madness ? 
 I am familiarly acquainted with 
 A deap-read man, that can with charms and herbs 
 Restore you to your reason : or, suppose 
 You are bewitch'd, — he with more potent spells 
 And magical rites shall cure you. Is't heaven's 
 
 anger .' 
 With penitence and sacrifice appease it. 
 Beyond this, there is nothing that I can 
 Imagine dreadful : in your fame and fortunes 
 You are secure ; your impious son removed too. 
 That render'd you suspected to the state ; 
 And your fair daughter 
 
 Malef. Oh ! press me no further. 
 
 Montr. Are you wrung there ! Why, what of 
 her ? hath she 
 Made shipwreck of her honour, or consuircd 
 
42 
 
 THE UNNATURAL COMBAT. 
 
 Against your life ? or seal'd a contract with 
 The devil of hell, for the recovery of 
 Her young Inamorato ? 
 
 Malef. None of these ; 
 A.nd yet, what must increase the wonder in you, 
 Being innocent in herself, she hath wounded me ; 
 But where, enquire not. Yet, I know not how 
 I am persuaded, from my confidence 
 Of your vow'd love to me, to trust you with 
 My dearest secret ; pray you chide me for it, 
 But with a kind of pity, not insulting 
 On my calamity. 
 
 Montr. Forward. 
 
 Malef. This same darughter 
 
 Montr. What is her fault ? 
 
 Malef. She is too fair to me. 
 
 Montr. Ha! how is this ? 
 
 Malef. And I have look'd upon her 
 More than a father should, and languish to 
 Enjoy her as a husband. 
 
 Montr. Heaven forbid it ! 
 
 Malef. And this is all the comfort you can 
 give me ! 
 Where are your promised aids, your charms, your 
 
 herbs. 
 Your deep-read scholar's spells and magic rites ? 
 Can all these disenchant me? No, I must be 
 My own physician, and upon myself 
 Practise a desperate cure. 
 
 Montr. Do not contemn me : 
 Enjoin me what you please, with any hazard 
 I'll undertake it. What means have you practised 
 To quench this hellish fire ? 
 
 Malef. All I could think on, 
 But to no purpose ; and yet sometimes absence 
 Does yield a kind of intermission to 
 The fury of the fit. 
 
 Montr. See her no more, then. 
 
 Malef. 'Tis my last refuge ; and 'twas my intent, 
 And still 'tis, to desire your help. 
 
 Montr. Command it. 
 
 Malef. Thus then : you have a fort, of which 
 you are 
 The absolute lord, whither, I pray you, bear her : 
 And that the sight of her may not again 
 Nourish those flames, which I feel something 
 
 lessen'd. 
 By all the ties of friendship I conjure you, 
 And by a solemn oath you must confirm it, 
 That though my now calm'd passions should rage 
 Than ever heretofore, and so compel me [higher 
 Once more to wish to see her ; though I use 
 Persuasions mix'd with threat'nings, (nay, add to 
 
 it, 
 That I, this failing, should with hands held up 
 
 thus. 
 Kneel at your feet, and bathe them with my tears,) 
 Prayers or curses, vows or imprecations, 
 Only to look upon her, though at distance, 
 You still must be obdurate. 
 
 Montr. If it be 
 Your pleasure, sir, that I shall be unmoved, 
 I will endeavour. 
 
 Malef. You must swear to be 
 Inexorable, as you would prevent 
 The greatest mischief to your friend, that fate 
 Could throw upon him. 
 
 Montr. Well, I will obey you. 
 But how the governor will be answer'd yet. 
 And 'tis material, is not consider'd. 
 
 Malef. Leave that to me. I'll presently give 
 order 
 How you shall surprise her ; be not frighted with 
 Her exclamations. 
 
 Montr. Be you constant to 
 Your resolution, I will not fail 
 In what concerns my part. 
 
 Malef. Be ever bless'd for't ! lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE U.—A Street, 
 Enter Beaukort junior, Chamont, and Lanoub. 
 
 Cham. Not to be spoke with, say you? 
 
 Beauf. jun. No. 
 
 Lan. Nor you 
 Admitted to have conference with her ? 
 
 Beauf. jun. Neither. 
 His doors are fast lock'd up, and solitude 
 Dwells round about them, no access allow'd 
 To friend or enemy ; but 
 
 Cham. Nay, be not moved, sir ; 
 Let his passion work, and, like a hot-rein'd horse, 
 'Twill quickly tire itself. 
 
 Beauf. jun. Or in his death. 
 Which, for her sake, till now I have forborn, 
 I will revenge the injury he hath done to 
 My true and lawful love. 
 
 Lan. How does your father. 
 The governor, relish it ? 
 
 Beauf. jun. Troth, he never had 
 Affection to the match ; yet in his pity 
 To me, he's gone in person to his house, 
 Nor will he be denied ; and if he find not 
 Strong and fair reasons, Malefort will hear from 
 In a kind he does not look for. [him 
 
 Cham. In the mean time. 
 Pray you put on cheerful looks. 
 
 Enter Montaigne. 
 
 Beauf. jun. Mine suit my fortune. 
 
 Lan. O, here's Montaigne. 
 
 Mont. I never could have met you 
 More opportunely. I'll not stale the jest 
 By my relation ; but if you will look on 
 The malecontent Belgarde, newly rigg'd up. 
 With the train that follows him, 'twill be an object 
 Worthy of your noting. 
 
 Beauf. jun. Look you the comedy 
 Make good the prologue, or the scorn will dwell 
 Upon yourself. 
 
 Mont. I'll hazard that ; observe now. 
 
 Beloakde comes out of Ms house in a gallant habit ; stay* 
 at the door with his sword drawn. 
 
 Several voices within. Nay, captain ! glorious 
 Belg. Fall back, rascals ! [captain ! 
 
 Do you make an owl of me ? this day I will 
 Receive no more petitions.— 
 Here are bills of all occasions, and all sizes ! 
 If this be the pleasure of a rich suit, would I were 
 Again in my buff jerkin, or my armour I 
 Then I walk'd securely by my creditors' noses. 
 Not a dog mark'd me ; every officer shunn'd me. 
 And not one lousy prison would receive me : 
 But now, as the ballad says, / am turn'd gallant, 
 There does not live that thing I owe a sous to, 
 But does torment me. A faithful cobler told me. 
 With his awl in his hand, I was behindhand with 
 him 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE UNNATURAL COMBAT. 
 
 43 
 
 For setting me upright, and bade me look to 
 
 myself. 
 A sempstress too, that traded but in socks, 
 Swore she would set a serjeant on my back 
 For a borrow'd shirt : my pay, and the benevo- 
 lence 
 The governor and the states bestow'd upon me. 
 The city cormorants, my money-mongers. 
 Have swallow'd down already ; they were sums, 
 I grant, — but that I should be such a fool, 
 Against my oath, being a cashier'd captain. 
 To pay debts, though grown up to one and twenty. 
 Deserves more reprehension, in my judgment, 
 Than a shopkeeper, or a lawyer that lends la^ney, 
 In a long dead vacation. 
 
 Mont. How do you like 
 His meditation ? 
 
 Cham. Peace ! let him proceed. 
 
 Belg. I cannot now go on the score for shame. 
 And where I shall begin to pawn — ay, marry, 
 That is consider'd timely ! I paid for 
 This train of yours, dame Estridge, fourteen crowns. 
 And yet it is so light, 'twill hardly pass 
 For a tavern reckoning, unless it be, 
 To save the charge of painting, nail'd on a post. 
 For the sign of the feathers. Pox upon the fashion, 
 That a captain cannot think himself a captain. 
 If he wear not this, like a fore-horse 1 yetrit is not 
 Staple commodity : these are perfumed too 
 O' the Roman wash, and yet a stale red herring 
 Would fill the belly better, and hurt the head less : 
 And this is Venice gold ; would I had it again 
 In French crowns in my pocket 1 O you com- 
 manders. 
 That, like me, have no dead pays, nor can cozen 
 The commissary at a muster, let me stand 
 For an example to you ! as you would 
 Enjoy your privileges, videlicet, 
 To pay your debts, and take your letchery gratis ; 
 To have your issue warm'd by others fires ; 
 To be often drunk, and swear, yet pay no forfeit 
 To the poor, but when you share with one another ; 
 With all your other choice immunities : 
 Only of this I seriously advise you. 
 Let courtiers trip like courtiers, and your lords 
 Of dirt and dunghills mete their woods and acres, 
 In velvets, satins, tissues ; but keep you 
 Constant to cloth and shamois. 
 
 Mont. Have you heard 
 Of such a penitent homily ? 
 
 Belg. I am studying now 
 Where I shall hide myself till the rumour of 
 My wealth and bravery vanish : let me see. 
 There is a kind of vaulting-house not far off, 
 Where I used to spend my afternoons, among 
 Suburb she-gamesters ; and yet, now I think on't, 
 I have crack 'd a ring or two there, which they made 
 Others to solder : No 
 
 Enter a Bawd, and two Courtezans with two Children. 
 
 1 Court. O ! have we spied you ! 
 
 Bawd. Upon him without ceremony I now's the 
 While he's in the paying vein. [time, 
 
 2 Court. Save you, brave captain ! 
 
 Beauf. jun. 'Slight, how he stares ! they are 
 worse than she-wolves to him. 
 
 Belg. Shame me not in the streets ; I was fcom- 
 ing to you. 
 
 1 Court. O, sir, you may in public pay for the 
 You had in private. [fiddling 
 
 2 Court. We hear you are full of crowns, sir. 
 
 1 Court. And therefore, knowing you are open- 
 
 handed, 
 Before all be destroy'd, I'll put you in mind, sir, 
 Of your young heir here. 
 
 2 Court. Here's a second, sir, 
 That looks for a child's portion. 
 
 Bawd. There are reckonings 
 For muscadine and eggs too, must be thought on. 
 
 1 Court. We have not been hasty, sir. 
 Bawd. But staid your leisure : 
 
 But now you are ripe, and loaden with fruit 
 
 2 Court. 'Tis fit you should be puH'd ; here's 
 
 a boy, sir, 
 Pray you, kiss him ; 'tis your own, sir. 
 
 1 Court. Nay, buss this first. 
 It hath just your eyes ; and such a promising nose. 
 That, if the sign deceive me not, in time 
 'Twill prove a notable striker, like his father, 
 
 Belg. And yet you laid it to another. 
 
 1 Court. True ; 
 
 While you were poor ; and it was policy ; 
 
 But she that has variety of fathers, 
 
 And makes not choice of him that can maintain it, 
 
 Ne'er studied Aristotle. 
 
 Lan. A smart quean ! 
 
 Belg. Why, braches, will you worry me ? 
 
 2 Court. No, but ease you 
 
 Of your golden burthen , the heavy carriage may 
 Bring you to a sweating sickness. 
 
 Be'g. Very likely ; 
 I foam all o'er already. 
 
 1 Court. Will you come off, sir } 
 
 Belg. Would I had ne'er come on ! Hear me 
 with patience. 
 Or I will anger you. Go to, you know me ; 
 And do not vex me further : by my sins, 
 And your diseases, which are certain truths, 
 Whate'er you think, I am not master, at 
 This instant, of a livre. 
 
 2 Court. What, and in 
 Such a glorious suit ! 
 
 Belg. The liker, wretched things, 
 To have no money. 
 
 Bawd. You may pawn your clothes, sir. 
 
 1 Court. Will you see your issue starve ? 
 
 2 Court. Or the mothers beg ? 
 
 Belg. Why, you unconscionable strumpets, 
 would you have me. 
 Transform my hat to double clouts and biggings ? 
 My corselet to a cradle ? or my belt 
 To swaddlebands ? or turn my cloak to blankets .' 
 Or to sell my sword and spurs, for soap and 
 
 candles ? 
 Have you no mercy ? what a chargeable devil 
 We carry in our breeches ! 
 
 Beauf. jun. Now 'tis time 
 To fetch him off. {They come/orward. 
 
 Enter Beaufort senior. 
 
 Mont. Your father does it for us. 
 
 Bawd. The governor ! 
 
 Beauf. sen. What are these ? 
 
 1 Court. An it like your lordship, 
 Very poor spinsters. 
 
 Bawd. I am his nurse and laundress. 
 
 Belg. You have nurs'd and launder'd me, hell 
 Vanish ! [take you for it ! 
 
 Cham. Do, do, and talk with him hereafter. 
 
 1 Court. "Tis our best course. 
 
44 
 
 THE UNNATURAL COMBAT. 
 
 2 Court. We'll find a time to fit him. 
 
 [^Exeunt Bawd and Courtezans. 
 
 Beauf. sen. Why in this heat, Belgarde ? 
 
 Belg. You are the cause oft. 
 
 Beauf. sen. Who, I ? 
 
 Belg. Yes, your pied livery and your gold 
 Draw these vexations on me ; pray you strip me, 
 And let me be as I was : I will not lose 
 The pleasures and the freedom which I had 
 In my certain poverty, for all the wealth 
 Fair France is proud of. 
 
 Beauf. sen. We at better leisure 
 Will learn the cause of this. 
 
 Beauf. jun. What answer, sir, 
 From the admiral ? 
 
 Beauf sen. None ; his daughter is removed 
 To the fort of Montreville, and he himself 
 In person fled, but where, is not discover'd : 
 I could tell you wonders, but the time denies me 
 Fit liberty. In a word, let it suffice 
 The power of our great master is contemn'd, 
 The sacred laws of God and man profaned ; 
 And if I sit down with this injury, 
 I am unworthy of my place, and thou 
 Of my acknowledgment : draw up all the troops ; 
 As I go, I will instruct you to what purpose. 
 Such as have power to punish, and yet spare, 
 From fear or from connivance, others ill, 
 Though not in act, assist them in their will. 
 
 lExennt. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I. — A Street near Malkfort's House. 
 
 Enter Montreville and Servants, with Theocrine, Page, 
 and Waiting-women. 
 
 Montr. Bind them, and gag their mouths sure ; 
 Will be your convoy. [I alone 
 
 1 Worn. Madam ! 
 
 2 Worn. Dearest lady ! 
 
 Page. Let me fight for my mistress. 
 
 Serv. 'Tis in vain, 
 Little cockerel of the kind. 
 
 Montr. Away with them. 
 And do as I command you. 
 
 [Exeunt Servants with Page and Waiting-women. 
 
 Theoc. Montreville, 
 You are my father's friend ; nay more, a soldier. 
 And if a right one, as I hope to find you, 
 Though in a lawful war you had surprised 
 A city, that bow'd humbly to your pleasure. 
 In honour you stand bound to guard a virgin 
 From violence ; but in a free estate, 
 Of which you are a limb, to do a wrong 
 Which noble enemies never consent to, 
 Is such an insolence 
 
 Montr. How her heart beats ! 
 Much like a partridge in a sparhawk's foot, 
 That with a panting silence does lament 
 The fate she cannot fly from ! — Sweet, take com- 
 fort, 
 You are safe, and nothing is intended to you, 
 But love and service. 
 
 Theoc. They came never clothed 
 In force and outrage. Upon what assurance 
 (Remembering only that my father lives, 
 Who will not tamely suffer the disgrace,) 
 Have you presumed to hurry me from his house, 
 And, as I were not worth the waiting on, 
 To snatch me from the duty and attendance 
 Of my poor servants ! 
 
 Montr. Let not that afflict you, 
 You shall not want observance ; I will be 
 Your page, your woman, parasite, or fool, 
 Or any other property, provided 
 Y^ou answer my affection. 
 
 Theoc. In what kind ? 
 
 Montr.. As you had done young Beaufort's. 
 
 Theoc. How ? 
 
 Montr. So, lady; 
 Or, if the name of wife appear a yoke 
 
 Too heavy for your tender neck, so I 
 Enjoy you as a private friend or mistress, 
 'Twill be sufficient. 
 
 Theoc. Blessed angels guard me ! 
 What frontless impudence is this ? what devil 
 Hath, to thy certain ruin, tempted thee 
 To offer me this motion ? by my hopes 
 Of after joys, submission nor repentance 
 Shall expiate this foul intent. 
 
 Montr. Intent ! 
 'Tis more, I'll make it act. 
 
 Theoc. Ribald, thou darest not : 
 And if (and with a fever to thy soul) 
 Thou but consider that t have a father. 
 And such a father, as, when this arrives at 
 His knowledge, as it shall, the terror of 
 His vengeance, which as sure as fate must follow, 
 Will make thee curse the hour in which lust 
 
 taught thee 
 To nourish these bad hopes ; — and 'tis my wonder 
 Thou darest forget how tender he is of me, 
 And that each shadow of wrong done to me, 
 Will raise in him a tempest not to be 
 But with thy heart-blood calm'd : this, when I see 
 him 
 
 Montr. As thou shalt never. 
 
 Theoc, Wilt thou murder me ? 
 
 Montr. No, no, 'tis otherwise determined, fool. 
 The master which in passion kills his slave 
 That may be useful to him, does himself 
 The injury : know, thou most wretched creature. 
 That father thou presumest upon, that father. 
 That, when I sought thee in a noble way. 
 Denied thee to me, fancying in his hope 
 A higher match, from his excess of dotage, 
 Hath in his bowels kindled such a flame 
 Of impious and most unnatural lust. 
 That now he fears his furious desires 
 May force him to do that, he shakes to think on. 
 
 Theoc. O me, most wretched ! 
 
 Montr. Never hope again 
 To blast him with those eyes : their golden beams 
 Are unto him arrows of death and hell. 
 But unto me divine artillery. 
 And therefore, since what I so long in vain 
 Pursued, is offer'd to me, and by him 
 Given up to my possession ; do not flatter ■ 
 Thyself with an imaginary hope. 
 But that I'll take occasion by the forelock, 
 
THE UNNATURAL COiMBAT. 
 
 45 
 
 And make use of my fortune. As we walk, 
 I'll tell thee more. 
 
 Theoc. I will not stir. 
 
 Montr. I'll force thee. 
 
 Theoc. Help, help ! 
 
 Montr. In vain. 
 
 Theoc. In me my brother's blood 
 Is punish'd at the height. 
 
 Montr. The coach there ! 
 
 Theoc. Dear sir 
 
 Montr. Tears, curses, prayers, are alike to me ; 
 I can, and must enjoy my present pleasure, 
 And shall take time to mourn for it at leisure. 
 
 [_He bears her off. 
 ♦ .. — 
 
 SCENE II.— .4 Space before the Fort, 
 Enter Malefort. 
 I have play'd the fool, the gross fool, to believe 
 The bosom of a friend will hold a secret. 
 Mine own could not contain ; and my industry 
 In taking liberty from my innocent daughter, 
 Out of false hopes of freedom to myself, 
 Is, in the little help it yields me, punish'd. 
 She's absent, but 1 have her figure here ; 
 And every grace and rarity about her. 
 Are, by the pencil of my memory. 
 In living colours painted on my heart. 
 My fires too, a short interim closed up. 
 Break out with greater fury. Why was I, 
 Since 'twas my fate, and not to be declined, 
 In this so tender-conscienced ? Say I had 
 Enjoy'd what I desired, what had it been 
 But incest ? and there's something here that tells 
 I stand accomptable for greater sins [me 
 
 I never check' d at. Neither had the crime 
 Wanted a precedent : I have read in story, 
 Those first great heroes, that, for their brave 
 
 deeds. 
 Were in the world's first infancy styled gods, 
 Freely enjoy'd what I denied myself. 
 Old Saturn, in the golden age, embraced 
 His sister Ops, snd, in the same degree, 
 The Thunderer Juno, Neptune Thetis, and 
 By their example, after the first deluge, 
 Deucalion Pyrrha. Universal nature, 
 As every day 'tis evident, allows it 
 To creatures of all kinds : the gallant horse 
 Covers the mare to which he was the sire ; 
 The bird with fertile seed gives new increase 
 To her that hatch'd him : why should envious 
 
 man then 
 Brand that close act, wWcli adds proximity 
 To what's most near him, with the abhorred title 
 Of incest? or our later laws forbid. 
 What by the first was granted \ Let old men, 
 That are not capable of these delights, 
 And solemn superstitious fools, prescribe 
 Rules to themselves ; I will not curb my freedom, 
 But constantly go on, with this assurance, 
 I but walk in a path which greater men 
 Have trod before me. Ha ! this is the fort : 
 Open the gate ! Within, there 1 
 
 Enter two Soldiers. 
 
 1 Sold. With your pardon 
 We must forbid your entrance. 
 
 MaleJ^. Do you know me ? 
 
 2 Sold. Perfectly, my lord. 
 
 Malef. I am [your] captain's friend. 
 
 1 Sold. It may be so ; but till we know his 
 You rr.ust excuse us. [pleasure, 
 
 2 Sold. We'll acquaint him with 
 Your waiting here. 
 
 Malef. Waiting, slave I he was ever 
 By me commanded. 
 
 1 Sold. As we are by him. 
 
 Malef. So punctual! pray you then, in my 
 His presence. [name entreat 
 
 2 Sold. That we shall do. lExeunt Bold. 
 Malef. I must use 
 
 Some strange persuasions to work him to j 
 
 Deliver her, and to forget the vows, \ ; 
 
 And horrid oaths I, in my madness, made him \ ■ 
 Take to the contrary : and may I get her 
 Once more in my possession, I will bear her j 
 Into some close cave or desert, where we'll end ■ 
 Our lusts and lives together. 
 
 Enter Montrevillb and Soldiers upon the Walls. 
 
 Montr. Fail not, on 
 The forfeit of your lives, to execute 
 What I command. [.Exeunt Soldiers. 
 
 Malef Montreville ! how is't, friend ,' 
 
 Montr. I am glad to see you wear such cheerful 
 The world's well alter'd. [looks ; 
 
 Malef. Yes, I thank my stars : 
 But methinks thou art troubled. 
 
 Montr. Some light cross. 
 But of no moment. 
 
 Malef. So I hope : beware 
 Of sad and impious thoughts ; you know how far 
 They wrought on me. 
 
 Montr. No such come near me, sir. 
 I have, like you, no daughter, and much wish 
 You never had been curs'd with one. 
 
 Malef. Who, I ? 
 Thou art deceived, T am most happy in her. 
 
 Montr. I am glad to hear it. 
 
 Malef. My incestuous fires 
 To'ards her are quite burnt out ; I love her now 
 As a father, and no further. 
 
 Montr. Fix there then 
 Your constant peace, and do not try a second 
 Temptation from her. 
 
 Malef. Yes, friend, though she were 
 By millions of degrees more excellent 
 In her perfections ; nay, though she could borrow 
 A form angelical to take my frailty. 
 It would not do : and therefore, Montreville, 
 My chief delight next her, I come to tell thee, 
 The governor and I are reconciled. 
 And I confirm'd, and with all possible speed. 
 To make large satisfaction to young Beaufort, 
 And her, whom I have so much wrong'd ; and for 
 Thy trouble in her custody, of which 
 I'll now discharge thee, there is nothing in 
 My nerves or fortunes, but shall ever be 
 At thy devotion. 
 
 Montr. You promise fairly. 
 Nor doubt I the performance ; yet I would not 
 Hereafter be reported to have been 
 The principal occasion of your falling 
 Into a relapse : or but suppose, out of 
 The easiness of my nature, and assurance 
 You are firm and can hold out, I could consent ; 
 You needs must know there are so many lets 
 That make against it, that it is my wonder 
 You ofiler me the motion ; having bound me, 
 With oaths and imprecations, on no terms. 
 
46 
 
 THE UNNATURAL COMBAT. 
 
 Reasons, or argument-s, you could propose, 
 I ever should admit you to her sight, 
 Much less restore her to you. 
 
 Malef. Are we soldiers, 
 And stand on oaths ! 
 
 Montr. It is beyond my knowledge 
 In what we are more worthy, than in keeping 
 Our words, much more our vows. 
 
 Malef. Heaven pardon all ! 
 How many thousands, in our heat of wine, 
 Quarrels, and play, and in our younger days, 
 In private I may say, between ourselves, 
 In points of love, have we to answer for. 
 Should we be scrupulous that way ? 
 
 Montr. You say well : 
 And very aptly call to memory 
 Two oaths, against all ties and rights of friendship 
 Broken by you to me. 
 
 Malef. No more of that. 
 
 Montr. Yes, 'tis material, and to the purpose : 
 The first (and think upon't) was, when I brought 
 
 you 
 As a visitant to my mistress then, (the mother 
 Of this same daughter,) whom, with dreadful words, 
 Too hideous to remember, you swore deeply 
 For my sake never to attempt ; yet then, 
 Then, when you had a sweet wife of your own, 
 I know not with what arts, philtres, and charms 
 (Unless in wealth and fame you were above me) 
 You won her from me ; and, her grant obtain'd, 
 A marriage with the second waited on 
 The burial of the first, that to the world 
 Brought your dead son : this I sat tamely down by, 
 Wanting, indeed, occasion and power 
 To be at the height revenged. 
 
 Malef. Yet this you seem'd 
 Freely to pardon. 
 
 Montr. As perhaps I did. 
 Your daughter Theocrine growing ripe, 
 (Her mother too deceased,) and fit for marriage, 
 I was a suitor for her, had your word, 
 Upon your honour, and our friendship made 
 Authentical, and ratified with an oath, 
 She should be mine : but vows with you being like 
 To your religion, a nose of wax 
 To be turn'd every way, that very day 
 The governor's son but making his approaches 
 Of courtship to her, the wind of your ambition 
 For her advancement, scatter'd the thin sand 
 In which you wrote your full consent to me, 
 And drew you to his party. What hath pass'd 
 You bear a register in your own bosom, [since. 
 That can at large inform you. 
 
 Malef. Montreville, 
 I do confess all that you charge me with 
 To be strong truth, and that I bring a cause 
 Most miserably guilty, and acknowledge 
 That though your goodness made me mine own 
 I should not shew the least compassion [judge, 
 Or mercy to mysetf. O, let not yet 
 My foulness taint your pureness, or my falsehood 
 Divert the torrent of your loyal faith ! 
 My ills, if not return'd by you, will add 
 Lustre to your much good ; and to o'ercome 
 With noble sufferance, will express your strength, 
 And triumph o'er my weakness. If you please too, 
 My black deeds being only known to you. 
 And, in surrendering up my daughter, buried. 
 You not alone make me your slave, (for I 
 At no part do deserve the name of friend,) 
 
 But in your own breast raise a monument 
 Of pity to a wretch, on whom with justice 
 You may express all cruelty. 
 
 Montr, You much move me. 
 
 Malef. O that I could but hope it ! To revenge 
 An injury, is proper to the wishes 
 Of feeble women, that want strength to act it : 
 But to have power to punish, and yet pardon, 
 Peculiar to princes. See ! these knees, iKneds. 
 That have been ever stiff to bend to heaven, 
 To you are supple. Is there aught beyond this 
 That may speak my submission ? or can pride 
 (Though I well know it is a stranger to you) 
 Desire a feast of more humility, 
 To kill her growing appetite ? 
 
 Montr. I required not 
 To be sought to this poor way ; yet 'tis so far 
 A kind of satisfaction, that I will 
 Dispense a little with those serious oaths 
 You made me take : your daughter shall come to 
 I will not say, as you deliver'd her, [you. 
 
 But, as she is, you may dispose of her 
 As you shall think most requisite. \_Exit. 
 
 Malef. His last words 
 Are riddles to me. Here the lion's force 
 Would have proved useless, and, against my nature, 
 Compell'd me from the crocodile to borrow 
 Her counterfeit tears : there's now no turning 
 
 backward. 
 May I but quench these fires that rage within me, 
 And fall what can fall, I am arm'd to bear it ! 
 
 Enter Soldiers helow, thrusting forth Theocrine ; her 
 garments loose, her hair dishevelled. 
 
 2 Sold. You must be packing. 
 
 Theoc. Hath he robb'd me of 
 Mine honour, and denies me now a room 
 To hide my shame ! 
 
 2 Sold. My lord the admiral 
 Attends your ladyship. 
 
 1 Sold. Close the port, and leave them. 
 
 [^Exeunt Soldiers. 
 
 Malef. Ha ! who is this } how alter'd I how 
 deform 'd ! 
 It cannot be : and yet this creature has 
 A kind of a resemblance to my daughter. 
 My Theocrine ! but as different 
 From that she was, as bodies dead are, in 
 Their best perfections, from what they were 
 When they had life and motion. 
 
 Theoc. 'Tis most true, sir ; 
 I am dead indeed to all but misery. 
 O come not near me, sir, I am infectious : 
 To look on me at distance, is as dangerous 
 As, from a pinnacle's cloud-kissing spire, 
 With giddy eyes to view the deep descent ; 
 But to acknowledge me, a certain ruin. 
 O, sir. 
 
 Malef. Speak, Theocrine, force me not 
 To further question ; my fears already 
 Have choked my vital spirits. 
 
 Theoc. Pray you turn away 
 Your face and hear me, and with my last breath 
 Give me leave to accuse you : What offence. 
 From my first infancy, did I commit, 
 That for a punishment you should give up 
 My virgin chastity to the treacherous guard 
 Of goatish Montreville .'' ^^ 
 
 Malef. What hath he done } 
 
 Theoc. Abused me, sir, by violence; and this told. 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE UNNATURAL COiMBAT. 
 
 47 
 
 I cannot live to speak more : may the cause 
 In you find pardon, but the speeding curse 
 Of a ravish'd maid fall heavy, heavy on him ! — 
 Beaufort, my lawful love, farewell for ever. [Dies. 
 Malef. Take not thy flight so soon, immaculate 
 'Tis fled already. — How the innocent, [spirit ! 
 As in a gentle slumber, pass away ! 
 But to cut off" the knotty thread of life 
 In guilty men, must force stern Atropos 
 To use her sharp knife often. I would help 
 The edge of her's with the sharp point of mine, 
 But that I dare not die, till I have rent 
 This dog's heart piecemeal. O, that I had wings 
 To scale these walls, or that my hands were can- 
 nons, ■'^ 
 To bore their flinty sides, that I might bring 
 The villain in the reach of my good sword 1 
 The Turkish empire ofifer'd for his ransom, 
 Should not redeem his life. O that my voice 
 Were loud as thunder, and with horrid sounds 
 Might force a dreadful passage to his ears, 
 And through them reach his soul ! Libidinous 
 
 monster ! 
 Foul ravisher I as thou durst do a deed 
 Which forced the sun to hide his glorious face 
 Behind a sable mask of clouds, appear, 
 And as a man defend it ; or, like me, 
 Shew some compunction for it. 
 
 Enter Montreville on the Walls, above. 
 
 Montr. Ha, ha, ha ! 
 
 Malef. Is this an object to raise mirth .' 
 
 Montr. Yes, yes. 
 
 Malef. My daughter's dead. 
 
 Montr. Thou hadst best follow her ; 
 Or, if thou art the thing thou art reported. 
 Thou shouldst have led the way. Do tear thy hair, 
 Like a village nurse, and mourn, while I laugh at 
 Be but a just examiner of thyself, [thee. 
 
 And in an equal balance poise the nothing. 
 Or little mischief I have done, compared 
 With the pond'rous weight of thine : and how 
 
 canst thou 
 Accuse or argue with me } mine was a rape, 
 And she being in a kind contracted to me, 
 The fact may challenge some qualification : 
 But thy intent made nature's self run backward. 
 And done, had caused an earthquake. 
 
 Enter Soldiers above. 
 
 1 Sold. Captain ' 
 Montr. Ha ! 
 
 2 Sold. Our outworks are surprised, the centinel 
 The corps de guard defeated too. [slain, 
 
 Montr. By whom ? 
 
 1 Sold. The sudden storm and darkness of the 
 night 
 Forbids the knowledge ; make up speedily, 
 Or all is lost. lExeunt. 
 
 Montr. In the devil's name, whence comes this? 
 
 {Exit. 
 \_A storm ; with thunder and lightning. 
 
 Malef. Do, do rage on ! rend open, ^olus, 
 Thy orazen prison, and let loose at once 
 Thy stormy issue ! Blustering Boreas, 
 Aided with all the gales the pilot numbers 
 Upon his compass, cannot raise a tempest 
 Through the vast region of the air, like that 
 I feel within me : for I am possess'd 
 With whirlwinds, and each guilty thought to me is 
 A dreadful hurricano. Though this centre 
 
 Labour to bring forth earthquakes, and hell open 
 Her wide-stretch'd jaws, and let out all her furies. 
 They cannot add an atom to the mountain 
 Of fears and terrors that each minute threaten 
 To fall on my accursed head. — 
 
 Enter the Ghost of young Malefoht, naked from the 
 waist, full of wounds, leading in the Shadow of a Lady, 
 her face leprous. 
 
 Ha ! is't fancy ? 
 Or hath hell heard me, and makes proof if I 
 Dare stand the trial } Yes, I do ; and now 
 I view these apparitions, I feel 
 I once did know the substances. For what come 
 
 you ? 
 Are your aerial forms deprived of language, 
 And so denied to tell me, that by signs 
 
 [The Ghosts use various gestur:.g. 
 You bid me ask here of myself ? 'Tis so : 
 And there is something here makes answer for you. 
 You come to lance my sear'd up conscience ; yes, 
 And to instruct me, that those thunderbolts. 
 That hurl'd me headlong from the height of glory, 
 Wealth, honours, worldly happiness, were forged 
 Upon the anvil of my impious wrongs, 
 And cruelty to you ! I do confess it ; 
 And that my lust compelling me to make way 
 For a second wife, I poison'd thee ; and that 
 The cause (which to the world is undiscover'd) 
 That forced thee to shake off thy filial duty 
 To me, thy father, had its spring and source 
 From thy impatience, to know thy mother. 
 That with all duty and obedience served me, 
 (For now with horror I acknowledge it,) 
 Removed unjustly : yet, thou being my son, 
 Wert not a competent judge mark'd out by heaven 
 For her revenger, which thy falling by 
 My weaker hand confirm'd. — [Answered still by 
 
 signs. ^ — 'Tis granted by thee. 
 Can any penance expiate my guilt. 
 Or can repentance save me ? — 
 
 IThe Ghosts disappear. 
 They are vanish'd ! 
 What's left to do then ? I'll accuse my fate. 
 That did not fashion me for nobler uses : 
 For if those stars, cross to me in ray birth. 
 Had not denied their prosperous influence to it, 
 With peace of conscience, like to innocent men, 
 I mifjht have ceased to be, and not as now, 
 
 To curse my cause of being 
 
 iHe is kiird with a fash of lightning 
 
 Enter Belgarde, with Soldiers. 
 
 Befg. Here's a night 
 To season my silks! Buff'-jerkin, now I miss thee: 
 Thou hast endured many foul nights, but never 
 One like to this. How fine my feather looks now! 
 Just like a capon's tail stol'n out of the pen, 
 And hid in the sink; and yet 't had been dishonour 
 To have charged without it. — Wilt thou never 
 
 cease } 
 Is the petard, as I gave directions, fasten'd 
 On the portcullis ? 
 
 1 Sold. It hath been attempted 
 By divers, but in vain. 
 
 £elg. These are your gallants. 
 That at a feast take the first place, poor I 
 Hardly allow'd to follow ; marry, in 
 These foolish businesses they are content 
 That I shall have precedence : I much thank 
 Their manners, or their fear. Second me, soldiers ; 
 
48 
 
 THE UNNATURAL <^OMBAT. 
 
 They have had no time to undermine, or if 
 They have, it is but blowing up, and fetching 
 A caper or two in the air ; and I will do it. 
 Rather than blow my nails here. 
 
 2 Sold. O brave captaia ! {_Exeunt. 
 
 An Alarum ; noise and cries within. After a flourish, 
 enter Beaufort senior, Beaufort junior, Mon- 
 taigne, Chamont, Lanodr, Belgardb, and Soldiers, 
 with Montreville, prisoner. 
 
 Montr. Racks cannot force more from me than 
 I have 
 Already told you : I expect no favour ; 
 I have cast up my acoompt. 
 
 Beauf. sen. Take you the charge 
 Of the fort, Belgarde ; your dangers have de- 
 served it. 
 Belg. I thank your excellence : this will keep 
 me safe yet 
 
 From being pull'd by the sleeve, and bid remember 
 The thing I wot of. 
 
 Beauf. jun. All that have eyes to weep, 
 Spare one tear with me. Theoci-ine's dead. 
 
 Mont. Her father too lies breathless here, I 
 Struck dead with thunder. [think 
 
 Cham. 'Tis apparent : how 
 His carcass smells ! 
 
 Lan. His face is alter'd to 
 Another colour. 
 
 Beauf. jun. But here's one retains 
 Her native innocence, that never yet 
 Call'd down heaven's anger. 
 
 Beauf. sen. 'Tis in vain to mourn 
 For what's past help. — We will refer, bad man, 
 Your sentence to the king. May we make use of 
 This great example, and learn from it, that 
 There cannot be a want of power above, 
 To punish murder, and unlawful love ! \Exeunl. 
 
THE DUKE OF MILAN, 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, AND MUCH ESTEEMED FOR HER HIGH BIRTH, BUT MORE 
 ADMIRED FOR HER VIRTUE, 
 
 THE LADY KATHERINE STANHOPE, 
 
 WIFE TO PHILIP LORD STANHOPE, BARON OF SHELFORD. 
 
 IMadam, — If I were not most assured that works of this nature have found both patronage and protection amongst 
 the greatest princesses of Italy, and are at this day cherished by persons most eminent in our kingdom, I sliould not 
 presume to oflFer these my weak and imperfect labours at the altar of your favour. Let the example of others, more 
 knowing, and more experienced in this kindness (if my boldness offend) plead my pai-don, and the rather, since there 
 is no other means left me (my misfortunes having cast me on this course) to publish to the world (if it hold the least 
 good opinion of me) that I am ever your ladyship's creature. Vouchsafe, therefore, with the never-failing clemency of 
 your noble disposition, not to contemn the tender of his duty, who, while he is, will ever be 
 
 An humble servant to your Ladyship, and yours. Phiup JLassinger, 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONS. 
 
 LuDovico Sforza, supposed Duke of Milan. 
 Francisco, his especial Favourite. 
 TiBERIO, ) ^ ^ 1 . ^ 
 
 Stephano, ( ^^^<^* ^-^ ^'^ ^''«"<' 
 Graccho, a creature of Mariana. 
 
 GroVANNI,}^^^"*-'*'^'-*- 
 
 Charlks, the Emperor, 
 
 Pescara, an Imperialist, but a Friend to Sforza. 
 
 Hernando, ^ 
 
 Medina, KCaptains to the Emperor. 
 
 Alphonso, j 
 
 Three Gentlemen. 
 
 Fiddlers. 
 An Officer. 
 Two Doctora 
 Two Couriers. 
 
 Marcelia, the Dutchess, Wife to Sforza. 
 
 Isabella, Mother to Sforza. 
 
 Mariana, Wife to Francisco, and Sister to 
 
 Sforza. 
 Eugenia, Sister to Francisco. 
 A Gentlewoman. 
 
 Guards, Servants, Attendants. 
 
 SCENE, — FOR THR First and Second Acts, in Milan; during part of the Thirh, 
 
 IN THE Imperial Camp near Pavia ; the rest of the ptJiY, 
 
 IN Milan, and its Neighbourhood. 
 
 ACT L 
 
 SCENE I.- 
 
 -MiLAN. An outer Room in the 
 Castle. 
 
 '^nter Graccho, Julio, and Giovanni, with Flaggon$. 
 
 Grac. Take every man his flaggon : give the 
 oath 
 To all you meet ; I am this day the state-drunkard, 
 I am sure against my will ; and if you find 
 A man at ten that's sober, he's a traitor, 
 And, in my name, arrest him. 
 
 Jul. Very good, sir : 
 But, say he be a sexton .' 
 
 Grac. If the belis 
 Ring out of tune, as if the street were burning, 
 And he cry, ' Tis rare music / bid him sleep : 
 
 'Tis a sign he has ta'en his liquor ; and if you zactt 
 An officer preaching of sobriety. 
 Unless he read it in Geneva print. 
 Lay him by the heels. 
 
 Jul. But think you 'tis a fault 
 To be found sober ? 
 
 Grac. It is capital treason : 
 Or, if you mitigate it, let such pay 
 Forty crowns to the poor : but give a pension 
 To all the magistrates you find singing catches, 
 Or their wives dancing ; for the courtiers reeling, 
 And the duke himself, I dare not say distemper'^, 
 But kind, and in his tottering chair carousing. 
 They do the country service. If you meet 
 One that eats bread, a child of ignorance. 
 
69 
 
 THE DUKE OF MILAN. 
 
 ACT , 
 
 And bred up in the daikne.3s of no drinking, 
 Against his will you may initiate him 
 In the true posture ; though he die in the taking 
 His drench, it skills not : what's a private man, 
 For the pubHc honour ! We've nought else to 
 
 think on. 
 And so, dear friends, copartners in my travails, 
 Drink hard ; and let the health run through the city. 
 Until it reel again, and with me cry, 
 Long live the dutchess ! 
 
 Enter Tiberto and Stephano. 
 
 Jul. Here are two lords ; — what think you ? 
 Shall we give the oath to them ? 
 
 Grac. Fie ! no : I know them, 
 You need not swear them ; your lord, by his 
 
 patent. 
 Stands bound to take his rouse. Long live the 
 dutchess ! \_Exeunt Grac. Jul. and Gio. 
 
 Steph. The cause of this ? but yesterday the 
 court 
 Wore the sad livery of distrust and fear ; 
 No smile, not in a buffoon to be seen, 
 Or common jester : the Great Duke himself 
 Had sorrow in his face ! which, waited on 
 By his mother, sister, and his fairest dutchess. 
 Dispersed a silent mourning through all Milan ; 
 As if some great blow had been given the state, 
 Or were at least expected. 
 
 Tib. Stephano, 
 I know as you are noble, you are honest, 
 And capable of secrets of more weight 
 Than now I shall deliver. If that Sforza, 
 The present duke, (though his whole life hath 
 
 been 
 But one continued pilgrimage through dangers. 
 Affrights, and horrors, which his fortune, guided 
 By his strong judgment, still hath overcome,) 
 Appears now shaken, it deserves no wonder : 
 All that his youth hath labour'd for, the harvest 
 Sown by his industry ready to be reap'd too. 
 Being now at stake ; and all his hopes confirm'd, 
 Or lost for ever. 
 
 Sleph. I know no such hazard : 
 His guards are strong and sure, his coffers full ; 
 The people well affected ; and so wisely 
 His provident care hath wrought, that though war 
 
 rages 
 Tr raost parts of our western world, there is 
 No enemy near us. 
 
 Tib. Dangers, that we see 
 To threaten ruin, are with ease prevented ; 
 But those strike deadly, that come unexpected : 
 The lightning is far off, yet, soon as seen. 
 We may behold the terrible effects 
 That it produceth. But I'll help your knowledge, 
 And make his cause of fear familiar to you. 
 The wars so long continued between 
 The emperor Charles, and Francis the French king. 
 Have interess'd, in cither's cause, the most 
 Of the Italian princes ; among which, Sforza, 
 As one of greatest power, was sought by both ; 
 But with assurance, having one his friend^ 
 The other lived his enemy. 
 
 Steph. 'Tis true : 
 And 'twas a doubtful choice. 
 
 Tib. But he, well knowing, 
 And hating too, it seems, the Spanish pride^ 
 Lent his assistance to the king of France : 
 Which hath so far incensed the emperor. 
 
 That all his hopes and honours are embark'd 
 With his great patron's fortune. 
 
 Steph. Which stands fair, 
 For aught I yet can hear. 
 
 Tib. But should it change. 
 The duke's undone. They have drawn to the 
 
 field 
 Two royal armies, full of fiery youth ; 
 Of equal spirit to dare, and power to do : 
 So near intrench'd, that 'tis beyond all hope 
 Of human counsel they can e'er be severed, 
 Until it be determined by the sword. 
 Who hath the better cause : for the success, 
 Concludes the victor innocent, and the vanquish'd 
 Most miserably guilty. How uncertain 
 The fortune of the war is, children know ; 
 And, it being in suspense, on whose fair tent 
 Wing'd Victory will make her glorious stand. 
 You cannot blame the duke, though he appear 
 Perplex'd and troubled. 
 
 Steph. But why, then, 
 In such a time, when every knee should bend 
 For the success and safety of his person. 
 Are these loud triumphs ! in my weak opinion. 
 They are unseasonable. 
 
 Tib. I judge so too ; 
 But only in the cause to be excused. 
 It is the dutchess' birthday, once a year 
 Solemnized with all pomp and ceremony ; 
 In which the duke is not his own, but her's : 
 Nay, every day, indeed, he is her creature, 
 For never man so doated ; — but to tell 
 The tenth part of his fondness to a stranger, 
 Would argue me of fiction. 
 
 Steph. She's, indeed, 
 A lady of most exquisite form. 
 
 Tib. She knows it, 
 And how to prize it. 
 
 Steph. I ne'er heard her tainted 
 In any point of honour. 
 
 Tib. On my life, 
 She's constant to his bed, and well deserves 
 His largest favours. But, when beauty is 
 Stamp'd on great women, great in birth and fortune, 
 And blown by flatterers greater than it is, 
 'Tis seldom unaccompanied with pride ; 
 Nor is she that way free : presuming on 
 The duke's affection, and her own desert. 
 She bears herself with such a majesty. 
 Looking with scorn on all as things beneath her, 
 That Sforza's mother, that would lose no part 
 Of what was once her own, nor his fair sister, 
 A lady too acquainted with her worth. 
 Will brook it well ; and howsoe'er their hate 
 Is smother'd for a time, 'tis more than fear'd. 
 It will at length break out. 
 
 Steph. He in whose power it is, 
 Turn all to the best ! 
 
 Tib. Come, let us to the court ; 
 We there shall see all bravery and cost, 
 That art can boast of. 
 
 Steph. I'll bear you company. [^ExcukI 
 
 SCENE II. — Another Room in th^ same. 
 
 Enter Francisco, Isabella, and Mariana. 
 Mart. I will not go ; I scorn to be a spot 
 In her proud train. 
 
 Isab, Shall I. that am his mother. 
 
SCENE III. 
 
 THE DUKE OF MILAN, 
 
 51 
 
 Be so indulgent, as to wait on her 
 That owes me duty ? 
 
 Fran. 'Tis done to the duke, 
 And not to her : and, my sweet wife, remember, 
 And, madam, if you please, receive my counsel, 
 As Sforza is your son, you may command him ; 
 And, as a sister, you may challenge from him 
 A brother's love and favour : but, this granted, 
 Consider he's the prince, and you his subjects, 
 And not to question or contend with her 
 Whom he is pleased to honour. Private men 
 Prefer their wives ; and shall he, being a prince, 
 And blest with one that is the paradise 
 Of sweetness, and of beauty, to whose charge^ 
 The stock of women's goodness is given up. 
 Not use her like herself ? 
 
 I sab. You are ever forward 
 To sing her praises. 
 
 Marl. Others are as fair ; 
 I am sure, as noble. 
 
 Fran. I detract from none. 
 In giving her what's due. Were she deform 'd, 
 Yet being the dutchess, I stand bound to serve her ; 
 But, as she is, to admire her. Never wife 
 Met with a purer heat her husband's fervour ; 
 A happy pair, one in the other blest 1 
 She confident in heroelf he's wholly hers. 
 And cannot seek for change ; and he secure. 
 That 'tis not in the power of man to tempt her. 
 And therefore to contest with her, that is 
 The stronger and the better part of him, 
 Is more than folly : you know him of a nature 
 Not to be played with ; and, should you forget 
 To obey him as your prince, he'll not remember 
 The duty that he owes you. 
 
 Isab. 'Tis but truth : 
 Come, clear our brows, and let us to the banquet ; 
 But not to serve his idol. 
 
 Mart. I shall do 
 What may become the sister of a prince ; 
 But will not stoop beneath it. 
 
 Fran. Yet, be wise ; 
 Soar not too high, to fall ; but stoop to rise. 
 
 lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. — A State Room in the same. 
 Enter three Gentlemen, setting forth a Banquet. 
 
 1 Gent. Quick, quick, for love's sake ! let the 
 court put on 
 
 Her choicest outside : cost and bravery 
 Be only thought of. 
 
 2 Gent. All that may be had 
 
 To please the eye, the ear, taste, touch, or smell. 
 Are carefully provided. 
 
 3 Ge7it. There's a masque : 
 
 Have you heard what's the invention ? 
 
 1 Gent. No matter : 
 It is intended for the dutchess' honour ; 
 And if it give her glorious attributes, 
 As the most fair, most virtuous, and the rest, 
 'Twill please the duke. [Loud music.]They come. 
 
 3 Gent, All is in order. 
 
 Flourish. Enter Tiberio, Stephano, Francfsco, Skorza, 
 Marcelia, Isabella, Mar[ana, and Attendants. 
 Sfor. You are the mistress of the feast — sit here, 
 O my soul's comfort ! and when Sforza bows 
 Thus low to do you honour, let none think 
 The meanest service they can pay my love. 
 
 But as a fair addition to those titles 
 They stand possest of. Let me glory in 
 My happiness, and mighty kings look pale 
 With envy, while I triumph in mine own. 
 O mother, look on her ! sister, admire her ! 
 And, since this present age yields not a woman 
 Worthy to be her second, borrow of 
 Times past, and let imagination help. 
 Of those canonized ladies Sparta boasts of, 
 And, in her greatness, Rome was proud to owe, 
 To fashion one ; yet still you must confess, 
 The phoenix of perfection ne'er was seen, 
 But in my fair Marcelia. 
 
 Fran. She's, indeed. 
 The wonder of all times. 
 
 Tib. Your excellence, 
 Though I confess, you give her but her own, 
 Forces her modesty to the defence 
 Of a sweet blush. 
 
 Sfor. It need not, my Marcelia ; 
 When most I strive to praise thee, I appear 
 A poor detractor : for thou art, indeed, 
 So absolute in body and in mind, 
 That, but to speak the least part to the height. 
 Would ask an angel's tongue, and yet then end 
 In silent admiration ! 
 
 Isab. You still court her, 
 As if she were a mistress, not your wife. 
 
 Sfor. A mistress, mother ! she is more to me, 
 And every day deserves more to be sued to. 
 Such as are cloy'd with those they have embraced 
 May think their wooing done : no night to me 
 But is a bridal one, where Hymen lights 
 His torches fresh and new ; and those delights, 
 Which are not to be clothed in airy sounds, 
 Enjoy'd, beget desires as full of heat, 
 And jovial fervour, as when first I tasted 
 Her virgin fruit. — Blest night ! and be it number't 
 Amongst those happy ones, in which a blessing 
 Was, by the full consent of all the stars, 
 Conferr'd upon mankind. 
 
 Marc. My worthiest lord ! 
 The only object I behold with pleasure, — 
 My pride, my glory, in a word, my all 1 
 Bear witness, heaven, that I esteem myself 
 In nothing worthy of the meanest praise 
 You can bestow, unless it be in this. 
 That in my heart I love and honour you. 
 And, but that it would smell of arrogance. 
 To speak my strong desire and zeal to serve you, 
 I then could say, these eyes yet never saw 
 The rising sun, but that my vows and prayers 
 Were sent to heaven for the prosperity 
 And safety of my lord : nor have I ever 
 Had other study, but how to appear 
 Worthy your favour ; and that my embraces 
 Might yield a fruitful harvest of content 
 For all your noble travail, in the purchase 
 Of her that's still your servant : By these lips. 
 Which, pardon me, that I presume to kiss 
 
 Sfor. O swear, for ever sw^ear I 
 
 Marc. I ne'er will seek 
 Delight but in your pleasure : and desire. 
 When you are sated with all earthly glories, 
 And age and honours make you fit for heaven, 
 That one grave may receive us. 
 
 Sfor. 'Tis believed, 
 Believed, my bleat one. 
 
 Mart. How she winds herself 
 Into his soul t j, n 
 
THE DUKE OF MILAN. 
 
 Sfor. Sit all. — Let others feed 
 On those gross cates, while Sforza banquets with 
 Immortal viands ta'en in at his ej'es. 
 I could live ever thus. — Command the eunuch 
 To sing the ditty that I last composed, 
 Enter a Courier. 
 
 In praise of my Marcelia. From whence ? 
 
 Cour. From Pavia, my dread lord. 
 Sfor. Speak, is all lost ? 
 
 Cour. [Delivers a letter. l^^Tht letter will inform 
 you. lExU. 
 
 Fran. How his hand shakes, 
 As he receives it ! 
 
 Mart. This is some allay 
 To his hot passion. 
 
 Sfor. Though it bring death, I'll read it : 
 IMay it please your excellence to understand, that the 
 very hour I wrote this, I heard a bold defiance delivered 
 by a herald from the emperor, which was cheerfully 
 received by the king of France. The battailes being 
 ready to join, and the vanguard committed to my charge, 
 enforces me to end abruptly. 
 
 Your Highness's humble servant, 
 
 Gaspero. 
 
 Ready to join ! — By this, then, I am nothing, 
 Or my estate secure. IJside. 
 
 Mwrc. My lord. 
 
 Sfor. To doubt, 
 Is worse than to have lost ; and to despair, 
 Is but to antedate those miseries 
 That must fall on us ; all my hopes depending 
 Upon this battle's fortune. In my soul, 
 Methinks, there should be that imperious power 
 By supernatural, not usual means, 
 T' inform me what I am. The cause consider'd, 
 Why should I fear.^^ The French are bold and 
 
 strong, 
 Their numbers full, and in their councils wise ; 
 But then, the haughty Spaniard is all fire, 
 Hot in his executions ; fortunate 
 In his attempts ; married to victory : — 
 Ay, there it is that shakes me. 
 
 Fran. Excellent lady. 
 This day was dedicated to your honour ; 
 One gale of your sweet breath will easily 
 Disperse these clouds ; and, but yourself, there's 
 That dare speak to him. [none 
 
 Marc. I will run the hazard. — 
 My lord ! 
 
 Sfor. Ha ! — pardon me, Marcelia, I am troubled ; 
 And stand uncertain, whether I am master 
 Of aught that's worth the owning. 
 
 Marc. I am yours, sir ; 
 And I have heard you swear, I being safe. 
 There was no loss could move you. This day, sir, 
 Is by your gift made mine. Can you revoke 
 A grant made to Marcelia ? your Marcelia? — 
 For whose love, nay, whose honour, gentle sir. 
 All deep designs, and state-affairs deferr'd, 
 Be, as you purposed, merry. 
 
 Sfor. Out of my sight ! [Throws away the Letter. 
 And all thoughts that may strangle mirth forsake 
 Fall what can fall, I dare the worst of fate : [me. 
 Though the foundation of the earth should shrink. 
 The glorious ey€ of heaven lose his splendour. 
 Supported thus, I'll stand upon the ruins. 
 And seek for new life here. Why are you sad ? 
 No other sports ! by heaven, he's not my friend, 
 That wears one furrow in his face. I was told 
 Tliere was a majgque. 
 
 [Aside. 
 
 Fran. They wait your highness' pleasure. 
 And when you please to have it. 
 
 Sfor. Bid them, enter : 
 Come, make me happy once again. I am rapt — 
 'Tis not to-day, to-morrow, or the next, 
 But all my days, and years, shall be employ''d 
 To do thee honour. 
 
 Marc. And my life to serve you. 
 
 'iA Horn tvithout. 
 
 Sfor. Anotner post ! Go hang him, hang him, I 
 I will not interrupt my present pleasures, [say ; 
 Although his message should import my head : 
 Hang him, I say. 
 
 Marc. Nay, good sir, I am pleased 
 To grant a little intermission to you ; 
 Who knows but he brings news we wish to hear, I 
 To heighten our delights. 
 
 Sfor. As wise as fair ! 
 
 Enter another Courier. 
 From Gaspero ? 
 
 Cour. That was, my lord. 
 
 Sfor. How ! dead ? 
 
 Cour. [Delivers a Letter.'] With the delivery 
 of this, and prayers, 
 To guard your excellency from certain dangers, 
 He ceased to be a man. [Exit. 
 
 Sfor. All that my fears 
 Could fashion to me, or my enemies wish. 
 Is fallen upon me. — Silence that harsh music ; 
 'Tis now unseasonable : a tolling bell, 
 As a sad harbinger to tell me, that 
 This pamper'd lump of flesh must feast the worms, 
 Is fitter for me : — I am sick. 
 
 Marc. My lord ! 
 
 Sfor. Sick to the death, Marcelia. Remove 
 These signs of mirth ; they were ominous, and hnx 
 Sorrow and ruin. [usher'd 
 
 Marc. Bless us, heaven ! 
 
 Isab. My son. 
 
 Marc. What sudden change is this ? 
 
 Sfor. All leave the room ; 
 I'll bear alone the burden of my grief, 
 And must admit no partner. I am yet 
 Your prince, where' s your obedience ? — Stay, 
 I cannot be so greedy of a sorrow, [Marcelia ; 
 
 In which you must not share. 
 
 [Exeunt Tiberio, Stephamo, Francisco, Isabella, 
 Mariana, and Attendants. 
 
 Marc. And cheerfully 
 I will sustain my part. Why look y^ou pale ? 
 Where is that wonted constancy and courage 
 That dared the worst of fortune ? where is Sforza, 
 To whom all dangers that fright common men, 
 Appear'd but panic terrors ? why do you eye me 
 With such fix'd looks ? Love, counsel, duty, ser- 
 May flow from me, not danger. [vice, 
 
 Sfor. O, Marcelia ! 
 It is for thee I fear ; for thee, thy Sforza 
 Shakes like a coward : for myself, unmoved, 
 I could have heard my troops were cut in pieces. 
 My general slain, and he, on whom my hopes 
 Of rule, of state, of life, had their dependence. 
 The king of France, my greatest friend, made pri- 
 To so proud enemies. [sonei 
 
 Marc. Then you have just cause 
 To shew you are a man. 
 
 Sfor. All this were nothing. 
 Though I add to it, that I am assurer!. 
 For giving aid to this unfortunate king, 
 The emperor, incens'd, lays his command 
 
SCEKE III. 
 
 THE DUKK OF MILAN. 
 
 6:5 
 
 On his victorious army, flesli'd with spoil, 
 And bold of conquest, to march up against me, 
 And seize on my estates ; suppose that done too, 
 The city ta'en, the kennels running blood, 
 The ransack'd temples falling on their saints; 
 My mother, in my sight, toss'd on their pikes. 
 And sister ravish'd ; and myself bound fast 
 In chains, to grace their triumph ; or what else 
 An enemy's insolence could load me with, 
 I would be Sforza still. But, when I think 
 That my Marcelia, to whom all these 
 Are but as atoms to the greatest hill, 
 Must suffer in my cause, and for me suffer ! 
 All earthly torments, nay, even those the dajaan'd 
 Howl for in hell, are gentle strokes, compar'ed 
 To what I feel, Marcelia. 
 
 Marc. Good sir, have patience : 
 I can as well partake your adverse fortune, 
 As I thus long have had an ample share 
 In your prosperity. 'Tis not in the power 
 Of fate to alter me ; for while 1 am. 
 In spite of it, I'm yours. 
 
 Sfor. But should that will 
 To be so . . . forced, Marcelia : and I live 
 To see those eyes I prize above my own, 
 Dart favours, though compell'd, upon another ; 
 Or those sweet lips yielding immortal nectar, 
 Be gently touch'd by any but myself; 
 Tliink, think, Marcelia, what a cursed thing 
 1 were, beyond expression ! 
 
 Marc. Do not feed 
 Those jealous thoughts ; the only blessing that 
 Heaven hath bestow'd onus, more than on beasts. 
 Is, that 'tis in our pleasure when to die. 
 Besides, were I now in another's power, 
 There are so many ways to let out life, 
 I would not live, for one short minute, his ; 
 I was born only yours, and 1 will die so. 
 
 Sfor. Angels reward the goodness of this 
 woman ! 
 
 Filter Francisco. 
 ,V11 I can pay is nothing. — Why, uncall'd for ? 
 
 Fran. It is of weight, sir, that makes me thus 
 press 
 Upon your privacies. Your constant friend, 
 The Marquis of Pescara, tired with haste. 
 Hath business that concerns your life and fortunes. 
 And with speed to impart. 
 
 Sfor. Wait on him hither. lExit Francisco. 
 
 And, dearest, to thy closet. Let thy prayers 
 Assist my councils. 
 
 Marc. To spare imprecations 
 Against myself, without you I am nothing. iFxit. 
 
 Sfor. The marquis of Pescara ! a great soldier ; 
 And, though he serv'd upon the adverse party. 
 Ever my constant friend. 
 
 Re-enter Francisco with Pescara. 
 
 Fran. Yonder he walks, 
 Full of sad thoughts. 
 
 Peso. Blame him not, good Francisco, 
 He hath much cause to grieve ; would I might end 
 And not add this, — to fear ! [so, 
 
 Sfor. My dear Pescara ; 
 A miracle in these times I a friend, and happy. 
 Cleaves to a falling fortune I 
 
 Pesc. If it were 
 As well in my weak power, in act, to raise it, 
 As 'tis to bear a part of sorrow with you, 
 Vou then should have just cause to say, Tescara 
 
 Look'd not upon your state, but on your virtues, 
 When he made suit to be writ in the list 
 
 Of those you favoured. But my haste forbids 
 
 Ml compliment ; thus, then, sir, to the purpose : 
 The cause that, unattended, brought me hither 
 Was not to tell you of your loss, or danger ; 
 For fame hath many wings to bring ill tidings. 
 And 1 presume you've heard it ; but to give you 
 Such friendly counsel, as, perhaps, may make 
 Your sad disaster less. 
 
 Sfor. You are all goodness ; 
 And I give up myself to be disposed of, 
 As in your wisdom you think fit. 
 
 Pesc. Thus, then, sir : 
 To hope you can hold out against the emperor, 
 Were flattery in yourself, to your undoing . 
 Therefore, the safest course that you can take. 
 Is, to give up yourself to his discretion. 
 Before you be compell'd ; for, rest assured, 
 A voluntary yielding may find grace. 
 And will admit defence, at least, excuse : 
 But, should you linger doubtful, till his powers 
 Have seized your person and estates perforce, 
 You must expect extremes. 
 
 Sfor. I understand you ; 
 And I will put your counsel into act, 
 And speedily. 1 only will take order 
 For some domestical affairs, that do 
 Concern me nearly, and with the next sun 
 Ride with you : in the mean time, my best frien 
 Pray take your rest. 
 
 Pesc. Indeed, I have travell'd hard ; 
 And will embrace your counsel. lExv 
 
 Sfor. With all care, 
 Attend my noble friend. Stay you, Francisco. 
 You see how things stand with me ? 
 
 Fran. To my grief : 
 And if the loss of my poor life could be 
 A sacrifice to restore them as they were, 
 I willingly would lay it down. 
 
 Sfor. I think so ; 
 For I have ever found you true and thankful, 
 Which makes me love the building I have raised 
 In your advancement : and repent no grace 
 I have conferr'd upon you. And, believe me. 
 Though now I should repeat my favours to you, 
 The titles I have given you, and the means 
 Suitable to your honours ; that I thought you 
 Worthy my sister and my family. 
 And in my dukedom made you next myself; 
 It is not to upbraid you ; but to tell you 
 I find you are worthy of them, in your love 
 And service to me. 
 
 Fran. Sir, I am your creature ; 
 And any shape, that you would have me wear, 
 I gladly will put on. 
 
 Sfor. Thus, then, Francisco : 
 I now am to deliver to your trust 
 A weighty secret ; of so strange a nature. 
 And 'twill, I know, appear, so monstrous to you. 
 That you will tremble in the execution, 
 As much as I am tortured to command it : 
 For 'tis a deed so horrid, that, but to hear it. 
 Would strike into a ruffian flesh'd in murdtis, 
 Or an obdurate hangman, soft compassion ; 
 And yet, Fi'ancisco, of all men the dearest, 
 And from me most deserving, such my state 
 And strange condition is, that thou alone 
 Must know the fatal service, and perform it. 
 
 Fran, These preparations, sir, to work a stran:;^f, 
 
64 
 
 THE DUKE OF MILAN. 
 
 ACT II, 
 
 Or to one unacquainted with your bounties, 
 Might appear useful ; but to me they are 
 Needless impertinencies : for I dare do 
 Whate'er you dare command. 
 
 Sfor. But you must swear it ; 
 And put into the oath all joys or torments 
 That fright the wicked or confirm the good ; 
 Not to conceal it only, that is nothing, 
 But, whensoe'er my will shall speak, Strike now ! 
 To fall upon't like thunder. 
 
 Fran. Minister 
 The oath in any way or form you please, 
 I stand resolved to take it. 
 
 Sfor. Thou must do, then, 
 "What no malevolent star will dare to look on. 
 It is so wicked : for which men will curse thee 
 For being the instrument ; and the blest angels 
 Forsake me at my need, for being the author : 
 For 'tis a deed of night, of night, Francisco ! 
 In which the memory of all good actions 
 We can pretend to, shall be buried quick : 
 Or, if we be remember'd, it shall be 
 To fright posterity by our example. 
 That have outgone all precedents of villains 
 That were before us ; and such as succeed. 
 Though taught in hell's black school, shall ne'er 
 
 come near us. — 
 Art thou not shaken yet ? 
 
 Fran. I grant you move me : 
 But to a man confirmed 
 
 Sfor. I'll try your temper : 
 What think you of my wife ? 
 
 Fran. As a thing sacred ; 
 To whose fair name and memory I pay gladly 
 These signs of duty. 
 
 Sfor. Is she not the abstract 
 Of all that's rare, or to be wish'd in woman ? 
 
 Fran. It were a kind of blasphemy to dispute it : 
 But to the purpose, sir. 
 
 Sfor. Add too, her goodness. 
 Her tenderness of me, her care to please me. 
 Her unsuspected chastity, ne'er equall'd ; 
 Her innocence, her honour : — O, I am lost 
 In the ocean of her virtues and her graces, 
 When I think of them I 
 
 Fran. Now I find the end 
 Of all your conjurations : there's some service 
 To be done for this sweet lady. If she have ene- 
 That she would have removed [mies, 
 
 Sfor. Alas ! Francisco, 
 Her greatest enemy is her greatest lover ; 
 
 Yet, in that hatred, her idolater. 
 One smile of her's would make a savage tame ; 
 One accent of that tongue would calm the seas, 
 Though all the winds at once strove there for em- 
 Yet I, for whom she thinks all this too little, [pire. 
 Should I miscarry in this present journey, 
 From whence it is all number to a cipher, 
 I ne'er return with honour, by thy hand 
 Must have her murder'd. 
 
 Fran. Murder'd !— She that loves so, 
 And so deserves to be belov'd again ! 
 And I, who sometimes you were pleased to favour, 
 Pick'd out the instrument ! 
 
 Sfor. Do not fly off: 
 What is decreed can never be recall'd ; 
 'Tis more than love to her, that marks her out 
 A wish'd companion to me in both fortunes : 
 And strong assurance of thy zealous faith. 
 That gives up to thy trust a secret, that 
 Racks should not have forced from me. O, 
 
 Francisco ! 
 There is no heaven without her ; nor a hell, 
 W^here she resides. I ask from her but justice. 
 And what I would have paid to her, had sickness, 
 Or any other accident, divorced 
 Her purer soul from her unspotted body. 
 The slavish Indian princes, when they die. 
 Are cheerfully attended to the fire, 
 By the wife and slave that, living, they loved besV 
 To do them service in another world : 
 Nor will I be less honour'd, that love more. 
 And therefore trifle not, but, in thy looks, 
 Express a ready purpose to perform 
 What I command ; or, by Marcelia's soul. 
 This is thy latest minute. 
 
 Fran. 'Tis not fear 
 Of death, but love to you, makes me embrace it ; 
 But for mine own security, when 'tis done. 
 What warrant have I ? If you please to sign one, 
 I shall, though with unwillingness and horror. 
 Perform your dreadful charge. 
 
 Sfor. I will, Francisco : 
 But still remember, that a prince's secrets 
 Are balm conceal'd ; but poison, if discover'd. 
 I may come back ; then this is but a trial 
 To purchase thee, if it were possible, 
 A nearer place in my afi"ection : — but 
 I know thee honest. 
 
 Fran. 'Tis a character 
 I will not part with. 
 
 Sfor. I may live to reward it. ^Exeunt. 
 
 ACT 11. 
 
 SCENE I. — The same. An open space before 
 the Castle. 
 
 Enter Tieerio and Stephano. 
 
 Steph. How ! left the court ? 
 
 Tib. Without guard or retinue 
 Fitting a prince, 
 
 Steph. No enemy near, to force him 
 To leave his own strengths, yst deliver up 
 Himself, as 'twere, in bonds, to the discretion 
 Of him that hates him ! 'tis beyond example. 
 You never heard the motives that induced him 
 To this strange course ? 
 
 Tib. No, those are cabinet councils. 
 And not to be communicated, but 
 To such as are his own, and sure. Alas 
 We fill up empty places, and in public 
 Are taught to give our suffrages to that 
 Which was before determined ; and are safe so. 
 Signior Francisco (upon whom alone 
 His absolute power is, with all strength, con- 
 
 ferr'd. 
 During his absence) can with ease resolve you : 
 To me they are riddles. 
 
 Steph. Well, he shall not be 
 My (Edipus ; I'll rather dwell in darkness. 
 
THE DUKE OF MILAN. 
 
 But, my good lord Tiberio, this Francisco 
 Is, on the sudden, strangely raised. 
 
 Tib. O sir. 
 He took the thriving course : he had a sister, 
 A fair one too, with whom, as it is rumour'd, 
 The duke was too familiar ; but she, cast off, 
 (What promises soever past between them,) 
 Upon the sight of this, forsook the court. 
 And since was never seen. To smother this. 
 As honours never fail to purchase silence, 
 Francisco first was graced, and, step by step, 
 Is raised up to this height. 
 
 Steph. But how is 
 His absence born ? ^ 
 
 Tib. Sadly, it seems, by the dutchess ; 
 For since he left the court, 
 
 For the most part she hath kept her private cham- 
 No visitants admitted. In the church, [ber. 
 
 She hath been seen to pay her pure devotions, 
 Season'd with tears ; and sure her sorrow's true, 
 Or deeply counterfeited ; pomp, and state, 
 And bravery cast off : and she, that lately 
 Rivall'd Poppaea in her varied shapes. 
 Or the Egyptian queen, now, widow-like. 
 In sable colours, as her husband's dangers 
 Strangled in her the use of any pleasure, 
 Mourns for his absence. 
 
 Steph. It becomes her virtue, 
 And does confirm what was reported of her. 
 
 Tib. You take it right : but, on the other side, 
 The darling of his mother, Mariana, 
 As there were an antipathy between 
 Her and the dutchess' passions ; and as 
 She'd no dependence on her brother's fortune. 
 She ne'er appear'd so full of mirth. 
 
 Steph, "lis strange. 
 
 Enter Graccho loiih Fiddlers. 
 
 But see ! her favourite, and accompanied, 
 To your report. 
 
 Grac. You shall scrape, nnd I will sing 
 A scurvy ditty to a scurvy tune, 
 Repine who dares. 
 
 1 Fid, But if we should offend, 
 The dutchess having silenced us; — and these lords. 
 Stand by to hear us. — 
 
 Grac. They in name are lords. 
 But I am one in power : and, for the dutchess, 
 But yesterday we were merry for her pleasure, 
 We now'll be for my lady's. 
 
 Tib. Signior Graccho. 
 
 Grac. A poor man, sir, a servant to the princess ; 
 But you, great lords and counsellors of state, 
 Whom I stand bound to reverence. 
 
 Tib. Come ; we know 
 You are a man in grace. 
 
 Grac. Fie ! no : I grant, 
 I beeir my fortunes patiently ; serve the princess, 
 And have access at all times to her closet. 
 Such is my impudence ! when your grave lordships 
 Arc masters of the modesty to attend 
 Three hours, nay sometimes four ; and then bid wait 
 Upon her the next morning. 
 
 Steph. He derides us. 
 
 Tib. Pray you, what news is stirring ? you 
 know all. 
 
 Grac. Who, I .' alas ! I've no intelligence 
 At home nor abroad ; I only sometimes guess 
 The change of the times : I should ask of your 
 lordships, 
 
 Who are to keep their honours, who to lose them ; 
 Who the dutchess smiled on last, or on whom 
 
 frown'd, 
 You only can resolve me ; we poor waiters 
 Deal, as you see, in mirth, and foolish fiddles : 
 It is our element ; and — could you tell me 
 What point of state 'tis that I am commanded 
 To muster up this muolc, on mine honesty, 
 You should much befriend me. 
 
 Steph. Sirrah, you grow saucy. 
 
 Tib. And would be laid by the heels. 
 
 Grac. Not by your lordships. 
 Without a special warrant ; look to your ovra 
 
 stakes ; 
 Were I committed, here come those would bail me : 
 Perhaps, we might change places too. 
 
 Enter Isabella and Mariana ; Graccho ivhispers the 
 latter, 
 
 Tib. The princess ! 
 We must be patient. 
 
 Steph. There is no contending. 
 
 Tib. See, the informing rogue ! 
 
 Steph. That we should stoop 
 To such a mushroom ! 
 
 Mari. Thou dost mistake ; they durst not 
 Use the least word of scorn, although provoked, 
 To anything of mine. — Go, get you home. 
 And to your servants, friends, and flatterers, num- 
 ber 
 How many descents you're noble ; — look to your 
 
 wives too ; 
 The smooth-chinn'd courtiers are abroad. 
 
 Tib. No way to be a freeman ! 
 
 \_Exeunt Tibkrio and Stephand. 
 
 Grac. Your Excellence hath the best gift to dis- 
 patch 
 These arras pictures of nobility, 
 I ever read of. 
 
 Mari. I can speak sometimes. 
 
 Grac. And cover so your bitter pills with sweet- 
 Of princely language to forbid reply, [ness 
 
 They are greedily swallow' d. 
 
 Isab. But the purpose, daughter. 
 That brings us hither ? Is it to bestow 
 A visit on this woman, that, because 
 She only would be thought truly to grieve 
 The absence and the dangers of my son. 
 Proclaims a general sadness ? 
 
 Mari. If to vex her 
 May be interpreted to do her honour, 
 She shall have many of them. I'll make use 
 Of my short reign : my lord now governs all; 
 And she shall know that her idolater. 
 My brother, being not by now to protect her, 
 I am her equal. 
 
 Grac. Of a little thing, 
 It is so full of gall ! A devil of this size, 
 Should they run for a wager to be spiteful, 
 Gets not a horse-head of her. {Aside 
 
 Mari. On her birthday. 
 We were forced to be merry, and now she's must)-, 
 W^e must be sad, on pain of her displeasure : 
 We will, we will ! this is her private chamoer, 
 Where, like an hypocrite, not a true turtle, 
 She seems to mourn her absent mate ; her servants 
 Attending her like mutes : but I'll speak to her, 
 And in a high key too. — Play anything 
 That's light and loud enough but to torment her, 
 And we will have rare sport. IMusic and a xnntf 
 
m 
 
 THE DUKE OF MILAN. 
 
 AOT II. 
 
 Marcelia appears at a Window above, in black. 
 Isab. She frowns as if 
 Her looks could fright us. 
 
 Mari. May it please your greatness, 
 We heard that your late physic hath not work'd ; 
 Arid that breeds melancholy, as your doctor tells 
 
 us : 
 To purge which, we, that are born your highness' 
 
 vassals. 
 And are to play the fool to do you service. 
 Present you with a fit of mirth. What think you 
 Of a new antic ? 
 
 Isab. 'Twould shew rare in ladies. 
 
 Mari. Being intended for so sweet a creature. 
 Were she but pleased to grace it. 
 
 Isab. Fie ! she will, 
 Be it ne'er so mean ; she's made of courtesy. 
 
 Mari. The mistress of all hearts. One smile, I 
 pray you, 
 On your poor servants, or a fiddler's fee ; 
 Coming from those fair hands, though but a ducat. 
 We will enshrine it as a holy relic. 
 
 Isab. 'Tis wormwood, and it works. 
 
 Marc. If I lay by 
 My fears and griefs, in which you should be sharers, 
 If doting age could let you but remember 
 You have a son ; or frontless impudence. 
 You are a sister ; and, in making answer 
 To what was most unfit for you to speak. 
 Or me to hear, borrow of ray just anger 
 
 Isab. A set speech, on my life. 
 
 Mari. Penn'd by her chaplain. 
 
 Marc. Yes, it can speak, without instruction 
 speak. 
 And tell your want of manners, that you are rude. 
 And saucily rude, too. 
 
 Grnc. Now the game begins. 
 
 Marc. You durst not, else, on any hire or hope, 
 Remembering what I am, and whose I am, 
 Put on the desperate boldness, to disturb 
 The least of my retirements. 
 
 Mari. Note her, now. 
 
 Marc. For both shall understand, though the 
 one presume 
 Upon the privilege due to a mother. 
 The duke stands now on his own legs, and needs 
 No nurse to lead him. 
 
 Isab. How, a nurse ! 
 
 Marc. A dry one. 
 And useless too : — but I am merciful, 
 And dotage signs your pardon. 
 
 Isab. I defy thee ; 
 Thee, and thy pardons, proud one ! 
 
 Marc. For you, puppet 
 
 Mari. What of me, pine-tree .' 
 
 Marc. Little you are, I grant. 
 And have as little worth, but much less wit ; 
 You durst not else, the duke being wholly mine, 
 His power and honour mine, and the allegiance, 
 I'ou owe him, as a subject, due to rae 
 
 Mari. To you ? 
 
 Marc. To me : and therefore, as a vassal, 
 From this hour learn to serve me, or you'll feel 
 I must make use of my authority, 
 And, as a princess, punish it. 
 
 Isab. A princess I 
 
 Mari. I had rather be a slave unto a Moor, 
 Than know thee for my equal. 
 
 Isab. Scornful thing ! 
 Proud of a white face. 
 
 Mari. Let her but remember 
 The issue in her leg. 
 
 Isab. The charge s'le puts 
 The state to, for perfumes. 
 
 Mari. And howsoe'er 
 She seems when she's made up, as she's herself, 
 She stinks above the ground. O that I could 
 
 reach you ! 
 The little one you scorn so, with her nails 
 Would tear your painted face, and scratch those 
 Do but come down. [eyes out. 
 
 Marc. Were there no other way. 
 But leaping on thy neck, to break mine own, 
 Rather than be outbraved thus. \_She retires 
 
 Giac. Forty ducats 
 Upon the little hen ; she's of the kind, 
 And will not leave the pit. lAsiJe. 
 
 Mari. That it were lawful 
 To meet her with a poniard and a pistol ! 
 But these weak hands shall shew my spleen — 
 
 Re-enter Marcelia below. 
 Marc. Where are you. 
 You modicum, you dwarf! 
 Mari. Here, giantess, here. 
 
 Enter Francisco, Tiberio, Stephano, and Guards. 
 
 Fran. A tumult in the court ! 
 
 Mari. Let her come on. 
 
 Fran. What wind hath raised this tempest ? 
 Sever them, I command you. What's the cause } 
 Speak, Mariana. 
 
 Mari. 1 am out of breath ; 
 But we shall meet, we shall. — And do you hear, sir ! 
 Or right me on this monster, (she's three feet 
 Too high for a woman,) or ne'er look to have 
 A quiet hour with me. 
 
 Isab. If my son were here. 
 And would endure this, may a mother's curse 
 Pursue and overtake him ! 
 
 Fran. O forbear ; 
 In me he's present, both in power and will ; 
 And, madam, I much grieve that in his absence, 
 There should arise the least distaste to move you ; 
 It being his principal, nay, only charge. 
 To have you, in his absence, served and honour'd, 
 As when himself perform'd the willing office. 
 
 Mari. This is fine, i'faith. 
 
 Grac. I would I were well off ! 
 
 Fran. And therefore, I beseech you, madam, 
 frown not. 
 Till most unwittingly he hath, deserved it, 
 On your poor servant ; to your excellence 
 I ever was and will be such ; and lay 
 The duke's authority, trusted to me, 
 With willingness at your feet. 
 
 Mari. O base ! 
 
 Isab. We are like 
 To have an equal judge ! 
 
 Fran. But, should I find 
 That you are touch'd in any point of honour, 
 Or that the least neglect is fali'n upon you, 
 I then stand up a prince. 
 
 1 Fid. Without reward. 
 Pray you dismiss us. 
 
 Grac. Would I were five leagues hence ' 
 
 Fran. I will be partial 
 To none, not to myself ; 
 Be you but pleased to shew me my offence, 
 Or if you hold me in your good opinion. 
 Name thoi-e that have offended yon. 
 
THE DUKE OF MILAN. 
 
 67 
 
 Isab. I am one, 
 And 1 will justify it. 
 
 Mart. Thou art a base fellow, 
 To take her part. 
 
 Fran. Remember, she's the dutchess. 
 
 Marc. But used with more contempt, than if I 
 were 
 A peasant's daughter ; baited, and hooted at, 
 Like to a common strumpet ; with loud noises 
 Forced from my prayers ; and my private chamber, 
 Which with all willingness I would make my pri- 
 During the absence of my lord, denied me : [son 
 But if he e'er return — 
 
 Fran. Were you an actor ^ 
 
 In this lewd comedy ? 
 
 Mart. Ay, marry was I ; 
 And will be one again. 
 
 Isab. I'll join with her. 
 Though you repine at it. 
 
 Fran. Think not, then, I speak, 
 For I stand bound to honour, and to serve you ; 
 But that the duke, that lives in this great lady, 
 For the contempt of him in her, commands you 
 To be close prisoners. 
 
 Isab. Mari. Prisoners ! 
 
 Fran. Bear them hence ; 
 This is your charge, my lord Tiberio, 
 And, Stephano, this is yours. 
 
 Marc. I am not cruel. 
 But pleased they may have liberty. 
 
 Isab. Pleased, with a mischief ! 
 
 Mari. I'll rather live in any loathsome dungeon, 
 Than in a paradise at her entreaty ; 
 And, for j'^ou, upstart 
 
 Steph. There is no contending. 
 
 T'ib. What shall become of these ? 
 
 Fran. See them well whipp'd, 
 As you will answer it. 
 
 Tib. Now, signior Graccho, 
 What think you of your greatness ? 
 
 Grac. I preach patience, 
 And must endure my fortune. 
 
 1 Fid. I was never yet 
 At such a hunt's-up, nor was so rewarded. 
 
 \_Excunt all hut Francisco and Marcelia. 
 
 Fran. Let them first know themselves, and how 
 you are 
 To be served and honour'd ; which, when they con- 
 fess. 
 You may again receive them to your favour : 
 And then it will shew nobly. 
 
 Marc. With my thanks 
 The duke shall pay you his, if he return 
 To bless us with his presence. 
 
 Fran. There is nothing 
 That can be added to your fair acceptance ; 
 That is the prize, indeed ; all else are blanks, 
 And of no value. As, in virtuous actions. 
 The undertaker finds a full reward. 
 Although conferr'd upon unthankful men ; 
 So, any service done to so much sweetness. 
 However dangerous, and subject to 
 An ill construction, in your favour finds 
 A wish'd, and glorious end. 
 
 Marc. From you, I take this 
 As loyal duty ; but, in any other, 
 It would appear gross flattery. 
 
 Fran. Flattery, madam ! 
 You are so rare and excellent in all things, 
 A nd raised so high upon a rock of goodness, 
 
 As that vice cannot reach you ; who but looks on 
 This temple, built by nature to perfection, 
 But must bow to it ; and out of that zeal, 
 Not only learn to adore it, but to love it ? 
 
 Marc. Whither will this fellow ? lAside. 
 
 Fran. Pardon, therefore, madam, 
 If an excess in me of humble duty, 
 Teach me to hope, and though it be not in 
 The power of man to merit such a blessing, 
 My piety, for it is more than love. 
 May find reward. 
 
 Marc. You have it in my thanks ; 
 And, on my hand, I am pleased that you shall take 
 A full possession of it : but, take heed 
 That you fix here, and feed no hope beyond it ; 
 If you do, it will prove fatal. 
 
 Fran. Be it death. 
 And death with torments tyrants ne'er found out, 
 Yet I must say, I love you. 
 
 Marc. As a subject ; 
 And 'twill become you. 
 
 Fran. Farewell, circumstance ! 
 And since you are not pleased to understand me, 
 But by a plain and useful form of speech : 
 All superstitious reverence laid by, 
 I love you as a man, and, as a man, 
 I would enjoy you. Why do you start, and fly me ? 
 I am no monster, and you but a woman, 
 A woman made to yield, and by example 
 Told it is lawful : favours of this nature. 
 Are, in our age, no miracles in the greatest ; 
 And, therefore, lady 
 
 Marc. Keep off! — O you Powers ! 
 
 Libidinous beast ! and, add to that, unthankful ! 
 A crime, which creatures wanting reason, fly from. 
 Are all the princely bounties, favours, honours. 
 Which, with some prejudice to his own wisdom. 
 Thy lord and raiser hath conferr'd upon thee, 
 In three days absence buried ? Hath he made thee, 
 A thing obscure, almost without a name. 
 The envy of great fortunes ? Have I graced thee, 
 Beyond thy rank, and entertain'd thee, as 
 A friend, and not a servant ? and is this. 
 This impudent attempt to taint mine honour, 
 The fair return of both our ventured favours 1 
 
 Fran. Hear my excuse. 
 
 Marc. The devil may plead mercy, 
 And with as much assurance, as thou yield one. 
 Burns lust so hot in thee ? or is thy pride 
 Grown up to such a height, that but a princess. 
 No woman can content thee ; and, add to it, 
 His wife and princess, to whom thou art tied 
 In all the bonds of duty ? — Read my life, 
 And find one act of mine so loosely carried, 
 That could invite a most self-loving fool. 
 Set off with all that fortune could throw on him. 
 To the least hope to find way to my favour ; 
 And, what's the worst mine enemies could wish me, 
 I'll be thy strumpet. 
 
 Fran, 'Tis acknowledged, madam. 
 That your whole course of Ufe hath been a pattern 
 For chaste and virtuous women. In your lieauty, 
 Which 1 first saw, and loved, as a fair crystal, 
 I read your heavenly mind, clear and untainted ; 
 And while the duke did prize you to your value. 
 Could it have been in man to pay that duty, 
 I well might envy him, but durst not hope 
 To stop you in your full career of goodness : 
 But now I find that he's fall'n from his fortune, 
 And, howsoever he would appear doting, 
 
68 
 
 THE DUKE OF MILAN. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Grown cold in his affection ; I presume, 
 From his most barbarous neglect of you, 
 To offer my true service. Nor stand I bound, 
 To look back on the courtesies of him, 
 That, of all living men, is most unthankful. 
 
 Marc, Unheard-of impudence ! 
 
 Fran. You'll say I am modest, 
 When I have told the story. Can he tax me, 
 That have received some w^orldly trifles from him, 
 For being ungrateful ; vi^hen he, that first tasted, 
 And hath so long enjoy'd, your sweet embraces, 
 In which all blessings that our frail condition 
 Is capable of, are wholly comprehended. 
 As cloy'd with happiness, contemns the giver 
 Of his felicity ; and, as he reach' d not 
 The masterpiece of mischief which he aims at, 
 Unless he pay those favours he stands bound to. 
 With fell and deadly hate ! You think he loves you 
 With unexampled fervour ; nay, dotes on you. 
 As there were something in you more than woman : 
 When, on my knowledge, he long since hath wish'd 
 You were among the dead ; — and I, you scorn so. 
 Perhaps, am your preserver. 
 
 Marc. Bless me, good angels, 
 Or I am blasted ! Lies so false and wicked, 
 And fashion'd to so damnable a purpose, 
 Cannot be spoken by a human tongue. 
 My husband hate me ! give thyself the lie, 
 False and accurs'd ! Thy soul, if thou hast any, 
 Can witness, never lady stood so bound 
 To the unfeign'd affection of her lord. 
 As I do to my Sforza. If thou wouldst work 
 Upon my weak credulity, tell me, rather. 
 That the earth moves ; the sun and stars stand still ; 
 The ocean keeps nor floods nor ebbs ; or that 
 There's peace between the lion and the lamb ; 
 Or that the ravenous eagle and the dove 
 Keep in one aerie, and bring up their young ; 
 Or anything that is averse to nature : 
 And I will sooner credit it, than that 
 My lord can think of me, but as a jewel. 
 He loves more than himself, and all the world. 
 
 Fran. O innocence abused ! simplicity cozen'd ! 
 It were a sin, for which we have no name, 
 To keep you longer in this wilful error. 
 Read his affection here ; — {Gives her a paper. "l — 
 
 and then observe 
 How dear he holds you ! 'Tis his character. 
 Which cunning yet could never counterfeit. 
 
 Marc. 'Tis his hand, I'm resolved of it. I'll try 
 What the inscription is. 
 
 Fian. Pray you do so. 
 
 Marc. [ReadsJ] You know my pleasure, and the hour 
 of Marcelia's death, which fail not to execute, as you will 
 answer the contrary, not with your head alone, but with 
 the ruin of your whole family. And this, written with 
 mine own hand, and signed with my privy signet, shall 
 be your sufficient warrant. 
 
 LoDovico Sforza. 
 
 I do obey it ! every word's a poniard, 
 
 And reaches to my heart. ISwoons. 
 
 Fran. What have I done ? 
 Madam ! for heaven's sake, madam ! — O my fate ! 
 
 I'll bend her body : this is yet some pleasure : 
 
 I'll kiss her into a new life. Dear lady ! — 
 
 She stirs. For the duke's sake, for Sforza's sake — 
 
 Marc. Sforza's ! stand off ; though dead, I will 
 be his, 
 And even my ashes shall abhor the touch 
 Of any other. — O unkind, and cruel ! 
 Learn, women, learn to trust in one another ; 
 There is no faith in man : Sforza is false, 
 False to MarceHa I 
 
 Fran. But I am true. 
 And live to make you happy. All the pomp, 
 State, and observance, you had, being his. 
 Compared to what you shall enjoy, when mine, 
 Shall be no more reraember'd. Lose his memory. 
 And look with cheerful beams on your new 
 
 creature ; 
 And know what he hath plotted for your good, 
 Fate cannot alter. If the emperor 
 Take not his life, at his return he dies, 
 And by my hand ; my wife, that is his heir. 
 Shall quickly follow : — then we reign alone ! 
 For with this arm I'll swim through seas of blood, 
 Or make a bridge, arch'd with the bones of men, 
 But I will grasp my aims in you, my dearest, 
 Dearest, and best of women ! 
 
 Marc. Thou art a villain ! 
 All attributes of arch-villains made into one, 
 Cannot express thee. I prefer the hate 
 Of Sforza, though it mark me for the grave, 
 Before thy base affection. I am yet 
 Pure and unspotted in my true love to him ; 
 Nor shall it be corrupted, though he's tainted : 
 Nor will I part with innocence, because 
 He is found guilty. For thyself, thou art 
 A thing, that, equal with the devil himself, 
 I do detest and scorn. 
 
 Fran. Thou, then, art nothing : 
 Thy life is in my power, disdainful woman ! 
 Think on't, and tremble. 
 
 Marc. No, though thou wert now 
 To play thy hangman's part. — Thou well may'stbe 
 My executioner, and art only fit 
 For such employment ; but ne'er hope to have 
 The least grace from me. I will never see thee, 
 But as the shame of men : so, with my curses 
 Of horror to thy conscience in this life. 
 And pains in hell hereafter, I spit at thee ; 
 And, making haste to make my peace with heaven. 
 Expect thee as my hangman. iExu, 
 
 Fran. I am lost 
 In the discovery of this fatal secret. 
 Curs'd hope that flatter'd me, that wrongs could 
 
 make her 
 A stranger to her goodness ! all my plots 
 Turn back upon myself ; but I am in. 
 And must go on : and, since I have put off 
 From the shore of innocence, guilt be now in5 
 
 pilot ! 
 Revenge first wrought me; murder's his twin 
 
 brother : 
 One deadly sin, then, help to cure another I 
 
 iBxit. 
 
SCENE I. 
 
 TFIE DUKE OF MILAN. 
 
 5<J 
 
 ACT III 
 
 SCENE I. — The Imperial Campj before Pa via. 
 Enter Medina, Hernando, and Alphonso. 
 
 Afed. The spoil, the spoil ! 'tis that the soldier 
 fights for. 
 Our victory, as yet, affords us nothing 
 But wounds and empty honour. We have pass'd 
 The hazard of a dreadful day, and forced 
 A passage with our swords through all the dan- 
 gers 
 Tliat, page-like, wait on the success of war ; ^ 
 And now expect reward. 
 
 Hern. Hell put it in 
 The enemy's mind to be desperate, and hold out ! 
 Yieldings and compositions will undo us ; 
 And what is that way given, for the most part, 
 Comes to the emperor's coffers, to defray 
 The charge of the great action, as 'tis rumour'd : 
 When usually, some thing in grace, that ne'er 
 
 heard 
 The cannon's roaring tongue, but at a triumph. 
 Puts in, and for his intercession shares 
 All that we fought for ; the poor soldier left 
 To starve, or fill up hospitals. 
 
 Alph. But, when 
 We enter towns by force, and carve ourselves, 
 Pleasure with pillage, and the richest wines 
 Open our shrunk-up veins, and pour into them 
 New blood and fervour 
 
 Med. I long to be at it ; 
 To see these chuffs, that every day may spend 
 A soldier's entertainment for a year, 
 Yet make a third meal of a bunch of raisins : 
 These sponges, that suck up a kingdom's fat. 
 Battening like scarabs in the dung of peace. 
 To be squeezed out by the rough hand of war ; 
 And all that their whole lives have heap'd together, 
 By cozenage, perjury, or sordid thrift, 
 With one gripe to be ravish'd. 
 
 Hern. I would be tousing 
 Their fair madonas, that in little dogs. 
 Monkeys, and paraquittos, consume thousands ; 
 Yet, for the advancement of a noble action, 
 Repine to part with a poor piece of eight : 
 War's plagues upon them ! I have seen them stop 
 Their scornful noses first, then seem to swoon, 
 At sight of a buff jerkin, if it were not 
 Perfumed, and hid with gold : yet these nice 
 
 wantons, 
 Spurr'd on by lust, cover'd in some disguise. 
 To meet some rough court-stallion, and be leap'd. 
 Durst enter into any common brothel. 
 Though all varieties of stink contend there ; 
 Yet praise the entertainment. 
 
 Med. I may live 
 To see the tatter'd'st rascals of my troop 
 Drag them out of their closets, with a vengeance ! 
 When neither threat'ning, flattering, kneeling, 
 
 howling. 
 Can ransome one poor jewel, or redeem 
 Themselves, from their blunt wooing. 
 
 Hern. My main hope is. 
 To begin the sport at Milan : there's enough, 
 And of all kinds of pleasure we can wish for, 
 To satisfy the most covetous. 
 
 Alph. Every day, 
 We look for a remove. 
 
 Med. For Lodowick Sforza, 
 The duke of Milan, I, on mine own knowledge, 
 Can say thus much : he is too much a soldier. 
 Too confident of his own worth, too rich too. 
 And understands too well the emperor hates him, 
 To hope for composition. 
 
 Alph. On my life. 
 We need not fear his coming in. 
 
 Hern. On mine, 
 I do not wish it : I had rather that, 
 To shew his valour, he'd put us to the trouble 
 To fetch him in by the ears. 
 
 Med. The emperor ! 
 
 Flourish. Enter Charles, Pescara, and Attendants. 
 
 Chart. You make me wonder : — nay, it is no 
 counsel, 
 You may partake it, gentlemen : who'd have 
 
 thought. 
 That he, that scorn'd our proffer'd amity 
 When he was sued to, should, ere he be summon'd, 
 (Whether persuaded to it by base fear. 
 Or flatter'd by false hope, which, 'tis uncertain,) 
 First kneel for mercy ? 
 
 Med. When your majesty 
 Shall please to instruct us who it is, we may 
 Admire it with you. 
 
 Charl. Who, but the duke of Milan, 
 The right hand of the French ! of all that stand 
 In our displeasure, whom necessity 
 Compels to seek our favour, 1 would have sworn 
 Sforza had been the last. 
 
 Hern. And should be writ so, 
 In the list of those you pardon. Would his city 
 Had rather held us out a siege, like Troy, 
 Than, by a feign'd submission, he should cheat 
 
 you 
 Of a just revenge ; or us, of those fair glories 
 We have sweat blood to purchase ! 
 
 Med. With your honour 
 You cannot hear him. 
 
 Alph. The sack alone of Milan 
 Will pay the army. 
 
 Charl. I am not so weak, 
 To be wrought on, as you fear ; nor ignorant 
 That money is the sinew of the war : 
 And on what terms soever he seek peace, 
 'Tis in our power to grant it, or deny it : 
 Yet, for our glory, and to show him that 
 We've brought him on his knees, it is resolved 
 To hear him as a suppliant. Bring him in ; 
 But let him see the effects of our just anger. 
 In the guard that you make for him. 
 
 [,Exit Pescara, 
 
 Hern. I am now 
 Familiar with the issue : all plagues on it ! 
 He will appear in some dejected habit. 
 His countenance suitable, and for his order, 
 A rope about his neck : then kneel, and tell 
 Old stories, what a worthy thing it is 
 To have power, and not to use it ; then add to 
 
 that 
 A tale of king Tigranes, and great Pompey, 
 Who said, forsooth, and wisely ; 'twas more 
 
 honour 
 To make a king, than kill one : which, applied 
 To the emperor, and himself, a pardon's granted 
 
60 
 
 THE DUKE OF MILAN. 
 
 To him an enemy ; and we, his servants, 
 Condemn'd to beggary. lAside to Med. 
 
 Med. Yonder he comrs ; 
 But not as you expectei. 
 
 Re-enter Pkscara with Sforza, strongly puarded. 
 
 Alph. He looks as if 
 He would outface his dangers. 
 
 Hern. I am cozen'd : 
 A suitor, in the devil's name ! 
 
 Med. Hear him speak. 
 
 Sfor. 1 come not, emperor, to invade thy mercy, 
 By fawning on thy fortune ; nor bring with me 
 Excuses, or denials. I profess, 
 And with a good man's confidence, even tins 
 
 instant 
 That I am in thy power, I was thine enemy ; 
 Thy deadly and vow'd enemy : one that wish'd 
 Confusion to thy person and estates ; 
 And with my utmost powers, and deepest counsels, 
 Had they been truly foll-ow'd, further'd it. 
 Nor will I now, although my neck were under 
 The hangman's axe, with one poor syllable 
 Confess, but that I honour'd the French king, 
 More than thyself, and all men. 
 
 Med. By saint Jaques, 
 This is no flattery. 
 
 Hern. There is fire and spirit in't ; 
 But not long-Uved, I hope. 
 
 Sfor. Now give me leave. 
 My hate against thyself, and love to him 
 Freely acknowledged, to give up the reasons 
 That made me so affected : In my wants 
 I ever found him faithful ; had supplies 
 Of men and monies from him ; and my hopes, 
 Quite sunk, were, by his grace, buoy'd up again : 
 He was, indeed, to me, as my good angel 
 To guard me from all dangers. I dare speaic. 
 Nay, must and will, his praise now, in as high 
 And loud a key, as when he was thy equal. — 
 The benefits he sovv'd in me, met not 
 Unthankful ground, but yielded him his own 
 With fair increase, and I still glory in it. 
 And, though my fortunes, poor, compared to his. 
 And Milan, weigh'd with France, appear as nothing, 
 Are in thy fury burnt, let it be mention'd, 
 They served but as small tapers to attend 
 The solemn iiame at this great funeral : 
 And with them I will gladly waste myself. 
 Rather than undergo the imputation 
 Of being base, or unthankful. 
 
 Alph. Nobly spoken 1 
 
 Hern. I do begin, 1 know not why, to hate him 
 Less than I did. 
 
 Sfor. If that, then, to be grateful 
 For courtesies received, or not to leave 
 A friend in his necessities, be a crime 
 Amongst you Spaniards, which other nations 
 That, like you, aim'd at empire, loved, and 
 
 cherish'd 
 Where'er they found it, Sforza brings his head 
 To pay the forfeit. Nor come I as a slave, 
 Pinion'd and fetter'd. in a squalid weed, 
 Falling before thy feet, kneeling and howling. 
 For a forestall'd remission : that were poor. 
 And would but shame thy victory ; for conquest 
 Over base foes, is a captivity, 
 And not a triumph. I ne'er fear'd to die, 
 More than I wish'd to live. When I had reach'd 
 My erids in being a duke, I wore these robes, 
 
 This crown upon my head, and to my side 
 
 This sword was girt ; and witness truth, that, now 
 
 'Tis in another's power, when I shall part 
 
 With them and life together, I'm the same : 
 
 My veins then did not swell with pride ; nor now 
 
 Shrink they for fear. Know, sir, that Sforza stands 
 
 Prepared for either fortune. 
 
 Hern. As I live, 
 I do begin strangely to love this fellow ; 
 And could part with three quarters of my share in 
 The promised spoil, to save him. 
 
 Sfor. But, if example 
 Of my fidelity to the French, whose honours, 
 Titles, and glories, are now mix'd with yours. 
 As brooks, devour'd by rivers, lose their names, 
 Has power to invite you to make him a friend, 
 That hath given evident proof, he knows to love. 
 And to be thankful : this my crown, now yours, 
 You may restore me, and in me instruct 
 These brave commanders, should your fortune 
 
 change. 
 Which now I wish not, what they may expect 
 From noble enemies, for being faithful. 
 The charges of the war I will defray, 
 And, what you may, not without hazard, force, 
 Bring freely to you : I'll prevent the cries 
 Of murder'd infants, and of ravish'd maids, 
 Which, in a city sack'd, call on heaven's justice. 
 And stop the course of glorious victories : 
 And, when I know the captains and the soldiers, 
 That have in the late battle done best service, 
 And are to be rewarded, I myself. 
 According to their quality and merits. 
 Will see them largely recompensed. — I have said, 
 And now expect my senten!;e. 
 
 Alph. By this light, 
 'Tis a brave gentleman. 
 
 Med. How like a block 
 The emperor sits ! 
 
 Hern. He hath detiver'd reasons, 
 Especially in his purpose to enrich 
 Such as fought bravely, (I myself am one, 
 I care not who knows it,) as I wonder that 
 He can be so stupid. Now he begins to stir . 
 Mercy, an't be thy will ! 
 
 Charl. Thou hast so far 
 Outgone my expectation, noble Sforza, 
 For such I hold thee ; — and true constancy, 
 Raised on a brave foundation, bears such palm 
 And privilege with it, that where we behold it, 
 Though in an enemy, it does command us 
 To love and honour it. By my future hopes, 
 I am glad, for thy sake, that, in seeking favour. 
 Thou didst not borrow of vice her indirect. 
 Crooked, and abject means ; and for mine own. 
 That, since my purposes must now be changed. 
 Touching thy life and fortunes, the world cannot 
 Tax me of levity in my settled counsels ; 
 I being neither wrought by tempting bribes, 
 Nor servile flattery ; but forced into it 
 By a fair war of virtue. 
 
 Hern. This sounds well. 
 
 Chart. All former passages of hate be buried : 
 For thus with open arms I meet thy love. 
 And as a friend embrace it ; and so far 
 I am from robbing thee of the least honour. 
 That with my hands, to make it sit the faster, 
 I set thy crown once more upon thy head ; 
 And do not only style thee Duke of Milan, 
 But vow to keep thee so. Y'et, not to lake 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE DUKE OF MILAN. 
 
 61 
 
 From others to give only to myself, 
 
 I will not hinder your magnificence 
 
 To my commanders, neither will I urge it ; 
 
 But in that, as in all things else, I leave you 
 
 To be your own disposer. 
 
 \_Flourish. Exit with Attendants. 
 
 Sfor. May I live 
 To seal my loyalty, though with loss of life, 
 In some brave service worthy Caesar's favour, 
 And I shall die most happy ! Gentlemen, 
 Receive me to your loves ; and if henceforth 
 There can arise a difference between us. 
 It shall be in a noble emulation 
 Who hath the fairest sword, or dare go farthggt. 
 To fight for Charles the emperor. 
 
 Hern. We embrace you. 
 As one vt^ell read in all the points of honour : 
 And there we are your scholars. 
 
 Sfor. True ; but such 
 As far outstrip the master. We'll contend 
 In love hereafter ; in the mean time, pray you. 
 Let me discharge my debt, and, as an earnest 
 Of what's to come, divide this cabinet ; 
 In the small body of it there are jewels 
 Will yield a hundred thousand pistolets, 
 Which honour me to receive. 
 
 Med. You bind us to you. 
 
 Sfor. And when great Charles commands me 
 to his presence, 
 If you will please to excuse my abrupt departure. 
 Designs that most concern me, next this mercy. 
 Calling me home, I shall hereafter meet you. 
 And gratify the favour. 
 
 Hern. In this, and all things, 
 We are your servants. 
 
 Sfor. A name I ever owe you. 
 
 lExeunt Medina, Hernakdo, and Alphonso. 
 
 Pesc. So, sir ; this tempest is well overblown. 
 And all things fall out to our wishes : but, 
 In my opinion, this quick return, 
 Before you've made a party in the court 
 Among the great ones, (for these needy captains 
 Have little power in peace,) may beget danger. 
 At least suspicion. 
 
 Sfor. Where true honour lives, 
 j Doubt hath no being : I desire no pawn 
 Beyond an emperor's word, for my assurance. 
 Besides, Pescara, to thyself, of all men, 
 I will confess my weakness : — though my state 
 And crown's restored me, though I am in grace, 
 And that a little stay might be a step 
 To greater honours, I must hence. Alas ! 
 I live not here ; my wife, my wife, Pescara, 
 Being absent, I am dead. Prithee, excuse, 
 And do not chide, for friendship's sake, my fond- 
 ness, 
 But ride along with me ; I'll give you reasons, 
 And strong ones, to plead for me. 
 
 Pcsc, Use your own pleasure ; 
 I'll bear you company. 
 
 Sfor. Farewell, grief ! I am stored with 
 Two blessings most desired in human life, 
 A constant friend, an unsuspected wife. iExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II Milan. A Room in the Castle. 
 
 Enter an Officer tvHh Graccho. 
 Offic. What I did I had warrant for ; you have 
 tasted 
 My office gently, and for those soft strokes, 
 
 Flea-bitings to the jerks I could have lent you, 
 There does belong a feeling. 
 
 Grac. Must I {)ay 
 For being tormented, and dishonour'd ? 
 
 Offic. Fie ! no. 
 Your honour's not impair'd in't. What's the let- 
 ting out 
 Of a little corrupt blood, and the next way too ? 
 There is no svirgeon like me, to take off 
 A courtier's itch that's rampant at great ladies. 
 Or turns knave for preferment, or grows proud 
 Of his rich cloaks and suits, though got by brokage, 
 And so forgets his betters. 
 
 Grac. Very good, sir : 
 But am I the first man of quality 
 That e'er came under your fingers? 
 
 Offic. Not by a thousand ; 
 And they have said I have a lucky hand too : 
 Both men and women of all sorts have bow'd 
 Under this sceptre. I have had a fellow 
 That could endite, forsooth, and make fine metres 
 To tinkle in the ears of ignorant madams, 
 That, for defaming of great men, was sent me 
 Threadbare and lousy, and in three days after, 
 Discharged by another that set him on, I have 
 
 seen him 
 Cap 5^ pie gallant, and his stripes wash'd off 
 With oil of angels. 
 
 Grac. 'Twas a sovereign cure. 
 
 Offi.c There was a sectary too, that would not be 
 Conformable to the orders of the church, 
 Nor yield to any argument of reason. 
 But still rail at authority, brought to me, 
 When I had worm'd his tongue, and truss'd his 
 
 haunches, 
 Grew a fine pulpitman, and was beneficed : 
 Had he not cause to thank me ? 
 
 Grac. There was physic 
 Was to the purpose. 
 
 Offic. Now, for women, sir, 
 For your more consolation, I could tell you 
 Twenty fine stories, but I'll end in one, 
 And 'tis the last that's memorable. 
 
 Grac. Prithee, do ; 
 For I grow weary of thee. 
 
 Offic. There was lately 
 A fine she-waiter in the court that doted 
 Extremely of a gentleman, that had 
 His main dependence on a signior's favour 
 I will not name, but could not compass him 
 On any terms. This wanton, at dead midnight, 
 Was found at the exercise behind the arras. 
 With the 'foresaid signior : he got clear off, 
 But she was seized on, and, to save his honour. 
 Endured the lash ; and, though I made her often 
 Curvet and caper, she would never tell 
 Who play'd at push-pin with her. 
 
 Grac. But what follow'd ? 
 Prithee be brief. 
 
 Offic. Why this, sir : She deliver'd. 
 Had store of crowns assign'd her by her patron. 
 Who forc'd the gentleman, to save her credit. 
 To marry her, and say he was the party 
 Found in Lob's pound : so she, that, before, gladly 
 Would have been his whore, reigns o'er him as his 
 
 wife ; 
 Nor dares he grumble at it. Speak but truth, then. 
 Is not my office lucky .' 
 
 Grac. Go, there's for thee ; 
 But what will be my fortune ? 
 
02 
 
 THE DUKE OF MILAN. 
 
 Offic. If you thrive not 
 After that soft correction, come again. 
 
 Grac. I thank you, knave. 
 
 Qffic. And then, knave, I will fit you. lEurit. 
 
 Grac. Whipt like a rogue ! no lighter punish- 
 ment serve 
 To balance with a little mirth ! 'Tis well ; 
 My credit sunk for ever, I am now 
 Fit company only for pages and for footboys, 
 That have perused the porter's lodge. 
 
 Enter Julto and Giovanni. 
 
 Giov. See, Julio, 
 Yonder the proud slave is. How he looks now. 
 After his castigation ! 
 
 Jul. As he came 
 From a close fight at sea under the hatches, 
 With a she-Dunkirk, that was shot before 
 Between wind and water ; and he hath sprung a 
 Or I am cozen'd. [leak too, 
 
 Giov. Let's be merry with him. 
 
 Grac. How they stare at me ! am I turn'd to 
 The wonder, gentlemen ? [an owl ? — 
 
 Jul. I read, this morning, 
 Strange stories of the passive fortitude 
 Of men in former ages, which I thought 
 Impossible, and not to be believed : 
 But now I look on you my wonder ceases. 
 
 Giac. The reason, sir? 
 
 Jul. Why, sir, you have been whipt, 
 Whipt, Signior Graccho ; and the whip, I take it. 
 Is, to a gentleman, the greatest trial 
 That may be of his patience. 
 
 Grac. Sir, I'll call you 
 To a strict account for this. 
 
 Giov. I'll not deal with you. 
 Unless I have a beadle for my second : 
 And then I'll answer you. 
 
 Jul. Farewell, poor Graccho. 
 
 [Exewit JcLio and Giovanni. 
 
 Grac. Better and better still. If ever wrongs 
 Could teach a wretch to find the way to vengeance, 
 
 Eiiter Francisco and a Servant. 
 Hell now inspire me ! How, the lord protector ! 
 My judge ; I thank him ! Whither thus in private ? 
 I will not see him. [Stands aside. 
 
 Fran If I am sought tor. 
 Say I am indisposed, and will not hear 
 Or suits, or suitors. 
 
 Serv. But, sir, if the princess 
 Enquire, what shall I answer ? 
 
 Fran. Say, I am rid 
 Abroad to take the air : but by no means 
 Let her know I'm in court. 
 
 Serv. So I shall tell her. ZExit 
 
 Fran. Within there, ladies ! 
 
 Enter a Gentlewoman. 
 
 Gentlew. My good lord, your pleasure ? 
 
 Fran. Prithee, let me beg thy favour for access 
 To the dutchess. 
 
 Gentlew. In good sooth, my lord, I dare not ; 
 She's very private. 
 
 Fran. Come, there's gold to buy thee 
 A new gown, and a rich one. 
 
 Gentlew. 1 once swore 
 If e'er I lost my maidenhead, it should be 
 With a great lord, as you are ; and, I know not how, 
 I feel a yielding inclination in me, 
 If you have appetite. 
 
 Fran. Pox on thy maidenhead ! 
 Where is thy lady ? 
 
 Gentlew. If you venture on her. 
 She's walking in the gallery ; perhaps, 
 You will find her less tractable. 
 
 Fran. Bring me to her. 
 
 Gentlew. I fear you'll have cold entertainment, 
 when 
 You are at your journey's end j' and 'twere dis- 
 To take a snatch by the way. [cretion 
 
 Fran. Pr'ythee, leave fooling : 
 My page waits in the lobby; give him sweetmeats ; 
 He is train'd up for his master's ease, 
 And he will cool thee. \_Exeunt Fran, and Gentlew. 
 
 Grac. A brave discovery beyond my hope, 
 A plot even offer' d to my hand to work on ! 
 If I am dull now, may I live and die 
 The scorn of worms and slaves ! — Let me consider ; 
 My lady and her mother first committed, 
 In the favour of the dutchess ; and I whipt ! 
 That, with an iron pen, is writ in brass 
 On my tough heart, now grown a harder metal. — 
 And all his bribed approaches to the dutchess 
 To be conceal'd ! good, good. This to my lady 
 Deliver'd, as I'll order it, runs her mad. — 
 But this may prove but courtship ! let it be, 
 I care not, so it feed her jealousy. [Exit, 
 
 SCENE III. — Another Room in the same. 
 Enter Marcelia and Francisco. 
 
 Marc. Believe thy tears or oaths ! can it be 
 hoped 
 After a practice so abhorr'd and horrid. 
 Repentance e'er can find thee ? 
 
 Fran. Dearest lady, 
 Great in your fortune, greater in your goodness. 
 Make a superlative of excellence. 
 In being greatest in your saving mercy. 
 I do confess, humbly confess my fault. 
 To be beyond all pity ; my attempt, 
 So barbarously rude, that it would turn 
 A saint-like patience into savage fury. 
 But you, that are all innocence and virtue. 
 No spleen or anger in you of a woman. 
 But when a holy zeal to piety fires you, 
 May, if you please, impute the fault to love. 
 Or call it beastly lust, for 'tis no better ; 
 A sin, a monstrous sin ! yet with it many 
 That did prove good men after, have been tempted ; 
 And, though I'm crooked now, 'tis in your power 
 To make me straight again. 
 
 Marc. Is't possible 
 This can be cunning ! \_Aside. 
 
 Fran. But, if no submission. 
 Nor prayers can appease you, that you may know 
 'Tis not the fear of death that makes me sue thus. 
 But a loath'd detestation of my madness, 
 Which makes me wish to live to have your pardon ; 
 I will not wait the sentence of the duke, 
 Since his return is doubtful, but I myself. 
 Will do a fearful justice on myself, 
 No witness by but you, there being no more, 
 When I offended. Yet, before I do it. 
 For I perceive in you no signs of mercy, 
 I will disclose a secret, which, dying with me. 
 May prove your ruin. 
 
 Marc. Speak it ; it will take from 
 The burthen of thy conscience. 
 
SCENE III. 
 
 THE DUKE OF MILAN. 
 
 (58 
 
 Fran. Thus, then, madam : 
 The warrant by my lord sign'd for your death, 
 Was but conditional ; but you must swear, 
 By your unspotted truth, not to reveal it, 
 Or I end here abruptly. 
 
 Marc. By my hopes 
 Of joys hereafter. On. 
 
 Fran. Nor was it hate 
 That forced him to it, but excess of love. 
 And, if I ne'er return, (so said great Sierra,) 
 No living man deserving to enjoy 
 My best Marcelia, with the first news 
 That I am dead, (for no man after me 
 Must e'er enjoy her,) fail not to kill her — ^ 
 But till certain proof 
 
 Assure thee I am lost, (these were his words,) 
 Observe and honour her, as if the soul 
 Of woman's goodness only dwelt in her's. 
 This trust I have abused, and basely wrong'd ; 
 And, if the excelling pity of your mind 
 Cannot forgive it, as I dare not hope it. 
 Rather than look on my offended lord, 
 1 stand resolved to punish it. IDraws his sword. 
 
 Marc. Hold ! 'tis forgiven. 
 And by me freely pardon'd. In thy fair life 
 Hereafter, study to deserve this bounty, 
 Which thy true penitence, such I believe it, 
 Against my resolution hath forced from me. — 
 But that my lord, my Sforza, should esteem 
 My life fit only as a page, to wait on 
 The various course of bis uncertain fortunes ; 
 Or cherish in himself that sensual hope. 
 In death to know me as a wife, afflicts me ; 
 Nor does his envy less deserve mine anger, 
 Which though, such is my love, I would not nou- 
 rish, 
 Will slack the ardour that I had to see him 
 Return in safety. 
 
 Fran. But if your entertainment 
 Should give the least ground to his jealousy, 
 To raise up an opinion I am false, 
 You then destroy your mercy. Therefore, madam, 
 (Though I shall ever look on you as on 
 My life's preserver, and the miracle 
 Of human pity,) would you but vouchsafe, 
 In company, to do me those fair graces, 
 And favours, which your innocence and honour 
 May safely warrant, it would to the duke, 
 I being to your best self alone known guilty, 
 Make me appear most innocent. 
 
 Marc. Have your wishes ; 
 And something I may do to try his temper, 
 At least, to make him know a constant wife 
 Is not so slaved to her husband's doting humours, 
 But that she may deserve to live a widow, 
 Her fate appointing it. 
 
 Fran. It is enough ; 
 Nay, all I could desire, and will make way 
 To my revenge, which shall disperse itself 
 On him, on her, and all. 
 
 \_Aside and exit. — Shout and jftourish. 
 
 Marc. WTiat shout is that ? 
 
 Enter TiBERio and Stkphano. 
 
 Tib. All happiness to the dutchess, that may 
 flow 
 From the duke's new and wish'd return I 
 Marc. He's welcome. 
 Steph. How coldly she receives it ! 
 Tib. Observe the encounter. 
 
 Flourish. J5Jn<er Sforza, Pescara, Isabella, Mariana, 
 Graccho, and Attendants. 
 
 Mari. What you have told me, Graccho, is be- 
 And I'll find time to stir in't. [lieved, 
 
 Grac. As you see cause ; 
 I will not do ill offices. 
 
 Sfor. I have stood 
 Silent thus long, Marcelia, expecting 
 When, with more than a greedy haste, thou wouldst 
 Have flown into my arms, and on my lips 
 Have printed a deep welcome. My desires 
 To glass myself in these fair eyes, have bom me 
 With more than human speed : nor durst I stay 
 In any temple, or to any saint 
 To pay my vows and thanks for my return, 
 Till I had seen thee. 
 
 Marc. Sir, I am most happy 
 To look upon you safe, and would express 
 My love and duty in a modest fashion. 
 Such as might suit with the behaviour 
 Of one that knows herself a wife, and how 
 To temper her desires, not like a wanton 
 Fired with hot appetite ; nor can it wrong me 
 To love discreetly. 
 
 Sfor. How ! why, can there be 
 A mean in your affections to Sforza.' 
 Or any act, though ne'er so loose, that may 
 Invite or heighten appetite, appear 
 Immodest or uncomely ? Do not move me ; 
 My passions to you are in extremes. 
 And know no bounds : — come ; kiss me. 
 
 Marc. I obey you. 
 
 Sfor. By all the joys of love, she does salute me 
 As if I were her grandfather ! What witch. 
 With cursed spells, hath quench'd the amorous 
 
 heat 
 That lived upon these lips ? Tell me, INTarcelia 
 And truly tell me, is't a fault of mine 
 That hath begot this coldness ? or neglect 
 Of others, in my absence ? 
 
 Marc. Neither, sir : 
 I stand indebted to your substitute. 
 Noble and good Francisco, for his care 
 And fair observance of me : there was nothing 
 VVith which you, being present, could supply me, 
 That I dare say I wanted. 
 
 Sfor. How! 
 
 Marc. The pleasures, 
 That sacred Hymen warrants us, excepted. 
 Of which, in troth, you are too great a doter ; 
 And there is more of beast in't than man. 
 Let us love temperately ; things violent last not, 
 And too much dotage rather argues folly 
 Than true affection. 
 
 Grac. Observe but this. 
 And how she praised my lord's care and observance; 
 And then judge, madam, if my intelligence 
 Have any ground of truth. 
 
 Mart. No more ; I mark it. 
 
 Steph. How the duke stands ! 
 
 Tib. As he were rooted there, 
 And had no motion. 
 
 Pesc. My lord, from whence 
 Grows this amazement ? 
 
 Sfor. It is more, dear my friend ; 
 For I am doubtful whether I've a being, 
 But certain that my life's a burden to me. 
 Take me back, good Pescara, shew me to Csesar 
 In all his rage and fury ; I disclaim 
 His mercy : to live now, which is his gift. 
 
CA 
 
 THE DUKE OF MILAN. 
 
 Is worse than death, and with all studied torments. 
 
 Marcelia is unkind, nay, worse, grown cold 
 
 In her affection ; my excess of fervour, 
 
 Which yet was never equall'd, grown distasteful. 
 
 — But have thy wishes, woman ; thou shalt know 
 
 That I can be myself, and thus shake off 
 
 The fetters of fond dotage. From my sight, 
 
 Without reply ; for I am apt to do 
 
 Something I may repent. — [Exii Marc] — Oh ! 
 
 who would place 
 His happiness in most accursed woman, 
 
 In whom obsequiousness engenders pride ; 
 And harshness deadly hatred ! From this hour 
 I'll labour to forget there are such creatures ; 
 True friends be now my mistresses. Clear your 
 
 brows. 
 And, though my heart-strings crack for't, I will be 
 To all a free example of delight. 
 We will have sports of all kinds, and propound 
 Rewards to such as can produce us new ; 
 Unsatisfied, though we surfeit in their store : 
 And never think of curs'd Marcelia more. lExeunt. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I. — The same. A Room in the Castle. 
 Enter Francisco and Graccho. 
 
 Fran. And is it possible thou shouldst forget 
 A wrong of such a nature, and then study 
 My safety and content ? 
 
 Grac. Sir, but allow me 
 Only to have read the elements of courtship, 
 Not the abstruse and hidden arts to thrive there ; 
 And you may please to grant me so much know- 
 That injuries from one in grace, like you, [ledgs. 
 Are noble favours. Is it not grown common, 
 In every sect, for those that want, to suffer 
 From such as have to give ? Your captain cast, 
 If poor, though not thought daring, but approved 
 To raise a coward into name, that's rich, [so, 
 
 Suffers disgraces publicly ; but receives 
 Rewards for them in private. 
 
 Fran. Well observed. 
 Put on ; we'll be familiar, and discourse 
 A little of this argument. That day, 
 In which it was first rumour'd, then confirm'd, 
 Great Sforza thought me worthy of his favour, 
 I found myself to be another thing ; 
 Not what I was before. I passed then 
 For a pretty fellow, and of pretty parts too, 
 And was perhaps received so ; but, once raised, 
 The liberal courtier made me master of 
 Those virtues which I ne'er knew in myself : 
 If I pretended to a jest, 'twas made one 
 By their interpretation ; if I offer'd 
 To reason of philosophy, though absurdly. 
 They had helps to save me, and without a blush 
 Would swear that I, by nature, had more knowledge, 
 Than others could acquire by any labour : 
 Nay, all I did, indeed, which in another 
 Was not remarkable, in me shew'd rarely. 
 
 Grac. But then they tasted of your bounty. 
 
 Fran. True : 
 They gave me those good parts I was not born to, 
 And, by my intercession, they got that 
 Which, had I cross'd them, they durst not have 
 hoped for. 
 
 Grac. All this is oracle : and shall I, then. 
 For a foolish whipping, leave to honour him, 
 That holds the wheel of fortune ? no ; that savours 
 Too much of the ancient freedom. Siuce great 
 
 men 
 Receive disgraces and give thanks, poor knaves 
 Must have nor spleen nor anger. Though I love 
 My limbs as well as any man, if you had now 
 A humour to kick me lame into an office. 
 Where I might sit in state and undo others, 
 
 Stood I not bound to kiss the foot that did it ? 
 Though it seem strange, there have been such things 
 In the memory of man. [seen 
 
 Fran. But to the purpose. 
 And then, that service done, make thine own for- 
 My wife, thou say'st, is jealous I am too [tunes. 
 Familiar with the dutchess. 
 
 Grac. And incensed 
 For her commitment in her brother's absence ; 
 And by her mother's anger is spurr'd on 
 To make discovery of it. This her purpose 
 Was trusted to my charge, which I declined 
 As much as in me lay ; but, finding her 
 Determinately bent to undertake it. 
 Though breaking my faith to her may destroy 
 My credit with your lordship, I yet thought, 
 Though at my peril, I stood bound to reveal it. 
 
 Fran. I thank thy care, and will deserve this 
 In making thee acquainted with a greater, [secret, 
 And of more moment. Come into my bosom. 
 And take it from me : Canst thou think, dull 
 
 Graccho, 
 My power and honours were conferred upon me, 
 And, add to them, this form, to have my pleasui-es 
 Confined and limited ? I delightl in change. 
 And sweet variety ; that's my heaven on earth, 
 For which I love life only. I confess. 
 My wife pleased me a day, the dutchess, two, 
 (And yet I must not say I have enjoy'd her,) 
 But now I care for neither : therefore, Graccho, 
 So far I am from stopping Mai-iana 
 In making her complaint, that I desire thee 
 To urge her to it. 
 
 Grac. That may prove your ruin : 
 The duke already being, as 'tis reported. 
 Doubtful she hath play'd false. 
 
 Fran. There thou art cozen 'd ; 
 His dotage, like an ague, keeps his course, 
 And now 'tis strongly on him. But I lose time, 
 And therefore know, whether thou wilt or no. 
 Thou art to be my instrument ; and, in spite 
 Of the old saw, that says. It is not safe 
 On any terms to trust a man that's wrong'd, 
 I dare thee to be false. 
 
 Grac. This is a language, 
 My lord, I understand not. 
 
 Fran. You thought, sirrah. 
 To put a trick on me for the relation 
 Of what I knew before, and, having won 
 Some weighty secret from me, in revenge 
 To play the traitor. Know, thou wretched thing, 
 By my command thou wert whipt ; and every day 
 I'll have thee freshly tortured, if thou miss 
 
THE DUKE OF MILAN 
 
 66 
 
 In the least charge that I impose upon thee. 
 Though what I speak, for the most part, is true : 
 Nay, grant thou hadst a thousand witnesses 
 To be deposed they heard it, 'tis in me 
 With one word, such is Sforza's confidence 
 Of my fidelity not to be shaken, 
 To make all void, and ruin my accusers. 
 Therefore look to't ; bring my wife hotly on 
 To accuse me to the duke — I have an end in't, 
 Or think what 'tis makes man most miserable, 
 And that shall fall upon thee. Thou wert a fool 
 To hope, by being acquainted with my courses, 
 To curb and awe me ; or that I should live 
 Thy slave, as thou didst saucily divine : j^ 
 For prying in my counsels, still live mine. \Exit. 
 Grac. 1 am caught on both sides. This 'tis for 
 a puisne 
 In policy's Protean school, to try conclusions 
 With one that hath commenced, and gone out doc- 
 If I discover what but now he bragg'd of, [tor. 
 I shall not be believed : if I fall off 
 From him, his threats and actions go together, 
 And there's no hope of safety. Till I get 
 A plummet that may sound his deepest counsels, 
 J must obey and serve him : Want of skill 
 Now makes me play the rogue against my will. 
 
 [Exit. 
 
 SCENE II. — Another Room in the same. 
 Enter IMarcema, Tiberio, Stephano, and Gentlewoman. 
 
 Marc. Command me from his sight, and with 
 such scorn 
 As he would rate his slave ! 
 
 Tib. 'Twas in his fury. 
 
 Stenh. And he repents it, madam. 
 
 Marc. Was I born 
 To observe his humours ? or, because he dotes. 
 Must I run mad } 
 
 Tib. If that your Excellence 
 Would please but to receive a feeling knowledge 
 Of what he suffers, and how deep the least 
 Unkindness wounds from you, you would excuse 
 His hasty language. 
 
 Steph. He hath paid the forfeit 
 Of his offence. I'm sure, with such a sorrow, 
 As, if it had been greater, would deserve 
 A full remission. 
 
 Marc. Why, perhaps, he hath it ; 
 And I stand more afflicted for his absence. 
 Than he can be for mine : — so, pray you, tell him. 
 But, till I have digested some sad thoughts, 
 And reconciled passions that are at war 
 Within myself, I purpose to be private : 
 And have you care, unless it be Francisco, 
 That no man be admitted. lExit Gentlewoman. 
 
 Tib. How ! Francisco ? 
 
 Steph. He, that at every stage keeps livery mis- 
 The stallion of the state ! [tresses ; 
 
 Tib. They are things above us, 
 And so no way concern us. 
 
 Steph. If I were 
 The duke, (I freely must confess my weakness,) 
 
 Enter Francisco. 
 I should wear yellow breeches. Here he comes. 
 
 Tib. Nay, spare your labour, lady ; we know our 
 duty. 
 And quit the room. 
 
 Steph. Is this her privacy ! 
 
 Though with the hazard of a check, perhaps. 
 This may go to the duke. 
 
 \_Exeunt Tiberio and Stkpkano. 
 
 Marc. Your face is full 
 Of fears and doubts : the reason ? 
 
 Fran. O, best madam. 
 They are not counterfeit. I, your poor convert, 
 That only wish to live in sad repentance, 
 To mourn my desperate attempt of you, 
 That have no ends nor aims, but that your good- 
 ness 
 Might be a witness of my penitence, 
 Which seen, would teach you how to love your 
 
 mercy, 
 Am robb'd of that last hope. The duke, the duke, 
 I more than fear, hath found that I am guilty. 
 
 Marc. By my unspotted honour, not from me ; 
 Nor have I with him changed one syllable, 
 Since his return, but what you heard. 
 
 Fran. Yet malice 
 Is eagle-eyed, and would see that which is not ; 
 And jealousy's too apt to build upon 
 Unsure foundations. 
 
 Marc. Jealousy ! 
 
 Fran. [Aside.} It takes. 
 
 Marc. Who dares but only think I can be 
 tainted ? 
 But for him, though almost on certain proof. 
 To give it hearing, not belief, deserves 
 My hate for ever. 
 
 Fran. Whether grounded on 
 Your noble, yet chaste favours shewn unto me ; 
 Or her imprisonment, for her contempt 
 To you, by my command, my frantic wife 
 Hath put it in his head. 
 
 Marc. Have I then lived 
 So long, now to be doubted } Are my favours 
 The themes of her discourse 1 or what I do. 
 That never trod in a suspected path. 
 Subject to base construction } Be undaunted ; 
 For now, as of a creature that is mine, 
 I rise up your protectress : all the grace 
 I hitherto have done you, was bestow'd 
 With a shut hand ; it shall be now more free, 
 Open, and liberal. But let it not, 
 Though counterfeited to the life, teach you 
 To nourish saucy hopes. 
 
 Fran. May I be blasted. 
 When I prove such a monster 1 
 
 Marc. 1 will stand then 
 Between you and all danger. He shall know, 
 Suspicion overturns what confidence builds ; 
 And he that dares but doubt when there's no 
 
 ground, 
 Is neither to himself nor others sound. [Exit. 
 
 Fran. So, let it work ! Her goodness, that 
 denied 
 My service, branded with the name of lust, 
 Shall now destroy itself; and she shall find. 
 When he's a suitor, that brings cunning arm'd 
 With power, to be his advocates, the denial 
 Is a disease as killing as the plague. 
 And chastity a clue that leads to death. 
 Hold but thy nature, duke, and be but rash 
 And violent enough, and then at leisure 
 Repent ; I care not. 
 
 And let my plots produce this long'd-for birth, 
 In my revenge I have my heaven on earth. {Exit. 
 
66 
 
 THE DUKE OF MILAN. 
 
 SCENE III. — Another Room in the same. 
 Enter Sforza, Pescaba, and three Gentlemen. 
 
 Peso. You promised to be merry. 
 
 1 Gent. There are pleasures, 
 
 And of all kinds, to entertain the time. 
 
 2 Gent. Your excellence vouchsafing to make 
 Of that which best affects you. [choice 
 
 Sfor. Hold your prating. 
 Learn manners too ; you are rude. 
 
 3 Gent. I have my answer, 
 
 Before I ask the question. \_Aside. 
 
 Peso. I must borrow 
 The privilege of a friend, and will ; or else 
 I am like these, a servant, or, what's worse, 
 A parasite to the sorrow Sforza worships 
 In spite of reason. 
 
 Sfor. Pray you, use your freedom ; 
 And so far, if you please, allow me mine, 
 To hear you only ; not to be compell'd 
 To take your moral potions. I am a man. 
 And, though philosophy, your mistress, rage for't, 
 Now I have cause to grieve. I must be sad ; 
 And I dare shew it. 
 
 Pesc. Would it were bestow'd 
 Upon a worthier subject ! 
 
 Sfor. Take heed, friend. 
 You rub a sore, whose pain will make me mad ; 
 And I shall then forget myself and you. 
 Lance it no further. 
 
 Pesc. Have you stood the shock 
 Of thousand enemies, and outfaced the anger 
 Of a great emperor, that vow'd your ruin, 
 Though by a desperate, a glorious way, 
 That had no precedent ? are you return'd with 
 honour, [you, 
 
 Loved by your subjects ? does your fortune court 
 Or rather say, your courage does command it ? 
 Have you given proof, to this hour of your life, 
 Prosperity, that searches the best temper. 
 Could never puff you up, nor adverse fate 
 Deject your valour ? Shall, I say, these virtues. 
 So many and so various trials of 
 Your constant mind, be buried in the frown 
 (To please you, I will say so) of a fair woman ? 
 — Yet I have seen her equals. 
 
 Sfor. Good Pescara, 
 This language in another were profane ; 
 In you it is unmannerly. — Her equal ! 
 I tell you as a friend, and tell you plainly, 
 ("To all men else my sword shoiild make reply,) 
 Her goodness does disdain comparison, 
 And, but herself, admits no parallel. 
 But you will say she's cross ; 'tis fit she should be, 
 When 1 am foolish ; for she's wise, Pescara, 
 And knows how far she may dispose her bounties, 
 Her honour safe ; or, if she were averse, 
 *Twas a prevention of a greater sin 
 Ready to fall upon me ; for she's not ignorant, 
 But truly understands how much I love her, 
 And that her rare parts do deserve all honour. 
 Her excellence increasing with her years too, 
 I might have fallen into idolatry, 
 And, from the admiration of her worth, 
 Been taught to think there is no Power above her ; 
 And yet I do believe, had angels sexes, 
 The most would be such women, and assume 
 No other shape, when they were to appear 
 I Q their full glory. 
 
 Pesc. Well, sir, I'll not cross you, 
 Nor labour to diminish your esteem. 
 Hereafter, of her. Since your happiness, 
 As you will have it, has alone dependence 
 Upon her favour, from my soul I wish you 
 A fair atonement. 
 
 Sfor. Time, and my submission. 
 
 Enter Tiberio and Stephano. 
 
 May work her to it. — O ! you are well return'd ; 
 Say, am I blest ? hath she vouchsafed to hear you? 
 Is there hope left that she may be appeased ? 
 Let her propound, and gladly I'll subscribe 
 To her conditions. 
 
 Tib. She, sir, yet is froward 
 And desires respite, and some privacy. 
 
 Steph. She was harsh at first ; but, ere we 
 parted, seem'd not 
 Implacable. 
 
 Sfor. There's comfort yet : I'll ply her 
 Each hour with new ambassadors of more honours. 
 Titles, and eminence : my second self, 
 Francisco, shall solicit her. 
 
 Steph. That a wise man. 
 And what is more, a prince that may command, 
 Should sue thus poorly, and treat with his wife, 
 As she were a victorious enemy. 
 At whose proud feet, himself, his state, and coun- 
 Basely begg'd mercy ' [try, 
 
 Sfor. What is that you mutter ? 
 I'll have thy thoughts. 
 
 Steph. You shall. You are too fond. 
 And feed a pride that's swollen too big already. 
 And surfeits with observance. 
 
 Sfor. O my patience ! 
 My vassal speak thus .'' 
 
 Steph. Let my head answer it. 
 If I offend. She, that you think a saint, 
 I fear, may play the devil. 
 
 Pesc. Well said, old fellow. \_Aside. 
 
 Steph. And he that hath so long engross'd your 
 favours. 
 Though to be named with reverence, lord Francisco, 
 Who, as you purpose, shall solicit for you, 
 I think's too near her. 
 
 [Sforza lays Ms hand on his sword. 
 
 Pesc. Hold, sir ! this is madness. 
 
 Steph. It may be they confer of joining lord- 
 I'm sure he's private with her. [ships ; 
 
 Sfor. Let me go, 
 I scorn to touch him ; he deserves my pity. 
 And not my anger. Dotard ! and to be one 
 Is thy protection, else thou durst not think 
 That love to my Marcelia hath left room 
 In my full heart for any jealous thought : — 
 That idle passion dwell with thick-skinn'd trades- 
 The undeserving lord, or the unable ! [men. 
 
 Lock up thy own wife, fool, that must take physic 
 From her young doctor, physic upon her back, 
 Because thou hast the palsy in that part 
 That makes her active. I could smile to think 
 What wretched things they are that dare be jealous: 
 Were I matched to another Messaline, 
 While I foimd merit in myself to please her, 
 I should believe her chaste, and would not seek 
 To find out my own torment ; but, alas ! 
 Enjoying one that, but to me, 's a Dian, 
 I am too secure. 
 
 Tib. This is a confidence 
 Beyond example. 
 
SCENE III. 
 
 THE DUKE OF MILAN. 
 
 (u 
 
 Enter Gkaccho, Isabella, anei Mariana, 
 
 Grac. There he is — now speak, 
 Or 1)6 for ever silent. 
 
 Sfor. If you come 
 To bring me comfort, say that you have made 
 My peace with my Marcelia. 
 
 Isab. I had rather 
 Wait on you to your funeral. 
 
 Sfor. You are my mother ; 
 Or, by her life, you were dead else. 
 
 Marl. Would you were, 
 To your dishonour ! and, since dotage makes you 
 Wilfully blind, borrow of me my eyes, 
 Or some part of my spirit. Are you all flesh*? 
 A lump of patience only ? no fire in you ? 
 But do your pleasure : — here your mother was 
 Committed by your servant, (for I scorn 
 To call him husband,) and myself, your sister, 
 If that you dare remember such a name, 
 Mew'd up, to make the way open and free 
 For the adultress, I am unwilling 
 To say, a part of Sforza. 
 
 Sfor. Take lier head off ! 
 She hath blasphemed, and by our law must die. 
 
 Isab. Blasphemed ! for calling of a whore, a 
 
 Sfor. O heJl, what do I suffer I [whore? 
 
 Mart. Or is it treason 
 For me, that am a subject, to endeavour 
 To save the honour of the duke, and that 
 He should not be a wittol on record ? 
 For by posterity 'twill be believed. 
 As certainly as now it can be proved, 
 Francisco, the great minion, that sways all. 
 To meet the chaste embraces of the dutchess, 
 Hath leap'd into her bed. 
 
 Sfor. Some proof, vile creature ! 
 Or thou hast spoke thy last. 
 
 Mari. The public fame, 
 T'"«'" hourly private meetings ; and e'en now, 
 When, under a pretence of grief or anger. 
 You are denied the joys due to a husband, 
 And made a stranger to her, at all times 
 The door stands open to him. To a Dutchman, 
 This were enough, but to a right Italian, 
 A hundred thousand witnesses. 
 
 Isab. Would you have us 
 To be her bawds ? 
 
 Sfor. O the malice 
 And envy of base women, that with horror. 
 Knowing their own defects and inward guilt, 
 Dare lie, and swear, and damn, for what's most 
 To cast aspersions upon one untainted ! [false, 
 Ye are in your natures devils, and your ends, 
 Knowing your reputation sunk for ever, 
 And not to be recover'd, to have all 
 Wear your black livery. Wretches ! you have 
 A monumental trophy to her pureness, [raised 
 In this your studied purpose to deprave her : 
 And all the shot made by your foul detraction. 
 Falling upon her sure-arm'd innocence. 
 Returns upon yourselves ; and, if my love 
 Could suffer an addition, I'm so far 
 From giving credit to you, this would teach me 
 More to admire and serve her. You are not 
 To fall as sacrifices to appease her ; [worthy 
 
 And therefore live till your own envy burst you. 
 
 Isab. All is in vain ; he is not to be moved. 
 
 Mari. She has bewitch' d him, 
 
 Pesc, 'Tis so past belief. 
 To me it shews a fable. 
 
 Enter Francisco, speaking to a Servant toithm, 
 
 Fran. On thy life, 
 Provide my horses, and without the port 
 With care attend me. 
 
 Serv. Iwiihin.] I shall, my lord. 
 
 Grac. He's come. 
 What gimcrack have we next ? 
 
 Fran. Great sir. 
 
 Sfor. Francisco, 
 Though all the joys in woman are fled from me. 
 In thee I do embrace the full delight 
 That I can hope from man. 
 
 Fran. I would impart. 
 Please you to lend your ear, a weighty secret, 
 I am in labour to deliver to you. 
 
 Sfor. All leave the room. lE^reunt Isab. Ma ri. 
 and Gracchc] — Excuse me, good Pescara, 
 Ere long I will wait on you. 
 
 Pesc. You speak, sir. 
 The language I should use. iExit. 
 
 Sfor. Be within call. 
 Perhaps we may have use of you. 
 
 Tib. We shall, sir. lExeunt Tib. and Steph. 
 
 Sfor. Say on, my comfort. 
 
 Fran. Comfort ! no, your torment. 
 For so my fate appoints me. I could curse 
 The hour that gave me being. 
 
 Sfor. What new monsters 
 Of misery stand ready to devour me ? 
 Let them at once dispatch me. ' 
 
 Fran. Draw your sword then. 
 And, as you wish your own peace, quickly kill me; 
 Consider not, but do it. 
 
 Sfor. Art thou mad ? 
 
 Fran. Or, if to take my life be too much 
 mercy, 
 As death, indeed, concludes all human sorrows. 
 Cut off my nose and ears ; pull out an eye, 
 The other only left to lend me light 
 To see my own deformities. Why was I bom 
 Without some mulct imposed on me by nature ? 
 Would from my youth a loathsome leprosy 
 Had run upon this face, or that my breath 
 Had been infectious, and so made me shunn'd 
 Of all societies ! Curs'd be he that taught me 
 Discourse or manners, or lent any grace 
 That makes the owner pleasing in the eye 
 Of wanton women ! since those parts, which others j 
 Value as blessings, are to me afflictions, 
 Such my condition is. 
 
 Sfor. I am on the rack : 
 Dissolve this doubtful riddle. 
 
 Fran. That I alone, 
 Of all mankind, that stand most bound to love you. 
 And study your content, should be appointed, 
 Not by my will, but forced by cruel fate, 
 To be your greatest enemy ! — not to hold you 
 In this amazement longer, in a word, 
 Your dutchess loves me. 
 
 Sfor. Loves thee ! 
 
 Fran. Is mad for me. 
 Pursues me hourly. 
 
 Sfor. Oh! 
 
 Fran. And from hence grew 
 Her late neglect of you. 
 
 Sfor. O women ! women ! 
 
 Fran. I labour'd to divert her by persuasion, 
 Then urged your much love to her, and the danger • 
 Denied her, and with scorn. 
 
 Sfor. 'Twas like thyself. j. 2 
 
68 
 
 THE DUKE OF MILAN. 
 
 Fran. But when I saw her smile, then heard 
 her say, 
 Your love and extreme dotage, as a cloak, 
 Should cover our embraces, and your power 
 Fright others from suspicion ; and all favours 
 That should preserve her in her innocence, 
 By lust inverted to be used as bawds ; 
 I could not but in duty (though I know 
 That the relation kills in you all hope 
 Of peace hereafter, and in .ue 'twill shew 
 Both base and poor tO rise up her accuser) 
 Freely discover it. 
 
 Sfor. Eternal plagues 
 Pursue and overtake her ! for her sake, 
 To all posterity may he prove a cuckold, 
 And, like to me, a thiog so miserable 
 As words may not express him, that gives trust 
 To all- deceiving women ! Or, since it is 
 The will of heaven, to preserve mankind. 
 That we must know and couple with these serpents, 
 No wise man ever, taught by my example, 
 Hereafter use his wife with more respect 
 Than he would do his horse that does him service ; 
 Base woman being in her creation made 
 A slave to man. But, like a village nurse, 
 Stand I now cursing and considering, when 
 The tamest fool would do !— Within there ! 
 Stephano, 
 
 Tiberio, and the rest ! 1 will be sudden. 
 
 And she shall know and feel, love in extremes 
 Abused, knows no degree in hate. 
 
 Enter Tiberio and Stephano. 
 
 Tib. My lord. 
 
 Sfor. Go to the chamber of that wicked woman — 
 
 Steph. What wicked woman, sir ? 
 
 Sfor. The devil, my wife. 
 Force a rude entry, and, if she refuse 
 To follow you, drag her hither by the huair, 
 And know no pity ; any gentle usage 
 To her will call on cruelty from me. 
 To such as shew it. — Stand you staring ! Go, 
 And put my will in act. 
 
 Steph. There's no disputing. 
 
 Tib. But 'tis a tempest, on the sudden raised, 
 Who durst have dream 'd of? 
 
 [_Exeunt Tiberio and Stepha.vo. 
 
 Sfor. Nay, since she dares damnation, 
 I'll be a fury to her. 
 
 Frail. Yet, great sir. 
 Exceed not in your fury ; she's yet g rilty 
 Only in her intent. 
 
 Sfor. Intent, Francisco ! 
 It does include all fact ; and I might sooner 
 Be won to pardon treason to my crown, 
 Or one that kill'd my father. 
 
 Fran. You are wise, 
 I And know what's best to do : — yet, if you please. 
 To prove her temper to the height, say only 
 That I am dead, and then observe how far 
 She'll be transported. I'll remove a little, 
 But be within your call. — Now to the upshot ! 
 Howe'er, I'll shift for one. \_Aside and exit. 
 
 Re-enter Tiberio, Stephano, anrf Guard, with Marcklia. 
 
 Marc. Where is this monster, 
 This walking tree of jealousy, this dreamer, 
 This homed beast that would be ? Oh ! are you 
 
 here, sir .' 
 Is it by your commandment or allowance, 
 
 I am thus basely used ? Which of ray virtues, 
 My labours, services, and cares to please you. 
 For, to a man suspicious and unthankful, 
 Without a blush I may be mine own trumpet, 
 Invites this barbarous course ? dare you look on me, 
 Without a seal of shame ? 
 
 Sfor. Impudence, 
 How ugly thou appear'st now 1 Thy intent 
 To be a whore, leaves thee not blood enough 
 To make an honest blush : what had the act done ? 
 
 Marc. Return'd thee the dishonour thou de- 
 Though willingly I had given up myself [serv'st ; 
 To every common letcher. 
 
 Sfor. Your chief minion. 
 Your chosen favourite, your woo'd Francisco, 
 Has dearly paid for't ; for, wretch ! know, he's 
 And by my hand. [deal. 
 
 Marc. The bloodier villain thou ! 
 But 'tis not to be wonder'd at, thy love 
 Does know no other object : — thou hast kill'd then, 
 A man I do profess I loved ; a man 
 For whom a thousand queens might well be rivals. 
 But he, I speak it to thy teeth, that dares be 
 A jealous fool, dares be a murderer, 
 And knows no end in mischief. 
 
 Sfor. I begin now 
 In this my justice. [Stahth&r. 
 
 Marc. Oh 1 I have fool'd myself 
 Into my grave, and only grieve for that 
 Which, when you know you've slain an innocent. 
 You needs must suffer. 
 
 Sfor. An innocent ! Let one 
 Call in Francisco ; — for he lives, vile creature, 
 
 \_Exit Stephano. 
 To justify thy falsehood, and how often. 
 With whorish flatteries, thou hast tempted him ; 
 I being only fit to live a stale, 
 A bawd and property to your wantonness. 
 
 Re-enter Stephano. 
 
 Steph. Signior Francisco, sir, but even now 
 Took hoi'se without the ports. 
 
 Marc. We are both abused, 
 And both by him undone. Stay, death, a little. 
 Till I have clear 'd me to my lord, and then 
 I willingly obey thee. — O my Sforza ! 
 Francisco was not tempted, but the tempter ; 
 And, as he thought to win me, shew'd the warrant 
 That you sign'd for my death. 
 
 Sfor. Then I believe thee ; 
 Believe thee innocent too. 
 
 Marc. But, being contemn'd. 
 Upon his knees with tears he did beseech me, 
 Not to reveal it ; I, soft-hearted fool, 
 Judging his penitence true, was won unto it : 
 Indeed, the unkindness to be sentenced by yoii. 
 Before that I was guilty in a thought, 
 Made me put on a seeming anger towards you, 
 And now — behold the issue ! As I do, 
 May heaven forgive you ! IDiet. 
 
 Tib. Her sweet soul has left 
 Her beauteous prison. 
 
 Steph. Look to the duke ; he stands 
 As if he wanted motion. 
 
 Tib. Grief hath stopp'd 
 The organ of his speech. 
 
 Steph. Take up this body. 
 And call for his physicians. 
 
 Sfor. O my heart-strings ! lExeu%it. 
 
THE DUKE OF MUAN. 
 
 09 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I The Milanese. A Room in 
 
 Eugenia's House. 
 
 Enter Francisco, and Eugenfa in male attire. 
 
 Fran. Why, couldst thou think, Eugenia, that 
 rewards, 
 Graces, oi* favours, though strew'd thick upon me. 
 Could ever bribe me to forget mine honour ? 
 Or that I tamely would sit down, before 
 I had dried these eyes still wet with showers of tears, 
 By the fire of my revenge ? look up, my dearest ! 
 For that proud fair, that, thief-like, stepp'd be- 
 tween 
 Thy promised hopes, and robb'd thee of a fortune 
 Almost in thy possession, hath found, 
 With horrid proof, his love, she thought her glory, 
 And an assurance of all happiness, 
 But hastened her sad ruin. 
 
 Eug. Do not flatter 
 A grief that is beneath it ; for, however 
 The credulous duke to me proved false and cruel, 
 It is impossible he could be wrought 
 To look on her, but with the eyes of dotage, 
 And so to serve her. 
 
 Fran. Such, indeed, I grant, 
 The stream of his affection was, and ran 
 A constant course, till I, with cunning malice — 
 And yet I wrong my act, for it was justice. 
 Made it turn backward ; and hate, in extremes, 
 (Love banish'd from his heart,) to fill the room : 
 In a word, know the fair Marcelia's dead. 
 
 Eug. Dead ! 
 
 Fran. And by Sforza's hand. Does it not move 
 How coldly you receive it ! I expected [you ? 
 
 The mere relation of so great a blessing, 
 Borne proudly on the wings of sweet revenge, 
 Would have eall'd on a sacrifice of thanks, 
 ' And joy not to be bounded or conceal'd. 
 t You entertain it with a look, as if 
 You wish'd it were undone. 
 
 Eug. Indeed I do : 
 For, if my sorrows could receive addition, 
 Her sad fate would increase, not lessen them. 
 She never injured me, but entertain' d 
 A fortime humbly ofFer'd to her hand, 
 Which a wise lady gladly would have kneel'd for. 
 Unless you would impute it as a crime, 
 She was more fair than I, and had discretion 
 Not to deliver up her virgin fort. 
 Though strait besieged with flatteries, vows, and 
 
 tears, 
 Until the church had made it safe and lawful. 
 And had I been the mistress of her judgment 
 And constant temper, skilful in the knowledge 
 Of man's malicious falsehood, I had never, 
 Upon his hell-deep oaths to marry me, 
 Given up my fair name, and my maiden honour. 
 To his foul lust ; nor lived now, being branded 
 In the forehead for his whore, the scorn and shame 
 Of all good women. 
 
 Fran. Have you then no gall. 
 Anger, or spleen, familiar to your sex ? 
 Or is it possible, that you could see 
 Another to possess what was your due, 
 And not grow pale with envy ? 
 
 Eug. Yes, of him 
 That did deceive me. There's no passion, that 
 
 A maid so injured ever could partake of, 
 
 But I have dearly suffer'd. These three years, 
 
 In my desire and labour of revenge. 
 
 Trusted to you, I have endured the throes 
 
 Of teeming women ; and will hazard all 
 
 Fate can inflict on me, but I will reach 
 
 Thy heart, false Sforza ! You have trifled with me, 
 
 And not proceeded with that fiery zeal 
 
 I look'd for from a brother of your spirit. 
 
 Sorrow forsake me, and all signs of grief 
 
 Farewell for ever 1 Vengeance, arm'd with fury, 
 
 Possess me wholly now ! 
 
 Fran. The reason, sister, 
 Of this strange metamorphosis ? 
 
 Eug. Ask thy fears : 
 Thy base, unmanly fears, thy poor delays. 
 Thy dull forgetfulness equal with death ; 
 My wrong, else, and the scandal which can never 
 Be wash'd off" from our house, but in his blood, 
 Would have stirr'd up a coward to a deed 
 In which, though he had fallen, the brave intent 
 Had crown'd itself with a fair monument 
 Of noble resolution. In this shape 
 I hope to get access ; and, then, with shame, 
 Hearing my sudden execution, judge 
 What honour thou hast lost, in being transcended 
 By a weak woman. 
 
 Fran. Still mine own, and dearer ! 
 And yet in this you but pour oil on fire, 
 And offer your assistance where it needs not. 
 And, that you may perceive I lay not fallow. 
 But had your wrongs stamp'd deeply on my heart 
 By the iron pen of vengeance, I attempted. 
 By whoring her, to cuckold him : that failing, 
 I did begin his tragedy in her death. 
 To which it served as prologue, and will make 
 A memorable story of your fortunes 
 In my assured revenge : Only, best sister. 
 Let us not lose ourselves in the performance, 
 By your rash undertaking ; we will be 
 As sudden as you could wish. 
 
 Eug. Upon those terms 
 I yield myself and cause to be disposed of 
 As you think fit. 
 
 Erder a Servant. 
 
 Fran. Thy purpose ? 
 
 Serv. There's one Graccho, 
 That follow'd you, it seems, upon the track, 
 Since you left Milan, that's importunate 
 To have access, and will not be denied : 
 His haste, he says, concerns you. 
 
 Fran. Bring him to me. lExit Servant. 
 
 Though he hath laid an ambush for my life. 
 Or apprehension, yet I will prevent him, 
 And work mine own ends out. 
 
 Enter Graccho. 
 
 Grac. Now for my whipping ! 
 And if I now outstrip him not, and catch him, 
 And by a new and strange way too, hereafter 
 I'll swear there are worms in my brains. lAsidc 
 
 Fran. Now, my good Graccho I 
 We meet as 'twere by miracle. 
 
 Grac. Love, and duty. 
 And vigilance in me for my lord's safety, 
 First taught me to imagine you were here, 
 And then to follow you. All's come forth, my lord. 
 
70 
 
 THE DUKE OF MILAN. 
 
 ACT ▼. 
 
 That you could wish conceal'd. The dutchess* 
 
 wound, 
 In the duke's rage pvit home, yet gave her leave 
 To acquaint hira with your practices, which your 
 Did easily confirm. [flight 
 
 Fran. This I expected ; 
 But sure you come provided of good counsel, 
 To help in my extremes. 
 
 Grac. I would not hurt you. 
 
 Fran. How ! hurt me ? such another word's thy 
 death ; 
 Why, dar'st thou think it can fall in thy will, 
 To outlive what I determine ? 
 
 Grac. How he awes me ! \_Aside. 
 
 Fran. Be brief ; what brought thee hither 1 
 
 Grac. Care to inform you 
 You are a condemn'd man, pursued and sought for, 
 And your head rated at ten thousand ducats 
 To him that brings it. 
 
 Fran. Very good. 
 
 Grac. All passages 
 Are intercepted, and choice troops of horse 
 Scour o'er the neighbour plains ; your picture sent 
 To every state confederate with Milan : 
 That, though I grieve to speak it, in my judgment, 
 So thick your dangers meet, and run upon you. 
 It is impossible you should escape 
 Their curious search. 
 
 Eug, Why, let us then turn Romans, 
 And, falling by our own hands, mock their threats, 
 And dreadful preparations. 
 
 Fran. 'Twould show nobly ; 
 But that the honour of our full revenge 
 Were lost in the rash action. No, Eugenia, 
 Graccho is wise, my friend too, not my servant, 
 And I dare trust him with my latest secret. 
 We would, and thou must help us to perform it. 
 First kill the duke — then, fall what can upon us ! 
 For injuries are writ in brass, kind Graccho, 
 And not to be forgotten. 
 
 Grac. He instructs me 
 What I should do. iAside. 
 
 Fran. What's that ? 
 
 Grac. I labour with 
 A strong desire to assist you with my service ; 
 And now I am deliver'd oft, 
 
 Fran. I told you. — 
 Speak, my oraculous Graccho. 
 
 Grac. I have heard, sir, 
 Of men in debt that, lay'd for by their creditors, 
 In all such places where it could be thought 
 They would take shelter, chose, for sanctuary, 
 Their lodgings underneath their creditors' noses. 
 Or near that prison to which they were design'd, 
 If apprehended ; confident that there 
 They never should be sought for. 
 
 Eug. 'Tis a strange one ! 
 
 Fran. But what infer you from it ? 
 
 Grac. This, my lord ; 
 That, since all ways of your escape are stopp'd, 
 In Milan only, or, what's more, in the court, 
 Whither it is presumed you dare not come, 
 Conceal'd in some disguise, you may live safe. 
 
 Fran. And not to be disoover'd ? 
 
 Grac. But by myself. 
 
 Fran. By thee ! Alas ! I know thee honcBt, 
 Graccho, 
 And I will put thy counsel into act. 
 And suddenly. Yet, not to be ungrateful 
 For all thy loving travail to preserve me. 
 
 What bloody end soe'er my stars appoint. 
 Thou shalt be safe, good Graccho. — Who's within 
 there ? 
 Grac. In the devil's name, what means he ! 
 
 Enter Servants. 
 
 Fran. Take my friend 
 Into your custody, and bind him fast : 
 I would not part with him. 
 
 Grac. My good lord. 
 
 Fran. Dispatch : 
 'Tis for your good, to keep you honest, Graccho : 
 I would not have ten thousand ducats tempt you, 
 Being of a soft and wax-like disposition, 
 To play the traitor ; nor a foolish itch 
 To be revenged for your late excellent whipping, 
 Give you the opportunity to offer 
 My head for satisfaction. Why, thou fool ! 
 I can look through and through thee ! thy intents 
 Appear to me as written in thy forehead, 
 In plain and easy characters : and but that 
 I scorn a slave's base blood should rust that sword 
 That from a prince expects a scarlet dye, 
 Thou now wert dead ; but live, only to pray 
 For good success to crown my undertakings ; 
 And then, at my return, perhaps, I'll free thee. 
 To make me further sport. Away with him ! 
 I will not hear a syllable. 
 
 lExeunt Servants with Graccho. 
 We must trust 
 Ourselves, Eugenia ; and though we make use of 
 The counsel of our servants, that oil spent. 
 Like snuffs that do offend, we tread them out. — 
 But now to our last scene, which we'll so carry. 
 That few shall understand how 'twas begun, 
 Till all, with half an eye, may see 'tis done. 
 
 lExeu7it, 
 
 SCENE II.— Milan. A Room in the Castle. 
 Enter Pescara, TiBERro, and Stephano. 
 
 Pesc. The like was never read of. 
 
 Steph. In my judgment, 
 To all that shall but hear it, 'twill appear 
 A most impossible fable. 
 
 Tib. For Francisco, 
 My wonder is the less, because there are 
 Too many precedents of unthankful men 
 Raised up to greatness, which have after studied 
 The ruin of their makers. 
 
 Steph. But that melancholy. 
 Though ending in distraction, should work 
 So far upon a man, as to compel him 
 To court a thing that has nor sense nor being. 
 Is unto me a miracle. 
 
 Pesc, 'Troth, I'll tell you. 
 And briefly as I can, by what degrees 
 He fell into this madness. When, by the care 
 Of his physicians, he was brought to life, 
 As he had only pass'd a fearful dream, 
 And had not acted what I grieve to think on. 
 He call'd for fair Marcelia, and being told 
 That she was dead, he broke forth in extremes, 
 (I would not say blasphemed,) and cried that 
 
 heaven. 
 For all the offences that mankind could do, 
 Would never be so cruel as to rob it 
 Of so much sweetness, and of so much goodness ; 
 That not alone was sacred in herself, 
 But did preserve all others innocent. 
 
SOKNE II. 
 
 THE DUKE OF MILAN. 
 
 7i 
 
 That had but coaverse with her. Then it came 
 
 Into his fancy that she was accused 
 
 By his mother and his sister ; thrice he curs'd 
 
 them, 
 And thrice his desperate hand was on his sword 
 T'have kill'd them both ; but he restrain'd, and 
 
 they 
 Shunning his fury, spite of all prevention 
 He would have turn'd his rage upon himself; 
 When wisely his physicians, looking on 
 The Dutchess' wound, to stay his ready hand, 
 Cried out, it was not mortal. 
 
 Tib. 'Twas well thought on. 
 
 Pesc. He easily believing what he wish'd^ 
 More than a perpetuity of pleasure 
 In any object else ; flatter'd by hope, 
 Forgetting his own greatness, he fell prostrate 
 At the doctors' feet, implored their aid, and swore, 
 Provided they recover'd her, he would live 
 A private man, and they should share his duke- 
 They seem'd to promise fair, and every hour [dom. 
 Vary their judgments, as they find his fit 
 To suffer intermission or extremes : 
 For his behaviour since 
 
 Sfor. [within.] As you have pity, 
 Support her gently. 
 
 Pesc. Now, be your own witnesses ; 
 I am prevented. 
 
 Enter Sforza, Isabella, Mariana, Doctors, and Servants 
 with the body of Marcelia. 
 
 Sfor. Carefully, I beseech you, 
 The gentlest touch torments her ; and then think 
 What I shall suffer. O you earthly gods. 
 You second natures, that from your gi-eat master. 
 Who join'd the limbs of torn Hippolitus, 
 And drew upon himself the Thunderer's envy, 
 Are taught those hidden secrets that restore 
 To life death-wounded men ! you have a patient. 
 On whom to express the excellence of art. 
 Will bind even heaven your debtor, though it 
 
 pleases 
 To make your hands the organs of a work 
 The saints will smile to look on, and good angels 
 Clap their celestial wings to give it plaudits. 
 How pale and wan she looks ! O pardon me. 
 That I presume (dyed o'er with bloody guilt, 
 W^hich makes me, I confess, far, far unworthy) 
 To touch this snow-white hand. How cold it is ! 
 This once was Cupid's fire-brand, and still 
 'Tis so to me. How slow her pulses beat too ! 
 Yet in this temper, she is all perfection. 
 And mistress of a heat so full of sweetness, 
 The blood of virgins, in their pride of youth, 
 Are balls of snow or ice compared unto her. 
 
 Mari. Is not this strange ? 
 
 Isab. Oh ! cross him not, dear daughter ; 
 Our conscience tells us we have been abused. 
 Wrought to accuse the innocent, and with him 
 Are guilty of a fact 
 
 Enter a Servant, and whispers Pbscara. 
 
 Mari. 'Tis now past help. 
 
 Pesc. With me ? What is he ? 
 
 Serv. He has a strange aspect ; 
 A Jew by birth, and a physician 
 By his profession, as he says, who, hearing 
 Of the duke's frenzy, on the forfeit of 
 His life will undertake to render him 
 Perfect in every part : — provided that 
 Your lordship's favour gain him free access. 
 
 And your power with the duke a safe protection, 
 Till the great work be ended. 
 
 Pesc. Bring me to him ; 
 As I find cause I'll do. lExeunt Pesc. and Serv. 
 
 Sfor. How sound she sleeps ! 
 
 Heaven keep her from a lethargy ! How long 
 
 (But answer me with comfort, I beseech you) 
 Does your sure judgment tell you that these lids, 
 That cover richer jewels than themselves. 
 Like envious night, will bar these glorious suns 
 From shining on me ? 
 
 1 Doct. We have given her, sir, 
 
 A sleepy potion, that will hold her long, 
 That she maybe less sensible of the torment 
 The searching of her wound will put her to. 
 
 2 Doct. She now feels little ; but if we should 
 
 wake her, 
 To hear her speak would fright both us and you, 
 And therefore dare not hasten it. 
 
 Sfor. I am patient. 
 You see I do not rage, but wait your pleasure. 
 What do you think she dreams of now ? for sure. 
 Although her body's organs are bound fast, 
 Her fancy cannot slumber. 
 
 1 Doct. That, sir, looks on 
 Your sorrow for your late rash act, with pity 
 Of what you suffer for it, and prepares 
 To meet the free confession of your guilt 
 With a glad pardon. 
 
 Sfor. She was ever kind ; 
 And her displeasure, though call'd on, short-lived 
 Upon the least submission. O you Powers, 
 That can convey our thoughts to one another 
 Without the aid of eyes or ears, assist me ! 
 Let her behold me in a pleasing dream IKneels. 
 Thus, on my knees before her ; (yet that duty 
 In me is not sufficient ;) let her see me 
 Compel my mother, from whom I took life, 
 And this my sister, partner of my being. 
 To bow thus low unto her ; let her hear us 
 In my acknowledgment freely confess 
 That we in a degree as high are guilty 
 As she is innocent. Bite your tongues, vile 
 
 creatures, 
 And let your inward horror fright your souls, 
 For having belied that pureness, to come near 
 All women that posterity can bring forth [which, 
 Must be, though striving to be good, poor rivals. 
 And for that dog Francisco, that seduced me, 
 In wounding her, to rase a temple built 
 To chastity and sweetness, let her know 
 I'll follow him to hell, but I will find him. 
 And there live a fourth Fury to torment him. 
 Then, for this cursed hand and arm that guided 
 The wicked steel, I'll have them, joint by joint, 
 With burning irons sear'd off, which I will eat, 
 I being a vulture fit to taste such carrion ; 
 Lastly 
 
 1 Doct. You are too loud, sir ; you disturb 
 Her sweet repose. 
 
 Sfor. I am hush'd. Yet give us leave, 
 Thus prostrate at her feet, our eyes bent down- 
 wards, 
 Unworthy, and ashamed, to look upon her, 
 To expect her gracious sentence. 
 
 2 Doct. He's past hope. 
 
 1 Doct. The body too will putrify, and then 
 We can no longer cover the imposture. 
 
 Tib. Which, in his death, will quickly be dis- 
 I can but weep his fortune. fcover'H. 
 
n 
 
 THE DUKE OF MILAN. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 Steph. Yet be careful 
 You Ipse no minute to preserve him ; time 
 May lessen his distraction. 
 
 Re-enter Pescara, with Francisco, as a Jew doctor, and 
 Eugenia disguised as be/ore. 
 
 Fran. I am no god, sir, 
 To give a new life to her ; yet I'll hazard 
 My head, I'll work the senseless trunk t'appear 
 To him as it had got a second being, 
 Or that the soul that's fled from't, were call'd 
 
 back 
 To govern it again. I will preserve it 
 In the first sweetness, and by a strange vapour, 
 Which I'll infuse into her mouth, create 
 A seeming breath ; I'll make her veins run high 
 
 too. 
 As if they had true motion. 
 
 Pesc. Do but this, 
 Till we use means to win upon his passions 
 T'endure to hear she's dead with some small 
 
 patience. 
 And make thy own reward. 
 
 Fran. The art I use 
 Admits no looker on : I only ask 
 The fourth part of an hour, to perfect that 
 I boldly undertake. 
 
 Pesc. I will procure it. 
 
 2 Doct. What stranger's this ? 
 
 Pesc. Sooth me in all I say ; 
 There's a main end in it. 
 
 Fran. Beware ! 
 
 Fug. I am warn'd. 
 
 Pesc. Look up, sir, cheerfully ; comfort in me 
 Flows strongly to you. 
 
 Sfor. From whence came that sound } 
 Was it from my Marcelia ? If it were, \^Rises. 
 
 I rise, and joy will give me wings to meet it. 
 
 Pesc. Nor shall your expectation be deferr'd 
 But a few minutes. Your physicians are 
 Mere voice, and no performance ; I have found 
 A man that can do wonders. Do not hinder 
 The dutchess' wish'd recovery, to enquire 
 Or what he is, or to give thanks, but leave him 
 To work this miracle. 
 
 Sfor. Sure, 'tis my good angel. 
 I do obey in all things : be it death 
 For any to disturb him, or come near, 
 Till he be pleased to call us. O, be prosperous, 
 And make a duke thy bondman ! 
 
 lExeunt all but Francisco and Eugbnia. 
 
 Fran. 'Tis my purpose ; 
 If that to fall a long-wish'd sacrifice 
 To my revenge can be a benefit. 
 I'll first make fast the doors ; — so I 
 
 Fuff. You amaze me : 
 What follows now ? 
 
 Fran. A full conclusion 
 Of all thy wishes. Look on this, Eugenia, 
 Even such a thing, the proudest fair on earth 
 (For whose delight the elements are ransack'd. 
 And art with nature studied to preserve her,) 
 Must be, when she is summon'd to appear 
 In the court of Death. But I lose time. 
 
 Eug. What mean you ? 
 
 Fran. Disturb me not. — Your ladyship looks 
 pale ; 
 But I, your doctor, have a ceruse for you. — 
 See, my Eugenia, how many faces, 
 That are adored in court, borrow these helps, 
 
 IPaints the checks. 
 
 And pass for excellence, when the better part 
 Of them are Uke to this. — Your mouth smells sour 
 But here is that shall take away the scent ; [too, 
 A precious antidote old ladies use. 
 When they would kiss, knowing their gums are 
 rotten . iPaints the lips 
 
 These hands too, that disdain' d to take a touch 
 From any lip, whose owner writ not lord. 
 Are now but as the coarsest earth ; but I 
 Am at the charge, my bill not to be paid too. 
 To give them seeming beauty. [Paints ihe hands.] 
 
 — So ! 'tis done. 
 How do you like my workmanship ? 
 
 Fug. I tremble : 
 And thus to tyrannize upon the dead. 
 Is most inhuman. 
 
 Fran. Come we for revenge. 
 And can we think on pity ! Now to the upshot, 
 And, as it proves, appkud it. — My lord the duke ! 
 Enter with joy, and see the sudden change 
 Your servant's hand hath wrought. 
 
 Re-enter Sforza and the rest. 
 
 Sfor. I live again 
 In my full confidence that Marcelia may 
 Pronounce my pardon. Can she speak yet ? 
 
 Fran. No : 
 You must not look for all your joys at once ; 
 That will ask longer time. 
 
 Pesc. 'Tis wondrous strange ! 
 
 Sfor. By all the dues of love I have had from 
 her. 
 This hand seems as it was when first I kiss'd it. 
 These lips invite too : I could ever feed 
 Upon these roses, they still keep their colour 
 And native sweetness : only the nectar's wanting. 
 That, like the morning dew in flowery May, 
 Preserved them in their beauty. 
 
 Enter Graccho hastily. 
 
 Grac. Treason, treason ! 
 
 Tib. Call up the guard. 
 
 Fran. Graccho ! then we are lost. [Aside. 
 
 Enter Guard. 
 
 Grac. I am got off", sir Jew ; a bribe hath done 
 For all your serious charge ; there's no disguise [it, 
 Can keep you from my knowledge. 
 
 Sfor. Speak. 
 
 Grac. I am out of breath, 
 But this is 
 
 Fran. Spare thy labour, fool, — Francisco. 
 
 All. Monster of men ! 
 
 Fran. Give me all attributes 
 Of all you can imagine, yet I glory- 
 To be the thing I was born. I am Francisco ; 
 Francisco, that was raised by you, and made 
 The minion of the time ; the same Francisco, 
 That would have whored this trunk when it jiad 
 And, after, breathed a jealousy upon thee, [life ; 
 As killing as those damps that belch out plagues 
 When the foundation of the earth is shaken : 
 I made thee do a deed heaven will not pardon. 
 Which was — to kill an innocent. 
 
 Sfor. Call forth the tortures 
 For all that flesh can feel. 
 
 Fran. I dare the worst. 
 Only, to yield some reason to the world 
 Why I pursued this course, look on this face, 
 Made old by thy base falsehood : 'tis Eugenia. 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE DUKE OF MILAN. 
 
 73 
 
 Sfor. Eugenia ! 
 
 Fran. Does it start you, sir ? my sister, 
 Seduced and fool'd by thee: but thou must pay 
 The forfeit of thy falsehood. Does it not work 
 
 yet!— 
 Whate'er becomes of me, which I esteem not. 
 Thou art mark'd for the grave : I've given thee 
 
 poison 
 In this cup, now observe me, vrhich, thy lust 
 Carousing deeply of, made thee forget 
 Thy vow'd faith to Eugenia. 
 
 Pesc. O damn'd villain ! 
 
 Isab. How do you, sir ? 
 
 Sfor. Like one -^ 
 
 That learns to know in death what punishment 
 Waits on the breach of faith. Oh ! now I feel 
 An iEtna in my entrails. — I have lived 
 A prince, and my last breath shall be command. 
 — I burn, I burn ! yet ere life be consumed. 
 Let me pronounce upon this wretch all torture 
 That witty cruelty can invent. 
 
 Pesc. Away with him ! 
 
 Tib. In all things we will serve you. 
 
 Fran. Farewell, sister ! 
 Now I have kept my word, torments I scorn : 
 I leave the world with glory. They are men, 
 And leave behind them name and memory. 
 That, wrong'd, do right themselves before they die 
 \_Exeunt Guard wilh Francisco. 
 
 Steph. A desperate wretch ! 
 
 Sfor. I come : Death ! I obey thee. 
 Yet I will not die raging ; for, alas ! 
 My whole life was a frenzy. Good Eugenia, 
 In death forgive me. — As you love me, bear her 
 To some religious house, there let her spend 
 The remnant of her life : when I am ashes. 
 Perhaps she'll be appeased, and spare a prayer 
 For my poor soul. Bury me with Marcelia, 
 And let our epitaph be {.Dies, 
 
 Tib. His speech is stopp'd. 
 
 Steph. Already dead ! 
 
 Pesc. It is in vain to labour 
 To call him back. We'll give him funeral, 
 And. then determine of the state affairs : 
 And learn, from this example. There's no trust 
 In a foundation that is built on lust. ^Exeunt 
 
THE BONDMAN. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, MY SINGULAR GOOD LORD 
 
 PHILIP EARL OF MONTGOMERY, 
 
 KNIGHT OP THE MOST NOBLE ORDER OF THE GARTER, ETC. 
 
 Right ITonourable, — However I could never arrive at the happiness to be made known to your lordship, yet a 
 desire, born with me, to make a tender of all duties and service to the noble family of the Herberts, descended to me 
 as an inheritance from my dead father, Arthur Massinger. Many years he happily spent in the service of your 
 honourable house, and died a servant to it ; leaving his to be ever most glad and ready, to be at the command of all 
 such as deri%'e themselves from his most honoured master, your lordship's most noble father. The consideration of 
 this encouraged me (having no other means to present my humblest service to your honour) to shroud this trifle imder 
 the wings of your noble protection ; and I hope, out of the clemency of your heroic disposition, it will find, though 
 perhaps not a welcome entertainment, yet, at the worst, a gracious pardon. When it was first acted, your lordship's 
 liberal suffrage taught others to allow it for current, it having received the undoubted stamp of your lordship's 
 allowance : and if In the perusal of any vacant hour, when your honour's more serious occasions shall give you leave tc 
 read it, it answer, in your lordship's judgment, the report and opinion it had upon the stage, I shall esteem my labours 
 not ill employed, and, while I live, continue 
 
 The humblest of those that truly honour your lordship. 
 
 Philip ]Massinger. 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONS. 
 
 TiMOLKON, the General, of Corinth. 
 
 Archidamus, PrcBtor of Syracusa. 
 
 DiPHiLus, a Senator of Syracusa. 
 
 Cleon, a fat impotent Lord. 
 
 Marullo, the Bondman (i. e. Pisandkr, a Gen- 
 tleman of Thebes ; disguised as a Slave). 
 
 PoLiPHRON, Friend to Marullo ; also disguised 
 as a Slave. 
 
 Leosthenes, a Gentleman of Syracusa, ena- 
 moured of Cleora. 
 
 AsoTus, a foolish Loiter, and the Son of Cleon. 
 
 Timagoras, the Son of Archidamus. 
 
 Gracculo, ) „, 
 CiMBRio. \ Slaves. 
 A Gaoler. 
 
 Cleora, Daughter of Arcwwamxis. 
 
 CoRiscA, a proud wanton Lady, Wife to Clhon. 
 
 Olympia, a rich Widow. 
 
 TiMANDRA, Slave to Cleora (i. e. Statilia, Sister 
 
 to PiSANDER), 
 
 Zanthia, Slave to Corisca. 
 
 Other Slaves, Soldiers, OflScers, Senators, 
 
 SCENE, — Syracuse, and the adjacent Country, 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I.— The Camp of Timoleon, near 
 Syracuse. 
 
 Enter Timagoras and Leosthenes. 
 
 Timag. Why should you droop, Leosthenes, or 
 despair 
 My sister's favour ? What, before, you purchased 
 By courtship and fair language, in these wars 
 (For from her soul you know she loves a soldier) 
 You may deserve by action. 
 
 Leost. Good Timagoras, 
 When I have said my friend, think all is spoken 
 That may assure me yours ; and pray you believe, 
 The dreadful voice of war that shakes the city, 
 The thundering threats of Carthage, nor their army 
 
 Raised to make good those threats, affright noi 
 
 If fair Cleora were confirmed his prize, [me. — 
 
 That has the strongest arm and sharpest sword, 
 
 I'd court Bellonain her horrid trim, 
 
 As if she were a mistress ; and bless fortune, 
 
 That offers my young valour to the proof, 
 
 How much I dare do for your sister's love. 
 
 But, when that I consider how averse 
 
 Your noble father, great Archidamus, 
 
 Is, and hath ever been, to my desires, 
 
 Reason may warrant me to doubt and fear, 
 
 What seeds soever I sow in these wars 
 
 Of noble courage, his determinate will 
 
 May blast, and give my harvest to another, 
 
 That never toil'd for it. 
 
8CENK III. 
 
 THE BONDMAN. 
 
 Timag. Prithee, do not nourish 
 These jealous thoughts ; I am thine, (and pardon 
 Though I repeat it,) thy Timagoras, [me, 
 
 That, for thy sake, when the bold Theban sued, 
 Far-famed Pisander, for my sister's love, 
 Sent him disgraced and discontented home. 
 I wrought my father then ; and I, that stopp'd not 
 In the career of my affeciion to thee. 
 When that renowned worthy, that, brought with 
 
 him 
 High birth, wealth, courage, as fee'd advocates 
 To mediate for him ; never will consent 
 A fool, that only has the shape of man, 
 Asotus, though he be rich Cleon's heir, -^ 
 Shall bear htr from thee. 
 
 Least. In that trust I love. 
 
 Timag. Which never shall deceive you. 
 Enter Marullo. 
 
 Mar. Sir, the general, 
 Tiraoleon, by his trumpets hath given warning 
 For a remove. 
 
 Timag. 'Tis well ; provide my horse. 
 
 Mar. I shall, sir. lExit. 
 
 Least. This slave has a strange aspect. 
 
 Timag. Fit for his fortune ; 'tis a strong-limb'd 
 knave : 
 My father bought him for my sister's litter. 
 O pride of women 1 Coaches are too common — 
 They surfeit in the happiness of peace. 
 And ladies think they keep not state enough. 
 If, for their pomp and ease, they are not born 
 In triumph on men's shoulders. 
 
 Least. Who commands 
 The Carthaginian fleet ? 
 
 Timag. Gisco's their admiral. 
 And 'tis our happiness ; a raw young fellow, 
 One never train'd in arms, but rather fashion'd 
 To tilt with ladies' lips, than ctack a lance ; 
 Ravish a feather from a mistress' fan. 
 And wear it as a favour. A steel helmet, 
 Made horrid with a glorious plume, will crack 
 His woman's neck. 
 
 Least. No more of him. — The motives, 
 That Corinth gives us aid ? 
 
 Timag. The common danger ; 
 For Sicily being afire, she is not safe : 
 It being apparent that ambitious Carthage, 
 That, to enlarge her empire, strives to fasten 
 An unjust gripe on us that live free lords 
 Of Syracusa, will not end, till Greece 
 Acknowledge her their sovereign. 
 
 Least. I am satisfied. 
 What think you of our general ? 
 
 Timag. He's a man ITrumpets within. 
 
 Of strange and reserved parts ; but a great soldier. 
 His trumpets call us, I'll forbear his character : 
 To-morrow, in the senate-house, at large 
 He will express himself. 
 
 Least. I'll follow you. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — Syracuse. A Room in Cleon's 
 House. 
 Enter Cleon, Corisca, and Gracculo. 
 Coris. Nay, good chuck. 
 Cleon. I've said it ; stay at home : 
 I cannot brook your gadding ; you're a fair one, 
 Beauty invites temptations, and short heels 
 Are soon tripp'd up. 
 
 Coris. Deny me ! by my honour, 
 You take no pity on me. I shall swoon 
 As soon as you are absent ; ask my ntan else, 
 You know he dares not teU a lie. 
 
 Grac. Indeed, 
 You are no sooner out of sight, but she 
 Does feel strange qualms ; then sends for bar 
 
 young doctor. 
 Who ministers physic to her on her back, 
 Her ladyship lying as she were entranced : 
 (I've peep'd in at the keyhole, and observed them :) 
 And sure his potions never fail to work. 
 For she's so pleasant in the taking them. 
 She tickles ag;ain. 
 
 Coris. And all's to make you merry, 
 When you come home. 
 
 Cleon. You flatter me ; I am old, 
 And wisdom cries. Beware ! 
 
 Coris. Old 1 duck. To me 
 You are a young Adonis. 
 
 Grac. Well said, Venus ! 
 I am sure she Vulcans him. [Aside. 
 
 Coris. I will not change thee 
 For twenty boisterous young things without beards. 
 These bristles give the gentlest titillations. 
 And such a sweet dew flows on them, it cures 
 My lips without pomatum. Here's a round belly ! 
 'Tis a down pillow to my back ; I sleep 
 So qutetly by it : and this tunable nose. 
 Faith, when you hear it not, affords such music. 
 That I curse all night-fiddlers. 
 
 Grac. This is gross. 
 Not finds she flouts him ! iAdde. 
 
 Coris. As I live, I am jealous. 
 
 Cleon. Jealous of me, wife ? 
 
 Coris. Yes ; and I have reason ; 
 Knowing how lusty and active a man you are. 
 
 Cleon. Hum, hum ! 
 
 Grac. This is no cunning quean ! 'slight, she 
 will make him 
 To think that, like a stag, he has cast his horns, 
 And is grown young again. lAside. 
 
 Coris. You have forgot 
 What you did in your sleep, and, when you waked, 
 Call'd for a caudle. 
 
 Grac. It was in his sleep ; 
 For, waking, I durst trust my mother with him. 
 
 lAside. 
 
 Coris. I long to see the man of war : Cleora, 
 Archidamus' daughter, goes, and rich Olympia ; 
 I will not miss the show. 
 
 Cleon. There's no contending : 
 For this time I am pleased, but I'll no more on't, 
 
 lExeunt, 
 
 SCENE III.— The same. The Senate-house. 
 
 Enter Archidamus, Clkon, Diphilus, Olympia, Copisca, 
 Clkora, and Zanthia. 
 
 Archid. So careless we have been, my noble lordfi, 
 In the disposing of our own affairs. 
 And ignorant in the art of government, 
 That now we need a stranger to instruct us. 
 Yet we are happy that our neighbour Corinth, 
 Pitying the unjust gripe Carthage would lay 
 On Syracusa, hath vouchsafed to lend us 
 Her man of men, Timoleon, to defend 
 Our country and our liberties. 
 
 Diph. 'Tis a favour 
 
70 
 
 THE iiONDMAN. 
 
 ACT >. 
 
 We are unworthy of, and we may blush 
 Necessity compels us to receive it. 
 
 Archid. O shame ! that we, that are a populous 
 nation, 
 Engaged to liberal nature, for all blessings 
 An island can bring forth ; we, that have limbs. 
 And able bodies ; shipping, arms, and treasure. 
 The sinews of the war, now we are call'd 
 To stand upon our guard, cannot produce 
 One fit to be our general. 
 
 Cleon. I am old and fat ; 
 I could say something, else. 
 
 Archid. We must obey 
 The time and our occasions ; ruinous buildings, 
 Whose bases and foundations are infirm. 
 Must use supporters : we are circled round 
 With danger ; o'er our heads, with sail-stretch'd 
 
 wings, 
 Destruction hovers, and a cloud of mischief 
 Ready to break upon us ; no hope left us 
 That may divert it, but our sleeping virtue, 
 Roused up by brave Timoleon. 
 
 Cleon, When arrives he ? 
 
 Diph. He is expected every hour. 
 
 Archid. The braveries 
 Of Syracusa, among whom my son, 
 Timagoras, Leosthenes, and Asotus, 
 Your hopeful heir, lord Cleon, two days since 
 Rode forth to meet him, and attend him to 
 The city ; every minute we expect 
 To be bless'd with his presence. 
 
 IShonts within ; then a flourish of trumpets. 
 
 Cleon. What shout's this ? 
 
 Diph. 'Tis seconded with loud music. 
 
 Archid. Which confirms 
 His wish'd-for entrance. Let us entertain him 
 With all respect, solemnity, and pomp, 
 A man may merit, that comes to redeem us 
 From slavery and oppression. 
 
 Cleon. I'll lock up 
 My doors, and guard my gold : these lads of 
 
 Corinth 
 Have nimble fingers, and I fear them more, 
 Being within our walls, than those of Carthage ; 
 They are far off. 
 
 Archid. And, ladies, be it your care 
 To welcome him and his followers with all duty : 
 For rest resolved, their hands and swords must 
 
 keep you 
 In that full height of happiness you live ; 
 A dreadful change else follows. 
 
 \_Exeunt Archidamus, Cleon, and Diphilus. 
 
 Olymp. We are instructed. 
 
 Coris. I'll kiss him for the honour of my country, 
 With any she in Corinth. 
 
 Olymp. Were he a courtier, 
 I've sweatmeat in my closet shall content him, 
 Be his palate ne'er so curious. 
 
 Coris. And, if need be, 
 I have a couch and a banqueting-house in my 
 
 orchard. 
 Where many a man of honour has not scorn'd 
 To spend an afternoon. 
 
 Olymp. These men of war, 
 As I have heard, know not to court a lady. 
 They cannot praise our dressings, kiss our hands, 
 Usher us to our litters, tell love-stories. 
 Commend our feet and legs, and so search up- 
 wards ; 
 A sweet becoming boldness ! they are rough, 
 
 Boisterous, and saucy, and at the first slight 
 Ruffle and touze us, and, as they find their stomachs. 
 Fall roundly to it. 
 
 Coris. 'Troth, I like them the better : 
 I can't endure to have a perfumed sir 
 Stand cringing in the hams, licking his lips 
 Like a s^paniel over a furmenty-pot, and yet 
 Has not the boldness to come on, or offer 
 What they know we expect. 
 
 Olymp. We may commend 
 A gentleman's modesty, manners, and fine lan- 
 guage. 
 His singing, dancing, riding of great horses, 
 The wearing of his clothes, his fair complexion ; 
 Take presents from him, and extol his bounty : 
 Yet, though he observe, and waste his estate upon 
 If he be staunch, and bid not for the stock [us 
 That we were born to traffic with ; the truth is, 
 We care not for his company. 
 
 Coris. Musing, Cleora ? 
 
 Olymp. She's studying how to entertain these 
 And to engross them to herself. [strangers, 
 
 Cleo. No, surely ; 
 I will not cheapen any of their wares, 
 Till you have made your market ; you will buy, 
 I know, at any rate. 
 
 Coris. She has given it you. 
 
 Olymp. No more ; they come : the first kiss foe 
 
 this jewel. 
 Flourish of t7'umpetSy Enter Timagokas, Leosthenes, 
 Asotus, Timoleon in black, led in by Archidamus, 
 Diphilus, and Cleon ; followed by Makullo, Grac- 
 cuLo, CiMBRio, and other Slaves. 
 
 Archid. It is your seat : which, with a general 
 suffrage, [Offering Timoleon the state. 
 
 As to the supreme magistrate, Sicily tenders, 
 And prays Timoleon to accept. 
 
 Timol. Such hosiours 
 To one ambitious of rule or titles, 
 Whose heaven on earth is placed in his command, 
 And absolute power o'er others, would with joy, 
 And veins swollen high with pride, be entertain'd. 
 They take not me ; for I have ever loved 
 An equal freedom, and proclaim'd all such 
 As would usurp on others' liberties, 
 Rebels to nature, to whose bounteous blessings 
 All men lay claim as true legitimate sons : 
 But such as have made forfeit of themselves 
 By vicious courses, and their birthright lost 
 'Tis not injustice they are mark'd for slaves. 
 To serve the virtuous. For myself, I know 
 Honours and great employments are great bur- 
 thens, 
 And must require an Atlas to support them. 
 He that would govern others, first should be 
 The master of himself, richly endued 
 With depth of understanding, height of courage. 
 And those remarkable graces which I dare not 
 Ascribe unto myself. 
 
 Archid. Sir, empty men 
 Are trumpets of their own deserts ; but you, 
 That are not in opinion, but in proof. 
 Really good, and full of glorious parts. 
 Leave the report of what you are to fame ; 
 Which, from the ready tongues of all good men. 
 Aloud proclaims you. 
 
 Diph. Besides, you stand bound, 
 Having so large a field to exercise 
 Your active virtues offer'd you, to impart 
 Your strength to such as need it. 
 
gCKNE III, 
 
 THE BONDMAN. 
 
 77 
 
 Timol. 'Tis confess'd : 
 And, since you'll have it so, such as I am, 
 For you, and for the liberty of Greece, 
 I am most ready to lay down my life : 
 But yet consider, men of Syracusa, 
 Before that you deliver up the power, 
 Which yet is yours, to me, — to whom 'tis given ; 
 To an impartial man, with whom nor threats, 
 Nor prayers, shall prevail ; for 1 must steer 
 An even course. 
 
 Archid. Which is desired of all. 
 
 Timol. Timophanes, my brother, for whose 
 death 
 I am tainted in the world, and foully tainted j— 
 In whose remembrance I have ever worn, 
 In peace and war, this livery of sorrow, 
 Can witness for me how much I detest 
 Tyrannous usurpation. With grief, 
 I must remember it ; for, when no persuasion 
 Could win him to desist from his bad practice. 
 To change the aristocracy of Corinth 
 Into an absolute monarchy, I chose rather 
 To prove a pious and obedient son 
 To my country, my best mother, than to lend 
 Assistance to Timophanes, though my brother. 
 That, like a tyrant, strove to set his foot 
 Upon the city's freedom. 
 
 Timag. 'Twas a deed 
 Deserving rather trophies than reproof. 
 
 Leost. And will be still remember'd to your 
 If you forsake not us. [honour, 
 
 Diph. If you free Sicily 
 From barbarous Carthage' yoke, it will be said, 
 In him you slew a tyrant. 
 
 Archid. But, giving way 
 To her invasion, not vouchsafing us 
 That tiy to your protection, aid and comfort, 
 'Twill be believed, that, for your private ends, 
 You kill'd a brother. 
 
 Timol. As I then proceed, 
 To all posterity may that act be crown'd 
 W'ith a deserved applause, or branded with 
 The mark of infamy ! — Stay yet ; ere I take 
 This seat of justice, or engage myself 
 To fight for you abroad, or to reform 
 Your state at home, swear all upon my sword, 
 And call the gods of Sicily to witness 
 The oathyou take, that whatsoe'er I shall 
 Propound for safety of your commonwealth, 
 Not circumscribed or bound in, shall by you 
 Be willingly obey'd. 
 
 Archid. Diph. Clean. So may we prosper. 
 As we obey in all things ! 
 
 Timag. Leost. Asot. And observe 
 All your commands as oracles ! 
 
 Timol. Do not repent it. {^Takes the state. 
 
 Olymp. He ask'd not our consent. 
 
 Coris. He's a clown, I warrant him. 
 
 Olymp. I offer'd myself twice, and yet the churl 
 Would not salute me. 
 
 Coris. Let him kiss his drum 1 
 I'll save my lips, I rest on it. 
 
 Olymp. He thinks women 
 No part of the republic. 
 
 Coris. He shall find 
 We- are a commonwealth. 
 
 Cleo. The less your honour. 
 
 Timol. First, then, a word or two, but without 
 bitterness, 
 (And yet mistak*; me not, I am no flatterer,) 
 
 Concerning your ill government of the state ; 
 In which the greatest, noblest, and most rich, 
 Stand, in the first file, guilty. 
 
 Cleon. Ha ! how's this ? 
 
 IHmol. You have not, as good patriots should 
 do, studied 
 The public good, but your particular ends ; 
 Factious among yourselves, preferring such 
 To offices and honours, as ne'er read 
 The elements of saving policy ; 
 But deeply skill'd in all the principles 
 That usher to destruction. j 
 
 Leost. Sharp ! I 
 
 Timag. The better. | 
 
 Timol. Your senate-house, which used not to 
 A man, however popular, to stand [admit 
 
 At the helm of government, whose youth was not 
 Made glorious by action ; whose experience, 
 Crown'd with gray hairs, gave warrant to his 
 
 counsels, 
 Heard and received with reverence, is now fill'd 
 With green heads, that determine of the state 
 Over their cups, or when -their sated lusts 
 Afford them leisure ; or supplied by those 
 Who, rising from base arts and sordid thrift. 
 Are eminent for their wealth, not for their wisdom : 
 Which is the reason that to hold a place 
 In council, which was once esteera'd an honour, 
 And a reward for virtue, hath quite lost 
 Lustre and reputation, and is made 
 A mercenary purchase. 
 
 Timag. He speaks home. 
 
 Leost. And to the purpose. 
 
 Timol. From whence it proceeds. 
 That the treasure of the city is engross'd 
 By a few private men, the public coffers 
 Hollow with want ; and they, that will not spare 
 One talent for the common good, to feed 
 The pride and bravery of their wives, consume, 
 In plate, and jewels, and superfluous slaves, 
 What would maintain an army. 
 
 Coris. Have at us ! 
 
 Olymp. We thought we were forgot. 
 
 Cleo. But it appears, 
 You will be treated of. 
 
 Timol. Yet, in this plenty. 
 And fat of peace, your young men ne'er were 
 
 train 'd 
 In martial discipline ; and your ships unrigg'd, 
 Rot in the harbour : no defence prepared. 
 But thought unuseful ; as if that the gods, 
 Indulgent to your sloth, hath granted you 
 A perpetuity of pride and pleasure. 
 No change fear'd or expected. Now you find 
 That Carthage, looking on your stupid sleeps, 
 And dull security, was invited to 
 Invade your territories. 
 
 Archid. You have made us see, sir, 
 1*0 our shame, the country's sickness : now, from 
 As from a careful and a wise physician, [you 
 
 We do expect the cure. 
 
 Timol. Old fester' d sores 
 Must be lanced to the quick, and cauterized ; 
 Which born with patience, after I'll apply 
 Soft unguents. For the maintenance of the war, 
 It is decreed all monies in the hand 
 Of private men, shall instantly be brought 
 To the public treasury. 
 
 Timag. This bites sore. 
 
 Cleon, The cure 
 
[8 
 
 THE BONDMAN. 
 
 Is worse than the disease ; I'll never yield to't : 
 
 What could the enemy, though victorious, 
 
 Inflict more on us ? All that my youth hath toil'd 
 
 for. 
 Purchased v^ith industry, and preserved with care. 
 Forced from me in a moment ! 
 
 Diph. This rough course 
 Will never be allow' d of. 
 
 Timol. O blind men ! 
 If you refuse the first means that is offer'd 
 To give you health, no hope's left to recover 
 Your desperate sickness. Do you prize your muck 
 Above your liberties ; and rather choose 
 To be made bondmen, than to part with that 
 To which already you are slaves ? Or can it 
 Be probable in your flattering apprehensions. 
 You can capitulate with the conquerors, 
 And keep that yours which they come to possess. 
 And, while you kneel in vain, will ravish from you? 
 — But take your own ways ; brood upon your gold. 
 Sacrifice to your idol, and preserve 
 The prey entire, and merit the report 
 Of careful stewards : yield a just account 
 To your proud masters, who, with whips of iron, 
 Will force you to give up what you conceal. 
 Or tear it from your throats : adorn your walls 
 With Persian hangings wrought of gold and pearl ; 
 Cover the floors, on which they are to tread, 
 With costly Median silks ? perfume the rooms 
 With cassia and amber, where they are 
 To feast and revel ; while, like servile grooms, 
 You wait upon their trenchers : feed their eyes 
 With massy plate, until your cupboards crack 
 With the weight that they sustain ; set forth your 
 And daughters in as many varied shapes [wives 
 As there are nations, to provoke their lusts, 
 And let them be embraced before your eyes, 
 The object may content you ! and, to perfect 
 Their entertainment, off"er up your sons, 
 And able men, for slaves ; while you, that are 
 Unfit for labour, are spurn'd out to starve, 
 Unpitied, in some desert, no friend by. 
 Whose sorrow may spare one compassionate tear, 
 In the remembrance of what once you were. 
 
 Leost. The blood turns. 
 
 Timag. Observe how old Cleon shakes, 
 As if in picture he had shewn him what 
 He was to suffer. 
 
 Coris. I am sick ; the man 
 Speaks poniards and diseases. 
 
 Olymp. O my doctor ! 
 I never shall recover. 
 
 Cleo. [Coming forward.'] If a virgin. 
 Whose speech was ever yet usher' d with fear ; 
 One knowing modesty and humble silence 
 To be the choicest ornaments of our sex, 
 In the presence of so many reverend men 
 Struck dumb with terror and astonishment, 
 Presume to clothe her thought in vocal sounds, 
 Let her find pardon. First to you, great sir, 
 A bashful maid's thanks, and her zealous prayers 
 Wing'd with pure innocence, bearing them to hea- 
 For all prosperity that the gods can give [ven, 
 
 To one whose piety must exact their care, 
 Thus low I off"er. 
 
 Timol. 'Tis a happy omen. 
 Rise, blest one, and speak boldly. On my virtue, 
 I am thy warrant, from so clear a spring 
 Sweet rivers ever flow. 
 
 IJleo. Then, thus to you, 
 
 My noble father, and these lords, to whom 
 I next owe duty : no respect forgotten 
 To you, my brother, and these bold young men, 
 (Such I would have them,) that are, or should be, 
 The city's sword and target of defence. 
 To all of you I speak ; and, if a blush 
 Steal on my cheeks, it is shown to reprove 
 Your paleness, willingly I would not say. 
 Your cowardice or fear : Think you all treasure 
 Hid in the bowels of the earth, or shipwreck'd 
 In Neptune's wat'ry kingdom, can hold weight. 
 When liberty and honour fill one scale, 
 Triumphant Justice sitting on the beam ? 
 Or dare you but imagine that your gold is 
 Too dear a salary for such as hazard 
 Their blood and lives in your defence ? For me, 
 An ignorant girl, bear witness, heaven ! so far 
 I prize a soldier, that, to give him pay, 
 With such devotion as our flamens offer 
 Their sacrifices at the holy altar, 
 I do lay down these jewels, will make sale 
 Of my superfluous wardrobe, to supply 
 The meanest of their wants. 
 \_Lays down her jewels, Sjc. ; the rest follow her example. 
 
 Timol. Brave masculine spirit ! 
 
 Diph, We are shown, to our shame, what we in 
 Should have taught others. [honour 
 
 Archid. Such a fair example 
 Must needs be foUow'd. 
 
 Timag. Ever my dear sister, 
 But now our family's glory ! 
 
 Leost. Were she deform'd, 
 The virtues of her mind would force a stoic 
 To sue to be her servant. 
 
 Cleon. I must yield ; 
 And though my heart-blood part with it, I will 
 Deliver in my wealth. 
 
 Asot. I would say something ; 
 But, the truth is, I know not what. 
 
 Timol. We have money ; 
 And men must now be thought on. 
 
 Archid. We can press 
 Of labourers in the country, men inured 
 To cold and heat, ten thousand. 
 
 Diph. Or, if need be, 
 Enrol our slaves, lusty and able varlets, 
 And fit for service. 
 
 Cleon. They shall go for me ; 
 I will not pay and fight too. 
 
 Cleo. How ! your slaves ? 
 
 stain of honour ! Once more, sir, your 
 
 pardon ; 
 And, to their shames, let me deliver what 
 
 1 know in justice you may speak. 
 
 Timol. Most gladly : 
 I could not wish my thoughts a better organ 
 Than your tongue, to express them. 
 
 Cleo. Are you men ! 
 (For age may qualify, though not excuse. 
 The backwardness of these,) able young men ! 
 Yet, now your country's liberty's at the stake, 
 Honour and glorious triumph made the garland 
 For such as dare deserve them ; a rich feast 
 Prepared by victory, of immortal viands. 
 Not for base men, but such as with their swords 
 Dare force admittance, and will be her guests : 
 And can you coldly suffer such rewards 
 To be proposed to labourers and slaves ? 
 While you, that are born noble, to whom these. 
 Valued at their best rate, are next to horses. 
 
SCENE I. 
 
 THE BONDMAN. 
 
 Or other beasts of carriage, cry aim ! 
 Like idle lookers on, till their proud worth 
 Make them become your masters ! 
 
 Timol. By my hopes, 
 There's fire and spirit enough in this to make 
 Thersites valiant. 
 
 Cleo, No ; far, far be it from you ; 
 Let these of meaner quality contend 
 Who can endure most labour ; plough the earth, 
 And tliink they are rewarded when their sweat 
 Brings home a fruitful harvest to their lords ; 
 Let them prove good artificers, and serve you 
 For use and ornament, but not presume 
 To touch at what is noble. If you think therp^ 
 Unworthy to taste of those cates you feed on, 
 Or wear such costly garments, will you grant them 
 The privilege and prerogative of great minds. 
 Which you were born to ? Honour won in war, 
 And to be styled preservers of their country, 
 Are titles fit for free and generous spirits, 
 And not for bondmen : had I been born a man. 
 And such ne'er-dying glories made the prize 
 To bold heroic courage, by Diana, 
 I would not to my brother, nay, my father. 
 Be bribed to part with the least piece of honour 
 I should gain in this action ! 
 
 Timol. She's inspired. 
 Or in her speaks the genius of your country, 
 To fire your blood in her defence : I am rapt 
 With the imagination. Noble maid, 
 Timoleon is your soldier, and will sweat 
 Drops of his best blood, but he will bring home 
 Triumphant conquest to you. Let me wear 
 Your colours, lady ; and though youthful heats. 
 That look no further than your outward form, 
 Are long since buried in me ; while I live, 
 I am a constant lover of your mind. 
 That does transcend all precedents. 
 
 Cleo. 'Tis an honour, [Gives her scarf. 
 
 And so 1 do receive it. 
 
 Coris. Plague upon it ! 
 She has got the start of us : I could even burst 
 With ecvy at :-er fortune. 
 
 Olymp. A raw young thing ! 
 We have too much tongue sometimes, our husbands 
 
 say, — 
 And she out-strip us! 
 
 Leosi. I am for the journey. 
 
 Timag. May all diseases sloth and letchery bring, 
 Fall upon him that stays at home ! 
 
 Archid. Though old, 
 I will be there in person. 
 
 Diph. So will I : 
 Methinks I am not what I was ; her words 
 Have made me younger, by a score of years, 
 Than I was when I came hither. 
 
 Cleon. I am still 
 Old Cleon, fat and unwieldy ; I shall never 
 Make a good soldier, and therefore desire 
 To be excused at home. 
 
 Asot. 'Tis my suit too : 
 I am a gristle, and these spider fingers 
 Will never hold a sword. Let us alone 
 To rule the slaves at home : I can so yerk them — 
 But in my conscience I shall never prove 
 Good justice in the war. 
 
 Timol. Have your desires ; 
 You would be burthens to us, no way aids. — 
 Lead, fairest, to the temple ; first we'll pay 
 A sacrifice to the gods for good success : 
 For all great actions the wish'd course do run, 
 That are, with their allowance, well begun. 
 
 [Exeunt all but :Mar. Grac. and Cimb. 
 
 Mar. Stay, Cimbrio and Gracculo. 
 
 Cimb. The business ? 
 
 Mar. Meet roe to-morrow night near to the 
 Neighbouring the east part of the city. [grove, 
 
 Grac. Well. 
 
 Mar. And bring the rest of our condition with 
 you : ^ 
 
 I've something to impart may break our fetters. 
 If you dare second me. 
 
 Cimb. We'll not fail. 
 
 Grac. A cart-rope 
 Shall not bind me at home. 
 
 Mar. Think on't, and prosper. iExeunt. 
 
 ACT 11. 
 
 SCENE I.— The same. A Room in Archi- 
 DAMus's House. 
 
 Enter Archidamus, Timaooras, Leosthknes, with gorgets,- 
 and ISLkRvuM 
 
 Archid. So, so, 'tis well : how do I look ? 
 
 Mar. Most sprightfully. 
 
 Archid. I shrink not in the shoulders ; though 
 I'm old 
 I'm tough, steel to the back ; I have not wasted 
 My stock of strength in feather-beds : here's an 
 
 arm too ; 
 There's stuff in't, and I hope will use a sword 
 As well as any beardless boy of you all. 
 
 Timag. I'm glad to see you, sir, so well prepared 
 To endure the travail of the war. 
 
 Archid. Go to, sirrah ! 
 I shall endure, when some of you keep your cabins, 
 For all your flaunting feathers ; nay, Leosthenes, 
 You are welcome too, all friends and fellows now. 
 
 Leost. Your servant, sir. 
 
 Archid. Pish ! leave these compliments, 
 They stink in a soldier's mouth ; I could be merr/, 
 For, now my gown's off, farewell gravity ! 
 And must be bold to put a question to you, 
 Without offence I hope. 
 
 Leost. Sir, what you please. 
 
 Archid. And you will answer truly ? 
 
 Timag. On our words, sir. 
 
 Archid. Go too, then: I presume you will confess 
 That you are two notorious whoremasters — 
 Nay, spare your blushing, I've been wild myself, 
 A smack or so for physic does no harm ; 
 Nay, it is physic, if used moderately : 
 But to lie at rack and manger 
 
 Leost. Say we grant this. 
 For if we should deny't, you'll not believe us. 
 What will you infer upon it ? 
 
 Archid. What you'll groan for, 
 I fear, when you come to the test. Old stones 
 
 tell us. 
 There's a month call'd October, which brings in 
 
bO 
 
 THE BONDMAN. 
 
 Cold weather ; there arc trenches too, 'tis ru- 
 
 mour'd, 
 In which to stand all night to the knees in water, 
 In gallants breeds the toothach ; there's a sport 
 
 too, 
 Named lying perdue, do you mark me ? 'tis a game 
 Which you must learu to play at : now in these 
 
 seasons, 
 And choice variety of exercises, 
 (Nay, I come to you,) and fasts, not for devotion. 
 Your rambling hunt-smock feels strange alterations; 
 And, in a frosty morning, looks as if 
 He could with ease creep into a pottle-pot. 
 Instead of his mistress' placket. Then he curses 
 The time he spent in midnight visitations ; 
 And finds what he superfluously parted with. 
 To be reported good at length, and well breath'd, 
 If but retrieved into his back again, 
 Would keep him warmer than a scarlet waistcoat, 
 
 Enter Diphilus and Cleora. 
 
 Or an armour lined with fur — O welcome ! 
 
 welcome ! 
 You have cut off my discourse ; but I will perfect 
 My lecture in the camp. 
 
 Diph. Come, we are stay'd for ; 
 The general's afire for a remove, 
 And longs to be in action. 
 
 Archid. 'Tis my wish too. 
 We must part — nay, no tears, my best Cleora ; 
 I shall melt too, and that were ominous. 
 Millions of blessings on thee ! All that's mine 
 I give up to thy charge ; and, sirrah, look 
 
 [To Mabullo. 
 You with that care and reverence observe her. 
 Which you would pay to me. — A kiss ; farewell, 
 
 Diph. Peace wait upon you, fair one ! [girl ! 
 \_Exeunt Abchidamus, Diphilus, and Marullo. 
 
 Timag. 'Twere impertinence 
 To wish you to be careful of your honour, 
 That ever keep in pay a guard about you 
 Of faithful virtues : farewell I — Friend, I leave you 
 To wipe our kisses off; I know that lovers 
 l*art with more circumstance and ceremony : 
 Which I give way to. [Exit. 
 
 Leost. 'Tis a noble favour, 
 For which I ever owe you. We are alone ; 
 But how I should begin, or in what language 
 Speak the unwilling word of parting from you, 
 1 am yet to learn. 
 
 Cleo, And still continue ignorant ; 
 For I must be most cruel to myself. 
 If 1 should teach you. 
 
 Leost. Yet it must be spoken. 
 Or you will chide my slackness. You have fired 
 
 me 
 With the heat of noble action to deserve you ; 
 And the least spark of honour that took life 
 From your sweet breath, still fann'd by it and 
 
 cherish' d. 
 Must mount up in a glorious flame, or I 
 Am much unworthy. 
 
 Cleo. May it not burn here. 
 And, as a seamark, serve to guide true lovers, 
 Toss'd on the ocean of luxurious wishes, 
 Safe from the rocks of lust into the harbour 
 Of pure affection ! rising up an example 
 Which aftertimes shall witness, to our glory, 
 First took from us beginning. 
 
 Leost. 'Tis a happiness 
 
 My duty to my country, and mine honour 
 Cannot consent to ; besides, add to these. 
 It was your pleasure, fortified by persuasion, 
 And strength of reason, for the general good, 
 That I should go. 
 
 Cleo. Alas ! I then was witty 
 To plead against myself ; and mine eye, fix'd 
 Upon the hill of honour, ne'er descended 
 To look into the vale of certain dangers, 
 Through which you were to cut your passage to it. 
 
 Leost. I'll stay at home, then. 
 
 Cleo. No, that must not be ; 
 For so, to serve my own ends, and to gain 
 A petty wreath myself, I rob you of 
 A certain triumph, which must fall upon you, 
 Or Virtue's turn'd a handmaid to blind Fortune. 
 How is my soul divided ! to confirm you 
 In the opinion of the world, most worthy 
 To be beloved, (with me you're at the height. 
 And can advance no further,) I must send you 
 To court the goddess of stern war, who, if 
 She see you with my eyes, will ne'er return you. 
 But grow enamour'd of you. 
 
 Leost. Sweet, take comfort ! 
 And what I offer you, you must vouchsafe me 
 Or I am wretched. All the dangers that 
 I can encounter in the war, are trifles ; 
 My enemies abroad to be contemn'd : 
 The dreadful foes, that have the power to hurt me, 
 I leave at home with you. 
 
 Cleo. With me ! 
 
 Leost. Nay, in you. 
 In every part about you, they are arm'd 
 To fight against me. 
 
 Cleo. Where? 
 
 Leost. There's no perfection 
 That you are mistress of, but musters up 
 A legion against me, and all sworn 
 To my destruction. 
 
 Cleo. This is strange ! 
 
 Leost. But true, sweet ; 
 Excess of love can work such miracles ! 
 Upon this ivory forehead are intrench'd 
 Ten thousand rivals, and these suns comriiand 
 Supplies from all the world, on pain to forfeit 
 Their comfortable beams ; these ruby lips, 
 A rich exchequer to assure their pay : 
 This hand Sibylla's golden bough to guard them 
 Through hell, and horror, to the Elysian springs : 
 Which who'll not venture for? and, should I name 
 Such as the virtues of your mind invite, 
 Their numbers would be infinite, 
 
 Cleo. Can you think 
 I may be tempted } 
 
 Leost. You were never proved. 
 For me, I have conversed with you no further | 
 
 Than would become a brother. I ne'er tuned 
 Loose notes to your chaste ears ; or brought 
 
 rich presents 
 For my artillery, to batter down 
 The fortress of your honour ; nor endeavour'd 
 To make your blood run high at solemn feasts. 
 With viands that provoke ; the speeding philtres . 
 I work'd no bawds to tempt you; never practised 
 The cunning and corrupting arts they study, 
 That wander in the wild maze of desire ; 
 Honest simplicity and truth were all 
 The agents I employ'd ; and when I came 
 To see you, it was with that reverence 
 As I beheld the altars of the gods : 
 
THE BONDMAN. 
 
 81 
 
 And Love, that came along with me, was taught 
 To leave his arrows and his torch behind, 
 Quench'd in my fear to give ofFeuoe. 
 
 Cleo. And 'twas 
 That modesty that took me, and preserves me. 
 Like a fresh rose, in mine own natural sweetness ; 
 Which, sullied with the touch of impure hands, 
 Loses both scent and beauty. 
 
 Leosi. But, Cleora, 
 When I am absent, as I must go from you, 
 (Such is the cruelty of my fate,) and leave you, 
 Unguarded, to the violent assaults 
 Of loose temptations ; when the memory 
 Of my so many years of love and service 
 Is lost in other objects ; when you are courtSH 
 By such as keep a catalogue of their conquests, 
 Won upon credulous virgins ; when nor rather 
 Is here to owe you, brother to advise you, 
 Nor your poor servant by, to keep such off. 
 By lust instructed how to undermine, [senses. 
 And blow your chastity up ; when your weak 
 At once assaulted, shall conspire against you, 
 And play the traitors to your soul, your virtue ; 
 How can you stand ? 'Faith, though you fall, 
 
 and I 
 The judge, before whom you then stood accused, 
 I should acquit you. 
 
 Cleo. Will you then confirm 
 That love and jealousy, though of different natures, 
 Must of necessity be twins ; the younger 
 Created only to defeat the elder, 
 And spoil him of his birthright ? 'tis not well. 
 But being to part, I will not chide, I will not ; 
 Nor with one syllable or tear, express 
 How deeply I am wounded with the arrows 
 Of your distrust : but when that you shall hear. 
 At your return, how I have born myself. 
 And what an austere penance I take on me. 
 To satisfy your doubts ; when, like a Vestal, 
 I show you, to your shame, the fire still burning. 
 Committed to my charge by true afi'ectio.n, 
 The people joining with you in the wonder ; 
 When, by the glorious splendour of my sufferings. 
 The prying eyes of jealousy are struck blind, 
 The monster too that feeds on fears, e'en starv'd 
 For want of seeming matter to accuse me ; 
 Expect, Leosthenes, a sharp reproof 
 From my just anger. 
 
 Leost. What will you do ? 
 
 Cleo. Obey me. 
 Or from this minute you are a stranger to me ; 
 And do't without reply. All-seeing sun. 
 Thou witness of my innocence, thus I close 
 Mine eyes against thy comfortable light, 
 'Till the return of this distrustful man ! 
 Now bind them sure ; — nay, do't : [He binds her 
 
 eyes with her scarf.'] If, uncompell'd, 
 I loose this knot, until the hands that made it 
 Be pleased to untie it, may consuming plagues 
 Fall heavy on me ! pray you guide me to your lips. 
 This kiss, when you come back, shall be a virgin 
 To bid you welcome ; nay, I have not done yet ; 
 I will continue dumb, and, you once gone. 
 No accent shall come from me. Now to my 
 
 chamber. 
 My tomb, if you miscarry : there I'll spend 
 My hours in silent mourning, and thus much 
 Shall be reported of me to my glory. 
 And you confess it, whether I live or die. 
 My chastity triumphs o'er your jealousy. [.Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — The same. A Room in Cleon s 
 
 House. 
 
 Enter AsoTUs driving in Gracpulo, 
 
 Asot. You slave ! you dog ! down, cur. 
 
 Grac. Hold, good young master. 
 For pity's sake ! 
 
 Asot. Now am I in my kingdom : — 
 Who says I am not valiant .-' I begin 
 To frown again : quake, villain ! 
 
 Grac. So I do, sir ; 
 Your looks are agues to me. 
 
 Asot. Are they so, sir ! 
 'Slight, if I had them at this bay that flout me, 
 And say I look like a sheep and an ass, I'd make 
 Feel that I am a lion. [them 
 
 Grac. Do not roar, sir, 
 As you are a valiant beast : but do you know 
 Why you use me thus ? 
 
 Asot. I'll beat thee a little more. 
 Then study for a reason. O ! I have it : 
 One brake a jest on me, and then I swore, 
 (Because I durst not strike him,) when I came 
 
 home. 
 That I would break thy head. 
 
 Grac. Plague on his mirth ! 
 I am sure I mourn for't. 
 
 Asot. Remember too, I charge you, 
 To teach my horse good manners yet ; this morn- 
 As I rode to take the air, the untutor'd jade [ing 
 Threw me, and kick'd me, 
 
 Grac. I thank him for't, iAside 
 
 Asot. W^hat's that ? 
 
 Grac. I say, sir, I will teach him to hold his 
 If you will rule your fingers. [heels, 
 
 Asot. I'll think upon't. 
 
 Grac. I am bruised to jelly : better be a dog, 
 Than slave to a fool or cov/ard. lAside 
 
 Asot. Here's my mother. 
 
 Enter Corisca and Zanthia. 
 She is chastising too : how brave we live, 
 That have our slaves to beat, to keep us in breath 
 When we want exercise ! 
 
 Coris. Careless harlotry, iStriking her. 
 
 Look to't ; if a curl fall, or wind or sun 
 Take my complexion off, I will not leave 
 One hair upon thine head. 
 
 Grac. Here's a second show 
 Of the family of pride ! lAside. 
 
 Coris. Fie on these wars ! 
 I'm starv'd for want of action ; not a gamester left 
 To keep a woman play. If this world last 
 A little longer with us, ladies must study 
 Some new-found mystery to cool one another, 
 We shall burn to cinders else. I have heard there 
 
 have been 
 Such arts in a long vacation ; would they were 
 Reveal'd to me ! they have made my doctor, too, 
 Physician to the army : he was used 
 To serve the turn at a pinch ; but I am now 
 Quite unprovided. 
 
 Asot. My mother-in-law is, sure. 
 At her devotion. 
 
 Coris. There are none but our slaves left. 
 Nor are they to be trusted. Some great women, 
 Which I could name, in a dearth of visitants. 
 Rather than be idle, have been glad to play 
 At small game ; but I am so queasy-stomach'd. 
 And from my youth have been so used to daiuties, 
 
82 
 
 THE BONDMAN. 
 
 I cannot taste such gross meat. Some that are 
 
 hungry- 
 Draw on their shoemakers, and take a fall 
 From such as mend mats in their galleries ; 
 Or when a tailor settles a petticoat on, 
 Take measure of his bodkin ; fie upon't* ! 
 'T's base ; for my part, I could rather lie with 
 A gallant's breeches, and conceive upon them, 
 Than stoop so low. 
 
 Asoi. Fair madam, and my mother. 
 
 Coris. Leave the last out, it smells rank of the 
 country, 
 And shews coarse breeding ; your true courtier 
 
 knows not 
 His niece, or sister, from another woman. 
 If she be apt and cunning. — I could tempt now 
 This fool, but he will be so long a working ! 
 Then he's my husband's son : — the fitter to 
 Supply his wants ; I have the way already, 
 I'll try if it will take. — When were you with 
 Your mistress, fair Cleora ? 
 
 Asot. Two days sithence ; 
 But she's so coy, forsooth, that ere I can 
 Speak a penn'd speech I have bought and studied 
 Her woman calls her away. [for her, 
 
 Coris. Here's a dull thing ! 
 But better taught, I hope. — Send off your man. 
 
 Asot. Sirrah, begone. 
 
 Grac. This is the first good turn 
 She ever did me. \_Aside, and exit 
 
 Coris. We'll have a scene of mirth ; 
 I must not have you shamed for want of practice. 
 I stand here for Cleora, and, do you hear, minion, 
 That you may tell her what her woman should do, 
 Repeat the lesson over that I taught you. 
 When my young lord came to visit me : if you miss 
 In a syllable or posture 
 
 Zant. I am perfect. 
 
 Asot. W^ould I were so ! I fear I shall be out. 
 
 Coris. If you are, I'll help you in. Thus I walk 
 You are to enter, and, as you pass by, [musing : 
 Salute my woman ; — be but bold enough, 
 You'll speed, I warrant you. Begin. 
 
 Asot. Have at it 
 
 Save thee, sweet heart ! a kiss. 
 
 Zant. Venus forbid, sir, 
 I should presume to taste your honour's lips 
 Before my lady. 
 
 Coris. This is well on both parts. 
 
 Asot. How does thy lady ? 
 
 Zant. Happy in your lordship, . 
 As oft as she thinks on you. 
 
 Coris. Very good ; 
 This wench will learn in time. 
 
 Asot. Does she think of me } 
 
 Zant, O, sir ! and speaks the best of you ; ad- 
 mires 
 Your wit, your clothes, discourse ; and swears, 
 
 but that 
 You are not forward enough for a lord, you were 
 The most complete and absolute man, — I'll show 
 Your lordship a secret. 
 
 Asot. Not of thine own ? 
 
 Zant. O ! no, sir, 
 *Tis of my lady : but, upon your honour, 
 You must conceal it. 
 
 Asot. By all means. 
 
 Zant. Sometimes 
 I lie with my lady, as the last night I did ; 
 She could not say her prayers for thinking of you : 
 
 Nay, she talk'd of you in her sleep, and sigh'd out, 
 
 sweet Asotus, sure thou art so backwardy 
 That I must ravish thee ! and in that fervour 
 She took me in her arms, threw me upon her, 
 Kiss'd me, and hugg'd me, and then waked, and 
 Because 'twas but a dream. [wept, 
 
 Coris. This will bring him on. 
 Or he's a block. — A good girl ! 
 
 Asot. I am mad. 
 Till I am at it. 
 
 Zant. Be not put oflf, sir, 
 With, Away, I dare not :—fie, you are immodest ; 
 My brother's up ; — My father will hear. — Shoot 
 
 home, sir. 
 You cannot miss the mark. 
 
 Asot. There's for thy counsel. 
 This is the fairest interlude — if it prove earnest, 
 
 1 shall wish I were a player. 
 
 Coris. Now my turn comes. — 
 I am exceeding sick, pray you send my page 
 For young Asotus, I cannot live without him ; 
 Pray him to visit me ; yet, when he's present, 
 I must be strange to him. 
 
 Asot. Not so, you are caught : 
 Lo, whom you wish ; behold Asotus here ! 
 
 Coris. You wait well, minion ; shortly I shall 
 not speak 
 My thoughts in my private chamber, but they must 
 Lie open to discovery. 
 
 Asot. 'Slid, she's angry. 
 
 Zant. No, no, sir, she but seems so. To her 
 again. 
 
 Asot. Lady, I would descend to kiss your hand. 
 But that 'tis gloved, and civet makes me ?ick ; 
 And to presume to taste your lips not safe, 
 Your woman by. 
 
 Coris. I hope she's no observer 
 Of whom I grace. [Zanthia looks on a book. 
 
 Asot. She's at her book, O rare 1 [Kisses her. 
 
 Coris. A kiss for entertainment is sufficient ; 
 Too much of one dish cloys me. 
 
 Asot. I would serve in 
 The second course ; but still I fear your woman. 
 
 Coris. You are very cautelous. 
 
 [Zanthfa seems to sleep. 
 
 Asot. 'Slight, she's asleep ! 
 'Tis pity these instructions are not printed ; 
 They would sell well to chambermaids. "I'is no 
 
 time now 
 To play with my good fortune, and your favour ; 
 Yet to be taken, as they say : — a scout. 
 To give the signal when the enemy comes, 
 
 [Exit Zanthia. 
 Were now worth gold. — She's gone to watch. 
 A waiter so train'd up were worth a million 
 To a wanton city madam. 
 
 Coris. You are grown conceited. 
 
 Asot. You teach me. Lady, now your cabinet — 
 
 Coris. You speak as it were yours. 
 
 Asot. When we are there, 
 I'll shew you my best evidence. \_Seizing hen 
 
 Coris. Hold ! you forget, 
 I only play Cleora's part. 
 
 Asot. No matter, 
 Now we've begun, let's end the act. 
 
 Coris. Forbear, sir ; 
 Your father's wife ! — 
 
 Asot. Why, being his heir, I am bound, 
 Since he can make no satisfaction to you, 
 To see his debts paid. 
 
SCENE III. 
 
 THE BONDMAN. 
 
 J?3 
 
 Re-enter Zanthia running. 
 Zant. Madam, my lord 
 Coris. Fall off- 
 1 must trifle with the time too, hell confound it ! 
 Asot. Plague on his toothless chaps ! he cannot 
 do't 
 Himself, yet hinders such as have good stomachs. 
 
 Enter Cleon. 
 Cleon. Where are you, wife .' I fain would go 
 abroad, 
 But cannot find my slaves that bear my litter ; 
 I am tired. Your shoulder, son ; — nay, sweet, thy 
 
 hand too : ^ 
 
 A turn or two in the garden, and then to supper, 
 And so to bed. 
 
 Asot. Never to rise, I hope, more. \_Ashle~ 
 
 [_Exmnt. 
 ♦ 
 
 SCENE in.— ^ Grove near the Walls of 
 Syracuse. 
 
 Enter MAnuLLO and Poliphron. A Table set out with 
 toine, ^c. 
 
 Mar. 'Twill take, I w^arrant thee. 
 
 Poliph. You may do your pleasure ; 
 Rut, in my judgment, better to make use of 
 The present opportunity. 
 
 Mar. No more. 
 
 Poliph. I am silenced. 
 
 Mar. More wine ; prithee drink hard, friend, 
 And when we're hot, whatever I propound. 
 
 Enter Cimbrio, Gracculo, and other Slaves. 
 
 Second with vehemence. — Men of your words, all 
 
 welcome ! 
 Slaves use no ceremony ; sit down, here's a health. 
 
 Poliph. Let it run round, fill every man his 
 glass. 
 
 Grac. We look for no waiters ; — this is wine ! 
 
 Mar. The better, 
 Strong, lusty wine : drink deep, this juice will 
 As free as our lords. [make us 
 
 'i_Drinks. 
 
 Grac. But if they find we taste it, 
 We are all damn'd to the quarry during life, 
 Without hope of redemption. 
 
 Mar. Pish ! for that 
 We'll talk anon : another rouse ! we lose time ; 
 
 \_Dri)iks. 
 When our low blood's wound up a little higher, 
 1 '11 offer my design ; nay, we are cold yet ; 
 These glasses contain nothing: — do me right, 
 
 iTakes (he botlle. 
 As e'er you hope for liberty. 'Tis done bravely ; 
 How do you feel yourselves now .'' 
 
 Cimb. I begin 
 To have strange conundrums in my heltd. 
 
 Grac. And I 
 To loath base water : I would be hang'd in peace 
 For one month of such holidays. [now, 
 
 Mar. An age, boys, 
 And yet defy the whip ; if you are men, 
 Or dare believe you have souls. 
 
 Cimb. We are no brokers. 
 
 Grac. Nor whores, whose marks are out of their 
 mouths, they have none ; 
 They hardly can get salt enough to keep them 
 From stinking above ground. 
 
 Mar. Our lords are no gods — ^ o 
 
 Grac. They are devils to us, I am sure. 
 
 Mar. But subject to 
 Cold, hunger, and diseases. 
 
 Grac. In aoundance. 
 Your lord that feels no ache in his chine at twenty, 
 Forfeits his privilege ; how should their surgeons 
 Or ride on their footcloths ? [build else, 
 
 Mar. Equal Nature fashion'd us 
 All in one mould. The bear serves not the bear. 
 Nor the wolf the wolf ; 'twas odds of strength in 
 
 tyrants. 
 That pluck'd the first link from the golden chain 
 With which that Thing of Things bound in the 
 
 world. 
 Why then, since we are taught, by their examples, 
 To love our liberty, if not command, 
 Should the strong serve the weak, the fair, de- 
 
 form'd ones .' 
 Or such as know the cause of things, pay tribute 
 To ignorant fools } All's but the outward gloss, 
 And politic form, that does distinguish us. — 
 Cimbrio, thou art a strong man ; if, in place 
 Of carrying burthens, thou hadst been train'd up 
 In martial discipline, thou might'st have proved 
 A general, fit to lead and fight for Sicily, 
 As fortunate as Timoleon. 
 
 Cimb. A little fighting 
 Will serve a general's turn. 
 
 Mar. Thou, Gracculo, 
 Hast fluency of language, quick conceit ; 
 And, I think, cover'd with a senator's robe, 
 Formally set on the bench, thouwould'st appear 
 As brave a senator. 
 
 Grac. Would I had lands, 
 Or money to buy a place ! and if I did not 
 Sleep on the bench with the drowsiest of them, 
 
 play with my chain. 
 Look on my watch, when my guts chimed twelve, 
 
 and wear 
 A state beard, with my barber's help, rank with 
 
 them 
 In their most choice peculiar gifts ; degrade me, 
 And put me to drink water again, which, now 
 I have tasted wine, were poison ! 
 
 Mar. 'Tis spoke nobly. 
 And like a gownman : none of these, I think too, 
 But would prove good burghers. 
 
 Grac. Hum ! the fools are modest ; 
 I know their insides : here's an ill-faced fellow, 
 (But that will not be seen in a dark shop,) 
 If he did not in a month learn to outswear, 
 In the selling of his wares, the cunning'st trades- 
 man 
 In Syracuse, I have no skill. Here's another. 
 Observe but what a cozening look he has ! — 
 Hold up thy head, man ; if, for drawing gallants 
 Into mortgages for commodities, cheating heirs 
 With your new counterfeit gold thread, and 
 
 gumm'd velvets, 
 He does not transcend all that went before him, 
 Call in his patent : pass the rest ; they'll all make 
 Sufficient beccos, and, with their brow-antlers 
 Bear up the cap of maintenance. 
 
 Mar. Is't not pity, then, 
 Men of such eminent virtues should be slaves .' 
 
 Cimb. Our fortune. 
 
 Mar. 'Tis your folly ; daring men 
 Command and make their fates. Say, at this 
 I mark'd you out a way to liberty ; [instant 
 
 Possesi'd you of those blessings, our proud lords ' 
 
Si 
 
 THE BONDMAN. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 So long have surfeited in ; and, what is sweetest, 
 Arm you with power, by strong hand to revenge 
 Your stripes, your unregarded toil, the pride 
 The insolence of such as tread upon 
 Yuur patient sufferings ; fill your famish'd mouths 
 With the fat and plenty of the land ; redeem you 
 From the dark vale of servitude, and seat you 
 Upon a hill of happiness ; what would you do 
 To purchase this, and more ? 
 
 Grac. Do ! any thing : 
 To burn a church or too, and dance by the light 
 Were but a May-game. [on't, 
 
 Poliph. I have a father living ; 
 But, if the cutting of his throat could work this, 
 He should excuse me. 
 
 Cimb. 'Slight ! I would cut mine own. 
 Rather than miss it ; so I might but have 
 A taste on't ere I die. 
 
 Mar. Be resolute men ; 
 You shall run no such hazard, nor groan under 
 The burthen of such crying sins. 
 
 Cimb. The means ? 
 
 Groc. I feel a woman's longing. 
 
 Poliph. Do not torment us 
 With expectation. 
 
 Mar. Thus, then : Our proud masters, 
 
 And all the able freemen of the city, 
 Are gone unto the wars 
 
 Poliph. Observe but that. 
 
 Mar. Old men, and such as can make no re- 
 Are only left at home [sistance, 
 
 Grac. And the proud young fool. 
 My master — if this take, I'll hamper him. 
 
 Mar, Their arsenal, their treasure, 's in our 
 power, 
 If we have hearts to seize them. If our lords fall 
 In the present action, the whole country's ours ; 
 Say they return victorious, we have means 
 To keep the town against them ; at the worst, 
 To make our own conditions. Now, if you dare 
 Fall on their daughters and their wives, break up 
 Their iron chests, banquet on their I'ich beds, 
 And carve yourselves of all delights and pleasures 
 You have been barr'd from, with one voice cry 
 
 with me. 
 Liberty ! liberty ! 
 
 All. Liberty ! liberty ! 
 
 Mar. Go then, and take possession : use all 
 freedom ; 
 But shed no blood. {^Exeunt Slaves.] — So, this is 
 
 well begun ; 
 But not to be commended, till't be done. iExit. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I. — The same. A Gallery in Archi- 
 DAMUs's House. 
 
 Enter Marullo and Timandra. 
 
 Mar. Why, think you that I plot against my- 
 self ? 
 Fear nothing, you are safe : these thick-skinn'd 
 I use as instruments to serve my ends, [slaves. 
 Pierce not my deep designs ; nor shall they dare 
 To lift an arm against you. 
 
 Timand. With your will. 
 But turbulent spirits, raised beyond themselves 
 With ease, are not so soon laid ; they oft prove 
 Dangerous to him that call'd them up. 
 
 JSlar. 'Tis true. 
 In what is rashly undertook. Long since 
 I have consider'd seriously their natures. 
 Proceeded with mature advice, and know 
 I hold their will and faculties in more awe 
 Than I can do my own. Now, for their license, 
 And riot in the city, I can make 
 A just defence and use : it may appear too 
 A politic prevention of such ills 
 As might with greater violence and danger. 
 Hereafter be attempted ; though some smart for't, 
 It matters not : — however, I'm resolv'd ; 
 And sleep you with security. Holds Cleora 
 Constant to her rash vow ? 
 
 Timand. Beyond belief ; 
 To me, that see her hourly, it seems a fable. 
 By signs I guess at her commands, and serve them 
 With silence ; such her pleasure is, made known 
 By holding her fair hand thus. She eats little, 
 Sleeps less, as I imagine ; once a day 
 I lead her to this gallery, where she walks 
 Some half a dozen turns, and, having offered 
 To her absent saint a sacrifice of sighs, 
 She points back to her prison. 
 
 Mar. Guide her hither. 
 And make her understand the slaves' revolt ; 
 And, with your utmost eloquence, enlarge 
 Their insolence, and rapes done in the city 
 Forget not too, I am their chief, and tell her 
 You strongly think my extreme dotage on her. 
 As I'm Marullo, caused this sudden uproar, 
 To make way to enjoy her. 
 
 Timand. Punctually 
 I will discharge my part. \_Exit. 
 
 Enter Poliphron. 
 
 Poliph. O, sir, I sought you : 
 You've miss'd the best sport ! Hell, I think's broke 
 There's such variety of all disorders, [loose ; 
 
 As leaping, shouting, drinking, dancing, whoring, 
 Among the slaves ; answer'd with crying, howling. 
 By the citizens and their wives ; such a confusion. 
 In a word, not to tire you, as I think, 
 The like was never read of. 
 
 Mar. I share in 
 The pleasure, though I'm absent. This is some 
 Revenge for my disgrace. 
 
 Poliph. But, sir, I fear. 
 If your authority restrain them not. 
 They'll fire the city, or kill one another. 
 They are so apt to outrage ; neither know I 
 Whether you wish it, and came therefore to 
 Acquaint you with so much. 
 
 Mar. I will among them ; 
 But must not long be absent. 
 
 Poliph. At your pleasure. [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — The same. — A Room in the same. 
 Shouts within. Enter Cleora and Timandra. 
 Timand. They are at our gates : my heart ' 
 affrights and horrors 
 
SCENK HI. 
 
 THE BONDMAN. 
 
 85 
 
 Increase each minute. No way left to save us, 
 No flattering hope to comfort us, or means, 
 But miracle, to redeem us from base lust 
 And lawless rapine ! Are there gods, yet suifer 
 Such innocent sweetness to be made the spoil 
 Of brutish appetite ? or, since they decree 
 To ruin nature's masterpiece, of which 
 They have not left one pattern, must they choose, 
 To set their tyranny off, slaves to pollute 
 The spring of chastity, and poison it 
 With their most loath'd embraces ? and of those. 
 He that should offer up his life to guard it, 
 MaruUo, curs'd MaruUo, your own bondman, 
 Purchased to serve you, and fed by your favours ? — 
 Nay, start not : it is he ; he, the grand captain 
 Of these libidinous beasts, that have not left 
 One cruel act undone, that barbarous conquest 
 Tet ever practised in a captive city. 
 He, doating on your beauty, and to have fellows 
 In his foul sin, hath raised these mutinous slaves, 
 Who have begun the game by violent rapes 
 Upon the wives and daughters of their lords : 
 And he, to quench the fire of his base lust. 
 By force comes to enjoy you — do not wring 
 Your innocent hands, 'tis bootless ; use the means 
 That may preserve you. 'Tis no crime to break 
 A vow when you are forced to it ; shew your face. 
 And with the majesty of commanding beauty, 
 Strike dead his loose affections : if that fail, 
 Give liberty to your tongue, and use entreaties ; 
 There cannot be a breast of flesh and blood, 
 Or heart so made of flint, but must receive 
 Impression from your words ; or eyes so stern 
 But, from the clear reflection of your tears. 
 Must melt, and bear them company. Will you not 
 Do these good offices to yourself? poor I, then. 
 Can only weep your fortune : here he comes. 
 
 Enter Marullo, speaking at the door. 
 
 Mar. He that advances 
 A foot beyond this, comes upon my sword : 
 You have had your ways, disturb not mine. 
 
 Timand. Speak gentiy. 
 Her fears may kill her else. 
 
 Mar. Now Love inspire me ! 
 Still shall this canopy of envious night 
 Obscure my suns of comfort ? and those dainties 
 Of purest white and red, which I take in at 
 My greedy eyes, denied my famish'd senses ? — 
 The organs of your hearing yet are open ; 
 And you infringe no vow, though you vouchsafe 
 To give them warrant to convey unto 
 Your understanding parts, the story of 
 A tortured and despairing lover, whom 
 Not fortune but affection marks your slave : — 
 Shake not, best lady ! for believ't, you are 
 As far from danger as I am from force : 
 All violence I shall offer, tends no further 
 Than to relate my sufferings, which I dare not 
 Presume to do, till, by some gracious sign. 
 You shew you are pleased to hear me. 
 
 Timand. If you are, 
 Hold forth your right hand. 
 
 [Cleora holds forth her right hand. 
 
 Mar. So, 'tis done ; and I 
 With my glad lips seal humbly on your foot, 
 My soul's thaniis for the favour : 1 forbear 
 To tell you who I am, what wealth, what honours, 
 I made exchange of, to become your servant : 
 And, though I knew worthy Leosthenes 
 
 (For sure he must be worthy, for whose love 
 You have endured so much) to be my rival ; 
 When rage and jealousy counsell'd me to kill him, 
 WTiich then I could have done with much more 
 
 ease, 
 Than now, in fear to grieve you, I dare speak it, 
 Love, seconded with duty, boldly told me 
 The man I hated, fair Cleora favour'd : 
 And that was his protection. [Cleora bows. 
 
 Timand. See, she bows 
 Her head in sign of thankfulness. 
 
 Mar. He removed by 
 The occasion of the war, (my fires increasing 
 By being closed and stopp'd up,) frantic affection 
 Prompted me to do something in his absence. 
 That might deliver you into my power, 
 Which you see is effected : and, even now. 
 When my rebellious passions chide my dulness, 
 And tell me how much I abuse my fortunes, 
 Now it is in my power to bear you hence, 
 
 [Cleora starts. 
 Or take my wishes here, (nay, fear not, madam. 
 True love's a servant, brutish lust a tyrant,) 
 I dare not touch those viands that ne'er taste well. 
 But when they're freely offer'd : only thus much, 
 Be pleased I may speak in my own dear cause. 
 And think it worthy your consideration, 
 (I have loved truly, cannot say deserved. 
 Since duty must not take the name of merit,) 
 That I so far prize your content, before 
 All blessings that my hope can fashion to me, 
 That willingly I entertain despair, 
 And, for your sake, embrace it : for I know. 
 This opportunity lost, by no endeavour 
 The like can be recover d. To conclude. 
 Forget not that I lose myself to save you : 
 For what can I expect but death and torture. 
 The war being ended ? and, what is a task 
 Would trouble HercvQes to undertake, 
 I do deny you to myself, to give you, 
 A pure unspotted present, to my rival. 
 I have said : If it distaste not, best of virgins, 
 Reward my temperance with some lawful favour. 
 Though you contemn my person. 
 [Cleora kneels, then pulls off her glove, and offers her 
 hand to Marullo. 
 
 Timand. See, she kneels ; 
 And seems to call upon the gods to pay 
 The debt she owes your virtue : to perform which, 
 As a sure pledge of friendship, she vouchsafes you 
 Her fair right hand. 
 
 Mar. I am paid for all my sufferings. 
 Now, when you please, pass to your private cham- 
 ber : 
 My love and duty, faithful guards, shall keep you 
 From all disturbance ; and when you kre sated 
 With thinking of Leosthenes, as a fee 
 Due to my service, spare one sigh for me. 
 
 lExeunt. Cleora makes a low courtesy as she goes off. 
 
 SCENE in.— The same. A Room in Cleon*s 
 
 House. 
 Enter Gracculo, leading Asotus in an ape's habit, with 
 a chain about his neck; Zanthia in Corisca's clothes, 
 she bearing up her train. 
 Grac. Come on, sir. 
 Asot. Oh! 
 
 Grac. Do you grumble ? you were ever 
 A brainless ass ; but if this hold, I'll teach you 
 
00 
 
 THE BONDMAN. 
 
 To come aloft and do tricks like an ape. 
 
 Your morning's lesson : if you miss 
 
 Asot. O no, sir. 
 
 Grac. What for the Carthaginians ' [Asotus 
 makes moppes. ] A good beast. 
 What for ourself, your lord ? [Dances.'\ Exceed- 
 ing well. 
 There's your reward. \_Gives Mm an apple.'] — Not 
 kiss your paw ! So, so, so. 
 Zant. Was ever lady, the first day of her honour, 
 So waited on by a wrinkled crone ? She looks now, 
 Without her painting, curling, and perfumes, 
 Like the last day of January ! and stinks worse 
 Than a hot brache in the dog-days. Further off ! 
 So — stand there like an image ; if you stir, 
 Till, with a quarter of a look, I call you. 
 You know what follows. 
 
 Coris. O, what am I fallen to ! 
 But 'tis a punishment for my lust and pride, 
 Justly return'd upon me. 
 
 Grac. How dost thou like 
 Thy ladyship, Zanthia ? 
 
 Zant. Very well ; and bear it 
 With as much state as your lordship. 
 
 Grac. Give me thy hand : 
 Let us, like conquering Romans, walk in triumph, 
 Our captives following ; then mount our tribunals, 
 And make the slaves our footstools. 
 
 Za7it. Fine, by Jove ! 
 Are your hands clean, minion ? 
 Coris. Yes, forsooth. 
 Zant. Fall off then. 
 So ! now come on ; and, having made your three 
 
 duties 
 
 Down, I say — are you stiff in the hams? — now 
 
 kneel, 
 And tie our shoe : now kiss it, and be happy. 
 Grac. This is state, indeed ! 
 Zant. It is such as she taught me ; 
 A tickling itch of greatness, your proud ladies 
 Expect from their poor waiters : we have changed 
 
 parts ; 
 She does what she forced me to do in her reign, 
 And I must practise it in mine. 
 I Grac. 'Tis justice: 
 I O ! here come more. 
 i 
 I Enter CtMBRio, Clkon, Poliphron, and Olympia. 
 
 ; Cimb. Discover to a drachma, 
 j Or I will famish thee. 
 
 Cleon. O ! I am pined already. 
 I Cimb. Hunger shall force thee to cut off the 
 brawns 
 From thy arms and thighs, then broil them on the 
 
 coals 
 For carbonadoes. 
 
 Poliph. Spare the old jade, he's founder'd. 
 Grac. Cut his throat then. 
 And hang him out for a scarecrow. 
 
 Poliph. You have all your wishes 
 In your revenge, and I have mine. You see 
 I use no tyranny : when I was her slave. 
 She kept me as a sinner, to lie at her back 
 In frosty nights, and fed me high with dainties. 
 Which still she had in her belly again ere morning ; 
 And in requital of those courtesies. 
 Having made one another free, we are married : 
 And, if you wish us joy, join with us iu 
 A dance at our wedding. 
 
 Grac. Agreed ; for I have thought of 
 
 A most triumphant one, which shall express 
 We are lords, and these our slaves. 
 
 Poliph. But we shall want 
 A woman. 
 
 Grac. No, here's Jane-of-apes shall serve ; 
 Carry your body swimming Where's the music ? 
 
 Poliph. I have placed it in yon window. 
 
 Grac. Begin then sprightly. 
 
 [_Music, and then a dance. 
 
 Enter Marullo behind. 
 
 Poliph. Well done on all sides ! I have prepared 
 Let's drink and cool us. [a banquet ; 
 
 Grac. A good motion. 
 
 Cimb. Wait here ; 
 You have been tired with feasting, learn to fast 
 now. 
 
 Grac. I'll have an apple for jack, and may be 
 
 May fall to your share. [some scraps 
 
 ^Exeunt Grac. Zant. Cimb. Poliph. and Olymp, 
 
 Coris. Whom can we accuse 
 But ourselves, for what we suffer ? Thou art just. 
 Thou all-creating Power ! and misery 
 Instructs me now, that yesterday acknowledged 
 No deity beyond my lust and pride. 
 There is a heaven above us, that looks down 
 With the eyes of justice, upon such as number 
 Those blessings freely given, in the accompt 
 Of their poor merits : else it could not be. 
 Now miserable I, to please whose palate 
 The elements were ransack'd, yet complain'd 
 Of nature, as not liberal enough 
 In her provision of rarities 
 
 To sooth my taste, and pamper my proud flesh, 
 Should wish in vain for bread. 
 
 Cleon. Yes, I do wish too. 
 For what I fed my dogs with. 
 
 Coris. I, that forgot 
 I was made of flesh and blood, and thought the silk 
 Spun by the diligent worm out of their entrails, . • 
 Too coarse to clothe me, and the softest down 
 Too hard to sleep on ; that disdain'd to look 
 On virtue being in rags, that stopp'd my nose 
 At those who did not use adulterate arts 
 To better nature ; that from those that served me 
 Expected adoration, am made justly 
 The scorn of my own bondwoman. 
 
 Asot. I am punish'd. 
 For seeking to cuckold mine own natural father : 
 Had I been gelded then, or used myself 
 Like a man, I had not been transform'd, and forced 
 To play an overgrown ape. 
 
 Cleon. I know I cannot 
 Last long, that's all my comfort. Come, I forgive 
 'Tis in vain to be angry ; let us, therefore, [both : 
 Lament together like friends. 
 
 Mar. What a true mirror 
 Were this sad spectacle for secure greatness ! 
 Here they, that never see themselves, but in 
 The glass of servile flattery, might behold 
 The weak foundation upon which they build 
 Their trust in human frailty. Happy are those. 
 That knowing, in their births, they are subject to 
 Uncertain change, are still prepared, and arm'd 
 For either fortune : a rare principle, 
 xiud with much labour learn'd in wisdom's school I 
 For, as these bondmen, by their actions, shew 
 That their prosperity, like too large a sail 
 For their small bark of judgment, sinks them with 
 A fore-right gale of liberty, ere they reach 
 
SCENE IV. 
 
 THE BONDMAN. 
 
 87 
 
 The port they long to touch at ; so these wretches, 
 Swollen with the false opinion of their worth, 
 And proud of blessings left them, not acquired ; 
 That did believe they could with giant arras 
 Fathom the earth, and were above their fates, 
 Those borrow'd helps, that did support them, van- 
 
 ish'd. 
 Fall of themselves, and by unmanly suffering. 
 Betray their proper weakness, and make known 
 Their boasted greatness was lent, not their own. 
 
 Cleon. O for some meat ! they sit long. 
 
 Coris. We forgot. 
 When we drew out intemperate feasts till midnight ; 
 Their hunger was not thought on, nor their^-watch- 
 
 ings; 
 Nor did we hold ourselves served to the height, 
 }3ut when we did exact and force their duties 
 Beyond their strength and power. 
 
 Asot. We pay for't now: 
 I now could be content to have my head 
 Broke with a rib of beef, or for a coffin, 
 Be buried in the dripping-pan. 
 
 Re-enter Poliphron, Cimbrio, Gracculo, ZANTnrA, and 
 Olympia, drunk and quarrelling. 
 
 Cimb. Do not hold me : 
 Not kiss the bride ! 
 
 Pcliph. No, sir. 
 
 Cimb. She's common good. 
 And so we'll use her. 
 
 Grac, We'll have nothing private. 
 
 Mar. [coming forward.] Hold! 
 
 Zant. Here's Marullo. 
 
 Olymp. He's your chief. 
 
 Cimb. We are equals ; 
 I will know no obedience. 
 
 Grac. Nor superior — 
 Nay, if you are lion drunk, I will make one ; 
 For lightly ever he that parts the fray, 
 Goes away with the blows. 
 
 Mar. Art thou mad too ? 
 No more, as you respect me. 
 
 Poliph I obey, sir. 
 
 Mar. Quarrel among yourselves ! 
 
 Cimb. Yes, in our wine, sir. 
 And for our wenches. 
 
 Grac. How could we be lords else ? 
 
 Mar. Take heed ; I've news will cool this 
 heit, and make you 
 Remember what you were. 
 
 Cimb. How ! 
 
 Mar. Send off these. 
 And then I'll tell you. [Zanthia beats Corisca, 
 
 Olymp. This is tyranny. 
 Now she offends not. 
 
 Zant. *Tis for exercise. 
 And to help digestion. What is she good for else ? 
 To me it was her language. 
 
 Mar. Lead her off. 
 And take heed, madam minx, the wheel may turn. 
 Go to your meat, and rest ; and from this hour 
 Remember, he that is a lord to-day, 
 May be a slave to-morrow. 
 
 Cleon. Good morality ! 
 
 \_Exeu7it Cleon. Asot. Zant. Olymp. and CoRis. 
 
 Cimb. But what would you impart ? 
 
 Mar. What must invite you 
 To stand upon your guard, and leave your feasting; 
 Or but imagine what it is to be 
 Most miserable, and rest assured you are so. 
 Our masters are victorious. 
 
 All. How! 
 
 Mar. Within 
 A day's march of the city, flesh'd with spoil, 
 And proud of conquest ; the armado sunk. 
 The Carthaginian admiral, hand to hand, 
 Slain by Leosthenes. 
 
 Ciynb. I feel the whip 
 Upon my back already. 
 
 Grac. Every man 
 Seek a convenient tree, and hang himself. 
 
 Poliph. Better die once, than live an age to 
 New tortures every hour. [suffer 
 
 Cimb. Say, we submit. 
 And yield us to their mercy }— 
 
 Mar. Can you flatter 
 Yourselves with such false hopes ? Or dare you 
 
 think 
 That your imperious lords, that never fail'd 
 To punish with severity petty slips 
 In your neglect of labour, may be won 
 To pardon those licentious outrages 
 Which noble enemies forbear to practise 
 Upon the conquer'd ? What have you omitted, 
 That may call on their just revenge with horror. 
 And studied cruelty } we have gone too far 
 To think now of retiring ; in our courage. 
 And daring, lies our safety : if you are not 
 Slaves in your abject minds, as in your fortunes, 
 Since to die is the worst, better expose 
 Our naked breasts to their keen swords, and sell 
 Our lives with the most advantage, than to trust 
 In a forestall'd remission, or yield up 
 Our bodies to the furnace of their fury, 
 Thrice heated with revenge. 
 
 Grac. You led us on. 
 
 Cimb. And 'tis but justice you should bring us 
 
 Grac. And we expect it. [off. 
 
 Mar. Hear then, and obey me ; 
 And I will either save you, or fall with you. 
 Man the walls strongly, and make good the ports ; 
 Boldly deny their entrance, and rip up 
 Your grievances, and what compell'd you to 
 This desperate course : if they disdain to hear 
 Of composition, we have in our powers 
 Their aged fathers, children, and their wives. 
 Who, to preserve themselves, must willingly 
 Make intercession for us. "lis not time now 
 To talk, but do : a glorious end, or freedom, 
 Is now proposed us ; stand resolved for either, 
 And, like good fellows, live or die together. 
 
 \,ExcunU 
 
 SCENE IV The Country near Syracuse. 
 
 The Camp o/Timoleon. 
 Enter Leosthenes and Timagoras. 
 
 Timag. I am so far from envy, I am proud 
 You have outsti-ipp'd me in the race of honour. 
 O 'twas a glorious day, and bravely won ! 
 Your bold performance gave such lustre to 
 Timoleon's wise directions, as the army 
 Rests doubtful, to whom they stand most engaged 
 For their so great success. 
 
 Least. The gods first honour'd. 
 The glory be the general's ; 'tis far from me 
 To be his rival. 
 
 Timag. You abuse your fortune. 
 To entertain her choice and gracious favours 
 With a contracted brow ; plumed Victory 
 Is truly painted with a cheerful look, 
 
8» 
 
 THE BONDMAN. 
 
 ACT IV, 
 
 Equally distant from proud insolence, 
 And base dejection. 
 
 Leost. O, Timagoras, 
 You only are acquainted with the cause 
 That loads my sad heart with a hill of lead ; 
 Whose ponderous weight, neither my new-got 
 Assisted by the general applause [honour, 
 
 The soldier crowns it with, nor all war's glories, 
 Can lessen or remove : and, would you please, 
 With fit consideration, to remember 
 How much I wrong'd Cleora's innocence 
 With my rash doubts ; and what a grievous penance 
 She did impose upon her tender sweetness, 
 To pluck away the vulture, jealousy, 
 That fed upon my liver ; you cannot blame me, 
 But call it a fit justice on myself, 
 Though 1 resolve to be a stranger to 
 The thought of mirth or pleasure. 
 
 T'mag. You have redeem 'd 
 The forfeit of your fault with such a ransom 
 Of honourable action, as my sister 
 Must of necessity confess her sufferings, 
 Weigh'd down by your fair merits ; and, when she 
 
 views you. 
 Like a triumphant conqueror, carried through 
 The streets of Syracusa, the glad people 
 Pressing to meet you, and the senators 
 Contending who shall heap most honours on you ; 
 The oxen, crown'd with garlands, led before you, 
 Appointed for the sacrifice ; and the altars 
 Smoaking with thankful incense to the gods : 
 The soldiers chanting loud hymns to your praise, 
 The windows fill'd with matrons and with virgins, 
 Throwing upon your head, as you pass by. 
 The choicest flowers, and silently invoking 
 The queen of love, with their particular vows. 
 To be thought worthy of you ; can Cleora 
 (Though, in the glass of self-love, she behold 
 Her best deserts) but with all joy acknowledge, 
 
 What she endured was but a noble trial 
 You made of her affection ? and her anger. 
 Rising from your too amorous cares, soon drench'd 
 In Lethe, and forgotten. 
 
 Leost. If those glories 
 You so set forth were mine, they might plead for 
 But I can lay no claim to the least honour [me ; 
 Which you, with foul injustice, ravish from her. 
 Her beauty in me wrought a miracle, 
 Taught me to aim at things beyond my power. 
 Which her perfections purchased, and gave to me 
 From her free bounties ; she inspired me with 
 That valour which I dare not call mine own ; 
 And, from the fair reflection of her mind, 
 My soul received the sparkling beams of courage. 
 She, from the magazine of her proper goodness, 
 Stock'd me with virtuous purposes ; sent me forth 
 To trade for honour ; and, she being the owner 
 Of the bark of my adventures, I must yield her 
 A just account of all, as fits a factor. 
 And, howsoever others think me happy, 
 And cry aloud, I have made a prosperous voyage ; 
 One frown of her dislike at my return, 
 Which, as a punishment for my fault, I look for, 
 Strikes dead all comfort. 
 
 Timag. Tush 1 these fears are needless ; 
 She cannot, must not, shall not, be so cruel. . 
 A free confession of a fault wins pardon, 
 But, being seconded by desert, commands it. 
 The general is your own, and, sure, my father 
 Repents his harshness ; for myself, I am 
 Ever your creature. — One day shall be happy 
 In your triumph, and your marriage. 
 
 Leost, May it prove so. 
 With her consent and pardon. 
 
 Timag. Ever touching 
 On that harsh string ! She is jomt own, and you 
 Without disturbance seize on what's your due. 
 
 lExeitnt. 
 
 ACT IV, 
 
 SCENE I. — Syracuse. A Room in Archi- 
 DAMUs's House. 
 
 Enter Marullo and Timandra. 
 
 Mar. She has her health, then ? 
 
 Timand. Yes, sir ; and as often 
 As I speak of you, lends attentive ear 
 To all that I deliver ; nor seems tired, 
 Though I dwell long on the relation of 
 Your suff"erings for her, heaping praise on praise 
 On your unequall'd temperance, and command 
 You hold o'er your affections. 
 
 Mar. To my wish : 
 Have you acquainted her with the defeature 
 Of the Carthaginians, and with what honours 
 Leosthenes comes crown'd home with ? 
 
 Timand. With all care. 
 
 Mar. And how does she receive it ? 
 
 Timand. As I guess. 
 With a seeming kind of joy ; but yet appears not 
 Transported, or proud of his happy fortune. 
 But when I tell her of the certain ruin 
 You must encounter with at their arrival 
 In Syracusa, and that death, with torments, 
 Must fall upon you, which you yet repent not, 
 
 Esteeming it a glorious martyrdom, 
 And a reward of pure unspotted love. 
 Preserved in the white robe of innocence. 
 Though she were in your power ; and, still spurr'd 
 By insolent lust, you rather chose to suffer [on 
 The fruit untasted, for whose glad ])Ossession 
 You have call'd on the fury of your lord, 
 Than that she should be grieved, or tainted in 
 
 Her reputation 
 
 Mar. Doth it work compunction ? 
 Pities she my misfortune ? 
 Timand. She express'd 
 All signs of sorrow which, her vow observed. 
 Could witness a grieved heart. At the first hear- 
 ing, 
 She fell upon her face, rent her fair hair. 
 Her hands held up to heaven, and vented sighs 
 In which she silently seem'd to complain 
 Of heaven's injusti-e. 
 
 Mar. 'Tis enough : wait carefully, 
 And, on all watch'd occasions, continue 
 Speech and discourse of me : 'tis time must work 
 her. 
 Timand. I'll not be wanting, but still strive to 
 serve you. [Exit, 
 
FCSNE II. 
 
 THE BONDMAN. 
 
 89 
 
 Enter Poliphron. 
 
 Mar. Now, Poliphron, the news ? 
 
 Poliph. The conquering army 
 Is within ken. 
 
 Mar. How brook the slaves the object ? 
 
 Poliph. Cheerfully yet; they do refuse no 
 labour, 
 And seem to scoff at danger ; 'tis your presence 
 That must confirm them : with a full consent 
 You are chosen to relate the tyranny 
 Of our proud masters ; and what you subscribe to, 
 They gladly will allow of, or hold out 
 To the last man. 
 
 Mar. I'll instantly among them. j^ 
 
 If we prove constant to ourselves, good fortune 
 Will not, I hope, forsake us. 
 
 Poliph. 'Tis our best refage. {.Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE \l.— Before the Walls of Syracuse. 
 
 Enter Timoleon, A.-iohidamus, DrPHiurs, Leosthenes, 
 TiMA'iOKAs, and Soldiers. 
 
 Timol. Thus far we are return'd victorious ; 
 crown'd 
 With wreaths triumphant, (famine, blood, and 
 
 death, 
 Banish'dyour peaceful confines,) and bring home 
 Security and peace. 'Tis therefore fit 
 That such as boldly stood the shock of war, 
 And with the dear expense of sweat and blood 
 Have purchased honour, should with pleasure reap 
 The harvest of their toil : and we stand bound, 
 Out of the first file of the best deservers, 
 (Though all must be consider'd to their merits,) 
 To think of you, Leosthenes, that stand, 
 And worthily, most dear in our esteem, 
 For your heroic valour. 
 
 Archid. When I look on 
 The labour of so many men and ages, 
 This well-bxiilt city, not long since design'd 
 To spoil and rapine, by the favour of 
 The gods, and you, their ministers, preserved, 
 I cannot, in my height of joy, but offer 
 These tears for a glad sacrifice. 
 
 Diph. Sleep the citizens ? 
 Or are they overwhelm'd with the excess 
 Of comfort that flows to them "i 
 
 Leost. We receive 
 A silent entertainment. 
 
 Timag. I long since 
 Expected that the virgins and the matrons, 
 The old men striving with their age, the priests, 
 Carrying the images of their gods before them, 
 Should have met us with procession. — Ha ! the 
 
 gates 
 Are shut against us ! 
 
 Archid. And, upon the walls, 
 Arm'd men seem to defy us ! 
 
 Enter above, on the Walls, ^Iarvi.u), Poliphron, Cimbrio, 
 Gracculo, and other Slaves. 
 
 Diph. I should know 
 These faces : they are our slaves. 
 
 Timag. The mystery, rascals ! 
 Open the ports, and play not with an anger 
 That will consume you. 
 
 Timol. This is above wonder. 
 
 Archid. Our bondmen stand against us I 
 
 Grac. Some such things 
 
 toy'd with your 
 [daughters 
 
 We were in man's remembrance. The slaves are 
 
 turn'd 
 Lords of the town, or so — nay, be not angry : 
 Perhaps, upon good terms, giving security 
 You will be quiet men, we may allow you 
 Some lodgings in our garrets or outhouses : 
 Your great looks cannpt carry it. 
 
 Cimb. The truth is. 
 We've been bold with your wives, 
 
 Leost. O my prophetic soul 1 
 
 Grac. Rifled your chests, 
 Been busy with your wardrobes. 
 
 Timag. Can we endure this ? 
 
 Leost. O my Cleora ! 
 
 Grac. A caudle for the gentleman ; 
 He'll die o' the pip else. 
 
 Timag. Scorn'd too ! are you turn'd stone .*' 
 Hold parley with our bondmen ! force our entrance, 
 Then, villains, expect 
 
 Timol. Hold ! You wear men's shapes, 
 And if, like men, you have reason, shew a cause 
 That leads you to this desperate course, which must 
 In your destruction. [end 
 
 Grac. That, as please the Fates ; 
 But we vouchsafe Speak, captain. 
 
 Timag. Hell and furies ! 
 
 Archid. Bay'd by our own curs ! 
 
 Cimb. Take heed you be not worried. 
 
 Poliph. We are sharp set. 
 
 Cimb. And sudden. 
 
 Mar. Briefly thus, then, 
 Since I must speak for all. — Your tyranny 
 Drew us from our obedience. Happy those times 
 When lords were styled fathers of families. 
 And not imperious masters ! when they number'd 
 Their servants almost equal with their sons. 
 Or one degree beneath them ! when their labours 
 Were cherish'd and rewarded, and a period 
 Set to their sufferings ; when they did not press 
 Their duties or their wills, beyond the power 
 And strength of their performance ! all things 
 With such decorum, as wise lawmakers, [order'd 
 From each well-govern'd private house derived 
 The pei'fect model of a commonwealth. 
 Humanity then lodged in the hearts of men, 
 And thankful masters carefully provided 
 For creatures wanting reason. The noble horse, 
 That, in his fiery youth, from his wide nostrils 
 Neigh'd courage to his rider, and brake through 
 Groves of opposed pikes, bearing his lord 
 Safe to triumphant victory ; old or wounded, 
 Was set at liberty, and freed from service. 
 The Athenian mules, that from the quarry drew 
 Marble, hew'd for the temples of the gods. 
 The great work ended, were dismiss'd, and fed 
 At the public cost ; nay, faithful dogs have found 
 Their sepulchres ; but man, to man more cruel, 
 Appoints no end to the sufferings of his slave ; 
 Since pride stepp'd in and riot, and o'erturn'd 
 This goodly frame of concord, teaching masters 
 To glory in the abuse of such as are 
 Brought under their command ; who, grown un- 
 
 useful. 
 Are less esteem'd than beasts. — This you have 
 
 practised. 
 Practised on us with rigour ; this hath forced us 
 To shake our heavy yokes off ; and, if redress 
 Of these just grievances be not granted us. 
 We'll right ourselves, and by strong hand defend 
 What we are now possessed of. 
 
90 
 
 THE BONDMAN. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 Grac. And not leave 
 One house iinfired. 
 
 Cimb, Or throat uncut of those 
 We have in our power. 
 
 Poiiph. Nor will we fall alone ; 
 You shall buy us dearly. 
 
 Timag. O the gods I 
 Unheard-of insolence ! 
 
 Timol. What are your demands ? 
 
 Mar. A general pardon first, for all offences 
 Committed in your absence. Liberty 
 To all such as desire to make return 
 Into their countries ; and, to those that stay, 
 A competence of land freely allotted 
 To each man's proper use, no lord acknowledged : 
 Lastly, with your consent, to choose them wives 
 Out of your families. 
 
 Timag. Let the city sink first. 
 
 Leost. And ruin seize on all, ere we subscribe 
 To such conditions. 
 
 Archid. Carthage, though victorious, 
 Could not have forced more from us. 
 
 Leost. Scale the walls ; 
 Capitulate after. 
 
 Timol. He that wins the top first 
 Shall v/ear a mural wreath. [_Exeunt. 
 
 Mar. Each to his place. \_Flourish and alarms. 
 
 Or death or victory ! Charge them home, and fear 
 
 not. [£^etm« Mabullo ancf Slaves. 
 
 Re-enter Timoleon, Akchidarius, and Senators. 
 21moL We wrong ourselves, and we are justly 
 punish'd. 
 To deal with bondmen, as if we encounter'd 
 An equal enemy. 
 
 Archid. They fight like devils ; 
 And run upon our swords, as if their breasts 
 Were proof beyond their armour. 
 
 lie-enter Leosthenes and Timaqoras. 
 
 Timag. Make a firm stand. 
 The slaves, not satisfied they have beat us off, 
 Prepare to sally forth. 
 
 Timol. They are wild beasts, 
 And to be tamed by policy. Each man take 
 A tough whip in his hanH, such as you used 
 To punish them with, as masters : in your looks 
 Carry severity and awe ; 'twill fright them 
 More than your weapons. Savage lions fly from 
 The sight of fire ; and these, that have forgot 
 That duty you ne'er taught them with your swords, 
 When, unexpected, they behold those terrors 
 Advanced aloft, that they were made to shake at, 
 'Twill force them to remember what they are, 
 And stoop to due obedience. 
 
 Archid. Here they come. 
 
 Enter, from the dtp, Cjmbrjo, Gracculo, and other Slaves. 
 
 Cimb. Leave not a man alive ; a wound's but a 
 To what we suffer'd being slaves. [flea-biting, 
 
 Grac. O, my heart ! 
 Cimbrio, what do we see ? the whip ! our masters ! 
 
 Timag. Dare you rebel, slaves ! 
 
 12'he Senators shake their whips, the Slaves throw away 
 their weapons, and run off. 
 
 Cimb. Mercy ! mercy ! where 
 Shall we hide us from their fury .' 
 
 Grac. Fly, they follow. 
 O, we shall be tormented ! 
 
 Timol. Enter with them, 
 But yet forbear to kill them : still remember 
 
 They are part of your wealth ; and being disarm'd, 
 There is no danger. 
 
 Archid. Let us first deliver 
 Such as they have in fetters, and at leisure 
 Determine of their punishment. 
 
 Leost. Friend, to you 
 I leave the disposition of what's mine : 
 I cannot think I am safe without your sister, 
 She is only worth my thought ; and, till 1 see 
 What she has suffer'd, I am on the rack, 
 And Furies my tormentors. ^Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III — Syracuse. A Room in Archi- 
 DAMus's House. 
 
 Enter Marullo and Timandra. 
 
 Mar. I know I am pursued ; nor would I fly, 
 Although the ports were open, and a convoy 
 Ready to bring me off: the baseness of 
 These villains, from the pride of all my hopes. 
 Hath thrown me to the bottomless abyss 
 Of horror and despair : had they stood firm, 
 I could have bought Cleora's free consent 
 With the safety of her father's life, and brother's ; 
 And forced Leosthenes to quit his claim, 
 And kneel a suitor for me. 
 
 Timand. You must not think 
 Vv'^hat might have been, but what must now be 
 
 practised, 
 And suddenly resolve. 
 
 Mar. All my poor fortunes 
 Are at the stake, and I must run the hazard. 
 Unseen, convey me to Cleora's chamber ; 
 For in her sight, if it were possible, 
 I would be apprehended : do not enquire 
 The reason why, but help me. {^Knocking within. 
 
 Timand. Make haste, — one knocks. 
 
 'iExit Marullo. 
 Jove turn all to the best ! 
 
 Enter Leosthenes. 
 
 You are welcome, sir. 
 
 Leost. Thou giv'st it in a heavy tone. 
 
 Timand. Alas ! sir, 
 We have so long fed on the bread of sorrow, 
 Drinking the bitter water of aflaictions. 
 Made loathsome too by our continued fears, 
 Comfort's a stranger to us. 
 
 Leost. Fears ! your sufferings : — 
 For which I am so overgone with grief, 
 I dare not ask, without compassionate tears, 
 The villain's name that robb'd thee of thy honour : 
 For being train'd up in chastity's cold school, 
 And taught by such a mistress as Cleora, 
 'Twere impious in me to think Timandra 
 Fell with her own consent. 
 
 Timand. How mean you, fell, sir.'' 
 I understand you not. 
 
 Leost. I would thou did'st not, 
 Or that I could not read upon thy face, 
 In blushing characters, the story of 
 Libidinous rape : confess it, for you stand not 
 Accountable for a sin, against whose strength 
 Your o'ermatch'd innocence could make no resist- 
 Under which odds, I know, Cleora fell too, [ance ; 
 Heaven's help in vain invoked ; the amazed sun 
 Hiding his face behind a mask of clouds, 
 Nor daring to look on it ! In her sufferings 
 All sorrow's comprehended : what Timandra, 
 
SCENE III. 
 
 THE BONDMAN. 
 
 91 
 
 Or the city, has endured, her loss consider'd, 
 Deserves not to be named. 
 
 Timand. Pray you, do not bring, sir, 
 In the chimeras of your jealous fears, 
 New monsters to affright us. 
 
 Leost. O, Timandra, 
 That I had faith enough but to believe thee ! 
 I should receive it witli a joy beyond 
 Assurance of Elysian shades hereafter, 
 Or all the blessings, in this life, a mother 
 Could wish her children crown'd with — but I must 
 Credit impossibilities ; yet I strive [not 
 
 To find out that whose knowledge is a curse, 
 And ignorance a blessing. Come, discover^ 
 "What kind of look he had that forced thy lady, 
 (Thy ravisher I will enquire at leisure,) 
 That when, hereafter, I behold a stranger 
 But near him in aspect, I may conclude. 
 Though men and angels should proclaim him 
 He is a hell-bred villain. [honest, 
 
 Timand. You are unworthy 
 To know she is preserved, preserved untainted : 
 Sorrow, but ill bestow'd, hath only made 
 A rape upon her comforts in your absence. 
 Come forth, dear madam. {Leads in Clkora. 
 
 Leost. Ha ! IKneels. 
 
 Timand. Nay, she deserves 
 The bending of your heart ; that, to content you. 
 Has kept a vow, the breach of which a Vestal, 
 Though the infringing it had call'd upon her 
 A living funeral, must of force have shrunk at. 
 No danger could compel her to dispense with 
 Her cruel penance, though hot lust came arm'd 
 To seize upon her ; when one look or accent 
 Might have redeem'd her. 
 
 Leost. Might ! O do not shew me 
 A beam of comfort, and straight take it from me. 
 The means by which she was freed ? speak, O 
 
 speak quickly ; 
 Each minute of delay's an age of torment ; 
 
 speak, Timandra. 
 
 Timand. Free her from her oath ; 
 Herself can best deliver it. 
 
 Leost. O blest office ! \_Unbinds her eyes . 
 
 Never did galley-slave shake off his chains, 
 Or look'd on his redemption from the oar, 
 With such true feeling of delight, as now 
 
 1 find myself possess'd of. — Now I behold 
 True light indeed ; for, since these fairest stars, 
 Cover'd with clouds of your determinate will. 
 Denied their influence to my optic sense. 
 
 The splendour of the sun appear'd to me 
 But as some little glimpse of his bright beams 
 Convey'd into a dungeon, to remember 
 The dark inhabitants there, how much they wanted. 
 Open these long-shut lips, and strike mine ears 
 With music more harmonious than the spheres 
 Yield in their heavenly motions : and if ever 
 A true submission for a crime acknowledged. 
 May find a gracious hearing, teach your tongue, 
 In the first sweet articulate sounds it utters. 
 To sign my wish'd-for pardon. 
 
 Cleo. I forgive you. 
 
 Leost. How greedily I receive this ! Stay, best 
 And let me by degrees ascend the height [lady. 
 Of human happiness ! all at once deliver'd, 
 The torrent of my joys will overwhelm me : — 
 So ! now a little more ; and pray excuse me. 
 If, like a wanton epicure, I desire 
 The pleasant taste these cates of comfort yield me, 
 
 Should not too soon be swallow'd. Have you not, 
 By your unspotted truth I do conjure you 
 To answer truly, suffer'd in your honour, 
 By force, I mean, for in your will I free you, 
 Since I left Syracusa ? 
 
 Cleo. I restore 
 This kiss, so help me goodness ! which I borrow'd, 
 When I last saw you, 
 
 Leost. Miracle of virtue ! 
 One pause more, I beseech you : I am like 
 A man whose vital spirits consumed and wasted 
 With a long and tedious fever, unto whom 
 Too much of a strong cordial, at once taken, 
 Brings death, and not restores him. Yet I cannot 
 Fix here ; but must enquire the man to whom 
 I stand indebted for a benefit, 
 Which to requite at full, though in this hand 
 I grasp all sceptres the world's empire cows to. 
 Would leave me a poor bankrupt. Name him, lady ! 
 If of a mean estate, I'll gladly part with 
 My utmost fortunes to him ; but if noble, 
 In thankful duty study how to serve him ; 
 Or if of higher rank, erect him altars. 
 And as a god adore him. 
 
 Cleo. If that goodness. 
 And noble temperance, the queen of virtues. 
 Bridling rebellious passions, to whose sway, 
 Such as have conquer'd nations have lived slaves, 
 Did ever wing great minds to fly to heaven, 
 He, that preserved mine honour, may hope boldly 
 To fill a seat among the gods, and shake off 
 Our frail corruption. 
 
 Leost. Forward. 
 
 Cleo. Or if ever 
 The Powers above did mask in human shapes. 
 To teach mortality, not by cold precepts 
 Forgot as soon as told, but by examples, 
 To imitate their purcness, and draw near 
 To their celestial natures, I believe 
 He's more than man. 
 
 Leost. You do describe a wonder. 
 
 Cleo. Which will encrease, when you shall un- 
 He was a lover. [derstand 
 
 Leost. Not yours, lady ? 
 
 Cleo. Yes; 
 Loved me, Leosthenes ; nay, more, so doted, 
 (If e'er affections scorning gross desires 
 May without wrong be styled so,) that he durst not. 
 With an immodest syllable or look, 
 In fear it might take from me, whom he made 
 The object of his better part, discover 
 I was the saint he sued to. 
 
 Leost. A rare temper ! 
 
 Cleo. I cannot speak it to the worth : all praise 
 I can bestow upon it will appear 
 Envious detraction. Not to rack you further, 
 Yet make the miracle full, though, of all men, 
 He hated you, Leosthenes, as his rival. 
 So high yet he prized my content, that, knowing 
 You were a man I favour'd, he disdain'd not. 
 Against himself, to serve you. 
 
 Leost. You conceal still 
 The owner of these excellencies. 
 
 Cleo. 'Tis Marullo, 
 My father's bondman. 
 
 Leost. Ha, ha, ha ! 
 
 Cleo. Why do you laugh ? 
 
 Leost. To hear the labouring mountain of jaxxx 
 praise 
 Deliver'd of a mouse. 
 
92 
 
 THE BONDMAN. 
 
 Cleo. The man deserves not 
 This scorn, I can assure you. 
 
 Least. Do you call 
 What was his duty, merit ? 
 
 Cleo. Yes, and place it 
 As high in my esteem, as all the honours 
 Descended from your ancestors, or the glory, 
 Which you may call your own, got in this action, 
 In which, I must confess, you have done nobly ; 
 And I could add, as I desired, but that 
 I fear 'twould make you proud. 
 
 Leost. Why, lady, can you 
 Be won to give allowance, that your slave 
 Should dare to love you ? 
 
 Cleo. The immortal gods 
 Accept the meanest altars, that are raised 
 By pure devotions ; and sometimes prefer 
 An ounce of frankincense, honey or milk, 
 Before whole hecatombs, or Sabsean gums, 
 Offer'd in ostentation. — Are you sick 
 Of your old disease ! I'll fit you. \_Aside. 
 
 Leost. You seem moved. 
 
 Cleo. Zealous, I grant, in the defence of virtue. 
 Why, good Leosthenes, though I endured 
 A penance for your sake, above example ; 
 I have not so far sold myself, I take it, 
 To be at your devotion, but I may 
 Cherish desert in others, where I find it. 
 How would you tyrannize, if you stood possess'd of 
 That which is only yours in expectation, 
 That now prescribe such hard conditions to me } 
 
 Least. One kiss, and I am silenced. 
 
 Cleo. I vouchsafe it ; 
 Yet, I must tell you 'tis a favour that 
 Marullo, when I was his, not mine own. 
 Durst not presume to ask : no ; when the city 
 Bow'd humbly to licentious rapes and lust. 
 And when I was, of men and gods forsaken, 
 Deliver'd to his power, he did not press me 
 To grace him with one look or syllable. 
 Or urged the dispensation of an oath 
 Made for your satisfaction : — the poor wretch. 
 Having related only his own sufferings. 
 And kiss'd my hand, which I could not deny him, 
 Defending me from others, never since 
 Solicited my favours. 
 
 Leost. Pray you end : 
 The story does not please me. 
 
 Cleo. Well, take heed 
 Of doubts and fears ; — for know, Leosthenes, 
 A greater injury cannot be offer'd 
 To innocent chastity, than unjust suspicion. 
 I love Marullo's fair mind, not his person ; 
 Let that secure you. And I here command you, 
 If I have any power in you, to stand 
 Between him and all punishment, and oppose 
 
 His temperance to his folly ; if you fail 
 
 No more ; I will not threaten. ^ExU. 
 
 Leost. What a bridge 
 Of glass I walk upon, over a river 
 Of certain ruin, mine own weighty fears [helps, 
 Cracking what should support me ! and those 
 Which confidence lends to others, are from me 
 Ravish'd by doubts, and wilful jealousy. lExit. 
 
 SCENE YV.— Another Room in the same. 
 Enter Timagoras, Cleon, Asotus, Corisca, and Olympia. 
 Clean. But are you sure we are safe ? 
 Timaff. You need not fear ; 
 
 They are all under guard, their fangs pared off : 
 The wounds their insolence gave you, to be cured 
 With the balm of your revenge. 
 
 Asot. And shall I be 
 The thing I was born, my lord ? 
 
 Timag. The same wise thing. 
 'Slight, what a beast they have made thee ! 
 Produced the like. [Africk never 
 
 Asot. I think so : — nor the land 
 Where apes and monkeys grow, like crabs and 
 
 walnuts. 
 On the same tree. Not all the catalogue 
 Of conjurers or wise women bound together 
 Could have so soon transform'd me, as my rascal 
 Did with his whip ; for not in outside only. 
 But in my own belief, I thought myself 
 As perfect a baboon 
 
 Timag. An ass thou wert ever. 
 
 Asot. And would have given one leg, with all 
 my heart, 
 For good security to have been a man 
 After three lives, or one and twenty years, 
 Though I had died on crutches. 
 
 Cleon. Never varlets 
 So triumph'd o'er an old fat man : I was famish'd. 
 
 Timag. Indeed you are fallen away. 
 
 Asot. Three years of feeding 
 On cullises and jelly, though his cooks 
 Lard all he eats with marrow, or his doctors 
 Pour in his mouth restoratives as he sleeps, 
 Will not recover him. 
 
 Timag. But your ladyship looks 
 Sad on the matter, as if you had miss'd 
 Your ten-crown amber possets, good to smooth 
 The cutis, as you call it, and prepare you 
 Active, and high, for an afternoon's encounter 
 With a rough g-amester, on your couch. Fie on't ! 
 You are grown thrifty, smell like other women ; 
 The college of physicians have not sat. 
 As they were used, in counsel, how to fill 
 The crannies in your cheeks, or raise a rampire 
 With mummy, ceruses, or infants' fat, 
 To keep off age and time. 
 
 Coris. Pray you, forbear ; 
 I am an alter'd woman. 
 
 Timag. So it seems ; 
 A part of your honour's ruff stands out of rank 
 too. 
 
 Coris. No matter, I have other thoughts. 
 
 Timag. O strange ! 
 Not ten days since it would have vex'd you more 
 Than the loss of your good name : pity, this cure 
 For your proud itch came no sooner ! Marry, 
 Seems to bear up still. [Olympia 
 
 Olymp. I complain not, sir ; 
 I have borne my fortune patiently. 
 
 Timag. Thou wert ever 
 An excellent bearer ; so is all your tribe, 
 If you may choose your carriage. 
 
 Enter Leosthenes and Diphilus wilh a Guard. 
 
 How now, friend ! 
 Looks our Cleora lovely ? 
 
 Leost. In my thoughts, sir. 
 
 Timag. But why this guard ? 
 
 Diph. It is Timoleon's pleasure : 
 The slaves have been examin'd, and confess 
 Their riot took beginning from your house ; 
 And the first mover of them to rebellion. 
 Your slave Marullo. lExeunt Diph. and Guard. 
 
SCUNB 1. 
 
 THE BONDIVIAN. 
 
 C3 
 
 Leost. Hh ! I more than fear. 
 Timag. They may search boldly. 
 
 Enter Timandra, speaking to the Guard wllhin. 
 Timand. You are unmanner'd grooms, 
 To pry into my lady's private lodgings ; 
 There's no Marullos there. 
 
 Re-enter Diphilus, and Guard with Marullo. 
 
 Timag. Now I suspect too. 
 Where found you him ? 
 
 Diph. Close hid in your sister's chamber. 
 
 Timag. Is that the villain's sanctuary ? 
 
 Leost. This confirms ^ 
 
 All she deliver'd false. 
 
 Timag. But that I scoin 
 To rust my good sword in thy slavish blood, 
 Thou now wert dead. 
 
 Mar. He's more a slave than fortune 
 Or misery can make me, that insults 
 Upon unweapon'd innocence. 
 
 Timag. Prate, you dog ! 
 
 Mar. Curs snap at lions in the toil, whose looks 
 Frighted them, being free. 
 
 Timag. As a wild beast, 
 Drive him before you. 
 Mar. O divine Cleora ! 
 Leost. Dar'st thou presume to name her ? 
 Mar. Yes, and love her ; 
 And may say, have deserved her. 
 
 Timag. Stop his mouth. 
 Load him with irons too. 
 
 \_Exit Guard with Marullo. 
 Cieon. I am deadly sick 
 To look on him. 
 
 Asot. If he get loose, I know it, 
 I caper like an ape again : I feel 
 The whip already. 
 
 Timand. This goes to my lady. lExit. 
 
 Timag. Come, cheer you, sir; we'll urge his 
 punishment 
 To the full satisfaction of your anger. 
 
 Leost. He is not worth my thoughts. No 
 corner left 
 In all the spacious rooms of my vex'd heart. 
 But is fill'd with Cleora : and the rape 
 j She has done upon her honour, with my wrong, 
 1 The heavy burthen of my sorrow's song. iExeunt. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I. — The same. A Room, in Archi- 
 DAMUs's House. 
 
 Enter Archidamus and Cleora. 
 
 Archid. Thou art thine own disposer. Were 
 his honours 
 And glories centupled, as I must confess, 
 Leosthenes is most worthy, yet I will not, 
 However I may counsel, force affection. 
 
 Cleo. It needs not, sir ; I prize him to his 
 worth. 
 Nay, love him truly ; yet would not live slaved 
 To his jealous humours : since, by the hopes of 
 
 heaven. 
 As I am free from violence, in a thought 
 I am not guilty. 
 
 Archid. 'Tis believed, Cleora ; 
 And much the rather, our great gods be praised 
 In that I find, beyond my hopes, no sii^n [for't ! 
 Of riot in my house, but all things order'd, 
 As if I had been present. 
 
 Cleo. May that move you 
 To pity poor Marullo ! 
 
 Archid. 'Tis my purpose 
 To do him all the good I can, Cleora ; 
 But this offence, being against the state. 
 Must have a public trial. In the mean time, 
 Be careful of yourself, and stand engaged 
 No further to Leosthenes, than you may 
 Come off with honour ; for, being once his wife. 
 You are no more your own, nor mine, but must 
 Resolve to serve, and suffer his commands, 
 And not dispute them : — ere it be too late. 
 Consider it duly. I must to the senate. lExit. 
 
 Cleo. I am much distracted : in Leosthenes, 
 I can find nothing justly to accuse. 
 But his excess of love, which I have studied 
 To cure with more than common means ; yet still 
 It grows upon him. And, if I may call 
 My sufferings merit, I stand bound to think on 
 
 Marullo's dangers — though I save his life, 
 His love is unrewarded : — I confess. 
 Both have deserved me ; yet, of force, must be 
 Unjust to one ; such is my destiny. — 
 
 Enter Timandra. 
 
 How now ! whence flow these tears ? 
 
 Timand. I have met, madam. 
 An object of such cruelty, as would force 
 A savage to compassion. 
 
 Cleo. Speak, what is it ? 
 
 Timand. Men pity beasts of rapine, if o'er- 
 match'd. 
 Though baited for their pleasure ; but these 
 
 nionsi;ers. 
 Upon a man that can make no resistance, 
 Are senseless in their tyranny. Let it be granted, 
 Marullo is a slave, he's still a man ; 
 A capital offender, yet in justice 
 Not to be tortur'd, till the judge pronounce 
 His punishment. 
 
 Cleo. Where is he ? 
 
 Timand. Dragg'd to prison 
 With more than barbarous violence ; spurn'd and 
 By the insulting officers, his hands [spit on 
 
 Pinion'd behind his back ; loaden with fetters : 
 Yet, with a saint-like patience, he still offers 
 His face to their rude buffets. 
 
 Cleo. O my grieved soul ! — 
 By whose command ? 
 
 Timand. It seems, my lord your brother's, 
 For he's a looker-on ; and it takes from 
 Honour'd Leosthenes, to suffer it, 
 For his respect to you, whose name in vain 
 The grieved wretch loudly calls on. 
 
 Cleo. By Diana, 
 'Tis base in both; and to their teeth I'll tell 
 
 them 
 That I am wrong'd in't. \_Qoing fvrtli. 
 
 Timand. What will you do ? 
 
04 
 
 THE BONDMAN. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 Cleo. In person 
 Visit and comfort him. 
 
 Timand. That will bring fuel 
 To the jealous fires which burn too hot already 
 In lord Leosthenes. 
 
 Cleo. Let them consume him ! 
 I am mistress of myself. Where cruelty reigns, 
 There dwells nor love, nor honour. \_Exit. 
 
 Timand. So ! it works. 
 Though hitherto I have run a desperate course 
 To serve my brother's purposes, now 'tis fit 
 
 Enter Leosthenes aud Timagoras. 
 
 I study mine own ends. They come : — assist me 
 In these my undertakings, Love's great patron, 
 As my intents are honest ! 
 
 Leost. 'Tis my fault : 
 Distrust of others springs, Timagoras, 
 From diffidence in ourselves : but I will strive. 
 With the assurance of my worth and merits, 
 To kill this monster, jealousy. 
 
 Timag. 'Tis a guest. 
 In wisdom, never to be entertain'd 
 On trivial probabilities ; but, when 
 He does appear in pregnant proofs, not fashion'd 
 By idle doubts and fears, to be received : 
 They make their own horns that are too secure, 
 As well as such as give them growth and being 
 From mere imagination. Though I prize 
 Cleora's honour equal with mine own, 
 And know what large additions of power 
 This match brings to our family, I prefer 
 Our friendship, and your peace of mind so far 
 Above my own respects, or hers, that if 
 She hold not her true value in the test, 
 'Tis far from my ambition, for her cure 
 That you should wound yourself. 
 
 Timand. This argues for me. lAsHe. 
 
 Timag. Why she should be so passionate for a 
 bondman, 
 Falls not in compass of my understanding, 
 But for some nearer interest : or he raise 
 This mutiny, if he loved her, as, you say, 
 She does confess he did, but to enjoy, 
 By fair or foul play, what he ventured for, 
 To me's a riddle. 
 
 Leost. Pray you, no more ; already 
 I have answered that objection, in my strong 
 Assurance of her virtue. 
 
 Timag. 'Tis unfit then. 
 That I should press it further. 
 
 Timand. Nov; 1 must 
 Make in, or all is lost. [Rushes forward distractedly. 
 
 Timag. What would Timandra? 
 
 Leost. How wild she looks ! How is it with thy 
 lady ? 
 
 Timag. Collect thyself, and speak. 
 
 Timand. As you are noble. 
 Have pity, or love piety. — Oh ! 
 
 Leost. Take breath. 
 
 Timag. Out with it boldly. 
 
 Timand. O, the best of ladies, 
 1 fear, is gone for ever. 
 
 Leost. Who, Cleora .'* 
 
 Timag. Deliver, how } 'Sdeath, be a man, sir! 
 — Speak. 
 
 Timand. Take it then in as many sighs as words, 
 My lady 
 
 Timag. What of her ? 
 
 Timand. No sooner heard 
 
 Marullo was imprison'd. but she fell 
 Into a deadly swoon. 
 
 Timag. But she recover'd : 
 Say so, or he will sink too ; hold, sir ; fie I 
 This is unmanly. 
 
 Timand. Brought again to life, 
 But with much labour, she awhile stood silent, 
 Yet in that interim vented sighs, as if 
 They labour'd, from the prison of her flesh, 
 To give her grieved soul freedom. On the sudden, 
 Transported on the wings of rage and sorrow^ 
 She flew out of the house, and, unattended, 
 Enter'd the common prison. 
 
 Leost. This confirms 
 What but before I fear'd. 
 
 Timand. There you may find her ; 
 And, if you love her as a sister 
 
 Timag. Damn her ! 
 
 Timand. Or you respect her safety as a lover, 
 Procure MaruUo's liberty. 
 
 Timag. Impudence 
 Beyond expression ! 
 
 Leost. Shall I be a bawd 
 To her lust, and my dishonour? 
 
 Timand. She'll run mad, else, 
 Or do some violent act upon herself: 
 My lord, her father, sensible of her sufferings. 
 Labours to gain his freedom. 
 
 Lso'it. O, the devil! 
 Has she bewitch'd him too ? 
 
 Timag. I'll hear no more. 
 Come, sir, we'll follow her ; and if no persuasion 
 Can make her take again her natural form. 
 Which by lust's powerful spell she has cast off, 
 This sword shall disenchant her. 
 
 Leost. O my heart-strings ! 
 
 lExeimt Leosthenes and Timagoras. 
 
 Timand. I knew 'twould take. Pardon me, fair 
 Cleora, 
 Though I appear a traitress ; which thou wilt do, 
 In pity of my woes, when I make known 
 My lawful claim, and only seek mine own. lExit. 
 
 SCENE II. — A Prison. Marullo discovered 
 in chains. 
 
 Enter Cleora and Gaoler. 
 
 Cleo. There's for your privacy. Stay, unbind 
 
 Gaol. I dare not, madam. [his hands. 
 
 Cleo. I will buy thy danger. 
 Take more gold ; — do not trouble me with thanks, 
 I do suppose it done. lExlt Gaoler 
 
 Mar. My better angel 
 Assumes this shape to comfort me. and wisely ; 
 Since, from the choice of all celestial figures. 
 He could not take a visible form so full 
 Of glorious sweetness. \_Kneels. 
 
 Cleo. Rise. I am flesh and blood. 
 And do partake thy tortures. 
 
 Mar. Can it be. 
 That charity should persuade you to descend 
 So far from your own height, as to vouchsafe 
 To look upon my sufferings .'' How I bless 
 My fetters now, and stand engaged to fortune 
 For my captivity — no, my freedom, rather ! 
 For who dare think that place a prison, which 
 You sanctify with your presence .' or believe, 
 Sorrow has power to use her sting on him. 
 That is in your compassion arm'd, and made 
 
SCE.VE III. 
 
 TFIE BONDMAN. 
 
 95 
 
 Impregnable, though tyranny raise at once 
 All engines to assault him ? 
 
 Clen. Indeed virtue, 
 With which you have made evident proofs that 
 
 you 
 Are strongly fortified, cannot fall, though shaken 
 With the shock of fierce tempta-tions ; but still 
 
 triumphs 
 In spite of opposition. For myself, 
 I may endeavour to confirm your goodness, 
 (A sure retreat, which never will deceive you,) 
 And with unfeigned tears express my sorrow 
 For what I cannot help. 
 
 Mar. Do you weep for me ! 
 O, save that precious balm for nobler uses : -"^ 
 I am unworthy of the smallest drop, 
 Which, in your prodigality of pity. 
 You throw away on me. Ten of these pearls 
 Were a large ransom to redeem a kingdom 
 From a consuming plague, or stop heaven's ven- 
 geance, 
 Call'd down by crying sins, though, at that instant, 
 In dreadful flashes falling on the roofs 
 Of bold blasphemers. I am justly punish 'd 
 For my intent of violence to such pureness ; 
 And all the torments flesh is sensible of, 
 A soft and gentle penance. 
 
 Cleo. Which is ended 
 In this your free confession. 
 
 Enter Leosthenes and Timagoras behind, 
 
 Leost. What an object 
 Have I encountered ! 
 
 Timag. I am blasted too : 
 Yet hear a little further. 
 
 Mar. Could I expire now, 
 These white and innocent hands closing my eyes 
 
 thus, 
 'Twere not to die, but in a heavenly dream 
 To be transported, without the help of Charon, 
 To the Elysian shades. You make me bold ; 
 And, but to wish such happiness, I fear, 
 May give offence. 
 
 Cleo. No ; for believe't, Marullo, 
 You've won so much upon me, that I know not 
 That happiness in my gift, but you may challenge. 
 
 Leost. Are you yet satisfied ? 
 
 Cleo. Nor can you wish 
 But what my vows will second, though it were 
 Your freedom first, and then in me full power 
 To make a second tender of myself. 
 And you receive the present. By this kiss, 
 From me a virgin bounty, I will practise 
 All arts for your deliverance ; and that purchased, 
 In what concerns your further aims, I speak it. 
 
 Do net despair, but hope 
 
 [Timagoras and Leosthenes come forward. 
 
 Timag. To have the hangman. 
 When he is married to the cross, in scorn 
 To say, Gods give you joy ! 
 
 Leost. But look on me, 
 And be not too indulgent to your folly ; 
 And then, but that grief stops my speech, imagine 
 What langunge 1 should use. 
 
 Cleo. Against thyself : 
 Thy malice cannot reach me. 
 
 Timag. How } 
 
 Cleo. No, brother, 
 Though you join in the dialogue to accuse me : 
 What I have done, I'll justify ; and these favours. 
 
 Whi(;h, you presume, will taint me in my honour, 
 
 Though jealousy use all her eyes to spy out 
 
 One stain in my behaviour, or envy 
 
 As many tongues to wound it, shall appear 
 
 My best perfections. For, to the world, 
 
 I can in my defence allege such reasons, 
 
 As my accusers shall stand dumb to hear them ; 
 
 When in his fetters this man's worth and virtues, 
 
 But truly told, shall shame your boasted glories, 
 
 Which fortune claims a share in. 
 
 Timag. The base villain 
 Shall never live to hear it. \_Draws hi» sword. 
 
 Cleo. Murder ! help ! 
 Through me, you shall pass to him. 
 
 Enter Archidamus, Diphilus, and Officers. 
 
 Archid. What's the matter ? 
 On whom is your sword drawn ? are you a judge ? 
 Or else ambitious of the hangman's office, 
 Before it be design'd you ? — You are bold, too ; 
 Unhand my daughter. 
 
 Leost. She's my valour's prize. 
 
 Archid. With her consent, not otherwise. You 
 may urge 
 Your title in the court ; if it prove good, 
 Possess her freely. — Guard him safely off too. 
 
 Timag. You'll hear me, sir .'' 
 
 Archid. If you have aught to say, 
 Deliver it in pubUc ; all shall find 
 A just judge of Timoleon. 
 
 Diph. You must 
 Of force now use your patience. 
 
 lExeiint all but Timagoras and Leosthenes. 
 
 Timag. Vengeance rather ! 
 Whirlwinds of rage possess me : you are wrong'd 
 Beyond a Stoic sufferance ; yet you stand 
 As you were rooted. 
 
 Leost. I feel something here, 
 That boldly tells me, all the love and service 
 I pay Cleora is another's due. 
 And therefore cannot prosper. 
 
 Timag. Melancholy ; 
 Which now you must not yield to. 
 
 Leost. 'Tis apparent : 
 In fact your sister's innocent, however 
 Changed by her violent will, 
 
 Timag, If you believe so. 
 Follow the chase still ; and in open court 
 Plead your own interest ; we shall find the judge 
 Our friend, I fear not, 
 
 Leost. Something I shall say. 
 But what 
 
 Timag. Collect yourself as we walk thither. 
 
 lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE III.— The Court of Justice, 
 Etiter Timoleon, Archidamus, Cleora, a7id Officers. 
 Timol. 'Tis wonderous strange ! nor can it fall 
 within 
 
 The reach of my belief, a slave should be 
 
 The owner of a temperance which this age 
 
 Can hardly parallel in freeborn lords. 
 
 Or kings proud of their purple. 
 Archid. 'Tis most true ; 
 
 And, though at first it did appear a fable, 
 
 \ll circumstances meet to give it credit ! 
 
 Which works so on me, that I am compell'd 
 
 To be a suitor, not to be denied, 
 
 He may have equal hearing. 
 
96 
 
 THE BONDMAN. 
 
 Cleo. Sir, you graced me 
 With the title of your mistress ; but my fortune 
 Is so far distant from command, that I 
 Lay by the power you gave me, and plead humbly 
 For the preserver of my fame and honour. 
 And pray you, sir, in charity believe, 
 That, since I had ability of speech, 
 lv?y Tongue has been so much inured to truth, 
 I know not how to lie. 
 
 Timol. I'll rather doubt 
 The oracles of the gods, than question what 
 Your innocence delivers ; and as far 
 As justice and mine honour can give way, 
 He shall have favour. Bring him in unbound : 
 
 lExeunt Officers. 
 And though Leosthenes may challenge from me, 
 For his late worthy service, credit to 
 All things he can allege in his own cause, 
 Marullo, so, I think you call his name 
 Shall find I do reserve oq^ ear for him. 
 
 Enter Cleon, Asotus, Diphilus, Olympia, and Corisca. 
 To let in mercy. Sit, and take your places ; 
 The right of this fair virgin first determined, 
 Your bondmen shall be censured. 
 
 Cleon. With all rigour. 
 We do expect. 
 
 Coris. Temper'd I say, with mercy. 
 
 Enter at one door Leosthenks and Timagoras ; at the 
 other, Officers with Marullo, and Tiwandha. 
 
 Timol. Your hand, Leosthenes : I cannot doubt. 
 You, that have been victorious in the war, 
 Should, in a combat fought with words, come off 
 But with assured triumph. 
 
 Leost. My deserts, sir. 
 If, without arrogance, I may style them such, 
 Arm me from doubt and fear. 
 
 Timol. 'Tis nobly spoken. 
 Nor be thou daunted (howsoe'er thy fortune 
 Has mark'd thee out a slave) to speak thy merits : 
 For virtue, though in rags, may challenge more 
 Than vice, set off with all the trim of greatness. 
 
 Mar. I had rather fall under so just a judge, 
 Than be acquitted by a man corrupt, 
 And partial, in his censure. 
 
 Archid. Note his language ; 
 It relisbes of better breeding than 
 His present state dares promise. 
 
 Timol. 1 observe it. 
 Place the fair lady in the midst, that both, 
 Looking with covetous eyes upon the prize 
 They are to plead for, may, from the fair object, 
 Teach Hermes eloquence. 
 
 Leost. Am 1 fallen so low ? 
 My birth, my honour, and, what's dearest to me. 
 My love, and witness of my love, my service. 
 So undervalued, that I must contend 
 With one, where my excess of glory must 
 Make his o'erthrow a conquest ? Shall my fulness 
 Supply defects in such a thing, that never 
 Knew anything but want and emptiness ? 
 Give him a name, and keep it such, from this 
 Unequal competition } If my pride, 
 9r any bold assurance of my worth, 
 Has pluck'd this mountain of disgrace upon me, 
 I am justly punish'd, and submit ; but if 
 I have been modest, and esteem'd myself 
 More injured in the tribute of the praise, 
 Which no desert of mine, prized by self-love, 
 Ever exacted, may this cause and minute 
 
 For ever be forgotten ! I dwell long 
 Upon mine anger, and now turn, to you, 
 Ungrateful fair one ; and, since you are such, 
 'Tis lawful for me to proclaim myself, 
 And what I have deserved. 
 
 Cleo. Neglect and scorn 
 From me, for this proud vaunt. 
 
 Leost. You nourish, lady. 
 Your own dishonour in this harsh reply. 
 And almost prove what some hold of your sex. 
 You are all made up of passion : for, if reason 
 Or judgment could find entertainment with you, 
 Or that you would distinguish of the objects 
 You look on, in a true glass, not seduced 
 By the false light of your too violent will, 
 I should not need to plead for that which you. 
 With joy, should offer. Is my high birth a 
 
 blemish ? 
 Or does my wealth, which all the vain expense 
 Of women cannot waste, breed loathing in you ? 
 The honours I can call mine own, thought scan- 
 Am I deform'd, or, for my father's sins, [dais .'' 
 Mulcted by nature } If you interpret these 
 As crimes, 'tis fit I should yield up myself 
 Most miserably guilty. But, perhaps, 
 (Which yet I would not credit,) you have seen 
 This gallant pitch the bar, or bear a burthen 
 Would crack the shoulders of a weaker bondman : 
 Or any other boisterous exercise. 
 Assuring a strong back to satisfy 
 Your loose desires, insatiate as the grave. 
 
 Cleo. You are foul-mouth'd. 
 
 Archid. Ill-manner'd too. 
 
 Leost. I speak 
 In the way of supposition, and entreat you. 
 With all the fervour of a constant lover. 
 That you would free yourself from these aspersions 
 Or any imputation black-tongued slander 
 Could throw on your unspotted virgin whiteness : 
 To which there is no easier way, than by 
 Vouchsafing him your favour ; him, to whom, 
 Next to the general, and the gods and fautors, 
 The country owes her safety. 
 
 Timag. Are you stupid ? 
 'Slight, leap into his arms, and there ask pardon — 
 Oh ! you expect your slave's reply ; no doubt 
 We shall have a fine oration : I will teach 
 My spaniel to howl in sweeter language, 
 And keep a better method. 
 
 Archid. You forget 
 The dignity of the place. 
 
 Diph. Silence ! 
 
 Timol. [to Marullo.] Speak boldly. 
 
 Mar. 'Tis your authority gives me a tongue, 
 I should be dumb else ; and I am secure, 
 I cannot clothe my thoughts, and just defence. 
 In such an abject phrase, but 'twill appear 
 Equal, if not above my low condition. 
 I need no bombast language, stolen from such 
 As make nobility from prodigious terms 
 The hearers understand not ; I bring with me 
 No wealth to boast of, neither can I number 
 Uncertain fortune's favours with my merits ; 
 I dare not force affection, or presume 
 To censure her discretion, that looks on me 
 As a weak man, and not her fancy's idol. 
 How I have loved, and how much I have suffer'd, 
 And with what pleasure undergone the burthen 
 Of my ambitious hopes, (in aiming at 
 The glad possession of a happiness. 
 
SCENE III. 
 
 THE BONDMAN. 
 
 07 
 
 The abstract of all goodness in mankind 
 
 Can at no part deserve,) with my confession 
 
 Of mine own wants, is all that can plead f )r me. 
 
 But if that pure desires, not blended with 
 
 Foul thoughts, that, like a river, keeps his course, 
 
 Retaining still the clearness of the spring 
 
 From whence it took beginning, may be thought 
 
 Worthy acceptance ; then I dare rise up, 
 
 And tell this gay man to his teeth, I never . 
 
 Durst doubt her constancy, that, like a rock, 
 
 Beats off temptations, as that mocks the fury 
 
 Of the proud waves ; nor, from my jealous fears, 
 
 Question that goodness to which, as an altar 
 
 Of all perfection, he that truly loved 
 
 Should rather bring a sacrifice of service, -^ 
 
 Than raze it with the engines of suspicion : 
 
 Of which, when he can wash an ^thiop white, 
 
 Leosthenes may hope to free himself; 
 
 But, till then, never. 
 
 Timag. Bold, presumptuous villain ! 
 
 Mar. I will go further, and make good upon 
 him, 
 I' the pride of all his honours, birth, and fortunes, 
 He's more unworthy than myself. 
 
 Leost. Thou liest. 
 
 Timag. Confute him with a whip, and, the 
 Punish him with a halter. [doubt decided, 
 
 Mar. O the gods ! 
 My ribs, though made of brass, cannot contain 
 My heart, swollen big with rage. The lie ! — a 
 
 whip ! — 
 Let fury then disperse these clouds, in which 
 I long have march'd disguised; {^Throws off his 
 
 disguise.'] that, when they know 
 Whom they have injured, they may faint with 
 
 horror 
 Of my revenge, which, wretched men ! expect. 
 As sure as fate, to suffer. 
 
 Leost. Ha ! Pisander ! 
 
 Timag. 'Tis the bold Theban ! 
 
 Asot. There's no hope for me then : 
 I thought I should have put in for a share. 
 And borne Cleora from them both ; but now, 
 This stranger looks so terrible, that I dare not 
 So much as look on her. 
 
 Pisan. Now as myself, 
 Thy equal at thy best, Leosthenes. 
 For you, Timagoras, praise heaven you were bom 
 Cleora's brother, 'tis your safest armour. 
 But I lose time, — The base lie cast upon me, 
 I thus return : Thou art a perjured man. 
 False, and perfidious, and hast made a tender 
 Of love and service to this lady, when 
 Thy soul, if thou hast any, can bear witness. 
 That thou wert not thine own : for proof of this, 
 Look better on this virgin, and consider, 
 This Persian shape laid by, and she appearing 
 In a Greekish dress ; such as when first you saw 
 If she resemble not Pisander's sister, [her. 
 
 One call'd Statilia ? 
 
 Leost. 'Tis the same ! My guilt 
 So chokes my spirits, I cannot deny 
 My falsehood, nor excuse it. 
 
 Pisan. This is she. 
 To whom thou wert contracted : This the lady, 
 That, when thou wert my prisoner, fairly taken 
 In the Spartan war, that, begg'd thy liberty. 
 And with it gave herself to thee, ungrateful ! 
 
 Statu. No more, sir, I entreat you : I perceive 
 True sorrow in his looks, and a consent 
 
 To make me reparation in mine honour ; 
 And then I am most happy. 
 
 Pisan. The wrong done her, 
 Drew me from Thebes, with a full intent to kill 
 
 thee : 
 But this fair object met me in my fury, 
 And quite disarm'd me. Being denied to have her, 
 By you, my lord Archidamus, and not able 
 To live far from her ; love, the mistress of 
 All quaint devices, prompted me to treat 
 W^ith a friend of mine, who, as a pirate, sold me 
 For a slave to you, my lord, and gave my sister, 
 As a present, to Cleora. 
 
 Timol. Strange meanders ! 
 
 Pisan. There how I bare myself, needs no rela- 
 But, if so far descending from the height [tion : 
 Of my then flourishing fortunes, to the lowest 
 Condition of a man, to have means only 
 To feed my eye with the sight of what I honour'd ; 
 The dangers too I underwent, the sufferings ; 
 The clearness of my interest, may deserve 
 A noble recompense in your lawful favour ; 
 Now 'tis apparent that Leosthenes 
 Can claim no interest in you, you may please 
 To think upon my service. 
 
 Cleo. Sir, my want 
 Of power to satisfy so great a debt. 
 Makes me accuse my fortune ; but if that, 
 Out of the bounty of your mind, you think 
 A free surrender of myself full payment, 
 I gladly tender it. 
 
 Archid. With my consent too, 
 All injuries forgotten. 
 
 Timag. I will study 
 In my future service, to deserve your favour, 
 And good opinion. 
 
 Leost. Thus I gladly fee 
 This advocate to plead for me. IKissing Statilia. 
 
 Pisan. You will find me 
 An easy judge. When I have yielded reasons 
 Of your bondmen's falling off from their obedience, 
 Then after, as you please, determine of me. 
 I found their natures apt to mutiny 
 From your too cruel usage, and made trial 
 How far they might be wrought on ; to instruct you 
 To look with more prevention and care 
 To what they may hereafter undertake 
 Upon the like occasions. The hurt's little 
 They have committed ; nor was ever cure. 
 But with some pain> effected. I confess. 
 In hope to force a grant of fair Cleora, 
 I urged them to defend the town against you ; 
 Nor had the terror of your whips, but that 
 I was preparing for defence elsewhere. 
 So soon got entrance : In this I am guilty ; 
 Now, as you please, your censure. 
 
 Timol. Bring them in ; 
 And, though you've given me power, I do entreat 
 Such as have undergone their insolence, 
 It may not be offensive, though I study 
 Pity, more than revenge. 
 
 Coris. 'Twill best become you. 
 
 Cleon. I must consent. 
 
 Asot. For me, I'll find a time' 
 To be revenged hereafter. 
 
 Enter Gracculo, Cimbrio, Pomphron, Zanthia, and thi 
 other Slaves, with halters about their neekt. 
 
 Grac. Give me leave ; 
 rU speak for all. „ 
 
03 
 
 THE BONDMAN. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 TimoL What canst thou say, to hinder 
 The course of justice? 
 
 Grac. Nothing. — You may see 
 We are prepared for hanging, and confess 
 We have deserved it: our most humble suit is, 
 We may not twice be executed. 
 
 TimoL Twice 1 
 How mean'st thou ? 
 
 Grac. At the gallows first, and after in a ballad 
 Sung to some villainous tune. There are ten-groat 
 
 rhymers 
 About the town, grown fat on these occasions. 
 Let but a chapel fall, or a street be fired, 
 A foolish lover hang himself for pure love, 
 Or any such like accident, and, before 
 They are cold in their graves, some damn'd ditty's 
 
 made. 
 Which makes their ghosts walk. — Let the state 
 
 take order 
 For the redress of this abuse, recording 
 'Twas donp by my advice, and, for my part, 
 
 I'll cut as clean a caper from the ladder, 
 As ever merry Greek did. 
 
 TimoL Yet I think 
 You woxild shew more activity to delight 
 Your master for a pardon. 
 
 Grac. O ! I would dance, 
 As 1 were all air and fire. [Capers, 
 
 TimoL And ever be 
 Obedient and humble ? 
 
 Gi'ac. As his spaniel. 
 Though he kick'd me for exercise ; and the like 
 I promise for all the rest. 
 
 TimoL Rise then, you have it. 
 
 All the Slaves. Timoleon ! Timoleon ! 
 
 TimoL Cease these clamours. 
 And now, the war being ended to our wishes, 
 And such as went the pilgrimage of love, 
 Happy in full fruition of their hopes, 
 'Tis lawful, thanks paid to the Powers divine, 
 To drown our cares in honest mirth and wine. 
 
THE RENEGADO. 
 
 TO 
 
 THE RIGHT HONOURABLE GEORGE HARDING. 
 
 BARON BBRKKLEY, OF BERKELEY CASTLE, AND KNIGHT OF THE HONOURABLE 
 ORDER OF THE BATH. 
 
 My good Lord,— To be honoured for old nobility, or hereditary titles, is not alone proper to yourself, but to some 
 few of your rank, who may challenge the like privilege with you : but in our age to vouchsafe (as you have often done) 
 a ready hand to raise the dejected spirits of the contemned sons of the Muses ; such as would not sufifer the glorious 
 fire of poesy to be wholly extinguished, is so i«markable and peculiar to your lordship, that with a full vote and 
 suffrage, it is acknowledged that the patronage artd protection of the dramatic poem, is yours, and almost without a 
 rival. I despair not thei-efore, but that my ambition to present 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 
 not confident there ai-e some pieces worthy the perusal, it should have been taught an humbler flight ; and the writer, 
 your countryman, never yet made happy in your notice and favour, had not made this an advocate to plead for Ida 
 admission among such as are wholly and sincerely devoted to your service. I may live to tender my humble thank- 
 fulness in some higher strain ; and till then, comfort myself with hope, that you descend from your height to receive 
 
 Your honom-'s commanded servant, Philip Massinoek. 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONtE. 
 
 AsAMBEG, Viceroy 0/ Tunis. 
 MusTAPHA, Basha of Aleppo. 
 ViTELLi, a Venetian Gentleman, disguised as 
 
 Merchant. 
 Francisco, a Jesuit. 
 Antonio Grimaldi, the Renkgado. 
 Carazie, an Eunuch. 
 Gazet, Servant to Vitei u. 
 Aga. 
 Capiaga. 
 
 Janizaries. 
 
 Master. 
 
 Boatswain. 
 
 Sailors. 
 
 A Gaoler. 
 
 Turks. 
 
 DoNUSA, Niece to Amurath. 
 Paumna, Sister to Vitelli. 
 Manto, Servant to Donusa. 
 
 SCENE,— Tunis. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I.— A Street near the Bazar. 
 
 Enter Vitblu and Gazet. 
 
 Vitel. You have hired a shop, then ? 
 
 Gaz. Yes, sir ; and our wares. 
 Though brittle as a maidenhead at sixteen, 
 Are safe unladen ; not a crystal crack'd, 
 Or China dish needs soldering; our choice pictures. 
 As they came from the workman without blemish : 
 And I have studied speeches for each piece, 
 \nd, in a thrifty tone, to sell them off, 
 "Will swear by Mahomet and Termagant, 
 That this is mistress to the great duke of Florence, 
 That, niece to old king Pepin, and a third, 
 An Austrian princess by her Roman nose, 
 Howe'er my conscience tells me they are figures 
 Of bawds and common courtezans in Venice. 
 
 Vitel. You make no scpuple of an oath, then ? 
 
 Gaz. Fie, sir ! 
 'Tis out of my indentures ; I am bound there, 
 To swear for my master's profit, as securely 
 As your intelligencer must for his prince, 
 That sends him forth an honourable spy. 
 To serve his purposes. And, if it be lawful 
 In a Christian shopkeeper to cheat his father, 
 I cannot find but to abuse a Turk 
 In the sale of our commodities, must be thought 
 A meritorious work. 
 
 Vitel. I wonder, sirrah, 
 What's your religion ? 
 
 Gaz. Troth, to answer truly 
 I would not be of one that should command me 
 To feed upon poor John, when I see pheasants 
 And partridges on the table : nor do I like 
 
 H 2 
 
100 
 
 THE RENEGADO. 
 
 The other, that allows us to eat flei:h 
 
 In Lent, though it be rotten, rather than be 
 
 Thought superstitious ; as your zealous cobler, 
 
 And learned botcher, preach at Amsterdam, 
 
 Over a hotchpotch. I would not be confined 
 
 In my belief : when all your sects and sectaries 
 
 Are grown of one opinion, if I like it, 
 
 I will profess myself, — in the mean time. 
 
 Live I in England, Spain, France, Rome, Geneva, 
 
 I'm of that country's faith. 
 
 Fitel. And what in Tunis ? 
 Will you turn Turk here ? 
 
 Gaz. No ; so I should lose 
 A collop of that part my Doll enjoin'd me 
 To bring home as she left it : 'tis her venture, 
 Nor dare I barter that commodity, 
 Without her special warrant. 
 
 Vitel. You are a knave, sir : 
 Leaving your roguery, think upon my business, 
 It is no time to fool now 
 
 Remember where you are too : though this mart- 
 time 
 We are allow'd free trading, and with safety. 
 Temper your tongue, and meddle not with the 
 Their manners, nor religion. [Turks, 
 
 . Gaz. Take you heed, sir, 
 What colours you wear. Not two hours since, 
 
 there landed 
 An English pirate's whore, with a green apron. 
 And, as she walked the streets, one of their muftis. 
 We call them priests at Venice, with a razor 
 Cuts it off, petticoat, smock and all, and leaves 
 
 her 
 As naked as my nail ; the young fry wondering 
 What strange beast it should be. I scaped a 
 
 scouring 
 
 My mistress's busk point, of that forbidden colour, 
 Then tied my codpiece ; had it been discovered, 
 I had been capon'd. 
 
 Vitel. And had been well served. 
 Haste to the shop, and set my wares in order, 
 I will not long be absent. 
 
 Gaz. Though I strive, sir, 
 To put off melancholy, to which you are ever 
 Too much inclined, it shall not hinder me, 
 With my best care, to serve you. lExit. 
 
 Enter Francisco. 
 
 Vitel. I believe thee. — 
 O welcome, sir ! stay of my steps in this life. 
 And guide to all my blessed hopes hereafter. 
 What comforts, sir.^^ Have your endeavours pros- 
 
 per'd? 
 Have we tired Fortune's malice with our sufferings? 
 Is she at length, after so many frowns. 
 Pleased to vouchsafe one cheerful look upon us ? 
 Fran. You give too much to fortune and your 
 
 passions. 
 O'er which a wise man, if religious, triumphs. 
 That name fools worship ; and those tyrants, which 
 We arm against our better part, our reason. 
 May add, but never take from our afflictions. 
 Vitel. Sir, as I am a sinful man, I cannot 
 But like one suffer. 
 
 Fran. I exact not from you 
 A fortitude insensible of calamity, 
 To which the saints themselves have bow'd and 
 
 shown 
 They are made of flesh an<l blood; all that I 
 
 challenge, 
 
 Is manly patience. Will you, that were train'd up 
 
 In a religious school, where divine maxims. 
 
 Scorning comparison with moral precepts, 
 
 Were daily taught you, bear your constancy's trial. 
 
 Not like Vitelli, but a village nurse. 
 
 With curses in your mouth, tears in your eyes ? — 
 
 How poorly it shows in you. 
 
 Vitel. I am schoold, sir, 
 And will hereafter, to my utmost strength, 
 Study to be myself. 
 
 Fran. So shall you find me 
 Most ready to assist you ; neither have I 
 Slept in your great occasions : since I left you 
 I have been at the viceroy's court, and press'd. 
 As far as they allow, a Christian entrance ; 
 And something I have learn'd, that may concern 
 The purpose of this journey. 
 
 Vitel. Dear sir, what is it ? 
 
 Fran. By the command of Asambeg, the viceroy, 
 The city swells with barbarous pomp and pride. 
 For the entertainment of stout Mustapha, 
 The basha of Aleppo, who in person 
 Comes to receive the niece of Amurath, 
 The fair Donusa, for his bride. 
 
 Vitel. I find not 
 How this may profit us. 
 
 Fran. Pray you give me leave. 
 Among the rest that wait upon the viceroy 
 Such as have, under him, command in Tunis. 
 Who, as you've often heard, are all false pirates, 
 I saw the shame of Venice, and the scorn 
 Of all good men, the perjured Renegado, 
 Antonio Grimaldi. 
 
 Vitel. Ha ! his name 
 Is poison to me. 
 
 Fran. Yet again .-• 
 
 Vitel. I have done, sir. 
 
 Fran. This debauch'd villain, whom we ever 
 thought 
 (After his impious scorn done, in St. Mark's, 
 To me, as I stood at the holy altar) 
 The thief that ravish'd your fair sister from you, 
 The virtuous Paulina, not long since. 
 As I am truly given to understand, 
 Sold to the viceroy a fair Christian virgin 
 On whom, maugre his fierce and cruel nature, 
 Asambeg dotes extremely. 
 
 Vitel. 'Tis my sister : 
 It must be she, my better angel tells me 
 'Tis poor Paulina. Farewell all disguises I 
 I'll show, in my revenge, that I am noble. 
 
 Fran. You are not mad } 
 
 Vitel. No, sir ; my virtuous anger 
 Makes every vein an artery ; I feel in me 
 The strength of twenty men ; and, being arm'd 
 With my good cause, to wreak wrong'd innocencej 
 I dare alone run to the viceroy's court. 
 And with this poniard, before his face. 
 Dig out Grimaldi's heart. 
 
 Fran. Is this religious ? 
 
 Vitel. Would you have me tame now ? Can 1 
 , know my sister 
 Mew'd up in his seraglio, and in danger 
 Not alone to lose her honour, bvxt her soul ; 
 The hell-bred villain by too, that has sold both 
 To black destruction, and not haste to send him 
 To the devil, his tutor .' To be patient now, 
 Were, in another name, to play the pander 
 To the viceroy's hose embraces, and cry aim ! 
 While he, by force or flattery, compels her 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE RKNEGADO. 
 
 101 
 
 To yield her fair name up to his foul lust, 
 And, after, turn apostata to the faith 
 That she was bred in. 
 
 Fran. Do but give me hearing, 
 And you shall soon grant how ridiculous 
 This childish fury is. A wise man never 
 Attempts impossibilities ; 'tis as easy 
 For any single arm to quell an army, 
 As to effect your wishes. We come hither 
 To learn Paulina's fate, and to redeem her : 
 Leave your revenge to heaven. I oft have told you 
 Of a relic that I gave her, which has power, 
 If we may credit holy men's traditions. 
 To keep the owner free from violence : ^^ 
 
 This on her breast she wears, and does preserve 
 The virtue of it, by her daily prayers. 
 So, if she fall not by her own consent, 
 Which it were sin to think, I fear no force. 
 Re, therefore, patient ; keep this borrow'd shape, 
 Till time and opportunity present us 
 With some fit means to see her ; which perform'd, 
 I'll join with you in any desperate course 
 For her delivery. 
 
 Vitel. You have charm'd me, sir, 
 And I obey in all things : pray you, pardon 
 The weakness of my passion. 
 
 Fran. And excuse it. 
 Be cheerful, man ; for know that good intents 
 Are, in the end, crown'd with as fair events. 
 
 l,Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — A Room tn Donusa's Palace. 
 Enter Donusa, Manto, and Carazie. 
 
 Don. Have you seen the Christian captive. 
 The great basha is so enamour'd of ? 
 
 Mant. Yes, an it please your excellency, 
 I took a full view of her, when she was 
 Presented to him. 
 
 Don. And is she such a wonder, 
 As 'tis reported ? 
 
 Mant. She was drown'd in tears then, 
 Which took much from her beauty ; yet, in spite 
 Of sorrow, she appear'd the mistress of 
 Most rare perfections ; and, though low of stature. 
 Her well-proportion'd limbs invite affection : 
 And, when she speaks, each syllable is music 
 That does enchant the hearers : but your highness. 
 That are not to be parallel'd, I yet never 
 Beheld her equal. 
 
 Don. Come, you flatter me ; 
 But I forgive it. We, that are bom great, 
 Seldom distaste our servants, though they give us 
 More than we can pretend to. I have heard 
 That Christian ladies live with much more freedom 
 Than such as are born here. Our jealous Turks 
 Never permit their fair wives to be seen. 
 But at the pubhc bagnios, or the mosques. 
 And, even then, veil'd and guarded. Thou, Ca- 
 
 ra:iie, 
 Wert born in England ; what's the custom there. 
 Among your women ? Come, be free and merry : 
 I am no severe mistress ; nor hast thou met with 
 A heavy bondage. 
 
 Car. Heavy f I was made lighter 
 By two stone weight, at least, to be fit to serve you. 
 But to your question, madam ; women in England, 
 For the most part, live like queens. Your country 
 
 ladies 
 Have liberty to hawk, to hunt, to feast, 
 
 To give free entertainment to all comers. 
 
 To talk, to kiss ; there's no such thing known there 
 
 As an Italian girdle. Your city dame, 
 
 Without leave, wears the breeches, has her husband 
 
 At as much command as her prentice ; and, if 
 
 need be. 
 Can make him cuckold by her father's copy. 
 
 Don. But your court lady ? 
 
 Car. She, I assure you, madam, 
 Knows nothing but her will ; must be allow'd 
 Her footmen, her caroch, her ushers, pages, 
 Her doctor, chaplains ; and, as I have heard, 
 They're grown of late so learn'd, that they main- 
 tain 
 A strange position, which their lords, with all 
 Their wit, cannot confute. 
 
 Don. What's that, I prithee ? 
 
 Car. Marry, that it is not only fit, but lawful. 
 Your madam there, her much rest and high feeding 
 Duly consider'd, should, to ease her husband, 
 Be allow'd a private friend : they have drawn a bill 
 To this good purpose, and, the next assembly. 
 Doubt not to pass it. 
 
 Don. We enjoy no more. 
 That are o' the Othoman race, though our religion 
 Allows all pleasure. I am dull : some music. 
 Take my chapines off. So, a lusty strain. 
 
 \_A galliard. Knocking voithin. 
 Who knocks there ? 
 
 [Manto goes to the door, and returns. 
 
 Mant. 'Tis the basha of Aleppo, 
 Who humbly makes request he may present 
 His service to you. 
 
 Don. Reach a chair. We must 
 Receive him like ourself, and not depart with 
 One piece of ceremony, state, and greatness. 
 That may beget respect and reverence 
 In one that's born our vassal. Now admit him. 
 
 Enter Mustapha ; he puts off Ms yellow pantojles. 
 
 Musta. The place is sacred ; and I am to enter 
 The room where she abides, with such devotion 
 A s pilgrims pay at Mecca, when they yisit 
 The tomb of our great prophet. \_Kneelt. 
 
 Don. Rise ; the sign 
 
 [Carazfe takes up the pantojles. 
 That we vouchsafe your presence. 
 
 Musta. May those Powers 
 That raised the Othoman empire, and still guard it, 
 Reward your highness for this gracious favour 
 You throw upon your servant ! It hath pleased 
 The most invincible, mightiest Amurath, 
 (To speak his other titles would take from him . 
 That in himself does comprehend all greatness,) 
 To make me the unworthy instrument 
 Of his command. Receive, divinest lady, 
 
 \_Delivers a letter. 
 This letter, sign'd by his victorious hand, 
 And made authentic by the imperial seal. 
 There, when you find me mention'd, far be it from 
 To think it my ambition to presume [you 
 
 At such a happiness, which his powerful will. 
 From his great mind's magnificence, not my merit, 
 Hath shower'd upon me. But, if your consent 
 Join with his good opinion and allowance, 
 To perfect what his favours have begun, 
 I shall, in my obsequiousness and duty, 
 Endeavour to prevent all just complaints, 
 Which want of will to serve you may call on me. 
 
 Don. His sacred majesty writes here, that your 
 valour 
 
102 
 
 THE RENEGADO. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 Against the Persian hath so won upon him, 
 
 That there's no grace or honour in his gift, 
 
 Of which he can imagine you unworthy ; 
 
 And, what's the greatest you can hope, or aim at, 
 
 It is his pleasure you should be received 
 
 Into his royal family — provided, 
 
 For so far I am unconfined, that I 
 
 Aifect and like your person. I expect not 
 
 The ceremony which he uses in 
 
 Bestowing of his daughters and his nieces : 
 
 As that he should present you for my slave, 
 
 To love you, if you pleased me ; or deliver 
 
 A poniard, on my least dislike, to kill you. 
 
 Such tyranny and pride agree not with 
 
 My softer disposition. Let it suffice. 
 
 For my first answer, that thus far I grace you : 
 
 IGives him her hand to kiss. 
 Hereafter, some time spent to make enquiry 
 Of the good parts and faculties of your mind, 
 You shall hear further from me. 
 
 Musia. Though all torments 
 Really sufFer'd, or in hell imagined 
 By curious fiction, in one hour's delay 
 Are wholly comprehended ; I confess 
 That I stand bound hi duty, not to check at 
 Whatever you command, or please to impose, 
 For trial of my patience. 
 
 Don. Let us find 
 Some other subject ; too much of one theme cloys 
 Is't a full mart ? [me : 
 
 Musta. 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 descend 
 So far from my own greatness, as to be, 
 Though not a buyer, yet a looker on 
 Their strange commodities. 
 
 Musta. If without a train 
 You dare be seen abroad, I'll dismiss mine, 
 And wait upon you as a common man. 
 And satisfy your wishes. 
 
 Don. I embrace it. 
 Provide my veil ; and, at the postern gate. 
 Convey us out unseen. I trouble 5'ou. 
 
 Musta. It is my happiness you deign to com- 
 mand me. - {,Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III.— The Bazar. 
 
 Gatet in his Shop ; Francisco and Vitelli walking 
 before it. 
 
 Gaz. What do you lack ? Your choice China 
 dishes, your pure Venetian crystal of all sorts, of all 
 neat and newfashions, from the mirror of the madam, 
 to the private utensil of her chambermaid ; and 
 curious pictures of the rarest beauties of Europe : 
 What do you lack, gentlemen? 
 
 Fran. Take heed, I say ; howe'er it may appear 
 Impertinent, I must express my love. 
 My advice, and counsel. You are young, Vitelli, 
 And may be tempted ; and these Turkish dames, 
 (Like English mastiffs, that increase their fierceness 
 By being chain'd up,) fr.om the restraint of free- 
 dom. 
 If lust once fire their blood from a fair object, 
 Will run a course the fiends themselves would 
 To enjoy their wanton ends. [shake at, 
 
 Vitel, Sir, you mistake me : 
 
 I am too full of woe, to entertain 
 
 One thought of pleasure, though all Europe's 
 
 queens 
 Kneel'd at my feet, and courted me ; much less 
 To mix with such, whose difi'erence of faith 
 Must, of necessity, (or I must grant 
 Myself neglectful of all you have taught me,) 
 Strangle such base desires. 
 
 Fran. Be constant in 
 That resolution ; I'll abroad again, 
 And learn, as far as it is possible. 
 What may concern Paulina. Some two hours 
 Shall bring me back. lExit. 
 
 Vitel. AH blessings wait upon you ! 
 
 Gaz. Cold doings, sir ? a mart do you call this ? 
 'slight ! 
 A pudding-wife, or a witch with a thrum cap, 
 That sells ale underground to such as come 
 To know their fortunes in a dead vacation, 
 Have, ten to one, more stirring. 
 
 Vitel. We must be patient. 
 
 Gaz. Your seller by retail ought to be angry, 
 But when he's fingering money. 
 
 Enter Grimaldi, Master, Boatswain, Sailors, and Turks. 
 
 Vitel. Here are company 
 
 Defend me, my good angel, {seeing Grimaldt.] I 
 A basilisk ! [behold 
 
 Gaz. What do you lack ? what do you lack ? 
 pure China dishes, clear crystal glasses, a dumb 
 mistress to make love to ? What do you lack, gen- 
 tlemen ? 
 
 Grim. Thy mother for a bawd ; or, if thou hast 
 A handsome one, thy sister for a whore ; 
 Without these, do not tell me of your trash. 
 Or I shall spoil your market. 
 
 Vitel. —Old Grimaldi ! 
 
 Grim. 'Zounds, wherefore do we put to sea. or 
 
 The raging winds, aloft, or p upon [stand 
 
 The foamy waves, when they rage most ; deride 
 
 The thunder of the enemy's shot, board boldly 
 
 A merchant's ship for prize, though we behold 
 
 The desperate gunner ready to give fire, 
 
 And blow the deck up ? wherefore shake we off 
 
 Those scrupulous rags of charity and conscience. 
 
 Invented only to keep churchmen warm. 
 
 Or feed the hungry mouths of famish'd beggars ; 
 
 But, when we touch the shore, to wallow in 
 
 All sensual pleasures .'' 
 
 Mast. Ay, but, noble captain. 
 To spare a little for an after-clap, 
 Were not improvidence. 
 
 Grim. Hang consideration ! 
 When this is spent, is not our ship the same. 
 Our courage too the same, to fetch in more? 
 The earth, where it is fertilest, returns not 
 More than three harvests, while the glorious sun 
 Posts through the zodiac, and makes up the year : 
 But the sea. which is our mother, (that embraces 
 Both the rich Indies in her outstretch'd arms,) 
 Yields every day a crop, if we dare reap it. 
 No, no, my mates, let tradesmen think of thrift, 
 And usurers hoard up ; let our expense 
 Be, as our comings in are, without bounds. 
 We are the Neptunes of the ocean. 
 And such as traffic sh^U pay sacrifice 
 Of their best lading ; I will have this canvass 
 Your boy wears, lined with tissue, and the cates 
 You taste, serv'd up in gold : — Though we carouse 
 The tears of orphans in our Greekish wines. 
 
SOENE III. 
 
 THE RENEGADO. 
 
 103 
 
 The sighs of undone widows paying for 
 The music bought to cheer us, ravish'd virgins 
 To slavery sold, 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 further off, 
 And hinder not the prospect of our shop. 
 Or 
 
 Grim. W^hat will you do ? 
 
 Gaz. Nothing, sir — but pray 
 Your worship to give me handsel. ^ 
 
 Grim. [Seizing him.'} By the ears, 
 Thus, sir, by the ears. 
 
 Mast. Hold, hold ! 
 
 Vitel. You'll still be prating. 
 
 Grim. Come, let's be drunk ; then each man to 
 his whore. 
 'Slight, how do you look ? you had best go find a 
 
 corner 
 To pray in, and repent : do, do, and cry ; 
 It will shew fine in pirates. lExit. 
 
 Mast. We must follow^ 
 Or he will spend our shares. 
 
 Boatsiv. I fought for mine. 
 
 Mast. Nor am I so precise but I can drab too : 
 We will not sit out for our parts. 
 
 Boatsio. Agreed. [,Exeunt Mast. Boatsw. Sailors. 
 
 Gaz. The devil gnaw off his fingers ! If he were 
 In London, among the clubs, up went his heels. 
 For striking of a prentice. — What do you lack ? 
 What do you lack, gentlemen ? 
 
 1 Turk. I wonder how the viceroy can endure 
 The insolence of this fellow. 
 
 2 Turk. He receives profit 
 
 From the prizes he brings in ; and that excuses 
 Whatever he commits. Ha! what are these ? 
 
 Enter MustapBa icith Donusa veiled. 
 
 1 Turk. They seem of rank and quality : observe 
 them. 
 
 Gaz. What do you lack ? see what you please 
 to buy ; 
 Wares of all sorts, most honourable madona. 
 
 Vitel. Peace, sirrah, make no noise ; these are 
 not people 
 To be jested with. 
 
 Don. Is this the Christians' custom, 
 In the venting their commodities ? 
 
 Musta. Yes, best madam. 
 But you may please to keep your way, here's nothing 
 But toys and trifles, not worth your observing. 
 
 Don. Yes, for variety's sake : pray you, shew 
 us, friend. 
 The chiefest of your wares. 
 
 Vitel. Your ladyship's servant ; 
 And if, in worth, or title you are more. 
 My ignorance plead my pardon ! 
 
 Don. He speaks well. 
 
 Vitel. Take down the looking-glass. Here is a 
 mirror 
 Steel'd so exactly, neither taking from 
 Nor flattering the object it returns 
 To the beholder, that Narcissus might 
 (And never grow enamour'd of himself) 
 View his fair feature in't. 
 
 Don. Poetical, too 1 
 
 Vitel. Here Cliina dishes to serve in a banquet. 
 
 Though the voluptuous Persian sat a guest. 
 
 Here crystal glasses, such as Ganymede 
 
 Did fill with nectar to the Thunderer, 
 
 When he drank to Alcides, and received him 
 
 In the fellowship of the gods ; true to the owners : 
 
 Corinthian plate, studded with diamonds, 
 
 Conceal'd oft deadly poison ; this pure metal 
 
 So innocent is, and faithful to the mistress 
 
 Or master that possesses it, that, rather 
 
 Than hold one drop that's venomous, of itself 
 
 It flies in pieces, and deludes the traitor. 
 
 Don. How movingly could this fellow treat 
 upon 
 A worthy subject, that finds such discourse 
 To grace a trifle ! 
 
 Vitel. Here's a picture, madam ; 
 The masterpiece of Michael Angelo, 
 Our great Italian workman ; here's another, 
 So perfect at all parts, that had Pygmalion 
 Seen this, his prayers had been made to Venus 
 To have given it life, and his carved ivory image 
 By poets ne'er remember'd. They are, indeed, 
 The rarest beauties of the Christian world, 
 And no where to be equall'd. 
 
 Don. You are partial 
 In the cause of those you favour ; I believe 
 I instantly could shew you one, to theirs 
 Not much inferior. 
 
 Vitel. With your pardon, madam, 
 I am incredulous. 
 
 Don. Can you match me this ? 
 
 [Lifts her veil Tiaslily. 
 
 Vitel. What wonder look I on ! I'll search above, 
 And suddenly attend you. ^Exit. 
 
 Don. Are you amazed ? 
 I'll bring you to yourself. {.Throws down the Glasses. 
 
 Musta. Ha ! what's the matter ? 
 
 Gaz. My master's ware ! — We are undone ! — O 
 A lady to turn roarer, and break glasses ! [strange 1 
 'Tis time to shut up shop then. 
 
 Musta. You seem moved : 
 If any language of these Christian dogs 
 Have call'd your anger on, in a frown shew it, 
 And they are dead already. 
 
 Don. The offence 
 Looks not so far. The foolish, paltry fellow, 
 Shew'd me some trifles, and demanded of me, 
 For what I valued at so many aspers, 
 A thousand ducats. I confess he moved me ; 
 Yet I should wrong myself, should such a beggar 
 Receive least loss from me. 
 
 Musta. Is it no more ? 
 
 Don. No, I assure you. Bid him bring his bill 
 To-morrow to the palace, and enquire 
 For one Donusa ; that word gives him passage 
 Through all the guard : say, there he shall receive 
 Full satisfaction. Now, when you please. 
 
 Musta. 1 wait you. {.Exeunt Musta. and Dok. 
 
 1 Turk. We must not know them. — Let's shift 
 off, and vanish. {Exeunt Turks. 
 
 Gaz. The swine's-pox overtake you 1 there's a 
 For a Turk, that eats no hog's flesh. [curse 
 
 Re-enter VxTKLLr. 
 
 Vitel. Is she gone ? 
 
 Gaz. Yes : You may see her handywork. 
 
 Vitel. No matter. 
 Said she aught else ? 
 
 Gaz. That you should wait upon her, 
 And there receive court payment ; and» to pass 
 
104 
 
 THE RENEGADO. 
 
 The guards, she bids you only say you come 
 To one Donusa. 
 
 Vitel. How ! Remove the wares ; 
 Do it without reply. The sultan's niece ! 
 I have heard, among the Turks, for any lady 
 To shew her face bare, argues love, oj speaks 
 
 Her deadly hatred. What should I fear ? my for- 
 Is sunk so low, there cannot fall upon me [tune, 
 Aught worth my shunning. I will run the hazard 
 She may be a means to free distress'd Paulina — 
 Or, if offended, at the worst, to die 
 Is a full period to calamity. lExeuni. 
 
 ACT 11. 
 
 SCENE I. — A Room in Dondta's Palace. 
 Enter Carazie and Manto. 
 
 Car. In the name of wjnder, Manto, what hath 
 Done with herself; since yesterday ? [my lady 
 
 Mant. I know not. 
 Malicious men report we are all guided 
 In our affections by a wandering planet : 
 But such a sudden change in such a person. 
 May stand for an example, to confirm 
 Their false assertion. 
 
 Car. She's now pettish, froward ; 
 Music, discourse, observance, tedious to her. 
 
 Mant. She slept not the last night ; and yetpre- 
 The rising sun, in being up before him : [vented 
 Call'd for a costly bath, then will'd the rooms 
 Should be perfumed ; ransack'd her cabinets 
 For her choice and richest jewels, and appears now 
 Like Cynthia in full glory, waited on 
 By the fairest of the stars. 
 
 Car. Can you guess the reason, 
 Why the aga of the janizaries, and he 
 That guards the entrance of the inmost port, 
 Were call'd before her ? 
 
 Mant. They are both her creatures, 
 And by her grace preferred : but I am ignorant 
 To what purpose they were sent for. 
 
 Enter Donusa. 
 
 Car. Here she comes, 
 Full of sad thoughts : we must stand further off. 
 What a frown was that ! 
 
 Mant. Foi'bear. 
 
 Car. I pity her. 
 
 Don. What magic hath transform'd me from 
 myself? 
 Where is my virgin pride ? how have I lost 
 My boasted freedom ? what new fire burns up 
 My scorched entrails ; what unknown desires 
 Invade, and take possession of my soul. 
 All virtuous objects vanished ? I, that have stood 
 The shock of fierce temptations, stopp'd mine ears 
 Against all Syren notes lust ever sung, 
 To draw my bark of chastity (that with wonder 
 Hath kept a constant and an honour'd course) 
 Into the gulf of a deserved ill-fame, 
 Now fall unpitied ; and, in a moment, 
 With mine own hands, dig up a grave to bury 
 The monumental heap of all my years. 
 Employ 'd in noble actions. O my fate ! 
 — But there is no resisting. 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 use me Kke a tyrant. What poor means 
 Must I make use of now ! and flatter such, 
 To whom, till 1 betray 'd my liberty, 
 One gracious look of mine would have erected 
 An altar to my service ! How, now, Mant.o ! — 
 
 My ever careful woman ; and Carazie, 
 Thou hast been faithful too. 
 
 Car. I dare not call 
 My life mine own, since it is yours, but gladly 
 Will part with it, whene'er you shall command me •, 
 And think I fall a martyr, so m.y death 
 May give life to your pleasures. 
 
 Mant. But vouchsafe 
 To let me understand what you desire 
 Should be effected ; I will undertake it. 
 And curse myself for cowardice, if I paused 
 To ask a reason why. 
 
 Don. I am comforted 
 In the tender of your service, but shall be 
 Confirm'd in my full joys, in the performance. 
 Yet, trust me, I will not impose upon you 
 But what you stand engaged for to a mistress, 
 j Such as I have been to you. All I ask, 
 Is faith and secrecy. 
 
 Car. Say but you doubt me. 
 And, to secure you, I'll cut out my tongue ; 
 I am libb'd in the breech already. 
 
 Mant. Do not hinder 
 Yourself, by these delays. 
 
 Don. Thus then I whisper 
 Mine own shame to you. — O that I should blush 
 To speak what I so much desire to do ! 
 And, fm'ther — [^WMspers, and uses vehement action. 
 
 Mant. Is this all ? 
 
 Don. Think it not base ; 
 Although I know the office undergoes 
 A coarse construction. 
 
 Car. Coarse ! 'tis but procuring ; 
 A smock employment, which has made more knights, 
 In a country I could name, than twenty years 
 Of service in the field. 
 
 Don. You have my ends. 
 
 Mant. Which say you have arrived at : be not 
 To yourself, and fear not us. [wanting 
 
 Car. I know my burthen ; 
 I'll bear it with delight. 
 
 Mant. Talk not, but do. [li'jrertnf Car. anc? Manx. 
 
 Don. O love, what poor shifts thou dost force 
 us to ! lExit. 
 
 SCENE 11.—^ Court in the Same. 
 Enter Aga, Capiaga, a7id Janizaries. 
 Aga. She was ever our good mistress, and out 
 maker. 
 And should we check at a little hazard for her, 
 We were unthankful. 
 
 Cap. I dare pawn my head, 
 'Tis some disguised minion of the court. 
 Sent from great Amurath, to learn from her 
 The viceroy's actions. 
 
 Aga. That concerns not us ; 
 
SCENE IV. 
 
 THE RENEGADO. 
 
 105 
 
 His fall may be our rise: whate'er he be, 
 He passes 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 Christian, to press thus far, 
 Forfeits thy life. 
 
 Vitel. Donusa. 
 
 Aga. Pass in peace. [Exeunt Aga and Janizaries. 
 
 Vitel. What a privilege her name bears ! 
 'Tis wondrous strange ! If the great officer, "^ 
 The guardian of the inner port, deny not — 
 
 Cap. Thy warrant : Speak, or thou art dead. 
 
 Vitel. Donusa. 
 
 Cap. That protects thee ; 
 Without fear enter. So : — discharge the watch. 
 
 \_Exeunt ViTELLr and Capiaga. 
 
 SCENE III. — An outer Room in the same. 
 Enter Cakazie and Manto. 
 
 Car. Though he hath past the aga and chief 
 This cannot be the man. [porter, 
 
 Mant. By her description, 
 I am sure it is. 
 
 Car. O women, women. 
 What are you ? A great lady dote upon 
 A haberdasher of small wares ! 
 
 Mant. Pish ! thou hast none. 
 
 Car. No ; if I had, I might have served the 
 turn . 
 This 'tis to want munition, when a man 
 Should make a breach, and enter. 
 
 Enter Vitelli. 
 Mant. Sir, you are welcome : 
 Think what 'tis to be happy, and possess it. 
 
 Car. Perfume the rooms there, and make way. 
 Let music 
 With choice notes entertain the man the princess 
 Now purposes to honour. 
 
 Vitel. I am ravish'd. ^Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE IV — A Room of State in the same. A 
 table set forth, with jewels and bags of money 
 upon it. 
 
 Loud music. Enter Donusa, {followed by Carazie,) and 
 es her seat. 
 
 Don. Sing o'er the ditty that I last composed 
 Upon my love-sick passion : suit your voice 
 To the music that's placed yonder, we shall hear 
 With more delight and pleasure. [you 
 
 Car. I obey you. ISong. 
 
 During the song, enter Manto and Vitellt. 
 
 Vitel. Is not this Tempe, or the blessed shades. 
 Where innocent spirits reside ? or do I dream. 
 And this a heavenly vision ? Howsoever, 
 It is a sight too glorious to behold. 
 For such a wretch as I am. 
 
 Car. He is daunted. 
 
 Mant. Speak to him, madam ; cheer him up, or 
 Destroy what you have built. [you 
 
 Car, Would I were furnish'd 
 
 With his artillery, and if 1 stood 
 Gaping as he does, hang me. [Aside. 
 
 [Exeunt Carazie and Manto. 
 
 Vitel. That I might 
 Ever dream thus ! [Kneels. 
 
 Don. Banish amazement . 
 You wake ; your debtor tells you so, your debtor. 
 And, to assure you that I am a substance. 
 And no aerial figure, thus I raise you. 
 Why do you shake ? my soft touch brings no ague ; 
 No biting frost 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 abused, where they bestow 
 Their influence, (let me prove it truth in you,) 
 To give to dead men motion. 
 
 Vitel. Can this be ? 
 May I believe my senses ? Dare I think 
 I have a memory, or that you are 
 That excellent creature that of late disdain'd not 
 To look on my poor trifles ? 
 
 Don. I am she. 
 
 Vitel. The owner of that blessed name, Donusa, 
 Which, like a potent charm, although pronounced 
 By my profane, but much unworthier, tongue. 
 Hath brought me safe to this forbidden place. 
 Where Christian yet ne'er trod ? 
 
 Don. I am the same. 
 
 Vitel. And to what end, great lady — pardon me, 
 That I presume to ask. did your command 
 Command me hither? Or what am I, to whom 
 You should vouchsafe your favours ; nay, your 
 If any wild or uncollected speech, [angers ? 
 
 Offensively deliver'd, or my doubt 
 Of your unknown perfections, have displeased you, 
 You wrong your indignation to pronounce. 
 Yourself, my sentence : to have seen 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 pleasure. 
 
 Don. How the abundance of good flowing to 
 thee. 
 Is wrong'd in this simplicity ! and these bounties, 
 Which all our Eastern kings have kneel'd in vain 
 Do, by thy ignorance, or wilful fear, [for, 
 
 Meet with a false construction ! Christian, 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 fashion 
 Among the greatest and the fairest dames 
 This Turkish empire gladly owes and bows to, 
 To punish where there's no off'ence, or nourish 
 Displeasures against those, without whose mercy 
 They part with all felicity. Prithee, be wise, 
 And gently understand me ; do not force her, 
 That ne'er knew aught but to command, nor e'er 
 The elements of affection, but from such [read 
 As gladly sued to her, in the infancy 
 Of her new-born desires, to be at once 
 Importunate and immodest. 
 
 Vitel. Did I know. 
 Great lady, your commands ; or, to what purpose 
 This personated passion tends, (since 'twere 
 A crime in me deserving death, to think 
 It is your own,) I should, to make you sport. 
 Take any shape you please t'impose upon me ; 
 And with joy strive to serve you. 
 
 Don. Sport ! Thou art cruel. 
 If that thou canst interpret my descent 
 
106 
 
 THE IlENEGADO. 
 
 From my high birth and greatness, but to be 
 
 A part, in which I truly act myself: 
 
 And I must hold thee for a dull spectator, 
 
 If it stir not affection, and invite 
 
 Compassion for my sufferings. Be thou taught 
 
 By my example, to make satisfac'ion 
 
 For wrongs unjustly offer'd. Willingly 
 
 I do confess my fault ; I injured thee 
 
 In some poor petty trifles : thus I pay for 
 
 The trespass I did to thee. Here — receive 
 
 These bags, stuff'd full of our imperial coin ; 
 
 Or, if this payment be too light, take here 
 
 These gems, for which the slavish Indian dives 
 
 To the bottom of the main : or, if thou scorn 
 
 These as base dross, which take but common minds, 
 
 But fancy any honour in my gift, 
 
 Which is unbounded as the sultan's power, 
 
 And be possest of it. 
 
 Vitel. I am overwhelm'd 
 With the wei<;ht of happiness yoii throw upon me : 
 Nor can it fall in my imagination. 
 What wrong you e'er have done me ; and much less 
 How, like a royal merchant, to return 
 Your great magnificence. 
 
 Don. They are degrees. 
 Not ends, of my intended favours to thee. 
 These seeds of bounty I yet scatter on 
 A glebe I have not tried : — but, be thou thankful ; 
 The harvest is to come. 
 
 Vitel. What can be added 
 To that which I already have received, 
 I cannot comprehend. 
 
 Don. The tender of 
 Myself. Why dost thou start ? and in that gift. 
 Full restitution of that virgin freedom 
 Which thou hast robb'd me of. Yet, I profess, 
 I so far prize the lovely thief that stole it. 
 That, were it possible thou couldst restore 
 What thou unwittingly hast ravish'd from me, 
 I should refuse the present. 
 
 Vitel. How I shake 
 In my constant resolution ! and my flesh. 
 Rebellious to my better part, now tells me. 
 As if it were a strong defence of frailty, 
 A hermit in a desert, trench'd with prayers, 
 Could not resist this battery. 
 
 Don. Thou an Italian, 
 Nay more, I know't, a natural Venetian, 
 Such as are courtiers born to please fair ladies. 
 Yet come thus slowly on ! 
 
 Vitel. Excuse me, madam : 
 What imputation soe'er the world 
 Is pleased to lay upon us, in myself 
 I am so innocent, that I know not what 'tis 
 That I should offer. 
 
 Don. By instinct I'll teach thee. 
 And with such ease as love makes me to ask it. 
 When a young lady wrings you by the hand, thus, 
 Or W'ith an amorous touch presses your foot, 
 Looks babies in your eyes, plays with your locks, 
 Do not you find, without a tutor's help, 
 What 'tis she looks for ? 
 
 Vitel. I am grown already 
 Skilful in the mystery. 
 
 Don. Or, if thus she kiss you, 
 Then tastes your lips again IKisses him. 
 
 Vitel. That latter blow 
 Has beat all chaste thoughts from me. 
 
 Don. Say, she points to 
 Some private room the sunbeams never enter, 
 
 Provoking dishes passing by, to heighten 
 Declined appetite, active music ushering 
 Your fainting steps, the waiters too, as born dumb, 
 Not daring to look on you, 
 
 lExit, inviting him to follow 
 Vitel. Though the devil 
 Stood by, and roar'd, I follow : Now I find 
 That virtue's but a word, and no sure guard. 
 If set upon by beauty and reward. {Exit. 
 
 SCENE v.— ^ Hall in AsambeCx's Palace. 
 
 Enter Aga, Capiaga, GRriviALDi, Master, Boatswain, and 
 Sailors. 
 
 Aga. The devil's in him, I think. 
 
 Grim. Let him be damn'd too. 
 I'll look on him, though he stared as wild as hell ; 
 Nay, I'll go near to tell him to his teeth. 
 If he mends not suddenly, and proves more 
 
 thankful, 
 We do him too much service. Were't not for 
 
 shame now, 
 I could turn honest, and forswear my trade ; 
 Which, next to being truss'd up at the mainyard 
 By some low country butterbox, I hate 
 As deadly as I do fasting, 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't I I understand myself, 
 And how unmanly 'tis to sit at home. 
 And rail at us, that run abroad all hazards. 
 If every week we bring not home new pillage, 
 For the fatting his seraglio. 
 
 Enter Asameeg, Mustapha, and Attendants. 
 
 Aga. Here he comes. . 
 
 Cap. How terrible he looks ! 
 
 Grim. To such as fear him. 
 The viceroy, Asambeg ! were he the sultan's self 
 He'll let us know a reason for his fury ; 
 Or we must take leave, without his allowance. 
 To be merry with our ignorance. 
 
 Asam. Mahomet's hell 
 Light on you all ! You crouch and cringe now • — 
 
 Where 
 Was the terror of my just frowns, when you 
 
 suffer'd 
 Those thieves of Malta, almost in our harbour. 
 To board a ship, and bear her safely off. 
 While you stood idle lookers on } 
 
 Aga. The odds 
 In the men and shipping, and the suddenness 
 Of their departure, yielding us no leisure 
 To send forth others to relieve our own. 
 Deterr'd us, mighty sir. 
 
 Asam. Deterr'd you, cowards ! 
 How durst you only entertain the knowledge 
 Of what fear was, but in the not performance 
 Of our command ? In me great Amurath spake ; 
 My voice did echo to your ears his thunder, 
 And will'd you, like so many sea-born tritons, 
 Arm'd only with the trumpets of your courage, 
 To swim up to her, and, like remoras 
 Hanging upon her keel, to stay her flight. 
 Till rescue, sent from us, had fetch'd you off. 
 You think you're safe now. Who durst but dis- 
 pute it, 
 
SCKNE V. 
 
 THE RENEGADO. 
 
 107 
 
 Or make it questionable, if, this moment, 
 I charged you, from yon hanging cliff, that glasses 
 His rugged forehead in the neighbouring lake, 
 To throw yourselves down headlong ? or, like fag- 
 gots, 
 To fill the ditches of defended forts, 
 While on your backs we march'd up to the breach ? 
 
 Grim. That would not I. 
 
 Asam. Ha. 
 
 Grim. Yet I dare as much 
 As any of the sultan's boldest sons, 
 Whose heaven and hell hang on his frown or smile, 
 His warlike janizaries. 
 
 Asam. Add one syllable more, ^^ 
 
 Thou dost pronounce upon thyself a sentence 
 That, earthquake-like, will swallow thee. 
 
 Grim. Let it open, 
 I'll stand the hazard : those contemned thieves, 
 Your fellow-pirates, sir, the bold Maltese, 
 Whom with your looks you think to quell, at 
 
 Rhodes 
 Laugh'd at great Solyman's anger : and, if treason 
 Had not delivered them into his power. 
 He had grown old in glory as in years, 
 At that so fatal siege ; or risen with shame, 
 His hopes and threats deluded. 
 
 Asam. Our great prophet ! 
 How have I lost my anger and my power ! 
 
 Grim. Find it, and use it on thy flatterers, 
 And not upon thy friends, that dare speak truth. 
 These knights of Malta, but a handful to 
 Your armies, that drink rivers up, have stood 
 Y'our fury at the height, and with their crosses 
 Struck pale your horned moons ; these men of 
 
 Malta, 
 Since I took pay from you, I've met and fought 
 
 with 
 Upon advantage too ; yet, to speak truth, 
 By the soul of honour, I have ever found them 
 As provident to direct, and bold to ,do, 
 As any train'd up in your discipline, 
 Ravish' d from other nations. 
 
 Musta. I perceive 
 The lightning in his fiery looks : the cloud 
 Is broke already. lAside. 
 
 Grim. Think not, therefore, sir. 
 That you alone are giants, and such pigmies 
 You war upon. 
 
 Asam. Villain ! I'll make thee know 
 Thou hast blasphemed the Othoman power, and 
 
 safer. 
 At noonday, might'st have given fire to St. 
 
 Mark's, 
 Your proud Venetian temple. — Seize upon him : 
 I am not so near reconciled to him, 
 To bid hira die ; that were a benefit 
 The dog's unworthy of. To our use confiscate 
 All that he stands possess'd of ; let him taste 
 The misery of want, and his vain riots, 
 Like to so many walking ghosts, affright him. 
 Where'er he sets his desperate 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 ? 
 
 Asam. Drag him hence : — he dies. 
 That dallies but a minute. 
 
 [Grimaldi is drapged off, his head covered. 
 
 Boatsw. What's become of 
 Our shares now, master .•' 
 
 Mast. Would he had been bom dumb ! 
 The beggar's cure, patience, is all that's left us. 
 
 {^Exeunt Master, Boatswain, and Sailors. 
 
 Musta. *Twas but intemperance of speech, 
 excuse him ; 
 Let me prevail so far. Fame gives him out 
 For a deserving fellow. 
 
 Asam. At Aleppo, 
 I durst not press you so far : give me leave 
 To use my own will, and command in Tunis ; 
 And if you please, my privacy. 
 
 Musta. I will see you, 
 When this high wind's blown o'er. {.Exit, 
 
 Asam. So shall you find me 
 Ready to do you service. Rage, now leave me; 
 Stern looks, and all the ceremonious forms 
 Attending on dread majesty, fly from 
 Transformed Asambeg. Why should I hug 
 
 [Pulls out a key. 
 So near my heart, what leads me to my prison ; 
 Where she that is inthrall'd, commands her keeper, 
 And robs me of the fierceness I was born with ? 
 Stout men quake at my frowns, and, in return, 
 I tremble at her softness. Base Grimaldi 
 But only named Paulina, and the charm 
 Had almost choak'd my fury, ere I could 
 Pronounce his sentence. Would, when first I saw 
 
 her. 
 Mine eyes had met with lightning, and, in place 
 Of hearing her enchanting tongue, the shrieks 
 Of mandrakes had made music to my slumbers ! 
 For now I only walk a loving dream, 
 And but to my dishonour never wake ; 
 And yet am blind, but when I see the object, 
 And madly dote on it. Appear, bright spark 
 
 [^Opens a door ; Paulina comes forth. 
 Of all perfection ! any simile 
 Borrow' d from diamonds, or the fairest stars. 
 To help me to express how dear I prize 
 Thy unmatch'd graces, will rise up, and chide me 
 For poor detraction. 
 
 Paul. I despise thy flatteries : 
 Thus spit at them, and pcorn them ; and being 
 
 arm'd 
 In the assurance of my innocent virtue, 
 I stamp upon all doubts, all fears, all tortures, 
 Thy barbarous cruelty, or, what's worse, thy dotage. 
 The worthy parent of thy jealousy, 
 Can shower upoTi me. 
 
 Asam. If these bitter taunts 
 Ravish me from myself, and make me think 
 My greedy ears receive angelical sounds ; 
 How would this tongue, tuned to a loving note, 
 Invade, and take possession of my soul. 
 Which then I durst not call mine own ! 
 
 Paul. Thou art false, 
 Falser than thy religion. Do but think me 
 Something above a beast, nay more, a monster 
 Would fright the sun to look on, and then tell me, 
 If this base usage can invite aftection ? 
 If to be mew'd up, and excluded from 
 Human society : the use of pleasures ; 
 The necessary, not superfluous duties 
 Of servants, to discharge those offices 
 I blush to name — 
 
 Asam. Of servants ! Can you think 
 That I, that dare not trust the eye of heaven 
 To look upon your beauties ; that deny 
 Myself the happiness to touch your pureness, 
 Will e'er consent an eunuch, or bought handma'd, 
 
108 
 
 THE RENEGADO. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 Shall once approach you ? — There is something in 
 
 you 
 That can work miracles, or I am coren'd . 
 Dispose and alter sexes, to my wrong, 
 In spite of nature. I will be your nurse, 
 Your woman, your physician, and your fool ; 
 Till, with your free consent, which I have vow'd 
 Never to force, you grace me with a name 
 That shall supply all these. 
 
 Paul. What is it ? 
 
 Asam. Your husband. 
 
 Paul. My hangman, when thou pleasest. 
 
 Asam. Thus I guard me 
 Against your further angers. {.Leads her to the door. 
 
 Paul. Which shall reach thee, 
 Though 1 were in the centre. 
 
 [AsAMBEG closes the door upon her, and locks it. 
 
 Asam. Such a spirit, 
 Tn such a small proportion, I ne'er read of, 
 Which time must alter : Ravish her I dare not ; 
 The magic that she wears about her neck, 
 I think, defends her : — this devotion paid 
 To this sweet saint, mistress of my sour pain, 
 'Tis fit I take mine own rough shape again. lExit. 
 
 SCENE VI.— ^ Street near Donusa's Palace. 
 Enter Francisco and Gazet. 
 
 Fran. I think he's lost. 
 
 Gaz. 'Tis ten to one of that ; 
 I ne'er knew citizen turn courtier yet, 
 But he lost his credit though he saved himself. 
 Why look you, sir, there are so many lobbies, 
 Out-offices, and dispartations here. 
 Behind these Turkish hangings, that a Christian 
 Hardly gets off but circumcised. 
 
 Enter Vitelli richlp habited, Carazie, atid Manto. 
 
 Fran. I am troubled, 
 Troubled exceedingly, Hal what are these ? 
 
 Gaz. One, by his rich suit, should be some 
 French embassador : 
 For his train, I think they are Turks. 
 
 Fran. Peace ! be not seen. 
 
 Car. You are now past all the guards, and, un- 
 discover'd. 
 You may return. 
 
 Vitel. There's for your pains ; forget not 
 My humblest service to the best of ladies. 
 
 Mant. Deserve her favour, sir, in making haste 
 For a second entertainment. 
 
 lExeunt Carazie and Manto. 
 
 Vitel. Do not doubt me ; 
 I shall not live till then. 
 
 Gaz. The train is vanish'd : 
 They have done him some good office, he's so free 
 And liberal of his gold. — Ha ! do I dream, 
 Or is this mine own natural master 1 
 
 Fran. 'Tis he . 
 But strangely metamorphosed. — You have made, 
 
 sir 
 A prosperous voyage ; heaven grant it be honest, 
 I shall rejoice then too. 
 
 Gaz. You make him blush. 
 To talk of honesty : — you were but now 
 In the giving vein, and may think of Gazet, 
 Your worship's prentice. 
 
 Vitel. There's gold : be thou free too. 
 And master of my shop, and all the wares 
 We brought from Venice. 
 
 Gaz. Rivo ! then. 
 
 Vitel. Dear sir. 
 This place affords not privacy for discourse ; 
 But I can tell you wonders : my rich habit 
 Deserves least admiration ; there is nothing 
 That can fall in the compass of your wishes, 
 Though it were to redeem a thousand slaves 
 From the Turkish gallies, or, at home, to erect 
 Some pious work, to shame all hospitals, 
 But I am master of the means. 
 
 Fran. 'Tis strange. 
 
 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. What is't ? speak freely. 
 
 Gas. Thus then : As I am master 
 Of your shop and wares, pray you help me to 
 
 some trucking 
 With your last she-customer ; though she crack 
 I will endure it with patience. [my best piece, 
 
 Vitel. Leave your prating. 
 
 Gaz. I may : you have been doing ; we will do 
 too. 
 
 Fran. I am amazed, yet will not blame nor 
 chide you, 
 Till you inform me further : yet must say, 
 They steer not the right course, nor traffic well. 
 That seek a passage to reach heaven through hell. 
 
 \_ExeunU 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I. — A Room in Donusa's Palace. 
 Enter Donusa and Manto, 
 
 Don. When said he he would come again ? 
 
 Mant. He swore. 
 Short minutes should be tedious aijes to him, 
 Until the tender of his second service ; 
 So much he seem'd transported with the first, 
 
 Don. I am sure I was. I charge thee, Manto, 
 tell me. 
 By all my favours, and my bounties, truly, 
 Whether thou art a virgin, or, like me, 
 Hast forfeited that name ? 
 
 Mant. A virgin, madam. 
 
 At my years ! being a waiting-woman, and in 
 
 court too ! 
 That were miraculous. I so long since lost 
 That barren burthen, I almost forget 
 That ever 1 was one. 
 
 Don. And could thy friends 
 Read in thy face, thy maidenhead gone, that thou 
 Hadst parted with it ? 
 
 Mant. No, indeed : I past 
 For current many years after, till, by fortune, 
 Long and continued practice in the sport 
 Blew up my deck ; a husband then was foimd out 
 By my indulgent father, and to the world [then, 
 All was made whole again. What need you fear. 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE RENEGADO. 
 
 109 
 
 That, at your pleasure, may repair your honour, 
 Durst any envious or malicious tongue 
 Presume to taint it ? 
 
 Enter Carazie. 
 
 Don. How now ? 
 
 Car. Madam, the basha 
 Humbly desires access. 
 
 Don. If it had been 
 My neat Italian, thou hadst met my wishes. 
 Tell him we would be private. 
 
 Car. So I did, 
 But he is much importunate. 
 
 Mant. Best dispatch h.'m : ^ 
 
 His lingering here else will deter the othef 
 From making his approach. 
 
 Don. His entertainment 
 Shall not invite a second visit. Go ; 
 Say we are pleased. 
 
 Enter Mustapha. 
 
 Must. All happiness 
 
 Don. Be sudden. 
 'Twas saucy rudeness in you, sir, to press 
 On my retirements ; but ridiculous folly 
 To waste the time, that might be better spent, 
 In complimental wishes. 
 
 Car. There's a cooling 
 For his hot encounter ! lAside. 
 
 Don. Come you here to stare ? 
 If you have lost your tongue, and use of speech, 
 Resign 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. 
 
 Musta. This is strange! 
 I know not, madam, what neglect of mine 
 Has call'd this scorn upon me. 
 
 Don. To the purpose 
 
 My will's a reason, and we stand not bound 
 To yield account to you. 
 
 Musta. Not of your angers : 
 But with erected ears I should hear from you 
 The story of your good opinion of me, 
 Confirm'd by love and favours. 
 
 Don. How deserved ? 
 I have considered you from head to foot, 
 And can find nothing in that wainscot face, 
 That can teach me to dote ; nor am I taken 
 With your grim aspect, or tadpole-like com- 
 plexion. 
 Those 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 swear by your mustachios all is true. 
 You are yet too rough for me : purge and take 
 
 physic. 
 Purchase perfumers, get me some French tailor 
 To new-create you ; the first shape you were 
 
 made with 
 Is quite worn out ; let your barber wash your face 
 
 too. 
 You look yet like a bugbear to fright children ; 
 Till when I take my leave — Wait me Carazie. 
 
 \_Exeunl Donusa and Carazik. 
 
 Musta. Stay you, my lady's cabinet-key. 
 
 \_Seizes Manto. 
 
 Mant. How's this, sir ? 
 
 Musta. Stay, and stand quietly, or you shall 
 fall else, 
 
 Not to firk your belly up, flounder-like, but never 
 
 To rise again. Offer but to unlock 
 
 These doors that stop your fugitive tongue, 
 
 (observe me,) 
 And, by my fury, I'll fix there this bolt 
 
 IDrau's his scimitar. 
 To bar thy speech for ever. So 1 be safe now ; 
 And but resolve me, not of what I doubt, 
 But bring assurance to a thing believed. 
 Thou makest thyself a fortune ; not depending 
 On the uncertain favours of a mistress. 
 But art thyself one. I'll not so far question 
 My judgment and observance, as to ask 
 Why I am slighted and contemn'd ; but in 
 Whose favour it is done ? I, that have read 
 The copious volumes of all women's falsehood, 
 Commented on by.the heart-breaking groans 
 Of abused lovers ; all the doubts wash'd off 
 With fruitless tears, the spider's cobweb veil 
 Of arguments alleged in their defence, 
 Blown off with sighs of desperate men, and they 
 Appearing in their full deformity ; 
 Know that some other hath displanted me. 
 With her dishonour. Has she given it up ? 
 Confirm it in two syllables. 
 
 Mant. She has. 
 
 Musta. I cherish thy confession thus, and thus ; 
 IGives her jewels. 
 Be mine. Again I court thee thus, and thus : 
 Now prove but constant to my ends. 
 
 Mant. By all- 
 
 Musta. Enough ; I dare not doubt thee — O 
 land crocodiles, 
 Made of Egyptian slime, accursed women ! 
 But 'tis no time to rail — come, my best Manto. 
 
 lExeunt. 
 « 
 
 SCENE II. — 4 Street. 
 Enter Vitelli and Fran'ci.sco. 
 
 Vitel. Sir, as you are ray confessor, you stand 
 Not to reveal whatever I discover [bound 
 
 In that religious way : nor dare I doubt you. 
 Let it suffice you have made me see my follies, 
 And wrought, perhaps, compunction ; for 1 would 
 
 not 
 Appear an hypocrite. But, when you impose 
 A penance on me beyond flesh and blood 
 To undergo, you must instruct me how 
 To put off the condition ol a man : 
 Or, if not pardon, at the least, excuse 
 My disobedience. Yet, despair not, sir ; 
 For, though I take mine own way, I shall do 
 Son:ething that may hereafter, to my glory, 
 Speak me your scholar. 
 
 Fran. I enjoin you not 
 To go, but send. 
 
 Vitel. That were a petty trial ; 
 Not worth one, so long taught, and exercised, 
 Under so grave a master. Reverend Francisco, 
 My friend, my father, in that word, my all ! 
 Rest confident you shall hear something of me, 
 That will redeem me in your good opinion ; 
 Or judge me lost for ever. Send Gazet 
 (She shall give order that he may have entrance) 
 To acquaint you with my fortunes. lExit. 
 
 Fran. Go, and prosper. 
 Holy saints guide and strengthen thee ! however. 
 As thy endeavours are, so may they find 
 Gracious acceptance. 
 
110 
 
 THE RENEGADO. 
 
 Enter Gazet, and Grimaldi in rags. 
 
 Gaz. Now, you do not roar, sir ; 
 You speak not tempests, nor take ear-rent from 
 A poor shop-keeper. Do you remember that, sir ? 
 I wear your marks here still. 
 
 Fran. Can this be possible ? 
 All wonders are not ceased then. 
 
 Grim. Do, abuse me, 
 Spit on me, spurn me, pull me by the nose, 
 Thrust out these fiery eyes, that yesterday 
 Would have look'd thee dead. 
 
 Gaz. O save me, sir ! 
 
 Grim. Fear nothing. 
 1 am tame and quiet ; there's no wrong can force 
 To remember what I was. I have forgot [me 
 
 I e'er h«d ireful fierceness, a steel'd heart, 
 Insensible of compassion to others ; 
 Nor is it fit that I should think myself 
 Worth mine own pity. Oh ! 
 
 Fran. Grows this dejection 
 From his disgrace, do you say ? 
 
 Gaz. Why, he's cashier'd, sir ; 
 His ships, his goods, his livery-punks, confiscate : 
 And there is such a punishment laid upon him ! — 
 The miserable rogue must steal no more, 
 Nor drink, nor drab. 
 
 Fran. Does that torment bim .' 
 
 Gaz. O, sir. 
 Should the state take order to bar men of acres 
 From these two laudable recreations, 
 Drinking and whoring, how should panders pur- 
 chase, 
 Or thrifty whores build hospitals ? 'Slid ! if I, 
 That, since I am made free, may write myself 
 A city gallant, should forfeit two such charters, 
 I should be stoned to death, and ne'er be pitied 
 By the liveries of those companies. 
 
 Fran. You'll be whipt, sir, 
 If you bridle not your tongae. Haste to the 
 Your master looks for you. [palace, 
 
 Gaz. My quondam master. 
 Rich sons forget they ever had poor fathers ; 
 In servants 'tis more pardonable : as a companion. 
 Or so, I may consent : but, is there hope, sir. 
 He has got me a good chapwoman ? pray you, 
 A word or two in my behalf. [write 
 
 Fran. Out, rascal ! 
 
 Gaz. I feel some insurrections. 
 
 Fran. Hence ! 
 
 Gaz. I vanish. \_Exit. 
 
 Grim. Why should I study a defence or com- 
 fort. 
 In whom black guilt and misery, if balanced, 
 I know not which would turn the scale .' look 
 
 upward 
 I dare not ; for, should it but be believed 
 That T, dyed deep in hell's most 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 must downward, downward : though re- 
 pentance 
 Could borrow all the glorious wings of grace, 
 My mountainous weight of sins would crack their 
 
 pinions, 
 And sink them to hell with me. 
 
 Fran. Dreadful ! Hear me, 
 Thou miserable man. 
 
 Grim. Good sir, deny not 
 
 But that there is no punishment beyond 
 Damnation. 
 
 Enter Master and Boatswain. 
 
 Master. Yonder he is ; I pity him. 
 
 Boats. Take comfort, captain ; we live still to 
 
 serve you. 
 Grim. Serve me ! I am a devil already : leave 
 
 me — [heard 
 
 Stand further off, you are blasted else ! I have 
 Schoolmen affirm man's body is composed 
 Of the four elements ; and, as in league together 
 They nourish life, so each of them affords 
 Liberty to the soul, when it grows weary 
 Of this fleshy prison. Which shall I make choice 
 The fire ? no ; I shall feel that hereafter, [of ? 
 The earth will not receive me. Should some 
 
 whii'lwind 
 Snatch me into the air, and I hang there, 
 Perpetual plagues would dwell upon the earth ; 
 And those superior bodies, that pour down 
 Their cheerful influence, deny to pass it. 
 Through those vast regions 1 have infected. 
 The sea ? ay, that is justice : there I plough'd up 
 Mischief as deep as hell : there, there, I'll hide 
 This cursed lump of clay. May it turn rocks, 
 Where plummet's weight could never reach the 
 
 sands. 
 And grind the ribs of all such barks as press 
 The ocean's breast in my unlawful course ! 
 I haste then to thee ; let thy ravenous womb. 
 Whom all things else deny, be now my tomb ! 
 
 lExit. 
 Master. Follow him, and restrain him. 
 
 l^Exii Boatswain. 
 Fran. Let this stand 
 For an example to you. I'll provide 
 A lodging for him, and apply such cures 
 To his wounded conscience, as heaven hath lent 
 
 me. 
 He's now my second care ; and my profession 
 Binds me to teach the desperate to repent. 
 As far as to confirm the innocent. \_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. — A Room in Asambeg's Palace. 
 Enter Asambeg, Mustapha, Aga, and Capiaga. 
 
 Asam. Your pleasure ? 
 
 Musta. 'Twill exact your private ear ; 
 And, when you have received it, you will think 
 Too many know it. 
 
 Asam. Leave the room ; but be 
 Within our call. — \_Exeunt Aga and Capiaga. 
 
 Now, sir, what burning secret 
 (With which, it seems, you are turn'd cinders) 
 
 bring you. 
 To quench in my advice or power ? 
 
 Musta. The fire 
 Will rather reach you. 
 
 Asam. Mel 
 
 Musta. And consume both ; 
 For 'tis impossible to be put out, 
 But with the blood of those that kindle it : 
 And yet one vial of it is so precious, 
 In being borrow'd from the Othoman spring. 
 That better 'tis, I think, both we should perish, 
 Than prove the desperate means that must re- 
 From spreading further. [strain it 
 
SCENE IV. 
 
 THE RENEGADO. 
 
 Ill 
 
 Aiam. To the point, and quickly : 
 These winding circumstances in relations, 
 Seldom environ truth. 
 
 Musta. Truth, Asambeg ! 
 
 Asam. Truth, Mustapha. I said it, and add more, 
 You touch upon a string that, to my ear, 
 Does sound Donusa. 
 
 Musta. You then understand 
 Who 'tis I aim at. 
 
 Aaam. Take heed, Mustapha ; 
 Remember what she is, and whose we are : 
 'Tis her neglect, perhaps, that you complain of ; 
 And, should you practice to revenge her scorn, 
 With any plot to taint her in her honour, — 5c- 
 
 Must. Hear me. 
 
 Asam. I will be heard first, — there's no tongue 
 A subject owes, that shall out-thunder mine. 
 
 Musta. Well, take your way. 
 
 Asam. I then again repeat it ; 
 If Mustapha dares with malicious breath, 
 On jealous suppositions, presume 
 To blast the blossom of Donusa's fame, 
 Because he is denied a happiness 
 Which men of equal, nay, of more desert, 
 Have sued in vain for 
 
 Musta. More ! 
 
 Asam. More. 'Twas I spake it. 
 The basha of Natolia and myself 
 Were rivals for her ; either of us brought 
 More victories, more trophies, to plead for us 
 To our great master, than you dare lay claim to ; 
 Yet still, by his allowance, she was left 
 To her election : each of us owed 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, re- 
 pulsed ; 
 Yet thought it no dishonour to sit down 
 With the disgrace, if not to force affection 
 May merit such a name. 
 
 Musta. Have you done yet ? 
 
 Asam. Be, therefore, more than sure the ground 
 You raise your accusation, may admit [on which 
 No undermining of defence in her : 
 For if, with pregnant and apparent proofs, 
 Such as may force a judge, more than inclined, 
 Or partial in her cause, to swear her guilty. 
 You win not me to set off your belief ; 
 Neither our ancient friendship, nor the rites 
 Of sacred hospitality, to which 
 I would not offer violence, shall protect you : 
 — Now, when you please. 
 
 Musta. I will not dwell upon 
 Much circumstance ; yet cannot but profess, 
 With the assurance of a loyalty 
 Equal to yours, the reverence I owe 
 The sultan, and all such his blood makes sacred ; 
 That there is not a vein of mine, which yet is 
 Unemptied in his service, but this moment 
 Should freely open, so it might wash off 
 The stains of her dishonour. Could you think. 
 Or, though you saw it, credit your own eyes, 
 That she, the wonder and amazement of 
 Her sex, the pride and glory of the empire. 
 That hath disdain'd you, slighted me, and boasted 
 A frozen coldness, which no appetite 
 Or height of blood could thaw ; should now so far 
 Be hurried with the violence of her lust. 
 As, in it burying her high birth, and fame, 
 Basely descend to fill a Christian's arms ; 
 
 And to him yield her virgin honour up, 
 Nay, sue to him to take it.^ 
 
 Asam. A Christian ! 
 
 Musta. Temper 
 Your admiration : — and what Christian, think you.' 
 No prince disguised, no man of mark, nor honour ; 
 No daring undertaker in our service, 
 But one, whose lips her foot should scorn to touch ; 
 A poor mechanic pedlar. 
 
 Asam. He ! 
 
 Musta. Nay, more ; 
 Whom do you think she made her scout, nay bawd, 
 To find him out, but me ? What place make 
 
 choice of 
 To wallow in her foul and loathsome pleasures. 
 But in the palace .' Who the instruments 
 Of close conveyance, but the captain of 
 Your guard, the aga, and that man of trust. 
 The warden of the inmost port? — I'll prove this ; 
 And, though I fail to shew her in the act, 
 Glued like a neighing gennet to her stallion, 
 Your incredulity shall be convinced 
 With proofs I blush to think pn. 
 
 Asam. Never yet 
 This flesh felt such a fever. By the life 
 And fortune of great Amurath, should our prophet 
 (Whose name I bow to) in a vision speak this, 
 'Twould make me doubtful of my faith ! — Lead on ; 
 And, when my eyes and ears are, like yours, guilty, 
 My rage shall then appear ; for I will do 
 Something — but what, I am not yet determin'd. 
 
 lExettnt 
 
 SCENE lY.— An outer Room in Donusa's 
 
 Palace. 
 Enter Carazie, Manto, and Gazet gailt/ dressed. 
 
 Car. They are private to their wishes ? 
 
 Mani. Doubt it not. 
 
 Gaz. A pretty structure this ! a courl do you 
 call it ? 
 Vaulted and arch'd ! O, here has been old jumbling 
 Behind this arras. 
 
 Car. Prithee let's have some sport 
 With this fresh codshead. 
 
 Mant. I am out of tune, 
 But do as you please. — My conscience I — tush i 
 
 the hope 
 Of liberty throws that burthen off ; I must 
 Go watch, and make discovery. [_Aside, and exit. 
 
 Car. He is musing, 
 And will talk to himself ; he cannot hold : 
 The poor fool's ravish'd. 
 
 Gaz. I am in my master's clothes, 
 They tit me to a hair too ; let but any 
 Indifferent gamester measure us inch by inch, 
 Or weigh us by the standard, I may pass : 
 I have been proved and proved again true metal. 
 
 Car. How he surveys himself ! 
 
 Gaz. I have heard, that some 
 Have fooled themselves at court into good fortunes. 
 That never hoped to thrive by wit in the city, 
 Or honesty in the country. If I do not 
 Make the best laugh at me, I'll weep for myself, 
 If they give me hearing : 'tis resolved — I'll try 
 What may be done. By your favour, sir, I pray 
 Were you born a courtier .' [vou, 
 
 Car. No, sir; why do you ask .= 
 
 Gaz. Because I thought that none could be pre- 
 But such as were begot there. [ferr'd 
 
112 
 
 THE RENEGADO. 
 
 Car. O, sir ! many ; 
 And, howsoe'er you are a citizen born, 
 Yet if your mother were a handsome woman, 
 And ever long'd to see a masque at court, 
 It is an even lay, but that you had 
 A courtier to your father ; and I think so, 
 You bear yourself so sprightly. 
 
 Gaz. It may be ; 
 But pray you, sir, had 1 such 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 undiscover'd ; 
 What places of credit are there ? 
 
 Car. There's your beglerbeg. 
 
 Gaz. By no means that ; it comes too near the 
 . beggar, 
 And most prove so, that come there. 
 
 Car. Or your sanzacke. 
 
 Gaz. Sauce-jack ! fie, none of that. 
 
 Car. Your chiaus. 
 
 Gaz. Nor that. 
 
 Cur. Chief gardener. 
 
 Gaz. Out upon't ! 
 'Twill put me in mind my mother was an herb- 
 "What is your place, I pray you ? [woman. 
 
 Car. Sir, an eunuch. 
 
 Gaz. An eunuch ! very fine, i'faith ; an eunuch ! 
 And what are your employments ? 
 
 Car. Neat and easy : 
 In the day, I wait on my lady when she eats, 
 Carry her pantofles, bear up her train ; 
 Sing her asleep at night, and, when she pleases, 
 I am her bedfellow. 
 
 Gaz. How ! her bedfellow ? 
 And lie with her ? 
 
 Car. Yes, and lie with her. 
 
 Gaz. O rare ! 
 I'll be an eunuch, tnough I sell 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 so toss and touse 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 Manto. 
 Mant. Carazie, quit the room. 
 Car. Come, sir ; we'll treat of 
 Your business further. 
 
 Gaz. Excellent ! an eunuch ! lExennt. 
 
 SCENE V. — An inner Room in the same. 
 Enter Donusa and Vitelli. 
 
 Vitel. Leave me, or I am lost again : no prayers, 
 No penitence, can redeem me. 
 
 Don. Am I grown 
 Old or deform' d since yesterday ? 
 
 Vitel. You are still, 
 (Although the sating of your lust hath sullied 
 The immaculate whiteness of your virgin beauties,) 
 Too fair for me to look on : and, though pureness, 
 
 The sword with which you ever fought and con- 
 Is ravish'd from you by unchaste desires, [quer'd, 
 You are too strong for flesh and blood to treat 
 
 with, 
 Though iron grates were interposed between us, 
 To warrant me from treason. 
 
 Don. Whom do you fear ? [mother, 
 
 Vitel. That human frailty I took from my 
 That, as my youth increased, grew stronger on me; 
 That still pursues me, and, though once recover'd, 
 In scorn of reason, and, what's more, religion. 
 Again seeks 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 stand bound to pay it. 
 
 Vitel. I will stop 
 Mine ears against these charms, which, if Ulysses 
 Could live again, and hear this second Syren, 
 Though bound v/ith cables to his mast, his ship too 
 Fasten'd with all her anchors, this enchantment 
 Would force him, in despite of all resistance, j 
 
 To leap into the sea, and follow her ; | 
 
 Although destruction, with outstretch'd arras, j 
 
 Stood ready to receive him. 
 
 Don. Gentle sir. 
 Though you deny to hear me, yet vouchsafe 
 To look upon me : though I use no language, 
 The grief for this unkind repulse will print 
 Such a dumb eloquence upon my face. 
 As will not only plead but prevail for me. 
 
 Vitel. I am a coward. I will see and hear you. 
 The trial, else, is nothing ; nor the conquest. 
 My temperance shall crown me with hereafter, 
 Worthy to be remember'd. Up, my virtue ! 
 And holy thoughts and resolutions arm me 
 Against this fierce temptation ! give me voice 
 Tuned to a zealous anger, to express 
 At what an over-value I have purchased 
 The wanton treasure of your virgin bounties ; 
 That, in their false fruition, heap upon me 
 Despair and horror. — That I could with that ease 
 Redeem my forfeit innocence, or cast up 
 The poison I received into my entrails, 
 From the alluring cup of your enticements. 
 As now I do deliver back the price 
 
 \_Returns the jewels, 
 
 And salary of your lust ! or thus unclothe me 
 Of sin's gay trappings, the proud livery 
 
 [Throws off his cloak and doublet. 
 Of wicked pleasure, which but worn and" heated 
 With the fire of entertainment and consent. 
 Like to Alcides' fatal shirt, tears off 
 Our flesh and reputation both together. 
 Leaving our ulcerous follies bare and open 
 To all malicious censure ! 
 
 Don. You must grant. 
 If you hold that a loss to you, mine equals, 
 If not transcends it. If you then first tasted 
 That poison, as you call it, I brought with me 
 A palate unacquainted with the relish 
 Of those delights, which most, as I have heard, 
 Greedily swallow ; and then the offence. 
 If my opinion may be believed. 
 Is not so great : howe'er, the wrong no more, 
 Than if Hippolitus and the virgin huntress 
 Should meet and kiss together. 
 
 Vitel. What defences 
 Can lust raise to maintain a precipice 
 

 THE RENEGADO. 
 
 113 
 
 Enter Asambeg and Mustapha, above. 
 To the abyss of looseness ! — but affords not 
 The least stair, or the fastening of one foot, 
 To reascend that glorious height we fell from. 
 
 Musta. By Mahomet, she courts him ! 
 
 [DoNUSA kneels. 
 
 Asam. Nay, kneels to him ! 
 Observe, the scornful villain turns away too, 
 As glorying in his conquest. 
 
 Don. Are you marble ? 
 If Christians have mothers, sure they share in 
 The tigress' fierceness ; for, if you were owner 
 Of human pity, you could not endure 
 A princess to kneel to you, or look on 
 These falling tears which hardest rocks would 
 
 soften. 
 And yet remain unmoved. Did you but give me 
 A taste of happiness in your embraces. 
 That the remembrance of the sweetness of it 
 Might leave perpetual bitterness behind it ? 
 Or shew'd me what it was to be a wife, 
 To live a widow ever? 
 
 Asam. She has confest it ! 
 
 Seize on him, villains. 
 
 Enter Capiaga and Aga, with Janizaries. 
 
 O the Furies ! 
 \_Exeunt Asambeg and Mustafha above. 
 
 Don. How ! 
 Are we betray'd ? 
 
 Vitel. The better ; I expected 
 A Turkish 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 satisfied your pleasure further than 
 We know to answer it. 
 
 Cap. Would we were well off 1 
 We stand too far engaged, I fear. 
 
 Don. For us } 
 We'll bring you safe off: wno dares contradict 
 What is our pleasure* 
 
 Re-enter Asambeg and Mustapha, below. 
 
 Asam. Spurn the dog to prison. 
 I'll answer you anon. 
 
 Vitel. What punishment 
 Soe'er I undergo, I am still a Christian. 
 
 \^Exit Guard with VlTELSr. 
 
 Don. What bold presumption's this } Under 
 Am I to fall, that set my foot upon [what law 
 
 Your statutes and decrees ? 
 
 Musta. The crime committed, 
 Our Alcoran calls death. 
 
 Don. Tush ! who is here. 
 That is not Amurath's slave, and so, unfit 
 To sit a judge upon his blood? 
 
 Asam. You have lost. 
 And shamed the privilege of it ; robb'd me too 
 Of my soul, my understanding, to behold 
 Your base unworthy fall from your high virtue. 
 
 Don. I do appeal to Amurath. 
 
 Asam. We will offer 
 No violence to your person, till we know 
 His sacred pleasure ; till when, under guard 
 You shall continue here. 
 
 Don. Shall! 
 
 Asam. I have said it. 
 
 Don. We shall remember this. 
 
 Asam. It ill becomes 
 Such as are guilty, to deliver threats 
 Against the innocent. [ The Guard leads o^Do- 
 
 NUSA.] — I could tear this flesh now, 
 But 'tis in vain ; nor must I talk, but do. 
 Provide a well-mann'd galley for Constantinople : 
 Such sad news never came to our great master. 
 As he directs, we must proceed, and know 
 No will but his, to whom what's ours we owe. 
 
 [Exeunt, 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I. — A Room in Grimaldi's House. 
 
 Enter Master and Boatswain. 
 
 Mast. He does begin to eat } 
 
 Boatsw. A little, master ; 
 But our best hope for his recovery is, that 
 His ra?ing leaves him ; and those dreadful words, 
 Damnation and despair, with which he ever 
 Ended all his discourses, are forgotten. 
 
 Mast. This stranger is a most religious man sure ; 
 And I am doubtful, whether his charity 
 In the relieving of our wants, or care 
 To cure the wounded conscience of Grimaldi, 
 Deserves more admiration. 
 
 Boatsw. Can you guess 
 What the reason should be, that we never mention 
 The church, or the high altar, but his melancholy 
 Grows and increases on him } 
 
 Mast. I have heard him. 
 When he gloried to profess himself an atheist. 
 Talk often, and with much delight and boasting, 
 Of a rude prank he did ere he turn'd pirate ; 
 The memory of which, as it appears, 
 Lies heavy on him. 
 
 Boatsw. Pray you, let me understand it. 
 
 Mast. Upon a solemn day, when the whole city 
 Join'd in devotion and with barefoot steps 
 Pass'd to St. Mark's, the duke, and the whole 
 
 signiory. 
 Helping to perfect the religious pomp 
 With which they were received ; when all men else 
 Were full of tears, and groan'd beneath the weight 
 Of past offences, of whose heavy burthen 
 They came to be absolved and freed ; our captain, 
 Whether in scorn of those so pious rites 
 He had no feeling of, or else drawn to it 
 Out of a wanton, irreligious madness, 
 (I know not which,) ran to the holy man. 
 As he was doing of the work of grace, 
 And snatching from his hands the sanctified means, 
 Dash'd it upon the pavement. 
 
 Boatsw. How escaped he, 
 It being a deed deserving death with torture .'' 
 
 Mast. The general amazement of the people 
 Gave him leave to quit the temple, and a gondola, 
 Prepared, it seems, before, brought him aboard ; 
 Since which he ne'er saw Venice. The remem- 
 brance I 
 
]U 
 
 THE RENEGADO. 
 
 Of this, it seems, torments him ; aggravated 
 With a strong belief he cannot receive pardon 
 For this foul fact, but from his hands, against 
 It was committed. [whom 
 
 Boatsw. And what course intends 
 His heavenly physician, reverend Francisco, 
 To beat down this opinion ? 
 
 Mast. He promised 
 To use some holy and religious fineness, 
 To this good end ; and, in the meantime, charged 
 
 me 
 To keep him dark, and to admit no visitants : 
 But on no terms to cross him. Here he comes. 
 
 Enter Grimaldi, with a book. 
 Grim. For theft, he that restores treble the 
 
 value. 
 Makes satisfaction ; and, for want of means 
 To do so, as a slave must serve it out, 
 Till he hath made full payment. There's hope left 
 
 here. 
 Oh ! with what willingness would I give up 
 My liberty to those that I have pillaged ; 
 And wish the numbers of my years, though wasted 
 In the most sordid slavery, might equal 
 The rapines I have made ; till, with one voice. 
 My patient sufferings might exact, from my 
 Most cruel creditors, a full remission, 
 An eye's loss with an eye, limb's with a limb : 
 A sad account ! — yet, to find peace within here. 
 Though all such as I have maim'd and dismember'd 
 In drunken quarrels, or o'ercome with rage, 
 When they were given up to my power, stood here 
 
 now, 
 And cried for restitution ; to appease them, 
 I would do a bloody justice on myself : 
 Pull out these eyes, that guided me to ravish 
 Their sight from others ; lop these legs, that bore 
 
 me 
 To barbarous violence ; with this hand cut off 
 This instrument of wrong, till nought were left me 
 But this poor bleeding limbless trunk, which gladly 
 I would divide among them. — Ha ! what think 1 
 
 Enter Francisco in a cope, like a Bishop. 
 Of petty forfeitures ! In this reverend habit, 
 All that I am turn'd into eyes, I look on 
 A deed of mine so fiend-like, that repentance, 
 Though with my tears I taught the sea new tides, 
 Can never wash off: all my thefts, my rapes, 
 Are venial trespasses, compared to what 
 I offer'd to that shape, and in a place too, 
 Where I stood bound to kneel to't. iKneels. 
 
 Fran. 'Tis forgiven : 
 I with his tongue, whom, in these sacred vestments. 
 With impure hands thou didst offend, pronounce it. 
 I bring peace to thee ; see that thou deserve it 
 In thy fair life hereafter. 
 
 Grim. Can it be ! 
 Dare I believe this vision, or hope 
 A pardon e'er may find me ? 
 
 Fran. Purchase it 
 By zealous undertakings, and no more 
 'Twill be remembered. 
 
 Grim. What celestial balm IRises. 
 
 I feel now pour'd into my wounded conscience ! 
 What penance is there I'll not undergo, 
 rhough ne'er so sharp and rugged, with more 
 
 pleasure 
 Tl an flesh and blood e'er tasted I shew me tme 
 Sorrow, 
 
 Arm'd with an iron whip, and I will meet 
 
 The stripes she brings along with her, as if 
 
 They were the gentle touches of a hand 
 
 That comes to cure me. Can good deeds redeem 
 
 I will rise up a wonder to the world, [me? 
 
 When I have given strong proofs how I am alter'd. 
 
 I, that have sold such as profess'd the faith 
 
 That I was born in, to captivity. 
 
 Will make their number equal, that I shall 
 
 Deliver from the oar ; and win as many 
 
 By the clearness of my actions, to look on 
 
 Their misbelief, and loath it. 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 strong by your charity, to break through 
 
 All dangers hell can bring forth to oppose me. 
 
 Nor am I, though my fortunes were thought despe- 
 
 Now you have reconciled me to myself, [rate, 
 
 So void of worldly means, but, in despite 
 
 Of the proud viceroy's wrongs, I can do something 
 
 To witness of my chayge : when you please, try rae, 
 
 And I will perfect what you shall enjoin me, 
 
 Or fall a joyful martyr. 
 
 Fran. You will reap 
 The comfort of it ; live yet undiscover'd, 
 And with your holy meditations strengthen 
 Your Christian resolution : ere long, 
 You shall hear further from me. lExit. 
 
 Grim. I'll attend 
 All your commands with patience ; — come, my 
 I hitherto have lived an ill example, [mates, 
 
 And, as your captain, led you on to mischief ; 
 But now will truly labour, that good men 
 May say hereafter of me, to my glory, 
 (Let but my power and means hand with my will,) 
 His good endeavours did. weigh down his ill. 
 
 \_Exeunt. 
 
 Re-enter Francisco, in his usual habit. 
 Fran. This penitence is not counterfeit : how- 
 soever, 
 Good actions are in themselves rewarded. 
 My travail's to meet with a double crown. 
 If that Vitelli come off safe, and prove 
 Himself the master of his wild aflfections — 
 
 Enter Gazet. 
 O, I shall have intelligence ; how now, Gazet, 
 Why these sad looks and tears ? 
 Gaz. Tears, sir ! I have lost 
 My worthy master. Your rich heir seems to 
 
 mourn for 
 A miserable father, your young widow. 
 Following a bedrid husband to his grave, 
 W^ould have her neighbours think she cries and 
 
 roars 
 That she must part with such a goodman Do- 
 nothing ; 
 When 'tis, because he stays so long above ground, 
 And hinders a ric'h suitor.— All's come out, sir. 
 We are smoak'd for being coney-catchers : my 
 Is put in prison ; his she-customer [master 
 
 Is under guard too ; these are things to weep for : — 
 But mine own loss considered, and what a fortune 
 I have had, as they say, snatch'd out of my chops, 
 Would make a man run mad. 
 
 Fran. I scarce have leisure, 
 I am so wholly taken up with sorrow 
 For my loved pupil, to enquire thy fate ; 
 Yet I will hear it^ 
 
SCKNE II. 
 
 THE RENEGADO. 
 
 115 
 
 Gaz. Why, sir, I had bought-a place, 
 A place of credit too, an I had gone through 
 
 with it ; 
 I should have been made an eunuch : there was 
 
 honour 
 For a late poor prentice ! when, upon the sudden, 
 There was such a hurlyburly in the court, 
 That I was glad to run away, and carry 
 The price of my office with me. 
 
 Fran. Is that all ? 
 You have made a saving voyage : we must think 
 Though not to free, to comfort sad Vitelli ; [now. 
 My grieved soul suffers for him. 
 
 Gaz. I am sad too ; .^ 
 
 But had I been an eunuch 
 
 Fran. Think not on it. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II A Hall in Asambeg's Palace. 
 
 Enter AsAjuBEo ; he unlocks a Door, and Paulina comes 
 forth. , 
 
 Asam. Be your own guard : obsequiousness and 
 service 
 Shall win you to be mine. Of all restraint 
 For ever take your leave, no threats shall awe you, 
 No jealous doubts of mine disturb your freedom, 
 No fee'd spies wait upon your steps : your virtue. 
 And due consideration in yourself 
 Of what is noble, are the faithful helps 
 I leave you, as supporters, to defend you 
 From falling basely. 
 
 Paul. This is wondrous strange : 
 Whence flows this alteration ? 
 
 Asam. From true judgment ; 
 And strong assurance, neither grates of iron, 
 Hemm'd in with walls of brass, strict guards, high 
 The forfeiture of honour, nor the fear [birth, 
 
 Of infamy or punishment, can stay 
 A woman slaved to appetite, from being 
 False and unworthy. 
 
 Paul. You are grown satirical 
 Against our sex. Why, sir, I durst produce 
 Myself in our defence, and from you challenge 
 A testimony tliat's not to be denied, 
 All fall hot under this unequal censure. 
 I, that have stood your tiatteries, your threats. 
 Borne up against your fierce temptations ; scorn'd 
 The cruel means you practised to supplant me, 
 Having no arms to help me to hold out. 
 But love of piety, and constant goodness : 
 If you are unconfirm'd, dare again boldly 
 Enter into the lists, and combat with 
 All opposites man's malice can bring forth 
 To shake me in my chastity, built upon 
 The rock of my religion. 
 
 Asam. I do wish 
 I could believe you ; but, when I shall shew you 
 A most incredible example of 
 Your frailty, in a princess, sued and sought to 
 By men of worth, of rank, of eminence ; courted 
 By happiness itself, and her cold temper 
 Approved by many years ; yet she to fall, 
 Fall from herself, her glories, nay, her safety, 
 Into a gulf of shame and black despair ; 
 I think you'll doubt yourself, or, in beholding 
 Her punishment, for ever be deterr'd 
 From yielding basely. 
 
 Paul. I would see this wonder ; 
 'Tis, sir, my first petition. i 2 
 
 Asam. And thus granted : 
 Above, you shall observe all. iExit Pauliva. 
 
 Enter Mustapha. 
 
 Musta. Sir, I sought you, 
 And must relate a wonder. Since I studied, 
 And knew what man was, I was never witness 
 Of such invincible fortitude as this Christian 
 Shews in his sufferings : all the torments that 
 We could present him with, to fright his con- 
 stancy, 
 Confirm'd, not shook it ; and those heavy chains, 
 That eat into his flesh, appear'd to him 
 Like bracelets made of some loved mistress' hairs 
 We kiss in the remembrance of her favours. 
 I am strangely taken with it, and have lost 
 Much of my fury. 
 
 Asam. Had he suffer'd poorly, 
 It had call'd on my contempt ; but manly patience, 
 And all-commanding virtue, wins upon 
 An enemy. I shall think upon him. — Ha ! 
 
 Enter Aga with a black Box. 
 So soon return'd ! This speed pleads in excuse 
 Of your late fault, which I no more remember. 
 What's the grand signior's pleasure ? 
 
 Aga. 'Tis enclosed here. 
 The box too that contains it may inform you 
 How he stands affected : I am trusted with 
 Nothing but this. On forfeit of your head, 
 She must have a speedy trial. 
 
 Asam. Bring her in 
 In black, as to her funeral : [Exit Aga.] 'tis the. 
 
 colour 
 Her fault wills her to wear, and which, in justice, 
 I dare not pity. Sit, and take your place : 
 However in her life she has degenerated. 
 May she die nobly, and in that confirm 
 Her greatness and high blood ! 
 
 Solemn Music. Re-enter the Aga, iciih the Capiaga leading 
 in DoNUSA in black, her train borne up by Carazik ami 
 Manto. a Guard attending, Paulina e7iters above. 
 
 Musta. I now could melt — 
 But soft compassion leave me. 
 
 Mant. I am affrighted 
 With this dismal preparation. Should the enjoying 
 Of loose desires find ever such conclusions. 
 All women would be Vestals. 
 
 Don. That you clothe me 
 In this sad livery of death, assures me 
 Your sentence is gone out before, and I 
 Too late am call'd for, in my guilty cause 
 
 To use qualification or excuse 
 
 Yet must I not part so with mine own strengths. 
 But borrow, from my modesty, boldness, to 
 Enquire by whose authority you sit 
 My judges, and whose warrant digs my grave 
 In the frowns you dart against my life ? 
 
 Asam. See here, 
 This fatal sign and warrant ! This, brought to 
 A general, fighting in the head of his j 
 
 Victorious troops, ravishes from his hand I 
 
 His even then conquering sword ; this, shewn unto i 
 The sultan's brothers, or his sons, delivers \ 
 
 His deadly anger ; and, all hopes laid by, j 
 
 Commands them to prepare themselves for heaven \ { 
 Which would stand with the quiet of your soul, 
 To think upon, and imitate. 
 
 Don. Give me leave 
 A little to complain ; first, of the hard 
 
no 
 
 THE RENEGADO. 
 
 Condition of my fortune, vrliich may move you, 
 Though not to rise up intercessors for me, 
 Yet, in remembrance of my former life, 
 (This being the first sj ot tainting mine honour,) 
 To be the means to bring me to his presence ; 
 And then I doubt not, but I could allege 
 Such reasons in mine own defence, or plead 
 So humbly, (my tears helping,) that it should 
 Awake his sleeping pity. 
 
 Asam. 'Tis in vain. 
 If you have aught to say, you shall have hearing ; 
 And, in me, think him present. 
 
 Don. I would thus then 
 First kneel, and kiss his feet ; and after, tell him 
 How long I had been his darling ; what delight 
 My infant years afforded him ; how dear 
 He prized his sister in both bloods, my mother : 
 That she, like him, had frailty, that to me 
 Descends as an inheritance ; then conjure him. 
 By her blest ashes, and his father's soul, 
 The swoi'd that rides upon his thigh, his right hand 
 Holding the sceptre and the Othoman fortune, 
 To have compassion on me. 
 
 Asam. But suppose 
 (A.S I am sure) he would be deaf, what then 
 Could you infer } 
 
 Don. I, then, would thus rise up. 
 And to his teeth tell him he was a tyrant, 
 A most voluptuous and insatiable epicure 
 In his own pleasures , which he hugs so dearly, 
 As proper and peculiar to himself, 
 That he denies a moderate lawful use 
 Of all delight to others. And to thee, 
 Unequal judge, I speak as much, and charge thee, 
 But with impartial eyes to look into 
 Thyself, and then consider with what justice 
 Thou canst pronounce my sentence. Unkind 
 
 nature, 
 To make weak women servants, proud men masters I 
 Indulgent Mahomet, do thy bloody laws 
 Call my embraces with a Christian death, 
 Having my heat and May of youth to plead 
 In my excuse ? and yet want power to punish 
 These that, with scorn, break through thy cobweb 
 
 edicts, 
 And laugh at thy decrees ? To tame their lusts 
 There's no religious bit : let her be fair. 
 And pleasing to the ftye, though Persian, Moor, 
 Idolatress, Turk, or Christian, you are privileged, 
 And freely may enjoy her. At this instant, 
 I know, unjust man, thou hast in thy power 
 A lovely Christian virgin ; thy offence 
 Equal, if not transcending mine : why, then, 
 (We being both guilty,) dost thou not descend 
 From that usurp'd tribunal, and with me 
 Walk hand in hand to death ? 
 
 Asam. She raves ; and we 
 Lose time to hear her : Read the law. 
 
 Don. Do, do ; 
 I stand resolved to suffer. 
 
 Aga. \_Reads.'] If any virgin, of what degree, or quality 
 soever, born a natural Turk, shall be convicted of corporal 
 looseness, and incontinence with any Christian, she is, by 
 the decree of our great prophet, Mahomet, to lose her 
 head. 
 
 Asam, Mark that, then tax our justice ! 
 
 Jga. Ever provided, That if she, the said offender, by 
 any reasons, arguments, or persuasion, can win and pre- 
 vail with the Siiid Christian offending witli her, to alter 
 his religion, and marry her, that then the winning of a 
 
 soul to the Mahometan sect, shall acquit her from all 
 shame, disgrace, and punishment whatsoever. 
 
 Don. I lay hold on that clause, and challenge 
 The privilege of the law. [from you 
 
 Muct. What will you do ? 
 
 Do7i. Grant me access and means, I'll undertake 
 To turn this Christian Turk, and marry him : 
 This trial you cannot deny. 
 
 Musta. O base ! 
 Can fear to die make you descend so low 
 From your high birth, and brand the Othoman line 
 With such a mark of infamy } 
 
 Asam. This is worse 
 Than the parting with your honour. Better suffer 
 Ten thousand deaths, and without hope to have 
 A place in our great prophet's paradise, 
 Than have an act to aftertimes remember'd, 
 So foul as this is. •— 
 
 Must. Cheer your spirits, madam ; 
 To die is nothing, 'tis but parting with 
 A mountain of vexations. 
 
 Asam. Think of your honour : 
 In dying nobly, you make satisfaction 
 For your offence, and you shall live a story 
 Of bold heroic courage. 
 
 Don. You shall not fool me 
 Out of my life : I claim the law, and sue for 
 A speedy trial ; if I fail, you may 
 Determine of me as you please. 
 
 Asam. Base woman ! 
 But use thy ways, and see thou prosper in them , 
 For, if thou fall again into my power, 
 Thou shalt in vain, after a thousand tortures. 
 Cry out for death, that death which now thou 
 
 fiiest from. 
 Unloose the prisoner's chains. Go, lead her on. 
 To try the magic of her tongue. I'll follow . 
 
 \_Exeunt all but Asambeq. 
 I'm on the rack — descend, my best Paulina. 
 
 [_Exit tvith Paulika. 
 
 SCENE III.— ^ Room in the Prison. 
 Enter Francisco and Goaler. 
 
 Fran. I come not empty-handed ; I will pur- 
 chase 
 Your favour at what -ate you please. There's gold. 
 
 Gaol. 'Tis the best oratory. I will hazard 
 A check for your content.— Below, there! 
 
 Vitel. [below.'] Welcome ! 
 Art thou the happy messenger, that brings me 
 News of my death ? 
 
 Gaol. Your hand. Plucks up YirKhi.1. 
 
 Fran. Now, if you please, 
 A little privacy. 
 
 Gaol. You have bought it, sir ; 
 Enjoy it freely. lExiU 
 
 Fran. O, my dearest pupil. 
 Witness these tears of joy, I never saw you, 
 'Till now, look lovely ; nor durst I ever 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 Roman Csesars, that led kings in chains. 
 Fast bound to their triumphant chariots, if 
 Compared with that true glory and full lustre 
 You now appear in ; all their boasted honours, 
 Purchased with blood and wrong, wo^ild lose their 
 And be no more remember'd ! [names. 
 
SCENE III. 
 
 THE REN EG ADO. 
 
 117 
 
 Vilel. This applause, 
 Confirm'd in your allowance, joys me more 
 Than if a thousand fuU-cramm'd theatres / 
 
 Should clap their eager hands, to witness that v 
 The scene I act did please, and they admire it. 
 But these are, father, but beginnings, not 
 The ends, of my high aims. I grant, to have 
 The rebel appetite of flesh and blood, [master'd 
 Was far above my strength ; and still 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 p-ut off 
 The fond desire of life, (that, like a garment, 
 Covers and clothes our frailty,) hastening to^ 
 My martyrdom, as to a heavenly banquet, 
 To which 1 was a choice invited guest ; 
 Then you may boldly say, you did not plough. 
 Or trust the barren and ungrateful sands 
 With the fruitful grain of your religious counsels. 
 Fran. You do instruct your teacher. Let the 
 sun 
 Of your clear life, that lends to good men light, 
 But set as gloriously as it did rise, 
 (Though sometimes clouded,) you may write nil 
 To human wishes. lultra 
 
 Vilel. I have almost gain'd 
 The end o' the race, and will not faint or tire now. 
 
 Re-enter Gaoler with Aga. 
 Aga. Sir, by your leave, — nay, stay not, [lo the 
 Gaoler, who goes out'\ I bring comfort. 
 The viceroy, taken with the constant bearing 
 Of your afflictions ; and presuming too 
 You will not change your temper, does command 
 Your irons should be ta'en off. [_Thet/ lake off his 
 
 irons-l Now arm yourself 
 With your old resolution ; suddenly 
 You shall be visited. You must leave the room 
 And do it without reply. [too, 
 
 Fran. There's no contending : 
 Be still thyself, my son. 
 
 [Exeunt Aga and Francisco. 
 Vilel. 'Tis not in man. 
 
 Enter Donusa, followed at a distance hy Asambkg, JIus- 
 
 TAPHA, and Paulina. 
 To change or alter me. 
 
 Paul. Whom do I look on ? 
 My brother } 'tis he ! — but no more, my tongue ; 
 Thou wilt betray all. \_Aside. 
 
 Asam. Let us hear this temptress : 
 The fellow looks as he would stop his ears 
 Against her powerful spells. 
 
 Paul. He is undone else. lAside. 
 
 Vilel. I'll stand the encounter — charge me 
 home. 
 
 Don. I come, sir, \_Bows herself. 
 
 A beggar to you, and doubt not to find 
 A good man's charity, which if you deny. 
 You are cruel to yourself ; a crime a wise man 
 (And such I hold you) would not willingly 
 Be guilty of; nor let it find less welcome, 
 Though I, a creature you contemn, now shew you 
 The way to certain happiness ; nor think it 
 Imaginary or fantastical. 
 And so not worth the acquiring, in respect 
 Tlie passage to it is nor rough nor thorny ; 
 No steep hills in the way which you must climb up. 
 No monsters to be conquer'd, no enchantments 
 To be dissolved by counter charms, before 
 You take possession of it. 
 
 Vilel. What strong poison 
 Is wrapp'd up in these sugar'd pills ? 
 
 Don. My suit is, 
 That you would quit your shoulders of a burthen, 
 Under whose ponderous weight you wilfully 
 Have too long groan'd, to cast those fetters off. 
 With which, with your own hands, you chain your 
 
 freedom : 
 Forsake a severe, nay, imperious mistress. 
 Whose service does exact perpetual cares, 
 Watchings, and troubles ; and give entertainment 
 To one that courts you, whose least favours are 
 Variety, and choice of all delights 
 Mankind is capable of. 
 
 Vilel. You speak in riddles. 
 What burthen, or what mistress, or what fetters, 
 Are those you point at } 
 
 Don. Those which your religion, 
 The mistress you too long have served, compels you 
 To bear with slave-like patience. 
 
 Vilel. Hal 
 
 Paul. How bravely 
 That virtuous anger shews ! 
 
 Don. Be wise, and weigh 
 The prosperous success of things ; if blessings 
 Are donatives from heaven, (which, you must grant, 
 Were blasphemy to question,) and that 
 They are call'd down and pour'd on such as are 
 Most gracious with the great Disposer of them. 
 Look on our flourishing empire, if the splendor, 
 The majesty, and glory of it dim not 
 Your feeble sight ; and then turn back, and see 
 The narrow bounds of yours, yet that poor remnant 
 Rent in as many factions and opinions 
 As you have petty kingdoms ; — and then, if 
 You are not obstinate against truth and reason, 
 You must confess the Deity you worship 
 Wants care or power to help you. 
 
 Paul. Hold out now. 
 And then thou art victorious. \_Aside, 
 
 Asam. How he eyes her ! 
 
 Musta. As if he would look through her. 
 
 Asam. His eyes flame too. 
 As threatening violence. 
 
 Vilel. But that I know 
 The devil, thy tutor, fills each part about thee. 
 And that I cannot play the exorcist 
 To dispossess thee, unless I should tear 
 Thy body limb by limb, and throw it to 
 The Furies, that expect it ; I would now 
 Pluck out that wicked tongue, that hath blasphemed 
 The great Omnipotency, at whose nod 
 The fabric of the world shakes. Dare you bring 
 Your juggling prophet in comparison with 
 That most inscrutable and infinite Essence, 
 That made this All, and comprehends his work ! — ' 
 The place is too profane to mention him 
 Whose only name is sacred. O Donusa I 
 How much, in my compassion, I suffer, 
 That thou, on whom this most excelling form, 
 And faculties of discourse, beyond a woman, 
 Were by his liberal gift conferred, shouldst still 
 Remain in ignorance of him that gave it ! 
 I will not foul my mouth to speak the sorceries 
 Of your seducer, his base birth, his whoredoms, 
 His strange impostures ; nor deliver how 
 He taught a pigeon to feed in his ear, 
 Then made his credulous followers believe 
 It was an angel, that instructed him 
 In the framing of bis Alcoran — pray you, mark me 
 
118 
 
 THE RENEGADO. 
 
 Asam. These words are death, were he in nought 
 
 Vitel. Your intent to win me [else guilty. 
 
 To be of your belief, proceeded from 
 Your fear to die. Can there be strength in that 
 Religion, that suffers us to tremble 
 At that which every day, nay hour, n-e haste to ? 
 
 Don. This is unanswerable, and there's some- 
 I err in my opinion. [thing tells me 
 
 Vitel. Cherish it, 
 It is a heavenly prompter ; entertain 
 This holy motion, and wear on your forehead 
 The sacred badge he arms his servants with ; 
 You shall, like me, with scorn look down upon 
 All engines tyranny can advance to batter 
 Your constant resolution. Then you shall 
 Look truly fair, when your mind's pureness answers 
 Your outward beauties. 
 
 Don. I came here to take you, 
 But I perceive a yielding in myself 
 To be your prisoner. 
 
 Vitel. 'Tis an overthrow. 
 
 That will outshine all victories. O Donusa, 
 Die in my faith, like me ; and 'tis a marriage 
 At which celestial angels shall be waiters. 
 And such as have been sainted welcome us : 
 Are you confirm'd ? 
 
 Don. I would be ; but the means 
 That may assure me ? 
 
 Vitel. Heaven is merciful, 
 And will not suffer you to want a man 
 To do that sacred office, build upon it. 
 
 Don. Then thus I spit at Mahomet. 
 
 Asam. [coming forward.] Stop her moutk ; 
 In death to turn apostata ! I'll not hear 
 One syllable from any — Wretched creature ! 
 With the next rising sun prepare to die. — 
 Yet, Christian, in reward of thy brave courage, 
 Be thy faith right or wrong, receive this favour ; 
 In person I'll attend thee to thy death : 
 And boldly challenge all that I can give, 
 But what's not in my gi'ant, which is — to live. 
 
 lExeunt. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I. — A Room in the Prison. 
 
 Enter Vitelli and Francisco. 
 
 Fran. You are wondrous brave and jocund. 
 
 Vitel. Welcome, father. 
 Should I spare cost, or not wear cheerful looks 
 Upon my wedding day, it were ominous, 
 And shew'd 1 did repent it ; which I dare not, 
 It being a marriage, howsoever sad 
 In the first ceremonies that confirm it, 
 That will for ever arm me against fears, 
 Repentance, doubts, or jealousies, and bring 
 Perpetual comforts, peace of mind, and quiet 
 To the glad couple. 
 
 Fran. I well understand you ; 
 And my full joy to see you so resolved 
 Weak words cannot express. What is the hour 
 Design' d for this solemnity ? 
 
 Vitel. The sixth : 
 Something before the setting of the sun, 
 We take our last leave of his fading light, 
 And with our soul's eyes seek for beams eternal. 
 Yet there's one scruple with which I am much 
 Perplex'd and troubled, which I know you can 
 Resolve me of. 
 
 Fran. What is't } 
 
 Vitel. This, sir ; my bride, 
 Whom I first courted, and then won, not with 
 Loose lays, poor flatteries, apish compliments, 
 But sacred and religious zeal, yet wants 
 The holy badge that should proclaim her fit 
 For these celestial nuptials : willing she is, 
 I know, to wear it, as the choicest jewel. 
 On her fair forehead ; but to you, that well 
 Could do that work of grace, I know the viceroy 
 Will never grant access. Now, in a case 
 Of this necessity, 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 question in itself with much ease an- 
 Midwives, upon necessity, perform it ; [swer'd 
 And knights that, in the Holy Land, fought for 
 
 The freedom of Jerusalem, when full 
 
 Of sweat and enemies' 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 must I think it now. 
 In you, a work less pious. 
 
 Vitel. You confirm me : 
 I will find a way to do it. In the mean time, 
 Your holy vows assist me 1 
 
 Fran. They shall ever 
 Be present with you. 
 
 Viiel. You shall see me act 
 This last scene to the life. 
 
 Fran. And though now fall. 
 Rise a bless'd martyr. 
 
 Vitel. That's my end, my all. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 Street. 
 
 Enter Grimaldi,. Master, Boatswain and Sailors. 
 
 Boatsw. Sir, if you slip this opportunity. 
 Never expect the like. 
 
 Mast. With as much ease now 
 We may steal the ship out of the harbour, captain, 
 As ever gallants, in a wanton bravery. 
 Have set upon a drunken constable, 
 And bore him from a sleepy tag-gown'd watch : 
 Be therefore wise. 
 
 Grim. I must be honest too. 
 And you shall wear that shape, you shall observe 
 If that you purpose to continue mine. [me, 
 
 Think you ingratitude can be the parent 
 To our unfeign'd repentance ? Do I owe 
 A peace within here, kingdoms could not purchase. 
 To my religious creditor, to leave him 
 Open to danger, the great benefit 
 Never remembered ! no ; though in her bottom 
 We could stow up the tribute of the Turk ; 
 Nay, grant the passage safe too ; I will never 
 Consent to weigh an anchor up, till he. 
 That only must, commands it. 
 
SCENE HI. 
 
 THE RENEGADO. 
 
 119 
 
 Boatsw. This religion 
 Will keep us slaves and beggars. 
 
 Mast. The fiend prompts me 
 To change my copy : "plague upon't ! we are sea- 
 men ; 
 What have we to do with't, but for a snatch or so, 
 At the end of a long Lent ? 
 
 Enter FnANasco. 
 
 Boatsw. Mum : see who is here. 
 
 Grim. My father i 
 
 Fran. My good convert. I am full 
 Of serious business which denies me leave 
 To hold long conference with you : only thusjcnuch 
 Briefly receive ; a day or two, at the most, * 
 Shall make me fit to take my leave of Tunis, 
 Or give me lost for ever. 
 
 Grim. Days nor years, 
 Provided that my stay may do you service, 
 But to me shall be minutes. 
 
 Fran. I much thank you^ 
 In this small scroll you may in private read 
 What my intents are ; and, as they grow ripe, 
 I will instruct you further : in the mean time 
 Borrow your late distracted looks and gesture ; 
 The more dejected you appear, the less 
 The viceroy must suspect you. 
 
 Grim. I am nothing, 
 But what you please to have me be. 
 
 Fran. Farewell, sir. 
 Be cheerful, master, something we will do, 
 That shall reward itself in the performance ; 
 And that's true prize indeed. 
 
 Mast. I am obedient. 
 
 Boatsw. And I : there's no contending. 
 
 \_Exeunt Grim. Mast. Boatsw. and Sailors. 
 
 Fran. Peace to you all 1 
 Prosper, thou Great Existence, my endeavours, 
 As they religiously are undertaken. 
 And distant equally from servile gain, 
 
 Enter Paulina, Carazie, and Manto. 
 Or glorious ostentation ! — I am heard. 
 In this blest opportunity, which in vain 
 I long have waited for. I must shew myself. 
 O, she has found me ! now if she prove right, 
 All hope will not forsake us. 
 
 Paul. Further otf ; 
 And in that distance know your duties too. 
 You were bestow'd on me as slaves to serve me. 
 And not as spies to pry into my actions. 
 And after, to betray me. You shall find 
 If any look of mine be unobserved, 
 lam not ignorant of a mistress' power, 
 And from whom I receive it. 
 
 Car. Note this, Manto, 
 The pride and scorn with which she entertains us, 
 Now we are made her's by the viceroy's gift ! 
 Our sweet condition'd princess, fair Donusa, 
 Rest in her death wait on her 1 never used us 
 With such contempt. I would he had sent me 
 To the gaUies, or the gallows, when he gave me 
 To this proud little devil. 
 
 Mant. 1 expect 
 All tyrannous usage, but I must be patient; 
 And though, ten times a-day, she tears these locks, 
 Or makes this face her footstool, 'tis but justice. 
 
 Paxil. 'Tis a true story of my fortunes, father. 
 My chastity preserved by miracle, 
 Or your devotions for me ; and, believe it. 
 
 What outward pride soe'er I counterfeit. 
 Or state, to these appointed to attend me, 
 I am not in my disposition alter'd. 
 But still your humble daughter, and share with you 
 In my poor brother's sufferings : — all hell's tor- 
 Revenge it on accurs'd Grimaldi's soul, [ments 
 That, in his rape of me, gave a beginning 
 To all the miseries that since have foUow'd ! 
 
 Fran. Be charitable, and forgive him, gentle 
 daughter. 
 He's a changed man, and may redeem his fault 
 In his fair life hereafter. You must bear too 
 Your forced 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 still the same good counsellor. 
 
 Fran. And who knows, 
 (Since what above is purposed, is inscrutable,) 
 But that the viceroy's extreme dotage on you 
 May be the parent of a happier birth 
 Than yet our hopes dare fashion. Longer con- 
 ference 
 May prove unsafe for you and me ; however 
 (Perhaps for trial) he allows you freedom. — 
 
 IDelivers a paper. 
 From this learn therefore what you must attempt, 
 Though with the hazard of yourself: heaven 
 
 guard you. 
 And give Vitelli patience ! then I doubt not 
 But he will have a glorious day, since some 
 Hold truly, — such as suffer, overcome. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE III.— ^ Hall in Asambeg's Palace. 
 Enter Asameeg, Mustafha, Aga, and Capiaga. 
 
 Asam. What we commanded, see perforra'd ; 
 In all things to be punctual. [and fail net 
 
 Aga. We shall, sir. [EarcMw^ Aga, and Capiaga. 
 
 Musta. 'Tis strange, that you should use such 
 circumstance 
 To a delinquent of so mean condition. 
 
 Asam. Had he appeared in a more sordid shape 
 Than disguised greatness ever deign 'd to mask in, 
 The gallant bearing of his present fortune 
 Aloud proclaims him noble. 
 
 Musta. If you doubt him 
 To be a man built up for great employments, 
 And, as a cunning spy, sent to explore 
 The city's strength, or weakness, you by torture 
 May force him to discover it. 
 
 Asam. That were base ; , 
 
 Nor dare I do such injury to virtue 
 And bold assured courage ; neither can I 
 Be won to think, but if I should attempt it, 
 I shoot against the moon. He that hath stood 
 The roughest battery, that captivity 
 Could ever bring to shake a constant temper ; 
 Despised the fawnings of a future greatness. 
 By beauty, in her full perfection, tender'd ; 
 That hears of death as of a quiet slumber, 
 And from the surplusage of his own firmness, 
 Can spare enough of fortitude, to assure 
 A feeble woman ; will not, Mustapha, 
 Be alter'd in his soul for any torments 
 We can afflict his body with. 
 
 Musta. Do your pleasure : 
 I only offer'd you a friend's advice. 
 But without gall or envy to the man 
 That is to suffer. But what do you determine 
 
120 
 
 THE RENEGADO. 
 
 Of poor Griraaldi ? the disgrace call'd on hira, 
 I hear, has run him mad. 
 
 Asam. There weigh the difference 
 In the true temper of their minds. The one, 
 A pirate, sold to mischiefs, rapes, and all 
 That make a slave relentless and obdurate. 
 Yet, of himself wanting the inward strengths 
 That should defend him, sinks beneath compassion 
 Or pity of a man : whereas this merchant, 
 Acquainted only with a civil life ; 
 Arm'd in himself, intrench'd and fortified 
 With his own virtue, valuing life and death 
 At the same price, poorly does not invite 
 A favour, but commands us do him right ; 
 Which unto him, and her we both once honour'd 
 As a just debt, I gladly pay ; — they enter. 
 Now sit we equal hearers. 
 
 A dreadful music. Enter at one door, the Aga, Janiza- 
 ries, ViTELLi, FRANcrsco, and Gazet; at the other, 
 DoNUSA, {her train borne up), Paulina, Carazie, and 
 Manto. 
 
 Musta. I shall hear 
 And see, sir, without passion ; my wrongs arm me. 
 
 Vitel. A joyful preparation! To whose bounty 
 Owe we our thanks for gracing thus our hymen ? 
 The notes, though dreadful to the ear, sound here 
 As our epithalamium were sung 
 By a celestial choir, and a full chorus 
 Assured us future happiness. These that lead me 
 Gaze not with wanton eyes upon my bride, 
 Nor for their service are repaid by me 
 With jealousies or fears ; nor do they envy 
 My passage to those pleasures from which death 
 Cannot deter me. Great sir, pardon me : 
 Imagination of the joys I haste to 
 Made me forget my duty ; but the form 
 And ceremony past, I will attend you, 
 And with our constant resolution feast you ; 
 Not with coarse cates, forgot as soon as tasted, 
 But such as shall, while you have memory, 
 Be pleasing to the palate. 
 
 Fran. Be not lost 
 In what you purpose. \_Exit. 
 
 Gaz. Call you this a marriage ! 
 It differs little from hanging ; I cry at it. 
 I Vitel. See, where my bride appears ! in what 
 i full lustre : 
 
 I 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 she fearful to meet those delights, 
 Which, once past o'er, immortal pleasures follow. 
 I need not, therefore, comfort or encourage 
 Her forward steps ; and I should offer wrong 
 j To her mind's fortitude, should I but ask 
 I How she can brook the rough high-going sea, 
 I Over whose foamy back our ship, well rigg'd 
 I With hope and strong assurance, must transport us. 
 Nor will I tell her, when we reach the haven. 
 Which tempests shall not hinder, what loud wel- 
 come 
 Shall entertain us ; nor commend the place. 
 To tell whose least perfection would strike dumb 
 The eloquence of all boasted in story. 
 Though join'd together. 
 
 Don. 'Tis enough, my dearest, 
 I dare not doubt you ; as your humble shadow, 
 Lead where you please, I follow. 
 
 Vitel. One suit, sir. 
 And willingly I cease to be a beggar ; 
 
 And that you may with more security hear it, 
 Know, 'tis not life I'll ask, nor to defer 
 Our deaths, but a few minutes. 
 
 Asam. Speak ; 'tis granted. 
 
 Vitel. We being now to take our latest leave, 
 And grown of one belief, I do desire 
 I may have your allowance to perform it. 
 But in the fashion which we Christians use 
 Upon the like occasions. 
 
 Asam. 'Tis allow'd of. 
 
 Vitel. My service : haste, Gazet, to the next 
 And bring me of it. [spring, 
 
 Gaz. Would I could as well 
 Fetch you a pardon ; I would not run but fly, 
 And be here in a moment. [Exit. 
 
 Musta. What's the mystery 
 Of this ? discover it. 
 
 Vitel. Great sir, I'll tell you. 
 Each country hath its own peculiar rites : 
 Some, when they are to die, drink store of wine, 
 Which, pour'd in liberally, does oft beget 
 A bastard valour, with which arm'd, they bear 
 The not-to-be declined charge of death 
 With less fear and astonishment : others take 
 Drugs to procure a heavy sleep, that so 
 They may insensibly receive the means 
 That casts them in an everlasting slumber ; 
 Others 
 
 Re-enter Gazet, with water, 
 
 O welcome! 
 
 Asam. Now the use of yours ? 
 
 Vitel. The clearness of this is a perfect sign 
 Of innocence : and as this washes off 
 Stains and pollutions from the things we wear 
 Thrown thus upon the forehead, it hath power 
 To purge those spots that cleave upon the mind. 
 
 ISprinkles it on her face. 
 If thankfully received. 
 
 Asam. 'Tis a strange custom. 
 
 Vitel. How do you entertain it, my Donusa ? 
 Feel you no alteration, no new naotives. 
 No unexpected aids, that may confirm you 
 In that to which you were inclined before ? 
 
 Don. I am another woman ;— till this minute 
 I never lived, nor durst think how to die. 
 How long have I been blind ! yet on the sudden, 
 By this blest means, I feel the films of error 
 Ta'en from my soul's eyes. O divine physician ! 
 That hast bestow'd a sight on me, which Death, 
 Though ready to embrace me in his arms, 
 Cannot take from me : let me kiss the hand 
 That did this miracle, and seal my thanks 
 Upon those lips from whence these sweet words 
 
 vanish'd. 
 That freed me from the cruellest of prisons, 
 BUnd ignorance and misbelief. False prophet ! 
 Impostor Mahomet ! 
 
 Asam. I'll heai" no more. 
 You do abuse my favours ; sever them : 
 Wretch, if thou hadst another life to lose. 
 This blasphemy deserved it ;— instantly 
 Carry them to their deaths. 
 
 Vitel. We part now, blest one. 
 To meet hereafter in a kingdom, where 
 Hell's malice shall not reach us. 
 
 Paul. Ha ! ha ! ha ! 
 
 Asam. What means my mistress ? 
 
 Paul. Who can hold her spleen. 
 When such ridiculous follies are presented. 
 
SCENE T. 
 
 THE RENEGADO. 
 
 121 
 
 The scene, too, naade religion ! O, my lord, 
 How from one cause two contrary effects 
 Spring up upon the sudden ! 
 
 Asam. This is strange. 
 
 Paul. That which hath fool'd her in her death, 
 wins me, 
 That hitherto have harr'd myself from pleasure, 
 To live in all delight. 
 
 Asam. There's music in this. 
 
 Paul. I now will run as fiercely to your arms 
 As ever longing woman did, borne high 
 On tlie switt wings of appetite. 
 
 Vitel. O devil ! 
 
 Paul. Nay, more ; for there shall be no^odds 
 I will turn Turk. [betwixt us, 
 
 Gaz. Most of your tribe do so, . 
 When they begin in whore. \_Aside. 
 
 Asam. You are serious, lady .* 
 
 Paul. Serious '.—but satisfy me in a suit 
 That to the world may witness that I have 
 Some power upon you, and to-morrow challenge 
 Whatever's in my gift ; for I will be 
 At your dispose. 
 
 Gaz. That's ever the subscription 
 To a damn'd whore's false epistle. \_Aside. 
 
 Asam. Ask this hand. 
 Or, if thou wilt, the heads of these. I am rapt 
 Beyond myself with joy. Speak, speak, what is it ? 
 
 Paul. But twelve short hours reprieve for this 
 •base couple. 
 
 Asam- The reason, since you hate them ? 
 
 Paul. That I may 
 Have time to triumph o'er this wretched woman. 
 I'll be myself her guardian ; I will feast, 
 Adorned in her choice and richest jewels : 
 Commit him to what guards you please. Grant this, 
 1 am no more mine own, but yours. 
 
 Asam. Enjoy it; 
 Repine at it who dares : bear him safe off 
 To the black tower, but give him all things useful : 
 The contrary was not in your request ? 
 
 Paul. 1 do contemn him. 
 
 Don. Peace in death denied me ! 
 
 Paul. Thou shalt not go in liberty to thy grave ; 
 For one night a sultana is my slave. 
 
 Musta. A terrible little tyranness ! 
 
 Asam. No more ; 
 Her will shall be a law. Till now ne'er happy ! 
 
 [_ExeHnt. 
 ♦ 
 
 SCENE IV.— A Street. 
 
 Enter Francisco, Grimaldi, Master, Boatswain, and 
 
 Sailors. 
 
 Grim. Sir, all things are in readiness ; the Turks, 
 That seized upon my ship, stow'd under hatches ; 
 My men resolved and cheerful. Use but means 
 To get out of the ports, we will be ready 
 To bring you aboard, and then (heaven be but 
 This, for the viceroy's fleet ! [pleased) 
 
 Fran. Discharge your parts ; 
 In mine I'll not be wanting : Fear not, master ; 
 Something will come along to fraught your bark, 
 That you will have just cause to say you never 
 Made such a voyage. ' 
 
 Mast. We will stand the hazard. 
 
 Fran. What's the best hour.' 
 
 Boatsw. After the second watch. 
 
 Fran. Enou^^h : each to his charge. 
 
 Grim. We will be careful. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE V. — A Room in Asambeg's Palace. 
 Enter Paulina, Donusa, Carazie, and IManto. 
 
 Paul. Sit, madam, it is fit that I attend you ; 
 And pardon, I beseech you, my rude language, 
 To which the sooner you will be invited, 
 When you shall understand, no way was left me 
 To free you from a present execution, 
 But by my personating that which never 
 My nature was acquainted with. 
 
 Don. I believe you. 
 
 Paul. You will, when you shall understand I 
 may 
 Receive the honour to be known unto you 
 By a nearer name : — and, not to rack you further, 
 The man you please to favour is my brother ; 
 No merchant, madam, but a gentleman 
 Of the best rank in Venice. 
 
 Don. I rejoice in't ; 
 But what's this to his freedom ? for myself, 
 Were he well off, I were secure. 
 
 Pa7il. I have 
 A present means, not plotted by myself, 
 But a religious man, my confessor, 
 That may preserve all, if we had a servant 
 Whose faith we might rely on. 
 
 Don. She, that's now 
 Your slave, was once mine ; had I twenty lives, 
 I durst commit them to her trust. 
 
 Mant. O madam ! 
 I have been false, — forgive me : I'll redeem it 
 By anything, however desperate, 
 You please to impose upon me. 
 
 Paul. Troth, these tears, 
 I think, cannot be counterfeit ; I believe her, 
 And, if you please, will try her 
 
 Don. At your peril ; 
 There is no further danger can look towards me. 
 
 Paul. This only then — canst thou use means to 
 carry 
 This bake meat to Vitelli } 
 
 Mant. With much ease ; 
 I am familiar with the guard ; beside, 
 It being known it was I that betray'd him. 
 My entrance hardly wi?l of them be question'd. 
 
 Paul. About it tj'^a. Say, that 'twas sent to 
 him 
 From his Donusa : bid him search the midst of it. 
 He there shall find a cordial. 
 
 Mant. What I do 
 Shall speak my care and faith. [ExiU 
 
 Don. Good fortune with thee ! 
 
 Paul. You cannot eat .-• 
 
 Don. The time we thus abuse 
 We might employ much better. 
 
 Paul. I am glad 
 To hear this from you. As for you, Carazie, 
 If our intents do prosper, make choice, whether 
 You'll steal away with your two mistresses. 
 Or take your fortune. 
 
 Car. I'll be gelded twice first ; 
 Hang him that stays behind. 
 
 Paul. I wait you, madam. 
 Were but my brother off, by the command 
 Of the doting viceroy, there's no guard dare stay 
 
 me; 
 And I will safely bring you to the place. 
 Where we must expect him. 
 
 Don. Heaven be gracious to us ! iExeuni. 
 
122 
 
 THE RENEGADC. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE VI.— ^ Room in the Black Tower. 
 Enter Vitelli, Aga and Guard, at the door, 
 
 Vitel. Paulina to fall off thus ! 'tis to me 
 More terrible than death, and, like an earthquake, 
 Totters this walking buildin":, such I am ; 
 And in my sudden ruin would prevent, 
 By choaking up at once my vital s})irits, 
 This pompous preparation for my death. 
 But I am lost; that good man, good Francisco, 
 Deliver'd me a paper, which till now 
 I wanted leisure to peruse. IReads the paper. 
 
 Aga. This Christian 
 Fears not, it seems, the near approaching sun, 
 Whose second rise he never must salute. 
 
 Enter Manto with the baked-meat. 
 
 1 Guard. Who's that ? 
 
 2 Guard. Stand. 
 j4ga. Manto ! 
 
 JMant. Here's the viceroy's ring, 
 Gives warrant to my entrance ; yet you may 
 Partake of anything I shall deliver. 
 *Tis but a present to a dying man, 
 Sent from the princess that must suffer with him. 
 
 Aga. Use your own freedom. 
 
 Mant. I would not disturb 
 This his last contemplation. 
 
 Vitel. O, 'tis well ! 
 He has restored all, and I at peace again 
 With my Paulina. 
 
 Mant. Sir, the sad Donusa, 
 Grieved for your sufferings, more than for her 
 Knowing the long and tedious pilgrimage [own, 
 You are to take, presents you with this cordial, 
 Which privately she wishes you should taste of : 
 And search the middle part, where you shall find 
 Something that hath the operation to 
 Make death look lovely. 
 
 Vitel. I will not dispute 
 What she commands, but serve it. 'iExit. 
 
 Aga. Prithee, Manto, 
 How hath the unfortunate princess spent this 
 Under her proud new mistress } [night, 
 
 Mant. With such patience 
 As it o'ercomes the other's insolence. 
 Nay, triumphs o'er her pride. My much haste now 
 Commands me hence ; but, the sad tragedy past, 
 I'll give you satisfaction to the full 
 Of all hath pass'd, and a true character 
 Of th.e proud Christian's nature. iExit. 
 
 Aga Break the watch up ; 
 What should we fear i' the midst of our own 
 
 strengths ? 
 'Tis but the basha's jealousy. Farewell, soldiers. 
 
 \_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE VII. — An upper Room in the same. 
 
 Enter Vit>!lli with the baked-meat. 
 
 Vit. There's something more in this than means 
 
 A hungry appetite, which I must discover, [to cloy 
 
 She will'd me search the midst : thus, thus I 
 
 pierce it. [thread ! 
 
 — Ha! what is this ? a scroll bound up in pack- 
 
 What may the mystery be ? [Reads. 
 
 Son, let dovrn this packthread at the west window of 
 
 the castle. By it you shall draw up a ladder of ropes, by 
 
 which you may descend : your dearest Dunusa with the 
 
 rest of your friends below attend you. Heaven prosper 
 you ! 
 
 best of men ! he that gives up himself 
 To a true religious friend, leans not upon 
 A false deceiving reed, but boldly builds 
 Upon a rock ; which now with joy I find 
 In reverend Francisco, whose good vows. 
 Labours, and watchings, in my hoped-for freedom, 
 Appear a pious miracle. I come, 
 
 1 come with confidence ; though the descent 
 Were steep as hell, I know I cannot slide. 
 Being call'd down by such a faithful guide. 
 
 lExit. 
 
 SCENE VIII.-^^ Room i/iAsAMBEG's Palace. 
 Enter Asambeg, Mustapha, and Janizaries. 
 
 Asam. Excuse me, Mustapha, though this 
 night to me 
 Appear as tedious as that treble one 
 Was to the world, when Jove on fair Alcmena 
 Begot Alcides. Were you to encounter [hours 
 Those ravishing pleasures, which the slow-paced 
 (To me they are such) bar me from, you would, 
 With your continued wishes, strive to imp 
 New feathers to the broken wings of time. 
 And chide the amorous sun, for too long dalliance 
 In Thetis' watery bosom. . 
 
 Musta. You are too violent 
 In your desires, of which you are yet uncertain ; 
 Having no more assurance to enjoy them. 
 Than a weak woman's promise, on which wise men 
 Faintly rely. 
 
 Asam. Tush ! she is made of truth ; 
 And what she says she will do, holds as firm 
 As laws in brass, that know no change : [A cham- 
 ber shot off.'\ What's this ? 
 Some new prize brought in, sure — 
 
 Enter Aga hastily. 
 
 Why are thy looks 
 So ghastly ? Villain, speak ! 
 
 Aga. Great sir, hear me. 
 Then after, kill me : — we are ail betray'd. 
 The false Grimaldi, sunk in your disgrace. 
 With his confederates, has seized his ship. 
 And those that guarded it stow'd under hatches. 
 With him the condemn'd princess, and the mer- 
 chant, 
 That, with a ladder made of ropes, descended 
 From the black tower, in which he was enclosed, 
 And your fair mistress 
 
 Asam. Ha ! 
 
 Aga. With all their train. 
 And choicest jewels, are gone safe aboard : 
 Their sails spread forth, and with a fore-right gale 
 Leaving our coast, in scorn of all pursuit. 
 As a farewell, they shew'd a broadside to us. 
 
 Asam. No more. 
 
 Musta. Now note your confidence ! 
 
 Asam. No more. 
 O my credulity 1 I am too full 
 Of grief and rage to speak. Dull, heavy fool ! 
 Worthy of all the tortures that the frown 
 Of thy incensed master can throw on thee. 
 Without one man's compassion ! I will hide 
 This head among the desarts, or some cave 
 Fill'd with my shame and me ; where I alone 
 May die without a partner in my moan. lExmnt 
 
THE PARLIAMENT OF LOVE 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONS, 
 
 AS FAR AS THEY APPEAR ^IN THE REMAINING SCENES OF THIS PLAY. 
 
 I DiNANT, Physician to the Court. 
 
 Charles VIII. King of France. 
 
 Duke of Okleans. 
 
 Duke of Nemours. 
 
 Chamont, a Nobleman, once Guardian to Bel- 
 
 LISANT. 
 
 Philamoub, 1^ 
 Lafort, j 
 Montrose, a noble Gentleman, in Love with 
 
 Bellisant 
 Cleremond, in Love with Leonora. 
 Clarindore, 
 Pebigot, V Wild Courtiers 
 
 NOVALL, 
 
 Counsellors. 
 
 DORE, "] 
 
 Bellisant, a noble Lady. 
 Lamira, Wife to Chamont. 
 Beaupre, {supposed Causta,) Wife to Clarin- 
 dore. 
 Leonora. 
 Clarinda, Wi/e to Dinant. 
 
 Other Courtiers, Priest, Officers, Servants, ^o. 
 SCENE, — Parts, and the adjacent Country. 
 
 ACT L 
 
 SCENE IV. — A Room in Bellisant's House. 
 Enter Chamont and Bellisant. 
 Cham. - - - 
 
 I did discharge the trust imposed upon me, 
 Being your guardian. 
 
 Bell. 'Tis with truth acknowledged. 
 
 Cham. The love I then bore to you, and desire 
 To do you all good offices of a friend, 
 Continues with me, nay, increases, lady ; 
 And, out of this assurance, I presume, 
 What, from a true heart, I shall now deliver, 
 Will meet a gentle censure. 
 
 Bell. When you speak, 
 Whate'er the subject be, I gladly hear. 
 
 Cham. To tell you of the greatness of your state, 
 And from what noble stock you are derived, 
 Were but impertinence, and a common theme, 
 Since you well know both. What I am to speak of, 
 Touches you nearer ; therefore, give me leave 
 To say, that, howsoever your great bounties, 
 Continual feasting, princely entertainments. 
 May gain you the opinion of some few 
 Of a brave generous spirit, (the best harvest 
 That you can hope for from such costly seed,) 
 You cannot yet, amongst the multitude, 
 (Since, next unto the princes of the blood. 
 The eyes of all are fix'd on you,) but give 
 Some wounds, which will not close without a scar, 
 To your fair reputation, and good name ; 
 In sufTering such a crew of riotous gallants, 
 Not of the best repute, to be so frequent 
 Both in your house and presence ; this, 'tis ru- 
 mour'd. 
 
 Little agrees with the curiousness of honour, 
 Or modesty of a maid. 
 
 Bell. Not to dwell long 
 Upon my answer, I must thank your goodness, 
 And provident care, that have instructed me 
 What my revenues are, by which I measure 
 How far I may expend ; and yet I find not 
 That I begin to waste ; nor w^ould I add 
 To what 1 now possess. I am mj'self ; 
 And for my fame, since I am innocent here, 
 This, for the world's opinion ! 
 
 Cham. Take heed, madam. 
 That [world's] opinion, which you slight, confirms 
 This lady for immodest, and proclaims 
 Another for a modest ; whereas the first 
 Ne'er knew what loose thoughts were, and the 
 Had never a cold dream. [praised second 
 
 Bell. I dare not argue : 
 But what means to prevent this ? 
 
 Cham. Noble marriage. 
 
 Bell. Pardon me, sir ; and do not think I Scorn 
 Your grave advice, which I have ever followed, 
 
 Thouigh not pleased in it. 
 
 Would you have me match with wealth ? I need it 
 Or hunt for honour, and increase of titles ? [not : 
 In truth, I rest ambitious of no greater 
 Than what my father left. Or do you judge 
 My blood to run so high, that 'tis not in 
 Physic to cool me ? I yet feel no such heat : 
 But when, against my will, it grows upon me, 
 I'll think upon your counsel. 
 
 Cham. If you resolve, then, 
 To live a virgin, you have - - - - 
 To which you may retire, and ha- - - - 
 To 
 
124 
 
 THE PARLIAMENT OF LOVE. 
 
 In 
 
 AlIkI live cont - - - - 
 
 Bell. What proof 
 Should I give of my continence, if I lived 
 Not seen, nor seeing any? Spartan Helen, 
 Corinthian Lais, or Rome's Messaline, 
 So mew'd up, might have died as they were born, 
 By lust untempted : no, it is the glory 
 Of chastity to be tempted, tempted home too 
 The honour else is nothing ! I would be 
 The first example to convince, for liars, 
 Those poets, that with sharp and bitter rhymes 
 Proclaim aloud, that chastity has no being, 
 But in a cottage : and so confident 
 I am in this to conquer, that I will 
 Expose myself to all assaults ; see masques. 
 And hear bewitching sonnets ; change discourse 
 With one that, for experience, could teach Ovid 
 To write, a better way, his Art of Love : 
 Feed high, and take and give free entertainment, 
 Lend Cupid eyes, and new artillery, 
 Deny his mother for a deity ; 
 Yet every burning shot he made at me, 
 Meeting with my chaste thoughts, should lose 
 
 their ardour ; 
 Which when I have o'ercome, malicious men 
 Must, to their shame, confess it's possible, 
 For a young lady, (some say fair,) at court, 
 To keep her virgin honour. 
 
 Cham. May you prosper 
 In this great undertaking ! I'll not use 
 A syllable to divert you : but must be 
 A suitor in another kind. 
 
 Bell. Whatever it be, 
 'Tis granted, 
 
 Cham. It is only to accept 
 A present from me. 
 
 Bell. Call you this a suit ? 
 
 Cham. Come in, Calista. 
 
 Enter Beaupre, disguised as a Moorish Slave. 
 This is one I would 
 Bestow upon you. 
 
 Bell. 'Tis the handsomest 
 I e'er saw of her country ; she hath neither 
 Thick lips, nor rough curl'd hair. 
 
 Cham. Her manners, lady, 
 Upon my honour, better her good shape : 
 She speaks our language too, for being surprised 
 In Barbary, she was bestow'd upon 
 A pirate of Marseilles, with whose wife 
 She lived five years, and learn'd it ; there I bought 
 As pitying her hard usage ; if you please [her, 
 
 To make her yours, you may. 
 
 Bell. With many thanks. 
 Come hither, pretty one ; fear not, you shall find 
 A gentle mistress. [me 
 
 Beau. With my care and service, 
 I'll study to preserve you such. 
 
 Bell. Well answered. 
 Come, follow me ; we'll instantly to court, 
 And take rny guests along. 
 
 Cham. They wait you, madam. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE "V. — A State-room in the Palace. 
 Flourish. Enter Charles, Orleans, Nemours, Phila- 
 AIOUR, a7id Lafort. 
 Char. What solitude does dwell about our court I 
 Why this dull entertainment ? Have 1 march'd 
 
 Victorious through Italy, enter'd Rome, 
 Like a triumphant conqueror, set my foot 
 Upon the neck of Florence, tamed the pride 
 Of the Venetians, scourged those petty tyrants, 
 That ----- den of the world, to be 
 
 - - - - home, nay, my house neglected ! 
 (New Speaker.) - - - the courtiers would 
 
 appear 
 therefore they presumed 
 
 (New Speaker.) - - - - the ladies, sir, 
 
 - - - - - - that glad time 
 
 - -------- the choice. 
 
 Enter Hr.hiASAtiT, Leonora, Labiira, Clarinda,Chamont, 
 Montrose, Clkremond, Clarindore, Perigot, Novall, 
 and other Courtiers. 
 
 Phil. Here they come. 
 
 Ladies. AH happiness to your majesty ! 
 
 Courtiers. And victory sit ever on your sword I 
 
 Char. Our thanks to all. 
 But wherefore come you in divided troops, 
 As if the mistresses would not accept 
 Their servants' guardship, or the servants, slighted, 
 Refuse to offer it ? You all wear sad looks : 
 On Perigot appears not that blunt mirth 
 Which his face used to promise ; on Montrose 
 There hangs a heavy dulness; Cleremond 
 Droops e'en to death, and Clarindore hath lost 
 Much of his sharpness ; nay, these ladies too. 
 Whose sparkling eyes did use to fire the court 
 With various inventions of delight. 
 Part with their splendour. What's the cause .•* 
 
 from whence 
 Proceeds this alteration ? 
 
 Peri. I am troubled 
 With the toothach, or with love, I know not 
 
 whether ; 
 There is a worm in both. \_Aside. 
 
 Clarin. It is their pride. 
 
 Bell. Or your unworthiness. 
 
 Cler. The honour that 
 The French dames held for courtesy, above 
 All ladies of the earth, dwells not in these, 
 That glory in their cruelty. 
 
 Leon. The desert 
 The chevaliers of France were truly lords of, 
 And which your grandsires really did possess, 
 At no part you inherit. 
 
 Bell. Ere they durst 
 Presume to offer service to a lady, 
 In person they perform'd some gallant acts 
 The fame of which prepared them gracious hearing. 
 Ere they made their approaches : what coy she, 
 Though great in birth, not to be parallel'd [then, 
 For nature's liberal bounties, both set off 
 With fortune's trappings, wealth; but, with delight, 
 Gladly acknowledged such a man her servant, 
 To whose heroic courage, and deep wisdom. 
 The flourishing commonwealth, and thankful king, 
 Confess'd themselves for debtors ? Whereas, now. 
 If you have travelled Italy, and brought home 
 Some remnants of the language, and can set 
 Your faces in some strange and ne'er-seen posture. 
 Dance a lavolta, and be rude and saucy ; 
 Protest, and swear, and damn, (for these are acts 
 That most think grace them,) and then view your- 
 In the deceiving mirror of self-love, [selves 
 
 You do conclude there hardly is a woman 
 That can be worthy of you. 
 
SCENE I. 
 
 THE PARLIAMENT OF LOVE. 
 
 128 
 
 Mont. We would grant 
 We are not equal to our ancestors 
 In noble undertakings, if we thought, 
 In us a free confession would persuade you, 
 Not to deny your own most wilful errors : 
 And where you tax us for unservice, lady, 
 I never knew a soldier yet, that could 
 Arrive into your favour : we may suffer 
 The winter's frost, and scorching summer's heat. 
 When the hot lion's breath singeth the fields. 
 To seek out victory ; yet, at our return. 
 Though honour'd in our manly wounds, well taken, 
 You say they do deform us, and the loss 
 Of much blood that way, renders us unfit ^^ 
 To please you in your chambers. 
 
 Clarin. I must speak 
 A little in the general cause : Your beauties 
 Are charms that do enchant so ----- - 
 
 Knowing that we are fastened in your toils ; 
 In which to struggle, or strive to break out, 
 Increases the captivity. Never Circe, 
 Sated with such she purposed to transform, 
 Or cunning Siren, for whose fatal music 
 Nought but the hearer's death could satisfy. 
 Knew less of pity. Nay, I dare go further. 
 And justify your majesty hath lost 
 More resolute and brave courageous spirits 
 In this same dull and languishing fight of love, 
 Than e'er your wars took from you. 
 
 Char. No reply : 
 
 This is a cause we will determine of, 
 And sjjeedily redress : Tamed Italy, 
 With fear, confesses me a warlike king. 
 And France shall boast I am a prince of love. 
 Shall we, that keep perpetual parliaments 
 For petty suits, or the least injury 
 Offer'd the goods or bodies of our subjects. 
 Not study a cure for the sickness of the mind, 
 Whose venomous contagion hath infected 
 Our bravest servants, and the choicest beauties 
 Our court is proud of ? These are wounds require 
 A kingly surgeon, and the honour worthy 
 By us to be accepted. 
 
 Phil. It would add 
 To the rest of your great actions. 
 
 Laf. But the means 
 Most difficult, I fear. 
 
 Cham. You shall do more, sir, 
 If you perform this, than I e'er could read 
 The sons of Saturn, that by lot divided 
 The government of the air, the sea, and hell. 
 Had spirit to undertake. 
 
 Char. Why, this more fires me ; 
 And now partake of my design. With speed 
 Erect a place of justice near the court, [Lovi? : 
 Which we'll have styled, the Parliamknt op 
 Here such whose humble service is not consider'd 
 By their proud mistresses, freely may complain ; 
 And shall have hearing and redress. 
 
 N'ov. O rare ! 
 
 Peri. I like this well. 
 
 Char. And ladies that are wrong'd 
 By such as do profess themselves their servants, 
 May cite them hither, and their cause deliver'd 
 Or by their own tongues, or fee'd advocates, 
 Find sudden satisfaction. 
 
 N'ov. What a rascal 
 Was I to leave the law I I might have had 
 Clients and clients. Ne'er was such a time 
 For any smooth-chinn'd advocate. 
 
 Peri. They will get the start 
 Of the ladies' spruce physicians, starve their chap- 
 Though never so well timber'd. [lains, 
 
 Char. 'Tis our will. 
 Nor shall it be disputed. Of this court, 
 Or rather sanctuary of pure lovers. 
 My lord of Orleans, and Nemours, assisted 
 By the messieurs Philamour and Lafort, are judges. 
 You have worn Venus's colours from your youth, 
 And cannot, therefore, but be sensible 
 Of all her mysteries : what you shall determine, 
 In the way of penance, punishment, or reward. 
 Shall - - - the trial ; a month we grant you 
 ------- amours, which expired, 
 
 - - - - make your complaints, and be assured 
 
 - - - impartial hearing ; this determined, 
 
 - ----- rest of our affairs. lExeunt. 
 
 ACT 11. 
 
 SCENE I. — A Room in Clarindore's House. 
 Enter Clarindore, Montrose, Pbrigot, and Novall. 
 Peri. I do not relish 
 The last part of the king's speech, though I was 
 Much taken with the first. 
 Nov. Your reason, tutor ? 
 Peri. Why, look you, pupil ; the decree, that 
 women 
 Should not neglect the service of their lovers. 
 But pay them from the exchequer they were born 
 
 with. 
 Was good and laudable ; they being created 
 To be both tractable and tactable. 
 When they are useful : but to have it order'd, 
 All women that have stumbled in the dark. 
 Or given, by owl-light, favours, should complain, 
 Is most intolerable : I myself shall have, 
 Of such as trade in the streets, and scaped my 
 pockets 
 
 Of progress laundresses, and marketwomen. 
 When the king's pleasure's known, a thousand bills 
 Preferr'd against me. 
 
 Clarin. This is out of season : 
 Nothing to madam Bellisant, that, in public, 
 Hath so inveigh'd against us. 
 
 Nov. She's a Fury, 
 I dare no more attempt her. 
 
 Peri. I'll not venture 
 To change six words with her for half her state, 
 Or stay, till she be trimm'd, from wine and 
 For any new monopoly. fwomen, 
 
 Mont. I will study 
 How to forget her, shun the tempting poison, 
 Her looks, and magic of discourse, still offer, 
 And be myself again : since there's no hope, 
 'Twere madness to pursue her. 
 
 Peri. There are madams 
 Better brought up, 'tis thought, and wives that 
 dare not 
 
126 
 
 THE PARLIAMENT OF LOVE. 
 
 Complain in parliament ; there's safe trading, 
 
 pupil ; 
 And, when she finds she is of all forsaken, 
 Let my lady Pride repent in vain, and mump, 
 And envy others' markets. 
 
 Clarin. May I ne'er prosper 
 But you are three of the most fainting spirits. 
 That ever I conversed with ! You do well 
 To talk of progress laundresses, punks, and 
 
 beggars ; 
 The wife of some rich tradesman with three teeth, 
 And twice so many hairs : — truck with old ladies, 
 That nature hath given o'er, that owe their doctors 
 For an artificial life, that are so frozen, 
 That a sound plague cannot thaw them ; but 
 I give you over : never hope to take [despair, 
 
 A velvet petticoat up, or to commit 
 With an Italian cutwork smock, when torn too. 
 
 Mont. And what hopes nourish you ? 
 
 Clarin. Troth, mine are modest. 
 I am only confident to win the lady 
 You dare not look on, and now, in the height 
 Of her contempt and scorn, to humble her, 
 And teach her at what game her mother play'd, 
 When she was got ; and, cloy'd with those poor 
 As 1 find her obedient and pleasing, [toys, 
 
 I may perhaps descend to marry her : 
 Then, with a kind of state, I take my chair. 
 Command a sudden muster of my servants. 
 And, after two or three majestic hums. 
 It being known all is mine, peruse my writings, 
 Let out this manor, at an easy rate, 
 To s,uch a friend, lend this ten thousand crowns, 
 For the redemption of his mortgaged land, 
 Give to each by-blow I know mine, a farm. 
 Erect ------- this in conse- - - 
 
 That pleased me in my youth, hut now grown stale. 
 These things first ordered by m.e, and confirm'd 
 By Bellisant, my wife, I care not much 
 If, out of her own lands, 1 do assign her 
 Some pretty jointure. 
 
 Peri. Talk'st thou in thy sleep ? 
 
 Nov. Or art thou mad ? 
 
 Clarin. A little elevated 
 With the assurance of my future fortune : 
 Why do you stare and grin ? 1 know this must be, 
 And I will lay three thousand crowns, within 
 A month I will effect this. 
 
 Mont. How ! 
 
 Clarin. Give proof 
 I have enjoyed fair Bellisant, evident proof 
 1 have pluck'd her virgin rose, so long preserved, 
 Not, like a play-trick, with a chain or ring 
 Stolen by corruption, but, against her will, 
 Make her confess so much. 
 
 Mont. Impossible. 
 
 Clam. Then the disgrace be mine, the profit 
 Tf that you think her chastity a rock [yours, 
 
 Not to be moved or shaken, or hold me 
 A flatterer of myself, or overweener, 
 Let me pay for my foolery. 
 
 Peri. I'll engage 
 Myself for a thousand. 
 
 Nov. I'll not out for a second. 
 
 Mont. I would gladly lose a third part for 
 No virgin can stand constant long. [assurance 
 
 Clarin,. Leave that 
 To the trial : let us to a notary, 
 Draw the conditions, see the crowns deposited, 
 
 And then I will not cry, St. Dennis for me ! 
 But — Love, blind archer, aid me 1 
 
 Peri. Look you thrive ; 
 I would not be so jeer'd and hooted at, 
 As you will be else. 
 
 Clarin. I will run tlie hazard. {.Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — A Room in Leonora's House. 
 
 Enter Leonora and a Servant. 
 
 Serv. He will not be denied. 
 
 Leon. Slave, beat him back. 
 I feed such whelps ! 
 
 Serv. Madam, I rattled him. 
 Rattled him home. 
 
 Leon. Rattle him hence, you rascal, 
 Or never see me more. 
 
 Enter Cleremond. 
 
 Serv. He comes : a sword ! 
 What would you have me do ? Shall I cry murder, 
 Or raise the constable ? 
 
 Leon. Hence, you shaking coward ! 
 
 Serv. I am glad 1 am so got off : here's a round 
 sum \_Looking at his money. 
 
 For a few bitter words ! Be not shook off, sir ; 
 I'll see none shall disturb you. lExit. 
 
 Cler. You might spare 
 These frowns, good lady, on me ; they are useless : 
 I am shot through and through with your disdain, 
 And on my heart the darts of scorn so thick. 
 That there's no vacant place left to receive 
 Another wound ; their multitude is grown 
 My best defence, and do confirm me that 
 You cannot hurt me further. 
 
 Leon. Wert thou not 
 Made up of impudence, and slaved to folly, 
 Did any drop of noble blood remain 
 In thy lustful veins, hadst thou or touch, or relish, 
 Of modesty, civility, or manners. 
 Or but in thy deformed outside only 
 Thou didst retain the essence of a man, 
 
 so many 
 
 And loathing to thy person, thou wouldst not 
 Force from a blushing woman that rude language, 
 Thy baseness first made me acquainted with. 
 
 Cler. Now saint-Uke patience guard me ! 
 
 Leon. I have heard 
 Of mountebanks, that to vent their drugs and oils, 
 Have so enured themselves to poison, that 
 They could digest a venom'd toad, or spider, 
 Better than wholesome viands : in the list 
 Of such I hold thee ; for that bitterness 
 Of speech, reproof, and scorn, by her delivered 
 Whom thou professest to adore, and shake at. 
 Which would deter all mankind but thyself. 
 Do nourish in thee saucy hopes, with pleasure. 
 
 Cler. Hear but my just defence. 
 
 Leon. Yet, since thou art 
 So spaniel-like affected, and thy dotage 
 Increases from abuse and injury. 
 That way I'll once more feast thee. Of all men 
 I ever saw yet, in my settled judgment. 
 Spite of thy barber, tailor, and perfumer, 
 And thine adulterate and borrow'd helps, 
 Thou art the ugliest creature ; and when triram'd 
 
 up 
 To the height, as thou imagin'st, in mine eyes, 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE PARLIAMENT OF LOVE. 
 
 127 
 
 A leper with a clap-dish, (to give notice 
 He is infectious,) in respect of thee, 
 Appears a young Adonis. 
 
 Cler. You look on me 
 In a false glass,, madam. 
 
 Leon. Then thy dunghill mind, 
 Suitable to the outside, never yet 
 Produced one gentle thought, knowing her want 
 Of faculties to put it into act. 
 Thy co.urtship, as absurd as any zany's, 
 After a practised manner ; thy discourse, 
 Though full of bombast phrase, never brought 
 
 matter 
 Worthy the laughing at, much less the hearing. — 
 But I grow weary ; for, indeed, to speak thce^ 
 Thy ills I mean, and speak them to the full, 
 Would tire a thousand women's voluble tongues, 
 And twice so many lawyers' — for a farewell, 
 I'll sooner clasp an incubus, or hug 
 A fork'd-tongued adder, than meet thy embraces, 
 Which, as the devil, I fly from. 
 
 C/er. Now you have spent 
 The utmost of your spleen, I would not say 
 Your malice, set off to the height with fiction. 
 Allow me leave, (a poor request, which judges 
 Seldom deny unto a man condemn'd,) 
 A little to complain : for, being censured, 
 Or to extenuate, or excuse my guilt. 
 Were but to wash an Ethiop. How oft, with tears, 
 When the inhuman porter has forbid 
 My entrance by your most severe commands. 
 Have these eyes wash'd your threshold ! Did there 
 Come novelty to Paris, rich or rare, [ever 
 
 Which but as soon as known was not presented, 
 Howe'er with frowns refused ? Have I not brought 
 The braveries of France before your window, 
 To fight at barriers, or to break a lance. 
 Or, in their full career, to take the ring. 
 To do you honour ? and then, being refused 
 To speak my grief, my arms, my impresses, 
 The colours that I wore, in a dumb sorrow 
 Express'd how much I suffer'd in the rigour 
 Of your displeasure. 
 
 1460 n. Two months hence I'll have 
 The 
 
 Cler. Stay, best madam, 
 I am growing to a period. 
 
 Leon. Pray you do ; 
 I here shall take a nap else, 'tis so pleasing. 
 
 Cler. Then only this : the voice you now con- 
 temn. 
 You once did swear was musical ; you have met too 
 These lips in a soft encounter, and have brought 
 Au equal ardour with you : never lived 
 A happier pair of lovers. I confess. 
 After you promised marriage, nothing wanting 
 But a few days expired, to make me happy, 
 My violent impatience of delay 
 Made me presume, and with some amorous force, 
 To ask a full fruition of those pleasures 
 Which sacred Hymen to the world makes lawful. 
 Before his torch was lighted ; in this only, 
 You justly caii accuse me. 
 
 Leon. Dnr'st thou think 
 That this offence can ever find a pardon, 
 Unworthy as thou art ! 
 
 Cler. But you most cruel. 
 That, in your studied purpose of revenge, 
 Cast both divine and human laws behind you, 
 And only see their rigour, not their mercy. 
 
 Offences of foul shape, by holy writ 
 
 Are warranted remission, provided 
 
 That the delinquent undergo the penance 
 
 Imposed upon him by his confessor : 
 
 But you, that should be mine, and only can 
 
 Or punish or absolve me, are so far 
 
 From doing me right, that you disdain to hear me. 
 
 Leon. Now I may catch him in my long-wish'd 
 toils ; 
 My hate help me to work it ! \_Aside.'\ — To what 
 
 purpose. 
 Poor and pale spirited man, should I expect 
 From thee the satisfaction of a wrong. 
 Compared to which, the murder of a brother 
 Were but a gentle injury .'' 
 
 Cler. Witness, heaven. 
 All blessings hoped by good men, and all tortures 
 The wicked shake at, no saint left unsworn by. 
 That, uncompell'd, I here give up myself 
 Wholly to your devotion : if I fail 
 To do whatever you please to command, 
 To expiate my trespass to your honour. 
 So that, the task perform'd, you likewise swear, 
 First to forgive, and after marry me, 
 May I endure more sharp and lingering torments 
 Than ever tyrants found out ! may my friends 
 With scorn, not pity, look upon my sufferings, 
 And at my last gasp, in the place of hope, 
 Sorrow, despair, possess me ! 
 
 Leon. You are caught, 
 Most miserable fool, but fit to be so ; — 
 And 'tis but justice that thou art delivered 
 Into her power that's sensible of a wrong. 
 And glories to revenge it. Let me study 
 What dreadful punishment, worthy my fury, 
 I shall inflict upon thee ; all the malice 
 Of injured women help me! Death? that's nothing, 
 'Tis, to a conscious wretch, a benefit. 
 And not a penance ; else, on the next tree. 
 For sport's sake 1 would make thee hang thyself. 
 
 Cler. What have I done ? 
 
 Leon. What cannot be recall'd. 
 To row for seven years in the Tur^tish gaiiies ? 
 'V flea-biting ! To be sold to a brothel. 
 Or a common bagnio ? that's a trifle too ! 
 - - - . Furies, ------ 
 
 The lashes of their whips pierce through the mind. 
 I'll imitate them : — I have it too. 
 
 Cler. Remember 
 You are a woman. 
 
 Leon. I have heard thee boast. 
 That of all blessings in the earth next me, 
 The number of thy trusty, faithful friends. 
 Made up thy happiness : out of these, I charge 
 
 thee. 
 And by thine own repeated oaths conjure thee, 
 To kill the best deserver. Do not start ; 
 I'll have no other penance. Then to practise. 
 To find some means he that deserves thee best, 
 By undertaking something others fly from : 
 This done, I am thine. 
 
 Cler. But hear me. 
 
 Leon. Not a syllable : 
 And till then, never see me. [£'xi<. 
 
 Cler. I am lost. 
 Foolishly lost and sunk by mine own baseness : 
 I'll say only, 
 
 With a heart-breaking patience, yet not rave. 
 Better the devil's than a woman's slave. lExii. 
 
 k 
 
128 
 
 THE PARLIAMENT OF LOVE. 
 
 SCENE in. — A Room in Bellisant's House. 
 Enter Clarinoore and Beaupre'. 
 
 Clarin. Nay, prithee, good Calista — 
 
 Beau. As I live, sir, 
 She is determined to be private, and charged me, 
 Till of herself she broke up her retirement, 
 Not to admit a visitant. 
 
 Clarin. Thou art a fool, 
 And I must have thee learn to know thy strength ; 
 There never was a sure path to the mistress, 
 But by her minister's help, which I will pay for : 
 
 IGives her his Purse. 
 But yet this is but trash ; hark in thine ear — 
 By Love ! I like thy person, and will make 
 Full payment that way ; be thou wise. 
 
 Bean. Like me, sir ! 
 One of my dark complexion ! 
 
 Clarin. I am serious : 
 The curtains drawn, and envious light shut out. 
 The soft touch heightens appetite, and takes more 
 Than colour, Venus' dressing, in the day-time, 
 But never thought on in her midnight revels. 
 Come, I must have thee mine. 
 
 Beau. But how to serve you ? 
 
 Clarin. By speaking still my praises to thy lady, 
 How much I love and languish for her bounties : 
 You may remember too, how many madams 
 Are rivals for me, and, in way of caution, 
 Say you have heard, when I was wild, how dreadful 
 My name was to a profess'd courtezan, 
 Still asking more than she could give — 
 
 Enter Bellisant. 
 
 Beau. My lady ! 
 
 Bell. Be within call : 
 
 \_Aside to the Servants within. 
 How now, Clarindore, 
 Courting my servant ! Nay, 'tis not my envy — 
 You now express yourself a complete lover, 
 That, for variety's sake, if she be woman, 
 Can change discourse with any. 
 
 Clarin. All are foils 
 I practise on, but when you make me happy 
 In doing me that honour : I desired 
 To hear her speak in the Morisco tongue ; 
 Troth, 'tis a pretty language. 
 
 Bell. Yes, to dance to : — 
 Look to those sweetmeats. [Bortf Beauprb'. 
 
 Clarin. How ! by heaven, she aims 
 To speak with me in private ! [_Asiile. 
 
 Bell. Come, sit down ; 
 Let's have some merry conference. 
 
 Clarin. In which - - . _ 
 
 It - ... - 
 
 That my whole life employ'd to do you service, 
 At no part can deserve. 
 
 Bell. If you esteem it 
 At such a rate, do not abuse my bounty, 
 Or comment on the granted privacy, further 
 Than what the text may warrant ; so you shall 
 Destroy what I have built. 
 
 Clarin. I like not this. \_Aside. 
 
 Bell This new-erected Parliament of Love, 
 It seems, has frighted hence my visitants ! 
 How spend Montrose and Perigot their hours } 
 Novall and Cleremond vanish'd in a moment ; 
 [ like your constancy yet. 
 
 Clarin. That's good again ; 
 
 She hath restored all : \_Aside.\ — Pity them, good 
 
 madam ; 
 The splendour of your house and entertainment, 
 Enrich'd with all perfections by yourself, 
 Is too, too glorious for their dim eyes : 
 You are above their element ; modest fools, 
 That only dare admire ! and bar them from 
 Comparing of these eyes to the fairest flowers, 
 Giving you Juno's majesty, Pallas' wit, 
 Diana's hand, and Thetis' pretty foot ; 
 Or, when you dance, to swear that Venus leads 
 The Loves and Graces from the Idalian green. 
 And such hyperboles stolen out of playbooks. 
 They would stand all day mute, and, as you were 
 Some curious picture only to be look'd on. 
 Presume no further. 
 
 Bell. Pray you, keep your distance, 
 And grow not rude. 
 
 Clarin. Rude, lady ! manly boldness 
 Cannot deserve that name ; I have studied you, 
 And love hath made an easy gloss upon 
 The most abstruse and hidden mysteries 
 Which you may keep conceal'd. You well may 
 
 praise 
 A bashful suitor, that is ravish'd with 
 A feather of your fan, or if he gain 
 A riband from your shoe, cries out. Nil ultra ! 
 
 Bell. And what would satisfy you ? 
 
 Clarin. Not such poor trifles, 
 I can assure you, lady. Do not I see 
 You are gamesome, young, and active ? that you 
 A man that, of himself, comes boldly on, [love 
 That will not put your modesty to trouble. 
 To teach him how to feed, when meat's before him ? 
 That knows that you are flesh and blood, a creature, 
 And born with such affections, that, like me. 
 Now I have opportunity, and your favour. 
 Will not abuse my fortune } Should I stand now 
 Licking my fingers, cry Ah me ! then kneel, 
 And swear you were'a goddess, kiss the skirts 
 Of your proud garments, when I were gone, I am 
 
 sura 
 I should be kindly laugh'd at for a coxcomb ; 
 The story made the subject of your mirth, 
 At your next meeting, when you sit in council, 
 Among the beauties. 
 
 Bell. Is this possible ? 
 All due respect forgotten ! 
 
 Clarin. Hang respect ! 
 Are we not alone ? See, I dare touch this hand. 
 And without adoration unglove it. 
 A spring of youth is in this palm ; here Cupid, 
 The* moisture turn'd to diamonds, heads his arrows : 
 The far-famed English Bath, or German Spa, 
 One drop of this will purchase. Shall this nectar 
 Run useless, then, to waste ? or - - - these lips, 
 That open like the morn, breathing perfumes 
 On such as dare approach them, be untouch'd ? 
 They must — nay, 'tis in vain to make resistance, — 
 Be often kiss'd and tasted : — You seem angry 
 At - - - I have displeased you. 
 
 Bell, [to the Servants within.'] ------- 
 
 And come prepared, as if some Africk monster, 
 By force .had broke into my house. 
 
 Enter Servants with drawn Swords. 
 
 Clarin. How's this ? 
 
 Bell. Circle him round with death, and if he 
 Or but presume to speak, till I allow it, [stir, 
 
 His body be the navel to the wheel. 
 
SCENE 
 
 THE PARLIAMENT OF LOVE. 
 
 129 
 
 In which your rapiers, like so many spokes, 
 Shall meet and fix themselves. 
 
 Clarin. Were I off with life. 
 This for my wager I ■ lAside. 
 
 Bell. Villain, shake and tremble 
 At my just anger ! Which of all my actions, 
 Confined in virtuous limits, hath given life 
 And birth to this presumption ? Hast thou ever 
 Observed in me a wanton look or gesture, 
 Not suiting with a virgin ? Have I been 
 Prodigal in my favours, or given hopes, 
 To nourish such attempts? swear, and swear truly, 
 What in thy soul thou think'st of me. 
 
 Clarin. As of one ^^ 
 
 Made up of chastity ; and only tried, 
 Which I repent, what this might work upon you. 
 
 Bell. The intent deserves not death ; but, sirrah, 
 'Tis in my power to look thee dead. [know 
 
 Clarin. 'Tis granted. 
 
 Bell. I am not so cruel ; yet, for this insolence, 
 
 Forbear my house for ever : if you are hot, 
 You, ruffian -like, may force a parting kiss, 
 As from a common gamester. 
 
 Clarin. I am cool : — 
 She's a virago. lAside. 
 
 Bell. Or you may go boast. 
 How bravely you came on, to your companions : 
 I will not bribe your silence : no reply. — 
 Now thrust him headlong out of doors, and see 
 He never more pass my threshold. • lExU 
 
 Clarin. This comes of 
 My daiing : all hell's plagues light on the proverb 
 That says. Faint heart — but it is stale. 
 
 Serv. Pray you walk, sir. 
 We must shew you the way else. 
 
 Clarin. Be not too officious. 
 I am no bar for you to try your strength on.— 
 Sit quietly by this disgrace 1 cannot : 
 Some other course I must be forced to take, 
 Not for my wager now, but honour's sake. lExeunL 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I. — A Room in Chamont's House. 
 
 Enter Chamont, Perigot, Novall, Dinant, Lamira, and 
 
 Clarinda, 
 
 Peri. 'Twas prince-like entertainment. 
 
 Cham. You o'erprize it. 
 
 Din. Your cheerful looks made every dish a 
 And 'tis that crowns a welcome. [feast, 
 
 Lam. For my part, 
 I hold society and honest mirth 
 The greatest blessing of a civil life. 
 
 Cla. Without good company, indeed, all dainties 
 Lose their true relish, and, like painted grapes. 
 Are only seen, not tasted. 
 
 Nov. By this light. 
 She speaks well too ! I'll have a fling at her : 
 She is no fit electuary for a doctor : 
 A coarser julap may well cool his worship ; 
 This cordial is for gallants. iAside. 
 
 Chain. Let me see. 
 The night grows old : pray you often be my guests. 
 Such as dare come unto a - - - table, 
 Although not crack'd with curious delicates. 
 Have liberty to command it as their own : 
 I may do the like with you, when you are married. 
 
 Peri. Yes, 'tis likely. 
 When there's no forage to be had abroad, 
 Nor credulous husbands left to father children 
 Of Dachelors' begetting ; when court wives 
 Are won to grant variety is not pleasing. 
 And that a friend at a pinch is useless to them, 
 I but till then 
 
 Cham. You have a merry time oft ; 
 
 But we forget ourselves : — Gallants, good night. 
 Good master doctor, when your leisure serves. 
 Visit my house ; when we least need their art, 
 Physicians look most lovely. 
 
 Din. All that's in me, 
 Is at your lordship's service. Monsieur Perigot, 
 Monsieur Novall, in what I may be useful. 
 Pray you command me. 
 
 Nov. We'll wait on you home. 
 
 Din, By no means, sir : good night. 
 
 [Exeunt all but Novall and Perigot. 
 
 Nov. The knave is jealous. 
 
 Peri. 'Tis a disease few doctors cure themselves 
 
 Nov. I would he were my patient ! [of. 
 
 Peri. Do but practise 
 To get his wife's consent, the way is easy. 
 
 Nov. You may conclude so ; for myself, I grant 
 I never was so taken with a woman. 
 Nor ever had less hope. 
 
 Peri. Be not dejected ; 
 Follow but my directions, she's your own : 
 
 I'll set thee in a course that shall not fail 
 
 I like thy choice ; but more of that hereafter : 
 
 Adultery is a safe and secret sin ; 
 
 The purchase of a maidenhead seldom quits 
 
 The danger and the labour : build on this. 
 
 He that puts home shall find all women coming, 
 
 The frozen Bellisant ever excepted. 
 
 Could you believe the fair wife of Chajnont, 
 
 A lady never tainted in her honour. 
 
 Should, at the first assault, (for till this night 
 
 I never courted her,) yield up the fort 
 
 That she hath kept so long ? 
 
 Nov. 'Tis wondrous strange. 
 What winning language used you ? 
 
 Peri. Thou art a child ; 
 'Tis action, not fine speeches, take a woman. 
 Pleasure's their heaven ; and he that gives as- 
 surance 
 That he hath strength to tame their hot desires. 
 Is the prevailing orator : she but saw me 
 Jump over six join'd stools, and after cut 
 Some forty capers ; tricks that never miss, 
 In a magnificent masque, to draw the eyes 
 Of all the beauties in the court upon me. 
 But straight she wrung my hand, trod on my toe, 
 And said my mistress could not but be happy 
 In such an able servant. I replied 
 Bluntly, I was ambitious to be hers ; 
 And she, nor coy nor shy, straight entertain'd me : 
 1 begg'd a private meeting, it was granted. 
 The time and place appointed. 
 
 Nov. But remember 
 Chamont is your friend. 
 
 Peri. Now out upon thee, puisne ' k 
 
130 
 
 THE PARLIAMENT OF LOVE. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 As if a man so far e'er loved that title, 
 
 But 'twas much more delight and tickling to him, 
 
 To hug himself, and say, This is my cuckold 1 
 
 Nov. But did he not observe thee ? 
 
 Peri. Though he did, 
 As I am doubtful, I will not desist ; 
 The danger will endear the sport. 
 
 Enter Clarindorb. 
 
 JVou. Forbear ; 
 Here's Clarindore. 
 
 Peri. We will be merry with him ; 
 I have heard his entertainment. Join but with me, 
 And we will jeer this self-opinion'd fool 
 Almost to madness. 
 
 Nov. Hels already grown 
 Exceeding melancholy, and some say 
 That's the first step to frenzy. 
 
 Peri. I'll upon him. — 
 Save you, good monsieur ! no reply? grown proud 
 Of your success ? it is not well - - - - 
 
 Clar. 'Tis come out ; these goslings 
 Have heard of my ---_-_« 
 
 Nov. "We gratulate, 
 Though we pay for't, your happy entrance to 
 The certain favours, nay, the sure possession, 
 Of madam Belli.«ant. • 
 
 Clarin. The young whelp too ! — 
 'Tis well, exceeding well. 
 
 Peri. 'Tis so, with you, sir ; 
 But bear it modestly, faith it will become you : 
 And being arrived at such a lordly revenue. 
 As this your happy match instates you with, 
 Two thousand crowns from me, and from Novall 
 Though we almost confess the wager lost, 
 Will be a small addition. 
 
 Nov. You mistake him ; 
 Nor do I fear, out of his noble nature, 
 But that he may be won to license us 
 To draw our venture. 
 
 Clarin. Spend your frothy wits, 
 Do, do ; you snarl, but hurt not. 
 
 Nov. O, give leave 
 To losers for to speak. 
 
 Peri. 'Tis a strange fate 
 Some men are born to, and a happy star 
 That reign'd at your nativity ! it could not be else, 
 A lady of a constancy like a rock. 
 Not to be moved, and held impregnable, 
 Should yield at the first assault I 
 
 Nov. 'Tis the reward 
 Of a brave daring spirit. 
 
 Peri. Tush ! we are dull ; 
 Abuse our opportunities. 
 
 Clarin. Have you done yet } 
 
 Peri. When he had privacy of discourse, he knew 
 How to use that advantage ; did he stand 
 Fawning, and crouching ? no ; he ran up boldly, 
 Told her what she was born to, ruffled her, 
 Kiss'd her, and toused her : — all the passages 
 Are at court already ; and, 'tis said, a patent 
 Is granted him, if any maid be chaste. 
 For him to humble her, and a new name given him, 
 The scornful-virgin tamer. 
 
 Clarin. I may tame 
 Your buffoon tongues, if you proceed. 
 
 Nov. No anger. 
 I have heard that Bellisant was so taken with 
 Your manly courage, that she straight prepared you 
 A sumptuous banquet. 
 
 Peri. Yet his enemies 
 Report it was a blanket. 
 
 Nov. Malice, malice ! 
 She was shewing' him her chamber too, and call'd 
 Perfumes, and cambric sheets. [for 
 
 Peri. When, see the luck on't ! 
 Against her will, her most unmannerly grooms, 
 For so 'tis rumour'd, took him by the shoulders, 
 And thrust him out of doors. 
 
 Nov. Faith, sir, resolve us ; 
 How was it } we would gladly know the truth, 
 To stop the mouth of calumny. 
 
 Clarin. Troth, sir, I'll tell you : 
 One took me by the nose thus, — and a second 
 Made bold with me thus — but one word more, yoti 
 
 shall 
 Feel new expressions — and so, my gentle boobies, 
 Farewell, and be hang'd '. \_Exit. 
 
 Nov. We have nettled him. 
 
 Peri. Had we stung him to death, it were out 
 An overweening braggard ! [justice, 
 
 Nov. This is nothing 
 To the doctor's wife. 
 
 Peri. Come, we'll consult of it, 
 And suddenly. 
 
 Nov. I feel a woman's longing 
 Till I am at it. 
 
 Peri. Never fear ; she's thine own, boy. lExmnt. 
 
 SCENE 11.—^ Street. 
 
 Enter Cleremond. 
 Cler. WTiat have my sins been, heaven ? yet thy 
 
 great pleasure 
 Must not be argued. Was wretch ever bound 
 On such a black adventure, in which only 
 To wish to prosper is a greater curse 
 Than to --------- me 
 
 Of reason, understanding, and true judgment. 
 
 'Twere a degree of comfort to myself 
 
 1 were stark mad ; or, like a beast of prey, 
 
 Prick'd on by griping hunger, all my thoughts 
 
 And faculties were wholly taken up 
 
 To cloy my appetite, and could look no further : 
 
 But I rise up a new example of 
 
 Calamity, transcending all before me ; 
 
 And I should gild my misery with false comforts, 
 
 If I compared it with an Indian slave's. 
 
 That, with incessant labour to search out 
 
 Some unknown mine, dives almost to the centre ; 
 
 And, if then found, not thank'd of his proud mas 
 
 But this, if put into an equal scale [ter. 
 
 With my unparallel'd fortune, will weigh nothing ; 
 
 For from a cabinet of the choicest jewels 
 
 That mankind e'er was rich in, whose least gem 
 
 All treasure of the earth, or what is hid 
 
 In Neptune's watery bosom, cannot purchase, 
 
 I must seek out the richest, fairest, purest, 
 
 And when by proof 'tis known it holds the value. 
 
 As soon as found destroy it. O most cruel ! 
 
 And yet, when I consider of the many 
 
 That have profess'd themselves my friends, and 
 
 vow'd 
 Their lives were not their own, when my engage 
 
 ments 
 Should summon them to be at my devotion, 
 Not one endures the test ; I almost grow 
 Of the world's received opinion, that holds 
 Friendship but a mere name, that binds no further 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE PARLIAMENT OF LOVE. 
 
 131 
 
 Than to the allar — to retire with safety. 
 Here comes Montrose. 
 
 Enter Montrose and Beaupre. 
 
 What sudden joy transports him ? 
 I never saw man rapt so. 
 
 Mon. Purse and all, 
 And 'tis too little, though it were cramm'd full 
 With crowns of the sun. O blessed, blessed paper ! 
 But made so by the touch of her fair hand. 
 What shall I answer ? Say I am her creature, 
 Or, if thou canst find out a word that may 
 Express subjection in an humbler style. 
 Use it, 1 prithee ; add too, her commands .^ 
 Shall be with as much willingness perform 'd, 
 As I in this fold, this, receive her favours. 
 
 Beau. I shall return so much. 
 
 Mont. And that two hours 
 Shall bring me to attend her. 
 
 Beau. With all care 
 And circumstance of service from yourself, 
 I will deliver it. 
 
 Mont. I am still your debtor. lExit Beaupre. 
 
 Cler. I read the cause now clearly ; I'll slip by : 
 For though, even at this instant, he should prove 
 Himself, which others' falsehood makes me doubt, 
 That constant and best friend I go in quest of, 
 It were inhuman in their birth to strangle 
 His promising hopes of comfort. 
 
 Mont. Cleremond 
 Pass by me as a stranger ! at a time too 
 When I am fiU'd with such excess of joy, 
 So swollen and surfeited with true delight, 
 That had I not found out a friend, to whom 
 I might impart them, and so give them vent. 
 In their abundance they would force a passage, 
 And let out life together 1 Prithee, bear, 
 For friendship's sake, a part of that sweet burthen 
 Which I shrink under ; and when thou hast read 
 Fair Bellisant subscribed, so near my name too, 
 Observe but that, — thou must, with me, confess. 
 There cannot be room in one lover's heart 
 Capacious enough to entertain 
 Such multitudes of pleasures. 
 
 Cler. I joy with you. 
 Let that suffice, and envy not your blessings ; 
 May they increase I Farewell, friend. 
 
 Mont. How ! no more } 
 By the snow-white hand that writ these characters, 
 It is a breach of courtesy and manners, 
 So coldly to take notice of his good, 
 Whom you call friend ! See further : here she writes 
 That she is truly sensible of my sufferings. 
 And not alone vouchsafes to call me servant, 
 But to employ me in a cause that much 
 Concerns her in her honour ; there's a favour ! 
 Are you yet stupid 1 — and, that, two hours hence, 
 She does expect me in the private walks 
 Neighbouring the Louvre : cannot all this move 
 I could be angry. A tenth of these bounties [you .' 
 But promised to you from Leonora, 
 To witness my affection to my friend. 
 In his behalf, had taught me to forget 
 All mine own miseries. 
 
 Cler. Do not misinterpret 
 This coldness in me ; for alas ! Montrose, 
 I am a thing so made up of affliction, 
 So every way contemn'd, that I conclude 
 My sorrows are infectious ; and my company, 
 Like such as have foul ulcers running on them. 
 
 To be with care avoided. May your happiness. 
 In the favour of the matchless Bellisant, 
 Hourly increase ! and — my best wishes guard you ! 
 'Tis all that I can give. 
 
 Mont. You must not leave me. 
 
 Cler. Indeed I must and will ; mine own engage- 
 Call me away. [ments 
 
 Mont. What are they ? I presume 
 There cannot be a secret of that weight, 
 You dare not trust me with ; and should you doubt 
 I justly might comi)lain that my affection [me, 
 Is placed unfortunately. 
 
 Cler. I know you are honest ; 
 And this is such a business, and requires 
 Such sudden execution, that it cannot 
 Fall in the compass of your will, or po\^er, 
 To do me a friend's office. In a word, 
 On terms that near concern me in miiie honour, 
 I am to fight the quarrel, mortal too. 
 The time some two hours hence, the place ten 
 
 miles 
 Distant from Paris ; and when you shall know 
 I yet am unprovided of a second. 
 You will excuse my sudden parting from you. 
 Farewell, Montrose! 
 
 Mont. Not so ; I am the man 
 Will run the danger with you ; and must tell you, 
 That, while I live, it was a wrong to seek 
 Another's arm to second you. Lead the way ; 
 My horse stands ready. 
 
 Cler. I confess 'tis noble, 
 For you to offer this, but it were base 
 In me to accept it. 
 
 Mont. Do not scorn me, friend. 
 
 Cler. No ; but admire and honour you ; and 
 Serious consideration, must refuse [from tha* 
 
 The tender of your aid. France knows you valiant, 
 And that you might, in single opposition, 
 Fight for a crown ; but millions of reasons 
 Forbid me your assistance. You forget 
 Your own designs ; being, the very minute 
 I am to encounter with mine enemy. 
 To meet your mistress, such a mistress too. 
 Whose favour you so many years have sought : 
 And will you then, when she vouchsafes access. 
 Nay more, invites you, check at her fair offer ? 
 Or shall it be repeated, to my shame. 
 For my own ends I robb'd you of a fortune 
 Princes might envy ? Can you even hope 
 She ever will receive you to her presence, 
 If you neglect her nowi* — Be wise, dear friend, 
 And, in your prodigality of goodness, 
 Do not undo yourself. Live long and happy, 
 And leave me to my dangers. 
 
 Mont. Cleremond, 
 I have with patience heard you, and consider'd 
 The strength of your best arguments ; weigh'd the 
 I run in mine own fortunes : but again, [dangers 
 When I oppose the sacred name of friend 
 Against those joys I have so long pursued. 
 Neither the beauty of fair Bellisant, 
 Her wealth, her virtues, can prevail so far. 
 In such a desperate case as this, to leave you. — 
 To have it to posterity recorded. 
 At such a time as this I proved true gold. 
 And current in my friendship, shall be to me 
 A thousand mistresses, and such embraces 
 As leave no sting behind them ; therefore, on : 
 I am resolved, unless you beat me off, 
 I will not leave you. ^ ^ 
 
132 
 
 THE PARLIAMENT OF LOVE. 
 
 ACT III 
 
 Cler. Oh ! here is a jewel 
 Fit for the cabinet of the greatest monarch ! 
 But 1 of all men miserable 
 
 Mont. Come, be cheerful ; 
 Good fortune will attend us. 
 
 Cler. That, to me. 
 To have the greatest blessing, a true friend, 
 Should be the greatest curse ! — Be yet advised. 
 
 MonL It is in vain. 
 
 Cler. That e'er I should have cause 
 To wish you had loved less ! 
 
 Mont. The hour draws on : 
 We'll talk more as we ride. 
 
 Cler. Of men most wretched ! ^Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE in. — A Room in Bellisant's House. 
 Enter Bellisant and Beauprb. 
 
 Bell. Nay, pray you, dry your eyes, or your sad 
 Whose every accent still, methinks, I hear, [story 
 'Twas with such passion, and such grief deliver'd, 
 Will make mine bear your's company. All my 
 The rigorous repulse this worst of men, [fear is, 
 False, perjured Clarindore — I am sick to name 
 Received at his last visit, will deter him [him — 
 From coming again. 
 
 Beau. No ; he's resolved to venture ; 
 And has bribed me, with hazard of your anger, 
 To get him access, but in another shape : 
 The time prefix'd draws near too. 
 
 Bell. "Tis the better. \_Knocking within. 
 
 One knocks. 
 
 Beau. I am sure 'tis he. 
 
 Bell. Convey him in ; 
 But do it with a face of fear : iExit Beauphk. 
 
 I cannot 
 Resolve yet with what looks to entertain him. 
 You Powers that favour innocence, and revenge 
 Wrongs done by such as scornfully deride 
 Your awful names, inspire me ! IWalks aside. 
 
 Re-enter Beaupke, with Clarindore disguised. 
 
 Beau. Sir, I hazard 
 My service in this action. 
 
 Clarin. Thou shalt live 
 To be the mistress of thyself and others, 
 If that my projects hit : all's at the stake now ; 
 And as the die falls, I am made most happy, 
 Or past expression wretched. 
 
 Bell. Ha ! who's that ? 
 What bold intruder usher you ? This rudeness ! — 
 From whence ? what would he ? 
 
 Beau. He brings letters, madam, 
 As he says, from lord Chamont. 
 
 Clarin. How her frowns fright me ! 
 
 Bell. From lord Chamont ? Are they of such 
 import, 
 That you, before my pleasure be enquired. 
 Dare bring the bearer to my private chamber ? 
 No more of this : your packet, sir ? 
 
 Clarin. The letters 
 Deliver'd to my trust and faith are writ 
 In such mysterious and dark characters. 
 As will require the judgment of your soul. 
 More than your eye, to read and understand them. 
 
 Bell. Whatriddle's this ? [Discovering Clarin.] 
 — Ha ! am I then contemnd ? 
 Dare you do this, presuming on my soft 
 Awd gentle nature ? — Fear not, I must shew 
 
 A seeming anger. [Aside to Beaupre.] — What 
 
 new boist'rous courtship. 
 After your late loose language, and forced kiss. 
 Come you to practise ? I know none beyond it. 
 If you imagine that you may commit 
 A rape in mine own house, and that ray servants 
 Will stand tame lookers on 
 
 Clarin. If I bring with me 
 One thought, but of submission and sorrow, 
 Or nourish any hope, but that your goodness 
 May please to sign my pardon, may I perish 
 In your displeasure ! which, to me, is more 
 Than fear of hell hereafter. I confess, 
 The violence I offered to your sweetness. 
 In my presumption, with lips impure, 
 To force a touch from yours, a greater crime 
 Than if I should have mix'd lascivious flames 
 With those chaste fires that burn at Dian's altar. 
 That 'twas a plot of treason to your virtues. 
 To think you could be tempted, or believe 
 You were not fashion'd in a better mould. 
 And made of purer clay, than other women. 
 Since you are, then, the phoenix of your time. 
 And e'en now, while you bless the earth, partake 
 Of their angelical essence, imitate 
 Heaven's aptness to forgive, when mercy's sued for, 
 And once more take me to your grace and favour. 
 
 Bell. What charms are these 1 What an en- 
 chanting tongue ! 
 What pity 'tis, one that can speak so well. 
 Should, in his actions, be so ill ! 
 
 Beau. Take heed, 
 Lose not yourself. 
 
 Bell. So well, sir, you have pleaded, 
 And like an advocate, in your own cause. 
 That, though your guilt were greater, I acquit you, 
 The fault no more remember'd ; and for proof. 
 My heart partakes in my tongue, thus seal your 
 pardon ; IKisses him. 
 
 And with this willing favour (which forced from 
 
 me, 
 Call'd on my anger) make atonement with you. 
 
 Clarin. If I dream now, O, may I never wake. 
 But slumber thus ten ages ! 
 
 Bell. Till this minute. 
 You ne'er to me look'd lovely. 
 
 Clarin. How ! 
 
 Bell. Nor have I 
 E'er seen a man, in my opinion, worthy 
 The bounty I vouchsafe you : therefore fix here, 
 And make me understand that you can bear 
 Your fortune modestly. 
 
 Clarin. I find her coming : 
 This kiss was but the prologue to the play, 
 And not to seek the rest, were cowardice. 
 Help me, dissimulation ! [Aside.^ — Pardon, ma- 
 dam, 
 Though now, when I should put on cheerful looks. 
 In being blest with what I durst not hope for, 
 I change the comic scene, and do present you 
 With a most tragic spectacle. 
 
 Bell. Heaven avert 
 This prodigy I What mean you ? 
 
 Clarin. To confirm. 
 In death, how truly I have loved. I grant 
 Your favours done me, yield this benefit. 
 As to make way for me to pass in peace 
 To my long rest ; what I have tasted from you, 
 Informs me only of the much I want : 
 For in your pardon, and the kiss vouchsafed me. 
 
SCKNE I. 
 
 THE PARLIAMENT OF LOVE. 
 
 133 
 
 You did but point me out a fore-right way 
 To lead to certain happiness, and then will'd me 
 To move no further. Pray you, excuse me, there- 
 fore. 
 Though I desire to end a lingering torment. 
 And, if you please, with your fair hand, to make me 
 A sacrifice to your chastity, I will meet 
 The instrument you make choice of, with more 
 
 fervour 
 Than ever Caesar did, to hug the mistress, 
 He doted on, plumed Victory : but if that 
 You do abhor the office, as too full 
 Of cruelty, and horror, yet give leave, 
 That, in your presence, I myself may be ^ 
 
 Both priest and offering. IDrawt hislword. 
 
 Bell. Hold, hold, frantic man I 
 The shrine of love shall not be bathed in blood. 
 "Women, though fair, were made to bring forth 
 
 men, 
 And not destroy them ; therefore, hold, I say ! 
 I had a mother, and she look'd upon me 
 As on a true epitome of her youth : 
 Nor can I think I am forbid the comfort 
 To bring forth little models of myself. 
 If heaven be pleased (my nuptial joys perform'd) 
 To make me fruitful. 
 
 Clarin. Such celestial music 
 Ne'er blest these ears. O ! you have argued better 
 For me, than I could for myself. 
 
 Bell. For you ! 
 What, did I give you hope to be my husband ? 
 
 Clarin. Fallen off again ! lAside. 
 
 Bell. Yet since you have given sure proof 
 Of love and constancy, I'll unmask those thoughts, 
 That long have been conceal'd ; I am yours, but 
 In an honourable way. [how ? 
 
 Clarin. I were more than base, 
 Should I desire you otherwise. 
 
 Bell. True affection 
 Needs not a contract : and it were to doubt me, 
 
 To engage me further ; yet, my vow expired, 
 Which is, to live a virgin for a year, 
 Challenge my promise. 
 
 Clarin. For a year ! O, madam ! 
 Play not the tyranness ; do not give me hopes, 
 And in a moment change them to despair. 
 A year ! alas, this body, that's all fire. 
 If you refuse to quench it with your favour, 
 Will in three days be cinders ; and your mercy 
 Will come too late then. Dearest lady, marriage 
 Is but a ceremony ; and a hurtful vow 
 Is in the breach of it better commended. 
 Than in the keeping. O ! I burn, I burn ; 
 And if you take not pity, I must fly 
 To my last refuge. [Offers to stab himself. 
 
 Bell. Hold ! Say I could yield 
 This night, to satisfy you to the full. 
 And you should swear, until the wedding-day. 
 To keep the favours I now grant conceal'd ; 
 You would be talking. 
 
 Clarin. May my tongue rot out, then ! 
 
 Bell. Or boast to your companions of your con- 
 And of my easiness. [quest, 
 
 Clarin. Til endure the rack first. 
 
 Bell. And, having what you long for, cast me off, 
 As you did madam Beaupre. 
 
 ('la)in. May the earth 
 First gape, and swallow me ! 
 
 Bell. I'll press you no further. 
 Go in, your chamber's ready ; if you have 
 A bedfellow, so : but silence I enjoin you. 
 And liberty to leave you when I please : 
 I blush, if you reply. 
 
 Clarin. Till now ne'er happy ! lExit. 
 
 Beau. What means your ladyship ? 
 
 Bell. Do not ask, but do 
 As I direct you : though as yet we tread 
 A rough and thorny way, faint not ; the ends 
 I hope to reach shall make a large £unends. 
 
 lExeunt. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE L — A Room in Dinant's House. 
 Enter Novall and Dinant. 
 
 Din. You are welcome first, sir ; and that spoke, 
 A faithful promise, all that art, or long [receive 
 Experience, hath taught me, shall enlarge 
 Themselves for your recovery. 
 
 Nov. Sir, I thank you, 
 As far as a weak, sick, and unable man 
 Has power to express ; but what wants in my 
 
 tongue, 
 My hand (for yet my fingers feel no gout) 
 Shall speak in this dumb language. 
 
 IGives him his purse. 
 
 Din. You are too magnificent. 
 
 Nov. Fie ! no, sir ; health is, sure, a precious 
 We cannot buy it too dear. [jewel, 
 
 Din. Take comfort, sir ; 
 I find not, by your urine, nor your pulse, 
 Or any outward symptom, that you are 
 In any certain danger. 
 
 Nov. Oh! the more my fear : 
 Infirmities that are known are - - . cured, 
 Fiat when the causes of them are conceal'd. 
 
 As these of mine are, doctor, they prove mortal: 
 Howe'er, I'll not forget you while I live. 
 Do but your parts. 
 
 Din. Sir, they are at your service. 
 I'll give you some preparatives, to instruct me 
 Of your inward temper ; then, as I find cause. 
 Some gentle purge. 
 
 Nov. Yes, I must purge ; I die else • 
 But where, dear doctor, you shall not find oat. 
 This is a happy entrance, may it end well ! 
 I'll mount your nightcap, Doddipol. [AsUie, 
 
 Din. In what part, 
 (We are sworn to secrecy, and you must be free,) 
 Do you find your greatest agony ? 
 
 Nov. Oh ! I have 
 Strange motions on the sudden ; villainous tumours. 
 That rise, then fall, then rise again ; oh, doctor ! 
 Not to be shewn or named. 
 
 Din. Then, in my judgment. 
 You had best leave Paris: choose some fresher air; 
 That does help much in physic. 
 
 Nov. By no means. 
 Here, in your house, or no where, you must cure 
 me : 
 
134 
 
 THE PARLIAMENT OF LOVE. 
 
 The eye of the master fats the horse ; and when 
 His doctor's by, the patient may drink wine 
 In a fit of a burning fever : for your presence 
 Works more than what you minister. Take physic, 
 Attended on by ignorant grooms, mere strangers 
 To your directions, I must hazard life, 
 And you your reputation ! whereas, sir, 
 I hold your house a college of your art, 
 And every boy you keep, by you instructed, 
 A pretty piece of a Galenist : then the females, 
 From your most fair wife to your kitchen drudge, 
 Are so familiar with your learned courses. 
 That, to an herb, they know to make thin broth : 
 Or, when occasion serves, to cheer the heart, 
 And such ingredient I shall have most need of. 
 How many cocks o' the game make a strong culiis, 
 Or pheasant's eggs a caudle. 
 
 Din. I am glad 
 To hear you argue with such strength. 
 
 Enter Clarinda aiid whispers Dinant. 
 
 JVov. A flash, sir : 
 But now 1 feel my fit again. — She is 
 Made up of all perfection,; any danger 
 That leads to the enjoying so much sweetness 
 Is pleasure at the height : I am ravish'd with 
 The mere imagination. Oh happiness ! — {Aside. 
 
 Din. How's this ! One from the Duke Nemours ? 
 
 Cla. Yes, sir. 
 
 Din. 'Tis rank : 
 The sight of my wife hath forced him to forget 
 To counterfeit : [Aside.} — I now guess at your 
 
 sickness, 
 And if I fit you not 
 
 Cla. The gentleman stays you. 
 
 Din. I come to him presently; in the mean time, 
 wife, 
 Be careful of this monsieur : nay, no coyness, 
 You may salute him boldly ; his pale lips 
 Enchant not in the touch. 
 
 Nov. Her's do, I'm sure. 
 
 Din. Kiss him again. 
 
 Cla. Sir, this is more than modest. 
 
 Din. Modest ! why, fool, desire is dead in him : 
 Call it a charitable, pious work, 
 If it refresh his spirits. 
 
 Nov, Yes, indeed, sir. 
 I find great ease in it. 
 
 Din. Mark that ! and would you 
 Deny a sick man comfort ? meat's against 
 
 - - - - - physic, must be granted too, 
 
 - - - - wife _ - - - you shall, 
 In person, wait on him ; nay, hang not off, 
 
 I say you shall : this night, with your own hands, 
 
 I'll have you air his bed, and when he eats 
 
 Of what you have prepared, you shall sit by him. 
 
 And, with some merry chat, help to repair 
 
 Decayed appetite; watch by him when he slumbers; 
 
 Nay, play his page's part : more, I durst trust you, 
 
 Were this our wedding-day, you yet a virgin, 
 
 To be his bedfellow ; for well I know 
 
 Old Priam's impotence, or Nestor's hernia is 
 
 Herculean activeness, if but compared 
 
 To his debility : put him to his oath. 
 
 He'll swear he can do nothing. 
 
 Nov. Do ! O no, sir ; 
 I am past the thought of it. 
 
 Din. But how do you like 
 The method I prescribe ? 
 
 Nov. Beyond expression : 
 
 Upon the mere report I do conceive 
 Hope of recovery. 
 
 Cla. Are you mad ? 
 
 Din. Peace, fool. 
 This night you shall take a cordial to strengthen 
 Your feeble limbs : — 'twill cost ten crowns a 
 
 Nov. No matter, sir. [draught. 
 
 Di7i. To-morrow you shall walk 
 To see my garden ; then my wife shall shew you 
 The choice rooms of my house ; when you are weary, 
 Cast yourself on her couch. 
 
 Nov. Oh, divine doctor ! 
 What man in health would not be sick, on purpose 
 To be your patient ? 
 
 Din. Come, sir, to your chamber ; 
 And now I understand where your disease lies, 
 (Nay, lead him by the hand,) doubt not I'll cure 
 you. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — An open part of the Country near 
 
 Paris. 
 
 Enter Cleremond and Montrose. 
 
 Cier. This is the place. 
 
 Mont. An even piece of ground, 
 Without advantage ; but be jocund, friend : 
 The honour to have entered first the field, 
 However we come off, is ours. 
 
 Cler. I need not. 
 So well I am acquainted with your valour, 
 To dare, in a good cause, as much as man, 
 Lend you encouragement ; and should I add, 
 Your power to do, which Fortune, howe'er blind, 
 Hath ever seconded, I cannot doubt 
 But victory still sits upon your sword, 
 And must not now forsake you. 
 
 Mont. You shall see me 
 Come boldly up ; nor will I shame your cause. 
 By parting with an inch of ground not bought 
 With blood on my part. 
 
 Cler. 'Tis not to be question'd : 
 That which I would entreat, (and pray you grant it,) 
 Is, that you would forget your usual softness. 
 Your foe being at your mercy ; it hath been 
 A custom in you, which I dare not praise, 
 Having disarm'd your enemy of his sword, 
 To tempt your fate, by yielding it again ; 
 Then run a second hazard. 
 
 Mont. When we encounter 
 A noble foe, we cannot be too noble. 
 
 Cler. That I confess ; but he that's now to op- 
 pose you, 
 I know for an arch villain ; one that hath lost 
 All feeling of humanity, one that hates 
 Goodness in others, 'cause he's ill himself; 
 A most ungrateful wretch, (the name's too gentle, 
 All attributes of wickedness cannot reach him,) 
 Of whom to have deserved, beyond example, 
 Or precedent of friendship, is a wrong 
 Which only death can satisfy. 
 
 Mont. You describe 
 A monster to me. 
 
 Cler. True, Montrose, he is so. 
 Afric, though fertile of strange prodigies, 
 Never produced his equal ! be wise, therefore, 
 And if he fall into your hands, dispatch him : 
 Pity to him is cruelty. The sad father. 
 That sees his son stung by a snake to death, 
 May, with more justice, stay his vengeful hand. 
 
8CKNE III. 
 
 THE PARLIAMENT OF LOVE. 
 
 136 
 
 And let the worm escape, than you vouchsafe him 
 
 A minute to repent : for 'tis a slave 
 
 So sold to hell and mischief ; that a traitor 
 
 To his most lawful prince, a church-robber, 
 
 A parricide, who, when his garners are 
 
 Cramm'd with the purest grain, suffers his parents, 
 
 Being old, and weak, to starve for want of bread ; 
 
 Compared to him, are innocent. 
 
 Mont. I ne'er heard 
 Of such a cursed nature ; if long-lived, 
 He would infect mankind : rest you assured, 
 He finds from me small courtesy. 
 
 Cler. And expect 
 As little from him : blood is that he thirsts fgr. 
 Not honourable wounds. 
 
 Mont. I would I had him 
 Within my sword's length ! 
 
 Cler. Have thy wish : Thou hast ! 
 
 [Cleremond draws his Sword. 
 Nay, draw thy sword, and suddenly ; I am 
 That monster, temple-robber, parricide, 
 Ingrateful wretch, friend-hater, or what else 
 Makes up the perfect figure of the devil, 
 Should he appear like man. Banish amazement, 
 And call thy ablest spirits up to guard thee. 
 From him that's turn'd a Fury. I am made 
 Her minister, whose cruelty but named. 
 Would with more horror strike the pale-cheek'd 
 
 stars, 
 Than all those dreadful words which conjurers 
 
 use, 
 To fright their damn'd familiars. Look not on me 
 As I am, Cleremond ; 1 have parted with 
 The essence that was his, and entertain'd 
 The soul of some fierce tigress, or a wolf's 
 New-hang'd for human slaughter, and 'tis fit : 
 I could not else be an apt instrument 
 To bloody Leonora. 
 
 Mont. To my knowledge 
 1 never wrong'd her. 
 
 Cler. Yes, in being a friend 
 To me she hated, my best friend ; her malice 
 Would look no lower : — and for being such, 
 By her commands, Montrose, I am to kill thee. 
 Oh, that thou hadst, like others, been all words. 
 And no performance ! or that thou hadst made 
 Some little stop in thy career of kindness ! 
 Why wouldst thou, to confirm the name of friend, 
 Despise the favours of fair Bellisant, 
 And all those certain joys that waited for thee ? 
 Snatch at this fatal offer of a second, 
 Which others fled from ? — 'Tis in vain to mourn 
 
 now. 
 When there's no help ; and therefore, good Mont- 
 rose, 
 Rouse thy most manly parts, and think thou 
 
 stand'st now 
 A champion for more than king or country ; 
 Since, in thy fall, goodness itself must sufi'er. 
 Remember too, the baseness of the wrong 
 - - - friendship ; let it edge thy sword. 
 And kill compassion in thee ; and forget not 
 I will take all advantages : and so. 
 Without reply, have at thee ! 
 
 'jrhey fight. Cleremond /a W*. 
 
 Mont. See, how weak 
 An ill cause is 1 you are already fallen : 
 What can you look for now ? 
 
 Cler. Fool, use thy fortune : 
 And so he counsels thee, that, if we had 
 
 Changed places, instantly would have cut thy 
 Or digg'd thy heart out. [throat, 
 
 Mont. In requital of 
 That savage purpose, I must pity you ; 
 Witness these tears, not tears of joy for conquest, 
 But of true sorrow for your misery. 
 Live, O live, Cleremond, and, like a man, 
 Make use of reason, as an exorcist 
 To cast this devil out, that does abuse you ; 
 This fiend of false affection. 
 
 Cler. Will you not kill me .' 
 You are then more tyrannous than Leonora. 
 An easy thrust will do it : you had ever 
 A charitable hand ; do not deny me. 
 For our old friendship's sake : no ! will't not be ? 
 There are a thousand doors to let out life ; 
 You keep not guard of all : and I shall find, 
 By falling headlong from some rocky cliff, 
 Poison, or fire, that long rest which your sword 
 Discourteously denies me. lExit. 
 
 Mont. I will follow ; 
 And something I must fancy, to dissuade him 
 From doing sudden violence on himself : 
 That's now my only aim ; and that to me, 
 Succeedmg well, is a true victory. iExit. 
 
 SCENE III.— Paris— ^» outer Room in 
 
 Chamont's House. 
 
 Enter Chamont disguised, and Dinant. 
 
 Din. Your lady tempted too ! 
 
 Cham. And tempted home ; 
 Summon'd to parley, the fort almost yielded, 
 Had not I stepp'd in to remove the siege : 
 But I have countermined his works, and if 
 You second me, will blow the letcher up, 
 And laugh to see him caper. 
 
 Din. Any thing : 
 Command me as your servant, to join with you : 
 All ways are honest we take, to revenge us 
 On these lascivious monkies of the court. 
 That make it their profession to dishonour 
 Grave citizens' wives ; nay, those of higher rank. 
 As 'tis, in your's, apparent. My young rambler. 
 That thought to cheat me with a feign'd disease, 
 I have in the toil already ; I have given him. 
 Under pretence to make him high and active, 
 A cooler : — I dare warrant it will yield 
 Rare sport to see it work ; I would your lordship 
 Could be a spectator. 
 
 Cham. It is that I aim at : 
 And might I but persuade you to dispense 
 A little with your candour, and consent 
 To make your house the stage, on which we'll act 
 A comic scene ; in the pride of all their hopes. 
 We'll shew these shallow fools sunk-eyed despair. 
 And triumph in their punishment. 
 
 Din. My house. 
 Or whatsoever else is mine, shall serve 
 As properties to grace it. 
 
 Cham. In this shape, then, 
 Leave me to work the rest. 
 
 Din. Doubt not, my lord. 
 You shall find all things ready. [£Wt 
 
 Enter Pkkigot. 
 Cham. This sorts well 
 With my other purposes. Perigot ! to my wish- 
 Aid me, invention ! ^ 
 
130 
 
 THE PARLIAMENT OF LOVE. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 Peri. Is the quean fallen off? 
 I hear not from her ? — 'tis the hour and place 
 That she appointed. 
 What have we here ? This fellow has a pimp's face, 
 
 And looks as if he were her call, her fetch 
 
 With me ? 
 
 Cham. Sir, from the party. 
 The lady you should truck with, the lord's wife 
 Your worship is to dub, or to make free 
 Of the company of the homers. 
 
 Peri. Fair Lamira ? 
 
 Cham. The same, sir. 
 
 Peri. And how, my honest squire o'dames ? I 
 Thou art of her privy council. [see 
 
 Cham. Her grant holds, sir. 
 
 Peri. O rare ! But when ? 
 
 Cham. Marry, instantly. 
 
 Peri. But where ? 
 
 Cham. She hath outgone the cunning of a wo- 
 In ordering it both privately and securely : [man. 
 You know Dinant, the doctor ? 
 
 Peri. Good. 
 'Cham, His house 
 And him she has made at her devotion, sir. 
 Nay, wonder not ; most of these empirics 
 Thrive better by connivance in such cases. 
 Than their lame practice : framing some distemper. 
 The fool, her lord 
 
 Peri. Lords may be what they please ; 
 I question not their patent. 
 
 Cham. Hath consented 
 That this night, privately, she shall take a clyster; 
 Which he believes the doctor ministers, 
 And never thinks of you. 
 
 Peri. A good wench still. 
 
 Cham. And there, without suspicion 
 
 Peri. Excellent ! 
 I make this lord my cuckold } 
 
 Cham. True ; and write 
 The reverend drudging doctor, my copartner, 
 And fellow bawd : next year we will have him 
 Of our society. [warden 
 
 Peri. There ! there ! I shall burst, 
 I am so swollen with pleasure ; no more talking, 
 Dear keeper of the vaulting door ; lead on. 
 
 Cham. Charge you as boldly. 
 
 Peri. Do not fear; I have 
 A staff to taint, and bravely. 
 
 Cham. Save the splinters, 
 If it break in the encounter. 
 
 Peri. Witty rascal ! lExeunt 
 
 SCENE IV. — A Room in Belus ant's House. 
 
 Enter Clabindore, Bellisant, and Beauprb. 
 
 Clarin. Boast of your favours, madam ! 
 
 Bell. Pardon, sir, 
 My fears, since it is grown a general custom, 
 In our hot youth, to keep a catalogue 
 Of conquests this way got ; nor do they think 
 Their victory complete, unless they publish, 
 To their disgxace, that are made captives to them, 
 How far they have prevail'd. 
 
 Clarin. I would have such rascals 
 First gelded, and then hang'd. 
 
 Bell. Remember too, sir, 
 To what extremities your love had brought you ; 
 And, since I saved your life, I may, with justice, 
 By silence charge you to preserve mine honour ; 
 
 Which, howsoever to my conscious self 
 I am tainted, foully tainted, to the world 
 I am free from all suspicion. 
 
 Clarin. Can you think 
 I'll do myself that wrong ? although I had 
 A lawyer's mercenary tongue, still moving, 
 
 - - - -le this precious carcanet, these jewels, 
 
 - - of your magnificence, would keep me 
 A Pythagorean, and ever silent. 
 
 No, rest secure, sweet lady ; and excuse 
 My sudden and abrupt departure from you : 
 And if the fault makes forfeit of your grace, 
 A quick return shall ransome and redeem it. 
 
 Bell. Be mindful of your oaths. 
 
 [ Walks aside with Bjeauphk. 
 
 Clarin. I am got off, 
 And leave the memory of them behind me. 
 Now, if I can find out my scoffing gulls, 
 Novall and Perigot, besides my wager. 
 Which is already sure, I shall return 
 Their bitter jests, and wound them with my tongue. 
 Much deeper than my sword. Oh ! but the oaths 
 I have made to the contrary, and her credit. 
 Of which I should be tender : — tush ! both hold 
 With me an equal value. The wise say, 
 That the whole fabric of a woman's lighter 
 Than wind or feathers : what is then her fame ? 
 A kind of nothing ; — not to be preserved 
 With the loss of so much money : 'tis sound doc- 
 trine, 
 And I will follow it. lExit. 
 
 Bell. Prithee, be not doubtful; 
 Let the wild colt run his course. 
 
 Beau. I must confess 
 I cannot sound the depth of what you purpose, 
 But I much fear 
 
 Bell. That he will blab ; I know it, 
 And that a secret scalds him : that he suffers 
 Till he hath vented what I seem to wish 
 He should conceal ; — but let him, I am arm'd for't. 
 
 {^Ejccunt. 
 
 SCENE Y.—A Room in Dinant's House. 
 
 Enter Chamont, Dinant, Lamira, Clarinda, and 
 
 Servants. 
 Cham. For Perigot, he's in the toil ne'er doubt 
 O, had you seen how his veins swell'd with lust, [it. 
 When 1 brought him to the chamber ! bow he 
 
 gloried. 
 And stretch'd his limbs, preparing them for action ; 
 And, taking me to be a pander, told me 
 'Twas more delight to have a lord his cuckold, 
 Than to enjoy my lady ! — there I left him 
 In contemplation, greedily expecting 
 Lamira's presence ; but, instead of her, 
 
 I have prepared him other visitants. 
 
 Yon know what you have to do ? 
 
 1 Serv. Fear not, my lord. 
 
 He shall curvet, I warrant him, in a blanket. 
 
 2 Serv. We'll discipline him with dog- whips, 
 
 and take off 
 His rampant edge. 
 
 Cham. His life ; save that — remember. 
 You cannot be too cruel. 
 
 Din. For his pupil, 
 My wife's Inamorato, if cold weeds. 
 Removed but one degree from deadly poison. 
 Have not forgot their certain operation, [per, 
 
 You shall see his courage cool'd ; and in that tem- 
 
SCENE V. 
 
 THE PARLIAMENT OF LOVE. 
 
 137 
 
 Till he have howl'd himself into my pardon, 
 I vow to keep him. 
 
 Nov. [within.'\ Ho, doctor ! master doctor! 
 
 Din. The game's afoot ; we will let slip ; con- 
 ceal 
 Yourselves a little. lExeunt all but Dinant. 
 
 Enter Nov all. 
 
 Nov, Oh 1 a thousand agues 
 Play at barley-break in my bones ; my blood's a 
 On the sudden frozen, and the isicles [pool 
 
 Cut every vein : 'tis here, there, every where ; 
 Oh dear, dear, master doctor I 
 
 Din. I must seem 
 Not to understand him; 'twill increase hiftor- 
 ture. — lAside. 
 
 How do you, sir .' has the potion wrought ? do 
 
 you feel 
 An alteration ? have your swellings left you ? 
 Is your blood still rebellious ? 
 
 Nov. Oh, good doctor, 
 I am a ghost ! I have nor flesh, nor blood, 
 Nor heat, nor warmth, about me. 
 
 Din. Do not dissemble ; 
 I know you are high and joviaL 
 
 Nov. Jovial! doctor; 
 No, I am all amort, as if I had lain 
 Three days in my grave already. 
 
 Din. I will raise you : 
 For, look you, sir, you are a liberal patient, 
 Nor must I, while you can be such, part with you; 
 'Tis against the laws of our college. Pray you, 
 I have with curiosity consider'd [mark me; 
 
 Your constitution to be hot and moist, 
 And that at your nativity Jupiter 
 And Venus were in conjunction, whence it follows. 
 By necessary consequence, you must be 
 A most insatiate letcher. 
 
 Nov. Oh ! I have been, 
 I have been, I confess : but now I cannot 
 Think of a woman. 
 
 Din. For your health you must, sir. 
 Both think, and see, and touch ; you're but a 
 dead man else. 
 
 Nov. That way, I am already. 
 
 Din. You must take. 
 And suddenly, ('tis a conceal'd receipt,) 
 A buxom, juicy wench. 
 
 Nov. Oh ! 'twill not down, sir 
 I have no swallow for't. 
 
 Din. Now, since I would 
 Have the disease as private as the cure, 
 (For tis a secret,) I have wrought my wife 
 i'o be both physic and physician. 
 To give you ease :— will you walk to her ? 
 
 Nov. Oh ! doctor, 
 I cannot stand ; in every sense about me 
 I have the palsy, but my tongue. 
 
 Din. Nay then. 
 You are obstinate, and refuse my gentle offer 
 Or else 'tis foolish modesty : — Come hither. 
 Come, my Clarinda, 
 
 He-enter Clakinda. 
 
 'tis not common courtesy ; 
 Comfort the gentleman. 
 
 Nov. This is ten times worse. 
 Cham, [within.^ He does torment hira rarely. 
 Din. She is not coy, sir. 
 What think you, is not this a pretty foot. 
 And a clean instep ? I will leave the calf 
 
 For you to find and judge of: here's a hand too ; 
 Try it, the palm is moist; the youthful blood 
 Runs strong in every azure vein : the face too 
 Ne'er knew the help of art ; and, all together. 
 May serve the turn, after a long sea voyage, 
 For the captain's self. 
 
 Nov. I am a swabber, doctor, 
 A bloodless swabber ; have not strength enough 
 To cleanse her poop. 
 
 Din. Fie ! you shame yourself, 
 And the profession of your rutting gallants, 
 That hold their doctors' wives as free for them, 
 As some of us do our apothecaries' ! 
 
 Nov. Good sir, no more. 
 
 Din. Take her aside ; comute me ; 
 I give you leave : what should a quacksalve, 
 A fellow that does deal with drugs, as I do. 
 That has not means to give her choice of gowns. 
 Jewels, and rich embroidered petticoats, 
 Do with so fair a bedfellow ? she being fashion'd 
 To purge a rich heir's reins, to be the mistress 
 Of a court gallant ? Did you not tell her so ? 
 
 Nov. I have betray'd myself! I did, I did. 
 
 Din. And that rich merchants, advocates, and 
 doctors, 
 Howe'er deserving from the commonwealth, 
 On forfeit of the city's charter, were 
 Predestined cuckolds ? 
 
 Nov. Oh, some pity, doctor ! 
 I was an heretic, but now converted. 
 Some httle, little respite ! 
 
 Din. No, you town-bull ; 
 - - - -venge all good men's wrongs, 
 And now will play the tyrant. To dissect thee, 
 Eat thy flesh off with burning corrosives, 
 Or write with aquafortis in thy forehead, 
 Thy last intent to wrong my bed, were justice ; 
 And to do less were foolish pity in me : 
 I speak it, ribald 1 
 
 Nov. Perigot ! Perigot ! 
 Woe to thy cursed counsel. 
 
 Re-enter Chamont and Lamira. 
 Cham. Perigot! 
 Did he advise you to this course ? 
 Nov. He did. 
 
 Cham. And he has his reward for't. 
 Peri, [within.] Will you murder me ! 
 Serv. lu'itJiin.l Once more, aloft with him. 
 Peri, [withiii.} Murder ! murder ! murder I 
 
 Re-enter Servants, with Perigot in a blanket- 
 Cham. What conceal'd bake-meats have you 
 there ? a present ? 
 Is it goat's flesh ? It smells rank. 
 
 1 Serv. We have had 
 Sweet work of it, my lord. 
 
 2 Serv. I warrant you tis tender. 
 
 It wants no cooking ; yet, if you think fit, 
 We'll bruise it again. 
 
 Peri. As you are Christians, spare me ! 
 I am jelly within already, and without 
 Embroidered all o'er with statute lace. 
 What would you more ? 
 
 Nov. My tutor in the gin, too ! 
 This is some comfort : he is as good as drench'd ; 
 And now we'll both be chaste. 
 
 Cham. What, is't a cat 
 You have encounter'd, monsieur, you are scratch 'd 
 My lady, sure, forgot to pare her nails, [so .' 
 
 Before your soft embraces. 
 
138 
 
 THE PARLIAMENT OF LOVE. 
 
 ACT 7. 
 
 Din. He has ta'en great pains : 
 What a sweat he's in ! 
 
 Cham. O ! he's a master-dancer, 
 Knows how to caper into a lady's favour : 
 One lofty trick more, dear monsieur. 
 
 Nov. That I had 
 But strength enough to laugh at him ! blanketted 
 
 like a dog, 
 And like a cut-purse whipt ! I am sure that now, 
 He cannot jeer me. 
 
 Peri. May not a man have leave 
 To hang himself ? 
 
 Cham. No ; that were too much mercy. 
 Live to be wretched ; live to be the talk 
 Of the conduit and the bakehouse. I will have thee 
 Pictured as thou art now, and thy whole story 
 Sung to some villainous tune in a lewd ballad ; 
 And make thee so notorious to the world, 
 That boys in the streets shall hoot at thee : come, 
 
 Lamira, 
 And triumph o'er him. — Dost thou see this lady, 
 My wife, whose honour foolishly thou thought'st 
 To undermine, and make a servant to 
 Thy brutish lusts, laughing at thy affliction ? 
 And, as a sign she scorns thee, set her foot 
 Upon thy head ? Do so : — 'Sdeath ! but resist, 
 Once more you caper. 
 
 Peri. I am at the stake, 
 And must endure it. 
 
 Cham. Spurn him, too. 
 
 Lam.. Troth, sir, 
 I do him too much grace. 
 
 Cham. Now, as a schoolboy 
 Does kiss the rod that gave him chastisement, 
 To prove thou art a slave, meet, with thy lips, 
 This instrument that corrects thee. 
 
 Peri. Have you done yet ? 
 
 Din. How like a pair of crest-fall'n jades they 
 look now ! 
 
 Cla. They are not worth our scorn. 
 
 Peri. O pupil, pupil ! 
 
 Nov. Tutor, I am drench'd : let us condole 
 together. 
 
 Cham. And where's the tickling itch now, my 
 dear monsieur. 
 To say. This lord's my cuckold ! — I am tired : 
 That we had fresh dogs to hunt them ! 
 
 Enter Clarindorb. 
 
 Clarin. 
 
 - - - - I am acquainted with the story ; 
 The doctor's man has told me all. 
 
 Din. Upon them. 
 
 Peri. Clarindore ! worst of all : — for him to 
 Is a second blanketting to me. [know this, 
 
 Nov. I again 
 Am drench'd to look on him. 
 
 Clarin. How is't ? nay, bear up ; 
 You that commend adultery, I am glad 
 To see it thrive so well. Fie, Perigot ! 
 Dejected ? Haply thou wouldst have us think, 
 This is the first time that thou didst curvet, 
 And come aloft in a blanket. By St. Dennis ! 
 Here are shrewd scratches too ; but nothing to 
 A man of resolution, whose shoulders 
 Are of themselves armour of proof against 
 A bastinado, and will tire ten beadles. 
 
 Peri. Mock on ; know no mercy. 
 
 Clarin. Thrifty young men ! 
 What a charge is saved in wenching! and 'tis 
 
 timely 
 
 A certain wager of three thousand crowns 
 Is lost, and must be paid, my pair of puppies : 
 The coy dame, Bellisant. hath stoop'd ! bear wit- 
 ness 
 This chain and jewels you nave seen her wear. 
 The fellow, that her grooms kick'd down the stairs, 
 Hath crept into her bed; and to assure you 
 There's no deceit, she shall confess so much, 
 I have enjoy'd her. 
 
 Cham. Are you serious ? 
 
 Clarin. Yes, and glory in it. 
 
 Cham. Nay then, give over fooling. • 
 
 Thou 1-iest, and art a villain, a base villain. 
 To slander her. 
 
 Clarin. You are a lord, and that 
 Bids me forbear you ; but I will make good 
 Whatever I have said. 
 
 Cham. I'll not lose time 
 To change words with thee. The king hath ordain'd 
 A Parliament of Love to right her wrongs. 
 To which I summon thee. iExit. 
 
 Clarin. Your worst : I care not.— Farewell, 
 babions ! \_ExiL 
 
 Din. Here was a sudden change ! 
 Nay, you must quit my house : shog on, kind pa- 
 And, as you like my physic, when you are [tient. 
 Rampant again, you know I have that can cool you. 
 Nay, monsieur Perigot, help your pupil off too, 
 Your counsel brought him on. Ha ! no reply ? 
 Are you struck dumb ? If you are wrong'd, com^ 
 
 Peri. We shall find friends to right us. [plain. 
 
 Din. And I justice. 
 The cause being heard ; I ask no more. Hence ! 
 vanish ! \,Exeunt. 
 
 ACT V, 
 
 SCENE I.— A Court of Justice. 
 Enter Chamont, Philamour, and Lafort. 
 
 Phil. Montrose slain ! and by Cleremond ! 
 
 Cham. 'Tis too true. 
 
 Laf. But wondrous strange, that any difference, 
 Especially of such a deadly nature, 
 Should e'er divide so eminent a friendship. 
 
 Phil. The miracle is greater, that a lady, 
 His most devoted mistress, Leonora, 
 Afifainst the usual softness of her sex, 
 
 Should with such violence and heat pursue 
 Her amorous servant ; since I am inform'd 
 That he was apprehended by her practice. 
 And, when he comes to trial for his life* 
 She'll rise up his accuser. 
 
 Cham. So 'tis rumour'd : 
 And that's the motive that young Cleremond 
 Makes it his humble suit, to have his cause 
 Decided in the Parliament of Love ; 
 For he pretends the bloody quarrel grew 
 From grounds that claim a reference to that place ! 
 
SCENE 
 
 THE PARLlAMEiNT OF LOVE. 
 
 1.1J) 
 
 Nor fears he, if you grant him equal hearing, 
 But, with unanswerable proof, to render 
 The cruel Leonora tainted with 
 A guilt beyond his. 
 
 Laf, The king is acquainted 
 Already with the accident ; besides, 
 He hath vouchsafed to read divers petitions 
 Preferr'd on several causes ; one against 
 Monsieur Dinant, his doctor, by Novall ; 
 A second, in which madam Bellisant 
 Complains 'gainst Clarindore; there is a bill too, 
 Brought in by Perigot, against your lordship ; 
 All which, in person, he resolves to hear. 
 Then, as a judge, to censure. lAJiourish wimin. 
 
 Phil. See the form ! 
 Choice musick ushers him. 
 
 Cham. Let us meet the troop, 
 And mix with them. 
 
 Phil. 'Twill poize your expectation. lExeunt. 
 
 Loud Music. Enter Charles followed by Orleans, Ne- 
 mours, Chamont, Lafort, and Phila.mour. A Priest 
 with the image of Cupid ; then enter Cleremond, Cla- 
 rindore, Pkrigot, Novall, Bellisant, Leonora, 
 Beaupre', Lamira, Clarinda, and Officers, Montrose 
 is brought forward on a bier, and placed before the Bar. 
 Char. Let it not seem a wonder, nor beget 
 An ill opinion in this fair assembly, 
 That here I place this statue ; 'tis not done, 
 Upon the forfeit of our grace, that you 
 Should, with a superstitious reverence, 
 FaU down and worship it : nor can it be 
 Presumed, we hope, young Charles, that justly holds 
 The honour' d title of most Christian King, 
 Would ever nourish such idolatrous thoughts, 
 'Tis rather to instruct deceived mankind. 
 How much pure Love, that has his birth in heaven, 
 And scorns to be received a guest, but in 
 A noble heart prepared to entertain him, 
 Is, by the gross misprision of weak men, 
 Abused and injured. That celestial fire. 
 Which hieroglyphically is described 
 In this his bow, his quiver, and his torch, 
 First warm'd their bloods, and after gave a name 
 To the old heroic spirits : such as Orpheus, 
 That drew men, differing little then from beasts. 
 To civil government ; or famed Alcides, 
 The tyrant-queller, that refused the plain 
 And easy path leading to vicious pleasures. 
 And ending in a precipice deep as hell, 
 To scale the ragged cliff, on whose firm top 
 Virtue and Honour, crown'dwith wreaths of stars, 
 Did sit triumphant. But it will be answer'd, 
 (The world decaying in her strength,) that now 
 We are not equal to those ancient times. 
 And therefore 'twere impertinent and tedious 
 To cite more precedents of that reverend age, 
 But rather to endeavour, as we purpose. 
 To give encouragement, by reward, to such 
 As with their best nerves imitate that old goodness ; 
 And, with severe correction, to reform 
 The modern vices. — Begin ; read the bills. 
 
 Peri. Let mine be first, my lord ; 'twas first 
 
 preferr'd. 
 Bell. But till my cause be heard, our whole sex 
 Off. Back ! keep back, there 1 [suffers — 
 
 Nov. Prithee, gentle officer, 
 Handle me gingerly, or 1 fall to pieces, 
 Before I can plead mine. 
 
 Peri. I am bruised . - - 
 Omnes. Justice ! Justice ! 
 
 Char. Forbear these clamours, you shall all be 
 And, to confirm I am no partial judge, [heard : 
 
 By lottery decide it ; here's no favour. 
 
 Whose bill is first, Lafort ? [.The names are drawn. 
 
 Laf. 'Tis Cleremond's. 
 
 Char. The second ? 
 
 Laf. Perigot's ; the third Novall's. 
 
 Nov. Our cases are both lamentable, tutor. 
 
 Peri. And I am glad they shall be heard together ; 
 We cannot stand asunder. 
 
 Char. What's the last .' 
 
 Laf. The injured lady Bellisant's. 
 
 Char. To the first, then ; 
 And so proceed in order. 
 
 Phil. Stand to the bar. [Cler. comes forward. 
 
 Leon. Speak, Cleremond, thy grief, as I will 
 mine. 
 
 Peri. A confident little pleader ! were I in case, 
 I would give her a double fee. 
 
 Nov. So would I, tutor. 
 
 Off'. Silence ! silence ! 
 
 Cler. Should I rise up to plead my innocence. 
 Though, with the favour of the court, I stood 
 Acquitted to the world, yea, though the wounds 
 Of my dead friend, (which, like so many mouths 
 With bloody tongues, cry out aloud against me,) 
 By your authority, were closed ; yet here, 
 A not to be corrupted judge, my conscience. 
 Would not alone condemn me, but inflict 
 Such lingering tortures on me, as the hangman. 
 Though witty in his malice, could not equal. 
 I therefore do confess a guilty cause. 
 Touching the fact, and, uncompell'd, acknowledge 
 Myself the instrument of a crime the sun. 
 Hiding his face in a thick mask of clouds. 
 As frighted with the horror, durst not look on. 
 But if your laws with greater rigour punish 
 Such as invent a mischief, than the organs 
 By whom 'tis put in act, (they truly being 
 The first great wheels by which the lesser move,) 
 Then stand forth, Leonora ; and I'll prove 
 The white robe of my innocence tainted with 
 But one black spot of guilt, and even that one 
 By thy hand cast on me ; but thine, died o'er. 
 Ten times in grain, in hell's most ugly colours. 
 
 Leon. The fellow is distracted : see how he 
 Now as I live, if detestation of [raves ! 
 
 His baseness would but give me leave, I should 
 Begin to pity him. 
 
 Cler. Frontless impudence. 
 And not to be replied to ! Sir, to you. 
 And these subordinate ministers of yourself, 
 I turn my speech : to her I do repent 
 I e'er vouchsafed a syllable. My birth 
 Was noble as 'tis ancient, nor let it relish 
 Of arrogance, to say my father's care. 
 With curiousness and cost, did train me up 
 In all those liberal qualities that commend 
 A gentleman : and when the tender down 
 Upon my chin told me I was a man, 
 I came to court ; there youth, ease, and example, 
 First made me feel the pleasing pains of love : 
 And there I saw this woman ; saw, and loved her 
 With more than common ardour : for that deity, 
 (Such our affection makes him,) whose dread 
 power 
 
 - - - - the choicest arrow, headed with 
 Not loose but loyal flames, which aira'd at me, 
 Who came with greedy haste to meet the shaft. 
 
140 
 
 THE PARLIAMENT OF LOVE. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 - - - -ing, that my captive heart was made 
 -------- Love's divine artillery, 
 
 - - - - preserved - . - no relation. 
 But the shot made at her was not, like mine, 
 Of gold, nor of pale lead that breeds disdain ; 
 Cupid himself disclaims it : I think rather, 
 As by the sequel 'twill appear, some Fury 
 
 From burning Acheron snatch'd a sulphur brand, 
 That smoak'd with hate, the parent of red mui'der. 
 And threw it in her bosom. Pardon me, 
 Though I dwell long upon the cause that did 
 Produce such dire effects ; and, to omit, 
 For your much patience' sake, the cunning trap 
 In which she caught me, and, with horrid oaths, 
 Embark'd me in a sea of human blood, 
 I come to the last scene 
 
 Leon. 'Tis time ; for this 
 Grows stale and tedious. 
 
 Cler. When, I say, she had. 
 To satisfy her fell rage, as a penance. 
 Forced me to this black deed, her vow, too, given, 
 That I should marry her, and she conceal me ; 
 When to her view I brought the slaughter'd body 
 Of my dear friend, and labour'd with my tears 
 To stir compunction in her, aided too 
 By the sad object, which might witness for me. 
 At what an over-rate I had made purchase 
 Of her long-wish'd embraces ; then, great sir,^ 
 But that I had a mother, and there may be 
 Some two or three of her - - - sex less faulty, 
 I should affirm she was the perfect image 
 Of the devil, her tutor, that had left hell empty. 
 To dwell in wicked woman. 
 
 Leon. Do ; rail on. 
 
 Cler. For not alone she gloried in my sufferings, 
 Forswore what she had vow'd, refused to touch me, 
 Much less to comfort rpe, or give me harbour ; 
 But, instantly, ere I could re-collect 
 My scatter'd sense, betray'd me to your justice, 
 Which I submit to ; hoping, in your wisdom, 
 That a<!, in me, you lop a limb of murder. 
 You will, in her, grub up the root. I have said, sir. 
 
 Leon. Much, I confess, but much to little purpose. 
 And though, with your rhetorical flourishes, 
 You strive to gild a rotten cause, the touch 
 Of reason, fortified by truth, deliver'd 
 From my unletter'd tongue, shall shew it dust ; 
 And so to be contemn'd : You have trimm'd up 
 All your deservings, should I grant them such. 
 With more eare than a maiden of threescore 
 Does hide her wrinkles, which, if she encounter 
 The rain, the wind, or sun, the paint wash'd off. 
 Are to dim eyes discover'd. I forbear 
 The application, and in a plain style 
 Come roundly to the matter. 'Tis confessed, 
 This pretty, handsome gentleman, (for thieves 
 Led to the gallows are held proper men, 
 And so I now will call him.) would needs make me 
 The mistress of his thoughts ; nor did I scorn. 
 For truth is truth, to grace him as a servant. 
 Nay, he took pretty ways to win me too. 
 For a court novice ; every year I was 
 His Valentine, and, in an anagram, 
 My name worn in his hat ; he made me banquets, 
 As if he thought that ladies, like to flies, 
 Vere to be caught with sweetmeats ; quarrell'd 
 ^ y tailor, if my gown were not the first [with 
 C f that edition ; beat my shoemaker. 
 If the least wrinkle on my foot appear'd, 
 As- wronging the proportion ; and, in time, 
 
 Grew bolder, usher'd me to masques, and - - - 
 Or else paid him that wrote them ; - - - 
 With such a deal of p- - - - . . _ 
 And of good rank, are taken with such gambols : 
 In a word, I was so ; and a solemn contract 
 Did pass betwixt us ; and the day appointed, 
 That should make our embraces warrantable, 
 And lawful to the world : all things so carried, 
 As he meant nought but honourable love. 
 
 Char. A pretty method. 
 
 Phil. Quaintly, too, deliver'd. 
 
 Leon. But, when he thought me sure, he then 
 gave proof 
 That foul lust lurk'd in the fair shape of love ; 
 For, valuing neither laws divine, nor human. 
 His credit, nor my fame, with violence born 
 On black-sail'd wings of loose and base desires, 
 As if his natural parts had quite forsook him. 
 And that the pleasures of the marriage bed 
 Were to be reap'd with no more ceremony 
 Than brute beasts couple, — I yet blush to speak it. 
 He tempted me to yield my honour up 
 To his libidinous twines ; and, like an atheist, 
 Scoff'd at the form and orders of the church ; 
 Nor ended so, but, being by me reproved. 
 He offer'd violence ; but was prevented. 
 
 Char. Note, a sudden change. 
 
 I'lf. 'Twas foul in Cleremond. 
 
 Leon. I, burning then with a most virtuous 
 anger. 
 Razed from my heart the memory of his name, 
 Reviled, and spit at him ; and knew 'twas justice 
 That I should take those deities he scorn'd, 
 Hymen and Cupid, into my protection, 
 And be the instrument of their revenge : 
 And so I cast him off, scorn'd his submission. 
 His poor and childish whinings, will'd my servants 
 To shut my gates against him : but, when neither 
 Disdain, hate, nor contempt, could free me from 
 His loathsome importunities, (and fired too, 
 To wreak mine injured honour,) I took gladly 
 Advantage of his execrable oaths 
 To undergo what penance 1 enjoin'd him ; 
 Then, to the terror of all future ribalds. 
 That make no difference between love and lust. 
 Imposed this task upon him. I have said, too : 
 Now, when you please, a censure. 
 
 Char. She has put 
 The judges to their whisper. 
 
 Nov. What do you think of these proceedings, 
 
 Peri. The truth is, [tutor ? 
 
 I like not the severity of the court ; 
 Would I were quit, and in an hospital, 
 I could let fall my suit ! 
 
 Nov. 'Tis still your counsel. 
 
 Char. We are resolved, and with an equal hand 
 Will hold the scale of justice ; pity shall not 
 Rob us of strength and will to draw her sword, 
 Nor passion transport us : let a priest 
 And headsman be in readiness ; — do you start, 
 To hear them named ? Some little pause we grant 
 To take examination of yourselves, [you, 
 
 What either of you have deserved, and why 
 These instruments of our power are now thought 
 You shall hear more, anon. [useful : 
 
 Cler. I like not this. lAside. 
 
 Leon. A dreadful preparation ! I confess 
 It shakes my confidence. lAside. 
 
 Clarin. I presumed this court 
 Had been in sport erected ; but now find, 
 
THE PARLIAMENT OF LOVE. 
 
 141 
 
 With sorrow to the strongest hopes I built on, 
 That 'tis not safe to be the subject of 
 The - - - of kings 
 
 {New Speaker.) To the second cause. 
 
 Laf. - - - Perigot's. 
 
 Nov. Nay, take me along too ; 
 And, since that our complaints differ not much, 
 Dispatch us both together. I accuse 
 This devilish doctor. 
 
 Peri. I, this wicked lord. 
 
 Noil. 'Tis known I was an able, lusty man, 
 Fit to get soldiers to serve my king 
 And country in the wars ; and howsoever 
 'Tis said I am not valiant of myself, ,^ 
 
 I was a striker, one that could strike home too ; 
 And never did beget a girl, though drunk. 
 To make this good, I could produce brave boys, 
 That others father, twigs of mine own grafting, 
 That loved a drum at four, and ere full ten. 
 Fought battles for the parish they were born in ; 
 And such by-blows, old stories say, still proved 
 Fortunate captains : now, whereas, in justice, 
 I should have had a pension from the state 
 For my good service, this ingrateful doctor, 
 Having no child, and never like to have one, 
 Because, in pity of his barrenness, 
 I plotted how to help him to an heir, 
 Has, with a drench, so far disabled me. 
 That the great Turk may trust me with his virgins, 
 A.nd never use a surgeon. Now consider. 
 If this be not hard measure, and a wrong to 
 Little Dan Cupid, if he be the god 
 Of coupling, as 'tis said ; and will undo, 
 If you give way to this, all younger brothers 
 That carry their revenue in their breeches — 
 Have I not nick'd it, tutor ? iAside to Peri. 
 
 Peri. To a hair, boy : 
 Our bills shall pass, ne'er fear it. [Aside."] — For 
 It is the same, sir ; my intent as noble [my case, 
 As was my pupil's. 
 
 Cham. Plead it not again, then : 
 It takes much from the dignity of the court 
 But to give audience to such things as these. 
 That do, in their defence, condemn themselves. 
 And need not an accuser. To be short, sir, 
 And in a language as far from obsceneness. 
 As the foul cause will give me leave, be pleased 
 To know thus much : This hungry pair of flesh-flies, 
 And most inseparable pair of coxcombs, 
 Though born of divers mothers, twins in baseness, 
 Were frequent at my table, had free welcome 
 And entertainment fit for better men ; 
 In the return of which, this thankful monsieur 
 Tempted my wife, seduced her, at the least 
 To him it did appear so ; which discover'd, 
 And with what treacheries he did abuse 
 My bounties, treading underneath his feet 
 All due respect of hospitable rights, 
 Or the honour of my family ; though the intent 
 Deserved a stab, and at the holy altar, 
 I borrow'd so much of your power to right me, 
 As to make him caper. 
 
 Din. For this gallant, sir, 
 I do confess I cool'd him, spoil'd his rambling ; 
 Would all such as delight in it, were served so ! 
 And since you are acquainted with the motives 
 That did induce me to it, 1 forbear 
 A needless repetition. 
 
 Cham. 'Tis not worth it. 
 The criminal judge is fitter to take - - - 
 
 Of pleas of this base nature. Be - - - - 
 An injured lady, for whose wrong - - - - - 
 I see the statue of the god of love 
 Drop down tears of compassion, his sad mother. 
 And fair-cheek'd Graces, that attend on her, 
 Weeping for company, as if that all 
 The ornaments upon the Paphian shrine 
 Were, with one gripe, by sacrilegious hands, 
 Torn from the holy altar : 'tis a cause, -sir. 
 That justly may exact your best attention ; 
 Which if you truly understand and censure, 
 You not alone shall right the present times. 
 But bind posterity to be your debtor. 
 Stand forth, dear madam : — 
 
 [Bellisant comes forward. 
 Look upon this face, 
 Examine every feature and proportion, 
 And you with me must grant, this rare piece finish'd. 
 Nature, despairing e'er to make the like. 
 Brake suddenly the mould in which 'twas fashion'd. 
 Yet, to increase your pity, and call on 
 Your justice with severity, this fair outside 
 Was but the cover of a fairer mind. 
 Think, then, what punishment he must deserve. 
 And justly suffer, that could arm his heart 
 With such impenetrable flinty hardness, 
 To injure so much sweetness. 
 
 Clarin. I must stand 
 The fury of this tempest, which already 
 Sings in my ears. 
 
 Bell. Great sir, the too much praise 
 This lord, my guardian once, has shower' d upon me. 
 Could not but spring up blushes in my cheeks, 
 If grief had left me blood enough to speak 
 My humble modesty : and so far I am 
 From being litigious, that though I were robb'd 
 Of my whole estate, provided my fair name 
 Had been unwounded, I had now been silent. 
 But since the wrongs I undergo, if smother'd. 
 Would injure our whole sex, I must lay by 
 My native bashfulness, and put on boldness. 
 Fit to encounter with the impudence 
 Of this bad man, that from his birth hath been 
 So far from nourishing an honest thought, 
 That the abuse of virgins was his study. 
 And daily practice. His forsaking of 
 His wife, distressed Beaupre ; his lewd wager 
 With these, companions like himself, to abuse me; 
 His desperate resolution, in my presence. 
 To be his own assassin ; to prevent which. 
 Foolish compassion forced me to surrender 
 The life of life, my honour, I pass over : 
 I'll only touch his foul ingratitude. 
 To scourge which monster, if your laws provide not 
 A punishment with rigour, they are useless. 
 Or if the sword, the gallows, or the wheel, 
 Be due to such as spoil us of our goods ; 
 Perillus' brazen bull, the English rack, 
 The German pincers, or the Scotch oil'd-boots, 
 Though join'd together, yet come short of torture, 
 To their full merit, those accursed wretches, 
 That steal our reputations, and good names, 
 As this base villain has done mine : — Forgive me, 
 If rage provoke me to uncivil language ; 
 The cause requires it. Was it not enough 
 That, to preserve thy life, I lost my honour, 
 
 - - - - in recompense of such a gift 
 
 - - - - - publish it, to my disgrace ? 
 
 - - - - - - whose means, unfortunate I, 
 Whom, but of late, the city, nay, all France, 
 
142 
 
 THE PARLIAMENT OF LOVE. 
 
 ACT V 
 
 Durst bring in opposition for chaste life, 
 With any woman in the Christian world, 
 Am now become a by-word, and a scorn, 
 In mine own country. 
 
 Char. As I live, she moves me. 
 Is this true, Clarindore ? 
 
 Nov. Oh ! 'tis very true, sir ; 
 He bragg'd of it to me. 
 
 Peri. And me. 
 Nay, since we must be censured, we'll give evi- 
 dence ; 
 *Tis comfort to have fellows in affliction : 
 You shall not 'scape, fine monsieur. 
 
 Clarin. Peace, you dog-bolts ! — 
 Sir, I address myself to you, and hope 
 You have preserved one ear for my defence, 
 The other freely given to my accuser : 
 This lady, that complains of injury, 
 If she have any, was herself the cause 
 That brought it to her ; for being young, and rich. 
 And fair too, as you see, and from that proud, 
 She boasted of her strength, as if it were not 
 In the power of love to undermine the fort 
 On which her chastity was strongly raised : 
 I, that was bred a courtier, and served 
 Almost my whole life under Cupid's ensigns, 
 Could not, in justice, but interpret this 
 As an aflFront to the great god of love. 
 And all his followers, if she were not brought 
 To due obedience : these strong reasons, sir, 
 Made me to undertake her. How I woo'd. 
 Or what I swore, it skills not ; (since 'tis said. 
 And truly, Jupiter and Venus smile 
 At lovers' perjuries ;) to be brief, she yielded, 
 And I enjoy'd her : if this be a crime. 
 And all such as offend this pleasant way 
 Are to be punish'd, I am sure you would have 
 Few followers in the court : you are young yoiir- 
 
 self, sir. 
 And what would you in such a cause ? 
 
 Laf. Forbear. 
 
 Phil. You are rude and insolent. 
 
 Clarin. Good words, gentle judges. 
 I have no oil'd tongue ; and I hope my bluntness 
 Will not offend. 
 
 Char. But did you boast your conquest 
 Got on this lady ? 
 
 Clarin. After victory ; 
 A little glory in a soldier's mouth 
 Is not uncomely ; love being a kind of war too : 
 And what I did achieve, was full of labour 
 As his that wins strong towns, and merits triumphs. 
 I thought it could not but take from my honour, 
 (Besides the wager of three thousand crowns 
 Made sure by her confession of my service,) 
 If it had been conceal'd. 
 
 Char. Who would have thought 
 That such an impudence could e'er have harbour 
 In the heart of any gentleman ? In this. 
 Thou dost degrade thyself of all the honours 
 Thy ancestors left thee, and, in thy base nature, 
 'Tis too apparent that thou art a peasant. 
 Boast of a lady's favours ! this confirms 
 Thou art the captain of that . - - - 
 That glory in their sins, and - - - - - 
 With name of courtship ; such as dare bely 
 Great women's bounties, and repuls'd and scorn'd. 
 Commit adultery with their good names. 
 And never touch their persons, I am sorry, 
 For your sake, madam, that I cannot make 
 
 Such reparation for you in your honour 
 
 As I desire ; for, if I should compel him 
 
 To marry you, it were to him a blessing. 
 
 To you a punishment ; he being so unworthy : 
 
 I therefore do resign my place to you ; 
 
 Be your own judge ; whate'er you shall determine, 
 
 By my crown, I'll see perform'd. 
 
 Clarin. I am in a fine case. 
 To stand at a woman's mercy. \_Aaide. 
 
 Bell. Then thus, sir : 
 I am not bloody, nor bent to revenge ; 
 And study his amendment, not his ruin : 
 Yet, since you have given up your power to me, 
 For punishment, I do enjoin him to 
 Marry this Moor. 
 
 Clarin. A devil ! hang me rather. 
 
 Char. It is not to be alter'd. 
 
 Clarin. This is cruelty 
 Beyond expression, - - I have a wife. 
 
 Cham. Ay, too good for thee. View her well, 
 And then, this varnish from her face wash'd off, 
 Thou shalt find Beaupre. 
 
 Clarin. Beaupre ! 
 
 Bell. Yes, his wife, sir, 
 But long by him with violence cast off : 
 And in this shape she served me ; all my studies 
 Aiming to make a fair atonement for her. 
 To which your majesty may now constrain him. 
 
 Clarin. It needs not : I receive her, and ask 
 Of her and you. [pardon 
 
 Bell. On both ovir parts 'tis granted. 
 This was your bedfellow, and fill'd your arms. 
 When you thought you embraced me : I am yet 
 A virgin ; nor had ever given consent. 
 In my chaste house, to such a wanton passage, 
 But that I knew that her desires were lawful. — 
 But now no more of personated passion : 
 This is the man I loved, '[pointing to the bier.} that 
 
 I loved truly. 
 However I dissembled ; and, with him, 
 Dies all affection in me. So, great sir. 
 Resume your seat. 
 
 Char. An unexpected issue. 
 Which I rejoice in. Would 'twere in our power 
 To give a period to the rest, like this, 
 And spare our heavy censure ! but the death 
 Of good Montrose forbids it. Cleremond, 
 Thou instantly shall marry Leonora ; 
 Which done, as suddenly thy head cut off, 
 And corpse interr'd, upon thy grave I'll build 
 A room of eight feet square, in which this lady, 
 For punishment of her cruelty, shall die 
 An anchoress. 
 
 Leon. I do repent, and rather 
 Will marry him, and foi'give him. 
 
 Clarin. Bind her to 
 Her word, great sir ; Montrose lives ; this a plot 
 To catch this obstinate lady. 
 
 Leon. I am glad 
 To be so cheated. 
 
 Mont, [rises from the bier.] - - - lady, 
 
 - deceived ; do not repent 
 
 Your good opinion of me when thought dead. 
 Nor let nof my neglect to wait upon you, 
 Considering what a business of import 
 Diverted me, be thought unpardonable. 
 
 Bell. For my part 'tis forgiven ; and thus I seal 
 
 Char. Nor are we averse 
 To your desires ; may you live long, and happy ! 
 
THE PARLIAMENT OF LOVE. 
 
 143 
 
 Nov. Mercy to us, great sir. 
 
 Peri. We will become 
 Chaste and reformed men. 
 
 Cham, and Din. We both are suitors. 
 On this submission, for your pardon, sir. 
 
 Char. Which we in part will grant: but, to deter 
 Others, by their example, from pursuing 
 Unlawful lusts, that think adultery 
 A sport to be oft practised ; fix on them 
 Two satyrs' heads ; and so, in capital letters 
 Their foul intents writ on their breasts, we'll have 
 
 them 
 Led thrice through Paris; then, at the court 
 gate, ^ 
 
 To stand three hours, where Clarindore shall make 
 
 His recantation for the injury 
 
 Done to the lady Bellisant ; and read 
 
 A sharp invective, ending with a curse 
 
 Against all such as boast of ladle's favours : 
 
 Which done, both truly penitent, my doctor 
 
 Shall use his best art to restore your strength. 
 
 And render Perigot a perfect man. 
 
 So break we up Love's Parliament, which, we 
 
 hope, 
 Being for mirth intended, ihall not meet with 
 An ill construction ; and if then, fair ladies. 
 You please to approve it, we hope you'll invite 
 Your friends to see it often, with delight. [Exeunt. 
 
THE ROMAN ACTOR 
 
 TO MY MUCH HONOURED AND MOST TRUE FRIENDS, 
 
 SIR PHILLIP KNYVET, KNT. AND BART. 
 
 AND TO 
 
 SIR THOMAS JEAY, KNT. 
 
 AND 
 
 THOMAS BELLINGHAM, 
 
 OF NEWTIMBER, IN SUSSEX, ESQ. 
 
 How much I acknowledge myself bound for your so many, and extraordinary favours conferred upon me, as faj 
 as it is in my power, posterity shall take notice : I were most unworthy of such noble friends, if I should not, with all 
 thankfulness, profess and own them. In the composition of this Tragedy you were my only supporters, and it being 
 now by your principal encouragement to be turned into the world, it cannot walk safer than under your protection. 
 It hath been happy in the suffrage of some learned and judicious gentlemen when it was presented, nor shall they find 
 cause, I hope, in the perusal, to repent them of their good opinion of it. If the gravity and height of the subject 
 distaste such as are only affected with jigs and ribaldry, (as I presume it will,) their condemnation of me and my poem, 
 can no way offend me : my reason teaching me, such malicious and ignorant detractors deserve rather contempt than 
 satisfaction. I ever held it the most perfect birth of my Minerva ; and therefore in justice offer it to those that have 
 best deserved of me ; who, I hope, in their courteous acceptance will render it worth their receiving, and ever, in their 
 gentle constxuction of my imperfections, believe they may at their pleasure dispose of him, that is wholly and sincerely 
 
 Devoted to their service, Philip Massingkr. 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONS. 
 
 Senators. 
 
 DOMITIANUS C-ESAR. 
 
 Paris, the Roman Actor. 
 
 J3lius Lamia, -j 
 
 Junius Rusticus, 
 
 Palphurius Sura, 
 
 fulcinius, j 
 
 Parthenius, Caesar's Freedman. 
 
 Aretinus, Cesar's Spy. 
 
 Stephanos, Domitilla's Freedman. 
 
 ^sopus, 1 „, 
 
 Lat.nus, f^^«2'^^*- 
 
 pHiLARGUs, a rich Miser; Father to Parthenius. 
 
 Ascletario, an Astrologer, 
 Sejeius, ) ^ 
 Entellus, / Conspirators. 
 
 DoMiTiA, Wi/e o/Mlws Lamia. 
 DoMiTiLLA, Cousin-German to CjEaAR, 
 Julia, Daughter of Titus. 
 C^Nis, Vespasian's Concubine. 
 A Lady. 
 
 Tribunes, Lictors, Centurions, Soldiers, Hang- 
 men, Servants, Captives. 
 
 SCENE,— Rome. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I.— The Theatre. 
 
 Enter Paris, Latinus, and .^sopus. 
 
 JEsop. What do we act to-day ? 
 
 Lat. Agave's frenzy, 
 "With Pentheus' bloody end. 
 
 Par. It skills not what ; 
 The times are dull, and all that we receive 
 Will hardly satisfy the day's expense. 
 
 The Greeks, to whom we owe the first invention 
 
 Both of the buskin'd scene, and humble sock, 
 
 That reign in every noble family, 
 
 Declaim against us : and our theatre, 
 
 Great Pompey's work, that hath given full delight 
 
 Both to the eye and ear of fifty thousand 
 
 Spectators in one day, as if it were 
 
 Some unknown desart, or great Rome unpeopled. 
 
 Is quite forsaken* 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE ROMAN ACTOR. 
 
 0\ 
 
 145 
 
 Lat. Pleasures of worse natures 
 Are gladly entertained ; and they that shun us, 
 Practise, in private, sports the stews would blush 
 A litter born by eight Liburnian slaves, [at. 
 
 To buy diseases from a glorious strumpet, 
 The most censorious of our Roman gentry, 
 Nay, of the garded robe, the senators, 
 Esteem an easy purchase. 
 
 Par. Yet grudge us. 
 That with delight join profit, and endeavour 
 To build their minds up fair, and on the stage 
 Decipher to the life what honours wait 
 On good and glorious actions, and the shame 
 That treads upon the heels of vice, the salary 
 Of six sestertii. ,-^ 
 
 jEsop. For the profit, Paris, 
 And mercenary gain, they are things beneath us ; 
 Since, while you hold your grace and power with 
 
 Caesar, 
 We, from your bounty, find a large supply. 
 Nor can one thought of want ever approach us. 
 
 Par. Our aim is glory, and to leave our names 
 To aftertime. 
 
 Lat. And, would they give uii leave, 
 There ends all our ambition. 
 
 JEsop. We have enemies, 
 And great ones too, I fear. 'Tis given out lately. 
 The consul Aretinus, Caesar's spy, 
 Said at his table, ere a month expired, 
 For being gall'd in our last comedy, 
 He'd silence us for ever. 
 
 Par. T expect 
 No favour from him; my strong Aventine is, 
 That great Domitian, whom we oft have cheer'd 
 In his most sullen moods, will once return, 
 Who can repair, with ease, the consul's ruins. 
 
 Lat. 'Tis frequent in the city, he hath subdued 
 The Catti and the Daci, and, ere long, 
 The second time will enter Rome in triumph. 
 
 Enter two Lictors. 
 Par. Jove hasten it ! With us ? — I now believe 
 The consul's threats, ^sopus. 
 
 1 Lict. You are summon'd 
 To appear to day in senate. 
 
 2 Lict. And there to answer 
 What shall be urged against you. 
 
 Par. We obey you. 
 Nay, droop not, fellows ; innocence should be bold. 
 We, that have personated in the scene 
 The ancient heroes, and the falls of princes. 
 With loud applause ; being to act ourselves, 
 Must do it with undaunted confidence. 
 Whate'er our sentence be, think 'tis in sport : 
 And, though condemn'd, let's hear it without sor- 
 As if we were to live again to-morrow. [row, 
 
 1 Lict. 'Tis spoken like yourself. 
 
 Enter ^Elius Lamia, Junius Rusticus, and Palphurius 
 
 Sub A. 
 
 Lam. Whither goes Paris ? 
 
 1 Lict. He's cited to the senate. 
 
 Lat. I am glad the state is 
 So free from matters of more weight and trouble, 
 That it has vacant time to look on us. 
 
 Par. That reverend place, in which the affairs of 
 And provinces were determined, to descend [kings 
 To the censure of a bitter word, or jest, 
 Dropp'd from a poet's pen ! Peace to your lord- 
 We are glad that you are safe. [ships ! 
 
 [Exeunt Lictors, PARrs, Latinus, and iEsoPUS. 
 
 Lam. What times are these I 
 To what 's Rome fallen ! may we, being alone, 
 Speak our thoughts freely of the prince and state, 
 And not fear the informer ? 
 
 Rust. Noble Lamia, 
 So dangerous the age is, and such bad acts 
 Are practised everywhere, we hardly sleep, 
 Nay, cannot dream with safety. All our actions 
 Are call'd in question ; to be nobly bom 
 Is now a crime ; and to deserve too well, 
 Held capital treason. Sons accuse their fathers, 
 Fathers their sons ; and, but to win a smile 
 From one in grace at court, our chastest matrons 
 Make shipwreck of their honours. To be virtuous 
 Is to be guilty. They are only safe 
 That know to sooth the prince's appetite, 
 And serve his lusts. 
 
 Sura. 'Tis true ; and 'tis my wonder, 
 That two sons of so different a nature 
 Should spring from good Vespasian. We had a 
 
 Titus, 
 Styl'd, justly, " the Delight of all Mankind," 
 Who did esteem that day lost in his life, 
 In which some one or other tasted not 
 Of his magnificent bounties. One that had 
 A ready tear, when he was forced to sign 
 The death of an offender : and so far 
 From pride, that he disdain'd not the converse 
 Even of the poorest Roman. 
 
 Lam. Yet his brother, 
 DomiCian, that now sways the power of things, 
 Is so inclined to blood, that no day passes 
 In which some are not fasten'd to the hook. 
 Or thrown down from the Gemonies. His freed- 
 Scorn the nobility, and he himself, [men 
 
 As if he were not made of flesh and blood, 
 Forgets he is a man. 
 
 Rust. In his young years. 
 He shew'd what he would be when grown to ripe- 
 His greatest pleasure was, being a child, [ness 
 With a sharp-pointed bodkin to kill flies, 
 Whose rooms now men supply. For his escape 
 In the Vitellian war, he raised a temple 
 To Jupiter, and proudly placed his figure 
 In the bosom of the god : and, in his edicts, 
 He does not blush, or start, to style himself 
 (As if the name of emperor were base) 
 Great Lord and God Domitian. 
 
 Sura. I have letters 
 He's on his way to Rome, and purposes 
 To enter with all glory. The flattering senate 
 Decrees him divine honours ; and to cross it, 
 Were death with studied torments : — for my part, 
 I will obey the time ; it is in vain 
 To strive against the torrent. 
 
 Rust. Let's to the curia, 
 And, though unwillingly, give our suffrages, 
 Before we are compell'd. 
 
 Lam. And since we cannot 
 With safety use the active, let's make use of 
 The passive fortitude, with this assurance, 
 That the state, sick in him, the gods to friend, 
 Though at the worst, will now begin to mend. 
 
 lExeunt- 
 
 SCENE II. — A Room in Lamia's House. 
 
 Enter Domitia and Partkknius. 
 Dom. To me this reverence ! 
 Parth. I pay it, lady, ^ 
 
146 
 
 THE ROMAN ACTOR. 
 
 As a debt due to her that's Caesar's mistress : 
 For understand with joy, he that commands 
 All that the sun gives warmth to, is your servant ; 
 Be not amazed, but fit you to your fortunes. 
 Think \ipon state and greatness, and the honours 
 That wait upon Augusta, for that name, 
 Ere long, comes to you : — still you doubt your 
 vassal — [Presents a Letter. 
 
 But, when you've read this letter, writ and sign'd 
 With his imperial hand, you will be freed 
 From fear and jealousy ; and, I beseech you. 
 When all the beauties of the earth bow to you, 
 And senators shall take it for an honour, 
 As I do now, to kiss these happy feet ; [.Kneels. 
 When every smile you give is a preferment, 
 And you dispose of provinces to your creatures, 
 Think on Parthenius. 
 
 Dom. Rise. I am transported. 
 And hardly dare believe what is assured here. 
 The means, my good Parthenius, that wrought 
 Our god on earth, to cast an eye of favour [Caesar, 
 Upon his humble handmaid ? 
 
 Parth. What, but your beauty ? 
 When nature framed you for her masterpiece. 
 As the pure abstract of all rare in woman, 
 She had no other ends but to design you 
 To the most eminent place. I will not say 
 ( For it would smell of arrogance, to insinuate 
 The service I have done you) with what zeal 
 1 oft have made relation of your virtues, 
 Or how I've sung your goodness, or how Caesar 
 Was fired with the relation of your story : 
 I am rewarded in the act, and happy 
 In that my project prosper'd. 
 
 Dom. You are modest : 
 And were it in. my power, I would be thap,kful. 
 If that, when I was mistress of myself. 
 And, in my way of youth, pure and untainted. 
 The emperor had vouchsafed to seek my favours, 
 I had with joy given up my virgin fort. 
 At the first summons, to his soft embraces : 
 But I am now another's, not mine own. 
 You know I have a husband : — for my honour, 
 1 would not be his strumpet ; and how law 
 Can be dispensed with to become his wife, 
 To me's a riddle. 
 
 Parth. I can soon resolve it : 
 When power puts in his plea the laws are silenced. 
 The world confesses one Rome, and one Caesar, 
 And as his rule is infinite, his pleasures 
 Are unconfined ; this syllable, his will. 
 Stands for a thousand reasons. 
 
 Dom. But with safety. 
 Suppose I should consent, how can I do it ? 
 My husband is a senator, of a temper 
 Not to be jested with. 
 
 Enter Lamia. 
 
 Parth. As if he durst 
 Be Caesar's rival ! — here he comes ", with ease 
 I will remove this scruple. 
 
 Lam. How ! so private ! 
 My own house made a brothel ! [^A&ideJ^ — Sir, 
 
 how durst you, 
 Though guarded with your power in court, and 
 
 greatness, 
 Hold conference with my wife ? As for you, minion, 
 I shall hereafter treat 
 
 Parth. You are rude and saucy 
 Nor know to whom you speak. 
 
 Lam. This is fine, i'faith ! 
 Is she not my wife ? 
 
 Parth. Your wife ! But touch her, that respect 
 forgotten 
 That's due to her whom mightiest Caesar favours, 
 And think what 'tis to die. Not to lose time. 
 She's Caesar's choice : it is sufficient honour 
 You were his taster in this heavenly nectar ; 
 But now must quit the office. 
 
 Lam. This is rare ! 
 Cannot a man be master of his wife 
 Because she's young and fair, without a patent ? 
 I in my own house am an emperor, 
 And will defend what's mine. Where are my 
 
 knaves ? 
 If such an insolence escape unpunish'd 
 
 Parth. In yourself. Lamia.— Caesar hath forgot 
 To use his power, and I, his instrument. 
 In whom, though absent, his authority speaks. 
 Have lost my faculties ! iStamps 
 
 Enter a Centurion with Soldiers. 
 
 Lam. The guard ! why, am I 
 Design' d for death ? 
 
 Dom. As you desire my favour, 
 Take not so rough a course. 
 
 Parth. All your desires 
 Are absolute commands : Yet give me leave 
 To put the will of Caesar into act. 
 Here's a bill of divorce between your lordship 
 And this great lady : if you refuse to sign it, 
 And so as if you did it uncompell'd, 
 Won to't by reasons that concern yourself, 
 Her honour too untainted, here are clerks. 
 Shall in your best blood write it new, till torture 
 Compel you to perform it. 
 
 Lam. Is this legal ? 
 
 Parth. Monarchs that dare not do unlawjal 
 things. 
 Yet bear them out, are constables, not kings. 
 Will you dispute ? 
 
 Lam. I know not what to urge 
 Against myself, but too much dotage on her. 
 Love, and observance. 
 
 Parth. Set it under your hand, 
 That you are impotent, and cannot pay 
 The duties of a husband ; or, that you are mad ; 
 Rather than want just cause, we'll make you so. 
 Dispatch, you know the danger else ; — deliver it, 
 Nay, on your knee. — Madam, you now are free, 
 And mistress of yourself. 
 
 Lam, Can you, Domitia, 
 Consent to this ? 
 
 Dom. 'Twould argue a base mind 
 To live a servant, when I may command. 
 I now am Caesar's : and yet, in respect 
 I once was yours, when you come to the palace, 
 Provided you deserve it in your service. 
 You shall find me your good mistress. Wait me, 
 And now farewell, poor Lamia ! [Parthenius ; 
 
 \_Exeunt all but Lamia. 
 
 Lam. To the gods 
 I bend my knees, (for tyranny hath banish'd 
 Justice from men,) and as they would deserve 
 Their altars, and our vows, humbly invoke them. 
 That this my ravish'd wife may prove as fatal 
 To proud Domitian, and her embraces 
 Afford him, in the end, as little joy 
 As wanton Helen brought to him of Troy ! IFxii 
 
.^CEN?: III. 
 
 THE ROMAN ACTOR. 
 
 M7 
 
 SCENE III. — The Curia or Senate -house. 
 
 Enter Lictors, Aretinus, Fulcinius, Rusticus, Suiuv, 
 Paris, Latinus, and ^sopus. 
 
 Aret. Fathers conscript, may this our meeting 
 Happy to Caesar and the commonwealth ! [be 
 
 Lict. Silence ! 
 
 Aret. The purpose of this frequent senate 
 Is, first, to give thanks to the gods of Rome, 
 That, for the propagation of the empire, 
 Vouchsafe us one to govern it, like themselves. 
 In height of courage, depth of understanding, 
 And all those virtues, and remarkable graces,^ 
 Which make a prince most eminent, our Domitian 
 Transcends the ancient Romans : I can never 
 Bring his praise to a period. What good man. 
 That is a friend to truth, dares make it doubtful. 
 That he hath Fabius' staidness, and the courage 
 Of bold Marcellus, to whom Hannibal gave 
 The style of Target, and the Sword of Rome ? 
 But he has more, and every touch more Roman ; 
 As Pompey's dignity, Augustus' state, 
 Antony's bounty, and great Julius' fortune, 
 With Cato's resolution. I am lost 
 In the ocean of his virtues : in a word, 
 All excellencies of good men meet in him, 
 But no part of their vices. 
 
 Rust. This is no flattery ! 
 
 Sura. Take heed, you'll be observed. 
 
 Aret. 'Tis then most fit 
 That we, (as to the father of our country, 
 Like thankful sons, stand bound to pay true service 
 For all those blessings that he showers upon us,) 
 Should not connive, and see his government 
 Depraved and scandalized by meaner men. 
 That to his favour and indulgence owe 
 Themselves and being. 
 
 Par. Now he points at us. 
 
 Aret. Cite Paris, the tragedian. 
 
 Par. Here. 
 
 Aret. Stand forth. 
 In thee, as being the chief of thy profession, 
 I do accuse the quality of treason, 
 x\s libellers against the state and Caesar. 
 
 Par. Mere accusations are not proofs my lord ; 
 In what are we delinquents ? 
 
 Aret. You are they 
 That search into the secrets of the time, 
 And, under feign'd names, on the stage, present 
 Actions not to be touch'd at ; and traduce 
 Persons of rank and quality of both sexes, 
 And, with satirical and bitter jests, 
 Make even the senators ridiculous 
 To the plebeians. 
 
 Par. If I free not myself. 
 And, in myself, the rest of my profession, 
 From these false imputations, and prove 
 That they make that a libel which the poet 
 Writ for a comedy, so acted too ; 
 It is but justice that we undergo 
 The heaviest censure. 
 
 Aret. Are you on the stage, 
 You talk so boldly ? 
 
 Par. The whole world being one, 
 This place is not exempted ; and I am 
 So confident in the justice of our cause. 
 That I could wish Caesar, in whose great name 
 All kings are comprehended, sat as judge, 
 To hear our plea, and then determine of us. — 
 
 If, to express a man sold to his lusts. 
 Wasting the treasure of his time and fortunes 
 In wanton dalliance, and to what sad end 
 A wretch that's so given over does arrive at ; 
 Deterring careless youth, by his example. 
 From such licentious courses ; laying open 
 The snares of bawds, and the consuming arts 
 Of prodigal strumpets, can deserve reproof; 
 Why are not all your golden principles. 
 Writ down by grave philosophers to instruct us 
 To choose fair virtue for our guide, not pleasure, 
 Condemn'd unto the fire ? 
 
 Sura. There's spirit in this. 
 
 Par. Or if desire of honour was the base 
 On which the building of the Roman empire 
 Was raised up to this height ; if, to inflame 
 The noble youth with an aptibitious heat 
 T' endure the frosts of danger, nay, of death, 
 To be thought worthy the triumphal wreath 
 By glorious undertakings, may deserve 
 Reward, or favour, from the commonwealth ; 
 Actors may put in for as large a share 
 As all the sects of the philosophers : 
 They with cold precepts (perhaps seldom read) 
 Deliver, what an honourable thing 
 The active virtue is : but does that fire 
 The blood, or swell the veins with emulation, 
 To be both good and great, equal to that 
 Which is presented on our theatres 1 
 Let a good actor, in a lofty scene. 
 Shew great Alcides honour' d in the sweat 
 Of his twelve labours ; or a bold Camillus, 
 Forbidding Rome to be redeem'd with gold 
 From the insulting Gauls ; or Scipio, 
 After his victories, imposing tribute 
 On conquer'd Carthage : if done to the life. 
 As if they saw their dangers, and their glories. 
 And did partake with them in their rewards, 
 All that have any spark of Roman in them, 
 The slothful arts laid by, contend to be 
 Like those they see presented. 
 
 Rust. He has put 
 The consuls to their whisper. 
 
 Par. But, 'tis urged 
 That we corrupt youth, and traduce superiors. 
 When do we bring a vice upon the stage, 
 That does go off" unpunish'd ? Do we feach, 
 By the success of wicked undertakings. 
 Others to tread in their forbidden steps } 
 We shew no arts of Lydian panderism, ( 
 Corinthian poisons, Persian flatteries, ' 
 
 But mulcted so in the conclusion, that 
 Even those spectators that were so inclined. 
 Go home changed men. And, for traducing such 
 That are above us, publishing to the world 
 Their secret crimes, we are as innocent 
 As such as are born dumb. When we present 
 An heir, that does conspire against the life 
 Of his dear parent, numbering every hour 
 He lives, as tedious to him ; if there be. 
 Among the auditors, one whose conscience tells 
 
 him 
 He is of the same mould, — we cannot help it. 
 Or, bringing on the stage a loose adulteress, 
 That does maintain the riotous expense 
 Of him that feeds her greedy lust, yet suffers 
 The lawful pledges of a former bed 
 To starve the while for hunger ; if a matron, 
 However great in fortune, birth, or titles, 
 Guilty of such a foul unnatural sin. ^ 2 
 
148 
 
 THE ROiMAN ACTOR. 
 
 Cry out, 'Tis writ for me, — we cannot help it. 
 
 Or, when a covetous man's express'd, whose wealth 
 
 Arithmetic cannot number, and whose lordships 
 
 A falcon in one day cannot fly over ; 
 
 Yet he so sordid in his mind, so griping, 
 
 As not to afford himself the necessaries 
 
 To maintain life ; if a patrician, 
 
 (Though honour'd with a consulship,) find himself 
 
 Touch'd to the quick in this, — we cannot help 
 
 Or, when we show a judge that is corrupt, [it. 
 
 And will give up his sentence, as he favours 
 
 The person, not the cause ; saving the guilty, 
 
 If of his faction, and as oft condemning 
 
 The innocent, out of particular spleen ; 
 
 If any in this reverend assembly, 
 
 Nay, even yourself, my lord, that are the image 
 
 Of absent Csesar, feel something in your bosom, 
 
 That puts you in remembrance of things past. 
 
 Or things intended, — 'tis not in us to help it. 
 
 I have said, my lord : and now, as you find cause. 
 
 Or censure us, or free us with applause. 
 
 Lat. Well pleaded, on my life 1 I never saw him 
 Act an orator's part before. 
 
 JEsop. We might have given 
 Ten double fees to Regulus, and yet 
 Our cause deliver'd worse. {,A shout within. 
 
 Enter Parthenius. 
 
 Aret. What shout is that ? 
 
 Parth. Csesar, our lord, married to conquest, is 
 Return'd in triumph. 
 
 Ful. Let's all haste to meet him. 
 
 Aret. Break up the court ; we will reserve to 
 The censure of this cause. [him 
 
 All. Long life to Caesar ! ^Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE IV.— The approach to the Capitol. 
 Enter Julia, C^nis, Domitilla, and Domitia. 
 
 Ccenis. Stand back — the place is mine. 
 
 Jul. Yours ! Am I not 
 Great Titus' daughter, and Domitian's niece ? 
 Dares any claim precedence "i 
 
 Ccenis. I was more : 
 The mistress of your father, and, in his right. 
 Claim duty from you. 
 
 Jul. I confess, you were useful 
 To please his appetite. 
 
 Dom. To end the controversy. 
 For I'll have no contending, I'll be bold 
 To lead the way myself. 
 
 Domitil. You, minion ! 
 
 Dom. Yes ; 
 And all, ere long, shall kneel to catch my favours. 
 
 Jul. Whence springs this- flood of greatness ? 
 
 Dom. You shall know 
 Too soon, for your vexation, and perhaps 
 Repent too late, and pine with envy, when 
 You see whom Csesar favours. 
 
 Jul. Observe the sequel. 
 
 Enter Captains with laurels, Domitian mi his triumphant 
 chariot, Parthenivs, Paris, Latinus, and jEsopus, met 
 by Aretixi's, Sura, Lamia, Rusticus, Fulcinius, Sol- 
 diers and Captives. 
 
 CcBS. As we now touch the height of human 
 Riding in triumph to the capitol, [glory, 
 
 Let these, whom this victorious arm hath made 
 The scorn of fortune, and the slaves of Rome, 
 Taste the extremes of misery. Bear them off 
 
 To the common prisons, and there let them prove 
 How sharp our axes are. 
 
 r^Exeunt Soldiers with Captives. 
 
 Bust. A bloody entrance ! [Aside. 
 
 Cces. To tell you you are happy in your prince. 
 Were to distrust your love, or my desert ; 
 And either were distasteful : or to boast 
 How much, not by my deputies, but myself, 
 I have enlarged the empire ; or what horrors 
 The soldier, in our conduct, hath broke through, 
 Would better suit the mouth of Plautus' braggart. 
 Than the adored monarch of the world. 
 
 Sura. This is no boast ! [Aside. 
 
 CcBs. When I but name the Daci, 
 And gray-eyed Germans, whom I have subdued, 
 The ghost of Julius will look pale with envy. 
 And great Vespasian's and Titus' triumph, 
 (Truth must take place of father and of brother,) 
 Will be no more remember'd. I am above 
 All honours you can give me ; and the style 
 Of Lord and God, which thankful subjects give me, 
 Not my ambition, is deserved. 
 
 Aret. At all parts 
 Celestial sacrifice is fit for Caesar, 
 In our acknowledgment. 
 
 Cees. Thanks, Aretinus ; 
 Still hold our favour. Now, the god of war. 
 And famine, blood, and death, Bellona's pages, 
 Banish' d from Rome to Thrace, in our good for- 
 tune. 
 With justice he may taste the fruits of peace, 
 Whose sword hath plough'd the ground, and reap'd 
 
 the harvest 
 Of your prosperity. Nor can I think 
 That there is one among you so ungrateful. 
 Or such an enemy to thriving virtue. 
 That can esteem the jewel he holds dearest, 
 Too good for Caesar's use. 
 
 Sura. All we possess — 
 
 Lam. Our liberties — 
 
 Ful. Our children — 
 
 Par. Wealth— 
 
 Aret. And throats. 
 Fall willingly beneath his feet. 
 
 Rust. Base flattery ! 
 What Roman can endure this ! [Aside. 
 
 Cces. This calls on 
 My love to all, which spreads itself among you. 
 The beauties of the time ! [^Seeing the ladies.'] 
 
 Receive the honour 
 To kiss the hand which, rear'd up thus, holds 
 To you 'tis an assurance of a calm. [thunder ; 
 
 Julia, my niece, and Caenis, the delight 
 Of old Vespasian ; Domitilla, too, 
 A princess of our blood. 
 
 Rust. 'Tis strange his pride 
 Affords no greater courtesy to ladies 
 Of such high birth and rank. 
 
 Sura. Your wife's forgotten. 
 
 Lam. No, she will be remember'd, fear it not ; 
 She will be graced, and greased. 
 
 CcBs. But, when I look on 
 Divine Domitia, methinks we should meet 
 (The lesser gods applauding the encounter) 
 As Jupiter, the Giants lying dead 
 On the Phlegraean plain, embraced his Juno. 
 Lamia, it is your honour that she's mine. 
 
 Lam. You are too great to be gainsaid. 
 
 CcBS. Let all 
 That fear our frown, or do affect our favour. 
 
^M-'f 
 
 \l 
 
 SCKNE I, 
 
 THE ROMAN ACTOR. 
 
 149 
 
 Without examining the reason why, 
 Salute her (by this kiss I make it good) 
 With the title of Augusta. 
 
 Dom. Still your servant. 
 
 All. Long live Augusta, great Domitian's em- 
 
 C(BS. Paris, my hand. [press ! 
 
 Par. [kissing it. ] The gods still honour Caesar ! 
 
 CtBs. The wars are ended, and, our arms laid by, 
 We are for soft delights. Command the poets 
 
 To use their choicest and most rare invention, 
 To entertain the time, and be you careful 
 To give it action : we'll provide the people 
 Pleasures of all kinds. — My Domitia, think not 
 1 flatter, though thus fond. — On to the capitol : 
 'Tis death to him that wears a sullen brow. 
 This 'tis to be a monarch, when alone 
 He can command all, but is awed by none. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 d. 
 
 ACT 11. 
 
 SCENE l.—A Slate Room in the Palace. 
 Enter Philarous in rags, and Parthenius. 
 
 Phil. My son to tutor me ! Know your obedience. 
 And question not my will. 
 
 Parlh. Sir, were I one. 
 Whom want compell'd to wish a full possession 
 Of what is yours ; or had I ever number'd 
 Your years, or thought you lived too long, with 
 
 reason 
 You then might nourish ill opinions of me : 
 Or did the suit that I prefer to you 
 Concern myself, and aim'd not at your good. 
 You might deny, and I sit down with patience, 
 And after never press you. 
 
 Phil. In the name of Pluto, 
 What would'st thou have me do ? 
 
 Parth. Right to yourself ; 
 Or suffer me to do it. Can you imagine 
 This nasty hat, this tatter'd cloak, rent shoe, 
 This sordid linen, can become the master 
 Of your fair fortunes ? whose superfluous means. 
 Though I were burthensome, could clothe you in 
 The costliest Persian silks, studded with jewels, 
 The spoils of provinces, and every day 
 Fresh change of Tyrian purple. 
 
 Phil. Out upon thee ! 
 My monies in my coffers melt to hear thee. 
 Purple ! hence, prodigal ! Shall I make my mercer, 
 Or tailor heir, or see my jeweller purchase ? 
 No, I hate pride. 
 
 Parth. Yet decency would do well. 
 Though, for your outside, you will not be alter'd, 
 Let me prevail so far yet, as to win you 
 Not to deny your belly nourishment ; 
 Neither to think you've feasted, when 'tis cramm'd 
 With mouldy barley-bread, onions and leeks, 
 And the drink of bondmen, water. 
 
 Phil. Wouldst thou have me 
 Be an Apicius, or a Lucullus, 
 And riot out my state in curious sauces } 
 Wise nature with a little is contented ; 
 And, following her, my guide, I cannot err. 
 
 Parth. But you destroy her in your want of care 
 (I blush to see, and speak it) to maintain her 
 In perfect health and vigour ; when you suffer. 
 Frighted with the charge of physic, rheums, 
 
 catarrhs. 
 The scurf, ach in your bones, to grow upon you, 
 And hasten on your fate with too much sparing : 
 When a cheap purge, a vomit, and good diet. 
 May lengthen it. Give me but leave to send 
 The emperor's doctor to you. 
 
 Phil. I'll be borne first. 
 Half-rotten, to the fire that masl: consume me ! 
 
 His pills, his cordials, his electuaries. 
 His syrups, julaps, bezoar stone, nor his 
 Imagined unicorn's horn, comes in my belly; 
 My mouth shall be a draught first, 'tis resolved. 
 No; I'll not lessen ray dear golden heap, \-^-''"^ 
 Which, every hour increasing, does renew i 
 My youth and vigor ; but, if lessen'd, then, 
 Then my poor heart-strings crack. Let me enjoy it. 
 And brood o'er't, while I live, it being my life. 
 My soul, my all : but when I turn to dust. 
 And part from what is more esteem'd, by me. 
 Than all the gods Rome's thousand altars smoke to, 
 Inherit thou my adoration of it, 
 And, like me, serve my idol. [,Exit. 
 
 Parth. What a strange torture 
 Is avarice to itself! what man, that looks oa 
 Such a penurious spectacle, but must 
 Know what the fable meant of Tantalus, 
 Or the ass whose back is crack'd with curious 
 
 viands. 
 Yet feeds on thistles. Some course I must take. 
 To make my father know what cruelty 
 He uses on himself. 
 
 Enter Paris. 
 
 Par. Sir, with your pardon, ♦ 
 
 I make bold to enquire the emperor*s pleasure ; 
 For, being by him commanded to attend. 
 Your favour may instruct us what's his will 
 Shall be this night presented. 
 
 Parth. My loved Paris, 
 Without my intercession, you well know. 
 You naay make your own approaches, since his ear 
 To you is ever open. 
 
 Par. I acknowledge 
 His clemency to my weakness, and, if ever 
 I do abuse it, lightning strike me dead ! 
 The grace he pleases to confer upon me, 
 (Without boast I may say so much,) was never 
 Employ'd to wrong the innocent, or to incense 
 His fury. 
 
 Parth. 'Tis confess' d : many men owe you 
 For provinces they ne'er hoped for; and their lives, 
 Forfeited to his anger : — you being absent, 
 I could say more. 
 
 Par. You still are my good patron ; 
 And, lay it in my fortune to deserve it. 
 You should perceive the poorest of your clients 
 To his best abilities thankful. 
 
 Parth. I believe so. 
 Met you my father .■' 
 
 Par. Yes, sir, with much grief. 
 To see him as he is. Can nothing work him 
 To be himself? 
 
 Parth. O, Paris, *tis a weight 
 
J50 
 
 THE ROMAN ACTOR. 
 
 Sits heavy here ; and could this right hand's loss 
 Remove it, it should off : but he is deaf 
 To all persuasion. 
 
 Par. Sir, with your pardon, 
 I'll offer my advice : I once observed. 
 In a tragedy of ours, in which a murder • 
 Was acted to the life, a guilty hearer, 
 Forced by the terror of a wounded conscience, 
 To make discovery of that which torture 
 Could not wring from him. Nor can it appear 
 Like an impossibility, but that 
 Your father, looking on a covetous man 
 Presented on the stage, as in a mirror, 
 May see his own deformity, and loath it. 
 Now, could you but persuade the emperor 
 To see a comedy we have, that's styled 
 The Cure of Avarice, and to command 
 Your father to be a spectator of it, 
 He shall be so anatomized in the scene, 
 And see himself so personated, the baseness 
 Of a self-torturing miserable wretch 
 Truly described, that I much hope the object 
 Will work compunction in him. 
 
 Parth. There's your fee ; 
 I ne'er bought better counsel. Be you in readiness, 
 I will effect the rest. 
 
 Par. Sir, when you please ; 
 We'll be prepared to enter. — Sir, the emperor. lExit. 
 
 Enter Cjesar, Aretinus, and Guard. 
 
 CtBS. Repine at us ! 
 
 Aret. *Tis more, or my informers. 
 That keep strict watch upon him, are deceived 
 In their intelligence : there is a list 
 Of malcontents, as Junius Rusticus, 
 Palphurius Sura, and this tEIius Lamia, 
 That murmur at your triumphs, as mere pageants ; 
 And, at their midnight meetings, tax your justice, 
 (For so I style what they call tyranny,) 
 For Psetus Thrasea's death, as if in him 
 Virtue herself were murder'd : nor forget they 
 Agricola, who, for his service done 
 In the reducing Britain to obedience, 
 They dare affirm to be removed with poison ; 
 A.nd he compell'd to write you a coheir 
 With his daughter, that his testament might stand. 
 Which, else, you had made void. Then your much 
 
 love 
 To Julia your niece, censured as incest. 
 And done in scorn of Titus, your dead brother : 
 But the divorce Lamia was forced to sign 
 To her you honour with Augusta's title. 
 Being only named, they do conclude there was 
 A Lucrece once, a Collatine, and a Brutus ; 
 But nothing Roman left now but, in you, 
 The lust of Tarquin. 
 
 C(BS. Yes, his fire, and scorn 
 Of such as think that our unlimited power 
 Can be confined. Dares Lamia pretend 
 An interest to that which I call mine ; 
 Or but remember she was ever his, 
 That's now in our possession ? Fetch him hither. 
 
 \_Exit Guard. 
 I'll give him cause to wish he rather had 
 Forgot his own name, than e'er mention'd her's. 
 Shall we be circumscribed ? Let such as cannot 
 By force make good their actions, though wicked. 
 Conceal, excuse, or qualify their crimes ! 
 What our desires grant leave and privilege to. 
 Though contradicting all divine decrees, 
 
 Or laws confirm'd by Romulus and Numa, 
 Shall be held sacred. 
 
 Aret. You should, else, take from 
 The dignity of Caesar. 
 
 CcBS. Am I master 
 Of two and thirty legions, that awe 
 All nations of the triumphed world, 
 Yet tremble at our frown, to yield account 
 Of what's our pleasure, to a private man ! 
 Rome perish first, and Atlas's shoulders shrink. 
 Heaven's fabric fall, (the sun, the moon, the stars 
 Losing their light and comfortable heat,) 
 Ere I confess that any fault of mine 
 May be disputed ! 
 
 Aret. So you preserve your power, 
 As you should, equal and omnipotent here, 
 With Jupiter's above. 
 
 [Parthenius kneeling, whispers Cesar, 
 
 CtBS. Thy suit is granted, 
 Whate'er it be, Parthenius, for thy service 
 
 Done to Augusta. Only so } a trifle : 
 
 Command him hither. If the comedy fail 
 To cure him, I will minister something to him 
 That shall instruct him to forget his gold, 
 And think upon himself. 
 
 Parth. May it succeed well, 
 Since my intents are pious ! S^Exit 
 
 CcBs. We are resolved 
 What course to take ; and, therefore, Aretinus, 
 Enquire no further. Go you to my empress. 
 And say I do entreat (for she rules him 
 Whom all men else obey) she would vouchsafe 
 The music of her voice at yonder window. 
 When I advance my hand, thus. I will blend 
 
 \_Exit Aretinus. 
 My cruelty with some scorn, or else 'tis lost. 
 Re-venge, when it is unexpected, faUing 
 With greater violence ; and hate clothed in smiles. 
 Strides, and with horror,dead the wretch that comes 
 Prepared to meet it. — [not 
 
 Re-enter Guard with Lamia. 
 
 Our good Lamia, welcome. 
 So much we owe you for a benefit. 
 With willingness on your part conferr'd upon us. 
 That 'tis our study, we that would not live 
 Engaged to any for a courtesy. 
 How to return it. 
 
 Lam. 'Tis beneath your fate 
 To be obliged, that in your own hand grasp 
 The means to be magnificent. 
 
 CtBS. Well put off ; 
 But yet it must not do : the empire, Lamia, 
 Divided equally, can hold no weight. 
 
 If balanced with your gift in fair Domitia 
 
 You, that could part with all delights at once, 
 The magazine of rich pleasures being contain'd 
 In her perfections, — uncompell'd, deliver'd 
 As a present fit for Csesar. In your eyes. 
 With tears of joy, not sorrow, 'tis confirm'd 
 You glory in your act. 
 
 Lam. Derided too ! 
 Sir, this is more — 
 
 Ccr.s. More than I can requite ; 
 It is acknowledged, Lamia. There's no drop 
 Of melting nectar I taste from her lip, 
 But yields a touch of immortality 
 To the blest receiver ; every grace and feature, 
 Prized to the worth, bought at an easy rate, 
 If purchased for a consulship. Her discourse 
 

 U'.fyjv'. V o-v A ;,iui u>^ -Of 'h'^^^'^^^ . t>u(^ g'A iA->{ 
 
 SUKNE I. 
 
 THE ROMAN ACTOR. 
 
 151 
 
 So ravishing, and her action so attractive, 
 
 That I would part with all my other senses, 
 
 Provided I might ever see and hear her. 
 
 The pleasures of her bed I dare not trust 
 
 The winds or air with ; for that would draw down, 
 
 In envy of my happiness, a war 
 
 From all the gods, upon me. 
 
 Lam. Your compassion 
 To me, in your forbearing to insult 
 On my calamity, which you make your sport, 
 Would more appease those gods you have pro- 
 Than all the blasphemous comparisons [voiced. 
 You sing unto her praise. 
 
 DoMiTiA appears at the window. "^ 
 
 C(Bs. I sing her praise ! 
 'Tis far from my ambition to hope it ; 
 It being a debt she only can lay down, 
 And no tongue else discharge. 
 
 IHe raises his hand. Music above. 
 
 Hark ! I think, prompted 
 
 With my consent that you once more should hear 
 
 She does begin. An universal silence [her, 
 
 Dwell on this place ! 'Tis death, with lingering 
 
 To all that dare disturb her [torments, 
 
 [_A Song hy Domitia. 
 — Who can hear this, 
 And fall not down and worship } In my fancy, 
 Apollo being judge, on Latmos' hill 
 Fair-hair'd Calliope, on her ivory lute, 
 (But something short of this,) sung Ceres' praises, 
 And grisly Pluto's rape on Proserpine. 
 The motions of the spheres are out of time, 
 Her musical notes but heard. Say, Lamia, say, 
 Is not her voice angelical ? 
 
 Lam. To your ear : 
 But I, alas ! am silent. 
 
 Cees. Be so ever, 
 That without admiration canst hear her ! 
 Malice to my felicity strikes thee dumb, 
 And, in thy hope, or wish, to repossess 
 What I love more than empire, I pronounce thee 
 Guilty of treason. — Off with his head ! do you stare ,-' 
 By her that is my patroness, Minerva, 
 Whose statue I adore of all the gods^ 
 If he but live to make reply, thy life 
 Shall answer it ! 
 
 [The Guard leads off Lamia, stopping Ms mouth. 
 My fears of him are freed now ; 
 And he that lived to upbraid me with my wrong, 
 For an offence he never could imagine. 
 In wantonness removed. — Descend, my dearest ; 
 Plurality of husbands shall no more 
 Breed doubts or jealousies in you : {Ejrit DoM. 
 
 above.] 'tis dispatch'd. 
 And with as little trouble here, as if 
 I had kill'd a fly. - ; ,,,'., 
 
 Enter Domitia, ushered in hy Arktinvs, her train borne 
 up by Julia, C^nis, and Domitilla. 
 
 Now you appear, and in 
 That glory you deserve ! and these, that stoop 
 To do you sei-vice, in the act much honour'd ! 
 Julia, forget that Titus was thy father ; 
 Csenis, and Doraitilla, ne'er remember 
 Sabinus or Vespasian. To be slaves 
 To her is more true liberty, than to live 
 Parthian or Asian queens. As lesser stars, 
 That wait on Phoebe in her full of brightness. 
 Compared to her, you are. Thus, thus I seat you 
 B'' Caesar's side, commanding these, that once 
 
 Were the adored glories of the time, 
 To witness to the world they are your vassals, 
 At your feet to attend you. 
 Dom. 'Tis your pleasure, 
 And not ray pride. And yet, when I consider 
 That I am yours, all duties they can pay 
 I do receive as circumstances due 
 To her you please to honour. 
 
 Re-enter Parthknius with Philarous. 
 
 Parth. Caesar's will 
 Commands you hither, nor must you gainsay it. 
 
 Phil. Lose time to see an interlude ! must I pay 
 For my vexation ? [too, 
 
 Parth. Not in the court : 
 It is the emperor's charge. 
 
 Phil. I shall endure 
 My torment then the better. 
 
 Cces. Can it be 
 This sordid thing, Parthenius, is thy father ? 
 No actor can express him : I had held 
 The fiction for impossible in the scene, 
 Had I not seen the substance. — Sirrah, sit still. 
 And give attention ; if you but nod, 
 You sleep for ever. — Let them spare the prologue, 
 And all the ceremonies proper to ourself, 
 And come to the last act — there, where the cure 
 By the doctor is made perfect. The swift minutes 
 Seem years to me, Domitia, that divorce thee 
 From my embraces : my desires increasing 
 As they are satisfied, all pleasures else 
 Are tedious as dull sorrows. Kiss me again : 
 If I now wanted heat of youth, these fires. 
 In Priam's veins, would thaw his frozen blood, 
 Enabling him to get a second Hector 
 For the defence of Troy. 
 
 Dom. You are wanton ! 
 Pray you, forbear. Let me see the play. 
 
 CcBS. Begin there. 
 
 Enter Paris, like a doctor of physic, and J5sopus : 
 Latiniis is brought forth asleep in a chair, a key ni 
 his mouth. 
 
 ^sop. O master doctor, he is past recovery ; 
 A lethargy hath seized him ; and, however 
 His sleep resemble death, his watchful care 
 To guard that treasure he dares make no use of, 
 Works strongly in his soul. 
 
 Par. What's that he holds 
 So fast between his teeth 9 
 
 ^sop. The key that opens 
 His iron chests, cramm'd with accursed gold, 
 Busty with long imprisonment. There's no duty 
 In me, his son, nor confidence in friends, 
 That can persuade him to deliver up 
 That to the trust of any. 
 
 Phil. He is the wiser : . 
 We were fashion'd in one mould. 
 
 iEsop. He eats with it ; 
 And when devotion calls him to the temple 
 Of Mammon, whom, of all the gods, he kneels to. 
 That held thus still, his orisons are paid: 
 Nor will he, though the wealth of Rome were 
 
 pawn'd 
 For the restoring oft, for one short how^ 
 Be won to part with it. 
 
 Phil Still, still myself ! 
 And if like me he love his gold, no pawn 
 Is good security. 
 
 Par. rU try if I can force it 
 
 // will not be. His avaricions mind. 
 

 102 
 
 THE ROMAN ACTOR. 
 
 Like men in rivers drown' d, make him gripe fast , 
 To his last gasp, what he in life held dearest ; 
 And, if that it were possible in nature, 
 Would carry it with him to the other world. 
 
 Phil. As I would do to hell, rather than leave it. 
 
 iEsop. Is he not dead? 
 
 Par. Long since to all good actions, 
 Or to himself, or others, for which wise men 
 Desire to live. You may with safety pinch him, 
 Or under his nails stick needles, yet he stirs not ; 
 Anxious f ar to lose what his soul doats on, 
 Renders his Jlesh insensible. We must use 
 Some means to rouse the sleeping faculties 
 Of his mind ; there lies the lethargy. Take a 
 
 trumpet, 
 And blow it into his ears ; 'tis to no purpose ; 
 The roaring noise of thunder cannot ivake him: — 
 An,d yet despair not ; I have one trick left yet. 
 
 JEsop. What is it ? 
 
 Par. / will cause a fearful dream 
 To steal into his fancy, and disturb it 
 With the horror it brings with it, and so free 
 His body's organs. 
 
 Dom. 'Tis a cunning fellow ; 
 If he were indeed a doctor, as the play says, 
 He should be sworn my servant ; govern my slum- 
 And minister to me waking. [hers, 
 
 Par. If this fail, [A chest brought in. 
 
 I' II give him o' er . So; with all violence 
 Rend ope this iron chest, for here his life lies 
 Bound up in fetters, and in the defence 
 Of ivhat he values higher, 'twill return. 
 And fill each vein and artery. — Louder yet ! 
 — ' Tis open, and already he begins 
 To stir ; mark with what trouble. 
 
 [Latinus stretches himself. 
 
 Phil. As you are Caesar, 
 Defend this honest, thrifty man ! they are thieves. 
 And come to rob him. 
 
 Parth. Peace ! the emperor frowns. 
 
 Par. So ; now pour out the bags upon the table ; 
 Remove his jewels, and his bonds. — Again, 
 Ring a second golden peal. His eyes are open ; 
 He stares as he had seen Medusa's head, 
 And were turn'd marble Once more. 
 
 Lat, Murder ! murder ! 
 They come to murder me. My son in the plot ? 
 Thou worse than parricide ! if it be death 
 To strike thy father's body, can all tortures 
 The Furies in hell practise, be sufficient 
 For thee, that dost assassinate my soul ? — 
 My gold ! my bonds ! my jewels ! dost thou envy 
 My glad possession of them for a day ; 
 EMinguishing the taper of my life 
 Consumed unto the snuff? 
 
 Par. Seem not to mind him. 
 
 Lat. Have /, to leave thee rich, denied myself 
 The joys of human being ; scraped and hoarded 
 A mass of treasure, which had Solon seen, 
 The Lydian Croesus had appear' d to him 
 Poor as the beggar Irus 9 And yet I, 
 Solicitous to increase it, when my entrails 
 Were clemm'd with keeping a perpetual fast. 
 Was deaf to their loud windy cries, as fearing, 
 Should I disburse one penny to their use. 
 My heir might curse me. And, to save expense 
 In outward ornaments, I did expose 
 My naked body to the ivinter's cold. 
 And summer's scorching heat : nay, when diseases 
 Grew thick upon me, and a little cost 
 
 Had purchased my recovery, I chose rather 
 To have my ashes closed up in my urn. 
 By hasting on my fate, than to diminish 
 The gold my prodigal son, while I am living^ 
 Carelessly scatters. 
 
 ^sop. Would you'd dispatch and die once ! 
 Your ghost should feel in hell, that is my slave 
 Which was your master. 
 
 Phil. Out upon thee, varlet ! 
 
 Par. And what then follows all your carke and 
 caring, 
 And self-affliction ? When your starved trunk is 
 Turn'd to forgotten dust, this hopeful yotith 
 Urines upon your monument, ne'er remembering 
 How much for him you suffer' d ; and then tells, 
 To the companions of his lusts and riots. 
 The hell you did endure on earth, to leave him 
 Large means to be an epicure, and to feast 
 His senses all at once, a happiness 
 You never granted to yourself. Your gold, then, 
 Got with vexation, and preserved with trouble. 
 Maintains the public stews, panders, and ruffians, 
 That quaff damnations to your memory. 
 For living so long here. 
 
 Lat. It ivill be so ; I see it — 
 O, that I could redeem the time that's past ! 
 I would live and die like myself ; and make true 
 
 use 
 Of lohat my industry purchased. 
 
 Par. Covetous men. 
 Having one foot in the grave, lament so ever : 
 But grant that I by art could yet recover 
 Your desperate sickness, lengthen out your life 
 A dozen of years ; as I restore your body 
 To perfect health, will you with care endeavour 
 To rectify your mind ? 
 
 Lat. / should so live then. 
 As neither my heir should have just cause to think 
 I lived too long, for being close-handed to him. 
 Or cruel to myself. 
 
 Par. Have your desires. 
 Phoebus a,ssisting me, I will repair 
 The ruin'd building of your health ; and think noi 
 You have a son that hates you ; the truth is. 
 This means, with his consent, I practised on you 
 To this good end : it being a device, 
 In you to shew the Cure of Avarice. 
 
 lExcunt Paris, Latinus, and ^sopus 
 
 Phil. An old fool to be gull'd thus ! had he died 
 As I resolve to do, not to be alter'd. 
 It had gone off twanging. 
 
 CcBs, How approve you, sweetest, \ 
 
 Of the matter, and the actors ? 
 
 Dom. For the subject, 1 
 
 I like it not ; it was iilch'd out of Horace. \ 
 
 — Nay, I have read the poets : — but the fellow | 
 That play'd the doctor, did it well, by Venus ; 
 He had a tuneable tongue, and neat delivery : 
 And yet, in my opinion, he would perform / 
 
 A lover's part much better. Prithee, Caesar, 
 For I gi-ow weary, let us see, to-morrow, 
 Iphis and Anaxarete. 
 
 Cobs. Anything | 
 
 For thy delight, Domitia ; to your rest, j 
 
 Till I come to disquiet 5'ou : wait upon her. 
 There is a business that I must dispatch, 
 And I will straight be with you. 
 
 \_Exmni Aret. Dom. Julia, C^nis, and Domitiu 
 
 Parth. Now, my dread sir. 
 Endeavour to prevail. 
 
L*^ 
 
 fV^.^^ I /"^^^ 
 
 THE ROMAN ACTOR. 
 
 Ibiy 
 
 Cces. One way or other 
 We'll cure him, never doubt it. Now, Philargus, 
 Thou wretched thing, hast thou seen thy sordid 
 
 baseness, 
 And but observed what a contemptible creature 
 A covetous miser is ? Dost thou in thyself 
 Feel true compunction, with a resolution 
 To be a new man ? 
 
 Phil. This crazed body's Caesar's ; 
 But for my mind 
 
 CcBS. Trifle not with my anger. 
 Canst thou make good use of what was now pre- 
 sented ; 
 And imitate, in thy sudden change of life, ^^ 
 The miserable rich man, that express'd 
 What thou art to the life ? 
 
 Phil. Pray you, give me leave 
 To die as I have lived. I must not part with 
 My gold ; it is my life : I am past cure. 
 
 Cees. No ; by Minerva, thou shalt never more 
 Feel the least touch of avarice. Take him hence, 
 And hang him instantly. If there be gold in hell, 
 Enjoy it : — thine here, and thy life together, 
 Is forfeited. 
 
 Phil. Was I sent for to this purpose .' 
 Parth. Mercy for all my service ; Caesar, mercy I 
 Cces. Should Jove plead for him, 'tis resolved he 
 dies. 
 And he that speaks one syllable to dissuade me ; 
 And therefore tempt me not. It is but justice : 
 Since such as wilfully would hourly die. 
 Must tax themselves, and not my cruelty. lExmnt. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I.— A Room in the Palace. 
 Enter Julia, Domitilla, and Stephanos. 
 
 Jul. No, Domitilla ; if you but compare 
 What I have suffered with your injuries, 
 (Though great ones, I confess,) they will appear 
 Like molehills to Olympus. 
 
 Domitil. You are tender 
 Of your own wounds, which makes you lose the 
 
 feeling 
 And sense of mine. The incest he committed 
 With you, and publicly profess'd, in scorn 
 Of what the world durst censure, may admit 
 Some weak defence, as being borne headlong to it. 
 Hut in a manly way, to enjoy your beauties : 
 Besides, won by his perjuries, that he would 
 Salute you with the title of Augusta, 
 Your faint denial show'd a full consent. 
 And grant to his temptations. But poor I, 
 That would not yield, but was with violence forced 
 To serve his lusts, and in a kind Tiberius 
 At Caprese never practised, have not here 
 One conscious touch to rise up my accuser ; 
 I, in my will, being innocent. 
 
 Steph. Pardon me. 
 Great princesses, though I presume to tell you. 
 Wasting your time in childish lam.entations, 
 You do degenerate from the blood you spring from : 
 For there is something more in Rome expected 
 From Titus* daughter, and his uncle's heir, 
 Than womanish complaints, after such wrongs 
 Which mercy cannot pardon. But, you'll say, 
 Your hands are weak, and should you but attempt 
 A just revenge on this inhuman monster, 
 This prodigy of mankind, bloody Domitian 
 Hath ready swords at his command, as well 
 As islands to confine you, to remove 
 His doubts, and fears, did he but entertain 
 The least suspicion you contrived or plotted 
 Against his person. 
 
 Jul. 'Tis true, Stephanos ; 
 The legions that sack'd Jerusalem, 
 Under my father Titus, are sworn his, 
 And I no more remember'd. 
 
 Domitil. And to lose 
 Ourselves by build/ng on impossible hopes^ 
 Were desperate madness. 
 
 Steph. You conclude too fast. 
 
 One single arm, whose master does contemn 
 His own life, holds a full command o'er his, 
 Spite of his guards. I was your bondman, lady, 
 And you my gracious patroness ; my wealth 
 And liberty your gift ; and, though no soldier, 
 To whom or custom or example makes 
 Grim death appear less terrible, I dare die 
 To do you service in a fair revenge : 
 And it will better suit yourbirths~and honours 
 To fall at once, than to live ever slaves 
 To his proud empress, that insults upon 
 Your patient sufferings. Say but you, Go on ! 
 And I will reach his heart, or perish iu 
 The noble undertaking. 
 
 Domitil. Your free offer 
 Confirms your thankfulness, which I acknowledge 
 A satisfaction for a greater debt 
 Than what you stand engaged for ; but I must not 
 Upon uncertain grounds, hazard so grateful 
 And good a servant. The immortal Powers 
 Protect a prince, though sold to impious acts, 
 And seem to slumber, till his roaring crimes 
 Awake their justice ; but then, looking down. 
 And with impartial eyes, on his contempt ! 
 
 Of all religion, and moral goodness, 
 They, in their secret judgments, do determine 
 To leave him to his wickedness, which sinks him, 
 When he is most secure. 
 
 Jul. His cruelty 
 Increasing daily, of necessity 
 Must render him as odious to his soldiers, 
 Familiar friends, and freedmen, as it hath done 
 Already to the senate : then forsaken 
 Of his supporters, and grown terrible 
 Even to himself, and her he now so doats on, 
 We may put into act what now with safety 
 We cannot whisper. 
 
 Steph. I am still prepared 
 To execute, when you please to command me : 
 Since I am confident he deserves much more 
 That vindicates his country from a tyrant, 
 Than he that saves a citizen. 
 
 Enter C/Enis. 
 
 Jul. O, here's Csenis. 
 Domitil. Whence come you ? 
 CcEuis. From the empress, who seems moved 
 Iu that you wait no better. Her pride's grown 
 
154 
 
 THE ROMAN ACTOR. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 To such a height, that she disdains the service 
 Of her own women : and esteems herself 
 Neglected, when the princesses of the blood, 
 On every coarse employment, are not ready 
 To stoop to her commands. 
 
 Domitil. Where is her Greatness ? 
 
 Canis. Where you would Uttle think she could 
 To grace the room or persons. [descend 
 
 Jul. Speak, where is she ? 
 
 Ccenis. Among the players ; where, all state laid 
 She does enquire who acts this part, who that, [by. 
 And in what habits ? blames the tirewomen 
 For want of curious dressings ; — and, so taken 
 She is with Paris the tragedian's shape, 
 That is to act a lover, I thought once 
 She would have courted him. 
 
 Domitil. In the mean time 
 How spends the emperor his hours ? 
 
 Ccenis. As ever 
 He hath done heretofore ; in being cruel 
 To innocent men, whose virtues he calls crimes. 
 And, but this morning, if t be possible. 
 He hath outgone himself, having condemn'd, 
 At Aretinus his informer's suit, 
 Palphurius Sura, a«d good Junius Rusticus, 
 Men of the best repute in Rome for their 
 Integrity of life ; no fault objected. 
 But that they did lament his cruel sentence 
 On Psetus Thrasea, the philosopher, 
 Their patron and instructor. 
 
 Steph. Can Jove see this, 
 And hold his thunder ! 
 
 Domitil. Nero and Caligula 
 Only commanded mischiefs ; but our Caesar 
 Delights to see them. 
 
 Jul. What we cannot help. 
 We may deplore with silence. 
 
 Ccenis. We are call'd for 
 By our proud mistress. 
 
 Domitil. We awhile must suffer. 
 
 Steph. It is true fortitude to stand firm against 
 All shocks of fate, when cowards faint and die 
 In fear to suffer more calamity. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — Another Room in the same. 
 Enter Cjesar and Pabthenius. 
 
 C(Bs. They are then in fetters ? 
 
 Parth. Yes, sir, but 
 
 CcBs. But what ? 
 I'll have thy thoughts ; deliver them. 
 
 Parth. I shall, sir ; 
 But still submitting to your god-like pleasure, 
 Which cannot be instructed 
 
 Cees. To the point. 
 
 Parth. Nor let your sacred majesty believe 
 Your vassal, that with dry eyes look'd upon 
 His father dragg'd to death by your command. 
 Can pity these, that durst presume to censure 
 What you decreed. 
 
 CcBs. Well ; forward. 
 
 Parth. 'Tis my zeal 
 Btill to preserve your clemency admired, 
 Temper'd with justice, that emboldens me 
 To offer my advice. Alas ! I know, sir, 
 These bookmen, Rusticus and Palphurius Sura, 
 Deserve all tortures : yet, in my opinion, 
 They being popular senators, and cried up 
 With loud applauses of the multitude. 
 
 For foolish honesty, and beggarly virtue, 
 'Twould relish more of policy, to have them 
 Made away in private, with what exquisite torments 
 You please, — it skills not, — than to have them 
 
 drawn 
 To the degrees in public ; for 'tis doubted 
 That the sad object may beget compassion 
 In the giddy rout, and cause some sudden uproar 
 That may disturb you. 
 
 A^ 
 
 y 
 
 M^ 
 
 CcBs. Hence, pale-spirited coward ! 4, 
 Can we descend so far beneath ourself, 
 As or to court the people's love, or fear 
 Their worst of hate ? Can they, that are as dust 
 Before the whirlwind of our will and power. 
 Add any moment to us ? Or thou think. 
 If there are gods above, or goddesses. 
 But wise Minerva, that's mine own, and sure, 
 That they have vacant hours to take into 
 Their serious protection, or care. 
 This many-headed monster ? Mankind lives 
 In few, as potent monarchs, and their peers ; 
 And all those glorious constellations 
 That do adorn the firmament, appointed. 
 Like grooms, with their bright influence to attend 
 The actions of kings and emperors. 
 They being the greater wheels that move the less. 
 Bring forth those condemn'd wretches ; — \_Ejcii 
 
 Parthenius.] — let me see 
 One man so lost, as but to pity them, 
 And though there lay a million of souls 
 Imprisoned in his flesh, my hangmen's hooks 
 Should rend it off, and give them liberty. 
 Csesar hath said it. 
 
 Re-enter Parthknius, with Aretinus, and Guard ; Exe- 
 cutioners dragging in Junius Rusticus and PALPHUBiufc 
 Sura, bound back to back. 
 
 Aret. 'Tis great Caesar's pleasure. 
 That with fix'd eyes you carefully observe 
 The people's looks. Charge upon any man 
 That with a sigh or murmur does express 
 A seeming sorrow for these traitors' deaths. 
 You know his will, perform it. 
 
 Cobs. A good bloodhound. 
 And fit for my employments. 
 
 Sura. Give \is leave 
 To die, fell tyrant. 
 
 Rust. For, beyond our bodies. 
 Thou hast no power. 
 
 CcBS. Yes ; I'll afflict your souls. 
 And force them groaning to the Stygian lake, 
 Prepared for such to howl in, that blaspheme 
 The power of princes, that are gods on earth. 
 Tremble to think how terrible the dream is 
 After this sleep of death. 
 
 Rust. To guilty men 
 It mary bring terror ; not to us, that know 
 What 'tis to die, well taught by his example 
 For whom we suffer. In my thought I see 
 The substance of that pure untainted soul 
 Of Thrasea, our master, made a star. 
 That with melodious harmony invites us 
 (Leaving this dunghill Rome, made hell by thee) 
 To trace his heavenly steps, and fill a sphere 
 Above yon crystal canopy. 
 
 C<BS. Do invoke him 
 W'ith all the aids his sanctity of life 
 Have won on the rewarders of his virtue ; 
 They shall not save you. — Dogs, do you grin ? 
 torment them. 
 [The Executioners torment them, they still smVina 
 
s<;kne II. 
 
 THE ROMAN ACTOR. 
 
 l&t 
 
 So, take a leaf of Seneca now, and prove 
 If it can render you insensible 
 Of that which but begins here. Now an oil, 
 Drawn from the Stoic's frozen principles, 
 Predominant over fire, were useful for you. 
 
 Again, again. You trifle. Not a groan ! 
 
 Is my rage lost? What cursed charms defend 
 
 them ! 
 Search deeper, villains. Who looks pale, or thinks 
 That I am cruel? 
 
 Aret. Over-merciful : 
 'Tis all your weakness, sir. 
 
 Parth. I dare not shew 
 A sign of sorrow ; yet my sinews shrink, ^ 
 The spectacle is so horrid. lAside. 
 
 CcBs. I was never 
 O'ercome till now. For my sake roar a little, 
 And shew you are corporeal, and not tum'd 
 Aerial spirits. — Will it not do ? By Pallas, 
 It is unkindly done to mock his fury 
 Whom the world styles Omnipotent ! I am tor- 
 
 •tured 
 In their want of feeling torments. Marius' story. 
 That does report him to have sat unmoved, 
 When cunning surgeons ripp'd his arteries 
 And veins, to cure his gout, compared to this. 
 Deserves not to be named. Are they not dead ? 
 If so, we wash an ^thiop. 
 
 Sura. No ; we live. 
 
 Rust. Live to deride thee, our calm patience 
 treading 
 Upon the neck of tyranny. That securely, 
 As 'twere a gentle slumber, we endure 
 Thy hangman's studied tortures, is a debt 
 We owe to grave philosophy, that instructs us 
 The flesh is but the clothing of the soul, 
 Which growing out of fashion, though it be 
 Cast off, or rent, or torn, like ours, 'tis then, 
 Being itself divine, in her best lustre. 
 But unto such as thou, that have no hopes 
 Beyond the present, every little scar. 
 The want of rest, excess of heat or cold, 
 That does inform them only they are mortal, 
 Pierce through and through them. 
 
 CcBs. We will hear no more. 
 
 Rust. This only, and I give thee warning of it : 
 Though it is in thy will to grind this earth 
 As small as atoms, they thrown in the sea too, 
 They shall seem re-collected to thy sense : — 
 And, when the sandy building of thy greatness 
 Shall with its own weight totter, look to see me 
 As I was yesterday, in my perfect shape ; 
 For I'll appear in horror. 
 
 C<BS. By my shaking 
 I am the guilty man, and not the judge. 
 Drag from my sight these cursed ominous wizards. 
 That, as they are now, like to double-faced Janus, 
 Which way soe'er I look, are Furies to me. 
 Away with them ! first shew them death, then 
 
 leave 
 No memory of their ashes. I'll mock Fate. 
 
 \^Exeunt Executioners with Rusticus and Sura. 
 Shall words fright him victorious armies circle ? 
 No, no ; the fever does begin to leave me ; 
 
 Enter Domitia, Julia, and C^nis ; ^TBPHAjiOs follousing. 
 
 Or, were it deadly, from this living fountain 
 I could renew the vigour of my youth. 
 And be a second Virbius. O my glory I 
 My life I command ! my all i 
 
 Dam. As you to me are. 
 
 ^Embracing and Xmiru^ 
 I heard you were sad ; I have prepared you sport 
 Will banish melancholy. Sirrah, Caesar, 
 (I hug myself for't,) I have been instructing 
 "The players how to act ; and to cut off 
 All tedious impertinence, have contracted 
 The tragedy into one continued scene. 
 I have the art oft, and am taken more 
 With my ability that way, than all knowledg-" 
 I have but of thy love. 
 
 CcBs. Thou art still thyself, 
 The sweetest, wittiest, ' 
 
 Dom. When we are a-bed 
 I'll thank your good opinion. Thou shalt see 
 Such an Iphis of thy Paris ! — and, to humble 
 The pride of Domitilla, that neglects me. 
 
 (Howe'er she is your cousin,) I have forced her, i 
 
 „,Jt 
 
 To play the part of Anaxarete- 
 You are not offended with it ? 
 
 Cees. Any thing 
 That does content thee yields delight to me : 
 My faculties and powers are thine. 
 
 Dom. I thank you : 
 Prithee let's take our places. Bid them enter 
 Without more circumstance. 
 
 J/ler a short flourish, enter Paris as Iphis. 
 
 How do you like 
 That shape ? methinks it is most suitable 
 To the aspect of a despairing lover. 
 The seeming late-fallen, counterfeited tears 
 That hang upon his cheeks, was my device. 
 
 C(Bs. And all was excellent. 
 
 Dom. Now hear him speak. 
 
 Iphis. That she is fair, (and that an epithet 
 Too foul to express her,) or descended nobly, 
 Or rich, or fortunate, are certain truths 
 In which poor Iphis glories. But that these 
 Perfections, in no other virgin found, 
 Abused, should nourish cruelty and pride 
 In the divinest Anaxarete, 
 Is, to my love-sick, languishing soul, a riddle ; 
 And with more difficulty to be dissolved, 
 Than that the monster Sphinx, from the steep rock. 
 Offered to (Edipus. Imperious Love, 
 As at thy ever-naming altars Iphis, 
 Thy never-tired votary, hath presented, 
 With scalding tears, whole hecatot.ibs of siglts, 
 Preferring thy power, and thy Paphian mother's. 
 Before the Thunderer's, Neptune's, or Pluto' i 
 (That, after Saturn, did divide the world. 
 And had the sicay of things, yet were compell'd 
 By thy inevitable shafts to yield. 
 And fight under thy ensigns) be auspicious 
 To this last trial of my sacrifice 
 Of love and service ! [ 
 
 Dom. Does he not act it rarely i 
 Observe with what a feeling he delivers 
 His orisons to Cupid ; I am rapt \^ith't. 
 
 Iphis. And from thy never-emptied quiver take 
 A golden arrow, to transfix her heart. 
 And force her love like me ; or cure my wound 
 With a leaden one, that may beget in me 
 
 Hate and forgetf Illness of what's now my idol 
 
 But I call back my prayer ; I have blasphemid 
 In my rash wish : 'tis I that am unworthy ; 
 But she all merit, and may in justice challemje. 
 From the assurance of her excellencies. 
 Not love but adoration. Yet* bear witness. 
 
156 
 
 THE ROMAN ACTOR. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 All-hnowing Poioers ! I bring along with me, 
 As faithful advocates to make interceasion, 
 A loyal heart with pure and holy flames, 
 With the foul fires of lust never polluted. 
 And, as i touch her threshold, tvhich with tears, 
 My limbs benumbed with cold, I oft have wash'd, 
 With my glad lips I kiss this earth, grown proud 
 With frequent favours from her delicate feet. 
 
 Dom. By Csesar's life he weeps ! and I forbear 
 Hardly to keep him company. 
 
 Iphis. Blest ground, thy pardon, 
 If J profane it wilh forbidden steps. 
 I must presume to knock — and yet attempt it 
 With such a trembling reverence, as if 
 My hands [were now'] held up for expiation 
 To the incensed gods to spare a kingdom. 
 Within there, ho ! something divine come forth 
 To a distressed mortal. 
 
 Enter Latinus as a Porter. 
 
 Port. Ha ! Who knocks there ? 
 
 Dom. What a churlish look this knave has ! 
 
 Port. Is't you, sirrah ? 
 Are you come to pule and whine 9 Avaunt, and 
 
 quickly ; 
 Don-whips shall drive you hence, else. 
 
 Dom. Churlish devil ! 
 But that I should disturb the scene, as 1 live 
 1 would tear his eyes out. 
 
 Cobs. 'Tis in jest, Domitia. 
 
 Dom. I do not like such jesting : if he were not 
 A flinty-hearbsd slave, he could not use 
 One of his form so harshly. How the toad swells 
 At the other's sweet humility ! 
 
 CcBS. 'Tis his part : 
 Let them proceed. 
 
 Dom. A rogue's part will ne'er leave him. 
 
 Iphis. As you have, gentle sir, the happiness 
 ( When you please) to behold the figure of' 
 The masterpiece of nature, limn'd to the life, 
 In more than human Anaxarete, 
 Scorn not your servant, that with suppliant hands 
 Takes h'.ld upon your knees, conjuring you. 
 As you are a man, and did not suck the milk 
 Of wolves, and tigers, or a mother of 
 A tougher temper, use some means these eyes. 
 Before they are wept out, may see your lady. 
 Will you be gracious, sir ? 
 
 Port. Though I lose my place for' t, 
 I can hold out no longer. 
 
 Dom. Now he melts. 
 There is some little hope he may die honest. 
 
 Port. Madam ! 
 
 Enter Dcmitilla as Anaxarete. 
 
 Anax. Who calls 9 What object have we here ? 
 
 Dom. Your cousin keeps her proud state still ; 
 I think 
 I have fitted her for a part. 
 
 Anax. Did I not charge thee 
 I ne'er might see this thing more ! 
 
 Iphis. / am, indeed, 
 What thing you please ; a worm that you may 
 
 tread on : 
 Lower I cannot fall to shew my duty. 
 Till your disdain hath digg'd a grave to cover 
 This body with forgotten dust ; and, when 
 I know your sentence, cruellest of women I 
 I'll, by a toilling death, remove the object 
 That is an eyesore to you. 
 
 Anax. Wretch, thou dar'st not : 
 That were the last and gi eatest service to me 
 Thy doting love could boist of. What dull fool 
 But thou could nourish any flattering hope. 
 One of my height in youth, in birth and fortune. 
 Could e'er descend to look upon thy lowness, 
 Much less consent to make my lord of one 
 I'd not accept, though offer' d for my slave? 
 My thoughts stoop not so low. 
 
 Dom. There's her true nature : 
 No personated scorn 
 
 Anax. ( wrong my worth. 
 Or to exchange a syllable or look 
 With one so far beneath me. 
 
 Iphis. Yet take heed. 
 Take heed of pride, and curiously consider, 
 How brittle the foundation is, on which 
 You labour to advance it. Niobe, 
 Proud of her numerous issue, durst contemn 
 Latona's double burthen ; but what follow' d 9 
 She was left a childless mother, and mourn'd to 
 
 marble. 
 The beauty you o'erprize so, time or sickness 
 Can change to loath' d deformity ; your wealth 
 The prey of thieves ; queen Hecuba, Troy fired, 
 Ulysses' bondwoman : but the love I bring you 
 Nor time, nor sickness, violent thieves, nor fate, 
 Can ravish from you. 
 
 Dom. Could the oracle 
 Give better counsel ! 
 
 Iphis. Say, will you relent yet, 
 Revoking your decree that I should die ? 
 Or, shall I do what you command ? resolve ; 
 I am impatient of delay. 
 
 Anax. Dispatch then : 
 I shall look on your tragedy unmoved, 
 Peradventure laugh at it ; for it will prove 
 A comedy to me. 
 
 Dom. O devil ! devil ! 
 
 Iphis. Then thus I take my last leave. All 
 the curses 
 Of lovers fall upon you ; and, hereafter. 
 When any man, like me contemn' d, shall study. 
 In the anguish of his soul, to give a name 
 To a scornful, cruel mistress, let him only 
 Say, This most bloody woman is to me, 
 
 As Anaxarete was to wretched Iphis I 
 
 Now feast your tyrannous mind, and glory in 
 The ruins you have made : for Hymen's bands, 
 That should have made us one, this fatal halter 
 For ever shall divorce us .- at your gate. 
 As a trophy of your pride and my affliction, 
 I'll presently harig myself. 
 
 Dom. Not for the world — IStarts/rom her seat 
 Restrain him, as you love your lives ! 
 
 Cces. Why are you 
 Transported thus, Domitia? 'tis a play; 
 Or, grant it serious, it at no part merits 
 This passion in you. 
 
 Par. I ne'er purposed, madam, 
 To do the deed in earnest ; though I bow 
 To your care aad tenderness of me. 
 
 Dom. Let me, sir. 
 Entreat your pardon ; what I saw presented, 
 Carried me beyond myself. 
 
 CcEs. To your place again, 
 And see what follows. 
 
 Dom. No, I am familiar 
 With the conclusion ; besides, upon the sudden 
 I feel myself much indisposed. 
 
 i 
 
THE ROMAN ACTOR. 
 
 CcBS. To bed then ; 
 
 Sleph. Patroness, hear me ; 
 
 I'll be thy doctor. 
 
 Will you not call for your share } Sit down wich 
 
 Aret. There is something more 
 
 this, 
 
 In this than passion, — which 1 must find out, 
 
 And, the next action, like a Gaditane strumpet, 
 
 Or my intelligence freezes. 
 
 I shall look to see you tumble ! 
 
 Dom. Come to me, Paris, 
 
 Domitil. Prithee be patient. 
 
 To-morrow, for your reward. 
 
 I, that have suffer'd greater wrongs, bear this : 
 
 [Exeunt all but DoMrxiLLA and Stephanos. 
 
 And that, till my revenge, my comfort is. [Exeunt. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I.— A Room in the Palace. 
 Enter Parthenius, Julia, Domitilla, and C^nis. 
 
 Parth. Why, 'tis impossible Paris ! 
 
 Jul. You observed not. 
 As it appears, the violence of her passion. 
 When personating Iphis, he pretended, 
 For your contempt, fair Anaxarete, 
 To hang himself. 
 
 Parth. Yes, yes, I noted that ; 
 But never could imagine it could work her 
 To such a strange intemperance of affection, 
 As to doat on him. 
 
 Domitil. By my hopes, I think not 
 That she respects, though all here saw, and 
 
 mark'd it ; 
 Presuming she can mould the emperor's will 
 Into what form she likes, though we, and all 
 The informers of the world, conspired to cross it. 
 
 Ccen. Then with what eagerness, this morning, 
 urging 
 The want of health and rest, she did entreat 
 Caesar to leave her ! 
 
 Domitil. Who no sooner absent. 
 But she calls. Dwarf ! (so in her scorn she styles 
 
 me,) 
 Pnt on my pantofles ; fetch pen and paper , 
 I am to ti}jrite: — dMd with distracted looks. 
 In her smock, impatient of so short delay 
 As but to have a mantle thrown upon her. 
 She seal'd — I know not what, but 'twas indorsed, 
 To my loved Paris. 
 
 Jul. Add to this, I heard her 
 Say, when a page received it, Let him wait me, 
 And carefully, in the walk call'd our Retreat, 
 Where Ccesar, in his fear to give offence, 
 Unsent for, never enters. 
 
 Parth. This being certain, 
 (For these are more than jealous suppositions,) 
 Why do not you, that are so near in blood. 
 Discover it .'' 
 
 Domitil. Alas ! you know we dare not. 
 'Twill be received for a malicious practice. 
 To free us from that slavery which her pride 
 Imposes on us. But, if you would please 
 To break the ice, on pain to be sunk ever, 
 "We would aver it. 
 
 Parth. I would second you, 
 But that I am commanded with all speed 
 To fetch in Ascletario the Chaldsean ; 
 "Who, in his absence, is condemn'd of treason. 
 For calculating the nativity 
 Of Caesar, with all confidence fortelling, 
 In every circumstance, when he shall die 
 A violent death. Yet, if you could approve 
 Of my directions, I would have you speak 
 
 As much to Aretinus, as you have 
 To me deliver'd : he in his own nature 
 Being a spy, on weaker grounds, no doubt, 
 "Will undertake it ; not for goodness' sake, 
 (With which he never yet held correspondence,) 
 But to endear his vigilant observings 
 Of what concerns the emperor, and a little 
 To triumph in the ruins of this Paris, 
 That cross'd him in the senate-house. — 
 
 Enter Arktinus. 
 
 Here he comes. 
 His nose held up ; he hath something in the wind, 
 Or I much err, already. My designs 
 Command me hence, great ladies ; but I leave 
 My wishes with you. [Extt. 
 
 Aret. Have I caught your Greatness 
 In the trap, my proud Augusta ! 
 
 Domitil. What is't wraps him ? 
 
 Aret. And my fine Roman Actor ! Is't even so .' 
 No coarser dish to take your wanton palate, 
 Save that which, but the emperor, none durst taste 
 'Tis very well. I needs must glory in [of ' 
 
 This rare discovery : but the rewards 
 Of my intelligence bid me think, even now. 
 By an edict from Caesar, I have power 
 To tread upon the neck of slavish Rome, 
 Disposing offices and provinces 
 To my kinsmen, friends, and clients. 
 
 Domitil. This is more 
 Than usual with him. 
 
 Jul. Aretinus ! 
 
 Aret. How! 
 No more respect and reverence tender'd to me. 
 But Aretinus ! 'Tis confess'd that title, 
 "When you were princesses, and commanded all, 
 Had been a favour ; but being, as you are, 
 Vassals to a proud woman, the worst bondage, 
 You stand obhged with as much adoration 
 To entertain him, that comes arm'd with strength 
 To break your fetters, as tann'd galley-slaves 
 Pay such as do redeem them from the oar. 
 I come not to entrap you ; but aloud 
 Pronounce that you are manumized : and to make 
 Your liberty sweeter, you shall see her fall. 
 This empress, — this Domitia, — what you will, — 
 That triumphed in your miseries. 
 
 Domitil. Were you serious. 
 To prove your accusation I could lend * 
 
 Some help. 
 
 CcBn. And 1. 
 
 Jul. And I. 
 
 Aret. No atom to me. — 
 My eyes and ears are everywhere ; I know all, 
 To the line and action in the play that took her : 
 Her quick dissimulation to excuse 
 
1.58 
 
 THE ROMAN ACTOR. 
 
 Her being transported, with her morning passion. 
 I bribed the boy that did convey the letter, 
 And, having perused it, made it up again : 
 Your griefs and angers are to me familiar. 
 — That Paris is brought to her, and how far 
 He shall be tempted. 
 
 Domitil. This is above wonder. 
 
 Aret. My gold can work much stranger miracles, 
 Than to corrupt poor waiters. Here, join with me — 
 'iTakes out a petition. 
 *Tis a complaint to Caesar. This is that 
 Shall ruin her and raise you. Have you set your 
 To the accusation ? [hands 
 
 Jul. And will justify 
 What we've subscribed to. 
 
 Ccen. And with vehemence. 
 
 Domitil. I will deliver it. 
 
 Aret. Leave the rest to me then. 
 
 Enter Cjesar, with his Ouard. 
 
 CcBS. Let our lieutenants bring us victory, 
 While we enjoy the fruits of peace at home : 
 And being secured from our intestine foes, 
 (Far worse than foreign enemies,) doubts and fears, 
 Though all the sky were hung with blazing meteors. 
 Which fond astrologers give out to be 
 Assured presages of the change of empires. 
 And deaths of monarchs, we, undaunted yet, 
 Guarded with our own thunder, bid defiance 
 To them and fate ; we being too stron^^ly arm'd 
 For them to wound us. 
 
 Aret. Caesar ! 
 
 Jul. As thou art 
 More than a man — 
 
 CcBti. Let not thy passions be 
 Rebellious to thy reason — 
 
 Domitil. But receive {Delivers tke petition. 
 
 This trial of your constancy, as unmoved 
 As you go to or from the capitol, 
 Thanks given to Jove for triumphs. 
 
 C(Bs. Ha! 
 
 Domitil. Vouchsafe 
 Awhile to stay the lightning of your eyes. 
 Poor mortals dare not look on. 
 
 Aret. There's no vein 
 Of yours that rises with high rage, but is 
 An earthquake to us. 
 
 Domitil. And, if not kept closed 
 With more than human patience, in a moment 
 Will swallow us to the centre. 
 
 CcBn. Not that we 
 Repine to serve her, are we her accusers. 
 
 Jul. But that she's fallen so low. 
 
 Aret. Which on sure proofs 
 We can make good. 
 
 Domitil. And shew she is unworthy 
 Of the least spark of that diviner fire 
 You have conferr'd upon her. 
 
 Cms. I stand doubtful, 
 And unresolved what to determine of you. 
 In this malicious violence you have offerM 
 To the altar of her truth and pureness to me, 
 Yl3u have but fruitlessly labour'd to sully 
 A white robe of perfection, black-mouth'd envy 
 Could belch no spot on. — But I will put off 
 The deity you labour to take from me, 
 And argue out of probabilities with you, 
 As if I were a man. Can I believe 
 That she, that borrows all her light from me, 
 \ojd knows to use it, would betray her darkness 
 
 To your intelligence ; and make that apparent. 
 Which, by her perturbations in a play. 
 Was yesterday but doubted, and find none 
 But you, that are her slaves, and therefore hate her, 
 Whose aids she might employ to make way for her ? 
 • Or Aretinus, whom long since she knew 
 To be the cabinet counsellor, nay, the key 
 Of Caesar's secrets ? Could her beauty raise her 
 To this unequall'd height, to make her fall 
 The more remarkable .■* or must my desires 
 To her, and wrongs to Lamia, be revenged 
 By her, and on herself, tha*^^ drew on both ? 
 Or she leave our imperial bed, to court 
 A public actor ? 
 
 Aret. Who dares contradict 
 These more than human reasons, that have power 
 To clothe base guilt in the most glorious shape 
 Of innocence ? 
 
 Domitil. Too well she knew the strength 
 And eloquence of her patron to defend her. 
 And thereupon presuming, fell securely ; 
 Not fearing an accuser, nor the truth 
 Produced against her, which your love and favour 
 Will ne'er discern from falsehood. 
 
 Cces. I'll not hear 
 A syllable more that may invite a change 
 In my opinion of her. You have raised 
 A fiercer war within me by this fable. 
 Though with your lives you vow to make it story. 
 Than if, and at one instant, all my legions 
 Revolted from me, and came arm'd against me. 
 Here in this paper are the swords predestined 
 For my destruction ; here the fatal stars, 
 That threaten more than ruin ; this the Death's 
 That does assure me, if she can prove false, [head 
 That I am mortal, which a sudden fever 
 Would prompt me to believe, and faintly yield to. 
 But now in my full confidence what she suffers. 
 In that, from any witness but myself, 
 I nourish a suspicion she's untrue. 
 My toughness returns to me. Lead on, monsters. 
 And, by the forfeit of your lives, confirm 
 She is all excellence, as you all baseness ; 
 Or let mankind, for her fall, boldly swear 
 There are no chaste wives now, nor ever were. 
 
 {Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE 11. — A private Walk in the Gardens of 
 
 the Palace. 
 
 Enter Domitia, Paris, and Servants, 
 
 Dom. Say we command, that none presume to 
 On forfeit of our favour, that is life, [dare. 
 
 Out of a saucy curiousness, to stand 
 Within the distance of their eyes or ears, 
 Till we please to be waited on. {Exeunt Servants. 
 
 And, sirrah, 
 Howe'er you are excepted, let it not 
 Beget in you an arrogant opinion 
 'Tis done to grace you. 
 
 Par. With my humblest service 
 I but obey your summons, and should blush else. 
 To be so near you. 
 
 Dom. 'Twould become you rather 
 To fear the greatness of the grace vouchsafed you 
 May overwhelm you ; and 'twill do no less, 
 If, when you are rewarded, in your cups 
 You boast this privacy. 
 
 Par. That were, mightiest empress, 
 To play with lightning. 
 
o^ Y"' 
 
 ftCRNE II. 
 
 THE ROMAN ACTOR. 
 
 leo 
 
 Dom, You conceive it right. 
 The means to kill or save is not alone 
 In Caesar circumscribed; for, if incensed, 
 We have our thunder too, that strikes as deadly. 
 
 Par. 'Twould ill become the lowness of my 
 fortune, 
 To question what you can do, but with all 
 Humility to attend what is your will, 
 And then to serve it. 
 
 Dom. And would not a secret. 
 Suppose we should commit it to your trust, 
 Scald you to keep it ? 
 
 Par. Though it raged within me 
 Till 1 turn'd cinders, it should ne'er have vent. 
 To be an age a-dying, and with torture, ^^ 
 Only to be thought worthy of your counsel. 
 Or actuate what you command to me, 
 A wretched obscure thing, not worth your know- 
 Were a perpetual happiness. [ledge, 
 
 Dom. We could wish 
 That we could credit thee, and cannot find 
 In reason, but that thou, whom oft 1 have seen 
 To personate a gentleman, noble, wise. 
 Faithful, and gainsome, and what virtues else • 
 The poet pleases to adorn you with ; 
 But that (as vessels still partake. the odour 
 Of the sweet precious liquors they contained) 
 Thou must be really, in some degree. 
 The thing thou dost present. — Nay, do not tremble ; 
 We seriously believe it, and presume 
 Our Paris is the volume, in which all 
 Those excellent gifts the stage hath seen him 
 Are curiously bound up. [graced with, 
 
 Par. The argument 
 Is the same, great Augusta, that I, acting 
 A fool, a coward, a traitor, or cold cynic, 
 Or any other weak and vicious person, 
 Of force I must be such. O, gracious madam, 
 How glorious soever, or deform'd, 
 I do appear in the scene, my part being ended, 
 And all my borrow'd ornaments put oft", 
 I am no more, nor less, than what I was 
 Before I enter'd. 
 
 Dom. Come, you would put on 
 A wilful ignorance, and not understand 
 What 'tis we point at. Must we in plain language. 
 Against the decent modesty of our sex, 
 Say that we love thee, love thee to enjoy thee ; 
 Or that in our desires thou art preferr'd, 
 And Caesar but thy second ? Thou in justice, 
 If from the height of majesty we can 
 Look down upon thy lowness, and embrace it, 
 Art bound with fervour to look up to me. 
 
 Par. O, madam ! hear me with a patient ear. 
 And be but pleased to understand the reasons 
 That do deter me from a happiness 
 Kings would be rivals for. Can I, that owe 
 My life, and all that's mine, to Caesar's bounties, 
 Beyond my hopes or merits, shower'd upon me. 
 Make payment for them with ingratitude. 
 Falsehood and treason ! Though you have a shape 
 Might tempt Hippolitus, and larger power 
 To help or hurt than wanton Phaedra had, 
 Let loyalty and duty plead my pardon, 
 Though I refuse to satisfy. 
 
 Dom, You are coy. 
 Expecting I should court you. Let mean ladies 
 Use prayers and entreaties to their creatures 
 To rise up instruments to serve their pleasures ; 
 But for Augusta so to lose herself, 
 
 That holds command o'er Caesar and the world, 
 Were poverty of spirit. Thou must — thou shalt 
 The violence of my passion knows no mean. 
 And in my punishments and my rewards, 
 I'll use no moderation. Take this only. 
 As a caution from me ; threadbare chastity 
 Is poor in the advancement of her servants. 
 But wantonness magnificent ; and 'tis frequent 
 To have the salary of vice weigh down 
 The pay of virtue. So, without more trifling. 
 Thy sudden answer. 
 
 Par. In what a strait am I brought in ! 
 Alas ! I know that the denial's death ; 
 Nor can ray grant, discover'd, threaten more. 
 Yet, to die innocent, and have the glory 
 For all posterity to report, that I 
 Refused an empress, to preserve my faith 
 To my great master ; in true judgment, must 
 Show fairer, than to buy a guilty life 
 With wealth and honour. 'Tis the base I build on: 
 I dare not, must not, will not. 
 
 Dom. How! contemn'd? 
 Since hopes, nor fears, in the extremes, prevail not, 
 I must use a mean. [^*ic?e,]— Think who 'tis sues 
 Deny not that yet, which a brother may [to thee. 
 Grant to a sister : as a testimony 
 
 Enter C^sar, Aretinus, Julia, Domitilla, C^nis, and a 
 Guard, behind. 
 
 I am not scorn'd, kiss me ; — kiss me again : 
 Kiss closer. Thou art now my Trojan Paris, 
 And I thy Helen. 
 
 Par. Since it is your will. 
 
 C(Bs. And I am Menelaus : but I shall be 
 Something I know not yet, 
 
 Dom. Why lose we time 
 And opportunity ? These are but salads 
 To sharpen appetite : let us to the feast, 
 
 [Courting Paris wanlonly. 
 Where I shall wish that thou wert Jupiter, 
 And I Alcmena ; and that I had power 
 To lengthen out one short night into three, 
 And so beget a Hercules. 
 
 C(BS. [Comes forioard.'] While Amphitrio 
 Stands by, and draws the curtains. 
 
 Par. Oh ! IFallt on his/ace 
 
 Dom. Betray 'd 1 
 
 CeBs. No ; taken in a net of Vulcan's filing. 
 Where, in myself, the theatre of the gods 
 Are sad spectators, not one of them daring 
 To witness, with a smile, he does desire 
 To be so shamed for all the pleasure that 
 You've sold your being for ! What shall I name 
 Ingrateful, treacherous, insatiate, all [thee ? 
 
 Invectives which, in bitterness of spirit, 
 Wrong'd men have breathed out against wicked 
 
 women. 
 Cannot express thee ! Have I raised thee from 
 Thy low condition to the height of greatness, 
 Command, and majesty, in one base act 
 To render me, that was, before I hugg'd thee, 
 An adder, in my bosom, more than man, 
 A thing beneath a beast I Did I force these 
 Of mine own blood, as handmaids to kneel to 
 Thy pomp and pride, having myself no thought 
 But how with benefits to bind thee mine ; 
 And am I thus rewarded ! Not a knee. 
 Nor tear, nor sign of sorrow for thy fault ? 
 Break, stubborn silence : what canst thou allej 
 To stay my vengeance .'' 
 
100 
 
 THE ROMAN ACTOR. 
 
 Dom. This. Thy lust compell'd me 
 To be a strumpet, and mine hath return'd it 
 In my intent and will, though not in act, 
 To cuckold thee. 
 
 C(BS. O, impudence ! take her hence, 
 And let her make her entrance into hell, 
 By leaving life with all the tortures that 
 Flesh can be sensible of. Yet stay. What power 
 Her beauty still holds o'er my soul, that wrongs 
 Of this unpardonable nature cannot teach me 
 To right myself, and hate her ! — Kill her. — Hold! 
 
 that my dotage should increase from that 
 Which should breed detestation ! By Minerva, 
 If I look on her longer, I shall melt, 
 
 And sue to her, my injuries forgot, 
 
 Again to be received into her favour ; 
 
 Could honour yield to it ! Carry her to her cham- 
 
 Be that her prison, till in cooler blood [ber ; 
 
 1 shall determine of her. lExit Guard with Domitia. 
 Aret. Now step I in, 
 
 While he's in this calm mood, for my reward. — 
 Sir, if my service hath deserved — 
 
 Cees. Yes, yes : 
 And I'll reward thee. Thou hast robb'd me of 
 All rest and peace, and been the principal means 
 To make me know that, of which if again 
 I could be ignorant of, I would purchase it 
 
 Re-enter Guard. 
 
 With the loss of empire : Strangle him ; take these 
 
 hence too, 
 And lodge them in the dungeon. Could your 
 
 reason, 
 Dull wretches, flatter you with hope to think 
 That this discovery, that hath shower'd upon me 
 Perpetual vexation, should not fall 
 Heavy on you ? Away with them ! — stop their 
 I will hear no reply. [mouths ; 
 
 \_Exit Guard with Aretinus, Jclia, Cjesis, and 
 
 DOAIITILLA. 
 
 — O, Paris, Paris ! 
 How shall I argue with thee? how begin 
 To make thee understand, before I kill thee, 
 With what grief and unwillingness 'tis forced from 
 
 me .' 
 Yet, in respect I have favour'd thee, I'll hear 
 What thou canst speak to qualify or excuse 
 Thy readiness to serve this woman's lust ; 
 And wish thou couldst give me such satisfaction. 
 As I might bury the remembrance of it. 
 Look up : we stand attentive. 
 
 Par. O, dread Caesar ! 
 To hope for life, or plead in the defence 
 Of my ingratitude, were again to wrong you. 
 I know I have deserved death ; and my suit is. 
 That you would hasten it : yet, that your highness. 
 When I am dead, ( as sure I will not live,) 
 May pardon me, I'll only urge my frailty. 
 Her will, and the temptation of that beauty 
 Which you could not resist How could poor I, 
 
 then. 
 Fly that which follow'd me, and Csesar sued for ? 
 This is all. And now your sentence. 
 
 CtBs. Which I know not 
 How to pronounce. O that thy fault had been 
 But such as I might pardon ! if thou hadst 
 In vrantonness, like Nero, fired proud Rome, 
 Betray'd an army, butcher'd the whole senate, 
 Committed sacrilege, or any crime 
 The justice of our Roman laws calls death. 
 
 I had prevented any intercession, 
 And freely sign'd thy pardon. 
 
 Par. But for this, 
 Alas ! you cannot, nay, you must not, sir ; 
 Nor let it to posterity be recorded. 
 That Caesar, unrevenged, suffer'd a wrong. 
 Which, if a private man should sit down with it, 
 Cowards would baffle him. 
 
 Cces. With such true feeling 
 Thou arguest against thyself, that it 
 Works more upon me, than if my Minerva, 
 The grand protectress of my life and empire, 
 On forfeit of her favour, cried aloud, 
 Caesar, show mercy ! and, I know not how, 
 I am inclined to it. Rise. I'll promise nothing ; 
 Yet clear thy cloudy fears, and cherish hopes. 
 What we must do, we shall do : we remember 
 A tragedy we oft have seen with pleasure, 
 Call'd the False Servant. 
 
 Par. Such a one we have, sir. 
 
 CcBS. In which a great lord takes to his protec- 
 A man forlorn, giving him ample power [tiori 
 
 To order and dispose of his estate 
 In's absence, he pretending then a journey. 
 But yet with this restraint that, on no terms, 
 (This lord suspecting his wife's constancy. 
 She having play'd false to a former husband,) 
 The servant, though solicited, should consent. 
 Though she commanded him, to quench her flames. 
 
 Par. That was, indeed, the argument. 
 
 CcBS. And what 
 Didst thou play in it .' 
 
 Par. The False Servant, sir. 
 
 C(BS. Thou didst, indeed. Do the players wait 
 without ? 
 
 Par. They do, sir, and prepared to act the story 
 Your majesty mention'd. 
 
 Cces. Call them in. Who presents 
 The injured lord ! 
 
 Enter ^sopus, Latinus, and a Lady. 
 
 JEsop. 'Tis my part, sir. 
 
 CcBs. Thou didst not 
 Do it to the life ; we can perform it better. 
 Off" with my robe and wreath : since Nero scorn'd 
 The public theatre, we in private may [not 
 
 Disport ourselves. This cloak and hat, without 
 Wearing a beard, or other property, 
 Will fit the person. 
 
 jEsop. Only, sir, a foil, 
 The point and edge rebated, when you act, 
 To do the murder. If you please to use this, 
 And lay aside your own sword. 
 
 CcBS. By no means. 
 In jest nor earnest this parts never from me. 
 We'll have but one sljort scene — That, where the 
 In an imperious way commands the servant [lady 
 To be unthankful to his patron : when 
 My cue's to enter, prompt me : — Nay, begin. 
 And do it sprightly : though but a new actor, 
 When I come to execution, you shall find 
 No cause to laugh at me. 
 
 Lat. In the name of wonder, 
 What's Caesar's purpose ! 
 
 jiEsop. There is no contending. 
 
 Cces. Why, when ? 
 
 Par. I am arm'd : 
 And, stood grim Death now in my view, and his 
 Inevitable dart aim'd at my breast. 
 His cold embraces should not bring an ague 
 
THE ROMAN ACTOR. 
 
 1(51 
 
 To any of my faculties, till his pleasures 
 
 Were served and satisfied ; which done, Nestor's 
 
 years 
 To me would be unwelcome. lAside. 
 
 Lady. Must we entreat, 
 That were born to command 9 or court a servant, 
 That oiues his food and clothing to our bounty, 
 For that, which thou ambitiously shouldst kneel 
 
 for 9 
 Urge not, in thy excuse, the favours of 
 Thy absent lord, or that thou stand'st engaged 
 For thy life to his charity ; nor thy fears 
 Of what may follow, it being in my power 
 To mould him any way. ^ 
 
 Par. As you may me, 
 In what his reputation is not wounded, 
 Nor I, his creature, in my thankfulness suffer. 
 I know you're young, and fair ; be virtuous too, 
 And loyal to his bed, that hath advanced you 
 To the height of happiness. 
 
 Lady. Can my love-sick heart 
 Be cured with counsel ? or durst reason ever 
 Offer to put in an exploded plea 
 In the court of Venus ? My desires admit not 
 The least delay ; and therefore instantly 
 Give me to understand what I must trust to : 
 For, if I am refused, and not enjoy 
 Those ravishing pleasures from thee, I run mad 
 I'll swear unto my lord, at his return, [for, 
 
 (Making what I deliver good with tears, J 
 That brutishly thou wouldst have forced from me 
 What I make suit for. And then but imagine 
 What 'tis to die, with these words, slave and trai- 
 tor. 
 With burning corsives writ upon thy forehead, 
 And live prepared for' t. 
 
 Par. This he will believe 
 Upon her information, 'tis apparent ; 
 And then I'm nothing : and of two extremes. 
 
 Wisdom says, choose the less. [Aside.] — Rather 
 Under your indignation, I will yield : [than fall 
 This kiss, and this, confirms it. 
 
 jEsop. Now, sir, now. 
 
 CcBs. I must take them at it ? 
 
 jEsop. Yes, sir ; be but perfect. 
 
 Cees. O villain ! thankless villain ! — I Bhould 
 talk now ; 
 But I've forgot my part. But I can do : 
 Thus, thus, and thus ! IStabs Paris. 
 
 Par. Oh ! I am slain in earnest. 
 
 C(Bs. 'Tis true ; and 'twas my purpose, my good 
 Paris : 
 And yet, before life leave thee, let the honour 
 I've done thee in thy death bring comfort to thee. 
 If it had been within the power of Caesar, 
 His dignity preserved, he had pardon'd thee : 
 But cruelty of honour did deny it. 
 Yet, to confirm I loved thee, 'twas my study, 
 To make thy end more glorious, to distinguish 
 My Paris from all others ; and in that 
 Have shewn my pity. Nor would I let thee fall 
 By a centurion's sword, or have thy limbs 
 Rent piecemeal by the hangman's hook, however 
 Thy crime desei-ved it : but, as thou didst live 
 Rome's bravest actor, 'twas my plot that thou 
 Shouldst die in action, and to crown it, die, 
 With an applause enduring to all times. 
 By our imperial hand. — His soul is freed 
 From the prison of his flesh ; let it mount upward ! 
 And for this trunk, when that the funeral pile 
 Hath made it ashes, we'll see it enclosed 
 In a golden urn ; poets adorn his hearse 
 With their most ravishing sorrows, and the stage 
 For ever mourn him, and all such as were 
 His glad spectators, weep his sudden death, 
 The cause forgotten in his epitaph. 
 iSad music ; the Players bear offVAKis,' body, C^>sar and 
 the rest following. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I. — A Room in the Palace, with an image 
 of Minerva. 
 
 Enter Parthenius, Stephanos, and Guard. 
 
 Parth. Keep a strong guard upon him, and 
 Access to any, to exchange a word [admit not 
 
 Or syllable with him, till the emperor pleases 
 To call him to his presence. — [^.ri^ Guard.] — The 
 
 relation 
 That you have made me, Stephanos, of these late 
 Strange passions in Csesar, much amaze me. 
 The informer Aretinus put to death I 
 
 For yielding him a true discovery 
 Of the empress' wantonness ; poor Paris kill'd first, 
 And now lamented ; and the princesses 
 Confined to several islands ; yet Augusta, 
 The machine on which all this mischief moved, 
 Received again to grace ! 
 
 Steph. , Nay, courted to it : 
 Such i^^e impotence of his affection ! 
 Yet, to conceal his weakness, he gives out, 
 The people made suit for her, whom they hate 
 Than civil war, or famine. But take heed, [more 
 My lord, that, nor in your consent nor wishes. 
 You lend or furtherance or favour to ,, 
 
 The plot contrived against her : should she prove 
 Nay, doubt it only, you are a lost man, [it. 
 
 Her power o'er doating Caesar being now 
 Greater than ever. 
 
 Parth. 'Tis a truth I shake at ; 
 And, when there's opportunity 
 
 Steph. Say but. Do, 
 I am yours, and sure. 
 
 Parth. I'll stand one trial more. 
 And then you shall hear from me. 
 
 Steph. Now observe 
 The fondness of this tyrant, and her pride. 
 
 {,They stand aside. 
 
 Enter C^ksar and Domitia. 
 
 CtBS. Nay, all's forgotten. 
 
 Dom. It may be, on your part. 
 
 CeBs. Forgiven too, Domitia : — 'tis a favour 
 That you should welcome with more cheerful looks. 
 Can Caesar pardon what you durst not hope for, 
 That did the injury, and yet must sue 
 To her, whose guilt is wash'd off by his mercy, 
 Only to entertain it ? 
 
 Dom. I ask'd none ; 
 And I should be more wretched to receive 
 
162 
 
 THE ROMAN ACTOR. 
 
 Remission for what I hold no crime, 
 
 But by a bare acknowledgment, than if, 
 
 By slighting and contemning it, as now, 
 
 I dared thy utmost fury. Though thy flatterers 
 
 Persuade thee, that thy murders, lusts, and rapes. 
 
 Are virtues in thee ; and what pleases Caesar, 
 
 Though never so unjust, is right and lawful ; 
 
 Or work in thee a false belief that thou 
 
 Art more than mortal ; yet I to thy teeth, 
 
 "When circled with thy guards, thy rods, thy axes, 
 
 And all the ensigns of thy boasted power. 
 
 Will say, Domitian, nay, add to it Caesar, 
 
 Is a weak, feeble man, a bondman to 
 
 His violent passions, and in that my slave ; 
 
 Nay, more my slave than my affections made me 
 
 To my loved Paris. 
 
 CcBS. Can I live and hear this ? 
 Or hear, and not revenge it ? Come, you know 
 The strength that you hold on me, do not use it 
 With too much cruelty ; for though 'tis granted 
 That Lydian Omphale had less command 
 O'er Hercules, than you usurp o'er me. 
 Reason may teach me to shake off the yoke 
 Of my fond dotage. 
 
 Dom. Never ; do not hope it : 
 It cannot be. Thou being my beauty's captive, 
 And not to be redeem'd, my empire's larger 
 Than thine, Domitian, which I'll exercise 
 With rigour on thee, for my Paris' death. 
 And, when I've forced those eyes, now red with 
 
 fury, 
 To drop down tears, in vain spent to appease me, 
 I know thy fervour such to my embraces. 
 Which shall be, though still kneel'd for, stiU denied 
 
 thee. 
 That thou with languishment shalt wish my actor 
 Did live again, so thou mightst be his second 
 To feed upon those delicates, when he's sated. 
 
 CcBS, O my Minerva ! 
 
 Dom. There she is, [Points to the statue] in- 
 She cannot arm thee with ability [voke her : 
 
 To draw thy sword on me, my power being greater : 
 Or only say to thy centurions. 
 Dare none of you do what I shake to think on, 
 And, in this woman's death, remove the Furies 
 That every hour afflict me ? — Lamia's wrongs, 
 When thy lust forced me from him, are, in me. 
 At the height revenged; nor would I outlive 
 
 Paris, 
 But that thy love, increasing with my hate, 
 May add unto thy torments ; so, with all 
 Contempt I can, I leave thee. lExit. 
 
 Cobs. I am lost ; 
 Nor am I Caesar. When I first betray'd 
 The freedom of my faculties and will 
 To this imperious Siren, I laid down 
 The empire of the world, and of myself. 
 At her proud feet. Sleep all my ireful powers ! 
 Or is the magic of my dotage such. 
 That I must still make suit to hear those charms 
 That do increase my thraldom ! Wake, m.y anger ! 
 For shame, break through this lethargy, and appear 
 With usual terror, and enable me. 
 Since I wear not a sword to pierce her heart, 
 Nor have a tongue to say this. Let her die, 
 Though 'tis done with a fever-shaken hand, 
 
 iPulls out a table-book. 
 To sign her death. Assist me, great Minerva, 
 And vindicate thy votary ! [writes^] So ; she's now 
 Among the list of those I have proscribed, 
 
 And are, to free me of my doubts and fears, 
 To die to-morrow. 
 
 Steph. That same fatal book 
 Was never drawn yet, but some men of rank 
 Were mark'd out for destruction. lExit. 
 
 Parth. I begin 
 To doubt myself. 
 
 Cces. Who waits there ? 
 
 Parth. [coming forward.] Caesar. 
 
 CcBs. So ! 
 These, that command arm'd troops, quake at my 
 
 frowns. 
 And yet a woman slights them. Where's the wizard 
 We charged you to fetch in ? 
 
 Parth. Ready to suffer 
 What death you please to appoint him. 
 
 CcBs. Bring him in. 
 We'll question him ourself. 
 
 Enter Tribunes, and Guard with Ascletario. 
 
 Now, you, that hold 
 Intelligence with the stars, and dare prefix 
 The day and hour in which we are to part 
 With life and empire, punctually foretelling 
 The means and manner of our violent end ; 
 As you would purchase credit to your art. 
 Resolve me, since you are assured of us, 
 What fate attends yourself ? 
 
 Ascle. I have had long since 
 A certain knowledge, and as sure as thou 
 Shalt die to-morrow, being the fourteenth of 
 The kalends of October, the hour five ; 
 Spite of prevention, this carcass shall be 
 Torn and devour'd by dogs ; — and let that stand 
 For a firm prediction. 
 
 CcBs. May our body, wretch, 
 Find never nobler sepulchre, if this 
 Fall ever on thee ! Are we the great disposer 
 Of life and death, yet cannot mock the stars 
 In such a trifle ? Hence with the impostor ; 
 And having cut his throat, erect a pile. 
 Guarded with soldiers, till his cursed trunk 
 Be turn'd to ashes : upon forfeit of 
 Your life, and theirs, perform it. 
 
 Ascle. 'Tis in vain ; 
 When what I have foretold is made apparent, 
 Tremble to think what follows. 
 
 Cces. Drag him hence, 
 
 [_The Tribunes and Guard bear ojf Ascletario 
 And do as I command you. I was never 
 Fuller of confidence ; for, having got 
 The victory of my passions, in my freedom 
 From proud Domitia, (who shall cease to live, 
 Since she disdains to love,) I rest unmoved: 
 And, in defiance of prodigious meteors, 
 Chaldeans' vain predictions, jealous fears 
 Of my near friends and freedmen, certain hate 
 Of kindred and alliance, or all terrors 
 The soldiers' doubted faith, or people's rage 
 Can bring to shake my constancy, I am arm'd. 
 That scrupulous thing styled conscience is sear'd 
 And I insensible of all my actions, [up. 
 
 For which, by moral and religious fools, 
 I stand condemn'd, as they had never been. 
 And, since I have subdued triumphant love, 
 I will not deify pale captive fear, 
 Nor in a thought receive it : for, till thou, 
 Wisest Minerva, that from my first youth 
 Hast been my sole protectress, dost forsake me, 
 Not Junius Rusticus' threaten'd apparition, 
 
W.-W>AA- 
 
 
 Miw> 
 
 r 
 
 SCENE I. 
 
 THE ROMAN ACTOR. 
 
 M^li 
 
 Nor what this soothsayer but even now foretold, 
 <;^ Being things impossible to human reason. - 
 Shall in a dream disturb me; Bring my couch, 
 A sudden but a secure drowsiness [there ; 
 
 Invites me to repose myself. [A couch brought in.] 
 
 Let music, 
 With some choice ditty, second it : — [Earit Par- 
 
 THKNius.] — The mean time, 
 Rest there, dear book, which open'd, when I wake, 
 ILaj/s the book under his pillow. 
 Shall maKe some sleep for ever. 
 
 {Music and a song. C^sar sleeps. 
 
 Re-enter Parthenius and Domitia. 
 
 Dom. Write my name 
 In his bloody scroll, Parthenius ! the fear's idle : 
 He durst not, could not. 
 
 Parth. I can assure nothing ; 
 But 1 observed, when you departed from him, 
 After some little passion, but much fury, 
 He drew it out : whose death he sign'd, I know 
 But in his looks appear'd a resolution [not ; 
 
 Of what before he stagger' d at. What he hath 
 Determined of is uncertain, but too soon 
 Will fall on you, or me, or both, or any, 
 His pleasure known to the tribunes and centurions. 
 Who never use to enquire his will, but serve it. 
 Now, if out of the confidence of your power. 
 The bloody catalogue being still about him, 
 As he sleeps you dare peruse it, or remove it, 
 "You may instruct yourself, or what to suffer, 
 Or how to cross it. 
 
 Dom. I would not be caught 
 With too much confidence. By your leave, sir. 
 No motion ! — you lie uneasy, sir, [Ha ! 
 
 Let me mend your pillow. ITakes away the book. 
 
 Parth. Have you it .■• 
 
 Dom. 'Tis here. 
 
 CcBS. Oh! 
 
 Parth. You have waked him : softly, gracious 
 madam, 
 \^ hile we are unknown ; and thenconsuit at leisure. 
 
 i,Exeunt. 
 
 Dreadful music. The apparitions 0/ JuNrus Rusticus 
 arui Palphurius Sura rise, with bloody swords in 
 their hands ,- they wave them over the head p/C^sar, 
 who seems troubled in his sleep, and as if praying to 
 the image of Minerva, which they scornfully seize, 
 and then disappear with it. 
 
 CcBs. Istariing.'] Defend me, goddess, or this 
 horrid dream 
 Will force me to distraction ! whither have 
 These Furies born thee ? Let me rise and follow. 
 I am bath'd o'er with the cold sweat of death. 
 And am deprived of organs to pursue 
 These sacrilegious spirits. Am I at once 
 Robb'd of my hopes and being ? No, I live — 
 
 [_Iiises distractedly. 
 Yes, live, and have discourse, to know myself 
 Of gods and men forsaken. What accuser 
 Within me cries aloud, I have deserved it. 
 In being just to neither ? Who dares speak this ? 
 Am I not Csesar ? — How ! again repeat it ? 
 Presumptuous traitor, thou shalt die I — What 
 
 traitor ? 
 He that hath been a traitor to himself. 
 And stands convicted here. Yet who can sit 
 A competent judge o'er Caesar ? Csesar. Yes, 
 Caesar by Caesar's sentenced, and must suffer ; 
 Minerva cannot save him. Ha ! where is she ? 
 
 Where is my goddess ? vanish'd ! I am lost then. 
 No ; 'twas no dream, but a most real truth, 
 That Junius Rusticus and Palphurius Sura, 
 Although their ashes were cast in the sea, 
 Were by their innocence made up again. 
 And in corporeal forms but now appear'd, 
 Waving their bloody swords above my head. 
 As at their deaths they threaten'd. And me» 
 
 thought, 
 Minerva, ravish'd hence, whisper'd that she 
 Was, for my blasphemies, disarm'd by Jove, 
 Arid could no more protect me. Yes, 'twas so, 
 
 [Thunder and lightning 
 His thunder does confirm it, against which, 
 Howe'er it spare the laurel, this proud wreath 
 
 Enter three Tribunes. 
 
 Is no assurance. Ha ! come you resolved 
 To be my executioners ? 
 
 1 Trib. Allegiance 
 
 And faith forbid that we should lift an arm 
 Against your sacred head. 
 
 2 Trib. We rather sue 
 For mercy. 
 
 3 Trib. And acknowledge that in justice 
 Our lives are forfeited for not performing 
 What Caesar charged us. 
 
 1 Trib. Nor did we transgress it 
 In our want of will or care ; for, being but men. 
 It could not be in us to make resistance, 
 The gods fighting against us. 
 
 Cces. Speak, in what 
 Did they express their anger ? we will hear it, 
 But dare not say, undaunted. 
 
 1 Trib. In brief thus, sir : 
 The sentence given by your imperial tongue, 
 For the astrologer Ascletario's death, 
 With speed was put in execution. 
 
 Cces. WeW. 
 
 1 Trib. For, his throat cut, his legs bound, and 
 his arms 
 Pinion'd behind his back, the breathless trunk 
 Was with all scorn dragg'd to the field of Mars, 
 And there, a pile being raised of old dry wood, 
 Smear'd o'er with oil and brimstone, or what else 
 Could help to feed or to increase the fire. 
 The carcass was thrown on it ; but no sooner 
 The stuff, that was most apt, began to flame, 
 But suddenly, to the amazement of 
 The fearless soldier, a sudden flash 
 Of lightning, breaking through the scatter'd clouds, 
 With such a horrid violence forced its passage, 
 And, as disdaining all heat but itself. 
 In a moment quench'd the artificial fire : 
 And before we could kindle it again, 
 A clap of thunder follow'd with such noise, 
 As if then Jove, incensed against mankind, 
 Had in his secret purposes determined 
 An universal ruin to the world. 
 This horror past, not at Deucalion's flood 
 Such a stormy shower of rain (and yet that wotd is 
 Too narrow to express it) was e'er seen : 
 Imagine rather, sir, that with less fury. 
 The waves rush down the cataracts of Nile ; 
 Or that the sea, spouted into the air 
 By the angry Ore, endangering tall ships 
 
 But sailing near it, so falls down again. 
 
 Yet here the wonder ends not, but begins : 
 
 For, as in vain we labour'd to consume 
 
 The wizard's body, all the dogs of Rome, jm 
 
1G4 
 
 THE ROMAN ACTOR. 
 
 Howling and yelling like to famish'd wolves, 
 Brake in upon us ; and though thousands were 
 Kill'd in th' attempt, some did ascend the pile, 
 And with their eager fangs seized on the carcass. 
 
 CcBS. But have they torn it ? 
 
 1 Trib. Torn it, and devour'd it. 
 
 CcBs. I then am a dead man. since all predic- 
 tions 
 Assure me I am lost. O, my loved soldiers, 
 Your emperor must leave you ! yet, however 
 I cannot grant myself a short reprieve, 
 I freely pardon you. The fatal hour 
 Steals fast upon me : I must die this morning 
 By five, my soldiers ; that's the latest hour 
 You e'er must see me living. 
 
 1 Trib. Jove avert it ! 
 In our swords lies your fate, and we will guard it. 
 
 Cces. O no, it cannot he ; it is decreed 
 Above, and by no strength here to be alter'd. 
 Let proud mortality but look on Caesar, 
 Compass'd of late with armies, in his eyes 
 Carrying both life and death, and in his arms 
 Fathoming the earth ; that would be styled a God, 
 And is, for that presumption, cast beneath 
 The low condition of a common man, 
 Sinking with mine own weight. 
 
 1 Trib. Do not forsake 
 Yourself, we'll never leave you. 
 
 2 Trib. We'll draw up 
 
 More cohorts of your guard, if you doubt treason. 
 
 CcBS. They cannot save me. The offended gods, 
 That now sit judges on me, from their envy 
 Of my power and greatness here, conspire against 
 
 1 Trib. Endeavour to appease them. [me. 
 
 Cces. 'Twill be fruitless : 
 I am past hope of remission. Yet, could I 
 Decline this dreadful hour of five, these terrors, 
 That drive me to despair, would soon fly from me : 
 And could you but till then assure me 
 
 1 Trib. Yes, sir ; 
 Or we'll fall with you, and make Rome the urn 
 In which we'll mix our ashes. 
 
 Cces. 'Tis said nobly : 
 I am something comforted : howe'er, to die 
 Is the full period of calamity. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — Another Room in the Palace. 
 
 Enter Parthenius, Domitia, Julia, C.^nis, Domitilla, 
 Stephanos, Se.7ei'js, and Entellus. 
 
 Parth. You see we are all condemn'd ; there's 
 no evasion ; 
 We must do, or suffer. 
 
 Steph. But it must be sudden ; 
 The least delay is mortal. 
 
 Dam. Would I were 
 A man, to give it action ! 
 
 Domitil. Could I make my approaches, though 
 my stature 
 Does promise little, I have a spirit as daring 
 As her's that can reach higher. 
 
 Steph. I will take 
 That burthen from, you, madam. All the art is, 
 To draw him from the tribunes that attend him ; 
 For, could you bring him but within my sword's 
 
 reach. 
 The world should owe her freedom from a tyrant 
 To Stephanos. 
 
 Sej. You shall not share alone 
 
 The glory of a deed that will endure 
 To all posterity. 
 
 Ent. I will put in 
 For a part, myself. 
 
 Parth. Be resolv'd, and stand close. 
 I have conceived a way, and with the hazard 
 Of my life I'll practise it, to fetch him hither. 
 But then no trifling. 
 
 Steph. We'll dispatch him, fear not : 
 A dead dog never bites. 
 
 Parth. Thus then at all. 
 
 \_ExU ; the rest conceal themselves. 
 
 Enter C^sar and the Tribunes. 
 
 Cces. How slow-paced are these minutes ! in 
 How miserable is the least delay ! [extremes, 
 
 Could I imp feathers to the wings of time, 
 Or with as little ease command the sun 
 To scourge his coursers up heaven's eastern hill, 
 Making the hour to tremble at, past recalling, 
 As I can move this dial's tongue to six ; 
 My veins and arteries, emptied with fear, 
 Would fill and swell again. How do I look ? 
 Do you yet see Death about me } 
 
 1 Trib. Think not of him ; 1 
 
 There is no danger : all these prodigies I 
 
 That do affright you, rise from natural causes ; 
 And though you do ascribe them to yourself, 
 Had you ne'er been, had happened. 
 
 CcBs. 'Tis well said, 
 Exceeding well, brave soldier. Can it be, 
 That I, that feel myself in health and strength, 
 Should still believe I am so near my end, 
 And have my guards about me ? perish all 
 Predictions ! I grow constant they are false. 
 And built upon uncertainties. 
 
 1 Trib. This is right ; 
 Now Csesar's heard like Csesar. 
 
 Cces. We will to 
 The camp, and having there confirm'd the soldier 
 With a large donative, and increase of pay, 
 Some shall 1 say no more. 
 
 Re-enter Parthenius. 
 
 Parth. All happiness, 
 Security, long life, attend upon 
 The monarch of the world ! 
 
 CcBs. Thy looks are cheerful. 
 
 Parth. And my relation full of joy and wonder. 
 Why is the care of your imperial body, 
 My lord, neglected, the fear'd hour being past, 
 In which your life was threaten 'd ? 
 
 Cces. Is't past five } 
 
 Parth. Past six, upon my knowledge ; and, in 
 justice, 
 Your clock- master should die, that hath deferr'd 
 Your peace so long. There is a post new hghted. 
 That brings assured intelligence, that your legions 
 In Syria have won a glorious day, 
 And much enlarged your empire. I have kept 
 
 him 
 Conceal'd, that you might first partake the pleasure 
 In private, and the senate from yourself 
 Be taught to understand how much they owe 
 To you and to your fortune. 
 
 C^s. Hence, pale fear, then 1 
 Lead me, Parthenius. 
 
 1 Trib. Shall we wait you ? 
 
 Cats. No. 
 After losses guards are useful. Know your dis- 
 tance. [.Exeunt Cesar and Parthenius 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE ROMAN ACTOR. 
 
 ]t>5 
 
 2 Trib. How strangely hopes delude men ! as 
 I live, 
 The hour is not yet come. 
 
 ] Trib. Howe'er, we are 
 To pay our duties, and observe the sequel. 
 \_Exeunt Tribunes. Doaiitia and the rest come forward. 
 Dom. I hear him coming. Be constant. 
 
 Re-enter Cksar and Partheniits. 
 
 Cces. Where, Parthenius, 
 Is this glad messenger ? 
 
 Steph. Make the door fast. — Here ; 
 A messenger of horror. 
 
 C(ss. How ! betray'd ? JT^ 
 
 Dom. No ; taken, tyrant. 
 
 CcBs. My Domitia 
 In the conspiracy ! 
 
 Parth. Behold this book. 
 
 C>£s. Nay, then I am lost. 
 I'll not fall poorly. 
 
 [Overthrowt Stephanos. 
 
 Steph. Help me. 
 
 Eiit. Thus, and thus ! ) „. ^„ ., , . „ 
 
 .... ' , /• TV 1 r They stab him. 
 
 Sej. Are you so long a lalhng ? ^ 
 
 Cees. 'Tis done basely. \_Fall», and diet. 
 
 Parth. This for my father's death. 
 
 Dom. This for my Paris. 
 
 Jtd. This for thy incest. 
 
 Yet, though I am 
 [unarm'd. 
 
 Domitil. This for thy abuse 
 Of Domitilla. {They severally stab him. 
 
 Tribunes. [ Within.^ Force the doors ! 
 
 Enter Tribunes. 
 
 O Mars ! 
 What have you done } 
 
 Parth. What Rome shall give us thanks for. 
 
 Steph. Dispatch'd a monster. r 
 
 1 Trib. Yet he was our prince. 
 However wicked ; and, in you, this murder, — 
 Which whosoe'er succeeds him will revenge : 
 Nor will we, that serv'd under his command, 
 Consent that such a monstei as thyself, 
 (For in thy wickedness Augusta's title 
 Hath quite forsook thee,) thou, that wert the 
 
 ground 
 Of all these mischiefs, shall go hence unpunish'd. 
 Lay hands on her, and drag her to her sentence. — 
 We will refer the hearing to the senate, 
 Who may at their best leisure censure you. 
 Take up his body : he in death hath paid 
 For all his cruelties. Here's the difference ; 
 Good kings are mourn'd for after life ; but ill, 
 And such as govern'd only by their will, 
 And not their reason, unlamented fall ; 
 No good man's tear shed at their funeral. 
 
 lExeunt; the Tribunes bearing the body o/Cmsaji.. 
 
THE GIIEAT DUKE OF FLORENCE. 
 
 TO THE TRULY HONOURED, AND MY NOBLE FAVOURER, 
 
 SIR ROBERT WISEMAN, KNT. 
 
 OF THORRELl's-HALL, in ESSEX. 
 
 Sib,— As I dare not be ungrateful for the many benefits you have heretofore conferred upon me, so I have just 
 reason to fear that my attempting this way to make satisfaction (in some measure) for so due a debt, will further engnge 
 me. However, examples encourage me. The most able in my poor quality have made use of Dedications in this 
 nature, to make the world take notice (as far as in them lay) who and what they were that gave support ment and 
 protection to their studies, being more willing to publish the doer, than receive a benefit in a corner. For myself, I 
 will freely, and with a zealous thankfulness, acknowledge, that for many years I had but faintly subsisted, if I had not 
 often tasted of your bounty. But it is above my strength and faculties to celebrate to the desert your noble inclination, 
 and that made actual, to raise up, or, to speak more properly, to rebuild the ruins of demolished poesie. But that is a 
 work reserved, and will be, no doubt, undertaken, and finished, by one that can to the life express it. Accept, I 
 beseech you, tlie tender of my service, and in the list of those you have obliged to you, contemn not the name of 
 
 Your true and faithful honourer, Philip Massingbb. 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONS. 
 
 CoziMo, Duke of Florence. 
 Giovanni, Nephew to the Duke. 
 Sanazabro, the Duke's Favourite. 
 Carolo Charomonte, Giovanni's Tutor. 
 CoNTARiNo, Secretary to the Duke. 
 Alphonso, ^ 
 HrppoLiTo, Kcounsellors of State. 
 
 HiERONIMO, J 
 
 Calandbino, a merry fellow. Servant to Giovanni. 
 
 Bernardo, \ 
 
 Caponi, yServants to Charomontb. 
 
 Petruchio, j 
 
 A Gentleman. 
 
 Fiorinda, Dutchess of Urbin, 
 LiDiA, Daughter to Charomonte. 
 Calaminta, Servant to Fiorinda. 
 Petronella a foolish Servant to Libia. 
 
 Attendants, Servants, 8ic. 
 
 SCENE, — Partly in Florence, and partly at the Residence of Charomonte 
 IN the Country. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I.- 
 
 -The Country. A Room in Chako- 
 monte's House. 
 
 Enter Charomonte and Contarino. 
 
 Char. You bring your welcome with you. 
 
 Cont. Sir, I find it 
 In every circumstance. 
 
 Char. Again most welcome. 
 Yet, give me leave to wish (and pray you, excuse 
 
 me, 
 For I must use the freedom I was born with) 
 The great duke's pleasure had commanded you 
 To my poor house upon some other service ; 
 Not this you are design'd to : but his will 
 Must be obey'd, howe'er it ravish from me 
 The happy conversation of one 
 As dear to me as the old Romans held 
 
 Their household Lars, whom they believed nad 
 To bless and guard their families. [power 
 
 Cont. 'Tis received so 
 On my part, signior ; nor can the duke 
 But promise to himself as much as may 
 Be hoped for from a nephew. And 'twere weakness 
 In any man to doubt, that Giovanni. 
 Train'd up by your experience and care 
 In all those arts peculiar and proper 
 To future greatness, of necessity 
 Must in his actions, being grown a man, 
 Make good the princely education 
 Which he derived from you. 
 
 Char. I have discharged, 
 To the utmost of my power, the trust the duke 
 Committed to me, and with joy perceive 
 The seed of my endeavours was not sown 
 
SCENE I. 
 
 THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE. 
 
 16V 
 
 Upon the barren sands, but fruitful glebe, 
 Which yields a large increase : my noble charge, 
 By his sharp wit, and pregnant apprehension, 
 Instructing those that teach him ; making use, 
 Not in a vulgar and pedantic form. 
 Of what's read to him, but 'tis straight digested, 
 And truly made his own. His grave discourse, 
 In one no more indebted unto years, 
 Amazes such as hear him : horsemanship, 
 And skill to use his weapon, are by practice 
 Familiar to him : as for knowledge in 
 Music, he needs it not, it being born with him ; 
 All that he speaks being with such grace deliver'd, 
 That it makes perfect harmony. ,^ 
 
 Cont. You describe 
 A wonder to me. 
 
 Car. Sir, he is no less ; 
 And that there may be nothing wanting that 
 May render him complete, the sweetness of 
 His disposition so wins on all 
 Appointed to attend him, that they are 
 Rivals, even in the coarsest office, who 
 Shall get precedency to do him service ; 
 Which they esteem a greater happiness, 
 Tnan if they had been fashion'd and built up 
 To hold command o'er others. 
 
 Coni. And what place 
 Does he now bless with his presence ? 
 
 Char. He is now 
 Running at the ring, at which he's excellent. 
 He does allot for every exercise 
 A several hour ; for sloth, the nurse of vices, 
 And rust of action, is a stranger to him. 
 But I fear I am tedious, let us pass. 
 If you please, to some other subject, though I can- 
 Deliver him as he deserves. [not 
 
 Cont. You have given him 
 A noble character. 
 
 Char. And how, I pray you, 
 (For we, that never look beyond our villas, 
 Must be inquisitive,) are state affairs 
 Carried in court ? 
 
 Cont. There's little alteration : 
 Some rise, and others fall, as it stands with 
 The pleasure of the duke, their great disposer. 
 
 Char. Does Lodovico Sanazarro hold 
 Weight, and grace with him ? 
 
 Cont. Every day new honours 
 Are shower'd upon him, and without the envy 
 Of such as are good men ; since all confess 
 The service done our master in his wars 
 'Gainst Pisa and Sienna may with justice 
 Claim what's conferr'd upon him. 
 
 Char. 'Tis said nobly ; 
 For princes never more make known their wisdom. 
 Than when they cherish goodness where they find 
 They being men, and not gods, Contarino, [it : 
 They can give wealth and titles, but no virtues ; 
 That is without their power. When they advance, 
 Not out of judgment, but deceiving fancy, 
 An undeserving man, howe'er set off 
 With all the trim of greatness, state, and power, 
 And of a creature even grown terrible 
 To him from whom he took his giant form. 
 This thing is still a comet, no true star ; 
 And when the bounties feeding his false fire 
 Begin to fail, will of itself go out, 
 And what was dreadful, proves ridiculous. 
 But in our Sanazarro 'tis not so. 
 He being pure and tried gold • and any stamp 
 
 Of grace, to make him current to the world, 
 The duke is pleased to give him, will add honour 
 To the great bestower ; for he, though allow'd 
 Companion to his master, still preserves 
 His majesty in full lustre. 
 
 Cont. He, indeed, 
 At no part does take from it, but becomes 
 A partner of his cares, and eases him, 
 With willing shoulders, of a burthen which 
 He should alone sustain. 
 
 Char. Is he yet married ? 
 
 Cont. No, signior, stjll a bachelor ; bowe'er 
 It is apparent that the choicest virgin 
 For beauty, bravery, and wealth, in Florence, 
 Would, with her parents' glad consent, be won, 
 Were his affection and intent but known, 
 To be at his devotion. 
 
 Char. So I think too. 
 But break we off — here comes my princely charge. 
 
 Enter Giovanni and Calandrino. 
 Make your approaches boldly ; you will find 
 A courteous entertainment. [Cont. kneels. 
 
 Giov. Pray you, forbear 
 My hand, good signior ; 'tis a ceremony 
 Not due to me. 'Tis fit we should embrace 
 With mutual arms. 
 
 Cont. It is a favour, sir, 
 I grieve to be denied. 
 
 Giov. You shall o'ercome : 
 But 'tis your pleasure, not my pride, that granls it. 
 Nay, pray you, guardian, and good sir, put on : 
 How ill it shews to have that reverend head 
 Uncover'd to a boy ! 
 
 Char. Your excellence 
 Must give me liberty to observe the distance 
 And duty that I owe you. 
 
 Giov. Owe me duty ! 
 I do profess (and when I do deny it. 
 Good fortune leave me!) you have been to me 
 A second father, and may justly challeiige, 
 For training up my youth in arts and arms. 
 As much respect and service, as was due 
 To him that gave me life. And did you know, 
 
 sir, 
 Or will believe from me, how many sleeps 
 Good Charomonte hath broken, in his care 
 To build me up a man, you must confess 
 Chiron, the tutor to the great Achilles, 
 Compared with him, deserves not to be named. 
 And if my gracious uncle, the great duke. 
 Still holds me worthy his consideration, 
 Or finds in me aught worthy to be loved. 
 That little rivulet flow'd from this spring ; 
 And so from me report him. 
 
 Cont. Fame already 
 Hath fill'd his highness' ears with the true story 
 Of what you are, and how much better'd by him. 
 And 'tis his purpose to reward the travail 
 Of this grave sir, with a magnificent hand. 
 For, though his tenderness hardly could consent 
 To have you one hour absent from his sight. 
 For full three years he did deny himself 
 The pleasure he took in you, that you, here, 
 From this great master, might arrive unto 
 The theory of those high mysteries 
 Which you, by action, must make plain in court. 
 'Tis, therefore, his request, (and that, from him, 
 Your excellence must grant a strict command,) 
 That instantly (it being not five hours riding) 
 
(58 
 
 THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE. 
 
 You should take horse and visit him. These his 
 Will yield you further reasons. [letters 
 
 \_Delivers a packet. 
 Cal. To the court ! 
 Farewell the flower, then, of the country's garland, 
 This is our sun, and when he's set, we must not 
 Expect or spring or summer, but resolve 
 For a perpetual winter. 
 Char. Pray you, observe 
 
 [Giovanni reading the letters. 
 The frequent changes in his face. 
 
 Cont. As if 
 His much unwillingness to leave your house 
 Contended with his duty. 
 
 Char. Now he appears 
 Collected and resolved. 
 
 Giov. It is the duke ! 
 The duke, upon whose favour all my hopes 
 And fortunes do depend. Nor must I check 
 At his commands for any private motives 
 That do invite my stay here, though they are 
 Almost not to be master'd. My obedience, 
 In my departing suddenly, shall confirm 
 I am his highness' creature ; yet, I hope 
 A little stay to take a solemn farewell 
 Of all those ravishing pleasures I have tasted 
 In this my sweet retirement, from my guardian. 
 And his incomparable daughter, cannot meet 
 An ill construction. 
 
 Cont. I will answer that : 
 Use your own will. 
 
 Giov. I would speak to you, sir, 
 In such a phrase as might express the thanks 
 My heart would gladly pay ; but 
 
 Char. I conceive you : 
 And something I would say ; but I must do it 
 In that dumb rhetoric which you make use of, 
 
 For I do wish you all 1 know not how. 
 
 My toughness melts, and, spite of my discretion, 
 I must turn woman. lEmbraces Giovanni. 
 
 Cont. What a sympathy 
 There is between them ! 
 
 Cal. Were I on the rack, 
 I could not shed a tear. But I am mad. 
 And, ten to one, shall hang myself for sorrow. 
 Before I shift my shirt. But hear you, sir, 
 (I'll separate you,) when you are gone, what will 
 Become of me .' 
 
 Giov. Why, thou shalt to court with me. 
 
 [Takes Char, aside. 
 
 Cal. To see you worried ? 
 
 Cont. Worried, Calandrino ! 
 
 Cal. Tes, sir : for, bring this sweet face to the 
 court. 
 There will be such a longing 'rnong the madams, 
 Who shall engross it first, nay, fight and scratch 
 
 for't. 
 That, if they be not stopp'd, for entertainment 
 They'll kiss his lips off. Nay, if you'll 'scape so. 
 And not be tempted to a further danger, 
 These succubae are so sharp set, that you must 
 Give out you are an eunuch. 
 
 Cont. Have a better 
 Opinion of court-ladies, and take care 
 Of your own stake. 
 
 Cal. For my stake, 'tis past caring. 
 I would not have a bird of unclean feathers 
 Handsel his lime twig, — and so much for him : 
 There's something else that troubles me. 
 
 Cont. What's that ^ 
 
 Cal. WHiy, how to behave myself in court, and 
 tightly. 
 I have been told the very place transforms men. 
 And that not one of a thousand, that before 
 Lived honestly in the country on plain salads, 
 But bring him thither, mark me that, and feed him 
 But a month or two with custards ^nd court cake- 
 bread. 
 And he turns knave immediately. — I'd be honest ; 
 But I must follow the fashion, or die a beggar. 
 
 Giov. And, if I ever reach my hopes, believe it, 
 We will share fortunes. 
 
 Char. This acknowledgment 
 
 Enter Lidia. 
 Binds me your debtor ever. — Here comes one 
 In whose sad looks you easily may read 
 What her heart suffers, in that she is forced 
 To take her last leave of you. 
 
 Cont. As I live, 
 A beauty without parallel ! 
 
 Lid. Must you go, then, 
 So suddenly .' 
 
 Giov. There's no evasion, Lidia, 
 To gain the least delay, though I would buy it 
 At any rate. Greatness, with private men 
 Esteem'd a blessing, is to me a curse ; 
 And we, whom, for our high births, they conclude 
 The only freemen, are the only slaves. 
 Happy the golden mean ! had I been bora 
 In a poor sordid cottage, not nurs'd up 
 With expectation to command a court, 
 I might, like such of your condition, sweetest. 
 Have ta'en a safe and middle course, and not, 
 As I am now, against my choice, compell'd 
 Or to lie grovelling on the earth, or raised 
 So high upon the pinnacles of state, 
 That I must either keep my height with danger, 
 Or fall with certain ruin. 
 
 Lid. Your own goodness 
 Will be your faithful guard. 
 
 Giov. O, Lidia ! 
 
 Cont. So passionate ! lAiide. 
 
 Giov. For, had I been your equal, 
 I might have seen and liked with mine own eyes, 
 And not, as now, with others ; I might still. 
 And without observation, or envy. 
 As I have done, continued my delights 
 With you, that are alone, in my esteem, 
 The abstract of society : we might walk 
 In solitary groves, or in choice gardens ; 
 From the variety of curious flowers 
 Contemplate nature's workmanship, and wonders ; 
 And then, for change, near to the murmur of 
 Some bubbling fountain, I might hear you sing, 
 And, from the well-tuned accents of your tongue, 
 In my imagination conceive 
 With what melodious harmony a quire 
 Of angels sing above their Maker's praises. 
 And then with chaste discourse, as we return'd, 
 Imp feathers to the broken wings of time : — I 
 
 And all this I must part from. 
 
 Cont. You forget 
 The haste imposed upon us. 
 
 Giov. One word more. 
 And then I come. And after this, when, witfc 
 Continued innocence of love and service, 
 I had grown ripe for Hymeneal joys, 
 Embracing you, but with a lawful flame, 
 I might have been your husband. 
 
SCKXK II. 
 
 THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE. 
 
 im 
 
 Lid. Sir, I was, 
 And ever am, your servant ; but it was, 
 And 'tis, far from me in a thought to cherish 
 Such saucy hopes. If I had been the heir 
 Of all the globes and sceptres mankind bows to, 
 At my best you had deserved me ; as I am, 
 Howe'er unworthy, in my virgin zeal 
 I wish you, as a partner of your bed, 
 A princess equal to you ; such a one 
 That may make it the study of her life, 
 With all the obedience of a wife, to please you. 
 May you have happy issue, and I live 
 To be their humblest handmaid ! 
 
 Gio.v. 1 am dumb, ,^ 
 
 And can make no reply. 
 
 Cont. Your excellence 
 Will be benighted. 
 
 Giov. This kiss, bathed in tears, 
 May learn you what I should say. 
 
 Lid. Give me leave 
 To wait on you to your horse. 
 
 Char. And me to bring you 
 To the one half of your journey. 
 
 Giov. Your love puts 
 Your age to too much trouble. 
 
 Char. I grow young. 
 When most I serve you. 
 
 Cont. Sir, the duke shall thank you. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — Florence. — A Room in the 
 Palace. 
 Enter Alphonso, Hippolito, and Hierootmo. 
 Alph. His highness cannot take it ill. 
 Hip. However, 
 iVe with our duties shall express our care 
 For the safety of his dukedom. 
 Hier. And our loves 
 
 Enter Cozimo. 
 
 To his person. — Here he comes : present it boldly. 
 [They kneel, Alphonso lenders a Paper. 
 
 Coz. What needs this form ? We are not grown 
 As to disdain familiar conference [so proud 
 
 With such as are to counsel and direct us. 
 This kind of adoration shew'd not well 
 In the old Roman emperors, who, forgetting 
 That they were flesh and blood, would be styled 
 
 gods : 
 In us to suffer it, were worse. Pray you, rise. 
 
 {Reads. 
 Still the old suit ! With too much curiousness 
 You have too often search'd this wound, which 
 Security and rest, not trouble to me. [yields 
 
 For here you grieve, that my firm resolution 
 Continues me a widower ; and that 
 My want of issue to succeed me in 
 My government, when I am dead, may breed 
 Distraction in the state, and make the name 
 \nd family of the Medici, now admired, 
 Contemptible. 
 
 Hip. And with strong reasons, sir. 
 
 Alph. For, were you old, and past hope to beget 
 The model of yourself, we should be silent. 
 
 Hier. But, being in your height and pride of 
 As you are now, great sir, and having, too, [years, 
 In your possession the daughter of 
 The deceased duke of Urbin, and his heir 
 Whose guardian you are made ; were you but 
 pleased 
 
 To think her worthy of you, besides children, 
 The dukedom she brings with her for a dower 
 Will yield a large increase of strength and powei* 
 To those fair territories which already 
 Acknowledge you their absolute lord. 
 
 Coz. You press us 
 With solid arguments, we grant ; and, though 
 We stand not bound to yield account to any 
 Why we do this or that, (the full consent 
 Of our subjects being included in our will,) 
 We, out of our free bounties, will deliver 
 The motives that divert us. You well know 
 That, three years since, to our much grief, vre lost 
 Our dutchess ; such a dutchess, that the world, 
 In her whole course of life, yields not a lady 
 That can with imitation deserve 
 To be her second ; in her grave we buried 
 All thoughts of woman : let this satisfy 
 For any second marriage. Now, whereas 
 You name the heir of Urbin, as a princess 
 Of great revenues, 'tis confess'd she is so : 
 But for some causes, private to ourself, 
 We have disposed her otherwise. Yet despair not 
 For you, ere long, with joy shall understand. 
 That in our princely care we have provided 
 One worthy to succeed us. 
 
 Enter Sanazarro. 
 
 Hip. We submit, 
 And hold the counsels of great Cozimo 
 Oraculous. 
 
 Coz. My Sanazarro ! — Nay, 
 Forbear all ceremony. You look sprightly, friend, 
 And promise in your clear aspect some novel 
 That may delight us. 
 
 Sanaz. O sir, I would not be 
 The harbinger of aught that might distaste you ; 
 And therefore know (for 'twere a sin to torture 
 Your highness' expectation) your vice-admiral. 
 By my directions, hath surprised the gallies 
 Appointed to transport the Asian tribute 
 Of the great Turk ; a richer prize was never 
 Brought into Florence. 
 
 Coz. Still my nightingale. 
 That with sweet accents dost assure me, that 
 My spring of happiness comes fast upon me ! 
 Embrace me boldly. I pronounce that wretch 
 An enemy to brave and thriving action. 
 That dares believe but in a thought, we are 
 Too prodigal in our favours to this man. 
 Whose merits, though with him we should divide 
 Our dukedom, still continue us his debtor. 
 
 Hip. 'Tis far from me. 
 
 Alph. We all applaud it. 
 
 Coz. Nay, blush not, Sanazarro, we are proud 
 Of what we build up in thee ; nor can our 
 Election be disparaged, since we have not 
 Received into our bosom and our grace 
 A glorious lazy drone, grown fat with feeding 
 On others' toil, but an industrious bee. 
 That crops the sweet flowers of our enemies. 
 And every happy evening returns 
 Loaden with wax and honey to our hive. 
 
 Sanaz. My best endeavours never can discharge 
 The service I should pay. 
 
 Coz. Thou art too modest ; 
 But we will study how to give, and when. 
 
 Enter Giovanni and Contarino. 
 
 Before it be demanded. Giovanni ! 
 
 My nephew ! let me eye thee better, bov. 
 
170 
 
 THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE. 
 
 In thee, methinks, my sister lives again ; 
 For her love 1 will be a father to thee, 
 For thou art my adopted son. 
 
 Giov. Your servant, 
 And humblest subject. 
 
 Coz. Thy hard travel, nephew, 
 Requires soft rest, and therefore we forbear. 
 For the present, an account how thou hast spent 
 Thy absent hours. See, signiors, see, our care. 
 Without a second bed, provides you of 
 A hopeful prince. Carry him to his lodgings, 
 And, for his further honour, Sanazarro, 
 With the rest, do you attend him. 
 
 Giov. All true pleasures 
 Circle your highness ! 
 
 Sanaa. As the rising sun, 
 We do receive you. 
 
 Giov. May this never set, 
 But shine upon you ever ! 
 
 lExsunt Giovanni, Sanazarro, Hieronimo, Alphonso, 
 atid HippOLiTO. 
 
 Coz. Contarino ! 
 
 Cont. My gracious lord. 
 
 Coz. What entertainment found you 
 From Carolo de Charomonte ? 
 
 Cont. Free, 
 \nd bountiful. He's ever like himself. 
 Noble and hospitable. 
 
 Coz. But did my nephew 
 Depart thence willmgly ? 
 
 Cont. He obey'd your summons 
 As did become him. Yet it was apparent. 
 But that he durst not cross your will, he would 
 Have sojourn'd longer there, he ever finding 
 Variety of sweetest entertainment. 
 But there was something else ; nor can I blame 
 His youth, though with some trouble he took 
 
 leave 
 Of such a sweet companion. 
 
 Coz. Who was it? 
 
 Cont. The daughter, sir, of signior Carolo, 
 Fair Lidia, a virgin, at all parts. 
 But in her birth and fortunes, equal to him. 
 The rarest beauties Italy can make boast of. 
 Are but mere shadows to her, she the substance 
 Of all perfection. And what increases 
 The wonder, sir, her body's matchless form 
 Is better'd by the pureness of her soul. 
 Such sweet discourse, such ravishing behaviour. 
 Such charming language, such enchanting manners, 
 With a simplicity that shames all courtship. 
 Flow hourly from her, that I do believe 
 Had Circe or Calypso her sweet graces, 
 Wandering Ulysses never had remember'd 
 Penelope, or Ithaca. 
 
 Coz. Be not rapt so. 
 
 Cont. Your excellence would be so, had you 
 seen her. 
 
 Coz. Take up, take up. — But did your obser- 
 vation 
 Note any passage of affection 
 Between her and my nephew ? 
 
 Cont. How it should 
 Be otherwise between them, is beyond 
 My best imagination. Cupid's arrows 
 Were useless there ; for, of necessity. 
 Their years and dispositions do accord so, 
 They must wound one another. 
 
 Coz. Umph ! Thou art 
 My secretary, Contarino, and more skill'd 
 In politic designs of state, than in 
 Thy judgment of a beauty ; give me leave. 
 In this, to doubt it. — Here. Go to my cabinet, 
 You shall find there letters newly received. 
 Touching the state of Urbin. 
 Pray you, with care peruse them : leave the search 
 Of this to us. 
 
 Cont. I do obey in <i)l things. lExa. 
 
 Coz. Lidia ! a diamond so long conceal'd. 
 And never worn in court ! of such sweet feature ! 
 And he on whom I fix my dukedom's hopes 
 Made captive to it ! Umph ! 'tis somewhat strange. 
 Our eyes are everywhere, and we will make 
 A strict enquiry Sanazarro ! 
 
 Re-enter Sanazarro. 
 
 Sanaz. Sir. 
 
 Coz. Is my nephew at his rest ? 
 
 Sanaz. I saw him in bed, sir. 
 
 Coz. 'Tis well ; and does the princess Fiorinda, 
 Nay, do not blush, she is rich Urbin's heir. 
 Continue constant in her favours to you .' 
 
 Sanaz. Dread sir, she may dispense them as 
 she pleases ; 
 But I look up to her as on a princess 
 I dare not be ambitious of, and hope 
 Her prodigal graces shall not render me 
 Offender to your highness. 
 
 Coz. Not a scruple. 
 He whom I favour, as I do my friend. 
 May take all lawful graces that become him : 
 But touching this hereafter. I have now 
 (And though perhaps it may appear a trifle) 
 Serious employment for thee. 
 
 Sanaz. 1 stand ready 
 For any act you please. 
 
 Coz. I know it, friend. 
 Have you ne'er heard of Lidia, the daughter 
 Of Carolo Charomonte ? 
 
 Sanaz. Him 1 know, sir. 
 For a noble gentleman, and my worthy friend ; 
 But never heard of her. 
 
 Coz. She is deliver'd, 
 A.nd feelingly to us by Contarino, 
 For a masterpiece in nature. I would have you 
 Ride suddenly thither to behold this wonder, 
 But not as sent by us ; that's our first caution : 
 The second is, and carefully observe it, 
 That, though you are a bachelor, and endow'd with 
 All those perfections that may take a virgin. 
 On forfeit of our favour do not tempt her : 
 It may be her fair graces do concern us. 
 Pretend what. business you think fit, to gain 
 Access unto her father's house, and there 
 Make full discovery of her, and return me 
 A true relation : — 1 have some ends in it. 
 With which we will acquaint you. 
 
 Sanaz. This is, sir, 
 An easy task. 
 
 Coz. Yet one that must exact 
 Your secrecy and diligence. Let not 
 Your stay be long. 
 
 Sanaz. It shall not, sir. 
 
 Coz. Farewell, 
 And be, as you would keep our favour, careful. 
 
 lEaceunt 
 
SCENE 
 
 THE GREAT JJUKE OF FLORENCE. 
 
 171 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE I. — The same. A Room in Fiorinda's 
 House. 
 
 Enter Fiorinda and Calaminta. 
 
 Fior. How does this dressing shew? 
 
 Calam. 'Tis of itself 
 Curious and rare ; but, borrowing ornament, 
 As it does from your grace, that deigns to wear it. 
 Incomparable. 
 
 Fior. Thou flatter'st me. 
 
 Calam. I cannot. 
 Your excellence is above it. -^ 
 
 Fior. Were we less perfect. 
 Yet, being as we are, an absolute princess, 
 We of necessity must be chaste, wise, fair. 
 By our prerogative ! — yet all these fail 
 To move where I would have them. How received 
 Count Snnazarro the rich scarf I sent him 
 For his last visit ? 
 
 Calam. With much reverence, 
 I dare not say affection. He express'd 
 More ceremony in his humble thanks. 
 Than feeling of the favour ; and appear'd 
 Wilfully ignorant, in my opinion, 
 Of what it did invite him to. 
 
 Fior. No matter ; 
 He's blind with too much light. Have you not 
 
 heard 
 Of any private mistress he's engaged to .-' 
 
 Calam. Not any ; and this does amaze me, 
 madam, 
 That he, a soldier, one that drinks rich wines, 
 Feeds high, and promises as much as Venus 
 Could wish to find from Mars, should in his man- 
 Be so averse to women. [uers 
 
 Fior, Troth, I know not ; 
 He's man enough, and, if he has a haunt, 
 He preys far off, like a subtle fox. 
 
 Calam. And that way 
 I do suspect him : for I learnt last night, 
 When the great duke went to rest, attended by 
 One private follower, he took horse ; but whither 
 He's rid, or to what end, I cannot guess at. 
 But I will find it out. 
 
 Fior. Do, faithful servant ; 
 
 Enter Calandrino. 
 We would not be abused. — Who have we here ? 
 
 Calam. How the fool stares ! 
 
 Fior. And looks as if he were 
 Conning his neck-verse. 
 
 Cal. If I now prove perfect 
 In my A B C of courtship, Calandrino 
 Is made for ever. I am sent — let me see, 
 On a How d'ye, as they call't. 
 
 Calam. What wouldst thou say ? 
 
 Cal. Let me see my notes. These are her 
 lodgings ; well. 
 
 Calam. Art thou an ass? 
 
 Cal. Peace 1 thou art a court wagtail, 
 
 ILooking on his instructions. 
 To interrupt me, 
 
 Fior. He has given it you. 
 
 Cal. And then say to the illustrious Fi-o- 
 I have it. Which is she ? [jrin-da—. 
 
 Calam. Why this ; fop-doodle. 
 
 Cal. Leave chattering, buU-fiuch; you would 
 put me out. 
 
 But 'twill not do Then, after you have made 
 
 Your three obeisances to her^ kneel, and kiss 
 The skirt of her gown. — I am glad it is no worse. 
 
 Calam. And why so, sir ? 
 
 Cal. Because I was afraid 
 That, after the Italian garb, I should 
 Have kiss'd her backward. 
 
 Calam. This is sport unlook'd for. 
 
 Cal. Are you the princess ? 
 
 Fior. Yes, sir. 
 
 Cal. Then stand fair, 
 For I am choleric ; and do not nip 
 A hopeful blossom. — Out again : — Three low 
 Obeisances — 
 
 Fior. I am ready. 
 
 Cal. I come on, then. 
 
 Calam. With mucli formality. 
 
 Cal. Umph I One, two, three. 
 
 [Makes antic curtesies. 
 Thus far I am right. Now for the last. [Kisses 
 
 the skirt of her gown.] — O, rare ! 
 She is perfumed all over ! Sure great women. 
 Instead of little dogs, are privileged 
 To carry musk-cats. 
 
 Fior. Now the ceremony 
 Is pass'd, what is the substance ? 
 
 Cal. I'll peruse 
 My instructions, and then tell you. — Her skirt 
 Inform her highness that your lord [kiss'd, 
 
 Calam. Who's that ? 
 
 Cal. Prince Giovanni, who entreats your grace, 
 That he, with your good favour, may have leave 
 To present his service to you. I think I have nick'd 
 For a courtier of the first form. [it 
 
 Fior. To my wonder. 
 
 Enter Giovanni and a Gentleman. 
 
 Return unto the prince — but he prevents 
 My answer. Calaminta, take him off; 
 And, for the neat delivery of his message, 
 Give him ten ducats : such rare parts as yours 
 Are to be cherish'd. 
 
 Cal. We will share : I know 
 It is the custom of the court, when ten 
 Are promised, five is fair. Fie ! fie I the princess 
 Shall never know it, so you dispatch me quickly, 
 And bid me not come to-morrow. 
 
 Calam. Very good, sir. 
 
 lExeunt Calandrino, and Cajlaminta. 
 
 Giov. Pray you, friend. 
 Inform the duke I am putting into act 
 What he commanded. 
 
 Gent. I am proud to be employ'd, sir. lExit. 
 
 Giov. Madam, tliat, without warrant, I presume 
 To trench upon your privacies, may argue 
 Rudeness of manners ; but the free access 
 Your princely courtesy voucnsafes to all 
 That come to pay their services, gives me hope 
 To find a gracious pardon. 
 
 Fior. If you please, not 
 To make that an offence in your construction, 
 Which I receive as a large favour from you, 
 There needs not this apology. 
 
 Giov. You continue, 
 As you were ever, the greatest mistress of 
 Fair entertainment. 
 
 Fior. You are, sir, the master : 
 
172 
 
 THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE. 
 
 ACT II 
 
 AjiA in the country have learnt to outdo 
 
 All that in court is practised. But why should we 
 
 Talk at such distance ? You are welcome, sir. 
 
 We have been more familiar, and since 
 
 You will impose the province (you should govern) 
 
 Of boldness on me, give me leave to say 
 
 You are too punctual. Sit, sir, and discourse 
 
 As we were used. 
 
 Giov. Your excellence knows so well 
 How to command, that I can never err 
 When I obey you. 
 
 Fior. Nay, no more of this. 
 You shall o'ercome ; no more, I pray you, sir. — 
 And what delights, pray you be liberal 
 "^n your relation, hath the country life 
 Afforded you ? 
 
 Giov. All pleasures, gracious madam, 
 But the happiness to converse with your sweet 
 I had a grave instructor, and my hours [virtues. 
 Design'd to serious studies yielded me 
 Pleasure with profit, in the knowledge of 
 What before I was ignorant in ; the signior, 
 Carolo de Charomonte, being skilful 
 To guide me through the labyrinth of wild passions, 
 That labour'd to imprison my free soul 
 A slave to vicious sloth. 
 
 Fior. Y"ou speak him well. 
 
 Giov. But short of his deserts. Then for thp 
 Of recreation, I was allow'd [time 
 
 (Against the form folio w'd by jealous parents 
 In Italy) full liberty to partake 
 His daughter's sweet society. She's a virgin 
 Happy in all endowments which a poet 
 Could fancy in his mistress ; being herself 
 A school of goodness, where chaste maids may learn, 
 Without the aids of foreign principles. 
 By the example of her life and pureness, 
 To be as she is, excellent. I but give you 
 A brief epitome of her virtues, which, 
 Dilated on at large, and to their merit, 
 Would make an ample story. 
 
 Fio7\ Your whole age, 
 So spent with such a father and a daughter, 
 Could not be tedious to you. 
 
 Giov. True, great princess : 
 And now, since you have pleased to grant the 
 
 hearing 
 Of my time's expense in the country, give me leave 
 To entreat the favour to be made acquainted 
 What service, or what objects in the court. 
 Have, in your excellency's acceptance, proved 
 Most gracious to you. 
 
 Fior, I'll meet your demand, 
 And make a plain discovery. The duke's care 
 For my estate and person holds the first 
 And choicest place : then, the respect the courtiers 
 Pay gladly to me, not to be contemn'd. 
 But that which raised in me the most delight, 
 (For I am a friend to valour,) was to hear 
 The noble actions truly reported 
 Of the brave count Sanazarro. I profess. 
 When it hath been, and fervently, deliver'd, 
 How boldly, in the horror of a fight, 
 Cover'd with fire and smoke, and, as if nature 
 Had lent him wings, like liglitning he hath fallen 
 Upon the Turkish gallies, 1 have heard it 
 With a kind of pleasure, which hath whisper'd to 
 This worthy must be cherish'd. [me, 
 
 Giov. 'Twas a bounty 
 You never can repent. 
 
 Fior. I glory in it. 
 And when he did return, (but still with conquest) 
 His armour off, not young Antinous 
 Appear'd more courtly ; all the graces that 
 Render a man's society dear to ladies. 
 Like pages waiting on him; and it does 
 Work strangely on me. 
 
 Giov. To divert your thoughts. 
 Though they are fix'd upon a noble subject, 
 I am a suitor to you. 
 
 Fior. You will ask, 
 I do presume, what I may grant, and then 
 It must not be denied. 
 
 Giov. It is a favour 
 For which I hope your excellence will thank me, 
 
 Fior. Nay, without circumstance. 
 
 Giov. That you would please 
 To take occasion to move the duke, 
 That you, with his allowance, may command 
 This matchless virgin, Lidia, (of whom 
 I cannot speak too much,) to wait upon you. 
 She's such a one, upon the forfeit of 
 Your good opinion of me, that will not 
 Be a blemish to your train. 
 
 Fior. 'Tis rank ! he loves her : 
 But I will fit him with a suit. [Aside.]— 1 pause 
 As if it bred or doubt or scruple in me [not, 
 
 To do what you desire, for I'll effect it. 
 And make use of a fair and fit occasion ; 
 Yet, in return, I ask a boon of you, 
 And hope to find you, in your grant to me, 
 As I have been to you. 
 
 Giov. Command me, madam. 
 
 Fior. 'Tis near allied to yours. That you would 
 A suitor to the duke, not to expose, [be 
 
 After so many trials of his faith, 
 The noble Sanazarro to all dangers. 
 As if he were a wall to stand the fury 
 Of a perpetual battery : but now 
 To grant him, after his long labours, rest 
 And liberty to live in court ; his arms 
 And his victorious sword and shield hung up 
 For monuments. 
 
 Giov. Urnph ! — I'll embrace, fair princess. 
 
 Enter Cozimo. 
 
 The soonest opportunity. The duke ! 
 
 Coz. Nay, blush not ; we smile on your privacy, 
 And come not to disturb you. You are equals. 
 And, without prejudice to cither's honours, 
 May make a mutual change of love and courtship, 
 Till you are made one, and with holy rites. 
 And we give suffrage to it. 
 
 Giov. You are gracious. 
 
 Coz. To ourself in this: but now break off; 
 too much 
 Taken at once of the most curious viands, 
 Dulls the sharp edge of appetite. We are now 
 For other sports, in which our pleasure is 
 That you shall keep us company. 
 
 Fior. We attend you. lExeunt 
 
 SCE^E U.— The Country/. A Hallin 
 Charomonte's House. 
 Enter Bernardo, Caponi, and Pbtruchu*. 
 Bern. Is my lord stirring .' 
 Cap. No ; he's fast. 
 Pet. Let us take, then. 
 
SCENE 111. 
 
 THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE. 
 
 173 
 
 Our morning draught. Such as eat store of beef, 
 Mutton, and capons, may preserve their healths 
 With that thin composition cali'd small beer. 
 As, 'tis said, they do in England. But Italians, 
 That think when they have supp'd upon an olive, 
 A root, or bunch of raisins, 'tis a feast, 
 Must kill those crudities rising from cold herbs, 
 With hot and lusty wines. 
 
 Cap. A happiness 
 Those tramontanes ne'er tasted. 
 
 Ber. Have they not 
 Store of wine there ? 
 
 Cap. Yes, and drink more in two hours 
 Than the Dutchmen or the Dane in fom. and 
 twenty. 
 
 Pet. But what is't? French trash, made of 
 rotten grapes, 
 And dregs and lees of Spain, with Welsh metheg- 
 
 lin, 
 A drench to kill a horse ! But this pure nectar. 
 Being proper to our climate, is too fine 
 To brook the roughness of the sea : the spirit 
 Of this begets in us quick apprehensions. 
 And active executions ; whereas their 
 Gross feeding makes their understanding like it : 
 They can fight, and that's their all. IThey drink. 
 
 Enter Sanazarro and Servant. 
 
 Sanaz. Security 
 Dwells about this house, I think ; the gate's wide 
 And not a servant stirring. See the horses [open, 
 Set up, and clothed. 
 
 Serv. I shall, sir. lExit. 
 
 Sanaz. I'll make bold 
 To press a little further. 
 
 Bern. Who is this, 
 Count Sanazarro? 
 
 Pet. Yes, I know him. Quickly 
 Remove the flaggon. 
 
 Sanaz. A good day to you, friends. 
 Nay, do not conceal your physic ; I approve it, 
 And, if you please, will be a patient with you. 
 
 Pet. My noble lord. IDrinks. 
 
 Sanaz. A health to yours. [Drinks.} Well 
 done ! 
 I see you love yourselves, and I commend you ; 
 'Tis the best wisdom. 
 
 Pet. May it please your honour 
 To walk a turn in the gallery, I'll acquaint 
 My lord with your being here. lExit. 
 
 Sanaz. Tell him I come 
 For a visit only. 'Tis a handsome pile this. lExU. 
 
 Cap. Why here is a brave fellow, and a right 
 Nor wealth nor greatness makes him proud, [one ; 
 
 Bern. There are 
 Too few of them ; for most of our new courtiers. 
 (Whose fathers were familiar with the prices 
 Of oil and corn, with when and where to vent them. 
 And left their heirs rich, from their knowledge that 
 
 way,) 
 Like gourds shot up in a night, disdain to speak 
 But to cloth of tissue. 
 
 Enter Chakomontb in a nightgown, Fbtrvchio follotving. 
 
 Char. Stand you prating, knaves, 
 When such a guest is under my roof 1 See all 
 The rooms perfumed. This is the man that carries 
 The sway and swing of the court ; and I had rather 
 
 Preserve him mine with honest offices, than 
 
 But I'll make no comparisons. Bid my daughter 
 
 Trim herself up to the height; I know this courtier 
 Must have a smack at her ; and, perhaps, by his 
 
 place. 
 Expects to wriggle further : if he does, 
 I shall deceive his hopes ; for I'll not taint 
 My honour for the dukedom. Which way went he? 
 
 Cap. To the round gallery. 
 
 Char. I will entertain him 
 As fits his worth and quality, but no further. 
 
 iExeunU 
 
 SCENE III.— ^ Gallery in the same. 
 Enter Sanazarro. 
 Sanaz. I cannot apprehend, yet I have argu3d 
 All ways I can imagine, for what reasons 
 The great duke does employ me hither ; and. 
 What does increase the miracle, I must render 
 A strict and true account, at my return. 
 Of Lidia, this lord's daughter, and describe 
 In what she's excellent, and where defective. 
 'Tis a hard task : he that will undergo 
 To make a judgment of a woman's beauty. 
 And see through all her plasterings and paintings, 
 Had need of Lynceus' eyes, and with more ease 
 May look, like him, through nine mud walls, than 
 
 make 
 A' true discoveiy of her. But the intents 
 And secrets of my prince's heart must be 
 Served, and not search'd into. 
 
 Enter Charomonte. 
 
 Char. Most noble sir. 
 Excuse my age, subject to ease and sloth. 
 That with no greater speed I have presented 
 My service with your welcome. 
 
 Sanaz. 'Tis more fit 
 That I should ask your pardon, for disturbing 
 Your rest at this unseasonable hour. 
 But my occasions carrying me so near 
 Your hospitable house, my stay being short too, 
 Your goodness, and the name of friend, which you 
 Are pleased to grace me with, gave me assurance 
 A visit would not offend. 
 
 Char. Offend, my lord ! 
 I feel myself much younger for the favour. 
 How is it with our gracious master ? 
 
 Sanaz. He, sir. 
 Holds still his wonted greatness, and confesses 
 Himself your debtor, for your love and care 
 To the prince Giovanni ; and had sent 
 Particular thanks by me, had his grace known 
 The quick dispatch of what I was design'd to 
 Would have licensed me to see you. 
 
 Char. I am rich 
 In his acknowledgment. 
 
 Sanaz. Sir, I have heard 
 Your happiness in a daughter. 
 
 Char. Sits the wind there ? lAside. 
 
 Sanaz. Fame gives her out for a rare master- 
 piece. 
 
 Char. 'Tis a plain village girl, sir, but ooedient; 
 That's her best beauty, sir. 
 
 Sanaz. Let my desire 
 To see her, find a fair construction from you : 
 I bring no loose thought with me. 
 
 Char. You are that way. 
 My lord, free from suspicion. Her own manners, 
 Without an imposition from me, 
 I hope, will prompt her to it. 
 
174 
 
 THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE. 
 
 Enter Lidia and Petronella. 
 
 As she is, 
 She comes to make a tender of that service 
 Which she stands bound to pay. 
 
 Sanaz. With your fair leave, 
 I make bold to salute you. 
 
 Lid. Sir, you have it. 
 
 Petron. I am her gentlewoman, will he not kiss 
 me too ? 
 This is coarse, i'faith. \_Aside. 
 
 Char. How he falls off! 
 
 Lid. My lord, though silence best becomes a 
 And to be curious to know but what [maid, 
 
 Concerns myself, and with becoming distance, 
 May argue me of boldness, I must borrow 
 So much of modesty, as to enquire 
 Prince Giovanni's health. 
 
 Sanaz. He cannot want 
 W^hat you are pleased to wish him. 
 
 Lid. Would 'twere so ! 
 And then there is no blessing that can make 
 A hopeful and a noble prince complete, 
 But should fall on him. O ! he was our north star. 
 The light and pleasure of our eyes. 
 
 Sanaz. Where am I ? 
 I feel myself another thing ! Can charms 
 Be writ on such pure rubies ? her lips melt 
 As soon as touch'd ! Not those smooth gales that 
 O'er happy Araby, or rich Sabsea, [glide 
 
 Creating in their passage gums and spices. 
 Can serve for a weak simile to express 
 The sweetness of her breath. Such a brave stature 
 Homer bestow'd on Pallas, every limb 
 Proportion'd to it! 
 
 Char. This is strange. — My lord I 
 
 Sanaz. I crave your pardon, and yours, match- 
 For such I must report you. [less maid. 
 
 Petron. There's no notice 
 Taken all this while of me. iAside. 
 
 Sanaz. And I must add. 
 If your discourse and reason parallel 
 The rareness of your more than human form, 
 You are a wonder. 
 
 Cnar. Pray yon, my lord, make trial : 
 She can speak, I can assure you ; and that my 
 
 presence 
 May not take from her freedom, I will leave you : 
 For know, my lord, my confidence dares trust her 
 
 Where, and with whom, she pleases. If he be 
 
 Taken the right way with her, I cannot fancy 
 A better match ; and, for false play, I know 
 The tricks, and can discern them. — Petronella. 
 
 Petron. Yes, my good lord. 
 
 Char. I have employment for you. 
 
 lExeunt Charomontb mid Petronella. 
 
 Lid. What's your will, sir ^ 
 
 Sanaz. Madam, you are so large a theme to 
 And every grace about you offers to me [treat of, 
 Such copiousness of language, that I stand 
 Doubtful which first to touch at. If I err. 
 As in my choice I may, let me entreat you. 
 Before 1 do offend, to sign my pardon : 
 Let this, the emblem of your innocence, 
 Give me assurance. 
 
 Lid. My hand join'd to yours, 
 Without this superstition, confirms it. 
 Nor need I fear you will dwell long upon me- 
 The barrenness of the subject yielding nothing 
 That rhetoric, with all her tropes and figures, 
 Can amplify. Yet since you are resolved 
 
 To prove yourself a courtier in my praise, 
 As I'm a woman (and you men affirm 
 Our sex loves to be fiatter'd) I'll endure it. 
 
 Enter Charomonte above. 
 
 Now, when you please, begin. 
 
 Sanaz. [turning from her.} Such Lseda's paps 
 were, — 
 (Down pillows styled by Jove,' and their pure 
 
 whiteness 
 Shames the swan's down, or snow. No heat of lust 
 Swells up her azure veins ; and yet I feel 
 That this chaste ice but touch'd, fans fire in me. 
 
 Lid. You need not, noble sir, be thus trans- 
 Or trouble your invention to express [ported, 
 
 Your thought of me : the plainest phrase and lan- 
 guage 
 That you can use, will be too high a strain 
 For such an humble theme. 
 
 Sanaz. If the great duke 
 Made this his end to try my constant temper. 
 Though I am vanquish'd, 'tis his fault, not mine ; 
 For I am flesh and blood, and have affections 
 Like other men. Who can behold the temples, 
 Or holy altars, but the objects work 
 Devotion in him ? And I may as well 
 Walk over burning iron with bare feet, 
 And be unscorch'd, as look upon this beauty 
 Without desire, and that desire pursued too. 
 Till it be quench'd with the enjoying those 
 Delights, which to achieve, danger is nothing, 
 And loyalty but a word. 
 
 Lid. I ne'er was proud ; 
 Nor can find I am guilty of a thought 
 Deserving this neglect and strangeness from you ; 
 Nor am I amorous. 
 
 Sanaz. Suppose his greatness 
 Loves her himself, why makes he choice of me 
 To be his agent ? It is tyranny 
 To call one pinch'd with hunger to a feast, 
 And at that instant cruelly deny him 
 To taste of what he sees. Allegiance 
 Tempted too far is like the trial of 
 A good sword on an anvil ; as that often 
 Flies in pieces without service to the owner, 
 So trust enforced too far proves treachery, 
 And is too late repented. 
 
 Lid. Pray you, sir. 
 Or license me to leave, or deliver 
 The reasons which invite you to command 
 My tedious waiting on you. 
 
 Char. As I live, 
 I know not what to think on't. Is't his pride, 
 Or his simplicity ? 
 
 Sanaz. Whither have my thoughts 
 Carried me from myself? In this my dulness. 
 
 I've lost an opportunity 
 
 ITurns to her ; she falls ojf. 
 
 Lid. 'Tis true, 
 I was not bred in court, nor live a star there ; 
 Nor shine in rich embroideries and pearl, 
 As they, that are the mistresses of great fortunes. 
 Are every day adorn'd with 
 
 Sanaz. Will you vouchsafe 
 Your ear, sweet lady ? 
 
 Lid. Yet I may be bold, 
 For my integrity and fame, to rank 
 Wit'n such as are more glorious. Though I never 
 Did injury, yet I am sensible 
 When I'm contemn'd, and scorn'd. 
 
THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE. 
 
 175 
 
 Sanaz. Will you please to hear me? 
 
 Lid. O the difference of natures ! Giovanni, 
 A prince in expectation, when he lived here, 
 Stole courtesy from heaven, and would not to 
 The meanest servant in my father's house 
 Have kept such distance. 
 
 Sanaz. Pray you, do not think me 
 Unworthy of your ear ; it was your beauty 
 That turn'd me statue. I can speak, fair lady. 
 
 Lid. And I can hear. The harshness of your 
 courtship 
 Cannot corrupt my courtesy. 
 
 Sanaz. Will you hear me, 
 If I speak of love ? ^ 
 
 Lid. Provided you be modest ; 
 I were uncivil, else. 
 
 Char. They are come to parley : 
 I must observe this nearer. iHe retires. 
 
 Sanaz. You are a rare one. 
 And such (but that my haste commands me hence) 
 1 could converse with ever. Will you grace me 
 With leave to visit you again ? 
 
 Lid. So you. 
 At your return to court, do me the favour 
 To make a tender of my humble service 
 To the prince Giovanni. 
 
 Sanaz. Ever touching 
 Upon that string ! [Aside.'] And will you give me 
 Of future happiness ? [hope 
 
 Lid. That as I shall find you : 
 The fort that's yielded at the first assault 
 Is hardly worth the taking. 
 
 Re-enter Charaaionte below. 
 
 Char. O, they are at it. 
 
 Sanaz. She is a magazine of all perfection. 
 
 And 'tis death to part from her, yet I must — 
 A parting kiss, fair maid. 
 
 Lid. That custom grants you. 
 
 Char. A homely breakfast does attend your 
 Such as the place affords. [lordship, 
 
 Sanaz. No ; I have feasted 
 Already here ; my thanks, and so I leave you : 
 I will see you again — Till this unhappy hour 
 I was never lost, and what to do, or say, 
 I have not yet determined. lAside, and exit. 
 
 Char. Gone so abruptly ! 
 'Tis very strange. 
 
 Lid. Under your tavour, sir, 
 His coming hither was to little purpose, 
 For anything I heard from him. 
 
 Char. Take heed, Lidia ! 
 I do advise you with a father's love. 
 And tenderness of your honour ; as I would not 
 Have you coarse and harsh in giving entertain- 
 ment. 
 So by no means to be credulous ; for great men, 
 Till they have gain'd their ends, are giants in 
 Their promises, but, those obtain'd, weak pigmies 
 In their performance. And it is a maxim 
 AUow'd among them, so they may deceive, 
 They may swear anything ; for the queen of love. 
 As they hold constantly, does never punish. 
 But smile, at lovers' perjuries. — Yet be wise too, 
 And when you are sued to in a noble way, 
 Be neither nice nor scrupulous. 
 
 Lid. All you speak, sir, 
 I hear as oracles ; nor will digress 
 From your directions. 
 
 Char. So shall you keep 
 Your fame untainted. 
 
 Lid. As I would my life, sir. \_Exeuni. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I. — Florence. An Ante-room in the 
 
 ' Palace. 
 
 Enter Sanazarbo and Servant. 
 
 Sanaz. Leave the horses with my grooms ; but 
 be you careful. 
 With your best diligence and speed, to find out 
 The prince, and humbly, in my name, entreat 
 I may exchange some private conference with 
 
 him, 
 Before the great duke know of my arrival. 
 
 Serv. I haste, my lord. 
 
 Sanaz. Here I'll attend his coming : 
 And see you keep yourself, as much as may be, 
 Conceal'd from all men else. 
 
 Serv. To serve your lordship, 
 I wish I were invisible. {Exit. 
 
 Sanaz. I am driven 
 Into a desperate strait, and cannot steer 
 A middle course ; and of the two extremes 
 Which I must make election of, I know not 
 Which is more full of horror. Never servant 
 Stood more engaged to a magnificent master, 
 Than I to Cozimo : and all those honours 
 And glories by his grace conferr'd upon me. 
 Or by my prosperous services deserved. 
 If now 1 should deceive his trust, and make 
 A shipwreck of ray loyalty, are ruin'd. 
 
 And, on the other side, if I discover 
 
 Lidia's divine perfections, all my hopes 
 
 In her are sunk, never to be buoy'd up : 
 
 For 'tis impossible, but, as soon as seen. 
 
 She must with adoration be sued to. 
 
 A hermit at his beads but looking on her, 
 
 Or ftie cold cynic, whom Corinthian Lai's 
 
 (Not moved with her lust's blandishments) call'-l 
 
 a stone. 
 At this object would take fire. Nor is the duke 
 Such an Hippolytus, but that this Phaedra, 
 But seen, must force him to forsake the groves. 
 And Dian's huntmanship, proud to serve under 
 Venus' soft ensigns. No, there is no way 
 For me to hope fruition of my ends. 
 But to conceal her beauties ; — and how that 
 May be effected, is as hard a task 
 As with a veil to cover the sun's beams. 
 Or comfortable light. Three years the prince 
 Lived in her company, and Contarino, 
 The secretary, hath possess'd the duke 
 What a rare piece she is : — but he's my creature, 
 And may with ease be frighted to deny 
 What he hath said : and, if my long experience. 
 With some strong reasons I have thought* upon. 
 Cannot o'er-reach a youth, my practice yields 
 
 me 
 But little profit. 
 
176 
 
 THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE. 
 
 Enter Giovanni with the Servant. 
 
 Gtov. You are well return'd, sir. 
 
 Sanaz. Leave us. — [Exit Servant.] When that 
 your grace shall know the motives 
 That forced me to invite you to this trouble, 
 You will excuse ray manners. 
 
 Giov. Sir, there needs not 
 This circumstance between us. You are ever 
 My noble friend. 
 
 Sanaz. You shall have further cause 
 To assure you of my faith and zeal to serve you. 
 And, when 1 have committed to your trust 
 ( Presuming still on your retentive silence) 
 A secret of no less importance than 
 My honour, nay, my head, it will confirm 
 What value you hold with me. 
 
 Giov. Pray you, believe, sir. 
 What you deliver to me shall be lock'd up 
 In a strong cabinet, of which you yourself 
 Shall keep the key : for here I pawn my honour, 
 Which is the best security I can give yet, 
 It shall not be discover'd. 
 
 Sanaz. This assurance 
 Is more than I with modesty could demand 
 From such a paymaster ; but I must be sudden : 
 And therefore, to the purpose. Can your Excel- 
 In your imagination, conceive [lence, 
 On what design, or whither, the duke's will 
 Commanded me hence last night ? 
 
 Giov. No, I assure jou ; 
 And it had been a rudeness to enqiaire 
 Of that I was not call'd to. 
 
 Sanaz. Grant me hearing. 
 And I will make you truly understand 
 It only did concern you. 
 
 Giov. Me, my lord ! 
 
 Sanaz. You, in your present state, and future 
 For both lie at the stake. [fortunes ; 
 
 Giov. You much amaze me. 
 Pray you, resolve this riddle. 
 
 Sanaz. You know the duke. 
 If he die issueless, as yet he is, 
 Determines you his heir. 
 
 Giov. It hath pleased his highness 
 Oft to profess so much. 
 
 Sanaz. But say, he should 
 Be won to prove a second wife, on whom 
 He may beget a son, how, in a moment. 
 Will all those glorious expectations, which 
 Render you reverenced and remarkable. 
 Be in a moment blasted, howe'er you ax'e 
 His much-loved sister's son ! 
 
 Giov. I must bear it 
 With patience, and in me it is a duty 
 That I was born with ; and 'twere much unfit 
 For the receiver of a benefit 
 To offer, for his own ends, to prescribe 
 Laws to the giver's pleasure. 
 
 Sanaz. Sweetly answer'd. 
 And like your noble self. This your rare temper 
 So wins upon me, that I would not live 
 (If that by honest arts I can prevent it) 
 "To see your hopes made frustrate. And but think 
 How you shall be transform'd from what you are, 
 Should this (as heaven avert it !) ever happen. 
 It must disturb your peace : for whereas now. 
 Being, as you are, received for the heir apparent, 
 You are no sooner seen, but wonder'd at ; 
 The signiors making it a business to 
 Enquire how you have slept ; and, as you walk 
 
 The streets of Florence, the glad multitude 
 In throngs press but to see you ; and, with joy. 
 The father, pointing with his finger, tells 
 His son. This is the prince, the hopeful prince, 
 That must hereafter rule, and you obey him. — 
 Great ladies beg your picture, and make love 
 To that, despairing to enjoy the substance. — 
 And, but the last night, when 'twas only rumour'd 
 That you were come to court, as if you had 
 By sea pass'd hither from another world. 
 What general shouts and acclamations foUow'd ! 
 The bells rang loud, the bonfires blazed, and such 
 As loved not wine, carousing to your health. 
 Were drunk, and blush'd not at it. And is this 
 A happiness to part with ? 
 
 Giov. I allow these 
 As flourishes of fortune, with which princes 
 Are often sooth'd ; but never yet esteem'd them 
 For real blessings. 
 
 Sanaz. Yet all these were paid 
 To what you may be, not to what you are ; 
 For if the great duke but shew to his servants 
 A son of his own, you shall, like one obscure, 
 Pass unregarded. 
 
 Giov. I confess, command 
 Is not to be contemn'd, and if my fate 
 Appoint me to it, as I may, I'll bear it 
 With willing shoulders. But, my lord, as yet. 
 You've told me of a danger coming towards me, 
 But have not named it. 
 
 Sanaz. That is soon deliver' d. 
 Great Cozimo, your uncle, as I more 
 Than guess, for 'tis no frivolous circumstance 
 That does persuade my judgment to believe it, 
 Purposes to be married. 
 
 Giov. Married, sir ! 
 With whom, and on what terms ? pray you, instruct 
 
 Sanaz. With the fair Lidia. [me. 
 
 Giov. Lidia 1 
 
 Sanaz. The daughter 
 Of Signior Charomonte. 
 
 Giov. Pardon me 
 Though I appear incredulous ; for, on 
 My knowledge he ne'er saw her. 
 
 Sanaz. That is granted : 
 But Contarino hath so sung her praises. 
 And given her out for such a masterpiece, 
 That he's transported with it, sir : — and love 
 Steals sometimes through the ear, into the heart, 
 As well as by the eye. The duke no sooner 
 Heard her described, but I was sent in post 
 To see her, and return my judgment of her. 
 
 Giov. And what's your censure ? 
 
 Sanaz. 'Tis a pretty creature. 
 
 Giov. She's very fair. 
 
 Sajiaz. Yes, yes, I have seen worse faces. 
 
 Giov. Her limbs are neatly form'd. 
 
 Sanaz. She hath a waist. 
 Indeed, sized to love's wish. 
 
 Giov. A delicate hand too. 
 
 Sanaz. Then for a leg and foot — 
 
 Giov. And there I leave you. 
 For I presumed no further. 
 
 Sanaz. As she is, sir, 
 I know she wants no gracious part that mav 
 Allure the duke ; and, if he only see ner, 
 She is his own ; he will not be denied. 
 And then you are lost : yet, if you'll second me,. 
 (As you have reason, for it most concerns you.) 
 I can prevent all yet. 
 
SCENE I. 
 
 THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE. 
 
 177 
 
 Giov. I would you could, 
 A noble way. 
 
 Sanaz. I will cry down her beauties ; 
 Especially the beauties of her mind, 
 As much as Contarino hath advanced them ; 
 And this, I hope, will breed forgetfulness. 
 And kiU affection in him : but you. must join 
 With me in my report, if you be question'd. 
 
 Giov. I never told a lie yet ; and I hold it 
 f n some degree blasphemous to dispraise 
 What's worthy admiration ; yet, for once, 
 I will dispraise a little, and not vary 
 From your relation. 
 
 Sanaz. Be constant in it. 
 
 Enter Alphonso. 
 Alph. My lord, the duke hath seen your man, 
 and wonders 
 
 Enter Cozimo, Hippolito, Contarino, and Attendants. 
 You come not to him. See, if his desire 
 To have conference with you hath not brought him 
 In his own person ! [hither 
 
 Coz. They are comely coursers. 
 And promise swiftness. 
 
 Cont. They are, of my knowledge, 
 Of the best race in Naples. 
 
 Coz. You are, nephew, 
 As I hear, an excellent horseman, and we like it : 
 'Tis a fair grace in a prince. Pray you, make trial 
 Of their strength and speed ; and, if you think them 
 For your employment, with a liberal hand [fit 
 
 Reward the gentleman that did present them 
 From the viceroy of Naples. 
 
 Giov. I will use 
 My best endeavour, sir. 
 
 Coz. Wait on my nephew. 
 lExeunt Giovanni, Alphonso.Hippoltto, and Attendants. 
 Nay, stay you, Contarino : be within call ; 
 It may be we shall use you. \^Exit Contarino.] 
 
 You have rode hard, sir. 
 And we thank you for it : every minute seems 
 Irksome, and tedious to us, till you have 
 Made your discovery. Say, friend, have you seen 
 This phoenix of our age ? 
 
 Sanaz. I have seen a maid, sir ; 
 But, if that I have judgment, no such wonder 
 As she was deliver'd to you. 
 Coz. This is strange. 
 
 Sanaz, But certain truth. It may be, she was 
 With admiration in the country, sir ; [look'd on 
 But, if compared with many in your court, 
 She would appear but ordinary. 
 
 Coz. Contarino 
 Reports her otherwise. 
 
 Sanaz. Such as ne'er saw swans, 
 May think crows beautiful. 
 Coz. How is her behaviour ? 
 Sanaz. 'Tis like the place she lives in. 
 Coz. How her wit. 
 Discourse, and entertainment .'' 
 
 Sanaz. Very coarse ; 
 I would not willingly say poor, and rude : 
 But, had she all the beauties of fair women, 
 The dullness of her soul would fright me from her. 
 Coz. You are curious, sir. I know not what to 
 think on't. — lAside. 
 
 Contarino ! 
 
 Re-enter Contarino. 
 
 Cont. Sir. 
 
 Coz. Where was thy judgment, man, 
 To extol a virgin Sanazarro tells me 
 Is nearer to deformity } 
 
 Sanaz. I saw her. 
 And curiously perused her ; and I wonder 
 That she, that did appear to me, that know 
 What beauty is, not worthy the observing, 
 Should so transport you. 
 
 Cont. Troth, my lord, I thought then 
 
 Coz. Thought ! Didst thou not affirm it } 
 
 Cont. I confess, sir, 
 I did believe so then ; but now, I hear 
 My lord's opinion to the contrary, 
 I am of another faith : for 'tis not fit 
 That I should contradict him. I am dim, sir ; 
 But he's sharp-sighted. 
 
 Sanaz. This is to my wish. {AsidA. 
 
 Coz. We know not what to think of this ; yet 
 would not 
 
 Re-enter Giovanni, Hippolito, and Alphonso. 
 
 Determine rashly of it. [Aside.] - How do you like 
 My nephew's horsemanship ? 
 Hip. In my judgment, sir, 
 It is exact and rare. 
 
 Alph. And, to my fancy. 
 He did present great Alexander mounted 
 On his Bucephalus. 
 
 Coz. You are right courtiers. 
 And know it is your duty to cry up 
 All actions of a prince. 
 
 Sanaz. Do not betray 
 Yourself, you're safe ; I have done my part. 
 
 \_Aside to Giovanni. 
 Giov. I thank you ; 
 Nor will I fail. 
 
 Coz. What's your opinion, nephew, 
 Of the horses ? 
 
 Giov. Two of them are, in my judgment, 
 The best I ever back'd ; I mean the roan, sir. 
 And the brown bay : but for the chesnut-colour'd, 
 Though he be full of metal, hot, and fiery. 
 He treads weak in his pasterns. 
 
 Coz. So : come nearer ; 
 This exercise hath put you into a sweat ; 
 Take this, and dry it ; and now I command j'ou 
 To tell me truly what's your censure of 
 Charamonte's daughter, Lidia. 
 
 Giov. I am, sir, 
 A novice in my judgment of a lady ; 
 But such as 'tis, your grace shall have it freely. 
 I would not speak ill of her, and am sorry, 
 If I keep myself a friend to truth, I cannot 
 Report her as I would, so much I owe 
 Her reverend father : bat I'll give you, sir, 
 As near as I dan, her character in little. 
 She's of a goodly stature, and her limbs 
 Not disproportion'd ; for her face, it is 
 Far from deformity ; yet they flatter her, 
 That style it excellent : her manners are 
 Simple and innocent ; but her discourse 
 And wit deserve my pity, more than praise : 
 At the best, my lord, she is a handsome picture, 
 And, that said, all is spoken. 
 
 Coz. I believe you ; 
 I ne'er yet found you false. 
 
 Giov. Nor ever shall, sir. — 
 Forgive me, matchless Lidia 1 too much love, 
 And jealous fear to lose thee, do compel me- 
 Against my will, my reason, and my knowledge. 
 
178 
 
 THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE. 
 
 ACT 111. 
 
 To be a poor detractor of that beauty, 
 
 Which fluent Ovid, if lie lived again, 
 
 Would want words to express. lAside. 
 
 Coz. Pray you, make choice of 
 The richest of our furniture for these horses, 
 
 ITo Sanazarro. 
 And take my nephew with you ; we in this 
 Will follow his directions. 
 
 Giov. Could I find now 
 The princess Fiorinda, and persuade her 
 To be silent in the suit that I moved to her, 
 AH were secure. 
 
 Sanaz. In that, my lord, I'll aid you. 
 
 Coz. We will be private : leave us. 
 
 lExeunt all but Cozimo. 
 All my studies 
 And serious meditations aim no further 
 Than this young man's good. He was my sister's 
 And she was such a sister, when she lived, [son, 
 I could not prize too much ; nor can I better 
 Make known how dear I hold her memory. 
 Than in my cherishing the only issue 
 Which she' hath left behind her. Who's that ? 
 
 Enter Fiorinda. 
 
 Fior. Sir. 
 
 Coz. My fair charge ! you are welcome to us. 
 
 Fior. I have found it, sir. 
 
 Coz. All things go well in Urbin. 
 
 Fior. Your gracious care to me, an orphan, frees 
 From all suspicion that my jealous fears [me 
 
 Can drive into my fancy. 
 
 Coz. The next summer, 
 In our own person, we will bring you thither, 
 And seat you in your own. 
 
 Fior. When you think fit, sir. 
 But, in the meantime, with your highness' pardon, 
 I am a suitor to you. 
 
 Coz. Name it, madam, 
 With confidence to obtain it. 
 
 Fior. That you would please 
 To lay a strict command on Charamonte, 
 To bring his daughter Lidia to the court : 
 And pray you, think, sir, that 'tis not my purpose 
 To employ her as a servant, but to use her 
 As a most wish'd companion. 
 
 Coz, Ha ! your reason ? 
 
 Fior. The hopeful prince, your nephew, sir, hath 
 To me for such an abstract of perfection [given her 
 In all that can be wish'd for in a virgin. 
 As beauty, music, ravishing discourse, 
 Quickness of apprehension, with choice manners 
 And learning too, not usual with women, 
 That I am much ambitious (though I shall 
 Appear but as a foil to set" her ofi") 
 To be by her instructed, and supplied 
 In what I am defective. 
 
 Coz. Did my nephew 
 Seriously deliver this ? 
 
 Fior. I assure your grace, 
 With zeal and vehemency ; and, even when. 
 With his best words, he strived to set her forth, 
 (Though the rare subject made him eloquent,) 
 He would complain, all he could say came short 
 Of her deservings. 
 
 Coz. Pray you have patience. IWalks aside. 
 
 This was strangely carried. — Ha! are we trifled with? 
 Dare they do this ? Is Cozimo's fury, that 
 Of late was terrible, grown contemptible .■" 
 Well ! we will clear our brows, and imdermine 
 
 Their secret works, though they have digg'd like 
 Andcrushthem with the tempest of my wi'ath [moles, 
 When I appear most calm. He is unfit 
 To command others, that knows not to use it. 
 And with all rigour : yet my stern looks shall not 
 Discover my intents ; for 1 will strike 
 
 When I begin to frown. You are the mistress 
 
 Of that you did demand. 
 
 Fior. I thank your highness ; 
 But speed in the performance of the grant 
 Doubles the favour, sir. 
 
 Coz. You shall possess it 
 
 Sooner than you expect : 
 
 Only be pleased to be ready when my secretary 
 Waits on you to take the fresh air. My nephew. 
 And my bosom friend, so to cheat me ! 'tis not 
 fair. lAside. 
 
 Re-enter Giovanni and Sanazarro. 
 
 Sanaz. Where should this princess be ? nor in 
 her lodgings. 
 Nor in the private walks, her own retreat, 
 Which she so much frequented ! 
 
 Giov. By my life, 
 She's with the duke ! and I much more than fear 
 Her forwardness to prefer my suit hath ruin'd 
 What with such care we built up. 
 
 Coz. Have you furnish'd 
 Those coursers, as we will'd you ? 
 
 Sanaz. There's no sign 
 Of anger in his looks. 
 
 Giov. They are complete, sir. 
 
 Coz. 'Tis well : to your rest. Soft sleeps wait 
 
 on you, madam. 
 
 To morrow, with the rising of the sun. 
 
 Be ready to ride with us. — They with m^ore safety 
 
 Had trod on fork-tongued adders, than provoked 
 
 me. lAside, and exit. 
 
 Fior. I come not to be thank'd, sir, for the 
 
 Performance of my promise touching Lidia : 
 It is effected. 
 
 Sanaz. We are undone. lAside 
 
 Fior. The duke 
 No sooner heard me with my best of language 
 Describe her excellencies, as you taught me, 
 But he coufirm'd it. — You look sad, as if 
 You wish'd it were undone. 
 
 Giov. No, gracious madam, 
 I am your servant for't. 
 
 Fior. Be you as careful 
 For what I moved to you. — Count Sanazarro, 
 Now I perceive you honour me, in vouchsafing 
 To wear so slight a favour. 
 
 Sanaz. 'Tis a grace 
 I am unworthy of. 
 
 Fior. You merit more. 
 In prizing so a trifle. Take this diamond ; 
 I'll second what I have begun ; for know. 
 Your valour hath so won upon me, that 
 'Tis not to be resisted : I have said, sir. 
 And leave you to interpret it. [Ejiit. 
 
 Sanaz. This to me 
 Is wormwood. 'Tis apparent we are taken 
 In our own noose. What's to be done ? 
 
 Giov. I know not. 
 And 'tis a punishment justly fallen upon me, 
 For leaving truth, a constant mistress, that 
 Ever protects her servants, to become 
 A slave to lies and falsehood. What excuse 
 
SCENE 
 
 THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE. 
 
 170 
 
 Can we make to the duke, what mercy hope for, 
 Our packing being laid open ? 
 
 Sanaz. 'Tis not to 
 Be question'd but his purposed journey is 
 To see fair Lidia. 
 
 GioxK And to divert him 
 Impossible. 
 
 Sanaz. There's now no looking backward. 
 
 Giov. And which way to goon with safety, not 
 To be imagined. 
 
 Sanaz. Give me leave : I have 
 An embryon in my brain, which, I despair not, 
 May be brought to form and fashion, provided 
 You will be open-breasted. _'— 
 
 Giov. 'Tis no time now. 
 Our dangers being equal, to conceal 
 A thought from you. 
 
 Sanaz. What power hold you o'er Lidia ? 
 Do you think that, with some hazard of her life, 
 She would prevent your ruin ? 
 
 Giov. I presume so : 
 If, in the undertaking it, she stray not 
 From what becomes her innocence ; and to that 
 'Tis far from me to press her : I myself 
 "Will rather suffer. 
 
 Sanaz. 'Tis enough ; this night 
 Write to her by your servant Calandrino, 
 As I shall give directions ; my man 
 
 Enter Calandrino, fantastically dressed. 
 
 Shall bear him company. See, sir, to my wish 
 He does appear ; but much transform'd from what 
 He was when he came hither. 
 
 Cal. I confess 
 I am not very wise, and yet I find 
 A fool, so he be parcel knave, in court 
 May flourish and grow rich. 
 
 Giov. Calandrino. 
 
 Cal. Peace ! 
 I am in contemplation. 
 
 Giov. Do not you know me ? 
 
 Cal. I tell thee, no ; on forfeit of my place, 
 
 I must not know myself, much less my father, 
 But by petition ; that petition lined too 
 With golden birds, that sing to the tune of profit, 
 Or I am deaf. 
 
 Giov. But you've your sense of feeling. 
 
 [_Offering to strike him. 
 
 Sanaz. Nay, pray you, forbear. 
 
 Cal. I have all that's requisite 
 To the making up of a signior : my spruce ruff, 
 My hooded cloak, long stocking, and paned hoaii, 
 My case of toothpicks, and my silver fork. 
 To convey an olive neatly to my mouth; — 
 And, what is all in all, my pockets ring 
 A golden peal. O that the peasants in the country. 
 My quondam fellows, but saw me as I am. 
 How they would admire and worship me ! 
 
 Giov. As they shall ; 
 For instantly you must thither. 
 
 Cal. My grand signior^ 
 Vouchsafe a beso la manos, and a cringe 
 Of the last edition. 
 
 Giov. You must ride post with letters 
 This night to Lidia. 
 
 Cal. An it please your grace. 
 Shall I use my coach, or footcloth mule .' 
 
 Sanaz. You widgeon. 
 You are to make all speed ; think not of pomp. 
 
 Giov. Follow for your instructions, sirrah. 
 
 Cal. I have 
 One suit to you, my good lord. 
 
 Sanaz. Whatis't? 
 
 Cal. That you would give me 
 A subtile court-charm, to defend me from 
 The infectious air of the country. 
 
 Giov. What's the reason ? 
 
 Cal. Why, as this court-air taught me knavish 
 By which I am grown rich, if that again [wit, 
 
 Should turn me fool and honest, vain hopes fare- 
 For I must die a beggar. [well ! 
 
 Sanaz. Go to, sirrah. 
 You'll be whipt for this. 
 
 Giov. Leave fooling, and attend us. lExeunt. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I.— The Country. A Hallin Charo- 
 monte's House. 
 
 Enter Charomontb and Lidia. 
 
 Char. Daughter, I have observed, since the 
 prince left us, 
 (Whose absence I mourn with you,) and the visit 
 Count Sanazarro gave us, you have nourished 
 Sad and retired thoughts, and parted with 
 That freedom and alacrity of spirit 
 With which you used to cheer me. 
 
 Lid. For the count, sir. 
 All thought of him does with his person die ; 
 But 1 confess ingenuously, I cannot 
 So soon forget the choice and chaste delights. 
 The courteous conversation of the prince. 
 And without stain, I hope, afforded me. 
 When he made this house a court. 
 
 Char. It is in us 
 To keep it so without him. Want we know not. 
 And all we complain of, heaven be praised for't. 
 Is too much plenty ; and we will make use of 
 
 Enter Capont, Bernardo, Petruchio, and other Servants. 
 All lawful pleasures. — How now, fellows 1 when 
 Shall we have this lusty dance ? 
 
 Cap. In the afternoon, sir. 
 'Tis a device, I wis, of my own making, 
 And such a one, as shall make your signiorship 
 
 know 
 I have not been your butler for nothing, but 
 Have crotchets in my head. We'll trip it tightly. 
 And make my sad young mistress merry again. 
 Or I'll forswear the cellar. 
 
 Bern. If we had 
 Our fellow Calandrino here, to dance 
 His part, we were perfect. 
 
 Pet. O ! he was a rare fellow ; 
 But 1 fear the court hath spoil'd him. 
 
 Cap. When I was young, 
 I could have cut a caper on a pinnacle ; 
 But now I am old and wise. — Keep your figure fair, 
 And follow but the sample I shall set you, 
 The duke himself will send for us, and laugh at as ; 
 
 And that were credit. 
 
 N 2 
 
100 
 
 THE GREAT DUKE OP FLORENCE. 
 
 Enter Calandkino. 
 
 Lid. Who have we here ? 
 
 Cal. I find 
 What was brawn in the country, in the court grows 
 
 tender. 
 The bots on these jolting jades ! I am bruised to 
 
 jelly. 
 A coach for my money ! and that the courtezans 
 
 know well ; 
 Their riding so, makes them last three years longer 
 Than such as are hacknied. 
 
 Char. Calandrino ! 'tis he. 
 
 Cal. Now to my postures. — Let my hand have 
 the honour 
 To convey a kiss from my lips to the cover of 
 Your foot, dear signior. 
 
 Char. Fie ! you stoop too low, sir. 
 
 Cal. The hem of your vestment, lady : your 
 glove is for princes : 
 Nay, I have conn'd my distances. 
 
 Lid. 'Tis most courtly. 
 
 Cap. Fellow Calandrino ! 
 
 Cal. Signior de Caponi, 
 Grand hotelier of the mansion. 
 
 Bern. How is't, man ? IClaps him on the shoulder. 
 
 Cal. Be not so rustic in your salutations, 
 Signior Bernardo, master of the accounts. 
 Signior Petruchio, may you long continue 
 Your function in the chamber '. 
 
 Cap. When shall we learn 
 Such gambols in our villa ? 
 
 Lid. Sure he's mad. 
 
 Char. 'Tis not unlike, for most of such mush- 
 What news at court ? [rooms are so. 
 
 Cal. Bast a ! they are mysteries. 
 And not to be reveal'd. With your favour, signior ; 
 I am, in private, to confer a while 
 With this signora : but I'll pawn my honour, 
 That neither my terse language, nor my habit, 
 Howe'er it may coavince, nor my new shrugs, 
 Shall render her enamour'd. 
 
 Char. Take your pleasure ; 
 A little of these apish tricks may pass. 
 Too much is tedious. \_Exit. 
 
 Cal. The prince, in this paper, 
 Presents his service. Nay, it is not courtly 
 To see the seal broke open ; so I leave you. — 
 Signiors of the villa, I'll descend to be 
 Familiar with you. 
 
 Cap. Have you forgot to dance ? 
 
 Cal. No, I am better'd. 
 
 Pet. Will you join with us } 
 
 Cal. As I like the project. 
 Let me warm my brains first with the richest 
 And then I'm for you. [grape. 
 
 Cap. We will want no wine. 
 
 \_Exeunt all hut Lidia. 
 
 Lid. That this comes only from the best of 
 princes. 
 With a kind of adoration does command me 
 To entertain it ; and the sweet contents 
 
 \_Kissing the letter. 
 That are inscribed here by his hand must be 
 Much more than musical to me. All the service 
 Of my life at no part can deserve this favour. 
 O what a virgin longing I feel on me 
 To unrip the seal, and read it ! yet, to break 
 What he hath fastened, rashly, may appear 
 A saucy rudeness in me. — I must do it, 
 (Nor can 1 else learn his commands, or serve them,) 
 
 But with such reverence, as I would open 
 
 Some holy writ, whose grave instructions beat down 
 
 Rebellious sins, and teach my better part 
 
 How to mount upward. — So, {opens the letter'^ 
 
 'tis done, and I 
 With eagle's eyes will curiously peruse it. {.Reads. 
 
 Chaste Lidia, the favours are so great 
 On me by you conferr'd, that to entreat 
 The least addition to them, in true sense 
 May argue me of blushless impudence. 
 But, such are my extremes, if you deny 
 A further grace, I must unpitied die. 
 Haste cuts off circumstance. As you're admired 
 For beauty, the report of it hath fired 
 The duke ray uncle, and, I fear, you'll prove. 
 Not with a sacred, but unlawful love. 
 If he see you as you are, my hoped-for light 
 Is changed into an everlasting night ; 
 How to prevent it, if your goodness find. 
 You save two lives, and me you ever bind. 
 The honourer of your virtues, Giovanmi. 
 
 Were I more deaf than adders, these sweet charms 
 Would through my ears find passage to my soul, 
 And soon enchant it. To save such a prince, 
 Who would not perish ? virtue in him must suffer, 
 And piety be forgotten. The duke's lust, 
 Though it raged more than Tarquin's, shall not 
 
 reach me. 
 All quaint inventions of chaste virgins aid me ! 
 My prayers are heard ; I have't. The duke ne'er 
 
 saw me — 
 Or, if that fail, I am again provided — 
 But for the servants ! — They will take what form 
 I please to put upon them. Giovanni, 
 Be safe ; thy servant Lidia assures it. 
 Let mountains of afflictions fall on me, 
 Their weight is easy, so I set thee free. \_Exit. 
 
 SCENE II Another Room in the same. 
 
 Enter Cozimo, Giovanni, Sanazarro, Charomonte, and 
 Attendants. 
 
 Sanaas. Are you not tired with travel, sir } 
 
 Coz. No, no ; 
 I am fresh and lusty. 
 
 Char. This day shall be ever 
 A holiday to me, that brings my prince 
 Under my humble roof. {Weeps. 
 
 Giov. See, sir, my good tutor 
 Sheds tears for joy. 
 
 Coz. Dry them up, Charomonte ; 
 And all forbear the room, while we exchange 
 Some private words together. 
 
 Giov. O, my lord. 
 How grossly have we overshot ourselves ! 
 
 Sanaz. In what, sir ? 
 . Giov. In forgetting to acquaint 
 My guardian with our purpose ; all that Lidia 
 Can do avails us nothing, if the duke 
 Find out the truth from him. 
 
 Sanaz. 'Tis now past help. 
 And we must stand the hazard : — hope the best, sir. 
 {Exeunt Giovanni, Sanazarro, and Attendants. 
 
 Char. My loyalty doubted, sir ! 
 
 Coz. 'Tis more. Thou hast 
 Abused our trust, and in a high degree 
 Committed treason. 
 
 Char. Treason ! 'Tis a word 
 My innocence understands not. Were my breast 
 Transparent, and my thoughts to be discern'd, 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE. 
 
 IBI 
 
 Not one spot shall be found to taint the candour 
 Of my allegiance : and I must be bold 
 To tell you, sir, (for he that knows no guilt 
 Can know no fear,) 'tis tyranny to o'ercharge 
 An honest man ; and such, till now, I've lived, 
 And such, my lord, I'll die. 
 
 Coz. Sir, do not flatter 
 Yourself with hope, these great and glorious words, 
 Which every guilty wretch, as well as you, 
 That's arm'd with impudence, can with ease deliver, 
 And with as full a mouth, can work on us : 
 Nor shall gay flourishes of language clear 
 "What is in fact apparent. 
 
 Char. Fact! what fact? ^ 
 
 You, that know only what it is, instruct me', 
 For I am ignorant. 
 
 Coz. This, then, sir : We gave np, 
 On our assurance of your faith and care, 
 Our nephew Giovanni, nay, our heir 
 In expectation, to be train'd up by you 
 As did become a prince. 
 
 Char. And I discharged it : 
 Is this the treason ? 
 
 Coz. Take us with you, sir. 
 And, in respect we knew his youth was prone 
 To women, and that, living in our court, 
 He might make some unworthy choice, before 
 His weaker judgment was confirm'd, we did 
 Remove him from it ; constantly presuming. 
 You, with your best endeavours, rather would 
 Have quench'd those heats in him, than light a 
 As you have done, to his looseness. [torch, 
 
 Char. I ! my travail 
 Is ill-requited, sir ; for, by my soul, 
 I was so curious that way, that I granted 
 Access to none could tempt him ; nor did ever 
 One syllable, or obscene accent, touch 
 His ear, that might corrupt him. 
 
 Coz. No ! Why, then, 
 With your allowance, did you give free way 
 To all familiar privacy between 
 My nephew and your daughter ? Or why did you 
 (Had you no other ends in't but our service) 
 Read to them, and together, as they had been 
 Scholars of one form, grammar, rhetoric, 
 Philosophy, story, and interpret to them 
 The close temptations of lascivious poets ? 
 Or wherefore, for we still had spies upon you. 
 Was she still present, when, by your advice. 
 He was taught the use of his weapon, horseman- 
 ship, 
 Wrestling, nay, swimming, but to fan in her 
 A hot desire of him ? and then, forsooth, 
 His exercises ended, cover'd with 
 A fair pretence of recreation for him, 
 (When Lidia was instructed in those graces 
 That add to beauty,) he, brought to admire her. 
 Must hear her sing, while to her voice her hand 
 Made ravishing music ; and, this applauded, dance 
 A light lavolta with her. 
 
 Char. Have you ended 
 All you can charge me with ? 
 
 Coz. Nor stopt you there, 
 Rut they must unattended walk into 
 The silent groves, and hear the amorous birds 
 Warbling their wanton notes ; here, a sure shade 
 Of barren sicamores, which the all-seeing sun 
 Could not pierce through ; near that, an arbour 
 
 hung 
 With spreading eglantine ; there, a bubbling spring 
 
 Watering a bank of hyacinths and lilies ; 
 W^ith all allurements that could move to lust : 
 And could this, Charomonte, (should I grant 
 They had been equals both in birth and fortune,) 
 Become your gravity ? nay, 'tis clear as air. 
 That your ambitious hopes to match your daughter 
 Into our family, gave connivance to it : 
 And this, though not in act, in the intent 
 I call high treason. 
 
 Char. Hear my just defence, sir; 
 And, though you are my prince, it will not take 
 
 from 
 Your greatness, to acknowledge with a blush, 
 In this my accusation you have been 
 More sway'd by spleen, and jealous suppositions, 
 Than certain grounds of reason. You had a father, 
 (Blest be his memory !) that made frequent proofs 
 Of my loyalty and faith, and, would I boast 
 The dangers I have broke through in his service, 
 I could say more. Nay, you yourself, dread, sir. 
 Whenever I was put unto the test, 
 Found me true gold, and not adulterate metal ; 
 And am I doubted now ? 
 
 Coz. This is from the purpose. 
 
 Char. I will come to it, sir : Your grace well knew, 
 Before the prince's happy presence made 
 My poor house rich, the chiefest blessing which 
 I gloried in, though now it prove a curse. 
 Was an only daughter. Nor did you command me, 
 As a security to your future fears. 
 To cast her oif : which had you done, howe'er 
 She was the light of my eyes, and comfort of 
 My feeble age, so far I prized my duty 
 Above affection, she now had been 
 A stranger to my care. But she is fair ! 
 Is that her fault, or mine } Did ever father 
 Hold beauty in his issue for a blemish ? 
 Her education and her manners tempt too ! 
 If these offend, they are easily removed : 
 You may, if you think fit, before ray face, 
 In recompense of all my watchings for you. 
 With burning corrosives transform her to 
 An ugly leper ; and, this done, to taint 
 Her sweetness, prostitute her to a brotheL 
 This I will rather suffer, sir, and more. 
 Than live suspected by you. 
 
 Coz. Let not passion 
 Carry you beyond your reason. 
 
 Char. I am calm, sir ; 
 Yet you must give me leave to grieve I find 
 My actions misinterpreted. Alas ! sir. 
 Was Lidia's desire to serve the prince 
 Call'd an offence ? or did she practise to 
 Seduce his youth, because with her best zeal 
 And fervour she endeavoured to attend him } 
 'Tis a hard construction. Though she be my 
 
 daughter, 
 I may thus far speak her : from her infancy 
 She was ever civil, her behaviour nearer 
 Simplicity than craft ; and malice dares rot 
 Affirm, in one loose gesture, or light language. 
 She gave a sign she was in thought unchaste. 
 I'll fetch her to you, sir ; and but look on her 
 With equal eyes, you must in justice grant 
 That your suspicion wrongs her. 
 
 Coz. It may be ; 
 But I must have stronger assurance of it 
 Than passionate words : and, not to trifle time, 
 As we came unexpected to your house, 
 We will prevent all means that may prepare her 
 
]82 
 
 THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE, 
 
 How to answer that, with which we come to charge 
 
 And howsoever it may be received [her. 
 
 As a foul breach to hospitable rites, 
 
 On thy allegiance and boasted faith, 
 
 Nay, forfeit of thy head, we do confine thee 
 
 Close prisoner to thy chamber, till all doubts 
 
 Are clear'd, that do concern us. 
 
 Char. I obey, sir, 
 And wish your grace had followed my herse 
 To my sepulchre, my loyalty unsuspected, 
 Rather than now — but I am silent, sir, 
 And let that speak my duty. \_Exit. 
 
 Coz. If this man 
 Be false, disguised treachery ne'er put on 
 A shape so near to truth. Within, there ! 
 
 Re-enter Giovanni and Santazarro, ushering in Petro- 
 NKLLA. Calandrino and others setting forth a 
 Banquet. 
 
 Sanaz. Sir. 
 
 Coz. Bring Lidia forth 
 
 Giov. She comes, sir, of herself, 
 To present her service to you. 
 
 Coz. Ha ! This personage 
 Cannot invite affection. 
 
 Sanaz. See you keep state. 
 
 Petron. I warrant you. 
 
 Coz. The manners of her mind 
 Must be transcendent, if they can defend 
 Her rougher outside. May we with your liking 
 Salute you, lady ? 
 
 Petron. Let me wipe my mouth, sir, 
 With my cambric handkerchief, and then have at 
 
 Coz. Can this be possible ? [.yon. 
 
 Sanaz. Yes, sir ; you will find her 
 Such as I gave her to you. 
 
 Petron. Will your dukeship 
 Sit down and eat some sugar-plums ? Here's a 
 
 castle 
 Of march-pane too ; and this quince-marmalade 
 
 was 
 Of my own making ; all summ'd up together, 
 Did cost the setting on : and here is wine too. 
 As good as e'er was tapp'd. I'll be your taster, 
 For I know the fashion. \_Drinks all off.'\ — Now 
 
 you must do me right, sir ; 
 You shall nor will nor choose. 
 
 Giov. She's very simple. 
 
 Coz. Simple ! 'tis worse. Do you drink thus 
 often, lady ? 
 
 Petron. Still when I am thirsty, and eat when 
 I am hungry : 
 Such junkets come not every day. Once more to 
 With a heart and a half, i' faith. [you, 
 
 Coz. Pray you, pause a little ; 
 if I hold your cards, I shall pull down the side ; 
 I am not good at the game. 
 
 Petron. Then I'll drink for you. 
 
 Coz. Nay, pray you stay : I'll find you out a 
 pledge 
 That shall supply my place ; what think you of 
 This complete signior ? You are a Juno, 
 And in such state must feast this Jupiter : 
 What think you of him ? 
 
 Petron. I desire no better. 
 
 Coz. And you will undertake this service for 
 You are good at the sport. [me ? 
 
 Cal. Who, I ? a piddler, sir. 
 
 Coz. Nay, you shall sit enthroned, and eat and 
 As you were a duke. [drink 
 
 Cal. If your grace will have me, 
 I'll eat and drink like an emperor. 
 
 Coz. Take your place thin : 
 
 [Calandrino takes the Duke's chair. 
 We are amazed. 
 
 Giov. This is gross : nor can the imposture 
 But be discover'd. 
 
 Sanaz. The duke is too sharp- sighted, 
 To be deluded thus. 
 
 Cal. Nay, pray you eat fair. 
 Or divide, and I will choose. Cannot you use 
 Your fork, as I do ? Gape, and I will feed you. 
 
 \_Feeds her. 
 Gape wider yet ; this is court-like. 
 
 Petron. To choke daws with : 
 
 I like it not. 
 
 Cal. But you like this ? 
 
 Petron. Let it come, boy. {They drink. 
 
 Coz. What a sight is this ! We could be angry 
 with you. 
 How much you did belie her when you told us 
 She was only simple ! this is barbarous rudeness. 
 Beyond belief. 
 
 Giov. I would not speak her, sir. 
 Worse than she was. 
 
 Sanaz. And I, my lord, chose rather 
 To deliver her better parted than she is. 
 Than to take from her. 
 
 Enter Caponi, with his fellow Servants, /or the dance. 
 
 Cap. Ere I'll lose my dance, 
 I'll speak to the purpose. I am, sir, no prologue ; 
 But in plain terms must tell you, we are provided 
 Of a lusty hornpipe. 
 
 Coz. Prithee, let us have it, 
 For we grow dull. 
 
 Cap. But to make up the medley. 
 For it is of several colours, we must borrow 
 Your grace's ghost here. 
 
 Cal. Pray you, sir, depose me ; 
 It will not do else. I am, sir, the engine 
 
 \_Rises, and resigns his chair. 
 By which it moves. 
 
 Petron. I will dance with my duke too ; 
 I will not out. 
 
 Coz. Begin then. — [_They dance."] — There's 
 more in this. 
 Than yet I have discover'd. Some CEdipus 
 Resolve this riddle. 
 
 Petron. Did I not foot it roundly. {Falls. 
 
 Coz. As I live, stark drunk ! away with her. 
 We'll reward you, 
 
 {Exeunt Servants with Petrgnella, 
 When you have cool'd yourselves in the cellar. 
 
 Cap. Heaven preserve you ! 
 
 Coz. We pity Charomonte's wretched fortune 
 In a daughter, nay, a monster. Good old man 1 — 
 The place grows tedious ; our remove shall be 
 With speed : we'll only, in a word or two, 
 Take leave, and comfort him. 
 
 Sanaz. 'Twill rather, sir. 
 Increase his sorrow, that you know his shame ; 
 Your grace may do it by letter. 
 
 Coz. Who sign d you 
 A patent to direct us ? Wait our coming. 
 In the garden. 
 
 Giov. All will out. 
 
 Sanaz. I more than fear it. 
 
 {Exeunt Giovanni a»d Sanazarro. 
 
 Coz. These are strange chimeras to us : what 
 to judge oft. 
 
THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE. 
 
 183 
 
 Is past our apprehension. One command 
 Charomonte to attend us. lExU an Attendant. 
 
 Can it be 
 That Contarino could be so besotted, 
 As to admire this prodigy I or her father 
 To doat upon it ! Or does she personate, 
 For some ends unknown to us, this rude be- 
 haviour, 
 Which, in the scene presented, would appear 
 Ridiculous and impossible ? — O, you are welcome. 
 
 Enter Charomonte. 
 We now acknowledge the much wrong we did you 
 In our unjust suspicion. We have seen 
 The wonder, sir, your daughter. -^ 
 
 Char. And have found her 
 Such as I did report her. What she wanted 
 In courtship, was, I hope, supplied in civil 
 And modest entertainment. 
 
 Coz. Pray you, tell us, 
 And truly we command you — Did you never 
 Observe she was given to drink ? 
 
 Char. To drink, sir ! 
 
 Coz. Yes : nay more, to be drunk ? 
 
 Char. I had rather see her buried. 
 
 Coz. Dare you trust your own eyes, if you find 
 More than distemper'd ? [her now 
 
 Char. I will pull them out, sir. 
 If your grace can make this good. And if you please 
 To grant me liberty, as she is I'll fetch her, 
 And in a moment. 
 
 Coz. Look you do, and fail not. 
 On the peril of your head. 
 
 Char. Drunk ! — She disdains it. lExit. 
 
 Coz. Such contrarieties were never read of. 
 Charomonte is no fool ; nor can I think 
 His confidence built on sand. We are abused, 
 'Tis too apparent. 
 
 Re-enter Charomonte icith Lidia. 
 
 Lid. I am indisposed, sir ; 
 And that life you once tender'd, much endanger'd 
 In forcing me from my chamber. 
 
 Char. Here she is, sir ; 
 Suddenly sick, I grant ; but, sure, not drunk : 
 Speak to my lord the duke. 
 
 Lid. All is discover'd. [.Kneels. 
 
 Coz. Is this your only daughter .' 
 
 Char. And my heir, sir ; 
 Nor keep I any woman in my house 
 (Unless for sordid ofl5ces) but one 
 I do maintain, trimm'd up in her cast habits, 
 To make her sport : and she, indeed, loves wine, 
 And will take too much of it ; and, perhaps, for 
 She was presented to you. [mirth, 
 
 Coz. It shall yield 
 No sport to the contrivers. 'Tis too plain now. 
 Her presence does confirm what Contarino 
 Deliver'd of her ; nor can sickness dim 
 The splendour of her beauties : being herself, then. 
 She must exceed his praise. 
 
 Lid, Will your grace hear me ? 
 I'm faint, and can say little. 
 
 Coz. Here are accents 
 Whose every syllable is musical ! 
 Pray you, let me raise you, and awhile rest here. 
 False Sanazarro, treacherous Giovanni ! 
 But stand we talking ! 
 
 Char. Here's a storm soon raised. 
 
 Coz. As thou art our subject, Charomonte, 
 To act what we command. [swear 
 
 Char. That is an oath 
 I long since took. 
 
 Coz. Then, by that oath we charge thee, 
 Without excuse, denial, or delay. 
 To apprehend, and suddenly, Sanazarro, 
 And our ingrateful nephew. We have said it. 
 Do it without reply, or we pronounce thee, 
 Like them, a traitor to us. See them guarded 
 In several lodgings, and forbid access 
 To all, but when we warrant. Is our will 
 Heard sooner than obey'd ? 
 
 Char. These are strange turns ; 
 But I must not dispute them. iExit 
 
 Coz. Be severe in't. — 
 
 my abused lenity 1 from what height 
 Is my power fallen ! 
 
 Lid. O me most miserable ! 
 That, being innocent, makes others guilty. 
 Most gracious prince 
 
 Coz. Pray you rise, and then speak to me. 
 
 Lid. My knees shall first be rooted in this earth, 
 And, Myrrha-like, I'll grow up to a tree, 
 Dropping perpetual tears of sorrow, which 
 Harden'd by the rough wind, and turn'd to amber, 
 Unfortunate virgins like myself shall wear ; 
 Before I'll make petition to your greatness. 
 But with such reverence, my hands held up thus. 
 As I would do to heaven. You princes are 
 As gods on earth to us, and to be sued to 
 With such humility, as his deputies 
 May challenge from their vassals. 
 
 Coz. Here's that form 
 Of language I expected ; pray you, speak : 
 What is your suit ? 
 
 Lid. That you would look upon me 
 As an humble thing, that millions of degrees 
 Is placed beneath you : for what am I, dread sir, 
 Or what can fall in the whole course of my life, 
 That may be worth your care, much less your 
 As the lowly shrub is to the lofty cedar, [trouble ? 
 Or a molehill to Olympus, if compared, 
 
 1 am to you, sir. Or, suppose the prince, 
 (Which cannot find belief in me,) forgetting 
 
 The greatness of his birth and hopes, hath thrown 
 An eye of favour on me, in me punish. 
 That am the cause, the rashness of his youth. 
 Shall the queen of the inhabitants of the air. 
 The eagle, that bears thunder on her wings, 
 In her angry mood destroy her hopeful young, 
 For suffering a wren to perch too near them .' 
 Such is our disproportion. 
 
 Coz. With what fervour 
 She pleads against herself ! 
 
 Lid. For me, poor maid, 
 I know the prince to be so far above me, 
 That my wishes cannot reach him. Yet I am 
 So much his creature, that, to fix him in 
 Your wonted grace and favour, I'll abjure 
 His sight for ever, and betake myself 
 To a religious life, (where in my prayers 
 I may remember him,) and ne'er see man more, 
 But my ghostly father. Will you trust me, sir ? 
 In truth I'll keep my word ; or, if this fail, 
 A little more of fear what may befall him 
 Will stop my breath for ever. 
 
 Coz. Had you thus argued IRaises her. 
 
 As you were yourself, and brought as advocates 
 Your health and beauty, to make way for you. 
 No crime of his could put on such a shape 
 But I should look with the eyes of mercy on it 
 
184 
 
 THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE. 
 
 What would I give to see this diamond 
 
 In her perfect lustre, as she was before 
 
 The clouds of sickness ditnm'd it ! Yet, take com- 
 
 And, as you would obtain remission for [fort ; 
 
 His treachery to me, cheer your drooping spirits. 
 
 And call the blood again into your cheeks, 
 
 And then plead for him ; and in such a habit 
 As in your highest hopes you would put on, 
 If we were to receive you for our bride. 
 
 Lid. I'll do my best, sir. 
 
 Coz. And that best will be 
 A crown of all felicity to me. lExeunt 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I. — The same. An upper Chamber in 
 Charomonte's House. 
 
 Enter Sanazarro. 
 Sanaz. 'Tis proved in me : the curse of human 
 Adding to our afflictions, makes us know [frailty, 
 What's good ; and yet our violent passions force 
 To follow what is ill. Reason assured me [us 
 
 It was not safe to shave a lion's skin ; 
 And that to trifle with a sovereign was 
 To play with lightning : yet imperious beauty, 
 Treading upon the neck of understanding, 
 Compell'd me to put off my natural shape 
 Of loyal duty, to disguise myself 
 In the adulterate and cobweb-mask 
 Of disobedient treachery. Where is now 
 My borrow'd greatness, or the promised lives 
 Of following courtiers echoing my will ? 
 In a moment vanish'd ! Power that stands not on 
 Its proper base, which is peculiar only 
 To absolute princes, falls or rises with 
 Their frown or favour. The great duke, my master, 
 (Who almost changed me to hiS other self,) 
 No sooner takes his beams of comfort from me. 
 But I, as one unknown, or unregarded, 
 Unpitied suffer. Who makes intercession 
 To his mercy for me, now ? who does remember 
 The service I have done him ? not a man : 
 And such as spake no language but my lord 
 The favourite of Tuscany's grand duke. 
 Deride my madness. — Ha ! what noise of horses ? 
 iHe looks out at the back window. 
 A goodly troop ! This back part of ray prison 
 Allows me liberty to see and know them. 
 Contarino ! yes, 'tis he, and Lodovico : 
 And the dutchess Fiorinda, Urbin's heir, 
 A princess I have slighted : yet I wear 
 Her favours ; and, to teach me what I am, 
 She whom I scorn'd can only mediate for me. 
 This way she makes, yet speak to her I dare not ; 
 And how to make suit to her is a task 
 Of as much difficulty. — Yes, thou blessed pledge 
 
 I'l'akes off the ring. 
 Of her affection, aid me ! This supplies 
 The want of pen and ink ; and this, of paper. 
 
 ITakes a pane of (/lass. 
 It must be so ; and I in my petition 
 Concise and pithy. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 ■ The Court before Charomonte's 
 House. 
 
 Enter Contarino leading in Fiorinda, Alphonso, 
 poLiTO, Hieronimo, and Calaminta. 
 
 Fior. 'Tis a goodly pile, this. 
 
 Hier. But better by the owner. 
 
 Alph. But most rich 
 In the great states it covers. 
 
 Fior. The duke's pleasure 
 Commands us hither. 
 
 Cont. Which was laid on us 
 To attend you to it. 
 
 Hip. Signior Charomonte, 
 To see your excellence his guest, will think 
 Himself most happy. 
 
 Fior. T'\6 my shoe. — [The pane falls down.'] — 
 What's that } 
 A pane thrown from the window, no wind stirring ! 
 
 Calam. And at your feet too fall'n : — there's 
 something writ on't. 
 
 Cont. Some courtier, belike, would have it known 
 He wore a diamond. 
 
 Calam. Ha ! it is directed 
 To the princess Fiorinda. 
 
 Fior. We will read it. llleads. 
 
 He, whom you pleased to favour, is cast down 
 Past hope of rising, by the great duke's frown, 
 If, by your gracious means, he cannot have 
 A pardon ; — and that got, he lives your slave. 
 Of men the most distressed, 
 
 Sanazarro. 
 
 Of me the most beloved ; and I will save thee. 
 Or perish with thee. Sure, thy fault must be 
 Of some prodigious shape, if that my prayers 
 And humble intercession to the duke 
 
 Enter Cozimo and Charomontb. 
 Prevail not with him. Here he comes ; delay 
 Shall not .make less my benefit. 
 
 Coz. What we purpose 
 Shall know no change, and therefore move me not : 
 We were made as properties, and what we shall 
 Determine of them cannot be call'd rigour. 
 But noble justice. When they proved disloyal. 
 They were cruel to themselves. The prince that 
 The first affront offer'd to majesty, [pardons 
 
 Invites a second, rendering that power 
 Subjects should tremble at, contemptible. 
 Ingratitude is a monster, Carolo, 
 To be strangled in the birth, not to De cherish'd. 
 Madam, you're happily met with. 
 
 Fior. Sir, I am 
 An humble suitor to you ; and the rather 
 Am confident of a grant, in that your grace, 
 When I made choice to be at your devotion, 
 Vow'd to deny me nothing. 
 
 Coz. To this minute 
 We have confirm'd it. What's your boon ? 
 
 Fior. It is, sir, 
 That you, in being gracious to your servant. 
 The ne'er sufficiently praised Sanazarro, 
 That now under your heavy displeasure suffers. 
 Would be good unto yourself. His services. 
 So many, and so great, (your storm of fury 
 Calm'd by your better judgment,) mustiuform you 
 Some little slip, for sure it is no more, 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE. 
 
 186 
 
 From his loyal duty, with your justice cannot 
 Make foul his fair deservings. Great sir, therefore, 
 Look backward on his former worth, and turning 
 Your eye from his offence, what 'tis I know not, 
 And, I am confident, you will receive him 
 Once more into your favour. 
 
 Coz. You say well. 
 You are ignorant in the nature of his fault ; 
 Which when you understand, as we'll instruct you, 
 Your pity will appear a charity. 
 It being conferr'd on an unthankful man. 
 To be repented. He's a traitor, madam. 
 To you, to us, to gratitude; and in that 
 All crimes are comprehended. ^ 
 
 Fior. If his offence 
 Aim'd at me only, whatsoe'er it is, 
 *Tis freely pardon' d. 
 
 Coz. This compassion in you 
 Must make the colour of his guilt more ugly. 
 The honours we have hourly heap'd upon him, 
 The titles, the rewards, to the envy of 
 The old nobility, as the common people. 
 We now forbear to touch at, and will only 
 Insist on his gross wrongs to you. You were pleased, 
 Forgetting both yourself and proper greatness. 
 To favour him, nay, to court him to embrace 
 A happiness, which, on his knees, with joy 
 He should have sued for. Who repined not at 
 The grace you did him ? yet, in recompense 
 Of your large bounties, the disloyal wretch 
 Makes you a stale ; and, what he might be by you 
 Scorn'd and derided, gives himself up wholly 
 To the service of another. If you can 
 Bear this with patience, we must say you have not 
 The bitterness of spleen, or ireful passions 
 Familiar to women. Pause upon it, 
 And when you seriously have weigh'd his carriage, 
 Move us again, if your reason will allow it. 
 His treachery known : and then, if you continue 
 An advocate for him, we, perhaps, because 
 We would deny you nothing, may awake 
 Our sleeping mercy. Carolo ! 
 
 Char. My lord.' IThey talk aside. 
 
 Fior. To endure a rival that were equal to me, 
 Cannot but speak my poverty of spirit ; 
 But an inferior, more : yet true love must not 
 Know or degrees, or distances. Lidia may be 
 As far above me in her form, as she 
 Is in her birth beneath me ; and what I 
 In Sanazarro liked, he loves in her. 
 But, if I free him now, the benefit 
 Being done so timely, end confirming too 
 My strength and power, my soul's best faculties 
 
 being 
 Bent wholly to preserve him, must supply me 
 With all I am defective in, and bind him 
 My creature ever. It must needs be so. 
 Nor will I give it o'er thus. 
 
 Coz. Does our nephew 
 Bear his restraint so constantly, as you 
 Deliver it to us ? 
 
 Char. In my judgment, sir, 
 He suffers more for his offence to you. 
 Than in his fear of what can follow it. 
 For he is so collected, and prepared 
 To welcome that you shall determine of him, 
 As if his doubts and' fears were equal to him. 
 And sure he's not acquainted with much guilt, 
 That more laments the telling one untruth. 
 Under your pardon still, for 'twas a fault, sir, 
 
 Than others, that pretend to conscience, do 
 Their crying secret sins. 
 
 Coz. No more ; this gloss 
 Defends not the corruption of the text : 
 Urge it no more. 
 
 [Charomontk and the others talk aside. 
 
 Fior. I once more must make bold, sir, 
 To trench upon your patience. I have 
 Consider'd my wrongs duly : yet that cannot 
 Divert my intercession for a man 
 Your grace, like me, once favour'd. I am still 
 A suppliant to you, that you would vouchsafe 
 The hearing his defence, and that I may. 
 With your allowance, see and comfort him. 
 Then, having heard all that he can allege 
 In his excuse, for being false to you, 
 Censure him as you please. 
 
 Coz. You will o'ercome ; 
 There's no contending with you. Pray you, enjoy 
 What you desire, and tell him, he shall have 
 A speedy trial ; in which, we'll forbear 
 To sit a judge, because our purpose is 
 To rise up his accuser. 
 
 Fior. All increase 
 Of happiness wait on Cozimo 1 
 
 \_Exeunt Fiorinda and Calaminta. 
 
 Alph. Was it no more ? 
 
 Char. My honour's pawn'd for it. 
 
 Cont. I'll second you. 
 
 Hip. Since it is for the service and the safety 
 Of the hopeful prince, fall what can fall, I'll run 
 The desperate hazard. 
 
 Hier. He's no friend to virtue 
 That does decline it. 
 
 {They all come/orward and kneel. 
 
 Coz. Ha ! what sue you for ? 
 Shall we be ever troubled ? Do not tempt 
 That anger may consume you. 
 
 Char. Let it, sir : 
 The loss is less, though innocents we perish, 
 Than that your sister's son should fall, unheard, 
 Under your fury. Shall we fear to entreat 
 That grace for him, that are your faithful servants, 
 Which you vouchsafe the count, like us a subject ? 
 
 Coz. Did not we vow, till sickness had forsook 
 Thy daughter Lidia, and she appear'd 
 In her perfect health and beauty to plead for him, 
 We were deaf to all persuasion ? 
 
 Char. And that hope, sir, 
 Hath wrought a miracle. She is recover'd, 
 And, if you please to warrant her, will bring 
 The penitent prince before you. 
 
 Coz. To enjoy 
 Such happiness, what would we not dispense with ? 
 
 Alpfb. Hip. Hir. We all kneel for the prince. 
 
 Cont. Nor can it stand 
 With your mercy, that are gracious to strangers, 
 To be cruel to your own. 
 
 Coz. But art thou certain 
 I shall behold her at the best ? 
 
 Char. If ever 
 She was handsome, as it fits not me to say so, 
 She is now much better'd. 
 
 Coz. Rise ; thou art but dead. 
 If this prove otherwise. Lidia, appear. 
 And feast an appetite almost pined to death 
 With longing expectation to behold 
 Thy excellencies : thou, as beauty's queen, 
 Shalt censure the detractors. Let my nephew 
 Be led in triumph under her command ; 
 
186 
 
 THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE. 
 
 We'll have it so ; and Sanazarro tremble 
 
 To think whom he hath slander'd. We'll retire 
 
 Ourselves a little, and prepare to meet 
 
 A blessing, which imagination tells us 
 
 We are not worthy of : and then come forth, 
 
 But with such reverence, as if I were 
 
 Myself the priest, the sacrifice my heart, 
 
 To offer at the altar of that goodness 
 
 That must or kill or save me. lExit. 
 
 Char. Are not these 
 Strange gambols in the duke I 
 
 jilph. Great princes have, 
 Like meaner men, their weakness. 
 
 Hip. And may use it 
 Without control or check. 
 
 Cont. 'Tis fit they should ; 
 Their privilege were less else, than their subjects'. 
 
 Hier. Let them have their humours ; there's no 
 crossing them. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE IIL — A State-room in the same. 
 Enter Fxorinda, Sanazarro, and Calaminta. 
 
 Sanass. And can it be, your bounties should fall 
 down 
 In showers on my ingratitude, or the wrongs 
 Your greatness should revenge, teach you to pity ? 
 What retribution can I make, what service 
 Pay to your goodness, that, in some proportion. 
 May to the world express I would be thankful ? 
 Since my engagements are so great, that all 
 My best endeavours to appear your creature 
 Can but proclaim my wants, and what I owe 
 To your magnificence. 
 
 Fior. All debts are discharged 
 In this acknowledgment : yet, since you please 
 I shall impose some terms of satisfaction 
 For that which you profess yourself obliged for. 
 They shall be gentle ones, and such as will not, 
 I hope, afflict you. 
 
 Sanaz. Make me understand. 
 Great princess, what they are, and my obedience 
 Shall, with all cheerful willingness, subscribe 
 To what you shall command. 
 
 Fior. I will bind you to 
 Make good your promise. First, I then enjoin you 
 To love a lady, that, a noble way, 
 Truly affects you ; and that you would take 
 To your protection and care the dukedom 
 Of Urbin, which no more is mine, but your's. 
 And that, when you have full possession of 
 My person as my fortune, you would use me, 
 !Not as a princess, but instruct me in 
 The duties of an humble wife, for such, 
 The privilege of my birth no more remember'd, 
 I will be to you. This consented to, 
 All injuries forgotten, on your lips 
 I thus sign your quietus. 
 
 Sanaz. I am wretched, 
 In having but one life to be employ'd 
 As you please to dispose it. And, believe it, 
 If it be not already forfeited 
 To the fury of ray prince, as 'tis your gift, 
 With all the faculties of my soul I'll study, 
 In what I may, to serve you. 
 
 Fior. I am happy 
 
 Enter Giovanni and Lidia. 
 In this assurance. What sweet lady's this ? 
 
 Sanaz. 'Tis Lidia, madam, she 
 
 Fior. I understand you. 
 Nay, blush not ; by my life, she is a rare one ! 
 And, if I were your judge, I would not blame you 
 To like and love her. But, sir, you are mine now ; 
 And I presume so on your constancy, 
 That I dare not be jealous, 
 
 Sanaz. All thoughts of her 
 Are in your goodness buried. 
 
 Lid. Pray you, sir. 
 Be comforted ; your innocence should not know 
 What 'tis to fear ; and if that you but look on 
 The guards that you have in yourself, you can not. 
 The duke's your uncle, sir, and, though a little 
 Incensed against you, when he sees your sorrow, 
 He must be reconciled. What rugged Tartar, 
 Or cannibal, though bath'd in human gore. 
 But, looking on your sweetness, would forget 
 His cruel nature, and let fall his weapon, 
 Though then aim'd at your throat i 
 
 Giov. O Lidia, 
 Of maids the honour, and your sex's glory ! 
 It is not fear to die, but to lose you, 
 That brings this fever on me. 1 will now 
 Discover to you, that which, till this minute, 
 I durst not trust the air with. Ere you knew 
 What power the magic of your beauty had, 
 I was enchanted by it, liked, and loved it, 
 My fondness still increasing with my years ; 
 And, flattered by false hopes, I did attend 
 Some blessed opportunity to move 
 The duke with his consent to make you mine : 
 But now, such is my star-cross'd destiny, 
 When he beholds you as you are, he cannot 
 Deny himself the happiness to enjoy you. 
 And I as well in reason may entreat him 
 To give away his crown, as to part from 
 A jewel of more value, such you are. 
 Yet, howsoever, when you are his dutchess. 
 And I am turn'd into forgotten dust. 
 Pray you, love my memory : — I should say more, 
 But I'm cut off". 
 
 Enter Cozimo, Charomonte, Contarino, HieronimO; 
 HiPPOLiTO, and Alphonso. 
 
 Sanaz. The duke ! That countenance, once, 
 When it was clothed in smiles, shew'd like an 
 But, now 'tis folded up in clouds of fury, [angel's, 
 'Tis terrible to look on. 
 
 Lid. Sir. 
 
 Coz. A while 
 Silence your musical tongue^ and let me feast 
 My eyes with the most ravishing object that 
 They ever gazed on. There's no miniature 
 In her fair face, but is a copious theme 
 Which would, discours'd at large of, make a volume. 
 What clear arch'd brows ! what sparkling eyes ! 
 Contending with the roses in her cheeks, [the lilies 
 Who shall most set them off. What ruby lips ! — 
 Or unto what can I compare her neck, 
 But to a rock of crystal ? every limb 
 Proportion'd to love's wish, and in their neatness 
 Add lustre to the riches of her habit, 
 Not borrow from it. 
 
 Lid. You are pleased to shew, sir. 
 The fluency of your language, in advancing 
 A subject much unworthy. 
 
 Coz. How ! unworthy } 
 By all the vows which lovers offer at 
 The Cyprian goddess' altars, eloquence 
 
8CSNE in. 
 
 THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE. 
 
 187 
 
 Itself presuming, as you are, to speak you, 
 Would be struck dumb ! — And what have you de- 
 served then, 
 
 [Giovanni and Sanazarro kneel. 
 (Wretches, you kneel too late,) that have endea- 
 vour 'd 
 To spout the poison of your black detraction 
 On this immaculate whiteness ? was it malice 
 To her perfections ? or 
 
 Fior. Your highness promised 
 A gracious hearing to the count. 
 
 Lid. And prince too ; 
 Do not make void so just a grant. 
 
 Coz. We will not. 
 Yet, since their accusation must be urged, -^ 
 And strongly, ere their weak defence have hearing, 
 We seat, you here, as judges, .to determine 
 Of your gross wrongs, and ours. [Seats the Ladies 
 in the chairs of state.] And now, remem- 
 Whose deputies you are, be neither sway'd [bering 
 Or with particular spleen, or foolish pity, 
 For neither can become you. 
 
 Char. There's some hope yet. 
 Since they have such gentle judges. 
 
 Coz. Rise, and stand forth, then. 
 And hear, with horror to your guilty souls. 
 What we will prove against you. Could this prin- 
 cess. 
 Thou enemy to thyself, [To Sanazarro] stoop 
 
 her high flight 
 Of towering greatness to invite thy lowness 
 To look up to it, and with nimble wings 
 Of gratitude couldst thou forbear to meet it ? 
 Were her favours boundless in a noble way 
 And warranted by our allowance, yet, 
 In thy acceptation, there appear'd no sign 
 Of a modest thankfulness ? 
 
 Fior. Pray you forbear 
 To press that further ; tis a fault we have 
 Already heard, and pardon'd. 
 
 Coz. We will then 
 Pass over it, and briefly touch at that 
 Which does concern ourself, in which both being 
 Equal offenders, what we shall speak points 
 Indifferently at either. How we raised thee, 
 Forgetful Sanazarro ! of our grace. 
 To a full possession of power and honours, 
 It being too well known, we'll not remember. 
 And what thou wert, rash youth, in expectation, 
 
 [To Giovanni. 
 And from which headlong thou hast thrown thyself. 
 Not Florence, but all Tuscany can witness, 
 With admiration. To assure thy hopes, 
 We did keep constant to a widowed bed. 
 And did deny ourself those lawful pleasures 
 Our absolute power and height of blood allow'd us ; 
 Made both, the keys that open'd our heart's secrets, 
 And what you spake, believed as oracles : 
 But you in recompence of this, to him 
 That gave you all, to whom you owed your being. 
 With treacherous lies endeavour'd to conceal 
 This jewel from our knowledge, which ourself 
 Could only lay just claim to. 
 
 Giov. *Tis most true, sir. 
 
 Sanaz. We both confess a guilty cause. 
 
 Coz. Look on her. 
 Is this a beauty fit to be embraced 
 By any subject's arms ? can any tire 
 Become that forehead, but a diadem ? 
 Or, should we grant your being false to us 
 
 Could be excused, your treachery to her. 
 In seeking to deprive her of that greatness 
 (Her matchless form consider'd) she was born to, 
 Must ne'er find pardon. We have spoken, ladies. 
 Like a rough orator, that brings more truth 
 Than rhetoric to make good his accusation ; 
 And now expect your sentence. 
 
 [The Ladies descend from the state. 
 
 Lid. In your birth, sir. 
 You were mark'd out the judge of life and death, 
 And we, that are your subjects, to attend, 
 With trembling fear, your doom. 
 
 Fior. We do resign 
 This chair, as only proper to your self. 
 
 Giov. And, since in justice we are lost, we fly 
 Unto your saving mercy. lAll kneeling. 
 
 Sanaz. Which sets off 
 A prince, much more than rigour. 
 
 Char. And becomes him, 
 When 'tis express'd to such as fell by weakness, 
 That being a twin-born brother to affection, 
 Better than wreaths of conquest. 
 
 Hier. Hip. Cont. Alph. We all speak 
 Their language, mighty sir. 
 
 Coz. You know our temper. 
 And therefore with more boldness venture on it : 
 And, would not our consent to your demands 
 Deprive us of a happiness hereafter 
 Ever to be despair'd of, we, perhaps. 
 Might hearken nearer to you ; and could wish 
 With some qualification, or excuse. 
 You might make less the mountains of your crimes, 
 And so invite our clemency to feast with you. 
 But you, that knew with what impatiency 
 Of grief we parted from the fair Clarinda, 
 Our dutchess, (let her memory still be sacred !) 
 And with what imprecations on ourself 
 We vow'd, not hoping e'er to see her equal, 
 Ne'er to make trial of a second choice. 
 If nature framed not one that did excel her. 
 As this maid's beauty prompts us that she does : — 
 And yet, with oaths then mix'd with tears, upon 
 Her monument we swore our eye should never 
 Again be tempted ; — 'tis true, and those vows 
 Are register'd above, something here tells me. — 
 Carolo, thou beards t us swear. 
 
 Char, And swear so deeply, 
 That if all women's beauties were in this, 
 (As she's not to be named with the dead dutchess,) 
 Nay, all their virtues bound up in one story, 
 (Of which mine is scarce an epitome,) 
 If you should take her as a wife, the weight 
 Of your perjuries would sink you. If I durst, 
 I had told you this before. 
 
 Coz. 'Tis strong truth, Carolo : 
 And yet, what was necessity in us, 
 Cannot free them from treason. 
 
 Char. There's your error ; 
 The prince, in care to have you keep your vows 
 Made unto heaven, vouchsafed to love my daughter. 
 
 Lid. He told me so, indeed, sir. 
 
 Fior. And the count 
 Averr'd as much to me. 
 
 Coz. You all conspire, 
 To force our mercy from us. 
 
 Char. Which given up. 
 To aftertimes preserves you untorsworn : 
 An honour, which will live upon your tomb' 
 When your greatness is forgotten. 
 
 Coz. Though we know 
 
188 
 
 THE GREAT DUKE OF FLORENCE. 
 
 ACT V, 
 
 All this is practice, and that both are false : 
 Such reverence we will pay to dead Clarinda, 
 And to our serious oaths, that we are pleased 
 With our own hand to blind our eyes, and not 
 Know what we understand. Here, Giovanni, 
 We pardon thee ; and take from us, in this, 
 More than our dukedom : love her. As I part 
 With her, all thoughts of women fly fast from us ! 
 Sanazarro, we forgive you : in your service 
 To this princess, merit it. Yet let not others 
 That are in trust and grace, as you have been. 
 By the example of our lenity, 
 Presume upon their sovereign's clemency. 
 
 Enter Calandrino and Pktronella. 
 
 All- Long live great Cozimo ! 
 
 Cal. Sure the duke is 
 In the giving vein, they are so loud. Come on, 
 
 spouse ; 
 We have heard all, and we will have our boon too. 
 
 Coz. What is it ? 
 
 Cal, That your grace, in remembrance of 
 
 My share in a dance, and that I played your part. 
 When you should have drunk hard, would get this 
 
 signior's grant 
 To give this damsel to me in the church, 
 For we are contracted. In it you shall do 
 Your dukedom pleasure. 
 
 Coz. How? 
 
 Cal. Why, the whole race 
 Of such as can act naturally fools' parts, 
 A.re quite worn out ; and they that do survive. 
 Do only zany us : and we will bring you, 
 If we die not without issue, of both sexes 
 Such chopping mirth-makers, as shall preserve 
 Perpetual cause of sport, both to your grace 
 And your posterity ; that sad melancholy 
 Shall ne'er approach you. 
 
 Coz. We are pleased in it. 
 
 And will pay her portion. \_Oomes forward. 
 
 May the passage prove, 
 Of whaVs presented^ worthy of your love 
 And favour, as was aimed, and we have all, 
 That can in compass of cur wishes fail I^ Exeunt, 
 
THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 TO MY MOST HONOURED FRIENDS, 
 
 SIR FRANCIS FOLJAMBE, KNT. AND BART. 
 
 SIR THOMAS BLAND, KNT. 
 
 That you have been, and continued so for many years, since you vouchsafed to own me, patrons to me and my 
 despised studies, I cannot but with all humble thankfulness acknowledge : and living, as you have done, inseparable in 
 your friendship, (notwithstanding all differences, and suits in law arising between you,) I held it as impertinent aM 
 absurd, in the presentment of my service in this kind, to divide you. A free confession of a debt in a meaner man, is 
 the amplest satisfaction to his superiors ; and I heartily wish, that the world may take notice, and from myself, that I 
 had not to this time subsisted, but that I was supported by your frequent courtesies and favours. When your more 
 serious occasions will give you leave, you may please to peruse this trifle, and peradventure find something in it that 
 may appear worthy of your protection. Receive it, I beseech you, as a testimony of his duty who, while he lives. 
 
 resolves to be 
 
 Truly and sincerely devoted to your service. 
 
 Philip Massinger. 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONS. 
 
 Roberto, King of Sicili/. 
 
 Ferdinand, Duke of Urbin. 
 
 Bertoldo, the King's natural Brother, a Knight 
 
 of Malta. 
 GoNzAGA, a Knight of MaHa, General to the 
 
 Dutchess of Sienna. 
 AsTUTio, a Counsellor of State. ^ < j-f]^ 
 
 FuLGENTio, the minion of RoBtiRTO.S H^' 
 Adorni, a follower of Camiola's Father. 
 SiGNfoR SvLLi, a foolish self -love r. V 
 
 Gasparo' \ ^" 'Q ^'<^^ Heirs City-bre d, f^^^ 
 PiKRio, a Colonel to Gonzaga. 
 
 
 > Captains to Gonzaga. 
 > Captai 
 
 RODERIGO, 
 
 Jacomo, 
 
 Druso 
 
 Livid ' ^ Co^Vtains to Duke Ferdinand. 
 
 Father Patlo, a Priest, Camiola's Confessor, 
 Ambassador from the Duke of Urbin, 
 A Bishop. 
 A Page. 
 
 AuRELiA, Dutchess of Sienna. 
 C amiola, the Maid of Honoub . 
 Clarinda, her Woman. 
 
 Scout, Soldiers, Gaoler, Attendants, Servants, SfC. 
 
 SCENE, — Partly ik Sicily, and partly in the Siennese. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I — Palermo. A State-room in the 
 Palace. 
 Enter Astutio and Adorni. 
 A dor. Good day to your lordship. 
 Ast. Thanks, Adorni. 
 
 Ador. May I presume to ask if the ambassador 
 Employ'd by Ferdinand, the duke of Urbin, 
 Hath audience this morning ? 
 
 Enter Fulqentio. 
 
 Ast. 'Trs uncertain ; 
 For though a counsellor of state, I am not 
 Of the cabinet counsel : but there's one, if he 
 That may resolve you. [please, 
 
 Ador. I will move him Sir! 
 
 Ful. If you've a suit, shew water, I am blind 
 else. 
 
 Ador. 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, 
 Vouchsafed in answer of a fair demand. 
 Cannot deserve a fee. 
 
 Ful. It seems you are ignorant, 
 I neither speak nor hold my peace for nothing ; 
 And yet, for once, I care not if I answer 
 One single question, gratis. 
 
 Ador. I much thank you. 
 Hath the ambassador audience, sir, to-day ? 
 
 Ful. Yes. 
 
190 
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Ador. At what hour ? 
 
 Ful. I promised not so much. 
 A syllable you begg'd, my charity gave it ; 
 Move me no further. \_Exit. 
 
 Ast. This you wonder at : 
 With me, 'tis usual. 
 
 Ador. Pray you, sir, what is he ? 
 
 Ast. A gentleman, yet no lord. He hath some 
 drops 
 Of the king'*s blood, running in his veins, derived 
 Some ten degrees off. His_revenue lies 
 In a narrow compass, the king's ear ; and yields 
 
 him 
 Every hour a fruitful harvest. Men may talk 
 Of three crops in a year in the Fortunate Islands, 
 Or profit made by wool ; but, while there are 
 
 suitors, 
 His sheepshearing, nay, shaving to the quick, 
 Is in every quarter of the moon, and constant 
 In the time of trussing a point, he can undo. 
 Or make a man : his play or recreation. 
 Is to raise this up, or pull down that ; and though 
 He never yet took orders, makes more bishops 
 la Sicily, than the pope himself. 
 
 J?n<er Bertoldo, Gasparo, Antonio, anti a Servant. 
 
 Ador. Most strange ! 
 
 Ast. The presence fills. He in the Malta habit 
 Is the natural brother of the king — a bjj^blow. 
 
 Ador. I understand you. 
 
 Gasp. Morrow to my uncle. 
 X Ant. And my late guardian : — but at length I 
 ( The reins in my own hands. [have 
 
 Ast. Pray you, use them well, 
 Or you'll too late repent it. 
 
 Bert. With this jewel 
 Presented to Camiola, prepare, 
 This night, a visit for me. \^Ey:it Servant.] I shall 
 
 have 
 Your company, gallants, I perceive, if that 
 The king will hear of war. 
 
 Ant. Sir, I have horses 
 Of the best breed in Naples, fitter far 
 To break a rank than crack a lance ; and are, 
 In their career, of such incredible swiftness, 
 They outstrip swallows. 
 
 Bert. And such may be useful 
 VTo run away with, should we be defeated: 
 You are well provided, signior. 
 
 Ant. Sir, excuse me ; 
 All of th^ir race, by instinct, know a coward, 
 And scorn the burthen : they come on, like light- 
 Founder'd in a retreat. [ning ; 
 
 Bert. By no means back them ; 
 Unless you know your courage sympathize 
 With the daring of your horse. 
 
 Ant. My lord, this is bitter. 
 
 Gasp. I will raise me a company of foot ; 
 And, when at push of pike I am to enter 
 A breach, to shew my valour, I have bought me 
 An armour cannon-proof. 
 
 Bert. You will not leap, then, 
 O'er an outwork, in your shirt } 
 
 Gasp. I do not like 
 Activity that way. 
 
 Bert. You had rather stand 
 A mark to try their muskets on? 
 
 Gasp. If I do 
 No good, I'll do no hurt. 
 
 Bert. 'Tis in vou, signior. 
 
 A Christian resolution, and becomes you ! 
 But I will not discourage you. 
 
 Ant. You are, sir, 
 A knight of Malta, and, as I have heard, 
 Have serv'd against the Turk. 
 
 Bert. 'Tis true. 
 
 Ant. Pray you, shew us 
 The difference between the city valour, 
 And service in the field. 
 
 Bert. 'Tis somewhat more \ 
 
 Than roaring ma tavern or a'brothel, \ 
 Or tosteal a constable from a sleeping watch, 
 Then burn their halberds ; or, safe guardedly 
 Your tenant's sons, to carry away a may-polfe \ 
 From a neighbour village. You will not find fiJiere 
 Your masters of dependencies to take up \ 
 A drunken brawl, or, .tii..get-yoa-,th£jQame3 
 Of valiant chevaliers, fellows that will be, 
 For a cloak with thrice-died velvet, and a cast iuit, 
 Kick'd down the stairs. A knave with hallf 
 
 breech there. 
 And no shirt, (being a thing superfluous. 
 And worn out of his memory,) if you bear not 
 pTourselves both in, and upright, with a provant 
 L^ ""~"' sword 
 Will slash your scarlets and your plush a new way; 
 Or, with the hilts, thunder about your ears 
 Such music as will make your worships dance 
 To the doleful tune of Lachrymce. 
 
 Gasp. I must tell you 
 In private, as you are my princely friend, 
 I do not like such fiddlers. 
 
 Bert. No ! they are useful 
 For your imitation ; I remember you. 
 When you came first to the court, and talk'd of 
 
 nothing 
 But your rents and your entradas, e ver ching ing 
 The golden bells in ypurpockets ; you believed 
 The taking of the wall as a tribute due to 
 Your gaudy clothes ; and could not walk at mid- 
 Without a causeless quarrel, as if men [night 
 
 Of coarser outsides were in duty bound 
 To suffer your affronts : but, when you had been 
 Cudgell'd well twice or thrice, and from the doc- 
 Made profitable uses, you concluded, [trine 
 ■^he sovereign means to teach irregular heirs 
 Civility, with conformity of manners, 
 Were two or three sound beatings. 
 " Ant. I confess 
 They did much good upon me. 
 
 Gasp. And on me : 
 The principles that they read were sound. 
 
 Bert. Yoii'll find 
 The tike instructions in the camp. 
 Ast. The king ! 
 
 A flourish. Enter Roberto, Fulgentio, Ambassador, 
 and Attendants. 
 
 Rob. [Ascends the throne.} We sit prepared to 
 Amb. Your majesty [hear. 
 
 Hath been long since familiar, I doubt not, 
 With the desperate fortunes of my lord ; and pity 
 Of the much that your confederate hath suffer'd. 
 You being his last refuge, may persuade you 
 Not alone to compassionate, but to lend 
 Your royal aids to stay him in his fall 
 To certain ruin. He, too late, is conscious ~", 
 That his ambition to encroach upon 
 His neighbour's territories, with the danger of 
 His liberty, nay, his life, hath brought in question 
 
THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 191 
 
 His own inheritance : bjjtjtouthjjjand heat I 
 
 Of bloQil^-ia. your interpretation, may 
 
 Both plead and mediate for him. I must grant it 
 
 An error ihliiiii, being denied the favours 
 
 Of the fair princess of Sienna, (though 
 
 He sought her in a noble way,) to endeavour 
 
 To force affection by surprisal of 
 
 Her principal seat. Sienna. 
 
 Rob. Which now proves 
 The seat of his captivity, not triumph : 
 Heayei^ is still just. \y- 
 
 Ambi'~ KSK\et that justice i s | 
 
 T o be with mercy tempered , which heaven^s depu- 
 
 Hes~ 
 Stand bound to minist;gr. The injured dutcness. 
 By re'ason taught, as nature, could not, with 
 The reparation of her wrongs, but aim at 
 A brave revenge ; and my lord feels, too late. 
 That innocence will find friends. The great Gon- 
 The honour of his order, ( I must praise [zaga, 
 Virtue, though in an enemy,) he whose fights 
 And conquests hold one number, rallying up 
 Her scatter'd troops, before we could get time 
 To victual or to man the conquer'd city. 
 Sat down before it ; and, presuming that 
 'Tis not to be relievecl, admits no parley, 
 Our flags of truce hung out in vain : nor will he 
 Lend an ear to composition, but exacts. 
 With the rendering up the town, the goods and lives 
 Of all within the walls, and of all sexes, 
 To be at his discretion. 
 
 Rob. Since injustice 
 In your duke meets this correction, can you press 
 With any seeming argument of reason, [us, 
 
 In foolish pity to decline his dangers, 
 To draw them on ourself } Shall we not be 
 Warn'd by his harms? The league proclaim'd 
 
 between us. 
 Bound neither of us further than to-aid . 
 Each other, if by foreign force invaded ; i 
 And so far in m y hon our I^wa,s tied. 
 But since, without our counsel, or allowance, 
 He hath ta'en arms ; with his good leave, he must 
 Excuse us if we steer not on a rock 
 We see, and may avoid. Let other monarchs 
 ContetiJtolbe made glorious by proud war, 
 And, with the blood of their poor subjects, purchase 
 Increase of empire, and augment their cares 
 In keeping that which v/as by wrongs extoi^ed, 
 Gilding unjust invasions with, the trim y 
 O f gloriou^ (^f^nquRstp : we, that would be known. 
 The father of our people, in our study ' . 
 
 And vigilance for their safety, must not change 
 Their ploughshares into, swords, and force them 
 The secure shade of their own vines, to be [from 
 Scorch'd with the flames of war ; or, for our sport. 
 Expose thefr lives to ruin. 
 
 Amb. Will you, then, 
 In his extremity, forsake your friend ? 
 
 Rob. No; but preserve ourself. ^ .^ - 
 
 Bert. Cannot the beams a ^i^^\r-jf 
 
 Of honour thaw^ytwr icy fears ? ""x' IS^ n 
 
 Beri. A kind of brother, sir, howe'er your 
 subject ; 
 Your father's son, and one who blushes that 
 You are not heir to his brave spirit and vigour, 
 As to his kingdom. 
 
 Rob. How's this I 
 
 Bert. Sir, to be 
 
 His living chronicle, and to speak iiis praise, 
 Cannot deserve your anger. , ,. 
 
 Rob. Where's your warrant ^Z 
 For this presumption ? 
 
 Bert. Here, sir, in my heart : -_ 
 
 Let sycophants, that feed upon your favours, ) 
 Style coldness in you caution, and prefer ' 
 
 Your ease before your honour ; and conclude, 
 To eat and sleep supinely is The end 
 Of human blessings : I must tell you, sir, 
 Virtu e, if not in action, is a vice ; 
 And, "when we move not forwaT^ we go oackward : 
 Norjs this peace, the nurse of drones and cowards, 
 Our health, but ^disease. 
 
 Casp. WeTTurgecl, iny lord. 
 
 Ant. Perfect what is so well begun. 
 
 Amb. And bind 
 My lord your servant. 
 
 Rob. Hair-brain'd fool ! what reason 
 Canst thou infer, to make this good i 
 
 Bert. A thousand, 
 Not to be contradicted. But consider 
 Where your command lies : 'tis not, sir, in France, 
 Spain, Germany, Portugal, but in Sicily ; 
 An island, sir. Here are no mines of gold 
 Or silver to enrich you ; no worm spins 
 Silk in her womb, to make distinction -\ 
 
 Between you and a peasant, in your habits ; * 
 No fish lives near our shores, whose blood can dye 
 Scarlet or purple ; all that we possess. 
 With beasts we have in common : natiire did 
 Dejigajjs to be. warriors, and to break through 
 OuFl'ihg, the sea, by which we are envirou'd ; ^ 
 And we by force must fetch in what is wanting, ^ 
 Or j)recious to us. Add to this, we are { 
 
 A populous nation, and increase so fast, 
 That, if we by our providence are not sent 
 Abroad in colonies, or fall by the sword, 
 Not Sicily, though now it were more fruitful 
 Than when 'twas styled the Granary of great 
 
 E.ome, 
 Can yield our numerous fry bread : we must starve, 
 Or eat up one another. 
 
 Ador. The king hears 
 With much attention. 
 
 Ast. And seems moved with what 
 Bertoldo hath deliver'd. 
 
 Bert. May you live long, sir. 
 The king of peace, s(i_ypji. <leny not us 
 The^^l^rjjj^the^war ; let not our nerves 
 Shrink up with sloth, nor, for want of employment. 
 Make younger brothers thieves : it is their swords. 
 
 Must sow and reap their harvest. If_exarnples "} 
 May move you more than arguments, look on 
 The empress of the European isles, [Eiigland, 
 
 And unto whom alone ours yields precedence : 
 When did she flourish so, as when she was 
 The mistress of the ocean, her navies 
 Putting a girdle round about the world ? 
 When the Iberian quaked, her worthies named ; 
 And the fair flower-de-luce grew pale, set by 
 The red rose and the white ? Let not our armour - 
 Hung up, or nur iinrigg'd armaria, make US 
 Ridiculous to the late poor snakes our neighbours, 
 Warm'd in our bosoms, and to whom again 
 We may bek^terrible ; while we spend our hours 
 Without variety, confined to drink. 
 Dice, cards, or whores. Rouse us, sir, from the 
 sleep 
 
 1 
 
 ^ 
 
 f4^- 
 
 .^r 
 
 /" 
 
 
102 
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Of idleness, and redeem our mortgaged honours. , 
 Your birth, and justly, claims my father's kingdom ; 
 But his heroic mind descends to me ; 
 I will confirm so much. 
 
 Ador. In his looks he seems 
 To break ope Janus' temple. 
 
 Ast. How these younglings 
 Take fire from him ! 
 
 Ador. It works an alteration 
 Upon the king. 
 
 Ant. I can forbear no longer : 
 War, war, my sovereign ! 
 
 Ful. The king appears 
 Resolv'd, and does prepare to speak. 
 
 Roh. Think not 
 Our counsel's built upon so weak a base. 
 As to be overturn'd, or shaken, with 
 Tempestuous winds of words. As I, my lord. 
 Before resolv'd you, I will not engage \ 
 
 My person in this quarrel ; neither press 
 My subjects to maintain it : yet, to shew 
 My rule is gentle, and that I have feeling 
 O' your master's sufferings, since these gallant 
 
 weary 
 Of the happiness of peace, desire to taste 
 The bitter sweets of war, we do consent \ 
 
 That, as adventurers, and volunteers, \ \ 
 
 No way compell'd by us, they may make trial 
 0{ their boasted valours. 
 
 Bert. We desire no more. 
 
 Rob. 'Tis well ; and, but my grant in this, 
 expect not 
 Assistance from me. Govern, as you please, 
 The province you make choice of ; for, I vow 
 By all things sacred, if that thou miscarry 
 In this rash undertaking, I will hear it 
 No otherwise than as a sad disaster. 
 Fallen on a stranger ; nor will I esteem 
 That man my sul^iect, who, in thy extremes, 
 In purse or person aids thee. Take your fortune : 
 You know me ; I have said it. So, my lord, 
 You have my absolute answer. 
 
 Amb. My prince pays, 
 In me, his duty. 
 
 Rob. Follow me, Fulgentio, 
 And you, Astutio. 
 
 IFlourish. Exeunt Roberto, Fulgentio, Astutio, and 
 Attendants. \ J 
 
 Gasp. What a frown he threw, i^^ ^^^'^>ifi '^^.^ 
 At his departure, on you 1 i' ^^(^■^'^ 
 
 Bert. Let him keep y^ '^4^*^ \ 
 
 His smiles for his state gata rjiitef I care not. 
 
 Ant. Shall we aboard to-night ? 
 
 Amb. Your speed, my lord. 
 Doubles the benefit. 
 
 Bert. I have a business 
 Requires dispatch ; some two hours hence I'll meet 
 you. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — The same. A Room in Camioi. a' s 
 
 House. 
 
 Enter Signior Syllt, walking fantastically , followed by 
 
 Camiola and Clarinda. 
 
 Cam. Nay, signior, this is too much ceremony, 
 In my own house. 
 
 Syl. What's gracious abroad, 
 Must be in private practised. 
 
 Clar. For your mirth's sake 
 Let him alone ; he has been all this morning 
 
 In practice with a peruked gentleman-usher. 
 To teach him his true amble, and his postures, 
 
 [Sylli walking by, and practising. 
 When he walks before a lady. 
 
 Syl. You may, madam. 
 Perhaps, believe that I in this use art, 
 To make you dote upon me, by exposing 
 My more than most rare features to your view : 
 But I, as I have ever done, deal simply ; 
 A mark of sweet simplicity, ever noted 
 In the family of the Syllis. Therefore, lady. 
 Look not with too much contemplation on me ; 
 If you do, you are in the suds. 
 
 Cam. You are no barber ? 
 
 Syl. 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. 
 
 Cam. Is't possible ? 
 
 Syl. Yes, and they live too : marry, much con- 
 doling 
 The scorn of their Narcissus, as they call me, 
 Because I love myself 
 
 Cam. Without a rival. 
 What pftilters or love-powders do you use, 
 To force affection ? I see nothing in 
 Your person but I dare look on, yet keep 
 My own poor heart still. 
 
 Syl. You are warn'd — be arm'd ; 
 And do not lose the hope of such a husband. 
 In being too soon enamour'd. 
 
 Clar. Hold in your head, 
 Or you must have a martingal. 
 
 ' Syl. I have sworn 
 Never to take a wife, but such a one, ] ^ 
 
 may your ladyship prove so strong !| as can 
 Hold out a month against me. 
 
 Cam. Never fear it ; 
 Though your best taking part, your wealth, were 
 trebled, 
 
 1 would not woo you. But since in your pity 
 You please to give me caution, tell me what 
 Temptations I must fly from. 
 
 Syl. The first is, 
 That you never hear me sing, for I'm a Syren : 
 If you observe, when I warble, the dogs howl, 
 As ravish'd with my ditties ; and you will 
 Run mad to hear me. 
 
 Cam. I will stop my ears, 
 And keep my little wits. A 
 
 Syl. Next, when I dance, \ v 
 
 And come aloft thus, [capers'] cast \not a sheep's 
 Upon the quivering of my calf. \ [eye 
 
 Cam. Proceed, sir. 
 
 Syl. But on no terms, for 'tis a main point, dream 
 not 
 O' th' strength of my back, though it will bear a 
 With any porter. [burthen 
 
 Cam. I mean not to ride you. 
 
 Syl. Nor I your little ladyship, till you have 
 Perform'd the covenants. Be not taken with 
 My pretty spider-fingers, nor my eyes. 
 That twinkle on both sides. 
 
 Cam. Was there ever such 
 A piece of motley heard of! [A knocking within.'^ 
 Who's that ? [Exit Clarinda.] You may 
 spare 
 The catalogue of my dangers. 
 
 Syl. No, good madam ; 
 I have not told you half. 
 
.SCKNK II. 
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 19.3 
 
 Cam. Enough, good signior ; 
 If 1 eat more of such sweetmeats, I shall surfeit. — 
 
 Re-enter Clarinda. 
 Who is't ? 
 
 Clar^ The brother of the king. 
 
 Syl. Nay, start not. 
 The brother of the king ! is he no more .' 
 Were it the king himself, I'd give him leave 
 To speak his mind to you, for I am not jealous ; 
 And, to assure your ladyship of so much, 
 I'll usher him in, and, that done — hide myself. 
 
 \_Aside, and exit. 
 
 Cam. Camiola, if ever, now be constant : 
 This is, indeed, a suitor, whose sweet presence, 
 Courtship, and loving language, would have stag- 
 The chaste Penelope ; and, to increase [ger'd 
 
 The wonder, did not modesty forbid it, 
 I should ask that from bim lie "sues to me for : 
 And vejLjny r ea s on, like a tyrant, tells me 
 I must nor^give nor takelt. 
 
 Re-enter Sylli with Bertoldo. 
 
 Syl. I must tell you, 
 You lose your labour. 'Tis enough to prove it, 
 Signior Sylli came before you ; and you know. 
 First come first serv'd : yet you shall have my 
 
 countenance 
 To parley with her, and I'll take special care 
 That none shall interrupt you. 
 
 Bert. You are courteous. 
 
 Syl. Come, wench, wiit thou hear wisdom ? 
 
 Clar. Yes, from you, sir.' [They walk aside. 
 
 Bert. If forcing this sweet favour from your lips, 
 
 [Kisses her. 
 Fair madam, argue me of too much boldness, 
 When you are pleased to understand I take 
 A parting kiss, if not excuse, at least 
 'Twill qualify the offence. 
 
 Cam. A parting kiss, sir ! 
 What nation, envious of the happiness 
 Which Sicily enjoys in your sweet presence, 
 Can buy you from her ? or what climate yield 
 Pleasures transcending those which you enjoy here. 
 Being both beloved. and honour'd; the north-star 
 And guider of all hearts ; and, to sum up 
 Your full accompt of happiness in a word, 
 The brother of the king ? 
 
 Bert. Do you, alone. 
 And with an unexampled cruelty, 
 Enforce my absence, and deprive me of 
 Those blessings which you, with a polish'd phrase, 
 Seem to insinuate that I do possess, 
 And yet tax me as being guilty of 
 My wilful exile ? What are titles to me, 
 Or popular suffrage, or my nearness to 
 The king in blood, or fruitful Sicily, 
 Though it confess'd no ssj^igr^j^n but ravself, 
 When you, that are the essence orrny being, 
 The^nchoFoF my hbjies^IEeTreal sTlbSlaiice 
 Of my feficity, in your disdain. 
 Turn all to fading and deceiving shadows ? 
 
 Cam. You tax me without cause. 
 
 Bert. You must confess it, 
 But answer love with love, and seal the contract 
 In the uniting of our souls, how gladly 
 (Though now I were iij^tion. and assured, 
 Following my fortune, tHat~ptumed Victory 
 Would make her glorious stand upon my tent) 
 Would I put off my armour, in my heat ^ 
 Of conquest, iin d, like ^i>touy, pursu e q 
 
 f] 
 
 My Cleopatra ! Will you yet look on me, 
 Wtrtraireye"of favour .-' 
 
 Cam. Truth bear witness for me. 
 That, in the judgment of my soul, you are 
 A man so absolu te, an d circular, - " 
 In all those wish'd-for rarities that may take 
 A virgin captive, that, though at this instant 
 All scepter'd monarchs of our western world 
 Were rivals with you, and Camiola worthy 
 Of such a competition, you alone 
 Should wear the garland. 
 
 Bert. If so, what diverts 
 Your favour from me } 
 
 Cam. No mulct in yourself. 
 Or in your person, mind, or fortune. 
 
 Bert. What then ? 
 
 Cam. Th e consciousne ss of min e own wants : 
 alas ! sir , ' 
 
 We are not parallels ; but, like lines divided. 
 Can ne'er meet in one centre. Your birth, sir, 
 Without addition, were an amjile dowry 
 For one of fairer fortunes ; and this shape. 
 Were you ignoble, far above all value : 
 To this so clear a mind, so furnish'd with 
 Harmonious faculties moulded from heaven. 
 That though you were Thersites in your features. 
 Of no descent, and Irus in your fortunes, 
 Ulysses-like, you'd force all eyes and ears 
 To love, but seen ; and, when heard, wonder at 
 Your matchless story : but all these bound up 
 Together in one volume I — give me leave, 
 With admiration to look upon them ; 
 But not presume, in my own flattering hopes, 
 I may or can enjoy them. 
 
 Bert. How you ruin 
 What you would seem to build up ! I know no 
 Disparity between us ; you/re,acn heir, y 
 Sprung from a noble family jfau^j^Tl^^^jfoung, 
 And every way my equal. '■ 
 
 Cam. Sir, excuse me; 
 One^r^e with proportion ue'er discloses 
 Thfike^le and the wren ; — tissue and frieze 
 IiTtlie same garment, monstrous ! But suppose 
 That what's in you excessive were diminish'd. 
 And ray desert supplied ; the stronger bar. 
 Religion^ stops our entrance : you are, sir, 
 X^^iglit of Malta, by your order bound 
 To"]a single life ; you cannot marry me ; 
 And, I assure myself, you are too noble 
 To seek me, though my frailty should consent. 
 In a base path. 
 
 Bert. A dispensation, lady, 
 Will easily absolve me. 
 
 Cam. O take heed, sir ! 
 When what is vow'd to heaven is dispens'd with, 
 To serve our ends on earth, a curse must follow, 
 And not a blessing. 
 
 Bert. Is there no hope left me ? 
 
 Cam. Nor to myself, but is a neighbour to - 
 Impossibility. True love should walk '" : 
 On equal feet ; in us it does not, sir : 
 But rest assured, excepting this, I shall be 
 Devoted to your service. 
 
 Bert. And this is your 
 Determinate sentence } 
 
 Cam. Not to be revoked. 
 
 Bert. Farewell then, fairest cruel ! all thoughts 
 in me 
 Of women perish. Let the glorious light 
 Of noble war extinguish Love's dim taper. 
 
 )^ 
 
 
 U' 
 
 %.-^ 
 
J94 
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 That only lends me light to see my folly : 
 Honou r, be thpu^my ev errJbbdag:,,mjstress, 
 i^nd fond affection, a^Jtljy^ljQQ^r&lixej. serve thee ! 
 -' ■" '" X^xit. 
 
 Cam. How soon my sun is set, he being absent, 
 Never to rise again ! "What a fierce battle 
 Is fought between my passions ! — methinks 
 We should have kiss'd at parting. 
 
 Syl. I perceive 
 He has his answer : now must I step in 
 To comfort her. [Comes forward.'] You have 
 
 found, I hope, sweet lady. 
 Some difference between a youth of my pitch, 
 
 And this bugbear Bertoldo : men are men, 
 The king's brother is no more ; good parts will do 
 When titles fail. Despair not ; I may be [it, 
 
 In time entreated. 
 
 Cam. Be so now, to leave me. — 
 Lights for my chamber. O my heart ! 
 
 [Exeunt Camiola and Clarinda. 
 
 Si/l. She now, 
 I know, is going to bed, to ruminate 
 Which way to glut herself upon my person : 
 But, for my oath's sake, I will keep her hungry ; 
 And, to grow full myself, I'll straight — to supper. 
 
 lExit. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 k' 
 
 SCENE I. — The same. A Room in the Palace. 
 Enter Roberto, Fulgentio, and Astutio. 
 
 Roh. Embark 'd to-night, do you say ? 
 
 Ful. I saw him aboard, sir. 
 
 Rob. And without taking of his leave ? 
 
 Ast. 'Twas strange ! 
 
 Rob. Are we grown so contemptible ? 
 
 Ful. 'Tis far 
 From me, sir, to add fuel to your anger, 
 That, in your ill opinion of him, burns 
 Too hot already ; else, I should affirm, 
 It was a gross neglect. 
 
 Rob. A wilful scorn 
 Of duty and allegiance ; you give it 
 Too fair a name : but we shall think on't. Can 
 
 you 
 Guess what the numbers were, that follow'd him 
 In his desperate action ? 
 
 Ful. More than you think, sir. 
 All ill-affected spirits in Palermo, 
 Or to your government or person, with 
 The turbulent swordmen, such whose poverty 
 
 forced them 
 To wish a change, are gone along with him ; 
 Creatures devoted to his undertakings, 
 In right or wrong ; and, to express their zeal 
 And readiness to serve him, ere they went, 
 Profanely took the sacrament on their knees, 
 To live and die with him. 
 
 Rob. O most impious ! 
 Their loyalty to us forgot ? 
 
 Ful. I fear so. 
 
 Ast. Unthankful as they are ! 
 
 Ful. Yet this deserves not 
 One troubled thought in you, sir; with your pardon, 
 I hold that their remove from hence makes more 
 For your security than danger. 
 
 Rob. True ; 
 And, as I'll fashion it, they shall feel it too. 
 Astutio, you shall presently be dispatch'd 
 With letters, writ and sign'd with our own hand, 
 To the dutchess of Sienna, in excuse 
 i' Of these forces sent against her. If you spare 
 
 An oath, to give it credit, that we never 
 I Consented to it, swearing for the king, 
 I Though false, it is no perjury. 
 
 Ast. I know it. 
 They are not fit to be state agents, sir, 
 That, without scruple of their conscience, cannot 
 Be prodigal in such trifles. 
 
 Ful. Right, Astutio. 
 
 Rob. You must, beside, from us take some in- 
 structions, 
 To be imparted, as you judge them useful, 
 To the general Gonzaga. Instantly 
 Prepare you for your journey. 
 
 Ast. With the wings 
 Of loyalty and duty. [Exit 
 
 Ful. I am bold 
 To put your majesty in mind 
 
 Rob. Of my promise, 
 And aids, to further you in your amorous project 
 To the fair and rich Camiola? there's my ring ; 
 Whatever you shall say that I entreat. 
 Or can command by power, I will make good. 
 
 Ful. Ever your majesty's creature. 
 
 Rob. Venus prove 
 Propitious to you ! [Exi{ 
 
 Ful. All sorts to my wishes : 
 Bertoldo was my hindrance ; he removed, 
 I now will court her in, the conqueror's styte ; 
 
 * * Come, see^ and overcome. 
 
 Enter Page. ' ,> \; ^'*'^ 
 
 Page. Sir ; your pleasure ? 
 
 Ful. Haste to Camiola; bid her prepare 
 An entertainment suitable to a fortune 
 She could not hope for. Tell her, I vouchsafe 
 To honour her with a visit. 
 
 Page. 'Tis a favour 
 Will make her proud. 
 
 Ful. I know it. 
 
 Page. I am gone, sir. ]_ExU. 
 
 Ful. Entreaties fit not me ; a man in grace 
 May challenge awe and privilege, by his place. 
 
 iExU. 
 
 SCENE II. — The same. A Room in Camigla'si 
 
 House. 
 
 Enter Adornf, Syllj, and Clarinda. 
 
 Ador. So melancholy, say you ! 
 
 Clar. Never given 
 To such retirement. 
 
 Ador. Can you guess the cause ? 
 
 Clar. If it hath not its birth and being from 
 The brave Bertoldo's absence, I confess 
 'Tis past my apprehension. 
 
 Sgl. You are wide, 
 The whole field wide. I, in my understanding, 
 Pity your ignorance ; yet, if you will 
 
SCENE II 
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 IDS 
 
 Swear to conceal it, I will let you know 
 Where her shoe wrings her. 
 
 Clar. I vow, signior, 
 By my virginity. 
 
 Syl. A perilous oath, 
 In a waiting woman of fifteen ! and is, indeed,\/ 
 A kind of nothing. ' 
 
 Ador. I'll take one of something, 
 If you please to minister it. 
 
 Syl. Nay, you shall not swear : 
 I had rather take your word ; for, should you vow, 
 D — n me, I'll do this ! — you are sure to break. 
 
 Ador. I thank you, signior ; but resolve us. 
 
 Syl. Know, then, ^ 
 
 Here walks the cause. She dares not loot upon 
 My beauties are so terrible and enchanting, [me ; 
 She cannot endure my sight. 
 
 Ador. There I believe you. 
 
 Syl. But the time will come, be comforted, when 
 Put off this vizor of unkindness to her, [I will 
 
 And shew an amorous and yielding face : 
 And, until then, though Hercules himself 
 Desire to see her, he had'better eat 
 His club, thciii pass her threshold ; for I will be 
 Her Cerberus, to guard her. 
 
 Ador. A good dog ! 
 
 Clar, Worth twenty porters. 
 
 Enter Page. 
 
 Page. Keep you open house here ? 
 No groom to attend a gentleman ! O, I spy one. 
 
 Syl. He means not me, I am sure. 
 
 Page. You, sirrah sheep's-head. 
 With a face cut on a cat-stick, do you hear ? 
 You, yeoman fewterer, conduct me to 
 The lady of the mansion, or my poniard 
 Shall disembogue thy soul. 
 
 Syl. O terrible ! disembogue ! 
 I talk'd of Hercules, and here is one 
 Bound up in decimo sexto. 
 
 Page. Answer, wretch. 
 
 Syl. Pray you, little gentleman, be not so 
 The lady keeps her chamber. [furious : 
 
 Page. And we present. 
 Sent in an embassy to her ! but here is 
 Her gentlewuman. Sirrah ! hold my cloak. 
 While Ltakea leap at her lips : do it, and neatly; 
 Or, having first tripp'd up thy heels, I'll make 
 Thy back my footstool. > {,Kisses Clabinda. 
 
 Syl. Tam berlane in littlej » 
 Am I turned TurlTl WHaFan office am I put to ! 
 
 Clar. My lady, gentle youth, is indisposed. 
 
 Page. Though she were dead and buried, only 
 tell her. 
 The great man in the court, the brave Fulgentio, 
 D escends to visit he r, an d it w ill raise her 
 Out of the grave foTjoy.' ~ — 
 
 Enter Fulgentio. 
 
 Syl. Here comes another ! 
 The devil, I fear, in his holiday clothes. 
 
 Page. So soon ! 
 My part is at an end then. Cover ray shoulders ; 
 When I grow great, thou shalt serve me. 
 
 Ful. Are you, sirrah, 
 An implement of the house ? [To Sylli. 
 
 Syl. Sure he will make / 
 A jointstool of me ! 
 
 F^^l. Or, if you belong [roAuoR. 
 
 To the lady of the place, command her hither. 
 
 Ador. I do not wear her livery, yet acknowledge 
 A duty to her ; and as little bound 
 To serve your peremptory will, as she is 
 To obey your summons. 'Twill become you, sir, 
 To wait her leisure ; then, her pleasure known, 
 You may present your duty. 
 
 Ful. Duty ! Slave, 
 I'll teach you manners. 
 
 Ador. I'm past learning; make not 
 A tumult in the house. 
 
 Ful. Shall I be braved thus ' IThcydraw. 
 
 Syl. O, I am dead ! and now I swoon. 
 
 ' ' '^Falls on his face. 
 
 Clar. Help ! murder ! 
 
 Page. Recover, sirrah ; the lady's her 3. 
 
 Enter Camiola. 
 
 Syl. Nay, tben 
 I am alive again, and I'll be valiant. iRhes. 
 
 Cam. What insolence is this ? Adorni, hold, 
 Hold, I command you. 
 
 Ful. Saucy groom ! 
 
 Cam. Not so, sir ; 
 However, in his life, he had dependence 
 Upon my fatlier, he's a gentleman, 
 As well born as yourself. Put on your hat. 
 
 Ful. In my presence, witbout leave ! 
 
 Syl. He has mine, madam. 
 
 Cam. And I must tell you, sir, and in plain 
 language, 
 Howe'er your glittering outside promise gentry, 
 The rudeness of your carriage and behaviour 
 Speaks you a coarser thing. 
 
 Syl. She means a clown, sir ; 
 I am her interpreter, for want of a better. 
 
 Cam. I am a queen in mine own house ; nor 
 Expect an empire here. [must you 
 
 Syl. Sure, I must love her 
 Before the day, the pretty soul's so valiant. 
 
 Cam. What are you ? and what would you with 
 
 Ful. Proud one, [n^e.' 
 
 When you know what I am, and what I came for. 
 And may, on your submission, proceed to. 
 You, in your reason, must repent the coarseness 
 Of my entertainment. 
 
 Cam. Why, fine man ? what are you ? 
 
 Ful. A kinsman of the king's. 
 
 Cam. I cry you mercy, 
 For his sake, not your own. But, grant you are so, 
 'Tis not impossible but a king may have 
 A fool to his kinsman, — no way meaning you, sir, 
 
 Ful. You have heard of Fulgentio ? 
 
 Cam. Long since, sir ; 
 A suit-broker in court. He has the worst 
 Report among good men I ever heard of, \ 
 For bribery and extortion : in their prayers, iW 
 Widows and orphans curse him for a canker/ 
 And caterpillar in the state. I hope, sir. 
 You are not the man ; much less employ'd by him, 
 Asji_smfliJc-agent to mft. 
 
 Ful. I reply not 
 As you deserve, being assured you know me ; 
 Pretending ignorance of my person, only 
 To give me a taste of your wit : 'tis well, and 
 
 courtly ; 
 I like a sharp wit well. 
 
 Syl. I cannot endure it ; 
 Nor any of the Syllis. 
 
 Ful. More ; I know too, 
 This harsh induction must serve as a foil q 2 
 
196 
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 
 To the well-timed observance and respect 
 You will hereafter pay me, being made 
 Familiar with my credit with the king, 
 And that (contain your joy) I deign to love you. 
 Cam. Love me ! I am not rapt with it. 
 Ful. Hear't again ; 
 I love you honestly : now you admire me. 
 
 Cam. I do, indeed ; it being a word so seldom 
 Heard from a courtier's mouth. But, pray you, 
 
 deal plainly. 
 Since you find me simple ; what might be the 
 Inducing you to leave the freedom of [motives 
 A bachelor's life, on your soft neck to wear 
 The stubborn yoke of marriage ; and, of all 
 The beauties in Palermo, to choose me, 
 Poor me ? that is the maint point you must treat of. 
 
 / Fui. Why, I will tell you. Of a little thing 
 You are a pretty peat, indifferent fair too ; 
 And, like a new-rigg'd ship, both tight and yare, 
 Well truss'd to bear : virgins of giant size 
 Are sluggards at the sport ; but, for my pleasure, 
 Give me a neat well-timber'd gamester like you ; 
 Such need no spurs, — the quickness of your eye V 
 
 I Assures an active spirit. 
 
 I Cam. You are pleasant, sir ; 
 
 ; Yet I presume that there was one thing in me, 
 
 \ Unmention'd yet, that took you more than all 
 
 ! Those parts you have remember'd. 
 
 \ Ful. What? 
 V Cam. My wealth, sir. 
 
 Ful. I'll ease you of the trouble, 
 Coy and disdainful ! 
 
 Cam. Save me, or else he'll beat me. 
 Ful. No, your own folly shall ; and, since you 
 put me 
 To my last charm, look upon this and tremble. 
 
 IShetos the King's ring. 
 Cam. At the sight of a fair ring ! the king's I 
 take it ? 
 I have seen him wear the like : if he hath sent it, 
 
 As a favour, to me 
 
 Ful. Yes, 'tis very likely, 
 His dying mother's gift, prized at his crown ! 
 VBy this he does command you to be mine ; 
 By his gift you are so : — you may yet redeem all. 
 Cam. You are in a wrong account still. Though 
 the king may 
 Dispose of my life and goods, my mind's mine 
 
 own, 
 And never shall be your's. The king, heaven 
 { bless him ! 
 
 ■Is good and gracious, and, being in himself 
 [Abstemious ft-om base and goatish looseness, 
 Will not compel, against their wills, chaste 
 
 maidens, 
 To dance in his minion's circles. I believe, 
 Forgetting it when he wash'd his hands, you 
 
 stole it. 
 With an intent to awe me. But you are cozen'd ; 
 I am still myself, and will be. 
 
 Ful. You are in the right ; without that, beauty is f Ful. A proud haggard 
 
 V 
 
 A flower worn in the morning, at night trod on 
 But beauty, youth, and fortune meeting in you 
 I will vouchsafe to marry you. 
 
 Cam. You speak well ; 
 And, in return, excuse me, sir, if I 
 Deliver reasons why, upon no terms, 
 I'll marry you : I fable not. 
 
 St/l. I am glad 
 To hear this ; I began to have an ague. 
 
 Ful. Come, your wise reasons. 
 
 Cam. Such as they are, pray you take them : 
 First, I am doubtful whether you are a man. 
 Since, for your shape, trimm'd up in a lady's 
 
 dressing. 
 You might pass for a woman ; now I love 
 To deal on certainties : and, for the fairness 
 Of your complexion, which you think will take me. 
 The colour, I must tell you, in a man, 
 Is weak and faint, and never will hold out. 
 If p.ut to labour: give me the lovely brown, 
 A thick curl'd hair of the same dye, broad shoul- 
 A brawny arm full of veins, a leg without [ders, 
 An artificial cailf ; — I suspect yours ; 
 But let that pass. 
 
 St/l. She means me all this while, 
 For I have every one of those good parts ; 
 O Sylli ! fortunate Sylli ! 
 
 Cam. You are moved, sir. 
 
 Ful. Fie ! no ; go on. 
 
 Cam. Then, as you are a courtier, 
 A graced one too, I fear you have been too for- 
 ward ; 
 And so much for your person. Rich you are. 
 Devilish rich, as 'tis reported, and sure have 
 The aids of Satan's little fiends to get it ; 
 And what is got upon his back, must be 
 Spent, you know where ; — the proverb's stale — 
 
 One word more, 
 And I have done. 
 
 
 j^nd not to be reclaim'd ! which of your grooms. 
 Your coachman, fool, or footman, ministers 
 Night-physic to you ? 
 
 Cam. You are foul-mouth'd. 
 
 \Ful. Much fairer 
 ban thy black soul ; and so T will proclaim thee. 
 Cam. Were I a man, thou durst not speak this. 
 Ful. Heaven 
 So prosper me, as I resolve to do it 
 To all men, and in every place : SQorn'd by 
 A tit_of ten-42£iice ! lExeunt FuLGENXioand Page. 
 
 ISyl. Now I begin to be valiant : 
 Nay, I will draw my sword. O for a brother ! 
 Do a friend's part ; pray you, carry him the length 
 
 oft. 
 
 I give him three years and a day to match my 
 
 And then we'll fight like dragons. [Toledo, 
 
 Ador. Pray, have patience. 
 
 Cam. I may live to have vengeance : my Ber- 
 
 Would not have heard this. [toldo 
 
 Ador. Madam 
 
 Cam. Pray you, spare 
 Your language. Prithee fool and make me merry. 
 
 [To Syllf. 
 Syl. That is my office ever. 
 . Ador. I must do, 
 V Not talk ; this glorious gallant shall hear from me. 
 
 \_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III.— The Siennese. A Camp before 
 the Walls of Sihnna. 
 
 Chambers shot off: a Flourish as to an Assault: after 
 which, enter Gonzaga, PiEaio, Rodhrigo, Jacomo, and 
 Soldiers. 
 
 Gonz. Is the breach made assaultable ? 
 Pier. Yes, and the moat 
 Fill'd up ; the cannoneer hath done his parts ; 
 We may enter six abreast. 
 
THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 v.): 
 
 Rod. There's not a man 
 Dares shew himself upon the wall. 
 
 Jac. Defeat not 
 The soldiers' hoped-for spoil. 
 
 Pier. If you, sir, 
 Delay the assault, and the city be given up 
 To your discretion, y ou in honour canno t 
 Use the extremity of war,-^^"t)'utj, ip 
 Compassio"n~toTherir,'you'to us prove cruel. 
 
 Jac. AndTm--eTrgrWy"W'yoiirselTr" 
 
 liod. A hindrance to 
 The brave revenge you have vow'd. 
 
 Gonz. Temper your heat, 
 And lose not, by too sudden rashness, that"^ 
 Which, be but patient, will be offer'd to you. 
 Security ushers ruin ; proud contempt 
 Of an enemy three parts vanquish'd, with desire 
 And greediness of spoil, have often wrested 
 A certain victory from the conqueror's gripe. 
 Discretion is the tutor of the war, 
 Valour the pupil ; and, when we command 
 With lenity, and our directions follow'd 
 With cheerfulness, a prosperous end must crown 
 Our works well undertaken. 
 
 Jlod. Ours are finish'd 
 
 Pier. If we make use of fortune. 
 
 Gonz. Her false smiles 
 Deprive you of your judgments. The condition 
 Of our affairs exacts a double care, 
 And, like bifronted Janus, we must look 
 Backward, as forward : though a flattering calm 
 Bids_us urge on, a sudden tempest raised, 
 Not feared, much less expected, in our rear, 
 May foully fall upon uSj^jmddistract us 
 To our confusion. — 
 
 Enter a Scout, "hastily. 
 
 Our scout ! what brings 
 Thy ghastly looks, and sudden speed ? 
 
 Scout. The assurance 
 Of anew §nemy. 
 
 Gonz. This I foresaw and fear'd. 
 What are they, know'st thou ? 
 
 Scout. They are, by their colours, 
 Sicilians, bravely mounted, and the larightness 
 Of their rich armours doubly gilded with 
 Reflection ^of^the sun. 
 
 Gonz. From Sicily ? 
 
 The king in league ! no war proclaim'd ! 'tis foul: 
 But this must be prevented, not disputed. 
 Ha ! how is this ? your estridge plumes, that but 
 Even now, like quills of porcupines, seem'd to 
 
 threaten 
 The stars, drop at the rumour of a shower, 
 And, like to captive colours, sweep the earth : 
 Bear up ; but in great dangers, greater minds 
 Are never proud. Shall a few loose trQQps,.wntrain'd 
 But in a customary ostentation, 
 Presented as a sacrifice to your valours, 
 Cause a dejection in you ? 
 
 Pier. No dejection. 
 
 Rod. However startled, where you lead we'll 
 follow. 
 
 Gonz. 'Tis bravely said. We will not stay their 
 charge. 
 But meet them man to man, and horse to horse. 
 Pierio, in our absence hold our place. 
 And with our foot men, and those sickly troops, 
 Prevent a sally : I iu mine own person, 
 VVith part of the cavallery, will bid 
 
 These hunters welcome to a bloody breakfast ; — 
 But I lose time. 
 
 Pier. I'll to my charge. {.Exit. 
 
 Gonz. And we 
 To ours : I'll bring you on. 
 
 Jac. If we come off. 
 It's not amiss ; if not, my state is settled. 
 
 \_Exeunt. Alarum within 
 
 SCENE lY.— The same. The Citadel of Sienna. 
 
 Enter Ferdinand, Druso, and Livio, on the Walls. 
 
 Fer. No aids from Sicily ! Hath hope forsook 
 And that vain comfort to affliction, pity, [us ; 
 
 By our vow'd friend denied us ? we can nor live 
 Nor die with honour : like beasts in a toil, 
 Wr-wait tlie leisure of the bloody hunter, 
 Who is not so far reconciled unto us. 
 As in one death to give a period 
 To our calamities ; but in delaying 
 The fate we cannot fly from, starv'd with wants, 
 We die this night, to live again jto-morrow, 
 And suffer greater torments.* ' "*""'"" 
 
 Dru. There is not 
 Three days provision for every soldier, 
 At an ounce of bread a-day, left in the city. 
 
 Liv. To die the beggar's death, with hunger 
 Anatomies while we live, cannot but crack [made 
 Our heart-strings with vexation. 
 
 Fer. Would they would break, \ 
 
 Break altogether ! How willingly, like Cato, 
 Could I tear out my bowels, rather than 
 Look on the conqueror's insulting face ; 
 But that religion, and the horrid dream 
 To be suffer'd in the other world, denies it! 
 
 Enter a Soldier. 
 What news with thee } 
 
 Sold. From the turret of the fort, 
 By the rising clouds of dust, through which, like 
 
 lightning, 
 The splendour of bright arms sometimes brake 
 
 through, 
 I did descry some forces making towards us ; 
 And, from the camp, as emulous of their glory, 
 The general, (for I know him by his horse,) 
 And bravely seconded, encounter'd them. 
 Their greetings were too rough for friends ; their 
 
 swords, 
 And not their tongues, exchanging courtesies. 
 By this the main battalias are join'd ; 
 And, if you please to be spectators of 
 The horrid issue, I will bring you where, 
 As in a theatre, you may see their fates 
 In purple gore presented. \ 
 
 Fer. Heaven, if yet \ V 
 
 Thou art appeased for my wrong done to Aurelia, 
 Take pity of my miseries ! Lead the way, friend. 
 
 idxeunt. 
 
 SCENE v.— The same. A Plain near the Camp. 
 
 A long Charge: after which, a Flourish for victory; then 
 
 enter Gonzaoa, Jacomo, and IIoderigo wounded ,- 13er- 
 
 TOLDo, Gasparo, and Antonio prisonert. Officers and 
 
 Soldiers. 
 
 Gonz. We have them yet, though they cost us 
 dear. This was 
 Charged home, and bravely follow'd. Be to your- 
 selves [.To Jacomo and Roderioo 
 
198 
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 True mirrors to each other's worth ; and, looking 
 With noble emulation on his wounds, 
 
 IPoints to Bert. 
 The glorious livery of triumphant war. 
 Imagine these with equal grace appear 
 Upon yourselves. The bloody sweat you have 
 ; In this laborious, nay, toilsome harvest, [sufFer'd 
 \ Yields a rich crop of conquest ; and the spoil. 
 Most precious balsam to a soldier's hurts, 
 Will ease and cure them. Let me look upon 
 
 [Gasp-aro and Antonio are brought forward. 
 The prisoners' faces. Oh, how much transform'd. 
 From what they were ! O Mars ! were these toys 
 
 fashion 'd 
 To undergo the burthen of thy service ? 
 The weight of their defensive armour bruised 
 Their weak effeminate limbs, and would have 
 . forced them, 
 
 \_In a hot day, without a blow to yield. 
 
 Ant. This insultation shews not manly in you. 
 
 Gonz. To men I had forborn it ; you are women, 
 Or, at the best, loose caroet-k^ights. What fury 
 Seduced you to exchange your ease in court, 
 For labour in the field ? perhaps you thought 
 To charge through dust and blood an armed foe, 
 Was but like graceful running at the ring 
 For a wanton mistress' glove ; and the encounter, 
 A soft impression on her lips : — but you . , 
 
 Are g audy but terflies, and I wrong myself ,/ 
 In paTling with you. 
 
 Gasp. V<B I'ictis ! now we prove it. 
 
 Rod. But here's one fashion'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 ! [_Aside, 
 
 Gonz. Look up, sir ; 
 To be o'ercome deserves no shame. If you 
 Had fallen ingloriously, or could accuse 
 Your want of courage in resistance, 'twere 
 To be lamented : but, since you performed 
 As much as could be hoped for from a man, 
 (Fortune his enemy,) you wrong^ourself ' 
 
 In this dejection, I ani.hoiiour'a)in 
 My victory over you ; but to TSave these 
 My prTsoriers, is, in my true judgment, rather 
 Captivity than a triumph : you shall find 
 Fair quarter from me, and your many wounds, 
 Which I hope are not mortal, with such care 
 Look'd to and cured, as if your nearest friend 
 A-ttended on you. 
 
 Bert. When you know me better, 
 
 
 You will make void this promise : can you call me 
 Into your memory ? 
 y Gonz. The brave Bertoldo ! 
 A brother of our order ! By St. John, 
 Our holy patron, I am more amazed. 
 Nay, thunderstruck with thy apostacy, 
 t And precipice from the most solemn vows 
 { Made unto heaven, when this the glorious badge 
 I Of our Redeemer, was conferr'd upon thee 
 I By the great master, than if I had seen 
 /A reprobate Jew, an atheist, Turk, or Tartar, 
 { Baptized in our religion I 
 Bert. This I look'd for ; 
 And am resolv'd to suff"er. 
 Gonz. Fellow-soldiers ! 
 Behold this man, and, taught by his example, 
 ^Know that 'tis safer far to play with lightning, 
 ^Than trifle in things sacred. In my rage IWceiis. 
 ■•I shed these at the funeral of his virtue, 
 Faith, and religion : — why, I will tell you ; 
 J\A.G was a gentleman so train' d up and fashion'd 
 For noble uses, and his youth did promise 
 Such certainties, more than hopes, of great achieve- 
 ments. 
 As — if the Christian world had stood opposed 
 Against the Othoman race, to try the fortune 
 Of one encounter, — this Bertoldo had been. 
 For his knowledge to direct, and matchless courage 
 To execute, without a rival, by 
 The votes of good men, chosen general ; 
 ' As the prime soldier, and most deserving 
 Of all that wear the cross : which now, in justice, 
 I thus tear from him. 
 Bert. Let me die with it 
 ^Upon my breast. 
 
 V, Gonz. No; by this thou wert sworn, 
 /On all occasions, as a knight, to gua.rd 
 ' Weak ladies from oppression, and never \ 
 
 To draw thy sword against them ; whereas thou, J| 
 In hope of gain or glory, when a princess, , ', 
 And such a princess as Aurelia is, Iv if' 
 
 Was dispossess'd by violence, of what was A - 
 Her true inheritance ; against thine oath V 
 Hast, to thy uttermost, labbur'd to uphold \ 
 Her falling enemy. But thou shalt pay 
 A heavy forfeiture, and learn too late. 
 Valour employ'd in an ill quarrel, turns 
 To cowardice, and Virtue then puts on -c , t 
 
 Foul Vice's visor, This is that which cancels V 
 All friendship's bands between us.— Bear them off-i ^ 
 1 will hear no reply : and let the ransome 
 Of these, for they are yours, be highly rated. 
 \ In this I do but right, and let it be 
 ^ Styled justice, and not wilful cruelty. ^ExeunL 
 
 d C 
 
 ^'■^^ 
 
 ACT 
 
 1 SCENE I.— The same. A Camp before the 
 Walls of Sienna. 
 
 Enter GoNZAGA, Astutio, RooKRico, and Jacowo. 
 
 Gonz. What I have done, sir, by the law 
 arms 
 I can and will make good. 
 
 Ast. I have no commission 
 To expostulate the act. These letters speak 
 The king my master's love to you, and his 
 
 of 
 
 III. 
 
 Vow'd service to the dutchess, on whose person 
 I am to give attendance. 
 Gonz. At this instant, 
 She's at Fienza : you may spare the trouble 
 Of riding thither : I have advertised her 
 Of our success, and on what humble terms 
 Sienna stands : though presently I can 
 Possess it, I defer it, that she may 
 Enter her own, and, as she please, dispose of 
 The prisoners and the spoil. 
 
 : I 
 
/ 
 
 SCENE I 
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 lOii 
 
 j4st. I thank you, sir. 
 In the mean time, if I may have your license, 
 I have a nephew, and one once my ward. 
 For whose liberties and ransomes I would gladly 
 Make composition. 
 
 Gonz. They are, as I take it, 
 Call'd Gasparo and Antonio. 
 
 Ast. The same, sir. 
 
 Gonz. For them, you must treat with these : 
 but, for Bertoldo, 
 He is mine own : if the king will ransome him, 
 He pays down fifty thousand crowns ; if not, 
 He lives and dies my slave. 
 
 Ast. Pray you, a word : \_Aside p&^joai. 
 
 The king wUl rather thank you to detain him, 
 Than give one crown to free him. 
 
 Gonz. At his pleasure. 
 rU send the prisoners under guard : my business 
 Calls me another way. \_Exit. 
 
 Ast. My service waits you. 
 Now, gentlemen, do not deal lik^ merchants with 
 me, -'--»-. 
 
 But noble captains ; you know, in great minds, 
 Posse et nolle, nobile. 
 
 Rod. Pray you, speak 
 Our language. 
 
 Jac. I find not, in my commission, 
 An officer's bound to speak or understand 
 More than his mocher-tongvie. 
 
 Rod. If he speak that 
 After midnight, 'tis remarkable. 
 
 Ast. In plain terms, then, 
 Antonio is your prisoner ; Gasparo, yours. 
 
 Jac. You are in the right. 
 
 Ast. At what sum do you rate 
 Their several ransomes ? 
 
 Rod. I must make my market 
 As the commodity cost me. 
 
 Ast. As it cost you ! 
 You did not buy your captainship ? your desert, 
 I hope, advanced you. 
 
 Rod. How ! It well appears 
 You are no soldier. Desert in these days ! 
 Desert may make a serjeant to a colonel, 
 And it may hinder him from rising higher; 
 But. if it ever get a company, 
 A company, pray you mark me, without mon( 
 Or private service done for the general's misti 
 With a commendatory epistle from her, \ 
 
 I will turn lanceprezado. / / 
 
 Jac. Pray you observe, sir : i V 
 
 I serv'd two prenticeships, just fourteen years,! 
 Trailing the puissant pike, and half so long 
 Had the right-hand file ; and I fought well, 't wras 
 
 said, too : 
 But I might have serv'd, and fought, and semr'd 
 
 till doomsday, 
 And ne'er have carried a flag, but for the legacy 
 A bucksome widow of threescore bequeath'd me ; 
 And that too, my back knows, I labour'd hard for, 
 But was better paid. 
 
 Ast. You are merry with yourselves : 
 But this is from the purpose. 
 
 Rod. To the point then. 
 Prisoners are not ta'en every day ; and when 
 We have them, we roust make the best use of them. 
 Our pay is little to the port we should bear. 
 And that so long a-coming, that 'tis spent 
 Before we have it, and hardly wipes off scores 
 At the tavern and the ordinary. 
 
 \ 
 
 Jac. You may add, too, 
 Our sport ta'en upon trust. 
 
 Rod. Peace, thou smock-vermin ! 
 Discover commanders' secrets ! — In a word, sir, 
 We have enquired, and find our prisoners rich : 
 Two thousand crowns apiece our companies cost us ; 
 And so much each of us will have, and that 
 In present pay. 
 
 Jac. It is too little; yet, 
 Since you have said the word, I am content ; 
 But will not go a gazet less. 
 
 Ast. Since you are not 
 To be brought lower, there is no evading ; 
 I'll be your paymaster. 
 
 Rod. We desire no better. 
 
 Ast. But not a word of what's agreed between us. 
 Till I have school'd my gallants. 
 
 Jac. I am dumb, sir. 
 
 Enter a Guard with Bertoldo, Antonio, and Gasparo, 
 in irons. 
 
 Bert. And where removed now ? hath the tyrant 
 found out 
 Worse usage for us ? , ^ 
 
 Ant. Worse it cannot be. ^-^ ■ 
 
 My greyhound has fresh straw, and scraps'^ in his 
 But we have neither. [kennel ; 
 
 Gasp. Did I ever think 
 To wear such garters on silk stockings ? or 
 That my too curious appetite, that turn'd 
 At the sight of godwits, pheasant, partridge. 
 Larks, woodcocks, caher'd salmon, as coa^ 
 Would leap at a mouldy crust ? 
 
 Ant. And go without it, 
 So oft as I do ? Oh ! how have I jeer'd 
 The city entertainment ! A huge shoulder 
 Of glorious fat ram-mutton, seconded 
 With a pair of tame cats or conies, a crab-tart, 
 With a worthy loin of veal, and valiant capon, 
 Mortified to grow tender ! — these I scorn'd, 
 From their plentiful horn of abundance, thous 
 
 invited: 
 
 But now I could carry my own stool to a tripe, 
 And call their chitterlings charity, and bless the 
 founder. 
 
 Bert. O that I were no further sensible 
 Of my miseries than you are ! you, like beasts, 
 Feel only stings of hunger, and complain not 
 But when you're empty : but your narrow souls 
 (If you have any) cannot comprehend y 
 How insupportahle the torments are, / 
 Whicli a free and noble soul, made captive, suffers. 
 Most miserable men ! — and what am r,TKen7 
 That envy you? Fetters, though made of gold, 
 Express base thraldom : and all delicates 
 Prepared by Median cooks for epicures, 
 When not our own, are bitter ; quiltsJlUdJiigt 
 Wi th gossa mere and roses, cannot yield 
 TFebodysoft repose, the mind kept waking n^ 
 W^itli anguish and affliction. / -^ 
 
 Ast. My good lord «> 
 
 Bert. This is no time nor place for flattery, sir : 
 Pray you, style me as I am, a wretch forsaken 
 Of the world, as myself. 
 
 Ast. I would it were 
 In me to help you. 
 
 Bert. If that you want power, sir, 
 Li n -comfort- cannot cure me . Pray you, leave me 
 To mine own private thougfits. \_Wairis b;^. 
 
 Ast. iComes forward.] My valiant nei-hcw ! 
 
 7 
 
2(iO 
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 And n.y more than warlike ward ! I am glad to see 
 
 you, 
 After your glorious conquests. Are these chains, 
 Rewards for your good service ? if they are 
 You should wear them on your necks, since they 
 lake aldermen of the war. [are massy, 
 
 Ant. You jeer us too ! 
 
 Gasp. Good uncle, name not, as you are a man 
 of honour, 
 That fatal word of war ; the very sound of it 
 Is more dreadful than a cannon. 
 
 Ant. 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 starve 
 first. 
 
 Gasp. I will cry broom, or cat's-meat, in Pa- 
 Turn porter, can^y burthens, anything, [lermo ; 
 Rather than live a soldier. 
 
 Ast. This should have 
 Been thought upon before. At what price, think 
 Y'our two wise heads are rated ? [you. 
 
 Ant. A calf's head is 
 More worth than mine ; I'm sure it has more 
 Or J had ne'er come here. [brains in't. 
 
 Rod. And I will eat it 
 With bacon, if I have not speedy ransome. 
 
 Ant. And a little garlick too, for your own sake, 
 'Twill boil in your stomach else. [sir : 
 
 Gasp. Beware of mine, ^\.V 
 
 Or the horns may choak you ; I am married, sirv^ 
 
 Ant. You shall have my row of houses near the 
 
 Gasp. And my villa ; all [palace. 
 
 Ant. All that we have. 
 
 Asp. Well, have more wit hereafter : for this 
 You are ransomed. [time, 
 
 Jac. Off' with their irons. 
 
 Rod. Do, do : 
 If you are ours again, you know your price. 
 
 Ant. Pray you dispatch us : I shall ne'er believe 
 I am a free man, till I set my foot 
 In Sicily again, and drink Palermo, 
 And in Palermo too. 
 
 Ast. The wind sits fair, 
 You shall aboard to-night : with the rising sun 
 You may touch upon the coast. But take your 
 Of the late general first. [leaves 
 
 Gasp. I will be brief. 
 
 Ant. And I. My lord, heaven keep you ! 
 
 Gasp. Yours, to use 
 In the way of peace ; but, as your soldiers, never. 
 
 Ant. A pox of war ! no more of war. 
 
 lExeunt Rod. Jac. Ant. and Gasp. 
 
 Bert. Have you 
 Authority to loose their bonds, yet leave 
 The brother of your king, whose worth disdains 
 Comparison with such as these, in irons ? 
 If ransome may redeem them, I have lands, 
 A patrimony of mine own, assign'd me 
 By my deceased sire, to satisfy 
 Whate'er can be demanded for my freedom. 
 
 Ast. I wish you had, sir ; but the king, v^ho yields 
 No reason for his will, in his displeasure 
 Hath seized on all you had ; nor will Gonzaga, 
 Whose prisoner now you are, accept of less 
 Than fifty thousand crowns. 
 
 Bert. I find it now. 
 That misery never comes alone. But, grant 
 The king is yet inexorable, time 
 May work him to a feeling of my sufi'erings. 
 
 I have friends that swore their lives and fortunes 
 At my devotion, and, among the rest [were 
 
 Yourself, my lord, when forfeited to the law 
 For a foul murder, and in cold blood done, 
 I made your life my gift, and reconciled you 
 To this incensed king, and got your pardon. 
 — Beware ingratitude. I know you are rich. 
 And may pay down the sum. 
 
 Ast. I might, my lord ; \ <■< 
 
 But pardon me. ^^^'[^^ 
 
 Bert. And will Astutio prove, then, i 
 To please a passionate man, (the king's no more,) 
 False to his maker, and his reason, which 
 Commands more than I ask ? O summer-friend- 
 ship, ■ "' 
 
 Whose flattering leaves,, that. shadow'd us in our 
 Prosperity, with the least gust drop off 
 In the autumn of adversity ! How like 
 A prison is to a grave ! v^hen dead, we are 
 With solemn pomp brought thither, and our heirs, 
 Masking their joy in false, dissembled tears. 
 Weep o'er the herse ; but earth no sooner covers 
 The earth brought thither, but they turn away. 
 With inward smiles, the dead no more remember'd ; 
 So, enter'd in a prison 
 
 Ast. My occasions \ . yU 
 
 Command me hence, my lord. 
 
 Bert. Pray you, leave me, do ; 
 And tell the cruel king, that I will wear 
 These fetters till my flesh and they are one 
 Incorporated substance. \_Exit Astutio.] In my- 
 As in a glass, I'll look on huinan frailty, [self, 
 And curse the height of royal blood : since I, 
 In being born near to Jove, am near his thunder. 
 Cedars once shaken with a storm, their own 
 Weight grubs their roots out. — Lead me where 
 
 you please ; 
 I am his^ not fortune's martyr,, and. will. die 
 The great example of his cruelty. lExit guarded. 
 
 -Palermo. A Grove near the 
 Palace. 
 
 Enter AnoRNi. 
 Ador. He undergoes my challenge, and contemns 
 And threatens me with the late edict made [it, 
 'Gainst duellists, — the altar cowards fly to. 
 But I, that am engaged, and nourish in me 
 A higher aim than fair Camiola dreams of. 
 Must not sit down thus. In the court I dare not 
 Attempt him ; and in public, he's so guarded. 
 With a herd of parasites, clients, fools, and suitors, 
 That a musket cannot reach him : — my designs 
 Admit of no delay. This is her birthday, 
 Which, with a fit and due solemnity, 
 Camiola celebrates : and on it, all such 
 As love or serve her usually present 
 A tributary duty. I'll have something 
 To give, if m-y intelligence prove true. 
 Shall find acceptance. I am told, near this grove 
 Fulgentio, every morning, makes his markets 
 With his petitioners ; I may present hrm 
 
 With a sharp petition ! ila ! 'tis he : my fate 
 
 Be ever bless'd for't ! 
 
 Enter Fulgentio and Page. 
 Ful. Command such as wait me 
 Not to presume, at the least for half an hour. 
 To press on my retirements. 
 
SCENE III. 
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 201 
 
 Page. I will say, lur, 
 You are at your prayers. 
 
 Ful. That will not find belief ; 
 Courtiers have something else to do : — be gone, sir. 
 
 \_Exit. Page. 
 Challeng'd ! 'tis well ; and by a groom I still bet- 
 ter. \ 
 Was this shape made to fight ? I have a tongue yfet, 
 Howe'er no sword, to kill him ; and what way,/ 
 This morning 111 resolve of. [Ekit. 
 A dor. I shall cross / U 
 Your resolution, or suffer for you. / 
 
 \_Exit following Mm. 
 
 SCENE III. — The same. A Boomiii Camio'la's 
 House. 
 
 Enter Camiola, followed by Servants with Presents ; 
 Sylli, and Clarinda. 
 
 Syl. What are all these ? 
 Clar. Servants with several presents, 
 And rich ones too. 
 
 1 Serv. With her best wishes, madam, 
 Of many such days to you, the lady Petula 
 Presents you with this fan. , i 
 
 2 Serv. This diamond, V/^i 
 From your aunt Honoria. ^ 
 
 3 Serv. This piece of plate 
 From your uncle, old Vicentio, with your arms 
 Graven upon it. 
 
 . Cam. Good friends, they are too 
 Munificent in their love and favour to me. 
 Out of my cabinet return such jewels 
 As this directs you : — [To Clarinda.] — for your 
 
 pains ; and yours ; 
 Nor must you be forgotten. [.Gives them money. 
 
 Honour me 
 With the drinking of a health. 
 
 1 Serv. Gold, on my life ! , 
 
 2 Serv. She scorns to give base silver. 
 
 3 Serv. Would she had been 
 Born every month in the year ! 
 
 1 Serv. Month ! every day. 
 
 2 Serv. Shew such another maid. \ V 
 
 3 Serv. All happiness wait you ! \ 
 Clar. I'll see your will done. ' 
 
 \_Exeunt Svlli, Clarinda, and Servants. 
 
 ■.v<^\ 
 
 Enter Adorni wounded. 
 
 Cam. How, Adorni wounded ! 
 
 Ador. A scratch got in your service, else not 
 Your observation : I bring not, madam, [worth 
 In honour of your birthday, antique plate, 
 Or pearl, for which, the savage Indian dives • 
 Into the bottom of the sea ; nor diamonds 
 Hewn from steep rocks with danger. Such as give*"}* 
 To those that have, what they themselves want, 
 A glad return with profit : yet, despise not [aim at 
 My offering at the altar of your favour ; 
 Nor let the lowness of the giver lessen 
 The height of what's presented ; since it is 
 A precious jewel, almost forfeited, 
 And dimm'd with clouds of infamy, redeem'd, 
 And, in its natural splendour, with addition 
 Restored to the true owner. 
 
 Cam. How is this } 
 
 Ador. Not to hold you in suspense, I 
 you, madam, 
 Your wounded reputation cured, the sting 
 Of virulent malice, festering your fair name^ 
 
 Pluck'd out and trod on. That proud man, that 
 Denied the honour of your bed, yet durst, [was 
 With his untrue reports, strumpet your fame, 
 Compell'd by me, hath given hrmself the lie, 
 And injiis own blood wrote it : — you may read 
 Fulgentio subscribed. —'i<Wcrin(; a paper. 
 
 Cam. I am amazed ! 
 
 Ador. It does deserve 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 subsists on yours : — you frown ! my ser- 
 Merits not this aspect. [vice 
 
 Cam. WliijeJi. of my fiaxaurs, 
 I might say bounties, hath begot and nourish'd 
 This more than rude presumption ? Since you. had 
 An itch to try your desperate valour, wherefore 
 Went you not to the war ? Couldst thou suppose 
 My innocence could ever fall so low 
 As to have need of thy rash sword to guard it 
 Against malicious slander ? O^ how much 
 Those ladrg^are deceived and cheated, when 
 The clearness and integrity of their actions 
 ,Do not defend themselves, and staptd secure 
 On their own bases ! Such as in a colour 
 Of"^eming service give protection to them, 
 Betray their own strengths. Malice scorn'd, huts 
 Itself; but argued, gives a kind of credit ^o\xx. 
 To a false accusation. In this, this your | 
 Most memoi-able service, you believed 
 You did me right ; but you have wrong'd.me more 
 In your defence of my undoubted honour. 
 Than false Fulgentio could. 
 
 Ador. I am sorry what was 
 So well intended is so ill received ; 
 
 Re-enter Clarinda. 
 
 Yet, under your correction, you wish'd 
 Bertoldo had been present. 
 
 Cam. True, I did: 
 But he and you, sir, are not parallels, 
 Nor must you think yourself so. 
 
 Ador. I am what 
 You'll please to have me. 
 
 Cam. If Bertoldo had 
 Punish'd Fulgentio's insolence, it had shewn 
 His love to her whom, in his judgment, he 
 Vouchsafed to make his wife ; a height, I hope. 
 Which you dare not aspire to. The same actions 
 Suit not all men alike ; — but I perceive 
 Repentance in your looks. For this time, leave me; 
 I may forgive, perhaps forget, your folly : 
 Conceal yourself till this storm be blown over. 
 You will be sought for ; yet, if my estate 
 
 [Gives him her hand to kist. 
 Can hinder it, shall not suffer in my service. 
 
 Ador. This is something yet, though I miss'd 
 the mark I shot at. [Aside and exit. 
 
 Cam. This gentleman is of a noble temper ; 
 And I too harsh, perhaps, in my reproof: 
 Was I not, Clarinda ? 
 
 Clar. I am not to censure 
 Your actions, madam ; but there are a thousand 
 Ladies, and of good fame, in such a cause 
 Would be proud of such a servant. 
 
 Catn. It may be ; 
 
 Enter a Servant. 
 Let me offend in this kind. Why, uncall'd for ? 
 
202 
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 ACT III, 
 
 ■/ 
 
 Serv. The signiors, madam, Gasparo and Anto- 
 Selected friends of the renowu'd Bertoldo, [nio, 
 Put ashore this morning. 
 
 Cam. Without him ? 
 
 Serv. I think so. 
 
 Cam. Never think more then. 
 
 Serv. They have been at court, 
 Kiss'd the king's hand ; and, their first duties done 
 To him, appear ambitious to tender 
 To you their second service. 
 
 Cam. Wait them hither. iExit Servant. 
 
 Fear, do not rack me ! Reason, now, if ever. 
 Haste vi'ith thy aids, and tell me, such a wonder 
 As my Bertoldo is, with such care fashion'd, 
 Must not, nay, cannot, in heaven's providence 
 
 Enter Antonio and Gasparo. 
 
 So soon miscarry ! — pray you, forbear ; ere you take 
 The privilege, as strangers, to salute me, 
 (Excuse va\ manners,) make me first understand 
 How it is with Bertoldo. 
 
 Gasp. The relation 
 Will not, I fear, deserve your thanks. 
 
 Ant. I wish 
 Some other should inform you. 
 
 Cam. Is he dead ? 
 You see, though with some fear, I dare enquire it. 
 
 Gasp. Dead ! Would that were the worst ; a 
 debt were paid then. 
 Kings in their birth owe nature. 
 
 Cam. Is there aught 
 More terrible than death ? 
 
 Ant. Yes, to a spirit 
 Like his ; cruel imprisonment, and that 
 Without the hope of freedom. 
 
 Cam. Y'^ou abuse me : 
 The royal king cannot, in love to virtue, 
 (Though all springs of atFection were dried up,) 
 But pay his ransome. 
 
 Gasp. When you know what 'tis, 
 You will think otherwise : no less will do it 
 Than fifty thousand crowns. 
 
 Cam. A petty sum. 
 The price weigh'd with the purchase: fifty thou- 
 sand ! 
 To the king 'tis nothing. He that can spare more 
 To his minion for a masque, cannot but ransome 
 Such a brother at a million. You wrong 
 The king's magnificence. 
 
 Ant. In your opinion ; 
 But 'tis most certain : he does not alone 
 In himself refuse to pay it, but forbids 
 All other men. 
 
 Cam. Are you sure of this ? 
 
 Gasp. You may read 
 The edict to that purpose, publish'd by him ; 
 That will resolve you. 
 
 Cam. Possible ! pray you, stand off. 
 If I do not mutter treason to myself. 
 My heart will break ; and yet I will not curse 
 
 Ijim; - — -~-,™ — ...- 
 
 He_is_my Hng. The news you have deliver'd 
 Makes in'e weary of your company ; we'll salute 
 When we meet next. I'll bring you to the door. 
 Nay, pray you, no more compliments. 
 
 Gasp. One thing more. 
 And that's substantial : let your Adorni 
 Look to himself. 
 
 Ant. The king is much incensed 
 Against him for Fulgentio. 
 
 Cam. As I am. 
 For your slowness to depart. 
 
 Both. Farewell, sweet lady. 
 
 lExeunt Gasparo and Antonio. 
 
 Cam. O more than impious times ! when not alone 
 Subordinate ministers of justice are 
 Corrupted and seduced, but kings themselves, 
 The greater wheels by which the lesser move, 
 Are broken, pxdisjoin ted ! could it be, else, 
 A king, tcX sooth his politic ends, should so far 
 Forsake liis honour, as at once to break 
 The adam^Ttt chains of nature and religion, 
 To bind up atheisruj as a ,(Je.fefti^ 
 To his'dark' counsels ? Will it ever be, 
 That to deserve too rnucliTs dangerous, 
 And virtue, when too eminentj^^ cnraeX> 
 Must she serve fortune still, or, when stripp'd of 
 Her gay and glorious favours, lose the beauties 
 Of her own natural shape ? O, i,ny Bertoldo, 
 Thou only sun, in honour's splxeroi how soon 
 Art thou eclipsed and darken'd ! not the nearness 
 Of blood prevailing on the king ; nor all 
 The benefits to the general good dispens'd, 
 Gaining a retribution ! But that 
 To owe a courtesy to a simple virgin 
 Would take from the deserving, I find injpe**""""*-"^ 
 Some sparks of fire, which, fann'd witl^'^aonftur's 
 
 breath, • ( 
 
 Might rise into a flame, and ifinaen darken 
 Their usurp 'd^gpleador. Ha ! my aim is high. 
 And, for the honour of my sex, to fall so, 
 Can never prove ingloxiQag.—'Tis resolv'd : 
 Call in Adorni. 
 
 Clai: I am happy in 
 Snch an employment, madam. lExit. 
 
 Cam. He's a man, 
 I know, that at a reverent distance loves me ; 
 And such are ever faithful. WhajjaLSfia 
 Of melting_jce I walls jon ! what strange censures 
 Am Tto undergo ! but good intents 
 Deride all future rumours. 
 
 Re-enter Clarinda with Adorni. 
 
 A dor. I obey 
 Your summons, madam. 
 
 Cam. Leave the place, Clarinda ; 
 One woman, in a secret of such weight. 
 Wise men may think too much : [jEo-'i/ Clarinda.] 
 I warrant it with a smile. [nearer, Adorni, 
 
 A dor. I cannot ask 
 Safer protection ; what's your will ? 
 
 Cam. To doubt ■- — . 
 Your ready desire to serve me, or prepare you 
 Wfth the repetition of former merits. 
 Would, in my diffidence, wrong you : but I will, 
 And without circumstance, in the trust that I 
 Impose upon you, free you from suspicion. 
 
 A dor. I foster none of you. 
 
 Cam. I know you do not. 
 You are, Adorni, by the love you owe me 
 
 A dor. The surest conjuration. 
 
 Cam. Tak^jua-Sidtli-yiHi. — 
 Love born of duty ; but adva nce no furthfr./ ' 
 Yoii are, sir, asTsaidr^o^^ me service. 
 To undertake a task, in which your faith, 
 Judgment, discretion — in a word, your all 
 That's good, must be engaged ; nor must you study 
 In the execution, but what may make 
 For the ends I aim at. 
 
 Ador. They admit no rivals. 
 
 V 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 203 
 
 Cam. You answer well. You have heard of 
 Bertoldo's 
 Captivity, and the king's neglect ; the greatness 
 Of his ransome ; fifty thousand crowns, Adorni ; 
 Two parts of my estate ! 
 
 Ador. To what tends this ? \_Aside. 
 
 Cam. Yet I so love the gentleman, for to you 
 I will confess my weakness, that I purpose 
 Now, when he is forsaken by the king, 
 And his own hopes, to ransome him, and receive 
 Into my bosom, as my lawful husband — [him 
 
 Why change you colour ? 
 
 Ador. 'Tis in wonder of 
 Your virtue, madam. ,-^ 
 
 Cam. You must, therefore, to 
 Sienna for me, and pay to Gonzaga 
 This ransome for his liberty ; you shall 
 Have bills of exchange along with you. Let him 
 swear 
 
 A solemn contract to me ; for you must be 
 My principal witness, if he should— but why 
 Do I entertain these jealousies ? You will do this ? 
 
 Ador. Faithfully, madam — but not live long 
 after. \_Aitde. 
 
 Cam. One thing I had forgot : besides his freedom. 
 He may want accommodations ; furnish him 
 According to his birth : and from Camiola 
 Deliver this kiss, printed on your lips, [.Kisses Mm. 
 Seal'd on his hand. You shall not see my blushes ; 
 I'll instantly dispatch you. iExit. 
 
 Ador. I am half 
 Hang'd out o' the way already. — Was there ever 
 Poor lover so employ'd against himself, 
 To make way for his rival .•■ I mustjdojt, / 
 
 Nayjjjnore^X will. If loyalty carT^nd. ■/ 
 Recompen^...bc y o n d liope or imagination, f 
 Let it fall on iiu; in the otlier world, 
 As a fc war J, fur iu this I dare not hope it. [Exit. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I. — TAe SiKNNESE. A Camp before the 
 Walls 0/ Sienna. 
 
 Enter Gonzaga, Pierio, Roderigo, and Jacomo. 
 
 Gonz. You have seized upon the citadel, and 
 disarm'd 
 All that could make resistance ? 
 
 Pier. Hunger had 
 Done that, before we came ; nor was the soldier 
 Compell'd to seek for prey : the famish'd wretches, 
 In hope of mercy, as a sacrifice oflfer'd 
 All that was worth the taking. 
 
 Gonz. You proclaim'd. 
 On pain of death, no violence should be offer'd 
 To any woman ? 
 
 Rod. But it needed not ; 
 For famine had so humbled t^iem, and ta'en off 
 The (^re^of tlieir slix's honour, thanKgfe"was~not 
 So coy a beauty in the town, but would, 
 For half a mouldy biscuit, sell herself 
 To a poor bisognion, and without shrieking. 
 
 Gonz. Where is the duke of Urbin .•* 
 
 Jac. Under guard, 
 As you directed. 
 
 Gonz. See the soldiers set 
 In rank and file, and, as the dutchess passes, 
 Bid them veil their ensigns ; and charge them on 
 
 their lives. 
 Not to cry Whores ! 
 
 Jac. The devil cannot fright them 
 From their military license. Though they know 
 They are her subjects, and will part with being. 
 To do her service ; yeti^jince she's a woman 
 Theyjwilljia]aflb..nt \\fx breeck.j»4th^%ieixiij3jjtg^ig3 
 
 and that is all 
 That th ey carThope for . 
 
 [A shout, and a (leneral cry within. Whores, whorj 
 
 Gonz. O the devil ! they are at it. 
 Hell stop their brawling throats. Again 1 makeyup 
 And cudgel them into jelly. 
 
 Rod. To no purpose, 
 
 Though their mothers were there, they would^iave 
 
 the same name for them. [Ficunt. 
 
 SCENE II.— The same. Another Part of the 
 Camp. 
 
 Loud music. Enter Roderigo, Jacomo, PiERro, Gon- 
 zaga, and Aurelia under a Canopy. Astutio pre- 
 sents her with letters. 
 
 Gonz. I do beseech your highness not to ascribe 
 To the want of discipline, the barbarous rudeness 
 Of the soldier, in his profanation of 
 Your sacred name and virtues. 
 
 Aurel. No, lord general ; 
 I've heard myfather gay oft, 'twas a custom 
 Usual in the camp ; nor arejthey to he punish'd 
 For words, that have, in fact^ deserved so well: 
 Let the one excuse the other. 
 
 All. Excellehf princess ! 
 
 Aurel. But for these aids from Sicily sent against 
 us. 
 To blast our spring of conquests in the bud ; 
 I cannot find, my lord ambassador, 
 How we should entertain't but as a wrong, 
 With purpose to detain us from our own, 
 Howe'er the king endeavours, in his letters, 
 To mitigate the affront. 
 
 Ast. Your grace hereafter 
 May hear from me such strong assurances 
 Of his unlimited desires to serve you. 
 As will, I hope, drown in forgetfulness 
 The memory of what's past. . 
 
 Aurel. We shall take time 
 To search the depth oft further, and proceed 
 As our council shall direct us. 
 
 Gonz. We present you 
 With the keys of the city ; all lets are remov'd, 
 Your way is smooth and easy ; at your feet 
 Your proudest enemy falls. 
 
 Aurel. We thank your valours : 
 A victory without blood is twice achieved. 
 And the drsposure of it, to us tender'd, 
 Tlie^rgv>tcstJi<niour.\ Worthy captains, thanks I 
 My love extends itself to all. 
 
 Gonz. Make way there. 
 
 \_A Guard drawn up : Aurelia passe* through 
 them. Loud Music. [Exeunt. 
 
204 
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 SCENE IH. — Sienna. A Room in the Prison. 
 Bertoldo is discovered in fetters, reading. 
 Bert. 'Tis here determined, (great examples, 
 
 A' arm'd 
 
 ] With arguments, produced to make it good,) 
 That neither tyrants, nor the wrested laws. 
 The people's frantic rage, sad exile, want. 
 Nor that which I endure, captivity. 
 Can do a wise 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 chaste wife Paulina ; his house full 
 Of children, clients, servants, flattering friends, 
 Soothing his lip -positions ; and created , 
 
 Prince of the senate, by the general voice, Y 
 
 At his new pupil's suffrage : then, no doubt, 
 He held, and did believe, this. But no sooner 
 The prince's frowns and jealousies had thrown him 
 Out of security's lap, and a centurion 
 Had offer'd him what choice of death he pleased. 
 But told him, die he must ; when straight the 
 
 armour 
 Of his so boasted fortitude fell off, 
 
 \_Throws away the book. 
 Complaining of his frailty. Can it then 
 Be censured womanish weakness in me, if, 
 Thus clogg'd with irons, and the period 
 To close up all calamities denied me, 
 Which was presented Seneca, I wish 
 I ne'er had being ; at least, never knew 
 What happiness was ; or argue with heaven's justice, 
 Tearing my locks, and, in defiance, throwing 
 Dust in the air ? or, falling on tlie gr6un37 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 practise 
 To die, and, as I were insensible, 
 Believe 1 had no motion ? IFalls on his/ace. 
 
 Enter Oonzaga, Adorni, and Gaoler. 
 
 Gonz. There he is : 
 I'll not enquire by whom his ransome's paid, 
 I am satisfied that I have it ; nor allege 
 One reason to excuse his cruel usage, 
 As you may interpret it ; let it suffice 
 It was my will to have it so. He is yours now, 
 Dispose of him as you please. lExit. 
 
 Ador. Howe'er I hate him. 
 As one preferr'd before me, being a man. 
 He does deserve my pity. Sir ! — he sleeps : — 
 Or is he dead .'' would he were a saint in heaven ! 
 'Tis all the hurt I wish him. But, I was not 
 Born to such happiness. \_Aside.'] — [Kneels by him.'] 
 
 No, he breathes — come near, 
 
 And, if 't be possible, without his feeling, 
 
 Take off his irons [His irons taken off.'] — So; 
 
 now leave us private. [Exit Gaoler. 
 
 He does begin to stir ; and, as transported 
 With a joyful dream, how he stares ! and feels his 
 As yet uncertain whether it can be [legs, 
 
 True or fantastical. 
 
 Bert. [Rising.] Ministers of mercy. 
 Mock not calamity. Ha ! 'tis no vision ! 
 Or, if it be, the happiest that ever 
 Appear'd to sinful flesh ! Who's here ? his face 
 Speaks him Adorni ; — but some glorious angel. 
 Concealing its divinity in his shape, 
 Hath done this miracle, it being not an act 
 
 For wolfish man. Resolve me, if thou look'st for 
 Bent knees in adoration ? 
 
 Ador. O forbear, sir ! 
 I am Adorni, and the instrument 
 Of your deliverance ; but the benefit 
 You owe another. 
 
 Bert. If he has a name. 
 As soon as spoken, 'tis writ on my heart 
 I am his bondman. 
 
 Ador. To the shame of men, 
 This great act is a woman's. 
 
 Bert. The whole sex 
 For her sake must be deified. How I wander 
 In my imagination, yet cannot 
 feuess who this phoenix should be ! 
 I Ador. 'Tis Camiola. 
 
 ) Bert. Pray you, speak't again : there's music in 
 /Once more, I pray you, sir. [her name. 
 
 EAdor. Camiola, 
 he MAID OF HONOUR. 
 Bert. Curs'd atheist that I was, 
 'nly to doubt it could be any other ; 
 ince she alone, in the abstract of herself, 
 /That small, but ravishing substance, comprehends 
 Whatever is, or can be wish'd, in the 
 Idea of a woman ! O what service. 
 Or sacrifice of duty, can I pay her, 
 L If not to live and die her charity's slave, 
 jWhich is resolv'd already ! 
 
 Ador. She expects not 
 Such a dominion o'er you : yet, ere I 
 Deliver her demands, give me your hand : 
 On this, as she enjoin'd me, with my lips 
 I print her love and service, by me sent you. 
 
 Bert. I am o'erwhelm'd with wonder I 
 
 Ador. You must now, 
 Which is the sum of all that she desires. 
 By a solemn contract bind yourself, when she 
 Requires it, as a debt due for your freedom, 
 To marry her. 
 
 Bert. This does engage me further ; 
 A payment ! an increase of obligation. 
 To marry her ! — 'twas my nil tiltra ever : 
 The end of my ambition. O that now 
 The holy man, she present, were prepared 
 To join our hands, but with that speed my heart 
 Wishes mine eyes might see her ! 
 
 Ador. You must swear this. 
 
 Bert. Swear it ! Collect all oaths and impreca- 
 Whose least breach is damnation, and those [tions, 
 Minister'd to me in a form more dreadful ; 
 Set heaven and hell before me, I will take them ^ 
 False to Camiola ! never. — Shall I now ^ ( 
 
 Begin my vows to you .•* 
 
 Ador. I am no churchman ; 
 Such a one must file it on record : youarefree ; 
 And, that ypu may appea^r like to j^oursell',__^ 
 (FdF SO^she wish'd,) here's"g6B, witlTwEch you 
 
 r'may" "' ~'" -- '■ ~~" 
 
 Redeem your trunks and servants, and whatever 
 Of late you lost. I have found "out the captain 
 Whose spoil they were ; his name is Roderigo. 
 
 Bert. I know him. 
 
 Ador. I have done my parts. 
 
 Bert. So much, sir. 
 As I am ever yours for't. Now, methinks, 
 
 I walk in air ! Divine Camiola 
 
 But words cannot express thee : I'll build to thee 
 
 An altar in my soul, on which I'll offer 
 
 A still-encreasing sacrifice of duty. [Exit 
 

 (P^. 
 
 ^y 
 
 SCKNE IV. 
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 205 
 
 m- 
 
 Ador. What will become of me now is apparent. 
 Whether a poniard or a halter be 
 The nearest way to hell, (for I must thither, 
 After I've kill'd myself,) is somewhat doubtful 
 This Roman_resqlution of self-murder, 
 Will noTHold water at the high tribunal 
 When it comes to be argued ; my good Gen 
 I Prompts me to this consideration. He 
 \ That kills himself to avoid misery, fears it, j ^i 
 And, at the best, shews but a bastard valou 
 This life's a fort committed to my trust, « > / 
 Which I must not yield up till it be forced! Tf'fp' 
 Nor will I. He's not valiant that dares dif, VlKf^^ 
 But he that boldly bears calamity. L^Exit. 
 
 SCENE IV The same. A State-room in the 
 
 Palace. 
 
 A Flourish. Enter PrERio, Roderfgo, Jacomo, Gonzaga, 
 AuRELfA, Fehdinand, Astutio, and Attendants. 
 
 Aurel. A seat here for the duke. It is our glory 
 To overcome with courtesies, not rigour ; 
 The lordly Roman, who held it the height 
 ^f human happiness to have kings and queens 
 To wait by his triumphant chariot-wheels, 
 In his insulting pride, deprived himself 
 Of drawing near the nature of the gods, 
 Best known for such, in being merciful. 
 Yet, give me leave, but still with gentle language, 
 And with the freedom of a friend, to tell you. 
 To seek by force, what courtship could not win, 
 Was harsh, and never taught in Love's mild school. 
 Wise poets feign that Venus' coach is drawn 
 By doves and sparrows, not by bears and tigers. 
 I spare the application. 
 
 Per. In my fortune, 
 Heaven's justice hath confirm'd it ; yet, great lady, 
 Since my offence grew from excess of love. 
 And not to be resisted, having paid, too, 
 With loss of liberty, the forfeiture 
 Of my presumption, in your clemency 
 It may find pardon. 
 
 Aiirel. You shall have just cause 
 To say it hath. The charge of the long siege 
 Defray'd, and the loss my subjects have sustain'd 
 Made good, since so far I must deal with caution, 
 You have your liberty. 
 
 Fer. I could not hope for 
 Gentler conditions. 
 
 Aurel. My lord Gonzaga, 
 Since my coming to Sienna, I've heard much of 
 Your prisoner, brave Bertoldo. 
 
 Gonz. Such an one, 
 Madam, I had. 
 
 Ast. And have still, sir, I hope. 
 
 Gonz. Your hopes deceive you. He is ransomed, 
 
 Ast. By whom, I pray you, sir? [madam. 
 
 Gonz. You had best enquire 
 Of your intelligencer : I am no informer. 
 
 Ast. I like not this. lAside. 
 
 Aurel. He is, as 'tis reported, 
 A goodly gentleman, and of noble parts ; 
 A brother of your order. 
 
 Gonz. He was, madam. 
 Till he, against his oath, wrong'd you, a>jjrincess. 
 Which his i^eli^ipi^ bound him from. 
 
 Aurel. Great'minds, \ • 
 
 For trial of their valours, oft maintain \ y 
 
 Quarrels that are unjust, yet without malice 
 
 And such a fair construction I make of him : 
 I would see that brave enemy. 
 
 Gonz. My duty 
 Commands me to seek for him. 
 
 Aurel. Pray you do ; 
 And bring him to our presence. lExU Gonzaga. 
 
 Ast. I must blast 
 .His entertainment. [Aside. J May it please your 
 ' excellency. 
 
 He is a man debauch'd, and, for his riots, 
 Cast off by the king my master ; and that, I hope, is 
 A crime sufficient. 
 * Fer. To you, his subjects. 
 That like as your king likes. 
 
 Aurel. But not to us ; 
 We must weigh with_oui.own scale. 
 
 Re-enter Gonzaga, with Bertoldo richli/ habited, and 
 Adokni. 
 
 This is he, sure. 
 How soon mine eye had found him ! what a port 
 He bears ! how well his bravery becomes him 1 
 A prisoner ! nay, a princely suitor, rather 1 
 But I'm too sudden. lAside. 
 
 Gonz. Madam, 'twas his suit, 
 Unsent for, to present his service to you, 
 Ere his departure. 
 
 Aurel. With what majesty 
 He bears himself ! lAside. 
 
 Ast. The devil, I think, supplies him. 
 Ransomed, and thus rich too 1 
 
 Aurel. You ill deserve 
 
 [Bertoldo kneeling, kisses her ham). 
 
 The favour of our hand we are not well, 
 
 Give us more air. [Descends suddenli/. 
 
 Gonz. What sudden qualm is this ? 
 
 Aurel. — That lifted yours against me. 
 
 Bert. Thus, once more, 
 I sue for pardon. 
 
 Aurel. Sure his lips are poison'd. 
 And through these veins force passage to my heart, 
 Which is already seized on. lAside. 
 
 Bert. I wait, madam. 
 To know what your commands are ; my designs 
 Exact me in another place. 
 
 Aurel. Before 
 You have our license to depart ! If manners, 
 Civility of manners, cannot teach you 
 To attend our leisure, I must tell you, sir. 
 That you are still our prisoner ; nor had you 
 Commission to free him. 
 
 Gonz. How's this, madam ? 
 
 Aurel. You were my substitute, and wanted 
 power, 
 Without my warrant, to dispose of him : 
 I will pay back his ransom ten times over, 
 Rather than quit my interest. , ^ i 
 
 Bert. This is ^\ h^^f^ 
 
 Against the law of arms. ; },- '^ 
 
 Aurel. But not of love. ; / ZAside 
 
 Why hath youFenteffainmeiit/sir, been such, 
 In your restraint, that, with the wings of fear, 
 You would fly from it ? 
 
 Bert. I know no man, madam, 
 Enamour'd of his fetters, or delighting 
 In cold or hunger, or that would in reason 
 Prefer straw in a dungeon, before 
 A down-bed in a palace. 
 
 Aurel. How! — Come nearer : 
 Was his usage such '* 
 
 V 
 
 rr«^ 
 
20(i 
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Gonz. Yes ; and it had been worse, 
 Had I foreseen this. 
 /^ Aurel. O thou mis-shaped monster ! 
 \ Tn thee it is confirm'd, that such as have 
 No share in nature's bounties, know no pity 
 To such as have them. Look oi. him with my eyes, 
 And answer, then, whether this were a man 
 Whose cheeks of lovely fulness should be made 
 A prey to meagre famine ? or these eyes. 
 Whose every glance store Cupid's empty quiver. 
 To be diram'd with tedious watching ? or these 
 
 lips. 
 These ruddy lips, of whose fresh colour cherries 
 And roses were but copies, should grow pale 
 For want of nectar? or these legs, that bear 
 A burthen of more worth than is supported 
 By Atlas' wearied shoulders, should be cramp'd 
 With the weight of iron ? O, I could dwell ever 
 On this description ! 
 
 Bert. Is this in derision, 
 Or pity of me ? 
 
 Aurel. In your charity 
 Believe me innocent. Now you are my prisoner, 
 You shall have fairer quarter ; you will shame 
 The place where you have been, should you now 
 
 leave it, 
 Before you are recover'd. I'll conduct you 
 To more convenient lodgings, and it shall be 
 My care to cherish you. Repine who dare ; 
 It is our will. You'll follow me ? 
 
 Bert. To the centre. 
 Such a Sybilla guiding me. 
 
 [_Exeunt Aurelia, Bertoldo, and Attendants. 
 
 Conz. Who speaks first ? 
 
 Fer. We stand as we had seen Medusa's head. 
 
 l^ier. I know not what to think, I am so amazed. 
 
 Rod. Amazed ! I am thunderstruck. 
 
 Jac. We are enchanted, 
 And this is some illusion. 
 
 Ador. Heaven forbid ! 
 In dark despair it shews a beam of hope : 
 Contain thy joy, Adorni. lAside. 
 
 Ast. Such a princess. 
 And of so long-experienced reserv'dness. 
 Break forth, and on the sudden, into flashes 
 Of more than doubted looseness ! 
 
 Gonz. They come again. 
 Smiling, as I live ! his arm circling her waist. 
 I shall run mad : — Some fury hath possess'd her. 
 If I speak I may be blasted. Ha ! I'll mumble 
 A prayer or two, and cross myself, and then, 
 Thoughjrtie devil fart fire, have at him. 
 
 Re-enter Bertoldo and Aurelia. 
 
 Aurel. Let not, sir. 
 The violence of my passion nourish in you 
 An ill opinion ; or, grant my carriage 
 Out of the road and garb of private women, 
 'Tis still done with decorum. As I am 
 A princess, what I do is above censure, 
 And to be imitated. 
 
 Bert. Gracious madam. 
 Vouchsafe a little pause ; for I am so rapt 
 Beyond myself, that, till I have collected 
 My scatter'd faculties, I cannot tender 
 My resolution. 
 
 Aurel. Consider of it, 
 1 will not be long from you. 
 
 [Bertoldo walks ly musing. 
 
 Gonz. Pray 'I cannot, 
 
 This cursed object strangles my devotion : \ 
 I must speak, or I burst. — Pray you, fair ladr, 
 If you can, in courtesy direct me to / W 
 
 The chaste Aurelia. / '' 
 
 Aurel. Are you blind ? who are we ? / . 
 
 Gonz. Another kind of thing. Her bl6od was 
 govern'd 
 By her discretion, and not ruled her reason : 
 The reverence and majesty of Juno 
 Shined in her looks, and, coming to the cattip, 
 Appear'd a second Pallas. I can see 
 No such divinities in you : if I, 
 Without offence, may speak my thoughts, you are, 
 As 'twere, a wanton Helen. 
 
 Aurel. Good ! ere long 
 You shall know me better. 
 
 Gonz. Why, if you are Aurelia, 
 How shall I dispose of the soldier ? 
 
 Ast. May it please you 
 To hasten my dispatch ? 
 
 Aurel. Prefer your suits 
 Unto Bertoldo ; we will give him hearing. 
 And you'll find him your best advocate. [Exit. 
 
 Ast. This is rare ! 
 
 Gonz. What are we come to } 
 
 Rod. 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 step between me and a crown. 
 Then my ingratitude ! a sin in which y 
 
 All sins are comprehended ! Aid me. Virtue, V/ 
 Or I am lost. 
 
 Gonz. May it please your excellence 
 
 Second me, sir. 
 
 Bert. Then my so horrid oaths, 
 And hell-deep imprecations made against it ! 
 
 Ast. The king, your brother, will thank you 
 for the advancement 
 Of his affairs. 
 
 Bert. And yet who can hold out 
 Against such batteries as her power and greatness 
 Raise up against my weak defences 1 
 
 Gonz. Sir, 
 
 Re-enter Aurelia. 
 Do you dream waking } 'Slight, she's here again ! 
 Walks she on woollen feet ! 
 
 Aurel. You dwell too long 
 In your deliberation, and come 
 With a cripple's pace to that which you should 
 fly to. 
 
 Bert. It is confess'd : yet why should I, to 
 win 
 From you, that hazard all tojnypQOX nothing, 
 By false play send you off a loser from me .-• 
 I am already too, too much engaged 
 Tothe'king my brother's anger ;' and who knows 
 But that his doubts and politic fears, should you 
 Make me his equal, may draw war upon 
 Your territories ? Were that breach made up, 
 I should with joy embrace what now I fear 
 To touch but with due reverence. 
 
 Aurel. That hinderance 
 Is easily removed. I owe the kino' 
 For a royal visit, which I straight will pay him ; 
 And having first reconciled you to his favour. 
 A dispensation shall meet with us. 
 
 Bert. 1 am wholly yours. 
 
 Aurel. On this book seal it. 
 
THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Goiiz. What, hand and lip too ! then the bar- 
 gain's sure. 
 
 You have no employment for me ? 
 
 Aurel. Yes, Gonzaga ; 
 Provide a royal ship. 
 ^ Gonz. A ship ! St. John, 
 Whither are we bound now ? 
 
 Aurel. You shall know hereafter. 
 My lord, your pardon, for my too much trenching 
 Upon your patience. 1 
 
 Ador. Camiola! ^Aside to B^tovdo. 
 
 Aurel. How do you 
 
 w 
 
 JSert. Indisposed ; but I attend you. 
 
 [Exeunt all but ^boRNi. 
 
 Ador. The heavy curse that waits on perjury. 
 And foul ingratitude pursue thee ever ! 
 Yet why from me this ? in his breach of faith 
 My loyalty finds reward : what poisons him, 
 Proves mithridate to me. I have perform'd 
 All she commanded, punctually ; and now. 
 In the clear mirror of my truth, she may 
 Behold his falsehood. O that I had wings 
 To bear me to Pal<?rmo ! This once known, 
 Must change her love into a just disdain. 
 And work her to compassion of my pain. [.Exit. 
 
 SCENE V. — Palermo. A Room in Camiola's 
 
 House. 
 Enter Sylli, Camiola, and Clarikda, at several doors. 
 
 Syl. Undone 1 undone ! — poor I, that whilome 
 was 
 The top and ridge of ray house, am, on the sudden, 
 Turn'd to the pitifuUest animal 
 O' the lineage of the Syllis ! 
 
 Cam. What's the matter ? 
 
 Syl. The king — break, girdle, break ! 
 
 Cam. Why, what of him ? 
 
 Syl. Hearing how far you doated on my person, 
 Growing envious of my happiness, and knowing 
 His brother, nor his favourite, Fulgentio, 
 Could get a sheep's-eye from you, I being present, 
 Is come himself a suitor, with the awl 
 Of his authority to bore my nose. 
 And take you from me — Oh, oh, oh ! 
 
 Cam. Do not roar so : 
 The king ! 
 
 Syl. The king. Yet loving Sylli is not 
 So sorry for his own, as your misfortune ; 
 If the king should carry you, or you bear him. 
 What a loser should you be ! He can but make 
 
 you 
 A queen, and what a simple thing is that, 
 To the being my lawful spouse ? the world can 
 Afford you such a husband. [never 
 
 Cam. I believe you. 
 But how are you sure the king is so inclined ? 
 Did not you dream this ? 
 
 Syl. With these eyes I saw him 
 Dismiss his train, and lighting from his coach, 
 Whispering Fulgentio in the ear. 
 
 Cam. If so, 
 I guess the business. 
 
 Syl. 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 and Fi'lokntio. 
 I3e seen, I am so desperate : if you forsake me, 
 
 Send me word, that I may provide 
 
 land, 
 To wear when I drown myself. O Sylli, Sylli ! 
 
 [Exit crying. 
 
 Ful. It will be worth your pains, sir, to observe 
 The constancy and bravery of her spirit. 
 Though great men tremble at your frowns, I dare 
 Hazard my head, your majesty, set off 
 With terror, cannot fright her. 
 
 Rob. May she answer 
 My expectation ! [Aside. 
 
 Ful. There she is. 
 
 Cam. My knees thus 
 Bent to the earth, while my vows are sent upward 
 For the safety of my sovereign, pay the duty 
 Due for so great an honour, in this favour 
 Done to your humblest handmaid. 
 
 Rob. You mistake me ; 
 I come not, lady, that you may report 
 The king, to do you honour, made your house 
 (He being there) his court: but to correct 
 Your stubborn disobedience. A pardon 
 For that, could you obtain it, were well purchased 
 With this humility. 
 
 Cam. A pardon, sir ! 
 Till I am conscious of an offence, 
 I will not wrong my innocence to beg one. 
 What is my crime, sir ? 
 
 Rob. Look on him I favour, 
 By you scorn'd and neglected. 
 
 Cam. Is that all, sir ? 
 
 Rob. No, minion ; though that were too much. 
 How can you 
 Answer the setting on your desperate bravo 
 To murder him ? 
 
 Cam. With your leave, I must not kneel, i 
 While I reply to this : but thus rise up 
 In my defence, and tell you, as a man, 
 (Since, when you are unjust, the deity. 
 Which you may challenge as a king, parts ft-om 
 *Twas never read in holy writ, or moral, [you,) 
 That subjects on their loyalty were obliged \ 
 To love theii sovereign's vices ; your grace, si 
 To such an undeserver is no virtue. 
 
 Ful. W^hat think you now, sir ? 
 
 Cam. Say, you should love wine. 
 You being the king, and, 'cause I am your su 
 Must I be ever drunk ? Tyrants not kings. 
 By violence, from humble vassals force 
 Thelibertj^JOLtheir souls. I could not love 
 Anano'compelaSeHion7 as I take it, 
 Is not found in your prerogative. 
 
 Rob. Excellent virgin I 
 How I admire her confidence! [Aside. 
 
 Cam. He complains 
 Of wrong done him : but, be no more a king. 
 Unless you do me right. Burn your decrees, 
 And of your laws and statutes make a fire 
 To thaw the frozen numbness of delinquents, 
 If he escape unpunish'd^ Do your edicts 
 Call it death in any man that breaks into 
 Another's house, to rob him, though of trifles ; 
 And shall Fulgentio, your Fulgentio, live, 
 Who hath committed more than sacrilege, 
 In the pollution of my clear fame, 
 By his malicious slanders ? 
 
 Rob. Have you done this ? 
 Answer truly, on your life. 
 
 Ful. In the heat of blood, 
 Some such thing I reported. 
 
 / 
 
 ject, 
 
208 
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 Roh. Out of my sight ! 
 For I vow, if by true penitence thou win not 
 This injured virgin to sue out thy pardon, 
 Thy grave is digg'd already. 
 
 Ful. By my own folly 
 I have made a fair hand oft. l_Aside and exit 
 
 Hob. You shall know, lady, { 
 
 While I wear a crown, justice shall use her sword 
 To cut offenders off, though nearest to us. , \ 
 
 "< 
 
 Cam. Ay, now you shew whose deputy you 
 are : 
 If now I bathe your feet with tears, it cannot 
 Be censured superstition. 
 
 Rob. You must rise ; 
 Rise in our favour and protection ever. IKisses her. 
 Cam. Happy are subjects, when the prince is 
 
 stjiL- -.,..... 
 
 Guided by justice, not his passionate will. lExenni, 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I. — The same. A Room in Camiola's 
 
 House. 
 
 Enter Camiola and Sylli. 
 
 Cam. You see how tender I am of the quiet 
 And peace of your affection, and what great ones 
 I put off in your favour. 
 
 Syl. You do wisely, 
 Exceeding wisely ; and, when I have said, 
 I thank you for't, be happy. 
 
 Cam. And good reason, 
 In having such a blessing. 
 
 Syl. When you have it; 
 But the bait is not yet ready. Stay the time, 
 While I triumph by myself. King, by your leave, 
 I have wiped your royal nose without a napkin ; 
 You may cry. Willow, willow ! for your brother, 
 I'll only say, Go by ! for my fine favourite. 
 He may graze where he please ; his lips may water 
 Like a puppy's o'er a furmenty pot, while Sylli, 
 Out of his two-leaved cherry-stone dish, drinks 
 
 nectar 1 
 I cannot hold out any longer ; heaven forgive me ! 
 'Tis not the first oath I have broke ; I must take 
 A little for a preparative. 
 
 [Offers to kiss and embrace her. 
 
 Cam. By no means. 
 If you forswear yourself, we shall not prosper : 
 I'll rather lose my longing. 
 
 Syl. Pretty soul ! 
 How careful it is of me ! Let me buss yet 
 Thy little dainty foot for't : that, I'm sure, is 
 Out of my oath. 
 
 Cam. Why, i'thou canst dispense with't 
 So far, I'll not be scrupulous ; such a favour 
 My amorous shoe-maker steals. 
 
 Syl. O most rare leather ! IKisses her -shoe often. 
 I do begin at the lowest, but in time 
 I may grow higher. 
 
 Cam. Fie ! you dwell too long there : 
 Rise, prithee rise. 
 
 Syl. O, I am up, already. 
 
 Enter Clarinda, hastily. 
 Cam. How I abuse my hours ! — What news 
 
 with thee, now ? 
 Clar. Off with that gown, 'tis mine ; mine by 
 your promise : 
 Signior Adorni is return'd ! now upon entrance ! 
 Off with it, off with it, madam ! 
 
 Cam. Be not so hasty : 
 When I go to bed, 'tis thine. 
 
 Syl. You have my grant too ; 
 But, do you hear, lady, though I give way to this, 
 You must hereafter ask my leave, before 
 You part with things of moment. 
 
 Cam. Very good ; 
 When I'm yours I'll be govern'd. 
 Syl. Sweet obedience ! 
 
 Enter Adorni. 
 
 Cam. You are well return'd. 
 
 Ador. I wish that the success 
 Of my service had deserved it. 
 
 Cam. Lives Bertoldo } 
 
 Ador- Yes, and return'd with safety. 
 
 Cam. 'Tis not then 
 In the power of fate to add to, or take from 
 My perfect happiness ; and yet — he should 
 Have made me his first visit. 
 
 Ador. So I think too ; 
 But he 
 
 Syl. Durst not appear, I being present ; 
 That's his excuse, I warrant you. 
 
 Cam. Speak, where is he } 
 With whom } who hath deserved more from him ? 
 Oan be of equal merit ? I in this [or 
 
 JL»o not except the king. 
 
 Ador. He's at the palace, 
 With the dutchess of Sienna. One coach brought 
 
 them hither. 
 Without a third : he's very gracious with her ; 
 You may conceive the rest. 
 
 Cam. My jealous fears 
 Make me to apprehend. 
 
 Ador. Pray you, dismiss 
 Signior Wisdom, and I'll make relation to you 
 Of the particulars. 
 
 Cam. Servant, I would have you 
 To haste unto the court. 
 
 Syl. I will outrun 
 A footman for your pleasure. 
 
 Cam. There observe 
 The dutchess' train, and entertainment. 
 
 Syl. Fear not ; 
 I will discover all that is of weight, 
 To the liveries of her pages and her footmen. 
 This is fit employment for me. [Exit. 
 
 Cam. Gracious with 
 The dutchess I sure, you said so ? 
 
 Ador. I will use 
 All possible brevity to inform you, madam. 
 Of what was trusted to me, and discharged 
 With faith and loyal duty. 
 
 Cam. I believe it ; 
 You ransomed him, and supplied his wants — ima- 
 That is already spoken ; and what vows [giiie 
 
 Of service he made to me, is apparent ; 
 His joy of me, and wonder too, perspicuous : 
 Does not your story end so .' 
 
 Ador. Would the end 
 
SCKNK II. 
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 209 
 
 .V 
 
 Had answered the beginning ! — In a word, 
 Ingratitude and perjury at the height 
 Cannot express him. 
 
 Cam. Take heed. 
 
 Ador. Truth is arm'd, 
 And can defend itself. It must out, madam : 
 I saw (the presence full) the amorous dutchess 
 Kiss and embrace him ; on his part accepted 
 With equal ardour ; and their willing hands 
 No sooner join'd, but a remove was publish'd, 
 And put in execution. 
 
 Cam. The proofs are 
 Too pregnant. O Bertoldo ] 
 
 Ador, He's not worth 
 Your sorrow, madam. 
 
 Cam. Tell me, when you saw this, V^ 
 
 Did not you grieve, as I do now, to hear it \ 
 
 Ador. His precipice from goodness raising 
 And serving as a foil to set my faith off, 
 \ had little reason. 
 
 Cam. I n thi s you confes s 
 The devilish malice of your disposition. 
 As youjp/ere. a man, you stood bound to lament it ; 
 AncTnotj in flat_tery of your false hopes. 
 To jg ldry i n it7 Wh'en'good men pursue \ 
 The path mark'd out by virtue, the blest sai|fcts 
 With joy look on it, and seraphic angels 
 Clap their celestial wings in heavenly plaudits. 
 To see a scene of grace so well presented, \ 
 The fiends, and men made up of envy, mou^nin; 
 Whereas now, on the contrary, as far ' 
 
 As their divinity can partake of passion, | 
 With me they weep, beholding a fair templ^,^ 
 Built in Bertoldo's loyalty, turn'd to ashes 
 By the flames of his inconstancy, the damn'i 
 
 Rejoicing in the object 'Tis not well 
 
 In you, Adorni. 
 
 Ador. What a temper dwells 
 In this rare virgin ! \_ Aside.'] Can you pity|him, 
 That hath shewn none to you? i 
 
 Cam. I must not be ' 
 
 Cruel by his example. You, perhaps, 
 Expect now I should seek recovery 
 Of what I have lost, by tears, and with bent knees 
 Beg his compassion. No ; my towering virtue , 
 From the assurance of my" ittSFil, scorns 
 To^stoop solowT m^talce aUobTer course. 
 
 And, confident in the justice of my cause, ] J.^ <^ 
 Th e king, his brother, and new mistress, judges, 
 Ravish hrnrTrOm^tergrmsr- Y -o u - ha ve'tE'e^^rtmtfaot, 
 In which he sworeto marry me? 
 
 Ador. 'Tis here, madam. 
 
 Cam. He shall be, then, against his will, my 
 husband ; 
 And when I have him, I'll so use him ! — Doubt not, 
 But that, your honesty being unquestioned. 
 This writing, with your testimony, clears all. 
 
 Ador. And buries me in the dark mists of error. 
 
 Cam. I'll presently to court ; pray you, give 
 order 
 For my caroch. 
 
 Ador. A cart for me were fitter, 
 To hurry me to the gallows. \_Aside, and exit. 
 
 Cam. O false men I 
 Inconstant ! perjured ! My good angel help me, 
 In these my extremities ! 
 
 Re-enter Sylij. 
 
 Syl. If you e'er will see brave sight, 
 Lose it not now. Bertoldo and the dutchess 
 
 Are presently to be married : there's such pomp, 
 And preparation ! 
 
 Cam. If I piarry, 'tis 
 This day, or never. 
 
 SyL Why, with all my heart ; 
 Though I break this, I'll keep the next oath I make. 
 And then it is quit. 
 
 Cam. Follow me to my cabinet ; 
 You know my confessor, father Paulo ? 
 
 Syl. Yes : shall he ■ K 
 
 Do the feat for us ? A ijyf^'' 
 
 Cam. I will give in writing v^ 
 
 Directions to him, and attire myself 
 Like a virgin bride ; and something I will do, \ / 
 That shall deserve men's praise, and wonder toolr 
 
 Syl. And I, to make all know I am not shallow, 
 Will have my points of cochineal and yellow. 
 
 {Ilxeunt. 
 
 SCENE 11. 
 
 ■The same. A State-room in the 
 Palace. 
 
 Loud music, ^nier Roberto, Bertoldo, Aurelta, Fer- 
 dinand, AsTUTtO, GONZAGA, RoDERIGO, JACOAIO, PiERIO, 
 
 a Bishop, and Attendants. 
 
 Rob. Had our division been greater, madam. 
 Your clemency, the wrong being done to you, 
 In pardon of it, like the rod of concord, 
 Must make a perfect union. — Once more. 
 With a brotherly affection, we receive you 
 Into our favour : let it be your study 
 Hereafter to deserve this blessing, far 
 Beyond your merit. 
 
 Bert. As the princess' grace 
 To me is without limit, my endeavours. 
 With all obsequiousness to serve her pleasures, 
 Shall know no bounds : nor will I, being made 
 Her husband, e'er forget the duty that 
 I owe her as a servant. 
 
 Aurel. I expect not 
 But fair equality, since I well know, 
 If that superiority be due, 
 
 'Tis not to me. When you are made my consort. 
 All the prerogatives of my high birth cancell'd, 
 I'll practice the obedience of a wife, 
 And freely pay it. Queens themselves, if they 
 Make choice of their inferiors, only aiming 
 To feed their sensual appetites, and to reign 
 Over their husbands, in some kind com.rait 
 Authorized whoredom ; nor will I be guilty, 
 In my intent, of such a crime. ' 
 
 Gonz. This done. 
 As it is promised, madam, may-well-staBd-fox: 
 A precedent to great women : but, when once 
 The griping hunger of desire is cloy'd. 
 And the poor fool advanced, brought on his knees, 
 Most of your eagle breed, I'll not say all. 
 Ever accepting you, challenge again 
 What, in hot blood, they parted from. 
 
 Aurel. 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 goodness. 
 
 Rob. To my power 
 T will enable him, to prevent all danger 
 Envy can raise against your choice. One word 
 
 more 
 Touching the articles. p 
 
210 
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 Enter Fulgentio, Camiola, Sylli, and Adorni. 
 
 Ful. In you alone 
 Lie all my hopes ; you can or kill or save me ; 
 But pity in you will become you better 
 (Though I confess in justice 'tis denied me) 
 Than too much rigour. 
 
 Cam. I will make your peace 
 As far as it lies in me ; but must first 
 Labour to right myself. 
 
 Aurel. Or add or alter 
 What you think fit ; in him I have my all : 
 Heaven make me thankful for him ! 
 
 Rob. On to the temple. 
 
 Cam. Stay, royal sir ; and as you are a king, 
 Erect one here, in doing justice to 
 An injured maid. 
 
 Aurel. How's this ? 
 
 Bert. O, I am blasted ! 
 
 Rob. I have given some proof, sweet lady, of 
 my promptness 
 To do you right, you need not, therefore, doubt me; 
 And rest assured, that, this great work dispatch'd. 
 You shall have audience, and satisfaction 
 To all you can demand. 
 
 Cam. To do me justice 
 Exacts your present care, and can admit 
 Of no delay. If, ere my cause be heard, 
 In favour of your brother you go on, sir. 
 Your sceptre cannot right me. He's the man. 
 The guilty man, whom I accuse ; 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 : Justice painted blind. 
 Infers her ministers are obliged to hear 
 The cause, and truth, the judge, determine of it ; 
 And not sway'd or by favour or affection. 
 By a false gloss, or wrested comment, alter 
 The true intent and letter of the law. 
 
 Rob. Nor will I, madam. 
 
 Aurel. You seem troubled, sir. 
 
 Goiiz. His colour changes too. 
 
 Cam. The alteration 
 Grows from his guilt. The goodness of my cause / 
 Begets such confidence in me, that I bring ^ 
 
 No hired tongue to plead for me, that with gay 
 Rhetorical flourishes may palliate 
 That which, stripp'd naked, will appear deform'd. 
 I stand here mine own advbcatg ; -a nd my truth. i 
 Deliver'd in the plainest language, will 
 Make good itself; nor will I, if the king 
 Give suffrage to it, but admit of you. 
 My greatest enemy, arid this stranger prince. 
 To sit assistants with him. 
 
 Aurel. I ne'er wrono^'d you. 
 
 Cam. In your knowledge of the injury, I believe 
 Nor will you, in your justice, when you are 
 Acquainted with my interest in this man. 
 Which I lay claim to. /.;8. i 
 
 Rob. Let us take our seats. "*•> ,^Jy 
 
 What is your title to him ? X'E>^ l^ 
 
 Cam. By this contract, "^ ^^t!C^ 
 
 Seal'd solemnly before a reverend man, y 
 
 [ Presents a paper to the King. 
 I challenge him for my husband. 
 
 Syl. Ha ! was I 
 Sent for the friar for this ? O SyUi ! Sylli ! 
 Some cordial, or I faint. 
 
 Rob. 'J'his writing is 
 Authentical. 
 
 Aurel. But, done in heat of blood, 
 Charm'd by her flatteries, as, no doubt he was, 
 To be dispens'd with. 
 
 Fer. Add this, if you please, 
 The distance and disparity between 
 Their births and fortunes. 
 
 Cam. What can Innocence hope for, 
 When such as sit her judges are corrupted ! 
 Disparity of birth or fortune, urge you ? 
 Or Syren charms ? or, at his best, in me 
 Wants to deserve him ? Call some few days back, 
 And, as he was, consider him, and you 
 Must grant him my inferior. Imagine 
 You Bawliim now in fetters, with his honpur. 
 His liberty Ibst ; with her black wings Despair 
 Circling his miseries, and this Gonzaga 
 Trampling on his afflictions ; the great sum 
 Proposed for his redemption ; the king 
 Forbidding payment of it ; his near kinsmen. 
 With his protesting followers and friends. 
 Falling off from him ; by the whole world forsaken; 
 Dead to all hope, and buried in the grave 
 Of his calamities ; and then weigh duly 
 What she deserv'd, whose merits now are doubted. 
 That, as his better angel, in her bounties 
 Appear'd unto him, his great ransome paid, 
 His wants, and with a prodigal hand, supplied ; 
 Whether, then, being my manumised slave, 
 He owed not himself to me ? 
 
 Aurel. Is this true ? 
 
 Rob. In his silence 'tis acknowledged. 
 
 Gonz. If you want 
 A witness to this purpose, I'll depose it. 
 
 Cam. If I have dwelt too long on my deservings 
 To this unthankful man, pray you pardon me ; 
 The cause required it. And though now I add 
 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 numbness, was no sooner warm'd 
 In the bosom of my pity and compassion. 
 But, in return, he ruin'd his preserver. 
 The prints the irons had made in his flesh 
 Still ulcerous ; but all that I had done. 
 My benefits, in sand or water written. 
 As they had never been, no more remember'd ! 
 And on what ground, but his ambitious hopes 
 To gain this dutchess' favour ? 
 
 Aurel. Yes ; the object, 
 Look on it better, lady, may excuse 
 The change of his affection. 
 / Cam. The object ! 
 /4n what ? forgive me, modesty, if I say 
 I You look upon y our form in the false glass 
 Of flattery and self-love, and that deceives you. 
 TKinrTtJTrw^fraTfiitcliess, as I take it, was not 
 Character'd on your face ; and, that not seen, 
 For other feature, make all these, that are 
 Experienced in women, judges of them, 
 nd, if they are not parasites, they must grant, 
 
 r beauty without art, though you storm at it, 
 I may take the right-hand file. 
 
 Gonz. Well said, i'faith ! 
 I see fair women on no terms will yield 
 Priority in beauty. 
 
 Cam. Down, proud heart ! 
 Why do I rise up in defence of that. 
 Which, in ray cherishing of it, hath undone me ! 
 No, madam, I recant, — you are all beauty, 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 211 
 
 Goodness, and virtue ; and poor I not worthy 
 As a foil to set you off : enjoy your conquest ; ^ 
 Bat do not tyrannize. Yet, as I am, • 
 
 In my lowness, from your height you may looli on 
 
 /V 
 
 And, in your suffrage to me, make him know;^ 
 That, though to all men else I did appear ) 
 The shame and scorn of women, he stands bqUnd 
 To hold me as the masterpiece. ) 
 
 Rob. By my life. 
 You have shewn yourself of such an abject temper, 
 So poor and low-condition'd, as I grieve for 
 Vour nearness to me. 
 
 Fer. I am changed in my 
 Opinion of you, lady ; and profess ^ 
 
 The virtues of your mind an ample fortune 
 For an absolute monarch. 
 
 Gonz. Since you are resolved 
 To damn yourself, in your forsaking of 
 Your noble order for a woman, do it 
 For this. You may search through the world, and 
 With such another phoenix. [meet not 
 
 Aurel. On the sudden 
 I feel all fires of love quench'd in the water 
 Of my compassion. — Make your peace ; you have 
 My free consent ; for here I do disclaim 
 All interest in you : and, to further your 
 Desires, fair maid, compo^ed-of Worth and honour. 
 The di^peTTSation procured' by mej " ~ - - 
 
 Freeing BertotiTo from his vow, makes way 
 To your embrac s. 
 
 Bert. Oh4jiow^haxe.J^-&tray-d, 
 And wilfully^ out .gf^the nobl^Jxack. 
 Mark'd^^me_by_\irtue ! tiUnoWj ~ 
 
 Truly a ^^jsonerT To excuse my late 
 
 CaptfvityTT^'ignt allege the malice 
 
 Of Fortune ; you, that conquer'd me, confessing 
 
 Courage in my defence was no way wanting. 
 
 But now I have surrend^ ^^juj3L,lPy strgj^t^" 
 
 Into the p(5weF'of Vice, and on my forehead 
 
 Branded, with mine own hand, in capital letters, 
 
 Disloyal and Ingrateful. Though barr'd from 
 
 Human "society, and hiss'd into 
 
 Some desart ne'er yet haunted with the curses 
 
 Of men and women, sitting as a judge 
 
 Upon my guilty self, I must confess 
 
 It justly falls upon me ; and one tear, 
 
 Shed in compassion of my sufferings, more 
 
 Than I can hope for. 
 
 Cam. This compunction 
 For the wrong that you have done me, though you 
 
 should 
 Fix here, and your true sorrow move no further, 
 Will, in respect I loved once, make these eyes 
 Two springs of sorrow for you. 
 
 Bert. In your pity 
 My cruelty shews more monstrous : yet I am not, 
 Though most ingrateful, grown to such a height 
 Of impudence, as, in my wishes only. 
 To ask your pardon. If, as now I fall 
 Prostrate before your feet, you will vouchsafe 
 To act your own revenge, treading upon me 
 As a viper eating through the bowels of 
 Your benefits, to whom, with liberty, 
 I owe my being, 'twill take from the burthen 
 That now is insupportable. 
 
 Cam. Pray you, rise ; 
 As I wish peace and quiet to my soul, 
 I do forgive you heartily : yet, excuse me, 
 Though I deny myself a blessing that, 
 
 By the favour of the dutchess, seconded 
 
 With your submission, is offer'd to me ; 
 
 Let not the reason I allege for't grieve you».. 
 
 You have been false once. — I have done.^ and ify- . 
 
 When I am married^ as this day I will be. 
 
 As a perfect sign of your atonement with me, 
 
 You wish me joy, I will receive it for 
 
 Full satisfaction of all obligations 
 
 In which you stand bound to me. 
 
 Bert. I will do it. 
 And, what's more, in despite of sorrow, live 
 To see myself undone, beyond all hope 
 To be made up again. 
 
 Syl. My blood begins 
 To come to my heart again. 
 
 Cam. Pray you, signior Sylli, 
 Call in the holy friar ; he's prepared 
 For finishing the work. 
 
 Syl. I knew I was 
 The man : heaven make me thankful ! 
 
 Rob. Who is this ? 
 
 Ast. His father was the banker of Palermo, 
 And this the heir of his great wealth : his wisdom 
 Was not hereditary. 
 
 Syl. Though you know me not. 
 Your majesty owes me a round sum ; I have 
 A seal or two to witness ; yet, if you please 
 To wear my colours, and dance at my wedding, 
 I'll never sue you. 
 
 fiob. And I'll grant your suit. 
 
 Syl. Gracious madonna, noble general. 
 Brave captains, and my quondam rivals, wear them, 
 \_Gives them/avours. 
 Since I am confident you dare not harbour 
 A thought, but that way current. lExit. 
 
 Aurel. For my part, 
 I cannot guess the issue. 
 
 Re-enter Sylli with Father Paulo. 
 
 Sijl. Do your duty ; 
 And with all speed you can, you may dispatch us. 
 
 Faul. Thus, as a principal ornament to the 
 I seize her. [church, 
 
 All. How! 
 
 Rob. So young, and so religious ! 
 
 Paul. She has forsook the world. 
 
 Syl. And SylU too ! 
 I shall run mad. 
 
 Rob. Hence with the fool ! — [Sylli is thrust 
 off.] — Proceed, sir. 
 
 Paul. Look on this maid of honour, now 
 Truly honoured in her vow 
 She pays to heaven : vain delight 
 By day, or pleasure of the night, 
 She no more thinks of. This fair hair 
 (Favours for great kings to wear) 
 Must now be shorn ; her rich array 
 Changed into a homely gray : 
 I'he dainties with which she was fed. 
 And her proud flesh pampered. 
 Must not be tasted; from the spring, 
 For wine, cold water we will bring ; 
 And with fasting mortify 
 The feasts of sensuality. 
 Her jewels, beads ; and she must look 
 Not in a glass, but holy book, 
 To teach her the ne^ er-erring way 
 To immortality. O may 
 She, as she purposes to be 
 A child new-born to piety^ p 2 
 
212 
 
 THE MAID OF HONOUR. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 Persever in it, and good men, 
 With saints and angels, say, Amen ! 
 
 Cam. This is the marriage ! this the port to which 
 My vows must steer me ! Fill my spreading sails 
 With the pure wind of your devotions for me, 
 That I may touch the secure haven, where 
 Eternal happiness keeps her residence, 
 Temptations to frailty never entering ! 
 I am dead to the world, and thus dispose 
 Of what I leave behind me ; and, dividing 
 My state into three parts, I thus bequeath it : 
 The first to the fair nunnery, to which 
 I dedicate the last and better part 
 Of my frail life ; a second portion 
 To pious uses ; and the third to thee, 
 Adorni, for thy true and faithful service. 
 And, ere I take my last farewell, 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. 
 
 Rob. I thus confirm it. 
 
 [Gives his hand to Fulgentio. 
 
 Cam. And, as e'er you hope, LTo Bertoldo. 
 
 Like me, to be made happy, I conjure you 
 To reassume your order ; and in fighting 
 
 Bravely against the enemies of our faith, > 
 Redeem your mortgaged honour. J 
 
 Gonz. I restore this : \_GivesMm thewfnte crost. 
 Once more, brothers in arms. ' 
 
 Bert. I'll live and die so. 
 
 Cam. To you my pious wishes ! And, to end 
 All differences, great sir, I beseech you 
 To be an arbitrator, and compound 
 The quarrel long continuing between 
 The duke and dutchess. 
 
 Rob. I will take it into 
 My special care. 
 
 Cam. I am then at rest. Now, father, 
 Conduct me where you please. 
 
 \_Exeunt PAuto and Camiola. 
 
 Rob. She well deserves 
 Her name, the Maid of Honour ! May she 
 
 stand. 
 To all posterity, a fair example 
 For noble laaids to imitate ! Since to live 
 In wealth and pleasure's common, but to part with 
 Such poison'd baits is rare ; there being nothing' 
 Upon this stage of life to be CQ.uuueBded, 
 ThOTtgh wgU^FgttH^tmi^^^ 
 
 s ' 'iFlotirish. Exeunt. 
 
 1 
 
 ^K^^'"^- 
 
THE PICTURE. 
 
 TO MY HONOURED AND SELECTED FRIENDS, 
 
 '^ OF 
 
 THE NOBLE SOCIETY OF THE INNER TEMPLE. 
 
 It may be objected, my not inscribing their names, or titles, to whom I dedicate this poem, proceedeth either 
 from my diffidence of their affection to me, or their unwillingness to be published the patrons of a trifle. To such as 
 shall make so strict an inquisition of me, I truly answer, The play, in the presentment, found such a general appro- 
 bation, that it gave me assurance of their favour to whose protection it is now sacred ; and they have professed they so 
 sincerely allow of it, and the maker, that they would have freely granted that in the publication, which, for some 
 reasons, I denied myself. One, and that is a main one ; I had rather enjoy (as I have done) the real proofs of their 
 friendship, than, mountebank -like, boast their numbers in a catalogue. Accept it, noble Gentlemen, as a confirmation 
 of his service, who hath nothing else to assure you, and witness to the world, how much he stands engaged for your ec 
 frequent bounties ; and in your charitable opinion of me believe, that you now may, and shall ever command, 
 
 Your servant, Philip JMassinger. 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONS. 
 
 LADisfcAus, King of Hungary. 
 
 Ferdinand, General of the Army. 
 
 EuBULus, an old Counsellor. 
 
 Mathias, a Knight of Bohemia. 
 
 Ubaldo, ) 
 
 RicAHDo, } ^^^^ Courtiers. 
 
 Julio Baptista, a great Scholar. 
 
 HiLARio, Servant to Sophia. 
 
 Two Boys, representing Apollo and Pallas. 
 
 Two Couriers. 
 
 A Guide. 
 
 Servants to the Queen. 
 Servants to Mathias. 
 
 Honoria, the Queen. 
 Sophia, Wife to Mathias. 
 ACANTHE, ) „ .^ ,„ 
 Sylvia, f -^««<^* of Honour. 
 CoRiscA, Sophia's Woman. 
 
 Maskers, Attendants, Officers, Captains, ^c 
 
 SCENE, — Partly in Hungary, and partly in Bohemia. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I — The Frontiers of BoK-EMi A. 
 
 Enter Mathias, Sophia, Corisca, Hilario, with other 
 Servants. 
 
 Math. Since we must part, Sophia, to pass further 
 Is not alone impertinent, but dangerous. 
 We are not distant from the Turkish camp 
 Above five leagues, and who knows but some party 
 Of his Timariots, that scour the country, 
 May fall upon us ? — be now, as thy name. 
 Truly interpreted, hath ever spoke thee. 
 Wise, and discreet ; and to thy understanding: 
 Marry thy constant patience. 
 
 Soph. You put me, sir, 
 To the utmost trial of it. 
 
 Math. Nay, no melting ; 
 Since the necessity that now separates us. 
 We have long since disputed, and the reasons 
 Forcing me to it, too oft wash'd in tears. 
 I grant that you, in birth, were far above me, 
 
 And great men, my superiors, rivals for you ; 
 
 But mutual consent of heart, as hands, 
 
 Join'd by true love, hath made us one, and equal : 
 
 Nor is it in me mere desire of fame, 
 
 Or to be cried up by the public 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 subsist. 
 
 Soph. In you alone, sir, 
 I have all abundance. 
 
 Math. For my mind's content. 
 In your own language I could answer you. 
 You have been an obedient wife, a right one ; 
 And to my power, though short of your desert, 
 I have been ever an indulgent husband. 
 We have long enjoy'd the sweets of love, and though 
 Not to satiety, or loathing, yet 
 
214 
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 We must not live such dotards on our pleasures, 
 A.S still to hug them, to the certain loss 
 Of profit and preferment. Competent means 
 Maintains a quiet bed ; want breeds dissention, 
 Even in good women. 
 
 Soph. Have you found in me, sir, 
 Any distaste, or sign of discontent, 
 For want of what's superfluous ? 
 
 Math. No, Sophia ; 
 Nor shalt thou ever have cause to repent 
 Thy constant course in goodness, if heaven bless 
 My honest undertakings, 'Tis for thee 
 That I turn soldier, and put forth, dearest, 
 Upon this sea of action, as a factor, 
 To trade for rich materials to adorn 
 Thy noble parts, and shew them in full lustre. 
 I blush that other ladies, less in beauty 
 And outward form, but in the harmony 
 Of the soul's ravishing music, the same age 
 Not to be named with thee, should so outshine thee 
 In jewels, and variety of wardrobes ; 
 While you, to whose sweet innocence both Indies 
 Compared are of no value, wanting these, 
 Pass unregarded. 
 
 Soph. If I am so rich, or 
 In your opinion, why should you borrow 
 Additions for me ? 
 
 Math. Why ! I should be censured 
 Of ignorance, possessing such a jewel 
 Above all price, if I forbear to give it 
 The best of ornaments : therefore, Sophia, 
 In few words know my pleasure, and obey me, 
 As you have ever done. To your discretion 
 I leave the government of my family, 
 And our poor fortunes ; and from these command 
 Obedience to you, as to myself : 
 To the utmost of what's mine, live plentifully ; 
 And, ere the remnant of our store be spent. 
 With my good sword I hope 1 shall reap for you 
 A harvest in such full abundance, as 
 Shall make a merry winter. 
 
 Soph. Since you are not 
 To be diverted, sir, from what you purpose. 
 All arguments to stay you here are useless : 
 Go when you please, sir. Eyes, I charge you waste 
 One drop of sorrow ; look you hoard all up [not 
 Till in my widow'd bed I call upon you. 
 But then be sure you fail not. You blest angels, 
 Guardians of human life, I at this instant 
 Forbear t'invoke you : at our parting, 'twere 
 To personate devotion. My soul 
 Shall go along with you, and, when you are 
 Circled with death and horror, seek and find you ; 
 And then I will not leave a saint unsued to 
 For your protection. To tell you what 
 I will do in your absence, would shew poorly ; 
 My actions shall speak for me : 'twere to doubt you. 
 To beg I may hear from you ; where you are 
 You cannot live obscure, nor shall one post, 
 By night or day, pass unexamined by me. — 
 If I dwell long upon your lips, consider, 
 
 \^Kisses him. 
 
 After this feast, the griping fast that follows. 
 And it will be excusable ; pray turn from me. 
 All that I can, is spoken. lExit. 
 
 Math. Follow your mistress. 
 Forbear your wishes for me ; let me find them. 
 At my return, in your prompt will to serve her. 
 
 Hil. For my part, sir, I will grow lean with study 
 To make her merry. 
 
 Coris. Though you are my lord. 
 Yet being her gentlewoman, by my place 
 I may take my leave ; your hand, or, if you please 
 To have me fight so high, I'll not be coy, 
 But stand a-tip-toe for't. 
 
 Math. O, farewell, girl. IKissesher 
 
 Hil. A kiss well begg'd, Corisca. 
 
 Coris. 'Twas my fee ; 
 Love, how he melts ! I cannot blame my lady's 
 Unwillingness to part with such marmalade lips. 
 There will be scrambling for them in the camp ; 
 And were it not for my honesty, I could wish now 
 I were his leaguer laundress ; I would find 
 Soap of mine own, enough to wash his Unen, 
 Or I would strain hard for't. 
 
 Hil. How the mammet twitters ! 
 Come', come ; my lady stays for us. 
 
 Coris. Would I had been 
 Her ladyship the last night ! 
 
 Hil. No more of that, wench. 
 
 lExeiint HiLARio, Corisca, and the rest. 
 
 Math. I am strangely troubled, yet why I should 
 A fury here, and with imagined food, [nourish 
 
 Having no real grounds on which to raise 
 A building of suspicion she was ever 
 Or can be false hereafter. I in this 
 But foolishly enquire the knowledge of 
 A future sorrow, which, if I find out. 
 My present ignorance were a cheap purchase. 
 Though with my loss 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 unwillingness, have won 
 To do as much as art can, to resolve me [him 
 
 My fate that follows — To my wish, he's come. 
 
 Enter Baptista. 
 
 Julio Baptista, now I may affirm 
 Your promise and performance walk together ; 
 And therefore, without circumstance, to the point j 
 Instruct me what I am. 
 
 Bapt. I could wish you had 
 Made trial of my love some other way. 
 
 Math. Nay, this is from the purpose. 
 
 Bapt. If you can 
 Proportion your desire to any mean, 
 I do pronounce you happy ; I have found, 
 By certain rules of art, your matchless wife 
 Is to this present hour from all pollution 
 Free and untainted. 
 
 Math. Good. 
 
 Bapt. In reason, therefore. 
 You should fix here, and make no further search 
 Of what may fall hereafter. 
 
 Math. O, Baptista, 
 'Tis not in me to master so my passions ; 
 I must know further, or you have made good 
 But half your promise. While my love stood by. 
 Holding her upright, and my presence was 
 A watch upon her, her desires being met too 
 With equal ardour from me, what one proof 
 Could she give of her constancy, being untempted r 
 But when I am absent, and my coming back 
 Uncertain, and those wanton heats in women. 
 Not to be quench' d by lawful means, and she 
 The absolute disposer of herself. 
 Without control or curb ; nay, more, invited 
 By opportunity, and all strong temptations. 
 If then she hold out — 
 
 Bapt. As, no doubt, she will. 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE PICTURE 
 
 21o 
 
 Math. Those doubts must be made certainties, 
 Baptista, 
 By your assurance ; or your boasted art 
 Deserves no admiration. How you trifle, 
 And play with my affliction ! I am 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 ; 
 That is denied to ai't, and kept conceal' d 
 E'en from the devils themselves : they can but guess, 
 Out of long observation, what is likely ; 
 But positively to foretel that shall be. 
 You may conclude impossible. All I can, 
 I will do for you ; when you are distant frmn her 
 A thousand leagues, as if you then were with her, 
 You shall know truly when she is solicited, 
 And how far wrought on. 
 
 Math. I desire no more. 
 
 Bapt. Take then this little model of Sophia, 
 With more than human skill limn'd to the life ; 
 
 IGives him a picture. 
 Each line and lineament of it, in the drawing, 
 So punctually observed, that, had it motion, 
 In so much 'twere herself. 
 
 Math. It is, indeed. 
 An admirable piece ! but if it have not 
 Some hidden virtue that I cannot guess at, 
 In what can it advantage me ? 
 
 Bapt. I'll instruct you : 
 Carry it still about you, and as oft 
 As you desire to know how she's affected, 
 With curious eyes peruse 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 what's now white and red 
 Incline to yellow, rest most confident 
 She's with all violence courted, but unconquer'd ; 
 But if it turn all black, 'tis an assurance 
 The fort, by composition or surprise. 
 Is forced, or with her free consent surrender'd. 
 
 Math. How much you have engaged me for this 
 favour. 
 The service of my whole life shall make good. 
 
 Bapt. We will not part so, I'll along with you, 
 And it is needful : with the rising sun. 
 The armies meet ; yet, ere the fight begin. 
 In spite of opposition, I will place you 
 In the head of the Hungarian general's troop, 
 And near his person. 
 
 Math. As my better angel. 
 You shall direct and guide me. 
 
 Bapt. As we ride 
 I'll tell you more. 
 
 Math. In all things I'll obey you. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II.— Hungary. Alba Regalis. A 
 State-room in the Palace. 
 
 Enter Ubaldo and Ricardo. 
 Ric. When came the post } 
 Ubald. The last night. 
 liic. From the camp 'i 
 
 Ubald. Y'es, as 'tis said, and the letter writ and 
 sign'd 
 By the general, Ferdinand. 
 
 Ric. Nay, then, sans question, 
 ^t is of moment. 
 
 Ubald. It concerns the lives 
 Of two great armies. 
 
 Ric. Was it cheerfully 
 Received by the king ? 
 
 Ubald. Yes ; for being assured 
 The armies were in view of one another, 
 Having proclaim'd a public fast and prayer 
 For the good success, [he] dispatch'd a gentleman 
 Of his privy chamber to the general, 
 With absolute authority from him. 
 To try the fortune of a day. 
 
 Ric. No doubt then 
 The general will come on, and fight it bravely. 
 Heaven prosper him I This military art, 
 I grant to be the noblest of professions ; 
 And yet, I thank my stars for't, I was never 
 Inclined to learn it ; since this bubble honour 
 (Which is, indeed, the nothing soldiers fight for,) 
 With the loss of limbs or life, is, in my judgment, 
 Too dear a purchase. 
 
 Ubald. Give me our court warfare : 
 The danger is not great in the encounter 
 Of a fair mistress. 
 
 Ric. Fair and sound together 
 Do very well, Ubaldo ; but such are. 
 With difficulty, to be found out ; and when they 
 
 know 
 Their value, prized too high. By thy own ret'ort. 
 Thou wast at twelve a gamester, and, since that, 
 Studied all kinds of females, from the night-trader 
 I' the street, with certain danger to thy pocket, 
 To the great lady in her cabinet ; 
 That spent upon thee more in cullises, 
 To strengthen thy weak back, than would maintain 
 Twelve Flanders mares, and as many running 
 
 horses : 
 Besides apothecaries and surgeons* bills, 
 Paid upon all occasions, and those frequent. 
 
 Ubald. You talk, Ricardo, as if yet you were 
 A novice in those mysteries. 
 
 Ric. By no means ; 
 My doctor can assure the contrary : 
 I lose no time. I have felt the pain and pleasure, 
 As he that is a gamester, and plays often. 
 Must sometimes be a loser. 
 
 Ubald. Wherefore, then, 
 Do you envy me .' 
 
 Ric. It grows not from my want. 
 Nor thy abundance ; but being, as I am, 
 The likelier man, and of much more experience, 
 My good parts are my curses : there's no beauty, 
 But yields ere it be summon'd ; and, as nature 
 Had sign'd me the monopoly 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 estate, nay, travel o'er the world. 
 To find that only phoenix in my search> 
 That could hold out against me. 
 
 Ubald. Be not rapt so ; 
 You may spare that labour. As she is a woman, 
 What think you of the queen ? 
 
 Ric. I dare not aim at 
 The petticoat royal, that is still excepted: 
 Yet, were she not my king's, being the abstract 
 Of all that's rare, or to be wish'd in woman, 
 To write her in my catalogue, having enjoy'd her, 
 I would venture my neck to a halter — but we talk 
 Impossibilities : as she hath a beauty [of 
 
 Would make old Nestor young ; such majesty 
 Draws forth a sword of terror to defend it. 
 
216 
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 As would fright Paris, though the queen of love 
 Vow'd her best furtherance to him. 
 
 Ubald. Have you observed 
 The gravity of her language, mix'd with sweetness? 
 
 Ric. Then, at what distance she reserves herself, 
 When the king himself makes his approaches to 
 her — 
 
 Ubald. As she were still a virgin, and his life 
 But one continued wooing. 
 
 Ric. She well knows 
 Her worth, and values it. 
 
 Ubald. And so far the king is 
 Indulgent to her humours, that he forbears 
 The duty of a husband, but when she calls for't. 
 
 Ric. All his imaginations and thoughts 
 Are buried in her ; the loud noise of war 
 Cannot awake hirn. 
 
 Ubald. At this very instant, 
 When both his life and crown are at the stake. 
 He only studies her content, and when 
 She's pleased to shew herself, music and masques 
 Are with all care and cost provided for her. 
 
 Ric. This night she promised to appear. 
 
 Ubald. You may 
 Believe it by the diligence of the king, 
 As if he were her harbinger. 
 
 Enter Ladislaus, Eubulus, and Attendants tvith perfumes. 
 
 Ladis. These rooms 
 Are not perfumed, as we directed. 
 
 Eubu. Not, sir ! 
 I know not what you would have ; I am sure the 
 
 smoak 
 Cost treble the price of the whole week's provision 
 Spent in your majesty's kitchens. 
 
 Ladis. How I scorn 
 Thy gross comparison ! When my Honoria, 
 The amazement of the present time, and envy 
 Of all succeeding ages, does descend 
 To sanctify a place, and in her presence 
 Makes it a temple to me, can I be 
 Too curious, much less prodigal, to receive her ? 
 But that the splendor of her beams of beauty 
 Hath struck thee blind — 
 
 Eubu. As dotage hath done you. 
 
 Ladis. Dotage ? O blasphemy ! is it in me 
 To serve her to her merit ? Is she not 
 The daughter of a king ? 
 
 Eubu. And you the son 
 Of ours, I take it ; by what privilege else. 
 Do you reign over us ? for my part, I know not 
 Where the disparity lies 
 
 Ladis. Her birth, old man, 
 Old in the kingdom's service, which protects thee 
 Is the least grace in her : and though her beauties. 
 Might make the Thunderer a rival for her. 
 They are but superficial ornaments, 
 And faintly speak her: from her heavenly mind. 
 Were all antiquity and fiction lost, 
 Our modern poets could not, in their fancy. 
 But fashion a Minerva far transcending 
 The imagined one whom Homer only dreamt of. 
 But then add this, she's mine, mine, Eubiilus ! 
 And though she knows one glance from her fair eyes 
 Must make all gazers her idolaters, 
 She is so sparing of their influence 
 That, to shun superstition in others. 
 She shoots her powerful beams only at me. 
 And can I, then, whom she desires to hold 
 Her kingly captive above all the world, 
 
 Whose nations and empires, if she pleased, 
 She might command as slaves, but gladly pay 
 The humble tribute of my love and service, 
 Nay, if I said of adoration, to her, 
 I did not err ? 
 
 Eubu. Well, since you hug your fetters, 
 In Love's name wear them ! You are a king, and 
 
 that 
 Concludes you wise : your will a powerful reason. 
 Which we, that are foolish subjects, must not argue. 
 And what in a mean man I should call folly. 
 Is in your majesty remarkable wisdom : 
 But for me, I subscribe. 
 
 Ladis. Do, and look up. 
 Upon this wonder. 
 
 Loud music. Enter Honoria in state, under a Canopy . 
 her train borne up by Svlvia and Acanthk. 
 
 Ric. Wonder ! It is more, sir. 
 
 Ubald. A rapture, an astonishment. 
 
 Ric. What think you, sir ? 
 
 Eubu. As the king thinks ; that is the surest 
 We courtiers ever lie at. — Was prince ever [guard 
 So drown'd in dotage ? Without spectacles 
 I can see a handsome woman, and she is so : 
 But yet to admiration, look not on her. 
 Heaven, how he fawns ! and, as it were his duty. 
 With what assured gravity she receives it ! 
 Her hand again ! O she at length vouchsafes 
 Her lip, and as he had suck'd nectar from it. 
 How he's exalted ! Women in their natures 
 Affect command ; but this hujnility 
 In a husband and a king, marks her the way 
 To absolute tyranny. [The king seats her on his 
 
 throne.] So ! Juno's placed 
 In Jove's tribunal : and, like Mercury, 
 (Forgetting his own greatness,) he attends 
 For her employments. She prepares to speak ; 
 What oracles shall we hear now .'* [Aside. 
 
 Hon. That you please, sir. 
 With such assurances of love and favour. 
 To grace your handmaid, but in being yours^ sir , 
 A matchlesss queen, and one that knows hergelf so. 
 Binds me in retribution to deserve 
 The grace conferr'd upon me. 
 
 Ladis. You transcend 
 In all things excellent ; and it is my glo-ry, 
 Your worth weigh'd truly, to depose myself 
 From absolute command, surrendering up 
 My will and faculties to your disposure : 
 And here I vow, not for a day or year, 
 But my whole life, which 1 wish long to serve you, 
 That whatsoever I, in justice, may 
 Exact from these my subjects, you from me 
 May boldly challenge : and when you require it, 
 In sign of my subjection, as your vassal. 
 Thus I will pay my homage. 
 
 Hon. O forbear, sir ! 
 Let not my lips envy my robe ; on them 
 Print your allegiance often : I desire 
 No other fealty. 
 
 Ladis. Gracious sovereign ! 
 Boundless in bounty . 
 
 Eubu. Is not here fine fooling 1 
 He's questionless, bewitch 'd. Would I were gelr. 
 So that would disenchant him ! though I forfeit 
 My life for't, I must speak. — By your good leave, 
 sir — {^Passing before the kiitg 
 
 I have no suit to you, nor can you grant one, 
 Having no power : you are like me, a subject, 
 
SCENE 11. 
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 217 
 
 Her more than serene majesty being present. 
 And I must tell you, 'tis ill manners in you, 
 Having deposed yourself, to keep your hat on, 
 And not stand bare, as we do, being no king, 
 But a fellow-subject with us. Gentlemen-ushers, 
 It does belong to your place, see it reform'd ; 
 He has given away his crown, and cannot challenge 
 The privilege of his bonnet. 
 
 Ladis. Do not tempt me. 
 
 Euhu. Tempt you ! in what ? in following your 
 example ? 
 If you are angry, question me hereafter, 
 As Ladislaus should do Eubulus, 
 On equal terms. You were of late my sovereign, 
 But weary of it, I now bend my knee ^ 
 
 To her divinity, and desire a boon 
 From her more than magnificence. 
 
 Hon. Take it freely. 
 Nay, be not moved ; for our mirth's sake let us 
 hear him. 
 
 Eubu. 'Tis but to ask a question : Have you 
 ne'er read 
 The story of Semiramis and'Ninus ? 
 
 Hon. Not as I remember. 
 
 Eubu. I will then instruct you, 
 And 'tis to the purpose : This Ninus was a king. 
 And such an impotent loving king as this was. 
 But now he's none ; this Ninus ( pray you observe 
 Doted on this Semiramis, a smith's wife ; [me) 
 (I must confess, there the comparison holds not, 
 You are a king's daughter, yet, under your correc- 
 Like her, a woman ;) this Assyrian monarch, [tion, 
 Of whom this is a pattern, to express 
 His love and service, seated her, as you are. 
 In his regal throne, and bound by oath his nobles, 
 Forgetting all allegiance to himself. 
 One day to be her subjects, and to put 
 In execution whatever she 
 
 Pleased to impose upon them : — pray you command 
 To minister the like to us, and then [him 
 
 You shall hear what foUow'd. 
 
 Ladis. Well, sir, to your story. 
 
 Eubti. You have no warrant, stand by ; let me 
 Your pleasure, goddess. [know 
 
 Hon. Let this nod assure you. 
 
 Eubu- Goddess-like, indeed ! as I live, a pretty 
 idol! 
 She knowing her power, wisely made use of it ; 
 And fearing his inconstancy, and repentance 
 Of what he had granted, (as, in reason, madam. 
 You may do his,) that he might never have 
 Power to recall his grant, or question her 
 For her short government, instantly gave order 
 To have his head struck off. 
 
 Ladis. Is't possible ? 
 
 Eubu. The story says so, and commends her 
 For making use of her authority. [wisdom 
 
 And it is worth your imitation, madam : 
 He loves subjection, and you are no queen, 
 Unless you make him feel the weight of it. 
 You are more than all the world to him, and that 
 He may be so to you, and not seek change. 
 When his delights are sated, mew him up 
 In some close prison, (if you let him live 
 Which is no policy,) and there diet him 
 As you think fit, to feed your appetite ; 
 bince there ends his ambition. 
 
 Ubald. Devilish counsel ! 
 
 Bic. The king's amazed. 
 
 Ubald. The queen appears, too, full 
 
 Of deep imaginations ; Eubulus 
 Hath put both to it. 
 
 Ric. Now she seems resolved : 
 I long to know the issue. 
 
 [IIoNORiA descends from the throno, 
 
 Hon. Give me leave, 
 Dear sir, to reprehend you for appearing 
 Perplex'd with what this old man, out of envy 
 Of your unequal graces shower'd upon me, 
 Hath, in his fabulous story, saucily 
 Applied to me. Sir, that you only nourish 
 One doubt Honoria dares abuse the power 
 With which she is invested by your favour ; 
 Or that she ever can make use of it 
 To the injury of you, the great bestower, 
 Takes from your judgment. It was your delight 
 To seek to me with more obsequiousness 
 Than I desired : and stood it with my duty 
 Not to receive what you were pleased to offer 7 
 I do but act the part you put upon me. 
 And though you make me personate a queen, 
 And you my subject, when the play, your pleasure, 
 Is at a period, I am what I was 
 Before I enter'd, still your humble wife^ 
 A.nd you my royal sovereign. 
 
 Mic. Admirable! 
 
 Hon. I have heard of captains taken more with 
 dangers 
 Than the rewards ; and if, in your approaches 
 To those delights which are your own, and freely, 
 To heighten your desire, you make the passage 
 Narrow and difficult, shall I prescribe you. 
 Or blame your fondness ? or can that swell me 
 Beyond my just proportion.'' 
 
 Ubald. Above wonder ! 
 
 Ladis. Heaven make me thankful for such good- 
 
 Hon. Now, sir, [ness ! 
 
 The state I took to satisfy your pleasure, 
 I change to this humility ; and the oath 
 You made to me of homage, I thus cancel, 
 And seat you in your own. 
 
 ILeads the king to the throne. 
 
 Ladis. I am transported 
 Beyond myself. 
 
 Hon. And now, to your wise lordship : 
 Am I proved a Semiramis? or hath 
 My Nimus, as maliciously you made him. 
 Cause to repent the excess of favour to me, 
 Which you call dotage ? 
 
 Ladis. Answer, wretch ! 
 
 Eubu. I dare, sir. 
 And say, however the event may plead 
 y In your defence, you had a guilty cause ; 
 Nor was it wisdom in you, I repeat it, 
 To teach a lady, humble in herself, 
 With the ridiculous dotage of a lover, 
 To be ambitious. 
 
 Hon. Eubulus, I am so ; 
 'Tis rooted in me ; you mistake my temper. 
 I do profess myself to be the most 
 Ambitious of my sex, but not to hold 
 Command over my lord ; such a proud torrent 
 Would sink me in my wishes : not that I 
 Am ignorant how much I can deserve, 
 And may with justice challenge. 
 
 Eubu. This I look'd for ; 
 After this seeming humble ebb, I knew 
 A gushing tide would follow. lAside, 
 
 Hon. By my birth. 
 And libfiral gifts of nature, as of fortune, 
 
218 
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 From you, as things beneath me, I expect 
 What's due to majesty, in which I am 
 A. sharer with your sovereign. 
 
 Eubu. Good again ! 
 
 Hon. And as I am most eminent in place, 
 In all my actions I would appear so. 
 
 Ladis. You need not fear a rival. 
 
 Hon. I hope not ; 
 And till I find one, I disdain to know 
 What envy is. 
 
 Ladis. You are above it, madam. 
 
 Hon. For beauty without art, discourse, and 
 From affectation, with what graces else [free 
 
 Can in the wife and daughter of a king 
 Be wish'd, I dare prefer myself, as 
 
 Eubu. I 
 Blush for you, lady. Trumpet your own praises ! 
 This spoken by the people had been heard 
 V ith honour to you. Does the court afford 
 "No oil-tongued parasite, that you are forced 
 To be your own gross flatterer ? 
 
 Ladis. Be dumb, 
 Thou spirit of contradiction ! 
 
 Hon. The wolf 
 
 But barks against the moon, and I contemn it. 
 The mask you promised. [^ horn sounded within . 
 Ladis. I^t them enter. 
 
 Enter a Courier. 
 
 How! 
 
 Eubu. Here's one, I fear, nnlook'd for. 
 
 Ladis. From the camp ? 
 
 Cour. The general, victorious in your fortune, 
 Kisses your hand in this, sir. \_nelivers a letter 
 
 Ladis. That great Power, 
 Who at his pleasure does dispose of battles. 
 Be ever praised for't! Read, sweet, and partake it : 
 The Turk is vanquish'd, and with little loss 
 Upon our part, in which our joy is doubled. 
 
 Eubu. But let it not exalt you ; bear it, sir, 
 With moderation, and pay what you owe for't. 
 
 Ladis. 1 understand thee, Eubulus. I'll not now 
 Enquire particulars. — ^Ea^it Courier.] — Our de- 
 lights deferr'd, 
 With reverence to the temples ; there we'll tendei 
 Our souls' devotions to his dread might. 
 Who edged our swords, and taught us how to fight 
 
 lEjceunt, 
 
 ACT II, 
 
 SCENE I.— Bohemia. J Hall in Mathias' 
 House. 
 
 Enter Hilario and Corisca. 
 
 Hil. You like my speech ? 
 
 Coris. Yes, if you give it action 
 In the delivery, 
 
 Hil. If ! I pity you. 
 I have play'd the fool before ; this is not the first 
 Nor shall be, I hope, the last. [time, 
 
 Coris. Nay, I think so too. 
 
 Hil. And if I put her not out of her dumps 
 I'll make her howl for anger. [with laughter, 
 
 Coris. Not too much 
 Of that, good fellow Hilario : our sad lady 
 Hath drank too often of that bitter cup ; 
 A pleasant one must restore her. With what pa- 
 tience 
 Would she endure to hear of the death of my lord ; 
 That, merely out of doubt he may miscarry, 
 AflSicts herself thus ? 
 
 Hil. Umph ! 'tis a question 
 A widow only can resolve. There be some 
 That in their husbands' sicknesses have wept 
 Their pottle of tears a day ; but being once certain 
 At midnight he was dead, have in the morning 
 Dried up their handkerchiefs, and thought no 
 more on't. 
 
 Coris. Tush, she is none of that race ; if her 
 sorrow 
 Be not true and perfect, I, against my sex, 
 Will take my oath woman ne'er wept in earnest. 
 She has made herself a prisoner to her chamber, 
 Dark as a dungeon, in which no beam 
 Of comfort enters. She admits no visits ; 
 Eats little, and her nightly music is 
 Of sighs and groans, tuned to such harmony 
 Of feeling grief, that I, against my nature, 
 Arn made one of the consort. This hour only 
 She takes the air, a custom every day 
 
 She solemnly observes, with greedy hopes. 
 From some that pass by, to receive assurance 
 Of the success and safety of her lord. 
 Now, if that your device will take 
 
 Hil. Ne'er fear it : 
 I am provided cap k-pie, and have 
 My properties in readiness. 
 
 Soph, [within.'] Bring my veil, there. 
 
 Coris. Begone, 1 hear her coming. 
 
 Hil. If I do not 
 Appear, and, what's more, appear perfect, hiss me 
 
 lExit 
 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 ; 
 And Hope, a parasite to me, being unmask'd. 
 Appears more horrid than Despair, and my 
 Distraction worse than madness. Even my prayers 
 When with most zeal sent upward, are pull'd down 
 With strong imaginary doubts and fears. 
 And in their sudden precipice o'erwhelm me. 
 Dreams and fantastic visions walk the round 
 About my widow' d bed, and every slumber's 
 Broken with loud alarms : can these be then 
 But sad presages, girl ? 
 
 Coris. You make them so, 
 And antedate a loss shall ne'er fall on you. 
 Such pure affection, such mutual love, 
 A bed, and undefiled on either part, 
 A house without contention, in two bodies 
 One will and soul, like to the rod of concord. 
 Kissing each other, cannot be short-lived, 
 Or end in barrenness. ^ — If all these, dear madam, 
 (Sweet in your sadness,) should produce no fruit, 
 Or leave the age no models of yourselves. 
 
thp: picture. 
 
 219 
 
 To witness to posterity what you were ; 
 Succeeding times, frighted with the example, 
 But hearing of your story, would instruct 
 Their fairest issue to meet sensually, 
 Like other creatures, and forbear to raise 
 True Love, or Hymen, altars. 
 
 Soph. O Corisca, 
 I know thy reasons are like to thy wishes ; 
 And they are built upon a weak foundation, 
 To raise me comfort. Ten long days are past, 
 Ten long days, my Corisca, since my lord 
 Embark'd himself upon a sea of danger. 
 In his dear care of me. And if his Jjfe 
 Had not been shipwreck'd on the rock of war. 
 His tenderness of me (knowing how much-'^ 
 I languish for his absence) had provided 
 Some trusty friend, from whom I might receive 
 Assurance of his safety. 
 
 Coris. Ill news, madam, 
 Are swallow- wing' d, but what's good walks on 
 With patience expect it, and, ere long, [crutches : 
 No doubt you shall hear from him. \_A horn without. 
 
 Soph, Ha ! What's that ? 
 
 Coris. The fool has got a sowgelder's horn. 
 [Aside'\ A post 
 As I take it, madam. 
 
 Soph. It makes this way still ; 
 Nearer and nearer. 
 
 Coris. From the camp, I hope. 
 Enter one dispuised as a Courier, with a horn ; follotced 
 by HiLARio, in antic armour, with long white hair and 
 beard. 
 
 Soph. The messenger appears, and in strange 
 Heaven ! if it be thy will — [armour. 
 
 Hil. It is no boot 
 To strive ; our horses tired, let's walk on foot : 
 And that the castle, which is very near us. 
 To give us entertainment, may soon hear us. 
 Blow lustily, my lad, and drawing nigh-a, 
 Ask for a lady which is cleped Sophia. 
 
 Coris. He names you, madam. 
 
 Hil. For^to her I bring. 
 Thus clad in arms, news of a pretty thing. 
 By name Mathias. lExit Courier. 
 
 Soph. From my lord ? O sir, 
 I am Sophia, that Mathias' 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 hira 1 
 
 Hil. If thou art, 
 As I believe, the pigsney of his heart, 
 Know he's in health, and what's more, full of glee; 
 And so much I was will'd to say to thee. 
 
 Soph. Have you no letters from him ? 
 
 Hil. No more words. 
 In the camp we use 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 shine, and my voice 
 thunder. 
 
 Soph. This is some counterfeit braggart. 
 
 Coris. Hear him, madam. 
 
 Hil. The rear march'd first, which follow'd by 
 And wing'd with the battalia, no man [the van, 
 Durst stay to shift a shirt, or louse himself; 
 Yet, ere the armies join'd, that hopeful elf, 
 Thy dear, thy dainty duckling, bold Mathias, 
 Advanced, and stared like Hercules or Golias. 
 
 A hundred thousand Turks, it is no vaunt. 
 Assail'd him ; every one a Termagaunt : 
 But what did he, then ! with his keen-edge spear 
 He cut and carbonaded them : here and there 
 Lay legs and arms ; and, as 'tis said trulee 
 Of Bevis, some he quarter'd all in three. 
 
 Soph. This is ridiculous. 
 
 Hil. I must take breath ; 
 Then, like a nightingale, I'll sing his death. 
 
 Soph. His death ! 
 
 Hil. I am out. [_Aside to Coris. 
 
 Coris. Recover, dunder-head. 
 
 Hil. How he escaped, I should have sung, not 
 died ; 
 For, though a knight, when I said so, I lied. ' 
 Weary he was, and scarce could stand upright, 
 And looking round for some courageous knight 
 To rescue him, as one perplex' d in woe, 
 He call'd to me, Help, help, Hilario ! 
 My valiant servant, help ! 
 
 Coris. He has spoil'd all. 
 
 Soph. Are you the man of arms, then .' I'll 
 make bold 
 To take off your martial beard, you had fool's hair 
 Enough without it. Slave ! how durst thou make 
 Thy sport of what concerns me more than life, 
 In such an antic fashion ? Am I grown 
 Contemptible to those I feed ? you, minion, 
 Had a hand in it too, as it appears ; 
 Your petticoat serves for bases to this warrior. 
 
 Coris. We did it for your mirth. 
 
 Hil. For myself, I hope, 
 I have spoke like a soldier. 
 
 Soph. Hence, you rascal ! 
 I never but with reverence name my lord. 
 And can I hear it by thy tongue profaned, 
 And not correct thy folly ? but you are 
 Transform'd, and turn'd knight-errant : take your 
 
 course. 
 And wander where you please ; 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 shut against thee. lExit. 
 
 Coris. You have made 
 A fine piece of work on't ! How do you like the 
 You had a fooHsh itch to be an actor, [quality ? 
 And may stroll where you please. 
 
 Hil. Will you buy my share } 
 
 Coris. No, certainly ; I fear I have already 
 Too much of mine own : I'll only, as a damsel, 
 (As the books say,) thus far help to disarm you ; 
 And so, dear Don Quixote, taking my leave, 
 I leave you to your fortune. lExit. 
 
 Hil. Have I sweat 
 My brains out for this quaint and rare invention. 
 And am I 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 : What will become of me ? 
 1 cannot beg in armour, and steal I dare not : 
 My end must be to stand in a corn field, 
 And fright away the crows, for bread and cheese ; 
 Or find some hollow tree in the highway. 
 And there, until my lord return, sell switches : 
 No more Hilario, but Dolorio now, 
 I'll weep my eyes out, and be blind of purpose 
 To move compassion ; and so I vanish. lExit. 
 
220 
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 SCENE II. — Alba Regalis. An Ante-room in 
 the Palace. 
 
 Enter Eubulus, Ubaldo, Ricardo, and others. 
 
 Eubu. Are the gentlemen sent before, as it 
 was order'd 
 By the king's direction, to entertain 
 The general ? 
 
 Ric. Long since ; they by this have met him. 
 And given him the bienvenu. 
 
 Eubu. I hope I need not 
 Instruct you in your parts. 
 
 Ubald. How ! us, my lord ! 
 Fear not ; we know our distances and degrees 
 To the very inch where we are to salute him. 
 
 Ric. The state were miserable, if the court 
 had none 
 Of her own breed, familiar with all garbs 
 Gracious in England, Italy, Spain, or France ; 
 With form and punctuality to receive 
 Stranger ambassadors : for the general, 
 He's a mere native, and it matters not 
 Which.way we do accost him. 
 
 Ubald. 'Tis great pity 
 That such as sit at the helm provide no better 
 For the training up of the gentry. In my judg- 
 An academy erected, with large pensions [ment 
 To such as in a table could set down 
 The congees, cringes, postures, methods, phrase, 
 Proper to every nation 
 
 Rio. O, it were 
 An admirable piece of work ! 
 
 Ubald. And yet rich fools 
 Throw away their charity on hospitals 
 For beggars and lame soldiers, and ne'er study 
 The due regard to compliment and courtship, 
 Matters of more import ; and are indeed 
 The glories of a monarchy ! 
 
 Eubu. These, no doubt. 
 Are state points, gallants, I confess ; but, sure. 
 Our court needs no aids this way, since it is 
 A school of nothing else. There are some of you 
 Whom I forbear to name, whose coining heads 
 Are the mints of all new fashions, that have done 
 More hurt to the kingdom by superfluous bravery. 
 Which the foolish gentry imitate, than a war, 
 Or a long famine ; all the treasure, by 
 This foul excess, is got into the merchant, 
 Embroiderer, silkman, jeweller, tailor's hand. 
 And the third part of the land too, the nobility 
 Engrossing titles only. 
 
 Ric. My lord, you are bitter. \.A trumpet. 
 
 Enter a Servant. 
 Serv. The general is alighted, and now enter'd. 
 Ric. Were he ten generals, I am prepared, 
 And know what I will do. 
 
 Eubu. Pray you, what Ricardo ? 
 Ric. I'll fight at compliment with him. 
 Ubald. I'll charge home too. 
 Eubu. And that's a desperate service ; if you 
 come off well. 
 
 Enter Ferdinand, Mathias, Baptista, and Captains. 
 
 Ferd. Captain, command the officers to keep 
 The soldier, as he march'd, in rank and file, 
 Till they hear further from me. lExeunt Captains, 
 
 Eubu. Here's one speaks 
 in another key ; this is no canting language 
 Taught in your academy. 
 
 Ferd. Nay, I will present you 
 To the king myself. 
 
 Math. A grace beyond my merit. 
 
 Ferd. You undervalue what I cannot set 
 Too high a price on. 
 
 Eubu. With a friend's true heart, 
 I gratulate your return. 
 
 Ferd. Next to the favour 
 Of the great king, I am happy in your friendship. 
 
 Ubald. By courtship, coarse on both sides! 
 
 Ferd. Pray you, receive 
 This stranger to your knowledge ; on my credit. 
 At all parts he deserves it. 
 
 Eubu. Your report 
 Is a strong assurance to me. — Sir, most welcome. 
 
 Math. This said by you, the reverence of your 
 Commands me to beheve it. [age 
 
 Ric. This was pretty ; 
 
 But second me now. 1 cannot stoop too low 
 
 To do your excellence that due observance 
 Your fortune claims. 
 
 Eubu. He ne'er thinks on his virtue ! 
 
 Ric. For being, as you are, the soul of soldiers, 
 And bulwark of Bellona — 
 
 Ubald. The protection 
 Both of the court and king — 
 
 Ric. And the sole minion 
 Of mighty Mars— 
 
 Ubald. One that with justice may 
 Increase the number of the worthies — 
 
 Eubu. Heyday ! 
 
 Ric. It being impossible in my arms to circle 
 Such giant worth — 
 
 Ubald. At distance we presume 
 To kiss your honour' d gauntlet. 
 
 Eubu. What reply now 
 Can he make to this foppery ? 
 
 Ferd. You have said. 
 Gallants, so much, and hitherto done so little, 
 That, till I learn to speak, and you to do, 
 I must take time to thank you. 
 
 Eubu. As I live, 
 Answer'd as I could wish. How the fops gape now I 
 
 Ric. This was harsh and scurvy. 
 
 Ubald. We will be revenged 
 When he comes to court the ladies, and laugh at 
 him. 
 
 Eubu. Nay, do your offices gentlemen, and 
 The general to the presence. [conduct 
 
 Ric. Keep your order. 
 
 Ubald. Make way for the general. 
 
 lExeunt all but Eubulus. 
 
 Eubu. What wise man. 
 That, with judicious eyes, looks on a soldier. 
 But must confess that fortune's swing is more 
 O'er that profession, than all kinds else 
 Of life pursued by man ? They, in a state. 
 Are but as surgeons to wounded men, 
 E'en desperate in their hopes : While pain and 
 
 anguish 
 Make them blaspheme, and call in vain for death, 
 Their wives and children kiss the surgeon's knees. 
 Promise him mountains, if his saving hand 
 Restore the tortured wretch to former strength : 
 But when grim death, by ^Esculapius' art. 
 Is frighted from the house, and health appears 
 In sanguine colours on the sick man's face. 
 All is forgot ; and, asking his reward. 
 He's paid with curses, often receives wounds 
 From him whose wounds he cured : so soldiers 
 
THE PICTURE. 
 
 221 
 
 Though of more worth and use, meet the same fate, 
 
 As it is too apparent. I have observ'd. 
 
 When horrid Mars, the touch of whose rough 
 
 hand 
 With palsies shakes a kingdom, hath put on 
 His dreadful helmet, and with terror fills 
 The place where he, like an unwelcome guest, 
 Resolves to revel, how the lords of her, like 
 The tradesman, merchant, and litigious pleader. 
 And such like scarabs bred in the dung of peace, 
 In hope of their protection humbly offer 
 Their daughters to their beds, heirs to their 
 
 service, 
 And wash with tears their sweat, their dust, their 
 
 scars : ^ 
 
 But when those clouds of war, that menaced 
 A bloody deluge to the affrighted state. 
 Are, by their bi-eath, dispersed, and overblown, 
 And famine, blood, and death, Bellona's pages, 
 Whipt from the quiet continent to Thrace; 
 Soldiers, that, like the foolish hedge-sparrow. 
 To their own ruin, hatch this cuckoo peace. 
 Are straight thought burtheusome : since want of 
 
 means. 
 Growing from want of action, breeds contempt : 
 And that, the worst of ills, falls to their lot. 
 Their service, with the danger, soon forgot. 
 
 Enter a Servant. 
 
 Serv. The queen, my lord, hath made choice of 
 To see the masque. [this room, 
 
 Eubu. I'll be a looker on : 
 My dancing days are past. 
 
 Loud music. Enter Ubaldo, Ricarijo, Ladislaus, 
 Ferdinand, Honoria, Mathias, Sylvia, Acanthe, 
 Baptista, Captains, and others. As they pass, a Song 
 in praise of war. 
 
 Ladis. This courtesy 
 To a stranger, my Honoria, keeps fair rank 
 With all your rarities. After your travail. 
 Look on our court delights ; but first, from your 
 Relation, with erected ears I'll hear 
 The music of your war, which must be sweet. 
 Ending i.n victory. 
 
 Ferd. Not to trouble 
 Your majesties with description of a battle 
 Too full of horror for the place, and to 
 Avoid particulars, which should I deliver, 
 I must trench longer on your patience than 
 My manners will give way to ; — in a word, sir, 
 It was well fought on both sides, and almost 
 AVith equal fortune, it continuing doubtful 
 Upon whose tents plumed Victory would take 
 Her glorious stand. Impatient of delay, 
 With the flower of our prime gentlemen, I charged 
 Their main battalia, and with their assistance 
 Brake in ; but, when I was almost assured 
 That they were routed, by a stratagem 
 Of the subtile Turk, who opened his gross body, 
 And rallied up his troops on either side, 
 I found myself so far engaged, for I 
 Must not conceal my errors, that I knew not 
 Which way with honour to come off. 
 
 Eubu. I like 
 A general that tells his faults, and is not 
 Ambitious to engross unto himself 
 All honour, as some have, in which, with justice. 
 They could not claim a share. 
 
 Ferd. Being thus hemm'd in, 
 Their scimitars raged among us ; and, my horse 
 
 Kill'd under me, I every minute look'd for 
 An honourable end, and that was all 
 My hope could fashion to me : circled thus 
 With death and horror, as one sent from heaven, 
 This man of men, with some choice horse, that 
 
 follow'd 
 His brave example, did pursue the track 
 His sword cut for them, and, but that I see him 
 Already blush to hear what he, being present, 
 I know would wish unspoken, I should say, sir, 
 By what he did, we boldly may believe 
 All that is writ of Hector. 
 
 Math. General, 
 Pray spare these strange hyperboles. 
 
 Eubu. Do not blush 
 To hear a truth ; here are a pair of monsieurs, 
 Had they been in your place, would have run away, 
 And ne'er changed countenance. 
 
 Ubald. We have your good word still. 
 
 Eubu. And shall, while you deserve it. 
 
 Ladis. Silence ; on. 
 
 Ferd. He, as I said, like dreadful lightning 
 thrown 
 From Jupiter's shield, dispersed the armed gire 
 With which I was environed ; horse and man 
 Shrunk under his strong arm : more, with his looks 
 Frighted, the valiant fled, with which encouraged. 
 My soldiers, (like young eaglets preying under 
 The wings of their fierce dam,) as if from him 
 They took both spirit and fire, bravely came on. 
 By him I was remounted, and inspired 
 With treble courage ; and such as fled before 
 Boldly made head again ; and, to confirm them. 
 It suddenly 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 lesser moved ; and all rewards 
 And signs of honour, as the civic garland. 
 The mural wreath, the enemy's prime horse. 
 With the general's sword, and armour, (the old 
 
 honours 
 With which the Romans crown'd their several 
 
 leaders,) 
 To him alone are proper. 
 
 Ladis. And they shall 
 Deservedly fall on him. Sit ; 'tis our pleasure. 
 
 Ferd. Which I must serve, 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 cherish virtue wheresoe'er I find it : 
 This place is yours. 
 
 Math. It were presumption in me 
 To sit so near you. 
 
 Hon. Not having our warrant. [.Music within. 
 
 Ladis. Let the masquers enter : by the prepa- 
 ration, 
 'Tis a French brawl, an apish imitation 
 Of what you really perform in battle : 
 And Pallas, bound up in a little volume, 
 Apollo, with his lute, attending on her, 
 Serve for the induction. 
 
 Enter Masquers, Sjc. : Pallas, accompanied by ArOL^c 
 on the lute. 
 Though we contemplate to express 
 
 The glory of your happiness, 
 That, by your powerful arm, have been 
 
 So true a victor, that no sin 
 
 Could ever taint you with a blame 
 
 To lessen your deserved fame. 
 
22ii 
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Or, though we contend to set 
 
 Your worth in the full height, or get 
 Celestial singers crown'd with bays. 
 
 With flourishes to dress your praise : 
 You know your conquest ; but your story 
 Lives in your triumphant glory. 
 
 [_A Dance, 
 
 Ladis. Our thanks to all. 
 To the banquet that's prepared to entertain them : 
 \_Exeunt Masquers, Apollo, and Pallas. 
 What would my best Honoria ? 
 
 Hon. May it please 
 My king, that I, who, by his suffrage, ever 
 Have had power to command, may now entreat 
 An honour from him. 
 
 Ladis. Why should you desire 
 What is your own ? whate'er it be, you are 
 The mistress of it. 
 
 Hon. I am happy in 
 Your grant : my suit, sir, is, that your commanders, 
 Especially this stranger, may, as I, 
 In my discretion, shall think good, receive 
 What's due to their deserts. 
 
 Ladis. What you determine 
 Shall know no alteration. 
 
 Enbu. The soldier 
 Is like to have good usage, when he depends 
 Upon her pleasure ! Are all the men so bad, 
 That, to give satisfaction, we must have 
 A woman treasurer ? Heaven help all ! 
 
 Hon. With you, sir, I.T0 Mathias. 
 
 I will begin, and, as in my esteem 
 You are most eminent, expect to have 
 What's fit for me to give, and you to take. 
 The favour in the quick dispatch being double. 
 Go fetch my casket, and with speed. lExit Acanthk. 
 
 Eubu. The kingdom 
 Is very bare of money, when rewards 
 Issue from the queen's jewel-house. Give him gold 
 And store, no question the gentleman wants it. 
 Good madam, what shall he do with a hoop ring, 
 And a spark of diamond in it ? though you take it, 
 
 Re-enter Acanthe with a Casket. 
 For the greater honour, from your majesty's finger, 
 'Twill not increase the value. He must purchase 
 Rich suits, the gay caparison of courtship, 
 Revel and feast, which, the war ended, is 
 A soldier's glory ; and 'tis fit that way 
 Your bounty should provide for him. 
 
 Hon. You are rude, 
 And by your narrow thoughts proportion mine. 
 What I will do now shall be worth the envy 
 Of Cleopatra. Open it ; see here 
 
 [Honoria descends from the State. 
 The lapidary's idol ! Gold is trash. 
 And a poor salary fit for grooms ; wear these, 
 As studded stars in your armour, and make the sun 
 Look dim with jealousy of a greater light 
 Than his beams gild the day with : when it is 
 Exposed to view, call it Honoria' s gift, 
 The queen Honoria's gift, that loves a soldier ; 
 And, to give ornament and lustre to him. 
 Parts freely with her own ! Yet, not to take 
 From the magnificence of the king, I will 
 Dispense his bounty too, but as a page 
 To wait on mine ; for other tosses, take 
 A hundred thousand crowns : — your hand, dear 
 sir — [ Takes of the King's f ignet. 
 
 And this shall be thy warrant. 
 
 Euhu. I perceive 
 
 I was cheated in this woman : now she is 
 
 In the giving vein to soldiers, let her be proud, 
 
 And the king dote, so she go on, I care not. 
 
 Hon. This done, our pleasure is, that all arrear- 
 Be paid unto the captains, and their troops ; [ages 
 With a large donative, to increase their zeal 
 For the service of the kingdom. 
 
 Eubu. Better still : 
 Let men of arms be used thus, if they do not 
 Charge desperately upon the cannon's mouth. 
 Though the devil roar'd, and fight like dragons, 
 
 hang me ! 
 Now they may drink sack ; but small beer, with a 
 
 passport 
 To beg with as they travel, and no money. 
 Turns their red blood to buttermilk. 
 
 Hon. Are you pleased, sir, 
 With what I have done ? 
 
 Ladis. Yes, and thus confirm it, 
 With this addition of mine own : You have, sir, 
 From our loved queen received some recompense 
 For your life hazarded in the late action ; 
 And, that we may follow her great example 
 In cherishing valour, without limit ask 
 What you from us can wish. 
 
 Math. If it be true. 
 Dread sir, as 'tis affirm'd, that every soil. 
 Where he is well, is to a valiant man 
 His natural country, reason may assure me 
 I should fix here, where blessings 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 see, or shall hereafter read 
 The story of her bounty ; if to spend 
 The remnant of my life in deeds of arms, 
 No region is more fertile of good knights. 
 From whom my knowledge that way may be bet- 
 Than this your warlike Hungary ; if favour, [ter'd, 
 Or grace in court could take me, by your grant, 
 Far, far, beyond my merit, I may make 
 In yours a free election ; but, alas ! sir, 
 I am not mine own, but by my destiny 
 (Which I cannot resist) forced to prefer • 
 My country's smoke, before the glorious fire 
 With which your bounties warm me. All I ask, 
 Though I cannot be ignorant it must relish [sir, 
 Of foul ingratitude, is your gracious license 
 For my departure. 
 Ladis. Whither ? 
 Math. To my own home, sir. 
 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 constant wife, 
 And, to set off that constancy, in her beauty 
 And matchless excellencies without a rival, 
 I am but half myself. 
 
 Hon. And is she then 
 So chaste and fair as you infer ? 
 
 Math. O, madam, 
 Though it must argue weakness in a rich man, 
 To shew his gold before an armed thief, 
 And I, in praising of my wife, but feed 
 The fire of lust in others to attempt her ; 
 Such is my fuU-sail'd confidence in her virtue, 
 Though in my absence she were now besieged 
 By a strong army of lascivious wooers, 
 And every one more expert in his art. 
 Than those that tempted chaste Penelope : 
 
srtKNK II. 
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 223 
 
 Though they raised batteries by prodigal gifts, 
 By amorous letters, vows made for her service, 
 With all the engines wanton appetite 
 Could mount to shake the fortress of her honour, 
 Here, here is my assurance she holds out, 
 
 IKisses the Picture. 
 And is impregnable. 
 
 Hon. What's that .' 
 
 Math. Her fair figure. 
 
 Ladis. As I live, an excellent face ! 
 
 Hon. You have seen a better. 
 
 Ladis. I ever except yours : — nay, frown not, 
 sweetest, 
 The Cyprian queen, compared to you, in my 
 Opinion, is a negro. As you order'd, .-^ 
 
 I'll see the soldiers paid ; and, in my absence, 
 Pray you use your powerful arguments, to stay 
 This gentleman in our service. 
 
 Hon. I will do 
 My parts. 
 
 ladis. On to the camp. 
 [^Exeunt Ladislaus, Ferdinand, Eubulus, Baptista, 
 and Officers. 
 
 Hon. I am full of thoughts. 
 And something there is here I must give form to, 
 Though yet an embryon : [Aside.] You, signiors, 
 Have no business with the soldier, as I take it, 
 You are for other warfare ; quit the place, 
 But be within call. 
 
 Ric. Employment, on my life, boy I 
 
 Ubald. If it lie in our road, we are made for 
 ever. \_Exeiint Ubaldo and Ricardo. 
 
 Hon. You may perceive the king is no way 
 tainted 
 With the disease of jealousy, since he leaves me 
 Thus private with you. 
 
 Math. It were in him, madam, 
 A sin unpardonable to distrust such pureness, 
 Though I were an Adonis. 
 
 Hon. I presume 
 He neither does nor dares : and yet the story 
 Deliver'd of you by the general. 
 With your heroic courage, which sinks deeply 
 Into a knowing woman's heart, besides 
 Your promising presence, might beget some 
 
 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 answer truly 
 To what I shall demand. 
 
 Math. You need not use 
 Charms to this purpose, madam. 
 
 Hon. Tell me, then, 
 Being yourself assured 'tis not in man 
 To sully with one spot th' immaculate whiteness 
 Of your wife's honour, if you have not, since 
 The Gordian of your love was tied by marriage, 
 Play'd false with her ? 
 
 Math. By the hopes of mercy, never. 
 
 Hon. It may be, not frequenting the converse 
 Of handsome ladies, you were never tempted, 
 And so your faith's untried yet. 
 
 Math. Surely, madam, 
 I am no woman-hater ; I have been 
 Received to the society of the best 
 And fairest of our climate, and have met with 
 
 No common entertainment, yet ne'er felt 
 The least heat that way. 
 
 Hon. Strange ! and do you think still, 
 The earth can shew no beauty that can drench 
 In Lethe all remembrance of the favour 
 You now bear to your own ? 
 
 Math. Nature must find out 
 Some other mould to fashion a new creature 
 Fairer than her Pandora, ere I prove 
 Guilty, or in my wishes or my thoughts, 
 To my Sophia, 
 
 Hon. Sir, consider better ; 
 Not one in our whole sex ? 
 
 Math. I am constant to 
 My resolution. 
 
 Hon. But dare you stand 
 The opposition, and bind yourself 
 By oath for the performance ? 
 
 Math. My faith else 
 Had but a weak foundation. 
 
 Hon. I take hold 
 Upon your promise, and enjoin your stay 
 For one month here. 
 
 Math. I am caught ! \_Asxde. 
 
 Hon. And if I do not 
 Produce a lady, in that time, that shall 
 Make you confess your error, I submit 
 Myself to any penalty you shall please 
 To impose upon me : in the mean space, write 
 To your chaste wife, acquaint her with your for- 
 tune ; 
 The jewels that were mine you may send to her, 
 For better confirmation. I'll provide you 
 Of trusty messengers : but how far distant is she ? 
 
 Math. A day's hard riding. 
 
 Hon. There is no retiring ; 
 I'll bind you to your word. 
 
 Math. Well, since there is 
 No way to shun it, I will stand the hazard, 
 And instantly make ready my dispatch : 
 Till then, I'll leave your majesty. \.Exit. 
 
 Hon. How I burst 
 With envy, that there lives, besides myself, 
 One fair and loyal woman ! 'twas the end 
 Of my ambition to be recorded 
 The only wonder of the age, and shall I 
 Give way to a competitor ? Nay more, 
 To add to my affliction, the assurances 
 That I placed in my beauty have deceived me : 
 I thought one amorous glance of mine could bring 
 A.11 hearts to my subjection ; but this stranger. 
 Unmoved as rocks, contemns me. But I cannot 
 Sit down so with mine honour : I will gain 
 A double victory, by working him 
 To my desire, and taint her in her honour, 
 Or lose myself : I have read that sometime poison 
 Is useful. — To supplant her, I'll employ, 
 With any cost, Ubaldo and Ricardo, 
 Two noted courtiers, of approved cunning 
 In all the windings of lust's labyrinth; 
 And in corrupting him, I will outgo 
 Nero's Poppsea : if he shut his ears 
 Against my Syren notes, I'll boldly swear, 
 Ulysses lives again ; or that I have found 
 A frozen cynic, cold in spite of all 
 Allurements ; one whom beauty cannot move, 
 Nor softest blandishments entice to love. {Erii, 
 
l:i^ 
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I. — Bohemia. A Space near the 
 
 Entrance o/Ma.thias' House. 
 
 Enter HiLARro, with a pitcher of water, and a wallet. 
 
 Hil. Thin, thin provision ! I am dieted 
 
 Like one set to watch hawks ; and, to keep me 
 
 waking. 
 My croaking guts make a perpetual larum. 
 Here I stand 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 glass, the river, 
 And there appeared a fish call'd a poor John, 
 Cut with a lenten face, in my own likeness ; 
 And it seem'd to speak, and say, Good morroio, 
 
 cousin ! 
 No man comes this way but has a fling at me : 
 A surgeon passing by, ask'd at what rate 
 I would sell myself ; I answered, For what use ? 
 To make, said he, a living anatomy. 
 And set thee up in our hall, for thou art trans- 
 parent 
 Without dissection ; and, indeed, he had reason : 
 For I am scour'd with this poor purge to nothing. 
 They say 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 must drink howsoever. 
 
 Enter TJbaldo, Ricardo, and a Guide. 
 
 Guide. That's her castle. 
 Upon my certain knowledge. 
 
 Ubald. Our horses held out 
 To my desire. I am afire 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. Good fortune to you, gallants ! {.Exit. 
 
 Ubald. Being joint agents, in a design of trust 
 too, 
 For the service of the queen, and our own pleasure, 
 Let us proceed with judgment. 
 
 Rio. If I take not 
 This fort at the first assault, make me an eunuch ; 
 So I may have precedence. 
 
 Ubald. On no terms. 
 We are both to play one prize ; he that works best 
 In the searching of this mine, shall carry it. 
 Without contention. 
 
 Ric. Make you your approaches 
 As I directed. 
 
 Ubald. I need no instruction ; 
 I work not on your anvil. I'll give fire 
 With mine own linstock ; if the powder be dank, 
 The devil rend the touch-hole ! Who have we here? 
 What skeleton's this ? 
 
 Ric. A ghost ! or the image of famine ! 
 Where dost thou dwell ? 
 
 Hil. Dwell, sir 1 my dwelling is 
 In the highway : that goodly house was once 
 My habitation, but I am banish'd. 
 And cannot be call'd home till news arrive 
 Of the good knight Mathias. 
 
 Ric. If that will 
 Restore thee, thou art safe. 
 
 Ubald. We come from him, 
 With presents to his lady. 
 
 Hil. But, are you sure 
 He is in health ? 
 
 Ric. Never so well : conduct us 
 To the lady. 
 
 Hil. Though a poor snake, I will leap 
 Out of my skin for joy. Break, pitcher, break ! 
 And wallet, late my cupboard, I bequeath thee 
 To the next beggar ; thou, red herring, swim 
 To the Red Sea again : methinks I am already 
 Knuckle deep in the fleshpots ; and, though waking, 
 Of wine and plenty ! [dream 
 
 Ric. What's the mystery 
 Of this strange passion ? 
 
 Hil. My belly, gentlemen. 
 Will not give me leave to tell you ; when I have 
 
 brought you 
 To ray lady's presence, I am disenchanted : 
 There you shall know all. Follow ; if I outstrip 
 Know I run for my belly. [you, 
 
 Ubald. A mad fellow. [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — A Room in Mathias' Hvute. 
 Enter Sophia and ConrscA. 
 
 Soph. Do not again delude me. 
 
 Cor\s. If I do. 
 Send me a grazing with my fellow, Hilario. 
 I stood, as you commanded, in the turret. 
 Observing all that pass'd by ; and even now, 
 I did discern a pair of cavaliers. 
 For such their outside spoke them, with their 
 
 guide. 
 Dismounting from their horses ; they said some- 
 thing 
 To our hungry centinel, that made him caper 
 And frisk in the air for joy : and, to confirm this. 
 See, madam, they're in view. 
 
 Enter Hilario, TJbaldo, and Ricardo 
 
 Hil. News from my lord ! 
 Tidings of joy ! these are no counterfeits. 
 But knights indeed. Dear madam, sign my pardon, 
 That I may feed again, and pick up my crumbs ; 
 I have had a long fast of it. 
 
 Soph. Eat, I forgive thee. 
 
 Hil. O comfortable words ! Eat, I forgive thee ! 
 And if in this I do not soon obey you. 
 And ram in to the purpose, billet me again 
 In the highway. Butler and cook, be ready. 
 For I enter like a tyrant. lExit. 
 
 Ubald. Since mine eyes 
 Were never happy in so sweet an object, 
 Without inquiry, I presume you are 
 The lady of the house, and so salute you. 
 
 Ric. This letter, with these jewels, from your 
 
 Warrant my boldness, madam. [lord, 
 
 IDelivers a letter and a casket. 
 
 Ubald. In being a servant 
 To such rare beauty, you must needs deserve 
 This courtesy from a stranger. [.Salutes Corisca 
 
 Ric. You are still 
 Beforehand with me. Pretty one, 1 aescend 
 To take the height of your lip ; and, if I miss 
 In the altitude, hereafter, if you please, 
 I will make use of my Jacob's staff. [Salutes Coris. 
 
 Coris, These gentlemen 
 
SCENE IV. 
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 22h 
 
 Have certainly had good breeding, as it appears 
 By their neat kissing, they hit me so pat on the 
 At the first sight. flips, 
 
 'Jn the interim, Sophia reads the letter, and opens 
 the casket. 
 
 Soph. Heaven, in thy mercy, make me 
 Thy thankful handmaid for this boundless blessing, 
 In thy goodness shower'd upon me I 
 
 Ubald. I do not like 
 This simple devotion in her ; it is seldom 
 Practised among my mistresses. 
 
 Ric. Or mine. 
 Would they kneel to I know not who, for the pos- 
 Of such inestimable wealth, before [session 
 
 They thank'd the bringers of it ? the poor lady 
 Does want instruction, but I'll be her tutor, 
 And read her another lesson. 
 
 Soph. If I have 
 Shewn want of manners, gentlemen, in my slow- 
 ness 
 To pay the thanks 1 owe you for your travail, 
 To do my lord and me, howe'er unworthy 
 Of such a benefit, this noble favour. 
 Impute it, in your clemency, to the excess 
 Of joy that overwhelm'd me. 
 
 JRic. She speaks well. 
 
 Ubald. Polite and courtly. 
 
 Soph. And howe'er it may 
 Increase the offence, to trouble you with more 
 Demands touching my lord, before I have 
 Invited you to taste such as the coarseness 
 Of my poor house can offer ; pray you connive 
 On my weak tenderness, though I entreat 
 To learn from you something he hath, it may be, 
 In his letter left unmention'd. 
 
 Ric. I can only 
 Give you assurance that he is in health. 
 Graced by the king and queen. 
 
 Ubald. And in the court 
 With admiration look'd on. 
 
 Ric. You must therefore 
 Put off these widow's garments, and appear 
 Like to yourself. 
 
 Ubald. And entertain all pleasures 
 jTour fortune marks out for you. 
 
 Ric. There are other 
 Particular privacies, which on occasion 
 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 good accept- 
 My rustic entertainment relish of [ance make 
 
 The curiousness of the court. 
 
 Ubald. Your looks, sweet madam, 
 Cannot but make each dish a feast. 
 
 Soph. It shall be 
 Such, in the freedom of my will to please you. 
 I'll shew you the way: this is too great an honour, 
 From such brave guests, to me so mean an hostess. 
 
 lExeitnt. 
 
 SCENE 111.— Alba Repnlia. An Outer-room in 
 
 the Palace. 
 
 Enter Acanthk, and four or Jive Servants with visors. 
 
 Acan. You know your charge ; give it action, 
 
 Rewards beyond your hopes. [and expect 
 
 1 Serv. If we but eye them I 
 
 They are ours, I warrant you. I 
 
 2 Serv. May we not ask why 
 We are put upon this ? 
 
 Acan. Let that stop your mouth ; 
 
 iGives them money. 
 And learn more manners, groom. *Tis uponthehour 
 In which they use to walk here : when you have them 
 In your power, with violence carry them to the place 
 Where I appointed ; there I will expect you : 
 Be bold and careful. lExit. 
 
 Enter Mathias and Baptista. 
 
 1 Serv. These are they. 
 
 2 Serv. Are you sure ? 
 
 1 Serv. Am I sure I am myself ? 
 
 2 Serv. Seize on him strongly ; if he have but 
 
 means 
 To draw his sword, 'tis ten to one we smart for't : 
 Take all advantages. 
 
 Math. I cannot guess 
 What her intents are ; but her carriage was 
 As I but now related. 
 
 Rapt. Your assurance 
 In the constancy of your lady is the armour 
 That must defend you. Where's the picture? 
 
 Math. Here, 
 And no way alter'd. 
 
 Bapt. If she be not perfect. 
 There is no truth in art. 
 
 Math. By this, I hope. 
 She hath received my letters. 
 
 Bapt. Without question : 
 These courtiers are rank riders, when they are 
 To visit a handsome lady. 
 
 Math. Lend me your ear. 
 One piece of her entertainment will require 
 Your dearest privacy. 
 
 1 Serv. Now they stand fair ; 
 Upon them. [.They rush forward. 
 
 Math. Villains ! 
 
 1 Serv. Stop their mouths. We come not 
 To try your valours : kill him, if he offer 
 To ope his mouth. We have you : 'tis in vain 
 To make resistance. Mount them, and away. 
 
 [^Exeunt with Mathias and Baitista. 
 
 SCENE IV.— ^ Gallery in the same. 
 Enter Servants with lights, Ladislaus, Ferdi.vanp, and 
 
 EUBULUS. 
 
 Ladis. 'Tis late. Go to your rest ; but do not 
 The happiness I draw near to. [envy 
 
 Eubu. If you enjoy it 
 The moderate way, the sport yields. I confess, 
 A pretty titillation ; but too much oft 
 Will bring you on your knees. In my younger days 
 I was myself a gamester ; and I found 
 By sad experience, there is no such soaker 
 As a young spongy wife ; she keeps a thousand 
 Horse-leeches in her box, and the thieves will suck 
 
 out 
 Both blood and marrow ! I feel a kind of cramp 
 In my joints, when I think on't : but it may be 
 
 queens. 
 And such a queen as yours is has the art 
 
 Ferd. You take leave 
 To talk, my lord. 
 
 Ladis. He may, since he can do nothing. 
 
 Eubu. If you spend this way too much of your 
 Ere long we may be puefellows. [royal stock. 
 
 Ladis. The door shut 1 q 
 
220 
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 Knock gently; harder. So, here comes her woman. 
 Take off my gown. 
 
 Enter Acanthe. 
 
 Acan. My lord, the queen by me 
 This night desires your pardon. 
 
 Ladis. How, Acanthe ! 
 I come by her appointment ; 'twas her grant ; 
 The motion was her own. 
 
 Acan. It may be, sir ; 
 But by her doctors she is since advised, 
 For her health's sake, to forbear. 
 
 Eubu. I do not like 
 This physical letchery, the old downright way 
 Is worth a thousand on't, 
 
 Ladis. Prithee, Acanthe, 
 Mediate for me. ^Offering her a ring. 
 
 Eubu. 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 such as use it ! 
 
 Acan. By this jewel, 
 This night I dare not move her, but to-morrow 
 I will watch all occasions. 
 
 Ladis. Take this. 
 To be mindful of me. 
 
 Eubu. 'Slight, I thought a king 
 Might have ta'en up any woman at the king's price ; 
 And must he buy his own, at a dearer rate 
 Than a stranger in a brothel ? 
 
 Ladis. What is that 
 You mutter, sir ? 
 
 Eubu. No treason to your honour : 
 I'll speak it out, though it anger you ; if you pay for 
 Your lawful pleasure in some kind, great sir. 
 What do you make the queen ? cannot you clicket 
 Without a fee, or when she has a suit 
 For you to grant ? [Ladis. draijps his sword. 
 
 Ferd. O hold, sir ! 
 
 Ladis. Off with his head ! 
 
 Eubu. Do, when you please ; you but blow out 
 a taper 
 That would light your understanding, and, in care 
 
 oft, 
 Is burnt down to the socket. Be as you are, sir. 
 An absolute monarch : it did shew more king- like 
 In those libidinous Caesars, that compell'd 
 Matrons and virgins of all ranks to bow 
 Unto their ravenous lusts ; and did admit 
 Of more excuse than I can urge for you. 
 That slave yourself to the imperious humour 
 Of a proud beauty. 
 
 Ladis. Out of my sight ! 
 
 Eubu. I will, sir. 
 Give way to your furious passion; but when reason 
 Hath got the better of it, I much hope 
 The counsel that offends now will deserve 
 Your royal thanks. Tranquillity of mind 
 Stay with you, sir ! — I do begin to doubt 
 There's something more in the queen's strangeness 
 
 than 
 Is yet disclosed ; and I will find it out. 
 Or lose myself in the search. \_Aside, and exit. 
 
 Ferd. Sure he is honest. 
 And from your infancy hath truly served you : 
 Let that plead for him ; and impute this harshness 
 To the frowardness of his age. 
 
 Ladis. I am much troubled, 
 And do begin to stagger. Ferdinand, good night ! 
 "To-morrow visit us. Back to our own lodgings. 
 
 iExenrd. 
 
 SCENE V. — Another Room in the same. 
 
 Enter Acanthe and the visored Servants, with Mathias 
 and Baptista blindfolded. 
 
 Acan. You have done bravely. Lock this in 
 that room. 
 There let him ruminate ; I'll anon unhood him : 
 
 {They carry o^'Baptista. 
 The other must stay here. As soon as I 
 Have quit the place, give him the liberty 
 And use of his eyes ; that done, disperse yourselves 
 As privately as you can : but, on your lives, 
 No word of what hath pass'd. lExU. 
 
 1 Sew. If I do, sell 
 My tongue to a tripe- wife. Come, unbind his arms : 
 You are now at your own disposure ; and however 
 We used you roughly, I hope you will find here 
 Such entertainment as will give you cause 
 To thank us for the service : and so I leave you. 
 
 {_Exeunt Servants. 
 
 Math. If I am in a prison, 'tis a neat one. 
 What CEdipus can resolve this riddle ? Ha ! 
 I never gave just cause to any man 
 Basely to plot against my life : — But what is 
 Become of my true friend ? for him I suffer 
 More than myself. 
 
 Acan. [ Within.'] Remove that idle fear ; 
 He's safe as you are. 
 
 Math. Whosoe'er thou art, 
 For him I thank thee. I cannot imagine 
 Where I should be : though I have read the tales 
 Of errant-knighthood, stuff 'd with the relations 
 Of magical enchantments ; ye,t I am not 
 So sottishly credulous to believe the devil 
 Hath that way power. \_Music above.} Ha! music? 
 
 The blushing rose, and purple flower, 
 Let grow too long, are soonest blasted ; 
 
 Dainty fruits, though sweet, will sour. 
 And rot in ripeness, left untasted. 
 
 Yet here is one more sweet than these : 
 
 The more you taste the more she'll please. 
 
 Beauty that's enclosed w ith ice. 
 
 Is a shadow chaste as rare ; 
 Then how much those s\\ eets entice, 
 
 That have issue full as fair ! 
 Earth cannot yield, from all her powers, 
 One equal for dame Venus' bowers. 
 
 A song too ! certainly, be it he or she 
 
 That owes this voice, it hath not been acquainted 
 
 With much aflliction. Whosoe'er you are 
 
 That do inhabit here, if you have bodies, 
 
 And are not mere aerial forms, appear. 
 
 Enter Honoria, masked. 
 And make me know your end with me. Most 
 
 strange ! 
 What have I conjured up ? sure, if this be 
 A spii it, it is no damn'd one. What a shape's he; e ! 
 Then, with what majesty it moves ! If Juno 
 Were now to keep her state among the gods, 
 And Hercules to be made again her guest. 
 She could not put on a more glorious habit. 
 Though her handmaid, Iris, lent her various colours, 
 Or old Oceanus ravish'd from the deep 
 All jewels shipwreck 'd in it. As you have 
 Thus far made known yourself, if that your face 
 Have not too much divinity about it 
 For mortal eyes to gaze on, perfect what 
 You have begun, with v/onder and amazement 
 To my astonish'd senses. [Honoria unmasks.] 
 
 How ! the queen ! IKned;,: 
 
THE PICTURE. 
 
 227 
 
 Hon. Rise, sir, and hear my reasons, in defence 
 Of the rape (for so you may conceive) which I, 
 By my instruments, made upon you. You, perhaps. 
 May think what you have sufFer'd for my lust 
 Is a common practice with me ; but I call 
 Those ever-shining lamps, and their great Maker, 
 As witnesses of my innocence : I ne'er look'd on 
 A man but your best self, on whom I ever 
 (Except the king) vouchsafed an eye of favour. 
 
 Math. The king, indeed, and only such a king> 
 Deserves your rarities, madam ; and, but he, 
 'Twere giant-like ambition in any. 
 In his wishes only, to presume to taste 
 The nectar of your kisses ; or to feed 
 His appetite with that ambrosia, due -"^ 
 
 And proper to a prince ; and, what binds more, 
 A lawful husband. For myself, great queen, 
 I am a thing obscure, disfurnish'd of 
 All merit, that can raise me higher than. 
 In my most humble thankfulness for your bounty. 
 To hazard my life for you ; and, that way, 
 I am most ambitious. 
 
 Hon. I desire no more 
 Than what you promise. If you dare expose 
 Your life, as you profess, to do me service, 
 How can it better be employ'd than in 
 Preserving mine ? which only you can do, 
 And must do, with the danger of your own, 
 A desperate danger too ! If private men 
 Can brook no rivals in what they affect. 
 But to the death pursue such as invade 
 What law 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 present blessings, must fall on that man. 
 Like dreadful lightning, that is won by prayers, 
 Threats, or rewards, to stain his bed, or make 
 His hoped-for issue doubtful ! 
 
 Math. If you aim 
 At what I more than fear you do, the reasons 
 Which you deliver, should, in judgment rather 
 Deter me, than invite a grant, with my 
 Assured ruin. 
 
 Hon. True ; if that you were 
 Of a cold temper, one whom doubt, or fear. 
 In the most horrid forms they could put on. 
 Might teach to be ungrateful. Your denial 
 To me, that have deserved so much, is more, 
 If it can have addition. 
 
 Math. I know not 
 What your commands are. 
 
 Hon. Have you fought so well 
 Among arm'd men, yet cannot guess what lists 
 You are to enter, when you are in private 
 With a willing lady : one, that, to enjoy 
 Your company this night, denied the king 
 Access to what's his own ? If you will press me 
 To speak in plainer language 
 
 Math. Pray you, forbear ; 
 I would I did not understand too much ! 
 Already, by your words, I am instructed 
 To credit that, which, not confirm'd by you. 
 Had bred suspicion in me of untruth. 
 Though an angel had affirm'd it. But suppose 
 That, cloy'd with happiness, which is ever built 
 On virtuous chastity, in the wantonness 
 Of appetite, you desire to make trial 
 Of the false delights proposed by vicious lust ; 
 Among ten thousand, every way more able 
 And apter to be Wrought on, such as owe you q 2 
 
 Obedience, being your subjects, why should you 
 Make choice of me, a stranger ? 
 
 Hon. Though yet reason 
 W^as ne'er admicted in the court of love, 
 I'll yield you one unanswerable. As I urged, 
 In our last private conference, you have 
 A pretty promising presence ; but there are 
 Many, in limbs and feature, who may take. 
 That way, the right-hand file of you : besides, 
 Your May of youth is past, and the blood spent 
 By wounds, though bravely taken, renders you 
 Disabled for love's service : 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 ; 
 In both I can defend myself, and live 
 My own protection. 
 
 Math. If these advocates, 
 The best that can plead for me, have no power. 
 What can you find in me else, that may tempt you. 
 With irrecoverable loss unto yourself, 
 To be a gainer from me ? 
 
 Hon. You have, sir, 
 A jewel of such matchless worth and lustre, 
 As does disdain comparison, and darkens 
 All that is rare in other men ; and that, 
 I must or win or lessen. 
 
 Math. You heap more 
 Amazement on me : What am I possess'd of 
 That you can covet ? make me understand it, 
 If it have a name. 
 
 Hon. Yes, an imagined one ; 
 But is, in substance, nothing ; being a garment 
 Worn out of fashion, and long since given o'er 
 By the court and country : 'tis your loyalty 
 And constancy to your wife ; 'tis that I dote on. 
 And does deserve my envy ; and that jewel, 
 Or by fair play or foul, I must win from you. 
 
 Math. These are mere contraries. If you love 
 me, madam. 
 For my constancy, why seek you to destroy it ? 
 In my keeping it preserve me worth your favour. 
 Or, if it be a jewel of that value, 
 As you with labour'd rhetoric would persuade me, 
 What can you stake against it ? 
 
 Hon. A queen's fame. 
 And equed honour. 
 
 Math. So, whoever wins. 
 Both shall be losers. 
 
 Hon. That is that I aim at : 
 Yet on the die I lay my youth, my beauty. 
 This moist palm, this soft lip, and those delights 
 Darkness should only judge of. \_Kisses him.l 
 
 Do you find them 
 Infectious in the trial, that you start, 
 As frighted with their touch ? 
 
 Math. Is it in man 
 To resist such strong temptations ? 
 
 Hon. He begins 
 To waver. iAtide, 
 
 Math. Madam, as you are gracious, 
 Grant this short night's deliberation to me ; 
 And, with the rising sun, from me you shall 
 Receive full satisfaction. 
 
 Hon. Though extremes 
 Hate all delay, I will deny you nothing. 
 This key will bring you to your friend ; you are 
 
 safe both ; 
 And all the things useful that could be prepared 
 
228 
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 For one I love and honour, wait upon you. 
 Take council of your jiillow, such a fortune 
 As with affection's swiftest wings flies to you, 
 Will not be often tender'd. lExit. 
 
 Math. How my blood 
 Rebels ! I now could call her back— and yet 
 There's something stays me : if the king had 
 
 tender'd 
 Such favours to my wife, 'tis to be doubted 
 They had not been refused : but, being a man, 
 I should not yield first, or prove an example. 
 For her defence, of frailty. By this, sans question. 
 She's tempted too ; and here I may examine 
 
 ILooks on the picture. 
 How she holds out. She's still the same, the same 
 Pure crystal rock of chastity. Perish all 
 Allurements that may alter me ! The snow 
 Of her sweet coldness hath extinguish'd quite 
 The fire that but even now began to flame : 
 And I by her confirm'd, — rewards nor titles, 
 Nor certain death from the refused queen, 
 Shall shake my faith ; since I resolve to be 
 Loyal to her, as she is true to me. lExit. 
 
 SCENE VI Bohemia. A Gallery in 
 
 Math I as' Ilouae. 
 
 Enter Ubaldo and Ricardo. 
 
 Ubald. What we spake on the voley begins to 
 We have laid a good foundation. [work ; 
 
 Ric. Build it up. 
 Or else 'tis nothing : you have by lot the honour 
 Of the first assault ; but, as it is condition'd. 
 Observe the time proportion'd ; I'll not part with 
 My share in the achievement ; when I whistle, 
 Or hem, fall off. 
 
 Enter Sophu. 
 
 Ubald. She comes. Stand by, I'll watch 
 My opportunity. IThey walk aside. 
 
 Soph. I find myself 
 Strangely distracted with the various stories. 
 Now well, now ill, then doubtfully, by my guests 
 Deliver'd of my lord ; and, like poor beggars 
 That in their dreams find treasure, by reflection 
 Of a wounded fancy, make it questionable 
 Whether they sleep or not ; yet, tickled with 
 Such a fantastic hope of happiness. 
 Wish they may never wake. In some such measure. 
 Incredulous of what I see and touch. 
 As 'twere a fading apparition, I 
 Am still perplex'd, and troubled ; and when most 
 Confirm'd 'tis true, a curious jealousy 
 To be assured, by what means, and from whom, 
 Such a mass of wealth was first deserv'd, then 
 
 gotten. 
 Cunningly steals into me. I have practised. 
 For my certain resolution, with these courtiers, 
 Promising private conference to either, 
 And, at this hour : — if in search of the truth, 
 I hear, or say, more than becomes my virtue, 
 Forgive me, my Mathias. 
 
 Ubald. Now I make in. — [Comes forward. 
 
 Madam, as you commanded, I attend 
 Your pleasure. 
 
 Soph. 1 must thank you for the favour. 
 Ubald. I am no ghostly father ; yet, if you have 
 Some scruples touching your lord, you would be 
 I am prepared. [resolved of, 
 
 Soph. But will you take your oath. 
 To answer truly ? 
 
 Ubald. On the hem of your smock, if you please : 
 A vow I dare not break, it being a book 
 I would gladly swear on. 
 
 Soph. To spare, sir, that trouble, 
 I'll take your word, which, in a gentleman, 
 Should be of equal value. Is my lord, then, 
 In such grace with the queen ? 
 
 Ubald. You should best know. 
 By what you have found from him, whether he can 
 Deserve a grace or no. 
 
 Soph. What grace do you mean ? 
 
 Ubald. That special grace, if you will have it, he 
 Labour'd so hard for between a pair of sheets. 
 Upon your wedding night, when your ladyship 
 Lost — you know what. 
 
 Soph. Fie ! be more modest, 
 Or I must leave you. 
 
 Ubald. 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 foolish jealousy in my head, my lord 
 Hath gotten a new mistress. 
 
 Ubald. One ! a hundred ; 
 But under seal I speak it : I presume 
 Upon your silence, it being for your profit. 
 They talk of Hercules' fifty in a night, 
 'Twas well ; but yet to yours he was a piddler : 
 Such a soldier and a courtier never came 
 To Alba Regalis ; the ladies run mad. for him, 
 And there is such contention among them. 
 Who shall engross him wholly, that the like 
 Was never heard of. 
 
 Soph. Are they handsome women ? 
 
 Ubald. Fie ! no ; coarse raammets : and what's 
 
 worse, they are old too. 
 
 Some fifty, some threescore, and they pay dear for't, 
 
 Believing that he carries a powder in his breeches 
 
 Will make them young again ; and these suck 
 
 shrewdly. 
 
 Ric. [wAis//^s."] Sir, I must fetch you off. lAside. 
 
 Ubald. I could tell you wonders 
 Of the cures he has done, but a business of import 
 Calls me away; but, that dispatch'd, I will 
 Be with you presently. [Walks aside 
 
 Soph. There is something more, 
 In this, than bare suspicion. 
 
 Ric. [comes forward.'] Save you, lady ; 
 Now you look like yourself! I have not look'd on 
 A lady more complete, yet have seen a madam 
 Wear a garment of this fashion, of the same stuff 
 
 too. 
 One just of your dimensions : — Sat the wind there, 
 
 Soph. What lady, sir ? [boy ! 
 
 Ric. Nay, nothing ; and methinks 
 I should know this ruby : very good ! 'tis the same. 
 This chain of orient pearl, and this diamond too. 
 Have been worn before ; but much good may they 
 
 do you ! 
 Strength to the gentleman's back ! he toil'd hard 
 Before he got them. [for them, 
 
 Soph. Why, how were they gotten ? 
 
 Ric. Not in the field with his sword, upon my 
 life ; 
 He may thank his close stiletto. — [Ubaldo hems.'] 
 
 — Plague upon it 
 Run the minutes so fast? [Aside. \—Vn\Y you, 
 excuse my manners ; 
 
THE PICTURE. 
 
 221) 
 
 1 left a letter in my chamber window, 
 
 Which I would not have seen on any terms ; fie 
 
 on it, 
 Forgetful as I am ! but I'll straight attend you. 
 
 [ Walks aside. 
 Soph. This is strange. His letters said these 
 jewels were 
 Presented him by the queen, as a reward 
 For his good service, and the trunks of clothes. 
 That followed them this last night, with haste 
 By his direction. [made up 
 
 Ubald. [comes forward.'] I was telling you 
 Of wonders, madam. 
 
 Soph. If you are so skilful. 
 Without premeditation answer me ; -^ 
 
 Know you this gown, and these rich jewels ? 
 
 Ubald. Heaven, 
 How things will come out ! But that I should offend 
 
 you. 
 And wrong my more than noble friend, your 
 
 husband, 
 (For we are sworn brothers,) in the discovery 
 
 Of his nearest secrets, I could 
 
 Soph. By the hope of favour 
 That you have from me, out with it. 
 
 Ubald. 'Tis a potent spell 
 I cannot resist : Why, I will tell you, madam, 
 And to how many several women you are 
 Beholding for your bravery. This was 
 The wedding gown of Paulina, a rich strumpet. 
 Worn but a day, when she married old Gonzaga, 
 And left off trading. 
 Soph. O my heart ! 
 Ubald. This chain 
 Of pearl, was a great widow's, that invited 
 Your lord to a masque, and the weather proving 
 
 foul, 
 He lodged in her house all night, and merry they 
 
 were ; 
 But how he came by it, I know not. 
 Soph. Perjured man ! 
 
 Ubald. Tliis ring was Julietta's, 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 she said, 
 When the queen ask'd for it ; and she heard him 
 
 sing too. 
 And danced to his hornpipe, or there are liars 
 
 abroad. 
 There are other toys about you, the same way 
 
 purchased ; 
 But, parallel'd with these, not worth the relation. 
 You are happy in a husband, never man 
 
 Made better use of his strength : would you have 
 
 him waste 
 His body away for nothing ? if he holds out. 
 There's not an embroider'd petticoat in the court, 
 But shall be at your service. 
 
 Soph. I commend him, 
 It is a thriving trade ; but pray you leave me 
 A little to myself. 
 
 Ubald. You may command 
 Your servant, madam. — [Walks aside.} — She's 
 stung unto the quick, lad. 
 
 Ric. I did my part ; ilf this potion work not, 
 hang me ! 
 Let her sleep as well as she can to-night, to-morrow 
 We'll mount new batteries. 
 
 Ubald. And till then leave her. 
 
 lExeunt Ubaldo and Ricardo. 
 
 Soph. You Powers, that take into your care the 
 Of innocence, aid me ! for I am a creature [guard 
 So forfeited 'to despair, hope cannot fancy 
 A ransome to redeem me. I begin 
 To waver in my faith, and make it doubtful, 
 Whether the saints, that were canonized for 
 Their holiness of life, sinn'd not in secret ; 
 Since my Mathias is fallen from his virtue, 
 In such an open fashion. Could it be, else, 
 That such a husband, so devoted to me. 
 So vow'd to temperance, for lascivious hire 
 Should prostitute himself to common harlots ! 
 Old and deform'd too ! Was't for this he left me, 
 And, on a feign'd pretence, for want of means 
 To give me ornament ? — or to bring home 
 Diseases to me ? Suppose these are false. 
 And lustful goats ; if he were true and right. 
 Why stays he so long from me, being made rich. 
 And that the only reason why he left me ? 
 No, he is lost ; and shall I wear the spoils 
 And salaries of lust ! they cleave unto me, 
 Like Nessus' poison'd shirt : no, in my rage, 
 I'll tear them off, and from my body wash 
 The venom with my tears. Have I no spleen. 
 Nor anger of a woman ? shall he build 
 Upon my ruins, and I, unrevenged. 
 Deplore his falsehood ? no ; with the same trash 
 For which he had dishonour'd me, I'll purchase 
 A just revenge : I am not yet so much 
 In debt to years, nor so mis-shaped, that all 
 Should fly from my embraces : Chastity. 
 Thou only art a name, and I renounce thee ! 
 I am now a servant to voluptuousness. 
 Wantons of all degrees and fashions, welcome I 
 You shall be entertain'd ; and, if I stray. 
 Let him condemn himself, that led the way. lExit. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I.— Alba Regalis. A Room in the 
 Palace. 
 
 Enter AIathtas and Baptista. 
 
 Bapt. We are in a desperate strait ; there's no 
 evasion. 
 Nor hope left to come off, but by your yielding 
 To the necessity ; you must feign a grant 
 To her violent passion, or 
 
 Math, What, my Baptista ? 
 
 Bapt. We are but dead else. 
 
 Math. Were the sword now heaved up. 
 And my neck upon the block, I would not buy 
 An hour's reprieve with the loss of faith and virtue. 
 To be made immortnl here. Art thou a scholar. 
 Nay, almost without parallel, and yet fear 
 To die, which is inevitable ! You may urge 
 The many years that, by the course of nature, 
 We may travel in this tedious pilgrimage. 
 And hold it as a blessing ; as it is. 
 When innocence is our guide : yet know, Baptista, 
 Our virtues are preferr'd before our years. 
 
2o0 
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 By the great Judge : to die untainted in 
 
 Our fame and reputation is the greatest ; 
 
 And to lose that, can we desire to live ? 
 
 Or, shall I, for a momentary pleasure, 
 
 Which soon comes to a period, to all times 
 
 Have breach of faith and perjury remember'd 
 
 In a still-living epitaph ? no, Baptista, 
 
 Since my Sophia will go to her grave 
 
 Unspotted in her faith, I'll follow her 
 
 With equal loyalty: — [Takes out the picture.'] 
 
 But look on this, 
 Your own great work, your masterpiece, and then, 
 
 She being still the same, teach me to alter ! 
 
 Ha ! sure I do not sleep ! or, if I dream, 
 This is a terrible vision ! 1 will clear 
 My eyesight ; perhaps melancholy makes me 
 See that which is not. 
 
 Bapt. It is too apparent. 
 I grieve to look upon't : besides the yellow, 
 That does assure she's tempted, there are lines 
 Of a dark colour, that disperse themselves 
 O'er every miniature of her face, and those 
 Confirm 
 
 Math. She is turn'd whore ! 
 
 Bapt. I must not say so. 
 Yetj as a friend to truth, if you will have me 
 Interpret it, — in her consent and wishes 
 She's false, but not in fact yet. 
 
 Math. Fact, Baptista ! 
 Make not yourself a pander to her looseness, 
 In labouring to palliate what a visor 
 Of impudence cannot cover. Did e'er woman, 
 In her will, decline from chastity, but found means. 
 To give her hot lust fuel ? It is more 
 Impossible in nature for gross bodies, 
 Descending of themselves, to hang in the air ; 
 Or with my single arm to underprop 
 A falling tower ; nay, in its violent course 
 To stop the lightning, than to stay a woman 
 Hurried by two furies, lust and falsehood, 
 In her full car-eer to wickedness ! 
 
 Bapt. Pray you, temper 
 The violence of your passion. 
 
 Math. In extremes 
 Of this condition, can it be in man 
 To use a moderation ? I am thrown, 
 From a steep rock, headlong into a gulph 
 Of misery, and find myself past hope. 
 In the same moment that I apprehend 
 That I am falling : and this, the figure of 
 My idol, few hours since, while she continued 
 In her perfection, that was late a mirror, 
 In which I saw miraculous shapes of duty. 
 Staid manners, with all excellency a husband 
 Could wish in a chaste wife, is on the sudden 
 Turn'd to a magical glass, and does present 
 Nothing but horns and horror. 
 
 Bapt. You may yet. 
 And 'tis the best foundation, build up comfort 
 On your own goodness. 
 
 Math. No, that hath undone me ; 
 For now I hold my temperance a sin 
 Worse than excess, and what was vice, a virtue. 
 Have I refused a queen, and such a queen, 
 Whose ravishing beauties at the first sight had 
 
 tempted 
 A hermit from his beads, and changed his prayers 
 To amorous sonnets, to preserve my faith 
 Inviolate to thee, with the hazard of 
 My death with torture, since she could inflict 
 
 No less for my contempt ; and have I met 
 Such a return from thee ! I will not curse thee, 
 Nor, for thy falsehood, rail against the sex ; 
 'Tis poor, and common : I'll only, Vv^ith wise men, 
 Whisper unto myself, howe'er they seem. 
 Nor present, nor past times, nor the age to come, 
 Hath heretofore, can now, or ever shall, 
 Produce one constant woman. 
 
 Bapt. This is more 
 Than the satirists wrote against them. 
 
 Math. There's no language 
 That can express the poison of these aspics, 
 These weeping crocodiles, and all too little 
 That hath been said against them. 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 she comes within my reach, 
 Shall be her executioner. 
 
 Enter Honoria and Acanthe. 
 
 Bapt. The queen, sir, 
 
 Hon. Wait our command at distance : — [Exit 
 Acanthe.] — Sir, you too have 
 Free liberty to depart. 
 
 Bapt. I know my manners, 
 And thank you for the favour. lExit. 
 
 Hon. Have you taken 
 Good rest in your new lodgings ? I expect now 
 Your resolute answer ; but advise maturely. 
 Before I hear it. 
 
 Math. Let my actions, madam. 
 For no words can dilate my joy, in all 
 You can command, with cheerfulness to serve you. 
 Assure your highness : and, in sign of my 
 Submission, and contrition for my error, 
 My lips, that but the last night shunn'd the touch 
 Of yours as poison, taught humility now, 
 Thus on your foot, and that too great an honour, 
 For such an undeserver, seal my duty. 
 A cloudy mist of ignorance, equal to 
 Cimmerian darkness, would not let me see, then, 
 What now, with adoration and wonder. 
 With reverence I look up to : but those fogs 
 Dispersed and scatter'd by the powerful beams 
 With which yourself, the sun of all perfection, 
 Vouchsafe to cure my blindness ; like a suppliant. 
 As low as I can kneel, I humbly beg 
 What you once pleased to tender. 
 
 Hon. This is more 
 Than I could hope ! [Aside.} — What find you so 
 Upon my face, in so short time to make [attractive 
 This sudden metamorphosis ? pray you, rise ; 
 I, for your late neglect, thus sign your pardon. 
 
 ZKisses him. 
 Ay, now you kiss like a lover, and not as brothers 
 Coldly salute their sisters. 
 
 Math. I am turn'd 
 All spirit and fire. 
 
 Hon. Yet, to give some allay 
 To this hot fervour, 'twere good to remember 
 The king, whose eyes and ears are every where ; 
 With the danger too that follows, this discover'd. 
 
 Math. Danger ! a bugbear, madam ; let [me ] 
 ^ide once 
 Like Phaeton in the chariot of your favour. 
 And I contemn Jove's thunder : though the king, 
 In our embraces stood a looker on. 
 His hangman, and with studied cruelty, ready 
 To drag me from your arms, it should not fright 
 From the enjoying that a single life is [me 
 
THE riCTURE. 
 
 231 
 
 Too poor a price for. O, that now all vigour 
 Of my youth were re-collected for an hour, 
 That my desire might meet with yours, and draw 
 The envy of all men, in the encounter, 
 Upon my head ! I should — but we lose time — 
 Be gracious, mighty queen. 
 
 Hon. Pause yet a little : 
 The bounties of the king, and, what weighs more, 
 Your boasted constancy to your matchless wife, 
 Should not'lo soon be shaken. 
 
 Math. The whole fabric. 
 When I but look on you, is in a moment 
 O'erturn'd and ruin'd ; and, as rivers lose 
 Their names when they are swallow'd^y the 
 In you alone all faculties of my soul ' [ocean, 
 Are wholly taken up ; my wife and king, 
 At the best, as things forgotten. 
 
 Hon. Can this be ? 
 I have gain'd my end now. iAside. 
 
 Math. Wherefore stay you, madam ? 
 
 Hon. In my consideration what a nothing 
 Man's constancy is. 
 
 Math. Your beauties make it so 
 In me, sweet lady. 
 
 Hon. And it is my glory : 
 l could be coy now, as you were, but I 
 Am of a gentler temper ; howsoever, 
 And in a just return of what I have suffer'd 
 In your disdain, with the same measure grant me 
 Equal deliberation : I ere long 
 Will visit you again ; and when I next 
 Appear, as conquer'd by it, slave-like wait 
 On my triumphant beauty. \_Exit. 
 
 Math. What a change 
 Is here beyond my fear ! but by thy falsehood, 
 Sophia, not her beauty, is't denied me 
 To sin but in my wishes ? what a frown. 
 In scorn, at her departure, she threw on me ! 
 I am both ways lost ; storms of contempt and 
 Are ready to break on me, and all hope [scorn 
 Of shelter doubtful : I can neither be 
 Disloyal, nor yet honest : I stand guilty 
 On either part ; at the worst. Death will end all ; 
 And he must be my judge to right my wrong. 
 Since I have loved too much, and lived too long. 
 
 lExit. 
 
 4 
 
 SCENE II. — Bohemia. A Room in Mathias' 
 House. 
 Enter Sophia, with a book and a paper. 
 Soph. Nor custom, nor example, nor vast 
 numbers 
 Of such as do offend, make less the sin. 
 For each particular crime a strict account 
 Will be exacted ; and that comfort which 
 The damn'd pretend, fellows in misery. 
 Takes nothing from their torments : every one, 
 Must suffer, in himself, the measure of 
 His wickedness. If so, as I must grant. 
 It being unrefutable in reason, 
 Howe'er my lord offend, it is no warrant 
 For me to walk in his fox'bidden paths : 
 What penance then can expiate my guilt. 
 For my consent (transported then with passion) 
 To wantonness ? the wounds I give my fame. 
 Cannot recover his ; and, though I have fed 
 These courtiers with promises and hopes, 
 I am yet in fact untainted ; and 1 trust, 
 My sorrow for it, with my purity, 
 
 And love to goodness for itself, made powerful. 
 Though all they have alleged prove true or false. 
 Will be such exorcisms as shall command 
 This Fury, jealousy, from me. What I have 
 Determined touching them, I am resolved 
 To put in execution. Within, there ! 
 
 Enter Hilario, Corisca, with other Servants. 
 
 Where are my noble guests ? 
 
 Hil. The elder, madam. 
 Is drinking by himself to your ladyship's health. 
 In muskadine and eggs ; and, for a rasher 
 To draw his liquor down, he hath got a pie 
 Of marrowbones, potatoes, and eringos. 
 With many such ingredients ; and, 'tis said. 
 He hath sent his man in post to the next town, 
 For a pound of ambergris, and half a peok 
 Of fishes call'd cantharides. 
 
 Coris. The younger 
 Prunes up himself, as if this night he were 
 To act a bridegroom's part ; but to what purpose, 
 I am ignorance itself. 
 
 Soph. Continue so. IGives the Servants the paper. 
 Let those lodgings be prepared as this directs you : 
 And fail not in a circumstance, as you 
 Respect my favour. 
 
 1 Scrv. We have our instructions. 
 
 2 Serv. And punctually will follow them. 
 
 lExeunt Servants. 
 
 Enter Ubaldo. 
 
 Hil, Here comes, madam, 
 The lord Ubaldo. 
 
 Ubald. Pretty one, there's gold 
 To buy thee a new gown ; [ To Coris.] and there's 
 
 for thee ; 
 Grow fat, and fit for service. [To Hil.] I am now. 
 As I should be, at the height, and able to 
 Beget a giant. O my better angel ! 
 In this you shew your wisdom, when you pay 
 The letcher in his own coin ; shall you sit puling, 
 Like a Patient Grizzle, and be laugh'd at ? no ; 
 This is a fair revenge. Shall we to't ? 
 
 Soph. To what, sir ? 
 
 Ubald. The sport you promised. 
 
 Soph. Could it be done with safety. 
 
 Ubald. I warrant you ; I am sound as a bell, a 
 tough 
 Old blade, and steel to the back, as you shall find 
 In the trial on your anvil. [me 
 
 Soph. So ; but how, sir, 
 Shall I satisfy your friend, to whom, by promise, 
 I am equally engaged .-' 
 
 Ubald. I must confess. 
 The more the merrier ; but, of all men living, 
 Take heed of him : you may safer run upon 
 The mouth of a cannon when it is unlading, 
 And come off colder. 
 
 Soph. How ! is he not wholesome ? 
 
 Ubald. Wholesome ! I'll tell you, for your good ; 
 He is a spittle of diseases, and, indeed. 
 More loathsome and infectious ; the tub is 
 His weekly bath : he hath not drank this seven 
 
 years. 
 Before he came to your house, but compositions 
 Of sassafras and guaicum ; and dry mutton 
 His daily portion : name what scratch soever 
 Can be got by women, and the surgeons will 
 
 resolve you. 
 At this time, or at that, Ricardo had it. 
 
2.'32 
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 Soph. Bless me from him . 
 
 Ubald. 'Tis a ^ood prayer, lady. 
 It being a degree unto the pox, 
 Only to mention him : if my tongue burn not, 
 When I but name Ricardo. [hang me, 
 
 Soph. Sir, this caution 
 Must be rewarded. 
 
 Ubald. I hope I have marr'd his market. lAside- 
 But when ? 
 
 Soph. Why, presently ; follow my woman. 
 She knows where to conduct you, and will serve 
 To-night for a page. Let the waistcoat I ap- 
 pointed, 
 With the cambric shirt perfumed, and the rich cap, 
 Be brought into his chamber. 
 
 Ubald. Excellent lady ! 
 And a caudle too in the morning. 
 
 Coris. I will fit you. lExeunt Ubaldo and Corisca. 
 
 Enter Ricardo. 
 
 Soph. So hot on the scent ! Here comes the 
 other beagle. 
 
 Ric. Take purse and all. [To Hilario. 
 
 Hil. If this company would come often, 
 I should make a pretty term on't. 
 
 Soph. For your sake 
 I have put him oflF; he only begg'd a kiss, 
 I gave it, and so parted. 
 
 Ric. I hope better : 
 
 He did not touch your lips ? 
 
 Soph. Yes, I assure you. 
 There was no danger in it ? 
 
 Ric. No ! eat presently 
 These lozenges of forty crowns an ounce, 
 Or you are undone. 
 
 Soph. What is the virtue of them ? 
 
 Ric. They are preservatives against stinking 
 breath. 
 Rising from rotten lungs. 
 
 Soph. If so, your carriage 
 Of such dear antidotes, in my opinion, 
 May render yours suspected. 
 
 Ric. Fie ! no ; I use them 
 When I talk with him, I should be poison'd else. 
 But I'll be free with you : he was once a creature. 
 It may be, of God's making, but long since 
 He is turn'd to a druggist's shop ; the spring and 
 
 fall 
 Hold all the year with him : that he lives he owes 
 To art, not nature ; she has given him o'er. 
 He moves, like the fairy king, on screws and wheels, 
 Made by his doctor's recipes, and yet slill 
 They are out of joint, and every day repairing. 
 He has a regiment of whores he keeps. 
 At his own charge, in a lazar-house ; but the best is, 
 There's not a nose among them. He's acquainted 
 With the green water, and the spitting pill's 
 Familiar to him : in a frosty morning, 
 You may thrust him in a pottle-pot : his bones 
 Rattle in his skin, like beans toss'd in a bladder. 
 If he but hear a coach, the fomentation. 
 The friction with fumigation, cannot save him 
 From the chine-evil. In a word, he is 
 Not one disease, but all ; yet, being my friend, 
 I will forbear his character, for I would not 
 Wrong him in your opinion. 
 
 Soph. The best is, 
 The virtues you bestow on him, to me 
 Are mysteries I know not ; but, however, 
 1 am at your service. Sirrah, let it be your care 
 
 To unclothe the gentleman, and with speed ; delay 
 Takes from delight. 
 
 Ric. Good ! there's my hat, sword, cloak : 
 A vengeance on these buttons ! off with my doublet, 
 I dare shew my skin ; in the touch you will like it 
 
 better. 
 Prithee cut my codpiece-points, and, for this ser- 
 When I leave them off, they are thine. [vice, 
 
 Hil. I'll take your word, sir. 
 
 Ric. Dear lady, stay not long. ^^ 
 
 Soph. I may come too soon, sir. 
 
 Ric. No, no; I am ready now. 
 
 Hil. This is the way, sir. 
 
 lExeunt ITilario and Ricardo. 
 
 Soph. I was much to blame to credit their reports 
 Touching my lord, that so traduce each other, 
 And with such virulent malice ; though I presume 
 They are bad enough : but I have studied for them 
 A way for their recovery. 
 
 lA noise of clapping a door i Ubaldo ax>pears above in 
 his shirt. 
 
 Ubald. What dost thou mean, wench ? 
 Why dost thou shut the door upon me ? Ha ! 
 My clothes are ta'en away too ! shall I starve here? 
 Is this my lodging .' I am sure the lady talk'd of 
 A rich cap, a perfumed shirt, and a waistcoat ; 
 But here is nothing but a little fresh straw, 
 A petticoat for a coverlet, and that torn too, 
 And an old woman's biggin, for a nightcap. 
 
 Re-enter Corisca below. 
 'Slight, 'tis a prison, or a pigsty. Ha ! 
 The windows grated with iron ! I cannot force 
 And if I leap down here, I break my neck : [themj 
 I am betray'd. Rogues ! Villains ! let me out : 
 I am a lord, and that's no common title, 
 And shall I be used thus ? 
 
 Soph. Let him rave, he's fast ; 
 I'll parley with him at leisure. 
 
 RrcARDo entering with a great noise above, as fallen. 
 
 Ric. Zounds ! have you trapdoors ? 
 
 Soph. Tlie other bird's i' the cage too, let him 
 
 Ric. Whither am I fallen ? into hell ! [flutter. 
 
 Ubald. Who makes that noise, there ? 
 Help me, if thou art a friend. 
 
 Ric. A friend ! I am where 
 I cannot help myself ; let me see thy face. 
 
 Ubald. How, Ricardo ! Prithee, throw me 
 Thy cloak, if thou canst, to cover me : I am almost 
 Frozen to death. 
 
 Ric. My cloak ! I have no breeches ; 
 I am in my shirt, as thou art ; and here's nothing 
 For myself but a clown's cast suit. 
 
 Ubald. We are both undone. 
 Prithee, roar a little — Madam ! 
 
 Re-enter Hii-ario below, in Ricardo's clothes. 
 
 Ric. Lady of the house ! 
 
 Ubald. Grooms of the chamber ! 
 
 Ric. Gentlewomen ! Milkmaids ! 
 
 Ubald. Shall we be murder'd ? 
 
 Soph. No, but soundly punish'd, 
 To yout deserts. 
 
 Ric. You are not in earnest, madam ? 
 
 Soph. Judge as you find, and feel it ; and now 
 What I irrevocably purpose to you. [hear 
 
 Being received as guests into my house, 
 And with all it afforded entertain'd. 
 You have forgot all hospitable duties ; 
 And, with the defamation of my lord, 
 
SCKNE IV. 
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 233 
 
 Wrought on my woman weakness, in revenge 
 Of his injuries, as you fashion'd them to me, 
 To yield my honour to your lawless lust. 
 
 Ilil. Mark that, poor fellows ! 
 
 Soph. And so far you have 
 Transgress'd against the dignity of men. 
 Who should, bound to it by virtue, still defend 
 Chaste ladies' honours, that it was your trade 
 To make them infamous : but you are caught 
 In your own toils, like lustful beasts, and therefore 
 Hope not to find the usage of men from me : 
 Such mercy you have forfeited, and shall suffer 
 Like the most slavish women. 
 
 Ubald. How will you use us ? 
 
 Soph. Ease, and excess in feeding, macle you 
 wanton. 
 A plurisy of ill blood you must kt out, 
 By labour, and spare diet that way got too, 
 Or perish for hunger. Reach him up that distaff 
 With the flax upon it ; though no Omphale, 
 Nor you a second Hercules, as I take it, 
 As you spin well at my command, and please me, 
 Your wages, in the coarsest bread and water, 
 Shall be proportionable. 
 
 Ubald, I will starve first. 
 
 Soph. That's as you please. 
 
 Ric. What will become of me now? 
 
 Soph. You shall have gentler work ; I have oft 
 
 observed 
 
 "Y ou were proud to shew the fineness of your hands, 
 
 And softness of your fingers ; you should reel well 
 
 What he spins, 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 so, as slaves to your lust, not me, I leave you. 
 \_Exevnt Sophia and Corisca. 
 
 Ubald. I shall spin a fine thread out now ! 
 
 Ric. I cannot look 
 On these devices, but they put me in mind 
 Of rope-makers. 
 
 Hil. Fellow, think of thy task. 
 Forget such vanities; my livery there. 
 Will serve thee to work in. 
 
 Ric. Let me have my clothes yet ; 
 I was bountiful to thee. 
 
 Hil. They are past your wearing, 
 And mine by promise, as all these can witness. 
 You have no holidays coming, nor will I work 
 While these, and this lasts ; and so, when you 
 
 please. 
 You may shut up your shop windows. lExit. 
 
 Ubald. I am faint, 
 And must lie down. 
 
 Ric. I am hungry too, and cold. 
 O cursed women ! 
 
 Ubald. This comes of our whoring. 
 But let us rest as well as we can to-night. 
 But not o'ersleep ourselves, lest we fast to-morrow. 
 
 [_They withdraio. 
 
 SCENE IW.-^Alba Regalis. A Room in the 
 
 Palace. 
 
 Enter Ladisi^us, Honoria, E(ibulus, Ferdinand, 
 
 AcANTHK, and Attendants. 
 Hon. Now you know all, sir, with the motives why 
 I forced him to my lodging. 
 
 Ladis. I desire 
 No more such trials, lady. 
 
 Hon. I presume, sir, 
 You do not doubt my chastity. 
 
 Ladis. I would not ; 
 But these are strange inducements. 
 
 Eubu. By no means, sir. 
 Why, though he were with violence seized u])on, 
 And still detain'd, the man, sir, being no soldier. 
 Nor used to charge his pike when the breach is oren, 
 There was no danger in't ! You must conceive^ bir, 
 Being religious, she chose him for a chaplain, 
 To read old homilies to her in the dark ; 
 She's bound to it, by her canons. 
 
 Ladis. Still tormented 
 With thy impertinence ! 
 
 Hon. By yourself, dear sir, 
 I was ambitious only to o'erthrow 
 His boasted constancy in his consent ; 
 But for fact, I contemn him : I was never 
 Unchaste in thought ; I laboured to give proof 
 What power dwells in this beauty you admire so ; 
 And when you see how soon it hath transfornf'd 
 And with what superstition he adores it, [him. 
 Determine as you please. 
 
 Ladis. I will look on 
 This pageant ; but 
 
 Hon. When you have seen and heard, sir, 
 The passages which I myself discover'd. 
 And could have kept conceed'd, had I meant basely, 
 Judge as you please. 
 
 Ladis. Well, I'll observe the issue. 
 
 Eubu. How had you ta'en this, general, in your 
 
 Ferd. As a stranjje curiosity ; but queens [wife } 
 Are privileged above subjects, and 'tis fit, sir. 
 
 iExeunt. 
 
 SCENE IV. — Another Room in the same. 
 Enter Mathias and Baptista. 
 
 Bapt. You are much alter'd, sir, since the last 
 night, 
 When the queen left you, and look cheerfully, 
 Your dulness quite blown over. 
 
 Math. I have seen a vision 
 This morning, makes it good ; and never was 
 In such security as at this instant, 
 Fall what can fall : and when the queen appears, 
 Whose shortest absence now is tedious to me. 
 Observe the encounter. 
 
 Enter Honoria, Ladislaus, Eubulus, Ferdinand, and 
 Acanthe, with others, app. ar above. 
 
 Bapt. She already is 
 Enter'd the lists. 
 
 Math. And I prepared to meet her. 
 
 Bapt. I know my duty. iGoing. 
 
 Hon. Not so, you may stay now, 
 As a witness of our contract. 
 
 Bapt. I obey 
 In all things, madam. 
 
 Hon. Where's that reverence, 
 Or rather superstitious adoration, 
 Which, captive-like, to my triumphant beauty 
 You paid last night ? No humble knee, nor sign 
 Of vassal duty ! sure this is the foot, 
 To whose proud cover, and then happy in it, 
 Your lips were glued ; and that the neck then 
 
 ofl"er'd. 
 To wilness your subjection, to be trod on : 
 Your certain loss of life in the king's anger 
 Wzis then too mean a price to buy my favour j 
 
234 
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 And that false glow-worm fire of constancy 
 To your wife, extinguish'd by a greater light 
 Shot from our eyes ; — and that, it may be, (being 
 Too glorious to be look'd on,) hath deprived you 
 Of speech and motion : but I will take off 
 A little from the splendour, and descend 
 From my own height, and in your lowness hear you 
 Plead as a suppliant. 
 
 Math, I do remember 
 I once saw such a woman. 
 
 Hon. How ! 
 
 Math. And then 
 She did appear a most magnificent queen, 
 And, what's more, virtuous, though somewhat 
 
 darken 'd 
 With pride, and self-opinion. 
 
 Euhu- Call you this courtship ? 
 
 Math. And she was happy in a royal husband, 
 Whom envy could not tax, unless it were 
 For his too much indulgence to her humours. 
 • Eubu. Pray you, sir, observe that touch, 'tis to 
 the purpose ; 
 I like the play the better for't. 
 
 Math. And she lived 
 Worthy her birth and fortune : you retain yet 
 Some part of her angelical form ; but when 
 Envy to the beauty of another woman, 
 Inferior to hers, one that she never 
 Had seen, but in her picture, had dispersed 
 Infection through her veins, and loyalty, 
 Which a great queen, as she was, should have 
 Grew odious to her [nourish'd, 
 
 Hon. I am thunderstruck. 
 
 Math. And lust, in all the bravery it could bor- 
 From majesty, howe'er disguised, had ta'en [row 
 Sure footing in the kingdom of her heart. 
 The throne of chastity once, how, in a moment, 
 All that was gracious, great, and glorious in her. 
 And won upon all hearts, like seeming shadows 
 Wanting true substance, vanish'd ! 
 
 Hon. How his reasons 
 Work on my soul I 
 
 Math. Retire into yourself ; 
 Your own strengths, madam, strongly mann'd 
 
 with virtue. 
 And be but as you were, and there's no office 
 So base, beneath the slavery that men 
 Impose on beasts, but I will gladly bow to. 
 But as you play and juggle with a stranger. 
 Varying your shapes Hke Thetis, though the beau- 
 Of all that are by poets' raptures sainted [ties 
 
 Were now in you united, you should pass 
 Pitied by me, perhaps, but not regarded. 
 
 Eubu. If this take not, I am cheated. 
 
 Math. To slip once. 
 Is incident, and excused by human frailty ; 
 But to fall ever, damnable. We were both 
 Guilty, I grant, in tendering our affection ; 
 But, as I hope you will do, I repented. 
 When we are grown up to ripeness, our life is 
 Like to this [magick] picture. While we run 
 A constant race in goodness, it retains 
 The just proportion ; but the journey being 
 Tedious, and sweet temptation in the way. 
 That may in some degree divert us from 
 The road that we put forth in, ere we end 
 Our pilgrimage, it may, like this, turn yellow. 
 Or be with blackness clouded : but when we 
 Find we have gone astray, and labour to 
 Return unto our never-failing guide. 
 
 Virtue, contrition, with unfeigned tears, 
 
 The spots of vice wash'd off, will soon restore it 
 
 To the first pureness. 
 
 Hon. I am disenchanted : 
 Mercy, O mercy, heavens ! ^Kneels. 
 
 Ladis. I am ravish'd 
 With what I have seen and heard. 
 
 Ferd. Let us descend. 
 And hear the rest below. 
 
 Eubu. This hath fallen out 
 Beyond my expectation. [They retire. 
 
 Hon. How have I wander'd 
 Out of the track of piety ! and misled 
 By overweening pride, and flattery 
 Of fawning sycophants, (the bane of greatness,) 
 Could never meet till now a passenger. 
 That in his charity would set me right. 
 Or stay me in my precipice to ruin. 
 How ill have I return'd your goodness to me ! 
 The horror, in my thought oft, turns me marble : 
 But if it may be yet prevented 
 
 Re-enter Ladislaus, Eubulus, Ferdinand, Acanthe, and 
 others, below. 
 
 O sir, 
 What can I do to shew my sorrow, or 
 With what brow ask your pardon ? 
 
 Ladis. Pray you, rise. 
 
 Hon. Never, till you forgive me, and receive 
 Unto your love and favour a changed woman : 
 My state and pride turn'd to humility, henceforth 
 Shall wait on your commands, and my obedience 
 Steer'd only by your will. 
 
 Ladis. And that will prove 
 A second and a better marriage to me. 
 All is forgotten. 
 
 Hon. Sir, I must not rise yet, 
 Till, with a free confession of a crime 
 Unknown to you yet, and a following suit, 
 Which thus I beg, be granted. 
 
 Ladis. I melt with you : 
 'Tis pardon'd, and confirm'd thus. iRaises her. 
 
 Hon. Know then, sir. 
 In malice to this good knight's wife, I practised 
 Ubaldo and Ricardo to corrupt her. 
 
 Bapt. Thence grew the change of the picture. 
 
 \_Aside. 
 
 Hon. And how far 
 They have prevail'd, I am ignorant : now, if you, 
 
 sir, 
 For the honour of this good man, may be entreated 
 To travel thither, it being but a day's journey. 
 To fetch them off 
 
 Ladis. We will put on to-night. 
 
 Bapt. I, if you please, your harbinger^ 
 
 Ladis. I thank you. 
 Let me embrace you in my arms ; your service 
 Done on the Turk, compared with this, weighs 
 nothing. 
 
 Math. I am still your humble creature. 
 
 Ladis. My true friend. 
 
 Ferd. And so you are bound to hold him. 
 
 Eubu. Such a plant 
 Imported to your kingdom, and here grafted. 
 Would yield more fruit than all the idle weeds 
 That suck up your rain of favour. 
 
 Ladis. In my will 
 I'll not be wanting. Prepare for our journey. 
 In act be my Honoria now, not name. 
 And to all aftertimes preserve thy fame. lExeunt. 
 
SCKNE I. 
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 235 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I. — Bohemia. A Hall in Mathias' 
 
 House. 
 
 Enter Sophia, Corisca, and IIilario. 
 
 Soph. Are they then so humble ? 
 
 Nil. Hunger and hard labour 
 Have tamed them, madam ; at the first they 
 
 bellow'd 
 I^ike stags ta'en in a toil, and would not work 
 For sullenness ; but when they found, without it, 
 There was no eating, and that, to starve to death, 
 Was much against their stomachs ; by degrees, 
 Against their wills, they fell to it. 
 
 Coris. And now feed on 
 The little pittance you allow, with gladness. 
 
 Hil. I do remember ,that they stopp'd their 
 noses 
 At the sight of beef and mutton, as coarse feeding 
 For their fine palates ; but now, their work being 
 
 ended. 
 They leap at a barley crust, and hold cheese-parings, 
 With a spoonful of pall'd wine pour'd in their water, 
 For festival-exceedings. 
 
 Coris. When I examine 
 My spinster's work, he trembles like a prentice. 
 And takes a box on the ear, when I spy faults 
 And botches in his labour, as a favour 
 From a curst mistress. 
 
 Hil. The other, too, reels well 
 For his time ; and if your ladyship would please 
 To see them for your sport, since they want airing, 
 It would do well, in my judgment ; you shall hear 
 Such a hungry dialogue from them 1 
 
 Soph. But suppose, 
 W^hen they are o\it of prison, they should grow 
 Rebellious ? 
 
 Hil. Never fear't ; I'll undertake 
 To lead them out by the nose with a coarse thread 
 Of the one's spinning, and make the other reel 
 
 after. 
 And without grumbling ; and when you are weary 
 Their company, as easily return them. [of 
 
 Coris. Dear madam, it will help to drive away 
 Your melancholy. 
 
 Soph. Well, on this assurance, • 
 
 I am content ; bring them hither. 
 
 Hil. I will do it 
 In stately equipage. lExit. 
 
 Soph. They have confess'd, then. 
 They were set on by the queen, to taint me in 
 My loyalty to my lord ? 
 
 Coris. 'Twas the main cause, 
 That brought them 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 step aside, 
 They come : the object's so ridiculous, 
 In spite of my sad thoughts, I cannot but lend 
 A forced smile to grace it. 
 
 Re-enter Hilario, with UiiALDO spinning, and Ricardo 
 reeling. 
 Hil. Come away : 
 Work as you go, and lose no time, 'tis precious ; 
 You'll find it in your commons. 
 Ric. Commons, call you it ! 
 The word is proper ; I have grazed so long 
 Upon your commons, I am almost starv'd here. 
 
 Hil. Work harder, and they shall be better'd. 
 
 Ubald. Better'd ! 
 Worser they cannot be : would I might lie 
 Like a dog under her table, and serve for a foot- 
 stool. 
 So I might have my belly full of that 
 Her Iceland cur refuses ! 
 
 Hil. How do you like 
 Your airing ? is it not a favour ? 
 
 Ric. Yes ; 
 Just such a one as you use to a brace of grey- 
 hounds, 
 When they are led out of their kennels to scumber ; 
 But our case is ten times harder, we have nothing 
 In our bellies to be vented : if you will be 
 An honest yeoman-fewterer, feed us first, 
 And walk us after. 
 
 Hil. Yeoman-fewterer ! 
 Such another word to your governor, and you go 
 Supperless to bed for't. 
 
 Ubald. Nay, even as you please ; 
 The comfortable names of breakfasts, dinners, 
 Collations, supper, beverage, are words 
 Worn out of our remembrance. 
 
 Ric. O for the steam 
 Of meat in a cook's shop ! 
 
 Ubald. I am so dry, 
 I have not spittle enough to wet my fingers 
 When I draw my flax from my distaff. 
 
 Ric. Nor I strength 
 To raise my hand to the top of my reeler. Oh ! 
 I have the cramp all over me. 
 
 Hil. What do you think 
 Were best to apply to it ? A cramp-stone, as I 
 
 take it, 
 Were very useful. 
 
 Ric. Oh ! no more of stones. 
 We have been used too long like hawks already. 
 
 Ubald. We are not so high in our flesh now to 
 need casting. 
 We will come to an empty fist. 
 
 Hil. Nay, that you shall not. 
 So ho, birds ! — [Holds up a piece of bread.} — How 
 
 the eyasses scratch and scramble ! 
 Take heed of a surfeit, do not cast your gorges ; 
 This is more than I have commission for; be 
 thankful. 
 
 Soph. Were aU that study the abuse of women. 
 Used thus, the city would not swarm with cuckolds, 
 Nor so many tradesmen break. 
 
 Coris. Pray you, appear now. 
 And mark the alteration. [Sophia comes forward. 
 
 Hil. To your work. 
 My lady is in presence ; shew your duties : 
 Exceeding well. 
 
 Soph. How do your scholars profit ? 
 
 Hil. Hold up your heads demurely. Prettily, 
 For young beginners. 
 
 Coris. And will do well in time, 
 If they be kept in awe. 
 
 Ric In awe ! I am sure 
 I quake like an aspen leaf. 
 
 Ubald. No mercy, lady ? 
 
 Ric. Nor intermission ? 
 
 Soph. Let me see your work : 
 Fie upon't, what a thread's here ! a poor cobbler'3 
 wife 
 
230 
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 Would make a finer to sew a clown's rent startup ; 
 And here you reel as you were drunk. 
 
 liic. I am sure 
 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 must continue in this physical diet, 
 'J'ill the cause of your disease be ta'en away, 
 For fear of a relapse ; and that is dangerous : 
 Yet I hope already that you are in some 
 Degree recovered, and that way to resolve me, 
 Answer 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 fresh and handsome lady ? 
 
 maid. How! a lady? 
 O, I am past it ; hunger with her razor 
 Hath made me an eunuch. 
 
 Ric. For a mess of porridge, 
 Well sopp'd with a bunch of radish and a carrot, 
 I would sell my barony ; but for women, oh ! 
 No more of women : not a doit for a doxy. 
 After this hungry voyage. 
 
 Soph. These are truly 
 Good symptoms ; let them not venture too much 
 
 in the air, 
 Till they are weaker. 
 
 Jiic. This is tyranny. 
 
 Ubald. Scorn upon scorn. 
 
 Soph. You were so 
 In your malicious intents to me, 
 
 Enter a Servant. 
 
 And therefore 'tis but justice What's the busi- 
 ness .' 
 
 Serv. My lord's great friend, signior Baptista, 
 madam. 
 Is newly lighted from his horse, with certain 
 Assurance of my lord's arrival. 
 
 Soph. How ! 
 And stand I trifling here ? Hence with the mon- 
 grels 
 To their several kennels ; there let them howl in 
 I'll be no further troubled. [private ; 
 
 \_Exeunt SorniA and Servant. 
 
 Ubald. O that ever 
 I saw this fury ! 
 
 Rio. Or look'd on a woman 
 But as a prodigy in nature ! 
 
 Hil. Silence ; 
 No more of this. 
 
 Coris. Methinks you have no cause 
 To repent your being here. 
 
 Hil. Have you not learnt, 
 When your states are spent, your several trades to 
 And never charge the hospital ? [live by, 
 
 Coris. Work but tightly. 
 And we will not use a dish-clout rn the house. 
 But of your spinning. 
 
 Ubald. O, I would this hemp 
 Were tum'd to a halter ! 
 
 Hil. Will you march ? 
 
 Ric. A soft one. 
 Good general, I beseech you. 
 
 Ubald. I can hardly 
 Draw ray legs after me. 
 
 Hil. For a crutch, you may use 
 Your distaff; a good wit makes use of all things. 
 
 [Exeunt, 
 
 SCENE II. — A Room in the same. 
 Enter Sophia and Baptista. 
 
 Soph. Was he jealous of rae ? 
 
 Bapt. There's no perfect love 
 Without some touch oft, madam. 
 
 Soph. And my picture, 
 Made by your devilish art a spy upon 
 My actions ! I ne'er sat to be drawn. 
 Nor had you, sir, commission for't. 
 
 Bapt. Excuse me ; 
 At his earnest suit I did it. 
 
 Soph. Very good : — 
 Was I grown so cheap in his opinion of rae ? 
 
 Bapt. The prosperous events that crown his 
 fortunes, 
 May qualify the offence. 
 
 Soph. Good, the events ! — 
 The sanctuary fools and madmen fly to, 
 When their rash and desperate undertakings thrive 
 
 well: 
 But good and wise men are directed by 
 Grave counsels, and with such deliberation 
 Proceed in their afflairs, that chance has nothing 
 To do with them : how^soe'er, take the pains, sir. 
 To meet the honour (in the king and queen's 
 Approaches to my house) that breaks upon me ; 
 I will expect them with ray best of care. 
 
 Bapt. To entertain such royal guests 
 
 Soph. I know it ; 
 Leave that to me, sir. [Exit Baptista.] What 
 
 should move the queen, 
 So given to ease and pleasure, as fame speaks 
 
 her, 
 To such a journey ! or work on my lord, 
 To doubt my loyalty, nay, more, to take, 
 For the resolution of his fears, a course 
 That is by holy writ denied a christian ? 
 'Twas impious in him, and perhaps the welcome 
 He hopes in my embraces, may deceive 
 
 ^Trumpets sounded. 
 His expectation. The trumpets speak 
 The king's arrival : help, a woman's wit now. 
 To make him know his fault, and my just anger ! 
 
 lExit. 
 
 SCENE III.— ^ Hall in the same. 
 
 A Flourish. Enter Ladtslaus, Ferdtnand, Eiibulus, 
 Mathias, Baptista, Honoria, and Acanthk, with 
 Attendants. 
 
 Eiibu. Your majesty must be weary. 
 
 Hon. No, my lord, 
 A wilting mind makes a hard journey easy. 
 
 Math. • Not Jove, attended on by Hermes, was 
 More welcome to the cottage of Philemon, 
 And his poor Baucis, than your gracious self, 
 Your matchless queen, and all your royal train, 
 Are to your servant and his wife. 
 
 Ladis. Where is she ? 
 
 Hon. I long to see her as my now-loved rival. 
 
 Eubu. And I to have a smack at her; 'tis a 
 cordial 
 To an old man, better than sack and a toast 
 Before he goes to supper. 
 
 Math. Ha ! is my house tum'd 
 To a wilderness ? nor wife nor servants ready, 
 With all rites due to majesty, to receive 
 Such unexpected blessings ! You assured me 
 
SCFNE III 
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 237 
 
 Of better preparation ; hath not 
 
 The excess of joy transported her beyond 
 
 Her understanding ? 
 
 Bapt. T now parted from her, 
 And gave her your directions. 
 
 Math. How shall I beg 
 Your majesties' patience ! sure my family's drunk, 
 Or by some witch, in envy of my glory, 
 A dead sleep thrown upon them. 
 
 Enter IIilario and Servants. 
 
 Serv. Sir. 
 
 Math. But that 
 The sacred presence of the king forbids it. 
 My sword should make a massacre among you. 
 Where is your mistress ? 
 
 mi. First, you are welcome home, sir : 
 Then know, she says she's sick, sir. — There's no 
 
 notice 
 Taken of my bravery ! lAside. 
 
 Math. Sick at such a time ! 
 It cannot be : though she were on her deathbed. 
 And her spirit e'en now departed, here stand they 
 Could call it back again, and in this honour, 
 Give her a second being. Bring me to her ; 
 I know not what to urge, or how to redeem 
 This mortgage of her manners. 
 
 [Exeunt MATHrAs, IIilario, and Servants, 
 
 Eubu. There's no climate 
 On the world. I think, where one jade's trick or 
 Reigns not in women. [other 
 
 Ferd. You were ever bitter 
 Against the sex. 
 
 Ladis. This is very strange. 
 
 Hon. Mean women 
 Have their faults, as well as queens. 
 
 Ladis. O, she appears now. 
 
 Re-enter Mathias with Sophia ; UsLARio/olloteing. 
 
 Math. The injury that you conceive I have 
 done you 
 Dispute hereafter, and in your perverseness 
 Wrong not yourself and me. 
 
 Soph. I am past my childhood, 
 And need no tutor. 
 
 Math. This is the great king, 
 To whom I am engaged till death for all 
 I stand possess'd of. 
 
 Soph. My humble roof is proud, sir. 
 To be the canopy of so much greatness 
 Set off with goodness. 
 
 Ladis. My own praises flying 
 In such pure air as your sweet breath, fair lady, 
 Cannot but please me. 
 
 Math. This is the queen of queens, 
 In her magnificence to me. 
 
 Soph. In my duty 
 I kiss her highness' robe. 
 
 Hon. You stoop too low 
 To her whose lips would meet with yours. 
 
 IKisses her. 
 
 Soph. Howe'er 
 It may appear preposterous in women, 
 So to encounter, 'tis your pleasure, madam. 
 And not my proud ambition. — Do you hear, sir .' 
 Without a magical picture, in the touch 
 1 find your print of close and wanton kisses 
 On the queen's lips. [Aside to Mathias. 
 
 Math. Upon your life be silent : — 
 \nd now salute these lords. 
 
 Soph. Since you will have me, 
 You shall see I am experienced at the game, 
 And can play it tightly. — You are a brave man, sir, 
 
 [To Ferdinand, 
 And do deserve a free and hearty welcome : 
 Be this the prologue to it. [Kisses him. 
 
 Eubu. An old man's turn 
 Is ever last in kissing. I have lips too, 
 However cold ones, madam. 
 
 Soph. I will warm them 
 With the fire of mine. [Kisses him. 
 
 Eubu. And so she has I I thank you, 
 I shall sleep the better all night for't. 
 
 Math. You express 
 The boldness of a wanton courtezan, 
 And not a matron's modesty ; take up. 
 Or you are disgraced for ever. [Aside to Soph. 
 
 Soph. How .' with kissing 
 Feelingly, as you taught me ? would you have me 
 Turn my cheek to them, as proud ladies use 
 To their inferiors, as if they intended 
 Some business should be whisper'd in their eor, 
 And not a salutation ? what I do, 
 I will do freely ; now I am in the humour, 
 I'll fly at all : are there any more ? 
 
 Math. Forbear, 
 Or you will raise my anger to a height 
 That will descend in fury. 
 
 Soph. Why ? you know 
 How to resolve yourself what my intents are. 
 By the help of Mephostophilus, and your picture : 
 Pray you, look upon't again. I humbly thank 
 The queen's great care of me while you were 
 
 absent, 
 She knew how tedious 'twas for a young wife, 
 And being for that time a kind of widow. 
 To pass away her melancholy hours 
 Without good company, and in charity, therefore. 
 Provided for 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 ; and as such 
 Employ'd by her, I hope I have received 
 And entertain'd them ; nor shall they depart, 
 Without the effect arising from the cause 
 That brought them hither. 
 
 Math. Thou dost belie thyself : 
 I know that in my absence thou wert honest, 
 However now turn'd monster. 
 
 Soph. The truth is, 
 W^e did not deal, like you, in speculations 
 On cheating pictures ; we knew shadows were 
 No substances, and actual performance 
 The best a'ssurance. I will bring them hither, 
 To make good in this presence so much for me. 
 Some minutes space I beg your majesties' pardon. — 
 You are moved now : — champ upon this bit a 
 
 little. 
 Anon you shall have another. Wait me, Hilario. 
 [Exeunt Sophia and Hilario. 
 
 Ladis. How now ? turn'd statue, sir ! 
 
 Math. Fly, and fly quickly. 
 From this cursed habitation, or this Gorgon 
 Will make you all as 1 am. In her tongue 
 Millions of adders hiss, and every hair 
 Upon her wicked head a snake more dreadful, 
 Than that Tisiphone threw on Athamas, 
 Which in his madness forced him to dismember 
 His proper issue. O that ever I 
 Reposed my trust in magick, or believed 
 
2S.n 
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 Impossibilities ! or that charms had power 
 To sink and search into the bottomless hell 
 Of a false woman's heart ! 
 
 Eubu. These are the fruits 
 Of marriage ! an old bachelor as I am , 
 And, what's more, will continue so, is not troubled 
 With these fine vagaries. 
 
 Ferd. Till you are resolv'd, sir, 
 Forsake not hope. 
 
 Bapt. Upon my life, this is 
 Dissimulation. 
 
 Ladis. And it suits not with 
 Your fortitude and wisdom, to be thus 
 Transported with your passion. 
 
 Hon. You were once 
 Deceived in me, sir, as I was in you ; 
 Yet the deceit pleased both. 
 
 Math. She hath confess'd all ; 
 What further proof should I ask ? 
 
 Hon. Yet remember 
 The distance that is interposed between 
 A woman's tongue and her heart ; and you must 
 
 grant, 
 You build upon no certainties. 
 
 Re-enter Sophia, Comscx, and Hilario, with Ubaldo and 
 RicARDO in rags, and spinning and reeling, as be/ore. 
 
 Eubu. What have we here ? 
 
 Soph. You must come on, and shew you^rselves. 
 
 Ubald. The king ! 
 
 Ric. And queen too ! would I were as far under 
 the earth 
 As I am above it ! 
 
 Ubald. Some poet will. 
 From this relation, or in verse or prose, 
 Or both together blended, render us 
 Ridiculous to all ages. 
 
 Ladis. 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. 
 
 Ubald. I am now I know not what. 
 
 Ric. We thank your majesty for employing us 
 To this subtle Circe. 
 
 Eubu. How, my lord ! turn'd spinster ! 
 Do you work by the day, or the great ? 
 
 Ferd. Is your theorbo 
 Turn'd to a distaff, signior ? and your voice. 
 With which you chanted, Room for a lusty gallant ! 
 Tuned to the note of Lachrymce ? 
 
 Eubit. Prithee tell me. 
 For I know thou'rt free, how oft, and to the pur- 
 You've been merry with this lady ? ' [pose, 
 
 Ric. Never, never. 
 
 Ladis. Howsoever, you should say so for your 
 credit, 
 Being the only court-bull. 
 
 Ubald. O, that ever 
 I saw this kicking heifer ! 
 
 Soph. You see, madam. 
 How I have cured your servants, and what favours, 
 They, with their rampant valour, have won from me. 
 You may., as they are physic'd, I presume. 
 Trust a fair virgin with them ; they have learn'd 
 Their several trades to live by, and paid nothing 
 But cold and hunger for them ; and may now 
 Set up for themselves, for here I give them over. 
 And now to you, sir ; why do you not again 
 Peruse your picture and take the advice 
 
 Of your learned consort ? these are the men, or 
 
 none, 
 That made you, as the Italian says, a becco. 
 
 Math. I know not which way to entreat your 
 pardon, 
 Nor am I worthy of it. My Sophia, 
 My best Sophia, here before the king. 
 The qxieen, these lords, and all the lookers on, 
 I do renounce my error, and embrac^you. 
 As the great example to all aftertimes, 
 For such as would die chaste and noble wives, 
 With reverence to imitate. 
 
 Soph. Not so, sir ; 
 I yet hold off. However I have purged 
 My doubted innocence, the foul aspersions, 
 In your unmanly doubts, cast on my honour, 
 Cannot so soon be wash'd off. 
 
 Eubu. Shall we have 
 More jiggabobs yet ? 
 
 Soph. When you went to the wars, 
 I set no spy upon you, to observe 
 Which way you wander'd, though our sex by na- 
 Is subject to suspicions and fears ; [ture 
 
 My confidence in your loyalty freed me from them. 
 But, to deal, as you did, against your religion, 
 With this enchanter, to survey my actions. 
 Was more than woman's weakness ; therefore know, 
 And 'tis my boon unto the king, I do 
 Desire a separation from your bed ; 
 For I will spend the remnant of my life 
 In prayer and meditation. 
 
 Math. O take pity 
 Upon my weak condition, or 1 am 
 More wretched in your innocence, than if 
 I had found you guilty. Have you shewn a jewel 
 Out of the cabinet of your rich mind. 
 To lock it up again ? — She turns away. 
 Will none speak for me ? shame and sin have 
 
 robb'd me 
 Of the use of my tongue. 
 
 Ladis. Since 3'^ou have conquer'd, madam, 
 You wrong the glory of your victory, 
 If you use it not with mercy. 
 
 Ferd. Any penance 
 You please to impose upon him, I dare warrant 
 He will gladly suffer. 
 
 Eubu. Have I lived to see 
 But one good woman, and shall we for a trifle. 
 Have her turn nun } I will first pull down the 
 
 cloister. 
 To the old sport again, with a good luck to you ! 
 'Tis not alone enough that you are good. 
 We must have some of the breed of you : will you 
 
 destroy 
 The kind and race of goodness? I am converted, 
 And ask your pardon, madam, for my ill opinion 
 Against the sex ; and shew me but two such more, 
 I'll marry yet, and love them. 
 
 Hon. She that yet 
 Ne'er knew what 'twas to bend but to the king, 
 Thus begs remission for him. 
 
 Soph. O, dear madam, 
 Wrong not your greatness so. 
 
 Omnes. We all are suitors. 
 
 Ubald. I do deserve to be heard among the rest- 
 
 Ric. And we have suffer'd for it. 
 
 Soph. I perceive 
 There's no resistance ; but, suppose T pardon 
 What's past, who can secure me he'll be free 
 From jealousy hereafter .' 
 
SCENE III. 
 
 THE PICTURE. 
 
 23.0 
 
 Math. I will be 
 My own security : go, ride, where you please ; 
 Feast, revel, banquet, and make choice with whom, 
 I'll set no watch upon you ; and, for proof of it, 
 This cursed picture I surrender up 
 To a consuming fire. 
 
 Bapt. As I abjure 
 The practice of my art. 
 
 Soph. Upon these terms 
 I am reconciled ; and, for these that have paid 
 The price of their folly, I desire your mercy. 
 
 Ladis. At your request they have it. 
 
 Ubald. Hang all trades now ! 
 
 liic. I will lind a new one, and that is, to live 
 honest. 
 
 Hil. These are my fees. 
 
 Ubald. Pray you, take them, with a mischief ! 
 
 Ladis. So, all ends in peace now. 
 And. to all married men, be this a caution, 
 Wmch. tney should duly tender as their life, 
 Neither to dote too much, nor doubt a wife. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, AND MY ESPECIAL GOOD LORD, 
 
 JOHN LORD MOHUN, 
 
 BARON OF OKEKAMPTON, ETC. 
 
 JIy good Lord, — Let my presumption in stj'ling you so, (having never deserved it in my service,) fronr the 
 clemency of your noble disposition, find pardon. The reverence due to the name of Mohun, long since honoured in 
 three earls of Somerset, and eight barons of Munster, may challenge from all pens a deserved celebration. And the 
 rather in respect those titles were not purchased, but conferred, and continued in your ancestors, for many virtuous, 
 noble, and still living actions ; nor ever forfeited or tainted, but when the iniquity of those times laboured the 
 depression of approved goodness, and in wicked policy held it fit that loyalty and faith, in taking part with the true 
 prince, should be degraded and mulcted. But this admitting no further dilation in this place, may your lordship 
 please, and with all possible brevity, to understand the reasons why I am, in humble thankfulness, ambitious to shelter 
 this poem under the wings of your honourable protection. My worthy friend, Mr. Aston Cockayne, your nephew, to 
 my extraordinary content, delivered to me that your lordship, at your vacant hours, sometimes vouchsafed to per ufo 
 such trifles of mine as have passed the press, and not alone warranted them in your gentle suff'rage, but disdained nut 
 to bestow a remembrance of your love, and intended favour to me. I profess to the woiid, I was exalted with the 
 bounty, and with good assurance, it being so rare in this age to meet with one noble name, that, in fear to be censured 
 of levity and weakness, dares express itself a friend or patron to contemned poetry. Having, therefore, no means (ilse 
 left me to witness the obligation in which I stand most willingly bound to your lordship, I offer this Tragi comedy lo 
 your gracious acceptance, no way despairing, but tliat with a clear aspect you will deign to receive it, (it being an 
 induction to my future endeavours,) and that in the list of those, that to your merit truly admire you, you msy 
 
 descend to number 
 
 Your lordship's faithful honourer, 
 
 Philip Massingjcr. 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONiE. 
 
 Theodosius the Younger, the Emperor. 
 Paulinus, a Kinsman to the Emperor. 
 Philanax, Captain of the Guard. 
 
 TiMANTUS, ^ 
 
 CHRYSAprus, \-Eunuchs of the Emperor's Chamber. 
 
 Gratianus, j 
 
 Cleon, a Traveller, Friend to Paulinus. 
 
 Patriarch. 
 
 Informer. 
 
 Projector. 
 
 Master of the Habits and Manners. 
 
 Minion of the Suburbs. 
 
 Countryman. 
 
 Surgeon. 
 
 Empiric. 
 
 PuLCHERiA, the Protectress, Sister to the Emperor 
 Athenais, a strange Virgin, afterwards Empress, 
 
 and named Eudocia. 
 Arcadia, 
 Flaccilla, 
 
 > the younger Sisters of the Emperor. 
 
 Officers, Suitors, Attendants, Guards, Huntsman, 
 Executioners, Servants, Sfc. 
 
 SCENE, — Constantinople. 
 
 PROLOGUE 
 
 AT THE BLACKFRIARS. 
 
 But that imperious custom warrants it. 
 Our author with much willingness would omit 
 This preface to his new work. He hath found, 
 (And suffer^dforH,) many are apt to wound 
 His credit in this kind : and, whether he 
 Express himself fearful, or peremptory. 
 He cannot ^ scape their censures who delight 
 To misapply n-hatever he shall write. 
 ' Tis his hard fate. And though he will not sue, 
 Or basely beg such suffrages, yet, to you, . 
 Fi'ee and ingenious spirits^ he doth noiv, 
 In me, present his service, wih his vow. 
 
 He hath done his best ; 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 observe some pieces drawn like one, 
 
 Of a stedfast hand ; and, ivith the whiter stone. 
 
 To he mark'd in your fair censures. More than this 
 
 I am forbid to promise, and it is 
 
 With the most till you confirm it : since we know 
 
 Whatever the shaft be, archer, or the how 
 
 From which 'tis sent, it cannot hit the white 
 
 Unless your approbation guide it right. 
 
THE EMPE-ROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 241 
 
 PROLOGUE 
 
 AT COURT. 
 
 As ever, sir, you lent a gracious ear 
 fo oppressed innocence, now vouchsafe to hear 
 A short petition. At your feet, in me. 
 The poet kneels, and to your majesty 
 Appeals for justice. What we now preseiit. 
 When first conceived, in his vote and intent. 
 Was sacred to your pleasure ; in each part 
 With his best of fancy, judgment, language, art, 
 Fashioned and formed so, as might well, and may 
 Deserve a welcome, and no vulgar way. 
 
 He durst not, sir, at such a solemn feast. 
 Lard his grave matter with one scurrilous jest ; 
 But laboured that no passage might appear. 
 But what the queen without a blush might hear : 
 And yet this poor work suffered by the rage 
 And envy of some Catos of the stage: 
 Yet stitl he hopes this Play, which then was seen 
 With sore eyes, and condemn' d out of their spleen. 
 May be by you, the supreme judge , set free, 
 Ayid raised above the reach of calumny. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I.— A Room in the Palace. 
 
 Enter Paulinus and Cleon. 
 
 Paul. In your six years' travel, friend, no doubt, 
 you have met with 
 Many and rare adventures, and observed 
 The wonders of each climate, varying in 
 The manners and the men ; and so return, 
 For the future service of your prince and country, 
 In your understanding better'd. 
 
 Cle, Sir, I have made of it 
 The best use 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 miracies in our age 
 At home behind me ; every where abroad. 
 Fame, with a true though prodigal voice, deliver'd 
 Such wonders of Pulcheria, the princess. 
 To the amazement, nay astonishment rather, 
 Of such as heard it, that I found not one, 
 In all the states and kingdoms that I pass'd through. 
 Worthy to be her second. 
 
 Paul. She, indeed, is 
 A perfect phcenix, and disdains a rival. 
 Her infant years, as you know, promised much. 
 But, grown to ripeness, she transcends, and makes 
 Credulity her debtor. I will tell you, 
 In my blunt way, to entertain the time, 
 Until you have the happiness to see her, 
 How in your absence she hath born herself. 
 And with all possible brevity ; though the subject 
 Is such a spacious field, as would require 
 An abstract of the purest eloquence 
 (Derived from the most famous orators 
 The nurse of learning, Athens, shew'd the world) 
 In that man, that should undertake to be 
 Her true historian. 
 
 Cle. In this you shall do me 
 A special favour. 
 
 Paul. Since Arcadius' death, 
 Our late great master, the protection of 
 The prince, his son, the second Theodosius, 
 By a general vote and suffrage of the people, 
 Was to her charge assign'd, with the disposure 
 Of his so many kingdoms. For his person, 
 She hath so train'd him up in all those arts 
 That are berth great and good, and to be wish'd i 
 111 on imperial monarch, that the mother r j 
 
 Of the Gracchi, grave Cornelia, Rome still boasts of, 
 
 The wise Pulcheria but named, must 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 practised 
 
 Her private lodgings a chaste nunnery, 
 
 In which her sisters, as probationers, hear 
 
 From her, their sovereign abbess, all the precepts 
 
 Read in the school of virtue. 
 
 Cle. You amaze me. 
 
 Paul. I shall, ere I conclude ; for here the wonder 
 Begins, not ends. Her soul is so immense. 
 And her strong faculties so apprehensive. 
 To search into the depth of deep designs, 
 And of all natures, that the burthen, which 
 To many men were insupportable, 
 To her is but a gentle exercise, 
 Made, by the frequent use, familiar to her. 
 
 Cle. With your good favour, let me interrupt you. 
 Being, as she is, in every part so perfect, 
 Methinks that all kings of our eastern world 
 Should become rivals for her. 
 
 Paul. So they have ; 
 But to no purpose. She, that knows her strength 
 To rule and govern monarchs, scorns to wear 
 On her free neck the servile yoke of marriage ; 
 And for one loose desire, envy itself 
 Dares not presume to taint her. Venus' soa 
 Is blind indeed when he but gazes on her ; 
 Her chastity being a rock of diamonds. 
 With which encounter'd, his shafts fly in splinters ; 
 His flaming torches iik the living spring 
 Of her perfections quench'd : and, to crown all, 
 She's so impartial when she sits upon 
 The high tribunal, neither sway'd with pity, 
 Nor awed by fear, beyond her equal scale, 
 That 'tis not superstition Co believe 
 Astrea once more lives upon the earth, 
 Pulcheria's breast her temple. 
 
 Cle. You have given her • 
 
 An admirable character. 
 
 Paul. She deserves it : 
 And, such is the commanding power of ^'irtue, 
 That from her vicious enemies it compels 
 Paeans of praise, as a due tribute to her. 
 
 {Loud music. 
 
 Cle. What means this solemn music ? 
 
 Paul. Sir. it ushers 
 The emperor's morning meditation. 
 
242 
 
 THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 In which Pulcheria is more than assistant. 
 'Tis worth your observation, and you may 
 Collect from her expense of time this day, 
 How her hours, for many years, have been disposed 
 Cle. I am all eyes and ears. [of. 
 
 Enter, after a strain of solemn music, Philanax, 
 TiJNiANTUs, Patriarch, Theodosius, Pulcherfa, Flac- 
 ciLLA, and Arcadia ; followed by Chrysap/us and 
 Gratianus ; Servants, and Officers. 
 
 Pul. Your patience, sir. 
 Let those corrupted ministers of the court. 
 Which you complain of, our devotions ended, 
 Be cited to appear : for the ambassadors 
 Who are importunate to have audience. 
 From me you may assure them, that to-morrow 
 They shall in public kiss the emperor's robe. 
 And we in private, with our soonest leisure. 
 Will give them hearing. Have you especial care too, 
 That free access be granted unto all 
 Petitioners. The morning wears. — Pray you, on. 
 Time lost is ne'er recover'd. "sir ; 
 
 [Exeunt all but Paulinus and Cleon. 
 
 Paul. Did you note 
 The majesty she appears in ? 
 
 Cle. Yes, my good lord ; 
 I was ravish'd with it. 
 
 Paul. And then, with what speed 
 She orders her dispatches, not one daring 
 To interpose ; the emperor himself, 
 Without reply, putting in act whatever 
 She pleased to impose upon him. 
 
 Cle. Yet there were some. 
 That, in their sullen looks, rather confess'd 
 A forced constraint to serve her, than a will 
 To be at her devotion : what are they ? 
 
 Paul. Eunuchs of the emperor's chamber, that 
 repine 
 The globe and awful sceptre should give place 
 Unto the distaff ; for, as such, they whisper 
 A woman's government, but dare not yet 
 Express themselves. 
 
 Cle. From whence are the ambassadors 
 To whom she promised audience ? 
 
 Paul. They are 
 Employ'd by divers princes, w^ho desire 
 Alliance with our emperor, whose years now, 
 As you see, write him man. One would advance 
 A daughter to the honour of his bed ; 
 A second, his fair sister : to instruct you 
 In the particulars would ask longer time 
 Than my own designs give way to. 1 have letters 
 From special friends of mine, that to my care 
 Commend a stranger virgin, whom this morning 
 I purpose to present before the princess : 
 If you please, you may accompany me. 
 
 Cic. I'll wait on you. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — Another Room in the same. 
 
 Enter the Informer, with Officers bringing in the Pro- 
 jector, the Minion of the Suburbs, and the Master of 
 the Habit and Manners. 
 
 Infer. Why should you droop, or nan^ your 
 working heads ? 
 No danger is meant to you ; pray bear up : 
 For aught I know, you are cited to receive 
 Preferment due to your merits. 
 
 Proj. Very likely : 
 In all the projects! have read and practised, 
 
 I never found one man compell'd to come, 
 Before the seat of justice, under guard, 
 To receive honour. 
 
 Infor. No ! it may be, you are 
 The first example. Men of qualities, 
 As I have deliver'd you to the protectress, 
 Who knows how to advance them, cannot conceive 
 A fitter place to have their virtues publish'd, 
 Than in open court. Could you hope that the 
 
 princess. 
 Knowing your precious merits, will reward them 
 In a private corner ? No ; you know not yet 
 How you may be exalted. 
 
 Min. To the gallows. 
 
 Infor. Fie ! 
 Nor yet depress'd to the gallies ; in your names 
 You carry no such crimes ; your specious titles 
 Cannot but take her : — President of the Projectors ! 
 What a noise it makes ! The Master of the Habit ! 
 How proud would some one country be that I know, 
 To be your first pupil ! Minion of the Suburbs, 
 And now and then admitted to the court. 
 And honour'd with the style of Squire of Dames ! 
 What hurt is in it ? One thing I must tell ycu. 
 As I am the state-scout, you may think me an in- 
 
 Mast. They are synonyma. 'former. 
 
 Infor. Conceal nothing from her 
 Of your good parts, 'twill be the better for you ; 
 Or if you should, it matters not ; she 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, and Athenais, with a petition. 
 
 Athen. Can I hope, sir, 
 Oppressed innocence shall find protection 
 And justice among strangers, when my brothers. 
 Brothers of one womb, by one sire begotten. 
 Trample on my afflictions ? 
 
 Paul. Forget them, 
 Remembering those may help you. 
 
 Athen. They have robb'd me 
 Of all means to prefer my just complaint, 
 With any promising hope to gain a hearing, 
 Much less redress : petitions not sweetened 
 With gold, are but unsavoury, oft refused ; 
 Or, if received, are pocketed, not read. 
 A suitor's swelling tears by the glowing beams 
 Of choleric authority are dried up 
 Before they fall, or if seen, never pitied. 
 What will become of a forsaken maid ! 
 My flattering hopes are too weak to encounter 
 With my strong enemy, despair, and 'tis 
 In vain to oppose her. 
 
 Cle. Cheer her up ; she faints, sir. 
 
 Paul. This argues weakness ; though your 
 brothers were 
 Cruel beyond expression, and the judges 
 That sentenced you, corrupt, you shall find here 
 One of your own fair sex to do you right ; 
 Whose beams of justice, like the sun, extend 
 Their light and heat to strangers, and are not 
 Municipal or confined. 
 
 Athen. Pray you, do not feed me 
 With airy hopes ; unless you can assure me 
 The great Pulcheria will descend to hear 
 My miserable story, it were better 
 I died without the trouble. 
 
 Paul. She is bound to it 
 By the surest chain, her natural inclination 
 
snENE n. 
 
 THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 243 
 
 To help the afflicted : nor shall long delays, 
 
 More terrible to miserable suitors 
 
 Than quick denials, grieve you. Dry your fair eyes. 
 
 This room will instantly be sanctified 
 
 With her bless'd presence ; to her ready hand 
 
 Present your grievances, and rest assured 
 
 You shall depart contented. 
 
 Athen. You breathe in me 
 A second life. 
 
 Infor. Will your lordship please to hear 
 Your servant a few words ? 
 
 Paul. Away, you rascal ! 
 Did I ever keep such servants ? 
 
 Infor. If your honesty ^ 
 
 Would give you leave, it would be for your profit. 
 
 Paul. To make use of an informer ! tell me, in 
 Can you advantage me ? [what 
 
 Infor. In the first tender 
 Of a fresh suit never begg'd yet. 
 
 Paul. What's your suit, sir ? 
 
 Infor. 'Tis feasible : — here are three arrant 
 Discovered by my art. [knaves 
 
 Paul. And thou the archknave : 
 The great devour the less. 
 
 Infor. And with good reason ; 
 I must eat one a month, I cannot live else. 
 
 Paul. A notable cannibal ! but should I hear 
 In what do your knaves concern me ? [thee, 
 
 Infor. In the begging 
 Of their estates. 
 
 Paul. Before they are condemn'd ? 
 
 Infor. Yes, or arraign'd ; your lordship may 
 speak too late else. 
 They are your own, and I will be content 
 With the fifth part of a share. 
 
 Paul. Hence, rogue ! 
 
 Infor. Such rogues 
 In this kind will be heard and cherish'd too. 
 Fool that I was, to offer such a bargain 
 To a spiced-conscience chapman ! but I care not ; 
 What he disdains to taste, others will swallow. 
 
 Loud Music. Enter Theoikjsics, Pulcherta, Arcadia, 
 Flaccilla, Patriarch, Phtlanax, Tiaiantus, Chrysa- 
 pius, Gratianus, and Attendants. 
 
 Cle. They are return'd from the temple. 
 
 Paul. See, she appears ; 
 What think you now ? 
 
 Athen. A cunning painter thus, 
 Her veil ta'en ofi*, and awful sword and balance 
 Laid by, would picture Justice. 
 
 Pnl. When you please. 
 You may intend those royal exercises 
 Suiting your birth and greatness : I will bear 
 The burthen of your cares, and having purged 
 The body of your empire of ill humours, 
 Upon my knees surrender it. 
 
 Chry. Will you ever 
 Be awed thus like a boy ? 
 
 Grat. And kiss the rod 
 Of a proud mistress ? 
 
 Tim. Be what you were bom, sir. 
 
 Phil. Obedience and majesty never lodged 
 In the same inn. 
 
 Theod. No more ; he never learn 'd 
 The right way to command, that stopp'd his ears 
 To wise directions. 
 
 Pul. Read o'er the papers 
 I left upon my cabinet ; two hours hence 
 I will examine you. y^ o 
 
 Flac. We spend our time well ! 
 Nothing but praying and poring on a book. 
 It ill agrees with my constitution, sister. 
 
 Arcad. Would I had been born some masquing- 
 lady's woman, 
 Only to see strange sights, rather than live thus ! 
 
 Flac. We are gone, forsooth ; there is no remedy, 
 sister. [,Exeunt Arcadia and Flacciu^a. 
 
 Grat. What hath his eye found out ? 
 
 Tim. 'Tis fix'd upon 
 That stranger lady. 
 
 Chry. I am glad yet, that 
 He dares look on a woman. 
 
 ^All this time the Informer is kneeling to PuIiCHkhia, 
 and delivering papers, 
 
 Theo. Philanax, 
 What is that comely stranger ? 
 
 Phil. A petitioner. 
 
 Chry. Will you hear her case, and dispatch her 
 I'll undertake to bring her. [in your chamber ? 
 
 Theo. Bring me to 
 Some place where I may look on her demeanor : 
 'Tis a lovely creature ! 
 
 Chry. There's some hope in this yet. 
 ■ ^Flourish. Exeunt Theodosius, Patriarch, Philanax, 
 TiMANTus, Chrysapius, and Gratianus. 
 
 Pul. No : you have done your parts. 
 
 Paul. Now opportunity courts you, 
 Prefer your suit. 
 
 Athen. [Kneeling. '\ As low as misery 
 Can fall, for proof of my humility, 
 A poor distressed virgin bows her head, 
 And lays hold on your goodness, the last altar 
 Calamity can fly to for protection. 
 Great minds erect their never-falling trophies 
 On the firm base of mercy ; but to triumph 
 Over a suppliant, by proud fortune captived, 
 Argues a bastard conquest : — 'tis to you 
 I speak, to you, the fair and just Pulcheria, 
 The wonder of the age, your sex's honour ; 
 And as such, deign to hear me. As you have 
 A soul moulded from heaven, and do desire 
 To have it made a star there, make the means 
 Of your ascent to that celestial height 
 Virtue, wing'd with brave action : they draw near 
 The nature and the essence of the gods, 
 Who imitate their goodness. 
 
 Pul. If you were 
 A subject of the empire, which your habit 
 
 In every part denies 
 
 Athen. O, fly not to 
 Such an evasion ! whate'er I am, 
 Being a woman, in humanity 
 You are bound to right me. Though the difi*erence 
 Of my religion may seem to exclude me 
 From your defence, which you would have con- 
 The moral virtue, which is general, [fined ; 
 
 Must know no limits. By these blessed feet, 
 That pace the paths of equity, and tread boldly 
 On the stiff" neck of tyrannous oppression. 
 By these tears by which I bathe them, I conjure 
 With pity to look on me 1 [you 
 
 Pul. Pray you, rise ; 
 And, as you rise, receive this comfort from me. 
 Beauty, set off with such sweet language, never 
 Can want an advocate ; and you must bring 
 More than a guilty cause if you prevail not. 
 Some business, long since thought upon, dispatch'd, 
 You shall have hearing, and, as far as justice 
 Will warrant me, my best aids. 
 
244 
 
 THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 Athen. I do desire 
 No stronger guard ; my equity needs no favour. 
 
 [_Walks aside. 
 
 Pul. Are these the men ? 
 
 Proj. We were, an't like your highness, 
 The men, the men of eminence and mark, 
 And may continue so, if it please your grace. 
 
 Mast. This speech was well projected. 
 
 Pul. Does your conscience, 
 I will begin with you, whisper unto you 
 What here you stand accused of ? Are you named 
 The President of Projectors? 
 
 Infor. Justify it, man. 
 And tell her in what thou'rt useful. 
 
 Proj. That is apparent ; 
 And if you please, ask some about the court, 
 And they will tell you, to my rare inventions 
 They owe their bravery, "perhaps means to purchase, 
 And cannot live without me. I, alas ! 
 Lend out my labouring brains to use, and sometimes 
 For a drachma in the pound, — the more the pity 
 I am all patience, and endure the curses 
 Of many, for the profit of one patron. 
 
 Pul. I do conceive the rest. What is the se- 
 
 Infor. The Minion of the Suburbs. [cond ? 
 
 Pul. What hath he 
 To do in Constantinople ? 
 
 Min. I steal in now and then, 
 As I am thought useful ; marry, there I am call'd 
 The Squire of Dames, or Servant of the Sex, 
 And by the allowance of some sportful ladies. 
 Honour' d with that title. 
 
 Pul. Spare your character, 
 You are here decipher'd: stand by with your 
 
 compeer. 
 What is the third } a creature I ne'er heard of : 
 The Master of the Manners and the Habit ! 
 You have a double office. 
 
 Mast. In my actions 
 I make both good ; for by my theorems, 
 Which your polite and terser gallants practise, 
 I re-refine the court, and civilize 
 Their barbarous natures. I have in a table, 
 With curious punctuality set down, 
 To a hair's breadth, how low a new-stamp'd cour- 
 May vail to a country gentleman, and by [tier 
 Gradation, to his merchant, mercer, draper, 
 His linen-man, and tailor. 
 
 Pul- Pray you, discover 
 This hidden mystery. 
 
 Mast. If the foresaid courtier 
 (As it may chance sometimes) find not his name 
 Writ in the citizen's books, with a state hum 
 He may salute them after three days waiting ; 
 But, if he owe them money, that he may 
 Preserve his credit, let him in policy never 
 Appoint a day of payment, so they may hope still: 
 But, if he be to take up more, his page 
 May attend them at the gate, and usher them 
 Into his cellar, and when they are warm'd with 
 
 wine. 
 Conduct them to his bedchamber ; and though then 
 He be under his barber's hands, as soon as seen. 
 He must start up to embrace them, vail thus low ; 
 Nay, though he call them cousins, 'tis the better. 
 His dignity no way wrong'd in't. 
 
 Paul. Here's a fine knave ! 
 Pul. Does this rule hold without exception, 
 For courtiers in general ? [sirrah. 
 
 Mast. No, dear madam, 
 
 For one of the last edition ; and for him 
 
 I have composed a dictionary, in which 
 
 He is instructed, how, when^ and to whom 
 
 To be proud or humble ; at what times of the year 
 
 He may do a good deed for itself, and that is 
 
 Writ in dominical letters ; all days else 
 
 Are his own, and of those days the several hours 
 
 Mark'd out, and to what use. 
 
 Pul. Shew us your method ; 
 I am strangely taken with it. 
 
 Mast. 'Twill deserve 
 A pension, I hope. First, a strong cullis 
 In his bed, to heighten appetite ; shuttle-cock, 
 To keep him in breath when he rises : tennis courts 
 Are chargeable, and the riding of great horses 
 Too boisterous for my young courtier ; let the old 
 I think not of, use it : next, his meditation [ones 
 How to court his mistress, and that he may seem 
 Let him be furnish' d with confederate jests [witty, 
 Between him and his friend, that, on occasion, 
 They may vent them mutually : what his pace and 
 
 garb 
 Must be in the presence, then the length of his 
 The fashion of the hilt — wl>at the blade is [sword, 
 It matters not, 'twere barbarism to use it, 
 Unless to shew his strength upon an andiron ; 
 So, the sooner broke the better. 
 
 Pul. How I abuse 
 This precious time ! Projector, T treat first 
 Of you and your disciples : you roar out, 
 All is the king's, his will above iiis laws ; 
 And that fit tributes are too gentle yokes 
 For his poor subjects : whispering in his ear, 
 If he would have their fear, no man should dare 
 To bring a salad from his country garden, 
 Without the paying gabel ; kill a hen, 
 Without excise ; and that if he desire 
 To have his children or his servants wear 
 Their heads upon their shoulders, you affirm 
 In policy 'tis fit the owner should 
 Pay for them by the poll ; or, if the prince want 
 A present sum, he may command a city 
 Impossibilities, and for non-performance, 
 Compel it to submit to any fine 
 His officers shall impose. Is this the way 
 To make our emperor happy ? can the groans 
 Of his subjects yield him music ? must his 
 
 thresholds 
 Be wash'd with widows' and wrong'd orphans' 
 Or his power grow contemptible ? [tears, 
 
 Proj. I begin 
 To feel myself a rogue again. 
 
 Pul. But you are 
 The squire of dames, devoted to the service 
 Of gamesome ladies, the hidden mystery 
 Discover'd, their close bawd, thy slavish breath 
 Fanning the fires of lust ; the go-between 
 This female and that wanton sir ; your art 
 Can bUnd a jealous husband, and, disguised 
 Like a milliner or shoemaker, convey 
 A letter in a pantofle or glove. 
 Without suspicion, nay, at his table, 
 In a case of picktooths ; you instruct them now 
 To parley with their eyes, and make the temple 
 A mart of looseness : — to discover all 
 Your subtile brokages, were to teach in public 
 Those private practices which are, in justice, 
 Severely to be punish'd, 
 
 Min. I am cast : 
 A jury of my patronesses cannot quit me. 
 
THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 245 
 
 Pul. You are master of the manners and the 
 habit ; 
 Rather the scorn of such as would live men, 
 And not, like apes, with servile imitation 
 Study prodigious fashions. You keep 
 Intelligence abroad, that may instruct 
 Our giddy youth at home what new-found fashion 
 Is now in use, swearing he's most complete 
 That first turns monster. Know, villains, I can 
 
 thrust 
 This arm into your hearts, strip off the flesh 
 That covers your deformities, and shew you 
 In your own nakedness. Now, though the law 
 Call not your follies death, you are for ever ^^ 
 Banish'd my brother's court. — Away with them ; 
 I will hear no reply. 
 \_Exe.unt Informer, and Officers with the Projector, 
 Minion of the Suburbs, and Master of the Habits and 
 Manners. Athenais comes forward. 
 
 Enter above, Theodosius, Philanax, Timantus, Chry- 
 SAPius, and Gratiancs. 
 
 Paul. What think you now ? 
 
 Cle. That I am in a dream ; or that I see 
 A second Pallas. 
 
 Pul. These removed, to you 
 I clear my brow. Speak without fear, sweet maid. 
 Since, with a mild aspect, and ready ear, 
 I sit prepared to hear you. 
 
 Alhen. Know, great princess, 
 My father, though a pagan, was admired 
 For his deep search into those hidden studies, 
 Whose knowledge is denied to common men : 
 The motion, with the divers operations 
 Of the superior bodies, by his long 
 And careful observation were made 
 Familiar to him ; all the secret virtues 
 Of plants and simples, and in what degree 
 They were useful to mankind, he could discourse of: 
 In a word, conceive him as a prophet honour'd 
 In his own country. But being bom a man, 
 It lay not in him to defer the hour 
 Of his approaching death, though long foretold : 
 In this so fatal hour he call'd before him 
 His two sons and myself, the dearest pledges 
 Lent him by nature, and with his right hand 
 Blessing our several heads, he thus began. 
 
 Chry. Mark his attention. 
 
 Phil. Give me leave to mark too. 
 
 Athen. // / could leave my understanding to 
 It were superfluous to make division [you, 
 
 Of whatsoever else I can bequeath you : 
 But, to avoid contention, I allot 
 An equal portion of my possessions 
 To you, my sons ; but unto thee, my daughter^ 
 My joy, my darling, (pardon me, though I 
 Repeat his words,) if my prophetic soul, 
 Ready to take her flight, can truly guess at 
 
 Thy future fate, I leave the strange assurance 
 Of the greatness thou art born to, unto ivhich 
 Thy brothers shall be proud to pay their service: — 
 
 Paul. And all men else, that honour beauty. 
 
 Theo. Umph ! 
 
 Athen. Yet, to prepare thee for that certain 
 fortune, 
 And that I may from present wants defend thee, 
 1 leave ten thousand crowns .-—which said, being 
 To the fellowship of our deities, he expired, [call'd 
 And with him all remembrance of the charge 
 Concerning me, left by him to ray brothers. 
 
 Pul. Did they detain your legacy ? 
 
 Athen. And still do. 
 His ashes were scarce quiet in his urn, 
 When, in derision of my future greatness, 
 They thrust me out of doors, denying me 
 One short night's harbour. 
 
 Pul. Weep not. 
 
 Athen. I desire, 
 By your persuasion, or commanding power, 
 The restitution of mine own ; or that, 
 To keep my frailty from temptation, 
 In your compassion of me, you would please, 
 I, as a handmaid, may be entertain'd 
 To do the meanest offices to all such 
 As are honour'd in your service. 
 
 Pul. Thou art welcome. 
 What is thy name ? 
 
 Athen. The forlorn Athenais. 
 
 Pul. The sweetness of thy innocence strangely 
 takes me. [.Takes her up, and kisses her. 
 
 Forget thy brothers' wrongs ; for I will be 
 In my care a mother, in my love a sister to thee ; 
 And, were it possible thou couldst be won 
 To be of our belief 
 
 Paul. May it please your excellence. 
 That is an easy task ; I, though no scholar. 
 Dare undertake it ; clear truth cannot want 
 Rhetorical persuasions. 
 
 Pul. 'Tis a work. 
 My lord, will well become you. — Break up the 
 May your endeavours prosper ! [court : 
 
 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. 
 
 Phil. What does your majesty think of ? 
 
 the maid's gone. 
 
 Theo. She's wondrous fair, and in her speech 
 Pieces of scholarship. [appear'd 
 
 Chry. Make use of her learning 
 And beauty together ; on my life she will be proud 
 To be so converted. 
 
 Theo. From foul lust heaven guard me ! 
 
 lExeunt. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE l.—A Room in the Palace. 
 Enter PmLANAx, Timaxtus, Chrvsapius, atid Gratianus. 
 
 Phil. We only talk, when we should do. 
 Tim. I'll second you ; 
 Begin, and when you please. 
 Grat. Be constant in it. 
 
 Chry. That resolution wbich grows cold to-day, 
 Will freeze to-morrow. 
 
 Grat. 'Slight, I think she'll keep him 
 Her ward for ever, to herself engrossing 
 The disposition of all the favours 
 And bounties of the empire. 
 
 Chry. We, that, by 
 
246 
 
 THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 The nearness of our service to his person, 
 Should raise this man, or pull down that, without 
 Her license hardly dare prefer a suit, 
 Or if we do, 'tis cross'd. 
 
 Phil. You are troubled for 
 Your proper ends ; my aims are high and honest. 
 The wrong that's done Co majesty I repine at : 
 I love the emperor, and 'tis my ambition 
 To have him know himself, and to that purpose 
 I'll run the hazard of a check. 
 
 Grat. And I 
 The loss of my place. 
 
 Tim. I will not come behind. 
 Fall what can fall. 
 
 Chry. Let us put on sad aspects, 
 To draw him on; charge home, we'll fetch you off, 
 Or lie dead by you. 
 
 Enter Theodosius. 
 
 Theo. How's this ? clouds in the chamber, 
 And the air clear abroad ! 
 
 Phil. When you, our sun, 
 Obscure your glorious beams, poor we, that borrow 
 Our little light from you, cannot but suffer 
 A general eclipse. 
 
 Tim. Great sir, 'tis true; 
 For, till you please to know and be yourself, 
 And freely dare dispose of what's your own, 
 Without a warrant, we are falling meteors, 
 And not fix'd stars. 
 
 Chry. The pale-faced moon, that should 
 Govern the night, usurps the rule of day. 
 And still is at the full in spite of nature. 
 And will not know a change. 
 
 Theo. Speak you in riddles ? 
 I am no CEdipus, but your emperor, 
 And as such would be instructed. 
 
 Phil. Your command 
 Shall be obey'd : till now, I never heard you 
 Speak like yourself ; and may that Power, by which 
 You are so, strike me dead, if what 1 shall 
 Deliver as a faithful subject to you. 
 Hath root or growth from malice, or base envy 
 Of your sister's greatness ! I could honour in her 
 A power subordinate to yours ; but not, 
 As 'tis, predominant. 
 
 Tim. Is it fit that she. 
 In her birth your vassal, should command the knees 
 Of such as should not bow but to yourself? 
 
 Grat. She with security walks upon the heads 
 Of the nobility ; the multitude. 
 As to a deity, offering sacrifice 
 For her grace and favour. 
 
 Chry. Her proud feet even wearied 
 With the kisses of petitioners. 
 
 Grat. While you. 
 To whom alone such reverence is proper, 
 Pass unregarded by her. 
 
 Tim. You have not yet, 
 Been master of one hour of your whole life. 
 
 Chry. Your will and faculties kept in more awe 
 Than she can do her own. 
 
 Phil. And as a bondman, 
 (O let my zeal find grace, and pardon from you, 
 That I descend so low,) you are design'd 
 To this or that employment, suiting well 
 A private man, 1 grant, but not a prince. 
 To be a perfect horseman, or to know 
 The words of the chase, or a fair man of arms, 
 Or to be able to pierce to the depth, 
 
 Or write a comment on the obscurest poets, . 
 I grant are ornaments ; but your main scope 
 Should be to govern men, to guard jour own, 
 If not enlarge your empire 
 
 Chry. You are built up 
 By the curious hand of nature, to revive 
 The memory of Alexander, or by 
 A prosperous success in your brave actions, 
 To rival Csesar. 
 
 Tim. Rouse yourself, and let not 
 Your pleasures be a copy of her will. 
 
 Phil. Your pupilage is past, and manly actions 
 Are now expected from you. 
 
 Grat. Do not lose 
 Your subjects' hearts. 
 
 Tim. What is't to have the means 
 To be magnificent, and not exercise 
 The boundless virtue .'' 
 
 Grat. You confine yourself 
 To that which strict philosophy allows of, 
 As if you were a private man. 
 
 Tim. No pomp 
 Or glorious shows of royalty rendering it 
 Both loved and terrible. 
 
 Grat. 'Slight ! you live, as it 
 Begets some doubt, whether you have, or not. 
 The abilities of a man. 
 
 Chry. The firmament 
 Hath not more stars than there are several beauties 
 Ambitious, at the height, to impart their dear 
 And sweetest favours to you. 
 
 Grat. Yet you have not 
 Made choice of one, of all the sex, to serve you, 
 In a physical way of courtship. 
 
 Theo. But that I would not 
 Begin the expression of my being a man. 
 In blood, or stain the first white robe I wear 
 Of absolute power, with a servile imitation 
 Of any tyrannous habit, my just anger 
 Prompts me to make you, in your sufferings, feel, 
 And not in words to instruct you, that the license 
 Of the loose and saucy language you now practised 
 Hath forfeited your heads. 
 
 Grat. How's this ! 
 
 Phil. I know not 
 What the play may prove, but I assure you that 
 I do not like the prologue. 
 
 Theo. O the miserable 
 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 monster, multitude ! 
 Like yEsop's foolish frogs, they trample on him 
 As a senseless block, if his government be easy : 
 And, if he prove a stork, they croak and rai' 
 Against him as a tyrant, — I will put off 
 That majesty, of which you think I have 
 Nor use nor feeling ; and in arguing with you. 
 Convince you with strong proofs of common reason, 
 And not with absolute power, against which, 
 
 wretches. 
 You are not to dispute. Dare you, that are 
 My CFeatures, by my prodigal favours fashion'd, 
 Presuming on the nearness of your service. 
 Set off with my familiar acceptance. 
 Condemn my obsequiousness to the wise directions 
 Of an incomparable sister, whom all parts 
 Of our world, that are made happy in the know- 
 Of her perfections, with wonder gaze on ? [ledge 
 And yet you, that were only born to eat 
 
THE KMPEROll OF THE EAST. 
 
 247 
 
 The blessings of our mother earth, that are 
 
 Distant but one degree from beasts, (since slaves 
 
 Can claim no larger privilege,) that know 
 
 No further than your sensual appetites, 
 
 Or wanton lusts, have tauglit you, undertake 
 
 To give your sovereign laws to follow that 
 
 Your ignorance marks out to him ! IWalks by- 
 
 Grat. How were we 
 Abused in our opinion of his temper ! 
 
 Phil. We had forgot 'tis found in holy writ, 
 That kings' hearts are inscrutable. 
 
 Tim. I ne'er read it ; 
 My study lies not that way. 
 
 Phil. By his looks, 
 The tempest still increases. -"^ 
 
 Theo. Am I grown 
 So stupid, in your judgments, that you dare, 
 With such security, offer violence 
 To sacred majesty ? will you not know 
 The lion is a lion, though he shew not 
 His rending paws, or fill the aflf righted air 
 
 With the thunder of his roarings ? You bless*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, unless 
 Your wives and daughters bow to my proud lusts ? 
 And, 'cause I ravish not their fairest buildings 
 And fruitful vineyards, or what is dearest, 
 From such as are my vassals, must you conclude 
 I do not know the awful power and strength 
 Of my prerogative ? Am I close-handed, 
 Because I scatter not among you that 
 I must not call mine own ? know, you court-leeches, 
 A prince is never so magnificent 
 As when he's sparing to enrich a few 
 With the injuries of many. Could your hopes 
 So grossly flatter you, as to believe 
 I was born and train'd up as an emperor, only 
 In my indulgence to give sanctuary. 
 In their unjust proceedings, to the rapine 
 Arid avarice of my grooms ? 
 
 Phil. In the true mirror 
 Of your perfections, at length we see "^~ 
 
 Our own deformities. 
 
 Tim. And not once daring 
 To look upon that majesty we now slighted 
 
 Chry. With our faces thus glued to the earth, 
 we beg 
 Your gracious pardon. 
 
 Grat. Offering our necks 
 To be trod on, as a punishment for our late 
 Presumption, and a willing testimony 
 Of our subjection. 
 
 Theo. Deserve our mercy 
 In your better life hereafter ; you shall find. 
 Though, in my father's life, I held it madness 
 To usurp his power, and in my youth disdain'dnot 
 To learn from the instructions of my sister, 
 I'll make it good to all the world I am 
 An emperor ; and even this instant grasp 
 The sceptre, my rich stock of majesty 
 Entire, no scruple wasted. 
 
 Phil. If these tears 
 I drop proceed not from my joy to hear this, 
 May my eyeballs follow them ! 
 
 Tim. I will shew myself, 
 By your sudden metamorphosis, transform'd 
 From what I was. 
 
 Grat. And ne'er presume to ask 
 What tits not you to give. 
 
 Theo. Move in that sphere. 
 And my light with full beams shall shine upon you. 
 Forbear chis slavish courtship, 'tis to me 
 In a kind idolatrous. 
 
 Phil. Your gracious sister. 
 
 Enter Pulcheria and Servant. 
 
 Pul. Has he converted her ? 
 
 Serv. And, as such, will 
 Present her, when you please. 
 
 Pul. I am glad of it. 
 Command my dresser to adorn her with 
 The robes that I gave order for. 
 
 Serv. I shall. 
 
 Pul. And let those precious jewels I took last 
 Out of my cabinet, if't be possible. 
 Give lustre to her beauties ; and, that done, 
 Command her to be near us. 
 
 Serv. 'Tis a province 
 I willingly embrace. lExit. 
 
 Pul. O my dear sir. 
 You have forgot your morning task, and therefore, 
 With a mother's love, I come to reprehend you ; 
 But it shall be gently. 
 
 Theo. 'Twill become you, though 
 You said, with reverend duty. Know hereafter. 
 If my mother lived in you, howe'er her son, 
 Like you she were my subject. 
 
 Pul. How! 
 
 Theo. Put off 
 Amazement; you will find it. Yet I'll hear you 
 \t distance, as a sister, but no longer 
 As a governess, I assure you. 
 
 Grat. This is put home. 
 
 Tim. Beyond our hopes. 
 
 Phil. She stands as if his words 
 Had powerful magic in them. 
 
 Theo. 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. 
 
 Pul. Heaven grant 
 You know it not too soon ! 
 
 Theo. Let it suffice 
 My wardship's out. If your design concerns us 
 As a man, and not a boy, with our allowance 
 You may deliver it. 
 
 Pul. A strange alteration ! 
 But I will not contend. Be as you wish, sir, 
 Your own disposer ; uncompell'd 1 cancel 
 All bonds of my authority. iKnedt. 
 
 Theo. You in this 
 Pay your due homage, which perform'd, I thus 
 Embrace you as a sister ; \_Iiaises her.] no waj 
 
 doubting 
 Your vigilance for my safety as my honour ; 
 And what you now come to impart, I rest 
 Most confident, points at one of them. 
 
 Pul. At both ; 
 And not alone the present, but the future 
 Tranquillity of your mind ; since in the choice 
 Of her you are to heat with holy fires. 
 And make the consort of your royal bed. 
 The certain means of glorious succession, 
 With the true happiness of our human being, 
 Are wholly comprehended, 
 
 Theo. How ! a wife ? 
 Shall I become a votary to Hymen, 
 
248 
 
 THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Before my youth hath sacrificed to Venus ? 
 *Tis something with the soonest : — yet, to shew, 
 In things indifferent, I am not averse 
 To your wise counsels, let me first survey 
 Those beauties, that, in being a prince, I know 
 Are rivals for me. You will not confine me 
 To your election ; I must see, dear sister, 
 With mine own eyes. 
 
 Pul. 'Tis fit, sir. Yet, in this, 
 You may please to consider, absolute princes 
 Have, or should have, in policy, less free will 
 Than such as are their vassals : for, you must. 
 As you are an emperor, in this high business 
 Weigh with due providence, with whom alliance 
 May be most useful for the preservation 
 Or increase of your empire. 
 
 Theo. I approve not 
 Such compositions for our moral ends, 
 In what is in itself divine, nay, more 
 Decreed in heaven. Yet, if our neighbour princes, 
 Ambitious of such nearness, shall present 
 Their dearest pledges to me, (ever reserving 
 The caution of mine own content,) I will not 
 Contemn their courteous offers. 
 
 Pul. Bring in the pictures. 
 
 '^Two Pictures brought in. 
 
 Theo. Must I then judge the substances by the 
 shadows ? 
 The painters are most envious, if they want 
 Good colours for preferment : virtuous ladies 
 Love this way to be flattered, and accuse 
 The workman of detraction, if he add not 
 Some grace they cannot truly call their own. 
 Is't not so, Gratianus ? you may challenge 
 Sonne interest in the science. 
 
 Grat. A pretender 
 To the art, I truly honour, and subscribe 
 To your majesty's opinion. 
 
 Theo. Let me see [.Reads. 
 
 Cleanthe, daughter to the king of Epire, 
 ^tatis suce the fourteenth : ripe enough. 
 And forward too, I assure you. Let me examine 
 The symmetries. If statuaries could 
 By the foot of Hercules set down punctually 
 His whole dimensions, and the countenance be 
 The index of the mind, this may instruct me, 
 With the aids of that I've read touching this subject, 
 What she is inward. The colour of her hair. 
 If it be, as this does promise, pale and faint. 
 And not a glistering white ; her brow, so so ; 
 The circles of her sight, too much contracted; — 
 Juno's fair cow-eyes by old Homer are 
 Commended to their merit : here's a sharp frost. 
 In the tip of her nose, which, by the length, assures 
 Of storms at midnight, if I fail to pay her [me 
 The tribute she expects. I like her not : 
 What is the other ? 
 
 Chry. How hath he commenced 
 Doctor in this so sweet and secret art, 
 Without our knowledge ? 
 
 Tim. Some of his forward pages 
 Have robbed us of the honour. 
 
 Phil. No such matter ; 
 He has the theory only, not the practic. 
 
 Theo. \^Reads.'] Amasia, sister to the duke of 
 Her age eighteen, descended lineally [Athens; 
 From Theseus, as by her pedigree 
 Will be made apparent. Of his lusty kindred, 
 And lose so much time ! 'tis strange ! — as I live, 
 Al philosophical aspect ; there is [she hath 
 
 More wit than beauty in her face ; and, when 
 
 I court her, it must be in tropes, and figures. 
 
 Or she will cry, Absurd ! she will have her elenchs 
 
 To cut off any fallacy I can hope 
 
 To put upon her, and expect I should 
 
 Ever conclude in syllogisms, and those true ones 
 
 In parte et toto : or she'll tire me with 
 
 Her tedious elocutions in the praise of 
 
 The increase of generation, for which 
 
 Alone, the sport, in her morality. 
 
 Is good and lawful, and to be often practised 
 
 For fear of missing. Fie on't ! let the race 
 
 Of Theseus be match'd with Aristotle's : 
 
 I'll none of her. 
 
 Pul. You are curious in your choice, sir, 
 And hard to please ; yet, if that your consent 
 May give authority to it, I'll present you 
 With one, that, if her birth and fortunes answer 
 The rarities of her body and her mind. 
 Detraction durst not tax her. 
 
 Theo. Let me see her. 
 Though wanting those 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 them, to whose bounties 
 Alone 'tis proper, and in this disdains 
 An emperor for his rival. 
 
 Pul. I applaud 
 This fit acknowledgment ; since princes then 
 Grow less than common men, when they contend 
 With him, by whom they are so. 
 
 Enter Paulinus, Clkon, and Athenais richly habited. 
 
 Theo. I confess it. 
 
 Pul. Not to hold you in suspense, behold the 
 virgin. 
 Rich in her natural beauties, no way borrowing 
 The adulterate aids of art. Peruse her better ; 
 She's worth your serious view. 
 
 Phil. I am amazed too : 
 I never saw her equal. 
 
 Grat. How his eye 
 Is fix'd upon her ! 
 
 Tim. And, as she were a fort 
 He'd suddenly surprise, he measures her 
 From the bases to the battlements. 
 
 Chry. Ha 1 now I view her better, 
 I know her ; 'tis the maid that not long since 
 Was a petitioner ; her bravery 
 So alters her, I had forgot her face. 
 
 Phil. So has the emperor, 
 
 Paul. She holds out yet, 
 And yields not to the assault. 
 
 Cle. She's strongly guarded 
 In her virgin blushes. 
 
 Paul. When you know, fair creature 
 It is the emperor that honours you 
 With such a strict survey of your sweet parts. 
 In thankfulness you cannot but return 
 Due reverence for the favour. 
 
 A then. I was lost 
 In my astonishment at the glorious object. 
 And yet rest doubtful whether he expects, 
 Being more than man, my adoration. 
 Since sure there is divinity about him : 
 Or will rest satisfied, if my humble knees 
 In duty thus bow to him. 
 
 Theo. Ha! it speaks. 
 
 Pul. She is no statue, sir. 
 
THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 249 
 
 Theo. Suppose her one, 
 And that she had nor organs, voice, nor heat, 
 Most willingly I would resign my empire, 
 So it might be to aftertimes recorded 
 That I was her Pygmalion ; though, like him, 
 I doted on my workmanship, without hope too 
 Of having Cytherea so propitious 
 To my vows or sacrifice, in her compassion 
 To give it life or motion. 
 
 Pnl. Pray you, be not rapt so. 
 Nor borrow from imaginary fiction 
 Impossible aids : she's flesh and blood, I assure 
 
 you. 
 And if you please to honour her in the trial, 
 And be your own security, as you'll find "^ 
 I fable not, she comes in a noble way 
 To be at your devotion. 
 
 Chry. 'Tis the maid 
 I offer' d to your highness ; her changed shape 
 Conceal'd her from you. 
 
 Theo. At the first I knew her, 
 And a second firebrand Cupid brings, to kindle 
 My flames almost put out : I am too cold. 
 And play with opportunity. — May I taste then 
 The nectar of her lip? — \_Kisses her.} — I do not 
 
 give it 
 The praise it merits : antiquity is too poor 
 To help me with a simile to express her : 
 I^et me drink often from this living spring. 
 To nourish new invention. 
 
 Ptd. Do not surfeit 
 In over-greedily devouring that 
 Which may without satiety feast you often. 
 From the moderation in receiving them. 
 The choicest viands do continue pleasing 
 To the most curious palates. If you think her 
 Worth your embraces, and the sovereign title 
 Of the Grecian Empress 
 
 Theo. If ! how much you sin. 
 Only to doubt it ; the possession of her 
 Makes all that was before most precious to me, 
 Common and cheap : in this you've shewn yourself 
 A provident protectress. I already 
 Grow weary of the absolute command 
 Of my so numerous subjects, and desire 
 No sovereignty but here, and write down gladly 
 A period to my wishes. 
 
 Pul. Yet, before 
 It be too late, consider her condition ; 
 Her father was a pagan, she herself 
 A new-converted Christian. 
 
 Theo. Let me know 
 The man to whose religious means I owe 
 So great a debt. 
 
 Paul. You are advanced too high, sir. 
 To acknowledge a beholdingness ; 'tis discharged, 
 
 And I beyond my hopes rewarded, if 
 My service please your majesty 
 
 Theo. Take this pledge 
 Of our assured love. Are there none here 
 Have suits to prefer ? on such a day as this 
 
 My bounty's without limit. O my dearest ! ■ 
 
 I will not hear thee speak ; whatever in 
 Thy thoughts is apprehended, I grant freely : 
 Thou wouldst plead thy unworthiness. By thyself, 
 The magazine of felicity, in thy lowness 
 Our eastern queens, at their full height, bow to thee. 
 And are, in their best trim, thy foils and shadows! 
 Excuse the violence of my love, which cannot 
 Admit the least delay. Command the patriarch 
 With speed to do his holy office for us. 
 That, when we are made one 
 
 Pul. You must forbear, sir ; 
 She is not yet baptized. 
 
 Theo. In the same hour 
 In which she 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. 
 
 Pul. You may hereafter 
 Please to remember to whose furtherance 
 You owe this height of happiness. 
 
 Athen. As I was 
 Your creature when I first petition'd you, 
 I will continue so, and you shall find me, 
 Though an empress, still your servant. 
 
 \_All go off, but Philanax, Gratianus, and Timantus. 
 
 Grat. Here's a marriage 
 Made up o' the sudden ! 
 
 Phil. I repine not at 
 The fair maid's fortune, though I fear the princess 
 Had some pecuHar end in't. 
 
 Tim. Who so simple 
 Only to doubt it ? 
 
 Grat. It is too apparent ; 
 She hath preferr'd a creature of ner own. 
 By whose means she may still keep to herself 
 The government of the empire. 
 
 Tim. Whereas, if 
 The emperor had espoused some neighbour queen, 
 Pulcheria, with all her wisdom, could not 
 Keep her pre-eminence. 
 
 Phil. Be it as it will, 
 'Tis not now to be alter'd. Heaven. I say, 
 Turn all to the best ! 
 
 Grat. Are we come to praying again ? 
 
 Phil. Leave thy profaneness. 
 
 Grat. Would it would leave me ! 
 I am sure I thrive not by it. 
 
 Tim. Come to the temple. 
 
 Grat. Even where you wiU— I know not what 
 to think on't. \ExeunU 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE l.—A Room in the Palace. 
 Enter Paulinus and PnfLANAx. 
 
 Paul. Nor this, nor the age before us, ever 
 The like solemnity. [look'd on 
 
 Phil. A sudden fever 
 Kept me at home. Pray you, my lord, acquaint 
 With the particulars. [me 
 
 Paul. You may presume 
 No pomp nor ceremony could be wanting, 
 Where there was privilege to command, and means 
 To cherish rare inventions, 
 
 Phil. I believe it ; 
 But the sum of all in brief. 
 
 Paul. Pray you, so take it; 
 Fair Athenais, not long since a suitor, 
 
250 
 
 THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 And almost in her hopes forsaken, first 
 
 Was christen'd, and the emperor's mother's name, 
 
 Eudocia, as he will'd, impos'd upon her ; 
 
 Pulcheria, the ever-matchless princess, 
 
 Assisted by her reverend aunt Maria, 
 
 Her godmothers. 
 
 Phil. And who the masculine vs^itness ? 
 
 Paul. At the new empress' suit, I had the 
 For which I must ever serve her. [honour ; 
 
 Phil. 'Twas a grace 
 With justice you may boast of. 
 
 Paul. The marriage foUow'd ; 
 And, as 'tis said, the emperor made bold 
 To turn the day to night ; for to bed they went 
 As soon as they had dined, and there are wagers 
 Laid by some merry lords, he hath already 
 Begot a boy upon her. 
 
 Phil. That is yet 
 To be determined of ; but I am certain 
 A prince, so soon in his disposition alter'd, 
 Was never heard nor read of. 
 
 Paul. But of late. 
 Frugal and sparing, now nor bounds nor limits 
 To his magnificent bounties. He affirm'd 
 Having received more blessings by his empress 
 Than he could hope, in thankfulness to heaven 
 He cannot be too prodigal to others. 
 Whatever's offer'd to his royal hand, 
 He signs without perusing it. 
 
 Phil. I am here 
 Enjoin' d to free all such as lie for debt, 
 The creditors to be paid out of his coffers. 
 
 Paul. And \ all malefactors that are not 
 Convicted or for treason or foul murder ; 
 Such only are excepted. 
 
 Phil. 'Tis a rare clemency ! 
 
 Paul. Which we must not dispute, but put in 
 practice. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE n. — Another Room in the same. 
 
 Loud Music : Shouts within : Heaven preserve the Empe- 
 ror I Heaven bless the Empress ! Then enter in state, 
 the Patriarch, Chrvsapius, Pauijnus, Theodosius, Eu- 
 docia, Pulcheria ; Arcadia and Flaccilla, bearing up 
 Eudocia 's train ; followed by Philanax, Gratianus, 
 aJtd TiMANTUs. Several Suitors present petitions to the 
 Emperor, which he seals. 
 
 Pul. Sir, by your own rules of philosophy. 
 You know things violent last not. Royal bounties 
 Are great and gracious, while they are dispensed 
 With moderation ; but, when their excess 
 In giving giant-bulks to others, takes from 
 The prince's just proportion, they lose 
 The name of virtues, and, their natures changed. 
 Grow the most dangerous vices. 
 
 Theo. In this, sister. 
 Your wisdom is not circular ; they that sow 
 In narrow bounds, cannot expect in reason 
 A crop beyond their ventures : what I do 
 Disperse, I lend, and will with usury 
 Return unto my heap. I only then 
 Am rich and happy (though my coffers sound 
 With emptiness) when my glad subjects feel 
 Their plenty and felicity is my gift ; 
 And they will find, when they with cheerfulness 
 Supply not my defects, I being the stomach 
 To the politic body of the state, the limbs 
 Grow suddenly faint and feeble : I could urge 
 Proofs of more fineness in their shape and language, 
 
 But none of greater strength. — Dissuade me not ; 
 
 What we will, we will do ; yet, to assure you 
 
 Your care does not offend us, for an hour 
 
 Be happy in the converse of my best 
 
 And dearest comfort. May you please to license 
 
 My privacy some few minutes ? 
 
 Eud. License, sir! 
 I have no will but is derived from yours. 
 And that still waits upon you ; nor can I 
 Be left with such security with any 
 As with the gracious princess, who receives 
 Addition, though she be all excellence, 
 In being styled your sister. 
 
 Theo. O sweet creature ! 
 Let me be censured fond, and too indulgent. 
 Nay, though they say uxorious, I care not — 
 Her love and sweet humility exact 
 A tribute far above my power to pay 
 Her matchless goodness. Forward. 
 
 [^Flourish. Exeunt all but Pulcheria, Eudocia, Arca 
 DiA, and Flaccilla. 
 
 Pul. Now you find 
 Your dying father's prophecy, that foretold 
 Your present greatness, to the full accomplish'd, 
 For the poor aids and furtherance I lent you, 
 I willingly forget. 
 
 Eud. Even that binds me 
 To a more strict remembrance of the favour ; 
 Nor shall you, from my foul ingratitude. 
 In any circumstance, ever find cause 
 To upbraid me with your benefit. 
 
 Pul. I believe so. 
 Pray you, give us leave: — [Arcadia and Flac- 
 cilla. walk aside.'] — What now I must 
 deliver 
 Under the deepest seal of secrecy, 
 Though it be for your good, will give assurance 
 Of what is look'd for, if you not alone 
 Hear, but obey my counsels. 
 
 Eud. They must be 
 Of a strange nature, if with zealous speed 
 I put them not in practice. 
 
 Pul. 'Twere impertinence 
 To dwell on circumstances, since the wound 
 Requires a sudden cure ; especially 
 Since you, that are the happy instrument 
 Elected to it, though young, in your judgment 
 Write far above your years, and may instruct 
 Such as are more experienced. 
 
 Eud. Good madam, 
 In this I must oppose you ; I am well 
 Acquainted with my weakness, and it will not 
 Become your wisdom, by which I am raised 
 To this titulary height, that should correct 
 The pride and overweening of my fortune. 
 To play the parasite to it, in ascribing 
 That merit to me, unto which I can 
 Pretend no interest : pray you, excuse 
 My bold simplicity, and to my weight 
 Design me where you please, and you shall find 
 In my obedience, I am still your creature. 
 
 Pul. 'Tis nobly answer'd, and I glory in 
 The building I have raised : go on, sweet lady. 
 In this your virtuous progress : but to the point. 
 You know, nor do I envy it, you have 
 Acquired that power which, not long since, was 
 In governing the emperor, and must use [mine. 
 The strength you hold in the heart of his affections. 
 For his private, as the public preservation. 
 To which there is no greater enemy 
 
THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 261 
 
 Than his exorbitant prodigality, 
 Howe'er his sycophants and flatterers call it 
 Royal magnificence ; and though you may 
 Urge what's done for your honour must not be 
 Curb'd or controll'd by you, you cannot in 
 Your wisdom but conceive, if that the torrent 
 Of his violent bounties be not stopp'-d or lessen'd, 
 It will prove most pernicious. Therefore, madam. 
 Since 'tis your duty, as you are his wife, 
 To give him saving counsels, and in being 
 Almost his idol, may command him to 
 Take any shape you please, with a powerful hand 
 To stop him in his precipice to ruin 
 
 Eud. Avert it, heaven ! 
 
 Pul. Heaven is most gracious to you, -'^ 
 Fn choosing you to be the instrument 
 Of such a pious work. You see he signs 
 What suit soever is preferr'd, not once 
 Enquiring what it is, yielding himself 
 A prey to all ; I would, therefore, have you, lady, 
 As I know you will, to advise him, or command 
 As he would reap the plenty of your favours, [him. 
 To use more moderation in his bounties ; 
 And that, before he gives, he would consider 
 The what, to whom, and wherefore. 
 
 Eud. Do you think 
 Such arrogance, or usurpation rather, 
 Of what is proper and peculiar 
 To every private husband, and much more 
 To him, an emperor, can rank with the obedience 
 And duty of a wife ? Are we appointed 
 In our creation (let me reason with you) 
 To rule, or to obey ? or, 'cause he loves me 
 With a kind impotence, must I tyrannize 
 Over his weakness, or abuse the strength 
 With which he arms me, to his wrong ? or, like 
 A prostituted creature, merchandize 
 Our mutual delight for hire, or to 
 Serve mine own sordid ends r In vulgar nuptials 
 Priority is exploded, though there be 
 A difference in the parties ; and shall I, 
 His vassal, from obscurity raised by him 
 To this so eminent light, presume t' appoint him 
 To do, or not to do, this, or that ? When wives 
 Are well accommodated by their husbands. 
 With all things both for use and ornament. 
 Let them fix there, and never dare to question 
 Their wiUs or actions : for myself, I vow. 
 Though now my lord would rashly give away 
 His sceptre and imperial diadem, 
 Or if there could be anything more precious, 
 I would not cross it : — but I know this is 
 But a trial of my temper, and as such 
 I do receive it; or, if't be otherwise. 
 You are so subtle in your arguments 
 I dare not stay to hear them. [Offers to retire. 
 
 Pul. Is it even so ? 
 I have power o'er these yet, and command their 
 To barken nearer to me. [stay, 
 
 Arcad. We are charged 
 By the emperor, our brother, to attend 
 The empress' service, 
 
 Flac. You are too mortified, sister, 
 (With reverence I speak it,) for young ladies 
 To keep you company. I am so tired 
 With your tedious exhortations, doctrines, uses, 
 Of your religious morality. 
 
 That, for my health's sake, I must take the freedom 
 To enjoy a little of those pretty pleasures 
 That 1 was born to. 
 
 Arcad. When I come to your years, 
 I'll do as you do ; but, till then, with your pardon, 
 I'll lose no more time. 1 have not learn'd to dance 
 
 yet, 
 
 Nor sing, but holy hymns, and those to vile tunes 
 
 too ; 
 Nor to discourse but of schoolmen's opinions. 
 How shall I answer my suitors, since, I hope. 
 Ere long I shall have many, without practice 
 To write, and speak, something that's not derived 
 From the fathers of philosophy ? 
 
 Flac. We shall shame 
 Our breeding, sister, if we should go on thus. 
 
 Arcad. 'Tis for your credit that we study 
 How to converse with men ; women with women 
 Yields but a barren argument. 
 
 Flac. She frowns 
 
 But you'll protect us, madam ? 
 
 Eud. Yes, and love 
 Your sweet simplicity. 
 
 Arcad. All young girls are so, 
 Till they know the way of it. 
 
 Flac. But, when we are enter'd, 
 We shall on a good round pace. 
 
 Eud. I'll leave you, madam. 
 
 Arcad. And we our duties with you. 
 
 \_Exeunt Eudocia, Arcadia, and Flacciliji. 
 
 Pul. On all hands 
 Thus slighted ! no way left ? Ami grown stupid 
 In my invention } can I make no use 
 Of the emperor's bounties ? — Now 'tis thought : 
 within, there I 
 
 Enter an Attendant. 
 
 Alt. Madam. 
 
 Pul. It shall be so : nearer ; your ear. 
 — Draw a petition to this end. [Whispers him. 
 
 Alt. Besides 
 The danger to prefer it, I believe 
 'Twill ne'er be granted. 
 
 Pul. How's this ! are you grown. 
 From a servant, my director ? let me hear 
 No more of this. Dispatch ; [J5Ja;i^ Attendant.] I'll 
 At his own weapon. [master him 
 
 Enter Theodosius, Paulinus, Philanax, Timantus, and 
 Gratianus. 
 
 Theo. Let me understand it. 
 If yet there be aught wanting that may perfect 
 A general happiness. 
 
 Paul. The people's joys 
 In seas of acclamations flow in, 
 To wait on yours. 
 
 Phil. Their love, with bounty levied, 
 Is a sure guard ; obedience forced from fear, 
 Paper fortification, which, in danger. 
 Will yield to the impression of a reed, 
 Or of itself fall off. 
 
 Theo. True, Philanax ; 
 And by that certain compass we resolve 
 To steer our bark of government. 
 
 Re-enter Attendant with the petition, which he sec.retfp 
 delivers to Pulchkuia. 
 Pul. 'Tis well. iKneds 
 
 Theo. My dearest and my all-deserving sister 
 
 As a petitioner kneel ! It must not be. 
 
 Pray you, rise ; although your suit were half my 
 
 'Tis freely granted. [empire, 
 
 Pul. Your alacrity 
 
 To give hath made a beggar ; yet, before 
 
252 
 
 THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 My suit is by your sacred hand and seal 
 
 Confirm'd, 'tis necessary you peruse 
 
 The sum of my request. IPresents the petition. 
 
 Theo. We will not wrong 
 Your judgment in conceiving what 'tis fit 
 For you to ask, and us to grant, so much, 
 As to proceed with caution ; give me my signet : 
 With confidence I sign it, and here vow 
 By my father's soul, but with your free consent, 
 It is irrevocable. 
 
 Tim. What if she now, 
 Calling to memory how often we 
 Have cross'd her government, in revenge hath made 
 Petition for our heads ? 
 
 Grat. They must even off then 
 No ransome can redeem us. 
 
 Theo. Let those jewels 
 So highly rated by the Persian merchants, 
 Be bought, and, as a sacrifice from us. 
 Presented to Eudocia, she being only 
 Worthy to wear them. I am angry with 
 The unresistible necessity 
 Of my occasions and important cares, 
 That so long keep me from her. 
 
 [_Exeunt Theodosius, Paulinus, Philanax, Timantus, 
 and Gratianus. 
 
 Pul. Go to the empress, 
 And tell her, on the sudden I am sick, 
 And do desire the comfort of a visit, 
 If she please to vouchsafe it. From me use 
 Your humblest language — \^Exit Attendant] but 
 
 when once I have her 
 In my possession, I will rise and speak 
 In a higher strain : say it raise storms, no matter; 
 Fools judge by the event, my ends are honest. 
 
 lExit. 
 
 SCENE III. — Another Room in the same. 
 Enter Theodosius, T-imantus, and Philanax. 
 
 Theo. What is become of her ? Can she, that 
 carries 
 Such glorious excellence of light about her, 
 Be any where conceal'd ? 
 
 Phil. We have sought her lodgings. 
 And all we can learn from the servants, is, 
 She, by your majesty's sisters waited on, 
 The attendance of her other officers, 
 By her express command, denied 
 
 Theo. Forbear 
 Impertinent circumstances, — whither went she ? 
 speak. 
 
 Phil, As they guess, to the laurel grove. 
 
 Theo. So slightly guarded 1 
 What an earthquake I feel in me ! and, but that 
 Religion assures the contrary. 
 The poets' dreams of lustful fauns and satyrs 
 Would make me fear I know not what. 
 
 Enter Paulinus. 
 
 Paul. I have found her, 
 An it please your majesty. 
 
 Theo. Yes, it doth please me : 
 But why return'd without her.** 
 
 Paul. As she made 
 Her speediest approaches to your presence, 
 A servant of the princess's, Pulcheria, 
 Encounter'd her : what 'twas he whisper'd to her 
 I am ignorant ; but hearing it, she started, 
 
 And will'd me to excuse her absence from you 
 The third part of an hour. 
 
 Theo. In this she takes 
 So much of my life from me : yet, I'll bear it 
 With what patience I may, since 'tis her pleasure. 
 Go back, my good Paulinus, and entreat her 
 Not to exceed a minute. 
 
 Tim. Here's strange fondness ! \_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE IV. — Another Room in the same. 
 Enter Pulcheria and Servants. 
 
 Pul. You are certain she will come .■' 
 
 1 Serv. She is already 
 Enter'd your outward lodgings. 
 
 Pul. No train with her .-' 
 
 1 Serv. Your excellence' sisters only. 
 
 Pul. 'Tis the better. 
 See the doors strongly guarded, and deny 
 Access to all, but with our special license : 
 Why dost thou stay ? shew your obedience. 
 Your wisdom now is useless. \_Exeunt Servants. 
 
 Enter Eudocia, Arcadia, and Flaccilla. 
 
 Flac. She is sick, sure. 
 Or, in fit reverence to your majesty, 
 She had waited you at the door. 
 
 Arcad. 'Twould hardly be [Pulcheria ivalking by. 
 Excused, in civil manners, to her equal : 
 But with more difficulty to you, that are 
 So far above her. 
 
 Eud. Not in her opinion ; 
 She hath been too long accustom'd to command. 
 To acknowledge a superior. 
 
 Arcad. There she walks. 
 
 Flac. If she be not sick of the sullens, I see not 
 The least infirmity in her. 
 
 Eud. This is strange. 
 
 Arcad. Open your eyes ; the empress. 
 
 Pul. Reach that chair : 
 Now, sitting thus at distance, I'll vouchsafe 
 To look upon her. 
 
 Arcad. How, sister ! pray you, awake ; 
 Are you in your wits ? 
 
 Flac. Grant, heaven, your too much learning 
 Does not conclude in madness ! 
 
 Eud. You entreated 
 A visit from me. 
 
 Pul. True, my servant used 
 Such language ; but now, as a mistress, I 
 Command your service. 
 
 Eud. Service ! 
 
 Arcad. She's stark mad, sure. 
 
 Pul. You'll find I can dispose of what's mine 
 Without a guardian. [own, 
 
 Eud. Follow me. — I will see you 
 When your frantic fit is o'er. — I do begin 
 To be of your belief. 
 
 Pul. It will deceive you. 
 Thou shalt not stir from hence :— thus, as mine 
 I seize upon thee. [own, 
 
 Flac. Help, help ! violence 
 Offer'd to the empress' person ! 
 
 Pul. 'Tis in vain : 
 She was an empress once, but, by ray gift ; 
 Which being abused, I do recall ray grant. 
 You are read in story ; call to your remembrance 
 What the great Hector's mother, Hecuba, 
 Was to Ulysses, Ilium sack'd. 
 
SCENE rv. 
 
 THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 25t3 
 
 Eud. A slave. 
 
 Pill. To me thou art so. 
 
 Eud. Wonder and amazement 
 Quite overwhelm me : how am I transform'd ? 
 How have 1 lost my liberty ? ^Knocking within. 
 
 Pul. Thou shalt know 
 Too soon, no doubt. 
 
 Enter a Servant. 
 
 Who's that, that with such rudeness 
 Beats at the door ? 
 
 Serv. The prince Paulinus, madam ; 
 Sent from the emperor, to attend upon 
 The gracious empress. 
 
 Arcad. And who is your slave now ? '~" 
 
 Flac. Sister, repent in time, and beg a pardon 
 For your presumption. 
 
 Pul. It is resolved : 
 From me return this answer to Paulinus, 
 She shall not come ; she's mine ; the emperor hath 
 No interest in her. \_Exit Servant. 
 
 Eiid. Whatsoe'er I am. 
 You take not from your power o'er me, to yield 
 A reason for this usage. 
 
 Pul. Though my will is 
 Sufficient, to add to thy affliction, 
 Know, wretched thing, 'tis not thy fate, but folly. 
 Hath made thee what thou art : 'tis some delight 
 To urge my merits to one so ungrateful ; 
 Therefore with horror hear it. When thou wert 
 Thrust, as a stranger, from thy father's house, 
 Exposed to all calamities that want 
 Could throw upon thee, thine own brothers' scorn, 
 And in thy hopes, as by the world, forsaken. 
 My pity the last altar that was left thee, 
 I heard thy Syren charms, with feeling heard them, 
 And my compassion made mine eyes vie tears 
 W^ith thine, dissembling crocodile ! and when 
 Were emulous for thy imperial bed, [queens 
 
 The garments of thy sorrows cast aside, 
 I put thee in a shape as would have forced 
 Envy from Cleopatra, had she seen thee. 
 Then, when I knew my brother's blood was warm'd 
 With youthful fires, I brought thee to his presence ; 
 And how my deep designs, for thy good plotted, 
 Succeeded to my wishes, is apparent, 
 And needs no repetition. 
 
 Eud. I am conscious 
 Of your so many and unequall'd favours ; 
 But find not how I may accuse myself 
 For any facts committed, that, with justice. 
 Can raise your anger to this height against me. 
 
 Pul. Pride and forgetfulness would not let 
 thee see that. 
 Against which now thou canst not close thy eyes. 
 What injury could be equal to thy late 
 Contempt of my good counsel ? When I urged 
 The emperor's prodigal bounties, and entreated 
 That you would use your power to give them limits, 
 Or, at the least, a due consideration 
 Of such as sued, and for what, ere he sign'd it ; 
 In opposition, you brought against me 
 The obedience of a wife, that ladies were not, 
 Being well accommodated by their lords, 
 To question, but much less to cross, their pleasures ; 
 Nor would you, though the emperor were resolved 
 To give away his sceptre, hinder it, 
 Since 'twas done for your honour ; covering, with 
 False colours of humility, your ambition. 
 
 Eud. And is this my offence ? 
 
 Pul. As wicked counsel 
 Is still most hurtful unto those that give it ; 
 Such as deny to follow what is good. 
 In reason, are the first that must repent it. 
 When I please, you shall hear more ; in the mean 
 
 time, 
 Thank your own wilful folly, that hath changed you 
 From an empress to a bondwoman. 
 
 Theo. \_within.'] Force the doors ; 
 Kill those that dare resist. 
 
 Enter Thkodosius, Paulinus, Philanax, Chrvsapius, 
 and Oratianus. 
 
 Eud. Dear sir, redeem me. 
 
 Flac. O suffer not, for your own honour's sake, 
 The empress, you so late loved, to be made 
 A prisoner in the court. 
 
 Arcad. Leap to his lips. 
 You'll find them the best sanctuary. 
 
 Flac. And try then. 
 What interest my reverend sister hath 
 To force you from them. 
 
 Theo. What strange May-game*s this ? 
 Though done in sport, how ill this levity 
 Becomes your wisdom ? 
 
 Pul. I am serious, sir. 
 And have done nothing but what you in honour, 
 And as you are yourself an emperor, 
 Stand bound to justify. 
 
 Theo. Take heed ; put not these 
 Strange trials on my patience. 
 
 Pul. Do not you, sir. 
 Deny your own act : As you are a man. 
 And stand on your own bottom, 'twill appear 
 A childish weakness to make void a grant 
 Sign'd by your sacred hand and seal, and 
 
 strengthen'd 
 With a religious oath, but with my license 
 Never to be recall'd. For some few minutes 
 Let reason rule your passion, and in this 
 
 \,Delivers the deed. 
 Be pleased to read my interest : you will find 
 What you in me call violence, is justice, [there 
 And that I may make use of what's mine own, 
 According to my will. 'Tis your own gift, sir ; 
 And what an emperor gives, should stand as firm 
 As the celestial poles upon the shoulders 
 Of Atlas, or his successor in that office, 
 The great Alcides. 
 
 Theo. Miseries of more weight 
 Than 'tis feigned they supported, fall upon me. 
 What hath my rashness done ! In this transaction, 
 Drawn in express and formal terms, I have 
 Given and consign'd into your hands, to use 
 And observe as you please, my dear Eudocia ! 
 It is my deed, I do confess it is, 
 And, as I am myself, not to be cancell'd : 
 But yet you may shew mercy — and you will. 
 When you consider that there is no beauty 
 So perfect in a creature, but is soil'd 
 With some unbeseeming blemish. You have 
 
 labour'd 
 To build me up a complete prince, 'tis granted ; 
 Yet, as I am a man, Uke other monarchs 
 I have defects and frailties : my facility 
 To send petitioners with pleased looks from me, 
 Is all I can be charged wif.h : and it will 
 Become your wisdom, (since 'tis in your power."^ 
 In charity to provide I fall no furtlier 
 Or in my oath, or honour. 
 
254 
 
 THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 Pul. Royal sir, 
 This was the mark I aim'd at, and I glory 
 At the length, you so conceive it : 'twas a weak- 
 To measure, by your own integrity, [ness 
 
 The purposes of others. 1 have shewn you, 
 In a true mirror, what fruit grows upon 
 The tree of hoodwink'd bounty, and what dangers 
 Precipitation, in the managing 
 Your great affairs, produceth. 
 
 Theo. I embrace it 
 As a grave advertisement, and vow hereafter 
 Never to sign petitions at this rate. 
 
 Pul. For mine, see, sir, 'tis cancelled ; on my 
 knees 
 I re-deliver what I now begg'd from you. 
 
 [Tears the deed. 
 She is my second gift. 
 
 Theo. Which if I part from 
 Till death divorce us IKisscs Eudocia. 
 
 Eud. So, sir ! 
 
 Theo. Nay, sweet, chide not, 
 I am punish'd in thy looks ; defer the rest, 
 Till we are more private. 
 
 Pid. I ask pardon too 
 If, in my personated passion, I 
 Appear'd too harsh and rough. 
 
 End. 'Tvvas gentle language, • 
 What I was then consider'd. 
 
 Pul. O, dear madam, 
 It was decorum in the scene. 
 
 Eud. This trial, 
 When I was Athenais, might have pass'd. 
 But as I am the empress 
 
 Theo. Nay, no anger. 
 Since all good was intended. 
 [Exeunt Theodosius, Eudocia, Arcadia, and Flaccilla, 
 
 Pul. Building on 
 That certain base, I fear not what can follow. 
 
 [Exit, 
 
 Paul. These are strange devices, Philanax. 
 
 Phtl. True, my lord. 
 May all turn to the best ! 
 
 Grat. The emperor's looks 
 Promised a calm. 
 
 Chry. But the vex'd empress' frowns 
 Presaged a second storm. 
 
 Paul. I am sure I feel one 
 In my leg alreadv. 
 
 Phil. Your old friend, the gout .' 
 
 PauL My forced companion, Philanax. 
 
 Chry. To your rest. 
 
 Paul. Rest, and forbearing wine with a cerape- 
 rate diet. 
 Though many mountebanks pretend the cure oft, 
 I have found my best physicians. 
 
 Phil. Ease to your lordship. \ExeunU 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE \.—A Room in the Palace. 
 Enter Eudocia and Chrysapius. 
 
 Eud. Make me her property ! 
 
 Chry. Your majesty 
 Hath just cause of distaste : and your resentment 
 Of the affront, in the point of honour, cannot 
 But meet a fair construction. 
 
 E?id. I have only 
 The title of an empress, but the power 
 Is by her ravish'd from me : she surveys 
 My actions as a governess, and calls 
 My not observing all that she directs, 
 Polly and disobedience. 
 
 Chry. Under correction. 
 With grief I've long observed it ; and, if you 
 Stand pleased to sign my warrant, I'll deliver, 
 In my unfeign'd zeal and desire to serve you, 
 (Howe'er I run the hazard of my head for't, 
 Should it arrive at the knowledge of the princess,) 
 Not alone the reasons why things are thus carried, 
 But give into your hand§ the power to clip 
 The wings of her command. 
 
 Eud. Your service this way 
 Cannot offend me. 
 
 Chry. Be you pleased to know, then, 
 But still 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 soars, and still towers o'er you: 
 But if you would employ the strengths you hold 
 In the emperor's affections, and remember 
 The orb you move in should admit no star else, 
 You never would confess, the managing 
 Of state affairs to her alone are proper, 
 .' nd you sit by, a looker on. 
 
 Eud. I would not. 
 If it were possible I could attempt 
 Her diminution, without a taint 
 Of foul ingratitude in myself. 
 
 Chry. In this 
 The sweetness of your temper does abuse you ; 
 And you call that a benefit to yourself, 
 Which she, for her own ends, conferr'd upon you. 
 'Tis yielded, she gave way to your advancement : 
 But for what cause ? that she might still continue 
 Her absolute sway and swing o'er the whole state ; 
 And that she might to her admirers vaunt. 
 The empress was her creature, and the giver 
 To be preferr'd before the gift. 
 
 Eud. It may be, 
 
 Chry. Nay, 'tis most certain ; whereas, would 
 you please 
 In a true glass to look upon yourself, 
 And view, without detraction, your own merits, 
 Which all men wonder at, you would find that 
 Without a second cause, appointed you [fate. 
 
 To the supremest honour. For the princess, 
 She hath reign'd long enough, and her remove 
 Will make your entrance free to the possession 
 Of what you were born to ; and, but once resolve 
 To build upon her ruins, leave the engines 
 That must be used to undermine her greatness. 
 To my provision. 
 
 Eud. I thank your care : 
 But a design of such weight must not be 
 Rashly determined of ; it will exact 
 A long and serious consultation from me. 
 In the mean time, Chrysapius, rest asured 
 I live your thankful mistress. [Exit. 
 
 Cfttrp. Is this all ? 
 Will the physic that I minister'd work no further ? 
 
?CENB III. 
 
 THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 256 
 
 I have p'ay'd the fool : and, leaving a calm port, 
 Erabark'd myself 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 must stand the hazard. lExit, 
 
 SCENE II.— A Space before the Palace. 
 
 Enter Theodosius, Philanax, Timantus, Gratianus, 
 and Huntsmen. 
 
 Theo. Is Paulinus 
 So tortured with his gout ? 
 
 Phil. Most miserably. 
 And it adds much to his affliction, that _'-^ 
 The pain denies him power to wait upon 
 Your majesty. 
 
 Thpo. I pity him : — he is 
 A wondrous honest man, and what he suffers, 
 I know, will grieve my empress. 
 
 Tim. He, indeed, is 
 Much bound to her gracious favour. 
 
 Theo. He deserves it ; 
 She cannot find a subject upon whom 
 She better may confer it. — Is the stag 
 Safe lodged ? 
 
 Grai. Yes, sir, and the hounds and huntsmen 
 ready. 
 
 Phil. He will make you royal sport. He is a deer 
 Of ten, at the least. 
 
 Enter a Countryman with an apple. 
 
 Grat. Whither will this clown } 
 
 Tim. Stand back. 
 
 Countr. 'I would zee the emperor; why should 
 you courtiers 
 Scorn a poor countryman ? we zweat at the plough 
 To vill your mouths, you and your curs might starve 
 
 else : 
 We prune the orchards, and you cranch the fruit ; 
 Yet still you're snarling at us. 
 
 Theo. What's the matter ? 
 
 Countr. I would look on thy zweet face. 
 
 Tim. Unmannefly swain ! 
 
 Countr. Zwain I though I am a zwain,, I have 
 a heart yet. 
 As ready to do service for my leege. 
 As any princox peacock of you all. 
 Zookers ! had I one of you zingle, with this twig 
 I would so veeze you. 
 
 Tim. Will your majesty 
 Hear his rude language ? 
 
 Theo. Yes, and hold it as 
 An ornament, not a blemish. O, Timantus, 
 Since that dread Power by whom we are, disdains 
 With an open ear to hear petitions from us ; [not 
 Easy access in us, his deputies. 
 To the meanest of our subjects, is a debt 
 Which we stand bound to pay. 
 
 Countr. By my granam's ghost 
 'Tis a holesome zaying ! our vicar could not mend it 
 In the pulpit on a zunday. 
 
 Theo. What's thy suit, friend ? 
 
 Countr. Zute ! 1 would laugh at that. Let the 
 court beg from thee, 
 What the poor country gives : I bring a present 
 To thy good grace, which I can call mine own. 
 And look not, like these gay volk, for a return 
 Of what they venture. Have I giv'n't you ? ha ! 
 
 Chry. A perilous knave. 
 
 Countr. Zee here a dainty apple, 
 
 [Presents the apple. 
 Of mine own graffing ; zweet and zound, I assure 
 thee. 
 
 Theo. It is the fairest fruit I ever saw. 
 Those golden apples in the Hesperian orchards, 
 So strangely guarded by the watchful dragon, 
 As they required great Hercules to get them ; 
 Or those with which Hippomenes deceived 
 Swift-footed Atalanta, when I look 
 On this, deserve no wonder. You behold 
 The poor man and his present with contempt ; 
 I to their value prize both : he that could 
 So aid weak nature by his care and labour, 
 As to compel a crab-tree stock to bear 
 A precious fruit of this large size and beauty, 
 Would by his industry change a petty village 
 Into a populous city, and from that 
 Erect a flourishing kingdom. Give the fellow, 
 For an encouragement to his future labours, 
 Ten Attic talents. 
 
 Countr. I will weary heaven 
 With my prayers for your majesty. {Exit. 
 
 Theo. Philanax, 
 From me present this rarity to the rarest 
 And best of women : when I think upon 
 The boundless happiness that from her flows to me, 
 In my imagination I am rapt 
 Beyond myself : but I forget our hunting. 
 To the forest, for the exercise of my body ; 
 But for my mind, 'tis wholly taken up 
 In the contemplation of her matchless virtues. 
 
 \^Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III.— ^ Room in the Palace. 
 
 Enter Eudocia, Pulcheria, Arcadia, and Flaccilla. 
 
 Eud. You shall know there's a difference be- 
 tween us. 
 
 Pul. There was, I am certain, not long since, 
 when you 
 Kneel'd a petitioner to me ; then you were happy 
 To be near my feet ; and do you hold it, now. 
 As a disparagement, that I side you, lady ? 
 
 Eud. Since you respect me only as I was. 
 What I am shall be remember'd. 
 
 Pul. Does the means 
 I practised, to give good and saving counsels 
 To the emperor, and your new-stamp'd majesty. 
 Still stick in your stomach ? 
 
 Eud. 'Tis not yet digested. 
 In troth it is not. Why, good governess, 
 Though you are held for a grand madam, and your- 
 The first that overprize it, I ne'er took [self 
 
 Your words for Delphian oracles, nor your actions 
 For such wonders as you make them : — there is one. 
 When she shall see her time, as fit and able 
 To be made partner of the emperor's cares. 
 As your wise self, and may with justice challenge 
 A nearer interest. — You have done your visit, 
 So, when you please, you may leave me. 
 
 Pul. I'll not bandy 
 Words with your mightiness, proud one ; only this. 
 You carry too much sail for your small bark. 
 And that, when you least think upon't, may sink 
 you. lExiU 
 
 Flac. I am glad she's gone. 
 
 Arcad. I fear'd she would have read 
 A tedious lecture to us. 
 
25G 
 
 THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 Enter Philanax with the apple. 
 
 Phil. From the emperor. 
 This rare fruit to the rarest. 
 
 Eud. How, my lord ! 
 
 Phil. I use his language, madam ; and that trust, 
 Which he imposed on me, discnarged, his pleasure 
 Commands my present service. lExit. 
 
 Eud. Have you seen 
 So fair an apple ? 
 
 Flac. Never. 
 
 Arcad. If the taste 
 Answer the beauty. 
 
 Eud. Prettily begg'd : — you should have it, 
 But that you eat too much cold fruit, aud that 
 Changes the fresh red in your cheeks to paleness. 
 
 Enter a Servant. 
 I have other dainties for you : — You come from 
 Paulinus ; how is't with that truly noble, 
 And honest lord, my witness at the fount, 
 In a word, the man to whose bless'd charity 
 I owe my greatness ? How is't with him ? 
 
 Serv. Sprightly 
 In his mind ; but, by the raging of his gout. 
 In his body much distemper'd ; that you pleased 
 To inquire his health, took off much from his pain, 
 His glad looks did confirm it. 
 
 Eud. Do his doctors 
 Give him no hope ? 
 
 Serv. Little ; they rather fear, 
 By his continual burning, that he stands 
 In danger of a fever. 
 
 Eud. To him again. 
 And tell him, that I heartily wish it lay 
 In me to ease him ; and from me deliver 
 This choice fruit to him ; you may say to that, 
 I hope it will prove physical. 
 
 Serv. The good lord 
 Will be o'erjoy'd with the favour. 
 
 Eud. He deserves more. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE IV.— ^ Room in Paulinus' House. 
 Paulinus discovered in a Chair, attended by a Surgeon. 
 
 Sung. I have done as much as art can do, to stop 
 The violent course of your fit, and I hope you feel it : 
 How does your honour } 
 
 Paul. At some ease, I thank you ; 
 I would you could assure continuance of it, 
 For the moiety of my fortune. 
 
 Surg. If I could cure 
 The gout, my lord, without the philosopher's stone 
 I should soon purchase, it being a disease 
 In poor men very rare, and in the rich 
 The cure impossible. Your many bounties 
 Bid me prepare you for a certain truth, 
 And to flatter you were dishonest. 
 
 Paul. Your plain dealing 
 Deserves a fee. Would there were many more such 
 Of your profession ! Happy are poor men I 
 If sick with the excess of heat or cold, 
 Caused by necessitous labour, not loose surfeits, — 
 They, when spare diet, or kind nature fail 
 To perfect their recovery, soon arrive at 
 Their rest in death : but, on the contrary. 
 The great and noble are exposed as preys 
 To the rapine of physicians ; and they. 
 In lingering out what is remediless, 
 .\im at their profit, not the patient's health. 
 
 A thousand trials and experiments 
 
 Have been put upon me, and I forced to pay dear 
 
 For my vexation ; but I am resolved 
 
 (I thank your honest freedom) to be made 
 
 A property no more for knaves to work on. — 
 
 Enter Cleon with a parchment roll. 
 What have you there ? 
 
 Cle. The triumphs of an artsman 
 O'er all infirmities, made authentical 
 With the names of princes, kings, and emperors, 
 That were his patients. 
 
 Paul. Some empiric. 
 
 Cle. It may be so ; but he swears, within three 
 days 
 He'll grub up your gout by the roots, and make 
 
 you able 
 To march ten leagues a day in complete armour. 
 
 Paul. Impossible. 
 
 Cle. Or, if you like not him 
 
 Surg. Hear him, my lord, for your mirth ; I will 
 They shall not wrong you. [take order 
 
 Paul. Usher in your monster. 
 
 Cle. He is at hand. — March up : now speak for 
 yourself. 
 
 Enter Empiric. 
 
 Emp. I come not, right honourable, to your 
 presence, with any base and sordid end of reward ; 
 the immortality of my fame is the white I shoot 
 at : the charge of my most curious and costly in- 
 gredients frayed, amounting to some seventeen 
 thousand crowns — a trifle in respect of health — 
 writing your noble name in my catalogue, 1 shall 
 acknowledge myself amply satisfied. 
 
 Surg. I believe so. 
 
 Emp. For your own sake, I most heartily wish 
 that you had now all the diseases, maladies, and 
 infirmities upon you, that were ever remembered 
 by old Galen, Hippocrates, or the later and more 
 admired Paracelsus. 
 
 Paul. For your good wish, I thank you ! 
 
 Emp. Take me with you, I beseech your good 
 lordship. — I urged it, that your joy, in being cer- 
 tainly and suddenly freed from them, may be the 
 greater, and my not -to-be-parallelled skill the 
 more remarkable. The cure of the gout — a toy, 
 without boast be it said, my cradle-practice : The 
 cancer, the fistula, the dropsy, consumption of 
 lungs and kidneys, hurts in the brain, heart, or 
 liver, are things worthy my opposition ; but in 
 the recovery of my patients I ever overcome them. 
 But to your gout 
 
 Paul. Ay, marry, sir, that cured, I shall be apter 
 To give credit to the rest. 
 
 Emp. Suppose it done, sir. 
 
 Surg. And the means you use, I beseech you ? 
 
 Emp. I will do it in the plainest language, and 
 discover my ingredients. First, my hoteni tere- 
 bintkina of Cypris, my manna, ros coslo, coagulated 
 with vetulos ovorum, vulgarly yolks of eggs, with 
 a little cyath or quantity of my potable elixir, 
 with some few scruples of sassafras and guiacum, 
 so taken every morning and evening, in the space 
 of three days purgeth, cleanseth, and dissipateth 
 the inward causes of the virulent tumor. 
 
 Paul. Why do you smile ? 
 
 Surg. When he hath done I will resolve you. 
 
 Emp. For my exterior applications, I have these 
 balsum-unguentulums, extracted from herbs, plants, 
 roots, seeds, gums, and a million of other vegeta 
 
tfOENE V. 
 
 THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 25? 
 
 bles, the principal of which are, Ulissipona, or 
 serpentaria, sophia, or herba consolidarum, par- 
 thenium, or commanilla Romana, mumia trans- 
 marina, mixed with my plumbum philosophorum, 
 and mater metallorum, cum ossa paraleli, est uni- 
 versale medicamentum in podagra. 
 
 Cle. A conjuring balsamum ! 
 
 JEmp. This applied warm upon the pained place, 
 with a feather of struthio-cameli, or a bird of pa- 
 radise, which is everywhere to be had, shall expulse 
 this tartarous, viscous, anatheos, and malignant 
 dolor. 
 
 Surg. An excellent receipt ! but does your 
 Know what 'tis good for ? [lordship 
 
 Paul. I would be instructed. -^ 
 
 Surg. For the gonorrhoea, or, if you will hear it 
 Tn a plainer phrase, the pox. 
 
 Emp. If it cure his lordship 
 Of that by the way, I hope, sir, 'tis the bef er. 
 My medicine serves for all things, and the f ox, sir, 
 Though falsely named the sciatica, or gout, 
 Is the more catholic sickness. 
 
 Paul. Hence with the rascal ! 
 Yet hurt him not, he makes me smile, and that 
 Frees him from punishment. IThey thrust him off. 
 
 Surg. Such slaves as this 
 Render our art contemptible. 
 
 Enter Servant with the apple. 
 
 Serv. My good lord. 
 
 Paul. So soon return'd ! 
 
 Serv. And with this present from 
 Your great and gracious mistress, with her wishes 
 It may prove physical to you. 
 
 Paul. In my heart 
 I kneel, and thank her bounty. Dear friend Cleon, 
 Give him the cupboard of plate in the next room, 
 For a reward. — [Ea^eunt Cleon and Servant.] — 
 
 Most glorious fruit ! but made 
 More precious by her grace and love that sent 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,) 
 Hewed 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 presume 
 To taste it, though, sans question, it is 
 Some heavenly restorative, I in duty 
 Stand bound to weigh my own unworthiness. 
 Ambrosia is food only for the gods. 
 And not by human lips to be profaned. 
 I may adore it as some holy relic 
 Derived from thence, but impious to keep it 
 In my possession ; the emperor only 
 Is worthy to enjoy it. — 
 
 Re-enter Cleon. 
 
 Go, good Cleon, 
 And (cease this admiration at this object,) 
 From me present this to my royal master, 
 I know it will amaze him ; and excuse me 
 That I am not myself the bearer of it. 
 That I should be lame now, when with wings of 
 I should fly to the service of this empress ! [duty 
 Nay, no delays, good Cleon. 
 
 Cle. I am gone, sir. lEjcieunt. 
 
 SCENE Y.—A Room in the Palace, 
 
 Enter Theodosius, Chrysapius, Tiuamtus, and 
 Gratianus. 
 
 Chri/. Are you not tired, sir } 
 
 Theo. Tired ! I must not say so, 
 However, though I rode hard. To a huntsman, 
 His toil is his delight, and to complain 
 Of weariness, would shew as poorly in him 
 As if a general should grieve for a wound 
 Received upon his forehead, or his breast. 
 After a glorious victory. Lay by 
 These accoutrements for the chase. 
 
 Enter Pulcheria. 
 
 Pul. You are well return'd, sir 
 From your princely exercise. 
 
 Theo. Sister, to you 
 I owe the freedom, and the use of all 
 The pleasures I enjoy : your care provides 
 For my security, and the burthen, which 
 I should alone sustain, you undergo. 
 And, by your painful watchings, yield my sleeps 
 Both sound and sure. How happy am I in 
 Your knowledge of the art of government ! 
 And, credit me, I glory to behold you 
 Dispose of great designs, as if you were 
 A partner, and no subject of my empire. 
 
 Pul. My vigilance, since it hath well succeeded, 
 I am confident you allow of — yet it is not 
 Approved by all. 
 
 Theo. Who dares repine at that 
 "Which hath our suffrage ? 
 
 Pul. One that too well knows 
 The strength of her abilities can better 
 My weak endeavours. 
 
 Theo. In this you reflect 
 Upon my empress ? 
 
 Pul. True : for, as she is 
 The consort of your bed, 'tis fit she share in 
 Your cares and absolute power. 
 
 Theo. You touch a string 
 That sounds but harshly to me ; and I must. 
 In a brother's love advise you, that hereafter 
 You would forbear to move it : since she is 
 In her pure self a harmony of such sweetness, 
 Composed of duty, chaste desires, her beauty 
 (Though it might tea.pt a hermit from his beads) 
 The least of her endowments. I am sorry 
 Her holding the first place, since that the second 
 Is proper to yourself, calls on your envy. 
 She err ! it is impossible in a thought : 
 And mudh more speak or do what may offend me. 
 In other things I would believe you, sister ; 
 But, though the tongues of saints and angels tax'd 
 
 her 
 Of any imperfection, I should be 
 Incredulous. 
 
 Pul. She is yet a woman, sir. 
 
 Theo. The abstract of what's excellent in the 
 sex, 
 But to their mulcts and frailties a mere stranger ; 
 I'll die in this belief. 
 
 Enter Clkon, with the apple. 
 
 Cle. Your humblest servant. 
 The lord Paulinus, as a witness of 
 His zeal and duty to your majesty, 
 Presents you with this jewel. 
 
 Theo. Ha! s 
 
268 
 
 THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 Cle. It is 
 Preferr'd by him 
 
 Theo. Above his honour ? 
 
 Cle. No, sij ; 
 I would have said his patrimony. 
 
 Theo. 'Tis the same. 
 
 Cle. And he entreats, since lameness may excuse 
 His not presenting it himself, from me 
 (Though far unworthy to supply his place) 
 You would vouchsafe to accept it. 
 
 Theo. Further off, 
 You've told your tale. Stay you for a reward ? 
 Take that. IStrikes him. 
 
 Pul. How's this ? 
 
 Chry. I never saw him moved thus. 
 
 Theo. We must not part so, sir : — a guard upon 
 him ! 
 
 Enter Guard. 
 May I not vent my sorrows in the air, 
 Without discovery ? Forbear the room ! 
 
 \_Exeunt Pul. Chry. Tim. Gkat. and Guard with Clb. 
 Yet be within call — What an earthquake I feel in 
 
 me ! 
 And on the sudden my whole fabric totters. 
 My blood within me turns, and through my veins, 
 Parting with natural redness, I discern it 
 Changed to a fatal yellow. What an army 
 Of hellish furies, in the horrid shapes 
 Of doubts and fears, charge on me I rise to my 
 
 rescue. 
 Thou stout maintainer of a chaste wife's honour, 
 The confidence of her virtues ; be not shaken 
 With the wind of vain surmises, much less suffer 
 The devil Jealousy to whisper to me 
 My curious observation of that 
 I must no more remember. Will't not be ? 
 Thou uninvited guest, ill-manner'd monster, 
 I charge thee, leave me ! wilt thou force me to 
 Give fuel to that fire I would put out ? 
 The goodness of my memory proves my mischief, 
 And I would sell my empire, could it purchase 
 The dull art of forgetfulness. — Who waits there? 
 
 Re-enter Timantus. 
 
 Tim. Most sacred sir — 
 
 Theo. Sacred, as 'tis accurs'd. 
 Is proper to me. Sirrah, upon your life. 
 Without a word concerning this, command 
 Eudocia to come to me. \_Exit Tim.] Would I had 
 Ne'er known her by that name, my mother's name, 
 Or that, for her own sake, she had continued 
 Poor Athenais still ! — No intermission ! 
 Wilt thou so soon torment me ? must I read. 
 Writ in the table of my memory. 
 To warrant my suspicion, how Paulinus 
 (Though ever thought a man averse to women) 
 First gave her entertainment, made her way 
 For audience to my sister ? — then I did 
 Myself observe how he was ravish'd with 
 The gracious delivery of her story. 
 Which was, I grant, the bait that first took me, 
 
 too ; — 
 She was his convert ; what the rhetoric was 
 He used, I know not ; and, since she was mine, 
 In private as in public what a mass 
 Of grace and favour hath she heap'd upon him ! 
 And, but to-day, this fatal fruit — She's come. 
 
 Re-enter Timantus u'iWt Eudocia, Flaccilla, and Arcadia. 
 Can she be guilty ? 
 
 Eud. You seem troubled, sir ; 
 My innocence makes me bold to ask the cause. 
 That I may ease you of it. No salute, 
 After four long hours' absence ! 
 
 Theo. Prithee, forgive me. — [Kisses her 
 
 Methinks I find Paulinus on her lips. 
 And the fresh nectar that I drew from thence 
 Is on the sudden pall'd. — How have you spent 
 Your hours since I last saw you ? 
 
 Eud. In the converse 
 Of your sweet sisters. 
 
 Theo. Did not Philanax. 
 From me deliver you an apple ? 
 
 Eud. Yes, sir ; 
 Heaven, how you frown ! pray you, talk of some- 
 thing else, 
 Think not of such a trifle. 
 
 Theo. How, a trifle ! 
 Does any toy from me presented to you. 
 Deserve to be so slighted ? do you vahie 
 What's sent, and not the sender } from a peasant 
 It had deserved your thanks. 
 
 Eud. And meets from you, sir. 
 All possible respect. 
 
 Theo. I prized it, lady, 
 At a higher rate than you believe ; and would not 
 Have parted with it, but to one I did 
 Prefer before myself. 
 
 Eud. It was, indeed. 
 The fairest that I ever saw. 
 
 Theo. It was; 
 And it had virtues in it, my Eudocia, 
 Not visible to the eye. 
 
 Eud. It may be so, sir. 
 
 Theo. What did you with it ,' — tell me punc- 
 tually ; 
 I look for a strict accompt. 
 
 Eud. What shall I answer ? iAside. 
 
 Theo. Do you stagger ? Ha ! 
 
 Eud. No, sir ; I have eaten it. 
 It had the pleasant'st taste ! — I wonder that 
 You found it not in my breath. 
 
 Theo. I'faith, I did not. 
 And it was wonderous strange. 
 
 Eud. Pray you, try again. 
 
 Theo. I find no scent oft here : you play with 
 me; 
 You have it still } 
 
 Eud. By your sacred life and fortune, 
 An oath I dare not break, I have eaten it. 
 
 Theo. Do you know how this oath binds .-* 
 
 Eud. Too well, to break it. 
 
 Theo. That ever man, to please his brutish sense, 
 Should slave his understanding to his passions, 
 And, taken with soon-fading white and red, 
 Deliver up his credulous ears to hear 
 The magic of a Syren ; and from these 
 Believe there ever was, is, or can be. 
 More than a seeming honesty in bad woman ! 
 
 Eud. This is strange language, sir. 
 
 Theo. Who waits ? Come all. 
 
 Re-enter Pulcheria, Philanax, Chrvsapius, Gratianus, 
 and Guard. 
 
 Nay, sister, not so near, being of the sex, 
 I fear you are infected too. 
 
 Pul. What mean you ? 
 
 Theo. To shew you a miracle, a prodigy 
 
 Which Afric never equall'd ; Can you think 
 
 This masterpiece of heav'n, this precious vellum. 
 
THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 259 
 
 Of such a purity and virgin whiteness, 
 
 Couia oe aesign'd to have pei^jury and whoredom, 
 
 In capital letters, writ upoa't ? 
 
 Pul. Dear sir. 
 
 Tneo. Nay, add to this, an impudence beyond 
 All prostituted boldness. Art not dead yet ? 
 Will not the tempests in thy conscience rend thee 
 As small as atoms, that there may no sign 
 Be left thou ever wert so ? wilt thou live 
 Till thou art blasted with the dreadful lightning 
 Of pregnant and unanswerable proofs 
 Of thy adulterous twines ? die yet, that I 
 With my honour may conceal it. 
 
 Eud. Would long since '^ 
 
 The Gorgon of your rage had turn'd me marble 1 
 Or, if I have offended 
 
 Theo. If ! good angels ! 
 
 But I am tame ; look on this dumb accuser. 
 
 iShewing the apple. 
 
 Eud. Oh, I am lost ! 
 
 Theo. Did ever cormorant 
 Swallow his prey, and then digest it whole. 
 As she hath done this apple ? Philanax, 
 As 'tis, from me presented it : the good lady 
 Swore she had eaten it ; yet, I know not how. 
 It came entire unto Paulinus' hands. 
 And I from him received it, sent in scorn, 
 Upon my life, to give me a close touch 
 That he was weary of thee. Was there nothing 
 Left thee to fee him to give satisfaction 
 To thy insatiate lust, but what was sent 
 As a dear favour from me ? How have I sinn'd 
 In my dotage on this creature ! but to her, 
 I have lived as I was born, a perfect virgin : 
 Nay, more, I thought it not enough to be 
 True to her bed, but that I must feed high. 
 To strengthen my abilities to cloy 
 Her ravenous appetite, little suspecting 
 She would desire a change. 
 
 Eud. I never did, sir. 
 
 Theo. Be dumb ; I will not waste my breath in 
 taxing 
 Thy base ingratitude. How I have raised thee 
 Will by the world be, to thy shame, spoke often : 
 But for that ribald, who held in my empire 
 *| The next place to myself, so bound unto me 
 By all the ties of duty and allegiance. 
 He shall pay dear for't, and feel what it is, 
 In a wrong of such high consequence, to pull down 
 
 His lord's slow anger on him ! — Philanax, 
 He's troubled with the gout, let him be cured 
 With a violent death, and in the other world 
 Thank his physician. 
 
 Phil. His cause unheard, sir ? 
 
 Pul. Take heed of rashness. 
 
 Theo. Is what I command 
 To be disputed ? 
 
 Phil. Your will shall be done, sir : 
 But that I am the instrument 
 
 Theo. Do you murmur ? \_Exit Phil, with Guard. 
 What could'st thou say, if that my license should 
 Give liberty to thy tongue ? [Eudocia kneeling, 
 points to Theodosius' sword.^ thou 
 wouldst die ? I am not 
 So to be reconciled. See me no more : 
 The sting of conscience ever gnawing on thee, 
 A long life be thy punishment ! [Exit. 
 
 Flac. O sweet lady. 
 How I could weep for her ! 
 
 Arcad. Speak, dear madam, speak. 
 Your tongue, as you are a woman, while you live 
 Should be ever moving, at the least, the last part 
 That stirs about you. 
 
 Pul. Though I should, sad lady, 
 In policy rejoice, you, as a rival 
 Of my greatness, are removed, compassion, 
 Since I believe you innocent, commands me 
 To mourn your fortune ; credit me, I will urge 
 All arguments I can allege that may 
 Appease the emperor's fury. 
 
 Arcad. I will grow too, 
 Upon my knees, unless he bid me rise, 
 And swear he will forgive you. 
 
 Flac. And repent too : 
 All this pother for an apple ! 
 
 \_Exeunt Pulcheria, Arcadia, and Fulccxlla. 
 
 Chry. Hope, dear madam, 
 And yield not to despair ; I am still your servant, 
 And never will forsake you, though awhile 
 You leave the court and city, and give way 
 To the violent passions of the emperor. 
 Repentance, in his want of you, will soon find 
 
 him : 
 In the mean time, I'll dispose of you, and omit 
 No opportunity that may invite him 
 To see his error. 
 
 Eud. Oh! IWringing her hands. 
 
 Chry. Forbear, for heaven's sake. lExeunt. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I. — A Room in Paulinus' House. 
 Enter Philanax, Paulinus, Guard, and Executioners. 
 
 Paul. This is most barbarous ! how have you 
 All feeling of humanity, as honour, [lost 
 
 In your consent alone to have me used thus.^ 
 But to be, as you are, a looker on, 
 Nay, more, a principal actor in't, (the softness 
 Of your former life consider'd,) almost turns me 
 Into a senseless statue. 
 
 Phil. Would, long since. 
 Death, by some other means, had made you one, 
 That you might be less sensible of what 
 You have, or are to suffer ! 
 
 Paul. Am to suffer! ' s 2 
 
 Let such, whose happiness and heaven depend 
 
 Upon their present 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 sickness batter'd : — yet take heed, 
 
 Take heed, lord Philanax, that, for private spleen, 
 
 Or any false- conceived grudge against me, 
 
 (Since in one thought of wrong to you I am 
 
 Sincerely innocent,) you do not that 
 
 My royal master must in justice punish. 
 
 If you pass to your own heart thorough mine ; 
 
 The murder, as it will come out, discover'd. 
 
 / hil. I murder you, my lord ! heaven witness 
 for me. 
 With the restoring of your health, I wish you 
 
260 
 
 THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 Long life and happiness : for myself, I am 
 Compell'd to put in execution that 
 Which I would fly from ; 'tis the emperor, 
 The high incensed emperor's will, commands 
 What I must see perform'd. 
 
 Paul. The emperor ! 
 Goodness and innocence guard me ! wheels nor 
 
 racks 
 Can force into my memory the remembrance 
 Of the least shadow of offence, with which 
 I ever did provoke him. Though beloved, 
 (And yet the people's love is short and fatal,) 
 I never courted popular applause, 
 Feasted the men of action, or labour'd 
 By prodigal gifts to draw the needy soldier, 
 The tribunes, or centurions to a faction, 
 Of which I would rise up the head against him. 
 I hold no place of strength, fortress or castle, 
 In my command, that can give sanctuary 
 To malecontents, or countenance rebellion. 
 I have built no palaces to face the court. 
 Nor do my followers' braveries shame his train ; 
 And though I cannot blame my fate for want, 
 My competent means of life deserve no envy ; 
 In what, then, am I dangerous ? 
 
 Phil. His displeasure 
 Reflects on none of those particulars 
 Which you have mention'd, though some jealous 
 
 princes 
 In a subject cannot brook them. 
 
 Paul. None of these ! 
 In what, then, am I worthy his suspicion ? 
 But it may, nay it must be, some informer, 
 To whom my innocence appear'd a crime. 
 Hath poison'd his late good opinion of me. 
 'Tis not to die, but, in the censure of 
 So good a master, guilty, that afflicts me. 
 
 Phil. There is no remedy. 
 
 Paul. No ! — 1 have a friend yet, 
 To whom the state I stand in now deliver'd, 
 (Could the strictness of your warrant give way to it, 
 That, by fair intercession for me, would 
 So far prevail, that, my defence unheard, 
 I should not, innocent or guilty, suffer 
 Without a fit distinction. 
 
 Phil. These false hopes, 
 My lord, abuse you. What man, when condemn'd, 
 Did ever find a friend ? or who dares lend 
 An eye of pity to that star-cross'd subject 
 On whom his sovereign frowns ? 
 
 Paul. She that dares plead 
 For innocence without a fee, the empress, 
 My great and gracious mistress. 
 
 Phil. There's your error. 
 Her many favours, which you hoped should make 
 
 you 
 Prove your undoing. She, poor lady, is 
 Banish'd for ever from the emperor's presence- 
 And his confirm'd suspicion, to his wrong, 
 That you have been over-familiar with her. 
 Dooms you to death. I know you understand me. 
 
 Paul. Over-familiar ! 
 
 Phil. In sharing with him 
 Those sweet and secret pleasures of his bed, 
 Which can admit no partner. 
 
 Paul. And is that 
 The crime for which I am to die ? of all 
 My numerous sins, was there not one of weight 
 Enough to sink me, if he borrow'd not 
 The colour of a guilt I never saw, 
 
 To paint my innocence in a deform'd 
 
 And monstrous shape? but that it were profane 
 
 To argue heaven of ignorance or injustice, 
 
 I now should tax it. Had the stars that reign'd 
 
 At my nativity such cursed influence. 
 
 As not alone to make me miserable. 
 
 But, in the Jieighbourhood of her goodness to n^ 
 
 To force contagion upon a lady, , " 
 
 Whose purer flames were not inferior 
 
 To theirs when they shine brightest ! to die for 
 
 her. 
 Compared with what she suffers, is a trifle. 
 By her example warn'd, let all great women 
 Hereafter throw pride and contempt on such 
 As truly serve them, since a retribution V* 
 
 In lawful courtesies is now styled lust ; , ^ 
 
 And to be thankful to a servant's merits 
 Is grown a vice, no virtue. 
 
 Phil. These complaints 
 Are to no purpose : think on the long flight 
 Your better part must make. 
 
 Paul. She is prepared : 
 Nor can the freeing of an innocent 
 From the emperor's furious jealousy hinder her, 
 — It shall out, 'tis resolved ; but to be whisper'd 
 To you alone. What a solemn preparation 
 Is made here to put forth an inch of taper. 
 In itself almost extinguish'd ! mortal poison ! 
 The hangman's sword ! the halter ! 
 
 Phil. 'Tis left to you 
 To make choice of which you please. 
 
 Paul. Any will serve 
 To take away my gout and life together. 
 I would not have the emperor imitate 
 Rome's monster, Nero, in that cruel mercy 
 He shew'd to Seneca. When you have discharged 
 What you are trusted with, and I have given you 
 Reasons beyond all doubt or disputation. 
 Of the empress' and my , innocence } when I am 
 
 dead, ^^ / 
 
 (Since 'tis my master's pleasure^ atid high treason 
 In you not to obey it,) I conjure you. 
 By the hopes you have of happiness 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 chaste wife, Eudocia. 
 And if perchance he shed a tear for what 
 In his rashness he imposed on his true servant, 
 So it cure him of future jealousy, 
 'Twill prove a precious balsamum, and find me 
 When 1 am in my grave. — Now, when you please ; 
 For I am ready. 
 
 Phil. His words work strangely on me. 
 And I would do — but 1 know not what to think 
 on't. lEjceunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — A Room in the Palace. 
 
 Enter Pulcheria, Flaccilla, ARCADrA, Tiai^vntus, 
 Gratianus, and Chrysapius. 
 
 Pul. Still in his sullen mood ? no intermission 
 Of his melancholy fit ? 
 
 Tim. It rather, madam, 
 Increases, than grows less. 
 
 Grat. In the next room 
 To his bedchamber we watch'd ; for he, by signs, 
 Gave us to understand he would admit 
 Nor company nor conference. 
 
THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 2(»1 
 
 Pul. Did he take 
 No rest, as you could guess ? 
 
 Chrp. Not any, madam. 
 Like a Numidian lion, by the cunning 
 Of the desperate huntsman taken in a toil. 
 And forced into a spacious cage, he walks 
 About his chamber ; we might hear him gnash 
 His teeth in rage, which open'd, hollow groans 
 And murmurs issued from his lips, like winds 
 Imprison'd in the caverns of the earth 
 Striving for liberty ; and sometimes throwing 
 His body on his bed, then on the ground. 
 And with such violence, that we mpre than fear'd. 
 And still do, if the tempest of his pnssions -^ 
 By your wisdom, be not laid, he will commit 
 Some outrage on himself. 
 
 Pul. His better angel, 
 I hope, will stay him from so. foul a mischief; 
 Nor shall my care be wanting. 
 
 Tim. Twice I heard him 
 Say, False Eudocia, how much art thou 
 Unworthy of these tears! then sigh'd, and straight 
 Roar'd out, Paulinus ! was his gouty age 
 To be preferred before my strength and p'Uth ? 
 Then groan'd again, so many ways expressing 
 The afflictions of a tortured soul, that we. 
 Who wept in vain for what we could not help, 
 Were sharers in his sufferings. 
 
 Pul. Though your sorrow 
 Is not to be condemn'd, it takes not from 
 The burthen of his miseries : we must practise, 
 With some fresh object, to divert his thoughts 
 From that they are wholly fix'd on. 
 
 Chry. Could I gain 
 The freedom of access, I would present him 
 With this petition. — Will your highness please 
 To look upon it : you will soon find there 
 What my intents and hiapes are. 
 
 Enter Theodosius. 
 
 Grat. Ha ! 'tis he. 
 
 Pul. Stand close. 
 And give way to his passions ; 'tis not safe 
 To stop them in their violent course, before 
 They have spent themselves. 
 
 Theo. I play the fool, and am 
 Unequal to myself ; delinquents are 
 To suffer, not the innocent. I have done 
 Nothing, which will not hold weight in the scale 
 Of my impartial justice ; neither feel I 
 The worm of conscience upbraiding me 
 For one black deed of tyranny ; wherefore, then, 
 Should I torment myself.^ Great Julius would 
 
 not 
 Rest satisfied that his wife was free from fact, 
 But, only for suspicion of a crime, 
 Sued a divorce ; nor was this Roman rigour 
 Censured as cruel : gjad-^fiil the wise Italian, 
 That knows the hoi{our of his family V 
 
 Depends upon the }\urity (>t^ his bed, j^ 
 
 For a kiss, nay, wantda_Ledk, will plough up mischief, 
 And sow the seeds of his revenge in blood. 
 And shall I, to whose power the law's a servamt, 
 That stand accountable to none, for what 
 My will calls an offence, being comj^ell'd. 
 And on such grounds, to raise an altar to 
 My anger ; thpngh, I grant, it is cetnented 
 With a loose strumpet ana adulterer's gore. 
 Repent the justice of my fury } No. 
 I should not : yet still my e.y/,;ess of love, 
 
 Fed high in the remembrance of her choice 
 And sweet embraces, would persuade me that 
 Connivence or remission of her fault. 
 Made warrantable by her true submission 
 For her offence, might be excusable. 
 Did not the cruelty of my wounded honour, 
 With an open mouth, deny it. 
 
 Pul. I approve of 
 Your good intention, and I hope 'twill prosper. — 
 
 [7'0 (/HRYSAI'lliS. 
 
 He now seems calm : let us, upon our knees. 
 
 Encompass him. — Most royal sir 
 
 IThey all kneel. 
 
 Flac. Sweet brother 
 
 Arcad. As you are our sovereign, by the ties 
 of nature 
 You are bound to be a father in your care 
 To us poor orphans. 
 
 Tim. Shew compassion, sir, 
 Unto yourself. 
 
 Grat. The majesty of your fortune 
 Should fly above the reach of grief. 
 
 Chry. And 'tis 
 Impair'd, if you yield to it. 
 
 Theo. Wherefore pay you 
 This adoration to a sinful creature ? 
 I am flesh and blood, as you are, sensible 
 Of heat and cold, as much a slave unto 
 The tyranny of my passions, as the meanest 
 Of my poor subjects. The proud attributes, 
 By oil-tongued flattery imposed upon us, 
 As sacred, glorious, high, invincible. 
 The deputy of heaven, and in that 
 Omnipotent, with all false titles else, 
 Coin'd to abuse our frailty, though compounded, 
 And by the breath of sycophants applied, 
 Cure not the least fit of an ague in us. 
 We may give poor men riches, confer honours 
 On undeservers, raise, or ruin such 
 As are beneath us, and, with this puff'd up, 
 Ambition would persuade us to forget 
 That we are men : but He that sits above us, 
 And to whom, at our utmost rate, we are 
 But pageant properties, derides our weakness : 
 In me, to whom you kneel, 'tis most apparent. 
 Can I call back yesterday, with all their aids 
 That bow unto my sceptre ? or restore 
 My mind to that tranquillity and peace 
 It then enjoy 'd ? — Can I make Eudocia chaste. 
 Or vile Paulinus honest ? 
 
 Pul. If I might 
 Without offence, deliver my opinion 
 
 Theo. What would you say ? 
 
 Pul. That, on my soul, the empress 
 Is innocent. 
 
 Chry. The good Paulinus guiltless. 
 
 Grat. And this should yield you comfort, 
 
 Theo. In being guilty 
 Of an offence far, far transcending that 
 They stand condemn'd for ! Call you this a comfort? 
 Suppose it could be true, — a corsive rather. 
 Not to eat out dead flesh, but putrify 
 What yet is sound. Was murder ever held 
 A cure for jealousy ? or the crying blood 
 Of innocence, a balm to take away 
 Her festering anguish? As you do desire 
 I should not do a justice on myself, 
 Add to the proofs by which Paulinus fell, 
 And not take from them ; in your charity 
 Sooner believe that they were false, than I 
 
262 
 
 THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 Unrighteous in my judgment ? subjects' lives 
 Are not their prince's tennis-balls, to be bandied 
 In sport away : all that I can endure 
 For them, if they were guilty, is an atom 
 To the mountain of affliction I puU'd on me, 
 Should they prove innocent. 
 
 Chry. For your majesty's peace, 
 I more than hope they were not : the false oath 
 Ta'en by the empress, and for which she can 
 Plead no excuse, convicted her, and yields 
 A sure defence for your suspicion of her. 
 And yet, to be resolved, since strong doubts are 
 More grievous, for the most part, than to know 
 A certain loss 
 
 Theo. 'Tis true, Chrysapius, 
 Were there a possible means. 
 
 Chry. 'Tis offer'd to you, 
 If you please to embrace it. Some few minutes 
 Make truce vv^ith passion, and but read, and follow 
 What's there projected, — [Delivers him a paper. ] — 
 
 you shall find a key 
 Will make your entrance easy, to discover 
 Her secret thoughts ; and then, as in your wisdom 
 You shall think fit, you may determine of her ; 
 And rest confirm'd, whether Paulinus died 
 A villain or a martyr. 
 
 Theo. It may do. 
 Nay, sure it must ; yet, howsoe'er it fall, 
 I am most wretched. Which vpay in my wishes 
 I should fashion the event, I'm so distracted 
 I cannot yet resolve of. — Follow me ; 
 Though in my name all names are comprehended, 
 I must have witnesses in what degree 
 I have done wrong, or sufFer'd. 
 
 Ful. Hope the best, sir. lExeunt 
 
 SCENE III Another Room in the same. 
 
 Enter Eudocia in sackcloth, her hair loose. 
 
 ISings.'] Wliy art thou slow, thou rest of trouble, Death, 
 
 To stop a wretch's breath, 
 That calls on thee, and offers her sad heart 
 
 A prey unto thy dart ? 
 I am nor 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. 
 If thou end not my tedious misery ; 
 
 And I soon cease to be. 
 Strike, and strike home, then ; pitj' unto me. 
 
 In one short hour's delay, is tyranny. 
 
 Thus, like a dying swan, to a sad tune 
 
 I sing my own dirge ; would a requiem follow, 
 
 Which in my penitence I despair not of, 
 
 (This brittle glass of life already broken 
 
 With misery,) the long and quiet sleep 
 
 Of death would be most welcome ! — Yet, before 
 
 We end our pilgrimage, 'tis fit that we 
 
 Should leave corruption and foul sins behind us. 
 
 But with wash'd feet and hands, the heathens 
 
 dare not 
 Enter their profane temples ; and for me 
 To hope my passage to eternity 
 Can be made easy, till I have shook off 
 The burthen of my sins in free confession, 
 Aided with sorrow and repentance for them, 
 Is against reason. 'Tis not laying by 
 
 My royal ornaments, or putting on 
 This garment of humility and contrition. 
 The throwing dust and ashes on my head, 
 Long fasts to tame my proud flesh, that can make 
 Atonement for my soul ; that must be humbled. 
 All outward signs of penitence else are useless. 
 Chrysapius did assure me he would bring me 
 A holy man, from whom (having discover'd 
 My secret crying sins) I might receive 
 Full absolution — and he keeps his word. 
 
 Enter Theodosius disguised as a Friar, with Chrysapius. 
 
 Welcome, most reverend sir, upon ray knees 
 I entertain you. 
 
 Theo. Noble sir, forbear 
 The place ; the sacred office that I come for 
 
 lExit Chrysapius. 
 Commands all privacy. My penitent daughter. 
 Be careful, as you wish remission from me, 
 That, in confession of your sins, you hide not 
 One crime, whose ponderous weight, when you 
 
 would make 
 Your flights above the firmament, may sink you. 
 A foolish modesty in concealing aught, 
 Is now far worse than iaipudence to profess 
 And justify your guilt, be therefore free ; 
 So may the gates of mercy open to you ! 
 
 Eud. First then, I ask a pardon, for my being 
 Ingrateful to heaven's bounty. 
 
 Theo. A good entrance. 
 
 Eud. Greatness comes from above, and I raised 
 From a low condition, sinfully forgot [to it 
 
 From whence it came ; and, looking on myself 
 In the false glass of flattery, I received it 
 As a debt due to my beauty, not a gift 
 Or favour from the emperor. 
 
 Theo. *Twas not well. 
 
 Eud. Pride waited on unthankfulness ; and no 
 more 
 Remembering the compassion of the princess, 
 And the means she used to make me what I was. 
 Contested with her, and with sore eyes seeing 
 Her greater light as it diram'd mine, I practised 
 To have it quite put out. 
 
 Theo. A great offence ; 
 But, on repentance, not unpardonable. 
 Forward. 
 
 Eud. O, father ! — what I now must utter, 
 I fear, in the delivery will destroy me, 
 Before you have absolved me. 
 
 Theo. Heaven is gracious ; 
 Out with it. 
 
 Eud. Heaven commands us to tell truth, 
 Yet I, most sinful wretch, forswore myself. 
 
 Theo. On what occasion ? 
 
 Eud. Quite forgetting that 
 An innocent truth can never stand in need 
 Of a guilty lie, being on the sudden ask'd 
 By the emperor, my husband, for an apple 
 Presented by him, I swore I had eaten it ; 
 When my grieved conscience too well knows I seni 
 To comfort sick Paulinus, being a man [it 
 
 I truly loved and favour' d. 
 
 Theo. A cold sweat. 
 Like the juice of hemlock, bathes me. lAstde. 
 
 Eud. And from this 
 A furious jealousy getting possession 
 Of the good emperor's heart, in his rage he doom'd 
 The innocent lord to die-, my perjury 
 The fatal cause of murder. 
 
SCENE III. 
 
 THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 26b 
 
 Theo. Take heed, daughter, 
 You niggle not with your conscience, and religion, 
 In styling him an innocent, from your fear 
 And shame to accuse yourself. The emperor 
 Had many spies upon you, saw such graces. 
 Which virtue could not warrant, shower'd upon 
 Glances in public, and more liberal favours [him ; 
 In your private chamber-meetings, making way 
 For foul adultery ; nor could he be 
 But sensible of the compact pass'd between you, 
 To the ruin of his honour. 
 
 Eud. Hear me, father ; 
 I look'd for comfort, but, in this, you come 
 To add to my afflictions. ,^ 
 
 Theo. Cause not you 
 Your own damnation, in concealing that 
 Which may, in your discovery, find forgiveness. 
 Open your eyes ; set heaven or hell before you ; 
 In the revealing of the truth, you shall 
 Prepare a palace for your soul to dwell in, 
 Stored with celestial blessings ; whereas, if 
 You palliate your crime, and dare beyond 
 Playing with lightning, in concealing it. 
 Expect a dreadful dungeon fiU'd with horror. 
 And never-ending torments. 
 
 Eud. May they fall 
 Eternally upon me, and increase, 
 When that which we call Time hath lost its name ! 
 May lightning cleave the centre of the earth, 
 And I sink quick, before you have absolved me, 
 Into the bottomless abyss, if ever, 
 In one unchaste desire, nay, in a thought, 
 I wrong'd the honour of the emperor's bed ! 
 I do deserve, I grant, more than I suffer, 
 In that my fervour and desire to please him, 
 In my holy meditations press'd upon me. 
 And would not be kept out ; now to dissemble, 
 When I shall suddenly be insensible 
 Of what the world speaks of me, were mere mad- 
 ness : 
 And, though you are incredulous, I presume. 
 If, as I kneel now, my eyes swoU'n with tears, 
 My hands heaved up thus, my stretch'd heart- 
 To break asunder, my incensed lord [strings ready 
 (His storm of jealousy blown o'er) should hear me, 
 He would beUeve I lied not. 
 
 Theo. Rise, and see him. iDiscovers himself. 
 
 On his knees, with joy affirm it. 
 
 Eud. Can this be ? 
 
 Theo. My sisters, and the rest there ! — All bear 
 witness, 
 
 Enter Pui^cHERrA, Arcadia, FLAccrLLA, Chrvsapius, 
 TifltANTUs, and Philanax. 
 
 In freeing this incomparable lady 
 From the suspicion of guilt, I do 
 Accuse myself, and willingly submit 
 To any penance she in justice shall 
 Please to impose upon me. 
 
 Eud. Royal sir, 
 Your ill opinion of me's soon forgiven. 
 
 Pul. But how you can make satisfaction to 
 The poor Paulinus, he being dead, in reason 
 You must conclude impossible. 
 
 Theo. And in that 
 I am most miserable ; the ocean 
 Of joy, which, in your innocence, flow'd high to me. 
 Ebbs in the thought of my unjust command. 
 By which he died. O, Philanax, (as thy name 
 Interpreted speaks thee,) thou hast ever been 
 
 A lover of the king, and thy whole life 
 
 Can witness thy obedience to my will, 
 
 In putting that in execution which 
 
 Was trusted to thee ; say but yet this once, 
 
 Thou hast not done what rashly 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 challenged from me. 
 
 Phil. Tis too late, sir : 
 He's dead ; and, when you know he was unable 
 To wrong you in the way that you suspected, 
 You'll wish it had been otherwise. 
 
 Theo. Unable! 
 
 Phil. I am sure he was an eunuch, and might 
 safely 
 Lie by a virgin's side ; at four years made one. 
 Though to hold grace with ladies he conceal'd it. 
 The circumstances, and the manner how, 
 You may hear at better leisure. 
 
 Theo. How, an eunuch ! 
 The more the proofs are that are brought to clear 
 My best Eudocia, the more my sorrows. [thee, 
 
 Eud. Tliat I am innocent ? 
 
 Theo. That I am guilty 
 Of murder, my Eudocia. I will build 
 A glorious monument to his memory ; 
 And, for my punishment, live and die upon it, 
 And never more converse with men. 
 
 Enter PAULiNua 
 
 Paul. Live long, sir ! 
 May I do so to serve you ! and, if that 
 I live does not displease you, you owe for it 
 To this good lord. 
 
 Theo. Myself, and all that's mine. 
 
 Phil. Your pardon is a payment. 
 
 Theo. I am rapt 
 With joy beyond myself. Now, my Eudocia, 
 My jealousy puff 'd away thus, in this breath 
 I scent the natural sweetness. IKisses her. 
 
 Arcad. Sacred sir, 
 I am happy to behold this, and presume, 
 Now you are pleased, to move a suit, in which 
 My sister is join'd with me. 
 
 Theo. Prithee speak it ; 
 For I have vow'd to hear before I grant ; — 
 I thank your good instructions. [To Pulcheria. 
 
 Arcad. *Tis but this, sir : 
 We have observed the falling out and in 
 Between the husband and the wife shews rarely ; 
 Their jars and reconcilements strangely take us. 
 
 Flac. Anger and jealousy that conclude in kisses, 
 Is a sweet war, in sooth. 
 
 Arcad. We therefore, brother. 
 Most humbly beg you would provide us husbands. 
 That we may taste the pleasure oft. 
 
 Flac. And with speed, sir; 
 For so your favour's doubled. 
 
 Theo. Take my word, 
 I will with all convenience ; and not blush 
 Hereafter to be guided by your counsels : 
 I will deserve your pardon. Philanax 
 Shall be remember'd, and magnificent bounties 
 Fall on Chrysapius ; my grace on all. 
 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 please. 
 As it is gracious, to quench in me 
 All future sparks of burning jealousy. lExevnt. 
 
264 THE EMPEROR OF THE EAST. 
 
 EPILOGUE. 
 
 We have reason to be doultful, trhether he^ 
 ^n whom (forced to it from necessity) 
 The maker did confer his emperor's part. 
 Hath given you satisfaction, in his art 
 Of action and delivery ; 'tis sure truth, 
 The burthen was too heavy for his youth 
 To undergo : — but, in his will, ice knoio, 
 He was not wanting^ and shall ever owe, 
 With his, our service, if your favours deign 
 To give him strength, hereafter to sustain 
 A greater weight. It is your grace that can 
 In your allowance of this, write him man 
 Before his time ; which, if you please fo -M. 
 You make the player and the poef t**a. 
 
THE FATAL DOWEY. 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONS. 
 
 RocHFORT, Ex-Premier President of the Parlia- 
 
 AvMER, a Singer and Keeper of a Music-House, 
 
 ment of Dijon. 
 
 also dependent on Novall, Junior. 
 
 Charalois, a noble Gentleman, Son to the de- 
 
 Advocates. 
 
 ceased Marshal. 
 
 Three Creditors. 
 
 RoMONT, a brave Officer, Friend to Charalois. 
 
 A Priest. 
 
 NovALL, Senior, Premier President of the Par- 
 
 Tailor. 
 
 liament of Dijon. 
 
 Barber. 
 
 NovALL, Junior, his Son, in Love with Beau- 
 
 Perfumer. 
 
 MELLE, 
 
 Page. 
 
 DtT Croy, President of the Parliament of Dijon. 
 
 
 Charmi, an Advocate. 
 
 Beaumelle, Daughter to Rochfort. 
 
 Beaumont, Secretary to Rochfort. 
 
 Florimel, ) Servants to Beaumelle ; the latter 
 Bellapert, 3 the secret Agent of Novall, Jun. 
 
 MTLOTm''''' } Friends of Novall, Junior. 
 
 liLADAM, a Parasite, dependent on Novall, 
 
 Presidents, Captains, Soldiers, Mourners, Gaoler, 
 
 Junior. 
 
 BaiUfifs, Servants. 
 
 SCENE, 
 
 — Dijon. 
 
 AC 
 
 T I. 
 
 SCENE I.— A Street before the Court of Justice. 
 
 Enter Rochfort and Du Croy. 
 
 Enter Charalois with a paper, Romont, and Charmi. 
 
 Char. Their lordships here are coming, 
 
 Char. Sir, I may move the court to serve your 
 
 I must go get me a place. You'll find me in court, 
 
 wiU; 
 
 And at your service. [Exit 
 
 But therein shall both wrong you and myself. 
 
 Rom. Now, put on your spirits. 
 
 Rom. Why think you so, sir ? 
 
 Du Croy. The ease that you prepare yourself- 
 
 Char. 'Cause 1 am familiar 
 
 my lord, 
 
 With what will be their answer : they will say, 
 
 In giving up the place you hold in court, 
 
 'Tis against law ; and argue me of ignorance, 
 
 Will prove, I fear, a trouble in the state, 
 
 For offering them the motion. 
 
 And that no slight one. 
 
 Rom. You know not, sir, > 
 
 Roch. Pray you, sir, no more. 
 
 How, in this cause, they may dispense with law ; 
 
 Rom. Now, sir, lose not this offer'd means , tn^ir 
 
 And therefore frame not you their answer for them. 
 
 Fix'd on you with a pitying earnestness, [looks. 
 
 But do your parts. 
 
 Invite you to demand their furtherance 
 
 Char. I love the cause so well, 
 
 To your good purpose :— this such a dullness. 
 
 As I could run the hazard of a check for't. 
 
 So foolish and untimely, as 
 
 Rom. From whom ? 
 
 Bu Croy. You know him ? 
 
 Char. Some of the bench, that watch to give it. 
 
 Roch. I do ; and much lament the sudden fall 
 
 More than to do the oiiice that they sit for : 
 
 Of his brave house. It is young Charalois, 
 
 But give me, sir, my fee. 
 
 Son to the marshal, from whom he inherits 
 
 Rom. Now you are noble. [Gives him his purse. 
 
 His fame and virtues only. 
 
 Char. I shall deserve this better yet, in giving 
 
 Rom. Ha 1 they name you. 
 
 My lord some counsel, if be please to hear it. 
 
 Du Croy. His father died in prison two days 
 
 Than I shall do with pleading. 
 
 since. 
 
 Rom. What may it be, sir ? 
 
 Roch. Yes, to the shame of this ungrateful state; 
 
 Char. That it would please his lordship, as the 
 
 That such a master in the art of war. 
 
 presidents 
 
 So noble, and so highly meriting 
 
 And counsellors of court come by, to stand 
 
 From this forgetful country, should, for want 
 
 Here, and but shew himself, and to some one 
 
 Of means to satisfy his creditors 
 
 Or two, make his request : — there is a minute, 
 
 The sums he took up for the general good, 
 
 When a man's presence speaks in his own cause, 
 
 Meet with an end so infamous. 
 
 More than the tongues of twenty advocates. 
 
 Rom. Dare you ever 
 
 Rom. I have urged that. 
 
 Hope for like opportunity ? 
 
266 
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 Du Croy. My good lord 1 
 
 [They salute him as they pass by. 
 
 Roch. My wish bring comfort to you ! 
 
 Du Crop. The time calls us. 
 
 Roch. Good morrow, colonel ! 
 
 lExeunt Rochfobt and Du Croy. 
 
 Rom. This obstinate spleen, 
 You think, becomes your sorrow, and sorts well 
 With your black suits ; but, grant me wit or judg- 
 ment. 
 And, by the freedom of an honest man. 
 And a true friend to boot, I swear 'tis shameful. 
 And therefore flatter not yourself with hope. 
 Your sable habit, with the hat and cloak. 
 No, though the ribands help, have power to work 
 
 them 
 To what you would : for those that had no eyes 
 To see the great acts of your father, will not, 
 From any fashion sorrow can put on, 
 Be taught to know their duties. 
 
 Charal. If they will not, 
 They are too old to learn, and T too young 
 To give them counsel ; since, if they partake 
 The understanding and the hearts of men. 
 They will prevent my words and tears : if not. 
 What can persuasion, though made eloquent 
 With grief, work upon such as have changed 
 
 natures 
 With the most savage beast ? Blest, blest be ever 
 The memory of that happy age, when justice 
 Had no guards to keep off wrong'd innocence 
 From flying to her succours, and, in that, 
 Assurance of redress ! where now, Romont, 
 The damn'd with more ease may ascend from hell. 
 Than we arrive at her. One Cerberus there 
 Forbids the passage, in our courts a thousand, 
 As loud and fertile-headed ; and the client 
 That wants the sops to fill their ravenous throats. 
 Must hope for no access : why should I, then, 
 Attempt impossibilities ; you, friend, being 
 Too well acquainted with my dearth of means 
 To make my entrance that way ? 
 
 Rom. Would I were not ! 
 But, sir, you have a cause, a cause so just, 
 Of such necessity, not to be deferr'd, 
 As would compel a maid, whose foot was never 
 Set o'er her father's threshold, nor within 
 The house where she was born, ever spake word 
 Which was not usher'd with pure virgin blushes, 
 To drown the tempest of a pleader's tongue, 
 And force corruption to give back the hire 
 It took against her. Let examples move you. 
 You see men great in birth, esteem, and fortune, 
 Rather than lose a scruple of their right, 
 Fawn basely upon such, whose gowns put oflF, 
 They would disdain for servants. 
 
 Charal. And to these 
 Can I become a suitor ? 
 
 Rom. Without loss : 
 Would you consider, that, to gain their favours, 
 Our chastest dames put ofl* their modesties, 
 Soldiers forget their honours, usurers 
 Make sacrifice of gold, poets of wit, 
 And men religious part with fame and goodness. 
 Be therefore won to use the means that may 
 Advance your pious ends. 
 
 Charal. You shall o'ercome. 
 
 Rom. And you receive the glory. Pray you now 
 practise. 
 
 Charal. 'Tis well. 
 
 Enter Novall, senior. Advocates, Liladam, and three 
 Creditors. 
 
 [^Tenders his petition.'] Not look on me 1 
 Rom. You must have patience 
 
 Offer it again. 
 
 Charal. And be again contemn'd ! 
 Nov. sen. 1 know what's to be done. 
 
 1 Cred. And, that your lordship 
 
 Will please to do your knowledge, we offer first 
 Our thankful hearts here, as a bounteous earnest 
 To what we will add. 
 
 N'ov. sen. One word more of this, 
 I am your enemy. Am I a man 
 Your bribes can work on ? ha ? 
 
 Lilad. Friends, you mistake [Aside to Cred. 
 
 The way to win ray lord ; he must not hear this, 
 But I, as one in favour, in his sight 
 May hearken to you for my profit. — Sir ! 
 Pray hear them. 
 
 Nov. sen. It is well. 
 
 Lilad. Observe him now. 
 
 Nov. sen. Your cause being good, and your 
 proceedings so. 
 Without corruption I am your friend ; 
 Speak your desires. 
 
 2 Cred. Oh, they are charitable ; 
 The marshal stood engaged unto us three 
 
 Two hundred thousand crowns, which, by his death. 
 We are defeated of : for which great loss 
 We aim at nothing but his rotten flesh ; 
 Nor is that cruelty. 
 
 1 Cred. I have a son 
 That talks of nothing but of guns and armour. 
 And swears he'll be a soldier ; 'tis an humour 
 I would divert him from ; and I am told. 
 That if I minister to him, in his drink, 
 Powder made of this bankrupt marshal's bones. 
 Provided that the carcass rot above ground, 
 'Twill cure his foolish frenzy. 
 
 Nov. sen. You shew in it 
 A father's care. I have a son myself, 
 A fashionable gentleman, and a peaceful ; 
 And, but I am assured he's not so given, 
 He should take of it too. 
 
 Charal. Sir! {Tenders Ms petition, 
 
 Nov. sen. What are you ? 
 
 Charal. A gentleman. 
 
 Nov. sen. So are many that rake dunghills. 
 If you have any suit, move it in court : 
 I take no papers in corners. [Exit. 
 
 Rom. Yes, 
 As the matter may be carried — and whereby — 
 To manage the conveyance Follow him. 
 
 Lilad. You are rude : I say he shall not pass. 
 
 [Exeunt Charalois and Advocate* 
 
 Rom. You say so ! 
 On what assurance ? 
 
 For the well cutting of his lordship's corns, 
 Picking his toes, or any oflSce else 
 Nearer to baseness ! 
 
 Lilad. Look upon me better ; 
 Are these the ensigns of so coarse a fellow ? 
 Be well advised. 
 
 Rom. Out, rogue ! do not I know 
 These glorious weeds spring from the sordid dung- 
 hill 
 Of thy officious baseness ? wert thou worthy 
 Of any thing from me, but my contempt, 
 I would do more than this, — [Beats him.'] — rnorr. 
 you court-spider ! 
 
SCENK II. 
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 207 
 
 Lilad. But that this man is lawless, he should 
 That I am valiant. [find 
 
 1 Cred. If your ears are fast, 
 
 'Tis nothing. What's a blow or two ? as much. 
 
 2 Cred. These chastisements as useful are as 
 To such as would grow rich. [frequent, 
 
 Rom. Are they so, rascals ? 
 I will befriend you, then. ZKicks them, 
 
 1 Cred. Bear witness, sirs ! 
 
 Lilad. Truth, I have borne my part already, 
 friends : 
 In the court you shall have more. iExit. 
 
 Horn. I know you for 
 The worst of spirits, that strive to rob the tombs 
 Of what is their inheritance, the dead : "^ 
 For usurers, bred by a riotous peace. 
 That hold the charter of your wealth and freedom 
 By being knaves and cuckolds ; that ne'er pray, 
 But when you fear the rich heirs will grow wise, 
 To keep their lands out of your parchment toils ; 
 And then, the devil your father's call'd upon, 
 To invent some ways of luxury ne'er thought on. 
 Be gone, and quickly, or I'll leave no room 
 Upon your foreheads for your horns to sprout on — 
 Without a murmur, or I will undo you ; 
 For I will beat you honest. 
 
 1 Cred. Thrift forbid ! 
 We will bear this, rather than hazard that. 
 
 iExeunt Creditors. 
 
 Re-erder Charalois. 
 
 Rom. I am somewhat eased in this yet. 
 
 Char. Only friend. 
 To what vain purpose 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 submiss entreaties. 
 
 Rom. Think not so, sir : 
 The difficulties that you encounter with 
 Will crown the undertaking — heaven ! you weep : 
 And I could do so too, but that I know 
 There's more expected from the son and friend 
 Of him whose fatal loss now shakes our natures, 
 Than sighs or tears, in ivhich a village nurse. 
 Or cunning strumpet, when her knave is hang'd, 
 May overcome us. We are men, young lord, 
 Let us not do like women. To the court. 
 And there speak like your birth : wake sleeping 
 Or dare the axe. This is a way will sort [justice, 
 With what you are : I call you not to that 
 I will shrink from myself; I will deserve 
 Your thanks, or suffer with you — O how bravely 
 That sudden fire of anger shews in you ! 
 Give fuel to it. Since you are on a shelf 
 Of extreme danger, suffer like yourself. IExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II.— The Court of Justice. 
 
 Enter Rochfort, Novau, senior. Presidents, Charwi, 
 Du Croy, Beaumont, Advocates, thi-ee Creditors, and 
 Officers. 
 
 Du Croy. Your lordships seated, may this 
 meeting prove 
 Prosperous to us, and* to the general good 
 Of Burgundy ! 
 
 Nov. sen. Speak to the point. 
 
 Du Croy. Which is 
 With honour to dispose the place and power 
 Of premier president, which this reverend man. 
 Grave Rochfort, whom for honour's sake I name, 
 Is purposed to resign ; a place, my lords, 
 In which he hath with such integrity 
 Perform'd the first and best parts of a judge, 
 That, as his life transcends all fair examples 
 Of such as were before him in Dijon, 
 So it remains to those that shall succeed him, 
 A precedent they may imitate, but not equal. 
 
 R'^ch. I may not sit to hear this. 
 
 Du Croy. Let the love 
 And thankfulness we are bound to pay to goodness. 
 In this o'ercome your modesty. 
 
 Roch. My thanks 
 For this great favour shall prevent your trouble. 
 The honourable trust that was imposed 
 Upon my weakness, since you witness for me 
 It was not ill discharged, I will not mention ; 
 Nor now, if age had not deprived me of 
 The little strength I had to govern well 
 The province that I undertook, forsake it. 
 
 Nov. sen. That we could lend you of our years ! 
 
 Du Croy. Or strength ! 
 
 Nov. sen. Or, as you are, persuade you to con- 
 tinue 
 The noble exercise of your knowing judgment ! 
 
 Roch. That may not be ; nor can your lordships' 
 goodness. 
 Since your employments have conferr'd upon me 
 Sufficient wealth, deny the use of it : 
 And, though old age, when one foot's in the grave , 
 In many, when all humours else are spent. 
 Feeds no affection in them, but desire 
 To add height to the mountain of their riches. 
 In me it is not so. I rest content 
 With the honours and estate I now possess : 
 And, that I may have liberty to use 
 What heaven, still blessing my poor industry, 
 Hath made me master of, I pray the court 
 To ease me of ray burthen, that I may 
 Employ the small remainder of my life 
 In living well, and learning how to die so. 
 
 Enter Romont and Charalois. 
 
 Rom. See, sir, our advocate. 
 
 Du Croy. The court entreats 
 Your lordship will be pleased to name the man, 
 Which you would have your successor, and, in me, 
 All promise to confirm it. 
 
 Roch. I embrace it 
 As an assurance of their favour to me, 
 And name my lord Novall. 
 
 Du Croy. The court allows it. 
 
 Roch. But there are suitors wait here, and their 
 May be of more necessity to be heard ; [causes 
 I therefore wish that mine may be deferr'd, 
 And theirs have hearing. 
 
 Du Croy. If your lordship please [To Nov. sen. 
 To take the place, we will proceed. 
 
 Char. The cause 
 We come to offer to your lordships' censure, 
 Is in itself so noble, that it needs not 
 Or rhetoric in me that plead, or favour 
 From your grave lordships, to determine of it ; 
 Since to the praise of your impartial justice 
 (Which guilty, nay, condemn'd men, dare not 
 It will erect a trophy of your mercy, [scanitel) 
 Which married co that justice 
 
2(58 
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 Nov. sen. Speak to the cause. 
 
 Char. I will, my lord. To say, the late dead 
 marshal. 
 The father of this young lord here, my client, 
 Hath done his country great and faithful service, 
 Might task me of impertinence, to repeat 
 What your grave lordships cannot but remember. 
 Jle, in his life, became indebted to 
 These 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 himself from his engagements, 
 He was arrested, and, for want of bail, 
 Imprison'd at their suit ; and, not long after, 
 With loss of liberty, ended his life. 
 And, though it be a maxim in our laws, 
 All suits die with the person, these men's malice 
 In death finds matter for their hate to work on ; 
 Denying him the decent rites of burial. 
 Which the sworn enemies of the Christian faith 
 Grant freely to their slaves. May it therefore 
 
 please 
 Your lordships so to fashion your decree, 
 That, what their cruelty doth forbid, your pity 
 May give allowance to. 
 
 Nov. sen. How long have you, sir, 
 Practised in court ? 
 
 Char. Some twenty years, my lord. 
 
 Nov. sen. By your gross ignorance, it should 
 Not twenty days. [appear, 
 
 Char. I hope I have given no cause 
 In this, my lord. 
 
 Nov. sen. How dare you move the court 
 To the dispensing with an act, confirm'd 
 By parliament, to the terror of all bankrupts ? 
 Go home ; and with more care peruse the statutes : 
 Or the next motion, savouring of this boldness, 
 May force you, sir, to leap, against your will. 
 Over the place you plead at. 
 
 Char. I foresaw this. 
 
 Rom. Why, does your lordship think the moving 
 A cause more honest than this court had ever [of 
 The honour to determine, can deserve 
 A check like this ? 
 
 Nov. sen. Strange boldness ! 
 
 Rom. 'Tis fit freedom : 
 Or, do you conclude an advocate cannot hold 
 His credit with the judge, unless he study 
 His face more than the cause for which he pleads? 
 
 Char. Forbear. 
 
 Rom. Or cannot you, that have the power 
 To qualify the rigour of the laws 
 When you are pleased, take a little from 
 The strictness of your sour decrees, enacted 
 In favour of the greedy creditors. 
 Against the o'erthrown debtor ? 
 
 Nov. sen. Sirrah ! you that prate 
 Thus saucily, what are you ? 
 
 Rom. Why, I'll tell thee. 
 Thou purple-colour' d man ! I am one to whom 
 Thou ow'st the means thou hast of sitting there, 
 A corrupt elder. 
 
 Char. Forbear, 
 
 Rom. The nose thou wear'st is my gift ; and 
 those eyes. 
 That meet no object so base as their master, 
 Had been long since torn from that guilty head. 
 And thou thyself slave to some needy Swiss, 
 Had I not worn a sword, and used it better 
 Than, in thy prayers, thou ever didst thy tongue. 
 
 Nov. sen. Shall such an insolence pass un- 
 
 Char. Hear me. [punish'd ] 
 
 Rom. Yet I, that, in my service done my country, 
 Disdain to be put in the scale with thee. 
 Confess myself unworthy to be valued 
 With the least part, nay, hair of the dead marshal ; 
 Of whose so many glorious undertakings. 
 Make choice of any one, and that the meanest, 
 Perform'd against the subtle fox of France, 
 The politic Louis, or the more desperate Swiss, 
 And 'twill outweigh all the good purposes, 
 Though put in act, that ever gownman practised. 
 
 Nov. sen. Away with him to prison. 
 
 Rom. If that curses, 
 Urged justly, and breath' d forth so, ever fell 
 On those that did deserve them, let not mine 
 Be spent in vain now, that thou from this instant 
 Mayst, in thy fear that they will fall upon thee, 
 Be sensible of the plagues they shall bring with 
 And for denying of a little earth [them. 
 
 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 lordships live not to be owner 
 Of so much dung as will conceal a dog. 
 Or, what is worse, thyself in ! A.nd thy years. 
 To th' end thou mayst be wretched, I wish many ; 
 And, as thou hast denied the dead a grave, 
 May misery in thy life make thee desire one, 
 Which men and all the elements keep from thee ! 
 — I have begun well ; imitate, exceed. 
 
 lAside to Charalois. 
 
 Rock. Good counsel, were it a praiseworthy 
 deed. lExeunt Officers with Romont, 
 
 Du Croy. Remember what we are. 
 
 Charal. Thus low my duty 
 Answers your lordship's counsel. I will use, 
 In the few words with which I am to trouble 
 Your lordship's ears, the temper that you wish me ; 
 Not that I fear to speak my thoughts as loud, 
 And with a liberty beyond Romont ; 
 But that I know, for me, that am made up 
 Of all that's wretched, so to haste my end. 
 Would seem to most rather a willingness 
 To quit the burthen of a hfipeless life. 
 Than scorn of death, or duty to the dead. 
 I, therefore, bring the tribute of my praise 
 To your severity, and commend the justice 
 That will not, for the many services 
 That any man hath done the commonwealth, 
 Wink at his least of ills. What though my father 
 Writ man before he was so, and confirm'd it, 
 By numbering that day no part of his life. 
 In which he did not service to his country ; 
 Was he to be free, therefore, from the laws 
 And ceremonious form in your decrees ! 
 Or else, because he did as much as man, 
 In those three memorable overthrows 
 At Granson, Morat, Nancy, where his master. 
 The warlike Charalois, (with whose misfortunes 
 I bear his name,) lost treasure, men, and life, 
 To be excused from payment of those sums 
 Which (his own patrimony spent) his zeal 
 To serve his country forced him to take up ! 
 
 Nov. sen. The precedent were ill, 
 
 Charal. And yet, my lord, this much, 
 I know, you'll grant ; after those great defeatures, 
 Which in their dreadful ruins buried quick 
 
SCENE II 
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 209 
 
 Re-enter Officers. 
 Courage and hope in all men but himself, 
 He forced the proud foe, in his height of conquest, 
 To yield unto an honourable peace ; 
 And in it saved an hundred thousand lives, 
 To end his own, that was sure proof against 
 The scalding summer's heat, and winter's frost, 
 111 airs, the cannon, and the enemy's sword, 
 In a most loathsome prison. 
 
 Du Croy. 'Twas his fault 
 To be so prodigal. 
 
 Nov. sen. He had from the state 
 Sufficient entertainment for the army. 
 
 Charal. Sufficient, my lords ! You sit at^ome, 
 And, though your fees are boundless at the bar, 
 
 Are thrifty in the charges of the war 
 
 But your wills be obey'd. To these I turn, 
 To these soft-hearted men, that wisely know 
 They're only good men that pay what they owe. 
 
 2 Cred. And so they are. 
 
 1 Cred. It is the city doctrine : 
 We stand bound to maintain it. 
 
 Charal. Be constant in it ; 
 And since you are as merciless in your natures, 
 As base and mercenary in your means 
 By which you get your wealth, I will not urge 
 The court to take away one scruple from 
 The right of their laws, or [wish] one good thought 
 In you, to mend your disposition with. 
 I know there is no music to your ears 
 So pleasing as the groans of men in prison ; 
 And that the tears of widows, and the cries 
 Of famish'd orphans, are the feasts that take you. 
 That to be in your danger, with more care 
 Should be avoided than infectious air. 
 The loath'd embraces of diseased women, 
 A flatterer's poison, or the loss of honour. — 
 Yet rather than my father's reverend dust 
 Shall want a place in that fair monument. 
 In which our noble ancestors lie intomb'd, 
 Before the court I offer up myself 
 A prisoner for it. Load me with those irons 
 That have worn out his life ; in my best strength 
 I'll run to the encounter of cold, hunger. 
 And choose my dwelling where no sun dares enter, 
 So he may be released. 
 
 1 Cred. What mean you, sir ? 
 
 2 Advo. Only your fee again : there's so much 
 
 said 
 Already in this cause, and said so well, 
 That, should I only offer to speak in it, 
 I should be or not heard, or laugh'd at for it. 
 
 1 Cred. 'Tis the first money advocate e'er gave 
 Though he said nothing. [back, 
 
 Roch. Be advised, young lord, 
 .A nd well considerate ; you throw away 
 Your liberty and joys of life together : 
 Your bounty is employ'd upon a subject 
 That is not sensible of it, with which wise man 
 Never abused his goodness. The great virtues 
 Of your dead father vindicate themselves 
 From these men's malice, and break ope the prison. 
 Though it contain his body. 
 
 Nov. sen. Let him alone : 
 If he love cords, in God's name let him wear them ; 
 Provided these consent. 
 
 Charal. I hope they are not 
 So ignorant in any way of profit, 
 As to neglect a possibility 
 To get their own, by seeking it from that 
 
 Which can return them nothing but ill fame, 
 And curses, 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 shut 
 
 hira up : 
 He is well shaped, and has a villainous tongue, 
 And, should he study that way of revenge, 
 As I dare almost swear he loves a wench, 
 We have no wives, nor never shall get daughters, 
 That will hold out against him. 
 Du Croy. What's your answer ? 
 
 2 Cred. Speak you for all. 
 
 1 Cred. Why, let our executions 
 That lie upon the father, be returned 
 Upon the son, and we release the body. 
 
 Nov. sen. The court must grant you that. 
 
 Charal. I thank your lordships. 
 They have in it conlirm'd on me such glory 
 As no time can take from me : I am ready, 
 Come, lead me where you please. Captivity, 
 That comes with honour, is true liberty. 
 
 lExeunt Charalois, Charwi, Officers, aiid Creditors 
 
 Nov. sen. Strange rashness ! 
 
 Roch. A brave resolution rather. 
 Worthy a better fortune : but, however. 
 It is not now to be disputed ; therefore 
 To my own cause. Already I have found 
 Your lordships bountiful in your favours to me, 
 And that should teach my modesty to end here, 
 And press your loves no further. 
 
 Du Croy. There is nothing 
 The court can grant, but with assurance you 
 May ask it, and obtain it. 
 
 Roch. You encourage 
 A bold petitioner, and 'tis not fit 
 Your favours should be lost : besides, 't'as been 
 A custom many years, at the surrendering 
 The place I now give up, to grant the president 
 One boon, that parted with it : and, to confirm 
 Your grace towards me, against all such as may 
 Detract my actions and life hereafter, 
 I now prefer it to you. 
 
 Du Croy. Speak it freely. 
 
 Roch. I then desire the liberty of Romont, 
 And that my lord Novall, whose private wrong 
 Was equal to the injury that was done 
 To the dignity of the court, will pardon it, 
 And now sign his enlargement. 
 
 Nov. sen. Pray you demand 
 The moiety of my estate, or any thing 
 Within my power, but this. 
 
 Roch. Am I denied then 
 My first and last request ? 
 
 Du Croy. It must not be. 
 
 2 Pre. I have a voice to give in it. 
 
 3 Pre. And I. 
 
 And if persuasion will not work him to it, 
 We will make known our power. 
 
 Nov. sen. You are too violent ; 
 You shall have my consent : but would you had 
 Made trial of my love in any thing 
 But this, you should have found then — but it skihs 
 You have what you desire. [not : 
 
 Roch. 1 thank your lordships. 
 
 Du Croy. The court is up. Make way. 
 
 lExeunt all but Roch fort and Beaumont. 
 
 Roch. I follow you. 
 Beaumont ! 
 
 Beau. Mv lord. 
 
•i70 
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 Roch. You are a scholar, Beaumont ; 
 And can search deeper into the intents of men, 
 Than those that are less knowing. — How appear'd 
 The piety and brave behaviour of 
 Young Charalois, to you ? 
 
 Beau. It is my wonder, 
 Since I want language to express it fully : 
 And sure the colonel 
 
 Roch. Fie ! he was faulty. 
 What present money have I ? 
 
 Bean. There's no want 
 Of any sum a private man has use for. 
 
 Roch. 'Tis well : 
 I am strangely taken with this Charalois. 
 Methinks, from his example the whole age 
 Should learn to be good, and continue so. 
 Virtue works strangely with us; and his good- 
 ness 
 Rising above his fortune, seems to me, 
 Prince-like, to will, not ask, a courtesy. \.Exeunt. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE I.— A Street before the Prison. 
 Enter Pontalier, Malotin, and Beaumont. 
 
 Mai 'Tis strange. 
 
 Beau, Methinks so. 
 
 Font. In a man but young, 
 Yet old in judgment; theoric and practic 
 In all humanity, and, to increase the wonder, 
 Religious, yet a soldier ; that he should 
 Yield his free-living youth a captive for 
 The freedom of his aged father's corpse, 
 And rather choose to want life's necessaries, 
 Liberty, hope of fortune, than it should 
 In death be kept from Christian ceremony. 
 
 Mai. Come, 'tis a golden precedent in a son. 
 To let strong nature have the better hand, 
 In such a case, of all affected reason. 
 What years sit on this Charalois ? 
 
 Beau. Twenty-eight : 
 For since the clock did strike him seventeen old. 
 Under his father's wing this son hath fought. 
 Served and commanded, and so aptly both, 
 That sometimes he appear'd his father's father, 
 And never less than 's son ; the old man's virtues 
 So recent in him, as the world may swear, 
 Nought but a fair tree could such fair fruit bear. 
 
 Pont. But wherefore lets he such a barbarous 
 law, 
 And men more barbarous to execute it. 
 Prevail on his soft disposition, 
 That he had rather die alive for debt 
 Of the old man, in prison, than they should 
 Rob him of sepulture ; considering 
 These monies borrow'd bought the lender's peace, 
 And all the means they enjoy, nor were diffused 
 In any impious or licentious path ? 
 
 Beau. True ! for my part, were it my father's 
 trunk, 
 The tyrannous ram-heads with their horns should 
 
 gore it, 
 Or cast it to their curs, than they less currish. 
 Ere prey on me so with their lion-law, 
 Being in my free-will, as in his, to shun it. 
 
 Pont. Alas ! he knows himself in poverty lost : 
 For, in this partial avaricious age, 
 What price bears honour ? virtue ? long ago. 
 It was but praised, and freezed ; but now-a-days, 
 'Tis colder far, and has nor love nor praise : 
 The very praise now freezeth too ; for nature 
 Did make the heathen far more Christian then. 
 Than knowledge us, less heathenish. Christian. 
 
 Mai. This morning is the funeral i 
 
 Pont. Certainly, 
 And from this prison, — 'twas the son's request. 
 
 That his dear father might interment have, 
 See, the young son enter'd a lively grave ! 
 Beau. They come : — observe their order. 
 
 Solemn music. Enter the Funeral Procession. The Coffin 
 borne by four, preceded by a Priest. Captains, Lieute- 
 nants, Ensigns, and Soldiers; Mourners, Scutcheons, 
 SfC. and very good order. Romont and Charalois, fol- 
 lowed by the Gaolers and Officers, with Creditors, meet it. 
 Charal. How like a silent stream shaded with 
 And gliding softly, with our windy sighs, [night. 
 Moves the whole frame of this solemnity ! 
 Tears, sighs, and blacks filling the simile ; 
 Whilst I, the only murmur in this grove 
 Of death, thus hollowly break forth. Vouchsafe 
 
 {To the Bearers, who set down the Coffin. 
 To stay awhile. — Rest, rest in peace, dear earth ! 
 Thou that brought'st rest to their unthankful lives, 
 Whose cruelty denied thee rest in death ! 
 Here stands thy poor executor, thy son, 
 That makes his life prisoner to bail thy death ; 
 Who gladlier puts on this captivity, 
 Than virgins, long in love, their wedding weeds. 
 Of all that ever thou hast done good to. 
 These only have good memories ; for they 
 Remember best forget not gratitude. 
 I thank you for this last and friendly love. 
 
 [_To the Soldiers. 
 And though this country, like a viperous mother, 
 Not only hath eat up ungratefully 
 All means of thee, her son, but last, thyself. 
 Leaving thy heir so bare and indigent, 
 He cannot raise thee a poor monument. 
 Such as a flatterer or a usurer hath ; 
 Thy worth, in every honest breast, builds one, 
 Making their friendly hearts thy funeral stone. 
 Pont. Sir. 
 
 Charal. Peace ! O, peace ! this scene is wholly 
 "■^ mine. 
 
 What ! weep ye, soldiers ? blanch not. — Romont 
 
 weeps ! 
 
 Ha ! let me see ! — my miracle is eased, 
 The gaolers and the creditors do weep ; 
 Even they that make us weep, do weep themselves ! 
 Be these thy body's balm ! these and thy virtue 
 Keep thy fame ever odoriferous, 
 Whilst the great, proud, rich, undeserving man. 
 Alive, stinks in his vices, and, being vauish'd. 
 The golden calf, that was an idol deck'd 
 With marble pillars, jet, and porphyry, 
 Shall quickly, both in bone and name, consume. 
 Though rapt in lead, spice, searcloth, and perfume ! 
 1 Cred. Sir. 
 Charal. What? away, for shame ! you, profine 
 
THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 271 
 
 Must not be mingled with these holy relics ; 
 This is a sacrifice : — our shower shall crown 
 His sepulchre with olive, myrrh, and bays. 
 The plants of peace, of sorrow, victory ; 
 Your tears would spring but weeds. 
 
 1 Cred. Would they so ! 
 
 We'll keep them to stop bottles then. 
 
 Rom. No, keep them 
 For your own sins, you rogues, till you repent ; 
 You'll die else, and be damn'd. 
 
 2 Cred. Damn'd !— ha 1 ha ! ha ! 
 Rom. Laugh ye ? 
 
 3 Cred. Yes, faith, sir ; we would be very glad 
 To please you either way. 
 
 I Cred. You are ne'er content, -^ 
 
 Crying nor laughing. 
 
 Rom. Both with a birth, ye rogues ? 
 
 'I Cred. Our wives, sir, taught us. 
 
 Rom. Look, look, you slaves ! your thankless 
 cruelty. 
 And savage manners of unkind Dijon, 
 Exhaust these floods, and not his father's death. 
 
 1 Cred. 'Slid, sir ! what would you ? you're so 
 
 choleric \ 
 
 2 Cred. Most soldiers are so, i'faith } — let him 
 
 alone. 
 They have little else to live on. We've not had 
 A penny of him, have we ? 
 
 3 Cred. 'Slight ! would you have our hearts ? 
 
 1 Cred. We have nothing but his body here in 
 For all our money, [durance, 
 
 Priest. On. 
 
 Charal. One moment more, 
 But to bestow a few poor legacies. 
 All I have left in my dead father's rights. 
 And I have done. Captain, wear thou these spurs. 
 That yet ne'er made his horse run from a foe. 
 Lieutenant, thou this scarf ; and may it tie 
 Thy valour and thy honesty together ! 
 For so it did in him. Ensign, this cuirass. 
 Your general's necklace once. You, gentle bearers, 
 Divide this purse of gold ; this other, strew 
 
 Among the poor ; 'tis all T have. Romont 
 
 Wear thou this medal of himself that, like 
 
 A hearty oak, grew'st close to this tall pine, 
 Even in the wildest wilderness of war, 
 Whereon foes broke their swords, and tired them- 
 selves : 
 Wounded and hack'd ye were, but never fell'd. 
 
 For me, ray portion provide in heaven ! 
 
 My root is earth'd, and I, a desolate branch, 
 Left scatter' d in the highway of the world. 
 Trod under foot, that might have been a column 
 Mainly supporting our demolish'd house. 
 
 This would 1 wear as my inheritance 
 
 And what hope can arise to me from it. 
 When I aad it are both here prisoners I 
 Only may this, if ever we be free. 
 Keep, or redeem, me from all infamy. 
 
 A DIROB TO SOLEMN MUSIC. 
 
 1 Cred. No further ; look to them at your own 
 
 peril. 
 
 2 Cred. No, as they please : their master's a 
 
 good man. 
 
 T would they were at the Bermudas ! 
 
 Gaol. You must no further. 
 Thfc prison limits you, and the creditors 
 Exact the strictness. 
 
 Rum. Out, you wolvish mongrels ! 
 
 Whose brains should be knock'd out, like dogs in 
 Lest your infection poison a whole town. [July, 
 Charal. They grudge our sorrow. Your ill wills 
 perforce. 
 Turn now to charity : they would not have us 
 Walk too far mourning ; usurer's relief 
 Grieves, if the debtors have too much of grief. 
 
 [_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE IL — A Room in, Rochfort's House. 
 Enter Beaumbli.e, Florimel, and Bella pert. 
 
 Beaumel. I prithee tell me, Florimel, why do 
 women marry ? 
 
 Flor. Why truly, madam, I think, to lie with 
 their husbands. 
 
 Bell. You are a fool. She lies, madam ; women 
 marry husbands, to lie with other men. 
 
 Flor. 'Faith, even such a woman wilt thou make. 
 By this light, madam, this wagtail will spoil you, 
 if you take delight in her license. 
 
 Beaumel. 'Tis true, Florimel ; 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 even a grain too heavy, simply, 
 for a waiting-gentlewoman 
 
 Flor. And thou, Bellapert, a grain too light. 
 
 Bell. Well, go thy ways, goody wisdom, whom 
 nobody regards. I wonder whether be elder, thou 
 or thy hood ? You think, because you served my 
 lady's mother, are thirty-two years old, which is a 
 pip out, you know 
 
 Flor. Well, said, whirligig. 
 
 Bell. You are deceived ; I want a peg in the 
 middle. — Out of these prerogatives, you think to 
 be mother of the maids here, and mortify them 
 with proverbs ; go, go, govern the sweetmeats, and 
 weigh the sugar, that the wenches steal none ; say 
 your prayers twice a day, and as I take it, you 
 have performed your function. 
 
 Flor. I may be even with you. 
 
 Bell. Hark ! the court's broke up. Go, help 
 my old lord out of his caroch, and scratch his head 
 till dinner time. 
 
 Flor. Well. {Exit. 
 
 Bell. Fie, madam, how you walk ! By my maid- 
 enhead, you look seven 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 sweet Bellapert, thou cabinet 
 To all my counsels, thou dost know the cause 
 That makes thy lady wither thus in youth. 
 
 Bell. Uds-light ! enjoy your wishes : whilst 1 
 One way or other you shall crown your will, [live. 
 Would you have him your husband that you love. 
 And can it not be ? he is your servant, though, 
 And may perform the office of a husband. 
 
 Beaumel. But there is honour, wench. 
 
 Bell. Such a disease 
 There is indeed, for which ere I would die 
 
 Beaumel. Prithee, distinguish me a maid and 
 wife. 
 
 Bell. 'Faith, madam, one may bear any man's 
 children, t'other must bear no man's. 
 
 Beaumel. What is a husband ? 
 
 Bell. Physic, that, tumbling in your belly, will 
 make you sick in the stomach. The only distinc- 
 tion betwixt a husband and a servant is, the first 
 will lie with you when he pleases ; the last shall lie 
 
272 
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 •with you when you please. Pray tell me, lady, do 
 you love, to marry after, or would you marry, to 
 love after ? 
 
 Beaumel. I would meet love and marriage both 
 at once. 
 
 Bell. Why then you are out of the fashion, and 
 will be contemn'd : for I will assure you, there are 
 few women in the world, but either they have mar- 
 ried first, and love after ; or love first, and married 
 after. You must do as you may, not as you would ; 
 your father's will is the goal you must fly to. If a 
 husband approach you, you would have further off, 
 is he you love, the less near you ? A husband in 
 these days is but a cloak, to be oftener laid upon 
 your bed, than in your bed. 
 
 Beaumel. Humph! 
 
 Bell. Sometimes you may wear him on your 
 shoulder ; now and then under your arm ; but sel- 
 dom or never let him cover you, for 'tis not the 
 fashion. 
 
 Enter Novall junior, Pontalikr, Malotin, Liladam, 
 and AvMEK. 
 
 Nov. jun. Best day to nature's curiosity. 
 Star of Dijon, the lustre of all France ! 
 Perpetual spring dwell on thy rosy cheeks. 
 
 Whose breath is perfume to our continent ! 
 
 See 1 Flora trimm'd in her varieties. 
 
 Bell. O, divine lord ! 
 
 Nov. jun. No autumn nor no age ever approach 
 This heavenly piece ; which nature having wrought, 
 She lost her needle, and did then despair 
 Ever to work so lively and so fair ! 
 
 Lilad. Uds-light ! my lord, one of the purls of 
 your band is, without all discipline, fallen out of his 
 rank. 
 
 Nov. jun. How! I would not for a thousand 
 crowns she had seen't. Dear Liladam, reform it. 
 
 Bell. Oh lord per se, lord ! quintessence of 
 honour 1 she walks not under a weed that could 
 deny thee anything. 
 
 Beaumel. Prithee peace, wench ; thou dost but 
 That flames too much already. [blow the fire, 
 
 [Liladam and Aymer him Novall, while Bellapert 
 dresses her lady. 
 
 Aym. By gad, my lord, you have the divinest 
 tailor in Christendom ; he hath made you look like 
 an angel in your cloth-of-tissue doublet. 
 
 Pont. This is a three-legg'd lord ; there's a fresh 
 assault. Oh ! that men should spend time thus ! 
 See, see, how her blood drives to her heart, and 
 straight vaults to her cheeks again ! 
 
 Malot. What are these .' 
 
 Pont. One of them there, the lower, is a good, 
 foolish, knavish, sociable gallimaufry of a man, and 
 has much caught my lord with singing ; he is mas- 
 ter of a music-house. The other is his dressing- 
 block, upon whom my lord lays all his clothes and 
 fashions ere he vouchsafes them his own person : 
 you shall see him in the morning in the Galley- 
 foist, at noon in the Bullion, in the evening in 
 Quirpo, and all night in 
 
 Malot. A bawdyhouse. 
 
 Pont. If my lord deny, they deny ; if he affirm, 
 they affirm : they skip into my lord's cast skins 
 some twice a year ; and thus they flatter to eat, 
 eat to live, and live to praise my lord. 
 
 jMalot. Good sir, tell me one thing. 
 
 Pont. What's that ? 
 
 Malot. Dare these men ever fight on any cause ? 
 
 Pont. Oh, no! 'twould spoil their clothes, and 
 put their bands out of order. 
 
 Nov. jun. Mistress, you hear the news ? your 
 father has resign' d his presidentship to my lord my 
 father. 
 
 Mai. And lord Charalois 
 Undone for ever. 
 
 Pont. Troth, 'tis pity, sir. 
 A braver hope of so assured a father, 
 Did never comfort France. 
 
 Lilad. A good dumb mourner. 
 
 Aym. A silent black. 
 
 Nov. jun. Oh, fie upon him, how he wears his 
 clothes ! 
 As if he bad come this Christmas from St. Omers, 
 To see his friends, and return'd after Twelfth-tide. 
 
 Lilad. His colonel looks finely like a drover — 
 
 Nov. jun. That had a winter lain perdue in the 
 rain. 
 
 Aym. What, he that wears a clout about his 
 neck. 
 His cuflf's in's pocket, and his heart in's mouth ? 
 
 Nov. jun. Now, out upon him ! 
 
 Beaumel. Servant, tie my hand. 
 
 [Nov. jun. kisses her hand. 
 How your lips blush, in scorn that they should pay 
 Tribute to hands, when lips are in the way ! 
 
 Nov. jun. I thus recant ; \_Kisses her.] yet now 
 your hand looks white. 
 Because your lips robb'd it of such a right. 
 Monsieur Aymer, I prithee sing the song 
 Devoted to my mistress. 
 
 MUSIC, — and a song by aymer. 
 Enter Rochfort and Beaumont. 
 
 Beau. Romont will come, sir, straight. 
 Roch. 'Tiswell. 
 Beaumel. My father ! 
 Nov. jun. My honourable lord. 
 Hoch. My lord Novall, this is a virtue in you ; 
 So early up and ready before noon, 
 That are the map of dressing through all France ! 
 Nov. jun. I rise to say my prayers, sir ; here's 
 
 my saint. 
 Roch. 'Tis well and courtly : — you must give me 
 leave, — 
 T have some private conference with my daughter ; 
 Pray use my garden : you shall dine with me. 
 Lilad. We'll wait on you. 
 Nov. jun. Good morn unto your lordship ! 
 Remember, what you have vow'd — 
 
 lAside to Beaumelle. 
 Beaumel. Perform I must. 
 
 \_Exeunl all but Rochfort and Beaumelle. 
 Roch. Why, how now, Beaumelle .'' thou look'st 
 not well. 
 Thou art sad of late ; — come, cheer thfee, I have 
 
 found 
 A wholesome remedy for these maiden fits : 
 A goodly oak whereon to twist my vine. 
 Till her fair branches grow up to the stars. 
 Be near at hand. — Success crown my intent ! 
 My business fills my httle time so full, 
 I cannot stand to talk ; I know thy duty 
 Is handmaid to my will, especially 
 When it presents nothing but good and fit. 
 
 Beaumel. Sir, I am yours. — Oh ! if my fears 
 prove true. 
 Fate hath wrong'd love, and will destroy me too. 
 
 \_Aside, and exit. 
 
THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 273 
 
 Enter RoMONT mid Gaoler. 
 
 Rom. Sent you for me, sir ? 
 
 Jioch. Yes. 
 
 Rom. Your lordship's pleasure ? 
 
 Roch. Keeper, this prisoner I will see forthcom- 
 Upon my word. — Sit down, good colonel. [iug, 
 
 lExit Gaoler. 
 Why I did wish you hither, noble sir, 
 Is to advise you from this iron carriage, 
 Which, so affected, Romont, you will wear ; 
 To pity, and to counsel you submit 
 With expedition to the great Novall : 
 Recant your stern contempt, and slight neglect 
 Of the whole court and him, and opportunely, 
 Or you will undergo a heavy censure j^ 
 
 In public, very shortly. 
 
 Rom. Reverend sir, 
 I have observed you, and do know you well ; 
 And am now more afraid you know not me. 
 By wishing my submission to Novall, 
 Than I can be of all the bellowing mouths 
 That wait upon him to pronounce the censure, 
 Could it determine me torments and shame. 
 
 Submit, and crave forgiveness of a beast ! 
 
 'Tis true, this boil of state wears purple tissue, 
 
 Is high fed, proud ; so is his lordship's horse, 
 
 And bears as rich caparisons. I knov 
 
 This elephant carries on his back not only 
 
 Towers, castles, but the ponderous lepublic. 
 
 And never stoops for't ; with his strong-breath'd 
 
 Snuffs others' titles, lordships, offices, [trunk, 
 
 Wealth, bribes, and lives, under his ravenous jaws : 
 
 What's this unto my freedom ? 1 dare die ; 
 
 And therefore ask this camel, if these blessings 
 
 (For so they would be understood by a man) 
 
 But mollify one rudeness in his liature, 
 
 Sweeten the eager relish of the law. 
 
 At whose great helm he sits. Helps he the poor, 
 
 In a just business ? nay, does he not cross 
 
 Every deserved soldier and scholar. 
 
 As if, when nature made him, she had made 
 
 The general antipathy of all virtue ? 
 
 How savagely and blasphemously he spake 
 
 Touching the general, the brave general dead ! 
 
 I must weep when I think on't. 
 
 Roch. Sir. 
 
 Rom. My lord, 
 I am not stubborn ; I can melt, you see, 
 And prize a virtue better than my life: 
 For though I be not learn'd, I ever loved 
 That holy mother of all issues good, 
 Whose white hand, for a sceptre, holds a file 
 To polish roughest customs ; and, in you. 
 She has her right: see ! I am calm as sleep. 
 But when I think of the gross injuries, 
 The godless wrong done to my general dead, 
 I rave indeed, and could eat this Novall ; 
 A soulless dromedary ! 
 
 Roch. Oh! be temperate. 
 Sir, though I would persuade, I'll not constrain : 
 Each man's opinion freely is his own 
 Concerning any thing, or any body; 
 Be it right or wrong, 'tis at the judge's peril. 
 
 Re-enter Beaumont. 
 
 Beau. These men, sir, wait without ; my lord is 
 
 come too. 
 Roch. Pay them those sums upon the table ; 
 
 take 
 Their full releases : — stay, I want a witness. 
 
 Let me entreat you, colonel, to walk in. 
 
 And stand but by to see this money paid ; 
 
 It does concern you and your friend ; it was 
 
 The better cause you were sent for, though said 
 
 otherwise. 
 The deed shall make this my request more plain. 
 
 Rom. I shall obey your pleasure, sir, though 
 ignorant 
 To what it tends. \_Exeunt Romont and Beaumont. 
 ^n^er Ckaralois. 
 
 Roch. Worthiest sir, 
 You are most welcome. Fie, no more of this ! 
 You have outwept a woman, noble Charalois. 
 No man but has or must bary a father. 
 
 Charal. 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 see no reason why the vicious, 
 Virtuous, valiant, and unworthy man, 
 Should die alike. 
 
 Roch. They do not. 
 
 Charal. In the manner 
 Of dying, sir, they do not ; but all die. 
 And therein differ not : — but I have done. 
 I spied the lively picture of my father. 
 Passing your gallery, and that cast this water 
 Into mine eyes : See, — foolish that 1 am, 
 To let it do so 1 
 
 Roch. Sweet and gentle nature ! 
 How silken is this well, comparatively 
 To other men ! lAside.^ I have a suit to you, sir. 
 
 Charal. Take it, 'tis granted. 
 
 Roch. What? 
 
 Charal. Nothing, my lord. 
 
 Roch. Nothing is quickly granted. 
 
 Charal. Faith, my lord. 
 That nothing granted is even all I have. 
 For, all know, I have nothing left to grant. 
 
 Roch. Sir, have you any suit to me ? I'll grant 
 You something, anything. 
 
 Charal. Nay, surely, I that can 
 Give nothing, will but sue for that again. 
 No man will grant me anything I sue for, 
 But begging nothing, every man will give it. 
 
 Roch. Sir ! 
 The love I bore your father, and the worth 
 I see in you, so much resembling his. 
 Made me thus send for you : — and tender here, 
 IDi-au's a curtain, and discovers a table with mottejf 
 and jewels upon it. 
 Whatever you will take, gold, jewels, both, 
 All, to supply your wants, and free yourself. 
 Where heavenly virtue in high-blooded veins 
 Is lodged, and can agree, men should kneel down, 
 Adore, and sacrifice all that they have ; 
 And well they may, it is so seldom seen. — 
 Put off your wonder, and here freely take. 
 Or send your servants : nor, sir, shall you use, 
 In aught of this, a poor man's fee, or bribe 
 Unjustly taken of the rich, but what's 
 Directly gotten, and yet by the law. 
 
 Charal. How ill, sir, it becomes those hairs to 
 
 Roch. Mock ! thunder strike me then ! [mock! 
 
 Charal. You do amaze me : 
 But you shall wonder too. I will not take 
 One single piece of this great heap. Why should I 
 Borrow, that have no means to pay ? nay, am 
 A very bankrupt, even in flattering hope 
 Of ever raising any. All my begging, 
 Is Roraont's liberty. ^ 
 
274 
 
 THE FATAL DOWR\^. 
 
 Re-enter Romont and Bbaumont, with Creditors. 
 
 Roch. Here is your friend, 
 Enfranchised ere you spake. I give him to you ; 
 And, Charalois, I give you to your friend, 
 As free a man as he. if our father's debts 
 Are taken off. 
 
 Charal. How ! 
 
 Rom. Sir, it is most true ; 
 I am the witness. 
 
 1 Cred. Yes, faith, we are paid. 
 
 2 Cred. Heaven bless his lordship ! I did think 
 
 him wiser. 
 
 3 Cred. He a statesman ! he an ass. Pay other 
 
 men's debts ! 
 1 Cred. That he was never bound for. 
 Rom. One more such 
 Would save the rest of pleaders. 
 
 Charal. Honour'd Rochfort 
 
 Lie still, my tongue, and, blushes, scald my cheeks, 
 That offer thanks in words, for such great deeds. 
 Roch. Call in my daughter. Siill I have a suit 
 to you, lExit Beaumont. 
 
 Would you requite me. 
 
 Rom. With his life, I assure you. 
 Roch. Nay, would you make me now your 
 debtor, sir 
 
 Re-enter Beaumont with Beaumelle. 
 This is my only child : what she appears, 
 Your lordship well may see : her education 
 Follows not any ; for her mind, I know it 
 To be far fairer than her shape, and hope 
 It will continue so. If now her birth 
 Be not too mean for Charalois, take her, take 
 This virgin by the hand, and call her Wife, 
 Endow' d with all my fortunes. Bless me so ; 
 Requite me thus, and make me happier, 
 In joining my poor empty name to yours, 
 Than if my state were multiplied tenfold. 
 
 Charal. Is this the payment, sir, that you ex- 
 Why, you precipitate me more in debt, [pect ! 
 That nothing but my life can ever pay. 
 This beauty being your daughter, in which yours 
 I must conceive necessity of her virtue, 
 Without all dowry is a prince's aim : 
 Then, as she is, for poor and worthless me 
 How much too worthy ! Waken me, Romont, 
 That I may know I dream'd, and find this vanish'd. 
 
 Rom. Sure, I sleep not. 
 
 Roch. Your sentence — life or death. 
 
 Charal. Fair Beaumelle, can you love me ? 
 
 Beaumelle. Yes, my lord. 
 
 Enter Novali, Junior, Pontalier, Malotin, Liladam, 
 and Aymek. They all salute. 
 Charal. You need not question mc if I can you : 
 You are the fairest virgin in Dijon, 
 And Rochfort is your father. 
 
 Nov. jun. What's this change ? [Aside. 
 
 Roch. You meet my wishes, gentlemen. 
 
 Rom. What make 
 These dogs in doublets here ? 
 
 Beau. A visitation, sir. 
 
 Charal. Then thus, fair Beaumelle, I write my 
 Thus seal it in the sight of heaven and men! [faith, 
 Your fingers tie my heart-strings with this touch. 
 In true-love knots, which nought but death shall 
 And let these tears, an emblem of our loves, [loose. 
 Like crystal rivers individually 
 Flow into one another, make one source. 
 Which never man distinguish, less divide ! 
 Breath marry breath, and kisses mingle souls, 
 Two hearts and bodies here incorporate ! 
 And, though with little wooing I have won, 
 My future life shall be a wooing time, 
 And every day new as the bridal one. 
 Oh, sir 1 I groan under your courtesies. 
 More than my father's bones under his wrongs : 
 You, Curtius like, have thrown into the gulf 
 Of this his country's foul ingratitude. 
 Your life and fortunes, to redeem their shames. 
 
 Roch. No more, my glory ! come, let's in, and 
 This celebration. [hasten 
 
 Rom. Mai. Pont. Beau. All fair bliss upon it! 
 \_Exe\int Rochfort, Charalois, Romont, Beaumont, 
 and Malotin. 
 
 Nov. jun. [As Beaumelle is going out.'] Mis- 
 tress ! 
 
 Beaumel. Oh, servant! — Virtue strengthen me ! 
 Thy presence blows round my affection's vane : — 
 You will undo me, if you speak again. [Exit. 
 
 Lilad. Aym. Here will be sport for you ! this 
 works. [Exeunt. 
 
 Nov. jun. Peace I peace ! 
 
 Pont. One word, my lord Novall. 
 
 Nov. jun. What, thou wouldst money? — there ! 
 
 Pont. No, I will none ; I'll not be bought a 
 A pander, or a parasite, for all [slave. 
 
 Your father's worth. Though you have saved my 
 
 life. 
 Rescued me often from my wants, I must not 
 Wink at your follies : that will ruin you. 
 You know my blunt way, and my love to truth — 
 Forsake the pursuit of this lady's honour. 
 Now you do see her made another man's, 
 And such a man's, so good, so popular ! 
 Or you will pluck a thousand mischiefs on you. 
 The benefits you have done me are not lost, 
 Nor cast away, they are purs'd here in my heart ; 
 But let me pay you, sir, a fairer way. 
 Than to defend your vices, or to sooth them. 
 
 Nov. jun. Ha, ha ! what are my courses unto 
 Good cousin Pontalier, meddle with that [thee? — 
 That shall concern thyself. lExit. 
 
 Pont. No more but scorn I 
 Move on then, stars, work your pernicious will : 
 Only the wise rule, and prevent your ill. lExit. 
 [Here a passage over the stage, whiU the act is playing for 
 the marriage o/ Charalois with Beaumelle, SfC, 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I. — A Room in Charalois' House. 
 Enter Novall Junior, and Bellapert. 
 
 False in thy promise — and, when I have said 
 Ungrateful, all is spoken. 
 Bell. Good my lord. 
 
 Nov. jun. Fly not to these excuses ; thou hast But hear me only. 
 
 been I Nov. jun. To what purpose, trifler ; 
 
SCENE I. 
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 275 
 
 Can anything that thou canst say make void 
 The marriage, or those pleasures but a dream, 
 Which Charalois, oh Venus ! hath enjoy'd ? 
 
 Bell. I yet could say that you receive advantage 
 In what you think a loss, would you vouchsafe me ; 
 That you were never in the way, till now, 
 With safety to arrive at your desires ; 
 That pleasure makes love to you, unattended 
 By danger or repentance. 
 
 Nov. JHti. That I could 
 But apprehend one reason how this might be ! 
 Hope would not then forsake me. 
 
 Bell. The enjoying 
 Of what you most desire, I say the enjoying,^ 
 Shall, in the full possession of your wishes, 
 Confirm that I am faithful. 
 
 Nov. jun. Give some relish 
 How this may appear possible. 
 
 Bell. I will. 
 Relish and taste, and make the banquet easy. 
 You say my lady's married, — I confess it ; 
 That Charalois hath enjoy'd her ; — 'tis most true : 
 That, with her, he's already master of 
 The best part of my old lord's state — still better. 
 But, that the first or last .should be your hinderance, 
 1 utterly deny ; foy, but observe me ; 
 While she went for, and was, I swear, a virgin, 
 What courtesy could she, witl^ her honour, give, 
 Or you receive with safety ! — take me with you : 
 When I say courtesy, do not think I mean 
 A kiss, the tying of her shoe or garter, 
 An hour of private conference ; those are trifles. 
 In this word courtesy we, that are gamesters, 
 
 point at 
 The sport direct, where not alone the lover 
 Brings his artillery, but uses it ; 
 Which word expounded to you, such a courtesy 
 Do you expect, and sudden. 
 
 JVov. jun. But he tasted 
 The first sweets, Bellapert. 
 
 Bell. He wrong'd you shrewdly ! 
 He toil'd to climb up to the phoenix' nest, 
 And in his prints leaves your ascent more easy. 
 I (Jo not know, you that are perfect critics 
 In women's books, may talk of maidenheads — 
 
 Nov. jun. But for her marriage ! 
 
 Bell. 'Tis a fair protection 
 Gainst all arrests of fear or shame for ever. 
 Such as are fair, and yet not foolish, study 
 To have one at thirteen ; but they are mad 
 That stay till twenty. Then, sir, for the pleasure, 
 To say adultery's sweeter, that is stale ; 
 This only — is not the contentment more. 
 To say, This is my cuckold, than my rival ? 
 More I could say — but briefly, she doats on you ; 
 If it prove otherwise, spare not; poison me, 
 With the next gold you give me. 
 
 Enter Beaumellr. 
 
 Beaumel. How's this, servant I 
 Courting my woman ? 
 
 Bell. As an entrance to 
 The favour of the mistress. You are together ; 
 And I am perfect in my cue. {Going. 
 
 Beaumel. Stay, Bellapert. 
 
 Bill. In this I must not, with your leave, obey 
 you. 
 Your tailor and your tirewoman wait without. 
 And stay my counsel and direction for 
 Your next day's dressing. I have much to do, 
 
 Nor will your ladyship, now time is precious. 
 
 Continue idle ; this choice lord will find 
 
 So fit employment for you ! ^_Exit. 
 
 Beaumel. I shall grow angry. 
 
 Nov. jun. Not so ; you have a jewel in her; 
 madam. 
 
 Re-enter Bellapert. 
 
 Bell. I had forgot to tell your ladyship 
 The closet is private, and your couch [there] ready ; 
 And, if you please that I shall lose the key, 
 But say so, and 'tis done. ZExit. 
 
 Beaumel. You come to chide me, servant, and 
 bring with you 
 Sufficient warrant. You will say, and truly. 
 My father found too much obedience in me. 
 By being won too soon ; yet, if you please 
 But to remember all my hopes and fortunes 
 Had reference to his liking, you will grant, 
 That though I did not well towards you, I yet 
 Did wisely for myself. 
 
 Nov. jun. With too much fervour 
 I have so long loved, and still love you, mistress, 
 To esteem that an injury to me, 
 Which was to you convenient :— that is past 
 My help, is past my cure. You yet may, lady, 
 In recompense of all my duteous service, 
 (Provided that your will answer your power,) 
 Become my creditress. 
 
 Beaumel. I understand you ; 
 And for assurance the request you make 
 Shall not be long unanswered, — pray you sit ; 
 And by what you shall hear, you'll easily find, 
 My passions are much fitter to desire, 
 Than to be sued to. {They court. 
 
 Enter Romont and Florimel behind. 
 
 Flor. Sir, it is not envy 
 At the start my fellow has got of me in 
 My lady's good opinion, that's the motive 
 Of this discovery ; but the due payment 
 Of what I owe her honour. 
 
 Rom. So I conceive it. 
 
 Flor. I have observed too much, nor shall my 
 silence 
 
 Prevent the remedy : Yonder they are ; 
 
 I dare not be seen with you. You may do 
 What you think fit, which will be, I presume, 
 The office of a faithful and tried friend 
 To my young lord. {Exit. 
 
 Rom. This is no vision : ha ! 
 
 Nov. jun. With the next opportunity .' 
 
 Beaumel. By this kiss. 
 And this, and this. 
 
 Nov. jun. That you would ever swear thus I 
 
 Rom. \comes forward.} If I seem rude, your 
 pardon, lady ; yours 
 I do not ask : come ; do not dare to shew me 
 A face of anger, or the least dislike : 
 Put on, and suddenly, a milder look, 
 I shall grow rough else. 
 
 Nov. jun. What have I done, sir, 
 To draw this harsh unsavoury language from you ? 
 
 Rom. Done, popinjay ! why, dost thou think, 
 that, if 
 I e'er had dreamt that thou hadst done me wrong, 
 Thou shouldst outlive it ? 
 
 Beaumel. This is something more 
 Than my lord's friendship gives commission for. 
 
 Nov. jun. Your presence and the place make 
 Upon my patience, t 2 [^i"" presum*' 
 
276 
 
 THE FATAL DOV/llY. 
 
 ACT Til. 
 
 Rom. As if thou e'er wert angry 
 But with thy tailor ! and yet that poor shred 
 Can bring more to the making up of a man, 
 Than can be hoped from thee : thou art his creature ; 
 And did he not, each morning, new create thee, 
 Thou'dst stink, and be forgotten. I'll not change 
 One syllable more with thee, until thou bring 
 Some testimony, under good men's hands, 
 Thou art a Christian : 1 suspect thee strongly, 
 And will be satisfied ; till which time, keep from 
 The entertainment of your visitation, [me. — 
 
 Has made what I intended one, a business. 
 
 Nov. jun. So ! we shall meet. — Madam. 
 
 Rom. Use that leg again 
 And I'll cut off the other. 
 
 Nov. jun. Very good. \_Exit. 
 
 Rom. What a perfume the muskcat leaves behind 
 Do you admit him for a property, [him ! 
 
 To save you charges, lady? 
 
 Beaumel. 'Tis not useless. 
 Now you are to succeed him. 
 
 Rom. So I respect you, 
 Not for yourself, but in remembrance of 
 Who is your father, and whose wife you now are, 
 That I choose rather not to understand 
 Your nasty scoff, 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, deserve not this ; nor do I stay 
 To be the whetstone of your wit : preserve it 
 To spend on such as know how to admire 
 Such colour'd stuff. In me, there now speaks to you. 
 As true a friend and servant to your honour, 
 And oae that will with as much hazard guard it. 
 
 As ever man did goodness : but then, lady. 
 
 You must endeavour not alone to be, 
 
 But to APPEAR, worthy such love and service. 
 
 Beaumel. To what tends this ? 
 
 Rom. Why, to this purpose, lady. 
 I do desire you should prove such a wife 
 To Charalois (and such a one be merits) 
 As Csesar, did he live, could not except at ; 
 Not only innocent from crime, but free 
 From all taint and suspicion. 
 
 Beaumel. They are base 
 That judge me otherwise. 
 
 Rom. But yet be careful : 
 Detraction's a bold monster, and fears not 
 To wound the fame of princes, if it find 
 But any blemish in their lives to work on. 
 But I'll be plainer with you : had the people 
 Been iearn'd to speak but what even now I saw, 
 Their malice out of that would raise an engine 
 To overthrow your honour. In my sight. 
 With yonder painted fool I frighted from you, 
 You used familiarity beyond 
 A modest entertainment ; you embraced him 
 With too much ardour for a stranger, and 
 Met him with kisses neither chaste nor comely. 
 But learn you to forget him, as I will 
 Your bounties to him ; you will find it safer 
 Rafehfr to be uncourtly than immodest. 
 
 Beaumel. This pretty rag about your neck shews 
 well. 
 And, being coarse and little worth, it speaks you 
 As terrible as thrifty. 
 
 Rom. Madam ! 
 
 Beaumel. Yes : 
 
 And this strong belt, in which you hang your honour, 
 Will outlast twenty scarfs. 
 
 Rom. What mean you, lady? 
 
 Beaumel. And [then] all else about you cap-u- 
 So uniform in spite of handsomeness, [pi^, 
 
 Shews such a bold contempt of comeliness. 
 That 'tis not strange your laundress in the leaguer 
 Grew mad with love of you. 
 
 Rom. Is my free counsel 
 Answer'd with this ridiculous scorn ? 
 
 Beaumel. These objects 
 vStole very much of my attention from me ; 
 Yet something I remember, to speak truth, 
 Deliver'd gravely, but to little purpose. 
 That almost would have made me swear some curate 
 Had stolen into the person of Romont, 
 And, in the praise of goodwife honesty, 
 Had read an homily. 
 
 Rom. By this hand 
 
 Beaumel. And sword ; 
 I will make up your oath, it will want weight else. — 
 You are angry with me, and poor I laugh at it. 
 Do you come from the camp, which affords only 
 j The conversation of cast suburb whores, 
 To set down, to a lady of ipy rank, 
 Limits of entertainment ? , 
 
 Rom. Sure a legion 
 Has possest this woman ! 
 
 Beaumel. One stamp more would do well : yet 
 I desire not 
 You should 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 thousand watches were set on me. 
 And you the master-spy, I yet would use 
 The liberty that best likes me. I will i-evel, 
 Feast, kiss, embrace, perhaps grant larger favours ; 
 Yet such as live upon my means shall know 
 They must not murmur at it. If my lord 
 Be now grown yellow, and has chose out you 
 To serve his jealousy this way, tell him this : 
 You have something to inform him. lExit. 
 
 Rom. And I will ; 
 Believe it, wicked one, I will. Hear, heaven. 
 But, hearing, pardon me ! — if these fruits grow 
 Upon the tree of marriage, let me shun it, 
 As a forbidden sweet. An heir, and rich, 
 Young, beautiful, yet add to this — a wife. 
 And I will rather choose a spittle sinner 
 Carted an age before, though three parts rotten. 
 And take it for a blessing, rather than 
 Be fetter'd to the helUsh slavery 
 Of such an impudence. 
 
 Enter Beaumont with writings. 
 
 Beau. Colonel, good fortune 
 To meet you thus! You look sad; but I'll tell you 
 Something that shall remove it. O, how happy 
 Is my lord Charalois in his fair bride ! 
 
 Rom. A happy man, indeed ! — pray you, in what.' 
 
 Beau. I dare swear, you would think so good a 
 A dower sufficient. [lady 
 
 Rom. No doubt. But, on. 
 
 Beau. So fair, so chaste, so virtuous, so — indeed 
 All that is excellent ! 
 
 Horn. Women have no cunning 
 To gull the world ! lAside 
 
 Beau. Yet, to all these, my lord. 
 Her father, gives the full addition of 
 
SCENK I. 
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 277 
 
 All he does now possess in Burgundy : 
 These writings, to confirm it, are new seal'd, 
 And I most fortunate to present him with them ; 
 1 must go seek him out. Can you direct me ? 
 
 Jio7n. You'll find him breaking a young horse. 
 
 Beau. I thank you. [Exit. 
 
 Rom. I must do something worthy Charalois' 
 friendship. 
 If she were well inclined, to keep her so 
 Deserved not thanks ; and yet, to stay a woman 
 Spurr'd headlong by hot lust to her own ruin, 
 Is harder than to prop a falling tower 
 With a deceiving reed. 
 
 Enter Rochfort, speaking to a Servant wlthinj,'^ 
 
 Roch. Some one seek for me 
 As soon as he returns. 
 
 Rom. Her father .-' ha ! 
 
 How if I break this to him ? sure it cannot 
 Meet with an ill construction ; his wisdom, 
 Made powerful by the authority of a father, 
 Will warrant and give privilege to his counsels. 
 It shall be so. — My lord ! 
 
 Roch. Your friend, Romont. 
 Would you aught with me ? 
 
 Rom. I stand so engaged 
 To your so many favours, that I hold it 
 A breach in thankfulness, should I not discover. 
 Though with some imputation to myself, 
 All doubts that may concern you. 
 
 Roch. The performance 
 W^ill make this protestation worth my thanks. 
 
 Rom. Then, with your patience, lend me your 
 attention : 
 For what I must deliver, whisper'd only, 
 You will with too much grief receive. 
 
 Enter Beaumelle and Bkllapert, behind. 
 
 Beaumel. See, wench ! 
 Upon my life, as I forespake, he's now 
 Preferring his complaint ; but be thou perfect, 
 And we will fit him. 
 
 Bell. Fear not me ; pox on him ! 
 A captain turn informer against kissing ! 
 Would he were hang'd up in his rusty armour ! — 
 But, if our fresh wits cannot turn the plots 
 Of such a mouldy murrion on itself, 
 llich clothes, choice fare, and a true friend at a 
 
 call. 
 With all the pleasures the night yields, forsake us ! 
 
 Roch. This is my daughter ! do not wrong her. 
 
 Bell. Now 
 Begin : the game's afoot, and we in distance. 
 
 Beaumel. [comes forward.] 'Tis thy fault, 
 foolish girl ! pin on my veil, 
 I will not wear those jewels. Am I not 
 Already match'd beyond my hopes ? yet still 
 You prune and set me forth, as if I were 
 Again to please a suitor. 
 
 Bell. 'Tis the course 
 That our great ladies take. 
 
 Beaumel. A weak excuse ! 
 Those that are better seen in what concerns 
 A lady's honour and fair fame, condemn it. 
 You wait well ! in your absence my lord's friend. 
 The understanding, grave, and wise Romont 
 
 Rom, Must I be still her sport ? 
 
 Beaumel. Reproved me for it ; 
 And he has travell'd to bring home a judgment 
 Not to be contradicted. You will say 
 
 My father, that owes more to years than he, 
 Has brought me up to music, language, courtship. 
 And I must use them : true ; but not to offend. 
 Or render me suspected. 
 
 Roch. Does your fine story 
 Begin from this ? 
 
 Beaumel. I thought a parting kiss 
 From young Novall would have displeased no 
 Than heretofore it hath done ; but I find [more 
 I must restrain such favours now ; look, therefore, 
 As you are careful to continue mine. 
 That I no more be visited. I'll endure 
 The strictest course of life that jealousy 
 Can think secure enough, ere my behaviour 
 Shall call my fame in question. 
 
 Rom. Ten dissemblers 
 Are in this subtle devil ! You believe this ? 
 
 Roch. So far, that if you trouble me again 
 With a report like this, I shall not only 
 Judge you malicious in your disposition, 
 But study to repent what I have done 
 To such a nature. 
 
 Rom. Why, 'tis exceeding well. 
 
 Roch. And for you, daughter, off with this, of! 
 with it ! 
 I have that confidence in your goodness, I, 
 That I will not consent to have you live 
 Like to a recluse in a cloister : Go, 
 Call in the gallants, let them make you merry ; 
 Use all fit liberty. 
 
 Bell. Blessing upon you ! 
 If this new preacher with the sword and feather 
 Could prove his doctrine for canonical, 
 W^e should have a fine world. lExit. 
 
 Roch. Sir, if you please 
 To bear yourself as fits a gentleman, 
 The house is at your service ; but, if not, 
 Though you seek company elsewhere, your absence 
 Will not be much lamented. lExiU 
 
 Rom. If this be 
 The recompense of striving to preserve 
 A wanton gigglet honest, very shortly 
 'Twill make all mankind panders. — Do you smile, 
 Good lady looseness I your whole sex is like you, 
 And that man's mad that seeks to better any : 
 W^hat new change have you next ? 
 
 Beaumel. Oh, fear not you, sir ; 
 I'll shift into a thousand, but I will 
 Convert your heresy. 
 
 Rom. What heresy ? speak. 
 
 Beaumel. Of keeping a lady that is married, 
 From entertaining servants 
 
 Enter Novall Jun., Malotin, Liladam, Aymbb and 
 
 PONTALIER. 
 
 O, you are welcome ! . 
 
 Use any means to vex him, 
 
 And then with welcome follow me. 
 
 lAside to them, and exit. 
 
 Nov. jun. You are tired 
 With your grave exhortations, colonel ! 
 
 Lilad. Howls it? faith, your lordship may do 
 well 
 To help him to some church preferment : 'tis 
 The fashion now for men of all conditions. 
 However they have lived, to end that way. 
 
 Aym. That face would do well in a surplice. 
 
 Rom. Rogues, 
 Be silent — or — 
 
 Pont. 'Sdeath ! will you sufler this.' 
 
 rtl? TOT! ^ ^K^v 
 
278 
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 ACT III 
 
 Rom. And you, the master-rogue, the coward 
 I shall be with you suddenly. [rascal, 
 
 Nov. jun. Pontalier, 
 If 1 should strike him, I know I should kill him ; 
 And therefore I would have thee beat him, for 
 He's good for nothing else. 
 
 lAlad. His back 
 Appears to me, as it would tire a beadle ; 
 And then he has a knotted brow, would bruise 
 A courtlike hand to touch it. 
 
 Aym. He looks like 
 A currier when his hides grow dear. 
 
 Pont. Take heed 
 He curry not some of you. 
 
 Nov. jun. Gads me ! he's angry. 
 
 Rom. I break no jests ; but I can break my 
 About your pates. [sword 
 
 Enter Charalois and Beaumont. 
 
 Lilad. Here's more. 
 
 Aym. Come, let's begone : 
 We are beleaguer' d. 
 
 Nov. jun. Look, they bring up their troops. 
 
 Pont. Will you sit down 
 With this disgrace ? you are abused most grossly. 
 
 Lilad. I grant you, sir, we are ; and you would 
 Stay, and be more abused. [have us 
 
 ■ Nov. jun. My lord, I'm sorry 
 Your house is so inhospitable, we must quit it. 
 
 lExeunt all but Charalois and Romont. 
 
 Char at Prithee, Romont, what caused this 
 
 Rom. Nothing ; [uproar ? 
 
 They laugh'd, and used their scurvy wits upon me. 
 
 Charal. Come, 'tis thy jealous nature : but I 
 wonder 
 That you, which are an honest man and worthy, 
 Should foster this suspicion : no man laughs, 
 No one can whisper, but thou apprehend'st 
 His conference and his scorn reflect on thee : 
 For my part, they should scoff their thin wits out. 
 So I not heard them ; beat me, not being there. 
 Leave, leave these fits to conscious men, to such 
 As are obnoxious to those foolish things 
 As they can gibe at. 
 
 Rom. Well, sir. 
 
 Charal. Thou art known 
 Valiant without defect, rightly defined, 
 Which is as fearing to do injury, 
 As tender to endure it ; not a brabbler, 
 A swearer ^ 
 
 Rom. Pish, pish ! what needs this, my lord? 
 If I be known none such, how vainly you 
 Do cast away good counsel I I have loved you, 
 And yet must freely speak ; so young a tutor 
 Fits not so old a soldier as I am : 
 And I must tell you, 'twas in your behalf 
 I grew enraged thus, yet had rather die 
 Than open the great cause a syllable further. 
 
 Charal. In my behalf ! Wherein hath Charalois 
 Unfitly so demean'd himself, to give 
 The least occasion to the loosest tongue 
 To throw aspersions on him ? or so weakly 
 Protected his own honour, as it should 
 Need a defence from any but himself ? 
 They are fools that judge me by my outward 
 
 seeming. 
 Why should my gentleness beget abuse } 
 The lion is not angry that does sleep, 
 Nor every man a coward that can weep. 
 For God's sake, speak the cause. 
 
 Rom. Not for the world. 
 Oh ! it will strike disease into your boneg, 
 Beyond the cure of physic ; drink your blood, 
 Rob you of all your rest, contract your sight, 
 Leave you no eyes but to see misery, 
 And of your own ; nor speech, but to wish thus, 
 Would 1 had perish'd in the prison's jaws, 
 From whence I was redeem'd ! — 'twill wear you old. 
 Before you have experience in that art 
 That causes your affliction. 
 
 Charal. Thou dost strike 
 A deathful coldness to my heart's high heat, 
 And shrink'st my liver like the calenture. 
 Declare this foe of mine, and life's, that like 
 A man I may encounter and subdue it. 
 It shall not have one such effect in me. 
 As thou denouncest : 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 reason, as a scholar should. 
 Speak, though it make me monstrous. 
 
 Rom. I will die first. 
 Farewell ; continue merry, and high heaven 
 Keep your wife chaste ! 
 
 Charal. Hum ! Stay, and take this wolf 
 Out of my breast, that thou hast lodged there, or 
 For ever lose me. 
 
 Rom. Lose not, sir, yourself, 
 And I will venture : — so, the door is fast. 
 
 \_Locks the door. 
 Now, noble Charalois, collect yourself. 
 Summon your spirits, muster all your strength 
 That can belong to man ; sift passion 
 From every vein, and whatsoe'er ensues. 
 Upbraid not me hereafter, as the cause of 
 Jealousy, discontent, slaughter, and ruin : 
 Make me not parent to sin. — You will know 
 This secret that I burn with? 
 
 Charal. Devil on't. 
 What should it be ! Romont, I heard you wish 
 My wife's continuance of chastity. 
 
 Rom. There was no hurt in that. 
 
 Charal. Why, do you know 
 A likelihood, or possibility. 
 Unto the contrary ? 
 
 Rom. I know it not, but doubt it ; these the 
 grounds : 
 The servant of your wife now, young Novall, 
 The son unto your father's enemy, 
 (Which aggravates presumption the more,) 
 I have been warn'd of, touching her : — nay, seen 
 
 them, 
 Tied heart to heart, one in another's arms, 
 Multiplying kisses, as if they meant 
 To pose arithmetic ; or whose eyes would 
 Be first burnt out with gazing on the other's. 
 I saw their mouths engender, and their palms 
 Glew'd, as if love had lock'd them ; their words 
 
 flow 
 And melt each other's, like two circling flames. 
 Where chastity, like a phoenix, methought, burn'd. 
 But left the world nor ashes, nor an heir. — 
 Why stand you silent thus ? what cold dull phlegm. 
 As if you had no drop of choler mix'd 
 In your whole constitution, thus prevails. 
 To fix you now thus stupid, hearing this ? 
 
 Charal. You did not see him on my couch 
 within. 
 Like George a-horseback, on her, nor a-bed ? 
 
 Rom. No. 
 
THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 279 
 
 Charal. Ha ! ha ! 
 
 Royn. Laugh you ! even so did your wife, 
 And her indulgent father. 
 
 Charal. They were wise : 
 Wouldst have me be a fool ? 
 
 Rom. No, but a man. 
 
 Charal. There is no dram of manhood to suspect, 
 On such thin airy circumstance as this ; 
 Mere compliment and courtship. Was this tale 
 The hideous monster which you so conceal'd ? 
 Away, thou curious impertinent, 
 And idle searcher of such lean, nice toys! 
 Go thou seditious sower of debate. 
 Fly to such matches, where the bridegrooni^oubts 
 He holds not worth enough to countervail 
 The virtue and the beauty of his wife ! 
 Thou buzzing drone, that 'bout my ears dost hum, 
 To strike thy rankling sting into my heart, 
 Whose venom time nor medicine could assuage, 
 Thus do I put thee off ! and, confident 
 In mine own innocency and desert. 
 Dare not conceive her so unreasonable. 
 To put Novall in balance against me ; 
 An upstart, craned up to the height he has. 
 Hence, busybody ! thou'rt no friend to me, 
 That must be kept to a wife's injury. 
 
 Rom. Is't possible ? — farewell, fine honest man ! 
 Sweet-temper'd lord, adieu ! What apoplexy 
 Hath knit sense up ? is this Romont's reward ? 
 Bear witness, the great spirit of thy father, 
 With what a healthful hope I did administer 
 This potion, that hath wrought so virulently ! 
 I not accuse thy wife of act, but would 
 Prevent her precipice to thy dishonour. 
 Which now thy tardy sluggishness will admit. 
 Would I had seen thee graved with thy great sire. 
 Ere lived to have men's marginal fingers point 
 At Charalois, as a lamented story ! 
 An emperor put away his wife for touching 
 Another man : but thou wouldst have thine tasted, 
 
 And keep her, I think — Phoh ! I am a fire. 
 
 To warm a dead man, that waste out myself. 
 
 Bleed — What a plague, a vengeance, is't to me. 
 
 If you will be a cuckold ? here, I shew 
 
 A sword's point to thee, this side you may shun, 
 
 Or that, the peril ; if you will run on, 
 
 I cannot help it. 
 
 Charal. Didst thou never see me 
 Angry, Romont ? 
 
 Rom. Yes, and pursue a foe 
 Like lightning. 
 
 Charal. Prithee, see me so no more : 
 I can be so again. Put up thy sword, 
 And take thyself away, lest I draw mine. 
 
 Rom. Come, fright your foes with this, sir ! I'm 
 your friend. 
 And dare stand by you thus. 
 
 Charal. Thou art not my friend. 
 Or being so, thou art mad ; I must not buy 
 Thy friendship at this rate. Had I just cause. 
 Thou know'st 1 durst pursue such injury 
 Through fire, air, water, earth, nay, were they all 
 Shuffled again to chaos ; but there's none. 
 Thy skill, Romont, consists in camps, not courts. 
 Farewell, uncivil man ! let's meet no more : 
 Here our long web of friendship I untwist. 
 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 : faU and cool, my 
 blood ! 
 Boil not in zeal of thy friend's hurt so high, 
 That is so low and cold himself in't ! Woman, 
 How strong art thou ! how easily beguiled 1 
 How thou dost rack us by the very horns ! 
 Now wealth, I see, change manners and the man. 
 Something I must do mine own wrath to assuage, 
 And note my friendship to an after-age. {.Exit. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I. — A Room in Novall's House. 
 
 Novall junior discovered seated be/ore a looking-glass, 
 with a I^arbcr and Perfumer dressing his hair, while 
 a Tailor adjusts a new suit which he wears. Liladaw, 
 Ayaier, and a Page attending. 
 
 Nov. jun. Mend this a little : pox ! thou hast 
 burnt me. Oh, fie upon't ! O lard ! he has made 
 me smell for all the world like a flax, or a red- 
 headed woman's chamber : Powder, powder, 
 powder ! 
 
 Perf. Oh, sweet lord ! 
 
 Pafjc. That's his perfumer. 
 
 Tail. Oh, dear lord ! 
 
 Page. That's his tailor. 
 
 Nov. jun. Monsieur Liladam, Aymer, how allow 
 you the model of these clothes ? 
 
 Aym. Admirably, admirably ; oh, sweet lord ! 
 assuredly it's pity the worms should eat thee. 
 
 Page. Here's a fine cell ! a lord, a tailor, a 
 perfumer, a barber, and a pair of monsieurs : three 
 to three ; as little wit in the one, as honesty in the 
 other. 'Sfoot ! I'll into the country again, learn 
 to speak truth, drink ale, and converse with my 
 
 father's tenants ; here I hear nothing all day, but I 
 — Upon my soul, as I am a gentleman, and an \ 
 honest man ! [Aside. 
 
 Aym. I vow and affirm, your tailor must needs 
 be an expert geometrician ; he has the longitude, 
 latitude, altitude, profundity, every dimension of 
 your body, so exquisitely — here's a lace laid as 
 directly as if truth were a tailor. 
 
 Page. That were a miracle. [Aside. 
 
 Lilad. With a hair's-breadth's error, there's a 
 shoulder-piece cut, and the base of a pickadille 
 mpuncto. 
 
 Aym. You are right, monsieur ; his vestaments 
 sit as if they grew upon him, or art had wrought 
 them on the same loom as nature framed his lord- 
 ship ; as if your tailor were deep read in astrology, 
 and had taken measure of your honourable body 
 with a Jacob's staff, an ephimerides. 
 
 Tail. I am bound t'ye, gentlemen. 
 
 Page. You are deceived ; they'll be bound to 
 you : you must remember to trust them none. 
 
 {Aside. 
 
 Nov. jun. Nay, 'faith, thou art a reasonable neat 
 artificer, give the devil his due. 
 
280 
 
 THE FATAL DOWllY. 
 
 Page. Ay, if he would but cut the coat accord- 
 ing to the cloth still. _ lAside. 
 
 Nov. jun. I now want only my mistress' appro- 
 bation, who is, indeed, the most polite, punctual, 
 queen of dressing in all Burgundy — pah ! and 
 makes all other young ladies appear as if they came 
 from board last week out of the country : is't not 
 true, Liladam ? 
 
 Lilad. True, my lord ! as if any thing your 
 lordship could say could be otherwise than true. 
 
 Nov. jun. Nay, o' my soul, 'tis so ; what fouler 
 object in the world, than to see a young, fair 
 handsome beauty unhandsomely dighted, and in- 
 congruently accoutred ? or a hopeful chevalier 
 unmethodically appointed in the external orna- 
 ments of nature ? For, even as the index tells us 
 the contents of stories, and directs to the particu- 
 lar chapters, even so does the outward habit and 
 superficial order of garments (in man or woman) 
 give us a taste 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, 
 gross manifestation of poor, degenerate, dunghilly 
 blood and breeding, than a rude, unpolished, dis- 
 ordered, and slovenly outside. 
 
 Page. An admirable lecture ! oh, all you gal- 
 lants, that hope to be saved by your clothes, edify, 
 edify ! lAside. 
 
 Aym. By the Lard, sweet lard, thou deservest a 
 pension o' the state. 
 
 Page. O' the tailors : two such lords were able 
 to spread tailors o'er the face of the whole king- 
 dom. lAside. 
 
 Nov. jun. Pox o' this glass ! it flatters.- — 1 
 could find in my heart to break it. 
 
 Page. O, save the glass, my lord, and break 
 their heads; 
 They are the greater flatterers, I assure you. [Aside. 
 
 Aym. Flatters 1 detracts, impairs — yet, put it 
 
 by, 
 
 Lest thou, dear lord. Narcissus-like, should'st doat 
 Upon thyself, and die ; and rob the world 
 Of nature's copy, that she works form by. 
 
 Lilad. Oh that I were the infanta queen of 
 Europe ! 
 Who but thyself, sweet lord, should marry me ? 
 
 Nov. jun. I marry ! were there a queen o' the 
 world, not I. 
 "Wedlock ! no ; padlock, horselock : — I wear spurs 
 
 ZHe capers. 
 To keep it off my heels. Yet, my Aymer, 
 Like a free, wanton jennet in the meadows, 
 I look about, and neigh, take hedge and ditch. 
 Feed in my neighbour's pastures, pick my choice 
 Of all their fair-maned mares : but married once, 
 A man is staked or poun'd, and cannot graze 
 Beyond his own hedge. 
 
 Enter PoNTALiER and Malotin. 
 
 Pont. I have waited, sir, 
 Three hours to speak wi'ye, and not take it well 
 Such magpies are admitted, whilst I dance 
 Attendance. 
 
 Lilad. Magpies ! what d'ye take me for ? 
 
 Pont. A long thing with a most unpromising 
 face. 
 
 Aym. I'll never ask 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 sorely troubled with two scabs. 
 
 Lilad. Aym. Hum 
 
 Pont. I prithee cure him of them. 
 
 Nov. jun. Pish ! no more. 
 Thy gall sure's overflown ; these are my council, 
 And we were now in serious discourse. 
 
 Pont. Of perfume and apparel ! Can you rise, 
 And spend five hours in dressing-talk with these ? 
 
 Nov. jun. Thou'idst have me be a dog : up, 
 stretch, and shake. 
 And ready for all day. 
 
 Pont. Sir, would you be 
 More curious in preserving of your honour trim. 
 It were more manly. I am come to wake 
 Your reputation from this lethargy 
 You let it sleep in ; to persuade, importune, 
 Nay, to provoke you, sir, to call to account 
 This colonel Romont, for the foul wrong 
 Which, like a burthen, he hath laid upon you. 
 And, like a drunken porter, you sleep under. 
 'Tis all the town talks ; and, believe it, sir. 
 If your tough sense persist thus, you are undone. 
 Utterly lost ; you will be scorn'd and baffled 
 By every lacquey : season now your youth 
 With one brave thing, and it shall keep the odour 
 Even to your death, beyond, and on your tomb 
 Scent like sweet oils and frankincense. Sir, this 
 
 life. 
 Which once you saved, I ne'er since counted mine; 
 I borrow'd it of you, and now will pjuy it : 
 I tender you the service of my sword. 
 To bear your challenge ; if you'll write, your fate 
 I'll make mine own ; whate'er betide you, I, 
 That have lived by you, by your side will die. 
 
 Nov. jun. Ha ! ha ! wouldst have me challenge 
 poor Romont ? — 
 Fight with close breeches, thou mayst think I dare 
 Do not mistake me, coz, I am very valiant ; [not : 
 But valour shall not make me such an ass. 
 What use is there of valour now-a-days ? 
 'Tis sure or to be kill'd, or to be hang'd. 
 Fight thou as thy mind moves thee, 'tis thy trade : 
 Thou hast nothing else to do. Fight with Romont ! 
 No ; I'll not fight, under a lord. 
 
 Pont. Farewell, sir ! 
 I pity you. 
 
 Such living lords walk, their dead honour's graves. 
 For no companions fit but fools and knaves. 
 Come, Malotin. [Exeunt Pontalieb and Malotin. 
 
 Enter Romont. 
 
 Lilad. 'Sfoot, Colbrand, the low giant ! 
 
 Aym. He has brought a battle in his face, let's go. 
 
 Page. Colbrand, d'ye call him? he'll make some 
 Smoke, I believe. [of you 
 
 Rom. By your leave, sirs ! 
 
 Aym. Are you a consort } 
 
 Rom. Do you take me for 
 A fiddler } you're deceived : look ! I'll pay you. 
 
 \_Kieks them. 
 
 Page. It seems he knows you one, he bum- 
 fiddles you so. 
 
 Lilad. Was there ever so base a fellow ? 
 
 Aym. A rascal. 
 
 Lilad. A most uncivil groom. 
 
 Aym. Offer to kick a gentleman in a nobleman's 
 chamber ! a pox o' your manners ! 
 
SCKNE II. 
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 281 
 
 Lilad. Let him alone, let him alone ; thou shalt 
 lose thy aim, fellow; if we stir against thee, hang us. 
 
 Page. 'Sfoot ! I think they have the better on 
 him though they be kick'd, they talk so. 
 
 Lilad. Let's leave the mad ape. [Go'mg. 
 
 Nov. jun. Gentlemen ! 
 
 Lilad. Nay, my lord, we will not offer to dis- 
 honour you so much as to stay by you, since he's 
 alone. 
 
 Nov. jun. Hark you ! 
 
 Ar/m. We doubt the cause, and will not dis- 
 parage you so much as to take your lordship's 
 quarrel in hand. Plague on him, how he has 
 crumpled our bands ! ,^ 
 
 Pape. 1*11 e'en away with them, for this soldier 
 beats man, woman, and child. 
 
 lExeunt all but Novall Jun. and Romont. 
 
 Nov. jun. What mean you, sir ? My people ! 
 
 Rom. Your boy's gone, iLocks the door. 
 
 And your door's lock'd ; yet for no hurt to you, 
 
 But privacy. Call up your blood again : 
 
 Be not afraid, I do beseech you, sir ; 
 
 And, therefore, come, without more circumstance, 
 
 Tell me how far the passages have gone 
 
 'Twixt you and your fair mistress, Beaumelle. 
 
 Tell me the truth, and by my hope of heaven, 
 
 It never shall go further. 
 
 Nov. jun. Tell you ! why, sir, are you my con- 
 fessor ? 
 
 Bom. I will be your confounder, if you do not. 
 [Draws a pocket dag. 
 Stir not, nor spend your voice. 
 
 Nov. jun. What will you do ? 
 
 Rom. Nothing, but line your brain-pan, sir, 
 with lead, 
 If you not satisfy me suddenly : 
 1 am desperate of my life, and command yours. 
 
 Nov. jun. Hold! hold! I'll speak. 1 vow to 
 heaven and you, 
 She's yet untouch'd, more than her face and hands. 
 I cannot call her innocent ; for, 1 yield, 
 On my solicitous wooing, she consented, 
 Where time and place met opportunity, 
 To grant me all requests. 
 
 Rom. But may 1 build 
 On this assurance ? 
 
 Nov. jun. As upon your faith. 
 
 Rom. Write this, sir ; nay, you must. 
 
 Nov. jun. Pox of this gun ! 
 
 Rom. Withal, sir, you must swear, and put your 
 oath 
 Under your hand, (shake not,) ne'er to frequent 
 This lady's company, nor ever send 
 Token, or message, or letter, to incline 
 This, too much prone already, yielding lady. 
 
 Nov. jun. 'Tis done, sir. 
 
 Rom. Let me see this first is right : [Reading. 
 And here you wish a sudden death may light 
 Upon your body, and hell take your soul, 
 If ever more you see her, but by chance ; 
 Much less allure her. Now, my lord, your hand. 
 
 Nov. jun. My hand to this ! 
 
 Rom. Your heart else, I assure you. 
 
 Nov. jun. Nay, there 'tis. 
 
 Rom. So ! keep this last article 
 Of your faith given, and, stead of threatenings, sir. 
 The service of my sword and life is yours. 
 But not a word of it : — 'tis fairies' treasure, 
 Which but reveal'd, brings on the blabber's ruin. 
 Use your youth better, and this excellent form 
 
 Heaven hath bestow'd upon you. So, good morrow 
 
 To your lordship ! lExii. 
 
 Nov. jun. Good devil to your rogueship ! No 
 
 man's safe 
 
 I'll have a cannon planted in my chamber, 
 Against such roaring rogues. 
 
 Enter Bellapert, hastily. 
 
 Bell. My lord, away ! 
 The caroch stays : now have your wish, and judge 
 If I have been forgetful. 
 
 Nov. jun. Hah ! 
 
 Bell. Do you stand 
 Humming and hahing now ? [Exit. 
 
 Nov. jun. Sweet wench, I come. 
 Hence, fear ! 
 
 1 swore — 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 lovers' perjury : 
 If Jove himself laugh at it, so will I. lExit. 
 
 SCENE II. — An outer Room in Aymer's House. 
 Enter Charalois aud Beaumont. 
 
 Beau. I grieve for the distaste, though I have 
 manners 
 Not to enquire the cause, fallen out between 
 Your lordship and Romont. 
 
 Chnral. I love a friend, 
 So long as he continues in the bounds 
 Prescribed by friendship ; but, when he usurps 
 Too far on what is proper to myself, 
 And puts the habit of a governor on, 
 I must and will preserve my liberty. 
 But speak of something else, this is a theme 
 I take no pleasure in. What's this Aymer, 
 Whose voice for song, and excellent knowledge in 
 The chiefest parts of music, you bestow 
 Such praises on .-* 
 
 Beau. He is a gentleman 
 (For so his quality speaks him) well received 
 Among our greatest gallants ; but yet holds 
 His main dependence from the young lord Novall. 
 Some tricks and crotchets he has in his head, 
 As all musicians have, and more of him 
 1 dare not author : but, when you have heard him, 
 I may presume your lordship so will like him, 
 That you'll hereafter be a friend to music. 
 
 Charal. I never was an enemy to't, Beaumont, 
 Nor yet do I subscribe to the opinion 
 Of those old captains, that thought nothing mu- 
 sical 
 But cries of yielding enemies, neighing of horses. 
 Clashing of armour, loud shouts, drums, and trum- 
 Nor, on the other side, in favour of it, [pets : 
 
 Affirm the world was made by musical discord ; 
 Or that the happiness of our life consists 
 In a well-varied note upon the lute : 
 
 I love it to the worth oft, and no further. 
 
 But let us see this wonder. 
 
 Beau. He prevents 
 My calling of him. 
 
 Enter Aywer, speaking to one within. 
 
 Aym. Let the coach be brought 
 
 To the back gate, and serve the banquet up. 
 
 My good lord Charalois ! I think my hous» 
 Much honour'd in your presence. 
 
 Charal. To have means 
 
282 
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY 
 
 To know you better, sir, has brought me hither 
 A willing visitant ; and you'll crown my welcome 
 In making me a witness to your skill, 
 Which, crediting from others, I admire. 
 
 Aym. Had I been one hour sooner made ac- 
 quainted 
 With your intent, my lord, you should have found 
 Better provided : now, such as it is, [me 
 
 Pray you grace with your acceptance. 
 
 Beau. You are modest. 
 
 Aym. Begin the last new air. 
 
 {To the Musicians within. 
 
 Clltaral. Shall we not see them ? 
 
 Aym. This little distance from the instruments, 
 Will to your ears convey the harmony 
 With more delight. 
 
 Charal. I'll not contend, 
 
 Aym. You are tedious. LTo the Musicians. 
 
 By this means shall I with one banquet please 
 Two companies, those within and these gulls here. 
 
 MUSIC, AND A SONG. 
 
 Beaumel. [ Within.'] Ha ! ha ! ha ! 
 
 Charal. How's this ! it is my lady's laugh, most 
 certain. 
 When I first pleased her, in this merry language 
 She gave me thanks. \_Aside. 
 
 Beau. How like you this 1 
 
 Chatal- 'Tis rare 
 
 Yet I may be deceived, and should be sorry, 
 
 Upon uncertain suppositions, rashly ^ 
 
 To write myself in the black list of those 
 
 I have deciaim'd against, and to Romont. \Aside. 
 
 Aym. I would he were well off! Perhaps 
 
 your lordship 
 Likes not these sad tunes ? I have a new song. 
 Set to a lighter note, may please you better ; 
 'Tis call'd the Happy Husband. 
 
 Charal. Pray you, sing it. 
 
 SONG BY AYMER. 
 
 Beaumel. [within.'] Ha ! ha ! 'tis such a groom ! 
 
 Charal. Do I hear this. 
 And yet stand doubtful } {Rushes into the house. 
 
 Ayrri. Stay him — I am undone, 
 And they discovered. 
 
 Beau. What's the matter .-' 
 
 Aym. Ah ! 
 That women, when they're well pleased, cannot 
 But must laugh out. [hold ; 
 
 Re-enter Charalois, with his sword dravm, pursuing 
 NovALL Junior, Beauwelle, and Belj.apert. 
 
 Nov. jun. Help 1 save me ! murder ! murder ! 
 
 Beaumel. Undone, undone, for ever ! 
 
 Charal. Oh, my heart ! 
 Hold yet a little — do not hope to 'scape 
 By flight, it is impossible. Though I might 
 On all advantage take thy life, and justly ; 
 This sword, my father's sword, that ne'er was 
 But to a noijle purpose, shall not now [drawn 
 
 Do the office of a hangman. I reserve it 
 To right mine honour, not for a revenge 
 So poor, that though with thee it should cut off 
 Thy family, with all that are allied 
 To thee m lust or baseness, 'twere still short of 
 All terms of satisfaction. Draw ! 
 
 Nov. jun. I dare not : 
 1 have already done you too much wrong, 
 To fight in such a cause. 
 
 Charal. Why, darest thou neither 
 Be honest coward, nor yet valiant knave, 
 In such a cause ! come, do not shame thyself : 
 Such whose bloods wrongs, or wrong done to them- 
 Could never heat, are yet in the defence [selves 
 Of their whores, daring. Look on her again : 
 You thought her worth the hazard of your soul, 
 And yet stand doubtful, in her quarrel, to 
 Venture you<- body. 
 
 Bean. No, he fears his clothes, 
 More than his flesh. 
 
 Charal. Keep from me ! guard thy life. 
 Or, as thou hast lived like a goat, thou shalt 
 Die like a sheep. 
 
 Nov. jun. Since there's no remedy. 
 Despair of safety now in me prove courage ! 
 
 [The 1/ fight ; liov all falls. 
 Charal. How soon weak wrong's o'erthrown ! 
 Lend me your hand : 
 Bear this to the caroch — come, you have taught me 
 To say, you must and shall ? 
 [Exeunt Beaumont and Bellapert, with the Body oj 
 NovALL ; followed hy Beaumelle. 
 
 I wrong you not, 
 You are but to keep him company you love. — 
 
 Re-enter Beaumont. 
 Is't done.'' 'tis well. Raise officers, and take care 
 All you can apprehend within the house 
 May be forthcoming. Do I appear much moved ? 
 Beau. No, sir. 
 
 Charal. My griefs are now thus to be born ; 
 Hereafter I'll find time and place to mourn. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III.— ^ Street. 
 
 Enter Romont and Pontalieb. 
 
 Pont. I was bound to seek you, sir. 
 
 Rom. And, had you found me 
 In any place but in the street, I should 
 Have done, — not talk'd to you. Are you, the cap- 
 The hopeful Pontalier, whom I have seen [tain, 
 Do, in the field, such service as then made you 
 Their envy that commanded, here, at home, 
 To play the parasite to a gilded knave, 
 And, it may be, the pander ? 
 
 Pont. Without this, 
 I come to call you to acccount for what 
 Is past already. I, by your example 
 Of thankfulness to the dead general. 
 By whom you were raised, have practised to be so 
 To my good lord Novall, by wboni I live ; 
 Whose least disgrace 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, since you allow me 
 A gentleman and a soldier, there's no doubt 
 You will except against me. You shall meet 
 With a fair enemy : you understand 
 The right I look for, and must have } 
 
 Rom. I do ; 
 And with the next day's sun you shall hear from 
 me. [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE IV. — A Room in Charalois' House. 
 Enter Charalois with a casket, Beaumelle, and 
 
 Beaumont. 
 Charal. Pray bear this to my father, at his leisure 
 He may peruse it : but with your best language 
 
SCENE IV. 
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 283 
 
 Entreat his instant presence. You have sworn 
 Not to reveal what I have done. 
 
 Beau. Nor will I — but 
 
 Char a I. Doubt me not ; by heaven, I will do 
 nothing 
 But what may stand with honour. Pray you, 
 leave me [Exit Beaumont. 
 
 To my own thoughts. — If this be to me, rise ; 
 
 [Beaumkllb kneels. 
 I am not worth the looking on, but only 
 To feed contempt and scorn ; and that from you, 
 Who, with the loss of your fair name, have caused 
 Were too much cruelty. [it, 
 
 Beaumel. I dare not move you ,~- 
 
 To hear me speak. I know my fault is far 
 Beyond qualification or excuse ; 
 That 'tis not fit for me to hope, or you 
 To think of mercy ; only I presume 
 To entreat you would be pleased to look upon 
 My sorrow for it, and believe these tears 
 Are the true children of my grief, and not 
 A woman's cunning. 
 
 Charal. Can you, Beaumelle, 
 Having deceived so great a trust as mine. 
 Though I were all credulity, hope again 
 To get belief? No, no : if you look on me 
 W^ith pity, or dare practise any means 
 To make my sufferings less, or give just cause 
 To all the world to think what I must do 
 Was call'd upon by you, use other ways : 
 Deny what 1 have seen, or justify 
 W^hat you have done ; and, as you desperately 
 Made shipwreck of your faith, to be a whore. 
 Use the arms of such a one, and such defence, 
 And multiply the sin with impudence, 
 Stand boldly up, and tell me to my teeth. 
 That you have done but what is warranted 
 By great examples, in all places where 
 Women inhabit ; urge your own deserts. 
 Or want of me in merit ; tell me how 
 Your dower, from the low gulf of poverty. 
 Weighed up my fortunes to what they now are : 
 That I was purchased by your choice and practice. 
 To shelter you from shame, that you might sin 
 As boldly as securely : that poor men 
 Are married to those wives that bring them wealth. 
 One day their husbands, but observers ever. 
 That when, by this proud usage, you have blown 
 The fire of my just vengeance to the height, 
 I then may kill you, and yet say 'twas done 
 In heat of blood, and after die myself, 
 To witness my repentance. 
 
 Beaumel. O my fate 1 
 /That never would consent that I should see 
 "•How worthy you were both of love and duty, 
 Before I lost you ; and my misery made 
 The glass 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, since I wan- 
 In the forbidden labyrinth of lust, [der'd 
 
 What was inseparable is by me divided. 
 
 With justice, therefore, you may cut me off. 
 And from your memory wash the remembrance 
 That e'er I was ; like to some vicious purpose, 
 W^hich, in your better judgment, you repent of. 
 And study to forget. 
 
 Charal. O Beaumelle, 
 That you can speak so well, and do so ill ! 
 But you had been too great a blessing, if 
 
 You had continued chaste : see, how you force me 
 To this, because mine honour will not yield 
 That I again should love you. 
 
 Beaumel. In this life 
 It is not fit you should: yet you shall find. 
 Though I was bold enough to be a strumpet, 
 I dare not yet live one. Let those famed matrons, 
 That are canonized worthy of our sex. 
 Transcend 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. 
 Charal. How pity steals upon me 1 should I 
 
 hear her ^Knocking within. 
 But ten words more, I were lost One knocks, go 
 
 in. lExit Beavmells, 
 
 That to be merciful should be a sin ! 
 
 Enter IIochfort. 
 
 O, sir, most welcome ! Let me take your cloak, 
 
 I must not be denied — Here are your robes, 
 
 As you love justice, once more put them on. 
 
 There is a cause to be determined of, 
 
 That does require such an integrity 
 
 As you have ever used. — I'll put you to 
 
 The trial of your constancy and goodness : 
 
 And look that you, that have been eagle-eyed 
 
 In other men's affairs, prove not a mole 
 
 In what concerns yourself. Take you your seat ; 
 
 I will be for you presently. lEanU 
 
 Roch. Angels guard me I 
 To what strange tragedy does this induction 
 Serve for a prologue ? 
 
 Re-enter Charalois, Beaumelle, and Beaumont, with 
 Servants bearing the body o/Novall, Junior. 
 
 Charal. So, set it down before 
 The judgment-seat — [ Exeunt Servants. ] — and 
 stand you at the bar : [To Beaumbllk. 
 For me, I am the accuser. 
 
 Roch. Novall slain ! 
 And Beaumelle, my daughter, in the place 
 Of one to be arraign'd ! 
 
 Charal. O, are you touch'd ! 
 I find that I must take another course. 
 Fear nothing, I will only blind your eyes ; 
 
 [He binds his eyes. 
 For justice should do so, when 'tis to meet 
 An object that may sway her equal doom 
 From what it should be aim'dat. — Good, my lord, 
 A day of hearing. 
 
 Roch. It is granted, speak 
 
 You shall have justice. 
 
 Charal. I then here accuse. 
 Most equal judge, the prisoner, your fair daughter. 
 For whom I owed so much to you ; your daughter, 
 So worthy in her own parts, and that worth 
 Set forth by yours, to whose so rare perfections, 
 Truth witness with me, in the place of service 
 I almost paid idolatrous sacrifice, 
 To be a false adultress. 
 
 Roch. With whom ? 
 
 Charal. With this Novall here dead. 
 
 Roch. Be well advised ; 
 And ere you say adultress again. 
 Her fame depending on it, be most sure 
 That she is one. 
 
 Charal. I took them in the act : 
 I know no proof beyond it. 
 
 Roch. O my heart ! 
 
284 
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 Charal. A judge should feel no passions. 
 
 lioch. Yet remember 
 He is a man, and cannot put off nature. 
 What answer makes the prisoner ? 
 
 Beatimel. I confess 
 The fact I am charged with, and yield myself 
 Most miserably guilty. 
 
 Roch. Heaven take mercy 
 Upon your soul, then ! it must leave your body. — 
 Now free mine eyes ; I dare unmoved look on her, 
 [CiiARAi.ois unbinds his eyes. 
 And fortify my sentence with strong reasons. 
 Since that the politic law provides that servants, 
 To whose care we commit our goods, shall die 
 If they abuse our trust, what can you look for. 
 To whose charge this most hopeful lord gave up 
 All he received from his brave ancestors, 
 Or he could leave to his posterity, 
 His honour, wicked woman ! in whose safety 
 AH his life's joys and comforts were lock'd up, 
 
 Which thy lust, a thief, hath now stolen 
 
 And therefore [from him ; 
 
 Charal. Stay, just judge: — may not what's lost 
 By her one fault, (for I am charitable. 
 And charge her not with many,) be forgotten 
 In her fair life hereafter ? 
 
 Roch. Never, sir. 
 The wrong that's done to the chaste married bed, 
 Repentant tears can never expiate ; 
 And be assured, — to pardon such a sin, 
 Is an offence as great as to commit it. 
 
 Charal. I may not then forgive her ? 
 
 Roch. Nor she hope it. 
 Nor can she wish to live : no sun shall rise. 
 But, ere it set, shall shew her ugly lust 
 In a new shape, and every one more horrid. 
 Nay, even those prayers which, with such humble 
 
 fervour, 
 She seems to send up yonder, are beat back, 
 And all suits which her penitence can proffer. 
 As soon as made, are with contempt thrown out 
 Of all the courts of mercy. 
 
 Charal. Let her die, then ! Ule stahs her. 
 
 Better prepared, I'm sure, I could not take her, 
 Nor she accuse her father, as a judge 
 Partial against her. 
 
 Beaumel. I approve his sentence, 
 And kiss the executioner. My lust 
 Is now run from me in that blood in which 
 It was begot and nourish'd. [_Dies. 
 
 Roch. Is she dead, then ? 
 
 Charal. Yes, sir ; this is her heart-blood, is it 
 I think it be. [not ? 
 
 Roch. And you have kill'd her .' 
 
 Charal. True, 
 And did it by your doom. 
 
 Roch. But I pronounced it 
 As a judge only, and a friend to justice ; 
 And, zealous in defence of your wrong'd honour, 
 Broke all the ties of nature, and cast off 
 The love and soft affection of a father. 
 I, in your cause, put on a scarlet robe 
 Of red-died cruelty ; but in return. 
 You have advanced for me no flag of mercy. 
 I look'd on you as a wrong'd husband ; but 
 You closed your eyes against me as a father. 
 
 Beaumelle ! my daughter I 
 Charal. This is madness. 
 
 Roch. Keep from me ! — Could not one good 
 thought rise up. 
 To tell you that she 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 thankfulness step forth, 
 To urge my many merits, which I may 
 Object unto you, since you prove ungrateful, 
 Flint-hearted Charalois I 
 
 Charal. Nature does prevail 
 Above your virtue. 
 
 Roch. No ; it gives me eyes 
 To pierce the heart of your design against me : 
 
 1 find it now, it was my state was aim'd at. 
 
 A nobler match was sought for, and the hom*s 
 I lived grew tedious to you : my compassion 
 Tow'rds you hath render'd me most miserable, 
 And foolish charity undone myself. 
 But there's a heaven above, from whose just 
 
 wreak 
 No mists of policy can hide offenders. 
 
 Nov. sen. [ Within.'\ Force ope the doors ! 
 
 Enter Novall Senior, with Officers. 
 
 O monster ! cannibal ! 
 Lay hold on him. My son, my son ! — O Rochfort, 
 'Twas you gave liberty to this bloody wolf, 
 
 To worry all our comforts : but this is 
 
 No time to quarrel ; now give your assistance 
 For the revenge 
 
 Roch. Call it a fitter name, 
 Justice for innocent blood. 
 
 Charal. Though all conspire 
 Against that life which I am weary of, 
 A little longer yet I'll strive to keep it, 
 To shew, in spite of malice and their laws, 
 His plea must speed, that hath an honest cause. 
 
 \_ExeiinU 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I.— A Street. 
 Enter Tailor, and two BailiflFs toith Liladam. 
 
 Lilad. Why, 'tis both most unconscionable and 
 untimely. 
 To arrest a gallant for his clothes, before 
 He has worn them out: besides, you said you ask'd 
 My name in my lord's bond but for form only, 
 And now you'll lay me up for't ! Do not think 
 The taking measure of a customer 
 By a brace of varlets, chough I rather wait 
 
 I Never so patiently, will prove a fashion 
 
 Which any courtier or inns-of-court-man 
 
 Would follow willingly. 
 Tail. There I believe you. 
 
 But, sir, I must have present monies, or 
 1 Assurance to secure me when I shall ; 
 
 Or I will see to your coming forth. 
 Lilad. Plague on't ! 
 
 You have provided for my entrance in ; 
 
 That coming forth you talk of, concerns me. 
 
 What shall I do ? you have done me a disgrace 
 
SCENE 11. 
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 285 
 
 In the arrest, but more in giving cause 
 To all the street to think 1 cannot stand 
 Without these two supjiorters for my arms. 
 Pray you, let them loose me : for their satisfaction, 
 1 will not run away. 
 
 Tail. For theirs, you will not; 
 But for your own, you would. Look to him, 
 fellows. 
 Lilad. Why, do you call them fellows? do not 
 wrong 
 Your reputation so. As you are merely 
 A tailor, faithful, apt to believe in gallants. 
 You are a companion at a ten- crown supper, 
 For cloth of bodkin, and may, with one lark. 
 Eat up three manchets, and no man observe you, 
 Or call your trade in question for't. But, when 
 Y^'ou study your debt-book, and hold correspon- 
 dence 
 With officers of the hanger, and leave swordsmen, 
 The learn'd conclude, the tailor and the Serjeant, 
 In the expression of a knave and thief, 
 To be synonyma. Look, therefore, to it, 
 And let us part in peace ; I would be loth 
 You should undo yourself. 
 
 Enter Novall Senior, and Pontalier. 
 
 Tail. To let you ^o, 
 Were the next way. But see! here's your old lord; 
 Let him but give his word I shall be paid, 
 And you are free. 
 
 Lilad. 'Slid ! I will put him to't. 
 I ran be but denied : or — what say you ? 
 His lordship owing me three times your debt, 
 If you arrest him at my suit, and let me 
 Go run before, to see the action enter'd : — 
 'Twould be a witty jest ! 
 
 Tail. I must have earnest : 
 I cjmnot pay my debts so. 
 
 Pont. Can your lordship 
 Imagine, while I live, and wear a sword, 
 Y^our son's death shall be unrevenged .-• 
 
 Nov. sen. I know not 
 One reason why you should not do like others : 
 I am sure, of all the herd that fed upon him, 
 I cannot see in any, now he's gone. 
 In pity or in thankfulness, one true sign 
 Of sorrow for him. 
 
 Pont. All his bounties yet, 
 Fell not in such unthankful ground : 'tis true. 
 He had weaknesses, but such as few are free from; 
 And, though none sooth'd them less than 1, (for 
 To say that I foresaw the dangers that [now. 
 
 Would rise from cherishing them, were but un- 
 timely,) 
 I yet could wish the justice that you seek for, 
 In the revenge, had been trusted to me, 
 And not the uncertain issue of the laws. 
 It has robb'd me of a noble testimony 
 Of what I durst do for him : — but, however. 
 My forfeit life redeem'd by him, though dead. 
 Shall do him service. 
 
 Nov. sen. As far as my grief 
 Will give me leave, I thank you. 
 
 Lilad. O, my lord ! 
 Oh my good lord ! deliver me from these Furies. 
 
 Pont. Arrested ! this is one of them, whose base 
 And abject flattery help'd to dig his grave : 
 He is not worth your pity, nor my anger. 
 Go to the basket, and repent. 
 
 Nov. sen. Away I 
 
 I only know thee now to hate thee deadly : 
 I will do nothing for thee. 
 
 Lilad. Nor you, captain ? 
 
 Pont. No; to your trade again; put off this case; 
 It may be, the discovering what you were. 
 When your unfortunate master took you up. 
 May move compassion in your creditor. 
 Confess the truth. 
 
 \_Exeunt Novall Senior, and Pontalier. 
 
 Lilad. And now I think on't better, 
 I will. Brother, your hand ; your hand, sweet 
 
 brother : 
 I'm of your sect, and my gallantry but a dream, 
 Out of which these two fearful apparitions, 
 Against my will have waked me. This rich sword. 
 Grew suddenly out of a tailor's bodkin ; 
 These hangers, from my vails and fees in hell ; 
 And where as now this beaver sits, full often 
 A thrifty cap, composed of broad-cloth lists. 
 Near-kin unto the cushion where I sat, 
 Cross-legg'd, and yet ungarter'd, hath been seen : 
 Our breakfasts, famous for the butter'd loaves, 
 I have with joy been oft acquainted with ; 
 And therefore use a conscience, though it be 
 Forbidden in our hall towards other men, 
 To me, that, as I have been, will again 
 Be of the brotherhood. 
 
 1 Bail. I know him now ; 
 He w-as a prentice to Le Robe at Orleans. 
 
 Lilad. And from thence brought by my young 
 lord, now dead, 
 Unto Dijon, and with him, till this hour, 
 Have been received here for a complete monsieur: 
 Nor wonder at it ; for but tithe our gallants, 
 Even those of the first rank, and you will find 
 In every ten, one, peradventure two. 
 That smell rank of the dancing-school or fiddle, 
 The pantofle or pressing-iron : — but hereafter 
 We'll talk of this. I will surrender up 
 My suits again, there cannot be much loss ; 
 'Tis but the turning of the lace, with one 
 Addition more you know of, and what wants, 
 I will work out. 
 
 Tail. Then here our quarrel ends : 
 The gallant is turn'd tailor, and all friends. 
 
 lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE U.—The Court of Justice. 
 Enter Romont and Beaumont. 
 
 Bom. You have them ready ? 
 
 Beau. Yes, and they will speak 
 Their knowledge in this cause, when you think fit 
 To have them call'd upon. 
 
 Rom. 'Tis well ; and something 
 I can add to their evidence, to prove 
 This brave revenge, which they would have call'd 
 A noble justice. [murder, 
 
 Beau. In this you express 
 (The breach by my lord's want of you new made 
 A faithful friend. [up) 
 
 Rom. That friendship's raised on sand. 
 Which every sudden gust of discontent, 
 Or flowing of our passions, can change. 
 As if it ne'er had been : — but do you know 
 Who are to sit on him ? 
 
 Beau. Monsieur Du Croy, 
 Assisted by Charmi. 
 
 Rom. The advocate 
 
286 
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 That pleaded for the marshal's funeral, 
 And was check'd for it by Novall ? 
 
 Beau. The same. 
 
 Rom. How fortunes that ? 
 
 Beau. Why, sir, my lord Novall, 
 Being the accuser, cannot be the judge ; 
 Nor would grieved Rochfort but lord Charalois, 
 However he might wrong him by his power, 
 Should have an equal hearing. 
 
 Rom. By my hopes 
 Of Charalois' acquittal, I lament 
 That reverend old man's fortune. 
 
 Beau. Had you seen him. 
 As, to my grief, I have, now promise patience. 
 And, ere it was believed, though spake by him 
 That never brake his word, enraged again 
 So far as to make war upon those hairs, 
 Which not a barbarous Scythian durst presume 
 To touch, but with a superstitious fear, 
 As something sacred ; — and then curse his daughter, 
 But with more frequent violence himself. 
 As if he had been guilty of her fault, 
 By being incredulous of your report. 
 You would not only judge him worthy pity, 
 But suffer with him : — but here comes the prisoner; 
 
 Enter Officers wilh Charalois, 
 
 I dare not stay to do my duty to him ; 
 
 Yet, rest assured, all possible means in me 
 
 To do him service, keeps you company. lExU. 
 
 Rom. It is not doubted. 
 
 C/iaral. Why, yet as I came hither, 
 The people, apt to mock calamity. 
 And tread on the oppress'd, made no horns at me. 
 Though they are too familiar I deserve them. 
 And, knowing too what blood my sword hath drunk, 
 In wreak of that disgrace, they yet forbear 
 To shake their heads, or to revile me for 
 A murderer ; they rather all put on, 
 As for great losses the old Romans used, 
 A general face of sorrow, waited on 
 By a sad murmur breaking through their silence : 
 And no eye but was readier with a tear 
 To witness 'twas shed for me, than I could 
 Discern a face made up with scorn against me. 
 Why should I, then, though^ for unusual wrongs, 
 I chose unusual means to right those wrongs, 
 Condemn myself, as over-partial 
 In my own cause ? — Romont ! 
 
 Rom. Best friend, well met I 
 By my heart's love to you, and join to that, 
 My thankfulness that still lives to the dead, 
 I look upon you now with more true joy, 
 Than when I saw you married. 
 
 Charal. You have reason 
 To give you warrant for't : my falling off 
 From such a friendship, with the scorn that an- 
 swered 
 Your too prophetic counsel, may well move you 
 To think your meeting me, going to my death, 
 A fit encounter for that hate which justly 
 I have deserved from you. 
 
 Rom. Shall I still, then, 
 Speak truth, and be ill understood } 
 
 Charal. You are not. 
 I am conscious I have wrong'd you ; and allow 
 
 me. 
 Only a moral man ; — to look on you. 
 Whom foolishly I have abused and injured, 
 Must of necessity be more terrible to me, 
 
 Than any death the judges can pronounce. 
 From the tribunal whicii I am to plead at. 
 
 Rom. Passion transports you. 
 
 Charal. For what I have done 
 To my false lady, or Novall, I can 
 Give some apparent cause ; but touching you. 
 In my defence, child-like, I can say nothing 
 But, I am sorry for't ; a poor satisfaction ! 
 And yet, mistake me not ; for it is more 
 Than I will speak, to have my pardon sign'd 
 For all I stand accused of. 
 
 Rom. You much weaken 
 The strength of your good cause, should you but 
 A man for doing well could entertain [think, 
 
 A pardon, were it offer'd : you have given 
 To blind and slow-paced justice wings and eyes, 
 To see and overtake impieties. 
 Which, from a cold proceeding, had received 
 Indulgence or protection. 
 
 Charal. Think you so ? 
 
 Rom. Upon my soul ! nor should the blood you 
 challenged. 
 And took to cure your honour, breed more scruple 
 In your soft conscience, than if your sword 
 Had been sheath'd in a tiger or she-bear. 
 That in their bowels would have made your tomb. 
 To injure innocence is more than murder : 
 But when inhuman lusts transform us, then 
 As beasts we are to suffer, not like men 
 To be lamented. Nor did Charalois evei 
 Perform an act so worthy the applause 
 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 intestine foes, 
 Our passions bred within us, and of those 
 The most rebellious tyrant, powerful love. 
 Our reason suffering us to like no longer 
 Than the fair object, being good, deserves it, 
 That's a true victory ! which, w^ere great men 
 Ambitious to achieve, by your example 
 Setting no price upon the breach of faith, 
 But loss of life, 'twould fright adultery 
 Out of their families, and make lust appear 
 As loathsome to us in the first consent. 
 As when 'tis waited on by punishment. 
 
 Charal. You have confirm'd me. Who would 
 love a woman. 
 That might enjoy in such a man a friend ! 
 You have made me know the justice of my cause. 
 And mark'd me out the way how to defend it. 
 
 Rom. Continue to that resolution constant, 
 And you shall, in contempt of their worst malice, 
 Come off with honour — here they come. 
 
 Charal. I am ready. 
 
 Enter Du Crov, Charmi, Rochfort, Novall Senior, 
 PoNTALiER, and Beaumont. 
 
 Nov. sen. See, equal judges, with what confidence 
 The cruel murderer stands, as if he would 
 Outface the court and justice ! ! 
 
 Roch. But look on him, j 
 
 And you shall find, for still methinks I do, i 
 
 Though guilt hath died him black, something good 
 
 in him. 
 That may perhaps work with a wiser man 
 Than I have been, again to set him free, 
 And give him all he has. 
 
SCKNE IT. 
 
 THE FATAL DOWRY. 
 
 287 
 
 Charm. This is not well. 
 I would you had lived so, my Ic-d, that I 
 Might rather have continued your poor servant, 
 Than sit here as your judge. 
 
 Du Croy. I am sorry for you. 
 
 Roch. In no act of my life I have deserved 
 This injury from the court, that any here, 
 Should thus uncivilly usurp on what 
 Is proper to me only. 
 
 Du Croy. What distaste 
 Receives my lord ? 
 
 Roch. You say you are sorry for him ; 
 A grief in which I must not have a partner. 
 *Tis I alone am sorry, that when I raised 
 The building of my life, for seventy years,*^ 
 Upon so sure a ground, that all the vices 
 Practised to ruin man, though brought against me, 
 Could never undermine, and no way left 
 To send these gray hairs to the grave with sorrow, 
 Virtue, that was my patroness, betray'd me. 
 For, entering, nay, possessing this young man, 
 It lent him such a powerful majesty 
 To grace whate'er he undertook, that freely 
 I gave myself up, with my liberty, 
 To be at his disposing. Had his person, 
 Lovely I must confess, or far-famed valour, 
 Or any other seeming good, that yet 
 Holds a near neighbourhood with ill, wrought on 
 
 me, 
 I might have borne it better : but, when goodness 
 And piety itself in her best figure 
 Were bribed to my destruction, can you blame me, 
 Though I forget to suffer like a man. 
 Or rather act a woman ? 
 
 Beau. Good, my lord ! — 
 
 Nov. sen. You hinder our proceeding. 
 
 Char. And forget 
 The parts of an accuser. 
 
 Beau. Pray you, remember 
 To use the temper which to me you promised. 
 
 Roch. Angels themselves must break, Beaumont, 
 that promise 
 Beyond the strength and patience of angels. 
 But I have done : — My good lord, pardon me, 
 A weak old man, and, pray you, add to that, 
 A miserable father ; yet be careful 
 That your compassion of my age, nor his. 
 Move you to any thing that may disbecome 
 The place on which you sit. 
 
 Char. Read the indictment. 
 
 Charal. It shall be needless ; I myself, my lords. 
 Will be my own accuser, and confess 
 All they can charge me with, nor will I spare 
 To aggravate that guilt with circumstance, 
 They seek to load me with ; only I pray, 
 That, as for them you will vouchsafe me hearing, 
 I may 
 
 Not be denied it for myself, when I 
 Shall urge by what unanswerable reasons 
 I was compell'd to what I did, which yet. 
 Till you have taught me better, I repent not. 
 
 Roch. The motion's honest. 
 
 Char. And 'tis freely granted. 
 
 Charal. Then I confess, my lords, that I stood 
 bound. 
 When, with my friends, even hope itself had left 
 To this man's charity, for my liberty ; [i^ae, 
 
 Nor did his bounty end there, but began : 
 For, after my enlargement, cherishing 
 The good he die, he made me master of 
 
 His only daughter, and his whole estate. 
 
 Great ties of thankfulness, 1 must acknowledge : 
 
 Could any one, fee'd by you, press this further ? — 
 
 But yet consider, my most 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 courtesies. 
 
 Since they must fetter us to our dishonours. 
 
 Can it be call'd magnificence in a prince. 
 
 To pour down riches with a liberal hand 
 
 Upon a poor man's wants, if that must bind him 
 
 To play the soothing parasite to his vices ? 
 
 Or any man, because he saved my hand. 
 
 Presume my head and heart are at his service ? 
 
 Or, did I stand engaged to buy my freedom 
 
 (When my captivity was honourable) 
 
 By making myself here, and fame hereafter, 
 
 Bondslaves to men's scorn, and calumnious 
 
 tongues ? — 
 Had his fair daughter's mind been like her feature, 
 Or, for some little blemish, I had sought 
 For my content elsewhere, wasting on others 
 My body and her dower ; my forehead then 
 Deserved the brand of base ingratitude : 
 But if obsequious usage, and fair warning 
 To keep her worth my love, could not preserve her 
 From being a whore, and yet no cunning one. 
 So to offend, and yet the fault kept from me, 
 What should I do ? Let any free-born spirit 
 Determine truly, if that thankfulness, 
 Choice form, with the whole world given for a 
 
 dowry, 
 Could strengthen so an honest man with patience, 
 As with a willing neck to undergo 
 The insupportable yoke of slave, or wittol. 
 
 Char. What proof have you she did play false^ 
 besides 
 Your oath ? 
 
 Charal. Her own confession to her father : 
 I ask him for a v/itness. 
 
 Roch. 'Tis most true. 
 I would not willingly blend my last words 
 With an untruth. 
 
 Charal. And then to clear myself. 
 That his great wealth was not the mark I shot at 
 But that I held it, when fair Beaumelle 
 Fell from her virtue, like the fatal gold 
 Which Brennus took from Delphos, whose posses- 
 Brought with it ruin to himself and army : [.-ion 
 Here's one in court, Beaumont, by whom I sent 
 All grants and writings back which made it mihe, 
 Before his daughter died by his own sentence, 
 As freely as, unask'd, he gave it to me. 
 
 Beau. They are here to be seen. 
 
 Char. Open the casket. 
 Peruse that deed of gift. [To Du Crov. 
 
 Rom. Half of the danger 
 Already is discharged ; the other part 
 As bravely ; and you are not only free, 
 But crown'd with praise for ever ! 
 
 Du Crop. 'Tis apparent. 
 
 Char. Yonr state, my lord, again is yours. 
 
 Roch. Not mine ; 
 I am not of the world. If it can prosper, 
 (And yet, being justly got, I'll not examine 
 Why it should be so fatal,) do you bestow it 
 On pious uses : I'll go seek a grave. 
 And yet, for proof I die in peace, your pardon 
 I ask ; and, as you grant it me, may heaven, 
 
288 
 
 THE FATAL DOAVRY. 
 
 your conscience, and these judges, free you from 
 What you are charged with ! So. farewell for 
 ever ! — [Exit. 
 
 N'ov. sen. I'll be mine own guide. Passion nor 
 Shall be my leaders. 1 have lost a son, [example 
 A son, grave judges ; 1 require his blood 
 From his accursed homicide. 
 
 Char. What reply you, 
 In your defence for this .•" 
 
 Charal. I but attended 
 Your lordship's pleasure. — For the fact, as of 
 The former, I confess it ; but with what 
 Base wrongs I was unwillingly drawn to it, 
 To my few words there are some other proofs. 
 To witness this for truth. When I was married, 
 For there I must begin, the slain No vail 
 Was to my wife, in way of our French courtship, 
 A most devoted servant ; but yet aimed at 
 Nothing but means to quench his wanton heat. 
 His heart being never warm'd by lawful fires, 
 As mine was, lords : and though, on these pre- 
 sumptions, 
 Join'd to the hate between his house and mine, 
 I might, with opportunity and ease. 
 Have found a way for my revenge, I did not ; 
 But still he had the freedom as before. 
 When all was mine : and, told that he abused it 
 With some unseemly license, by my friend. 
 My approved friend, Romont, I gave no credit 
 To the reporter, but reproved him for it, 
 As one uncourtly, and malicious to him. 
 What could I more, my lords ? Yet, after this, 
 He did continue in his first pursuit. 
 Hotter than ever, and at length obtain' d it ; 
 But, how it came to my most certain knowledge, 
 For the dignity of the court, and my own honour, 
 I dare not say. 
 
 Nov. sen. If all may be believed 
 A passionate prisoner speaks, who is so foolish 
 That durst 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. 
 
 Char. You must find other proofs, to strengthen 
 these 
 But mere presumptions. 
 
 Du Croy. Or we shall hardly 
 Allow your innocence. 
 
 Charal. All your attempts 
 Shall fall on me like brittle shafts on armour. 
 That break themselves ; or waves against a rock, 
 That leave no sign of their ridiculous fury 
 But foam and splinters : my innocence, like these, 
 Shall stand triumphant, and your malice serve 
 But for a trumpet to proclaim my conquest. 
 Nor shall you, though you do the worst fate can, 
 Howe'er condemn, affright an honest man. 
 
 Rom. May it please the court, I may be heard .^^ 
 
 Nov. sen. You come not 
 To rail again ? but do — you shall not find 
 Another Rochfort. 
 
 Bom. In Novall I cannot ; 
 But 1 come furnished with what will stop 
 
 The mouth of his conspiracy 'gainst the life 
 Of innocent Charalois. Do you know this charac- 
 Nov. sen. Yes, 'tis my son's. [ter.° 
 
 Rom. May it please your lordships, read it : 
 And you shall find there, with what vehemency 
 He did solicit Beaumelle ; how he got 
 A promise from her to enjoy his wishes ; 
 How after, he abjured her company. 
 And yet — but that 'tis fit I spare the dead — 
 Like a daran'd villain, as soon as recorded. 
 He brake that oath : — to make this manifest. 
 Produce his bawds and hers. 
 
 Enter Officers with Aymer, Flokimel, and Bellapert. 
 Char. Have they ta'en their oaths ? 
 Rom. They have, and, rather than endure the 
 rack, 
 Confess the time, the meeting, nay, the act ; 
 What would you more ? only this matron made 
 A free discovery to a good end ; 
 And therefore I sue to the court, she may not 
 Be placed in the black list of the delinquents. 
 Pont. I see by this, Novall's revenge needs me. 
 
 And I shall do \_Aside. 
 
 Char. 'Tis evident. 
 Nov. sen. That I 
 Till now was never wretched : here's no place 
 To curse him or my stars. lExit. 
 
 Char. Lord Charalois, 
 The injuries you have sustain'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. 
 
 \_Stabs hi)n. 
 Charal. I am slain. 
 
 Rom. Can I look on } Oh, murderous wretch ! 
 Thy challenge now I answer. So ! die with him. 
 
 ISlabs PonTjJt.ier. 
 Char. A guard ! disai'm him. 
 Rom. I yield up my sword 
 Unforced — Oh, Charalois ! 
 
 Charal. For shame, Romont, 
 Mourn not for him that dies as he hath lived. 
 Still constant and unmoved : what's fall'n upon me, 
 Is by heaven's will, because I made myself 
 A judge in my own cause, without their w^arrant ; 
 But He that lets me know thus much in death, 
 With all good men — forgive me I IBles. 
 
 Pont. I receive 
 The vengeance which my love, not built on virtue. 
 Has made me w^orthy, worthy of. \_Dies. 
 
 Char. We are taught 
 By this sad precedent, how just soever 
 Our reasons are to remedy our wrongs. 
 We are yet to leave them to their will and power 
 That, to that purpose, have authority. 
 For you, Romont, although, in your excuse. 
 You may plead what you did was in revenge 
 Of the dishonour done unto the court. 
 Yet, since from us you had not warrant for it, 
 We banish you the state : for these, they shall. 
 As they are found guilty or innocent, 
 I Or be set free, or suffer punishment. [Excnni. 
 
THP: fatal DOWIIY. 
 
 289 
 
 A DIRGE. Seep.21\. 
 
 Fie ! cease to wonder, 
 Though you hear Orpheus with his ivory lute. 
 
 Move trees and rocks, 
 Cbarm bulls, bears, and men more savage, to be mute ; 
 
 Weak foolish singer, here is one 
 
 Would have transform 'd thyself to stone. 
 
 A SONG 3Y AYMER, Seep. 282.^ 
 
 A niAlOGVK BETWEEN A MAN AND A WOAIAN. 
 
 Man. 
 
 Set, Phcebus, set ; a fairer sun doth rise 
 From the bright radiance of my mistress' eyes 
 Than ever thou begat'st : I dare not look ; 
 Each hair a golden line, each word a hook, 
 The more I strive, the more still I am took. 
 Fair servant, come ; the day these eyes do lend 
 To warm thy blood, thou dost so vainly spend. 
 Come, strangle breath. 
 What note so sweet as this, 
 That calls the spirits to a further bliss ? 
 
 Worn. Yet this out-savours wine, and this perfume. 
 
 Man, Let's die ; I languish, I consmne. 
 
 Worn. 
 
 Man. 
 
 CITIZENS' SONG OP THE COURTIER. See p. 2P2. 
 
 Courtier, if thou needs wilt wive, 
 
 From this lesson learn to thrive; 
 
 If thou match a lady, tliat passes thee in birth and state, 
 
 Let her curious garments be 
 
 Twice above thine own degree ; 
 
 This will draw great eyes upon her, 
 
 Get her servants, and thee honour. 
 
 COURTIER'S SONG OF THE CITIZENS. Seep. ?) 2. 
 
 Poor citizen, if thou wilt be 
 
 A happy husband, learn of me 
 
 To set thy wife first in thy shop ; 
 
 A fair wife, a kind wife, a sweet wife, sets a poor ir>«n up. 
 
 What though thy shelves be ne'er so bare, 
 
 A woman still is current ware ; 
 
 Each man will cheapen, foe and friend ; 
 
 But, whilst thou art at t'other end, 
 
 Whate'er thou seest, or what dost hear. 
 
 Fool, have no eye to, nor an ear ; 
 
 And af tar supper, for her sake. 
 
 When thou hast fed, snort, though thou wake: 
 
 What though the gallants call thee IMome 2 
 
 Yet with thy lantern light her home ; 
 
 Then look into the town, and tell 
 
 if no such tradesmen there do well. 
 
A NEW WAY 
 
 PAY 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, 
 
 ROBERT EARL OF CARNARVON, 
 
 * MASTER-FALCONER OF ENGLAND. 
 
 My good Lord, — Pardon, I beseech you, my boldness, in presuming to shelter this Comedy under the wings of 
 your lordship's favour and protection. I am not ignorant (having never yet deserved you in my service) that it cannot 
 but meet with a severe construction, if, in the clemency of your noble disposition, you fashion not a better defence for 
 me, than I can fancy for myself. All I can allege is, that divers Italian princes, and lords of eminent rank in England, 
 have not disdained to receive and read poems of this nature ; nor am I wholly lost in my hopes, but that your honour 
 (who have ever expressed yourself a favourer, and friend to the Muses) may vouchsafe, in your gracious acceptance of 
 this trifle, to give me encouragement to present you with some laboured work, and of a higher strain, hereafter, I was 
 born a devoted servant to the thrice noble family of your incomparable lady, and am most ambitious, but with a 
 becoming distance, to be known to your lordship, which, if you please to admit, I shall embrace it as a bounty, that 
 while I live shall oblige me to acknowledge you for my noble patron, and profess myself to be, 
 
 Your honour's true servant, Philip Massinger. 
 
 DRAMATIvS PERSONyE. 
 
 LoRp Lqvkll. 
 
 Sir Giles Overrkach, a cruel Extortioner. 
 
 Frank Wellborn, a Prodigal. 
 
 Tom Allworth, a young Gentleman, Page to 
 
 Lord Lovell, 
 Greedy, a hungry Justice of Peace. 
 Marrall, a Term-Driver ; a creature of Sir 
 
 Giles Overreach. 
 Order, Steward 
 Amble, Usher 
 Furnace, Cook 
 Watchall, Porter 
 
 yto 
 
 Lady Allworth. 
 
 Wii.LDo, a Parson. 
 
 Tapwell, an Alehouse-Keeper. 
 
 Creditors, Servants, S^c. 
 
 Lady Allworth, a rich Widow. 
 Margaret, Ovkrreach's Daughter. 
 Froth, Tapvvell's Wife. 
 
 Chambermaid. 
 "Waiting Woman. 
 
 SCENE, — The Country near Nottingham. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I. — Before Tapwell's House. 
 
 Enter Wellborn in tattered apparel, Tapwell, an-i 
 Froth, 
 
 Well. No bouse ? nor no tobacco ? 
 
 1 up. Not a suck, sir ; 
 Nor the remainder of a single can 
 Left by a drunken porter, all night pall'd too. 
 
 Froth. Not the dropping of the tap for your 
 morning's draught, sir : 
 'Tis verity, I assure you. 
 
 Well. Verity, you brache ! 
 The devil turn'd precisian ; Rogue, what am I } 
 
 Tap. Troth, durst I trust you with a looking- 
 glass, 
 To let you see your trim shape, you would quit me, 
 And take the name yourself. 
 
 Well. How, dog! 
 
 Tap. Even so, sir. 
 And I must tell you, if you but advance 
 Your Plymouth cloak, you shall be soon instructed 
 There dwells, and within call, if it please your 
 A potent monarch, call'd the constable, [worship, 
 That does command a citadel call'd the stocks ; 
 Whose guards are certain files of rusty billmen, 
 Such as with great dexterity will hale 
 Your tatter'd, lousy 
 
 Well. Rascal ! slave ! 
 
 Froth. No rage, sir. 
 
 T'ap. At his own peril : Do not put yourself 
 In too much heat, there being no water near 
 To quench your thirst ; and, sure, for other liquor, 
 As mighty ale, or beer, they are things, I take it. 
 You must no more remember ; not in a dream, sir. 
 
SCENE 
 
 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 2U1 
 
 Well. Why, thou unthankful villain, dar'stthou 
 talk thus ! 
 Is noc thy house, and all thou hast, my gift ? 
 
 Tap. 1 find it not in chalk ; and Timothy Tapwell 
 Does keep no other register. 
 
 Well. Am not I he 
 Whose riots fed and clothed thee ? 
 Wert thou not born on my father's land, and proud 
 A drudge in his house ? [to be 
 
 Tap. What I was, sir, it skills not : 
 What you are, is apparent : now, for a farewell. 
 Since you talk of father, in my hope it will tor- 
 ment you, 
 K I'll briefly tell your story. Your dead f^er, 
 D^^ My quondam master, was a man of worship, 
 1 Old sir John Wellborn, justice of peace and quo- 
 .^^^And stood fair to be custos rotulorum ; [rum ; 
 
 p^r^^ore the whole sway of the shire, kept a great 
 y^ t1 house, 
 
 "■"'T Relieved the .poor, and so forth ; but he dying, 
 *-And the twelve hundred a year coming to you, 
 Late master Francis, but now forlorn Wellborn — 
 
 Well. Slave, stop ! or 1 shall lose myself. 
 
 Froth. Very hardly ; 
 You cannot out of your way. 
 
 Tap. But to rny story : 
 You were then a lord of acres, the prime gallai^t, 
 And I your under butler ; note the change nov^f : 
 You had a merry time oft ; hawks and hounds, 
 With choice of running horses : mistresses 
 Of all sorts and all sizes, yet so hot. 
 As their embraces made your lordships melt ; 
 Which your uncle. Sir Giles Overreach, observing, 
 (Resolving not to lose a drop of them,) 
 On foolish mortgages, statutes, and bonds, 
 For a while supplied your looseness, and then left 
 you. 
 
 Well. Some curate hath penn'd this invective, 
 And you have studied it. [mongrel, i 
 
 Tap. I have not done yet ; 
 Your land gone, and your credit not worth a token. 
 You grew the common borrower ; no man scaped 
 Your paper-pellets, from the gentleman 
 To the beggars on highways, that sold you switches 
 In your gallantry. 
 
 Well. I shall switch your brains out. 
 
 Tap. Where poor Tim Tapwell, with a little 
 stock. 
 Some forty pounds or so, bought a small cottage ; 
 Humbled myself to marriage with my Froth here. 
 Gave entertainment 
 
 Well. Yes, to whores and canters, 
 Clubbers by night. 
 
 Tap. True, but they brought in profit. 
 And had a gift to pay for what they called for ; 
 And stuck not like your mastership. The poor 
 
 income 
 I glean'd from them hath made me in my parish 
 Thought worthy to be scavenger, and in time 
 May rise to be overseer of the poor ; 
 Which if I do, on your petition. Wellborn, 
 I may allow you thirteen-pence a quarter, 
 And you shall thank my worship. 
 
 Well. Thus, you dog-bolt, 
 And thus IBeats and kicks him. 
 
 Tap. [ To his wife."] Cry out for help ! 
 
 Well. Stir, and thou diest : 
 Your potent prince, the constable, shall not save 
 Hear me, ungrateful hell-hound ! did not I [you, 
 Make purses for you ? then you lick'd my boots. 
 
 And thought your holiday cloak too coarse to 
 
 clean them. 
 'Twas I that, when I heard thee swear if ever 
 Thou couldst arrive at forty pounds, thou wouldst 
 Live like an emperor, 'twas I that gave it 
 In ready gold. Deny this, wretch I 
 
 Tap. I must, sir : 
 For, from the tavern to the taphouse, all. 
 On forfeiture of their licenses, stand bound 
 Ne'er to remember who their best guests were. 
 If they grew poor like you. 
 
 Well. They are well rewarded 
 That beggar themselves to make such cuckolds rich. 
 Thou viper, thankless viper ! impudent Wwvd !— 
 But since you are grown forgetful, I wiUfhelp 
 Your memory, and tread you into mortar*;^ 
 Not leave one bone unbroken. [.Beats Mm again. 
 
 Tap. Oh! 
 
 Froth. Ask mercy. 
 
 Enter Allworth. 
 
 Well. 'Twill not be granted. 
 
 All. Hold, for my sake hold. 
 Deny me, Frank ! they are not worth your anger. 
 
 Well. For once thou hast redeem'd them from 
 this sceptre ; 
 But let them vanish, creeping on their knees, 
 And, if they grumble, I revoke my pardon. 
 
 Froth. This comes of your prating, husband ; 
 you presumed 
 On your ambling wit, and must use your glib 
 Though you are beaten lame for't. [tongue, 
 
 Tap. Patience, Froth ; 
 There's law to cm*e our bruises. 
 
 [They crawl of on their hands and knees. 
 
 Well. Sent to your mother .' 
 
 All. My lady, Frank, my^troness, my all '. 
 ,She's|6uch a mourner for my father's death, 
 Andf in her love to him, so favours me. 
 That I cannot pay too much observance to her : 
 There are few such stepdames. 
 
 Well. 'Tis a noble widow. 
 And keeps her reputation pure, and clear 
 From the least taint of infamy ; her life. 
 With the splendour of her actions, leaves no tongue 
 To envy or detraction. Prithee tell me, 
 Has she no suitors ? 
 
 All. Even the best of the shire, Frank, 
 My lord, excepted ; such as sue, and send. 
 And send, and sue again, but to no purpose ; 
 Their frequent visits have not gain'd her presence. 
 Yet she's so far from sullenness and pride. 
 That I dare undertake you shall meet from her 
 A liberal entertainment : I can give you 
 A catalogue of her suitors' names. 
 
 Well. Forbear it, 
 While I give you good counsel : I am bound to it. 
 Thy father was my friend ; and that aff'tction 
 I bore to him, in right descends to thee ; 
 Thou art a handsome and a hopeful youth. 
 Nor will I have the least aff'roiit stick on thee ; 
 If I with any danger can prevent it. 
 
 All. I thank your noble care ; but, pray |bou, 
 in wliat 
 Do I run the hazard ? 
 
 Well. Art thou not in love "i 
 Put it not off with wonder, ' 
 
 All. In love, at my years ! 
 
 Well. You think you walk in clouds, but are 
 transparent, v - 
 
292 
 
 A NEW W^AY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 I have heard all, and the choice that you have 
 
 made ; 
 And, with my finger,* can point out the north star 
 By which the loadstone of your folly's guided ; 
 And, to confirm this true, what think you of 
 Fair Margaret, the only cliild and heir 
 Of Cormorant Overreach ? Does it blush and start, 
 To hear her only named ? blush at your want 
 Of wit, and reason. 
 
 All. You are too bitter, sir. 
 
 Well. Wounds of this nature are not to be cured 
 With balms, but corrosives. I must be plain : 
 Art thou scarce manumised from the porter's lodge, 
 And yet sworn servant to the pantofle, 
 And dar'stthou dream of marriage? I fear 
 'Twill be concluded for impossible. 
 That there is now, or e'er shall be hereafter, 
 A handsome page, or player's boy of fourteen, 
 But either loves a wench, or drabs love him ; 
 Court-waiters not exempted. 
 
 All. This is madness. 
 Howe'er you have discover'd my intents, 
 You know my aims are lawful ; and if ever 
 The queen of flowers, the glory of the spring, 
 The sweetest comfort to our smell, the rose. 
 Sprang from an envious briar, I may infer 
 There's such disparity in their conditions. 
 Between the goodness of my soul, the daughter, 
 And the base churl her father. 
 
 Well. Grant this true, 
 As I believe it, canst thou ever hope 
 To enjoy a quiet bed with her, whose father 
 Ruin'd thy state ? 
 
 All. And your's too. 
 
 Well. I confess it. 
 True ; I must tell you as a friend, and freely, 
 That, where impossibilities are apparent, 
 'Tis indiscretion to nourish hopes. 
 Canst thou imagine (let not self-love blind thee) 
 That Sir Giles Overreach, that, to make her great 
 In swelling titles, without touch of conscience, 
 Will cut his neighbour's throat, and I hope his 
 
 own too, 
 
 Will e'er consent to make her thine ? Give o'er, 
 And think of some course suitable to thy rank, 
 And prosper in it. 
 
 All. You have well advised me. 
 But, in the mean time, you, that are so studious 
 Of my affairs, wholly neglect your own : 
 Remember yourself, and in what plight you are. 
 
 Well. No matter, no matter. 
 
 All. Yes, 'tis much material : 
 You know my fortune, and my means ; yet some- 
 thing 
 I can spare from myself, to help your wants. 
 
 Well. How's this ? 
 
 All. Nay, be not angry ; there's eight pieces, 
 To put you in better fashion. 
 
 Well. Money from thee ! 
 From a boy ! a stipendiary ! one that lives 
 At the devotion of a stepmother, 
 And the uncertain favour of a lord ! 
 I'll eat my arms first. Howsoe'er blind Fortune 
 Hath spent the utmost of her malice on me ; 
 Though I am vomited out of an alehouse, 
 And thus accoutred ; know not where to eat, 
 Or drink, or sleep, but underneath this canopy ; 
 Although T thank thee, I despise thy offer : 
 And as I, in my madness, broke my state, 
 Without the assistance of another's brain. 
 
 In my right wits I'll piece it ; at^ the worst. 
 Die thus, and be forgotten. 
 All. A strange humour ! [^Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — A Room in Lady Allworth's 
 
 House. 
 
 Enter Okdt&b,, Amble, Furnace, and Watchall. 
 
 Ord. Set all things right, or, as my name is 
 Order, 
 And by this staff of office, that commands you. 
 This chain and double ruff, symbols of power. 
 Whoever misses in his function, 
 For one whole week makes forfeiture of his break- 
 And privilege in the wine-cellar. [fast, 
 
 Arab. You are merry, 
 Good master steward. 
 
 Furn. Let him ; I'll be angry. 
 
 Amb. Why, fellow Furnace, 'tis not twelve 
 o'clock yet. 
 Nor dinner taking up ; then, 'tis allow'd. 
 Cooks, by their places, may be choleric, 
 
 Furn. You think you have spoke wisely, good- 
 My lady's go-before ! [man Amble, 
 
 Ord. Nay, nay, no wrangling. 
 
 Furn. Twit me with the authority of the kitchen ! 
 At all hours, and all places, Til he angry ; 
 And thus provoked, when I am at my prayers 
 I will be angry. 
 
 Amb. There was no hurt meant. 
 
 Furn. i am ft-iends with thee ; and yet I will be 
 
 Ord. With whom } [angry. 
 
 Furn. No matter whom : yet, now I think on it, 
 I am angry with my lady. 
 
 Watch. Heaven forbid, man ! 
 
 Ord. What cause has she given thee ? 
 
 Furn. Cause enough, master steward. 
 I was entertained by her to please her palate. 
 And, till she forswore eating, I perform'd it. 
 Now, since our master, noble AUworth, died. 
 Though I crack my brains to find out tempting 
 And raise fortifications in the pastry, [sauces. 
 
 Such as might serve for models in the Low Coun- 
 Which, if they had been practised at Breda, [tries, 
 Spinola might have thrown his cap at it, and ne'er 
 took it 
 
 Amb. Butyouhadwantedmatterthereto workon. 
 
 Furn. Matter ! with six eggs, and a strike oi 
 rye meal, 
 I had kept the town till doomsday, perhaps longer. 
 
 Ord. But what's this to your pet against mv 
 lady ? 
 
 Furn. What's this? marry this; when I am 
 three-parts roasted. 
 And the fourth part parboil'd, to prepare her viands. 
 She keeps her chamber, dines with a panada, 
 Or water-gruel, my sweat never thought on. 
 
 Ord. But your art is seen in the dining-room. 
 
 Furn. By whom } 
 By such as pretend love to her ; but come 
 To feed upon her. Yet, of all the harpies 
 That do devour her, I am out of charity 
 With none so much as the thin-gutted squire. 
 That's stolen into commission. 
 
 Ord. Justice Greedy ? 
 
 Furn. The same, the same : meat's cast awajf 
 upon him, 
 It never thrives ; he holds this paradox. 
 Who eats not well, can ne'er do justice well 
 
SCliNR III. 
 
 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 293 
 
 *■ His stomach's as insatiate as the grave, 
 Or strumpets' ravenous appetites. 
 
 ^Knocking within. 
 Watch. One knocks. lExit. 
 
 Ord. Our late young master ! 
 
 Re-enter Wai^hall tvilJi Allworth. 
 
 Anih. Welcome, sir. 
 
 Furn. Your hand ; 
 If you have a stomach, a cold b'ake-meat's ready. 
 
 Ord. His father's picture in little. 
 
 Furn. We are all your servants. 
 
 Amb. In you he lives. 
 
 All. At once, my thanks to all ; 
 This is yet some comfort. Is my lady-stirring ? 
 
 Enter Lady Allworth, Waiting-woman, and 
 Cliainbermaid. 
 
 Ord. Her presence answers for us. 
 
 L. All. Sort those silks well. 
 I'll take the air alone. 
 
 iExcunt Waiting- woman one? Chambermaid. 
 
 Furn. You air and air ; 
 But will you never taste but spoon-meat more } 
 To what use serve I ? 
 
 L. All. Prithee, be not angry ; 
 I shall ere long : i' the mean time, there is gold 
 To buy thee aprons, and c summer suit. 
 
 Furn. I am appeased, and Furnace now grows 
 cool. 
 
 L. All. And, as I gave directions, if this morn- 
 I am visited by any, entertain them [ing, 
 
 As heretofore ; but say, in my excuse, 
 I am indisposed. 
 
 Ord. I shall, madam. 
 
 L. All. Do, and leave me. 
 ISay, stay you, Allworth. 
 
 lExeimt Ordkr, Amblb, Furnace, and Watchall. 
 
 All. I shall gladly grow here, 
 To wait on your commands. 
 
 L. All. So soon turn'd courtier ! 
 
 All. Style not that courtship, madam, which is 
 Purchased on your part. [duty 
 
 L. All. Well, you shall o'ercome ; 
 I'll not contend in words. How is it with 
 Your noble master ? 
 
 All. Ever like himself; 
 No scruple lessen'd in the full weight of honour : 
 He did command me, pardon my presumption, 
 As his unworthy deputy, to kiss 
 Your ladyship's fair hands. 
 
 L. All. I am honour'd in 
 His favour to me. Does he hold his purpose 
 For the Low Countries .^ 
 
 All. Constantly, good madam ; 
 But he wiil in person first present his service. 
 
 L. All. And how approve you of his course ? 
 you are yet 
 Like virgin parchment, capable of any 
 Inscription, vicious or honourable. 
 I will not force your will, but leave you free 
 To your own election. 
 
 All. Any form, you please, 
 I will put on ; but, might I make my choice, 
 With humble emulation I would follow 
 The path my lord marks to me. 
 
 L. All. 'Tis well answer' d, 
 And I commend your spirit : you had a fatlier, 
 Bless'd be his memory ! that some few hours 
 Before the will of heaven took him from me, 
 Who did commend you, b/ the dearest ties 
 
 Of perfect love between us, to my charge : 
 
 And, therefore, what I speak you are bound to hear. 
 
 With such respect as if he lived in me. 
 
 He was my husband, and howe'er you are not 
 
 Son of my womb, you may be of my love. 
 
 Provided you deserve it. 
 
 All. I have found you. 
 Most honour'd madam, the best mother to me ; 
 And, with my utmost strengths of care and service, 
 Will labour that you never may repent 
 Your bounties shower'd u])oa me. 
 
 L. All. I much hope it. 
 These were your father's words ^ J f e'er my son 
 Follow the war, tell him it is a school. 
 Where all the principles tending to honour 
 Are taught, if truly follow^ d : but for such 
 As repair thither, as a place in which 
 They do presume they may with license practise 
 Their lu.^ts and riots, they shall never merit 
 The noble name of soldiers. To dare boldly 
 In a fair cause, and., for their country's safety, 
 To run upon the cannon's mouth undaunted ; 
 To obey their leaders, and shun mutinies ; 
 To bear with patience the winter's cold, 
 And summer's scorching heat, and not to fain'. 
 When plenty of provision fails, with hunger ; 
 Are the essential parts make up a soldier, 
 Not swearing, dice, or drinking. 
 
 All. There's no syllable 
 You speak, but is to me an oracle, 
 Which but to doubt were impious. 
 
 L. All. To conclude : 
 Beware ill company, for often men 
 Are like to those with whom they do converse ; 
 And^rom one man I warn you, and that's Well- 
 
 (T born : 
 Not 'cause he's poor, that rather claims your pity ; 
 But that he's in his manners so debauch'd, 
 And hath to vicious courses sold himself. 
 'Tis true your father loved him, while he was 
 Worthy the loving ; but if he had lived 
 To have seen him as he is, he had cast him off^ 
 As you must do. ^^ 
 
 All. I shall obey in all things. 
 
 L. All. Follow me to my chamber, you shall 
 have gold 
 To furnish you like my son, and still supplied, 
 As I hear from you. 
 
 All. I am still your creature. \_Exeunt, 
 
 SCENE III.— ^ Hall in the same. 
 
 Enter Overreach, Greedy, Order, Amble, Furnacs^ 
 Watchall, and Marrall. 
 
 Greedy. Not to be seen ! 
 
 Over. Still cloister' d up ! Her reason, 
 I hope, assures her, though she make herself 
 Close prisoner ever for her husband's loss, 
 'Twill not recover him. 
 
 Ord. Sir, it is her will, 
 Which we, that are her servants, ought to serve, 
 And not dispute : howe'er, you are nobly wel- 
 come ; 
 And, if you please to stay, that you may think so, 
 There came, not six days since, from Hull, a pipe 
 Of rich Canary, which shall spend itself 
 For my lady's honour. 
 
 Greedy. Is it of the right race ? 
 
 Ord. Yes, master Greedy. 
 
104 
 
 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 Amb. How his mouth runs o'er ! 
 
 Fuxn. I'll make it run, and run. Save your 
 good worship . 
 
 Greedy. Honest master cook, thy hand ; again ; 
 how I love thee ! 
 Are the good dishes still in being ? speak, boy. 
 
 Furn. If you have a mind to feed, there is a 
 Of beef, well season 'd. [chine 
 
 Greedy. Good ! 
 
 Furn. A pheasant, larded. 
 
 Greedy. That I might now give thanks for't ! 
 
 Furn. Other kickshaws. 
 Besides, there came last night, from the forest of 
 The fattest stag I ever cook'd. [Sherwood, 
 
 Greedy. A stag, man ! 
 
 Furn. A stag, sir ; part of it prepared for din- 
 And baked in puff-paste. [ner, 
 
 ^. Greedy. PufF-paste too ! Sir Giles, 
 A ponderous chine of beef ! a pheasant larded ! 
 And red deer too, sir Giles, and baked in pufF- 
 
 paste ! 
 All business set aside, let us give thanks here. 
 
 Furn. How the lean skeleton's rapt ! 
 
 Over. You know we cannot. 
 
 Mar. Your worships are to sit on a commission, 
 Add if you fail to come, you lose the cause. 
 
 Greedy. Cause me no causes. I'll prove't, for 
 such a dinner. 
 We may put off a commission : you shall find it 
 Henrici decimo quarto. 
 
 Over. Fie, master Greedy ! 
 Will you lose me a thousand pounds for a dinner ? 
 No more, for shame ! we must forget the belly, 
 When we think of profit. 
 
 Greedy. Well, you shall o'er-rule me ; 
 I could e'en cry now. — Do you hear, m'aster-cook, 
 Send but a corner of that immortal pasty, 
 And I, in thankfulness, will, by your boy, 
 Send you — a brace of three-pences, 
 
 Furn. Will you be so prodigal.'' 
 
 Enter Wellborn. 
 
 Over. Remember me to your lady. Who have 
 we here ? 
 
 Well. You know me. 
 
 Over. I did once, but now I will not ; 
 Thou art no blood of mine. Avaunt, thou beggar ! 
 If ever thou presume to own me more, 
 I'll liave thee caged, and.whipp'd. 
 
 Greedy. I'll grant the warrant. 
 Think of pie-corner, Furnace ! 
 
 lExeu7it Overreach, Greedy, and Marrall. 
 
 Watch. Will you out, sir ? 
 I wonder how you durst creep in. 
 
 Ord.' This is rudeness, 
 And saucy impudence. 
 
 Amb. Cannot you stay 
 To be serv'd, among your fellows, from the basket. 
 But you must press into the hall? 
 
 Furn. Prithee, vanish 
 Into some outhouse, though it be the pigstie ; 
 My scullion shall come to thee. 
 
 Enter All worth. 
 
 Well. This is rare : 
 Oh, here's Tom Allworth. Tom ! 
 
 All. We must be strangers ; 
 Nor would I have you seen here for a million. 
 
 lExit. 
 
 Well. Better and better. He contemns me too ! 
 
 Enter AA'aiting-woman and Chambermaid. 
 
 Woman. Fob, what a smell's here ! what thing's 
 
 Cham. A creature [this? 
 
 Made out of the privy ; let us hence, for love's sake, 
 Or I shall swoon. 
 
 Woman. I begin to faint already. 
 
 \_Exeunt Waiting-woman and Chambermaid. 
 
 Watch. Will you know your way ? 
 
 Amb. Or shall we teach it you, 
 By the head and shoulders 1 
 
 Well. No ; I will not stir ; 
 Do you mark, I will not : let me see the wretch 
 That dares attempt to force me. Why, you slaves, 
 Created only to make legs, and cringe ; 
 To carry in a dish, and shift a trencher ; 
 That have not souls only to hope a blessing 
 Beyond black jacks or flagons ; you, that were born 
 Only to consume meat and drink, and batten 
 Upon reversions ! — who advances ? who 
 Shews me the way ? 
 
 Ord. My lady ! 
 
 Enter Lady Allworth, Waiting-woman, and 
 Chambermaid. 
 
 Cham. Here's the monster. 
 
 Woman. Sweet madam, keep your glove to your 
 
 Cham. Or let me [nose. 
 
 Fetch some perfumes may be predominant ; 
 You wrong yourself else. 
 
 Well. Madam, my designs 
 Bear me to you. 
 
 L. All. To me ! 
 
 Well. And though I have met with 
 But ragged entertainment from your grooms here, 
 I hope from you to receive that noble usage 
 As may become the true friend of your husband, 
 And then I shall forget these. 
 
 L. All. I am amazed 
 To see, and hear this rudeness. Darest thou think, 
 Though sworn, that it can ever find belief, 
 That I, who to the best men of this country 
 Denied my presence, since my husband's death, 
 Can fall so low, as to change words with thee ? 
 Thou son of infamy ! forbear my house, 
 And know, and keep the distance that's between us ; 
 Or, though it be against my gentler temper, 
 I shall take order you no more shall be 
 An eyesore to me. 
 
 Well. Scorn me not, good lady ; 
 But, as in form you are angelical, 
 Imitate the heavenly natures, and vouchsafe 
 At the least awhile to hear me. You will grant 
 The blood that runs in this arm is as noble 
 As that which fills your veins ; those costly jewels, 
 And those rich clothes you wear, your men's ob- 
 servance. 
 And women's flattery, are in you no virtues ; 
 Nor these rags, with my poverty, in me vices. 
 You have a fair fame, and, I know, deserve it ; 
 Yet, lady, I must say, in nothing more 
 Than in the pious sorrow you have shewn 
 For your late noble husband. 
 
 Ord. How she starts ! 
 
 Furn. And hardly can keep finger from the eye, 
 To hear him named. 
 
 L. All. Have you aught else to say ? 
 
 Well. That husband, madam, was once in his 
 fortune 
 Almost as low as I ; want, debts, and quarrels 
 Lay heavy on him : let it not be thouglit 
 
SCENE 
 
 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 295 
 
 A boast in me, though I say, I relieved him. 
 *Twas I that gave him fashion ; mine the sword, 
 That did on all occasions second his ; 
 I brought him on and off with honour, lady ; 
 And when in all men's judgments he was sunk, 
 And, in his own hopes, not to be buoy'd up, 
 I stepp'd unto him, took him by the hand, 
 And set him upright. 
 
 Furn. Are not we base rogues, 
 That could forget this ? 
 
 Well. I confess, you made him 
 Master of your estate ; nor could your friends, 
 Though he brought no wealth with him, blame 
 
 you for it ; ^ 
 
 For he had a shape, and to that shape'a mind 
 Made up of all parts, either great or noble ; 
 So winning a behaviour, not to be 
 Resisted, madam. 
 
 L. All. 'Tis most true, he had. 
 
 Well. For his sake, then, in that I was his 
 Do not contemn me. [friend, 
 
 L. All. For what's past excuse me. 
 
 I will redeem it. Order, give the gentleman 
 A hundred pounds. 
 
 Well. No, madam, on no terras : 
 I will nor beg nor borrow sixpence of you, 
 But be supplied elsewhere, or want thus ever. 
 Only one suit I make, which you deny not 
 To strangers ; and 'tis this. IWhispcrs to her. 
 
 L. All. Fie ! nothing else ? 
 
 Well. Nothing, unless you please to charge 
 your servants. 
 To throw away a little respect upon me. 
 
 L. All. What you demand is yours. 
 
 Well. I thank you, lady. 
 Now what can be wrought out of such a suit 
 Is yet in supposition : \^Aside.'] — I have said all ; 
 When you please, you may retire. [Exit Lady 
 Allworth.] — Nay, all's forgotten ; 
 
 [To the Servants. 
 And, for a lucky omen to my project, 
 Shake hands, and end all quarrels in the cellar. 
 
 Ord. Agreed, agreed. 
 
 Furn. Still merry master Wellbora. iExeunt. 
 
 ACT 11. 
 
 SCENE L — A Room in Overreach's House. 
 Enter Overreach and Marrall. 
 
 Over. He's gone, I warrant thee ; this commis- 
 sion crush'd him. 
 
 Marr. Your worships have the way on't, and 
 ne'er miss 
 To squeeze these unthrifts into air : and yet. 
 The chapfall'n justice did his part, returning, 
 For your advantage, the certificate. 
 Against his conscience, and his knowledge too, 
 With your good favour, to the utter ruin 
 Of the poor farmer. 
 
 Over. 'Twas for these good ends 
 I made him a justice : he that bribes his belly, 
 Is certain to command his soul. 
 
 Marr. I wonder. 
 Still with your license, why, your worship having 
 The power to put this thin-gut in commission, 
 You are not in't yourself? 
 
 Over. Thou art a fool ; 
 In being out of office I am out of danger ; 
 Where, if I were a justice, besides the trouble, 
 I might or out of wilfulness, or error, 
 Run myself finely into a premunire. 
 And so become a prey to the informer. 
 No, I'll have none oft ; 'tis enough I keep 
 Greedy at my devotion : so he serve 
 My purposes, let him hang, or damn, I care not ; 
 Friendship is but a word. 
 
 Mar. You are all wisdom. 
 
 Over. I would be worldly wise ; for the other 
 wisdom. 
 That does prescribe us a well govern'd life, 
 And to do right to others, as ourselves, 
 I value not an atom. 
 
 Mar. What course take you, 
 With your good patience, to hedge in the manor 
 Of your neighbour, master Frugal ? as 'tis said 
 He will nor sell, nor borrow, nor exchange ; 
 And his land, lying in the midst of your many 
 Is a foul blemish. [lordships, 
 
 Over. I have thought on't, Marrall, 
 And it shall take. I must have all men sellers, 
 And I the only purchaser. 
 
 Marr. 'Tis most fit, sir. 
 
 Over. I'll therefore buy some cottage near his 
 manor. 
 Which done, I'll make my men break ope his 
 
 fences. 
 Ride o'er his standing corn, and in the night 
 Set fire on his barns, or break his cattle's legs : 
 These trespasses draw on suits, and suits expenses, 
 Which I can spare, but will soon beggar him. 
 When I have harried him thus two or three year, 
 Though he sue in forma pauperis, in spite 
 Of all his thrift and care, he'll grow behind hand. 
 
 Mar. The best I ever heard ! I could adore you. I 
 
 Over. Then, with the favour of my man of law, I 
 I will pretend some title : want will force him 
 To put it to arbitrement ; then, if he sell 
 For half the value, he shall have ready money, | 
 
 And I possess his land. 
 
 Mar. 'Tis above wonder 1 
 Wellborn was apt to sell, and needed not 
 These fine arts, sir, to hook him in. 
 
 Over. Well thought on. 
 This varlet, Marrall, lives too long, to upbraid me 
 With my close cheat put upon him. Will nor cold, 
 Nor hunger, kill him ? 
 
 Mar. I know not what to think on't. 
 I have used all means ; and the last night I caused 
 His host, the tapster, to turn him out of doors ; 
 And have been since with all your friends and 
 
 tenants. 
 And on the forfeit of your favour, charged them, 
 Though a crust of mouldy bread would keep him 
 
 from starving. 
 Yet they should not reUeve him. This is done, sir 
 
 Over. That was something, Marrall ; but thou 
 And suddenly, Marrall. [must go further. 
 
 Mar. Where, and when you please, sir. 
 
 Ovjr. I would have thee seek him out, and, if 
 thou canst. 
 
290 
 
 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 
 Persuade him that 'tis better steal than beg ; 
 Then, if I prove he has but robb'd a henroost, 
 Not all the world shall save him from the gallows. 
 Do anything to work him to despair ; 
 And 'tis thy masterpiece. 
 
 Mar. I will do my best, sir. 
 
 Over. I am now on my main work with the 
 lord Lovell, 
 The gallant-minHecl, popular lord Lovell, 
 The minion of the people's love. I hear 
 He's come into the country, and my aims are 
 To insinuate myself into his knowledge, 
 And then invite him to my house. 
 
 Mar. I have you : 
 This poiats at my young mistress. 
 
 Over. She must part with 
 That humble title, and write honourable, 
 Right honourable, Marrall, my right honourable 
 daughter ; 
 
 all I have, or e'er shall get, will do it. 
 '11 have her well attended ; there are ladies 
 Of errant knights decay'd, and brought so low, 
 That for cast clothes and meat will gladly serve her. 
 And 'tis my glory, though I come from the city, 
 To have their issue whom I have undone 
 To kneel to mine as bondslaves. 
 
 Mar. 'Tis fit state, sir. 
 
 Over. And therefore, I'll not have a chambermaid 
 That ties her shoes, or any meaner office, 
 But such whose fathers were right worshipful. 
 'Tis a rich man's pride ! there having ever been 
 More than a feud, a strange antipathy, 
 Between us and true gentiy. 
 
 Enter Wellborn. 
 
 Mar. See, who's here, sir. 
 
 Over. Hence, monster ! prodigy ! 
 
 Well. Sir, your wife's nephew ; 
 She and my father tumbled in one belly. 
 
 Over. Avoid my sight ! thy breath's infectious, 
 
 I shun thee as a leprosy, or the plague. — [I'Ogue ! 
 
 Come hither, MarraU — this is the time to work 
 
 him. \^Aside, and exit. 
 
 Mar. I warrant you, sir. 
 
 Well. By this light, I think he's mad. 
 
 Mar. Mad ! had you ta'en compassion on your- 
 You long since had been mad. [self. 
 
 Well. You have ta'en a course 
 Between you and my venerable uncle, 
 To make me so. 
 
 Mar. The more pale-spirited you, 
 That would not be instructed. I swear deeply 
 
 Well. By what? 
 
 Mar. By my religion. 
 
 Well. Thy religion ! 
 The devil's creed : — but what would you have done.' 
 
 Mar. Had there been but one tree in all the 
 Nor any hope to compass a penny halter, [shire. 
 Before, like you, I had outlived my fortunes, 
 A withe had served my turn to hang myself, 
 lam zealous in your cause ; pray you hang yourself. 
 And presently, as you love your credit. 
 
 Well. I thank you. 
 
 Mar. Will you stay till you die in a ditch, or 
 
 lice devour you ? 
 
 Or, if you dare not do the feat yourself. 
 But that you'll put the state to charge and trouble, 
 Is there no purse to be cut, house to be broken, 
 Or market-woman with eggs, that you may murder, 
 And so dispatch the business ? 
 
 Well. Here's variety, 
 I must confess ; but 111 accept of none 
 Of all your gentle offers, I assure you. 
 
 Mar. Why, have you hope ever to eat again, 
 Or drink ? or be the master of three-farthings ? 
 If you like not hanging, drown yourself ; take 
 For your reputation. [some course 
 
 Well. 'Twill not do, dear tempter, 
 With all the rhetoric the fiend hath taught you. 
 I am as far as thou art from despair ; 
 Nay, I have confidence, which is more than hope. 
 To live, and suddenly, better than ever. 
 
 Mar. Ha ! ha ! these castles you build in the air, 
 Will not persuade me or to give, or lend, 
 A token to you. 
 
 Well. I'll be more kind to thee : 
 Come, thou shalt dine with me. 
 
 Mar. With you ! 
 
 Well. Nay more, dine gratis. 
 
 Mar. Lender what hedge, I pray you? or at 
 whose cost ? 
 Are they padders, or abram-men that are your 
 consorts ? 
 
 Well. Thou art incredulous : but thou shalt dine, 
 Not alone at her house, but with a gallant lady ; 
 With me, and with a lady. 
 
 Mar. Lady ! what lady ? 
 With the lady of the lake, or queen of fairies ? 
 For I know it must be an enchanted dinner. 
 
 Well. With the lady Allworth, knave. 
 
 Mar. Nay, now there's hope 
 Thy brain is crack'd. 
 
 Well. Mark there, with what respect 
 I am entertain'd. 
 
 Mar. With choice, no doubt, of dog-whips. 
 Why, dost thou ever hope to pass her porter.' 
 
 Well. 'Tis not far off, go with me ; trust thine 
 own eyes. 
 
 Mar. Troth, in my hope, or my assurance rather, 
 To see thee curvet, and mount like a dog in a 
 
 blanket. 
 If ever thou presume to pass her threshold, 
 I will endure thy company. 
 
 Well. Come along then. \_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — A Room in Lady Allworth's 
 House. 
 
 Enter Allworth, Waiting-woman, Chambermaid, 
 Order, Amble, Furnace, and Watchall. 
 
 Woman. Could you not command your leisure 
 one hour longer } 
 
 Cham. Or half an hour ? 
 
 All. I have told you what my haste is : 
 Besides, being now another's, not mine own, 
 Howe'er I much desire to enjoy you longer, 
 My duty suffers, if, to please myself, 
 I should neglect my lord. 
 
 Woman. Pray you do me the favour 
 To put these few quince-cakes rnto your pocket ; 
 They are of mine own preserving. 
 
 Cham. And this marmalade ; 
 'Tis comfortable for your stomach. 
 
 Woman. And, at parting. 
 Excuse me if I beg a farewell from you. 
 
 Cham. You are still before me. I move the same 
 suit sir. [Allworth kisses them severally. 
 
 Furn. How greedy these chamberers are ot a 
 I think the tits will ravish him. [beardless chin ! 
 
A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 207 
 
 All. My service 
 To both. 
 
 Woman. Ours waits on you. 
 Cham. And shall do ever. 
 
 Ord. You are my lady's charge, be therefore 
 That you sustain your parts. [careful 
 
 Woman. We can bear, I warrant you. 
 
 lExeunt Waiting-woman and Chambermaid. 
 Fvrn. Here, drink it otf ; the ingredients are 
 And this the true elixir ; it hath boil'd [cordial, 
 Since midnight for you. 'Tis the quintessence 
 Of five cocks of the game, ten dozen of sparrows, 
 Knuckles of veal, potatoe-roots, and marrow, 
 Coral and ambergris : were you two years older. 
 And I had a wife, or gamesome mistress, 
 I durst trust you with neither : you need not bait 
 After this, I warrant you, though your journey's 
 
 long; 
 You may ride on the strength of this till to- 
 morrow morning. 
 All. Your courtesies overwhelm me : I much 
 grieve 
 To part from such true friends ; and yet find com- 
 fort. 
 My attendance on my honourable lord, \ 
 Whose resolution holds to visit my lady, 
 Will speedily bring me back. 
 
 [Knocking within. Exit Watchall. 
 Mar. [wiihin.] Dar'st thou venture further ? 
 Well. [within.Ji Yes, yes, and knock again. 
 Ord. "Tis he ; disperse ! 
 Amb. Perform it bravely. 
 Furn. I know my cue, ne'er doubt me. 
 
 [Exeunt all but Allwohth. 
 
 Re-enter Watchall, ceremoniously introducing Wellborn 
 and Marrall. 
 
 Watch. Beast that I was, to make you stay ! 
 You were long since expected. [most welcome ; 
 
 Well. Say so much 
 To my friend, I pray you. 
 
 Watch. For your sake, I will, sir. 
 
 Mar. For his sake ! 
 
 Well. Mum ; this is nothing. 
 
 Mar. More than ever 
 I would have believed, though I had found it in my 
 primer. 
 
 All. When I have given you reasons for my late 
 harshness. 
 You'll pardon and excuse me ; for, believe me, 
 Though now I part abruptly, in my service 
 I will deserve it. 
 
 Mar. Service ! with a vengeance ! 
 
 Well. I am satisfied : farewell, Tom. 
 
 All. All joy stay with you ! [Exit. 
 
 Re-enter Amsle. 
 
 Amb. You are happily encounter'd ; I yet never 
 Presented one so welcome as, I know, 
 You will be to my lady. 
 
 Mar. This is some vision ; 
 Or, sure, these men are mad, to worship a dunghill; 
 It cannot be a truth. 
 
 Well. Be still a pagan. 
 An unbelieving infidel ; be so, miscreant, 
 A.nd meditate on blankets, and on dog-whips ! 
 
 Re-enter Furnack. 
 Furn. I am glad you are come ; until I know 
 >• your pleasure. 
 
 T I knew not how to serve up my lady's dinner. 
 
 Mar. His pleasure ! is it possible .' 
 Well. What's thy will ? 
 
 Furn. Marry, sir, I have some growse, and 
 turkey chicken, 
 Some rails and quails, and my lady will'd me ask 
 
 you 
 What kind of sauces best affect your palate. 
 That I may use my utmost skill to please it. 
 Mar. The devil's enter'd this cook : sauce foi 
 his palate ! ^ 
 
 That, on my knowledge, for almost this twelve- 
 month. 
 Durst wish but cheeseparings and brown bread on 
 Sundays. [Aside. 
 
 Well. That way I like them best. 
 Furn. It shall be done, sir. [Exit. 
 
 Well. What think you of the hedge we shall dine 
 Shall we feed gratis ? [under ? 
 
 Mar. I know not what to think ; 
 Pray you make me not mad. 
 
 Re-enter Order. 
 
 Ord. This place becomes you not ; 
 Pray you walk, sir, to the dining room. 
 
 Well. I am well here. 
 Till her ladyship quits her chamber. 
 
 Mar. Well here, say you .'' 
 'Tis a rare change ! but yesterday you thought 
 Yourself well in a barn, wrapp'd up in pease-straw. 
 
 Re-enter Waiting-woman and Chambermaid. 
 
 Woman. O ! sir, you are wish'd for. 
 
 Cham. My lady dreamt, sir, of you. 
 
 Woman. And the first command she gave, after 
 she rose. 
 Was, (her devotions done,) to give her notice 
 When you approach'd here. 
 
 Cham. Which is done, on my virtue. 
 
 Mar. I shall be converted ; I begin to grow 
 Into a new belief, which saints, nor angels, 
 Could have won me to have faith in. 
 
 Woman. Sir, my lady ! 
 
 Enter Lady Allworth. 
 
 L. All. I come to meet you, and languish'd till 
 I saw you. 
 This first kiss is for form ; I allow a second 
 To such a friend. [Kisses Wkllborn. 
 
 Mar. To such a friend ! heaven bless me ! 
 
 Well. I am wholly yours ; yet, madam, if you 
 please 
 To grace this gentleman with a salute 
 
 Mar. Salute me at his bidding ! 
 
 Well. I shall receive it 
 As a most high favour. 
 
 L. All. Sir, you may command me. 
 
 [Advances to salute Marrall, who retires. 
 
 Well. Run backward from a lady ! and such a 
 lady ! 
 
 Mar. To kiss her foot is, to poor me, a favour 
 I am unworthy of. [Offers to kiss her foot. 
 
 L. All. Nay, pray you rise ; 
 And since you are so humble, I'll exalt you : 
 You shall dine with me to-day, at mine own table. 
 
 Mar. Your ladyship's table ! I am not good 
 To sit at your steward's board. [enough 
 
 L. All. You are too modest : 
 I will not be denied. 
 
 Re-enter Fubnacb, 
 Furn. Will you still be babbling 
 
298 
 
 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 ACT 1] 
 
 Till your meat freeze on the table ? the old trick 
 My art ne'er thought on ! [still ; 
 
 L. All. Your arm, master Wellborn : 
 
 Nay, keep us company. [To Marrall. 
 
 Mar. I was ne'er so gi-aced. 
 
 lExemd Wellborn, Lady Allworth, Amblb, Mau- 
 ra ll, Waiting-woman, and Chambermaid, 
 J' Ord, So! we have play'd our parts, and are 
 ^ come off well ; 
 
 But if I know the mystery, why my lady 
 Consented to it, or why master Wellborn 
 Desired it, may I perish ! 
 
 Furn. Would I had 
 The roasting of his heart that cheated him, 
 And forces the poor gentleman to these shifts ! 
 By fire ! for cooks are Persians, and swear by it, 
 Of all the griping and extorting tyrants 
 I ever heard or read of, I ne'er met 
 A. match to sir Giles Overreach^^ 
 
 Watch. What will you take^ 
 To tell him so, fellow Furnace ? 
 
 Fur. Just as much 
 As my throat is worth, for that would be the price 
 To have a usurer that starves himself, [on't. 
 
 And wears a cloak of one and twenty years 
 On a suit of fourteen groats, bought of the hang- 
 man. 
 To grow rich, and then purchase, is too common ; 
 But this sir Giles feeds high, keeps many servants, 
 Who must at his command do any outrage ; 
 Rich in his habit, vast in his expenses ; 
 Yet he to admiration still increases 
 In wealth, and lordships. 
 
 Ord. He frights men out of their estates, 
 And breaks through all law-nets, made to curb ill 
 
 men. 
 As they were cobwebs. No man dares reprove him. 
 Such a spirit to dare, and power to do, were never 
 Lodged so unluckily. 
 
 Re-enter Amble laughing. 
 
 Amb. Ha ! ha ! 1 shall burst. 
 
 Ord. Contain thyself, man. 
 
 Furn. Or make us partakers 
 Of your sudden mirth. 
 
 Amb. Ha ! ha ! my lady has got 
 Such a guest at her table ! — this term-driver, Mar- 
 This snip of an attorney [rail, 
 
 Furn. What of him, man ? 
 
 Amb. The knave thinks still he's at the cook's 
 shop in Ram Alley, 
 Where the clerks divide, and the elder is to choose ; 
 And feeds so slovenly ! 
 
 Furn. Is this all ? 
 
 Amb. My lady 
 Drank to him for fashion sake, or to please master 
 
 Wellborn ; 
 As I live, he rises, and takes up a dish 
 In which there were some remnants of a boil'd 
 And pledges her in white broth ! [capon, 
 
 Furn. Nay, 'tis like 
 The rest of his tribe. 
 
 Amb. And when I brought him wine, 
 He leaves his stool, and, after a leg or two, 
 Most humbly thanks my worship. 
 
 Ord. Risen already ! 
 
 Amb. I shall be chid. 
 
 lie-enter Lady Allworth, Wellborn, and JIarrall. 
 Furn, My lady frowns. 
 
 L. All. You wait well ! [To Amble. 
 
 Let me have no more of this ; I observed youi 
 
 jeering : 
 Sirrah, I'll have you know, whom I think worthy 
 To sit at my table, be he ne'er so mean. 
 When I am present, is not your companion. 
 
 Ord. Nay, she'll preserve what's due to her. 
 
 Furn. This refreshing 
 Follows your flux of laughter. 
 
 L. All. [7*0 Wellborn.] You are master 
 Of your own will. I know so much of manners, 
 As not to enquire your purposes ; in a word. 
 To me you are ever welcome, as to a house 
 Thafis your own. 
 
 Well. Mark that. [_Aside to Marrall. 
 
 Mar. With reverence, sir, 
 An it like your worship. 
 
 Well. Trouble yourself no further, 
 Dear madam ; my heart's full of zeal and service. 
 However in my language I am sparing. 
 Come, master Marrall. 
 
 Mar. I attend your worship. 
 
 [Exeunt Wellborn and Marrall. 
 
 L. All. I see in your looks you are sorry, and 
 you know me 
 An easy mistress : be merry ; I have forgot all. 
 Order and Furnace, come with me ; I must give 
 Further directions. [you 
 
 Ord. What you please. 
 
 Furn. We are ready. [_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE in.— The Country near Lady All- 
 worth's House. 
 
 Enter Wellborn, and Marrall bare-headed. 
 
 Well. I think I am in a good way. 
 
 Mar. Good ! sir ; the best way, 
 The certain best way. 
 
 Well. There are casualties 
 That men are subject to. 
 
 Mar. You are above them ; 
 And as you are already worshipful, 
 I hope ere long you will increase in worship, 
 And be, right worshipful. 
 
 Well. Prithee do not flout me : 
 What I shall be, I shall be. Is't for your ease, 
 You keep your hat off? 
 
 Mar. Ease ! an it like your worship ! \ 
 
 I hope Jack Marrall shall not live so long. 
 To prove himself such an unmannerly beast, 
 Though it hail hazel nuts, as to be cover'd 
 When your worship's present. 
 
 Well. Is not this a true rogue. 
 That, out of mere hope df a future cozenage, 
 Can turn thus suddenly? 'tis rank already. [Aside. 
 
 Mar. I know your worship's wise, and needs no 
 counsel : 
 Yet if, in my desire to do you service, 
 I humbly offer my advice, (but still 
 Under correction,) I hope I shall not 
 Incur your high displeasure. 
 
 Well. No ; speak freely. 
 
 Mar. Then, in my judgment, sir, my simple 
 judgment, 
 (Still with your worship's favour,) I could wish you 
 A better habit, for thia cannot be 
 But much distasteful to the noble lady, 
 (I say no more) that loves you : for, this morning, 
 To me, and I am but a swine to her, 
 
SCENE 111. 
 
 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 299 
 
 Before the assurance of her wealth perfumed you, 
 You savour'd not of amber. 
 
 Well. I do now then ! 
 
 Mar. This your batoon hath got a touch of 
 
 it. IKisscs the end of his cudgel. 
 
 Yet, if you please, for change, I have twenty 
 
 pounds here. 
 Which, out of my true love, I'll presently 
 Lay down at your worship's feet ; 'twill serve to 
 A riding suit. [buy you 
 
 Well. But Where's the horse ? 
 
 Mar. My gelding 
 Is at your service : nay, you shall ride me. 
 Before your worship shall be put to the trouble 
 To walk afoot. Alas ! when you are lord 
 Of this lady's manor, as I know you will be, 
 You may with the lease of glebe land, call'd 
 
 Knave's-acre, 
 A place I would manure, requite your vassal. 
 
 Well. I thank thy love, but must make no use 
 What's twenty pounds ? [of it ; 
 
 Mar. 'Tis all that I can make, sir. • ' 
 
 Well. Dost thou think, though I want clothes, 
 I could not have them, 
 For one word to my lady ? 
 
 Mar. As I know not that ! 
 
 Well. Come, I will tell thee a secret, and so 
 leave thee. 
 I'll not give her the advantage, though she be 
 A gallant-minded lady, after we are married, 
 (There being no woman, but is sometimes fro- 
 war d,) 
 To hit me in the teeth, and say, she was forced 
 To buy my wedding-clothes, and took me on, 
 With a plain riding-suit, and an ambling nag. 
 No, I'll be furnish'd something like myself, 
 And so farewell : for thy suit touching Knave's-acre, 
 When it is mine, 'tis thine. lExit. 
 
 Mar. I thank your worship. 
 How was I cozen'd in the calculation 
 Of this man's fortune ! my master cozen'd -too. 
 Whose pu[)il I am in the art of undoing men ; 
 For that is our profession ! Well, well, master 
 
 Wellborn, 
 You are of a sweet nature, and fit again to be 
 
 cheated : 
 Which, if the Fates please, when you are possessed 
 Of the land and lady, you, sans question, shall be. 
 I'll presently think of the means. [.Walks by, musing. 
 
 Enter Overreach, speaking to a Servant within. 
 
 Over. Sirrah, take my horse. 
 I'll walk to get me an appetite ; 'tis but a mile. 
 And exercise will keep me from being pursey. 
 Ha ! Marrall ! is he conjuring ? perhaps 
 The knave has wrought the prodigal to do 
 Some outrage on himself and now he feels 
 Compunction in his conscience for't : no matter, 
 So it be done. Marrall ! 
 
 Mar. Sir. 
 
 Over. How succeed we 
 In our plot on Wellborn 1 
 
 Mar. Never better, sir. 
 
 Over. Has he hang'd or drown'd himself ? 
 
 Mar. No, sir, he lives ; 
 Lives once more to be made a prey to you, 
 A greater prey than ever. 
 
 Over. Art thou in thy wits ? 
 If thou art, reveal this miracle, and briefly. 
 
 Mar. A lady, sir, is fall'n in love with him. 
 
 Over. With him ! what lady .' 
 
 Mar. The rich lady Allvvorth. 
 
 Over. Thou dolt ! how dar'st thou speak this .' 
 
 Mar. I speak truth. 
 And I do so but once a year, unless 
 It be to you, sir : we dined with her ladyship, 
 I thank his worship. 
 
 Over. His worship ! 
 
 Mar. As I live, sir, 
 I dined with him, at the great lady's table, 
 Simple as I stand here ; and saw -when she kiss'd 
 
 him, 
 And would, at his request, have kiss'd me too ; 
 But I was not so audacious as some youths are, 
 That dare do any thing, be it ne'er so absurd, 
 And sad after performance. 
 
 Over. Why, thou rascal ! 
 To tell me these impossibilities. 
 
 Dine at her table ! and kiss him ! or thee ! 
 
 Impudent varlet, have not I myself, 
 To whom great countesses' doors have oft flew open, 
 Ten times attempted, since her husband's death. 
 In vain, to see her, though I came — a suitor } 
 And yet your good solicitorship, and rogue Well- 
 born, 
 Were brought into her presence, feasted with 
 
 her ! 
 
 But that I know thee a dog that cannot blush, 
 This most incredible lie would call up one, 
 On thy buttermilk cheeks. 
 
 Mar. Shall I not trust ray eyes, sir, 
 Or taste ? I feel her good cheer in my belly. 
 
 Over. You shall feel me, if you give not over, 
 sirrah : 
 Recover your brains again, and be no more guU'd 
 With a beggar's plot, assisted by the aids 
 Of serving-men and chambermaids, for beyond 
 
 these 
 Thou never saw'st a woman, or I'll quit you 
 From my employments. 
 
 Mar. Will you credit this yet } 
 On my confidence of their marriage, I offer'd 
 
 Wellborn 
 
 I would give a crown now I durst say his wor- 
 ship iAside. 
 
 My nag, and twenty pounds. 
 
 Over. Did you so, idiot ! iStrikes him down. 
 
 Was this the way to work him to despair. 
 Or rather to cross me } 
 
 Mar. Will your worship kill me ? 
 
 Over. No, no ; but drive the lying spirit out of 
 
 Mar. He's gone. [you. 
 
 Over. I have done then : now, forgetting 
 Your late imaginary feast and lady, 
 Know, my lord Lovell dines with me to-morrow. 
 Be cjireful nought be wanting to receive him ; 
 And bid my daughter's women trim her up, 
 Though they paint her, so she catch the lord, I'll 
 
 thank them : 
 There's a piece for my late blows. 
 
 Mar. I must yet suffer : 
 But there may be a time— [Aside. 
 
 Over. Do you grumble ? 
 
 Mar. No, sir. [ Exeunt. 
 
800 
 
 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I.- 
 
 ■ Tke Country near Overreach's 
 House. 
 
 Enter Lord Lovell. Allworth, and Servants. 
 
 Lav. Walk the horses down the hill : something 
 in private 
 I must impart to Allworth. lExeunt Servants, 
 
 All. O, my lord, 
 What sacrifice of reverence, duty, watching, 
 Although I could put off. the use of sleep, 
 And ever wait on your commands to serve them ; 
 What dangers, though in ne'er so horrid shapes, 
 Nay death itself, though I should run to meet it, 
 Can I, and with a thankful willingness, suffer ; 
 But still the retribution will fa:ll short 
 Of your bounties shower'd upon me ? 
 
 Lov. Loving youth ; 
 Till what I purpose be put into act, 
 Do not o'erprize it ; since you have trusted me 
 With your soul's nearest, nay, her dearest secret, 
 Rest confident 'tis in a cabinet lock'd 
 Treachery shall never open. I have found you 
 (For so much to your face I must profess, 
 Howe'er you guard your modesty with a blush 
 
 for't) 
 More zealous in your love and service to me, 
 Than I have been in my rewards. v 
 
 All. Still great ones, ^ v,,^^^^ /^ 
 
 Above my merit. ^*^ nI"*^ 
 
 LoxK Such your gratitude calls them : 
 Nor am I of that harsh and rugged temper 
 As some great men are tax'd with, who imagine 
 They part from the respect due to their honours, 
 If they use not all such as follow them. 
 Without distinction of their births, like slaves. 
 I am not so condition' d : I can make 
 A fitting difference between my footboy, 
 And a gentleman by want compell'd to serve me. 
 
 All. 'Tis thankfully acknowledged ; you have 
 been 
 More like a father to me than a master : 
 Pray you, pardon the comparison. 
 
 Lov. I allow it ; 
 And to give you assurance I am pleased in't, 
 My carriage and demeanour to your mistress, 
 Fair Margaret, shall truly witness for me, 
 I can command my passions. 
 
 All. 'Tis a conquest 
 Few lords can boast of when they are tempted. — 
 Oh! 
 
 Lov. Why do you sigh ? can you be doubtful of 
 me ? 
 By that fair name I in the wars have purchased, 
 And all my actions, hitherto untainted, 
 I will not be more true to mine own honour, 
 Than to ray Allworth ! 
 
 All. As you are the brave lord Lovell, 
 Your bare word only given is an assurance 
 Of more validity and weight to me, 
 Than all the oaths, bound up with imprecations, 
 Which, when they would deceive, most courtiers 
 
 practise : 
 Yet being a man, (for, sure, to style you more 
 Would relish of gross flattery,) I am forced, 
 Against my confidence of your worth and virtues, 
 To doubt, nay more, to fear. 
 
 Lov. So young, and jealous I 
 
 All. Were you to encounter with a single foe, 
 The victory wer£ certain ; but to stand 
 The charge of two such potent enemies, 
 At once assaulting you, as wealth and beauty, 
 And those too seconded with power, is odds 
 Too great for Hercules. 
 
 Lou. Speak your doubts and fears. 
 Since you will nourish them, in plainer language 
 That I may understand them. 
 
 All. What's your will, 
 Though I lend arms against myself, (provided 
 They may advantage you,) must be obey'd. 
 My much-loved lord, were Margaret only fair, 
 The cannon of her more than earthly form, 
 Though mounted high, commanding all beneath it, 
 And ramm'd with bullets of her sparkling eyes. 
 Of all the bulwarks that defend your senses 
 Could batter none, but that which guards your 
 
 sight. 
 But when the well-tuned accents of her tongue 
 Make music to you, and with numerous sounds 
 Assault your hearing, (such as Ulysses, if [he] 
 Now lived again, howe'er he stood the Syrens, 
 Could not resist,) the combat must grow doubtful 
 Between your reason and rebellious passions. 
 Add this too ; when you feel her touch, and breath 
 Like a soft western wind, when it glides o'er 
 Arabia, creating gums and spices ; 
 And in the van, the nectar of her lips, 
 Which you must taste, bring the battalia on, 
 Well arm'd, and strongly lined with her discourse, 
 And knowing manners, to give entertainment ; — 
 Hippolytus himself would leave Diana, 
 To follow such a Venus. 
 
 Lov. Love hath made you \ 
 Poetical, Allworth. ' 
 
 All. Grant all these beat off, 
 Which if it be in man to do, you'll do it, 
 Mammon, in sir Giles Overreach, steps in 
 With heaps of ill-got gold, and so much land. 
 To make her more remarkable, as would tire 
 A falcon's wings in one day to fly over. 
 O ray good lord ! these powerful aids, which would 
 Make a mis-shapen negro beautiful, 
 (Yet are but ornaments to give her lustre, 
 That in herself is all perfection,) must 
 Prevail for her : I here release your trust ; 
 'Tis happiness, enough, for me to serve you. 
 And sometimes, with chaste eyes, to look upon 
 
 Lov. Why, shall I swear } [her. 
 
 All. O, by no means, my lord ; 
 And wrong not so your judgment to the world. 
 As from your f(md indulgence to a boy. 
 Your page, your servant, to refuse a blessing 
 Divers great men are rivals for. 
 
 Lov. Suspend 
 Your judgment till the trial. How far is it 
 To Overreach's house ? 
 
 All. At the most, some half hour's riding ; 
 You'll soon be there. 
 
 Lov. ^nd yo u the sooner freed 
 Fr om your^ 'ealbttg-'ffeafs'^ 
 
 All. U tikrt-thli-st but hope it ! iExeunt. 
 
A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 301 
 
 SCENE II. — A Room in Overreach's House. 
 Enter Overreach, Greedy, and Marrall. 
 
 Over. Spare for no cost ; let my dressers crack 
 Of curious viands. [with the weight 
 
 Greedy. Store indeed's no sore, sir. 
 
 Over. That proverb fits your stomach, master 
 Greedy. 
 And let no plate be seen but what's pure gold, 
 Or such whose workmanship exceeds the matter 
 That it is made of ; let my choicest linen 
 Perfume the room, and, when we wash, the water, 
 With precious powders mix'd, so pleasejgiy lord, 
 That he may with envy wish to bathe so ever. 
 
 Mar. 'Twill be very chargeable. 
 
 Over. Avaunt, you drudge ! 
 Now all my laboui-'d ends are at the stake, 
 Is't a time to think of thrift ? Call in my daugh- 
 ter. lExitMAHRAhL. 
 
 And, master justice, since you love choice dishes, 
 And plenty of them 
 
 Greedy. As I do, indeed, sir, 
 Almost as much as to give thanks for them. 
 
 Over. I do confer that providence, with my 
 power 
 Of absolute command to have abundance, 
 To your best care. 
 
 Greedy. I'll punctually discharge it, 
 And give the best directions. Now am I, 
 In mine own conceit, a monarch ; at the least, 
 Arch-president of the boil'd, the roast, the baked. 
 For which I will eat often ; and give thanks 
 When my belly's braced up like a drum, and that's 
 pure justice. lExit. 
 
 Over. It must be so : — should the foolish girl 
 prove modest, 
 She may spoil all ; she had it not from me. 
 But from her mother ; I was ever forward, 
 As she must be, and therefore I'll prepare her. 
 
 Enter Margaret. 
 Alone— and let your women wait withouty/ 
 
 Marg. Your pleasure, sir ? 
 
 Over. Ha ! this is a neat dressing ! 
 These orient pearls and diamonds well placed too ! 
 The gown affects me not, it should have been 
 Embroider'd o'er and o'er with flowers of gold ; 
 But these rich jewels, and quaint fashion help it. 
 And how below ? since oft the wanton eye. 
 The face observed, descends unto the foot, 
 Which being well proportion'd, as yours is. 
 Invites as much as perfect white and red. 
 Though without art. How like you your new 
 The lady Downfallen ? [woman, 
 
 Marg. Well, for a companion ; 
 Not as a servant. 
 ' Over, Is she humble, Meg, 
 And careful too, her ladyship forgotten .' 
 
 Marg. I pity her fo rtune. 
 
 Over. Pity her ! t ramtj f "ti hpr, 
 I took her up in an old tamin gown, 
 (Even starv'd for want of twopenny chops,) to 
 
 serve thee. 
 And if I understand she but repines 
 To do thee any duty, though ne'er so servile, 
 I'll pack her to her knight, where I have lodged 
 
 him. 
 Into the counter, and there let them howl together. 
 
 Marg. You know your own ways ; but for me 
 I blush 
 
 When I command her, that was once attended 
 With persons not inferior to myself. 
 In birth. 
 
 Over. In birth ! why, art thou not my daughter, 
 The blest child of my industry and wealth ? 
 Why, foolish girl, was't not to make thee great, 
 That I have run, and still pursue, those ways 
 That hale down curses on me, which I mind not ! 
 Part with these humble thoughts, and apt thyself 
 To the noble state I labour to advance thee ; 
 Or, by my hopes to see thee honourable, 
 I will adopt a stranger to my heir, 
 And throw thee from my care : do not provoke me. 
 
 Marg. I will not, sir ; mould me which wa^ 
 you please. 
 
 Re-enter Greedy. 
 
 Over. How ! interrupted ! 
 
 Greedy. 'Tis matter of importance. 
 The cook, sir, is self-will'd, and will not learn 
 From my experience : there's a fawn brought in, 
 
 sir, 
 And, for my life, I cannot make him roast it 
 With a Norfolk dumpling in the belly of it ; 
 And, sir, we wise men know, without the dumpling 
 'Tis not worth three-pence. 
 
 Over. Would it were whole in thy belly, 
 To stuff it out ! cook it any way ; prithee, leave 
 
 Greedy. Without order for the dumpling } [me. 
 
 Over. Let it be dumpled 
 Which way thou wilt ; or tell him, I will scald 
 In his own chaldron. [him 
 
 Greedy. I had lost my stomach 
 Had I lost my mistress dumpling ; I'll give thanks 
 for't. lExit. 
 
 Over. But to our business, Meg; you have 
 heard who dines here ? 
 
 Marg. I have, sir. 
 
 Over. 'Tis an honourable man ; 
 A lord, Meg, and commands a regiment 
 Of soldiers, and, what's rare, is one himself, 
 A bold and understanding one : and to be 
 A lord, and a good leader, in one volume. 
 Is granted unto few but such as rise up 
 The kingdom's glory. 
 
 Re-enter Ghkki>\. ^ (^■y^^i^-V^ 
 
 Greedy. I'll resign my office, ' 
 
 If I be not better obey'd. 
 
 Over. 'Slight, art thou frantic ? 
 
 Greedy. Frantic ! 'twould make me frantic, and 
 stark mad. 
 Were I not a justice of peace and quorum too. 
 Which this rebellious cook cares not a straw lor. 
 There are a dozen of woodcocks 
 
 Over. Make thyself 
 Thirteen, the baker's dozen. 
 
 Greedy. I am contented. 
 So they may be dress'd to my mind ; he has found 
 
 out 
 A new device for sauce, and will not dish them 
 With toasts and butter ; my father was a tailor, 
 And my name, though a justice, Greedy Wood- 
 And, ere I'll see my lineage so abused, [cock ; 
 I'll give up my commission. 
 
 Over, \_aloud.'] Cook ! — Rogue, obey him ! 
 I have given the word, pray you now remove 
 
 yourself 
 To a collar of brawn, and trouble me no further. 
 
 Greedy. I will, and meditate what to eat at 
 dinner. lExit 
 
302 
 
 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 Over. And as T said, Meg, when this gull dis- 
 This honourable lord, this colonel, [turb'd us, 
 I would have thy husband. 
 
 Marg. There's too much disparity 
 Between his quality and mine, to hope it. 
 
 Over. 1 more than hope, and doubt not to effect 
 Be thou no enemy to thyself ; my wealth [it, 
 
 Shall weigh his titles down, and make you equals. 
 Now for the means to assure him thine, observe 
 Remember he's a courtier, and a soldier, [me ; 
 And not to be trifled with ; and, therefore, when 
 He comes to woo you, see you do not coy it : 
 This mincing modesty has spoil'd many a match 
 By a first refusal, in vain after hoped for. 
 
 Marg. You'll have me, sir, preserve the distance 
 Confines a virgin ? [that 
 
 Over. Virgin me no virgins ! 
 I must have you lose that name, or you lose me. 
 I will have you private — start not — I say, private : 
 If thou art my true daughter, not a bastard, 
 Thou wilt venture alone with one man, though 
 
 he came 
 Like Jupiter to Semele, and come off too ; 
 And therefore, when he kisses you, kiss close. 
 
 Marg. I have heard this is the strumpet's 
 Which I must never learn. [fashion, sir. 
 
 'Over. Learn anything. 
 And from any creature that may make thee great : 
 From the devil himself. 
 
 Marg. This is but devilish doctrine ! iAside. 
 
 Over. Or, if his blood grow hot, suppose he 
 Beyond this, do not you stay till it cool, [offer 
 But meet his ardour ; if a couch be near, 
 Sit down on't, and invite him. 
 
 Marg. In your house. 
 Your own house, sir ! for heaven's sake, what are 
 Or what shall I be, sir ? [yoii> then ? 
 
 yl Over. Stand not on form ; 
 ^^Words are no substances. 
 
 Marg. Though you could dispense 
 With your own honour, cast aside religion. 
 The hopes of heaven, or fear of hell ; excuse me, 
 In worldly policy, this is not the way 
 To make me his wife ; his whore, I grant it may 
 My maiden honour so soon yielded up, [do. 
 
 Nay, prostituted, cannot but assure him 
 I, that am light to him, will not hold weight 
 Whene'er tempted by others : so, in judgment, 
 When to his lust I have given up my honour, 
 He must and will forsake me. 
 
 Over. How ! forsake thee ! 
 Do I wear a sword for fashion, or is this arm 
 Shrunk up, or wither'd? does there live a man 
 Of that large list I have encounter'd with, 
 Can truly say I e'er gave inch of ground 
 Not purchased with his blood that did oppose me? 
 Forsake thee when the thing is done ! he dares 
 
 not. 
 Give me but proof he has enjoyed thy person. 
 Though all his captains, echoes to his will, 
 Stood arm'd by his side to justify the wronjj, 
 And he himself in the head of his bold troop, 
 Spite of his lordship, and his colonelship, 
 Or the judge's favour, I will make him render 
 A bloody and a strict accompt, and force him. 
 By marrying thee, to cure thy wounded honour ! 
 I have said it. 
 
 Re-enter Marrai^l. 
 
 Mar. Sir, the man of honour's come, 
 Nev'ly alighted. 
 
 Over. In, without reply ; 
 And do as I command, or thou art lost. 
 
 \_Exit 3IARGARKT 
 
 Is the iQ ud musi c I gave order for 
 Ready to receive him ? 
 
 Mar. 'Tis sir. 
 
 Over. Let them sound 
 A princely welcome. [£'<ri^ Marrall.] Rough- 
 ness awhile leave me ; 
 For fawning now, a stranger to my nature. 
 Must make way for me. 
 
 Loud music. Enter Lord Lovell, Greedy, Allworth, 
 and Marrall. 
 
 Lov. Sir, you meet your trouble. 
 
 Over. What you are pleased to style so, is an 
 Above my worth and fortunes. [honour 
 
 All. Strange ! so humble. ^Aside. 
 
 Over. A justice of peace, my lord. 
 
 {^Presents Greedy to Mm. 
 
 Lov. Your hand, good sir. 
 
 Greedy. This is a lord, and some think this a 
 favour ; 
 But I had rather have my hand in my dumpling. >^ 
 
 ^Aside. 
 
 Over. Room for my lord. 
 
 Lov. I miss, sir, your fair daughter 
 To crown my welcome. 
 
 Over. May it please my lord 
 To taste a glass of Greek wine first, and suddenly 
 She shall attend my lord. 
 
 Lov. You'll be obeyed, sir. 
 
 {^Exeunt all but Overreach. 
 
 Over. 'Tis to my wish : as soon as come, ask for 
 Why, Meg ! Meg Overreach. — [her ! 
 
 Re-enter Margaret. 
 
 How ! tears in your eyes ! 
 Hah ! dry them quickly, or I'll dig them out. 
 Is this a time to whimper ? meet that greatness 
 That flies into thy bosom, think what 'tis 
 For me to say. My honourable daughter ; 
 And thou, when I stand bai'e, to say, Put on ; 
 Or, Father, you forget yourself. No more, 
 But be instructed, or expect he comes. 
 
 Re-enter Lord Lovell, Greedy, Allworth, and 
 Mar HALL, 
 
 A black-brow'd girl, my lord. 
 
 [Lord Lovell salutes Margaret. 
 
 Lov. As I live, a rare one. 
 
 All. He's ta'en already : I am lost. IAside. 
 
 Over. That kiss 
 Came twanging off, I like it ; quit the room. 
 
 \_Exeunt all but Over. Lov. and Marg. 
 A little bashful, mygood lord, but you, 
 I hope, will teach her boldness. 
 
 Lov. I am happy 
 In such a scholar : but 
 
 Over. I am past learning. 
 And therefore leave you to yourselves :— remem- 
 ber. iAside to Margaret, and exit. 
 
 Lov. You see, fair lady, your father is solicitous. 
 To have you change the barren name of virgin 
 Into a hopeful wife. 
 
 Marg. His haste, my lord, ^ 
 Holds no power o'er my will. 
 
 Lov. But o'er your duty. 
 
 Marg. Which, forced too much, may break. 
 
 Lov. Bend rather, sweetest : j 
 
 Think of your years. 
 
 U 
 
A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 nc.*? 
 
 Atarg. Too few to match with yours ; 
 A.ndclioioest fruits too soon plucked, rot and wither. 
 
 Lov. Do you think I am old ? 
 
 Marg. I am sure I am too young. 
 A Lov. I can advance you. 
 
 Marg. To a hill of sorrow ; 
 Where every hour I may expect to fall, 
 But never hope firm footing. You are noble, 
 I of a low descent, however rich ; 
 And tissues match'd with scarlet suit but ill. 
 O, my good lord, I could say more, but that 
 I dare not trust these walls. 
 
 Lov. Pray you, trust my ear then. \ 
 
 Re-enter Overreach behind, UsleninflT 
 Over. Close at it ! whispering ! this is excellent ! 
 And, by their postures, a consent on both parts. 
 
 Re-enter Greedy behind. 
 
 Greedy. Sir Giles, sir Giles ! 
 
 Over. The great fiend stop that clapper ! 
 
 Greedy. It must ring out, sir, when my belly 
 rings noon. 
 The baked-meats are run out, the roast turn'd 
 
 Over. I shall powder you. [powder. 
 
 Greedy. Beat me to dust, I care not ; 
 In such a cause as this, I'll die a martyr. 
 
 Over. Marry, and shall, you barathrum of the 
 shambles ! [_Strikes him. 
 
 Greedy. How ! strike a justice of peace ! 'tis 
 petty treason, 
 Edwardi quinto : but that you are my friend, 
 1 would commit you without bail or mainprize. 
 
 Over. Leave your bawling, sir, or I shall com- 
 mit you 
 Where you shall not dine to-day : disturb my lord. 
 When he is in discourse 1 
 
 Greedy. Is't a time to talk 
 When we should be munching ? 
 
 Lov. Hah ! I heard some noise. 
 
 Over. Mum, villain, vanish ! shall we break a 
 bargain 
 Almost made up ? IThrusts Greedy off- 
 
 Lov. Lady, I understand you. 
 And rest most happy in your choice, believe it ; 
 I'll be a careful pilot to direct 
 Your yet uncertain bark to a port of safety. 
 
 Marg. So shall your honour save two lives, and 
 Your slaves for ever. [bind us 
 
 Lov. I am in the act rewarded. 
 Since it i& good ; howe'er, you must put on 
 An amorous carriage towards me, to delude 
 Your subtle father. 
 
 Marg. I am prone to that. 
 
 Lov. Now break we off our conference. — Sir 
 Giles ! 
 Where is Sir Giles ? [Overreach comes forward. 
 
 Re-enter Allworth, Marrall, and Greedy. 
 
 Over. My noble lord ; and how 
 Does your lordship find her? 
 
 Lov. Apt, sir Giles, and coming ; 
 And I like her the better. 
 
 Over. So do I too. 
 
 Lov. Yet should we take forts at the first assault, 
 'Twere poor in the defendant ; I must confirm her 
 With a love-letter or two, which I must have 
 Deliver'd by m y page, and you give way to't. 
 
 Over. With all my soul : — a towardly gentleman ! 
 Your hand, good master AUworth ; know my house 
 Is ever open to you. 
 
 All. 'Twas shut till now. Uside. 
 
 Over. Well done, well done, my honourable 
 daughter ! 
 Thou'rt so already : know this gentle youth. 
 And cherish him, my honourable daughter. 
 
 Margt I shall, with my best care. 
 
 [_Noise within, as of a coach. 
 
 Over. A coach 1 
 
 Greedy. More stops 
 Before we go to dinner ! O my guts I 
 
 Enter Lady Allworth and Wellborn. 
 
 L. All. If I find welcome, 
 You share in it ; if laot, I'll back again, 
 Now I know your ends ; for I come arm'd for all 
 Can be objected. 
 
 Lov. How ! the lady Allworth ! 
 
 Over. And thus attended ! 
 [LovELL salutes Lady Allworth, Lady Allwort'S 
 salut'S Margaret, 
 
 Mar. No, / am a dolt ! 
 The spirit of lies hath entered me ! 
 
 Over. Peace, Patch ; 
 'Tis more than wonder ! an astonishment 
 That does possess me wholly ! 
 
 Lov. Noble lady. 
 This is a favour, to prevent my visit. 
 The service of my life can never equal. 
 
 L. All. My lord, I laid wait for you, and much 
 hoped 
 You would have made my poor house your first inn : 
 And therefore doubting that you might forget me. 
 Or too long dwell here, having such ample cause. 
 In this unequall'd beauty, for your stay ; 
 And fearing to trust any but myself 
 With the relation of my service to you, 
 I borrowed so much from my long restraint, 
 And took the air in person to invite you. 
 
 Lov. Your bounties are so great, they rob me, 
 Of words, to give you thanks. [madam, 
 
 L. All. Good Sir Giles Overreach. iSalutes him. 
 — How dost thou, Marrall? liked you my meat 
 You'll dine no more with me ? [so ill. 
 
 Greedy. I will, when you please. 
 An it like your ladyship. 
 
 L. All. When you please, master Greedy ; 
 If meat can do it, you shall be satisfied. 
 And now, my lord, pray tai<e into your knowledge 
 This gentleman, howe'er his outside's coarse, 
 
 [Prexents Wellborn 
 His inward linings are as fine and ftiir 
 As any man's ; wonder not I speak at large : 
 And howsoe'er his humour carries him 
 To be thus accoutred, or what taint soever, 
 For his wild life, hath stuck upon his f^me. 
 He may, ere long, with boldness, rank himself 
 With some that have contemn'd him. Sir Giles 
 If I am welcome, bid him so. [Overreach. 
 
 Over. My nephew ! 
 He has been too long a stranger : faith you have, 
 Pray let it be mended. 
 
 [Lovell conifers aside tvith Wkllbobjt. 
 
 Mar. Why, sir, what do you mean ? 
 This is rogue Wellborn, monster, prodigy. 
 That should hang or drown himself ; no man of 
 Much less your nephew. [worship, 
 
 Over. Well, sirrah, we shall reckon 
 For this hereafter. 
 
 Mar. I'll not lose my jeer, 
 Though I be beaten dead for't. 
 
 Well. Let my silence plead 
 
W-i 
 
 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 In my excuse, my lord, till better leisure 
 Oft'er itself to hear a full relation 
 Of my poor fortunes. 
 
 Lov. I would hear, and help them. 
 Over. Your dinner waits you. 
 7/oy. Pray you lead, we follow. 
 L. All. Nay, you are my guest ; come, dear 
 master Wellborn. lExeunt all but Greedy. 
 Greedy. Dear Master Wellborn ! So she said : 
 heaven ! heaven ! 
 If my belly would give me leave, I could ruminate 
 All day on this : I have granted twenty warrants 
 To have him committed, from all prisons in the 
 
 shire, 
 To Nottingham gaol ; and now, Dput master 
 
 Wellborn ! 
 And, My good nephew ! — but I play the fool 
 To stand here prating, and forget my dinner. 
 
 Re-enter Marrall. 
 Are they set, Marrall } 
 
 Mar. Long since ; pray you a word, sir. 
 
 Greedy. No wording now. 
 
 Mar. In troth, I must ; my master. 
 Knowing you are his good friend, makes bold with 
 
 And does entreat you, more guests being come in 
 Than he expected, especially his nephew. 
 The table being full too, you would excuse him, 
 And sup with him on the cold meat. 
 
 Greedy. How ! no dinner. 
 After all my care ? 
 
 Mar. 'Tis but a penance for 
 A meal ; besides, you broke your fast. 
 
 Greedy. That was 
 But a bit to stay my stomach: a man in commission, 
 Give place to a tatterdemalion 1 
 
 Mar. No bug words, sir ; 
 Should his worship hear you 
 
 Greedy. Lose my dumpHng too. 
 And butter'd toasts, and woodcocks ! 
 
 Mar. Come, have patience. 
 If you will dispense a little with your worship, 
 And sit with the waiting-women, you'll have 
 Woodcock, and butter'd toasts too. [dumpling. 
 
 Greedy. This revives me : 
 I will gorge there sufficiently. 
 
 Mar. This is the way, sir. \_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. — Another Room in Overreach's 
 House. 
 Enter Overreach, as from dinner. 
 Over. She's caught! O women ! — she neglects 
 my lord, 
 
 ?And all her compliments applied to Wellborn ! 
 The garments of her widowhood laid by, 
 She now appears as glorious as the spring. 
 Her eyes fixM on him, in the wine she drinks. 
 He being her pledge, she sends him burning kisses. 
 And sits on thorns, till she be private with him. 
 She leaves my meat, to feed upon his looks ; 
 And if in our discoxirse be be but named. 
 From her a deep sigh follows. But why grieve I 
 1 At iirds ? it makes for me ; if she prove his, 
 |A11 that is her's is mine, as I will work him. 
 Enter Marrall. 
 Mar. Sir, the whole board is troubled at your 
 rising. 
 
 Over. No matter, I'll excuse it : prithee, Marrall, 
 Watch an occasion to invite my nephew 
 To speak with me in private. 
 
 Mar. Who ! the rogne 
 The lady scorn'd to look on ? 
 
 Over. You are a wag. 
 
 Enter Lady Allvvorth and Wellborn. 
 Mar. See, sir, she's come, and cannot be wit.-5- 
 
 out him. 
 L. AIL With your favour, sir, after a plenteous 
 I shall make bold to walk a turn or two, [dinner. 
 In your rare garden. 
 
 Over. There's an arbour too. 
 If your ladyship please to use it. 
 L. All. Come, master Wellborn. 
 
 [Exeunt Lady Allworth and Wellborn 
 Over. Grosser and grosser 1 now^ I believe the 
 poet 
 Feign'd not, but was historical, when he wrote 
 Pasiphae was enamour'd of a bull : 
 This lady's lust's more monstrous. — My good lord. 
 
 Enter Lord Lovell, Margaret, arid the rest. 
 Excuse my manners. 
 
 Lov. There needs none, sir Giles, 
 I may ere long say Father, when it pleases 
 My dearest mistress to give warrant to it. 
 
 Over. She shall seal to it, my lord, and make 
 me happy. 
 
 Re-enter "VyELLBORN and Lady Allworth. 
 
 Marg. My lady is return'd. 
 
 L. All. Provide my coach, 
 I'll instantly away ; my thanks, sir Giles, 
 For my entertainment. 
 
 Over. 'Tis your nobleness 
 To think it such. 
 
 L. All. I must do you a further wrong, 
 In taking away your honourable guest. 
 
 Lov. I wait on you, madam ; farewell, good sir 
 Giles. 
 
 L. All. Good mistress Margaret! nay, come, 
 master Wellborn, 
 I must not leave you behind ; in sooth, I must not. 
 
 Oner. Rob me not, madam, of all joys at once ; 
 Let my nephew stay behind: he shall have my 
 
 coach. 
 And, after some small conference between us. 
 Soon overtake your ladyship. 
 
 L. All. Stay not long, sir. 
 
 Lov. This parting kiss: [Kisses Margaret.] 
 3^ou shall every day hear from me, 
 By my faithful page. 
 
 All. 'Tis a service I am proud of. 
 lExeunt LordLovELL, Lady Allworth, Allworth, and 
 Marrall. 
 
 Over. Daughter, to your chamber. — [E^it Mar- 
 garet.]— You may wonder, nephew. 
 After so long an enmity between us, 
 I should desire your friendship. 
 
 Well. So I do, sir ; 
 'Tis strange to me. 
 
 Over. But I'll make it no wonder ; 
 And what is more, unfold my nature to you. 
 We worldly men, when we see friends and kinsmen, 
 Past hope sunk in their fortunes, lend no hand 
 To lift them up, but rather set our feet 
 Upon their heads, to press them to the bottom ; 
 As,ri must yield,\ivith you I practised it : 
 But, now I see you in a way to rise, 
 
A l<iEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 S0.5 
 
 ^f»' 
 
 I can and' will Assist you ; this rich lady 
 
 ^And I am glad ot't) is enamour'd of you; -a. 
 
 'Tis too apparent, nephew. yuA/^jU< A*'^j[ 
 
 Well. No such thing: -* ■ •*' ^^^^ '^ ' 
 
 Compassion rather, sir. 
 
 Over. Well, in a word 
 Because your stay is short, I'll have you seen 
 No more in this base shape ; nor shall she say, 
 She married you like a beggar, or in debt. 
 
 Well. He'll run into the noose, and save my 
 labour. ^ [,Agide. 
 
 Over. You have a trunk of rich clothes, not far 
 hence, 
 In pawn ; I will redeem them ; and that ufl^lamour 
 May taint your credit for your petty debts, 
 
 You shall have a thousand pounds to cut them off, 
 And go a free man to the wealthy ladyj; 
 
 Well. This done, sir, out of love, and no ends 
 
 Over. As it is, nephew. [else 
 
 Well. Binds me still your servant. 
 
 Over. No compliments, you are staid for: ere 
 you have supp'd 
 You shall hear from me. My coach, knaves, for 
 To-morrow I will visit you. [my nephew ! 
 
 Well. Here's an uncle 
 In a man's extremes ! how much they do belie you, 
 That say you are hard-hearted ! 
 
 Over. My deeds, nephew. 
 Shall speak my love ; what men report I weigh 
 not. [Exeunt. 
 
 ACT 
 
 ^CENE I. — A Roomin Lady Allworth's House. 
 Enter Lord Lovkll and Allworth. 
 
 Lov. 'Tis well ; give me my cloak ; I now dis- 
 charge you 
 From further service; mind your own affairs, 
 I hope they will prove successful. 
 
 All. What is blest 
 With your good wish, my lord, cannot but prosper. 
 Let aftertimes report, and to your honour. 
 How much I stand engaged, for I want language 
 To speak my debt ; yet if a tear or two 
 Of joy, for your much goodness^ can supply 
 My tongue's defects, I could 
 
 Lov. Nay, do not paelt : 
 This ceremonial thanks to me's superfluous. 
 
 Over, [tvilhin.] Is my lord stirring ? 
 
 Lov. 'Tis he 1 oh, here's your letter : let him in. 
 
 Enter Overreach, Greedy, and Marralu 
 
 Over. A good day to my lord ! 
 
 LjOv. You are an early riser, 
 Sir Giles. 
 
 Over. And reason, to attend your lordship. 
 
 Lov. And you, too, master Greedy, up so soon! 
 
 Greedy. In troth, my lord, after the sun is up, 
 I cannot sleep, for I have a foolish stomach 
 That croaks for breakfast. Witii your lordship's 
 1 have a serious question to demand [favour. 
 
 Of my worthy friend sir Giles. 
 
 L^QV. Pray you use your pleasure. 
 
 Greedy. How far, sir Giles, and pray you an- 
 Upon your credit, hold you it to be [swer me 
 
 From your manor-house, to this of my lady All- 
 
 Orer. Why, some four mile. [worth's ? 
 
 Greedy. How ! four mile, good sir Giles 
 
 Upon your reputation, think better ; 
 For if you do abate but one half quarter 
 Of five, you do yourself the greatest wrong 
 That can be in the world ; for four miles riding, 
 Hould not have raised so huge an appetite 
 As I feel gnawing on me. 
 
 Mar. Whether you ride, 
 Or go afoot, you are that way still provided, 
 An it please your worship. 
 
 Over. How now, sirrah? prating 
 Before my lord ! no difff-ence ! Go to my nephew, 
 See all his debts discharged, and help his worship ♦ 
 To fit on his rich suit. 
 
 lAside., and exit* 
 
 IV. 
 
 Mar. I may fit you too. 
 Toss'd like a dog still ! 
 
 Lov. I have writ this morning 
 A few lines to my mistress, your fair daughter. 
 
 Over. 'Twill fire her, for she's wholly your^s 
 
 already : 
 
 Sweet master Allworth, take my ring ; 'twill carry 
 
 you 
 To her presence, I dare warrant you ; and there 
 
 plead 
 For my good lord, if you shall find occasion. 
 That done, pray ride to Nottingham, get a hcense, 
 Still by this token. I'll have it dispatch'd, 
 And suddenly, my lord, that I may say, 
 My honourable, nay, right honourable daughter. 
 
 Greedy. Take my advice, young gentleman, get 
 ' your breakfast ; 
 'Tis unwholesome to ride fasting : I'll eat with you, 
 And eat to purpose. 
 
 Over. Some Fury's in that gut : 
 Hungry again ! did you not devour, this morning, 
 A shield of brawn, and a barrel of Colchester 
 oysters ? 
 
 Greedy. Why. I^at was, sir, only to scQur my 
 stomach, 
 A kind of a preparative: Come, gentleman, 
 I will not have you feed like the hangman of Flush- 
 Alone, while I am here. [ing, 
 
 Lov. Haste your return. 
 
 All. I will not fail, my lord. 
 
 Greedy. Nor I, to line 
 My Christmas coffer. 
 
 \_Exeunt Grbedy and Ali.woitk. 
 
 Over. To my wish ; we are private. 
 I come not to make offer with my daughter 
 A certain portion, that were poor and trivial: 
 In one word, I pronounce all that is mine, 
 In lands or leases, ready coin or goods. 
 With her, my lord, comes to you ; nor shall you 
 One motive, to induce you to beheve [have 
 
 I live too long, since every year I'll add 
 Something unto the heap, which shall be your's too. 
 
 Lon. You are a right kind father. 
 
 Over. You shall have reason 
 To think me such. How do you like this seat ? 
 It is well wooded, and well water'd, the acres 
 Fertile and rich ; would it not serve for cliange. 
 To entertain your friends in a summer progress ? 
 What thinks my noble lord } ^ 
 
 i 
 
A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBT^ 
 
 Lov. 'Tis a wholesome air. 
 And well built pile ; juid she tlmt's mistress of it, 
 Worthy the large reveaue. 
 Over. She the mistress ! 
 It may be so for a time : but let my lord 
 Say only that he likes it, aad would have it,- 
 I say, ere long 'tis his. 
 Lov. Impossible. 
 
 Over. You do conclude too fast, not knowing me, 
 Nor the engines that I work by. 'Tis not alone 
 The lady Allworth's lands, for those once Well- 
 born 's, 
 (As by her dotage on him I know they will be,) 
 Shall soon be mine ; but point out any man's 
 In all the shire, and say they lie convenient, 
 And useful for your lordship, and once more 
 I say aloud, they are your's. 
 
 Lov. I dare not own 
 What's by unjust and cruel means extorted ; 
 My fame and credit are more dear to me, 
 Than so to expose them to be censured by 
 The public voice. 
 
 Over. You run, my lord, no hazard. 
 Your reputation shall stand as fair, 
 In all good men's opinions, as now ; 
 Nor can my actions, though condemn'd for ill. 
 Cast any foul aspersion upon your's. 
 For, though I do contemn report myself. 
 As a mere sound, I still will be so tender 
 Of what concerns you, in all points of honour, 
 That the immaculate whiteness of your fame, 
 Nor your unquestioned integrity. 
 Shall e'er be sullied vsath one taint or spot 
 That may take from your innocence and candour. 
 All my ambition is to have my daughter 
 Right honourable, which my lord can make her : 
 And might I live to dance upon my knee 
 A young lord Lovell, born by her unto you, 
 I write nil ultra to my proudest hopes. 
 As for possessions, and annual rents. 
 Equivalent to maintain you in the port 
 Your noble birth, and present state requires, 
 I do remove that burthen from your shoulders, 
 And take it on mine own : for, though I ruin 
 The country to supply your riotous waste, 
 The scourge of prodigals, want, shall never find you. 
 Lov. Are you not frighted with the imprecations 
 And curses of whole families, made wretched 
 By your sinister practices ? 
 Over. Yes, as rooks are, 
 When foamy billows split themselves against 
 Their flinty nbs ; or as the moon is moved. 
 When wolves, with hunger pined, howl at her 
 I am of a sqlid temper, and, like these, [brightness. 
 Steer on, a constant course : with mine own sword, 
 If calTd into the field, I can make that right, 
 Which fearful enemies murmur'd at as wrong. 
 No«, for these other piddling complaints 
 Breath'd out in bitterness ; as whe>n they call me 
 Extortioner, tyrant, cormorant, or intruder 
 On my poor neighbour's right, or grand incloser 
 Of what was common, to my private use ; 
 Nay, when my ears are pierced with widows* cries. 
 And undone orphans wash with tears my threshold, 
 I only think what 'tis to have my daughter 
 Right honourable ; and 'tis a powerful charm 
 'Makes mc iiitieusil'le of remorse, or pity, 
 Or the least sting of conscience. 
 
 Lov. I admire 
 T)ie toughness of your nature. 
 
 Over. 'Tis for you, 
 My lord, and for my daughter, I am marble , 
 Nay more, if you will have my character 
 In little, I enjoy more trve delight. 
 In my arrivdl to my wealth thcr;e dark 
 And crooked ways, than you shall e'er take pleasure 
 In spending what my industry hath compass'd. 
 My haste commands me hence; in one word, there- 
 Is it a match ? [fore, 
 
 Lov. I hope, that is past doubt now. 
 
 Over. Then rest secure ; not the hate of all 
 mankind here. 
 Nor fear of what can fall on me hereafter. 
 Shall make me study aught but your advancement 
 One story higher : an earl ! if gold can do it. 
 Dispute not my religion, nor my faith ; 
 Though I am borne thus headlong by my will 
 You may make choice of what 'belief you pie;; • 
 To me they are equal ; so, my lord, jro*d monow, 
 
 I lExit. 
 
 Lov. He's gone — I wonder how thd earth can 
 Such a portent I I, that have lived a soldier, [bear 
 And stood the enemy's violent charge ^ndaunted, 
 To hear this blasphemous beast am bath'd all over 
 In a cold sweat : yet, like a mountain, he 
 (Confirm'd in atheistical assertions) 
 Is no more shaken than Olympus is 
 When angry Boreas loads his double head 
 With sudden drifts of snow. 
 
 Enter Lady Ajllworth, Waiting M'^oman, and Xun. . 
 
 L. All. Save you, my lord ! 
 Disturb I not your privacy ? 
 
 Lov. No, good madam ; 
 For your own sake I am glad you came no sooner ; 
 Since this bold bad man, sir Giles Overreach, 
 Made such a plain discovery of himself. 
 And read this morning such a devilish matins. 
 That I should think it a sin next to his 
 But to repeat it, 
 
 L. All. I ne'er press'd, my lord. 
 On others privacies; yet, against my will. 
 Walking, for health sake, in the gallery 
 Adjoining to your lodgings, I was made 
 (So vehement and loud he was) partaker 
 Of his tempting offers. 
 
 Lov. Please you to command 
 Your servants hente, and I shall gladly liear 
 Your wiser counsel. 
 
 L. All. 'Tis, my loixl, a woman's. 
 But true and hearty ; — wait in the next room. 
 But be within call ; yet not so near to force ma 
 To whisper my intents. 
 
 Amb. We are taught better 
 JBy you, good madam. 
 
 Woman. And well know our distance, 
 
 L. All. Do so, and talk not; 'twill become yoiii 
 breeding. [_Exeunt Awblk and Woman 
 Now, my good lord : if I may use my freedom* 
 As to an honour'd friend 
 
 Lov. You lessen else 
 Your favour to me. 
 
 L. All. I dare then say thus ; 
 As you are noble (howe'er common men 
 Make sordid \yealth the object and sole end 
 Of their industrious aims) 'twill not agree 
 With those of emirteut blood, who are engaged 
 More to prefer their honours, than to increase 
 The state left to them by their ancestors, 
 'i\, ,.„].. i,„.,.e addition:' '■- ^' " • ''■ - 
 
SOENL II. 
 
 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 307 
 
 And quite neglect their births : — though I must 
 
 grant, 
 Riches, well got, to be a useful servant, 
 But a bad master. 
 
 Lov. Madam, 'tis confess'd ; 
 But what infer you from it ? 
 
 L. All. This, my lord ; 
 That as all wrongs, though thrust into one scale, 
 Slide of themselves off, when right fills the other, 
 And cannot bide the trial ; so all wealth, 
 I mean if ill acquired, cemented to honour 
 By virtuous ways achieved, and bravely purchased, 
 Is but as i-ubbish pour'd into a river, 
 (Howe'er intended to make good the bank,) ^^ 
 Rendering the water, that was pure before, 
 Polluted and unwholesome. I allow 
 The heir of sir Giles Overreach, Margaret, 
 A maid well qualified, and the richest match 
 Our north part can make boast of ; yet she cannot, 
 With all that she brings with her, fill their mouths 
 That never will forget who was her fatheii4 
 Or that my husband AUworth's lands, and Well- 
 
 born's, 
 (How wrung from both needs now no repetition,) 
 Were real motives that more work'd your lordship 
 To join your families, than her form and virtues ^ 
 Tou may conceive the rest. ] 
 
 Lov. I do, sweet madam. 
 And long since have considered it. I know, 
 The sum of all that makes a just man happy 
 Consists in the well choosing of his wife-i 
 And there, well to discharge it, does require 
 Equality of years, of birth, of fortune; — 
 For beauty being poor, and not cried up 
 By birth or wealth, can truly mix with neither. 
 And wealth, where there's such difference in years. 
 And fair descent, must make the yoke uneasy : — 
 But I come nearer. 
 
 L. All. Pray you do, my lord. 
 
 Lov. Were Overreach' states thrice centupled, 
 his daughter 
 Millions of degrees much fairer than she is, 
 Howe'er I might urge precedents to excuse me, 
 I would not so adulterate my blood 
 By marrying Margaret, and so leave my issue 
 Made up of several pieces, one part scarlet. 
 And the other London blue. In my own tomb 
 I will inter my name first. . 
 
 L. All. I am glad to hear this. iAside. 
 
 Why then, my lord, pretend your marriage to her ? 
 Dissimulation but ties false knots 
 On that straight line, by which you, hitherto. 
 Have measured all your actions. 
 
 Lov. I make answer. 
 And aptly, with a question. "Vt^herefore have you, 
 That, since your husband's death, have lived a 
 
 strict 
 And chaste nun's life, on the sudden given yourself 
 To visits and entertainments ? think you, madam, 
 'Tis not grown public conference ? or the favours 
 Which you too prodigally have thrown on Wellboro, 
 Being too reserved before,, incur not censure 1 
 
 L. All. I am innocent here ; and,, on my life, I 
 My ends are good. [swear 
 
 Lov. On my soul, so are mine- 
 To Margaret ; but lea.ve both to the event: 
 And since this f !endly privacy does serve 
 But as an off'er'd means unto ourselves. 
 To search each other further, you having shewn 
 Your care of me, I, my respect to you ; „ 2 
 
 Peny me not, but still in chaste words, madam, 
 An afternoon's discourse. 
 
 L. All. So I shall hear you. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE l\.—Befirre Tapwell s House. 
 Enter Tapwell and Froth. 
 
 Tap. Undone, undone ! this was your counsel, 
 Froth. 
 
 Froth. Mine ! I defy thee : did not master 
 Marrall j 
 
 (He has marr'd all, I am sure) strictly command us. 
 On pain of sir Giles Overreach' displeasure. 
 To turn the gentleman out of doors ? 
 
 Tap. 'Tis true ; 
 But now he's his uncle's darling, and has got 
 Master justice Greedy, since he fiU'd his belly. 
 At his commandment, to do any thing ; 
 Woe, woe to us ! 
 
 Froth. He may prove merciful. 
 
 Tap. Troth, we do not deserve it at his hands. 
 Though he knew all the passages of our house. 
 As the receiving of stolen goods, and bawdry. 
 When he was rogue Wellborn no man would be- 
 lieve him, 
 And then his information could not hurt us ; 
 But now he is right worshipful again, 
 Who dares but doubt his testimony .'' methinks, 
 I see thee. Froth, already in a cart. 
 For a close bawd, thine eyes even pelted out 
 With dirt and rotten eggs ; and my hand hissing, 
 If I 'scape the halter, with the letter R 
 Printed upon it. 
 
 Froth, Would that were the worst ! 
 That were but nine days wonder : as for credit, 
 We have none to lose, but we shall lose the money 
 He owes us, and his custom ; there's the hell on't. 
 
 Tap. He has summon'd all his creditors by the 
 drum. 
 And they swarm about him like so many soldiers 
 On the pay day ; and has found out such a new 
 To PAY HIS OLD DEBTS, as 'tis vcry likely [way 
 He shall be chronicled for it I 
 
 Froth. He deserves it 
 More than ten pageants. But are you sure his 
 
 worship 
 Comes this way, to my lady's ? 
 
 \^A cry within : Brave master Wellbom. 
 
 Tap. Yes; — I hear him. 
 
 Froth. Be ready with your petition, and present 
 To his good grace. , [it 
 
 Enter Wellborn in a rich habit, followed by Marrall, 
 Greedy, Order, Furnace, and Creditors; Tapwkli, 
 kneeling, delivers his petition. 
 
 Well. How's this ! petition'd too ? 
 
 But note what miracles the payment of 
 A little trash, and a rich suit of clothes 
 Can work upon these rascals ! I shall be, 
 I think, prince Wellborn. 
 
 Mar. When your worship's married, 
 "You may be : — I know what I hope to see you. 
 
 Well. Then look thou for advancement. 
 
 Mar. To be known 
 Your worship's bailiff, is the mark I shoot at. 
 
 Well. And thou shalt hit it. 
 
 Mar. Pray you, sir, dispatch 
 These needy followers, and for my admittance, 
 Provided you'll defenf me from sir Giles, 
 
808 
 
 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 L 
 
 Whose service I am weary of, I'll say something 
 You shall give thanks for. 
 Well. Fear me not sir Giles. 
 Greedy. Who, Tapwell ? I remember thy wife 
 brought me, 
 Last new-year's tide, a couple of fat turkies. 
 
 Tap. And shall do every Christmas, let your 
 But stand my friend now. [worship 
 
 Greedy. How ! with master Wellborn ? 
 I can do anything with him on such terms. — 
 See you this honest couple, they are good souls 
 As ever drew out fosset ; have they not 
 A pair of honest faces ? 
 
 Well. I o'erheard you, 
 And the bribe he promised. You are cozen'd in 
 
 them ; 
 For, of all the scum that grew rich by my riots, 
 This, for a most unthankful knave, and this, 
 For a base bawd and whore, have worst deserv'd 
 
 me. 
 And therefore speak not for them : by your place 
 You are rather to do me justice ; lend me your ear : 
 — Forget his turkies, and call in his license, 
 And, at the next fair, I'll give you a yoke of oxen 
 Worth all his poultry. 
 
 Greedy. I am changed on the sudden 
 In my opinion I come near ; nearer, rascal. 
 And, now I view him better, did you e'er see 
 One look so like an archknave ? his very counte- 
 nance. 
 Should an understanding judge but look upon him. 
 Would hang him, though he were innocent. 
 Tap. Froth. Worshipful sir. 
 Greedy. No, though the great Turk came, in- 
 stead of turkies. 
 To beg my favour, I am inexorable. 
 Thou hast an ill name : besides thy m\xsty ale. 
 That hath destroyed many of the king's liege 
 
 people, 
 Thou never hadst in thy house, to stay men's 
 
 stomachs, 
 A piece of Suffolk cheese, or gammon of bacon, 
 Or any esci\lent, as the learned call it, 
 For their emolument, but sheer drink only. 
 For which gross fault I hei'e do damn thy license. 
 Forbidding thee ever to tap or draw ; 
 For, instantly, I will, in mine own person, 
 Command the constable to pull down thy sign, 
 And do it before I eat. 
 Froth. No mercy ? 
 Greedy. Vanish 1 
 If I shew any, may my promised oxen gore me ! 
 \ Tap. Unthankful knaves are ever so rewarded. 
 {^Exeunt Grbedt, Tapwell, and Froth. 
 Well. Speak ; what are you 1 
 1 Cred. A decay'd vintner, sir. 
 That might have thrived, but that your worship 
 
 broke me 
 With trusting you with muskadine and eggs. 
 And five pound suppers, with your after drinkings, 
 When you lodged upon the Bankside. 
 Well. I remember. 
 
 1 Cred. I have not been hasty, nor e'er laid to 
 
 arrest you ; 
 And therefore, sir — 
 
 Well. Thou art an honest fellow, 
 I'll set thee up again ; see his bill paid. — 
 What are you ? 
 
 2 Cred. A tailor once, but now mere botcher. 
 I gave you credit for a suit of clothes, 
 
 Which was all my stock, but you failing in pay- 
 ment, 
 I was removed from the shopboard, and confined 
 Under a stall. 
 
 Well. See him paid ; and botch no more. 
 
 2 Cred. I ask no interest, sir. 
 Well. Such tailors need not ; 
 
 If their bills are paid in one and twenty year, 
 They are seldom losers. — O, I know thy face, 
 
 iTo 3 Creditor 
 Thou wert my surgeon ; you must tell no tales ; 
 Those days are done. I will pay you in private. 
 
 Ord. A royal gentleman ! 
 
 Furn. Royal as an emperor ! 
 He'll prove a brave master ; ray good lady knew 
 To choose a man. 
 
 Well. See all men else discharg'd ; 
 And since old debts are clear'd by a new way, 
 A little bounty will not misbecome me ; 
 There's something, honest cook, for thy goud 
 
 breakfasts ; 
 And this, for your respect ; \To Order.] take't, 
 And I able to spare it. ['tis good gold, 
 
 Ord. You are too munificent. 
 
 Furn. He was ever so. 
 
 Well. Pray you, on before. 
 
 3 Cred. Heaven bless you ! 
 
 Mar. At four o'clock the rest know where to 
 meet me. 
 
 \_F.xeunt Order, Furnace, and Creditors. 
 
 Well. Now, master Marrall, what's the weighty 
 You promised to impart ? [secret 
 
 Mar. Sir, time nor place 
 Allow me to relate each circumstance. 
 This only, in a word ; I know sir Giles 
 Will come upon you for security 
 For his thousand pounds, which you must not 
 
 consent to. 
 As he grows in heat, as I am sure he will. 
 Be you but rough, and say he's in your debt 
 Ten times the sum, upon sale of your land ; 
 I had a hand in't (I speak it to my shame) 
 WTien you were defeated of it. 
 
 Well. That's forgiven. 
 
 Mar. I shall deserve it : then urge him to 
 produce 
 The deed in which you pass'd it over to him, 
 Which I know he'll have about him, to deliver 
 To the lord Lovell, with many other writings. 
 And present monies : I'll instruct you further. 
 As I wait on your worship : if I play not my prize 
 To your full content, and your uncle's much vexa- 
 Hang up Jack Marrall. [tion, 
 
 Well. I rely upon thee. ^Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. — A Room in Overreach's 
 Hcuse. 
 
 Enter All worth and Margaret. 
 
 All. Whether to yield the first praise to my 
 lo.i-d's 
 Unequall'd temperance, or your constant sweet- 
 
 ness, 
 That I yet live, my weak hands fasten'd on 
 Hope's anchor, spite of all storms of despair, 
 I yet rest doubtful. 
 
 Marg. Give it to lord Lovell ; 
 For what in him was bounty, in me's duty. 
 I make but payment of a debt to which 
 
SCIilNE III. 
 
 A NEVV WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 309 
 
 My vows, in that high office register'd, 
 Are faithful witnesses. 
 
 All. 'Tis true, my dearest : 
 Yet, when I call to mind how many fair ones 
 Make wilful shipwreck of their faiths, and oaths 
 To God and man, to lill the arms of greatness ; 
 And you rise up no less than a glorious star, 
 To the amazement of the world, — that hold out 
 Against the stern authority of a father, 
 And spurn at honour, when it comes to court you; 
 I am so tender of your good, that faintly, 
 With your wrong, I can wish myself that right 
 You yet are pleased to do me. 
 
 Marg. Yet, and ever, -^ 
 
 To me what's title, when content is wanting ? 
 Or wealth, raked up together with much care. 
 And to be kept with more, when the heart pines, 
 In being dispossess'd of what it longs for, 
 Beyond the Indian mines ? or the smooth brow 
 Of a pleased sire, that slaves me to his will ; 
 And so his ravenous humour may be feasted 
 By my obedience, and he see me great, 
 Leaves to my soul nor faculties nor power 
 To make her own election \ 
 
 All. But the dangers 
 That follow the repulse — 
 
 Marg. To me they are nothing 5 
 Let Allworth love, I cannot be unhappy. 
 Suppose the worst, that, in his rage, he kill me ; 
 A tear or two, by you dropt on my herse, 
 In sorrow for my fate, will call back life 
 I So far as but to say, that I die yours ; 
 
 I then shall rest in peace : or should he prove 
 
 So cruel, as one death would not suffice 
 
 His thirst of vengeance, but with lingering torments 
 
 In mind and body, I must waste to air, 
 
 In poverty join'd with banishment ; so you share 
 
 In my afflictions, which I dare not wish you, 
 
 So high I prize you, I could undergo them 
 
 With such a patience as should look down 
 
 With scorn on his worst malice. 
 
 All. Heaven avert 
 Such trials of your true affection to me ! 
 Nor will it unto you, that are all mercy. 
 Shew so much rigour : but since we must run 
 Such desperate hazards, let us do our best 
 To steer between them. \ 
 
 Marg. Your lord's ours, and sure ; 
 And though but a young actor, second me 
 In doing to the life what he has plotted, 
 
 Enter Overreach behind. 
 
 The end may yet prove happy. Now, my AU- 
 * worth. \_Seeiny her father. 
 
 All. To your letter, and put on a seemin;^ anger. 
 
 Marg. I'll pay my lord all debts due to his title; 
 And when with terms, not taking from his honour, 
 He does solicit me, I shall gladly hear him. 
 But in this peremptory, nay, commanding way, 
 T' appoint a meeting, and, without my knowledge, 
 A priest to tie the knot can ne'er be undone 
 Till death unloose it, is a confidence 
 In his lordship will deceive him. 
 
 All. I hope better, 
 Good lady. 
 
 Marg. Hope, sir, wha^ you please : for me 
 I must take a safe and secure course ; I have 
 A father, and without his full consent, 
 Though all lords of the land kneel'd for my favour, 
 I can grant nothing. • 
 
 \ 
 
 Over. I like this obedience : iComes forward. 
 
 But whatsoe'er my lord writes, must and shall be 
 Accepted and embraced. Sweet master Allworth, 
 You shew yourself a true and faithful servant 
 To your good lord ; he has a jewel of you. 
 How ! frowninjif, Meg .' are these looks, to receive 
 A messenger from my lord ? what's this ? give me 
 it. 
 
 Marg. A piece of arrogant paper, like the in- 
 scriptions. 
 
 Over. \_Reads.'\ Fair mistress, from your set' 
 vant learn, all joys 
 That we can hope for, if deferred, prove toys ; 
 Therefore, this instant, and in private, meet 
 A husband, that will gladly at your feet 
 Lay down his honours, tendering them to you 
 With all content, the church being paid her due. 
 — Is this the arrogant piece of paper ? fool ! 
 Will you still be one ? in the name of madness, 
 
 what 
 Could his good honour write more to content you? 
 Is there aught else to be wish'd after these two, 
 That are already ofFer'd ; marriage first. 
 And lawful pleasure after : what would you more ? 
 
 Marg. Why, sir, I would be married like your 
 daughter ; 
 Not hurried away i' the night I know not whither, 
 Without all ceremony ; no friends invited 
 To honour the solemnity. 
 
 All. An 't please your honour. 
 For so before to-morrow I must style you, 
 My lord desires this privacy, in respect 
 His honourable kinsmen are far off. 
 And his desires to have it done, brook not 
 So long delay as to expect their coming ; 
 And yet he stands resolv'd, with all due pomp, 
 As running at the ring, plays, masks, and tilting, 
 To have his marriage at court celebrated. 
 When he has brought your honour up to London. 
 
 Over. He tells you true ; 'tis the fashion, on my 
 knowledge : 
 Yet the good lord, to please your peevishness. 
 Must put it off, forsooth ! and lose a night. 
 In which perhaps he might get two boys on thee. 
 Tempt me no further, if you do, this goad 
 
 \_Points to his sword. 
 Shall prick you to him. 
 
 Marg. I could be contented, 
 Were you but by, to do a father's part. 
 And give me in the church. 
 
 Over. So my lord have you. 
 What do I care who gives you ? since my lord 
 Does purpose to be private, I'll not cross liim. 
 I know not, master Allworth, how my lord 
 May be provided, and therefore there's a purse 
 Of gold, 'twill serve this night's expense ; to- 
 morrow 
 I'll furnish him with any sums : in the mean time, 
 Use my ring to my chaplain ; he is beneficed 
 At my manor of Got'em, and call'd parson Willdo : 
 'Tis no matter for a license, I'll bear him out in't. 
 
 Marg. With your favour, sir, what warrant is 
 your ring .' 
 He may suppose I got that twenty ways, 
 Without your knowledge ; and then to be refused, 
 Were such a stain upon me ! — if you pleased, sir, 
 Your presence would do better. 
 
 Over. Still perverse ! 
 I say again, I will not cross my lord ; 
 Yet I'll prevent you too. — Paper and ink, thev.i! 
 
310 
 
 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 Aor V, 
 
 All. I can furnish you. 
 
 Over. I thank you, I can write then. IWrites. 
 All. You may, if you please, put out the name 
 of my lord, 
 In respect he comes disguised, and only write, 
 Marry her to this gentleman. 
 
 Over. Well advised. 
 'Tis done ; away ! — [Margaret kneels.'] My 
 
 blessing, girl ? thou hast it. 
 Nay, no reply, begone : — good master Allworth, 
 This shall be the best night's work you ever 
 made. 
 All. I hope so, sir. 
 
 [_Exeunt Allworth and Margaret, 
 
 Over. Farewell ! — Now all's cocksure : 
 Methinks I hear already knights and ladies 
 Say, Sir Giles Overreach, how is it with 
 Your honourable daughter ? has her honour 
 Slept well to-night? or, will her honour please 
 To accept this monkey, dog, or paroqueto, 
 (This is state in ladies,) or my eldest son 
 To be her page, and wait upon her trencher ? 
 My ends, my ends are compass'd — then for 
 
 Wellborn 
 And the lands ; were he once married to tlie 
 
 widow 
 
 I have him here — I can scarce contain myself, 
 
 I am so full of joy, nay, joyvall over. lExit. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I. 
 
 -A Room in Lady Allworth 's 
 House. 
 
 Enter Lord Lovell, Lady Allworth, and Amble. 
 
 L. All. By this you know how strong the mo- 
 tives were 
 That did, my lord, induce me to dispense, 
 A little, with my gravity, to advance. 
 In personating some few favours to him, 
 The plots and projects of the down-trod Wellborn. 
 Nor shall I e'er repent, although I suffer 
 In some few men's opinions for't, the action ; 
 For he that ventured all for my dear husband. 
 Might justly claim an obligation from me, 
 To pay him such a courtesy ; which had I 
 Coyly, or over-curiously denied. 
 It might have argued me of little love 
 To the deceased. 
 
 Lav. What you intended, Madam, 
 For the poor gentleman, hath found good success ; 
 For, as I understand, his debts are paid. 
 And he once more furnish'd for fair employment : 
 But all the arts that I have used to raise 
 The fortunes of your joy and mine, young Allworth, 
 Stand yet in supposition, though I hope well : 
 For the young lovers are in wit more pregnant 
 Than their years can promise ; and for their desires. 
 On my knowledge, they are equal. 
 
 L. All. As my wishes 
 Are with yours, my lord ; yet give me leave to fear 
 The building, though well grounded : to deceive 
 Sir Giles, that's both a lion and a fox 
 In his proceedings, were a work beyond 
 The strongest undertakers ; not the trial 
 Of two weak innocents. 
 
 Lav. Despair not, madam : 
 Hard things are compass'd oft by easy means ; 
 And judgment, being a gift derived from heaven, 
 Though sometimes lodged in the hearts of worldly 
 
 men, 
 That ne'er consider from whom they receive it, 
 Forsakes such as abuse the giver of it. 
 Which is the reason, that the politic 
 And cunning statesman, that believes he fathoms 
 The counsels of all kingdoms on the earth, 
 Is by simplicity oft over-reach'd. 
 
 L. All. May he be so ! yet, in his name to 
 express it, 
 Is a good omen. 
 
 Lav. May it to myself 
 
 Prove so, good lady, in my suit to you ! 
 What think you of the motion ? 
 
 L. All. Troth, my lord. 
 My own unworthiness may answer for me ; 
 For had you, when that I was in my prime, 
 My virgin flower uncropp'd, presented me 
 With this great favour ; looking on my lowuess 
 Not in a glass of self-love, but of truth, 
 I could not but have thought it, as a blessing 
 Far, far beyond my merit. 
 
 Lov. You are too modest, 
 And undervalue that which is above 
 My title, or whatever I call mine. 
 I grant, were I a Spaniard, to marry 
 A widow might disparage me ; but being 
 A true-born Englishman, I cannot find 
 How it can taint my honour : nay, what's more, 
 That which you think a blemish, is to me 
 The fairest lustre. You already, madam, 
 Have given sure proofs how dearly you can cherish 
 A husband that deserves you ; which confirms me, 
 That, if I am not wanting in my care 
 To do you service, you'll be still the same 
 That you were to your Allworth : in a word. 
 Our years, our states, our births are not unequal. 
 You being descended nobly, and allied so ; 
 If then you may be won to make me happy. 
 But join your lips to mine, and that shall be 
 A solemn contract. 
 
 L. All. I were blind to my own good. 
 Should I refuse it; [Kisses him.'] yet, my lord, 
 
 receive me 
 As such a one, the study of whose whole life 
 Shall know no other object but to please you. 
 
 Lov. If I return not, with all tenderness, 
 Equal respect to you, may I die wretched ! 
 
 L. All. There needs no protestation, my lord, 
 To lier that cannot doubt. — 
 
 Enter Wellborn, handsomely apparelled. 
 
 You are welcome, sir. 
 Now you look like yourself. 
 Well. And will continue 
 Such in my free acknowledgment, that I am 
 Your creature, madam, and will never hold 
 My life mine own, when you please to command it. 
 Lov. It is a thankfulness that well becomes 
 you ; 
 You could not make choice of a better shape 
 To dress your mind in. 
 
KCENE I. 
 
 A NE\V WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 311 
 
 L. All. For me, I am happy 
 That my endeavours prosper'd. Saw you of late 
 ISir Giles, your uncle ? 
 
 Well. I heard of him, madam, 
 By his minister, Marrall ; he's grown into strange 
 
 passions 
 About his daughter : this last night he look'd for 
 Your lordship at his house, but missing you, 
 And she not yet appearing, his wise head 
 Is much perplex'd and troubled. 
 
 Lov. It may be. 
 Sweetheart, my project took, 
 
 L. All. I strongly hope. 
 
 Over. \w%thm7\ Ha ! find her, booby, thou 
 huge lump of nothing, 
 I'll bore thine eyes out else. 
 
 Well. May it please your lordship, 
 •For some ends of mine own, but to withdraw 
 A little out of sight, though not of hearing, 
 You may, perhaps, have sport. 
 
 Lov. You shall direct me. {.Slcvs aside. 
 
 Enter Overreach, with distracted looks, driving in 
 Marralx. before Mm, with a box. 
 
 Over. I shall sol fa you, rogue I 
 
 Mar. Sir, for what cause 
 Do you use me thus ? 
 
 Over. Cause, slave ! why, I am angry, 
 And thou a subject only fit for beating. 
 And so to cool my choler. Look to the writing ; 
 Let but the seal be broke upon the box. 
 That has slept in my cabinet these three years, 
 I'll rack thy soul for't. 
 
 Mar. I may yet cry quittance. 
 Though now I suffer, and dare not resist. lAside. 
 
 Over. Lady, by your leavie, did you see my 
 daughter, lady ? 
 And the lord, her husband ? are they in your 
 
 house ? 
 If they are, discover, that I may bid them joy ; 
 And, as an entrance to her place of honour. 
 See your ladyship on her left hand, and make 
 
 courtsies 
 When she nods on you ; which you must receive , 
 As a special favour. 
 
 L. All. When I know, sir Giles, 
 Her state requires such ceremony, I shall pay it ; 
 But, in the mean time, as 1 am myself, 
 I give you to understand, I neither know 
 Nor care where her honour is. 
 
 Over. When you once see hei 
 Supported, and led by the lord her husband. 
 You'll be taught better. — Nephew. 
 
 Well. Sir. 
 
 Over. No more ' 
 
 Well. 'Tis all I owe you. 
 
 Over. Have your redeem'd rags 
 Made you thus insolent ? 
 
 Well. Insolent to you ! 
 Why, what are you, sir, unless in your years. 
 At the best, more than myself ? 
 
 Over. His fortune swells him : 
 'Tis rank, he's married. [Aside. 
 
 L. All. This is excellent ! 
 
 Over. Sir, in calm language, though I seldom 
 use it, 
 I am familiar with the cause that makes you 
 Bear up thus bravely ; there's a certain buz 
 Of a stolen marriage, do you hear? of a stolen 
 marriage. 
 
 In which, 'tis said, there's somebody hath been 
 i name no parties. [cozen'd ; 
 
 Well. Well, sir, and what follows ? 
 
 Over. Marry, this ; since you are peremptory. 
 Remember, 
 Upon mere hope of your great match, I lent you 
 A thousand pounds : put me in good security. 
 And suddenly, by mortgage or by statute, 
 Of some of your new possessions, or I'll have you 
 Dragg'd in your lavender robes to the gaol : you 
 And therefore do not trifle. [know me, 
 
 Well. Can you be 
 So cruel to your nephew, now he's in 
 The way to rise ? was this the courtesy 
 You did me in pure love, and no ends else ? 
 
 Over. End me no ends ! engage the whole estate, 
 And force your spouse to sign it, you shall have 
 Three or four thousand more, to roar and swagger, 
 And revel in bawdy taverns. 
 
 Well. And beg after ; 
 Mean you not so ? 
 
 Over. My thoughts are mine, and free. 
 Shall I have security ? 
 
 Well. No, indeed you shall not, 
 Nor bond, nor bill, nor bare acknowledgment ; 
 Your great looks fright not me. 
 
 Over. But my deeds shall. 
 Outbraved ! [Both draw 
 
 L. All. Help, murder I murder ! 
 
 Enter Servants. 
 
 Well. Let him come on. 
 With all his wrongs and injuries about him, 
 Arm'd with his cut-throat practices to guard him ; 
 The right that I bring with me will defend me, 
 And punish his extortion. 
 
 Over. That I had thee 
 But single in the field ! 
 
 L. All. You may ; but make not 
 My house your quarrelling scene. 
 
 Over. Were't in a church. 
 By hearen and hell, I'll do't. 
 
 Mar. Now put him to 
 The shewing of the deed. \_Aside to Wellborn. 
 
 Well. This rage is vain, sir ; 
 For fighting, fear not, you shall have your hands 
 Upon the least incitement ; and whereas [full. 
 
 You charge me with a debt of a thousand pounds. 
 If there be law, (howe'er you have no conscience,) 
 Either restore my land, or I'll recover 
 A debt, that's truly due to me from you. 
 In value ten times more than what you challenge. 
 
 Over. I in thy debt ! O impudence ! dfd 1 not 
 purchase 
 The land left by thy father, that rich land, 
 That had continued in Wellbom's name 
 Twenty descents ; which, like a riotous fool. 
 Thou didst make sale of ? Is not here, enclosed, 
 The deed that does confirm it mine "i 
 
 Mar. Now, now ! 
 
 Well. I do acknowledge none; I ne'er pass'd over 
 Any such land : I grant, for a year or two 
 You had it in trust ; which if you do discharge. 
 Surrendering the possession, you shall ease 
 Yourself and me of chargeable suits in law. 
 Which, if you prove not honest, as I doubt it, 
 Must of necessity follow. 
 
 L. All. In my judgment, 
 I He does advise you well. 
 1 Over. Good ! good ! conspire 
 
812 
 
 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 With your new husband, lady ; second him 
 
 In his dishonest practices ; but when 
 
 This manor is extended to my use, 
 
 You'll speak in an humbler key, and sue for favour. 
 
 L. All. Never : do not hope it. 
 
 Well. Let despair first seize me. 
 
 Over. Yet, to shut up thy mouth, and make 
 thee give 
 Thyself the lie, the loud lie, I draw out 
 The precious evidence ; if thou canst forswear 
 Thy hand and seal, and make a forfeit of 
 
 [_Opens the box, and displays the botid. 
 Thy ears to the pillory, see ! here's that will make 
 My interest clear — ha ! 
 
 L. All. A fair skin of parchment. 
 
 Well. Indented, I confess, and labels too ; 
 But neither wax nor words. How ! thunderstruck ? 
 Not a syllable to insult with ? My wise uncle. 
 Is this your precious evidence, this that makes 
 Your interest clear ? 
 
 Over. I am o'erwhelmed with wonder ! 
 What prodigy is this ? what subtle devil 
 Hath razed out the inscription ? the wax 
 Turn'd into dust ! — the rest of my deeds whole, 
 As when they were deliver'd, and this only 
 Made nothing ! do you deal with witches, rascal ? 
 There is a statute for you, which will bring 
 Your neck in an hempen circle ; yes, there is ; 
 And now 'tis better thought for, cheatei', know 
 This juggling shall not save you. 
 
 fVell. To save thee, 
 Would beggar the stock of mercy. 
 
 Over. Marrali ! 
 
 Mar. Sir. 
 
 Over. Though the witnesses are dead, your tes- 
 timony 
 Help with an oath or two : and for thy master, 
 Thy liberal master, my good honest servant, 
 I know thou wilt swear any thing, to dash 
 This cunning sleight : besides, I know thou art 
 A public notary, and such stand in law 
 For a dozen witnesses : the deed being drawn too 
 By thee, my careful Marrali, and deliver'd 
 When thou wert present, will make good my title. 
 Wilt thou not swear this ? lAside to Marrai.l, 
 
 Mar. 1 1 no, I assure you : 
 I have a conscience not sear'd up like yours ; 
 I know no deeds. 
 
 Over. Wilt thou betray me ? 
 
 Mar. Keep him 
 From using of his hands, I'll use my tongue, 
 To his no little torment. 
 
 Over. Mine own varlet 
 Rebel against me ! 
 
 Mar. Yes, and uncase you too. 
 The ideot, the Patch, the slave, the boohy. 
 The property fit only to be beaten 
 For your morning exercise, your football, or 
 The unprofitable lump offiesh, your drudge ; 
 Can now anatomize you, and lay open 
 All your black plots, and level with the earth 
 Your hill of pride : aad, with these gabions guarded, 
 Unload my great artillery, and shake, 
 Nay pulverize, the walls you think defend you. 
 
 L. All. How he foams at the mouth with rage ! 
 
 Well. To him again. 
 
 Over. O that I had thee in my gripe, I would 
 Joint after joint ! [tear thee 
 
 Mar. I know you are a tearer. 
 But I'll have first your fangs pared off, and then 
 
 Come nearer to you ; when I have discover'd, 
 And made it good before the judge, what ways, 
 And devilish practices, you used to cozen with 
 An army of whole families, who yet alive. 
 And but enroU'd for soldiers, were able 
 To take in Dunkirk. 
 
 Well. All will come out. 
 
 L. All. The better. 
 
 Over. But that I will live, rogue, to torture thee, 
 And make thee wish, and kneel in vain, to die. 
 These swords, that keep thee from me, should fix 
 
 here. 
 Although they made my body but one wound, 
 But 1 would reach thee. 
 
 Lov. Heaven's hand is in this ; 
 One bandog worry the other ! \_Aside. 
 
 Over. I play the fool, 
 And make my anger but ridiculous : 
 There will be a time and place, there will be, cowards, 
 When you shall feel what I dare do. 
 
 Well. I think so : 
 You dare do any ill, yet want true valour 
 To be honest, and repent. 
 
 Over. They are words I know not. 
 Nor e'er will learn. Patience, the beggar's virtue, 
 
 Enter Greedy and Parson Willdo. 
 
 Shall find no harbour here : — after these storms 
 At length a calm appears. Welcome, most welcome! 
 There's comfort in thy looks ; is the deed done ? 
 Is my daughter married ? say but so, my chaplain, 
 And I am tame. 
 
 Willdo. Married ! yes, I assure you. 
 
 Over. Then vanish all sad thoughts ! there's more 
 gold for thee. 
 My doubts and fears are in the titles drown'd 
 Of my honourable, my right honourable daughter. 
 
 Greedy. Here will be feasting ! at least for a 
 month, 
 I am provided : empty guts, croak no more. 
 You shall be stuff'd like bagpipes, not with wind. 
 But- bearing dishes. 
 
 Over. Instantly be here ? ^Whispering to Willdo. 
 To my wish ! to my wish ! Now you that plot 
 
 against me. 
 And hope to trip my heels up, that contemn'd me, 
 Think on't and tremble : — [Loud music} — they 
 
 come ! I hear the music. 
 A lane there for my lord ! 
 
 Well. This sudden heat 
 May yet be cool'd, sir. 
 
 Over. Make way there for my lord ! 
 
 Enter Allworth aJid Margaret. 
 
 Marg. Sir, first your pardon, then your blessing, 
 with 
 Your full allowance of the choice I have made. 
 As ever you could make use of your reason, 
 
 \_Knecling. 
 Grow not in passion ; since y-ou may as well 
 Call back the day that's past, as untie the knot 
 Which is too strongly fasten'd : not to dwell 
 Too long on words, this is my husband. 
 
 Over. How ! , 
 
 All. So I assure you ; all the rights of marriage, 
 With every circumstance, are past. Alas ! sir, 
 Although I am no lord, but a lord's page, 
 Your daughter and my loved wife mourns not for it ; 
 And, for right honourable son-in>law, you may say, 
 Your dutiful daughter. 
 
A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 313 
 
 (/ 
 
 Over. Devil ! are they married ? 
 
 Willdo. Do a father's part, and say, Heaven give 
 them joy ! 
 
 Over. Confusion and ruin !, speak, and speak 
 Or thou art dead. [quickly, 
 
 Willdo. They are married. 
 
 Over. Thou hadst better 
 Have made a contract with the king of fiends, 
 Than these : — my brain turns ! 
 
 Willdo. Why this rage to me ? 
 Is not this your letter, sir, and these the words ? 
 Marry her to tJiis gentleman. 
 
 Over. It cannot — 
 Kor will I e'er believe it, 'sdeath ! I wilUnot ; 
 That 1, that, in all passages I touch'd 
 At worldly profit, have not left a print 
 Where I have trod, for the most curious search 
 To trace my footsteps, should be guU'd by children, 
 Baflied and fool'd, and all my hopes and labours 
 Defeated, and made void. 
 
 Well. As it appears. 
 You are so, my grave uncle. 
 
 Over. Village nurses 
 Revenge their wrongs with curses ; I'll not waste 
 A syllable, but thus I take the life 
 Which, wretched, I gave to thee. 
 
 \_Attcmpts to kill Margaret. 
 
 Lov. {coming forward.} Hold, for your own 
 sake 1 
 Though charity to your daughter hath quite left you, 
 Will you do an act, though in your hopes lost here, 
 Can leave no hope for peace or rest hereafter ? 
 Consider ; at the best you are but a man. 
 And cannot so create your aims, but that 
 They may be cross'd. 
 
 Over. Lord ! thus I spit at thee. 
 And at thy counsel ; and again desire thee, 
 And as thou art a soldier, if thy valour 
 Dares shew itself, where multitude and example 
 Lead not the way, let's quit the house, and change 
 Six words in private. 
 
 Lov. I am ready. 
 
 L. All. Stay, sir. 
 Contest with one distracted! 
 
 Well. You'll grow like hitn. 
 Should you answer his vain challenge. 
 
 Over. Are you pale .-' 
 Borrow his help, though Hercules call it odds, 
 I'll stand against both as I am, hemm'd in thus. — 
 Since, like a Libyan lion in the toil. 
 My fury cannot reach the coward hunters, 
 And only spends itself, I'll quit the place : 
 Alone I can do nothing ; but I have servants. 
 And friends to second me ; and if I make not 
 This house a heap of ashes, (by my wrongs, 
 What I have spoke I will make good !; or leave 
 One throat uncut, — if it be possible, 
 Hell, add to my afflictions ! \_Exit. 
 
 Mar. Is't not brave sport .'' 
 
 Greedy. Brave sport ! I am sure it has ta'en 
 away my stomach ; 4 
 
 I do not like the sauce. 
 
 All. Nay, weep not, dearest. 
 Though it express your pity ; what's decreed 
 Above, we cannot alter. 
 
 L. All. His threats move me 
 No scruple, madam. 
 
 Mar. Was it not a rare trick. 
 An it please your worship, to make the deed no- 
 1 can do twenty neater, if you please [thing ? 
 
 To purchase and grow rich ; for I will be 
 Such a solicitor and steward tor you, 
 As never worshipful had. 
 
 Well. I do believe thee ; 
 But first discover the quaint mea.^s you used 
 To raze out the conveyance ? 
 
 Mar. They are mysteries 
 Not to be spoke in public : certain minerals 
 Incorporated in the ink and wax. — 
 Besides, he gave me nothing, but still fed me 
 With hopes and blows ; and that was the induce- 
 ment 
 To this conundrum. If it please your worship 
 To call to memory, this mad beast once caused me 
 To urge you, or to drown or hang yourself ; 
 I'll do the like to him, if you command me. 
 
 Well. You are a rascal ! he that dares be false 
 To a master, though unjust, will ne'er be true 
 To any other. Look not for reward 
 Or favour from me ; I will shun thy sight 
 As I would do a basilisk's : thank my pity, 
 If thou keep thy ears ; howe'er, I will take order 
 Your practice shall be silenced. 
 
 Greedy. I'll commit him, 
 If you will have me, sir. 
 
 Well. That were to little purpose ; 
 His conscience^bejiis^^son. Not a word, 
 But insfahtly be gone. 
 
 Ord. Take this kick with you. 
 
 Amb. And this. 
 
 Furn. If that I had my cleaver here, 
 I would divide your knave's head. 
 
 Mar. This is the haven 
 False servants still arrive at. lExit. 
 
 Re-enter Overreach. 
 
 L. All. Come again ! 
 Lov. Fear not, I am your guard. 
 Well. His looks are ghastly. 
 Willdo. Some little time I have spent, under 
 your favours. 
 In physical studies, and if my judgment err not, 
 He's mad beyond recovery : but observe him. 
 And look to yourselves^. 
 
 Over. Why, is not the whole world 
 Included in myself? to what use then 
 Are friends and servants ? Say there were a 
 
 squadron 
 Of pikes, lined through with shot, when I am 
 
 mounted 
 Upon my injuries, shall I fear to charge them ? 
 No : I'll through the battalia, and that routed, 
 
 IFlourishiug his sword sheathed. 
 I'll fall to execution. — Ha ! I am feeble : 
 Some undone widow sits upon mine arm, 
 And takes away the use ol't ; and my sword. 
 Glued to my scabbard with wrong' d orphans' tears, 
 Will not be drawn. Ha ! what are these .•• sure, 
 
 hangmen. 
 That come to bind my hands, and then to drag 
 
 me 
 Before the judgment-seat : now they are new 
 
 shapes. 
 And do appear like Furies, with sj:eel whips 
 To scourge my ulcerous soul. Shall I then fall 
 Ingloriously, and yield .' no ; spite of Fate, 
 I will be forced to hell like to myself. 
 Though you were legions of accursed spirits. 
 Thus would I fly among you. 
 
 IRushes/orward, andjlings himself on the ground. 
 
.314 
 
 A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 f'Vell. There's no help ; 
 Disarm him first, then bind him. 
 
 Greedy. Take a mittimus, 
 And carry him to Bedlam. 
 
 Lov. How he foams ! 
 
 Well. And bites the earth ! 
 
 Willdo. Carry him to some dark room, 
 There try what art can do for his recovery. 
 
 Marg. O my dear father ! 
 
 \_They force Ovkrreach off. 
 
 All. You must be patient, mistress. 
 
 Lov. Here is a precedent to teach wicked men. 
 That when they leave religion, and turn atheists, 
 Their own abilities leave them. Pray you take 
 
 comfort, 
 I will endeavour you shall be his guardians 
 In his distractions : and for your land, master 
 
 Wellborn, 
 Be it good or ill in law, I'll be an umpire 
 Between you, and this, the undoubted heir 
 Of sir Giles Overreach : for me, here's the anchor 
 That I must fix on. 
 
 All. What you shall determine, j 
 
 My lord, I wiU allow of. • \ 
 
 Well. 'Tis the language 
 That I speak too ; but there is something else 
 Beside the repossession of my land. 
 And payment of m^ debts, that I must practise. 
 I had a reputation, but 'twas lost 
 In my loose course ; and until I redeem it 
 Some noble way, I am but half made up. 
 It is a time of action ; if your lordship 
 Will please to confer a company upon me, 
 In your command, I doubt not, in my service 
 To my king, and country, but I shall do something 
 That may make me right again. 
 
 Lov. Your suit is granted, 
 And you loved for the motion. 
 
 Well, [coming forward.] Nothing wants then 
 But your allowance — and in that our all 
 Ls comprehended ; it being known, nor we, 
 Nor he that wrote the comedy, can be free, 
 Without your manumission ; which if you 
 Grant willingly, as a fair favour due 
 To the poet's, and our labours, (as you may, J 
 For we despair not, gentlemen, of the play : 
 We jointly shall profess your grace hath might 
 To teach us action, and him how to write. 
 
 fExeuiat. 
 
 > 
 
THE CITY MADAM, 
 
 TO THE TRULY NOBLE AND VIRTU0U5 
 
 LADY ANN COUNTESS OF OXFORD. 
 
 HoNoimED Lady, — In that age when wit and learning were not conquered hy injury and violence, this poem was 
 the object of love and commendations, it being composed by an infallible pen, and censured by an unerring auditory. 
 In this epistle I shall not need to make an apology for plays in general, by exhibiting their antiquity and utility : in a 
 word, they are mirrors or glasses which none but deformed faces, and fouler consciences fear to look into. TJie 
 encouragement I had to prefer this dedication to your powerful protection proceeds from the universal fame of the 
 deceased author, who (although he composed many) wrote none amiss, and this may justly be ranked among his best. 
 I have redeemed it from the teeth of Time, by committing of it to the press, but more in imploring your patronage. 
 I will not shmder it with my praises, it is commendation enough to call it Massinger's ; if it may gain your allowance 
 and pardon, I am highly grati&ed, and desire only to wear the happy title of. 
 
 Madam, Your most humble servant, Andrew Pknnycuickk. 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONS. 
 
 Two Gentlemen. 
 
 Lord Lacy. 
 
 Sir John Frugal, a Merchant. 
 
 Sir Maurfce Lacy, Son to Lord Lacy. 
 
 Mr. Plenty, a Country Gentleman. 
 
 Luke Frugal, Brother to Sir John. 
 
 GoLDWiRE, Senior, 
 
 Trade WELL, Senior, 
 
 GoLDWiRE, Junior, ) their Son.^, Apprentices 
 
 Tradewell, Junior, ) to Sir John Frugal. 
 
 Stargaze, an Astrologer. 
 
 IIoYST, a decayed Gentleman. 
 
 Fortune, ) ^ ,, ,. ^ 
 
 Penury, j <*«<^«y^<^ Merchants. 
 
 Holdfast, Steward to Sir John Frugal. 
 
 a 
 
 :;} 
 
 Ramble, , „ 
 
 Scuffle, \ ^«''' Hectors. 
 
 Ding'em, a Pimp. 
 
 GaiTALL, a Box-Keeper. 
 
 Page, Sheriff, Mai'shall, Serjeants. 
 
 Lady Frugal. 
 
 Anne, ) , ^ 
 
 Mary, j ''^'* I>a^^9Mcrs. 
 
 MiLLiscENT, her Woman. 
 
 Shave'em, a Courtezan. 
 
 Secret, a Bawd. 
 
 Orpheus, Charon, Qerberns, Chorus, IVfusiciiinS", 
 Porters, Servants. 
 
 SCENE,— London. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE \.—A Room in Sir John Frugal's 
 House. 
 
 Enter Goldwire junior and Tradewell junior. 
 
 Gold. The ship is safe in the Pool then ? 
 
 Trade. And makes good, 
 In her rich fraught, the name she bears, The 
 
 Speedwell : 
 My master will find it : for, on my certain know- 
 ledge, 
 For every hundred that he venturea m her, 
 She hath retum'd him five. 
 
 Gold. And it comes timely ; 
 For, besides a payment on the nail for a manor 
 Late purchased by my master, his young daughters 
 A.re ripe for marriage. 
 
 Trade. Who ? Nan and Mall .' 
 
 Gold. Mistress Anne and Mary, and with some 
 Or 'tis more punishable in our house [addition. 
 Than scandalum magnattim. 
 
 Trade. 'Tis great pity 
 Such a gentleman as my master (for that title 
 His being a citizen cannot take from him) 
 Hath no male heir to inherit his estate, 
 And keep his name alive. 
 
 Gold. The want of one, 
 Swells my young mistresses, and their madam- 
 mother, 
 With hopes above their birth and scale : their 
 
 dreams are 
 Of being made countesses ; and they take state, ^-. 
 As they were such already. When you went 
 
316 
 
 THE CITY MADAM. 
 
 To the Indies, there was some shape and proportion 
 Of a merchant's house in our family ; but since 
 My master, to gain precedency for my mistress, 
 Above some ekler merchants' wives, was knighted, 
 'Tis grown a little court in bravery, 
 Variety of fashions, and those rich ones : 
 There are few great ladies going to a mask 
 That do outshine ours in their every-day habits. 
 
 Trade. 'Tis strange, my master, in his wisdom. 
 Give the reins to such exorbitance. [can 
 
 Gold. He must, 
 Or there's no peace nor rest for him at home : 
 I grant his state will bear it ; yet he's censured 
 For his indulgence, and, for sir John Frugal, 
 By some styled sir John Pi'odigal. 
 
 Trade. Is his brother. 
 Master Luke Frugal, living ? 
 
 Gold. Yes ; the more 
 His misery, poor man ! 
 
 Trade. Still in the counter ? 
 
 Gold. In a worse place. He was redeemed from 
 the hole, 
 To live, in our house, in hell ; since, his base usage 
 Consider'd, 'tis no better. My proud lady 
 Admits him to her table ; marry, ever 
 Beneath the salt, and there he sits the subject 
 Of her contempt and scorn ; and dinner ended, 
 His courteous nieces find employment for him 
 Fitting an under- prentice, or a footman, 
 And not an uncle. 
 
 Trade. I wonder, being a scholar 
 Well read, and travell'd, the world yielding means 
 For men of such desert, he should endure it. 
 
 Gold. He does, with a strange patience ; and to 
 The servants, so familiar, nay humble ! [us, 
 
 Enter Stargaze, Lady Frugal, Anne, Mary, and Mil- 
 LiscENT, in several affected postures, with looking-glasses 
 at their girdles. 
 
 I'll tell you — but I am cut off. Look these 
 Like a citizen's wife and daughters ? 
 
 Trade. In their habits 
 They appear other things : but what are the motives 
 Of this strange preparation ? 
 
 Gold. The young wagtails 
 Expect their suitors : the first, the son and heir 
 Of the lord Lacy, who needs my master's money, 
 As his daughter does his honour ; the second, Mr. 
 
 Plenty, " " 
 
 A rough-hewn gentleman, and newly come 
 To a great estate ; and so all aids of art 
 In them's excusable. 
 
 L. Frug. You have done your parts here : 
 To your study ; and be curious in the search 
 Of the nativities. lExit Stargazb. 
 
 Trade. Methinks the mother, 
 As if she could renew her youth, in care, 
 Nay curiosity, to appear lovely. 
 Comes not behind her daughters. 
 
 Gold. Keeps the first place ; 
 And though the church-book speak her fifty, they 
 That say she can write thirty, more offend her, 
 Than if they tax'd her honesty : t'other day, 
 A tenant of hers, instructedm her humour. 
 But one she never saw, being brought before her, 
 For saying only, Good young mistress, help me 
 To the speech of your lady.mother^ so far pleased 
 That he got his lease renew'd for't. [her, 
 
 Trade. How she bristles 1 
 Prithee, observe her. 
 
 Mill. As I hope to see 
 A country knight's son and heir walk bare before 
 
 you 
 When you are a countess, as you may be one 
 When my master dies, or leaves trading ; and I, 
 
 continuing 
 Your principal woman, take the upper hand 
 Of a squire's wife, though a justice, as I must 
 By the place you give me ; you look now as young 
 As when you were married. 
 
 L. Frug. I think I bear my years well. 
 
 Mill. Why should you talk of years ? Time hath 
 not plough'd 
 One furrow in your face : and were you not known 
 The mother of my young ladies, you might pass ^ 
 For a virgin of fifteen. , •^' 
 
 Trade. Here's no gross flattery ! ^S"^ J 
 
 Will she swallow this ? % f"^ 
 
 Gold. You see she does, and glibly. y-^-^X 
 
 Mill. You never can be old : wear but ^ masV 
 Forty years hence, and you will still seem youw^ 
 In your other parts. What a waist is here ! O 
 
 Venus ! 
 That I had been born a king ! and here a hand 
 To be kiss'd ever : — pardon my boldness, madam. 
 Then, for a leg and foot, you will be courted 
 When a great grandmother. 
 
 L. Frug. These, indeed, wench, are not 
 So subject to decayings as the face ; 
 Their comeliness lasts longer. 
 
 Mill. Ever, ever ! 
 Such a rare featured and proportion'd madam, 
 London could never boast of. 
 
 L. Frug. Where are my shoes ? 
 
 Mill. Those that your ladyship gave order, 
 Be made of the Spanish perfum'd skins ? [should 
 
 L. Frug. The same. 
 
 Mill. I sent the prison-bird this morning for 
 But he neglects his duty. [them ; 
 
 Anne. He is grown 
 Exceeding careless. 
 
 Mary. And begins to murmur 
 At our commands, and sometimes grumbles to us, 
 He is, forsooth, our uncle! 
 
 L. Frug. He is your slave. 
 And as such use him. 
 
 Anne. Willingly ; but he's grown , 
 
 Rebellious, madam. fs 
 
 Gold. Nay, like hen, like chicken. 
 
 L. Frug. I'll humble him. 
 
 Enter Luke, wilh shoes, garters, fans aiid roses. 
 
 Gold. Here he comes, sweating all over : 
 He shews like a walking frippery. 
 
 L. Frug. Very good, sir : 
 Were you drunk last night, that you could rise no 
 
 sooner. 
 With humble diligance, to do what my daughters 
 And woman did command you ? 
 
 Luke. Drunk, an't please you ! 
 
 L. Frug. Drunk, I said, sirrah ! dar'st thou, in 
 a look, 
 Repine or grumble ? Thou unthankful v^retch. 
 Did our charity redeem thee out of prison, 
 (Thy patrimony spent,) ragged, and lousy. 
 When the sheriff's basket, and his broken meat, 
 Were your festival exceedings 1 and is this 
 So soon forgotten ? 
 
 Luke. I confess I am. 
 Your creature, madam. 
 
SCIOXK II. 
 
 THE CITY MADAM. 
 
 317 
 
 ft 
 
 L. Frug. And good reason why 
 You should continue so. 
 
 Anne. Who did new clothe you ? 
 
 Marg. Admitted you to the dining-room ? 
 
 Mill. AUow'd you 
 A fresh bed in the garret } 
 
 L. Frug. Or from whom 
 Received you spending money ? 
 
 Luke. I owe all this 
 To your goodness, madam ; for it you have my 
 
 prayers, 
 The beggar's satisfaction : all my studies 
 (Forgetting what I was, but with all duty 
 Remembering what I am) are how to please you. 
 And if in my long stay I have offended, 
 I ask your pardon ; though you may consider, 
 Being forced to fetch these from the Old Exchange, 
 These from the Tower, and these from Westmin- 
 I could not come much sooner. [ster. 
 
 Cold. Here was a walk 
 To breathe a footman ! 
 
 Anne. 'Tis a curious fan. 
 
 Mary. These roses will shew rare : would 'twere 
 That the garters might be seen too 1 [in fashion 
 
 Mill. Many ladies 
 That know they have good legs, wish the same 
 Men that way have the advantage. [with you ; 
 
 Luke. I was with 
 The lady, and delivered her the satin 
 For her gown, and velvet for her petticoat ; 
 This night she vows she'll pay you 
 
 lAside to Goldwjre, 
 
 Gold. How I am bound 
 To your favour, master Luke ? 
 
 Mill. As I live, you will 
 Perfume all rooms you walk in. 
 
 L. Frug. Get your fur. 
 You shall pull them on within. lExit Luke. 
 
 Gold. That servile office 
 Her pride imposes on him. 
 
 Sir John, [within.'] Goldwire ! Tradewell ! 
 
 Trade. My master calls. — We come, sir. 
 
 [Exeunt Goldwire and Tradewell. 
 
 Enter Holdfast, and Porters with Baskets, Sjc. 
 
 L. Frug. What have you brought there .' 
 
 Hold. The cream o' the market ; 
 Provision enough to serve a garrison. 
 I weep to think on't : when my master got " 
 His wealth, his family fed on roots and livers, 
 
 And necks of beef on Sundays. 
 
 But now I fear it will be spent in poultry ; 
 Butcher's-meat will not go down. 
 
 L. Frug. Why, you rascal, is it 
 At your expense? what cooks have you provided ? 
 
 Hold. The best of the city: they've wrought 
 at my lord mayor's. 
 . Anne. Fie on them ! they smell of Fleet-lane, 
 ^•' • and Pie-corner. 
 
 Mary. And think the happiness of man's life 
 In a mighty shoulder of mutton. [consists 
 
 L. Frug. I'll have none 
 Shall touch what I shall eat, you grumbling cur. 
 But Frenchmen and Italians ; they wear satin, 
 And dish no meat but in silver. 
 
 Hold. Yo\x may want, though, 
 A disli or two when the service ends. 
 
 L. Frug. Leave prating ; 
 I'll have my will : do you as I command you. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II — The Street i^/ore Frugal's House. 
 Enter Sir Maurice Lacy and Page. 
 
 Sir Maur. You were with Plenty ? 
 
 Page. Yes, sir. 
 
 Sir Maur. And what answer 
 Return'd the clown ? 
 
 Page. Clown, sir ! he is transform'd, 
 And grown a gallant of the last edition ; 
 More rich than gaudy in his habit ; yet 
 The freedom and the bluntness of his language 
 Continues with him. When I told him that 
 You gave him caution, as he loved the peace 
 And safety of his life, he should forbear 
 To pass the merchant's threshold, until you. 
 Of his two daughters, had made choice of her 
 Whom you designed to honour as your wife, 
 He smiled in scorn. 
 
 Sir Maur. In scorn ! 
 
 Page. His words confirm'd it ; 
 They were few, but to this purpose : Tell your 
 
 master, 
 Though his lordship in reversion were now his, 
 It cannot awe me. I was born a freeman, 
 A7td will not yield, in the way of affection, 
 Precedence to him : I will visit them. 
 Though he sate porter to deny me entrance : 
 When I meet him next, I'll say more to his face. 
 Deliver thou this : then gave me a piece, 
 To help my memory, and so we parted. • 
 
 Sir Maur. Where got he this spirit.' 
 
 Page. At the academy of valour. 
 Newly erected for the institution 
 Of elder brothers ; where they are taught the ways, 
 Though they refuse to seal for a duellist, 
 How to decline a challenge. He himself 
 Can best resolve you. 
 
 Enter Plenty and three Servants. 
 
 Sir Maur. You, sir ! 
 
 Plenty. What with me, sir ? 
 How big you look ! I wiil not loose a hat 
 To a hair's breadth : move your beaver, I'll move 
 
 mine; 
 Or if you desire to prove your sword, mine hangs 
 As near my right hand, and will as soon out; 
 
 though I keep not 
 A fencer to breathe me. Walk into Moorfields — 
 I dare look on your Toledo. Do not shew 
 A foolish valour in the streets, to make 
 Work for shopkeepers and their clubs, 'tis scurvy, 
 And the women will laugh at us. 
 
 Sir Maur. You presume 
 On the protection of your hinds. 
 
 Plenty. I scorn it : 
 Though I keep men, I fight not with their fingers, 
 Nor make it my religion to follow 
 The gallant's fashion, to have my family 
 Consisting in a footman and a page. 
 And those two sometimes hungry. I can feed these, 
 And clothe them too, my gay sir. 
 
 Sir Maur. What a fine man 
 Hath your tailor made you ! | 
 
 Plenty. 'Tis quite contrary, < 
 
 I have made my tailor, for my clothes are paid for 
 As soon as put on ; a sin your man of title 
 Is seldom guilty of; but Heaven forgive it ! 
 I have other faults, too, very incident j 
 
 To a plain gentleman : I eat my venison j 
 
318 
 
 THE CITY MADAM. 
 
 With my neighbours in the country, and present 
 
 not 
 My pheasants, partridges, and growse to the usurer ; 
 Nor ever yet paid brokage to his scrivener. 
 I flatter not my mercer's wife, nor feast her 
 With the first cherries, or peascods, to prepare me 
 Credit with her husband, when I come to London. 
 The wool of my sheep, or a score or two of fat oxen 
 In Smithfield, give me money for my expenses. 
 I can make my wife a jointure of such lands too 
 As are not encumber'd ; no annuity 
 Or statute lying on them. This I can do, 
 An it please your future honour, and why, there- 
 You should forbid my being suitor with you, [fore. 
 My dullness apprehends not. 
 
 Page. This is bitter. lAside. 
 
 Sir Maur. I have heard you, sir, and in my 
 patience shewn 
 Too much of the stoic. But to parley further. 
 Or answer your gross jeers, would write me coward. 
 This only, — thy great grandfather was a butcher, 
 And his son a grazier ; thy sire, constable 
 Of the hundred, and thou the first of your dunghill 
 Created gentleman. Now you may come on, sir, 
 You and your thrashers. 
 
 Plenty. Stir not, on your lives. 
 This for the grazier — this for the butcher. 
 
 IThey fight. 
 
 Sir Maur. So, sir ! 
 
 Page. I'll not stand idle ; draw ! {io the Ser- 
 vants.] my little rapier. 
 Against your bumb blades ! I'll one by one dis- 
 patch you, 
 Then house this instrument of death and horror. 
 
 Enter Sir John Frugal, Luke, Goldwire, Junior, and 
 TradewelL; Junior. 
 
 Sir John. Beat down their weapons.. My gate 
 What insolence is this ? [ruffian's hall ! 
 
 Luke. Noble sir Maux'ice, 
 Worshipful master Plenty — 
 
 Sir John. I blush for you. 
 Men of your quality expose your fame 
 To every vulgar censure ! this at midnight, 
 After a drunken supper in a tavern, 
 (No civil man abroad to censure it,) 
 Had shewn poor in you ; but in the day, and view 
 Of all that pass by, monstrous ! 
 
 Plenty. Very well, sir ; 
 You look'd for this defence. 
 
 Sir Maur. 'Tis thy protection ; 
 But it will deceive thee. 
 
 Sir John. Hold, if you proceed thus, 
 I must make use of the next justice' power, 
 And leave persuasion ; and in plain terms tell you, 
 
 Enter Lady Frugal, Anne, Mary, and Milliscbnt. 
 Neither your birth, sir Maurice, nor your wealth. 
 Shall privilege this riot. See whom you have drawn 
 To be spectators of it ! can you imagine 
 It can stand with the credit of my daughters, 
 To be the argument of your swords ! i' th' street 
 Nay, ere you do salute, or I give way [too ? 
 
 To any private conference, shake hands 
 In sign of peace : he that draws back, parts with 
 My good opinion. [ They shake hands.] This is as 
 
 it should be. 
 Make your approaches, and if their affection 
 Can sympathise with yours, they shall not come 
 On my credit, beggars to you. I will hear 
 What you reply within. 
 
 Sir Maur. May I have the honour 
 To support you, lady ? [To Anne. 
 
 Plenty. I know not what's supporting. 
 But by this fair hand, glove and all, I love you. 
 
 ITo Mary, v* 
 [_Exeunt all but Luke. 
 
 Enter Hoyst, Penury, and Fortune. 
 
 Luke. You are come with all advantage. I will 
 To the speech of my brother. [help yo-i 
 
 For. Have you moved him for us ? 
 
 Luke. With the best of my endeavours, and I 
 You'll find him tractable. [hope 
 
 Pen. Heaven grant he prove so ! 
 
 Hoyst. Howe'er, I'll speak my mind. 
 
 Enter Lord Lacy. , 
 
 Luke. Do so, master Hoyst. 
 Go in : I'll pay my duty to this lord, 
 And then I am wholly yours. 
 
 [^Exeunt Hoyst, Penitry, and Fortune. 
 Heaven bless your honour ! 
 
 L. Lacy. Your hand, master Luke ; the world's 
 much changed with you 
 Within these few months ; then you were the gallant : 
 No meeting at the horse-race, cocking, hunting. 
 Shooting, or bowling, at which master Luke 
 Was not a principal gamester, and companion 
 For the nobility. 
 
 Luke. I have paid dear 
 For those follies, my good lord ; and 'tis but justice 
 That such as soar above their pitch, and will not 
 Be warn'd by my example, should, like me, 
 Share in the miseries that wait upon it. 
 Your honour, in your charity, may do well 
 Not to upbraid me with those weaknesses, 
 Too late repented. 
 
 L. Lacy. I nor do, nor will ; >^ t,\ 
 
 And you shall find I'll lend a helping hand \' 
 
 To raise your fortunes : how deals your brother, 
 with you ? /v> 
 
 Luke. Beyond ray merit, I thank his goodness 
 I am a free man, all my debts discharged ; [for't. 
 Nor does one creditor, undone by me, 
 Curse my loose riots. I have meat and clothes, 
 Time to ask heaven remission for what's past ; 
 Cares of the world by me are laid aside, 
 My present poverty's a blessing to me ; 
 And though I have been long, I dare not say - 
 
 I ever lived till now. 
 
 L. Lacy. You bear it well ; 
 Yet as you wish I should receive for truth 
 What you deliver, with that truth acquaint me 
 With your brother's inclination. I have heard. 
 In the acquisition of his wealth, he weighs not 
 Whose ruins he builds upon. 
 
 Luke. In that, report 
 Wrongs him, my lord. He is a citizen, 
 And would increase his heap, and will not lose 
 What the law gives him : such as are worldly wise 
 Pursue that track, or they will ne'er wear scarlet. 
 But if your honour please to know his temper. 
 You are come opporfeunely. I can bring you 
 Where you, unseen, shall see and hear his carriage 
 Towards some poor men, whose making, or un- 
 Depends upon his pleasure. [doing, 
 
 • L. Lacy. To my wish : 
 I know no object that could more content me. 
 
 \_Excunt 
 
 :f 
 
scENi: in. 
 
 THE CITY MADAM. 
 
 319 
 
 SCENE III. — A Counting-room in Frugal's 
 House. 
 
 Enter Sir John Frugal, IIoyst, Fortune, Pknury, 
 and GoLDVViRE, Junior. 
 
 Sir John. What would you have me do ? reach 
 me a chair. 
 When I lent my monies I appear'd an angel ; 
 But now I would call in mine own, a devil. 
 
 Hoyst. Were you the devil's dam, you must stay 
 till I have it, 
 For as I am a gentleman 
 
 Re-enter Luke, behind, with Lord Lacy, whom he places 
 near the door. ."^ 
 
 Luke. There you may hear all. 
 
 Hoyst. I pawn'd you my land for the tenth part 
 of the value : 
 Now, 'cause I am a gamester, and keep ordinaries, 
 And a livery punk or so, and trade not with 
 The money-mongers' wives, not one will be bound 
 
 for me ; 
 'Tis a hard case ; you must give me longer day, 
 Or I shall grow very angry. 
 
 Sir John. Fret, and spare not. 
 I know no obligation lies upon me 
 With my honey to feed drones. But to the pur- 
 How much owes Penury ? [pose, 
 
 Gold. Two hundred pounds : 
 His bond three times since forfeited. 
 
 Sir John. Is it sued ? 
 
 Gold. Yes, sir, and execution out against him. 
 
 Sir John. For body and goods ? 
 
 Gold. For both, sir. 
 
 Sir John. See it served. 
 
 Pen. I am undone ; my wife and family 
 Must starve for want of bread. 
 
 Sir John. More infidel thou, 
 In not providing better to support them. 
 What's Fortune's debt ? 
 
 Gold. A thousand, sir. 
 
 Sir John. An estate 
 For a good man ! You were the glorious trader, 
 Embraced all bargains : the main venturer 
 In every ship that launch'd forth ; kept your wife 
 As a lady ; she had her caroch, her choice 
 Of summer-houses, built with other men's monies 
 Ta'en up at interest, the certain road 
 To Ludgate in a citizen. Pray you acquaint me, 
 How were my thousand pounds employ'd ? 
 
 For. Insult not 
 On my calamity ; though, being a debtor, 
 And a slave to him that lends, I must endure it. 
 Yet hear me speak thus much in my defence ; 
 Losses at sea, and those, sir, great and many. 
 By storms and tempests, not domestical riots 
 In soothing m-y wife's humour, or mine own, 
 Have brought me to this low ebb. 
 
 Sir John. Suppose this true, 
 •^sWhat is't to me \ I must and will have my money, 
 Or I'll protest you first, and, that done, have 
 The statute made for bankrupts served upon you. 
 
 For. 'Tis in your power, but not in mine to 
 shun it. 
 
 Luke, [comes forward.'] Not, as a brother, sir, 
 but with such duty, 
 As I should use unto my father, since 
 Your charicy is my parent, give me leave 
 To speak my thoughts. 
 
 Sir John. What would you say ? 
 
 Luke. No word, sir, 
 I hope, shall give offence : nor let it relish 
 Of flattery, though I proclaim aloud, 
 I glory in the bravery of your mind. 
 To which your wealth's a servant. Not that riches 
 Is, or should be, contemn'd, it being a blessing 
 Derived from heaven, and by your industry 
 PuU'd down upon you ; but in this, dear sir, 
 You have many equals : such a man's possessions 
 Extend as far as yours ; a second hath 
 His bags as full ; a third in credit flies 
 As high in the popular voice : but the distinction 
 And noble difference by which you are '■■~- | 
 Divided from them, is, that you are styled, 
 Gentle in your abundance, good in plenty ; 
 And that you feel compassion in your bowels/ 
 Of others miseries, (I have found it, sir, 
 Heaven keep me thankful for't !) while they are 
 As rigid and inexorable. [curs'd 
 
 Sir John. I delight not 
 To hear this spoke to my face. 
 
 Luke. That shall not grieve you. 
 Your affability, and mildness, clothed 
 In the garments of your [thankful] debtors' breath, 
 •Shall everywhere, though you strive to conceal it, 
 Be seen and wonder'd at, and in the act 
 With a prodigal hand rewarded. Whereas, such 
 As are born only for themselves, and live so. 
 Though prosperous in worldly understandings. 
 Are but like beasts of rapine, that, by odds 
 Of strength, usurp, and tyrannize o'er others 
 Brought under their subjection. 
 
 L. Lacy. A rare fellow! 
 I am strangely taken with him. 
 
 Luke. Can you think, sir, 
 In your unquestion'd wisdom, I beseech you, 
 The goods of this poor man sold at an outcry. 
 His wife turn'd out of doors, his children forced 
 To beg their bread ; this gentleman's estate, 
 By wrong extorted, can advantage you ? 
 
 Hoyst. If it thrive with him, hang me, as it will 
 If he be not converted. [damn him, 
 
 Luke. You are too violent. 
 
 Or that the ruin of this once brave merchant, 
 
 For such he was esteem'd, though now decay'd. 
 
 Will raise your reputation with good men ? 
 
 But you may urge, (pray you pardon me, my zeal 
 
 Makes me thus bold and vehement,) in this 
 
 You satisfy your anger, and revenge 
 
 For being defeated. Suppose this, it will not 
 
 Repair your loss, and there was never yet 
 
 But shame and scandal in a victory, 
 
 When the rebels unto reason, passions, fought it. 
 
 Then for revenge, by great souls it was ever 
 
 Contemn'd, though offered ; entertain'd by none 
 
 But cowards, base and abject spirits, strangers 
 
 To moral honesty, and never yet 
 
 Acquainted with religion. 
 
 L. Lacy. Our divines 
 Cannot speak more effectually. 
 
 Sir John. Shall I be 
 Talk'd out of my money } 
 
 Luke. No, sir, but entreated 
 To do yourself a benefit, and preserve 
 What you possess entire. 
 
 Sir John. How, my good brother ? 
 
 Luke. By making these your beadsmen. When 
 they eat, 
 Their thanks, next heaven, will be paid to youi* 
 mercy ; 
 
y20 
 
 THE CITY MADAM. 
 
 When your ships are at sea, their prayers will 
 
 swell 
 The sails with prosperous winds, and guard them 
 
 from 
 Tempests, and pirates ; keep your warehouses 
 From fire, or quench them with their tears. 
 
 Sir John. No more. 
 
 Luke. Write you a good man in the people's 
 hearts, 
 Follow you everywhere. 
 
 Sir John. If this could be — 
 
 Luke. It must, or our devotions are but words. 
 I see a gentle promise in your eye, 
 Make it a blessed act, and poor me rich, 
 In being the instrument. 
 
 Sir John. You shall prevail ; 
 Give them longer day : but, do you hear, no talk 
 
 oft. 
 Should this arrive at twelve on the Exchange, 
 I shall be laugh' d at for my foolish pity, 
 Which money-men hate deadly. Take your own 
 
 time, 
 But see you break not. Carry them to the cellar ; 
 Drink a health, and thank your orator. 
 
 Pen. On our knees, sir. 
 
 For. Honest master Luke ! 
 
 Hoyst. I bless the counter, where 
 You learn'd this rhetoric. 
 
 Luke. No more of that, friends. 
 \_Exeuvt Luke, Hoyst, Fortune, and Penury. Lord 
 Lacy comes forward-. 
 
 Sir John. My honourable lord. 
 
 L. Lacy. I have seen and heard all. 
 Excuse my manners, and wish heartily 
 You were all of a piece. Your charity to your 
 
 debtors, 
 I do commend ; but where you should express 
 Your piety to the height, I must boldly tell you, 
 You shew yourself an athiest. 
 
 Sir John. Make me know 
 My error, and for what I am thus censured, 
 
 And I will purge myself, or else confess 
 A guilty cause. 
 
 L. Lacy. It is your harsh demeanour 
 To your poor brother. 
 
 Sir John. Is that all ? 
 
 L. Lacy. 'Tis more 
 Than can admit defence. You keep him as 
 A parasite to your table, subject to 
 The scorn of your proud wife ; an underling 
 To his own nieces : and can I with mine honour 
 Mix my blood with his, that is not sensible 
 Of his brother's miseries/ 
 
 Sir John. Pray you, take me with you ; 
 And let me yield my reasons why T am 
 No opener-handed to him. I was born 
 His elder brother, yet my father's fondness 
 To him, the younger, robb'd me of my birthright : 
 He had a fair estate, which his loose riots 
 Soon brought to nothing ; wants grew heavy on him, 
 And when laid up for debt, of all forsaken. 
 And in his own hopes lost, I did redeem him. 
 
 L. Lacy. You could not do less. 
 
 Sir John. Was I bound to it, my lord ? 
 What I possess I may, with justice, call 
 The harvest of my industry. Would you have me, 
 Neglecting mine own family, to give up 
 My estate to his disposure ? 
 
 L. Lacy. I would have you, 
 What's pass'd forgot, to use him as a brolher ; 
 A brother of fair parts, of a clear soul. 
 Religious, good, and honest. 
 
 Sir John. Outward gloss , 
 Often deceives, may it not prove so in him ! 
 And yet my long acquaintance with his nature 
 Renders me doubtful ; but that shall not make 
 A breach between us : let us in to dinner, 
 And what trust, or employment you think fit, 
 Shall be conferr'd upon him : if he prove 
 True gold in the touch, I'll be no mourner for it. 
 
 L, Lacy. If counterfeit, I'll never trust my 
 judgment. [Exeunt 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE I.— A Room in Sir John Frugal's 
 House. 
 
 Enter Luke, Holdfa&t, Goldwire Junior, and 
 Tradewell Junior. 
 
 Hold. The like was never seen. 
 
 Luke. W^hy in this rage, man ? 
 
 Hold. Men may talk of country-christmasses, 
 and court-gluttony. 
 Their thirty-pound butter'd eggs, their pies of 
 
 carps' tongues, 
 Their pheasants drench'd with ambergris, the 
 
 carcases 
 Of three fat wethers bruised for gravy, to 
 Make sauce for a single peacock ; yet their feasts 
 Were fasts, compared with the city's. 
 
 Trade. What dear dainty 
 Was it, thou murmur'st at ? 
 
 Hold. Did you not observe it ? 
 There were three sucking pigs serv'd up in a dish,, 
 Ta'en from the sow as soon as farrowed, 
 A fortnight fed with dates, and muskadine, 
 That stood my master in twenty marks apiece. 
 
 Besides the puddings in their bellies, made 
 
 Of I know not what. — I dare swear the cook that 
 
 dress'd it 
 Was the devil, disguised like a Dutchman. 
 
 Gold. Yet all this 
 Will not make you fat, fellow Holdfast. 
 
 Hold. I am rather 
 Starv'd to look on't. But here's the mischief— 
 The dishes were raised one upon another, [though 
 As woodmongers do billets, for the first, 
 The second, and third course, and most of the 
 
 shops 
 Of the best confectioners in London ransack'd, 
 To furnish out a banquet ; yet my lady 
 Call'd me penurious rascal, and cried out. 
 There was nothing worth the eating. 
 
 Gold. You must have patience, 
 This is not done often. 
 
 Hold. 'Tis not fit it should ; 
 Three such dinners more would break an alderman. 
 And make him give up his cloak : I am resolv'd 
 To have no hand in't. I'll make up my accompts. 
 And since my master longs to be undone. 
 
?TKNB r. 
 
 7 HE CITV MADAM. 
 
 The great fiend be his steward : I will pray, 
 
 And bless myself from him ! lExit. 
 
 Gold. The wretch shews in this 
 An honest care. 
 
 Luke. Out on him ! with the fortune 
 Of a slave he has the mind of one. However 
 She bears me hard, I like my lady's humour, 
 And my brother's suffrage to it. They are now 
 Busy on all hands ; one side eager for 
 Large portions, the other arguing strictly 
 For jointures and security ; but this 
 Being above our scale, no way concerns us. 
 How dull you look ! in the meantime, how intend 
 To spend the hours .' [you 
 
 Gold. We well know how we would, ^ 
 But dare not serve our wills. 
 
 Trade. Being prentices, 
 We are bound to attendance. 
 
 Lxike. Have you almost served out 
 The term of your indentures^ yet make conscience 
 By starts to use your liberty h Hast thou traded 
 H^ I [2'o Trade WELL. 
 
 In the other world, expbsed^nto all dangers. 
 To make thy master rich, yet dar'st not take 
 Some portion of the profit for thy pleasure ? 
 Or wilt thou ; \to Gold.] being keeper of the cash, 
 Like an ass that carries dainties, feed on thistles ? 
 Are you gentlemen born, yet have no gallant tinc- 
 Of gentry in you ? you are no mechanics, [ture 
 Nor serve some needy shopkeeper, who surveys 
 His every-day takings : you have in your keeping 
 A mass of wealth, from which you may take boldly. 
 And no way be discover'd. He's no rich man 
 That knows all he possesses, and leaves nothing 
 For his servants to make prey of. I blush for you. 
 Blush at your poverty of spirit ; you, 
 The brave sparks of the city ! 
 
 Gold. Master Luke, 
 I wonder you should urge this, having felt 
 What misery follows riot. 
 
 Trade. And the penance 
 You endured for't in the counter. 
 
 Luke. You are fools. 
 The case is not the same ; I spent mine own 
 
 money, 
 And my stock being small, no marvel 'twas soon 
 
 wasted ; 
 But you, without the least doubt or suspicion. 
 If cautelous, may make bold with your master's. 
 As, for example, when his ships come home, 
 And you take your receipts, as 'tis the fashion. 
 For fifty bales of silk you may write forty ; 
 Or for so many pieces of cloth of bodkin. 
 Tissue, gold, silver, velvets, satins, taffetas, 
 A piece of each deducted from the gross 
 W ill ne'er be miss'd, a dash of a pen will do it. 
 
 Trade. Ay, but our father's bonds, that lie in 
 For our honesties, must pay for't. [pawn 
 
 Luke. A mere bugbear. 
 Invented to fright children ! As I live. 
 Were I the master of my brother's fortunes, 
 I should glory in such servants. Didst thou know 
 What ravishing lechery it is to enter 
 An ordinary, cap-k-pie, trimm'd like a gallant, 
 For which, in trunks conceal'd, be ever furnish'd ; 
 The reverence, respect, the crouches, cringes. 
 The musical chime of gold in your cramm'd 
 
 pockets, 
 Commands from the attendants, and poor por- 
 
 Trade. O rare ! [ters 
 
 Luke. Then sitting at the table with 
 The braveries of the kingdom, you shall hear 
 Occurrents from all corners of the world. 
 The plots, the counsels, the designs of princes, 
 And freely censure them ; the city wits 
 Cried up, or decried, as their passions lead them ; 
 Judgment having nought to do there. 
 
 Trade. Admirable ! 
 
 Luke. My lord no sooner shall riie out of his 
 chair. 
 The gaming lord I mean, but you may boldly. 
 By the privilege of a gamester, fill his room, 
 For in play you are all fellows ; have your knife 
 As soon in the pheasant ; drink your health as 
 
 freely, ! 
 
 And, striking in a lucky hand or two, j 
 
 Buy out your time. 
 
 Trade. This may be ; but suppose 
 We should be known ? 
 
 Luke. Have money and good clothes. 
 And you may pass invisible. Or, if 
 You love a madam-punk, and your wide nostril 
 Be taken with the scent of cambric smocks. 
 Wrought and perfumed 
 
 Gold. There, there, master Luke, 
 There lies my road of happiness ! 
 
 Luke. Enjoy it. 
 And pleasures stolen, being sweetest, apprehend 
 The raptures of being hurried in a coach 
 To Brentford, Staines, or Barnet. 
 
 Gold. 'Tis enchanting. 
 I have proved it. 
 
 Luke. Hast thou ? 
 
 Gold. Yes, in all these places 
 I have had my several pagans billeted 
 For my own tooth, and after ten~pound suppers 
 The curtains drawn, my fiddlers playing all niglit 
 Theshaking of the sheets , which I have danced 
 Again and again with my cockatrice : — master 
 
 Luke, 
 You shall be of my counsel, and we two sworn 
 
 brothers ; 
 And therefore I'll be open. I am out now 
 Six hundred in the cash, yet if on a sudden 
 I should be call'd to account, I have a trick 
 How to evade it, and make up the sum. 
 
 Trade. Is' t possible ? 
 
 Luke. You can instruct your tutor. 
 How, how, good Tom ,' 
 
 Gold. Why, look you. We cash-keepers 
 Hold correspondence, supply one another 
 On all occasions : I can borrow for a week 
 Two hundred pounds of one, as much of a second, 
 A third lays down the rest ; and, when they want, 
 As my master's monies come in I do repay it : 
 Ka me, ka thee ! 
 
 Luke. An excellent knot ! 'tis pity 
 It e'er should be unloosed : for me it shall not. 
 You are shewn the way, friend Tradewcll, you 
 
 may make use on't. 
 Or freeze in the warehouse, and keep company 
 With the cater. Holdfast. 
 
 Trade. No, I am converted. 
 A Barbican broker will furnish me with outside, 
 And then, a ci'ash at the ordinary ! 
 
 Gold. I am for 
 The lady you saw this morning, who indeed is 
 My proper recreation. 
 
 Luke. Go to, Tom ; 
 What did you make me ? y 
 
S2Z 
 
 THE CITY MADAM. 
 
 Gold. I'll do as much for you, 
 Employ me when you please. 
 
 Luke. If you are enquired for, 
 1 will excuse you both. 
 
 Trade. Kind master Luke ! 
 
 Gold. We'll break my master to make you. 
 
 You know 
 
 Lulce. I cannot love money. Go, boys ! 
 
 lExeunt Goldwiue and Tradewell. 
 When time serves, 
 It shall appear I have another end in't. lExit. 
 
 SCENE II — Another Room in the same. 
 
 Enter Sir John Frugal, Lord Lacy, Sir Maurice Lacy, 
 Plenty, Lady Frugal, Anne, Mary, and Milliscent. 
 
 Sir John. Ten thousand pounds a piece I'll 
 make their portions, 
 And after my decease it shall be double, 
 Provided you assure them, for their jointures. 
 Eight hundred pounds per annum, and entail 
 A thousand more upon the heirs male 
 13egotten on their bodies. 
 
 L. Lacy. Sir, you bind us 
 To very strict conditions. 
 
 Plenty. You, my lord, 
 May do as you please : but to me it seems 
 
 strange. 
 We should conclude of portions, and of jointures, 
 Before our hearts are settled. 
 
 L. Frug. You say right : 
 There are counsels of more moment and impor- 
 On the making up of marriages, to be [tance, 
 
 Consider'd duly, than the portion or the jointures, 
 In which a mother's care must be exacted ; 
 And I, by special privilege, may challenge 
 A casting voice. 
 
 L. Lacy. How's this } 
 
 L. Friig. Even so, my lord ; 
 In these affairs I govern. 
 
 L. Lacy. Give you way to't ? 
 
 Sir John. I must, my lord. 
 
 L. Frug. 'Tis fit he should, and shall. 
 You may consult of something else, this province 
 Is wholly mine. 
 
 Sir Maur. By the city custom, madam .'* 
 
 L. Frug. Yes, my young sir ; and both must 
 Will hold it by my copy. [look my daughters 
 
 Plenty. Brave, i'faith ! 
 
 Sir John. Give her leave to talk, we have the 
 power to do ; 
 And now touching the business we last talk'd of. 
 In private, if you please. 
 
 L. Lacy. 'Tis well remember'd : 
 You shall take your own way, madam. 
 
 ^Exeunt Lord Lacy and Sir John Frugal. 
 
 Sir Maur. What strange lecture 
 Will she read unto us ? 
 
 L. Frug. Such as wisdom warrants 
 From the superior bodies. Is Stargaze ready 
 With his several schemes ? 
 
 Mill. Yes, madam, and attends 
 Your pleasure. 
 
 Sir Maur. Stargaze ! lady : what is he ? 
 
 L. Frug. Call him in. — \Exit Milliscent.] — 
 You shall first know him, then admire 
 him 
 For a man of many parts, and those parts rare ones. 
 He's every thing, indeed ; parcel physician. 
 
 And as such prescribes my diet, and foretels 
 
 My dreams when I eat potatoes ; parcel poet, 
 
 And sings encomiums to my virtues sweetly ; 
 
 My antecedent, or my gentleman-usher. 
 
 And as the stars move, with that due proportion 
 
 He walks before me : but an absolute master 
 
 In the calculation of nativities ; 
 
 Guided by that ne'er-erring science call'd. 
 
 Judicial astrology. 
 
 Plenty. Stargaze ! sure 
 I have a penny almanack about me 
 Inscribed to you, as to his patroness. 
 In his name publish'd. 
 
 L. Frug. Keep it as a jewel. 
 Some statesmen that I will not name are wholly 
 Govern'd by his predictions ; for they serve 
 For any latitude in Christendom, 
 As well as our own climate. 
 Re-enter Milljscent, fvUoived hy Stargaze with two 
 schemes. 
 
 Sir Maur. I believe so. 
 
 Plenty. Must we couple by the almanack ? 
 
 L. Frug. Be silent ; 
 And ere we do articulate, much more 
 Grow to a full conclusion, instruct us 
 Whether this day and hour, by the planets, promise 
 Happy success in marriage. 
 
 Star. In omni 
 Parte, et toto. 
 
 Plenty. Good learn'd sir, in English ; 
 And since it is resolved we must be coxcombs, 
 Make us so in our own language. 
 
 Star. You are pleasant : 
 Thus in our vulgar tongue then. 
 
 L. Frug. Fray you observe him. 
 
 Star. Venus, in the west angle, the house of 
 marriage the seventh house, in trine of Mars, in 
 conjunction of Luna ; and Mars Almuthen, or 
 lord of the horoscope. 
 
 Plenty. Hey-day ! 
 
 L.Frug. The angels' language ! lamravish'd- 
 forward. 
 
 Star. Mars, as I said, lord of the horoscope, or 
 geniture, in mutual reception of each other ; she 
 in her exaltation, and he in his triplicite trine, 
 and face, assuve a fortunate combination to Hymen, 
 excellent, prosperous, and happy. 
 
 L. Frmj. Kneel, and give thanks. 
 
 IThe Women kneel. 
 
 Sir Maur, For what we understand not ? 
 
 Plenty. And have as little faith in ? 
 
 L. Frug. Be incredulous ; 
 To me, 'tis oracle. 
 
 Star. Now for the sovereignty of my future 
 ladies, your daughters, after they are married. 
 
 Plenty. Wearing the breeches, you mean? 
 
 L, Frug. Touch that point home : 
 It is a principal one, and, with London ladies, 
 Of main consideration. 
 
 Star. This is infallible : Saturn out of all digni- 
 ties in his detriment and fall, combust : and Venus 
 in the south angle elevated above him, lady of 
 both their nativities, in her essential and acciden- 
 tal dignities ; occidental from the sun, oriental 
 from the angle of the east, in cazini of the sun, in 
 her joy, and free from the malevolent beair.s of in- 
 fortunes ; in a sign commanding, and Mars in a 
 constellation obeying ; she fortunate, and he de- 
 jected : the disposers of nuuriage in the radix of 
 the native in feminine figures, argue, foretel, and 
 
SCENE II 
 
 THE CITY MADAM. 
 
 323 
 
 declare, rule, pre-eminence, and absolute sove- 
 reignty in women. 
 
 L. JFrufj. Is't possible ! 
 
 Slar. 'Tis drawn, I assure you, from the apho- 
 risms of the old Chaldeans, Zoroastes the first and 
 greatest magician, Mercurius Trismegistus, the 
 later Ptolemy, and the everlasting prognosticator, 
 old Erra Pater. 
 
 L. Friiff. Are you yet satisfied ? 
 
 Plenty. In what ? 
 
 L. Frug. That you 
 Are bound to obey your wives ; it being so 
 Determined by the stars, against whose influence 
 There is no opposition. 
 
 Plenty. Since I must -^ 
 
 Be married by the almanack, as I may be, 
 'Twere requisite the services and duties 
 Which, as you say, I must pay to my wife, 
 "Were set down in the calendar. 
 
 Sir Maur. With the date 
 Of my apprenticeship. 
 
 L. Frug. Make your demands ; 
 I'll sit as moder^trix, if they press you 
 With over-hard conditions. 
 
 Sir Maur. Mine hath the van ; 
 I stand your charge, sweet. 
 
 Star. Silence. 
 
 Anne. I require first. 
 And that, since 'tis in fashion with kind husbands. 
 In civil manners you must grant, my will 
 In all things whatsoever, and that will 
 To be obey'd, not argued. 
 
 L. Frug. And good reason. 
 
 Plenty. A gentle imprimis ! 
 
 Sir Maur. This in gross contains all : 
 But your special items, lady. 
 
 Anne. When I am one, ^.-^ 
 
 And you are honour'd to be styled my husband. 
 To urge my having my page, my gentleman-usher. 
 My woman sworn to my secrets, my caroch 
 Drawn by six Flanders mares, my coachman, 
 
 grooms. 
 Postillion, and footmen. 
 
 Sir Maur. Is there ought else 
 To be demanded ? 
 
 Anne. Yes, sir, mine own doctor, 
 French and Italian cooks, musicians, songsters. 
 And a chaplain that must preach to please my 
 
 fancy : 
 A friend at court to place me at a masque ; 
 The private box ta'en up at a new play. 
 For me and my retinue ; a fresh habit. 
 Of a fashion never seen before, to draw 
 The gallant's eyes, that sit on the stage, upon me ; 
 Some decayed lady for my parasite. 
 To flatter me, and rail at other madams ; 
 And there ends my ambition. 
 
 Sir Maur. Your desires 
 Are modest, I confess ! 
 
 Anne. These toys subscribed to, 
 And you continuing an obedient husband, 
 Upon all fit occasions you shall find me 
 A most indidgcnt wife. 
 
 L. Frug. You have said ; give place, 
 And hear your younger sister. 
 
 Plenty. If she speak 
 Her language, may the great fiend, booted and 
 
 spurr'd, 
 With a sithe at his girdle, as the Scotchman says. 
 Ride headlong down her throat ! y 
 
 Sir Maur. Curse not the judge, 
 Before you hear the sentence. 
 
 Mary. In some part 
 My sister hath spoke well for the city pleasures, 
 But I am for the country's ; and must say, 
 Under correction, in her demands 
 She was too modest. 
 
 Sir Maur. How like you this exordium^ 
 
 Plenty. Too modest, with a mischief 1 
 
 Mary. Yes, too modest : 
 I know my value, and prize it to the worth. 
 My youth, my beauty 
 
 Plenty. How your glass deceives you ! 
 
 Mary. The greatness of the portion I bring with 
 me, 
 And the sea of happiness that from me flows to you. 
 
 Sir Maur. She bears up close. 
 
 Mary. And can you, in your wisdom, 
 Or rustical simplicity, imagine 
 You have met some innocent country girl, that 
 
 never 
 Look'd further than her father's farm, nor knew 
 
 more 
 Than the price of corn in the market ; or at what 
 
 rate 
 Beef went a stone ? that would survey your dairy, 
 And bring in mutton out of cheese and butter ? 
 That could give directions at what time of the moon 
 To cut her cocks for capons against Christmas, 
 Or when to raise up goslings ? 
 
 Plenty. These are arts 
 Would not misbecome you, though you should put 
 Obedience and duty. Lin 
 
 Mary. Yes, and patience. 
 To sit like a fool at home, and eye your thrashers; 
 Then make provision for your slavering hounds. 
 When you come drunk from an alehouse, after 
 
 hunting 
 With your clowns and comrades, as if all were 
 
 yours. 
 You the lord paramount, and I the drudge ; 
 The case, sir, must be otherwise. 
 
 Plenty. How, I beseech you ? 
 
 Mary. Marry, thus : I will not, like my sister, 
 challenge 
 What's useful or superfluous from my husband, 
 That's base all o'er ; mine shall receive from me 
 What I think fit ; I'll have the state convey'd 
 Into my hands, and he put to his pension. 
 Which the wise viragos of our climate practise ; — 
 I will receive your rents. 
 
 Plenty. You shall be hang'd first. 
 
 Mary. Make sale or purchase : nay I'll have 
 my neighbours 
 Instructed, when a passenger shall ask, 
 W^hose house is this ? (though you stand by) to 
 
 answer. 
 The lady Plenty's. Or who owns this manor ? 
 The lady Plenty. Whose sheep are these, whose 
 The lady Plenty's. [oxen? 
 
 Plenty. A plentiful pox upon you ! 
 
 Mary. And when I have children, if it be en 
 quired 
 By a stranger, whose they are ? — they shall still 
 
 echo, 
 My lady Plenty's, the husband never thought on. 
 
 Plenty. In their begetting : I think so. 
 
 Mary. Since you'll marry 
 In the city for our wealth, in justice, we 
 Must have the country's sovereignty. 
 
824 
 
 THE CITY MADAM. 
 
 ACT n. 
 
 Plenty. And we nothing. 
 
 Mary. A nag of iorty shillings, a couple of 
 spaniels, 
 With a sparhawk, is sufficient, and these too. 
 As you shall behave yourself, during my pleasure, 
 I will not greatly stand on. I have said, sir, 
 Now if you like me, so. 
 
 L. Frug. At my entreaty. 
 The articles shall be easier. 
 
 Plenty. Shall they, i' faith ? 
 Like bitch, like whelps. 
 
 Sir Maur. Use fair words. 
 
 Plenty. I cannot ; 
 I have read of a house of pride, and now I have 
 A whirlwind overturn it ! [found one : 
 
 Sir Maur. On these terms; 
 Will your minxship be a lady ? 
 
 Plenty. A lady in a morris : 
 I'll wed a pedlar's punk first — 
 
 Sir Maur. Tinker's trull, 
 A beggar without a smock. 
 
 Plenty. Let monsieur almanack. 
 Since he is so cunning with his Jacob's staff, 
 Find you out a husband in a bowling-alley. 
 
 Sir Maur. The general pimp to a brothel. 
 
 Plenty. Though that now 
 All the loose desires of man were raked up in me, 
 And no means but thy maidenhead left to quench 
 
 them, 
 I would turn cinders, or the next sow-gelder, 
 On my life, should lib me, rather than embrace 
 
 Anne. Wooing do you call this ! [thee. 
 
 Mary. A bear-baiting rather. 
 
 Plenty. Were you worried, you deserve it, and 
 I shall live to see it. [1 hope 
 
 Sir Maur. I'll not rail, nor curse you : 
 Only this, you are pretty peats, and your great 
 
 portions 
 Add much unto your handsomeness ; but as 
 You would command your husbands, you are beg- 
 Deform'd and ugly. [gars, 
 
 L. Frug. Hear me. 
 
 Plenty. Not a word more. 
 
 \_Exeuni Sir JMaurick Lacy and Plenty. 
 
 Anne. I ever thought it would come to this. 
 
 Mary. We may 
 Lead apes in hell for husbands, if you bind us 
 To articulate thus with our suitors. 
 
 \_Both speak weeping. 
 
 Star. Now the cloud breaks, 
 And the storm will fall on me. \_Aside. 
 
 L. Frug. You rascal ! juggler ! 
 
 \_She breaks Stargazk's head, and beats him. 
 
 Star. Dear madam. 
 
 L. Frug. Hold you intelligence with the stars. 
 And thus deceive me I 
 
 Star. My art cannot err ; 
 If it does, I'll burn my astrolabe. In mine own 
 I did foresee this broken head, and beating ; [star 
 And now your ladyship sees, as I do feel it, 
 It could not be avoided. 
 
 L. Frug. Did you ? 
 
 Star. Madam. 
 Have patience but a week, and if you find not 
 All my predictions true, touching your daughters. 
 And a change of fortune to yourself, a rare one, 
 Turn me out of doors. These are not the men the 
 
 planets 
 Appointed for their husbands ; there will come 
 Gallants of another metal. 
 
 3Iill. Once more trust him. 
 
 Anne. Alary. Do, lady-mother. 
 
 L. Frug. I am vex'd, look to it ; 
 Turn o'er your books ; if once again you fool me. 
 You shall graze elsewhere : come, girls. 
 
 Star. I am glad I scaped thus. 
 
 [Aside. Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. — Another Room in the name. 
 
 Knter Lord Lacy and Sir John Frugal, 
 L. Lacy. The plot shews very likely. 
 Sir John. I repose 
 My principal tru^t in your lordship ; 'twill prepare 
 The physic I intend to minister 
 To my wife and daughters. 
 
 L. Lacy. I will do my parts, 
 To set it off to the life. 
 
 Enter Sir Maurice Lacv, and Plen-ty. 
 
 Sir John. It may produce 
 A scene of no vulgar mirth. Here come the 
 
 suitors ; 
 When we understand how they relish my wife's 
 The rest is feasible. [Immoui-s, 
 
 L. Lacy. Their looks are cloudy. 
 
 Sir John. How sits the wind ? are you ready to 
 launch forth 
 Into this sea of marriage ? 
 
 Plenty. Call it rather, 
 A whirlpool of afflictions. 
 
 Sir Maur. If you please 
 To enjoin me to it, I will undertake 
 To find the north passage to the Indies sooner. 
 Than plough with your proud heifer. 
 
 Plenty. I will make 
 A voyage to hell first. — 
 
 Sir John. How, sir ! 
 
 Plenty. And court Proserpine, 
 In the sight of Pluto, his three-headed porter, 
 Cerberus, standing by, and all the Furies 
 With their whips to scourge me for't, than say, I 
 Take you, Mary, for my wife. [JefiVey 
 
 L. Lacy. Why, what's the matter ? 
 
 Sir Maur. The matter is, the mother (with your 
 pardon, 
 I cannot but speak so much) is a most unsufTerable, 
 Proud, insolent lady. 
 
 Plenty. And the daughters worse. 
 The dam in years had the advantage to be wicked, 
 But they were so in her belly. 
 
 Sir Maur. I must tell you, 
 With reverence to your wealth, I do begin 
 To think you of the same leaven. 
 
 Plenty. Take my counsel ; 
 'Tis safer for your credit to profess 
 Yourself a cuckold, and upon record, 
 Than say they are your daughters. 
 
 Sir John. You go too far, sir. 
 
 Sir Maur. They have so articled with us ! 
 
 Plenty. And will not take us 
 For their husbands, but their slaves ; and so afore- 
 They do profess they'll use us. [hand 
 
 Sir John. Leave this heat : 
 Though they are mine, I must tell you, the per- 
 
 verseness 
 Of their manners (which they did not take from 
 
 me. 
 But from their mother) qualified, they deserve 
 Your equals. 
 
SCENE 
 
 THE CITY MADAM. 
 
 325 
 
 Sir Maur. True ; but what's bred in the bone, 
 Admits no hope of cure. 
 
 Plenty. Though saints and angels 
 Were their physicians. 
 
 Sir John. You conchide too fast. 
 
 Plenty. God be wi' you ! I'll travel three years, 
 This shame that lives upon me. [but I'll bury 
 
 Sir Manr. With your license, 
 I'll keep him company. 
 
 L. Lacy. Who shall furnish you 
 For your expenses. 
 
 Plenty. He shall not need your help, 
 My purse is his ; we were rivals, but now friends, 
 And will live and die so. '^ 
 
 Sir Manr. Ere we go, I'll pay 
 My duty as a son. 
 
 Plenty. And till then leave you. 
 
 \_Exeunt Sir Maurice Lacv and Plkntt. 
 
 L. Lncy. They are strangely moved. 
 
 Sir John. What's wealth, accompanied 
 With disobedience in a wife and children ? 
 My heart will break. 
 
 L. Lacy. Be comforted, and hope better : 
 We'll ride abroad ; the fresh air and discourse 
 May yield us new inventions. 
 
 Sir John. You are noble. 
 And shall in all things, as you please, command 
 me. [Exeunt. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I. — A Room in Secret's House. 
 
 Enter Shavk'km and Secret. 
 
 Secret. Dead doings, daughter. 
 
 Shave. Doings ! sufferings, mother : 
 [For poor] men have forgot what doing is ; 
 And such as have to pay for what they do, 
 Are impotent, or eunuchs. 
 
 Secret. You have a friend yet. 
 And a striker too, 1 take it. 
 
 Shave. Goldwire is so, and comes 
 To me by stealth, and, as he can steal, maintains me 
 In clothes, I grant ; but alas ! dame, what's one 
 
 friend ? 
 I would have a hundred ; — for every hour, and use. 
 And change of humour £ am in, a fresh one : 
 'Tis a flock of sheep that makes a lean wolf fat, 
 And not a single lambkin. I am starv'd, 
 Starv'd in my pleasures ; I know not what a 
 
 coach is. 
 To hurry me to the Burse, or Old Exchange : 
 The neathouse for musk-melons, and the gardens, 
 Where we traffic for asparagus, are, to me, 
 In the other world. 
 
 Secret. There are other places, lady. 
 Where you might find customers. 
 
 Shave. You would have me foot it 
 To the dancing of the ropes, sit a whole afternoon 
 In expectation of nuts and pippins ; [there 
 
 Gape round about me, and yet not find a chapman 
 That in courtesy will bid a chop of mutton, 
 Or a pint of drum-wine for me. 
 
 Secret. You are so impatient ! 
 But I can tell you news will comfort you, 
 And the whole sisterhood. 
 
 Shave. What's that ? 
 
 Secret. I am told 
 Two ambassadors are come over : a French mon- 
 And a Venetian, one of the clarissimi, [sieur, 
 
 A hot-rein'd marmoset. Their followers, 
 For their countries' honour, after a long vacation, 
 Will make a full term with us. 
 
 Shave. They indeed are 
 Our certain and best customers : — [knocking with- 
 in.'] — Who knocks there ? 
 
 Ramb. [ Wilhin.l Open the door. 
 
 Secret. What are you ? 
 
 Ramb. [Within.'\ Ramble. 
 
 Scuff. [Within.^ Scuffle. 
 
 Ramb. [ Within. ] Your constant visitants. 
 
 Shave. Let them not in ; 
 I know them, swaggering, suburbian roarers, 
 Sixpenny truckers. 
 
 Ramb. [ Within.'] Down go all your windows, 
 And your neighbours' too shall suffer. 
 
 Scuff. [Within.] Force the doors ! 
 
 Secret. They are outlaws, mistress Shave'eni, 
 and there is 
 No remedy against them. What should you fear r 
 They are but men ; lying at your close ward, 
 You have foil'd their betters. 
 
 Shave. Out, you bawd ! you care not 
 Upon what desperate service you employ me, 
 Nor with whom, so you have your fee. 
 
 Secret. Sweet lady-bird, 
 Sing in a milder key. 
 
 Exit, and re-enters loUh Ramble arid Scuffle. 
 
 Scuff. Are you grown proud } 
 
 Ramb. I knew you a waistcoateer in the garden 
 And would come to a sailor's whistle. [alleys, 
 
 Secret. Good sir Ramble, 
 Use her not roughly ; she is very tender. 
 
 Ramb. Rank and rotten, is she not ? 
 
 [Shave'em draws her knife. 
 
 Shave. Your spittle rogueships 
 
 [Ramble draws his sword. 
 Shall not make me so. 
 
 Secret. As you are a man, squire Scuffle, 
 Step in between them : a weapon of that length 
 Was never drawn in my house. 
 
 Shave. Let him come on. 
 I'll scour it in your guts, you dog ! 
 
 Ramb. You brache 1 
 Are you turn'd mankind ? you forgot I gave you, 
 When we last join'd issue, twenty pound — 
 
 Shave. O'er night. 
 And kick'd it out of me in the morning. I was thea 
 A novice, but I know to make my game now. 
 Fetch the constable. 
 
 Enter Goldwike, Junior, disguised like a Justice of Peace, 
 Dino'em like a Constable, and Musicians like Watchmen 
 
 Secret. Ah me ! here's one unsent for. 
 And a justice of peace, too. 
 
 Shave. I'll hang you both, you rascals ! 
 I can but ride : — you for the purse you cut 
 In Paul's at a sermon ; I have smoak'd you, ha ! 
 And you for the bacon you took on the highway, 
 I'rom the poor market woman, as she rode 
 From Rum ford. 
 
?26 
 
 THE CITY MADAM. 
 
 Ramb. Mistress Shave'em. 
 
 Scuff. Mistress Secret, 
 On our knees we beg your pardon. 
 
 Ramb. Set a ransome on us. 
 
 Secret, We cannot stand trifling : if you mean 
 Sliut them out at the back-door. [to save them, 
 
 Shave. First, for punishment, 
 
 They shall leave their cloaks behind them ; and in 
 
 T am their sovereign, and they my vassals, [sign 
 
 For homage kiss my shoe-sole, rogues, and vanish ! 
 
 lExeunt Ramble and Scuffle. 
 
 Gold. My brave virago ! The coast's clear ; 
 strike up. 
 
 [GoLDwiRE and the rest discover themselves. 
 
 Shave. My Goldwire made a justice ! 
 
 Secret. And your scout 
 Turn'd constable, and the musicians watchmen ! 
 
 Gold. We come not to fright you, but to make 
 you merry : 
 A light lavolta. IThey dance. 
 
 Shave. I am tired ; no more. 
 This was your device } 
 
 Ding. Wholly his own ; he is 
 No pig-sconce, mistress. 
 
 Secret. He has an excellent headpiece. 
 
 Gold. Fie ! no, not I ; your jeering gallants say. 
 We citizens have no wit. 
 
 Ding. He dies that says so : 
 This was a masterpiece. 
 
 Gold. A trifling stratagem, 
 Not worth the talking of. 
 
 Shave. I must kiss theo for it, 
 Again, and again. ITheykiss. 
 
 Ding. Make much of her. Did you know 
 What suitors she had since she saw you 
 
 Gold. I'the way of marriage ? 
 
 Ding. Yes, sir ; for marriage, and the other 
 thing too ; 
 The commodity is the same. An Irish lord offer'd 
 Five pound a week. [her 
 
 Secret. And a cashier'd captain, half 
 Of his entertainment. 
 
 Ding. And a new-made courtier, 
 The next suit he could beg. 
 
 Gold. And did my sweet one 
 Refuse all this, for me ? 
 
 Shave. Weep not for joy ; 
 *Tis true. Let others talk of lords and commanders, 
 And country heirs for their servants ; but give me 
 My gallant prentice ! he parts with his money 
 So civilly, and demurely, keeps no account 
 Of his expenses, and comes ever furnish'd. — 
 I know thou hast brought money to make up 
 My gown and petticoat, with the appurtenances. 
 
 Gold. I have it here, duck ; thou shalt want for 
 nothing. 
 
 Shave. Let the chamber be perfumed ; and get 
 you, sirrah, LTo Ding'em. 
 
 His cap and pantofles ready. 
 
 Gold. There's for thee. 
 And thee : that for a banquet. 
 
 Secret. And a caudle 
 Again you rise. 
 
 Gold. There. [_Givcs them money. 
 
 Shave. Usher us up in state. 
 
 Gold. You will be constant ? 
 
 Shave. Thou art the whole world to me. 
 lExeunt ,- Gold, and Shave, embracing, music play- 
 in;/ be/ore them. 
 
 SCENE II. — A Room in Sir John Frugal's 
 
 House. 
 
 Enter Luke. 
 
 Anne. [wilhi?i.] Where is this uncle ? 
 
 L. Frug. '[within.'] Call this beadsman-brother ; 
 He hath forgot attendance. 
 
 Mary, {within.] Seek him out ; 
 Idleness spoils him. 
 
 Luke. I deserve much more 
 Than their scorn can load me with, and 'tis but 
 
 justice 
 That I should live the family's drudge, design'd 
 To all the sordid offices their pride 
 Imposes on me ; since, if now I sat 
 A judge in mine own cause, I should conclude 
 I am not worth their pity. Such as want 
 Discourse, and judgment, and through weakness fall, 
 May merit man's compassion ; but I, 
 That knew profuseness of expense the parent 
 Of wretched poverty, her fatal daughter, 
 To riot out mine own, to live upon 
 The alms of others, steering on a rock 
 ' I might have shunn'd ! O Heaven ! it is not fit 
 I should look upward, much less hope for mercy. 
 
 Enter Lady Frugal, Anne, Mary, Stargaze, and 
 
 MiLLISCENT. 
 
 //. Frug. What are you devising, sir ? 
 
 Anne. My uncle is much given 
 To his devotion. 
 
 Mary. And takes time to mumble 
 A paternoster to himself. 
 
 L. Frug. Know you where 
 Your brother is ? it better would become you 
 (Your means of life depending wholly on him) 
 To give your attendance. 
 
 Luke. In my will I do : 
 But since he rode forth yesterday with lord Lacy, 
 I have not seen him. 
 
 //. Frug. And why went not you 
 By his stirrup ? How do you look 1 were his eyes 
 You'd be glad of such employment. [closed^ 
 
 Luke. 'Twas his pleasure 
 I should wait your commands, and those I am ever 
 Most ready to receive. 
 
 L. Frug. I know you can speak well ; 
 But say, and do. 
 
 Enter Lord Lacy. 
 
 Luke. Here comes my lord. 
 
 L. Frug. Further off : 
 You are no companion for him, and his business 
 Aims not at you, as I take it. 
 
 Luke. Can I live 
 In this base condition 1 \.He stands aside. 
 
 L. Frug. I hope, my lord. 
 You had brought master Frugal with you ; for I 
 An account of him from you. [must ask 
 
 L. Lacy. I can give it, lady ; 
 But with the best discretion of a woman. 
 And a strong fortified patience, I desire you 
 To give it hearing. 
 
 Luke. My heart beats. 
 
 L. Frug. My lord, you much amaze me. 
 
 L. Lacy. I shall astonish you. The noble mer- 
 Who, living, was, for his integrity [chant, 
 
 And upright dealing, (a rare miracle 
 In a rich citizen,) London's best honour ; 
 Is 1 am loth to speak it. 
 
SCENE ir. 
 
 THE CITY MADAM. 
 
 327 
 
 lAside/" 
 
 ^ 
 
 Luke. Wonderous strange ! 
 
 L. Frug. I do suppose the worst ; not dead, I 
 hope ? 
 
 L. Lacy. Your supposition's true, your hopes 
 lie's dead. [are false ; 
 
 L. Frvg. Ah me ! 
 
 Anne. My father ! 
 
 Mary. My kind father ! 
 
 Luke. Now they insult not. 
 
 L. Lacy. Pray hear me out. 
 He's dead ; dead to the world and you, and, now, 
 Lives only to himself. 
 
 Luke. What riddle's this ? 
 
 L. Frug. Act not the torturer in my afflictions ; 
 But make me understand the sum of all '^ 
 That I must undergo. 
 
 L. Lacy. In few words take it : 
 He is retired into a monastery, 
 Where he resolves to end his days. 
 
 Ijuke. More strange. 
 
 L. Lacy. I saw him take post for Dover, and 
 the wind 
 Sitting so-fciirj^by this he's safe at Calais, 
 And ere long will be at Lovain. 
 
 L. Frug. Could I guess 
 What were the motives that induced him to it, 
 'Twere some allay to my sorrows. 
 
 L. Lacy. I'll instruct you. 
 And chide you into that knowledge ; 'twas your 
 
 pride 
 Above your rank, and stubborn disobedience 
 Of these your daughters, in their milk suck'd from 
 
 you : 
 At home the harshness of his entertainment, 
 You wilfully forgetting that your all 
 Was borrow'd from him ; and to hear abroad 
 The imputations dispers'd upon you, 
 And justly too, I fear, that drew him to 
 This strict retirement: and, thus much said for him, 
 I am myself to accuse you. ^ 
 
 L. Frug. I confess 
 A guilty cause to him ; but, in a thought, 
 My lord, I ne'er wrong'd you. 
 
 L. Lacy. In fact, you have. 
 The insolent disgrace you put upon 
 My only son, and Plenty, men that loved 
 Your daughters in a noble way, to wash off 
 The scandal, put a resolution in them 
 For three years travel. 
 
 L. Frug. I am much grieved for it. 
 
 L. Lacy. One thing I had forgot ; your rigour to 
 His decay 'd brother, in which your flatteries. 
 Or sorceries, made him a co-agent with you, 
 Wrought not the least impression. 
 
 Luke. Hum ! this sounds well. 
 
 L. Frug. 'Tis now past help : after these storms, 
 A little calm, if you please. [my lord, 
 
 /,. Lacy. If what T have told you, 
 Shew'd like a storm, what now I must delivery 
 Will prove a raging tempest. His whole estate, 
 In lands and leases, debts an,d»present monies. 
 With all the moveables he stood possess'd of. 
 With the best advice which he could get for gold 
 From his learned counsel, by this formal will 
 Is pass'd o'er to his brother. — [Giving the will to 
 hvKEyWho comes forward.] — With it take 
 The key of his counting-house. Not a groat left 
 Which you can call your own. fyou, 
 
 //. Frug. Undone for ever I 
 
 Anne. Mary. What will become of us? 
 
 Luke. Hum ! 
 
 L, Lacy. The scene is changed, 
 And be that was your slave, by Fate appointed 
 
 [Lady Fruoal, Mary, and Anne kneel. 
 Your governor : you kneel to me in vain, 
 I cannot help you ; I discharge the trust 
 Imposed upon me. This humility, 
 From him may gain remission, and, perhaps, 
 Forgetfulness of your barbarous usage to him. 
 
 L. Frug. Am I come to this ? 
 
 L. Lacy. Enjoy your own, good sir. 
 But use it with due reverence. I once heard you 
 Speak most divinely in the opposition 
 Of a revengeful humour ; to these shew it. 
 And such who then depended on the mercy 
 Of your brother, wholly now at your devotion, 
 And make good the opinion I held of you. 
 Of which I am most confident. 
 
 Lulce. Pray you rise, {^Raises them. 
 
 And rise with this assurance, I am still. 
 As I was of late, your creature ; and if raised 
 In any thing, 'tis in my power to serve you. 
 My will is still the same. O my good lord ! 
 This heap of wealth which you possess me of, 
 Which to a worldly man had been a blessing, 
 And to the messenger might with justice challenge 
 A kind of adoration, is to me 
 A curse I cannot thank you for ; and, much less, 
 Rejoice in that tranquillity of mind 
 My brother's vows must purchase. I have made 
 A dear exchange with him : he now enjoys 
 My peace and poverty, the trouble of 
 His wealth conferr'd on me, and that a burthen 
 Too heavy for my weak shoulders. 
 
 L. Lacy. Honest soul. 
 With what feeling he receives it ! 
 
 L. Frug. You shall have 
 My best assistance, if you please to use it, 
 T o help you to support it. 
 
 luu/ce. iSy no means ; 
 The weight shall rather sink me, than you part 
 With one short minute from those lawful pleasures 
 W^hich you were born to, in your care to aid me : 
 You shall have all abundance. In my nature, 
 I was ever liberal ; my lord, you know it ; 
 Kind, affable. — And now methinks I see 
 Before my face the jubilee of joy, 
 When 'tis assured my brother lives in me, 
 His debtors, in full cups crown'd to my health, 
 With pseans to my praise will celebrate ! 
 For they well know 'tis far from me to take 
 The forfeiture of a bond : nay, I ^hall blush. 
 The interest never paid after thi4e years. 
 When 1 demand my principal : and his servants. 
 Who from a slavish fear paid their obedience, 
 By him exacted, now, when they are mine. 
 Will grow familiar friends, and as such use me ; 
 Being certain of the mildness of my temper. 
 Which my change of fortune, frequent in most men« 
 Hath not the power to alter. 
 
 L. iMcy. Yet take heed, sir, 
 You ruin not, with too much lenity, 
 What his fit severity raised. 
 
 L. Frug. And we fall from 
 That height we have maintain'd. 
 
 Luke. I'll build it higher, 
 To admiration higher. With disdain 
 I look upon these habits, no way suiting 
 The wife and daughters of a knighted citizen 
 Bless'd with abundance. 
 
328 
 
 THE CITY MADAM. 
 
 ACT 111. 
 
 L. Lacy. There, sir, I join with you ; 
 
 tA fit decorum must be kept, the court 
 Distinguish'd fro m the c ity. - 
 
 Luke. With yoiITtavmir, 
 I know what you would say ; but give me leave 
 In this to be your advocate. You are wide, 
 Wide the whole region, in what I purpose. 
 Since all the titles, honours, long descents. 
 Borrow their gloss from wealth, the rich with reason 
 May challenge their prerogatives : and it shall be 
 My glory, nay a triumph, to revive, 
 Ain the pomp that these shall shine, the memory 
 C>f the Roman matrons, who kept captive queens 
 To be their handmaids. And when you appear, 
 Like Juno, in full majesty, and my nieces, 
 Like Iris, Hebe, or what deities else 
 Old poets fancy, (your cramm'd wardrobes richer 
 Than various nature's,) and draw down the envy 
 'Of our western world upon you ; only hold me 
 Your vigilant Hermes with aerial wings, 
 (My caduceus, my strong zeal to serve you,) 
 . Prest to fetch in all rarities may delight you, 
 , And I am made immortal. 
 ^"s L. Lacy. A strange frenzy ? lAside. 
 
 ^ Luke. Off with these rags, and then to bed ; 
 there dream 
 Of future greatness, which, when you awake, 
 I'll make a certain truth : but I must be 
 A doer, not a promiser. The performance 
 Requiring haste, I kiss your hands, and leave you. 
 
 lExit. 
 L. Lacy. Are we all turn'd statues ? have his 
 strange words charm'd us ? 
 What muse you on, lady? 
 
 L. Frug. D.0 not trouble me. 
 L. Lacy. Sleep you too, young ones ? 
 Anne. Swift-wing'd time till now 
 Was never tedious to me. Would 'twere night ! 
 
 Mary. Nay, morning rather. 
 } L. Lacy. Can you ground your faith 
 /On such impossibilities ? have you so soon 
 Forgot your good husband ? 
 
 L. Frxig. He was a vanity 
 1 must no more remember. 
 
 L. Lacy. Excellent ! 
 You, your kind father ? 
 
 Anne. Such an uncle never 
 Was read of in story ! 
 
 L. Lacy. Not one word in answer 
 Of my demands ? 
 
 Mary. You are but a lord ; and know, 
 My thoughts soar higher. 
 
 L. Lacy. Admirable ! I'll leave you 
 To your castles in the air. — When Irelate this, 
 It will exceed belief; but he must know it. 
 
 \_Aside and exit. 
 Star. Now I may boldly speak. May it please 
 you, madam, 
 To look up.on your vassal ; I foresaw this, 
 The stars assured it. 
 
 Ij. Frug. I begin to feel 
 Myself another woman. 
 
 Star. Now you shall find 
 All my predictions true, and nobler matches 
 Prepared for my young ladies. 
 Mill. Princely husbands. 
 Anne. I'll go no less. 
 Mary. Not a word more ; 
 Provide my night-rail. 
 
 Mill. W^hat shall we be to-morrow ! \.Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. — Another Room in the same. 
 Enter Luke. 
 Luke. 'Twas no fantastic object, but a truth, 
 A real truth ; nor dream : I did not slumber, 
 And could wake ever with a brooding eye 
 To gaze upon't ! it did endure the touch ; 
 I saw and felt it ! Yet what I beheld 
 And handled oft, did so transcend belief, 
 (My wonder and astonishment pass'd o'er,) 
 I faintly could give credit to my senses. 
 Thou dumb magician, — [Taking out a hey."] — 
 
 that without a charm 
 Didst make my entrance easy, to possess 
 What wise men wish and toil for ! Hermes' moly 
 Sibylla's golden bough, the great elixir, 
 imagined only by the alchemist, 
 Compared with thee are shadows, — thou the sub- 
 ^nd guardian of felicity ! No marvel, [stance, 
 
 ^y brother made thy place of rest his bosom, 
 Thou being the keeper of his heart, a mistress 
 To be hugg'd ever ! In by- corners of 
 jThis sacred room, silver in bags, heap'd up 
 iLike billets saw'd and ready for the fire, 
 lUtTWtrftliy to hold fellowship with bright gold 
 ITlianrow'd about the room, conceal'd itself. 
 /There needs no artificial light; the splendour 
 /Makes a perpetual day there, night and darkness 
 ' By that stilL-bl^rning lamp for ever banish'd : 
 But when, guided by that, my eyes had made 
 Discovery of the caskets, and they open'd 
 Each sparkling diamond, from itself, shot forth 
 A pyramid of flames, and, in the roof, 
 Fix'd it a glorious star, and made tlie place 
 Heaven's abstract, or epitome! — rubies, sapphires, 
 And ropes of orient pearl, these seen, I could not 
 But look on with contempt. And yet I found, 
 What weak credulity could have no faith in, 
 A treasure far exceeding these : here lay 
 A manor bound fast in a skin of parchment, 
 The wax continuing hard, the acres melting ; 
 Here a sure deed of gift for a market-town, 
 If hot redeem'd this day, which is not in 
 The unthrift's power : there being scarce one shire 
 In Wales or England, where my monies are not 
 \Lent out at usury, the certain hook 
 ■To draw in more. I am sublimed! 
 Supports raelioF; I walk oh~air ! — 
 
 gross earth 
 Who's there ? 
 
 Erder Lord Lacy, ivilh Sir John Frugal, Sir Mauricb 
 
 Lacy, and Plenty, painted and disguised as Indians. 
 Thieves ! raise the street ! thieves ! • n 
 
 L. Lacy. What strange passion's this ^-pi^'. 
 Have you your eyes ? do you know me ? ^^\ ,1'" 
 
 Luke. You, my lord, 
 I do : but this retinue, in these shapes too. 
 May well excuse my fears. When 'tis your pleasure 
 That I should wait upon you, give me leave 
 To do it at your own house, for I must tell yon. 
 Things as they now are with me well consider'd, 
 I do not like such visitants. 
 
 L. Lacy. Yesterday, 
 When you had nothing, praise your poverty for't, 
 You could have sung secure before a thief ; 
 But now you are grown rich, doubts and suspicions, 
 And needless fears, possess you. Thank a gooti 
 But let not this exalt you, [brother ; 
 
 Luke. A good brother ! 
 Good in his conscience, I confess, and wise, 
 In giving o'er the world. But his estate. 
 
SCENE I. 
 
 THE CITY JNIADAM. 
 
 329 
 
 Which your lordship may conceive great, no way 
 The general opinion : alas! [answers 
 
 With a great charge, I am left a poor man by him. 
 
 L. Lacy. A poor man, say you? 
 
 Luke. Poor, compared with what 
 'Tis thought I do possess. Some little land, 
 Fair household furniture, a few good debts, 
 But empty bags, I find : yet I will be 
 A faithful steward to his wife and daughters ; 
 And, to the utmost of my power, obey 
 His will in all things. 
 
 L. Lacy. I'll not argue with you 
 Of his estate, but bind you to performance 
 Of his last request, which is, for testimony 
 Of his religious charity, that you would ^ 
 Receive these Indians, lately sent him from 
 Virginia, into your house ; and labour. 
 At any rate, with the best of your endeavours, 
 Assisted by the aids of our divines, 
 To make them Christians. 
 
 Luke. Call you this, my lord, 
 Religious charity ; to send infidels. 
 Like hungry locusts, to devour the bread 
 Should feed his family ? I neither q:an, 
 Nor will consent to't. 
 
 L. Lacy. Do not sUght it ; 'tis 
 With him a business of such consequence, 
 That should he only hear 'tis not embraced. 
 And cheerfully, in this his conscience aiming 
 At the saving of three souls, 'twill draw him o'er 
 To see it himself accomplish'd. 
 
 Luke. Heaven forbid 
 I should divert him from his holy purpose, 
 To worldly cares again ! I rather will 
 Sustain the burthen, and, with the converted, 
 Feast the converters, who, I knovv, will prove 
 The greater feeders. 
 
 Sir John. Oh, ha, enewah Chrish bully leika. 
 
 Plenty. Enanla. 
 
 Sir Maur. Ilarrico botikia bonnery. 
 
 Luke. Ha ! in this heathen language. 
 How is it possible our doctors should 
 Hold conference with them, or I use the means 
 For their conversion ? 
 
 L. Lacy. That shall be no hindrance 
 To your good purposes : they have lived long 
 In the English colony, and speak our language 
 As their own dialect ; the business does concern 
 
 you : 
 Mine own designs command me hence. Continue, 
 As in your poverty you were, a piousj 
 And honest man. J ^Exit. 
 
 Z/wA^e. That TsTnferpreteH^^ )., (• 
 
 A slave and beggar. 
 
 Sir John. You conceive it right ; 
 There being no religion, nor virtue, 
 But in abundance, and no vice but want. 
 All deities serve Plutus. 
 
 Luke. Oracle ! 
 
 Sir John. Temples raised to ourselves in the 
 increase 
 Of wealth and reputation, speak a wise man ; 
 But sacrifice to an imagined Power, 
 Of which we have no sense but in belief, 
 A superstitious fool. 
 
 Luke. True worldly wisdom I 
 
 Sir John. All knowledge else is folly. 
 
 Sir Maur. Now we are yours, 
 Be confident your better angel is 
 Enter'd your house. 
 
 .Plenty . There being nothing in 
 The compass of your wishes, but shall end 
 In fheir fruition to the full. 
 
 Sir John. As yet. 
 You do not know us ; but when you understand 
 The wonders we can do, and what the ends were 
 That brought us hither, you will entertain us 
 With more respect. 
 
 Luke. There's something whispers to me 
 These are no common men. lAside.] — My house 
 
 is yours. 
 Enjoy it freely : only grant me this, 
 Not to be seen abroad till I have heard 
 More of your sacred principles. Pray enter : 
 You are learned Europeans, and we worse 
 Than ignorant Americans. 
 
 Sir John. You shall find it. [ Exeunt. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I — A Room in Frugal' s House. 
 Enter Ding'em, Gettall, and Holdfast. 
 
 Ding. Not speak with him 1 with fear survey 
 Thou figure of famine ! [me better, 
 
 Geti. Coming, as we do. 
 From his quondam patrons, his dear ingles now, 
 The brave spark Tradewell — 
 
 Ding. And the man of men 
 In the service of a woman, gallant Goldwire ! 
 
 Enter Luke. 
 
 Hold. I know them for his prentices, without 
 Tnese flourishes — Here are rude fellows, sir. 
 
 Ding. Not yours, you rascal ! 
 
 Hold. No, don pimp ; you may seek them 
 Tn Bridewell, or the hole, here are none of your 
 com rogues. 
 
 Luke. One of them looks as he would cut my 
 Yuur business, friends? [throat : 
 
 Hold. I'll fetch a constable ; 
 Let him answer him in the stocks. 
 
 Ding. Stir, an thou dar'st : 
 Fright me with Bridewell and the stocks ! they 
 
 are fleabitings 
 I am familiar with. iDraws. 
 
 Luke. Pray you put up : 
 And, sirrah, hold your peace. [To Holdfast. 
 
 Ding. Thy word's a law. 
 And I obey. Live, scrape-shoe, and be thankful. 
 Thou man of muck and money, for as such 
 I now salute thee, the suburbian gamesters 
 Have heard thy fortunes, and I am, in person. 
 Sent to congratulate. 
 
 Gelt. The news hath reach'd 
 The ordinaries, and all the gamesters are 
 Ambitious to shake the golden goUs 
 Of worshipful master Luke. I come from Trade- 
 Your fine facetious factor. [well, 
 
 Ding. I from Goldwire : 
 
330 
 
 THE CITY MADAM. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 He and his Helen have prepared a banquet, 
 With the appurtenances, to entertain thee ; 
 For, I must whisper in thine ear, tliou art 
 To be her Paris : but bring money with thee, 
 To quit old scores. 
 
 Getl. Blind chance hath frown'd upon 
 Brave Tradewell : he's blown up, but not without 
 Hope of recovery, so you supply him 
 With a good round sum. In my house, 1 can 
 There's half a million stirring. [assure you, 
 
 Luke. What hath he lost ? 
 
 Gett. Three hundred. 
 
 Luke. A trifle. 
 
 Gett. Make it up a thousand, 
 And I will fit him with such tools as shall 
 Bring in a myriad. 
 
 Luke. They know me well, 
 Nor need you use such circumstances for them : 
 What's mine, is theirs. They are my friends, not 
 
 servants. 
 But in their care to enrich me ; and these courses, 
 The speeding means. Your name, I pray you ? 
 
 Gett. Gettall. 
 I have been many years an ordinary-keeper, 
 My box my poor revenue. 
 
 Luke. Your name suits well 
 With your profession. Bid him bear up ; he shall 
 Sit long on Penniless-Bench. [not 
 
 Gett. There spake an angel ! 
 
 L^uke. You know mistress Shave'em ? 
 
 Gett. The pontifical punk ? 
 
 Luke. The same. Let him meet me there some 
 two hours hence : 
 And tell Tom Goldwire I will then be with him, 
 Furnish'd beyond his hopes ; and let your mistress 
 Appear in her best trim. 
 
 Ding. She will make thee young, 
 •Old iEson : she is ever furnish'd with 
 Medea's drugs, restoratives. I fly 
 To keep them sober till thy worship come ; 
 They will be drunk with joy else. 
 
 Gett. I'll run with you. 
 
 lExeunt Ding'em and Gettall. 
 
 Hold. You will not do as you say, I hope ? 
 
 Luke. Enquire not ; 
 I shall do what becomes me. — IKnocking within.] 
 — To the door. lExit Holdfast, 
 
 New visitants ! 
 
 Re-enter Holdfast. 
 What are they .-* 
 
 Hold. A whole batch, sir, 
 Almost of the same leaven : your needy debtors, 
 Penury, Fortune, Hoyst. 
 
 Luke. They come to gratulate 
 The fortune fallen upon me. 
 
 Hold. Rather, sir. 
 Like the others, to prey on you. 
 
 Luke. I am simple ; they 
 Know my good nature : but let them in, however. 
 
 Hold. All will come to ruin ! I see beggary 
 Already knocking at the door. — You may enter — 
 ISpeaking to those loilhout. 
 But use a conscience, and do not work upon 
 A tender-hearted gentleman too much ; 
 'Twill shew like charity in you. 
 
 Enter Fortune, Penury, and Hoyst. 
 Luke. Welcome, friends : 
 I know your hearts, and wishes ; you are glad 
 You have changed your creditor. 
 
 Pen. I weep for joy. 
 To look upon his worship's face. 
 
 For. His worship's ! 
 I see lord mayor written on his forehead ; 
 The cap of maintenance, and city sword, 
 Born up in state before him. 
 
 Hoyst. Hospitals, 
 And a third Burse, erected by his honour. 
 
 Pen. The city poet on the pageant day 
 Preferring him before Gresham. 
 
 Hoyst. All the conduits 
 Spouting canary sack. 
 
 For. Not a prisoner left, 
 Under ten pounds. 
 
 Pen. We, his poor beadsmen, feasting 
 Our neighbours on his bounty. 
 
 Luke. May I make good 
 Your prophecies, gentle friends, as I'll endeavour, 
 To the utmost of my power ! 
 
 Hold. Yes, for one year, 
 And break the next. 
 
 Luke. You are ever prating, sirrah. 
 Your present business, friends ? 
 
 For. Were your brother present. 
 Mine had been of some consequence ; but now 
 The power lies in your worship's hand, 'tis little. 
 And will, I know, as soon as ask'd, be granted. 
 
 Luke. 'Tis very probable. 
 
 For. The kind forbearance 
 Of my great debt, by your means, Heaven be 
 
 prais'd for't ! 
 Hath raised my sunk estate. I have two ships. 
 Which I long since gave for lost> above my hopes 
 Return'd from Barbary, and richly freighted. 
 
 Luke. Where are they ? 
 
 For. Near Gravesend. 
 
 Luke. I am truly glad of it. 
 
 For. I find your worship's charity, and dare 
 swear so. 
 Now may I have your licence, as I know 
 M-'ith willingness I shall, to make the best 
 Of the commodities, though you have execution, 
 And after judgment, against all that's mine, 
 As my poor body, I shall be enabled 
 To make payment of my debts to all the world, 
 And leave myself a competence. 
 
 Luke. You much wrong me, 
 If you only doubt it. Yours, master Hoyst ? 
 
 Hoyst. 'Tis the surrendering back the mort- 
 gage of 
 My lands, and on good terms, but three days 
 
 patience ; 
 By an uncle's death I have means left to redeem it. 
 And cancel all the forfeited bonds I seal'd to. 
 In my I'iots, to the merchant ; for I am 
 Resolv'd to leave off play, and turn good husband. 
 
 Luke. A good intent, and to be cherish'd in you. 
 Yours-, Penury } 
 
 Pen. My state stands as it did, sir : 
 What I owed I owe, but can pay nothing to you. 
 Yet, if you please to trust me with ten pounds more, 
 I can buy a commodity of a sailor. 
 Will make me a freeman. There, sir, is his name ; 
 And the parcels I am to deal for. 
 
 \_Gives him a paper. 
 
 Luke. You are all so reasonable 
 In your demands, that I must freely grant them. 
 Some three hours hence meet me on the Exchange, 
 You shall be amply satisfied. 
 
 Pen. Heaven preserve you ! 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE CITY MADAM. 
 
 331 
 
 For. Happy were London, if, within her walls, 
 She had many such rich men ! 
 
 Luke. No more ; now leave me : 
 1 am full of various thoughts. — [Ejrettnt Fortunk, 
 HoYST, and Pknury.] — Be careful, 
 Holdfast ; 
 I have much to do. 
 
 Hold. And I something to say, 
 Would you give me hearing. 
 
 Luke. At my better leisure. 
 Till my return look well unto the Indians ; 
 In the mean time, do you as this directs you. 
 
 [Gives him a paper. Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — A Room in Shave'em's IIovsc. 
 
 Enter Goldwire, Junior, Tradewell, Junior, 
 Shave'em, Secret, Gettali,, and Ding'em. 
 
 Gold. All that is mine is theirs. Those were 
 
 Dinff. I am authentical. [his words ? 
 
 Trade. And that I should not 
 Sit long on Penniless-Bench ? 
 
 Gett. But suddenly start up 
 A gamester at the height, and cry At all ! 
 
 Shave. And did he seem to have an inclination 
 To toy with me .' 
 
 Ding. He v/ish'd you would put on 
 Your best habiliments, for he resolved 
 To make a jovial day on't. 
 
 Gold. Hug him close, wench, 
 And thou mayst eat gold and amber. I well 
 
 know him 
 For a most insatiate drabber r he hath given. 
 Before he spent his own estate, which was 
 Nothing to the huge mass he's now possess'd of, 
 A hundred pound a leap. 
 
 Shave. Hell take my doctor! 
 He should have brought me some fresh oil of talc ; 
 These ceruses are common. 
 
 Secret. 'Troth, sweet lady. 
 The colours are well laid on. 
 
 Gold. And thick enough ; 
 I find that on my lips. 
 
 Shave. Do you so. Jack Sauce ! 
 I'll keep them further off. 
 
 Gold. But be assured first 
 Of a new maintainer, ere you cashier the old one. 
 But bind him fast by thy sorceries, and thou shalt 
 Be my revenue ; the whole college study 
 The reparation of thy ruin'd face ; 
 Thou shalt have thy proper and bald-headed 
 Thy tailor and embroiderer shall kneel [coachman; 
 To thee, their idol : Cheapside and the Exchange 
 Shall court thy custom, and thou shalt forget 
 There e'er was a St. Martin's : thy procurer 
 Shall be sheath' d in velvet, and a reverend veil 
 Pass her for a grave matron. Have an eye to the 
 
 door, 
 And let loud music, when this monarch enters. 
 Proclaim his entertainment. 
 
 Ding. That's my office. 
 
 [^Flourish of cornets tcithin. 
 The consort's ready. 
 
 Enter Lueb. 
 
 Trade. And the god of pleasure. 
 Master Luke, our Comus, enters. 
 
 Gold. Set your face in order, 
 I will prepare him. — Live I to see this day. 
 And to acknowledge you my royal master ? 
 
 Trade. Let the iron chests fly open, and the gold, 
 Rusty for want of use, appear again I 
 
 Grtt. M:ike my ordinary flourish ! 
 
 Shave, Welcome, sir, 
 To your own palace ! [The music plays. 
 
 Gold. Kiss your Cleopatra, 
 And shew yourself, in your magnificent bounties, 
 A second Antony ! 
 
 Ding. All the nine worthies 1 
 
 Secret. Variety of pleasures wait upon you. 
 And a strong back ! 
 
 Luke. Give me leave to breathe, I pray you. 
 I am astonish'd ! all this preparation 
 For me ? and this choice modest beauty wrought 
 To feed my appetite ? 
 
 All. We are all your creatures. 
 
 Luke. A house well furnish'd ! 
 
 Gold. At your own cost, sir, 
 Glad I the instrument. I prophesied 
 You should possess what now you do, and there- 
 fore 
 Prepared it for your pleasure. There's no rag 
 This Venus wears, but, on my knowledge, was 
 Derived from your brother's cash : the lease of the 
 
 house. 
 And furniture, cost near a thousand, sir. 
 
 Shave. But now you are master both of it and 
 I hope you'll build elsewhere. [n^e, 
 
 Luke. And see you placed. 
 Fair one, to your desert. As I live, friend Trade- 
 well, 
 I hardly knew you, your clothes so well become 
 What is your loss } speak truth. [you. 
 
 Trade. Three hundred, sir. 
 
 Gett. But, on a new supply, he shall recover 
 The sum told twenty times o'er. 
 
 Shave. There's a banquet. 
 And after that a soft couch, that attends you, 
 
 Luke. I couple not in the daylight. Expecta- 
 tion 
 Heightens the pleasure of the night, my sweet one ! 
 Your music's harsh, discharge it ; I have provided 
 A better consort, and you shall frolic it 
 In another place. [Tlie music ceases. 
 
 Gold. But have you brought gold, and store, sir. 
 
 Trade. 1 long to Ware the caster ! 
 
 Gold. I to appear 
 In a fresh habit. 
 
 Shave. My mercer and my silkman 
 Waited me, two hours since. 
 
 Luke. I am no porter. 
 To cany so much gold as will supply 
 Your vast desires, but I have ta'en order for you ; 
 
 Enter Sheriff, Marshal, and Officers. 
 You shall have what is fitting, and they come here 
 Will see it perform'd. — Do your offices : you have 
 My lord chief-justice's warrant for't. 
 
 Sher. Seize them all. 
 
 Shave. The city marshal ! 
 
 Gold. And the sheriff! I know him. 
 
 Secret. We are betray'd. 
 
 Ding. Undone. 
 
 Gett. Dear master Luke. 
 
 Gold. You cannot be so cruel ; your persuasion 
 Chid us into these courses, oft repeating. 
 Shew yourselves city sparks, and hang up money I 
 
 Luke. True ; when it was my brother's, I con- 
 temn'd it ; 
 But now it is mine own, the case is alter'd. 
 

 ^s^ 
 
 832 
 
 THE CITY MADAM, 
 
 ACT IV, 
 
 Trade. Will you prove yourself a devil ? tempt 
 us to mischief, 
 And then discover it ? 
 
 Luke. Argue that hereafter ; 
 In the mean time, master Goldwire, you that made 
 Your ten-pound suppers ; kept your punks at 
 
 livery 
 In Brentford, Staines, and Barnet, and this, in 
 
 London ; 
 Held correspondence with your fellovp-cashiers, 
 Ka me, ka thee ! and knew, in your accompts, 
 To cheat my brother ; if you can, evade me. 
 If there be law in London, your father's bonds 
 Shall answer for what you are out. 
 
 Gold. You often told us 
 It was a bugbear. 
 
 Luke. Such a one as shall fright them 
 Out of their estates, to make me satisfaction 
 To the utmost scruple. And for you, madam, 
 My Cleopatra, by your own confession. 
 Your house, and all your moveables, are mine ; 
 Nor shall you nor your matron need to trouble 
 Your mercer, or your silkman ; a blue gown, 
 And a whip to boot, as I will handle it. 
 Will serve the turn in Bi-idewell ; and these soft 
 
 hands, 
 When they are inured to beating hemp, be scour 'd 
 In your penitent tears, and quite forget their pow- 
 And bitter almonds. [ders 
 
 Shave. Secret. Ding. Will you shew no mercy? 
 
 Luke. I am inexorable. 
 
 Gett. I'll make bold 
 To take my leave ; the gamesters stay my coming. 
 
 Luke. We must not part so, gentle master 
 Gettall. 
 Your box, your certain income, must pay back 
 Three hundred, as I take it, or you lie by it. 
 There's half a million stirring in your house, 
 This a poor trifle. — Master shrieve and master 
 
 marshal. 
 On your perils, do your offices. 
 
 Gold. Dost thou cry now iTo Tradeweli. 
 
 Like a maudlin gamester after loss ? I'll suffer 
 Like a boman, and now, in my misery. 
 In scorn of all thy wealth, to thy teeth tell thee 
 Thou wert my pander. 
 
 Luke. Shall I hear this from 
 My prentice ? 
 
 Mar. Stop his mouth. 
 
 Sher. Away with them. 
 
 lExeitnt SheriflF, Marshal, a7id Officers, with Gold. 
 Trade. Shave. Secret. Grtt. and Ding. 
 
 Luke. A prosperous omen in my entrance to 
 My alter'd nature ! these house-thieves removed. 
 And what was lost, beyond my hopes, recover'd, 
 ,Will add unto my heap ; increase of wealth 
 Is th e ric h man's ambition, and mine 
 ShstlTTcnow no bounds. The valiant Macedon 
 Having in his conceit subdued one world. 
 Lamented that there were no more to conquer : 
 In my way, he shall be my great example. 
 And when my private house, in cramm'd abund- 
 Shall prove the chamber of the city poor, [jince, 
 And Genoa's bankers shall look pale with envy 
 When I am mentioned, I shall grieve there is 
 No more to be exhausted in one kingdom. 
 Religion, conscience, charity, farewell I 
 To me you are words only, and no more ; 
 AU human happiness consists in store. lExit. 
 
 SCENE III.— J Street. 
 Enter Serjeants with Fortune, Hoyst, and Penury. 
 
 For. At master Luke's suit ! the action twenty 
 
 thousand ! 
 1 Serj. With two or three executions, which 
 shall grind you 
 To powder, when we have you in the counter. 
 For. Thou dost belie him, varlet ! he, good 
 gentleman. 
 Will weep when he hears how we are used. 
 
 1 Serj. Yes, millstones. 
 
 Pen. He promised to lend me ten pound for a 
 He will not do it this way. [bargain, 
 
 2 Serj. I have warrant 
 
 For what I have done. You are a poor fellow. 
 
 And there being little to be got by you, 
 
 In charity, as I am an officer, 
 
 I would not have seen you, but upon compulsion, 
 
 And for mine own security. 
 
 3 Serj. You are a gallant. 
 
 And I'll do you a courtesy, provided 
 
 That you have money : for a piece an hour, 
 
 I'll keep you in the house till you send for bail. 
 
 2 Serj. In the mean time, yeoman, run to the 
 
 other counter. 
 And search if there be aught else out against him. 
 
 3 Sei-j. That done, haste to his creditors : he's 
 And as we are city pirates by our oaths, [a prize, 
 We must make the best on't. 
 
 Hoyst. Do your worst, I care not. 
 I'll be removed to the Fleet, and drink and drab 
 In spite of your teeth. I now repent I ever [there 
 Intended to be honest. 
 
 Enter Luke. 
 
 3 Serj. Here he comes 
 You had best tell so. 
 
 For. Worshipful sir, 
 You come in time to free us from these bandogs. 
 I know you gave no way to't. 
 
 Pen. Or if you did, 
 'Twas but to try our patience. 
 
 Hoy. I must tell you 
 I do not like such trials. 
 
 Luke. Are you Serjeants, 
 Acquainted with the danger of a rescue. 
 Yet stand here prating in the street ? the counter 
 Is a safer place to parley in. 
 
 For. Are you in earnest ? 
 
 Luke. Yes, faith ; I will be satisfied to a token, 
 Or, build upon't, you rot there. 
 
 For. Can a gentleman 
 Of your soft and silken temper, speak such hm- 
 
 Pen. So honest, so religious ? [g^age ? 
 
 Hoy. That preach'd 
 So much of charity for us to your brother } 
 
 Luke. Yes, when I was in poverty it shew'd well 
 But I inherit with his state, his mind, 
 And rougher nature. I grant then, I talk'd, 
 For some ends to myself conceal'd, of pity. 
 The poor man's orisons, and such like nothings : 
 But what I thought you all shall feel, and with 
 
 rigour ; 
 Kind master Luke says it. Who pays for your 
 Do you wait gratis ? [attendance ? 
 
 For. Hear us speak. 
 
 Luke. While I, 
 Like the adder, stop mine ears : or did I listen, 
 
 A 
 
SCKNE IV. 
 
 THE CITY MADAM. 
 
 833 
 
 Though you spake with the tongues of angels to 
 [ am not to be alter'd. Lnfie, 
 
 For. Let me make the best 
 Of my ships, and their freight. 
 
 Pen. Lend me the ten pounds you promised. 
 
 Ho7j. A day or two's patience to redeem my 
 And you shall be satisfied. [mortgage, 
 
 For. To the utmost farthing. 
 
 Luke. I'll shew some mercy; which is, that I 
 will not 
 Torture you with false hopes, but make you know 
 What you shall trust to. — Your ships to my use 
 Are seized on. — I have got into my hands 
 Your bargain from the sailor, 'twas a good one 
 For such a petty sum.^I will likewise tEtlte 
 The extremity of your mortgage, and the forfeit 
 Of your several bonds ; the use and principal 
 Shall not serve. — Think of the basket, wretches, 
 And a coal-sack for a winding-sheet. 
 
 For. Broker ! 
 
 Hoy. Jew ! 
 
 For. Imposter ! 
 
 Hoy. Cut-throat ! 
 
 For. Hypocrite ! 
 
 Luke. Do, rail on ; 
 Move mountains with your breath, it shakes not 
 me. 
 
 Pen. On my knees I beg compassion. My wife 
 Shall hourly pray for your worship, [and children 
 
 For. Mine betake thee 
 To the devil, thy tutor. 
 
 Pen. 'EoB^'trpon my tears. 
 
 IJoyst. My rage. 
 
 For. My wrongs. 
 
 Luke. "They are all alike to me ; 
 Entreaties, curses, prayers, or imprecations. 
 Do your duties, Serjeants ; I am elsewhere look'd 
 _ for. ^ ^ lExit. 
 
 3 Serj. Tills your kind creditor 1 
 
 2 Serj. A vast villain, rather. 
 
 Pen. See, see, the Serjeants pity us ! yet he's 
 
 Hoyst. Buried alive ! [marble. 
 
 For. There's no means to avoid it. \_Excunt. 
 
 SCENE V^.—A Room in Sir John Frugal's 
 Hoicse. 
 Enter Holdfast, Stargaze, and Milliscent. 
 Star. Not wait upon my lady .'' 
 Hold. Nor come at her ; 
 You find it not in your almanack. 
 
 Mill. Nor I have license 
 To bring her breakfast ? 
 
 Hold. My new master hath 
 Decreed this for a fasting-day. She hath feasted 
 And, after a carnival, Lent ever follows. [long. 
 Mill. Give me the key of her wardrobe. You'll 
 repent this ; 
 I must know what gown she'll wear. 
 
 Hold. You are mistaken. 
 Dame president of the sweetmeats ; she and her 
 
 daughters 
 Are turn'd philosophers, and must carry all 
 Their wealth about them : they have clothes laid 
 
 in their chamber, 
 If they please to put them on, and without help 
 
 too. 
 Or they may walk naked. You look, master Star- 
 
 As you had seen a strange comet, and had no'A^ 
 
 foretold, 
 The end of the world, and on wliat day : and you, 
 As the wasps had broke into the gallipots, 
 And eaten up your apricots. 
 
 L. Fruff. Iwilhiii.'] Stargaze ! Milliscent ! 
 
 Mill. My lady's voice. 
 
 Hold. Stir not, you are confined here. 
 Your ladyship may approach them, if you please ; 
 But they are bound in this circle. lAloud. 
 
 L. Frug. [within.'] Mine own bees 
 Rebel against me ! When my kind brother knows 
 I will be so revenged ! [this. 
 
 Hold. The world's well alter'd. 
 He's your kind brother now ; but yesterday 
 Your slave and jesting-stock. 
 
 Enter Lady Frugai,, Annk, and BIarv, in coarse habits, 
 weeping. 
 
 Mill. What witch hath transform'd you ? 
 
 Star. Is this the glorious shape your cheating 
 Promised you should appear in.^ [brother 
 
 Mill. My young ladies 
 In buffin gowns, and green aprons ! tear them off; 
 Rather shew all than be seen thus. 
 
 Hold. 'Tis more comely, 
 I wis, than their other whim-whams. 
 
 Mill. A French hood too, 
 Now 'tis out of fashion ! a fool's cap would shew 
 better. 
 
 L, Frug. We are fool'd indeed ! by whose com- 
 mand are we used thus ? 
 
 Enter Luke. 
 
 Hold. Here he comes can best resolve you. 
 
 L Frug. O, good brother ! 
 Do you thus preserve your protestation to mc } 
 Can queens envy this habit ? or did Juno 
 E'er least in such a shape ? 
 
 Anne. You talk'd of Hebe, 
 Of Iris, and I know not what ; but were they 
 Dress'd as we are ? they were sure some chandler's 
 Bleaching linen in Moorfields. [daughters 
 
 Mary. Or Exchange wenches, 
 Coming from eating pudding-pies on a Sunday, 
 At Pimlico, or Islington. 
 / Luke. Save you, sister ! 
 ' I now dare style you so : you were before 
 Too glorious to be look'd on, now you appear 
 Like ii„«ity-maiton ; and my pretty nieces 
 Such things as were born and bred there. Why 
 
 should you ape 
 The fashions of court-ladies, whose high titles, 
 And pedigrees of long descent, give warrant 
 For their superfluous bravery ? 'twas monstrous : 
 Till now you ne'er look'd lovely. 
 
 L. Frug. Is this spoken 
 In scorn ? 
 
 Luke. Fie ! no ; with judgment. I make good 
 My promise, and now shew you like yourselves. 
 In your own natural shapes ; and stand resolved 
 You shall continue so. 
 
 L. Frug. It is confess'd, sir. 
 
 Luke. Sir ! sirrah : use your old phrase, I can 
 bear it. 
 
 L. Frug. That, if you please, forgotten, we 
 acknowledge 
 We have deserv'd ill from you ; yet despair not, 
 Though we are at your disposure, }ou'll maintain us 
 Like your brother's wife and daughters. 
 
'M 
 
 TPIE CITY MADAM. 
 
 Luke. 'Tis my purpose. 
 
 L. Frug. And not make us ridiculous. 
 
 Lrike. Admired rather, 
 As fair examples for our proud city dames, 
 And their proud brood to imitate. Do not frown ; 
 r-JX-you do, I laugh, and glory that I have 
 \Yrhe power, in you, to scourge a general vice, 
 And rise up a new satirist : but here gently, 
 T^wiin a gentle phrase I'll reprehend 
 Your late disguised deformity, and cry u,p 
 This decency and neatness, with the advantage 
 You shall receive by't. 
 
 L. Frug. We are bound to hear you. 
 
 Luke. With a soul inclined to learn. Ycur father 
 was 
 An honest country farmer, goodman Humble, 
 By his neighbours ne'er call'd Master. Did your 
 
 pride 
 Descend from him ? but let that pass : your for- 
 tune. 
 Or rather your husband's industry, advanced you 
 To the rank of a merchant's wife. He made a 
 
 knight, 
 And your sweet mistress-thip ladyfied, you wox-e 
 Satin on solemn days, a chain of gold, 
 A velvet hood, rich borders, and sometimes 
 A dainty miniver cap, a silver pin, 
 Headed with a pearl worth three-pence, and thus far 
 You were privileged, and no man envied it ; 
 It being for the city's honour that 
 There should be a distinction between 
 The wife of a patrician, and plebeian. 
 
 Mill. Pray you, leave preaching, or choose some 
 other text ; 
 Your rhetoric is too moving, for it makes 
 Your auditory weep. 
 
 Luke. Peace, chattering magpie ! 
 I'll treat of you anon : — but when the height 
 And dignity of London's blessings grew 
 Contemptible, and the name lady mayoress 
 Became a by-word, and you scorn'd the means 
 By which you were raised, my brother's fond indul- 
 gence, 
 Giving the reins to it ; and no object pleased you 
 But the glittei'ing pomp and bravery of the court ; 
 What a strange, nay monstrous, metamorphosis 
 
 follow 'd ! 
 No English workman then could please your fancy. 
 The French and Tuscan dress your whole discourse ; 
 This bawd to prodigality, entertain'd 
 To buzz into your ears what shape this countess 
 Appear'd in the last masque, and how it drew 
 The young lord's eyes upon her ; and this usher 
 Succeeded in the eldest prentice' place, 
 To walk before you 
 
 L. Frug. Pray you, end. 
 
 Hold. Proceed, sir; 
 I could fast almost a prenticeship to hear you, 
 You touch them so to the quick. 
 
 Luke. Then, as I said, 
 The reverend hood cast off, your borrow'd hair, 
 Powder'd and curl'd, was by your dresser's art 
 Form'd like a coronet, hang'd with diamonds. 
 And the richest orient pearl ; your carcanets 
 That did adorn your neck, of equal value : 
 Your Hungerland bands, and Spanish quellio ruffs ; 
 Great lords and ladies feasted to survey 
 Embroider'd petticoats ; and sickness feign'd, 
 That your night-rails of forty pounds a piece 
 Might be seen, with envy, of the visitants ; 
 
 Rich pantofles in ostentation shewn, 
 
 And roses worth a family : you were served in 
 
 plate, 
 Stirr'd not a foot without your coach, and going 
 To church, not for devotion, but to shew 
 Your pomp, you were tickled when the beggars 
 Heaven save your honour ! this idolatry [cried, 
 Paid to a painted room. 
 
 Hold. Nay, you have reason 
 To blubber, all of you. 
 
 Lvke. And when you lay 
 In childbed, at the christening of this minx, 
 I well remember it, as you had been 
 An absolute princess, since they have no more. 
 Three several chambers hung, the first with arras, 
 And that for waiters ; the second crimson satin, 
 For the meaner sort of guests ; the third of scarlet 
 Of the rich Tyrian die ; a canopy 
 To cover the brat's cradle ; you in state, 
 Like Pompey's Julia. 
 
 L. Frug. No more, I pray you. 
 
 Luke. Of this, be sure, you shall not. I'll cut off 
 Whatever is exorbitant in you, 
 Or in [your] daughters, and reduce you to 
 Your natural forms and habits : not in revenge 
 pi your base usage of me, but to fright 
 Others by your example : 'tis decreed 
 You shall serve one another, for I will 
 Allow no waiter to you. Out of doors 
 With these useless drones ! 
 
 Hold. Will you pack ? 
 
 Mill. Not till I have 
 My trunks along with me. 
 
 Luke. Not a rag ; you came 
 Hither without a box. 
 
 Star. You'll shew to me, 
 I hope, sir, more compassion. 
 
 Hold. Troth I'll be 
 Thus far a suitor for him : he hath printed 
 An almanack, for this year, at his own charge ; 
 Let him have the impression with him, to set up 
 with. 
 
 Luke. For once I'll be entreated ; let it be 
 Thrown to him out of the window. 
 / Star. O cursed stars 
 
 ' That reign'd at my nativity ! how have you cheated 
 Your poor observer ! 
 
 Ayme. Must we part in tears ? 
 
 Mary. Farewell, good Milliscent ! 
 
 L. Frug. I am sick, and meet wi' )i 
 A rough physician. O my pride anl scorn ! 
 How justly am I punish'd ! 
 
 Mary. Now we suffer 
 For our stubbornness and disobedience 
 To our good father. 
 
 Anne. And the base conditions 
 We imposed upon our suitors. 
 
 Luke. Get you in. 
 And caterwaul in a corner. 
 
 L. Frug. There's no contending. 
 
 [Lady Frugal, Anne, and Maky, go off at one door. 
 Stargaze and Milliscknt at the other. 
 
 Luke. How 
 Lik'st thou my carriage, Holdfast ? 
 
 Hold. Well in some parts ; 
 But it relishes, I know not how, a little 
 Of too much tyranny. 
 
 Luke. Thou art a fool : 
 He's cruel to himself, that dares not be 
 Severe to those that used him cruelly. [Exeunt 
 
^^' u 
 
 A-^'^'vA 
 
 THE CITY MADAM. 
 
 335 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 ■(f^. 
 
 SCENE I.— A Room in Sir John Frugal's 
 House. 
 
 Enter Luke, Sir John Frugal, Sir Maurice, Lacv, and 
 Plkxtv. 
 
 Ltike. You care not then, as it seems, to be 
 To our religion ? [converted 
 
 Sir Jofm. We know no such word, 
 Nor power but the devil, and him we serve for fear, 
 Not love. 
 
 Luke. I am glad that charge is saved. 
 
 Sir John. We put -"^ 
 
 That trick upon your brother, to have means 
 To come to the city. Now, to you, we'll discover 
 Tlie close design that brought us, with assurance, 
 If you lend your aids to furnish us with that 
 Which in the colony was not to be purchased, 
 No merchant ever made such a return 
 For his most precious venture, as you shall 
 Receive from us : far, far above your hopes, 
 Or fancy, to imagine. 
 
 Luke. It must be 
 Some strange commodity, and of a dear value, 
 (Such an opinion is planted in me 
 You will deal fairly,) that I would not hazard : 
 Give me the name of it. 
 
 Sir Maur. I fear you will make 
 Some scruple in your conscience, to grant it. 
 
 Luke. Conscience ! no, no ; so it may be done 
 with safety. 
 And without danger of the law. 
 
 Plenty. For that, -^ 
 
 You shall sleep securely : nor shall it diminish, 
 But add unto your heap such an increase. 
 As what you now possess shall appear an atom. 
 To the mountain it brings with it. 
 
 Luke. Do not rack me 
 ^ith expectation. 
 
 Sir John. Thus then in a word : 
 The deyiJ — why start you at his name ? if you 
 ! Desire to wallow in wealth and worldly honours, 
 
 ! You must make haste to be familiar with him 
 
 \This devil, whose priest I am, and by him made 
 A deep magician, (for I can do wonders,) 
 Appear'd to me in Virginia, and commanded, 
 With many stripes, for that's his cruel custom, 
 I should provide, on pain of his fierce wrath, 
 Against the next great sacrifice, at which 
 We, grovelling on our faces, fall before him. 
 Two Christian virgins, that, with their pure blood. 
 Might die his horrid altars ; and a third, 
 In his hate to such embraces as are lawful, 
 Married, and with your ceremonious rites, 
 As an oblation unto Hecate, 
 And wanton Lust, her favourite. 
 
 Luke. A devilish custom! 
 And yet why should it startle me ? — There are 
 Enough of the sex fit for this use ; but virgins, 
 And such a matron as you speak of, hardly 
 To be wrought to it. 
 
 Plenty. A mine of gold, for a fee, 
 Waits him that undertakes it and performs it. 
 
 Sir Maur. Know you no distressed widow, or 
 poor maids, 
 Whose want of dower, though well born, makes 
 Of their own country ? [them weary 
 
 Sir John. Such as had rather be 
 
 Miserable in another world, than where 
 They have surfeited in felicity ^ 
 
 Luke. Give me leave [ Walkt aside 
 
 I would not lose this purchase. A grave matron ! 
 And two pure virgins ! Umph ! [ think my sister, 
 Though proud, was ever honest ; and my nieces 
 Untainted yet. Why should not they be shipp'd 
 For this employment ? they are burthensome to me. 
 And eat too much; and if they stay in London, 
 They will find friends that, to my loss, will force 
 To composition : 'twere a masterpiece, [me 
 
 If this could be effected. They were ever 
 Ambitious of title : should I urge, 
 Matching with these they shall live Indian queens, 
 It may do much : but what shall I feel here, 
 Knowing to what they are design'd ? they absent, 
 The thought of them will leave me. It shall be 
 
 so. [^Rctarns. 
 
 I'll furnish you, and, to endear the service. 
 In mine own family, and my blood too. 
 
 Sir John. Make this good, and your house shall 
 The gold we'll send you. [not contain 
 
 Luke. You have seen my sister. 
 And my two nieces ? 
 
 Sir John. Yes, sir. 
 
 Luke. These persuaded 
 How happily they shall live, and in what pomp, 
 AVhen they are in your kingdoms, for you must 
 Work them a belief that you are kings 
 
 Plenty. We are so. 
 
 Luke. I'll put it in practice instantly. Study you 
 For moving language. Sister ! nieces ! 
 
 Enter Lady Frugal, Anne, and Mary. 
 
 How! 
 Still mourning ? dry your eyes, and clear these 
 
 clouds 
 That do obscure your beauties. Did you believe 
 My personated reprehension, though 
 It shew'd like a rough anger, could be serious .' 
 Forget the fright I put you in : my end. 
 In humbling you, was to set off the height 
 Of honour, principal honour, which my studies, 
 When you least expect it, shall confer upon you ! 
 Still you seem doubtful: be not wanting to 
 Yourselves, nor let the strangeness of the means, 
 With the shadow of some danger, render you 
 Incredulous. 
 
 L. Frug. Our usage hath been such, 
 As we can faintly hope that your intents 
 And language are the same. 
 
 Luke. I'll change those hopes 
 To certainties. 
 
 Sir John. With what art he winds about them ! 
 
 lAside. 
 
 Luke. W^hat will you say, or what thanks shall 
 I look for, 
 If now I raise you to such eminence, as , 
 The wife and daughters of a citizen 
 Never arrived at ! many, for their wealth, I grant, 
 Have written ladies of honour, and some few 
 Have higher titles, and that's the furthest rise 
 You can in England hope for. What think you, 
 If I should mark you out a way to live 
 Queens in another climate ? 
 
 Anne. We desire 
 A competence. 
 
SSG 
 
 THE C1T\ MADAM. 
 
 Mary. And prefer our country's smoke 
 Before outlandish fire. 
 
 L. Frug. But should we listen 
 To such impossibilities, 'tis not in 
 The power of man to make it good. 
 
 Luke. I'll do it : 
 Nor is this seat of majesty far removed ; 
 It is but to Virginia. 
 
 L. Frug. How ! Virginia ! 
 High heaven forbid ! Remember, sir, I beseech 
 What creatures are shipp'd thither. [you, 
 
 Anne. Condemn'd wretches, 
 Forfeited to the law. 
 
 Mary. Strumpets and bawds, 
 For the abomination of their life, 
 Spew'd out of their own country. 
 
 Luke. Your false fears 
 Abuse my noble purposes. Such indeed 
 Are sent as slaves to labour there ; but you, 
 To absolute sovereignty. Observe these men, 
 With reverence observe them ; they are kings of 
 Such spacious teritories and dominions, 
 As our Great Britain measured will appear 
 A garden to it. 
 
 Sir Maur. You shall be adored there 
 As goddesses. 
 
 Sir John. Your litters made of gold. 
 Supported by your vassals, proud to bear 
 The burthen on their shoulders. 
 
 Plenty. Pomp, and ease, 
 With delicates that Europe never knew. 
 Like pages shall wait on you. 
 
 Luke. If you have minds 
 To entertain the greatness ofFer'd to you, 
 With outstretch'd arms, and willing hands, em- 
 brace it. 
 But this refused, imagine what can make you 
 Most miserable here ; and rest assured. 
 In storms it falls upon you : take them in, 
 And use your best persuasion. If that fail, 
 I'll send them aboard in a dry fat. 
 
 lExeunt all but Sir John Fuugal and Luke. 
 
 Sir John. Be not moved, sir ; 
 We'll work them to your will. Yet, ere we part, 
 Your worldly cares deferr'd, a little mirth 
 Would not misbecome us. 
 
 L7.ike. You say well : and now 
 It comes into my memory, 'tis my birthday, 
 Which with solemnity I would observe, 
 But that it would ask cost. 
 
 Sir John. That shall not grieve you. 
 By my art I will prepare you such a feast. 
 As Persia, in her height of pomp and riot. 
 Did never equal ; and such ravishing music 
 As the Italian princes seldom heard 
 At their greatest entertainments. Name your 
 
 Luke. I must have none. [guests. 
 
 Sir John. Not the city senate ? 
 
 Luke. No ; 
 Nor yet poor neighbours : the first would argue me 
 Of fooUsh ostentation, and the latter 
 Of too much hospitality ; a virtue 
 Grown obsolete, and useless. I will sit 
 Alone, and surfeit in my store, while others 
 With envy pine at it ; my genius pamper'd 
 W^ith the thought of what I am, and what they 
 I have mark'd out to misery. [suffer 
 
 Sir John. You shall : 
 And something I will add you yet conceive not, 
 Nor will I be slow-paced. 
 
 Luke. I have one business. 
 And, that dispatch'd, I am free. 
 
 Sir John. About it, sir. 
 Leave the rest to me. 
 
 Luke. Till now I ne'er loved magic. [Exeufi. 
 
 SCENE II. — Another Room in the same. 
 
 Enter Lord Lacy, Goldwtue, Senior, and Trabku-rl: , 
 Senior. 
 
 //. Lacy. Believe me, gentlemen, I never was 
 So cozen'd in a fellow. He disguised 
 Hypocrisy in such a cunning shape 
 Of real goodness, that I would have sworn 
 This devil a saint. M. Goldwire, and M. Trade- 
 What do you mean to do ? Put on. [well. 
 
 Gold. With your lordship's favour. 
 
 L. Lacy. I'll have it so. 
 
 Trade. Your will, my lord, excuses 
 The rudeness of our manners. 
 
 L. Lacy. You have received 
 Penitent letters from vour sons, I doubt not .'' 
 
 Trade. They aie our only sons. 
 
 Gold. And ab we are fathers, 
 Remembering the errors of our youth, 
 We would pardon slips in them. 
 
 Trade. And pay for them 
 In a moderate way. 
 
 Gold. In which we hope your lordship 
 W^ill be our mediator. 
 
 L. Lacy. AH my power 
 
 Enter Luke, richly dressed. 
 
 You freely shall command ; 'tis he ! You are well 
 
 met. 
 And to my wish, — and wonderous brave ! your 
 Speaks you a merchant royal. [habit 
 
 Luke. What I wear 
 I take not upon trust. 
 
 L. Lacy. Your betters may, 
 And blush not for't. 
 
 Luke. If you have nought else with me 
 But to argue that, I will make bold to leave you. 
 
 L. Lacy. You are very peremptory ; pray you 
 I once held you [stay : 
 
 An upright honest man. 
 
 Luke. I am honester now 
 By a hundred thousand pound, I thank my stars 
 
 for't, 
 Upon the Exchange ; and if your late opinion 
 Be alter'd, who can help it .' Good my lord. 
 To the point ; I have other business than to talk 
 Of honesty, and opinions. 
 
 L. Lacy. Yet you may 
 Do well, if you please, to shew the one, and merit 
 The other from good men, in a case that now 
 Is ofFer'd to you. 
 
 Luke. What is it ? I am troubled. 
 
 Ij. Lacy. Here are two gentlemen, the fathers of 
 Your brother's prentices. 
 
 Luke. Mine, my lord, I take it. 
 
 L. Lacy. Goldwire, and Tradewell. 
 
 Luke. They are welcome, if 
 They come prepared to satisfy the damage 
 1 have sustain'd by their sons. 
 
 Gold. We are, so you please 
 To use a conscience. 
 
 Trade. Which we hope you will do, 
 For your own worship's sake. 
 
SOKNK III. 
 
 THE CITY MADAM. 
 
 337 
 
 Lulie. Conscience, my friends, 
 And wealth, are not always neighbours. Should I 
 
 part 
 With what the law gives me, I should suffer mainly 
 In my reputation ; for it would convince me 
 Of indiscretion : nor will you, I hope, move me 
 To do myself such prejudice. 
 
 L. Lacy. No moderation ? 
 
 Luke. They cannot look for't, and preserve in 
 me 
 A thriving citizen's credit. Your bonds lie 
 For your sons' truth, and they shall answer all 
 They have run out : the masters never prosper'd 
 Since gentlemen's sons grew prentices : when we 
 
 look -^ 
 
 To have our business done at home, they are 
 Abroad in the tennis-court, or in Partridge-alley, 
 In Lambeth Marsh, or a cheating ordinary, 
 Where I found your sons. I have your bonds, 
 
 look to't. 
 A thousand ])ounds apiece, and that will hardly 
 Repair my losses. 
 
 L. Lacy. Thou dar'st not shew thyself 
 Such a devil ! 
 
 Luke. Good words. 
 
 L. Laiy. Such a cut-throat ! I have heard of 
 The usage of your brother's wife and daughters ; 
 You shall find you are not lawless, and that your 
 Cannot justify your villainies. [monies 
 
 Luke. I endure this. 
 And, good my lord, now you talk in time of monies, 
 Pay in what you owe me. And give me leave to 
 
 wonder 
 Your wisdom should have leisure to consider 
 The business of these gentlemen, or my carriage 
 To my sister, or my nieces, being yourself 
 So much in my danger. 
 
 L. Lacy. In thy danger ? 
 
 Luke. Mine. 
 I find in my counting-house a manor pawn'd, 
 Pawn'd, my good lord; Lacy manor, and that 
 
 manor 
 From which you have the title of a lord, 
 An it please your good lordship 1 You are a 
 
 nobleman ; 
 Pray you pay in my monies : the interest 
 Will eat faster in't, than aquafortis in iron. 
 Now though you bear me hard, I love your lord- 
 I grant your person to be privileged [ship. 
 
 From all arrests ; yet there lives a foolish creature 
 Call'd an under-sheriff, who, being well paid, will 
 
 serve 
 An extent on lords or lowns' land. Pay it in : 
 I would be loth your name should sink, or that 
 "Your hopeful son, when he returns from travel. 
 Should find you ray lord-without-land. You are 
 
 angry 
 From ray good counsel : look you to your bonds ; 
 
 had I known 
 Of your conning, believe't, I would have had Ser- 
 jeants ready. 
 Lord, how you fret ! but that a tavern's near, 
 You should taste a cup of muscadine in my house, 
 To wash down sorrow ; but there it will do better : 
 I know you'll drink a health to me. {Exit. 
 
 L. Lncy, To thy damnation. 
 Was there ever such a villain ! heaven forgive me 
 For speaking so unchristianly, though he deserves 
 
 Gold. We are undone. [it. 
 
 Trade. Our families quite ruin'd. 
 
 L. Lucy. Take courage, gentlemen ; comfort 
 may appear, 
 And punishment overtake him, when he least ex- 
 pects it. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE III.' — Another Room in the same. 
 Enter Sir John Frugal and Holdfast. 
 
 Sir John. Be silent, on your life. 
 
 Hold. I am o'erjoy'd. 
 
 Sir John. Are the pictures placed as I directed.' 
 
 Hold. Yes, sir. 
 
 Sir John. And the musicians ready .' 
 
 Hold. All is done 
 As you commanded. 
 
 Sir John, [goes to the door.'] Make haste ; and 
 be careful ; 
 You know your cue, and postures .' 
 
 Plenty. [wilhin.'\ We are perfect. 
 
 Sir John. 'Tis well. The rest are come, too } 
 
 Hold. And disposed of 
 To your own wish. 
 
 Enter Servants with a rich banquet. 
 
 Sir .John. Set forth the table : so ! 
 A perfect banquet. At the upper end, 
 His chair in state : he shall feast like a prince. 
 
 Hold. And rise like a Dutch hangman. 
 
 Enter Lukh. 
 
 Sir John. Not a word more. 
 
 How like you the preparation ? Fill your room, 
 And taste the cates ; then in your thought consider 
 A rich man, that lives wisely to himself. 
 In his full height of glory. 
 
 Luke. I can brook 
 No rival in this happiness. How sweetly 
 These dainties, when unpaid for, please my palate? 
 Some wine. Jove's nectar ! Brightness to the star 
 That govern'd at my birth ! shoot down thy in- 
 Ami with a perpetuity"of "being [fluence, 
 
 Continue this felicity, not gain'd 
 By vows to saints above, and much less purchased 
 By thriving industry ; nor fallen upon me 
 As a reward to piety, and religion. 
 Or service to my country : I owe all 
 This to dissimulation, and the shape 
 I wore of goodness. Let my brother number 
 His beads devoutly, and believe his alms 
 To beggars, his compassion to his debtors. 
 Will wing his better part, disrobed of flesh, 
 To soar above the firmament. I am well ; 
 And so I surfeit here in all abundance. 
 Though styled a cormorant, a cut-throat, Jew, 
 And prosecuted with the fatal curses 
 Of widows, undone orphans, and what else 
 Such as malign my state can load me wi«-h. 
 I will not envy it. You promised music. 
 
 Sir John. And you shall hear the strength and 
 power of it. 
 The spirit of Orpheus raised to make it good, 
 And, in those ravishing strains, with which he 
 Charon and Cerberus to give him way, [moved 
 To fetch from hell his lo«t Eurydice. 
 — Appear ! swifter than thought ! lAlottd. 
 
 Music. Enter at one door, Cerberus, at tTle other 
 
 Charoa, Orpheus, and Chorus. 
 Luke. 'Tis wonderous strange ! 
 ] [The^ represent the story 0/ Orpheus, with dance and 
 I gesture. ^ 
 
338 
 
 THE CITY MADAM. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 Sir John. Does not the object and the accent 
 take you ? 
 
 Luke. A pretty fable. [^Exeunt Orpheus and 
 the rest.'\ But that music should 
 Alter, ia fiends, their nature is to me 
 Impossible ; since, in myself, I find, 
 What I have once decreed shall know no change. 
 
 Sir John. You are constant to your purposes ; 
 That I could stagger you. [yet I think 
 
 Luke. How ? 
 
 Sir John. Should I present 
 Your servants, debtors, and the rest that suffer 
 By your fit severity, I presume the sight 
 Would move you to compassion. 
 
 Luke. Not a mote. 
 The music that your Orpheus made was harsh, 
 To the delight I should receive in hearing 
 Their cries and groans : if it be in your power, 
 I would now see them. 
 
 Sir John. Spirits, in their shapes. 
 Shall shew them as they are : but if it should 
 move you ? — 
 
 Luke. If it do, may I ne'er find pity I 
 
 Sir John. Be your own judge. 
 
 Appear ! as I commanded. 
 
 Sad Music. Enter Goldwire, Junior, and Tradewell, 
 Junior, as from prison; Fortune, Hoyst, and 
 Pknury; Serjeants with Trad kwell. Senior, and 
 Goldwire, Senior ; — these followed by Shave'em in 
 a blue gown. Secret and Ding'em ; they all kneel to 
 Luke, lifting up their hands. Stargaze is seen, with 
 a pack of almanacks , and Milliscent. 
 
 « Luke. Ha, ha, ha ! 
 This move me to compassion, or raise 
 One sign of seeming pity in my face ! 
 You are deceived : it rather renders me 
 More flinty, and obdurate. A south wind 
 Shall sooner soften marble, and the rain 
 That slides down gently from his flaggy wings, 
 O'erflow the Alps, than knees, or tears, or groans. 
 Shall wrest compunction from me. 'Tis my glory 
 That they are wretched, and by me made so ; 
 It sets my happiness off : — I could not triumph 
 If these were not my captives. — Ha ! my tarriers. 
 As it appears, have seized on these old foxes, 
 As I gave order ; new addition to 
 My scene of mirth : ha, ha ! — They now grow 
 
 tedious, 
 Let them be removed. \,Exeunt Gold, and the rest. 
 
 Some other object, if 
 Your art can shew it. 
 
 Sir John. You shall perceive 'tis boundless. 
 Yet one thing real, if you please .'' 
 
 Luke. What is it ? 
 
 Sir John. Your nieces, ere they put to sea, 
 crave humbly. 
 Though absent in their bodies, they may take leave 
 Of their late suitors' statues. 
 
 Enter Lady Frugal, Anne, and Mary. 
 
 Luke. There they hang : 
 In things indifferent, I am tractable. 
 
 Sir John. There pay your vows, you have 
 liberty. 
 
 Anne. O sweet figure \_Kneels. 
 
 Of my abused Lacy ! when removed 
 Into another world, I'll daily pay 
 A sacrifice of sighs to thy remembrance ; 
 And with a shower of tears strive to wash off 
 The stain of that contempt my foolish pride 
 
 And insolence threw upon thee. 
 
 Mary. I had been 
 Too happy, if I had enjoyed the substance ; 
 But far unworthy of it, now I fall 
 Thus prostrate to thy statue. [Kneels. 
 
 L. Frug. My kind husband, {Kneels. 
 
 (Bless'd in my misery,) from the monastery 
 To which ray disobedience confined thee. 
 With thy soul's eye, which distance cannot hinder. 
 Look on my penitence. O. that I could 
 Call back time past ! thy holy vow dispensed, 
 With what humility would I observe 
 My long-neglected duty ! 
 
 Sir John. Does not this move you ? 
 
 Luke. Yes, as they do the statues, and her sorrow 
 My absent brother. If, by your magic art, 
 You can give life to these, or bring him hither 
 To witness her repentance, I may have, 
 Perchance, some feeling of it. 
 
 Sir John. For your sport, 
 You shall see a masterpiece. Here's nothing but 
 A superficies ; colours, and no substance. 
 Sit still, and to your wonder and amazement, 
 I'll give these organs. This the sacrifice, 
 To make the great work perfect. 
 
 \Burns incense, and makes mystical gesticulations. 
 Sir Maurice Lacy and Plenty give signs of 
 animation. 
 
 Luke. Prodigious ! 
 
 Sir John. Nay, they have life, and motion. 
 Descend ! 
 [Sir Maurice Lacy and Plenty descend and come 
 forward. 
 And for your absent brother, — this wash'd off, 
 Against your will you shall know him. 
 
 [^Discovers h imself. 
 
 Enter Lord Lacy, with Goldwire Senior and Junior, 
 Tradewell Senior and Junior, the Debtors, ^c. Sfc. 
 as before. 
 
 Luke. I am lost. 
 Guilt strikes me dumb. 
 
 Sir John. You have seen, my lord, the pageant.' 
 
 L. Lacy. I have, and am ravish' d with it. 
 
 Sir John. What think you now 
 Of this clear soul ? this honest, pious man ? 
 Have I stripp'd him bare, or will your lordship 
 A further trial of him ? 'Tis not in [have 
 
 A wolf to change his nature. 
 
 L. Lacy. I long since 
 Confess'd my error. 
 
 Sir John. Look up ; I forgive you, 
 And seal your pardons thus. 
 [Raises and embraces Lady Frugal, Anne, and Mary. 
 
 L. Frug. I am too full 
 Of joy, to speak it. 
 
 Anne. I am another creature ; 
 Not what I was. 
 
 Mary. I vow to shew myself, 
 When I am married, an humble wife, 
 Not a commanding mistress. 
 
 Plenty. On those terms, 
 I gladly thus embrace you. [To Maby. 
 
 Sir Maur. Welcome to 
 My bosom : as the one half of myself, 
 I'll love and cherish you. [.To Anne. 
 
 Gold. jun. Mercy ! 
 
 Trade, jun. and the rest. Good sir, mercy ! 
 
 Sir John. This day is sacred to it. All shall 
 As far as lawful pity can give way to't, [find me, 
 Indulgent to your wishes, though with loss 
 
<>if 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 THE CITY MADAM. 
 
 339 
 
 Unto myself. — My kind and honest brother, 
 Looking into yourself, have you seen the Gorgon ? 
 What a golden dream you have had, in the posses- 
 sion 
 Of my estate ! — but here's a revocation 
 That wakes you out of it. Monster in nature ! 
 Revengeful, avaricious atheist. 
 Transcending all example I — but I shall be 
 A sharer in thy crimes, should I repeat tham — 
 What wilt thou do ? turn hypocrite again, 
 With hope dissimulation can aid thee ? 
 Or that one eye will shed a tear in sign 
 Of sorrow for thee ? I have warrant to 
 Make bold with mine own, pray you uncase : this 
 
 key, too, 
 I must make bold with. Hide thyself ia some 
 desart, 
 
 Where good men ne'er may find thee ; or injustice 
 
 Pack to Virginia, and repent ; not for 
 
 Those horrid ends to which thou didst design these. 
 
 Luke. I care not where I go : what's done, 
 with words ' / ■■ 
 
 Cannot be undone. ^' lExiU 
 
 L. Frug. Yet sir, shew some mercy; 
 Because his cruelty to me and mine, 
 Did good upon us. 
 
 Sir John. Of that at better leisure, 
 As his penitency shall work me. Make you good 
 Your promised reformation, and instruct 
 Our city dames, whom wealth makes proud, to 
 
 move 
 In their own spheres ; and willingly to confess, 
 In their habits, manners, and their highest port, 
 A distance 'twiit the city and the court. lExeunt. 
 
 ^2 
 
THE GUARDIAN 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONS. 
 
 ArPHONSO, King of Naples. 
 Duke Montpensier, General of Milan, 
 Severing, a banished Nobleman. 
 MoNTECLARO, liis Bi'other-in-Law, (supposed 
 
 dead,, disguised under the name o/Laval. 
 DuRAzzo, the Guardian. 
 Caldoro, his Nephew and Ward, in love with 
 
 Calista. 
 Adorio, a young Libertine. 
 Camillo, S 
 
 Lentulo, ^Neapolitan Gentlemen. 
 Donato, I 
 
 Cario, Cook to Anoftx*. 
 
 Claudio, a confidential Servant to SfiVKRWo. 
 
 Captain. 
 
 Banditti. 
 
 Servants. 
 
 loLANTE, Wife to SEVERrNO. 
 
 Calista, her Daughter, in Love ivith Adorio. 
 MiRTiLLA, Calista 's Maid. 
 Calipso, the Confidant of Iolante. 
 
 Singers, Countrymen. 
 
 SCENE, — Partly at Naples, and partly in the adjacent country. 
 
 PROLOGUE. 
 
 After twice "putting forth to sea, his fame 
 
 Shipivreck'd in either, and his once-known name 
 
 In two years silence buried, perhaps lost 
 
 In the general opinion ; at our cost 
 
 (A zealous sacrifice to Neptune made 
 
 For good success in his uncertain trade) 
 
 Our author weighs up anchors, and once more 
 
 Forsaking the security of the shore, 
 
 Resolves to prove his fortune : what 'twill be, 
 
 Is not in him, or us, to prophesie ; 
 
 You only, can assure us : yet he prayed 
 
 7'his little, in his absence, might be said, 
 
 Designing me his orator. He submits 
 
 To the grave censure of those abler wits 
 
 His weakness ; nor dares he profess that when 
 
 The critics laugh, he^ll laugh at them agen. 
 
 (Strange self-love in a writer ! ) He would know 
 His errors as you find them, and bestow 
 His future studies to reform from this, 
 What in another might be judged amiss. 
 And yet despair not, gentlemen ; though he fear 
 His strengths to please, we hope that you shall 
 Some things so writ, as you may truly say [hear 
 He hath noi quite forgot to make a play, 
 As' 'tis with malice rumo7ir'd : his intents 
 Are fair ; and though he want the compliments 
 Of wide-mouth' d promisers, who still engage. 
 Before their works are brought upon the stage. 
 Their parasites to proclaim them : this last birth, 
 Delivered without noise, may yield such mirth, 
 As, balanced equally, will cry down the boast 
 Of arrogance, and regain his credit lost. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I.— Naples. A Grove. 
 
 Enter Durazzo, 
 
 Camillo, Lentulo, 
 Servants. 
 
 Donato, and ttvo 
 
 Bur. Tell me of his expenses ! Which of you 
 Stands bound for a gazet ? he spends his own ; 
 And you impertinent fools or knaves, (make choice 
 Of either title, which your signiorships please,) 
 To meddle in't. 
 
 Camil. Your age gives privilege 
 To this harsh language. 
 
 Bur. My age ! do not use 
 That word again ; if you do, I shall grow young, 
 
 And swinge you soundly : T would have you knov 
 Though I write fifty odd, I do not carry 
 An almanack in my bones to pre-declare 
 What weather we shall have ; nor do I kneel 
 In adoration, at the spring and fall, 
 Before my doctor, for a dose or two 
 Of his restoratives, which are things, I take it, 
 You are familiar with. , ■-:^' y,/ 
 
 Camil. Tills is from the purpose. ' 
 Dur. I cannot cut a caper, or groan like you 
 When I have done, nor run away so nimbly 
 Out of the field : but bring me to a fence-school. 
 And crack a blade or two for exercise, 
 
SCEiNE 1. 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 341 
 
 Ride a barb'd horse, or take a leap after me, 
 FoUowiBg my hounds or hawks, (and, by your 
 
 leave, 
 At a gamesome mistress,) and you shall confess 
 1 am in the May of my abil ties, 
 And you in your December. 
 
 Lent. We are glad you bear 
 Your years so well. 
 
 Dur. My years ! no more of years ; 
 If you do, at your peril. 
 
 Camil. We desire not 
 To prove your valour. 
 
 Dur. 'Tis your safest course. 
 
 Camil. But as friends to your fame and-reputa- 
 tion, 
 Come to instruct you, your too much indulgence 
 To the exorbitant waste of young Caldoro, 
 Your nephew and your ward, hath rendered you 
 But a bad report among wise men in Naples. 
 
 Dur. Wise men ! — in your opinion ; but to me, 
 That understand myself and them, they are 
 Hide-bounded money-mongers : they would have 
 
 me 
 Train up my ward a hopeful youth, to keep 
 A merchant's book ; or at the plough, and clothe 
 In canvass or coarse cotton ; while I fell [him 
 
 His woods, grant leases, which he must make 
 
 good 
 When he comes to age, or be compell'd to marry 
 With a cast whore and three bastards ; let him know 
 No more than how to cipher well, or do 
 His tricks by the square root ; grant him no plea- 
 sure 
 But quoits and nine-pins ; suffer him to converse 
 With none but clowns and coblers : as the Turk 
 Poverty, old age, and aches of all seasons, [says, 
 Light on such heathenish guardians I 
 
 Don. You do worse 
 To the ruin of his state, under your favour, 
 In feeding his loose riots. 
 
 Dur. Riots ! what riots ? 
 He wears rich clothes, I do so ; keeps horses, 
 
 games, and wenches ; 
 *Tis not amiss, so it be done with decorum : 
 In an heir 'tis ten times more excusable 
 Than to be over-thrifty. Is there ji.ght else 
 That you can charge him with? 
 
 Camil. With what we grieve for, 
 And you will not approve. 
 
 Dur. Out with it, man. 
 
 Camil. His rash endeavour, without your con- 
 To match himself into a family [sent, 
 Not gracious with the times. 
 
 Dur. 'Tis still the better ; 
 By this means he shall scape court visitants, 
 And not be eaten out of house and home 
 In a summer progress : but does he mean to marry ? 
 
 Camil. Yes, sir, to marry. 
 
 Dur. In a beardless chin 
 'Tis ten times worse than wenching. Family ! 
 
 Camil. Signer Severino's. [whose family ? 
 
 Dur. How ! not he that kill'd 
 The brother of his wife, as it is rumour'd. 
 Then fled upon it ; since proscribed, and chosen 
 Captain of the Banditti ; the king's pardon 
 On no suit to be granted? 
 
 Lent. The same, sir. 
 
 Dur. This touches near: how is his love re- 
 tum'd 
 By the saint he worships ? 
 
 Don. She affects him not, 
 But dotes upon another. 
 
 Dur. Worse and worse. 
 
 Camil. You know him, young Adorio. 
 
 Dur. A brave gentleman ! 
 What proof of this ? 
 
 Lent. I dogg'd him to the church ; 
 Where he, not for devotion, as I guess, 
 But to make his approaches to his mistress^ 
 Is often seen. 
 
 Camil. And would you stand conceal'd 
 Among these trees, for he must pass this green, 
 The matins ended, as she returns home, 
 You may observe the passages. 
 
 Dur. I thank you ; 
 This torrent must be stopt. 
 
 Don. They come. 
 
 Camil. Stand close. [.They stand aside. 
 
 Enter Adorio, Calista, Mirtilla, atid Caldoro muffled. 
 .Calis. I know I wrong my modesty. 
 
 Ador. And wrong me. 
 In being so importunate for that 
 I neither can nor must grant. 
 
 Calis. A hard sentence ! 
 And to increase my misery, by you, 
 Whom fond affection hath made my judge, 
 Pronounced without compassion. Alas, sir, 
 Did I approach you with unchaste desires, 
 A sullied reputation ; were deform'd, 
 As it may be I am, though many affirm 
 I am something more than handsome 
 
 Dur. I dare swear it. 
 
 Calis. Or if I were no gentlewoman, but bred 
 coarsely. 
 You might, with some pretence of reason, slight 
 What you should sue for. 
 
 Dur. Were he not an eunuch, 
 He would, and sue again ; I am sure I should. 
 Pray look in my collar, a flea troubles me : 
 Hey-day ! there are a legion of young Cupids 
 At barley-break in my breeches. 
 
 Calis. Hear me, sir ; 
 Though you continue, nay increase your scorn, 
 Only vouchsafe to let me understand 
 What my defects are ; of which once convinced, 
 I will hereafter silence my harsh plea, 
 And spare your further trouble. 
 
 Ador. I will tell you. 
 And bluntly, as my usual manner is. 
 Though I were a woman-hater, which I am not, 
 But love the sex, — for my ends, take me with you; 
 If in my thought I found one taint or blemish 
 In the whole fabric of your outward features, 
 I would give myself the lie. You are a virgin 
 Possess'd of all your mother could wish in you ; 
 Your father Severino's dire disaster 
 In killing of your uncle, which I grieve for, 
 Id no part taking from you. I repeat it, 
 A noble virgin, for whose grace and favours , .^ 
 The Italian princes might contend as rivals : \lL'\i 
 Yet unto me, a thing far, far beneath you, \ C-^ i 
 (A noted libertine I profess myself,) ' 
 
 In your mind there does appear one fault so gross. 
 Nay, I might say unpardonable at your years, 
 If justly you consider it, that I cannot 
 As you desire, affect you. 
 
 Calis. Make me know it, 
 I'll soon reform it. 
 
 Ador. Would you'd keep your word ! 
 
842 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 
 ACT 1. 
 
 Calls. Put me to the test. 
 
 Ador. I will. You are too honest, 
 And, like your mother, too strict and religious, 
 And talk too soon of marriage ; I shall break, 
 If at that rate I purchase you. Can I part with 
 My uncurb'd liberty, and on my neck 
 Wear such a heavy yoke ? hazard ray fortunes, 
 With all the expected joys my life can yield me, 
 For one commodity, before I prove it ? 
 Venus forbid on both sides ! let crook'd hams, 
 Bald heads, declining shoulders, furrow'd cheeks, 
 Be awed by ceremonies : if you love me 
 In the way young people should, I'll fly to meet it, 
 And we'll meet merrily. 
 
 Calls. 'Tis strange such a man 
 Can use such language. 
 
 Ador. In my tongue my heart 
 Speaks freely, fair one. Think on't, a close friend, 
 Or private mistress, is court rhetoric ; 
 A wife, mere rustic solecism : so good morrow ! 
 
 [Adorio offers to go, Caldoro comes forward and stops 
 him. 
 
 Camll. How like you this .' 
 
 Diir. A well-bred gentleman ! 
 I am thinking now if ever in the dark, 
 Or drunk, I met his mother : he must have 
 Some drops of my blood in him, for at his years 
 I was much of his religion. 
 
 Camll. Out upon you ! 
 
 Don. The colt's tooth still in your mouth ! 
 
 Dur. What means this whispering? 
 
 Ador. You may perceive I seek not to displant 
 you, 
 Where you desire to grow ; for further thanks, 
 'Tis needless compliment. 
 
 Cald. Tliere are some natures 
 Which blush to owe a benefit, if not 
 Received in corners ; holding it an impairing 
 To their own worth, should they acknowledge it. 
 I am made of other clay, and therefore must 
 Trench so far on your leisure, as to win you 
 To lend a patient ear, while I profess 
 Before my glory, though your scorn, Calista, 
 How much I am your servant. 
 
 Ador. My designs 
 Are not so urgent, but they can dispense 
 With so much time. 
 
 Camll. Pray you now observe your nephew. 
 
 Dur. How he looks ! like a school-boy that had 
 And went to be breech'd. [play'd the truant, 
 
 Cald. Madam ! 
 
 Calls. A new affliction ! 
 Your suit offends as much as his repulse, 
 It being not to be granted. 
 
 Mlrt. Hear him, madam ; 
 His sorrow is not personated ; he deserves 
 Your pity, not contempt. 
 
 Dur. He has made the maid his ; ! 
 
 And, as the master of the Art of Love 
 Wisely affirms, it'is a ki-nd of passage 
 To the mistress' favour. 
 
 Cald. I come not to urge 
 My merit to deserve you, since you are, 
 Weigh'd truly to your worth, above all value : 
 Much less to argue you of want of judgment 
 For following one that with wing'd feet flies from 
 
 While I, at all parts, without boast, his equal. 
 In vain pursue you ; bringing those flames with 
 me. 
 
 Those lawful flames, (for, madam, know, with other 
 
 I never shall approach you,) which Adorio, 
 
 In scorn of Hymen and religious rites. 
 
 With atheistical impudence contemns ; 
 
 And in his loose attempt to undermine 
 
 The fortress of your |ionour^ seeks to ruin 
 
 All holy altars by cleSr-mihds erected 
 
 To virgin honour. 
 
 Dur. My nephew is an ass ; 
 What a devil hath he to do with virgin honour, 
 Altars, or lawful flames, when he should tell her 
 They are superstitious nothings ; and speak to the 
 Of the delight to meet in the old dance, [purpose, 
 Between a pair of sheets ; my grandam call'd it, 
 The Peopling of the World. 
 
 Calls. How, gentle sir 1 ' . ' 
 
 To vindicate mj_honour ! that is needless ; \ 
 I dare not fear the worst aspersion malice i 
 
 Can throw upon it. , ' 
 
 Cald. Your sweet patience, lady, 't 
 
 And more than dove-like innocence, render you 
 Insensible of an injury, for which 
 I deeply suffer. Can you undergo 
 The scorn of being refused } I must confess 
 It makes for my ends ; for had he embraced 
 Your gracious offers tender'd him, I had been 
 In my own hopes forsaken ; and if yet 
 There can breathe any air of comfort in me. 
 To his contempt I owe it : but his ill 
 No more shall make way for my good intents. 
 Than virtue, powerful in herself, can need 
 The aids of vice. 
 
 Ador. You take that license, sir, 
 Which yet I never granted. 
 
 Cald. I'll force more ; 
 Nor will I for my own ends undertake it. 
 As I will make apparent, but to do 
 A justice to your sex, with mine own wrong 
 And irrecoverable loss. To thee I turn. 
 Thou goatish ribald, in whom lust is grown 
 Defensible, the last descent to hell, 
 Which gapes wide for thee : look upon this lady, 
 And on her fame, (if it were possible. 
 Fairer than she is,) and if base desires. 
 And beastly appetite, will give thee leave, 
 Consider how she sought thee, how this lady, 
 In a noble way, desired thee. Was she fashion'd 
 In an inimitable mould, (which Nature broke. 
 The great work perfected,) to be made a slave 
 To thy libidinous twines, and, when commanded. 
 To be used as physic after drunken surfeits ! 
 Mankind should rise against thee : what even now 
 I heard with horror, shewed like blasphemy. 
 And as such I will punish it. 
 
 ^Strikes Adorio, the rest rush forward ; (hey all draw. 
 
 Calls. Murder ! 
 
 Mlrt. Help 1 
 
 Dur. After a whining prologue, who would 
 have look'd for 
 Such a rough catastrophe ? Nay, come on, fear 
 
 nothing : 
 Never till now my nephew ! and do you hear, sir ? 
 (And yet I love thee too) if you take the wench 
 I'll have it posted first, then chronicled, [now, 
 Thou wert beaten to it. 
 
 Ador. You think you have shewn 
 A memorable masterpiece of valour 
 In doing this in public, and it may 
 Perhaps deserve her shoe-string for a favour: 
 Wear it without my envy ; but expect, 
 
SCENE 1. 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 843 
 
 For this affront, when time serves, I shall call you 
 To a strict accompt. [_ExU. 
 
 Dur. Hook on, follow him, harpies ! 
 You may feed upon this business for a month, 
 If you manage it handsomely : 
 
 lExcunt Camillo, Lentulo, and Donato. 
 When two heirs quarrel, 
 The swordmen of the city shortly after 
 Appear in plush, for their grave consultations 
 In taking up the difference ; some, I know, 
 Make a set living on't. Nay, let him go, 
 Thou art master of the field ; enjoy thy fortune 
 With moderation : for a flying foe. 
 Discreet and provident conquerors build up 
 A bridge of gold. To thy mistress, boy !' if I were 
 In thy shirt, how I could nick it ! 
 
 Cald. You stand, madam, 
 As you were rooted, and I more than fear 
 My passion hath offended : I perceive 
 The roses frighted from your cheeks, and paleness 
 To usurp their room : yet you may please to 
 
 ascribe it 
 To my excess of love, and boundless ardour 
 To do you right ; for myself 1 have done nothing. 
 I will not curse my stars, howe'er assured 
 To me you are lost for ever : for suppose 
 Adorio slain, and by my hand, my life 
 Is forfeited to the law, which I contemn, 
 So with a tear or two you would remember 
 I vpas your martyr, and died in your service. 
 
 Cal. Alas, you weep ! and in my just compassion 
 Of what you suffer, I were more than marble, 
 Should I not keep you company : you have sought 
 My favours nobly, and I am justly punish'd, 
 In wild Adorio's contempt and scorn, 
 For my ingratitude, it is no better. 
 To your deservings : yet such is my fate, 
 Though I would, I cannot help it. O Caldoro ! 
 In our misplaced affection I prove 
 Too soon, and with dear-bought experience, Cupid 
 Is blind indeed, and hath mistook his arrows. 
 If it be possible, learn to forget, 
 (And yet that punishment is too light,) to hate, 
 A thankless virgin : practise it ; and may 
 Your due consideration that I am so, 
 In your imagination, disperse 
 Loathsome deformity upon this face 
 That hath bewitch'd you ! more I cannot say. 
 But that I truly pity you, and wish you 
 A better choice, which, in my prayers, Caldoro, 
 I ever will remember. 
 
 \_Exeunt Calista and Mirtilla. 
 
 Dur. *Tis a sweet rogue. 
 Why, how now ! thunderstruck ? J-^ 
 
 Cald. I am not so happy : ^v^* 
 
 Oh that I were but master of myself ! ' 
 You soon should see me nothing. 
 
 Diir. What would you do ? 
 
 Cald. With one stab give a fatal period 
 To my woes and life together. 
 
 Dur. For a woman ! 
 Better the kind were lost, and generation 
 Maintain'd a new way. 
 
 Cald. Pray you, sir, forbear 
 This profane language. 
 
 Dur. Pray you, be you a man, 
 And whimper not like a girl : all shall be well, 
 As I live it shall ; this is no hectic fever. 
 But a lovesick ague, easy to be cured. 
 And ril be your physician, so you subscribe 
 
 To my directions. First, you must change 
 This city whorish air, for 'tis infected, 
 And my potions will not work here ; I must have 
 To my country villa : rise before the sun, J^you 
 Then make a breakfast of the morning dew. 
 Served up by nature on some grassy hill ; 
 You'll find it nectar, and far more cordial 
 Than cullises, cock-broth, or your distillations 
 Of a hundred crowns a quart. 
 
 Cald. You talk of nothing. 
 
 Dur. This ta'en as a preparative, to strengthen 
 Your queasy stomach, vault into your saddle ; 
 With all this flesh I can do it without a stirrup : — 
 My hounds uncoupled, and my huntsmen ready. 
 You shall hear such music from their tunable 
 
 mouths, 
 That you shall say the viol, harp, theorbo, 
 Ne'er made such ravishing harmony : from the 
 
 groves 
 And neighbouring woods, with frequent iterations, 
 Enamoiir'd of the cry, a thousand echoes 
 Repeating it. 
 
 Cald. What's this to me .' 
 
 Dur. It shall be. 
 And you ^\ve thanks for't. In the afternoon, 
 For we will have variety of delights, 
 We'll to the field again, no game shall rise 
 But we'll be ready for't : if a hare, my greyhounds 
 Shall make a course ; for the pie or jay, a spar- 
 hawk 
 Flies from the fist ; the crow so near pursued, 
 Shall be compell'd to seek protection under 
 Our horses bellies ; a hearn put from her siege, 
 And a pistol shot off in her breech, shall mount 
 So high, that, to your view, she'll seem to soar 
 Above the middle region of the air : 
 A cast of haggard falcons, by me mann'd, 
 Eyeing the prey at first, appear as if 
 They did turn tail; but with their labouring wings 
 Getting above her, with a thought their pinions 
 Cleaving the purer element, make in. 
 And by turns bind with her ; the frighted fowl, 
 Lying at her defence upon her back. 
 With her dreadful beak awhile defers her death, 
 But by degrees forced down, we part the fray. 
 And feast upon her. 
 
 Cald. This cannot be, I grant, 
 But pretty pastime. 
 
 Dur. Pretty pastime, nephew ! 
 *Tis royal sport. Then, for an evening flight, 
 A tiercel gentle, which I call, my masters. 
 As he were sent a messenger to the moon. 
 In such a place flies, as he seems to say. 
 See me, or see me not ! the partridge sprung, 
 He makes his stoop ; but wanting breath, is forced 
 To canceller ; then, with such speed as if 
 He carried lightning in his wings, he strikes 
 The trembling bird, who even in death appears 
 Proud to be made his quarry. 
 
 Cald. Yet all this 
 Is nothing to Calista. 
 
 Dur. Thou shalt find 
 Twenty Calistas there ; for every night, 
 A fresh and lusty one ; I'll give thee a ticket. 
 In which my name, Durazzo's name, subscribed, 
 My tenants' nut-brown daughters, wholesome girls, 
 At midnight shall contend to do thee service. 
 I have bred them up to't ; should their fathers 
 
 murmur. 
 Their leases are void, for that is a main point 
 
344 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 In my indentures ; and when we make our progress, 
 There is no entertainment perfect, if 
 This hist dish be not offer'd. 
 
 Cald. Tou make me smile. 
 
 Dur. I'll make thee laugh outright. — My horses, 
 knaves ! 
 'Tis but six short hours riding : yet ere night 
 Thou shalt be an alter'd man. 
 
 Cald. I wish I may, sir. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE 11.—^ Moom in Severino's House. 
 Enter Iolantk, Calfsta, Calipso, and Mirtilla. 
 
 lol. I had spies upon you, minion ; the relation 
 Of your behaviour was at home before you : 
 My daughter to hold parley, from the church too, 
 With noted libertines ! her fame and favours 
 The quarrel of their swords ! 
 
 Calis. 'Twas not in me 
 To help it, madam. 
 
 lol. No ! how have I lived ? 
 My neighbour knows my manners have been such, 
 That I presume I may affirm, and boldly, 
 In no particular action of my life 
 I can be justly censured. 
 
 Callp. Censured, madam ! 
 What lord or lady lives, vvorthy to sit 
 A. competent judge on you ? 
 
 Calis. Yet black detraction 
 Will find faults where they are not. 
 
 Calip. Her foul mouth 
 Is stopp'd, you being the object : give me leave 
 To speak my thoughts, yet still under correction ; 
 And if my young lady and her woman hear 
 With reverence, they may be edified. 
 You are my gracious patroness and supportress, 
 And I your poor observer, nay, your creature. 
 Fed by your bounties ; and but that I know 
 Your honour detests flattery, I might say, 
 And with an emphasis, you are the lady 
 Admired and envied at, far, far above 
 All imitation of the best of women 
 That are or ever shall be. This is truth : 
 I dare not be obsequious ; and 'twould ill 
 Become my gravity, and wisdom glean'd 
 From your oraculous ladyship, to act 
 The part of a she-parasite. 
 
 lol. If you do, 
 I never shall acknowledge you. 
 
 Calis. Admirable ! 
 This is no flattery ! lAside to Mirt. 
 
 Mirt. Do not interrupt her : 
 'Tis such a pleasing itch to your lady-mother, 
 That she may peradventure forget us, 
 To feed on her own praises. 
 
 Jol. I am not 
 So far in debt to age, but if I would 
 Listen to men's bewitching sorceries, 
 I could be courted. 
 
 Calip. Rest secure of that. 
 All the braveries of the city run mad for you. 
 And yet your virtue's such, not one attempts you. 
 
 Tol. I keep no mankind servant in my house, 
 In fear my chastity may be suspected : 
 How is that voiced in Naples ? 
 
 Calip. With loud applause, 
 I assure your honour. 
 
 lol. It confirms I can 
 Command my sensual appetites. 
 
 Calip. As vassals to 
 Your more than masculine reason, that commands 
 
 them : 
 Your palace styled a nunnery of pureness. 
 In which not one lascivious thought dares enter. 
 Your clear soul standing centinel. 
 
 Mirt. Well said. Echo ! lAside. 
 
 lol. Yet I have tasted those delights, which 
 women 
 So greedily long for, know their titillations ; 
 And when, with danger of his head, thy father 
 Comes to give comfort to my widow'd sheets. 
 As soon as his desires are satisfied, 
 I can with ease forget them. 
 
 Calip. Observe that, 
 It being indeed remarkable : 'tis nothing 
 For a simple maid, that never had her hand 
 In the honey-pot of pleasure, to forbear it ; 
 But such as have lick'd there, and lick'd there 
 And felt the sweetness oft [often, 
 
 Mirt. How her mouth runs o'er 
 With rank imagination I \_Aside. 
 
 Calip. If such can. 
 As urged before, the kickshaw being off'er'd. 
 Refuse to take it, like my matchless madam, 
 They may be sainted. 
 
 lol. I'll lose no more breath 
 In fruitless reprehension ; look to it : 
 I'll have thee wear this habit of my mind, 
 As of my body. 
 
 Calip. Seek no other precedent : 
 In all the books of Amadis de Gaul, 
 The Palmerins, and that true Spanish story. 
 The Mirror of Knighthood, which I have read 
 Read feelingly, nay more, I do believe in't, [often, 
 My lady has no parallel. 
 
 Tol. Do not provoke me : 
 If, from this minute, thou e'er stir abroad, 
 Write letter, or receive one ; or presume 
 To look upon a man, though from a window, 
 I'll chain thee like a slave in some dark corner ; 
 Prescribe thy daily labour, which omitted. 
 Expect the usage of a Fury from me. 
 Not an indulgent mother — Come, Calipso. 
 
 Calip. Your ladyship's injunctions are so easy, 
 That I dare pawn my credit my young lady 
 And her woman shall obey them. 
 
 \_Exeimt IdLANTE and Calipso 
 
 Mirt. You shall fry first 
 For a rotten piece of touchwood, and give fire 
 To the great fiend's nostrils, when he smokes 
 
 tobacco ! 
 Note the injustice, madam ; they would have us, 
 Being young and hungry, keep perpetual Lent, 
 And the whole year to them a carnival. 
 Easy injunctions, with a mischief to you ! 
 Suff'er this and sufler all. 
 
 Calis. Not stir abroad ! 
 The use and pleasure of our eyes denied us 
 
 Mirt. Insufferable. 
 
 Calis. Nor write, nor yet receive 
 An amorous letter ! 
 
 Mirt. Not to be endured. 
 
 Calis. Nor look upon a man out of a window ! 
 
 Mirt. Flat tyranny, insupportable tyranny. 
 To a lady of your blood. 
 
 Calis. She is my mother. 
 And how should I decline it } 
 
 Mirt. Run away from't ; 
 Take any course. 
 
SCENE 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 345 
 
 ^l 
 % 
 
 Calls. 13ut without means, Mirtilla, 
 How shall we live ? 
 
 MirL What a question's that ! as if 
 A buxom lady could want maintenance 
 In any place in the world, where there are men, 
 Wine, meat, or money stirring. 
 
 Calis. Be you more modest. 
 Or seek some other mistress : rather than 
 In a thought or dream I will consent to aught 
 That may take from my honour, I'll endure - ' 
 More than my mother can rm]TCTse upon me. 
 
 Mirt. 1 grant your honour is a specious dress- 
 
 ■^But without conversation of metf; [ing, 
 
 ^^A kitid of nothing. I will not persuade you 
 To disobedience : yet my confessor told uffB 
 (And he, you know, is held a learned clerk) 
 When parents do enjoin unnatural things. 
 Wise children may evade them. She may as well 
 Command when you are hungry, not to eat, 
 Or drink, or sleep : and yet all these are easy. 
 Compared with the not seeing of a man, 
 As I persuade no further ; but to you 
 There is no such necessity ; you have means 
 To shun your mother's rigour. 
 
 Calis. Lawful means ? 
 
 Mirt. Lawful, and pleasing too ; I will not urge 
 Caldoro's loyal love, you being averse to't ; 
 Make trial of Adorio. 
 
 Calis. And give up 
 My honour to his lust 1 .^^ 
 
 Mirt. There's no such thing 
 Intended, madam ; in few words, write to him 
 What slavish hours you spend under your mo- 
 ther ; 
 That you desire not present marriage from him, 
 But as a noble gentleman to redeem you 
 From the tyranny you suffer. With your letter 
 Present him some rich jewel ; you have one. 
 In which the rape of Proserpine, in little. 
 Is to the life express'd : I'll be the messenger 
 With any hazard, and at my return, 
 Yield you a good account oft. 
 
 Calis. 'Tis a business 
 To be consider'd of. 
 
 Mirt. Consideration, 
 W^hen the converse of your lover is in question, 
 Is of no moment : if she would allow you 
 A dancer in the morning to well breathe you, 
 A songster in the afternoon, a servant 
 To air you in the evening ; give you leave 
 To see the theatre twice a week, to mark 
 How the old actors decay, the young sprout up, 
 (A fitting observation,) you might bear it ; 
 But not to see, or talk, or touch a man, 
 Abominable ! 
 
 Calis. Do not my blushes speak 
 How willingly I would assent ? 
 
 Mirt. Sweet lady, 
 Do something to deserve them, and blush after. 
 
 {.Exeunt, 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE I. — The same. A Street near 
 Severino's House. 
 
 Enter ISlante and Calipso. 
 
 lol. And are these Frenchmen, as you say, such 
 gallants ? 
 
 Calip. Gallant and active ; their free breeding 
 The Spanish and Italian preciseness [knows not 
 Practised among us ; what we call immodest, 
 With them is styled bold courtship : they dare fight 
 Under a velvet ensign, at fourteen. 
 
 lol. A petticoat, you mean ? 
 
 Calip. You are in the right ; 
 Let a mistress wear it under an armour of proof, 
 They are not to be beaten off. 
 
 lol. You are merry, neighbour. 
 
 Calip. I fool to make you so : pray you observe 
 them. 
 They are the forward'st monsieurs ; born phy- 
 sicians 
 For the malady of young wenches, and ne'er miss : 
 1 owe my life to one of them. When I was 
 A raw young thing, not worth the ground I trod on. 
 And long'd to dip my bread in tar, my lips 
 As blue as salt-water, he came up roundly to me. 
 And cured me in an instant ; Venus be praised for't ! 
 
 Enter Alphonso, Montpensier, Laval, Captain, and 
 Attendants. 
 
 Jol. They come, leave prating. 
 
 Calip. 1 am dumb, an't like your honour. 
 
 Alph. We will not break the league contirm'd 
 between us 
 And your great master : the passage of his army 
 Through all our territories lies open to him ; 
 
 Only we grieve that your design for Rome 
 Commands such haste, as it denies us means 
 To entertain you as your worth deserves. 
 And we would gladly tender. 
 
 Mont. Royal Alphonso, 
 The king my master, your confederate, 
 Will pay the debt he owes, in fact, which I 
 Want words t'ex press. I must remove to-night ; 
 And yet, that your intended favours may not 
 Be lost, I leave this gentleman behind me. 
 To whom you may vouchsafe them, I dare say. 
 Without repentance. I forbear to give 
 Your majesty his character ; in France 
 He was a precedent for arts and arms, 
 W^ithout a rival, and may prove in Naples 
 Worthy the imitation. 
 
 {^Introduces Laval to the King. 
 
 Calip. Is he not, madam, [rare ! 
 
 A monsieur in print ! what a garb was there ! O 
 Then, how he wears his clothes ! and the fashion of 
 A main assurance that he is within [them ! 
 
 All excellent : by this, wise ladies ever 
 Make their conjectures. 
 
 lol. Peace, I have observed him 
 From head to foot. 
 
 Calip. Eye him again, all over. 
 
 Lav. It cannot, royal sir, but argue me 
 Of much presumption, if not impudence, 
 To be a suitor to your majesty, 
 Before I have deserved a gracious grant, 
 By some employment prosperously achieved. 
 But pardon, gracious sir : when I left France 
 I made a vow to a bosom friend of mine, 
 (Which my lord general, if he please, can witness,> 
 
84G 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 L. 
 
 L- 
 
 With such humility as well becomes 
 
 A poor petitioner, to desire a boon 
 
 From your magnificence. ille delivers a petition. 
 
 Calip. With what punctual form 
 He does deliver it ! 
 
 /(■)■/. I have eyes : no more. 
 
 Alph. For Severino's pardon ! — you must excxise 
 I dare not pardon murder. [me, 
 
 Lav. His fact, sir, 
 Ever submitting to your abler judgment, 
 Merits a fairer name : he was provoked. 
 As by unanswerable proofs it is confirm'd, 
 By Monteclaro's rashness ; who repining 
 That Severino, without his consent, 
 Had married lolante, his sole sister, 
 (It being conceal'd almost for thirteen years,) 
 Though the gentleman, at all parts, was his equal. 
 First challeng'd him, and, that declined, he gave 
 A blow in public. [him 
 
 Mont. Not to be endured, 
 But by a slave. - 
 
 Lav. This, great sir, justly-jureigh.'d, 
 You may a little, if you please, take from 
 The rigour of your justice, and express 
 An act of mercy. , 
 
 lol. I can hear no more. 
 This opens an old wound, and makes a new one. 
 Would it were cicatrized I wait me. 
 
 Calip. As your shadow. 
 
 [,Exeimt loLANTE and Calipso. 
 
 Alph. We grant you these are glorious pre- 
 Revenge appearing in the shape of valour, [tences. 
 Which wise kings must distinguish : the defence 
 Of reputation, now made a bawd 
 To murder ; every trifle falsely styled 
 An injury, and not to be determined 
 But by a bloody duel : though this vice 
 Hath taken root and growth beyond the mountains, 
 (As France, and, in strange fashions, her ape, 
 England, can dearly witness with the loss 
 Of more brave spirits, than would have stood the 
 Of the Turk's army,) while Alphonso lives [shock 
 It shall not here be planted. Move me no further 
 In this ; in what else suiting you to ask, 
 And me to give, expect a gracious answer : 
 However, welcome to our court. Lord General, 
 I'll bring you out of the ports, and then betake you 
 To your good fortune. 
 
 Mont, Your grace overwhelms me. \_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — A Room in Severino's House. 
 Enter Calipso and ISlante. 
 
 Calip. You are bound to favour him : mark you 
 For my lord's pardon. [how he pleaded 
 
 loL That's indeed a tie ; 
 But I have a stronger on me. 
 
 Calip. Say you love 
 His person, be not asham'd oft ; he's a man. 
 For whose embraces, though Endymion 
 Lay sleeping by, Cynthia would leave her orb, 
 And exchange kisses with him. 
 
 T61. Do not fan 
 Afire that burns already too hot in me ; 
 I am in my honour sick, sick to the death, 
 Never to be recovered. 
 
 Calip. What a coil's here 
 For loving a man ! It is no Africk wonder : 
 If, like Pasiphae, you doted on a bull, 
 
 Indeed 'twere monstrous ; but in this you have 
 A thousand thousand precedents to excuse you. 
 A seaman's wife may ask relief of her neighbour, 
 When her husband's bound to the Indies, and not 
 
 blamed for't ; 
 And many more besides of higher calling, 
 Though I forbear to name them. You have a hus- 
 But, as the case stands with my lord, he is [band ; 
 A kind of no husband ; and your ladyship 
 As free as a widow can be. I confess. 
 If ladies should seek change, that have their hus- 
 bands 
 At board and bed, to pay their marriage duties, 
 (The surest bond of concord,) 'twere a fault. 
 Indeed it were : but for your honour, that 
 Do lie alone so often — body of me ! 
 I am zealous in your cause — let me take breath. 
 
 lol. I apprehend what thou wouldst say, I want 
 all 
 As means to quench the spurious fire that burns 
 here. 
 
 Calip. Want means, while I, your creature, 
 Be so unthankful. [live ! I dare not 
 
 lol. Wilt thou undertake it ? 
 And, as an earnest of much more to come. 
 Receive this jewel, and purse cramm'd full of 
 
 crowns. 
 
 How dearly I am forced to buy dishonour ! \_Aside. 
 
 Calip. I would do it gratis, but 'twould ill 
 become 
 My breeding to refuse your honour's bounty ; 
 Nay, say no more, all rhetoric in this 
 Is comprehended ; let me alone to work him. 
 He shall be yours ; that's poor, he is already 
 At your devotion. I will not boast 
 My faculties this way, but suppose he were 
 Coy as Adonis, or Hippolytus, 
 And your desires more hot than Cytherea's, 
 Or wanton Phaedra's, I will bring him chain'd 
 To your embraces, glorying in his fetters : 
 I have said it. 
 
 loL Go, and prosper ; and imagine 
 A salary beyond thy hopes. 
 
 Calip. Sleep you 
 Secure on either ear ; the burthen's yours 
 To entertain him, mine to bring him hither. 
 
 lExeunU 
 
 SCENE III. — A Room in Adorio's House, 
 Enter Adorio, Camillo, Lentulo, and Donato. 
 
 Don. Your wrong's beyond a challenge, and you 
 Too fairly with him, if you take that way [deal 
 To right yourself. -\N -< Ws ' ' 
 
 Lent. The least that you can -do, ^>Mb*- 
 In the terms of honour, is, when next you meet 
 To give him the bastinado. [him. 
 
 Cam. And that done. 
 Draw out his sword to cut your own throat ! No, 
 Be ruled by me, shew yourself an Italian, 
 And having received one injury, do not put off 
 Your hat for a second ; there are fellows that. 
 For a few crowns, will make him sure, and so. 
 With your revenge, you prevent future mischief. 
 
 Ador. I thank you, gentlemen, for your studied 
 In what concerns my honour ; but in that [care 
 I'll steer my own course. Yet, that you may know 
 You are still my cabinet counsellors, my bosom 
 Lies open to you ; I begin to feel 
 A weariness, nay, satiety of looseness. 
 
SCENE in. 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 S47 
 
 And something tells me here, I should repent 
 My harshness to Calista. 
 
 Enter Cario, hastily. 
 
 Camil. When you please, 
 You may remove that scruple. 
 
 Ador. I shall think on't. 
 
 Car. Sir, sir, are you ready ? 
 
 A dor. To do what ? 
 I am sure 'tis not yet dinner-time. 
 
 Car. True ; but I usher 
 Such an unexpected dainty bit for breakfast, 
 As yet I never cook'd : 'tis not botargo, 
 Fried frogs, potatoes marrow'd, cavear, 
 Carps' tongues, the pith of an Engli^ chine of 
 Nor our Italian delicate, oil'd mushrooms, [beef, 
 And yet a drawer-on too ; and if you shew not 
 An appetite, and a strong one, I'll not say 
 To eat it, but devour it, without grace too, 
 (For it will not stay a preface,) I am shamed, 
 And all my past provocatives will be jeer'd at. 
 
 Ador. Art thou in thy wits ? what new-found 
 Hast thou discovered ? [rarity 
 
 Car. No such matter, sir ; 
 It grows in our own country. 
 
 Don. Serve it iip, 
 I feel a kind of stomach. 
 
 Camil. 1 could feed too. 
 
 Car. Not a bit upon a march ; there's other let- 
 For your coarse lips ; this is peculiar only [tuce 
 For ray master's palate : I would give my whole 
 
 year's wages. 
 With all my vails, and fees due to the kitchen, 
 But to be his carver. 
 
 Ador. Leave your fooling, sirrah, 
 And bring in your dainty. 
 
 Car. 'Twill bring in itself. 
 It has life and spirit in it ; and for proof, 
 Behold ! Now fall to boldly ; my life on't, 
 It comes to be tasted. 
 
 Enter Mirtiixa. 
 
 Camil. Ha ! Calista's woman ? 
 
 Lent. A handsome one, by Venus. 
 
 Ador. Pray you forbear : — 
 You are welcome, fair one. 
 
 Dot%. How that blush becomes her ! 
 
 Ador. Aim your designs at me } 
 
 Mirt. I am trusted, sir, 
 With a business of near consequence, which I would 
 To your private ear deliver. 
 
 Car. I told you so. 
 Give her audience on your couch ; it is fit state 
 To a she-ambassador. 
 
 Ador. Pray you, gentlemen, 
 For awhile dispose of yourselves, I'll straight attend 
 you. {^Exeunt Camil. Lent, and Don, 
 
 Car. Dispatch her first for your honour : the 
 You know what follows. [quickly doing 
 
 Ador. Will yoxi please to vanish ? \Exit Carto. 
 Now, pretty one, your pleasure ? you shall find me 
 Ready to serve you ; if you'll put me to 
 My oath, I'll take it on this book. 
 
 iOffers to kiss her. 
 
 Mirt. O sir, 
 The favour is too great, and far above 
 My poor ambition ; I must kiss your hand 
 In sign of humble thankfulness. 
 
 Ador. So modest ! 
 
 Mirt. It well becomes a maid, sir. Spare those 
 blessings 
 
 For my noble mistress, upon whom with justice, 
 And, with your good allowance, I might add 
 With a due gratitude, you may confer them ; 
 But this will better speak her chaste desires, 
 
 [Delivers a letter. 
 Than I can fancy what they are, much less 
 With moving language, to their fair deserts, 
 Aptly express them. Pray you read, but with 
 Compassion, I beseech you : if you find 
 The paper blurr'd with tears fallen from her eyes, 
 While she endeavour' d to set down that truth 
 Her soul did dictate to her, it must challenge 
 A gracious answer. 
 
 Ador. O the powerful charms 
 By that fair hand writ down here ! not like those 
 Which dreadfully pronounced by Circe, changed 
 Ulysses' followers into beasts; these have 
 An opposite working, I already feel. 
 But reading them, their saving operations ; 7 
 And all those sensual,, loose, and base desires, i ' 
 Which have too long usurp'd, and tyrannized 
 Over my reason, of themselves fall off. 
 Most happy metamorphosis ! in which 
 The film of error that did blind my judgment 
 And seduced understanding, is removed. 
 What sacrifice of thanks can I return 
 Her pious charity, that not alone , 
 
 Redeems me from the worst of slavery, - ' 
 
 The tyranny of my beastly appetites, / ,''*- fr 
 
 To which I long obsequiously have bow'd ip-^^.^ 
 But adds a matchless favour, to receive /.ii a 
 
 A benefit from me, nay, puts her goodness \^ 
 In my protection ? 
 
 Mirt. Transform'd ! — it is 
 A blessed metamorphosis, and works 
 I know not how on me. [^*id#. 
 
 Ador. My joys are boundless, 
 Curb'd with no limits : for her sake, Mirtilla, 
 Instruct me how I presently may seal 
 To those strong bonds of loyal love, and service, 
 Which never shall be cancell'd. 
 
 Mirt. She'll become 
 Your debtor, sir, if you vouchsafe to answer 
 Her pure affection. 
 
 Ador. Answer it, Mirtilla ! 
 With more than adoration I kneel to it. 
 Tell her, I'll rather die a thousand deaths 
 Than fail, with punctuality, to perform 
 All her commands. 
 
 Mirt. I am lost on this assurance, 
 Which, if 'twere made to me, I should have faith 
 
 In't, 
 As in an oracle : ah me ! lAside.^ She presents yoq 
 This jewel, her dead grandsire's gift, in which, 
 As by a true Egyptian hieroglyphic, 
 (For so I think she call'd it,) you may be 
 Instructed what her suit is you should do, 
 And she with joy will suffer. 
 
 Ador. [looking at the trinket.'] Heaven be 
 To qualify this excess of happiness [pleased 
 
 With some disaster, or I shall expire 
 With a surfeit of felicity. With what art 
 The cunning lapidary hath here express'd 
 The rape of Proserpine ! I apprehend 
 Her purpose, and obey it ; yet not as 
 A helping friend, but a husband: I will meet 
 Her chaste desires with lawful heat, and warm 
 Our Hymenaal sheets with such delights 
 As leave no sting behind them.. 
 
 Mirt. I despair then. lAsitle 
 
348 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 Ador. At the time appointed say, wench, I'll 
 attend her, 
 And guard her from the fury of her mother. 
 And all that dare disturb her. 
 
 Mirt. You speak well ; 
 And I believe you. 
 
 Ador. Would you aught else ? 
 
 Mirt. I would carry 
 Some love-sign to her ; and now I think on it, 
 The kind salute you offer'd at my entrance, 
 Hold it not impudence that I desire it, 
 I 11 faithfully deliver it. 
 
 Ador. O, a kiss ! 
 You must excuse me, I was then mine own. 
 Now wholly hers : the touch of other lips 
 I do abjure for ever : but there's gold 
 To bind thee still my advocate. lExit. 
 
 Mirt. Not a kiss ! 
 I was coy when it was ofFer'd, and now justly. 
 When I beg one am denied. What scorching fires 
 My loose hopes kindle in me ! shall I be 
 False to my lady's trust, and, from a servant, 
 Rise up her rival ? His words have bewitch'd me, 
 And something I must do, but what ? — 'tis yet 
 An ernbryon, and how to give it form, 
 Alas, I know not. Pardon me, Calista, 
 I am nearest to myself, and time will teach me 
 To perfect that which yet is undetermined. [.Exit. 
 
 SCENE IV.— The Country. A Forest. 
 Enter Claudio and Severing. 
 
 Claud. You are master of yourself; yet, if I may, 
 As a tried friend iii my love and affection, 
 And a servant in my duty, speak my thoughts 
 Without offence, i'the way of counsel to you ; 
 I could allege, and truly, that your purpose 
 For Naples, cover'd with a thin disguise. 
 Is full of danger. 
 
 Sev. Danger, Claudio ! 
 'Tis here, and every where, our forced companion : 
 The rising and the setting sun beholds us 
 Environ'd with it ; our whole life a journey 
 Ending in certain ruin. 
 
 Claud. Yet we shpuld not, 
 Howe'er besieged, deliver up our fort 
 Qf life, till it be forced. 
 
 Sev, 'Tis so indeed 
 By wisest men concluded, which we should 
 Obey as Christians ; but when I consider 
 How different the progress of our actions 
 Is from religion, nay, morality, 
 I cannot find in reason, why we should 
 Be scrupulous that way only ; or like meteors 
 Blaze forth prodigious terrors, till our stuff 
 Be utterly consumed, which once put out. 
 Would bring security unto ourselves, 
 And safety unto those we prey upon. 
 O Claudio ! since by this fatal hand 
 The brother of my wife, bold Monteclaro, 
 Was left dead in the field, and I proscribed 
 After my flight, b-y the justice of the king, 
 My being hath been but a living death. 
 With a continual torture. 
 
 Claud. Yet in that. 
 You do delude their bloody violence 
 That do pursue your life. 
 
 Sev. While I, by rapines. 
 Live terrible to others as myself. — 
 
 What one hour can we challenge as our own. 
 
 Unhappy as we ire, yielding a beam 
 
 Of comfort to us ? Quiet night, that brings 
 
 Rest to the labourer, is the outlaw's day, 
 
 In which he rises early to do wrong, 
 
 And when his work is ended, dares not sleep : 
 
 Our time is spent in watches to entrap 
 
 Such as would shun us, and to hide ourselves 
 
 From the ministers of justice, that would bring us 
 
 To the correction of the law. O, Claudio, 
 
 Is this a life to be preserv'd, and at 
 
 So dear a rate .' But why hold I discourse 
 
 On this sad subject, since it is a burthen 
 
 We are mark'd to bear, and not to be shook off 
 
 But with our human frailty ? in the change 
 
 Of dangers there is some delight, and therefore 
 
 I am resolved for Naples. 
 
 Clatid. May you meet there 
 All comforts that so fair and chaste a wife 
 As Fame proclaims her, without parallel, 
 Can yield to ease your sorrows 1 
 
 Sev. I much thank you ; 
 Yet you may spare those wishes, which with joy 
 I have proved certainties, and from their want 
 Her excellencies take lustre. 
 
 Claud. Ere you go yet, 
 Some charge unto your squires not to fly out 
 Beyond their bounds, were not impertinent : 
 For though that with a look you can command 
 In your absence they'll be headstrong. [them, 
 
 Sev. 'Tis well thought on, 
 I'll touch my horn, — IB lows his hor7i] — they know 
 
 Claud. And will, [my call. 
 
 As soon as heard, make in to't from all quarters, 
 As the flock to the shepherd's whistle. 
 
 Enter Banditti. _^ -, 
 
 1 Ban. What's your will ? 
 
 2 Ban. Hail sovereign of these woods ! 
 
 3 Ban. We lay our lives 
 At your highness' feet. 
 
 4 Ban. And will confess no king. 
 
 Nor laws but what come from your mouth ; and 
 We gladly will subscribe to. [those 
 
 Sev. Make this good. 
 In my absence, to my substitute, to whom 
 Pay all obedience as to myself; 
 The breach of this in one particular 
 I will severely punish : on your lives. 
 Remember upon whom with our allowance 
 You may securely prey, with such as are 
 Exempted from your fury. 
 
 Claud. 'Twere not amiss. 
 If you please, to help their memory : besides. 
 Here are some newly initiated. 
 
 Sev. To these 
 Read you the articles ; I must be gone : 
 Claudio, farewell ! lExit. 
 
 Claud. May your return be speedy ! 
 
 1 Ban. Silence ; out with your table-books. 
 
 2 Ban. And observe 
 
 Claud, [reads] The cormorant that lives in 
 expectation 
 Of a long ioisli\l-for dearth, and, smiling, grinds 
 The faces of the poor, you may make spoil of; 
 Even theft to such is justice. 
 
 3 Ban. He's in my tables. 
 
 Claud. The grand encloser of the commons, for 
 His private profit or delight, zvith all 
 Ilis herds that graze upon't, are lawful prize- 
 
Q- J-- ' 
 
 J^CENE iV. 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 S49 
 
 4 Ban. And we will bring them in, although the 
 Stood roaring by, to guard theni. [devil 
 
 Claud. If a usurer, 
 Greedy, at his own price, to make a purchase. 
 Taking advantage upon bond or mortgage 
 From a prodigal, pass through our territories, 
 In the wag of custom, or of tribute to us, 
 Vou mag ease him of his burthen. 
 
 2 Ban. Wholesome doctrine. 
 
 Claud. Builders of iron mills, that grub up 
 With timber trees for shipping. \_ forests 
 
 1 Ban. May we not 
 Have a touch at lawyers ? 
 
 Claud. By no means ; they may 
 Too soon have a gripe at us ; they are angfy hornets, 
 Not to be jested with. 
 
 3 Ban. This is not so well, 
 
 Claud. The owners of dark shops, that vent their 
 
 wares 
 
 With perjuries ; cheating vintners, not contented 
 
 With half in half in their reckonings^ yet cry out, 
 
 When they find their guests want coin, ' Tis late 
 
 and bed-time. 
 These ransack at your pleasures. 
 3 Ban. How shall we know them? 
 Claud. If they walk on foot, by their rat-colour'd 
 stockings, 
 And shining-shoes; if horsemen, by short boots, 
 And riding-furniture of several counties. 
 
 2 Ban. Not one of the list escapes us. 
 Claud. But for scholars. 
 
 Whose wealth lies in their heads, and not their 
 
 pockets. 
 Soldiers that have bled in their country's service s 
 The rent-rack' d farmer, needy market folks ; 
 The sweaty labourer, carriers that transport 
 The goods of other men, are privileged ; 
 But, above all, let none presume to offer | 
 Violence to ivomen, for our king hath svwrnl 
 Who that way's a delinquent, without mercy 
 Hangs for' t, by martial law. 
 
 All. Long live Severino, 
 And perish all such cullions as repine 
 At his new monarchy ! 
 
 Claud. About your business, 
 That he may find, at his return, good cause 
 To praise your care and discipline. 
 
 All. We'll not fail, sir. ^Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE IV — Naples. A Street. 
 Enter Laval and Calipso. 
 
 Lav. Thou art sure mistaken ; 'tis not possible 
 That I can be the man thou art employ'd to. 
 
 Calip. Not you the man! you are the man of men, 
 And such another, in my lady's eye, 
 Never to be discover'd. 
 
 Laval. A mere stranger, 
 Newly arrived ! 
 
 Calip. Still the more probable. 
 Since ladies, as you know, affect strange dainties, 
 And brought far to them. This is not an age 
 In which saints live ; but women, knowing women, 
 That understand their summum bonum is 
 Variety of pleasures in the touch, 
 Derived from several nations ; and if men would 
 Be wise by their example — 
 
 Lav. As most are ; 
 'Tis a coupling ago I 
 
 Calip. Why, sir, do gallants travel? 
 Answer that question ; but, at their return. 
 With wonder to the hearers, to discourse of 
 The garb and difference in foreign females. 
 As the lusty girl of France, the sober German, 
 The plump Dutch frow, the stately dame of Spain, 
 Tlie Roman libertine, and sprightful Tuscan, 
 The merry Greek, Venetian courtezan, 
 The English fair companion, that learns something 
 From every nation, and will fly at all : — 
 I say again, the difference betwixt these 
 And their own country gamesters. 
 
 Lav. Aptly urged. 
 Some make that their main end : but may I ask. 
 Without offence to your gravity, by what title 
 Your lady, that invites me to her favours, 
 Is known in the city ? 
 
 Calip. If you were a true-born monsieur. 
 You would do the business first, and ask that after. 
 If you only truck with her title, I shall hardly 
 Deserve thanks for my travail ; she is, sir*, 
 No single-ducat trader, nor a beldam 
 So frozen up, that a fever cannot thaw her ; 
 No lioness by her breath. 
 
 Lav. Leave these impertinencies, 
 And come to the matter. 
 
 Calip. Would you'd be as forward, 
 When you draw for the upshot! she is, sir, a lady, 
 A rich, fair, well-complexion'd, and what is 
 Not frequent among Venus' votaries, 
 Upon my credit, which good men have trusted, 
 A sound and wholesome lady, and her name is 
 Madonna lolante. 
 
 Lav. lolante ! 
 I have heard of her ; for chastity, and beauty. 
 The wonder of the age. 
 
 Calip. Pray you, not too much 
 Of chastity ; fair and free I do subscribe to, " 
 And so you'll find her. 
 
 Lav. Come, you are a base creature ; 
 And, covering your foul ends with her fair name, 
 Give me just reason to suspect you have 
 A plot upon my life. 
 
 Calip. A plot ! very fine ! 
 Nay, 'tis a dangerous one, pray you beware oft ; 
 'Tis cunningly contriv'd ; I plot to bring you 
 Afoot, with the travel of some forty paces. 
 To those delights which a man not made of snow 
 Would ride a thousand miles for. You shall be 
 Received at a postern door, if you be not cautious. 
 By one whose touch would make old Nestor young, 
 And cure his hernia ; a terrible plot ! 
 A kiss then ravish'd from you by such lips 
 As flow with nectar, a juicy palm more precious 
 Than the famed Sibylla's bough, to guide you 
 
 safe 
 Through mists of perfumes to a glorious room, 
 Where Jove might feast his Juno ; a dire plot ! 
 A banquet I'll not mention, that is common : 
 But I must not forget, to make the plot 
 More horrid to you, the retiring bower, 
 So furnish'd as might force the Persian's envy. 
 The silver bathing-tub, the cambric rubbers, 
 The embroider'd quilt, the bed of gossamer 
 And damask roses ; a mere powder plot 
 To blow you up ! and last, a bed-fellow. 
 To whose rare entertainment all these are 
 But foils and settings off. 
 
 Lav. No more ; her breath 
 Would warm an eunuch. 
 
550 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 ACT III, 
 
 Calip. I knew I should heat you : 
 Now he begins to glow ! 
 
 Lav. I am flesh and blood, 
 And I were not man if I should not run the hazard, 
 Had I no other ends in't. I have consider' d 
 Your motion, matron. 
 
 Calip. My plot, sir, on your life, 
 For which I am deservedly suspected 
 For a base and dangerous woman ! Fare you well, 
 
 sir, 
 I'll be bold to take my leave. 
 
 Lav. I will along too. 
 Come, pardon ixiy suspicion : I confess 
 My error ; and eyeing you better, I perceive 
 There's nothing that is ill that can flow from you ; 
 
 I am serious, and, for proof of it, I'll purchase 
 Your good opinion. iGives her his purse 
 
 Calip. I am gentle natured. 
 And can forget a greater wrong upon 
 Such terms of satisfaction. 
 
 Lav. What's the hour ? 
 
 Calip. Twelve. 
 
 Lav. I'll not miss a minute. 
 
 Calip. I shall find you 
 At your lodging ? 
 
 Lav. Certainly ; return my service, 
 And for me kiss your lady's hands. 
 
 Calip. At twelve 
 I'll be your convoy. 
 
 Lav. I desire no better. [Exeunt. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I.— The Country. 
 
 Enter Durazzo, Caldoro, and Servant. 
 
 Dur. Walk the horses down the hill ; I have 
 a little 
 To speak in private. lExil Servant. 
 
 Cald. Good sir, no more anger. 
 
 Dur. Love do you call it ! madness, wilful 
 madness ; 
 And since I cannot cure it, I would have you 
 Exactly mad. Yo.u are a lover already. 
 Be a drunkard too, and after turn small poet. 
 And then you ai'e mad, katexok6n the madman. 
 
 Cald. Such as are safe on shore may smile at 
 tempests ; 
 But I, that am embark'd, and every minute 
 Expect a shipwreck, relish not your mirth : 
 To me it is unseasonable. 
 
 Dur. Pleasing viands 
 Are made sharp by sick palates. I affect 
 A handsome mistress in my gray beard, as well 
 As any boy of you all ; and on good terms 
 Will venture as far i' the fire, so she be willing 
 To entertain me ; but ere I would dote, 
 As you do, where there is no flattering hope 
 Ever t' enjoy her, I would forswear wine, 
 And kill this lecherous itch with drinking water, 
 Or live, like a Carthusian, on poor John, 
 Then bathe myself night by night in marble dew, 
 And use no soap but camphire-balls. 
 
 Cald. You may, 
 (And I must suffer it,) like a rough surgeon, 
 Apply these burning caustics to ray wounds 
 Already gangrened, when soft unguents would 
 Better express an uncle with some feeling 
 Of his nephew's torments. 
 
 Dur. 1 shall melt, and cannot 
 Hold out if he whimper. O that this young fellow, 
 Who, on my knowledge, is able to beat a man, 
 Should be baffled by this bUnd imagined boy. 
 Or fear his bird-bolts ! lAside. 
 
 Cald. You have put yourself already 
 To too much trouble, in bringing me thus far : 
 Now, if you please, with your good wishes, leave 
 To my hard fortunes. [me 
 
 Dur. I'll forsake myself first. 
 Leave thee ! I cannot, will not ; thou shalt have 
 No cause to be weary of my company. 
 For I'll be useful ; and, ere I see thee perish, 
 
 Dispensing with my dignity and candour, 
 I will do something for thee, though it savour 
 Of the old squire of Troy. As we ride, we will 
 Consult of the means : bear up. 
 
 Cald. I cannot sink. 
 Having your noble aids to buoy me up ; 
 There was never such a guardian. 
 
 Dur. How is this ? 
 Stale compliments to me ! when my work's done. 
 Commend the artificer, and then be thankful. 
 
 [,Excunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — Naples. A Room in Severino's 
 
 House. 
 
 Enter Calista richly habited, and Mirtilla in the gown 
 
 which Cau&ix first wore. 
 
 Calls. How dost thou like my gown ? 
 
 Mirt. 'Tis rich and courtlike. 
 
 Calis. The dressings too are suitable ? 
 
 Mirt. I must say so, 
 Or you might blame my want of care. 
 
 Calis. My mother 
 Little dreams of my intended flight, or that 
 These are my nuptial ornaments. 
 
 Mirt. I hope so. 
 
 Calis. How dully thou reply'st ! thou dost not 
 Adorio's noble change, or the good fortune [envy 
 That it brings to me ? 
 
 Mirt. INIy endeavours that way 
 Can answer for me. 
 
 Calis. True ; you have discharged 
 A faithful servant's duty, and it is 
 By me rewarded like a liberal mistress : 
 I speak it not to upbraid you with my bounties. 
 Though they deserve more thanks and ceremony 
 Than you have yet express'd. 
 
 Mirt. The miseries 
 Which, from your happiness, I am sure to suffer. 
 Restrain my forward tongue ; and, gentle madam, 
 Excuse my weakness, though I do appear 
 A little daunted with the heavy burthen 
 I am to undergo : when you are safe, 
 My dangers, like to roaring torrents, will 
 Gush in upon me ; yet I would endure 
 Y'our mother's cruelty ; but how to bear 
 Your absence, in the very thought confounds me. 
 Since we were children I have loved and serv'd 
 I willingly learn' d to obey, as you [you ; 
 
SHKNE III 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 351 
 
 Grew up to knowledge, that you might command 
 
 me ; 
 And now to be divorc'd from all my comforts ! — 
 Can this be borne with patience ? 
 
 Calls. The necessity 
 Of my strange fate commands it ; but I vow 
 By my Adorio's love, I pity thee. 
 
 Mirt. Pity me, madam ! a cold charity ; 
 You must do more, and help me. 
 
 Calls. Ha ! what said you ? 
 I must ! is this fit language for a servant ? 
 
 Mirt. For one that would continue your poor 
 And cannot live that day in which she is [servant. 
 Denied to be so. Can Mirtilla sit 
 Mourning alone, imagining those pleasure*- 
 Which you, this blessed Hymeneal night, 
 Enjoy in the embraces of your lord. 
 And my lord too, in being yours ? (already 
 As such I love and honour him.) Shall a stranger 
 Sew you in a sheet, to guard that maidenhead 
 You must pretend to keep ; and 'twill become you ? 
 Shall another do those bridal offices, 
 Which time will not permit me to remember. 
 And I pine here with envy ? pardon me, — 
 I must and will be pardon'd, — for my passions 
 Are in extremes ; and use some speedy means 
 That I may go along with you, and share 
 In those delights, but with becoming distance ; 
 Or by his life, which as a saint you swear by, 
 I will discover all 1 
 
 Calls. Thou canst not be 
 So treacherous and cruel, in destroying 
 The building thou hast raised. 
 
 Mirt. Pray you do not tempt me, 
 For 'tis resolv'd. 
 
 Calls. I know not what to think oft. 
 In the discovery of my secrets to her, 
 I have made my slave my mistress ; I must sooth 
 
 her, 
 There's no evasion else. \_Aside.'\ Prithee, Mirtilla, 
 Be not so violent, I am strangely taken 
 With thy affection for me ; 'twas my purpose 
 To have thee sent for. 
 
 Mirt. When.> 
 
 Calis. This very night ; 
 And I vow deeply I shall be no sooner 
 In the desired possession of my lord, 
 But by some of his servants I will have thee 
 Convey'd unto us. 
 
 Mirt. Should you break ! 
 
 Calis. I dare not. 
 Come, clear thy looks, for instantly we'll prepare 
 For our departure. 
 
 Mirt. Pray you forgive my boldness. 
 Growing from my excess of zeal to serve you. 
 
 Calis. I thank thee for't. 
 
 Mirt. You'll keep your word ? 
 
 Calis. Still doubtful ! lExit. 
 
 Mirt. 'Twas this I aim'd at, and leave the rest 
 to fortune. iExit. following. 
 
 SCENE III. — A Room in Adorio's House. 
 
 Enter Adorio, Camillo, Lentulo, Donato, Cario, and 
 Servants. 
 Ador. Haste you unto my villa, and take all 
 Provision along with you, and for use 
 And ornament, the shortness of the time 
 Can furnish you ; let my best plate be set out, 
 
 And costliest hangings ; and, if 't be possible. 
 With a merry dance to entertain the bride, 
 Provide an epithalamium. 
 
 Car. Trust me 
 For belly timber : and for a song, I have 
 A paper-blurrer, who on all occasions. 
 For all times, and all seasons, hath such trinkets 
 Ready in the deck : it is but altering 
 The names, and they will serve for any bride, 
 Or bridegroom, in the kingdom. 
 Ador. But for the dance ? 
 
 Car. I will make one myself, and foot it finely ; 
 And summoning your tenants at my dresser 
 Which is, indeed, my drum, make a rare choice 
 Of the able youth, such as shall sweat sufficiently, 
 And smell too, but not of amber, which, you know. 
 The grace of the country-haU. [is 
 
 Ador. About it, Cario, 
 And look you be careful. 
 
 Car, For mine own credit, sir. 
 
 [Exeunt Cario and Servants. 
 Ador. Now, noble friends, confirm your loves, 
 and think not 
 Of the penalty of the law, that does forbid 
 The stealing away an heir : I will secure you, 
 And pay the breach oft. 
 
 Camil. Tell us what we shall do, 
 We'll talk of that hereafter. 
 
 Ador. Pray you be careful 
 To keep the west gate of the city open. 
 That our passage may be free, and bribe the watcli 
 With any sum ; this is all. 
 Don. A dangerous business ! 
 Camil. I'll make the constable, watch, and 
 porter drunk. 
 Under a crown. 
 
 Lent. And then you may pass while they snore, 
 Though you had done a murder. 
 Camil. Get but your mistress. 
 And leave the rest to us. 
 
 Ador. You much engage me : 
 But I forget myself. 
 
 Camil. Pray you, in what, sir ? 
 Ador. Yielding too much to ray affection. 
 Though lawful now, my wounded reputation 
 And honour suffer : the disgrace, in taking 
 A blow in public from Caldoro, branded 
 With the infamous mark of coward, in delaying 
 To right myself, upon my cheek grows fresher ; 
 That's first to be consider'd. 
 
 Camil. If you dare 
 Trust my opinion, (yet I have had 
 Some practice and experience in duels,) 
 You are too tender that way : can you answer 
 The debt you owe your honour till you meet 
 Your enemy from whom you may exact it ? 
 Hath he not left the city, and in fear 
 Conceal'd himself, for aught I can imagine .' 
 What would you more ? 
 Ador. I should do. 
 Camil. Never think on't. 
 Till fitter time and place invite you to it : 
 I have read Cai*anza, and find not in his Grammar 
 Of quarrels, that the injured man is bound 
 To seek for reparation at an hour ; 
 But may, and without loss, till he hath settled 
 More serious occasions that import him, 
 For a day or two defer it. 
 Ador. You'll subscribe 
 Your baud to this ? 
 
352 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 ACT IJl. 
 
 Camil. And justify't with my life ; 
 Presume upoa't. 
 
 Ador. On, then ; you shall o'er-rule me. 
 
 I Exeunt. 
 - — ♦ 
 
 SCENE IV A Room in Severino's House. 
 
 Enter Iolante and Calipso. 
 
 lol. I'll give thee a golden tongue, and have 
 Over thy tomb, for a monument. [it hung up, 
 
 Calip. I am not prepared yet 
 To leave the world ; there are many good pranks 
 I must dispatch in this kind before I die : 
 And I had rather, if your honour please, 
 Have the crowns in my purse. 
 m. Take that. 
 Calls. Magnificent lady ! 
 May you live long, and, every moon, love change. 
 That I may have fresh employment ! You know 
 Remains to be done 1 [what 
 
 lol. Yes, yes ; I will command 
 My daughter and Mirtilla to their chamber. 
 
 Calip. And lock them up ; such liquorish kit- 
 lings, are not 
 To be trusted with our cream. Ere I go, I'll 
 
 help you 
 To set forth the banquet, and place the candied 
 
 eringoes 
 Where he may be sure to taste them ; then undress 
 
 you, 
 li'or these things are cumbersome, when you should 
 
 be active : 
 A thin night mantle to hide part of your smock, 
 With your pearl-embroider' d pantofles on your 
 
 feet, 
 And then you are arm'd for service! nay, no 
 
 trifling, 
 We are alone, and you know 'tis a point of folly 
 To be coy to eat when meat is set before you. 
 
 \_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE Y.—A Street before Severino's 
 House. 
 
 Enter Adorio and Servant. 
 
 Ador. 'Tis eleven by my watch, the hour ap- 
 pointed. 
 Listen at the door — hear'st thou any stirring ? 
 
 Serv. No, sir ; 
 All's silent here. 
 
 Ador. Some cursed business keeps 
 Her mother up. I'll walk a little circle. 
 And shew where you shall wait us with the horses. 
 And then return. This short delay afflicts me, 
 And I presume to her it is not pleasing. \_Exeunt. 
 
 Enter Durazzo and Caldoro. 
 
 Dur. What's now to be done ? prithee let's to 
 bed, I am sleepy ; 
 And here's my hand on't, without more ado. 
 By fair or foul play we'll have her to-morrow 
 In thy possession. 
 
 Cald. Good sir, give me leave 
 To taste a little comfort in beholding 
 The place by her sweet presence sanctified. 
 She may perhaps, to take air, ope the casement, 
 And looking out, a new star to be gazed on 
 By me with adoration, bless these eyes, 
 Ne'er happy but when she is made the object. 
 
 Dur. Is not here fine fooling ! 
 
 Cald. Thou great queen of love, 
 Or real or imagined, be propitious 
 To me, thy faithful votary ! and I vow 
 To erect a statue to thee, equal to 
 Thy picture, by Apelles' skilful hand 
 Left as the great example of his art ; 
 And on thy thigh I'll hang a golden Cupid, 
 His torches flaming, and his quiver full, 
 For further honour ! 
 
 Dur. End this waking dream, 
 And let's away. 
 
 Enter from the house Cai.istxV and Mirtilla. 
 
 Calls. Mirtilla ! 
 
 Cald. 'Tis her voice ! 
 
 Calls. You heard the horses' footing ? 
 
 Mirt. Certainly. 
 
 Calls. Speak low. My loi'd Adorio ! 
 
 Cald. I am dumb. 
 
 Dur. The darkness friend us too ! Most honour a 
 madam, 
 Adorio, your servant. 
 
 Calis. As you are so, 
 I do command your silence till we are 
 Further remov'd ; and let this kiss assure you 
 (I thank the sable night that hides my blushes; 
 I am wholly yours. 
 
 Dur. Forward, you micher ! 
 
 Mirt. Madam, 
 Think on Mirtilla ! IGoes into the house. 
 
 Dur, I'll not now enquire 
 The mystery of this, but bless kind fortune 
 Favouring us beyond our hopes : yet, now I think 
 
 on't, 
 I had ever a lucky hand in such smock night- 
 work. lExeunt. 
 Enter Adorio and Servant. 
 
 Ador. This slowness does amaze me : she's not 
 In her late resolution ? [alter'd 
 
 Jol. [within.^ Get you to bed, 
 And stir not on your life, till I command you. 
 
 Ador. Her mother's voice ! listen. 
 
 Serv. Here comes the daughter. 
 Re-enter Mirtilla hastihj. 
 
 Mirt. Whither shall I fly for succour } 
 
 Ador. To these arms, 
 Your castle of defence, impregnable, 
 And not to be blown up : how your heart beats ! 
 Take comfort, dear Calista, you are now 
 In his protection that will ne'er forsake you : 
 Adorio, your changed Adorio, swears 
 By your best self, an oath he dares not break, 
 He loves you, loves you in a noble way, 
 His constancy firm as the poles of heaven. 
 I will urge no reply, silence becomes you ; 
 And I'll defer the music of your voice, 
 Till we are in a place of safety. 
 
 Mirt. O blest error ! lAside. Exeunt. 
 
 Enter Sevkbino, 
 
 Sev. 'Tis midnight : how my fears of certain 
 death, 
 Being surprised, combat with my strong hopes 
 Raised on my chaste wife's goodness ! I am giown 
 A stranger in the city, and no wonder, 
 I have too long been so unto myself : 
 
 Grant me a little truce, my troubled soul 
 
 I hear some footing, ha ! 
 
SCENE vr. 
 
 THE GUaRDIAI^.?^ 
 
 353 
 
 Enter Laval and Calipso. 
 Calip, That is the house, 
 And there's the key : you'll find my lady ready 
 To entertain you ; 'tis not fit I should 
 Stand gaping by while you bill : I have brought 
 
 you on, 
 Charge home, and come off with honour. lExit. 
 Sev. It makes this way. 
 
 Lav. I am much troubled, and know not what 
 Of this design. [to think 
 
 Sev. It still comes on. 
 Lav. The watch ! 
 I am betray'd. 
 
 Sev. Should I now appear fearful, 
 It would discover me ; there's no retiring^. 
 My confidence must protect me ; I'll appear 
 As if I walk'd the round. — Stand ! 
 Lav. I am lost. 
 Sev. The word ? 
 
 Lav. Pray you forbear ; I am a stranger, 
 And missing, this dark stormy night, my way 
 To my lodging, you shall do a courteous office 
 To guide me to it. 
 
 Sev. Do you think I stand here 
 For a page or a porter } 
 
 Lav. Good sir, grow not so high : 
 I can justify my being abroad ; I am 
 No pilfering vagabond, and what you are 
 Stands yet in supposition ; and I charge you, 
 If you are an officer, bring me before your captain ; 
 For if you do assault me, though not in fear 
 Of what you can do alone, I will cry murder, 
 And raise the streets. 
 
 Sev. Before my captain, ha ! 
 And bring my head to the block. Would we were 
 
 parted, 
 I have greater cause to fear the watch than he. 
 Lav. Will you do your duty ? 
 Sev. I must close with him : — 
 Troth, sir, whate'eryouare, (yet by your language, 
 I guess you a gentleman,) I'll not use the rigour 
 Of my place upon you : only quit this street, 
 For your stay here will be dangerous ; and good 
 night ! 
 Lav. The like to you, sir ; I '11 grope out my way 
 As well as I can. O damn'd bawd ! — Fare you 
 well, sir. iExit. 
 
 Sev. I am glad he's gone; there is a secret 
 passage, 
 Unknown to my wife, through which this key will 
 
 guide me 
 To her desired embraces, which must be, | 
 
 My presence being beyond her hopes, most wel- 
 come. lExit. 
 
 Imperious 
 
 SCENE VI. — A Room in Severino's House. 
 I6LANTE IS heard speaking behind a curtain. 
 
 Tol. I am full of perplex'd thoughts 
 blood. 
 Thou only art a tyrant ; judgment, reason, 
 To whatsoever thy edicts proclaim, 
 With vassal fear subscribe against themselves. 
 I am yet safe in the port, and see before me. 
 If I put off, a rough tempestuous sea. 
 The raging winds of infamy from all quarters 
 Assuring my destruction ; yet my lust 
 Swelling the wanton sails, (my understanding 
 
 Stow'd under hatches,) like a desperate pilot, 
 Commands me to urge on. My pride, my pride. 
 Self-love, and over-value of myself, 
 Ace justly punish'd : I that did deny 
 TViy daughter's youth allow'd and lawful pleasures, 
 And would not suffer in her those desires 
 She suck'd in with my milk, now in my waning 
 Am scorch'd and burnt up with libidinous fire, 
 That must consume my fame ; yet still I throw 
 More fuel on it. 
 
 Enter Severing b^ore the curtain. 
 Sev. 'Tis her voice, poor turtle : 
 She's now at her devotions, praying for 
 Her banish'd mate ; alas, that for my guilt 
 Her innocence should suffer ! But I do 
 Commit a second sin in my deferring 
 The ecstasy of joy that will transport her 
 Beyond herself, when she flies to my lips, 
 And seals my welcome. — [Draws the curtain., and 
 discovers Iolante seated, with a rich ban- 
 quet, and tapers, set forth.'] — lijlante ! 
 I'dl Hal 
 Good angels guard me ! 
 
 Sev. What do I behold ! 
 Some sudden flash of lightning strike me blind, 
 Or cleave the centre of the earth, that I 
 May living find a sepulchre to swallow 
 Me and my shame together ! 
 
 lol. Guilt and horror 
 Confound me in one instant ; thus surprised. 
 The subtilty of all wantons, though abstracted. 
 Can shew no seeming colour of excuse. 
 To plead in my defence. iAtide. 
 
 Sev. Is this her mourning ? 
 O killing object ! The imprison'd vapours 
 Of rage and sorrow make an earthquake in me ; 
 This little world, like to a tottering tower. 
 Not to be underpropp'd ; — yet in my fall, 
 I'll crush thee with my ruins. ^Draws a poniard. 
 
 lol. [kneeling.'] Good sir, hold : 
 For, my defence unheard, you wrong your justice, 
 If you proceed to execution ; 
 And will, too late, repent it. 
 
 Sev. Thy defence ! 
 To move it, adds (could it receive addition) 
 Ugliness to the loathsome leprosy 
 That, in thy being a strumpet, hath already 
 Infected every vein, and spreads itself 
 Over this carrion, which would poison vultures 
 And dogs, should they devour it. Yet, to stamp 
 The seed of reprobation on thy soul, 
 I'll hear thy impudent lies, borrow'd from hell. 
 And prompted by the devil, thy tutor, whore ! 
 Then send thee to him. Speak. 
 
 lol. Your Gorgon looks 
 Turn me to stone, and a dead palsy seizes 
 My silenced tongue. 
 
 Sev. O Fate, that the disease 
 Were general in women, what a calm 
 Should wretched men enjoy ! Speak, and be brief, 
 Or thou shalt suddenly feel me. 
 
 lol. Be appeased, sir, 
 Until I have deliver'd reasons for 
 This solemn preparation. 
 S V. On, 1 hear thee, 
 
 lol. With patience ask your memory ; 'twill in- 
 struct you, 
 This very day of the month, seventeen years sine , 
 You married me. 
 
 A A 
 
354 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 Am III. 
 
 S':v. Grant it, what canst tliou urge 
 From tb's ? 
 
 Jol. That day, since your proscription, sir, 
 In the remembrance of it annually. 
 The garments of my sorrow laid aside, 
 I have with pomp observed, 
 
 Sev. Alone ! 
 
 /o/. The thoughts 
 Of my felicity then, my misery now, 
 ¥/ere the invited guests ; imagination 
 Teaching me to believe that you were present, 
 A.nd a partner in it. 
 
 Sev. Rare ! this real banquet 
 To feast your fancy : fiend ! could fancy drink off 
 These flaggons to my health, or the idle thought. 
 Like Baal, devour these delicates ? the room 
 Perfumed to take his nostrils ! this loose habit. 
 Which Messalina would not wear, put on 
 To fire his lustful eyes ! Wretch, am I grown 
 So weak in thy opinion, that it can 
 Flatter credulity that these gross tricks 
 May be foisted on me ? Where's my daughter ? 
 
 where 
 The bawd your woman ? answer me. — Caiista ! 
 Mirtilla ! they are disposed of, if not murder'd, 
 To make all sure ; and yet methinks your neigh- 
 Your whistle, agent, parasite, Calipso, [hour, 
 
 SJiould be within call, when you hem, to usher in 
 The close adulterer. l^ays hands on her. 
 
 T6L What will you do ? 
 
 Sev, Not kill thee, do not hope it ; I am not 
 So near to reconcilement. Ha ! this scarf. 
 The intended favour to your stallion, now 
 Is useful : do not strive ; — \_He binds Jier.'] — thus 
 
 bound, expect 
 All studied tortures my assurance, not 
 My jealousy, thou art false, can pour upon thee. 
 In darkness howl thy mischiefs ; and if raukness 
 Of thy imagination can conjure 
 The ribald [hither,] glut thyself with him ; 
 I will cry Aim! and in another room 
 Determine of my vengeance. Oh, my heart-strings ! 
 [^Exit tviih the tapers. 
 
 Jol. Most miserable woman ! and yet sitting 
 A judge in mine own cause upon myself, 
 I could not mitigate the heavy doom 
 My incens'd husband must pronounce upon me. 
 In my intents I am guilty, and for them 
 Must suffer the same punishment, as if 
 I had, in fact, offended. 
 
 Calip. [^within.'] Bore my eyes out. 
 If you prove me faulty : I'll but tell my lady 
 What caused your stay, and instantly present you. 
 
 Enter Calipso. 
 
 How's this? no lights ! What new device.' will 
 At blindman's buft"? — Madam ! [she play 
 
 Jol. Upon thy life. 
 Speak in a lower key. 
 
 Calip. The mystery 
 Of this, sweet lady ? where are you.^ 
 
 Jol. Here, fast bound. 
 
 Calip. By whom. 
 
 Jol. I'll whisper that into thine ear, 
 And then farewell for ever. 
 
 Calip. How ! my lord ? 
 I am in a fever : horns upon horns grow on him ! 
 Could he pick no hour but this to break a bargain 
 Almost made up .-' 
 
 Jol. What shall we do ? 
 
 Calip. Betray him ; 
 I'll instantly raise the watch. 
 
 Jol. And so make me 
 For ever infamous. 
 
 Calip. The gentleman. 
 The rarest gentleman is at the door, 
 Shall he lose his labour? Since that you must 
 
 perish, 
 'Twill shew a woman's spleen in you to fall 
 Deservedly ; give him his answer, madam. 
 I have on the sudden in my head a strange whim • 
 But I will first unbind you. \_Frees lou 
 
 Jol. Now what follows .' 
 
 Calip. I will supply your place; [Iol. binds 
 Calip.] and, bound, give me 
 Your mantle, take my night-gown; send away 
 The gentleman satisfied. I know my lord 
 Wants power to hurt you, I perhaps may get 
 A kiss by the bargain, and all this may prove 
 But some neat love-trick : if he should grow furious. 
 And question me, I am resolv'd to put on 
 An obstinate silence. Pray you dispatch the gen- 
 tleman. 
 His courage may cool. 
 
 Iol. I'll speak with him, but if 
 To any base or lustful end, may mercy 
 At my last gasp forsake me ! \_ExH. 
 
 Calip. I was too rash. 
 And have done what i wish undone : say he should 
 
 kill me .' 
 I have run my head in a fine noose, and I smell 
 The pickle I am in ! 'las, how I shudder 
 Still more and more ! would I were a she Priapus, 
 Stuck up in a garden to fright away the crows. 
 So I were out of the house 1 she's at her pleasure, 
 Whate'er she said ; and I must endure the torture — ■ 
 He comes ; I cannot pray, my fears will kill me. 
 
 Re-enter Severing wi/A a knife in his hand, throwing open 
 the doors violently. 
 
 Sev. It is a deed of darkness, and I need 
 No light to guide me; there is something tells me 
 I am too slow-paced in my wreak, and trifle 
 In my revenge. All hush'd 1 no si-^h nor groan. 
 To witness her compunction ! can guilt sleep, 
 And innocence be open-eyed? even now, 
 Perhaps, she dreams of the adulterer. 
 And in her fancy hugs him. Wake, thou strumpet, 
 And instantly give up unto my vengeance 
 The villain that defiles my bed ; discover 
 Both what and where he is, and suddenly, 
 Tiiat I may bind you face to face, then sew you 
 Into one sack, and from some steep rock hurl you 
 Into the sea together : do not play with 
 The lightning of my rage ; break stubborn silence. 
 And answer my demands ; will it not be ? 
 I'll talk no longer ; thus I mark thee for 
 A common strumpet. IStrikes at her with the knife 
 
 Calip. Oh! 
 
 Sev. Thus stab these arms 
 That have stretch'd out themselves to grasp a 
 
 Calip. Oh ! [stranger. 
 
 ;>• Sev. This is but an induction ; I will draw 
 The curtains of the tragedy hereafter : 
 Howl on, 'tis music to me. lExit. 
 
 Calip. He is gone. 
 A kiss, and love-trichs ! he hath villainous teeth, 
 May sublimed mercury draWtk^ ! if all dealers 
 In my profession were paid thus^here would be 
 A dearth of cukolds. Oh my nose'l I had one : 
 
SCENE VI. 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 (^b5 
 
 My arms, my arms ! I dare not cry for fear ; 
 Cursed desire of gold, how art thou punish'd ! 
 
 Re-enter IOlantb. 
 
 Ih'l. Till now I never truly knew myself, 
 Nor by all principles and lectures read 
 In chastity's cold school, was so instructed 
 As by her contrary, how base and deform'd 
 Loose appetite is ; as in a few short minutes 
 This stranger hath, and feelingly, deliver'd. 
 Oh ! that I could recall my bad intentions^ 
 A.nd be as I was yesterday, untainted 
 In my desires, as I am still in fact, 
 I thank his temperance 1 I could look undaunted 
 Upon my husband's rage, and smile at itj^^ 
 So strong the guards and sure defences are 
 Of armed innocence ; but I will endure 
 The penance of my sin, the only means 
 Is left to purge it. The day breaks. — Calipso ! 
 
 Calip. Here, madam, here. 
 
 lol. Hath my lord visited thee ? 
 
 Calip. Jlell take such visits ! these stabb'd 
 
 arms, and loss 
 
 Of my nose you left fast on, may give you a relish 
 
 What a night I have had oft, and what you had 
 
 Had I not supplied your place. . [suffex'ed, 
 
 T61. I truly g'ieve for't ; ^. ""=^;^ Wt^iii '- 
 
 Did not my husband speak to thee?- j 
 
 Calip. Yes, I heard him. 
 And felt him, ecce sigmim, with a mischief! 
 But he knew not .ne ; like a true-bred Spartan boy, 
 AVith silence I endured it ; he could not get 
 One syllable from me. 
 
 Jol. Something may be fashion 'd 
 From this ; invention help me ! I must be sudden. 
 
 [^Unbinds her. 
 Thou art free, exchange, quick, quick I now bind 
 And leave me to my fortune. [me sure, 
 
 Calip. Pray you consider 
 The loss of my nose ; had I been but carted for 
 
 you. 
 Though wash'd with mire and chamber-lie, I had 
 Examples to excuse me ; but my nose, 
 My nose, dear lady ! 
 
 lijl. Get off, I'll send to thee. lExlt Calipso. 
 
 If so, it may take ; if it fail, 1 must 
 Suffer whatever follows. 
 
 Re-enter Sevkuino with the kni/e and taper. 
 
 Sev. I have search'd 
 In every corner of the Louse, yet find not 
 My daughter, nor her maid ; nor any print 
 Of a man's footing, which, this wet night, would 
 Be easily discern'd^ the ground being soft, 
 At his coming in or going out. 
 
 liil. 'Tis he, 
 And within hearing ; heav'n forgive this feigning, 
 I being forced to't to preserve my life, 
 To be better spent hereafter I 
 
 Sev. I begin 
 To stagger, and my love, if it knew how, 
 (Her piety heretofore, and fame remembered,) 
 Would plead in her excuse. 
 
 luL [alond.l You I lessed guardians 
 Of matrimonial faith, and just revengers 
 Of such as do in fact offend against 
 Your sacred rites and ceremonies ; by all titles 
 And holy attributes you do vouchsafe 
 To be invoked, look down with saving pity 
 Upon my matchless sufferings 1 
 
 Sev. At her devotions : 
 Affliction makes her repent. 
 
 lol. Look down 
 Upon a wretched woman, and as I 
 Have kept the knot of wedlock, in the temple 
 By the priest fasten'd, firm; (though in loose 
 
 wishes 
 I yield I have offended ;) to strike blind 
 The eyes of jealousy, that see a crime 
 I never yet committed, and to free me 
 From the unjust suspicion of my lord. 
 Restore my martyr'd fiice and wounded arms 
 To their late strength and beauty. 
 
 Sev. Does she hope 
 To be cured by miracle ? 
 
 lol. This minute I 
 Perceive with joy my orisons heard and grouted. 
 You ministers of mercy, who unseen, 
 And by a supernatural means, have done 
 This work of heavenly charity, be ever 
 Canonized for't ! 
 
 Sev. I did not dream, I heard her. 
 And I have eyes too, they cannot deceive me : 
 If I have no belief in their assurance, 
 I must turn sceptic. Ha ! this is the hand. 
 And this the fatal instrument : these drops 
 Of blood, that gush'd forth from her face and arms, 
 Still fresh upon the floor. This is something more 
 Than wonder or amazement ; I profess 
 I am astonish'd. 
 
 Jol. Be incredulous still. 
 And go on in your barbarous rage, led to it 
 By your false guide, suspicion ; have no faith 
 In my so long tried loyalty, nor believe 
 That which you see ; and for your satisfaction. 
 My doubted innocence cleared by miracle. 
 Proceed ; these veins have now new blood, if you 
 Resolve to let it out. 
 
 Sev. I would not be fool'd 
 With easiness of belief, and faintly give 
 Credit to this strange wonder ; 'tis now thought 
 
 on : 
 In a fitter place and time I'll sound this further. 
 
 lAside. 
 How can I expiate my sin ? or hope, lUnties her. 
 Though now 1 write myself thy slave, the service 
 Of my whole life can win thee to pronounce 
 Despair'd-of pardon } Shall I kneel ? that's poor, 
 Thy mercy must urge more in my defence, 
 Than I can fancy ; wilt thou have revenge ? 
 My heart lies open to thee. 
 
 Jol. This is needless 
 To me, who in the duty of a wife, 
 Know I must suffer. 
 
 Sev. Thou art made up of goodness. 
 And from my confidence that I am alone 
 The object of thy pleasures, until death 
 Divorce us, we will know no separation. 
 Without inquiring why, as sure thou wilt not, 
 Such is thy meek obedience, thy jewels 
 And choicest ornaments pack'd up, thou shalt 
 Along with me, and as a queen be honour'd 
 By such as style me sovereign. Already 
 My banishment is repeal'd, thou being present; 
 The Neapolitan court a place of exile 
 When thou art absent : my stay here is mortal, 
 Of which thou art too sensible, I perceive it ; 
 Come, dearest lolante, with this breath 
 All jealousy is blown away. ^Embraces her. 
 
 Jol. Be constant. 
 
 aa2 
 
 lEjreunt. 
 
 / 
 
8oG 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I.— The Country. 
 
 A noise loithin, as of a horse/alien ;—then en^fr Durazzo, 
 Caldoro, and Servant, with Calista in their arms. 
 
 Dur. Hell take the stumbling jade ! 
 
 Cald. Heaven help the lady ! 
 
 Serv. The horse hath broke his neck. 
 
 Dur. Would thine were crack 'd too, 
 So the lady had no harm ! Give her fresh air, 
 *Tis but a swoon. 
 
 Cald. 'Tis more, she's dead. 
 
 Dur. Examine 
 Her limbs if they be whole : not too high, not too 
 
 high, 
 You ferret ; this is no coney-burrow for you. 
 How do you find her .'' 
 
 Cald. No breath of comfort, sir : too cruel fate! 
 Had I still pined away, and linger'd under 
 The modesty of just and honest hopes 
 After a long consumption, sleep and death 
 To me had been the same ; but now, as 'twere, 
 Possess'd of all my wishes, in a moment 
 To have them ravish'd from me ! suffer shipwreck 
 In view of the port ! and, like a half-starved beggar, 
 No sooner in compassion clothed, but coffin'd ! — 
 Malevolent destinies, too cunning in 
 Wretched Caldoro's tortures ! O Calista, 
 If thy immortal part hath not already 
 Left this fair palace, let a beam of light 
 Dawn from thine eye, in this Cimmerian darkness, 
 To guide my shaking hand to touch the anchor 
 Of hope in thy recovery. 
 
 Calls. Oh ! 
 
 Dur. She lives ; 
 Disturb her not : she is no right-bred woman. 
 If she die with one fall ; some of my acquaintance 
 Have ta'en a thousand merrily, and are still 
 Excellent wrestlers at the close hug. 
 
 Cald. Good sir — 
 
 Dur. Prithee be not angry, I should speak thus 
 if 
 My mother were in her place. 
 
 Cald. But had you heard 
 The music of the language which she used 
 To me, believed Adorio, as she rode 
 Behind me ; little thinking that she did 
 Embrace Caldoro — 
 
 Calls. Ah, Adorio 1 
 
 Dur. Leave talking, I conceive it. 
 
 Calls. Are you safe ? 
 
 Cald. And raised, like you, from death to life, 
 to hear you. 
 
 Calls. Hear my defence then, ere I take my veil 
 off, 
 A simple maid's defence, which, looking on you, 
 I faintly could deliver ; willingly 
 I am become your prize, and therefore use 
 Your victory nobly ; heaven's bright eye, the sun, 
 Draws up the grossest vapours, and I hope 
 I ne'er shall prove an envious cloud to darken 
 The splendour of your merits. I could urge 
 With what disdain, nay scorn, I have declined 
 The shadows of insinuating pleasures 
 Tender'd by all men else, you only being 
 The object of my hopes : that cruel prince 
 To whom the olive-branch of peace is offer'd, 
 
 Is not a conqueror, but a bloody tyrant, 
 
 If he refuse it ; nor should you wish a triumph, 
 
 Because Calista's humble : I have said, 
 
 And now expect your sentence. 
 
 Dur. What a throng 
 Of clients would be in the court of Love, 
 Were there many such she- advocates ! Art thou 
 
 dumb ? 
 Canst thou say nothing for thyself? 
 
 Cald. \_kneels.'] Dear lady. 
 Open your eyes, and look upon the man, 
 The man you have elected for your judge, 
 Kneeling to you for mercy. 
 
 Calis. I should know 
 This voice, and something more than fear I am 
 Deceived ; but now I look upon his face, 
 I am assured I am wretched. 
 
 Dur. Why, good lady } 
 Hold her up, she'll fall again before her time else. 
 The youth's a well- timber 'd youth, look on his 
 
 making ; 
 His hair curl'd naturally ; he's whole-chested too, 
 And will do his work as well, and go through stitch 
 
 with't. 
 As any Adorio in the world, my state on't ! 
 A chicken of the right kind ; and if he prove not 
 A cock of the game, cuckold him first, and after 
 Make a capon of him. 
 
 Calis. I'll cry out a rape, 
 If thou unhand me not : would I had died 
 In my late trance, and never lived to know 
 I am betray'd ! 
 
 Dur. To a young and active husband ! 
 Call you that treachery ? there are a shoal of 
 Young wenches i' the city, would vow a pilgrimage 
 Beyond Jerusalem, to be so cheated. — 
 To her again, you milk-sop ! violent storms 
 Are soon blown over. 
 
 Calls. How could'st thou, Caldoro, 
 With such a frontless impudence arm thy hopes 
 So far, as to believe I might consent 
 To this lewd practice ? have I not often told thee, 
 Howe'er I pitied thy misplaced affection, 
 I could not answer it ; and that there v^as 
 A strong antipathy between our passions, 
 Not to be reconciled ? 
 
 Cald. Vouchsafe to hear me ' 
 
 With an impartial ear, and it will take from 
 The rigour of your censure. Man was mark'd 
 A friend, in his creation, to himself. 
 And may with fit ambition conceive 
 The greatest blessings, and the highest honours 
 Appointed for him, if he can achieve them 
 The right and noble way : I grant you were 
 The end of my design, but still pursued 
 With a becoming modesty, heaven at length 
 Being pleased, and not my arts, to further it, ^ 
 
 Dur. Now he comes to her ; on, boy \\ k^^K '' 
 
 Cald. I have served you -'" Cn 
 
 With a~Teltgio«**eal, and born the burtheh 
 Of your neglect, if I may call it so, 
 Beyond the patience of a man : to prove this, 
 1 have seen those eyes with pleasant glances play 
 Upon Adorio's, like Phoebe's shine. 
 Gilding a crystal river ; and your lip 
 Rise up in civil courtship to meet his 
 
THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 n57 
 
 While I bit mine with envy : yet these favours, 
 Howe'er my passions raged, could not provoke me 
 To one act of rebellion against 
 My loyalty to you, the sovereign 
 To whom I owe obedience. 
 
 Calls. My blushes 
 Confess this for a truth. 
 
 Dur. A flag of truce is 
 Hung out in this acknowledgment. 
 
 Culd. I could add, 
 But that you may interpret what I speak 
 The malice of a rival, rather than 
 My due respect to your deserts, how faintly 
 Adorio hath returu'd thanks to the bounty^ 
 Of your affection, ascribing it 
 As a tribute to his worth, and not in you 
 An act of mercy : could he else, invited 
 (As by your words I understood) to take you 
 To his protection, grossly neglect ^ t/-' ^j-' 
 
 So gracious an offer, or give power ^\^ s^'-' 
 To Fate itself to cross him ? O, dear madam, 
 We are all the balls of time, toss'd to and fro. 
 From the plough ttnto the throne, and back 
 
 again : 
 Under the swing of destiny mankind suffers, 
 And it appears, by an unchanged decree. 
 You were appointed mine ; wise nature always 
 Aiming at due proportion : and if so, 
 I may believe with confidence, heaven, in pity 
 Of my sincere affection, and long patience, 
 Directed you, by a most blessed error. 
 To your vow'd servant's bosom. 
 
 Dur. By my holidam. 
 Tickling philosophy ! 
 
 Calls. I am, sir, too weak 
 To argue with you ; but mj stars have better, 
 I hope, provided for me. 
 
 Cald. If there be 
 Disparity between us, 'tis in your 
 Compassion to level it. 
 
 Dur. Give fire 
 To the mine, and blow her up. 
 
 Calls. I am sensible 
 Of what you have endured ; but on the sudden. 
 With my unusual travel, and late bruise, 
 I am exceeding weary. In yon grove, 
 While I repose myself, be you my guard ; 
 My spirits with some little rest revived. 
 We will consider further : for my part. 
 You shall receive modest and gentle answers 
 To your demands, though short, perhaps, to make 
 
 you 
 Full satisfaction. 
 
 Cald. I am exalted 
 In the employment ; sleep secure, I'll be 
 Your vigilant centinel. 
 
 Calls. But I command you. 
 And as you hope for future grace, obey me. 
 Presume not with one stolen kiss to disturb 
 The quiet of my slumbers ; let your temperance. 
 And not your lust, watch o'er me. 
 
 Cald. My desires 
 Are frozen, till your pity shall dissolve them. 
 
 Dur. Frozen ! think not of frost, fool, in the 
 dog-days. 
 Remember the old adage, and make use oft, 
 Occasion's bald behind. 
 
 Calls. Is this your uncle ? 
 
 Cald. And guardian, madam : at your better 
 leisure, 
 
 When I have deserved it, you may give him thanks 
 For his many favours to me. 
 
 Calls. He appears 
 A pleasant gentleman. [.Exeunt Caldouo aiid Caj^ista. 
 
 Dur. You should find me so, 
 But that I do hate incest. I grow heavy ; 
 Sirrah, provide fresh horses ; I'll seek out 
 Some hollow tree, and dream till you return, 
 Which I charge you to hasten. 
 
 Serv. With all care, sir. lExeunt, 
 
 SCENE II. — The Country. A Room in Adorio's 
 House. 
 
 Enter Cario with several Villagers, Musicians, &c. 
 Car. Let your eyes be rivetted to my heels, and 
 
 miss not 
 A hair's breadth of my footing ; our dance has 
 A most melodious note, and I command you 
 To have ears like hares this night, for my lord's 
 
 honour. 
 And something for my worship : your reward is 
 To be drunk-blind like moles, in the wine-cellar ; 
 And though you ne'er see after, 'tis the better ; 
 You were born for this night's service. And, do 
 
 you hear. 
 Wire-string and cat-gut men, and strong-breath'd 
 
 hoboys. 
 For the credit of your calling, have not your instru- 
 ments 
 To tune when you should strike up ; but twang it 
 
 perfectly, 
 As you would read your neck-verse : and you, 
 
 warbler, 
 Keep your wind pipe moist, that you may not spit 
 
 and hem. 
 When you should make division. How I sweat 1 
 Authority is troublesome : — [A horn within] — 
 
 they are come, 
 I know it by the cornet that I placed 
 On the hill to give me notice : marshal yourselves 
 I'the rear; the van is yours. 
 
 Enter Adorio, Mirtilla, Camillo, Lentulo, and 
 
 DONATO. 
 
 Now chant it sprightly. 
 
 A SONO. 
 
 Ador. A well-penn'd ditty. 
 Camll. Not ill sung. 
 
 Ador. What follows .' [.To the dancers. 
 
 Car. Use your eyes. If ever — now your master- 
 piece ! 
 
 A DANCK. 
 
 Ador. 'Tis well perform'd : take that, but not 
 from me. 
 'Tis your new lady's bounty, thank her for it ; 
 All that I have is her's. 
 
 Car. I must have three shares 
 For my pains and properties, the rest shall be 
 Divided equally. [Exeunt Cario, Villagers, &c. 
 
 Mirt. My real fears 
 Begin, and soon my painted comforts vanish, 
 In my discovery. 
 
 Ador. Welcome to your own ! 
 You have (a wonder in a woman) kept 
 Three long hours' silence ; and the greater, ho'ding 
 Your own choice in your arms ; a blessing for which 
 I will be thankful to you : nay, unmaslc. 
 
368 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 And let mine eye and ears together feast, 
 Too long by you kept empty. Oh, you want 
 ! Your woman's help, I'll do her office for you. 
 
 ITakes off her mask. 
 
 Mirtilla ! 
 
 Camil. It is she, and wears the habit 
 In which Calista three days since appeared, 
 As she came from the temple. 
 
 Lent. All this trouble 
 For a poor waiting-maid ! 
 Don. We are grossly guU'd. 
 Ador. Thou child of impudence, answer me, and 
 truly, 
 Or, though the tongues of angels pleaded mercy, 
 Tortures shall force it from thee. 
 
 Mirt. Innocence 
 Is free, and open-breasted ; of what crime 
 Stand I accused, my lord.' 
 
 Ador. What crime ! no language 
 Can speak it to the height ; I shall become 
 Discourse for fools and drunkards. How was this 
 Contrived? who help'd thee in the plot ? discover. 
 Were not Calista's aids in't ? 
 
 3Iirt. No, on my life ; 
 Nor am I faulty. 
 
 Ador. No ! what May-game's this ? 
 Didst thou treat with me for thy mistress' favours, 
 To make sale of thine own ? 
 Mirt. With her and you 
 I have dealt faithfully : you had her letter 
 With the jewel I presented : she received 
 Your courteous answer, and prepared herself 
 To be removed by you : and howsoever 
 You take delight to hear what you have done. 
 From my simplicity, and make my weakness 
 The subject of your mirth, as it suits well 
 With my condition, I know you have her 
 In your possession. 
 
 Ador. How ! has she left 
 Her mother's house ? 
 
 Mirt. You drive this nail too far. 
 Indeed she deeply vow'd, at her departure. 
 To send some of your lordship's servants for me, 
 (Though you were pleased to take the pains your- 
 self,) 
 That I might still be near her, as a shadow 
 To follow her, the substance. 
 Ador. She is gone then ? 
 
 Mirt. This is too much ; but, good my lord, 
 forgive me, 
 I come a virgin hither to attend 
 My noble mistress, though I must confess, 
 I look with sore eyes upon her good fortune, 
 And wish it were mine own. 
 Ador. Then, as it seems, 
 You do yourself affect me .■' 
 
 Mirt. Should she hear me, 
 And in her sudden fury kill me for't, 
 I durst not, sir, deny it ; since you are 
 A man so form'd, that not poor I alone. 
 But all our sex like me, I think, stand bound 
 To be enamour'd of you. 
 
 Ador. O my fate ! 
 How justly am 1 punish'd, in thee punish'd, 
 For my defended wantonness ! I, that scorn'd 
 The mistress when she sought me, now I would 
 Upon my knees receive her, am become 
 A prey unto her bondwoman, my honxj^r^oo 
 Neglected for this purchase. Art thou one of 
 those 
 
 Ambitious servingwomen, who, contemning 
 The embraces of their equals, aim to be 
 The wrong way ladyfied, by a lord ? was there 
 No forward page or footman in the city, 
 To do the feat, that in thy lust I am chosen 
 To be the executioner ? dar'st thou hope 
 I can descend so low ? 
 
 Mirt. Great lords sometimes 
 For change leave calver'd salmon, and eat sprats : 
 In modesty I dare speak no more. 
 
 Camil. If 'twere 
 A fish-day, though you like it not, I could say 
 I have a stomach, and would content myself 
 With this pretty whiting-mop. 
 
 Ador. Discover yet 
 How thou cam'st to my hands. 
 
 Mirt. My lady gone, 
 Fear of her mother's rage, she being found absent, 
 Moved me to fly ; and quitting of the house, 
 You were pleased, unask'd, to comfort me ; (I 
 
 used 
 No sorceries to bewitch you ;) then vouchsafed 
 (Thanks ever to the darkness of the night !) 
 To hug me in your arms ; and I had wrong'd 
 My breeding near the court, had I refused it. 
 
 Ador. This is still more bitter. Canst thou 
 guess to whom 
 Thy lady did commit herself.' 
 
 Mirt. They were 
 Horsemen, as you are. 
 
 Ador. In the name of wonder. 
 How could they pass the port, where you expected 
 My coming ? 
 
 Camil. Now I think upon't, there came 
 Three mounted by, and, behind one, a woman 
 Embracing fast the man that rode before her. 
 
 Lent. 1 knew the men ; but she was veil'd. 
 
 Ador. What were they ? 
 
 Lent. The first the lord Durazzo, and the 
 second, 
 Your rival, young Caldoro ; it was he 
 That carried the wench behind him. 
 
 Don. The last a servant, 
 That spurr'd fast after them. 
 
 Ador. Worse and worse ! 'twas she ! 
 Too much assurance of her love undid me. 
 Why did you not stay them .' 
 
 Don. We had no such commission. 
 
 Camil. Or say we had, who durst lay fingers on 
 The angry old ruffian ? 
 
 Lent. For my part, I had rather • 
 Take a baited bull by the horns. 
 
 Ador. You are sure fiiends 
 For a man to build on ! 
 
 Camil. They are not far off, 
 Their horses appear' d spent too ; let's take fresh 
 
 ones. 
 And coast the country ; ten to one we find them. 
 
 Ador. I will not eat nor sleep, until I have 
 them : 
 Moppet, you shall along too. 
 
 J\Tirt. So you please 
 I may keep my place behind you, I'll sit fast. 
 And ride with you all the world o'er. 
 
 Camil. A good girl! lExcunt 
 
SCENK IIJ. 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 859 
 
 I 
 
 SCENE III Naples. A Street. 
 
 Enter Laval and Calipso. 
 
 Lav. Her husband ? Severiuo ? 
 
 Calip. You may see 
 His handywork by my flat face ; no bridge 
 Left to support my organ, if I had one : 
 The comfort is, I am now secure from the crin- 
 I can lose nothing that way. [comes, 
 
 Lav. Dost thou not know 
 What became of the lady ? 
 
 Calip. A nose was enough to part with, 
 I think, in the service ; I durst stay no longer : 
 But I am full assured the house is empty,- 
 Neither poor lady, daughter, servant left there. 
 I only guess he hath forced them to go with him 
 To the dangerous forest, where he lives like j king, 
 Among the banditti ; and how there he hath used 
 
 them, 
 Is more than to be fear'd. 
 
 Lav. I have play'd the fool. 
 And kept myself too long conceal'd, sans question, 
 
 With the danger of her life. Leave me the 
 
 king ! 
 
 Enter Alphonso and Captain. 
 
 Calip. The surgeon must be paid. 
 \..Lav. Take that. [Gives her moncij. 
 
 }*" Calip. I thank you ; 
 I have got enough by my trade, and I will build 
 An hospital only for noseless bawds, 
 ('Twill speak my charity,) and be myself 
 The governess of the sisterhood. lEj:it. 
 
 Alph. I may 
 Foi'get this in your vigilance hereafter ; 
 
 But as I am a king, if you provoke me 
 
 The second time with negligence of this kind, 
 
 You shall deeply smart for't. 
 
 Lav. The king's moved. 
 
 Alph. To suffer 
 A murderer, by us proscribed, at his pleasure 
 To pass and repass through our guards ! 
 
 Capt. Your pardon 
 For this, my gracious lord, binds me to be 
 More circumspect hereafter. 
 
 Alph. Look you be so : 
 Monsieur Laval, you were a suitor to me 
 For Severino's pardon. 
 
 Lav. I was so, my good lord, 
 
 Alph. You might have met him here, to have 
 thank' d you for't, 
 As now I understand. 
 
 Lav. So it is rumour'd ; 
 And hearing in the city of his boldness, 
 I would not say contempt of your decrees, 
 As then I pleaded mercy, under pardon, 
 I now as much admire the slowness of 
 Your justice (though it force you to some trouble) 
 In fetching him in. 
 
 Alph. I have consider'd it. 
 
 Lav. He hath of late, as 'tis suspected, done 
 An outrage on his wife, forgetting nature 
 To his own daughter ; in whom, sir, I have 
 Some nearer interest than I stand bound to 
 In ray humanity, which I gladly would 
 Make known unto your highness. 
 
 Alph. Go along. 
 You shall have opportunity as we walk ; 
 See you what I committed to your charge, 
 In readiness, and without noise. 
 
 Capt. I shall, sir. lExeunt. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I.— The Forest. 
 
 Enter Claudio and all the Banditti, making a guard ; 
 Skverino and IOlante with oaken-leaved garlands ; 
 Singers. 
 
 A SONG. 
 
 Sev. Here, as a queen, share in my sovereignty: 
 The iron toils pitch'd by the law to take 
 The forfeiture of my life, I have broke through. 
 And secure in the guards of these few subjects. 
 Smile at Alphonso's fury ; though I grieve for 
 The fatal cause, in your good brother's loss, 
 That does compel me to this course. 
 
 lol. Revive not 
 A sorrow long since dead, and so diminish 
 The full fruition of those joys, which now 
 I stand possess'd of; womanish fear of danger 
 That may pursue us, I shake off, and with 
 A masculine spirit. 
 
 Sev. 'Tis well said. 
 
 J'61. In you, sir, 
 I live ; and when, or by the course of nature, 
 Or violence, you must fall, the end of my 
 Devotions is, that one and the same hour 
 May make us fit for heaven. 
 
 Sev. I join with you 
 In my votes that way : but how, lolante, 
 Vou that have spent your past days, slumbering in 
 
 The down of quiet, can endure the hardness 
 And rough condition of our present being, 
 Does much disturb me. 
 
 Jol. These woods, Severii'o, 
 
 {/■ 
 
 Shall more than seem to me a populous city. 
 You being present ; here are no allurements 
 To tempt my frailty, nor the conversation 
 Of such whose choice behaviour, or discourse, 
 May nourish jealous thoughts. 
 
 Sev. True, lolante ; 
 Nor shall suspected chastity stand in need here, 
 To be clear'd by miracle. 
 
 T61. Still on that string 1 
 It yields harsh discord. 
 
 Sev. I had forgot myself. 
 And wish I might no more remember it. 
 The day wears, sirs, without one prize brought in 
 As tribute to your queen : Claudio, divide 
 Our squadron in small parties, let them watch 
 All passages, that none escape without 
 The payment of our customs. 
 
 Claud. Shall we bring in 
 The persons, with the pillage ? 
 
 Sev. By all means ; 
 Without reply, about it : we'll retire 
 
 iExeiint Claudio and the rest. 
 Into my cave, and there at large discourse 
 
380 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 Our fortunes past, and study some apt means 
 To find our daughter ; since, she well disposed of, 
 Our happiness were perfect. 
 
 lol. We must wait 
 With patience heaven's pleasure. 
 
 Sev. 'Tis my purpose. iExeunt. 
 
 SCENE \l.— Another part of the Forest. 
 Enter Lentulo and Camillo. 
 Lent. Let the horses graze, they are spent. 
 Camil. I am sure I'm sleepy. 
 And nodded as I rode : here was a jaunt 
 r the dark through thick and thin, and all to no 
 
 purpose ! 
 What a dulness grows upon me ! 
 
 Lent. I can hardly 
 Hold ope mine eyes to say so. How did we lose 
 Adorio ? {.They sit down. 
 
 Camil. He, Donato, and the wench, 
 That cleaves to him like birdlime, took the right 
 
 hand : 
 But this place is our rendezvous. 
 Lent. No matter, 
 
 We'll talk of that anon heigh ho ! {Falls asleep. 
 
 Camil. He's fast already. 
 Lentulo ! — I'll take a nap too. {Falls asleep. 
 
 Enter Adorio, Mirtflla, and Donato. 
 
 Ador. Was ever man so crost ? 
 
 Mirt. So blest ; this is 
 The finest wild-goose chase ! [Aside. 
 
 Ador. What's that you mutter ? 
 
 Mirt. A short prayer, that you may find your 
 wish'd-for love. 
 Though 1 am lost for ever. 
 
 Don. Pretty fool ! 
 Who have we here .'' 
 
 Ador. This is Camillo. 
 
 Mirt. This signior Lentulo. 
 
 Ador. Wake them. 
 
 Don. They'll not stir, 
 Their eyelids are glued, and mine too : by your 
 
 favour, 
 I'll follow their example. {Lies dovon. 
 
 Ador. Are you not weary ? 
 
 Mirt. I know not what the word means, while I 
 travel 
 To do you service, 
 
 Ador. You expect to reap 
 The harvest of your flattery ; but your hopes 
 Will be blasted, I assure you. 
 
 Mirt. So you give leave 
 To sow it, as in me a sign of duty, 
 Though you deny your beams of gracious favour 
 To ripen it, with patience I shall suffer. 
 
 Ador. No more ; my resolution to find 
 Calista, by what accident lost I know not. 
 Binds me not to deny myself what nature 
 Exacteth from me : to walk alone afoot 
 (For my horse is tired) were madness, I must sleep. 
 You could lie down too ? 
 
 Mirt. Willingly ; so you please 
 To use me — 
 
 Ador. Use thee ! 
 
 Mirt. As your pillow, sir ; 
 I dare presume no further. Noble sir. 
 Do not too much contemn me ; generous feet 
 Spurn not a fawning spaniel. 
 
 Ador. Well ; sit down. 
 
 Mirt. I am ready, sir. 
 
 Ador. So nimble 1 
 
 Mirt. Love is active, 
 Nor would I be a slow thing : rest secure, sir ; 
 On my maidenhead, I'll not ravish you. 
 
 Ador. For once. 
 So far I'll trust you. {Lays his head on her lap 
 
 Mirt. All the joys of rest 
 Dwell on your eyelids ; let no dream disturb 
 Your soft and gentle slumbers ! I cannot sing. 
 But I'll talk you asleep ; and I beseech you 
 Be not offended, though I glory in 
 My being thus employ'd : a happiness 
 That stands for more than ample satisfaction 
 For all I have, or can endure. — He snores, 
 And does not hear me ; would his sense of feeling 
 
 Were bound up too ! I should 1 am all fire. 
 
 Such heaps of treasure offer'd as a prey, 
 Would tempt a modest thief; I can no longer 
 Forbear — I'll gently touch his lips, and leave 
 No print of mine : — [Kisses him.} ah ! — I have 
 
 heard of nectar. 
 But till now never tasted it : these rubies 
 Are not clouded by my breath : if once again 
 I steal from such a full exchequer, trifles 
 Will not be miss'd ; — [Kisses him a^am.]— I am 
 
 entranced : our fancy. 
 Some say, in sleep works stronger ; I will prove 
 How far my {Falls asleep. 
 
 Enter Dukazzo. 
 
 Dur. My bones ache, 
 I am exceeding cold too ; I must seek out 
 A more convenient truckle-bed. Ha I do I dream? 
 No, no, I wake. Camillo, Lentulo, 
 Donato this, and, as I live, Adorio 
 In a handsome wench's lap ! a whoreson ! you are 
 The best accommodated. I will call 
 My nephew and his mistress to this pageant ; 
 The object may perhaps do more upon her, 
 Than all Caldoro's rhetoric. With what 
 Security they sleep ! sure Mercury 
 Hath traveird this way with his charming- rod. 
 Nephew ! Calista ! Madam ! 
 
 Enter Caldoro and Calista, 
 
 Cald. Here, sir. Is 
 Your man returned with horses .'' 
 
 Dur. No, boy, no ; 
 But here are some you thought not of. 
 
 Calis. Adorio ! 
 
 Dur. The idol that you worshipped. 
 
 Calis. This Mirtilla ! 
 I am made a stale. 
 
 Dur. I knew 'twould take. {Aside 
 
 Calis. False man ! 
 But much more treacherous woman ! 'Tis appa- 
 
 rent. 
 They jointly did conspire against my weakness. 
 And credulous simplicity, and have 
 Prevail'd against it. 
 
 Cald. I'll not kill them sleeping ; 
 But if you please, I'll wake them first, and after 
 Offer them, as a fatal sacrrfice. 
 To your just anger. 
 
 Dur. You are a fool; reserve 
 Your blood for better uses- 
 
 Calis. My fond love 
 
SCENE IV. 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 mi 
 
 Is changed to an extremity of hate ; 
 His very sight is odious. 
 
 Dur. I have thought of 
 A pretty punishment for him and his comrades, 
 Then leave him to his harlotry ; if she prove not 
 Torture enough, hold me an ass. Their horses 
 Are not far off, I'll cut the girts and bridles, 
 Then turn them into the wood ; if they can run, 
 Let them foUowr us as footmen. Wilt thou fight 
 For what's thine own already ! 
 
 Calls. In his hat 
 He wears a jewel, which this faithless strumpet, 
 As a salary of her lust, deceived me of; 
 He shall not keep't to my disgrace, nor w^l I 
 Stir till I have it. -^ 
 
 Dur. I am not good at nimming ; 
 And yet that shall not hinder us : by your leave, 
 'Tis restitution : pray you all bear witness [sir ; 
 I do not steal it ; here 'tis. 
 
 I'l'akes off Adorio's hat, and removes the Jewel, which 
 he gives to Caijsta. 
 
 Calls. Take it, — not 
 As a mistress' favour, but a strong assurance 
 I am your wife. \_Gives it to Caldoro. 
 
 Cold. O heaven ! 
 
 Dur. Pray in the church. 
 Let us away. Nephew, a word ; have you not 
 Been billing in the brakes, ha ! and so deserved 
 This unexpected favour ? 
 
 Cald. You are pleasant. 
 
 lExeunt Durazzo, Caldoro, and Camsta. 
 
 Ador. As thou art a gentleman, kill me not 
 basely; [Starts up,- the rest awake. 
 
 Give me leave to draw my sword. 
 
 Camil. Ha ! what's the matter } 
 
 Lent. He talk'd of's sword. 
 
 Don. I see no enemy near us, 
 That threatens danger. 
 
 Mlrt- Sure 'twas but a dream. 
 
 Ador. A fearful one. Methought Caldoro's 
 sword 
 Was at my throat, Calista frowning by, 
 Commanding him, as he desired her favour, 
 To strike my head off. 
 
 Camll. Mere imagination 
 Of a disturbed fancy. 
 
 Mirt. Here's your hat, sir. 
 
 Ador. But Where's my jewel ? 
 
 Camll. By all likelihood lost, 
 This troublesome night. 
 
 Do7i. I saw it when we came 
 Unto this place. 
 
 Mirt. I look'd upon't myself, 
 When you reposed. 
 
 Ador. What is become of it ? 
 Restore it, for thou hast it; do not put me 
 To the trouble to search you. 
 
 Mirt. Search me ! 
 
 Ador. You have been, 
 Before your lady gave you entertainment, 
 A night-walker in the streets. 
 
 Mirt. How, my good lord ! 
 
 Ador. Traded in picking pockets, when tame 
 Charm'd with your prostituted flatteries, [gulls, 
 Deign'd to embrace you. 
 
 Mirt. Love, give place to anger. 
 Charge me with theft, and prostituted baseness ! 
 Were you a judge, nay more, the king, thus urged, 
 To your teeth I would say, 'tis false. 
 
 Ador. This will not do. 
 
 Camil. Deliver it in private. 
 
 Mirt. You shall be 
 In public hang'd first, and the whole gang of you. 
 I steal what I presented ! 
 
 Lent. Do not strive. 
 
 Ador. Though thou hast swallow'd it, I'll rip 
 thy entrails, 
 But I'll recover it. [Seizes her. 
 
 Mirt. Help, help ! 
 
 CLAUDro and two Banditti rush upon them with pistols. 
 
 Ador. A new plot ! 
 
 Claud. Forbear, libidinous monsters ! if you 
 offer 
 The least resistance, you are dead. If one 
 But lay his hand upon his sword, shoot all. 
 
 Ador. Let us fight for what we have, and if you 
 can 
 Win it, enjoy it, 
 
 Claud. We come not to try 
 Your valour, but for your money ; throw down your 
 
 sword. 
 Or I'll begin with you : so ! if you will 
 Walk quietly without bonds, you may, if not 
 We'll force you. — [Fear not, j thou shalt have no 
 
 wrong, 
 But justice against these. To Mirtilla. 
 
 1 Ban. We'll teach you, sir, 
 
 To meddle with wenches in our walks. 
 
 2 Ban. It being 
 Against our canons. 
 
 Camil. Whither will you lead us } 
 Claud. You shall know that hereafter. — Guard 
 them sure. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE III.— Another part of the Forest. 
 
 Enter Alphonso disguised as an Old Man, Laval, and 
 Captain. 
 
 Alph. Are all the passages stopp'd ? 
 
 Capt. And strongly mann'd ; 
 They must use wings, and fly, if they escape us. 
 
 Lav. But why, great sir, you should expose 
 your person 
 To such apparent danger, when you may 
 Have them brought bound before you, is beyond 
 My apprehension. 
 
 Alph. I am better arm'd 
 Than you suppose : besides, it is confirm'd 
 By all that have been robb'd, since Severino 
 Commanded these banditti, (though it be 
 Unusual in Italy,) imitating 
 The courteous English thieves, for so they call 
 
 them. 
 They have not done one murder : I must add too, 
 That, from a strange relation I have heard 
 Of Severino's justice, in disposing 
 The preys brought in, I would be an eye-witness 
 Of what I take up now but on report : 
 And therefore 'tis my pleasure that we should. 
 As soon as they encounter us, without 
 A shew of opposition, yield. 
 
 Lav. Your will 
 Is not to be disputed. 
 
 Alph. You have placed 
 Your ambush so, that, if there be occasion. 
 They suddenly may break in ? 
 
 Ccpt. My life upon't. 
 
S»32 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 Alph. We cannot travel far, but we shall meet 
 With some of these good fellows ; and be sure 
 You do as I command you. 
 
 Lav. Without fear, sir. lExeimt. 
 
 SCENE lY.— Another part of the Forest. 
 Enter Sevkrino and IQlante. 
 
 Sev. 'Tis true ; I did command Calista should 
 not. 
 Without my knowledge and consent, assisted 
 By your advice, be married ; but your 
 Restraint, as you deliver it, denying 
 A grown-up maid the modest conversation 
 Of men, and warrantable pleasures, relish'd 
 Of too much rigour, which, no doubt, hath driven 
 
 her 
 To take some desperate course. 
 
 I.0L What then I did 
 Was, in my care, thought best. 
 
 Sev. So I conceive it ; 
 But where was your discretion to forbid 
 Access, and fit approaches, when you knew 
 Her suitors noble, either of which I would 
 Have wish'd my son-in-law ? Adorio, 
 However wild, a young man of good parts, 
 But better fortunes : his competitor, 
 Caldoro, for his sweetness of behaviour, 
 Staidness, and temperance, holding the first place 
 Among the gallants most observed in Naples ; 
 His own revenues of a large extent, 
 But in the expectation of his uncle 
 And guardian's entradas, by the course 
 Of nature to descend on him, a match 
 For the best subject's blood, I except none 
 Of eminence in Italy. 
 
 lol. Your wishes, 
 Howe'er a while delay'd, are not, I hope, 
 Impossibilities. 
 
 Sev. Though it prove so, 
 Yet 'tis not good to give a check to fortune, 
 When she comes smiling to us. — Hark ! this cornet 
 
 ICornet within. 
 Assures us of a prize ; there sit in state, 
 'Tis thy first tribute. 
 
 lol. Would we might enjoy 
 Our own as subjects 1 
 
 Se>K What's got by the sword. 
 Is better than inheritance : all those kingdoms 
 Of Alexander were, by force, extorted, 
 Though gilded o'er with glorious styles of con- 
 quest : 
 His victories but royal robberies, 
 And his true definition a thief. 
 When circled with huge navies, to the terror 
 Of such as plough'd the ocean, as the pirate, 
 Who, from a narrow creek, puts off for prey 
 In a small pinnace : [Cornet within.'} — From a 
 
 second place 
 New spoil brought in \ — [Cor7iet within.} — from a 
 
 third party ! brave I 
 This shall be register'd a day of triumph, 
 Design'd by fate to honour thee. 
 
 Good booty, ha? 
 
 E7tter Claudio. 
 
 Welcome, Claudio 1 
 
 Enter at different sides, various parties 0/ theBsanAitti ; one 
 ivith Adohio, Lkntulo, Donato, Camillo, Miktilla: 
 another with BvnAzzo, Caldoro, Calista ; and the resi 
 with Alphonso, Laval, and Captain. 
 
 Claud. Their outsides promise so ; 
 But yet they have not made discovery 
 Of what they stand possest of. 
 
 Sev. Welcome all ; 
 Good boys ! you have done bravely, if no blood 
 Be shed in the service. 
 
 1 Ban. On our lives, no drop, sir. 
 
 Sev. 'Tis to my wish. 
 
 /o7. My lord! 
 
 Sev. No more ; I know them. 
 
 lijl. My daughter, and her woman too ! 
 
 Sev. Conceal 
 Your joys. 
 
 Dur. Fallen in the devil's mouth ! 
 
 Calls. My father, 
 And mother ! to what fate am I reserv'd ? 
 
 Cald. Continue mask'd ; or grant that you be 
 known. 
 From whom can you expect a gentle sentence. 
 If you despair a father's ? 
 
 A dor. I perceive now 
 Which way I lost my jewel. 
 
 Mi7-t. I rejoice 
 I'm clear'd from theft : you have done me wrong, 
 
 but I, 
 Unask'd, forgive you. 
 
 Dur. 'Tis some comfort yet. 
 The rivals, men and women, frieiids and foes, are 
 Together in one toil. 
 
 Sev. You all look pale. 
 And by your private whisperings and soft murmurs, 
 Express a general fear : pray you shake it off ; 
 For understand you are not fallen into 
 The hands of a Busiris or a Cacus, 
 Delighted more in blood than spoil, but given up 
 To the power of an unfortunate gentleman, 
 Not born to these low courses, howsoever 
 My fate, and just displeasure of the king, 
 Design'd me to it : you need not to doubt 
 A sad captivity here, and much less fear, 
 For profit, to be sold for slaves, then shipp'd 
 Into another country ; in a word. 
 You know the proscribed Severino, he, 
 Not unacquainted, but familiar with 
 The most of you. — Want in myself I know not ; 
 But for the pay of these my squires, who eat 
 Their bread with danger purchased, and must be 
 With others' fleeces clothed, or live exposed 
 To the summer's scorching heat and winter's cold ; 
 To these, before you be compell'd, (a word 
 I speak with much unwillingness,) deliver 
 Such coin as you are furnish'd with. 
 
 Dur. A fine method 1 
 This is neither bejrging, borrowing, nor robbery ; 
 Yet it hath a twang of ail of them : but one word, 
 sir. 
 
 Sev. Your pleasure. 
 
 Dur. When we have thrown down our muck. 
 What follows ? 
 
 Sev. Liberty, with a safe convoy, 
 To any place you choose. 
 
 Dur. By this hand, you are 
 A fair fraternity ! for once I'll be 
 The first example to relieve your convent. 
 There's a thousand crowns, my vintage, haiTest, 
 profits, 
 
SCENE IV, 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 363 
 
 Arising from my herds, bound in one bag, 
 Share it among you. 
 
 Sev. You are still the jovial, 
 And good Durazzo. 
 
 Dur. To the offering ; nay, 
 No hanging an a — , this is their wedding-day : 
 What you must do spite of your hearts, do freely 
 For your own sakes. 
 
 Camil. There's mine. 
 
 Lent. Mine. 
 
 Don. All that I have. 
 
 Cald. This, to preserve my jewel. 
 
 Ador. Which I challenge : 
 Let me have justice, for my coin I care ngt' 
 
 Lav. I will not weep for mine. 
 
 Capt. Would it were more. 
 
 [_They all throw down their purses. 
 
 Sev. Nay, you are privileged ; but why, old 
 father, [To the King. 
 
 Art thou so slow ; thou hast one foot in the grave, 
 And, if desire of gold do not increase 
 With thy expiring lease of life, thou shouldst 
 Be forwardest. 
 
 Alph. In what concerns myself, 
 I do acknowledge it ; and I should lie, 
 A vice I have detested from my youth, 
 If I denied my present store, since what 
 I have about me now weighs down in value, 
 Almost a hundred fold, whatever these 
 Have laid before you : see ! I do groan under 
 
 {_Throws down three bags. 
 The burthen of my treasure : nay, 'tis gold ; 
 And if your hunger of it be not sated 
 With what already I have shewn unto you, 
 Here's that shall glut it. In this casket are 
 Inestimable jewels, diamonds 
 Of such a piercing lustre, as struck blind 
 The amazed lapidary, while he labour' d 
 
 [_Opens the casket. 
 ■jl'o honour his own art in setting them : 
 Some orient pearls too, which the queen of Spain 
 Might wear as ear-rings, in remembrance of 
 The day that she was crown'd. 
 
 Sev. The spoils, I think, 
 Of both the Indies ! 
 
 Dur. The great sultan's poor, 
 if parallel'd with this Croesus. 
 
 Sev. Why dost thou weep ? 
 
 Alph. From a most fit consideration of 
 My poverty ; this, though restored, will not 
 Serve my occasions. 
 
 Sev. Impossible ! 
 
 Dur. May be he would buy his passport up to 
 heaven ; 
 And then this is too little ; though, in the journey, 
 It were a good viaticum. 
 
 Alph. I would make it 
 A means to help me thither : not to wrong you 
 With tedious expectation, I'll discover 
 What my wants are, and yield my reasons for 
 
 them. 
 I have two sons, twins, the true images 
 Of what I was at their years ; never father 
 Had fairer or more promising hopes in his 
 Posterity : but, alas ! these sons, ambitious 
 Of glittering honour, and an after-name, 
 Achieved by glorious, and yet pious actions, 
 (For such were their intentions,) put to sea : 
 They had a well-rigg'd bottom, fully mann'd, 
 An old experienced master, lusty sailors, 
 
 Stout landmen, and what's something more than 
 
 rare. 
 They did agree, had one design, and that was 
 In charity to redeem the Christian slaves 
 Chain'd in the Turkish servitude. 
 
 Sev. A brave aim ! 
 
 Dur. A most heroic enterprise ; I languish 
 To hear how they succeeded. 
 
 Alph. Prosperously, 
 At first, and to their wishes : divers gallies 
 They boarded, and some strong forts near the shore 
 They suddenly surprised ; a thousand captives, 
 Redeem'd from the oar, paid their glad vows and 
 
 prayers 
 For their deliverance : their ends acquired. 
 And making homeward in triumphant manner, 
 For sure the cause deserved it — 
 
 Dur. Pray you end here ; 
 The best, I fear, is told, and that which follows 
 Must conclude ill. 
 
 Alph. Your fears are true, and yet 
 I must with grief relate it. Prodigal fame. 
 In every place, with her loud trump, proclaiming 
 The greatness of the action, the pirates 
 Of Tunis and Argiers laid wait for them 
 At their return : to tell you what resistance 
 They made, and how my poor sons fought, would 
 
 bat 
 Increase my sorrow, and, perhaps, grieve you 
 To hear it passionately described unto you. 
 In brief, they were taken, and for the great loss 
 The enemy did sustain, their victory 
 Being with much blood bought, they do endure 
 The heaviest captivity wretched men 
 Did ever suffer. O my sons ! my sons ! 
 To me for ever lost ! lost, lost for ever ! 
 
 Sev. Will not these heaps of gold, added to 
 Suffice for ransome ? [thine, 
 
 Alph. For my sons it would ; 
 But they refuse their liberty, if all 
 That were engaged with them, have not their irons, 
 With theirs, struck off, and set at liberty with 
 
 them ; 
 Which these heaps cannot purchase. 
 
 Sev. Ha 1 the toughness 
 Of my heart melts. Be comforted, old father ; 
 I have some hidden treasure, and if all 
 I and my squires these three years have laid up, 
 Can make the sum up, freely take't. 
 
 Dur. I'll sell 
 Myself to my shirt, lands, moveables ; and thou 
 Shalt part with thine too, nephew, rather than 
 Such brave men shall live slaves. 
 
 2 Ban. We will not yield to't. 
 
 3 Ban. Nor lose our parts. 
 Sei\ How's this ! 
 
 2 Ban. You are fitter far 
 To be a churchman, than to have command 
 Over good fellows. 
 
 Sev. Thus I ever use [Strikes them dotm. 
 
 Such saucy rascals ; second me, Claudio. — 
 Rebellious ! do you grumble ? I'll not leave 
 One rogue of them alive. 
 
 Alph. Hold ; — give the sign. IDiscovers himself. 
 
 All. The king ! 
 
 Sev. Then I am lost. 
 
 Claud. The woods are full 
 Of armed men. 
 
 Alph. No hope of your escape 
 Can flatter you. 
 
864 
 
 THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 Sev. Mercy, dread sir ! IKneds. 
 
 Alph. Thy carriage 
 In this unlawful course appears so noble, 
 Especially in this last trial, which 
 I put upon you, that I wish the mercy 
 You kneel in vain for might fall gently on you : 
 But when the holy oil was pour'd upon 
 My head, and I anointed king, I swore 
 Never to pardon murder. I could wink at 
 Your robberies, though our law^s call them death, 
 But to dispense with Monteclaro's blood 
 Would ill become a king ; in him I lost 
 A worthy subject, and must take from you 
 A strict account oft. 'Tis in vain to move ; 
 My doom's irrevocable. 
 
 Lav. Not, dread sir, 
 If Monteclaro live. 
 
 Alph. If ! good Laval. 
 
 Lav. He lives in him, sir, that you thought 
 Laval. [^Discovers himself. 
 
 Three years have not so alter'd me, but you may 
 Remember Monteclaro. 
 
 Dur. How ! 
 
 lol. My brother ! 
 
 Calls. Uncle ! 
 
 Mont. Give me leave : I was 
 Left dead in the field, but by the duke Montpensier, 
 Now general at Milan, taken up, 
 And with much care recover'd. 
 
 Alph. Why lived you 
 So long conceal'd } 
 
 Mont. Confounded with the wrong 
 I did my brother, in provoking him 
 To fight, I spent the time in France that I 
 Was absent from the court, making my exile 
 The punishment imposed upon myself. 
 For my offence. 
 
 lol. Now, sir, I dare confess all : 
 This was the guest invited to the banquet, 
 That drew on your suspicion. 
 
 Sev. Your intent, 
 Though it was ill in you, I do forgive ; 
 The rest I'll hear at leisure. Sir, your sentence. 
 
 Alph. It is a general pardon unto all, 
 Upon my hopes, in your fair lives hereafter, 
 You will deserve it. 
 
 Sev. Claud, and the rest. Long live great Al- 
 phonso 1 
 
 Dur. Your mercy shewn in this ; now, if you 
 Decide these lovers' difference. [please, 
 
 Alph. That is easy ; 
 ril put it to the women's choice, the men 
 Consenting to it. 
 
 Calls. Here I fix then, never 
 To be removed. [Embraces Caldoro. 
 
 Cald. 'Tis my nil ultra, sir. 
 
 Mirt. O, that I had the happiness to say 
 So much to you I I dare maintain my love 
 Is equal to my lady's. 
 
 Ador. But my mind 
 A pitch above yours : marry with a servant 
 Of no descent or fortune ! 
 
 Sev. You are deceived : 
 Howe'er she has been train'd up as a servant. 
 She is the daughter of a noble captain. 
 Who, in his voyage to the Persian gulf, 
 Perish'd by shipwreck ; one I dearly loved. 
 He to my care intrusted her, having taken 
 My word, if he return'd not like himself, 
 I never should discover what she was ; 
 But it being for her good, I will dispense with't. 
 So much, sir, for her blood ; now for her portion : 
 So dear I hold the memory of my friend, 
 It shall rank with my daughter's. 
 
 Ador. This made good, 
 I will not be perverse. 
 
 Dur. With a kiss confirm it. 
 
 Ador. I sign all concord here; but must to you, 
 sir. 
 For reparation of my wounded honour, 
 The justice of the king consenting to it, 
 Denounce a lawful war. 
 
 Alph. This in our presence ! 
 
 Ador. The cause, dread sir, commands it : 
 though your edicts 
 Call private combat's, murders ; rather than 
 Sit down with a disgrace, arising from 
 A blow, the bonds of my obedience shook off, 
 I'll right myself. 
 
 Cald. I do confess the wrong. 
 Forgetting the occasion, and desire 
 Remission from you, and upon such terms 
 As by his sacred majesty shall be judged 
 Equal on both parts. 
 
 Ador. I desire no more. 
 
 Alph. All then are pleased ; it is the glory of 
 A king to make and keep his subjects happy : 
 For us, we do approve the Roman maxim, 
 To save one citizen is a greater prize 
 Than to have kill'd in war ten enemies. lExcunt. 
 
 SONG, 
 
 BETWEEN JUNO AND HYMEN. 
 
 Ji'NO to the Bride, 
 See p. 357. 
 
 Enter a maid ; but made a bride, 
 
 Be bold, and freely taste 
 The marriage banquet, ne'er denied 
 
 To sueh as sit down chaste. 
 Though lie unloose thy virgin zone. 
 
 Presumed against thy will, 
 Those joys reserved to him alone, 
 
 Thou art a virgin still. 
 
 Hymen to the Bridegroom. 
 Hail, bridegroom, hail ! thy choice thus made, 
 As thou wouldst have her true. 
 
 Thou must give o'er thy wanton trade. 
 
 And bid loose fires adieu. 
 That husband who would have his wife 
 
 To him continue chaste, 
 In her embraces spends his life. 
 
 And makes abroad no waste. 
 
 Hymen and Juno. 
 
 Sport then like turtles, and bring forth 
 
 Such pledges as may be ; 
 
 Assurance of the father's worth, \ 
 
 And mother's purity. 
 Juno doth bless the nuptial bed; 
 
 Thus Hymen's torches burn. 
 Live long, and may, when both are dead. 
 
 Your ashes fill one urn ! 
 
THE GUARDIAN. 
 
 SG& 
 
 SONG, 
 
 ENTERTAINMENT OF THE FOREST'S QUEEN. 
 
 Seep 359. 
 
 Welcome, thrice welcome to this shady green, 
 Our long-wish '(1 Cynthia, the forest's queen. 
 The trees begin to bud, the glad birds sing 
 Tn winter, changed by her into the spring. 
 
 We know no niglit. 
 
 Perpetual light 
 
 Downs from your eye. 
 
 You being near, 
 
 We cannot fear, 
 
 Though Death stood by. 
 
 From you our swords take edge, our hearts grow bold 
 From you in fee their lives your liegemen hold. 
 These groves your kingdom, and our law your will •, 
 Smile, and we spare ; but if you frown, we kill. 
 
 Bless then the liour 
 
 That gives the power 
 In which you may. 
 
 At bed and board, 
 
 Embrace your lord 
 Both night and day. 
 Welcome, thrice welcome to this shady green, 
 Our long-wished Cynthia, the forest's queer ' 
 
 EPILOGUE. 
 
 / am left to enquire, then to relate 
 To the still-doubtful author, at what rate 
 His merchandise are valued. If they prove 
 Staple commodities, in your grace and love 
 To this last birth of his Minerva, he 
 Vows (and zve do believe him J seriously, 
 Sloth cast off, and all pleasures else declined^ 
 He'll search with his best care, until he find 
 New ways, and make good in some labour' d soni 
 Though he grow old, Apollo still is young. 
 Cherish his good intentions, and declare 
 By any signs of favour, that you are 
 Well pleased, and with a general consent ( 
 And he desires no more encouraQemenU 
 
A VERY WOMAN; 
 
 OK, 
 
 THE PRINCE OF TAKEN T. 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONiE. 
 
 VrcKROY OF Sicily, 
 
 Don Pedro, Ms Son. 
 
 Puke of Messina, 
 
 Don Martino Cardenes, his Son. 
 
 Don John Antonio, Prince of Tarcnt. 
 
 Captain of the Castle of Palermo. 
 
 Paulo, a Physician. 
 
 CucuLO, the Viceroy's Steward. 
 
 Two Surgeons. 
 
 Apothecary. 
 
 Citizens, 
 
 Sla ve-Merch ant. 
 
 Servant. 
 
 Page. 
 
 An English Slave, 
 
 Slaves. 
 
 Moors. 
 
 Pirates. 
 
 Sailors. 
 
 Almira, the "Viceroy's Daughter. 
 
 Leonora, Duke of Messina's Niece. 
 
 BoRACHiA, Wife to CucuLo, Governesf of LEONoru 
 
 and Almira, 
 Two Waiting Women, 
 
 A Good and Evil Genius, Servants, Guard, Atten- 
 dants, <!^c. 
 
 SCENE,— Palermo. 
 
 PROLOGUE. 
 
 To such, and some there are, no question, here, 
 Who, happji in their memories, do bear 
 This subject, long since acted, and can say. 
 Truly, we have seen something like this play. 
 Our author, with becoming modesty, 
 (For in this kind he ne'er was bold,) by me, 
 In his defence thus answers. By command, 
 He undertook this task, nor could it stand 
 With his low fortune to refuse to do 
 What, by his patrofi, he teas call'd unto : 
 
 For whose delight and yours, we hope, with care 
 
 He hath reviewed it ; and with him we n'are 
 
 Maintain to any man, that did allow 
 
 ' Tivas good before, it is much bettered now : 
 
 Nor is it, sure, against the proclamation, 
 
 To raise new piles upon an old foundation. 
 
 So much to them delivered ; to the rest. 
 
 To whom each scene is fresh, he doth protest. 
 
 Should his Muse fail now a fair flight to make. 
 
 He cannot fancy what will please or take. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I. — A Room in the Viceroy's Palace. 
 Enter Pedro meeting Leonora. 
 
 Pedro. My worthiest mistress ! this day cannot 
 But prosperous to Pedro, that begins [end 
 
 With this so wish'd encounter. 
 
 Leon. Only servant, 
 To give you thanks in your own courtly language, 
 Would argue me more ceremonious 
 Than heartily affected ; and you ai-e 
 Too well assured, or I am miserable, 
 Our equal loves have kept one rank too long, 
 To stand at distance now. 
 
 Pedro. You make me happy 
 
 In this so wise reproof, which I receive 
 As a chaste favour from you, and will ever 
 Hold such a strong command o'er my desires, 
 That though my blood turn rebel to my reason, 
 I never shall presume to seek aught from you, 
 But what (your houour safe) you well may grant me 
 And virtue sign the warrant. 
 
 Leon. Your love to me 
 So limited, will still preserve your mistress 
 Worthy her servant, and in your restraint 
 Of loose affections, bind me faster to you : 
 But there will be a time when we may welcome 
 Those wish'd for pleasures, as heaven's greatest 
 blessings, 
 
SCIiNE I. 
 
 A VERY WOMAN. 
 
 S(57 
 
 When that the viceroy, your most noble father, 
 And tlie duke my uncle, and to that, my guardian, 
 Shall by their free consent confirm them lawful. 
 
 Pedro. You ever shall direct, and I obey you : 
 Is my sister stirring yet ? 
 
 Leon. Long since. 
 
 Pedro. Some business 
 With her, join'd to my service to yourself, 
 Hath brought me hither ; pray you vouchsafe the 
 To acquaint her with so much. [favour 
 
 Leon. I am prevented. 
 
 Enter Almira, and tivo Waiting Women dressing her. 
 
 Aim. Do the rest here, my cabinet is too hot ; 
 This room is cooler. Brother ! j^ 
 
 Pedro. Morrow, sister ! 
 Do I not come unseasonably.' 
 
 Aim. Why, good brother ? 
 
 Pedro. Because you are not yet fully made up, 
 Nor fit for visitation. There are ladies. 
 And great ones, that will hardly grant access, 
 On any terms, to their own fathers, as 
 They are themselves, nor willingly be seen 
 Before they have ask'd counsel of their doctor 
 How the ceruse will appear, newly laid on, 
 When they ask blessing. 
 
 Aim. Such, indeed, there are 
 That would be still young, in despite of time ; 
 That in the wrinkled winter of their age 
 Would force a seeming April of fresh beauty. 
 As if it were within the power of art 
 To frame a second nature : but for me, 
 And for your mistress I dare say as much, 
 The faces, and the teeth you see, we slept with. 
 
 Pedro. Which is not frequent, sister, with some 
 ladies. 
 
 Aim. You spy no sign of any night-mask here, 
 (Tie on my carcanet,) nor does your nostril 
 Take in the scent of strong perfumes, to stifle 
 The sourness of our breaths as we are fasting : 
 You're in a lady's chamber, gentle brother. 
 And not in your apothecary's shop. 
 We use the women, you perceive, that serve us, 
 Like servants, not Hke such as do create us : — 
 Faith, search our pockets, and, if you find there 
 Comfits of ambergris to help our kisses. 
 Conclude us faulty. 
 
 Pedro. You are pleasant, sister. 
 And I am glad to find you so disposed ; 
 You will the better hear me. 
 
 Aim. What you please, sir. 
 
 Pedro. I am entreated by the prince of Tarent, 
 Don John Antonio — 
 
 Aim. Would you would choose 
 Some other subject. 
 
 Pedro. Pray you, give me leave, 
 For his desires are fit for you to hear, 
 As for me to prefer. This prince of Tarent 
 (Let it not wrong him that I call him friend) 
 Finding your choice of don Cardenes liked of 
 By both your fathers, and his hopes cut off, 
 Resolves to leave Palermo. 
 
 Aim. He does well ; 
 That I hear gladly. 
 
 Pedro. How this prince came hither. 
 How bravely furnish'd, how attended on. 
 How he hath born himself here, with what charge 
 He hath continued ; his magnificence 
 In costly banquets, curious masques, rare presents. 
 And of all sorts, you cannot but remember. 
 
 Aim. Give me my gloves. 
 
 Pedro. Now, for reward of all 
 His cost, his travel, and his duteous service. 
 He does entreat that jou will please he may 
 Take his leave of you, and receive the favour 
 Of kissing of your hands. 
 
 Aim. You are his friend. 
 And shall discharge the part of one to tell Ivim 
 That he may spare the trouble ; I desire not 
 To see or hear more of him. 
 
 Pedro. Yet grant this, 
 Which a mere stranger, in the way of courtship, 
 Might challenge from you. 
 
 Aim. And obtain it sooner. 
 
 Pedro. One reason for this would do well. 
 
 Aim. My will 
 Shall now stand for a thousand. Shall I lose 
 The privilege of my sex, which is my will. 
 To yield a reason like a man ? or you, 
 Deny your sister that which all true women 
 Claim as their first prerogative, which nature 
 Gave to them for a law, and should I break it 
 I were no more a woman .'' 
 
 Pedro. Sure, a good one 
 You cannot be, if you put off that virtue 
 Which best adorns a good one, courtesy 
 And aifable behaviour. Do not flatter 
 Yourself with the opinion that your birth, 
 Your beauty, or whatever false ground else 
 You raise your pride upon, will stand against 
 The censure of just men. 
 
 Aim. Why, let it fall then ; 
 I still shall be unmoved. 
 
 Leon. And, pray you, be you so. [.Aside to Pedro. 
 
 Aim. What jewel's that ? 
 
 1 Wom. That which the prince of Tarent 
 
 Aim. Left here, and you received without my 
 knowledge 1 
 I have use oft now. Does the page wait without. 
 My lord Cardenes sent to enquire my health ? 
 
 1 Worn. Yes, madam. 
 
 Aim. Give it him, and, with it, pray him 
 To return my service to his lord, and mine. 
 
 Pedro. Win you so undervalue one that has 
 So truly loved you, to bestow the pledge 
 Of his affection, being a prince, upon 
 The servant of his rival ? 
 
 Leon. 'Tis not well. 
 Faith, wear it, lady : send gold to the boy, 
 'Twill please him better. 
 
 Aim. Do as I command you. 
 
 lExit Waiting Woman. 
 I will keep nothing that may put me in mind 
 Don John Antonio ever loved, or was ; 
 Being wholly now Cardenes'. 
 
 Pedro. In another 
 This were mere barbarism, sister ; and in you, 
 (For I'll not sooth you,) at the best, 'tis rudeness. 
 
 Aim. Rudeness ! 
 
 Pedro. Yes, rudeness ; and, what's worse, the 
 Of civil manners ; nay, ingratitude [want 
 
 Unto the many and so fair deservings 
 Of don Antonio. Does this express 
 Your breeding in the court, or that you call 
 The viceroy father ? a poor peasant's daughter, 
 That ne'er had conve*-sation but with beasts, 
 Or men bred Uke them, would not so far shame 
 Her education. 
 
 Aim. Pray you, leave my chamber; 
 I know you for a brother, not a tntor. 
 
368 
 
 A VERY WOMAN. 
 
 Leon. Tt ou are too violent, madam. 
 
 Aim. Were my father 
 Here to command me, (as you take upon you 
 Almost to play his part,) I would refuse it. 
 Where I love, I profess it ; where I hate, 
 In every circumstance I dare proclaim it. 
 Of all that wear the shapes of men, I loath 
 That pi'ince you plead for ; no antipathy 
 Between things most averse in nature, holds 
 A stronger enmity than his with mine ; 
 With which rest satisfied : — If not, your anger 
 May wrong yourself, not me. 
 
 Leon. My lord Cardenes ! 
 
 Pedro. Go : in soft terms, if you persist thus, you 
 Will be one 
 
 Enter Cardenks, 
 
 Aim. W^hat one ? pray you, out with it. 
 
 Pedro. Why, one that I shall wish a stranger to 
 That I might curse you ; but [me, 
 
 Car. Whence grows this heat ? 
 
 Pedro. Be yet advised, and entertain him fairly, 
 For I will send him to you ; or no more 
 Know me a brother. 
 
 Aim. As you please. 
 
 Pedro. Good morrow. iExit. 
 
 Car. Good morrow, and part thus ! you seem 
 moved too : 
 What desperate fool durst raise a tempest here, 
 To sink himself? 
 
 Aim. Good sir, have patience ; 
 The cause, though I confess I am not pleased. 
 No way deserves your anger. 
 
 Car. Not mine, madam, 
 As if the least offence could point at you, 
 And I not feel it : as you have vouchsafed me 
 The promise of your heart, conceal it not, 
 Whomsoever it concerns. 
 
 Aim. It is not worth 
 So serious an enquiry: my kind brother 
 Had a desire to learn me some new courtship. 
 Which I distasted ; that was all. 
 
 Car. Your brother ! 
 In being yours, with more security 
 He might provoke you ; yet if he hath past 
 A brother's bounds 
 
 Leon. What then, my lord ? 
 
 Car. Believe it. 
 I'll call him to arcompt for't. 
 
 Leon. Tell him so. 
 
 Aim. No more. 
 
 Leon. Yes, thus much ; though my modesty 
 Be call'd in question for it, in his absence 
 I will defend him : he bath said nor done, 
 But what don Pedro well might say or do ; 
 Mark me, don Pedro ! in which understand 
 As worthy, and as well as can be hoped for 
 Of those that love him best — from don Cardenes. 
 
 Car. This to me, cousin ! 
 
 Aim. You forget yourself. 
 
 Leon. No, nor the cause in which you did so, lady. 
 Which is so just that it needs no concealing 
 On Pedro's part. 
 
 Aim. What mean you ? 
 
 Leon. I dare speak it, 
 If you dare hear it, sir : he did persuade 
 A-lmira, your Almira, to vouchsafe 
 Some little conference with the prince of Tarent, 
 Before he left the court ; and, that the world 
 Might take some notice, though he prosper'd not 
 
 In his so loved design, he was not scorn'd. 
 He did desire the kissing of her hand. 
 And then to leave her : — this was much ! 
 
 Car. 'Twas more 
 Than should have been urged by him ; well denied, 
 On your part, madam, and I thank you for't. 
 Antonio had his answer, I your grant ; 
 And why your brother should prepare for him 
 An after-interview, or private favour, 
 I can find little reason. 
 
 Leon. None at all. 
 Why you should be displeased with't. 
 
 Car. His respect 
 To me, as things now are, should have weigli'd 
 
 down 
 His former friendship : 'twas done indiscreetly, 
 I would be loath to say, maliciously, 
 To build up the demolish'd hopes of him 
 That was my rival. What had he to do. 
 If he view not my happiness in your favour 
 With wounded eyes, to take upon himself 
 An office so distasteful ? 
 
 Leon. You may ask 
 As well, what any gentleman has to do 
 With civil courtesy. 
 
 Aim. Or you, with that 
 Which at no part concerns you. Good my lord. 
 Rest satisfied, that I saw him not, nor will ; 
 And that nor father, brother, nor the world, 
 Can work me unto any thing but what 
 You give allowance to — in which assurance, 
 With this, I leave you. 
 
 Leon. Nay, take me along ; 
 You are not angry too ? 
 
 Aim. Presume on that. 
 
 \_Exit, followed hy Leonora 
 
 Car. Am I assured of her, and shall again 
 Be tortured with suspicion to lose her, 
 Before I have enjoy'd her ! the next sun 
 Shall see her mine ; why should I doubt, then ? 
 To doubt is safer than to be secure. [yet 
 But one short day 1 Great empires in less time 
 Have suffer'd change : she's constant — but a wo- 
 man ; 
 And what a lover's vows, persuasions, tears. 
 May, in a minute, work upon such frailty, 
 There are too many and too sad examples. 
 The prince of Tarent gone, all were in safety ; 
 Or not admitted to solicit her. 
 My fears would quit me : 'tis my fault, if I 
 Give way to that ; and let him ne'er desire 
 To own what's hard [to win,] that dares not 
 Who waits there ? [guard it. 
 
 Enter Servants and Page. 
 Serv. Would your lordship aught } 
 Car. 'Tis well 
 You are so near. 
 
 Enter Antonio and a Servant. 
 
 Ant. Take care all things be ready 
 For my remove. 
 
 Serv. They are. ZExit 
 
 Car. We meet like friends, 
 No more like rivals now : my emulation 
 Puts on the shape of love and service to you. 
 
 Ant. It is return'd. 
 
 Car. 'Twas rumour'd in the court 
 You were to leave the city, and that won me 
 To find you out. Your excellence may wonder 
 That I, that never saw you, till this hour. 
 
SCENE 
 
 A VERY WOiMAN. 
 
 369 
 
 But that I wish'd you dead, so willingly 
 Should come to wait upon you to the ports ; 
 And there, with hope you never will look back. 
 Take my last farewell of you. 
 
 A7ii. Never look back ! 
 
 Car. I said so ; neither is it fit you should ; 
 And may I prevail with you as a friend, 
 You never shall ; nor, while you live, hereafter 
 Think of the viceroy's court, or of Palermo, 
 But as a grave, in which the prince of Tarent 
 Buried his honour. 
 
 Ani. You speak in a language 
 I do not understand. 
 
 Car. No ! I'll be plainer. 
 What madman, that came hither with that,4)omp 
 Don John Antonio did, that exact courtier 
 Don John Antonio, with whose brave fame only 
 Great princesses have fall'n in love, and died ; 
 That came with such assurance, as young Paris 
 Did to fetch Helen, being sent back, contemn'd, 
 Disgraced, and scorn'd, his large expense laugh'd 
 His bravery scofF'd, the lady that he courted [at, 
 Left quietly in possession of another, 
 (Not to be named that day a courtier 
 Where he was mentioned,) the scarce-known 
 
 Cardenes, 
 And he to bear her from him ! — that would ever 
 Be seen again (having got fairly off) 
 By such as will live ready witnesses 
 Of his repulse and scandal ? 
 
 Ant. The grief of it, 
 Believe me, will not kill me : all man's honour 
 Depends not on the most uncertain favour 
 Of a fair mistress. 
 
 Car. Troth, you bear it well. 
 You should have seen some that were sensible 
 Of a disgrace, that would have raged, and sought 
 To cure their honour with some strange revenge : 
 But you are better temper'd ; and they wrong 
 The NeapoUtans in their report, 
 That say they are fiery spirits, uncapable 
 Of the least injury, dangerous to be talk'd with 
 After a loss ; where nothing can move you, 
 But, like a stoic, with a constancy 
 Words nor affronts can shake, you still go on, 
 And smile when men abuse you. 
 
 Ant. If they wrong 
 Themselves, I can ; yet, I would have you know, 
 I dare be angry. 
 
 Car. 'Tis not possible. 
 A taste oft would do well ; and I'd make trial 
 What may be done. Come hither, boy. — You 
 This jewel, as 1 take it ? [have seen 
 
 Ant. Yes ; 'tis that 
 I gave Almira. 
 
 Car. And in what esteem 
 She held it, coming from your worthy self, 
 You may perceive, that freely hath bestow'd it 
 Upon my page. 
 
 Ant. When I presented it, 
 I did not indent with her, to what use 
 She should employ it. 
 
 Car. See the kindness of 
 A loving soul ! who, after this neglect, 
 Nay, gross contempt, will look again upon her, 
 And not be frighted from it. 
 
 A)it. No, indeed, sir; 
 Nor give way longer — give way, do you mark, 
 To your loose wit, to run the wild-goose chase, 
 Six syllables fartlier. I will see the lady, 
 
 That lady that dotes on you, from whose hate 
 My love increases, though you stand elected 
 Her porter, to deny me. 
 
 Car. Sure you will not. 
 
 Ant. Yes, instantly : your prosperous success 
 Hath made you insolent ; and for her sake 
 I have thus long forborn you, and can yet 
 Forget it and forgive it, ever provided, 
 That you end here ; and, for what's past recalling. 
 That she make intercession for your pardon, 
 Which, at her suit, I'll grant. 
 
 Car. I am much unwilling 
 To move her for a trifle — bear that too, 
 
 iStrika him. 
 And then she shall speak to you. 
 
 Ant. Men and angels. 
 Take witness for me, that I have endured 
 More than a man ! — ITheyfiijht ; CAHDBNKs/atf*. 
 
 O do not fall so soon, 
 Stand up — take my hand — so ! when I have printed, 
 For every contumelious word, a wound here, 
 Then sink for ever. 
 
 Car. Oh, I suffer justly ! 
 
 1 Seru. Murder! murder! murder! [KjH. 
 
 2 Serv. Apprehend him. 
 
 3 Serv. We'll all join with you. 
 Ant. I do wish you more ; 
 
 My fury will be lost else, if it meet not 
 Matter to work on : one life is too little 
 For so much injury. 
 
 Re-enter Almira, Leonora, and Servant. 
 
 Aim. O my Cardenes ! 
 Though dead, still my Cardenes ! Villains, cowards, 
 What do ye check at ? can one arm, and that 
 A murderer's, so long guard the curs'd master, 
 Against so many swords made sharp with justice ? 
 
 1 Serv. Sure he will kill us all ; he is a devil. 
 
 2 Serv. He is invulnerable. 
 Aim. Your base fears 
 
 Beget such fancies in you. Give me a sword, 
 
 ISnatches a Sword/rom the Servant. 
 This my weak arm, made strong in my revenge, 
 Shall force a way to't. [ Ifownrf* Anto.vio. 
 
 Ant. Would it were deeper, madam ! 
 The thrust which I would not put by, being yours, 
 Of greater force, to have pierced through that heart 
 Which still retains your figure ! — weep still, lady : 
 For every tear that flows from those grieved eyes, 
 Some part of that which maintains life, goes from 
 And so to die were in a gentle slumber [me ; 
 
 To pass to paradise : but you envy me 
 So quiet a departure from my world, 
 My world of miseries ; therefore, take my sword. 
 And, having kill'd me with it, cure the wounds 
 It gave Cardenes. iGU-cs Almika his sword. 
 
 Re-enter Pkdro. 
 
 Pedro. 'Tis too true : was ever 
 Valour so ill employed ! 
 
 Ant. Why stay you, lady .' 
 Let not soft pity work on your hard nature ; 
 You cannot do a better office to 
 The dead Cardenes, and I willingly 
 Shall fall a ready sacrifice to appease him, 
 Your fair hand offering it. 
 
 Aim. Thou couldst ask nothing 
 But this, which I would grant. 
 
 ^Attempts to woundhim, 
 
 Leon. Flint-hearted lady ! _ „ 
 
[iTO 
 
 A VEIJY WOMAN. 
 
 AOT TI. 
 
 Pedro. Are you a woman, sister ! 
 
 [Takes the sword from her. 
 
 Aim. Thou art not 
 A brother, I renounce that title to thee ; 
 Thy hand is in this bloody act ; 'twas this, 
 For which that savage homicide was sent hither. 
 Thou equal Judge of all things ! if that blood, 
 And innocent blood 
 
 Pedro. [Best sister.] 
 
 Aim. Oh, Cardenes ! 
 How is my soul rent between rage and sorrow, 
 That it can be that such an upright cedar 
 Should violently be torn up by the roots. 
 Without an earthquake in that very moment 
 To swallow them that did it ! 
 
 Ant. The hurt's nothing ; 
 But the deep wound is in my conscience, friend, 
 Which sorrow in death only can recover. 
 
 Pedro. Have better hopes. 
 
 Enter Viceroy, Duke 0/ Messina, Captain, Guard, and 
 Servants. 
 
 Duke. My son, is this the marriage 
 I came to celebrate ? false hopes of man ! 
 I come to find a grave here. 
 
 Aim. I have wasted 
 My stock of tears, and now just anger help me 
 To pay, in my revenge, the other part 
 Of duty, which 1 owe thee. O, great sir, 
 Not as a daughter now, but a poor widow, 
 Made so before she was a bride, I fly 
 To your impartial justice : the offence 
 Is death, and death in his most horrid form ; 
 Let not, then, title, or a prince's name, 
 (Since a great crime is, in a great man, greater,) 
 Secure the offender. 
 
 Duke. Give me life for life. 
 As thou wilt answer it to the great king. 
 Whose deputy thou art here. 
 
 Aim. And speedy justice. 
 
 Duke. Put the damn'd wretch to torture. 
 
 Aim. Force hira to 
 Reveal his curs'd confederates, which spare not, 
 Although you find a son among them. 
 
 Vice. How ! 
 
 Duke. Why bring you not the rack forth ? 
 
 Aim. Wherefore stands 
 The murderer unbound ? 
 
 Vice. Shall I have hearing ? 
 
 Duke. Excellent lady, in this you express 
 Your true love to the dead. 
 
 Aim. All love to mankind 
 From me, ends with him. 
 
 Vice. Will you hear me yet ? 
 And first to you ; you do confess the fact 
 With which you stand charged ? 
 
 Ant. I will not make worse 
 What is already ill, with vain denial. 
 
 Vice. Then understand, though you are princs 
 of Tarent, 
 Yet, being a subject to the king of Spain, 
 No privilege of Sicily can free you 
 (Being convict by a just form of law) 
 From the municipal statutes of that kingdom, 
 But as a common man, being found guilty, 
 Must suffer for it. 
 
 Ant. I prize not my life 
 So much, as to appeal from anything 
 You shall determine of me. 
 
 Vice. Yet despair not 
 To have an equal hearing ; the exclaims 
 Of this grieved father, nor my daughter's tears. 
 Shall sway me from myself; and, where they urge 
 To have you tortured, or led bound to prison, 
 I must not grant it. 
 
 Duke. No ! 
 
 Vice. I cannot, sir ; 
 For men of his rank are to be distinguish'd 
 From other men, before they are condemn'd. 
 From which (his cause not heard) he yet stands 
 
 free ; 
 So take him to your charge, and, as your life. 
 See he be safe. 
 
 Capt. Let me die for him else. 
 
 [Exeunt Pedro, and Capt. and Guard with Ant, 
 
 Duke. The guard of him should have been given 
 
 Aim. Or unto me. [to me, 
 
 Duke. Bribes may corrupt the captain. 
 
 Aim. And our just wreak, by force, or cunning 
 With scorn prevented. [practice. 
 
 Car. Oh! 
 
 Aim. What groan is that ? 
 
 Vice. There are apparent signs of life yet in him. 
 
 Aim. Oh that there were ! that I could pour my 
 Into his veins ! [blood 
 
 Car. Oh, oh ! 
 
 Vice. Take him up gently. 
 
 Duke. Run for physicians. 
 
 Aim. Surgeons. 
 
 Duke. All helps else. 
 
 Vice. This care of his recovery, timely practised, 
 Would have express'd more of a father in you, 
 Than your impetuous clamours for revenge. 
 But I shall find fit time to urge that further. 
 Hereafter, to you ; 'tis not fit for me 
 To add weight to oppress'd calamity. lExeuni. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE I.— A Room in the Castle. 
 Enter Pedro, Antonio, and Captain, 
 
 Ant. Why should your love to me, having al- 
 So oft endured the test, be put unto [ready 
 
 A needless trial ? have you not, long since. 
 In every circumstance and rite of friendship. 
 Outgone all precedents the ancients boast of, 
 And will you yet move further ? 
 
 Pedro. Hitherto 
 T have done nothing (howsoe'er you value 
 
 My weak endeavours) that may justly claim 
 A title to your friendship, and much less 
 Laid down the debt, which, as a tribute due 
 To your deservings, not I, but mankind 
 Stands bound to tender. 
 
 Ant. Do not make an idol 
 Of him that should, and without superstition, 
 To you build up an altar. O my Pedro ! 
 When I am to expire, to call you mine. 
 Assures a future happiness : give me leave 
 To argue with you, and, tlie fondness of 
 
SC/CNK II. 
 
 A VERY WOMAN. 
 
 371 
 
 Affection struck blind, with justice hear me : 
 
 Why should you, being innocent, fling your life 
 
 Into the furnace of your father's anger, 
 
 For my offence ? or, take it granted (yet 
 
 'Tis more than supposition) you prefer 
 
 My hafety 'fore your own, so prodigally 
 
 You waste your favours, wherefore should this 
 
 captain, 
 His blood and sweat rewarded in the favour 
 Of his great master, falsify the trust 
 Which, from true judgment, he reposes in him, 
 For me, a stranger ? 
 
 Pedro. Let him answer that, 
 He needs no prompter : t.peak your thoughts, and 
 freely. 
 
 Capt. I ever loved to do so, and it shames not 
 The bluntness of my breeding : from my youth 
 I was train'd up a soldier, one of those 
 That in their natures love the dangers more, 
 Than the rewards of danger. I could add, 
 My life, when forfeited, the viceroy pardon'd 
 But by his intercession ; and therefore. 
 It being lent by him, 1 were ungrateful, 
 Which I will never be, if I refused 
 To pay that debt at any time demanded. 
 
 Pedro. I hope, friend, this will satisfy you. 
 
 Ant. No, it raises 
 More doubts within me. Shall I, from the school 
 Of gratitude, in which this captain reads 
 The text so plainly, learn to be unthankful ? 
 Or, viewing in your actions the idea 
 Of perfect friendship, when it does point to me 
 How brave a thing it is to be a friend. 
 Turn from the object ? Had I never loved 
 The fair Almira for her outward features, 
 Nay, were the beauties of her mind suspected, 
 And her contempt and scorn painted before me, 
 The being your sister would anew inflame me, 
 With much more impotence to dote upon her : 
 No, dear friend, let me in my death confirm, 
 (Though you in all things else have the precedence,) 
 I'll die ten times, ere one of Pedro's hairs 
 Shall suffer in my cause. 
 
 Pedro. If you so love me. 
 In love to that part of my soul dwells in you, 
 (For though two bodies, friends have but one soul,) 
 Lose not both life and me. 
 
 Enter a Servant. 
 
 Serv, The prince is dead. iExU. 
 
 Ant. If so, shall I leave Pedro here to answer 
 For my escape ? as thus I clasp thee, let 
 The viceroy's sentence find me. 
 
 Pedro. Fly, for heaven's sake ! 
 Consider the necessity ; though now 
 We part, Antonio, we may meet again, 
 But death's division is for ever, friend. 
 
 Enter another Servant. 
 
 Serv. The rumour spread, sir, of Martino's 
 death. 
 Is check'd ; there's hope of his recovery. lExlt. 
 
 Ant. Why should I fly, then, when I may 
 enjoy. 
 With mine own life, ray friend ? 
 
 Pedro. That's still uncertain. 
 He may have a relapse ; for once be ruled, friend : 
 He's a good debtor that pays when 'tis due ; 
 A prodigal, that, before it is required. 
 Makes tender of it. 
 
 Enter Sailors. 
 
 1 Sail. The bark, sir, is ready. 
 
 2 Sail. The wind sits fair. 
 
 3 Sail. Heaven favours your escape. 
 
 lU'/tistle within. 
 
 Capt. Hark, how the oatswain whistles you 
 Will nothing move you ? [aboard ! 
 
 Ant. Can I leave my friend? 
 
 Pedro. I must delay no longer : force him hence. 
 
 Capt. I'll run the hazard of my fortunes with 
 you. 
 
 Ant. What violence is this ? — hear but my 
 reasons. 
 
 Pedro. Poor friendship that is cool'd with argu- 
 Away, away ! [ments ! 
 
 Capt. For Malta. 
 
 Pedro. You shall hear 
 All our events. 
 
 Ant. I may sail round the world. 
 But never meet thy like. Pedro ! 
 
 Pedro. Antonio ! 
 
 Ant. I breathe my soul back to thee. 
 
 Pedro. In exchange. 
 Bear mine along with thee. 
 
 Capt. Cheerly, my hearts ! 
 
 lExeunt Captain a7id Sailors with Antonio. 
 
 Pedro. He's gone : may pitying heaven his 
 pilot be. 
 And then I weigh not what becomes of me. lExit. 
 
 SCENE II. — A Room in the Viceroy's Palace. 
 
 Enter Vicerov, Duke o/ Messina, and Attendants. 
 
 Vice. I tell you right, sir. 
 
 Duke. Yes, like a rough surgeon. 
 Without a feeling in yourself you search 
 My wounds unto the quick, then pre-declare 
 The tediousness and danger of the cure. 
 Never remembering what the patient suffers. 
 But you preach this philosophy to a man 
 That does partake of passion, and not 
 To a dull stoic. 
 
 Vice. I confess you have 
 Just cause to mourn your son ; and yet, if reason 
 Cannot yield comfort, let example cure. 
 I am a father too, my only daughter 
 As dear in my esteem, perhaps as worthy. 
 As your Martino, in her love to him 
 As desperately ill, cither's loss equal ; 
 And yet I bear it with a better temper : 
 
 Enter Prd«o. 
 Which, if you please to imitate, 'twill not wrong 
 Your piety, nor your judgment. 
 
 Duke. We were fashion'd 
 In different moulds. I weep with mine own eyes, 
 
 sir. 
 Pursue my ends too ; pity to you's a cordial. 
 Revenge to me ; and that I must and will have, 
 If my Martino die. 
 
 Pedro. Your must and will, 
 Shall in your full-sail'd confidence deceive you. 
 
 iAtide. 
 Here's doctor Paulo, sir. 
 
 Enter Paulo and ttco Surgeons. 
 Duke. My hand ! you rather 
 Deserve my knee, and it shall bend as to 
 A second father, if your saving aids 
 
 Restore my son. 
 
 B B 2 
 
A VERY WOMAN. 
 
 Vice. Rise, thou bright star of knowledge, 
 Thou honour of thy art, thou help of nature, 
 Thou glory of our academies 1 
 
 Paul. If I blush, sir, 
 To hear these attributes ill-placed on me. 
 It is excusable. I am no god, sir, 
 Nor holy saint that can do miracles, 
 But a weak, sinful man : yet, that I may, 
 In some proportion, deserve these favours 
 Your excellencies please to grace me with, 
 I promise all the skill I have acquired 
 In simples, or the careful observation 
 Of the superior bodies, with my judgment 
 Derived from long experience, stand ready 
 To do you service. 
 
 Duke. Modestly replied. 
 
 Vice. How is it with your princely patient ? 
 
 Duke. Speak, 
 But speak some comfort, sir. 
 
 Paul. I must speak truth : 
 His wounds, though many, heaven so guided yet 
 Antonio's sword, it pierced no part was mortal. 
 These gentlemen, who worthily deserve 
 The names of surgeons, have done their duties ; 
 The means they practised, not ridiculous charms 
 To stop the blood ; no oils, nor balsams bought 
 Of cheating quack- salvers, or mountebanks. 
 By them applied : the rules by Chiron taught, 
 And ^sculapius, which drew upon him 
 The Thunderer's envy, they with care pursued. 
 Heaven prospering their endeavours. 
 
 Duke. There is hope, then, 
 Of his recovery ? 
 
 Paul. But no assurance ; 
 I must not flatter you. That little air 
 Of comfort that breathes towards us (for I dare not 
 Rob these t' enrich myself) you owe their care ; 
 For, yet, I have done nothing. 
 
 Duke. Still more modest ; 
 I will begin with them : to either give 
 Three thousand crowns. 
 
 Vice. I'll double your reward ; 
 See them paid presently. 
 
 1 Surg. This magnificence 
 
 With equity cannot be conferr'd on us ; 
 'Tis due unto the doctor. 
 
 2 Surg. True ; we were 
 
 But his subordinate ministers, and did only 
 Follow his grave directions. 
 
 Paul. 'Tis your own : 
 I challenge no part in it. 
 
 Vice. Brave on both sides ! 
 
 Paul. Deserve this, with the honour that will 
 In your attendance. [follow, 
 
 2 Surg. If both sleep at once, 
 'Tis justice both should die. ^Exeunt Surgeons. 
 
 Duke. For you, grave doctor, 
 We will not in such petty sums consider 
 Your high deserts ; our treasury lies open. 
 Command it as your own. 
 
 Vice. Choose any castle. 
 Nay, city, in our government, and be lord oft. 
 
 Paul. Of neither, sir ; I am not so ambitious : 
 Nor would I have your highnesses secure. 
 We have but faintly yet begun our.journey ; 
 A thousand difficulties and dangers must be 
 Encounter'd, ere we end it : though his hurts, 
 I mean his outward ones, do promise fair. 
 There is a deeper one, and in his mind. 
 Must be with care provided for ; melancholy, 
 
 And at the height, too, near akin to madness. 
 Possesses him ; his senses are distracted, 
 Not one, but all ; and, if I can collect them, 
 With all the various ways invention 
 Or industry e'er practised, I shall write it 
 My masterpiece. 
 
 Duke. You more and more engage me. 
 
 Vice. May we not visit him ? 
 
 Paul. By no means, sir ; 
 As he is now, such courtesies come untimely : 
 I'll yield you reason for't. Should he look on you, 
 It will renew the memory of that 
 Which I would have forgotten ; your good prayers. 
 And those I do presume shall not be wanting 
 To my endeavours, are the utmost aids 
 I yet desire your excellencies should grant me. 
 So, with my humblest service 
 
 Duke. Go, and prosper. lExit Paulo. 
 
 Vice. Observe his piety ! — I have heard, how 
 T know not, most physicians, as they grow [true 
 Greater in skill, grow less in their religion ; 
 Attributing so much to natural causes, 
 That they have little faith in that they cannot 
 Deliver reason for : this doctor steers 
 Another course — but let this pass. If you please, 
 Your company to my daughter. 
 
 Duke. I wait on you. lExeuvt. 
 
 SCENE III. — Another Room in the same. 
 
 Enter Leonora and Waiting-women. 
 Leon. Took she no rest to-night ? 
 
 1 Worn. Not any, madam ; 
 
 I am sure she slept not. If she slumber'd, straight, 
 As if some dreadful vision had appear'd. 
 She started up, her hair unbound, and, with 
 Distracted looks staring about the chamber, 
 She asks aloud. Where is Martino? where 
 Have you conceal' d him? sometimes names An- 
 tonio, 
 Trembling in every joint, her brows contracted, 
 Her fair face as 'twere changed into a curse. 
 Her hands held up thus ; and, as if her words 
 Were too big to find passage through her mouth 
 She groans, then throws herself upon her bed, 
 Beating her breast. 
 
 Leon. 'Tis wondrous strange. 
 
 2 Worn. Nay, more ; 
 
 She that of late vouchsafed not to be seen. 
 But so adorn'd as if she were to rival 
 Nero's Poppsea, or the Egyptian queen. 
 Now, careless of her beauties, when we offer 
 Our service, she contemns it. 
 
 Leon. Does she not 
 Sometimes forsake her chamber ? 
 
 2 Worn. Much about 
 This hour ; then, with a strange unsettled gait, 
 She measures twice or thrice the gallery. 
 Silent, and frowning, (we dare not speak to her,) 
 And then returns. — She's come, pray you, now 
 observe her. 
 
 Enter Almira in black, carelessly habited. 
 Aim. Why are my eyes fix'd on the ground, 
 and not 
 Bent upwards .' ha ! that which was mortal of 
 My dear Martino, as a debt to nature, 
 I know this mother earth hath sepulchred; 
 But His diviner part, his soul, o'er which 
 
SCENE III. 
 
 A VERY WOMAN. 
 
 373 
 
 The tyrant Death, nor yet the fatal sword 
 Of curs'd Antonio, his instrument, 
 Had the least power, born upon angels' wings 
 Appointed to that office, mounted far 
 Above the firmament. 
 
 Leon. Strange imagination ! 
 Dear cousin, your Martino lives. 
 
 Aim. I know you. 
 And that in this you flatter me ; he's dead, 
 As much as could die of him : — but look yonder ! 
 Amongst a million of glorious lights 
 That deck the heavenly canopy, I have 
 Discern'd his soul, transform'd into a star. 
 Do you not see it ? \^ 
 
 Leon. Lady ! "^ 
 
 Aim. Look with my eyes. 
 What splendour circles it ! the heavenly archer, 
 Not far off distant, appears dim with envy, 
 Viewing himself outshined. Bright constellation ! 
 Dart down thy beams of pity on Almira, 
 And, since thou find'st such grace where now thou 
 As I did truly love thee on the earth, [art, 
 
 Like a kind harbinger, prepare my lodging, 
 And place me near thee ! 
 
 Leon. I much more than fear 
 She'll grow into a frenzy. 
 
 Aim. How ! what's this ? 
 A dismal sound ! come nearer, cousin; lay 
 Your ear close to the ground, — closer, 1 pray you. 
 Do you howl ? are you there, Antonio ? 
 
 Leon, Where, sweet lady ? 
 
 Aim. In the vault, in hell, on the infernal rack. 
 Where murderers are tormented : — yerk him 
 
 soundly, 
 *Twas Rhadamanth's sentence ; do your office, 
 
 Furies. 
 
 How he roars ! What ! plead to me to mediate for 
 I'm deaf, I cannot hear you. [you ! 
 
 Leon. 'Tis but fancy, 
 Collect yourself. 
 
 Aim. Leave babbling ; 'tis rare music I 
 Rharanusia plays on a pair of tongs ; 
 
 Red hot, and Proserpine dances to the consort ; 
 Pluto sits laughing by too. So ! enough : 
 I do begin to pity him. 
 
 L<on. I wish, madam, 
 You would shew it to yourself. 
 
 2 Worn. Her fit begins 
 To leave her. 
 
 Aim. Oh my brains ! are you there, cousin ? 
 
 Leon. Now she speaks temperately. I am ever 
 To do you service : how do you ? [ready 
 
 Aim. Very much troubled. 
 I have had the strangest waking dream of hell 
 And heaven — I know not what. 
 
 Leon. My lord your father 
 Is come to visit you ; as you would not grieve him 
 That is so tender of you, entertain him 
 With a becoming duty. 
 
 Enter Viceroy, Duke of Messina, Pedro, and Attendants. 
 
 Vice. Still forlorn ! 
 No comfort, my Almira ? 
 
 Duke. In your sorrow, 
 For my Martino, madam, you have express'd 
 All possible love and tenderness ; too much of it 
 Will wrong yourself, and him. He may live, lady, 
 (For we are not past hope,) with his future service, 
 In some part to deserve it. 
 
 Aim. If heaven please 
 
 To be so gracious to me, I will serve him 
 With such obedience, love, and humbleness, 
 That I will rise up an example for 
 Good wives to follow : but until I have 
 Assurance what fate will determine of me, 
 Thus, like a desolate widow, give me leave 
 To weep for him ; for, should he die, I have vow'd 
 Not to outlive him ; and my humble suit is, 
 One monument may cover us, and Antonio 
 (In justice you must grant me that) be ofFer'd 
 A sacrifice to our ashes. 
 Vice. Prithee put off 
 These sad thoughts ; both shall live, I doubt it not, 
 A happy pair. 
 
 Enter Cuculo and Borachia. 
 
 Cue. O sir, the foulest treason 
 That ever was discover' d I 
 
 Vice. Speak it, that 
 We may prevent it. 
 
 Cue. Nay, 'tis past prevention : 
 Though you allow me wise, (in modesty, 
 I will not say oraculous,) I cannot help it. 
 I am a statesman, and some say a wise one ; 
 But I could never conjure, nor divine 
 Of things to come. 
 
 Vice. Leave fooling : to the point ; 
 What treason ? 
 
 CuG. The false prince, don John Antonio 
 Is fled. 
 
 Vice. It is not possible. 
 
 Pedro. Peace, screech-owl. 
 
 Cue. I must speak, and it shall out, sir ; the 
 You trusted with the fort is run away too. [captain 
 
 Aim. O miserable woman ! I defy 
 All comfort : cheated too of my revenge ! 
 As you are my father, sir, and you my brother, 
 I will not curse you ; but I dare, and will say. 
 You are unjust and treacherous. — If there be 
 A way to death, I'll find it. lExit. 
 
 Vice. Follow her. 
 She'll do some violent act upon herself; 
 'Till she be better temper' d, bind her hands, 
 And fetch the doctor to her. — 
 
 \_Exeunt Leonora and Waiting-women 
 Had not you 
 A hand in this .' 
 
 Pedro. I, sir! I never knew 
 Such disobedience. 
 
 Vice. My honour's touch'd in't : 
 Let gallies be mann'd forth in his pursuit. 
 Search every port and harbour ; if I live, 
 He shall not 'scape thus. 
 
 Duke. Fine hypocrisy ! 
 Away, dissemblers ! 'tis confederacy 
 Betwixt thy son, and self, and the false captain. 
 He could not thus have vanish'd else. You have 
 
 murder'd 
 My son amongst you, and now murder justice : 
 You know it most impossible he should live, 
 Howe'er the doctor, for your ends, dissembled, 
 And you have shifted hence Antonio. 
 
 Vice. Messina, thou'rt a crazed and grieved old 
 And being in my court, protected by [man . 
 
 The law of hospitality, or I should 
 Give you a sharper answer : may I perish, 
 If I knew of his flight! 
 
 Duke. Fire, then, the castle. 
 Hang up the captain's wife and children. 
 
 Vice, Fie, sir ! 
 
374 
 
 A VERY WOMAN. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Pedro. My lord, you are uncharitable ; capital 
 ! Exact not so much. [treasons 
 
 Duke. Thanks, most noble signior ! 
 We ever had your good word and your love. 
 i Cue. Sir, I dare pass my word, my lords are 
 1 Of any imputation in this case [clear 
 
 ! You seem to load them with. 
 
 ! Duke. Impertinent fool ! 
 
 No, no ; the loving faces you put on, 
 
 Have been but grinning visors : you have juggled 
 
 Out of my son, and out of justice too ; [me 
 
 But Spain shall do me right, believe me. Viceroy : 
 
 There I will force it from thee by the king. 
 
 He shall not eat nor sleep in peace for me, 
 
 Till I am righted for this ti-eachery. 
 
 Vice. Thy worst, Messina ! since no reason can 
 Qualify thy intemperance ; the corruption 
 Of my subordinate ministers cannot wrong 
 My true integrity. Let privy searchers 
 Examine all the land. 
 
 Pedro. Fair fall Antonio ! lAside. 
 
 [J?jrcMnt VicERov, Pkdro, a«d Attendants. 
 Cue. This is my wife, my lord ; troth speak your 
 conscience, 
 Is't not a goodly dame ? 
 
 Duke. She is no less, sir ; 
 I will make use of these : may I entreat you 
 To call my niece. 
 
 Bora. With speed, sir. iExit BorachiA' 
 
 Cue. You may, my lord, suspect me 
 As an agent in these state-conveyances : 
 Let signior Cuculo, then, be never more, 
 For all his place, wit, and authority, 
 Held a most worthy, honest gentleman. 
 
 Re-enter Borachia with Leonora. 
 
 Duke. I do acquit you, signior. Niece, you see 
 To whatexti'emes I am driven ; the cunningviceroy. 
 And his son Pedro, having express'd too plainly 
 Their cold affections to my son Martino : 
 And therefore I conjure thee, Leonora, 
 By all thy hopes from me, which is my dukedom 
 If my son fail, — however, all thy fortunes ; 
 Though heretofore some love hath past betwixt 
 Don Pedro, and thyself, abjure him now : 
 And as thou keep'st Almira company, 
 In this her desolation, so in hate 
 To this young Pedro, for thy cousin's love, 
 Be her associate : or assure thyself, 
 I cast thee like a stranger from my blood. 
 If 1 do ever hear thou see'st, or send'st 
 Token, or receiv'st message — by yon heaven, 
 I never more will own thee ! 
 
 Leon. O, dear uncle ! 
 You have put a tyrannous yoke upon my heart, 
 And it will break it. \_Exit. 
 
 Duke. Gravest lady, you 
 May be a great assister in my ends. 
 I buy your diligence thus : — divide this couple, 
 Hinder their interviews ; feign 'tis her will 
 To give him no admittance, if he crave it ; 
 And thy rewards shall be thine own desires : 
 Whereto, good sir, but add your friendly aids, 
 And use me to my uttermost. 
 
 Cue. My lord," 
 If my wife please, I dare not contradict. 
 Borachia, what do you say } 
 
 Bora. I say, my lord, 
 I know my place ; and be assured, I will 
 Keep fire and tow asunder. 
 
 Duke. You in this 
 Shall much deserve me. \_Exit 
 
 Cue. We have ta'en upon us 
 A heavy charge : I hope you'll now forbear 
 The excess of wine. 
 
 Bora. I will do what I please. 
 This day the market's kept for slaves ; go you, 
 And buy me a fine-timber'd one to assist me ; 
 I must be better waited on. 
 
 Cue. Any thing, 
 So you'll leave wine. 
 
 Bora. Still prating ! 
 
 Cue. I am gone, duck. YExH. 
 
 Bora. Pedro ! so hot upon the scent ! I'll fit him. 
 
 Re-enter Pedro. 
 
 Pedro. Donna Borachia, you most happily 
 Are met to pleasure me. 
 
 Bora. It may be so ; 
 I use to pleasure many. Here lies my way, 
 I do beseech you, sir, keep on your voyage. 
 
 Pedro. Be not so short, sweet lady, I must with 
 you. 
 
 Bora. With me, sir I I beseech you, six* — why, 
 what, sir, 
 See you in me } 
 
 Pedro. Do not mistake me, lady ; 
 Nothing but honesty. 
 
 Bora. Hang honesty ! 
 Trump me not up with honesty : do you mark, sir, 
 I have a charge, sir, and a special charge, sir. 
 And 'tis not honesty can win on me, sir. 
 
 Pedro. Prithee conceive me rightly. 
 
 Bora. I conceive you ! 
 
 Pedro. But understand. 
 
 Bora. I will not understand, sir, 
 I cannot, nor I do not understand, sir. 
 
 Pedro. Prithee, Borachia, let me see my mistress, 
 But look upon her ; stand you by. 
 
 Bora. How's this ! 
 Shall I stand by ? what do you think of me .' 
 Now, by the virtue of the place I hold, 
 You are a paltry lord to tempt my trust thus : 
 I am no Helen, nor no Hecuba, 
 To be deflower'd of my loyalty 
 With your fair language. 
 
 Pedro. Thou mistak'st me still. 
 
 Bora. It may be so, my place will bear me out 
 in't. 
 And will mistake you still, make you your best on't. 
 
 Pedro. A pox upon thee ! let me but behold her. 
 
 Bora. A plague upon you ! you shall never see 
 her. 
 
 Pedro. This is a crone in grain ! thou art so 
 testy — 
 Prithee, take breath, and know thy friends. 
 
 Bora. I will not, 
 I have no friends, nor I will have none this way : 
 And, now I think on't better, why will you see her ? 
 
 Pedro. Because she loves me dearly, I her equally. 
 
 Bora. She hates you damnably, most wickedly. 
 Build that upon my word, most wickedly ; 
 And swears her eyes are sick when they behold you. 
 How fearfully haA'e I heard her rail upon you. 
 And cast and rail again ; and cast again ; 
 Call for hot waters, and then rail again 1 
 
 Pedro. How ! 'tis not possible. 
 
 Bora. I havg heard her swear 
 (How justly, you best know, and where the cau?' 
 lies) 
 
SCENE I. 
 
 A VERY WOMAN. 
 
 ?75 
 
 That you are — I shame to tell it — but it must out — 
 Fie, fie ! why, how have you deserved it ? 
 
 Pedro. I am what ? 
 
 Bora. The beastliest man — why, what a grief 
 must this be ? 
 (Sir-reverence of the company) — a rank whore- 
 master . 
 Ten livery whores, she assured me on her credit, 
 With weeping eyes she spake it, and seven citizens, 
 Besides all voluntaries that serve imder you, 
 And of all countries. 
 
 Pedro. This must needs be a lie. 
 
 Bora. Besides, you are so careless of your body, 
 Which is a foul fault in you. 
 
 Pedro. Leave your fooling, -"^ 
 
 For this shall be a fable : happily, 
 My sister's anger may grow strong against me, 
 Which thou mistak'st. 
 
 Bora. She hates you very well too, [yo*i '• 
 
 But your mistress hates you heartily : — ^look upon 
 Upon my conscience, she would see the devil first, 
 With eyes as big as saucers ; when I but named you, 
 She has leaped back thirty feet : if once she smell 
 
 you, 
 For certainly you are rank, she says, extreme rank. 
 And the wind stand with you too, she's gone for ever! 
 
 Pedro. For all this, 1 would see her. 
 
 Bora. That's all one. 
 Have you new eyes when those are scratch' d out, 
 
 or a nose 
 To clap on warm ? have you proof against a piss-pot, 
 Which, if they bid me, I must fling upon you? 
 
 Pedro. I shall not see her, then, you say ? 
 
 Bora. It seems so. 
 
 Pedro. Prithee, be thus far friend then, good 
 Borachia, 
 
 To give her but this letter, and this ring. 
 And leave thy pleasant lying, which I pardon : 
 But leave it in her pocket ; there's no harm in't. 
 I'll take thee up a petticoat, will that please thee? 
 
 Bora. Take up my petticoat ! I scorn the motion, 
 I scorn it with my heels ; take up my petticoat ! 
 
 Pedro. And why thus hot ? 
 
 Bora. Sir, you shall find me hotter, 
 If you take up my petticoat. 
 
 Pedro. I'll give thee a new petticoat. 
 
 Bora. I scorn the gift — take up my petticoat ! 
 Alas ! my lord, you are too young, my lord. 
 Too young, my lord, to circumcise me that way. 
 Take up my petticoat ! I am a woman, 
 A woman of another way, my lord, 
 A gentlewoman : he that takes up my petticoat, 
 Shall have enough to do, I warrant him. 
 I would fain see the proudest of you all so lusty. 
 
 Pedro. Thou art disposed still to mistake me. 
 
 Bora. Petticoat ! 
 You shew now what you are ; but do your worst, sir. 
 
 Pedro. A wild-fire take thee ! 
 
 Bora. I ask no favour of you. 
 And so I leave you ; and withal, I charge you 
 In my own name, for, sir, I'd have you know it, 
 In this place I present your father's person. 
 Upon your life, not dare to follow me. 
 For if you do — \_Exit. 
 
 Pedro. Go ! and the pox go with thee. 
 If thou hast so much moisture to receive them ! 
 For thou wilt have them, though a horse bestow 
 I must devise a way — for I must see her, [them. 
 And very suddenly ; and, madam petticoat. 
 If all the wit I have, and this can do, 
 I'll make you break your charge, and your hope 
 too. lExit. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I.— The Slave Market. 
 
 Enter Slave-merchant and Servant, irith Antonio and 
 Captain disguised and dressed as slaves, English 
 Slave, and divers other Slaves. 
 
 Merch. Come, rank yourselves, and stand out 
 
 handsomely. 
 — Now ring the bell, that they may know my 
 
 market. 
 Stand you two here ; [To Antonio and the Cap- 
 tain.] you are personable men. 
 And apt to yield good sums, if women cheapen. 
 Put me that pig-complexion'd fellow behind. 
 He will spoil my sale else ; the slave looks like 
 
 famine. 
 Sure he was got in a cheese-press, the whey runs 
 
 out on's nose yet. 
 He will not yield above a peck of oysters — 
 If I can get a quart of wine in too, you are gone, sir : 
 Why sure, thou hadst no father. 
 1 Slave. Sure I know not. 
 Merch. No, certainly ; a March frog [leap'd] 
 
 thy mother ; 
 Thou'rtbuta monster -paddock. — Look who comes, 
 
 sirrah. — [_Exit Servant. 
 
 And next prepare the song, and do it lively. — 
 Your tricks too, sirrah, they are ways to catch the 
 
 b uyer, [ To the English Slave. 
 
 And if you do them well, they'll prove good 
 
 dowries. — 
 How now ? 
 
 Re-enter Servant 
 
 Serv. They come, sir, with their bags full 
 
 loaden. 
 Merch. Reach me my stool. O ! here they 
 
 come. 
 
 Enter Paulo, Apothecary, Cuculo, and Citizens. 
 
 Cw. That's he. 
 He never fails monthly to sell his slaves here ; 
 He buys them presently upon their taking. 
 And so disperses them to every market. 
 
 Merch. Begin the song, and chaunt it merrily. 
 
 A SONG, by one of the Slaves. \ 
 
 Well done. 
 
 Paul. CJood morrow ! | 
 
 Merch. Morrow to you, signiors ! I 
 
 Paul. We come to look upon your slaves, and 
 
 buy too, ' 
 
 If we can like the persons, and the prices. 
 Cue. They shew fine active fellows. 
 Merch. They are no less, sir, 
 
 And people of strong labours. 
 Paul. That's in the proof, sir. 
 
376 
 
 A VERY WOMAN. 
 
 Apoth. Pray what's the price of this red- 
 bearded fellow ? 
 If his gall be good, 1 have certain uses for him. 
 
 Merch. My sorrel slaves are of a lower price, 
 Because the colour's faint: — fifty chequins, sir. 
 
 Apoth. What be his virtues ? 
 
 Merch. He will poison rats ; 
 Make him but angry, and his eyes kill spiders ; 
 Let him but, fasting, spit upon a toad. 
 And presently it bursts, and dies ; his dreams kill : 
 He'll run you in a wJieel, and draw up water, 
 But if his nose drop in't, 'twill kill an army. 
 When you have worn him to the bones with uses, 
 Thrust him into an oven luted well. 
 Dry him, and beat him, flesh and bone to powder, 
 And that kills scabs, and aches of all climates. 
 
 Apoth. Pray at what distance may 1 talk to 
 him ? 
 
 Merch. Give him but sage and butter in a 
 morning. 
 And there's no fear : but keep him from all 
 For there his poison swells most. [women, 
 
 Apolh. I will have him. 
 Cannot he breed a plague too ? 
 
 Merch. Yes, yes, yes. 
 Feed him with fogs ; probatum. — Now to you, sir. 
 Do you like this slave ? \_Pointing to Antonio. 
 
 Cue. Yes, if I like his price well. 
 
 Merch. The price is full an hundred, nothing 
 bated. 
 Sirrah, sell the Moors there ; — feel, he's high and 
 
 lusty. 
 And of a gamesome nature ; bold and secret. 
 Apt to win favour of the man that owns him, 
 By diligence and duty : look upon him. 
 
 Paul. Do you hear, sir ? 
 
 Merch. I'll be with you presently. — 
 Mark but his limbs, that slave will cost you four- 
 score ; [Pointing to the Captain. 
 An easy price — turn him about, and view him. — 
 For these two, sir? why, they are the finest chil- 
 dren 
 
 Twins, on my credit, sir. — Do you see this boy. 
 He will run as far from you in an hour [sir? 
 
 1 at. Will he so, sir ? 
 
 Merch. Conceive me rightly, — if upon an errand, 
 As any horse you have. 
 
 2 at. What will this girl do ? 
 Merch. Sure no harm at all, sir, 
 
 For she sleeps most an end. 
 
 at. An excellent housewife. 
 Of what religion are they ? 
 
 Merch. What you will, sir, 
 So there be meat and drink in't : they'll do little 
 That shall offend you, for their chief desire 
 Is to do nothing at all, sir. 
 
 Cue. A hundred is too much. 
 
 Merch. Not a doit bated : 
 He's a brave slave, his eyes shew activeness ; 
 Fire and the mettle of a man dwell in him. 
 Here is one you shall have 
 
 Cue. For what ? 
 
 Merch. For nothing, 
 And thank you too. 
 
 Paul. What can he do ? 
 
 Merch. Why, anything that's ill, 
 And never blush at it : he's so true a thief, 
 That he'll steal from himself, and think he has got 
 
 by it. 
 He stole out of his mother's belly, being an infant ; 
 
 And from a lousy nurse he stole his nature, 
 From a dog his look, and from au ape his nimble- 
 
 ness ; 
 He will look in your face and pick your pockets, 
 Rob ye the most wise rat of a cheese-])aiuig ; 
 There, where a cat will go in, he will follow. 
 His body has no back -bone. Into my company 
 He stole, for I never bought him, and will steal 
 
 into yours. 
 An you stay a little longer. Now, if any of you 
 Be given to the excellent art of lying, 
 Behold, before you here, the masterpiece ! 
 He'll outlie him that taught him, monsieur devil. 
 Offer to swear he has eaten nothing in a twelve- 
 When his mouth's full of meat. [month. 
 
 Cue. Pray keep him, he's a jewel ; 
 And here's your money for this fellow. 
 
 Merch. He's yours, sir. 
 
 Cue. Come, follow me. \_Exitwith A^romo. 
 
 at. Twenty chequins for these two. 
 
 Merch. For five and twenty take them. 
 
 at. There's your money ; 
 I'll have them, if it be to sing in cages. 
 
 Merch. Give them hard eggs, you never had such 
 
 at. Is she a maid, dost think ? [black birds. 
 
 Merch. I dare not swear, sir : 
 She is nine year old, at ten you shall find few 
 here. 
 
 at. A merry fellow ! thou say'st true. Come, 
 children. [Exit ivith the two Moors. 
 
 Paul. Here, tell your money ; if his life but 
 answer 
 His outward promises, I have bought him cheap, 
 sir. 
 
 Merch. Too cheap, o'conscience : he's a preg- 
 nant knave ; 
 Full of fine thouglit, I warrant him. 
 
 Paul. He's but weak-timber'd. 
 
 Merch. 'Tis the better, sir ; 
 He will turn gentlem.an a great deal sooner. 
 
 Paul. Very weak legs. 
 
 Merch. Strong, as the time allows, sir. 
 
 Paul. What's that fellow ? 
 
 Merch. Who, this? the finest thing in all the 
 world, sir ; 
 The punctuallest, and the perfectest ; an English 
 
 metal. 
 But coin'd in France : Your servant's servant., sir! 
 Do you understand that ? or your shadow's ser- 
 vant ! 
 Will you buy him to carry in a box ? Kiss your 
 
 hand, sirrah ; — 
 Let fall your cloak on one shoulder ; — face to youi 
 
 left hand ; — 
 Feather your hat ; — slope your hat ; — now charge. 
 
 — Your honour. 
 What think you of this fellow ? 
 
 Paul. Indeed, I know not ; 
 I never saw such an ape before : but, hark you. 
 Are these things serious in his nature ? 
 
 Merch. Yes, yes ; 
 Part of his creed : come, do some more devices. 
 Quarrel a little, and take him for your enemy. 
 Do it in dumb show. Now observe him nearly. 
 
 [The English ^laye practises his postures 
 
 Paul. This fellow's mad, stark mad. 
 
 Merch. Believe they are all so : 
 I have sold a hundred of them. 
 
 Paul. A strange nation ! 
 What may the women be : 
 
A VERY WOMAN. 
 
 S77 
 
 Merch. As mad as they, 
 And, as I have heard lor truth, a great deal 
 
 madder : 
 Yet, you may find some civil things amongst them, 
 But they are not respected. Nay, never wonder ; 
 They have a city, sir, — I have been in it, 
 And therefore dare affirm it, where, if you saw 
 With what a load of vanity 'tis fraughted, 
 How like an everlasting morris-dance it looks, 
 Nothing but hobby-horse, and maid Marian, 
 You would start indeed. 
 
 Paul. They are handsome men ? 
 
 Merch. Yes, if they would thank their maker, 
 And seek no farther ; but they have new ^-eators, 
 God-tailor, and god-mercer : a kind of J^ws, sir. 
 But fall'n into idolatry ; for they worship 
 Nothing with so much service, as the cow-calves. 
 
 Paul. What do you mean by cow-calves ? 
 
 Merch. Why, their women. 
 Will you see him do any more tricks ? 
 
 Paul. 'Tis enough, I thank you ; 
 But yet I'll buy him, for the rareness of him : 
 He may make my princely patient mirth, and that 
 
 done, 
 I'll chain him in my study, that at void hours 
 [ may run o'er the story of his country. 
 
 Merch. His price is forty. 
 
 Paul. Hold — I'll once be foolish. 
 And buy a lump of levity to laugh at 
 
 Apoth. Will your worship walk ? 
 
 Paul. How now, apothecary. 
 Have you been buying too ? 
 
 Apoth. A little, sir, 
 A dose or two of mischief. 
 
 Paul. Fare ye well, sir ; 
 As these prove, we shall look the next wind for 
 
 Merch. I shall be with you, sir. [you. 
 
 Paul. Who bought this fellow ? 
 
 2 Cit. Not I. 
 
 Apoth. Nor I. 
 
 Paul. Why does he follow us, then ? 
 
 Merch. Did not I tell you he would steal to you ? 
 
 2 Cit. Sirrah, 
 You mouldy-chaps ! know your crib, I would wish 
 And get from whence you came. [you, 
 
 1 Slave. I came from no place. 
 
 Paul. Wilt thou be my fool? for fools, they say, 
 ynW tell truth. 
 
 1 Slave. Yes, if you will give me leave, sir, to 
 For I can do that naturally. [abuse you, 
 
 Paul. And I can beat you. 
 
 1 Slave. I should be sorry else, sir. 
 
 Mei ch. He looks for that, as duly as his victuals. 
 And will be extreme sick when he is not beaten. 
 He will be as wanton, when he has a bone broken. 
 As a cat in a bowl on the water. 
 
 Paul. You will part with him ? 
 
 Merch. To such a friend as you, sir. 
 
 Paul. And without money ? 
 
 Merch. Not a penny, signior ; 
 And would he were better for you ! 
 
 Paul. Follow me, then ; 
 The knave may teach me something. 
 
 1 Slave. Something that 
 You dearly may repent ; howe'er you scorn me. 
 The slave may prove your master. 
 
 Paul. Farewell once more ! 
 
 Merch. Farewell ' and when the wind serves 
 next, expect me. lExcunt. 
 
 SCENE II — A Room in the Viceroy's Palace. 
 Enter Ci:culo and Antonio. 
 
 Cue. Come, sir, you are mine, sir, now ; you 
 serve a man, sir. 
 That, when you know more, you will find — 
 
 Ant. I hope so. 
 
 Cue. What dost thou hope ? 
 
 Ant. To find you a kind master. 
 
 Cue. Find you yourself a diligent true servant. 
 And take the precept of the wise before you, 
 And then you may hope, sirrah. Understand, 
 You serve me — what is me } a man of credit. 
 
 Ant. Yes, sir. 
 
 Cue. Of special credit, special office ; hear first 
 And understand again, of special office : 
 A man that nods upon the thing he meets, 
 And that thing bows. 
 
 Ant. 'Tis fit it should be so, sir. 
 
 Cue. It shall be so : a man near all importance. 
 Dost thou digest this truly ? 
 
 Ant. I hope I shall, sir. 
 
 Cue. Besides, thou art to serve a noble mistress, 
 Of equal place and trust. Serve usefully, 
 Serve all with diligence, but her delights ; 
 There make your stop. She is a woman, sirrah, 
 And though a cuU'd out virtue, yet a woman. 
 Thou art not troubled with the strength of blood, 
 And stirring faculties, for she'll shew a fair one ? 
 
 Ant. As I am a man, I may ; but as I am your 
 man, 
 Your trusty, useful man, those thoughts shall 
 perish. 
 
 Cue. "Tis apt, and well distinguish'd. The next 
 precept. 
 And then, observe me, you have all your duty ; 
 Keep, as thou'dst keep thine eye-sight, all wine 
 All talk of wine. [from her, 
 
 Ant. Wine is a comfort, sir. 
 
 Cue. A devil, sir ! let her not dream of wine ; 
 Make her believe there neither is, nor was wine ; 
 Swear it. 
 
 Ant. Will you have me lie ? 
 
 Cue. To my end, sir : 
 For if one drop of wine but creep into her, 
 She is the wisest woman in the world straight. 
 And all the women in the world together 
 Are but a whisper to her : a thousand iron mills 
 Can be heard no further than a pair of nut- 
 crackers. 
 Keep her from wine ; wine makes her dangerous. 
 Fall back — my lord don Pedro ! 
 
 Enter Pedro. 
 Pedro. Now, master Office, 
 What is the reason that your vigilant Greatness, 
 And your wife's wonderful Wiseness, have lock'd 
 
 up from me 
 The way to see my mistress ? Whose dog's dead 
 That you observe these vigils } [now, 
 
 Cue. Very well, my lord. 
 Belike, we observe no law then, nor no order, 
 Nor feel no power, nor will, of him that made 
 
 them, 
 When state-commands thus slightly are disputed. 
 Pedro. What state-command ? dost thou think 
 any state 
 Would give thee anything but eggs to keep, 
 Or trust thee with a secret abdve lousing ? 
 Cue. No, no, my lord, I am not passionate ; 
 
378 
 
 A VERY WOMAN. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 You cannot work me that way, to betray me. 
 
 A point there is in't, tLat you must not see, sir, 
 
 A secret and a serious point of state too ; 
 
 And do not urge it further, do not, lord, 
 
 It will not take ; you deal with them that wink not. 
 
 You tried my wife. Alas ! you thought she was 
 
 foolish. 
 Won with an empty word ; you have not found it. 
 
 Pedro. I have found a pair of coxcombs, that I 
 am sin*e on. 
 
 Cue. Your lordship may say three : — I am not 
 
 Pedro. How's that ? [passionate. 
 
 Cue. Your lordship found a faithful gentle- 
 woman, 
 Strong, and inscrutable as the viceroy's heart ; 
 A woman of another making, lord : 
 And, lest she might partake with woman's weak- 
 ness, 
 I've purchased her a rib to make her perfect, 
 A rib that will not shrink, nor break in the bending, 
 Tiiis trouble we are put to, to prevent things. 
 Which your good lordship holds but necessary. 
 
 Pedro. A fellow of a handsome and free promise. 
 And much, methinks, I'm taken with his coun- 
 tenance, — 
 Do you serve this yeoman, porter ? [.To Antonio. 
 
 Cue. Not a word. 
 Basta ! Your lordship may discourse your free- 
 He is a slave of state, sir, so of silence. [dora; 
 
 Pedro. You are very punctual, state-cut, fare ye 
 well ; 
 I shall find time to fit you too, I fear not. {Exit. 
 
 Cue. And I shall fit you, lord : you would be 
 billing ; 
 You are too hot, sweet lord, too hot. — Go you 
 
 home, 
 And there observe these lessons I first taught you, 
 Look to your charge abundantly ; be wary, 
 Trusty and wary ; much weight hangs upon me. 
 Watchful and wary too ! this lord is dangerous, 
 Take courage and resist : for other uses. 
 Your mistress will inform you. Go, be faithful, 
 And, do you hear ? no wine. 
 
 Ant. 1 shall observe, sir. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE III — Another Boom in the same. 
 Enter Paulo and Surgeons. 
 Paul. He must take air. 
 
 1 Surg. Sir, under your correction, 
 The violence of motion may make 
 His wounds bleed fresh. 
 
 2 Surg. And he hath lost already 
 Too much blood, in my judgment. 
 
 Paul. I allow that ; 
 But to choke up his spirits in a dark room. 
 Is far more dangerous. He comes ; no questions. 
 
 Enter Cardenes. 
 Car. Certain we have no reason, nor that soul 
 Created of that pureness books persuade us : 
 We understand not, sure, nor feel that sweetness 
 That men call virtue's chain to link our actions. 
 Our imperfections form, and flatter us ; 
 A will to rash and rude things is our reason, 
 And that we glory in, that makes us guilty. 
 ^^'hy did I wrong this man ? unmanly wrong him ? 
 Unmannerly ? He gave me no occasion. 
 In all my heat how noble was his temper ! 
 
 And, when I had forgot both man and manhood. 
 With what a gentle bravery did he chide me ! 
 And, say he had kill'd me, whither had I travell'd ? 
 Kill'd me in all my rage — oh, how it shakes me 1 
 Why didst thou do this, fool? a woman taught me. 
 The devil and his angel, woman, bade me. — 
 I am a beast, the wildest of all beasts. 
 And like a beast I make my blood my master. 
 Farewell, farewell, for ever, name of mistress ! 
 Out of my heart I cross thee ; love and women 
 Out of my thoughts. 
 
 Paul. Ay, now you shew your manhood. 
 Car. Doctor, believe me, I have bought my 
 knowledge. 
 And dearly, doctor : — they are dangerous creatures. 
 They sting at both ends, doctor ; worthless crea- 
 tures. 
 And all their loves and favours end in ruins. 
 Paul. To man, indeed. 
 Car. Why, now thou tak'st me rightly. 
 What can they shew, or by what act deserve us, 
 While we have Virtue, and pursue her beauties ! 
 Paul. And yet I've heard of many virtuous 
 
 women. 
 Car. Not many, doctor; there your reading 
 fails you : 
 Would there were more, and in their loves less 
 dangers 1 
 Pajil. ' Love is a noble thing without all doubt, 
 
 sir. 
 Car. Yes, and an excellent — to cure the itch. 
 
 lExit. 
 
 1 Surg. Strange melancholy ! 
 Paul. By degrees 'twill lessen : 
 
 Provide your things. 
 
 2 Surg. Our care shall not be wanting. {Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE IV.— .^ Room in Cuculo's House. 
 Enter Leonora and Almira. 
 
 Leon. Good madam, for your health's sake clear 
 those clouds up. 
 That feed upon your beauties like diseases. 
 Time's hand will turn again, and what he ruins 
 Gently restore, and wipe off all your sorrows. 
 Believe you are to blame, much to blame, lady ; 
 You tempt his loving care whose eye has number'd 
 All our afflictions, and the time to cure them : 
 You rather with this torrent choak his mercies. 
 Than gently slide into his providence. 
 Sorrows are well allow'd, and sweeten nature, 
 Where they express no more than drops on lilies ; 
 But, when they fall in storms, they bruise oui 
 
 hopes ; 
 Make us unable, though our comforts meet us. 
 To hold our heads up r Come, you shall take 
 
 comfort ; 
 This is a sullen grief becomes condemn'd men, 
 That feel a weight of sorrow through their souls : 
 Do but look up. Why, so ! — is not this better, 
 Than hanging down your head still like a violet. 
 And dropping out those sweet eyes for a wager! 
 Pray you, speak a little. 
 
 Aim. Pray you, desire no more ; 
 And, if you love me, say no more. 
 
 Leon. How fain, 
 If I would be as wilful, and partake in't. 
 Would you destroy yourself ! how often, lady. 
 Even of the same disease have you cured me, 
 
SCENE V. 
 
 A VERY VV^OMAN. 
 
 370 
 
 And shook me out ou't ; chid me, tumbled me, 
 And forced my hands, thus? 
 
 Aim. By these tears, no more. 
 
 Leon. You are too prodigal of them. Well, I 
 will not ; 
 For though my love bids me transgress your will, 
 I have a service to your sorrows still. \_Excunt. 
 
 SCENE Y.—A Hall in the same. 
 Enter Pkdro and Antonio. 
 
 Ant. Indeed, my lord, my place is not so near : 
 I wait below stairs, and there sit, and wai**^ 
 Who comes to seek accesses ; nor is it tit, sir, 
 My rudeness should intrude so near their lodgings. 
 
 Pedro. Thou raayst invent a way, 'tis but a trial. 
 But carrying up this letter, and this token, 
 And giving them discreetly to my mistress, 
 The lady Leonora : there's my purse. 
 Or anything thou'It ask me ; if thou kuew'st me. 
 And what I may be to thee for this courtesy 
 
 Ant. Your lordship speaks so honestly, and freely, 
 That by my troth I'll venture. 
 
 Pedro. I dearly thank thee. 
 
 Ant. And it shall cost me hard ; nay, keep your 
 purse, sir, 
 For, though my body's bought, my mind was 
 
 never. 
 Though I am bound, my courtesies are no slaves. 
 
 Pedro. Thou shouldst be truly gentle. 
 
 Ant. If I were so, 
 The state I am in bids you not believe it. 
 But to the purpose, sir ; give me your letter. 
 And next your counsel, for I serve a crafty mis- 
 tress. 
 
 Pedro. And she must be removed, thou wilt else 
 ne'er do it. 
 
 Ant. Ay, there's the plague : think, and I'll 
 think awhile too. 
 
 Pedro. Her husband's suddenly fallen sick ? 
 
 Ant. She cares not ; 
 If he were dead, indeed, it would do better. 
 
 Pedro. Would he were hang'd ! 
 
 Ant. Then she would run for joy, sir. 
 
 Pedro. Some lady crying out .' 
 
 Ant. She has two already. 
 
 Pedro. Her house afire ? 
 
 Ant. Let the fool, my husband, quenck if. 
 This will be her answer. — This may take ; it will, 
 
 sure. 
 Your lordship must go presently, and send me 
 Two or three bottles of your best Greek wine, 
 The strongest and the sweetest. 
 
 Pedro. Instantly : 
 But will that do ? 
 
 Ant. Let me alone to work it. [.Exit Pkdro. 
 
 Wine I was charged to keep by all means from her; 
 All secret locks it opens, and all counsels, 
 That I am sure, and gives men all accesses. 
 Pray heaven she be not loving when she's drunk 
 
 now ! 
 For drunk she shall be, though my pale pay for it. 
 She'll turn my stomach then abominably. 
 She has a most wicked face, and that lewd face 
 
 Being a drunken face, what face will there be ! 
 
 She cannot ravish me. iS'ow, if my master 
 Should take her so, and know 1 minister'd. 
 What will his wisdom do ? I hope be drunk too, 
 
 And then all's right. Well, lord, to do thee ser- 
 vice 
 
 Above these puppet-plays, I keep a life yet 
 
 Here come the executioners. 
 
 Enter Servant with bottles. 
 
 You are welcome ; 
 Give me your load, and tell my lord I am at it. 
 Serv. I will, sir ; speed you, sir. iExit. 
 
 Ant. Good speed on all sides ! 
 'Tis strong, strong wine : O, the yaws that she will 
 
 make ! 
 Look to your stern, dear mistress, and steer right, 
 Here's that will work as high as the Bay of Por- 
 tugal. 
 Stay, let me see — I'll try her by the nose first ; 
 For, if she be a right sow, sure she'll find it. 
 She is yonder by herself, the ladies from her. 
 Now to begin my sacrifice :—\_Pours out some of 
 
 the wine.'] — she stirs, and vents it. 
 O, how she holds her nose up like a jennet 
 In the wind of a grass-mare ! she has it full now, 
 And now she comes. — I'll stand aside awhile. 
 
 Enter Borachia. 
 
 Bora. \_Snnffing.'] 'Tis wine! ay, sure 'tis wine! 
 excellent strong wine ! 
 In the must, I take it : very wine ! this way too. 
 
 Ant. How true she hunts ! I'll make the train 
 a little longer. [Pours out more icine. 
 
 Bora. Stronger and stronger still ! still ! blessed 
 
 Ant. Now she hunts hot. [wine ! 
 
 Bora. All that I can for this wine I 
 This way it went, sure. 
 
 Ant. Now she's at a cold scent. 
 Make out your doubles, mistress. O, well hunted! 
 That's she ! that's she ! 
 
 Bora. O, if I could but see it ! 
 Oh what a precious scent it has ! — but handle it ! 
 
 Ant. Now I'll untappice. 
 
 [Comes forward with the bottle. 
 
 Bora. What's that ? still 'tis stronger. 
 Why, how now, sirrah 1 what's that ? answer 
 And to the point. [quickly, 
 
 Ant. 'Tis wine, forsooth, good wine. 
 Excellent Candy wine. 
 
 Bora. 'Tis well, forsooth ! 
 Is this a drink for slaves ? why, saucy sirrah, 
 (Excellent Candy wine !) draw nearer to me, 
 Reach me the bottle : why, thou most debauch'd 
 slave — 
 
 Ant. Pray be not angry, for with all ray service 
 And pains, I purchased this for you, (I dare not 
 
 drink it,) 
 For you a present ; only for your pleasure ; 
 To shew in little what a thanks I owe 
 The hourly courtesies your goodness gives me. 
 
 Bora. And I will give thee more ; there, kiss 
 my hand on't. 
 
 Ant. I thank you dearly — for your dirty favour: 
 How rank it smells ! [^Aside. 
 
 Bora, By thy leave, sweet bottle, 
 And sugar-candy wine, I now come to thee ; 
 Hold your hand under. 
 
 Ant. How does your worship like it .-* 
 
 Bora. Under again — again — and now come kiss 
 I'll be a mother to thee : come, drink to me. [me *, 
 
 Ant. I do beseech your pardon. 
 
 Bora. Here's to thee, then ; 
 I am easily entreated for thy good. 
 
380 
 
 A VERY A^^OMAN. 
 
 'Tis naught for tliee, indeed ; 'twill make thee 
 
 break out ; 
 Thou hast a pure complexion : now, for me 
 'Tis excellent, 'tis excellent for me. 
 Son slave, I've a cold stomach, and the wind — 
 
 Ant. Blows out a cry at both ends. 
 
 Bora. Kiss again. 
 Cherish thy lips, for thou shalt kiss fair ladies : 
 Son slave, I have them for thee ; I'll shew thee aU. 
 
 Ant. Heaven bless mine eyes ! 
 
 Bora. Even all the secrets, son slave, 
 In my dominion. 
 
 Ant. Oh ! here come the ladies ; 
 Now to my business. 
 
 Enter Leonora and Almfra behind. 
 Leon. This air will much refresh you. 
 Aim. I mvist sit down. 
 Leon. Do, and take freer thoughts, 
 The place invites you ; I'll walk by like your sen- 
 tinel. 
 Bora. And thou shalt be my heir, I'll leave thee 
 all, 
 Heaven knows to what 'twill mount to ; but abun- 
 dance : 
 I'll leave thee two young ladies — what think you of 
 
 that, boy ! [Antonio goes to Leonora. 
 
 Where is the bottle ? — two delicate young ladies : 
 But first you shall commit with me ; do you mark, 
 
 son? 
 And ^hew yourself a gentleman, that's the truth, 
 son. 
 Ant. Excellent lady, kissing your fair hand, 
 And humbly craving pardon for intruding, 
 
 This letter, and this ring 
 
 Leon. From whom, I pray you, sir? 
 
 Ant. From the most noble, loving lord, don 
 
 The servant of your virtues. [Pedro, 
 
 Bora. And prithee, good son slave, be wase and 
 
 circumspect. 
 
 And take heed of being o'ertaken with too much 
 
 For it is a lamentable sin, and spoils all : [drink ; 
 
 Why, 'tis the damnablest thing to be drunk, son ! 
 
 Heaven can't endure it. And hark you, one thing 
 
 I'd have done : 
 Knock my husband on the head, as soon as may 
 
 be. 
 For he is an arrant puppy, and cannot perform — 
 Why, where the devil is this foolish bottle ? 
 
 Leon. I much thank you ; 
 And this, sir, for your pains. lOffershim her purse. 
 
 Ant. No, gentle lady ; 
 That I can do him service is my merit, 
 My faith, my full reward. 
 
 Leon. Once more, I thank you. 
 Since I have met so true a friend to goodness, 
 1 dare deliver to your charge my answer : 
 Pray you, tell him, sir, this night I do invite him 
 To meet me in the garden ; means he may find. 
 For love, they say, wants no abilities. 
 
 Ant. Nor shall he, madam, if my help may 
 prosper ; 
 So everlasting love and sweetness bless you ! — 
 She's at it still, I dare not now appear to her. 
 Aim. What fellow's that ? 
 Leon. Indeed I know not, madam ; 
 It seems of some strange country by his habit ; 
 Nor can I shew you by what mystery 
 He wrought himself into this place, prohibited. 
 Aim. A handsome man. 
 
 Leon. But of a mind more handsome. 
 
 Aim. Was his business to you ? 
 
 Leon. Yes, from a friend you wot of. 
 
 Aim. A very handsome fellow. 
 And well demean'd. 
 
 Leon. Exceeding well ; and speaks well. 
 
 Aim. And speaks well, too ? 
 
 Leon. Ay, passing well, and freely. 
 And, as he promises, of a most clear nature ; 
 Brought up, sure, far above his shew. 
 
 Aim. It seems so : 
 I would I'd heard him, friend. Comes he again? 
 
 Leon. Indeed I know not if he do. 
 
 Aim. 'Tis no matter. 
 Come let's walk in. 
 
 Leon, I am glad you have found your tongue 
 yet, lExeimt Leonora and AI.UIRA. 
 
 Borachia sings. 
 
 Cue. [ Within.'] My wife is very merry ; sure 
 'twas her voice : 
 Pray heaven there be no drink in't, then I allow it. 
 Ant. 'Tis sure my master. 
 
 Enter Cucuio. 
 
 Now the game begins ; 
 Here will be spitting of fire o' both sides pre- 
 Send me but safe deliver'd ! [sently ; 
 
 Cue. O, my heart aches ! 
 My head aches too : mercy o'me, she's perish'd ! 
 She has gotten wine I she is gone for ever ! 
 
 Bora. Come hither, ladies, carry your bodies 
 swimming ; 
 Do your three duties, then — then fall behind me. 
 
 Cue. O, thou pernicious rascal ! what hast thou 
 done ? 
 
 Ant. I done ! alas, sir, I have done nothing. 
 
 Cue. Sirrah, 
 How came she by this wine ? 
 
 Ant. Alas, I know not. 
 
 Bora. Who's that, that talks of wine there ? 
 
 Ant. Forsooth, my master. 
 
 Bora. Bring him before me, son slave. 
 
 Cicc. I will know it, 
 This bottle, how this bottle ? 
 
 Bora. Do not stir it ; 
 For, if you do, by this good wine, I'll knock you, 
 I'll beat you damnably, yea and nay, I'll beat you ; 
 And, when I have broke it 'bout your head, do 
 
 you mark me ? 
 Then will I tie it to your worship's tail. 
 And all the dogs in the town shall follow you. 
 No question, I would advise you, how I came by it ; 
 I will have none of these points handled now. 
 
 Cue. She'll ne'er be well again while the world 
 stands. 
 
 Ant. I hope so. \_Aside. 
 
 Cue. How dost thou, lamb? 
 
 Bora. Well, God a-mercy. 
 Belwether, how dost thou ? Stand out, son slave. 
 Sit you here, and before this worshipful audience 
 Propound a doubtful question ; see who's drunk 
 now. 
 
 Cue. Now, now it works ; the devil now dwells 
 in her. 
 
 Bora. Whether the heaven or the earth be 
 
 nearer the moon ? - 
 
 Or what's the natural reason, why a woman longs 
 
 To make her husband cuckold ." Bring me your 
 
 ' The curate now, that great philosopher, [cousin 
 
s(m:ne II. 
 
 A VERY WOMAN. 
 
 381 
 
 He that found out a pudding liad two ends, 
 That learned clerk, that- notable gymnosophist ; 
 And let him with his Jacob's-staff" discover 
 What is the third part of three farthings, 
 Three halfpence being the half, and I am satisfied. 
 
 Cue. You see she hath learning enough, if she 
 could dispose it. 
 
 Bora. Too much for thee, thou loggerhead, thou 
 
 Cue. Nay, good Borachia. [bull-head ! 
 
 Bora. Thou a sufficient statesman 
 A gentleman of learning ! hang thee, dogwhelp ; 
 Thou shadow of a man of action. 
 Thou scab o'the court ! go sleep, you drunken 
 rascal, 
 
 You debauch'd puppy ; get you home, and sleep, 
 
 sirrah ; 
 And so will I : son slave, thou shalt sleep with 
 me. 
 Cue. Prithee, look to her tenderly. 
 Bora. No words, sirrah, 
 Of any wine, or anything like wine, 
 Or anything concerning wine, or by wine, 
 Or from, or with wine. Come, lead me like a 
 countess. 
 Cue. Thus must we bear, poor men ! there is a 
 trick in't ; 
 But, when she is well again, I'll trick her for it. 
 
 lExeunt. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I. — A Room in the Viceroy's Palace. 
 Enter Pedro. 
 Pedro. Now, if this honest fellow do but prosper, 
 I hope I shall make fair return. I wonder 
 I hear not from the prince of Tarent yet, 
 I hope he's landed well, and to his safety ; 
 The winds have stood most gently to his purpose. 
 
 Enter Antonio. 
 My honest friend ! 
 
 Ant. Your lordship's poorest servant. 
 
 Pedro. How hast thou sped ? 
 
 Ant. My lord, as well as wishes. 
 My way hath reach'd your mistress, and deliver'd 
 Your loveletter, and token ; who, with all joy, 
 And virtuous constancy, desires to see you : 
 Commands you this night, by her loving power, 
 To meet her in the garden. 
 
 Pedro. Thou hast made me ; 
 Redeem'd me, man, again from all my sorrows ; 
 Done above wonder for me. Is it so ? 
 
 Ant. I should be now too old to learn to lie, sir, 
 And, as I live, I never was good flatterer. 
 
 Pedro. I do see something in this fellow's face 
 still. 
 That ties my heart fast to him. Let me love thee, 
 Nay, let me honour thee for this fair service : 
 And if I e'er forget it 
 
 Ant. Good my lord, 
 The only knowledge of me is too much bounty : 
 My service, and my life, sir. 
 
 Pedro. I shall think on't ; 
 But how for me to get access ? 
 
 Ant. 'Tis easy ; 
 I'll be your guide, sir, all my care shall lead you ; 
 My credit's better than you think. 
 
 Pedro. I thank you, 
 And soon I'll wait your promise. 
 
 Ant. "With all my duty. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — A Bed-room in the same. 
 Enter Viceroy, Duke, Paulo, and Cuculo. 
 Paulo. All's as I tell you, princes ; you shall 
 Be witness to his fancies, melancholy, [here 
 
 And strong imagination of his wrongs. 
 His inhumanity to don Antonio 
 Hatli rent his mind into so many pieces 
 Of various imaginations, that. 
 
 Like the celestial bow, this colour nov/'s 
 The object, then another, till all vanish. 
 He says a man might watch to death, or fast, 
 Or think his spirit out ; to all which humours 
 I do apply myself, checking the bad. 
 And cherishing the good. For these, 1 have 
 Prepared my instruments, fitting his chamber 
 With trapdoors, and descents ; sometimes present- 
 Good spirits of the air, bad of the earth, [iug 
 To pull down or advance his fair intentions. 
 He's of a noble nature, yet sometimes 
 Thinks that which, by confederacy, I do, 
 Is by some skill in magic. 
 
 Enter Cardenes, a book in his hand. 
 
 Here he comes 
 LTnsent. I do beseech you, what do you read, sir ? 
 Car. A strange position, which doth much per- 
 plex me : 
 That every soul's alike a musical instrument, 
 The faculties in all men equal strings. 
 Well or ill handled ; and those sweet or harsh. 
 
 [Exit rAULO. 
 
 How like a fiddler I have play'd on mine then ! 
 Declined the high pitch of my birth and breeding. 
 Like the most barbarous peasant ; read my pride 
 Upon Antonio's meek humility, 
 Wherein he was far valianter than I. 
 Meekness, thou wait'st upon courageous spirits, 
 Enabling sufferance past inflictions. 
 In patience Tarent overcame me more 
 Than in my wounds : live then, no more to men. 
 Shut daylight from thine eyes, here cast thee down, 
 
 iFalls on the bed. 
 And with a sullen sigh breathe forth thy soui-^ 
 
 Re-enter Paulo disguised as a Friar. 
 What art? an apparition, or a man ? 
 
 Paul. A man, and sent to counsel thee. 
 
 Car. Despair 
 Has stopt mine ears ; thou seem'st a holy friar. 
 
 Paul. I am ; by doctor Paulo sent, to tell thee 
 Thou art too cruel to thyself, in seeking 
 To lend compassion and aid to others. 
 My order bids me comfort thee. I have heard all 
 Thy various, troubled passions : hear but my story. 
 In way of youth I did enjoy one friend, 
 As good and perfect as heaven e'er made man ; 
 This friend was plighted to a beauteous woman, 
 (Nature proud of her workmanship,) mutual love 
 
882 
 
 A VERY WOMAN. 
 
 ACT IV 
 
 Possess'd them both, her heart in his breast lodged, 
 And his in hers. 
 
 Car. No more of love, good father, 
 It was my surfeit, and I loath it now, 
 As men in fevers meat they fell sick on. 
 
 Paul. Howe'er, 'tis worth your hearing. This 
 betroth'd lady, 
 (The ties and duties of a friend forgotten,) 
 Spurr'd on by lust, I treacherously pursued ; 
 Contemn'd by her, and by my friend reproved. 
 Despised by honest men, my conscience sear'd up, 
 Love I converted into frantic rage ; 
 And by that false guide led, I summon'd him 
 In this bad cause, his sword 'gainst mine, to prove 
 If he or I might claim most right in love. 
 But fortune, that does seld or never give 
 Success to right and virtue, made him fall 
 Under my sword. Blood, blood, a friend's dear 
 A virtuous friend's, shed by a villain, me, [blood, 
 In such a monstrous and unequal cause. 
 Lies on my conscience. 
 
 Car. And durst thou live, 
 After this, to be so old ? 'tis an illusion 
 Raised up by charms : a man would not have lived. 
 Art quiet in thy bosom ? 
 
 Paul. As the sleep 
 Of infants. 
 
 Car. My fault did not equal this ; 
 Yet I have emptied my heart of joy. 
 Only to store sighs up. What were the arts 
 That made thee live so long iu rest.-' 
 
 Pavl. Repentance 
 Hearty, that cleansed me ; reason then confirm 'd 
 
 me, 
 I was forgiven, and took me to my beads. {Exit. 
 
 Car. I am in the wrong path ; tender conscience 
 Makes me forget mine honour : I have done 
 No evil like this, yet I pine ; whilst he, 
 A few tears of his true contrition tender'd, 
 Securely sleeps. Ha ! where keeps peace of con- 
 science, 
 1 hat I may buy her ? — no where ; not in life. 
 'Tis feign'd that Jupiter two vessels placed, 
 The one with honey fill'd, the other gall. 
 At the entry of Olympus ; Destiny, 
 There brewing these together, suffers not 
 One man to pass, before he drinks this mixture. 
 Hence is it we have not an hour of life 
 In which our pleasures relish not some pain, 
 Our sours some sweetness. Love doth taste of both; 
 Revenge, that thirsty dropsy of our souls, 
 Which makes i\s covet that which hurts us most, 
 Is not alone sweet, but partakes of tartness. 
 
 Duke, Is't not a strange effect ? 
 
 Vice. Past precedent. 
 
 Cue. His brain-pan's perish'd with his wounds : 
 I knew 'twould come to this, [go to, 
 
 Vice. Peace, man of wisdom. 
 
 Car. Pleasure's the hook of evil ; ease of care. 
 And so the general object of the court ; 
 Yet some delights are lawful. Honour is 
 Virtue's allow'd ascent ; honour, that clasps 
 All-perfect justice in her arms, that craves 
 No more respect than what she gives, that does 
 Nothing but what she'll suffer. — This distracts me ; 
 But I have found the right : had don Antonio 
 Done that to me, I did to him, I should havekill'd 
 The injury so foul, and done in public, [him ; 
 
 My footman would not bear it ; then in honour 
 Wronging him so, I'll right him on myself : 
 
 There's honour, justice, and full satisfaction 
 Equally tender'd ; 'tis resolved, I'll do it. 
 
 They rush forward and disarm him 
 They take all weapons from me. 
 Duke. Bless my son ! 
 
 Re-enter Paulo, dressed like a Soldier, and the English 
 Slave like a Courtier. 
 
 Vicp. The careful doctor s come again. 
 
 Duke. Rare man ! 
 How shall I pay this debt ? 
 
 Cue. He that is with him. 
 Is one o' the slaves he lately bought, he said. 
 To accommodate his cure : he's English born, 
 But French in his behaviour ; a delicate slave. 
 
 Vice. The slave is very fine. 
 
 Cue. Your English slaves 
 Are ever so ; I have seen an English slave 
 Far finer than his master : there's a state-point. 
 Worthy your observation. 
 
 Paul. On thy life, 
 Be perfect in thy lesson : fewer legs, slave. 
 
 Car. My thoughts are search'd and answer'd ; 
 Desire a soldier and a courtier, [for I did 
 
 To yield me satisfaction in some doubts 
 Not yet concluded of. 
 
 Paul. Y^our doctor did 
 Admit us, sir. 
 
 Slave. And we are at your service ; 
 Whate'er it be, command it. 
 
 Car. You appear 
 A courtier in the race of Love ; how far 
 In honour are you bound to run ? 
 
 Slave. I'll tell you. 
 You must not spare expense, but wear gay clothes, 
 And you may be, too, prodigal of oaths, 
 To win a mistress' favour ; not afraid 
 To pa^s unto her through her chambermaid. 
 You may present her gifts, and of all sorts, 
 Feast, dance, and revel ; they are lawful sports : 
 The choice of suitors you must not deny her, 
 Nor quarrel, though you find a rival by her : 
 Build on your own deserts, and ever be 
 A stranger to love's enemy, jealousy. 
 For that draws on 
 
 Car. No more ; this points at me ; 
 
 lExit English Slave, 
 I ne'er observed these rules. Now speak, old 
 The height of Honour .' [soldier, 
 
 Paul. No man to offend, 
 Ne'er to reveal the secrets of a friend ; 
 Rather to suffer than to do a wrong ; 
 To make the heart no stranger to the tongue ; 
 Provoked, not to betray an enemy. 
 Nor eat his meat I choak with flattery ; 
 Blushless to tell wherefore I wear my scars, 
 Or for my conscience, or my country's wars ; 
 To aim at just things ; if we have wildly i-un 
 Into offences, wish them all undone : 
 'Tis poor, in grief for a wrong done, to die. 
 Honour, to dare to live, and satisfy. 
 
 Vice. Mark, how he winds him. 
 
 Duke. Excellent man ! 
 
 Paul. Who fights 
 With passions, and o'ercomes them, is endued 
 With the best virtue, passive fortitude. lExiU 
 
 Car. Thou hast touch' d me, soldier ; oh ! this 
 honour bears 
 The right stamp ; would all soldiers did profess 
 Thy good religion ! The discords of my soul 
 
SCEXK III. 
 
 A VERY WOMAN. 
 
 003 
 
 Are tuned, and make a heavenly harmony : 
 What sweet peace feel I now ! I am ravish'd with it. 
 
 Vice. How still he sits I IMusic. 
 
 Cue. Hark ! music. 
 
 Duke. How divinely 
 This artist gathers scatter'd sense ; with cunning 
 Composing the fair jewel of his mind, 
 Broken in pieces, and nigh lost before. 
 
 Re-enter Paulo, dressed like a Philosopher, accompanied 
 b'l a good and evil Genius, who sinrj a song in nllcrnate 
 stanzas : during the performance of which, Paulo goes 
 off, and returns in his own shape. 
 
 Vice. See Protean Paulo in another shape. 
 
 l^anl. Away, I'll bring him shortly ^rfect, 
 
 Duke. Master of thy great art ! [doubt not. 
 
 Vice. As such we'll hold thee. 
 
 Duke. And study honours for him. 
 
 Cue. I'll be sick 
 On purpose to take physic of this doctor. 
 
 lExetint all but Cardknes and Paulo, 
 
 Car. Doctor, thou hast perfected a body's cure 
 To amaze the world, and almost cured a mind 
 Near frenzy. With delight I now perceive, 
 You, for my recreation, have invented 
 The several objects, which my melancholy 
 Sometimes did think you conjured, otherwhiles 
 Imagined them chimseras. You have been 
 My friar, soldier, philosopher. 
 My poet, architect, physician : 
 Labour'd for me, more than your slaves for you, 
 In their assistance : in your moral song 
 Of ray good Genius, and my bad, you have won me 
 A cheerful heart, and banish'd discontent ; 
 There being nothing wanting to my wishes, 
 But once more, were it possible, to behold 
 Don John Antonio. 
 
 Pauh There sliall be letters sent 
 Into all parts of Christendom, to inform him 
 Of your recovery, which now, sir, I doubt not. 
 
 Car. What honours, what rewards can I heap on 
 you ! 
 
 Paid. That my endeavours have so well suc- 
 ceeded, 
 Is a sufticient recompense. Pray you retire, sir ; 
 Not too much air so soon. 
 
 Car. I am obedient. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. — A Boom in Cuculo's House. 
 
 Enter Almira and Leonora. 
 
 Leon. How strangely 
 This fellow runs in her mind ! lAside. 
 
 Aim. Do you hear, cousin ? 
 
 Leon. Her sadness clean forsaken ! 
 
 Aim. A poor slave 
 Bought for my governess, say you ? 
 
 Leon. I hear so. 
 
 Aim. And, do you think, a Turk? 
 
 Leon. His habit shews it ; 
 At least bought for a Turk. 
 
 Aim. Ay, that may be so. 
 
 Leon. What if he were one naturally ? 
 
 Aim. Nay, 'tis nothing. 
 Nothing to the purpose ; and yet, methinks, 'tis 
 
 strange 
 Such handsomeness of mind, and civil outside, 
 Should spring from those rude countries. 
 
 Leon. If it be no more, 
 I'll call our governess, and she can shew you. 
 
 Aim. Why, do you think it is .' 
 
 Leo7i. I do not think so. 
 
 Aim. Fie ! no, no, by no means ; and to tell 
 thee truth, wench, 
 I am truly glad he is here, be what he will : 
 Let him be still the same he makes a shew of; 
 For now we shall see something to delight us. 
 
 Leon. And heaven knows, we have need on't. 
 
 Aim. Heigh ho ! my heart aches. 
 Prithee, call in our governess. — lE.vit Leonora.] 
 
 Plague o' this fellow ! 
 Why do I think so much of him ? how the devil 
 Creep'd he into my head ? and yet, beshrew me, 
 Methinks I have not seen — I lie, I have seen 
 
 A thousand handsomer, a thousand sweeter. 
 
 But say this fellow were adorn'd as they are. 
 Set off to shew and glory ! — What's that to me ? 
 Fie, what a fool am I ! what idle fancies 
 Buz in my brains ! 
 
 Re-enter Leonora with Borachia. 
 
 Bora. And how doth my sweet lady ? 
 
 Leon. She wants your company to make her 
 merry. 
 
 Bora. And how does master Pug, I pray you, 
 
 Leon. Do you mean her little dog ? [madana ? 
 
 Bora. I mean his worship. 
 
 Leon. Troubled with fleas a little. 
 
 Bora. Alas, poor chicken ! 
 
 Leon. She's here, and drunk, very fine drunk, 
 I take it ; 
 I found her with a bottle for her bolster, 
 Lying along, and making love. 
 
 Aim. Borachia, 
 Why, where hast thou been, wench ? she looks not 
 Art not with child ? [well, friend. 
 
 Bora. I promise ye, I know not ; 
 I am sure my belly's full, and that's a shrewd sign : 
 Besides I am shrewdly troubled with a tiego 
 Here in my head, madam ; often with this tiego. 
 It takes me very often. 
 
 Leon. I believe thee. 
 
 Aim. You must drink wine. 
 
 Bora. A little would do no harm, sure. 
 
 Leon. 'Tis a raw humour blows into your head ; 
 Which good strong wine will temper. 
 
 Bora. I thank your highness. 
 I will be ruled, though much against my nature ; 
 For wine I ever hated from my cradle : 
 Yet, for my good 
 
 Leon. Ay, for your good, by all means. 
 
 Aim. Borachia, what new fellow's that thou hast 
 gotten .'' 
 (Now she vvill sure be free) that handsome stranger ? 
 
 Bora. How much wine must I drink, an't please 
 your ladyship ? 
 
 Aim. She's finely greased !— Why two or three 
 
 Bora. Fasting } [round draughts, wench. 
 
 Aim. At any time. 
 
 Bora. I shall hardly do it : 
 But yet I'll try, good madam. 
 
 Leon. Do ; 'twill work well. 
 
 Aim. But, prithee answer me, what is this fellow? 
 
 Bora. I'll tell you two : but let it go no further. 
 
 Iseon. No, no, by no means. 
 
 Bora. May I not drink before bed too } 
 
 Leon. At any hour. 
 
 Bora. And say in the night it take me ? 
 
 Aim. Drink then: but what's this man ? 
 
 Bora. I'll tell ye, madarn, 
 
'3n4: 
 
 A VERY WOMAN. 
 
 ACT IV 
 
 But pray you be secret ; he's the great Turk's son, 
 
 for certain, 
 And a fine Christian ; my husband bought him for 
 He's circumsinged. [me : 
 
 Leon. He's circumcised, thou wouldst say. 
 
 Aim. How dost thou know ? 
 
 Bora. I had an eye upon him : 
 But even as sweet a Turk, an't like your ladyship. 
 And speaks ye as pure pagan : — I'll assure ye, 
 My husband had a notable pennyworth of him ; 
 And found me but the Turk's own son, his own 
 By father and mother, madam ! [son 
 
 Leon. She's mad-drunk. 
 
 Aim. Prithee, Borachia, call him ; I wouid see 
 And tell thee how I like him. Lhim, 
 
 Bora. As fine a Turk, madam. 
 For that which appertains to a true Turk 
 
 Aim. Prithee, call him. 
 
 Bora. He waits here at the stairs : — Son slave ! 
 come hither. 
 
 Enter Antonio. 
 
 Pray you give me leave a little to instruct him. 
 He's raw yet in the way of entertainment. 
 Son slave, where's the other bottle .'' 
 
 A7it. In the bedstraw ; 
 I hid it there. 
 
 Bora. Go up, and make your honours. 
 Madam, the tiego takes me now, now, madam ; 
 I must needs be unmannerly. 
 
 Aim. Pray you be so. 
 
 Leon. You know your cure. 
 
 Bora. In the bedstraw ? 
 
 Ant. There you'll find it. [Exit Borachia, 
 
 Aim. Come hither, sir : how long have you 
 served here ? 
 
 Ant. A poor time, madam, yet, to shew my ser- 
 
 Alm. I see thou art diligent. [vice. 
 
 Ant. I would be, madam ; 
 'Tis all the portion left me, that and truth. 
 
 Aim. Thou art but young. 
 
 A7it. Had fortune meant me so, 
 Excellent lady, time had not much wrong'd me. 
 
 Aim. Wilt thou serve me ? 
 
 Ant. In all my prayers, madam, 
 Else such a misery as mine but blasts yon. 
 
 Aim. Beshrew my heart, he speaks well ; won- 
 drous honestly. [Aside. 
 
 Ant. Madam, your loving lord stays for you. 
 
 Leon. I thank you. 
 Your pardon for an hour, dear friend. 
 
 Aim. Your pleasure. 
 
 Leon. I dearly thank you, sir. [Exit. 
 
 Ant. My humblest service. 
 She views me narrowly, yet sure she knows me not : 
 1 dare not trust the time yet, nor I must not. 
 
 [Aside. 
 
 Aim. You are not as your habit shews ? 
 
 Ant. No, madam. 
 His hand, that, for my sins, lies heavy on me, 
 I hope will keep me from being a slave to the devil. 
 
 Aim. A brave clear mind he has, and nobly sea- 
 What country are you of? [son'd. 
 
 Ant. A Biscan, lady. 
 
 Aim. No doubt, a gentleman. 
 
 Ant. My father thought so. 
 
 Aim. Ay, and I warrant thee, a right fair woman 
 Thy mother was : — he blushes, that confirms it. 
 Upon my soul, I have not seen such sweetness ! 
 I prithee, blush again. 
 
 Ant. 'Tis a weakness, madam, 
 I am easily this way woo'd to. 
 
 Aim. I thank you. 
 Of all that e'er I saw, thou art the perfectest. 
 
 [Aside . 
 Now you must tell me, sir, for now I long for't. 
 
 Ant. What would she have ? 
 
 Aim. The story of your fortune. 
 The hard and cruel fortune brought you hither. 
 
 Ant. That makes me stagger ; yet I hope I'm 
 hid still — [Aside. 
 
 That I came hither, madam, was the fairest. 
 
 Aim, But how this misery you bear, fell on you.'' 
 
 Ant. Infandum, regina,jubes renovare dolorem. 
 
 Aim. Come, I will have it ; I command you tell 
 For such a speaker I would hear for ever. [it, 
 
 Ant. Sure, madam, 'twill but make you sad and 
 heavy. 
 Because I know your goodness full of pity ; 
 And 'tis so poor a subject too, and to your ears. 
 That are acquainted with things sweet and easy. 
 So harsh a harmony. 
 
 Aim. I prithee speak it. 
 
 Ant. I ever knew obedience the best sacrifice. 
 Honour of ladies, then, first passing over 
 Some few years of my youth, that are impertinent, 
 Let me begin the sadness of my story. 
 Where I began to lose myself, to love first. 
 
 Aim. 'Tis well, go forward ; some rare piece I 
 look for. 
 
 Ant. Not far from where my father lives, a lady, 
 A neighbour by, bless'd with as great a beauty 
 As nature durst bestow without undoing, 
 Dwelt, and most happily, as I thought then. 
 And blest the house a thousand times she dwelt in. 
 This beauty, in the blossom of my youth. 
 When my first fire knew no adulterate incense, 
 Nor I no way to flatter, but my fondness ; 
 In all the bravery my friends could show me, 
 In all the faith my innocence could give me. 
 In the best language my true tongue could tell me, 
 And all the broken sighs my sick heart lend me, 
 I sued, and serv'd : long did I love this lady. 
 Long was my travail, long my trade to win her ; 
 With all the duty of my soul, I served her. — 
 
 Aim. How feelingly he speaks 1 [Aside.} — And 
 It must be so. [she loved you too ? 
 
 Ant. I would it had, dear lady ; 
 This story had been needless, and this place, 
 I think, unknown to me. 
 
 Aim. Were your bloods equal ? 
 
 Ant. Yes, and I thought our hearts too. 
 
 Aim. Then she must love. 
 
 Ant. She did — but never me ; she could not love 
 me. 
 She would not love, she hated : more, she scorn'd 
 And in so poor and base a way abused me, [me, 
 For all my services, for all my bounties, 
 So bold neglects flung on me. 
 
 Aim. An ill woman ! 
 Belike you found some rival in your love, then ? 
 
 Ant. How perfectly she points me to my story ! 
 
 [Aside. 
 Madam, I did ; and one whose pride and anger, 
 111 manners, and worse mien, she doted on. 
 Doted to my undoing, and my ruin. 
 And, but for honour to your sacred beauty. 
 And reverence to the noble sex, though she fall. 
 As she must fall that durst be so unnoble, 
 I should say something unbeseeming me. 
 
SCKNIC III. 
 
 A VERY WOMAN. 
 
 386 
 
 vV'hat out of love, and worthy love, I gave her, 
 Shame to her most unworthy mind ! to fools, 
 To girls, and fiddlers, to her boys she flung, 
 And in disdain of me. 
 
 Aim. Pray you take me with you. 
 Of what complexion was she ? 
 
 Ant. But that I dare not 
 Commit so great a sacrilege 'gainst virtue, 
 
 She look'd not much unlike though far, far 
 
 short. 
 Something, I see, appears — your pardon, madam — 
 Her eyes would smile so, but her eyes would cozen; 
 And so she would look sad : but yours is pity, 
 A noble chorus to my wretched story ; 
 Hers was disdain and cruelty. j^ 
 
 Aim. Pray heaven. 
 Mine be no worse ! he has told me a strange 
 story, [Aside. 
 
 And said 'twould make me sad ! he is no liar. — 
 But where begins this poor state } I will have all, 
 For it concerns me truly. 
 
 Ant. Last, to blot me 
 From all remembrance what I had been to her, 
 And how, how honestly, how nobly served her, 
 'Twas thought she set her gallant to dispatch me. 
 'Tis true, he quarrell'd without place or reason : 
 We fought, I kill'd him ; heaven's strong hand was 
 
 with me. — 
 For which I lost my country, friends, acquaintance, 
 And put myself to sea, where a pirate took me. 
 Forcing this habit of a Turk upon me. 
 And sold me here. 
 
 Aim. Stop there awhile ; but stay still. 
 
 [ Walks aside. 
 In this man's story, how I look, how monstrous ! 
 How poor and naked now I shew ! what don John, 
 In all the virtue of his life, but aim'd at. 
 This thing hath conquer'd with a tale, and carried. 
 Forgive me, thou that guid'st me! never conscience 
 Touch'd me till now, nor true love : let me keep it. 
 
 Re-enter Leonora with Pedro. 
 
 Leon. She is there. Speak to her, you will find 
 her alter' d. 
 
 Pedro. Sister, I am glad to see you, but far 
 gladder, 
 To see you entertain your health so well. 
 
 Aim. I am glad to see you too, sir, and shall be 
 gladder 
 Shortly to see you all. 
 
 Pedro. Now she speaks heartily. 
 What do you want ? 
 
 Aim. Only an hour of privateness 
 I have a few thoughts — 
 
 Pedro. Take your full contentment, 
 We'll walk aside again ; but first to you, friend 
 Or I shall much forget myself : my best friend, 
 Command me ever, ever — you have won it. 
 
 Ant. Your lordship overflows me. 
 
 Leon. 'Tis but due, sir, 
 
 \^Exetmt Leonora and Pedro. 
 
 Aim. He's there still. Ccrne, sir, to your last 
 part now. 
 Which only is your name, and I dismiss you. 
 Why, whither go you ? 
 
 Ant. Give me leave, good madam. 
 Or I must be so seeming rude to take it. 
 
 Aim. You shall not go, I swear you shall not go : 
 
 I ask you nothing but your name ; you have one, 
 And why should that thus fright you ? 
 
 Ant. Gentle madam, 
 I cannot speak ; pray pardon me, a sickness, 
 That takes me often, ties my tongue : go from 
 
 me. 
 My fit's infectious, lady. 
 
 Aim. Were it death 
 In all his horrors, I must ask and know it ; 
 Your sickness is unwillingness. Hard heart, 
 To let a lady of my youth, and place, 
 Beg thus long for a trifle ! 
 
 Ant. Worthiest lady. 
 Be wise, and let me go ; you'll bless me for it ; 
 Beg not that poison from me that will kill you. 
 
 Aim. I only beg your name, sir. 
 
 Ant. That will choak you ; 
 I do beseech you, pardon me. 
 
 Aim. I will not. 
 
 Ant. You'll curse me when you hear it. 
 
 Aim. Rather kiss thee ; 
 Why shouldst thou think so ? 
 
 Ant. Why ! I bear that name, 
 And most unluckily as now it happens, 
 (Though I be innocent of all occasion,) 
 That, since my coming hither, people tell me 
 You hate beyond forgiveness : now, heaven knows 
 So much respect, although I am a stranger. 
 Duty, and humble zeal, I bear your sweetness. 
 That for the world I would not grieve your good- 
 ness : 
 I'll change my name, dear madam. 
 
 Aim. People lie. 
 And wrong thy name ; thy name may save all 
 
 others. 
 And make that holy to me, that I hated : 
 Prithee, what is't ? 
 
 Ant. Don John Antonio. 
 
 What will this woman do, what thousand changes 
 Run through her heart and hands ? no fix'd 
 
 thought in her ! 
 She loves for certain now, but now I dare not. 
 Heaven guide me right ! [_Aside. 
 
 Aim. I am not angry, sir. 
 With you, nor with your name ; I love it rather. 
 And shall respect you — you deserve — for this time 
 I license you to go : be not far from me, 
 I shall call for you often. 
 
 Ant. I shall wait, madam. lExit 
 
 Enter Cuculo. 
 
 Aim. Now, what's the news with you ? 
 Cue. My lord your father 
 Sent me to tell your honour, prince Martiuo 
 Is well recover'd, and in strength. 
 
 Aim. Why, let him. — 
 The stories and the names so well agreeing. 
 And both so noble gentlemen. [Aside 
 
 Cue. And more, an't please you — 
 Aim. It doth not please me, neither more nor 
 
 less on't. 
 Cue. They'll come to visit you. 
 Aim. They shall break through the doors then. 
 
 [Exit. 
 Cue. Here's a new trick of state ; this shews 
 foul weather ; 
 But let her make it when she please, I'll gain by it. 
 
 lExit. 
 
'Miy 
 
 A VERY WOMAN 
 
 ACT V 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE l.—A Street. 
 
 Enter Pirates, and the Slave that followed Paulo. 
 1 Fir. Sold for a slave, say'st thou ? 
 
 Slave. 'Twas not so well : 
 Though I am bad enough, I personated 
 Such base behaviour, barbarism of manners, 
 With other pranks, that might deter the buyer, 
 That the market yielded not one man that would 
 Vouchsafe to own me. 
 
 I Pir. What was thy end in it ? 
 
 Slave. To be given away for nothing, as I was 
 To the viceroy's doctor ; with him I have continued 
 In such contempt, a slave uuto his slaves ; 
 His horse and dog of more esteem : and from 
 That villainous carriage of myself, as if 
 I'd been a lump of flesh without a soul, 
 I drew such scorn upon me, that I pass'd. 
 And pried in every place, without observance. 
 For which, if you desire to be made men, 
 And by one undertaking, and that easy, 
 You are bound to sacrifice unto my sufferings. 
 The seed I sow'd, and from which you shall reap 
 A plentiful harvest. 
 
 1 Pir. To the point ; I like not 
 These castles built in the air. 
 
 Slave. I'll make them real, 
 And you the Neptunes of the sea ; you shall 
 No more be sea-rats. 
 
 1 Pir. Art not mad ? 
 
 Slave. You have seen 
 The star of Sicily, the fair Almira, 
 The viceroy's daughter, and the beauteous ward 
 Of the duke of Messina ? 
 
 1 Pir. Madam Leonora. 
 
 Slave. What will you say, if both these prin- 
 cesses. 
 This very night, for I will not delay you, 
 Be put in your possession ? 
 
 1 Pir. Now I dare swear 
 Thou hast maggots in thy brains, thou wouldst not 
 
 else, 
 Talk of impossibilities. 
 
 Slave. Be still 
 Incredulous. 
 
 1 Pir. Why, canst thou think we are able 
 To force the court ? 
 
 Slave. Are we able to force two women, 
 And a poor Turkish slave .' Where lies your pin- 
 nace ? 
 
 1 Pir. In a creek not half a league hence. 
 Slave. Can you fetch ladders, 
 
 To mount a garden wall ? 
 
 2 Piv. They shall be ready. 
 
 Slave. No more words then, but follow me ; 
 and if 
 I do not make this good, let my throat pay for't. 
 
 1 Pir. What heaps of gold these beauties would 
 bring to us 
 From the great Turk, if it were possible 
 That this could be effected I 
 
 Slave. If it be not, 
 I know the price on't. 
 
 1 Pir, And be sure to pay it. {Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II.— .4 Room in Cuculo's House. 
 Enter Antonio with a Utter in his hand. 
 
 Ant. Her fair hand threw this from the window 
 And as I took it up, she said. Peruse it, [to me. 
 And entertain a fortune offered to thee. — 
 What may the inside speak ? — 
 
 [_Break$ it open, and reads. 
 For satisfaction 
 Of the contempt I shewed don John Antonio, 
 Whose name thou bear'st, and in that dearer to me, 
 I do profess I love thee — How ! — ''tis so — 
 / love thee ; this night wait me in the garden, 
 There thou shalt know more — subscribed, 
 
 Thy Almira. 
 Can it be possible such levity 
 Should wait on her perfections ! when I was 
 Myseh, <*et off with all the grace of greatness, 
 Pomp, bravery, circumstance, she hated me. 
 And did profess it openly ; yet now, 
 Being a slave, a thing she should in reason 
 Disdain to look upon ; in this base shape. 
 And, since I wore it, never did her service. 
 To dote thus fondly I — and yet I should glory 
 In her revolt from constancy, not accuse it. 
 Since it makes for me. But, ere I go further. 
 Or make discovery of myself, I'll put her 
 To the utmost trial. In the garden ! well, 
 There I shall learn more. Women, giddy women ! 
 In her the blemish of your sex you prove. 
 There is no reason for your hate or love. [iixit. 
 
 SCENE III. — A Garden belonging to the same. 
 Enter Almira, Leonora, and two Waiting-women. 
 
 Leon. At this 
 Unseasonable time to be thus brave. 
 No visitants expected ; you amaze me. 
 
 Aim. Are these jewels set forth to the best ad- 
 To take the eye ? [vantage, 
 
 1 Wom. W^ith our best care. 
 
 2 Wom. We never 
 Better discharged our duties. 
 
 Aim. In my sorrows, 
 A princess' name (I could perceive it) struck 
 A kind of reverence in him, and my beauty, 
 As then neglected, forced him to look on me 
 With some sparks of affection ; but now. 
 When I would fan them to a glorious flame, 
 I cannot be too curious. I wonder 
 He stays so long. [.Aside. 
 
 Leon. These are strange fancies. 
 
 Aim. Go, 
 Entreat — I do forget myself — command 
 My governess' gentleman, her slave, I should say, 
 To wait me instantly ; — [Exit 1 Woman.] — and 
 
 yet already 
 He's here ; his figure graven on my heart, 
 Never to be razed out. 
 
 Enter Pirates, and the Slave. 
 
 Slave. There is the prize. 
 Is it so rich that you dare not seize upon it ? 
 Here I begin. [Seizes Almira. 
 
 Aim. Help ! villain ! 
 
 1 Pir. You are mine. [Seizes Leonora 
 
SCENE IV. 
 
 A VERY WOMAN. 
 
 08"; 
 
 2 Pir. Though somewhat coarse, you'll serve, 
 after a storm, 
 To hid fair weather welcome. ISeizet 2 Woman. 
 
 Leon. Ravisher ! 
 Defend me, heaven ! 
 
 Aim. No aid near I 
 
 2 IVom. Help ! 
 
 Slave. Dispatch. 
 No glove nor handkerchief to stop their mouths ? 
 Their cries will reach the guard, and then we are 
 lost. 
 
 Re-enter 1 Woman, with Antonio. 
 
 Ant. What shrieks are these ? from whence .' 
 O blessed saints, -^ 
 
 What sacrilege to beauty ! do I talk, 
 When 'tis almost too late to do ! — \_Forces a sword 
 from the Slave.]— Take that. 
 Slave. All set upon him. 
 1 Pir. Kill him. 
 Ant. You shall buy 
 My life at a dear rate, you rogues. 
 
 Enter Pedro, Cuculo, BoBAcmA, and Guard. 
 Cue. Down with tliem. 
 Pedro. Unheard-of treason ! 
 Bora. Make in, loggerhead ; 
 My son slave fights like a dragon : take my bottle, 
 Drink courage out on't. 
 
 Ant. Madam, you are free. 
 Pedro. Take comfort, dearest mistress. 
 Cue. O you micher, 
 Have you a hand in this } 
 
 Slave. My aims were high ; 
 Fortune's my enemy : to die's the worst, 
 And that I look for. 
 
 1 Pir. Vengeance on your plots 1 
 Pedro. The rack at better leisure shall force 
 from them 
 A full discovery : away with them. 
 Cue. Load them with irons. 
 Eora. Let them have no wine 
 
 lExit Guard with Pirates and Slave. 
 To comfort their cold hearts. 
 Pedro. Thou man of men ! 
 Leon. A second Hercules. 
 Aim. An angel thus disguised. 
 Pedro. What thanks ? 
 Leon. What service ? 
 Bora. He shall serve me, by your leave, no ser. 
 
 vice else. 
 Ant. I have done nothing but my duty, madam ; 
 And if the little you have seen exceed it, 
 The thanks due for it pay my watchful master. 
 And this my sober mistress. 
 
 Bora. He speaks truth, madam, 
 I am very sober. 
 
 Pedro. Far beyond thy hopes 
 Expect reward. 
 
 Aim. We'll straight to court, and there 
 It is resolved what 1 will say and do. 
 I am faint, support me. 
 
 Pedro. This strange accident 
 Will be heard with astonishment. Come, friend, 
 You have made yourself a fortune, and deserve it. 
 
 [,Excunt, 
 
 c2 
 
 SCENE lY.— A Room in the Yicethoy's 
 Palace. 
 
 Enter Vicekov, Duke o/ Messina, and Paulo. 
 
 Duke. Perfectly cured ! 
 
 Paul. As such I will present him : 
 The thanks to be given to heaven. 
 
 Duke. Thrice-reverend man. 
 What thanks but will come short of thy desert ? 
 Or bounty, though all we possess were given thee, 
 Can pay thy merit ? I will have thy statue 
 Set up in brass. 
 
 Vice. Thy name made the sweet subject 
 Of our best poems ; thy unequall'd cures 
 Recorded to posterity. 
 
 Paul. Such false glories 
 (Though the desire of fame be the last weakness 
 Wise men put off) are not the marks I shoot at- 
 But, if I have done any thing that may challenge 
 Yoar favours, mighty princes, my request is. 
 That for the good of such as shall succeed me, 
 A college for physicians may be 
 With care and cost erected, in which no man 
 May be admitted to a fellowship, 
 But such as by their vigilant studies shall 
 Deserve a place there ; this magnificence. 
 Posterity shall thank you for. 
 
 Vice. Rest assured. 
 In this, or any boon you please to ask. 
 You shall have no repulse. 
 
 Paul. My humblest service 
 Shall ne'er be wanting. Now, if you so please, 
 I'll fetch my princely patient, and present him. 
 
 Duke. Do ; and imagine in what I may serve 
 And, by my honour, with a willing hand [you, 
 
 I will subscribe to't. lExit Paulo. 
 
 Enter Pedro, Almira, Leonora, Antonio, Ccculo, 
 BoRACHiA, and Guard. 
 
 Cue. Make way there. 
 
 Vice. My daughter ! 
 How's this ! a slave crown'd with a civic garland i 
 The mystery of this ? 
 
 Pedro. It will deserve 
 Your hearing and attention : such a truth 
 Needs not rhetorical flourishes, and therefore 
 With all the brevity and plainness that 
 I can, I -will deliver it. If the old Romans, 
 When of most power and wisdom, did decree 
 A wreath like this to any common soldier 
 That saved a citizen's life, the bravery 
 And valour of this man may justly challenge 
 Triumphant laurel. This last night a crew 
 Of pirates brake in signior Cuculo's house, 
 With violent rudeness seizing on my sister, 
 And my fair mistress ; both were in their power, 
 And ready to be forced hence, when this man, 
 Unarm'd, came to their rescue, but his courage 
 Soon furnish'd him with weapons ; in a word, 
 The lives and liberties of these sweet ladies, 
 You owe him for : the rovers are in hold. 
 And ready, when you please, for punishment. 
 
 Vice. As an induction of more to come, 
 Receive this favour. 
 
 Duke. With myself, my son 
 Shall pay his real thanks. He comes ; observe now 
 Their amorous meeting. 
 
 Re-enter Paulo with Cardenes. 
 Car. I am glad you are well, lady. 
 
 J^UJ^'^61 THE 
 
S88 
 
 A VERY WOMAN. 
 
 Aim. I grieve not your recovery. 
 
 Vice. So coldly ! 
 
 Duke. Why fall you off? ^ 
 
 Car. To shun captivity, sir. 
 I was too long a slave, I'll now be free. 
 
 Aim. 'Tis my desire you should. Sir, my 
 affection 
 To him was but a trifle, which I play'd with 
 In the childhood of my love ; which now, grown 
 I cannot like of. [older, 
 
 Vice. Strange inconstancy ! 
 
 Car. 'Tis judgment, sir, in me, or a true debt 
 Tender'd to justice, rather. My first life, 
 Loaden wit'h all the follies of a man. 
 Or what could take addition from a woman, 
 Was by my headstrong passions, which o'er-ruled 
 My understanding, foifeited to death : 
 But this new being, this my second life, 
 Begun in serious contemplation of 
 What best becomes a perfect man, shall never 
 Sink under such weak frailties. 
 
 Duke. Most unlook'd for ! 
 
 Paul. It does transcend all wonders. 
 
 Car. 'Tis a blessing 
 I owe your wisdom, which I'll not abuse : 
 But if you envy your own gift, and will 
 Make me that wretched creature which I was, 
 You then again shall see me compassionate, 
 A lover of poor trifles, confident 
 In man's deceiving strength, or falser fortune ; 
 Jealous, revengeful, in unjust things daring, 
 Injurious, quarrelsome, stored with all diseases 
 The beastly part of man infects his soul with. 
 And to remember what's the worst, once more 
 To love a woman ; but till that time never. lExU. j 
 
 Vice. Stand you affected so to men, Almira ? 
 
 Aim. No, sir; if so, 1 could not well discharge 
 What I stand, bound to pay you, and to nature. 
 Though prince Martino does profess a hate 
 To womankind, 'twere a poor world for women, 
 Were there no other choice, or all should follow 
 The example of this new Hippolytus : 
 There are men, sir, that can love, and have loved 
 
 truly ; 
 Nor am I desperate but I may deserve 
 One that both can and will so. 
 
 Vice. My allowance 
 Shall rank with your good liking, still provided 
 Your choice be worthy. 
 
 Aim. In it I have used 
 The judgment of my mind, and that made clearer 
 With calling oft to heaven it might be so. 
 I have not sought a living comfort from 
 The reverend ashes of old ancestors ; 
 Nor given myself to the mere name and titles 
 Of such a man, that, being himself nothing, 
 Derives his substance from his grandsire's tomb : 
 For wealth, it is beneath my birth to think on't. 
 Since that must wait upon me, being your daughter; 
 No, sir, the man I love, though he wants all 
 The setting forth of fortune, gloss and greatness, 
 Has in himself such true and real goodness, 
 His parts so far above his low condition, 
 That he will prove an ornament, not a blemish, 
 Both to your name and family. 
 
 Pedi'o. What strange creature 
 llath she found out ? 
 
 Leon. I dare not guess. 
 
 Aim. To hold you 
 No longer in suspense, this matchless man, 
 
 Tliat saved my life and honour, is my husband, 
 Whom I will serve with duty. 
 
 Bora. My son slave ! 
 
 Vice. Have you your wits ? 
 
 Bora. I'll not part with him so. 
 
 Cue. This I foresaw too. 
 
 Vice. Do not jest thyself 
 Into the danger of a father's anger. 
 
 Aim. Jest, sir ! by all my hope of comfort i: 
 him, 
 I am most serious. Good sir, look upon him ; 
 But let it be with mj'' eyes, and the care 
 You should owe to your daughter's life and safety 
 Of which, without him, she's uncapable. 
 And you'll approve him worthy. 
 
 Vice. O thou shame 
 Of women I thy sad father's curse and scandal ! 
 With what an impious violence thou tak'st froir 
 His few short hours of breathing ! [him 
 
 Paul. Do not add, sir, 
 Weight to your sorrow in the ill-bearing of it. 
 
 Vice. From whom, degenerate monster, flow these 
 low 
 And base affections in thee .' what strange philtres 
 Hast thou received ? what witch with damned spells 
 Deprived thee of thy reason ? Look on me, 
 Since thou art lost unto thyself, and learn. 
 From what I suffer for thee, what strang-e tortures 
 Thou dost prepare thyself. 
 
 Duke. Good sir, take comfort ; 
 The counsel you bestow'd on me, make use of. 
 
 Paul. This villain, (for such practices in that 
 nation 
 Are very frequent,) it may be, hath forced. 
 By cunning potions, and by sorcerous charms. 
 This frenzy in her. 
 
 Vice. Sever them. 
 
 Aim. I grow to him. 
 
 Vice. Carry the slave to torture, and wrest from 
 By the most cruel means, a free confession [him 
 Of his impostures. 
 
 Aim. I will follow him. 
 And with him take the rack. 
 
 Bora. No ; hear me speak, 
 I can speak wisely : hurt not my son slave, 
 But rack or hang my husband, and I care not i 
 For I'll be bound body to body with him, 
 He's very honest, that's his fault. 
 
 Vice. Take hence 
 This drunken beast. 
 
 Bora. Drunk ! am I drunk .' bear witness. 
 
 Cue. She is indeed distemper'd. 
 
 Vice. Hang them both. 
 If e'er more they come near the court. 
 
 Cue. Good sir, 
 You can recover dead men ; can you cure 
 A living drunkenness ? 
 
 Paul. 'Tis the harder task : 
 Go home with her, I'll send you something that 
 Shall once again bring her to better temper. 
 Or make her sleep for ever. 
 
 Cue. Which you please, sir, 
 
 lExennt CucuLO and Boraciha 
 
 Vice. Why linger you ? rack him first, and afte 
 Upon the wheel. [break liin 
 
 Pedro. Sir, this is more than justice. 
 
 Ant. Is't death in Sicily to be beloved 
 Of a fair lady } 
 
 Leon. Though he be a slave, 
 Remember yet he is a man. 
 
8c;ene VI. 
 
 A VERY WOMAN. 
 
 n8& 
 
 I'' ice. I am deaf 
 To all persuasions : — dra^ him hence. 
 
 [27ic Guard carry off Astosjo, 
 
 Aim. Do, tyrant, 
 No more a father, feast thy cruelty 
 Upon thy daughter ; hut hell's plagues fall on me, 
 If I inflict not on myself whatever 
 He can endure for me I 
 
 Vice. Will none restrain her ? 
 
 Aim. Death hath a thousand doors to let out life, 
 I shall find one. If Portia's burning coals, 
 The knife of Lucrece, Cleopatra's aspics, 
 Famine, deep waters, have the power to free me 
 From a loatli'd life, I'll not an hour outlive him. 
 
 Pedro. Sister ! "^ 
 
 Leon. Dear cousin ! 
 
 lExit Almira, followed by Pedro, and Leon. 
 
 Vice. Let her perish. 
 
 Paul. Hear me : 
 The effects of violent love are desperate, 
 And therefore in the execution of 
 The slave be not too sudden. I was present 
 When he was bought, and at that time myself 
 Made purchase of another ; he that sold them 
 Said that they were companions of one country ; 
 Something may rise from this to ease your sorrows. 
 By circumstance I'll learn what's his condition ; 
 In the mean time use all fair and gentle means, 
 To pacify the lady. 
 
 Vice. I'll endeavour. 
 As far as grief and anger will give leave. 
 To do as you direct me. 
 
 Duke. I'll assist you. \_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE \.—A Room in the Prison. 
 Enter Pedro and Keeper. 
 
 Pedro. Hath he been visited already ? 
 
 Keep. Yes, sir, 
 Like one of better fortune ; and to increase 
 My wonder of it, such as repair to him, 
 In their behaviour rather appear 
 Servants, than friends to comfort him. 
 
 Pedro. Go fetch him. \_Exit Keeper. 
 
 I am bound in gratitude to do more than wish 
 The life and safety of a man that hath 
 So well deserved me. 
 
 lie-enter Keeper with Antonio in his former dress, and 
 Servant. 
 
 Keep. Here he is, my lord. 
 
 Pedro. Who's here? thou art no conjurer to 
 raise 
 A spirit in the best shape man e'er appear'd in. 
 My friend, the prince of Tarent : doubts, forsake 
 I must and will embrace him. [me ! 
 
 Ant. Pedro holds 
 One that loves life for nothing, but to live 
 To do him service. 
 
 Pedro. You are he, most certain. 
 Heaven ever make me thankful for this bounty. 
 Run to the Viceroy, let him know this rarity. 
 
 [Exit Keeper. 
 But how you came here thus — yet, since I have 
 Is't not enough I bless the prosperous means [you, 
 That brought you hither ? 
 
 Ant. Dear friend, you shall know all ; 
 And though, in thankfulness, I should begin 
 Where you deliver'd rac 
 
 Pedro. Pray you pass that over , 
 That's not worth the relation. 
 
 Ant. You confirm 
 True friends' love to do courtesies, not to hear them. 
 But I'll obey you. In our tedious passage 
 Towards Malta — I may call it so, for hardly 
 We had lost the ken of Sicily, but we were 
 Becalm'd and hull'd so up and down twelve hours; 
 When, to our more misfortunes, we descried 
 Eight well-mann'd gallies making amain for us. 
 Of which the arch Turkish pirate, cruel Dragut, 
 Was admiral : I'll not speak what I did 
 In our defence, but never man did more 
 Than the brave captain that you sent forth with me : 
 All would not do : courage oppress'd with number, 
 We were boarded, pillaged to the skin, and aft<:r 
 Twice sold for slaves ; by the pirate first, and 
 By a Maltese to signior Cuculo, [after 
 
 Which I repent not, since there 'twas my fortune 
 To be to you, my best friend, some ways useful - 
 I thought to cheer you up with this short story. 
 But you grow sad on't. 
 
 Pedro. Have I not just cause, 
 When I consider I could be so stupid. 
 As not to see a friend through all disguises ; 
 Or he so far to question my true love, 
 To keep himself conceal'd ? 
 
 Ant. 'Twas fit to do so. 
 And not to grieve you with the knowledge of 
 What then I was ; where now I appear to you, 
 Your sister loving me, and Martino safe, 
 Like to myself and birth. 
 
 Pedro. May you live long so ! 
 How dost thou, honest friend ? (your trustiest 
 
 servant) 
 Give me thy hand : — T now can guess by whom 
 You are thus furnish'd. 
 
 Ant. Troth he met with me 
 As I was sent to prison, and there brought me 
 Such things as I had use of. 
 
 Pedro. Let's to court. 
 My father never saw a man so welcome, 
 As you'll be to him. 
 
 Ant. May it prove so, friend ! lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE VI.- 
 
 ■A Room in the Viceroy's 
 Palace. 
 
 Enter Vioerov, Duke of Messina, Cardenes, Paulo, 
 Captain, Almira, Leonora, Waiting-women, and 
 Attendants. 
 
 Vice. The slave changed to the prince of Tarent, 
 says he? 
 
 Capt. Yes, sir, and I the captain of the fort, 
 Worthy of your displeasure, and the effect oft, 
 For my deceiving of that trust your excellency 
 Reposed in me. 
 
 Paid. Yet since all hath fallen out 
 Beyond your hopes, let me become a suitor, 
 And a prevailing one, to get his pardon. 
 
 Aim. O, dearest Leonora, with what forehead 
 Dare I look on him now ? too powerful Love, 
 The best strength of thy unconfined empire 
 Lies in weak women's hearts : thou art feigii'd 
 
 blind. 
 And yet we borrow our best sight from thee. 
 Could it be else, the person still the same, 
 Affection over me such power should have. 
 To make me scorn a prince, and love a slave J 
 
390 
 
 A VERY WOMAN. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 Car. But art thou sure 'tis he ? 
 
 Capt. Most certain, sir. 
 
 Car. Is he in health, strong, vigorous, and as 
 As when he left me dead ? [able 
 
 Capt. Your own eyes, sir, 
 Shall make good my report. 
 
 Car. I am glad of it, 
 And take you comfort in it, sir, there's hope. 
 Fair hope left for me, to repair mine honour. 
 
 Duke. What's that ? 
 
 Car. I will do something, that shall speak me 
 Messina's son. 
 
 Duke. I like not this : — one word, sir. 
 
 \_Whispers the V/cerov. 
 
 Vice. We'll prevent it. — 
 Nay look up, my Almira : now I approve 
 Thy happy choice ; I have forgot my anger ; 
 I freely do forgive thee. 
 
 Aim. May I find 
 Such easiness in the wrong'd prince of Tarent ! 
 I then were happy. 
 
 Leon. Rest assured you shall. 
 
 Enter Antonio, VE^F^o,and Serrant. 
 
 Vice. We all with open arms haste to embrace 
 
 Duke. Welcome, most welcome ! [you. 
 
 Car. Stay. 
 
 Duke. 'Twas this I fear'd. 
 
 Car. Sir, 'tis best known to you, on what strict 
 The reputation of men's fame and honours [terms 
 Depends in this so punctual age, in which 
 A word that may receive a harsh construction, 
 Is answer'd and defended by the sword : 
 And you, that know so much, will, I presume, 
 Be sensibly tender of another's credit, 
 As you would guard your own. 
 
 Ant. I were unjust else. 
 
 Car. I have received from your hands wounds, 
 My honour in the general report [and deep ones. 
 Tainted and soil'd, for which I will demand 
 This satisfaction — that you would forgive 
 My contumelious words and blow, my rash 
 
 And unadvised wildness first threw on you. 
 Thus I would teach the world a better way 
 For the recovery of a wounded honour, 
 Than with a savage fury, not true courage. 
 Still to run headlong on. 
 
 Ant. Can this be serious ? 
 
 Car. I'll add this, he that does wrong, not alone 
 Draws, but makes sharp, his enemy's sword against 
 His own life and his honour. I haA'^e paid for't ; 
 And wish that they who dare most, would learn 
 
 from me, 
 Not to maintain a wrong, but to repent it. 
 
 Paul. Why, this is like yourself. 
 
 Car. For further proof, 
 Here, sir, with all my interest, I give up 
 This lady to you. 
 
 Vice. Which I make more strong 
 With my free grant. 
 
 Aim. I bring mine own consent, 
 Which will not weaken it. 
 
 All. All joy confirm it ! 
 
 Ant. Your unexpected courtesies amaze me, 
 Which I will study with all love and service 
 To appear worthy of. 
 
 Paul. Pray you, understand, sir, 
 There are a pair of suitors more, that gladly 
 Would hear from you as much as the pleased 
 Hath said unto the prince of Tarent. [Viceroy 
 
 Duke. Take her ; 
 Her dowry shall be answerable to 
 Her birth, and your desert. 
 
 Pedro. You make both happy. 
 
 Ant. One only suit remains ; that you would 
 To take again into your highness' favour, [please 
 This honest captain : let him have your grace ; 
 What's due to his much merit, shall from me 
 Meet liberal rewards. 
 
 Vice. Have your desire. 
 
 Ant. Now may all here that love, as they are 
 friends 
 To our good fortunes, find like prosperous ends. 
 
 {,Excunt 
 
 EPILOGUE. 
 
 Custom f and that a law we must obey, 
 
 In the way of epilogue bids me something say, 
 
 However to little purpose, since we know, 
 
 If you are pleased, unbcgg^ d you will bestow 
 
 A gentle censure : on the other side, 
 
 If that this play deserve to be decried 
 
 In your opinions, all that I can say 
 
 Will never turn the stream the other way. 
 
 Your gracious smiles will render us secure ; 
 
 Your frowns without despair we must endure. 
 
THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSON/E. 
 
 GotizAQA, Duke of Mantua. ■^ 
 
 Lorenzo, Bukc of Tuscany, 
 
 Uberti, Prince of Parma. 
 
 Farneze, Cousin to Gonzaga. 
 
 Alonzo, the Ambassador, Nephew to Lorenzo. 
 
 Manfroy, a Lord of Mantua. 
 
 OcTAvro, formerly General to Gonzaga, hut now 
 
 in Exile. 
 GoTHRio, his Servant. 
 Galeazzo, a Milanese Prince, disguised under 
 
 the name of Hortensio. 
 Julio, his Attendant. 
 
 Pisa NO, ) „. ,. ^^ 
 
 Martino,!^^^'*^"^*"''^^'^^'''' 
 
 Captains. 
 
 Milanese Ambassador. 
 
 Doctor. 
 
 Matilda, Daughter to Gonzaga. 
 Beatrice, her Waiting-Woman. 
 Maria, Daughter to Octavio, disguised as a 
 
 Page, and called Ascanio. 
 Waiting-Women. 
 
 Captains, Soldiers, Guard, Attendants, Page, ^c. 
 
 SCENE, — Partly in the City of IMantua, and partly in thk Dutchy. 
 
 PROLOGUE. 
 
 This from our author, far from all offence 
 
 To abler writers, or the audience 
 
 Met here to judge his poem. He, by me. 
 
 Presents his service^ with such modesty 
 
 As well becomes his weakness. ' Tis no crime, 
 
 He hopes, as we do, in this curious time, 
 
 To be a little diffident, ivhen we are 
 
 To please so many with one bill of fare. 
 
 Let others, building on their merit, say 
 
 You're in the wrong, if you move not that way 
 
 Which they prescribe you : as you were bound to 
 
 Their maxims, but uncapable to discern \learn 
 
 ' Twixt truth and falsehood. Our's had rather 
 
 be 
 Censured by some for too much obsequy. 
 Than tax^d of self opinion. If he hear 
 That his endeavours thrived, and did appear 
 Worthy your view, (though made so by your 
 
 grace, 
 With some desert,J he, in another place^ 
 Will thankfully report, one leaf of bays 
 Truly conferred upon this work, will raise 
 More pleasure in him, you the givers free, 
 Than garlands ravished from the virgin tree. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I. 
 
 'Mantua. A Space before the 
 Palace. 
 
 Enter Hortensio and Julio. 
 
 Jul. I dare not cross you, sir, but I would 
 (Provided you allow it) render you [gladly 
 
 My personal attendance. 
 
 Hort. You shall better 
 Discharge the duty of an honest servant. 
 In following my instructions, which you have 
 Received already, than in questioning 
 What my intents are, or upon what motives 
 My stay's resolved in Mantua : believe me, 
 That servant overdoes, that's too officious ; 
 And, in presuming to direct your master, 
 You argue him of weakness, and yourself 
 Of arrogance and impertinence. 
 
 Jttl. I have done, sir ; 
 Rut what my ends are 
 
 Hort. Honest ones, I know it. 
 I have my bills of exchange, and all provisions, 
 Entrusted to you ; you have shewn yourself 
 Just and discreet, what would you more ? and yet. 
 To satisfy in some part your curious care. 
 Hear this, and leave me. I desire to be 
 Obscured ; and, as I have demean'd myself 
 These six months past in Mantua, I'll continue 
 Unnoted and unknown, and, at the best, 
 .Appear no more than a gentleman, and a stranger. 
 That travels for his pleasure. 
 
 Jul. With your pardon. 
 This hardly will hold weight, though I should 
 With your noble friends and brother. [swear it, 
 
 Hort. You may tell them. 
 Since you will be my tutor, there's a rumour, 
 Almost cried up into a certainty, 
 Of wars with Florence, and that I am determined 
 To see the service : wliatever I went forth. 
 
392 
 
 THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 Heavea prospering my intents, I would come home 
 A soldier, and a good one. 
 
 Jul. Should you get 
 A captain's place, nay, colonel's, 'twould add little 
 To what you are ; few of your rank will follow 
 That dangerous profession. 
 Hort. 'Tis the noblest, 
 And monarchs honour'd in it : but no more, 
 On my displeasure. 
 
 ! Jul. Saints and angels guard you ! iExit. 
 
 i Hort. A war, indeed, is threaten' d, nay, expected. 
 From Florence ; but it is 'gainst me already 
 Proclaim'd in Mantua ; I find it here, 
 No foreign, but intestine war : I have 
 Defied myself, in giving up my reason 
 A slave to passion, and am led captive 
 Before the battle's fought : I fainted, when 
 I only saw mine enemy, and yielded. 
 Before that I was charged ; and, though defeated, 
 I dare not sue for mercy. Like Ixion, 
 I look on Juno, feel my heart turn cinders 
 With an invisible fire ; and yet, should she 
 Deign to appear clothed in a various cloud. 
 The majesty of the substance is so sacred, 
 I durst not clasp the shadow. I behold her 
 With adoration, feast my eye, while all 
 My other senses starve ; and, oft frequenting 
 The place which she makes happy with her pre- 
 I never yet had power with tongue or pen [sence, 
 To move her to compassion, or make known 
 What 'tis I languish for ; yet I must gaze still. 
 Though it increase my fllame : — however, I 
 Much more than fear I am observ'd, and censured 
 For bold intrusion. [ Walks by. 
 
 Enter Beatrice and Ascanio. 
 
 Beat. Know you, boy, that gentleman ? 
 
 Asc. Who ? monsieur Melancholy ? hath not 
 Mark'd him before ? [your honour 
 
 Beat. I have seen him often wait 
 About the princess' lodgings, but ne'er guess'd 
 What his designs were. 
 
 Asc. No ! what a sigh he breath'd now ! 
 Many such will blow up the roof : on my small 
 There's gunpowder in them, [credit 
 
 Beat. How, crack ! gunpowder ? 
 He's flesh and blood, and devils only carry 
 Such roaring stuff about them : you cannot prove 
 He is or spirit or conjurer. 
 
 Asc. That I grant. 
 But he's a lover, and that's as bad ; their sighs 
 Are Uke petards, and blow all up. 
 
 Beat. A lover ! 
 I have been in love myself, but never found yet 
 That it could work such strange effects. 
 
 Asc. True, madam, 
 In women it cannot ; for when they miss the en- 
 joying 
 Of their full wishes, all their sighs and heigh-hoes. 
 At the worst, breed tympanies, and these are cured 
 
 too 
 With a kiss or two of their saint, when he appears 
 Between a pair of sheets : but, with us men, 
 The case is otherwise- 
 
 Beat, You will be breech'd, boy, 
 For your physical maxims. — But how are you 
 He is a lover ? [assured, 
 
 Asc. Who, I ? I know with whom too : 
 But that is to be whisper'd. ^Whispers. 
 
 Beat. How ! the princess I 
 
 The unparallel'd Matilda ! some proof of it ; 
 
 I'll pay for my intelligence. iGivcs A.sc. monei/. 
 
 Asc. Let me kiss 
 Your honour's hand ; 'twas ever fair, but now 
 Beyond comparison. 
 
 Beat. I guess the reason ; 
 A giving hand is still fair to the receiver. 
 
 Asc. Your ladyship's in the right ; but to the 
 purpose. 
 He is my client, and pays his fees as duly 
 As ever usurer did, in a bad cause. 
 To his man of law ; and yet I get, and take them 
 Both easily and honestly : all the service 
 I do him is, to give him notice when 
 And where the princess will appear ; and that 
 I hope's no treason. If you miss him, when 
 She goes to the vesper or the matins, hang me ; 
 Or when she takes the air, be sure to find him 
 Near her coach, at her going forth, or coming 
 
 back ; 
 But if she walk, he's ravish'd. I have seen him 
 Smell out her footing like a lime-hound, and nose it 
 From all the rest of her train. 
 
 Beat. Yet I ne'er saw him 
 Present her a petition. 
 
 Asc. Nor e'er shall : 
 He only sees her, sighs, and sacrifices 
 A tear or two — then vanishes. 
 
 Beat. 'Tis most strange : [oft. 
 
 What a sad aspect he wears ! but I'll make use 
 The princess is much troubled with the threats 
 That come from Florence ; I will bring her to him. 
 The novelty may afford her sport, and help 
 To purge deep melancholy. Boy, can you stay 
 Your client here for the third part of an hour ? 
 I have some ends in't. 
 
 Asc. Stay him, madam ! fear not : 
 The present receipt of a round sum of crowns. 
 And that will draw most gallants from their prayers, 
 Cannot drag him from me. 
 
 Beat. See you do. lExit. 
 
 Asc. Ne'er doubt me. 
 I'll put him out of his dream. — Good morrow, 
 signior. 
 
 Ifort. My Httle friend, good morrow. Hath the 
 Slept well to-night ? [princess 
 
 Asc. I hear not from her w-omen 
 One murmur to the contrary. 
 
 Hort. Heaven be praised for't ! 
 Does she go to church this morning } 
 
 Asc. Troth, I know not ; 
 I keep no key of her devotion, signior. 
 
 Hort. Goes she abroad ? pray tell me. 
 
 Asc. 'Tis thought rather. 
 She is resolv'd to keep her chamber. 
 
 Hort. Ah me ! 
 
 Asc. Why do you sigh ? if that you have a 
 business 
 To be dispatch'd in court, shew ready money, 
 You shall find those that will prefer it for yoxi. 
 
 Hort. Business ! can any man have business, but 
 To see her ; then admire her, and pray for her, 
 She being composed of goodness ? for myself, 
 I find it a degree of happiness 
 But to be near her, and I think I pay 
 A strict religious vow, when I behold her ; 
 And that's all my ambition. 
 
 Asc. I believe you : 
 Yet, she being absent, you may spend some hours 
 i With profit and delight too. After dinner, 
 
SCENE 1. 
 
 THE BASHFUL LOVFR. 
 
 303 
 
 The duke gives audience to a rough ambassador, 
 Whom yet I never saw, nor heard his title. 
 Employed from Florence ; I'll help you to a place, 
 Where you shall see and hear all. 
 
 Hort. 'Tis not worth 
 My observation. 
 
 Asc. What think you of 
 An excelJent comedy, to be presented 
 For his entertainment ? he that penn'd it is 
 The poet of the time, and all the ladies, 
 (I mean the amorous and learned ones,) 
 Except the princess, will be there to grace it. 
 
 Hort. What's that to me ? without her all is 
 nothing ; 
 The light that shines in court Cimmerian darkness ; 
 I will to bed again, and there contemplate 
 On her perfections. 
 
 Re-enter Beatrice voith Mattlda, and two Waiting- 
 women, 
 
 Aac. Stay, sir, see ! the princess, 
 Beyond our hopes. 
 
 Hort. Take that. {^Gives him money.'] — As 
 Moors salute 
 The rising sun with joyful superstition, 
 
 I could fall down and worship. O my heart ! 
 
 Like Phoebe breaking through an envious cloud, 
 Or something which no simile can express, 
 She shews to me : a reverent fear, but blended 
 With wonder and amazement, does possess me. 
 Now glut thyself, my famish'd eye ! 
 
 Beat. That's he, 
 An't please your excellence. 
 
 1 Worn. Observe his posture, 
 Hut wnth a quarter-look. 
 
 2 Worn. Your eye fix'd on him, 
 Will breed astonishment. 
 
 Matil. A comely gentleman ! 
 I would not question your relation, lady. 
 Yet faintly can believe it. How he eyes me ! 
 Will he not speak ? 
 
 Beat. Your excellence hath deprived him 
 Of speech and motion. 
 
 Matil. 'Tis most strange. 
 
 Asc. These fits 
 Are usual vs'ith him. 
 
 Matil. Is it not, Ascanio, 
 A personated folly ! or he a statue ? 
 If it be, it is a masterpiece ; for man 
 I cannot think him. 
 
 Beat. For your sport, vouchsafe him 
 A little conference. 
 
 Matil. In compassion rather : 
 For should he love me, as you say, (though hope- 
 less,) 
 It should not be return'd with scorn ; that were 
 An inhumanity, which my birth nor honour 
 Could privilege, were they greater. Now I perceive 
 He has Hfe and motion in him. To whom, lady, 
 Pays he that duty ? 
 
 [TIoRTE.vsio, hoioing, offers to go off. 
 
 Beat. Sans doubt, to yourself. 
 
 Matil. And whither goes he now ? 
 
 Asc. To his private lodging, 
 But to what end I know not ; this is all 
 I ever noted in him. 
 
 Matil. Call him back : 
 In pity I stand bound to counsel him, 
 Howe'er I am denied, though I were willing, 
 To ease his sufferings. 
 
 Asc. Signior ! the princess 
 Commands you to attend her. 
 
 Hort. {Returns.'] How ! the princess ! 
 Am I betray 'd ? 
 
 Asc. What a lump of flesh is this ! 
 You are betray'd, sir, to a better fortune 
 Than you durst ever hope for. What a Tantalus 
 Do you make yourself ! the flying fruit stays for 
 A-nd the water that you long'd for, rising up [you. 
 Above your lip, do you refuse to taste it ? 
 Move faster, sluggish camel, or I'll thrust 
 This goad in your breech : had I such a promising 
 I should need the reins, not spurs. [beard, 
 
 Matil. You may come nearer. 
 Why do you shake, sir ? If I flatter not 
 Myself, there's no deformity about me, 
 Nor any part so monstrous, to beget 
 An ague in you. 
 
 Hort. It proceeds not, madam, 
 From guilt, but reverence. 
 
 Matil. I believe you, sir ; 
 Have you a suit to me ? 
 
 Hort. Your excellence 
 Is wondrous fair. 
 
 Matil. I thank your good opmion. 
 
 Hort. And I beseech you that I may have license 
 To kneel to you. 
 
 Matil. A suit I cannot cross. 
 
 Hort. I humbly thank your excellence. {Kneels. 
 
 Matil. But what, 
 As you are prostrate on your knee before me. 
 Is your petition ? 
 
 Hort. I have none, great princess. 
 
 Matil. Do you kneel for nothing ? 
 
 Hort. Yes, I have a suit. 
 But such a one, as, if denied, will kill me. 
 
 Matil Take comfort: it must be of some strange 
 Unfitting you to ask, or me to grant, [nature. 
 
 If I refuse it. 
 
 Hort. It is, madam 
 
 Matil. Out with't. 
 
 Hort. That I may not offend you, this is all, 
 When I presume to look on you. 
 
 Asc. A flat eunuch 1 
 To look on her ? I should desire myself 
 To move a little further. 
 
 Matil. Only that } 
 
 Hort. And I beseech you, madam, to believe 
 I never did yet with a wanton eye ; 
 Or cherish one lascivious wish beyond it. 
 
 Beat. You'll never make good courtier, or be 
 In grace with ladies. 
 
 1 Worn. Or us waiting-women, 
 If that be your nil ultra. 
 
 2 Worn. He's no gentleman. 
 On my virginity, it is apparent : 
 
 My tailor has more boldness ; nay, my shoemaker 
 Will fumble a little further, he could not have 
 The length of my foot else. 
 
 Matil. Only to look on me ! 
 Ends your ambition there .' 
 
 Hort. It does, great lady, — 
 And that confined too, and at fitting distance : 
 The fly that plays too near the flame burns in it. 
 As I behold the sun, the stars, the temples, 
 I look on you, and wish it were no sin 
 Should T adore you. 
 
 Matil. Come, there's something more in't ; 
 A.nd since that you will make a goddess of me. 
 As such a one I'll tell you, I desire not 
 
304 
 
 THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 The meanest altar raised up to mine honour 
 To be pull'd down : I can accept from you, 
 Be your condition ne'er so far beneath me, 
 One grain of incense with devotion offer'd. 
 Beyond all perfumes, or Sabaean spices, 
 By one that proudly thinks he merits in it : 
 I know you love me. 
 
 Hort. Next to heaven, madam. 
 And with as pure a zeal. That, we behold 
 With the eyes of contemplation, but can 
 Arrive no nearer to it in this life ; 
 But when that is divorced, my soul shall serve 
 And witness my affection. [yours, 
 
 Matil. Pray you rise ; 
 But wait my further pleasure. 
 
 [Hort. rises and walks aside. 
 
 Enter Farneze and Uberti. 
 
 Farn. I'll present yo'^, 
 And give you proof I am your friend, a true one; 
 And in my pleading for you, teach the age. 
 That calls, erroneously, friendship but a name, 
 It is a substance — Madam, I am bold 
 To trench so far upon your privacy. 
 As to desire my friend (let not that wrong him. 
 For he's a worthy one) may have the honour 
 To kiss your hand. 
 
 Matil. His own worth challenges 
 A greater favour. 
 
 Farn. Your acknowledgment 
 Confirms it, madam. If you look on him 
 As he's built up a man, without addition 
 Of fortune's liberal favours, wealth or titles, 
 He doth deserve no usual entertainment : 
 But, as he is a prince, and for your service 
 Hath left fair Parma, that acknowledges 
 No other lord, and, uncompell'd, exposes 
 His person to the dangers of the war, 
 Ready to break in storms upon our heads ; 
 In noble thankfulness you may vouchsafe him 
 Nearer respect, and such grace as may nourish, 
 Not kill, his amorous hopes. 
 Matil. Cousin, you know 
 I am not the disposer of myself, 
 Tlie duke my father challenges that power : 
 Yet thus much I dare promise ; prince Uberti 
 Shall find the seed of service that he sows. 
 Falls not on barren ground. 
 
 Uber. For this high favour 
 I am your creature, and profess I ow^e you 
 Whatever I call mine. IThey ivalk aside. 
 
 Hort. This great lord is 
 A suitor to the princess. 
 yisc. True, he is so. 
 
 Hort. Fame gives him out too for a brave com- 
 mander. 
 Asc. And in it does him but deserved right ; 
 The duke hath made him general of his horse. 
 On that assurance. 
 
 Hort. And the lord Farneze, 
 Pleads for him, as it seems. 
 
 Asc. 'Tis too apparent : 
 And, this consider'd, give me. leave to ask 
 What hope have you, sir.^ 
 
 Hort. I may still look on her, 
 Ilowe'er he wear the garland. 
 
 Asc. A thin diet. 
 And will not feed you fat, sir. 
 
 Uber. I rejoice. 
 Rare princess, that you are not to be won 
 
 By carpet-courtship, but the sword ; with this 
 Steel pen I'll write on Florence' helm how much 
 I can and dare do for you. 
 
 Matil. 'Tis not question'd. 
 Some private business of mine own disposed of, 
 I'll meet you in the presence. 
 Uber. Ever your servant. 
 
 \_Excunt Uberti and Farneze. 
 
 Matil. Now, sir, to you. You have observed, 
 I doubt not. 
 For lovers are sharp-sighted, to what purpose 
 This prince solicits me ; and yet I am not 
 So taken with his worth, but that I can 
 Vouchsafe you further parle. The first command 
 Thnt I'll impose upon you, is to hear 
 And follow my good counsel : I am not 
 Offended that you love me, persist in it. 
 But love me virtuously ; such love may spur you 
 To noble undertakings, which achieved. 
 Will raise you into name, preferment, honour : 
 For all which, though you ne'er enjoy my person, 
 (For that's impossible,) you are indebted 
 To your high aims : visit me when you please, 
 I do allow it, nor will blush to own you. 
 So you confine yourself to what you promise, 
 As my virtuous servant. 
 
 Beat. Farewell, sir ! you have 
 An unexpected cordial. 
 
 Asc. May it work well ! \_Exeunt all but Hort. 
 
 Hort. Your love — yes, so she said, may spur 
 you to 
 Brave undertakings : adding this, You may 
 Visit me when you please. Is this allow'd me. 
 And any act, within the power of man 
 Impossible to be effected ? no 
 I will break through all oppositions that " 
 May stop me in my full career to honour : 
 And borrowing strength to do, from her high 
 
 favour, 
 Add something to Alcides' greatest labour. \_Exit. 
 
 SCENE U.— The same. A State-room in the 
 Palace. 
 
 Enter Gonzaga TJBERxr, Farneze, Manfroy, and 
 
 Attendants. 
 
 Gon. This is your place : and, were it in our 
 power, [Leads Uberti to the state. 
 
 You should have greater honour, prince of Parma ; 
 The rest know theirs. — Let some attend with care 
 On the ambassador, and let ray daughter 
 Be present at his audience. [Exeunt Attendants.] 
 
 — Reach a chair. 
 We'll do all fit respects ; and, pray you, put on 
 Your milder looks, you are in a place where frowns 
 Are no prevailing agents. \To Uberti. 
 
 Enter at one door Aixjnzo and Attendants : Matilda, 
 Beatrice, Ascanio, Hortensio, and Waiting-women, 
 at Vic other. 
 
 Asc. I have seen 
 More than a wolf, a Gorgon I \Sicoonf. 
 
 Gon. What's the matter ? 
 
 Matil. A page of mine is fallen into a swoon ; 
 Look to him carefully. [Ascanio is carried out 
 
 Gon. Now, when you please, 
 The cause that brought you hither? 
 
 Alon. The protraction 
 Of my dispatch forgotten, from Lorenzo. 
 
SCSNK II. 
 
 THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 395 
 
 The Tuscan duke, thus much to you, Gonzaga, 
 The duke of Mantua. By me, his nephew. 
 He does salute you fairly, and entreats 
 (A word not suitable to his power and greatness) 
 You would consent to tender that which he, 
 Unwillingly, must force, if contradicted. 
 Ambition, in a private man a vice, 
 Is, in a prince, the virtue. 
 
 Gon. To the purpose ; 
 These ambages are impertinent. 
 
 Alon. He demands 
 The fair Matilda, for I dare not take 
 From her perfections, in a noble way; 
 And in creating her the comfort of 
 His royal bed, to raise her to a height "^ 
 Her flattering hopes could not aspire, where she 
 With wonder shall be gazed upon, and live 
 The envy of her sex. 
 
 Gon. Suppose this granted. 
 
 Uber. Or, if denied, what follows ? 
 
 Alon. Present war, 
 With all extremities the conqueror can 
 Inflict upon the vanquish'd. 
 
 Uber. Grant me license 
 To answer this defiance. What intelligence 
 Holds your proud master with the will of heaven. 
 That, ere the uncertain die of war be thrown, 
 He dares assure himself the victory ? 
 Are his unjust invading arms of fire ? 
 Or those we put on in defence of right, 
 Like chaff to be consumed in the encounter .' 
 I look on your dimensions, and find not 
 Mine own of lesser size ; the blood that fills 
 My veins, as hot as yours : my sword as sharp. 
 My nerves of equal strength, my heart as good ; 
 And, confident we have the better cause. 
 Why should we fear the trial ? 
 
 Far. You presume 
 You are superior in numbers ; we 
 Lay hold upon the surest anchor, virtue ; 
 Which, when the tempest of the war roars loudest, 
 Must prove a strong protection. 
 
 Gon. Two main reasons 
 (Seconding those you have already heard) 
 Give us encouragement ; the duty that 
 I owe my mother-country, and the love 
 Descending to my daughter. For the first, 
 Should I betray her liberty, I deserv'd 
 To have my name with infamy razed from 
 The catalogue of good princes; and I should 
 Unnaturally forget I am a father. 
 If, like a Tartar, or for fear or profit, 
 I should consign her, as a bondwoman, 
 To be disposed of at another's pleasure ; 
 Her own consent or favour never sued for, 
 And mine by force exacted. No, Alonzo, 
 She is my only child, my heir ; and, if 
 A father's eyes deceive me not, the hand 
 Of prodigal nature hath given so much to her 
 As, in the former ages, kings would rise up 
 In her defence, and make her cause their quarrel : 
 Nor can she, if that any spark remain 
 To kindle a desire to be possess'd 
 Of such a beauty, in our time, want swords 
 To guard it safe from violence. 
 
 Hart. I must speak. 
 Or I shall burst : now to be silent were 
 A kind of blasphemy : if such purity. 
 Such innocence, an abstract of perfection, 
 The soul of beauty, virtue, in a word, 
 
 A temple of things sacred, should groan under 
 
 The burthen of oppression, we might 
 
 Accuse the saints, and tax the Powers above us 
 
 Of negligence or injustice. Pardon, sir, 
 
 A stranger's boldness, and in your mercy call it 
 True zeal, not rudeness. In a cause like this, 
 The husbandman would change his ploughing- 
 To weapons of defence, and leave the earth [irons 
 Untill'd, although a general dearth should follow : 
 The student would forswear his book, the lawyer 
 Put off his thriving gown, and, without pay. 
 Conclude this cause is to be fought, not pleaded. 
 The women will turn Amazons, as their sex 
 In her were wrong'd ; and boys write down their 
 In the muster-book for soldiers. [names 
 
 Gon. Take my hand : 
 Whate'er you are, I thank you. How are you 
 
 Hort. Hortensio, a Milanese. [call'd ? 
 
 Gon. I wish 
 
 Mantua had many such My lord ambassador, 
 
 Some privacy, if you please ; Manfroy, you may 
 Partake it, and advise us. ITheywalk aside. 
 
 Uber. Do you know, friend, 
 What this man is, or of what country? 
 
 Farn. Neither. 
 
 Uber. I'll question him myself. What are you, 
 
 Hort. A gentleman. [sir? 
 
 Uber. But if there be gradation 
 In gentry, as the heralds say, you have 
 Been over-bold in the presence of your betters. 
 
 Hort. My betters, sir 1 
 
 Uber. Your betters. As I take it, 
 You are no prince. 
 
 Hort. 'Tis fortune's gift you were born one ; 
 I have not heard that glorious title crowns you. 
 As a reward of virtue : it may be. 
 The first of your house deserv'd it ; yet his merits 
 You can but faintly call your own. 
 
 Ma til. Well answer' d. 
 
 Uber. You come up to me. 
 
 Hort. I would not turn my back. 
 If you were the duke of Florence, though you 
 
 charged me 
 I' the head of your troops. 
 
 Uber. Tell me in gentler language, 
 Your passionate speech induces me to think so. 
 Do you love the princess? 
 
 Hort. Were you mine enemy, 
 Your foot upon my breast, sword at my throat. 
 Even then I would profess it. The ascent 
 To the height of honour is by arts or arms ; 
 And if such an unequall'd prize might fall 
 On him that did deserve best in defence 
 Of this rare princess, in the day of battle, 
 I should lead you a way would make your greatness 
 Sweat drops of blood to follow. 
 
 Uber. Can your excellence 
 Hear this without rebuke from one unknown ? 
 Is he a rival for a prince ? 
 
 Matil. My lord. 
 You take that liberty I never gave you. 
 In justice you should give encouragement 
 To him, or any man, that freely offers 
 His life to do me service, not deter him ; 
 I give no suffrage to it. Grant he loves me. 
 As he professes, how are you wrong'd in it? 
 Would you have all men hate me but yourself? 
 No more of this, I pray you : if this gentleman 
 Fight for my freedom, in a fit proportion 
 To his desert and quality, I can 
 
306 
 
 THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 And will reward him ; yet give you no cause 
 Of jealousy or envy. 
 
 ilort. Heavenly lady ! 
 
 Gon. No peace but on such poor and base con- 
 ditions ! 
 We will not buy it at that rate : return 
 This answer to your master: Though we wisli'd 
 To hold fair quarter with him, on such terms 
 As honour would give way to, we are not 
 So thunderstruck w^ith the loud voice of war, 
 As to acknowledge him our lord before 
 His sword hath made us vassals : we long since 
 Have bad intelligence of the unjust gripe 
 He purposed to lay on us ; neither are we 
 So unprovided as you think, my lord ; 
 He shall not need to seek us ; we will meet him, 
 And prove the fortune of a day, perhaps 
 Sooner than he expects. 
 
 Alon. And find repentance, 
 When 'tis too late. Farewell. [Exit with Farnezk. 
 
 GoTi. No, ray Matilda, 
 
 We must not part so. Beasts and birds of prey, 
 To their last gasp, defend their brood ; and Flo- 
 rence, 
 Over thy father's breast shall march up to thee, 
 Before he force affection. The arms 
 That thou must put on for us and thyself, 
 Are prayers and pure devotion, which will 
 Be heard, Matilda. Manfroy, to your trust 
 We do give up the city, and my daughter ; 
 On both keep a strong guard — No tears, they are 
 O my Octavio, my tried Octavio, [ominous. 
 
 In all my dangers ! now I want thy service, 
 In passion recompensed with banishment. 
 Error of princes, who hate virtue when 
 She's present with us, and in vain admire he 
 When she is absent ! — 'tis too late to think on't. 
 The wish'd-for time is come, princely Uberti, 
 To shew your valour ; friends, being to do, not 
 All rhetoric is fruitless, only this, [talk. 
 
 Fate cannot rob you of deserv'd applause. 
 Whether you win or lose in such a cause. lExeunt. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE I.— Mi 
 
 A Room in the Palace. 
 
 Enter Matilda, Beatrice, and Waiting-women. 
 
 Matil. No matter for the ring I ask'd you for. 
 The boy not to be found ? 
 Beat. Nor heard of, madam. 
 
 1 Worn. He hath been sought and search'd for, 
 
 house by house. 
 Nay, every nook of the city, but to no purpose. 
 
 2 Worn. And how he should escape hence, the 
 
 lord Manfroy 
 Being so vigilant o'er the guards, appears 
 A thing impossible. 
 
 Matil. I never saw him. 
 Since he swoon'd in the presence, when my father 
 Gave audience to the ambassador : but I feel 
 A sad miss of him ; on any slight occasion, 
 He would find out such pretty arguments 
 To make me sport, and with such witty sweetness 
 Deliver his opinion, that I must 
 Ingenuously confess his harmless mirth, 
 When I was most oppress'd with care, wrought 
 In the removing oft, than music on me. [more 
 
 Beat. An't please your excellence, I have ob- 
 served him 
 Waggishly witty ; yet, sometimes, on the sudden, 
 He would be very pensive ; and then talk 
 So feelingly of love, as if he had 
 Tasted the bitter sweets oft. 
 
 1 Worn. He would tell, too, 
 
 A pretty tale of a sister, that had been 
 
 Deceived by her sweetheart; and then, weeping. 
 
 He wonder'd how men could be false. [swear 
 
 2 Worn. And that 
 
 When he was a knight, he'd be the ladies' cham- 
 And travel o'er the world to kill such lovers, [pion, 
 As durst play false with their mistresses. 
 
 Matil. I am sure 
 I want his compan3\ 
 
 Enter Manfroy. 
 Man. There are letters, madam. 
 In post come from the duke , but I am charged, 
 
 By the careful bringer, not to open them 
 But in your presence. 
 
 Matil. Heaven preserve my father ! 
 Good news, an't be thy will ! 
 
 Man. Patience must arm you 
 Against what's ill. 
 
 Matil. I'll hear them in my cabinet. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE U.— The Dutchy o/Mantua. 
 Gonzaga's Camp. 
 
 Enter Hortensio and Ascanio. 
 
 Hort. Why have you left the safety of the city, 
 And service of the princess, to partake 
 The dangers of the camp ? and at a time too 
 When the armies are in view, and every miuute 
 The dreadful charge expected ? 
 
 Asc. You appear 
 So far beyond yourself, as you are now, 
 Arm'd like a soldier, (though I grant your presence 
 Was ever gracious,) that I grow enamour'd 
 Of the profession : in the horror of it, 
 There is a kind of majesty. 
 
 Hort. But too heavy 
 To sit on thy soft shoulders, youth ; retire 
 To the duke's tent, that's guarded. 
 
 Asc. Sir, I come 
 To serve you ; knight-adventurers are allow'd 
 Their pages, and I bring a will that shall 
 Supply ray want of power. 
 
 Hort. To serve me, boy ! 
 I wish, believe it, that 'twere in my nerves 
 To do thee any service ; and thou shalt, 
 If I survive the fortune of this day, 
 Be satisfied I am serious. 
 
 Asc. I am not 
 To be put off so, sir. Since you do neglect 
 My offer'd duty, I must use the power 
 I bring along with me, that may command y^u : 
 You have seen this ring — 
 
 Hort. Made rich by being worn 
 Upon the princess' finger. 
 
PCENE IV. 
 
 THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 397 
 
 Asc. *Tis a favour 
 To you, by me sent from her : view it better ; 
 But why coy to receive it ? 
 
 Ilort. I am unworthy 
 Of such a blessing, I have done nothing yet 
 That may deserve it ; no commander's blood 
 Of the adverse party hath yet died my sword 
 Drawn out in her defence. I must not take it. 
 This were a triumph for me when I had 
 Made Florence' duke my prisoner, and compell'd 
 
 him 
 To kneel for mercy at her feet. 
 
 Asc. 'Twas sent, sir, 
 To put you in mind whose cause it is you fight for ; 
 And, as I am her creature, to revenge 
 A wrong to me done. 
 
 Ilort. By what man ? 
 
 Asc. Alonzo. 
 
 Ilort. The ambassador ? 
 
 Asc. The same. 
 
 Ilort. Let it suffice. 
 I know him by his armour and his horse ; 
 
 And if we meet \_Trumpets sound.] — I am cut 
 
 off, the alarum 
 Commands me hence : sweet youth, fall off. 
 
 Asc. I must not ; 
 You are too noble to receive a wound 
 Upon your back, and, following close behind you, 
 1 am secure ; though I could wish my bosom 
 Were your defence. 
 
 Ilorl. Thy kindness will undo thee. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE in. — The same. Lorenzo's Can/jo. 
 Enter Lorenzo, Alonzo, Pisano, and AIartino. 
 
 Lor. We'll charge the main battalia, fall you 
 Upon the van ; preseiwe your troops entire, 
 To force the rear : he dies that breaks his ranks, 
 Till all be ours, and sure. 
 
 Fis. 'Tis so proclaim'd. \_Exeunt. 
 
 Fighting and Alarum. Enter Hortensio, Ascanio, and 
 Alonzo. 
 
 Ilort. 'Tis he, Ascanio : — Stand ! 
 
 Alon. I never shunn'd 
 A single opposition ; but tell me 
 Why, in the battle, of all men, thou hast 
 Made choice of me ? 
 
 Hort. Look on this youth ; his cause 
 Sits on my sword. 
 
 Alon. 1 know him not. 
 
 Hort. I'll help 
 Your memory. [They fight. 
 
 Asc. What have I done } I am doubtful 
 To whom to wish the victory ; for, still 
 My resolution wavering, I so love 
 The enemy that wrong'd me, that I cannot, 
 Without repentance, wish success to him 
 
 That seeks to do me right— [Alonzo /a//s ] 
 
 Alas, he's fall'n ! 
 As you are gentle, hold, sir ! or, if I want 
 Power to persuade so far, I c6njure you 
 By her loved name I am sent from. 
 
 Hort. 'Tis a charm 
 Too strong to be resisted : he is yours. 
 Yet, why you should make suit to save that life 
 Which you so late desired should be cut off, 
 For injuries received, begets my wonder. 
 
 Asc. Alas ! we foolish, spleenful boys would have 
 
 We know^ not what ; I have some private reasons. 
 But now not to be told. 
 
 Hort. Shall I take him prisoner .' 
 
 Asc. By no means, sir ; I will not save his life, 
 To rob him of his honour : when you give. 
 Give not by halves. One short word, and I follow. 
 
 \_Exit IIORTKNSIO. 
 
 My lord Alonzo, if you have received 
 
 A benefit, and would know to whom you owe it, 
 
 Remember what your entertainment was 
 
 At old Octavio's house, one you call'd friend, 
 
 And how you did return it. \ExH. 
 
 Alon. I remember 
 I did not well ; but it is now no time 
 To think upon't : my wounded honour calls 
 For reparation, I must quench my fury 
 For this disgrace, in blood, and some shall smart 
 for't. lExit. 
 
 SCENE IN.— The same. A Forest. 
 Alarum continued. Enter UsERTr, and Farneze woundcii. 
 
 Farn. O prince Uberti, valour cannot save us; 
 The body of our army's pierced and broken, 
 The wings are routed, and our scatter'd troops 
 Not to be rallied up. 
 
 Uber. 'Tis yet some comfort, 
 The enemy must say we were not wanting 
 In courage or direction ; and we may 
 Accuse the Powers above as partial, when 
 A good cause, well defended too, must suffer 
 For want of fortune. 
 
 Farn. All is lost ; the duke 
 Too far engaged, I fear, to be brought off : 
 Three times I did attempt his rescue, but 
 With odds was beaten back ; only the stranger, 
 I speak it to my shame, still foUow'd him, 
 Cutting his way ; but 'tis beyond my hopes, 
 That either should return. 
 
 Uber. That noble stranger. 
 Whom I, in my proud vanity of greatness. 
 As one unknown contemn'd, when 1 was thrown 
 Out of my saddle by the great duke's lance. 
 Horsed me again, in spite of all that made 
 Resistance ; and then whisper'd in mine ear. 
 Fight bravely, prince Uberti, there's no way else, 
 To the fair Matilda's favour. 
 
 Farn. 'Twas done nobly. 
 
 Uber. In you, my bosom friend, I had call'd it 
 But such a courtesy from a rival merits [noble : 
 The highest attribute. 
 
 Enter IIortensio and Gonzaoa. 
 
 Farn. Stand on your guard ; 
 We are pursued. 
 
 Uber. Preserv'd ! wonder on wonder. 
 
 Farn. The duke in safety ! 
 
 Gon. Pay your thanks, Farneze, 
 To this brave man, if I may call him so. 
 Whose acts were more than human. If thou art 
 My better angel, from my infancy 
 Design'd to guard me, like thyself appear. 
 For sure thou'rt more than mortal. 
 
 Hort. No, great sir, 
 A weak and sinful man ; though I have done you 
 Some prosperous service that hath found your 
 I am lost to myself : but lose not you [favour. 
 The offer'd opportunity to delude 
 The hot- pursuing enemy ; these woods, 
 
398 
 
 THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Nor the dark veil of ni']:ht, cannot conceal you, 
 If you dwell long here. You may rise again ; 
 But I am fallen for ever. 
 
 Farn. Rather born up 
 To the supreme sphere of honour. 
 
 Uber. I confess 
 My life your gift. 
 
 Gon. My liberty. 
 
 Uber. You have snatch'd 
 The wreath of conquest from the victor's head, 
 And do alone, in scorn of Lorenzo's fortune, 
 Though we are slaved, by true heroic valour 
 Deserve a triumph. 
 
 Gon. From whence then proceeds 
 This poor dejection } 
 
 Hort. In one suit I'll tell you, 
 Which I beseech you grant : — I loved your daughter. 
 But how? as beggars, in their wounded fancy, 
 Hope to be mouarchs : I long languish'd for her, 
 But did receive no cordial, but what 
 Despair, my rough physician, prescribed me. 
 At length her goodness and compassion found it ; 
 And, whereas I expected, and with reason, 
 The distance and disparity consider'd 
 Between her birth and mine, she would contemn 
 
 me. 
 The princess gave me comfort. 
 
 Gon. In what measure ? 
 
 Hort. She did admit me for her knight and ser- 
 vant, 
 And spurr'd me to do something in this battle, 
 Fought for her liberty, that might not blemish 
 So fair a favour. 
 
 Gon. This you have perform'd 
 To the height of admiration. 
 
 Uber. I subscribe to't, 
 That am your rival. 
 
 Hort. You are charitable : 
 But how short of my hopes, nay, the assurance 
 Of those achievements which my love and youth 
 Already held accompHsh'd, this day's fortune 
 Must sadly answer. What I did, she gave me 
 The strength to do ; her piety preserved 
 Her father, and her gratitude for the dangers 
 You threw yourself into for her defence, 
 Protected you by me her instrument : 
 But when I came to strike in mine own cause, 
 And to do something so remarkable, 
 That should at my return command her thanks 
 And gracious entertainment, then, alas 1 
 I fainted like a coward. I made a vow, too, ^ 
 (And it is register'd,) ne'er to presume 
 "To come into her presence, if I brought not 
 Her fears and dangers boand in fetters to her, 
 
 Which now's impossible. Hark ! the enemy 
 
 Makes his approaches : save yourselves : this only 
 
 Deliver to her sweetness ; I have done 
 
 My poor endeavours, and pray her not repent 
 
 Her goodness to me. May you live to serve her, 
 
 This loss recover'd, with a happier fate ! 
 
 And make use of this sword : arms 1 abjure, 
 
 And conversation of men ; I'll seek out 
 
 Some unfrequented cave, and die love's martyr. 
 
 {.Exit nastily. 
 
 Gon. Follow him. 
 
 Uber. 'Tis in vain ; his nimble feet 
 Have born him from my sight. 
 
 Gon. I suffer for him. 
 
 Farn. We share in it ; but must not, sir, forget 
 Your means of safety. 
 
 you. 
 
 Uber. In the war I have served you. 
 And to the death will follow you. 
 
 Gon. 'Tis not fit. 
 
 We must divide ourselves. My daughter 
 
 If I retain yet 
 
 A sovereign's power o'er thee, or friends with 
 Do, and dispute not; by my example change 
 Your habits : as I thus put off my purple, 
 Ambition dies ; this garment of a shepherd, 
 Left here by chance, will serve ; in lieu of it, 
 I leave this to the owner. Raise new forces, 
 And meet me at St. Leo's fort ; my daughter. 
 As I commanded Manfroy, there will meet us. 
 The city cannot hold out, we must part : 
 Farewell, thy hand. 
 Farn. You still shall h'ave my heart. lExeunt 
 
 SCENE Y.—The same. Another part of the 
 Forest. 
 
 Enter Lorknzo, Alonzo, Pisano, Makt/no, Captains, 
 and Soldiers. 
 
 Lor. The day is ours, though it cost dear ; yet 
 Enough to get a victory, if we lose ['tis not 
 
 The true use of it. We have hitherto 
 Held back your forward swords, and in our fear 
 Of ambushes, deferr'd the wish'd reward 
 Due to your bloody toil: but now give freedom. 
 Nay, license to your fury and revenge ; 
 Now glut yourselves with prey ; let not the night. 
 Nor these thick woods, give sanctuary to 
 The fear-struck hares, our enemies : fire these trees, 
 And force the wretches to forsake their holes, 
 And offer their scorch'd bodies to your swords. 
 Or burn them as a sacrifice to your angers. 
 Who brings Gonzaga's head, or takes him prisoner, 
 (Which I incline to rather, that he may 
 Be sensible of those tortures, which I vow 
 To inflict upon him for denial of 
 His daughter to our bed,) shall have a blank, 
 With our hand and signet made authentical, 
 In which he may write down himself, what wealth 
 Or honours he desires. 
 
 A Ion. The great duke's will 
 Shall be obey'd. 
 
 Pisan. Put it in execution. 
 
 Mart. Begirt the wood, and fire it. 
 
 Sold. Follow, follow I lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE VI. — The same. Another part of 
 
 the same. 
 Enter Fabnezb disguised as a Florentine Soldier. 
 
 Farn. Uberti, prince Uberti ! O my friend, 
 Dearer than life ! I have lost thee. Cruel fortune, 
 Unsatisfied with our sufferings ! we no sooner 
 Were parted from the duke, and e'en then ready 
 To take a mutual farewell, when a troop 
 Of the enemy's horse fell on us ; we were forced 
 To take the woods again, but in our flight, 
 Their hot pursuit divided us : we had been happy 
 If we had died together. To survive him. 
 To me is worse than death ; and therefore should 
 
 not 
 Embrace the means of my escape, though offer'd 
 When nature gave us life she gave a burthen. 
 But at our pleasure not to be cast off, 
 Though weary of it ; and my reason prompts me. 
 
SCENE VII. 
 
 THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 309 
 
 This habit of a Florentine, which I took 
 From a dying soldier, may keep me unknown, 
 Till opportunity mark me out a way 
 For flight, and with security. 
 
 Enter Uberti. 
 
 Uber. Was there ever 
 Such a night of horror? 
 
 Farn. My friend's voice ! I now 
 In ])art forgive thee, fortune. 
 
 Uber. The wood flames, 
 The bloody sword devours all that it meets, 
 And death in several shapes rides here in triumph. 
 I am like a stag closed in a toil, my life, 
 As soon as found, the cruel huntsman's prey: 
 Why fliest thou, then, what is inevitable ? 
 Better to fall with manly wounds before 
 Thy cruel enemy, than survive thine honour : 
 And yet to charge him, and die unrevenged, 
 Mere desperation. 
 
 Farn. Heroic spirit ! 
 
 Uber. Mine own life I contemn, and would not 
 But for the future service of the duke, [save it, 
 And safety of iiis daughter ; having means, 
 If I escape, to raise a second army : 
 And, what is nearest to me, to enjoy 
 My friend Farneze. 
 
 Farn. I am still his care. 
 
 Uber. What shall I do ? if I call loud, the foe 
 That hath begirt the wood, will hear the sound. 
 Shall I return by the same path ? I cannot. 
 The darkness of the night conceals it from me ; 
 Something I must resolve. 
 
 Farn. Let friendship rouse 
 Thy sleeping soul, Farneze : wilt thou suffer 
 Thy friend, a prince, nay, one that may set free 
 Thy captived country, perish, when 'tis in 
 Thy power, with this disguise, to save his life ? 
 Thou hast lived too long, therefore resolve to die; 
 Thou hast seen thy country ruin'd, and thy master 
 Compeird to shameful flight ; the fields and woods 
 Strew'd o'er with carcases of thy fellow -soldiers : 
 The miseries thou art fallen in, and before 
 Thy eyes the horror of this place, and thousand 
 Calamities to come ; and after all these. 
 Can any hope remain } shake off delays : 
 Dost thou doubt yet ? To save a citizen, 
 The conquering Roman in a general 
 Esteem'd the highest honour : can it be then 
 Inglorious to preserve a prince, thy friend ? — 
 Uberti, prince Uberti ! [Aloud.'] use this means 
 Of thy escape ; — 
 
 {Pulls off his Florentine uniform, and casts it b'/ore 
 Ubeuti. 
 
 Conceal'd in this, thou mayst 
 Pass through the enemy's guards : the time denies 
 Longer discourse ; thou hast a noble end. 
 Live, therefore, mindful of thy dying friend. (Exit. 
 
 Uber. Farneze, stay thy hasty steps ! Farneze ! 
 Thy friend Uberti calls thee : 'tis in vain ; 
 He's gone to death an innocent, and makes life, 
 The benefit he confers on me, my guilt. 
 Thou art too covetous of another's safety, 
 Too prodigal and careless of thine own. 
 'Tis a deceit in friendship to enjoin me 
 To put this garment on, and live, that he 
 May have alone the honour to die nobly. 
 O cruel piety, in our equal danger 
 To rob thyself of that thou giv'st thy friend ! 
 It must not be ; I will restore his gift. 
 
 And die before him. How ? where shall I find 
 
 him ? 
 
 Thou art o'ercome in friendship ; yield, Uberti, 
 
 To the extremity of the time, and live : 
 
 A heavy ransome ! but it must be paid. 
 
 I will put on this habit : pitying heaven, 
 
 As it loves goodness, may protect my friend, 
 
 And give me means to satisfy the debt 
 
 I stand en<i;aged for ; if not, pale despair, 
 
 I dare thy worst ; thou canst but bid me die, 
 
 And so much I'll force from an enemy, lExit. 
 
 SCENE VII. — The same. Lorenzo's Camp. 
 
 Enter Alonzo and Pisano, jt'/7A Farneze bound ; Soldiers 
 with torches, Farsezk's sword in one of the Soldiers' 
 hands. 
 
 Alon. I know him, he's a man of ransome. 
 
 Fisan. True ; 
 But if he live, 'tis to be paid to me. 
 
 Alon. I forced him to the wood.?. 
 
 Pisan. But my art found him ; 
 Nor will I brook a partner in the prey 
 My fortune gave me. 
 
 Alon. Render him, or expect 
 The point of this. 
 
 Pisan. Were it lightning, I would meet it, 
 Rather than be outbraved. 
 
 Alon. 1 thus decide 
 The difference. 
 
 Pisan. My sword shall plead my title. 
 
 IThcyfigM. 
 
 Enter Lorenzo, IVIartino, Captains, and Attendants. 
 
 Lor. Ha! where learn'd you this discipline.' 
 my commanders 
 Opposed 'gainst one another ! what blind fury 
 Brings forth this brawl } Alonzo and Pisano 
 At bloody difference ! hold, or I tilt 
 At both as enemies. — Now speak ; how grew 
 This strange division } 
 
 Pisan. Against all right. 
 By force Alonzo strives to reap the harvest 
 Sown by my labour. 
 
 Alon. Sir, this is my prisoner, 
 The purchase of my sword, which proud Pisano, 
 That hath no interest in him, would take from me. 
 
 Pisan. Did not the presence of the duke forbid 
 I would say [me, 
 
 Alon. What.' 
 
 Pisan. 'Tis false. 
 
 Lor. Before my face ! 
 Keep them asunder. And was this the cause 
 Of such a mortal quarrel, this the base 
 To raise your fury on ? the ties of blood, 
 Of fellowship in arms, respect, obedience 
 To me, your prince and general, no more 
 Prevailing on you } this a price for which 
 You would betray our victory, or wound 
 Your reputation with mutinies. 
 Forgetful of yourselves, allegiance, honour ?—-. 
 This is a course to throw us headlong down 
 From that proud height of empire, upon which 
 We were securely seated. Shall division 
 O'erturn what concord built ! if you desire 
 To bathe your swords in blood, the enemy 
 Still flies before you : would you have spoil ? ilie 
 
 country 
 Lies open to you. O unheard-of madness I 
 
400 
 
 THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 What greater mischief could Gonzaga wish us, 
 Than you pluck on our heads ? no, my brave lead- 
 Let unity dwell in our tents, and discord [ers, 
 Be banish'd to our enemies. 
 
 Alon. Take the prisoner, 
 I do give up my title. 
 
 Pisan. I desire 
 Your friendship, and will buy it ; he is yours. 
 
 \_They embrace. 
 
 Alon. No man's a faithful judge in his own 
 cause ; 
 T et the duke determine of him : we are friends, sir. 
 
 Lor. Shew it in emulation to o'ertake 
 The flying foe ; this cursed wretch disposed of, 
 With our whole strength we'll follow. 
 
 lExeunt Alonzo anrf I'isano, embracing. 
 
 Farn. Death at length 
 Will set a period to calamity : 
 I see it in this tyrant's frowns haste to me. 
 
 Enter TjBERTr, habited like a Florentine Soldier, and 
 mixes icith the rest. 
 
 Lor. Thou machine of this mischief, look to feel 
 Whate'er the wrath of an incensed prince 
 Can pour upon thee : with thy blood I'll quench 
 (But drawn forth slowly) the invisible flames 
 Of discord — by thy charms first fetch'd from hell. 
 Then forced into the breasts of my commanders. 
 Bring forth the tortures. 
 
 Uber. Hear, victorious duke, 
 The story of my miserable fortune, 
 Of which this villain (by your sacred tongue 
 Condemned to die) was the immediate cause : 
 And, if my humble suit have justice in it, 
 V^ouchsafe to grant it. 
 
 Lor. Soldier, be brief ; our anger 
 Can brook no long delay. 
 
 Uber. I am the last 
 Of three sons, by one father got, and train'd up 
 With his best care, for service in your wars : 
 My father died under his fatal hand, 
 And two of my poor brothers. Now I hear, 
 Or fancy, wounded by my grief, deludes me, 
 Their pale and mangled ghosts crying for vengeance 
 On perjury and murder. Thus the case stood : 
 My lather, (on whose face he durst not look 
 In equal mart,) by his fraud circumvented, 
 Became his captive ; we, his sons, lamenting 
 Our old sire's hard condition, freely ofFer'd 
 Our utmost for his ransome : that refused. 
 The subtile tyrant, for his cruel ends. 
 Conceiving that our piety might ensnare us. 
 Proposed my father's head to be redeem'd, 
 If two of us would yield ourselves his slaves. 
 We, upoQ any terras, resolved to save him. 
 Though with the loss of life which he gave to us, 
 With an undaunted constancy drew lots 
 (For each of us contended to be one) 
 Who should preserve our father ; I was exempted, 
 But to my more affliction. My brothers 
 Deliver'd up, the perjured homicide, 
 Laughing in scorn, and by his hoary locks 
 Pulling my wretched father on his knees, 
 Said, Thus receive the father you have ransomed! 
 And instantly struck off his head. 
 
 Ijor. Most barbarous ! 
 
 Farn. I never saw this man. 
 
 Lor. One murmur more, 
 I'll have thy tongue pull'd out. — Proceed. 
 
 Uber. Conceive, sir. 
 
 How thunderstruck we stood, being made specta- 
 Of such an unexpected tragedy : [tors 
 
 Yet this was a beginning, not an end 
 To his intended cruelty ; for, pursuing 
 Such a revenge as no Hyrcanian tigress, 
 Robb'd of her whelps, durst aim at, in a moment. 
 Treading upon ray father's trunk, he cut off 
 My pious brothers' heads, and threw them at me. 
 Oh, what a spectacle was this ! what mountain 
 Of sorrow overwlielm'd me ! my poor heart-strings. 
 As tenter'd by his tyranny, crack'd; my knees 
 Beating 'gainst one another, groans and tears 
 Blended together foUow'd ; not one passion 
 
 Calamity ever yet express'd, forgotten. 
 
 Now, mighty sir, (bathing your feet with tears,) 
 Your suppliant's suit is, that he may have leave, 
 With any cruelty revenge can fancy. 
 To sacrifice this monster, to appease 
 My father's ghost, and brothers'. 
 
 Lor. Thou hast obtain'd it : 
 Choose any torture, let the memory 
 Of what thy father and thy brothers sufFer'd, 
 Make thee ingenious in it ; such a one. 
 As Phalaris would wish to be call'd his. 
 Martino, guarded with your soldiers, see 
 The execution done ; but bring his head, 
 On forfeiture of your own, to us : our presence 
 Long since was elsewhere look'd for. 
 
 \_Exit, with Captains and Attendauts, 
 
 Mart. Soldier, to work ; 
 Take any way thou wilt for thy revenge, 
 Provided that he die : his body's thine, 
 But I must have his head. 
 
 Uber. I have already 
 Concluded of the manner. O just heaven. 
 The instrument I wish'd for offer' d me ! 
 
 Mart. Why art thou rapt thus ? 
 
 Uber. In this soldier's hand 
 I see the murderer's own sword, I know it ; 
 Yes, this is it by which my father and 
 My brothers were beheaded : noble captain, 
 Command it to my hand. — \^Takes Farneze's 
 sword from the Soldier.] — Stand forth 
 and tremble ! 
 This weapon, of late drunk with innocent blood. 
 Shall now carouse thine own : pray, if thou canst, 
 For, though the woi-ld shall not redeem thy body, 
 I would not kill thy soul. 
 
 Farn. Canst thou believe 
 There is a heaven, or hell, or soul.^ thou hast none, 
 In death to rob me of my fame, my honour. 
 With such a forged lie. Tell me, thou liangman. 
 Where did I ever see thy face ? or when 
 Murder'd thy sire or brothers ? look on me. 
 And make it good : thou dar'st not. 
 
 Uber. Yes, I will llle unbinds his arms. 
 
 In one short whisper ; and that told, thou art dead. 
 I am Uberti : take thy sword, fight bravely ; 
 We'll live or die together. 
 
 Mart. We are betray'd. ' 
 
 [Martino is struck down, the Soldiers run off. 
 
 Farn. And have 1 leave once more, brave prince. 
 My head on thy true bosom ? [to ease 
 
 Uber. I glory more 
 To be thy friend, than in the name of prince, 
 Or any higher title. 
 
 Farn. My preserver ! 
 
 Uber. The life you gave to me I but return •, 
 And pardon, dearest friend, the bitter languaj*.* 
 Necessity made me use. 
 
THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 40] 
 
 Fam. O, sir, I am 
 Outdone in all ; but comforted, that none 
 But you can wear the laurel. 
 
 Uber. Here's no place 
 Or time to argue this ; let us fly hence. 
 
 Fam. I follow. [Exeunt. 
 
 Mart, [rises.'] A thousand Furies keep you 
 
 company 
 
 I was at the gate of [hell,] but now I feel 
 
 My wound's not mortal ; I was but astonish'd ; 
 
 And, coming to myself, I find 1 am 
 
 Reserv'd for the gallows : there's no looking on 
 
 The enraged duke, excuses will not serve ; 
 
 I must do something that may get my pardon ; 
 
 If not, I know the worst, a halter ends all ! 
 
 lExit. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE \.— The Dutchy 0/ Mantua. 'A part 
 of the Country near Octavio's Cottage. 
 
 Enter Octavio, a book in his hand. 
 
 Oct. 'Tis true, by proof I find it, human reason 
 Views with such dim eyes what is good or ill, 
 That if the great Disposer of our being 
 Should offer to our choice all worldly blessings, 
 We know not what to take. "When I was young. 
 Ambition of court-preferment fired me : 
 And, as there were no happiness beyond it, 
 I labour'd for't, and got it ; no man stood 
 In greater favour with his prince ; I had 
 Honours and offices, wealth flow'd in to me, 
 And, for my service both in peace and war. 
 The general voice gave out 1 did deserve them. 
 But, O vain confidence in subordinate greatness ! 
 When I was most secure it was not in 
 The power of fortune to remove me from 
 The flat I firmly stood on, in a moment 
 My virtues were made crimes, and popular favour 
 (To new-raised men still fatal) bred suspicion 
 That I was dangerous : which no sooner enter'd 
 Gonzaga's breast, but straight my ruin follow'd ; 
 My offices were ta'en from me, my state seized on : 
 And, had I not prevented it by flight, 
 The jealousy of the duke had been removed 
 With the forfeiture of my head. 
 
 Hart. [tviihin.J Or shew compassion. 
 Or I will force it. 
 
 Oct. Ha ! is not poverty safe ? 
 I thought proud war, that aim'd at kingdoms' ruins, 
 The sack of palaces and cities, scorn'd 
 To look on a poor cottage. 
 
 Enter Hortensio with Ascanio in his arms, Gotiirio 
 foUowing. 
 
 Goth. What would you have ? 
 The devil sleeps in my pocket ; I have no cross 
 To drive him from it. Be you or thief or soldier, 
 Or such a beggar as will not be denied. 
 My scrip, my tar-box, hook, and coat, will prove 
 But a thin purchase ; if you turn my inside out- 
 You'll find it true. [wards, 
 
 Hort. Not any food ? ISearches his scrip. 
 
 Goth. Alas ! sir, 
 I am no glutton, but an under-shepherd ; 
 The very picture of famine ; judge by my cheeks 
 
 else : 
 I have my pittance by ounces, and starve myself. 
 When I pay a pensioner, an ancient mouse, 
 I have, a crumb a meal. 
 
 Hart. No drop left ? [Takes hit bottle. 
 
 Drunkard ! hast thou swill'd up all ? 
 
 Goth. How ' drunkard, sir ? 
 I am a poor man, you mistake me, sir. 
 Drunkard's a title for the rich, my betters ; 
 
 A calling in repute ; some sell their lands for't, 
 And roar. Wine's better than money. Our poor 
 
 beverages 
 Of buttermilk or whey allay'd with water. 
 Ne'er raise our thoughts so high. Drunk ! I had 
 The credit to be so yet. [never 
 
 Hort. Ascanio, 
 Look up, dear youth ; Ascanio, did thy sweetness 
 Command the greedy enemy to forbear 
 To prey upon it, and I thank my fortune 
 For suffering me to live, that in some part 
 I might return thy courtesies, and now. 
 To heighten my afflictions, must I be 
 Enforced, no pitying angel near to help us. 
 Heaven deaf to my complaints too, to behold thee 
 Die in my arms for hunger ? no means left 
 To lengthen life a little ! I will open 
 A vein, and pour my blood, not yet corrupted 
 With any sinful act, but pure as he is, 
 Into his famish'd mouth. 
 
 Oct. [comes forward.'] Young man, forbear 
 Thy savage pity ; I have better means 
 "To call back flying life. 
 
 [Pours a cordial into the mouth 0/ Ascanio, 
 
 Goth. You may believe him ; 
 It is his sucking-bottle, and confirms, 
 An old man's twice a child ; his nurse's milk 
 Was ne'er so charg^eable, should you put in too 
 For soap and candles : though he sell his flock for't, 
 The baby must have this dug : he swears 'tis ill 
 For my complexion ; but wonderous comfortable 
 For an old man, that would never die. 
 
 Oct. Hope well, sir ; 
 A temperate heat begins to thaw his numbness ; 
 The blood too by degrees takes fresh possession 
 On his pale cheeks ; his pulse beats high : stand off, 
 Give him more air, he stirs. [Gothrio steals the bottle. 
 
 Goth. And have I got thee. 
 Thou bottle of immortality I [Aside. 
 
 Asc. Where am I ? 
 What cruel hand hath forced back wretched life ? 
 Is rest in death denied me 1 
 
 Goth. O sweet liquor ! [Drinks. 
 
 Were here enough to make me drunk, I might 
 Write myself gentleman, and never buy 
 A coa! of the heralds. [Aside. 
 
 Oct. How now, slave ! 
 
 Goth. I was fainting, 
 A clownlike qualm seized on me ; but I am 
 llecover'd, thanks to your bottle, and begin 
 To feel new stirrings, gallant thoughts : one draught 
 
 more 
 Will make me a perfect signior. 
 
 Oct. A tough cudgel 
 Will take this gentle itch off ; home to my cottage, 
 See all things handsome. i> jj 
 
402 
 
 THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 Goth. Good sir, let me have 
 The bottle along to smell to : O rare perfume ! 
 
 [Exit. 
 
 Hort. Speak once more, dear Ascanio. — How 
 he eyes you, 
 Then turns away his face ! look up, sweet youth ; 
 The object cannot hurt you ; this good man, 
 Next heaven, is your preserver. 
 
 Asc. Would I had perish'd 
 Without relief, rather than live to break 
 His good old heart with sorrow. O my shame ! 
 My shame, my never-dying shame ! 
 
 Oct. I have been 
 Acquainted with this voice, and know the face 
 
 too : 
 
 'Tis she, 'tis too. apparent ; O my daughter ! 
 
 1 mourn'd long for thy loss, but thus to find thee, 
 
 Is more to be lamented. 
 
 Hort. How ! your daughter ? 
 
 Oct. My only child ; I murmur'd against heaven 
 Because I had no more, but now I find 
 This one too many. — Is Alonzo glutted 
 
 [Maria weeps. 
 With thy embraces ? 
 
 Hort. At his name, a shower 
 Of tears falls from her eyes ; she faints again. 
 Grave sir, o'er-rule your passion, and defer 
 The story of her fortune. On my life 
 She is a worthy one ; her innocence 
 Might be abused, but mischief's self wants power 
 To make her guilty. Shew yourself a father 
 In her recovery ; then as a judge. 
 When she hath strength to speak in ker own cause, 
 You may determine of her. 
 
 Oct. I much thank you 
 For your wise counsel : you direct me, sir, 
 As one indebted more to years, and I, 
 As a pupil, will obey you : not far hence 
 I have a homely dwelling ; if you please there 
 To make some short repose, your entertainment, 
 Though coarse, shall relish of a gratitude, 
 And that's all I can pay you. Look up, girl. 
 Thou art in thy father's arms. 
 
 Hort. She's weak and faint still — 
 O spare your age ! I am young and strong, and 
 
 this way 
 To serve her is a pleasure, not a burthen : 
 
 [Takes her in his arms. 
 Pray you, lead the way. 
 
 Oct. The saints reward your goodness ! iExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II.— The same. Another part of the 
 Country. 
 
 Enter MANfROv and Matilda disguised. 
 
 Matil. No hope of safety left ? 
 
 Man. We are descried. 
 
 Main. I thought that, cover'd in this popr dis- 
 I might have pass'd unknown. [guise, 
 
 Man. A diamond. 
 Though set in horn, is still a diamond, 
 And sparkles as in purest gold. We are follow' d : 
 Out of the troops that scour'd the plains, I saw 
 Two gallant horsemen break forth, (who, by their 
 Brave furniture and habiliments for the war, 
 Seem'd to command the rest,) spurring hard to- 
 wards us. 
 See with what winged speed they climb the hill. 
 Like falcons on the stretch to seize the prey ! 
 
 Now they dismount, and on their hands and knees 
 O'ercome the deep ascent that guards us from them. 
 Your beauty hath betray'd you ; for it can 
 No more be night when bright Apollo shines 
 In our meridian, than that be conceal'd. 
 
 Matil. It is my curse, not blessing : fatal to 
 My country, father, and myself. Why did you 
 Forsake the city } 
 
 Man. 'Twas the duke's command : 
 No time to argue that ; we must descend. 
 If undiscover'd, your soft feet, unused 
 To such rough travel, can but carry you 
 Half a league hence, I know a cave which will 
 Yield us protection. 
 
 Matil. I wish I could lend you 
 Part of my speed ; for me, I can outstrip 
 Daphne or Atalanta. 
 
 Man. Some good angel 
 Defend us, and strike blind our hot pursuers ! 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 Enter Alonzo and Pisa»o. 
 
 Alon. She cannot be far off : how gloriously 
 She shew'd to us in the valley I 
 
 Pisan. In my thought, 
 Like to a blazing comet. 
 
 Alon. Brighter far : 
 Her beams of beauty made the hiU all fire ; 
 From whence removed, 'tis cover'd with thick clouds. 
 But we lose time : I'll take that way. 
 
 Pisan. I, this. [Exeunt severally 
 
 SCENE Ul.—Themme. A Wood. 
 
 Enter Hortensio. 
 
 Hort. 'Tis a degree of comfort in my sorrow, 
 I have done one good work in reconciling 
 Maria, long hid in Ascanio's habit, 
 To griev'd Octavio. What a sympathy 
 I found in their affections ! she with tears 
 Making a free confession of her weakness. 
 In yielding up her honour to Alonzo, 
 Upon his vows to marry her ; Octavio, 
 Prepared to credit her excuses, nay. 
 To extenuate her guilt ; she the delinquent. 
 And judge, as 'twere, agreeing. — But to me. 
 The most forlorn of men, no beam of comfort 
 Deigns to appear ; nor can I, in my fancy, 
 Fashion a means to get it : to my country 
 I am lost for ever, and 'twere impudence 
 To think of a return ; yet this I could 
 Endure with patience, but to be divorced 
 From all my joy on earth, the happiness 
 To look upon the excellence of nature. 
 That is perfection in herself, and needs not 
 Addition or epithet, rare Matilda, 
 Would make a saint blaspheme. Here, Galeazzo, 
 In this obscure abode, 'tis fit thou shouldst 
 Consume thy youth, and grow old in lamenting 
 Thy star-cross'd fortune, in this shepherd's habit ; 
 This hook thy best defence, since thou couldst use, 
 When thou didst fight in such a princess' cause, 
 Thy sword no better. C^i''* <iown. 
 
 Enter Alonzo and Pisano with Matilda. 
 
 Matil. Are you men, or monsters .•* 
 Whither will you di-ag me ? can tlie open ear 
 Of heaven be deaf, when an unspotted maid 
 Cries out for succour ! 
 
SCENE III. 
 
 THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 400 
 
 Pisan. *Tis in vain ; cast lots 
 Who sliall enjoy her first, 
 
 Alon. Flames rage within me, 
 And, such a spring of nectar near to quench 
 
 them ! 
 My appetite shall be cloy'd first : here I stand, 
 Thy friend or enemy ; let me have precedence, 
 1 write a friend's name in my heart ; deny it, 
 As an enemy I defy thee. 
 
 Pisan. Friend or foe 
 In this alike I value, I disdain 
 To yield priority ; draw thy sword. 
 
 Alon. To sheath it 
 In thy ambitious heart. --^ 
 
 Matil. O curb this fury. 
 And hear a wretched maid first speak. 
 
 Ilort. I am marble. 
 
 Matil. Where shall I seek out words, or how 
 restrain 
 My enemies rage, or lovers' ? oh, the latter 
 Is far more odious : did not your lust 
 Provoke you, for that is its proper name. 
 My chastity were safe ; and yet I tremble more 
 To think what dire effects lust may bring forth, 
 Than what, as enemies, you can inflict. 
 And less I fear it. Be friends to yourselves, 
 And enemies to me ; better I fall 
 A sacrifice to your atonement, than 
 Or one or both should perish. I am the cause 
 Of your division ; remove, it lords. 
 And concord will spring up : poison this face 
 That hath bewitch'd you, this grove cannot want 
 Aspics or toads ; creatures, though justly call'd, 
 For their deformity, the scorn of nature. 
 More happy than myself with this false beauty 
 (The seed and fruit of mischief) you admire so. 
 I thus embrace your knees, and yours, a suppliant. 
 If tigers did not nurse you, or you suck 
 The milk of a fierce lioness, shew compassion 
 Unto yourselves in being reconciled, 
 And pity to poor me, my honour safe, 
 In taking loath'd life from me. 
 
 Pisan. What shall we do ? 
 Or end our diflference in killing her, 
 Or fight it out ? 
 
 Alon. To the last gasp. I feel 
 The moist tears on my cheeks, and blush to find 
 A virgin's plaints can move so. 
 
 Pisan. To prevent 
 Her flight while we contend, let's bind her fast 
 To this cypress- tree. 
 
 Alon. Agreed. 
 
 Matil. It does presage 
 My funeral rites. iThey bind Matilda. 
 
 Hort. I shall turn atheist 
 If heaven see and suffer this : why did I 
 Abandon ray good sword ? with unarm'd hands 
 I cannot rescue her. Some angel pluck me 
 From the apostacy I am falling to, 
 And by a miracle lend me a weapoa 
 To underprop faUing honour. 
 
 Pisan. She is fast : 
 Resume your arms. 
 
 Alon. Honour, revenge, the maid too. 
 Lie at the stake. 
 
 Pisan. Which thus I draw. 
 
 IThey fight, Fisako falls. 
 
 Alon. All's mine. 
 But bought with some blood of mine own. Pisano, 
 Thou wert a noble enemy, wear that laurel 
 
 In death to comfort thee : for the reward. 
 'Tis mine now without rival. 
 
 [IIoRTENsio snatches up PisANo's sword. 
 
 Hort. Thou art deceived ; 
 Men will grow up like to the dragon's teeth 
 From Cadmus' helm, sown in the field of Mars, 
 To guard pure chastity from lust and rape. 
 Libidinous monster, satyr, faun, or what 
 Does better speak thee, slave to appetite. 
 And sensual baseness ; if thy profane hand 
 But touch this virgin temple, thou art dead. 
 
 Matil. I see the aid of heaven, though slow, is 
 sure. 
 
 Alon. A rustic swain dare to retard my plea- 
 sure ! 
 
 Hort. No swain, Alonzo, but her knight and 
 servant 
 To whom the world should owe and pay obedience; 
 One that thou hast encounter'd, and shrunk under 
 His arm ; that spared thy life in the late battle. 
 At the intercession of the princess' page. 
 Look on me better. 
 
 Matil. 'Tis ray virtuous lover ! 
 Under his guard 'twere sin to doubt my safety. 
 
 Alon. I know thee, and with courage will re- 
 What fortune then took from me. [deem 
 
 Hort. Rather keep inieyfight, Au)nxo falls. 
 
 Thy compeer company in death. — Lie by him, 
 A prey for crows and vultures ; these fair arms, 
 
 [_He unbinds I^Iatilda. 
 Unfit for bonds, should have been chains to make 
 A bridegroom happy, though a prince, and proud 
 Of such captivity : whatsoe'er you are, 
 I glory in the service I have done you ; 
 But I entreat you pay your vows and prayers. 
 For preservation of your life and honour, 
 To the most virtuous princess, chaste Matilda. 
 I am her creature, and what good I do 
 You truly may call her's ; what's ill, mine own. 
 
 Matil. You never did do ill, my virtuous ser- 
 Nor is it in the power of poor Matilda, [vant j 
 To cancel such an obligation as. 
 With humble willingness, she must subscribe to. 
 
 Hort. The princess ? ha ! 
 
 Matil. Give me a fitter name. 
 Your manumised bondwoman, but even now 
 In the possession of lust, from which 
 Your more than brave, — heroic valour bought me : 
 And can I then, for freedom unexpected. 
 But kneel to you, my patron ? 
 
 Hort. Kneel to me ! 
 For heaven's sake rise ; I kiss the ground you 
 
 tread on. 
 My eyes fix'd on the earth ; for I confess 
 I am a thing not worthy to look on you. 
 Till you have sign'd my pardon. 
 
 Matil. Do you interpret 
 The much good you have done me, an offence ? 
 
 Hort. The not performing your injunctions to 
 Is more than capital : your allowance of [me. 
 
 My love ami service to you, with admission 
 To each place you made paradise with your pre- 
 sence. 
 Should have enabled me to bring home conquest ; 
 Then, as a sacrifice, to offer it 
 At the altar of your favour : had my love 
 Answer'd your bounty, or my hopes, an army 
 Had been as dust before me ; whereas I, 
 Like a coward, turn'd my back, and durst not 
 The fury of the enemy, jj d 2 [stand 
 
404 
 
 THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 Matil. Had you done 
 Notlving in the battle, this last act deserves more 
 Than I, the duke my father joining with me, 
 Can ever recompense. But take your pleasure ; 
 Suppose you have offended in not grasping 
 Your boundless hopes, I thus seal on your lips 
 A full remission. 
 
 Hort. Let mine touch your foot, 
 Your hand's too high a favour. 
 
 Matil. Will you force me 
 To ravish a kiss from you. \_Kisges him. 
 
 Hort. I am entranced. 
 
 Matil. So much desert and bashfulness should 
 not march 
 In the same file. Take comfort : when you have 
 
 brought me 
 To some place of security, you shall find 
 You have a seat here, in a heart that hath 
 Already studied and vow'd to be thankful. 
 
 Hort. Heaven make me so 1 oh, I am over- 
 whelm'd 
 With an excess of joy ! Be not too prodigal, 
 Divinest lady, of your grace and bounties, 
 At once ; if you are pleased, I shall enjoy them, 
 Not taste them, and expire. 
 
 Matil. I'll be more sparing. \Exeunt. 
 
 Enter Octavio, Gothrio, and Maria. 
 
 Oct. What noise of clashing swords, like armour 
 fashion'd 
 Upon an anvil, pierced mine ears ; the echo 
 Redoubling the loud sound through all the vallies ? 
 This way the wind assures me that it came. 
 
 Goth. Then with your pardon, I'll take this. 
 
 Oct. Why, sirrah i 
 
 Goth. Because, sir, I will trust my heels before 
 All winds that blow in the sky : we are wiser far 
 Than our grandsires were, and in this I'll prove 
 
 it; 
 They said, Haste to the beginning of a feast, 
 There I am with them ; but to the end of a fray — 
 That is apocryphal ; 'tis more canonical. 
 Not to come there at all ; after a storm 
 There are still some drops behind. 
 
 Mar. Pure fear hath made 
 The fool a philosopher. 
 
 Oct. See, Maria, see ! 
 I did not err ; here lie two brave men weltering 
 In their own gore. 
 
 Mar. A pitiful object. 
 
 Goth. I am in a swoon to look on't. 
 
 Oct. They are stiflf already. 
 
 Goth. But are you sure they are dead ? 
 
 Oct. Too sure, I fear. 
 
 Goth. But are they stark dead ? 
 
 Oct. Leave prating. 
 
 Goth. Then I am valiant, and dare come nearer 
 to them. 
 ITiis fellow without a sword shall be rny patient. 
 
 iGoes to PisANO. 
 
 Oct. Whate'er they are, humanity commands us 
 To do our best endeavour. Run, Maria, 
 To the neighbour spring for water ; you will find 
 
 there 
 A wooden dish, the beggar's plate, to bring it. 
 
 \_Exit Maria. 
 Why dost not, dull drone, bend his body, and feel 
 If any life remain ? 
 
 Goth. By your leave, he shall die first, 
 And then I'll be his surgeon. 
 
 Oct. Tear ope his doublet, 
 And prove if his wounds be mortal. 
 
 Goth. Fear not me, sir : 
 Here's a large wound. — [Feels his pocket.} — How 
 
 it is swoln and imposthumed 1 
 This must be cunningly drawn out ; should it 
 break, \_Pulls out his purse. 
 
 'Twould strangle him. What a deal of foul mat- 
 ter's here ! 
 This hath been long a gathering. Here's a gash 
 
 too 
 On the rim of his belly, — [Feels his side pocket. '\ — 
 
 it may have matter in it. 
 
 He was a choleric man, sure ; what comes from 
 
 him [_Takcs out his money. 
 
 Is yellow as gold : — how ! troubled with the stone 
 
 too ? [Seeing a diamond ring on his finger. 
 
 I'll cut you for this. 
 
 Pisan. Oh, oh ! [Starts up. 
 
 Goth. He roars before I touch him. 
 Pisan. Robb'd of my life ? 
 Goth. No, sir, nor of your money. 
 Nor jewel ; I keep them for you : — if I had been 
 A perfect mountebank, he had not lived 
 To call for his fees again. 
 
 Oct. Give me leave — there's hope 
 Of his recovery. [Quits Pisano and goes to Aixjnzo. 
 
 Goth. I had rather bury him quick. 
 Than part with my purchase ; let his ghost walk, 
 I care not. 
 
 Re-ehter Maria with a dish of water. 
 
 Oct. Well done, Maria ; lend thy helping hand. 
 He hath a deep wound in his head, wash otT 
 The clotted blood ; he comes to himself. 
 
 A Ion. My lust ! 
 The fruit that grows upon the tree of lust ! 
 With horror now I taste it. 
 
 Oct. Do you not know him .•' 
 
 Mar. Too soon. Alonzo ! oh me ! though dis- 
 Still dear to thy Maria. [loyal, 
 
 Goth. So they know not 
 My patient, all's cocksure ; I do not like 
 The Romanish restitution. [Aside 
 
 Oct. Rise, and leave him. 
 Applaud heaven's justice. 
 
 Mar. 'Twill become me better. 
 To implore its saving mercy. 
 
 Oct. Hast thou no gall ? 
 No feeling of thy wrongs 1 
 
 Mar. Turtles have none ; 
 Nor can there be such poison in her breast 
 That truly loves, and lawfully. 
 
 Oct. True, if that love 
 Be placed on a worthy subject. What he is. 
 In thy disgrace is published ; heaven hath mark'd 
 
 him 
 For punishment, and 'twere rebellious madness 
 In thee to attempt to alter it : revenge, 
 A sovereign balm for injuries, is more proper 
 To thy robb'd honour. Join with me, and thou 
 Shalt be thyself the goddess of revenge. 
 This wretch, the vassal of thy wrath : I'll make 
 
 him. 
 While yet he lives, partake those torments which. 
 For perjured lovers, are prepared in hell. 
 Before his curs'd ghost enter it. This oil, 
 Extracted and sublimed from all the simples 
 The earth, when swoln with venom, e'er brought 
 forth. 
 
8CENK I 
 
 THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 406 
 
 Pour'd in his wounds, shall force such anguish as 
 The Furies' whips but imitate ; and when 
 Extremity of pain shall hasten death, 
 Here is another that shall keep in life, 
 And make him feel a perpetuity 
 Of lingering tortures. 
 
 Goth. Knock them both o' th' head, I say. 
 An it be but for their skins ; they are embroider'd, 
 And will sell well in the market. 
 
 Mar. Ill-look'd devil. 
 Tie up thy bloody tongue. — O sir ! I was slow 
 In beating down those propositions which 
 You urge for my revenge ; my reasons being 
 So many, and so forcible, that make 
 Against yours, that until I had collected -^ 
 My scatter'd powers, I waver'd in my choice 
 Which I should first deliver. Fate hath brought 
 My enemy (I can faintly call him so) 
 Prostrate before my feet ; shall I abuse 
 The bounty of my fate, by trampling on him ? 
 He alone ruin'd me, nor can any hand 
 But his rebuild my late demolish'd honour. 
 If you deny me means of reparation, 
 To satisfy your spleen, you are more cruel 
 Than ever yet Aionzo was ; you stamp 
 
 The name of strumpet on my forehead, which 
 Heaven's mercy would take off; you fan the fire, 
 E'en ready to go out ; forgetting that 
 'Tis truly noble, having power to punish, 
 Nay, kinglike, to forbear it. I would purchase 
 My husband by such benefits as should make him 
 Confess himself my equal, and disclaim 
 Superiority. 
 
 Oct. My blessing on thee ! 
 What I urged was a trial ; and my grant 
 To thy desires shall now appear, if art 
 Or long experience can do him service. 
 Nor shall my charity to this be wanting, 
 Howe'er unknown : help me, Maria : you, sir, 
 Do your best to raise him. — So ! 
 
 Goth. He's wondrous heavy ; 
 But the porter's paid, there's the comfort. 
 
 Oct. 'Tis but a trance, 
 And 'twill forsake both. 
 
 Mar. If he live, I fear not 
 He will redeem all, and in thankfulness 
 Confirm he owes you for a second life, 
 And pay the debt, in making me his wife. 
 lExeunt Octavio and Maria with Alonzo, and Goturio 
 with PXSANO. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I. — Lorenzo's Camp under the Walls 
 of Mantua. 
 
 Enter Lorenzo and Captains. 
 Lor. Mantua is ours ; place a strong garrison 
 To keep it so ; and as a due reward [in it, 
 
 To your brave service, be our governour in it. 
 
 1 Capt. I humbly thank your excellence. lExit. 
 Lor. Gonzaga 
 
 Is yet out of our gripe ; but his strong fort, 
 
 St. Leo, which he holds impregnable 
 
 By the aids of art, as nature, shall not long 
 
 Retard our absolute conquest. The escape 
 
 Of fair Matilda, my supposed mistress, 
 
 (For whose desired possession 'twas given out 
 
 I made this war,) I value not ; alas ! 
 
 Cupid's too feeble-eyed to hit my heart, 
 
 Or could he see, his arrows are too blunt 
 
 To pierce it ; his imagined torch is quench'd 
 
 With a more glorious fire of my ambition 
 
 To enlarge my empire : soft and silken amours. 
 
 With carpet courtship, which weak princes style 
 
 The happy issue of a flourishing peace. 
 
 My toughness scorns. Were there an abstract 
 
 Of all the eminent and canonized beauties [made 
 
 By truth recorded, or by poets feign'd, 
 
 I could unmoved behold it ; as a picture, 
 
 Commend the workmanship, and think no more 
 
 on't ; 
 I have more noble ends. Have you not heard yet 
 Of Aionzo, or Pisano ? 
 
 2 Capt. My lord, of neither. 
 
 Lor. Two turbulent spirits unfit for discipline, 
 Much less command in war ; if they were lost, 
 I should not pine with mourning. 
 
 Enter Martino and Soldiers with Matilda and Hortensio. 
 
 Mart. Bring them forward : 
 This will make my peace, though I had kill'd his 
 Besides the reward that follows. [father ; 
 
 Lor. Ha, Martino ! 
 Where is Farneze's head ? dost thou stare ! and 
 
 where 
 The soldier that desired the torture of him ? 
 
 Mart. An't please your excellence 
 
 Lor. It doth not please us ; 
 Are our commands obey'd ? 
 
 Mart. Farneze's head, sir. 
 Is a thing not worth your thought, the soldier's 
 
 less, sir : 
 I have brought your highness such a head ! a head 
 So well set on too ! a fine head 
 
 Lor. Take that, IStrikes him. 
 
 For thy impertinence : what head, you rascal ? 
 
 Mart. My lord, if they that bring such presents 
 to you 
 Are thus rewarded, there are few will strive 
 To be near your grace's pleasures : but I know 
 You will repent your choler. Here's the head : 
 A.nd now I draw the curtain, it hath a face too, 
 And such a face 
 
 Lor. Ha ! 
 
 Mart. View her all o'er, my lord. 
 My company on't, she's sound of wind and limb, 
 And will do her labour tightly, a bona roba: 
 And for her face, as I said, there are five hundred 
 City-dubb'd madams iu the dukedom, that would 
 part with [your head, maid. 
 
 Their jointures to have such another: — hold up 
 
 Lor. Of what age is the day ? 
 
 Mart. Sir, since sunrising 
 About two hours. 
 
 Lor. Thou liest ; the sun of beauty. 
 In modest blushes on her cheeks, but now 
 Appear'd to me, and in her tears breaks forth. 
 As through a shower in April ; every drop 
 An orient pearl, which, as it falls, congeal'd, 
 Were ear-rings for the Catholic king, [to bej 
 Worn on his birthday. 
 
406 
 
 THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 ACT IV, 
 
 Mart. Here's a sudden change ! 
 
 Lor. Incensed Cupid, whom even now I scorn'd, 
 Hath ta'en his stand, and by reflection shines 
 (As if he had two bodies, or indeed 
 A brother-twin whom sight cannot distinguish) 
 In her fair eyes : — see, how they head their arrows 
 With her bright beams ! now frown, as if my heart, 
 Rebellious to their edicts were unworthy, 
 Should I rip up my bosom, to receive 
 A wound from such divine artillery 1 
 
 Mart. I am made for ever. lAside. 
 
 Matil. We are lost, dear servant. 
 
 Ho7't. Virtue's but a word ; 
 Fortune rules all. 
 
 Matil. We are her tennis-balls. 
 
 Lor. Allow her fair, her symmetry and features 
 So well proportion'd, as the heavenly object 
 With admiration would strike Ovid dumb, 
 Nay, force him to forget his faculty 
 In verse, and celebrate her praise in prose. 
 What's this to me ? I that have pass'd my youth 
 Unscorch'd with wanton fires, my sole delight 
 In glittering arras, my conquering sword my mis- 
 tress, 
 Neighing of barbed horse, the cries and groans 
 Of vanquish'd foes suing for life, my music : 
 And shall I, in the autumn of my age, 
 Now, when I wear the livery of time 
 Upon my head and beard, suffer myself 
 To be transform'd, and like a puling lover, 
 With arms thus folded up, echo Ah rue's! 
 And write myself a bondman to my vassal } 
 It must not, nay, it shall not be : remove 
 The object, and the effect dies. Nearer, Martino. 
 
 Mart. I shall have a regiment : colonel Mar- 
 I cannot go less. [tino. 
 
 Lor. What thing is this thou hast brought me ? 
 
 Mart. What thing ? heaven bless me ! are you 
 a Florentine, 
 Nay, thegreat duke of Florentines, andhavinghadher 
 So long in your power, do you now ask what she is ? 
 Take her aside and learn : I have brought you that 
 I look to be dearly paid for. 
 
 Lor. I am a soldier. 
 And use of women will, Martino, rob 
 My nerves of strength. 
 
 Mart. All armour and no smock ? 
 Abominable ! a little of the one with the other 
 Is excellent : I ne'er knew general yet. 
 Nor prince that did deserve to be a worthy. 
 But he desired to have his sweat wash'd off 
 By a juicy bedfellow. 
 
 Lor. But say she be unwilling 
 To do that office ? 
 
 Mart. Wrestle with her, I will wager 
 Ten to one on your grace's side. 
 
 Lor. Slave, hast thou brought me 
 Temptation in a beauty not to be 
 With prayers resisted ; and, in place of counsel 
 To master my affections, and to guard 
 My honour, now besieged by lust, with the arras 
 Of sober temperance, mark me out a way 
 To be a ravisher ? Would thou hadst shewn me 
 Some monster, though in a more ugly form 
 Than Nile or Afric ever bred ! The basilisk, 
 Whose envious eye yet never brook'd a neighbour, 
 Kills but the body ; her more potent eye 
 Buries alive mine honour : Shall I yield thus ? 
 And all brave thoughts of victory and triumphs, 
 The spoils, of nations, the loud applauses 
 
 Of happy subjects, made so by my conques>ts , 
 And, what's the crown of all, a glorious name 
 Insculp'd on pyramids to posterity, 
 Be drench'd in Lethe, and no object take me 
 But a weak woman, rich in colours only. 
 Too delicate a touch, and some rare features 
 Which age or sudden sickness will take from her ! 
 And Where's then the reward of all my service. 
 Love-soothing passions, nay, idolatry 
 t must pay to her? Hence, and with thee take 
 This second but more dangerous Pandora, 
 Whose fatal box, if open'd, will pour on me 
 All mischiefs that mankind is subject to. 
 To the desarts with this Circe, this Calypso, 
 This fair enchantress ! let her spells and charms 
 Work upon beasts and thee, than whom wise nature 
 Ne'er made a viler creature. 
 
 Matil. Happy exile ! 
 
 Hort. Some spark of hope remains yet. 
 
 Mart. Come, you are mine now. 
 I will remove her where your highness shall not 
 Or see or hear more of her : what a sum 
 Will she yield for the Turk's seraglio 1 
 
 Lor. Stay, I feel 
 A sudden alteration. 
 
 Mart. Here are fine whimsies. 
 
 Lor. Why should I part with her? can any 
 Inhabit such a clean and gorgeous palace ? [foulness 
 The fish, the fowl, the beasts, may safer leave 
 The elements they were nourish'd in, and live. 
 Than I endure her absence ; yet her presence 
 Is a torment to me : why do, I call it so .' 
 My sire enjoy'd a woman, I had not been else ; 
 He was a complete prince, and shall I blush 
 To follow his example ? Oh ! but my choice. 
 Though she gave suffrage to it, is beneath me : 
 But even now, in my proud thoughts, I scorn'd 
 A princess, fair Matilda ; and is't decreed 
 For punishment, I straight must dote on one. 
 What, or from whence, I know not ? Grant she be 
 Obscure, without a coat or family, 
 Those I can give : and yet, if she were noble. 
 My fondness were more pardonable. — Martino, 
 Dost thou know thy prisoner .-' 
 
 Mart. Do I know myself? 
 I kept that for the I'envoy ; 'tis the daughter 
 Of your enemy, duke Gonzaga. 
 
 Lor. Fair Matilda ! 
 I now call to my memory her picture, 
 And find this is the substance ; but her painter 
 Did her much wrong, 1 see it. 
 
 Mart. I am sure 
 I tugg'd hard for her, here are wounds can witness, 
 Before I could call her mine. 
 
 Lor. No matter how : 
 Make thine own ransome, I will pay it for her 
 
 Mart. I knew 'twould come at last. 
 
 Matil. We are lost again. 
 
 Hort. Variety of afflictions ! 
 
 Lor. That his knee, 
 That never yet bow'd to mortality, \^KneeU. 
 
 Kisses the earth happy to bear your weight, 
 I know, begets your wonder ; hear the reason, 
 And cast it off: — your beauty does command it. 
 Till now, I never saw you ; fame hath been 
 Too sparing in report of your perfections, 
 Which now with admiration I gaze on. 
 Be not afraid, fair virgin ; had you been 
 Eraploy'd to mediate your father's cause. 
 My drum had been unbraced, my trumpet hung up ; 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 407 
 
 Nor had the terror of the war e'er friglited 
 His peaceful confines ; your demands had been 
 As soon as spoke, agreed to : but you'll answer, 
 And may with reason, words make no satisfaction 
 For what's in fact committed. Yet, take comfort, 
 Something my pious love commands me do, 
 "Which may call down your pardon. 
 
 Maiil. This expression 
 Of reverence to your person better suits 
 
 [/2a ?*e« Lorenzo, and kneels. 
 With my low fortune. That you deign to love me. 
 My weakness would persuade me to believe, 
 Though conscious of mine own unworthiness : 
 You being as the liberal eye of heaven. 
 Which may shine where it pleases, let youf*beams 
 Of favour warm and comfort, not consume me ! 
 For, should your love grow to excess, I dare not 
 Deliver what I fear. 
 
 Lor. Dry your fair eyes ; 
 I apprehend your doubts, and could be angry, 
 If humble love could warrant it, you should 
 Nourish such base thoughts of me. Heaven bear 
 
 witness, 
 And, if I break my vow, dart thunder at me, 
 You are, and shall be, in my tent as free 
 From fear of violence, as a cloister'd nun 
 Kneeling before the altar. What I purpose 
 Is yet an embryon ; but, grown into form, 
 I'll give you power to be the sweet disposer 
 Of blessings unexpected ; that your father, 
 Your country, people, children yet unborn too. 
 In holy hymns, on festivals, shall sing 
 The triumph of your beauty. On your hand 
 Once more I swear it : — O imperious Love, 
 Look down, and, as I truly do repent. 
 Prosper the good ends of thy penitent 1 lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II The Dutchy. A Room in 
 
 Oct A Vic's Cottage. 
 
 Enter Octavio, disguised as a Priest, and Maria. 
 
 Oct. You must not be too sudden,' my Maria, 
 In being known : I am, in this friar's habit, 
 As yet conceal'd. Though his recovery 
 Be almost certain, I must work him to 
 Repentance by degrees ; when I would have you 
 Appear in your true shape of sorrow, to 
 
 Move his compassion, I will stamp thus, then. 
 
 You know to act your part. 
 
 Mar. I shall be careful. lExit. 
 
 Oct. If I can cure the ulcers of his mind, 
 As I despair not of his body's wounds, 
 Felicity crowns my labour. — Gothrio 1 
 
 Enter Gothrio. 
 
 Goth. Here, sir. 
 
 Oct. Desire my patients to leave their chamber, 
 And take fresh air here : how have they slept ? 
 
 Goth. Very well, sir. 
 I would we were so rid of them. 
 
 Oct. Why? 
 
 Goth. I fear one hath 
 The art of memory, and will rememoer 
 His gold and jewels : could you not minister 
 A potion of forgetfulness ? What would gallants 
 That are in debt give me for such a receipt, 
 To pour in their creditors' drink ? 
 
 Oct. You shall restore all, 
 Believe't, you shall : — will you please to walk ? 
 
 Goth. Will you please to put off 
 Your holy habit, and spiced conscience ? one, 
 I think, infects the other. lExit. 
 
 Oct. I have observed 
 Compunction in Alonzo ; he speaKs little, 
 But full of retired thoughts, the other is 
 Jocund and merry ; no doubt, because he hath 
 The less accompt to make here. 
 
 Enter Alonzo. 
 
 jilon. Reverend sir, 
 I come to wait your pleasure ; but, my friend. 
 Your creature I should say, being so myself. 
 Willing to take further repose, entreats 
 Your patience a few minutes. 
 
 Oct. At his pleasure ; 
 Pray you sit down ; you are faint still. 
 
 Alon. Growing to strength, 
 I thank your goodness : but my mind is troubled, 
 Very much troubled, sir, and I desire. 
 Your pious habit giving me assurance 
 Of your skill and power that way, that you would 
 To be my mind's physician. [please 
 
 Oct. Sir, to that 
 My order binds me ; if you please to unload \ 
 The burthen of your conscience, I will minister 
 Such heavenly cordials as 1 can, and set you 
 In a path that leads to comfort. 
 
 Alon. I will open 
 My bosom's secrets to you. That T am 
 A man of blood, being brought up in the wars. 
 And cruel executions, my profession 
 Admits not to be question'd ; but in that, 
 Being a subject, and bound to obey 
 Whate'er my prince commanded, I have left 
 Some shadow of excuse : with other crimes, 
 As pride, lust, gluttony, it must be told, 
 I am besmear' d all over. 
 
 Oct. On repentance, 
 Mercy will wash it off. 
 
 Alon. O sir, I grant 
 These sins are deadly ones ; yet their frequency 
 With wicked men makes them less dreadful to us. 
 But I am conscious of one crime, with which 
 All ills I have committed from my youth 
 Put in the scale, weigh nothing ; such a crime, 
 So odious to heaven and man, and to 
 My sear'd-up conscience so fuU of horror. 
 As penance cannot expiate. 
 
 Oct. Despair not. 
 'Tis impious in man to prescribe limits 
 To tlie divine compassion : out with it. 
 
 Alon. Hear then, good man, and when that I 
 have given you 
 The character of it, and confess'd myself 
 The wretch that acted it, you must repent 
 The charity you have extended towards me. 
 Not long before these wars began, I had 
 Acquaintance ('tis not fit I style it friendship, 
 That being a virtue, and not to be blended 
 With vicious breach of faith) with the lord Octa- 
 The minion of his prince and court, set off [vio. 
 With all the pomp and circumstance of greatness : 
 To this then happy man I offer'd service, 
 And with insinuation wrought myself 
 Into his knowledge, grew familiar with him, 
 Ever a welcome guest. This noble gentleman 
 Was bless'd with one fair daughter, so he thought, 
 And boldly might believe so, for she was 
 In all things excellent without a rival. 
 
408 
 
 THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 Till I, her father's mass of wealth before 
 
 My greedy eyes, but hoodwink'd to mine honour, 
 
 With far more subtile arts than perjured Paris 
 
 E'er practised on poor credulous Oenone, 
 
 Besieged her virgin fort, in a word, took it, 
 
 No vows or imprecation forgotten 
 
 With speed to marry her. 
 
 Oct. Perhaps, she gave you 
 Just cause to break those vows. 
 
 Alon. She cause ! alas, 
 Her innocence knew no guilt, but too much favour 
 To me, unworthy of it : 'twas my baseness, 
 My foul ingratitude — what shall I say more ? 
 The good Octavio no sooner fell 
 In the displeasure of his prince, his state 
 Confiscated, and he forced to leave the court. 
 And she exposed to want ; but all my oaths 
 And protestation of service to her. 
 Like seeming flames raised by enchantment, va- 
 This, this sits heavy here. [nish'd ; 
 
 Oct. He speaks as if 
 He were acquainted with my plot. — You have 
 
 reason 
 To feel compunction, for 'twas most inhuman 
 So to betray a maid. 
 
 Alon. Most barbarous. 
 
 Oct. But does your sorrow for the fact beget 
 An aptness in you to make satisfaction, 
 For the wrong you did her ? 
 
 Alon. Gracious heaven ! an aptness } 
 It is my only study : since I tasted 
 Of your compassion, these eyes ne'er were closed, 
 But fearful dreams cut off my little sleep ; 
 And, being awake, in my imagination 
 Her apparition haunted me. 
 
 Oct. 'Twas mere fancy. iHe stamps. 
 
 Alon. 'Twas more, grave sir— nay, 'tis now 
 
 it appears ! 
 
 Enter Maria, in white. 
 
 Oct. Where? 
 
 Alon. Do you not see there the gliding shadow 
 Of a fair virgin ? that is she, and wears 
 The very garments that adorn' d her, when 
 She yielded to my crocodile tears : a cloud 
 Of fears and diffidence then so chased away 
 Her purer white and red, as it foretold 
 That I should be disloyal. Blessed shadow ! 
 For 'twere a sin, far, far exceeding all 
 I have committed, to hope only that 
 Thou art a substance ; look on my true sorrow, 
 Nay, soul's contrition : hear again those vows 
 My perjury cancell'd, stamp'd in brass, and never 
 To be worn out. 
 
 Mar. I can endure no more ; 
 Action, not oaths, must make me reparation : 
 I am Maria. 
 
 Alon. Can this be ? 
 
 Oct. It is, 
 And I Octavio. 
 
 Alon. Wonder on wonder ! 
 How shall I look on you, or with what forehead 
 Desire your pardon ? 
 
 Mar. You truly shall deserve it 
 In being constant. 
 
 Re-enter GoTimio, tvith the purses o/Alonzo and Pisano. 
 
 Oct. If you fall not off", 
 But look on her in poverty with those eyes 
 As when she was my heir in expectation, 
 You thought her beautiful. 
 
 Alon. She is in herself 
 Both Indies to me. 
 
 Goth. Stay, she shall not come 
 A beggar to you, my sweet young mistress ! no. 
 She shall not want a dower : here's white and red 
 Will ask a jointure ; but how you should make her 
 
 one. 
 Being a captain, would beget some doubt. 
 If you should deal with a lawyer. 
 
 Alon. I have seen this purse. 
 
 Goth. How the world's given — I dare not say, 
 
 to lying, 
 
 Because you are a soldier ; you may say as well, 
 
 This gold is mark'd too : you, being to receive it, 
 
 Should ne'er ask how I got it. I'll run for a priest 
 
 To dispatch the matter ; you shall not want a ring, 
 
 I have one for the purpose — {^Gives Pisano's ring 
 
 to Alonzo.] — Now, sir, I think I'm 
 
 honest. \_Exit. 
 
 Alon. This ring was Pisano's. 
 
 Oct. I'll dissolve this riddle 
 At better leisure : the wound given to my daughter. 
 Which, in your honour, you are bound to cure. 
 Exacts our present care. 
 
 Alon. I am all yours, sir. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE III The same. The Castle of St. Leo. 
 
 Enter Gonzaga, Uberti, and Manfrov. 
 
 Gon. Thou hast told too much to give assurance 
 Her honour was too far engaged, to be [that 
 
 By human help redeem'd : if thou hadst given 
 Thy sad narration this full period, 
 She's dead, I had been happy. 
 
 Uber. Sir, these tears 
 Do well become a father, and my eyes 
 Would keep you company as a forlorn lover, 
 But that the burning fire of my revenge 
 Dries up those drops of sorrow. We once more, 
 Our broken forces rallied up, and with 
 Full numbers strengthen'd, stand prepared t'en- 
 A second trial ; nor let it dismay us [dure 
 
 That we are once again to aifront the fury 
 Of a victorious army ; their abuse 
 Of conquest hath disarm'd them, and call'd down 
 The Powers above to aid us. I have read 
 Some piece of story, yet ne'er found but that 
 The general, that gave way to cruelty. 
 The profanation of things sacred, rapes 
 Of virgins, butchery of infants, and 
 The massacre in cold blood of reverend age, 
 Against the discipline and law of arms, 
 Did feel the hand of heaven lie heavy on him, 
 When most secure. We have had a late example, 
 And let us not despair but that, in Lorenzo, 
 It will be seconded. 
 
 Gon. You argue well, 
 And 'twere a sin in me to contradict you : 
 Yet we must not neglect the means that's lent us. 
 To be the ministers of justice. 
 
 Uber. No, sir : 
 One day given to refresh our wearied troops, 
 Tired with a tedious march, we'll be no longer 
 Coop'd up, but charge the enemy in his trenches, 
 And force him to a battle. IShouts vilhin 
 
 Gon. Ha ! how's this ? 
 In such a general time of mourning, shouts, 
 And acclamations of joy ? 
 
 ICrj/ within, Long live the princess ! long live IVr.itiUla.' 
 
SCENE III 
 
 THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 401) 
 
 Uber. Matilda! 
 The princess' name, Matilda, oft re-echoed 1 
 
 Enter Farnezb. 
 
 Gon. What speaks thy haste ! 
 
 Farn. More joy and happiness 
 Than weak words can deUver, or strong faith 
 Almost give credit to : the princess lives ; 
 I saw her, kiss'd her hand. 
 
 Gon. By whom deliver'd ? 
 
 Farn. This is not to be staled by my report, 
 This only must be told : — As I rode forth 
 With some choice troops, to make discovery 
 Where the enemy lay, and how intrench'd, a_leader 
 Of the adverse party, but unarm'd, and in 
 His hand an olive branch, encounter'd me : 
 He shew'd the great duke's seal, that gave him 
 To parley with me ; his desires were, that [power 
 Assurance for his safety might be granted 
 To his royal master, who came as a friend, 
 And not as an enemy, to offer to you 
 Conditions of peace. I yielded to it. 
 This being return'd, the duke's praetorium open'd, 
 When suddenly, in a triumphant chariot 
 Drawn by such soldiers of his own as were, 
 For insolence after victory, condemn'd 
 Unto this slavish office, the fair princess 
 Appear'd, a wreath of laurel on her head, 
 Her robes majestical, their richness far 
 Above all value, as the present age 
 Contended that a woman's pomp should dim 
 The glittering triumphs of the Roman Caesars. 
 
 [_Music without. 
 — I am cut off; no cannon's throat now thunders. 
 Nor fife nor drum beat up a charge ; choice music 
 Ushers the parent of security, 
 Long-absent peace. 
 
 Man. I know not what to think on't. 
 
 Uber. May it poise the expectation ! 
 
 Lmtd music. Enter Soldiers unarmed, hearing olive 
 branches, Captains, Lorenzo, Matilda crowned with a 
 wreath of laurel, and seated in a chariot drawn by Sol- 
 diers ; followed by Hortensio and Martino. 
 
 Gon. Thus to meet you. 
 Great duke of Tuscany, throws amazement on me ; 
 But to behold my daughter, long since mourn'd for. 
 And lost even to my hopes, thus honour'd by you, 
 With an excess of comfort overwhelms me : 
 And yet I cannot truly call myself 
 Happy in this solemnity, till your highness 
 Vouchsafe to make me understand the motive 
 That, in this peaceful way, hath brought you to us. 
 
 Lor. I must crave license first ; for know, Gon- 
 ] am subject to another's wiJl, and can 
 Nor speak nor do without permission from her. 
 My curled forehead, of late terrible 
 To those that did acknowledge me their lord, 
 Is now as smooth as rivers when no wind stirs ; 
 My frowns or smiles, that kill'd or saved, have lost 
 Their potent awe, and sweetness : I am transform'd 
 (But do not scorn the metamorphosis) 
 From that fierce thing men held me ; I am captived, 
 And, by the unresistable force of beauty, 
 Led hither as a prisoner. Is't your pleasure that 
 I shall deliver those injunctions which 
 Your absolute command imposed upon me. 
 Or deign yourself to speak them ? 
 
 Matil. Sir, I am 
 Your property, you may use me as you please ; 
 
 But what is in your power and breast to do, 
 No orator can dilate so well. 
 
 Lor. 1 obey you. 
 That I came hither as an enemy, 
 With hostile arms, to the utter ruin of 
 Your country, what I have done makes apparent; 
 That fortune seconded ray will, the late 
 Defeature will make good : that I resolved 
 To force the sceptre from your hand, and make 
 Your dukedom tributary, my surprisal 
 Of Mantua, your metropolis, can well witness ; 
 And that I cannot fear the change of fate, 
 My army flesh'd in blood, spoil, glory, conquest. 
 Stand ready to maintain : yet I must tell you 
 By whom 1 am subdued, and what's the ransome 
 I am commanded to lay down. 
 
 Gon. My lord. 
 You humble yourself too much ; it is fitter 
 You should propose and we consent. 
 
 Lor. Forbear, 
 The articles are here subscribed and sign'd 
 By my obedient hand : all prisoners, 
 Without a ransome, set at liberty ; 
 Mantua to be deliver'd up, the rampires 
 Ruin'd in the assault, to be repair'd ; 
 The loss the husbandman received, his crop 
 Burnt up by wanton license of the soldier. 
 To be made good ; — with whatsoever else 
 You could impose on me, if you had been 
 The conqueror, I your captive. 
 
 Gon. Such a change 
 Wants an example : I must owe this favour 
 To the clemency of the old heroic valour. 
 That spared when it had power to kill ; a virtue 
 Buried long since, but raised out of the grave 
 By you, to grace this latter age. 
 
 Lor. Mistake not 
 The cause that did produce this good effect. 
 If as such you receive it : 'twas her beauty. 
 Wrought first on my rough nature ; but the virtues 
 Of her fair so\xl, dilated in her converse, 
 That did confirm it. 
 
 Matil. Mighty sir, no more : 
 You honour her too much, that is not worthy 
 To be your servant. 
 
 Lor. I have done, and now 
 Would gladly understand that you allow of 
 The articles propounded. 
 
 Gon. Do not wrong 
 Your benefits with such a doubt ; they are 
 So great and high, and with such reverence 
 To be received, that, if I should profess 
 I hold my dukedom from you, as your vassal, 
 Or ofFer'd up my daughter as you please 
 To be disposed of, in the point of honour. 
 And a becoming gratitude, *cwould not cancel 
 The bond I stand engaged for : — but accept 
 Of that which I can pay, my all is yours, sir ; 
 Nor is there any here, (though I must grant 
 Some have deserved much from me,) for so far 
 I dare presume, but will surrender up 
 Their interest to that your highness shall 
 Deign to pretend a title. 
 
 Uber. I subscribe not 
 To this condition. 
 
 Farn. The services 
 This prince hath done your grace in your most 
 Are not to be so slighted. [dangei. 
 
 Hort. 'Tis far from ine 
 To urge my merits, yet, I must maintain, 
 
410 
 
 THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 Howe'er my power is less, my love is more ; 
 Nor will the gracious princess scorn to acknow- 
 ledge 
 I have been her humble servant. 
 
 Lor. Smooth your brows, 
 I'll not encroach upon your right, for that were 
 Once more to force affection, (a crime 
 With which should I the second time be tainted, 
 I did deserve no favour,) neither will I 
 Make use of what is offer'd by the duke, 
 Howe'er I thank his goodness. I'll lay by 
 My power, and though I should not brook a rival, 
 (What we are, well consider'd,) I'll descend 
 To be a third competitor ; he that can 
 With love and service best deserve the garland, 
 With your consent let him wear it ; I despair not 
 The trial of my fortune. 
 
 Gon. Bravely offer'd, 
 And like yourself, great prince. 
 
 Uber. I must profess 
 I am so taken with it, that I know not 
 Which way to express my service. 
 
 Hort. Did I not build 
 Upon the princess' grace, I could sit down, 
 And hold it no dishonour. 
 
 Matil. How I feel 
 My soul divided ! all have deserved so well, 
 I know not where to fix my choice. 
 
 Gon. You have 
 Time to consider : will you please to take 
 Possession of the fort ? then, having tasted 
 The fruits of peace, you may at leisure prove, 
 Whose plea will prosper in the court of Love. 
 
 [_Exeunt. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I. — Mantua. A Room in the Palace. 
 Enter Alonz<>, Octavio, Pisano, Maria, and Gothrio. 
 
 Alon. You need not doubt, sir, were not peace 
 proclaim'd 
 And celebrated with a general joy. 
 The high displeasure of the Mantuan duke. 
 Raised on just grounds, not jealous suppositions, 
 The saving of our lives (which, next to heaven, 
 To you alone is proper) would force mercy 
 For an offence, though capital. 
 
 Pisan. When the conqueror 
 Uses entreaties, they are arm'd commands 
 The vanquish'd must not check at. 
 
 Mar. My piety pay the forfeit, 
 If danger come but near you ! I have heard 
 My gracious mistress often mention you, 
 When I served her as a page, and feelingly 
 Relate how much the duke her sire repented 
 His hasty doom of banishment, in his rage 
 Pronounced against you. 
 
 Oct. In a private difference, 
 I grant that innocence is a wall of brass, 
 And scorns the hottest battery ; but, when 
 The cause depends between the prince and subject, 
 'Tis an unequal competition ; Justice 
 Must lay her balance by, and use her sword 
 For his ends that protects it. I was banish'd, 
 And, till revoked from exile, to tread on 
 My sovereign's territories with forbidden feet, 
 The severe letter of the law calls death ; 
 Which I am subject to, in coming so near 
 His court and person. But my only child 
 Being provided for, her honour salved too, 
 I thank your noble change, I shall endure 
 Whate'er can fall, with patience. 
 
 Alon. You have used 
 That medicine too long ; prepare yourself 
 For honour in your age, and rest secure oft. 
 
 Mar. Of what is your wisdom musing ? 
 
 Goth. I am gazing on 
 This gorgeous house ; our cote's a dishclout to it ; 
 It has no sign, — what do you call't ? 
 
 Mar. The court ; 
 I have lived in't a page. 
 
 Goth. Page ! very pretty : 
 May I not be a page ? I am old enough, 
 
 Well-timber'd too, and I've a beard to carry it : 
 Pray you, let me be your page ; I can swear al- 
 Upon your pantofie. [ready, 
 
 Mar. What? 
 
 Goth. That I'll be true 
 Unto your smock. 
 
 Mar. How, rascal ! 
 
 Oct. Hence, and pimp 
 To your rams and ewes : such foul pollution is 
 To be whipt from court ; I have now no more use 
 Return to your trough . [of you ; 
 
 Goth. Must I feed on husks, 
 Before I have play'd the prodigal ? 
 
 Oct. No, I'll reward 
 Your service ; live in your own element. 
 Like an honest man; all that is mine in the cottage, 
 I freely give you. 
 
 Goth. Your bottles too, that I carry 
 For your own tooth ! 
 
 Oct. Full as they are. 
 
 Mar. And gold, IGives him her purse. 
 
 That will replenish them. 
 
 Goth. I am made for ever. 
 This was done i' the nick. 
 
 Oct. Why in the nick ? 
 
 Goth. O sir ! 
 'Twas well for me that you did reward my service 
 Before you enter'd the court ; for 'tis reported 
 There is a drink of forgetfulness, which once tasted, 
 Few masters think of their servants, who, grown 
 
 old, 
 Are turn'd off, like lame hounds and hunting 
 
 horses, 
 To starve on the commons. lExit. 
 
 Alon, Bitter knave ! 
 
 Enfxr Maktino. 
 
 There's craft 
 In the clouted shoe. — Captain! 
 
 Mart. I am glad to kiss 
 Your valiant hand, and yours ; but pray you, take 
 
 notice. 
 My title's changed, I am a colonel. 
 
 Pisan. A colonel ! where's your regiment ? 
 
 Mart. Not raised yet ; 
 All the old one's are cashier'd, and we are now 
 To have a new militia : all is peace here, 
 
THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 411 
 
 Yet I hold my title still, as many do 
 That never saw an enemy. 
 
 Alon. You are pleasant, 
 And it becomes you. Is the duke stirring ? 
 
 Mart. Long since, 
 Four hours at least, but yet not ready. 
 
 Pisan. How ! 
 
 Mart. Even so ; you make a wonder oft, but 
 Alas, he is not now, sir, in the camp, [leave it : 
 To be up and arm'd upon the least alarum ; 
 There's something else to be thought on : here he 
 With his officers, new-rigg'd. [comes. 
 
 Enter Lorenzo, as from his chamber, with a looking-glass ; 
 Doctor, Gentleman, and Page employed about his 
 person. -"^ 
 
 Alon. A looking-glass ! 
 Upon my head, he saw not his own face 
 These seven years past, but by reflection 
 From a bright armour. 
 
 Mart. Be silent, and observe. 
 
 Lor. So, have you done yet ? 
 Is your building perfect ? 
 
 Doct. If your highness please, 
 Here is a water. 
 
 Lor. To what use ? my barber 
 Hath wash'd my face ah-eady. 
 
 Doct. But this water 
 Hath a strange virtue in't, beyond his art ; 
 It is a sacred relic, part of that 
 Most powerful juice, with which Medea made 
 Old ^son young. 
 
 Lor. A fable ! but suppose 
 I should give credit to it, will it work 
 The same effect on me ? 
 
 Doct. I'll undertake 
 This will restore the honour'd hair that grows 
 Upon your highness' head and chin, a little 
 Inclining unto gray. 
 
 Lor. Inclining ! doctor. 
 
 Doct. Pardon me, mighty sir, I went too far, 
 Not gray at all ; — I dare not flatter you — 
 'Tis something changed ; but this applied will help 
 To the first amber-colour, every hair [it 
 
 As fresh as when, your manhood in the prime. 
 Your grace arrived at thirty. 
 
 Lor. Very well. 
 
 Doct. Then here's a precious oil, to which the 
 maker 
 Hath not yet given a name, will soon fill up 
 These dimples in your face and front. I grant 
 They are terrible to your enemies, and set off 
 Your frowns with majesty ; but you may please 
 To know, as sure you do, a smooth aspect. 
 Softness and sweetness, in the court of Love, 
 Though dumb, are the prevailing orators. 
 
 Lor. Will he new-create me ? 
 
 Doct. If you deign to taste too. 
 Of this confection. 
 
 Lor. I am in health, and need 
 No physic. 
 
 Doct. Physic, sir ! An empress, 
 If that an empress' lungs, sir, may be tainted 
 With putrefaction, would taste of it. 
 That night on wliich she were to pj-int a kiss 
 Upon the lips of her long-absent lord, 
 Returning home with conquest. 
 
 Lor. 'Tis predominant 
 Over a stinking breath, is it not, doctor? 
 
 Doct. Clothe the infirmity with sweeter lan- 
 'Tis a preservative that way. [guage : 
 
 Lor. You are, then, 
 Admitted to the cabinets of great ladies. 
 And have the government of the borrow'd beauties 
 Of such as write near forty. 
 
 Doct. True, my good lord, 
 And my attempts have prosper'd. 
 
 Lor. Did you never 
 Minister to the princess ? 
 
 Doct. Sir, not yet ; 
 She's in the April of her youth, and needs not 
 The aids of art, my gracious lord ; but in 
 The autumn of her age I may be useful. 
 And sworn her highness' doctor, and your grace 
 Partake of the delight. — 
 
 Lor» Slave 1 witch ! impostor ! 
 
 [_Strikeg him doum. 
 Mountebank! cheater! traitor to great nature. 
 In thy presumption to repair what she. 
 In her immutable decrees, design'd 
 For some few years to grow up, and then wither ! 
 Or is't not crime enough thus to betray 
 The secrets of the weaker sex, thy patients, 
 But thou must make the honour of this age, 
 And envy of the time to come, Matilda, 
 Whose sacred name I bow to, guilty of 
 A futui>c sin in thy ill- boding thoughts, 
 Which for a perpetuity of youth 
 And pleasure she disdains to act, such is 
 Her purity and innocence ! 
 
 \_SeU his foot on the Doctor's breast, 
 
 Alon. Long since 
 I look'd for this I'envoy. 
 
 Mart. Would I were well off! 
 He's dangerous in these humours. 
 
 Oct. Stand conceal'd. 
 
 Doct. O sir, have mercy ! in my thought I never 
 Offended you. 
 
 Lor. Me ! most of all, thou monster ! 
 What a mock-man property in thy intent 
 Wouldst thou have made me ? a mere pathic to 
 Thy devilish art, had I given suffrage to it. 
 Are my gray hairs, the ornament of age, 
 And held a blessing by the wisest men. 
 And for such warranted by holy writ. 
 To be conceal'd, as if they were my shame ? 
 Or plaister up these furrows in my face, 
 As if I were a painted bawd or whore .' 
 By such base means if that I could ascend 
 To the height of all my hojies, their full fruition 
 Would not wipe off the scandal : no, thou wretch ! 
 Thy cozening water and adulterate oil 
 I thus pour in thine eyes, and tread to dust 
 Thy loath 'd confection with thy trumperies : — 
 Vanish for ever 1 
 
 Mart. You have your fee as I take it, 
 Dear domine doctor ! I'll be no sharer with you. 
 
 lExit Doctor 
 
 Lor, I'll court her like myself; these rich 
 adornments 
 And jewels, worn by me, an absolute prince. 
 My order too, of which I am the sovereign, 
 Can meet no ill construction ; yet 'tis far 
 From my imagination to believe 
 She can be taken with sublimed clay. 
 The silk-worm's spoils, or rich embroideries: 
 Nor must I borrow helps from power or greatness. 
 But as a loyal lover plead my cause ; 
 If I can feelingly express my ardour. 
 And make her sensible of the much I suffer 
 In hopes and fears, and she vouchsafe to take 
 
412 
 
 THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 Compassion on me, — ha ! compassion ? 
 
 The word sticks in my throat : what's here, that 
 
 tells me 
 I do descend too low ? rebellious spirit, 
 1 conjure thee to leave me ! there is now 
 No contradiction or declining left, 
 I must and will go on. 
 
 Mart. The tempest's laid ; 
 You may present yourselves. 
 
 [Alonzo and Pisano come forward, 
 
 Ahn. My gracious lord. 
 
 Pisan. Your humble vassal. 
 
 Lor. Ha ! both living ? 
 
 Alon. Sir, 
 We owe our lives to this good lord, and make it 
 Our humble suit 
 
 Lor. Plead for yourselves : we stand 
 Yet unresolved whether your knees or prayers 
 Can save the forfeiture of your own heads : 
 Though we have put our armour off, your pardon 
 For leaving of the camp without our license, 
 Is not yet signed. At some more fit time wait us. 
 \_Exeunt Lorenzo, Gentleman, and Page. 
 
 Alon. How's this .'' 
 
 Mart. 'Tis well it is no worse ; I met with 
 A rougher entertainment, yet I had 
 Good cards to shew. He's parcel mad ; you'll find 
 
 him 
 Every hour in a several mood ; this foolish love 
 Is such a shuttlecock ! but all will be well. 
 When a better fit comes on him, never doubt it. 
 
 \_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — Another Room in the same. 
 
 Enter Gonzaga, Uberti, Farneze, and Manfroy. 
 
 Gon. How do you find her ? 
 
 Uber. Thankful for my service. 
 And yet she gives me little hope ; my rival 
 Is too great for me. 
 
 Gon. The great duke, you mean .-' 
 
 Uber. Who else ? the Milanese, although he be 
 A complete gentleman, I am sure despairs 
 More than myself. 
 
 Farn. A high estate, with women, 
 Takes place of all desert. 
 
 Uber. I must stand my fortune. 
 
 Enter Lorenzo and Attendants. 
 
 Man, The duke of Florence, sir. 
 
 Gon. Your highness' presence 
 Answers my wish. Your private ear ; — I have used 
 My best persuasion, with a father's power, 
 To work my daughter to your ends ; yet she, 
 Like a small bark on a tempestuous sea, 
 Toss'd here and there by opposite winds, resolves 
 
 not 
 At which port to put in. This prince's merits, 
 Your grace and favour ; nor is she unmindful 
 Of the brave acts (under your pardon, sir, 
 I needs must call them so) Hortensio 
 Hath done to gain her good opinion of him ; 
 All these together tumbling in her fancy, 
 Do much distract her. I have spies upon her, 
 And am assured this instant hour she gives 
 Hortensio private audience ; I will bring you 
 Where we will see and hear all. 
 
 Lor. You oblige me. 
 
 Uber. I do not like this whispering. 
 
 Gon. Fear no foul play. iExeunU 
 
 SCENE III. — Another Room in the same. 
 Enter HoRTKNsro, Beatrice, and two Waiting-women. 
 
 1 Worn. The princess, sir, long since expected 
 you; 
 And, would I beg a thanks, I could tell you that 
 I have often moved her for you. 
 
 Hort. I am your servant. 
 
 Enter Matilda. 
 Beat. She's come ; there are others I must place 
 to hear 
 The conference. \_Aside, and exit 
 
 1 Wom. Is't your excellency's pleasure 
 That we attend you ? 
 
 Matil. No ; wait me in the gallery. 
 
 1 Wom. Would each of us, wench, had a sweet- 
 To pass away the time ! ("heart too, 
 
 2 Wom. There I join with you. 
 
 [i-'xewnf Waiting- worn en i 
 Matil. I fear this is the last time we shall meet. 
 Hort. Heaven forbid ! 
 
 Re-enter above Beatrice W2<ft Lorenzo, Gonzaga, Uberti, 
 and Farneze. 
 
 Matil. O my Hortensio ! 
 In me behold the misery of greatness. 
 And that which you call beauty. Had I been 
 Of a more low condition, I might 
 Have call'd my will and faculties mine own. 
 Not seeing that which was to be beloved 
 With others' eyes : but now, ah me, most wretched 
 And miserable princess, in my fortune, 
 To be too much engaged for service done me ! 
 It being impossible to make satisfaction 
 To my so many creditors ; all deserving, 
 I can keep touch with none. 
 
 Lor. A sad exordium. 
 
 Matil. You loved me long, and without hope 
 
 I die to think on't !) Parma's prince, invited 
 
 With a too partial report of what 
 
 I was, and might be to him, left his country, 
 
 To fight in my defence. Your brave achievemsnts 
 
 I' the war, and what you did for me, unspoken, 
 
 Because I would not force the sweetness of 
 
 Your modesty to a blush, are written here : 
 
 And, that there might be nothing wanting to 
 
 Sum up my numerous engagements, (never 
 
 In my hopes to be cancell'd,) the great duke, 
 
 Our mortal enemy, when my father's country 
 
 Lay open to his fury, and the spoil 
 
 Of the victorious army, and I brought 
 
 Into his power, hath shewn himself so noble. 
 
 So full of honour, temperance, and all virtues 
 
 That can set off a prince, that, though I cannot 
 
 Render him that respect I would, I am bound 
 
 In thankfulness to admire him. 
 
 Hort. 'Tis acknowledged. 
 And on your part to be return'd. 
 
 Matil. How can I, 
 Without the brand of foul ingratitude 
 To you, and prince Uberti ? 
 
 Hort. Hear me, madam. 
 And what your servant shall with zeal deliver, 
 Asa Dsedalean clew may guide you out of 
 This labyrinth of distraction. He that loves 
 His mistress truly, should prefer her honour 
 And peace of mind, above the glutting of 
 His ravenous appetite : he should affect her, 
 
THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 410 
 
 But with a fit restraint, and not take from her 
 To give himself : he should make it the height 
 Of his ambition, if it lie in 
 His stretch'd-out nerves to effect it, though she 
 
 fly in 
 An eminent place,, to add strength to her wings, 
 And mount her higher, though he fall himself 
 Into the bottomless abyss ; or else 
 The services he offers ai'e not real, 
 But counterfeit. 
 
 Matil. What can Hortensio^ 
 Infer from this ? 
 
 Hort. That I stand bound in duty, 
 (Though in the act I take my last farewell 
 Of comfort in this life,) to sit down willingly, 
 And move my suit no further. I confess, 
 While you were in danger, and heaven's mercy 
 
 made me 
 Its instrument to preserve you, (which your good- 
 Prized far above the merit,) I was bold [ness 
 To feed my starv'd affection with false hopes 
 I might be worthy of you : for know, madam, 
 How mean soever 1 appear'd in Mantua, 
 I had in expectation a fortune, 
 Though not possess'd oft, that encouraged me 
 With confidence to prefer my suit, and not 
 To fear the prince Uberti as my rival. 
 
 Gon. I ever thought him more than what he 
 
 Lor. Pray you, forbear. [seem'd. 
 
 Hort. But when the duke of Florence 
 Put in his plea, in my consideration 
 Weighing well what he is, as you must grant him 
 A Mars of men in arms, and, those put off. 
 The great example for a kingly courtier 
 To imitate ; annex to these his wealth. 
 Of such a large extent, as other monarchs 
 Call him the king of coin ; and, what's above all. 
 His lawful love, with all the happiness 
 This life can fancy, from him flowing to you ; 
 The true affection which I have ever born you, 
 Does not alone command me to desist. 
 But, as a faithful counsellor, to advise you 
 To meet and welcome that felicity. 
 Which hastes to crown your virtues. 
 
 Lor. We must break off this parley : 
 Something I have to say. [^Exeunt above. 
 
 Matil. In tears I thank 
 Your care of my advancement ; but I dare not 
 Follow your counsel. Shall such piety 
 Pass unrewarded } such a pure affection, 
 For any ends of mine, be undervalued ? 
 Avert it, heaven ! I will be thy Matilda, 
 Or cease to be ; no other heat but what 
 Glows from thy purest flames, shall warm this 
 
 bosom. 
 Nor Florence, nor all monarchs of the earth. 
 Shall keep thee from me. 
 
 Re-enter below Lorenzo, Gon'zaoa, Ubkrti, Farmeze, and 
 Manfroy. 
 
 Hort. I fear, gracious lady, 
 Our conference hath been overheard. 
 
 Matil. The better : 
 Your part is acted ; give me leave at distance < 
 To zany it. — Sir, on my knees thus prostrate 
 Before your feet 
 
 Lor. This must not be, I shall 
 Both wrong myself and you in suffering it. 
 
 Matil. 1 will grow here, and weeping thus turn 
 marble. 
 
 Unless you hear and grant the first petition 
 
 A virgin, and a princess, ever tendered : 
 
 Nor doth the suit concern poor me alone, 
 
 It hath a stronger reference to you, 
 
 And to your honour ; and, if you deny it, 
 
 Both ways you suffer. Remember, sir, you were 
 
 not 
 Bom only for yourself, heaven's liberal hand 
 Design'd you to command a potent nation. 
 Gave you heroic valour which you have 
 Abused, in making unjust war upon 
 A neighbour-prince, a Christian ; while the Turk, 
 W^hose scourge and terror you should be, securely 
 Wastes the Italian confines : 'tis in you 
 To force him to pull in his horned crescents, 
 And 'tis expected from you. 
 
 Lor. I have been 
 In a dream, and now begin to wake. 
 
 Matil. And will you 
 Forbear to reap the harvest of such glories, 
 Now ripe, and at full growth, for the embraces 
 Of a slight woman.' or exchange your triumphs 
 For chamber- pleasures, melt your able nerves 
 (That should with your victorious sword make way 
 Through the armies of your enemies) in loose 
 And wanton dalliance ? be yourself, great sir. 
 The thunderbolt of war, and scorn to sever 
 Two hearts long since united ; your example 
 May teach the prince Uberti to subscribe 
 To that which you allow of. 
 
 Lor. The same tongue 
 That charm 'd my sword out of my hand, and threw 
 A frozen numbness on my active spirit, 
 Hath disenchanted me. Rise, fairest princess ! 
 And, that it may appear I do receive 
 Your counsel as inspired from heaven, I will 
 Obey and follow it : I am your debtor. 
 And must confess you have lent my weaken*d 
 
 reason 
 New strengths once more to hold a full command 
 Over my passions. Here, to the world, 
 I freely do profess that I disclaim 
 All interest in you, and give up my title. 
 Such as it is, to you, sir ; and, as far 
 As I have power, thus join your hands. 
 
 Gon. To yours 
 I add my full consent. 
 
 Uber. I am lost, Farneze. 
 
 Farn. Much nearer to the port than you sup- 
 pose : — 
 In me our laws speak, and forbid this contract. 
 
 Matil. Ah me, new stops ! 
 
 Hort. Shall we be ever cross'd thus? 
 
 Farn. There is an act upon record, confirm d 
 By your wise predecessors, that no heir 
 Of Mantua (as questionless the princess 
 Is the undoubted one) must be join'd in marriage, 
 But where the match may strengthen the estate 
 And safety of the dukedom. Now, this gentleman, 
 However I must style him honourable. 
 And of a high desert, having no power 
 To make this good in his alliance, stands 
 Excluded by our laws ; whereas this prince, 
 Of equal merit, binngs to Mantua 
 The power and principality of Parma : 
 And therefore, since the great duke hath let fall 
 His plea, there lives no prince that justlier can 
 Challenge the princess' favour. 
 
 Lor. Is this true, sir ? 
 
 Gon. 1 cannot contradict it. 
 
414 
 
 THE BASHFUL LOVER. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 Enter Manfroy. 
 
 Man. There's an ambassador 
 From Milan, that desires a present audience ; 
 His business is of highest consequence, 
 As he affirms : I know him for a man 
 Of the best rank and quality. 
 
 liort. From Milan ! 
 
 Gon. Admit him. 
 
 Enter Ambassador, and Julio with a letter, which he pre- 
 sents on his knee to IIortensio. 
 
 How ! so low ? 
 
 Amh. I am sorry, sir, 
 To be the bringer of this heavy news ; 
 But since it must be known 
 
 Hort. Peace rest with him ! 
 I shall find fitter time to mourn his loss. 
 My faithful servant too I 
 
 Jul. I am o'erjoy'd. 
 To see your highness safe. 
 
 Hort. Pray you, peruse this, 
 And there you'll find that the objection, 
 The lord Farneze made, is fully answer'd. 
 
 Gon. The great John Galeas dead ! 
 
 Lor. And this his brother, 
 The absolute lord of Milan I 
 
 Matil. I am revived. 
 
 Uber. There's no contending against destiny : 
 I wish both happiness. 
 
 Enter Alonzo, Marfa, Octavio, Pisano, and Maktino. 
 
 Lor. Married, Alonzo ! 
 I will salute your lady, she's a fair one, 
 And seal your pardon on her lips. IKisses Maria. 
 
 Gon. Octavio ! 
 Welcome e'en to my heart. Rise, I should kneel 
 To thee for mercy. 
 
 Oct. The poor remainder of 
 My age shall truly serve you. 
 
 Matil. You resemble 
 A page I had, Ascanio. 
 
 Mar. I am 
 Your highness* servant still. 
 
 Lor. All stand amazed 
 At this unlook'd-for meeting ; but defer 
 Your several stories. Fortune here hath shewn 
 Her various power ; but virtue, in the end, 
 Is crown'd with laurel : Love hath done his parts 
 And mutual friendship, after bloody jars, [too ; 
 Will cure the wounds received in our wars. 
 
 iExeunU 
 
 EPILOGUE. 
 
 Pray you, gentlemen, keep your seats ; something I would 
 
 Deliver to gain favour, if I could. 
 
 To us, and the still doubtful author. He, 
 
 When I desired an epilogue, answered me, 
 
 ** '*Twas to no purpose : he must stand his fate ^ 
 
 *' Since all entreaties now would come too late ; 
 
 " You being long Hnce resolved what you would say 
 
 ** Of him, or us, as you rise, or of the play." 
 
 A strange old fellow ! yet this sullen mood 
 
 Would quickly leave him, might it be understood 
 
 You part not hence displeased. I am design'd 
 
 To give him certain notice : if you find 
 
 Things worth your liking, shew it. Hope and feOTy 
 
 Though different passions, have ilie self -same ear. 
 
 i 
 
THE OLD LAW. 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONS. 
 
 EvANDEB, Dtike o/Epire. ~ 
 
 Clerk. 
 
 Cratilus, the Executioner. 
 
 Drawer. 
 
 Ckeon, Father to Simonidbs. 
 
 
 BiMONlDES, ) 
 
 CL^^NTlil,^,]y<>''''9 Courtiers. 
 
 
 Antioona, Wife to Cbeow. 
 
 Lysander, Husband to EuGENtA, and Uncle to 
 Cleanthes. 
 
 Hippolita, Wife to Cleanthbs. 
 
 Leonides, Father to Cleanthes. 
 
 Eugenia, Wife to Lysander, and Mother tc 
 
 Gnotho, the Clown. 
 
 Parthenia. 
 
 Lawyers, 
 
 Parthenia. 
 
 Courtiers. 
 
 Agatha, Wife to Gnotho. 
 
 Dancii:g-Master. 
 
 Old Women, Wives to Creon's Servants, 
 
 Butler, A 
 Bailiff, 
 
 Courtezan. 
 
 Tailor, „ „ 
 Coachman, ' Servants to Creon. 
 
 
 Footman, 
 
 Fiddlers, Servants, Guard, SfC. 
 
 Cook, J 
 
 
 SCENE, 
 
 — Epire. 
 
 AC 
 
 r I. 
 
 SCENE I.— A Room in Creon's House, 
 
 Sim. Faith, near her days too ; 
 
 
 Wants some two of threescore. 
 
 Enter Simonides and two Lawyers. 
 
 1 Law. So ! she'll drop away 
 
 Sim. Is the law firm, sir ? 
 
 One of these days too : here's a good age now, 
 
 1 Law. The law ! what more firm, sir, 
 
 For those that have old parents, and rich inherit- 
 
 More powerful, forcible, or more permanent ? 
 
 ance ! 
 
 Sim. By my troth, sir. 
 
 Sim. And, sir, 'tis profitable for others too : 
 
 I partly do believe it ; conceive, sir, 
 
 Are there not fellows that lie bedrid in their offices, 
 
 You have indirectly answered my question. 
 
 That younger men would walk lustily in ? 
 
 I did not doubt the fundamental grounds 
 
 Churchmen, that even the second infancy 
 
 Of law in general, for the most solid ; 
 
 Hath silenced, yet have spun out their lives so 
 
 But this particular law that me concerns, 
 
 long. 
 
 Now, at the present, if that be firm and strong, 
 
 That many pregnant and ingenious spirits 
 
 And powerful, and forcible, and permanent ? 
 
 Have languish'd in their hoped reversions. 
 
 I am a young man that has an old father. 
 
 And died upon the thought ? and, by your leave. 
 
 2 Law. Nothing more strong, sir. 
 
 Have you not places fill'd up in the law, [sir, 
 
 It \^— Secundum statutum principis, confirmatum 
 
 By some grave senators, that you imagine 
 
 cum voce senatus, et voce reipublicce ; nay, con- 
 
 Have held them long enough, and such spirits as 
 
 summatum et exemplificatum. 
 
 you, 
 
 Is it not in force, 
 
 Were they removed, would leap into their dignities." 
 
 When divers have already tasted it, 
 
 1 Law. Die quibus in terris, et eris mihi mag- 
 
 And paid their lives for penalty \ 
 
 nus Apollo. 
 
 Sim. 'Tis true. 
 
 Sim. But tell me, faith, your fair opinion : 
 
 My father must be next ; this day completes 
 
 Is't not a sound and necessary law, 
 
 Full fourscore years upon him. 
 
 This, by the duke enacted ? 
 
 2 Law. He is here, then. 
 
 1 Law. Never did Greece, 
 
 Sub poena statuti : hence I can tell him, 
 
 Our ancient seat of brave philosophers, 
 
 Truer than all the physicians in the world, 
 
 'Mongst all her nomothetce and lawgivers. 
 
 He cannot live out to-morrow ; this 
 
 Not when she flourish 'd in her sevenfold sages, 
 
 Is the most certain climacterical year — 
 
 Whose living memory can never die, 
 
 'Tis past all danger, for there's no escaping it. 
 
 Produce a law more grave and necessary. 
 
 What age is your mother, sir I 
 
 Sim. I am of that mind too. 
 
416 
 
 THE OLD LAW. 
 
 2 Law. I will maintain, sir, 
 Draco's oligarchy, that the government 
 Of community reduced into few, 
 Framed a fair state ; Solon's chreokopia, 
 That cut off poor men's debts to their rich cre- 
 ditors. 
 Was good and charitable, but not full, allow'd ; 
 His seisactheia did reform that error, 
 His honourable senate of Areopagitse. 
 Lycurgus was more loose, and gave too free 
 And licentious reins unto his discipline ; 
 As that a young woman, in her husband's weakness, 
 Might choose her able friend to propagate ; 
 That so the commonwealth might be supplied 
 With hope of lusty spirits. Plato did err, 
 And so did Aristotle, in allowing 
 Lewd and luxurious limits to their laws : 
 But now our Epire, our Epire's Evander, 
 Our noble and wise prince, has hit the law 
 That all our predecessive students 
 Have miss'd, unto their shame. 
 
 Enter Cleanthes. 
 
 Sim. Forbear the praise, sir, 
 *Tis in itself most pleasing : — Cleanthes ! 
 O, lad, here's a spring for young plants to flourish ! 
 The old trees must down kept the sun from us ; 
 We shall rise now, boy. 
 
 Clean. Whither, sir, I pray ? 
 To the bleak air of storms, among those trees 
 Which we had shelter from ? 
 
 Sim. Yes, from our growth 
 Our sap and livelihood, and from our fruit. 
 "What ! 'tis not jubilee with thee yet, I think, 
 Thou look'st so sad on't. How old is thy father ? 
 
 Clean. Jubilee ! no, indeed ; 'tis a bad year 
 with me. 
 
 Sim. Prithee, how old's thy father ? then I can 
 tell thee. 
 
 Clean. I know not how to answer you, Si- 
 monides ; 
 He is too old, being now exposed 
 Unto the rigour of a cruel edict ; 
 .\nd yet not old enough by many years, 
 'Cause I'd not see him go an hour before me. 
 
 Sim. These very passions I speak to my fatner. 
 Come, come, here's none but friends here, we may 
 
 speak 
 Our insides freely ; these are lawyers, man, 
 And shall be counsellors shortly. 
 
 Clean. They shall be now, sir. 
 And shall have large fees if they'll undertake 
 To help a good cause, for it wants assistance ; 
 Bad ones, I know, they can insist upon. 
 
 1 Law. O, sir, we must undertake of both parts ; 
 3ut the good we have most good in. 
 
 Clean. Pray you, say. 
 How do you allow of this strange edict ? 
 
 1 Law. Secundum justitiam ; b.y my faith, sir, 
 The happiest edict that ever was in Epire. 
 
 Clean. What, to kill innocents, sir ? it cannot 
 It is no rule in justice there to punish. [be, 
 
 1 Law. Oh, sir. 
 You understand a conscience, but not law. 
 
 Clean. Why, sir, is there so main a difference ? 
 
 1 Law. You'll never be good lawyer if you un- 
 derstand not that. 
 
 Clean. 1 think, then, 'tis the best to be a bad 
 one. 
 
 1 Law. Why, sir, the very letter and the sense 
 
 both do overthrow you in this statute, which 
 speaks, that every man living to fourscore years, 
 and women to threescore, shall then be cut off as 
 fruitless to the republic, and law shall finish what 
 nature linger'd at. 
 
 Clean. And this suit shall soon be dispatch'd in 
 law } 
 
 1 Law. It is so plain it can have no demur, 
 The churcH-book overthrows it. 
 
 Clean. And so it does ; 
 The church-book overthrows it, if you read it well. 
 
 1 Law. Still you run from the law into error : 
 You say it takes the lives of innocents, 
 
 I say no, and so says common reason ; 
 
 What man lives to fourscore, and woman to three, 
 
 That can die innocent .'' 
 
 Clean. A fine law evasion ! 
 Good sir, rehearse the whole statute to me, 
 
 Sim. Fie ! that's too tedious ; you have already 
 The full sum in the brief relation. 
 
 Clean. Sir, 
 'Mongst many words maybe found contradictions; 
 And these men dare sue and wrangle with a statute. 
 If they can pick a quarrel with some error 
 
 2 Law. Listen, sir, I'll gather it as brief as I 
 
 can for you : 
 Anno prima Evandri, Be it for the care and good 
 of the commonwealth, (for divers necessary rea- 
 sons that we shall urge,) thus peremptorily 
 enacted, — 
 
 Clean. A fair pretence, if the reasons foul it not! 
 
 2 Law. That all men living in our dominions of 
 Epire, in their decayed nature, to the age of four- 
 score, or women to the age of threescore, shall on 
 the same day be instantly put to death, by those 
 means and instruments that a former proclamation., 
 had to this purpose^ through our said territories 
 dispersed. 
 
 Clean. There was no woman in this senate, 
 certain. 
 
 1 Law. That these men, being past their beariiig 
 arms, to aid and defend their country ; past their 
 manhood and likelihood, to propagate any further 
 issue to their posterity ; and as well past their 
 councils (whose overgrown gravity is now run into 
 dotage) to assist their country ; to whom, in com- 
 mon reason, nothing should be so ivearisome as 
 their own lives, as they may be supposed tedious to 
 their successive heirs, whose times are spent in the 
 good of their country : yet wanting the means to 
 maintain it ; and are like to grow old before their 
 inheritance fborn to them) come to their necessary 
 use, be condemned to die : for the women, for that 
 they never were a defence to their country ; never 
 by counsel admitted to assist in the government of 
 their country ; only necessary to the propagation 
 of posterity, and now, at the age of threescore, past 
 that good, and all their goodness : it is thought fit 
 (a quarter abated from the more worthy member j 
 that they be put to death, as is before recited : pro- 
 vided til at for the just and impartial execution of 
 this our statute, the example shall first begin in 
 and about our court, which ourself w'ill see care- 
 fully performed; and not, for a fiill month fol- 
 lowing, extend any further into our dominions. 
 Dated the sixth of the second months at our Palace 
 Royal in Epire. 
 
 Clean. A fine edict, and very fairly gilded ! 
 And is there no scruple in ail these words, 
 To demur the law upon occasion ? 
 
PCKNR I. 
 
 THE OLD LAW. 
 
 417 
 
 Sim. Pox ! 'tis an unnecessary inquisition ; 
 Prithee set him not about it. 
 2 Law. Troth, none, sir : 
 It is so evident and plain a case, 
 There is no succour for the defendant. 
 
 Clean. Possible ! can nothing help in a good 
 
 case? 
 1 Laiv. Faith, sir, I do think there may be a 
 hole, 
 Which would protract ; delay, if not remedy. 
 Clean. Why, there's some comfort in that ; good 
 
 sir, speak it. 
 1 L>nv. Nay, you must pardon me for that, sir. 
 Sim. Prithee, do not ; 
 It may ope a wound to many sons and heirs,'^ 
 That may die after it. 
 
 Clean. Come, sir, I know 
 How to make you speak : — will this do it ? 
 
 IGives him his purse. 
 
 1 Law. I will afford you my opinion, sir. 
 Clean. Pray you, repeat the literal words ex- 
 
 The time of death. [pressly, 
 
 Siyn. 'Tis an unnecessary question ; prithee let 
 it alone. 
 
 2 T,ato. Hear his opinion, 'twill be fruitless sir. 
 That man, at the age of fourscore, and looman at 
 threescore, shall the same day be put to death. 
 
 I Law. Thus I help the man to twenty-one years 
 
 Clean. That were a fair addition. [more. 
 
 1 Law. Mark it, sir ; we say, man is not at age 
 Till he be one and twenty ; before, 'tis infancy. 
 And adolescency ; now, by that addition, 
 Fourscore he cannot be, till a hundred and one. 
 
 Sim. Oh, poor evasion ! 
 He is fourscore years old, sir. 
 
 1 Law. That helps more, sir; 
 He begins to be old at fifty, so, at fourscore, 
 ;He's but thirty years old ; so, believe it, sir, 
 He may be twenty years in declination ; 
 And so long may a man linger and live by it. 
 
 Sim. The worst hope of safety that e'er I heard ! 
 Give him his fee again, 'tis not worth two deniers. 
 
 1 Law. There is no law for restitution of fees, 
 sir. 
 
 Clean. No, no, sir ; I meant it lost when it was 
 given. 
 
 Enter Crkon and Antigona. 
 
 Sim. No more, good sir. 
 Here are ears unnecessary for your doctrine. 
 
 1 Law. I have spoke out my fee, and I have 
 
 Sim. O my dear father ! [done, sir. 
 
 Creon. Tush ! meet me not in exclaims ; 
 I understand the worst, and hope no better. 
 A fine law ! if this hold, white heads will be cheap, 
 And many watchmen's places will be vacant ; 
 Forty of them I know my seniors, 
 That did due deeds of darkness too : — their country 
 Has watch'd them a good turn for't, 
 And ta'en them napping now : 
 The fewer hospitals will serve too, many 
 May be used for stews and brothels ; and those 
 Will never trouble them to fourscore. [peoi)le 
 
 Ant. Can you play and sport with sorrow, sir? 
 
 Creon. Sorrow ! for what, Antigona ? for my life } 
 My sorrow is I have kept it so long well. 
 With bringing it up unto so ill an end. 
 I might have gently lost it in my cradle. 
 Before my nerves and ligaments grew strong. 
 To bind it faster to me. 
 
 Sim. For mine own sake, 
 I should have been sorry for that. 
 
 Creon. In my youth 
 I was a soldier, no coward in my age ; 
 I never turn'd my back upon my foe ; 
 I have felt nature's winters, sicknesses, 
 Yet ever kept a lively sap in me 
 To greet the cheerful spring of health again. 
 Dangers, on horse, on fi ot, [by land,] by water, 
 I have scaped to this day ; and yet this day, 
 Without all help of casual accidents. 
 Is only deadly to me, 'cause it numbers 
 Fourscore years to me. Where is the favilt now ? 
 I cannot blame time, nature, nor my stars. 
 Nor aught but tyranny. Even kings themselves 
 Have sometimes tasted an even fate with me. 
 He that has been a soldier all his days. 
 And stood in personal opposition 
 'Gainst darts and arrows, the extremes of hest 
 And pinching cold, has treacherously at horn.', 
 In's secure quiet, by a villain's hand 
 Been basely lost, in his stars' ignorance :— — ■ 
 And so nuist I die by a tyrant's sword. 
 
 1 Law. Oh, say not so, sir, it is by the law. 
 
 Creon. And what's that, but the sword of 
 tyranny, 
 When it is brandish'd against innocent lives? 
 I am now upon my deathbed, and 'tis fit 
 T should unbosom my free conscience, 
 And shew the faith I die in : — I do believe 
 'Tis tyranny that takes my life. 
 
 Sim. Would it were gone 
 By one means or other ! what a long day 
 Will this be ere night ? lAside. 
 
 Creon. Simonides. 
 
 Sim. Here, sir, — weeping. 
 
 Creon. Wherefore dost thou weep ? 
 
 Clean. 'Cause you make no more haste to your 
 end. iAsiile. 
 
 Sim. How can you question nature so unjustly ? 
 I had a grandfather, and then had not you 
 True filial tears for him ? 
 
 Clean. Hypocrite ! 
 A disease of drought dry up all pity from him, 
 That can dissemble pity with wet eyes ! 
 
 Creon. Be good unto your mother, Simonides. 
 She must be now your care. 
 
 A)it. To what end, sir.^ 
 The bell of this sharp edict tolls for me. 
 As it rings out for you — I'll be as ready, 
 With one hour's stay, to go along with you. 
 
 Creon. Thou must not; woman, there are years 
 behind. 
 Before thou canst set forward in this voyage ; 
 And nature, sure, will now be kind to all : 
 She has a quarrel in't, a cruel law 
 Seeks to prevent her, she will therefore fight in't. 
 And draw out life .even to her longest thread : 
 Thou art scarce fifty-five. 
 
 Ant. So many morrows ! 
 Those five remaining years I'll turn to days. 
 To hours, or minutes, for your company. 
 'Tis fit that you and I, being man and wife, 
 Should walk together arm in arm. 
 
 Sim. I hope 
 They'll go together ; I would they would, i'faith, 
 Then would her thirds be saved too. {Aside.'\ — 
 The day goes away, sir. 
 
 Creon. Why wouldst thou have me gone. 
 Simonides ? „ ,. 
 
418 
 
 THE OLD LAW. 
 
 Sim. O my heart ! Would you have me gone 
 before you, sir, 
 You give me such a deadly wound ? 
 
 Clean. Fine rascal ! 
 
 Sitn. Blemish my duty so with such a question ? 
 Sir, I would haste me to (he duke for mercy; 
 He that's above the law may mitigate 
 The rigour of the law. How a good meaning 
 May be corrupted by a misconstruction ! 
 
 Creon. Thou corrupt'st mine ; I did not think 
 thou mean'st so. 
 
 Clean. You w^ere in the more error. lAside. 
 
 Sifn. The words wounded me. 
 
 Clean. 'Twas pity thou died'st not on't. 
 
 Sim. I have been ransacking the helps of law, 
 Conferring with these learned advocates : 
 If any scruple, cause, or wrested sense 
 Could have been found out to preserve your life. 
 It had been bought, thougli with your full estate, 
 Your life's so precious to me ! — but there's none. 
 
 1 Law. Sir, we have canvass'd her from top to 
 toe, 
 Turn'd her upside down, thrown her upon her side, 
 Nay, open'd and dissected all her entrails. 
 Yet can find none : there's nothing to be hoped, 
 But the duke's mercy. 
 
 Sim. I know the hope of that ; 
 He did not make the law for that purpose. 
 
 Creon. Then to this hopeless mercy last I go ; 
 I have so many precedents before me, 
 I must call it hopeless : Antigona, 
 See me deliver'd up unto my deathsman, 
 And then we'll part ; — five years hence I'll look for 
 thee. 
 
 Sim. I hope she will not stay so long behind you. 
 
 I Aside. 
 
 Creon. Do not bate him an hour by grief and 
 sorrow. 
 Since there's a day prefix'd, hasten it not. 
 Suppose me sick, Antigona, dying now, 
 Any disease thou wilt may be ray end. 
 Or when death's slow to come, say tyrants send. 
 
 lExetint Creon and Antigona. 
 
 Sim. Cleantbes, if you want monej', to-morrow 
 
 I'll trust you while your father's dead. [ use me ; 
 
 lExit, wiih the Lawyers. 
 
 Clean. Why, here's a villain, 
 Able to corrupt a thousand by example ! 
 Does the kind root bleed out his livelihood 
 In parent distribution to his branches. 
 Adorning them with all his glorious fruits. 
 Proud that his pride is seen when he's unseen . 
 And must not gratitude descend again, 
 To comfort his old limbs in fruitless winter ? 
 Improvident, or at least partial nature ! 
 (Weak woman in this kind,) who, in thy last 
 
 teeming, 
 Forgettest still the former, ever making 
 The burthen of thy last throes the dearest darling ! 
 O yet in noble man reform [reform] it. 
 And make us better than those vegetives, 
 Whose souls die with them. Nature, as thou art 
 
 old, 
 If love and justice be not dead in thee, 
 jVIake some the pattern of thy piety ; 
 Lest all do turn unnaturally against thee, 
 And thou be blamed for our oblivious 
 
 Enter Leonides and IIippolita. 
 And brutish reluciations ! Ay, here's the ground 
 Whereon my filial faculties must build 
 
 An edifice of honour, or of shame, 
 To all mankind. 
 
 Hip. You must avoid it, sir, 
 If there be any love within yourself: 
 This is far more than fate of a lost game 
 That another venture may restore again ; 
 It is your life, which you should not subject 
 To any cruelty, if you can preserve it. 
 
 Clean. O dearest woman, thou hast doubled 
 now 
 A thousand times thy nuptial dowry to me ! — 
 Why, she whose love is but derived from me. 
 Is got before me in m.y debted duty. 
 
 Hip. Are you thinking such a resolution, sir .' 
 
 Clean. Sweetest Hippolita, what love taught thee 
 To be so forward in so good a cause .-' 
 
 Hip. Mine own pity, sir, did first instruct me, 
 And then your love and power did both command 
 me. 
 
 Clean. They were all blessed angels to direct 
 thee ; 
 And take their counsel. How do you fare, sir } 
 
 Leon. Cleanthes, never better ; I have conceived 
 Such a new joy within this old bosom, 
 As I did never think would there have enter'd. 
 
 Clean. Joy call you it ? alas ! 'tis sorrow, sir. 
 The worst of sorrows, sorrow unto death. 
 
 Leon. Death ! what is that, Cleanthes ? 1 
 thought not on't, 
 I was in contemplation of this woman : 
 'Tis all thy comfort, son ; thou hast in her 
 A treasure invaluable, keep her safe. 
 When I die, sure 'twill be a gentle death, 
 For I will die with wonder ot her virtues ; 
 Nothing else shall dissolve me. 
 
 Clean. 'Twere much better, sir, 
 Could you prevent their malice. 
 
 Leon. I'll prevent them. 
 And die the way I told thee, in the wonder 
 Of this good woman. I tell thee there's few men 
 Have such a child : I must thank thee for her. 
 That the strong tie of wedlock should do more. 
 Than nature in her nearest ligaments 
 Of blood and propagation ! I should never 
 Have begot such a daughter of myown : 
 A daughter-in-law ! law were above nature. 
 Were there more such children. 
 
 Clean. This admiration 
 Helps nothing to your safety ; think of that, sir. 
 
 Leon. Had you heard her, Cleanthes, but laboui 
 In the search of means to save my forfeit life. 
 And knew the wise and the sound preservations 
 That she found out, you would redouble all 
 My wonder, in your love to her. 
 
 Clean. The thought. 
 The very thought, sir, claims all that from me, 
 And she is now possest oft : but, good sir, 
 If you have aught received from her advice, 
 Let's follow it ; or else let's better think, 
 And take the surest course. 
 
 Leon. I'll tell thee one ; 
 She counsels me to fly my severe country ; 
 To turn all into treasure, and there build up 
 My decaying fortunes in a safer soil, 
 Where Epire's law cannot claim me. 
 
 Clean. And, sir, 
 I apprehend it as a safest course, 
 And may be easily accomplished ; 
 Let us be all most expeditious. 
 , Every country where we breathe will be our own, 
 
THE OLD LAW. 
 
 410 
 
 Or better soil ; heaven is the roof of all, 
 And now, as Epire's situate by this law, 
 There is 'twixt us and heaven a dark eclipse. 
 
 Jlip. Oh, then avoid it, sir ; these sad events 
 Follow those black predictions. 
 
 Leon. I prithee peace ; 
 I do allow thy love, Hippolita, 
 But must not follow it as counsel, child ; 
 I must not shame my country for the law. 
 This country here hath bred me, brought me up, 
 And shall I now refuse a grave in her ? 
 I am in my second infancy, and children 
 Ne'er sleep so sweetly in their nurse's cradle, 
 As in their natural mother's. 
 
 Hip. Ay, but, sir, ^^ 
 
 She is unnatural ; then the stepmother's 
 To be preferr'd before her. 
 
 Leon. Tush 1 she shall 
 Allow it me in despite of her entrails. 
 Why, do you think how far from judgment 'tis, 
 That I should travel forth to seek a grave 
 That is already digg'd for me at home. 
 Nay, perhaps find it in my way to seek it ? — 
 How have I then sought a repentant sorrow ? 
 For your dear loves, how have I banish'd you 
 From your country ever ? With my base attempt, 
 How have I beggar'd you in wasting that 
 Which only for your sakes I bred together ; 
 Buried my name in Epire which I built 
 Upon this frame, to live for ever in ? 
 What a base coward shall I be, to fly from 
 That enemy which every minute meets me. 
 And thousand odds he had not long vanquish'd me 
 Before this hour of battle ! Fly my death 1 
 I will not be so false unto your states, 
 Nor fainting to the man that's yet in me : 
 I'll meet him bravely ; I cannot (this knowing) 
 
 fear 
 That, when I am gone hence, I shall be there. 
 Come, I have days of preparation left. 
 
 Clean. Good sir, hear me : 
 I have a genius that has prompted me, 
 
 And I have almost form'd it into words 
 
 'Tis done, pray you observe them ; I can conceal 
 And yet not leave your country. [you ; 
 
 Leon. Tush ! it cannot be. 
 Without a certain peril on us all. 
 
 Clean. Danger must be hazarded, rather than 
 accept 
 A sure destruction. You have a lodge, sir, 
 So far remote from way of passengers, 
 That seldom any mortal eye does greet with't ; 
 And yet so sweetly situate with thickets, 
 Built with such cunning labyrinths within, 
 As if the provident heavens, foreseeing cruelty, 
 Had bid you frame it to this purpose only. 
 
 Leon. Fie, fie! 'tis dangerous, — and treason too, 
 To abuse the law. 
 
 Hip. *Tis holy care, sir, 
 Of your dear life, wiiich is your own to keep, 
 But not your own to lose, either in will 
 Or negligence. 
 
 Clean. Call you it treason, sir ? 
 I had been then a traitor unto you. 
 Had I forgot this ; beseech you, accept of it ; 
 It is secure, and a duty to yourself. 
 
 Leon. What a coward will you make me ! 
 
 Clean. You mistake ; 
 'Tis noble courage, now you fight with death ; 
 And yield not to him till you stoop under him. 
 
 Leon. This must needs open to discovery. 
 And then what torture follows? 
 
 Clean. By what means, sir ? 
 Why, there is but one body in all this counsel. 
 Which cannot betray itself : we two are one. 
 One soul, one body, one heart, that think one 
 And yet we two are not completely one, [thought; 
 
 But as I have derived myself from you. 
 
 Who shall betray us where there is no second ? 
 
 Hip. You must not mistrust my faith, though 
 Weakness and frailty foi* me. [my sex plead 
 
 Leon. Oh, I dare not 
 But where's the means that must make answer for 
 I cannot be lost without a full account, [me ? 
 
 And what must pay that reckoning ? 
 
 Clean. Oh, sir, we will 
 Keep solemn obits for your funeral ; 
 We'll seem to weep, and seem to joy withal. 
 That death so gently has prevented you 
 The law's sharp rigour; and this no mortal ear shall 
 Participate the knowledge of. 
 
 Leon. Ha, ha, ha ! 
 This will be a sportive fine demur, 
 If the error be not found. 
 
 Clean. Pray doubt of none. 
 Your company and best provision. 
 Must be no further furnish'd than by us ; 
 And, in the intei-im, your solitude may 
 Converse with heaven, and fairly prepare 
 [For that] which was too violent and raging 
 Thrown headlong on you. 
 
 Leon. Still, there are some doubts 
 Of the discovery ; yet I do allow it. 
 
 Hip. Will you not mention now the cost and 
 Which will be in your keeping 1 [charge, 
 
 Leon. That will be somewhat, 
 Which you might save too. 
 
 Clean. With his will against him, 
 -; What foe is more to man than man himself? 
 Are you resolved sir ? 
 
 Leon. I am. Clean thes : 
 If by this means I do get a reprieve. 
 And cozen death awhile, when he shall come 
 Armed in his own power to give the blow, 
 I'll smile upon him then, and laughing go. 
 
 \,Exeunt. 
 
 ACT II, 
 
 SCENE I.— Before the Palace, 
 
 Enter EvANDEn, Courtiers, and Cratilus. 
 
 Evan. Executioner ! 
 
 Crat. My lord. 
 
 Evan. How did old Diocles take his death ? 
 
 Crat. As weeping brides receive their joys at 
 With trembling, yet with patience. [nigbt ; 
 
 Evan. Why, 'twas well. 
 
 1 Court. Nay, I knew my father would do well, 
 my lord. 
 Whene'er he came to die ; I'd that opinion of him 
 1. K 2 
 
420 
 
 THE OLD LAW. 
 
 "Which made me the more willing to part from him ; 
 He was not fit to live in the world, indeed 
 Any time these ten years, my lord, 
 But I would not say so much. 
 
 Evan. No ! you did not well in't, 
 For he that's all spent, is ripe for death at all hours, 
 And does but trifle time out. 
 
 1 Court. Troth, my lord, 
 
 I would I'd known your mind nine years ago. 
 
 Evan. Our law is fourscore years, because we 
 Dotage complete then, as unfruitfulness [judge 
 In women, at threescore ; marry, if the son 
 Can, within compass, bring good solid proofs 
 Of his own father's weakness, and unfitness 
 To live, or sway the living, though he want five 
 Or ten years of his number, that's not it ; 
 His defect makes him fourscore, and 'tis fit 
 He dies when he deserves ; for every act 
 Is in effect then, when the cause is ripe. 
 
 2 Court. An admirable prince ! how rarely he 
 
 talks ! 
 Oh that we'd known this, lads ! What a time did 
 
 we endure 
 In two-penny commons, and in boots twice 
 
 vamp'd ! 
 
 1 Court. Now we have two pair a week, and yet 
 
 not thankful ; 
 'Twill be a fine world for them, sirs, that come 
 
 2 Court. Ay, an they knew it. [after us. 
 
 1 Court. Peace, let them never know it. 
 
 3 Court. A pox, there be young heirs will soon 
 
 smell't out. 
 
 2 Court. 'Twill come to them by instinct, man : 
 
 may your grace 
 Never be old, you stand so well for youth ! 
 
 Evan. Why now, methinks, our court looks like 
 
 a spring, 
 Sweet, fresh, and fashionable, now the old weeds 
 
 are gone. 
 1 Court. It is as a court should be : 
 Gloss and good clothes, my lord, no matter for 
 And herein your law proves a provident act, [merit ; 
 When men pass not the palsy of their tongues, 
 Nor colour in their cheeks. 
 
 Evan. But women. 
 By that law, should live long, for they're ne'er 
 
 past it. 
 1 Court. It will have heats though, when they 
 
 see the painting 
 Go an inch deep i' th' wrinkle, and take up 
 A box more than their gossips : but for men, my 
 That should be the sole bravery of a palace, [lord. 
 To walk with hollow eyes and long white beards, 
 As if a prince dwelt in a land of goats ; 
 With clothes as if they sat on their backs on pur- 
 To arraign a fashion, and condemn't to exile ; [pose 
 Their pockets in their sleeves, as if they laid 
 Their ear to avarice, and heard the devil whisper ! 
 Now ours lie downward, here, close to the flank ; 
 Right spending pockets, as a son's should be. 
 That lives i'the fashion ; where our diseased fathers. 
 Worried with the sciatica and aches. 
 Brought up your paned hose first, which ladies 
 
 laugh 'd at. 
 Giving no reverence to the place lies ruin'd : 
 They love a doublet that's three hours a buttoning, 
 And sits so close makes a man groan again. 
 And his soul mutter half a day ; yet these are those, 
 That carry sway and worth : prick'd up in clothes. 
 Why should we fear our rising ? 
 
 Evan. You but wrong 
 Our kindness, and your own deserts, to doubt on't 
 Hn.s not our law made you rich before your time ? 
 Our countenance then can make you honourable. 
 1 Court. We'll spare for no cost, sir, to appear 
 
 worthy. 
 Evan. Why you're i'the noble way then, for the 
 jAre but appearers ; woi'th itself is lost, [most 
 
 And bravery stands for't. 
 
 Enter Crbon, Antigona, and SiMONmes. 
 
 1 Court. Look, look, who comes here ! 
 I smell death, and another courtier, 
 Simonides. 
 
 2 Court. Sim ! 
 
 Sim. Pish ! I'm not for you yet. 
 Your company's too costly ; after the old man's 
 Dispatch'd, I shall have time to talk with you ; 
 I shall come into the fashion you shall see too. 
 After a day or two ; in the mean time, 
 I am not for your company. 
 
 Evan. Old Creon, you have been expected long ; 
 Sure you're above fourscore. 
 
 Sim. Upon my life. 
 Not four and twenty hours, my lord ; I search'd 
 The church-book yesterday. Does your grace think 
 I'd let my father wrong the law, my lord ? 
 'Twere pity o' my life then ! no, your act 
 Shall not receive a minute's wrong by him, 
 While I live, sir ; and he's so just himself too, 
 I know he would not offer't : — here he stands. 
 
 Creon. 'Tisjust I die, indeed; for I confess 
 I am troublesome to life now, and the state 
 Can hope for nothing worthy from me now, 
 Either in force or counsel ? I've o'late 
 Employ'd myself quite from the world, and he 
 That once begins to serve his Maker faithfully, 
 • Can never serve a worldly prince well after ; 
 'Tis clean another way. 
 
 Ant. Oh, give not confidence 
 To all he speaks, my lord, in his own injury. 
 His preparation only for the next world, 
 Makes him talk wildly, to his wrong, of this ; 
 He is not lost in judgment. 
 
 Sim. She spoils all again. \_Aside. 
 
 Ant. Deserving any way for state employment. 
 
 Sim. Mother 
 
 Ant. His very household laws prescribed at 
 home by him. 
 Are able to conform seven Christian kingdoms. 
 They are so wise and virtuous. 
 
 Sim. Mother, I say 
 
 Ant. I know your laws extend not to desert, sir, 
 But to unnecessary years; and, my lord, 
 His are not such ; though they shew white, they 
 Judicious, able, and religious. [are worthy, 
 
 Sim. Mother, 
 I'll help you to a courtier of nineteen. 
 
 Ant. iiway, unnatural ! 
 
 Sim. Then I am no fool, sure, 
 For to be natural at such a time 
 Were a fool's part, indeed. 
 
 Ant. Your grace's pity. 
 And 'tis but fit and just. 
 
 Creon. The law, my lord. 
 And that's the justest way. 
 
 Sim. Well said, father, i'faith ! 
 j Thou wert ever juster than my mother still. 
 1 Evan. Come hither, sir. 
 ' Sim. My lord. 
 
THE OLD LAW. 
 
 421 
 
 Evan. What are those orders ? 
 
 Ant. Worth obstervation, sir, 
 So ])lease you hear them read. 
 
 Sim. The woman speaks she knows not what, 
 my lord : 
 He make a law, poor man ! he bought a table, 
 
 indeed, 
 Only to learn to die by't, there's the business, now ; 
 Wherein there are some precepts for a son too, 
 How he shovdd learn to live, but I ne'er look'd on't : 
 For, when he's dead, I shall live well enough, 
 And keep abetter table than that, I trow. 
 
 Evan. And is that all, sir ? 
 
 Sim. All, I vow, my lord ; ^^ 
 
 Save a few running admonitions 
 llpon cheese-trenchers, as 
 
 Take heed of whoring, shim it ; 
 
 'Tis like a cheese too strong of the runnet. 
 
 And such calves' maws of wit and admonition. 
 Good to catch mice with, but not sons and heirs ; 
 They are not so easily caught. 
 
 Evan. Agent for death ! 
 
 Crat. Your will, ray lord ? 
 
 Evan. Take hence that pile of years. 
 Forfeit before with unprofitable age, 
 And, with the rest, from the high promontory, 
 Cast him into the sea. 
 
 Creon. 'Tis noble justice ! 
 
 ZExit Crat. with Greon. 
 
 Ant. 'Tis cursed tyranny I 
 
 Sim. Peace ! take heed, mother ; 
 You've but short time to be cast down yourself ; 
 And let a young courtier do't, an you be wise, 
 In the mean time. 
 
 Ant. Hence, slave ! 
 
 Sim. Well, seven-and-fifty. 
 You have but three years to scold, then comes 
 your payment. \_Exit Antioona. 
 
 1 Court. Simonides. 
 
 Sim. Pish, I'm not brave enough to hold you 
 talk yet, 
 Give a man time, I have a suit a making. 
 
 2 Court. We love thy form first ; brave clothes 
 
 will come, man. 
 Sim. I'll make them come else, with a mischief 
 to them. 
 As other gallants do, that have less left them. 
 
 ^Recorders within. 
 Evan. Hark ! whence those sounds ? what's 
 that ? 
 
 1 Court. Some funeral, 
 
 It seems, my lord; and young Cleanthes follows. 
 
 Enter a Funeral Procession ,• the hearse followed by 
 Clkanthks and Hippolita, gaily dressed. 
 Evan. Cleanthes ! 
 
 2 Court. 'Tis, my lord, and in the place 
 Of a chief mourner too, but strangely habited. 
 
 Evan. Yet suitable to his behaviour ; mark it ; 
 He comes all the way smiling, do you observe it } 
 I never saw a corse so joyfully followed : 
 Light colours and light cheeks ! who should this 
 'Tis a thing worth resolving. [be } 
 
 Sim. One, belike, 
 That doth participate this our present joy. 
 
 Evan. Cleanthes. 
 
 Clean. Oh, my lord ! 
 
 Evan. He laugh'd outright now ; 
 Was ever such a contrariety seen 
 In natural courses yet, nay profess'd openly ? 
 
 1 Court. I have known a widow laugh closely, 
 
 my lord, 
 Under her handkerchief, when t'other part 
 Of her old face has wept like rain in sunshine ; 
 But all the face to laugh apparently, 
 Was never seen yet. 
 
 Sim. Yes, mine did once. 
 
 Clean. 'Tis, of a heavy time, the joyfull'st day 
 That ever son was born to. 
 
 Evan. How can that be ? 
 
 Clean. I joy to make it plain, — my father's dead. 
 
 Evan. Dead! 
 
 2 Court. Old Leonides! 
 Clean. In his last month dead : 
 
 He beguiled cruel law the sweetliest, 
 
 That ever age was blest to. 
 
 It grieves me that a tear should fall upon't. 
 Being a thing so joyful, but his memory 
 Will work it out, I see ; when his poor heart broke, 
 I did not do so much : but leap'd for joy 
 So mountingly, I touch'd the stars, methought ; 
 I would not hear of blacks, I was so light, 
 But chose a colour, orient like my mind : 
 For blacks are often such dissembling mourners, 
 There is no credit given to't ; it has lost 
 All reputation by false sons and widows. 
 Now I would have men know what I resemble, 
 A truth, indeed ; 'tis joy clad like a joy, 
 Which is more honest than a cunning grief. 
 That's only faced with sables for a show, 
 But gawdy-hearted : When I saw death come 
 So ready to deceive you, sir, — forgive me, 
 I could not choose but be entirely merry. 
 And yet to see now ! — of a sudden, 
 Naming but death, I shew myself a mortal, 
 That's never constant to one passion long. 
 I wonder whence that tear came, when I smiled 
 In the production on't ; sorrow's a fhief. 
 That can, when joy looks on, steal forth a grief. 
 But, gracious leave, my lord ; when I've perform'd 
 My last poor duty to my father's bones, 
 I shall return your servant. 
 Evan. Well, perform it, 
 The law is satisfied ; they can but die : 
 And by his death, Cleanthes, you gain well, 
 A rich and fair revenue. 
 
 [Flourish. Exeunt Duke, Courtiers, &c. 
 Sim. I would I had e'en 
 Another father, condition he did the like. 
 
 Clean. 1 have past it bravely now ; how blest 
 
 was I, 
 To have the duke in sight ! now 'tis confirm'd, 
 Past fear or doubts confirm'd : on, on I say, 
 Him that brought me to man, I bring to clay. 
 
 lExit Funeral Procession, followed by Cleantuks 
 and Hippolita. 
 Sim. I am rapt now in a contemplation. 
 Even at the very sight of yonder hearse ; 
 I do but think what a fine thing 'tis now 
 To live, and follow some seven uncles thus. 
 As many cousin-germans, and such people, 
 That will leave legacies ; po.x ! I'd see them 
 
 hang'd else. 
 Ere I'd follow one of them, an they could find the 
 
 way. 
 Now I've enough to begin to be horrible covetous. 
 
 Enter Butler, Tailor, BailiflF, Cook, Coachman, and 
 
 Footman. 
 But. We come to know your worship's plea- 
 sure, sir, 
 
422 
 
 THE OLD LAW. 
 
 Having long serv'd your father, how your good will 
 Stands towards our entertainment. 
 
 Sim. Not a jot, i'faith : 
 My father wore cheap garments, he might do't ; 
 I shall have all ray clothes come home to morrow, 
 They will eat up all you, an there were more of 
 
 you, sirs. 
 To keep you six at livery, and still munching ! 
 
 Tail. Why, I'm a tailor ; you have most need 
 of me, sir. 
 
 Sim. Thou mad'st my father's clothes, that I 
 confess ; 
 But what son and heir will have his father's tailor, 
 Unless he have a mind to be well laugh'd at .' 
 Thou'st been so used to wide long-side things, that 
 
 when 
 I come to truss, I shall have the waist of my 
 Lie on my buttocks, a sweet sight ! [doublet 
 
 But. 1 a butler. 
 
 Sim. There's least need of thee, fellow ; I shall 
 ne'er drink at home, 1 shall be so drunk abroad. 
 
 But. But a cup of small beer will do well next 
 morning, sir. 
 
 Sim. I grant you ; but what need I keep so big 
 a knave for a cup of small beer ? 
 
 Cook. Butler, you have your answer : marry, 
 sir, a cook 
 I know your mastership cannot be without. 
 
 Sim. The more ass art thou to think so ; for 
 what should I do with a mountebank, no drink in 
 my house ? — the banishing the butler might have 
 been a warning for thee, unless tltou mean'st to 
 choak me. 
 
 Cook. In the mean time you have choak'd me, 
 methinks. 
 
 Bail. These are superfluous vanities, indeed, 
 And so accounted of in these days, sir; 
 But then, your bailiff to receive your rents 
 
 Sim. I prithee hold thy tongue, fellow, I shall 
 take a course to spend them faster than thou canst 
 reckon them ; 'tis not the rents must serve my 
 turn, unless I mean to be laugh'd at; if a man 
 should be seen out of slash-me, let him ne'er look 
 to be a right gallant. But, sirrah, with whom is 
 your business ? 
 
 Coach. Your good mastership. 
 
 Sim. You have stood silent all this while, like 
 men 
 That know your strengths : in these days, none of 
 
 you 
 Can want employment ; you can win me wagers. 
 Footman, in running races. 
 
 Foot. I dare boast it, sir. 
 
 Sim. And when my bets are all come in, and 
 store, 
 Then, coachman, you can hurry me to my whore. 
 
 Coach. I'll firk them into foam else. 
 
 Sim. Speaks brave matter : 
 And ril firk some too, or't shall cost hot water. 
 
 \_Exeunt Simonides, Coachman, and Footman. 
 
 Cook. Why, here's an age to make a cook a 
 ruffian, 
 And scald the devil indeed ! do strange mad things, 
 Make mutton-pasties of dog's flesh. 
 Bake snakes for lamprey pies, and cats for conies. 
 
 But. Come, will you be ruled by a butler's 
 advice once ? for we must make up our fortunes 
 somewhere now, as the case stands : let's e'en, 
 therefore, go seek out widows of nine and fifty, an 
 we can, that's within a year of their deaths, and so 
 
 we sliall be sure to be quickly rid of them ; for a 
 year's enough of conscience to be troubled with a 
 wife, for any man living. 
 
 Cook. Oracle butler ! oracle butler ! he puts 
 down all the doctors o'the name. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — A Boom in Creon's House. 
 
 Enter Eugenia and Parthenia. 
 
 Euff. Parthenia. 
 
 Parth. Mother. 
 
 Eug. I shall be troubled 
 This six months with an old clog ; would the law 
 Had been cut one year shorter ! 
 
 Parth. Did you call, forsooth ? 
 
 Eug. Yes, you must make some spoonmeat for 
 your father, lExit Parthenia, 
 
 And warm three nightcaps for him. Out upon't ! 
 The mere conceit turns a young woman's stomach. 
 His slippers must be warm'd, in August too. 
 And his gown girt to him in the very dog-days, 
 When every mastiff lolls out's tongue for heat. 
 Would not this vex a beauty of nineteen now ? 
 Alas ! I should be tumbling in cold baths now, 
 Under each armpit a fine bean -flower bag, 
 
 To screw out whiteness when I list 
 
 And some sev'n of the properest men in the 
 
 dukedom 
 Making a banquet ready i'the next room for me ; 
 Where he that gets the first kiss is envied. 
 And stands upon his guard a fortnight after. 
 This is a life for nineteen ! 'tis but justice : 
 For old men, whose great acts stand in their minds. 
 And nothing in their bodies, do ne'er think 
 A woman young enough for their desire ; 
 And we young wenches, that have mother-wits, 
 And love to marry muck first, and man after, 
 Do never think old men are old enough, 
 That we may soon be rid o' them ; there's oui 
 
 quittance. 
 I've waited for the happy hour this two years. 
 And, if death be so unkind to let him live still, 
 All that time I have lost. 
 
 Enter Courtiers. 
 
 1 Court. Young lady ! 
 
 2 Court. O sweet precious bud of beauty ! 
 Troth, she smells over all the house, methinks. 
 
 1 Court. The sweetbriar's but a counterfeit to 
 
 It does exceed you only in the prickle, [her 
 
 But that it shall not long, if you'll be ruled, lady. 
 
 Eug. What means this sudden visitation, gen- 
 tlemen ? 
 So passing well perfumed too ! who's your milli- 
 
 1 Court. Love, and thy beauty, widow, [ner ? 
 
 Eiig. Widow, sir } 
 
 1 Court. 'Tis sure, and that's as good : in troth 
 
 we're suitors ; 
 We come a wooing, wench ; plain dealing's best. 
 Eug. A wooing ! what, before my husband's 
 dead ? 
 
 2 Court. Let's lose no time ; six months will 
 
 have an end ; 
 I know't by all the bonds that e'er I made yet. 
 Eug. That's a sure knowledge ; but it holds not 
 
 here, sir. 
 1 Court. Do not we know the craft of you young 
 tumblers .'' 
 That when you wed an old man, you think upon 
 
SCENE ir. 
 
 THE OLD LAW. 
 
 423 
 
 Another husband as you are marrying of him ; — ■ 
 We, knowing your thoughts, made bold to see you. 
 
 Enter Simonioes richly drcst, and Coachman. 
 Euy, How wondrous right he speaks I 'twas my 
 
 thought, indeed. 
 Sim. By your leave, sweet widow, do you lack 
 
 any gallants .•' 
 Eug. Wi/low, again ! 'tis a comfort to be call'd 
 
 1 Court. Who's this ? Simonides ? [so. 
 
 2 Court. Brave Sim, i'faith ! 
 Sim. Coachman I 
 
 Coach. Sir. 
 
 Sim. Have an especial care of my new mares ; 
 They say, sweet widow, he that loves a hors^ well, 
 Must needs love a widow well. — When dies thy 
 Is't not July next .-• [husband ? 
 
 Eug. Oh, you are too hot, sir ! 
 Pray cool yourself, and take September with you. 
 
 Sim. September ! oh, I was but two bows wide. 
 
 1 Court. Simonides. 
 
 Sim. I can entreat you, gallants, I'm in fashion 
 too. 
 
 Enter Lysander. 
 
 Lys. Ha ! whence this herd of folly ? what are 
 you ? 
 
 Sim. Well-willers to your wife : pray 'tend your 
 book, sir ; 
 We've nothing to say to you, you may go die, 
 For here be those in place that can supply. 
 
 Lys. What's thy wild business here ? 
 
 Sim. Old man, I'll tell thee ; 
 I come to beg the reversion of thy wife : 
 I think these gallants be of my mind too. — 
 But thou art but a dead man, therefore what 
 should a man do talking with thee ? Come, widow, 
 stand to your tackling. 
 
 Lys. Impious blood-hounds ! 
 
 Sim. Let the ghost talk, ne'er mind him. 
 
 Lys. Shames of nature ! 
 
 Sim. Alas, poor ghost! consider what the man is. 
 
 Lys. Monsters unnatural ! you that have been 
 covetous 
 Of your own father's death, gape you for mine 
 
 now } 
 Cannot a poor old man, that now can reckon 
 Even all the hours he has to live, live quiet, 
 For such wild beasts as these, that neither hold 
 A certainty of good within themselves. 
 But scatter others' comforts that are ripen'd 
 For holy uses .•• is hot youth so hasty, 
 It will not give an old man leave to die. 
 And leave a widow first, but will make one, 
 The husband looking on ? May your destructions 
 Come all in hasty figures to your souls ! 
 Your wealth depart in haste, to overtake 
 Your honesties, that died when you were infants ! 
 May your male seed be hasty spendthrifts too, 
 Your daughters hasty sinners, and diseased 
 Ere they be thought at years to welcome misery I 
 And may you never know what leisure is. 
 But at repentance ! — I am too uncharitable. 
 Too foul ; I must go cleanse myself with prayers. 
 These are the plagues of fondness to old men. 
 We're punish'd home with what we dote upon. 
 
 lExlt. 
 
 Sim. So, so! the ghost is vanish'd: now, your 
 answer, lady. 
 
 Eug. Excuse me, gentlemen ; 'twere as much 
 impudence 
 
 In me, to give you a kind answer yet. 
 
 As madness to produce a churlish one. 
 
 I could say now, come a month hence, sweet 
 
 gentlemen. 
 Or two, or three, or when you will, indeed ; 
 But I say no such thing : I set no time. 
 Nor is it mannerly to deny any. 
 I'll carry an even hand to all the world : 
 Let other women make what haste they will. 
 What's that to me ? but I profess unfeignedly, 
 I'll have my husband dead before I marry ; 
 Ne'er look for other answer at my hands. 
 
 Sim. Would he were hang'd, for my part, looks 
 
 Eug. I'm at a word. [for other ! 
 
 Sim. A nd I am at a blow, then ; 
 I'll lay you o' the lips, and leave you. 
 
 iKigses her. 
 
 1 Court. Well struck, Sim. 
 
 Sim. He that dares say he'll mend it, I'll strike 
 him. 
 
 1 Court. He would betray himself to be a 
 That goes about to mend it. [botcher, 
 
 JSug. Gentlemen, 
 You know my mind ; I bar you not my house : 
 But if you choose out hours more seasonably. 
 You may have entertainment. 
 
 Re-enter Parthenia. 
 
 Sim. What will she do hereafter, when she is a 
 
 Keeps open house already ? [widow, 
 
 \_Exeunt Simonides and Courtiers. 
 
 Eug. How now, girl ! 
 
 Parth. Those fealher'd fools that hither took 
 Have grieved my father much. [their flight. 
 
 Mug. Speak well of youth, wench. 
 While thou'st a day to live ; 'tis youth must make 
 
 thee. 
 And when youth fails, wise women will make it ; 
 But always take age first, to make thee rich : 
 That was my counsel ever, and then youth 
 Will make thee sport enough all thy life after. 
 'Tis the time's policy, wench ; what is't to bide 
 A little hardness for a pair of years, or so ? 
 A man whose only strength lies in his breath, 
 Weakness in all parts else, thy bedfellow, 
 A cough o' the lungs, or say a wheezing matter ; 
 Then shake off chains, and dance all thy life after? 
 
 Parth. Every one to their liking ; but I say 
 An honest man's worth all, be he young or gray. 
 Yonder's my cousin. {^Exit. 
 
 Enter IIiPPor.iTA. 
 
 Eug. Art, I must use thee now ; 
 Dissembling is the best help for a virtue, 
 That ever women had ; it saves their credit oft. 
 
 Hip. How now, cousin 1 
 What, weeping ? 
 
 Eug. Can you blame me, when the time 
 Of my dear love and husband now draws on ? 
 I study funeral tears against the day 
 I must be a sad widow. 
 
 Hip. In troth, Eugenia, I have cause to weep 
 But, when I visit, I come comfortably, [too t 
 
 And look to be so quited : — yet more sobbing •"' 
 
 Eug. Oh! 
 The greatest part of your affliction's past. 
 The worst of mine's to come ; I have one to die 
 Your husband's fathei* is dead, and fixed in his 
 lilternal peace, past the sharp tyrannous blow. 
 
 Hip. You must use patience, coz 
 
 Eug. Tell me of patience ! 
 
424 
 
 THE OLD LAW 
 
 Hip. You have example for't, in me and many. 
 
 Eug. Yours was a father-in-law, but mine a 
 husband : 
 O, for a woman that could love, and live 
 "With an old man, mine is a jewel, cousin ; 
 So quietly he lies by one, so still ! 
 
 Hip. Alas ! I have a secret lodged within me, 
 Which now will out in pity : — I cannot hold. 
 
 \_Aside. 
 
 Eug. One that will not disturb me in my sleep 
 For a whole month together, less it be 
 With those diseases age is subject to. 
 As aches, coughs, and pains, and these, heaven 
 
 knows, 
 Against his will too : — he's the quietest man. 
 Especially in bed. 
 
 Hip. Be comforted. 
 
 Eug. How can I, lady? 
 None know the terror of an husband's loss, 
 But they that fear to lose him. 
 
 Hip. Fain would I keep it in, but 'twill not be ; 
 She is my kinswoman, and I am pitiful. 
 I must impart a good, if I know it once, 
 To them that stand in need on't ; I'm like one 
 Loves not to banquet with a joy alone, 
 My friends must partake too. \^Aside.'\ — Prithee, 
 
 cease, cousin ; 
 If your love be so boundless, which is rare, 
 In a young woman, in these days, I tell you, 
 To one so much past service as your husband, 
 There is a way to beguile law, and help you ; 
 My husband found it out first. 
 
 Eug. Oh, sweet cousin ! 
 
 Hip. You may conceal him, and give out his 
 Within the time ; order his funeral too ; [death 
 We had it so for ours, I praise heav'n for't, 
 And he's alive and safe. 
 
 Eug. O blessed coz, 
 How thou revivest me ! 
 
 Hip. We daily see 
 The good old man, and feed him twice a day. 
 Methinks, it is the sweetest joy to cherish him, 
 That ever life yet shew'd me. 
 
 Eug. So should I think, 
 A dainty thing to nurse an old man well ! 
 
 Hip. And then we have his prayers and daily 
 blessing : 
 And we two live so lovingly upon it. 
 His son and I, and so contentedly, 
 You cannot think unless you tasted on't. 
 
 Eug. No, I warrant you. Oh, loving cousin. 
 What a great sorrow hast thou eased me of ? 
 A thousand thanks go veith thee ! 
 
 Hip. I have a suit to you, 
 I must not have you weep when I am gone. 
 
 [Exit 
 
 Eug. No, if I do ne'er trust me. Easy fool, 
 Thou hast put thyself into my power for ever ; 
 Take heed of angering of me : I conceal ! 
 I feign a funeral ! I keep my husband ! 
 'Las ! I've been thinking any time these two years, 
 I have kept him too long already. — 
 I'll go count o'er my suitors, that's my business, 
 And prick the man down : I've six months to do't, 
 But could dispatch it in one, were I put to't. 
 
 lExit. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I Before the Church. 
 
 Enter Gnotho and Clerk. 
 
 Gnoth. You have search' d over the parish- 
 chronicle, sir } 
 
 Clerk. Yes, sir ; I have found out the true age 
 and date of the party you wot on. 
 
 Gnoth. Pray you, be cover'd, sir. 
 
 Clerk. When you have shewed me the way, sir. 
 
 Gnoth. Oh, sir, remember yourself, you are a 
 clerk. 
 
 Clerk. A small clerk, sir. 
 
 Gnoth. Likely to be the wiser man, sir; for 
 your greatest clerks are not always so, as 'tis re- 
 ported. 
 
 Clerk. You are a great man in the parish, sir. 
 
 Gnoth. I understand myself so much the better, 
 sir ; for all the best in the parish pay duties to the 
 clerk, and I would owe you none, sir. 
 
 Clerk. Since you'll have it so, I'll be the first 
 to hide my head. 
 
 Gnoth. Mine is a capcase : now to our business 
 in hand. Good luck, I hope ; I long to be re- 
 solved. 
 
 Clerk. Look you, sir, this is that cannot deceive 
 you : 
 This is the dial that goes ever true ; 
 You may say ipse dixit upon this witness, 
 And it is good in law too. 
 
 G7ioth. Pray you, let's hear what it speaks. 
 
 Clerk. Mark, sir — Agatha, the daughter of \ 
 
 Pollux, (this is your wife's name, and the name of 
 her father,) born 
 
 Gnoth. Whose daughter, say you ? 
 
 Clerk. The daughter of Pollux. 
 
 Gnoth. I take it his name was Bollux. 
 
 Clerk. Pollux the orthography I assure you, sir; 
 the word is corrupted else. 
 
 Gnoth. Well, on sir, — of Pollux ; now come on, 
 Castor. 
 
 Clerk. Born in an. 1540, and now 'tis 99. By 
 this infallible record, sir, (let me see,) she's now 
 just fifty-nine, and wants but one. 
 
 Gnoth. I am sorry she wants so much. 
 
 Clerk. Why, sir.' alas, 'tis nothing; 'tis but so 
 many months, so many weeks, so many 
 
 Gnoth. Do not deduct it to days, 'twill be the 
 more tedious ; and to measure it by houi'glasses 
 were intolerable. 
 
 Clerk. Do not think on it, sir ; half the time 
 goes away in sleep, 'tis half the year in nights. 
 
 Gnoth. O, you mistake me neighbour, I am loth 
 to leave the good old woman ; if she were gone 
 now it would not grieve me, for what is a year, 
 alas, but a lingering torment ? and were it not 
 better she were out of her pain.'* It must needs be 
 a grief to us both. 
 
 Clerk. I would I knew how to ease vou, neigh- 
 bour ! 
 
 Gnoth. You speak kindly, truly, and if you say 
 but Amen to it, (which is a word that I know you 
 are perfect in,) it might be done. Clerks are the 
 
THE OLD LAW. 
 
 42!y 
 
 most indifferent honest men, — for to the marriage 
 of your enemy, or the burial of your friend, the 
 curses or the blessings to you are all one ; you say 
 Amen to all. 
 
 Clerk. With a better will to the one than the 
 other, neighbour : but I shall be glad to say Amen 
 to anything might do you a pleasure. 
 
 Gnoth. There is, first, something above your 
 duty : \_Gives him money.'] now I would have you 
 set forward the clock a little, to help the old woman 
 out of her pain. 
 
 Clerk. 1 will speak to the sexton ; but the day 
 will go ne'er the faster for that. 
 
 Gnoth. Oh, neighbour, you do not conceit me, 
 not the jack of the clock 4iouse ; the hanuof the 
 dial, I mean. — Come, I know you, being a great 
 clerk, cannot choose, but have the art to cast a 
 figure. 
 
 Clerk. Never, indeed, neighbour; I never hbd 
 the judgment to cast a figure. 
 
 Gnolh. I'll shew you on the back side of your 
 book, look you, — what figure's this ? 
 
 Clerk. Four with a cypher, that's forty. 
 
 Gnoth. So ! forty ; what's this, now } 
 
 Clerk. The cipher is turn'd into 9 by adding the 
 tail, which makes forty-nine. 
 
 Gnoth. Very well understood ; what is't now ? 
 
 Clerk. The four is turn'd into three ; 'tis now^ 
 thirty-nine. 
 
 Gnoth. Very well understood ; and can you do 
 this again ? 
 
 Clerk. Oh ! easily, sir. 
 
 Gnoth. A wager of that ! let me see the place of 
 my wife's age again. 
 
 Clerk. Look you, sir, 'tis here, 1540. 
 
 Gnoth. Forty drachmas, you do not turn that 
 forty into thirty-nine. 
 
 Clerk. A match with you. 
 
 Gnoth. Done ! and you shall keep stakes your- 
 self : there they are. 
 
 Clerk. A firm match — but stay, sir, now I con- 
 sider it, I shall add a year to your wife's age ; let 
 me see — Scirophorion the 17, — and now 'tis Heca- 
 iombaion the 11. If I alter this, your wife will 
 have but a month to live by law. 
 
 Gnoth. That's all one, sir ; either do it, or pay 
 me my wager. 
 
 Clerk. Will you lose your wife before you lose 
 your wager .■' 
 
 Gnoth. A man may get two wives before half so 
 much money by them ; will you do it ? 
 
 Cle)-k. I hope you will conceal me, for 'tis flat 
 corruption. 
 
 Gnoth. Nay, sir, I would have you keep counsel; 
 for I lose my money by't, and should be laugh'd 
 at for my labour, if it should be known. 
 
 Clerk. Well, sir, there ! — 'tis done ; as perfect 
 a 39 as can be found in black and white : but 
 mum, sir, — there's danger in this figure-casting. 
 
 Gnoth. Ay, sir, I know that : better men than 
 you have been thrown over the bar for as little ; 
 the best is, you can be but thrown out of the 
 belfry. 
 
 Enter the Cook, Tailor, IJailiff, and Butler. 
 
 Clerk. Lock close, here com.es company ; asses 
 have ears as well as pitchers. 
 
 Cook. Oil, Gnotho, how is't ? here's a trick of 
 discarded cards of us ! we were rank'd with coats, 
 as long as old master lived. 
 
 Gnoth. And is this then the end of serving, 
 men ? 
 
 Cook. Yes, 'faith, this is the end of serving-mrn : 
 a wise man were better serve one God than all the 
 men in the world. 
 
 Gnoth. 'Twas well spoke of a cook. And are 
 all fallen into fasting-days and Ember-weeks, that 
 cooks are out of use ? 
 
 Tail. And all tailors will be cut into lists and 
 shreds ; if this world hold, we shall grow both out 
 of request. 
 
 But. And why not butlers as well as tailors ? 
 if they can go naked, let them neither eat nor 
 drink. 
 
 Clerk. That's strange, methinks, a lord should 
 turn away his tailor, of all men : — and how dost 
 thou, tailor .•* 
 
 Tail. I do so, so ; but, indeed, all our wants are 
 long of this publican, my lord's bailiff; for had he 
 been rent-gatherer still, our places had held toge- 
 ther still, that are now seam-rent, nay crack'd in 
 the whole piece. 
 
 Bail. Sir, if my lord had not sold his lands that 
 claim his rents, 1 should still have been the rent- 
 gatherer. 
 
 Cook. The truth is, except the coachman and the 
 footman, all serving-men are out of request. 
 
 Gnoth. Nay, say not so, for you were never in 
 more request than now, for requesting is but a 
 kind of a begging ; for when you say, I beseech 
 your worship's charity, 'tis all one as if you say 
 I request it ; and in that kind of requesting, I am 
 sure serving-men were never in more request. 
 
 Cook. Troth, he says true : well, let that pass, 
 we are upon a better adventure. I see, Gnotho, 
 you have been before us ; we came to deal with this 
 merchant for some commodities. 
 
 Clerk. With me, sir } anything that I can. 
 
 But. Nay, we have looked out our wives already: 
 marry, to you we come to know the prices, that is, 
 to know their ages ; for so much reverence we bear 
 to age, that the more aged, they shall be the more 
 dear to us. 
 
 Tail. The truth is, every man has laid by his 
 widow ; so they be lame enough, blind enough, and 
 old enough, 'tis good enough. 
 
 Clerk. I keep the town -stock ; if you can but 
 name them, I can tell their ages to a day. 
 
 All. We can tell their fortunes to an hour, 
 then. 
 
 Clerk. Only you must pay for turning of the 
 leaves. 
 
 Cook. Oh, bountifully. — Come, mine first. 
 
 But. The butler before the cook, while you 
 live ; there's few that eat before they drink in a 
 morning. 
 
 Tail. Nay, then the tailor puts in his needle of 
 priority, for men do clothe themselves before they 
 either drink or eat. 
 
 Bail. I will strive for no place ; the longer ere 
 I marry my wife, the older she will be, and nearer 
 her end and my ends. 
 
 Clerk. 1 will serve you all, gentlemen, if you 
 will have patience. 
 
 Gnoth. I commend your modesty, sir ; you are 
 a bailiff, whose place is to come behind other men, 
 as it were in the bum of all the rest. 
 
 Bail. So, sir I and you were about this business 
 too, seeking out for a widow ? 
 
 Gnolh. Alack ! no, sir ; 1 am a married man, 
 
426 
 
 THE OLD LAW. 
 
 and have those cares upon me that you would fain 
 run into. 
 
 Bail. What, an old rich wife ! any man in this 
 age desires such a care. 
 
 Gnolh. 'Troth, sir, I'll put a venture with you, 
 if you will ; I have a lusty old quean to my wife, 
 sound of wind and limb, yet I'll give out to take 
 three for one at the marriage of my second wife. 
 Bail. Ay, sir, but how near is she to the law } 
 G-noth. Take that at hazard, sir ; there must be 
 time, you know, to get a new. Unsight, unseen, 
 I take three to one. 
 
 Bail. Two to one I'll give, if she have but two 
 teeth in her head. 
 
 Gnoth. A match ; there's five drachmas for ten 
 at my next wife. 
 
 Bail. A match. 
 
 Cook. I shall be fitted bravely : fifty-eight, and 
 upwards ; 'tis but a year and a half, and I may 
 chance make friends, and beg a year of the duke. 
 
 But. Hey, boys ! I am made sir butler ; my vv^ife 
 that shall be wants but two mouths of her time ; it 
 shall be one ere I marry her, and then the next 
 will be a honeymoon. 
 
 Tail. I outstrip you all ; I shall have but six 
 weeks of Lent, if I get my widow, and then comes 
 eating-tide, plump and gorgeous. 
 
 Gnoth. This tailor will be a man, if ever there 
 were any. 
 
 Bail. Now comes my turn, I hope, goodman 
 Finis, you that are still at the end of all, with a 
 so be it. Well now, sirs, do you venture there as 
 I have done ; and I'll venture here after you : 
 Good luck, I beseech thee ! 
 
 Clerk. Amen, sir. 
 
 Bail. That deserves a fee already— there 'tis ; 
 please me, and have a better. 
 
 Clerk. Amen, sir. 
 
 Cook. How, two for one at your next wife 1 is 
 the old one living ? 
 
 Gnoth. You have a fair match, I offer you no 
 foul one ; if death make not haste to call her, she'll 
 make none to go to him. 
 
 But. I know her, she's a lusty woman ; I'll take 
 the venture. 
 
 Gnoth. There's five drachms for ten at my next 
 wife. 
 
 But. A bargain. 
 
 Cook. Nay, then we'll be all merchants : give 
 me. 
 
 Tail. And me. 
 
 But. What, has the bailiff sped ? 
 
 Bail. I am content ; but none of you shall know 
 my happiness. 
 
 Clerk. As well as any of you all, believe it, sir. 
 
 Bail. Oh, clerk, you are to speak last always. 
 
 Clerk. I'll remember't hereafter, sir. You have 
 done with me, gentlemen ? 
 
 Enter Agatha. 
 
 All. For this time, honest register. 
 
 Clerk. Fare you well then ; if you do, I'll cry 
 Amen to it. ' lExit. 
 
 Cook. Look you, sir, is not this your wife.^ 
 
 Gnoth. My first wife, sir. 
 
 But. Nay, then we have made a good match 
 on't ; if she have no fpoward disease, the woman 
 may live this dozen years by her age. 
 
 Tail. I'm afraid she's broken-winded, she holds 
 silence so long. 
 
 Cook. We'll now leave our venture to the event ; 
 I must a wooing. 
 
 But. I'll but buy me a new dagger, and over- 
 take you. 
 
 Bail. So we must all ; for he that goes a wooing 
 to a widow without a weapon, will never get her. 
 [_Exeunt all hut Gnotho and Agatha. 
 Gnoth. Oh, wife, wife ! 
 
 Aga. What ail you, man, you speak so pas- 
 sionately ? 
 
 Gnoth. 'Tis for thy sake, sweet wife : who would 
 think so lusty an old woman, with reasonable good 
 teeth, and her tongue in as perfect use as ever it 
 was, should be so near her time ? — but the Fates 
 will have it so. 
 
 Aga. What's the matter, man ? you do amaze me. 
 Gnoth. Thou art not sick neither, I warrant 
 thee. 
 
 Aga. Not that I know of, sure. 
 Gnoth. What pity 'tis a woman should be so 
 near her end, and yet not sick ! 
 
 Aga. Near her end, man 1 tush, I can guess at 
 that ; 
 I have years good yet of life in the remainder : 
 I want two yet at least of the full number ; 
 Then the law, I know, craves impotent and useless, 
 And not the able women. 
 
 Gnoth. Ay, alas ! I see thou hast been repairing 
 time as well as thou couldst ; the old wrinkles are 
 well filled mp, but the vermillion is seen too thick, 
 too thick — and I read what's written in thy fore- 
 head ; it agrees with the church-book. 
 
 Aga. Have you sought my age, man } and, I 
 prithee, how is it ? 
 
 Gnoth. I shall but discomfort thee. 
 Aga. Not at all, man, when there's no remedy, 
 I will go, though unwillingly. 
 
 Gnoth. i 539. Just ; it agrees with the book : 
 you have about a year to prepare yourself. 
 
 Aga. Out, alas ! I hope there's more than so. 
 But do you not think a reprieve might be gotten 
 for half a score - an 'twere but five years, I would 
 not care ? an able woman, methinks, were to be 
 pitied. 
 
 Gnoth. Aj, to be pitied, but not help'd ; no hope 
 of that : for, indeed, women have so blemish'd their 
 own reputations now-a-days, that it is thought the 
 law will meet them at fifty very shortly. 
 Aga. Marry, the heavens forbid ! 
 Gnoth. There's so many of you, that, when you 
 are old, become witches ; some profess physic, and 
 kill good subjects faster than a burning fever ; and 
 then school-mistresses of the sweet sin, which com- 
 monly we call bawds, innumerable of that sort : for 
 these and such causes 'tis thought they shall not 
 live above fifty. 
 
 Aga. Ay, man, but this hurts not the good old 
 women. 
 
 Gnoth. Faith, you are so like one another, that 
 a man cannot distinguish them : now, were I an 
 old woman, I would desire to go before my time, 
 and offer myself willingly, two or three years before. 
 Oh, those are brave women, and worthy to be com- 
 mended of all men in the world, that, when their 
 husbands die, they run to be burnt to death with 
 them : there's honour and credit ! give me half a 
 dozen such wives. 
 
 Aga. Ay, if her husband were dead before, 'twere 
 a reasonable request ; if you were dead, I could he 
 content to be so. 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE OLD LAW. 
 
 427 
 
 Gnoth. Fie ! that's not likely, for thou hadst 
 two husbands before me. 
 
 A(ja. Thou wouldst not have me die, wouldst 
 thou, husband? 
 
 Gnoth. No, I do not speak to that purpose ; but 
 I say what credit it were for me and thee, if thou 
 wouldst ; then thou shouldsf never be suspected 
 for a witch, a physician, a bawd, or any of those 
 things : and then how daintily should I mourn, 
 for thee, how bravely should I see thee buried ! 
 when, alas, if he goes before, it cannot choose but 
 be a great grief to him to think he has not seen 
 his wife well buried. There be such virtuous 
 women in the world, but too few, too few, who 
 desire to die seven years before their time, with 
 all their heaits. 
 
 Jga. I have not the heart to be of that mind ; 
 but, indeed, husband, I think you would have me 
 gone. 
 
 Gnoth. No, alas ! I speak but for your good and 
 your credit ; for when a woman may die quickly, 
 why should she go to law for her death ? Alack, 
 I need not wish thee gone, for thou hast but a short 
 time to stay with me : you do not know how near 
 'tis, — it must out ; you have but a month to live by 
 the law. 
 
 Aga. Out, alas ! 
 Gnoth, Nay, scarce so much, 
 ^^a. Oh, oh, oh, my heart! iSwoons. 
 
 Gnoth. Ay, so 1 if thou wouldst go away quietly, 
 'twere sweetly done, and like a kind wife ; lie but 
 a little longer, and the bell shall toll for thee. 
 Aga. Oh, my heart, but a month to live ! 
 Gnoth. Alas, why wouldst thou come back 
 again for a month ? I'll throw her down again — 
 oh ! woman, 'tis not three weeks ; 1 think a fort- 
 night is the most. 
 
 Aga. Nay, then I am gone already. [Swoons. 
 
 Gnoth. I would make haste to the sexton now, 
 
 but I am afraid the tolling of the bell will wake her 
 
 again. If she be so wise as to go now — she stirs 
 
 again ; there's two lives of the nine gone. 
 
 Aga. Oh ! wouldst thou not help to recover me, 
 husband } 
 
 Gnoth. Alas, I could not find in my heart to 
 hold thee by thy nose, or box thy cheeks ; it goes 
 against my conscience. 
 
 Aga. I will not be thus frighted to my death, I'll 
 search the church records : a fortnight ! 
 'Tis too little of conscience, I cannot be so near ; 
 
 time, if thou be'st kind, lend me but a year. 
 
 lExit. 
 Gnoth. "What a spite's this, that a man cannot 
 persuade his wife to die in any time with her good 
 will ? I have another bespoke already ; though a 
 piece of old beef will serve to breakfast, yet a man 
 would be glad of a chicken to supper. The clerk, 
 
 1 hope, understands no Hebrew, and cannot write 
 backward what he hath writ forward already, and 
 then I am well enough. 
 
 'Tis but a month at most, if that were gone. 
 My venture comes in with her two for one : 
 'Tis use enough o'conscience for a broker — if he 
 had a conscience. \_ExiL 
 
 SCENE 11.—^ Boom in Creon's House. 
 
 Enter Eugenia at one door, Simonjdes and Courtiers at 
 the other. 
 
 Eug. Gentlemen courtiers. 
 
 1 Court. All your vow'd servants, lady. 
 
 Eitg. Oh, I shall kill myself wiih infinite 
 Will nobody take my part ? [laughter ! 
 
 Sim. An't be a laughing business. 
 Put it to me, I'm one of the best in Europe ; 
 My father died last too, I have the most cause. 
 
 Eug. You have pick'd out such a time, sweet 
 To make your spleen a banquet. [gentlemen, 
 
 Sim. Oh, the jest ! 
 Lady, I have a jaw stands ready for't, 
 I'll gape half way, and meet it. 
 
 Eug. My old husband, 
 That cannot say his prayers out for jealousy. 
 And madness at your coming first to woo me — 
 
 Sim. Well said. 
 
 1 Court. Go on. 
 
 2 Court. On, on. 
 
 Eug. Takes counsel with 
 The secrets of all art, to make himself 
 Youthful again. 
 
 Sim. How ! youthful ? ha, ha, ha ! 
 
 Eug. A man of forty-five he would fain seem 
 to be. 
 Or scarce so much, if he might have his will, indeed. 
 
 Sim. Ay, but his white hairs, they'll betray his 
 hoariness. 
 
 Eug. Why, there you are wide : he's not the 
 man you take him for. 
 Nor will you know him when you see him again ; 
 There will be five to one laid upon that. 
 
 1 Court. How 1 
 
 Eug. Nay, you did well to laugh faintly there ; 
 I promise you, 1 think he'll outlive me now. 
 And deceive law and all. 
 
 Shn. Marry, gout forbid ! 
 
 Eug. You little think he was at fencing-school 
 At four o'clock this morning. 
 
 Sim. How, at fencing-school ! 
 
 Eug. Else give no trust to woman. 
 
 Sim. By this light, 
 I do not like him, then ; he's like to live 
 Longer than I, for he may kill me first, now. 
 
 Eug. His dancer now came in as I met you. 
 
 1 Court. His dancer, too ! 
 
 Eug. They observe turns and hours with him ; 
 The great French rider will be here at ten, 
 With his curveting horse. 
 
 2 Court. These notwithstanding. 
 
 His hair and wrinkles will betray his age. 
 
 Eug. I'm sure his head and beard, as he has 
 order'd it, 
 Look not past fifty now : he'll bring't to forty 
 Within these four days, for nine times an hour 
 He takes a black lead comb, and kembs it over : 
 Three quarters of his beard is under fifty ; 
 There's but a little tuft of fourscore left, 
 All o'one side, which will be black by Monday 
 
 Enter Lvsander. 
 And, to approve my truth, see where he comes ! 
 Laugh softly, gentlemen, and look upon him. 
 
 [They go aside. 
 Sim. Now, by this hand, he's almost black i'the 
 
 mouth, indeed. 
 I Court. He should die shortly, then. 
 
428 
 
 THE OLD LAW. 
 
 ACT III. 1 
 
 Sim. Marry, methinks he dies too fast already, 
 For he was all white but a week ago. 
 
 1 Court. Oh ! this same coney-white takes an 
 Too soon, a mischief on't ! [excellent black. 
 
 2 Court. He will beguile 
 
 Us all, if that little tuft northward turn black too. 
 
 Eug. Nay, sir, I wonder 'tis so long a turning. 
 
 S'un. May be some fairy's child held forth at 
 Has piss'd upon that side. [midnight, 
 
 1 Court. Is this the beard? 
 
 Lijs. Ah, sirrah ? my young boys, I shall be for 
 This little mangy tuft takes up more time [you : 
 Than all the beard beside. Come you a wooing, 
 And I alive and lusty ? you shall find 
 An alteration, jack-boys ; I have a spirit yet, 
 (An I could match my hair to't, there's the fault,) 
 And can do offices of youth yet lightly ; 
 At least, I will do, though it pain me a little. 
 Shall not a man, for a little foolish age. 
 Enjoy his wife to himself? must young court tits 
 Play tomboys' tricks with her, and he live ? ha ! 
 I have blood that will not bear't ; yet I confess, 
 I should be at my prayers — but where's the dancer, 
 there ! 
 
 Enter Dancing-master. 
 
 Mast. Here, sir. 
 
 Lys. Come, come, come, one trick a day, 
 And I shall soon recover all again. 
 
 Eug. 'Slight, an you laugh too loud, we are all 
 disco.ver'd. 
 
 Sim. And I have a scurvy grinning laugh o'mine 
 Will spoil all, I am afraid. [own, 
 
 Eug. Marry, take heed, sir. 
 
 Sim. Nay, an I should be hang'd I cannot leave 
 it; 
 Pup ! — there 'tis. [Bursts into a laugh. 
 
 Eug. Peace ! oh peace ! 
 
 Lijs. Come, I am ready, sir. 
 I hear the church-book's lost where I was born too, 
 And that shall set me back one twenty years ; 
 There is no little comfort left in that : 
 And— then my three court-codlings, that look par- 
 
 boil'd, 
 As if they came from Cupid's scalding-house 
 
 Sim. He means me specially, I hold my life. 
 
 Mast. What trick will your old worship learn 
 this morning, sir .-' 
 
 Lys. Marry, a trick, if thou couldst teach a man. 
 To keep his wife to himself; I'd fain learn that. 
 
 Mast. That's a hard trick, for an old man spe- 
 The horse-trick comes the nearest. [cialiy ; 
 
 Lys. Thou say'st true, i'faith. 
 They must be horsed indeed, else there's no keep- 
 ing them, 
 And horse-play at fourscore is not so ready. 
 
 Mast. Look you, here's your worship's horse- 
 trick, sir. [Gives a spring. 
 
 Lys. Nay, say not so, 
 *Tis none of mine ; I fall down horse and man, 
 If I but offer at it. 
 
 Mast. My life for yours, sir. 
 
 Lys. Say'st thou me so ? [^Springs aloft. 
 
 Mast. Well offer'd, by my viol, sir. 
 
 Lys. A pox of this horse-trick ! 't has play'd 
 the jade with me. 
 And given me a wrench i'the back. 
 
 Mast. Now here's your inturn and your trick 
 above ground. 
 
 Lyi. Prithee, no more, unless thou hast a mind 
 
 To lay me under-ground ; one of these tricks 
 Is enough in a morning. 
 
 Mast. For your galliard, sir. 
 You are complete enough, ay, and may challenge 
 The proudest coxcomb of them all, I'll stand to't. 
 
 Lys. Faith, and I've other weapons for the rest 
 I have prepared for them, if e'er I take [too : 
 
 My Gregories here again. 
 
 Sim. Oh ! I shall burst, 
 I can hold out no longer. 
 
 Eug. He spoils all. [They come for icard. 
 
 Lys. The devil and his grinners ! are you come 7 
 Bring forth the weapons, we shall find you play ; 
 All feats of youth too, jack-boys, feats of youth, 
 And these the weapons, drinking, fencing, dancing : 
 Your own road-ways, you clyster-pipes : 1 am old, 
 
 you say, 
 Yes, parlous old, kids, an you mark me well ! 
 This beard cannot get children, you lank suck-eggs, 
 Unless such weasels come from court to help us. 
 We will get our own brats, you letcherous dog-bolts ! 
 
 Enter a Servant ivith foils, and glasses. 
 
 Well said, down with them ; now we snail see your 
 What ! dwindle you already .' [spirits. 
 
 2 Court. I have no quality. 
 
 Sim. Nor T, unless drinking may be reckon'd 
 
 1 Court. Why, Sim, it shall. [for one. 
 
 Lys. Come, dare you choose your weapon now ? 
 
 1 Court. I } dancing, sir, an you will be so hasty. 
 Lys. We're for you, sir. 
 
 2 Court. Fencing, I. 
 
 Lys. We'll answer you too. 
 
 Sim. I am for drinking ; your wet weapon there. 
 
 Lys. That wet one has cost many a princox life ; 
 And I will send it through you with a powder ! 
 
 Sim. Let it come, with a pox ! I care not, so't 
 be drink. 
 I hope my guts will hold, and that's e'en all 
 A gentleman can look for of such trillibubs. 
 
 Lys. Play the first weapon ; come strike, strike, 
 I say. 
 Yes, yes, you shall be first ; I'll observe court rules : 
 Always the worst goes foremost, so 'twill prove, I 
 hope. [I Courtier dances a galliard. 
 
 So, sir I you've spit your poison ; now come I. 
 Now, forty years go backward and assist me. 
 Fall from me half my age, but for three minutes. 
 That I may feel no crick ! I will put fair for't. 
 Although I hazard twenty sciaticas. [Dances 
 
 So, I have hit you. 
 
 1 Court. You've done well, i'faith, sir. 
 Lys. If you confess it well, 'tis excellent, 
 
 And I have hit you soundly ; I am warm now : 
 The second weapon instantly. 
 
 2 Court. What, so quick, sir .' 
 
 Will you not allow yourself a breathing time ? 
 Lys. I've breath enough at all times, Lucifer's 
 musk-cod 
 To give your perfumed worship three venues : 
 A sound old man puts his thrust better home. 
 Than a spiced young man : there I. [They fence. 
 2 Court. Then have at you, fourscore. 
 Lys. You lie, twenty, I hope, and you shall 
 
 find it. 
 Sim. I'm glad I miss'd this weapon, I'd had an 
 eye 
 Popt out ere this time, or my two butter-teeth 
 Thrust down my throat instead of a flap-dragon. 
 Lys. There's two, pentweezle. Hits him 
 
THE OLD LAW. 
 
 429 
 
 Mast. Excellently touch'd, sir. 
 
 2 Court. Had ever man such luck ! speak your 
 
 opinion, gentlemen. 
 Sim. Methinks your luck's good that your eyes 
 are in still ; 
 Mine would have dropt out like a pig's half 
 roasted. 
 Lys. There wants a third— and there it is again ! 
 
 ]_IIils him again. 
 2 Court. The devil has steel'd him. 
 Huff. "What a strong fiend is jealousy ! 
 Lt/s. You are dispatch'd, bear-whelp. 
 Sim. Now comes my weapon in. 
 Lys. Here, toadstool, here. ^ 
 
 'Tis you and I must play these three wet venues. 
 
 Sim. Venues in Venice glasses ! let them come, 
 They'll bruise no flesh, I'm sure, nor break no 
 bones. 
 2 Court. Yet you may drink your eyes out, sir. 
 Sim. Ay, but that's nothing ; 
 Then they go voluntarily : I do not 
 Love to have them thrust out, whether they will 
 or no. 
 Lys. Here's your first weapon, duck's-meat. 
 Sim. How! a Dutch what-do-you-call-'em, 
 Stead of a German faulchion ! a shrewd weapon, 
 And, of all things, hard to be taken down : 
 Yet down it must, I have a nose goes into't ; 
 I shall drink double, I think. 
 1 Court. The sooner off, Sim. 
 
 Lys. I'll pay you speedily, with a trick 
 
 1 learnt once amongst drunkards, here's a half- 
 pike. IDrinks. 
 Sim. Half-pike comes well after Dutch what-do- 
 you-call'em, 
 They'd never be asunder by their good will. 
 1 Court. Well puU'd of an old fellow I 
 L}s. Oh, but your fellows 
 Pull better at a rope. 
 
 1 Court. There's a hair, Sim, 
 In that glass. 
 
 Sim. An't be as long as a halter, down it goes ; 
 No hair shall cross me. IDrinks. 
 
 Lys. I'll make you stink worse than your pole- 
 cats do : 
 Here's long-sword, your last weapon. 
 
 IQffers him the glass. 
 Sim. No more weapons. 
 
 1 Court. Why, how now, Sim ? bear up, thou 
 
 shamest us all, else. 
 Sim. 'Slight I shall shame you worse, an I stay 
 
 longer. 
 I have got the scotomy in my head already, 
 The whimsey : you all turn round — do not you 
 
 dance, gallants ? 
 
 2 Court. Pish ! what's all this l why, Sim, look, 
 
 the last venue. 
 
 Sim. No more venues go down here, for these 
 Are coming up again. [two 
 
 2 Court. Out ! the disgrace of drinkers ! 
 
 Sim. Yes, 'twill out, 
 Do yoti smell nothing yet ? 
 
 I Court. Smell ! 
 
 Sim. Farewell qixickly, then ; 
 You will do, if I stay. [_Exil. 
 
 1 Court. A foil go with thee ! 
 
 Lys. What, shall we put down youth at her own 
 virtues ? 
 Beat folly in her own ground ? wondrous much I 
 Whv may not we be held as full sufficient 
 
 To love our own wives then, get our own children, 
 And live in free peace till we be dissolv'd, 
 For such spring butterflies that are gaudy-wing'd, 
 But no more substance than those shamble flies 
 Which butchers' boys snap between sleep and 
 
 waking .' 
 Come but to crush you once, you are but maggots, 
 For all your beamy outsides ! 
 
 Enter Cleantiies. 
 
 Eug. Here's Cleanthes, 
 He comes to chide ; — let him alone a little, 
 Our cause will be revenged ; look, look, his face 
 Is set for stormy weather ; do but mark 
 How the clouds gather in it, 'twill pour down 
 straight. 
 
 Clean. Methinks, I partly know you, that's my 
 grief. 
 Could you not all be lost ? that had been hand- 
 some ; 
 But to be known at all, 'tis more than shameful. 
 Why, was not your name wont to be Lysander ? 
 
 Lvs. 'Tis so still, coz. 
 
 Clean. Judgment, defer thy coming ! e.se this 
 man's miserable. 
 
 JEug. I told you there would be a shower anon. 
 
 2 Court. We'll in, and hide our noddles. 
 
 [Exeunt Eugenia and Courtiers. 
 
 Clean. What devil brought this colour to your 
 mind, 
 Which, since your childhood, I ne'er saw you wear? 
 [Sure] you were ever of an innocent gloss 
 Since I was ripe for knowledge, and would you 
 
 lose it, 
 And change the livery of saints and angels 
 For this mixt monstrousness : to force a ground 
 That has been so long hallowed like a temple, 
 To bring forth fruits of earth now ; and turn back 
 To the wild cries of lust, and the complexion 
 Of sin in act, lost and long since repented ! 
 Would you begin a work ne'er yet attempted, 
 To pull time backward ? 
 See what your wife will do ! are your wits perfect .' 
 
 Lys. My wits ! 
 
 Clean. I like it ten times worse, for't had been 
 safer 
 Now to be mad, and more excusable : 
 I hear you dance again, and do strange follies. 
 
 Ljys. 1 must confess 1 have been put to some, coz. 
 
 Clean. And yet you are not mad ! pray, say not so ; 
 Give me that comfort of you, that you are mad, 
 That I may think you are at worst ; for if 
 You are not mad, I then must guess you have 
 The first of some disease was never heard of. 
 Which may be worse than madness, and more 
 
 tearful : 
 You'd weep to see yourself else, and your care 
 To pray, would quickly turn you white again. 
 I had a father, had he lived his month out. 
 But to have seen this most prodigious folly. 
 There needed not the law to have him cut off ; 
 The sight of this had proved his executioner. 
 And broke his heart : he would have held it equal 
 Done to a sanctuary, — for what is age 
 But the holy place of life, chapel of ease 
 For all men's wearied miseries ? and to rob 
 That of her ornament, it is accurst 
 As from a priest to steal a holy vestment, 
 Ay, and convert it to a sinful covering. 
 
 lExit LVSANDK.I. 
 
430 
 
 THE OLD Law. 
 
 I see 't has done him good ; blessing go with it. 
 Such as may make hiru pure again. 
 
 Re-enter liuoENiA. 
 
 JEug. 'Twas bravely touch'd, i' faith, sir. 
 
 Chan. Oh, you are welcome. 
 
 Eug. Exceedingly well handled. 
 
 Clean. 'Tis to you I come ; he fell but in my 
 
 Eu(h You mark'd his beard, cousin ? [way. 
 
 Clean. Mark me. 
 
 Eug. Did you ever see a hair so changed ? 
 
 Clean. I must be forced to wake her loudly too. 
 The devil has rock'd her so fast asleep : — Strumpet! 
 
 Eug. Do you call, sir ? 
 
 Clean. Whore ! 
 
 Eug. How do you, sir ? 
 
 Clean. Be I ne'er so well, 
 I must be sick of thee ; thou art a disease 
 That stick'st to the heart, — as all such women are. 
 
 Eug. What ails our kindred ? 
 
 Clean. Bless me, she sleeps still ! 
 What a dead modesty is in this woman. 
 Will never blush again ! Look on thy work 
 But with a Christian eye, 'twould turn thy heart 
 Into a shower of blood, to be the cause 
 Of that old man's destruction, think upon't, 
 Ruin eternally ; for, through thy loose follies, 
 Heaven has found him a faint servant lately : 
 His goodness has gone backward, and engender' d 
 With his old sins again ; he has lost his prayers 
 And all the tears that were companions wich them : 
 And like a blind-fold man, (giddy and blinded,) 
 Thinking he goes right on sdll, swerves but one 
 
 foot, 
 And turns to the same place where he set out ; 
 So he, that took his farewell of the world. 
 And cast the joys behind him, out of sight, 
 Summ'd up his hours, made even with time and men, 
 Is now in heart arrived at youth again, 
 All by thy wildness : thy too hasty lust 
 Has driven him to this strong apostacy. 
 
 Immodesty like thine was never eqxiall'd : 
 I've heard of women, (shall I call them so ?) 
 Have welcomed suitors ere the corpse were cold ; 
 But thou, thy husband living : — thou'rt too bold. 
 
 Eug. Well, have you done now, sir ? 
 
 Clean. Look, look ! she smiles yet. 
 
 Eug. All this is nothing to a mind resolved ; 
 Ask any woman that, she'll tell you so much : 
 You have only shewn a pretty saucy wit. 
 Which I shall not forget, nor to requite it. 
 You shall hear from me shortly. 
 
 Clean. Shameless woman ! 
 I take my counsel from thee, 'tis too honest, 
 And leave thee wholly to thy stronger master : 
 Bless the sex o'thee from thee ! that's my prayer. 
 Were all like thee, so impudently common. 
 No man would e'er be found to wed a woman. 
 
 IF.xlt. 
 
 Eug. I'll fit you gloriously. 
 He that attempts to take away my pleasure, 
 I'll take away his joy ; and I can sure. 
 His conceal'd father pays for't : I'll e'en tell 
 Him that I mean to make my husband next. 
 And he shall tell the duke — mass, here he comes. 
 
 Re-enter Simon ides. 
 
 Sim. He has had a bout with me too. 
 
 Eug. W^hat ! no ? since, sir } 
 
 Sim. A flirt, a little flirt ; he call'd me strange 
 names. 
 But I ne'er minded him. 
 
 Eug. You shall quit him, sir, 
 When he as little minds you. 
 
 Sim. I like that well. 
 I love to be revenged when no one thinks of me ; 
 There's little danger that way. 
 
 Eug. This is it then ; 
 He you shall strike your stroke shall be profound, 
 And yet your foe not guess who gave the wound. 
 
 Sim. O' my troth I love to give such wounds. 
 
 [_Exeunt. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I.— Before a Tavern. 
 
 Enter Gnotho, Butler, BailifF, Tfiilor, Cook, Drawer, and 
 Courtezan. 
 
 Draw. Welcome, gentlemen, will you not draw 
 near? will you drink at door, gentlemen? 
 
 But. Oh ! the summer air is best. 
 
 Draw. What wine will't please you drink, gen- 
 tlemen ? 
 
 But. De Clare, sirrah. lExit Drawer. 
 
 Gnoth. What, you're all sped already, bullies } 
 
 Cook. My widow's o' the spit, and half ready, 
 lad ; a turn or two more, and I have done with her. 
 
 Gnoth. Then, cook, I hope you have basted her 
 before this time. 
 
 Cook. And stuck her wilh rosemary too, to 
 sweetea her ; she was tainted ere she came to my 
 hands. What an old piece of flesh of fifty-nine, 
 eleven months, and upwards 1 she must needs be 
 fly-blown. 
 
 Gnoth. Put her off, put her off, though you 
 lose by her ; the weather's hot. 
 
 Cook. Why, drawer ! 
 
 Re-enter Drawer. 
 
 Draw. By and by : — here, gentlemen, here's the 
 quintessence of Greece ; the sages never drunk 
 better grape. 
 
 Cook. Sir, the mad Greeks of this age can taste 
 their Palermo as well as the sage Greeks did before 
 them. — Fill, lick-spiggot. 
 
 Drato. Ad imum, sir. 
 
 Gnoth. My friends, I must doubly invite you 
 all, the fifth of the next month, to the funeral of 
 my first wife, and to the marriage of my second, 
 my two to one ; this is she. 
 
 Cook. I hope some of us will be ready for the 
 funeral of our wives by that time, to go with thee •, 
 but shall they be both of a day ? 
 
 Gnoth. Oh ! best of all, sir ; where sorrow and 
 joy meet together, one will help away with another 
 the better. Besides, there will be charges saved 
 too ; the same rosemary that serves for the fune- 
 ral, will serve for the wedding. 
 
 But. How long do you make account to be a 
 widower, sir ? 
 
 Gnoth. Some half an hour ; long enough o'con- 
 
THE OLD LAW. 
 
 4.31 
 
 science. Come, come, let's have some agility ; is 
 there no music in the house ? 
 
 Draw. Yes, sir, here are sweet wire-drawers in 
 the house. 
 
 Cook. Oh ! that makes them and you seldom 
 part ; you are wine-drawers, and they wire-drawers. 
 
 Tail. And both govern by the pegs too. 
 
 Giioth. And you have pipes in your consort too. 
 
 Draw. And sack-buts too, sir. 
 
 But. But the heads of your instruments differ ; 
 yours are hogs-heads, theirs cittern and gittern- 
 heads. 
 
 Bail. All wooden heads ; there they meet again. 
 
 Cook. Bid them strike up, we'll have a^ance, 
 Gnotho ; come, thou shalt foot it too. 
 
 \_Exil Drawer. 
 
 Gnoth. No dancing with me, we have Siren 
 here. 
 
 Cook. Siren ! 'twas Hiren, the fair Greek, man. 
 
 Gnolh. Five drachmas of that. 1 say Siren, the 
 fair Greek, and so are all fair Greeks. 
 
 Cook. A match ; five drachmas her name was 
 Hiren. 
 
 Gnoth. Siren's name was Siren, for five drachmas. 
 
 Cook. 'Tis done. 
 
 Tail. Take heed what you do, Gnotho. 
 
 Gnolh. Do not I know'our own countrywomen, 
 Siren and Nell of Greece, two of the fairest Greeks 
 that ever were ? 
 
 Cook. That Nell was Helen of Greece too. 
 
 Gnoth. As long as she tarried with her husband, 
 she was Ellen ; but after she came to Troy, she 
 was Nell of Troy, or Bonny Nell, whether you will 
 or no. 
 
 Tail. Why, did she grow shorter when she came 
 to Troy ? 
 
 • Gnolh. She grew longer, if you mark the story. 
 When she grew to be an ell, she was deeper than 
 any yard of Troy could reach by a quarter ; there 
 was Cressid was Ti"oy weight, and Nell was avoir- 
 dupois ; she held more, by four ounces, thanCres- 
 sid;v. 
 
 Bail. They say she caused many wounds to be 
 given in Troy. 
 
 Gnoth. True, she was wounded there herself, 
 and cured again by plaister of Paris ; and ever 
 since that has been used to stop holes with. 
 
 Re-enter Drawer. 
 
 Draw. Gentlemen, if you be disposed to be 
 merry, the music is ready to strike up ; and here's 
 a consort of mad Greeks, I know not whether they 
 be men or women, or between both ; they have, 
 what do you call them, wizards on their faces. 
 
 Cook. Vizards, good man lick-spiggot. 
 
 But. If they be wise women, they may be 
 wizards too. 
 
 Draw. They desire to enter amongst any merry 
 company of gentlemen-good-fellows, for a strain 
 or two. 
 
 Enter old Women and A(Jatha in masks. 
 
 Cook. We'll strain ourselves with them, say ; 
 let them come, Gnotho; now for the honour of 
 Epire ! 
 
 Gnolh. No dancing with me, we have Siren 
 here. 
 
 lA Dance hy the old Women and Agatha ,- they offer 
 to take the men, all agree except GNoxiio, who sits 
 with the Courtezan. 
 
 Cook. Ay ! so kind ! then every one his wench 
 
 to his several room ; Gnotho, we are all provided 
 now as you are. 
 
 [Exeunt all but Gnotho, Courtezan, and Agatha, 
 
 Gnoth. I shall have two, it seems : away ! I 
 have Siren here already. 
 
 Affa. What, a mermaid ? [Takes off her mask. 
 
 Gnoth. No, but a maid, horse-face : oh, old 
 woman ! is it you ? 
 
 Aga. Yes, 'tis I ; all the rest have gulled them- 
 selves, and taken their own wives, and shall know 
 that they have done more than they can well 
 answer ; but 1 pray you, husband, what are you 
 doing ? 
 
 Gnolh. Faith, thus should I do, if thou wert 
 dead, old Ag, and thou hast not long to live, I'm 
 sure : we have Siren here. 
 
 A(fa. Art thou so shameless, whilst I am living, 
 to keep one under my nose ? 
 
 Gnolh. No, Ag, I do prize her far above thy 
 nose ; if thou wouldst lay me both thine eyes in 
 my hand to boot, I'll not leave her: art not 
 ashamed to be seen in a tavern, and hast scarce 
 a fortnight to live ? oh, old woman, what art thou? 
 must thou find no time to think of thy end ? 
 
 Aga. O, unkind villain ! 
 
 Gnoth. And then, sweetheart, thou shalt have 
 two new gowns ; and the best of this old woman's 
 shall make thee raiment for the working days. 
 
 Aga. O, rascal ! dost thou quarter my clothes 
 already too ? 
 
 Gnoth. Her ruffs will serve thee for nothing but 
 to wash dishes ; for thou shalt have thine of the 
 new fashion. 
 
 Aga. Impudent villain ! shameless harlot ! 
 
 Gnoth. You may hear, she never wore any but 
 rails all her lifetime. 
 
 Aga. Let me come, I'll tear the strumpet from 
 him, 
 
 Gnoth. Dar'st thou call my wife strumpet, thou 
 preterpluperfect tense of a woman ! I'll make thee 
 do penance in the sheet thou shalt be buried in ; 
 abuse my choice, my two-to-one 1 
 
 Aga. No, unkind villain, I'll deceive thee yet, 
 I have a reprieve for five years of life ; 
 I am with child. 
 
 Court. Cud so, Gnotho, I'll not tarry so long ; 
 five years ! I may bury two husbands by that time. 
 
 Gnoth. Alas, give the poor woman leave to talk : 
 she with child ! ay, with a puppy : as long as I 
 have thee by me, she shall not be with child, 1 war- 
 rant thee. 
 
 Aga. The law, and thou, and all, shall find I am 
 with child. 
 
 Gnoth. I'll take my corporal oath I begat it not, 
 and then thou diest for adultery. 
 
 Aga. No matter, that will ask some time in the 
 proof. 
 
 Gnoth. Oh ! you'd be stoned to death, would 
 you ? all old women would die o' that fashion with 
 all their hearts ; but the law shall overthrow you 
 the other way, first. 
 
 Court. Indeed, if it be so, I will not linger so 
 long, Gnotho. 
 
 Gnoth. Away, away ! some botcher has got it ; 
 'tis but a cushion, I warrant thee : the old woman 
 is loth to depart ; she never sung other tune in her 
 life. 
 
 Court. We will not have our noses bored with a 
 cushion, if it be so. 
 
 Gnoth. Go, go thy ways, thou old almanack at 
 
432 
 
 THE OLD LAW. 
 
 the twenty-eighth day of December, e'en almost 
 out of date ! Down on thy knees, and make thee 
 ready ; sell some of thy clothes to buy thee a death's 
 head, and put upon thy middle finger : your least 
 considering bawd does so much ; be not thou 
 worse, though thou art an old woman as she is : 
 I am cloy'd with old stock -fish, here's a young 
 perch is sweeter meat by half; prithee, die before 
 thy day, if thou canst, that thou mayst not be 
 counted a witch. 
 
 Aga No, thou art a witch, and I'll prove it ; 
 I said I was with child, thou knew'st no other but 
 by sorcery : thou said'st it was a cushion, and so it 
 is; thou art a witch for't, I'll be sworn to't. 
 
 Gnoth. Ha, ha, ha ! I told thee 'twas a cushion. 
 Go, get thy sheet ready ; we'll see thee buried as 
 we go to church to be married. 
 
 [Exeunt Gnotiio and Courtezan. 
 
 Aga. Nay, I'll follow thee, and shew myself a 
 wife. I'll plague thee as long as I live with thee ; 
 and I'll bury some money before I die, that my 
 ghost may haunt thee afterward. lExit. 
 
 SCENE U.— The Country. A Forest. 
 Enter Cleanthes. 
 Clean. \Miat's that ? oh, nothing but the whis- 
 pering wind 
 Breathes through yon churlish hawthorn, that 
 
 grew rude, 
 As if it chid the gentle breath that kiss'd it. 
 I cannot be too circumspect, too careful ; 
 For in these woods lies hid all my life's treasure. 
 Which is too much never to fear to lose, 
 Though it be never lost : and if our watchfulness 
 Ought to be wise and serious 'gainst a thief 
 That comes to steal our goods, things all without 
 
 us, 
 That prove vexation often more than comfort ; 
 How mighty ought our providence to be. 
 To prevent those, if any such there were. 
 That come to rob our bosom of our joys, 
 That only make poor man delight to live ! 
 Pshaw ! I'm too fearful — fie, fie ! who can hurt 
 But 'tis a general cowardice, that shakes [me? 
 
 The nerves of confidence ; he that hides treasure, 
 Imagines every one thinks of that place, 
 When 'tis a thing least minded ; nay, let him change 
 The place continually ; where'er it keeps. 
 There will the fear keep still : yonder's the store- 
 house 
 Of all my comfort now — and see ! it sends forth 
 
 Enter Hippolita, /rom the wood. 
 A dear one to me : — Precious chief of women. 
 How does the good old soul ? has he fed well? 
 
 Hip. Bcshrew me, sir, he n\ade the heartiest 
 Much good may'tdo his health, [ineal to-day 
 
 Clean. A blessing on thee. 
 Both for thy news and wish ! 
 
 Hip. His stomach, sir, 
 Is better'd wondrously, since his concealment. 
 
 Clean. Heaven has a llessed work in't. Come, 
 we are sife here ; 
 I prithee call him forth, the air's much wUolesomer. 
 
 Hip. Father! 
 
 En'cr Leonid ES. 
 Leon. How sweetly sounds the voice of a good 
 woman ! 
 
 It is so seldom heard, that, when it speaks, 
 It ravishes all senses. Lists of honour ! 
 I've a joy weeps to see you, 'tis so full. 
 So fairly fruitful. 
 
 Clean. I hope to see you often and return 
 Loaded with blessings, still to pour on some ; 
 I find them all in my contented peace. 
 And lose not one in thousands, they are disperst 
 So gloriously, I know not which are brightest. 
 I find them, as angels are found, by legions : 
 First, in the love and honesty of a wife, 
 Which is the chiefest of all temporal blessings ; 
 Next in yourself, which is the hope and joy 
 Of all my actions, my affairs, my wishes ; 
 And lastly, which crowns all, I find my soul 
 Crown'd with the peace of them, the eternal 
 
 riches, 
 Man's only portion for his heavenly marriage ' 
 
 Leon. Rise, thou art all obedience, love, end 
 goodness. 
 I dare say that which thousand fathers cannot, 
 And that's my precious comfort, never son 
 Was in the way more of celestial rising : 
 Thou art so made of such ascending virtue. 
 That all the powers of hell can't sink thee. 
 
 \_A horn soundid within. 
 
 Clean. Ha! 
 
 Leon. What was't disturb'd my joy.' 
 
 Clean. Did you not hear. 
 As afar off? 
 
 Leon. What, my excellent comfort ? 
 
 Clean. Nor you .' 
 
 Hip. I heard a [^ ^orn 
 
 Clean. Hark, again ! 
 
 Leon. Bless my joy, 
 What ails it on a sudden ? 
 
 Clean. Now ? since lately ? " 
 
 Leon. 'Tis nothing but a symptom of thy care. 
 
 Clean. Alas ? you do not hear well- 
 
 Leon. What was't, daughter? 
 
 Hip. I heard a sound, twice. {.-^ •'• rn. 
 
 Clean. Hark ! louder and nearer : 
 In, for the precious good of virtue, quick, sir ! 
 Louder and nearer yet ! at hand, at hand ! 
 
 \_Exit Leonmdics. 
 A hunting here ? 'tis strange ! I never knew 
 Game followed in these woods before. 
 
 -look 
 
 Enter Evander, Sihionides, Courtiers, and Cratfluh. 
 
 Hip. Now let them come, and spare 
 
 Clean. Ha 1 'tis — is't not the dul 
 sparingly. 
 
 Hip. 'Tis he, but what of that ? alas, take heed. 
 Your care will overthrow us. [sir, 
 
 Clean. Come, it shall not : 
 Let's set a pleasant face upon our fears, 
 Though our hearts shake with horror.— Ha, ha, ha 
 "^ Evan. Hark ! 
 
 Clean. Prithee, proceed ; 
 I am taken with these light things infinitely, 
 Since the old man's decease ; ha ! — so they parted? 
 ha, ha, ha ! 
 
 Evan. Why, how should I believe this ? look, 
 he's merry 
 As if he had no such charge : one with that care 
 Could never be so ; still he holds his temper. 
 And 'tis the same still (with no difference) 
 He brought his father's corpse to the grave with : 
 He laugh'd thus then, you know. 
 
 1 Court. Ay, he may laugh. 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE OLD LAW. 
 
 43.3 
 
 That shews but how he glories in his cunning ; 
 And is, perhaps, done more to advance his wit, 
 7'hat only he has over-reach'd the law, 
 Than to express affection to his father. 
 
 Sim. He tells you right, my lord, his own 
 cousin-german 
 lleveal'd it first to me ; a free-tongued woman, 
 And very excellent at telling secrets, 
 
 Evan. If a contempt can be so neatly carried, 
 It gives me cause of wonder. 
 
 Sim. Troth, my lord, 
 'Twill prove a delicate cozening, I believe : 
 I'd have no scrivener offer to come near it. 
 
 Evan. Cleanthes. 
 
 Clean. My loved lord. -^ 
 
 Evan. Not moved a whit. 
 Constant to lightness still ! 'Tis strange to meet 
 Upon a ground so unfrequented, sir : [you 
 
 This does not fit your passion ; you're for mirth. 
 Or I mistake you much. 
 
 Clean. But finding it 
 Grow to a noted imperfection in me. 
 For anything too much is vicious, 
 I come to these disconsolate walks, of purpose, 
 Only to dull and take away the edge on't. 
 I ever had a greater zeal to sadness, 
 A natural propeusion, I confess, 
 Before that cheerful accident fell out — 
 If I may call a father's funeral cheerful. 
 Without wrong done to duty or my love. 
 
 Evan. It seems, then, you take pleasure in these 
 walks, sir. 
 
 Clean. Contemplative content I do, my lord 
 They bring into my mind oft meditations 
 So sweetly precious, that, in the parting, 
 I find a shower of grace upon my cheeks. 
 They take their leave so feelingly. 
 
 Evan. So, sir ! 
 
 Clean. Which is a kmd of grave delight, my 
 lord. 
 
 Evan. And I've small cause, Cleanthes, to 
 The least delight that has a name. [afford you 
 
 Clean. My lord 1 
 
 Sim. Now it begins to fadge. 
 
 1 Court. Peace ! thou art so greedy, Sim. 
 
 Evan. In your excess of joy you have express'd 
 Your rancour and contempt against my law : 
 Your smiles deserve a fining ; you have profess'd 
 Derision openly, e'en to my face. 
 Which might be death, a Uttle more incensed. 
 You do not come for any freedom here, 
 But for a project of your own : — 
 But all that's known to be contentful to thee, 
 Shall in the use prove deadly. Your lirfe's mine, 
 If ever your presumption do but lead you 
 Into these walks again, — ay, or that woman ; 
 I'll have them watched o' purpose. 
 
 [Cleanthks retires from the wood, followed by 
 
 HiPPOLITA. 
 
 1 Court. Now, now, his colour ebbs and flows. 
 
 Sim. Mark her's too. 
 
 Hip. Oh. who shall bring food to the poor old 
 man, now ! 
 Speak somewhat, good sir, or we're lost for ever. 
 
 Clean. Oh, you did wonderous ill to call me 
 again. 
 There are not words to help us ; if I entreat, 
 'Tis found; that will betray us worse than silence : 
 Prithee let heaven alone, and let's say nothing. 
 
 1 Court. You have struck them dumb, my lord. 
 
 Sim. Look how guilt looks ! 
 I would not have that fear upon my flesh, 
 To save ten fathers. 
 
 Clean. He is sate still, is he not ? 
 
 Hip. Oh, you do ill to doubt it. 
 
 Clean. Thou art all goodness. 
 
 Sim. Now does your grace believe? 
 
 Evan. 'Tis too apparent. 
 Search, make a speedy search ; for the imposture 
 Cannot be far off", by the fear it sends. 
 
 Clean. Ha ! 
 
 Sim. He has the lapwing's cunning, I am afraid, 
 That cries most when she's furthest from the nest. 
 
 Clean. Oh, we are betray 'd. 
 
 Hip. Betray'd, sir ! 
 
 Sim. See, my lord, 
 It comes out more and more still. 
 
 [SiMONrDEs and Courtiers enter the wood. 
 
 Clean. Bloody thief 1 
 Come from that place ; 'tis sacred, homicide ! 
 'Tis not for thy adulterate hands to touch it. 
 
 Hip. Oh miserable virtue, what distress 
 Art thou in at this minute ! 
 
 Clean. Help me, thunder, 
 For my power's lost ! angels, shoot plagues, and 
 
 help me ! 
 Why are these men in health, and I so heart-sick ? 
 Or why should nature have that power in me 
 To levy up a thousand bleeding sorrows, 
 And not one comfort ? only make me lie 
 Like the poor mockery of an earthquake here, 
 Panting with horror. 
 
 And have not so much force in all my vengeance 
 To shake a viUain off me. 
 
 Re-enter Simonxdes and Courtiers, tf>«77t Leonides. 
 
 Hip. Use him gently. 
 And heaven will love you for it. 
 
 Clean. Father ! oh father ! now I see thee full 
 In thy affliction ; thou'rt a man of sorrow. 
 But reverendly becom'st it, that's my comfort : 
 Extremity was never better graced, 
 Tha-n with that look of thine ; oh ! let me look still, 
 For I shall lose it ; all my joy and strength 
 
 IKneels. 
 Is e en eclipsed together : I transgress d 
 Your law, my lord, let me receive the sting on't ; 
 Be once just, sir, and let the offender die ; 
 He's innocent in all, and I am guilty. 
 
 Leon. Your grace knows, when affection only 
 speaks. 
 Truth is not always there ; his love would draw 
 An undeserved misery on his youth. 
 And wrong a peace resolv'd, on both parts sinful. 
 'Tis I am guilty of my own concealment. 
 And, like a worldly coward, injured heaven 
 With fear to go to't : — now I see my fault, 
 I am prepared with joy to suffer for it. 
 
 Evan. Go, give him quick dispatch, let him see 
 death : 
 And your presumption, sir, shall come to judgment. 
 [Exeunt Evandkr, Courtiers, SiMornDBs ; and Crati- 
 Lus with Leonidks. 
 
 Hip. He's going ! oh, he's gone, sir ! 
 
 Clean. Let me rise. 
 
 Hip. Why do you not then, and follow ? 
 
 Clean. I strive for it ; 
 Is there no hand of pity that will ease me, 
 And take this villain from my heart awhile ? 
 
 illistt 
 
 Hip. Alas 1 he's gone. p p 
 
434 
 
 THE OLD LAW, 
 
 Clean. A worse supplies his place then, 
 A weight more ponderous ; I cannot follow. 
 
 Hip. Oh misery of affliction I 
 
 Clean. They will stay 
 Till I can come ; they must be so good ever, 
 Though they be ne'er so cruel : 
 My last leave must be taken, think of that, 
 And his last blessing given ; I will not lose 
 That for a thousand consorts. 
 
 IJip. That hope's wretched. 
 
 Clean. The unutterable stings of fortune ! 
 All griefs are to be born save this alone. 
 This, like a headlong torrent, overturns 
 The frame of nature : 
 For he that gives us life first, as a father. 
 Locks all his natural sufferings in our blood. 
 The sorrows that he feels are our heart's too, 
 They are incorporate to us. 
 
 Hip. Noble sir ! 
 
 Clean. Let me behold thee well. 
 
 Hip. Sir ! 
 
 Clean. Thou should'st be good. 
 Or thou'rt a dangerous substance to be lodged 
 So near the heart of man. 
 
 Hip. What means this, dear sir? 
 
 Clean. To thy trust only was this blessed 
 secret 
 Kindly committed, 'tis destroy'd, thou seest ; 
 What follows to be thought on't ? 
 
 Hip. Miserable ! 
 Why, here's the unhappiness of woman still : 
 That, having forfeited in old times her trust, 
 Now makes their faith suspected that are just. 
 
 Clean. What shall I say to all my sorrows then, 
 That look for satisfaction ? 
 
 Enter Eugenia. 
 
 JSn^. Ha, ha, ha ! cousin. 
 
 Clean. How ill dost thou become this time ! 
 
 Eug. Ha, ha, ha ! 
 Why, that's but your opinion ; a young wench 
 Becomes the time at all times. 
 Now, coz, we are even : an you be remember' d. 
 You left a strumpet and a whore with me. 
 And such fine field-bed words, which could not cost 
 
 you 
 Less than a father. 
 
 Clean. Is it come that way ? 
 
 JEuff. Had you an uncle. 
 He should go the same way too. 
 
 Clean. Oh eternity. 
 What monster is this fiend in labour with ? 
 
 Eug. An ass-colt with two heads, that's she and 
 you : 
 I will not lose so glorious a revenge. 
 Not to be understood in't ; I betray'd him ; 
 And now we are even, you'd best keep you so. 
 
 Clean. Is there not poison yet enough to kill 
 me ? 
 
 Hip. Oh, sir, forgive me ; it was I betray'd 
 
 Clean. How I [him. 
 
 Hip. I. 
 
 Clean. The fellow of my heart ! 'twill speed me, 
 
 then. 
 Hip. Her tears that never wept, and mine own 
 
 pity 
 
 Even cozen'd me together, and stole from me 
 This secret, which fierce death should not have 
 
 purchased. 
 Clean. Nay, then we are at an end ; all we are 
 
 false ones, 
 And ought to suffer. I was false to v/isdom, 
 In trusting woman ; thou wert false to faith, 
 In uttering of the secret ; and thou false 
 To goodness, in deceiving such a pity : 
 We are all tainted some way, but thou worst. 
 And for thy infectious spots ought'st to die first. 
 IQffers to kill Eugfnia. 
 Eug. Pray turn your weapon, sir, upon your 
 
 mistress, 
 I come not so ill friended : — rescue, servants 1 
 
 Re-enter Simonides and Courtiers. 
 
 Clean. Are you so whorishly provided ? 
 
 Sim. Yes, sir. 
 She has more weapons at command than one. 
 
 Eug. Put forward, man, thou art most sure to 
 have me. 
 
 Sim. I shall be surer, if I keep behind, though. 
 
 Eug. Now, servants, shew your loves. 
 
 Sim. I'll shew my love, too, afar off. 
 
 Eug. I love to be so courted, woo me there. 
 
 Sim. I love to keep good weapons, though ne'er 
 fought with. 
 I'm sharper set within than I am without. 
 
 Hip. Oh gentlemen ! Cleanthes ! 
 
 Eug. Fight ! upon him ! 
 
 Clean. Thy thirst of blood proclaims thee now 
 a strumpet. 
 
 Eug. 'Tis dainty, next to procreation fitting ; 
 I'd either be destroying men or getting. 
 
 Enter Guard. 
 
 1 Officer. Forbear, on your allegiance, gentle- 
 men. 
 He's the duke's prisoner, and we seize upon him 
 To answer this contempt against the law. 
 
 Clean. I obey fate in all things. 
 
 Hip. Happy rescue I 
 
 Sim. I would you'd seized upon him a minute 
 sooner, it had saved me a cut finger : I wonder 
 how I came by't, for I never put my hand forth, 
 I'm sure ; I think my own sword did cut it, if 
 truth were known; may be the wire in the handle: 
 I have lived these five and twenty years and never 
 knew what colour my blood was before I never 
 durst eat oysters, nor cut peck-loaves. 
 
 Eug. You've shewn your spirits, gentlemen ; 
 Have cut your finger. [but you 
 
 Sim. Ay, the wedding-finger too, a pox on't I 
 
 Court. You'll prove a bawdy bachelor, Sim. to 
 have a cut upon your finger, before you are married. 
 
 Sim. I'll never draw sword again, to have such 
 a jest put upon me. iExeunt, 
 
THE OLD LAW. 
 
 435 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE l.—A Court of Justice. 
 
 Enter Simon ikes and Courtiers, sword and mace carried 
 before them. 
 Sim. Be ready with your prisoner ; we'll sit in- 
 stantly, 
 And rise before eleven, or when we please ; 
 Shall we not, fellow-judges ? 
 
 1 Court. 'Tis committed 
 
 All to our power, censure, and pleasure, now ; 
 The duke hath made us chief lords of this sessions, 
 And we may speak by fits, or sleep by tucrlS. 
 
 Sim. Leave that to us, but, whatsoe'er we do, 
 The prisoner shall be sure to be condemn'd ; 
 Sleeping or waking, we are resolved on that, 
 Before we sit upon hira. 
 
 2 Court. Make you question 
 
 If not ? — Cleanthes ! and an enemy I 
 
 Nay a concealer of his father too ! 
 
 A vile example in these days of youth. 
 
 Sim. If they were given to follow such ex- 
 amples ; 
 But sure I think they are not : howsoever, 
 'Twas wickedly attempted; that's my judgment. 
 And it shall pass whilst I am in power to sit. 
 Never by prince were such young judges made, 
 But now the cause requires it : if you mark it. 
 He must make young or none ; for all the old ones 
 He hath sent a fishing — and my father's oiie, 
 I humbly thank his highness. 
 
 Enter Eugbnia. 
 
 1 Court. Widow ! 
 
 Eug. You almost hit my name now, gentlemen; 
 You come so wonderous near it, I admire you 
 For your judgment. 
 
 Sim. My wife that must be I She. 
 
 Eug. My husband goes upon his last hour now. 
 
 1 Court. On his last legs, I am sure. 
 Sim. September the seventeenth — 
 
 I will not bate an hour on't, and to-morrow 
 His latest hour's expired. 
 
 2 Court. Bring him to judgment ; 
 The jury's panell'd, and the verdict given 
 
 Ere he appears ; we have ta'en a course for that. 
 
 Sim. And officers to attach the gray young man. 
 The youth of fourscore : Be of comfort, lady. 
 You shall no longer bosom January ; 
 For that I will take order, and provide 
 For you a lusty April. 
 
 Eug. The month that ought, indeed, 
 To go before May. 
 
 1 Court Do as we have said. 
 Take a strong guard, and bring him into court. 
 Lady Eugenia, see this charge performed, 
 That, having his life forfeited by the law, 
 He may relieve his soul. 
 
 Eug. Willingly. 
 From shaven chins never came better justice 
 Than these ne'er touch'd by razor. \_Exit. 
 
 Sim. What you do, 
 Do suddenly, we charge you, for we purpose 
 To make but a short sessions. — A new business ! 
 
 Enter Hippolita. 
 1 Court. The fair HippoUta ! now what's yonr 
 
 suit? 
 Hip. Alas ! I know not how to style you yet ; 
 
 To call you judges doth not suit your years, 
 Nor heads and beards shew more antiquity ; — 
 Yet sway yourselves with equity and truth. 
 And I'll proclaim you reverend, and repeat 
 Once in my lifetime I have seen grave heads 
 Placed upon young men's shoulders. 
 
 2 Court. Hark ! she flouts us, 
 And thinks to make us monstrous. 
 
 Hip. Prove not so ; 
 For yet, methinks, you bear the shapes of men ; 
 (Though nothing more than merely beauty serves 
 To make you appear angels,) but if you crimson 
 ATour name and power with blood and cruelty, 
 Suppress fair virtue, and enlarge bold vice, 
 Both against heaven and nature, draw your sword, 
 Make either will or humour turn the soul 
 Of your created greatness, and in that 
 Oppose all goodness, I must tell you there 
 You are more than monstrous ; in the very act, 
 You change yourselves to devils. 
 
 1 Court. She's a witch ; 
 Hark ! she begins to conjure. 
 
 Sim. Time, you see. 
 Is short, much business now on foot : — shall I 
 Give her her answer ? 
 
 2 Court. None upon the bench, 
 More learnedly can do it. 
 
 Sim. He, he, hem ! then list : 
 I wonder at thine impudence, young huswife, 
 That thou darest plead for such a base offender. 
 Conceal a father past his time to die ! 
 What son and heir would have done this but he } 
 
 1 Court. I vow, not I. 
 
 Hip. Because ye are parricides ; 
 And how can comfort be derived from such 
 That pity not their fathers } 
 
 2 Court. You are fresh and fair ; practise young 
 
 women's ends ; 
 When husbands are distress'd, provide them friends. 
 Sim. I'll set him forward for thee without fee : 
 Some wives would pay for such a courtesy. 
 
 Hip. Times of amazement ! what duty, good- 
 ness dwell 
 
 I sought for charity, but knock at hell. iExit. 
 
 Re-enter Eugenia, and Guard with Lysander. 
 
 Sim. Eugenia come ! command a second guard 
 To bring Cleanthes in ; we'll not sit long ; 
 My stomach strives to dinner. 
 
 Eug. Now, servants, may a lady be so bold 
 To call your power so low ? 
 
 Sim. A mistress may. 
 She can make all things low ; then in that language 
 There can be no offence. 
 
 Eug. The time's now come 
 Of manumissions, take hira into bonds, 
 And I am then at freedom. 
 
 2 Court. This the man ! 
 He hath left off o' late to feed on snakes ; 
 His beard's turn'd white again. 
 
 1 Court. Is't possible these gouty legs danced 
 And shatter'd in a galliard? [lately, 
 
 Eug. Jealousy 
 And fear of death can work strange prodigies. 
 
 2 Court. The nimble fencer this, that made me 
 And traverse 'bout the chamber .•* [tear 
 
 Sim. Ay, and grive me r f 2 
 
4^0 
 
 THE OLD LAW. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 Those elbow healths, the hangman take him for'tl 
 They'd almost fetch'd my heart out: the Dutch 
 
 what-you-call, 
 I swallow'd pretty well ; but the half-pike 
 Had almost pepper'd me ; but had I ta'en long- 
 Being swollen, I had cast my lungs out. [sword, 
 
 A Flourish. Enter Evander and Cratilus. 
 
 1 Court. Peace, the duke ! 
 
 Evan. Nay, back t' your seats : who's that? 
 
 2 Court. May't please your highness, it is old 
 
 Lysander. 
 
 Evan. And brought in by his wife ! a worthy 
 precedent 
 Of one that no way would offend the law, 
 And should not pass away without remark. 
 You have been look'd for long. 
 
 Lys. But never fit 
 To die till now, my lord. My sins and I 
 Have been but newly parted ; much ado 
 I had to get them leave me, or be taught 
 That difficult lesson how to learn to die. 
 I never thought there had been such an act, 
 And 'tis the only discipline we are born for : 
 All studies else are but as circular lines, 
 And death the centre where they must all meet. 
 I now can look upon thee, erring woman, 
 And not be vex'd with jealousy ; on young men, 
 And no way envy their delicious health. 
 Pleasure, and strength ; all which were once mine 
 And mine must be theirs one day. [own, 
 
 Evan. You have tamed him. 
 
 Sim. And know how to dispose him ; that, my 
 Hath been before determined. You confess [liege. 
 Yourself of full age ? 
 
 Lys. Yes, and prepared to inherit 
 
 Eug. Your place above. 
 
 Sim. Of which the hangman's strength 
 Shall put him in possession. 
 
 Lys. 'Tis still cared 
 To take me willing and in mind to die ; 
 And such are, when the earth grows weary of 
 Most fit for heaven. [them, 
 
 Sim. The court shall make his mittimus. 
 And send him thither presently : i' the mean 
 
 Evan. Away to death with him. [time 
 
 \_Exeunt Cratilus and Lysander. 
 
 Enter Guard with Cleanthes, mippojAi: a following, 
 
 weeping. 
 Sim. So ! see another person brought to the bar. 
 
 1 Court. The arch-malefactor. 
 
 2 Court. The grand offender, the most refrac- 
 To all good order ; 'tis Cleanthes, he [tory 
 
 Sim. That would have sons grave fathers, ere 
 Be sent unto their graves. [their fathers 
 
 Evan. There will be expectation 
 In your severe proceedings against him ; 
 His act being so capital. 
 
 Sim. Fearful and bloody ; 
 Therefore we charge these women leave the court, 
 Lest they should swoon to hear it. 
 
 Eug. I, in expectation 
 Of a most happy freedom. iExit. 
 
 Hip. I, with the apprehension 
 Of a most sad and desolate widowhood. lExit. 
 
 1 Court. We bring him to the bar 
 
 2 Court. Hold up your hand, sir. 
 
 Clean. More reverence to the place than to the 
 To the one I offer up a [spreading] palm [persons : 
 Of duty and obedience, as to heaven, 
 
 Imploring justice, which was never wanting 
 Upon that bench whilst their own fathers sat ; 
 But unto you, my hands contracted thus, 
 As threatening vengeance against murderers, 
 |For they that kill in thought, shed innocent 
 
 blood. 
 
 With pardon of your highness, too much passion 
 Made me forget your presence, and the place 
 I now am call'd to. 
 
 Evan. All our majesty 
 And power we have to pardon or condemn, 
 Is now conferr'd on them. 
 
 Sim. And these we'll use. 
 Little to thine advantage. 
 
 Clean. I expect it : 
 And, as to these, I look no mercy from them, • 
 And much less mean to entreat it, I thus now 
 Submit me to the emblems of your power, 
 The sword and bench : but, my most reverend 
 Ere you proceed to sentence, (for I know [judges, 
 You have given me lost,) will you resolve me one 
 
 1 Court. So it be briefly question'd. [thiug ? 
 
 2 Court. Shew your honour ; 
 Day spends itself apace. 
 
 Clean. My lords, it shall. 
 Resolve me, then, where are your filial tears, 
 Your mourning habits, and sad hearts become. 
 That should attend your fathers' funerals ? 
 Though the strict law (which I will not accuse. 
 Because a subject) snatch'd away their lives. 
 It doth not bar you to lament their deaths : 
 Or if you cannot spare one sad suspire, 
 It doth not bid you laugh them to their graves. 
 Lay subtle trains to antedate their years. 
 To be the sooner seized of their estates. 
 Oh, time of age ! where's that ^neas now. 
 Who letting all his jewels to the flames ; 
 Forgetting country, kindred, treasure, friends. 
 Fortunes and all things, save the name of sou. 
 Which you so much forget, godlike ^neas, 
 Who took his bedrid father on his back. 
 And with that sacred load (to him no burthen) 
 Hew'd out his way through blood, through fire, 
 
 through [arms,] 
 Even all the arm'd streets of bright-burning Troy, 
 Only to save a father? 
 
 Sim. We've no leisure now, 
 To hear lessons read from Virgil ; we are past 
 And all this time thy judges. [school, 
 
 2 Court. It is fit 
 That we proceed to sentence. 
 
 1 Court. You are the mouth, 
 And now 'tis fit to open. 
 
 Sim. Justice, indeed, 
 Should ever be close-ear'd, and open mouth'd; 
 That is to hear a little and speak much. 
 Know then, Cleanthes, there is none can be 
 A good son and bad subject ; for, if princes 
 Be call'd the people's fathers, then the subjects. 
 Are all his sons, and he that flouts the prince, 
 Doth disobey his father : there you are gone. 
 
 1 Court. And not to be recover' d. 
 Sim. And again — 
 
 2 Court. If he be gone once, call him not again. 
 Sim. I say again, this act of thine expresses 
 
 A double disobedience : as our princes 
 Are fathers, so they are our sovereigns too ; 
 And he that doth rebel 'gainst sovereignty. 
 Doth commit treason in the height of degree : 
 And now thou art quite gone. 
 
SCENE I. 
 
 THE OLD LAW. 
 
 487 
 
 1 Court. Our brother in commission, 
 
 Hath spoke his mind both learnedly and neatly, 
 
 And I can add but little ; howsoever, 
 
 It shall send him packing. 
 
 He that begins a fault that wants example. 
 
 Ought to be made example for the fault. 
 
 Clean. A fault ! no longer can I hold myself 
 
 To hear vice upheld and virtue thrown down. 
 
 A fault ! judge, I desire, then, where it lies, • 
 
 In those that are my judges, or in nie : 
 
 Heaven stands on my side, pity, love, and duty. 
 Sim. Where are they, sir ? who sees them but 
 Clean. Not you ; and I am sure, [yourself? 
 
 You never had the gracious eyes to see them. 
 
 You think that you arraign me, but I hope 
 
 To sentence you at the bar. 
 
 2 Court. That would shew brave. 
 
 Clean. This were the judgment-seat we [stand 
 at] now ! 
 Of the heaviest crimes that ever made up [sin], 
 Unnaturalness, and inhumanity. 
 You are found foul and guilty, by a jury 
 Made of your father's curses, which have brought 
 Vengeance impending on you ; and I, now, 
 Am forced to pronounce judgment on my judges. 
 The common laws of reason and of nature 
 Condemn you, ipso facto ; you are parricides. 
 And if you marry, will beget the like, 
 "Who, when they are grown to full maturity. 
 Will hurry you, their fathers, to their graves. 
 ]jike traitors, you take council from the living. 
 Of upright judgment you will rob the bench, 
 (Experience and discretion snatch'd away 
 From the earth's face,) turn all into disorder. 
 Imprison virtue, and infranchise vice. 
 And put the sword of justice in the hands 
 Of boys and madmen. 
 
 Sim. Well, well, have you done, sir? 
 
 Clean. I have spoke my thoughts. 
 
 Sim. Then I'll begin and end. 
 
 Evan. 'Tis time I now begin- 
 Here your commission ends. 
 Cleanthes, come you from the bar. Because 
 I know you are severally disposed, I here 
 Invite you to an object will, no doubt. 
 Work in you contrary effects. — Music ! 
 
 Loud Music. Enter Leonides, Creon, Lysander, and 
 other old Men. 
 
 Clean. Pray, heaven, I dream not ! sure he 
 moves, talks comfortably. 
 As joy can wish a man. If he be changed, 
 (Far above me,) he's not ill entreated ; 
 His face doth promise fulness of content, 
 And glory hath a part in't. 
 
 Leo. Oh my son ! 
 
 Evan. You that can claim acquaintance with 
 Talk freely. [these lads, 
 
 Sim. I can see none there that's worth 
 One hand to you from me. 
 
 Evan. These are thy judges, and by their grave 
 law 
 I find thee clear, but these delinquents guilty. 
 You must change places, for 'tis so decreed : 
 Such just pre-eminence hath thy goodness gain'd, 
 Thou art the judge now, they the men arraign'd. 
 
 [To Cleanthes. 
 
 1 Court. Here s fine dancing, gentlemen. 
 
 2 Court. Is thy father amongst them ? 
 
 Sim. Oh, pox ! I saw him the first thing 1 
 look'd on. 
 
 Alive again ! 'slight, I believe now a father • 
 Hath as many lives as a mother. 
 
 Clean. 'Tis full as blessed as 'tis wonderful. 
 Oh I bring me back to the same law again, 
 I am fouler than all these ; seize on me, officers, 
 And bring me to new sentence. 
 
 Sim. What's all this ? 
 
 Clean. A fault not to be pardon'd, 
 Unnaturalness is but sin's shadow to it. 
 
 Sim. I am glad of that ; I hope the case may 
 And I turn judge again. [alter, 
 
 Evan. Name your offence. 
 
 Clean. That I should be so vile 
 As once to think you cruel. 
 
 Evan. Is that all ? 
 'Twas pardon'd ere confess'd : you that have sons, 
 If they be worthy, here may challenge them. 
 
 Creon. I should have one amongst them, had 
 To have retained that name. [he had grace 
 
 Sim. I pray you, father. IKiieeli. 
 
 Creon. That name, I know, 
 Hath been long since forgot. 
 
 Sim. I find but small comfort in remembering 
 it now. 
 
 Evan. Cleanthes, take your place with these 
 grave fathers, 
 And read what in that table is inscribed. 
 
 [Gives him a paper. 
 Now set these at the bar. 
 And read, Cleanthes, to the dread and terror 
 Of disobedience and unnatural blood. 
 
 Clean, [reads.] Jl is decreed by the grave and 
 learned council of Epire, that no son and heir 
 shall be held capable of his inheritance at the age 
 of one and twenty, unless he be at that time as 
 mature in obedience, manners, and goodness. 
 
 Sim. Sure I shall never be at full age, then, 
 though I live to an hundred years ; and that's 
 nearer by twenty than the last statute allow'd. 
 
 1 Court. A terrible act ! 
 
 Clean. Moreover, it is enacted that all sons 
 aforesaid, ivhom either this laiv, or their own 
 grace, shall reduce into the true method of duty, 
 virtue, and affection [shall appear before us] and 
 relate their trial and approbation from Cleanthes^ 
 the son of Leonides — from me, my lord ! 
 
 Evan. From none but you, as fullest. Proceed, 
 sir. 
 
 Clean. Whom, for his manifest virtues, we 
 make such judge and censor of youth, and the 
 absolute reference of life and manners. 
 
 Sim. This is a brave world ! when a man should 
 be selling land he must be learning manners. Is't 
 not, my masters ? 
 
 Re-enter BvQEHiA. 
 
 Eug. What's here to do? my suitors at the bar! 
 The old baud shines again : oh miserable ! 
 
 \_Shc stcoons. 
 
 Evan. Read the law over to her, 'twill awake 
 'Tis one deserves small pity. [her : 
 
 Clean. Lastly, it is ordained, that all such 
 wives now whatsoever, that shall desii/n their 
 husbands' death, to be soon rid of them, and enter- 
 tain suitors in their husbands' lifetime — 
 
 Sim. You had best read that a little louder; for, 
 if anything, that will bring her to herself again, 
 and find her tongue. 
 
 Clean. Shall not presume, on the penally of our 
 heavy displeasure, to marry within ten years after. 
 
408 
 
 THE OLD LAW. 
 
 ACT V 
 
 En4j. That law's too long by nine years and a 
 half, 
 I'll take my death upon't, so shall most women. 
 
 Clean. And those incontinent women so offend- 
 ing, to he judged and censured by Hippolita, wife 
 to Cleanthes. 
 
 Eug. Of all the rest, I'll not be judged by her. 
 
 Re-enter Hippolita. 
 
 Clean. Ah ! here she comes. Let me prevent 
 thy joys, 
 Prevent them but in part, and hide the rest ; 
 Thou hast not strength enough to bear them, else. 
 
 Hip. Leonides ! iShe faints. 
 
 Clean. I fear'd it all this while ; 
 I knew 'twas past thy power. Hippolita ! 
 What contrariety is in woman's blood .■' 
 One faints for spleen and anger, she for grace. 
 
 Evan. Of sons and wives we see the worst and 
 May future ages yield Hippolitas [best. 
 
 Many ; but few like thee, Eugenia ! 
 Let no Simonides henceforth have a fame, 
 But all blest sons live in Cleanthes' name — 
 
 {Harsh music within. 
 Ha ! what strange kind of melody was that ? 
 Yet give it entrance, whatsoe'er it be, 
 This day is all devote to liberty. 
 
 Enter Fiddlers, Gnotho, Courtezan, Cook, Butler, Sfc., 
 ivith the old Women, Agatha, atid one bearing a bride- 
 cake/or the wedding. 
 
 Gnolh. Fiddlers, crowd on, crowd on ; let no 
 man lay a block in your way. — Crowd on, I say. 
 
 Evan. Stay the crowd awhile ; let's know the 
 reason of this jollity. 
 
 Clean. Sirrah, do you know where you are ? 
 
 Gnoth. Yes, sir : I am here, now here, and now 
 here again, sir. 
 
 Lys. Your hat is too high crown'd, the duke in 
 presence. 
 
 Gnoth. The duke ! as he is my sovereign, I do 
 give him two crowns for it, and that's equal change 
 all the world over : as I am lord of the day (being 
 my marriage-day the second) 1 do advance my bon- 
 net. Crowd on afore. 
 
 Leon. Good sir, a few words, if you will vouch- 
 Or will you be forced } [safe them ; 
 
 Gnolh. Forced ! I would the duke himself would 
 say so. 
 
 Evan. I think he dares, sir, and does ; if you 
 You shall be forced. [stay not, 
 
 Gnoth. 1 think so, my lord, and good reason 
 too ; shall not I stay when your grace says I shall ? 
 I were unworthy to be a bridegroom in any part of 
 your highness's dominions, then : will it please you 
 to taste of the wedlock-courtesy .-* 
 
 Evan. Oh, by no means, sir ; you shall not de- 
 face so fair an ornament for me. 
 
 Gnoth. If your grace please to be cakated, 
 say so. 
 
 Evan, And which might be your fair bride, sir ? 
 
 Gnoth. This is my two-for-one that must be the 
 uxor uxoris, the remedy doloris, and the very 
 syceum amoris. 
 
 Evan. And hast thou any else } 
 
 Gnoth. I have an older, my lord, for other uses. 
 
 Clean. My lord, 
 I do observe a strange decorum here : 
 These that do lead this day of jollity. 
 Do march with music and most mirthful cheeks ; 
 Those that do follow, sad, and woefully. 
 
 Nearer the haviour of a funeral, 
 Than of a wedding. 
 
 Evan. 'Tis true ; pray expound that, sir. 
 
 Gnoth. As the destiny of the day falls out, my 
 lord, one goes to wedding, another goes to hang- 
 ing ; and your grace, in the due consideration, 
 shall find them much aUke ; the one hath the ring 
 upon her finger, the other the halter about her 
 neck: I take thee, Beatrice, says the bridegroom ; 
 / take thee^ Agatha, says the hangman ; and both 
 say together, to have and to hold, till death do 
 part us. 
 
 Evan. This is not yet plain enough to my un- 
 derstanding. 
 
 Gnoth. If further your grace examine it, you 
 shall find I shew myself a dutiful subject, and obe- 
 dient to the law, myself, with these my good friends, 
 and your good subjects, our old wives, whose days 
 are ripe, and their lives forfeit to the law : only 
 myself, more forward than the rest, am already 
 provided of my second choice. 
 
 Evan. Oh ! take heed, sir, you'll run yourself 
 into danger ; 
 If the law finds you with two wives at once. 
 There's a shrewd premunire. 
 
 Gnoth. I have taken leave of the old, my lord. I 
 have nothing to say to her ; she's going to sea, your 
 grace knows whither, better than I do ; she has a 
 strong wind with her, it stands full in her poop ; 
 when you please, let her disembogue. 
 
 Cook. And the rest of her neighbours with her, 
 whom we present to the satisfaction of your high- 
 ness' law. 
 
 Gnoth. And so we take our leaves, and leave 
 them to your highness. — Crowd on. 
 
 Evan. Stay, stay, you are too forward. Will 
 And your wife yet living ? [y<^u marry, 
 
 Gnoth. Alas ! she'll be dead before we can get 
 to church. If your grace would set her in the 
 way, I would dispatch her : I have a venture on't, 
 which would return me, if your highness would 
 make a little more haste, two for one. 
 
 Evan. Come, my lords, we must sit again ; 
 Craves a most serious censure. [here's a case 
 
 Cook. Now they shall be dispatch'd out of tlie 
 way. 
 
 Gnoth. I would they were gone once ; the time 
 goes away. 
 
 Evan. Which is the wife unto the forward bride- 
 
 Aga. I am, an it please your grace. [groom ? 
 
 Evan. Trust me, a lusty woman, able-bodied, 
 And well-blooded cheeks. 
 
 Gnnth. Oh, she paints, my lord; she was a 
 chambermaid once, and learn'd it of her lady. 
 
 Evan. Sure I think she cannot be so old. 
 
 Aga. Truly I think so too, an't please your 
 grace. 
 
 Gnoth. Two to one with your grace of that ! 
 she's threescore by the book. 
 
 Leon. Peace, sirrah, you are too loud. 
 
 Cook. Take heed, Gnotho : if you move the 
 duke's patience, 'tis an edge-tool ; but a word and 
 a blow, he cuts off your head. 
 
 Gnoth. Cut off my head ! away, ignorant ! he 
 knows it cost more in the hair ; he does not use to 
 cut off many such heads as mine : I will talk to 
 him too ; if he cut off my head, I'll give him my 
 ears. I say my wife is at full age for the law, the 
 clerk shall take his oath, and the church-book 
 shall be sworn too. 
 
THE OLD LAW. 
 
 4nu 
 
 Evan. My lords, I leave this censure to you. 
 
 Leon. Then first, this fellow does deserve punish- 
 For offering up a lusty able woman, [ment, 
 
 Which may do service to the commonwealth. 
 Where the law craves one impotent and useless. 
 
 Creon. Therefore to be severely punished 
 For thus attempting a secona marriage, 
 His wife yet living. 
 
 Lys. Nay, to have it trebled ; 
 That even the day and instant when he should 
 As a kind husband, at her funeral, [mourn. 
 
 He leads a triumph to the scorn of it ; 
 Which unseasonable joy ought to be punish'd 
 With all severity. 
 
 But. The fiddles will be in a foul case too^y 
 and by. 
 
 Leon. Nay, further ; it seems he has a venture 
 Of two for one at his second marriage, 
 Which cannot be but a conspiracy 
 Against the former. 
 
 Gnoth. A mess of wise old men ! 
 
 Lys. Sirrah, what can you answer to all these ? 
 
 Gnoth. Ye are good old men, and talk as age 
 will give you leave. I would speak with the youth- 
 ful duke himself; he and I may speak of things 
 that shall be thirty or forty years after you are dead 
 and rotten. Alas ! you are here to-day, and gone 
 to sea to-morrow. 
 
 Evan. In troth, sir, then I must be plain with 
 you. 
 The law that should take away your old wife from 
 The which I do perceive was your desire, [you. 
 Is void and frustrate ; so for the rest : 
 There has been since another parliament, 
 Has cut it off. 
 
 Gnoth. I see your grace is disposed to be plea- 
 sant. 
 
 Evan. Yes, you might perceive that ; I had not 
 Thus dallied with your follies. [else 
 
 Gnoth. I'll talk further with your grace when I 
 come back from church ; in the mean time, you 
 know what to do with the old women. 
 
 Evan. Stay, sir, unless in the mean time you 
 mean 
 I cause a gibbet to be set up in your way, 
 And hang you at your return. 
 
 Aya. O gracious prince ! 
 
 Evan. Your old wives cannot die to-day by any 
 law of mine ; for aught I can say to them. 
 They may, by a new edict, bury you. 
 And then, perhaps, you'll pay a new fine too. 
 
 Gnoth. This is fine, indeed ! 
 
 Aga. O gracious prince 1 may he live a hundred 
 years more. 
 
 Cook. Your venture is not like to come in to- 
 day, Gnotho. 
 
 Gnoth. Give me the principal back. 
 
 Cook. Nay, by my troth we'll venture still — and 
 I'm sure we have as ill a venture of it as you ; for 
 we have taken old wives of purpose, that we had 
 thought to have put away at this market, and now 
 we cannot utter a pennyworth. 
 
 Evan. Well, sirrah, you were best to discharge 
 your new charge, and take your old one to you. 
 
 Gnoth. Oh music! no music, but prove most 
 doleful trumpet ; 
 Oh bride ! no bride, but thou mayst prove a 
 
 strumpet ; 
 Oh venture ! no venture, I have, for one, now 
 none ; 
 
 Oh wife ! thy life is saved when I hoped it had 
 
 been gone. 
 Case up your fruitless strings ; no penny, no 
 
 wedding ; 
 Case up thy maidenhead ; no priest, no bedding : 
 Avaunt, my venture ! ne'er to be restored. 
 Till Ag, my old wife, be thrown overboard: 
 Then come again, old Ag, since it must be so ; 
 Let bride and venture with woful music go. 
 
 Cook. What for the bridecake, Gnotho ? 
 
 Gnoth. Let it be mouldy, now 'tis out of season, 
 Let it grow out of date, currant, and reason : 
 Let it be chipt and chopt, and given to chickens. 
 No more is got by that, than William Dickins 
 Got by his wooden dishes. 
 Put up your plums, as fiddlers put up pipes, 
 The wedding dash'd, the bridegroom weeps and 
 
 wipes. 
 Fiddlers, farewell ; and now, without perhaps. 
 Put up your fiddles as you put up scraps. 
 
 Lys. This passion has given some satisfaction 
 yet. My lord, I think you'll pardon him now, 
 with all the rest, so they live honestly with the 
 wives they have. 
 
 Evan. Oh ! most freely ; free pardon to all. 
 
 Cook. Ay, we have deserved our pardons, if we 
 can live honestly with such reverend wives, that 
 have no motion in them but their tongues. 
 
 Aga. Heaven bless your grace ! you are a just 
 prince. 
 
 Gnoth. All hopes dash'd ; the clerk's duties 
 lost. 
 My venture gone ; my second wife divorced ; 
 And which is worst, the old one come back again 1 
 Such voyages are made now-a-days ! 
 Besides these two fountains of fresh water, I will 
 weep two salt out of my nose. Your grace had 
 been more kind to your young subjects — heaven 
 bless and mend your laws, that they do not gull 
 your poor countrymen : but I am not the first, by 
 forty, that has been undone by the law. 'Tis but 
 a folly to stand upon terms ; I take my leave o 
 your grace, as well as mine eyes will give me leave : 
 I would they had been asleep in their beds when 
 they opened them to see this day ! Come Ag, come 
 Ag. \_Exeunt Gnotho and Agatha. 
 
 Creon. Were not you all my servants .'* 
 
 Cook. During your life, as we thought, sir ; but 
 our young master turn'd us away. 
 
 Creon. How headlong, villain, wert thou in thy 
 ruin 1 
 
 Sim. I followed the fashion, sir, as other young 
 men did. If you were as we thought you had been, 
 we should ne'er have come for this, I warrant you. 
 We did not feed, after the old fashion, on beef and 
 mutton, and such like. 
 
 Creon. Well, what damage or charge you have 
 run yourselves into by marriage, I cannot help, nor 
 deliver you from your wives ; them you must keep ; 
 yourselves shall again return to me. 
 
 All. We thank your lordship for your love, and 
 must thank ourselves for our bad bargains. lExeunt. 
 
 Evan. Cleanthes, you delay the power of law, 
 To be inflicted on these misgovern'd men. 
 That filial duty have so far transgress'd. 
 
 Clean. My lord, I see a satisfaction 
 Meeting the sentence, even preventing it, 
 Beating my words back in their utterance. 
 See, sir, there's salt sorrow bringing forth fresh 
 And new duties, as the sea propagates. 
 
440 
 
 THE OLD LAW. 
 
 ACT V, 
 
 The elephants have found their joints too 
 
 iThey kneel. 
 Why, here's humility able to bind up 
 The punishing hands of the severest masters, 
 Much more the gentle fathers. 
 
 Sim. I had ne'er thought to have been brought 
 so low as my knees again ; but since there's no 
 remedy, fathers, reverend fathers, as you ever hope 
 to have good sons and heirs, a handful of pity ! we 
 confess we have deserved more than we are willing 
 to receive at your hands, though sons can never 
 deserve too much of their fathers, as shall appear 
 afterwards. 
 
 Creon. And what way can you decline your 
 feeding now .' 
 You cannot retire to beeves and muttons sure. 
 
 Sim. Alas ! sir, you see a good pattern for that, 
 now we have laid by our high and lusty meats, and 
 are down to our marrowbones already. 
 
 Creon. Well, sir, rise to virtues : we'll bind you 
 now ; IThey rise. 
 
 You that were too weak yourselves to govern, 
 By others shall be govern' d. 
 
 Lys. Cleanthes, 
 I meet your justice with reconcilement : 
 If there be tears of faith in woman's breast, 
 I have received a myriad, which confirms me 
 To find a happy renovation. 
 
 Clean, Here's virtue's throne, 
 Which I'll embellish with my dearest jewels 
 Of love and faith, peace and affection 1 
 This is the altar of my sacrifice, 
 Where daily my devoted knees shall bend. 
 Age-'nonoured shrine ! time still so love you, 
 That I so long may have ycu in mine eye 
 
 Until ray memory lose your beginning ! 
 For you, great prince, long may your fame survive, 
 Your justice and your wisdom never die. 
 Crown of your crown, the blessing of your land, 
 Which you reach to her from your regent hand ! 
 
 Leon. O Cleanthes, had you with us tasted 
 The entertainment of our retirement, 
 Fear'd and exclaim'd on in your ignorance. 
 You might have sooner died upon the wonder, 
 Than any rage or passion for our loss. 
 A place at hand we were all strangers in, 
 So sphered about with music, such delights. 
 Such viands and attendance, and once a-day 
 So cheered with a royal visitant. 
 That oft-times, waking, our unsteady fancies 
 Would question whether we yet lived or no. 
 Or had possession of that paradise 
 Where angels be the guard ! 
 
 Evan. Enough, Leonides, 
 You go beyond the praise ; we have our end, 
 And all is ended well : we have now seen 
 The flowers and weeds that grow about our court. 
 
 Sim. If these be weeds, I'm afraid I shall wear 
 none so good again as long as my father lives. 
 
 Evan. Only this gentleman we did abuse 
 With our own bosom : we seem'd a tyrant. 
 And he our instrument. Look, 'tis Cratilus, 
 
 \_Discovers Cbatimtb. 
 The man that you supposed had now been travell'd ; 
 Which we gave leave to learn to speak. 
 And bring us foreign languages to Greece. 
 All's joy, I see ; let music be the crown : 
 And set it high, " The good needs fear no law, 
 It is his safety, and the bad man's awe." 
 
 [^Flourish. Exeunt. 
 
POEMS 
 
 ON SEVEKAL OCCASIONS, 
 
 BY 
 
 PHILIP MASSINGER. 
 
 TO MY HONOURABLE FRIEND SIR FRANCIS 
 FOLJAMBE, KNIGHT AND BARONET. 
 
 Sir, with my service I present this book, 
 
 A trifle, I confess, but pray you look 
 Upon the sender, not his gift, with your 
 
 Accustomed favour, and then 't will endure 
 Your search the better. Something there may be 
 
 You'll find in the perusal fit for me 
 To give to one I honour, and may plead, 
 
 In your defence, though you descend to read 
 A pamphlet of this nature. May it prove 
 
 In your free judgment, though not worth your 
 Yet fit to find a pardon, and I'll say [love, 
 
 Upon your warrant that it is a play. 
 
 Ever at your commandment, 
 
 PHILIP MASSINGER. 
 
 TO MY JUDICIOUS AND LEARNED FRIEND THE 
 AUTHOR, [jAMES SHIRLEY,] 
 
 Upon his ingenious Poem, " The Grateful Servant," a 
 Comedy, published in 1630. 
 Though I well know, that my obscurer name 
 Listed with theirs who here advance thy fame, 
 Cannot add to it, give me leave to be, 
 Among the rest a modest votary 
 At the altar of thy Muse. I dare not raise 
 Giant hyperboles unto thy praise ; 
 Or hope it can find credit in this age. 
 Though 1 should swear, in each triumphant page 
 Of this thy work there's no line but of weight, 
 And poesy itself shewn at the height : 
 Such common places, friend, will not agree 
 With thy own vote, and my integrity. 
 I'll steer a midway, have clear truth my guide, 
 And urge a praise which cannot be denied. 
 Here are no forced expressions, no rack'd phrase ; 
 No Babel compositions to amaze 
 The tortured reader ; no believed defence 
 To strengthen the bold Atheist's insolence ; 
 No obscene syllable, that may compel 
 A blush from a chaste maid : but all so well 
 
 Expressed and order'd, as wise men must say 
 It is a grateful poem, a good play : 
 And such as read ingeniously, shall find 
 Few have outstripp'd thee, many halt behind. 
 
 PHILIP MASSINGKR. 
 
 TO HIS SON J. S. UPON HIS MINERVA. 
 
 Thou art ray son ; in that my choice is spoke : 
 
 Thine with thy father's Muse strikes equal stroke. 
 
 It shew'd more art in Virgil to relate, 
 
 And make it worth the hearing, his gnat's fate, 
 
 Than to conceive what those great minds must be 
 
 That sought, and found out, fruitful Italy. 
 
 And such as read and do not apprehend. 
 
 And with applause, the purpose and the end 
 
 Of this neat poem, in themselves confess 
 
 A dull stupidity and barrenness. 
 
 Methinks I do behold, in this rare birth, 
 
 A temple built up to facetious Mirth, 
 
 Pleased Phoebus smiling on it : doubt not, then. 
 
 But that the suffrage of judicious men 
 
 Will honour this Thalia ; and, for those 
 
 That praise sir Bevis, or what's worse in prose, 
 
 Let them dw ell still in ignorance. To write 
 
 In a new strain, and from it raise delight, 
 
 As thou in this hast done, doth not by chance, 
 
 But merit, crown thee with the laurel branch. 
 
 PHILIP MASSINGER. 
 
 SERO SED SERIO. 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE MY MOST SINGU- 
 LAR GOOD LORD AND PATRON, PHILIP, EAHL 
 OF PEMBROKE AND MONTGOMERY, 
 Lord-Chamberlain of his Majesty's Household, &c.. 
 Upon the deplorable and untimely Death of his late truly 
 noble Son, Charles Lord Herbkut, <^c. 
 
 'TwAs fate, not want of duty, did me wrong ; 
 Or, with the rest, my hymenaeal song 
 Had been presented, when the knot was tied 
 That made the bridegroom and the virgin bride 
 
442 
 
 MASSINGER'S POEMS. 
 
 A happy pair. I curs'd my absence then 
 
 That hinder'd it, and bit my star-cross'd pen, 
 
 Too busy in stage-blanks, and trifling rhyme, 
 
 When such a cause cali'd, and so apt a time 
 
 To pay a general debt ; mine being more 
 
 Than they could owe, who since, or heretofore, 
 
 Have labour'd with exalted lines to raise 
 
 Brave piles, or rather pyramids of praise 
 
 To Pembroke and his family : and dare I, 
 
 Being silent then, aim at an elegy ? 
 
 Or hope my weak Muse can bring forth one verse 
 
 Deserving to wait on the sable hearse 
 
 Of your late hopeful Charles ? his obsequies 
 
 Exact the mourning of all hearts and eyes 
 
 That knew him, or loved virtue. He that vi^ould 
 
 Write what he was, to all posterity, should 
 
 Have ample credit in himself, to borrow. 
 
 Nay, make his own, the saddest accents sorrow 
 
 Ever express'd, and a more moving quill. 
 
 Than Spenser used when he gave Astrophil 
 
 A living epicedium. For poor me, 
 
 By truth I vow it is no flattery, 
 
 I from my soul wish, (if it might remove 
 
 Grief's burthen, which too feelingly you prove,) 
 
 Though T have been ambitious of fame, 
 
 As poets are, and would preserve a name. 
 
 That, my toys burnt, I had lived unknown to men, 
 
 A nd ne'er had writ, nor ne'er to write again. 
 
 Vain wish, and to be scorn'd ! can my foul dross, 
 
 With such pure gold be valued ! or the loss 
 
 Of thousand lives like mine, merit to be 
 
 The same age thought on, when his destiny 
 
 Is only mentioned ? no, my lord, his fate, 
 
 Is to be prized at a higher rate ; 
 
 Nor are the groans of common men to be 
 
 Blended with those, which the nobility 
 
 Vent hourly for him. That great ladies mourn 
 
 His sudden death, and lords vie at his urn 
 
 Drops of compassion ; that true sorrow, fed 
 
 With showers of tears, still bathes the widow'd bed 
 
 Of his dear spouse ; that our great king and queen 
 
 (To grace your grief) disdain'd not to be seen 
 
 Your royal comforters ; these well become 
 
 The loss of such a hope, and on his tomb 
 
 Deserve to live : but, since no more could be 
 
 Presented, to set off" his tragedy. 
 
 And with a general sadness, why should you 
 
 (Pardon my boldness !) pay more than his due, 
 
 Be the debt ne'er so great ? No stoic can, 
 
 As you were a loving' father, and a man. 
 
 Forbid a moderate sorrow ; but to take 
 
 Too much of it, for his or your own sake. 
 
 If we may trust divines, will rather be 
 
 Censured repining, than true piety. 
 
 I still presume too far, and more than fear 
 
 My duty may offend, pressing too near 
 
 Your private passions. I thus conclude. 
 
 If now you show your passive fortitude. 
 
 In bearing this affliction, and prove 
 
 You take it as a trial of heaven's love 
 
 And favour to you, you ere long shall see 
 
 Your second care return'd from Italy, 
 
 To bless his native England, each rare part, 
 
 That in his brother lived, and joy'd your heart, 
 
 Transferr'd to him ; and to the world make known 
 
 He takes possession of what's now his own. 
 
 Your honour's most humble 
 
 and faithful servant, 
 
 PHILIP MASSINGKR. 
 
GLOSSARY. 
 
 dBRAM MEN, impostors, who feign- 
 ing madness, wandered about the 
 country, and extorted charity, 
 through fear, from the servants of 
 small families 
 
 Absurd; Or she will cry. Absurd! 
 '" The Emperor of the East," act ii. 
 scene 1.), alogical phrase, when false 
 conclusions are deduced from the 
 promises of an opponent 
 
 Abuse ; You abuse me, (" The Maid of 
 Honour," act iii. scene 3.), practise 
 on my credulity 
 
 Actuate; Or actuate what you com- 
 mand to me, (" The Roman Actor," 
 act >. scene 2.), act 
 
 Aerie, nest 
 
 A-lba Regalis, {•• The Picture," act iii. 
 scene 6.), the town where the kings 
 of Hungary were anciently crowned ; 
 now a paltry village called Stalweis- 
 senburg 
 
 Altar ; Friendship — that binds no fur- 
 ther than to the altar, (" The Parlia- 
 ment of Love," act iii. scene 2.), an 
 allusion to the saying of Pericles that 
 he would support the interests of his 
 friend as far as the altar, (juexpt 
 fiwfxov), as far as he could with due 
 respect for the gods 
 
 Amorous ; Nor am I amorous, ( " The 
 Great Duke of Florence," actii. scene 
 3.), apt to be inflamed at first sight 
 
 Amsterdam ; Preach at Amsterdam, 
 (" The Renegado, act i. scene i.), the 
 resort of religionists of all denomina- 
 tions 
 
 Anaxarete; "Such an Iphis," &c., 
 .' ' The Roman Actor," act iii. scene 
 2.) i see the story of Jphis and Anax- 
 arete in the 14th Book of Ovid's 
 Metamorphosis 
 
 Angel; The Roman angel's wings, 
 («• The Virgin-Martyr," act ii. scene 
 2.), bird 
 
 Apostata, apostate 
 
 Apple : And I would sell my empire, 
 could it purchase the dull art of for- 
 getfulness, (" The Emperor of the 
 
 East." act iv. scene 5.): the reader 
 will not be siu-prised at the passion 
 of Theodosius, when he recollects 
 that, among the ancients, the pre- 
 sentation of an apple had a mystic 
 meaning ; it signified love accepted 
 and returned 
 
 Argiers, the old form of Algiers 
 
 As ; As I know not that, (" A New 
 Way to Pay Old Debts," act ii. scene 
 3.), as if 
 
 At all; A gamester at the height, and 
 cry At all! ("The City Madam," 
 act iv. scene 2.), means that the 
 caster will play for any sums the 
 company may think proper to risk 
 against him 
 
 Atheism , To bind up Atheism, (" The 
 Maid of Honour," act iii. scene 3.) : 
 our early writers appear to have em- 
 ployed this word with great laxity, 
 applying it to any remarkable viola- 
 tion of moral or natural decorum 
 
 Atonement ; A fair atonement, (" The 
 Duke of Milan," act iv. scene 3.), 
 reconcilement 
 
 Aventine : My strong Aventine, (" The 
 Roman Actor," act i. scene I.), post 
 of security, defence 
 
 Bake-nouse , Of the conduit and the 
 bakehouse, ( " The i'arliament of 
 Love," act iv. scene 5.), the common 
 rendezvous of gossips of both sexes 
 
 Bandog, properly band-ilog, a dog kept 
 tied up on account of his fierceness. 
 When bear-baiting was in vogue in 
 England, biindogs were used for that 
 sport 
 
 Banquet, the dessert, composed of fruit, 
 sweetmeats, &c. Our ancestors, as 
 socHi as they had dined, removed to 
 another room, (commonly to a gar- 
 den-house, or arbour,) where the 
 banquet was spread 
 
 Banqucting-huuse, (" T he Bondman," 
 act i. scene 3.) : seethe preceding ar- 
 
 ticle: garden-house, summer-house ; 
 in the suburbs of Li>ndon, gardens 
 with buildings of this kind (which 
 were often usel as places of intrigue) 
 were formerly much in fashion 
 
 Bar ; I am no bar for you to try your 
 strength on, (" The Parliament of 
 Love," act ii. scene 3 ) . Clarindore 
 means — I am not to bequoited down 
 stairs, alluding to the game of pitch- 
 ing the bar 
 
 Barathrum ; You barathrum of the 
 shambles, (" A New Way to Pay Old 
 Debts," act iii. scene 2.) ; from Ho- 
 race, " barathrumque macelli; abyss, 
 gulf 
 
 Barley-break ; He is at barley-break, 
 and the last couple are now in hell, 
 (" The Virgin-Martyr," act v. scene 
 1 . ) . This game is thus described by 
 Gifford, chiefly from a passage in Sir 
 P. Sidney's Arcadia. "It was played 
 by six people (three of each sex) who 
 were coupled by lot. A piece of 
 ground was then chosen, and divided 
 into three compartments, of which 
 the middle one was called hell. It was 
 the object of the couple condemned 
 to this division, to catch the others, 
 who advanced from the two extremi- 
 ties : in which case a change of situ- 
 ation took place, and hell was filled 
 by the couple who were excluded by 
 pre-occupation from the other places; 
 in this 'catching' however, there 
 was some difficulty, as, by the r^:u- 
 lations of the game, the middle 
 couple were not to separate before 
 they had succeeded, while the others 
 might break hands whenever they 
 found themselves hard pressed. When 
 all had been taken in turn , the last 
 couple was said to he in hell, and the 
 game ended" 
 
 Bases ; your petticoat serves for bases 
 to this warrior, (" The Picture," act 
 ii. scene 1.), a kind of embroidered 
 mantle, which hung down from the 
 middle to about the knees, or lower 
 worn by knights on horseback 
 
 Basket, the ; Go to the basket, and re- 
 
444 
 
 GLOSSARY. 
 
 pent, ('• The Fatal Dowry," act v. 
 scene 1.), the basket in which broken 
 meat was sent from the sheriffs' table 
 to the poor confined in the prisons ; 
 also the basket from which broken 
 meat was distributed to the poor at 
 the porter's lodge of great houses, 
 («« A New Way to Pay Old Debts," 
 act i. scene 3) 
 
 Battalia, (" The Picture," act ii. scene 
 1.), the main body of the army 
 
 Beadsmen, prayer-men, those who pray 
 for their benefactors, dependants on 
 charity 
 
 Bearing-dishes, (" A New Way to Pay 
 Old Debts," act v ^ccne 1.), solid, 
 substantial dishes 
 
 Bccco, a tame cuckold 
 
 Bees ,• Mine own bees rebel against me, 
 ("The City Madam," act iv. scene 
 4.) : the speaker considers herself as 
 queen of the hive 
 
 Beglerheg, chief governor of a province 
 
 Bells ring out of tune, (" The Duke of 
 Milan," act i. scene 1.), ring back- 
 ward, the common signal of alarm 
 on the breaking out of fires 
 
 Bend the body, (" The Duke of Milan," 
 act ii. scene 1.), and "The Bashful 
 Lover," act iii. scene 3.), to ascertain 
 if any life remains in it 
 
 Beneath the salt : see Salt, above the 
 
 Betake, consign 
 
 Bind with ; And by turns bind with 
 her, (" The Guardian," act i., scene 
 1.), tire, seize 
 
 Bird bolts, blunt, pointless arrows, 
 used to kill birds without piercing 
 them 
 
 Birthright ; And spoil him of his birth- 
 right, (" The Bondman," act ii. scene 
 1.), an allusion to the history of 
 Jacob and Esau 
 
 Bisognion, beggar 
 
 Blacks; Tears, sighs, and blacks, 
 •' The Fatal Dowry," act ii. scene 1. , 
 mourning weeds 
 
 Blue gown, the livery of Bridewell 
 
 Boman ,- Like a boman, {" The City 
 Madam," act iv. scene 2.), means, in 
 cant language, a gallant fellow : per- 
 haps, however, it is here a misprint 
 for "Roman" 
 
 Box-keeper ,■ Gettall, a box-peeper, 
 {Dram. Pers. to " The City Ma- 
 dam,"), groom-porter to a gambling- 
 house, who sits in a raised box or 
 chair, and declares the state of the 
 game, &c. 
 
 Brach, hound-bitch 
 
 Brave, richly apparelled 
 
 Braveries ,- The braveries of Syracusa, 
 ("The Bondman," act i. scene 3.), 
 fashionable gallants 
 
 Bravery, finery of apparel 
 
 Breda; Practised at Breda, ("A New 
 Way to Pay Old Debts," act i, scene 
 2.) : an allusion to the celebrated 
 siege of Breda by Spinola: it was 
 begun on the 2Rth August, 1624, and 
 continued till the 1st July in the fol- 
 lowing year, when the besieged, after 
 enduring many hardships, surren- 
 dered 
 
 Brennns ; The fatal gold which Bren- 
 nus took from Delphos, {" The Fatal 
 Dowry," act v. scene 2.) : it was so 
 destructive to all who shared it, that 
 it grew into a proverb 
 
 Broadside; They shevv'd a broadside 
 to us, (" The Renegado," act v. scene 
 7.) ; as a proof that they thought 
 themselves safe from the danger of 
 pursuit 
 
 Brother; O for a brother! ("The 
 Maid of Honour," act ii. scene 2.), 
 brother in arms 
 
 Buck, to beat a, (" The Virgin Martyr," 
 act iv. scene 2.), to wash clothes by 
 beating them in the water on a smooth 
 stone with a pole flattened at the end 
 
 Bug : No bug words, sir, (" A New 
 Way to Pay Old Debts," act iii. 
 scene 2.), frightful, terrifying 
 
 Bullion ; At noon in the Bullion, 
 ("TheFatal Dowry," act ii. scene2.), 
 appears to mean some piece of 
 finery (trunk-hose, &c.), so called 
 from the large globular gilt buttons 
 on it 
 
 Burse, the, ("The City Madam, "act iii. 
 scene 1.), the New Exchange in the 
 Strand 
 
 Bury money ; I'll bury some money 
 before I die, that my ghost may 
 haunt thee afterward, (" The Old 
 Law," act iv. scene 1.) ; according to 
 the superstition, that those who had 
 buried treasure, walked after death 
 
 Butler, Dr. ; Oracle Butler, &c. (" The 
 Old Law," act ii. scene 1.) ; the phy- 
 sician here alluded to, was of great 
 celebrity ; he died at an advanced 
 age in 1618 
 
 Calver'd salmon ; salmon prepared in a 
 manner which differs but little from 
 the modern method of pickling it 
 
 Canceller ; the hawk was said to can- 
 celler, when, missing the aim in the 
 stoop, he turned upon the wing to 
 recover himself 
 
 Candour ; Dispense a little with your 
 candour, (" Parliament of Love," 
 act iv. scenes , and " The Guardian," 
 act iii. scene 1.), honour 
 
 Canters, rogues, vagrants, beggars 
 
 Caranza, (Jerome,) wrote a treatise, in 
 which the laws of duelling were 
 strictly laid down 
 
 Carcanet, necklace 
 
 Caroch, coach 
 
 Carpet-knights, a term of contempt for 
 knights dubbed on public festivities, 
 &c., not in the field 
 
 Caster, ware the, (" The City Madam," 
 act iv. scene 2.) Gifford cites the fol- 
 lowing explanation of this passage : 
 " When a setter supposes himself to 
 possess more money than the caster, 
 it is usual for him, on putting his stake 
 into the ring, to cry, ♦ Ware caster! ' 
 the caster then declares at all under 
 such a sum, ten, twenty, or fifty 
 pounds, for instance ; or else to place 
 against the stakes of certain setters, 
 the corresponding sums, and cry, 
 ♦ Ware cover'd' only !" 
 
 Casting ; O no more of stones - - We 
 are not so high in our flesh now to need 
 casting, (" The Picture," act y. scene 
 i.) : "When the hawk will come to the 
 hue, then give her every night stones, 
 till you find her stomach good ; after 
 that, proffer her casting, to make her 
 
 cleanse and purge her gorge." The 
 Gentleman's Recreation, p. 135 
 
 Cater, caterer, purveyor 
 
 Cat-stick, the stick used in the game of 
 tip-cat 
 
 Cautelous, wary, suspicious 
 
 Cavallery, cavalry 
 
 Censure, to judge 
 
 Ceruse, white paint 
 
 Chamber ; A chamber shot off, (" The 
 Renegado," act v. scene 8. — stage di- 
 rection,) a small piece of ordnance 
 
 Chapines, large clogs, worn under the 
 shoes, made of cork or light frame- 
 work, covered with leather 
 
 Charms ; Can charms be writ on such 
 pure rubies? (" The Great Duke of 
 Florence," act ii. scene 3.), an allu- 
 sion, probably, to the notion, that 
 certain gems from their inherent 
 sanctity, could not be profaned or 
 used for magical purposes 
 
 Cheese trenchers; Admonitions upon 
 cheese-trenchers, (" The Old Law," 
 act ii. scene 1.), cheese-plates were 
 formerly inscribed with posies, pro- 
 verbial verses, &c. 
 
 Chiaus, anolScer in the Turkish court, 
 who acts as usher ; also, as ambassa- 
 dor to foreign states 
 
 Chreokopia ; a Greek word, the cutting 
 off' that part of the debt which arose 
 from the interest of the sum lent 
 
 Chuffs, coarse clowns, at once sordid 
 and wealthy 
 
 Church-book, the, (" TheOldLaw," act 
 1. scene i.) : the Lawyer means tlie 
 register of births, Cleanthes takes it 
 in tlie sense of the Holy Scriptures 
 
 Circular ; Your wisdom is not circuhir, 
 (" The Emperor of the East," act iii. 
 scene2.),fulland perfect (a Latinism) 
 
 Civil ; Acquainted only with a civil life, 
 (" The Renegado," act v. scene 3.), 
 with the political regulations, cus- 
 toms, and habits of the city, as dis- 
 tinguished from the court 
 
 Clap-dish ; A leper with a clap-dish, 
 «'The Parliament of Love," act ii. 
 scene 2.), a wooden dish, with a mov- 
 able lid, which the leper clapped, as 
 a warning that alms might be given 
 without touching him 
 
 Clemm'd ; Entrails were clemm'd, 
 (" The Roman Actor," act ii. scene 
 1.), shrunk up with hunger, so as to 
 cling together 
 
 Clubs; In Loudon among the clubs, 
 ("The Renegado," act i. scene 3.): 
 the shops in London were formerly 
 furnished with bludgeons ; and in any 
 public fray, at the cry of Clubs, clubs! 
 the apprentices, armed with those 
 weapons, immediately rushed into 
 the streets 
 
 Coats: Ranked with coats, (" The Old 
 Law," act iii. scene 1.), court cards 
 
 Colbrand, a famous Danish giant 
 
 Colon : the largest of the intestines, — 
 the cravings of hunger 
 
 Coming in; His coining in, (" The 
 Duke of Milan," act iii. scene 1.), 
 surrender 
 
 Commodities ; Drawing gallants into 
 mortgages for commodities, (" The 
 Bondman," act ii. scone 3.), wares, 
 of which the needy gallants were to 
 make what they could, in lieu of 
 the money for which they had signed 
 
GLOSSARY. 
 
 445 
 
 Come off; Will you come off, sir ?(" The 
 Unnatural Combat," act iv. scene 2.), 
 
 r«y 
 
 Commoner, («' The Virgin-Martyr," act 
 iii. scene 3.), a common lawyer 
 
 Comrogues ; a jocular perversioa of 
 comrades, — fellow-rogues 
 
 Conceited, facetious, witty 
 
 Conclusions; Try conclusions, (•• The 
 Duke of Milan," act iv. scene 1.), 
 experiments 
 
 Condition ; Condition he did the like, 
 (" The Old Law," act ii. scene 1 ), on 
 condition 
 
 Conduit : see Bake-house 
 
 Consort, band of musicians 
 
 Conslaiitly ; Bear his restraint so con- 
 stantly, (" The Great Duke of Flo- 
 rence," act V. scene 2.), firmly, reso- 
 lutely 
 
 Corinth; With any she in Corinth, 
 ("The Bondman," act i. scene 3.); 
 spoken in allusion to the high repu- 
 tation of the Corinthian ladies for 
 gallantry 
 
 Corsive, corrosive 
 
 Counsel; It is not counsel, ("The 
 Duke of Milan," act iii. scene 1.), 
 secret; worthy of your counsel, ("The 
 Roman Actor," act iv. scene 2.), se- 
 crecy 
 
 Courtesy ; Stole courtesy from heaven, 
 " The Great Duke of Florence," act 
 ii. scene 3. ), won, dei-ived courtesy 
 from heaven, — had a heavenly kind 
 of affability and sweetness 
 
 Courtship ; This may prove but court- 
 ship, (" The Duke of Milan," act 
 iii. scene 2.), paying court to her as 
 duchess ; The elements of courtship, 
 ' Id. act iv. scene 1.), court-policy: 
 the word is also used more than once 
 in the sense of court-breeding, good- 
 breeding 
 
 Crack ; Here's a crack, (" The Unnat. 
 Combat," act i. scene 1.), an arch, 
 lively boy 
 
 Crincomes, the venereal disease 
 
 Crowd, (" The Old Law," act v, scene 
 1.), fiddle 
 
 Crowns of the sun, escus de soleil, coins 
 with a little star (or sun) on one side 
 
 Cry Absurd J see Absurd 
 
 Cry aim, {," The Bondman," acti. scene 
 3., " The Renegado," act i. scene 1.) : 
 An expression taken from archery ; 
 it was an exclamation of encourage- 
 ment from the bystanders to the per- 
 son about to shoot ; hence it came to 
 signify encourage, sanction, &c. 
 
 Cupid and Death ; Cupid once more 
 hath chang'd his shafts with Deatli, 
 (" The Virgin Martyr," act iv. sci-ne 
 3.) ; an allusion to a poem among the 
 Elegies of Secundus, Lib. ii. El. 6. 
 the fable is very ancient 
 
 Cullions ; a term of strong contempt, 
 abject wretches 
 
 Curiosity ; Nay, curiosity to appear 
 lovely. (" The City Madam," act i. 
 scene 1.), scrupulous anxiety 
 
 Curious impertinent ; Away, thou cu- 
 rious impertinent ! (" The Fatal 
 Dowry," act iii. scene 1.), an allusion 
 to a novel of Cervantes, so named 
 
 Curiovsness, scrupulousness, puncti- 
 lious nicety 
 
 Cypress ; It does presage my funeral 
 rites, (" The Bashful Lover," act iii. 
 
 scene 3) : cypress boughs were carried 
 in funeral processions among the Ro- 
 mans and some other nations 
 
 Baff: Draws a pocket-da^, (" The Fa- 
 tal Dowry," act iv. scene 1 — stage 
 direction,) pocket-pistol 
 
 Dalliance ; Thou shalt curse thy dal- 
 liance, (" The Virgin Martyr," act iv. 
 scene 1.), hesitation, delay 
 
 Danger; To be in your danger, ('• The 
 Fatal Dowry," act i. scene 2.), debt 
 
 Dead pays, the continued pay of sol- 
 diers actsally dead, which dishonest 
 officers took to themselves 
 
 Deck; Ready in the deck, ("The 
 Guardian," act iii. scene 3.), heap, 
 gross— properly, pack of cards 
 
 Decline ; In foolish pity to decline his 
 dangers, (" The Maid of Honour," 
 act i. scene L), divert from their 
 course 
 
 Deduct : Deduct it to days, (" The Old 
 Law," act iii. scene 1.), reduce, (a 
 Latinism) 
 
 Deer of ten, a deer with ten branches 
 to his horns ; which it has at three 
 years old 
 
 Dt'featvre, defeat 
 
 Defended; Defended wantonness,(" The 
 Guardian," act iv. scene 2.), forbid- 
 den 
 
 Defensible ; In whom lust is grown 
 defensible, (" The Guardian," act i. 
 scene 1.), an object of justification 
 rather than of shame 
 
 Degrees : To the Degrees in public, 
 (" The Roman Actor," act iii. scene 
 2.), the Scalce Gemonice : see Gemonies 
 
 Demeans ; How narrow our demeans 
 are, (" The Picture," acti. scene 1.), 
 means 
 
 Depart ; Not depart with one piece of 
 ceremony, (•' The Renegado," act i. 
 scene 2.), part 
 
 Dependencies ; your masters of depen- 
 dencies, ("The Maid of Honour," 
 act i. scene l.J In the language of 
 the duello, dependencies meant the 
 grounds of a quarrel ; the masters 
 were needy bravoes, who undertook 
 to inquire into it, and sometimes to 
 settle it, for those who were timorous 
 or unskilful 
 
 Discourse and reason, (" The Unnat. 
 Combat," act ii. scene L); Facul- 
 ties of discourse, (" The Renegado, 
 act iv. scene 3.) ; Discourse and judg- 
 ment, (" The City Madam," act iii. 
 scene 2.). There is great difficulty in 
 determining the precise meaning in 
 which the word discourse was for- 
 merly employed, or how fax it dif- 
 fered in signification from reason ; 
 Gifford is inclined to think that dis- 
 course indicated a more rapid deduc- 
 tion of consequences from premises 
 than was supposed to be effected by 
 reason 
 
 Discloses; Discloses the eagle and the 
 wren, (" The Maid of Honour," act 
 i. scene 2.), hatches 
 
 Dispartalions, (" The Renegado," act 
 ii. scene 6.), separate apartments; but 
 the reading is doubtful, the old edi- 
 tion having " dispute action" 
 
 Distaste ; A kiss . . ,will not distaste 
 you, (" Tiie Unnat. Combat," act iii. 
 scene 4.), displease; Distaste our ser 
 vants, (" The Renegado," act i. scene 
 2)., dislike 
 
 Distempered ; I dare not say dlstem 
 pered, ("The Duke of Milan," act i. 
 scene 1.), intoxicated 
 
 Divert ; The motives that divert us, 
 (" The Great Duke of Florence," act 
 i. scene 2.), turn us aside from follow- 
 ing what you advise 
 
 Drawer-on, ("The Guardian," act ii. 
 scene 3.), incitement to appetite 
 
 Dresser, cook's drum, (" The Unnat. 
 Combat," act iii. scene L, " The 
 Guardian," act iii.6cene3.): formerly, 
 when dinner was ready, the cook used 
 to summon the servants to carry it 
 into the hall, by knocking on the 
 dresser with his knife 
 
 Drum-wine, (" The City Madam," act 
 iii. scene 1.), perhaps, such stuff as 
 was soldat the drum-head ; or it may 
 mean, such as might be bought at 
 auctions, which were announced by 
 beat of drum 
 
 Dunkirk, a she, {" The Duke of Milan," 
 act iii. scene 2.), a female privateer : 
 the privateers of Dunkirk were very 
 formidable 
 
 Dutch hangman, ("The City Madam," 
 act v. scene 3.): in the Low Countries 
 the office of hangman was regarded 
 as so infamous, that no one would 
 sit at meat with him, or even taste 
 what he partook of 
 
 Elenchs, sophistical refutations of an 
 
 opponent's positions 
 Entradas, rents, revenues 
 Equal ; An equal hearing, (" The 
 
 Unnat. Combat," act i. scene ] .), just, 
 
 impartial 
 Equal mart, (" The Bashful Lover," 
 
 act ii. scene 7.), a translation of cequo 
 
 marte, equal fight 
 Estridge, ostrich 
 Extended , This manor is extended to 
 
 my use, ("A New Way to Pay Old 
 
 Debts," act v. scene 1.), seized ; a legal 
 
 phrase 
 Extent : Serve an extent, (" The City 
 
 Madam," act V. scene2.). an execution 
 Eyasses, young hawks, just taken from 
 
 the nest, and unable to prey for 
 
 themselves 
 
 P 
 
 Far-brought: Since ladies, as you 
 know, affect strange dainties, and 
 brought far to them, ("The Guar- 
 dian," act ii. scene 4.), an allusion to 
 the proverb,— Far-fetched and dear- 
 bought is good for ladies 
 
 Fa'ilt : 'Tis my fault, (" The Bond- 
 man," act v. scene 2.) ; There's the 
 fault, (" The Old Law," act iii. scene 
 2.), misfortime 
 
 Fautors ; The gods and fautors, " The 
 Bondman,"act v. scene 3.), favourers ; 
 equivalent to — the favouring gods 
 
 Fcstival-exceedings, in allusion to a 
 tenu still employed at the Middle 
 
446 
 
 GLOSSARY. 
 
 Temple, where an additional dish to 
 the regular dinner is called exceed- 
 infls 
 
 Fetch in .- To fetch in Ascletario, (" The 
 Roman Actor," act iv. scene 1.), 
 seize 
 
 Fewlerer, the person who took charge 
 of the dogs, immediately under the 
 huntsman, conducted them to the 
 place of action, and let them loose 
 in the chase 
 
 Fineness; Religious fineness, ("The 
 Renegado," act iv. scene I.;, subtle 
 device 
 
 For ; occurs often in the sense of pre- 
 vention: as. Far enough for reach- 
 ing, (" The Virgin-Martyr," act v. 
 scene 1.) 
 
 Forms, used with a play on words, 
 Sweet forms, your pardon, («' The 
 Unnat. Combat," act iii. scene 2.), 
 the speaker meaning — benches 
 
 Frequent; 'Tis frequent in the city, 
 {" The Roman Actor," act 1. scene 
 1.), common, commonly reported; 
 This frequent senate, (M. act i. 
 scene 3.), full: both Latinisms 
 
 Frippery ; an old-clothes shop 
 
 Fur : Get your fur, (" The City Ma- 
 dam," act i. scene 1.), perhaps, a 
 piece of undressed skin, used as a 
 shoeing-hom 
 
 Gahel, excise, tax 
 
 Gallant of the last edition, («' The City 
 Madam," act i. scene 2.), a gallant of 
 tlie newest fashion 
 
 Galley-foist; In the morning in the 
 Gailey-foist, (" The Fatal Dowry," 
 act ii. scene 2,), perhaps, some dress 
 adorned with scarfs and ribands; 
 Galley-foist is properly the Lord 
 Mayor's barge 
 
 Galliard, a swift, lively, leaping dance 
 
 Garded ; The garded robe, (" The Ro- 
 man Actor," act i. scene 1.), laced, 
 bordered 
 
 Gazet, a Venetian coin, worth about 
 three farthings 
 
 Gemonies, the ('• The Roman Actor," 
 act i. scene 1.), the Scalce Gemonice, 
 on the Aventine 
 
 Geneva print, (" The Duke of Milan," 
 act i. scene 1.). an allusion to the 
 spirituous liquor so called 
 
 Glorious ; This glorious relation, (" The 
 Unnat. Combat," act i. scene I.), 
 vain, boastful 
 
 Goby; I'll only say. Go by, {" The 
 Maid of Honour," act v. scene 1.), an 
 allusion to a speech of leronimo in 
 The Spanish Tragedy, which is often 
 ridiculed by our early dramatists 
 
 Gods to friend, (" The Roman Actor," 
 acti. scene 1.), with the protection 
 of the gods 
 
 Gold and store, an expression occur- 
 ring more than once in Massenger, 
 and taken from an old ballad 
 
 Go less; I'll go no less, ("The City 
 Madam," act iii. scene 2.) ; I cannot 
 go less, («« The Bashful Lover," act 
 iv. scene 1.) ; I will not play for a 
 smaller stake, &c. 
 
 Go'ls, a cant term for hands,— fists 
 
 Good; A good brother! (" The City 
 
 Madam," act iii. scene 3.), in tlie 
 mercantile sense. — rich 
 
 Good fellows ; Meet with some of these 
 good fellows, (" The Guardian," act 
 V. scene 3.) ; Command over good fel- 
 lows, (Id. act V. scene 4.) ; a cant 
 term for highwaymen and thieves 
 
 Good lord ; My Good Lord, (Dedica- 
 tion to ♦• The Emperor of the East,"), 
 patron 
 
 Good mistress: You shall find me your 
 good mistress, (" The Roman Actor," 
 act i. scene 2.), patroness 
 
 Gorgon : see Wolf 
 
 Green aproyi ; An English pirate's 
 whore, with a green apron, (" The 
 Renegado," act i. scene 1.) : the 
 reader must remember that green is 
 the colour appropriated solely to the 
 descendants of Mahomet 
 
 Guard ; The surest guard, (" The Pic- 
 ture," act i. scene 2.), posture of de- 
 fence 
 
 Hand; My power and means hand 
 with my wjll, (" The Renegado," 
 act iv. scene 1.), go hand in hand 
 
 Hell ; He was redeem'd from the hole, 
 to live, in our house, in hell, (" The 
 City Madam," act i. scene 1.) ; one of 
 the wretched departments of a gaol 
 was called the hole, and a still more 
 wretched spot was termed hell 
 
 High forehead ; The increase of your 
 high forehead, (" The Unnat. Com- 
 bat," act i. scene 1.) ; an allusion to 
 the Usher's baldness 
 
 Hole : see Hell 
 
 Horse-trick ; Here's your worship's 
 horse-trick, (" The Old Law," act iii. 
 scene 2.), some rough kind of step in 
 dancing 
 
 Hose, breeches : see Paired hose 
 
 Humanity ; In all humanity, ('« The 
 Fatal Dowry," act ii. scene 1.), po- 
 lite literature 
 
 Hunt's-up; a lesson on the horn, play- 
 ed under the windows of sportsmen 
 to rouse them in the morning 
 
 I— J 
 
 Imp, to insert a new feather into the 
 wing of a hawk, or other bird, in the 
 place of a broken one 
 
 Impotence; The impotence of his af- 
 fection, (" The Roman Actor," act v. 
 scene 1.) ; With much more impo- 
 tence to dote up(m her, ("A Very 
 Woman," act ii. scene 1.) ; uncon- 
 trollable violence 
 
 Impotent; An impotent lover of wo- 
 men, (" The Unnat. Combat," act iii. 
 scene 2.), uncontrollable in his pas- 
 sions 
 
 Ingles, intimate friends, associates 
 
 Iphis : see Anaxarete 
 
 Jane-ofapes ; No, here's a Jane-of- 
 apes shall serve, (" The Bondman," 
 act iii. scene 3.), a play on the word 
 Jack-an-apes, (the speaker moans 
 Cor i sea) 
 
 Ka me. ka thee, (" The City Madam," 
 act ii. scene 1.), A proverbial phrase, 
 of Scottish origin, equivalent to — Do 
 me a good turn, and I'll do you an- 
 other 
 
 Katexokcn, {" The Guardian," act iii. 
 scene 1.); Kar' e|o;^iji', chiefly, 
 above all others 
 
 Keeper of the door ; Keeper of the 
 vaulting door, (" The Parliament of 
 Love," act iv. scene 3.), equivalent 
 to bawd, pander 
 
 Lachrymce, (" The Maid of Honour," 
 act i, scene 1. "The Picture," act 
 v. scene 3.), the title of a musical 
 work composed by John Douland; 
 Lachrymal, or Seven Teares figured 
 in scaven passionate Pavens, &c. 
 
 Lady of the lake, the, ('« A New Way 
 to pay Old Debts," act ii. scene 1.), 
 an enchantress, who figures in the 
 Morte Arthur and in other old ro- 
 mances 
 
 Lamia, sorceress 
 
 Lanccprezado, the lowest officer of foot 
 
 Last edition : see Gallant 
 
 Lavender .- In your lavender robes, 
 (" A New Way to pay Old Debts," 
 act V. scene 1.), in your clothes 
 which have just been taken out of 
 pawn : to lay in lavender meant to 
 pawn 
 
 Lavolta, a dance for two persons, con- 
 sisting much in high bounds, and 
 whirlings 
 
 Leaguer ; Leaguer laundress, (" The 
 Picture," act i. scene 1.), camp laun- 
 dress 
 
 Lent; At the end of a long Lent, 
 (" The Renegado," act v. scene 2.), 
 an allusion to the custom, observed 
 by Catholics, of confession at Easter 
 
 V envoy ; equivalent in our author to — 
 conclusion 
 
 Lets; All lets thrown behind me, 
 «' The Virgin-Martyr," act i. scene 
 1.); There are so many lets, (" The 
 Unnat. Combat," act v. scene 2.) ; 
 impediments 
 
 Lightly ; For lightly ever he that parts 
 the fray, (" The Bondman," act iii. 
 scene 3.), commonly, usually 
 
 Lime-hound, the common hound ; so 
 called because it was led by a lyme 
 or string 
 
 Line; The line is, upon which love- 
 errands run, (" The Virgin-Martyr," 
 act ii. scene 2.), an allusion to fire- 
 works running upon lines 
 
 Legs ; Very weak legs, (" A Very Wo- 
 man," act iii. scene].): the speech 
 of the Merchant, which precedes 
 these words, alludes to a notion for- 
 merly prevalent, that small legs were 
 oiie of the characteristic marks of a 
 fine gentleman 
 
 Lively : A lively grave, (" The Fatal 
 Dowry," act ii. scene I.), living 
 
 Looking-glasses at their girdles, (" The 
 City Madam," act i. scene 1., — stage- 
 direction), a fashionable ornament 
 
GLOSSARY. 
 
 447 
 
 Lost; lam lost, ("The Renegado," 
 
 act V. scene 6.), I forget myself 
 Loth to depart ; The old woman is loth 
 
 to depart, ("The Old Law," act iv. 
 
 scene 1.), an allusion to the tune of 
 
 this name 
 Ludgate ,- The certain road to Ludgate, 
 
 (" The City Madam," act i. scene 3.). 
 
 the prison so called 
 
 M 
 
 Magnificent, thisword in Masscnger is 
 always equivalent to munificent 
 
 Manchels, rolls of the finest white 
 bread 
 
 Manirakes ; Or eaten mandrakes, 
 (" The Unnat. Combat," act i. scene 
 1). The mandrake has a soporific 
 quality, and used to be employed as 
 a powerful narcotic 
 
 Mankind ; Are you turn'd mankind ? 
 " The City Madam," act iii. scene 1.), 
 masculine, mannish 
 
 Marginal fingers, (" The Fatal Dowry," 
 act iii. scene 1.), an allusion to the 
 index (lO), common in the margin 
 of old books, to direct the attention 
 of the reader to striking passages 
 
 Marmoset, a monkey 
 
 Masters of dependencies : Bee Depen- 
 dencies 
 
 Mephistophilus, (" The Picture," act v. 
 scene 3.), the fiend- attendant in 
 Marlowe's play of Faustus, as also in 
 the *• history," on which that play is 
 founded. The speaker means, of 
 course, Baptista 
 
 Mermaid; What, a mermaid? ('« The 
 Old Law," act iv. scene 1.), a cant 
 term for a harlot 
 
 Micher, lurker 
 
 Miniver cap, a cap made of the fur of 
 the ermine mixed with that of the 
 small weasel 
 
 Mistress ; I would call her mistress, 
 l" The Unnat. Combat," act iv. scene 
 1.) ; As if the mistresses could not 
 accept their servants' guardship, 
 (•* The Pajiiament of Love," act i. 
 scene 5.) : at the time Massinger 
 wrote, mistress was the term by 
 which a lover addressed the object of 
 his affection, who in return called 
 him servant 
 
 Mistress, title of; You grac'd me with 
 the title of your mistress, (" The 
 Parliament of Love," act v. scene 3. ) : 
 in allusion to the request (see act i.) 
 that he might be allowed to wear her 
 colours — i. e. a scarf or riband from 
 her person, and so become her 
 champion 
 
 Moppes, (" The Bondman," act iii, 
 Bccne 3, stage-direction.), grimaces, 
 properly, the grinnings of an ape 
 when irritated 
 
 More; More, with his looks, ("The 
 Picture," act ii. scene 2.), yet more, 
 further 
 
 Most an end ; For she sleeps most an 
 end, ("A Very Woman," act iii. 
 scene i.), a phrase implying continu- 
 ation, — almost constantly, without 
 intermission 
 
 N 
 
 Neat-house ; The neat-house for musk- 
 melons, (" The City Maxlam," act iii. 
 scene 1.), a celebrated garden and 
 place of entertainment near Chelsea 
 
 Niggle, trifle, play 
 
 Night-rail, night-shift 
 
 Nimming, stealing 
 
 Often an^,jreturn ; I hope to see you 
 often and return loaded with bless- 
 ings, (•' The Old Law," act iv. scene 
 2.), equivalent to — often return 
 
 Oil of angels, <" The Duke of Milan," 
 act iii. scene 2.), an allusion to the 
 gold coins (angels) worth about 10*. 
 each 
 
 Oil of talc, a nostrum, famous as a 
 cosmetic, was sold under this name 
 in Massinger's days 
 
 Olympus i More shaken than Olympus 
 is, &c., (" A New Way to pay Old 
 Debts," act iv. scene 1.), a mistake 
 either of the author, or transcriber, 
 for Partiassus 
 
 Once ; Would you'd dispatch and die 
 once I (" The Roman Actor," act ii. 
 scene 1.), once for all 
 
 Outcry ; Sold at an outcry, (" The 
 City Madam," act L scene 3.), a 
 public auction 
 
 Owe ; this word frequently occurs in 
 the sense of own, possess 
 
 Packing; Our packing being laid 
 open, (" The Great Duke of Flo- 
 rence," act iii. scene 1.), insidious 
 contrivance 
 
 Padders, lurkers about the high way, 
 foot-pads 
 
 Pancd hose, breeches composed of 
 stripes of various coloured cloth, 
 stitched together 
 
 Pantofie, slipper: Ere I was sworn to 
 the pantofle, (•' The Unnat. Combat," 
 act iii. scene 2.) ; the speaker means 
 — ere I became a page, whose oflace 
 was to bring the slippers 
 
 Parallels ; We are not parallels, ("The 
 Maid of Honour," act i. scene 2.^, 
 seems to be used in the sense of radii 
 
 Parted; But to be parted in their 
 numcious shares, (" The Virgin 
 Martyr," act ii. scene 3.) endowed 
 with a part ; To deliver her better 
 parted than she is, (" The Great 
 Diike of Florence," act iv. scene 2.), 
 endowed with better parts 
 
 Pash, to strike so as to crush to pieces 
 
 Passionate ; So passionate, (" The 
 Great Duke of Florence," act i. 
 scene 1 ), full of sorrow 
 
 Passionately ; You speak so passion- 
 ately, (" The Old Law," act iii. scene 
 1.), sorrowfully 
 
 Passion ; These very passions I speak 
 to my father, (" The Old Law," act i. 
 
 scene 1." ; This passion has given 
 some satisfaction yet, {Id. act v. 
 scene 1.), pathetic speech 
 
 Patch; Peace, Patch! ("A New Way 
 to pay Old Debts," act iii, scene 2.). 
 fool: Cardinal Wolscy had a fool so 
 named, from whom, it has been 
 thought, the term was applied to 
 others 
 
 Peat, pet 
 
 Peevish; That peevish lady, ("The 
 Virgin Martyr," act iii. scene 3.), 
 foolish 
 
 Personate; Or does she personate, 
 " The Great Duke of Florence," act 
 iv. scene 2.), play a fictitious clia- 
 racter 
 
 Pig-sconce, pig-head, dull-pated fellmv 
 
 Pip ; Which is a pip out, you know, 
 (" The Fatal Dowry," a«t ii. scene 
 2.) : pip means a spot on a card ; and 
 the allusion is to the game called 
 One-and-thirty 
 
 Place ; As he were sent a messenger to 
 the moon, in such a place flies, 
 (" The Guardian," act i. scene 1 ), a 
 term of falconry, the greatest eleva- 
 tion which a bird of prey attains ; 
 Though she fly in an eminent place, 
 (" The Bashful Lover," act v. scene 
 3.), height 
 
 Plurisy ; Thy plurisy of goodness, 
 (" The Unnat. Combat," act iv. scene 
 1.), superabundance 
 
 Plymouth cloak, a cant term for a stafl', 
 or cudgel 
 
 Poor John, a cant term for hake dried 
 and salted 
 
 Porter's lodge ; That have perus'd the 
 porter's lodge, (" The Duke of 
 Milan," act iii. scene 2.), the speaker 
 means, — that have been whipped at 
 the porter's lodge, which was former- 
 ly the usual place of punishment for 
 servants 
 
 Ports ; Keep the ports close, (" The 
 Virgin Martyr," act i. scene 1.), To 
 get out of the ports, ("The Rene- 
 gado," act V. scene 4), gates of the 
 city 
 
 Possessed ; The secretary hath pos- 
 sess'd the duke, ('• Tlie Crt-eat Dukeof 
 Florence," act iii scene 1 ), informed 
 
 Power of things ; Domitian, that now 
 sways the power of things, ("The 
 Roman Actor," act i. scene I.), the 
 world, (rerum potestas 
 
 Practice ; Aj)prehended by her prac- 
 tice, (" The Parliament of Love." act 
 v. scene i.). Though we know all 
 this by practice, (" The Great Duke 
 of Florence," act v. scene 3 ,, artifice 
 
 Precisian, puritan 
 
 Prest; Prest to fetch in, ^'« The City 
 Madam," act iii. scene 2.), ready, 
 prepared 
 
 Prevent; Yet I'll prevent you, ("A 
 New Way to pay Old Debts," act iv. 
 scene 3.) ; A cruel law seeks to pre- 
 vent her, ("The Old Law," act i. 
 scene 1.) ; And yet prevented the 
 rising sun, (" The Renegado,'-' act ii. 
 scene 1.), anticipate 
 
 Prodigious; By his prodigious issue, 
 (" The Unnat. Combat," act L scene 
 1 ), imnatural, portentous 
 
 Progress ; In a summer progress, 
 (" The Guardiim," act i. scene 1.), 
 the travelling of the sovereign and 
 
448 
 
 GLOSSARY. 
 
 court to visit different parts of the 
 dominions 
 
 Provant sword, a plain sword, such as 
 formed part of the provision for the 
 army 
 
 Pull down the side; If now - - - - 1 may 
 but hold your cards, I'll not pull 
 down the side, (" The Unnat. Com- 
 bat," act ii. scene 1.) ; If I hold your 
 cards, I shall pull down the side, 
 ('• The Great Duke of Florence," act 
 iv. scene 2.) : an allusion to card 
 playing ; to pull down a side, meant 
 to occasion the loss of the game by 
 ignorance or treachery 
 
 Put on ; Put on, we'll be familiar, 
 (" The Duke of Milan," act iv. scene 
 1.) ; And thou, when I stand bare, to 
 say. Put on, {'* A New "Way to pay 
 Old Debts," act iii. scene 2.); What 
 do you mean to do? Put on, (" The 
 City Madam," act v. scene 2.), be 
 covered 
 
 Put on ; Now, put on your spirits, 
 (" The Fatal Dowry," act i. scene 1.), 
 rouse 
 
 Q. 
 
 Qiialily ; I do accuse the quality of 
 treason, {" The Roman Actor," act 
 i. scene 3.) , How do you like the 
 quality ? (" The Picture," act ii. 
 scene 1.) ; For so his quality speaks 
 him, (" The Fatal Dowry," act iv 
 scene 2 ). profession : in the two first 
 passages it means the profession of. a 
 player, to which our old writers 
 seem more peculiarly to have appro- 
 priated the word 
 Quellio ruffs, ruffs for the neck 
 Quirpo : In the evening, in Q,uirpo, 
 {'« The Fatal Dowry," act ii. scene 2.), 
 an undress, (Span, cuerpo) 
 
 Ram-alley, one of the avenues to the 
 Temple from Fleet-street : it 
 abounded in cooks shops 
 
 Resolved ; 'Tis his hand, I'm resolv'd 
 of it, (" The Duke of Milan," act ii. 
 scene 1.) ; Till you are resolv'd, sir. 
 forsake not hope, (" The Picture," 
 act V. scene .3.), convinced. 
 
 Rest on it,- I'll save my lips, I rest on 
 it, (" The Bondman," act I. scene 
 3.), am fixed, determined, on it ; a 
 metaphor drawn from play, (cards, 
 dice, bowls, &c.), where the term 
 rest was given to the highest stake 
 which the parties were disposed to 
 venture 
 
 Ride ; I can but ride, (•* The City Ma- 
 dam," act iii. scene 1.), ride in a 
 cart, be carted for a strumpet 
 
 Rivo! an interjection, — generally used 
 in Bacchanalian revelry 
 
 Roarer : A lady to turn roarer, (" The 
 Renegado," act i. scene 3.), blusterer, 
 bully 
 
 Roses : These roses will shew rare, 
 (" The City Madam," act i. scene 1.) ; 
 And roses worth a family, (Id. act 
 iv. scene 4.), large knots of ribands 
 for the shoes 
 
 Rouse ; Stands bound to take his rouse, 
 (" The Duke of Milan," act 1. scene 
 I.); Another rouse I we lose time, 
 (" The Bondman," act ii. scene 3.), 
 full gl ass, bumper 
 
 Rubies: see Charms 
 
 Sacred ,• Sacred, as 'tis accurs'd, is pro- 
 per to me, (" The Emperor of the 
 East," act iv. scene 5.), an allusion 
 to the meaning of the Latin sacer 
 
 Sacred badge ; "Wear on your forehead 
 the sacred badge he arms his ser- 
 vants with, (" The Renegado," act 
 iv. scene 3.), a periphrasis of baptism 
 
 St. Dennis ; And then I will not cry, 
 St. Dennis for me! ("The Parlia- 
 ment of Love," act ii. scene 1.), the 
 war-cry of France 
 
 St. Martin's ,- Thou shalt forget that 
 e'er Avas a St. Martin's, (" The City 
 Madam," act iv, scene 2.) : it is 
 doubtful whethei" the speaker al- 
 ludes to the sanctuary, bridewell, 
 spittle, or alms-house of St. Martin's 
 
 Sanzacke. governor of a city 
 
 Salt, above the ; You ne'er presume to 
 sit above the salt, (" The Unnat. 
 Combat," act iii. scene 1.) ; Marry, 
 ever beneath the salt, (" The City 
 Madam," act i. scene 1.) : at the 
 tables of our ancestors, the salt (or 
 large salt-cellar) was usually placed 
 about the middle, the seats above 
 which were assigned to the guests of 
 more distinction, those below to de- 
 pendants, inferiors, and poor rela- 
 tions 
 
 Scarabs, beetles 
 
 Scarlet ; Or they will ne'er wear scar- 
 let, ('• The City Madam," act i. scene 
 2.), become mayors or aldermen 
 
 Scotomy, dizziness in the head 
 
 Sea-rats ; You shall no more bo sea- 
 rats, ('« A "Very"Woman,"act v. scene 
 1.), pirates 
 
 Seek to ; To seek to me with more ob- 
 sequiousness, (" The Picture," act i. 
 scene 2.), supplicate, intrcat 
 
 Servant ; And now exchanging court- 
 ship with myson, her servant, (" The 
 Unnat. Combat," act iii scene 3.) ; 
 Choosing rather she should style me 
 servant, (Id. act iv. scene 1.) ; A ser- 
 vant to air you in the evening, (" The 
 Guardian," act i. scene 2.) : see Mis- 
 tress 
 
 Shadows ; I must not have my board 
 pester'd with shadows, (" The Un- 
 nat Combat," act iii. scene 1 .) , a La- 
 tinism,(MW(fcr<s), uninvited strangers, 
 introduced by one of the guests 
 
 Shape ; This Persian shape laid by, 
 (" The Bondman," act v. scene 3.) ; 
 But in another shape, (" The Parlia- 
 ment of Love," act iii. scene 3.) ; 
 Paris the tragedian's shape, (" The 
 Roman Actor," act iii. scene 1.) ; 
 How do you like that shape? (Id. 
 act iii. scene. 2.) ; I put thee in a 
 shape, (" The Emperor of the East," 
 act iii. scene 4.) ; dress, a theatrical 
 use of the word 
 
 She-Dunkirk : see Dunkirk 
 
 Sheriff's basket; When the sheriff's 
 
 basket and his broken meat, &c. 
 (" The City Madam," act i. scene 1.) : 
 see Basket 
 
 Shew water; If you've a suit, shew 
 water, I am blind else, (" The Maid 
 of Honour," act i. scene 1.), a cant 
 phrase for — produce a fee 
 
 Siege; A hearn put from her siege, 
 (" The Guardian," act i. scene 1.), 
 scat, station: " Hern at siege is 
 when you find a hern standing by 
 the water-side, watching for prey, or 
 the Like." Gentl. Recreation, p. 165 
 
 Skills not, matters not, signifies not 
 
 Sleep on either ear ; Sleep you secure 
 on either ear, (" The Guardian," act 
 ii. scene 2.), sleep soundly, free from 
 care ; from Terence, " in aurem 
 utramvis dormire" 
 
 Sort ; And to bear money to a sort of 
 rogues, (" The Virgin-Martyr," act 
 iii. scene 3.), set, parcel 
 
 Sovereign; As he is my sovereign, I 
 do give him two crowns for it, (" The 
 Old Law," act v. scene ].) ; a pun is 
 intended here, but the exact mean- 
 ing is uncertain : a sovereign was a 
 gold coin worth ten shillings 
 
 Sought to ; I requir'd not to be sought 
 to this poor way, (" The Unnat. 
 Combat," act v. scene 2.) : see Seek to 
 
 Spittle; He is a spittle of diseases, 
 (" The Picture," act iv. scene 2.) ; 
 I will rather choose a spittle sinner, 
 ('• The Fatal Dowry," act iii. scene 
 1.) ; Your spittle rogueships, (" The 
 City Madaiii," act iii. scene 1.) : 
 Gifford has attempted to establish a 
 distinction between spital and spittle, 
 which, after all, perhaps our old 
 writers never intended ; he says, " a 
 hospital or spital signified a charit- 
 able institution for the advantage of 
 poor, infirm, and aged persons, an 
 alms-house, in short, while spittles 
 were mere lazar-houses, receptacles 
 for wretches in the leprosy, and other 
 loathsome diseases, the consequence 
 of debauchery and vi€»e" 
 
 Spot ; I scorn to be a spot in her proud 
 train, (" The Duke of Milan," act i. 
 scene 2.), an allusion to the spots in 
 the peacock's tail 
 
 Squire o/ dames ; And how, my honest 
 squire o' dames ? (" The Parliament 
 of Love," act iv. scene .3.) ; And 
 honour'd with the style of Squire of 
 Dames, (" The Emperor of the East," 
 act i. scene 2.), seems to have been 
 used by our old dramatists as a cant 
 term for a pander: the appellation 
 is taken from Spenser 'sFaerie Queene, 
 where, however, the Squire of Dames 
 is a personage of great respectability 
 
 Squire of Troy; Though it savour of 
 the old squire of Troy, (" The Guar- 
 dian," act iii. scene 1.), Pandarus 
 
 Stale the jest; I'll not stale the jest by 
 my relation, (" The Unnat. Com- 
 bat," act iv. scene 2.*, render the 
 jest flat 
 
 Startup, a coarse kind of half boot 
 with thick soles 
 
 State; Offering Timoleon the state, 
 ♦' The Bondman," act i. scene 3 , 
 stage-direction) ; The Ladies descend 
 from the state, (" The Great Duke of 
 Florence," act v. scene 3. stage-direc- 
 tion,) a raised platform, on which 
 
GLOSSARY. 
 
 Ud 
 
 was placed a chair with a canopy 
 over it 
 
 States; In the great states it covers, 
 (" The Great Duke of Florence," act 
 V. scene 2.), statesmen, persons of 
 rank 
 
 Statute lace; Embroidered all o'er 
 with statute lace, (" Tlie Parliament 
 of I^ove," act iv. scene 5.), the nar- 
 row worsted lace allowed by statute : 
 the speaker seems to mean that his 
 torn skin hung down in strips 
 
 Stones; O no more of stones, &c., 
 (•• Tlie Picture," act v. scene 1.) : see 
 Casting 
 
 Stole courtesy from heaven : see Cour- 
 tesy 
 
 Stools ; Like unbidden guests, bring 
 their own stools, (" TheUnnat. Com- 
 bat," act iii. scene 3.) ; But now I 
 could carry my own stool to a tripe, 
 I" The Maid of Honour," act iii. 
 scene 1.) : imbidden or unexpected 
 guests used often to bring seats with 
 them, — probably, because houses in 
 those days were but scantily fur- 
 nished 
 
 Story : Pliilosophy, story, ('« The Great 
 Duke of Florence," act iv. scene 2 ), 
 history 
 
 Straiige ; A man of strancre and re- 
 sorv'd parts, (" The Bondman," acti. 
 scene 1.). equivalont to — strangely 
 (singularly) reserved 
 
 Strengths ; Yet must I not part so wttb 
 mine own strengths, (" The Rene- 
 gado," act iv. scene 2.) ; In the midst i 
 of our strengths, (Id. act v. scene 6.) ; 
 Employ the strengths you hold, 
 (" The Emperor of the East," act iv. 
 scene 1.), castles, strongholds, de- 
 fences 
 
 Striker; Prove a notable striker, 
 (*• The Uimat. Combat," act iv. scene 
 2 ), wencher 
 
 Supplant ; You practis'd to supplant 
 me, (" The Renegado," act iv. scene 
 2.}, trip up, (a Latinism) 
 
 Table .• He bought a table, indeed, only 
 to learn to dieby't, (" The OKI Law," 
 act ii. scene 1.). a large sheet of pa- 
 per, where, in distinct lines, were set 
 down precepts for the due regulati(jn 
 of life 
 
 Taint; I have a staff to taint, and 
 bravely, ('' The Parliament of Love," 
 act iv. scene 3.) ; a passage of uncer- 
 tain meaning : to taint a staff meant, 
 to break it at tilt, but not in the 
 most honourable and scientific man- 
 ner 
 
 Take in • To take in Dunkirk, (" A 
 New Way to pay Old Debts," aet v. 
 Boene 1.), subdue, seize 
 
 Take its with yon, sir, (" The Great 
 Duke of Florence," act iv. scene 
 2), understand our meaning fully, 
 Take me with you, (" The Maid of 
 Honour," act iii. scene 1 i. uuder- 
 «!taud my meaning fully; Pray you, 
 take me with Jou, (•* A Very W'o- 
 mnn. " act iv. sceno a), let me under- 
 stand you fully 
 
 Take J//', {•' The Great Duke of Flo- 
 
 rence," act i. scene 2.), ("The Pic- 
 tr.re," act v. scene .3.), check yourself 
 
 Tall; You there shall find two tiiU 
 ships ready rigg'd, (" The Virgin- 
 Martyr," act V. scene 2.), stout; As 
 tal. a trencherman, (" The Unnat. 
 Combat," act iiL scene 1.), as hearty 
 a feeder 
 
 Tamin ; An old tamin gown, (" A 
 New Way to pay Old Debts," act iii. 
 scene 2.), a coarse linsey-woolsey 
 stuff 
 
 Termagant ; Will swear by Mahomet 
 and Termagpnt, ('* The Renegado," 
 act i. scene L), was not a Saracenic 
 divinity, but our ancestors, in their 
 zeal agiTlTlst the Turks, charged them 
 with deities whom they never wor- 
 shipped : Gifford thinks that "the 
 word was originally used as an 
 attribute of the Supreme Being of 
 the Saxons, a people little less odious 
 to our romance writers than the 
 Saracens, and sometimes confounded 
 with them" 
 
 Thing of Things ; With whi'-h that 
 Thing of Things bound in the world, 
 (" The Bondman," act ii. scene 3.), a 
 literal translation of Ens Entium 
 
 Timariots ; Some party of his Tima- 
 riots, (" The Picture," act i. scene 
 1.), Turkish cavalry 
 
 Time ; The motions of the spheres are 
 out of tune, («<The Roman Actor," 
 act ii. scene 1). tune, harmony 
 
 Token; Your credit not worth a token, 
 ("A New Way to pay Old Debts," 
 act i. scene 1.) ; I will be satisfied to 
 a token, (" The City Madam," act iv. 
 scene 3 ) : as very little brass and 
 copper money was coined by autho- 
 rity, tradesmen were allowed, for the 
 convenience of the public, to coin 
 small money or tokens, which were 
 used for change : their value was 
 about a farthing 
 
 Tosses ; For other tosses, take a 
 hundred thousand crowns, (" The 
 Picture," act ii. scene 3.) equivalent 
 perhaps to — for trash to fling away 
 
 Train; This train of yours, dame 
 Esbridge, (" The Unnat. Combat," 
 act iv. scene 2.), tail 
 
 Tramontanes ; strangers, barbarians, 
 (all who live beyond the Alps, ultra 
 nwntes) 
 
 Trill bubs, a cant term for any thing 
 trifling 
 
 Trimm'd ; Orstaj', till she be trimm'd, 
 (" The Parliament of Love," act ii. 
 scene 1.), means, perhaps, till she be 
 in the humour 
 
 Tripe, But now I could carry my o^vn 
 stool to a tripe, (" The Maid of 
 II )nour," act iii. scene 1.), a tripe- 
 .shop 
 
 Try Conclusions : see Conclusions 
 
 Turn Turk; 1 will turn Turk, &c, 
 (" The Renegado," act v. scene 3.) ; 
 Am I turn'd Turk? ("The Maid of 
 Honour," act ii scene 2.); to turn 
 Turk was an expres.sion generally 
 tised for a change of condition or 
 opini,)U ; in the second passage, 
 Gifiord thinks there is an allusion, 
 perhaps, to the story of Tamburlaine, 
 who is said to liave mounted his 
 horse from the back of Bajazct, *he 
 Turkish ICmperor. 
 
 o o 
 
 Uncivil : Farewell, uncivil man ! 
 (" The Fatal Dowry," act iii. scene 
 1.) : see Civil 
 
 Unequal ; Am unequal to myself, 
 (*' The Emperor of the East," act v. 
 scene 2.), unjust 
 
 Untappicc ; Now III untappice, ("A 
 Very Woman," act iii. scene 5.), 
 discover myself ; a hunting term, 
 meaning, to turn the game out of a 
 bag, or drive it out of a cover 
 
 Vail ; Vail their ensigns, (" The Maid 
 of Honour," act iv. scene 1.) ; Vail to 
 a country gentleman, (" The Em- 
 peror of the East," act i. scene 2.), 
 hvwer, bow 
 
 Varlcts ; By a brace of varlets, ('• The 
 Fatal Dowry," act v. scene 1.), 
 sherifTs officers 
 
 Virbins ; And be a second Virbius, 
 (" The Roman Actor," act iii. .scene 
 2./, the name given to Hippolitus, 
 after -(Esculapius had restored him 
 to life 
 
 Foley, on the ; ^Vbat we speak on the 
 voley, (" The Picture," act iii. scene 
 a ), at random, (Fr. d la voUe) 
 
 Votes ; In my votes that way, (" The 
 Guardian," act v. scene I.), prayers 
 
 W 
 
 Waistcoateer, a cant term for a low 
 strumpet : such persons genera llj 
 wearing the waistcoat (a part of 
 female attire) without the gown or 
 upper dress 
 
 Walk the round ; Dreams and fantastic 
 visions walk the round, ("The Pic 
 ture," act ii. scene 1.), watch; I'll 
 appear as if I walk'd the round. 
 " The Guardian," act iii. scene 5.), as 
 as if I weie one of the watch 
 
 Water, to shew: see Sheio 
 
 Way of Youth ; And, in my way of 
 youth, pure and untainted, (" Tht 
 Roman Actor," act i. scene 2.) ; In 
 way of youth I did enjoy one friend, 
 (" A Very Woman," act iv, scene 2.) . 
 way of youth is merely a periphrasis 
 for youth 
 
 Wa7-e the caster: see Caster 
 
 Wear scarlet : see scarlet 
 
 Will ; How silken is this well ! (" The 
 Fatal Dowry," act ii. scene 2 ), pro- 
 bably, goodness, virtue 
 
 Where, whereas,— a sense in which it 
 frequently is used by Massinger 
 
 While ; M'^liile we are unknown, (" The 
 Roman Actor," act v. scene 1.) , 
 While j'our father's de.ad, ('• The 
 Old Law," act i. scene 1.), imtil 
 
 Whiting-mop, (properly a young 
 whiting), a cant term for a tender 
 young tiling 
 
 irhtile Jield wide; You are wide, the 
 wliole field wide, " The JIaid of 
 Honour," act ii. scene 2.) ; You are 
 
450 
 
 GLOSSARY. 
 
 wide, wide the whole region, (" The 
 
 City Madam," act iii. scene 2.) ; 
 
 Latinisms,— Toto via aberras, tota 
 
 repione aberras 
 Whp, When ! an elliptical expression 
 
 of impatience, very common in our 
 
 old dramatists 
 Witness ; And who the masculine 
 
 witness? ("The Emperor of the 
 
 East," act iii. scene 1.), the male 
 
 sponsor 
 Wishes : My lord, as well as wishes, 
 
 {•' A Very Woman," act iv. scene 1.), 
 
 as well as you could Avish 
 
 olf : I have seen more than a wolf, 
 Gorgon, \" The Bashful Lover," 
 
 act i. scene 2.) : the sight of a wolf 
 was supposed to deprive a person of 
 speech, the sight of a Gorgon to 
 deprive him of motion and life 
 
 Work of grace ; As he was doing of 
 the work of grace, (" The Renegado," 
 activ. scene 1.), the elevation of the 
 host 
 
 Worm: And let the worm escape, 
 {" The Parliament of Love," act iv. 
 scene 2.), snake ; formerly the general 
 term for all reptiles of the serpent 
 kind 
 
 Wreak .- To wreak wrong'd innocence, 
 ("TheRenegado," act i. scene 1.}, 
 revenge 
 
 Taws : O, the yaws that she will 
 make! ("A Very "Woman," act iii. 
 scene 5.) ; paw is the unsteady motion 
 of a ship in a great swell, when, in 
 steering, she inclines to the right or 
 left of her course 
 
 Yellow : I shall wear yellow breeches, 
 (" The Duke of Milan," act iv. scene 
 2.), I shall be jealous: yellow was 
 considered as the livery of jealousy 
 
 Yeoman fewter en eee FewtercT 
 
THE 
 
 DRAMATIC WOEKS 
 
 JOHN FOED 
 
A LIST OF 
 
 FORD'S PLAYS. 
 
 I. The Lover's Melancholy. T. C. Acted 
 at the Blackfriars and the Globe, 24th 
 November, 1628. Printed 1629. 
 
 2. 'Tis Pitv she's a Whore. 
 1633. Acted at the Phoenix. 
 
 T. Printed 
 
 3. The Witch of Edmonton. T. By Rovifley, 
 
 Decker, Ford, &c. Printed 1658. Pro- 
 bably acted soon after 1622, Acted at the 
 Codkpit, and at Court. 
 
 4. The Sun's Darling. M. By Ford and 
 
 Decker. Acted in March, 1623-24, at the 
 Cockpit. Printed 1657. 
 
 5. The Broken Heart. T. Printed 1633. 
 
 Acted at the Blackfriars. 
 
 6. Love's Sacrifice. T. Printed 1633. Acted 
 
 at the Phoenix. 
 
 7. Perkin Warbeck. H. T. 
 Acted at the Phcenix. 
 
 Printed 1634. 
 
 8. The Fancies, Chaste and Noble. 
 Printed 1638. Acted at the Phoenix. 
 
 C!. 
 
 9. The Lady's Trial. T. C. Acted at the 
 Cockpit in May, 1638. Printed 1639. 
 
 1 0. Beauty in a Trance. T. Entered on the 
 
 Stationers' books, September 9th, 1653, 
 but not printed. Destroyed by Mr. War- 
 burton's servant. 
 
 11. The London Merchant. C. 
 
 12. The Royal Combat. C. 
 
 13. An III Beginning has a Good End. C. 
 
 Played at the Cockpit, 1613. 
 
 The above three comedies entered on 
 the Stationers' books, June 29 th, 
 1 660, but not printed. Destroyed by 
 Mr. Warburton's servant. 
 
 14. The Fairy Knight. Ford and Decker. 
 
 15. A late Murther of the Sonne upon 
 
 the Mother. Ford and Webster. 
 
 16. The Bristowe Merchant. Ford and 
 
 Decker. 
 
COMMEKDATOEY VEESES ON rORD. 
 
 To my Honoured Friend, Master John Ford, on 
 his " Lover*s Melancholy.'^ 
 
 If that thou think'st these lines tliy worth can 
 
 raise, 
 Thou dost mistake : my liking is no praise ; 
 Nor can I think thy judgment is so ill 
 To seek for bays from such a barren quill. 
 Let your true critic, that can judge and mend, 
 Allow thy scenes and style : I, as a friend 
 That knows thy worth, do only stick my name 
 To show my love, not to advance thy fam.e. 
 
 GEORGE DONNE. 
 
 To h>s worthy Friend, the Author of" The Lover's 
 Melancholy,'" Master John Ford. 
 
 I write not to thy play : I '11 not begin 
 
 To throw a censure upon what hath been 
 
 By th' best approved : it can nor fear, nor want 
 
 The rage, or liking of the ignorant. 
 
 Nor seek I fame for thee, when thine own pen 
 
 Hath forced a praise long since, from knowing men. 
 
 I speak my thoughts, and wish unto the stage 
 
 A glory fi'om thy studies ; that the age 
 
 May be indebted to thee, for reprieve 
 
 Of pnvpv lantrnagp^ and that spite may grieve 
 
 To see itself outdone. When thou art read, 
 
 The theatre may hope arts ai'e not dead, 
 
 Though long concealed ; that poet-apes may fear 
 
 To vent their weakness, mend, or quite forbear. 
 
 This I dare promise ; and keep this in store, — 
 
 As thou hast done enough, thou canst do more. 
 
 WILLIAM SINGLETON 
 
 To my Friend the Author of " Tis Pi'y she. 's a 
 Whore. ' ' 
 
 With admiration I beheld this Whore, 
 Adorned with beauty, such as might restore 
 (If ever being, as thy muse hath famed) 
 Her Giovanni, in his love unblamed : 
 The ready Graces lent their willing aid ; 
 Pallas herself now played the chambermaid 
 And helped to put her dressings on. Secui*e 
 Rest thou that thy name herein shall endure 
 To th' end of age : and Annabella be 
 Gloriously fair, even in her infamy. 
 
 THOMAS KLI.ICE. 
 
 To the Au'hor of the '■' Lover's Melancholy^** 
 Master John Ford. 
 Black choler, reason's overflowing spring, 
 Where thirsty lovers drink, or anything. 
 Passion, the restless current of uU plaints 
 Aff'ords their thoughts, who deem lost beauties 
 
 saints ; 
 Here their best lectures read, collect, and see 
 Various conditions of humanity. 
 Highly enlighten'd by thy muse's rage ; 
 Yet all so couch'd that they adorn'd the stage. 
 Shun Phocion's blushes thou ; for sure to please 
 It is no sin, then what is thy disease ? 
 Judgment's applause ? eff minated smiles ? 
 Study's delight ? thy wit mistrust beguiles : 
 Established fame will thy physician be, 
 ( \Vrite but again) to cure thy jealousy. 
 
 HUM, HOWORTH. 
 
 Of the *' Lover's Mdancholy," 
 
 'Tis not the anguage, nor the fore-placed rhymes 
 Of friends, that shall commend to after-times 
 The Lover's Melancholy : its own worth 
 Without a borrow'd phrase shall set it forth. 
 
 'O <pi\6s 
 
 To my Fiiend, Mr, John Ford, on his " Love*3 
 Sacrtjic^." 
 Unto this altar, rich with thy own spice, 
 I bring one grain to thy Love's Sacrifice ; 
 And boast to see thy flames ascending, while 
 Perfumes enrich our air from thy sweet pile. 
 Look here, thou, that hast malice to the stage, 
 And impudence enough for the whole age ; 
 Volumhtovs'y ignorant ! be vext 
 To read this tragedy, and thy own be next. 
 
 JAMES SHIRLET. 
 
 To my Friend and Kinsman, Master John Ford, 
 the Auhor of " Per kin Warbeck." 
 
 Dramatic poets, as the times go now, 
 Can hardly write what others will allow; 
 The cynic snarls, the critic howls and barks. 
 And ravens croak, to drown the voice of larks : 
 Scorn those stage-harpies ! This I '11 boldly say, 
 Many may imitate, few match thy play. 
 
 JOHN FORD, Graiensis. 
 
VI 
 
 COMMENDATORY VF^RSKS. 
 
 To my n?/m Friend, Master John Ford, on his 
 jusiijiable Poem of-^Ferkin IVarbeck,^' this Ode. 
 
 They who do know me, know that I, 
 
 Unskilled to flatter, 
 Dare speak this piece, in words, in matter, 
 A work, without the danger of a lie. 
 Believe me, friend, the name of this and thee, 
 Will live, your story : 
 Books may want faith, or merit glory ; 
 This neither, without judgment's lethargy. 
 When the arts doat, then some sick poet may 
 Hope that his pen. 
 In new-stained paper, can find men 
 To roar, " He is the Wit ;" his noise doth sway : 
 But such an age cannot be known ; for all 
 Ere that time be. 
 Must prove such truth, mortality : 
 So, friend, thy honour stands too fix'd to fall. 
 
 GEORGE DONNE. 
 
 To Master John Ford, of the Middle Temple, on 
 his " B wer of Fancies, or Fancits Chaste 
 and A^oble." 
 
 I follow fair example, not report, 
 Like wits o' th' university or court. 
 
 To show how I can write, 
 At mine own charges, for the time's delight : 
 
 But to acquit a debt. 
 Due to right poets, not the counterfeit. 
 
 These Fancies Chaste and Noble are no strains 
 Dropt from the itch of over- healed bruins : 
 
 They speak unblushing truth. 
 The guard of beauty and the care of youth ; 
 
 Well relish'd might repair 
 An academy for the young and fair. 
 
 Such labours, friend, will live ; for though some new 
 Pretenders to the stage, in haste pursue 
 
 Those laurels, which of old 
 Enrich'd the actors : yet I can be bold, 
 
 To say, their hopes are starv'd ; 
 For they but beg what pens approv'd deserv'd. 
 
 EDW. GREENFIELD. 
 
 Upon « The Sun\ Darlinyr 
 
 Is he then found ? Phoebus, make holiday, 
 Tie up thy steeds, and let tlie Cyclops play : 
 Mulciber, leave thy anvil, and be tnm ; 
 Comb thy black muzzle, be no longer grim : 
 Mercury, be quick, with mirtli iurnish the heavens, 
 Jove, this day let all run at six and sevens ; 
 And Ganimede, be nimble to the brim 
 Fill bowls of nectar, that the gods may swim, 
 To solemnise their health, that did discover 
 The obscure being of the sun's fond lover ; 
 'i'hat from the example of their liberal mirth 
 We may enjoy like freedom [here] on earth. 
 
 JOHN TATHA.M. 
 
 I To his woTihy F'iend, Master John Ford, upon 
 ids " Ferkiu H'^arbecfi." 
 
 Let men, who are writ poets, lay a claim 
 To the Phoebean hill, I have no name. 
 Nor art in verse ; true, I have heard some tell 
 Of Aganippe, but ne'er knew the well : 
 Thei-efore have no ambition with the times. 
 To be in print, for making of ill rhymes ; 
 But love of thee, and justice to thy pen. 
 Hath drawn me to this bar, with other men 
 To justify, though against double laws, 
 (Waving the subtle business of his cause,) 
 The glorious Perk in, and thy poet's art, 
 Equal with his, in playing the king's part. 
 
 Ra. Eurk, Baronis primojenittts. 
 
 To the Au'hor, his Friendy upon hix Chronicle 
 Ili^toiy of^- Ferhin h arb vk." 
 
 These are not to express thy wit. 
 But to pronounce thy judgment fit, 
 In full-filled phrase, those times to raise, 
 When Perkin ran his wily ways. 
 Still, let the method of thy brain 
 From Erx'or's touch and Envy's stain 
 Preserve thee free ; that ever thy quill 
 Fair Truth may wet, and Fancy fill. 
 Thus Graces are with Muses met, 
 And practic critics on may frqt : 
 For here thou host produced a story 
 Which shall eclipse their future glory. 
 
 JOHN nUGGRAVE, Ar. 
 
 To my ftilhfal, vo less deserving Frie-td, the 
 Author of *' Pe^hn JVoj-becJc," this indebted 
 oblation. 
 
 Perkin is rediviv'd by thy strong hand. 
 
 And crown'd a king of new ; the vengeful wand 
 
 Of greatness is forgot ; his execution 
 
 May rest uiimentiou'd, and his birtli's collusion 
 
 Lie buried in the stoi-y ; but his fame 
 
 Thou hast eternis'd ; made a crown his game 
 
 His lofty spirit soars yet : had he been 
 
 Base in his enterprise, as was his sin 
 
 Conceiv'd, his title, doubtless, prov'd unjust. 
 
 Had, but for thee, been silenc'd in the (iust 
 
 GEORGE CRV.UE.S, Mili'S. 
 
 Upon Ford's two T aaedi s, *' Love\- Sacrijice " 
 ^ and " The Broken Ht:a>t:' 
 
 Thou cheat'st us. Ford ; mak'st one seem two by 
 
 art : 
 \Y\\ixi is Love's Sacrifice, but The Broken Heart \ 
 
 RICUARD CRASUAW. 
 
THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY, 
 
 TO MY WORTHILY RESPECTED FRIENDS, 
 
 NATHANIEL FINCH, JOHN FORD, ESQRS., 
 MR. HENRY BLUNT, MR. ROBERT EL LICE, 
 
 AND ALL THE RF.ST OK 
 
 THE NOBLE SOCIETY OF GRAY'S INN. 
 
 My honoured FRrENDS,— The account of some leisurable hours is here summed up, and offered to examination. 
 Importunity of others, or opinion of mine own, hath not urged on any confidence of running the hazard of a censure. 
 As plurality hath reference to a multitude, so I care not to please many; but where there is a parity of condition, 
 there the freedom of construction makes the best music. This concord hath equally held between you the patrons, 
 and me the presenter. I am cleared of all scruple of disrespect on your parts ; as I am of too slack a merit in myself. 
 My presumption of coming in print in this kind, hath hitherto been unreprovable : this piece being the first that ever 
 courted reader ; and it is very possible that the like compliment with me may soon grow out of fashion. A practice of 
 which that I may avoid now, I commend to the continuance of your loves, the memory of his, who, without the 
 protestation of a service, is readily your friend, John Ford 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONiE. 
 
 Palador, Prince of Cyprus. 
 Amethus, Cousin to the Prince. 
 Meleander, an old Lord. 
 SoPHRONos, Brother to Meleandeb. 
 Menaphon, Son of Sophronos. 
 Areti's, Tutor to the Prince. 
 CoRAx, a Physician. 
 Pelias, ) ^ , ,. . „ 
 Cvcvhvs \ T^o foolish Courtiers. 
 
 Rhktias, (a reduced Courtier,) Servant 
 Eroclea. 
 
 Trollio, Servant to Meleandeb. 
 
 Grilla, a Page of Cuculls, iti Woman's dress. 
 
 Thamasta, Sister o/Amethus, and Cousin to the 
 
 Prince. 
 ERocr,EA, (as Parthenophill,) ) Daughters of 
 Cleophila, ) Meleandeb. 
 
 Kala, Waiting-Maid to Thamasta. 
 
 Officers, Attendants, SfC. 
 
 SCENE, — Famagosta in Cyprus. 
 
 PROLOGUE. 
 
 To tell you, gentlemen, in what true sense, 
 
 The writer, actors, or the audience 
 
 Should mould their judgments for a play, might draw 
 
 Truth into rules ; but we have no such law. 
 
 Our writer, for himself, would have you know. 
 
 That, in his following scenes, he doth not owe 
 
 To others' fancies, nor hath lain in wait 
 
 For any stol'n invention, from whose height 
 
 He might commend his own, more than the right 
 
 A scholar claims, may warrant for deHght. 
 
 It is art's scorn, that some of late have made 
 
 The noble use of poetry a trade. 
 
 For your parts, gentlemen, to quit his pains, 
 
 You yet will please, that as you meet with strains 
 
 Of lighter mixture, but to cast your eye 
 
 Rather upon the maiuj than on the bye, 
 
 His hopes stand-ftTin7 and, we shall find it true, 
 
 The Lover's Melancholy cur'd by you. 
 
THE LOVERS MELANCHOLY. 
 
 ACT L 
 
 SCENE L — A Room in the Palace. 
 Enter Mevaphon and Pelias. 
 
 n 
 
 Men, Dangers ! how mean you dangers ? that 
 so courtly 
 You gratulate my safe return from dangers ? 
 Pel. From travels, noble sir. 
 Men. These are delights ; 
 If my experience hath not, truant-like, 
 Mispent the time, which I have strove to use 
 For bettering my mind with observation. 
 
 Pel. As I am modest, I protest 'tis strange ! 
 But is it possible ? 
 Men. What? 
 Pel. To bestride 
 The frothy foams of Neptune's surging waves, 
 { When blustering Boreas tosseth up the deep, 
 I And thumps a thunder bounce ! 
 Men. Sweet sir, 'tis nothing : 
 Straight comes a dolphin, playing near your ship. 
 Heaving his crooked back up, and presents 
 A feather-bed, to waft you to the shore, 
 As easily as if you slept i' th' court. 
 Pel. Indeed ? is't true, I pray? 
 ! Men. I will not stretch 
 I Your faith upon the.tenters. — Prithee, Pelias, 
 I Where did'st thou learn this language ? 
 
 C" Pel. I this language ? 
 Alas, sir, we that study words and forms 
 Of compliment, must fashion all discourse 
 According to the nature of the subject. 
 Btlt I am silent : — now appears a sun, 
 Whose shadow I adore. 
 
 Enter Amethus, Sophronos and Attendants. 
 
 Men. My honour'd father ! 
 
 Soph. From mine eyes, son, son of my care, my 
 love, 
 The joys that bid thee welcome, do too much 
 Speak me a child. 
 
 Men. O princely sir, your hand. 
 
 Amet. Perform your duties, where you owe them 
 I dare not be so sudden in the pleasures [first ; 
 Thy presence hath brought home. 
 
 Soph. Here thou still find'st 
 A friend as noble, Menaphon, as when 
 Thou left'st at thy departure. 
 
 Men. Yes, I know it. 
 To him I owe more service < 
 
 Amet. Pray give leave- 
 He shall attend your entertainments soon. 
 Next day, and next day ;— for an hour or two 
 I would engross him only. 
 
 Soph. Noble lord ! 
 
 Amet. You are both dismiss'd. 
 
 Pel. Your creature and your servant. 
 
 lExeunt all but Amethus and Menaphon. 
 
 Amet. Give me thy hand. I will not say, 
 Thou'rt welcome ; 
 That is the common road of common friends. 
 I'm glad I have thee here— Oh ! I want words 
 To let thee know my heart. 
 
 Men. 'Tis pieced to mine. 
 
 Amet. Yes, 'tis; as firmly as that holy thing 
 Call'd friendship can unite it. Menaphon, 
 My Menaphon ! now all the goodly blessings. 
 That can create a heaven on earth, dwell with thee I 
 
 Twelve months we have been sandered ; but hence 
 
 forth 
 We never more will part, till that sad hour, 
 In which death leaves the one of us behind, 
 To see the other's funerals performed. 
 Let's now a while be free. — How have thy travels 
 Disburthen'd thee abroad of discontents ? 
 
 Men. Such cure as sick men find in changing 
 I found in change of airs ; the fancy flatter'd [beds, 
 My hopes with ease, as their' s do ; but the grief 
 Is still the same. 
 
 Amet. Such is my case at home, 
 Cleophila, thy kinswoman, that maid 
 Of sweetness and humility, more pities 
 Her father's poor afflictions, than the tide 
 Of ray complaints. 
 
 Men. Tliamasta, my great mistress. 
 Your princely sister, hath, I hope, ere this 
 Confirm'd affection on some worthy choice. 
 
 Amet. Not any, Menaphon. Her bosom yet 
 Is intermured with ice ; though by the truth 
 Of love, no day hath ever pass'd, wherein 
 I have not mentioned thy deserts, thy constancy, 
 Thy — Come ! in troth, I dare not tell thee what, 
 Lest thou might'st think I fawn'd on [thee] — a sin 
 Friendship was never guilty of ; for flattery-j 
 Is monstrous in a true friend. J^ 
 
 Men. Does the court 
 Wear the old looks too ? 
 
 Amet. If thou mean'st the prince. 
 It does. He's the same melancholy g^n^i ? 
 He was at's father's death; sometimes speaks sense 
 But seldom mirth ; will smile, but seldom laugh ; 
 Will lend an ear to business, deal in none : 
 Gaze upon revels, antick fopperies, 
 But is not mov'd ; will sparingly discourse. 
 Hear music ; but what most he takes delight in, 
 Are handsome pictures. One so young, and goodly, 
 So sweet in his own nature, any story 
 Hath seldom mention'd. 
 
 Men. Why should such as I am, 
 Groan under the light burthens of small sorrows, 
 W'henas a prince, so potent, cannot shun 
 Motions of passion ? To be man, my lord, 
 Is to be but the exercise of cares 
 In several shapes ; as miseries do grow. 
 They alter as men's forms ; but how none know. 
 
 Amet. This little isle of Cyprus sure abounds 
 In greater wonders, both for change and fortune, 
 Than any you have seen abroad. 
 
 Men. Than any 
 I have observed abroad ! all countries else 
 To a free eye and mind yield something rare ; 
 And I, for my part, have brought home one jewel 
 Of admirable virtue. 
 
 Amet. Jewel, Menaphon ? —5 
 
 Men. A jewel, my Amethus, a fair youth ; I 
 A youth, whom, if I were but superstitious, 
 I should repute an excellence more high, 
 Than mere creations are : to add delight, 
 I'll tell you how I found him. 
 
 Amet. Prithee do. 
 
 Men, Passing from Italy to Greece, the tales 
 Which poets of an elder time have feign'd 
 To glorify their Tempe, bred in me, 
 Desire of visiting that paradise. 
 To Thessaly I came ; and living private, 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY. 
 
 Without acquaintance of more sweet companions, 
 Than the old inmates to my love, my thoughts, 
 I day by day frequented silent groves, 
 And solitary walks. One morning early 
 This accident encounter' d me: I heard 
 The sweetest and most ravishing contention, 
 ThatartJTan dl nature ever wer ejtjtrife.in. i- 
 ''Amet. 1 cannot yet conceive, what you infer 
 By art and nature. 
 
 Men. I shall soon resolve you. 
 A sound of music touch'd mine ears, or rather 
 Indeed, entranced my soul : As I stole nearer, 
 Invited by the melody, I saw 
 This youth, this fair-faced youth, upon his^te, 
 With strains of strange variety and harmony. 
 Proclaiming, as it seem'd, so bold a challenge 
 To the clear choristers of the woods, the birds, 
 That, as they flock'd about him, all stood silent, 
 Wond'ring at what they heard. I wouder'd ioo\jJ 
 
 Amet. And so do I ; good ! on — 
 
 Men. A nightingale, 
 NatjjrglaLhe&t^ldirii-musician, undertakes 
 Thechallenge, and for every several strain 
 The well-shaped youth could touch, she sung her 
 He could not I'un division with more art [own ; 
 Upon his quaking instrument, than she, 
 The nightingale, did with her various notes 
 Reply to : for a voice, and for a sound, 
 Amethus, 'tis much easier to believe 
 That such they were, than hope to hear again. 
 
 Amet. How did the rivals part ? 
 
 Men. You term them rightlyj,.^— «.,.^^ 
 
 For they were rivals, and their ^ijstresSjJiarmon^X- 
 Some time thus spent, the young man grew at last 
 Into a pretty anger, that a bird 
 Whom art had never taught cliffs, moods, or notes, 
 Should vie with him for mastery, whose study 
 Had busied many hours to perfect practice : 
 To end the controversy, in a rapture 
 Upon his instrument he plays so swiftly, 
 So many voluntaries, and so quick. 
 That there was curiosity and cunning, ' 
 V^Concord in discord, lines of differing method 
 Meeting in one full centre of delight. 
 
 Amet. Now for the bird. 
 
 Men. The bird, ordain'd to be 
 Music's first martyr, strove to imitate 
 These several sounds : which, when her warbling 
 
 throat 
 Fail'd in, for grief, down dropp'd she on his lute. 
 And brake her heart ! It was the quaintest sadness, 
 To see the conqueror upon her hearse, 
 To weep a funeral elegy of tears ; 
 That, trust me, my Amethus, I could chide 
 Mine own unmanly weakness, that made me 
 A fellow-mourner with him. 
 
 Amet. I believe thee. 
 
 Men. He look'd upon the trophies of his art. 
 Then sigh'd, then wiped his eyes, then sigh'd and 
 ** Alas, poor creature ! I will soon revenge [cried : 
 This cruelty upon the author of it ; 
 Henceforth this lute, guilty of innocent blood, 
 Shall never more betray a harmless peace 
 To an untimely end : " and in that sorrow, 
 As he was pashing it against a tree, 
 I suddenly stept in. 
 
 Amet. Thou hast discours'd 
 A truth of mirth and pity. 
 
 Men. I repriev'd 
 The intended execution with intreaties, 
 
 And interruption. — But, my princely friend. 
 It was not strange the music of his hand 
 Did overmatch birds, when his voice and beauty, 
 Youth, carriage and discretion must, from men 
 Indued with reason, ravish admiration : 
 From me, they did. 
 
 Amet. But is this miracle 
 Not to be seen "i 
 
 Men. I_won him by degrees 
 To choose me his companion. Whence he is, 
 Or who, as I durst modestly inquire. 
 So gently he would woo not to make known ; 
 Only (for reasons toTumself reserv'd) 
 He told me, that some remnant of his life 
 Was to be spent in travel : for his fortunes. 
 They were nor mean, nor riotous ; his friends 
 Not publish'd to the world, though not obscure ; 
 His country Athens, and his name Parthenophill. 
 
 Amet. Came he with you to Cyprus .' 
 
 Men. Willingly. 
 The fame of our young melancholy prince, 
 Meleander's rare distractions, the obedience 
 Of young Cleophila, Thamasta's glory. 
 Your matchless friendship, and my desperate love 
 Prevail'd with him ; and I havelodg'd him privately 
 In Famagosta. 
 
 Amet. Now thou art doubly welcome : 
 I wiU not lose the sight of such a rarity 
 For one part of my hopes. When do you intend 
 To visit my great-spirited sister ? 
 
 Men. MSfl — 
 Without offence ? 
 
 Amet. Without offence ! — Parthenophill 
 Shall find a worthy entertainment too. 
 Thou art not still a coward ? 
 
 Men. She's too excellent, 
 And I too low in merit. 
 
 Amet. Ill prepare 
 A noble welcome ; and, friend, ere we part, 
 Unload to thee an overcharged heart. \_Excunt. 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 SCENE II. — Another Room in the Palace. 
 Enter Rhetias, carelessly attired. 
 
 Rhe. I will not court the madness of the times 
 Not fawn upon the riots that embalm 
 Our wanton gentry, to preserve the dust 
 Of their affected vanities in coffins 
 Of memorable shame. When commonwealths 
 Totter and reel from that nobility. 
 
 And ancient virtue which renowns the great, ^ , 
 
 Who steer the helm of government, while^jnush- '.4|!^ 
 
 rooms^..,,. r^..^ 
 
 Grow up, aflcTmake new laws to license folly ; 
 Why should not I, a May-game, scorn the weight 
 Of my sunk fortunes ? snarl at the vices 
 Which rot the land, and, without fear or wit, 
 Be mine own antick } 'Tis a sport to live 
 When life is irksome, if we will not hug 
 Prosperity in others, and contemn 
 Affliction in ourselves. This rule is certain : 
 *' He that pursues his safety from the school 
 " Of state, must learn to be madman or fool." 
 Ambition, wealth, ease I renounce — the devil 
 That damns you here on earth. — Or I will be 
 Mine own mirth, or mine own tormentor. — So ! 
 
 Enter Pblias. 
 Here comes intelligence ; a buzz o' the court. 
 
 R 9 
 
THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY. 
 
 Pel. Rhetias, I sought thee out to tell thee news, 
 New, excellent new news. Cuculus, sirrah. 
 That gull, that young old gull, is coming this way. 
 
 Rhe. And thou art his forerunner ! 
 
 Pel. Prithee, hear me. 
 Instead of a fine guarded page, we have got him 
 A boy trick'd up in neat and handsome fashion ; 
 Persuaded him, that 'tis indeed a wench, 
 And he has entertain'd him ; he does follow him, 
 Carries his sword and buckler, waits on's trencher, 
 Fills him his wine, tobacco ; whets his knife, 
 Lackeys his letters, does what service else 
 He would employ his man in. Being ask'd 
 Why he is so irregular in courtship, 
 His answer is, that since great ladies use 
 Gentlemen-ushers, to go bare before them, 
 He knows no reason, but he may reduce 
 The courtiers to have women wait on them ; 
 And he begins the fashion : he is laughed at 
 Most complimentally. — Thou'lt burst to see him. 
 
 Rhe. Agelastus, so sumamed for his gravity, 
 was a very wise fellow, kept his countenance all 
 days of his life as demurely as a judge that pro- 
 nounceth sentence of death on a poor rogue, for 
 stealing as much bacon as would serve at a meal 
 with a calf's head. Yet he smiled once, and never 
 but once ; — thou art no scholar .' 
 
 Pel. I have read pamphlets dedicated to me. — 
 Dost call him Agelastus ? Why did he laugh? 
 
 Rhe. To see an ass eat thistles, puppy : — go, 
 study to be a singular coxcomb. Cuculus is an 
 ordinary ape ; but thou art an ape of an ape. 
 
 Pel. Thou hast a patent to abuse thy friends. 
 
 Enlcr Cuculus folloiccd by Grilla, hoth fantastically 
 
 dressed. 
 Look, look he comes ! observe him seriously. 
 
 Cue. Reach me my sword and buckler, 
 
 Gril. They are here, forsooth. 
 
 Cue. How now, minx, how now ! where is your 
 duty, your distance } Let me have service metho- 
 dically tendered ; you are now one of us. Your 
 curtsy. [Grilla curtsies.'] Good ! remember 
 that you are to practise courtship. Was thy father 
 a piper, say'st thou ? 
 
 Gril. A sounder of some such wind-instrument, 
 forsooth. 
 
 Cue. Was he so ? — hold up thy head. Be thou 
 musical to me, and I will marry thee to a dancer ; 
 one that shall ride on his footcloth, and maintain 
 thee in thy muff and hood. 
 
 Gril. That will be fine indeed. 
 
 Cue. Thou art yet but simple. 
 
 Gril. Do you think so } 
 
 Cue. I have a brain ; I have a head-piece : o' 
 my conscience, if I take pains with thee, I should 
 raise thy understanding, girl, to the height of a 
 nurse, or a court midwife at least ; I will make 
 thee big in time, wench. 
 
 Gril. E'en do your pleasure with me, sir. 
 
 Pel. [coming forward.'] Noble, accomplished 
 Cuculus ! 
 
 Rhe. Give me thy fist, innocent. 
 
 Cue. 'Would 'twere in thy belly ! there 'tis. 
 
 Pel. That's well ; he's an honest blade, though 
 he be blunt. 
 
 Cue. Who cares ! We can be as blunt as he, 
 for his life. 
 
 Rhe. Cuculus, there is, within a mile or two, a 
 sow-pig hath suck'd a brach, and now hunts the 
 
 deer, the hare, nay, most unnaturally, the wild 
 boar, as well as any hound in Cyprus. 
 
 Cue. Monstrous sow-pig ! is't true ? 
 
 Pel. I'll be at charge of a banquet on thee for 
 a sight of her. 
 
 Rhe. Every thing takes after the dam that gave 
 it suck. Where hadst thou thy milk ? 
 
 Cue. I ? Why, my nurse's husband was a most 
 excellent maker of shittlecocks. 
 
 Pel. My nurse was a woman-surgeon. 
 
 Rhe. And who gave thee pap, mouse ? 
 
 Gril. I never suck'd, that I remember. 
 
 Rhe. La now ! a shittlecock maker ; all thy 
 brains are stuck with cork and feather, Cuculus. 
 This learned courtier takes after the nurse too ; a 
 she-surgeon ; which is, in effect, a mere matcher 
 of colours. Go, learn to paint and daub compli- 
 ments, 'tis the next step to run into a new suit. 
 My lady Periwinkle here, never suck'd : suck thy 
 master, and bring forth moon-calves, fop, do ! 
 This is good philosophy, sirs ; make use on't. 
 
 Gril. Bless us, what a strange creature this is ! 
 
 Cue. A gull, an arrant guU by proclamation. 
 
 CoRAx passes over the Stage. 
 
 Pel. Corax, the prince's chief physician I 
 What business speeds his haste ? — Are all things 
 
 Cor. Yes, yes, yes. [well, sir ? 
 
 Rhe. Phew ! you may wheel about, man ; we 
 know you are proud of your slovenry and practice ; 
 'tis your virtue. The princej§.^jaaelaAcholy fit, I 
 presume, holds still. 
 
 Cor. So do thy knavery and desperate beggary. 
 
 Cue. Aha 1 here's one will tickle the ban-dog. 
 
 Rhe. You must not go yet. 
 
 Cor. I'll stay in spite of thy teeth. There lies 
 my gravity. [Throws off his gown.'] Do what 
 thou dar'st ; I stand thee. 
 
 Rhe. Mountebanks, empirics, quack-salvcrs, 
 mineralists, wizards, alchemists, cast apothecaries, 
 old wives and barbers, are all suppositors to the 
 right worshipful doctor, as I take it. Some of you 
 are the head q1,j:»%h: art, and the horns too — but 
 they come by nature. Thou livest single for no 
 other end, but"ilia^hou fearest to be a cuckold. 
 
 Cor. Have at thee ! Thou affectest railing pnly 
 for thy health ; thy miseries are so thiCK^'aind last- 
 ing, that thou hast not oiie p6or~defiier to bestow 
 on opening a vein : wherefore, to avoid a pleurisy 
 thou'lt be sure to prate thyself once a month into 
 a whipping, and bleed in the breech instead of the 
 arm. 
 
 Rhe. Have at thee again ! 
 
 Cor. Come ! 
 
 Cue. There, there, there ! O brave doctor I 
 
 Pel. Let them alone. 
 
 Rhe. Thou art in thy religion an atheist, in thy 
 condition a cur, in thy diet an epicure, in thy lust 
 a goat, in thy sleep a hog ; thou tak'st upon thee 
 the habit of a grave physician, but art indeed an 
 impostorous empiric. Physicians are the coblers, 
 rather the botchers, of men's bodies ; as the one 
 patches our tattered clothes, so the other solders 
 our diseased flesh Come on ! 
 
 Cue. To't, to't 1 hold him to't 1 hold him to't ! 
 to't, to't, to't ! 
 
 Cor. The best worth in thee is the corruption of 
 thy mind, for that only entitles thee to the dignity 
 of a louse : a thing bred out of the filth and super- 
 vfluitv of ill humours. Thou bitest anywhere, and 
 
SOENB III. 
 
 THE LOVEU'S MELANCHOLY. 
 
 any man who defends not himself with the clean 
 linen of secure honesty, — him thou darest not come 
 near. Thou art fortune's idiot, virtue's bankrupt, 
 time's dunghill, manhood's scandal, and thine own 
 scourge. Thou would'st hang thyself, so wretch- 
 edly miserable thou art, but that no man will trust 
 thee with as much money as will buy a halter; and 
 all thy stock to be sold is not worth half as much 
 as may procure it. 
 
 Rhe. Ha, ha, ha ! this is flattery, gross flattery. 
 
 Cor. I have employment for thee, and for ye all. 
 Tut ! these are but good morrows between us. 
 
 Rhe. Are thy bottles full ? 
 
 Cor. Of rich wine ; let's all suck togeUier. 
 
 Rhe. Like so many swine in a trough. 
 
 Cor. I'll shape ye all for a device before the 
 prince ; we'll try how that can move him. 
 
 Rhe. He shall fret or laugh. 
 
 Cue. Must I make one ? 
 
 Cor. Yes, and your feminine page too. 
 
 Gril. Thanks, most egregiously. 
 
 Pel. I will not slack my part. 
 
 Cue. Wench, take my buckler. 
 
 Cor. Come all unto my chamber ; the project 
 IS cast ; the time only we must attend. 
 
 Rhe. The melody must agree well and yield 
 f sport, 
 
 I When such as these are, knaves and fools, consort. 
 *- . M. . \_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE HI. — An Apartment in the House of 
 Thamasta. 
 
 Enter Amethus, Thamasta, and Kala. 
 
 Amet- Does this show well ? 
 
 Tha. What would you have me do ? 
 
 Amet. Not like a lady of the trim, new crept 
 Out of the shell of sluttish sweat and labour 
 Into the glitt'ring pomp of ease and wantonness, 
 Embroideries, and all these an tick fashions, 
 That shape a woman monstrous ; to transform 
 Your education, and a noble birth 
 Into contempt and laughter. Sister ! sister ! 
 She who derives her blood from princes, ought 
 To glorify her greatness by humility. 
 
 Tha. Then you conclude me proud ? 
 
 Amet. Young Menaphon, 
 My worthy friend, has loved you long and truly : 
 To witness his obedience to your scorn. 
 Twelve months, wrong'd gentleman, he undertook 
 A voluntary exile. Wherefore, sister, 
 In this time of his absence, have you not 
 Dispos'd of your affections to some monarch ? 
 Or sent ambassadors to some neighb'ring king 
 With fawning protestations of your graces, 
 Your rare perfections, admirable beauty ? 
 This had been a new piece of modesty. 
 Would have deserv'd a chronicle ! 
 
 Tha. You are bitter ; 
 And brother, by your leave, not kindly wise. 
 My freedom is my birth ; I am not bound 
 To fancy your approvements, but my own. 
 Indeed, you are an humble youth ! I hear of 
 Your visits, and your loving commendation 
 To your heart's saint, Cleophila, a virgin 
 Of a rare excellence : What though she want 
 A portion to maintain a portly greatness I 
 ^1^ Yet 'tis your gracious sweetness to descend 
 So low ; the meekness of your pity leads you I 
 
 She is your dear friend's sister ! a good soul ! 
 An innocent ! — 
 
 Amet. Thamasta I 
 
 Tha. I have given 
 Your Menaphon a welcome home, as fits me ; 
 For his sake entertain'd Parthenophill, 
 The handsome stranger, more familiarly 
 Than, I may fear, becomes me ; yet, for his part, 
 I not repent my courtesies : but you — 
 
 Amet. No more, no more ! be affable to both ; 
 Time may reclaim your cruelty. 
 
 Tha. I pity 
 The youth ; and, trust me, brother, love his sad- 
 He talks the prettiest stories ; he delivers [ness : 
 His tales so gracefully, that I could sit 
 And listen, nay, forget my meals and sleep. 
 To hear his neat discourses. Menaphon 
 Was well advis'd in choosing such a friend 
 For pleading his true love. 
 
 Amet. Now I cOinnrentHbee-j— 
 Thou'lt change at last, I hope. 
 
 Enter Menaphont and Parthenophill. 
 
 Tha. I fear 1 shall. {.Aside 
 
 Amet. Have you survey'd the garden .' 
 
 Men. 'Tis a curious, 
 A pleasantly contriv'd delight. 
 
 Tha. Your eye, sir, 
 Hath in your travels often met contents 
 Of more variety ? 
 
 Par. Not any, lady. 
 
 Men. It were impossible, since your fair pre- 
 sence 
 Makes every place, where it vouchsafes to shine. 
 More lovely than all other helps of art 
 Can equal. 
 
 Tha. What you mean by "helps of art," 
 You know yourself best ; be they as they are ; 
 You need none, I am sure, to set me forth. 
 
 Men. 'Twould argue want of manners more 
 Not to praise praise itself. [than skill, 
 
 Tha. For your reward. 
 Henceforth I'll call you servant. 
 
 Amet. Excellent, sister ! 
 
 Men. 'Tis my first step to honour^.. May I fall 
 Lower than shame, when I negTect all service 
 That may confirm this favour ! 
 
 Tha. Are you well, sir ? 
 
 Par. Great princess, I am well. To see a 
 league 
 Between an humble love, such as my friend's is, 
 And a commanding virtue, such as your's is,/ 
 Are sure restoratives. / 
 
 Tha. You speak ingeniously. 
 Brother, be pleas'd to shew the gallery 
 To this young stranger. Use the time a while. 
 And we will all together to the court : 
 I will present you, sir, unto the prince. 
 
 Par. You are all compos'd of fairness and true 
 bounty. 
 
 Amet. Come, come : we'll wait you, sister. This 
 Doth relish happy process. [beginning 
 
 Men. You have bless'd me. 
 
 \_Exeunt Men. Amet. and Par. 
 
 Tha. Kala ! O, Kala 1 
 
 Kala. Lady. 
 
 Tha. We are private ; 
 Thou art my closet. 
 
 Kala. Lock your secrets close then ; 
 I am not to be forced. 
 
 r,w 
 
6 
 
 THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY. 
 
 Aor 11. 
 
 L 
 
 Tha. Never till now, 
 Could I be sensible of being traitor 
 To honour and to shame. 
 
 Kala. You are in love. 
 
 Tha. I am grown base. Parthenophill — 
 
 Kala. He's handsome, 
 Richly endow'd ; he hath a lovely face, 
 A winning tongue. 
 
 Tha. If ever I must fall, 
 In him my greatness sinks : Love is a tyrant. 
 Resisted. Whisper in his ear, how gladly 
 I would steal time to talk with him one hour ; 
 But do it honourably. Prithee, Kala, 
 Do not betray me. 
 
 Kala. Madam, I will make it 
 Mine own case ; he shall think I am in lovft with 
 him. 
 
 Tha. I hope thou art not, Kala. 
 
 Kala. 'Tis for your sake : 
 I'll tell him so ; but, 'faith, I am not, l^dy. 
 
 Tha. Pray, use me kindly ; let me not too 
 
 ^ soon 
 
 \Be lost in my new follies. 'Tis a fate 
 That overrules our wisdoms ; whilst we strive 
 To live most free, we're caught in our own toils, 
 toiamonds cut diamonds ; they who will prove 
 To thrive in cunning, must cure love with love. 
 
 lExcunt. 
 
 ACT 11. 
 
 SCENE I. — An Apartment in the Palace. 
 Enter Sophronos arid Aretus. 
 
 Soph. Our commonwealth is sick : 'tis more 
 than time 
 That we should wake the head thereof, who sleeps 
 In the dull lethargy of lost security. 
 The commons'murmur, and the nobles grieve ; 
 The court is now turn'd antick, and~ grows wild, 
 Whilst all the neighbouring nations stand at gaze. 
 And watch fit opportunity to wreak 
 Their just conceived fury on such injuries 
 As the late prince, our living master's father. 
 Committed against laws of truth or honour. 
 Intelligence comes flying in on all sides ; 
 W^hilst the unsteady multitude presume 
 How that you, Aretus, and I engross, 
 Out of particular ambition, 
 
 The affairs of government ; which I, for my part, 
 Groan under, and am weary of. 
 
 Are. Sophronos, 
 I am as zealous too of shaking off 
 My gay state-fetters, that I have bethought 
 Of speedy remedy ; and to that end, 
 As I have told you, have concluded with 
 Corax, the prince's chief physician. — 
 
 Soph. You should have done this sooner, Aretus ; 
 You were his tutor, and could best discern 
 His dispositions, to inform them rightly. 
 
 Are. Passions of violent nature, by degrees 
 Are easiliest reclaim'd. There's something hid 
 Of his distemper, which we'll now find out. 
 
 Enter Corax, Rhetias, Pblias, Cuculus, and Grilla. 
 You come on just appointment. Welcome, gen- 
 Have you won Rhetias, Corax ? [tlemen ! 
 
 Cor. Most sincerely. 
 
 Cue. Save ye, nobilities ! Do your lordships 
 take notice of my page? 'Tis a fashion of the 
 newest edition, spick and span-new, without 
 example. Do your honour, housewife ! 
 
 Gril. There's a courtsy for you, and a courtsy 
 for you. 
 
 Soph. 'Tis excellent : we must all follow fashion, 
 And entertain she-waiters. 
 
 Are. 'Twill be courtly. 
 
 Cue. I think so ; I hope the chronicles will rear 
 me one day for a headpiece 
 
 Rhe. Of woodcock, without brains in it ! Bar- 
 bers shall wear thee on their citterns, and huck- 
 sters set thee out in gingerbread. 
 
 Cue. Devil take thee ! I say nothing to thee 
 now ; canst let me be quiet .' 
 
 G7'il. You are tooperstreperous, sauce-box. 
 
 Cue. Good girl ! if we begin to puff once — 
 
 Pel. Prithee, hold thy tongue ; the lords are in 
 the presence. 
 
 Phe. Mum, butterfly ! 
 
 Pel. The prince ! stand and keep silence. 
 
 Cue. O the prince 1 wench, thou shalt see the 
 prince now. _ ISo/t music. 
 
 Enter Pa la dor » 
 
 Soph. Are. Sir, gracious~sif1 
 
 Pal. Why all this company ? 
 
 Cor. A book ! is this the early exercise 
 I did prescribe ? instead of following health, 
 Which all men covet, you pursue di se a se. 
 Where's your great horse, your hounds, your set 
 
 at tennis, 
 Your balloon ball, the practice of your dancing, 
 Your casting of the sledge, or learning how 
 To toss a pike ? all chang'd into a sonnet ! 
 Pray, sir, grant me free liberty to leave 
 The court ; it does infect me with the sloth 
 Of sleep and surfeit : in the university 
 I have employments, which to my profession 
 Add profit and report ; here I am lost, 
 And, in your wilful dulness, held a man 
 Of neither art nor honesty. You may 
 Command my head : — pray, take it, do ! 'twere 
 For me to lose it, than to lose my wits, [better 
 And live in Bedlam ; you will force me to't ; 
 I am almost mad already. 
 
 Pal. I believe it. 
 
 Soph. Letters are come from Crete, which do 
 A speedy restitution of such ships, [require 
 
 As by your father were long since detain'd ; 
 If not, defiance threaten'd. 
 
 Are. These near parts 
 Of Syria that adjoin, muster their friends ; 
 And by intelligence we learn for certain, 
 The Syrian will pretend an ancient interest 
 Of tribute intermitted. 
 
 Soph. Through your land 
 Your subjects mutter strangely, and imagine 
 More than they dare speak publicly. 
 
 Cor. And yet 
 They talk but oddly of you- 
 
 Cuc. Hang 'em, mongrels ! 
 
 Pal. Of me ? my subjects talk of me ! 
 
THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY. 
 
 Cor, Yes, scurvily, 
 And think worse, prince. 
 
 Pal. I'll borrow patience 
 A little time to listen to these wrongs ; 
 And from the few of you, which are hei-e present, 
 Conceive the general voice. 
 
 Cor. So ! now he's nettled. \_Aside. 
 
 Pat. By all your loves I charge you, without 
 Or flattery, to let me know your thoughts, [fear 
 And how I am interpreted : Speak boldly. 
 
 Soph. For my part, sir, I will be plain and brief. 
 I think you are of nature mild and easy, 
 Not willingly provok'd, but withall headstrong 
 In any passion that misleads your judgmenJt : 
 I think you too indulgent to such motions 
 As spring out of your own affections ; 
 Too old to be reform' d, and yet too young 
 To take fit counsel from yourself, of what 
 Is most amiss. 
 
 Pal. So ! — Tutor, your conceit .' [it) 
 
 Are. I think you doat (with pardon let me speak 
 Too much upon your pleasures ; and these plea- 
 Are so wrapt up in self-love, that you covet [sures 
 No other change of forttttte : would be still 
 What your birth makes you ; but are loth to toil 
 In such affairs of state as break your sleeps. 
 
 Cor. I think you would be by the world reputed 
 A man, in every point complete ; but are 
 In manners and effect indeed a child, 
 A boy, a very boy. 
 
 Pel. May it please your grace, 
 I think you do contain within yourself 
 The great elixir, soul and quintessence 
 Of all divine perfections ; are the glory 
 Of mankind, and the only strict example 
 For earthly monarchs to square out their lives by : 
 Time's miracle ! Fame's pride ! in knowledge, wit. 
 Sweetness, discourse, arms, arts, — 
 
 Pal. You are a courtier. 
 
 Cue. But not of the ancient fashion, an it like 
 your highness. 'Tis I ; I that am the credit of 
 the court, noble prince ; and if thou would'st, by 
 proclamation or patent, create me overseer of all 
 the tailors in thy dominions, then, then the golden 
 days should appear again ! bread should be 
 cheaper ; fools should have more wit ; knaves 
 more honesty, and beggars more money. 
 
 Gri. I think now — 
 
 Cue. Peace, you squall ! 
 
 Pal. You have not spoken yet. {.To Rhetias. 
 
 Cue. Hang him ! he'll nothing but rail. — ■ 
 
 Gri. Most abominable ; — out upon him ! 
 
 Cor. Away, Cuculus ; follow the lords. 
 
 Cue. Close, page, close. 
 
 [They all silently withdraw but Rhe. and Pal. 
 
 Pal. You are somewhat long a'thinking. 
 
 Rhe. I do not think at all. 
 
 Pal. Am I not worthy of your thought ? 
 
 Rhe. My pity, you are ; — but not my repre- 
 hension. 
 
 Pal. Pity! 
 
 Rhe. Yes, for I pity such to whom I owe ser- 
 vice, who exchange their happiness for a misery. 
 
 Pal. Is it a misery to be a prince ? 
 
 Rhe. Princes who forget their sovereignty, and 
 yield to affected passion, are weary of command. — 
 You had a father, sir. 
 
 Pal. Your sovereign, whilst he lived : — but what 
 
 Rhe. Nothing. [of him ? 
 
 I only dared to name him, — that is a^. 
 
 Pal. I charge thee, by the duty that thou ow'st 
 us. 
 Be plain in what thou mean'st to speak ; there's 
 
 something 
 That we must know : be free ; our ears are open. 
 
 Rhe. O, sir, I had rather hold a wolf by the 
 ears than stroke a lioa ; the greatest danger is the 
 last. 
 
 Pal. This is mere trifling. — Ha ! are all stol'n 
 hence ? 
 We are alone — thou hast an honest look — 
 Thou hast a tongue, I hope, that is riot oil'd 
 With flattery : be open. Though 'tis true, 
 That in my younger days I oft have heard 
 Agenor's name, my father, more traduced, 
 Than I could then observe ; yet I protest, 
 I never had a friend, a certain friend. 
 That would inform me throughly of such errors, 
 As oftentimes are incident to princes. 
 
 Rhe. All this may be. I have seen a man so 
 curious in feeling of the edge of a keen knife, that 
 he has cut his fingers. My flesh is not proof against 
 the metal I am to handle ; the one is tenderer than 
 the other. 
 
 Pal. I see then I must court thee. Take the 
 
 word 
 
 Of a just prince ; for any thing thou speakest 
 I have more than a pardon, thanks and love. 
 
 Rhe. I will remember you of an old tale, that 
 something concerns you. Meleander, the great but 
 unfortunate statesman, was by your father treated 
 with for a match between you and his eldest^., 
 daughter, the lady Eroclea : you were both near of ^ 
 an age. — I presume you remember a contract, — -^ 
 and cannot forget her. 
 
 Pal. She was a lovely beauty — prithee forward ! 
 
 Rhe. To court was Eroclea brought ; was 
 courted by your father, not for prince Palador, as 
 it followed, but to be made a prey to some less 
 noble design. — With your favour, I have forgot 
 the rest. 
 
 Pal. Good, call it back again into thy memory ; 
 Else, losing the remainder, I am lost too. 
 
 Rhe. You charm me. In brief, a rape by some 
 bad agents was attempted ; by the lord Meleander 
 her father rescued ; she conveyed away ; Meleander 
 accused of treason, his land seized, he himself dis- 
 tracted and confined to the castle, where he yet 
 lives. What had ensxied, was doubtful ; but your 
 father shortly after died. 
 
 Pal. But what became of fair Eroclea ? 
 
 Rhe. She never since was heard of. 
 
 Pal. No hope lives then 
 Of ever, ever seeing her again } 
 
 Rhe. Sir, I feared I should anger you. This 
 was, as I said, an old tale : — 1 have now a new 
 one, which may perhaps season the first with a 
 more dehghtful relish. 
 
 Pal. I am prepared to hear ; say what you 
 please. 
 
 Rhe. My lord Meleander falling, (on whose 
 favour my fortunes relied,) I furnished myself for 
 travel, and bent my course to Athens ; where a 
 pretty accident, after a while, came to my know- 
 ledge. 
 
 Pal. My ear is open to thee. 
 
 Rhe. A young lady contracted to a noble gentle- 
 man, as the lady last mentioned and your highness 
 were, being hindered by tl>eir jarring parents, stole 
 from her home, and was conveyed like a ship-boy 
 
 ^ 
 
 ^ 
 
8 
 
 THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY. 
 
 in a merchant, from the country where she lived, 
 into Corinth first, and afterwards to Athens; where 
 in much solitariness she lived, like a youth, almost 
 two years, courted by all her acquaintance, but 
 friend to none by familiarity. — 
 
 Pal. In habit of a man ? 
 
 Rhe. A handsome young man — 'till within these 
 three months or less, (her sweet-heart's father 
 dying some year before, or more,) she had notice 
 of it, and with much joy returned home, and, as 
 report voiced it at Athens, enjoyed her happiness 
 she was long an exile for. Now, noble sir, if you 
 did love the lady Eroclea, why may not such safety 
 and fate direct her, as directed the other ? 'tis not 
 impossible. 
 
 Pal. If I did love her, Rhetias ! Yes I did. 
 Give me thy hand : As thou did'st serve Meleander, 
 And art still true to these, henceforth serve me. 
 
 Rhe. My duty and my obedience are my surety; 
 but I have been too bold. 
 
 Pal. Forget the sadder story of my father, 
 And only, Rhetias, learn to read me well ; 
 For I must ever thank thee : thou hast unlock'd 
 A tongue was vow'd to silence ; for requital, — 
 Open my bosom, Rhetias. 
 
 Rhe. What's your meaning "i 
 
 Pal. To tie thee to an oath of secrecy — 
 Unloose the buttons, man ! thou dost it faintly : 
 What find'st thou there } 
 
 Rhe. A picture in a tablet. 
 
 Pal. Look well upon't. 
 
 Rhe. I do — yes— let me observe it — 
 *Tis her's, the lady's. 
 
 Pal. Whose } 
 
 Rhe. Eroclea's. 
 
 Pal. Her's that was once Eroclea. For her sake 
 Have I advanced Sophronos to the helm 
 Of government ; for her sake, will restore 
 Meleander's honours to him ; will, for her sake, 
 Beg friendship from thee, Rhetias. O ! be faithful, 
 And let no politic lord work from thy bosom 
 My griefs : I know thou wert put on to sift me ; 
 But be not too secure. 
 
 Rhe. I am your creature. 
 
 Pal. Continue still thy discontented fashion, 
 Humour the lords, as they would humour me ; 
 I'll not live in thy debt. — We are discovered. 
 
 Enter Amethus, Menaphon, Thamasta, Kala, and 
 Parthenophill. 
 
 Amet. Honour and health still wait upon the 
 Sir, I am bold with favour to present [prince ! 
 Unto your highness Menaphon my friend, 
 Return'd from travel. 
 
 Men. Humbly on my knees 
 I kiss your gracious hand. 
 
 Pal. It is our duty 
 To love the virtuous. 
 
 Men. If my prayers or service 
 Hold any value, they are vow'd your's ever. 
 
 Rhe. I have a fist for thee too, stripling ; thou 
 art started up prettily since I saw thee. Hast 
 learned any wit abroad? Canst tell news and 
 swear lies with a grace, like a true traveller ?— 
 What new ouzle's this ? 
 
 Tha. Your highness shall do right to your own 
 judgment, 
 In taking more than common notice of 
 This stranger, an Athenian, named Parthenophill ; 
 One, who, if mine opinion do not soothe me 
 
 Too grossly, for the fashion of his mind 
 Deserves a dear respect. 
 
 Pal. Your commendations, 
 Sweet cousin, speak him nobly. 
 
 Par. All the powers 
 That sentinel just thrones, double their guards 
 About your sacred excellence ! 
 
 Pal, W.hat fortune 
 Led him to Cyprus ? 
 
 Men. My persuasions won him. 
 
 Amet. And if your highness please to hear the 
 entrance 
 Into their first acquaintance, you will say — 
 
 Tha. It was the newest, sweetest, prettiest 
 That e'er delighted your attention : [accident, 
 
 I can discourse it, sir. 
 
 Pal. Some other time. 
 How is he call'd ? 
 
 Tha. Parthenophill. 
 
 Pal. Parthenophill? 
 We shall sort time to take more notice of him. 
 
 lExtt. 
 
 Men. His wonted melancholy still pursues him. 
 
 Amet. I told you so. 
 
 Tha. You must not wonder at it. 
 
 Par. I do not, lady. 
 
 Amet. Shall we to the castle ? 
 
 Men. We will attend you both. 
 
 Rhe. All three — I'll go too. Hark in thine ear, 
 gallant ; I'll keep the old man in chat, whilst thou 
 gabbiest to the girl : my thumb's upon my lips ; 
 not a word. 
 
 Amet. I need not fear thee, Rhetias. — Sister, 
 Expect us ; this day we will range the city, [soon 
 
 Tha. Well, soon I shall expect you. — Kala ! 
 
 \_Aside. 
 
 Knl. Trust me. 
 
 Rhe. Troop on ! — Love, love, what a wonder 
 thou art ! lExeunt all but, Parthenophill and Kala. 
 
 Kal. May I not be offensive, sir ? 
 
 Par. Your pleasure ? 
 Yet, pray, be brief. 
 
 Kal. Then, briefly ; good, resolve me ; 
 Have you a mistress or a wife ? 
 
 Par. I have neither. 
 
 Kal. Nor did you ever love in earnest any 
 Fair lady, whom you wish'd to make your own } 
 
 Par. Not any truly. 
 
 Kal. What your friends or means are 
 I will not be inquisitive to know. 
 Nor do I care to hope for. But admit 
 A dowry were thrown down before your choice. 
 Of beauty, noble birth, sincere affection, 
 How gladly would you entertain it ? Young man, 
 I do not tempt you idly. 
 
 Par. I shall thank you, 
 When my unsettled thoughts can make me sensible 
 Of what 'tis to be happy ; for the present 
 I am your debtor; and, fair gentlewoman, ^^^^ 
 Pray give me leave as yet to study ignorance^ \ 
 For my weak brains conceive not what concerns met 
 Another time — {Going.) "^ 
 
 Enter Thamasta. 
 
 Tha. Do I break off" your parley, 
 That you are parting ? Sure my woman loves you ; 
 Can she speak well, Parthenophill ? 
 
 Par. Yes, madam. 
 Discreetly chaste she can ; she hath much won 
 On my belief, and in few words, but pithy, 
 
THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY. 
 
 9 
 
 Much mov'd my thankfulness. You are her lady» 
 Your goodness aims, I know, at her preferment ; 
 Therefore, I may be bold to make confessioa 
 Of truth: if ever I desire to thrive i ^ ^; ■ 
 In woman's favour, Kala is the firso |,|^*' 
 Whom my ambition shall bend to. ^ 
 
 Tha. Indeed! 
 But say, a nobler love should interpose. 
 
 Par. Where real worth and constancy first settle 
 A hearty truth, there greatness cannot shake it ; 
 Nor shall it mine : yet I am but an infant 
 In that construction, which must give clear light 
 To Kala's merit ; riper hours hereafter 
 Must learn me how to grow rich in desertst- 
 Madam, my duty waits on you. lExlt. 
 
 Tha. Come hither !— 
 " If ever henceforth I desire to thrive 
 In woman's favour, Kala is the first 
 Whom my ambition shall bend to." — 'Twas so ! 
 
 Kul. These very words he spake. 
 
 Tha. These very words 
 Curse thee, unfaithful creature, to thy grave. 
 Thou woo'd'st him for thyself? 
 
 Kal. You said I should. 
 
 Tha. My name was never mention'd ? 
 
 Kal. Madam, no ; 
 We were not come to that. 
 
 Tha. Not come to that ! 
 Art thou a rival fit to cross my fate 1 
 Now poverty and a dishonest fame, 
 The waiting-woman's wages, be thy payment, 
 False, faithless, wanton beast! I'll spoil your 
 
 carriage ; 
 There's not a page, a groom, nay, not a citizen 
 That shall be cast [away] upon thee, Kala : 
 I'll keep thee in my service all thy lifetime, 
 Without hope of a husband or a suitor. 
 
 Kal. I have not verily deserv'd this cnxelty. 
 
 Tha. Parthenophill shall know, if he respect 
 My birth, the danger of a fond neglect. lExit. 
 
 Kal. Are you so quick ? Well, I may chance 
 to cross 
 Your peevishness. Now, though I never meant 
 The young man for myself, yet, if he love me, 
 I'll have him, or I'll run away with him ; 
 And let her do her worst then ! What ! we're all 
 But flesh and blood : the same thing that will do 
 My lady good, will please her woman too. lExit. 
 
 SCENE U.-^An Apartment at the Castle. 
 
 Enter Cleophila and Tbollio. 
 Cleo. Tread softly, Trollio, my father sleeps 
 
 still. 
 Trol. Ay, forsooth ; but he sleeps like a hare, 
 with his eyes open, and that's no good sijjn. 
 
 Cleo. Sure thou art weary of this sullen living ; 
 But I am not ; for I take more content 
 In my obedience here, than all delights 
 The time presents elsewhere. 
 Mel. Oh! 
 
 Cleo, Dost hear that groan ? 
 Trol. Hear it ? I shudder ; it was a strong blast, 
 young mistress, able to root up heart, liver, lungs, 
 and all. 
 
 Cleo. My much-wrong'd father 1 let me view his 
 face. 
 [Draws theArrat, Mklbanoer discovered in a chair, 
 sleeping 
 
 Trol. Lady mistress, shall I fetch a barber to 
 steal away his rough beard whilst he sleeps ? In 
 his naps he never looks in a glass — and 'tis high 
 time, o' my conscience, for him to be trimmed ; he 
 has not been under the shaver's hand almost these 
 four years. 
 
 Cleo. Peace, fool ! 
 
 Trol. I could clip the old ruffian ; there's hair 
 enough to stuff all the great cod-pieces in Switzer- 
 land. He begins to stir ; he stirs. Bless us, how 
 his eyes roll ! A good year keep your lordship in 
 your right wits, I beseech ye ! [Aside- 
 
 Mel. Cleophila ! 
 
 Cleo. Sir, I am here ; how do you, sir ? 
 
 Trol. Sir, is your stomach up yet ? get some 
 warm porridge in your belly ; 'tis a very good set- 
 tle-brain. 
 
 Mel. The raven croak'd, and hollow shrieks of 
 Sung dirges at her funeral ; I laugh'd [owls 
 
 The while, for 'twas no boot to weep. The girl 
 Was fresh and full of youth ; but, oh ! the cunning 
 Of tyrants, that look big ! their very frowns 
 Doom poor souls guilty ere their cause be heard. — 
 Good ! what art thou ? and thou ? 
 
 Cleo. I am Cleophila, 
 Your woeful daughter. 
 
 Trol. I am Trollio, 
 Your honest implement. 
 
 Mel. I know you both. 'Las, why d'ye use me 
 Thy sister, my Eroclea, was so gentle, [thus ? 
 That turtles in their down, do feed more gall. 
 Than her spleen mix'd with : — yet, when winds and 
 
 storm 
 Drive dirt and dust on banks of spotless snow, 
 The purest whiteness is no such defence 
 Against the sullying foulness of that fury. 
 So raved Agenor, that great man, mischief 
 Against the girl — 'twas a politic trick ! 
 We were too old in honour. — I am lean. 
 And fall'n away extremely ; most assuredly 
 I have not dined these three days. 
 
 Cleo. Will you now, sir ? 
 
 Trol. I beseech you heartily, sir : I feel a horri- 
 ble puking myself. 
 
 Mel. Am I stark mad ? 
 
 Trol. No, no, you are but a little staring — 
 there's difference between staring and stark mad. 
 You are but whimsied yet ; crotcheted, conun- 
 drumed, or so. [Aside. 
 
 Mel. Here's all my care ; and I do often sigh 
 For thee, CleophUa ; we are secluded 
 From all good people. But take heed ; Amethus 
 Was son to Doryla, Agenor's sister ; 
 There's some ill blood about him, if the surgeon 
 Have not been very skilful to let all out. 
 
 Cleo. I am, alas ! too^^dex^djQ think of love ; 
 That must concern me least. 
 
 Mel. Sirrah, be wise ! be wise ! 
 
 Enter Amethus, Mknaphon, Pakthenoph i l, and 
 Hhetias. 
 
 Trol. Who, I ? I will be monstrous and wise 
 immediately. — Welcome, gentlemen ; the more the 
 merrier. I'U lay the cloth, and set the stools m a 
 readiness, for I see here is some hope of dinner 
 now. [Exit. 
 
 Amet. My lord Meleander, Menaphon, your 
 kinsman, 
 Newly return'd from travel, comes to tender 
 His duty to you; to you his love, fair mistress. 
 
10 
 
 THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 Men. I would I could as easily remove 
 Sadness from your remembrance, sir, as study 
 Tc do you faithful service. — My dear cousin, 
 All best of comforts bless your sweet obedience 1 
 
 Cleo. One chief of them, [my] worthy cousin, 
 In you, and your well-doing. [lives 
 
 Men. This young stranger 
 Will well deserve your knowledge. 
 
 Amet. For my friend's sake, 
 Lady, pray give him welcome. 
 
 Cleo. He has met it. 
 If sorrows can look kindly. 
 
 Par. You much honour me. 
 
 Rhe. How he eyes the company ! sure my pas- 
 sion will betray my weakness. — O my master, my 
 noble master, do not forget me ; I am still the 
 humblest, and the most faithful in heart of those 
 that serve you. lAside. 
 
 Mel. Ha, ha, ha ! 
 
 Rhe. There's wormwood in that laughter ; 'tis 
 the usher to a violent extremity. \_Asidc. 
 
 Mel. I am a weak old man. All these are come, 
 To jeer my ripe calamities. 
 
 Men. Good uncle ! 
 , Mel. But I'll outstare ye all : fools, desperate 
 1 fools ! 
 
 i You are cheated, grossly cheated ; range, range on, 
 And roll about the world to gather moss, 
 The moss of honour, gay reports, gay clothes. 
 Gay wives, huge empty buildings, whose proud 
 
 roofs 
 Shall with their pinnacles even reach the stars ! 
 Ye work and work like blind moles, in the paths 
 That are bored thro' the crannies of the earth, 
 To charge your hungry souls with such full surfeits. 
 As, being gorg'd once, make you lean with plenty ; 
 And when you have skimm'd the vomit of your 
 
 riots. 
 You are fat in no felicity but folly : 
 Then your last sleeps seize on you ; then the troops 
 Of worms crawl round, and feast, good cheer, rich 
 Dainty, delicious ! — Here's Cleophila ; [fare, 
 
 All the poor stock of my remaining thrift : 
 You, you, the prince's cousin, how d'ye like her ? 
 Amethus, how d'ye like her } 
 
 Amet. My intents 
 Are just and honourable. 
 
 Men. Sir, believe him. 
 
 Mel. Take her ! — "We two must part ; go to him. 
 
 Par. This sight is full of horror. [do. 
 
 Rhe. There is sense yet, 
 In this distraction. 
 
 Mel. In this jewel I have given away 
 All what I can call mine. When I am dead, 
 Save charge ; let me be buried in a nook : 
 No guns, no pompous whining ; these are fooleries. 
 If, whilst we live, we stalk about the streets 
 Jostled by carmen, foot-posts, and fine apes 
 In silken coats, unminded and scarce thought on ; 
 It is not comely to be haled to the earth. 
 Like high-fed jades upon a tilting-day. 
 In antick trappings. Scorn to useless tears I 
 Eroclea was not coffin'd so ; she perish'd. 
 And no eye dropp'd save mine — and I am childish 
 I talk like one that doats ; laugh at me, Rhetias, 
 Or rail at me — They will not give me meat. 
 They have starv'd me ; but I'll henceforth be mine 
 
 own cook. 
 Good morrow ! 'tis too early for my cares 
 To revel ; I will break my heart a little. 
 And tell ye more hereafter. Pray be merry. \_Exit. 
 
 Rhe. I'll follow him. My lord Amethus, use 
 your time respectively ; few words to purpose 
 soonest prevail : study no long orations ; be plain 
 and short. I'll follow him. lExit 
 
 Amet. Cleophila, although these blacker clouds 
 Of sadness, thicken and make dark the sky 
 Of thy fair eyes, yet give me leave to follow 
 The stream of my affections ; they are pure. 
 Without all mixture of unnolsle thoughts : 
 Can you be ever mine ? 
 
 Cleo. I am so low 
 In mine own fortunes, and my father's woes. 
 That I want words to tell you, you deserve 
 A worthier choice. 
 
 Amet. But give me leave to hope. 
 
 Men. My friend is serious. 
 
 Cleo. Sir, this for answer. If I ever thrive 
 In any earthly happiness, the next 
 To my good father's wish'd recovery. 
 Must be my thankfulness to your great merit, 
 Which I dare promise : — for the present time. 
 You cannot urge more from me. 
 
 Mel. [wiihin.'\ Ho, Cleophila! 
 
 Cleo. This gentleman is mov'd. 
 
 Amel. Your eyes, Parthenophill, 
 Are guilty of some passion. 
 
 Men. Friend, what ails thee ? 
 
 Par. All is not well within me, sir. 
 
 Mel. [within.'] Cleophila! 
 
 Amet. Sweet maid, forget me not ; we now must 
 part. 
 
 Cleo. Still you shall have my prayer. 
 
 Amet. Still you my truth. \_Exeunt. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I. -A Room in the Palace. 
 
 Enter Cuculus and Grilla, the former in a black Velvet 
 Cap, and a white Feather, with a Paper in his hand. 
 
 Cue. Do not I look freshly, and like a youth of 
 the trim.^ 
 
 Gril. As rare an old youth as ever walked cross- 
 gartered. 
 
 Cue. Here are my mistresses, mustered in white 
 andblack. [Rends.'] " Kala, the waiting- woman.'' 
 I will first begin at the foot: stand thou for 
 Kala. 
 
 Gril. I stand for Kala ; do your best and your 
 worst. 
 
 Cue I must look big, and care little or nothing 
 for her, because she is a creature that stands at 
 livery. Thus I talk wisely, and to no purpose. 
 " Wench, as it is not fit that thou should'st be 
 either fair or honest, so, considering thy service, 
 thou art as thou art, and so are thy betters, let 
 them be what they can be. Thus, in despite and 
 defiance of all thy good parts, if I cannot endure 
 thy baseness, 'tis more out of thy courtesy than my 
 deserving; and so I expect thy answer." 
 
SCENE I. 
 
 THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY, 
 
 11 
 
 Gril. I must confess — 
 
 Cue. Well said. 
 
 Gril, You are — 
 
 Cue. That's true too. 
 
 Gril. To speak you riglit, a very scurvy fellow. 
 
 Cue. Away, away ! — dost think so ? 
 
 Gril. A very foul-mouth'd and misshapen cox- 
 
 Cuc. I'll never believe it, by this hand. [comb. 
 
 Gril. A maggot, most unworthy to creep in 
 To the least wrinkle of a gentlewoman's 
 (What d'ye call) good conceit, or so, or what 
 You will else — were you not refin'd by courtship. 
 And education, which, in my blear eyes. 
 Makes you appear as sweet as any nosegajt,^ 
 Or savoury cod of musk, new fall'n from the cat. 
 
 Cwc. This shall serve well enough for the wait- 
 ing-woman. My next mistress is Cleophila, the 
 old madman's daughter. I must come to her in 
 whining tune ; sigh, wipe mine eyes, fold my arms, 
 and blubber out my speech as thus : '' Even as a 
 kennel of hounds, sweet lady, cannot catch a hare, 
 when they are full paunched on the carrion of a 
 dead horse ; so, even so the gorge of my affections, 
 being full crammed with the garboils of your con- 
 dolements, doth tickle me with the prick (as it were) 
 aboutme, and fellow-feelingof howlingoutright." — 
 
 Gril. This will do't, if we will hear. 
 
 Cue. Thou seest I am crying ripe, I am such 
 another tender-hearted fool. 
 
 Gril. " Even as the snuff of a candle that is 
 burnt in the socket goes out, and leaves a strong 
 perfume behind it ; or as a piece of toasted cheese 
 next the heart in a morning, is a restorative for a 
 sweet breath : so, even so the odoriferous savour 
 of your love doth perfume my heart (heigh ho !) 
 with the pure scent of an intolerable content, and 
 not to be endured." 
 
 Cue. By this hand 'tis excellent ! Have at 
 thee, last of all, for the Princess Thamasta, she 
 that is my mistress indeed. She is abominably 
 proud, a lady of a damnable high, turbulent, and 
 generous spirit ; but I have a loud-mouth'd cannon 
 of mine own to batter her, and a penned speech of 
 purpose : observe it. 
 
 Gril. Thus I walk by, hear and mind you not. 
 
 Cue. [reads.] '* Tho' haughty as the devil or 
 his dam. 
 Thou do.<it appear, great mistress ; yet I am 
 Like to an uyly fire work, and can mount 
 Above the region of thy sweet ac — count. 
 Wert thou the moon herself, yet having seen thee, 
 Behold the man ordain' d to move within thee." — 
 Look to yourself, housewife ! answer me in strong 
 lines, you were best. 
 
 Gril. Keep off, poor fool, my beams will strike 
 thee blind ; 
 Else, if tho\i touch me, touch me but behind. 
 In palaces, such as pass in before. 
 Must be great princes ; for, at the back door, 
 Tatterdemallions wait, who know not how 
 To gain admittance ; such a one — art thou. 
 
 Cue. 'Sfoot, this is downright roaring. 
 
 Gril. I knovf how to present a big lady in her 
 own cue. — But pray, in earnest, are you in love 
 with all these ? 
 
 Cue. Pish ! I have not a rag of love about me ; 
 'tis only a foolish humour I am possessed with, to 
 be surnamed the Conqueror. I will court any 
 thing ; be in love with nothing, nor no — thing. 
 
 Gril. A rare man you are, I protest. 
 
 Cue. Yes, I know I am a rare man, and I e^ er 
 
 held myself so. 
 
 Enter Pelias and Cokax, 
 
 Pel. In amorous contemplation, on my life ; 
 Courting his page, by Helicon ! 
 
 Cue. 'Tis false. 
 
 Gril. A gross untruth ; I'll justify it, sir, 
 At any time, place, weapon. 
 
 Cue. Marry, shall she. 
 
 Cor. No quarrels, goody Whiske ! lay by your 
 trumperies, and fall to your practice : instructions 
 are ready for you all. Pelias is your leader, follow 
 him ; get credit now or never. Vanish, doodles, 
 vanish ! 
 
 Cue. For the device } 
 
 Cor. The same ; get ye gone, and make no bawl- 
 ing. lExeunt all but Corax. 
 To waste my time thus, drone-like, in the court, 
 And lose so many hours, as my studies 
 Have hoarded up, is to be like a man, 
 That creeps both on his hands and knees, to climb 
 A mountain's top ; where, when he is ascended. 
 One careless slip down-tumbles him again 
 Into the bottom, whence he first began. 
 I need no prince's favour ; princes need 
 My art: then, Corax, be no more a gull, 
 The best of 'em cannot fool thee ; nay, they shall 
 not. 
 
 Enter Sophronos and Aretus. 
 
 Soph. We find him timely now ; let's learn the 
 cause. 
 
 Are. 'Tis fit we should. — Sir, we approve you 
 learn'd. 
 And, since your skill can best discern the humours 
 That are predominant, in bodies subject 
 To alteration ; tell us, pray, what devil n 
 This melancholy is, which can transforna_J . 
 Men into monsters. 
 
 Cor. You are yourself a scholar, 
 And quick of apprehension : Melancholy 
 Is not, as you conceive, indisposition 
 Of body, but the mind's disease. So Extasy, 
 Fantastic Dotage, Madness, Frenzy, Rupture 
 Of mere imagination, differ partly 
 From melancholy ; which is briefly this, 
 A mere commotion of the mind, o'ercharged 
 With fear and sorrow ; first begot i' th' brain, 
 The seat of reason, and from thence deriv'd 
 As suddenly into the heart, the seat ^ 
 
 Of our affection. 
 
 Are. There are sundry kinds 
 Of this disturbance ? 
 
 Cor. Infinite ; it were 
 More easy to conjecture every hour 
 We have to live, than reckon up the kinds, 
 Or causes of this anguish of the mind. 
 
 Soph. Thus you conclude, that, as the cause is 
 The cure must be impossible ; and then [doubtful 
 Our prince, poor gentleman, is lost for ever, 
 As well unto himself, as to his subjects. 
 
 Cor. My lord, you are too quick ; thus much I 
 Promise and do ; ere many minutes pass, [dare 
 I will discover whence his sadness is. 
 Or undergo the censure of my ignorance. 
 
 Are. You are a noble scholar. 
 
 Soph. For reward 
 You shall make your own demand. 
 
 Cor. May 1 be sure ? 
 
12 
 
 THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY. 
 
 Are. We both will pledge our truth. 
 
 Cor. 'Tis soon perform 'd. 
 That I may be discharged from my attendance 
 At court, and never more be sent for after : 
 Or — if I be, may rats gnaw all my books, 
 If I get home once, and come here again ! 
 Though my neck stretch a halter for't, I care not. 
 
 Soph. Come, come, you shall not fear it. 
 
 Cor. I'll acquaint you 
 With what is to be done ; and you shall fashion it. 
 
 [_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II A Room in Thamasta's House. 
 
 Enter Kala and Parthenophill. 
 
 Kala. My lady does expect you, thinks all 
 time 
 Too slow till you come to her : wherefore, young 
 If you intend to love me, and me only, [man, 
 
 Before we part, without more circumstance, 
 Let us betroth ourselves. 
 
 Par. I dare not wrong you ; — 
 You are' too violent. 
 
 Kala. Wrong me no more 
 Than I wrong you ; be mine, and I am yours ; 
 I cannot stand on points. 
 
 Par. Then, to resolve 
 All further hopes, you never can be mine, 
 Must not, and, pardon though I say, you shall 
 not. 
 
 Kala. The thing is sure a gelding. [^Aside-I — 
 Shall not ! Well, 
 You were best to prate unto my lady now, 
 What proffer I have made. 
 
 Par. Never, I vow. 
 
 Rala. Do, do ! 'tis but a kind heart of my own, 
 And ill luck can undo me. — Be refused ! 
 O scurvy I — Pray walk on, I'll overtake you. 
 
 lExit 'Par. 
 What a green-sickness liver'd boy is this ! 
 My maidenhead will shortly grow so stale, 
 That 'twill be mouldy ; — but I'll mar her market. 
 
 Enter Menaphon. 
 
 Men. Parthenophill passed this way ; prithee, 
 Direct me to him. [Kala, 
 
 Kala. Yes, I can direct you ; 
 But you, sir, must forbear. 
 
 Men. Forbear ? 
 
 Kala. I said so. 
 Your bounty has engaged my truth, receive 
 A secret, that will, as you are a man. 
 Startle your reason ; 'tis but mere respect 
 Of what I owe to thankfulness. Dear sir, 
 The stranger, whom your courtesy received 
 For friend, is made your rival. 
 
 Men. Rival, Kala ? 
 Take heed ; thou art too credulous. 
 
 Kala. My lady, 
 Doats on him : I will place you in a room, 
 Where, though you cannot hear, yet you shall see 
 Such passages as will confirm the truth 
 Of my intelligence. 
 
 Men. 'Twill make me mad. 
 
 Kala. Yes, yes. 
 It makes me mad too, that a gentleman 
 So excellently sweet, so liberal. 
 So kind, so proper, should be so betray'd. 
 By a young smooth-chinn'd straggler ; but, for 
 love's sake. 
 
 Bear all with manly courage. — Not a word ; 
 I am undone then. 
 
 Men. That were too much pity : 
 Honest, most honest Kala ! 'tis thy care, 
 Thy serviceable care. 
 
 Kala. You have ev'n spoken 
 All can be said or thought. 
 
 Men. I will reward thee : 
 But as for him, ungentle boy, I'll whip 
 His falsehood with a vengeance. — 
 
 Kala. O speak little. 
 Walk up these stairs ; and take this key, it opens 
 A chamber door, where, at that window yonder, 
 You may see all their courtship. 
 
 Men. I am silent. 
 
 Kala. As little noise as may be, I beseech you ; 
 There is a back stair to convey you forth 
 Unseen or unsuspected. — lExit Menaphon. 
 
 He that cheats 
 A waiting-woman of a free good turn 
 She longs for, must expect a shrewd revenge. 
 Sheep-spirited boy ! altho' he had not married me. 
 He might have proifer'd kindness in a corner, 
 And ne'er have been the worse for't. They are 
 On goes my set of faces most demurely. come : 
 
 Enter Thaaiasta and Parthenophill. 
 
 Tha. Forbear the room. 
 
 Kala. Yes, madam. 
 
 Tha. Whosoever 
 Requires access to me, deny him entrance 
 Till I call thee ; and wait without. 
 
 Kala. I shall. 
 Sweet Venus, turn his courage to a snow-ball, 
 I heartily beseech it ! iAside, and exit. 
 
 Tha. I expose 
 The honour of my birth, my fame, my youth, 
 To hazard of much hard construction. 
 In seeking an adventure of a parley. 
 So private, with a stranger : if your thoughts 
 Censure me not with mercy, you may soon 
 Conceive, I have laid by that modesty. 
 Which should preserve a virtuous name unstain'd. 
 
 Par. Lady — to shorten long excuses — time 
 And safe experience have so thoroughly arm'd 
 My apprehension, with a real taste 
 Of your most noble nature, that to question 
 The least part of your bounties, or that freedom, 
 Which Heav'n hath with a plenty made you rich 
 Would argue me uncivil ; which is more, [in. 
 
 Base-bred ; and, which is most of all, unthankful. 
 
 Tha. The constant loadstone and the steel are 
 found 
 In several mines ; yet is there such a league 
 Between these minerals, as if one vein 
 Of earth had nourish'd both. The gentle myrtle 
 Is not engraft upon an olive's stock ; 
 Yet nature hath between them lock'd a secret 
 Of sympathy, that, being planted near. 
 They will, both in their branches and their roots, 
 Embrace each other : twines of ivy round 
 The well-grown oak ; the vine doth court the elm j 
 Yet these are different plants. Parthenophill, 
 Consider this aright ; then these slight creatures 
 Will fortify the reasons I should frame 
 For that unguarded (as thou think'st) affection. 
 Which is submitted to a stranger's pity 
 True love may blush, when shame repents too 
 But in all actions, nature yields to fate. [late ; 
 
 Par. Great lady, 'twere a dulness must exceed 
 
SCENE II. THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY. 13 
 
 The grossest and most sottish kind of ignorance, 
 
 Par. Lady ! 
 
 Not to be sensible of your intents ; 
 
 Tha. When entreats 
 
 I clearly understand them. Yet so much 
 
 Of friends,— 
 
 The difference between that height and lowness, 
 
 Par. I'll ease your grief. 
 
 Which doth distinguish our unequal fortunes, 
 
 Tha. Respect of kindred,— 
 
 Dissuades me from ambition ; that I am 
 
 Par. Pray, give me hearing. 
 
 Humbler in my desires, than love's own power 
 
 Tha. Loss of fame, — 
 
 Can any way raise up. 
 
 Par. I crave 
 
 Tha. I am a princess, 
 
 But some few minutes. 
 
 And know no law of slavery ; to sue, 
 
 Tha. Shall infringe my vows, 
 
 Yet be denied ! 
 
 Let Heaven, — 
 
 Par. I am so much a subject 
 
 Par. My love speaks t'ye : hear, then go on. 
 
 To every law of noble honesty, 
 
 Tha. Thy love ? why, 'tis a charm to stop a 
 
 That to transgress the vows of perfect frieadship, 
 
 vow 
 
 I hold a sacrilege as foul, and curs'd, 
 
 In its most violent course. 
 
 As if some holy temple had been robb'd. 
 
 Par. Cupid has broke 
 
 And I the thief. 
 
 His arrows here ; and, like a child unarm 'd, 
 
 Tha. Thou art unwise, young man, 
 
 Comes to make sport between us with no weapon, 
 
 To enrage a lioness. 
 
 But feathers stolen from his mother's doves. 
 
 Par. It were unjust 
 
 Tha. This is mere trifling. 
 
 To falsify a faith ; and ever after, 
 
 Par. Lady, take a secret. 
 
 Disrobed of that fair ornament, live naked, 
 
 I am as you are ; — in a lower rank. 
 
 A scorn to time and truth. 
 
 Else of the self-same sex, a maid, a virgin. 
 
 Tha. Remember well. 
 
 And now, to use your own words, ** if your thoughts 
 
 Who I am, and what thou art. 
 
 Censure me not with mercy, you may soon 
 
 Par. That remembrance 
 
 Conceive, I have laid by that modesty. 
 
 Prompts me to worthy duty. great lady. 
 
 Which should preserve a virtuous name unstain'd." 
 
 If some few days have tempted your free heart. 
 
 Tha. Are you not mankind then ? 
 
 To cast away affection on a stranger ; 
 
 Par. When you shall read 
 
 If that affection have so oversway'd 
 
 The story of my sorrows, with the change 
 
 Your judgment, that it, in a manner, hath 
 
 Of my misfortunes, in a letter printed 
 
 Declined your sovereignty of birth and spirit ; 
 
 From my unforged relation, I believe 
 
 How can you turn your eyes off from that glass, 
 
 You will not think the shedding of one tear, 
 
 Wherein you may new trim, and settle right 
 
 A prodigality that misbecomes 
 
 A memorable name ? 
 
 Your pity and my fortune. 
 
 Tha. The youth is idle. 
 
 Tha. Pray conceal 
 
 Par. Days, months, and years are past, since 
 
 The errors of my passions. 
 
 Menaphon 
 
 Par. Would I had 
 
 Hath loved and serv'd you truly ; Menaphon, 
 
 Much more.ofjionaui' (as for life, I value't not) 
 
 A man of no large distance in his blood 
 
 To venture on your secrecy ! 
 
 From your's ; in qualities desertful, graced 
 
 Tha. It will be 
 
 With youth, experience, every happy gift 
 
 A hard task for my reason, to relinquish 
 
 That can by nature, or by education 
 
 The affection, which was once devoted thine ; 
 
 Improve a gentleman : for him, great lady, 
 
 I shall awhile repute thee still the youth 
 
 Let me prevail, that you will yet at last 
 
 I loved so dearly. 
 
 Unlock the bounty, which your love and care 
 
 Par. You shall find me ever, 
 
 Have wisely treasur'd up, to enrich his life. 
 
 Your ready faithful servant. 
 
 Tha. Thou hast a moving eloquence, Partheno- 
 
 Tha. O, the powers 
 
 phill !— 
 
 Who do direct our hearts, laugh at our follies I 
 
 Parthenophill, in vain we strive to cross 
 
 We must not part yet. 
 
 The destiny that guides us : my great heart 
 
 Par. Let not my unworthiness 
 
 Is stoop'd so much beneath that wonted pride, 
 
 Alter your good opinion. 
 
 That first disguis'd it, that I now prefer 
 
 Tha. I shall henceforth 
 
 A miserable life with thee, before 
 
 Be jealous of thy company with any ; 
 
 All other earthly comforts. 
 
 My fears are strong and many. 
 
 Par. Menaphon, 
 
 
 By me, repeats the self-same words to you : 
 
 Re-enter Kala. 
 
 You are too cruel, if you can distrust 
 
 Kala. Did your ladyship 
 
 His truth, or my report. 
 
 Call me ? 
 
 Tha. Go where thou wilt. 
 
 Tha. For what? 
 
 I'll be an exile with thee ; I will learn 
 
 Kala. Your servant Menaphon 
 
 To bear all change of fortunes. 
 
 Desires admittance. 
 
 Par. For my friend, \ 
 I plead with grounds of reason. ^ 
 
 
 Enter Menaphox. 
 
 Tha. For thy love. 
 
 Men. With your leave, great mistress, 
 
 Hard-hearted youth, I here renounce all thoughts 
 
 I come, — So private ! is this well, Parthenophill > 
 
 Of other hopes, of other entertainments — 
 
 Par. Sir, noble sir ! 
 
 Par. Stay, as you honour virtue. 
 
 Men. You are unkind and treacherous r 
 
 Tha. When the proSSra *^— ^ 
 
 This 'tis to trust a straggler ! 
 
 Of other greatness, — 
 
 Tha. Prithee, servant— 
 
11 
 
 THE LOVER'S MELAN(.rtOLY. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 Men. I dare not question you, you are my 
 mistress, 
 My prince's nearest kinswoman ; but he — 
 
 Tha. Come, you are angry. 
 
 Mm. Henceforth, I will bury 
 Unmanly passion in perpetual silence : 
 I'll court mine own distraction, doat on folly. 
 Creep to the mirth and madness of the age, 
 Rather than be so slav'd again to woman, 
 Which, in her best of constancy, is steadiest 
 In change and scorn. 
 
 Tha. How dare you talk to me thus ? 
 
 Men. Dare ? Were you not own sister to my 
 friend. 
 Sister to my Amethus, I would hurl you 
 As far off from mine eyes, as from my heart ; 
 For I would never more look on you. Take 
 Your jewel t'ye ! — and, youth, keep under wing. 
 Or — boy ! — boy ! 
 
 Tha. If commands be of no force, 
 Let me entreat thee, Menaphon. 
 
 Men. 'Tis naught. 
 Fie, fie, Parthenophill ! have I deserv'd 
 To be thus used ? 
 
 Par. I do protest — 
 
 Men. You shall not ; 
 Henceforth I will be free, and hate my bondage. 
 
 Enter Amethus. 
 Amet. Away, away to court ! The prince is 
 pleas 'd 
 To see a Masque to-night ; we must attend him : 
 'Tis near upon the time. — How thrives your suit ? 
 Men. The judge, your sister, will decide it 
 
 shortly. 
 Tha. Parthenophill, I will not trust you from 
 me. \_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III.— ^ Room in the Palace. 
 
 Enter Palador, Sophronos, Aretus, and Corax ; Servants 
 with Torches. 
 
 Cor. Lights and attendance ! I will shew your 
 highness 
 A trifle of mine own brain. If you can. 
 Imagine you were now in the university. 
 You'll take it well enough ; a scholar's fancy, 
 A quab ; 'tis nothing else, a very quab. 
 
 Pal. We will observe it. 
 
 Soph. Yes, and grace it too, sir. 
 For Corax else is humorous and testy. 
 
 Are. By any means ; men singular in art. 
 Have always some odd whimsey more than usual. 
 
 Pal. The name of this conceit. 
 
 Cor. Sir, it is called 
 The Masque of Melancholy. 
 
 Are. We must look for 
 Nothing but sadness here, then. 
 
 Cor. Madness rather 
 In several changes. Melancholy is 
 The root, as well of every apish frenzy, 
 i Laughter and mirth, as dulness. Pray, my lord. 
 Hold, and observe the plot ; {Gives Pal. a paper) 
 
 'tis there express'd 
 In kind, what shall be now express'd in action. — 
 
 Enter Amethus, Menaphon, Thamasta, and Parthe- 
 nophill. 
 No interruption ;— take your places quickly ; 
 Nay, nay, leave ceremony. Sound to th' entrance ! 
 
 l^Flourish. 
 
 Enter Rhetias, Ms Face whited, black shag Hair, long 
 Nails ; with a piece of raw Meat. 
 
 Rhe. Bow, bow ! tvow, ivow ! the moon's 
 eclipsed ; I'll to the church-yard and sup. Since 
 J turn'd wolf, I barh, and howl, a7id dig up 
 graves ; T icill never have the sun shine again : 
 'tis midnight, deep dark midnight, — get a prey, 
 and fall to — I have catch' d thee now. — Arre ! — 
 
 Cor. This, kind is called Lycanthropia, sir ; when 
 men conceive themselves wolves. 
 
 Pal. Here I find it. \_Looking at the paper. 
 
 Enter Pelias, with a Crown of Feathers, anticklyrich. 
 
 Pel. / will hang 'em all, and burn my wife. 
 Was I not an emp'ror ? my hand was kiss'd, and 
 ladies lay down before me. In triumph did I ride 
 with my nobles about me, till the mad dog bit me; 
 I fell, and I fell, and I fell. It shall be treason 
 by statute for any man to name wafer, or wash his 
 hands, throughout all my dominions : break all 
 the looking-glasses, I will not see my horns ; my 
 wife cuckolds me ; she is a whore, a whore, a 
 whore, a whore ! 
 
 Pal. Hydrophobia term you this ? 
 
 Cor. And men possess'd so, shun all sight of 
 water ; 
 Sometimes, if mix'd with jealousy, it renders them 
 Incurable, and oftentimes brings death. 
 
 Enter a Philosopher in black Rags, with a Copper Chain, 
 an old Gown half off, and a Book. 
 
 Plii. Philosophers divell in the moon. Specu- 
 lation and theory girdle the world about, like a 
 wall. Ignorance, like an atheist, must be damn'd 
 in the pit. I am very, very poor, and poverty is 
 the physic for the soul; my opinions are pure 
 and perfect. Envy is a monster, and I defy the 
 beast. 
 
 Cor. Delirium this is call'd, which is mere 
 dotage. 
 Sprung from ambition first, and singularity, 
 Self-love, and blind opinion of true merit. 
 
 Pal. I not dislike the course. 
 
 Enter Gkilla, in a rich Gown, great Fardingale, great 
 Ruff, a Muff, Fan, and Coxcomb on her Head. 
 
 Gril. Yes forsooth, and no forsooth ; is not this 
 fine ! I pray your blessing, gaffer. Here, here, 
 here — did he give me a shough, and cut off's tail. 
 Buss, buss,, nuncle, and there's a pum for daddy. 
 Cor. You find this noted there, phrenitis. 
 Pal. True. 
 ^ Cor. Pride is the ground on't ; it reigns most ir 
 women. 
 
 Enter Cuculus like a Bedlam, singing. 
 Cue. They that will learn to drink a health in hell, 
 Must learn on earth to take tobacco well. 
 To take tobacco well, to take tobacco well ; 
 For in hell they drink nor wine, nor ale, nor beer. 
 But fire, and smoke, and stench, as we do here. 
 
 Bhe. I'll swoop thee up. 
 
 Pel. Thou'st straight to execution. 
 
 Gril. Fool, fool, fool ! catch me an thou canst. 
 
 Phi. Expel him the house ; 'tis a dunce. 
 
 Cue. \sings.'\ Hark, did you not hear a rumbling ! 
 Tlie goblins are now a tumbling : 
 I'll tear 'cm, I'll sear 'em, 
 I'll roar 'm, 1*11 goKe 'em ! 
 Now, now, now! my brains are a jumbling, — 
 Bounce! the gun's oflF. 
 
THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY. 
 
 l/> 
 
 Pal. You name this here, hypochondriacal ? 
 
 Cor. Which is a windy flatuous humour, stuffing 
 The head, thence deriv'd to the animal parts. 
 To be too over-curious, loss of goods 
 Or friends, excess of f^ar, or sorrows cause it. 
 
 Enter a Sea-Nymph, hig-bdlied, singing and dancing 
 
 Nymph. Good your honours. 
 
 Pray your worships, 
 
 Dear your beauties, — 
 Cue. Hang thee ! 
 
 To lash your sides. 
 
 To tame your hides. 
 
 To scourge your prides ; ^^ 
 
 And bang thee. 
 Nymph. We're pretty and dainty, and I will begin ; 
 
 See ! how they do jeer me, deride ine, and grin. 
 
 Come, sport me, come, court me, your topsail 
 advance. 
 
 And let us conclude our delights in a danco. 
 
 All. A dance, a dance, a dance ! 
 *' Cor. This is the wanton melancholy. Women 
 With child, possess'd with this strange fury, often 
 Have danced three days together without ceasing. 
 Pal. 'Tis very strange : but Heaven is full of 
 miracles. 
 
 THE DANCB, 
 
 [^Exeunt the Masquers in couples. 
 We are thy debtor, Corax, for the gift 
 
 Of this invention ; but the plot deceives us : 
 What means this empty space ? 
 
 [Pointing to the paper. 
 
 Cor. One kind of Melancholy 
 Is only left untouch'd ; 'twas not in art 
 To personate the shadow of that fancy ; 
 ' 'Tis nam'd Love-Melancholy. As, for instance, 
 Admit this stranger here,— young man, stand- 
 forth — iTo Pauth 
 Entangled by the beauty of this lady, 
 The great Thamasta, cherish'd in his heart 
 The weight of hopes and fears ; it were impossible 
 To limn his passions in such lively colours, 
 As his own proper sufferance could express. --_ 
 
 Par. You are not modest, sir. / 
 
 Tha. Am I your mirth ? / 
 
 Cor. Love is the tyrant of the heart ; it darker^ 
 Reason, confounds discretion; deaf to counsel, ; 
 It runs a headlong course to desperate madness. 
 O were your highness but touch'd home, and tho- 
 With this (what shall I call it ?) devil — [roughly, 
 
 Pal. Hold! 
 
 Let no man henceforth name the word again 
 
 Wait you my pleasure, youth. — 'Tis late ; to rest ! — 
 
 ^Exit. 
 
 Cor. My lords — 
 
 Soph. Enough ; thou art a perfect arts-man. 
 
 Cor. Panthers may hide their heads, not change 
 the skin; 
 And love, pent ne'er so close, yet will be seen. 
 
 lExeunt. 
 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I.— A Room in Thamasta's House. 
 Enter Amethus and Menaphon. 
 
 Amet. Doat on a stranger? 
 
 Men. Court him ; plead, and sue to him. 
 
 Amet. Affectionately? 
 
 Men. Servilely ; and, pardon me, 
 If I say, basely. 
 
 Amet. Women, in their passions. 
 Like false fires, flash, to fright our trembling senses, 
 Yet, in themselves, contain nor light nor heat. 
 My sister do this I she, whose pride did scorn 
 All thoughts that were not busied on a crown, 
 To fall so far beneath her fortunes now ! — 
 You are my friend. 
 
 Men. What I confirm, is truth. 
 
 Amet. Truth, Menaphon ? 
 
 Men. If I conceived you were 
 Jealous of my sincerity and plainness, 
 Then, sir 
 
 Amet. What then, sir? 
 
 Men. I would then resolve 
 You were as changeable in vows of friendship, 
 As is Thamasta in her choice of love 
 That sin is double, running in a blood, 
 Which justifies another being worse. 
 
 Amet. My Menaphon, excuse me; I grow wild, 
 And would not, willingly, believe the truth 
 Of my dishonour : she shall know how much 
 I am a debtor to thy noble goodness. 
 By checking the contempt her poor desires 
 Have sunk her fame in. Prithee tell me, friend. 
 How did the youth receive her ? 
 
 Men. With a coldness 
 As modest and as hopeless, as the trust 
 I did repose in him could wish, or merit. 
 
 Enter Thamasta and Kala. 
 
 Amet. I will esteem him dearly. 
 
 Men. Sir, your sister. 
 
 Tha. Servant, I have employment for you. 
 
 Amet. Hark ye ! 
 The mask of your ambition is fallen off; 
 Your pride hath stoop'd to such an abject lowness. 
 That you have now discover'd to report 
 Your nakedness in virtue, honours, shame, — 
 
 Tha. You are turn'd Satire. 
 
 Amet. All the flatteries 
 Of greatness have exposed you to contempt, 
 
 Tha. This is mere railing. 
 
 Amet. You have sold your birth 
 For lust. 
 
 Tha. Lust? 
 
 Amet. Yes ; and, at a dear expense. 
 Purchased the only glories of a wanton. 
 
 Tha. A wanton ! 
 
 Amet. Let repentance stop your mouth ; 
 Learn to redeem your fault. 
 
 Kala. I hope your tongue 
 Has not betray'd my honesty. [Aside to Msn. 
 
 Men. Fear nothing. 
 
 Tha. If, Menaphon, I hitherto have strove 
 To keep a wary guard about my fame; 
 If I have us'd a woman's skill to sift 
 The constancy of your protested love ; 
 You cannot, in the justice of your judgment. 
 
IG 
 
 THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 Impute that to a coyness or neglect, 
 Which my discretion and your service aim'd 
 For noble purposes. 
 
 Men. Great mistress, no : 
 I rather quarrel with mine own ambition, 
 That durst to soar so high, as to feed hope 
 Of any least desert, that might entitle 
 My duty to a pension from your favours. 
 
 Amet. And therefore, lady, (pray observe him 
 He henceforth covets plain equality ; [well,) 
 
 Endeavouring to rank his fortunes low. 
 With some fie partner, whom, without presumption, 
 Without offence or danger, he may cherish. 
 Yes, and command too, as a wife ; a wife ; 
 A wife, my most great lady ! 
 
 Kala. All will out. iAside. 
 
 Tha. ISow I perceive the league of amity, 
 Which you have long between you vow'd and kept, 
 Is sacred and inviolable ; secrets 
 Of every nature are in common to you. 
 I have trespassed, and I have been faulty ; 
 Let not too rude a censure doom me guilty, 
 Or judge my error wilful without pardon. 
 
 Men. Gracious and virtuous mistress 1 
 
 Amet. 'Tis a trick; 
 There is no trust in female cunning, friend. 
 Let her first purge her follies past, and clear 
 The wrong done to her honour, by some sure 
 Apparent testimony of her constancy ; 
 Or we will not believe these childish plots : 
 As you respect my friendship, lend no ear 
 To a reply— Think on't ! 
 
 Men. Pray, love your fame. 
 
 lExeunt Men. and Amet. 
 
 Tha. Gone ! I am sure awak'd. Kala, I find 
 You have not been so trusty as the duty 
 You owed, required. 
 
 Kala. Not I ? I do protest 
 I have been, madam. 
 
 Tha. Be — no matter what ! 
 I am pay'd in mine own coin ; something I must, 
 And speedily. — So ! — seek out Cuculus, 
 Bid him attend me instantly. 
 
 Kala. That an tick ! 
 The trim old youth shall wait you. 
 
 Tha. Wounds may be mortal, which are wounds 
 indeed ; 
 But no wound's deadly, till our honours bleed. 
 
 lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE IT.— ^ Room in the Castle. 
 Enter Rhetias and Corax. 
 Rhe. Thou art an excellent fellow. Diabolo ! 
 O these lousy close-stool empirics, that will under- 
 take all cures, yet know not the causes of any 
 disease ! Dog-leeches ! By the four elements I 
 honour thee ; could find in my heart to turn knave, 
 and be thy flatterer. 
 
 Cor. Sirrah, 'tis pity thou'dst not been a scholar ; 
 Thou'rt honest, blunt, and rude enough, o'con- 
 
 science! 
 But for thy lord now, — I have put him to't. 
 
 Rhe. He chafes hugely, fumes like a stew-pot ; 
 is he not monstrously overgone in frenzy } 
 
 Cor. Rhetias, 'tis not a madness, but his sor- 
 rows 
 (Close griping grief, and anguish of the soul) 
 That torture him ; he carries hell on earth 
 Within his bosom : 'twas a prince's tyranny 
 
 Caused his distraction ; and a prince's sweetness 
 Must qualify that tempest of his mind. 
 
 Rhe. Corax, to praise thy art, were to assure 
 The misbelieving world, that the sun shines, 
 When 'tis i' th' full meridian of his beauty : 
 No cloud of black detraction can eclipse 
 The light of thy rare knowledge. Henceforth, 
 
 casting 
 All poor disguises off, that play in rudeness, 
 Call me your servant ; only, for the present, 
 I wish a happy blessing to your labours. — 
 Heaven crown your undertakings ! and believe me, 
 Ere many hours can pass, at our next meeting, 
 The bonds my duty owes shall be full cancell'd. 
 
 lExit 
 
 Cor. Farewell ! — A shrewd-brain'd whoreson j 
 there is pith 
 In his untoward plainness. — Now, the news? 
 
 Enter Trollio, ivitJi a Morion on. 
 
 Trol. Worshipful master doctor, I have a great 
 deal of I cannot tell what, to say to you. My lord 
 thunders, every word that comes out of his mouth 
 roars like a cannon ; the house shook once ; — my 
 young lady dares not be seen. 
 
 Cor. We will roar with him, Trollio, if he roar. 
 
 Trol. He has got a great pole-axe in his hand, 
 and fences it up and down the house, as if he were 
 to make room for the pageants. I have provided 
 me a morion for fear of a clap on the coxcomb. 
 
 Cor. No matter for the morion; here's my cap: 
 Thus I will pull it down, and thus outstare him. 
 
 \_He produces a frightful Mask and Head-piece. 
 
 Trol. The physician is got as mad as my lord. 
 — O brave ! a man of worship. 
 
 Cor. Let him come, Trollio. I will firk his 
 trangdido, and bounce, and bounce in metal, honest 
 Trollio, 
 
 Trol. He vapours like a tinker, and struts like 
 a juggler. [Aside. 
 
 Mel. C within.) So ho, so ho ! 
 
 Trol. There, there, there ! look to your right 
 worshipful, look to yourself. 
 
 Enter Meleander with a Pole-axe. 
 Mel. Shew me the dog, whose triple-throated 
 noise 
 Hath rous'd a lion from his uncouth den, 
 To tear the cur in pieces. 
 
 Cor. [Putting on his Mask, and turning to 
 Mkl.] Stay thy paws. 
 Courageous beast ; else, lo ! the Gorgon's skull, 
 That shall transform thee to that restless stone. 
 Which Sisyphus rolls up against the hill ; 
 Whence, tumbling down again, it, with its weight, 
 Shall crush thy bones, and puff thee into air. 
 Mel. Hold, hold thy conquering breath ; 'tis 
 stronger far 
 Than gunpowder and garlic. If the fates 
 Have spun my thread, and my spent clue of life 
 Be not untwisted, let us part like friends : 
 Lay up my weapon, Trollio, and be gone. 
 Trol. Yes, sir, with all my heart. 
 
 [Exit, with the Pole-axe. 
 Mel. This friend and I will walk, and gabble 
 
 wisely. 
 Cor. I allow the motion ; on ! 
 
 [Takes off his Mask.. 
 Mel. So politicians thrive. 
 That with their crabbed faces, and sly tricks, 
 
c# ^■^.^>^^^:^::£>^->^- 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 THE LOVER'S iMELANCHOLY. 
 
 17 
 
 Legerdemain, ducks, cringes, formal beards, 
 Crisp'd hairs, and punctual cheats, do wriggle in 
 Their heads first, like a fox, to rooms of state ; 
 Then the whole body follows. 
 
 Cor. Then tliey fill 
 Lordships ; steal women's hearts ; with them and 
 
 theirs 
 The world runs round; yet these are square men 
 still. 
 
 Mel. There are none poor, but such as engross 
 offices. 
 
 Cor. None wise, but unthrifts, bankrupts, beg- 
 gars, rascals. 
 
 Mel. The hangman is a rare physician. ^ 
 
 Cor. That's not so good: (Aside ) it shall be 
 
 Mel. All [granted. 
 
 The buzz of drugs, and minerals and simples. 
 Blood-lettings, vomits, purges, or what else 
 Is conjur'd up by men of art, to gull 
 Liege-people, and rear golden piles, are trash 
 To a strong well- wrought halter ; there the gout, 
 The stone, yes, and the melancholy devil. 
 Are cured in less time than a pair of minutes : 
 Build me a gallows in this very plot, 
 And I'll dispatch your, business. 
 
 Cor. Fix the knot 
 Right under the left ear. 
 
 Mel. Sirrah, make ready. 
 
 Cor. Yet do not be so sudden ; grant me leave, 
 To give a farewell to a creature long 
 Absented from me : 'tis a daughter, sir, 
 Snatch'd from me in her youth, a handsome girl ; 
 She comes to ask a blessing. 
 
 Mel. Pray, where is she } 
 I cannot see her yet. 
 
 Cor. She makes more haste 
 In her quick prayers than her trembling steps, 
 Which many griefs have weaken'd. 
 
 Mel. Cruel man ! 
 How canst thou rip a heart that's cleft already 
 With injuries of time ? — Whilst I am frantic, 
 Whilst throngs of new divisions huddle on, ''l 
 And do disrank my brains from peace and sleepy 
 So long — I am insensible of cares. 
 As balls of wildfire may be safely touch'd. 
 Not violently sundered, and thrown up; 
 So my distemper'd thoughts rest in their rage. 
 Not hurried in the air of repetition. 
 Or memory of my misfortunes past : 
 Then are my griefs struck home, when they're 
 
 reclaim'd 
 To their own pity of themselves. — Proceed ; 
 What of your daughter now ? 
 
 Cor. I cannot tell you, 
 'Tis now out of my head again ; my brains 
 Are crazy ; I have scarce slept one sound sleep 
 These twelve months. 
 
 Mel. 'Las, poor man ! canst thou imagine 
 To prosper in the task thou tak'st in hand, 
 By practising a cure upon my weakness, 
 And yet be no physician for thyself ? 
 Go, go ! turn over all thy books once more, 
 And learn to thrive in modesty ; for impudence 
 Does least become a scholar. Thou'rt a fool, 
 A kind of learned fool. 
 
 Cor. I do confess it. 
 
 Mel. If thou canst wake with me, forget to eat, 
 Renounce the thought of greatness, tread on fate, 
 Sigh out a lamentable tale of things. 
 Done long ago, and ill done ; and, when sighs c 
 
 Are wearied, piece up what remains behind 
 With weeping eyes, and hearts that bleed to death; 
 Thou shalt be a companion fit for me, 
 And we will sit together, like true friends. 
 And never be divided. With what greediness 
 Do I hug my afflictions ! there's no mirth 
 Which is not truly season'd with some madness : 
 As, for example — lExit hastily. 
 
 Cor. What new crotchet next ? 
 There is so much sense in this wild distraction, 
 That I am almost out of my wits too. 
 To see and hear him : some few hours more 
 Spent here, would turn me apish, if not frantic. 
 
 Re-enter Meleandeb with Cleophila. 
 
 Mel. In all the volumes thou hast turn'd, thou 
 man 
 Of knowledge, hast thou met with any rarity, 
 Worthy thy contemplation, like to this ? 
 The model of the heavens, the earth, the waters. 
 The harmony and sweet consent of times. 
 Are not of such an excellence, in form 
 Of their creation, as the infinite wonder 
 That dwells within the compass of this face : 
 And yet, I tell theerschOlar; ijnder this 
 Well-ordered signTTsToHg^d'such an obedience 
 As will hereafter, in another age. 
 Strike all comparison into a silence. 
 She had a sister too ; — but as for her. 
 If I were given to talk, I could describe 
 A pretty piece of goodness — let that pass — 
 We must be wise sometimes. What would you 
 with her ? 
 
 Cor. I with her ? nothing by your leave, sir, I ; 
 It is not my profession. 
 
 Mel, You are saucy, 
 And, as I take it, scurvy in your sauciness. 
 To use no more respect — good soul ! be patient ; 
 We are a pair of things the world doth laugh at. 
 Yet be content, Cleophila ; those clouds. 
 Which bar the sun from shining on our miseries. 
 Will never be chased off till I am dead ; 
 And then some charitable soul will take thee 
 Into protection : I am hasting on ; 
 The time cannot be long. 
 
 Cleo. I do beseech you. 
 Sir, as you love your health, as you respect 
 My safety, let not passion overrule you. 
 
 Mel. It shall not ; I am friends with all the 
 world. 
 Get me some wine ; to witness that I will be 
 An absolute good fellow, I will drink with thee. 
 
 Cor. Have you prepared his cup ? 
 
 \_Aside to Cleo. 
 
 Cleo. It is iu readiness. 
 
 Enter Cuculus and Grilla. 
 
 Cue. By your leave, gallants, I come to speak 
 with a young lady, as they say, the old Trojan's 
 daughter of the house. 
 
 Mel. Your business with my lady-daughter, 
 
 Gril. Toss-pot ? O base ! toss-pot ? [toss-pot ? 
 
 Cue. Peace ! dost not see in what case he is ? — 
 I would do my own commendations to her ; that's 
 all. 
 
 Mel. Do. Come, my Genius, we will quaff in 
 Till we grow wise. [wine. 
 
 Cor. True nectar is divine. 
 
 \_Exeunt Mel. and Cor. 
 
 Cue, So ! I am glad he is gone. P^ige, walk 
 
ni 
 
 THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY. 
 
 aside —Sweet beauty, T am sent ambassador from 
 the mistress of my tboushts,.to you, the mistress 
 of mv desires. , , . - 
 
 Cieo. So, sir ! I pray be brief. 
 
 Cue. That you may know I am not, as they say, 
 an animal, which is, as they say, a kind of Cokes, 
 which is, as the learned term it, an ass, a puppy, 
 a widgeou, a dolt, a noddy, a 
 
 Cleo. As you please. 
 
 Cue. Pardon me for that, it shall be as you 
 please indeed: forsooth, I love to be courtly and 
 in fashion. 
 
 Cleo. Well, to your embassy. What, and from 
 whom ? 
 
 Cue. Marry, what is more than I know, for to 
 know what's what, is to know what's what, and 
 for what's what:— hut these are foolish figures, 
 and to little purpose. 
 
 Cleo. From whom, then, are you sent? 
 
 Cue. There you come to me again. O, to be 
 in the favour of great ladies, is as much to say, as 
 to be great in ladies' favours. 
 
 Cleo. Good time o' day to you ! I can stay no 
 longer. 
 
 Cue. By this light, but you must ; for now I 
 come to't. The most excellent, most wise, most 
 dainty, precious, loving, kind, sweet, intolerably 
 fair lady Thamasta commends to your little hands 
 this letter of importance. By your leave, let me 
 first kiss, and then deliver it in fashion, to your 
 own proper beauty. IDelivers a letter. 
 
 Cleo. To me, from her? 'tis strange! I dare 
 peruse it. IReads. 
 
 Cue. Good. O, that I had not resolved to live 
 a single life ! Here's temptation, able to conjure 
 up a spirit with a witness. So, so ! she has 
 read it. 
 
 Cleo. Is't possible ? Heaven, thou art great and 
 bountiful. 
 Sir, I much thank your pains ; and to the princess, 
 Let my love, duty, service be remember'd. 
 
 Cue. They shall, mad-dam. 
 
 Cleo. When we of hopes, or helps are quite be- 
 reaven, 
 Our humble prayers have entrance into heaven. 
 
 Cue. That's my opinion clearly and without 
 doubt. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE IIL-^ lioom in the Palace. 
 Enter Ahetus and Sophronos. 
 
 Are. The prince is thoroughly mov'd. 
 
 Soph. I never saw him 
 So much distemper'd. 
 
 Aie. What should this young man be.' 
 Or whither can he be convey'd ? 
 
 Soph. 'Tis to me 
 A mystery ; I understand it not. 
 
 Are. Nor L 
 
 Filter Palador, Amethus, and Pelias. 
 Pal. You have consented all to work upon 
 The softness of my nature ; but take heed : 
 Though I can sleep in silence, and look on 
 The mockery you make of my dull patience, 
 Yet you shall know, the best of ye, that in me 
 There is a masculine, a stirring spirit, 
 Which [once] provok'd, shall, like a bearded comet, 
 Set ye at gaze, and threaten horror. 
 
 Pel. Good sir. 
 
 Pal. Good sir, 'tis not your active wit or lan- 
 guage, 
 Nor your grave politic wisdoms, lords, shall dare 
 To check-mate, and controul my just demands. 
 
 Enter Menaphon. 
 youth, your friend ? 
 
 Is 
 
 he found 
 [yet? 
 
 Where is the 
 
 Men. Not to be heard of. 
 
 Pal. Fly then to the desert. 
 Where thou didst first encounter this fantastic. 
 This airy apparition ; come no more 
 In sight ! Get ye all from me ; he that stays, 
 Is not my friend. 
 
 Amet. 'Tis strange. 
 
 Are. Soph. We must obey. 
 
 [Exeunt all hut Paladob, 
 
 Pal. Some angry power cheats, with rare de- 
 lusions. 
 My credulous sense ; the very soul of reason 
 Is troubled in me : — the physician 
 Presented a strange masque, the view of it 
 Puzzled my understanding ; but the boy 
 
 Enter Rhktias. 
 Rhetias, thou art acquainted with my griefs, 
 Parthenophill is lost, and I would see him ; 
 For he is like to something I remember 
 A great while since, a long, long time ago. 
 
 Rhe. I have been diligent, sir, to pry into every 
 corner for discovery, but cannot meet with him. 
 There is some trick, I am confident. 
 
 Pal. There is ; there is some practice, sleight, 
 
 or plot. 
 Rhe. I have apprehended a fair wench, in an 
 odd private lodging in the city, as like the youth 
 in face as can by possibility be discerned. 
 Pal. How, Rhetias ? 
 
 Rhe. If it be not Parthenophill in long coats, 
 'tis a spirit in his likeness ; answer I can get none 
 from her : you shall see her. 
 
 Pal. The young man in disguise, upon my life, 
 To steal out of the land. 
 Rhe. I'll send him to you. 
 Pa/. Do, do, my Rhetias. IExUHhs 
 
 As there is by nature, 
 In every thing created, contrariety. 
 So likewise is there unity and league 
 Between them in their kind ; but man, the abstract 
 Of all perfection, which the workmanship 
 Of heaven hath model'd, in himself contains 
 Passions of several qualities. — 
 Enter behind, Ekoclea (Parthenophill) in female attire. 
 
 The music 
 Of man's fair composition best accords 
 When 'tis in consort, not in single strains : 
 My heart has been untuned these many mouths, 
 Wanting her presence, in whose equal love 
 True harmony consisted. Living here, -^ 
 We are heaven's bounty all, but fortune's exercise. 
 Ero. Minutes are number'd by the fall of sands, 
 As by an hourglass ; the span of time 
 Doth waste us to our graves, and we look on it : 
 An age of pleasures, revell'd out, comes home 
 At last, and ends in sorrow ; but the life, 
 Weary of riot, numbers every sand. 
 Wailing in sighs, until the last drop down ; 
 So to conclude calamity in rest. 
 
 Pal. What echo yields a voice to my corn- 
 Can I be nowhere private ? [plaints ? 
 
THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY. 
 
 la 
 
 Ero. (comes forward^ and kneels.) Let the sub- 
 As suddenly be hurried from your eyes, [stance 
 As the vain sound can pass [, sir, from] your ear, 
 If no impression of a troth vow'd your's, 
 Retain a constant memory. 
 
 Pal. Stand up ! 
 'Tis not the figure stamped upon my cheeks, 
 The cozenage of thy beauty, grace, or tongue. 
 Can draw from me a secret, that hath been 
 The only jewel of my speechless thoughts. 
 
 Ero. I am so woi-n away with %ars and sorrows, 
 So winter'd with the tempests of affliction. 
 That the bright sun of your life-quickening pre- 
 sence ^^ 
 Hath scarce one beam of force to warm again 
 That spring of cheerful comfort, which youth once 
 Apparell'd in fresh looks. 
 
 Pal. Cunning impostor ! 
 Untruth hath made thee subtle in thy trade. 
 If any neighbouring greatness hath seduced 
 A free-born resolution, to attempt 
 Some bolder act of treachery, by cutting 
 My weary days off, wherefore, cruel-mercy ! 
 Hast thou assumed a shape that would make 
 A piety, guilt pardonable, bloodshed [treason 
 
 As holy as the sacrifice of peace ? 
 
 Ero. The incense of my love-desires is flam'd 
 Upon an altar of more constant proof. 
 Sir, O sir ! turn me back into the world, 
 Command me to forget my name, my birth, 
 My father's sadness, and my death alive. 
 If all remembrance of my faith hath found 
 A burial, without pity, in your scorn. 
 
 Pal. My scorn, disdainful boy, shall soon un- 
 weave 
 The web thy art hath twisted. Cast thy shape off; 
 Disrobe the mantle of a feigned sex, 
 And so 1 may be gentle ; as thou art, 
 There's witchcraft in thy language, in thy face. 
 In thy demeanours ; turn, turn from me, prithee ! 
 For my belief is arm'd else. — Yet, fair subtilty, 
 Before we part, (for part we must,) be true ; 
 Tell me thy country. 
 
 Ero. Cyprus. 
 
 Pal. Ha ! thy father ? 
 
 Ero. Meleander. 
 
 Pal. Hast a name ? 
 
 Ero. A name of misery ; 
 The unfortunate Eroclea. 
 
 Pal. There is danger 
 In this seducing counterfeit. Great Goodness, 
 Hath honesty and virtue left the time ! N 
 Are we become so impious, that, to tread \ 
 The path of impudence, is law and justice ? 
 Thou vizard of a beauty ever sacred, 
 Give me thy name. 
 
 Ero. Whilst I was lost to memory, 
 Parthenophill did shroud my shame in change 
 Of sundry rare misfortunes ; but, since now 
 I am, before I dia, return'd to claim 
 A convoy to my grave, I must not blush 
 To let Prince Palador, if I offend, 
 Know, when he dooms me, that he dooms Eroclea ; 
 I am that woeful maid. 
 
 Pal. Join not too fast 
 Thy penance with the story of my sufferings : — 
 So dwelt simplicity with virgin truth ; 
 So martyrdom and holiness are twins. 
 As innocence and sweetness on thy tongue : — 
 But, let me by degrees collect my senses ; 
 I may abuse my trust. TeU me, what air 
 Hast thou perfum'd, since tyranny first ravish'd 
 The contract of our hearts ? 
 
 Ero. Dear sir, in Athens 
 Have I been buried. 
 
 Pal. Buried ? Right ; as I 
 In Cyprus. — Come, to trial ; if thou beest 
 Eroclea, in my bosom I can find thee. 
 
 Ero. As I, Prince Palador in mine : this gift 
 
 \_Shows him a Tablet. 
 His bounty bless'd me with, the only physic 
 My solitary cares have hourly took, 
 To keep me from despair. 
 
 Pal. We are but fools 
 To trifle in disputes, or vainly struggle 
 With that ete rnal m ercy whichpr otegts ui 
 Come homeTTiomS" "tv my^eartTthou banish'd 
 
 peace 1 
 My extasy of joys would speak in passion. 
 But that I would not lose that part of man, 
 Which is reserv'd to entertain content. 
 Eroclea, I am thine ; O, let me seize thee 
 As my inheritance. Hymen shall now 
 Set all his torches burning, to give light 
 Throughout this land, new-settled in thy welcome. 
 
 Ero. You are still gracious, sir. How I have 
 liv'd. 
 By what means been convey'd, by what preserv'd, 
 By what return'd, Rhetias, my trusty servant. 
 Directed by the wisdom of my uncle, 
 The good Sophronos, can inform at large. 
 
 Pal. Enough. Instead of music, every night, 
 To make our sleeps delightful, thou shalt close 
 Our weary eyes with some part of thy story. 
 
 Ero. O, but my father ! 
 
 Pal. Fear not : to behold 
 Eroclea safe, will make him young again ; 
 It shall be our first task. Blush, sensual follies. 
 Which are not guarded with thoughts chastely pure 1 
 There is no faith in lust, but baits of arts ; 
 'Tis virtuous love keeps clear contracted hearts 
 
 lExeunt 
 
 2 
 
 Ji.S.J 
 
 ^ 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I.— A Room in the Castle. 
 Enter Corax and Cleophila. 
 
 Cor. 'Tis well, 'tis well ; the houris at hand, 
 Which must conclude the business, that no art 
 Could all this while make ripe for wish'd content* 
 O lady ! in the turmoils of our lives. 
 Men are like politic states, or troubled seas, 
 
 Toss'd up and down with several storms and 
 
 tempests, 
 Change and variety of wrecks and fortunes ; 
 Till, labouring to the havens of our homes, 
 We struggle for the calm that crowns our ends, 
 
 Cleo. A happy end Heaven bless us with ! 
 
 Cor. 'Tis well said. 
 The old man sleeps still soundly. ^, 2 
 
20 
 
 THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY. 
 
 Cleo. May soft dreams 
 Play in his fancy, that when he awakes, 
 With comfort, he may, by degrees, digest 
 The present blessings in a moderate joy ! 
 
 Cor. I drench'd his cap to purpose ; he ne'er 
 At barber or at tailor. He will laugh [stirr'd 
 
 At his own metamorphosis, and wonder, — 
 We must be watchful. Does the couch stand 
 ready ? 
 
 Enter Trollio. 
 
 Cleo. All, [all] as you commanded. What's 
 yonr haste for ? 
 
 Trol. A brace of big women, usher'd by the 
 young old ape with his she-clog at his bum, are 
 enter'd the castle. Shall they come on ? 
 
 Cor. By any means : the time is precious now ; 
 Lady, be quick and careful. Follow, Trollio! lExit. 
 
 Trol. I owe all sir-reverence to your right woi*- 
 shipfulness. \_Exit. 
 
 Cleo. So many fears, so many joys encounter 
 My doubtful expectations, that I waver 
 Between the resolution of my hopes 
 And my obedience : 'tis not, O my fate ! 
 The apprehension of a timely blessing 
 In pleasures, shakes my weakness ; but the danger 
 Of a mistaken duty, that confines 
 The limits of my reason. Let me live, 
 Virtue, to thee as chaste, as Truth to time ! 
 
 Enter Thamasta, speaking to some one, without. 
 
 Tha. Attend me till I call. — My sweet Cleo- 
 
 Cleo. Great princess — [phila ! 
 
 Tha. I bring peace, to sue a pardon 
 For my neglect of all those noble virtues 
 Thy mind and duty are apparell'd with : 
 I have deserv'd ill from thee, and must say, 
 Thou art too gentle, if thou can'st forget it. 
 
 Cleo. Alas ! you have not wrong'd me ; for, 
 indeed, 
 Acquaintance with my sorrows, and my fortune, 
 Were grown to such familiarity, 
 That 'twas an impudence, more than presumption, 
 To wish so great a lady as you are. 
 Should lose affection on my uncle's son : 
 But that your brother, equal in your blood, 
 Should stoop to such a lowness, as to love 
 A cast-away, a poor despised maid, 
 Only for me to hope was almost sin ; — 
 Yet, 'troth, I never tempted him. 
 
 Tha. Chide not 
 The grossness of my trespass, lovely sweetness. 
 In such an humble language : I have smarted 
 Already in the wounds my pride hath made 
 Upon your sufferings : henceforth, 'tis in you 
 To work my happiness. 
 
 Cleo. Call any service 
 Of mine, a debt ; for such it is. The letter, 
 You lately sent me, in the blest contents 
 It made me privy to, hath largely quitted 
 Every suspicion of your Grace, or goodness. 
 
 Tha. Let me embrace thee with a sister's love, 
 A sister's love, Cleophila ! for should 
 My brother henceforth study to forget 
 Tlie vows that he hath made thee, 1 would ever 
 Solicit thy deserts. 
 
 ^met. Men. [ Within.'] We must have entrance. 
 
 Tha. Must ! Who are they say musi? you are 
 unmannerly. — 
 
 Enter Amethus and Mbnaphon. 
 Brother, is't you? and you too, sir? 
 
 Amet. Your ladyship 
 Has had a time of scolding to your humour ; 
 Does the storm hold still ? 
 
 Cleo. Never fell a shower 
 More seasonably gentle on the barren 
 Parch'd thirsty earth, than showers of courtesy 
 Have from this princess been distill'd from me, 
 To make my growth in quiet of my mind 
 Secure and lasting 
 
 Tha. You may both believe, 
 That I was not uncivil. 
 
 Amet. Pish ! I know 
 Her spirit and her envy. 
 
 Cleo. Now, in troth, sir, — 
 (Pray credit me, I do not use to swear) 
 The virtuous princess hath, in words and carriage, 
 Been kind, so over-kind, that I do blush, 
 I am not rich enough in thanks sufficient 
 For her unequall'd bounty. — My good cousin, 
 I have a suit to you. 
 
 Men. It shall be granted. 
 
 Cleo. That no time, no persuasion, no respects 
 Of jealousies, past, present, or hereafter 
 By possibility to be conceiv'd, 
 Draw you from that sincerity and pureness 
 Of love, which you have oftentimes protested 
 To this great worthy lady : she deserves 
 A duty more than what the ties of marriage 
 Can claim or warrant ; be for ever her's, [forts i 
 As she is yours, and Heaven increase your com- 
 
 Amet. Cleophila hath play'd the churchman's 
 I'll not forbid the bans. [part ; 
 
 Men. Are you contented ? 
 
 Tha. I have one task in charge first, which 
 concerns me. 
 Brother, be not more cruel than this lady ; 
 She hath forgiv'n my follies, so may you. 
 Her youth, her beauty, innocence, discretion, 
 Without additions of estate or birth. 
 Are dower for a prince, indeed. You lov'd her ; 
 For sure you swore you did : else, if you did not, 
 Here fix your heart ; and thus resolve, if now 
 You miss this heaven on earth, you cannot find 
 In any other choice aught but a hell. 
 
 Amet. The ladies are turn'd lawyers, and plead 
 handsomely 
 Their clients' cases : I am an easy judge, 
 And so shalt thou be, Menaphon. I give thee 
 My sister for a wife ; a good one, friend. 
 
 Men. Lady, will you confirm the gift ? 
 
 Tha. The errors 
 Of my mistaken judgment being lost 
 To your remembrance, I shall ever strive 
 In my obedience to deserve your pity. 
 
 Men. My love, my care, my all ! 
 
 Amet. What rests for me ? 
 I am still a bachelor : Sweet maid, resolve me, 
 May I yet call you mine ? 
 
 Cleo. My lord Amethus, 
 Blame not my plainness ; I am young and simple, 
 And have not any power to dispose 
 Mine own will, without warrant from my father ; 
 That purchased, I am yours. 
 
 Amet. It shall suffice me. 
 
 Enter Cuculus, Pblias, and Trollio, plucking in Gbtlla. 
 
 Cue. Revenge ! I must have revenge ; I will 
 
 ^jjbiave revenge, bitter and abominable revenge ; I 
 
\t 
 
 THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY. 
 
 21 
 
 will have revenge. This unfashionable mongrel, 
 this linsey-wolsey of mortality — by this hand, 
 mistress, this she-rogue is drunk, and clapper- 
 clawed me, without any reverence to my person, 
 or good garments. Why do you not speak, gen- 
 tlemen ? 
 
 Pel. Some certain blows have past, an't like 
 
 your highness. 
 Trol. Some few knocks of friendship ; some love 
 toys, some cuffs in kindness, or so. 
 t- Grit. I'll turn him away, he shall be my master 
 vno longer. 
 
 ^\ Men. Is this your she-page, Cuculus ? 'tis a boy, 
 y^ Cue. A boy, an arrant boy in long coatj,^ [sure. 
 ' <J 'Trol. He has mumbled his nose, that *^tis as big 
 
 m a'' great cod-piece. 
 %^' Cue. Oh, thou cock-vermin of iniquity ! 
 
 Tha. Pelias, take hence the wag, and school 
 him for't. 
 For your part, servant, I'll entreat the prince 
 To grant you some fit place about his wardrobe. 
 
 Cue. Ever after a bloody nose do I dream of 
 good luck. I horribly thank your ladyship. 
 Whilst I'm in office, the old garb shall agen 
 Grow in request, and tailors shall be men. 
 Come, TroUio, help to wash my face, prithee. 
 Trol. Yes, and to scour it too. 
 
 lExeunt Cue. Trol. Pkl. and GniL. 
 
 Enter Rhetias and Couax. 
 
 Rhe. The prince and princess are at hand ; give 
 over 
 Your amorous dialogues. Most honour'd lady, 
 Henceforth forbear your sadness ; are you ready 
 To practise your instructions ? 
 
 Cleo. I have studied 
 My part with care, and will perform it, Rhetias, 
 With all the skill I can. 
 
 Cor. I'll pass my word for her. 
 
 A Flourish. — Enter Palador, Sophronos, Aretus, and 
 Eroclea. 
 
 Pal. Thus princes should be circled, with a 
 guard 
 Of truly noble friends, and watchful subjects. 
 
 Rhetias, thou art just ; the youth thou told'st 
 That liv'd at Athens, is return'd at last [me. 
 To her own fortunes, and contracted love. 
 
 Rhe. My knowledge made me sure of my report, 
 sir. 
 
 Pal. Eroclea, clear thy fears ; when the sun 
 shines, 
 Clouds must not dare to muster in the sky. 
 Nor shall they here. — [Cleo. and Amet. kneel.^ 
 Why do they kneel ? Stand up ; 
 The day and place is privileged. 
 
 Soph. Your presence. 
 Great sir, makes every room a sanctuary. 
 
 Pal. Wherefore does this young virgin use such 
 In duty to us ? Rise ! [circumstance 
 
 Ero. 'Tis T must raise her. 
 Forgive me, sister, I have been too private, 
 In hiding from your knowledge any secret. 
 That should have been in common 'twixt our souls ; 
 But I was ruled by counsel. 
 
 Cleo. That I show 
 Myself a girl, sister, and bewray 
 Joy in too soft a passion 'fore all these, 
 
 1 ixope you cannot blame me. 
 
 IWeeps, and falls into the armt q/^Ero. 
 
 Pal. We must part 
 The sudden meeting of these two fair rivulets, 
 With th' island of our arms. — {Embraces Ero.) — 
 
 Cleophila, 
 The custom of thy piety hath built, 
 Even to thy younger years, a monument 
 Of memorable fame ; some great reward 
 Must wait on thy desert. 
 
 Soph. The prince speaks t'you, niece. 
 
 Cor. Chat low, I pray ; let us about our busi- 
 ness. 
 The good old man awakes. My lord, withdraw ; 
 Rhetias, let's settle here the couch. 
 
 Pal. Away then 1 lExennt. 
 
 Soft Music— Re-enter Corax and Rhetias, with Melbak- 
 DER, asleep, on a Couch, his Hair and Beard trimmed. 
 Habit and Gown changed.— While they are placing the 
 Couch, a Boy sings, without. 
 
 SONG. 
 
 Fly hence, shadows, that do keep 
 Watchful sorrows, charm 'd in sleep I 
 Though the eyes be overtaken, 
 Yet the heart doth ever waken 
 Thoughts, chain'd up in busy snares 
 Of continual woes and cares : 
 Love and griefs are so exprest. 
 As they rather sigh than rest. 
 Fly hence, shadows, that do keep 
 Watchful sorrows, charm'd in sleep. 
 
 Mel. {awakes) Where dim!'} ha! What sounds 
 are these ? 'Tis day, sure. 
 Oh, I have slept belike ; 'tis but the foolery 
 Of some beguiling dream. So, so ! I will not 
 Trouble the play of my delighted fancy, 
 But dream my dream out. 
 
 Cor. Morrow to your lordship ! 
 You took a jolly nap, and slept it soundly. 
 
 Mel. Away, beast ! let me alone. 
 
 [The Music ceases. 
 
 Cor. O, by your leave, sir, 
 I must be bold to raise you ; else your physio 
 Will turn to further sickness. 
 
 [//e assists Mel. to sit up. 
 
 Mel. Physic, bear-leech } 
 
 Cor. Yes, physic ; you are mad. 
 
 Mel. Trollio ! Cleophila ! 
 
 Rhe. Sir, I am here. 
 
 Mel. I know thee, Rhetias ; prithee rid the 
 room 
 Of this tormenting noise. He tells me, sirrah, 
 I have took physic, Rhetias ; physic, physic ! 
 
 Rhe. Sir, true, you have ; and this most learned 
 scholar 
 Apply'd t'ye. Oh, you were in dangerous plight, 
 Before he took you [in] hand. 
 
 Mel. These things are drunk. 
 Directly drunk. Where did you get your liquor ? 
 
 Cor. I never saw a body in the wane 
 Of age, so overspread with several sorts 
 Of such diseases, as the strength of youth 
 Would groan under and sink. 
 
 Rhe. The more your glory 
 In the miraculous cure. 
 
 Cor. Bring me the cordial 
 Prepared for him to take after his sleep, 
 'Twill do him good at heart. 
 
 Rhe. I hope it will, sir. [Exit. 
 
 Mel. What dost [thou] think I am, that thou 
 should'st fiddle 
 
22 
 
 THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY. 
 
 So much upon my patience ? Fool, the weight 
 
 Of my disease sits on my heart so heavy, 
 
 That all the hands of art cannot remove 
 t One grain, to ease my grief. If thou could'st poison 
 I My memory, or wrap my senses up 
 I Into a dulness, hard and cold as flints ; 
 ! If thou could'st make me walk, speak, eat and 
 i laugh 
 
 j Without a sense or knowledge of my faculties, 
 
 Why then perhaps, at marts, thou might'st make 
 I benefit 
 
 i Of such an antic motion, and get credit 
 
 From credulous gazers ; but not profit me. 
 
 Study to gull the wise ; I am too simple 
 
 To be wrought on. 
 
 Cor. I'll burn my books, old man, 
 
 But I will do thee good, and quickly too. 
 
 Enter Aretus, with a Patent. 
 
 Arc. Most honour'd lord Meleander ! our great 
 P.-ince Palador of Cyprus, hath by me [master, 
 Sent you this patent, in which is contain'd 
 Not only confirmation of the honours 
 You formerly enjoy'd, but the addition 
 Of the Marshalship of Cyprus ; and ere long 
 He means to visit you. Excuse my haste ; 
 I must attend the prince. \_Exit. 
 
 Cor. There's one pill works. 
 
 Mel. Dost know that spirit? tis a grave familiar, 
 And talk'd I know not what. 
 
 Cor. He's like, methinks, 
 The prince's tutor Aretus. 
 
 Mel. Yes, yes ; 
 It may be I have seen such a formality ; 
 No matter where, or when. 
 
 Enter Amethus, with a Staff. 
 
 Ante. The prince hath sent you. 
 My lord, this staff of office, and withal 
 Salutes you Grand Commander of the ports 
 Throughout his principaUties. He shortly 
 Will visit you himself; I must attend him. lExit. 
 
 Cor. D'ye feel your physic stirring yet.'' 
 
 Mel. A devil 
 Is a rare juggler, and can cheat the eye. 
 But not corrupt the reason, in the throne 
 Of a pure soul. — 
 
 Enter Sophronos, with a Tablet. 
 Another ! I will stand thee ; 
 Be what thou canst, I care not. 
 
 Soph. From the prince. 
 Dear brother, I present you this rich relic, 
 A jewel he hath long worn in his bosom : 
 Heoceforth, he bad me say, he does beseech you 
 To call him son, for he will call you father ; 
 It is an honour, brother, that a subject 
 Cannot but entertain with thankful prayers. 
 Be moderate in your joys ; he will in person 
 Confirm my errand, but commands my service. 
 
 lExit. 
 Cor. What hope now of your cure ? 
 Mel. Stay, stay !— What earthquakes 
 Roll in my flesh ! Here's prince, and prince, and 
 
 prince ; 
 Prince upon prince ! The dotage of my sorrows 
 Revels in magic of ambitious scorn : 
 Be they enchantments deadly as the grave, 
 I'll look upon them. Patent, staff, and relic ! 
 To the last first. {Taking up the Miniature) 
 Round me, ye guarding ministers, 
 
 And ever keep me waking, till the cliffs 
 That overhang my sight, fall off", and leave 
 These hollow spaces to be cramm'd with dust ! 
 Cor. 'Tis time, I see, to fetch the cordial. 
 
 Prithee, 
 Sit down ; I'll instantly be here again. [Exit. 
 
 Mel. Good, give me leave ; I will sit down : 
 
 indeed, 
 Here's company enough for me to prate to. — 
 
 \_LoGks at the Picture, 
 Eroclea ! — 'tis the same ; the cunning arts-man 
 Faulter'd not in a line. Could he have fashion'd 
 A little hollow space here, and blown breath 
 To have made it move and whisper, 't had been 
 
 excellent : — 
 But 'faith, 'tis well, 'tis very well as 'tis ; 
 Passing, most passing well. 
 
 E7iter Cleophila leading Eroclea, and followed hy 
 Rhetias. 
 
 Cleo. The sovereign greatness, 
 Who, by commission from the powers of heaven, 
 Sways both this land and us, our gracious prince, 
 By me presents you, sir, with this large bounty, 
 A gift more precious to him than his birthright. 
 Here let your cares take end ; now set at liberty 
 Your long imprison'd heart, and welcome home 
 The solace of your soul, too long kept from you. 
 
 Ero. [kneeling} Dear sir, you know me ? 
 
 Mel. Yes, thou art my daughter ; 
 My eldest blessing. Know thee ? why, Eroclea, 
 I never did forget thee in thy absence ; 
 Poor soul, how dost ? 
 
 Uro. The best of my well-being 
 Consists in yours. 
 
 Mel. Stand up ; the gnds, who hitherto 
 Have kept us both alive, preserve thee ever ! 
 Cleophila, I thank thee and the i)rince ; 
 I thank thee too, Eroclea, that thou would'st, 
 In pity of my age, take so much pains 
 To live, till I might once more look upon thee 
 Before I broke my heart : O, 'twas a piece 
 Of piety and duty unexampled. 
 
 JRhe. The good man relisheth his comforts 
 strangely ; ^ 
 
 The sight doth turn me child. lAside. 
 
 Ero. I have not words 
 That can express my joys. 
 
 Cleo. Nor I. 
 
 Mel. Nor I ; 
 Yet let us gaze on one another freely. 
 And surfeit with our eyes ; let me be plain : 
 If I should speak as much as I should speak, 
 I should talk of a thousand things at once, 
 And all of thee ; of thee, my child, of thee ! 
 My tears, like ruffling winds lock'd up in caves. 
 Do bustle for a vent ; — on th' other side. 
 To fly out into mirth were not so comely. 
 Come hither, let me kiss thee I— [To Ero.] — with 
 
 a pride, 
 Strength, courage, and fresh blood, which now thy 
 
 presence 
 Hath stored me with, I kneel before their altars. 
 Whose sovereignty kept guard about thy safety : 
 Ask, ask thy sister, prithee, she will teU thee 
 How I have been much mad. 
 
 Cleo. Much discontented, 
 Sliunning all means that might procure him ccku- 
 
 Ero. Heaven has at last been gracious. [fort 
 
 Mel. So say 1 ; 
 
J40F.NE I. 
 
 THE LOVER'S MELANCHOLY. 
 
 23 
 
 But wherefore drop thy words in such a sloth, 
 As if thou wert afraid to mingle truth 
 With thy misfortunes ? Understand me thoroughly; 
 I would not have thee to report at large, 
 From point to point, a journal of thy absence, 
 'Twill take up too much time ; I would securely 
 Engross the little remnant of my life. 
 That thou might'st every day be telling somewMiat, 
 Which might convey me to my rest with comfort. 
 Let me bethink me ; how we parted first, 
 Puzzles my faint remembrance — but soft — 
 Cleophila, thou told'st me that the prince 
 Sent me this present. 
 
 Cleo. From his own fair hands ^ 
 
 I did receive my sister. 
 
 Mel. To requite him, 
 We will not dig his father's grave anew, 
 Although the mention of him much concerns 
 The business we inquire of : — as I said. 
 We parted in a hurry at the court ; 
 I to this castle, after made my jail ; 
 But whither thou, dear heart .' 
 
 Rhe. Now they fall to't ; 
 I look'd for this. 
 
 Ero. I, by my uncle's care, 
 Sophronos, my good uncle, suddenly 
 Was like a sailor's boy convey'd a-shipboard, 
 That very night. 
 
 Mel. A policy quick and strange. 
 
 Ero. The ship was bound for Corinth, whither 
 first. 
 Attended only with your servant Rhetias, 
 And all fit necessaries, we arrived ; 
 From thence, in habit of a youth, we journey'd 
 To Athens, where, till our return of late, 
 Have we liv'd safe. 
 \^ Mel. Oh, what a thing is man, 
 To bandy factions of distempered passions. 
 Against the sacred Providence above him ! 
 Here, in the legend of thy two years' exile, 
 Rare pity and delight are sweetly mix'd — 
 And still thou wert a boy ? 
 
 Ero. So I obey'd 
 INIy uncle's wise command. 
 
 Mel. 'Twas safely carried ; 
 I humbly thank thy fate. 
 
 Ero~ If earthly treasures 
 Are pour'd in plenty down from heaven on mortals, 
 They reign amongst those oracles that flow 
 In schools of sacred knowledge, such is Athens ; 
 Yet Athens was to me but a fair prison : 
 The thoughts of you, my sister, country, fortunes. 
 And something of the prince, barr'd all contents. 
 Which else might ravish sense : for had not 
 
 Rhetias 
 Been always comfortable to me, certainly 
 Things had gone worse. 
 
 Mel. Speak low, Eroclea, 
 That ** something of the prince" bears danger in 
 
 it: 
 Yet thou hast travell'd, wench, for such endow- 
 ments, 
 As might create a prince a wife fit for him, 
 Had he the world to guide; but touch not there- 
 How cam'st thou home ? 
 
 Rhe. Sir, with your noble favour, 
 Kis>ing your hand first, that point I can answer. 
 
 Mel. Honest, right honest Rhetias 1 
 
 Rhe. Your grave brother 
 Perceiv'd with what a hopeless love his son, 
 
 Lord Menaphon, too eagerly pursued \ 
 
 Thamasta, cousin to our present prince ; \ 
 And, to remove the violence of affection, \ 
 Sent him to Athens, where, for twelve months' 
 
 space, 
 Your daughter, my young lady, and her cousin, 
 Enjoy 'd each other's griefs ; till by his father. 
 The lord Sophronos, we were all call'd home. 
 
 Mel. Enough, enough! the world shall hence- 
 forth witness 
 My thankfulness to heaven, and those people 
 Who have been pitiful to me and mine. 
 Lend me a looking-glass. — How now 1 how came I 
 So courtly, in fresh raiments ? 
 
 Rhe. Here's the glass, sir. 
 
 Mel. I'm in the trim too. — O Cleophila, 
 This was the goodness of thy care, and cunning — 
 
 [_Loud Music. 
 W^hence comes this noise ? 
 
 Rhe. The prince, my lord, in person. 
 
 {They kneel. 
 
 Enter Palador, Sophronos, Aretus, Amkthus, 
 Menaphon, Corax, Thamasta, and Kala. 
 
 Pal. You shall not kneel to us ; rise all, I charge 
 you. 
 Father, you wrong your age ; henceforth my arms 
 
 {Embracing Mbu 
 And heart shall be your guard : we have o'erbeard 
 All passages of your united loves. 
 Be young again, Meleander, live to number 
 A happy generation, and die old 
 In comforts, as in years ! The offices 
 And honours, which I late on thee conferr'd, 
 Are not fantastic bounties, but thy merit ; 
 Enjoy them liberally. 
 
 Mel. My tears must thank you, 
 For my tongue cannot. 
 
 Cor. 1 have kept ray promise, 
 And given you a sure cordial. 
 
 Mel. Oh, a rare one. 
 
 Pal. Good man ! we both have shar'd enough 
 of sadness, 
 Though thine has tasted deeper of the extreme ; 
 Let us forget it henceforth. Where's the picture 
 I sent you ? Keep it ; 'tis a counterfeit ; 
 And, in exchange of that, I seize on this, 
 
 {Takes Ero. It/ the harul. 
 The real substance : with this other hand 
 I give away, before her father's face, 
 His younger joy, Cleophila, to thee, 
 Cousin Amethus ; take her, and be to her 
 More than a father, a deserving husband. 
 Thus, robb'd of both thy children in a minute, 
 Thy cares are taken off. 
 
 Mel. My brains are duU'd ; 
 I am entranced and know not what you mean. 
 Great, gracious sir, alas ! why do you mock me ? 
 I am a weak old man, so poor and feeble. 
 That my untoward joints can scarcely creep 
 Unto the grave, where I must seek my rest. 
 
 Pal. Eroclea was, you know, contracted mine ; 
 Cleophila my cousin's, by consent 
 Of both their hearts ; we both now claim our own : 
 It only rests in you to give a blessing. 
 For confirmation. 
 
 Rhe. Sir, 'tis truth and justice. 
 
 Mel. The gods, that lent you to me, bless your 
 vows ! 
 Oh, children, children, pay your prayers to heaven, 
 
24 
 
 THE LOVERS MELANCHOLY. 
 
 For they have shew'd much mercy. But Sophro- 
 Thou art my brother — I can say no more — [nos, 
 A good, good brother ! 
 
 Pal. Leave the rest to time. 
 Cousin Thamasta, I must give you too ; 
 She's thy wife, Menaphon. Rhetias, for thee, 
 And Corax, I have more than common thanks, 
 
 On to the temple ! there all solemn rites 
 Perform'd, a general feast shall be proclaim 'd. 
 The Lover's Melancholy hath found cure ; 
 Sorrows are chang'd to bride-songs. So they 
 
 thrive, 
 Whom fate in spite of storms hath kept alive. 
 
 EPILOGUE. 
 
 To be too confident, is as unjust 
 In any work, as too much to distrust ; 
 Who from the laws of study have not swervM, 
 Know begg'd applauses never were deserv'd ; 
 We must submit to censure: so doth he, 
 Whose hours begot this issue ; yet, being free, 
 For his part, if he have not pleas'd you, the t\ 
 In this kind he'll not trouble you again. 
 
TIS PITY SHE'S A WHOEE, 
 
 TO THE TRULY NOBLE 
 
 JOHN, 
 
 EARL OF PETERBOROUGH, LORD MORDAUNT, BARON OF TURVET. 
 
 My Lord, — AVhere a truth of merit ]iath a general warrant, there love is but a debt, acknowledgment a justice. 
 Greatness cannot often chiim virtue by inlieritiince ; yet, in this, Your's appears most eminent, for that you are not 
 more rightly heir to your fortunes than glory shall be to your memory, feweetness of disposition ennobles a freedom of 
 birth ; in both, your lawful interest adds honour to your own name, and mei'cy to my presumption. Youf noble allow- 
 ance of these first fruits of my leisure, in the action, emboldens my confidence of your as noble construction in this 
 presentment ; especially since my service must ever owe particular duty to your favours, by a particular engagement. 
 The gravity of the subject may easily excuse the lightness of the title, otherwise I had been a severe judge against 
 mine own guilt. Princes have vouchsafed grace to trifles ofi'ered from a purity of devotion ; your Lordship may 
 likewise please to admit into your good opinion, with these weak endeavours, the constancy of affection from the 
 Bincere lover of yoiu: deserts in honour. John Ford> 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONS. 
 
 Bona VENTURA, a Friar. 
 A Cardinal, Nuncio to the Pope 
 BoRANZo, a Nobleman. 
 Florio, ) „.,. , „ 
 
 DONADO, ] ^''*^^"* "^ ^«*''"''- 
 
 Grfmai-di, a Roman Gentleman, 
 Giovanni, Son to Florto. 
 Bergetto, Nephew to Donado, 
 RicHARDETTO, a stipposcd Phj/sician. 
 VAsguES, Servant to Soranzo. 
 
 PoGGTO, Servant to Bergetto. 
 Banditti. 
 
 Annabella, Daughter to Florio. 
 
 HiPPOLITA, Wife to RiCHARDETTO. 
 
 Philotis, his Niece. 
 
 PuTANA, Tutoress to Annabella. 
 
 Officers, Attendants, Scrvaiita, 
 
 SCENE,— Parma. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I. — Friar Bonaventura's Cell. 
 Enter Friar and Giovanni. 
 
 Friar. Dispute no more in this ; for know, 
 young man. 
 These are no school points ; nice philosophy 
 May tolerate unlikely arguments, 
 But Heaven admits no jest : wits that presumed 
 On wit too much, by striving how to prove 
 There was no God, with foolish grounds of art. 
 Discovered first the nearest way to hell ; 
 And fiU'd the world with devilish atheism. 
 Such questions, youth, are fond : far better 'tis 
 To bless the sun, than i;eason why it shines ; 
 Yet He thou talk'st of, is above the sun. — 
 No more ! I may not hear it. 
 
 Gio. Gentle father. 
 To you I have unclasp'd my burden'd soul. 
 Emptied the storehouse of my thoughts and 
 
 heart. 
 Made myself poor of secrets ; have not left 
 
 Another word untold, which hath not spoke 
 All what I ever durst, or think, or know ; 
 And yet is here the comfort I shall have ? 
 Must I not do what all men else may,— love ? 
 
 Friar. Yes, you may love, fair son. 
 
 Gio. Must I not praise 
 That beauty, which, if fram'd anew, the gods 
 Would make a god of, if they had it there ; 
 And kneel to it, as I do kneel to them ? 
 
 Friar. Why, foolish madman 1 — 
 
 Gio. Shall a peevish sound, 
 A customary form, from man to man, 
 Of brother and of sister, be a bar 
 'Twixt my perpetual happiness and me ? 
 Say that we had one father, say one womb 
 (Curse to my joys !) gave both us life and birth ; 
 Are we not, therefore, each to other bound 
 So much the more by nature ? by the links 
 Of blood, of reason ?^TMky> if you will have it, , 
 Even of religion, to be ever one, ' 
 
 One soul, one flesh, one love, one heart, one all ? 
 
26 
 
 'TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE. 
 
 ACT r. 
 
 Friar. Have done, unhappy youth ! for thou art 
 lost. 
 
 G'lQ. Shall, then, for that I am her brother born, 
 My joys be ever banished from her bed ? 
 No, father ; in your eyes I see the change 
 Of pity and compassion ; from your age, 
 As from a sacred oracle, distils 
 The life of counsel : tell me, holy man, 
 What cure shall give me ease in these extremes ? 
 
 Friar. Repentance, son, and sorrow for this sin: 
 For thou hast mov'd a Majesty above, 
 With thy unranged (almost) blasphemy. 
 
 Gio. O do not speak of that, dear confessor. 
 
 Friar. Art thou, my son, that miracle of-wit, 
 Who once, within these three months, wert esteem'd 
 A wonder of thiae age, throughout Bononia ? 
 How did the University applaud 
 Thy government, behaviour, learning, speech, 
 Sweetness, and all that could make up a man ! 
 I was proud of my tutelage, and chose 
 Rather to leave my books, than part with thee ; 
 I did so : — but the fruits of all my hopes 
 Are lost in thee, as thou art in thyself. 
 O Giovanni ! hast thou left the schools 
 Of knowledge, to converse with lust and death ,' 
 For death waits on thy lust. Look tlirough the 
 And thou shalt see a thousand faces shine [world, 
 More glorious than this idol thou ador'st : 
 Leave her, and take thy choice, 'tis much less sin ; 
 Though in such games as those, they lose that win. 
 
 Gio. It were more ease to stop the ocean 
 From floats and ebbs, than to dissuade my vows. 
 
 Friar. Then I have done, and in thy wilful 
 Already see thy ruin ; Heaven is just. — [flames 
 Yet hear my counsel. 
 
 Gio, Asa voice of life. 
 
 Friar. Hie to thy father's house, there lock 
 thee fast 
 Alone within thy chamber ; then fall down 
 On both thy knees, and grovel on the ground ; 
 Cry to thy heart ; wash every word thou utter'st 
 In tears (and if 't be possible) of blood : 
 Beg Heaven to cleanse the leprosy of lust 
 That rots thy soul ; acknowledge what thou art, 
 A wretch, a worm, a nothing ; weep, sigh, pray 
 Three times a-day, and three times every night : 
 For seven days space do this ; then, if thou find'st 
 No change in thy desires, return to me ; 
 I'll think on remedy. Pray for thyself 
 At home, whilst I pray for thee here. — Away ! 
 My blessing with thee ! we have need to pray. 
 
 Gio. All this I'll do, to free me from the rod 
 Of vengeance ; else I'll swear my fate's my god. 
 
 \_Exennt. 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 ■The Street, 
 House. 
 
 before Florio's 
 
 Enter Grimaldi and Vasques, with their Swords drawn. 
 
 Vas. Come, sir, stand to your tackling; if you 
 prove craven, I'll make you run quickly. 
 
 Grim. Thou art no equal match fur me. 
 
 Vas. Indeed I never went to the wars to bring 
 home news ; nor I cannot play the mountebank 
 for a meal's meat, and swear I got my wounds in 
 the field. See you these grey hairs ? they'll not 
 flinch for a bloody nose. Wilt thou to this 
 gear? 
 
 Griwi. Why, slave, think'st thou I'll balance 
 
 my reputation with a cast-suit ? Call thy master, 
 he shall know that I dare — 
 
 Vas. Scold like a cot-quean ; — that's your pro- 
 fession. Thou poor shadow of a soldier, I will 
 make thee know my master keeps servants, thy 
 betters in quality and performance. Com'st thou 
 to fight or prate ? 
 
 Grim. Neither, with thee. I am a Roman and 
 a gentleman ; one that have got mine honour with 
 expense of blood. 
 
 Vas. You are a lying coward, and a fool. Fight, 
 or bv these hilts I'll kill thee : — brave my lord ! 
 You'll fight ? 
 
 Grim. Provoke me not, for if thou dost — 
 
 Vas. Have at you. 
 
 [They fight, Grimaldi is uorsted. 
 
 Enter Florio, Donado, and Soranzo, from opposite 
 Sides. 
 
 Flo. What mean these sudden broils so near 
 my doors ? 
 Have you not other places, but my house, 
 To vent the spleen of your disorder'd bloods } 
 Must I be haunted still with such unrest, 
 As not to eat, or sleep in peace at home ? 
 Is this your love, Grimaldi? Fie ! 'tis naught. 
 
 Don. And, Vasques, I may tell thee, 'tis not 
 well 
 To broach these quarrels ; you are ever forward 
 In seconding contentions. 
 
 Enter above Annabella and Putana. 
 
 Flo. What's the ground ? 
 
 Sor. That, with your patience, signiors, I'll 
 resolve : 
 This gentleman, whom fame reports a soldier, 
 (For else I know not) rivals me in love 
 'To Signior Florio's daughter ; to whose ears 
 He still prefers his suit, to my disgrace ; 
 Thinking the way to recommend himself, 
 Is to disparage me in his report. — 
 But know, Grimaldi, though, may be, thou art 
 My equal in thy blood, yet this bewrays 
 A lowness in thy mind ; which, wert thou noble. 
 Thou would'st as much disdain, as I do thee 
 For this unworthiness ; and on this ground 
 I will'd my servant to correct his tongue, 
 Holding a man so base no match for me. 
 
 Vas. And had not your sudden coming pre- 
 vented us, I had let my gentleman blood under the 
 gills ; I should have worm'd you, sir, for running 
 mad. 
 
 Grim. I'll be reveng'd, Soranzo. 
 
 Vas. On a dish of warm broth to stay your 
 stomach — do, honest innocence, do ! spoon-meat 
 is a wholesomer diet than a Spanish blade. 
 
 Grim. Remember this I lExit. 
 
 Sor. I fear thee not, Grimaldi. 
 
 Flo. My lord Soranzo, this is strange to me ; 
 Why you should storm, having my word engaged: 
 Owing her heart, what need you doubt her ear } 
 Losers may talk, by law of any game. 
 
 Vas. Yet the villainy of words, Signior Florio, 
 may be such, as would make any unspleened dove 
 choleric. Blame not my lord in this. 
 
 Flo. Be you more silent ; 
 T would not for my wealth, my daughter's love 
 Should cause the spilling of one drop of blood. 
 Vasques, put up : let's end this fray in wine. 
 
 [Exanit. 
 
 Put. How like you this, child ? here's threat- 
 
SCENE III. 
 
 TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE. 
 
 27 
 
 ening, challenging, quarrelling, and fighting, on 
 every side, and all is for your sake ; you had need 
 look to yourself, charge, you'll be stolen away 
 sleeping else shortly. 
 
 Ann. But, tutoress, such a life gives no content 
 To me, my thoughts are fix'd on other ends. 
 Would you would leave me 1 
 
 PuL Leave you ! no marvel else ; leave me no 
 leaving, charge : this is love outright. Indeed, I 
 blame you not ; you have choice fit for the best 
 lady in Italy. 
 
 Ann, Pray do not talk so much. 
 
 PuL Take the worst with the best, there's 
 Grimaldi the soldier, a very well- timber 'd fellow. 
 They say he's a Roman, nephew to tbC" Duke 
 Montferrato ; they say he did good service in the 
 wars against the Milanese ; but, 'faith, charge, I 
 do not like him, an't be for nothing but for being 
 a soldier : not one amongst twenty of your skir- 
 mishing captains but have some privy maim or 
 other, that mars their standing upright. I like 
 him the worse, he crinkles so much in the hams : 
 though he might serve if there were no more men, 
 yet he's not the man I would choose. 
 
 Ann. Fie, how thou prat'st! 
 
 Put. As I am a very woman, I like Signior So- 
 ranzo well ; he is wise, and what is more, rich ; 
 and what is more than that, kind ; and what is 
 more than all this, a nobleman : such a one, were 
 I the fair Annabella myself, 1 would wiih and pray 
 for. Then he is bountiful ; besides, he is hand- 
 some, and by my troth, I think, wholesome, and 
 that's news in a gallant of three-and-twenty : 
 liberal, that I know ; loving, that you know ; and 
 a man sure, else he could never have purchased 
 such a good name with Hippolita, the lusty widow, 
 in her husband's lifetime. An 'twere but for that 
 report, sweetheart, would he were thine ! Com- 
 mend a man for his qualities, but take a husband 
 as he is a plain, stifficient, naked man ; such a 
 one is for your bed, and" such a one is Signior 
 Soranzo, my life for't. 
 
 Ann. Sure the woman took her morning's 
 draught too soon. 
 
 Enter Bergetto and PoGOio. 
 
 P7it. But look, sweetheart, look what thing 
 comes now ! Here's another of your ciphers to 
 fill up the number : Oh, brave old ape in a silken 
 coat ! Observe. 
 
 Berg. Didst thou think, Poggio, that I would 
 spoil my new clothes, and leave my dinner, to 
 fight: 
 
 Pog. No, sir, I did not take you for so arrant a 
 baby. 
 
 Berg. I am wiser than so ; for I hope, Poggio, 
 thou never heardst of an elder brother that was a 
 coxcomb ; didst, Poggio ? 
 
 Pog. Never indeed, sir, as long as they had 
 either land or money left them to inherit. 
 
 Berp. Is it possible, Poggio .' Oh, monstrous ! 
 Why, I'll undertake, with a handful of silver, to 
 buy a headful of wit at any time : but, sirrah, I 
 have another purchase in hand ; I shall have the 
 wench, mine uncle says. I will but wash my face, 
 and shift socks ; and then have at her, i'faith. — 
 Mark my pace, Poggio ! iPasscs over the st'ige. 
 
 Pog. Sir, — I have seen an ass and a mule trot 
 the Spanish pavin with a better grace, I know not 
 how often. {Aside, and following him. 
 
 Ann. This idiot haunts me too. 
 
 Pui. Ay, ay, he needs no description. The 
 rich magnifico that is below with your father, 
 charge, Signior Donado, his uncle, for that he 
 means to make this, his cousin, a golden calf, 
 thinks that you will be a right Israelite, and fall 
 down to him presently: but I hope I have tutored 
 you better. They say a fool's bauble is a lady's 
 play-fellow; yet you, having wealth enough, you 
 need not cast upon the dearth of flesh, at any rate. 
 Hang him, innocent ! 
 
 Giovanni 2^asses over the Stage. 
 
 Ann. But see, Putana, see ! what blessed shape 
 Of some celegiial-creature now appears'r= — 
 What man is he, that with such sad aspect 
 Walks careless of himself ? 
 
 Pui. Where? 
 
 Ann. Look below. 
 
 Pjit. Oh, 'tis your brother, sweet. 
 
 Ann. Ha ! 
 
 Put. 'Tis your brother. 
 
 Ann. Sure 'tis not he ; this is some woeful 
 thing 
 Wrapp'd up in grief, some shadow of a man. 
 Alas ! he beats his breast, and wipes his eyes, 
 Drown'd all in tears : methinks I hear him sigh ; 
 Let's down, Putana, and partake the cause. 
 I know my brother, in the love he bears me, 
 Will not deny me partage in his sadness • 
 My soul is full of heaviness and fear. 
 
 {Aside, and exit with Pi t. 
 
 SCENE 111.-^ i/ai/ m Florio's House. 
 
 Gio. Lost! lam lost! my fates have doom'd 
 my death : 
 The more I strive, I love ; the more I love, 
 The less I hope : I see my ruin certain. 
 What judgment or endeavours could apply 
 To my incurable and restless wounds, 
 I thoroughly have examined, but in vain. 
 O, that it were not in religion sin 
 To make our love a god, and worship it ! 
 I have even wearied heaven with pray'rs, dried up 
 The spring of my continual tears, even starv'd 
 My veins with daily fasts : what wit or art 
 Could counsel, I have practised ; but, alas ! 
 I find all these but dreams, and old men's tales, 
 To fright unsteady youth ; I am still the same : 
 Or I must speak, or burst. 'Tis not, I know, 
 My lust, but 'tis my fate, that leads me on. 
 Keep fear and low faint-hearted shame with slaves I 
 I'll tell her that I love her, though my heart 
 Were rated at the price of that attempt. 
 Oh me ! she comes. 
 
 Enter Annabella a7id Pih-ana. 
 
 Ann. Brother ! 
 
 Giov. If such a thing 
 As courage dwell in men, ye hea¥»«iy powers, 
 Now double all that virtue in my tongue ! 
 
 iAiide. 
 
 Ann. "V^Tiy, brother. 
 Will you not speak to me ? 
 
 Giov. Yes ; how do you, sister ? 
 
 Ann Howe'er I am, methinks you are not well. 
 
 Put. Bless us ! why are you so sad, sir? 
 
 Giov. Let me entreat you, leave us a while, 
 Sister, I would be private with you. [Putana. 
 
28 
 
 'TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 Aim. Withdraw, Putana. 
 
 Put. I will.— If this were any other company 
 for her, I should think my absence an office of 
 some credit ; but I will leave them together. 
 
 lAside, and exit. 
 
 Giov. Come, sister, lend your hand ; let's walk 
 together ; 
 I hope you need not blush to walk with me ; 
 Here's none but you and I. 
 
 Ann. How's this ? 
 
 Giov. I'faith, I mean no harm. 
 
 Ann. Harm ? 
 
 Giov. No, good faith. 
 How is it with thee ? 
 
 Ann. I trust he be not frantic — lAside. 
 
 I anj^very well, brother. 
 
 Giov. Trust me, but I am sick ; I fear so sick, 
 'Twill cost my life. 
 
 Ann. Mercy forbid it ! 'tis not so, I hope. 
 
 Giov. I think you love me, sister. 
 
 Ann. Yes, you know I do. 
 
 Giov. I know it, indeed — you are very fair. 
 
 Ann. Nay, then I see you have a merry sick- 
 ness. 
 
 Giov. That's as it proves. The poets feign, I 
 read. 
 That Juno for her forehead did exceed 
 All other goddesses ; but I durst swear 
 Your forehead exceeds her's, as her's did theirs. 
 
 Ann. 'Troth, this is pretty 
 
 Giov. Such a pair of stars 
 As are thine eyes, would, like Promethean fire, 
 If gently glanced, give life to senseless stones. 
 
 Ann. Fie upon you ! 
 
 Giov. The lily and the rose, most sweetly 
 strange. 
 Upon your dimple cheeks do strive for change : 
 Such lips would tempt a saint : such hands as 
 Would make an anchorite lascivious. [those 
 
 Ann. Do you mock me, or flatter me ? 
 
 Giov. If you would see a beauty more exact 
 Than art can counterfeit, or nature frame. 
 Look in your glass, and there behold your own. 
 
 Ann. O, you are a trim youth ! 
 
 Giov. Here ! iQffers his dagger to her. 
 
 Ann. What to do ? 
 
 Giov. And here's my breast ; strike home ! 
 Rip up my bosom, there thou shalt behold 
 A heart, in which is writ the truth I speak — 
 Why stand you ? 
 
 Ann. Are you earnest ? 
 
 Giov. Yes, most earnest. 
 You cannot love ? 
 
 Ann. Whom .'' 
 
 Giov. Me. My tortured soul 
 Hath felt affliction in the heat of death. 
 O, Annabella, 1 am quite undone ! 
 The love of- thee, my sister, and the view 
 Of thy immortal beauty, have untuned 
 All harmony both of my rest and life. 
 Why do you not strike ? 
 
 Ann. Forbid it, my just fears ! 
 If this be true, 'twere fitter I were dead. 
 
 Giov, True ! Annabella ; 'tis no time to jest. 
 I have too long suppress'd my hidden flames. 
 That almost have consum'd me ; I have spent 
 Many a silent night in sighs and groans ; 
 Ran over all my thoughts, despised my fate, 
 Reasoned against the reasons of my love, 
 Done all that smooth-cheek'd virtue could advise, 
 
 But found all bootless : 'tis my destiny 
 That you must either love, or I must die.- 
 
 Ann. Comes this in sadness from you } 
 
 Giov. Let some mischief 
 Befall me soon, if I dissemble aught. 
 
 Ann. You are my brother Giovanni. 
 
 Giov. You 
 My sister Annabella ; I know this. 
 And could afi'ord you instance why to love 
 So much the more for this ; to which intent 
 Wise nature first in your creation meant 
 To make you mine ; else't had been sin and foul 
 To share one beauty to a double soul. 
 Nearness in birth and blood, doth but persuade 
 A nearer nearness in affection. 
 I have ask'd counsel of the holy church, 
 Who tells me I may love you ; and, 'lis just, 
 That, since I may, I should ; and will, yes will : 
 Must I now live, or die ? 
 
 Ann. Live; thou hast won 
 The field, and never fought : what thou hast urged, 
 My captive heart had long ago resolv'd. 
 I blush to tell thee,— but I'll tell thee now— 
 For every sigh that thou hast spent for me, 
 I have sigh'd ten ; for every tear, shed twenty : 
 And not so much for that I loved, as that 
 I durst not say I loved, nor scarcely think it. 
 
 Giov. Let not this music be a dream, ye gods. 
 For pity's sake, I beg you ! 
 
 Ann. On my knees, y [.She kneels. 
 
 Brother, even by our mother's dust, I charge you. 
 Do not betray me to your mirth or hate ; 
 Love me, or kill me, brother. 
 
 Giov. On my knees, 'J^ekneelt. 
 
 Sister, even by my mother's dust I charge you, 
 Do not betray me to your mirth or hate ; 
 Love me, or kill me, sister. 
 
 Ann. You mean good sooth, then ? 
 
 Giov. In good troth, I do ; 
 And so do you, I hope : say, I'm in earnest. 
 
 Ann. I'll swear it, I. 
 
 Giov. And I ; and by this kiss, [Kisses her. 
 
 (Once more, yet once more ; now let's rise) '[^they 
 
 rise] by this, 
 I would not change this minute for Elysium. 
 What must we now do ? 
 
 Ann. What you will. 
 
 Giov. Come then ; 
 After so many tears as we have wept. 
 Let's learn to court in smiles, to kiss, and sleep. 
 
 [^Exeunt. 
 — ♦ — 
 
 SCENE IV.— ^ Street. 
 Erder Florio and Donado. 
 
 Flor. Signior Donado, you have said enough, 
 I understand you ; but would have you know, 
 I will not force my daughter 'gainst her will. 
 You see I have but two, a son and her ; 
 And he is so devoted to his book, 
 As I must tell you true, I doubt his health : 
 Should he miscarry, all my hopes rely 
 Upon my girl. As for worldly fortune, 
 I am, I thank my stars, bless'd with enough. 
 My care is, how to match her to her liking ; 
 I would not have her marry wealth, but love, > 
 And if she like your nephew, let him have her ; 
 Here's all that I can say. 
 
 Don. Sir, you say well, 
 
SCENE 1. 
 
 'TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE. 
 
 2i| 
 
 Like a true father ; and, for my part, 1, 
 If the young folks can like, ('twixt you and me) 
 Will promise to assure my nephew presently 
 Three thousand iiorins yearly, during life, 
 And, after I am dead, my whole estate. 
 
 Flo. 'Tis a fair proffer, sir ; meantime your 
 nephew 
 Shall have free passage to commence his suit : 
 If he can thrive, he shall have my consent ; 
 So for this time 1*11 leave you, signior. iExit. 
 
 Don. Well, 
 Here's hope yet, if my nephew would have wit ; 
 But he is such another dunce, I fear 
 He'll never win the wench. When .1 was ^ung, 
 I could have don't, i'faith, and so shall he, 
 If he will learn of me ; and, in good time, 
 He comes himself. 
 
 Enter Beroetto and PoGoro. 
 
 How now, Bergetto, whither away so fast ? 
 
 Berg. O uncle ! I have heard the strangest 
 news that ever came out of the mint; have I not, 
 Poggio ? 
 
 Pog. Yes, indeed, sir. 
 
 Don. What news, Bergetto ? 
 
 Berg. Why, look ye, uncle, my barber told me 
 just now, that there is a fellow come to town, 
 who undertakes to make a mill go without the 
 mortal help of any water or wind, only with sand- 
 bags ; and this fellow hath a strange horse, a most 
 excellent beast, I'll assure you, uncle, my barber 
 says ; whose head, to the wonder of all Christian 
 people, stands just behind where his tail is. Is't 
 not true, Poggio ? 
 
 Pog. So the barber swore, forsooth. 
 
 Do7i. And you are running thither ? 
 
 Berg. Ay, forsooth, uncle. 
 
 Don. Wilt thou be a fool still ? Come, sir, yo\x 
 shall not go ; you have more mind of a puppet- 
 play than on the business I told you : why, thou 
 great baby, wilt never have wit ? wilt make thyself 
 a May-game to all the world ? 
 
 Pog. Answer for yourself, master. 
 
 Berg. Why, uncle, should I sit at home still, 
 and not go abroad to see fashions like other gal- 
 lants ? 
 
 Don. To see hobby-horses ! what wise talk, I 
 pray, had you with Annabella, when you were at 
 Signior Florio's house ? 
 
 Berg. Oh, the wench!— Uds sa'me, uncle, I 
 tickled her with a rare speech, that I made her 
 almost burst her belly with laughing. 
 
 Don. Nay, I think so ; and what speech was't ? 
 
 Berg. What did I say, Poggio ? 
 
 Pog. Forsooth, my master said, that he loved 
 her almost as well as he loved parmasent ; and 
 swore (I'll be sworn for him) that she wanted but 
 such a nose as his was, to be as pretty a young 
 woman as any was in Parma. 
 
 Don. Oh gross ! 
 
 Berg. Nay, uncle; — then she ask'd me, whether 
 my father had more children than myself? and I 
 said no ; 'twere better he should have had his 
 brains knock'd out first. 
 
 Don. This is intolerable. 
 
 Berg. Then said she, will Signior Donado, your 
 uncle, leave you all his wealth ? 
 
 Don. Ha ! that was good ; did she harp upon 
 that string ? 
 
 Berg. Did she harp upon that string ! ay, that 
 she did. I answered, " Leave me all his wealth } 
 why, woman, he hath no other wit ; if he had, he 
 should hear ou't to his everlasting glory and 
 confusion : I know, quoth I, I am his white boy, 
 and will not be guU'd ; " and with that she fell 
 into a great smile, and went away. Nay, 1 did fit 
 her. 
 
 Don. Ah, sirrah, then I see there's no changing 
 of nature. Well, Bergetto, 1 fear thou wilt be a 
 very ass still. 
 
 Berg. 1 should be sorry for that, uncle. 
 
 Don. Come, come you home with me : since 
 you are no better a speaker, I'll have you write to 
 her after some courtly manner, and enclose some 
 rich jewel in the letter. 
 
 Berg. Ay marry, that will be excellent. 
 
 Don. Peace, innocent ! 
 Once in my time I'll set my wits to school, 
 If all fail, 'tis but the fortune of a fool. 
 
 Berg. Poggio, 'twill do, Poggio 1 
 
 iExeuni 
 
 ACT 11. 
 
 SCENE I. — An Apartment in Florio's 
 House. 
 
 Enter Gtovanni and Annabklla. 
 
 Giov. Come, Annabella, no more Sister now, I 
 But Love, a name more gracious ; do not blush , 
 Beauty's sweet wonder, but be proud to know 
 That yielding thou hast conquer'd, and inflamed 
 A heart, whose tribute is thy brother's life. 
 
 Ann. And mine is his. Oh, how these stolen 
 contents 
 Would print a modest crimson on my cheeks, 
 Had any but my heart's delight prevail'd ! 
 
 Giov. 1 marvel why the chaster of your sex 
 Should think this pretty toy call'd maidenhead, 
 So strange a loss ; when, being lost, 'tis nothing, 
 And you are still the same. 
 
 Ann. 'Tis well for you ; 
 Now you can talk. 
 
 Giov. Music as well consists 
 In th' ear, as in the playing. 
 
 Ann. Oh, you are wanton ! — 
 Tell on't, you were best ; do. 
 
 Giov. Thou wilt chide me then. 
 Kiss me — so ! thus hung Jove on Leda's neck, 
 And suck'd divine ambrosia from her lips. 
 1 envy not the mightiest man alive ; 
 But hold myself, in being king of thee, 
 More great than were 1 king of all the world : 
 But 1 shall lose you, sweetheart. 
 
 Ann. But you shall not. 
 
 Giov. You must be married, mistress. 
 
 Ann. Yes 1 to whom ? 
 
 Giov. Some one must have you. 
 
80 
 
 TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE. 
 
 Ann. You must. 
 
 Giov. Nay, some other. 
 
 Ann. Now prithee do not speak so ; without 
 You'll make me weep in earnest. [jesting 
 
 Giov. What, you will not ! 
 But tell me, sweet, canst thou be dared to swear 
 That thou wilt live to me, and to no other ? 
 
 Ann. By both our loves I dare ; for didst thou 
 My Giovanni, how all suitors seem [know, 
 
 To my eyes hateful, thou would'st trust me then. 
 
 Giov. Enough, I take thy word : sweet, we must 
 part ; 
 Remember what thou vow'st ; keep well my heart. 
 
 Ann. Will you be gone ? 
 
 Giov. I must. 
 
 Ann. When to return ? 
 
 Giov. Soon. 
 
 Ann. Look you do. 
 
 Giov. Farewell. \_Exit. 
 
 Ann. Go where thou wilt, in mind I'll keep 
 thee here, 
 And where thou art, I know I shall be there. 
 Guardian 1 
 
 Enter Put ana. 
 
 Put. Child, how is't, child ? well, thank heav'n, 
 ha? 
 
 Ann. O guardian, what a paradise of joy 
 Have I past over ! 
 
 Put. Nay, what a paradise of joy have you past 
 under ! why, now I commend thee, charge. Fear 
 nothing, sweet-heart ; what though he be your 
 brother ? your brother's a man, I hope ; and I say 
 still, if a young wench feel the fit upon her, let her 
 take any body, father or brother, all is one. 
 
 Ann. I would not. have it known for all the 
 world. 
 
 Put. Nor I indeed ; for the speech of the 
 people ; else 'twere nothing. 
 
 Flo. [toithin'] Daughter Annabella ! 
 
 Ann. O me ! my father, Here, sir : — reach 
 
 my work. 
 
 Flo. [within'] What are you doing } 
 
 Ann. So ; let him come now. 
 
 Enter Florio, followed hy Richardetto as a Doctor of 
 Physic, and Philotis, with a Lute. 
 
 Flo. So hard at work ! that's well ; you lose no 
 time. 
 Look, I have brought you company; here's one, 
 A learned doctor, lately come from Padua, 
 Much skill'd in physic ; and, for that I see 
 You have of late been sickly, I entreated 
 This reverend man to visit you some time. 
 
 Ann. You are very welcome, sir. 
 
 Rich. I thank you, mistress : 
 Loud fame in large report hath spoke your praise, 
 As well for virtue as perfection ; 
 For which I have been bold to bring with me 
 A kinswoman of mine, a maid, for song 
 And music, one perhaps will give content ; 
 Please you to know her. 
 
 Ann. They are parts I love, 
 And she for them most welcome. 
 
 Phi. Thank you, lady. 
 
 Flo. Sir, now you know my house, pray make 
 not strange ; 
 And if you find my daughter need your art, 
 I'll be your pay-master. 
 
 Rich. Sir, what I am 
 She shall command. 
 
 Flo. You shall bind me to you. 
 Daughter, I must have conference with you 
 About some matters that concern us both. 
 Good master doctor, please you but walk in, 
 We'll crave a little of your cousin's cunning ; 
 I think my girl hath not quite forgot 
 To touch an instrument ; she could have don't; 
 We'll hear them both. 
 
 Rich. I'll wait upon you, sir. i,Ex'Ur,t. 
 
 SCENE II — A Room in Soranzo's Heme. 
 Enter Soranzo, with a Book. 
 
 Love's measure is extreme, the comfort pain ; 
 The life unrest, and the reward disdain. 
 
 Wliat's here ? look't o'er again. — 'Tis so ; so 
 writes 
 This smooth licentious poet in his rhymes : 
 But, Sannazar, thou ly'st ; for, had thy bosom 
 Felt such oppression as is laid on mine, 
 Thou would'st have kiss'd the rod that made 
 
 the[e] smart. 
 To work then, happy muse, and contradict 
 What Sannazar hath in his envy writ. [Writes 
 
 Love's measure is the mean, sweet his annoys; 
 His pleasures life, and his reward all joys. 
 
 Had Annabella liv'd when Sannazar 
 
 Did, in his brief Encomium, celebrate 
 
 Venice, that queen of cities, he had left 
 
 That verse which gain'd him such a sum of gold, 
 
 And for one only look from Annabel, 
 
 Had writ of her, and her diviner cheeks. 
 
 O, how my thoughts are 
 
 Vas. Iwithiii] Pray forbear ; in rules of civility, 
 let me give notice on't : I shall be tax'd of my 
 neglect of duty and service. 
 
 Sor. What rude intrusion interrupts my peace } 
 Can I be no where private .-' 
 
 Fas. [within'] Troth, you wrong your modesty .\ 
 
 Sor. What's the matter, Vasques ? who is't ?/% 
 
 Enter HippoLiTA and Vasquks. 
 Hip. 'Tis I ; 
 Do you know me now ? Look, perjur'd man, on her 
 Whom thou and thy distracted lust have wrong' d. 
 Thy sensual rage of blood hath made my youth 
 A scorn to men and angels ; and shall I 
 Be now a foil to thy unsated change ? 
 Thou know'st, false wanton, when my modest fame 
 Stood free fi'om stain or scandal, all the charms 
 Of hell or sorcery could not prevail 
 Against the honour of my chaster bosom. 
 Thine eyes did plead in tears, thy tongue in oaths, 
 Such, and so many, that a heart of steel 
 Would have been wrought to pity, as was mine ; 
 And shall the conquest of my lawful bed, 
 My husband's death, urg'd on by his disgrace, 
 My loss of womanhood, be ill-rewarded 
 With hatred and contempt ? No ; know, Soranzo. 
 I have a spirit doth as much distaste 
 The slavery of fearing thee, as thou 
 Dost loath the memory of what hath past. 
 
 Sor. Nay, dear Hippolita — 
 
 Hip. Call me not dear, 
 Nor think with supple words to smooth the 
 
 grossness 
 Of my abuses ; 'tis not your new mistress* 
 
SOEiNE II. 
 
 'TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE. 
 
 
 Your goodly madam-merchant, shall triumph 
 On my dejection ; tell her thus from me, 
 My birth was nobler, and by much more free. 
 
 Sor. You are too violent. 
 
 Jlip. You are too double 
 In your dissimulation. Seest thou this, 
 This habit, these black mourning weeds of care ? 
 'Tis thou art cause of this ; and hast divorced 
 My husband from his life, and me from him, 
 And made me widow in my widowhood. 
 
 Sor. Will you yet hear ? 
 
 Hip. More of thy perjuries ? 
 Thy soul is drown'd too deeply in those sins ; 
 Thou need'st not add to th' number. 
 
 Sor. Tben I'll leave you ; — 
 
 You are past all rules of sense. 
 
 Hip. Andthou of grace. 
 
 Vas. Fie, mistress, you are not near the limits 
 of reason ; if my lord had a resolution as noble as 
 virtue itself, you take the course to unedge it all. 
 Sir, I beseech you do not perplex her; griefs, alas, 
 will have a vent : I dare undertake madam Hip- 
 polita will now freely hear you. 
 
 rSor. Talk to a woman frantic ! — Are these the 
 fruits of your love ? 
 
 Hip. They are the fruits of thy untruth, false 
 man ! 
 Bid'st thou not swear, whilst yet my husband 
 
 liv'd, 
 That thou would'st wish no happiness on earth 
 More than to call me wife ? did'st thou not vow. 
 When he should die, to marry me ? for which 
 The devil in my blood, and thy protests, 
 Caus'd me to counsel him to undertake 
 A voyage to Ligorne, for that we heard 
 His brother there was dead, and left a daughter 
 Young and unfriended, whom, with much ado, 
 I wish'd him to bring hither : he did so, 
 And went ; and, as thou know'st, died on the way. 
 Unhappy man, to buy his death so dear. 
 With my advice ! -yet thou, for whom I did it, 
 Forget'st thy vows, and leav'st me to my shame. 
 
 Sor. Who,jcould help this ? 
 
 Hip. Who ? perjur'd man ! thou could'st, 
 If thou had'st faith or love. 
 
 Sor. You are deceived : 
 The vows I made, if you remember well, 
 ; Were wicked^nd unlawful j/twere more sin 
 
 To keepTliem than to break them : as for me, 
 £,'. I cai»not mask my penitence. Think thou 
 
 How much thoa hast digress'd from honest shame, 
 
 In bringing of a gentleman to death, 
 
 Who was thy husband ; such a one as he. 
 
 So noble in his quality, condition. 
 
 Learning, behaviour, entertainment, love. 
 
 As Parma could not show a braver man. 
 
 Vas. You do not well ; this was not your 
 promise. 
 
 Sor. I care not; let her know her monstrous life. 
 Ere I'll be servile to so black a sin, 
 I'll be a curse. — Woman, come here no more ; 
 Learn to repent, and die ; for, by my honour, 
 I hate thee and thy lust : you have been too foul. 
 
 lExit. 
 
 Vas, This part has been scurvilyplay'd. lAside. 
 
 Hip. How foolishly this beast contemns his fate, 
 And shuns the use of that, which I more scorn 
 Than I once lov'd, his love I but let him go, 
 My vengeance shall give comfort to his woe. 
 
 IGoinff, 
 
 Vas. Mistress, mistress, madam Hippolita ! 
 pray, a word or two. 
 
 Hip. With me, sir ? 
 
 Vas. With you, if you please. 
 
 Hip. What is't .' 
 
 Vas. I know you are infinitely moved now, and 
 you think you have cause ; some I confess you 
 have, but sure not so much as you imagine. 
 
 Hip. Indeed ! 
 
 Vas. O you were miserably bitter, which you 
 followed even to the last syllable ; 'faith, you were 
 somewhat too shrewd : by my life, you could not 
 have took my lord in a worse time since I first 
 knew him ; to-morrow, you shall find him a new 
 man. 
 
 Hip. Well, I shall wait his leisure. 
 
 Vas. Fie, this is not a hearty patience ; it comes 
 sourly from you ; 'troth, let me persuade you for 
 once. 
 
 Hip. I have it, and it shall be so ; thanks oppor- 
 tunity — [Aside.] — Persuade me ! to what .•* 
 
 Vas. Visit him in some milder temper. O, if 
 you could but master a little your female spleen, 
 how might you win him ! 
 
 Hip. He will never love me. Vasques, thou hast 
 been a too trusty servant to such a master, and 
 I believe thy reward in the end will fall out like 
 mine. 
 
 Vas. So perhaps too. 
 
 Hip. Resolve thyself it will. Had I one so 
 true, so truly honest, so secret to my counsels, as 
 thou hast been to him and his, I should think it a 
 slight acquittance, not only to make him master 
 of all I have, but even of myself. 
 
 Vas. O you are a noble gentlewoman ! 
 
 Hip. Wilt thou feed always upon hopes .' well, 
 I know thou art wise, and seest the reward of an 
 old servant daily, what it is. 
 
 Vas. Beggary and neglect. 
 
 Hip. True ; but, Vasques, wert thou mine, and 
 would'st be private to me and my designs, I here 
 protest, myself, and all what I can else call mine, 
 should be at thy dispose. 
 
 Vas. Work you that way, old mole } then I have 
 the wind of you — [Aside.} — I were not worthy of 
 it by any desert that could lie — within my compass; 
 if I could — 
 
 Hip. What then ? 
 
 Vas. I should then hope to live in these my old 
 years with rest and security.. 
 
 Hip. Give me thy hand : now promise but thy 
 silence. 
 And help to bring to pass a plot I have ; 
 And here, in sight of Heaven, that being done, 
 I make thee lord of me and mine estate. 
 
 Vas. Come, you are merry ; this is such a hap- 
 piness that I can neither think or believe. 
 
 Hip. Promise thy secrecy, and 'tis confirm'd. 
 
 Vas. Then here I call our good genii for wit- 
 nesses, whatsoever your designs are, or against 
 whomsoever, I will not only be a special actor 
 therein, but never disclose it till it be effected. 
 
 Hip. I take thy word, and, with that, thee for 
 mine ; 
 Come then, let's more confer of this anon. — 
 On this delicious bane my thought shall banquet. 
 Revenge shall sweeten what my griefs have tasted. 
 iAtide, and exit tcilh Vas. 
 
132 
 
 'TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE. 
 
 ACT 11 
 
 SCENE in.— The Street. 
 Enter Richardetto and Philotis 
 
 Hich. Thou seest, my lovely niece, these strange 
 mishaps, 
 How all my fortunes turn to my disgrace ; 
 Wherein I am but as a looker-on, 
 Whilst others act my shame, and I am silent. 
 
 Phi. But, uncle, wherein can this borrow'd shape 
 Give you content ? 
 
 Rich. I'll tell thee, gentle niece : 
 Thy wanton aunt in her lascivious riots 
 Lives now secure, thinks I am surely dead, 
 In my late journey to Ligorne for you ; 
 As I have caus'd it to be rumour'd out. 
 Now would I see with what an impudence 
 She gives scope to her loose adultery, 
 And how the common voice allows hereof; 
 Thus far I have prevail'd. 
 
 Phi. Alas, I fear 
 You mean some strange revenge. 
 
 Rich. O be not troubled. 
 Your ignorance shall plead for you in all — 
 But to our business — What ! you learn'd for 
 
 certain. 
 How Signior Florio means to give his daughter 
 In marriage to Soranzo ? 
 
 Phi. Yes, for certain. 
 
 Rich. But how find you young Annabella's love 
 Inclined to him ? 
 
 Phi. For aught I could perceive, 
 She neither fancies him or any else. 
 
 Rich. There's mystery in that, which time must 
 shew. 
 She us'd you kindly .' 
 
 Phi. Yes. 
 
 Rich. And crav'd your company ? 
 
 Phi. Often. 
 
 Rich. 'Tis well ; it goes as I could wish. 
 I am the doctor now, and as for you. 
 None knows you ; if all fail not, we shall thrive. 
 But who comes here? — I know him; 'tis Grimaldi, 
 A Roman and a soldier, near allied 
 Unto the Duke of Montferrato, one 
 Attending on the nuncio of the pope 
 That now resides in Parma ; by which means 
 He hopes to get the love of Annabella. 
 
 Enter Gbimaldi. 
 
 Grim. Save you, sir. 
 
 Rich. And you, sir. 
 
 Grim. I have heard 
 Of your approved skill, which through the city 
 Is freely talk'd of, and would crave your aid. 
 
 Rich. For what, sir? 
 
 Grim. Marry, sir, for this 
 
 But I would speak in private. 
 
 Rich. Leave us, cousin. [Phi. retires. 
 
 Grim. I love fair Annabella, and would know 
 Whether in arts there may not be receipts 
 To move affection. 
 
 Rich. Sir, perhaps there may ; 
 But these will nothing profit you. 
 
 Grim. Not me ? 
 
 Rich. Unless I be mistook, you are a man 
 Greatly in favour with the cardinal. 
 
 Grim. What of that ? 
 
 Rich. In duty to his grace, 
 I will be bold to tell you, if you seek 
 
 To marry Florio's daughter, you mus^ first 
 Remove a bar 'twixt you and her. 
 
 Grim. Who's that ? 
 
 Rich. Soranzo is the man that ht.th her heart, 
 And while he lives, be sure you ca mot speed. 
 
 Grim. Soranzo 1 what, mine er.emy ? is it he ? 
 
 Rich. Is he your enemy ? 
 
 Grim. The man I hate 
 Worse than confusion ; I will tell him straight. — 
 
 Rich. Nay, then take my advice, / , / 
 Even for his grace's sake the cardinal ; / /''"f' f , , 
 I'll find a time when he and she do meet, '"^''^ 
 Of which I'll give you notice ; and, to be sure 
 He shall not scape you, I'll provide a poison 
 To dip your rapier's point in ; if he had 
 As many heads as Hydra had, he dies. 
 
 Grim. But shall I trust thee, doctor ? 
 
 Rich. As yourself; 
 Doubt not in aught. — [Exit Grim.] — Thus shall 
 
 the fates decree. 
 By me Soranzo falls, that ruin'd me. lExeuni 
 
 SCENE lY.— Another Part of the Street. 
 Enter Donado, with a Letter, Bergetto, and Poggio. 
 
 Don. Well, sir, I must be content to be both 
 your secretary and your messenger myself. I 
 cannot tell what this letter may work ; but, as 
 sure as I am alive, if thou come once to talk with 
 her, I fear thou wilt mar whatsoever I make. 
 
 Ber. You make, uncle ! why am not I big enough 
 to carry mine own letter, I pray ? 
 
 DoTi. Ay, ay, carry a fool's head of thy own ! 
 why, thou dunce, would' st thou write a letter, and 
 carry it thyself ? 
 
 Ber. Yes, that I would, and read it to her with 
 mine own mouth ; for you must think, if she will 
 not believe me myself when she hears me speak, 
 she will not believe another's hand-writing. Oh, 
 you think I am a blockhead, uncle. No, sir. 
 Poggio knows I have indited a letter myself ; so 
 [ have. 
 
 Pog. Yes truly, sir, I have it in my pocket. 
 
 Don. A sweet one, no doubt ; pray let's see it. 
 
 Ber. I cannot read my own hand very well, 
 Poggio ; read it, Poggio. 
 
 Don. Begin. 
 
 Pog. [^reads'] Most dainty and honey-sweet mistress, I 
 could call you fair, and lie as fast as any that loves you ; 
 but my uncle being the elder man, I leave it to him, as 
 more tit for his age, and the colour of his beard. I am 
 wise enough to tell you I can bourd where I see occasion ; 
 or if you like my uncle's wit better than mine, you shall 
 many me ; if you like mine better than his, I will marry 
 you, in spite of your teeth. So commen«fing my best parts 
 to you, I rest 
 
 Yours, upwards and downwards, or you may choose. 
 
 Bekgetto. 
 
 Ber. Ah, ha ! here's stuff, uncle ! 
 
 Don. Here's stuff indeed— to shame us all. Pray 
 whose advice did you take in this learned letter ? 
 
 Pog. None, upon my word, but mine own. 
 
 Ber. And mine, uncle, believe it, nobody's else; 
 'twas mine own brain, I thank a good wit for't. 
 
 Don. Get you home, sir, and look you keep 
 within doors till I return. 
 
 Ber. How ? that were a jest indeed ! I scorn it, 
 i'faith. 
 
 Don. What ! you do not? 
 
 Ber. Judge me, but I do now. 
 
SCENE VI. 
 
 'TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE. 
 
 32 
 
 Pog. Indeed, sir, 'tis very unhealthy. 
 
 Don. Well, sir, if I hear any of your apish run- 
 ning to motions and fopperies, till I come back, 
 you were as good not ; look to't. \_Exit. 
 
 Ber. Poggio, shall's steal to see this horse with 
 the head in's tail ? 
 
 Pog. Ay, but you must take heed of whipping. 
 
 Ber. Dost take me for a child, Poggio ? Come, 
 honest Poggio. lExeunU 
 
 SCENE v.— Friar Bonaventura's Cell. 
 Enter Friar and Giovanni, 
 
 Fiar. Peace ! thou hast told a tale, whose every 
 Threatens eternal slaughter to tbjB soul? [word 
 I'm sorry I have heard it : would mine ears 
 Had been one minute deaf, before the hour 
 That thou cam'st to me ! O young man, castaway. 
 By the religious number df mine order, 
 I day and nighf^ve wak'd my aged eyes 
 Above my strength, to weep on thy behalf: 
 But Heaven is angry, and be thou resolv'd, 
 Thou art a manreinark'd to taste a mischief. 
 Look for't ; though it come late, it will come sure. 
 
 Gio. Father, in this you are uncharitable ; 
 What I have done, I'll prove both fit and good. 
 It is a principle which you have taught, 
 When I was yet your scholar, that the frame 
 And composition of the mind doth follow 
 The frame and composition of [the] body 
 So, where the body's furniture is beauty,- 
 The mind's must needs be virtue ; which allow'd, 
 Virtue itself is reason but refined, 
 And love the quintessence of that : this proves 
 My sister's beauty, being rarely fair. 
 Is rarely virtuous ; chiefly in her love. 
 And chiefly, in that love, her love to me : 
 If her's to me, then so is mine to her ; 
 Since in like causes are effects alike. 
 
 Friar. ignorance in knowledge ! long ago, 
 How often have I warn'd thee this before ? _, 
 Indeed, if we were sure there were no Deity, j 
 CjNxjr heaven nor hell ; then to be led alone 
 By nature's light (as were philosophers 
 Of elder times) might instance some defence. 
 But 'tis not so : then, madman, thou wilt find, 
 That nature is in Heaven's positions blind. 
 
 Gio. Your age o'errules you ; had you youth 
 like mine, 
 You'd make her love your heaven, and her divine. 
 
 Friar. Nay, then I see thou'rt too far sold to 
 It lies not in the compass of my prayers [hell : 
 To call thee back, yet let me counsel thee ; 
 Persuade thy sister to some marriage. 
 
 Gio. Marriage ? why that's to damn her ; that's 
 Her greedy of variety of lust. [to prove 
 
 Friar. O fearful I if thou wilt not, give me leave 
 To shrive her, lest she should die unabsolved. 
 
 Gio. At your best leisure, father : then she'll 
 tell you, 
 How dearly she doth prize my matchless love ; 
 Then you will know what pity 'twere we two 
 Should have been sunder'd from each other's arms. 
 View well her face, and in that little round 
 You may observe a world's variety ; 
 For colour, lips : for sweet perfumes, her breath ; 
 For jewels, eyes ; for threads of purest gold, 
 Hair ; for delicious choice of flowers, cheeks I 
 Wonder in every portion of that throne. — 
 
 Hear her but speak, and you will swear the spheres 
 Make music to the citizens in heaven. — 
 But, father, what is else for pleasure fram'd, 
 Lest I offend your ears, shall go unnam'd. 
 
 Friar. The more I hear, I pity thee the more ; 
 That one so excellent should give those parts 
 All to a second death. What I can do, 
 Is but to pray ; and yet — I could advise thee, 
 Wouldst thou be ruled. 
 
 Gio. In what ? 
 
 Friar. Why leave her yet : 
 The throne of mercy is above your ti-espass ; 
 Yet time is left you both — 
 
 Gio. To embrace each other, 
 Else let all time be struck quite out of number ; 
 She is like me, and I like her, resolv'd. 
 
 Friar. No more ! I'll visit her ; — this grieves 
 me most. 
 Things being thus, a pair of souls are lost. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE VI.— ^ Room in Florio's House. 
 
 Enter Florid, Donado, Annabella, and Putana. 
 
 Flo. Where is Giovanni ? 
 
 Ann. Newly walk'd abroad, 
 And, as I heard him say, gone to the friar, 
 His reverend tutor. ^ 
 
 ,.. Flo. That's a blessed m^,. -^^ ^^ 
 A man made up of holiness ; I hope 
 He'll teach him how to gain another world. 
 
 Don. Fair gentlewoman, here's a letter, sent 
 To you from my young cousin ; I dare swear 
 He loves you in his soul : would you could hear 
 Sometimes, what I see daily, sighs and tears. 
 As if his breast were prison to his heart. 
 
 Flo. Receive it, Annabella. 
 
 Ann. Alas, good man ! \.Takes the Letter. 
 
 Don. What's that she said ? 
 
 Put. An't please you, sir, she said, " Alas, good 
 man!" Truly I do commend him to her every 
 night before her first sleep, because I would have 
 her dream of him ; and she hearkens to that most 
 religiously. 
 
 Don. Say'st so ? God a' mercy, Putana ! there 
 is something for thee — {Gives her money] — and 
 prithee do what thou canst on his behalf; it shall 
 not be lost labour, take my word for it. 
 
 Put. Thank you most heartily, sir ; now I have 
 a feeling of your mind, let me alone to work. 
 
 Ann. Guardian. 
 
 Put. Did you call ? 
 
 Ann. Keep this letter. 
 
 Don. Signior Florio, in any case bid her read it 
 instantly. 
 
 Flo. Keep it ! for what ? pray read it me here- 
 right. 
 
 Ann. 1 shall, sir. {.She reads the Letter. 
 
 Don. How do you find her inclined, signior ? 
 
 Flo. Troth, sir, I know not how ; not all so well 
 As I could wish. 
 
 Ann. Sir, I am bound to rest your cousin's 
 The jewel I'll return ; for if he love, [debtor. 
 
 I'll count that love a jewel. 
 
 Don. Mark you that ? 
 Nay, keep them both, sweet maid. 
 
 Ann. You must excuse me. 
 Indeed I will not keep it. 
 
 Flo. Where's the ring. 
 That which your mother, in her will, bequeath'd, 
 
81 
 
 'TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 And charged you on her blessing not to give it 
 To any but your husband ? send back that. 
 
 j4nn. I have it not. 
 
 Flo. Ha ! have it not ; where is it ? 
 
 Ann. -My brother in the morning took it from 
 Said he would wear it to-day. [me, 
 
 Flo. Well, what do you say 
 To young Bergetto's love ! are you content to 
 Match with him ? speak. 
 
 Don. There is the point, indeed. 
 
 Ann. What shall I do ? I must say something 
 now. lAsidc. 
 
 Flo. What say ? why do you not speak ? 
 
 Ann. Sir, with your leave — 
 Please you to give me freedom .' 
 
 Flo. Yes, you have [it.] 
 
 Ann. Signior Donado, if your nephew mean 
 To raise his better fortunes in his match, 
 The hope of me will hinder such a hope : 
 Sir, if you love him, as I know you do. 
 Find one more worthy of his choice than me ; 
 In short, I'm sure I shall not be his wife. 
 
 Don. Why here's plain dealing ; I commend thee 
 fur't ; 
 And all the worst I wish thee, is, he ayen bless 
 Your father yet and I will still be friends ; [thee ! 
 Shall we not, Signior Florio ? "^ 
 
 Flo. Yes ; why not ? 
 Look, here your cousin comes. 
 
 Enter Bergetto and Poggio. 
 
 Don. Oh coxcomb ! what doth he make here ? 
 
 Ber. Where is my uncle, sirs ? 
 
 Don. What is the news now ? 
 
 Ber. Save you, uncle, save you ! You must not 
 think I come for nothing, masters ; and how, and 
 how is it.^ what, you have read my letter? ah, 
 there I — tickled you, i'faith. 
 
 Pog. But 'twere better you had tickled her in 
 another place. 
 
 Ber. Sirrah sweetheart, I'll tell thee a good jest ; 
 and riddle what it is. 
 
 Ann. You say you'll tell me. 
 
 Ber. As I was walking just now in the street, 
 I met a swaggering fellow would needs take the 
 wall of me ; and because he did thrust me, I very 
 valiantly call'd him rogue ; he hereupon bade me 
 draw, I told him I had more wit than so : but 
 when he saw that I would not, he did so maul me 
 with the hilts of his rapier, that my head sung 
 whilst my feet caper'd in the kennel. 
 
 Don. Was ever the like ass seen I 
 
 Ann. And what did you all this while ? 
 
 Ber. Laugh at him for a gull, till I saw the blood 
 run about mine ears, and then I could not choose 
 but find in my heart to cry ; till a fellow wdth a 
 broad beard (they say he is a new-come doctor) 
 call'd me into his house, and gave me a plaster, 
 look you, here 'tis ; — and, sir, there was a young 
 wench wash'd my face and hands most excellently ; 
 i'faith I shall love her as long as I live for it — did 
 she not, Poggio } 
 
 Pog. Yes, and kiss'd him too. 
 
 Ber. Why la now, you think I tell a lie, uncle, 
 I warrant. 
 
 Don. Would he that beat thy blood out of thy 
 head, had beaten some wit into it ! for I fear thou 
 never wilt have any. 
 
 Ber. Oh uncle, but there was a wench would 
 have done a man's heart good to have look'd on 
 her. By this light, she had a face methinks worth 
 twenty of you. Mistress Annabella. 
 
 Don. W^as ever such a fool born ? 
 
 Ann. I am glad she liked you, sir. 
 
 Ber. Are you so.'' by my troth I thank you, 
 forsooth. 
 
 Flo. Sure it was the doctor's niece, that was 
 last day with us here. 
 
 Ber. 'Twas she, 'twas she. 
 
 Don. How do you know that. Simplicity ? 
 
 Ber. Why does he not say so ? if I should have 
 said no, I should have given him the lie, uncle, 
 and so have deserv'd a dry beating again ; I'll 
 none of that. 
 
 Flo. A very modest well-behav'd young maid,. 
 as I have seen. 
 
 Don. Is she indeed .' 
 
 Flo. Indeed she is, if I have any judgment. 
 I Don. Well, sir, now you are free : you need not 
 care for sending letters now ; you are dismiss'd, 
 I your mistress here will none of you. 
 
 Ber. No ! why what care I for that ? I can 
 have wenches enough in Parma for half a crown 
 a-piece ; cannot I, Poggio ? 
 
 Pog. I'll warrant you, sir. 
 
 Don. Signior Florio, I thank you for your free 
 recourse you gave for my admittance ; and to you, 
 fair maid, that jewel I will give you against your 
 marriage. Come, will you go, sir ? 
 
 Ber. Ay, marry will I. Mistress, farewell, 
 mistress ; I'll come again to-morrow — farewell, 
 mistress. 
 
 \_Exeunt Donado, Bergetto, and Poggio, 
 
 Enter Giovanni. 
 
 Flo. Son, where have you been ? what alone, 
 alone still ? 
 I would not have it so ; you must forsake 
 This over-bpokish humour. Well ; your sister 
 Hath sh'ook the fool off. " ■.■.^.<Lt-.^'^ 
 
 Gio. 'Twas no match for her. 
 
 Flo. 'Twas not indeed ; I meant it nothing 
 less ; 
 Soranzo is the man I only like ; 
 Look on him, Annabella. Come, 'tis supper-time. 
 And it grows late. lExit. 
 
 Gio. Whose jewel's that ? 
 
 Ann. Some sweetheart's. 
 
 Gio. So I think. 
 
 Ann. A lusty youth, 
 Signior Donado, gave it me to wear 
 Against my marriage. 
 
 Gio. But you shall not wear it ; 
 Send it him back again. 
 
 Ann. What, you are jealous ? 
 
 Gio. That you shall know anon, at better 
 leisure . 
 Welcome sweet night ! the evening crowns the day. 
 
 lExeunt. 
 
SCKNR II. 
 
 TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE. 
 
 n.5 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I. — A Room in Doxado's House. 
 Enter Bkrgetto and Poggio. 
 
 Ber. Does my uncle think to make me a baby 
 still ? No, Poggio ; he shall know 1 have a sconce 
 now. 
 
 Pog. Ay, let him not bob you off like an ape 
 with an apple. 
 
 Ber. 'Sfoot, .1 will have the wench, if he were ten 
 uncles, in despite of his nose, Poggio. 
 
 Pog. Hold him to the grindstone, and gite not 
 a jot of ground ; she hath in a manner promised 
 you already. 
 
 Ber. True, Poggio ; and her uncle, the doctor, 
 swore I should marry her. 
 
 Pog. He swore ; 1 remember. 
 
 Ber. And I will have her, that's more : did'st 
 see the codpiece-point she gave me, and the box 
 of marmalade ? 
 
 Pog. Very wrell ; and kiss'd you, that my chops 
 water'd at the sight on't : there is no way but to 
 clap up a marriage in hugger-mugger. 
 
 Ber. I will do it ; for I tell thee, Poggio, I 
 begin to grow valiant methinks, and my courage 
 Degins to rise. 
 
 Pog. Should you be afraid of your uncle } 
 
 Ber. Hang him, old doating rascal ! no ; I say 
 I will have her. 
 
 Pog. Lose no time then. 
 
 Ber. I will beget a race of wise men and con- 
 stables that shall cart whores at their own charges; 
 and break the duke's peace ere I have done, myself. 
 — Come away. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — A Boom in Florio's House. 
 
 Enter Florid, GiovANNf, Soranzo, Annabella, Putana, 
 and Vasquks. 
 
 Flo. My lord Soranzo, though I must confess 
 The proffers that are made me have been great, 
 In marriage of my daughter ; yet the hope 
 Of your still rising honours has prevail'd 
 Above all other jointures : here she is ; 
 She knows my mind ; speak for yourself to her, 
 And hear you, daughter, see you use him nobly : 
 For any private speech, I'll give you time. 
 Come, son, and you the rest ; let them alone ; 
 Agree [they] as they may. 
 
 Sor. I thank you, sir. 
 
 Gio. Sister, be not all woman, think on me. 
 
 \_Aside to Ann. 
 
 Sor. Vasques. 
 
 Vas. My lord. 
 
 Sor. Attend me without 
 
 lExeunt all but Soranzo and Annabella. 
 
 Ann. Sir, what's your will with me ? 
 
 Sor. Do you not know 
 What I should tell you ? 
 
 Ann. Yes ; you'll say you love me. 
 
 Sor. And I will swear it too ; will you believe it ? 
 
 Ann. 'Tis no point of faith. 
 
 Enter Giovanni, in the Gallery above. 
 
 Sor. Have you not will to love ? 
 Ann. Nor you. 
 Sor. Whom then ? 
 
 Ann. That's as the fates infer. 
 
 Cio. Of those I'm regent now. 
 
 Sor. What mean you, sweet? 
 
 Ann. To live and die a maid. 
 
 Sor. Oh, that's unfit. 
 
 Gio. Here's one can say that's but a woman's 
 note. 
 
 Sor. Did you but see my heart, then would you 
 
 Ann. That you were dead. [swear ■ 
 
 Gio. That's true, or somewhat near it, 
 
 Sor. See you these true love's tears ? 
 
 Ann. No. 
 
 Gio. Now she winks. 
 
 Sor. They plead to you for grace. 
 
 Ann. Yet nothing speak. 
 
 Sor. Oh, grant my suit. 
 
 Ann. What is't ? 
 
 S >r. To let me live — 
 
 Ann. Take it. 
 
 Sor. Still yours. 
 
 Ann. That is not mine to give. 
 
 Gio. One such another word would kill his 
 hopes. 
 
 Sor. Mistress, to leave those fruitless strifes of 
 wit. 
 Know I have lov'd you long, and lov'd you truly : 
 Not hope of what you have, but what you are. 
 Hath drawn me on ; then let me not in vain 
 Still feel the rigour of your chaste disdain : 
 I'm sick, and sick to the heart. 
 
 Ann. Help, aqua vitae ! 
 
 Sor. What mean you ? 
 
 Ann. Why, I thought you had been sick. 
 
 Sor. Do you mock my love I 
 
 Gio. There, sir, she was too nimble. 
 
 Sor. 'Tis plain ; she laughs at me. — f Aside.) 
 These scornful taunts 
 Neither become your modesty or years. 
 
 Ann. You are no looking-glass ; or if you were, 
 I would dress my language by you. 
 
 Gio. I am confirm'd. 
 
 Ann. To put you out of doubt, my lord, me- 
 thinks 
 Your common sense should make you understand, 
 That if I lov'd you, or desired your love. 
 Some way I should have given you better taste : 
 But since you are a nobleman, and one 
 I would not wish should spend his youth in hopes, 
 Let me advise you to forbear your suit, 
 And think I wish you well, I tell you this. 
 
 Sor. Is't you speak this ? 
 
 Ann. Yes, I myself ; yet know, 
 (Thus far I give you comfort,) if mine eyes 
 Could have pick'd out a man, amongst all those 
 That sued to me, to make a husband of, 
 You should have been that man ; let this suffice, 
 Be noble in your secrecy, and wise. 
 
 Gio. Why, now I see she loves me. 
 
 Ann. One word more. 
 As ever virtue Uv'd within your mind, 
 As ever noble courses were your guide, 
 As ever you would have rae know you lov'd mc, 
 Let not my father know hereof by you : 
 If I hereafter find that I must marry. 
 It shall be you or none. 
 
 Sor. I take that promise. 
 
 Ann. Oh, oh my head I 
 
36 
 
 'TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE. 
 
 Sor. What's the matter, not well ? i^ 
 
 Ann. Oh, I begin to sicken. '^ \ 
 
 -' Gio. Heaven forbid ! lExit/ronf above. 
 
 Sor. Help, help, within there, ho ! 
 
 Enter Florio, Giovanni, and Putana. 
 Look to your daughter, Signior Florio. 
 
 Flo. Hold her up, she swoons. 
 
 Gio. Sister, how do you ? 
 
 Ann. Sick, — brother, are you there ? 
 
 Flo. Convey her to bed instantly, whilst I send 
 for a physician ; quickly, I say. 
 
 Put. Alas, poor child ! lExeunt all but Sor. 
 
 Re-enter Vasques. 
 
 Vas. My lord. 
 
 Sor. Oh, Vasques ! now I doubly am undone, 
 Both in my present and my future hopes : 
 She plainly told me that she could not love, 
 And thereupon soon sicken'd ; and I fear 
 Her life's in danger. 
 
 Vas. By'r lady, sir, and so is yours, if you knew 
 all. [Aside.]— 'ha.s, sir, I am sorry for that ; may 
 be, 'tis but the maids-sickness, an over-flux of 
 youth ; and then, sir, there is no such present 
 remedy as present marriage. But hath she given 
 you an absolute denial ? 
 
 Sor. She hath, and she hath not; I'm full of 
 But what she said, I'll tell thee as we go. [grief; 
 
 lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. — Another Room in the same. 
 Enter Giovanni and Putana. 
 
 Put. Oh, sir, we are all undone, quite undone, 
 utterly undone, and shamed for ever : your sister, 
 oh your sister 1 
 
 Gio. What of her? for heaven's sake, speak; 
 how does she ? 
 
 Put. Oh that ever I was born to see this day ! 
 
 Gio. She is not dead, ha ? is she ? 
 
 Put. Dead ! no, she is quick ; — 'tis worse, she 
 is with child. You know what you have done ; 
 heaven forgive you ! 'tis too late to repent now, 
 heaven help us ! 
 
 Gio. With child 1 how dost thou know't ? 
 
 Put. How do I know't ? am I at these years 
 ignorant what the meanings of qualms and water- 
 pangs be ? of changing of colours, queasiness 
 of stomachs, pukings, and another thing that I 
 could name ? Do not, for her and your credit's 
 sake, spend the time in asking how, and which 
 way, 'tis so : she is quick, upon my word ; if you 
 let a physician see her water, you are undone. 
 
 Gio. But in what case is she ? 
 
 Put. Prettily amended : 'twas but a fit, which 
 I soon espied, and she must look for often hence- 
 forward. 
 
 Gio. Commend me to her, bid her take no care; 
 Let not the doctor visit her, I charge you ; 
 Make some excuse, till I return. — Oh me '. 
 I have a world of business in my head. 
 Do not discomfort her — 
 How do these news perplex me I If my father 
 Come to her, tell him she's recover'd well ; 
 Say 'twas but some ill diet — d'ye hear, woman ? 
 Look you to't. 
 
 Piii. I will, sir. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE IV. — Another Room in the same. 
 Enter Florid and Richardetto. 
 
 Flo. And how do you find her, sir ? 
 
 Rich. Indifierent well ; 
 I see no danger, scarce perceive she's sick. 
 But that she told me, she had lately eaten 
 Melons, and, as she thought, those disagree'd 
 With her young stomach, 
 
 Flo. Did you give her aught ? 
 
 Rich. An easy surfeit-water, nothing else ; 
 Yo need not doubt her health ; I rather think 
 Her sickness is a fulness of her blood— 
 You understand me ? 
 
 Flo. I do ; you counsel well ; 
 And once, within these few days, will so order it, 
 She shall be married ere she know the time. 
 
 Rich. Yet let not haste, sir, make unworthy 
 That were dishonour. [choice ; 
 
 Flo. Master doctor, no ; .- 
 
 I will not do so neither : in plain words, f '4 
 My lord Soranzo is the man I mean. : .a" 
 
 Rich. A noble and a virtuous gentleman. 
 
 Flo. As any is in Parma : not far hence, 
 Dwells Father Bonaventure, a grave friar. 
 Once tutor to my son ; now at his cell 
 I'll have them married. 
 
 Rich. 'You have plotted wisely. 
 
 Flo. I'll send one straight to speak with him 
 to-night. 
 
 Rich. Soranzo's wise ; ie will delay no time. 
 
 Flo. It shall be so. 
 
 Enter Friar and Giovanni. 
 
 Friar. Good peace be here, and love ! 
 
 Flo. Welcome, religious friar ; you are one 
 That still bring blessing to the place you come to. 
 
 Gio. Sir, with what speed I could, I did my best 
 To draw this holy man from forth his cell. 
 To visit my sick sister ; that with words 
 Of ghostly comfort, in this time of need. 
 He might absolve her, whether she live or die. 
 
 Flo. 'Twas well done, Giovanni ; thou herein 
 Hast shew'd a Christian's care, a brother's love : 
 Come, father, I'll conduct you to her chamber. 
 And one thing woxild entreat you. 
 
 Friar. Say on, sir. 
 
 Flo. I have a father's dear impression, 
 And wish, before I fall into my grave, 
 That I might see her married, as 'tis fit ; 
 A word from you, grave man, will win her more 
 Than all our best persuasions. 
 
 Friar. Gentle sir. 
 All this I'll say, that Heaven may prosper her. 
 
 lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE V. — 4 Room in Richardetto's House. 
 Enter Grimaldi. 
 Grim. Now if the doctor keep his word, Soranzo, 
 Twenty to one you miss your bride. I know 
 'Tis an unnoble act, and not becomes 
 A soldier's valour ; but in terms of love, 
 Where merit cannot sway, policy must : 
 I am resolv'd, if this physician 
 Play not on both hands, then Soranzo falls. 
 
 Enter Richardetto. 
 Rich. You are come as I could wish ; tnis very 
 Soranzo, 'tis ordain'd must be affied [night 
 
3CEKE VI. 
 
 'TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE. 
 
 ^1 
 
 To Annabella, and, for aught I know, 
 Married. 
 
 Grim. How ! 
 
 Rich. Yet your patience ; 
 The place, 'tis friar Bonaventure's cell. 
 Now 1 would wish you to bestow this night 
 In watching thereabouts ; 'tis but a night : — 
 If you miss now, to-morrow I'll know all. 
 
 Grim. Have you the poison I — 
 
 Rich. Here 'tis, in this box ; 
 Doubt nothing, this will do't ; in any ease. 
 As you respect your life, be quick and sure. 
 
 Grim. I'll speed him. 
 
 Rich. Do. — Away ; for 'tis not safe -^ 
 
 You should be seen much here, — ever my love ! 
 
 Grim. And mine to you. \_Exit. 
 
 Rich So ! if this hit, I'll laugh and hug revenge ; 
 And they that now dream of a wedding-feast. 
 May chance to mouni the lusty bridegroom's ruin : 
 But to my other business — niece Philotis I 
 
 Enter Philotis. 
 
 Phi. Uncle. 
 
 Rich. My lovely niece, 
 You have bethought you ? 
 
 Phi. Yes, — and, as you counsell'd, 
 Fashion'd my heart to love him ; but he swears 
 He will to-night be married ; for he fears 
 His uncle else, if he should know tlie drift. 
 Will hinder all, and call his coz to shrift. 
 
 Rich. To-night ? why best of all ; but let me see, 
 I — ha ! — yes, — so it shall be ; in disguise 
 We'll early to the friar's — I have thought on't. 
 
 Phi. Uncle, he comes. 
 
 Enter Bbrgktto and Poogio. 
 
 Rich. Welcome, my worthy coz. 
 
 Ber. Lass, pretty lass, come buss, lass I A-ha, 
 Poggio ! IKitset her. 
 
 Rich. There's hope of this yet. lAside. 
 
 You shall have time enough ; withdraw a little. 
 We must confer at large. 
 
 Ber. Have you not sweetmeats, or dainty de- 
 vices for me ? 
 
 Phi. You shall [have] enough, sweetheart. 
 
 Ber. Sweetheart ! mark that, Poggio. By my 
 troth I cannot choose but kiss thee once more for 
 that word, sweetheart. Poggio, I have a mon- 
 strous swelling aboaitjoaj^ stomacli^jKhatsoever the 
 matter be. ' ~ \ 
 
 Pog. You shall have physic for't, sir. 
 
 Rich. Time runs apace. 
 
 Ber. Timers a blockhead. 
 
 Rich, Be ruled ; when we have done what's fit 
 to do. 
 Then you may kiss your fill, and bed her too. 
 
 \_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE VI.— Florio's House. 
 
 Ankabella's Chamher. A Table with Wax Lights: 
 Annabella at Confession before the Friar; she weeps 
 and wrings her hands. 
 
 Friar. I am glad to see this penance ; for, be- 
 lieve me. 
 You have unripp'd a soul so foul and guilty, 
 As I must tell you true, I marvel how 
 The earth hath borne you up ; but weep, weep on, 
 These tears may do you good ; weep faster yet. 
 Whilst I do read a lecture. 
 
 Ann. Wretched creature ! 
 
 Friar. Ay, you are wretched, miserably wretched, 
 Almost condemn'd alive. There is a place, 
 List, daughter ! in a black and hollow vault. 
 Where day is never seen ; there shines no sun, 
 
 But flaming horror of consuming fireST^ 
 
 A lightless sulphur, choak'd with smoky fogs 
 Of an infected darkness : in this place 
 Dwellmany thousand thousand sundry sorts 
 Of never-dying deaths : there damned souls 
 Roar without pity ; there are gluttons fed 
 With toads and adders ; there is burning oil 
 Pour'd down the drunkard's throat ; the usurer 
 Is forced to sup whole draughts of molten gold ; 
 There is the murderer for ever stabb'd, 
 Yet can he never die ; there lies the wanton 
 On racks of burning steel, whilst in his soul 
 He feels the torment of his raging lust. — 
 
 Ann. Mercy ! oh mercy ! ' 
 
 Friar. There stand these wretched things. 
 Who have dream'd out whole years in lawless 
 And secret incests, cursing one another : [sheets 
 Then you will wish each kiss your brother gave, 
 Had been a dagger's point ; then you shall hear 
 How he will cry, " Oh, would my wicked sister 
 Had first been damn'd, when she did yield to 
 
 lust ! " — 
 But soft, methinks I see repentance work 
 New motions in your heart ; say, how is't with you ? 
 
 Ann. Is there no way left to redeem my mi- 
 series ? 
 
 Friar. There is, despair not ; Heaven is merci- 
 ful. 
 And offers ^race even now. 'Tis thus agreed : 
 First, for your honour's safety, that you marry 
 My lord Soranzo ; next, to save your soul. 
 Leave off this life, and henceforth live to him. 
 
 Ann. Ah me ! 
 
 Friar. Sigh not ; I know the baits of sin 
 Are hard to leave ; oh, 'tis a death to do't. 
 Remember what must come : are you content ? 
 
 Ann. I am. 
 
 Friar. I like it well ; we'll take the time. 
 Who's near us there ? 
 
 Enter Florio and Giovanni. 
 
 Flo. Did you call, father ? 
 
 Friar. Is lord Soranzo come ? 
 
 Flo. He stays below. 
 
 Friar. Have you acquainted him at full ^ 
 
 Flo. I have. 
 And he is overjoy'd. 
 
 Friar. And so are we : 
 Bid him come near. 
 
 Gio. My sister weeping ? — Ha ! 
 I fear this friar's falsehood. — [^stcfe.] — I will call 
 him. lExit. 
 
 Flo. Daughter, are you resolv'd ? 
 
 Ann. Father, I am. 
 
 Re-enter Giovanni, with Soranzo and Yasqvea. 
 Flo. My lord Soranzo, here 
 Give me your hand ; for that, I give you this. 
 
 [Joins their hands. 
 Sor. Lady, say you so too ? 
 Ann. I do, and vow 
 To live with you and your's. 
 
 Friar.. Timely resolv'd ; 
 My blessing restim-l^eth ! more to be done, 
 You may perform it on the morning-sun. 
 
 [Exeunt 
 
3H 
 
 'TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE. 
 
 SCENE VII.— r^e Street before the Monastery. 
 
 Enter Gbimaldi wilh his Rapier drawn, and a dark 
 Lantern. 
 
 Grim. 'Tis early night as yet, and yet too soon 
 To finish such a work ; here I will lie 
 To listen who comes next. IHe lies down. 
 
 Enter Bergetto and Philotis disguised .- and followed, 
 at a distance, by Richardetto and Poggio. 
 
 Ber. We are almost at the place, I hope, sweet- 
 heart. 
 
 Grim. I hear them near, and heard one say 
 ** sweetheart." 
 Tis he ; now guide my hand, some angry justice. 
 Home to his bosom. — Now have at you, sir ' 
 
 IStabs Bergetto, and exit. 
 
 Ber. Oh help, help ! here's a stitch fallen in 
 my guts ; oh for a flesh-tailor quickly — Poggio ! 
 
 Phi. What ails my love ? 
 
 Ber. I am sure I cannot piss forward and back- 
 ward, and yet I am wet before and behind ; lights ! 
 lights ! ho, lights ! 
 
 Phi. Alas, some villain here has slain my love. 
 
 Rich. Oh Heaven forbid it ; raise up the next 
 neighbours 
 Instantly, Poggio, and bring lights. [Exit Poo. 
 
 How is't, Bergetto ? slain ! It cannot be ; 
 Are you sure you are hurt ? 
 
 Ber. O my b^ly seethes like a porridge-pot ; 
 some cold water, I shall boil over else : my whole 
 body is in a sweat, that you may wring my shirt ; 
 feel here — why, Poggio 1 
 
 Re-enter Poggio, with Officers, atid Liglds. 
 
 Pog. Here ; alas ! how do you ? 
 
 Rich. Give me a light. What's here ? all blood! 
 sirs, 
 Signior Donado's nephew now is slain. 
 Follow the murderer with all the haste 
 Up to the city, he cannot be far hence ; 
 Follow, I beseech you. 
 
 Officers. Follow, follow, follow. \_Exeunt. 
 
 Rich. Tear off thy linen, coz, to stop his 
 Be of good comfort, man. [wounds ; 
 
 Ber. Is all this mine own blood ? nay, then, 
 good night with me. Poggio, commend me to my 
 uncle, dost hear? bid him, for my sake, make 
 much of this wench : oh — I am going the wrong 
 way sure, my belly aches so — oh farewell, Poggio ! 
 — oh ! — oh ! — [_Dics. 
 
 Phi. O, he is dead. 
 
 Pog. How ! dead ! 
 
 Rich. He's dead Indeed ; 
 'Tis now too late to weep : let's have him home. 
 And, with what speed we may, find out the mur- 
 derer. 
 
 Pog. Oh my master ! my master ! my master ! 
 
 \_Excunt. 
 
 SCENE VIII. — A Room in Hippolita's House. 
 Enter "Vasques and IIippolita. 
 
 Hip. Betroth'd? 
 Vas. I saw it. 
 
 Hip. And when's the marriage-day ? 
 Vas. Some two days hence. 
 Hip, Two days ! why, man, I would but wish 
 two hours, 
 
 To send him to his last, and lasting sleep ; 
 And, Vasques, thou shalt see I'll do it bravely. 
 
 Vas. I do not doubt your wisdom, nor, I trust, 
 you my secrecy ; I am infinitely yours. 
 
 Hip. I will be thine in spite of my disgrace. 
 So soon } O wicked man ! I durst be sworn, 
 He'd laugh to see me weep. 
 
 Vas. And that's a villainous fault in him. 
 
 Hip. No, let him laugh ; I am arm'd in my 
 Be thou still true. [resolves ; 
 
 Vas. I should get little by treachery against so 
 hopeful a preferment, as I am like to climb to — 
 
 Hip. Even to — my bosom, Vasques. Lee my 
 youth 
 Revel in these new pleasures ; if we thrive, 
 He now hath but a pair of days to live. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE lS..~The Street before the Cardinal's 
 Gates. 
 
 Enter Florid, Donado, Richabdktto, Poggio, and Officers. 
 
 Flo. 'Tis bootless now to shew yourself a child. 
 Signior Donado, what is done, is done ; 
 Spend not the time in tears, but seek for justice. 
 
 Rich. I must confess, somewhat I was in fault. 
 That had not first acquainted you what love 
 Past 'twixt him and my niece ; but, as I live. 
 His fortune grieves me as it were mine own. 
 
 Dom Alas, poor creature, he meant no man harm, 
 That I am sure of. 
 
 Flo. I believe that too. 
 But stay, my masters ; are you sure you saw 
 The murderer pass hei'e ? 
 
 Officer. An it please you, sir, we are sure we 
 saw a ruffian, with a naked weapon in his hand all 
 bloody, get into my lord Cardinal's Grace's gate ; 
 that we are sure of ; but for fear of his grace (bless 
 us !) we durst go no farther. 
 
 Don. Know you what manner of man he was ? 
 
 Officer. Yes sure, I know the man ; they say he 
 is a soldier : he that lov'd your daughter, sir, an't 
 please ye ; 'twas he for certain. 
 
 Flo. Grimaldi, on my life. 
 
 Officer. Ay, ay, the same. 
 
 Rich. The Cardinal is noble ; he no doubt 
 Will give true justice. 
 
 Don. Knock some one at the gate. 
 
 Pog. I'll knock, sir. IKnocks. 
 
 Serv. [ Within.] What would ye? 
 
 Flo. We require speech with the lord Cardinal 
 About some present business ; pray inform 
 His grace that we are here. 
 
 Enter Cardinal, followed hy GniiMALDr. 
 
 Car. Why how now, friends ! what saucy mates 
 That know nor duty nor civility ? [are you, 
 
 Are we a person fit to be your host ; 
 Or is our house become your common inn, 
 To beat our doors at pleasure .•' What such haste 
 Is yours, as that it cannot wait fit times } 
 Are you the masters of this commonwealth. 
 And know no more discretion .' Oh, your news 
 Is here before you ; you have lost a nephew, 
 Doaado, last night by Grimaldi slain : 
 Is that your business ? well, sir, we have knowledge 
 Let that suffice. [on't, 
 
 Grim. In presence of your grace, 
 In thought, I never meant Bergetto harm : 
 But, Florio, you can tell, with how much scorn 
 
SCENE I. 
 
 'TIS PITY SHE'S A WIIOIIE. 
 
 SO 
 
 Soranzo, back'd with his confederates, 
 
 Hath often wrong'd nie ; I to be reveng'd, 
 
 (For that I could not win him else to fight) 
 
 Had thought, by way of ambush, to have kill'd him, 
 
 But was, unluckily, therein mistook ; 
 
 Else he had felt what late Bergetto did : 
 
 And though my fault to him were merely chance, 
 
 Yet humbly I submit me to your grace, \_KHeeling. 
 
 To do with me as you please. 
 
 Car. Rise up, Grimaldi. {He rises. 
 
 You citizens of Parma, if you seek 
 For justice, know, as Nuncio from the pope, 
 For this offence I here receive Grimaldi 
 Into his Holiness' protection : ^ 
 
 He is no common man, but nobly bora. 
 Of princes' blood, though you, sir Florio, 
 
 Thought him too mean a husband for your daughter. 
 If more you seek for, you must go to Rome, 
 For he shall thither; learn more wit for shame. — 
 Bury your dead:— away, Grimaldi — leave 'em ! 
 
 \_Excunt Cardinal and GnrMALDi. 
 Don. Is this a churchman's voice ? dwells jus- 
 tice here?'' -^ 
 
 F/or-^ustice is fled to heaven, and CQoaes no * 
 nearer. ; 
 
 Soranzo ? — was't for him ? O impudence ! 
 Mad he the face to speak it, and not blush? 
 Come, come, Donado, there's no help in this, 
 When cardinals think murder's not amiss : 
 Great men may do their wills, we must obey, 
 But Heaven will judge them for't, another day. 
 
 \_Excunt 
 
 % 
 
 c^ 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE \.—A Room in Florio's House. A 
 Banquet set out. Hautboys. 
 
 Enter the Friar, GiovANxr, Anvabella, Philotis, So- 
 ranzo, DojTADO, Florio, Hichardktto, Putana, and 
 Vasques. 
 
 Friar. These holy rites perfurm'd, now take 
 your times 
 To spend the remnant of the day in feast ; 
 Such fit repasts are pleasing to the saints. 
 Who are your guests, though not with mortal eyes 
 To be beheld. — Long prosper in this day, 
 You happy couple, to each other's joy ! 
 
 Sor. Father, your prayer is heard ; the hand of 
 goodness 
 Hath been a shield for me against my death ; 
 And, more to bless me, hath enrich'd my life 
 With this most precious jewel ; such a prize 
 As earth hath not another like to this. 
 Cheer up, my love ; and, gentlemen, my friends, 
 Rejoice with me in mirth : this day we'll crown 
 With lusty cups to Annabella's health. 
 
 Gio. Oh torture ! were the marriage yet undone, 
 Ere I'd endure this sight, to see my love 
 Clipt by another, I would dare confusion, 
 And stand the horror of ten thousand deaths. 
 
 iAside. 
 
 Vas. Are you not well, sir ? 
 
 Gio. Prithee, fellow, wait ; 
 I need not thy officious diligence. 
 
 Flo. Signior Donado, come, you must forget 
 Your late mishaps, and drown your cares in wine. 
 
 Sor. Vasques I 
 
 Vas. My lord. 
 
 Sor. Reach me that weighty bowl. 
 Here, brother Giovanni, here's to you, 
 ' Your turn comes next, though now a bachelor ; 
 Here's to your sister's happiness, and mine ! 
 
 \_Drinks, and offers him iHe bowl. 
 
 Gio. I cannot drink. 
 
 Sor. What! 
 
 Gio. 'Twill indeed ofTend me. 
 
 Ann. Pray do not urge him, if he be not willing. 
 
 IHautboys. 
 
 Flo. How now 1 what noise is this ? 
 
 Fas. O sir, I had forgot to tell you ; certain 
 yaijngmaM&ns of Parma, in honour to madam 
 A nnabella^ marriage, have sent their loves to her 
 
 in a Masque, for which they humbly crave your 
 patience and silence. 
 
 Sor. We are much bound to them ; so much 
 the more, 
 As it comes unexpected : guide them in. 
 
 Enter IIippouta, followed by Ladies in white Robes, with 
 Garlands of Willows, all masked. 
 
 MVSIC AND A DANCE. 
 
 Sor. Thanks, lovely virgins ! now might we but 
 know 
 To whom we have been beholding for [this] love. 
 We shall acknowledge it. 
 
 Hip. Yes, you shall know : 
 What think you now ? lUuma^kf. 
 
 Omnes. Hippolita ! 
 
 Hip. 'Tis she ; 
 Be not amaz'd ; nor blush, young lovely bride, 
 I come not to defraud you of your man : 
 'Tis now no time to reckon up the talk 
 What Parma long hath rumour'd of us both ; 
 Let rash report run on ! the breath that vents it 
 Will, like a bubble, break itself at last. 
 But now to you, sweet creature : — lend your 
 
 hand — 
 Perhaps it hath been said, that I would claim 
 Some interest in Soranzo, now your lord ; 
 What I have right to do, his soul knows best : 
 But in my duty to your noble worth, I 
 
 Sweet Annabella, and my care of you, \ 
 
 Here, take, Soranzo, take this hand from me, 
 I'll once more join, what by the holy church 
 Is finished and allow'd. — Have I done well ? 
 
 Sor. You have too much engaged us. 
 
 Hip, One thing more. 
 That you may know my single charity, 
 Freely I here remit all interest 
 I e'er could claim, and give you back your vows ; 
 And to confirm't, — reach me a cup of wine — 
 
 [Vas. gives her a poisoned cup. 
 My lord Soranzo, in this draught I drink 
 Long rest t'ye ! — {she drinks) — look to it, Vasques. 
 
 \,Asi<J^. 
 
 Vas. Fear nothing— 
 
 Sor. Hippolita, I thank you; and will pledge 
 This happy union as another life. 
 Wine, there ! 
 
40 
 
 'TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 Fas. You shall have none; neither shall you 
 pledge her. 
 
 Hip. How ! 
 
 Vas. Know now, mistress she-devil, your own 
 mischievous treachery hath kill'd you ; I must not 
 marry you. 
 
 Hip. Villain! 
 
 Omnes. What's the matter ? 
 Vas. Foolish woman, thou art now like a fire- 
 brand, that hath kindled others and burnt thyself: 
 — troppo sperar, inganna, — thy vain hope hath 
 deceived thee ; thou art but dead ; if thou hast any 
 grace, pray. 
 
 Hip. Monster ! 
 
 Vas. Die in charity, for shame. — This thing of 
 malice, this woman, hath privately corrupted me 
 with promise of [marriage,] under this politic 
 reconciliation, to poison my lord, whilst she might 
 laugh at his confusion on his marriage-day. I 
 promised her fair ; but I knew what my reward 
 should have been, and would willingly have spared 
 her life, but that I was acquainted with the danger 
 of her disposition ; and now have fitted her a just 
 payment in her own coin : there she is, she hath 
 
 yet and end thy days in peace, vile woman ; 
 
 as for life, there's no hope, think not on't. 
 
 Omnes. Wonderful justice ! 
 
 Rich. Heaven, thou art righteous. 
 
 Hip. O 'tis true, 
 I feel my minute coming. Had that slave 
 Kept promise, — O my torment ! — thou, this hour, 
 Hadst dy'd, Soranzo — heat above hell-fire !— 
 Yet, ere I pass away — cruel, cruel flames ! — 
 Take here my curse amongst you ; may thy bed 
 Of marriage be a rack unto thy heart, 
 Burn blood, and boil in vengeance — O my heart, 
 My flame's intolerable — may'st thou live 
 To father bastards ; may her womb bring forth 
 Monsters — and die together in your sins, 
 Hated, scorn'd, and unpitied ! — oh — oh — IDies. 
 
 Flo. Was e'er so vile a creature ! 
 
 Rich. Here's the end '"^— --__ 
 
 Of lust and pride. 
 
 Ann. It is a fearful sight. 
 
 Sor. Vasques, I know thee now a trusty ser- 
 vant, 
 
 And never will forget thee. Come, my love, 
 
 We'll home, and thank the heavens for this escape. 
 Father and friends, we must break up this mirth ; 
 It is too sad a feast. 
 
 Don. Bear hence the body. 
 
 Friar. [Aside to Gic] Here's an ominous 
 change ! 
 Mark this, my Giovanni, and take heed ! — 
 I fear the event ; that marriage seldom's good, 
 Where the bride-banquet so begins in blood. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — A Room in Richardetto's House. 
 
 Enter Richardetto and Philotis. 
 Rich. My wretched wife, more wretched in her 
 shame 
 Than in her wrongs to me, hath paid too soon 
 The forfeit of her modesty and life. 
 And I am sure, my niece, though vengeance hover, 
 Keeping aloof yet from Soranzo's fall, 
 Yet he will fall, and sink with his own weight. 
 1 need not now (my heart persuades me so,) 
 To further his confusion ; there is One 
 
 Above begins to work ; for, as I hear. 
 Debates already 'twixt his wife and him 
 Thicken and run to head ; she, as 'tis said, 
 Slightens his love, and he abandons her's : 
 Much talk I hear. Since things go thus, my niece, 
 In tender love and pity of your youth. 
 My counsel is, that you should free your years 
 From hazard of these woes, by flying hence 
 To fair Cremona, there to vow your soul 
 In holiness, a holy votaress ; 
 Leave me to see the end of these extremes. 
 All human worldly courses are uneven. 
 No life is blessed but the way to heaven. 
 Phi. Uncle, shall I resolve to be a nun ? 
 Rich. Ay, gentle niece ; and in your hourly/;, 
 
 prayers /. /^ 
 
 Remember me, your poor unhappy uncle. - "] ■ ' ' 
 Hie to Cremona now, as fortune leads, 
 Your home your cloister, your best friends your 
 
 beads ; 
 Your chaste and single life shall crown your birth, 
 Who dies a virgin, lives a saint on earth. .„ 
 Phi. Then farewell, world, and worldly thougltits, 
 
 adieu ! 
 Welcome, chaste vows, myself I yield to you. 
 
 \_Exeiini. 
 
 SCENE III.— -4 Chamber in Soranzo's House. 
 
 Enter Soranzo unbraced, and dragging in Annabklla. 
 
 Sor. Come, strumpet, famous whore ! were 
 every drop 
 Of blood that runs in thy adulterous veins 
 A life, this sword (dost see't ?) should in one blow 
 Confound them all. Harlot, rare, notable harlot. 
 That with thy brazen face maintain'st thy sin, 
 Was there no man in Parma to be bawd 
 To your loose cunning whoredom else but I ? 
 Must your hot itch and pleurisy of lust, 
 The heyday of your luxury, be fed 
 Up to a surfeit, and could none but I 
 Be pick'd out to be cloak to your close tricks, 
 -Your belly-sports % — Now I must be the dad 
 To all that gallimaufry that is stuff'd 
 In thy corrupted bastard-bearing womb ! — 
 Why, must I ? 
 
 Ann. Beastly man! Why? — 'tis thy fate. 
 I sued not to thee ; for, but that I thought 
 Your over-loving lordship would have run 
 Mad on denial, had you lent me time, 
 I would have told you in what case I was : 
 But you would needs be doing. 
 
 Sor. Whore of whores 1 
 Darest thou tell me this ? 
 
 Ann. Oyes; why not .^ 
 You were deceived in me ; 'twas not for love 
 I chose you, but for honour ; yet know this. 
 Would you be patient yet, and hide your shame, 
 I'd see whether I could love you. 
 
 Sor. Excellent quean ! 
 Why, art thou not with child ? 
 
 Ann. What needs all this, 
 When 'tis superfluous ? I confess I am. 
 
 Sor. Tell me by whom. 
 
 Ann. Soft, 'twas not in my bargain. 
 Yet somewhat, sir, to stay your longing stomach 
 I am content t' acquaint you with ; the' man, 
 The more than man, that got this sprightly boy,— 
 (For 'tis a boy, [and] therefore glory, sir, 
 Your heir shall be a son) — 
 
SCENE III. 
 
 'TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE. 
 
 41 
 
 Sor. Damnable monster ! 
 
 Ann. Nay, an you will not hear, I'll speak no 
 
 Sor. Yes speak, and speak thy last. [more. 
 
 Ann. A match, a match ! 
 This noble creature was in every part 
 So angel-like, so glorious, that a woman, 
 Who had not been but human, as was I, 
 Would have kneel'd to him, and have begg'd for 
 
 love. — 
 You ! why you are not wxwthy once to name 
 His name without true worship, or, indeed, 
 Unless you kneel'd, to hear another name him. 
 
 Sor. What was he call'd ? 
 
 Ann. We are not come to that ; -^ 
 
 Let it suffice, that you shall have the glory 
 To father what so brave a father got. 
 In brief, had not this chance fall'n out as it doth, 
 I never had been troubled with a thought 
 That you had been a creature ; — but for marriage, 
 I scarce dream yet of that. 
 
 Sar. Tell me his name. 
 
 Ann. Alas, alas, there's all ! will you believe ? 
 
 Sor. What? 
 
 Ann. You shall never know. 
 
 Sor. How ! 
 
 Ann. Never; if 
 You do, let me be curs'd. 
 
 Sor. Not know it, strumpet ! I'll rip up thy 
 And find it there. [heart, 
 
 Ann. Do, do. 
 
 Sor. And with my teeth, 
 Tear the prodigious letcher joint by joint. 
 
 Ann. Ha, ha, ha ! the man's merry. 
 
 Sor. Dost thou laugh ? 
 Come, whore, tell me your lover, or by truth 
 I'll hew thy flesh to shreds ; who is't ? 
 
 Ann. Che morte piu dolce che morire per amore ? 
 
 [Singft 
 
 Sor. Thus will I pull thy hair, and thus I'll drag 
 Thy lust be-leper'd body through the dust — 
 
 [_Hales her up and down. 
 Yet tell his name. 
 
 Ann. Morendo in grazia dee morire senza 
 dolore ? [Sings. 
 
 Sor. Dost thou triumph ? the treasure of the 
 earth 
 Shall not redeem thee ; were there kneeling kings 
 Did beg thy life, or angels did come down 
 To plead in tears, yet should not all prevail 
 Against my rage : dost thou not tremble yet ? 
 
 Ann. At what ? to die ! no, be a gallant hang- 
 man ; 
 I dare thee to the worst : strike, and strike home ; 
 I leave revenge behind, and thou shalt feel it. 
 
 Sor. Yet tell me ere thou diest, and tell me truly, 
 Knows thy old father this ? 
 
 Ann. No, by my Ufe. 
 
 Sor. Wilt thou confess, and I will spare thy life ? 
 
 Ann. My life ! I will not buy my life so dear. 
 
 Sor. I will not slack my vengeance. 
 
 IDraws his stvord. 
 Enter Vasqubs. 
 
 Vas. What do you mean, sir .' 
 
 Sor. Forbear, Vasques ; such a damned whore 
 Deserves no pity. 
 
 Vas. Now the gods forefend ! 
 And would you be her executioner, and kill her 
 in your rage too ? O 'twere most unmanlike ; she 
 is your wife, what faults have been done by her 
 before she married you, were not against you : 
 
 alas ! poor lady, what hath she committed, which 
 any lady in Italy in the like case would not ? sir, 
 you must be ruled by your reason, and not by your 
 fury ; that were inhuman and beastly. 
 
 Sor. She shall not live. 
 
 Vas. Come, she must : you would have her 
 confess the authors of her present misfortunes, 1 
 warrant you ; 'tis an unconscionable demand, and 
 she should lose the estimation that I, for my part, 
 hold of her worth, if she had done it : why, sir, 
 you ought not, of all men living, to know it. Good 
 sir, be reconciled ; alas, good gentlewoman ! 
 
 Ann. Pish, do not beg for me, I prize my life 
 As nothing ; if the man will needs be mad, 
 Why let him take it. 
 
 Sor. Vasques, hear'st thou this } 
 
 Vas. Yes, and commend her for it ; in this she 
 shews the nobleness of a gallant spirit, and be- 
 shrew my heart, but it becomes her rarely. — 
 lAside to Sor.] — Sir, in any case smother your 
 revenge ; leave the scenting out your wrongs to 
 me ; be ruled, as you respect yourjionour, or you 
 marr all. — [Aloud.'] — Sir, if ever my service were 
 of any credit with you, be not so violent in your 
 distractions : you are married now ; what a triumph 
 might the report of this give to other neglected 
 suitors ! 'tis as manhke to bear extremities, as 
 godlike to forgive. 
 
 Sor. O Vasques, Vasques, in this piece of flesh, 
 This faithless face of hers, had I laid up 
 The treasure of my heart. Hadst thou been 
 
 virtuous, 
 Fair, wicked woman, not the matchless joys 
 Of life itself, had made me wish to live 
 With any saint but thee : deceitful creature. 
 How hast thoumock'd my hopes, and in the shame 
 Of thy lewd womb even buried me alive ! 
 I did too dearly love thee. 
 
 Vas. This is well ; follow this temper with some 
 passion ; be brief and moving, 'tis for the purpose. 
 
 [Aside to Sor. 
 
 Sor. Be witness to my words thy soul and 
 thoughts ; 
 And tell me, didst not think that in my heart 
 I did toa superstitiously adore thee ? 
 
 Ann. i-nitrst confess, I know you lov'd me well. 
 
 Sor. And would'st thou use me thus ! O 
 Annabella, 
 Be thou assured, whoe'er the villain was 
 That thus hath tempted thee to this disgrace, 
 Well he might lust, but never loved like me. 
 He doted on the picture that hung out 
 Upon thy cheeks, to please his humorous eye ; 
 For on the part I lov'd, which was thy heart, 
 And, as I thought, thy virtues. 
 
 Ann. O, my lord ! [do. 
 
 These words wound deeper than your sword could 
 
 Vas. Let me not ever take comfort, but I begin 
 to weep myself, so much I pity him ; why, madam, 
 I knew, when his rage was over-past, what it would 
 come to. 
 
 Sor. Forgive me, Annabella : though thy youth 
 Hath tempted thee above thy strength to folly, 
 Yet will I not forget what I should be, 
 And what I am, a husband ; in that name 
 Is hid divinity : if I do find 
 That thou wilt yet be true, here I remit 
 All former faults, and take thee to my bo§om. 
 
 Vas. By my troth, and that's a point of noble 
 charity. 
 
42 
 
 TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE. 
 
 Ann. Sir, on my knees 
 
 Sor. Rise up, you shall not kneel. 
 <5et you to your chamber, see you make no shew 
 Of alteration ; I'll be with you straight : 
 My reason tells me now, that " 'tis as common 
 To err in frailty as to be a woman." 
 Go to your chamber. LExit Ann. 
 
 Fas. So ! this was somewhat to the matter : 
 what do you think of your heaven of happiness 
 now, sir ? 
 I Sor. I carry hell about me, all my blood 
 Is fired in swift revenge. 
 
 Vas. That may be ; but know you how, or on 
 whom ? Alas ! to marry a great woman, being 
 made great in the stock to your hand, is a usual 
 sport in these days ; but to know what ferret it 
 was tliat hunted your coney-burrow, — there is the 
 cunning. 
 
 Sor. I'll make her tell herself, or 
 
 Vas. Or what ? you must not do so ; let me yet 
 persuade your sufferance a little while : go to her, 
 use her mildly ; win her, if it be possible, to a 
 voluntary, to a weeping tune ; for the rest, if all 
 hit, I will not miss my mark. Pray, sir, go in ; 
 the next news I tell you shall be wonders. 
 
 Sor. Delay in vengeance gives a heavier blow. 
 
 Vas. Ah, sirrah, here's work for the nonce ! I 
 had a suspicion of a bad matter in my head a 
 pretty while ago ; but after my madam's scurvy 
 looks here at home, her waspish perverseness, and 
 loud fault-finding, then I remembered the proverb, 
 that '* where hens crow, and cocks hold their 
 peace, there are sorry houses." 'Sfoot, if the 
 lower parts of a she-tailor's cunning can cover 
 such a swelling in the stomach, I'll never blame a 
 false stitch in a shoe whilst I live again. Up, and 
 up so quick ? and so quickly too ? 'twere a fine 
 policy to learn by whom : this must be known ; and 
 I have thought on't — 
 
 Enter Putana, in tears. 
 Here's the way, or none. — What, crying, old mis- 
 tress ! alas, alas, J cannot blame you ; we have a 
 lord. Heaven help us, is so mad as the devil him- 
 self, the more shame for him. 
 
 Put. O Vasques, that ever I was born to see 
 this day ! Doth he use thee so too, sometimes, 
 Vasques ? 
 
 Vas. Me? why he makes a dog of me; but if 
 
 some were of my mind, I know what we would do. 
 
 , As sure as I am an honest man, he will go near to 
 
 I kill my lady with unkindness : say she be with 
 
 I child, is that such a matter for a young woman of 
 
 her years to be blamed for ? 
 
 Put. Alas, good heart, it is against her will full 
 sore. 
 i Vas. I durst be sworn, all his madness is for 
 
 I that she will not confess whose 'tis, which he will 
 j know ; and when he doth know it, I am so well 
 I acquainted with his humour, that he will forget all 
 I strait : well, I could wish she would in plain terms 
 tell all, for that's the way, indeed. 
 Put. Do you think so 1 
 
 Vas. Fob, I know it ; provided that he did not 
 win her to it by force. He was once in a mind 
 that you could tell, and meant to have wrung it 
 out of you ; but I somewhat pacified him from 
 that ; yet sure you know a great deal. 
 
 Put. Heaven forgive us all ! I know a little, 
 Vasques. 
 
 Vas. Why should you not ? who else should ? 
 Upon my conscience she loves you dearly ; and 
 you would not betray her to any affliction for the 
 world. 
 
 Put. Not for all the world, by my faith and 
 troth, Vasques. 
 
 Vas. 'Twere pity of your life if you should ; but 
 in this you should both relieve her present discom- 
 forts, pacify my lord, and gain yourself everlasting 
 love and preferment. 
 
 Put. Dost think so, Vasques ? 
 
 Vas. Nay, I know it ; sure it was some near and 
 entire friend. 
 
 Put. 'Twas a dear friend indeed ; but — 
 
 Vas. But what ? fear not to name him ; my life 
 between you and danger : 'faith, I think it was no 
 base fellow. 
 
 Put. Thou wilt stand between me and harm ? 
 
 Vas. 'Uds pity, what else.' you shall be re- 
 warded too, trust me. 
 
 Put. 'Twas even no worse than her own brother. 
 
 Vas. Her brother Giovanni, I warrant you! 
 
 Put. Even he, Vasques ; as brave a gentleman 
 as ever kiss'd fair lady. O they love most perpe- 
 tually. 
 
 Vas. A brave gentleman indeed! why therein I 
 commend her choice — better and better — [Aside.} 
 You are sure 'tvv-as he ? 
 
 Put. Sure ; and you shall see he will not be long 
 from her too. 
 
 Vas. He were to blame if he would ; but may I 
 believe thee } 
 
 Put. Believe me ! why, dost think I am a Turk 
 or a Jew ? No, Vasques, I have known their deal- 
 ings too long, to belie them now. 
 
 Vas. Where are you ? there, within, sirs ! 
 
 Enter Banditti. 
 
 Put. How now, what are these ? 
 
 Vas. You shall know presently. Come, sirs, 
 take me this old damnable hag, gag her instantly, 
 and put out her eyes, quickly, quickly ! 
 
 Put. Vasques ! Vasques 1 
 
 Vas. Gag her, I say ; 'sfoot, do you suffer her to 
 prate ? what do you fumble about } let me come to 
 her. I'll help your old gums, you toad-bellied 
 bitch ! (thep gag her.) Sirs, carry her closely into 
 the coal-house, and put out her eyes instantly ; if 
 she roars, slit her nose ; do you hear, be speedy 
 and sure. lExeimt Ban. with Put. 
 
 Why this ia excellent, and above expectation — her 
 own brother 1 O horrible ! to what a height of 
 liberty in damnation hath the devil trained our age ! 
 her brother, well ! there's yet but a beginning ; I 
 must to my lord, and tutor him better in his points 
 of vengeance : now I see how a smooth tale goes 
 beyond a smooth tail ; but soft — what thing comes 
 next ? Giovanni ! as I could wish ; my belief is 
 strengthened, 'tis as firm as winter and summer. 
 
 Enter Giovanni. 
 
 Gio. Where's my sister ? 
 
 Vas. Troubled with a new sickness, my lord; 
 she's somewhat ill. 
 
 Gio. Took too much of the flesh, I believe. 
 
 Vas. Troth, sir, and you 1 think have even hit 
 it ; but my virtuous lady 
 
 Gio. Where is she ? 
 
 Vas. Tn her chamber ; please you visit her ; she 
 is alone. [Gio. gives him monei/.] Your liberality 
 
'TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE. 
 
 4G 
 
 hath doubly made me your servant, and ever shall, 
 ever lExit Gio. 
 
 Re-enter Soranzo. 
 
 Sir, I am made a man ; I have plied my cue with 
 cunning and success ; I beseech you let us be private. 
 
 Sor. My lady's brother's come ; now he'll know 
 all. 
 
 Vas. Let him know it ; I have made some of 
 them fast enough. How have you dealt with my 
 lady? 
 
 So7\ Gently, as thou hast counseil'd ; O my 
 soul 
 Runs circular in sorrow for revenge ; 
 But, Vasques, thou shalt know 
 
 Vas. Nay, I will know no more, for now comes 
 your turn to know ; I would not talk so openly with 
 you — let my young master take time enough, and go 
 at pleasure ; he is sold to death, and the devil shall 
 not ransom him — Sir, I beseech you, your privacy. 
 
 Sor. No conquest can gain glory of my fear. 
 
 lExeunt 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I.— The Sireet before Soranzo's House. 
 Annabella appears at a Window, above. 
 
 Aim. Pleasures, farewell, and all ye thriftless 
 minutes 
 Wherein false joys have spun a weary life ! 
 To these my fortunes now I take my leave. 
 Thou, precious T-imer-thaJt swiftly rid'st in post 
 Over the wo'rid, to finish uprtfee race 
 Of my last fate, here stay thy restless course. 
 And bear to ages that are yet unborn 
 A wretched, woeful woman's tragedy ! 
 My conscience now stands up against my lust, 
 With depositions character'd in guilt, 
 
 Enter Friar, below. 
 
 And tells me I am lost : now I confess ; 
 Beauty that clothes the outside of the face^ 
 Is cursed if it be not cloth'd with grace. J 
 Here like a turtle, (mew'd up in a cage,) 
 Unmated, I converse with air and walls, 
 And descant on my vile unhappiness. 
 O Giovanni, that hast had the spoil 
 Of thine own virtues, and my modest fame ; 
 Would thou hadst been less subject to-those st^rs 
 That luckless reign'd at my nativity ! \ ■ v i, O 
 
 would the scourge, due to my black (Sneilce, 
 Might pass from thee, that I alone might feel 
 The torment of an uncontrouled flame ! 
 
 Friar. What's this I hear ? 
 
 Ann. That man, that blessed friar. 
 Who join'd in ceremonial knot my hand 
 To him whose wife I now am, told me oft, 
 
 1 trod the path to death, and shew'd me how. 
 But they who sleep in lethargies of lust, 
 Hug their confusion, making Heave^Mij 
 And so did I. 
 
 Friar. Here's music to the soul ! 
 
 Ann. Forgive me, my good Genius, and this 
 Be helpful to my ends; let some good man [once 
 Pass this way, to whose trust I may commit 
 This paper, double lined with tears and blood ; 
 Which being granted, here I sadly vow 
 Repentance, and a leaving of that life 
 I long have died in. 
 
 Friar. Lady, Heaven hath heard you, 
 And hath by providence ordain'd, that I 
 Should be his minister for your behoof. 
 
 Ann. Ha, what are you ? 
 
 Friar. Your brother's friend, the Friar; 
 Glad in my soul that I have Uv'd to hear 
 This free confession 'twixt your peace and you : 
 What would you, or to whom ? fear not to speak. 
 
 Ann. Is Heaven so bountiful? — then I have found 
 
 More favour than I hoped ; here, holy man 
 
 IThrows down a letter. 
 Commend me to my brother, give him that, 
 That letter ; bid him read it, and repent. 
 Tell him that I, imprison'd in my chamber, 
 Barr'd of all company, even of my guardian, 
 (Which gives me cause of much suspect) have time 
 To blush at what hath past ; bid him be wise, 
 And not believe the friendship of my lord ; 
 I fear much more than I can speak : good father, 
 The place is dangerous, and spi-es are busy. 
 I must break off. — you'll do't ? 
 
 Friar. Be sure 1 will, 
 
 And fly with speed : my blessing ever rest 
 
 With thee, my daughter ; live, to die more blest ! 
 
 lExit. 
 
 Ann. Thanks to the heavens, who have pro- 
 long'd my breath 
 To this good use ! now I can welcome death. 
 
 ^Withdraws from the windcuf. 
 
 SCENE II. — Another Room in the same. 
 Enter Soranzo and Vasques. 
 
 Vas. Ami to be believed now ? first, marry a 
 strumpet that cast herself away upon you but to 
 laugh at your horns ! to feast on your disgrace, riot 
 in your vexations, cuckold you in your bride-bed, 
 waste your estate upon panders and bawds ! — 
 
 Sor. No more, I say, no more. 
 
 Vas. A cuckold is a goodly tame beast, ray lordl 
 
 Sor. I am resolv'd ; urge not another word ; 
 My thoughts are great, and all as resolute 
 As thunder ; in mean time, I'll cause our lady 
 To deck herself in all her bridal robes ; 
 Kiss her, and fold her gently in my arms. 
 Begone — yet hear you, are the banditti ready 
 To wait in ambush ? 
 
 Vas. Good sir, trouble not yourself about other 
 business than your own resolution ; remember that 
 time lost cannot be recalled. 
 
 -Sor. With all the cunning words thou canst:, 
 invite 
 The states of Parma to my birth-day's feast : 
 Haste to my brother-rival and his father, 
 Entreat them gently, bid them not to fail ; 
 Be speedy, and return. 
 
 Vas. Let not your pity betray you, till my coming 
 back ; think upon incest and cuckoldry. 
 
 Sor. Revenge is all the ambition I aspire, 
 To that riheliHxb or fall ; my blood's on~ffre 
 
 lE^cunt 
 
u 
 
 TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE III.— ^ Room in Florio's House. 
 
 Enter Giovanni. 
 
 Gio. Busy opinion is an idle fool, 
 That, as a school-rod keeps a child in awe, 
 Frights th' unexperienced temper of the mind : 
 So did it me ; who, ere my precious sister 
 Was married, thought all taste of love would die 
 In such a contract ; but I find no change 
 Of pleasure in this formal law of sports. 
 She is still one to me, and every kiss 
 As sweet and as delicious as the first 
 I reap'd, when yet the privilege of youth 
 Entitled her a virgin. O the glory 
 Of two united hearts like hers and mine ! 
 Let poring book-men dream of other worlds ; 
 Oyiy world, and all of happiness, is here, 
 And I'd not change it for the best to come : 
 A life of pleasure is Elysium. 
 
 Enter Friar. 
 
 Father, you enter on the jubilee 
 Of my retired delights ; now I can tell you, 
 The hell you oft have prompted, is nought else 
 But slavish and fond superstitious fear ; ^ 
 
 And I could prove it too — — '^' ■" \ 
 
 Friar. ThylSirndness slays thtre : 
 Lock there, 'tis writ to thee. [Gives "him the letter. 
 
 Gio. From whom ? 
 
 Friar. Unrip the seals and see ; 
 The blood's yet seething hot, that will anon 
 Be frozen harder than congealed coral. — 
 Why d'ye change colour, son.'' 
 
 Gio. 'Fore heaven, you make 
 Some petty devil factor 'twixt my love 
 And your religion-masked sorceries. 
 Where had you this? -■ 
 
 Friar. Thy conscience, youth, is sear'd, 
 Else thou would'st stoop to warning. 
 
 Gio. 'Tis her hand, 
 I know't ; and 'tis all written in her blood. 
 She writes I know not what. Death! I'll not fear 
 An armed thunderbolt aim'd at my heart. 
 She writes, we are discover'd — pox on dreams 
 Of low faint-hearted cowardice ! — discover'd ? 
 The devil we are ! which way is't possible ? 
 Are we grown traitors to our own delights ? 
 Confusion take such dotage ! 'tis but forged ; 
 This is your peevish chattering, weak old man ! — 
 Now, sir, what news bring you ? 
 
 Enter Vasques. 
 
 Vas. My lord, according to his yearly custom, 
 keeping this day a feast in honour of his birth-day, 
 by me invites you thither. Your worthy father, 
 with the pope's reverend nuncio, and other magni- 
 ficoes of Parma, have promised their presence ; 
 will't please you to be of the number ? 
 
 Gio. Yes, tell [him] I dare come. 
 
 Vas. Dare come ? 
 
 Gio. So I said ; and tell him more, I will come. 
 
 Vas. These words are strange to me. 
 
 Gio. Say, I will come. 
 
 Vas. You will not miss ? 
 
 Gio. Yet more I I'll come, sir. Are you an- 
 swered ? 
 
 Vas. So I'll say my service to you. lExit 
 
 Friar. You will not go, I trust. 
 
 Gio. Not go I for what ? 
 
 Friar. O, do not go ; this feast, I'll gage my 
 Is but a plot to train you to your ruin ; [life, 
 
 Be ruled, you shall not go. 
 
 Gio. Not go ! stood death 
 Threatening his armies of confounding plagues, 
 With hosts of dangers hot as blazing stars, 
 I would be there ; not go ! yes, and resolve 
 To strike as deep in slaughter as they all ; 
 For I will go. 
 
 Friar. Go where thou wilt ; — I see 
 The wildness of thy fate draws to an end, 
 To a bad fearful end : — I must not stay 
 To know thy fall ; back to Bononia I 
 With speed will haste, and shun this coming blow. 
 Parma, farewell ; would I had never known thee, 
 Or aught of thine! Well, young man, since no 
 
 prayer 
 Can make thee safe, I leave thee to despair. [ Exit. 
 
 Go. Despair, or tortures of a thousand hells. 
 All's one to me ; I have set up my rest. 
 Now, now, work serious thoughts on baneful plots ; 
 Be all a man, my soul ; let not the curse 
 Of old prescription rend from me the gall 
 Of courage, which enrolls a glorious death : 
 If I must totter like a well-grown oak, 
 Some under-shrubs shall in my weighty fall 
 Be crush' d to spUts ; with me they all shall perish I 
 
 „ [^xit. 
 
 SCENE IV A Hail in Soranzo's House. 
 
 Enter Soranzo, Vasques with Masks, and Banditti. 
 
 Sor. You will not fail, or shrink in the attempt .' 
 
 Vas. I will undertake for their parts ; be sure, 
 my masters, to be bloody enough, and as unmer- 
 ciful as if you were preying upon a rich booty on 
 the very mountains of Liguria : for your pardons, 
 trust to my lord ; but for reward, you shall trust 
 none but jour own pockets. 
 
 Banditti. We'll make a murder. 
 
 Sor. Here's gold, — \_Gives them money"] — here's 
 more ; want nothing ; what you do 
 Is noble, and an act of brave revenge : 
 I'll make you rich, banditti, and all free. 
 
 Omnes. Liberty ! liberty ! 
 
 Vas. Hold, take every man a vizard ; when you 
 are withdrawn, keep as much silence as you can 
 possibly. You know the watch-word, till which 
 be spoken, move not ; but when you hear that, 
 rush in like a stormy flood : I need not instruct 
 you in your own profession. 
 
 Omnes. No, no, no. 
 
 Vas, In, then ; your ends are profit and prefer- 
 ment Away ! [Exeunt Ban. 
 
 Sor, The guests will all come, Vasques ? 
 
 Vas. Yes, sir. And now let me a little edge 
 your resolution : you see nothing is unready to 
 this great work, but a great mind in you ; call to 
 your remembrance your disgraces, your loss of 
 honour, Hippolita's blood, and arm your courage 
 in your own wrongs ; so shall you best right those 
 wrongs in vengeance, which you may truly call 
 your own. 
 
 Sor, 'Tis well ; the less I speak, the more I bum, 
 And blood shall quench that flame. 
 
 Vas, Now you begin to turn Italian. This be- 
 side ; when my young incest-monger comes, he 
 will be sharp set on his old bit : give him time 
 enough, let him have your chamber and bed at 
 
SCENE V. 
 
 TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE. 
 
 45 
 
 liberty ; let my hot hare have law ere he be hunted 
 to his death, that, if it be possible, he post to hell 
 in the very act of his damnation. 
 
 Sor. It shall be so ; and see, as we would wish, 
 He comes himself first — 
 
 Enter Giovanni. 
 Welcome, my much-lov'd brother ; 
 Now I perceive you honour me ; you are welcome — 
 But where' s my father? 
 
 Gio. With the other states. 
 Attending on the nuncio of the pope. 
 To wait upon him hither. How's my sister ? 
 
 Sor. Like a good housewife, scarcely rea4y yet ; 
 You were best walk to her chamber. 
 
 Gio. If you wilL 
 
 Sor. I must expect my honourable friends ; 
 Good brother, get her forth. 
 
 Gio. You are busy, sir. [Exit. 
 
 Vas. Even as the great devil himself would 
 have it ! let him go and^gluniiniself in his own 
 destruction — [Flourish.'] — Hark, the nuncio is at 
 hand ; good sir, be ready to receive him. 
 
 Enter Cardinal, Florid, Donado, Richardetto, and 
 Attendants. 
 
 Sor. Most reverend lord, this grace hath made 
 me proud. 
 That you vouchsafe my house ; I ever rest 
 Your humble servant for this noble favour. 
 
 Car. You are our friend, my lord ; his Holiness 
 Shall understand how zealously you honour 
 Saint Peter's vicar in his substitute : 
 Our special love to you. 
 
 Sor. Signiors, to you 
 My welcome, and my ever best of thanks 
 For this so memorable courtesy. 
 Pleaseth your grace, walk near ? 
 
 Car. My lord, we come 
 To celebrate your feast with civil mirth. 
 As ancient custom teacheth : we will go. 
 
 Sor. Attend his grace there. Signiors, keep 
 your way. \_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE V. — Annabella's Bed Chamber in the 
 same. 
 
 Annabklla, richly dressed, and Giovanni, 
 
 Gio, What, chang'd so soon I hath your new 
 sprightly lord 
 Found out a trick in night-games more than we 
 Could know, in our simplicity ? — Ha ! is't so .'' 
 Or does the fit come on you, to prove treacherous 
 To your past vows and oaths ? 
 
 Ann. Why should you jest 
 At my calamity, without all sense 
 Of the approaching dangers you are in ! 
 
 Gio. What dangers half so great as thy revolt ? 
 Thou art a faithless sister, else thou know'st, 
 Malice, or any treachery beside, 
 Would stoop to my bent brows ; why, I hold fate 
 Clasp 'd in my fist, and could command the course 
 Of time's eternal motion, hadst thou been 
 One thought more steady than an ebbing sea. 
 And what ? you'll now be honest, that's resolv'd ? 
 
 Ann. Brother, dear brother, know what I have 
 been. 
 And know that now there's but a dining-time 
 'Twixt us and our confusion : let's not waste 
 
 These precious hours in vain and useless speech. 
 
 Alas ! these gay attires were not put on 
 
 But to some end ; this sudden solemn feast 
 
 Was not ordain'd to riot in expense ; 
 
 I that have now been chamber'd here alone, 
 
 Barr'd of my guardian, or of any else, 
 
 Am not for nothing at an instant freed 
 
 To fresh access. Be not deceiv'd, my brother, 
 
 This banquet is an harbinger of death / 
 
 To you and me ; resolve yourself it is, "^ 
 
 And be prepared to welcome it. 
 
 Gio. Well, then ; 
 The schoolmen teach that all this globe of earth 
 Shall be consumed to ashes in a minute. 
 
 Ann. So I have read too. 
 
 Gio. But 'twere somewhat strange 
 To see the waters burn ; could I believe 
 This might be true, I could believe as well 
 There might be hell or heaven. 
 
 Ann. That's most certain. 
 
 Gio. A dream, a dream ! else in this other world 
 We should know one another. 
 
 Ann. So we shall. 
 
 Gio. Have you heard so ? 
 
 Ann. For certain. 
 
 Gio. But do you think. 
 That I shall see you there } You look on me. — 
 May we kiss one another, prate, or laugh, 
 Or do as we do here ? 
 
 Ann. I know not that ; 
 But — brother, for the present, what d'ye mean 
 To free yourself from danger ? some way think 
 How to escape ; I'm sure the guests are come. 
 
 Gio. Look up, look here ; what see you in my 
 face \ 
 
 Ann. Distraction and a troubled conscience. 
 
 Gio. Death, and a swift repining wrath : — yet 
 What see you in mine eyes ? [look ; 
 
 Ann. Methinks you weep. 
 
 Gio. I do indeed ; these are the funeral tears 
 Shed on your grave ; these furrow'd up my cheeks 
 When first I lov'd and knew not how to woo. 
 Fair Annabella, should I here repeat 
 The story of my life, we might lose time. 
 Be recor(^ all the spirits of the air, 
 And all things else that are, that day and night, 
 Eaily and late, the tribute which my heart 
 Hath paid to Annabella's sacred love, 
 Hath been these tears, which are her mourners 
 
 now! 
 Never till now did nature do her best. 
 To shew a matchless beauty to the world. 
 Which in an instant, ere it scarce was seen, 
 The jealous destinies required again. 
 Pray, Annabella, pray ! since we must part, 
 Go thou, white in thy soul, to fill a throi^e 
 Of innocence and sanctity in heaven. / 
 Pray, pray, my sister 1 
 
 Ann. Then I see your drift — 
 Ye blessed angels guard me 1 "^ 
 
 GtoT^So-say T; ~- 
 Kiss me. If ever aftertimes should hear 
 Of our fast-knit affections, though perhaps 
 The laws of conscience and of civil use 
 May justly blame us, yet when they but know 
 Our loves, that love will wipe away that rigour, 
 Which would in other incests be abhorr'd. 
 Give me your hand : how sweetly life doth run 
 In these well-colour'd veins ! how constantly 
 These palms do promise health ! but I could chide 
 
4r> 
 
 TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 r-^l 
 
 T\ ^ 
 
 With nature for this cunning flattery — 
 Ki.ss me again — forgive me. 
 
 Ann. With my heart. 
 
 Gio. Farewell ! 
 
 Ann. Will you be gone ? 
 
 Gio. Be dark, bright sun, 
 And make this mid-day night, that thy gilt rays 
 May not behold a deed, will turn their splendour 
 More sooty than the poets feign their Styx ! 
 One other kiss, my sister. 
 
 An7i. What means this ? 
 
 Gio. To save thy fame, and kill thee in a kiss. 
 
 [Stabs her. 
 Thus die, and die by me, and by my hand 1 
 RevengfiJisi-mine; honour doth love command. 
 
 'Ann. Oh brother, by your hand t 
 
 Gio. When thou art dead 
 I'll give my reasons for't ; for to dispute 
 With thy (even in thy death) most lovely beauty. 
 Would make me stagger to perform this act 
 Which I most glory in. 
 
 Ann. Forgive him. Heaven — and me my sins ! 
 farewell, 
 Brother unkind, unkind, — mercy, great Heaven 
 oh— oh ! lilies. 
 
 Gio. She's dead, alas , good soul ! The hapless 
 That in her womb received its life from me, [fruit 
 Hath had from me a cradle and a grave. 
 I must not dally — this sad marriage-bed 
 In all her best, bore her alive and dead. 
 Soranzo, thou hast miss'd thy aim in this ! 
 I have prevented now thy reaching plots, 
 And kill'a a love, for whose each drop of blood 
 I would have pawn'd my heart. Fair Annabvilla, 
 How over-glorious ar^. thou in thy wounds, 
 Triumphing over infamy and hate ! 
 Shrink not, courageous hand, stand up, my heart. 
 And boldly act my last, and greater part ! 
 
 IThe scene closes. 
 
 SCENE VL — A Banquetting Room in the same. 
 
 A Banquet.— Enter the Cardinal, Florfo, Donado, So- 
 ranzo, Richardetto,Vasques, and Attendants. 
 
 Vas. {apart to Sou.) Remember, sir, what you 
 have to do ; be wise and resolute. 
 
 Sor. Enough — my heart is fix'd. — Pleaseth your 
 grace 
 To taste these coarse confections : though the use 
 Of such set entertainments more consists 
 In custom, than in cause, yet, reverend sir, 
 I am still made your servant by your presence. 
 
 Car. And we your friend. 
 
 Sor. But Where's my brother Giovanni? 
 
 Enter Giovanni, with a Heart tipon his Danger. 
 
 Gio. Here, here, Soranzo 1 trimm'd in reeking 
 blood. 
 That triumphs over death ! proud in the spoil 
 Of love and vengeance ! fate, or ail the powers 
 That guide the motions of immor.al souls, 
 Could not prevent nn«. 
 
 Car. What means this ? 
 
 Flo. Son Giovanni ! 
 
 Sor. Shall I be forestall'd.> [Jtide. 
 
 Gio. Be not amazed : if your misgiving hearts 
 Shrink at an idle sight, what bloodless fear 
 Of coward passion would have seiz'd your senses, 
 Had you beheld the rape of life and beauty 
 Which I have acted ? — my sister, oh my sister ! 
 
 Flo. Ha! what of her? 
 
 Gio. The glory of my deed 
 Darken'd the mid-day sun, made noon as night» 
 You came to feast, my lords, with dainty fare, 
 I came to feast too ; but I digg'd for food 
 In a much richer mine, than gold or stone 
 Of any value balanced ; 'tis a heart, 
 A heart, my lords, in which is mine entomb'd : 
 Look well upon't ; do you know it ? 
 
 Vas. What strange riddle's this ? lAsUle. 
 
 Gio. 'Tis Annabella's heart, 'tis ; why do you 
 startle ? 
 I vow 'tis hers ; — this dagger's point plough'd up 
 Her fruitful womb, and left to me the fame 
 Of a most glorious executioner. 
 
 Flo. Why, madman, art thyself ? 
 
 Gio. Yes, father ^ and, that times to come may 
 How, as my fate, I hono«r'd my revenge, [know. 
 List, father ; to your ears I will yield up 
 How much I have deserv'd to be your son. 
 
 Flo. What is't thou say'st ? 
 
 Gio. Nine moons have had their changes. 
 Since I first thoroughly view'd, and truly lov'd, 
 Your daughter and my sister. 
 
 Flo. How? Alas, my lords, 
 He is a frantic madman 1 
 
 Gio. Father, no. 
 For nine months space, in secret, I enjoy'd 
 Sweet Annabella's sheets ; nine months I lived 
 A happy monarch of her heart and her ; 
 Soranzo, thou know'st this ; thy paler cheek 
 Bears the confounding print of thy disgrace ; 
 For her too fruitful womb too soon bewray'd 
 The happy passage of our stolen delights, 
 And made her mother to a child unborn. 
 
 Car. Incestuous villain ! 
 
 Flo. Oh, his rage belies him. 
 
 Gio. It does not, 'tis the oracle of truth ; 
 I vow it is so. 
 
 Sor. I shall burst with fury — 
 Bring the strumpet forth ! 
 
 Vas. I shall, sir. iExif. 
 
 Gio. Do, sir; have you all oxxiaith ~-"\ 
 To credit yet my triumphs ? here I swear J 
 By all that you call sacred, by the love 
 I bore my Annabella whilst she lived, 
 These hands have from her bosom ripp'd this 
 heart. 
 
 lie-enter Yasques. 
 
 Is't true or no, sir ? 
 
 Vas. 'Tis most strangely true. 
 
 Flo. Cursed man — have I lived to [-Di*' 
 
 Car. Hold up, Fiorio. 
 Monster of children ! see what thou hast done, 
 Broke thy old father's heart ! is none of you 
 Dares venture on him ? 
 
 Gio. Let them ! O my father, 
 How well his death becomes him in his griefs ! 
 Why this was done with courage ; now survives 
 None of our house but I, gilt in the blood 
 Of a fair sister and a hapless father. 
 
 Sor. Inhuman scorn of men, hast thou a thought 
 T' outlive thy murders 1 IDraus 
 
 Gio. Yes, I tell thee yes ; 
 For in my fists I bear the twists of life. 
 Soranzo, see this heart, which was thy wife's ; 
 Thus I exchange it royally for thine. [TheyfliJht. 
 And thus and thus ! now brave revenge is mine. 
 
 [Soranzo /alls 
 
hCKNE VI. 
 
 'TIS PITY SHE'S A VVIIORE. 
 
 47 
 
 Vas. I cannot hold any longer. You, sir, are 
 you grown insolent in your butcheries ? have at 
 you. 
 
 Gio. Come, I am arra'd to meet thee. iThe.yfgfd. 
 
 Vas. No ! will it not be yet ? if this will not, 
 
 another shall. Not yet ? I shall fit you anon 
 
 Vengeance ! 
 
 T^c Banditti rush in. 
 
 Gio. Welcome ! come more of you ; whate'er 
 you be, 
 
 I dare your worst 
 
 [_T}iey surround and wound him. 
 Oh I can stand no longer ; feeble arms, 
 Have you so soon lost strength ? -'XFaUs. 
 
 Vas. Now, you are tvelcome, sir ! — Away, my 
 masters, all is done ; shift for yourselves, your 
 reward is your own ; shift for yourselves. 
 
 \_Aside to Band. 
 
 Band. Away, away ! lExeimt. 
 
 Vas. How do you, my lord ? See you this ? 
 [pointing to G\o.'\ howis't? 
 
 Sor. Dead ; but in death well pleas'd, that I 
 have liv'd 
 To see my wrongs reveng'd on that black devil — 
 O Vasques, to thy bosom let me give 
 My last of breath ; let not that lecher live — 
 Oh !— IDtes. 
 
 Vas. The rewaid of peace and rest be with 
 [you], my ever dearest lord and master ! 
 
 Gio. Whose hand gave me this wound ? 
 
 Vas. Mine, sir ; I was your first man ; have you 
 enough .'' 
 
 Gio. I thank thee, thou hast done for me 
 But what I would have else done on myself. 
 Art sure thy lord is dead ? 
 
 Vas. Oh impudent slave ! 
 As sure as I am sure to see thee die. 
 
 Car. Think on thy life and end, and call for 
 mercy. 
 
 Gio. Mercy ? why, I have found it in this justice. 
 
 Car. Strive yet to cry to Heaven. 
 
 Gio. Oh I bleed fast. 
 Death, thou'rt a guest longlook'd for, I embrace 
 Thee and thy wounds ; oh, my last minute comes ! 
 Where'er I go, let me enjoy this grace, 
 Freely to view my Annabella's face. ii>ies. 
 
 Don. Strange miracle of justice ! 
 
 Car. Raise up the city, we shall be murder'd all ! 
 
 Vas. You need not fear, you shall not ; this 
 strange task being ended, I have paid the duty to 
 the son, which 1 have vowed to the father. 
 
 Car. Speak, wretched villain, what incarnate 
 Hath led thee on to this ? [fiend 
 
 Vas. Honesty, and pity of my master'swrongs : 
 
 for know, my lord, I am by birth a Spaniard*, 
 brought forth my country in my youtli by lord 
 Soranzo's father; whom, whilst he lived, I served 
 faithfully ; since whose death I have been to this 
 man, as I was to him. What I have done, was 
 duty, and I repent nothing, but that the loss of 
 my life had not ransomed his. 
 
 Car. Say, fellow, know'st thou any yet un- 
 Of council in this incest? [nam'd, 
 
 Vas. Yes, an old woman, sometime guardian ta 
 this murder'd lady. 
 
 Car. And what's become of her } 
 
 Vas. Within this room she is ; whose eyes, 
 after her confession, I caused to be put out, but 
 kept alive, to confirm what from Giovanni's own 
 mouth you have heard. Now, my lord, what I 
 have done you may judge of; and let your own 
 wisdom be a judge in your own reason. 
 
 Car. Peace ! first this woman, chief in these 
 My sentence is, that forthwith she be ta'en [effects. 
 Out of the city, for example's sake. 
 There to be burnt to ashes. 
 
 Don. 'Tis most just. 
 
 Car. Be it your charge, Donado, see it done. 
 
 Don. I shall. 
 
 Vas. What for me ? if death, 'tis welcome ; I 
 have been honest to the son, as I was to the 
 father. 
 
 Car. Fellow, for thee, since what thou didst 
 Not for thyself, being no Italian, [was done 
 
 We banish thee for ever ; to depart 
 Within three days : in this we do dispense 
 With grounds of reason, not of thine offence. 
 
 Vas. 'Tis well ; this conquest is mine, and I 
 rejoice that a Spaniard outwent an Italian in 
 revenge. \_Exit. 
 
 Car. Tale up these slaughter'd bodies, see 
 them buried ; 
 And all the gold and jewels, or whatsoever, 
 Confiscate by the canons of the church, 
 We seize upon to the Pope's proper use. 
 
 Rich. {Discovers himself.) Your grace's par- 
 don ; thus long I liv'd disguised, 
 To see the effect of pride and lust at once 
 Brought both to shameful ends. 
 
 Car. What ! Richardetto, whom we thought for 
 
 Don. Sir, was it you [dead .' 
 
 lUch. Your friend. 
 
 Car. We shall have time 
 To talk at large of all ; but never yet 
 Incest and murder have so strangely met. 
 Of one so young, so rich in nature's store, 
 Who could not say, 'Tis pity she's a Whore ? 
 
 lExcuut 
 
THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 TO THB MOST WORTHY DESERVER OF THE NOBLEST TITLES IN HONOUR, 
 
 WILLIAM, 
 
 LORD CRAVEN, BARON OP HAMSTEED-MARSHALL. 
 
 Mv Lord, — The glory of a great name, acquired by a greater glory of action, hath in all ages lived the truest 
 chronicle to his own memory. In the practice of which argument, your growth to perfection, even in youth, hath 
 appeared so sincere, so unflattering a penman, that posterity cannot with more delight read the merit of noble 
 endeavours, than noble endeavours merit thanks from posterity to be read with delight. Many nations, many eyes 
 have been witnesses of your deserts, and loved them ; be pleased, then, with the freedom of your own name, to admit 
 one amongst all, particularly into the list of such as honour a fair example of nobility. There is a kind of humble 
 ambition, not imcommendable, when the silence of study breaks forth into discourse, coveting rather encouragement 
 than applause ; yet herein censure commonly is too severe an auditor, without the moderation of an able patronage. 
 I have ever been slow in courtship of greatness, not ignorant of such defects as are frequent to opinion : but the justice 
 of your inclination to industry, emboldens my weakness of confidence to relish an experience of your mercy, as many 
 brave dangers have ta,sted of your courage. Your Lordship strove to be known to the world, when the world knew you 
 least, by voluntary, but excellent attempts : Like allowance I plead of being known to your Lordship (in this low 
 presumption,) by tendering, to a favourable entertainment, a devotion offered from a heart, that can be as truly 
 sensible of any least respect, as ever profess the owner in my best, my readiest services, a lover of your natural love to 
 ^^"«' John Ford. 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONS. 
 
 Amyclas, King of Laconia. 
 Ithocles, a Favourite. 
 Orgilus, Son to Crotolon. 
 Bassanes, a Jealous Nobleman. 
 Armostes, a Counsellor of State. 
 Crotolon, another Counsellor. 
 Prophilus, Friend to Ithocles. 
 Nearchus, Prince of Argos. 
 Tecnicus, a Philosopher. 
 Hemophil, ) „ 
 Groneas, \Oourtiers. 
 
 Amelus, Friend to Nearchus. 
 Phulas, Servant to Bassanes. 
 
 Calantha, the King's Daughter. 
 Penthea, Sister to Ithocles. 
 EupHRANEA, a Maid of Honour. 
 Christalla, ) „ .^ . -, 
 Philema, \Ma^ds of Honour. 
 
 Grausis, Overseer of Penthea. 
 
 Courtiers, Officers, Attendants, ifc* 
 
 SCENE,— Sparta. 
 
 THE NAMES OF THE SPEAKERS FITTED TO THEIR QUALITIES. 
 
 Ithocles, Honour of Loveliness. 
 Orgilus, Angry. 
 Bassanes, Vexation. 
 Armostes, an Appeaser. 
 Crotolon, Noise. 
 Prophflus, Dear. 
 Nearchus, Young Prince. 
 Tecnicus, Artist. 
 Hemophil, Glutton. 
 Gronras, Tavern-haunter. 
 
 Amelus, Trusty, 
 
 Phulas, Watchful. 
 
 Calantha, Flower of Beauty. 
 Penthea, Complaint. 
 Euphranba, Joy. 
 Christalla, Crystal. 
 Phileala, a Kiss. 
 Grausis, Old Beldam. 
 
 persons INCL0D8D. 
 
 Thrasus, Fierceness. 
 An-OTKs, Simplicity. 
 
THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 40 
 
 PROLOGUE. 
 
 Our scene is Sparta. He whose best of art 
 
 Hath drawn this piece, calls it the Hroki^n Heart. 
 
 The title lauds no expectation here 
 
 Of apish laughter, or of some lame jeer 
 
 At place or persons ; no pretended clause 
 
 Of jests fit for a brothel, courts applause 
 
 From vulgar admiration : such low songs, 
 
 Tuned to unchaste ears, suit not modest tongues. 
 
 The virgin-sisters then deserv'd fresh bays 
 
 When innocence and sweetness crown'd their lays ; 
 
 Then vices gasp' d for breath, whose whole commerce 
 Was whipp'd to exile by imblushing verse. 
 This law we keep in our presentment now, 
 Not to take freedom more than we allow ; 
 What may be here thought fiction, when time's 
 
 youth 
 Wanted some riper years, was known a truth : 
 In which, if words have cloth'd the subject right. 
 You may partake a pity, with delight. 
 
 ACT 
 
 SCENE I. — A Room in Crotolon's House. 
 
 I. 
 
 Enter Crotolon and Oroilus. 
 
 Crot. Dally not further ; I will know the reason 
 That speeds thee to this journey. 
 
 Org. " Reason ?" good sir, 
 I can yield many. 
 
 Crot. Give me one, a good one ; 
 Such I expect, and ere we part must have : 
 " Athens 1" pray, why to Athens ? you intend not 
 To kick against the world, turn cynicj stoic, 
 Or read the logic lecture, or become 
 An Areopagite, and judge in cases 
 Touching the commonwealth ; for, as I take it, 
 The budding of your chin cannot prognosticate 
 Sograve an honour. 
 y^^x)rg. All this I acknowledge. 
 
 Crgt. You do ! then, son, if books and love of 
 
 TV-^ knowledge 
 Inflame you to this travel, here in Sparta 
 You may as freely study. 
 
 Org. 'Tis not that, sir. 
 
 Crot. Not that, sir ! As a father, I command 
 To acquaint me with the truth. [thee 
 
 Org. Thus, I obey you. 
 After so many quarrels, as dissension. 
 Fury, and rage had broach'd in blood, and some- 
 With death to such confederates, as sided [times 
 With now dead Thrasus and yourself, my lord ; 
 Our present king, Amyclas, reconciled 
 Your eager swords, and seal'd a gentle peace : 
 Friends you profess'd yourselves ; which to con- 
 A resolution for a lasting league [firm 
 
 Betwixt your families, was entertained, 
 Bv joining, in a Hymenran bond. 
 
 For Ithocles, her brother, proud of youth, 
 And prouder in his power, nourish'd closely 
 The memory of former discontents, 
 To glory in revenge. By cunning partly, 
 Partly by threats, he woos at once and forces 
 His virtuous sister to admit a marriage 
 With Bassanes, a nobleman, in'honour 
 And riches, I confess, beyond my fortunes — 
 
 Crot. All this is no sound reason to importune 
 My leave for thy de[)arture. 
 
 Org. Now it follows. 
 Beauteous Penthea, wedded to this torture 
 By an insulting brother, being secretly 
 Compell'd to yield her virgin freedom up 
 To him, w]xa-never can usurp her heart, 
 Before c&ntractecl/iiiine ; is now so yoked 
 To a moatJiaxlxfrous thraldom, misery. 
 Affliction, that he savours not humanity. 
 Whose sorrow melts not into more than pity, 
 In hearing but her name. 
 
 Crot. As how, pray? 
 
 Org. Bassanes, V « x A. "^^ c? **• 
 The man that calls her w^ife', considers truly 
 What heaven of perfections he is loid of. 
 By thinking fair Penthea his ; this thought 
 Begets a kind of monster-love, which love -i 
 Is nurse unto a fear so strong, and servile, \ 
 As brands all dotage with a jealousy. 
 Ali eyes who gaze upon that shrine of beauty, 
 He doth resolve, do homage to the miracle : 
 Some one, he is assured, may now or then 
 (If opportunity but sort) prevail : 
 So much, out of a self-unworthiness, 
 His fears transport h'm ! — not that he finds cause 
 In her obedience, but his own distrust. 
 
 Me and the fair Pentliea, only daughter c<' ?<»- p I J tVl Crot. You spin out-your di^ourse. 
 
 3 
 
 To Thrasus. ^i"*^c. '« » T.s,c, 
 
 Crot. What of this ? 
 
 Org. Much, much, dear sir. 
 A freedom of converse, an interchange 
 Of holy and chaste love, so fix'd our souls- 
 In a firm growth of union, that no time 
 Can eat into the pledge : — we had enjoy'd 
 The sweets our vows expected, had not cruelty 
 Prevented all those triumphs we prepared for, 
 By Thrasus his untimely death. 
 
 Crot. Most certain. 
 
 Org. From this time sprouted up that poisonous 
 stalk 
 Of aconite, whose ripened fruit hath ravish'd 
 Alt health, all comfort of a happy life : 
 
 Org. My griefs are violent^ 
 For knowing how th^^majd'^t^ heretofore 
 Courted by me, his jealousies grow wild 
 That I should steal again into her favours. 
 And undermine her virtues ; which the gods 
 Know, I nor dare, nor dream of: hence, from 
 I undertake a voluntary exile ; " [her.cc, 
 
 First, by my absence to take off the cares 
 Of jealous Bassanes ; but chiefly, sir, 
 To free Penthea from a hell on earth : 
 Lastly, to lose the memory of something. 
 Her presence makes to live in me afresh. 
 
 Crot. Enough, my Orgilus, enough. To Athens, 
 I give a full consent ; — alas, good lady I — 
 We shall hear ftom thee often ? « 
 
50 
 
 THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 Org. Often. 
 Crot. See, 
 Thy sister comes to give a farewell. 
 
 Enter Euphranka. 0-'to4^ 
 
 Euph. Brother ! 
 
 Org. Euphranea, thus upon thy cheeks I print 
 A brother's kiss ; more careful of thine honour, 
 Thy health, and thy well-doing, than ndy life. 
 Before we part, in presence of our father, 
 I must prefer a suit t' you. 
 
 Euph. You may stile it, 
 My brother, a command. 
 
 Org. That you will promise 
 Never to pass to any man, however 
 Worthy, your faith, till, with our father's leave, 
 I give a free consent. 
 
 Crot. An easy motion ! 
 I'll promise for her, Orgilus. 
 
 Org. Your pardon ; 
 Euphranea's oath must yield me satisfaction, 
 
 Euph. By Vesta's sacred fires, I swear. 
 
 Crot. And I, 
 By great Apollo's beams, join in the vow ; 
 Not, without thy allowance, to bestow her 
 On any living. 
 
 Org. Dear Euphranea, 
 Mistake me not ; far, far 'tis from my thought, 
 As far from any wish of mine, to hinder 
 Preferment to an honourable bed. 
 Or fitting fortune ; thou art young and handsome ; 
 And 'twere injustice, — more, a tyranny, 
 Not to advance thy merit : trust me, sister, 
 It shall be my first care to see thee match'd 
 As may become thy choice, and our contents. 
 I have your oath. 
 
 Euph. You have ; but mean you, brother, 
 To leave us, as you say ? 
 
 Crot. Aye, aye, Euphranea. 
 He has just grounds direct him ; I will prove 
 A father and a brother to thee. 
 
 Euph. Heaven 
 Does look into the secrets of all hearts : 
 Gods ! you have mercy with you, else 
 
 Crot. Doubt nothing. 
 Thy brother will return in safety to us. 
 
 Org. Souls sunk in sorrows never are without 
 them ; 
 They change fresh airs, but bear their griefs about 
 them. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE 11.— 4 Room in the Palace. 
 
 Flourish. 
 
 Enter Amyclas, Armostes, Prophilus, 
 Courtiers and Attendants. 
 
 Amyc. The Spartan gods are gracious ; our 
 humility 
 Shall bend before their altars, and perfume 
 Their temples with abundant sacrifice. 
 See, lords, Amyclas, your old king, is entering 
 Into his youth again ! I shall shake off 
 This silver badge of age, and change this snow 
 For hairs as gay as are Apollo's locks ; 
 Our heart leaps in new vigour. 
 
 Arm. May old time 
 Run back to double your long life, great sir ! 
 
 Amyc. It will, it must, Armostes; thy bold 
 nephew, 
 Death-braving Ithocles, brings to our gates 
 
 Triumphs and peace upon his conquering sword- 
 Laconia is a monarchy at length ; 
 Hath in this latter war trod under foot 
 Messene's pride ; Messene bows her neck 
 To Lacedemon's royalty. O, 'twas 
 A glorious victory, and doth deserve 
 More than a chronicle ; a temple, lords, 
 A temple to the name of Ithocles. 
 Where didst thou leave him, Prophilus ? 
 
 Pro. At Pephon, 
 Most gracious sovereign ; twenty of the noblest 
 Of the Messenians there attend your pleasure, 
 For such conditions as you shall propose, 
 In settling peace, and liberty of life, 
 
 Amyc. When comes your friend the general ? 
 
 Pro. He promised 
 To follow with all speed convenient. 
 
 Enter Crotolon, Calantha, EopuRANaA, Christalla, 
 and Philema icith a garland. 
 
 Amyc. Our daughter ! dear Calantha, the happy 
 The conquest of Messene, hath already [news, 
 Enrich'd thy knowledge. 
 
 Cal. With the circumstance 
 And manner of the fight, related faithfully 
 By Prophilus himself — but, pray, sir, tell me,. ^^ ,'■ 
 How doth the youthful general demean 
 His actions in these fortunes ? 
 
 Pro. Excellent princess, ',;^ 
 
 Your own fair eyes may soon report a truth ^,^ 
 Unto your judgment, with what moderation, \ 
 Calmness of nature, measure, bounds, and limit^ 
 Of thankfulness and joy, he doth digest "— ' 
 
 Such amplitude of his success, as would. 
 In. others, moulded of a spirit less clear^ 
 Advance them to comparison with heaven : 
 But Ithocles— 
 
 Cal. Your friend — u^ k '"(^^ ' 
 
 Pro. He is so, madam, ^■r-fip''''*' 
 
 In which the period of my fate consists—} , 
 
 He, in this firmament of honour, stands ,;l 
 
 Like a star fix'd, not movM with any thunder]' '"^^ 
 Of popular applause, orTsudden lightning [ 
 
 Of self-upiuiOn ; 'he hath serv'd his country, 
 And thinks 'twas but his duty. 
 
 Crot. You describe 
 A miracle of man. 
 
 Amyc. Such, Crotolon, IFlourixh. 
 
 On forfeit of a king's word, thou wilt find him. 
 Hark, warning of his coming ! all attend him. 
 
 Enter Ithocles, ushered in hy the Lords, and /oUoiced bp 
 IIemophil and Groneas. 
 
 Amyc. Return into these arms, thy home, thy 
 sanctuary. 
 Delight of Sparta, treasure of my bosom, 
 Mine own, own Ithocles ! 
 
 Ilh. Your humblest subject. 
 
 Arm. Proud of the blood I claim an interest in. 
 As brother to thy mother, I embrace thee, 
 Right noble nephew. 
 
 Jlh. Sir, your love's too partial. 
 
 Crot. Our country speaks by me, who by thy 
 valour, 
 Wisdom, and service, shares in this great action ; 
 Returning thee, in part of thy due merits, 
 A general welcome. 
 
 lih. You exceed in bounty. 
 
 Cal. Christalla, Philema, the chaplet. [ Takes 
 the chaplet from them.] Ithocles, 
 Upon the wings of fame, the singular 
 
 f> 
 
bCiiNt; III. 
 
 THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 51 
 
 And chosen forttrae of an high attempt, 
 Is borne so past tlie view of common sight, 
 That I myself, with mine own hands, have wrouglit 
 To crown thy temples, this Provincial garland ; 
 Accept, wear, and enjoy it as our gift 
 Deserv'd, not purchased. 
 
 Jlh, You are a royal maid. 
 
 Amyc. She is, in all, our daughter. 
 
 Ith. Let me blush. 
 Acknowledging how poorly I have serv'd, 
 What nothings I have done, compared with the 
 Heap'd on the issue of a filling mind ; [honours 
 In that lay mine ability, that ohlyr ^^ 
 
 For who is he so sluggish from his birth, 
 So little worthy of a name or country, 
 That owes not out of gratitude for life 
 A debt of service, in what kind soever. 
 Safety, or counsel of the commonwealth 
 Requires, for payment ? 
 
 Cat. He speaks truth. 
 
 Ith. Whom heaven ~"' 
 
 Is pleased to style victorious, there, to such. 
 Applause runs madding, like the drunken priests 
 In Bacchus' sacrifices, without reason,_ ^ 
 ig the leader-on a demi-god ; ^ 
 
 '^henas, indeed, each common soldier's blood 
 IVops down as current coin in that hard purchase, 
 As his, whose much more delicate condition 
 Hath suck'd the milk of ease : judgment commands, 
 But resolution executes. I use ntJfp"' " 
 Before this royal presence, these fit slights, 
 As in contempt of such as can direct ; 
 My speech hath other end ; not to attribute 
 All praise to one man's fortune, which is strength- 
 
 en'd 
 By many hands : — for instance, here is Prophilus, 
 A gentleman (I cannot flatter truth) 
 Of much desert ; and, though in other rank. 
 Both Hemophil and Groneas were not missing 
 To wish their country's peace ; for, in a word, 
 All there did strive their best, and 'twas our duty. 
 
 Amyc. Courtiers turn soldiers ! — We vouchsafe 
 our hand ; [Hem. and Gron. kiss his hand. 
 Observe your great example. 
 
 Hem. With all diligence. 
 
 Gron. Obsequiously and hourly, 
 
 Amyc. Some repose 
 After these toils is needful. We must think on 
 Conditions for the conquer'd ; they expect them. 
 On I — Come, my Ithocles. 
 
 Eiiph. Sir, with your favour, 
 I need not a supporter. 
 
 Pro. Fate instructs me. 
 
 \_Exit Amvc. attended; Ith., Cal , S^c. — As Chris, and 
 Phil, are following Cal., they are detained hy IIbai. 
 and Gron. 
 
 Chris. With me ? 
 
 Phil. Indeed I dare not stay. 
 
 Hem. Sweet lady. 
 Soldiers are blunt, — your lip. iKittet her. 
 
 Chris. Fye, this is rudeness ; 
 You went not hence such creatures. 
 
 Gron. Spirit of valour 
 Is of a mounting nature. 
 
 Phil. It appears so. — 
 Pray [now], in earnest, how many men apiece 
 Have you two been the death of? 
 
 Gron. 'Faith, not many ; 
 We were composed of mercy. 
 
 tiem. For our daring, e 2 
 
 You heard the general's approbation 
 Before the king. 
 
 Chris. You " wish'd your country's peace ;" 
 That show'd your charity : where are your spoils, 
 Such as the soldier fights for ? 
 
 Phil. They are coming. 
 
 Chris. By the next carrier, are they not .* 
 
 Gron. Sweet Philema, 
 When I was in the thickest of mine enemies, 
 Slashing off one man's head, another's nose, 
 Another's arms and legs, — 
 
 Phil. And all together. 
 
 Gron. Then I would with a sigh remember thee, 
 And cry, " Dear Philema, 'tis for thy sake 
 I do these deeds of wonder ! " — dost not love me, 
 With all thy heart now ? 
 
 Phil. Now, as heretofore. 
 I have not put my love to use ; the principal 
 Will hardly yield an interest. 
 
 Gron. By Mars, 
 I'll marry thee ! 
 
 Phil. By Vulcan, you're foresworn, 
 Except my mind do alter strangely. 
 
 Gron. One word. 
 
 Chris. You lie beyond all modesty ; — forbear me. 
 
 Hem. I'll make thee mistress of a city, 'tis 
 Mine own by conquest. 
 
 Chris. By petition ; — sue for't 
 In forma pauperis. — '* City ?" kennel. — Gallants 
 Off with your feathers, put on aprons, gallants ] 
 Learn to reel, thrum, or trim a lady's dog. 
 And be good quiet souls of peace, hobgoblins ! 
 
 Hetn. Cliristalla! 
 
 Gron. Practise to drill hogs, in hope 
 To share in the acorns. — Soldiers ! corncutters, 
 But not so valiant ; they oft times draw blood, 
 Wliich you durst never do. When you have prac- 
 More wit, or more civility, we'll rank you [tis'd 
 r th' list of men ; till then, brave things at arms, 
 Dare not to speak to us, — most potent Groneas ! 
 
 Phil. And Hemophil the hardy — at your ser- 
 vices. lExeunt Chris, and Pntii 
 
 Gron. They scorn us as they did before we wen^ 
 
 Hem. Hang them, let us scorn them ; and be 
 
 Gron. Shall we ? [revenged. 
 
 Hem. We will ; and when we slight them thu^, 
 Instead of following them, they'll follow us ; 
 It is a woman's nature. 
 
 Gron. 'Tih a scurvy one. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE III.— The Gardens of the Palace. A 
 Grove. 
 
 Enter Tecnicus, and Orgilus, disguised, like one of his 
 Scholars. 
 
 Tec. Tempt not the stars, young man, thou 
 canst not play 
 With the severity of fate ; this change 
 Of-initJIF and disguise in outward view 
 Hides not the secrets of thy soul within thee 
 From their quick-piercing eyes, which dive at all 
 
 times 
 Down to thy thoughts : in thy asp«ict I note 
 A consequence of dangex*. 
 
 Org. Give me leave, 
 Grave Tecnicus, without foredooming destiny. 
 Under thy roof to ea?e my silent griefs, 
 Hy applying to my hidden wounds tlie balm 
 Of thy oraculous lectures : if my fortune 
 
62 
 
 THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 d 
 
 Run such a crooked by-way as to wrest 
 My steps to ruin, yet thy learned precepts 
 Shall call me back and set my footings straight. 
 I will not court the world. 
 
 Tec. Ah, Orgilus, 
 Neglects in young men of delights and life, 
 Run often to extremities ; they care not 
 For harms to others, who contemn their own. 
 
 Orff. But I, most learned artist, am not so much 
 [ At odds with nature, that I grudge the thrift 
 Of any true deserver ; nor doth malice 
 Of present hopes, so check them with despair, 
 As that I yield to thought of more affliction 
 Than what is incident to frailty : wherefore 
 Impute not this retired course of living 
 Some little time, to any other cause 
 Than what I justly render ; the information 
 Of an unsettled mind ; as the efifect 
 Must clearly witness. 
 
 Tec. Spirit of truth inspire thee 1 
 On these conditions I conceal thy change, 
 And willingly admit thee for an auditor. — 
 I'll to my study. lExit. 
 
 Org. I to contemplations, 
 In these delightful walks. — Thus metamorphosed, 
 I may without suspicion hearken after 
 Penthea's usage, and Euphranea's faith. 
 Love, thou art full of mystery ! the deities 
 Themselves are not secure, in searching out 
 The secrets of those flames, which, hidden, waste 
 A breast, made tributary to the laws 
 Of beauty ; physic yet hath never found 
 A remedy to cure a lover's w^ound. — 
 Ha ! who are those that cross yon private walk 
 Into the shadowing grove, in amorous foldings ? 
 
 Prophilus and Euphranka pa-is by, arm in arm, and 
 whispering. 
 My sister ; O, my sister 1 'tis Euphranea 
 With Prophilus ; supported too ! I would 
 It were an apparition ! Prophilus 
 Is Rhodes his friend : it strangely puzzles me. — 
 
 Re-enter Prophilus and Euphranea, 
 Again ! help me my book ; this scholar's habit 
 Must stand my privilege ; my mind is busy, 
 Mine eyes arid ears are open. 
 
 [ Walks aside, pretending to read. 
 
 Pro. Do not waste 
 The span of this stolen time, l^nt by the gods 
 For precious use, in niceness. Bright Euphranea, 
 Should I repeat old vows, or study new, 
 For purchase of belief tp my desires, — 
 ' Org. Desires ! ■ 
 
 Fro. My service, my integrity 
 
 Org. That's better. 
 
 Pro. I should but repeat a lesson 
 Oft conn'd without a prompter, but thine eyes : 
 My love is honourable. — 
 
 Org. So was mine 
 To my Penthea ; chastely honourable. 
 
 Pro. Nor wants there more addition to my wish 
 Of happiness, than having thee a wife ; 
 Already sure of Itliocles, a friend 
 Firm and unalterable. 
 
 Org. But a brother 
 More cruel than the grave. 
 
 Euph. What can you look for 
 In answer to your noble protestations, 
 From nn nuekilful maid, but language suited 
 To a divided mind.'' 
 
 Org. ^old out, Euphranea I- 
 
 Eiiph. Know, Prophilus, I never undervalued, 
 From the first time you mention'd worthy love, 
 Your merit, means, or person ; it had been 
 A fault of judgment in me, and a dulness 
 In my affections, not to weigh and thank 
 My better stars, that offer'd me the grace 
 Of so much blissfulness : for, to speak truth, 
 The law of my desires kept equal pace 
 With yours ; nor have I left that resolution : 
 But only, in a word, whatever choice 
 Lives nearest in my heart, must first procure 
 Consent, both from my father and my brother. 
 Ere he can own me his. 
 
 Org. She is foresworn else. 
 
 Pro. Leave me that task. 
 
 Euph. My brother, ere he parted 
 To Athens, had my oath. 
 
 Org. Yes, yes, he had sure. 
 
 Pro. I doubt not, with the means the court 
 supplies, 
 But to prevail at pleasure. 
 
 Org. Very likely ! 
 
 Pro. Meantime, best, dearest, I may build my 
 hopes 
 On the foundation of thy constant sufferance. 
 In any opposition. 
 
 Euph. Death shall sooner 
 Divorce life, and the joys I have in living, 
 Than my chaste vows from truth. jy^' 
 
 Pro. On thy fair hand ^ . ^^^.A^' 
 
 I seal the like. I\./^ '^'.^ 
 
 Org. There is no faith in woman. •: 
 
 Passion, O be contain'd ! — my very heart-strings 
 Are on the tenters. ^j 
 
 Euph. We are overheard. ■■^^'^ 
 
 Cupid protect us ! 'twas a stirring, sir, 
 Of some one near. 
 
 Pro. Your fears are needless, lady ; 
 None have access into these private pleasures, 
 Except some near in court, or bosom student 
 From Tecnicus his Oratory ; granted 
 By special favour lately from the king 
 Unto the grave philosopher. 
 
 Euph. Methinks 
 I hear one talking to himself — I see him. 
 
 Pro. 'Tis a poor scholar ; as I told you, lady. 
 
 Org. I am discover'd. — Say it ; is it possible, 
 
 \_IIalf aloud to himself, as if studying. 
 With a smooth tongue, a leering countenance. 
 Flattery, or force of reason — I come to you, sir — 
 To turn or to appease the raging sea ? 
 Answer to that. — Your art ! — what art .'' to catch 
 And hold fast in a net the sun's small atoms ? 
 No, no ; they'll out, they'll out; you may as easily 
 Outrun a cloud driven by a northern blast. 
 As — fiddle-faddle so ! peace, or speak sense. 
 
 Euph. Call you this thing a scholar ? 'las, he's 
 lunatic. 
 
 Pro. Observe him, sweet; 'tis but his recreation. 
 
 Org. But will you hear a little ? You are so 
 tetchy. 
 You keep no rule in argument ; philosophy 
 Works not upon impossibilities, 
 But natural conclusions. — Mew ! — absurd ! 
 The metaphysics are but speculations 
 Of the celestial bodies, or such accidents 
 As not mixt perfectly, in the air engender' d, 
 Appear to us unnatural; that's all. 
 Prove it ; — yet, with a reverence to your gravity. 
 
SCENE 
 
 THE BROKEN HEART 
 
 53 
 
 I'll baulk illiterate sauciness, submitting 
 My sole opinion to the touch of writers. 
 
 Pro. Now" let us fall in with him. 
 
 IThey come forward. 
 
 Org. Ila, ha, ha ! 
 These apish boys, when they but taste the gram- 
 And principles of theory, imagine [mates, 
 
 They can oppose their teachers. Confidence 
 Leads many into errors. 
 
 Pro. By your leave, sir. 
 
 Euph. Are you a scholar, friend? 
 
 Org. I am, gay creature, 
 With pardo.i of your deities, a mushroom 
 On whom the dew of heaven drops now aifit then ; 
 The sun shines on me too, I thank his beams ! 
 Sometimes I feel their warmth ; and eat and sleep. 
 
 Pro. Does Tecnicus read to thee ? 
 
 Org. Yes, forsooth, 
 He is my master surely ; yonder door 
 Opens upon his study. 
 
 Pro. Happy creatures ! 
 Such )}eople toil not, sweet, in heats of state, 
 Nor sink in thaws of greatness : their affections 
 Keep order with the limits of their modesty ; 
 Their love is love of virtue. — What's thy name } 
 
 Org. Aplotes, sumptuous master, a poor wretch. 
 
 Euph. Dost thou want anything ? 
 
 Org. Books, Venus, books. 
 
 Pro. Lady, a new conceit comes in my thought, 
 And most available for both our comforts. 
 
 Euph. My lord, — 
 
 Pro. While I endeavour to deserve 
 Your father's blessing to our loves, this scholar 
 May daily at some certain hours attend. 
 What notice I can write of my success. 
 Here, in this grove, and give it to your hands ; 
 The like from you to me : so can we never, 
 Barr'd of our mutual speech, want sure intelligence ; 
 And thus our hearts may talk when our tongues 
 cannot. 
 
 Euph. Occasion is most favourable ; use it. 
 
 >/ 
 
 Pro. Aplotes, wilt thou wait us twice a day, 
 At nine i' the morning, and at four at night, 
 Here, in this bower, to convey such letters 
 A.S each shall send to other } Do it willingly, 
 Safely, and secretly, and I will furnish 
 Thy study, or what else thou canst desire. 
 
 Org. Jove, make me thankful, thankful, I be- 
 seech thee. 
 Propitious Jove ! I will prove sure and trusty : 
 You will not fail me books ? 
 
 Pro. Nor ought besides. 
 Thy heart can wish. This lady*s name's Euphra- 
 Mine Prophilus. * [uea, 
 
 Org. 1 have a pretty memory ; 
 It must prove my best friend. — I will not miss 
 One minute of the hours appointed. 
 
 Pro. Write 
 Th^ books thou would'st have bought thee, in a 
 
 note, 
 Or take thyself some money. 
 
 Org. No, no money : 
 Money to scholars is a spirit invisible, 
 We dare not finger it ; or books, or nothing. 
 
 Pro. Books of what sort thou wilt : do not for- 
 Our names. [<ret 
 
 Org. I warrant ye, I warrant ye. 
 
 Pro. Smile, Hymen, on the growth of our 
 desires ; 
 We'll feed thy torches with eternal fires ! 
 
 \_Exeunt Pko. and Eui h. 
 
 Org. Put out thy torches. Hymen, or their light 
 Shall meet a darkness of eternal night ! 
 Inspire me, Mercury, with swift deceits. 
 Ing enious Fate has leapt into mine arms, ^"^ '- .^ 
 Beyond the compasFoF my brains. — Mortality '~^*' ''^ . 
 Creeps on the dung of earth, and cannot reach \iy''^ 
 The riddles which are purposed by the gods. | 
 
 Great arts best write themselves in then owA 
 
 stories ; 
 They die too basely, who outlive their glories. 
 
 iExii. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 ^-r 
 
 SCENE I. — A Room in Bassanes' House. 
 Enter Bassanes and Thulas. 
 
 Bass. I'll have that window next the street 
 damm'd up ; 
 It gives too full a prospect to temptation, 
 And courts a gazer's glances : there's a lust 
 Committed by the eye, that sweats and travails, 
 Plots, wakes, contrives, till the deformed bear- 
 Adultery, be lick'd into the act, [whelp, 
 The very act : — that light shall be damm'd up ; 
 D'ye hear, sir ? 
 
 Phil. I do hear, my lord ; a mason 
 Shall be provided suddenly. 
 
 Bass. Some rogue, 
 Some rogue of your confederacy, (factor 
 For slaves and strumpets !) to convey close packets 
 From this spruce springal, and the t'other young- 
 ster ; 
 That gawdy earwig, or my lord your patron, 
 Whose pensioner you are. — I'll tear thy throat out, 
 Son of a cat, ill-looking hounds-head, rij) up 
 Thy ulcerous maw, if I but scent a pappr, 
 
 A scroll, but half as big as what can cover 
 A wart upon thy nose, a spot, a pimple, 
 Directed to my lady ; it may prove 
 A mystical preparative to lewdness. 
 
 Phu. Care shall be had. — I will turn every 
 thread 
 About me lo an eye. — Here's a sweet life ! iAside. 
 
 Buss. The city housewives, cunning in the traffic 
 Of chamber merchandize, set all at price 
 By wholesale ; yet they wipe their mouths and 
 
 simper, 
 Coll, kiss, and cry " sweetheart," and stroke the 
 
 head 
 Which they have branch'd ; and all is well again I 
 Dull clods of dirt, who dare not feel the rubs 
 Stuck on the forehead. 
 
 Phu. 'Tis a villainous world ; 
 One cannot hold his own in't. 
 
 Bass. Dames at court 
 Who Haunt in riots, run another bias : 
 Their pleasure heaves the patient ass that suffers 
 Up on the stilts of office, titles, incomes ; 
 Promotion justifies the shame, and sues for't. 
 
54 
 
 THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 y 
 
 VI. 
 
 Poor honour ! tliou art stabb'd, and bleed'st to 
 
 death 
 By such unlawful hire. The country mistress 
 Is yet more wary, and in blushes hides 
 Whatever trespass draws her troth to guilt ; 
 But all are false : on this truth I am bold, 
 No woman but can fall, and «ioth, or would. — 
 Now, for the newest news about the city ; 
 What blab the voices, sirrah ? 
 
 Phu. O, my lord. 
 The rarest, quaintest, strangest, tickling news, 
 That ever 
 
 Bass. Hey-day ! up and ride me, rascal ! 
 What is't ? 
 
 Phu. Forsooth, they say, the king has mew'd 
 All his gray beard, instead of which is budded 
 Another of a pure carnation colour, 
 Speckled with green and russet. 
 
 Bass. Ignorant block ! 
 
 Phu. Yes truly ; and 'tis talk'd about the streets, 
 That since lord Ithocles came home, the lions 
 Never left roaring, at which noise the bears 
 Have danced their very hearts out. 
 
 Bass. Dance out thine too. 
 
 Phu. Besides, lord Orgilus is fled to Athens 
 Upon a fiery dragon, and 'tis thought 
 He never can return. 
 
 Bass. Grant it, Apollo ! 
 
 Phu. Moreover, please your lordship, 'tis 
 reported 
 "Tor certain, that whoever is found jealous 
 W^ithout apparent proof that's wife is wanton. 
 Shall be divorced ; — but this is but she-news, 
 I had it from a midwife. I have more yet. 
 *- Bass. Antick, no more ! ideots and stupid fools 
 Grate my calamities. Why to be fair. 
 Should yield presumption of a faulty soul- 
 Look to the doors. 
 
 Phu. The horn of plenty crest him ! 
 
 \_Aside, and exit. 
 
 Bass. Swarms of confusion huddle in my thoughts 
 In rare distemper. — Beauty! oh, it is 
 An unmatch'd blessing, or a horrid curse. 
 She comes, she comes I so shoots the morning 
 
 forth, 
 Spangled with pearls of transparent dew. — 
 The way to poverty is to be rich ; 
 As I in her am wealthy ; but for her. 
 In all contents, a bankrupt. , , 
 
 Enter Fknthea and GuAVSia. ). ,L 
 Lov'd Penthea ! OUAA'^ 
 
 How fares my heart's best joy .^ 
 
 Grau. In sooth not well. 
 She is so over-sad. 
 
 Bass. Leave chattering, magpie 
 
 Thy brother is return'd, sweet, safe, and honour'd 
 W^ith a triumphant victory ; thou shalt visit him ; 
 We will to court, where, if it be thy pleasure, 
 .Thou shalt appear in such a ravishing lustre 
 Of jewels above value, that the dames 
 Who brave it there, in rage to be outshined, 
 •Shall hide them in their closets, and unseen 
 Fret in their tears ; whilst every wond'ring €j^ 
 Shall Clave none other brightness but thy presence. 
 Choose thine own recreations ; be a queen 
 Of what delights thou fanciest best, what company, 
 What place, what times ; do anything, do all things 
 Youth can command, so thou wilt chase these clouds 
 From the pure firmament of thy fair looks. 
 
 Grau. Now, 'tis well said, my lord. What, lady ! 
 Be merry ; time is precious. [laugh, 
 
 Bass. Furies whip thee ! [Aside. 
 
 Pen. Alas, my lord ! this language to your 
 handmaid 
 Sounds as would music to the deaf; I need 
 No braveries, nor cost of art, to draw 
 The whiteness of my name into offence : 
 Let such, if any such there are, who covet 
 A curiosity of admiration, \ - 
 
 By laying out their plenty to full view, 
 Appear in gaudy outsides ; my attires 
 Shall suit the inward fashion of my mind ; 
 From which, if your opinion, nobly placed, 
 Change not the livery your words bestow, 
 My fortunes with my hopes are at the highest. 
 
 Bass. This house, methiuks, stands somewhat 
 too much inward, 
 It is too melancholy ; we'll remove 
 Nearer the court : or what thinks my Penthea 
 Of the deliglitful island we command ? 
 Rule me as thou canst wish. 
 
 Pen. I am no mistress : 
 Whither you please, I must attend ; all ways 
 Are alike pleasant to me. 
 
 Grau. " Island!" prison; 
 A prison is as gaysome : we'll no islands ; 
 Marry, out upon 'em ! whom shall we see there } 
 Sea-gulls, and porpoises, and water-rats. 
 And crabs, and mews, and dog-fish ; goodly gear 
 For a young lady's dealing, — or an old one's 1 
 On no terms, islands ; I'll be stew'd first. 
 
 Bass, {aside to Grau.) Grausis, 
 You are a jugghng bawd — This sadness, sweetest, 
 Becomes not youthful blood ;— I'll have you 
 
 pounded — 
 For my sake put on a more cheerful mirth ; 
 Thou'lt mar thy cheeks, and make me old in griefs. 
 Damnable bitch-fox ! [To Grau. 
 
 Grau. I am thick of hearing. 
 Still, when the wind blows southerly. — What think 
 
 you. 
 If your fresh lady breed young bones, my lord ! 
 W^ould not a chopping boy do you good at heart ? 
 But, as you said — 
 
 Bass. I'll spit thee on a stake, 
 Or chop thee into collops ! [Aside to Grau. 
 
 Grau. Pray, speak louder. 
 Sure, sure the wind blows south still. 
 
 Pen. Thou prat'st madly. 
 
 Z?di'5. 'Tis very hot; I sweat extremely. — Now.' 
 
 Enter Phulas. 
 
 Phu. A herd of lords, sir. 
 
 Bass. Ha! 
 
 Phu. A flock of ladies. 
 
 Bass. W^here.' 
 
 Phu. Shoals of horses. 
 
 Bass. Peasant, how ? 
 
 Phu. Caroches 
 In drifts — th' one enter, th' other stand without, 
 
 sir ; 
 And now I vanish. [Exit. 
 
 Enter Prophilus, Hemophil, Groneas, Christalla and 
 Philema. 
 Pro. Noble Bassanes ! 
 
 Bass. Most welcome, Prophilus: ladie.?, gentle 
 men. 
 To all, my heart is open ; you all honour me. — 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 65 
 
 (A tympany swells in my head already) lAside. 
 
 Honour me bountifully. — How they flutter, 
 Wagtails and jays together ! lAsidc. 
 
 Pro. From your brother, 
 By virtue of your love to him, I require 
 Your instant presence, fairest. 
 
 Fen. He is well, sir ? 
 
 Pro. The gods preserve him ever ! Yet, dear 
 I find some alteration in him lately, [beauty, 
 
 Since his return to Sparta. — My good lord, 
 I pray, use no delay. 
 
 Bass. We had not needed 
 An invitation, if his sister's health 
 Had not fallen into question. — Haste, Peuiliea, 
 Slack not a minute ; lead the way, good Prophilus, 
 I'll follow step by step. 
 
 Pro. Your arm, fair madam. 
 
 [_Excunt all but Bass, and Gr^vu. 
 
 Bass. One word with your old bawdship : thou 
 hadst better 
 Rail'd at the saints thou worshipp'st than liave 
 My will ; I'll use thee cursedly. [thwarted 
 
 Grau. You doat. 
 You are beside yourself. A politician 
 In jealousy .' no, you're too gross, too vulgar. 
 Pish, teach not me my trade ; I know my cue : 
 My crossing yoxi sinks me into her trust. 
 By which I shall know all ; my trade's a sure one. 
 
 Bass. Forgive me, Grausis, 'twas consideration 
 I relish'd not ; but have a care now. 
 
 Grau. Fear not, 
 I am no new-come- to't. 
 
 Bass. Thy life's upon it. 
 ^ And so is mine. My agonies are infinite. iExeunl. 
 
 SCENE II The Palace. Ithocles* Apart- 
 ment. > n/v^-^' 
 
 ^ E»i to- Ithocles. ' ~~^ 
 
 Ith. Ambition !) 'tis of viper's breed ; it gnaws 
 A passage tlirough the womb that gave it motion. 
 Ambition, like a seeled dove, mounts upward, 
 Higher and higher still, to perch on clouds. 
 But tumbles headlong down with heavier ruin. 
 So squibs and crackers fly into the air, 
 Then, only breaking with a noise, they vanish 
 In stench and smoke. Morality, applied 
 iTo timely practice, keeps the soul in tune, 
 /[At whose sweet music all our actions dance : 
 But this is form['d] of books, and school-tradition; 
 It physics not the sickness of a mind "'--i 
 
 Broken with griefs : strong fevers are not eased i 
 With counsel, but with best receipts, and means ; 
 Means, speedy means, and certain ; that's the cure. 
 
 Enie7- Armostes and Crotolopt. . - 
 
 Arm. You stick, lord Crotolon, upon a point 
 Too nice and too unnecessary ; Prophilus 
 Is every way desertful. I am confident 
 Your wisdom is too ripe to need instruction 
 From your son's tutelage. 
 Crot. Yet not so ripe, 
 My lord Armostes, that it dares to dote 
 Upon the painted meat of smooth persuasion. 
 Which tempts me to a breach of faith. 
 
 Ith. Not yet 
 Resolv'd, my lord ? Why, if your son's consent 
 Be so available, we'll write to Athens 
 For his repair to Sparta : the king's hand 
 Will join with our desires ; he has been mov'd to't. 
 
 
 Arm. Yes, and the king himself importuned 
 Crotolon 
 For a dispatch. 
 
 Crot. Kings may command ; their wills 
 Are laws not to be question'd. 
 
 Ith. By this marriage 
 You knit an union so devout, so hearty. 
 Between your loves to me, and mine to yours, 
 As if mine own blood had an interest in it ; 
 For Prophilus is mine, and I am his. 
 
 Crot. My lord, my lord ! 
 
 Ith. What, good sir ? speak your thought. 
 
 Crot. Had this sincerity been real once, 
 My Orgilus had not been now unwived, 
 Nor your lost sister buried in a bride-bed : 
 Your uncle here, Armostes, knows this truth ; 
 For had your father Thrasus liv'd, — but peace 
 Dwell in his grave ! I have done. 
 
 Arm. You are bold and bitter. 
 
 Ith. He presses home the injury ; it smarts — 
 
 lA$id€. 
 No reprehensions, uncle ; I deserve them. 
 Yet, gentle sir, consider what the heat j ^f^ "^ ■" 
 
 Of an unsteady youth, a giddy brain. 
 Green indiscretion, flattery of greatness, 
 Rawness of judgment, wilfulness in folly. 
 Thoughts vagrant as the wind, and as uncertain, 
 Might lead a boy in years to : — 'twas a fault, 
 A capital fault ; for then I could not dive 
 Into the secrets of commanding love ; 
 Since when experience, by th' extremes in others. 
 Hath forced me to collect — and, trust me, Cro- 
 tolon, 
 I will redeem those wrongs with any service 
 Your satisfaction can require for current. 
 
 Arm. The acknowledgment is satisfaction : 
 What would you more ? 
 
 Crot. I am conquer' d : if Euphranea 
 Herself admit the motion, let it be so ; 
 I doubt not my son's liking. 
 
 Ith. Use my fortunes. 
 Life, power, sword and heart, all are your own. 
 
 Arm. The princess, with your sister. 
 
 Enter Bassanes, Prophilus, Calantha, Penthea, 
 EuPHRANKA, Christalla, Philema, and Grausis. 
 
 Cal. I present you 
 A stranger here in court, my lord ; for did not 
 Desire of seeing you draw her abroad, 
 We had not been made happy in her company. 
 
 Ith. You are a gracious princess. — Sister, 
 wedlock 
 Holds too severe a passion in your nature. 
 Which can engross all duty to your husband, 
 Without attendance on so dear a mistress. 
 'Tis not my brother's pleasure, I presume. 
 
 {To BAS8. 
 T' immure her in a chamber. 
 
 Bass. 'Tis her will ; 
 She governs her own hours. Noble Ithocles, 
 We thank the gods for your success and welfare : 
 Our lady has of late been indisposed. 
 Else we had waited on you with the first. 
 
 Ith. How does Penthea now ? ^^^^ 
 
 Pen. You best know, brother. 
 From whom my health and comforts are derived. ..„ 
 
 Bass. [asiiW] I like the answer well ; 'tis sad 
 and modest. 
 
 There may be tricks yet, tricks Have an eye, 
 
 Grausis I 
 
5G 
 
 THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 Cal. Now, Crotolon, the suit we join'd in must 
 Fall by too long demur, [not 
 
 Crot. 'Tis granted, princess, 
 For my part. 
 
 Arm. With condition, that his son 
 i Favour the contract. 
 
 Cal. Such delay is easy. 
 The joys of marriage make thee, Prophilu3, 
 A proud deserver of Euphranea's love, 
 And her of thy desert ! 
 
 Pro. Most sweetly gracious ! 
 
 Bass. The joys of marriage are the heaven on 
 earth, 
 Life's paradise, great princess, ;fhe_soul's quiet, 
 Sinews of concord, ea rtlily imtY inrf:a1^f;yr 
 Eternity of pleasures ; — no restoratives 
 Like to a constant woman ! — (but where is she? 
 'Twould puzzle all the gods, but to create 
 Such a newmonster) (aside) — lean speak byproof, 
 For I rest in Elysium ; 'tis my happiness. 
 
 Crot. Euphranea, how are you resolv'd, speak 
 In your affections to this gentleman ? [freely, 
 
 Euph. Nor more, nor less than as his love as- 
 sures me ; 
 Which (if your liking with my brother's warrants) 
 I cannot but approve in all points worthy. 
 
 Crot. So, so ! I know your answer. [2'o Pro. 
 
 Ith. 'T had been pity. 
 To sunder hearts so equally consented. 
 
 Enter Hemophil. 
 
 Hem. The king, lord Ithocles, commands your 
 And, fairest jirincess, yours. [presence; 
 
 Cal. We will attend him. 
 
 Enter Groneas. 
 
 Gron. Where are the lords ? all must unto the 
 Without delay ; the prince of Argos — [king 
 
 Cal. Weil, sir ? 
 
 Gron. Is coming to the court, sweet lady, 
 
 CaL How! 
 The prince of Argos ? 
 
 Gron. 'Twas my fortune, madam, 
 T' enjoy the honour of these happy tidings. 
 
 Ith. I'enthea ! 
 
 Pen. Brother. 
 
 Ith. Let me an hour hence 
 Meet you alone, within the palace grove, 
 I have some secret with you. — Prithee, friend, 
 Conduct her thither, and have special care 
 The walks be clear'd of any to disturb us. 
 
 Pro. I shall. 
 
 Bnss. How's that ? 
 
 Ith. Alone, pray be alone. — 
 I am your creature, princess. — On, my lords. 
 
 lExeiint all but Bass. 
 
 Bass. Alone? alone .?* what means that word 
 alone ? 
 Why might not I be there ? — hum ! — he's her 
 
 brother. 
 Brothers and sisters are but flesh and blood. 
 And this same whoreson court-ease is temptation 
 To a rebellion in the veins; — besides. 
 His fine friend Prophikis must be her guardian : 
 Why may not he dispatch a business nimbly 
 Before the other come ? — or — pand'ring, pand'ring 
 For one another — (be't to sister, mother, 
 Wife, cousin, anything,) 'mongst youths of metal 
 Is in request ; it is so — stubborn fate ! 
 But if 1 be a cuckold, and can know it, 
 I will be fell, and fell. 
 
 Re-enter Groneas. 
 
 Gron. My lord, you are called for. 
 
 Bass. Most heartily 1 thank you ; where's my 
 wife, pray ? 
 
 Gron. Retired amongst the ladies. 
 
 Bass. Still I thank you : 
 There's an old waiter with her, saw you her toa? 
 
 Gron. Ir'be sits i' th' presence-lobby fast aslee^ 
 
 Bass. Asleep ? asleep, sir ! [sir. 
 
 Gron. Is your lordship troubled ? 
 You will not to the king? 
 
 Bass. Your humblest vassal. 
 
 Gron. Your servant, my good lord. 
 
 Bass. I wait your footsteps. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE III.- 
 
 ■ The Gardens of the Palace. 
 A Grove. 
 
 Enter Prophilus and Penthea. 
 
 Pro. In this walk, lady, will your brother find 
 you; 
 And, with your favour, give me leave a little 
 To work a preparation : in his fashion 
 I have observ'd of late some kind of slackness 
 To such alacrity as nature [once] 
 And custom took delight in ; sadness grows 
 Upon his recreations, which he hoards 
 In such a willing silence, that to question 
 The grounds will argue [little] skill in friendship, 
 And less good manners. 
 
 Pen. Sir, I am not inquisitive 
 Of secrecies, without an invitation. 
 
 Pro. With pardon, lady, not a syllable 
 Of mine implies so rude a sense ; the drift — 
 
 Enter Obgilus, as before. 
 Do thy best iTo Org. 
 
 To make this lady merry for an hour. 
 
 Org. Your will shall be a law, sir. iExit Pro. 
 
 Fen. Prithee, leave me, 
 I have some private thoughts I would account with ; 
 Use thou thine own. 
 
 Or;]. Speak on, fair nymph, our souls 
 Can dance as well to music of the spheres, 
 As any's who have feasted with the gods. 
 
 Pen. Your school-terntis are too troublesome. 
 
 Org. What heaven 
 Refines mortality from dross of earth, 
 But such as uncompounded beauty hallows 
 With glorified perfection I 
 
 Pen. Set thy wits 
 In a less wild proportion. 
 
 Org. Time can never 
 On the white table of unguilty faith 
 Write counterfeit dishonour ; turn those eyes 
 (The arrows of pure love) upon that fire, 
 Which once rose to a flame, perfum'd with vows, 
 As sweetly scented as the incense smoking- 
 On Vesta's altars, *»»#******** 
 ***** tjjg holiest odours, virgin's tears, 
 ****** sprinkled, like dews, to feed them 
 And to increase their fervour. 
 
 Pen. Be not frantic. 
 
 Org. All pleasures are but mere imagination. 
 Feeding the hungry appetite with steam, 
 And sight of banquet, whilst the body pines. 
 Not relishing the real taste of food : 
 Such is tlie leanness of a heart, divided 
 From intercourse of troth-contracted loves ; 
 
SOKNB III. 
 
 THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 60 
 
 No horror should deface that precious figure 
 Seal'd with the lively stamp of equal souls. 
 
 Pen. Away ! some fury hath bewitch'd thy 
 tongue : 
 The breath of ignorance that flies from thence, 
 Ripens a knowledge in me of afflictions, 
 Above all sufferance. — Thing of talk, begone. 
 Begone, withovit. reply 1 
 
 Org. Be^st, Penthea, 
 In thy coliimands ; when thou send'st forth a doom 
 Of banishment, know first on whom it lights. 
 Thus I take off the shroud, in which my cares 
 Are folded up from view of common eyes. 
 
 [^Throws off his scholar's dress. 
 What is thy sentence next ? 
 
 Pen. Rash man ! thou lay'st 
 A blemish on mine honour, with the hazard 
 Of thy too desperate life ; yet I profess. 
 By all the laws of ceremonious wedlock, 
 I have not given admittance to one thought 
 Of female change, since cruelty enforced 
 Divorce betwixt my body and my heart. 
 Why would you fall from goodness thus .' 
 
 Org. O, ratlier 
 
 t Examine me, how I coiild live to say 
 1 have beeiTTmrch, much wrong'd. 'Tis for thy sake 
 J^put on this imposture ; dear Penthea, 
 If thy soft bosom be not turn'd to marble, 
 Thou 'It pity our calamities ; rnvjnterest 
 Confirms me, thou art mine still. 
 
 Pen. Lend your hand ; 
 With both of mine I clasp it thus, thus kiss it, 
 Thus kneel before ye. [Pen, kneels. 
 
 Org. You instruct my duty. [Org. kneels. 
 
 Pen. We may stand up. (They rise.) Have 
 you ought else to urge 
 Of new demand ? as for the old, forget it ; 
 'Tis buried in an everlasting silence, 
 And shall be, shall be ever : what more would 
 you .'' 
 Org. I would possess my wife ; the equity 
 Of very reason bids me. 
 Pen. Is that all ? 
 
 Org. Why, 'tis the all of me, myself. 
 Pen. Remove 
 Your steps some distance from me ; at this pace 
 A few words I dare change ; but first put on 
 Your borrow'd shape. 
 
 Org. You are obey'd ; 'tis done. 
 
 \_IIe resumes Ms disffvise. 
 Pen. How, Orgilus, by promise, I was thine. 
 The heavens do witness ; they can witness too 
 A rape done on ray truth : how I do love thee 
 Yet, Orgilus, and yet, must best appear 
 In tendering thy freedom ; for I find 
 The constant preservation of thy merit. 
 By thy not daring to attempt my fame 
 With injury of any loose conceit. 
 Which might give deeper wounds to discontents. 
 Continue this fair race; then, though I cannot 
 Add to thy comfort, yet I shall more often 
 Remember from what fortune I am fallen. 
 And pity mine own ruin. Live, live liajipy, 
 rllappy in thy next choice, that thou may'st people 
 ' This barren age with virtues in thy issue ! 
 I And, oh, when thou art married, think on me 
 \ With mercy, not contempt ; I hope thy wife. 
 Hearing my story, will not scorn my fall. — 
 Now let us part. 
 
 Org. Part ! yet advise thee better : 
 
 Penthea is the wife to Orgilus, 
 And ever shall be. 
 
 Pen. Never shall, nor will. 
 
 Org. How ! 
 
 Pen. Hear me ; in a word I'll tell thee why. 
 The virgin-dowry which my birth bestow'd. 
 Is ravish'd by another ; my true love 
 Abhors to think, that Orgilus deserv'd 
 No better favours than a second bed. 
 
 Org. I must not take this reason. 
 
 Pen. To confirm it ; 
 Should I outlive my bondage, let me meet 
 Another worse than this, and less desired. 
 If, of all men alive, thou should'st but touch 
 My lip, or hand again ! 
 
 Org. Penthea, now 
 I tell you, you grow wanton in my sufferance ; 
 Come, sweet, thou art mine. 
 
 Pen. Uncivil sir, forbear, 
 Or I can turn affection into vengeance ; 
 Your reputation^ if you value any, 
 Lies bleeding at my feet. Unworthy man, 
 If ever henceforth thou appear in language. 
 Message, or letter, to betray my frailty, 
 I'll call thy former protestations lust. 
 And curse my stars for forfeit of my judgment. 
 Go thou, fit only for disguise, and walks, 
 To hide thy shame ; this once I spare thy life. 
 I laugh at mine own confidence ; my sorrows? 
 By thee are made inferior to my fortunes . 
 If ever thou didst harbour worthy love. 
 Dare not to answer. My good Genius guide me, 
 That I may never see thee more ! — Go from me ! 
 
 Org. I'll tear my veil of politic French otf. 
 And stand up like a man resolv'd to do : — 
 Action, not words, shall shew me. — Oh Penthea ! 
 
 Pen. He sigh'd my name sure, as he parted 
 from me ; 
 1 fear I was too rough. Alas, poor gentleman I 
 He look'd not like the ruins of his youth, 
 But like the ruins of those ruins. Honour, 
 How much we fight with weakness to preserve thee! 
 
 [ Walks aside. 
 Enter Ba^ahes and Grausis. 
 Bass. Fie on thee ! damn thee, rotten maggot, 
 damn thee ! [vulsions. 
 
 Sleep, sleep at court ? and now ? Aches, con- 
 Iniposthumes, rheums, gouts, palsies, clog thy 
 A dozen years more yet ! [bones 
 
 Grau, Now you are in humours. 
 Bass. She's by herself, there's hope of that ; 
 she's sad too ; 
 She's in strong contemplation ; yes, and fix'd : 
 The signs are wholesome. 
 
 Grau. Very wholesome, truly. 
 
 Bass. Hold your chops, nightmare ! Lady, 
 
 come ; your brother 
 Is carried to his closet ; you must thither. 
 Pen. Not well, my lord .-* 
 Bass. A sudden fit, 'twill off ; 
 Some surfeit of disorder. — How dost, dearest.^ 
 Pen. Your news is none o' th' best. 
 
 Enter Prophilus. 
 
 Pro. The chief of men. 
 The excellentest Ithocles, desires 
 Your presence, madam. 
 
 Bass. We are hasting to him. 
 
 Pen. In vain we labour in this course of life 
 
5G 
 
 ' ^lece our journey out at length, or crave 
 -espite of breath ; our home is in the grave. 
 
 Bass. Perfect philosophy I 
 
 Pen. Then let us care 
 To live so, that our reckonings may fall even 
 When we're to make account. 
 
 Pro. He cannot fear 
 
 THE.BROKEN HEART. 
 
 "■■-".A 
 
 Who builds on noble grounds : sickness or pain 
 Is the deserver's exercise ; and such 
 Your virtuous brother to the world is known. 
 Speak comfort to him, lady, be all gentle ; 
 Stars fall but in the grossness of our sight, 
 A good man dying, th' earth doth lose a light. 
 
 lExeunl. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 ^-^y-' 
 
 r-^ 
 
 SCENE l— The Study of TEcysicvs. 
 Enter Tecnicus, and Orgflus in his usual Dress. 
 
 Tec. Be well advised; let not a resolution ~,^ 
 Of giddy rashness choke the breath of reason. ' 
 
 Org. It shall not, most sage mastet^^ ^ 
 
 Tec. I am jealous ; 
 For if the borrow'd shape so late put on, 
 Inferr'd a consequence, we must conclude 
 Some violent design of sudden nature 
 Hath shook that shadow off, to fly upon 
 A new-hatch'd execution. Orgilus, 
 Take heed thou hast not, under our integrity, 
 Shrowded unlawful plots ; our mortal eyes 
 Pierce not the secrets ofyour heart, the gods 
 Are only privy to them. 
 
 Org. Learned Tecnicus, 
 Such doubts are causeless ; and, to clear the truth 
 From misconceit, — the present state commands 
 
 me. 
 The prince of Argos comes himself in person 
 In quest of great Calantha for his bride, 
 Our kingdom's heir ; besides, mine only sister, 
 Euphranea, is disposed to Prophilus : 
 Lastly, the king is sending letters for me 
 To Athens, for my quick repair to court ; 
 Please to accept these reasons. 
 
 Tec. Just ones, Orgilus, 
 Not to be contradicted : yet, beware 
 Of an unsure foundation ; no fair colours 
 Can fortify a building faintly jointed. 
 -I have observ'd a gronth in thy aspect 
 Of dangerous extent, sudden, and — look to't — 
 I might add, certain — 
 
 Org. My aspi^ct ! could art 
 Run through mine inmost thoughts, it should not 
 
 sift 
 An inclination there, more than what suited 
 With justice of mine honour. 
 
 Tec. I believe it. 
 But know then, Orgilus, what honour is : 
 Honour consists not in a bare opinion 
 By doing any act that feeds content. 
 Brave in appearance, 'cause we think it brave ; 
 Such honour comes by accident, not nature. 
 Proceeding from the vices of our passion, 
 Which makes our reason drunk: hut real honour 
 Is the reward of virtue, and acquired 
 By justice, or by valour which, for bases, ^- ^^ 
 Hath justice to uphold it. He then fails / '^^ 
 In honour, who, for lucre or revenge,——*^" "Hi 
 Commits thefts, murther, treasons, and adulteries}^; 
 With such like, by intrenching on just laws, / 
 
 Whose sovereignty is best preserv'd by Justice. 
 Thus, as you see how honour must be grounded 
 On knowledge, not opinion, (for opinion ' 
 Relies on probability and accident, 
 
 But knowledge on necessity and truth,) 
 I leave thee to the fit consideration 
 Of what becomes the grace of real honour, 
 Wishing success to all thy virtuous meanings. 
 Org. The gods increase thy wisdom, reverend 
 oracle. 
 And in thy precepts make me ever thrifty ! l^it. 
 _ Tec. I thank thy wish — Much mystery qf fate'j 
 Lies hid in that man's fortunes ; curiosity '^ 
 
 May lead his actions into rare attempts : — 
 But let the gods be moderators still ; 
 No human power can prevent their will. ^'^^\^ 
 
 Etite)' Armostes, with a Casket. 
 
 From whence come you ? 
 
 Arm. From king Amyclas, — pardon 
 My interruption of your studies. — Here, 
 In this seal'd box, he sends a treasure [to you], 
 Dear to him as his crown ; he prays your gravity, 
 You would examine, ponder, sift, and bolt 
 The pith and circumstance of every tittle 
 The scroll within contains. 
 
 Tec. What is't, Armostes .' 
 
 Arm. It is the health of Sparta, the king's life, 
 Sinews and safety of the commonwealth ; 
 The sum of what the Oracle delivered, 
 When last he visited the prophetic temple 
 At Delphos : what his reasons are, for which, 
 After so long a silence, he requires 
 Your counsel now, grave man, his majesty 
 Will soon himself acquaint you with. 
 
 Tec. Apollo IHe takes the casket. 
 
 Inspire my intellect ! — The prince of Argos 
 Is entertain'd ? 
 
 Arm. He is ; and has demanded 
 Our princess for his wife ; which I conceive 
 One special cause the king importunes you 
 For resolution of the oracle. 
 
 Pec. My duty to the king, good peace to Sparta, 
 And fair day to Armostes ! 
 
 Arm. Like to Tecnicus. lExeiinl. 
 
 SCENE II. — A Room in Ithocles' House. 
 
 Soft Music— A Song within, during which Prophilus, 
 BAssA^fEs, Penthea, and Grausis pass over the Stage. 
 Bassanes and Grausis re-enter softly, and listen in dif- 
 ferent places. 
 
 vV SONG. 
 
 Can you paint a thought ? or number 
 Every fancy in a slumber ? 
 Can you count soft minutes roving 
 From a dial's point by moving ? 
 Can you grasp a sigh ? or, lastly, 
 Rob a virgin's honour chastly ? 
 
SCENK II. 
 
 THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 50 
 
 No, oh no ! yet you may 
 
 Sooner do both that and this. 
 
 This and that, and never miss. 
 Than by any praise display 
 
 Beauty's beauty; such a glory. 
 
 As beyond all fate, all story. 
 All arms, all arts. 
 All loves, all hearts. 
 
 Greater than those, or they, 
 
 Do, shall, and must obey. 
 
 Bass. All silent, calm, secure. — Grausis, no 
 No noise ; dost [thou] hear nothing ? [creaking, 
 
 Grau. Not a mouse. 
 Or whisper of the wind. 
 
 Bass. The floor is matted ; — 
 
 The bed-posts sure are steel or marble. — Soldiers 
 Should not affect, methinks, strains so effeminate ; 
 Sounds of such delicacy are but fawnings 
 Upon the sloth of luxury, they heighten 
 Cinders of covert lust up to a flame. 
 
 Grau. What do you mean, my lord.' — spea 
 low ; that gabbling 
 Of your's will but undo us- 
 
 Bass. Chamber-combats 
 Are felt, not heard. 
 
 Pro. [withini He wakes. 
 
 Boss. What's that? 
 
 Ith. \witMn] Who's there ? 
 Sister? — All quit the room else. 
 
 Bass. 'Tis consented I 
 
 Enter Prophilus. 
 Pro. Lord Bassanes, your brother would be 
 private. 
 We must forbear ; his sleep hath newly left him. 
 Please you, withdraw ! 
 
 Bass. By any means ; 'tis fit. 
 
 Pro. Pray, gentlewoman, walk too. 
 
 Grau. Yes, I will, sir. ^Exeunt. 
 
 The Scene opens ; Ithocles is discovered in a Chair, and 
 Pk»thea beside him. 
 
 Ith. Sit nearer, sister, to me ; nearer yet : 
 We had one father, in one womb took life. 
 Were brought up twins together, yet have liv'd 
 At distance, like two strangers ; I could wish 
 That the first pillow whereon I was cradled, 
 Had prov'd to me a grave. 
 
 Pen. You had been happy : 
 Then had you never known that sin of life, 
 ^ Which blots all following glories with a vengeance, 
 ^ For forfeiting the last will of the dead, 
 From whom you had your being. 
 
 Jth. Sad Penthea, 
 Thou canst not be too cruel ; my rash spleen 
 Hath with a violent hand pluck 'd from thy bosom 
 A love-blest heart, to grind it into dust ; 
 For which mine's now a-breaking. 
 
 Pen. Not yet, heaven, 
 I do beseech thee ! first, let some wild fires 
 Scorch, not consume it! may the heat be cherish'd 
 With desires infinite, but hopes impossible ! 
 
 Ilh. Wrong'd soul, thy prayers aie heard. 
 
 Pen. Plere, lo, I breathe, 
 A miserable creature, led to ruin 
 By an unnatural brother ! 
 
 lih. Fconsume 
 In languishing affections for that trespass ; 
 Yet cannot die. 
 
 Pen. The handmaid to the wages 
 Of country toil, drinks the untroubled streams 
 
 With leaping kids, and with the bleating lambs, 
 And so allays her thirst secure ; whilst I 
 Quench my hot sighs with fleetings of my tears. 
 
 Jth. The labourer doth eat his coarsest bread, 
 Earn'd with his sweat, and lays him down to sleep 
 While every bit I touch turns in digestion 
 To gall, as bitter as Penthea's curse. 
 Put me to any penance for my tyranny ; 
 And I will call thee merciful. 
 
 Pen. Pray kill me, 
 Rid me from living with a jealous husband ; i 
 
 Then we will join in friendship, be again 
 Brother and sister. — Kill me, pray ; nay, will you ? 
 
 Ith. How does thy lord esteem thee .' 
 
 Pen. Such an one 
 As only you have made me ; a faith-breaker, 
 A spotted whore ; — forgive me, I am one — — . i 
 In act, not in desires, the gods must witness. / \ 
 
 Ith. Thou dost bely thy friend. j 
 
 Pen. I do not, Ithocles ; | 
 
 For she that's wife to Orgilus, and lives 
 In known adultery with Bassanes, 
 Is, at the best, a whore. Wilt kill me no.v ? 
 The ashes of our parents will assume 
 Some dreadful figure, and appear to charge 
 Thy bloody guilt, that hast betray'd their name 
 To infamy, in this reproachful match. 
 
 Ith. After my victories abroad, at home 
 I meet despair ; ingratitude of nature 
 Hath made my actions monstrous : thou shalt stand 
 A deity, my sister, and be worshipp'd 
 For thy resolved martyrdom ; wrong'd maids 
 And married wives shall to thy hallow'd shrine 
 Offer their orisons, and sacrifice 
 Pure turtles, crown'd with myrtle; if thy pity 
 Unto a yielding brother's pressure, lend 
 One finger but to ease it. 
 
 Pen. Oh, no more ! "" 1 
 
 It h. Death waits to vg aft me to the Stygian banks, U 
 And Tree me i'rom this chaos of my bondage ; 
 And till thou wilt forgive, I must endure. 
 
 Pe7i. Who is the saint you serve ? 
 
 Ith. Friendship, or [nearness] 
 Of birth to any but my sister, durst not 
 Have mov'd this question ; 'tis a secret, sister, 
 I dare not murmur to myself. 
 
 Pen. Let me, 
 By your new protestations I conjure you. 
 Partake her name. 
 
 lih. Her name ? — tis, — 'tis — I dare not. 
 
 Pen. All your respects are forged. 
 
 Ith. They are not. — Peace ! 
 Calantha is — the princess — the king's daughter — 
 Sole heir of Sparta. — Me, most miserable ! 
 Do I now love thee ? for my injuries 
 Revenge thyself with bravery, and gossip 
 My treasons to the king's ears, do ;— Calantha 
 Knows it not yet, nor Prophilus, my nearest. 
 
 Pen. Suppose you were contracted to her, would 
 it not 
 Split even your very soul to see her father 
 Snatch her out of your arms against her will, 
 And force her on the prince of Argos ? 
 
 Ifh. Trouble not 
 The fountains of mine eyes with thine own story ; 
 I sweat in blood for't. 
 
 Pen. We are reconciled. 
 Alas, sir, being children, but two branches 
 Of one stock, 'tis not fit we should divide ; 
 Have comfort, you may find it. 
 
60 
 
 THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 Ith. Yes, in thee; 
 Only in thee, Penthea mine. 
 
 Pen. If sorrows 
 Have not too much dull'd my infected brain, 
 I'll cheer invention, for an active strain. 
 
 Ith. Mad man 1 — Why have I wrong'd a maid 
 so excellent ? 
 
 Bassanes rushes in with a Poniard, foUowcd hij Pro- 
 PHiLus, Groneas, Hkmophil, and Grausis. 
 
 Bass. I can forbear no longer ; more, 1 will not : 
 Keep off your hands, or fall upon my point — 
 Patience is tired, — for, like a slow-paced ass. 
 You ride my easy nature, and proclaim 
 My sloth to vengeance a reproach, and property. 
 
 1th. The meaning of this rudeness ? 
 
 Pro. He's distracted. 
 
 Pen. Oh, my griev'd lord. 
 
 Grau. Sweet lady, come not near him ; 
 He holds his perilous weapon in his hand 
 To prick he cares not whom, nor where, — see, 
 see, see ! 
 
 Baas. My birth is noble : though the popular 
 Of vanity, as giddy as thy youth, [blast 
 
 Hath rear'd thy name up to bestride a cloud, 
 Or progress in the chariot of the sun ; 
 I am no clod of trade, to lackey pride, 
 Nor, like your slave of expectation, wait 
 The baudy hinges of your doors, or whistle 
 For mystical conveyance to your bed-sports. 
 
 Gron. Fine humours ! they become him. 
 
 Hem. How he stares. 
 Struts, puffs, and sweats ! most admirable lunacy ! 
 
 1th. But that I may conceive the spirit of wine 
 Has took possession of your soberer custom, 
 I'd say you were unmannerly. 
 
 Pen. Dear brother I 
 
 Bass. Unmannerly! — mew, kitling ! — smooth 
 formality 
 Is usher to the rankness of the blood. 
 But impudence bears up the train. Indeed, sir. 
 Your fiery metal, or your springal blaze 
 Of huge renown, is no sufficient royalty 
 To print upon my forehead the scorn, " cuckold." 
 
 Ith. His jealousy hath i-obb'd him of his wits ; 
 He talks he knows not what. 
 
 Bass. Yes, and he knows 
 To whom he talks ; to one that franks his lust 
 In swine-security of bestial incest. , 
 
 1th. Ha, devil ! 
 
 Bass. I will haloo't ; though I blush more 
 To name the filthiness, than thou to act it. 
 
 1th. Monster! {Draws his sword. 
 
 Pro. Sir, by our friendship — 
 
 Pen, By our bloods ! 
 Will you quite both undo us, brother? 
 
 Grau. Out on him ! 
 These are his megrims, firks, and melancholies. 
 
 Hem. Well said, old touch-hole. 
 
 Gron. Kick him out at doors. 
 
 Pen. With favour, let me speak. — My lord, 
 what slackness 
 In my obedience hath deserv'd this rage ? 
 Except humility and silent duty 
 Hath drawn on your unquiet, my simplicity 
 Ne'er studied your vexation. 
 
 Bass. Light of beauty. 
 Deal not ungently with a desperate wound ! 
 No breach of reason dares make war with her 
 Whose looks are sovereignty, whose breath is balm : 
 
 Oh, that I could preserve thee in fruition 
 As in devotion ! 
 
 Pen. Sir, may every evil, 
 Lock'd in Pandora's box, show'r, in your presence, 
 On my unhappy head, if, since you made me 
 A partner in your bed, I have been faulty 
 In one unseemly thought, against your honour. 
 
 1th. Purge not his griefs, Penthea. 
 
 Bass. Yes, say on. 
 Excellent creature ! — Good, be not a hinderance 
 To peace, and praise of virtue, [_to Ith.] — Oh, my 
 
 senses 
 Are charm'd with sounds celestial. — On, dear, on : 
 I never gave you one ill word ; say, did I ? 
 Indeed I did not. 
 
 Pen. Nor, by Juno's forehead, 
 Was I e'er guilty of a wanton eiTor. 
 
 Bass, A goddess ! let me kneel. 
 
 Gra\t, Alas, kind animal I 
 
 1th. No ; but for penance. 
 
 Bass. Noble sir, what is it ? 
 With gladness I embrace it ; yet, pray let not 
 My rashness teach you to be too unmerciful. 
 
 1th. When you shall shew good proof, that 
 manly wisdom, 
 Not oversway'd by passion or opinion, 
 Knows how to lead [your] judgment, then this lady. 
 Your wife, my sister, shall return in safety 
 Home, to be guided by you ; but, till first 
 I can, out of clear evidence, approve it. 
 She shall be my care. 
 
 Bass. Rip my bosom up, 
 I'll stand the execution with a constancy ; 
 This torture is insufferable. 
 
 1th. Well, sir, 
 I dare not trust her to your fury. 
 
 Bass. But 
 Penthea says not so. 
 
 Pen. She needs no tongue 
 To plead excuse, who never purposed wrong. 
 
 [Exit with Ith. atid Pro. 
 
 Hem. Virgin of reverence and antiquity, 
 Stay you behind. LTo Grau. who is followed hy Pkn. 
 
 Gron. The court wants not your diligence. 
 
 [Exeunt IliCM. and Gron. 
 
 my lord.!^ my lady's 
 [gone ; 
 
 Grau. What will you do, 
 I am denied to follow. 
 
 Bass. I may see her, 
 Or speak to her once more ? 
 
 Grau. And feel her too, man ; 
 Be of good cheer, she's your own flesh and bone. 
 
 Bass. Diseases desperate must find cures alike ; 
 She swore she has been true. 
 
 Grau. True, on my modesty. 
 
 Bass. Let him want truth who credits not her 
 vows ! 
 Much wrong I did her, but her brother infinite ; 
 Rumour will voice me the contempt of manhood. 
 Should I nm on thus ; some way I must try 
 To outdo art, and jealousy decry. iExeunt 
 
 SCENE \\\.—A Room in the Palace. 
 
 Flourish. Enter Awyclas, Nearchus leading Calantha, 
 Armostes, Crotolon, El'phranea, Chbistalla, Phi- 
 LEfliA, and Amelus. 
 
 Amyc. Cousin of Argos, what the heavens have 
 In their unchanging counsels, to conclude [pleas'd. 
 For both our kingdoms' weal, we must submit to : 
 
SCENE IV. 
 
 THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 61 
 
 Nor can we be unthankful to their bounties, 
 
 Who, when we were ev'n creeping to our graves, 
 
 Sent us a daughter, in whose birth, our hope 
 
 Continues of succession. As you are 
 
 In title next, being grandchild to our aunt. 
 
 So we in heart desire you may sit nearest 
 
 Calantha's love ; since we have ever vow'd 
 
 Not to enforce affection by our will. 
 
 But by her own choice to confirm it gladly. 
 
 Near. You speak the nature of a right just 
 I come not hither roughly to demand [father. 
 
 My cousin's thraldom, but to free mine own : 
 Report of great Calantha's beauty, virtue, 
 Sweetness and singular perfections, courted..-^ 
 All ears to credit what I find was publish'd 
 By constant truth ; from which, if any service 
 Of my desert can purchase fair construction, 
 This lady must command it. 
 
 Cal. Princely sir. 
 So well you know how to profess observance, 
 That you instruct your hearers to become 
 Practitioners in duty ; of which number 
 I'll study to be chief. 
 
 Near. Chief, glorious virgin, 
 In my devotion, as in all men's wonder. 
 
 Amyc. Excellent cousin, we deny no liberty : 
 Use thine own opportunities. — Armostes, 
 We must consult with the philosophers ; 
 The business is of weight. 
 
 Arm. Sir, at your pleasure. 
 
 Amyc. You told me, Crotolon, your son's re- 
 tura'd 
 From Athens ; wherefore comes he not to court, 
 As we commanded ? 
 
 Crot. He shall soon attend 
 Your royal will, great sir. 
 
 Amyc. The raarringe 
 Between young Prophilus and Enphranea, 
 Tastes of too much delay. 
 
 Crot. My lord — 
 
 Amyc. Some pleasures 
 At celebration of it, would give life 
 To the entertainment of the prince our kinsman ; 
 Our court wears gravity more than we relish. 
 
 Arm. Yet the heavens smile on all your high at- 
 Without a cloud. [tempts, 
 
 Crot. So may the gods protect us i 
 
 Cal. A prince, a subject .' 
 
 Near. Yes, to beauty's sceptre; 
 As all hearts kneel, so mine,^ 
 
 Cal. You are too caurtly. 
 
 Enter Ithocles, Orgiltjs, and Prophii us. 
 
 Ith. Your safe return to Sparta is most welcome : 
 I joy to meet you here, and, as occasion 
 Shall grant us privacy, will yield you reasons 
 Why I shoiald covet to deserve the title 
 Of yoxu' respected friend ; for, without compliment, 
 Believe it, Orgilus, 'tis my ambition. 
 
 Org. Your lordship may command me, your 
 poor servant. 
 
 Ith. So amorously close ! — so soon — mv heart ! 
 
 lAside. 
 
 Pro. What sudden change is next ? 
 
 Ith. Life to the king ! 
 To whom I here present this noble gentleman. 
 New come from Athens ; royal sir, vouchsafe 
 Your g'-acious hand in favour of his merit. 
 
 \_Thc King gives Oko. his hand to kiss. 
 
 Crot. My son preferr'd by Ithocles ! lAside. 
 
 Amyc. Our bounties 
 Shall open to thee, Orgilus ; for instance, 
 (Hark, in thine ear) — if, out of those inventions, 
 Which flow in Athens, thou hast there engrossed 
 Some rarity of wit, to grace the nuptials 
 Of thy fair sister, and renown our court 
 In th' eyes of this young prince, we shall be debtor 
 To thy conceit : think on't. 
 
 Orf/. Your highness honours me. 
 
 Near. My tongue and heart are twins. 
 
 Cal. A noble birth, 
 Becoming such a father. — Worthy Orgilus, 
 You are a guest most wish'd for. 
 
 Org. May my duty 
 Still rise in your opinion, sacred princess 1 
 
 Ith. Enphranea's brother, sir ; a gentleman 
 Well worthy of your knowledge. 
 
 Near. We embrace him. 
 Proud of so dear acquaintance. 
 
 Amyc. All prepare 
 For revels and disport ; the joys of Hymen, 
 Like Phoebus in his lustre, put to flight 
 All mists of dulness ; crown the hours with glad- 
 ness : * 
 No sounds but music, no discourse but mirth ! 
 
 Cal. Thine arm, I prithee, Ithocles. — Nay, good 
 My lord, keep on your way, I am provided. 
 
 Near. I dare not disobey. 
 
 Ith. Most heavenly lady ! lExeunt omnes. 
 
 SCENE IV — A Room in the House o/Crotolon. 
 Enter Cuotolon and Orgilus. 
 
 Crot. The king hath spoke his mind. 
 
 Org. His will he hath ; 
 But were it lawful to hold plea against 
 The power of greatness, not the reason, haply 
 Such undershrubs as subjects, sometimes might 
 Borrow of nature, justice, to inform j 
 
 That licence sovereignty holds, without check, / 
 Over a meek obedience. i^-t' 
 
 Crot. How resolve you ^-^ 
 
 Touching your sister's marriage ? Prophilus 
 Is a deserving and a hopeful youth. 
 
 Org. I envy not his merit, but applaud it ; 
 Could wish him thrift in all his best desires. 
 And, with a willingness, inleague our blood 
 With his, for purchase of full growth in friendship. 
 He never touch'd on any wrong that maliced 
 The honour of our house, nor stirr'd our peace ; 
 Yet, with your fiivour, let me not forget 
 Under whose wing he gathers warmth and comfort, 
 Whose creature he is bound, made, and must 
 live so. 
 
 Crot. Son, son, I find in thee a harsl 
 No courtesy can win it ; 'tis too rancorous, 
 
 Org. Good sir, be not severe in your construe 
 I am no stranger to such easy calms [tion 
 
 As sit in tender bosoms : lordly Ithocles 
 Hath graced my entertainment in abundance ; 
 Too humbly hath descended from that height 
 Of^rogance and spleen which wrought the rape 
 On griev'd Penthea's purity ; his scorn 
 Of my untoward fortunes is reclaim'd 
 Unto a courtship, almost to a fawning : — ' 
 I'll kiss his foot, since you will have it so. 
 
 Crot. Since I will have it so ! friend, 1 will have 
 it so, - - ^^^"^^^^*'*^, 
 
 Without our ruin by yo^r politic plot^, 
 
 ^ 
 
 V'" 
 
 M 
 
 h condition^ -'PLi 
 rous. -^f->Jf 
 
 ar construe- i'^ 
 
 )W politu 
 
62 
 
 THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 Or wolf of hatred snarling in your bj-east. 
 You have a spirit, sir, have "you ? a familiar 
 That posts i' th' air for your intelligence ? 
 Some such hobgoblin hurried you from Athens, 
 For yet you come unsent for. 
 
 Org. If unwelcome, 
 I might have found a grave there. 
 
 Crot. Sure your business 
 Was soon dispatch'd, or your mind alter'd quickly. 
 
 Org. 'Twas care, sir, of my health, cut short 
 my journey ; 
 For there, a general infection 
 Threatens a desolation. 
 
 Crot. And I fear 
 ' Thou hast brought back a worse infection with 
 
 thee, 
 Infection of thy mind ; which, as thou say'st. 
 Threatens the desolation of our family. 
 
 Org. Forbid it, our dear tjehliis ! I will rather 
 Be made a sacrifice on Thrasus' monument. 
 Or kneel to Ithocles his son in dust, 
 Than woo a father's curse : my sister's marriage 
 With Prophilus is from my heart qonfirm'd ; 
 May I live hated, may I die despised, 
 If I omit to further it in all 
 That can concern me ! 
 
 Crut. I have been too rough. 
 My duty to my king made me so earnest ; 
 Excuse it, Orgilus. 
 
 Org. Dear sir ! 
 
 Enter Puophilvs, Euphranea, Ithocles, Groneas, and 
 IIemophil. 
 
 Crot. Here comes 
 Euphranea, with Prophilus and Ithocles. 
 
 Org, Most honour'd ! — ever famous ! * 
 
 Jth. Your true friend ; 
 On earth not any truer. — With smooth eyes 
 Look on this worthy couple ; your consent 
 Can only make them one. 
 
 Org. They have it Sister, 
 
 Thou pawnd'st to me an oath, of which engfigement 
 I never will release thee, if thou aim'st 
 At any other choice than this. 
 
 Euph. Dear brother. 
 At him, or none. 
 
 Crot. To which my blessing's added. 
 
 Org. Which, till a greater ceremony perfect, — 
 Euphranea, lend thy hand ; — here, take her, Pro- 
 philus, 
 Live long a happy man and wife ; and further, 
 That these in presence may conclude an omen, 
 Thus for a bridal song I close my wishes : 
 
 Comforts lasting, loves increasing. 
 Like soft hours never ceasing ; 
 Plenty's pleasure, peace complyinj, 
 Without jars, or tongues envying ; 
 Hearts by holy union wedded, 
 More than their's by custom bedded ; 
 Fruitful issues ; life so graced, 
 Not by age to be defaced ; 
 Budding, as the year ensu'th, 
 Every spring another youth : 
 All what thouglit can add beside, 
 Crown this Bridegroom and this IJride ! 
 
 Pro. You have seal'd joy close to my soul. — 
 Euphranea, 
 Now I may call thee mine. 
 
 Ith. I but exchange 
 One good friend for another. 
 
 Org. If these gallants 
 Will please to grace a poor invention 
 By joining with me in some slight device, 
 I'll venture on a strain my younger days 
 Have studied for delight. 
 
 Hem. With thankful willingness 
 I offer my attendance. 
 
 Gron. No endeavour 
 Of mine shall fail to shew itself. 
 
 Ilh. We will 
 All join to wait on thy directions, Orgilus. 
 
 Org. Oh, my good lord, your favours flow to- 
 wards 
 A too unworthy worm ; — but, as you please, 
 I am what you will shape me. 
 
 Ilh. A fast friend. 
 
 Crot. I thank thee, son, for this acknowledgment. 
 It is a sight of gladness. 
 
 Org. But my duty. lExeunt omnet. 
 
 SCENE V. — Calantha's Apartment in the 
 
 Palace. 
 
 Enter Calantha, Pbnthea, Christalla, and Philema. 
 
 Cal. Whoe'er would speak with us, deny his 
 Be careful of our charge. [entrance ; 
 
 Chris. We shall, madam. 
 
 Cal. Except the king himself, give none admit- 
 Not any. [tance ; 
 
 PJiil. Madam, it shall be out- care. 
 
 lExeunt Chris, and Phil. 
 
 Cal. Being alone, Penthea, you have, granted, 
 The opportunity you sought, and might 
 At all times have commanded. 
 
 Pen. 'Tis a benefit 
 Which I thall owe your goodness even in death 
 
 for : 
 My glass of life, sweet princess, hath few minutes 
 Remaining to run down ; the sands are spent ; 
 For by an inward messenger I feel 
 The summons of departure short and certain, 
 
 Cal. You feed too much your melancholy. 
 
 Pen. Glories Xj 
 
 Of human greatness are but pleasing dreams, A 
 And shadows soon decaying ; on the stage \ 
 
 Of my mortality, my youth hath acted 1 
 
 Some scenes of vanity, drawn out at length I 
 By varied pleasures, sweeten'd in the mixture, \ 
 But tragical in issue : beauty, pomp. 
 With every sensuality our giddiness 
 Doth frame an idol, are unconstant friends. 
 When any troubled passion makes assault -^ 
 On the unguarded castle of the mind. 
 
 Cal. Contemn not your condition, for the proof 
 Of bare opinion only : to what end 
 Reach all these moral texts ? 
 
 Pen. To place before you 
 A perfect mirror, wherein you may see 
 How weary I am of a lingering life, 
 Who count the best a misery. 
 
 Cal. Indeed 
 You have no little cause ; yet none so great 
 As to distrust a remedy. 
 
 Pen. That remedy 
 Must be a winding-sheet, a fold of lead, 
 A.nd some untrod-on corner in the earth.— 
 Not to detain your expectation, princess, 
 I have an humble suit. 
 
 Cal. Speak ; I enjoy it. 
 
THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 03^ 
 
 
 Pen. Vouchsafe, then, to be my executrix, 
 And take that trouble on you, to dispose 
 Such legacies as I bequeath, impartially ; 
 I have not much to give, the pains are easy ; 
 Heav'n will reward your piety, and thank it 
 When I am dead ; for sure I must not live ; 
 I hope I cannot. 
 
 Cal. Now, beshrew thy sadness, 
 Thou turn'st me too much woman. IWeeps, 
 
 Pen. Her fair eyes 
 Melt into passion. [Asid€.'\ — Then I have assur- 
 Encouraging my boldness. In this paper [ance 
 My will was character'd ; which you, with pardon, 
 Shall now know from mine own mouth. -'^ 
 
 Cal. Talk on, prithee ; 
 It is a pretty earnest. 
 
 Pen. I have left me 
 But three poor jewels to bequeath. The first is 
 My Youth ; for though I am much old in griefs, 
 In years I am a child. 
 
 Cal. To whom that ? 
 
 Pen. To virgin-wives, such as ali^se not wedlock 
 By freedom of desires ; but covet chiefly — 
 
 e ple dges of cha ste beds for ties of love, 
 Rather than ranging of their blood : and next 
 To married maids, such as prefer the number 
 Of honourable issue in their virtues 
 Refore the flattery of delights by marriage ; 
 May those be ever young ! 
 
 Cal. A second jewel 
 Y'ou mean to part wfth } 
 
 Pen. 'Tis my Fame ; I trusfej 
 By scandal yet untoiich'd : this I bequeath 
 To Memory, and Time's old daughter, Truth. 
 If ever my unhappy name find mention, 
 When I am fall'n to dust, may it deserve 
 Beseeming charity without dishonour ! 
 
 Cal. How handsomely thou play'st with harm- 
 less sport 
 Of mere imagination ! speak the last ; 
 I strangely like thy Will. 
 
 Pen. This jewel, madam, 
 Is dearly precious to me ; you must use 
 The best of your discretion to employ 
 This gift as I intend it. 
 
 Cal. Do not doubt me. 
 
 Pen. 'Tis long agone since first I lost my heart : 
 Long have I liv'd without it, else for certain 
 I should have given that too ; but instead 
 Of it, to great Calantha, Sparta's heir, 
 By service bound, and by affection A'ow'd, 
 
 I do bequeath, in holiest rites of love, 
 Mine only brother, Ithocles. ' | 
 
 Cal. What said'st thou } 
 
 Pen. Impute not, heaven-blest lady, to ambition 
 A faith as humbly perfect, as the prayers 
 Of a devoted suppliant can endow it : 
 Look on him, princess, with an eye of pity ; 
 How like the ghost of what he late appear'd, 
 He moves before you ! 
 
 Cal. Shall I answer here. 
 Or lend my ear too grossly ? 
 
 Pen. First his heart 
 Shall fall in cinders, scorch'd by your disdain, 
 Ere he will dare, poor man, to ope an eye 
 On these divine looks, but with low- bent thoughts 
 Accusing such presumption ; as for words, 
 He dares not utter any but of service : 
 Yet this lost creature loves you. — Be a princess 
 In sweetness as in blood ; give him his doom, 
 Or raise him up to comfort. 
 
 Cal. What new change 
 Appears in ray behaviour, that thou dar'st 
 Tempt my displeasure ? 
 
 Pen. I must leave the world 
 To revel [in] Elysium, and 'tis just 
 To wish my brother some advantage here ; 
 Yet by my best hopes, Ithocles is ignorant 
 Of this pursuit : but if you please to kill him, 
 Lend him one angry look, or one harsh word. 
 And you shall soon conclude how strong a power 
 Your absolute authority holds over 
 His life and end. 
 
 Cal. You have forgot, Penthea, 
 How still I have a father. 
 
 Pen. But remember '~— - 
 I am a sister, though to me this brother 
 Hath been, you know, unkind ; oh, most unkind T 
 
 Cal. Christalia, Philema, where are you ? — 
 Lady, 
 Your check lies in my silence. 
 
 Enter Chr/stalla and Philema. 
 
 Both. Madam, here. 
 
 Cal. I think you sleep, you drones : wait on 
 Penthea 
 Unto her lodging. — Ithocles ? wrong'd lady ! 
 
 lAside. 
 Pen. 'My reckonings are made even ; death or 
 fate 
 Can nowliDr strike too soon, nor force too late. 
 
 {,Extunt 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I.— The Palace. Ithocles' Jparlment. 
 Enter Ithocles and Armostes. 
 
 Jlh. Forbear your inquisition ; curiosity 
 Is of too subtle and too searching nature : 
 In fears of love too quick ; too slow of credit. — 
 I am not what you doubt me. 
 
 Arm. Nephew, be then 
 As I would wish ;— all is not right. — Good Heaven 
 Confirm your resolutions for dependence 
 On worthy ends, which may advance your quiet 1 
 
 lih. I did the noble Orgilus much injury, 
 grieved Penthea more ; I now repent it, 
 
 w 
 
 Now, uncle, now ; this Now is now too late. 
 
 So provident is folly in sad issue, 
 
 That afterwit, like bankrupt's debts, stands tallied, 
 
 Without all possibilities of payment. 
 
 Sure he's an honest, very honest gentleman ; 
 
 A man of single meaning. 
 
 Arm. I believe it : 
 Yet, nephew, 'tis the tongue informs our ears ; 
 Our eyes can never pierce into the thoughts-. 
 For they are lodged too inward : — but I question 
 No truth in Orgilus. — The princess, sir. 
 
 Jth. The princess ? ha ! 
 
 Arm. With her the prince of Argos. 
 
 
(54 
 
 THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 Enter Nearchus, leading Calantha ; Amelus, Chris- 
 
 TALLA, PhILEMA. 
 
 Near. Great fair one, grace my hopes with any 
 instance 
 Of livery, from the allowance of your favour ; 
 This little spark — 
 
 lAttempts to take a ring from her finger. 
 
 Cal. A toy ! 
 
 Nelir. Love feasts on toys, 
 For Cupid is a child ; — vouchsafe this bounty : 
 It cannot be denied. 
 
 Cal. You shall not value. 
 Sweet cousin, at a price, what I count cheap ; 
 So cheap, that let him take it, who dares stoop for't. 
 And give it, at next meeting, to a mistress : 
 She'll thank him for't, perhaps. 
 
 ICasts the ring be/ore Ithocles, who takes it up. 
 
 Ame. The ring, sir, is 
 The princess's ; I could have took it up. 
 
 Ith. Learn manners, prithee. — To the blessed 
 
 Upon my knees [owner, 
 
 {,Kneels and offers it to Calantha. 
 
 Near. You are saucy. 
 
 Cal. This is pretty ! 
 I am, belike, " a mistress" — wondrous pretty! 
 Let the man keep his fortune, since he found it ; 
 He's worthy on't — On, cousin ! 
 
 \^Exeunt Near Cal. Chris, and Phil. 
 
 Ith. {to Ame.) Follow, spaniel ; 
 I'll force you to a fawning else. 
 
 Ame. You dare not. \_Exit. 
 
 Arm. My lord, you were too forward. 
 
 Ith. Look ye, uncle. 
 Some such there are, whose liberal contents 
 Swarm without care in every sort of plenty ; 
 Who, after full repasts, can lay them down 
 To sleep ; and they sleep, uncle : in which silence 
 Their very dreams present 'em choice of pleasures, 
 Pleasures (observe me, uncle) of rare object : 
 Here heaps of gold, there increments of honours, 
 Now change of garments, then the votes of people ; 
 Anon varieties of beauties, courting. 
 In flatteries of the night, exchange of dalliance ; 
 Yet these are still but dreams. Give me feUcity 
 Of which my senses wakit»g ere partakers, 
 A real, visibleT^iiiaterial happiness ; 
 And then, too, when I stagger in expectance 
 
 Of the least comfort that can cherish life 
 
 I saw it, sir, I saw it ; for it came 
 From her own hand. 
 
 Arm. The princess threw it to you. 
 
 Ith. True ; and she said well I remember 
 
 Her cousin prince would beg it. [what 
 
 Arm. Yes, and parted 
 In anger at your taking on't. 
 
 Ith. Penthea, 
 Oh, thou hast pleaded with a powerful language ! 
 I want a fee to gratify thy merit ; 
 But I will do 
 
 Aryn. What is't yon say ? 
 
 Ith. " In anger ?" 
 In anger let him part ; for could his breath, 
 Like whirlwinds, toss such servile slaves, as lick 
 The dust his footsteps print, into a vapour, 
 It durst not stir a hair of mine ; it should not ; 
 I'd rend it up by th' roots first. To be anything 
 Calantha smiles on, is to be a blessing 
 More sacred than a petty prince of Argos 
 Can wislv to equal, or in worth or title. 
 
 Arm. Contain yourself, my lord ; Ixion, aiming 
 
 -tlL.l!L!!:i 
 
 To embrace Juno, bosom'd but a cloud, ';^<t- \ j 
 And begat Centaurs ; 'tis an useful moral ^--^/^^ ■:' 
 Ambition, hatch'd in clouds of mere opinion, ' 
 Pi-oves but in birth a prodigy. 
 
 Ith. I thank you ; 
 Yet, with your license, I should seem uncharitable 
 To gentler fate, if relishing the dainties 
 Of a soul's settled peace, I were so feeble 
 Not to digest it. 
 
 Arm. He deserves small trust, 
 Who is not privy-counsellor to himself. 
 
 Re-enter Nkakciius, Orgilus, and Amelus. 
 
 Near. Brave me ? 
 
 0;y/. Your excellence mistakes his temper, 
 For Ithocles, in fashion of his mind. 
 Is beautiful, soft, gentle, the clear mirror 
 Of absolute perfection ! 
 
 Ame. W^as't your modesty 
 Term'd any of the prince's servants ** spaniel?" 
 Your nurse sure taught you other language. 
 
 Ith. Language 1 
 
 Near. A gallant man at arms is here ; a doctor 
 In feats of chivalry; blunt and rough-spoken, 
 Vouchsafing not the fustian of civility. 
 Which [less] rash spirits stile good manners. 
 
 Ith. Manners? 
 
 Org. No more, illustrious sir, 'tis matchless 
 Ithocles. 
 
 Near. You might have understood who I am. 
 
 Ith. Yes, 
 I did, — else — but the presence calm'd the affront — 
 You are cousin to the princess. 
 
 Near. To the king too ; 
 A certain instrument that lent supportance 
 To your Colossic greatness — to that king too, 
 You might have added. ^ 
 
 Ith. There is more divinity 
 In beauty than in majesty. 
 
 Arm. O fye, fye ! 
 
 Near. This odd youth's pride turns heretic in 
 loyalty. 
 Sirrah ! low mushrooms never rival cedars. 
 
 [^Exeunt Nearchus a^id Amelus. 
 
 Ith. Come back ; — what pitiful dull thing am I 
 So to be tamely scolded at ! come back. — 
 Let him come back, and echo once again 
 That scornful sound o{ mushroom ! painted colts 
 (Like heralds' coats, gilt o'er with crowns and 
 
 sceptres) 
 May bait a muzzled lion. 
 
 Arm. Cousin, cousin, 
 Thy tongue is not thy friend. 
 
 Org;. In point of honour, 
 Discretion knows mo bounds. Amelus told me 
 'Twas all about a little ring. 
 
 Ith. A ring 
 The princess threw away, and I took up — 
 Admit she threw't to me, what arm of brass 
 Can snatch it hence? No ; could he grind the hoop 
 To powder, he might sooner reach my heart. 
 Than steal and wear one dust on't. — Orgilus, 
 I am extremely wrong'd. 
 
 Org. A lady's favour 
 Is not to be so slighted 
 
 Jth. Slighted ! 
 
 Arm. Quiet 
 These vain unruly passions, which will render you 
 Into a madness. 
 
 Org. Griefs will have their vent. / 
 
^r 
 
 SCENE II. 
 
 THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 G5 
 
 Enter Tecnicus, with a scroll. 
 
 Arm. Welcome; thou com'st in season, reverend 
 To pour the balsam of a suppling patience [man, 
 Into the festering wound of ill-spent fury. 
 
 Org. What makes he here ? \_Aside. 
 
 Tec. The hurts are yet but mortal, 
 Which shortly will prove deadly. To the king, 
 Armostes, see in safety thou deliver 
 This seal'd-up counsel ; bid him with a constancy 
 Peruse the secrets of the Gods. — O Sparta, 
 
 Lacedemon ! double named, but one « 
 In fate ! — when kingdoms reel, (mark well my saw) 
 Their heads must needs be giddy : tell the king, 
 Tliat henceforth he no more must inquire ^ter 
 My aged head ; Apollo wills it so : 
 
 1 am for Delphos. 
 
 Arm. Not without some conference 
 With our great master ? 
 
 Tec. Never more to see him ; 
 A greater prince commands me Ithocles, 
 
 When Youth is ripe, and Age from time doth part, 
 
 The lifeless Trunk shall wed the Broken Ueart. 
 
 Ith. What's this, if understood .' , i , 
 
 Tec. List, Orgilus ; \ \ djU^^'' 
 
 Remember what I told thee long before, .t^'^^O 
 These tears shall be my witness. . ;; '^ 
 
 Arm. 'Las, good man \ 
 
 Tec. [Aside to Org.] Let craft with courtesy a 
 while confer, 
 Revenge proves its own executioner. 
 
 Org. Dark sentences are for Apollo's priests ; 
 I am not CEdipus. 
 
 Tec. My hour is come ; 
 
 Cheer up the king ; farewell to all O Sparta, 
 
 O Lacedemon lExit. 
 
 Arm. If prophetic fire 
 Have warra'd this old man's bosom, we might con- 
 Hi words to fatal sense. [strue 
 
 Ith. Leave to the powers 
 Above us, the effects of their decrees ; ■ — 
 My burthen lies within me : servile fears 
 Prevent no great effects. — Divine Calantha ! 
 
 Arm. The gods be still propitious. 
 
 [ Exeunt Ithocles and Armostes. 
 
 Org. Something oddly 
 The book-man prated, yet he talk'd it weeping ; 
 Let craft with courtesy a while confer, 
 Revenge proves its own executioner. 
 Con it again ; — for what ? It shall not puzzle me ; 
 *Tis dotage of a withered brain — Penthea 
 Forbade me not her presence ; I may see her. 
 And gaze my fill. Why see her then I may, 
 When, if I faint to speak— I must be silent. lExit. 
 
 SCENE 11.—^ Room in Bassanes' House. 
 Enter Bassanes, Grausis, and Phllas. 
 
 Bass. Pray, use your recreations, all the service 
 I will expect is quietness amongst ye ; 
 Take liberty at home, abroad, at all times. 
 And in your charities appease the gods 
 Whom I, with my distractions, have offended. 
 
 Grau. Fair blessings on thy heart ! 
 
 Phic. Here's a rare change ! 
 My lord, to cure the itch, is surely gelded ; 
 The cuckold in conceit, hath cast his horns. lAside. 
 
 Bass. Betake you to your several occasions ; 
 And, wherein I have heretofore been faulty. 
 
 Let your constructions mildly pass it over ; 
 Henceforth I'll study reformation, — more, 
 I have not for employment. 
 
 Grau. O, sweet man ! 
 Thou art the very Honeycomb of Honesty. 
 
 Phu. The Garland of Good-will.— Old lady 
 hold up 
 Thy reverend snout, and trot behind me softly, 
 As it becomes a mule of ancient carriage. 
 
 [Exennt Grai:sis and Phclas 
 
 Bass. Beasts, only capable of sense, enjoy 
 The benefit of food and ease with thankfulness : 
 Such silly creatures, with a grudging, kick not 
 Against the portion nature hath bestow'd ; 
 But men, endow'd with reason, and the uso 
 Cfreason, to distinguish from the chaff 
 Of abject scarcity, the quintessence, 
 Soul, and elixir of the earth's abundance, 
 The treasures of the sea, the air, nay heaven, ^ 
 Repining at these glories of creation. 
 Are vej-ier beasts than beasts ; and of those beasts 
 The worst am I. I, who was made a monarch 
 Of what a heart could wish for, a chaste wife, 
 Endeavoured, what in me lay, to jpull down 
 ■Jhat temple built for adoration onTy7' " ^-.^ 
 And level't in the dust of causeless scandal :— 
 But, to redeem a sacrilege so impious. 
 Humility shall pour before the deities 
 I have incens'd, a largess of more patience 
 Than their displeased altars can require. 
 No tempests of commotion shall disquiet 
 The calms of my composure. 
 
 Enter Orgilus. 
 
 Org. I have found thee. 
 Thou patron of more horrors than the bulk 
 Of manhood, hoop'd about with ribs of iron. 
 Can cram within thy breast : Penthea, Bassanes, 
 Curs'd by thy jealousies, more, by thy dotage, 
 Is left a prey to words. 
 
 Bass. Exercise 
 Your trials for addition to my penance ; 
 I am resolv'd. 
 
 Org. Play not with misery 
 Past cure : some angry minister of fate hath 
 Deposed the empress of her soul, her reason, ^■ 
 From its most proper throne ; but— ^wttatV ttie 
 
 miracle 
 More new, I, I have seen it, and yet live ! 
 
 Bass. You may delude my senses, not my judj:- 
 'Tis anchor'd in'o a firm resolution ; [ment; 
 
 Dalliance of mirth or wit can ne'er unfix it : 
 Practise yet further. 
 
 Org. May thy death of love to her. 
 Damn all thy comforts to a lasting fast 
 From every joy of life ! thou barren rock. 
 By thee we have been split in ken of harbour. 
 
 Enter Penthea, with her hair loose, Ithocles, Philkma, 
 and C'HRisTAixA. 
 
 Ith. Sister, look up your Ithocles, your brother 
 Speaks to you ; why d'you weep ? dear, turn not 
 
 from me. — 
 Here is a killing sight ; lo, Bassanes, 
 A lamentable oi)j'ect ! 
 
 Org. Man, dost see it ? 
 Sports are more gamesome; am I yet in merriment? 
 Why dost not laugh ? 
 
 Bass. Divine and best of ladies. 
 Please to forget my outrage-firrcrcy ever 
 
 U' 
 
 / 
 
THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 ^ 
 
 L_ 
 
 Cannot but lodge under a roof so excellent : 
 
 I have cast off that cruelty of frenzy 
 
 Which once appeared imposture, and then juggled 
 
 To cheat ray sleeps of rest. 
 
 Org. Was I in earnest ? 
 
 Pen. Sure, if we were all sirens, we should sing 
 pitifully, 
 And 'twere a comely music, when in parts 
 One sung another's knell ; the turtle sighs 
 When he hath lost his mate ; and yet some say 
 He must be dead first : 'tis a fine deceit 
 To pass away in a dream ! indeed, I've slept 
 With mine eyes open, a great while. No falsehood 
 Equals a broken faith ; there's not a hair 
 Sticks on my head but, like a leaden plummet. 
 It sinks me to the grave : I must creep thither ; 
 The journey is not long. 
 
 jih. But thou, Penthea, 
 Hast many years, I hope, to number yet, 
 Ere thou canst travel that way. 
 
 Bass. Let the sun first 
 Be wrapp'd up in an everlasting darkness, 
 Before the light of nature, chiefly form'd 
 For the whole world's delight, feel an eclipse 
 So universal ! 
 
 Org. Wisdom, look ye. 
 Begins to rave I — art thou mad too, antiquity ? 
 
 Pen. Since I was first a wife, I might have been 
 Mother to many pretty prattling babes ; 
 They would have smiled when I smiled ; and, for 
 
 certain, 
 I should have cried when they cried : — truly, bro- 
 ther, 
 My father would have pick'd me out a husband. 
 And then my little ones had been no bastards ; 
 But 'tis too late for me to marry now, 
 I am past child-bearing ; 'tis not my fault. 
 
 Bass. Fall on me, if there be a burning ^tna 
 And bury me in flames I sweats, hot as sulphur. 
 Boil through my pores : — affliction hath in store 
 No torture like to this. 
 
 Org. Behold a patience ! 
 Lay by thy whining gray dissimulation. 
 Do something worth a chronicle ; show justice 
 Upon the author of this mischief; dig out 
 The jealousies that hatch'd this thraldom first 
 With thine own poniard ; every antick rapture 
 Can roar as thine does. 
 
 Ith. Orgilus, forbear. 
 
 Bass. Disturb him not ; it is a talking motion 
 Provided for my torment. What a fool am I 
 To bawdy passion ! ere I'll speak a word, 
 1 will look on and burst. 
 
 Pen. I loved you once. i'^o Org. 
 
 Org. Thou didst, wrong'd creature : in despite 
 For it I'll love thee ever. [of malice. 
 
 Pen. Spare your hand ; 
 Believe me, I'll not hurt it. 
 
 Org. My heart too. 
 
 Pen. Complain not though I wring it hard : 111 
 kiss it ; 
 Oh, 'tis a fine soft palm ! — hark, in thine ear ; 
 Like whom do I look, prithee ? — nay, no whisper- 
 ing. 
 Goodness ! we had been happy ; too much happi- 
 ness 
 Will make folk proud, they say — but that is he — 
 I Point in ff to Ithoclks. 
 And yet he paid for't home ; alas ! his heart 
 Is crept into the cabinet of the princess ; 
 
 We shall have points and bride-laces. Remember, 
 When we last gather'd roses in the garden, 
 I found my wits ; but truly you lost yours. 
 That's he, and still 'tis he. ' lAgain pointing to Im. 
 
 Ith. Poor soul, how idly 
 Her fancies guide her tongue ! 
 
 Bass. Keep in, vexation. 
 And break not into clamour. iAside 
 
 Org. She has tutor'd me ; 
 Some powerful inspiration checks my laziness : 
 Now let me kiss your hand, griev'd beauty. 
 
 Pen. Kiss it. — 
 Alack, alack, his lips be wonderous cold : 
 Dear soul, he has lost his colour : have you seen 
 A straying heart ? all crannies ! every drop 
 Of blood is turned to an amethyst, 
 Which married bachelors hang in their ears. 
 
 Org. Peace usher her into Elysium ! 
 If this be madness, madness is an oracle. ^Exit. 
 
 Ith. Christalla, Philema, when slept my sister. 
 Her ravings are so wild .' 
 
 Chris. Sir, not these ten days. 
 
 Phil. We watch by her continually ; besides, 
 We can not any way pray her to eat. 
 
 Bass. Oh, — misery of miseries ! 
 
 Pen. Take comfort, 
 You may live well, and die a good old man : 
 By yea and nay, an oath not to be broken, 
 If you had join'd our hands once in the temple, 
 ('Twas since my father died, for had he lived 
 He would have done't,) I must have called you 
 
 father. — 
 Oh, my wreck'd honour ! ruin'd by those tyrants, 
 A cruel brother, and a desperate dotage. 
 There is no peace left for a ravish'd wife" 
 Widow'd by lawless marriage ; to all memory, 
 11 Penthea's, poor Penthea's name is btrumpeted:^^ 
 I But since her blood was season'd by the forfe't 
 Of noble shame, with mixtures of pollution, [en'd 
 Her blood — 'tis just — be henceforth never he\ght- 
 With taste of sustenance ! starve ; let that fullness 
 1 Whose pleurisy hath fever'd faith and modesty — 
 1 Forgive me ; Oh ! I faint. 
 \- IFalls into the arms o/her attendants 
 
 Arm. Be not so wilful. 
 Sweet niece, to work thine own destruction. 
 
 Ith. Nature 
 Will call her daughter, monster ! — what ! not eat? 
 Refuse the only ordinary means 
 Which are ordain'd for life ? be not, my sister, 
 A murtheress to thyself.— Hear'st thou this, Bas- 
 
 Bass. Fob ! I am busy; for I have not thoughts 
 Enough to think : all shall be well anon. 
 'Tis tumbling in my head ; there is a mastery 
 In art, to fatten and keep smooth the outside ; 
 Yes, and to comfort up the vital spirits 
 Without the help of food, fumes or perfumes, — 
 Perfumes or fumes. Let her alone ; I'll search out 
 The trick on't. IAside. 
 
 Pen. Lead me gently ; heavens reward ye. 
 Griefs are sure friends ; they leave, without controul, 
 Nor cure nor comforts for a leprous soul. 
 
 lExit, supported by Chris, and Phu.. 
 
 Bas$. I grant ye ; and will put in practice in- 
 stantly 
 What you shall still admire : 'tis wonderful, 
 'Tis super-singular, not to be match 'd ; 
 Yet, when I've done't, I've done't :— ye shall all 
 thank me. lExit. 
 
SCENE III. 
 
 THE BROKEN HEAKT, 
 
 C7 
 
 Jrm. The sight is full of terror. 
 
 rth. On my soul 
 Lies such an infinite clog of massy dullness, 
 As that I have not sense enough to feel it.— . 
 See, uncle, the angry thing returns again, 
 Shall's welcome him with thunder? we are haunted, 
 And must use exorcism to conjure down 
 This spirit of malevolence. 
 
 Enter Nbarchus and Amelus. 
 
 ^rm. Mildly, nephew. 
 
 Near, 1 come not, sir, to chide your late dis- 
 order ; 
 Admitting that th' inurement to a roughness 
 In soldiers of your years and fortunes, chiefty, 
 So lately prosperous, hath not yet shook off 
 The custom of the war, in hours of leisure ; 
 Nor shall you need excuse, since you're to render 
 Account to that fair excellence, the princess, 
 Who in her private gallery expects it 
 From your own mouth alone : I am a messenger 
 But to her pleasure. 
 
 lih. Excellent Nearchus, 
 Be prince still of my services, and conquer, 
 Without the combat of dispute ; I honour you. 
 
 Near. The king is on a sudden indisposed. 
 Physicians are call'd for ; 'twere fit, Armostes, 
 You should be near him. 
 
 Arm. Sir, I kiss your hands. 
 
 [Exewit Ithocles and Armostes. 
 
 Near. Amelus, I perceive Calantha's bosom 
 Is warra'd with other fires than such as can 
 Take strength from any fuel of the love 
 I might address to her ; young Ithocles, 
 Or ever I mistake, is lord ascendant 
 Of her devotions ; one, to speak him truly, 
 In every disposition nobly fashion' d. 
 
 Ame. But can your highness brook to be so 
 rivaird, 
 Considering th' inequality of the persons .> 
 
 Near. I can, Amelus ; for affections, injured 
 By tyranny, or rigour of compulsion, 
 Like tempest-threaten'd trees unfirmly rooted, 
 Ne'er spring to timely growth : observe, for 
 
 instance. 
 Life-spent Penthea, and unhappy Orgilus. 
 
 Ame. How does your grace determine .'' 
 
 A^ear. To be jealous 
 Tu public, of what privately I'll further ; 
 And, though they shall not know, yet they shall 
 find it. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE III.— ^n Apartment in the Palace. 
 Enter the Kino, led by IFemophil and Groneas, followed 
 hij AR.MOSTES, with a Box, Crotoix)n, and Propuilus. 
 The King is placed in a Chair. 
 
 Amyc. Our daughter is not near } 
 
 Arm. She is retired, sir. 
 Into her gallery. 
 
 Amyc. Where's the prince our cousin .' 
 
 Pro. New walk'd into the grove, my lord. 
 
 Amyc. All leave us 
 Except Armostes, and you, Crotolon ; 
 We would be private. 
 
 Pro. Health unto your majesty. 
 
 lExeunt Pro., IIem., and Gron. 
 
 Amyc. What! Tecnicus is gone ••' 
 
 Arm. He is, to Delphos ; 
 And to your royal hands presents this box. f 2 
 
 Amyc. Unseal it, good Armostes ; therein lie 
 The secrets of the oracle ; out with it ; 
 
 [Arm. takes out the scroll. 
 Apollo live our patron ! Read, Armostes. 
 
 Arm. The plot in which the Vine takes root 
 Begins to dry from head to foot ; 
 The stock, soon withering, want of sap 
 Doth cause to quail tlie budding grape: 
 But, from the neighbouring Elm, a dew 
 Shall drup, and feed the plot anew. 
 
 Amyc. That is the oracle ; what exposition 
 Makes the philosopher ? 
 Arm. This brief one. only. 
 
 Tlie plot is Sparta, the dried Vine the king ; 
 The quailing grape his daughter; but the thing 
 Of most importance, not to be reveal'd, 
 Is a near prince, the Elm : the rest coucoalM. 
 
 TiiCNlCUS. 
 
 Amyc. Enough; although tne opening of this 
 Be but itself a riddle, yet we construe [riddle 
 
 How near our labouring age draws to a rest : 
 But must Calantha quail too ? that young grape 
 Untimely budded ! 1 could mourn for her ; 
 Her tenderness hath yet deserv'd no rigour 
 So to be crost by fate. 
 
 Arm. You misapply, sir, 
 With favour let me speak it, what Apollo 
 Hath clouded in hid sense ; I here conjecture 
 Her marriage with some neighbouring prince, the 
 
 dew 
 Of which befriending Elm shall ever strengthen 
 Your subjects with a sovereignty of power. 
 
 Crot. Besides, most gracious lord, the pith of 
 Is to be then digested, when the events [oracles 
 Expound their truth, not brought as soon to Hght 
 As utter'd ; Tru^hjs child of Time ; and herein 
 I find no scruple^ IFather cause of comfort. 
 With unity of kingdoms. 
 
 Amyc. May it prove so. 
 For weal of this dear nation ! — Where is Itho- 
 
 cles ? — 
 Armostes, Crotolon, when this wither'd Vine 
 Of my frail carcase, on the funeral pile. 
 Is fired into its ashes, let that young man 
 Be hedged about still with your cares and loves ; 
 Much owe I to his worth, much to his service. — 
 Let such as wait come in now. 
 Arm. All attend here ! 
 
 Enter Ithoclks, Calantha, Prophilus, Orgilus, 
 EuPHRANEA, Hemophil, and Groneas. 
 
 Cal. Dear sir ! king ! father ! 
 
 Jth. Oh, my royal master I 
 
 Amyc. Cleave not my heart, sweet twins of my 
 life's solace. 
 With your fore-judging fears : there is no physic 
 So cunningly restorative to cherish 
 The fall of age, or call back youth and vigour, 
 As your consents in duty ; I will shake off 
 This languishing disease of time, to quicken 
 Fresh pleasures in these drooping hours of sadness : 
 Is fair Euphranea married yet to Prophilus ? 
 
 Crot. This morning, gracious lord. 
 
 Org. This very morning ; 
 Which, with your highness' leave, you may ob. 
 
 serve too. 
 Our sister looks, methinks, mirthful and sprightly, 
 As if hei chaster fancy could already 
 Expound the riddle of' her gain in losing 
 A tride, maids know only that they know not. 
 
 n 
 
 .> 
 
 
68 
 
 THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 Pish ! prithee, blush not ; 'tis but honest change 
 Of fashion in the ganneut, loose for straight, 
 And so the modest maid is made a wife. 
 Shrewd business — is't not, sister ? 
 
 Euph. You are pleasant. 
 
 Amyc. We thank thee, Orgilus, this mirth be- 
 comes thee. 
 But whei'efore sits the court in such a silence ? 
 A wedding without revels is not seemly, 
 
 Cal. Your late indisposition, sir, forbade it. 
 
 Amyc. Be it thy charge, Calantha, to set forward 
 The bridal sports, to which I will be present ; 
 If not, at least consenting : mine own Ithocles, 
 I have done little for thee yet. 
 
 Ith. You have built me. 
 To the full height I stand in. 
 
 Cal. Now or never ! — {_Aside. 
 
 May I propose a suit ? 
 
 Amyc. Demand, and have it. 
 
 Cal. Pray, sir, give me this young man, and no 
 further 
 Account him yours, than he deserves in all things 
 To be thought worthy mine ; I will esteem him 
 According to his merit. 
 
 Amyc. Still thou'rt my daughter, 
 Still grow'st upon my heart. Give me thine hand ; 
 
 \To Ith. 
 Calantha, take thine own ; in noble actions 
 Thou'lt find him firm and absolute. I would not 
 Have parted with thee, Ithocles, to any 
 But to a mistress, who is all what I am. 
 
 1th. A change, great king, most wish'd for, 
 cause the same. 
 
 Cal. Thou art mine — Have I now kept my word? 
 
 Ith. Divinely. 
 
 Org. Rich fortunes guard, the favour of a prin- 
 cess. 
 Rock thee, brave man, in ever crowned plenty ! — 
 You are minion of the time ; be thankful for it. 
 Ho ! here's a swing in destiny — apparent! 
 The youth is up oti tiptoe, yet may stumble. \^Aslde. 
 
 Amyc. On to your recreations. — Now convey me 
 Unto my bed-chamber ; none on his forehead 
 Wear a distemper'd look. 
 
 All. The gods preserve you ! 
 
 Cal. Sweet, be not from my sight. 
 
 Ith. My whole felicity ! 
 
 [Amyclas is carried out.— Exeunt all but Ithocles, 
 detained by Orgilus. 
 
 Org. Shall I be bold, my lord? 
 
 Ith. Thou canst not, Orgilus. 
 Call me thine own ; for Prophilus must henceforth 
 Be all thy sister's ; friendship, though it cease not 
 In marriage, yet is oft at less command 
 Than when a single freedom can dispose it. 
 
 Org. Most right, my most good lord, my most 
 great lord, 
 My gracious princely lord, I might add royal. 
 
 Ith. Royal ! A subject roj al ? 
 
 Org. Why not, pray sir ? 
 The sovereignty of kingdoms, in their nonage, 
 Stoop'd to desert, not birth ; there's as much merit 
 In clearness of affection, as in puddle 
 Of generation ; you have conquer'd love 
 Even in the loveliest : if I greatly err not. 
 The son of Venus hath bequeath'd his quiver 
 To Ithocles to manage, by whose arrows 
 Calantha's breast is open'd. 
 ! Ith. Can it be possible ? 
 i Org. I was myself a piece of a suitor once. 
 
 And forward in preferment too ; so forward 
 That, speaking truth, I may without offence, sir, 
 Presume to whisper, that my hopes, and (hark ye !) 
 My certainty of marriage stood assured 
 With as firm footing (by your leave), as any's, 
 Now, at this very instant — but — 
 
 Ith. 'Tis granted : 
 And for a league of privacy between us, 
 Read o'er my bosom and partake a secret ; 
 The princess is contracted mine. 
 
 Org. Still, why not ? 
 I now applaud her wisdom : when your kingdom 
 Stands seated in your will, secure and settled, - 
 I dare pronounce you will be a just monarch rj\'-'' 
 Greece must admire and tremble. ...— ^A ' 
 
 Ith. Then the sweetness 
 Of so imparadised a comfort, Orgilus ! 
 It is to banquet with the gods. 
 
 Org. The glory 
 Of numerous children, potency of nobles, 
 Bent knees, hearts pav'd to tread on ! 
 
 Ith. With a friendship 
 So dear, so fast as thine. 
 
 Org. I am unfitting 
 For office ; but for service — 
 
 Ith. We'll distinguish 
 Our fortunes merely in the title ; partners 
 In all respects else but the bed. — 
 
 Org. The bed ? 
 Forefend it, Jove's own jealousy i — till lastly 
 We slip down in the common earth together. 
 And there our beds are equal ; save some monument 
 To shew this was the king, and this the subject — 
 
 \^SofL sad Music. 
 List, what sad sounds are these ? extremely sad 
 
 Ith. Sure from Penthea's lodgings. [ones. 
 
 Org. Hark ! a voice too. 
 
 A SONG iwithinK 
 
 Oh, no more, no more, too late 
 
 Sighs are spent ; the burning tapers 
 Of a life as chaste as fate. 
 
 Pure as are unwritten papers. 
 Are burnt out : no heat, no light 
 Now remains ; 'tis ever night. 
 Love is dead ; let lovers' eyes, 
 Look'd in endless dreams, 
 Th' extremes of all extremes. 
 Ope no more, for now Love dies. 
 Now Love dies, — implying 
 Love's martyrs must be ever, ever dying. 
 
 Ith. Oh my misgiving heart 
 
 Org. A horrid stillness 
 Succeeds this deathful air ; let's know the reason : 
 Tread softly ; there is mystery in mourning. 
 
 lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE IV. — Apartment of PEiiTHEA in the 
 Same. 
 
 Penthea discovered in a Chair, veiled ,- Christalla and 
 Philkma at her feet, mourniufj. Enter two Servants, 
 with two other Chairs, one with an Engine. 
 
 Enter iTHochES and Orgh.us. 
 
 1 Serv. (Aside to Org.) 'Tis done ; that on hev 
 
 right hand. 
 Org. Good ! begone. lExcunt Servanta 
 
 Ith. Soft peace enrich this room ! 
 Org. How fares the lady ? 
 Phil. Dead. 
 
ti' 
 
 SCENE 1. 
 
 THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 f59 
 
 Chris. Dead! 
 
 Phil. Starv'd. 
 
 Chris. StarvM! 
 
 lih. Me miserable ! 
 
 Org. Tell us 
 How parted she from life ? 
 
 Phil. She call'd for musfc, 
 And begg'd some gentle voice to tune a farewell 
 To life and griefs ; Christalla touch'd the lute, 
 I wept the funeral song. 
 
 Chris. Which scarce was ended, 
 But her last breath seal'd up these hollow sounds : 
 " Oh cruel Ithocles, and injured Orgilus 1" 
 So down she drew her veil, so died. -^ 
 
 Ith. So died ! 
 
 Org. Up ! you are messengers of death, go 
 from us ; [CuRrs and Phil, rise. 
 
 Here's woe enough to court without a prompter. 
 Away ; and, — hark ye ! — till you see us next, 
 No syllable that she is dead. — Away, 
 Keep a smooth brow. — [Exeunt Chris, and Phil. 
 
 Ilh. Mine only sister ! [My lord. — 
 
 Another is not left me. 
 
 Org. Take that chair, 
 I'll seat me here in this : between us sits 
 The object of our sorrows ; some few tears 
 We'll part among us : I perhaps can mix 
 One lamentable story to prepare them. — 
 There, there ! sit there, my lord. 
 
 1th. Yes, as you please. 
 
 ISits down, the chair closes upon him. 
 What means this treachery ? 
 
 Org. Caught ! you are caught, 
 Young master ! 'tis thy throne of coronation. 
 Thou fool of greatness ! See, I take this veil off; 
 Survey a beauty wither'd by the flames 
 Of an insulting Phaeton, her brother. 
 
 Ith. Thou mean'st to kill me basely ? 
 
 Org. I foreknew 
 The last act of her life, and train'd thee hither, 
 To sacrifice a tyrant to a turtle. 
 I You dreamt of kingdoms, did you ! how to bosom 
 \The delicacies of a youngling princess ! 
 How with this nod to grace that subtle courtier. 
 How with that frown to make this noble tremble, 
 Aud so forth ; whilst Penthea's groans and tortures. 
 Her agonies, her miseries, afflictions, 
 Ne'er touch'd upon your tliought ! a« for my 
 
 injuries, 
 Alas ! they were beneatli jour royal pity ; 
 
 But yet they lived, thou proud man, to confound 
 
 thee. 
 Behold thy fate ; this steel '. [Draws a dagger. 
 
 Ith. Strike home ! A courag e 
 As keen as thy revenge shall give it welcome 
 But prithee faint not ; if the wound close up. 
 Tent it with double force, and search it deeply. 
 Thou look'st that I should whine, and beg com- 
 passion. 
 As loath to leave the vainness of my glories ; 
 A statelier resolution arms my confidence, 
 To cozen thee of honour ; neither could I, 
 With equal trial of unequal fortune. 
 By hazard of a duel ; 'twere a bravery 
 Too mighty for a slave intending murder. 
 On to the execution, and inherit 
 A conflict with thy horrors. 
 
 Org. By Apollo, 
 Thou talk'st a goodly language ! for requital 
 I will report thee to thy mistress richly ; 
 And take this peace along : some few short minutes 
 Determin'd, my resolves sliall quickly follow 
 Thy wrathful ghost ; then, if we tug for mastery, 
 Penthea's sacred eyes shall lend new courage. 
 Give me thy hand — be healthful in thy parting 
 From lost mortality '. thus, thus I free it. 
 
 IS tabs him. 
 
 Ith. Yet, yef, I scorn to shrink. 
 
 Org. Keep up thy spirit : 
 I will be gentle even in blood ; to linger 
 Pain, which I strive to cure, were to be cruel. 
 
 ISt-abs him again. 
 
 Ith. Nimble in vengeance, I forgive thee. Follow 
 Safety, with best success ; oh, may it prosper ! — 
 Penthea, by thy side thy brother bleeds ; 
 The earnest of his wrongs to thy forced faith. 
 Thoughts of ambition, or delicious banquet 
 With beauty, youth, and love, together perish 
 In my last breath, which on the sacred altar 
 Of a long look'd for peace — now — moves — to 
 heaven. [Dies. 
 
 Org. Farewell, fair spring of manhood ! hence- 
 forth welcome 
 Best expectation of a noble sufferance. 
 I'll lock the bodies safe, till what must follow 
 Shall be approved. — Sweet twins, shine stars for 
 
 ever ! — 
 In vain they build their hopes, whose life is shame, 
 No monument lasts but a happy name. 
 
 [Li^rJis the door, and exit. 
 
 iCidi 
 
 Yact v. 
 
 SCENE I. — J Room in Bassanes' Home. 
 Enter Bassanes. 
 
 Bass. Athens— to Athens I have sent, the 
 nursery 
 Of Greece for learning, and the fount of know- 
 ledge ; 
 For here, in Sparta, there's not left amongst us 
 One wise man to direct ; we are all turn'd mad- 
 caps. 
 'Tis said Apollo is the god of herbs, 
 Then certainly he knows the virtue of them : 
 To Delphos I have sent too ; if there can be 
 A help for nature, we are sure yet. 
 
 Enfer Oroilvs. 
 
 Org: Honour • 
 
 Attend thy counsels ever. 
 
 Bass. I beseech thee. 
 With all my heart, let me go from thee quietly ; 
 I will not ought to do with thee, of all men. 
 The doubles of a hare, — or, in a morning. 
 Salutes from a splay-footed witch, — to drop 
 Three drops of blood at th' nose just, and no more,- 
 Croaking of ravens, or the screech of owls. 
 Are not so boding mischief, as thy crossing 
 My private meditations: shun me, prithee ; 
 And if I cannot love thee heartily, 
 I'll love thee as well as I can. 
 
70 
 
 THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 Org. Noble Bassanes, 
 Mistake me not. 
 
 Bass. Phew ! then we shall be troubled. 
 Thou wert ordain' d my plague — heaven make me 
 
 thankful, 
 And give me patience too, heaven, I beseech thee ! 
 
 Org. Accept a league of amity ; for henceforth, 
 I vow, by my best genius, in a syllable, 
 Never to speak vexation ; I will study 
 Service and friendship, with a zealous sorrow 
 For my past incivility towards you. 
 
 Bass. Hey-day, good words, good words ! I must 
 And be a coxcomb for my labour. [believe 'em, 
 
 Org. Use not 
 So hard a language ; your misdoubt is causeless : 
 For instance, if you promise to put on 
 A constancy of patience, such a patience 
 As chronicle or history ne'er mention'd, 
 As follows not example, but shall stand 
 A wonder, and a theme for imitation, 
 The first, the index pointing to a second, 
 I will acquaint you with an unmatch'd secret, 
 Whose knowledge to your griefs shall set a period. 
 
 Bass. Thou canst not, Orgilus ; 'tis in the power 
 Of the gods only ; yet, for satisfaction, 
 Because I note an earnest in thine utterance, 
 Unforced, and naturally free, be resolute, 
 Tlie virgin-bays shall not withstand the lightning 
 With a more careless danger, than my constancy 
 T!ie full of thy relation ; could it move 
 Distraction in a senseless marble statue. 
 It should find me a rock : I do expect now 
 Some truth of unheard moment. 
 
 Org. To your patience 
 You must add privacy, as strong in silence 
 As mysteries lock'd up in Jove's own bosom. 
 
 Bass. A scull hid in the earth a treble age^ 
 Shall sooner prate. 
 
 Org, Lastly, to such direction 
 A.S the severity of a glorious action 
 Deserves to lead your wisdom and your judgment, 
 You ought to yield obedience. 
 
 Bass. With assurance 
 Of will and thankfulness. 
 
 Org. With manly courage 
 Please then to follow me. 
 
 Bass. Where'er, I fear not. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE 11.—^ State Room in the Palace. 
 
 A Floiinish. Entxr Euphranea, led hy Groneas and 
 Hemophil ; Prophilus, led hy Christalla and Philema ; 
 Nkarchus supporting Calantha; Crotolon and Amelus, 
 
 Cal. We miss our servant Ithocles, and Orgilus; 
 On whom attend they ? 
 
 Crot. My son, gracious princess, 
 Whisper'd some new device, to which these revels 
 Should be but usher ; wherein I conceive 
 Lord Ithocles and he himself are actors. 
 
 Cal. A fair excuse for absence : as for Bassanes, 
 Delights to him are troublesome ; Armostes 
 Is with the king ? 
 
 Crot. He is. 
 
 Cal. On to the dance ! 
 Cousin, hand you the bride ; the bridegroom must 
 Entrusted to my courtship. Be not jealous, [be 
 Euphranea ; I shall scarcely prove a temptress. — 
 Fall to our dance. 
 
 the REVEf-S. 
 
 J/?«/c.— Nearchus dances with Euphranea, Prophi- 
 lus with Calantha, Christalla with Hemophil, 
 Philema with GRONEAb. 
 
 They Dance the First Change ; during which Armostcs 
 enters. 
 Arm. {whispers Cal.] The king your father's 
 Cal. To the other change. [dead. 
 
 Arm. Is't possible ? 
 
 they dance the second change. 
 Enter Bassanes. 
 Bass, [whispers Cal.] Oh madam ! 
 Penthea, poor Penthea 's starv'd. 
 
 Cal. Beshrew thee ! — 
 Lead to the next. - — 
 
 Bass. Amazement dulls my senses. 
 they dance the third change. 
 Enter Orgilus. 
 Org, [whispers Cal.] Brave Ithocles is mur- 
 
 der'd, murder'd cruelly. 
 Cal. How duU this music sounds! Strike up 
 more sprightly ; 
 Our footings are not active like our heart, 
 Which treads the nimbler measure. 
 Org. I am thunderstruck ! 
 
 the last change. 
 
 Cal. So ! let us breathe a while. — [Music cea^es.l 
 — Hath not this motion 
 Rais'd fresher colours on our cheeks ? 
 
 Near. Sweet princess, 
 A perfect purity of blood enamels 
 The beauty of your white. 
 
 Cal. We all look cheerfully : 
 And, cousin, 'tis methinks a rare presumption 
 In any who prefer our lawful pleasures 
 Before their own sour censure, to interrupt 
 The custom of this ceremony bluntly. 
 
 Near. None dares, lady. 
 
 Cal. Yes, yes ; some hollow voice deliver'd to 
 How that the king was dead. [me 
 
 Arm. The king is dead : 
 That fatal news was mine ; for in mine arms 
 He breath'd his last, and with his crown bequeath'd 
 
 you 
 Your mother's wedding ring ; which here I tender.v^' 
 
 Crot. Most strange ! ^({[ 
 
 Cal. Peace crown his ashes ! We are queen tken.' 
 
 Near. Long live Calantha ! Sparta's sovereign 
 
 All. Long live the queen ! [queen ! 
 
 Cal. What whisper'd Bassanes } 
 
 Bass. That my Penthea, miserable soul, 
 Was starv'd to death. 
 
 Cal. She's happy; she hath finish'd 
 A long and painful progress. — A third murmur 
 Pierced mine unwilling ears. 
 
 Org. That Ithocles 
 Was murther'd ; — rather butcher'd,had not bravery 
 Of an undaunted spirit, conquering terror, 
 Proclaim'd his last act triumph over ruin. 
 
 Arm. How! murther'd! 
 
 Cal. By whose hand } 
 
 Org. By mine ; this weapon 
 Was instrument to my revenge ; the reasons 
 Are just, and known ; quit him of these, and then 
 Never lived gentleman of greater merit, 
 Hope or abiliment to steer a kingdom. 
 
SCENE n. 
 
 THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 71 
 
 Crot. Fye, Orgilus 1 
 Eiiph. Fye, brother ! 
 Cal. You have done it ? 
 
 Bdss. How it was done, let him report, the for- 
 feit 
 Of whose allegiance to our laws doth covet 
 Rigour of justice ; but, that done it is, 
 Mine eyes have been an evidence of credit 
 Too sure to be convinced. Armostes, rend not 
 Thine arteries with liearing the bare circumstances 
 Of these calamities ; thou hast lost a nephew, 
 A niece, and I a wife : continue man still ; 
 Make me the pattern of digesting evils, 
 "<v Who can outlive my mighty ones, not shrjjaking 
 J At such a pressure as would sink a soul 
 s^jlnto what's most of death, the worst of horrors. 
 u J But I have sealed a covenant with sadness, 
 
 f^'And enter'd into bonds without condition, 
 I To stand these tempests calmly ; mark me, nobles, 
 1 1 do not shed a tear, not for Penthea ! 
 /Excellent misery ! 
 
 Cal. We begin our reign 
 With a first act of justice : thy confession. 
 Unhappy Orgilus, dooms thee a sentence ; 
 But yet thy father's or thy sister's presence 
 Shall be excus'd. Give, Crotolon, a blessing 
 To thy lost son ; Euphranea, take a farewell, 
 And both be gone. 
 
 Crot. \_to Org.] Confirm theO; noble sorrow, 
 In worthy resolution ! 
 
 J^uph. Could my tears speak, 
 My griefs were slight. 
 
 Org. All goodness dwell amongst ye ! 
 Enjoy my sister, Prophilus ; my vengeance 
 Aim'd never at thy prejudice. 
 
 Cal. Now withdraw. 
 
 lExeunt Crot. Pro, and Euph. 
 Bloody relater of thy stains in blood. 
 For that thou hast reported him, whose fortunes 
 And life by thee are both at once snatch'd from 
 
 him. 
 With honourable mention, make thy choice 
 Of what death likes thee best; there's all our 
 
 bounty, 
 But to excuse delays, let me, dear cousin, 
 Intreat you and these lords see execution, 
 Instant, before you part. 
 
 Near. Your will commands us. 
 
 Org. One suit, just queen, my last : vouchsafe 
 your clemency, 
 rhat by no coinmon haiidj be divided 
 From tins my humble frailty. 
 
 Cal. To their wisdoms 
 Who are to be spectators of thine end, 
 I make the reference : those that are dead, 
 A.re dead ; had they not now died, of necessity 
 They must have paid the dehttliey owed to nature. 
 One time or other. — Use dispatch, my lords ; 
 We'll suddenly prepare our Coronation. 
 
 \Extunt Cal. Phil, and Chris. 
 
 Arm. 'Tis strange, these tragedies should never 
 touch on 
 Her female pity. 
 
 Bass. She has a masculine spirit : 
 \nd wherefore should I pule, and, like a girl, 
 Put finger in the eye ? let's be all toughness, 
 Without distinction betwixt sex and sex. 
 
 Near. Now, Orgilus, thy choice ? 
 
 Org. To bleed to death. 
 
 Arm. The executioner ? 
 
 Org. Myself, no surgeon ; 
 I am well skill'd in letting blood. Bind fast 
 This arm, that so the pipes may from their conduits 
 Convey a full stream ; here's a skilful instrument : 
 
 [Shews his dagger. 
 Only I am a beggar to some charity 
 To speed me in this execution, 
 By lending th' other prick to th' other arm, 
 When this is bubbling life out. 
 
 Bass. I am for you, 
 It most concerns my art, my care, my credit ; 
 Quick, fillet both his arms. 
 
 Org. Gramercy, friendship ! 
 Such courtesies are real, which flow cheerfully 
 Without an expectation of requital. 
 Reach me a staff in this hand. — [Theg give him a 
 
 staff.'] — If a proneness. 
 Or custom in my nature, from my cradle. 
 Had been inclined to fierce and eager bloodshed, 
 A coward guilt, hid in a coward quaking, 
 Would have betray'd me to ignoble flight. 
 And vagabond pursuit of dreadful safety : 
 But look upon my steadiness, and scorn not 
 The sickness of my fortune ; which, since Bassanes 
 Was husband to Penthea, had lain bed-rid. 
 We trifle time in words : — thus 1 shew cunning 
 In opening of a vein too full, too lively. 
 
 IPierces the vein with his dagger. 
 
 Arm. Desperate courage ! \ ^v' 
 
 Near. Honourable infamy ! '' f ■ '' 
 
 Hem. I tremble at the sight. 
 
 Gron. 'Would I were loose ! 
 
 Bass. It sparkles like a lusty wine new broach'd ; 
 The vessel must be sound from which it issues. 
 Grasp hard this other stick — I'll be as nimble — 
 But prithee, look not pale — Have at ye ! stretch out 
 Thine arm with vigour, and unshak[en] virtue. 
 
 i_Opens the vein. 
 Good ! oh, I envy not a rival, fitted 
 To conquer in extremities : this pastime 
 Appears majestical; some high-tuned poem. 
 Hereafter, shall deliver to posterity 
 The writer's glory, and his subject's triumph. 
 How is't, man i* — droop not yet. 
 
 Org. I feel no palsies. 
 On a pair-royal do I wait in death : 
 My sovereign, as his liegeman ; on my mistress, 
 As a devoted servant ; and on Ithocles, 
 As if no brave, yet no unworthy enemy : 
 Nor did I use an engine to entrap 
 His life, out of a slavish fear to combat 
 Youth, strength, or cunning ; but for that I durst 
 
 not 
 Engage the goodness of a cause on fortune, 
 By which his name might have outfaced my 
 
 vengeance. 
 Oh, Tecnicus, inspired with Phoebus' fire ! i '^ 
 I call to mind thy augury, 'twas perfect ; ^ ^ "*». 
 
 Revenge proves its own executioner. '- ^ 
 
 When feeble man is bending to his mother, 
 
 The dust he was first framed on, thus he totters — 
 
 Bass. Life's fountain is dried up. 
 
 Org. So falls the standard 
 Of my prerogative in being a creature ! 1 
 
 A mist hangs o'er mine eyes, the sun's bright j 
 
 splendour 
 Is clouded in an everlasting shadow : 
 Welcome, thou ice, that sit'st about my heart, i 
 
 No heat can ever thaw thee. [X>t«v-T 
 
 Near. Speech hath left him. 
 
^'HE BROKEN 
 
 
 Bass. 
 
 He hath shook hands with time ; his 
 
 funeral urn 
 Shall be my charge; remove the bloodless body. 
 The Coronation must require attendance ; 
 That past, my few days can be but one mourning. 
 
 lExeunt. 
 
 ^l 
 
 SCENE III.— ^ Temple. 
 
 An Altar, covered tvith white : two lights of virgin wax 
 upon it. — Recorders, during which enter Attendants, 
 hearing Ithoci-es on a Hearse, in a rich robe, with a 
 Crown on his head ; and place Mm on the one side of the 
 Altar. After which, enter Calantha in ivhite, crowned, 
 attended by Euphranea, Philema, and Christalla, 
 also in white: Nearchus, Armostes, Crotolon, Pro- 
 PHiLUs, Amehip, Bassanes, Hemophil, and Groneas. 
 
 Calantha kneels lefore the Altar, the Ladies kneeling 
 behind her, the rest stand off. The Recorders cease 
 during her devotions. Soft Music. Calantha and the 
 rest rise, doing obeisance to the A liar. 
 
 Cal. Our orisons are heard ; the -gods are 
 merciful. 
 Now tell me, you, whose loyalties pay tribute 
 To us your lawful sovereign, how unskilful 
 Your duties, or obedience is, to render 
 Subjection to the sceptre of a virgin, 
 Who have been ever fortunate in princes 
 Of masculine and stirring composition .' 
 A woman has enough to govern wisely 
 Her own demeanors, passions, and divisions. 
 A nation warlike, and enured to practice 
 Of policy and labour, cannof brook 
 A ferainate authority ; we therefore 
 Command your counsel, how you may advise us 
 In choosing of a husband, whose abilities 
 Can better guide this kingdom. 
 
 Near. Royal lady, 
 Your law is in your will 
 
 Arm. We have seen tokens 
 Of constancy too lately, to mistrust it. 
 
 Crot. Yet, if your highness settle on a choice, 
 By your owiujudgfiaent both allow'd and liked of, 
 Sparta may grow in power, and proceed 
 To an increasing height. 
 
 Cal. Hold you the same mind ? 
 s. Bass. Alas, great mistress ! reaso n is so clouded 
 With the thick darkness of my inJiriife woes. 
 That I forecast nor dangers, hopes, or safety. 
 Give me some corner of the world to wear out 
 The remnant of the minutes I must number, 
 Where I may hear no sounds, but sad complaints 
 Of virgins, who have lost contracted partners ; 
 Of husbands howling that their wives were ravish'd 
 By some untimely fate ; of friends divided 
 By churlish opposition ; or of fathers 
 Weeping upon their children's slaughter'd car- 
 casses ; 
 Or daughters, groaning o'er their fathers' hearses, 
 ;, And I can dwell there, and with these keep consort 
 As musical as their's. What can you look for 
 From an old, foolish, peevish, doting man. 
 But craziness of age ? 
 
 Cal. Cousin of Argos. 
 
 Near. Madam. 
 
 Cal. Were I presently 
 To choose you for my lord, I'll open freely 
 What articles I would propose to treat on, 
 Before our marriage. 
 
 Near. Name them, virtuous lady. 
 
 Cal. I would presume you would retain the y\,. 
 royalty ■ '^ -' 
 
 Of Sparta in her own bounds ; then in Argos 
 Armostes might be viceroy ; in Messene 
 Might Crotolon bear sway ; and Bassanes- 
 
 Bass. I, queen ? alas ! what I ? 
 
 
 Cal. Be Sparta's marshal ; | :' ' v1 ■•' 
 
 The multitudes of high employments could not \ 
 But set a peace to private griefs. These gentlemtn^,; 
 Groneas and Hemophil, with worthy pensions, ,|;Ls 
 Should wait upon your person, in your chamber : -^ 
 I would bestow Christalla on Amelus, 
 She'll prove a constant wife ; and Philema 
 Should into Vesta's temple. 
 
 Bass. This is a testament ! 
 It sounds not like conditions on a marriage. 
 
 Near. All this should be perform' d. 
 
 Cal. Lastly, for Prophilus ; 
 He should be, cousin, solemnly invested 
 In all those honours, titles, and preferments -^ 
 Which Lis dear friend, and my neglected husbancL 
 Too short a time enjoy' d. ! 
 
 Pro. I am unworthy -^ 
 
 To live in your remembrance. 
 
 Euph. Excellent lady ! 
 
 Near. Madam, what means that word, ** neg- 
 lected husband ? " 
 
 Cal. Forgive me : — now I turn to thee, thou 
 shadow 
 Of my contracted lord ! Bear witness all, 
 I put my mother's wedding-ring upon 
 His finger ; 'twas my father's last bequest. 
 
 \_Places a ring on the finger of Ithocles. 
 Thus I new-marry him, whose wife I am ; 
 Death shall not separate us. Oh, my lords, ^ 
 I but deceiv'd your eyes with antick gesture, ! 
 When one news straight came huddling on another, \ 
 Of death 1 and death ! and death ' still I danced > ^ , 
 forward : \ K^ 
 
 But it struck home, and here, and in an instant. 
 Be such mere women, who, with shrieks and out-|^ 
 
 cries, 
 Can vow a present end to all their sorrows, 
 Yet live to [court] new pleasures, and outlive 
 
 them : 
 They are the silent griefs which cut the hea rt- 
 strings ; -'^ -....„,^ '■-... ,——r>_„..~ 
 
 Let me die smiling. 
 
 Near. 'Tis a truth too ominous. 
 
 Cal. One kiss on these cold lips, my last! — 
 [Kisses Ith.]— crack, crack — 
 Argos now 's Sparta's king. Command the voices 
 Which wait at th' altar, now to sing the soug 
 I fitted for my end. 
 
 Near. Sirs, the song ! 
 
 Cho. Glories, pleasures, pomps, delights and ea?c, 
 
 Can but please 
 
 [The] outward senses, when the mind 
 
 Is [or] untroubled, or by peace refined. 
 First voice. Crowns may flourish and decay, 
 
 Beauties shine, but fade away. 
 Second. Youth may revel, yet it must 
 
 Lie down in a bed of dust. 
 
 Third. Karthly lionours flow and waste. 
 
 Time alone doth change and last. V^ ^"^^jf^ 
 Sorr()Vvs mingled with contents, prepare \ 
 
 Rest for care ; 
 Love only reigns in death ; though art 
 Can find no comfort for a Broken Heart. - 
 
 J 
 
FCKNK HI. 
 
 THE BROKEN HEART. 
 
 Arm. Look to the queen ! 
 Bass. Her " heart is broke" indeed. 
 Oh, royal maid, 'would thou hadst mist this part 
 Yet 'twas a brave one. I must weep to see 
 Her smile in death. 
 
 Arm. Wise Tecnicus ! thus said he : 
 "When youtli is ripe, and age from time doth part. 
 The lifeless Trunk shall wed the Broken Heart. 
 
 'Tis here fulfill'd. 
 
 73 
 
 Near. I am your king. 
 
 All. Lonp: live 
 Nearchus, king of Sparta ! 
 
 Near. Her last will 
 Shall never be digress'd from ; wait in order 
 Upon these faithful lovers, as becomes us. — 
 The counsels of the gods are never known. 
 Till men can call the effects of them their own. 
 
 \ 
 
 EPILOGUE. 
 
 Where noble judgments and clear eyes are fix' J 
 To grace endeavour, there sits truth, not mix'd 
 With ignorance ; those censures may command 
 Belief, which talk not, till they understand. 
 Let some say, This was flat ; some. Here the scene 
 Fell from its height ; another, That the mean 
 Was ill observed, in such a growing passion, 
 As it transcended either state or fashion. 
 Some few may cry, ' Twas pretty well, or so. 
 
 But and there shrug in silence : yet we know 
 
 Our writer's aim was, in the whole, addrest 
 Well to deserve of all, but please the best ; 
 Which granted, by th' allowance of this strain, 
 The Broken Heart may be pieced up agoiu. 
 
LOVE'S SACRIFICE. 
 
 TO MY TRUEST FRIEND, MY WORTHIEST KINSMAN, 
 
 JOHN FORD, 
 OF grave's inne, esquire. 
 
 The title of this little work, my good cousin, is in sense but the argument of a dedication ; which, being in most 
 writers a custom, in many a compliment, I question not but your clear knowledge of my intents will, in me, read as 
 the earnest of affection. My ambition herein aims at a fair flight, borne up on the double wings of gratitude for a 
 received, and acknowledgement for a continued love. It is not so frequent to number many kinsmen, and amongst 
 them some friends, as to presume on some friends, and amongst them little friendship. But in every fulness of these 
 particulars, I do not more partake through you, my cousin, the delight, than enjoy the benefit of them. This 
 Inscription to your name is only a faithful deliverance to memory, of the truth of my respects to virtue, and to the 
 oqual in honour with virtue, desert. The contempt thro'vvn on studies of tliis kind, by such as dote on their own 
 singularity, hath almost so outfaced invention, and proscribed judgment, that it is more safe, more wise, to be 
 suspeetedly silent, than modestly confident of opinion, herein. Let me be bold to tell the severity of censurers, how 
 willingly I neglect their practise, so long as I digress from no becoming thankfulness. Accept, then, my cousin, this 
 witness to posterity of my constancy to your merits ; for no ties of blood, no engagements of friendship, shall more 
 justly live a precedent, than the sincerity of both in the heart of John Ford 
 
 Pkimppo Caraffa, Djike of Vav^y 
 Paulo Baglionk, VncU to the Duchesa 
 Fernando, Favourite to the Duke. 
 Ferentes, a Wanton Courtier. 
 RosEiLLi, a young Nobleman. 
 Petruchio, ) „ „ , ^ . 
 
 Nibra«sa i '"'^ Counsellors of State. 
 
 RoDERico D'AvoLos, Secretary to the Duke. 
 Mauruccio, an old Antick. 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSON.^. 
 
 GiAcopo, Servant to Mauruccio. 
 
 BiANCA, the Duchess. 
 FroRMONDA, the Duke's Sister. 
 CoLONA, Daughter to Petruchio, 
 Julia, Daughter to Nibrassa. 
 MoRONA, an old Lady. 
 
 Attendants, Courtiers, Officers, SiC. 
 
 SCENE,— Pavy (Pavia). 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE l.~A Room in the Palace. 
 
 Enter "RosmhiA and Rodebico D'Avolos. 
 
 Ros. Depart the court ? 
 
 D^Av. Such was the duke's command. 
 
 Ros. You are secretary to the state and him, 
 Great in his counsels, wise, and, I think, honest ; 
 Have you, in turning over old Records ,~^" 
 Read but one name descended of the house 
 Of Lesui, in his loyalty remiss ? 
 
 D^Av. Never, my lord, fpeace 
 
 Ros. Why then should I now, now, when glorious 
 Triumphs in change of pleasures, be wiped (M, 
 Like to a useless moth, from courtly ease ? — 
 And whither must I go ? 
 
 D'Av. You have the open world before you. 
 
 Ros. Why, then 'tis like I'm famish 'd ? 
 
 D'Av. Not so ; my warrant is only to' command 
 you from the court ; within five hours to depart 
 
 after notice taken, and not to live within thiity 
 miles of it, until it be thought meet by his Excel- 
 lence to call you back. Now I have warn'd you, 
 my lord, at your peril be it, if you disobey; I shall 
 inform the duke of your discontent. — lExit. 
 
 Ros. Do, politi cian , do ! I scent the plot ^-j^/jj^a 
 Of this disgrace ; 'tis Fiormonda, she, '*' ^ 
 
 That glorious widow, whose "commanding check 
 Ruins my love : like foolish beasts, thus they 
 Find danger, that prey too near the lion's den. 
 
 Enter Fernando and Petruchio. 
 
 Fern. My noble lord, Roseilli ! 
 
 Ros. Sir, the joy 
 I should have welcomed you with, is wrapt up 
 In clouds of my disgrace ; yet, honour'd sir, 
 Howsoe'er frowns of great ones cast me down. 
 My service shall pay tribute, in my lowness, 
 To your unnrisinp: virtues. 
 
BCKNE I. 
 
 LOVE'S SACRIFICE 
 
 75 
 
 ^^ 
 
 Fern. Sir, I know 
 You are so well acquainted with your own, 
 You need not flatter mine ; trust me, my lord, 
 I'll be a suitor for you. 
 
 Pet. And I'll second 
 My nephew's suit, with importunity. 
 
 Ros. You are, my lord Fernando, late return' d 
 From travel s ; pray instruct me : — since the voice 
 Of most supreme authority commands 
 My absence, I determine to bestow 
 Some time in learning languages abroad ; ^ 
 Perhaps the change of air may change in me 
 Remembrance of my wrongs at home : good sir, 
 Inform me ; say I meant to live in Spain , ^^ 
 What benefit of knowledge might I treasure"? 
 
 Fern. Troth, sir, I'll freely speak as I have 
 found. 
 In Spain you lose experience ; 'tis a climate 
 Too hot to nourish arts ; the nation proud, 
 And in their pride unsociable ; the court 
 More pliable to glorify itself 
 Than do a stranger grace : if you intend 
 To traffic like a merchant, 'twere a place 
 Might better much your trade ; but as for me, 
 I soon took surfeit on it. 
 
 Ros. What for Franjce ? 
 
 Fern. France I more praise and love. You are 
 my lord, 
 Yourself for horsemanship much famed ; and there. 
 You shall have many proofs to shew your skill. 
 The French are passing courtly, ripe of^wit, 
 Kind, but extreme disse mblers ; you shall have 
 A Frenchman duck'mg lower than your knee, 
 At th' instant mocking even your very shoe-ties. 
 To give the country due, it is on earth ^. , (,4 
 
 A paradise ; and if you can neglect 0<^^" 
 
 Your own appropriaments, but praising that 
 In others, wherein you excel yourself, 
 You shall be much beloved there. 
 
 Ros. Yet, methought, 
 I heard you and the duchess, two nights since. 
 Discoursing of an island thereabouts, 
 Call'd— let me think — 'twas — 
 
 Fern. England? 
 
 Ros. That : pray sir — 
 You have been there, methought I heard you 
 praise it. 
 i^ Fern. I'll tell you what I found there ; men as 
 As courtly as the French, but in condition [neat. 
 Quite opposite. Put case that you, my lord. 
 Could be more rare on horseback than you are, 
 If there (as there are many) one excell'd 
 You in your art as much as you do others. 
 Yet will the English think their own is nothing 
 Compared with you a stranger ; in their habits 
 They are not more fantastic than uncertain ; 
 In short, tlieir fair abundance, manhood, beauty, 
 "No nation can disparage but itself. 
 
 Ros. My lord, you have much eased me; I re- 
 Fern. And whither are you bent ? [soh e. 
 
 Ros. My lord, for travel ; 
 To speed for England. 
 
 Fern. No, my lord, you must not ; 
 I have yet some private conference 
 To impart unto you for your good ; at night 
 I'll meet you at my lord Petruchio's house. 
 Till then, be se cret. 
 
 Ros. Dares my"cousin trust me ? 
 
 Pet. Dare I, my lord ! yes, 'less your fact were 
 Than a bold woman's spleen. [greater 
 
 •^*H 
 
 V 
 
 Ros. The duke's at hand, 
 And I must hence ; my service to your lordships. 
 
 lExit. 
 
 Pet. Now, nephew, as I told you, since the duke 
 Hath held the rein s of state in his own handri "^*^^ • 
 Much altered from the man he was before, \ \ 
 ******** '^ ^\.\ 
 
 (As if he were transformed_in his mind,) v 
 To sooth him iiThis pTeasures, amongst whom 
 Is fond Ferentes ; one whose gride takes prid;e 
 In nothing more than to delighThis^ lust ; 
 And he (with grief I speak it) hath, T'fear, 
 Too much besotted my unhappy daughter, ^ 
 My poor Colon a; whom, for kindred's sake. 
 As you are noble, as you honour virtue. 
 Persuade . tftjQ.Yfi^hgrg.elf : a word' from you 
 May win her more than my intreats or frowns. 
 
 Fern. Uncle, I'll do my best ; mean time, pray 
 tell me, 
 Whose mediation wrought the marriage ^ 
 Betwixt the duke and duchess, who was agent ? 
 
 Pet- His roving eye and her enchantingjfece, 
 The o nly dower nature had ordained 
 T' adv'ance her to her bride-bed. She was daughter 
 XTnto a gentleman of Milan — noTjetter— 
 Preferr'd to serve i' th' Duke of Milan's court ; 
 Where for her beautyjhe was greatly famed : 
 And passing la"?eTrom thence to Monaco, 
 To visit there her uncle, Paul Baglione, ^ 
 
 The abbot, Fortune (queen to such blind m atche s) 
 Presents her to the duke's eye, on tKe way, . 
 Asjie pursues the deer : in short, my lord, ^^**^ . 
 Helaw her, lov'd her, woo'd her, won her, match'd 
 No counsel could divert him. v' [her ; 
 
 ~^"'~Fern. She is fair. 
 
 Pet. She is ; and, to speak truth, I think right 
 In her conditions. [noble 
 
 Fern. If, when T should choose, 
 BeautjL^^iid-yirtuie were the fee proposed, 
 wCshould not pass for parentage. 
 
 Pet. The duke 
 Doth come. 
 
 V Fern. Let's break off talk ; if ever, now. 
 Good angel of ray soul, protect my truth ! [.Aside. 
 
 Enter the Duke, Btanca, Fiormonda, XrBRASs.), 
 Ferentes, Julia, and D'Avolos. 
 
 Duke. Come, my Bianca, revel in mine arms 
 Whilst I, wrapt in my admiration ^ view 
 Lilies jind roses growing in thy cheeks. 
 Pernandq ! oh, thou half myself! no joy 
 Could make my [ireasures fiill without thy presence: 
 *T[ am a monarch of felicity. 
 Proud in a pair of jewels, rich and beautiful 
 A perfect friend, a wife above compare. 
 
 Fei-n. Sir, — if a man so low in rank may hoj^e. 
 By loyal duty and devoted zeal. 
 To hold a correspondency in friendship / 
 
 With one so mighty as the Duke of Pavy, 
 \^y uttermost ambition is to climb 
 To those deserts may give the stile of servant: . 
 
 Duke. Of partn er in my dukedom, in my heart, 
 As freely as ttie pnvilege of blood 
 Hath made them mine ; — Philippn and f ^rn""'^" ' 
 Shall be without distinctio'rr Look, Bianca, J^a^^^i 
 Un this good man ; m all respects to him 1/ 
 Be as to me : only the name of husband, 
 And reverent observance of our bed, 
 Shall differ us in persons, else in soul 
 We are all one. ^ ' 
 
 '] 
 
70 
 
 Bian. I shall, in best of love, 
 Regard the bosom-partner of my lord. 
 
 Fior. Ferentes. [Aside to Fer. 
 
 Fer. Madam ? 
 
 Fior. You are one lo ves courts hip ; 
 He hath some change oFwords,~^'twere no lost 
 labour 
 '^o stuff your table-books ; the man speaks wisely ! 
 Fer. I am glad your highness is so pleasant. 
 Ditke. Sister ! 
 Fior. MyTofd and brother. 
 Duke. You are too silent, 
 Quicken your sad remembrance : though the loss 
 Of your dead husband be of more account 
 Than slight neglect, yet 'tis a sin against "^ tpty^ 
 The state of princes, to exceed a mean^^,*^^'^ 
 In mourning for the dead. 
 I Fior. Shouldform, my lord, 
 1 Prevail above affection ? no, it cannot. 
 \ You have yourself here a right noble duchess, 
 ■ Virtuous at least, and should your grace now pay, 
 Which heaven forbid ! the debt you owe to nature, 
 I dare presume, she'd not so soon forget 
 A prince that thus advanced her — ^Iadam, could 
 you? 
 D^Av. Bitter and shrewd. lAside. 
 
 Bian. Sister, I should too much bewray my 
 w^eakness. 
 To give a resolution on a passion t-- 
 I never felt nor fear'd. 
 N'ib. A modest answer. 
 Fern. If credit may be given to a fofig, 
 My lord, I'll undertake on her behalT; 
 Her words are trusty heralds to her mind. 
 
 Fi'or7\Aside to D'Av.] Exceeding good ; the 
 Observe it, D'Avolos. [man will *' undertake ! "t^ 
 
 D'Av. Lady, I do ; 
 'Tis a smooth praise. 
 
 Duke. Friend, in thy judgment I approve thy 
 love, 
 And love thee better for thy judging mine. ^ 
 i^hough my gray-headed senate, in the laws^^*^ 
 Of strict opinion and severe dispute, ^'lil'J^^ 
 Would tie the limits of our free affects, ^' i 
 »>'(Like superstitious Jews, to match with none 
 But in a tribe of princes like ourselves,) 
 Gross nurtur'd slaves, who force their wretched 
 souls 
 ^To crouch to profit ; nay, for trash and wealth 
 
 LOVE'S SACRIFICE. 
 
 \ Dote on some crooked or misshapen form : i ^ 
 Begetting creatures ugly as themselves 
 
 Hugging wise nature's lame deformity, 
 
 )>\p^^ 
 
 V 
 
 ''But why should princes do so, that command 
 The storehouse of the earth's hid minerals ? — 
 No, my Bianca, thou art to me as dear 
 As if thy portion had been Europe's riches ; 
 Since in thine eyes lies more than these are worth. 
 Set on ;'~th'ey "shall be strangers to my heart, ^ 
 That envy thee thy fortunes. — Come, Fernando, 
 My but divided. self ; what we have done -^^*u' 
 We are only debtor to heaven for. — On ! ^■ 
 
 Fior. [Asi'clFioWKv^Y^o'W take thy time, or 
 never, D'Avolos ; 
 Prevail, and I will raise thee high in grace . "^ 
 
 D'Av. Madam, I will omit no art. 
 
 lExeunt all but D'Av. tvho recals Fern. 
 My honour'd lord Fernando ! 
 
 Fern. To me, sir ? 
 
 D' Af!. Let me beseech your lordship to excuse 
 me in the nobleness of your wisdom, if 1 exceed 
 
 luia- 
 ide 
 
 good manners : I am one, my lord, who, in the 
 admiration of your perfect virtues, do so truly 
 honour and reverence your deserts, that there is 
 not a creature bears life, shall more faithfully 
 study to do you service in all offices of duty, and 
 vows of due respect. 
 
 Fern. Good sir, you bind me to you ; is this all ? 
 
 D'Av. I beseech your ear a little ; good my 
 lord, what I have to speak, concerns your reputa- 
 tion and best fortune. 
 
 Fexik^ How 's..that 1 my reputation ? lay aside 
 -i? upjrfluous cer emony); speak, what is it ? 
 —-D'Av. 1 do" "repute myself the blessedesflnan 
 alive, that I shall be the first gives your lordship 
 news of your perpetual comfort. 
 
 Fern. As how ? 
 
 D'Av. If singular beauty, unimitable virtues, ^ 
 honour, youth, and absolute goodness be a fortune, 
 all those are at once offered to your particulai 
 choice. 
 
 Fern. Without delays, which way ? ^K^ 
 
 D'Av. The great and gracious lady Fiormonda 
 loves you, infinitely lov es yo u. — But, my lord, as 
 ever you tendered" a servant to your pleasures, let 
 me not be revealed, that I gave you notice on't. 
 
 Fern. Sure you are strangely out of tune, sir. * 
 
 D'Av. Please but to speak to her ; be but 
 courtly ceremonious with her, use once but the 
 language of afi^ction, if I misreport ought besides 
 my knowledge, let me never have place in your 
 good opinion. Oh, these women, my lord, are as 
 brittle metal as your glasses, as smooth, as slip- 
 pery, — their very first substance was quicksands : 
 let them look never so demurely, one fillip chokes 
 them. My lord, she loves you ; I know it. — But 
 I beseech your lordship not to discover me; tj^' 
 would not for the world she should know that you| 
 know it by me. 
 
 Fern. I understand you, and to thank your care, 
 Will study to requite it ; and I vow 
 She never shall have notice of your news 
 By me, or by my means. And, worthy sir, 
 Let me alike enjoin you not to speak 
 A word of that I understand her love ; 
 And as for me, my word shall be your surety,*^- 
 I'll not as much as give her cause to think 
 I ever heard it. 
 
 D'Av. Nay, my lord, whatsoever I infer, you 
 may break with her in it, if you please; for, rather 
 than silence should hinder you one step to such a 
 fortune, I will expose myself to any rebuke for<^ 
 your sake, my good lord. 
 
 Fern. You shall not, indeed, sir ; I am still 
 your friend, and will prove so ; for the present I 
 am forced to attend the duke. Good hours befal 
 you ! I must leave you. [Exit. 
 
 D'Av. Gone already? 'sfoot, I have marr'd all! 
 this is worse and worse ; he's as cqld[^shemlock. 
 If her h igliness knows howTTiave goneTo work, 
 she'll thank me scurvily. A pox of all dull brains ! 
 I took the clean contrary course : there is a mys- 
 tery in this slight carelessness of his ; I must sift 
 it, and I will find it. Uds me, fool myself out of^' 
 my wit ! well, I'll choose some fitter opportunity 
 to inveigle him, and, till then, smooth her up that 
 he is a m^n o^'crjoyed with the report. lEsrit. 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 LOVES SACRIFICE. 
 
 SCENE II. — Another Room in the same. 
 Enter Ferentes and Colona. 
 
 Fer. Madam, by this light I vow myself your 
 servant ; only yours, inespecially yours, ^[ifiafi, 
 like a turn-coat, may order and disorder the out - 
 ward fashions o f our J^ies, but shall never enforce 
 a change on tlie constancy of m y mind. Sweet 
 Colona, fair Colona, young and spiighttul lady, do 
 not let me, in the best of my youth, languish in 
 my earnest affections. 
 
 Col. Why should you seek, my lord, to purchase 
 
 By the disgrace [s] of a silly maidr ^ 
 
 Fer. That I confess too. I am every way so 
 unworthy of the first fruits of thy embraces, so far 
 beneath thejjches of thy merit, that it can be no 
 honour to thy fame, to rank me in the number of 
 thy servants ; yeT^rove me how true, how firm I 
 will stand to thy pleasures^ to thycomBEyuid ; and, 
 as time shall se rye715e ever thine. Now, pi-ithee, 
 dear*" Colona-- 
 
 Col. Well, well, my lord, I have no heart of 
 flint ; 
 Or if I haHTyou know by c unning words ^^^-'A, 
 How to outwear it : — but — 
 
 Fer. But what ? do not pity thy own gentleness, 
 lovely Colona. Shall I ? Speak, shall I ' — say 
 but aye, and our wishes are made up. 
 
 Col. How shall I say aye, when my fears say 
 
 no } 
 Fer. You will not fail to meet [me] two hour s 
 h ence , sweet ? 
 
 Col. No, 
 Yes, yes, I would have said; how my tongue trips ! 
 Fer. I take that promise, and that double yes 
 as an assurance of thy faith. In the grove ; good, 
 sweet, remember ; in any case alone, — do you 
 mark, love? — not as much as your duchess' little 
 dog ; — you'll not forget? — two hours hence — think 
 on't, and miss not : till then — 
 
 Col. Oil, if you should prove false, and love 
 another ! 
 «< Fer, Defy me then ! I'll be all thine, and a ser- 
 vant only to thee ; only to thee. [^Exit Colona. ] — 
 Very passing good 1 three honest women in our 
 courts here of Italy, are enough to discredit a 
 whole nation of that sex. He that is not a cuckold 
 r a bastard is a strangely happy man ; for a chaste 
 wife, or a mother that never stept awry, are won- 
 ers, wonders in Italy . 'Slit'e ! I have got the 
 aTni'~am every day more active in my 
 trade ; 'tis a sweet sin this slip of mortality, and I 
 have tasted enough for one passion of my senses, v' 
 Here comes more work for me. 
 Enter Julia. 
 And how does min e own J ulia } Mew upon this 
 sadness! what's Thematter^ you are melancholy .'^ — 
 Whither away, wench ? 
 
 Jul. 'Tis well ; the time has been when your 
 ^ smooth tongue 
 
 Vi«'5 Would not have mock'd my griefs ; and had! been 
 ^>^ ^^TMore chary of mine own honour, you had still 
 '*^ Been lowly as you were. 
 
 \^' Fer. Lowly? why I am sure I cannot be much 
 more lowly than I am to thee; thou bring'st me 
 on my bare knees, wench, twjcc in every four-and- 
 twentj_lKnirs, besides half turns instead oTbevefs. 
 Wliatmust we next do, sweetheart } 
 
 ^ 
 
 Jul. Break vows on your side, I expect no 
 other ; 
 But every day look when some newer choice 
 May violate your honour and my trust. 
 
 Fer. Indeed, forsooth ! how say you by that, 
 la ? I hope I neglect no opportunity to your 
 nunquam satis, to be call'd in question for. Go, 
 thou art as fretting as an old grogram ; by this 
 hand I love you for't ; it becomes thee so prettily 
 to be angry : well, if thou should'st die, farewell 
 all love with me for ever ! go, I'll meet thee soon 
 in thy lady's back-lobby, I will, wench ; look" for 
 me. 
 
 Jul. But shall I be resolved you will be mine .' 
 
 Fer. All thine ; I will reserve my best ability, 
 my heart, my honour only to thee, only to thee. 
 Pity of my blood, away ! I hear company coming 
 on ; remember, soon I am all thine, I will live 
 perpetually only to thee ; away ! — [Exit Julia.] 
 
 'SfoOt ! I wonder about what-, tim^, f>f thp; y^^^ ^ 
 
 was begot ; sure it was when the moon was in 
 conjunction, and all the other planets drunk at a 
 morris-dance ; I am haunted above patience ; my 
 mind is not as infinite to do, as my occasions arc 
 proffered of doing. Chastity! I am an eiinuch if 
 Lthmk_there be ariy such thing^; or Trthere be,i 
 'tis amongst us men ; for I never found it in a 
 woman thoroughly tempted yet. I have a shrewc^ 
 hard task coming on ; but let it pass. Who comeW 
 now .•* 
 
 Enter Fernando. 
 
 My lord, the duke's friend ! I will strive to be 
 inward with him. — My lord Fernando ! 
 
 Fern. My lord Ferentes, I should change some 
 words 
 Of consequence with you ; but since I am, 
 For this time, busied in more serious thoughts, 
 I'll pick some fitter opportunity. 
 
 Fer. I will wait your pleasure, my lord. Good 
 day to your lordship ! S_Exit. 
 
 Fern. Traitor to frien dshi p, whither shall I run, \/ 
 That lost~to'reason,"canhot sway the float 
 Of the unruly faction in my blood ! 
 The duchess, oh the duchess ! in her smiles 
 Are all my joys abstracted: — death to my thoughts! 
 My other plague comes to me. 
 
 i^Uc 
 
 f'^'^U. 
 
 Enter Fiorm onda and Julia. 
 
 Fior. My lord Fernando, what, so hard at study !^ 
 You are a kind companion to yourself, 
 That love to be alone so. 
 
 Fern. Madam, no; 
 I rather chose this leisure to admire 
 The glories of this little world, the court. 
 Where, like so many stars, on several thrones. 
 Beauty and greatness shine in proper orbs ; 
 Sweet matter for my meditation. 
 
 Fior. So, so, sir ! (leave us, Julia) [Exit Jul.] 
 your own proof. 
 By travel and prompt observation, 
 Instructs you how to place the use of speech. — 
 But since you are at leisure, pray let's sit ; 
 We'll pass the time a little in discourse : 
 What liave'yoTTseen abroad? 
 
 Fern. No wonders, lady, C&>^„.fU<,*yu..>Jt 
 Like these I see at home. 
 
 Fior. At home ! as how } 
 
 Fern. Your pardon, if my tongue, the voice of 
 Report but what is warranted by sight. [truth, 
 
 Fior. W^hat sight ? 
 
78 
 
 LOVE'S SACRIFICE. 
 
 Fern. Look in your glass, and you shall see 
 
 A miracle. 
 
 F'lor. What miracle ? 
 Fern. Your beauty, 
 
 .u.^ 
 
 So far above all beauties else abroad, 
 
 --fc^i.. 
 
 f" 
 
 As you are, in your own, superlative. 
 
 Fior. Fy, fy 1 your wit hath too much edge. 
 
 Fern. Would that, 
 Or anything, that I could challenge mine. 
 Were but of value to express how much 
 I serve, in love, the sister of my prince ! 
 
 Fior. 'Tis for your prince's sake then, not for 
 mine ? 
 ' Fern. For you in him, and much for him in you. 
 I must acknowledge, madam, I observe, 
 In your affects, a thing to me most strange, 
 Which makes me so much honour you the more. 
 
 Fior. Pray tell it. 
 
 Fern. Gladly, lady : 
 I see how opposite to youth and custom, 
 You set before you, in the tablature 
 Of your remembrance, the becoming griefs 
 Of a most loyal lady, for the loss 
 Of so renown'd a prince as was your lord. 
 
 Fior. Now, good my lord, no more of him. 
 
 Fern. Of him ! 
 I know it is a needless task in me, 
 To set him forth in his deserved praise, 
 You better can record it ; for you find, 
 How much more he exceeded other men 
 In most heroic virtues of account. 
 So much more was your loss in losing him. 
 Of him ! his praise should be a field too large, 
 Too spacious, for so mean an orator 
 As I to range in. '" " 
 
 Fior. Sir, enough : 'tis true 
 He well deserv'd your labour ; on his death-bed 
 u This ring he gave me, bade me never part 
 Withtms, but to the man I lov'd as dearly 
 As I loved him ; yet since you know which way 
 To blaze his worth so rightly, in return 
 To your deserts, wear this for him and me. 
 
 [Offirs him the ring. 
 
 Fern. Madam ? 
 
 Fior. 'Tis yours. 
 
 Fern. Methought you said, he charged you 
 Not to impart it but to him you loved 
 As dearly as you loved him. 
 
 Fior. True, I said so. 
 
 Fern. Oh, then far be it my unhallow'd hand, 
 With any rude intrusion, should unveil 
 A testament enacted by the dead. 
 ^ Fior. Why man, that testament is disannuH'd, 
 And cancell'd quite by us that live. Look here. 
 My blood is not yet freez'd ; for better instance. 
 Be judge yourself ; experience is no danger — 
 Cold are my sighs ; but feel, my lips are warm. 
 
 [^Kisses him. 
 
 Fern. What means the virtuous marquess ? 
 
 Fior. To new-kiss 
 The oath to thee, which whilst he lived was his : 
 Hast thou yet power to love ? 
 
 Fern. To love ! 
 
 Fior. To meet 
 ■• Sweetness of language in discourse as sweet ? 
 
 Fern. Madam, 'twere dulness, past the igno- 
 rance 
 Of common blockheads, not to understand 
 Whereto this favour tends ; and 'tis a fortune 
 So much above my fate, that I could wish 
 
 No greater happiness on earth ; but kjiow, 
 Long since, J yo.w'italive a-siȤIeJlfe. U^ 
 
 Fior.'What was't you said ? 
 
 Fern. I said, I made a vow 
 
 Enter Bianca, Petruchio, Colona, and D'Avolos. 
 
 Blessed deliverance ! 
 
 Fior. Prevented ? mischief on this interruption ! 
 
 [Aside. 
 
 Bian. My lord Fernando, you encounter fitly, 
 I have a suit t'ye. 
 
 Fern. 'Tis my duty, madam, 
 To be commanded. 
 
 Bian. Since my lord, the duke. 
 Is now dispo£d_lft.iuixtli, the time serves well ^ 
 For meJIation, that he would be pleased Xu^'*^"' 
 To take the lord Roseilli to his grace. 
 He is a noble gentleman ; I dare 
 Engage my credit, loyal to the state ; 
 And, sister, one that ever strove, methought. 
 By special service, and obsequious care, 
 To win respect from you : it were a part ^ 
 Of gracious favour, if you pleas'd to join 
 With us, in being suitors to the duke 
 For his return to court. 
 
 Fior. To court ! indeed. 
 You have some cause to speak ; he undertook, 
 Most champion-like, to win the prize at tilt, 1/ 
 In honour of your pk!ture.L— marry did he. 
 TPEere^ not a fjroom'b' th' querry could have 
 
 match'd 
 The jolly riding man ; pray get him back ; 
 I do not need his service, madam, I. 
 
 Bian. Not need it, sister } w^hy, I hope you 
 'Tis no necessity in me to move it, [think 
 More than respect of honour. ■ ^_ 
 
 Fior. Honour ? puh ! ~^\ 
 
 Honour is talk'd of more than known by some.*-^-^ 
 
 Bian. Sister, these words I understand not. 
 
 Fern, (aside.) Swell not, unruly thoughts ! — 
 Madam, the motion you propose, proceeds 
 From the true touch of goodness ; 'tis a plea 
 Wherein my tongue and knee shall jointly strive 
 To beg his highness for Roseilli's cause. 
 Your judgment rightly speaks him ; there is not, 
 In any court of Christendom, a man 
 For quality or trust more absolute. 
 
 Fior. How ! is't even so ? [Aside. 
 
 Pet. I shall for ever bless 
 Your highness, for your gracious kind esteem 
 Of my dishearten'd kinsman ; and to add 
 Encouragement to what you undertake, 
 I dare affirm, 'tis no important fault *-' 
 Hath cans' d the duke's distaste. 
 
 Bian. I hope so too. 
 
 D'Av. Let your highness, and you all, my lords, 
 take advice how you motion his excellency on 
 Roseilli's behalf; there is more danger in that man 
 than is fit to be publicly reported. I could wish 
 things were otherwise for his own sake ; but I'll 
 assure you, you will exceedingly alter his excellen- 
 cy's disposition he now is in, if you but mention 
 the name of Roseilli to his ear ; I am so much 
 acquainted in the process of his actions. 
 
 JBian. If it be so, I am the sorrier, sir. 
 I am loth to move my lord unto offence ; 
 Yet I'll adventure chiding. 
 
 Fern. Oh, had I India's gold, I'd give it all ^ 
 T' exchange one private word, one minute's breath. 
 With this heart-wounding beauty ! lAsiiie. 
 
LOVE'S SACRIFICE. 
 
 '9 
 
 Enter the Duke, Ferentes, and Nibbassa. 
 
 Duke. Prithee, no more, Ferentes ; by the faith 
 I owe to honour, thou hast mademelaugh 
 Besidem;^ spleen. FernahSS^ EaHsTtKou heard 
 The^pIeasanFliunQOur of Mauruccio^s_dotage A-^^J^'- 
 Discours'd, how, in the wTHleForhis age, •^ "^^ 
 VKHe is become a lover, thou would'st swear 
 A morris-dance were but a tragedy 
 Compared to that : well, we will see the youth. — 
 What Council hold you now, sirs ^ r u ^ , 
 
 Bian. We, my lord, ^J^./y^v-^' ' jM' 
 
 Were talking of the horsemanship in_ Francs, 
 Which, as your fnend"reportsi~He thints exceeds 
 All other nations. 
 
 Duke. How ! why, have not we "^ 
 
 As gallant riders here ? 
 
 Fern. None that I know. 
 
 Duke. Pish, your affection leads you ; I dare 
 A thousand ducats, not a man in France [wage 
 Outrides Roseilli. \^ 
 
 Fior. r shall quit this wrong. [^Aside. 
 
 Bian. I' said as much, my lord. 
 
 Fern. I have not seen 
 His practice since my coming back. 
 
 Duke. Where is he ? 1 
 How is't we see him not ? \ 
 
 Pet. What's this ? what's this ? 
 
 Fern. I hear he was commanded from the court. 
 
 D'Av. Oh, confusion on this villainous occa- 
 sion ! lAside. 
 
 Duke. True ; but we meant a day or two at 
 most. 
 Should be his farthest term. Not yet return'd? 
 Where's D'Avolos ? 
 
 D"Av. My lord. 
 
 Duke. You know our mind, 
 How comes it thus to pass we miss Roseilli .' *^ 
 
 D^Av. My lord, in a sudden discontent I hear 
 he departed towards Benevento, determining, as 
 1 am given to understand, to pass to Seville, mind- 
 ing to visit his cousin, Don Pedro de Toledo, in 
 the Spanish court. 
 
 Duke. The Spanish court ! now, by the blessed 
 bones '■ 
 Of good St. Francis, let there posts be sent 
 To call him back, or I will post thy head 
 Beneath my foot : ha, you ! you know my mind ; 
 Look that you get him back : the Spanish court ! y 
 And without our commission ! — 
 
 Pet. Here's fine juggling ! 
 
 Bian. Good sir, be not so moved. 
 
 Duke. Fie, fie, Bianca, 
 'Tis such a gross indignity ; I'd rather 
 Have lost seven years' revenue : — the Spanish 
 How now, what ails our sister .-* [court !^ 
 
 Fior. On the sudden 
 I fall a bleeding ; 'tis an ominous sign, --- '^j 
 
 Pray heaven, it turn to good !— your highness' ' 
 leave. lExlt. 
 
 Duke. Look to her. Come, Fernando, come, 
 Bianca, 
 Let's strive to overpass t his choleric h eat : — 
 Sirrah, see that you trifle" not. [To 15^ v.] How 
 Who sway the manage of authority, [we. 
 
 May be abused by smooth officious agents ! — «^ 
 But look well to our sister. 
 
 lExeunt all but Pet. and Fern. 
 
 Pet. Nephew, please you 
 To see your friend to-night ? 
 
 Fern. Yes, uncle, yes. — \_Exil Pet. 
 
 Thus bodies walk unsoul'd ! mine eyes but follow 
 My heart entomb'd in yonder goodly shrine ; 
 Life without her is but death's subtle snares. 
 And I am but a coffin to my cai-es. [.Exit. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 SCENE I. — A Room in Mauruccio's House. 
 
 Mauruccio, looking in a glass, trimming his beard; V 
 GiAcopo brushing him. 
 
 Maur. Beard, be confined to neatness, that no 
 May stover up to prick my mistress' lip, [hair 
 More rude than bristles of a porcupine. — 
 Giacopo ! 
 
 Gia. My lord. 
 
 Maur. Am I all sweet behind ? 
 
 Gia. I have no poulterer's nose ; but your appa- 
 rel sits about you most debonairly. 
 
 Maur. But, Giacopo, with what grace do my 
 wor ds proceed out of my mouth." Have I a moving 
 countenance.'' is there harmony in my voice.' canst 
 thou perceive, as it were, a handsomeness of shape 
 in my very breath, as it is formed into syllables, 
 Giacopo 1 
 
 Enter abov e, Duke, Bianca, Fiormonda, Fernando, 
 
 "~ ' ^ Courtiers, and Attendants. 
 
 Gia. Yes, indeed, sir, I do feel a savour as plea- 
 sant as — a glister-pipe, — calamus, or civet. 
 
 Duke. Observe him, and be silent. 
 
 Alaur. Hold thou the glass, Giacopo, and mark 
 me with what exceeding comeliness I could court 
 the lady marquesse, if it come to the push. 
 V Duke. Sister, you are his aim. 
 
 Fior. A subject fit ^ 
 To be the stale of laughter! 
 Bian. That's your music. 
 
 Maur. Thus I reverse my pace, and thus stalk- 
 ingly in courtly gait, I advance, one, two, and 
 three.— Good! I kiss my hand, make my congee, 
 settle my countenance, and thus begin. — Hold up 
 the glass higher, Giacopo ! 
 Gia. Thus high, sir ? 
 Maur. 'Tis well ; now mark me. w- 
 
 Most excellent Marqufessc, most fair la-dy, 
 Let not old age, or hairs that are sil-vfer. 
 Disparage my desire ; for it may bo 
 
 I am than other green youth nimblfe-er : 
 Since I am your gra-cfe's servant so true. 
 Great lady, then, love me for my ver-tue. 
 
 Oh, Giacopo ! Petrarch was a dunce, Dante a jig- 
 maker, Sanazzar a gooseTUnd Ariosto a puck-fist, 
 to me. I tell thee, Giacopo, I am rapt with fury ; 
 and have been for these six nights together drunk 
 with the pure liquor of Helicon. 
 
 Gia. I think no less, sir ; for you look as wild, 
 and talk as idly, as if you had not slept these nine 
 years. 
 
 Duke. What think you of this language, sister? 
 
 Fior. Sir, 
 I think, in prince's courts, no age nor greatness 
 
GO 
 
 LOVE'S SACRIFICE. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 But must admit the fool ; in me 'twere folly, 
 To scorn what greater states than I have been. 
 
 Bian. O, but you are too general — 
 
 Fior. A fool ! 
 I thank your highness ; many a woman's wit, 
 Have thought themselves much better, was much 
 worse. 
 
 Bian. You still mistake me. 
 
 Duke. Silence ! note the rest. 
 
 Maur. God-a'-mercy, brains ! Giacopo, I have 
 it. 
 
 Gia. What, my lord ? 
 
 Maur. A conceit, Giacopo, and a fine one — 
 down on thy knees, Giacopo, and worship my wit. 
 Give me both thy ears. Thus it is ; I will have 
 my picture drawn most coraposituously, in a 
 square table of some two foot long, from the 
 crown of the head to the waste downward ; no 
 furtiier. 
 
 Gia. Then you'll look like a dwarf, sir, being 
 cut off by the middle. 
 
 Maur. Speak not thou, but wonder at the con- 
 ceit that follows. In my bosom, on my left side, 
 I will have a leaf of blood-red criaison velvet (as 
 it were part of my doublet) open ; which being 
 opened, Giacopo, — now mark ! — I will have a clear 
 and most transparent crystal in the form of a heart. 
 — Singular admirable ! — When I have framed this, 
 I will, as some rare outlandish piece of workman- 
 ship, bestow it on the most fair and illustrious 
 Fiormonda. 
 
 G a. But now, sir, for the conceit. 
 
 Maur. Simplicity and ignorance, prate no more ! 
 blockhead, dost not understand yet.^ Why, this 
 being to her instead of a lookingvglass, she shall 
 no oftener powder her hair, surfell her cheeks, 
 cleanse her teeth, or conform the hairs of her eye- 
 brows, but having occasion to use this glass, (which 
 for the rareness and richness of it she v/ill hourly 
 do,) but she shall as often gaze on my picture, 
 remember me, and behold the excellence of her 
 excellency's beauty, in the prospective and mirror, 
 as it were, in my heart. 
 
 Gia. Aye, marry, sir, this is something. 
 
 All above. Ha, ha, ha ! \_Exit Fior. 
 
 ^ Bian. My sister's gone in anger. 
 
 Maur. Who's that laughs ? search with thine 
 eyes, Giacopo. 
 
 Gia. Oh, my lord, my lord, you have gotten an 
 everlasting fame ; the duke's grace, and the duchess' 
 grace, and my lord Fernando's grace, with all the 
 rabble of courtiers, have heard every word ; look 
 where they stand ! Now, you shall be made a 
 count for your wit, and I lord for my counsel. 
 
 Duke. Beshrew the chance ! we are discovered. 
 
 Maur. Pity — oh my wisdom ! I must speak to 
 them. — 
 O! duke most great, and most renowned duchess! 
 I Excuse my apprehension, which not much-is; 
 \ 'Tis love, my lord, that's all the hurt you see ; 
 I Angelica herself [doth] plead for me. 
 
 Duke. We pardon you, most wise and learned 
 And that we may all glorify your wit, [lord. 
 
 Entreat your wisdom's company to-day, 
 To grace our table with your grave discourse : 
 What says your mighty eloquence } 
 
 Maur. Giacopo, help me ; his grace has put me 
 out [of] my own bias, and I know not what to 
 answer in form. 
 
 Gia. Ud's me ; tell him you'll come. 
 
 . my lord the duke, I 
 word, and wish 
 
 your 
 
 Maur. Yes, I will come 
 will. 
 
 Duke. We take your 
 honour health. 
 //Away then ; come, Bianca, we have found 
 ,' A salve for melancholy ; — mirth and ease. 
 
 \_Exit the DvKE, followed by all hut Bianca and 
 . Fernando. 
 
 Bian. I'll see theJoUj^Jover and his £lass 
 Take leave of one another. " 
 
 Maur. Are they gone ? 
 
 Gia. Oh, my lord, I do now smell news. Ja"^ 
 
 Maur. What news, Giacopo? y'cv^"" 
 
 Gia. The duke has a smackering towards you, 
 and you shall clap up with his sister, the widow, 
 suddenly. 
 
 Maur. She is mine, Giacopo, she is mine ! 
 Advance the glass, Giacopo. that I may practise, 
 as I pass, to walk a portly grace like a marquis, to 
 which degree I am now a-climbing. 
 Thus do we march to honour's haven of bliss, "^ 
 To ride in triumph through Persepolis. 
 lExit Giacopo, going backward with the glass, followed 
 by JMauruccio complimenting. 
 
 Bian. Now, as I live, here's laughter 
 Worthy our presence ! I'll not lose him so. 
 
 [Going. 
 
 Fern. Madam. 
 
 Bian. To me, my lord ! 
 
 Fern. Please but to hear 
 The story of a cast-away in love ; 
 And, oh ! let not the passage of a jest 
 Make slight a sadder subject, who hath placed 
 All happiness in your diviner eyes. 
 
 Bian. My lord, the timei \ 
 
 Fern. The time ! yet hear me g|)eak. 
 For I must speak, or burst : I have a soul 
 So anchor'd down with cares in seas of woe, 
 That passion, and the vows I owe to you. 
 Have changed me to a lean anatomy.*^ 
 Sweet princess of my life — 
 
 Bian. Forbear, or I shall — 
 
 Fern. Yet, as you honour virtue, do not freeza'i j 
 
 My hopes to more discomfort, than, as yet 
 My fears suggest ; no beauty so adorns 
 The composition of a well-built mind. 
 As pity : hear me out. 
 
 Bian. No more ! I spare 
 To tell you what you are, and must confess. 
 Do almost hate my judgment, that it once 
 Thought goodness dwelt in you. Remember now. 
 It is the third time since your treacherous tongue 
 ETath pleaded treason to my ear and fame ; 
 Yet, for the friendship 'twixt my lord and you, 
 I have not voiced your follies : if you dare , 
 
 To speak a fourth time, you shall rue your lust ;; ' 
 'Tis all no better : — learn, and love yourself. / 
 
 ^'Exit 
 
 ey 
 
 A-" 
 
 oh. 
 
 my 
 
 sorrows ! how am I un- 
 
 Fern. Gone ! 
 
 done ! 
 
 Not speak again ? no, no, in her chaste breast 
 Virtue and resolutioaJiaye discharged 
 All female weakness : I have sued and sued, 
 Knelt, wept, and begg'd ; but tears, and vows, and 
 
 words. 
 Move her no more than summer-winds a rock. 
 I must resolve to check this rage of blood, 
 And will ; she is all icy to my fires, 
 Yet even that ice inflames in me desires. \Ex'it 
 
RCKNE II. 
 
 LOVE'S SACRIFICE. 
 
 81 
 
 SCENE II. — A Room in Petruchio's House. 
 
 Enter Petruchio and Rosseilu. 
 
 Hose. Is't possible the duke should be so mov'd ? 
 i-^Pet. 'Tis true ; you have no enemy at court 
 But her, for whom you- pine so much in love ; 
 Then master your affections : I am sorry 
 You hug your ruin so. — 
 What say you to the project I proposed ? 
 
 Rose. I entertain it, wiih a greater joy 
 Than shame can check. 
 
 Enter Fernando 
 Pet. You're come as I could wish ; ^ 
 
 My cousin is resolv'd. 
 
 Fern. Without delay 
 Prepare yourself, and meet at court anon, 
 Some half hour hence ; and Cupid bless your joy ! 
 
 Rose. If ever man was bounden to a friend 
 
 Fern. No more ; away. \_Exeunt Pet. and Bose. 
 Love's rage is yet unknown ; 
 
 [n his — ah me ! too well I feel my own 
 
 So, now I am alone ; now let me think. 
 She is the duchess ; — say she be : a creature, 
 Sew'd up in a painted cloth, might so be stiled ; 
 xhat's but a name : she's married too ; she is, 
 Arid therefore better might distinguish love : — 
 She's young and fair ; why, madam, that's the bait 
 Invites me more to hope : — she's the duke's wife ; 
 Who knows not this .^ — she's bosom'd to my 
 
 friend ; 
 There, there, Tam quite lost : — will not be won ; 
 Still worse and worse : abhors to hear me speak ; 
 Eternal mischief. I must urge no more ; 
 For, were I not beleper'd in my soul, 
 Here were enough to quench the flames of hell. 
 What then? pish, — [if] I must not speak, I'll 
 Come then, sad secretary to my plaints, [write. 
 Plead thou my faith, for words are turn'd to sighs. 
 What says this pai^e r ? 
 
 \_Takcs out a letter, and reads to himself. 
 
 Enter D'Avolos behind with t wo pictures . 
 
 Z)'.4u. NaaJS-tbifi^iiaiS- Alone ? reading a let- 
 ter ? good ; how now ? striking his breast I what, 
 in thie name of policy, should this mean ? tearing 
 his hair ! passi orr; by all the hopes of my life, plain 
 gassion ! now I perceive it. If this be not a fit of 
 some violent affection, I am an ass in understand- 
 ing ; why, 'tis plain, — plainer and plainer : love in 
 the extremest. Oh, for the party who, now! The 
 greatness of his spirits is too high cherish'd to be 
 caught with some ordinary stuff, and if it be my 
 lady Fiormonda, I am strangely mistook. Well, 
 that I have fit occasion soon to understand. I 
 have here two pictures, newly drawn, to be sent 
 for a present to the abbot of Monaco, the duchess's 
 uncle, her own and my lady's ; I'll observe which of 
 these may, perhaps, bewray him — he turns about. 
 My noble lord. 
 
 Fern. You are welcome, sir ; I thank you. 
 
 D'Av. Me, my lord ! for what, my lord? 
 
 Fern. Who's there .' I cry you mercy, D'Avolos, 
 I took you for another ; pray excuse me : 
 What is't you bear there ? 
 
 D'Av. No secret, my lord, but maybe imparted 
 to you. A couple of pictures, my good lord, — 
 please you see them ? 
 
 Fern. I care not much for pictures ; but whose 
 are they ? q 
 
 D'Av. The one is for my lord's sister, the other 
 is the duchess. 
 
 Fern. Ha, D'Avolos ! the duchess's .' 
 
 D'Av. Yes, my lord. Sure the word startled 
 him observe that. iAtide. 
 
 Fern. You told me, master secretary, once, 
 You owed pae love.' 
 
 D'Av. Service, my honour'd lord ; howsoever 
 you please to term it. 
 
 Fern. 'Twere rudeness to be suitor for a sight ; 
 Yet trust me, sir, I'll be all secret. 
 
 D'Av. I beseech your lordship ; — they are, as 1 
 am, constant to your pleasure. [Shews Fiormon- 
 da's picture.'] This, my lord, is the widow mar- 
 quess's, as it now newly came from the picture- 
 drawer's ; the oil yet green : a sweet picture ; and, 
 in my judgment, art hath not been a niggard in 
 striving to equal the life. Michael Angelo him- 
 self needed not blush to own the workmanship. 
 
 Fern. A very pretty picture ; but, kind siguior, 
 To whose use is it ? 
 
 D'Av. For the duke's, my lord, who determines 
 to send it with all speed as a present to Paulo Bag- 
 lione, uncle to the duchess, that he may see the 
 riches of two such lustres as shine in the court of 
 Pavy. 
 
 Fern. Pray, sir, the other ? 
 
 D'Av. \_Shews the picture of the Duchess.] — . 
 This, my lord, is for the duchess Bianca ; a wond- 
 rous sweet picture, if you well observe with what 
 singularity the artsman hath strove to set forth 
 each limb in exquisitest proportion, not missing a *^ 
 hair. ""*" 
 
 Fern. AJj^ir • 
 
 D'Av. She^cannot more formally, or (if it may 
 be lawful to use the word) more really, behold her 
 own symmetry in her js^lass, than in taking a sen- 
 sible view of this counterfeil:. When I first saw 
 it, I verily almost was of a mind that this was her 
 very lip. 
 
 Fern'. Lip ! 
 
 D^Av. flow constantly he dwells upon this por- 
 traiture ! l^Aside.'] — Nay, I'll assure your lordship 
 there is no defect of cunning. — His eye is fix'd as 
 if it were incorporated there. \_Aside.] — Were not 
 the party herself aUve to witness that there is a 
 creature composed of flesh and blood, as naturally 
 enriched with such harmony of admirable beauty, 
 as is here artificially counterfeited, a very curious 
 eye might repute it as an imaginary rapture of 
 some transported conceit, to aim at an impos- 
 sibility ; whose very first gaze is of force almost to V' 
 persuade a substantial love in a settled heart. 
 
 Fern. Love ! heart ! 
 
 D'Av. My honour'd lord. 
 
 Fern. Oh heavens ! 
 
 D'Av. I am confirmed. \_Aside.] — What ails 
 your lordship ? 
 
 Fern. You need not praise it, sir; itself is praise. 
 How near had I forgot myself ! [Aside. — I thank 
 'Tis such a picture as might well become [you. 
 The shrine of so me famed Ven us ; I am dazzled 
 With lookinsppnfT — pray, sir, convey it hencie. 
 
 D'Av. I am all your servant : — blessed, blessed 
 discovery ! [Aside.^ — Please you to command me.'' 
 
 Fern. No, gentle sir. — I am am lost beyond my 
 senses. — 
 Dy'e hear, sir ? good, where dwells the picture- 
 maker ? 
 
 D'Av. By the castle's farther drawbridge, neat 
 
 v^' 
 
 v^ 
 
82 
 
 LOVES SACRIFICE. 
 
 ACT 17.. 
 
 Galiazzo's statue ; his name is Alphonso Trinultio. 
 —Happy above all fate ! iAsi.ie. 
 
 Fern. You say enough ; my thanks t'ye ! l£a;it 
 ^, D'Av.j — Were that picture 
 
 But rated at my lordship, 'twere too cheap. 
 I fear I spoke or did I know not what ; 
 Ail sense of providence was in mine eye. 
 
 Enter Ferjsntes, Maukuccio, and Giacopo. 
 
 Fer. Youth in three-score years and ten ! [Aside. 
 Trust me, my lord Mauruccio, you are now 
 younger in the judgment of those that compare 
 your former age with your latter, by seven -and- 
 twenty years, than you were three years ago ; 
 by all my fidelity, 'tis a miracle ! the ladies wonder 
 at you. 
 V Maxr. Let them wonder ; I am wise as I am 
 courtly. 
 
 Gia. The ladies, my lord, call him the Green 
 Broom of the court, he sweeps all before him ; and 
 swear he has a stabbing wit : it is a very cly§ter to 
 laughter. 
 ^ Maui'. Nay, I know I can tickle 'em at my plea- 
 sure ; I am stiff and strong, Ferentes. 
 
 Gia. A radish root is a spear of steel in com- 
 parison of I know what. lAside. 
 
 Fer. The marquess doth love you. 
 
 Maur. She doth love me. 
 
 Fer. And begins to do you infinite gt^^e, Mau- 
 ruccio, infinite grace. 
 
 Fern. I'll take this time. IComes forward. 
 
 Good hour, my Icirds, to both ! 
 
 Maur. Right princely Fernando, the best of the 
 Fernandos ; by the pith of generation, the man 1 
 look for. His highness hath sent to find you out ; 
 he is determined to weather his own proper indi- 
 vidual person, for two days space, in my lord 
 ^Nibrassa's forest, to hunt the deer^ the buck, the 
 rQei.and eke the bairren doe. 
 
 Fern. Is his highness preparing to hunt ? 
 
 Maur, Yes, my lord, and resolved ntoTie forth 
 for the breviating the prolixity of some superfluous 
 transmigration of the sun's double cadence to the 
 western horizon, my most perspicuous good lord. 
 
 Fern. Oh, sir, let me beseech you to speak in 
 your own mother tongue— two days absence, well — 
 [Aside.'] — my lord Mauruccio, I have a suit to you. 
 
 Maur. My lord Fernando, I have a suit to you. 
 
 Fern. That you will accept from me a very 
 choice token of my love ; will you grant it ? 
 
 Maur. Will you grant mine ? 
 
 Fern. What is't. 
 
 Maur. Only to know what the suit is you please 
 to prefer to me. 
 
 Peril. Why, 'tis, my lord, a fool. 
 
 Maur. A fool } 
 
 Fern. As very a fool as your lordship is — hope- 
 ful to see in any time of your life. 
 
 Gia. Now, good my lord," paiTnot with the fool 
 on any terms. 
 
 Maur. I beseech you, my lord, has the fool 
 qualities .•* 
 
 Fern. Very rare ones : you shall not hear him 
 speak one wise word in a month's converse ; pas- 
 sing temperate of diet ; for, keep him from meat 
 four-and-twenty hours, and he will fast a whole 
 day and a night together : unless you urge him to 
 swear, there seldom comes an oath from his mouth ; 
 and of a fool, my lord, to tell you the plain truth, 
 had he but half as much wit as you, my lord, he 
 
 would be in short time three quarters as arrant 
 wise as your lordship. 
 
 Maur. Giacopo, these are very rare elements in 
 a creature of little understanding. Oh, that 1 long 
 to see him ? 
 
 Enter Pbtruchio and Roseilli, dressed like a Fool. 
 
 Fern. A very harmless idiot ; and, as you could 
 wish, look where he comes. 
 
 Pet. Nephew, here is the thing you sent for. 
 Come hither, fool ; come, 'tis a good fool. 
 
 Fern. Here, my lord ; I freely give you the fool, 
 pray use him well for my sake. 
 
 Maur. I take the fool most thankfully at your 
 hands, my lord. — Hast any qualities, my pretty 
 fool ? wilt dwell with me ? 
 
 Ros. A, a, a, a, aye. 
 
 Pet. I never beheld a more natural creature in 
 my life. , 
 
 Fern. Uncle, the duke, I hear, prepares to hunt; 
 Let's in and wait. Farewell, Mauruccio. 
 
 \_Exeunt Fkrn. and Pet, 
 
 Maur. Beast that I am, not to ask the fool's 
 name I 'tis no matter ; fool is a sufficient title to 
 call the greatest lord in the court by, if he be no 
 wiser than he. 
 
 Gia. Oh my lord, what an arrant excellent 
 pretty creature 'tis ! come, honey, honey, honey, 
 come. 
 
 Fer. You are beholding to my lord Fernando 
 for this gift. 
 
 Maur. True ; oh, that he, could but speak me- 
 thodically ! Canst speak, fool ? 
 
 Ros. Can speak ; de e e e e — 
 
 Fer. 'Tis a present for an emperor. What an 
 excellent instrument were this to purchase a suit, 
 or a monopoly from the duke's ear ! 
 ^ Maur. I have it, I am wise and fortunate. 
 Giacopo, I will leave all conceits, and instead of 
 my picture, offer the lady marquess this mortal 
 man of weak brain. 
 
 ^ Gia. My lord, you have most rarely bethought 
 you ; for so shall she no oftener see the fool, but 
 she shall remember you better than by a_thousariji- 
 1 ook ing-glasses . 
 
 3^r. Slie^will most graciously entertain it. 
 
 Maur. I may tell you Ferentes, there's not a 
 great woman amongst forty, but knows how to 
 make sport with a fool. — Dost know how old thou 
 art, sirrah .' 
 
 Ros. Dud — a clap cheek for nowne sake, gaffer ; 
 hee e e e e. 
 
 Fer. Alas, you must ask him no questions, but 
 clap him on the cheek ; I understand his language : 
 your fool is the tender-hearted'st creature that is. 
 
 Enter Fiormonda and D'Avolos, in close conversation, 
 
 Fior. No more, thou hast, in this discovery, 
 Exceeded all my favours, D'Avolos. 
 Is't mistress madam duchess ? ^ave revenge. 
 
 D'Av. But had your grace seen the infit ijte 
 appetite of lust in the giercing^dultery of his eye. 
 youwould— 
 
 Fior. Or change him, or confounJ him : — prompt 
 dissembler ! 
 Is here the bond of his religious vow ? y. 
 
 And that, *' now when the duke is lid abroad, 
 My gentleman will stay behind, is sick — or so .' '' 
 
 D'Av. " Not altogether in health ; " — it was the 
 excuse he made. 
 
6CENK III. 
 
 LOVE'S SACRIFICE. 
 
 83 
 
 Maur. LiyeetJi^/A^m.] Most fit opportunity ! her 
 grace comes just i'th' nick ; let me study. 
 
 Fer. Lose no time, my lord. 
 
 Gia. To her, sir. V 
 
 Maur. Vouchsafe to stay thy foot, most Cynthian 
 hue, 
 
 And from a creature, ever vow'd thy servant. 
 Accept this gift ; most rare, most fine, most new. 
 
 The earnest-penny of a love so fervent. 
 
 Fior. What means the jolly youth ? 
 
 Maur. Nothing, sweet princess, but only to 
 present your grace with this sweet- faced fool ; 
 please you to accept him to make you merry : I'll 
 assure your grace he is a very wholesome fo^il.. 
 
 Fior. A fool ! you might as well have given 
 Whence is he ? [yourself. 
 
 Maur. Now, just very now, given me out of 
 ppe(;ial favour, by the lord Fernando, madam. 
 
 Fior. By him ? well, I accept him ; thank you 
 for't ; 
 And, in requital, take that tooth-picker ; 
 'Tis yours. 
 
 Maur. A tooth-picker ! I kiss your bounty: no 
 quibble now ? — And, madam, 
 
 If I grow sick, to make my spirits quicker, 
 
 I will revive them with this sweet tootli-picker. 
 
 Fior. Make use on't as you list ; here, D'Avolos, 
 Take in the fool. 
 
 D'Av. Come, sweetheart, wilt along with me ? 
 
 Ros. U u umh, — u u umh, — wonnot, wonnot — 
 u u umh. 
 
 Fior. Wilt go with me, chick ? 
 
 Jios. Will go, te e e — go will go — 
 
 Fior. Come, D'Avolos, observe to-night ; 'tis 
 late : 
 Or I will win my choice, or curse my fate. 
 
 [Exeunt Fior. Ros. andD'Xv. 
 
 Fer. This was wisely done now. 8'foot, you 
 purchase a favour from a creature, my lord, the 
 greatest king of the earth would be proud of. 
 
 Maur. Giacopo ! 
 
 Gia. My lord. 
 
 Maur. Come behind me, Giacopo ; I am big 
 with conceit, and must be delivered of poetry, in 
 the eternal commendation of this gracious tooth- 
 picker : — but, first, 1 hold it a most healthy policy 
 to make a slight supper — 
 
 For meat's the food that must preserve our lives. 
 And now's the time when mortals whet their knives — 
 
 On thresholds, shoe-soles, cart-wheels, &c. Away, 
 Giacopo. \_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. 
 
 The Palace- 
 Apartment. 
 
 ■ The Duchess^ 
 
 Enter CoLONA with l!(;lits, Bianca, Fiormonda, Julia, 
 
 Fkrn'ando, ((/(•/ D'Avolos; Colona places the liyhts on 
 a table, anil m'l.s ilown a chess boar iL 
 
 Bian. 'Tis yet but early_night, too soon to sleep ; 
 Sister, shall's have a mate at chess ? 
 
 Fior. A mate ! 
 No, madam, you are grown too hard for me ; 
 My lord Fernando is a fitter match. 
 
 Bian, lie's a well-practis'd gamester — well, I 
 care not 
 Mow cunning soe'er he be. — Toj^assan hour 
 I'll try your skill, my lord : reach here TKFchess- 
 board. ^ 2 
 
 D'Av. Are you so apt to try his skill, madam 
 duchess ? Very good ! lAside. 
 
 Fern. I shall bewray too much my ignorance 
 In striving with your highness ; 'tis a game 
 I lose at still, by oversight. 
 
 Bian. Well, well, (v? /<.< -A*H#fc*^V ^^!<4<.4*<6«, 
 
 I fear you not ; let's to't. 
 
 [Fernando and the Duchess play. 
 
 Fior. You need not, madam ! 
 
 D'Av. [Aside to Fior.] Marry needs she not ; 
 how gladly will she to't ! 'tis a rook to a queen she 
 heaves a pawn to a knight's place ; by'r lady, if all 
 be truly noted, to a duke's place ; and that's beside 
 the play, I can tell ye. 
 
 Fior. Madfim, I must entreat excuse ; I feel 
 The temper of my body not in case 
 To judge the strife. 
 
 Bian. Lights for our sister, sirs ! 
 Good rest t'ye ; I'll but end my game, and follow. 
 
 Fior. [Aside to D'Av.] Let 'em have tipifi^ 
 enough; and, as thou canst. 
 Be near to hear their courtship, D'Avolos. 
 
 D'Av. Madam, I shall observe them wiiTi all 
 cunning secrecy. 
 
 Bian. Colona, attend our sister to her chamber. 
 
 Col. 1 shall, madam — ■ 
 
 lExit Fior. followed hy Col. Jul. and D'Av. ! 
 
 Bian. Play. ! 
 
 Fern. I must not lose the advantage of the game ; 
 Madam, your queen is lost. j 
 
 Bian. My clergy help me ; V 
 My queen ! and nothing for it but a paw i ? j 
 
 "Why then the game's lost too : but play. 
 
 Fern. What, madam? [Fernando oyZen/oo** a&out 
 
 Bian. You must needs play well, you are to 
 studious. — 
 Fie upon't ! you study past patience : — 
 What do you dream on ? here's demurring 
 Would weary out a statue ! — Good now, play. ~ 
 
 Fern. Forgive me ; let my knees for ever stick 
 
 \_Kueels, 
 Nail'd to the ground, as earthy as my fears, 
 Ere I arise, to part away so curst 
 In my unbounded anguish, as the rage V 
 Of flames, beyond all utterance of words, 
 Devour me, lighten'd by your sacred eyes. 
 
 Bian. What means the man ? 
 
 Fern. To lay before your feet 
 In lowest vassalage, the ble eding heart 
 That sighs the tender of a suit disdain'd. 
 Great lady, pity me, my youth, my wounds ; 
 And do not think that I have cull'd tl^is ti me 
 From motion's swiftest measure, to unclasp 
 The book of lust : If purity of love 
 Have residence in virtue's breast, lo here, 
 Bent lower in my heart than on my knee, 
 I beg compassion to a love, as chaste ^^ 
 As softness of desire can intimate. 
 
 Re-enter D'Avolos behind. 
 
 D'Av. At it already ! admirable haste. 
 
 Biaa. Am I again betray'd ? bad man. — 
 
 Fern. Keep in, 
 Bright angel, that severer breath, to cool 
 That heat of cruelty, which sways the temj3le_ 
 Of your too stony breast : you cannot Urge 
 One reason to feTjuTfB my trembling plea. 
 Which I have not, with many nights' expense 
 Examined ; but, oh, madam, stiil I find 
 No physic strong to cure a tortured mind, 
 But freedom from the torture it sustains. 
 
84 
 
 LOVE'S SACRIFICE. 
 
 ACT li 
 
 D'Av. Not kissing yet ? still on your knees ? 
 
 for a plump bed and clean sheets, to comfort the 
 aching of his shins ! we shall have them clip anon, 
 and lisp kisses; here's ceremony, with a vengeance ! 
 
 Bian. Rise up, we charge you, rise : [he rises'] 
 look on our face. 
 What see you there that may persuade a hope 
 Of lawless love ? Know, most unworthy man, 
 So much we hate the baseness of thy lust, 
 As, were none living of thy sex but thee, 
 We had much rather prostitute our blood 
 To some envenom'd serpent, than admit 
 Thy bestial dalliance. Couldst thou dare to speak 
 Again, when we forbade? no, wretched thing, 
 Take this for answer : if thou henceforth ope 
 Thy leprous mouth to tempt our ear again, 
 l^We shall not only certify our lord 
 
 Of thy disease in friendship, but revenge 
 Thy boldness with the forfeit of thy life. 
 Think on't. 
 
 D'Av. Now, now, now the game's a-foot ! your 
 gray jennet with the white face is curried, forsooth ; 
 — please your lordship leap up into the saddle, 
 forsooth ? — Poor duke, how must thy head ach 
 now ! 
 
 Fern> Stay, go not hence in choler, blessed 
 woman ! 
 You have school'd me ; lend me hearing : though 
 
 the float 
 Of infinite desires swell to a tide 
 Too high so soon to ebb, yet by this hand, 
 
 IKisses her hand. 
 This glorious, gracious hand of your's — 
 
 D'Av. Aye, marry, the match is made ; clap 
 hands and to't, ho ! 
 
 Fern. I swear, 
 Henceforth I never will as much in word, 
 In letter, or in syllable, presume 
 To make a repetition of my griefs. 
 Good night t'ye ! if, when I am dead, you rip 
 This coffin of my heart, there shall you read 
 With constant eyes, what now my tongue defines, 
 Bianca's name carv'd out in bloody lines. 
 For ever, lady, now good night ! 
 
 Bian. Good night ! 
 / Rest in your goodness ; lights there. 
 
 Enter Attendants with lights. 
 
 Sir, good night. lExeunt sundry tvaps. 
 
 D'Av. So, via! To be cuckol'd (mercy and 
 
 providence) is as natural to a married man as to 
 eat, sleep, or wear a nightcap. Friends ! — I will 
 rather trust mine arm in the throat of a lion, my 
 purse with a courtezan, my neck with the chance 
 on a dye, or my religion in a synagogue of Jews, 
 than my wife with a friend. Wherein do princes 
 exceed the poorest peasant that ever was yoked to 
 a sixpenny strumpet, but that the horns of the one 
 are mounted some two inches higher by a choppine 
 I than the other ? Oh Acteon ! the goodliest headed 
 I beast of the forest amongst wild cattle is a stag ; 
 and the goodliest beast amongst tame fools in a 
 corporation is a cuckold. 
 
 Re-enter Fiormonda. 
 
 Fior. Speak, D'Avolos, how thrives intelligence.^ 
 D'Av. Above the prevention of fate, madam. 
 
 1 saw him kneel, make pitiful faces, kiss hands 
 and forefingers, rise, — and by this time he is up, 
 up, madam. Doubtless the youth aims to be 
 
 duke, for he is gotten into the duke's seat an/ 
 hour ago. 
 
 Fior. Is't true ? 
 
 D'Av. Oracle, oracle ! siege was laid, parley 
 admitted, composition offered, and the fort en- 
 tered ; there's no interruption. The duke will be 
 at home to-morrow, gentle animal ! — what do you 
 resolve ? 
 
 Fior. To stir up tragedies as black as brave, / 
 And send the letcher panting to his grave. — 
 
 . • >'^ ''( lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE IV. — A Bed-chamher in the same. 
 
 Enter Bianca, her hair loose, in her night-mantle. She 
 draws a curtain, Fernando /* discovered in bed, sleeping. 
 Shi' sets down the candle, and goes to the bed-side. 
 
 Bian. Resolve, and do ; 'tis done. — What ! are 
 those eyes. 
 Which lately were so overdrown'd in tears, 
 So easy to take rest ? Oh happy man ! 
 Hoxr sweetly sleep hath seal'd up sorrows here ! 
 But I will call him. — What, my lord, my lord. 
 My lord Fernando ! 
 
 Fern. Who calls me ? 
 
 Bian. My lord, ., ^ ,,.^ ^-f 
 
 Sleeping or waking .' ' '^J^'C'^.y" 
 
 Fern. Ha! who is't. ?» #^ '^ 
 
 Bian. 'Tis I : 
 Have you forgot my voice ? or is your ear 
 But useful to your eye ? 
 
 Fern. Madam, the duchess 1 
 
 Bian. She, 'tis she ; sit up, 
 Sit up and wonder, whiles my sorrows swell : 
 The nights are short, and I have much to say. 
 
 Fern. Is't possible 'tis you ? 
 
 Bian. 'Tis possible : 
 Why do you think I come ? 
 
 Fern. Why.' to crown joys, 
 And make me master of my best desires. 
 
 Bian. 'Tis true, you guess aright ; sit up, and 
 listen. 
 With shame and passion now I must confess, 
 Since first mine eyes beheld you, in ray heart 
 You have been only king ; if there can be 
 A violence in love, then I have felt 
 That tyranny : be record to my soul 
 The justice„which~I-fac.tiuft-£3lly- " 
 Fernando, in short words, howe'er my tongue 
 Did often chide thy love, each word thou spak'st 
 Was music to my ear ; was never poor. 
 Poor wretched woman lived, that loved like me, 
 So truly, so unfeignedly. 
 
 Fern. Oh, madam ! 
 
 Bian. To witness that I speak is truth, — looli 
 here ! 
 Thus singly I adventure to thy bed. 
 And do confess my weakness ; if thou tempt'st 
 My bosom to thy pleasures, I will yield. 
 
 Fern. Perpetual happiness ! 
 
 Bian. Now hear me out. 
 When first Caraffa, Pavy's duke, my lord, 
 Sawjae, he loved me ; and without respect 
 Of dower, took me to his bed and bosom ; 
 Advanced me to the titles I possess, 
 Not mov'd by counsel, or removed by greatness 
 Which to requite, betwixt my soul and heaven, 
 I vow'd a vow to live a constant wife ; v 
 I have done so : nor was there in the world 
 A man created, could have broke that truth 
 
SCENE I. 
 
 LOVE'S SACRIFICE. 
 
 86 
 
 For all the glories of the earth, but thcu ; 
 But thou, Fernando ! — Do I love thee now? 
 
 Fern. Beyond imagination. 
 
 Bian. True, I do, 
 Beyond imagination : if no pledge 
 Of love can instance what I speak is true, 
 But loss of my best joys ; here, here, Fernando 
 Be satisfied, and ruin me. 
 
 Fern. "What do you mean ? 
 
 Bian. To give my body up to thy embraces, 
 A pleasure that I never wish'd to thrive in 
 Before this fatal minute : mark me 
 If thou dost spoil me of this robe 
 By my best comforts, here I vow again, ,^' 
 To thee, to Reaven, to the world, to time 
 Ere vet the morning shall new-christen day 
 I'll kill myself ! 
 
 Fern. How, madam, how ! 
 
 Bian. I will : 
 Do what thou wilt, 'tis in thy choice ; what say 
 
 thrive in, iv 
 
 »enow^>\uyO| 
 of shame, \ Y V 
 
 you 
 
 Fern. Pish ! do you come to try me ? tell me. 
 Will you but grant a kiss ? [first, 
 
 Bian. Yes, take it ; that. 
 Or what thy heart can wish : I am all thine. 
 
 [Fern, kisses her. 
 
 Fern. Oh, me! — Come, come; how many 
 women, pray, 
 Were ever heard or read of, granted love, 
 And did as you protest you will ? 
 
 Bian. Fernando, 
 Jest not at ray calamity. — I kneel — 
 By these dishevell'd hairs, these wretched tears,. 
 By all that's good, if what I speak, my heart 
 Vows not eternally, then think, my lord, 
 Was never man sued to me I denied ; 
 
 -^ {Kneels. 
 
 Think me a common and most cunning whore, 
 And let my sins be written on my grave, 
 My name rest in reproof! — \_I{ises'\ Do as you 
 list. 
 
 Fern. I must believe you, — yet I hope, anon. 
 When you are parted from me, you will say 
 I was a good, cold, easy-spirited man. 
 Nay, laugh at my simplicity; say, will you? 
 
 Bian. No, by the faith I owe my bridal vows ! 
 But ever hold thee much, much dearer far, 
 Than all my joys on earth, by this chaste kiss. 
 
 {Kisses him. 
 O J^Fern, You have prevail'd ; and Heaven forbid 
 ,^^i>■ that I 
 
 Should by a wanton appetite profane 
 \ This sacred temple ! 'tis enough for me 
 You'll please to call me servant. 
 
 Bian. Nay, be thine : 
 Command my power, my bosom ; and I'll write. 
 This love within the tables of my heart. 
 
 Fern. Enough; I'll master passion, 
 In bein g conqueredl" addmg to ft" this^ 
 In yoinQ5y1ove,~as"it begun, shall end. 
 
 Bian. The latter I new-vow — but day comes on: 
 What now we leave unfinish'd of content. 
 Each hour shall perfect up : Sweet, let us part. 
 
 Fern. This kiss,— best life, good rest ! 
 
 {Kisses her. 
 
 Bian. All mine to thee ! 
 Remember this, and think I speak thy words : 
 
 " When I am dead, rip up my heart, and read -, 
 
 With constant eyes, what now my tongue defines, I 
 Fernando's name carv'd out in bloody lines." -» 
 Once more good rest, sweet ! 
 
 Fern. Your most faithful servant. 
 
 {The scene closer. 
 
 d I'U write 
 irt. \ 
 
 , and trihmphi 
 
 I 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I. — An Apartmen'''n the Palace. 
 
 Enter 'Nibrassa, followed by Julta, weeping. 
 
 Nib. Get from me, strumpet, infamous whore, 
 leprosy of my blood ! make thy moan to ballad- 
 singers and rhymers ; they'll jig out thy wretched- 
 ness and abominations to new tunes : as for me, I 
 renounce thee ; thou'rt no daughter of mine, I 
 disclaim the legitimation of thy birth, and curse 
 the hour of thy nativity. 
 
 Jul. Pray, sir, vouchsafe me hearing. 
 
 Nib. With child ! shame to my grave ! Oh whore, 
 wretched beyond utterance or reformation, what 
 would'st say ? 
 
 Jul. Sir, by the hC-iOur of my mother's hearse. 
 He has protested marriage, pledg'd his faith ; 
 ^J[f vows have any force, I am his wife. 
 
 iS^i^^'^His faith ? Why, thou fool, thou wickedly 
 ^ credulous fool, canst thou imagine luxury is obser- 
 vant ^offt^igion?, no, no ; it is with a frequent 
 j let(Yhera?^^TIsuar to forswear as to swear ; their 
 [piety is in making idolatry a worship : their hearts 
 an'cTTheir Tongues are as different as thou, thou 
 whore ! and a virgin. 
 
 ./?//. You are too violent ; his truth will prove 
 His constancy, and so excuse my fault. 
 
 Nib. Shameless woman ! this belief will damn 
 thee. How will thy lady marquess justly reprove 
 
 k 
 
 de 
 
 me, for preferring to her service a monster of so 
 lewd and impudent a life ! look to't ; if thy smooth 
 devil leave thee to thine infamy, I will never pity 
 thy mortal pangs, never lodge thee under my roof, 
 never own thee for my child ; jaercy. be my wit- \ 
 ness ! 
 
 Enter Petruchio leading Colona; 
 
 Pet. Hide not thy folly by unwise excuse. 
 Thou art undone, Colona ; no entreaties. 
 No warning, no persuasion, could put off 
 The habit of thy dotage on that man 
 Of much deceit, Ferentes. Would thine eyes 
 Had seen me in my grave, ere I had known 
 The stain of this thine honour ! 
 
 Col. Good, my lord. 
 Reclaim your incredulity ; my fault 
 Proceeds frpm lawful composition 
 Of wedlock, hfe hath seal'd his oath to mine, *^ 
 To be my husband. 
 
 Nib. Husband ? hey-day ! is't even so ? nay, 
 then, we have partners in aflliction ; if my jolly \ 
 gallant's long clapper have struck on both sides, 
 all is well. Petruchio, thou art not wise enough 
 to be a parator ; come hither, man, come hither ; 
 speak softly, is thy daughter with child } 
 
 Pet. With child, Nibrassa ? 
 
 Nib. Fob ! do not trick me off ; I overheard 
 
m 
 
 LOVE'S SACRIFICE. 
 
 your gabbling. Hark in thine ear, so is mine 
 too. 
 
 Pei. Alas, my lord, by whom ? 
 
 Nib. Innocent ! by whom ? what an idle ques- 
 tion is that ? One cock hath trod both our hens. 
 Ferentes, Ferentes, who else ! how dost take it ? 
 methinks thou art wondrous patient ; why, I am 
 mad, stark mad. 
 
 Pet. How like you this, Colona? 'tis too true : 
 Did not this man protest to be your husband ? 
 
 Col. Ah me I to me he did. 
 
 Nib. What else, what else, Petruchio ! and, 
 madam, my quondam daughter, I hope he has past 
 some huge words of matrimony to you too. 
 
 Jul. Alas ! to me he did. 
 I Nib. And how many more, the great Incubus of 
 {hell knows best. Petruchio, give me your hand ; 
 mine own daughter in this arm, and yours, Colona, 
 in this : — there, there, sit ye down together. 
 Never rise, as you hope to inherit our blessings, 
 till you have plotted some brave_revenge ; think 
 upon it to purpose, and you shall wanrtrcr seconds 
 to further it ; be secret one to another. Come, 
 Petruchio, let 'em alone ; the wenches will demur 
 on't, and, for the process, we'll give 'em courage. 
 
 Pei. You counsel wisely, I approve your plot ; 
 Think on your shames, and who it was that wrought 
 'em. 
 
 Nib. Aye, aye, aye, leave them alone : to work, 
 wenches, to work ! lExeunt Nib. a7id Vet. 
 
 Col. We are quite ruin'd. 
 
 Jul. True, Colona. 
 Betray'd to infamy, deceived, and mock'd, 
 By an unconstant villain : what shall's do.' 
 I am with child. 
 
 Col. Hey-ho ! and so am I ; 
 But what shall's do now ? 
 
 Jul. This : with cunning words 
 First prove his love ; he knows I am with child. 
 
 Col. And so he knows I am ; I told him on't 
 Last meeting in the lobby, and, in troth, 
 The false deceiver laugh 'd. 
 
 Jul. Now, by tlie, stars, 
 He did the hke to me, and said, 'twas well 
 1 was so happily sped. 
 
 Col. Those very words 
 He used to me, it fretted me to th' heart; 
 I'll be revenged. 
 
 Jul. Peace ! here's a noise, methinks. 
 Let's rise ; we'll take a time to talk of this. 
 
 {.They walk aside. 
 
 Enter Ferentes and Morona. 
 
 Per. Will you hold ? death of my delights, have 
 you lost all sense of shame ? You were best roar 
 about the court, that I have been your woman's- 
 barber, and trimm'd you, kind Morona. 
 
 Mor. Defiance to thy kindness ! thou hast 
 robb'd me of my good name ; did'st promise to 
 love none but me, me, only me : swor'st, like an 
 unconscionable villain, to marry me the twelfth 
 day of the month, two months since ; did'sfmake 
 myired thine own, fmnieTibuse thine own, mine 
 all and every thing, thine own : I will exclaim to 
 the world on thee, and beg jus tice of the duke him- 
 self, villain 1 I will. 
 
 Per. You again ! nay, an if you be in that mood, 
 shut up your fore-shop, I'll be your journeyman 
 no longer. Why, wise madam Dry-fist, could your 
 niouldy brain be so addle, to imagine I would marry 
 
 .^^t::^^' 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 there not varieties enough oT thirteen I come, stop 
 your clap-dish, or I'll purchase a carting for you. 
 By this light, I have toiled more with this tough 
 carrion hen, than with ten quails scarce grown intp 
 
 their first feathers. ^ - :r--, -' 
 
 Mor. O treason to ali^ honesty or. religion !— 
 Speak, thou perjured, damnabl^v^ngracious defiler 
 of women, who shall father my child which thou 
 hast begotten ? 
 
 Per. Why, thee, country-woman ; thou'st a 
 larger purse to pay for the nursing. Nay, if you'll 
 needs have the world know how you, reputed a 
 grave, matron-like, motherly-madam, kick'd up 
 your heels like a jennet whose mark is new come 
 into her mouth, e'en do, do ! the worst can be said 
 of me is, that T was ill-advised to dig for gold in a 
 coal-pit. Are you answer 'd ? 
 
 Mor. Answer'd? 
 
 Jul. Let's fall amongst 'em. — [Comes forward 
 with Col.] — Love — howis't, chick? ha? 
 
 Col. My dear Ferentes, my betrothed lord. 
 
 Fer. Excellent ! oh, for three Barbary stone- 
 horses to top three Flanders mares ! — [Aside.'] — 
 Why, how now, wenches ! what means this ? 
 
 Mor. Out upon me ! here's more of his trulls. 
 
 Jul. Love, you must go with me. 
 
 Col. Good love, let's walk. 
 
 Per, I must rid my hands of them, or they'll 
 ride on my shoulders. — By your leave, ladies ; 
 here's none but is of common counsel one with 
 another ; in short there are three of ye with child, 
 you tell me, by me ; all of you I cannot satisfy, 
 nor, indeed, handsomely any of you. You all hope 
 I should marry you ; which, for that it is impossi- 
 ble to be done, I am content to have neither of 
 you : for your looking big on the matter, keep your 
 own counsels, I'll not bewray ye ; but for marriage, 
 — heaven bless you, and me from you 1 this is my 
 resolution. 
 
 Col. How, not me! 
 
 Jul. Not me ! 
 
 Mor. Not me ' p- 
 
 Per. Nor you, Vior you, nor you ; and to give 
 you some satisfaction, I'll yield you reasons. You, 
 Colona, had a pretty art in your dalliance, but 
 your fault was, you were too suddenly won ; you, 
 madam Morona, could have pleased well enough 
 some three or four-and-thirty years ago, but you 
 are too old : you, Julia, were young enough ; but 
 your fault is, you have a scurvy face. Now, every 1 
 one knowing her proper defect, thank me that I / 
 ever vouchsafed you the honour of my bed once in__ J 
 your lives. If you want clouts, all I'll promise, is 
 to rip up an old shirt or two ; so, wishing a speedy 
 deliverance to all your burdens, I commend you to 
 your patience. lExit. 
 
 Mor. Excellent 1 
 
 Jul. Notable ! 
 
 Col. Unmatch'd villain ! [stand 
 
 Jul. Madam, though strangers, yet we under-. 
 Your wrongs do equal ours ; which to revenge , I 
 Please but to join with us, and we'll redeem / 
 Our loss of honour by a brave exploit. / 
 
 Mor. I embrace yoanirottonrkdtes, with glad- 
 ness, and will strive by any action to rank with 
 you in any danger. 
 
 Col. Come, gentlewomen, let's together then. 
 Thrice happy maids that never trusted men 1 
 
 [_ExcunL 
 
 \^ 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 LOVE'S SACRIFICE. 
 
 87 
 
 r> 
 
 SCEME U.—The State-room in the Palace, 
 
 Enter Duke, Bfanca, supported hy Fernando, FionjroNDA, 
 Pktkuchio, Nibuassa, Ferentes, an^ D'Avolos. 
 
 Duke. Roseilli will not come then ! will not ? 
 well ; 
 His pride shall ruin hira. — Our letters speak 
 The duchess' uncle will be here to-morrow ; 
 To-morrow, D'Avolos. 
 
 D'Av. To-morrow night, my lord, but not to 
 
 ^make more than one day's abode here ; fp r his hojj .- 
 
 ■ ness has commanded him to be at Romelhe tenlth 
 
 ^jyj^sFthis month, the conclave of cardinals not being 
 
 resolved to sit till his coming. 
 
 Duke. Your uncle, sweetheart, at his next return. 
 Must be saluted cardina l. Ferentes, 
 Be it your charge to thmk on some device 
 To entertain the present with delight. 
 
 Fern. My lord, in honour to the court of Pavy, 
 I'll join with you. Ferentes, not long since, 
 I saw in Brussels, at my being there, 
 The duke of Brabant welcome the archbishop 
 Of Mentz with rare conceit, even on a sudden 
 Perform'd by knights and ladies of his court, 
 In nature of a^p , ant j jck ; which methought, 
 (For that I ne'er before saw women-anticks) 
 Was for the newness._,g^ia.Qge>^ and much com- 
 mended. 
 
 Bian. Now good, my lord Fernando, further 
 In any wise ; it cannot but content. [this 
 
 Fior. If she entreat, 'tis ten to one the man 
 Is won beforehand. \_Aside. 
 
 Duke. Friend, thou honour'st me ; 
 But can it be so speedily perform'd? 
 
 Fern. I'll undertake it, if the ladies please. 
 To exercise in person only that : 
 And we must have a fool, or such a one 
 As can with art well act him. 
 
 Fior. I shall fit ye ; 
 I have a natural. 
 
 Fern. Best of all, madam ; 
 Then, nothing wants : you must make one, 
 lerentes. 
 
 Fer. With my best service a^fij-dexterity, 
 My lord. 
 
 Pet. [Aside to Nib.] This falls out happily, 
 Nibrassa. 
 
 N'ib. We could not wish it better r^; 
 i, Ijf.avpn is an iinbrihed. justjce. __/ 
 
 Duke. We'll meet our uncle in a solemn grace 
 Of zealous presence, as becomes the church : 
 See all the choir be ready, D'Avolos. 
 
 D'Av. I have already mae^e your highness' plea- 
 sure known to them. 
 
 Bian. Your lip, my lord ! 
 
 Fern. Madam. 
 
 Bian. Perhaps your teeth have bled ; wipe it 
 with my handkerchief: give me, I'll do't myself — 
 speak, shall I steal a kiss ? believe me, my lord, 
 I long. lApart to Fern. 
 
 Fern. Not for the world. 
 
 Fior. Apparent impudence ! 
 ) D'Av. Beshrew my heart, but that's not so 
 good. 
 
 Duke. Ha, what's that thou mislikest, D'Avolos? 
 
 D'Av. Nothing, my lord ; — but I was hammer- 
 ing a conceit of mine own, which cannot, I find, 
 in so short a time thr ive, as a day's practice. 
 
 Fior. WelTput ofiT^ecrefery. ^ ' '^Aslde. 
 
 Duke. We are too sad ; methinks, the life of 
 mirth 
 Should stUPBe^fed where we are ; where's Mau- 
 ruccio ? "" ' "'"" ~''^' " 
 
 Fer. An't please your higtiness, he's of late 
 grown so affectionately inward with my lady mar- 
 quess's fool, that I presume he is confident there 
 are few wise men worthy of his society, who are 
 not as innocently harmless as that creature. It is 
 almost impossible to separate them, aod 'tis a 
 question which of the two is the wiser man. 
 
 Duke. 'Would he were here I I have a kind of 
 dulness 
 Hfrngs o n me . si g^fejaiyJiiinltiag^that I feel, 
 As 'twere, a disposition to be sick ; 
 My head is ever adjing., 
 
 D' /¥ur"A"sKre\vd ominous token ; I like not that 
 neither. 
 
 Duke. Again ! what is't you like not ? 
 
 D'Av. I beseech your highness excuse me; I 
 am so bvisy with this frivolous project, and can 
 bring it to no shape, that it almost confounds my 
 capacity. 
 
 Bian. My lord, you were best to try to set a 
 I and your friend, tQj^^^&^M&S.the time^ [maw ; 
 Will undertake your highness and your sister. 
 
 Duke. The game's too tedious. 
 
 Fior. 'Tis a peevish play, 
 Your knave will heave the queen out, or your king ; 
 Besides, 'tis all oa fortune. 
 
 Enter Mauruccio with Roskilli, and Giacopo. 
 
 Maur. Bless thee, most excellent Duke ; I here 
 present thee as worthy and learned a gentleman, 
 as ever I (and yet I have lived threescore years) 
 convers'd with. Take it from me, I have tried 
 him, and [he] is worthy to be privy-counsellor to 
 the greatest ' YurV in P.hrisfpnflnm • of a most ap- 
 parent and deep understanding, slow of speech, 
 but speaks to the purpose. Come forward, sir, 
 and appear before his highness in your own proper 
 elements. 
 
 Ros. Will — tye — to da new toate sure la now. 
 
 Gia. A very senseless gentleman, and, please 
 your highness, one that has a great deal of little 
 wit, as they say. 
 
 Maur. Oh, sir, had you heard him as I did, 
 deliver whole histories in the Tangay tongue, you 
 would swear there were not such a linguist breath'd 
 again ; and did I but perfectly understand his lan- 
 guage, I would be confident, in less than two hours, 
 to distinguish the meaning of bird, beast, or fish, 
 naturally, as I myself speak Italian, my lord. — 
 Well, he has rare qualities. 
 
 Duke. Now, prithee, question him, Mauruccio. 
 
 Maur. I will, my lord. 
 
 Tell me, rare scholar, which, in thy opinion, 
 Doth cause the strongest breath— garlic or 
 onion ? 
 
 Gia. Answer him, brother fool ; do, do, speak 
 thy mind, chuck, do. 
 
 Ros. Have bid seen all da fine knack, and de, e, 
 naghtye tat-tle of da kna-ve dad la have so. 
 
 Duke. We understand him not. 
 
 Maur. Admirable, I protest, duke ; mark, oh 
 duke, mark ! What did I ask him, Giacopo ; 
 
 Gia. What caused the strongest breath, garlic 
 or onions, I take it, sir. 
 
 Maur. Right, rjght. by Helicon ! and his answer 
 is, that a knave has a stronger breath than any of 
 
88 
 
 LOVE'S SACRIFICE. 
 
 ACT ni. 
 
 them : wisdom (or I am an ass) in the highest ; a 
 direct figure ; put it down, Giacopo- 
 
 Duke. How happy is that idiot, whose ambition 
 Is but to eat, and sleep, and shun the rod ! 
 Men that have more of wit, and use it ill, 
 Are fools in proof. 
 
 Bian. True, my lord, there's many 
 Who think themselves most wise, that are most 
 fools. 
 
 D'Av. Bitter girds, if all were knovm ; — but — 
 
 Duke. But what ? speak out ; plague on your 
 muttering, grumbling ! 
 I hear you, sir, what is't ? 
 
 D'Av. Nothing, I protest, to your highness, 
 pertinent to anjjaaoiasjlt. 
 
 Duke. Well, sir, remember. — Friend, you pro- 
 mised study. 
 I am not well in temper ; come, Bianca : 
 Attend our friend, Ferentes. 
 
 \_Exeunt all but Fern. Ros. Fer. and Maur. 
 
 Fern. Ferentes, take Mauruccio in with you. 
 He must be one in action. 
 
 Fer. Come, my lord, 
 I shall entreat your help. 
 
 Fern. I'll stay the fool, 
 And follow instantly. 
 
 Maur. Yes, pray, my lord. 
 
 \_Exeunt Fer. and Maur. 
 
 Fern. How thrives your hopes now, cousin ? 
 
 Ros. Are we safe ? 
 Then let me cast myself beneath thy foot, 
 True, virtuous lord. Know then, sir, her proud 
 Is only fix'd on you in such extremes [heart 
 
 Of violence and passion, that I fear, 
 Or she'll enjoy you, or she'll ruin you. 
 
 Fern. Me, coz } by all the joys I wish to taste, 
 She is as far beneath ray thought, as I 
 In soul above her malice. 
 
 Ros. I observ'd 
 Even now, a kind of dangerous pretence, 
 In an unjointed phrase from D'Avolos. 
 I know not her intent ; but this I know, 
 He has a working brain, is minister 
 To all my lady's counsels ; and, my lord, 
 Pray heaven there have not anything befallen 
 Within the knowledge of his subtle art, 
 To do you mischief ! 
 v^ Fern. Pish ! should he or hell 
 Affront me in the passage of my fate, 
 I'd crush them into atomies. 
 
 Ros. I do admit you could ; meantime, my lord, 
 Be nearest to yourself ; what I can learn, 
 You shall be soon inform'd of : here is all 
 We fools can catch the wise in ; to unknot, 
 By privilege of coxcombs, what they plot. 
 
 [Exemit. 
 
 Yes, sir, I did ; such broken language argues 
 More matter than your subtlety shall hide ; 
 Tell me, what is't? by honoxir's self, I'll know. 
 
 D'Av. What wouid'you know, my lord? I 
 confess I owe my life and service to you, as to my 
 prince ; the one you have, the other you may take 
 from me at your pleasure. Should I devise matter 
 to feed your distrust, or suggest likelihoods with- 
 out appearance?— what would you have me say? 
 I know nothing. 
 ^ Duke. Thou liest, dissembler ; on thy brow I read 
 Distracted horrors figured in thy looks. 
 On thy allegiance, D'Avolos, as e'er 
 Thou hop'st to live in grace with us, unfold 
 What by the party-halting of thy speech 
 Thy knowledge can discover. By the faith 
 We bear to sacred justice, we protest. 
 Be it or good or evil, thy reward 
 Shall be our special tiianks, and love unterm'd : 
 Speak, on thy duty ; we, thy prince, command. 
 
 D'Av. Oh my disaster ! my lord, I am so 
 charmed by those powerful repetitions of love and 
 "ttty, that I cannot conceal what I know of your 
 
 SCENE III. — Another Room in the same. 
 Enter Duke and D'Avolos. 
 
 Duke. Thou art a traitor : do not think the gloss 
 Of smooth evasion, by your cunning jests. 
 And coinage of your poHtician's brain. 
 Shall jig me off; I'll know't, I vow I will. 
 Did not I note your dark abrupted ends 
 Of words half spoke ? your ** wells, if all were 
 
 known ?" 
 Your short, " I like not that?" your girds and 
 "buts?" 
 
 Duke. "Dishonour ! " then ray soul is cleft with 
 I half p rgsage jny m isery ; say on, [fear ; 
 
 Speak it at once, for I am great with grief. 
 
 D'Av. I trust your highness will pardon me ; 
 yet I will not deliver a syllable which shall be less 
 innocent than truth iwelf. 
 
 Duke. By all our wish of joys, we pardon thee. 
 
 D'Av. Get from me, cowardly servility ! my 
 service is noble, and my loyalty an armour of 
 brass : in short, my lord, and plain discovery, you 
 are a cuckold. 
 
 Duke. Keep in the word, — a cuckold ? 
 
 D'Av. Fernando is your rival, has stolen your 
 duchess's heart, murther'd friendship ; horns your 
 head, and laughs at your horns. 
 
 Duke. My heart is split. 
 
 D'Av. Take courage, be a prince in resolution : 
 I knew it would nettle you in the fire of youi 
 composition, and was loth to have given the first 
 report of this more than ridiculous blemish to all 
 patience or mor'eri'ition ; bnt, oh my lord, what 
 would not a subject do to approve his loyalty to 
 his sovereign ? Yet, good sir, take it as quietly 
 as you can ; I must needs say 'tis a foul fault, but 
 what man is he under the sun, that is free from 
 the career of his destiny ? May be she will in 
 time reclaim the errors of her youth ; or 'twere~a' 
 great "happiness in you, if you could not believe it ; 
 that's the surest way, my lord, in my poor counsel. 
 
 Duke, The icy current of my blood 
 Is kindled up in agonies as hot 
 As flames of burning sulphur. Oh my fate ! 
 A cuckold ? had my dukedom's whole inheritance 
 Been rent, mine honours levell'd in the dust. 
 So she, that wicked woman, might have slept 
 Chaste in my bosom, 't had been all a sport. — 
 And he, that villain, viper to my heart. 
 That he should be the man ! death above utter. 
 Take heed you prove this true. [ance ! — 
 
 D'Av. My lord. 
 
 Duke. If not, 
 I'll tear thee joint by joint— Phew ! methinks 
 It should not be: — Bianca ! why, I took her 
 From lower than a bondage ; — hell of hells ! 
 See that you make it good. 
 
 D'Av. As for that, 'would it were as good as 1 
 
SCENE IV. 
 
 LOVES SACRIFICE. 
 
 89 
 
 would make it ! I can, if you will temper your 
 distractions, out bring you where you shall see it ; 
 no more. 
 
 Duke. See it ? 
 
 D'Av. Aye, see it, if that be proof sufficient. 
 ], for my part, will slack no service that may tes- 
 tify my simplicity. 
 
 Enter Fernando. 
 
 Duke. Enough. — What news, Fernando ? 
 
 Fern. Sir, the abbot 
 Is now upon arrival : all your servants 
 Attend your presence. 
 
 Duke. We will give him welcome -^ 
 
 As shall befit our love and his respect ; 
 Come, mine own best Fernando, my dear friend. 
 
 lExit with Fern. 
 
 D^Av. Excellent ! now for a horned moon. 
 
 [MTcriz'within, 
 But I hear the preparation for the entertainment 
 of this great abbot. Let him come and go, that 
 matters nothing to this ; whilst he rides abroad in 
 '^hope to purchase a purple hat, our duke shall as 
 earnestly heat the pericranium of his noddle with 
 a y ellow hood at home. I hear them coming. 
 
 LOUD MUSIC. 
 
 Enter Servanth tviih Torches: then the Duke, followed by 
 Fernando, Bianca, Fiormonda, Petruchio, and 
 NiBRAssA, at one door-, two Friars, the Abbot, and 
 Attendants, at the other. The Duke and Abbot meet 
 and salute; BiANCAand the rest salute, and are saluted ; 
 they rank themselves, and pass over the Stage ; the Choir 
 singing. 
 
 D'Av. On to your victuals ; some of you, I 
 know. 
 Feed upon wormwood. [_Exit. 
 
 SCENE IV. — Another Apartment in the same. 
 Enter Petruchio and Nibrassa with Napki)is. 
 
 Pet. The duke's on rising ; are you ready ? ho 1 
 
 ( Within.) All ready. 
 
 Nib. Then, Petruchio, arm thyself with courage 
 and resolution ; and do not shrink from being 
 stayed on thy own virtue. 
 
 Pet. I am resolved : — fresh lights ! I hear 'em 
 coming. 
 
 Enter Attendants with Lights, before the Duke, Abbot, 
 Bianca, Fiormonda, Fernando, arid D'Avolos. 
 
 Duke. Right reverend uncle, though our minds 
 be scanted 
 In giving welcome as our hearts would wish, 
 Yet we will strive to show how much we joy 
 Your presence, with a courtly shew of mirth. 
 Please you to sit ? 
 
 Abbot Great duke, your worthy honours 
 To me, shall still have place in my best thanks : 
 Since you in me so much respect the church, 
 Thus much I'll promise ; at my next return, 
 II is Holiness shall grant [you] an indulgence 
 Both large and general. 
 
 Duke. Our humble duty. 
 Seat you, my lords ; now let the masquers enter. 
 
 Enter, in an antick fashion, Fekentes, Roseilli, and 
 Mauruccto, at several doors ; thry dance a short time. 
 Suddenly enter to them Colona, Julia, and Morona, in 
 Odd shapes, and dance ; the men gaze at them, areata 
 
 ; stand, and are invited by the women to dance. They 
 dance together sundry changes ; at last they close Fbr- 
 ENTEs in, — Mauruccio and Roseilli being shook off,and 
 standing a t several ends of the Stage gazing. The women 
 ^ hold hands and dance about Ferentes in divers com- 
 plimental offers of courtship ; at length they suddenly \ 
 fall upon him and slab him; he falls, and they run out 
 at several doors. The Music ceases. 
 Fer. Uncase me ; I am slain in jest. A pox 
 
 upon your outlandish feminine anticks ! pull off 
 
 my visor ; I shall bleed to death ere I have time. 
 
 to feel where I am hurt. Duke, I am slain : o^ 
 
 with my visor, for heaven's sake, off with my visor! 
 Duke. Slain ? take his visor off : — (they unmask 
 him) — we are betray 'd ; 
 
 Seize on them ! two are yonder : hold Ferentes ; 
 
 Follow the rest : apparent treachery ! 
 
 Abbot. Holy St. Bennet, what a sight is this ! 
 
 Re-enter Julia, Colona, and Morona, unmasked, each 
 with a Child in her arms. 
 
 Jul. Be not amaz'd, great princes, but vouchsafe 
 Your audience ; we are they have done this deeij^. 
 Look here, the pledges of this false man's lust, 
 Betray'd in our simplicities : he swore. 
 And pawn'd his truth, to marry each of us ; i 
 Abused us all ; junable to revenge 
 Our public shames, but by h is public iia llr— 
 Which thus we have contrived : nor do we blush 
 To call the glory of this murther ours ; 
 We did it, and we'll justify the deed, 
 For when in sad complaints we claim 'd his vow s,, 
 His answer was reproach ; villain, is't true? 
 
 Col. I was too quickly won, you slave. 
 
 Mar. I was too old, you dog. 
 
 Jul. I (and I never shall forget the wrong) ^ 
 I was not fair enough ; not fair enough 
 For thee, thou monster ! let me cut his gall. 
 Not /air enough ! oh scorn ! not /«ir enough ! 
 
 [_Stabs him. 
 
 Fer. O, O, oh !— 
 
 Duke. Forbear, you monstrous women ! do not 
 add 
 Murther to lust ; your lives shall pay this forfeit. 
 
 Fer. Pox upon all cod-piece extravagancy ! I 
 am pepper'd — oh, oh, oh ! — Duke, forgive me ! 
 Had I rid any tamf> b^^^^^^ ""^ R^jrhary wild colts, 
 I had not thus been jerk'd out of the^saddle. My 
 foiieitj!m&-m my bloodi-aadlny life hathans wer d 
 it. Vengeanc_e on,all wild whore;?, I say !— oh 'tis 
 ^e — farewell, generation ofliacknies,^— oh ! 
 
 Duke. He is dead. \.,^ \^^f_^ 
 
 To prison with those monstrous strumpd^^ 
 
 Pet. Stay, 
 I'll answer for my daughter. 
 
 Nib. And I for mine. 
 Oh well done, girls ! 
 
 Fern. I for yon gentlewoman, sir. 
 
 Maur. Good my lord, I am an innocent in the 
 business. 
 
 Duke. To prison with him ! Bear the body hence. 
 i Abbot. Here's fatal sad presages ; but 't|s Just^ 
 iHe dies by murther that hath lived in lust.i 
 
 \,Bxtunt. 
 
 ^ 
 
 Ip 
 
 > 
 
 J 
 
GO 
 
 LOVE'S SACRIFICE. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I. — ^In Apartment in the Palace. 
 Enter Dckb, Fiormonda, and D'Avolos. 
 
 Fior. Art thou CarafFa ? is there in thy veins 
 One drop of blood that issued from the loins 
 Of Pavy's ancient dukes ? or dost thou sit 
 On great Lorenzo's seat, our glorious father. 
 And canst not blush to be so far beneath 
 The sp rit of heroic ancestors ? 
 Canst thou ingross a slavish shame, which men, 
 Far, far below the region of thy state. 
 Not more abhor, than study to revenge ? 
 vThou an Italian I I could burst with rage, 
 To think I have a brother so befool'd. 
 In giving patience to a harlot's lust. 
 
 D^At;. One, my lord, that doth so palpably, so 
 apparently make her adulteries a trophy, whiles 
 the poting-stick to her unsatiate and more than 
 goatish abomination jeers at, and flouts your sleep- 
 ish, and more than sleepish security, 
 
 Fior. What is she, but the sallow-colour'd brat 
 Of some unlanded bankrupt, taught to catch 
 The easy fancy of young prodigal bloods, 
 ^'In springes of her stew-instructed art ? — 
 Here's your most virtuous duchess ! your rare 
 piece ! 
 
 D^Av. More base in the infiniteness of her sen- 
 suality than corruption can infect : — to clip and 
 inveigle your friend too ! oh unsufferable ! — a 
 friend ! how of all men are you most unfortunate: 
 — to pour out your soul into the bosom of such a 
 creature, as holds it religion to make your own 
 trust a key to open the passage to your own wife's 
 womb, to be drunk in the privacies of your bed ! 
 — think upon that, sir. 
 
 Duke. Be gentle in your tortures, e'en for 
 pity; 
 For pity's cause, I beg it. 
 
 Fior. Be a prince ! 
 Thou hadst better, duke, thou hadst, been born a 
 
 peasant. 
 Now boys will sing thy scandal in the streets. 
 Tune ballads to thy infamy, get money 
 By making pageants of thee, and invent 
 Some strangely-shaped man-beast, that may for 
 Resemble thee, and call it Pavy's duke. [horns 
 
 Duke. Endless immortal plague ! 
 
 D'Av. There's the mischief, sir : in the mean- 
 time you shall be sure to have a bastard (of whom 
 you did not so much as beget a little toe, a left ear, 
 or half the farther side of an upper lip) inherit 
 both your throne and name ; this would kill the 
 soul of very patience itself. 
 
 Duke. Forbear ; the ashy paleness of my cheek 
 Is scarleted in ruddy flakes of wra^h ; 
 And like some bearded meteor'^iall suck up, 
 "With swiftest terror, all those dusky mists 
 ,<That overcloud compassion in our breast. 
 \ou have rous'd a sleeping lion, whom no art, 
 No fawning smoothness shall reclaim ; but blood . 
 And sister thou, thou Roderico, thou, 
 From whom I take the surfeit of my bane, 
 Henceforth no more so eagerly pursue. 
 To whet my dulness ; you shall see Caraffa 
 Equal his birth, and matchless in revenge. 
 
 Fior. Why, now I hear you speak in majesty. 
 
 D'Av. And it becomes my lord most princely. 
 
 Dutce, Does it? come hither, sister*, thou art 
 near ■ 
 In nature, and as near to me in love. 
 1 love thee, yes, by yon bright firmament, 
 I love thee dearly ; but observe me well : 
 If any private grudge, or female spleen, 
 Malice or envy, or such woman's frailty, 
 Have spurr'd thee on to set my soul on fire. 
 Without apparent certainty ; 1 vow. 
 And vow again, by all [our] princely blood, 
 Hadst thou a double soul, or were the lives 
 Of fathers, mothers, children, or the hearts 
 Of all our tribes in thine, I would unrip 
 That womb of bloody mischief with these nails. 
 Where such a cursed plot as this was hatch' d. 
 But, D'Avolos, for thee — no more ; to work 
 A yet more strong impression in my brain, 
 You must produce an instance to mine eve , 
 Both present and apparent — nay, you shall — or — 
 
 Fior. Or what ? you will be mad ? be rather 
 wise ; 
 Think on Ferentes first, and think by whom 
 Tjie harmless youth was^lauj;htgr'd ; had he livM, 
 He would have told you tales : Fernando fear'd it i*^ 
 And to prevent him, under shew, forsooth. 
 Of rare device, most trimly cut him off. 
 Have you yet eyes, duke ? 
 
 Duke. Shrewdly urged, — 'tis piercing. 
 
 Fior. For looking on a sight shall split your 
 soul. 
 You shall not care ; I'll undertake myself 
 To do't some two days hence ; for need, to-night — 
 But that you are in court. 
 
 D'Av. Right. Would you desire, my lord, tof 
 see them exchange kisses, sucking one another's 
 lips, nay, begetting an heir to the dukedom, oi 
 practising more than the very act of adultery itself? 
 Give but a little way by a feigned absence, and 
 you shall find 'em— 1 blush to speak doing what; 
 I am mad to think on't, you are most shamefully, 
 most sinfully, most scornfully cornuted. 
 
 Duke. D'ye play upon me ? as I am your prince. 
 There's some shall roar for this 1 Why, what 
 
 was I, 
 Both to be thought or made so vile a thing ? 
 Stay — madam marquess : — ho, Roderico, you, sir, 
 Bear witness that if ever I neglect 
 One day, one hour, one minute, to wear out 
 With toil of plot, or practice of conceit. 
 My busy skull, till I have found a death 
 More horrid than the bull of Phalaris, 
 Or all the fabling poets' dreaming whips ; 
 If ever I take rest, or force a smile 
 Which is not borrowed from a royal vengeance, 
 Before I know which way to satisfy . 
 Fury and wrong, — nay, kneel down^[ Thet/kneel.} 
 \ let me die 
 
 'More wretched than despair, reproach, contempt. 
 Laughter, and poverty itself can make me ! 
 iLet's rise on all sides, friends; — \_They rise.] — 
 
 now all's agreed : 
 If the moon serve, some that are safe shall bleed. 
 
 Enter Fernando, Biavca, and Morona. 
 
 Bian. My lord the duke. 
 Duke. Bianca ! ha, how is't ? 
 How is't, Bianca ? what, Fernando ! come, 
 
SCENE r. 
 
 LOVE'S SACRIFICE. 
 
 91 
 
 Shall's shake hands, sirs ? — 'faith, this is kindly 
 
 done. 
 Here's three as one ; welcome, dear wife , sweet 
 f[ip-nfl ! " ~~ " 
 
 D^Av. 1 do not like this now ; it shews scurvily 
 to me. \_Aside to Fior. 
 
 Bian. My lord, we have a suit. Your friend and 
 I— 
 
 Duke, She puts my friend before, most kindly 
 still. lAside. 
 
 Bian. Mustjorn — 
 
 Duke. What, must ? 
 
 Bian. My lord ! j^ 
 
 Duke. Must join, you say — " 
 
 Bian. That you will please to set Mauruccio 
 At liberty ; this gentlewoman here, 
 Hath, by agreement made betwixt them two, 
 Obtain'd him for her husband : good, my lord. 
 Let me entreat ; I dare engage mine honour, ,/ 
 He's innocent in any wilful fault. 
 ^ Duke. Your honour, madam ! now beshrew you 
 T' engage your honouron so slight aground : [for't. 
 Honour's a precious jewel, I can tell you : 
 Nay 'tis, Bianca ; go to. — D'Avolos, 
 Bring us Mauruccio hither. 
 
 D'Av. I shall, my lord. — lExit. 
 
 Mor. I humbly thank your grace. 
 ^ Fern. And, royal sir, since Julia and Colona, 
 Chief actors in Ferentes' tragic end. 
 Were, through their ladies' mediation, 
 Erfifid-bjL your gracious jiardon : I, in pity, 
 Tender'd this widoTw^Ti iendless misery ; 
 For whose reprieve I shall, in humblest duty, 
 Be ever thankful. 
 
 Re-enter D'Avolos with Mauruccio in rags, and Giacopo 
 weeping. 
 
 Maur. Come you my learned counsel, do not 
 If I must hang, why then lament therefore ; [roar ; 
 You may rejoice, and both, no doubt, be great 
 To serve your prince, when I am turn'd worms* 
 I fear my lands, and all I have, is begg'd. [meat. 
 Else, woe is me, why should I be so ragg'd ? 
 
 D'Av. Come on, sir, the duke stays for you. 
 
 Maur. O how my stomach doth begin to puke, 
 When I do hear that only word, the duke ! 
 
 Duke. You, sir, look on that woman ; are you 
 If we remit your body from the jail, [pleased 
 
 To take her for your wife ? 
 
 Maur. On that condition, prince, with all my 
 heart. 
 
 Mor. Yes, I warrant your grace, he is content. 
 
 Duke. Why, foolish man, hast thou so soon 
 The public shame of her abused womb, [forgot 
 Her being mother to a bastard's birth ? 
 Or cans't thou but imagine she will be 
 True to thy bed, who to herself was false.'' 
 
 Gia. [To Maur.] Phew, sir, do not stand upon 
 that ; that's a matter of nothing, you know. 
 
 Maur. Nay, an't shall please your jjood grace, 
 and it come to that, I care not ; as good men as I 
 have lain in foul sheets, I am sure ; the linen has 
 not been much the worse for the wearing a little : 
 I will have her with all my heart. 
 
 Duke. And shalt. Fernando, thou shalt have 
 the grace 
 To join their hands ; put them together, friend. , 
 
 Bian. Yes, do, my lord; bring you the bride- 
 
 I'U give the bride myself. [groom hither, 
 
 D'Av. Here's argument to jealousy, as good as 
 
 drink to the dropsy ; she will share any disgrace 
 with him : I could not wish it better. [Aside. 
 
 Duke. Even so ; well, do it. 
 
 Ferri. Here, Mauruccio ; 
 Long live a happy couple 1 
 
 [lie and Bt as. join their handr. 
 
 Duke. 'Tis enough; ^ 
 Now know our pleasure henceforth : 'tis our will. 
 If ever thou, Mauruccio, or thy wife, 
 Be seen within a dozen miles o' th' court, 
 We will recall our mercy ; no entreat 
 Shall warrant thee a minute of thy life : 
 We'll have no servile slavery of lust 
 Shall breathe near us ; dispatch, and get ye hence. 
 Bianca, come with me. — Oh my cleft soul ! 
 
 [Exeunt Duke and BiAi*. 
 
 Maur. How's that ? must I come no more near 
 the court .-• 
 
 Gia. O pitiful ! not near the court, sir .' 
 
 D'Av. Not by a dozen miles, indeed, sir. Your 
 only course I can advise you, is to pass to Naples, 
 and set up a house of carnality; there are very fair 
 and frequent suburbs, and you need not fear the 
 contagion of any pestilent disease, for the worst is 
 very proper to the place. 
 
 Fern. 'Tis a strange sentence. 
 
 Fior. 'Tis, and sudden too. 
 And not without some mystery. 
 
 D'Av. Will you go, sir ? 
 
 Maur. Not near the court ! 
 
 Mor. What matter is it, sweet-heart; fearno- 
 thing, love, you shall have new change of apparel, 
 good diet, wholesome attendance ; and we will live 
 like pigeons, my lord. 
 
 Maur. Wilt thou forsake me, Giacopo ? 
 
 Gia. I forsake you ! no, not as long as I have a \j^ 
 whole ear on my head, come what will come. 
 
 Fior. Mauruccio, you did once proffer true love 
 To me, but since you are more thriftier sped. 
 For old affection's sake here take this gold ; 
 Spend it for my sake. 
 
 Fern. Madam, you do nobly ; 
 And that's for me, Mauruccio. 
 
 [Hiey give him money. 
 
 D^Av. Will you go, sir } 
 
 Maur. Yes, I will go, and humbly thank your 
 lordship and ladyship. Pavy, sweet Pavy, farewell ! 
 Come, wife, come, Giacopo ; 
 
 Now is the time that we away must lag, ' 
 
 And march in pomp with baggage and with bag. 
 O poor Mauruccio ! what hast thou misdone. 
 To end thy life when life was new begun .' 
 Adieu to all ; for lords and ladies see 
 My woeful plight, and squires of low degree ! 
 
 D'Av. Away, away, sirs — 
 
 [Exeunt all but FroR. and Fi»*t 
 
 Fior. My lord Fei'nando. 
 
 Fern. Madam. 
 
 Fior. Do you note 
 My brother's odd distractions ? You were wont 
 To bosom in his counsels ; I am sure 
 You know the ground of it. 
 
 Fern. Not 1, in troth. 
 
 Fior. Is't possible 1 What would you say, my *Y 
 If he, out of some melancholy spleen, [lord, 
 
 Edged on by some thank-picking parasite, 
 Should now prove jealous ? I mistrust it shrewdly. 
 
 Firn. What, madam ! jealous ? 
 
 Fior. Yes ; for but observe ; 
 A prince, whose eye is chooser to his heart. 
 
02 
 
 LOVE'S SACRIFICE. 
 
 Is seldom steady in the lists of love, 
 Unless the party he affects do match 
 His rank in equal portion, or in friends : 
 I never yet, out of report, or else 
 By warranted description, have observ'a 
 The nature of fantastic jealousy, 
 If not in him ; yet on my conscience now, 
 He has no cause. 
 
 y Fern. Cause, madam ! by this light, 
 I'll pledge my soul against a useless rush. 
 
 Fior. I never thought her less ; yet trust me. 
 No merit can be greater than your praise : [Sir, 
 Whereat I strangely wonder, how a man 
 Vow'd, as you told me, to a single life. 
 Should so much deify the saints, from whom 
 You have disclaim 'd devotion. 
 
 Fern. Madam, 'tis true ; 
 From them I have, but from their virtues never. 
 
 Fior. You are too wise, Fernando. To be plain. 
 You are in love : nay, shrink not, man, you are ; 
 Bianca is your aim : why do you blush ? 
 She is, I know she is. 
 
 Fern. My aim ? 
 
 Fior. Yes, yours ; 
 I hope I talk no news. Fernando, know 
 Thou runn'st to thy confusion, if, in time, 
 Thou dost not wisely shun that Circe's charm. 
 Unkindest man ! I have too long conceal'd 
 1j/ My hidden flames, when still in silent signs 
 I courted thee for love, without respect 
 To youth or state ; and yet thou art unkind ; 
 Fernando, leave that sorceress, if not 
 For love of me, for pity of thyself. 
 
 Fern. [ Walks aside.} Injurious woman, I defy 
 thy lust. 
 'Tis not your subtle sifting [that] shall creep 
 Into the secrets of a heart unsoil'd. — 
 You are my prince's sister, else your malice 
 Had rail'd itself to death ; but as for me, 
 Be record, all my fate ! I do detest 
 Your fury or affection — judge the rest. lExit. 
 
 Fior. What, gone ! well, go thy ways ; I see the 
 I humble my firm love, the more he shuns [more 
 I Both it and me. So plain ! then 'tis too late 
 I To hope ; change, peevish passion, to contempt : 
 \ Whatever rages in my blood I feel, 
 jFool, he shall know, I was not born to kneel. 
 
 SCENE II. — Another Room in the same. 
 Enter D'Avolos and Juma. 
 
 D'Av. Julia, mine own — speak softly. What, 
 hast thou learn'd out anything of this pale widgeon ? 
 speak soft ; what does she say } 
 
 Jul. Foh, more than all ; there's not an hour 
 shall pass, 
 But I shall have intelligence, she swears. 
 Whole nights — you know my mind ; I hope you'll 
 The gown you promised me. [give 
 
 Z)'^v. Honest Julia, peace; thim-ajdi-a- woman 
 worth a kingdom. Let me never be believed now, 
 but I think it will be my destiny to be thy husband 
 at last : what though thou have a child, — or per- 
 haps two ! 
 
 Jul. Never but one, I swear. 
 
 D'Av. Well, one ; is that such a matter ? I 
 like thee the better for't ; it shows thou hast a good 
 tenantable and fertile womb, worth twenty of your 
 
 barren, dry, bloodless devourers of youth : — but 
 come, I will talk with thee more privately ; the 
 duke has a journey in hand, and will not be long 
 absent : see, he is come already— let's pass away 
 easily. lExeunt. 
 
 Enter Duke and Bianca. 
 
 Duke. Troubled ? yes, I have cause. — O Bianca ! 
 Here was my fate engraven in thy brow. 
 This smooth, fair, polish'd table ! in thy cheeks 
 Nature summ'd up thy dower: 'twas not wealth. 
 The miser's god, or royalty of blood, 
 ' Advanced thee to my bed ; but love, and hope 
 Of virtue, that might equal those sweet looks : 
 If then thou should'st betray my trust, thy faith, 
 To the pollution of a base desire, 
 Thou wert a wretched woman. 
 
 Bian. Speaks your love, 
 Or fear, my lord ? 
 
 Duke. Both, both ; Bianca, know. 
 The nightly languish of my dull unrest. 
 Hath stamp'd a strong opinion; for, methought — 
 Mark what I say— as I in glorious pomp 
 Was sitting on my throne, while I had hemm'd 
 My best belov'd Bianca in mine arms, 
 She reach'd my cap of state, and cast it down 
 Beneath her foot, and spurn'd it in the dust ; 
 While I — oh, 'twas a dream too full of fate ! — 
 Was stooping down to reach it, on mv head, 
 Fernando, like a traitor to his vows, 
 Clapt, in disgrace, a coronet of horns. 
 But by the honour of anointed kings. 
 Were both of you hid in a rock of fire, 
 Guarded by ministers of flaming hell, 
 I have a sword — ('tis here) — should make ray 
 
 way 
 Through fire, through darkness, death, [and hell] 
 
 and all. 
 To hew your lust-engender' d flesh to shreds. 
 Pound you to mortar, cut your throats, and mince 
 Your flesh to mites ; I will, — start not — I will. 
 
 Bian. Mercy protect me, will you murder me } 
 
 Duke. Yes. — Oh ! I cry thee mercy. — How the 
 rage ~^~ 
 
 Of my own dream 'd of wrongs, made me forget 
 All sense of sufFeranceT^'BIame me not, Bianca ; 
 One such another dream would quite distract 
 Reason and self-humanity : yet tell me, 
 Was't not an ominous vision ? 
 
 Bian. 'Twas, my lord, 
 Yet but a vision ; for did such a guilt 
 Hang on mine honour, 'twere no blame in you, 
 If you did stab me to the heart. 
 
 Duke. The heart .P 
 Nay, strumpet, to the soul ; and tear it off 
 From life, to damn it in immortal death. 
 
 Bian. Alas ! what do you mean, sir ? 
 
 Duke. X^ ISSl^'T" 
 Forgive me, good Bianca ; still, methinks 
 I drearn, and. dixamanew : now, prithee chide me 
 Sickness, and these divisions, so distract i -TI. 
 My senses, that I take things possible <j' (a^-^^^*^ 
 As if they were ; which to remove, I mean 
 To speed me straight to Lucca, where, perhaps, 
 Absence and bathing in those healthful springs 
 May soon recover me ; meantime, dear sweet. 
 Pity my troubled heart ; griefs are extreme : 
 Yet, sweet, when I am gone, think on my ^Eeanu.— 
 Who waits without, ho ! is provision ready, 
 To pass to Lucca \ 
 
SOKNE 1. 
 
 LOVE'S SACRIFICE. 
 
 93 
 
 Enter Petruchio, Nibhassa, Fiormonda, D'Avolos, 
 RosEiLLi, and Fkrnando. 
 
 Pet. It attends your highness. 
 
 Duke . Frien d, hold; take here from me this 
 
 jewel^ this: IGiveshimUiAHCA. 
 
 Be she your care till my return from Lucca, 
 
 H onest Fernando. — Wife, respect my friend. 
 
 Let's go ; but Trear you, wife, th ink on my dre am. 
 
 iExeunt all but Ros. and Fet. 
 
 PeL Cousin, one word with you ; doth not this 
 cloud 
 Acquaint you with strange novelties ? The duke 
 Is lately much distemper'd ; what he meaUS" 
 By journeying now to Lucca, is to me 
 A riddle ; can you clear my douht ? 
 
 Kos. Oh, sir, 
 My fears exceed my knowledge, yet I note 
 No less than you infer ; all is not well. 
 Would 'twere ! whoever thrive, I shall be sure 
 Never to rise to my unhoped desires : 
 But, cousin, I shall tell you more anon ; 
 Meantime, pray send my lord Fernando to me, 
 I covet much to speak with him. 
 
 Enter Fernando. 
 
 PeL And see. 
 He comes himself; I'll leave you both together. 
 
 lExit. 
 
 Fern. The duke is hors'd for Lucca : how now. 
 How prosper you in love ? [coz, 
 
 Ros. As still I hoped. — 
 My lord, you are undone. 
 
 Fern. Undone ! in what ? 
 
 Jios. Lost ; and I fear your life is bought and 
 sold ; 
 I'll tell you how : late in my lady's chamber, 
 As I by chance lay slumbering on the mats, 
 In comes the lady marquess, and with her, 
 Julia and D'Avolos ; where sitting down, 
 
 Not doubting me, " Madam," quoth D'Avol is, 
 ** We have discover'd now the nest of shame." — 
 In short, my lord, (for you already know 
 As much as they reported,) there was told 
 The circumstance of all your private love. 
 And meetings with the duchess ; when, at last, 
 False D'Avolos concluded with an oath, 
 " We'll make," quoth he, '* his heart- strings crack 
 for this." 
 
 Fern. Speaking of me ? 
 
 Ros. Of you ; ** aye," quoth the marquess, 
 ** Were not the duke a baby, he would seek 
 Swift vengeance ; for he knew it long ago." 
 
 Fern. Let him know it ; yet I vow 
 She is as loyal in her plighted faith, 
 As is the sun in heaven : but put case 
 She were not, and the duke did know she were not ; ^ 
 This sword hft up, and guided by this arm, 
 Shall guard her from an armed troop of fiends. 
 And all the earth beside. 
 
 Ros. You are too safe 
 In your destruction. 
 
 Fern. Damn him ! — he shall feel 
 
 But peace, who comes ? 
 
 Enter Colona. 
 
 Col. My lord, the duchess craves a word with 
 
 Ferii. Where is she ? [you. 
 
 Col. In her chamber. 
 
 Ros. Here, have a plum for e'ee — 
 
 Col. Come, fool, I'll give thee plums enow ; 
 come, fool. 
 
 Fern. Let slaves in mind be servile to their tl 
 fears, — | 
 
 Our heart is high instarr'd in brighter spheres.^ \ 
 ^Exeunt Fern, andf^oh. 
 
 Ros. Lseejiim Jost already^ 
 If all prevail not, we shall know too late. 
 No toil can shun the violence of fate. lExit. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I. 
 
 The Palace. — The Duchess's Bed- 
 chamber. 
 
 BiANCA in her Night Attire, leaning on a Cushion at a 
 Table, holding Fernando bt/ the hand. — Enter above 
 
 FlORMONDA. 
 
 ^ Fior. Now fly, revengte, and wound the lower 
 That I inspherea xcbtjve, may cross the race [earth, 
 ^ Of love despised, and triumph o'er their graves, 
 V'' jr Who scorn the low-bent thraldom of my heart I 
 ^/'i~- Bian. Why should'st thou not be mine? why 
 T The iron laws of ceremony, bar [should the laws, 
 ^ I Mutual embraces ? what's a vow ? a vow .' 
 ' y^ ^ Can thqre be sin in unity } could I 
 
 As ^ell dispense with conscience, as renounce 
 TljiC outside of my titles, the poor style 
 Of duchess, I had rather change my life 
 With any waiting-woman in the land. 
 To purchase one night's rest with thee, Fernando, 
 Than be CarafFa's spouse a thousand years. 
 ^ X. Fior. Treason to wedlock ! this would make 
 you sweat. 
 Fern. Lady, of all * * ■*■• as before, 
 * * * what I am, * * * 
 
 To survive you, or I will see you first 
 
 Or widowed or buried : if the last. 
 
 By all the comfort I can wish to taste, 
 
 By your fair eyes, that sepulchre that holds 
 
 Your coffin, shall incoffin me alive ; 
 
 I sign it with this seal. IKlsscs her. 
 
 Fior. Ignoble strumpet ! 
 
 Bian. You shall not swear ; take off t'nat oath 
 again, 
 Or thus I will enforce it. ^Kisses him. 
 
 Fern. Use that force, 
 And make me perjured ; for whilst your lips 
 Are made the book, it is a sport to swear. 
 And glory to forswear. 
 
 Fior. Here's fast and loose ! 
 Which, for a ducat, now the game's on foot? 
 
 '' Whilst they are kissing, the Diki; and D'Avolos, tcith 
 their swords drawn, appear at the door. 
 
 Col. IWiihin.'l Help, help! madam, you are 
 betrayed, madam ; help, help ! 
 
 D'Av. Is there confidence in credit, now, sir? 
 belief in your own eyes ? do you see ? do you sec, 
 sir ? can you behold it without lightning ? 
 
 Col. [JVilhin.] Help, madam, help ! 
 
 Fern. What noise is that ? I heard one cry. 
 

 
 04 
 
 LOVE'S SACRIFICE. 
 
 Di/ke. [Comes forward.] Ha! did you? 
 Know you w ho I am ? 
 
 Fern. Yes ; thou art Pavy's duke, 
 Drest like a hangman : see, I am unarm'd, 
 Yet do not fear thee ; though the covvard doubt 
 Of what I could have done hath made thee steal 
 The advantage of this time, yet, duke, I dare 
 Thy worst, for murder sits upon thy cheeks : 
 To't, man. 
 
 Buke. I am too angry in my rage. 
 To scourge thee unprovided ; [Enter Petruchio 
 and Ni BRASS A wilh a guard] take him 
 hence : 
 Away with him. [.Thep seize Ferw. 
 
 Ferri. Unhand me ! 
 
 D'Av. You must go, sir. 
 
 Fern. Duke, do not shame thy manhood to lay 
 On that most innocent lady. [hands 
 
 Duke. Yet again ! 
 Confine him to his chamber. 
 
 lExeunt D'Av. and the guard with Fkrn. 
 Leave us all ; 
 None stay, not one ; shut up the doors. 
 
 lExeunt Pbt. and Nib. 
 
 Fior. Now show thyself my brother, brave 
 CarafFa. 
 
 Duke. Woman, stand forth before me ; — wretch- 
 What canst thou hope for ? [ed whore, 
 
 Bian. Death ; I wish no less. 
 You told me you had dreamt ; and, gentle duke, 
 Unless you be mistook, you are now awaked. 
 
 Duke. Strumpet, I am ; and in my hand hold up 
 The edge that must uncut thy twist of life : 
 Dost thou not shake ? 
 
 JBian. For what ? to see a weak. 
 Faint, trembling arm advance a leaden blade ? 
 Alas, good man ! put up, put up ; thine eyes 
 Are likelier much to weep, than arms to strike ; 
 What would you do now, pray? 
 
 Duke. "What? shameless harlot ! 
 Rip up the cradle of thy cursed womb, 
 In which the mixture of that traitor's lust 
 Imposthumes for a birth of bastardy. 
 Yet come, and if thou think'st thou canst deserve 
 One mite of mercy, ere the boundless spleen 
 VOf just-consuming wrath o'erswell my reason, 
 Tell me, bad woman, tell me what could move 
 Thy heart to crave variety of youth. 
 
 JBian. I ['11] tell you, if you needs would be re- 
 I held Fernando much the properer man. [solv'd; 
 
 Duke. Shameless, intolerable whore ! 
 *^ Bian. What ails you ? 
 
 Can you imagine, sir, the name of duke 
 Could make a crooked leg, a scambling foot, 
 A tolerable face, a wearish hand, 
 A bloodless lip, or such an untrimm'd beard 
 As your's, fit for a lady's pleasure ? no ; 
 1 wonder you could think 'twei-e possible, 
 When I had once but look'd on your Fernando, 
 1 ever could love you again ; fie, fie ! 
 Now, by my life, I thought that long ago 
 You'd known it ; and been glad you had a friend 
 Your wife did think so well of. 
 
 Duke. O my stars ! 
 Here's impudence above all history. 
 Wliy, thou detested reprobate in virtue, 
 Dar'st thou, without a blush, before mine eyes, 
 Speak such immodest language ? 
 
 Bian. Dare ? yes, 'faith, 
 You see I dare : I know what you would say now ; 
 
 M" 
 
 You would fain tell me how exceeding much 
 
 I am beholding to you, that vouchsafed 
 
 Me, from a simple gentlewoman's place, 
 
 The honour of your bed : 'tis true, you did ; 
 
 But why ? 'twas but because you thought I had 
 
 A spark of beauty more than you had seen. 
 
 To answer this, my reason is the like ; 
 
 The self-same appetite which led you on / 
 
 To marry me, led me to love your friend :/ 
 
 O, he's a gallant man ! if ever yet 
 
 Mine eyes beheld a miracle, composed 
 
 Of flesh and blood, Fernando has my voice. 
 
 I must confess, my lord, that, for a prince, 
 
 Handsome enough you are, [and — ] and no more ; 
 
 ~^ut to compare yourself with him ! trust me, 
 You are too much in fault. Shall I advise you ? 
 Hark, in your ear ; thank heaven he was so slow, 
 
 iAs not to wrong your sheets ; for as 1 live, 
 The fault was his, not mine. 
 Fior. Take this, take all. 
 
 Duke. Excellent, excellent ! the pangs of death 
 Are music to this. — 
 
 Forgive me, my good Genius, I had thought 
 I match'd a woman, but I find she is 
 A devil, worser than the worst in hell. 
 Nay, nay, since we are in, e'en come, say on ; 
 I mark you to a syllable : you say. 
 The fault was his, not your's ; why, virtuous mis- 
 Can you imagine you have so much art [tress. 
 Which may persuade me, you and your close 
 Did not a little traffic in my right ! rmnrl<man 
 Bian. Look, what I said, 'tis true ; for, know it 
 now : 
 I must confess I miss'd no means, no time, 
 To win him to my bosom ; but so much, 
 So holily, with suchrgligion*,.^, . ^ 
 He kept the laws offtiendship, that my suit 
 Was held but, in comparison, a jest 
 Nor did I ofter urge the violence 
 
 <^ 
 
 Of my affection, but as oft he urged ^^' 'J-^\ff^ 
 The sacred vows of faith 'twixt friend and friend : 
 Yet be assured, my lord, if ever language 
 Of cunning servile flatteries, entreaties. 
 Or what in me is, could procure his love, 
 1 would not blush to speak it. 
 
 Duke. Such another 
 As thou art, miserable creature, would 
 Sink the whole sex of women : yet confess 
 What witchcraft used the wretch to charm the 
 
 heart 
 Of the once spotless temple of thy mind ? 
 For without witchcraft it could ne'er be done. 
 
 Bian. Phew ! — an you be in these tunes, sir, 
 I'll leave [you] ; 
 You know the best, and worst, and all. 
 
 Duke. Nay, then 
 Thou tempt'st me to thy ruin. Come, black angelj 
 Fair devil, in thy prayers reckon up 
 The sum in gross of all thy veined follies ; 
 There, amongst other, weep in tears of blood, 
 For one above the rest, adultery ! 
 Adultery, Bianca ! such a guilt, 
 As, were the sluices of thine eyes let up. 
 Tears cannot wash it off : 'tis not the tide 
 Of trivial wantonness from youth to youth, 
 But thy abusing of thy lawful bed, 
 Thy husband's bed ; his, in whose breast thou 
 
 sleep'st. 
 His, that did prize thee more than all the trasti 
 Which hoarding worldlings make an idol of. 
 
SC^NE II. 
 
 LOVE'S SACRIFICE. 
 
 1)6 
 
 When thou shalt find the catalogue enroll'd 
 Of thy misdeeds, there shall be writ in text. 
 Thy bastarding the issues of a prince. 
 Now turn thine eyes into thy hovering soul, 
 And do not hope for life ; would angels sing 
 A requiem at my hearse, but to dispense 
 With my revenge on thee, 'twere all in vain : 
 I'repare to die ! ' " 
 
 Biun. (opens her bosom.) I do : and to the 
 <• ,. ])oint 
 Of thy sharp sword, with open breast, I'll run 
 Half way thus naked ; do not shrink, Caraffa, 
 This daunts not me : but in the latter act -^ 
 O f thy revenge, 'tis all the suit I ask — ^ 
 
 At my last gasp, — to spare thy noble friend ; 
 For life to me, without him, were a death. 
 
 Duke. Not this, I'll none of this ; 'tis not so 
 fit — 
 Why should I kill her ? she may live and change, 
 Or [Throws down his siwrd. 
 
 Fior. (above.) Dost thou halt? faint coward, 
 dost thou wish 
 To blemish all thy glorious ancestors I 
 Is this thy courage ? 
 
 Duke. Ha ! say you so too ? 
 Give me thy hand, Bianca. 
 
 Bian. Here, 
 
 Duke. Farewell ; 
 Thus go in everlasting sleep to dwell ! 
 
 IDrau's his dagger and stabs her. 
 Here's blood for lust, and sacrifice for wrong. 
 
 Bian. 'Tis bravely done ; thou hast struck home 
 at once : 
 Live to repe nt too late. Commend my love 
 To thy true hiend, my love to him that owes it ; 
 My tragedy to thee ; my heart to — to — Fernando, 
 O— oh ! IBUis. 
 
 Duke. Sister, she's dead. (/'^■''*^''\i'»- 
 
 Fior. Then, while thy rage is warm,- V^' 
 Pursue the causer of her trespasses. 
 
 Duke. Good : 
 I'll slack no time whilst I am hot in blood. 
 
 ITakes tip his sword, and exit. 
 
 *^ Fior. Here's royal vengeance ! this becomes the 
 
 state \ ' 
 
 Of his disgrace, and my unbounded hate. lExit. 
 
 SCENE II. — An Apartment iyi the Palace. 
 Enter Fkrnando, Nibrassa, and Petruchio. 
 
 Pet. May we give credit to your words, my lord ? 
 Speak, on your honour. 
 
 Fern. Let tne die accurst. 
 If ever, through the progress of my life, 
 I did as much as reap the benefit 
 Of any favour from her save a kiss : 
 A better woman never blest the earth. 
 
 Nib. Beshrew my heart, young lord, but I be- 
 lieve thee : alas, kind lady, 'tis a lordship to a 
 dozen of points, but the jealous madman will in 
 his fury offer her some violence. 
 
 Pet. If it be thus, 'twere fit you rather kept 
 A guard about you for your own defence, 
 Than to be guarded for security 
 Of his revenge ; he is extremely moved. 
 
 Nib 'Passion of my body, my lord, if he come 
 in his odd fits to you, in the case you are, he 
 might c^-t your throat ere you could provide a 
 V eapon of defence : nay, rather than it shall be so, 
 
 hold, take my sword in your hand ; 'tis none of 
 the spructst, but 'tis a tough fox will not fail his 
 master, come what will come. Take it ; TU 
 answer't, I : in the mean time, Petruchio and I 
 will b-ick to the duchess' lodging. 
 
 \_Gives Fkrn. his sword. 
 
 Pet. Well thought on ; — and in despite of all 
 Rescue the virtuous lady. [his rage. 
 
 Nib. Look to yourself, my lord ! the duke 
 comes. 
 
 Enter the Duke, a sword in one hand, and a bloody dagger 
 in the other. 
 
 Duke. Stand, and behold thy executioner, ^ — - — 
 Thou glorious Jtraitof ! I will keep no form 
 OTceremonious law to try thy guilt : 
 Look here, 'tis written on my poniard's point, 
 The bloody evidence of thy untruth. 
 Wherein thy conscience, and the wrathful rod 
 Of heaven's scourge for lust, at once give up ^ 
 The verdict of thy crying villanies. 
 I see thou art arm'd ; prepare, I crave no odds, ^ 
 Greater than is the justice of my cause ; / 
 
 Fight, or I'll kill thee. 
 
 Fern. Duke, I fear thee not : ^ 
 
 But first I charge thee, as thou art a prince, 
 Tell me, how hast thou used thy duchess ? 
 
 Duke. How ? 
 To add affliction to thy trembling ghost. 
 Look on my dagger's crimson dye, and judge. 
 
 Fern. Not dead ? 
 
 Duke. Not dead ? yes, by my honour's truth : 
 why, fool, 
 Dost think I'll hug my injuries ? no, traitor ! 
 I'll mix your souls together in your deaths. 
 As you did both your bodies in her life. — 
 Have at thee I 
 
 Fern. Stay ; I yield my weapon up. 
 
 [//e drops his sword. 
 Here, here's my bosom ; as thou art a duke. 
 Dost honour goodness, if the chaste Bianoa 
 Be murther'd, murther me. 
 
 Duke. Faint-hearted coward, 
 Art thou so poor in spirit ! rise and fight ; 
 Or by the glories of my house and name, 
 I'll kill thee basely. 
 
 Fern. Do but hear me first : 
 Unfortunate Caraffa, thou hast butcher'd 
 An innoceat, a wife as free from lust 
 As any terms of art can deify. 
 
 Duke. Fish, this is stale dissimulation ; 
 I'll hear no more. 
 
 Fern. It ever I unshrined 
 The altar of her purity, or tasted 
 More of her love, than what, without controul 
 Or blame4_a.brother from a sis^r might, 
 Rack me to atomies. T must confess 
 I have too much abused thee ; did exceed 
 In lawless courtship ; 'tis too true, I did : "^ 
 But by the honour which I owe to goodness, 
 For any actual folly, I am free. 
 
 Duke. 'Tis false : as much, in death, for thee 
 she spake. 
 
 Fern. By yonder starry roof, 'tis true. O duke I 
 Couldst thou rear up another world like this. 
 Another like to that, and more, or more, j 
 
 Herein thou art most wretched ; all the wealth 
 Of all those worlds could not redeem the loss 
 I Of such a spotless wife. Glorious Bianca, 
 I Reign in the triumph of thy martyrdom, 
 l^ Earth was unworthy of thee I 
 
 
9G 
 
 LOVE'S SACRIFICE. 
 
 y Nib. Pet. Now, on our lives, we both believe 
 him. 
 
 Duke. Fernando, dar'st thou swear upon my 
 To justify thy words ? [sword, 
 
 Fern. 1 dare ; look here. IKisses the sword. 
 
 'Tis not the fear of death doth prompt my tongue, 
 For I would wish to die ; and thou shalt know, 
 Poor miserable duke, since she is dead, 
 I'll hold all life a hell. 
 
 Duke. Bianca chaste ? 
 
 Fern. As virtue's self is good. 
 
 Duke. Chaste, chaste, and kill'd by me ! to her 
 
 I offer up this remnant of my 
 
 [Offers to stab himself, and is stayedby Fern. 
 
 Fern. Hold! 
 Be gentler to thyself. 
 
 Pet. Alas, my lord, 
 Is this a wise man's carriage.^ 
 
 Duke. Whither now 
 Shall I run from the day, where never man, 
 Nor eye, nor eye of heaven may see a dog 
 So hateful as I am ? Bianca chaste ! 
 Had not the fury of some hellish rage 
 Blinded all reason's sight, I must have seen 
 Her clearness in her confidence to die. 
 Your leave — 
 
 IKneels, holds up his hands, and, after speaking to 
 himself a little, rises. 
 'Tis done : come, friend, now for her love, 
 Her love that prais'd thee in the pangs of death, 
 I'll hold thee dear ; lords, do not care for n.e, 
 I am too wise to die yet. — Oh, Bianca ! 
 
 Enter D'AvoLOS. 
 
 D^Av. The lord Abbot of Monaco, sir, is in his 
 return from Rome, lodged last night late in the 
 city very privately ; and hearing the report of your 
 journey, only intends to visit your duchess to- 
 morrow. 
 
 Duke. Slave, torture me no more ! Note him, my 
 If you would choose a devil in the shape [lords, 
 Of man, an arch-arch-devil, there stands one. — 
 
 We'll meet our uncle Order straight, Petruchio, 
 
 Our duchess may be coffin'd ; 'tis our will 
 She forthwith be interr'd with all the speed 
 And privacy you may, i' th' college church, 
 Amongst CarafFa's ancient monuments. 
 Some three days hence we'll keep her funeral. — 
 Damn'd villain 1 bloody villain ! — Oh, Bianca 1 
 No counsel from our cruel wills can win us, 
 But ills once done, we bear our guilt within us. 
 
 lExeunt all hxit D'Avolos. 
 
 D'Av. Good b'ye ! Arch-arch-devil ! why, I am 
 paid. Here's bounty for good service ! beshrew 
 my heart, it is a right princely reward. Now 
 must 1 say my prayers, that I have lived to so 
 ripe an age to have my head stricken off. I can- 
 not tell ; it may be my lady Fiormonda will stand 
 on my behalf to the duke : that's but a single 
 hope ; a disgraced courtier oftener finds enemies 
 to sink him when he's falling, than friends to re- 
 lieve him. I must resolve to stand to the hazard 
 of all brunts now. Come what may, I will not 
 die like a cow, and the world shall know it. lExit. 
 
 SCENE III. — Another Apartment in the same. 
 
 Filter FroRMONrjA, and IJoseilli discovering himself. 
 
 Jios. Wonder not, madam ; here behold the man 
 Vhom your disdain hath metamorphosed. 
 
 Thus long have 1 been clouded in this shape. 
 Led on by love ; and in that love, despair : 
 If not the sight of our distracted court^) 
 Nor pity of my bondage, can reclaim 
 The greatness of your scorn, yet let me know 
 My latest doom from you. 
 
 Fior. Strange miracle ! 
 Roseilli, 1 must honour thee ; thy truth, 
 Like a transparent mirror, represents 
 My reason with my errors. Noble lord, 
 That better dost deserve a better fate. 
 Forgive me ; if my heart can entertain 
 Another thought of love, it shall be thine. 
 
 Ros. Blessed, for ever blessed be the words ! 
 In death you have revived me. 
 
 Enter D'Avolos. 
 
 D'Av. Whom have we here ? Roseilli, the sup- 
 posed fool? 'tis he ; nay, then help me a brazen 
 face ! — My honourable lord. 
 
 Ros. Bear off, blood-thirsty man ! come__nat 
 near me. 
 
 D'Av. Madam, I trust the service — — 
 
 Fior. Fellow, learn to new live : the way to 
 thrift, 
 For thee, in grace, is a repentant shrift. 
 
 Ros. Ill has thy life been, worse will be thy end; 
 Men flesh'd in blood know seldom to amend. 
 
 Enter Servant 
 
 Ser. His highness commends his love to you, 
 and expects your presence ; he is ready to pass to 
 the church, only staying for my lord abbot to as- 
 sociate him. Withal, his pleasure is, that you, 
 D'Avolos, forbear to rank in this solemnity in tlie 
 place of secretary ; else to be there as a private 
 man. Pleaseth you to go ? lExcunt all butD'Av. 
 
 D'Av. As a private man ! what remedy ? This 
 way they must come, and here I will stand to fall 
 amongst 'em in the rear. 
 
 A solemn strain of soft Music. The Scene opens, and 
 discovers the Church, with a Tomb in the back ground. 
 
 Enter Attendants with Torches, after them Two Friars ; 
 then the Duke in mourning manner ; after him the 
 Abbot, Fiormonda, Colona, Julia, Roseilli, Pktru- 
 CHio, NiBKASSA, and a Guard.— T>' Avohos following. 
 When the Procession approaches the Tomb they all k)teel. 
 The Duke goes to the Tomb, and lays his hand on it. 
 The Music ceases. 
 
 Duke. Peace and sweet rest sleep here ! Let 
 not the touch 
 Of this my impious hand profane the shrine 
 Of fairest purity, which hovers yet '^'] ^;^ , 
 
 About theseialessed bones inhears'd within./ ,, 
 If in the bosom of this sacred tomb, ' 
 
 Bianca, thy disturbed ghost doth range. 
 Behold, I offer up the sacrifice 
 Of bleeding tears, shed from a faithful spring; 
 Pouring oblations of a mourning heart 
 To thee, offended spirit! I confess 
 1 am CarafFa, he, that wretched man. 
 That butcher, who, in my enraged spleen, 
 Slaughter'd the life of innocence and beauty. 
 Now come I to pay tribute to those wounds 
 Which I digg'd up, and reconcile the wrongs 
 My fury wrought ; and my contrition mourns. 
 So chaste, so dear a wife was never man. 
 But 1, enjoyed ; yet in the bloom and pride 
 Of all her years, untimely took her life. — 
 
J2^ 
 
 
 SCKNE III. 
 
 LOVE'S SACRIFICE. 
 
 Enough : set ope the tomb, that I may take 
 My last farewell, and bury griefs with her. 
 
 [Tlie Tomb is opened, out of which rises Fkrnanuo in 
 his windinri-sheet, and, as Carakfa is gointj in, 
 puts }dm back. h „. - 
 
 Fern. Forbear ! what art thou that obst rudely 
 Into the confines of forsaken graves ? [press 
 
 Hath death no privilege ? Com'st thou, CarafFa, 
 To practise yet a rape upon the dead ? 
 
 Inhuman tyrant ! 
 
 Whats'ever thou intendest, know this place 
 Is pointed out for my inheritance ; 
 Here lies the monument of all my hopes. 
 Had eager lust intrunk'd my conquer' d soulf^ 
 I had not buried living joys in death : 
 Go, revel in thy palace, and be proud 
 To boast thy famous murthers ; let thy smooth, 
 JiOw-fawning parasites renown thy act ; 
 Thou com'st not here. 
 
 Duke. Fernando, man of darkness, 
 Never till now, before these dreadful sights, 
 Did I abhor thy friendship ; thou hast rpbb'd ; 
 JMy resolution of a glorious name. - w./ ' "' 
 Come out, or by the thunder of my rage, 
 Thou diest a death more fearful than the scourge 
 Of death can whip thee with. 
 
 Fern. Of death ? poor duke ! 
 Why that's the aim I shoot at ; 'tis not threats 
 (Maugre thy power, or the spight of hell) 
 Shall rend that honour ; let life-hugging slaves, 
 "Whose hands imbrued in butcheries like thine, 
 Shake terror to their souls, be loath to die '. 
 See, I am cloath'd in robes that fit the grave : 
 1 pity thy defiance. 
 
 Duke. Guard — lay hands, 
 And drag him out. 
 
 Fern. Yes, let 'em, here's my shield ; 
 
 Here's health to victory ! 
 
 [He drinks off a phial of poison. 
 Now do thy worst. 
 
 Farewell, duke, once I have outstripp'd thy plots ; 
 Not all the cunning antidotes of art 
 Can warrant meJatfiJ^e-Harmutes of my life : 
 It works, it works already, bravely ! bravely ! — 
 Now, now I feel it tear each several joint. 
 
 royal poison ! trusty friend ! split, split ' 
 
 Both heart and gall asunder, excellent bane ! '" 
 
 Roseilli, love ui^_memorj>— Well search' d out, 
 Swift, nimble venom! ~torfure~gvery vein. — 
 
 1 come, Bianca — cruel torment, feast. 
 
 Feast on, do! — duke, farewell. Thus I — hot 
 
 flames ! — 
 Conclude my love, — and seal it in my bosom ! — 
 oh ! l-Dies. 
 
 Abhot. Most desperate end ! 
 
 Duke. None stir ; 
 Who steps a foot, steps to his utter ruin. 
 And art thou gone, Fernando ? art thou gone ? 
 Thou wert a friend unmatch'd ; rest in thy fame. 
 Sister, when I have finished my last days, 
 r.odge me, my wife, and this unequall'd friend, H 
 All in one monument. Now to my vows. 
 Never henceforth let any passionate tongue 
 Mention Bianca's and Caraffa's name, 
 But let each letter in that tragic sound 
 Beget a sigh, and every sigh a tear : 
 Children unborn, and widows, whose lean cheeks 
 A.re furrow'd up by age, shall weep whole nights, 
 Repeating but the story of our fates ; 
 
 Whilst in the period, closing up their tale, 
 They must conclude, how for Bianca's love, 
 CarafFa, in revenge of wrongs to her, 
 Thus on her altar sacrificed his life. iSlabs himself. 
 
 Abbot. Oh, hold the duke's hand ! 
 
 Fior. Save my brother, save him I 
 
 Duke. Do, do ; I was too willing to strike home 
 To be prevented. Fools, why, could jwijiieaHi 
 I would outlive my outrage ? sprightful flood. 
 Run out in rivers ! Oh, that these thick streams 
 Could gather head, and make a standing pool, 
 That jealous husbands here might bathe in blood ! 
 So, I grow sweetly empty ; all the pipes 
 Of life unvessel life ; — now, heavens, wipe out 
 The writing of my sin ! Bianca, thus 
 I creep to thee — to thee— to thee, Bi — an — ca. 
 
 IDies. 
 » lios He's dead already, madam. 
 
 D'Av. Above hope ? here's labour saved ; I 
 could bless the destinies. lAside. 
 
 Abbot. 'Would I had never seen it ! 
 
 Fior. Since 'tis thus, v^ 
 
 My lord Roseilli, in the true requital 
 Of your continued love, I here possess 
 You of the dukedom ; and with it, of me, 
 In presence of this holy abbot. 
 
 Abbot. Lady, then 
 From my hand take your husband ; long enjoy 
 
 IJoins their hands. 
 Each to each other's comfort and content I 
 
 All. Long live Roseilli 1 
 
 Ros. First, thanks to heaven, next, lady, to 
 your love ; 
 Lastly, my lords, to all : and that the entrance 
 Into this principality may give 
 Fair hopes of being worthy of our place. 
 Our first work shall be j ustice. — D 'Avolos, 
 Stand forth. ^ 
 
 D'Av. My graciouriordi 
 
 Ros. No, graceless villain ! 
 I am no lord of thine. Guard, take him hence. 
 Convey him to the prison's top ; in chains 
 Hang him alive ; whoever lends a bit 
 Of bread to feed him, dies : speak not against it, 
 I will be deaf to mercy. — Bear him hence ! 
 
 D'Av. Mercy, new duke ! here's my comfort, I 
 make but one in the number of the tragedy of 
 princes. IHe is led off. 
 
 Ros. Madam, a second charge is to perform 
 Y''our brother's testament ; we'll rear a tomb 
 To those unhappy lovers, which shall tell 
 Their fatal loves to all posterity — 
 Thus, then, for you ; henceforth I here dismiss 
 The mutual comforts of our marriage-bed : 
 Learn to new-live, my vows unmov'd shall stand} 
 And since your life hath been so much uneven, 
 Bethink, in time, to make your peace with heav&iu 
 
 Fior. Oh me ! is this your love ? 
 
 Ros. 'Tis your desert ; 
 Which no persuasion shall remove. 
 
 Abbot. 'Tis fit ; 
 Purge frailty with repentance. 
 
 Fior. I embrace it. 
 Happy too late, since lust hath made me foul. 
 Henceforth I'll dress my bride-bed in my soul, 
 
 Ros. Please you to walk, lord Abbot ? 
 
 Abbot. Yes, set on : 
 No age hath heard, no chronicle can say. 
 That ever here befel a sadder day. [Exeunt. 
 
PERKIN WARBECK. 
 
 TO THE 
 
 RIGHT HONOURABLE WILLIAM CAVENDISH, 
 
 EARL OP NEWCASTLE, VISCOUNT MANSFIELD, LORD BOLSOVER AND OGLE. 
 
 My Lord,— Out of the darlcness of a former age, (enlightened by a late both learned and an honourable pen,^ 1 
 fiave endeavoured to personate a great attempt, and in it, a greater danger. In other labours you may read actions of 
 antiquity discoursed ; in this abridgment, find the actors themselves discoursing ; in some kind practised as well what 
 to speak, as speaking why to do- Your lordship is a most competent judge, in expressions of such credit ; commissioned 
 by your known ability in examining, and enabled by your knowledge in determining, tlie monuments of Time. 
 Eminent titles may, indeed, inform ivho their owners are, not often what. To your's the addition of that information 
 in both, cannot in any application be observed flattery; the authority being established by trutli. I can only 
 acknowledge the errors in writing, mine own ; the worthiness of the subject written being a perfection in the story, 
 and of it. The custom of your lordship's entertainments (even to strangers) is rather an example than a fashion : in 
 which consideration I dare not profess a curiosity ; but am only studious that your lordship will please, amongst sucb 
 as best honour your goodness, to admit into your noble construction, Johv Ford 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONiE. 
 
 Henry VIL 
 
 Lord Dawbeney. 
 
 SrR William Stanley, Lord Chamberlain. 
 
 Earl ok Oxford. 
 
 Eakl ok Surrey. 
 
 Pox, Bishop of Durham. 
 
 Urswjck, Chaplaiix to the King. 
 
 Sir Robert Clifford. 
 
 Lambmrt Simnel. 
 
 Hulas, a Spanish Agent. 
 
 James IV., Kintj of Scotland. 
 Earl of Huntley. 
 Earl ok Crawford. 
 Lord Dalyell. 
 
 IMarchmont, a Herald. 
 
 Perkin Warbeck. 
 
 Stephen Frion, his Secretary. 
 
 John A-Water, Mayor of Cork. 
 
 Heron, a Mercer. 
 
 Sketon, a Tailor. 
 
 Astley, a Scrive7ier. 
 
 Lady Katherine Gordon. 
 
 Countess ok Crawford. 
 
 Jane Douglas, Lady Kathebine's Attendant, 
 
 Sheriff, Constables, Officers, Guards, Serving- 
 Men, Masquers, and Soldiers. 
 
 SCENE, — Partly in England, partly in Scotland. 
 
 PROLOGUE. 
 
 Studies have, of this nature, been of late, 
 So out of fashion, so unfoUowed, that 
 It is become more mstice, to revive 
 The antic follies oithe times, than strive 
 To countenance wise industry ; no want 
 Of art doth render wit, or lame, or scant, 
 Or slothful, in the purchase of fresh bays ; 
 Eiit want of truth in them, who give the praise 
 To their self-love, presuming to out-do 
 The writer, or (for need) the actors too. 
 But such the author's silence best befits, 
 Who bids them be in love with their own wits. 
 From him, to clearer judgments, we can say 
 " He shows a History, couch'd in a play : 
 
 A. history of noble mention, known, 
 
 Famous, and true ; most noble, 'cause our own • 
 
 Not forged from Italy, from France, from Spain, 
 
 But chronicled at home ; as rich in strain 
 
 Of brave attempts, as ever fertile rage, 
 
 In action, couhi beget to grace the stage. 
 
 We cannot limit scenes, for the whole laud 
 
 Itself appear'd too narrow to withstand 
 
 Competitors for kingdoms : nor is here 
 
 Unnecessary mirth forced, to endear 
 
 A multitude : on these^-two^ ovists the fate 
 
 Of worthy expectation, Truth and "State. 
 
SCENE I. 
 
 PERKIN WARBECK. 
 
 00 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I.— Westminster. The Royal 
 Presence- Chamber. 
 
 Enter King Henry nipportcd t o tJie Throne hy the Bishop 
 o/DuRHAiM and Sir William Stanley. Earl 0/ Oxford, 
 Earl <i/*3uKRKY, and Lord Dawbeney. — A Guard. 
 
 K. Hen. Still to be haunted, still to be pursued, 
 Still to be frighted with false apparitions -^ 
 Ot" pageantjnajesty, and new-coiald greatness, 
 As iTwevvere a mockery king in state, j^ 
 Only ordain'd to lavish sweat and blood, 
 In scorn and laughter, to the ghosts of Ypi'kV 
 Is all below our merits ; yet, my Iwri^," — 
 My friends and counsellors, yet we h\t fast | 
 In our own royal birth-right : the rent face-^ 
 And bleeding wounds of England's slaughter'd 
 
 people, - - 
 
 Have been by us, as by the. best physician, 
 At last both thoroughly cured, and set in safety ; 
 And yet, for all this glorious work of peace, 
 Ourself is scarce secure. 
 
 Dur. The rage of malice 
 Conjures fresh spirits with the spells of York. 
 For ninety years ten English kings and princes. 
 Threescore great dukes and earls, a thousand lords 
 And valiant knights, two hundred fifty thousand 
 Of English subjects have, in civil wars. 
 Been sacrificed to an uncivil thirst 
 Of discord and ambition : this hot ven geance * 
 Of the just Powers above, to utter ruin 
 And desolation, had reign'd on, but that 
 M^H'cy'did gently sheath the sword of justice?, 
 In lending to this blood-shrunk commonwealth 
 A new soul, new birth, in your sacred person. 
 
 Daw. Edward the Fourth, after a doubtful for- 
 Yielded to Jiature,' leaving to his sons, [tune, 
 
 Edward anft-Richard, the inheritance 
 Of a most bloody purchase ; these young princes, 
 Richard the tyrant, their,ainnatura:Kuncle, 
 Forced to a violent grave ;vj5.p4^st is Heaven ! 
 Him hath your majesty, by your'^bv^n arm 
 Divi nely strength en'd, pull'd from his Boar's sty, 
 And struck the Plack usurper to a carcase. 
 Nor doth the house of York decay in honours, 
 Though Lancaster doth repossess his right ; 
 For Edward's daughter is king Henry's queen : 
 A, blessed union, and a lasting blessing 
 FoV this poor panting island, if some shreds, 
 Some useless remnant of the house of York 
 Grudge not at this content. 
 
 Oxf. Margaret of Burgundy 
 Blows fresh coals of division. 
 
 Sur. Painted fires. 
 Without or heat to. scorch, or light to cherish. 
 
 Daw. York's headless trunk, her father ; Ed- 
 ward's fate. 
 Her brother, king ; the smothering of her nephews 
 By tyrant Gloster, brother to her nature. 
 Nor Gloster's own coufusiorij(all decrees _ 
 Sacred in h gjtyen) can move this^vomanT-monster, 
 But that slie still, from the unbottom'd mine 
 Of devilish policies, doth vent the ore V 
 
 Of troubles and sedition. . ^^ 
 
 Ooef. In her age, — --aI 
 
 Great sir, observe the wonder, — she grows fruitful! 
 Who, in her strength of youth, was always barren: 
 Nor are her births as other mothers' are, h 2 
 
 At nine or ten months' end ; she has been with 
 
 child 
 Ei^it, or seven years at least ; whose twins being 
 (A prodigy in nature,) even the youngest [born, 
 Is fifteen years of age at his first entrance. 
 As soon as known i' th' world, tall striplings, strong 
 And able to give battle unto kings ; 
 Idols of Yorkish mahce. 
 
 \Daw.'\ And but idols ; 
 A steely hammer crushes them to pieces. 
 
 K. Hen. Lambert, the eldest, lords, is in our 
 Preferr'd by an officious care of duty [service. 
 
 From the scullery to a falconer ; strange example ! 
 Which shews the difference between noble natures 
 And the base-born : but for the upstart duke, ^,^^ 
 The new-revived York, Edward's second son, ~^^ 
 Murder'd long since i' th' Tower; he lives again, I 
 And vows to be your king. 
 
 Stan. The throne is fiU'd, sir. 
 
 K. Hen. True, Stanley ; and the lawful heir sits 
 A guard of angels^ and the holy prayers [on it : 
 Of loyal subjects are a sure defence 
 Against all force and counsel of intrusion. — 
 But now, my lords, put case, some of our nobles, 
 Our Great Ones, should give countenance and 
 
 courage 
 To trim duke Perkin ; you will all confess 
 Our bounties have unthriftily been scatter'd 
 Amongst unthankful men. 
 
 Daw. Unthankful beasts, 
 Dogs, villains, traitors ! -, 
 
 K. Hen. Dawbeney, let the guilty ' 
 Keep silence ; I accuse no ne,J.hough I know 
 Foreign attempts against a state and kingdom 
 Are seldom without some great friends at home. 
 
 Slan. Sir, if no other abler reasons else 
 Of duty or allegiance could divert 
 A headstrong resolution, yet the dangers 
 So lately past by iuen of blood and fortunes 
 In Lambert Simnel's party, must command 
 More than a fear, a terror to conspiracy. 
 The high-born Lincoln, son to De la Pole, 
 The earl of Kildare, ([the] lord Geraldine,) 
 Francis lord Lovell, and the German hraou. 
 Bold Martin Swart, with Broughtonand the rest, 
 (Most spectacles of ruin, some of mercy) 
 Are precedents sufficient to forewarn 
 The present times, or any that live in them. 
 What folly, nay, what madness 'twere to lift 
 A finger up in all defence but your's. 
 Which can be but imppstorous in a title. 
 
 K. Hen. Stanley^ we^ know thou lov'st us, and 
 thy heart 
 Is figured on thy tongue ; nor think we less 
 Of any's here. — How closely we have hunted 
 This cub (since he unlodg'd) from hole to hole, 
 Your knowledge is our chronicle ; first Ireland, 
 The common stage of novelty, presented 
 This gewgaw to oppose us ; there the Geraldiues 
 And Butlers once again stood in support 
 Of this colossic statue : Charles of France 
 Thence call'd him into his protection. 
 Dissembled him the lawful heir of England ; 
 Yet this was all but French dissimulation, 
 Aiming at peace with us ; which, being granted 
 On honourable terms on our part, suddenly 
 This smoke of straw was pack'd from France again, 
 
KM) 
 
 PEIIKIN WARBECK. 
 
 "^ T' infect some grosser air : and now we learn 
 (Maugre the malice of the bastard Nevill, 
 Sir Taylor, and a hundred English rebels) 
 They're all retired to Flanders, to the dam 
 That nurs'd this eager whelp, Margaret of Bur- 
 gundy. 
 But we will hunt him there too ! we will hunt him. 
 Hunt him to death, even in the beldam's closet, 
 Though the archduke were his buckler I 
 
 Sur. She has styled him, 
 '* The fair white rose of England." 
 
 Daw. Jolly gentleman ! 
 More fit to be a swabber to the Flemish, 
 After a drunken surfeit. 
 
 Enter Urswick. 
 
 Urs. Gracious sovereign, 
 Please you peruse this paper. [The Kxa^reads. 
 
 Dur. The king's countenance 
 Gathers a sprightly blood. 
 
 Daw. Good news ; believe it. 
 
 K. Hen. Urswick, thine ear. — Thou hast lodged 
 
 Urs. Strongly safe, sir. [him ? 
 
 K. Hen. Erough, — is Barley come too ? 
 
 Urs. No, my lord. 
 
 K. Hen. No matter — phew ; he's but a running 
 weed, 
 At pleasure to be pluck'd up by the roots ; 
 But more of this anon. — I have bethought me. 
 My lords, for reasons which you shall partake. 
 It is our pleasure to remove our court 
 From Westminster to the Tower : we will lodge 
 This very night there; give, lord chamberlain, 
 A present order for it. 
 
 Stan. The Tower ! — [Aside.l — I shall, sir. 
 
 K. Hen. Come, my true, best, fast friends, these 
 clouds will vanish, 
 The sun will shine at full; the heavens are clearing. 
 IFlourish.— Exeunt. 
 
 Sj'. 
 
 r 
 
 SCENE II. — Edinburgh. — An Apartment in 
 Lord Huntley's House. 
 
 Enter Huntlky and Dalyell. 
 
 Hunt. You trifle time, sir. 
 
 Dal. Oh, my noble lord, 
 You construe my griefs to so hard a sense, 
 That where the text is argument of pity, 
 Matter of earnest love, your gloss corrupts it 
 With too much ill-placed mirth. 
 
 Hunt. " Much mirth," lord Dalyell 1 
 Not so, I vow. Observe me, sprightly gallant. 
 [ I know thou art a noble lad, a handsome, 
 Descended from an honourable ancestry. 
 Forward and active, dost resolve to wrestle, 
 And ruffle in the world by noble actions. 
 For a brave mention to posterity : 
 I scorn not thy affection to my daughter. 
 Not I, by good Saint^Andrew ; but this bugbear, 
 This whoreson tale of lionour, — honour, Dalyell ! — 
 So hourly chats and tattTes in rniiie «ar, 
 The piece of royalty that is stitch'd up 
 In my Kate's blood, that 'tis as dangerous 
 For thee, young lord, to perch so near an eaglet. 
 As foolish for my gravity to admit it : 
 . have spoke all at once. 
 
 Dal. Sir, with this truth. 
 You mix such wormwood, that you leave no hope 
 For my disordered palate e'er to relish 
 
 A wholesome taste again : alas ! I know, sir. 
 
 What an ujiei^ual-^tance lies between 
 
 Great Huntley's daughter's birth and Dalyell's 
 
 fortunes ; 
 She's the king's kinswoman, placed near the crown, 
 A princess of the blood, and I a subject. 
 
 Hunt. Right ; but a noble su bject ; put in that 
 too. 
 
 Dal. I could add more ; and in the rightest line, 
 Derive my pedigree from Adam Mure, 
 A Scottish 'Knight ; whose daughter was the mother 
 To him who first begot the race of Jameses, 
 That sway the sceptre to this very day. 
 But kindreds are not ours, when once the date 
 Of many years have swallow'd up the memory 
 Of their originals ; so pasture-fields, 
 Neighbouring too near the ocean, are supp'd up 
 And known no more : for stood I in my first 
 And native greatness, if my princely mistress 
 Vouchsafed me not her servant, 'twere as good 
 I were reduced to clownery, to nothing, 
 As to a throne of wonder. 
 
 Hunt. Now, by Saint Andrew, 
 A spark of metal ! he has a brave fire in him. 
 I would he had my daughter, so I knew 't not. ' 
 
 But 't must not be so, must not^[Aside] Well, 
 
 ^ young lord, .1 1 
 
 This will not do yet ; if the girl be headstrong," 
 And will not hearken to good counsel, steal her, 
 And run away with her ; dance galliards, do, 
 And frisk about the world to learn the languages : 
 *Twill be a thriving trade ; you may set up by't. 
 
 Dal. With pardon, noble Gordon, this disdain 
 Suits not your daughter's virtue, or my constancy 
 
 Hunt. You're angry — would he would beat me, 
 
 I deserve it. [Aside. 
 
 Dalyell, thy hand, we are friends : follow thy 
 
 courtship, 
 Take thine own time and speak; if thou prevaii'sl 
 With passion, more than I can with my counsel, I 
 She's thine ; nay, she is thine : 'tis a fair match v^^^ 
 Free and allow'd. I'll only use my tongue, \ ^ '*C. 
 Without a father's power; use thou thine: \ ^^J^ 
 Self do, self have — no more words ; win and weai 
 her. 
 
 Dal. You bless me ; I am now too poor in thanks 
 To pay the debt I owe you. 
 
 Hunt. Nay, thou'rt poor enough. — 
 I love his spirit infinitely. — Look ye. 
 She comes : to her now, to her, to her ! 
 
 Enter Katheuine and Jane. 
 
 Kath. The Ki-ng commands your presence, sir. 
 
 Hunt. The gallant — 
 This, this, this lord, this servant, Kate, of yours, 
 Desires to be your master. 
 
 Kath. I acknowledge him 
 A worthy friend of mine. 
 
 Dal. Your humblest creature. 
 
 Hunt. So, so ; the game's a-foot, I'm in cold 
 hunting, 
 The hare and hounds are parties. [Aside 
 
 Dal. Princely lady. 
 How most unworthy I_am_ta_employ 
 My services, in honour of your virtues,"^ 
 How hopeless my desires are to enjoy 
 Your fair opinion, and much more your love ; 
 Are only matters of despair, unless 
 Your goodness gives large warrants to my boldness, 
 My feeble- wing' d ambition. 
 
 \^^^lh 
 
PERKIN WARBFXK. 
 
 101 
 
 Hunt. This is scurvy. lAside. 
 
 Kath. My lord, I interrupt you not. 
 
 Hunt. Indeed ! 
 Now on my life she'll court him — [Aside"]. — Nay, 
 nay, on, sir. 
 
 Dal. Oft have I tuned the lesson of my sorrows 
 To sweeten discord, and enrich your pity. 
 But all in vain : here had my comforts sunk 
 And never ris'n again, to tell a story 
 Of the despairing lover, had not now, 
 Even now, the earl your father 
 
 Hunt. He means me sure. JJiside. 
 
 Dal. After some fit disputes of your condition, 
 Your highness and my lowness, given a licence 
 Which did not more embolden, than encourage 
 My faulting tongue. 
 
 Hunt. How, how? how's that ? embolden? 
 Encourage ? I encourage ye ! d'ye hear, sir ? 
 A subtle trick, a quaint one. — Will you hear, 
 
 man? 
 What did I say to you ? come, come, to th' point. 
 
 Kath. It shall not need, my lord. 
 
 Hunt. Then hear me, Kate ! — 
 Keep you on that hand of her ; I on this. — 
 Thou stand'st between a father and a suitor, 
 Both striving for an interest in thy heart : 
 He courts thee for affection^ I for duty ; - '-■■ ,.^., . 
 He as a servant pleadsTIBut Ijy the privilege v' rf.. 
 Of nature, though I might command, my care 
 Shall' only counsel what it shall not force. 
 Thou canst but make one choice; the ties of 
 
 marriage 
 Are tenures, not at will, but during life. 
 Consider whose thou art, and who ; a princess, 
 A princess of the royal blood of Scotland, 
 In the full spring of youth, and fresh in beauty. 
 The king that sits upon the throne is young. 
 And yet unmarried, forward in attempts i- ' ' 
 On any least occasion, to endanger 
 His person ; wherefore, Kate, as I am confident 
 Thou dar'st not wrong thy birth and education 
 By yielding to a common servile rage 
 Of female wantonness, so I am confident 
 Thou wilt proportion all thy thoughts to side 
 Thy equals, if not equal thy superiors. • 
 My lord of Dalyell, young in years, is old 
 I n honours , but nor eminent inlitles 
 [N]or in estate, that may support or add to 
 The expectation of thy fortunes. Settle 
 Thy will and reason by a strength of judgment, 
 For, in a word, I give thee freedom ; take it. 
 If equal fates have not ordain'd to pitch 
 Thy hopes above my height, let not thy passion 
 Lead thee to shrink mine honour in oblivion : 
 Thou art thine own ; 1 have'd^bne. 
 
 Dal. Oh ! You are all oracle. 
 The living stock and root of truth and wisdom. 
 
 Kath. My worthiest lord and father, the indul- 
 gence 
 Of your sweet composition, thus commands 
 The lowest of obedience ; you have granted 
 A liberty so large, that 1 want skill 
 To choose without direction of example : 
 From which I daily learn, by how much more 
 You take off from the roughness of a father, 
 By so much more I am engaged to tender 
 The duty of a daughter. For respects 
 Of birth, degrees of title, and advancement, 
 I nor admire nor slight them ; all my studies 
 Shall ever aim at this perfection only, 
 
 To live and die so^ that you njay not blush 
 In any course of rnine to own me yours. 
 
 Hunt. Kate, Kate, thou grow'st upon my heart, 
 like peace. 
 Creating every other hour a jubilee. 
 
 Kath. To you, my lord of Dalyell, I address 
 Some few remaining words : the general fame '"' 
 That speaks your merit, even in vulgar tongues, 
 Proclaims it clear ; but in the best, a precedent. 
 
 Hunt. Good wench, good girl, i' faith ! 
 
 Kath. For my part, trust me, 
 I value mine own worth at higher rate, — 
 'Cause you are pleas'd to prize it : if the stream 
 Of your protested service (as you term it) 
 Run in a constancy, more than a compliment, 
 It shall be my delight, that worthy love 
 Leads you to worthy actians ; and these guide you 
 Richly to wed an Jionourable name : 
 So every virtuous praise, in after ages. 
 Shall be your heir, and I, in your brave mention, 
 Be chronicled the mother of that issue, 
 That glorious issue. 
 
 Hunt. Oh, that I were young again ! 
 She'd make me court proud danger, and suck spirit 
 From reputation. 
 
 Kath. To the present motion. 
 Here's all that I dare answer : when a ripeness 
 Of more experjeucej and some use of tirne. 
 Resolves to treat the freedom of my youth 
 Upon exchange of troths, I shall desire 
 No surer credit of a match with virtue 
 Than such as lives in you ; mean time, my hopes 
 
 are 
 Preser[v]'d secure, in having you a friend. 
 
 Dal. You are a blessed lady, and instruct 
 Ambition not to soar a farther flight, ""^ 
 Than in the perfum'd air of your soft voice. — 
 My noble lord of Huntley, you have lent 
 A full extent of bounty to this parley ; 
 And for it shall command your humblest servant. 
 
 Hunt. Enough : we are still friends, and will 
 continue 
 
 A hearty love Oh, Kate ! thou art mine own. — 
 
 No more ; — my lord of Crawford. 
 
 Enter Crawford. 
 
 Craw. From the king 
 I come, my lord of Huntley, who in council 
 Requires your present aid. 
 
 Hunt. Some weighty business ? 
 
 Craw. A secretary from a duke of York, 
 The second son to the late English Edward, 
 Conceal'd, I know not where, these fourteen years. 
 Craves audience from our master ; and 'tis said 
 The duke himself is following to the court. 
 
 Hunt. Duke upon duke ! 'tis well, 'tis well ; 
 here's bustling 
 For majesty ; — my lord, I will along with you. 
 
 Craw. My service, noble lady. 
 
 Kath. Please you walk, sir ? 
 
 Dal. ** Times have their changes ; sorrow makea 
 men wise ; 
 The sun itself must set as well as rise ; " -^ 
 Then, why not I ? Fair madam, I wait on you. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
102 
 
 PERKIN WAIIBECK. 
 
 AOT 1. 
 
 I SCENE III. — London. An Apartment in the 
 j Tower. 
 
 I Enter the Bishop of Durham, Sir RonERT Clifford, 
 I and Urswick. — Lights. 
 
 Dur. You find, Sir Robert Clifford, how se- 
 I curely 
 
 i King Henry, our great master, doth commit 
 j His person to your loyalty ; you taste 
 
 His bounty and his mercy even in this ; 
 I That at a time of night so late, a place 
 I So private as his closet, he is pleas'd 
 I To admit you to his favour : do not falter 
 j In your discovery ; but as you covet 
 
 A liberal grace, and pardon for your follies. 
 So labour to deserve it, by laying open 
 All plots, all persons, that contrive against it. 
 Urs. Remember not the witchcrafts, or the 
 magic, 
 The charms and incantations, which the sorceress 
 Of Burgundy hath cast upon your reason : 
 Sir Robert, be your own friend now, discharge 
 Your conscience freely ; all of such as love you, 
 Stand sureties for your honesty and truth. 
 /Take heed you do not dally with the king, 
 He is wise as he is gentle. 
 
 CUf. I am miserable. 
 If Henry be not merciful. 
 Urs. The king comes. 
 
 Enter King Henr-s. 
 
 K. Hen. Clifford J 
 
 Clif. (Kneels.) Let my weak knees rot on the 
 earth. 
 If I appear as lep'rous in my treacheries, 
 Before your royal eyes, as to my own 
 I seem a monster, by my breach of truth. 
 
 K. Hen. Clifford, stand up; for instance of thy 
 safety, 
 I offer thee my hand. 
 
 Clif. A sovereign balm 
 For my bruis'd soul, I kiss it with a greediness. 
 
 iKisses tfie King's hand, and rises. 
 Sir, you are a just master, but I — 
 
 K. Hen. Tell me. 
 Is every circumstance thou hast set down 
 With thine ovfn hand, within this paper, true ? 
 Is it a sure intelligence of all 
 The progress of our enemies' intents, 
 Without corruption ? 
 i^ Clif. True, as I wish heaven ; 
 Or my infected honour white again. 
 
 K. Hen. We know all, Clifford, fully, since this 
 meteor. 
 This airy apparition first discradled 
 From Tournay into Portugal ; and thence 
 Advanced his fiery blaze for adoration 
 To th' superstitious Irish ; since the beard 
 Of this wild comet, conjured into France, 
 Sparkled in antick flames in Charles his court ; 
 But shrunk again from thence, and, hid in darkness, 
 Stole into Flanders * * * * * 
 ***** flourishing the rags 
 Of painted power on the shore of Kent, 
 Whence he was beaten back with shame and scorn. 
 Contempt, and slaughter of some naked outlaws : 
 But tell me, what new course now shapes duke 
 Perkin? 
 
 Clif. For Ireland, mighty Henry ; so instructed 
 By Stephen Frion, sometimes secretary 
 
 ' In the French tongue unto your sacred excellence, 
 But Pcrkin's tutor now. 
 
 K. Hen. A subtle villain 
 That Frion, Frion, — you, my lord of Durhaui, 
 Knew well the man. 
 
 Dur. French, both in heart and actions. ^ 
 
 K- Hen. Some Irish heads work in this mine of 
 Speak them. (.^ .-'' [treason ; 
 
 Clif. Not any of the best ; your fortune 
 Hath duU'd their spleens. Never had counterfeit 
 Such a confused rabble of lost bankrupts 
 For counsellors : first Heron, a broken mercer, 
 Then John a- Water, sometimes mayor of Cork, 
 Sketon a taylor, and a scrivener 
 Call'd Astley : and whate'er these list to treat of, 
 Perkin must hearken to ; but Frion, cunning 
 Above these dull capacities, still prompts him 
 To fly to Scotland, to young James the Fourth ; 
 And sue for aid to him : this is the latest 
 Of all their resolutions. 
 
 K. Hen. Still more Frion ! 
 Pestilent adder, he will hiss out poison, 
 As dangerous as infectious — we must match 'em. 
 Clifford, thou hast spoke home, we give thee life 
 But, Clifford, there are people of our own 
 Remain behind untold ; who are they, Clifford ? 
 Name those, and we are friends, and will to rest ; 
 ''Tis thy last task. 
 
 Clif. Oh, sir, here I must break 
 A most unlawful oath to keep a just one. 
 
 K. Hen. Well,' well, be brief, be brief. 
 
 Clif. The first in rank 
 Shall be John Ratcliffe, Lord Fitzwater, then s 
 
 ^' 
 
 Sir Simon Mountford, and Sir Thomas Thwaites,i 
 With William Dawbeney, Chessoner, Astwood, / 
 Worsley, the deaa-ijf Paul's, two other friars, ^ 
 And Robert Ratchffe. 
 
 K. Hen. Churchmen are turn'd devils. 
 These are the principal } 
 
 Clif. One more remains 
 Unnam'd, whom 1 could willingly forget. 
 
 K. Hen. Ha, Clifford ! one more ? 
 
 Clif. Great sir, do not hear him ; 
 For when Sir William Stanley, your lord eham- 
 Shall come into the list, as he is chief, [berlain, 
 I shall lose credit with you ; yet this, lord. 
 Last named, is first against you. y 
 
 K. Hen. Urswick, the light ! 
 View well my face, sirs, is there blood left in \i? 
 
 Dur. You alter strangely, sir. 
 
 K. Hen. Alter, lord bishop ! 
 Why, Clifford stabb'd me, or I dream'd he stabb'd 
 Sirrah, it is a custom with the guilty [me. 
 
 To think they set their own stains off, by laying 
 Aspersions on some nobler than themselves : 
 Lies wait on treasons, as I find it here. 
 Thy life again is forfeit ; I recal 
 My word of mercy, for I know thou dar'st 
 Repeat the name no more. 
 
 Clif. I dare, and once more, 
 Upon my knowledge, name Sir William Stanley, 
 Both in his counsel and his purse, the chief 
 Assistant to the feigned duke of York. 
 
 Dur. Most strange ! 
 
 Urs. Most wicked ! 
 
 K. Hen. Yet again, once more. 
 
 Clif Sir William Stanley is your secret enemy. 
 And, if time fit, will openly profess it. 
 
 K. Hen. Sir WilUam' Stanley ! Who ? Sir 
 William Stanley ! 
 
SCENE 
 
 PEIIKIN WARBECK. 
 
 103 
 
 My chamberlain, my counsellor, the love, — ^. 
 The pleasure of my court, my bosom friend, | 
 The charge, and the controulment of my person s 
 The keys and secrets of iny treasury ; 
 The all of all I am ! I am unhappy. 
 Misery of confidence, — let me turn traitor 
 To my own person, yield my sceptre up 
 To Edward's sister, and her bastard duke ! 
 
 Dur. You lose your constant temper. 
 
 K. Hen, Sir William Stanley ! 
 O do not blame me ; he, 'twas only he 
 Who, having rescued me in Bosworth field 
 From Richard's bloody sword, snatch'd ii^m his 
 
 head 
 The kingly crown, and placed it first on mine. 
 He never fail'd me ; what have I deserv'd 
 To lose this good man's heart, or he his own ? 
 
 Urs. The night doth waste, this passion ill be- 
 comes you ; 
 Provide against your danger. 
 
 K. Hen. Let it be so. 
 Urswick, command straight Stanley to his chamber. 
 
 'Tis well we are f th' Tower ; set a guard on him. 
 Clifford, to bed ; you must lodge here to-night; 
 We'll talk with you to-morrow. My sad soul 
 Divines strange troubles. 
 
 Daw. (within.) Ho ! the king, the king ! 
 I must have entrance. 
 
 K. Hen. Dawbeney's voice ; admit him. 
 What new combustions huddle next, to keep 
 Our eyes from rest ? — the news "i 
 
 Enter Davvbkney. 
 
 Daw. Ten thousand Cornish, 
 Grudging to pay your subsidies, have gather'd 
 A head ; led by a blacksmi'^h and a lawyer, 
 They make for London, and to them is join'd 
 Lord Audley : as they march, their number daily 
 Increases ; they are — 
 
 K. Hen. Rascals ! — talk no more ; 
 Such are not worthy of my thoughts to-night. 
 To bed — and if I cannot sleep, — I'll wake. — 
 When counsels fail, and there's in man no trust^^ 
 Even then, an arm from heaven fights for the just.| 
 
 ACT 11. 
 
 SCENE I. — Edinburgh. Tlie Presence- 
 Chamber in the Palace. 
 
 Enter above, tte Countess 0/ Crawford, Lady Kathebine, 
 Jan'e, and other Ladies. 
 
 Countess. Come, ladies, here's a solemn pre- 
 paration 
 For entertainment of this English prince ; 
 The king intends grace more than ordinary ; 
 'Twere pity now, if he should prove a counterfeit. 
 
 Kath. Bless the young man, our nation would 
 be laugh 'd at 
 For honest souls through Christendom ! my father 
 Hath a weak stomach to the business, madam, "7 
 But that the king must not be cross'd. "^ 
 
 Countess. He brings 
 A. goodly troop, they say, of gallants with him ; 
 But very modest people, for they strive not 
 To fame their names too much ; their godfathers 
 May be beholding to them, but their fathers. 
 Scarce owe them thanks : they are disguised 
 
 princes. 
 Brought up it seems to honest trades ; no matter. 
 They will break forth in season. 
 
 Jane. Or break out ; 
 For most of them are broken by report. — \_Mustc. 
 The king ! 
 
 Kath. Let us observe them and be silent. 
 
 A Flourish. —Enter King James, IIijntlry, Crawfofj), 
 Dalyell, and other Noblemen. 
 K. Ja. The right of kings, my lords, extends 
 To the safe conservation of their own, [not only 
 But also to the aid of such allies. 
 As change of time and state hath oftentimes 
 Hurl'd down from careful crowns, to undergo 
 An exercise of sufferance in both fortunes: 
 So English Richard, surnam'd Coeur-de-Lion, 
 So Robert Bruce, our royal ancestor, 
 Forced by the trial of the wrongs they felt. 
 Both sought, and found supplies from foreign kings. 
 To repossess their own ; then grudge not, lords, 
 A much distressed prince : king Charles of France, 
 
 And Maximilian of Bohemia both. 
 Have ratified his credit by their letters ; 
 Shall we then be distrustful ? No ; compassion 
 Is one rich jewel that shines in our crown, 
 And we will have it shine there. 
 
 Hunt, Do your will, sir. 
 
 K. Ja. The young duke is at hand ; Dalyell 
 from us [ford 
 
 First greet him, and conduct him on ; then Craw- 
 Shall meet him next, and Huntley, last of all. 
 
 Present him to our arms {Exit Dal. j — Sound 
 
 sprightly music, 
 Whilst majesty encounters majesty. \_Flourish. 
 
 Re-enter Dalyell, with PERKfN Warbeck, followed at 
 a distance by Friov, Ueron, Sketon, Astley, and 
 John a-Wateb. Crawford advances and salut'f 
 Perkin at the door, and afterwards Huntley, who 
 presents him to the King: they embraces <A« Noble- 
 men slightly salute his followers. 
 War. Most high, most mighty king ! that now 
 there stands 
 Before your eyes, in presence of your peers, 
 A subject of the rarest kind of yiy 
 That hath in any age touch'd noble hearts. 
 The vulgar story of a prince's ruin. 
 Hath made it too apparent : Europe knows, 
 And all the western world, what persecution 
 Hath raged in malice against us, sole heir 
 To the great throne of th' old Plantagenets. 
 How, from our nursery, we have been hurried 
 Unto the sanctuary, from the sanctuary 
 Forced to the prison, from the prison haled 
 By cruel hands, to the tormentor's fury, ._-''•" 
 Is register'd already in the volume " r ' 
 Of^alljnfii^aJtoMgues ; whose true relation draws 
 Compassion, melted into weeping eyes. 
 And bleeding souls: but our misfortunes since, 
 Have rang'd a larger progress thro' strangt lands. 
 Protected in our innocence by Heaven, r ui y--^^ 
 Edward the Fifth, our l5r3ttrerr1tnnS~tragedy -^ 
 Queuch'd their hot thirst of blood, whose hire to 
 murther 
 
 i '.■O'- 
 }^^ 
 
104 
 
 PERK IN WARBECK. 
 
 Acni. 
 
 Paid them their wages of despair and horror ; 
 
 Tlie softness of my childhood smiled upon 
 
 The roughness of their task, and robb'd theni 
 
 farther 
 Of hearts to dare, or hands to execute. 
 Great king, they spared my life, the butchers 
 
 spared it ! 
 Return'd the tyrant, my unnatural uncle, 
 A truth of my dispatch ; I was convey'd 
 With secrecy and speed to Tournay ; foster'd 
 By obscure means, taught to unlearn myself: 
 But as I grew in years, I grew in sense 
 Of fear and of disdain ; fear of the tyrant 
 Whose power sway'd the throne then : when dis- 
 Of living so unknown, in siich a servile [dain 
 
 And abject lowness, prompted me to thoughts 
 Of recollecting who I was, I shook off 
 My bondage, and made haste to let my aunt 
 Of Burgundy acknowledge me her kinsman ; 
 Heir to the crown of England, snatch'd by Henry 
 From Richard's head ; a thing scarce known i'th' 
 
 world. 
 K. Ja. My lord, it stands not with your coun- 
 sel now 
 To fly upon invectives ; if you can 
 Make this apparent what you have discours'd, 
 I In every circumstance, we will not study 
 An answer, but are ready in your cause. 
 
 War. You are a .©'ise and just king, by the 
 Above reserv'd, beyond all other aids, [powers 
 To plant me in mine own inheritance : 
 To marry these two kingdoms in a love 
 Never to be divorced, while time is time. 
 As for the manner, first of my escape. 
 Of my conveyance next, of my life since. 
 The means, and persons who were instruments, 
 Great sir, 'tis fit I over-pass in silence ; 
 Reserving the relation to the secrecy 
 Of your own princely ear, since it concerns 
 Some great ones living yet, and others dead, 
 Whose issue might be question'd. For your bounty, 
 Royal magnificence to him that seeks it, 
 We vow hereafter to demean ourself. 
 As if we were your own and aaliij:al brother ; 
 Omitting no occasion in our person, 
 To express a gratitude beyond example. 
 
 K. Ja. He must be more than subject who can 
 
 utter 
 The language of a king, and such is thine. 
 Take this for answer ; be whate'er thou art, 
 Thou never shalt repent that thou hast put 
 Thy cause and person into my protection. 
 Cousin of York, thus once more we embrace thee; 
 Welcome to James of Scotland ! for thy safety. 
 Know, such as love thee not shall never wrong 
 
 thee. 
 Come, we will taste a while our court-delights. 
 Dream hence afflictions past, and then proceed 
 To high attempts qf honour. On, lead on ! 
 Both thou and thine~Sfe^ours, and we will guard 
 
 you. 
 
 Lea d on — lExeunt all hut the ladies. 
 
 Countess. I have not seen a gentleman 
 Of a more brave aspect, or goodlier carriage ; 
 His fortunes move not him — Madam, you are 
 passionate. 
 Ki th. Beshrew me, but his words have touch'd 
 me home. 
 As if his cause concern'd me ; I should pity hit&j. 
 If he should prove another than he seems.- — '--^ 
 
 EuLer Crawford, 
 Craw. Ladies, the king commands your pre- 
 sence instantly. 
 For entertainment of the duke. 
 
 Kath. '* The duke " 
 Must then be entertain'd, the king obey'd ; 
 It is our duty. 
 
 Countess. We will all wait on him. ^Exeunt, 
 
 SCENE II.— London. The Tower. 
 
 A Flourish. 
 
 -Enter King Henry, Oxford, Durham, 
 Surrey. 
 
 K. Hen. Have ye condemned my chamberlain ? 
 
 Dur. His treasons 
 Coudemn'd him, sir; which were as clear and 
 
 manifest. 
 As foul and dangerous : besides, the guilt 
 Of his conspiracy prest him so nearly, 
 That it drew from him f^e confession, 
 Without an importunity.^--— -' 
 
 K. Hen. Oh, lord bishop, 
 This argued shame and sorrow for his folly, 
 And must not stand in evidence against 
 Our mercy, and the softness of our nature ; 
 The rigour and extremity of law 
 Is sometimes too too bitter ; but we carry 
 A Chancery of jTJ Iy in n nr bosom. 
 I hope we may reprieve him from the sentence 
 Of death ; I hope we may. 
 
 Dur. You may, you may : yy^ 
 
 And so persuade your subjects that the title 
 Of York is better, nay, more just and lawful. 
 Than yours of Lancaster ! so Stanley holds : 
 Which if it be not treason in the highest. 
 Then we are traitors all, perjured, and false, 
 Who have took oath to Henry, and the justice 
 Of Henry's title ; Oxford, Surrey, Dawbeney, 
 With all your other peers of state and church. 
 Forsworn, and Stanley true alone to Heaven, 
 And England's lawful heir ! 
 
 Oxf. By Vere's old honours,^ 
 I'll cut his throat dares speak it. 
 
 Sur. 'Tis a quarrel 
 To engage a soul in. 
 
 K. Hen. What a coil is here 
 To keep my gratitude sincere and perfect ! 
 Stanley was once my friend, and came in time 
 To save my life : yet, to say truth, my lords, 
 The man staid long enough t' endanger it : — 
 But I could see no more into his heart. 
 Than what his outward actions did present ; 
 And for them have rewarded him so fully, 
 As that there wanted nothing in our gift 
 To gratify his merit, as I thought, 
 Unless I should divide my crown with him, 
 And give him half : though now I well perceive 
 'T would scarce have serv'd his turn, without the 
 But I am charitable, lords : let justice -^ [whole. 
 Proceed in execution, whilst I mourn \ 
 The loss of one whom I esteem'd a friend\ 
 
 Dur. Sir, he is coming this way. 
 
 K. Hen. If he speak to me, 
 I could deny him nothing ; to prevent it, 
 I must withdraw. Pray, lords, commend my fa- 
 vours 
 To his last peace, which, with him, I will pray for , 
 That done, it doth concern us to consult 
 Of other following troubles. \^Exit. 
 
BOENK II. 
 
 PERKIX WARBECK. 
 
 105 
 
 Oxf. I am glad 
 He's gone ; upon my life he would have pardon'd 
 The traitor, had he seen him. 
 
 Sur. 'Tis a king 
 Composed of gentleness. 
 
 Dur. Rare and unheard of : " 
 
 But every man is nearest to himself. 
 And that the king observes ; 'tis fit he should. 
 
 Enter Stanley, Executioner, Confessor, Urswick and 
 Dawbknky, 
 
 Stan. May I not speak with Clifford, ere I shake 
 This piece of frailty off ? 
 
 Daw. You shall ; he's sent for. 
 
 Stan. I must not see the king ? 
 
 Dur. From him, sir William, 
 These lords, and I am sent ; he bade us say 
 That he commends his mercy to your thoughts ; 
 Wishing the laws of England could remit 
 The forfeit of your life, as willingly 
 As he would, in the sweetness of his nature, 
 Forget your trespass : but howe'er your body 
 Fall into dust, he vows, the king himself 
 Doth vow, to keep a requiem for your soul, 
 As for a friend, close treasured in his bosom. 
 
 Oxf. Without remembrance of your errors past, 
 I come to take my leave, and wish you heaven. 
 
 Sur. And I ; good angels guard you ! 
 
 Stan. Oh, the king. 
 Next to my soul, shall be the nearest subject 
 Of my last prayers. My grave lord of Durham, 
 My lords of Oxford, Surrey, Dawbeney, all, 
 Accept from a poor dying man a farewell. 
 I was, as you are, once great, an4- stooddaspeful 
 Of many flourishing years ; but fate andjimfe 
 Have wheel'd about, to turn meintoTlothing. 
 
 Enter Clifford. 
 
 Daw. Sir Robert Clifford comes, the man, sir 
 You so desire to speak with. [William, 
 
 Dur. Mark their meeting. 
 
 Clif. Sir William Stanley, I am glad your con- 
 science 
 Before your end, hath emptied every burden,^- 
 Which charg'd it, as that you can clearly witness, 
 How far I have proceeded in a duty 
 That both concern'd mjjlxilljj, and the state's 
 safety.. 
 
 Start: Mercy, how dear is life to such as hug it! 
 Come hither — by this token think on me ! 
 
 [_Makes across on Clifford's /ace with Ms finger. 
 
 Clif. This token ? What ! am I abus'd ? 
 
 Stan. You are not. 
 T wet upon your cheeks a holy sign. 
 The cross, the Christian's badge, the traitor's 
 
 infamy ; 
 
 'Vear, Clifford, to thy grave tl^ ts^inted em bjeit^ : 
 
 Water shall never wash it off, all eyes 
 
 That gaze upon thy face, shall read there written, 
 
 A state informer's character ; more ugly, 
 
 Stamp'd on a noble name, than on a base. 
 
 The heavens forgive thee ! — pray, my lords, no 
 
 change 
 Of word ; this man and I have used too many. 
 
 Clif. Shall I be disgraced 
 Without reply ? 
 
 Dur. Give losers leave to talk ; 
 His loss is irrecoverable. 
 
 Stan. Once more. 
 To all a long farewell ! The best of greatness 
 Preserve the king ! my next suit is, my lords, 
 
 To be remembcr'd to my noble brother, 
 Derby, my much griev'd brother : Oh, persuade 
 That I shall stand no blemish to his house, [him, 
 In chronicles writ in another age_-.^ — ' kCi "'^ 
 My heart doth bleed for him, and for his sighs : 
 Tell him, he must not think the style of Derby, 
 Nor being husband to king Henry's mother. 
 The league with peers, the smiles of fortune, can 
 Secure his peace above the state of man. 
 I take my leave to travel to my dust ; 
 Subjects deserve their deaths whose kings are just^ 
 C(5iiie;'confess6r! On Willi tliy axeV frten^, on. '^ 
 [//e is led off to execution. 
 Clif. Was I call'd hither by a traitor's breath 
 To be upbraided ! Lords, the king shall know it. 
 
 Re-enter King HENnv with a white staff. 
 
 K. Hen. The king doth know it, sir ; the king 
 hath heard 
 What he or you could say. We have given credit 
 To every point of Clifford's information. 
 The only evidence 'gainst Stanley's head : 
 He dies for it ; are you pleased 1 
 
 Clif. I pleased, my lord ? 
 
 K. Hen. No echos : for your service, we dismiss 
 Your more attendance on the court ; take ease, 
 And live at home ; but, as you love your life. 
 Stir not from London without leave from us. 
 We'll think on your reward ; away 1 
 
 Clif 1 go, sir. iExiU 
 
 K. Hen. Die all our griefs with Stanley ! Take^ 
 this staff ^-- ^ 
 
 Of office, Dawbeney ; henceforth be our chamber- 
 
 Daw: I am your humblest servant. [lain. 
 
 K. Hen. We are follow'd 
 By enemies at home, that will not cease 
 To seek their own confusion ; 'tis most true, 
 The Cornish under Audley are raarch'd on 
 As far as Winchester ; — but let them come. 
 Our forces are in readiness, we'll catch them 
 In their own toils. 
 
 Daw. Your army, being muster'd, 
 Consists in all, of horse and foot, at least 
 In number, six-and-twenty thousand ; men 
 Daring and able, resolute to light. 
 And loyal in their truths. 
 
 K. Hen. We know it, Dawbeney : 
 For them we order thus ; Oxford in chief. 
 Assisted by bold Essex, and the earl 
 Of Suffolk, shall lead on the first battalia ; 
 Be that your charge. 
 
 Oxf. I humbly thank your majesty. 
 
 K. Hen. The next division we assign to Daw- 
 These must be men of action, for on those [beney : 
 The fortune of our fortunes must rely. 
 The last and main, ourself commands in person ; 
 As ready to restore the fight at all times. 
 As to consummate an assured victory. 
 
 Daw. The king is still oraculous. 
 
 K. Hen. But, Surrey, 
 We have employment of more toil for thee : 
 For our intelligence comes swiftly to us, 
 That James of Scotland late hath entertain'd 
 Perkm th« oouuterfeit, with more than common 
 Grace and respect ; nay, courts him with rare 
 
 ^-- — iavours. 
 The Scot is young and forward, we must look for 
 A sudden storm to England from the north ; 
 Which to withstand, Durham shall post to Norham, 
 To fortify the castle, and secure 
 
 
100 
 
 PERK IN WARBECK. 
 
 The frontiers against an invasion there. 
 Surrey shall follow soon, with such an arnfiy 
 As may relieve the bishop, and encounter, 
 On all occasions, the death-daring Scots. 
 You know your charges all ; 'tis now a time ^ / 
 To execute, not talk ; Heaven is our guard stilL,j 
 War must breed peace, such is the fate of kings. 
 
 [^Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III.— Edinbukgh. — An Apartment in 
 the Palace. 
 
 Enter Crawford and Dalyell. 
 sj/ '''• Craw. 'Tis more than strange ; my reason can- 
 not answer 
 ■^r .Such argument of fine imposture, conch'd 
 .*^ Y In witchcraft of persuasion, that it fashions 
 Impossibilities, as if appearance 
 Could cozen truth itself; this dukeling mushroom 
 Hath doubtless charm'd the king. 
 
 Dal. He courts the ladies, 
 As if his strength of language chain'd attention 
 By power of prerogative. 
 
 Craw. It madded 
 My very soul to hear o«r -master's motion ; 
 What surety both nf/nmjj^ an d J^pn oi^r 
 Must of necessity ensue upon 
 A match betwixt some noble of our nation. 
 And this brave prince, forsooth ! 
 
 Dal. 'Twill prove too fatal ; 
 Wise Huntley fears the threat'ning. Bless the lady 
 From such a ruin ! 
 
 Craw. How the counsel privy 
 Of this young Phaeton do screw their faces 
 Into a gravity, their trades, good people. 
 Were never guilty of ! the meanest of them 
 Dreams of at least an office in the state. 
 
 Dal. Sure not the hangman's, 'tis bespoke al- 
 For service to their rogueships, — silence ! [ready 
 
 Enter King James and Huntley. 
 K. Ja. Do not 
 Argue against our will ; we have descended 
 Somewhat (as we may term it) too familiarly 
 From justice of our birthright, to examine 
 The force of your allegiance, — sir, we have ; — 
 But find it short of duty ! 
 Hunt. Break my heart, 
 Do, do,, king ! Have my services, my loj'^alty, 
 (Heaven knows untainted ever) drawn upon me 
 Contempt now in mine age, when I but wanted 
 A minute of a peace not to be troubled, 
 My last, my long one ? Let me be a dotard, 
 A bedlam, a poor sot, or what you please 
 To have me, so you will not stain your blood, 
 Your own blood, royal sir, though mixt with mine, 
 I By marriage of this girl to a straggler ! — 
 1 Take, take my head, sir ; whilst my tongue can 
 :' It cannot name him other. [wag, 
 
 K. J a. Kings are counterfeits 
 In your repute grave oracle, not presently. 
 Set on their thrones, with sceptres in their fists ! 
 But use your own detraction ; 'tis our pleasure 
 To give our cousin York for wife our kms woman, 
 The lady Katherine: Instinct of sovereignty 
 Designs the honour, though' her peevish father 
 Usurps our resolution. 
 ^ Hunt. Oh, 'tis well. 
 Exceeding well ! 1 never was ambitious 
 Of using congees to my daughter queen — 
 
 A queen ! perhaps a quean ! Forgive me, Dalyell, 
 JliOJi.honourable gentleman ; — none here 
 Dare spe'ali: one word of comfort .^ 
 
 Dal. Cruel misery ! 
 
 Craw. The lady, gracious prince, may be hath 
 ■" Affection on some former choice. [settled 
 
 Dal. Enforcement 
 Would prove but tyranny. 
 
 Hunt. I thank thee heartily. 
 Let any yeoman of our nation challenge 
 An interest in the girl, then the king 
 May add a jointure of ascent in titles. 
 Worthy a free consent ; now he pulls down 
 What old desert hath builded. 
 
 K. Ja. Cease persuasions. 
 I violate no pawns of faith, intrude not 
 On private loves ; that I have play'd the orator 
 For kingly York to virtuous Kate, her grant 
 Can justify, referring her contents 
 To our provision : the Welsh Harry, henceforth. 
 Shall therefore know, and tremble to acknpwle^ge^ 
 That not the pai nte d idol of his policy K^> "H f \^ \ 
 Shall fright the lawfiltUWher from a kingdom.—'"' ''~ 
 We are resolv'd. 
 
 Hunt. Some of thy subjects' hearts, 
 King James, will bleed for this ! 
 
 K. J a. Then shall their bloods 
 Be nobly spent : no more disputes ; he is not 
 Our friend who contradicts us. 
 
 Hunt. Farewell, daughter !, 
 My care by one is lessen'd, thank the king for't ! 
 I and my griefs will dance now. — 
 
 Enter Warbeck, complimenting with Lady Katherine ; 
 Countess of Crawford, Jane Douglas, Frion, John 
 A-Water, Astley, Heron, and Sketon. ,/\ 
 Look, lords, look ; ti\-/X^^^^'A 
 
 Here's hand in hand already ! i A^ 
 
 K. Ja. Peace, old frenzv^ 
 How like a king he l«oks f Lords, but observe 
 The confidence of his aspect ; dross cannot 
 Cleave to so pure a metal — royal youth 1 
 Plantagenet undoubted ! 
 
 Hunt. [^Aside.'] Ho, brave ! Youth ; 
 But no Plantagenet, by'r lady, yet. 
 By red rose or by white. 
 
 War. An union this way. 
 Settles possession in a monarchy 
 Establish'd rightly, as is my inheritance : 
 Acknov.'ledge me but sovereign of this kingdom, 
 Your heart, fair princess, — and the hand 0f prqyi 
 
 dence^ -^~^^ 
 
 Shall crown yau'queen of me, and my best fortunes 
 
 Kath. Where^ my obedience is, my lord, a duty, 
 Love owes true service. 
 
 War. Shall I ? 
 
 K. Ja. Cousin, yes. 
 Enjoy her ; from my hand accept your bride ; 
 
 ' llle joins their hands. 
 And may they live at enmity with comfort. 
 Who grieve at such an equal pledge of troths ! 
 You are the prince's wife now. 
 
 Kath. By your gift, sir. 
 
 War. Thus, I take seizure of mine own. 
 
 Kath. I miss yet 
 A father's blessing. Let me find it ; — humbly 
 Upon my knees I seek it. 
 
 Hunt. I am Huntley, 
 Old Alexander Gordon, a plain subject. 
 Nor more nor less ; and, lady, if you wish for 
 A blessing, you must bend your knees to heaven ; 
 
^^ 
 
 PERKIN WARBECK. 
 
 J 07 
 
 For heaven did give me you. Alas, alas ! 
 "What would you have me say ? may all the happi- 
 My prayers ever sued to fall upon you, f ness 
 
 Preserve you in your virtues ! Prithee, Dalyell, 
 Come with me ; for I feel thy griefs as full 
 As mine ; let's steal away and cry together. 
 
 Dal. My hopes are in their ruins. 
 
 \_Excunt Hunt, and Dal. 
 
 K. Ja. Good, kind Huntley 
 Is overjoy'd : a lit solemnity 
 Shall perfect these delights ; Crawford, attend 
 Our order for the preparation. 
 {^Exeunt all but Prion, Her. Sket. J. a-Wat. ««d Ast. 
 
 Fri. Now, worthy gentlemen, have I not follow'd 
 My undertakings with success } ' Here's entrance 
 Into a certainly above a hope. 
 
 Her. Hopes are but hopes ; I was ever confi- 
 dent, when I traded but in remnants, that my stars 
 had reserv'd me to the title of a Viscount at least : 
 honour is hoTxau J y thoug h-cut x>ut of^»y-*tr«lfer 
 y ismee. Mybrother Heron hath right wisely deli- 
 ver'd his opinion : for he that threads his needle 
 with the sharp eyes of industry, shall in time go 
 thorough-stitch with the new suit of preferment. 
 
 Ast. Spoken to the purpose, my fine witted 
 brother Sketon ; for as no indenture but has its 
 counterpane ; no noverint but his condition or de- 
 feisance ; so no right but may have claim, no claim 
 but may have possession, any act of parliament to 
 the contrary notwithstanding. 
 
 Fri. You are all read in mysteries of state. 
 And quick of apprehension, deep in judgment, 
 Active in resolution ; and 'tis pity 
 Such counsel should lie buried in obscurity. 
 But why, in such a time and cause of triumph, 
 Stands the judicious mayor of Cork so silent .'' 
 Believe it, sir, as English Richard prospers. 
 You must not miss employment of high nature. 
 
 J. a- Wat. If men may be credited in their mor- 
 tality, which I dare not peremptorily aver but they 
 may, or not be ; presumptions by this marriage are 
 then, in socth, of fruitful expectation. Or else I 
 must not justify other men's belief, more than other 
 should rely on mine. 
 
 Fri. Pith of experience ! those that have borne 
 office. 
 Weigh every word before it can drop from them. 
 But, noble counsellors, since now the present 
 Requires, in pointLofhonour, (pray mistake not,) 
 Some service to ourIor3"^~^i!rfit the Scots 
 Should not engross all glory to themselves, 
 At this so grand and eminent solemnity. 
 
 Sfcet. The Scots .' the motion is defied : I had 
 rathar, for my part, without trial of my country, 
 suffer persecution under the pressing-iron of re- 
 proach ; or let my skin be punch'd full of oylet- 
 holes with the bodkin of derision. 
 
 Ast. I will sooner lose both my ears on the pil- 
 lory of forgery. 
 
 Iler. Let me first live a bankrupt, and die, in 
 the lousy hole, of hunger, without compounding for 
 sixpence in the pound. 
 
 J. a- Wat. If men fail not in their expectations, 
 there may be spirits also that digest no rude affronts, 
 master secretary Prion, or I am cozen'd ; which is 
 possible, I grant. 
 
 Fri. Resolv'd like men of knowledge ! at this 
 feast, then. 
 In honour of the bride, the Scots, I know, 
 Will in' some shew, some masque, or some device, 
 Prefer their duties : now, it were uncomely, 
 That we be found less forward for our prince. 
 Than they are for their lady ; and by how much 
 We outshine them in persons of account, 
 By so much more will our endeavours meet with 
 A livelier applause. Great emperors 
 Have, for their recreations, undertook 
 Such kind of pastimes ; as for the conceit. 
 Refer it to my study ; the performance 
 You all shall share a thanks in : 'twill be grateful. 
 
 Her. The motion is allow'd ; I have stole to a 
 dancing-school when I was a prentice. 
 
 Ast. There have been Irish hubbubs, when I 
 have made one too. 
 
 Sket. For fashioning of .shapes, and cutting a 
 cross-caper, turn me off to my trade again. 
 
 J. a- Wat. Surel}% there is, if I be not deceived, 
 a kind of gravity in merriment ; as there is, or per- 
 haps ought to be, respect of persons in the quality 
 of carriage, which is, as it is construed, either so, 
 or so. 
 
 Fri. Still you come home to me ; upon occasion, 
 I find you relish courtship with discretion ; 
 And such are fit for statesmen of your merits. 
 Pray ye wait the prince, and in his ear acquaint him 
 With this design ; I'll follow and direct you. 
 Oh the toil lExeu7it all but Frion. 
 
 Of humouring this abject scum of m ankind ! '''-*^ 
 Muddy-brain'd peasants ! prlncEH leel'a misery) 
 Beyond impartial sufferance, whose extremes / 
 Must yield to such abettors : — yet our tide / 
 Runs smoothly without adverse winds ; run on ! 
 
 \ExiU 
 
 Flow to a full sea ! tijue- alone debates 
 Quarrels forewritten in the book of fates. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I.— Westminster. The Palace. 
 Enter KiiiR Henrv, with his Gorpet on, his SwonU Plume 
 of Feathers, and leadhtg-staff, (truncheon) followed by 
 Urswick. 
 
 K. Hen. How runs the timeofdaj_?_ 
 
 Urs. Past ten, my lord. 
 
 K. Hen. ^V bloody hour will it prove to some, 
 Whose disobedience, like the sons o' th' earth. 
 Throws a defiance 'gainst the face of heaven. 
 Oxford, with Essex, and stout De la Pole, 
 Have quieted the Londoners, I hope, 
 And set them safe from fear. 
 
 Urn. They are all silent. 
 
 K. Hen. From their own battlements, they may 
 behold 
 Saint George's fields o'erspread with armed men ; 
 Amongst whom our own royal standard threatens 
 Confusion to opposers : we must learn 
 To practise war again in time of jieace. 
 Or lay our crown before our suhjects' -feet ; 
 Ha, Urswick, must we not.' 
 
 Urs. The powers, who seated 
 King Henry on his lawful throne, will ever 
 Rise up in his defence. 
 
108 
 
 PERKTN WARBECK. 
 
 hed. V 
 ent frotA 
 [heaven, i 
 
 f'l? 
 
 K. Hen, Rage shall not fright 
 The bosom of our confidence ; in Kent 
 Our Cornish rebels, cozen'd of their hopes, 
 Met brave resistance by that country's earl, 
 George Abergeny, Cobham, Poynings, Guilford, 
 And other loyal hearts ; now, if Blackheath 
 Must be reserv'd the fatal tomb to swallow 
 Such sti'fF-neck'd abjects, as with weary marches 
 Have travell'd from their homes, their wives, and 
 
 children, 
 To pay, instead of subsidies, their lives, 
 We may continue sovereign ! Yet, Urswick, 
 We'll not abate one penny, what in parliament 
 Hath freely been contributed ; we must not ; 
 Money gives soul to action. Our competitor, 
 The Flemish counterfeit, with James of Scotland, 
 Will prove what courage need and want can nou- 
 rish, 
 Without the food of fit supplies : — but, Urswick, 
 1 have a charm in secret, that shall loose 
 The witchcraft, wherewith young King James is 
 
 bound. 
 And free it at my pleasure without bloodshed. 
 Urs. Your majesty's a wise king:, sent 
 Protector of the just. 
 
 K. Hen. Let dinner cheerfully ^^ 
 
 Be serv'd in ; this day of the week is ours. 
 Our day of providence ; for Saturday 
 Yet never fail'd, in all my undertakings, 
 To yield me rest at night. — [A Flourish.] — What 
 
 means this warning ? 
 Good fate, speak peace to Henry ! 
 
 Enter Dawbenev, Oxford, and Attendants. 
 
 Datv. Live the king. 
 Triumphant in the ruin of his enemies ! 
 
 Oo/. The head of strong rebellion is cut off, 
 The body hew'd in pieces. 
 
 K. Hen. Dawbeney, Oxford, 
 Minions to noblest fortunes, how yet stands 
 The comfort of your wishes ? 
 
 Daw. Briefly thus : 
 The Cornish under Audley, disappointed 
 Of fiatter'd expectation, from the Kentish 
 (Your majesty's right trusty liegemen) flew 
 Feather'd by rage, and hearten'd by presumption. 
 To take the field even at your palace-gates, 
 And face you in your chamber-royal : arrogance 
 Improv'd their ignorance ; for they supposing, 
 Misled by rumour, that the day of battle 
 Should fall on Monday, rather brav'd your forces, 
 Than doubted any onset ; yet this morning. 
 When in the dawning I, by your direction, 
 Strove to get Deptford-Strand-bridge, there 1 
 
 found 
 Such a resistance, as might shew what strength 
 Could make : here arrows hail'd in showers upon 
 
 us, 
 A full yard long at least ; but we prevail'd. 
 My lord of Oxford with his fellow-peers, 
 Environing the hill, fell fiercely on them 
 On the one side, I on the other, till, great sir, 
 (Pardon the oversight,) eager of doing 
 Some memorable act, I was engaged 
 Almost a prisoner, but was freed as soon 
 As sensible of danger : now the fight 
 Began in heat, which, quenched in the blood of 
 Two thousand rebels, and as many more 
 Reserv'd to try your mercy, have return'd 
 A victory with safety. 
 
 K. Hen. Have we lost 
 An equal number with them ? 
 
 Oxf. In the total 
 Scarcely four hundred. Audley, Flammock, Joseph, 
 The ringleaders of this commotion. 
 Railed in ropes, fit ornaments for traitors 
 Wait your determinations. 
 
 K. Hen. We must pay 
 Our thanks where they are only due : Oh lords ! 
 Here is no victory, nor shall our people 
 Conceive that we can triumph in their falls. ,^ ^v-* 
 Alas, poor souls ! let such as are escaped ; : f? 
 Steal to the country back without pursuit : ~n 
 
 There's not a drop of blood spilt, but hath drawn \ 
 As much of mine ; their swords could have wrought 
 
 wonders 
 On their king's part, who faintly were unsheath'd 
 Against their prince, but wounded their own 
 
 breasts. 
 Lords, we are debtors to your care ; our payment 
 Shall be both sure, and fitting your deserts. 
 
 Daw. Sir, will you please to see those rebels, 
 Of this wild monster multitude ? [heads 
 
 K. Hen. Dear friend. 
 My faithful Dawbeney, no ; on them ou r ju sli ce 
 Must frown in terror, 1 will not vouchsafe 
 An eye of pity to them : let false Audley 
 Be drawn upon an hurdle from the Newgate 
 To Tower-hill in his own coat of arms 
 Painted on paper, with the arms revers'd. 
 Defaced, and torn ; there let him lose his head. 
 The lawyer and the blacksmith shall be hang'd, 
 Quarter'd, their quarters into Cornwall sent. 
 Examples to the rest, whom we are pleas'd 
 To pardon, and dismiss from further quest. 
 My lord of Oxford, see it done. 
 
 Oaf. I shall, sir. 
 
 K. Hen. Urswick. 
 
 Urs. My lord } 
 
 K. Hen. To Dinham, our high-treasurer, 
 Say, we command commissions be new granted. 
 For the collection of our subsidies 
 Through all the west, and that [right] speedily. 
 Lords, we acknowledge our engagements due 
 For your most constant services. 
 
 Daiv. Your soldiers 
 Have manfully and faithfully acquitted 
 Their several duties. 
 
 K. Hen. For it, we will throw 
 A largess free amongst them, which shall hearten 
 And cherish up their loyalties. More yet 
 Remains of like employment ; not a man 
 Can be dismiss' d, till enemies abroad. 
 More dangerous than these at home, have felt\ 
 The puissance of our arms. Oh, happy kings. 
 Whose thrones are raised in their subjects' hearts 
 
 {Exeunt, 
 
 SCENE IL— Edinburgh. The Palace. 
 Enter ITuntlev and Dalyell. 
 Hunt. Now, sir, a modest word with you, sad 
 gentleman ; 
 Is not this fine, I trow, to see the gambols, 
 To hear the jigs, observe the frisks, be enchanted 
 With the rare discord of bells, pipes, and tabours. 
 Hodge-podge of Scotch and Irish twingle-twangies, 
 Like to so many choristers of Bedlam 
 Trowling a catch ! The feasts, the manly stomachs, 
 
PERKIN WARBECK. 
 
 10!) 
 
 The healths in usquebaugh and bonny-clabber, 
 The ale in dishes never fetch'd from Cliina. 
 The hundred thousand knacks not to be spoken of, 
 And all this for king Oberon, and queen Mab, 
 tshould put a soul into you. Look ye, good man. 
 How youthful I am grown ! but by your leave. 
 This new queen-bride must henceforth be no more 
 My daughter ; no, by'r Lady, 'tis unfit ! 
 And yet you see how I do bear this change ; 
 Methinks courageously : then shake off care 
 In such a time of jollity. 
 
 Dal. Alas, sir, 
 "How can you cast a mist upon your griefs ?— 
 Which howsoe'er you shadow, but present 
 To [any] judging eye, the perfect substance 
 Of which mine are but counterfeits. 
 
 Hunt. Fob, Dalyell ! 
 Thou interrupt'st the part I bear in music 
 To this rare bridal feast ; let us be merry, 
 Whilst fl atteri ng calms secure us against storms : 
 Tempests, when they begm to roar, put out 
 The light of peace, and cloud the sun's bright eye 
 In darkness of despair ; yet we are safe. 
 
 Dal. I wish you could as easily forget 
 The justice iiLyouT-Sorrows, as ray hopes 
 Can yield to destiny. —^ 
 
 Httnt. Pish ! then I see 
 Thou dost not know the flexible condition 
 Of my [tough] nature ! I can laugh, laugh heartily, 
 When the gout cramps my joints ; let but the 
 
 stone 
 Stop in my bladder, I am straight a-singing ; 
 The quartan fever shrinking every limb, 
 Sets me a- capering straight ; do [but] betray me, 
 And bind me a friend ever : what ! I trust 
 The losing of a daughter, though I doated 
 On every hair that grew to trim her head. 
 Admits not anypain like one of these. — 
 Come, thou'rt deceiv'd in me ; give me a blow, 
 A sound blow on the face, I'll thank thee for't ; 
 I love my wrongs : still thou'rt deceiv'd in me. 
 
 Dal. Deceiv'd ? oh, noble Huntley, my few years 
 Have learnt experience of too ripe an age, 
 To forfeit fit credulity ; forgive 
 My rudeness, I am bold. yy^ — , K-^A'^, 
 
 Hunt. Forgive me first / S -aJ^J'/. 
 
 A madness of ambition ; by example "^ 
 
 TeacTTmeTmrBllityrfbr patience scorns 
 Lectures, which schoolmen use to read to boys 
 Incapable of injuries : though old, 
 I could grow tough in fury, and disclaim 
 Allegiance to my king, could fall at odds 
 With all my fellow -peers, that durst not stand 
 Defendants 'gainst the rape done on naine hojio«r : 
 But kings are earthly gods, there is no meddling 
 With their anointed bodies ; for their aciiona / ^ ,; 
 They only are accountable, to heaven. | Tit'/ 
 
 Yet in the puzzle of my troHblecTbrain, / n 
 
 One antidote's reserv'd against the poison /^^^ !,< 
 Of my distractions ; 'tis in thee to apply it. >, *^ 
 
 Dal. Name it ; oh, name it quickly, sir ! 
 
 Hunt. A pardon 
 For my most foolish slighting thy deserts ; 
 I have cull'd out this time to beg it : prithee, 
 Be gentle ; had I been so, thou hadst own'd 
 A happy bride, but now a cast-away, 
 And never child of mine more. 
 
 Dal. Say not so, sir ; 
 It is not fault in her. 
 
 Hunt. The world would prate 
 
 How she was handsome ; young I know she was. 
 
 Tender, and sweet in her obedience. 
 
 But, lost now ; what a bankrupt am I made 
 
 Of a full stock of blessings ! — must I hope 
 
 A mercy from thy heart ? 
 
 Dal. A love, a service, 
 A friendship to posterity. ^ 
 
 TTuni. Good angels 
 Reward thy charity ! I have no more 
 But prayers left me now. 
 
 Dal. I'll lend you mirth, sir. 
 If you will be in consort. 
 
 Hunt. Thank you truly : 
 I must, yes, yes, I must ; — here's yet some ease, 
 A partner in affliction : look not angry. 
 
 Dal. Good, noble sir ! IMusie. 
 
 Hunt. Oh, hark ! we may be quiet, 
 The king, and all the others come ; a meeting 
 Of gaudy sights : this day's the last of revels ; 
 To-morrow sounds of war ; then new exchange ; 
 Fiddles must turn to swords. — Unhappy marriage ! 
 
 A Flourish. — Enter King James, Warbeck leadinp Ka- 
 THERiNE, Crawford and his Countess ; Jane Docolas, 
 and other Ladies. Huntley and Dalyell /aW among 
 them, 
 
 K. Ja. Cousin of York, you and your princely 
 Have liberally enjoy'd such soft delights, [bride 
 As a new-married couple could forethink ; 
 Nor has our bounty shorten'd expectation : 
 But after all those pleasures of repose. 
 Or amorous safety, we must rouse the ease 
 Of dalliance with achievements of more glory 
 Than sloth and sleep can furnish : yet, for farewell, 
 Gladly we entertain a truce with time. 
 To grace the joint endeavours of our servants. 
 
 War. My royal cousin, in your princely favour. 
 The extent of bounty hath been so unlimited. 
 As only an acknowledgment in words 
 Would breed suspicion in our state and quality. 
 When we shall, in the fulness of our fate, 
 (Whose minister, Necessity^jaill perfit) 
 Sit on our own thrtm^TThen our arms, laid open 
 To gratitude, in sacred memory 
 Of these large benefits, shall twine them close, 
 Even to our thoughts and heart, without distinc- 
 Then James and Richard, being in effect [tiou. 
 One person, shall unite and rule one people, 
 Divisible in titles only. 
 
 K. Ja. Seat you. 
 Are the presenters ready ? 
 
 Craw. All are entering. 
 
 Hunt. Dainty sport toward, Dalyell ! sit, come 
 Sit and be quiet ; here are kingly bug-words ! [sit. 
 Enter at one door four Scotch Anticks, ccccordinglp 
 habited; at another, Warbeck's followers, dispuised 
 at four Wild Irish in trowses, long-haired, and accord- 
 ingly habited. — Music. — A Dance by the Masquers. 
 
 K. Ja. To all a general thanks ! 
 
 War. In the next room 
 Take your own shapes again ; you shall receive 
 Particular acknowledgment. lExeunt the Masquers. 
 
 K. Ja. Enough 
 Of merriments. Crawford, how far's our army 
 Upon the march ? 
 
 Craw. At Hedon-hall, great king ; 
 Twelve thousand, well prepared. 
 
 K. Ja. Crawford, to-night 
 Post thither. We, in person, with the prince. 
 By four o'clock to-morrow after dinner, 
 Will be wi' you ; speed away 1 
 
110 
 
 PERKIN WARBECK. 
 
 Craw. I fly, my lord. \_Exit. 
 
 K. Ja. Our business grows to head now ; where's 
 That he attends you not to serve ? [your secretary, 
 
 War, With Marchiuont, 
 Your herald. 
 
 K. Ja. Good : the proclamation's ready ; 
 By that it will appear how the English stand 
 Affected to your title. Huntley, comfort 
 Your daughter in her husband's absence ; fight 
 With prayers at home for us, who, for your 
 IVIjJSt toil in fight abroad. [honojirs, 
 
 ' Hunt. Prayers are the weapons • '"' 
 
 Which men, so near their graves as I, do use ; 
 I've little else to do. 
 
 K. Ja. To rest, young beauties ! 
 We must be early stirring ; quickly part : 
 A kingdom's rescue craves both speed and art. 
 Cousins, good night. [AJlourish. 
 
 War. Rest to our cousin king. 
 
 Kath. Your blessing, sir. 
 
 Hunt. Fair blessings on your highness ! sure 
 you need them. 
 
 \_Exeunt all hut War. Kath. ana Jaxis. 
 
 War. Jane, set the lights down, and from us 
 return 
 To those in the next room, this little purse ; 
 Say, we'll deserve their loves. 
 
 Jane. It shall be done, sir. ^Exit. 
 
 War. Now, dearest, ere sweet sleep shall seal 
 those eyes. 
 Love's precious tapers, give me leave to use 
 A parting ceremony; for to-morrow 
 It would be sacrilege to intrude upon 
 The temple of thy peace : swift as the morning, 
 Must I break from the down of thy embraces, 
 To put on steel, and trace the paths which lead 
 Through various hazards to a careful throne. 
 
 Kath. My lord, I'd fain go with you ; there's 
 In staying here behind. [small fortune 
 
 War. The churlish brow 
 Of war, fair dearest, is a sight of horror 
 For ladies' entertainment : if thou hear'st 
 A truth of my sad ending by the hand 
 Of some unnatural subject, thou withall 
 Shalt hear, how I died worthy of my right, 
 By falUng like a king ; and in tTie'close. 
 Which inyTagrijreath shall sound, thy name, thou 
 Shall sing a requiem to my soul, unwilling [fairest, 
 Only of greater glory, 'cause divided 
 From such a heaven on earth, as life with thee. 
 But these are chimes for funerals ; my business 
 Attends on fortune of a sprightlier triumph ; 
 For love and majesty are reconciled, 
 And vow. to crown thee Empress of the West. 
 
 Kath. You have a noble language, sir ; your 
 In me is without question, and however [right 
 
 Events of time may shorten my deserts 
 In others' pity, yet it shall not stagger 
 Or constancy, or duty in a wife. 
 You must be king of me ; and my poor heart 
 Is all I can call mine. 
 
 War. But we wi!l live. 
 Live, beauteous virtue, by the lively test 
 Of our own blood, to let the counterfeit 
 Be known the world's contempt. 
 
 Kath. Pray do not use 
 That word, it carries fate in't : the first suit 
 I ever made, I trust your love will grant. 
 War. Without denial, dearest. 
 Kath. That hereafter, 
 
 If you return with safety, no adventure 
 May sever us in tasting any fortune : 
 I ne'er can stay behind again. 
 
 War. You are lady 
 Of your desires, 'and shall command your will ; 
 Yet 'tis too hard a promise. 
 
 Kath. What our destinies 
 Have ruled out in their books, we must not search, 
 But kneel to. 
 
 War. Then to fear when Rope is fruitless, 
 Were to be desperately miserable ; 
 Which poverty our greatness dares not dream of, 
 And much more scorns to stoop to : some few 
 
 minutes 
 Remain yet, let's be thrifty in our hopes. [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE 111.— The Palace at Westminster. 
 Enter King Henry, Hialas, and UnswirK. 
 
 K. Hen. Your name is Pedro Hialas, a Spaniard? 
 
 Hial. Sir, a Castillian born. 
 
 K. Hen. King Ferdinand, 
 With wise queen Isabel his royal consort. 
 Write you a man of worthy trust and candour. 
 Princes are dear to heaven, who meet with subjects 
 Sincere in their employments ; such I find 
 Your commendation, sir. Let me deliver 
 How joyful 1 repute the amity. 
 With your most fortunate master, who almost 
 Comes near a miracle in his success 
 Against the Moors, who had devour'd his country, 
 Entire nov/ to his sceptre. We, for our part, 
 Will imitate his providence, in hope 
 Of partage in the use on't ; we repute 
 The privacy of his advisement to us 
 By you, intended an ambassador 
 To Scotland, for a peace between our kingdoms, 
 A policy of love, which well becomes 
 His wisdom and our care. 
 
 Hial. Your majesty 
 Doth understand him rightly. 
 
 K. Hen. Else 
 Your knowledge can instruct me ; wherein, sir, 
 To fall on ceremony, would seem useless, 
 Which shall not need ; for I will be as studious 
 Of your concealment in oar conference, 
 As any council shall advise. 
 
 Hial. Then, sir. 
 My chief request is, that on notice given 
 At my dispatch in Scotland, you will send 
 Some learned man of power and experience 
 To join entreaty with me. 
 
 K. Hen. I shall do it. 
 Being that way well provided by a servant. 
 Which may attend you ever. 
 
 Hial. If king James, 
 By any indirection, should perceive 
 My coming near 5'our court, I doubt the issue 
 Of my employment. 
 
 K. Hen. Be not your own herald : 
 I learn sometimes without a teacher. 
 
 Hial. Good days 
 Guard all your princely thoughts ! 
 
 K. Hen. Ursvirick, no further 
 Than the next open gallery attend him — 
 A hearty love go with you ! 
 
 Hial. Your vow'd beadsman. 
 
 lExeunt Urs. iimi Hial. 
 
SCENE IV. 
 
 PERKIN WARBECX. 
 
 in 
 
 K. lien. King Ferdinand is not so much a fox, 
 But that a cunning huntsman may in time 
 Fall on the scent ; in lxwullinLbLej£tioa»-t 
 Safe imitation best deserves a praise. } 
 
 Re-erdcr Urswick. 
 
 What, the Castillian's past away ? 
 
 Urs. He is, 
 And undiscover'd ; the two hundred marks 
 Your majesty convey'd, he gently purs'd 
 With a right modest gravity. 
 
 K. Hen. Whatwas't 
 He mutter'd in the earnest of his wisdom? — 
 He spoke not to be heard ; 'twas about — — 
 
 Urs. Warbeck ; 
 " How if king Henry were but sure of subjects, 
 Such a wild runnagate might soon be caged, 
 No great ado withstanding." 
 
 K. lien Nay, nay ; something 
 About my son prince Arthur's match. 
 
 Urs. Right, right sir • 
 He humm'd it out, how that king Ferdinand 
 Swore, that the marriage 'twixt the lady Kathe- 
 
 rine. 
 His daughter, and the prince of Wales your son, 
 Should never be consummated, as long 
 As any earl of Warwick lived in England, 
 Except by new ci-eation. 
 
 K. Hen. I remember, 
 'Twas so indeed ; the king his master swore it ? 
 
 Urs. Directly, as he said. 
 
 K. Hen. An earl of Warwick ! 
 Provide a messenger for letters instantly 
 To bishop Fox. Our news from Scotland creeps ; 
 It comes too slow ; we must have airy spirits; 
 Our time requires dispatch. — The earl of War- 
 wick .' 
 Let him be son to Clarence, younger brother 
 To Edward ! Edward's daughter is, 1 think. 
 Mother to our prince Arthur — [Aside.'] — Get a 
 messenger. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE lY.— Before the Castle of Norham. 
 
 Enter King James, Warbkck. Crawford, DAr-yELL, 
 Heron, Astley, John a-Water, Sketon, and Soldiers. 
 
 K. J a. We trifle time against these castle- walls. 
 The English prelate will not yield -. once more 
 Give him a summons ! [^ iparley it sounded. 
 
 Enter on the walls the Bishop 0/ Durham, arwjfd, a 
 truncheon in his hand, with Soldiei's. 
 
 War. See the jolly clerk 
 Appears, trimm'd likd a ruffian. 
 
 K. J a. Bishop, yet 
 Set ope the ports, and to your lawful sovereign, 
 Richard of York, surrender up this castle, 
 And he will take thee to his grace ; else Tweed 
 Shall overflow his banks with English blood, 
 And wash the sand that cements those hard stones, 
 From their foundation. 
 
 Dur. Warlike king of Scotland, 
 Vouchsafe a few words from a man enforced 
 To lay his book aside, and clap on arms, 
 Unsuitable to my age, or my {)rofession. 
 Courageous prince, consider on what grounds, 
 You rend the face of peace, and break a league 
 With a confederate king that courts your amity ; 
 For whom too 2 for a vagabond, a straggler, 
 
 Not noted in the world by birth or name. 
 An obscure peasant, by the rage of hell 
 Loos'd from his chains, to set great kings at strife. 
 What nobleman, what common man of note, 
 What ordinary subject hath come in, 
 Since first you footed on our territories, 
 To only feign a welcome ? children laugh at 
 Your proclamations, and the wiser pity 
 So great a potentate's abuse, by one 
 Who juggles merely with the fawns and youth 
 Of an instructed compliment : such spoils. 
 Such slaughters as the rapine of your soldiers 
 Already have committed, is enough 
 To shew your zeal in a conceited justice. 
 Yet, great king, wake not yet my master's ven- 
 geance ; 
 But shake that viper off which gnaws your entrails ! 
 I, and my fellow-subjects are resolv'd, 
 If you persist, to stand your utmost fury, 
 Till our last blood drop from us. 
 
 War. O sir, lend 
 No ear to this traducer of my honour ! — 
 What shall I call thee, thou grey-bearded scandal, 
 That kick'st against the sovereignty to which 
 Thou owest allegiance ? — Treason is bold-faced. 
 And eloquent in mischief ; sacred king. 
 Be deaf to his known malice. 
 
 Dur. Rather yield 
 Unto those holy motions which inspire 
 The sacred heart of an anointed body 1 
 It is the surest policy in princes, \ 
 
 To govern well their own, than seek encroachmenti 
 Upon another's right. i 
 
 Craw. The king is serious, 
 Deep in his meditation [sj. 
 
 Dal. Lift them up 
 To heaven, his better genius ! 
 
 War. Can you study. 
 While such a devil raves ? Oh, sir. 
 
 K. Ja. Well,— bishop, 
 You'll not be drav.-n to mercy ? 
 
 Dur. Construe me 
 In like case by a subject of your own : 
 My resolution's fix'd ; king James, be consell'd, 
 A greater fate waits on thee. 
 
 lExeunt Durham and Soldiers /rom the tcallf. 
 
 K. Ja. Forage through 
 The country ; spare no prey of life or goods. 
 
 War. Oh, sir, then give me leave to yield to 
 nature : 
 I am most miserable ; had I been 
 Born what this clergyman would, by defame, 
 Baffle belief with, I had never sought 
 The truth of mine inheritance with rapes 
 Of women, or of infants murder'd ; virgins 
 Deflower'd ; old men butcher'd ; dwellings fired ; 
 My land depopulated, and my people 
 Afflicted with a kingdom's devastation : 
 Shew more remorse, great king, or I shall never 
 Endure to see such havock with dry eyes ; 
 Spare, spare, my dear, dear England ! 
 
 K. Ja. You fool your piety. 
 Ridiculously careful of an interest 
 Another man possesseth. Where's your faction? 
 Slirewdly the bishop guess'd of your adherents, 
 When not a petty burgess of some town. 
 No, not a villager hath yet appear'd. 
 In your assistance : that should make you whine, 
 And not your country's sufferance as you term it. 
 
 Dal. The king is angry. 
 
iI2 
 
 PEllKIiV V\^ARBECK. 
 
 Craw. And the passionate duke, 
 Effeminately doient. 
 
 War. The experience 
 In former trials, sir, both of mine own 
 Or other princes, cast out of their thrones, 
 Hath so acquainted me, how misery- 
 Is destitute of friends, or of relief, 
 That I can easily submit to taste 
 Lowest reproof, without contempt or words. 
 
 Enter Frion 
 
 K. Ja. An humble-minded man ! — Now, what 
 intelligence 
 Speaks master secretary Prion. 
 
 Fri. Henry 
 Of England hath in open field o'erthrown 
 The armies who opposed him, in the light 
 Of this young prince. 
 
 K. Ja. His subsidies you mean — 
 More, if you have it .'' 
 
 Fri. Howard earl of Surrey, 
 Back'd by twelve earls and barons of the north, 
 An hundred knights and gentlemen of name. 
 
 And twenty thousand soldiers, is at hand 
 To raise yoiar siege. Brooke, with a goodly navy, 
 Is admiral at sea ; and Dawbeney follov^s 
 With an unbroken army for a second. 
 
 War. 'Tis false ! they come to side with us. 
 
 K. Ja. Retreat ; 
 We shall not find them stones and walls to cope 
 
 with. 
 Yet, duke of York, for such thou say'st thou art, 
 I'll try thy fortune to the height ; to Surrey, 
 By Marchmont, I will send a brave defiance 
 For single combat. Once a king will venture 
 His person to an earl, with condition 
 Of spilling lesser blood. Surrey is bold. 
 And James resolv'd. 
 
 War. Oh, rather, gracious sir. 
 Create me to this glory ; since my cause 
 Doth interest this fair quarrel; valued least, 
 I am his equal. 
 
 K. Ja. I will be the man. 
 March softly off ; where victory can reap 
 A harvest cro'.vn'd with triumph, toil is cheap. 
 
 lExeunt. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I. — The English Camp near Ayton, on 
 the Borders. 
 
 Enter Surrey, Durham, Soldiers, with Drums and 
 
 Colours. 
 
 Sur. Are all our braving enemies shrunk back, 
 Hid in the fogs of their distemper'd climate, 
 Not daring to behold our colours wave 
 In spite of this infected air ? Can they 
 Look on the strength of Cundrestine defaced } 
 The glory of Heydon-hall devasted ? that 
 Of Edington cast down ? the pile of Fulden 
 O'erthrown, and this, the strongest of their forts, 
 Old Ayton-Castle, yielded and demoHsh'd, 
 And yet not peep abroad ? The Scots are bold, 
 Hardy in battle ; but it seems the cause 
 They undertake, considered, appears 
 Unjointed in the frame on't. 
 
 ^Sw*?. 'Noble Surrey, 
 Our royal master's wisdom is at all times 
 His fortune's harbinger ; for when he draws 
 His sword to threaten war, his providence 
 Settles on peace, the crowning of an empire. 
 
 lA trumpet without. 
 
 Sur. Rank all in order : 'tis a herald's sound ; 
 Some message from king James. Keep a fix'd 
 station. 
 
 Enter Marchmont and another, in Heralds' coats. 
 
 March. From Scotland's awful majesty we come 
 Unto the English general. 
 
 Sur. To me ? 
 Say on. 
 
 March. Thus, then ; the waste and prodigal 
 Effusion of so much guiltless blood. 
 As in two potent armies, of necessity. 
 Must glut the earth's dry womb, his sweet com- 
 passion 
 Hath studied to prevent ; for which to thee, 
 Great earl of Surrey, in a single fight. 
 He offers his own royal person ; fairly 
 
 Proposing these conditions only, that 
 
 If victory conclude our master's right. 
 
 The earl shall deliver for his ransom 
 
 The town of Berwick to him, with the Fishgarths ; 
 
 If Surrey shall prevail, the king will pay 
 
 A thousand pounds down present for his freedom. 
 
 And silence further arms : so speaks king James. 
 
 Sur. So speaks king James ! so like a king he 
 Heralds, the English general returns [speaks. 
 
 A sensible devotion from his heart. 
 His very soul, to this unfellow'd grace ; 
 For let the king know, gentle heralds, truly, 
 How his descent from his great throne, to honour 
 A stranger subject with so high a title 
 As his compeer in arms, hath conquer'd more 
 Than any sword could do ; for which (my loyalty 
 Respected) I will serve his virtues ever 
 In all humility: but Berwick, say. 
 Is none of mine to part with. In affairs 
 Of princes, subjects cannot traffic rights 
 Inherent to the crown. My life is mine. 
 That I dare freely hazard ; and (with pardon 
 To some unbribed vain-glory) if his majesty 
 Shall taste a change of fate, his liberty 
 Shall meet no articles. If I fall, falling 
 So bravely, I refer me to his pleasure 
 Without condition ; and for this dear favour, 
 Say, if not countermanded, I will cease 
 Hostility, unless provoked. 
 
 March. This answer 
 We shall repeat unpartially. 
 
 Dur. With favour, 
 Pray have a little patience. — [Apart to Surrey.] 
 
 Sir, you find 
 By these gay flourishes, how wearied travail 
 Inclines to willing rest ; here's but a prologue. 
 However confidently utter'd, meant 
 For some ensuing acts of peace : consider 
 The time of year, unseasonableness of weather, 
 Charge, barrenness of profit ; and occasion, 
 Presents itself for honourable treaty, 
 
SCENE 
 
 PERKIN WAKBECK. 
 
 113 
 
 Which we may make good use of; I will back 
 As sent from you, in point of noble gratitude 
 Unto king James, with these his heralds ; you 
 Shall shortly hear from me, my lord, for order 
 Of breathing or proceeding ; and king Henry, 
 Doubt not, will thank the service. 
 
 Sur. To your wisdom, 
 Lord bishop, I refer it. 
 
 Bur. Be it so then. 
 
 Sur. Heralds, accept this chain, and these fcvT 
 
 March. Our duty, noble general. [crowns. 
 
 Dur. In part 
 Of retribution for such princely love, ^ 
 
 My lord the general is pleased to shew 
 The king your master his sincerest zeal, 
 By further treaty, by no common man ; 
 I will myself return with you. 
 
 Sur. You oblige 
 My faithfullest affections to you, lord bishop. 
 
 March. All happiness attend your lordship ! 
 
 Sur. Come, friends. 
 And fellow- soldiers ; we, I doubt, shall meet 
 No enemies but woods and hills, to fight with ; 
 Then 'twere as good to feed and sleep at home : 
 We may be free from danger, not secure. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II.— The Scottish Ca 
 
 mp. 
 
 
 Enter Warbeck and Prion. 
 
 War. Prion, oh Frion, all m ^ hop^ of glory ) 
 Are at a stand ! the Scottish king grows dull. 
 Frosty, and wayward, since this Spanish agent 
 Hath mix'd discourses with him ; they are private, 
 I am not call'd to council now ; — confusion / 
 On all his crafty shrugs 1 I feel the fabric 
 Of my designs are tottering. 
 
 Fri. Henry's policies i^^f^4^ 
 
 Stir with too many engines. >f V <^^^ 
 
 War. Let his mines, * ^«^' 
 
 Shaped in the bowels of the earth, blow up ' 
 Works rais'd for my defence, yet can they never 
 Toss into air the freedom of my birth, 
 Or disavow my blood Plantagenet's ! 
 I am my father's son still. But, oh Frion, 
 When I bring into count with my disasters. 
 My wife's compartnership, my Kate's, my life's, 
 Then, then my frailty feels an earthquake. Mis 
 
 chief 
 Damn Henry's plots ! I will be England's king. 
 Or let my aunt of Burgundy report 
 My fall in the attempt deserv'd our ancestors ! 
 
 Fri. You grow too wild in passion ; if you will 
 Appear a prince indeed, confine^your will 
 To moderation. 
 
 War. What a saucy rudeness ^ 
 Prompts this distrust ? If ,> If I will appear 9 
 Appear a prince ? death throttle such deceits 
 Even in their birth of utterance ! cursed cozenage 
 Of trust ! You make me mad ; 'twere best, it seems 
 That I should turn impostor to myself, 
 Be mine own counterfeit, belie the truth 
 Of my dear mother's womb, the sacred bed 
 Of a prince murther'd, and a living baffled ! 
 
 Fri. Nay, if you have no ears to hear, I have 
 No breath to spend in vain. 
 
 War. Sir, sir, take heed ! 
 Gold, and the promise of promotion, rarely 
 Fail in temptation. 
 
 Fri. Why to me this ? 
 
 War. Nothing. 
 Speak what you will ; we are not sunk so low 
 But your advice may piece again the heart 
 Which many cares have broken : you were wont 
 In all extremities to talk of comfort ; 
 Have you none left now. I'll not interrupt you. 
 Good, bear with my distractions ! If king James 
 Deny us dwelling here, next, whither must I ? 
 I prithee, be not angry. 
 
 Fri. Sir, I told you 
 Of letters come from Ireland ; how the Cornish 
 Stomach their last defeat, and humbly sue 
 That with such forces, as you could partake. 
 You would in person land in Cornwall, where 
 Thousands will entertain your title gladly. 
 
 War. Let me embrace thee, hug thee ! thou'st 
 reviv'd 
 My comforts ; if my cousin king will fail, 
 Our cause will never — 
 
 Enter John a "Water, IIehon, Astlky, Sk.':ti).v. 
 Welcome, my tried friends, 
 You keep your brains awake in our defence. 
 Frion, advise with them of these affairs, 
 In which be wondrous secret ; I will listen 
 What else concerns us here : be quick and wary. 
 
 lExit. 
 
 Ast. Ah, sweet young prince ! Secretarv, my 
 fellow-counsellors and I have consulted, and jump 
 all in one opinion directly, and if these Scotch 
 garboils do not fadge to our minds, we will pellmell 
 run amongst the Cornish choughs presently, and 
 in a trice. 
 
 Sket. 'Tis but going to sea and leaping ashore, 
 cut ten or twelve thousand unnecessary throats, 
 fire seven or eight towns, take half a dozen cities, 
 get into the market-place, crown him Richard the 
 Fourth, and the business is finished. 
 
 J. a- Wat. I grant you, quoth I, so far forth, as 
 men may do, no more than men may do ; for it is 
 good to consider, when consideration may be to 
 the purpose, otherwise — still you shall pardon vae 
 — " little said is soon amended." 
 
 Fri. Then you conclude the Cornish action 
 surest } 
 
 Her. We do so ; and doubt not but to thrive 
 abundantly. Ho, my masters, had we known of 
 the commotion when we spt sail out of Ireland, the 
 land had been ours ere this time. 
 
 Sket. Pish, pish ! 'tis but forbearing being an 
 earl or a duke a month or two longer. I say, and 
 say it again, if the work go not on apace, let me 
 never see new fashion more. I warrant you, I 
 warrant you ; we will have it so, and so it shall be. A 
 
 Ast. This is but a cold phlegmatic country; not! 
 stirring enough for men of spirit. Give me the' 
 heart of England for my money ! 
 
 Sket. A man may batten there in a week only, 
 with hot loaves and butter, and a lusty cup of 
 muscadine and sugar art breakfast, though he make 
 never a meal all the month after. 
 
 J. a- Wat. Surely, when I bore office, I found 
 by experience, that to be much troublesome, was 
 to be much wise and busy ; I have observed, how 
 filching and bragging has been the best service in 
 these last wars ; and therefore conclude peremp- 
 torily on the design in England. If things and 
 things may fall out, as who can tell what or how— 
 but the end will shew it. 
 
114 
 
 PEHKIN \yARBECK, 
 
 ACT IV, 
 
 Fri. Resolved like men of judgment ! Hereto 
 linger 
 More time, is but to lose it ; cheer the prince, 
 And haste him on to this ; on this depends. 
 Fame in success, or glory in our ends. lExeimt. 
 
 SCENE III. — Another Pari of the same. 
 Enter King Jaaies, DtJRHAM, and Hialas. 
 
 Hial. France, Spain, and Germany combine a 
 Of amity with England ; nothing wants [league 
 For settling peace through Christendom, but love 
 Between the British monarchs, James, and Henry. 
 
 Dur. The English merchants, sir, have been 
 With general procession into Antwerp ; [received 
 The emperor confirms the combination. 
 
 Hial. The king of Spain resolves a marriage 
 For Katherine his daughter, with prince Arthur. 
 
 Du7\ France courts this holy contract. 
 
 Hial. What can hinder 
 A quietness in England ?-:- 
 
 Dur. But your suffrage 
 To such a silly creature, mighty sir, 
 As is but in effect an apparition, 
 A shadow, a mere trifle ? 
 
 Hial. To this union 
 The good of both the church and commonwealth 
 Invite you. 
 
 Dur. To this unity, a mystery 
 Of providence points out a greater blessing 
 For both these nations, than our human reason 
 Can search into. King Henry hath a daughter, 
 The princess Margaret ; I need not urge. 
 What honour, what felicity can follow- 
 On such affinity 'twixt two Christian kings, 
 Inleagued by ties of blood ; but sure I am, 
 If you, sir, ratify the peace proposed, 
 I dare both motion and effect this marriage 
 For weal of both the kingdoms. 
 
 K. Ja. Dar'st thou, lord bishop ? 
 
 Dur. Put it to trial, royal James, by sending 
 Some noble personage to the English court 
 By way of embassy. 
 
 Hial. Part of the business 
 Shall suit my meditation. . > — ■ — > 
 
 K. Ja. Well ; what Heaven 
 Hath pointed out to be, must be ; you two ] 
 Are ministers, I hope, of blessed fate. 
 But herein only I will stand acquitted. 
 No blood of innocents shall buy my peace. 
 For Warbeck, as you nick him, came to me. 
 Commended by the states of Christendom, 
 A prince, tho' in distress ; his fair demeanour. 
 Lovely behaviour, unappalled spirit, 
 Spoke him not base in blood, however clouded. 
 The brute beasts have their rocks and caves to fly 
 : And men the altars of the church ; to us [to, 
 
 1 He came for refuge : ** Kings come near in nature 
 lUnto the gods, in being touch'd with pity." 
 Yet, noble friends, his mixture with our blood. 
 Even with our own, shall no way interrupt 
 A general peace ; only I will dismiss him 
 From my protection, throughout my dominions, 
 In safety ; but not ever to return. 
 
 Hial. You are a just king. 
 
 Dur. Wise, and herein happy. 
 
 K. Ja. Nor will we dally in affairs of weight : 
 l^Iantley, lord bishop, shall with you to England 
 
 Ambassador from us : we will throw down 
 Our weapons ; peace on all sides ! now, repair 
 Unto our council ; we will soon be with you. 
 
 Hial, Delays shall question no dispatch ; Hea- 
 ven crown it ! lExeunt Durham atid Hialas, 
 
 K. Ja. A league with Ferdinand ! a marriage 
 With English Margaret ! a free I'elease 
 From restitution for the late affronts ! 
 Cessation from hostility, and all 
 For Warbeck, not deliver'd, but dismiss'd I 
 We could not wish it better. — Dalyell ! — 
 
 Eiiter Dalykll. 
 
 Dal. Here, sir. 
 
 K. Ja. Are Huntley and his daughter sent for ? 
 
 Dill. Sent for. 
 And come, my lord. 
 
 K. Ja. Say to the English prince, 
 We want his company. 
 
 Dal. He is at hand, sir. 
 
 Enter Warbeck, Katherine, Jane, Frion, Heron, 
 Sketon, John a-Water, Astley. 
 
 K. Ja. Cousin, our bounty, favours, gentleness, 
 Our benefits, the hazard of our person. 
 Our people's lives, our land, hath evidenced 
 How much we have engag'd on your behalf: 
 How trivial, and how dangerous our hopes 
 Appear, how fruitless our attempts in war. 
 How windy, rather smoky, your assurance 
 Of party, shews, we might in vain repeat : 
 But now, obedience to the mother church, 
 A father's care upon his country's weal. 
 The dignity of state directs our wisdom, 
 To seal an oath of peace through Christendom ; 
 To which we are sworn already : it is you 
 Must only seek new fortunes in the world. 
 And find an harbour elsewhere. As I promis'vl 
 On your arrival, you have met no usage 
 Deserves repentance in your being here ; 
 But yet I must live master of mine own : 
 However, what is necessary for you 
 At your departure, I am well content 
 You be accommodated with ; provided 
 Delay prove not my enemy. 
 
 War. It shall not. 
 Most glorious prince. The fame of my designs 
 Soars higher, than report of ease and sloth 
 Can aim at ; I acknowledge all your favours 
 Boundless and lingular ; am only wretched 
 In words as well as means, to thank the grace 
 That flow'd so liberally. Two empires firmly 
 You are lord of, Scotland and duke Richard's heart; 
 My claim to mine inheritance shall sooner 
 Fail, than my life to serve you, best of kings ; 
 And, witness Edward's blood in me ! 1 am 
 More loath to part with such a great example 
 Of virtue, than all other mere respects. 
 But, sir, my last suit is, you will not force 
 From me, what you have given, this chaste lady, 
 Resolved on all extremes. 
 
 Kath. I am your wife. 
 No human power can or shall divorce 
 My faith from duty. 
 
 War. Such another treasure 
 The earth is bankrupt of. 
 
 K. Ja. I gave her, cousin. 
 And must avow the gift ; will add withali 
 A furnitui-e becoming her high birth, 
 i\nd unsuspected constancy ; provide 
 
fiCE>E IV 
 
 PERKIN WARBECK. 
 
 115 
 
 For J 'ur attendance ; we will part good friends. 
 
 I Exit with Daly ELL. 
 
 Wa. The Tudor hath been cunning in his plots ; 
 His Fo: of Durham would not fail at last. 
 But wha . ? our cause and courage are our own : ) 
 Be men, my friends, and let our cousin king 
 See how we foll ow fate as w illingly 
 A s malice f ollows us. You are all resolved 
 For ~tlie"west paTEs^oTEngland } 
 
 All. Cornwall, Cornwall ! 
 
 Fri. The inhabitants expect you daily. 
 
 War. Cheerfully 
 Draw all our ships out of the harbour, friends-; 
 Our time of stay doth seem too long, we must 
 Prevent intelligence : about it suddenly. 
 
 All. A prince, a prince, a prince 1 
 
 \_Exeunt Hkron, Sketon, Astley, and John a-Watkr. 
 
 War. Dearest, admit not into thy pure thoughts 
 The least of scruples, which may charge their soft- 
 ness 
 With burden of distrust. Should I prove wanting 
 To noble courage now, here were the trial : 
 But I am perfect, sweet, I fear no change, 
 More than thy being partner in my sufferance. 
 
 Kath. My fortunes, sir, have arm'd me to en- 
 counter 
 What chance soe'er they meet with. — Jane, 'tis fit 
 Thou stay behind, for whither wilt thou wander? 
 
 Jane. Never till death will I forsake my mistress, 
 Nor then in wishing to die with you gladly. 
 
 Kath. Alas, good soul ! 
 
 Fri. Sir, to your aunt of Burgundy 
 I will relate your present undertakings : 
 From her expect, on all occasions, welcome. 
 You cannot find me idle in your services. 
 
 War. Go, Frion, go I wise men know how to 
 sooth 
 Adversity, not serve it : thou hast waited 
 Too long on expectation ; never yet 
 Was any nation read of, so besotted 
 In reason, as to adore the setting sun. 
 Fly to the archduke's court ; say to the duchess, 
 Her nephew, with fair Katherine, his wife, 
 Are on their expectation to begin 
 The raising of an empire. If they fail, 
 Yet the report will never : farewell, Frion ! 
 
 \_Exit Prion. 
 This man, Kate, has been true, though now of late, 
 I fear, too much familiar with the Fox. 
 Re-enter Dalyell with Huntley. 
 
 Hunt. I come to take my leave : you need not 
 doubt 
 My interest in this some-time child of mine ; 
 She's all yours now, good sir. — Oh, poor lost 
 
 creature ! 
 Heaven guard thee with much patience ; if thou 
 Forget thy title to old Huntley's family, [canst 
 As much of peace will settle in thy mind 
 As thou canst wish to taste, but in thy grave. 
 Accept my tears yet, prithee ; they are tokens 
 Of charity, as true as of affection. 
 
 Kath. This is the cruell'st farewell ! 
 
 Hunt. Love, young gentleman. 
 This model of my griefs ; she calls you husband : 
 Then be not jealous of a parting kiss. 
 It is a father's, not a lover's offering ; 
 Take it, my last. — [Kisses her] — I am too much a 
 Exchange of passion is to little use, [child. 
 
 So I should grow too foolish : goodness guide thee ! 
 
 iExit. 
 
 Kath. Most miserable daughter ! — Have you 
 To add, sir, to our sorrows ? [aught 
 
 Dal. I resolve. 
 Fair lady, with your leave, to wait on all 
 Your fortunes in my person, if your lord 
 Vouchsafe me entertainment. 
 
 War. We will be bosom friends, most noble 
 For I accept this tender of your, love [Dalyell ; 
 Beyond ability of thanks to speak it. — 
 Clear thy drown'd eyes, my fairest ; time and 
 industry — 
 
 Will shew us better days, or end the worst. 
 
 [Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE IN.— The Palace at Westminster. 
 Enter Oxford and Dawbeney. 
 
 Oxf. No news from Scotland yet, my lord ? 
 
 Daw. Not any 
 But what king Henry knows himself; I thought 
 Our armies should have march'd that way ; his 
 It seems, is alter'd. [mind, 
 
 Oxf. Victory attends 
 His standard everywhere. 
 
 Daw. Wise princes, Oxford, 
 Fight not alone with forces. Providence 
 Directs and tutors strength ; else elephants, 
 And barbed horses, might as well prevail, 
 As the most subtile stratagems of war. 
 
 Oxf. The Scottish king shew'd more than com- 
 mon bravery. 
 In proffer of a combat hand to hand 
 With Surrey. 
 
 Daw. And but shew'd it : northern bloods 
 Are gallant being fired ; but the cold climate. 
 Without good store of fuel, quickly freezeth 
 The glowing flames. 
 
 Oxf. Surrey, upon my life, 
 Would not have shrunk a hair's breadth. 
 
 Daio. May he forfeit 
 The honour of an English name, and nature, 
 Whorwoiild hot have embraced it with a greediness, 
 As violent as hunger runs to food ! 
 'Twas an addition, any worthy spirit 
 Would covet, next to immortality, 
 Above all joys of life ; we all miss'd shares 
 In that great opportunity. 
 
 Enter King Henry, in close Conversation with Urswick. 
 
 Oxf. The king! 
 See he comes smiling. 
 
 Daw. Oh, the game runs smooth 
 On his side then, believe it ; cards well shufHed, 
 And dealt with cunning, bring some gamester thrift; 
 But others must rise losers. 
 
 K. Hen. The train takes .' 
 
 Urs. Most prosperously. 
 
 K. Hen. I knew it could not miss. 
 He fondly angles who will hurl his bait 
 Into the water, 'cause the fish at first 
 Plays round about the line, and dares not bite. — 
 Lords, we may reign your king yet : Dawbeney 
 
 Oxford, 
 Urswick, must Perkin wear the crown } 
 
 Daio. A slave ! 
 
 Oxf. A vagabond ! 
 
 Urs. A glow-worm ! 
 
 K. Hen. Now, if Frion, 
 His practised politician, wear a brain i 2 
 
1J6 
 
 PERKIN WARBECK. 
 
 Of proof, l<ing Perkin will in progress ride 
 Through all his large dominions ; let us meet him, 
 And tender homage : ha, sirs ! liegemen ought 
 To pay their fealty. 
 
 Daw. Would the rascal were, 
 With all his rabble, within twenty miles 
 Of London ! 
 
 K. Hen. Farther off is near enough 
 To lodge him in his home : I'll wager odds, 
 Surrey and all his men are either idle, 
 Or hasting back ; they have not work, I doubt, 
 To keep them busy. 
 
 Bmjo. 'Tis a strange conceit, sir. 
 
 K. Hen. Such voluntary favours as our people 
 In duty aid us with, we never scatter'd 
 On cobweb parasites, or lavish'd out 
 In riot, or needless hospitality : 
 No undeserving favourite doth boast 
 His issues from our treasury ; our charge 
 Flows through ail Europe, proving us but steward 
 Of every contribution, which provides 
 Against the creeping canker of disturbance. 
 Is it not rare then, in this toil of state 
 Wherein we are embark'd, with breach of sleep, 
 Cares, and the noise of trouble, that our mercy 
 Returns nor thanks, nor comfort ? Still the West 
 Murmur and threaten innovation. 
 Whisper our government tyrannical. 
 Deny us what is ours, nay, spurn their lives, 
 Of which they are but owners by our gift ; 
 It must not be. 
 
 Oxf. It must not, should not. 
 
 Enter a Messenger. 
 
 K. Hen. So then — ■ 
 To whom ? 
 
 Mess. This packet to your sacred majesty. 
 
 K. Hen. Sirrah, attend without. lExit^lesa. 
 
 Oxf. News from the North, upon my life. 
 
 Daw. Wise Henry 
 Divines aforehand of events ; with him 
 Attempts and execution are one act. 
 
 K. Hen. Urswick, thiue ear ; Frion is caught ! 
 the man 
 Of cunning is out-reach'd ; we must be safe : 
 Should reverend Morton, our archbishop, move 
 To a translation higher yet, I tell thee, 
 My Durham owns a brain deserves that See. 
 He's nimble in his industry, and mounting — 
 Thou hear'st me ? 
 
 Urs. And conceive your highness fitly. 
 
 K. Hen. Dawbeney and Oxford, since our army 
 Entire, it were a weakness to admit [stands 
 
 The rust of laziness to eat amongst them : 
 Set forward toward Salisbury ; the plains 
 Are most commodious for their exercise, 
 Ourself will take a muster of them there ; 
 And, or disband them with reward, or else 
 Dispose as best concerns us. 
 
 Dow. Salisbury ! 
 Sir, all is peace at Salisbury. 
 
 K. Hen. Dear friend — 
 The charge must be our own ; we would a little 
 Partake the pleasure with our subjects' ease : 
 Shall I entreat your loves ? 
 
 Oxf. Command our lives. 
 
 K. Hen. You are men know how to do, not to 
 forethiiik. 
 My bishop is a jewel tried, and perfect ; 
 A jewel, lords. The post who brought these letters, 
 
 Must speed another to the mayor of Exeter ; 
 Urswick, dismiss him not. 
 
 Urs. He waits your pleasure. 
 
 K. Hen. Perkin a king ? a king ! 
 
 Urs. My gracious lord. 
 
 K. Hen. Thoughts, busied in the sphere of 
 , royalty. 
 
 Fix not on creeping worms without their stings, 
 Mere excrements of earth. The use of time 
 Is thriving safety, and a wise prevention 
 Of iUs expected : we are resolv'd for Salisbury. 
 
 \_Exeunl. 
 
 SCENE \.— The Coast of Cornwall. 
 
 A general shout within. — Enter Warbeck, Dalyell, 
 Katherine, and Jane. 
 
 War. After so many storms as wind and seas 
 Have threaten'd to our weather-beaten ships. 
 At last, sweet fairest, we are safe arrived 
 On our dear mother earth, ungrateful only 
 To heaven and us, in yielding sustenance 
 To sly usurpers of our throne and right. 
 These general acclamations are an omen 
 Of happy process to their welcome lord : 
 They flock in troops, and from all parts, with wings 
 Of duty fly, to lay their hearts before us. 
 Unequall'd pattern of a matchless wife, 
 How fares my dearest yet ? 
 
 Kaih. Confirra'd in health; 
 By which I may the better undergo 
 The roughest face of change ; but I shall learn 
 Patience to hope, since silence courts affliction, 
 For cbmfbrts, to this truly noble gentleman, 
 (Rare unexampled pattern of a friend !) 
 And, my beloved Jane, the willing follower 
 Of all misfortunes. 
 
 Dal. Lady, I return 
 But barren crops of early protestations. 
 Frost-bitten in the spring of fruitless hopes. 
 
 Jane. I wait but as the shadow to the body, 
 For, madam, without you let me be nothing. 
 
 IVar. None talk of sadness, we are on the way 
 Which leads to victory ; keep cowards' thoughts 
 With desperate sullenness ! The lion faints not 
 Lock'd in a grate, but, loose, disdains all force 
 Which bars his prey, (and we are lion-hearted,) 
 Or else no king of beasts. — \_Another general shout 
 
 laithin.l — Hark, how they shout ; 
 Triumphant in our cause ! bold confidence 
 Marches on bravely, cannot quake at danger. 
 
 Enter Sketon. 
 
 Sket. Save king Richard the Fourth ! save thee. 
 King of hearts ! The Cornish blades are men of 
 mettle ; have proclaimed through Bodnam, and 
 the whole county, my sweet prince monarch of 
 England : four thousand tall yeomen, with bow 
 and sword, already vow to live and die at the foot 
 of King Richard. 
 
 Enter Astley. 
 
 Ast. The mayor, our fellow-counsellor, is servant 
 for an emperor. Exeter is appointed for the 
 rendezvous, and nothing wants to victory but 
 courage and resolution. Sigillatum et datum decimo 
 Septembris, anno Regni Regis prirno, ct castera , 
 confirmatum est. All's cock-sure ! 
 
 War. To Exeter ! to Exeter, march on : 
 
SCENE I. 
 
 PERKIN WARBECK. 
 
 117 
 
 Commend us to our people : we in person 
 Will lend them double spirits ; tell them so. 
 
 Skct. and Ast. King Richard, king Richard ! 
 
 \_Exeunt Sket. and Ast. 
 
 War. A thousand blessings guard our lawful 
 arms ! ■ "'""■ 
 
 A thousand horrors pierce our enemies' souls ! 
 Pale fear unedge their weapons' sharpest points, 
 And when they draw their arrows to the head, 
 Numbness shall strike their sinews ! such advan- 
 Hath majesty in its pursuit of justice, [tage 
 
 That on the proppers up of Truth's old throne, 
 
 It both enlightens counsel, and gives heart 
 To execution ; whilst the throats of traitors 
 
 Lie bare before our mercy. O divinity > 
 
 Of royal birth ! how it strikes dumb the tongues i 
 Whose prodigality of breath is bribed 
 By trains to greatness ! Princes are but men, 
 Distinguish'd in the fineness of their frailty ; 
 Yet not so gross in beauty of the mind ; 
 For there's a fire more sacred, purifies / 
 
 The dross of mixture. Herein stand the odds, / 
 Subjects are men on earth, kings men and gods./ 
 
 iExefnt. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I.— St. MichaeVs Mount, Cornwall. 
 
 Enter Katherine and Jane, in Riding-suits, with one ^ 
 Servant. 
 
 Kath. It is decreed ; and we must yield to 
 fate, 
 Whose angry justice, though it threaten ruin, 
 Contempt, and poverty, is all but trial 
 Of a weak woman's constancy in suffering. <-^-V- 
 Here in a stranger's, and an enemy's land. 
 Forsaken and unfurnish'd of all hopes, 
 But such as wait on misery, 1 range 
 To meet affliction wheresoe'er I tread. 
 My train, and pomp of servants, is reduced 
 To one kind gentlewoman, and this groom. 
 Sweet Jane, now whither must we ? 
 
 Jane. To your ships, 
 Dear lady, and turn home. 
 
 Kaih. Home ! I have none. 
 Fly thou to Scotland ; thou hast friends will weep 
 For joy to bid thee welcome ; but, oh Jane, 
 My Jane ! my friends are desperate of comfort, 
 As I must be of them : the common charity, 
 Good people's alms, and prayers of the gentle. 
 Is the revenue must support my state. 
 As for my native country, since it once 
 Saw me a princess in the height of greatness 
 My birth allow'd me ; here I make a vow, 
 Scotland shall never see me, being fallen. 
 Or lessen'd in my fortunes. Never, Jane, 
 Never to Scotland more will I return. 
 
 I Could I be England's queen, a glory, Jane, 
 
 II never fawn'd on, yet the king who gave me, 
 Hath sent me with my husband from his pre- 
 sence; 
 
 Deliver'd us suspected to his nation ; 
 
 Render'd us spectacles to time and pity : 
 
 And is it fit I should return to such 
 
 As only listen after our descent 
 
 From happiness enjoy'd, to misery, 
 
 Expected, though uncertain ? Never, never I 
 
 Alas, why dost thou weep ? and that poor 
 
 creature 
 Wipe his wet cheeks too ? let me feel alone 
 Extremities, who know to give them harbour ; 
 Nor thou nor he has cause : you may live safely. 
 
 Ja7ie. There is no safety whilst your dangers, 
 madam, 
 Are every way apparent. 
 
 Serv. Pardon, lady; 
 I cannot choose but shew my honest heart ; 
 You were ever my good lady. 
 
 Kaih. Oh, dear souls, 
 Your shares in grief are too too much. 
 
 Enter Dalyell. 
 
 Dal. I bring. 
 Fair princess, news of further sadness yet. 
 Than your sweet youth hath been acquainted 
 with. 
 
 Kath. Not more, my lord, than I can welcome ; 
 speak it, 
 The worst, the worst I look for. 
 
 Dal. All the Cornish, 
 At Exeter Were by the citizens 
 Repulsed, encounter'd by the earl of Devonshire, 
 And other worthy gentlemen of the country. 
 Your husband march'd to Taunton, and was there 
 Affronted by king Henry's chamberlain ; 
 The king himself in person, with his army 
 Advancing nearer, to renew the fight 
 On all occasions : but the night before 
 The battles were to join, your husband privately. 
 Accompanied with some few horse, departed 
 From out the camp, and posted none knows 
 whither. 
 
 Kath. Fled without battle given .' 
 
 Dal. Fled, but foUow'd 
 By Dawbeney ; all his parties left to taste 
 ^ng Henry's mercy, for to that they yielded ; 
 Victorrous^wttliuut bloudslieil. ' ■ — — 
 
 Kaih. Oh, my sorrows ! 
 If both our lives had proved the sacrifice 
 To Henry's tyranny, we had fall'n like princes. 
 And robb'd him of the glory of his pride. 
 
 Dal. Impute it not to faintness or to weakness 
 Of noble courage, lady, but [to] foresight ; 
 For by some secret friend he had intelligence 
 Of being bought and sold by his base followers. 
 Worse yet remains untold. 
 
 Kath. No, no, it cannot. 
 
 Dal. I fear you are betray'd: the Earl of 
 Oxford 
 Runs hot in your pursuit. 
 
 Kath. He shall not need ; 
 We'll run as hot in resolution, gladly, 
 To make the earl our jailor. 
 
 Jane. Madam, madam, 
 They come, they come ! 
 
 Enter Oxford, mlh hit ftiUovoert, 
 
 Dal. Keep back, or he who dares. 
 Rudely to violate the law of honour, J, 
 Runs on my sword. 
 
118 
 
 PERK IN WARBECK. 
 
 Kath. Most noble sir, forbear ! 
 What reason draws you hither, gentlemen ? 
 Whom seek ye ? 
 
 Oxf. All stand off. With favour, lady, 
 From Henry, England's king, I would present, 
 Unto the beauteous princess, Katherine Gordon, 
 The tender of a gracious entertainment. 
 
 Kath. We are that princess, whom your master 
 king 
 Pursues with reaching arms, to draw into 
 His power : let him use his tyranny, 
 We shall not be his subjects. 
 
 Oxf. My commission 
 Extends no further, excellentest lady. 
 Than to a service ; 'tis king Henry's pleasure. 
 That you, and all that have relation to you. 
 Be guarded as becomes your birth and greatness : 
 For, rest assured, sweet princess, that not aught 
 Of what you do call yours, shall find disturbance, 
 Or any welcome, other than what suits 
 Your high condition. 
 
 Kath. By what title, sir. 
 May I acknowledge you ? 
 
 Oxf. Your servant, lady. 
 Descended from the line of Oxford's earls, 
 Inherits what his ancestors before him 
 Were owners of. 
 
 Kath. Your king is herein royal. 
 That by a peer so ancient in desert, 
 As well as blood, commands us to his presence. 
 
 Oxf. Invites you, princess, not commands. 
 
 Kath. Pray use 
 Your own phrase as you list ; to your protection, 
 Both I and mine submit. 
 
 Oxf. There's in your number 
 A nobleman, whom fame hath bravely spoken. 
 To him the king my master bade me say 
 How willingly he courts his friendship ; far 
 From an enforcement, more than what in terms 
 Of courtesy, so great ^ prince may hope for. 
 
 Dal. My name is Dalyell. 
 
 Oxf. 'Tis a name hath won 
 Both thanks and wonder, from report, my lord ; 
 The court of England emulates your merit, 
 And covets to embrace you. 
 
 Dal. I must wait on 
 The princess in her fortunes. 
 
 Oxf. Will you please. 
 Great lady, to set forward ? 
 
 Kath. Being driven 
 By fate, it were in vain to strive with heaven. 
 
 \_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II.— Salisbury. 
 
 Enter King IIenry, Surrey, Urswick, and a Guard of 
 Soldiers. 
 
 K. Hen. The counterfeit king Perkin is es- 
 caped : — 
 Escaped ! so let him ; he is hedged too fast 
 Within the circuit of our English pale. 
 To steal out of our ports, or leap the walls 
 Which guard our land ; the seas are rough, and 
 
 wider 
 Than his weak arms can tug with. Surrey, hence- 
 forth 
 Your king may reign in quiet ; turmoils past, 
 Like some unquiet dream, have rather busied 
 Our fancy, than affrighted rest of state. — 
 
 But, Surrey, why, in articling a peace 
 With James of Scotland, was not restitution 
 Of losses which our subjects did sustain 
 By the Scotch inroads, question'd ? 
 
 Sur. Both demanded 
 And urged, my lord ; to which the king replied, 
 In modest merriment, but smiling earnest. 
 How that our master Henry was much abler 
 To bear the detriments, than he repay them. 
 
 K. Hen. The young man, I believe, spake honest 
 truth ; 
 He studies to be wise betimes. Has, Urswick, 
 Sir Rice ap Thomas, and lord Brook, our steward, 
 Return'd the Western gentlemen full thanks. 
 From us, for their tried loyalties ? 
 
 Urs. They have ; 
 Which, as if life and health had reign'd amongst 
 
 them, 
 W^ith open hearts they joyfully received. 
 
 K. Hen. Young Buckingham is a fair-natured 
 prince, 
 Lovely in hopes, and worthy of his father ; 
 Attended by an hundred knights and squires 
 Of special name, he tender'd humble service, 
 Which we must ne'er forget ; and Devonshire's 
 
 wounds. 
 Though slight, shall find sound cure in our respect. 
 
 Enter Dawbeney, tcith a Guard, leading in Warbeck, 
 
 Heron, John a-Water, Astley, and Skbton, 
 
 chained. 
 
 Daw. Life to the king, and safety fix his throne ! 
 I here present you, royal sir, a shadow 
 Of majesty, but, in effect, a substance 
 Of pity, a young man,, in nothing grown 
 To ripeness, but the ambition of your mercy : 
 Perkin, the Christian world's strange wonder, v^ 
 
 K. Hen. Dawbeney, "* ^ '^'^ 
 
 We observe no wonder ; I behold, 'tis true, v; :^^ 
 An ornament of nature, fine and polish'd, i^ 
 A handsome youth indeed, but not admire him. 
 How came he to thy hands ? 
 
 Daw. From sanctuary 
 At Bewley, near Southampton ; register'd 
 With these few followers, for persons privileged. 
 
 K, Hen. I must not thank you, sir ! you were 
 to blame 
 To infringe the liberty of houses sacred : 
 Dare we be irreligious ? 
 
 Daio. Gracious lord. 
 They voluntarily resign'd themselves, 
 Without compulsion. 
 
 K. Hen. So ? 'twas very well ; 
 'Twas very, very well ! — turn now thine eyes. 
 Young man, upon thyself, and thy past actions. 
 What revels in combustion through our kingdom, 
 A frenzy of aspiring youth hath danced, 
 Till, wanting breath, thy feet of pride have slipt 
 To break thy neck ! 
 
 War. But not my heart ; my heart \ 
 
 Will mount, till every drop of blood be frozen \ 
 By death's perpetual winter : if the sua 
 Of majesty be darken'd, let the sun j; 
 Of life be hid from me, in an eclipse | 
 Lasting and universal ! Sir, remember 
 There was a shooting in of light, wiien Richmond, 
 Not aiming at a crown, retired, and gladly, 
 For comfort to the duke of Bretaine's court. 
 Richard, who sway'd the sceptre, was reputed 
 A tyrant then; yet then, a dawning glimmer'd 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 PERKIN WARBECK, 
 
 110 
 
 To some few wand'ring remnants, promising day 
 When first they ventur'd on a frightful shore, 
 At Milford Haven — 
 
 Daio. Whither speeds this boldness ? 
 Check his rude tongue, great sir. 
 
 K. Hen. O, let him range : 
 The player's on the stage still, 'tis his part ; 
 He does but act. What foUow'd ? 
 
 War. Bosworth Field ; 
 Where, at an instant, to the world's amazement, 
 A morn to Richmond, and anight to Richard, 
 App^sn^d at once : the tale is soon applied ; 
 Fatfi„wiiich--^'iWKn-'^- these attempts wheiPleast 
 ~"^ assured. 
 
 Might have befriended others, like resolv'd. 
 
 K-0-^en A pretty gallant ! thus, your aunt of 
 Burgundy, 
 Your dutchess aunt inform'd her nephew ; so / 
 The lesson prompted, and well conn'd, was mouldqid 
 Into familiar dialogue, oft rehearsed, 
 Till, learnt by heart, 'tis now received (or_tri;ithn 
 
 War. TrutlL. in her pure simplicity, wants art 
 To put a feigned blush on : scorn wears only 
 Such fashion as commends to gazers' eyes 
 Sad ulcerated novelty, far beneath 
 The sphere of majesty : in such a court 
 Wisdom and gravity are proper robes. 
 By which the sovereign is best distinguish'd 
 From zanies to his greatness. 
 
 K. Hen. Sirrah, shift 
 Your antick pageantry, and now appear 
 In your owmiatuTe, Or* you'll taste the danger 
 Of fooling out of season. 
 
 War. I expect 
 No less, than what severity calls justice, 
 And politicians safety ; let such beg 
 As feed on alms : but, if there can be mercy 
 In a protested enemy, then may it 
 Descend to these poor creatures, whose engage- 
 ments, 
 To th' bettering of their fortunes, have incurr'd 
 A loss of all ; to them, if any charity 
 Flow from some noble orator, in death, 
 I owe the fee of thankfulness. 
 
 K. Hen. So brave ? 
 What a bold knave is this I Which of these 
 
 rebels 
 Has been the mayor of Cork } 
 
 Daw. This wise formality : 
 Kneel to the king, ye rascals I \They kneel. 
 
 K. Hen. Canst thou hope 
 A pardon, where thy guilt is so apparent ? 
 
 J. a- Wat. Under your good favours, as men are 
 men, they may err ; for I confess, respectively, in 
 taking great parts, the one side prevailing, the 
 other side must go down: herein the point is clear, 
 if the proverb hold, that hanging goes by destiny, 
 that it is to little purpose to say, this thing, or 
 that, shall be thus, or thus ; for, as the fates will 
 have it, so it must be ; and who can help it? 
 
 Dami-O blockhead-4-thoTi a privy-counsellor ? 
 Beg Jife, and cry aloud, " Heaven save king 
 Henry !" 
 
 J. a- Wat. Every man knows what is best, as it 
 nappens ; for my own part, I believe it is true, if 
 I be not deceived, that kings must be kings, and 
 subjects subjects : but which is which, you shall 
 |l)ardon me for that ; — whether we speak or hold 
 )ur peace, all are mortal, no man knows his end. v 
 .. Hen. We trifle time with follies. 
 
 All. Mercy, mercy ! 
 
 K. Hen. Urswick, command the dukeling and 
 these fellows iThey rise. 
 
 To Digby, the lieutenant of the Tower : 
 With safety let them be convey'd to London. 
 It is our pleasure no uncivil outrage. 
 Taunts, or abuse be suffer'd to their persons ; 
 They shall meet fairer law than they deserve. 
 -Time njay restore their wits, whom vain ambition 
 "TTath many years distracted. 
 War. Noble thoughts 
 Meet freedom in captivity : the Tower ? 
 Our childhood's dreadful nursery. 
 K. Hen. No more ! 
 
 C7r5. Come, come, you shall have leisure to be- 
 think you. 
 \_Exit Urs. with Perkin and his follotcers, guarded. 
 K. Hen. Was ever so much impudence in 
 forgery? 
 The custom sure of being stiled a king. 
 Hath fasten'd in his thought that he is such; 
 But we shall teach the lad another language: 
 'Tis good we have him fast. 
 
 Daw. The hangman's physic 
 Will purge this saucy humour. 
 
 K. Hen. Very likely : - 
 
 Yet we could temper mercy with extremity,, ^A>^*-^ 
 Being not too far piuvUt'^iil: 
 
 Enter Oxford, Katherine in her richest Attire,'D.\hYRi.i,, 
 Jane, and Attendants. 
 
 Oxf. Great sir, be pleased. 
 With your accustom'd grace, to entertain 
 The princess Katherine Gordon. 
 
 K. Hen. Oxford, herein 
 We must beshrew thy knowledge of our nature. 
 A lady of her birth and virtues could not 
 Have found us so unfurnish'd of good manners, 
 As not, on notice given, to have met her 
 Half way in point of love. Excuse, fair cousin, 
 The oversight ! oh fie ! you may not kneel ; 
 'Tis most unfitting : first, vouchsafe this welcome, 
 A welcome to your own ; for you shall find us 
 But guardian to your fortune and your honours. 
 
 Kath. My fortunes and mine honours are weak 
 champions, 
 As both are now befriended, sir ; however, 
 Both bow before youi" clemency. 
 
 K. Hen. Our arms 
 Shall circle them from malice — a sweet lady ! 
 Beauty incomparable ! — here lives majesty 
 At league with love. 
 
 Kath. Oh, sir, I have a husband. 
 
 K. //tf/r. We'll prove your father, husband, friend, 
 and servant. 
 Prove what you wish to grant us. Lords, be 
 
 careful 
 A patent presently be drawn, for issuing 
 A thousand pounds from our exchequer yearly. 
 During our cousin's life ; our queen shall be 
 Your chief companion, our own court your home, 
 Our subjects all your servants. 
 
 Kath. But my husband ? 
 
 K. Hen. By all descriptions, you are ncbl* 
 Dalyell, 
 Whose generous truth hath famed a rare obser- 
 vance, 
 ^e thank you ; 'tis a goodness gives addition 
 'To every title boasted from your ancestry, 
 In all most worthy. 
 
 // 
 
120 
 
 PEllKIN WARBECK. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 Dat. Worthier than your praises, 
 Right princely sir, I need not glory in. 
 
 K. Hen. Embrace him, lords. Whoever calls 
 you mistress, 
 Is lifted in our charge : — a goodlier beauty 
 Mine eyes yet ne'er encounter'd. 
 
 Kath. Cruel misery 
 Of fate ! what rests to hope for ? 
 
 K. Hen. Forward, lords, 
 To London. Fair, ere long, I shall present you 
 With a glad object, peace, and Huntley's blessing. 
 
 \^ Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III.— London. The Tower-hill. 
 
 Enter Constable and Officers, Warbeck, Urswick, and 
 Lambert Simnel as a Falconer, followed by the rabble. 
 
 Const. Malce room there ! keep off, I require 
 you ; and none come within twelve foot of his 
 majesty's new stocks, upon pain of displeasure. 
 Bring forward the malefactors. — Friend, you must 
 to this geer, iio remedy. — Open the hole, and in 
 with the legs, just in the middle hole ; there, that 
 hole. Keep off, or I'll commit you all! shall not 
 a man in authority be obeyed ? So, so, there ; 'tis 
 as it should be : — [Warbeck is put in the stocks.'] 
 put on the padlock, and give me the key. Off, I 
 say, keep off. 
 
 Urs. Yet, Warbeck, clear thy conscience ; thou 
 hast tasted 
 King Henry's mercy liberally ; the law 
 Has forfeited thy life ; an equal jury 
 Have doom'd thee to the gallows. Twice most 
 
 wickedly, 
 Most desperately hast thou escaped the Tower ; 
 Inveigling to thy party, with thy witefeesaft. 
 Young Edward, earl of Warwick, son to Clarence; 
 Whose head must pay the price of that attempt ; 
 Poor gentleman ! — unhappy in his fate, — 
 And ruin'd by thy cunning ! so a mongrel 
 May pluck the true stag down. Yet, yet, confess 
 Thy parentage ; for yet the king has mercy. 
 
 Simn. You would be Dick the Fourth, very 
 likely ! 
 Your pedigree is publish'd ; you are known 
 For Osbeck's son of Tournay, a loose runagate, 
 A land-loper ; your father was a Jew, 
 Turn'd Christian merely to repair his miseries : 
 Where's now your kingship .' 
 
 War. Baited to my death ? 
 Intolerable cruelty ! I laugh at 
 The duke of Richmond's practice on my fortunes ; 
 Possession of a crown ne'er wanted heralds. 
 
 Simn. You will not know who I am ? 
 
 Urs. Lambert Simnel, 
 Your predecessor in a dangerous uproar : 
 But, on submission, not alone received 
 To grace, but by the king vouchsafed his service. 
 
 Simn. I would be earl of Warwick, toil'd and 
 ruffled 
 Against my master, leap'd to catch the moon, 
 Vaunted my na-:ns Plantagenet, as you do ; 
 Ijln-earl forsooth ! whenas in truth I was. 
 As you are, a mere rascal : yet his majesty, 
 A prince composed of sweetness, — Heaven protect 
 
 him ! — 
 Forgave me all my villanies, reprieved 
 The sentence of a shameful end, admitted 
 My surety of obedience to his service. 
 
 And I am now his falconer ; live plenteously. 
 Eat from the king's purse, and enjoy the sweetness 
 Of liberty and favour ; sleep securely : 
 And is not this, now, better than to buflfet 
 The hangman's clutches ? or to brave the cordage 
 Of a tough halter, which will break your neck ? 
 So, then, the gallant totters ! — prithee, Perkin, 
 Let my example lead thee ; be no longer 
 A counterfeit ; confess and hope for pardon. 
 
 War. For pardon ? hold my heart-strings, 
 whilst contempt 
 Of injuries, in scorn, may bid defiance 
 To this base man's foul language! Thou pooi 
 
 vermin, 
 How dar'st thou creep so near me? thou an earl ! 
 Why, thou enjoy'st as much of happiness 
 As all the swing of slight ambition flew at. 
 A dunghill was thy cradle. So a puddle, 
 By virtue of the sunbeams, breathes a vapour 
 To infect the purer air, which drops again 
 Into the muddy womb that first exhaled it. 
 Bread, and a slavish ease, with some assurance 
 From the base beadle's whip, crown'd all thy 
 
 hopes : 
 But, sirrah, ran there in thy veins one drop 
 Of such a royal blood as flows in mine. 
 Thou would'st not change condition, to be second 
 In England's state, without the crown itself! 
 Coarse creatures are incapable of excellence : 
 But let the world, as all, to whom I am 
 This day a spectacle, to time deliver. 
 And, by tradition, fix posterity. 
 Without anothei^ chronicle than truth. 
 How constantly niy i^soiution suffer'd 
 A martyrdom of majesty ! 
 
 Simn. He's past 
 Recovery ; a Bedlam cannot cure him. 
 
 Urs. Away, inform the king of his behaviour. 
 
 Simn. Perkin, beware the rope ! the hangman's 
 coming. Exit. 
 
 Urs. If yet thou hast no pity of thy body. 
 Pity thy soul ! 
 
 Enter Katherine, Jane, Dalyell, and Oxford. 
 
 Jane. Dear lady ! 
 
 Oxf. Whither will you. 
 Without respect of shame ? 
 
 Kath. Forbear me, sir. 
 And trouble not the current of my duty ! — 
 Oh my lov'd lord ! can any scorn be yours 
 In which I have no interest ? some kind hand 
 Lend me assistance, that I may partake 
 Th' infliction of this penance. My life's dearest, 
 Forgive me ; I have staid too long from tend'ring 
 Attendance on reproach, yet bid me welcome. 
 
 JVar. Great miracle of constancy ! my miseries 
 Were never bankrupt of their confidence , 
 
 In worst afflictions, till this — now, I feel them.' 
 Report, and thy deserts, thou best of creatures, 
 Might to eternity have stood a pattern 
 For every virtuous wife, without this conquest. 
 Thou hast outdone belief; yet may their ruin 
 In after marriages, be never pitied, 
 To whom thy story shall appear a fable ! 
 Why would'st thou prove so much unkind to 
 
 greatness, 
 To glorify thy vows by such a servitude .'' 
 I cannot weep ; but trust me, dear, my heart 
 Is liberal of passion : Harry Richmond, 
 A woman's faith hath robb'd thy fame of triumph ' 
 
SCENE III. 
 
 PERKIN WARBECK. 
 
 121 
 
 Oxf. Sirrah, leave off your juggling, and tie up 
 The devil that ranges in your tongue. 
 
 Urs. Thus witches, 
 Possess'd even [to] their deaths deluded, say, 
 They have been wolves and dogs, and sail'd in 
 
 egg-shells 
 Over the sea, and rid on fiery dragons ; 
 Pass'd in the air more than a thousand miles, 
 All in a night : — the enemy of mankind 
 Is powerful, but false ; and falsehood's confident. 
 
 Oxf. Remember, lady, who you are; come 
 from 
 That impudent impostor ! ^ 
 
 Kath. You abuse us : 
 For when the holy churchman join'd our hands, 
 Our vows were real then ; the ceremony 
 Was not in apparition, but in act. 
 Be what these people term thee, I am certain 
 Thou art my hiisband, no divorce in heaven 
 Has been sued out between us ; 'tis injustice 
 For any eartlily power to divide us. 
 Or we will live, or let us die together. 
 There is a cruel mercy. 
 
 War. Spite of tyranny 
 We reign in our affections, blessed woman ! 
 Read in my destiny the wreek of honour ; 
 Point out, in my contempt of death, tO memory 
 Some miserable happiness : since, her'Jsiot, .^-^ 
 Even when I fell, I stood enthroned a monarch 
 Of one chaste wife's troth, pure, and uncorrupted. 
 Fair angel of perfoetion , • im B aertaltty 
 Shall raise thy name up to an adoration ; 
 Court every rich opinion of true merit, 
 And saint it in the calendar of virtue. 
 When I am turn'd into the self-same dust 
 Of which I was first form'd. 
 
 Oxf. The lord ambassador, 
 Huntley, your father, madam, should he look on 
 Your strange subjection, in a gaze so public, 
 Would blush on your behalf, and wish his country 
 Unleft, for entertainment to such sorrow. 
 
 Kath. Why art thou angry, Oxford ? I must be 
 More peremptory in my duty. — Sir, 
 Impute it not unto immodesty, 
 That I presume to press you to a legacy, 
 Before we part for ever ! 
 
 War. Let it be then 
 My heart, the rich remains of all my fortunes. 
 
 Kath. Confirm it with a kiss, pray ! 
 
 War. Oh I with that 
 I wish to breathe my last ; upon thy lips. 
 Those equal twins of comeliness, I seal 
 Tiie testament of honourable vows : [_Kisses her. 
 
 Whoever be that man that shall unkiss 
 This sacred print next^ may he prove more thrifty 
 Jn this world's just applause, not more desertful ! 
 
 Kath. By this sweet pledge of both our souls, I 
 swear 
 To die a faithful widow to thy bed ; i 
 
 Not to be forced or won : oh, never, never ! 
 
 Enter Surrby, Dawbenky, IIontley, and Crawford. 
 
 Daw. Free the condemned person ; quickly free 
 him ! 
 What has he yet confess'd ? 
 
 [Wabbeck is taken out o/the ttocks. 
 Urs. Nothing to purpose ; 
 But still he will be king. 
 
 Sur. Prepare your journey 
 To a new kingdom then, — unhappy madman, 
 
 Wilfully foolish ! — See, my lord ambassador, 
 Your lady daughter will not leave the counterfeit 
 In this disgrace of fate. 
 
 Hunt. I never pointed 
 Thy marriage, girl ; but yet, being married. 
 Enjoy thy duty to a husband freely : 
 The griefs are mine. I glory in thy constancy ; 
 And must not say, I wish that I had miss'd 
 Some partage in these trials of a patience. 
 
 Kalh. You will forgive me, noble sir. 
 
 Hunt. Yes, yes ; 
 In every duty of a wife and daughter, 
 I dare not disavow thee. — To your husband, 
 (For such you are, sir,) I impart a farewell 
 Of manly pity ; what your life has past through. 
 The dangers of your end will make apparent ; 
 And I can add, for comfort to your sufferance, 
 No cordial, but the wonder of your frailty, 
 Which keeps so firm a station. — We are parted. 
 
 War. We are. A crown of peace renew thy 
 age, 
 Most honourable Huntley ! Worthy Crawford ! 
 We may embrace ; I never thought thee injury. 
 
 Craw. Nor was I ever guilty of neglect 
 Which might procure such thought ; I take my 
 leave, sir. 
 
 War. To you, lord Dalyell, — what ? accept a 
 sigh, 
 'Tis hearty and in earnest. 
 
 Dal. I want utterance ; 
 My silence is my farewell. 
 
 Kalh. Oh!— oh! 
 
 Jane. Sweet madam, 
 What do you mean ? — my lord, your hand. 
 
 ITo Dai.. 
 
 Dal. Dear lady. 
 Be pleased that I may wait you to your lodgings. 
 lExeunt Dalyell and Jane, suppor*!'>-'n K^Vx^erine. 
 
 Enter Sheriff an^i Officers with Sketon, Astley, Heron, 
 and John a- Water, with Halters about their necks. 
 
 Oxf. Look ye, behold your followers, appointed 
 To wait on you in death ! 
 
 War. Wlay, peers of England, 
 We'll lead them on courageously ; I read 
 A triumph over tyranny upon 
 Their several foreheads. Faint not in the moment 
 Of victory ! our ends, and Warwick's head. 
 Innocent Warwick's head, (for we are prologue 
 But to his tragedy) conclude the wonder 
 Of Henry's fears ; and then the glorious race 
 Of fourteen kings, Plantagenets, determines 
 In this last issue male ; Heaven be obey'd I 
 Impoverish time of its amazement, friends. 
 And we will prove as trusty in our payments. 
 As prodigal to nature in our debts. 
 Death ? pish ! 'tis but a sound ; a name of air ; 
 A minute's storm, or not so much ; to tumble 
 From bed to bed, be massacred alive 
 By some physicians, for a month or two. 
 In hope of freedom from a fever's torments. 
 Might stagger manhood ; here the pain i» past 
 Ere sensibly 'tis felt. Be men of spirit ! 
 Spurn coward passion ! so illustrious mention 
 Shall blaze our names, and stile us Kings o'er 
 death. 
 lExcunt Sheriff a/id Officers with the Prisoners. 
 
 Daw. Away — impostor beyond precedent ! 
 No chronicle records his fellow. 
 
 Hunt. I have 
 
122 
 
 PKRKIN WARBECK. 
 
 AoT V. 
 
 Not thoughts left : 'tis sufficient in such cases 
 Just laws ought to proceed. 
 
 Enter King Henry, Durham, a/id Hialas. 
 
 K. Hen. We are resolv'd. 
 Your business, noble lords, shall find success, 
 Such as your king importunes. 
 
 Huni. You are gracious. 
 
 I K. Hen. Perkin, we are inform'd, is arm'd to 
 die ; 
 In that we'll honour him. Our lords shall follow- 
 To aca ii tho eKecu^iwi"; ' "w id from hence 
 We gather this fit use ;— that public states, 
 As our particular bodies, taste most good 
 In health, when purged of corrupted blood. 
 
 S^Eaeunt. 
 
 EPILOGUE. 
 
 Here has appear'd, though in a several fashion, 
 The threats of,majesty ; the strength of passion ; 
 Hopes of an empire ; change of fortunes ; all 
 What can to theatres of greatness fall, 
 Proving their weak foundations. Who will please, 
 Amongst such several sights, to censure these 
 No births abortive, not a bastard- brood, 
 (Shame to a parentage, or fosterhood,) 
 May warrant, by their loves, all just excuses, 
 And often find a welcome to the Muses. 
 
THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE. 
 
 TO THE RIGITT NOBLE LORD, THE LORD 
 
 RANDAL MACDONNELL; 
 
 EARL OF ANTRIM IN THE KINGDOM OF IRELAND, LORD VISCOUNT DUNLUCE. 
 
 JIy Loud, — Piinces, and Avorthy personages of your own eminence, have entertained poems of this nature with a 
 serious welcome. The desert of their authors might transcend mine, not their study of service. A practice of 
 courtship to greatness hath not hitherto, in me, aimed at any thrift: yet I have ever honoured virtue, as the richest 
 ornament to the noblest titles. Endeavour of being known to your Lordship, by such means, I conceive no ambition ; 
 the extent being bounded by humility: so neither can the argument appear ungracious; nor the writer, in that, 
 Avithout allowance. You enjoy, my Lord, the general suffrage, for your freedom of merits : may you likewise please, 
 by this particular presentment, amongst the number of such as faithfully honour those merits, to admit, into your 
 noble construction, jy^,, p^^^p^ 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONJE. 
 
 OcTAvio, Marquis of Sienna. 
 
 TROYLO-SAVELLr, Ms Nephcw. 
 
 Ltvio, Brother to Castamela. 
 
 RoMANELLO, (PnAGNioLO,) Brother to Flavia. 
 
 Jui.io DE Varana, Lord of Camerino. 
 
 Caj-millo, ) .,, , , T 
 
 VESPUCcr.}^"'^"'^^"^*^"-^"^'*'- 
 
 Fabricio, a Merchant, Vlkxi\"s first Husband, 
 
 NiTiDo, a Page, 
 Secco, a Barber 
 Spadonb, 
 
 Attendants on the Marquis. 
 
 slla, \ 
 
 I I 
 
 Sister to Livio 
 The Fancies. 
 
 Castamela, 
 
 Clarella, 
 
 Silvia, 
 
 Floria, 
 
 Flavia, Wife to Julio.' 
 
 MoRosA, Guardianess to the FAfici&a, 
 
 SCENE,— SlENNA. 
 
 PROLOGUE. 
 
 The Fancies ! that's our play ; in it is shown 
 Nothing, but what our inthor knows his own 
 "W ithout a learned theft ; no servant here 
 To some fair mistress, T)orrows for his ear, 
 His lock, his belt, his sword, the fancied grace 
 Of any pretty ribbon ; nor, in place 
 Of charitable friendship, is brought in 
 A thriving gamester, that doth chance to win 
 
 A lusty sum ; while the good hand doth ply him, 
 And Fancies this or that, to him sits by him. 
 His free invention runs but in conceit 
 Of mere imaginations ; there's the height 
 Of what he writes ; which if traduced by some, 
 'Tis well, he says, he's far enough from homo. 
 For you, for him, for us, then this remains, 
 Fancy your own opinions, for our pains. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I. — An Apartment in the Palace. 
 
 Enter Tbovlo-Savelli, and Livio. 
 Troy. Do, do ; be wilful, desperate; 'tis manly. 
 
 Build on your reputation ! such a fortune 
 May furnish out your tables, trim your hveries. 
 Enrich your heirs with purchase of a patrimony. 
 Which shall hold out beyond the waste of riot ; 
 Stick honours on your heraldry, with titles 
 As swelling, and as numerous as may likely 
 
 Grow to a pretty volume— here's eternity 1 
 All this can reputation, marry, can it ; 
 Indeed, what not ? 
 
 Liv. Such language from a gentleman 
 So noble in his quality as you are, 
 Deserves, in my weak judgment, rather pity 
 Than a contempt. 
 
 Troij. Could'st thou consider, Livio, 
 The fashion of the times, their study, practice, 
 Nny, their ambitions, thou would'st soon distinguisli 
 
12i 
 
 THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE. 
 
 Betwixt the abject lowness of a poverty, 
 And the applauded triumphs of abundance, 
 Though compass'd by the meanest service. Wherein 
 Shall you betray your guilt to common censure, 
 Waving the private charge of your opinion, 
 By rising up to greatness, or at least 
 To plenty, which now buys it ? 
 
 Liv. Troylo-Savelli 
 Plays merrily on my wants. 
 
 Trot/. Troylo-Savelli 
 Speaks to the friend he h)ves, to his own Livio. 
 Look, prithee, through the great duke's court in 
 
 Florence ; 
 Number his favourites, and then examine 
 By what steps some chief officers in state 
 Have reach'd the height they stand in. 
 
 Liv. By their merits. 
 
 Troi/. Right, by their merits : well he merited 
 The intendments o'er the gallies at Leghorn, 
 (Made grand collector of the customs there,) 
 Who led the prince unto his wife's chaste bed. 
 And stood himself by, in his night-gowji, fearing 
 The jest might be discover'd ! was 't not handsome ? 
 The lady knows not yet on't. 
 
 Liv. Most impossible. 
 
 Troy. He merited well to wear a robe of chamlet. 
 Who train'd his brother's daughter, scarce a girl, 
 Into the arms of Mont-Argentorato ; 
 Whilst the young lord of Telamon, her husband, 
 Was packeted to France, to study courtship. 
 Under, forsooth, a colour of employment, 
 Employment ! yea, of honour. 
 
 Liv. You are well read 
 In mysteries of state. 
 
 Troi/. Here, in Sienna, 
 Bold Julio de Varana, lord of Camerine, 
 Held it no blemish to his blood and greatness, 
 From a plain merchant, with a thousand ducats, 
 To buy his wife, nay, justify the purchase ; — 
 Procured it by a dispensation 
 
 From Rome, allow'd and warranted : 'twas thought 
 By liis physicians, that she was a creature 
 Agreed best with the cure of the disease 
 His present new infirmity then labour'd in. 
 Yet these are things in prospect of the world. 
 Advanced, employ'd, and eminent. 
 
 Liv. At best, 
 'Tis but a goodly pandarism. 
 
 Troy. Shrewd business ! 
 Thou child in thrift, thou fool of honesty, 
 Is't a disparagement for gentlemen. 
 For friends of lower rank, to do the offices 
 Of necessary kindness, without fee. 
 For one another, courtesies of course, 
 Mirths of society ; when petty mushrooms. 
 Transplanted from their dunghills, spread on moun- 
 And pass for cedars by their servile flatteries [ tains. 
 On great men's vices ? Pandar ! thou'rt deceived, 
 The word includes preferment ; 'tis a title 
 Of dignity ; I could add somewhat more else. 
 
 Liv. Add anything of reason. 
 
 Troy. Castamela, 
 Thy beauteous sister, like a precious tissue, 
 Not shaped into a garment fit for wearing. 
 Wants the adornments of the workman's cunning 
 To set the richness of the piece at view. 
 Though in herself all wonder. Come, I'll tell thee : 
 A way there may be— (know, 1 love thee, Livio — ) 
 To fix this jewel in a ring of gold, 
 Yet lodge it in a cabinet of ivory, 
 
 White, pure, unspotted ivory : put case, 
 Livio himself shall keep the key on't ? 
 
 Liv. Oh, sir. 
 Create me what you please of yours ; do this. 
 You are another nature, 
 
 Troy. Be then pliable 
 To my first rules of your advancement. — [Enter 
 
 OcTAVio.] — See! 
 Octavio, my good uncle, the great marquis 
 Of our Sienna, comes, as we could wish, 
 In private. — Noble sir ! 
 
 Oct. My bosom's secretary. 
 My dearest, best loved nephew. 
 
 Troy. We have been thirsty 
 In our pursuit. — Sir, here's a gentleman 
 Desertful of your knowledge, and as covetous 
 Of entertainment from it : you shall honour 
 Your judgment, to entrust him to your favours ; 
 His merits will commend it. 
 
 Oct. Gladly welcome ; 
 Your own worth is a herald to proclaim it. 
 For taste of your preferment, we admit you 
 The chief provisor of our horse. (^!,( •.,,-, 
 
 Liv. Your bounty — -^ 
 
 Stiles me your ever servant. 
 
 Troy. He's our own ; 
 Surely, nay most persuadedly. My thanks, sir, 
 
 \_Aside to Oct. 
 Owes to this just engagement. 
 
 Oct. Slack no time 
 To enter on your fortunes. — Thou art careful. 
 My Troylo, in the study of a duty. 
 His name is ? — 
 
 Troy. Livio. 
 
 Liv. Livio, my good lord. 
 
 Oct. Again, you're welcome to us : — be as 
 speedy, [Apart to Tiioylo. 
 
 Dear nephew, as thou'rt constant. — Men of parts. 
 Fit parts and sound, are rarely to be met with ; 
 But being met with, therefore to be cherish'd 
 With love and with supportance. While I stand, 
 Livio can no way fall ; — yet, once more, welcome! 
 
 \_ExiL 
 
 Troy. An honourable liberality. 
 Timely disposed, without delay or question. 
 Commands a gratitude. Is not this better 
 Than waiting three or four months at iivery. 
 With cup and knee unto this chair of state. 
 And to that painted arras, for a nod 
 From goodman-usher, or the formal secretary ; 
 Especially the juggler with the purse, 
 That pays some shares, in all ? A younger brother, 
 Sometimes an elder, not well trimm'd i' th' head- 
 piece. 
 May spend what his friend left, in expectation 
 Of being turn'd out of service — for attendance ! 
 Or marry a waiting-woman, and be damn'd for't 
 To open laughter, and, what's worse, old beg- 
 gary !— 
 What thinks my Livio of this rise at first ? 
 Is't not miraculous .' 
 
 Liv. It seems the bargain 
 Was driv'n before between you. 
 
 Troy. 'Twas, and nothing 
 Could void it, but the peevish resolution 
 Of your dissent from goodness, as you call it ; 
 A thin, a threadbare honesty, a virtue 
 Without a living to't. 
 
 Liv. I must resolve 
 To turn my sister whore } speak a home-word 
 
SCENE ir. 
 
 THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE. 
 
 125 
 
 For my old bachelor lord ? — so ! is't not so ? 
 A trifle in respect to present means ; 
 Here's all. — 
 
 Troy. Be yet more confident ; the slavery 
 Of such an abject office shall not tempt 
 The freedom of thy spirit : stand ingenious 
 To thine own fate, and we will practise wisely i/ 
 Without the charge of scandal. 
 
 Lw. May it prove so ! {Exeunt. 
 
 ^Q,-^W£, W.^The Street. - 
 
 Enter Skcco, with a casting-bottle, sprinkling his hat and 
 face, and a little looking-glass at his girdle; setting his 
 countenance. 
 
 Sec. Admirable ! incomparably admirable ! to 
 be the minion, the darling, the delight of love ; 
 'tis a very tickling to the marrow, a kissing i' th' 
 blood, a bosoming the extacy, the rapture of vir- 
 ginity, soul and paradise of perfection, — ah ! — 
 pity of generation, Secco, there are no more such 
 men. 
 
 Enter Spa done. 
 
 Spa. Oyes ! if any man, woman, or beast, have 
 found, stolen, or taken up a fine, very fine male 
 barber, of the age of above or under eighteen, more 
 or less — 
 
 Sec. Spadone, hold ; what's the noise ? 
 
 Spa. Umph ! pay the crier. I have been almost 
 lost myself in seeking you ; here's a letter from — 
 
 Sec. Whom, whom, my dear Spadone ? whom ? 
 
 Spa. Soft and fair ! an you be so brief, I'll 
 return it whence it came, or look out a new owner. 
 — Oyes ! 
 
 Sec. Low, low ! what dost mean ? is't from the 
 glory of beauty, Morosa, the fairest fair? be gentle 
 to me ; here's a ducat : speak low, prithee. 
 
 Spa. Give me one, and take t'other : 'tis from 
 the party. — {Gives him the letter.) — Golden news, 
 believe it. 
 
 Sec. Honest Spadone ! divine Morosa ! IReads. 
 
 Spa. Fairest fair, quoth'a ! so is an old rotten 
 coddled mungrel, parcel bawd, parcel midwife ; all 
 the marks are quite out of her mouth ; not the 
 stump of a tooth left in her head, to mumble the 
 curd of a posset — [Aside.'] Signor, 'tis as I told 
 you ; all's right. 
 
 Sec. Right, just as thou told'st me ; all's right. 
 
 Spa. To a very hair, signor mio. 
 V" Sec. For which, sirrah Spadone, I will make thee 
 a man ; a man, dost hear.' I say, a man. 
 
 Spa. Thou art a prick-ear'd foist, a cittern- 
 headed gew-gaw, a knack, a snipper-snapper. Twit 
 me with the decrements of my pendants ! though 
 I am made a gelding, and, like a tame buck, have 
 lost my dowsets, — more a monster than a cuckold 
 with his horns seen, — yet I scorn to be jeered by 
 any checker-approved barbarian of ye all. Make 
 me a man ! I defy thee. 
 
 Sec. How now, fellow, how now ! roaring ripe 
 indeed ! 
 
 Spa. Indeed ? thou'rt worse : a dry shaver, a 
 copper-bason'd suds-monger. 
 
 Sec. Nay, nay ; by my mistress' fair eyes, I 
 meant no such tiling. 
 
 Spa. Eyes in thy belly ! the reverend madam 
 shall know how I have been used. I will blow 
 my nose in thy casting-bottle, break the teeth of 
 
 thy combs, poison thy camphire-balls, slice out 
 thy towels with thine own razor, be-tallow thy 
 tweezes, and urine in thy bason : — make me a 
 man ! 
 
 Sec. Hold ! take another ducat. As I love new 
 clothes — 
 
 Spa. Or cast old ones. 
 
 Sec. Yes, or cast old ones — I intended no in- 
 jury. 
 
 Spa. Good, we are pieced again : reputation, 
 signor, is precious. 
 
 Sec. I know it is. 
 
 Spa. Old sores would not be rubbed. 
 
 Sec. For me, never. 
 
 Spa. The lady guardianess, the mother of the 
 Fancies, is resolved to draw with you in the 
 wholesome [yoke] of matrimony, suddenly. 
 
 Sec. She writes as much : and, Spadone, when 
 we are married — 
 
 Spa. You will to bed no doubt. 
 
 Sec. We will revel in such variety of delights,— 
 
 Spa. Do miracles, and get babies. 
 
 Sec. Live so sumptuously, — 
 
 Spa. In feather and old furs. 
 
 Sec. Feed so deliciously, — 
 
 Spa, On pap and bull-beef. 
 
 Sec. Enjoy the sweetness of our years, — 
 
 Spa. Eighteen and threescore with advantage ! 
 
 Sec. Tumble and wallow in abundance, — 
 
 Spa. The pure crystal puddle of pleasures. 
 
 Sec. That all the world shall wonder. 
 
 Spa. A pox on them that envy you ! 
 
 Sec. How do the beauties, my dainty knave? 
 live, wish, think, and dream, sirrah, ha ! 
 
 Spa. Fumble, one with another, on the gambos 
 of imagination between their legs ; eat they do, 
 and sleep, game, laugh, and lie down, as beauties 
 ought to do ; there's all. 
 
 Sec. Commend me to my choicest, and tell her, 
 the minute of her appointment shall be waited on ; 
 say to her, she shall find me a man at all points. 
 
 Enter Nitioo. 
 
 Spa. Wliy, there's another quarrel,— »7ia», once 
 more, in spite of my nose, — 
 
 Nit. Away, Secco, away ! my lord calls, he has 
 a loose hair started from his fellows ; a clip of your 
 art is commanded. 
 
 Sec. I fly, Nitido ; Spadone, remember me. 
 
 lExit. 
 
 Nit. Trudging between an old mule, and a young 
 calf, my nimble intelligencer ? What ! thou fat- 
 ten'st apace on capon still? 
 
 Spa. Yes, crimp ; 'tis a gallant life to be an old 
 lord's pimp-whiskin : but, beware of the porter's 
 lodge, for carrying tales out of the school. 
 
 Nit. What a terrible sight to a libb'd breech is 
 a sow-gelder ! 
 
 Spa. Not so terrible as a cross-tree that never 
 grows, to a wag-halter page. 
 
 Nit. Good ! witty rascal, thou'rt a Satire, I pro- 
 test, but that the nymphs need not fear the evidence 
 of thy mortality : — go, put on a clean bib, and spin 
 amongst the nuns, sing 'em a bawdy song : all the 
 children thou gett'st, shall be christened in wassel- 
 bowls, and turned into a college of men-midwives. 
 Farewell, night-mare ! 
 
 Spa. Very, very well ; if I die in thy debt for 
 this, crack-rope, let me be buried in a coal-sack. 
 I'll fit ye, ape's-face 1 look for't. 
 
120 
 
 THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBL .. 
 
 ACT 1. 
 
 Nii. [Sings.] And still the urchin would, hut 
 
 could not do. 
 Spa. Mark the end on't, and laugh at last. 
 
 [_Exeunt. 
 
 — ♦ 
 
 SCENE HI. — A Room in the House o/Livio. 
 Enter Romanello and Castamela. 
 
 Rom. Tell me you cannot love me. 
 
 Cast. You irap6rtune 
 Too strict a resolution : as a gentleman 
 Of commendable parts, and fair deserts, 
 In every sv?eet condition that becomes 
 A hopeful expectation, I do honour 
 Th' example of your youth ; but, sir, our fortunes, 
 Concluded on both sides in narrow bands, 
 Move you to construe gently my forbearance, 
 In argument of fit consideration. 
 
 Rom. Why, Castamela, I have shaped thy virtues, 
 Even from our childish years, into a dowry 
 Of richer estimation, than thy portion, 
 Doubled an hundred times, can equal : now 
 I clearly find, thy current of affection 
 Labours to fall into the gulf of riot, 
 Not the free ocean of a soft content. 
 You'd marry pomp and plenty : 'tis the idol, 
 I must confess, that creatures of the time 
 Bend their devotions to ; but I have fashion 1 
 Thoughts much more excellent of you. 
 
 Cast. Enjoy 
 Your own prosperity ; I am resolv'd 
 I^ever, by any charge w^ith me, to force 
 A poverty upon you, want of love. 
 'Tis rarely cherish'd with the love of want. 
 I'll not be your undoing. 
 
 Rom. Sure some dotage 
 Of living stately, richly, lends a cunning 
 To eloquence. How is this piece of goodness 
 Changed to ambition ! oh, you are most miserable 
 In your desires ! the female curse has caught you. 
 
 Cast. Fie ! fie ! how ill this suits ! 
 
 Rom. A devil of pride 
 Ranges in airy thoughts to catch a star, 
 Whilst you grasp mole-hills. 
 
 Cast. Worse and worse, I vow. 
 
 Rom,. But that some remnant of an honest sense 
 Ebbs a full tide of blood to shame, all women 
 Would prostitute aW. honour to the luxury 
 Of ease and titles. 
 
 Cast. Romanello, know 
 You have forgot the nobleness of truth, 
 And fix'd on scandal now. 
 
 Rom. A dog, a parrot, 
 A monkey, a caroch, a garded lackey, 
 A waiting-woman with her lips seal'd up, 
 Are pretty toys to please my mistress Wanton ! 
 So is a fiddle too ; 'twill make it dance, 
 Or else be sick and whine. 
 
 Cast. This is uncivil ; 
 I am not, sir, your charge. 
 
 Rom. My grief you are ; 
 For all my services are lost and ruin'd. 
 
 Cast. So is my chief opinion of your worthiness, 
 When such distractions tempt you ; you would 
 
 prove 
 A cruel lord, who dare, being yet a servant. 
 As you profess, to bait my best respects 
 Of duty to your welfare ; 'tis a madness 
 I have not oft observed. Possess your freedom, 
 
 You have no right in me ; let this suflSce ; 
 I wish your joys much comfort. 
 
 Enter Livio, richly habited. 
 
 \/ 
 Liv. Sister ! look ye, 
 
 How by a new creation of my tailor's, 
 I've shook off old mortality ; the rags 
 Of home-spun gentry — prithee, sister, mark it- 
 Are cast by, and I now appear in fashion 
 Unto men, and received. — Observ^'nfeTiister, 
 The consequence concerns you. 
 
 Cast. True, good brother, 
 For my well-doing muse consist in yours. 
 
 Liv. Here's Romanello, a fine temper'd galla:<t, 
 Of decent carriage, of indifferent means. 
 Considering that his sister, new hoist up, 
 From a lost merchant's warehouse, to the titles 
 Of a great lord's bed, may supply his wants ; — 
 Not sunk in his acquaintance, for a scholar 
 Able enough, and one who may subsist 
 Without the help of friends, provided always. 
 He fly not upon wedlock without certainty 
 Of an advancement ; else a bachelor 
 May thrive by observation, on a little. 
 A single life's no burden ; but to draw 
 In yokes is chargeable, and will require 
 A double maintenance : why, I can live 
 Without a wife, and purchase. 
 
 Rom. Is't a mystery, 
 You've lately found out, Livio^ or a cunning 
 Conceal'd till now, for wonder? 
 
 Liv. Pish ! believe it, 
 Endeavours and an active brain are better 
 Than patrimonies left by parents. — Prove it. — 
 One thrives by cheating ; shallow fools and un- 
 
 thrifts 
 Are game knaves only fly at : then a fellow 
 Presumes on his hair, and that his back can toil 
 For fodder from the city ; — lies : another, 
 Reputed valiant, lives by the sword, and takes up 
 Quarrels, or braves them, as the novice likes. 
 To gild his reputation ; — most improbable. 
 A world of desperate undertakings, possibly, 
 Procures some hungry meals, some tavern surfeits, 
 Some frippery to hide nakedness ; perhaps 
 The scambling half a ducat now and then 
 To roar and noise it with the tattling hostess. 
 For a week's lodging ; these are pretty shifts. 
 Souls bankrupt of their royalty submit to ! 
 Give me a njagu. whose practice and experience. 
 Conceives not barely the philosopher's stone, 
 But indeed has it ; one whose wit's his Indies : 
 The poor is most ridiculous. 
 
 Rom. You are pleasant 
 In new discoveries of fortune ; use them 
 W^ith moderation, Livio. 
 
 Cast. Such wild language 
 Was wont to be a stranger to your custom ; 
 However, brother, you are pleased to vent it, 
 I hope, for recreation. 
 
 Liv. Name and honour — 
 What are they ? a mere sound without support- 
 
 ance, 
 A begging — Chastity, youth, beauty, handsome- 
 ness, 
 Discourse, behaviour which might charm attention, 
 And curse the gazer's eyes into amazement. 
 Are nature's common bounties ; so are diamonds 
 Uncut, so flowers unworn, so silk-worms' webs 
 Unwrought, gold unrefined ; then all those glories 
 
SCENE T. 
 
 THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE. 
 
 127 
 
 Are of esteem, when used and set at price :^ 
 There's no dark sense iu this. 
 
 Rom. I understand not 
 The drift on't, nor how meant, nor yet to whom. 
 
 Cast. Pray, brother, be more plain. 
 
 Liv. First, Romanello, 
 This for your satisfaction : if you waste 
 More hours in courtship to this maid, my sister, 
 Weighing her competency with your own. 
 You go about to build without foundation ; 
 So that care will prove void. 
 
 Rom. A sure acquittance, 
 If I must be discharged. -^ 
 
 Liv. Next, Castamela, 
 To thee, my own loved sister, let me say, 
 I have not been so bountiful in shewing 
 To fame the treasure which this age hath open'd, 
 As thy true value merits. 
 
 Cast. You are merry. 
 
 Liv. My jealousy of thy fresh blooming years, 
 Prompted a fear of husbanding too charily 
 Thy growth to such perfection, as no flattery 
 Of art can perish now. 
 
 Cast. Here's talk in riddles 1 
 Brother, the exposition ? 
 
 Liv. 1 11 no longer 
 Chamber thy freedom ; we have been already 
 Thrifty enough in our low fortunes ; henceforth 
 Command thy liberty, with that thy pleasures. 
 
 Rom. Is't come to this ? 
 
 Cast. You are wondrous full of courtesy. 
 
 Liv. Ladies of birth and quality are suitors 
 For being known t'ye ; 1 have promised, sister, 
 They shall partake your company. 
 
 Cast. What ladies? 
 Where, when, how, who? 
 
 Liv. A day, a week, a month, 
 Sported amongst such beauties, is a gain 
 On time ; they are young, wise, noble, fair, and 
 
 Cast. Chaste ? [chaste. 
 
 Liv. Castamela, chaste ; I would not hazard 
 My hopes, my joys of thee, on dangerous trial. 
 Yet if, as it may chance, a neat cloath'd merriment 
 Pass without blush, in tattling, — so the words 
 Fall not too broad, 'tis but a pastime smiled at 
 Amongst yourselves in counsel ; but beware 
 Of being overheard. 
 
 Cast. This is pretty ! 
 
 Rom. I doubt I know not what, yet must be 
 silent. lAside. 
 
 Enter Troylo, Floria, Clarblla, Silvia, and Nitido. 
 
 Liv. They come as soon as spoke of. — Sweetest 
 fair ones, 
 My sister cannot but conceive this honour 
 Particular in your respects. Dear sir, 
 You grace us in your favours. 
 
 Troy. Virtuous lady. 
 
 Flo. We are your servants. 
 
 Clar. Your sure friends. 
 
 Sil. Society 
 May fix us in a league. 
 
 Cast. All fitly welcome. 
 I find not reason, gentle ladies, whereon 
 To cast this debt of mine ; but my acknowledge- 
 Shall study to pay thankfulness. [meut 
 
 Troy. Sweet beauty ! 
 Your brother hath indeed been too much churl 
 In this concealment from us all, who love him. 
 Of such desired a presence. 
 
 Sil. Please to enrich us 
 With your wish'd amity. 
 
 Flo. Our coach attends ; 
 We cannot be denied. 
 
 Clar. Command it, Nitido. 
 
 Nit. Ladies, I shall : now for a lusty harvest ! 
 'Twill prove a cheap year, should these barns bo 
 fill'd once. [_Aside and exit. 
 
 Cast. Brother, one word in private. 
 
 Liv. Phew ! anon 
 I shall instruct you at large. — We are prepared, 
 And easily entreated ; — 'tis good manners 
 Not to be troublesome. 
 
 Troy. Thou'rt perfect, Livio. 
 
 Cast. Whither — But — he's my brother. [Aside. 
 
 Troy. Fair, your arm ; 
 I am your usher, lady. 
 
 Cast. As you please, sir. 
 
 Liv. I wait you to your coach. Some two 
 hours hence 
 I shall return again. [To Rom.] 
 
 lExeunt all but Rom. 
 
 Rom. Troylo-Savelli, 
 Next heir unto the marquis ! and the page too. 
 The marquis's own page ! Livio tran.sform'd 
 Into a sudden bravery, and alter'd 
 In nature, or I dream ! Amongst the ladies, 
 I not remember I have seen one face : 
 There's cunning in these changes ; I am resolute, 
 Or to pursue the trick on't, or lose labour. lExtt. 
 
 ACT n. 
 
 SCENE I. — An Apartment in Julio's House. 
 Enter Flavia, supported by Camillo and Vespucci. 
 
 Flav. Not yet retum'd ? 
 
 Cam. Madam 1 
 
 Flav. The lord our husband. 
 We mean. Unkind ! four hours are almost past 
 (But twelve short minutes wanting by the glass) 
 Since we broke company ; was never, gentlemen, 
 Poor princess us'd so I 
 
 Ves. With your gracious favour. 
 Peers, great in rank and place, ought of necessity 
 To attend on state employments. 
 
 Cam. For such duties 
 
 Are all their toil and labour ; but their pleasures 
 Flow in the beauties they enjoy, which conquers 
 All sense of other travail. 
 Flav. Trimly spoken. 
 When we were common, mortal, and a subject. 
 As other creatures of Heaven's making are, 
 (The more the pity) bless us I how we waited 
 For the huge play-day, when the pageants flutter'd 
 About the city; for we then were certain. 
 The madam courtiers would vouchsafe to visit us, 
 And call us by our names, and eat our viands ; 
 Nay, give us leave to sit at the upper end 
 Of our own tables, telling us how welcome 
 They'd make us when we came to court : ftill iittle 
 
128 
 
 THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Dreamt I, at that time, of the wind that blew me 
 Up to the weathercock of the honours now 
 Are thrust upon me ; — but we'll bear the burthen, 
 Were't twice as much as 'tis. The next great feast, 
 We'll grace the city-wives, poor souls ! and see 
 How they'll behave themselves before our presence; 
 You two shall wait on us. 
 
 Ves. With best observance, 
 And glory in our service. 
 
 Cam. We are creatures 
 Made proud in your commands. 
 
 Flav. Believ't you are so ; 
 And you shall find us readier in your pleasm*es. 
 Than you in your obedience. Fie ! methinks 
 I have an excellent humour to be pettish ; 
 A little toysome ; — 'tis a pretty sign 
 Of breeding, is't not, sirs ? I could, indeed, la t 
 Long for some strange good things now. 
 
 Cam. Such news, madam. 
 Would overjoy my lord, your husband. 
 
 Ves, Cause 
 Bonfires and bell-ringings. 
 
 Flav. I must be with child, then, 
 An't be but for the public jollity ; 
 Or lose my longings, which were mighty pity. 
 
 Cam. Sweet fates forbid it ! 
 
 Enter Fabricio. 
 
 Fab. Noblest lady — 
 
 Fes. Rudeness ! 
 Keep off, or I shall — Sawcy groom, learn manners ; 
 Go swab amongst your goblins. 
 
 Flav. Let him stay ; 
 The fellow I have seen, and now remember 
 His name, Fabricio. 
 
 Fab. Your poor creature, lady ; 
 Out of your gentleness, please you to consider 
 The brief of this petition, which contains 
 All hope of my last fortunes. 
 
 Flav. Give it from him. 
 
 Cam. Here, madam. — \_Takes the paper from 
 Fab. and delivers it to Flav. wAo walks 
 aside with it."] — Mark, Vespucci, how the 
 wittol 
 Stares on his sometime wife ! sure, he imagines 
 To be a cuckold by consent, is purchase 
 Of approbation in a state. 
 
 Ves. Good reason : 
 The gain reprieved him from a bankrupt's statute. 
 And filed him in the charter of his freedom. 
 " She had seen the fellow ! " didst observe .'' 
 
 Cam. Most punctually : 
 Could call him by his name too ! why 'tis possible. 
 She has not yet forgot he was her husband. 
 
 Ves. That were [most] strange : oh, 'tis a pre- 
 Was ever puppet so slipt up ? [cious trinket ! 
 
 Cam. The tale 
 Of Venus' cat, man, changed into a woman, 
 Was emblem but to this. She turns. 
 
 Ves. He stands 
 Just like Acteon in the painted cloth. 
 
 Cam. No more. 
 
 Flav. Friend, we have read, and weigh'd the sum 
 Of what your scrivener (which, in effect, 
 Is meant your counsel learned) has drawn for ye : 
 'Tis a fair hand, in sooth, but the contents 
 Somewhat unseasonable ; for, let us tell ye. 
 You have been a spender, a vain spender ; wasted 
 Your stock of credit, and of wares, unthriftily. 
 V ou are a faulty man ; and should we urge 
 
 Our lord as often for supplies, as shame. 
 Or wants drive you to ask, it might be construed 
 An impudence, which we defy ; an impudence, 
 Base in base women, but in noble sinful. 
 Are you not ashamed yet of yourself? 
 
 Fab. Great lady. 
 Of my misfortunes I'm ashamed. 
 
 Cam. So, so ! 
 This jeer twangs roundly, does it not, Vespucci ? 
 
 {_Aside <o Ves. 
 
 Ves. Why, here's a lady worshipful ! 
 
 Flav. Pray, gentlemen. 
 Retire a while ; this fellow shall resolve 
 Some doubts that stick about me. 
 
 Both. As you please. \_Exeunt Vus. and Flav. 
 
 Flav. To thee, Fabricio, — oh, the change is 
 cruel — 
 Since I find some small leisure, I must justify 
 Thou art unworthy of the name of man. 
 Those holy vows, which we, by bonds of faith, 
 Recorded in the register of truth. 
 Were kept by me unbroken ; no assaults 
 Of gifts, of courtship, from the great and wanton, 
 No threats, nor sense of poverty, to which 
 Thy riots had betray'd me, could betray 
 My warrantable thoughts to impure folly. 
 Why would'st thou force me miserable ? 
 
 Fab. The scorn V 
 Of rumour is reward enough, to brand 
 My lewder actions ; 'twas, I thought, imposs ble, 
 A beauty fresh as was your j'outh, could bi'ook 
 The last of my decays. 
 
 Flav. Did I complain ? 
 My sleeps between thine arms were ev'n as sound, 
 My dreams as harmless, my contents as free. 
 As when the best of plenty crown'd our bride-bed. 
 Amongst some of a mean, but quiet, fortune. 
 Distrust of what they call their own, or jealousy 
 Of those whom in their bosoms they possess 
 Without controul, begets a self-unworthiness ; 
 For which [through] fear, or, what is worse, desire 
 Of paltry gain, they practise art, and labour 
 To pandar their own wives ; those wives, whose 
 
 innocence. 
 Stranger to language, spoke obedience only ; 
 And such a wife was Flavia to Fabricio. 
 
 Fab. My loss is irrecoverable. 
 
 Flav. Call not 
 Thy wickedness thy loss : without my knowledge 
 Thou sold'st me, and in open court protested'st 
 A pre-contract unto another, falsely, 
 To justify a separation. Wherein 
 Could I offend, to be believed thy strumpet, 
 In best sense an adultress ? so conceived 
 In all opinions, that I am shook off, 
 Ev'n from mine own blood, which, although I boast y 
 Not noble, yet 'twas not mean ; for Romanello, ^ 
 Mine only brother, shuns me, and abhors 
 To own me for his sister. 
 
 Fab. 'Tis confest, 
 I am the shame of mankind. 
 
 Flav. I live happy 
 In this great lord's love, now ; but could his cun- 
 ning 
 Have train'd me to dishonour, we had never 
 Been sunderM by the temptation of his purchase. 
 In troth, Fabricio, I am little proud of 
 My unsought honours, and so far from triumph, 
 That I am not more fool to such as honour nje. 
 Than to myself, who hate this antick carriage. 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE. 
 
 129 
 
 Fab. You are an angel rather to be worshipp'd, 
 Than grossly to be talk'd with. 
 
 Flav, \_Gives him money. '] Keep those ducats, 
 I shall provide you better : — 'twere a bravery, 
 Could you forget the place wherein you've render'd 
 Your name for ever hateful. 
 
 Fab. I will do't, 
 Do't, excellentest goodness, and conclude 
 My days in silent sadness. 
 
 Flav. You may prosper 
 In Spain, in France, or elsewhere, as in Italy. 
 Besides, you are a scholar bred, however 
 You interrupted study with commerce. . "^ 
 I'll think of your supplies ; meantime, pray, storm 
 At my behaviour to you ; I have forgot [not 
 
 Acquaintance with mine own — keep your first dis- 
 tance. He draws back. 
 Camillo ! who is near ? Vespucci ! 
 
 Enter Julio, Camillo, and Vjespdcci. 
 
 Jul. What! 
 Our lady's cast familiar ? 
 
 Flav. Oh, my stomach 
 Wambles, at sight of — sick, sick,— I am sick — 
 I faint at heart — kiss me, nay prithee quickly, 
 
 [To Jul. 
 Or I shall swoon. You've staid a sweet while from 
 And this companion too — beshrew him I [me. 
 
 Jul. Dearest, 
 Thou art my health, my blessing : — turn the bank- 
 rupt 
 Out of my doors ! — sirrah, I'll have thee whipt. 
 If thou com'st here again. 
 
 Cam. Hence, hence, you vermin ! lExit Fab. 
 
 Jul. How is't, my best of joys ? 
 
 Flav. Prettily mended. 
 Now we have our own lord here ; I shall never 
 Endure to spare you long out of my sight. — 
 See, what the thing presented. IGives Jtim the paper. 
 
 Jul. A petition. 
 Belike, for some new charity ? 
 
 Flav. We must not 
 Be troubled with his needs ; a wanting creature 
 Is monstrous, is as ominous — fie, upon't ! 
 Dispatch the silly mushroom once for all, 
 And send him with some pittance out o' th'country, 
 Where we may hear no more of him. 
 
 Jul. Thy will 
 Shall stand a law, my Flavia. 
 
 Flav. You have been 
 In private with our fellow peers now : shall not we 
 Know how the business stands .' sure, in some 
 
 country. 
 Ladies are privy-counsellors, I warrant ye ; 
 Are they not, think ye ? there the land is, doubt- 
 Most poUticly govern'd ; all the women [less, 
 Wear swords and breeches, \ have heard most cer- 
 Such sights were excellent. [tainly : 
 
 Jul. Thou'rt a matchless pleasure ; 
 No life is sweet without thee : in my heart 
 Reign empress, and be stiled thy Juho's sovereign. 
 My only, precious dear. 
 
 Flav. We'll prove no less t'ye. \_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE 11.—^ Room in the Palace. 
 Enter Trovlo and Livio. 
 Troy. Sea-sick ashore still ! thou could'st rarely 
 A calenture in a long voyage, Livio, j^ 
 
 [scape 
 
 Who in a short one, and at home, art subject 
 To such faint stomach-qualms ; no cordials comfort- 
 The business of thy thoughts, for aught I see : 
 What ails thee, man ? be merry, hang up jealousies. 
 
 Liv. Who, I? I jealous ? no, no, here's no cause 
 In this place ; 'tis a nunnery, a retirement 
 For meditation ; all the difference extant 
 But puzzles only bare belief, not grounds it. 
 Rich services in plate, soft and fair lodgings, 
 Varieties of recreations, exercise 
 Of music in all changes, neat attendance, 
 Princely, nay royal furniture of garments, 
 Satiety of gardens, orchards, waterworks, 
 Pictures so ravishing, that ranging eyes 
 Might dwell upon a dotage of conceit. 
 Without a single wish for livelier substance 
 The great world, in a little world of Fancy, 
 Is here abstracted : no temptation piofFer'd, 
 But such as fools and mad folks can invite to ; 
 And yet 
 
 Troy. And yet your reason cannot answer 
 Th' objections of your fears, which argue danger. 
 
 Liv. Danger ? dishonour, Troylo : were my 
 sister 
 In safety from those charms, T must confess 
 I could live here for ever. 
 
 Troy. But you could not, 
 I can assure you ; for 'twere then scarce possible 
 A door might open t'you, hardly a loop-hole. 
 
 Liv. My presence then is usher to her ruin, 
 And loss of her, the fruit of my preferment ? 
 
 Troy. Briefly partake a secret ; but be sure 
 To lodge it in the inmost of thy bosom, 
 Where memory may not find it for discovery ; 
 By our firm truth of friendship, I require thee. 
 
 Liv. By our firm truth of friendship, I subscribe 
 To just conditions. \iJh^' 
 
 Troy. Our great uncle-marquis, v^vj*^ 
 
 Disabled from his cradle, by an impotence 
 In nature first, that impotence since seconded 
 And render'd more infirm, by a fatal breach 
 Received in fight against the Turkish gallies, 
 Is made incapable of any faculty 
 Of active manhood, more than what affections 
 Proper unto his sex, must else distinguish ; 
 So that no helps of art can warrant life. 
 Should he transcend the bounds his weakness limits. 
 
 Liv. On ; I attend with eagerness. 
 
 Troy. 'Tis strange 
 Such natural defects at no time check 
 A full and free sufficiency of spirit. 
 Which flows, both in so clear and fix'd a strength, 
 That to confirm belief, it seems, where nature 
 Is in the body lame, she is supplied 
 In fine proportion of the mind ; a word 
 Concludes all — to a man his enemy, 
 He is a dangerous threat'ning ; but to women. 
 However pleasurable, no way cunning 
 To shew abiUties of friendship, other 
 Than what his outward senses can delight in. 
 Or charge and bounty court with. 
 
 Liv. Good, good — Troylo. 
 Oh, that I had a lusty faith to credit it, 
 Though none of all this wonder should be possible ' 
 
 Troy. As I love honour, and an honest name, 
 I faulter not, my Livio, in one syllable. 
 
 Liv. News admirable ! 'tis, 'tis so — pish, I know 
 Yet he has a kind heart of his own to girls, [it — 
 Young, handsome girls ; yes, yes, so he may ; 
 'Tis granted : — he would now and then be piddling. 
 
130 
 
 THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE. 
 
 Aor II 
 
 And play the wanton, like a fiy that dallies 
 About a candle's flame ; then scorch his wings, 
 Drop down, and creep away, ha ? 
 
 Troy. Hardly that too ; 
 To look upon fresh beauties, to discourse 
 In an unblushing merriment of words, 
 To hear them play or sing, and see them dance ; 
 To pass the time in pretty amorous questions. 
 Read a chaste verse of love, or prattle riddles, 
 Is th' height of his temptations. 
 Liv. Send him joy on't ! 
 
 Troy. His choices are not of the courtly train, 
 Nor city's practice ; but the country's innocence ; 
 Such as' are gentle born, not meanly ; such. 
 To whom both gawdiness and ape-like fashions 
 Are monstrous ; such as cleanliness and decency 
 Prompt to a virtuous envy ; such as study 
 A knowledge of no danger, but themselves. 
 
 Liv. Well, I have liv'd in ignorance : the 
 ancients. 
 Who chatted of the golden age, feign'd trifles. 
 Had they dreamt this, they would have truth'd it 
 
 heaven ; 
 I mean an earthly heaven ; less it is not ! 
 
 Troy. Yet is this bachelor-miracle not free 
 F 'om the epidemical headach. 
 Liv. The yellows ? 
 
 Troy. Huge jealous fits ; admitting none to 
 enter 
 But me, his page and barber, with an eunuch, 
 And an old guardianess. It is a favour 
 Not common, that the license of your visits 
 To your own sister, now and then, is wink'd at. 
 l\v. But why are you his instrument? his 
 nephew ! 
 'Tis ominous in nature. 
 Troy. Not in policy : 
 Being his heir, I may take truce a little. 
 With mine own fortunes. 
 
 Liv. Knowing how things stand too. 
 Troy. At certain seasons, as the humour takes 
 him, 
 A set of music are permitted peaceably 
 To cheer their solitariness, provided 
 They are strangers, not acquainted near the city ; 
 But never the same twice, pardon him that : 
 Nor must their stay exceed an hour, or two 
 At farthest, as at this wise wedding ; wherefore 
 His barber is the master to instruct 
 The lasses both in song and dance, by him 
 Train'd up in either quality. 
 
 Liv. A caution 
 Happily studied. 
 
 Troy. Farther to prevent 
 Suspicion, he has married his young barber 
 To the old matron, and withal is pleased 
 Report should mutter him a mighty man 
 For th' game, to take off all suspicion 
 Of insufficiency ; and this strict company 
 He calls his Bower of Fancies. 
 
 Liv. Yes, and properly. 
 Since all his recreations are in fancy. 
 I am infinitely taken. — Sister ! marry. 
 Would I had sisters in a plenty, Troylo, 
 So to bestow them all, and turn them Fancies ! 
 Fancies ! why, 'tis a pretty name, methinks. 
 
 Troy. Something remains, which in conclusion 
 shortly, 
 Shall take thee fuller. [Music within. 
 
 Hark, the wedding jollity ! 
 
 With a bride-cake on my life, to grace the nuptials ! 
 Perhaps the ladies will turn songsters. 
 Liv. Silence ! 
 
 A Song wilhin. 
 
 After which, enter in procession, ivith the bride-cake, Secco 
 
 and MoROhA, with Castamela, Floria, Clarella, 
 
 Silvia, Spadone, and Musicians. 
 
 Sec. Passing neat and exquisite, I protest, fair 
 
 creatures. These honours to our solemnity are 
 
 liberal and uncommon ; my spouse and myself, 
 
 jywith our posterity, shall prostitute our services to 
 
 your bounties : — shall's not, duckling ? 
 
 Mor. Yes, honeysuckle ; and do as much foi 
 them one day, if things stand right as they should 
 stand. Bill, pigeon, do ; thou'st be my cat-a- 
 mountain, and I thy sweet-briar, honey. We'll 
 lead you to kind examples, pretty ones, believe it ; 
 and you shall find us, one in one, whilst hearts do 
 last. 
 
 Sec. Ever mine own, and ever. 
 Spa. Well said, old touch-hole. 
 Liv. All happiness, all joy ! 
 Troy. A plenteous issue, 
 A fruitful womb ! — thou hast a blessing, Secco. 
 / Mor. Indeed he has, sir, if you know all, as 1 
 conceive you know enough, if not thewhole ; foi 
 you have, I may say, tried me tolTie^ic^|hrough 
 and through, and most of my carriage, from time 
 Tolrifi^. 
 
 Spa. 'Twould wind-break a mule, or a ringed 
 mare, to vie burthens with her. lAside 
 
 Mor. What's that you mumble, gelding, hey ? 
 Spa. Nothing, forsooth, but that you are a 
 bouncing couple well met, and 'twere pity to part 
 you, though you hung together in a smoky chimney. 
 Mor. 'Twere e'en pity, indeed, Spadone ; nay, 
 thou hast a foolish loving nature of thine own, and 
 wishest well to plain dealings, o' my conscience. 
 Spa. Thank your brideship— your bawdship. 
 
 [Aside, 
 Flo. Our sister is not merry. 
 Clar. Sadness cannot 
 Become a bridal harmony. 
 
 Sil. At a wedding. 
 Free spirits are required. 
 
 Troy. You should dispense 
 With serious thoughts now, lady. 
 Mor. Well said, gentlefolks. 
 Lii). Fie, Castamela, fie ! 
 All. A dance, a dance '. 
 
 Troy. By any means, the day is not complete 
 Cast. Indeed, I'll be excused. [else. 
 
 Troy. By no means, lady. 
 Sec. We ail are suitors. 
 Cast. With your pardons, spare me 
 For this time, grant me licence to look on. 
 
 [ Troy.'] Command your pleasures, lady.— Everj 
 one hand 
 Your partner : — nay, Spadone must make one ; 
 These merriments are free. 
 
 Spa. With all my heart ; I'm sure I am not the 
 heaviest in the company. Strike up for the honoui 
 of the bride and bridegroom. IMusic 
 
 Troy. So, so, here's art in motion ! On all 
 You have bestirr'd you nimbly. [pai ts 
 
 Mor. I could dance now. 
 E'en till I dropt again ; but want of practice 
 
SCENE ir. 
 
 THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE. 
 
 131 
 
 Denies the scope of breath, or so : yet, sirrah, 
 My cat-a-mountain, do not I trip quickly, 
 And with a grace too, sirrah ? 
 
 S^c. Light as a feather. 
 
 Spa. Sure you are not without a stick of liquo- 
 rice in your pocket, forsooth. You have, I believe, 
 stout lungs of your own, you swim about so roundly 
 without rubs ; 'tis a tickling sight to be young 
 still. 
 
 Enter Nitido. 
 
 Nit. Madam Morosa ! ^ 
 
 Mor. Child. 
 
 Nit, To you in secret. iTakes her asMr. 
 
 Spa. That ear-wig scatters the troop now ; Til 
 go near to fit him. 
 
 Liv. My lord, upon my life — 
 
 Troy. Then we must sever. 
 
 Mor. Ladies and gentlemen, your ears. 
 
 \_Whispers them. 
 
 Spa. Oh, 'twas ever a wanton monkey — he will 
 wriggle into a starting-hole so cleanly — an it had 
 been on my wedding-day, — I know what I know. 
 
 Sec. Say'st so, Spadone } 
 
 Spa. Nothing, nothing; I prate sometimes be- 
 side the purpose — whoreson, lecherous weazle ! 
 
 Sec. Look, look, look, how officious the little 
 knave is ! — but — 
 
 Spa. Why, there's the business ; buts on one's 
 forehead are but scurvy buts. 
 
 Mor. Spadone, discharge the fiddlers instantly. 
 
 Spa. Yes, I know my postures — oh monstrous, 
 buts ' lExit, with the Musicians. 
 
 Mor. [to Sec] Attend within, sweeting ; — your 
 pardons, gentlemen. To your recreations, dear 
 virgins ! Page, have a care. 
 
 Nit. My duty, reverend madam. 
 
 Ti-oy. Livio, away 1 — Sweet beauties — 
 
 Cast. Brother. 
 
 Liv. Suddenly 
 I shall return ; — now for a round temptation. lAside. 
 \_Excunt severally, Mor. stays Cast. 
 
 Mor. One gentle word in private with your 
 ladyship ; 
 I shall not hold you long. 
 
 Cast. What means this huddle 
 Of flying several ways thus ? who has frighted 
 
 them .•* 
 They live not at devotion here, or pension » 
 Pray quit me of distrust. 
 
 Mor. May it please your goodness, 
 You'll find him even in every point as honourable, 
 As flesh and blood can vouch him. 
 
 Cast. Ha ! him .' whom ? 
 What him ? 
 
 Mor. . He will not press oeyond his bounds ; 
 He will but chat and toy, and feel your — 
 
 Cast. Guard me 
 A powerful Genius ! feel — 
 
 Mor. Your hands to kiss them, 
 Your fair, pure, white hands ; what strange busi- 
 ness is it .' 
 These melting twins of ivory, but softer 
 Than down of turtles, shall but feed the appetite — 
 
 Cast. A rape upon my ears 1 
 
 Mor. The appetite 
 Of his poor ravish'd eye ; should he swell higher 
 In his desires, and soar upon ambition 
 Of rising in humility, by degrees ; 
 Perhaps he might crave leave to clap — 
 
 Cast. Fond woman, 
 In thy grave sinful ! 
 
 Mor. Clap or pat the dimples, 
 Where love's tomb stands erected on your cheeks. 
 Else pardon those slight exercises, pretty one. 
 His lordship is as harmless a weak implement, 
 As e'er young lady trembled under. 
 
 Cast. Lordship ! 
 Stead me, my modest anger ! — 'tis behke then. 
 Religious matron, some great man's prison. 
 Where virgins' honours suffer martyrdom. 
 And you are their tormentor ; let's lay down 
 Our ruin'd names to the insulter's mercy ! 
 Let's sport and smile on scandal — (rare calamitv, 
 What hast thou toil'd me in ! [^sic/^.])— You 
 
 named his lordship, 
 Some gallant youth, and fiery "? 
 
 Mor. No, no, 'deed, la 1 
 A very grave, stale bachelor, my dainty one, 
 There's the conceit ; he's none of your hot rovers, 
 Who ruffle at first dash, and so disfigure 
 Your dresses, and your sets of blush at once : 
 He's wise in years, and of a temperate warmth, 
 Mighty in means and power, and withal liberal ; 
 A wanton in his wishes, but else, — farther, 
 He cannot — cause — he cannot^— 
 
 Cast. Cannot,^ prithee 
 Be plainer ; I begin to like thee strangely ; 
 What cannot "? 
 
 Mor. You urge timely, and to purpose : 
 He cannot do, — the truth is truth, — do anything, 
 As one should say, — that's anything ; put case — 
 I do but put the case, forsooth, — he find you. 
 
 Cast. My stars, I thank ye, for being ignoi-ant, 
 Of what this old-in-mischief can intend ! — \_Aside. 
 And so we might be merry, bravely merry ? 
 
 Mor. You hit it — what else ! — she is cunning 
 [Aside. 1 — look ye, 
 Pray lend your hand, forsooth. 
 
 Cast. Why, prithee, take it. 
 
 Mor. You have a delicate moist palm — umph 
 
 Relish that tickle, there .' [can ye 
 
 Cast. And laugh, if need were. 
 
 Mor. And laugh ! why now you have it : what 
 hurt pray 
 Perceive ye? there's all, all; go to, you want 
 
 tutoring. 
 Are an apt scholar ; I'll neglect no pains 
 For your instruction. 
 
 Cast. Do not :— but his lordship. 
 What may his lordship be ? 
 
 Mor. No worse man 
 Than marquis of Sienna, the great master 
 Of this small family : your brother found him 
 A bounteous benefactor, has advanced him 
 The gentleman o' iheJiocs^.; in a short time 
 He means to visit you himself in person, 
 As kind, as loving an old man ! 
 
 Cast. We'll meet him 
 With a full flame of welcome. Is't the marquis ? 
 No worse ? 
 
 Mor. No worse, I can assure your ladyship ; 
 The only free maintainer of the Fancies. 
 
 Cast. Fancies .' how mean you that ? 
 
 Mor. The pretty souls 
 Who are companions in the house ; all daughters 
 To honest virtuous parents, and right worshipful ; 
 A kind of chaste collapsed ladies. 
 
 Cast. Chaste too. 
 And yet collapsed ? j^ 2 
 
132 
 
 THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE. 
 
 Mor. Only in their fortunes. 
 
 Cast. Sure, I must be a Fancy in the number. 
 
 Mor. A Fancy principal; I hope you'll fashion 
 Your entertainment, when the marquis courts 
 
 you, 
 As that I may stand blameless. 
 
 Cast. Free suspicion. 
 My brother's raiser ? 
 
 Mor. Merely. 
 
 Cast. My supporter ? 
 
 Mor. Undoubtedly. 
 
 Cast. An old man and a lover ? 
 
 3Ior. True, there's the music, the content, the 
 
 harmony. 
 Cast. And I myself a Fancy ! 
 Mor. You are pregnant. 
 Cast. The chance is thrown; I now am fortune's 
 
 minion ; 
 I will be bold and resolute. 
 
 Mor. Blessing on thee ! lExeunt, 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I.— The Street. 
 Enter Roman ello. 
 
 Rom. Prosper me now, my fate ; some better 
 Genius, 
 Than such a one as waits on troubled passions, 
 Direct my courses to a noble issue ! 
 My thoughts have wandered in a labyrinth ; 
 But if the clue I have laid hold on fail not, 
 I shall tread out the toil of these dark paths. 
 In spite of politic reaches. I am punish'd 
 In mine own hopes, by her unlucky fortunes, 
 Whose fame is ruin'd ; Flavia, my lost sister ! 
 Lost to report by her unworthy husband, 
 Though heighten'd by a greatness, in whose mix- 
 I hate to claim a part. — [turcs, 
 
 Enter Nitido. 
 
 Oh welcome, welcome. 
 Dear boy! thou keep'st time with my expectations, 
 As justly as the promise of my bounties 
 Shall reckon with thy service. 
 
 Nit. I have fashion'd 
 The means of your admittance. 
 
 Rom. Precious Nitido ! 
 
 Nit. More, have bethought me of a shape, a 
 quaint one. 
 You may appear in, safe and unsuspected. 
 
 Rom. Thou'rt an ingenious boy. 
 
 Nit. Beyond all this, 
 Have so contrived the feat, that, at first sight, 
 Troylo himself shall court your entertainment, 
 Nay, force you to vouchsafe it. 
 
 Rom. Thou hast out-done 
 All counsel, and all cunning. 
 
 Nit. True, I have, sir, 
 Fadged nimbly in my practices ; but surely, 
 There are some certain clogs, some roguish stag- 
 gers. 
 Some — what shall I call 'em ?— in the business. 
 
 Rom. Nitido, 
 What, faint now ! dear heart, bear up : — what 
 What clogs ? let me remove them. [staggers, 
 
 Nit. Ami honest 
 In this discovery ? 
 
 Rom. Honest ! pish, is that all ? 
 
 IGives him a purse. 
 By this rich purse, and by the twenty ducats 
 Which line it, I will answer for thy honesty 
 Against all Italy, and prove it perfect : 
 Besides, remember I am bound to secrecy ; 
 Thou'lt not betray thyself? 
 
 Nit. All fears are clear'd then : 
 But if 
 
 Rom. If what ? out with't. 
 
 Nit. If we are discover'd, 
 You'll answer, I am honest still ? 
 
 Rom. Dost doubt it ? 
 
 Nit. Not much ! I have your purse in pawn for 
 it. 
 Now, to the shape. You know the wit in Florence, 
 Who, in the great duke's court, buffoons his com- 
 pliment, 
 According to the change of meats in season, 
 At every free lord's table 
 
 Rom. Or free meetings 
 In taverns ; there he sits at the upper end. 
 And eats, and prates, he cares not how nor what : 
 The very quack of fashions, the very he that 
 Wears a stiletto on his chin ? 
 
 Nit. You have hi 
 
 v^ 
 
 Like such a thing must you appear, and study, 
 Amongst the ladies, in a formal foppery. 
 To vent some curiosity of language, 
 Above their apprehensions, — or your own, 
 Indeed beyond sense ; you are the more the person. 
 Now amorous, then scurvy, sometimes bawdy ; 
 The same man still, but evermore fantastical, y^ 
 As being the suppositor to laughter ; 
 It hath saved charge in physic. 
 
 Rom. When occasion 
 Offers itself, — for wh^re it does or not, 
 I will be bold to take it, — I may turn 
 To some one in the company ; and, changing 
 My method, talk of state, and rail against 
 Th' employment of the time, mislike the carriage 
 Of places, and mislike that men of parts, 
 Of merit, such as myself am, are not 
 Thrust into public action : 'twill set off 
 A privilege I challenge from opinion, 
 With a more lively current. 
 
 Nit. On my modesty, 
 You are some kin to him. 
 Signor Pragnioli ! Signor Mushrumpo ! ^ 
 Leap but into his antick garb, and trust me 
 You'll fit it to a thought. 
 
 Rom. The time ? 
 
 Nit. As suddenly 
 As you can be transform'd ; — for the event, 
 'Tis pregnant. 
 
 Rom. Yet, my pretty knave, thou hast not 
 Discover'd where fair Castamela lives ; 
 Nor how, nor amongst whom. 
 
 N^it. Pish ! yet more queries ? 
 Till your own eyes inform, be silent ; else 
 Take back your earnest. What, turn woman? fie 
 Be idle and inquisitive ? 
 
 Rom. No more. 
 
THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE. 
 
 133 
 
 I shall be speedily provided ; ask for 
 
 A note at mine own lodging. lExU. 
 
 Nit. I'll not fail you. — 
 Assuredly, I will not fail you, signor. 
 My fine inamorato — twenty ducats ! 
 They are half his quarter's income : love, oh love, 
 What a pure madness art thou ! I shall fit him, 
 Fit, quit, and split him too. — 
 
 Enter Troylo. 
 
 Most bounteous sir. 
 
 Troy. Boy, thou art quick and trusty, 
 Be withal close and silent, and thy pains ^ 
 Shall meet a liberal addition. 
 
 Nit. Though, sir, 
 I'm but a child, yet you shall find me 
 
 Troy. Man v 
 In the contrivements ; I will speak for thee. 
 Well ! he does relish the disguise ? 
 
 Nit. Most greedily, 
 Swallows it with a liquorish delight. 
 Will instantly be shaped in't, instantly. 
 And, on my conscience, sir, the supposition, 
 Strengthen'd by [im] position, will transform him 
 Into the beast itself he does resemble. 
 
 Troy. Spend that, and look for more, boy. 
 
 [Gives him money. 
 
 Nit. Sir, it needs not : 
 I have already twenty ducats pursed 
 In a gay case ; 'las, sir ! to you, my service 
 Is but my duty. 
 
 Troy. Modesty in pages 
 Shows not a virtue, boy, when it exceeds 
 Good manners. Where must we meet ? 
 
 Nit. Sir, at his lodging. 
 Or near about ; he will make haste, believe it. 
 
 Troy. Wait the opportunity, and give me notice; 
 I shall attend. 
 
 Nit. If I miss my part, hang me 1 lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II An apartment in Julio's House. 
 
 Enter Vespucci and Camillo. 
 
 Vesp. Come, thou art caught, Camillo. 
 
 Cam. Away, away. 
 That were a iest indeed ; I caught ? 
 
 Vesp. Thi lady 
 Does scatter glances, wheels her round, and 
 
 smiles : 
 Steals an occasion to ask how the minutes 
 Each hour have run in progress ; then thou kissest 
 All thy four fingers, crouchest and sigh'st faintly, 
 " Dear beauty, if my watch keep fiiir decorum, 
 Three quarters have near past the figure X ;" 
 Or as the time of day goes — 
 
 Cam. So, Vespucci ! 
 This will not do, I read it on thy forehead, 
 The grain of thy complexion is quite alter'd ; 
 Once 'twas a comely brown, 'tis now of late 
 A perfect green and yellow ; sure prognosticates 
 Of th' overflux o' th' gall, and melancholy. 
 Symptoms of love and jealousy. Poor soul ! 
 Quoth she, the she, " why hang thy looks like 
 
 bell-ropes 
 Out of the wheels ? " thou, flinging down thy eyes 
 Low at her feet, repliedst, "because, oh sovereign! 
 The great bell of my heart is crack'd, and never 
 Can ring in tune again, till 't be new cast by 
 One only skilful founderess." — Hereat 
 
 She turn'd aside, wink'd, thou stood'st still, and 
 
 star'dst ; 
 I did observe 't : — be plain, what hope ? 
 
 Vesp. She loves thee ; 
 Doats on thee ; in my hearing told her lord 
 Camillo was the Pyramus and Thisbe 
 Of courtship, and of compliment : — ah ha ! 
 She nick'd it there ! — I envy not thy fortunes ; 
 For, to say truth, thou'rt handsome and deserv'st 
 Were she as great again as she is. [her, 
 
 Cam. 1 handsome ? 
 Alas, alas, a creature of Heaven's making. 
 There's all ! But, sirrah, prithee, let's be sociable; 
 I do confess, I think the goody-madam 
 May possibly be compass'd ; I resolve, too. 
 To put in for a share, come what can come on't. 
 
 Vesp. A pretty toy 'tis. Since thou'rt open 
 breasted, 
 Camillo, I presume she is [a] wanton. 
 And therefore mean to give the sowse whenever 
 1 find the game on wing. 
 
 Cam. Let us consider — 
 She's but a merchant's leavings. 
 
 Vesp. Hatch'd i' th' country, 
 And fledged i' th' city. 
 
 Cam. 'Tis a common custom 
 'Mongst friends, — they are not friends else — chiefly 
 
 gallants. 
 To trade by turns in such like frail commodities : 
 The one is but reversioner to the other. 
 
 Vesp. Why, 'tis the fashion, man. 
 
 Cam. Most free and proper ; 
 One surgeon, one apothecary. 
 
 Vesp. Thus, then ; 
 When I am absent, use the gentlest memory 
 Of my endowments, my unblemish'd services 
 To ladies' favours ; with what faith and secrecy, 
 I live in her commands, whose special courtesies 
 Oblige me to particular engagements : 
 I'll do as much for thee. 
 
 Cam. With this addition, 
 Camillo, best of fairs, a man so bashful. 
 So simply harmless, and withal so constant, 
 Yet resolute in all true rights of honour ; 
 That to deUver him in perfect character, 
 Were to detract from such a solid virtue 
 As reigns not in another soul ; he is 
 
 Vesp. The thing a mistress ought to wish her 
 Are we agreed ? [servant. 
 
 Cam. Most readily. On t' other side. 
 Unto the lord her husband, talk as coarsely 
 Of one another as we can. 
 
 Vesp. I like it ; 
 So shall we sift her love, and his opinion. 
 
 Enter Julio, Flavia, and Fabbicto. 
 
 Jul. Be thankful, fellow, to a noble mistress ; 
 Two hundred ducats are no trifling sum, 
 Nor common alms. 
 
 Flav. You must not loiter lazily, 
 And speak about the town, my friend, in taverns, 
 In gaming-houses ; nor sneak after dinner 
 To public shews, to interludes, in riot, 
 To some lewd painted baggage, trick'd up gaudily, 
 Like one of us : — oh, fie upon them, giblets ! 
 I have been told they ride in coaches, flaunt it 
 In braveries, so rich, that 'tis scarce possible 
 To distinguish one of these vile naughty packs 
 From true and arrant ladies ; they'll inveigle 
 Your substance and your body, — think on that.— 
 
134 
 
 THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE, 
 
 I say, your body ; look to't^ — 
 
 Is't not sound counsel ? LTurns to Jul. 
 
 Jul. 'Tis more ; 'tis heavenly. 
 
 Vesp. What hope, Camillo, now, if this tune 
 hold ? 
 
 Cam. Hope fair enough, Vespucci, now as ever; 
 "Why, any woman in her husband's presence 
 Can say no less. 
 
 Vesp. 'Tis true, and she hath leave here. 
 
 Fab. Madam, your care and charity at once 
 Have so new-moulded my resolves, that henceforth 
 Whene'er my mention falls into report, 
 It shall requite this bounty : I am travelling 
 To a new world. 
 
 Jul, I like your undertakings. 
 
 Flav. New world ! where's that I pray ? good, 
 if you light on 
 A parrot or a monkey that has qualities 
 Of a new fashion, think on me. 
 
 Fab. Yes, lady, 
 I — I shall think on you; and my devotions, 
 Tender'd where they are due in single meekness. 
 With purer flames will moimt, with free increase 
 Of plenty, honours, full contents, full blessings. 
 Truth and affection 'twixt your lord and you. 
 So with my humblest, best leave, I turn from you ; 
 Never, as now I am, to appear before you. 
 All joys dwell here, and lasting ! lExit. 
 
 Flav. Prithee, sweetest, 
 Hark in your ear,— beshrew't, the brim of your hat 
 Struck in mine eye — dissemble honest tears. 
 The griefs my heart does labour in [Aside] — [it] 
 Unmeasurably. [smarts 
 
 Jul. A chance, a chance ; 'twill off. 
 Suddenly off— forbear ; this handkerchief 
 But makes it woi'se. 
 
 Cam. Wink, madam, with that eye, 
 The pain will quickly pass. 
 
 Vesp. Immediately ; 
 I know it by experience. 
 
 Flav. Yes, I find it. 
 
 Jul. Spare us a little, gentlemen. 
 
 lExeunt Cam. and Vesp. 
 Speak freely : 
 What wert thou saying, dearest ? 
 
 Flav. Do you love me ? 
 Answer in sober sadness ; I'm your wife now, 
 I know my place and power. 
 
 Jul. What's this riddle ? 
 Thou hast thyself replied to thine own question. 
 In being married to me; a sure argument 
 Of more than protestation. 
 
 Flav. Such it should be 
 Were you as other husbands : it is granted, 
 A woman of my state may like good clothes. 
 Choice diet, many servants, change of merriments, 
 All these I do enjoy ; and wherefore not .-' 
 Great ladies should command their own delights : 
 And yet, for all this, T am used but homely, — 
 But I am serv'd even well enough. 
 
 Jul. My Flavia, 
 I understand not what thou would'st, 
 
 Flfiv. Pray pardon me ; 
 I do confess I'm foolish, very foolish ; 
 Trust me, indeed I am ; for I could cry 
 Mine eyes out, being in the weeping humour ; 
 You know I have a brother. 
 
 Jul. Romanello, 
 An unkind brother. 
 
 Flav. Right, riglit ; since you bosora*d 
 
 My latter youth, he never would vouchsafe 
 
 As much as to come near me. Oh, it mads me, 
 
 Being but two, that we should live at distance, 
 
 As if I were a cast-away ; — and you, 
 
 For your part, take no care on't, nor attempt 
 
 To draw him hither. 
 
 Jul. Say the man be peevish, 
 Must I petition him ? 
 
 Flav. Yea, marry, must you, 
 Or else you love not me : not see my brother ! 
 Yes I will see him ; so I will, will see him ; — 
 You hear't — oh my good lord, dear, gentle, 
 
 prithee, — 
 You sha'nt be angry ; — 'las, I know, poor gentle- 
 man. 
 He bears a troubled mind : but let us meet 
 And talk a little ; we perhaps may chide 
 At first, shed some few tears, and then be quiet ; 
 There's all. 
 
 Jtil. Write to him, and invite him hither, 
 Or go to him thyself. Corne, no more sadness ; 
 I'll do what thou canst wish. 
 
 Flav. And, in requital, 
 Believe I shall say something that may settle 
 A constancy of peace, for which you'll thank me. 
 
 lExeunt, 
 
 SCENE III. — An Apartment in the Palace. 
 Enter Secco and Spadonb. 
 
 Sec. The rarest fellow, Spadone ! so full of gam- 
 bols ! — he talks so humorously — does he not ? — so 
 carelessly ; oh, rich ! On my hope of posterity, I 
 could be in love with him. 
 
 Spa. His tongue trouls like a mill- clack ; he 
 towzes the lady-sisters as a tumbling dog does 
 young rabbits ; hey here ! dab there ! your Madon- 
 na,— he has a catch at her too ; there's a trick 
 in the business, — I am a dunce else, — I say, a 
 shrewd one. 
 
 Sec. Jump with me! I smell a trick too, if I 
 could tell what. 
 
 Spa. Who brought him in ? that would be 
 known. 
 
 Sec. That did Signer Troylo ; I saw the page 
 part at the door. Some trick still ; go to, wife, I 
 must and I will have an eye to this gear. 
 
 Spa. A plain case ; roguery, brokage and roguery, 
 or call me bulchin. Fancies, quoth a' .'' rather 
 Frenzies. We shall all roar shortly, turn madcaps, 
 lie open to what comes first : I may stand to't — 
 that boy page is a naughty boy page ; — let me feel 
 your forehead : ha ! oh, hum, — yes, — there, — 
 there again ! I'm sorry for ye, a hand-saw cannot 
 cure ye : monstrous and apparent. 
 
 [Feeling his forehead. 
 
 See. What, what, what, what, what, Spadone ? 
 
 Spa. What, what, what, what ! nothing but 
 velvet tips ; you are of the first head yet. Have a 
 good heart, man ; a cuckold, though he be a beast, 
 wears invisible horns, else we might know a city- 
 bull from a country-calf ; — villainous boy, still ! 
 
 Sec My razor shall be my weapon, my razor. 
 
 Spa. Why, he's not come to the honour of a 
 beard yet ; he needs no shaving. 
 
 Sec. I will trim him and tram him. 
 
 Spa. Nay, she may do well enough for one. 
 
 Sec. One .'' ten, a hundred, a thousand, ten 
 thousand ; do beyond arithmetic ! Spadone, I 
 
60ENK III. 
 
 THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE. 
 
 156 
 
 speak it with some passion, I am a notorious 
 cuckold. 
 
 Spa. Gross and ridiculous ! — look ye — point 
 blank, I dare not swear that this same mounte- 
 banking new-come foist is at least a procurer in 
 the business, if not a pretender himself; but 1 
 think what I think. 
 
 Sec. He, Troylo, Livio, the page, that hole- 
 creeping page, all horn me, sirrah. I'll forgive 
 thee from my heart ; dost not thou drive a trade 
 too in my bottom ? 
 
 Spa. A likely matter ! 'las, I am metamorphosed, 
 I ; be patient, you'll mar all else. -^ 
 
 Laughing within. Ha, ha, ha, ha I 
 
 Sec. Now, now, now, now the game's rampant, 
 rampant ' 
 
 Spa. Leave your wild figaries, and learn to be a 
 tame an tick, or I'll observe no longer. 
 
 Within. Ha, ha. ha, ha ! 
 
 Enter Troylo, Castamei^a, Florio, Clarella, Silvia, 
 MoROSA, and Romanello dis(juised as Praonioli. 
 
 Sil. You are extremely busy, signor. 
 
 Flo. Courtly, 
 Without a fellow. 
 
 Clar. Have a stabbing wit. 
 
 Cast. But are you always, when you press on 
 ladies 
 Of mild and easy nature, so much satire. 
 So tart and keen as we do taste you now ? 
 It argues a lean brain. 
 
 liom. Gip to your beauties ! 
 You would be fair, forsooth ! you would be mon- 
 sters ; 
 Fair women are such ; — monsters to be seen 
 Are rare, and so are they. 
 
 Troy. Bear with him, ladies. 
 
 Mor. He is a foul-mouth'd man. 
 
 Sec. Whore, bitch-fox, treddle ! — [Aside to 
 MoR.]— /a la la la ! 
 
 Mor. How's that, my cat-a-mountain 1 
 
 Spa. Hold her there, boy. 
 
 Clar. Were you e'er in love, fine signor ? 
 
 Rom. Yes, for sport's sake, 
 But soon forgot it ; he that rides a gallop 
 Is quickly weary. I esteem of love 
 As of a man in some huge place ; it puzzles 
 Reason, distracts the freedom of the soul. 
 Renders a wise man fool, and a fool wise — 
 In's own conceit, not else ; it yields effects 
 Of pleasure, travail ; bitter, sweet ; war, peace ; 
 Thorns, roses ; prayers, curses ; longings, surfeits. 
 Despair, and then a rope. Oh, my trim lover ! — 
 Yes, I have loved a score at once. 
 
 Spa. Out, stallion ! as 1 am a man and no man, 
 the baboon lies, I dare swear, abominably. 
 
 Sec. Inhumanly ; — keep your bow close, vixen. 
 
 IPinches Mor. 
 
 Afar. Beshrew your fingers, if you be in earnest ! 
 You pinch too hard ; go to, I'll pare your nails 
 for't. 
 
 Spa. She means your horns ; there's a bob for 
 you ! 
 
 Clar. Spruce signor, if a man may love so many, 
 Why may not a fair lady have like privilege 
 Of several servants ? 
 
 Trog. Answer that ; the reason 
 Holds the same weight. 
 
 Mor. Marry, and so it does. 
 Though he would spit his gall out. 
 
 Spa. Mark that, Secco. 
 
 Sil. D'ye pump for a reply ? 
 
 Rom. The learned differ 
 In that point ; grand and famous scholars often 
 Have argued pro and con, and left it doubtful ; 
 Volumes have been writ on't. If then great clerks 
 Suspend their resolutions, 'tis a modesty 
 For me to silence mine. 
 
 Flo. Dull and phlegmatic ! 
 
 Clar. Yet women sure, in such a case, are ever 
 More secret than men are. 
 
 Sil. Yea, and talk less. 
 
 Rom. That is a truth much fabled, never found. 
 You secret ! when your dresses blab your vanities? 
 Carnation for your points? there's a gross babbler; 
 Tawney .■' hey ho ! the pretty heart is wounded : 
 A knot of willow ribbons ? she's forsaken. 
 Another rides the cock-horse, green and azure, 
 Wince and cry wee-hee ! like a colt unbroken : 
 But desperate black put them in mind of fish-days; 
 When Lent spurs on devotion, there's a famine : 
 Yet love and judgment may help all this pudder ; 
 Where are they ? not in females. 
 
 Flo. In all sorts 
 Of men, no doubt ! 
 
 Sil. Else they were sots to choose. 
 
 Clar. To swear and flatter, sometimes lie, for 
 profit. 
 
 Rom. Not so, forsooth : should love and judg- 
 ment meet. 
 The old, the fool, the ugly, and. Heform'd, 
 Could never be beloved ; for example. 
 Behold these two, this madam and this shaver. 
 
 Mor. I do defy thee ; am I old or ugly ' 
 
 Sec. Tricks, knacks, devices I now it trouls 
 about. 
 
 Rom. Troul let it, stripling ; thou hast yet firm 
 footing, 
 And need'st not fear the cuckold's livery. 
 There's good philosophy for't : take this for com- 
 fort ; 
 No horned beasts have teeth in either gums ; 
 But thou art tooth'd on both sides, though she fail 
 
 Mor. He is not jealous, sirrah. [in't. 
 
 Rom. That's his fortune ; 
 Women indeed more jealous are than men, 
 But men have more cause. 
 
 Spa. There he rubb'd your forehead ; 
 'Twas a tough blow. 
 
 Sec. It smarts. 
 
 Mor. Pox on him ! let him 
 Put's fingers into any gums of mine, 
 He shall find I have teeth about me, sound ones. 
 
 Sec. You are a scurvy fellow, and I am made a 
 cokes, an ass ; and this same filthy crone's^ 
 
 flirt. ^^-vjy 
 
 Whoop, do me no harm, good — tooman. {Exit. 
 
 Spa. Now, now he's in ! I must not leave him 
 so. lExit. 
 
 Troy. Morosa, what means this "i 
 
 Mor. I know not, I ; 
 He pinch'd me, call'd me names, most filthy names. 
 Will you part hence, sir? [ To Rom.") I will set 
 ye packing. \Exit. 
 
 Clar. You were indeed too broad, too violent. 
 
 Flo. Here's nothing meant but mirth. 
 
 Sil. The gentleman 
 Hath been a little pleasant. 
 
 Clar. Somewhat bitter 
 Against our sex. 
 
THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE. 
 
 136 
 
 Cast. For which I promise him, 
 He ne'er proves choice of mine. 
 Rom. Not I your choice ? 
 Troy. So she protested, signor. 
 Rom. Indeed ! 
 
 Re-enter Morosa. 
 Clar. Why, you are moved, sir. 
 Mor. Hence ! there enters 
 A civiller companion for fair ladies. 
 Than i-uch a sloven. 
 Rom, Beauties, — 
 Troy* Time prevents us, 
 Love and sweet thoughts accompany this presence. 
 [^Exeunt Trov. and Rom. 
 
 Enter Octavio, Secco, and Livjo. 
 
 Oct. {To Secco.) Enough! slip off, and on 
 your life be secret. lExit Sec. 
 
 A lovely day, young creatures ! to you, Floria, 
 To you, Clarella, Silvia, to all, service ! 
 But who is this fair sti-anger ? 
 
 Liv. Castamela, 
 My sister, noble lord. 
 
 Oct. Let ignorance 
 Of what you were plead my neglect of manners, 
 And this soft touch excuse it. You've enrich'd 
 This little family, most excellent virgin, 
 With the honour of your company. 
 
 Cast. I find them 
 Worthily graceful, sir. 
 
 Liv. Are you so taken ? \_Aside. 
 
 Oct. Here are no public sights nor courtly visit- 
 ants, 
 Which youth and active blood might stray in 
 
 thought for ; 
 The companies are few, the pleasures single. 
 And rarely to be brook'd, perhaps, by any, 
 Not perfectly acquainted with this custom : 
 Are they not, lovely one ? 
 
 Liv. Sir, I dare answer 
 My sister's resolution. Free converse 
 Amongst so many of her sex, so virtuous, 
 She ever hath preferr'd before the surquedry 
 Of protestation, or the vainer giddiness 
 Of popular attendants. 
 
 Cast. Well play'd, brother ! \_Mnsic within. 
 
 Oct. The me.aning of this music ? 
 
 Mor. Please your lordship. 
 It is the ladies' hour for exercise 
 In song and dance. 
 
 Oct. I dare not be the author 
 Of truanting the time then, neither will I. 
 
 Mor, Walk on, dear ladies. 
 
 Oct. *Tis a task of pleasure. 
 
 Liv. Be now my sister, stand a trial bravely. 
 
 Mor. (To Cast.) Remember my instructions, 
 or — 
 
 lExit, followed by Liv. Flo. Clar. and Sil. 
 
 Oct. {Detaining Cast.) With pardon, 
 You are not of the number, I presume, yet, 
 To be enjoin'd to hours. If you please, 
 We for a little while may sit as judges 
 Of their proficience ; pray, vouchsafe the favour. 
 
 Cast. I am, sir, in a place to be commanded. 
 As now the present urgeth. 
 
 Oct. No compulsion. 
 That were too hard a word ; where you are sove- 
 reign, 
 Your yea and nay is law : I have a suit t'ye. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 Cast. For what, sir .' 
 
 Oct. For your love. 
 
 Cast. To whom .' I am not 
 So weary of the authority I hold 
 Over mine own contents in sleeps and wakings, 
 That I'd resign my liberty to any 
 Who should controul it. 
 
 Oct. Neither I intend so ; 
 Grant me an entertainment. 
 
 Cast. Of what nature ? 
 
 Oct. To acknowledge me your creature. 
 
 Cast. Oh, my lord. 
 You are too wise in years, too full of counsel, 
 For my green inexperience. 
 
 Oct. Love, dear maid. 
 Is but desire of beauty, and 'tis proper 
 For beauty to desire to be beloved. 
 I am not free from passion, though the current 
 Of a more lively heat runs slowly through me ; 
 My heart is gentle, and believe, fresh girl. 
 Thou shalt not wish for any full addition. 
 Which may adorn thy rarities to boast 'em, 
 That bounty can withhold : this academy 
 Of silent pleasures is maintaind, but only 
 To such a constant use. 
 
 Cast. You have, belike, then, 
 A patent for concealing virgins : otherwise, 
 Make plainer your intentions. 
 
 Oct. To be pleasant 
 In practice of some outward senses only ; 
 No more. 
 
 Cast. No worse you dare not to imagine, 
 Where such an awful innocency, as mine is. 
 Out-faces every wickedness youx dotage 
 Has luU'd you in. I scent your cruel mercies ; 
 Your fact'ress hath been tamp'ring for my misery, 
 Your old temptation, your she-devil : — bear with 
 A language which this place, and none but this, 
 
 hath 
 Infected my tongue with. The time will come, 
 
 too. 
 When he, unhappy man ! whom your advancement 
 Hath ruin'd by being spaniel to your fortunes. 
 
 Will curse he train'd me hither Livio — 
 
 I must not call him brother — this one act 
 Hath rent him off the ancestry he sprung from. 
 
 Oct. The proffer of a noble courtesy 
 Is check 'd, it seems. 
 
 Cast. A courtesy .-' — a bondage : 
 You are a great man, vicious, much more vicious, 
 Because you hold a seeming league with charity, 
 Of pestilent nature, keeping hospitality 
 For sensualists in your own sepulchre. 
 Even by your life-time ; yet are dead already. 
 
 Oct. How's this } come, be more mild. 
 
 Cast. You chide me soberly ; 
 Then, sir, I tune my voice to other music. 
 You are an eminent statist ; be a father 
 To such unfriended virgins as your bounty 
 Hath drawn into a scandal : you are powerful 
 In means ; a bachelor, freed from the jealousies 
 Of wants ; convert this privacy of maintenance 
 Into your own court ; let this, as you call it, 
 Your Academy, have a residence there ; 
 And there survey your charity yourself : 
 That when you shall bestow on worthy husbands, 
 With fitting portions, such as you know worthy. 
 You may yield to the present age, example, 
 And to posterity, a glorious chronicle ; 
 There were a work of piety ! The other is 
 
SCENE I. 
 
 THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE. 
 
 mr 
 
 A scorn upon your tombstone ; where the reader 
 Will but expound, that when you liv'd, you pan- 
 
 dar'd 
 Your own purse and your fame. I am too bold, 
 
 sir ; 
 Some anger and some pity hath directed 
 A wand'ring trouble. 
 
 Oct. Be not known what passages 
 The time hath lent ; for once, I can bear with you. 
 
 Cast. I'll countenance the hazard of suspicion, 
 And be your guest awhile. 
 
 Oct. Be — but hereafter — 
 I know not what. — Livio ! ^ 
 
 lic-enler Livio and Morosa. 
 
 Liv. My lord. 
 
 Cast. Indeed, sir. 
 I cinnot part wi' ye yet. 
 
 Oct. Well, then, thou shalt not, 
 My precious Castamela. — Thou hast a sister, 
 A perfect sister, Livio. 
 
 Mor. All is inck'dhere, 
 Good soul, indeed ! [Aside. 
 
 TAv. I'd speak with you anon. 
 
 Cast. It may be so. 
 
 Oct. Come, fair one. 
 
 Liv. Oh, I am cheated ! \ExeunU 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I.— An Apartment in the Palace. 
 Enter Livro and Castamela. 
 
 LiV' Prithee, be serious. 
 
 Cast. Prithee, interrupt not 
 The paradise of my becharming thoughts, 
 Which mount my knowledge to the sphere I move 
 Above this useless tattle. [in, 
 
 Liv. Tattle, sister ! 
 D'ye know to whom you talk this ? 
 
 Cast. To the gentleman 
 Of my lord's horse, new-stept into the office ! 
 'Tis a good place, sir, if you can be thankful. 
 Demean your carriage in it so, that negligence, 
 Or pride of your preferment, oversway not 
 The grace you hold in his esteem ; such fortunes 
 Drop not down every day : observe the favour 
 That rais'd you to this fortune. 
 
 Liv. Thou mistak'st sure 
 What person thou hold'st speech with. 
 
 Cast. Strange and idle. 
 
 Liv. Is't possible ? why, you are tum'd a mis- 
 A mistress of the trim ! Beshrew me, lady, [tress. 
 You keep a stately port ; but it becomes you not. 
 Our father's daughter, if I err not rarely, 
 Delighted in a softer, humbler sweetness. 
 Not in a hey-dey-gay of scurvy gallantry : 
 You do not brave it like a thing o' th' fashion, 
 You ape the humour faintly. 
 
 Cast. " Love, dear maid, 
 Is but desire of beauty, and 'tis proper 
 For beauty to desire to be beloved." 
 
 Liv. Fine sport ! 
 You mind not me ; will you yet hear me, madam .' 
 
 Cast. " Thou shalt not wish for any full addition, 
 Which may adorn thy rarities to boast 'em. 
 That bounty can withhold." — I know I shall not. 
 
 Liv. And so you clapt the bargain ! the conceit 
 on't 
 Tickles your contemplation ! 'tis come out now : 
 A woman's tongue, I see, some time or other, 
 Will prove her traitor ; this was all I sifted, 
 And here have found thee wretched. 
 
 Cast. We shall flourish ; 
 Feed high henceforth, man, and no more be 
 
 straiten'd 
 Within the limits of an empty patience ; 
 Nor tire our feeble eyes with gazing only 
 On greatness, which enjoys the swing of pleasures ; 
 But be ourselves the object of their envy, 
 To whom a service would have seem'd ambition. 
 
 It was thy cunning, Livio, I applaud it, 
 Fear nothing ; I'll be thrifty in thy projects : 
 Want ? misery ? may all such want as think on't 1 
 Our footing shall be firm. 
 
 Liv. You are much witty. 
 Why, Castamela, this to me ? you counterfeit 
 Most palpably ; I am too well acquainted 
 With thy condition, sister. If the marquis 
 Hath utter'd one unchaste, one wanton syllable. 
 Provoking thy contempt ; not all the flatteries 
 Of his assurance to our hopes of rising 
 Can, or shall, slave our souls. 
 
 Cast. Indeed not so, sir ; 
 You are beside the point, most gentle signor ! 
 I'll be no more your ward, no longer chamber'd, 
 Nor mew'd up to the lure of your devotion ; 
 Trust me, I must not, will not, dare not ; surely 
 I cannot, for my promise past ; and sufferance 
 Of former trials hath too strongly arm'd me : 
 You may take this for answer. 
 
 Liv. In such earnest ! 
 Hath goodness left thee quite ? Fool, thou art 
 
 wand'ring 
 In dangerous fogs, which will corrupt the purity 
 Of every noble virtue dwelt within thee. 
 Come home again, home, Castamela, sister. 
 Home to thine own simplicity ; and rather 
 Than yield thy memory up to the witchcraft 
 Of an abused confidence, be courted 
 For Romanello. 
 
 Cast. Romanello ! 
 
 Liv. Scorn'st thou 
 The name ? thy thoughts I find, then, are chang'd, 
 
 rebels 
 To all that's honest ; that's to truth and honovir. 
 
 Cast. So, sir, and in good time ! 
 
 Liv. Thou art fallen suddenly 
 Into a plurisy of faithless impudence ; 
 A whorish itch infects thy blood, a leprosy 
 Of raging lust, and thou art mad to prostitute 
 The glory of thy virgin-dower basely 
 For common saJe. This foulness must be purged, 
 Or thy disease will rankle to a pestilence, 
 W^hich can even taint the very air about thee ; 
 But I shall study physic. 
 
 Cast. Learn good manners : 
 I take it, you are saucy. 
 
 Liv. Saucy ? strumpet 
 In thy desires ! 'tis in my power to cut off 
 The twist thy life is spun by. 
 
 Cast. Phew ! you rave now : 
 
138 
 
 THE FANCIES. CHASTE AND NOBLE. 
 
 But if you have not perish'd all your reason, 
 Know I will use my freedom. You, forsooth, 
 For change of fresh apparel, and the pocketing 
 Of some well-looking ducats, were contented. 
 Passingly pleased — yes, marry were you, mark it, — 
 'T expose me to the danger now you rail at ! 
 Brought me, nay, forced me hither, without ques- 
 tion 
 Of what might follow ; here you find the issue : 
 And I distrust not but it was th' appointment 
 Of some succeeding fate that more concern'd me 
 Than widowed virginity. 
 
 Liv. You are a gallant ; 
 One of my old lord's Fancies. Peevish girl, 
 Was't ever heard that youth could doat on sick- 
 ness, 
 A grey beard, wrinkled face, a dried-up marrow, 
 A toothless head, a — ? — this is but a merriment, 
 Merely but trial. Romanello loves thee ; 
 Has not abundance, true ; yet cannot want : 
 Return with me, and I will leave these fortunes, 
 Good maid, of gentle nature. 
 
 Cast. By my hopes, 
 I never placed affection on that gentleman, 
 Though he deserv'd well ; I have told him often 
 My resolution. 
 
 Liv. Will you hence, and trust to 
 My care of settling you a peace ? 
 
 Cast. No, surely ; 
 Such treaty may break off. 
 
 Liv. Off be it broken ! 
 I'll do what thou shalt I'ue. 
 
 Cast. You cannot, Livio. 
 
 Liv. So confident, young mistress mine ! I'll 
 do't. lExit. 
 
 Enter Troylo. 
 
 Troy. Incomparable maid ! 
 
 Cast. You have been counsellor 
 To a strange dialogue. 
 
 Troy. If there be constancy 
 In protestation of a virtuous nature, 
 You are secure, as the effects shall witness. 
 
 Cast. Be noble ; I am credulous : my language 
 Hath prejudiced my heart ; I am my brother 
 Ne'er parted at such distance -. yet, I glory 
 In the fair race he runs ; but fear the violence 
 Of his disorder. 
 
 Troy. Little time shall quit him. {They retire. 
 
 Enter Secco, leading N;tido in a ga'i'ier with one hand, a 
 rod in the other ; followed by Morosa, Silvia, FLO^iiA, 
 CLAfiiLLA. Spado.vs behind laughing. 
 
 Sec. The young whelp is mad ; I must slice the 
 worm out of his breech. I have noosed his neck 
 in the collar ; and I will once turn dog-leech : 
 stand from about me, or you'll find me terrible 
 and furious. 
 
 Nit. Ladies, good ladies, dear madam, Morosa ! 
 
 Flo. Honest Secco ! 
 
 Sil. What was the cause ? what wrong has he 
 done to thee ? 
 
 Clar. Why dost thou fright us so, and art so 
 peremptory 
 Where we are present, fellow ? 
 
 Mor. Honey-bird, spouse, cat-a-mountain ! ah, 
 the child, the pretty poor child, the sweet-faced 
 child ! 
 
 Spa. That very word halters the earwig. 
 
 Sec. Off I say, or I shall lay bare all the naked 
 truth to your faces ! his fore-parts have been too 
 
 lusty, and his posteriors must do penance for't. 
 Uutruss, whiskin, untruss ! away, burs ! out, mare- 
 hag mule ! avaunt ! thy turn comes next, avaunt ! 
 the horns of my rage are advanced ; hence, or ] 
 shall gore ye ! 
 
 Spa. Lash him soundly ; let the little ape show 
 
 tricks. 
 Nit. Help, or I shall be throttled ! 
 Mor. Yes, I will help thee, pretty heart ; if my 
 tongue cannot prevail, my nails shall. Barbarous- 
 minded man, let go, or I shall use my talons. 
 
 ^They fight. 
 Spa. Well played, dog ; well played, bear I sa, 
 sa, sa ! to't, to't ! 
 
 Sec. Fury, whore, bawd, my wife and the devil ! 
 Mar. Toss-pot, stinkard, pandar my husband 
 and a rascal ! 
 
 Spa. Scold, coxcomb, baggage, cuckold ! 
 Crabbed age and j'outh 
 
 Cannot jump together ; 
 One is like good luclc , 
 
 T' otiier like foul weather. 
 
 Troy. Let us fall in now. — ( Comes forward ivith 
 Cast.) — What uncivil rudeness 
 Dares ofTer a disturbance to this company ? 
 Peace and delights dwell here, not brawls and 
 
 outrage : 
 Sirrah, be sure you show some reasons why 
 You so forget your duty, quickly show it. 
 Or I shall tame your choler ; what's the ground 
 on't ? 
 
 Spa. Humph, how's that ? how's that ? is he 
 there, with a wannion ! then do I begin to 
 dwindle. — O, oh! the Jit, the Jit ; the Jifs upon me 
 now, now, now, now ! {Aside. 
 
 Sec. It shall out. First then, know all Christian 
 people, Jews, and infidels, he's and she's, by these 
 presents, that I am a beast ; see what I say, I say 
 a very beast. 
 
 Troy. 'Tis granted. 
 
 Sec. Go to, then ; a horned beast, a goodly tall, 
 horned beast ; in pure verity, a cuckold :— nay, 1 
 will tickle their trangd^dos. 
 
 Mor. Ah, thou base fellow ! would'st thou 
 confess it an it were so ? but 'tis not so ; and thou 
 liest, and loudly. 
 
 Troy. Patience, Morosa : — you are, you say, a 
 cuckold ? 
 
 Sec. I'll justify my words, I scorn to eat them 1 
 this sucking ferret hath been wriggling in my old 
 coney-burrow. 
 
 Mor. The boy, the babe, the infant ! I spit at 
 thee. 
 
 Cast. Fie, Secco, fie. 
 
 Sec. Appear, Spadone ! my proofs are preg- 
 nant and gross ; truth is the truth ; I must and I 
 will be divorced: speak, Spadone, and exalt thy 
 voice. 
 
 Spa. Who } I speak ? alas, I cannot speak, I. 
 
 Nit. As I hope to live to be a man — 
 
 Sec. Damn the prick of thy weason-pipe ! — 
 where but two lie in a bed, you must be bodkin, 
 bitch-baby, must you.^ — Spadone, am I a cuckold 
 or no cuckold ? 
 
 Spa. Why, you know I [am] an ignorant, 
 unable trifle in such business ; an oaf, a simple 
 alcatote, an innocent. 
 
 Sec. Nay, nay, nay, no matter for that ; this 
 ramkin hath tupp'd my old rotten carrion-mutton. 
 
 Mor. Rotten in thy maw, thy guts and garbage ! 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE. 
 
 139 
 
 Sec, Spadone, speak aloud what I am. 
 Spa. I do not know. 
 
 Sec. Wliat hast thou seen them doing together ? 
 doing ? 
 
 Spa. Nothing. 
 
 Mor. Are thy mad brains in thy mazer now, 
 thou jealous bedlam ? 
 
 Sec- Didst not thou, from time to time, tell me 
 as much ? 
 
 Spa. Never. 
 
 Sec. Hey-day ! ladies and signor, I am abused ; 
 they are agreed to scorn, jeer, and run me out of 
 my wits, by consent. This gelded hobet-aHioy is 
 a corrupted pandar, this page a milk-livered dildoe, 
 my wife a whore confest, and I myself a cuckold 
 arrant. 
 
 Spa. Truly, Secco, for the ancient good woman 
 I dare swear point-blank ; and the boy, surely, I 
 ever said, w^as to any man's thinking, a very chri- 
 some in the thing you wot ; that's my opinion 
 clearly. 
 
 Clar. What a wise goose-cap hast thou shew'd 
 thyself ! 
 
 Sec. Here in my forehead it sticks, and stick it 
 shall. Law I will have : 1 will never more tumble 
 in sheets with thee, I will father no misbegotten 
 of thine ; the court shall trounce thee, the city 
 cashier thee, diseases devour thee, and the spittle 
 confound thee. [Exit. 
 
 Cast. The man has dream'd himself into a lunacy. 
 
 Sil. Alas, poor Nitido I 
 
 Nit. Truly, I am innocent. 
 
 Mor. Many art thou ; so thou art. The world 
 says, how virtuously I have carried my good name 
 in every part about me these threescore years and 
 odd ; and at last to slip with a child ! there are 
 men, men enough, tough and lusty, I hope, if one 
 would give their mind to the iniquity of the flesh ; 
 but this is the life I have led with him a while, 
 since when he lies by me as cold as a dry stone. 
 
 Troy. This only, ladies, is a fit of novelty ; 
 All will be reconciled. — I doubt, Spadone, 
 Here is your hand in this, howe'er denied. 
 
 Spa. Faithfully, in truth forsooth — 
 
 Troy. Well, well, enough. — Morosa, be less 
 This little jarr is argument of love, [troubled ; 
 
 It will prove lasting. — Beauties, I attend you. 
 
 \_Exeunt all bid Spa. and Nit. 
 
 Spa. Youngling, a word, youngling ; have not 
 you scaped the lash handsomely } thank me for't. 
 
 Nit. I fear thy roguery, and I shall find it. 
 
 Spa. Is't possible? Give me thy little fist ; we 
 are friends : have a care henceforth ; remember 
 this whilst you live — 
 
 And still the urchin would, but could not do. 
 pretty knave, and so forth ! come, truce on all 
 hands. 
 
 Nit. Beshrew your fool's head ; this was jest in 
 earnest. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — A Room in Romanello's House. 
 
 Enter Romankllo. 
 
 y Rom. I will converse with beasts, there is ir 
 
 mankind 
 No sound society ; but, in woman — bless me ! — 
 Nor faith nor reason : I may justly wonder 
 What trust was in my mother. 
 
 Enter Servant. 
 
 Serv. A caroch, sir, 
 Stands at the gate. 
 
 Rom. Stand let it still and freeze there ! 
 Make sure the locks. 
 
 Serv. Too late ; you are prevented. 
 
 Enter Flavia, followed by CAMfLLO and Vbspooci, who 
 
 stand apart. 
 
 Flav. Brother, I come — 
 
 Bom. Unlook'd for ; — I but sojourn 
 Myself; I keep nor house, nor entertainments, 
 French cooks composed, Italian collations : — 
 Rich Persian surfeits, with a train of services, 
 Befitting exquisite ladies, such as you are. 
 Perfume not our low roofs ; — the way lies open ; 
 That, there. — [Points to the door.] Good day, 
 
 Flav. Why d'ye slight me ? [great madam ! 
 For what one act of mine, even from my childhood, 
 Which may deliver my deserts inferior, 
 Or to our births or family, is nature 
 Become, in your contempt of me, a monster r 
 
 Ves. What's this, Camillo ? 
 
 Cam. Not the strain in ordinary. 
 
 R- m. I'm out of tune to chop discourse — how- 
 You are a woman. [ever, 
 
 Flav. Pensive and unfortunate. 
 Wanting a brother's bosom to disburthen 
 More griefs than female weakness can keep league 
 Let worst of malice, voiced in loud report, [with. 
 Spit what it dares invent against my actions ; 
 And it shall never find a power to blemish 
 My mention, other than beseems a patient • 
 I not repine at lowness ; and the fortunes 
 Which I attend on now, are, as I value them. 
 No new creation to a looser liberty ; 
 Your strangeness only may beget a change 
 In wild opinion. 
 
 Cam. Here's another tang 
 Of sense, Vespucci. 
 
 Ves. Listen, and observe. 
 
 Rom. Are not you, pray you — nay, we'll be 
 contented, 
 In presence of your ushers, once to prattle 
 Some idle minutes — are you not enthroned 
 The lady-regent, by whose special influence 
 Julio, the count of Camerine, is order'd.^ 
 
 Flav. His wife, 'tis known I am ; and in tliat 
 Obedient to a service ; else, of greatness [title 
 The quiet of my wish was ne'er ambitious. 
 
 Rom. He loves you ? 
 
 Flav. As worthily as dearly. 
 
 Rom. And 'tis believed how practice quickly 
 fashion'd 
 A port of humorous antickness in carriage, 
 Discourse, demeanour, gestures. 
 
 Cam. Put home roundly. 
 
 Ves. A ward for that blow .' 
 
 Flav. Safety of mine honour 
 Instructed such deceit. 
 
 Rom. Your honour ? 
 
 Flav. Witness 
 This brace of sprightly gallants, whose confederacy 
 Presumed to plot a siege. 
 
 Cam. Ves. We, madam 1 
 
 Rom. On, on ; 
 Some leisure serves us now. 
 
 Flav. Still as Lord Julio 
 Pursued his contract with the man — oh, pardon. 
 If I forget to name him ! — by whose poverty 
 
140 
 
 THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE. 
 
 Of honest truth, I was renounced in marriage ; 
 These two, entrusted for a secret courtship, 
 By tokens, letters, message, in their turns, 
 Proffer'd their own devotions, as they term'd them, 
 Almost unto an impudence ; regardless 
 Of him, on whose supportance they relied. 
 
 Rom. Dare not for both your lives to interrupt 
 
 Flav. Baited thus to vexation, I assumed [her. 
 A dulness of simplicity ; till afterwards 
 Lost to my city-freedom, and now enter'd 
 Into this present state of my condition, 
 (Concluding henceforth absolute security 
 From their lascivious villanies) I continued 
 My former custom of ridiculous lightness. 
 As they did their pursuit ; t' acquaint my lord, 
 
 were 
 To have ruin'd their best certainty of living : 
 But that might yield suspicion in my nature ; 
 And women may be virtuous, without mischief 
 To such as tempt them. 
 
 Rom. You are much to blame, sirs, 
 Should all be truth is utter' d. 
 
 Flav. For that justice 
 I did command them hither ; for a privacy 
 In conference 'twixt Flavia and her brother, 
 Needed no secretaries such as these are. 
 Now, Romanello, thou art every refuge 
 I fly for right to ; if I be thy sister. 
 And not a bastard, answer their confession, 
 Or threpten vengeance, with perpetual silence. 
 
 Cam. My follies are acknowledged ; you're a lady 
 Who have outdone example : when I trespass 
 In ought but duty and respects of service, 
 May hopes of joys forsake me I 
 
 Ves, To like penance 
 I join a constant votary. 
 
 Rom. Peace, then. 
 Is ratified. — My sister, thou hast waken'd 
 Intranced affection from its sleep to knowledge 
 Of once more who thou art ; no jealous frenzy 
 Shall hazard a distrust : reign in thy sweetness. 
 Thou only worthy woman ; these two converts 
 Record our hearty union. I have shook off 
 My thraldom, lady, and have made discoveries 
 Of famous novels ; — but of those hereafter. 
 Thus we seal love ; you shall know all, and wonder. 
 
 Enter Lrvio. 
 
 Liv. Health and his heart's desire to Romanello ! 
 My welcome I bring with me. — Noblest lady, 
 Excuse an ignorance of your fair presence ; 
 This may be held intrusion. 
 
 Flav. Not by me, sir. 
 
 Rom. You are not frequent here, as I remember ; 
 But since you bring your welcome with you, Livio, 
 Be bold to use it ; to the point. 
 
 Liv. This lady, 
 With both these gentlemen, in happy hour 
 May be partakers of the long-lived amity. 
 Our souls must link in. 
 
 Rom. So ; belike the marquis 
 Stores some new grace, some special close employ- 
 ment, 
 For whom your kind commends, by deputation. 
 Please think on to oblige ; and Livio's charity 
 Descends on Romanello liberally. 
 Above my means to thank I 
 
 Liv. Sienna sometimes 
 Has been inform'd how gladly there did pass 
 A treaty of chaste loves with Castamela, 
 
 From this good heart ; it was in me an error 
 
 Wilful and causeless, 'tis confest, — that hinder'd 
 
 Such honourable prosecution. 
 
 Even and equal ; better thoughts consider. 
 
 How much I wrong'd the gentle course which led 
 
 To vows of true affection ; us of friendship, [you 
 
 Rom. Sits the wind there, boy ! \_Aside.^ — < 
 Leaving formal circumstance. 
 Proceed ; you dally yet. 
 
 Liv. Then, without plea, — 
 For countenancing what has been injurious 
 On my part, I am come to tender really 
 My sister a lov'd wife t' ye ; freely take her, 
 Right honest man, and as you live together. 
 May your increase of years prove but one spring, 
 One lasting flourishing youth ! she is your own ; 
 My hands shall perfect what's requir'd to ceremony 
 
 Flav. Brother, this day was meant a holiday, 
 For feast on every side. 
 
 Rom. The new-turn'd courtier 
 Proffers most frankly ; but withal leaves out 
 A due consideration of the narrowness 
 Our short estate is bounded in ! Some politics 
 As they rise up, like Livio, to perfection, 
 In their own competencies, gather also 
 Grave supplement of providence and wisdom ; 
 Yet he abates in his. — You use a triumph 
 In your advantages ; it smells of state : 
 We know you are no fool. 
 
 Flav. 'Sooth, I believe him. 
 
 Cam. Else 'twere imposture. 
 
 Ves. Folly, rank and senseless. 
 
 Liv. Enjoin an oath at large. 
 
 Rom. Since you mean earnest, 
 Receive, in satisfaction ; I am resolv'd 
 For single life. There was a time, — was, Livio, — 
 When indiscretion blinded forecast in me ; 
 But recollection, with your rules of thriftiness, 
 Prevail'd against all passion. 
 
 Liv. You'd be courted ; 
 Courtship's the child of coyness, Romanello, 
 And for the rules, 'tis possible to name them. 
 
 Rom. " A single life's no burthen ; but to draw 
 In yokes is chargeable, and doth require 
 A double maintenance :" Livio's very words ; 
 ♦* For he can live without a wife, and purchase :" 
 By'r lady so you do, sir ; send you joy on't ! 
 These rules you see are possible, and answer'd. 
 
 Liv. Full — answer was late made to this already ; 
 My sister's only thine. 
 
 Rom. Where lives the creature 
 Your pity stoops to pin upon your servant? 
 Not in a nunnery for a year's pr>)bation. 
 Fie on such coldness ! there are Bowers of Fancies 
 Ravish'd from troops of fairy nymphs, and virgins 
 Cull'd from the downy breasts of queens their mo- 
 thers. 
 In the Titanian empire, far from mortals ; 
 But these are tales : — 'troth, I have quite aban- 
 All loving humour. [doued 
 
 Liv. Here is scorn in riddles. 
 
 Rom. Were there another marquis in Sienna, 
 More potent than the same who is vicegerent 
 To the great duke of Florence, our grand master ; 
 Were the great duke himself here, and would lift up 
 My head to fellow-pomp amongst his nobles. 
 By falsehood to the honour of a sister, 
 Urging me instrument in his seraglio, 
 I'd tear the wardrobe of an outside from him, 
 Rather than live a pandar to his bribery. 
 
SCENE 1. 
 
 THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE. 
 
 141 
 
 Liv. So would the he you talk to, Romanello, 
 Without a noise that's singular. 
 
 Rom. She's a countess, 
 Flavia, she ; but she has an earl her husband. 
 Though far from our procurement. 
 
 Liv. Castamela 
 Is refused then ! 
 
 Rom. Never design'd my choice, 
 You know, and I know, Livio ; — more, I tell thee,- 
 A noble honesty ought to give allowance. 
 When reason intercedes : by all that's manly, 
 I range not in derision, but compassion. ^ 
 
 Liv. Intelligence flies swiftly. 
 
 Rom. Pretty swiftly ; 
 We have compared the copy with the original, 
 And find no disagreement. 
 
 Liv. So my sister 
 Can be no wife for Romanello ? 
 
 Rom. No, no, 
 
 One no, once more and ever : — this your courtesy 
 Foil'd me a second. Sir, you brought a welcome, 
 You must not part without it ; scan with pity 
 My plainness : I intend nor gall nor quarrel. 
 
 Liv. Far be't from me to press a blame. Great 
 lady, 
 1 kiss your noble hands ; — and to these gentlemen 
 Present a civil parting. Romanello, 
 By the next foot-post thou wilt hear some news 
 Of alteration ; if I send, come to me. 
 
 Rom. Questionless, yea. 
 
 Liv. My thanks may quit the favour. lExit. 
 
 Flav. Brother, his intercourse of conference 
 Appears at once perplex'd, but withal sensible. 
 
 Rom. Doubts easily resolved ; upon your virtues 
 The whole foundation of my peace is grounded. 
 I'll guard you to your home ; lost in one comfort, 
 Here I have found another. 
 
 Flav. Goodness prosper it ! iExeunU 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I. — An Apartment in the Palace. 
 Enter Octavio, Troylo, Secco, and Nitido. 
 
 Oct. No more of these complaints and clamours ! 
 Have we 
 Nor enemies abroad, nor waking sycophants. 
 Who, peering through our actions, wait occasion 
 By which they watch to lay advantage open 
 To vulgar descant : but amongst ourselves. 
 Some, whom we call our own, must practise 
 
 scandal 
 (Out of a liberty of ease and fulness) 
 Against our honour } We shall quickly order 
 Strange reformation, sirs, and you will find it. 
 
 Troy. When servants' servants, slaves, once 
 relish license 
 Of good opinion from a noble nature. 
 They take upon them boldness to abuse 
 Such interest, and lord it o'er their fellows. 
 As if they were exempt from that condition. 
 
 Oct. He is unfit to manage public matters, 
 W'ho knows not how to rule at home his household. 
 You must be jealous, puppy, — of a boy too ! 
 Raise uproars, bandy noise, amongst young 
 
 maidens ; 
 Keep revels in your madness, use authority 
 Of giving punishment : a fool must fool ye ; 
 And this is all but pastime, as you think it ! 
 
 Nit. With your good lordship's favour, since, 
 Spadone 
 Confess'd it was a guUery put on Secco, 
 For some revenge meant me. 
 
 Troy. He vow'd it truth. 
 Before the ladies, in my hearing. 
 
 Oct. Sirrah, 
 I'll turn you to your shop again and trinkets. 
 Your suds and pan of small-coal : take your damsel. 
 The grand old rag of beauty, your death's head. 
 Try then what custom reverence can trade in ; 
 Fiddle, and play your pranks amongst your neigh- 
 bours. 
 That all the town may roar ye ! now you Bimpcr, 
 And look like a shaved skull. 
 
 Nit. This comes of prating. 
 
 Sec. 1 am, ray lord, a worm ; pray, my lord, 
 tread on me, 
 I will not turn again ; — 'las, I shall never venture 
 To hang ray pole out — on my knees, I beg it, 
 My bare knees ; I will down unto my wife, 
 And do what she will have me, all I can do ; 
 Nay more, if she will have it, ask forgiveness, 
 Be an obedient husband, never cross her, 
 Unless sometimes in kindness : — Signor Troylo, 
 Speak one sweet word; I'll swear 'twas in my 
 
 madness, 
 I said I knew not what, and that no creature 
 Was brought by you amongst the ladies ; Nitido, 
 I'll forswear thee too. 
 
 Oct. Wait a while our pleasure ; 
 You shall know more anon. 
 
 Sec. Remember me now. \_Exeunt Sec and Nit. 
 
 Oct. Troylo, thou art my brother's son, and 
 nearest 
 In blood to me ; thou hast been next in counsels. 
 Those ties of nature (if thou canst consider 
 How much chey do engage) work by instinct. 
 In every worthy or ignoble mention 
 Which can concern me. 
 
 Troy. Sir, they have, and shall, 
 As long as I bear life. 
 
 Oct. Henceforth the stewardship 
 My carefulness, for the honour of our family, 
 Has undertook, must yield the world account, 
 And make clear reckonings ; yet we stand sus- 
 In our even courses. [pected, 
 
 Troy. But when time shall wonder 
 How much it was mistaken in the issue 
 Of honourable and secure contrivements ; 
 Your wisdom, crown'd with laurels of a justice 
 Deserving approbation, will quite foil 
 The ignorance of popular opinion. 
 
 Oct. Report is merry with my feats ; my dotage, 
 Undoubtedly, the vulgar voice doth carol it. 
 
 Troy. True, sir : but Romanello's late admission 
 Warrants that giddy confidence of rumour 
 Without all contradiction ; now 'tis oracle, 
 And so receiv'd : I am confii m'd the lady. 
 By this time, proves his scorn as well as laughter. 
 
142 
 
 THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 Oct. And we with her his table-ta k ; she stands 
 In any firm affection to him ? [not 
 
 Troy. None, sir, 
 More than her wonted nobleness afforded 
 Out of a civil custom. 
 
 Oct. We are resolute 
 In our determination, meaning quickly 
 To cause these clouds fly off ; the ordering of it, 
 Nephew, is thine. 
 
 Trot/. Your care, and love commands me. 
 
 Enter Livio. 
 
 Liv. I come, my lord, a suitor. 
 
 Oct. Honest Livio, 
 Perfectly honest, really ; no fallacies. 
 No flaws are in thy truth : I shall promote thee 
 To place more eminent. 
 
 Troy. Livio deserves it. 
 
 Oct. What suit ? speak boldly. 
 
 Liv. Pray discharge my office. 
 My mastership ; 'twere better live a yeoman, 
 And live with men, than over-eye your horses, 
 Whilst I myself am ridden like a jade. 
 
 Oct. Such breath sounds but ill-manners ; know, 
 young man, 
 Old as we are, our soul retains a fire 
 Active and quick in motion, which shall equal 
 The daring'st boy's ambition of true manhood 
 That wears a pride to brave us. 
 
 Trot/. He's my friend, sir. 
 
 Oct. You are weary of our service, and may 
 We can court no man's duty. [leave it ; 
 
 Liv. Without passion. 
 My lord, d'ye think your nephew here, your 
 
 Troylo, 
 Parts m your spirit as freely as your blood ? 
 'Tis no rude question. 
 
 Oct. Had you known his mother. 
 You might have sworn her honest ; let him justify 
 Himself not base born : for thy sister's sake, 
 I do conceive the like of thee ; be wiser. 
 But prate to me no more thus. — [ To Troylo.] — 
 
 If the gallant. 
 Resolve on my attendance, ere he leave me, 
 Acquaint him with the present service, nephew, 
 I meant to employ him in. iExit. 
 
 Troi/. Fie, Livio, wherefore 
 Turn'd wild upon the sudden ? 
 
 Liv. Pretty gentleman. 
 How modestly you move your doubts ! how tamely ! 
 Ask Romanello : he hath, without leave, 
 Survey'd your Bower of Fancies, hath discover'd 
 The mystery of those pure nuns, those chaste ones, 
 Untouch'd, forsooth ! tlie holy academy 1 
 Hath found a mother's daughter there of mine too, 
 And one who call'd my father, father ; talks on't. 
 Ruffles in mirth on't ; baffled to my face 
 The glory of her greatness by it. 
 
 Troy. Truly .P 
 
 Liv. Death to my sufferance, canst thou hear 
 this misery. 
 And answer it with a *' truly " } 'Twas thy wick- 
 edness, 
 False as thine own heart, tempted my credulity , 
 That, her to ruin: she was once an innocent, 
 As free from spot as the blue face of heaven, 
 Without a cloud in't ; she is now as sullied 
 As is that canopy when mists and vapours 
 Divide it from our sight, and threaten pestilence. 
 Troy. Says he so, Livio? 
 
 Liv. Yes, an't like your nobleness. 
 He truly does so say ! Your breach of friendship 
 With me, must borrow courage from your uncle. 
 Whilst your sword talks an answer ; there's no 
 I will have satisfaction, though thy life [remedy, 
 Come short of such demand. 
 
 Troy. Then satisfaction. 
 Much worthier than your sword can force, you 
 
 shall have, 
 Yet mine shall keep the peace. I can be angry. 
 And brave aloud in my reply ; but honour 
 Schools me to fitter grounds : this, as a gentleman, 
 I promise, ere the minutes of the night 
 Warn us to rest, such satisfaction, — hear me. 
 And credit it — as more you cannot wish for, 
 So much, not think of. 
 
 Liv. Not ? the time is short ; 
 Before our sleeping hour, you vow } 
 
 Troy. I do. 
 Before we ought to sleep. 
 
 Liv. So I intend too ; 
 On confidence of which, what left the marquis 
 In charge for me } I'll do't. 
 
 Troy. Invite count Julio, 
 His lady, and her brother, with their company, 
 To my lord's court at supper. 
 
 Liv. Easy business ; 
 And then— 
 
 Troy. And then, soon after, the performance 
 Of my past vow waits on ye ; but be certain 
 You bring them with you. 
 
 Liv. Yet your servant. 
 
 Troy. Nearer, my friend ; you'll find no less. 
 
 Liv. 'Tis istrange : is't possible? lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — Another Room in the same. 
 
 Enter Castamela, Clarella, Floria, and Silvia. 
 
 Cast. You. have discours'd to me a lovely story. 
 My heart doth dance to th' music ; 'twere a sin 
 Should I in any tittle stand distrustful. 
 Where such a people, such as you are, innocent 
 Even by the patent of your years and language, 
 Inform a truth. O ! talk it o'er again. 
 You are, you say, three daughters of one mother. 
 That mother only sister to the marquis. 
 Whose charge hath, since her death, (being left 
 
 widow,) 
 Here in this place preferr'd your education ? 
 Is't so ? 
 
 Clar. It is even so ; and howsoever 
 Report may wander loosely in some scandal 
 Against our privacies, yet we have wanted . 
 No graceful means fit for our births and qualities 
 To train us up into a virtuous knowledge 
 Of what, and who we ought to be. 
 
 Flo. Our uncle 
 Hath often told us, how it more concern'd him. 
 Before he show'd us to the world, to render 
 Our youths and our demeanours in each action 
 Approv'd by his experience, than too early 
 Adventure on the follies of the age, 
 By prone temptations fatal. 
 
 Sil. In good deed, la, 
 We mean no harm. 
 
 Cast. Deceit must want a shelter 
 Under a roof that's covering to souls 
 So white as breathe beneath it, such as these are 
 My happiness shares largely in this blessing. 
 
THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE. 
 
 143 
 
 And I must thank direction of the providence 
 W hich led me hither. 
 
 Clar. Aptly have you styled it 
 A providence, for, ever in chaste loves, 
 Such majesty hath power. Our kinsman, Troylo, 
 Was herein his own factor ; he will prove, — 
 Believe him, lady, — every way as constant. 
 As noble ; we can bail him from the cruelty 
 Of misconstruction. 
 
 Flo. You will find his tongue 
 But a just secretary to his heart. 
 
 Cast. The guardianess, dear creatures, now and 
 It seems, makes bold to talk. [Tlien, 
 
 Clar. She has waited on us 
 From all our cradles ; will prate sometimes oddly, 
 However, means but sport : I am unwilling 
 Our household should break up, but must obey 
 His wisdom, under whose command we live ; 
 Sever our companies I'm sure we shall not : 
 Yet, 'tis a pretty life this, and a quiet. — 
 
 Enter Morosa, and Secco, with his apron on, carrying a 
 bason of water, scissars, comb, towels, razor, S(C. 
 
 Sec. Chuck, duckling, honey, mouse, monkey, 
 all and everything, I am thine ever and only ; 
 will never offend again, as I hope to shave clean, 
 and get honour by it : heartily I ask forgiveness ; 
 be gracious to thine own flesh and blood, and kiss 
 me home. 
 
 3lor. Look you provoke us no more ; for this 
 time you shall find mercy. — Was 't that hedgehog 
 set thy brains a-crowing ? be quits with him ; but 
 do not hurt the great male-baby. 
 
 Sec. Enough ; I am wise, and will be merry. — 
 Haste, beauties ; the caroches will sudden receive 
 you : a night of pleasure is toward, pray for good 
 husbands a-piece, that may trim you featly, dainty 
 ones, and let me alone to trim them, 
 
 Mor. Loving hearts, be quick as soon as ye can, 
 time runs apace ; what you must do, do nimbly, 
 and give your minds to't. Young bloods stand 
 fumbling ! fie, away ; be ready, for shame, before- 
 hand. Husband, stand to thy tackling, husband, 
 like a man of mettle : — go, go, go ! 
 
 lExit with the Ladies. 
 
 Sec. [Aloud.'] Will ye come away, loiterers? 
 shall I wait all day ? am I at livery d'ye think ? 
 
 Enter Spadone ready to be trimmed, and Nitieo. 
 
 Spa. Here, and ready ; what a mouthing thou 
 keepest ! I have but scoured my hands, and cur- 
 ried my head to save time. Honest Secco ! neat 
 Secco ! precious barbarian ! now thou lookest like 
 a worshipful tooth-drawer ; would I might see thee 
 on horseback, in the pomp, once. 
 
 Sec. A chair, a chair! quick, quick ! 
 
 Nit. Here's a chair, a chair-politic, my fine 
 boy ; sit thee down in triumph, and rise one of 
 the Nine Worthies ! thou'lt be a sweet youth anon, 
 sirrah. 
 
 Spa. {Sits dotvn.) So ; to work with a grace 
 now. I cannot but highly be in love with the 
 fashion of gentry, which is never complete till the 
 snip sxrd\i of dexterity hath mowed off the excre- 
 ments of slovenry. 
 
 Sec. Very commodiously delivered, I protest. 
 
 Nit. Nay, the thing under your fingers is a 
 whelp of the wits, I can assure you. 
 
 Spa. I a whelp of the wits ? no, no, I cannot 
 ark impudently and ignorantly enough. Oh, an 
 
 a man of this art had now and then sovereignty 
 over fair ladies, you would tickle their upper and 
 their lower lips, you'd so smouch and belaver 
 their chops ! 
 
 Sec. We light on some offices for ladies too, as 
 occasion serves. 
 
 Nit. Yes ; frizzle or powder their hair, plane 
 their eye-brows, set a nap on their cheeks, keep 
 secrets, and tell news ; that's all. 
 
 Sec. Wink fast with both your eyes : the ingre- 
 dients to the composition of this ball are most 
 odorous camphire, pure soap of Venice, oil of 
 sweet almonds, with the spirit of alum : they will 
 search and smart shrewdly, if you keep not the 
 shop windows of your head close. 
 
 [Spa. shuts his eyes, while Sec. besmears the whole 0} 
 his face. 
 
 Spa. News ! well remembered ; that's part of 
 your trade too ; — prithee do not rub so roughly — 
 and how goes the tattle 0' the town } what novelties 
 stirring, ha .'' 
 
 Sec. Strange, and scarce to be credited. A 
 gelding was lately seen to leap an old mare ; and 
 an old man of one hundred and twelve stood in a 
 white sheet for getting a wench of fifteen with 
 child, here hard by : most admirable and por- 
 tentous ! 
 
 Spa. I'll never believe it ; 'tis impossible. 
 
 Nit. Most certain : some doctor-farriers are of 
 opinion that the mare may cast a foal, which the 
 master of their hall concludes, in spite of all jockies 
 and their familiars, will carry every race before him, 
 without spur or switch. 
 
 Spa. Oh rare ! a man might venture ten or twenty 
 to one safely then, and never be in danger of 
 the cheat: — this water, methinks, is none of the 
 sweetest; camphire and soap of Venice, say 
 ye ? 
 
 Sec. With a little Grcecum album for mundifi- 
 cation. 
 
 Nit. GrcBcum album is a kind of-white perfumed 
 powder, which plain country people, I believe, call 
 dog-musk. 
 
 Spa. Dog-musk ! pox o'the dog-musk ! — what ! 
 dost mean to bleach my nose, thou giv'st such 
 twitches to't ? Set me at liberty as soon as thou 
 canst, gentle Secco. 
 
 Sec. Only pare off a little superfluous down from 
 your chin, and all's done. 
 
 Spa. Pish, no matter for that ; dispatch, I en- 
 treat thee. 
 
 Nit. Have patience, man ; 'tis for his credit to 
 be neat. 
 
 Spa. What's that so cold at my throat, and 
 scrubs so hard } 
 
 Sec. A kind of steel instrument, ycleped a razor, 
 a sharp tool and a keen ; it has a certain virtue of 
 cutting a throat, if a man please to give his mind 
 to't — hold up your muzzle, signer — when did you 
 talk bawdily to my wife last.'' tell me for your own 
 good, signor, I advise you. 
 
 Spa. I talk bawdily to thy wife .' hang bawdry ! 
 Good now, mind thy business, lest thy hand slip. 
 
 Nit. Give him kind words, you were best, for a 
 toy that I know. 
 
 Sec. Confess, or I shall mar your grace in whif- 
 fing tobacco, or squirting of sweet wines down 
 your gullet — you have been offering to play the 
 gelding we told you of, I suppose — speak truth, — 
 move the semicircle of your countenance to my left 
 
144 
 
 THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE. 
 
 hand file, — out with the truth ; would you have 
 had a leap ? 
 
 Nit. Spadone, thou art in a lamentable pickle, 
 have a good heart, and pray if thou canst ; I pity 
 thee. 
 
 Spa. I protest and vow, friend Secco, I know no 
 leaps, I. 
 
 Sec. Lecherously goatish, and an eunuch ! this 
 cut, and then — 
 
 Spa. Confound thee, thy leaps and thy cuts ! 
 I am no eunuch, you finical ass, I am no eunuch ; 
 but at all points as well provided as any he in 
 Italy, and that thy wife could have told thee. 
 This your conspiracy ! to thrust my head into a 
 brazen tub of kitchen-lee, hood-wink mine eyes 
 in mud-soap, and then offer to cut my throat in the 
 dark, like a coward? I may live to be revenged on 
 both of ye. 
 
 Nit. O scurvy ! thou art angry ; feel, man, 
 whether thy weason be not cracked first. 
 
 Sec. You must fiddle my brains into a jealousy, 
 rub my temples with saffron, and burnish my fore- 
 head with the juice of yellows ! Have I fitted you 
 now, sir ? 
 
 Enter Morosa. 
 
 Spa. All's whole yet, I hope. 
 
 Mor. Yes, sirrah, all is whole yet; but if ever 
 thou dost speak treason against my sweeting and 
 me once more, thou'It find a roguy bargain on't. 
 Dear, this was handled like one of spirit and dis- 
 cretion ; Nitido has paged it trimly too ; no wording, 
 but make ready and attend at court. 
 
 Sec. Now we know thou art a man, we forget 
 what hath past, and are fellows and friends again. 
 
 Nit. Wipe your face clean, and take heed of a 
 razor. [Exeunt Mor. Sec. and Nit. 
 
 Spa. The fear put me into a sweat ; I cannot 
 help it. I am glad I have my throat mine own, 
 and must laugh for company, or be laughed at. 
 
 lExit. 
 
 SCENE III.— ^ State Room in the same. 
 Enter Livio and Troylo. 
 
 Liv. You find, sir, I have proved a ready servant. 
 And brought th' expected guests : amidst these 
 
 feastings. 
 These costly entertainments, you must pardon 
 My incivility that here sequesters 
 Your ears from choice of music or discourse, 
 To a less pleasant parley. Night draws on. 
 And quickly will grow old ; it were unmanly 
 For any gentleman who loves his honour. 
 To put it on the rack ; here is small comfort 
 Of such a satisfaction as was promised. 
 Though certainly it must be had : pray tell me, 
 What can appear about me to be used thus ? 
 My soul is free from injuries. 
 
 Troy. My tongue 
 From serious untruths ; I never wrong'd you, 
 Love you too well to mean it now. 
 
 Lixi. Not wrong'd me? 
 Bless'd Heaven ! this is the bandy of a patience 
 Beyond all sufferance. 
 
 Troy. If your own acknowledgement 
 Quit me not fairly, ere the hours of rest 
 Shall shut our eyes up, say, I made a forfeit 
 Of what no length of years can once redeem. 
 
 Liv. Fine whirls in tame imagination 1 On, sir ; 
 
 It is scarce mannerly at such a season, 
 Such a solemnity (the place and presence 
 Consider'd) with delights to mix combustions. 
 Troy. Prepare for free contents, and give 'em 
 welcome. 
 
 A Flourish.-^Enter Octavio, Julio, Flavia, Romanello, 
 Camillo, and Vespucci. 
 
 Oct. I dare not study words, or hold a com- 
 pliment. 
 For this particular, this special favour. 
 
 Jul. Your bounty and your love, my lord, must 
 justly 
 Engage a thankfulness. 
 
 Flav. Indeed, 
 Varieties of entertainment here 
 Have so exceeded all account of plenty, 
 That you have left, great sir, no rarities 
 Except an equal welcome, which may purchase 
 Opinion of a common hospitality. 
 
 Oct. But for this grace, madam, I will lay open 
 Before your judgments, which I know can rate them. 
 A cabinet of jewels, rich and lively. 
 The world can show none goodlier ; those I prize 
 Dear as my life. — Nephew ! 
 
 Troy. Sir, I obey you. lExit. 
 
 Flav. Jewels, my lord } 
 
 Oct. No stranger's eye e'er view'd them, 
 Unless your brother Romanello haply 
 Was woo'd unto a sight, for his approvement ; 
 No more. 
 
 Rom. Not I, I do protest: I hope, sir. 
 You cannot think I am a lapidary ; 
 I, skill in jewels 1 
 
 Oct. 'Tis a proper quality 
 For any gentleman ; your other friends, 
 May be, are not so coy. 
 
 Jul. Who, they ? they know not 
 A topaz from an opal. 
 
 Cam. We are ignorant 
 In gems which are not common. 
 
 Vesp. But his lordship 
 
 Is pleased, it seems, to try our ignorance. 
 
 For passage of the time, till they are brought, 
 Pray look upon a letter lately sent me. 
 Lord Julio, madam, Romanello, read 
 A novelty ; 'tis written from Bononia. 
 Fabricio, once a merchant in this city, 
 Is entered into orders, and received 
 Amongst the Capuchins, a fellow ; news 
 Which ought not any ways to be unpleasant : 
 Certain, I can assure it. 
 
 Jul. He at last has 
 Bestow'd himself upon a glorious service. 
 
 Rom. Most happy man 1 — I now forgive the 
 injuries 
 Thy former life exposed thee to. 
 
 Liv. Turn capuchin ! 
 He ! whilst I stand a cypher, and fill up 
 Only an useless sum to be laid out 
 In an unthrifty lewdness, that must buy 
 Both name and riot ; oh, my fickle destiny ! [Aside 
 
 Rom. Sister, you cannot taste this course but 
 bravelv. 
 But thankfully." 
 
 Flav. He's now dead to the world. 
 And lives to Heaven; a saint's reward rewa'-(J 
 
 him ! — 
 My only loved lord, all your fears are henceforth 
 Confined unto a sweet and happy penance. [Asine, 
 
SCENE III. 
 
 THE FANCIES, CHASTE AND NOBLE 
 
 145 
 
 Re-enter Troylo, icUh Castamkla, Clahella, FLORrA, 
 Silvia, and Moixosa. 
 
 Oct. Behold, I keep my word ; these are the 
 jewels 
 Deserve a treasury ; I can be prodigal 
 Amongst my friends ; examine well their lustre, 
 Does it not sparkle ! wherefore dwells your silence 
 In such amazement ? 
 
 Liv. Patience, keep within me, 
 Leap not yet rudely into scorn of anger ! lAside. 
 
 Flnv. Beauties incomparable ! 
 
 Oct. Romanello, 
 I have been only steward to your pleasures ; ^ 
 You loved this lady once ; what say you now to her? 
 
 Cast. I must not court you, sir. 
 
 Rom. By no means, fair one ; 
 Enjoy your life of greatness. Sure the spring 
 Is past, the Boweh or Fancies is quite wither'd, 
 And offer' d like a lottery to be drawn ; 
 I dare not venture for a blank, excuse me.— 
 Exquisite jewels ! 
 
 Liv. Hark ye, Troylo. 
 
 Troy. Spare me. 
 
 Oct. You then renounce all right in Castamela ? 
 Say, Romanello. 
 
 Rom. Gladly. 
 
 Troy. Then I must not : 
 Thus I embrace mine own, my wife ; confirm it 
 Thus — When I fail, my dearest, to deserve thee, 
 Comforts and life shall fail me 1 
 
 Cast. Like vow I, 
 For my part. 
 
 Troy. Livio, now my brother, justly 
 I have given satisfaction. 
 
 Cast. Oh, excuse 
 Our secrecy ; I have been — 
 
 Liv. Much more worthy 
 A better brother, he a better friend 
 Than my dull brains could fashion. 
 
 Rom. Am I cozen'd } 
 
 Oct. You are not, Romanello : we examined 
 On what conditions your affections fix'd, 
 ^ nd found them merely courtship ; but my nephew 
 Loved with a faith resolv'd, and used his policy 
 To draw the lady into this society. 
 More freely to discover his sincerity ; 
 Even without Livio's knowledge ; thus succeeded 
 And prosper'd: — he's my heir, and she deserv'd 
 him. 
 
 IToUoH. 
 
 Jul. Storm not at what is past. 
 
 Flav. A fate as happy 
 May crown you with a full content. 
 
 Oct. Whatever 
 Report hath talked of me abroad, and these, 
 Know they are all my nieces, are the daughters ' 
 To my dead only sister ; this their guardianess 
 Since they first saw the world : indeed, ray mis- 
 tresses 
 They are, I have none other ; how brought up, 
 Their qualities may speak. Now, Romanello, 
 And gentlemen, for such I know ye all, 
 Portions they shall not want, both fit and worthy; 
 Nor will I look on fortune ; if you like, 
 Court them and win them ; here is free access. 
 In mine own court henceforth : only for thee, 
 Livio, I wish Clarella were allotted. 
 
 Liv. Most noble lord, I am struck silent. 
 
 Flav. Brother, 
 Here's noble choice. 
 
 Rom. Frenzy, how didst thou seize me ? 
 
 Clar. We knew you, sir, in Pragnioli's posture. 
 
 Flo. Were merry at the sight. 
 
 Sil. And gave you welcome. 
 
 Mor. Indeed, forsooth, and so we did, an'tliko 
 you. 
 
 Oct. Enough, enough. — Now, to shut up the 
 night. 
 Some menial servants of mine own are ready 
 For to present a Merriment ; they intend. 
 According to th' occasion of the meeting, 
 In several shapes, to show how love o'ersways 
 All men of several conditions, Soldier, 
 Gentry, Fool, Scholar, Merchant-man, and Clown; 
 A harmless recreation — Take your places. 
 
 IMiisic. 
 
 ^nterSpADONE, Skcco, Nitido, and other Maskers, dretsed, 
 respectively, as the six characters mentioned above. 
 
 Your duties are perform 'd. 
 Cast off thy borrowed title : 
 His mother gave thee suck 
 Lights for the lodgings ! 'tis high time for rest. — 
 Great men may be mistook when they mean best. 
 
 lEjceunt 
 
 Henceforth, Spadone, 
 nephew Troylo, 
 esteem him honestlv. 
 
 EPILOGUE, 
 
 Spoken by Morosa, Clarella, Castamela, and Flavia. 
 
 Mar. A while suspected, gentlemen, I look 
 For no new law, being quitted by the book. 
 
 Clar. Our harmless pleasures, free, in every sort, 
 Actions of scandal ; may they free report ! 
 
 Cast. Distrust is base, presumption urgeth wrongs ; 
 But noble thoughts must prompt as noble tongues. 
 
 Flav. Fancy and judgment are a play's full matter ; 
 If we have err'd in one, right you the latter. 
 
THE LADY'S TRIAL 
 
 TO MY DESERVINGLY HONOURED, 
 
 JOHN WYRLEY, ESQUIRE, 
 
 AND TO THE VIRTUOUS AND RIGHT WORTHY GENTLEWOMAN, 
 
 MRS. MARY WYRLEY, HIS WIFE, 
 
 THIS SERVICE. 
 
 The inequality of retribution turns to a pity, when tliere is not ability sufficient for acknowledgment. Your 
 equal respects may yet admit the readiness of endeavour, though the very hazard in it betray my defect. I have 
 enjoyed freely acquaintance with the sweetness of your dispositions, and can justly account, from the nobleness of 
 them, an evident distinction betwixt friendship and friends. The latter (according to the practice of compliment) are 
 usually met with, and often without search : the other, many have searched for, I have found. For wliich, though I 
 partake a benefit of the fortune, yet to you, most equal pair, must remain the honour of that boimty. In presenting 
 this issue of some less serious hours to your tuition, I appeal from the severity of censure to the mercy of youi 
 judgments ; and shall rate it at a higher value than when it was mine own, if you only allow it the favour of adoption. 
 Thus, as your happiness in the fruition of each other's love proceeds to a constancy ; so the truth of mine shall appear 
 less imshaken, as you shall please to continue in yoiu' good opinions • _ „ 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONiE. 
 
 AuRiA, a noble Genoese. 
 Adurnf, a young Lord. 
 AuRELio, Friend to AuRrA. 
 Malfato, a discontented Lover. 
 Trklcatio, 
 Martino, 
 
 1 IJ^KKLI l ■^^i'*'^^^"^* (>^ AdURNI. 
 
 Citizens of Genoa. 
 
 Guzman, a braggadoccio Spaniard. 
 FuLGoso, an upstart Gallant. 
 BfiNATzi, Husband to Levijdolche. 
 
 Spinella, Wife to Auria. 
 Castanna, her Sister. 
 Amoretta, a fantastic Maid. 
 Levxdolchb, a Wanton, 
 
 SCENE,— Genoa. 
 
 PROLOGUE. 
 
 Language and matter, with a fit of mirth, 
 That sharply savours more of air than earth. 
 Like midwives, bring a play to timely birth. 
 
 But Where's now such a one, in which these three, 
 Are handsomely contriv'd ? or, if they be, 
 Are understood by all who hear to see ? - 
 
 Wit, wit's the word in fashion, that alone 
 Cries up the poet, which, though neatly shown. 
 Is rather censured, oftentimes, than known. 
 
 He who will venture on a jest, that can 
 Rail on another's pain, or idly scan 
 Affairs of state, oh ! he's the only man I 
 
 A goodly approbation, which must bring 
 Fame with contempt, by such a deadly sting ! 
 The Muses chatter, who were wont to sing. 
 
 Your favours in what we present to-day ; 
 Our fearless author boldly bids me say, 
 He tenders you no satire, but a play ; 
 
 In which, if so he have not hit all right, 
 
 For wit, words, mirth, and matter, as he might, 
 
 He wishes yet he had, for your delight. 
 
 MASTER BIRD 
 
SCENE I. 
 
 THE LADY'S TRIAL. 
 
 14: 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I., — A lioom in the House of Auria. 
 Enter Piero and Fdtblli, at opposite doors. 
 
 Piero. Accomplished man of fashion ! 
 
 Fut. The times' wonder ! ' 
 Gallant of gallants, Genoa's Piero ! 
 
 Piero. Italy's darling, Europe's joy, and so forth! 
 The newest news ? unvamp'd ? 
 
 Fut. I am no foot-post, "^ 
 
 No pedlar of Avisos, no monopolist 
 Of forged Corantos, monger of gazettes. 
 
 PierO. Monger of courtezans, [my] fineFutelli; 
 In certain kind a merchant of the staple 
 For wares of use and trade ; a taker-up, 
 Rather indeed a knocker-down ; the word 
 Will carry either sense : — but in pure earnest, 
 How trowls the common noise ? 
 
 Fut. Auria, who lately, 
 Wedded and bedded to the fair Spinella, 
 Tired with the enjoyments of delights ^ is hasting " 
 To^cuff the Turkish' pirates, in tliie service ' '-^ *' 
 Of the great duke of Florence — 
 
 Piero. Does not carry 
 His pretty thing along. (j^^'"^ 
 
 Fut. Leaves her to buffet 
 Land-pirates here at home. 
 
 Piero. That's thou and I ; 
 Futelli, sirrah, and Piero. — Blockhead ! 
 To run from such an armful of pleasures, 
 For gaining— what ?— a bloody nose of^hgnaur. 
 Most sottish and abominable ! 
 
 Fut. Wicked, 
 Shameful and cowardly, I will maintain. 
 
 Piero. Is all my signor's hospitality, 
 Huge banquetings, deep revels, costly trappings, 
 Shrunk to a cabin, and a single welcome 
 To beverage and biscuit ? 
 
 Fut. Hold thy peace, man ; 
 It makes for us : — he comes, let's part demurely. 
 {They take different sides. 
 
 Enter Adurni and Auria, 
 
 Adur. We wish thee, honour'd Auria, life and 
 safety ; 
 Return crown'd with a victory, whose wreath 
 Of triumph may advance thy country's glory, 
 Worthy your name and ancestors 1 
 
 Aur. My lord, 
 I shall not live to thrive in any action 
 Deserving memory, when I forget 
 Adurni' s love and favour. 
 
 Piero. I present you ^ 
 
 My service for a farewell ; let few words 
 Excuse all arts of compliment. 
 
 Fut. For my own part, 
 Kill or be kill'd, (for there's the short and long 
 Call me your shadow's hench-boy. [on't,) 
 
 Aur. Gentlemen, 
 My business urging on a present haste, 
 Euforceth short reply. 
 
 Adur. We dare not hinder 
 Your resolution wing'd with thoughts so constant. 
 All happiness ! 
 
 Piero and Fut. Contents ! 
 
 lExeunt Adurvi, Piero, and Futelli. 
 
 Aur. So leave the winter'd people of the north, 
 The minutes of their summer, when the sun 
 
 Departing leaves them in cold robes of ice, 
 As I leave Genoa. 
 
 Enter Trelcatio, Spinella, and Castanna. 
 
 Now appears the object 
 Of my apprenticed heart : thou bring'st, Spinella, 
 A welcome in a farewell — souls and bodies '^ 
 Are sever'd for a time, a span of time, 
 To join again, without all separation. 
 In a confirmed unity for ever : 
 Such will our next embraces be, for life ; 
 And then to take the wreck of our divisions. 
 Will sweeten the remembrajice of past dangers. 
 Will fasten love in perpetuity. 
 Will force our sleeps to steal upon our stories. 
 These days must come, and shall, without a cloud, 
 Or night of fear, or envy. To your charge, 
 Trelcatio, our good uncle, and the comfort 
 Of my Spinella's sister, fair Castanna, 
 I do entrust this treasure. 
 
 Trel. I dare promise, 
 My husbanding that trust with truth and care. 
 
 Cast. My sister shall to me stand an example. 
 Of pouring free devotions for your safety. 
 
 Aur. Gentle Castanna, thou'rt a branch of goo^-/i 
 ness ' ' / 1^ 
 
 Grown on the self-same stock with my Spinella. — " 
 But why, my dear, hast thou lock'd up thy speech 
 
 [To Spin. 
 In so much silent sadness ? Oh ! at parting, 
 Belike one private whisper must be sigh'd. — 
 Uncle, the best of peace enrich your family 1 
 I take my leave. 
 
 Trel. Blessings and health preserve you ! lExit. 
 
 Aur. Nay, nay, Castanna, you may hear our 
 counsels : 
 A while, you are design'd your sister's husband, v 
 Give me thy hand, Spinella ; you did promise, 
 To send me from you with more cheerful looks. 
 Without a grudge or tear ; 'deed, love, you did. 
 
 Spi. What friend have I left in your absence ? 
 
 Aur. Many : 
 Thy virtues are such friends they cannot fail 
 
 thee ; 
 Faith, purity of thoughts, and such a meekness. 
 As would force scandal to a blush. 
 
 Spi. Admit, sir, 
 The patent of your life should be call'd in ; 
 How am I then left to account with griefs, 
 More slav'd to pity than a broken heart ? 
 Auria ! soul of my comforts, I let fall 
 No eye on breach of fortune ; I contemn 
 No entertainment to divided hopes, 
 I urge no pressures by the scorn of change ; 
 And yet, my Auria, when I but conceive 
 How easy 'tis (without impossibility) 
 Never to see thee more, forgive me then, 
 If I conclude I may be miserable, J 
 Most miserable. / 
 
 Cast. And such conclusion, sister, 
 Argues effects of a distrust more voluntary, 
 Than cause by likelihood. 
 
 Aur. 'Tis true, Castanna. 
 
 Spi. I grant it truth ; yet, Auria, I'm a woman, 
 And therefore apt to fear : to show ray duty, 
 And not to take heart from you, I'll walk from 
 
THE LADY'S TRIAL. 
 
 ACT r. 
 
 At your command, and not as much as trouble 
 Your thought with oiie poor looking back. 
 
 Aur. 1 thank thee, 
 My worthy wife ! Be'^ore we kiss, receive 
 This caution from thine Auria : first— Castanna, 
 Let us bid farewell. [Cast, walks aside. 
 
 Spi. Speak, good, speak. 
 
 Aur. The steps 
 Young ladies tread, left to their own discretion, 
 However wisely printed, are observed, 
 And construed as the lookers-on presume : 
 Point out thy ways then in such even paths, 
 As thine own jealousies from others' tongues 
 May not intrude a guilt, though undeserv'd. 
 Admit of visits as of physic forced, 
 Not to procure health, but for safe prevention 
 Against a growing sickness ; in thy use 
 Of time and of discourse be found so thrifty, 
 As no remembrance may impeach thy rest. 
 Appear not in a fashion that can prompt 
 The gazer's eye, or holla, to report 
 Some widowed neglect of handsome value : 
 In recreations be both wise and free ; 
 Live still at home, home to thyself, howe'er 
 Enrich'd with noble company ; remember 
 A woman's virtue, in her lifetime, writes 
 The epitaph all covet on their tombs : 
 In short, I know thou never wilt forget 
 Whose wife thou art, or how upon thy lips 
 Thy husband at his parting seal'd this kiss. — 
 No more. iKissesher. 
 
 Spi. Dear heaven ! go, sister, go. 
 
 [Exeunt Spinklla and Castanna. 
 
 Aur. Done bravely, 
 And like the choice of glory, to know mine — 
 One of earth's best I have forgone — 
 Enter Aurelio. 
 ^ See, see ! 
 
 Yet in another I am rich, a friend, 
 A perfect one, Aurelio. 
 
 Aurel. Had I been 
 No stranger to your bosom, sir, ere now, 
 YoT might have sorted me in your resolves, 
 Companion of your fortunes. 
 
 Aur. So the wrongs 
 I should have ventured on against thy fate 
 Must have denied all pardon. Not to hold 
 Dispute with reputations, why, before 
 This present instant, I conceal'd the stealth 
 Of my adventures from thy counsels, — know, 
 My wans do drive me hence. 
 
 Aurel. Wants ! so you said, 
 And 'twas not friendly spoken. 
 
 Aur. Hear me further. 
 
 Aurel. Auria, take heed the covert of a folly 
 Willing to range, be not, without excuse, 
 Discover'd in the coinage of untruths ; 
 I use no harder language. Thou art near 
 Already on a shipwreck, in forsaking 
 The holy land of friendship, [and forbearing] 
 To talk your wants. — Fie ! 
 
 Aur. By that sacred thing 
 Last issued from the temple where it dwelt, 
 I mean our friendship, I am sunk so low 
 In my estate, that, bid me hve in Genoa 
 But six months longer, I survive the remnant 
 Of all my store. 
 
 Aurel. Umph ! 
 
 Aur. In ray country, friend, 
 Where I have sided my superior, friend, 
 
 Sway'd opposition, friend ; friend, here to fall 
 Subject to scorn, or rarely-found compassion, 
 Were more than man that hath a soul could bear, 
 A soul not stoop'd to servitude. 
 
 Aurel. You show, 
 Nor certainty, nor weak assurance yet 
 Of reparation in this course, in case 
 Command be profFer'd. 
 
 Aur. He who can not merit 
 Preferment by employments, let him bare 
 His throat unto the Turkish cruelty. 
 Or die, or live a slave without redemption ! 
 
 Aurel. For that, so ! but you have a wife, a 
 young, 
 A fair wife ; she, though she could never claim 
 Right in prosperity, was never tempted 
 By trial of extremes ; to youth and beauty 
 Baits for dishonour, and a perish'd fame. 
 
 Aur. Shew me the man that lives, and to my 
 face 
 Dares speak, scarce think, such tyranny against 
 Spinella's constancy, except Aurelio — 
 He is my friend. 
 
 Aurel. There lives not then a friend 
 Dares love you like Aurelio ; that Aurelio, 
 Who, late and early, often said, and truly, 
 Your marriage with Spinella would entangle 
 As much the opinion due to your discretion. 
 As your estate ; it hath done so to both. 
 
 Aur. I find it hath. 
 
 Aurel. He who prescribes no law, v^ 
 No limits of condition to the objects 
 Of his affection, but will merely wed 
 A face, because 'tis round, or limn'd by nature 
 In purest red and white ; or, at the best. 
 For that his mistress owes an excellence 
 Of qualities, knows when and how to speak, 
 Where to keep silence, with fit reasons why ; 
 Whose virtues are her only dower, (else [none,] 
 In either kind,) ought of himself to master 
 Such fortunes as add fuel to their loves ; 
 For otherwise — but herein I am idle, 
 Have fool'd to little purpose. 
 
 Aur. She's my wife. 
 
 Aurel. And being so, it is not manly done 
 To leave her to the trial of her wits. 
 Her modesty, her innocence, her vows : 
 This is the way that points her out an art 
 Of wanton life. 
 
 Aur. Sir, said ye ? 
 
 Aurel. You form reasons. 
 Just ones, for your abandoning the storms 
 Which threaten your own ruin ; but propose 
 No shelter for her honour : what my tongue 
 Hath utter'd, Auria, is but honest doubt. 
 And you are wise enough in the construction. 
 
 Aur. Necessity must arm my confidence, 
 Which, if I live to triumph over, friend. 
 And e'er come back in plenty, I pronounce 
 Aurelio heir of what I can bequeath ; 
 Some fit deduction for a worthy widow, 
 Allow'd, with caution she be like to prove so. 
 
 Aurel. Who ? I your heir ! your wife being 
 In every probability so forward [yet so young, 
 To make you a father ? leave such thoughts. 
 
 Aur. Believe it, 
 Without replies, Aurelio : keep this note, 
 A warrant for receiving from Martino 
 Two hundred ducats ; as you find occasion 
 Dispose them in my absence to Spinella : 
 
SCKNE II. 
 
 THE LADY'S TRIAL. 
 
 140 
 
 [ would not trust her uncle, he, good man, 
 Is at an ebb himself; another hundred 
 I left with her, a fourth I carry with me. 
 Am I not poor, Aurelio, now ? Exchange 
 Of more debates between us, would undo 
 My resolution ; walk a little, prithee, 
 Friends we are, and will embrace ; but let's not 
 Another word. . [speak 
 
 Aurel. I'll follow you to your horse. ^Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — A Room in the House of Avvnsi. 
 
 Enter AouRNr, and Futkllf, with a letter, which he 
 presents to Adurni. 
 
 Adur. With her own hand ? 
 
 Fut. She never used, my lord, 
 A second means, but kiss'd the letter first, 
 O'erlook'd the superscription ; then let fall 
 Some amorous drops, kiss'd it again, talk'd to it 
 Twenty times over, set it to her mouth. 
 Then gave it me, then snatch'd it back again. 
 Then cry'd, " Oh, my poor heart!" and, in an 
 
 instant, 
 " Commend my truth and secrecy." Such medley 
 Of passion yet I never saw in woman. 
 
 Adur. In woman ? thou'rt deceiv'd ; but that 
 we both 
 Had mothers, I could say how women are, . 
 
 In their own natures, models of mere change ; ^ 
 Of change of what is naught to what is worse. — 
 She feed you libera lly? 
 
 Fut. Twenty ducats 
 She forced on me ; vow'd, by the precious love 
 She bore the best of men, (I use, my lord, 
 Her very words,) the miracle of men, 
 Malfato, — then she sigh'd, — this mite of gold 
 Was only entrance to a farther bounty : 
 'Tis meant, my lord, belike, press-money. 
 
 Adur. Devil ! 
 How durst she tempt thee [thus,] Futelli, knowing 
 Tuy love to me ? 
 
 Fut. There lies, my lord, her cunning, 
 Rather her craft ; first she began, what pity 
 It was, that men should differ in estates 
 Without proportion ; some so strangely rich, 
 Others so miserable poor ; ** and yet," 
 Quoth she, *' since 'tis [in] very deed unfit 
 All should be equals, so I must confess, 
 It were good justice that the properest men 
 Should be preferred to fortune, such as nature 
 Had mark'd with fair abilities ; of which 
 Genoa, for aught I know, hath wond'rous few, 
 Not two to boast of." 
 
 Adur. Here began her itch. 
 
 Fut. I answer'd, she was happy then, whose 
 In you, my lord, was singular. [choice 
 
 Adur. Well urg'd. 
 
 Fut. She smiled, and said, it might be so ; and 
 yet — 
 There stopp'd : then I closed with her, and con- 
 The title of a lord was not enough, [eluded 
 
 For absolute perfection ; I had seen 
 Persons of meaner quality, much more 
 Exact in fair endowments — but your lordship 
 Will pardon me, 1 hope. 
 
 Adur. And love thee for it. 
 
 Fut. " Phew ! let that pass," quoth she, ** and 
 now we prattle 
 
 Of handsome gentlemen, in my opinion, 
 Malfato is a very pretty fellow ; 
 Is he not, pray, sir ?" I had then the truth 
 Of what I roved at, and with more than praise 
 Approv'd her judgment in so high a strain, 
 Without comparison, my honour'd lord, 
 That soon we both concluded of the man, 
 The match and business. 
 
 Adur. For delivering 
 A letter to Malfato ? 
 
 Fut. Whereto I 
 No sooner had consented, with protests — 
 (I did protest, my lord) — of secrecy 
 And service, but she kiss'd me, as I live, 
 Of her own free accord — I trust your lordship 
 Conceives not me amiss — pray rip the seal. 
 My lord, you'll find sweet stuff, I dare believe. 
 
 Adur. [reads.] Present to the most accomplished 
 of men, Malfato, with this love a service. 
 Kind superscription ! prithee, find him out. 
 Deliver it with compliment ; observe 
 How ceremoniously he does receive it. 
 
 Fut. Will not your lordship peruse the contents? 
 
 Adur. Enough, I know too much ; be just and 
 cunning ; 
 A wanton mistress Js.A.£Qmi»QiLSf>.wei:.-T~ 
 Much newer project labours in my brain. 
 
 Enter Pibro. 
 Your friend ! here's now the fi^^ini^ f wit : 
 What odd conceit is next on foot ? some cast 
 Of neat invention, ha, sirs ? 
 
 Piero. Very fine, 
 I do protest, my lord. 
 
 Fut. Your lordship's ear 
 Shall share i' th' plot. 
 
 Adur. As how ? 
 
 Piero. You know, my lord. 
 Young Amoretta, old Trelcatio's daughter ; 
 An honest man, but poor. 
 
 Fut. And, my good lord. 
 He that is honest must be poor, my lord ; ^^ 
 It is a common rule. 
 
 Adur. Well, — Amoretta. — 
 Pray, one at once — my knowledge is not much 
 Of her, instruct me. 
 
 Piero. Speak, Futelli. 
 
 Fut. Spare me. 
 Piero has the tongue more pregnant. 
 
 Piero. Fie ! 
 Play on your creature ? 
 
 Fut, Shall be your's. 
 
 Piero. Nay, good. 
 
 Adur. Well, keep your mirth, my dainty honies ; 
 agree 
 Some two days hence, till when — 
 
 Piero. By any means, 
 Partake the sport, my lord ; this thing of youth — 
 
 Fut. Handsome enough, good face, quick eye, 
 well bred. 
 
 Piero. Is yet possest so strangely — 
 
 Fut. With an humour 
 Of thinking she deserves 
 
 Piero. A duke, a count. 
 At least a viscount, for her husband, that 
 
 Fut. She scorns all mention of a match beneath 
 One of the foresaid nobles ; will not ride 
 In a caroch without eight horses. 
 
 Piero. Six 
 She may be drawn to ; four 
 
150 
 
 THE LADY'S TRIAL. 
 
 Fut. Are for the poor : 
 But for two horses in a coacli 
 
 Piero. She says, 
 They're not for creatures of Heaven's making ; 
 fitter — 
 
 Fut. Fitter for litters to convey hounds in, 
 Than people Christian : yet herself 
 
 Piero. Herself 
 Walks evermore a-foot, and knows not whether 
 A coach doth trot or amble — 
 
 Fut. But by hearsay. 
 
 Adur, Stop, gentlemen, you run a gallop both ; 
 Are out of breath sure : 'tis a kind of compliment 
 Scarce enter'd to the times ; but certainly 
 You coin a humour ; let me understand 
 Deliberately your fancy. 
 
 Piero. In plain troth. 
 My lord, the she whom we describe is such, 
 And lives here, here in Genoa, this city, 
 This very city, now, the very now. 
 
 Adur. Trelcatio's daughter ? 
 
 Fut. Has refused suitors 
 Of worthy rank, substantial and free parts. 
 Only for that they are not dukes, or counts ; 
 Yet she herself, with all her father's store. 
 Can hardly weigh above four hundred ducats. 
 
 Adur. Now, your design for sport ? 
 
 Piero. Without prevention : 
 v' Guzman, the Spaniard late cashier'd, most gravely 
 Observes the full punctilios of his nation ; 
 And him have we beleaguer'd to accost 
 This she-piece, under a pretence of being 
 Grandee of Spain, and cousin to twelve princes. 
 
 Fut. For rival unto whom we have enraged 
 Fulgoso, the rich coxcomb lately started 
 A gentleman, out of a sutler's hut, 
 In the late Flemish wars ; we have resolv'd him 
 He is descended from Pantagruel, 
 Of famous memory, by the father's side. 
 And by the mother from dame Fusti-Bunga, 
 Who, troubled long time with a strangury, 
 Vented at last salt-water so abundantly. 
 As drown'd the land 'twixt Zirick-see and Vere, 
 Where steeples' tops are only seen. He casts 
 Beyond the moon, and will be greater yet, 
 In spight of Don. 
 
 Adur. You must abuse the maid, 
 Beyond amends. 
 
 Fut. But countenance the course, 
 My lord, and it may chance, beside the mirth. 
 To work a reformation on the maiden : 
 Her father's leave is granted, and thanks promised ; 
 Our ends are harmless trials. 
 
 Adur. I betray 
 No secrets of such use. 
 
 Piero and Fut. Your lordship's humblest. 
 
 \_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. — A Room in Malfato's House. 
 Enter Aurelio and Malfato. 
 
 Aurel. A melancholy, grounded, and resolv'd, 
 Received into a habit, argues love. 
 Or deep impression of strong discontents. 
 In cases of these rarities a friend. 
 Upon whose faith, and confidence, we may 
 Vent with security our grief, becomes 
 Oft-times the best physician ; for, admit 
 We find no remedy, we cannot miss 
 
 Advice instead of comfort ; and believe. 
 It is an ease, Malfato, to disburthen 
 Our souls of secret clogs, where they may find 
 A rest in pity, though not in redress. 
 
 Mai. Let all this sense be yielded to. 
 
 Aurel. Perhaps 
 You measure what I say, the common nature 
 Of an officious curiosity. 
 
 Mai. Not I, sir. 
 
 Aurel. Or that other private ends 
 Sift your retirements. • 
 
 Mai. Neither. 
 
 Enter Futklli. 
 
 Fut. Under favour, 
 Signor Malfato, I am sent to crave 
 Your leisure, for a word or two in private. 
 
 Mai. To me ! Your mind. 
 
 Fut. This letter will inform ye. 
 
 [_Gives Mm tht letter, 
 
 Mai. Letter ? how's this ? what's here ? 
 
 Fut. Speak you to me, sir ? 
 
 Mai. Brave riddle ! I'll endeavour to unfold it. 
 
 Aurel. How fares the Lord Adurni ? 
 
 Fut. Sure in health, sir. 
 
 Aurel. He is a noble gentleman, withal y/ 
 Happy in his endeavours : ^^f! g^u^rftl yoiffP 
 Sounds him for courtesy, behaviour, language, 
 And every fair demeanor, an example ; 
 Titles of honour add not to his worth, 
 Who is himself an honour to his titles. 
 
 Mai. You know from whence this comes ? 
 
 Fut. I do. 
 
 Mai. D'ye laugh ! 
 But that I must consider such as spaniels 
 To those who feed and clothe them, I would print 
 Thy pandarism upon thy forehead : — there ! 
 
 \_Throws him the letter. 
 Bear back that paper to the hell from whence 
 It gave thee thy directions ! tell this lord. 
 He ventured on a foolish policy, 
 In aiming at the scandal of my blood ; 
 The trick is childish, base, — say base. 
 
 Fut. You wrong him. 
 
 Aurel. Be wise, Malfato. 
 
 Mai. Say, I know this whore. 
 She who sent this temptation, was wife 
 To his abused servant ; and divorced 
 From poor Benatzi, senseless of the wrongs, 
 That madam Levidolche and Adurni 
 Might revel in their sports without controul, 
 Secure, uncheck'd. 
 
 Aurel. You range too wildly now, 
 Are too much inconsiderate. 
 
 Mai. I am 
 A gentleman free born, I never wore 
 The rags of any great man's looks, nor fed 
 Upon their afcer-meals ; I never crouch'd 
 Unto the offal of an office promised, 
 (Reward for long attendance,) and then miss'd. 
 I read no difference between this huge, 
 This monstrous big word lord, and gentleman, 
 More than the title sounds ; for aught I learn, 
 The latter is as noble as the first, 
 I am sure more ancient. 
 
 Aurel. Let me tell you then, 
 You are too bitter, talk you know not what. 
 Make all men equals, and confound all course 
 Of order, and of nature ! this is madness. 
 
 Mai. 'Tis so ; and I have reason to be mad. 
 
 \^ 
 
THE LADY'S TRIAL. 
 
 151 
 
 Reason, Aurelio, by ray truth and hopes. 
 
 This wit Futelli brings a suit of love 
 
 From Levidolche, one, however mask'd 
 
 In colourable privacy, is famed 
 
 The Lord Adurni's pensioner, at least. 
 
 Am I a husband pick'd out for a strumpet ? 
 
 For a cast suit of bawdry ? Aurelio, 
 
 You are as I am, you could ill digest 
 
 The trial of a patience so unfit. 
 
 Begone, Futelli, do not mince one syllable 
 
 Of what you hear ; another fetch like this 
 
 May tempt a peace to rage : so say ; begonfi^ 
 
 Fut. I shall report your answer. lExit. 
 
 Mai. What have I 
 
 Deserv'd to be so used ! In colder blood, 
 I do confess nobility requires 
 Duty and love ; it is a badge of virtue, 
 By action first acquired, and next in rank 
 Unto anointed royalty. — Wherein 
 Have I neglected distance, or forgot 
 Observance to superiors ? sure, my name 
 Was in the note mistook. 
 
 Aurel. We will consider 
 The meaning of this mystery. 
 
 Mai. Not so ; 
 Let them fear bondage who are slaves to fear, 
 The sweetest freedom is an honest heart. ^Exeunt. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 K>''"^ 
 
 SCENE I.— A Street. 
 Enter Futelli and Guzman. 
 
 Fut. Dexterity and sufferance, brave Don, 
 Are engines the pure politic must work with. 
 
 Guz. We understand. 
 
 Fut. In subtleties of war, 
 I talk t'ye now in your own occupation. 
 Your trade, or what you please, — unto a soldier, 
 Surprisal of an enemy by stratagem, 
 Or downright cutting throats is all one thing. 
 
 Guz. Most certain : on, proceed. 
 
 Fut. By way of parallel ; 
 You drill or exercise your company, 
 (No matter which, for terms,) before you draw 
 Into the field ; so in the feats of courtship. 
 First, choice is made of thoughts, behaviour, 
 
 words. 
 The set of looks, the posture of the beard, 
 Beso las manos, cringes of the knee. 
 The very hums and ha's, thumps, and ah me's ! 
 
 Guz. We understand all these : advance. 
 
 Fut. Then next. 
 Your enemy in face, — your mistress, mark it ! 
 Now you consult either to skirmish slightly. 
 That's careless amours, — or to enter battle ; 
 Then fall to open treaty, or to work 
 By secret spies or gold : here you corrupt 
 The chambermaid, a fatal engine, or 
 Place there an ambuscado, — that's contract 
 With some of her near friends, for half her por- 
 tion; 
 Or offer truce, and in the interim, 
 Run upon slaughter, 'tis a noble treachery. 
 That's swear and lie ; steal her away, and to her 
 Cast caps, and cry victoria ! the field's 
 Thine own, my Don, she's thine. 
 
 Guz. We do vouchsafe her. 
 
 Fut. Hold her then fast. 
 
 Guz. As fast as can the arms 
 Of strong imagination hold her. 
 
 Fut. No, 
 She has skipt your hold ; my imagination's eyes 
 Perceive, she not endures the touch or scent 
 Of your war over-wora habiliments, 
 Which I forgot in my instructions 
 To warn you of: therefore my warlike Don, 
 Apparel speedily your imaginations 
 With a more courtly outside. 
 
 Guz. 'Tis soon done. 
 
 Fut. As soon as said ; in all the clothes thou 
 hast, 
 More than that walking wardrobe on thy back. 
 
 ^Aside. 
 
 Guz. Imagine first our rich mockado doublet, 
 With our cut cloth-of-gold sleeves, and our quellio, 
 Our diamond-button'd callamanco hose. 
 Our plume of ostrich, with the embroider'd scarf, 
 The duchess Infantasgo roll'd our arm in. 
 
 Fut. Aye, this is brave indeed ! 
 
 Guz. Our cloak, whose cape is 
 Larded with pearls, which the Indian cacique 
 Presented to our countryman De Cortez, 
 For ransom of his life ; rated in value 
 At thirteen thousand pistolets ; the guerdon 
 Of our atchievement, when we rescued 
 The infanta from the boar, in single duel. 
 Near to the Austrian forest, with this rapier, 
 This only, very, naked, single rapier. 
 
 Fut. Top and top-gallant brave ! 
 
 Guz. We will appear. 
 Before our Amoretta, like the issue 
 Of our progenitors. 
 
 Fut. Imagine so. 
 And that this rich suit of imagination 
 Is on already now, (which is most probable) 
 As that apparel : — here stands your Amoretta, 
 Make your approach and court her. 
 
 Guz. Lustre of beauty. 
 Not to aflfright your tender soul with horror, 
 We may descend to tales of peace and love, 
 Soft whispers fitting ladies' closets ; for 
 Thunder of cannon, roaring smoke and fire, 
 As if hell's maw had vomited confusion, 
 The clash of steel, the neighs of barbed steeds, 
 Wounds spouting blood, towns capering in the air, 
 Castles push'd down, and cities plough'd with 
 Become great Guzman's oratory best, [swords. 
 Who, though victorious, (and during life 
 Must be,) yet now grants parley to thy smiles. 
 
 Fut. S'foot, Don, you talk too big, you make 
 her tremble ; 
 Do you not see't imaginarily ? 
 I do, as plainly as you saw the death 
 Of the Austrian boar : she rather hears 
 Of feasting than of fighting ; take her that way. 
 
 Guz. Yes, we will feast; my queen, my em- 
 press, saint, 
 Shalt taste no delicates but what are drest 
 With costlier spices than the Arabian bird 
 
lot 
 
 THE LADY'S TRIAL. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Sweetens her funeral bed with ; we will riot 
 With every change of meats, which may renew 
 Our blood unto a spring, so pure, so high, 
 That from our pleasures shall proceed a race 
 Of sceptre-bearing princes, who at once 
 Must reign in every quarter of the globe. 
 
 Fui. Can more be said by one that feeds on 
 herring 
 And garlick constantly ? lAside. 
 
 Guz. Yes, we will feast — 
 
 Fut. Enough ! she's taken, and will love you 
 As well in buff, as your imagined bravery, [now, 
 Your dainty ten-times drest buff, with this language, 
 Bold man of arms, shall win upon her, doubt not, 
 Beyond all silken puppetry. Think no more 
 Of your " mockadoes, callamancoes, quellios, 
 Pearl - larded capes, and diamond - button'd 
 
 breeches ;" 
 Leave such poor outside helps to puling lovers, 
 Such as Fulgoso, your weak rival, is. 
 That starveling-brain'd companion ; appear you, 
 At first at least, in your own warlike fashion : 
 I pray be ruled, and change not a thread about you. 
 
 Guz. The humour takes ; for I, sir, am a man 
 Affects not shifts : I will adventure thus. 
 
 Fut. Why, so ! you carry her from all the world. 
 I'm proud my stars design'd me out an instrument 
 In such an high employment. 
 
 Guz. Gravely spoken ; 
 You may be proud on't. — 
 
 Enter, on the opposite side, Fulgoso and Piero. 
 
 Ful. What is lost is lost, 
 Money is trash, and ladies are et cceteras. 
 Play's play, luck's luck, fortune's an — I know 
 
 what ; 
 You see the worst of me, and what's all this now ? 
 
 Piero. A very spark, I vow ; you will be stiled 
 Fulgoso the invincible. But did 
 The fair Spinella lose an equal part ? 
 How much in all, d'you say .^ 
 
 Ful. Bare three score ducats. 
 Thirty a-piece, we need not care who know it. 
 She play'd ; I went her half, walk'd by, and 
 
 whistled — 
 After my usual manner thus — unmoved, IWhisties. 
 As no such thing had ever been, as it were. 
 Although I saw the winners share Iny^iaaoney : 
 His lordship and an honest gentleman 
 Purs'd it, but not so merrily as I 
 Whistled it off. 
 
 Piero. A noble confidence 
 
 Ful. D'you note your rival } 
 
 Guz. With contempt I do. 
 
 Ful. I can forego things nearer than my gold, 
 Allied to my affections, and my blood ; 
 Yea, honour, as it were, with the same kind 
 Of careless conHHence, and come off fairly 
 Too, agjijvere. 
 
 Piero. But not your love, Fulgoso. 
 
 Ful. No, she's inherent, and mine own past 
 losing. 
 
 Piero. It' tickles me to think with how much 
 You, as it were, did run at tilt in love, [state. 
 
 Before your Amoretta. 
 
 Ful. Broke my lance. 
 
 Piero. Of wit, of wit ! 
 
 Ftil. I mean so, as it were, 
 And laid, flat on her back, both horse and woman. 
 
 Piero. Right, as it were. 
 
 Ful. What else, man. as it were ? 
 
 Guz. [crossing over to Ful.] Did you do this 
 to her ? dare you to vaunt 
 Your triumph, we being present? um, ha, um. 
 
 [Fulgoso whistles the Spanish Pavin. 
 
 Fut. What think you, Don, of this brave man ? 
 
 Guz. A man ! 
 It is some truss of reeds, or empty cask, 
 In which the wind with whistling sports itself. 
 
 Fut, Bear up, sir, he's your rival, budge not 
 from him 
 An inch ; your grounds are honour. 
 
 Piero. Stoutly ventured, 
 Don, hold him to't. 
 
 Ful. 'Protest, a fine conceit, 
 A very fine conceit ; and thus I told her, 
 That for mine own part, if she lik'd me, so ! 
 If not, not ; for " my duck, or doe," said I, 
 " It is no fault of mine that I am noble : 
 Grant it ; another may be noble, too. 
 And then we're both one noble ;" better still ! — 
 Hab-nab's good ; wink and choose ; if one must 
 
 have her. 
 The other goes without her, — best of all !■ — 
 My spirit is too high to fight for woman, 
 I am too full of mercy to be angry ; 
 A foolish generous quality, from which 
 No might of man can beat me, I'm resolv'd. 
 
 Guz. Hast thou a spirit then, ha ? speaks thy 
 weapon 
 Toledo language, Bilboa, or dull Pisa ? 
 If an Italian blade, or Spanish metal. 
 Be brief, we challenge answer. 
 
 Fut. Famous Don. 
 
 Ful. What does he talk ? my weapon speaks no 
 'Tis a Dutch iron truncheon. [language, 
 
 Guz. Dutch 1 
 
 Fut. And, if need be, 
 'Twill maul one's hide, in spite of who says nay. 
 
 Guz. Dutch to a Spaniard ! hold me. 
 
 Ful. Hold me too. 
 Sirrah, if thou'rt my friend, for I love no fighting; 
 Yet hold me, lest in pity I fly off : 
 If I must fight, I must ; in a scurvy quarrel 
 I defy he's and she's : twit me with Dutch I 
 Hang Dutch and French, hang Spanish and Italians, 
 Christians and Turks. Pew-waw, all's one to me ! 
 I know what's what, I know upon which side 
 My bread is butter'd. 
 
 Guz. Butter'd? Dutch again ! 
 You come not with intention to affront us } 
 
 Ful, Front me no fronts ; if thou be'st angry^ 
 squabble — 
 Here's my defence, and thy destruction. 
 
 '^Whistles a cha*'(je. 
 If friends, shake hands, and go with me to dinner. 
 
 Guz. We will embrace the motion, it doth relish 
 The cavaliero treats on terms of honour ; 
 Peace is not to be baulk'd on fair conditions. 
 
 Fut. Still Don is Don the great. 
 
 Piero. He shews the greatness 
 Of his vast stomach in the quick embracement 
 Of th' other's dinner. 
 
 Fut. 'Twas the ready means 
 To catch his friendship. V 
 
 Piero. You're a pair of worthies, 
 That make the Nine no wonder. 
 
 Fut. Now, since fate 
 Ordains that one of two must be the man, 
 The man of men which must enjoy aloue 
 
SCENK II. 
 
 THE LADY'S TRIAL. 
 
 163 
 
 Love's darling, Amoretta ; both take liberty 
 To shew himself before her, without cross 
 Of interruption, one of th' other : he 
 Whose sacred mystery of earthly blessings 
 Crowns the pursuit, be happy. 
 
 Piero. And, till then, 
 Live brothers in society. 
 
 Guz. We are fast. 
 
 Ful, I vow a match ; I'll feast the Don to-day, 
 And fast with him to-morrow. 
 
 Guz. Fair conditions. 
 
 Adurni, Spinella, Amoretta, and Castanna, pass over 
 the Stage. 
 
 Adur, Futelli and Piero, follow speedily. 
 
 Piero. My lord, we wait you. 
 
 Put. We shall soon return. 
 
 lExeunt all but Ful. and Guz. 
 
 Ful. What's that I saw ? — a sound. — ■ 
 
 Guz. A voice for certain. 
 
 Ful. It named a lord. 
 
 Guz. Here are lords too, we take it ; 
 We carry blood about us, rich and haughty 
 As any o' the twelve Caesars. 
 
 Ful. Gulls or Moguls, 
 Tag, rag, or other, hogen-mogen, vanden, 
 Skip-jacks, or chouses, Whoo ! the brace are 
 
 flinch'd. 
 The pair of shavers are sneak'd from us, Don : 
 Why, what are we ! 
 
 Guz. The valiant will stand to't. 
 
 Ful. So say I ; we will eat and drink, and 
 Till all do split again. [squander, 
 
 Guz. March on with greediness. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE U.—A Room in the House o/MARTaNO. 
 Enter Mabtino and Levidolchb. 
 
 Mart. You cannot answer what a general tongue 
 Objects against your folly ; I may curse 
 The interest you lay claim to in ray blood. 
 Your mother, my dear niece, did die, I thought, 
 Too soon, but she is happy ; had she lived 
 Till now, and known the vanities your life 
 Hath dealt in, she had wish'd herself a grave 
 Before a timely hour, 
 l^ I^ev. Sir, consider 
 My sex ; were I mankind, my sword should quit 
 A wounded honour, and reprieve a name 
 From injury, by printing on their bosoms 
 Some deadly character, whose drunken surfeits 
 Vomit such base aspersions : as I am, 
 Scorn and contempt is virtue ; my desert 
 Stands far above their malice. 
 
 Mart. Levidolche, 
 Hypocrisy puts on a holy robe, 
 Yet never changeth nature ; call to mind, 
 How, in your girl's days, you fell, forsooth, 
 In love, and married, — married (hark ye !) whom ? 
 A trencher-waiter ; shrewd preferment ! but 
 Your childhood then excused that fault ; for so 
 Footmen have run away with lusty heirs, 
 And stable- grooms reach'd to some fair one's 
 chambers. 
 
 Lev. Pray let not me be bandied, sir, and baffled. 
 By your intelligence. 
 
 Mart. So touch'd to the quick ! 
 Fine mistress, I will then rip up at length 
 The progress of your infamy : in colour 
 
 Of disagreement, you must be divorced ; 
 
 Were so, and I must countenance the reasons ; 
 
 On better hopes I did, nay, took you home. 
 
 Provided you my care, nay, justified 
 
 Your alteration ; joy'd to entertain 
 
 Such visitants of worth and rank as tender'd 
 
 Civil respects : but then, even then — 
 
 Lev. What then.' 
 Sweet uncle, do not spare me. 
 
 Mart. I more shame 
 To fear my hospitality was bawd, 
 And name it so, to your unchaste desires. 
 Than you to hear and know it. 
 
 Lev. Whose whore am I ? 
 For that's your plainest meaning. 
 
 Mart. Were you modest, 
 The word you utter'd last would force a blush. 
 Adurni is a bounteous lord, 'tis said. 
 He parts with gold and jewels like a free 
 And liberal purchaser ! he wriggles in V 
 To ladies' pleasures by a right of pension ; 
 But you know none of this ! you are grown a 
 
 tavern- talk, 
 Matters for fiddlers' songs. »I toil to build 
 The credit of my family, and you 
 To pluck up the foundation : even this morning, 
 Before the common-council, young Malfato — 
 (Convented for some lands he held, supposed 
 Belong'd to certain orphans,) as I question'd 
 His tenure in particulars, he answer'd. 
 My worship needed not to tlaw his right ; 
 For if the humour held him, he could make 
 A jointure to my over-loving niece, 
 Without oppression ; bade me tell her too, 
 She was a kind young soul, and might in time 
 Be sued to by a loving man : no doubt, 
 Here was a jolly breakfast 1 
 
 Lev. Uncles are privileged 
 More than our parents; some wise man in state 
 Hath rectified, no doubt, your knowledge, sir. 
 Whilst all the policy for public business 
 Was spent, — for want of matter, I by chance 
 Fell into grave discourse ; but, by your leave, 
 I from a stranger's table rather wish 
 To earn my bread, than from a friend's by gift 
 Be daily subject to unfit reproofs. 
 
 Mart. Come, come, to the point. 
 
 Lev. All the curses 
 Due to a ravisher of sober truth, 
 Dam up their graceless mouths ! 
 
 Mart. Now you turn rampant, 
 Just in the wenches' trim and garb ; these prayers 
 Speak your devotions purely. 
 
 Lev. Sir, alas ! iWeeps. 
 
 What would you have me do ? I have no orators, 
 More than my tears, to plead my innocence, 
 Since you forsake me, and are pleas'd to lend 
 An 0})en ear against my honest fame. 
 Would all their spite could harry my contents 
 Unto a desperate ruin ! Oh dear goodness 1 
 There is a right for wrongs. 
 
 Mart. There is ; but first 
 Sit in commission on your own defects. 
 Accuse yourself; be your own jury, judge. 
 And executioner ; I make no sport 
 Of my vexation. 
 
 Lev. All the short remains 
 Of undesired life shall only speak 
 The extremity of penance ; your opinion 
 Enjoins it too. 
 
154 
 
 THE LADYS TRIAL. 
 
 Mart. Enough ; thy tears prevail 
 Against credulity. 
 
 Lev. My miseries, 
 As in a glass, present me the rent face 
 Of an unguided youth. 
 
 Mart. No more. — 
 
 Enter Trblcatio with an open letter. 
 
 Trelcatio ! 
 Some business speeds you hither. 
 
 Trel. Happy news — 
 Signior Martino, pray your ear ; my nephew, 
 Auria, hath done brave service : and I hear — 
 ^et's be exceeding private — is return'd 
 V'High in the duke of Florence's respects ; 
 'Tis said, — but make no words — that he has firk'd 
 And mumbled the rogue Turks. 
 
 Mart. "Why vyould you have 
 His merits so unknown ? 
 
 Trel. I am not yet 
 Confirm'd at full : — withdravr, and you shall read 
 All what this paper talks. 
 
 Mart. So ! — Levidolche, 
 You know our mind, be cheerful. — Come, Trel- 
 catio, — 
 Causes of joy or grief do seldom happen 
 Without companions near ; thy resolutions 
 Have given another birth to my contents. 
 
 [_Exeunt Mart, and Trei,. 
 
 Lev. Even so, wise uncle 1 much good do ye. — 
 Discover'd ! 
 I could fly out, mix vengeance with my love — 
 Unworthy man, Malfato ! — my good lord, 
 My hot in blood, rare lord, grows cold too ! well, 
 
 I Rise dotage into rage, and sleep no longer ; 
 Affection turn'd to hatred threatens mischief. 
 
 lExit. 
 
 SCENE III. — An Apartment in Adurni's 
 House. 
 
 Enter Piero, Amoretta, Fotelli, and Castanna. 
 
 Piero. In the next gallery you may behold 
 Such living pictures, lady, such rich pieces, 
 Of kings, and queens, and princes, that you'd think 
 They breathe and smile upon you 
 
 Amor. Ha they crownths, 
 Great crownths oth gold upon their headths ? 
 
 Piero. Pure gold ; 
 Drawn all in state. 
 
 Amor. How many horthes, pray, 
 Are ith their chariots ? 
 
 Piero. Sixteen, some twenty. 
 
 Cast. My sister ! wherefore left we her alone ? 
 "Where stays she, gentlemen ? 
 
 Put. Viewing the rooms ; 
 'Tis like you'll meet her in the gallery : 
 This house is full of curiosities, 
 Most fit for ladies' sights. 
 
 Amor. Yeth, yeth, the thight 
 Of printhethes ith a fine thight. 
 
 Cast. Good, let us find her. 
 
 Piero. Sweetladies, this way; see the doors sure. 
 
 {Aside to Fur. 
 
 Fut, Doubt not. lExcunt. 
 
 m 
 
 SCENE IV. — Another Room in the same. 
 •J"' A Banquet set out. 
 
 Enter Adurni and Spinella.— ^ Song loithin. 
 
 Pleasures, beauty, youth attend ye, 
 
 Whilst the spring of nature lasteth ; 
 Love and melting thoughts [befriend] ye, 
 Use the time, ere winter hasteth. 
 Active blood, and free delight, 
 Place and privacy invite. 
 Do, do ! be kind as fair. 
 Lose not opportunity for air. 
 
 She is cruel that denies it, 
 
 Bounty best appears in granting. 
 Stealth of sport as soon supplies it. 
 Whilst the dues of love are wanting. 
 Here's the sweet exchange of bliss 
 When each whisper proves a kiss. 
 In the game are felt no pains, 
 For in all the loser gains. 
 
 Adur. Plead not, fair creature, without sense of 
 So incompassionately 'gainst a service, [pity, 
 
 In nothing faulty more than pure obedience : 
 My honours and my fortunes are led captives V 
 In triumph, by your all-commanding beauty ; 
 And if you ever felt the power of love, 
 The rigour of an uncontrolled passion, 
 The tyranny of thoughts, consider mine. 
 In some proportion, by the strength of yours ; 
 Thus may you yield and conquer. 
 
 Spin. Do not study. 
 My lord, to apparel folly in the weed 
 Of costly colours ; henceforth cast off far. 
 Far from your noblest nature, the contempt 
 Of goodness, and be gentler to your fame. 
 By purchase of a life to grace your story. 
 
 Adur. Dear, how sweetly 
 Reproof drops from that balmy spring your breath ! 
 Now could I read a lecture of my griefs, 
 Unearth a mine of jewels at your foot. 
 Command a golden shower to rain down, 
 Impoverish every kingdom of the east. 
 Which traffics richest clothes, and silks, would you 
 Vouchsafe one unspleen'd chiding to my riot. 
 Else such a sacrifice can but beget 
 Suspicion of returns to my devotion. 
 In mercenary blessings ; for that saint 
 To whom I vow myself, must never want 
 Fit offerings to her altar. 
 
 Spin. Auria, Auria, 
 Fight not for name abroad ; but come, my husband, 
 Fight for thy wife at home ! 
 
 Adur. Oh, never rank, 
 Dear cruelty, one that is sworn your creature, 
 Amongst your country's enemies; I use 
 No force, but humble words, deliver'd from 
 A tongue that's secretary to my heart. 
 
 Spin. How poorly some, tame to their wild 
 Fawn on abuse of virtue ! pray, my lord, [desires, 
 Make not your house my prison. 
 
 Adur. Grant a freedom 
 To him who is the bondman to your beauty. — 
 
 \_A noise within, and the door is forced. 
 
 Enter Avukljo, followed by Castanna, Amoretta, 
 
 FuTELLi, and Pjero. 
 Aurel. Keep back, ye close contrivers of false 
 pleasures. 
 Or I shall force ye back. — Can it be possible "i 
 Lock'd up, and singly too I chaste hospitality ! 
 
SOKXE 
 
 THE LADY'S TRIAL. 
 
 156 
 
 A banquet in a bed-chamber ! Adurni, 
 Dishonourable man ! 
 
 Adur. What sees this rudeness, 
 That can broach scandal here ? 
 
 Aurel. For you, hereafter. — 
 Oh, woman, lost to every brave report, 
 Thy wrong'd Auria is come home with glory ! 
 Prepare a welcome to uncrown the greatness 
 Of his prevailing fates. 
 \y Spin. Whiles you, belike, 
 Are furnish'd with some news for entertainment, 
 Which must become your friendship, to be kftit 
 More fast betwixt your souls, by my removal, 
 Both from his heart and memory ! 
 
 Adur. Rich conquest, 
 To triumph on a lady's injured fame, 
 Without a proof or warrant ! 
 
 Fut. Have I life, sir? 
 Faith ? Christianity ? 
 
 Piero. Put me on the rack. 
 The wheel, or the gallies, if 
 
 Aurel. Peace, factors 
 In merchandize of scorn ! your sounds are deadly. 
 Castanna, I could pity your consent 
 To such ignoble practice ; but I find 
 Coarse fortunes easily seduced, and herein 
 All claim to goodness ceases. 
 
 CasL Use your tyranny. 
 
 Spin. What rests behind for me ? out with it 1 
 
 Aurel. Horror, 
 Becoming such a forfeit of obedience ; 
 Hope not that any falsity in friendship 
 Can palliate a broken faith, it dares not. 
 Leave, in thy prayers, fair, vow-breaking wanton, i 
 
 To dress thy soul anew, whose purer whiteness 
 
 Is sullied by thy change from truth to folly. 
 
 A fearful storm is hovering, it will fall ; 
 
 No shelter can avoid it : let the guilty 
 
 Sink under their own ruin. [.Exit. 
 
 Spin. How unmanly 
 His anger threatens mischief ! 
 
 Amor. Whom, I prethee, 
 Doth the man speak to ? 
 
 Adur. Lady, be not mov'd ; *^ 
 I will stand champion for your honour, hazard 
 All what is dearest to me. 
 
 Spin. Mercy, heaven ! 
 Champion for me, and Auria living ! Auria ! 
 He lives ; and, for my guard, my innocence. 
 As free as are my husband's clearest thoughts. 
 Shall keep off vain constructions. I must beg 
 Your charities ; sweet sister, your's, to leave me ; 
 I need no followers now : let me appear, 
 Or mine own lawyer, or, in open court, 
 (Like some forsaken client,) in my suit 
 Be cast for want of honest plea — oh, misery ! 
 
 lExit. 
 
 Adur. Her resolution's violent ; — quickly fol- 
 low. 
 
 Casi. By no means, sir : you've followed her 
 already, 
 I fear, with too much ill success, in trial 
 Of unbecoming courtesies, your welcome 
 Ends in so sad a farewell. 
 
 Adur. I will stand 
 The roughness of th' encounter, like a gentleman, 
 And wait ye to your homes, whate'er befal me. 
 
 lExeunt. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 SCENE I. 
 
 ■The Street before Martino's 
 House. 
 
 Enter Fulgoso and Guzman. 
 
 Ful. 1 say, Don, brother mine, win her and 
 wear her. 
 And so will I ; if 't be my luck to lose her, 
 I lose a pretty wench, and there's the worst on't. 
 Guz. Wench, said ye ? most mechanically, 
 faugh ! 
 Wench is your trull, your blowze, your dowdie ; 
 
 but, 
 Sir brother, he who names my queen of love 
 Without his bonnet vail'd, or saying grace, 
 As at some paranymphal feast, is rude. 
 Nor vers'd in literature. Dame Amoretta, 
 Lo, I am sworn thy champion ! 
 
 Ful. So am I too, — 
 Can as occasion serves, if she turns scurvy, 
 Unswear myself again, and ne'er change colours. 
 Pish, man ! the best, though call 'em ladies, 
 
 madams. 
 Fairs, fines, and honies, are but flesh and blood, 
 And now and then too, when the fit 's come on 
 
 'em. 
 Will prove themselves but flirts, and tirliry-pufkins. 
 Guz. Our choler must advance. 
 Ful. Dost long for a beating ? 
 Shall's try a slash ? here's that shall do't; I'll tap 
 
 IDraus. 
 
 A gallon of thy brains, and fill thy hogshead 
 With two of wine for't. 
 
 Guz. Not in friendship, brother. 
 
 Ful. Or whistle thee into an ague : hang it, 
 Be sociable ; drink till we roar and S'iratch ; 
 Then drink ourselves asleep again : — the fashion! 
 Thou dost not know the fashion. 
 
 Guz. Her fair eyes, V 
 
 Like to a pair of pointed beams drawn from 
 The sun's most glorious orb, do dazzle sight, 
 Audacious to gaze there ; then over those 
 A several bow of jet securely twines 
 In semicircles ; under them two banks 
 Of roses red and white, divided by 
 An arch of polish'd ivory, surveying 
 A temple from whence oracles proceed, 
 More gracious than Apollo's, more desired 
 Than amorous songs of poets, softly tuned. 
 
 Ful. Heyday ! what's this .' 
 
 Guz. Oh I but those other parts, 
 All 
 
 Ftil. AH.' — hold there, 1 bar play under 
 board, 
 My part yet lies therein ; you never saw 
 The things you wire-draw thus. 
 
 Guz. [But] I have dreamt 
 Of every part about her, can lay open 
 Her several inches, as exactly — mark it — 
 As if I had took measure with a compass, 
 A rule, or yard, from head to foot. 
 
156 
 
 THE LADY'S TRIAL. 
 
 ACT 111. 
 
 Ful. C h, rare ! 
 And all this in a dream ! 
 
 Guz. A very dream. 
 
 Ful. My waking brother soldier is turn'd 
 Into a sleeping carpenter, or taylor, 
 Which goes for half a man. — What's he ? {seeing 
 Benatzi) bear up ! 
 
 Enter Benatzi, as an outlaw, Levidolche at a window 
 above. 
 
 Ben. Death of reputation, the wheel, strappado, 
 gallies, rack, are ridiculous fopperies ; goblins to 
 fright babies. Poor lean-soul'd rogues ! they will 
 swoon at the scar of a pin ; one tear dropp'd from 
 their harlot's eyes breeds earthquakes in their 
 bones. 
 
 Ful. Bless us ! a monster, patch' d of dagger- 
 bombast. 
 His eyes like copper-basons ; he has changed 
 Hair with a shag-dog. 
 
 Guz. Let us then avoid him, 
 Or stand upon our guard ; the foe approaches. 
 
 Ben. Cut-throats by the score abroad, come 
 home, and rot in fripperies. Brave man at arms, 
 go turn pandar, do ; stalk for a mess of warm broth 
 — damnable ! honourable cuts are but badges for 
 a fool to vaunt ; the raw-ribb'd apothecary poisons 
 cum privilegio, and is paid. Oh, the commonwealth 
 of beasts is most politicly ordered ! 
 
 Guz. Brother, we'll keep aloof, there is no valour 
 In tugging with a man-fiend. 
 
 Ful. I defy him. 
 It gabbles like I know not what ; — believe it. 
 The fellow's a shrewd fellow at a pink. 
 
 Ben. Look else : the lion roars, and the spaniel 
 fawns ; down, cur ; the badger bribes the unicorn, 
 that a jury may not pass upon his pillage : here the 
 bear fees the wolf, for he will not howl gratis ; — 
 beasts call pleading howling. — So then ! there the 
 horse complains of the ape's rank riding ; the 
 jockey makes mouths, but is fined for it ; the stag 
 is not jeer'd by the monkey for his horns ; the ass 
 by the hare for his burthen ; the ox by the leopard 
 for his yoke ; nor the goat by the ram for his 
 beard : only the fox wraps himself warm in beaver, 
 bids the cat mouse, the elephant toil, the boar 
 gather acorns ; while he grins, feeds fat, tells tales, 
 laughs at all, and sleeps safe at the lion's feet. — 
 Save ye, people. 
 
 Ful. Why, save thee too, if thou be'st of Hea- 
 ven's making : 
 What art? — fear nothing, Don, we have our blades. 
 Are metal men ourselves, try us who dare. 
 
 Guz. Our brother speaks our mind, think what 
 you please on't. 
 
 Ben. A match ; observe well this switch ; with 
 this only switch have I pash'd out the brains of 
 thirteen Turks to the dozen, for a breakfast. 
 
 Ful. What, man, thirteen ! is't possible thou 
 liest not ? 
 
 Ben. I was once a scholar, then I begg'd with- 
 out pity ; from thence I practised law, there a 
 scruple of conscience popp'd me over the bar : a 
 soldier I turn'd a while, but could not procure the 
 letter of preferment. Merchant I would be, and a 
 glut of land-rats gnaw'd me to the bones ; would 
 have bought an office, but the places with rever- 
 sions were catch'd up ; offered to pass into the 
 court, and wanted trust for clothes ; was lastly, 
 for my good parts, prest into the gallies, took 
 
 Brisoner, redeemed amongst other slaves by yom 
 ^ay great man, they call him Auria ; and am now 
 I know not who, where, or what. How d'ye like 
 me ? — say. 
 
 Ful. A shaver of all trades ! What course of 
 life 
 Dost mean to follow next ? ha ! speak thy mind. 
 
 Guz. Nor be thou daunted, fellow ; we ourselves 
 Have felt the frowns of fortune in our days. 
 
 Ben. I want extremely, exceedingly, hideously, 
 
 Lev. [Above.'] Take that, enjoy it freely, wisely 
 use it, [to] 
 Th' advantage of thy fate, and know the giver. 
 
 [Throws him a purse, and draws back. 
 
 Ful. Hey day 1 a purse in troth, who dropp'd ? 
 — stay, stay : 
 Umph, have we gipsies here ? oh, mine is safe ; 
 is't your purse, brother Don ? 
 
 Guz. Not mine ; I seldom 
 Wear such unfashionable trash about me. 
 
 Ful. Has it any money in it, honest blade ? 
 A bots on empty purses ! 
 
 Gux. We defy them. 
 
 Ben. Stand from about me, as you are mortal ! 
 You are dull clod-pated lumps of mire and garbish. 
 This is the land of fairies.- -Imperial queen of 
 elves, I do crouch to thee, vow my services, my 
 blood, my sinews to thee, sweet sovereign of lar- 
 gess, and liberality. — A French tailor — neat ! — 
 Persian cook — dainty! — Greek wines — rich! — 
 Flanders' mares — stately ! — Spanish sallads — poig- 
 nant ! — Venetian wanton — ravishing I — English 
 bawd — unmatchable ! — Sirs, I am fitted. 
 
 Ful. All these thy followers ? miserable pigmies ! 
 Prate sense and don't be mad ; I like thy humour, 
 'Tis pretty, odd, and so — as one might say, 
 I care not greatly if I entertain thee : 
 Dost want a master ? if thou dost, I am for thee ; 
 Else choose, and sneck up ! pish, I scorn to flinch, 
 man. 
 
 Guz. Forsake not fair advancement ; money, 
 certes. 
 Will flit and drop off, like a cozening friend ; 
 Who holds it, holds a slippery eel by th' tail, 
 Unless he gripe it fast : be ruled by counsel. 
 
 Ben. Excellent ! what place shall I be admitted 
 to ? chamber, wardrobe, cellar, or stable ? 
 
 Ful. Why, one and all ; thou'rt welcome, let's 
 Thy name ? [shake hands on't. 
 
 Ben. Parado, sir.^ 
 
 Ful. The great affairs 
 I shall employ thee most in, will be news, 
 And telling what's a clock, for ought I know yet. 
 
 Ben. It is, sir, to speak punctually, some hour 
 and half, eight three thirds of two seconds of one 
 minute over at most, sir. 
 
 Ful. I do not ask thee now, or if I did. 
 We are not much the wiser ; and for news 
 
 Ben. Auria, the fortunate, is this day to be re- 
 ceiv'd with great solemnity at the city council- 
 house ; the streets are already throng'd with 
 lookers-on. 
 
 Ful. That's well remember'd ; brother Don, let's 
 Or we shall come too late. [trudge, 
 
 Guz. By no means, brother. 
 
 Ful. Wait close, my ragged new-come. 
 
 Ben. As your shadows. lExeunt. 
 
StKNB III. 
 
 THE LADY 5 TRIAL. 
 
 nr 
 
 SCENE 11.—^ Hall in the House 0/ Auria. 
 
 Enter Auria, Adurni, Marti.vo, Trelcatio, Aurklio, 
 PiKRO, and FuTELLi. 
 
 Aur. Your favours, with these honours, speak 
 your bounties ; 
 And though the low deserts of my success 
 Appear, in your constructions, fair and goodly, 
 Yet I attribute to a noble cause, 
 Not my abilities, the thanks due to them. 
 The duke of Florence hath too highly prized'^ 
 My duty in my service, by example. 
 Rather to cherish and encourage virtue. 
 In spirits of action, than to crown the issue 
 Of feeble undertakings. Whilst my life 
 Can stand in use, I shall no longer rate it 
 In value, than it stirs to pay that debt 
 I owe my country for my birth and fortunes. 
 
 Mart. Which to make good, our state of Genoa, 
 Not willing that a native of her own. 
 So able for her safety, should take pension 
 From any other prince, hath cast upon you 
 The government of Corsica. 
 
 Trel. Adds thereto, 
 Besides th' allowance yearly due, for ever, 
 To you and to your heirs, the full revenue 
 Belonging to Savona, with the office 
 Of admiral of Genoa. 
 
 Adur. Presenting 
 By my hands, from their public treasury, 
 A thousand ducats. 
 
 Mart. But they limit only 
 One month of stay for your dispatch ; no more. 
 
 F?if. In all your great attempts, may you grow 
 Secure and prosperous ! [thrifty, 
 
 '- Piero. If you please to rank, 
 Amongst the humblest, one that shall attend 
 Instructions under your command, I am 
 Ready to wait the charge. 
 
 Aur. Oh, still the state 
 Engageth me her creature, with the burthen 
 Unequal for my weakness : to you, gentlemen, 
 I will prove friendly honest ; of all mindful. 
 
 Adur. In memory, my Lokd, (such is your 
 stile now,) 
 Of your late fortunate exploits, the council, 
 Amongst their general acts, have registered 
 The great duke's letters, witness of your merit. 
 To stand in characters upon record. 
 
 Aur. Load upon load! let not my want of 
 modesty 
 Trespass against good manners ; I must study 
 Retirement to compose this weighty business. 
 And moderately digest so large a plenty, 
 For fear it swell into a surfeit. 
 
 Adur. May I 
 Be bold to press a visit .' 
 
 Anr. At your pleasure : 
 Good time of day, and peace ! 
 
 All. Health to your lordship ! 
 
 lExeunt all but Advr. and Fut. 
 
 Adtir. What of Spinella yet ? 
 
 Fut. Quite lost ; no prints. 
 Or any tongue of tracing her. However 
 Matters are huddled up, I doubt, my lord, 
 Her husband carries little peace about him. 
 
 Adnr. Fall danger what fall can, she is a good- 
 Above temptation ; more to be adored [ness 
 Thau sifted ; I'm to blame, sure. 
 
 Fut. Levidolche, 
 For her part too, laugh'd at Malfato's frenzy ; 
 (Just so she term'd it ;) but for you, my lord. 
 She said she thank'd your charity, which lent 
 Her crooked soul, before it left her body, 
 Some respite, wherein it might learn again 
 The means of growing straight. 
 
 Adur. She has found mercy ; 
 Which I will seek, and sue for. 
 
 Fut. You are happy. IFxeunt. 
 
 SCENE III. — Another Room in the same. 
 Enter Auria and Aurelio. 
 
 Aur. Count of Savona ! Genoa's admiral ! 
 Lord governor of Corsica ! enroU'd 
 A worthy of my country ! sought and sued to, 
 Praised, courted, flatter'd ! sure this bulk of mine 
 Tails in the size ! a tympany of greatness 
 Puffs up too monstrously my narrow chest. 
 How surely dost thou malice these extremes. 
 Uncomfortable man ! When I was needy. 
 Cast naked on the flats of barren pity. 
 Abated to an ebb so low, that boys 
 A cock-horse frisk'd about me without plunge. 
 You could chat gravely then, in formal tones. 
 Reason most paradoxically ; now. 
 Contempt and wilful grudge at my uprising 
 Becalms your learned noise. 
 
 Aurel. Such flourish, Auria, 
 Flies with so swift a gale, as it will waft 
 Thy sudden joys into a faithless harbour. 
 
 Aur. Canst mutter mischief ? I observ'd your 
 dulness, 
 Whilst the whole ging crow'd to me. Hark ! my 
 Are echo'd under every roof ; the air [triumphs 
 Is straiten'd with the sound, there is not room 
 Enough to brace them in ; but not a thought 
 Doth pierce into the grief that cabins here : 
 Here, through a creek, a little inlet, crawls 
 A flake, no bigger than a spider's thread, 
 Which sets the region of my heart a-fire. 
 I had a kingdom once, but am deposed 
 From all that royalty of blest content. 
 By a confederacy 'twixt love and frailty. 
 
 Aurel. Glories in public view but add to misery. 
 Which travails in unrest at home. 
 
 Aur. At home ! 
 That home Aurelio speaks of I have lost, 
 And, which is worse, when I have roll'd about, 
 Toil'd like a pilgrim round this globe of earth, 
 Wearied with care, and overworn with age. 
 Lodged in the grave, I am not yet at home ; 
 There rots but half of me, the other part 
 Sleeps, Heaven knows where : would she and I — 
 
 my wife 
 I mean, — but what, alas ! talk I of wife ? — 
 The woman — would we had together fed 
 On any out-cast parings, coarse and mouldy, 
 Not lived divided thus ! I could have begg'd 
 For both ; for't had been pity she should ever 
 Have felt so much extremity. 
 
 Aurel. This is not 
 Patience required in wrongs of such vile nature : 
 You pity her ; think rather on revenge. 
 
 Aur. Revenge ! for what, uncharitable friend 
 On whom ? let's speak a little, pray, with reason. 
 \ou found Spinella in Adurni's house ; 
 'Tis like he gave her welcome — very likely ; 
 
158 
 
 THE LADY'S TRIAL. 
 
 Her sister and another with her ; so ! 
 Invited, nobly done ; but he with her 
 i/^rivately chamber'd : — he deserves no wife 
 Of worthy quality, who dares not trust 
 Her virtue in the proofs of any danger. 
 
 Aurel. But I broke ope the doors upon them. 
 
 Aur. Marry, 
 It was a slovenly presumption, 
 And punishable by a sharp rebuke. 
 I tell you, sir, I, in my younger growth, 
 Have by the stealth of privacy enjoy'd 
 A lady's closet, where to have profaned 
 That shrine of chastity and innocence, 
 With one unhallow'd word, would have exiled 
 The freedom of such favour into scorn. 
 Had any he alive then ventured there, 
 With foul construction, I had stampt the justice 
 Of my unguilty truth upon his heart. 
 
 Aurel. Adurni might have done the like ; but 
 The conscience of his fault, in coward blood, [that 
 Blush' d at the quick surprisal. 
 
 Aur. O fie, fie I 
 How ill some argue, in their sour reproof, 
 Against a party liable to law ! 
 For had that lord offended with that creature, 
 Her presence would have doubled every strength 
 Of man in him, and justified the forfeit 
 Of noble shame ; else 'twas enough in both 
 With a smile only to correct your rudeness. 
 
 Aurel. 'Tis well you make such use of neigh- 
 bours' courtesy : 
 Some kind of beasts are tame, and hug their inju- 
 Such way leads to a fame too ! [ries ; 
 
 Aur. Not uncivilly. 
 Though violently, friend. 
 
 Aurel. Wherefore, then, think you. 
 Can she absent herself, if she be blameless ? 
 You grant, of course, your triumphs are pro- 
 And I in person told her your return : [claim'd ; 
 Where lies she hid the while ? 
 
 Aur. That rests for answer 
 In you ; now I come to you : we have exchanged 
 Bosoms, Aurelio, from our years of childhood ; 
 Let me acknowledge with what pride I own 
 A man so faithful, honest, fast, my friend ; 
 He whom, if I speak fully, never fail'd. 
 By teaching trust to me, to learn of mine : 
 I wish'd myself thine equal ; if I aim'd 
 Awrong, 'twas in an envy of thy goodness ; 
 So dearly (witness with me my integrity) 
 ^ laid thee up to heart, that, from my love, 
 My wife was but distinguish' d in her sex : 
 Give back that holy signature of friendship, 
 Cancell'd, defaced, pluck'd off, or I shall urge 
 Accounts, scored on the tally of my vengeance, 
 Without all former compliments. 
 
 Aurel. D'you imagine 
 I fawn upon your fortunes, or intrude 
 Upon the hope of bettering my estate. 
 That you cashier me at a minute's warning ? 
 No, Auria, I dare vie with your respects ; 
 Put both into the balance, and the poise 
 Shall make a settled stand : perhaps the proffer, 
 So frankly vow'd at your departure first, 
 Of settling me a partner in your purchase, 
 Leads you into opinion of some ends 
 Of mercenary falsehood ; yet such wrong 
 Least suits a noble soul. 
 
 Aur. By all my sorrows, 
 The mention is too coarse. 
 
 Aurel. Since then the occasion 
 Presents our discontinuance, use your liberty ; 
 For my part, I am resolute to die 
 The same my life profess'd me. 
 
 Aur. Pish ! your faith 
 Was never in suspicion ; but consider. 
 Neither the lord, nor lady, nor the bawd. 
 Which shuffled them together. Opportunity, 
 Have fasten'd stain on my unquestion'd name; 
 My friend's rash indiscretion was the bellows 
 Which blew the coal, (now kindled to a flame,) 
 Will light his slander to all wandering eyes. 
 Some men in giddy zeal o'er-do that office 
 They catch at, of whose number is Aurelio : 
 For I am certain, certain, it had been 
 Impossible, had you stood wisely silent, 
 But my Spinella, trembling on her knee. 
 Would have accus'd her breach of truth, and 
 A speedy execution on her trespass ; [begg'd 
 
 Then with a justice, lawful as the magistrate's, 
 Might I have drawn my sword against Adurni, 
 Which now is sheath'd and rusted in the scabbard, 
 Good thanks to your cheap providence ! — Once 
 
 more 
 I make demand — my wife ! — you, — sir — 
 
 \_Draws his sword. 
 ^ Aurel. Roar louder, 
 
 The noise affrights not me ; threaten your enemies. 
 And prove a valiant tongue-man; — now must 
 By way of method, the exact condition [follow, 
 Of rage which runs to mutiny in friendship. 
 Auria, come on, this weapon looks not pale 
 
 [Draws 
 At sight of that — Again hear, and believe it, 
 What I have done, was well done and well meant , 
 Twenty times over, were it new to do, 
 I'd do't and do't, and boast the pains religious ; 
 Yet since you shake me off, I slightly value 
 Other severity. 
 
 Aur. Honour and duty 
 Stand my compurgators : never did passion 
 Purpose ungentle usage of my sword 
 Against Aurelio ; let me rather want 
 My hands, nay, friend, a heart, than ever suffer 
 Such dotage enter here. If I must lose 
 Spinella, let me not proceed to misery, 
 By losing my Aurelio : we, through madness, 
 Frame strange conceits in our discoursing brains. 
 And prate of things as we pretend they were. 
 Join help to mine, good man, and let us listen 
 After this straying soul, and, till we find her. 
 Bear our discomfort quietly. 
 
 Aurel. So, doubtless. 
 She may be soon discover'd. 
 
 Aur. That's spoke cheerfully. 
 Why there's a friend now ! — Auria and Aurelio 
 At odds ! oh ! it cannot be, must not, and shall 
 not . 
 
 Enter Castanna. 
 
 But look, Castanna's here ! - welcome, fair figure 
 Of a choice jewel, lock'd up in a cabinet. 
 More precious than the public view should sully. 
 Cast. Sir, how you are inform'd, or on wliat 
 terms 
 Of prejudice against my course or custom. 
 Opinion sways your confidence, I know not. 
 Much anger, if my fears persuade not falsely. 
 Sits on this gentleman's stern brow ; yet, sir. 
 If an unhappy maid's word may find credit. 
 
SCKNK JV. 
 
 THE LADY'S TRIAL 
 
 169 
 
 As I wish harm to nobody on earth, 
 
 So would all good folks may wish none to me ! 
 
 Aur. None does, sweet sister. 
 
 Cast. If they do, dear Heaven 
 Forgive them, is my prayer ; but, perhaps, 
 You might conceive (and yet methinks you should 
 
 not) 
 How I am faulty in my sister's absence : 
 Indeed 'tis nothing so, nor was I knowing 
 Of any private speech my lord intended. 
 Save civil entertainment : pray, what hurt 
 Can fall out in discourse, if it be modest ? ^-^ 
 Sure noblemen will shew that they are such 
 With those of their own rank ; — and that was all 
 My sister can be charged with. 
 
 Aur. Is't not, friend, 
 An excellent maid ? 
 
 Aurel. Deserves the best of fortunes ; 
 [ ever spoke her virtuous. 
 
 Cast. With your leave. 
 You used most cruel language to my sister, 
 Enough to fright her wits : not very kind 
 To me myself; she sigh'd when you were gone, 
 Desired no creature else should follow her ; 
 And in good truth, I was so full of weeping, 
 I niark'd not well which way she went. 
 
 Aur. Staid she not 
 Within tlie house then ? 
 
 Cast. 'Las, not she ! — Aurelio 
 Was passing rough. 
 
 Aur. Strange ! nowhere to be found ? 
 
 Cast. Not yet ; but on my life, ere many hours, 
 I shall hear from her. 
 
 Aur. Shalt thou ? Worthy maid. 
 Thou hast brought to my sick heart a cordial. — 
 
 Friend, 
 Good news ! — most sweet Castanna 1 
 
 Aurel. May it prove so. \_Exeunt. 
 
 SCENE IV.— ^ Street. 
 
 Enter Benatzi. 
 
 Ben. The paper in the purse for my directions 
 appointed this the place, the time now ; here dance 
 I attendance — she is come already. 
 
 Enter Levidolche. 
 
 Lev. Farado 1 so I overheard you named. 
 
 Ben. A mushroom, sprung up in a minute by 
 the sunshine of your benevolent grace. Liberality, 
 and hospitable compassion, most magnificent 
 beauty, have long since lain bed-rid in the ashes of 
 the old world, till now your illustrious charity hath 
 raked up the dead embers, by giving life to a worm 
 inevitably devoted yours, as you shall please to 
 new-shape me. 
 
 Lev. A grateful man, it seems. Where gratitude 
 Has harbour, other furniture, becoming 
 Accomplish' d qualities, must needs inhabit. lAside. 
 What country claims your birth ? 
 
 Ben. None ; I was born at sea, as my mother 
 was in passage from Cape Ludugory to Cape Ca- 
 gliari, toward Africk, in Sardinia ; was bred up in 
 Aquilastro, and, at years, put myself in service 
 under the Spanish viceroy, till I was taken prisoner 
 by the Turks. I have tasted in my days handsome 
 store of good and bad, and am thankful for both. 
 
 Lev. You seem the issue, then, of honest parents. 
 
 Ben. Reputed no less : many children often- 
 times inherit their lands who peradventure never 
 begot them. My mother's husband was a very old 
 man at my birth ; but no man is too old to father 
 his wife's child : your servant, I am sure, I will 
 ever prove entirely. 
 
 Lev. Dare you be secret ? 
 
 Ben. Yes. 
 
 Lev. And sudden ? 
 
 Ben. Yes. 
 
 Lev. But, withal, sure of hand and spirit? 
 
 Ben. Yes, yes, yes. 
 
 Lev. I use not many words, the time prevents 
 'em : 
 A man of quality has robb'd mine honour. 
 
 Ben. Name him. 
 
 Lev. Adurni. 
 
 Ben. He shall bleed. 
 
 Lev. Malfato 
 Contemn'd my profFer'd love. 
 
 Ben. Yoke them in death.— 
 What's my reward 1 
 
 Lev. Propose it, and enjoy it. 
 
 Ben. You for my wife. 
 
 Lev. Ha! 
 
 Ben. Nothing else : deny me, 
 And I'll betray your counsels to your ruin ; 
 Else, do the feat courageously. — Consider. 
 
 Lev. I do : dispatch the task I have enjoin'd, 
 Then claim my promise. 
 
 Ben. No such matter, pretty one, 
 We'll marry first, — or— farewell. \Going. 
 
 Lev. Stay : examine 
 From my confession what a plague thou draw'st 
 Into thy bosom ; though I blush to say it. 
 Know, I have, without sense of shame or honour. 
 Forsook a lawful marriage-bed, to dally 
 Between Adurni's arms. 
 
 Ben. This lord's ? 
 
 Lev. The same. 
 More ; not content with him, I courted 
 A newer pleasure, but was there refused 
 By him I named so late. 
 
 Ben. Malfato? 
 
 Lev. Right : 
 Am henceforth resolutely bent to print 
 My follies on their hearts ; then change my life 
 For some rare penance. Caast thou love me r.ow ? 
 
 Ben. Better ; 
 I do believe 'tis possible you may mend : "^ 
 All this breaks off no bargain. 
 
 Lev. Accept my hand ; with this a faith as con- 
 stant 
 As vows can urge ; nor shall my haste prevent 
 This contract, which death only must divorce. 
 
 Ben. Settle the time. 
 
 Lev. Meet here to-morrow night ; 
 We will determine further, as behoves us. 
 
 Ben. How is my new love call'd ? 
 
 Lev. Levidolche. 
 Be confident, I bring a worthy portion. — 
 But you'll fly off. 
 
 Ben. Not I, by all that's noble 1 
 A kiss — farewell, dear fate ! iExit.r 
 
 Lev. Love is sharp-sighted, v/ 
 And can pierce through the cunning of disguises. 
 False pleasures I cashier ye ; fair truth welcome ! 
 
 lExii 
 
J CO 
 
 TIIK LADY'S TRIAL. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE L — A Room in the House o/Malfato. 
 Enter Malfato and Spinella. 
 
 Mai. Here you are safe, sad cousin ; if you 
 please, 
 May over-say the circumstance of what 
 You late discours'd : mine ears are gladly open, 
 i 'For I myself am in such hearty league 
 With solitary thoughts, that pensive language 
 Charms my attention. 
 
 Spin. But my husband's honours, 
 By how much more in him they sparkle clearly, 
 By so much more they tempt belief, to credit 
 The wreck and ruin of my injured name. 
 
 Mai. Why, cousin, should the earth cleave to 
 tlie roots. 
 The seas and heavens be mingled in disorder, 
 Your purity witli unaffrighted eyes 
 Might wait the uproar ; 'tis the guilty trembles 
 At horrors, not the innocent ! you are cruel 
 In censuring a liberty allow'd. 
 Speak freely, gentle cousin, was Adurni 
 Importunately wanton ? 
 
 Spin. In excess 
 Of entertainment, else not. 
 
 Mai. Not the boldness 
 Of an uncivil courtship ? 
 
 Spin. What that meant, 
 I never understood. I have at once 
 Set bars between my best of earthly joys, 
 And best of men ; so excellent a man 
 As lives without comparison ; his love 
 To me was matchless. 
 
 Mai. Yet put case, sweet cousin. 
 That I could name a creature, whose affection 
 Followed your Auria in the height ; affection 
 To you, even to Spinella, true and settled 
 As ever Auria's was, can, is, or will be ; 
 You may not chide the story. 
 
 Spin. Fortune's minions 
 Are flatter'd, not the miserable. 
 
 Mai. Listen 
 To a strange tale, which thus the author sigh'd. 
 A kinsman of Spinella, (so it runs) 
 Her father's sister's son, some time before 
 Auria, the fortunate, possessed her beauties. 
 Became enamour'd of such rare perfections 
 As she was stored with ; fed his idle hopes 
 With possibilities of lawful conquest ; 
 Proposed each difficulty in pursuit 
 Of what his vain supposal stiled his own ; 
 Found in the argument one only flaw 
 •^ Of conscience, by the nearness of their bloods — 
 Unhappy scruple, easily dispens'd with. 
 Had any friend's advice resolv'd the doubt. 
 Still on he loved, and loved, and wish'd, and 
 
 wish'd ; 
 Eftsoon began to speak, yet soon broke oft'. 
 And still the fondling durst not, — 'cause he durst 
 
 Spin. 'Twas wonderful. [not. 
 
 Mai. Exceeding wonderful, 
 Beyond all wonder ; yet 'tis known for truth. 
 After her marriage, when remain'd not ought 
 Of expectation to such fruitless dotage. 
 His reason then, now, — then — could not reduce 
 The violence of passion, though he vow'd 
 Ne'er to unlock that secret, scarce to her, 
 
 Herself, Spinella ; and withal resolv'd 
 
 Not to come near her presence, but to avoid 
 
 All opportunities, however proffer'd. 
 
 Spin. An understanding duU'd by the infelicity 
 Of constant sorrow, is not apprehensive 
 In pregnant novelty ; my ears receive 
 The words you utter, cousin, but my thoughts 
 Are fasten'd on another subject. 
 
 Mai. Can you 
 Embrace, so like a darling, your own woes, 
 And play the tyrant with a partner in them ? 
 Then I am thankful for th' advantage ; urg'd 
 By fatal and enjoin'd necessity, 
 To stand up in defence of injur'd virtue ; 
 Will, against any, I except no quality, 
 Maintain all supposition misapplied, 
 Unhonest, false, and villainous. 
 
 Spin. Dear cousin. 
 As you're a gentleman — 
 
 Mai. I'll bless that hand, 
 Whose honourable pity seals the passport 
 For my incessant turmoils, to their rest. 
 If I prevail, (which heaven forbid !) these ages 
 Which shall inherit ours, may tell posterity 
 Spinella had Malfato for a kinsman, 
 By noble love made jealous of her fame. 
 
 Spin. No more ; I dare not hear it. 
 
 Mai. All is said : 
 Henceforth shall never syllable proceed. 
 From my unpleasant voice, of amorous folly. 
 
 Enter Castanna. 
 
 Cast. Your summons warn'd me hither ; I am 
 Sister ! my sister, 'twas an unkind part, [come. 
 Not to take me along wi' you. 
 
 Mai. Chide her for it ; 
 Castanna, this house is as freely yours. 
 As ever was your father's. 
 
 Cast. We conceive so. 
 Though your late strangeness hath bred marvel in 
 
 us. 
 But wherefore, sister, keeps your silence distance ? 
 Ami not welcome to you ? 
 
 Spin. Lives Auria safe ? 
 Oh, prithee do not hear me call him husband, 
 Before thou canst resolve what kind of wife 
 His fury terms the runaway ; speak quickly, 
 Yet do not — stay, Castanna,— I am lost ! 
 His friend hath set before him a bad woman, ^ 
 And he, good man, believes it. 
 
 Cast. Now in truth — 
 
 Spin. Hold! my heart trembles— I perceive thj? 
 tongue 
 Is great with ills, and hastes to be deliver'd ; 
 I should not use Castanna so. First tell me, 
 Shortly and truly tell me, how he does. 
 
 Cast. In perfect health. 
 
 Spin. For that, my thanks to Heaven. 
 
 Mai. The world hath not another wife like 
 this. — 
 Cousin, you will not hear your sister speak. 
 So much your passion rules. 
 
 Spin. Even what she pleases r 
 Go on, Castanna. 
 
 Cast. Your most noble husband 
 Is deaf to all reports, and only grieves 
 At his soul's love, Spinella's, causeless absence. 
 
SCK.NK II. 
 
 THE LADY'S TRIAL. 
 
 I'Jl 
 
 Mai. Why look ye, cousin, now ! 
 
 Spin. Indeed ! 
 
 Cast. Will value 
 No counsel, takes no pleasure in his greatness, 
 Neither admits of likelihood at all 
 That you are living ; if you were, he's certain 
 It were impossible you could conceal 
 Your welcomes to him, being all one with him ; 
 But as. for jealousy of your dishonour, 
 He both laughs at and. scorns it. 
 
 Spin. Does he ! 
 
 Mai. Therein "^ 
 
 He shows himself desertful of his happiness. 
 
 Cast. Methinks the news should cause some 
 motion, sister — 
 You are not well. 
 
 Mai. Not well ! 
 
 Spin. I am unworthy — 
 
 Mai. Of whom ? what ? why ? 
 
 Spin. Go, cousin ; — come, Castanna. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE II. — An Apartment in the House of 
 Trelcatio. 
 
 Enter Trelcatio, Piero, and Futelli. 
 
 Trel. The state in council is already set, 
 My coming will be late ; now therefore, gentlemen, 
 This house is free ; as your intents are sober, 
 Your pains shall be accepted. 
 
 Fut. Mirth sometimes 
 Falls into earnest, signor. 
 
 Piero. We, for our parts, 
 Aim at the best. 
 
 Trel. You wrong yourselves and me else : 
 
 Good success to you 
 
 [Exit. 
 
 Piero. Futelli, 'tis our wisest course to follow 
 Our pastime with discretion, by which means 
 We may ingratiate, as our business hits. 
 Our undertakings to great Auria's favour. 
 
 Fnt. I grow quite weary of this lazy custom, 
 Attending on the fruitless hopes of service. 
 For meat and rags : a wit ? a shrewd preferment 
 Study some scurril jests, grow old, and beg ! 
 No, let them be admired that love foul linen ; 
 I'll run a new course. 
 
 Piero. Get the coin we spend, 
 And knock them o'er the pate who jeer our earn- 
 
 Fat. Hush, man ; one suitor comes. [ings. — 
 
 Piero. The t'other follows. 
 
 Flit. Be not so loud IMnsic below. 
 
 Here comes Madonna Sweet-lips ; 
 Mithtrelh, in thooth, forthooth, will lithpe it to 
 uth. 
 
 Enter Amoretta. 
 
 Amor. L»entlemen, then ye ! Ith thith muthicke 
 youi th, or can ye tell what great manth's fidleth 
 made it? tith vedee petty noyth, but who thold 
 theiid it ? 
 
 Piero. Does not yourself know, lady ? 
 
 Amor. I do not uthe 
 To thpend lip-labour upon quethtionths. 
 That 1 mythelfe can aiithwer. 
 
 Fut. No, sweet madam, 
 >"o\ir lips aie destine'! to a better use, 
 f ^1 tJM- the ])roverb fails of lisping ni.iiiis. 
 
 Aw.or. Kilhingyoii mean : piy com;' li(liin>l \\\[\\ 
 youi mockllij tlK;u. 2vi 
 
 My lipthes will therve the one to kith the other — 
 How now, whath neckth .' 
 
 SONG helow. 
 
 What, ho ! we come to be merry, 
 
 Open the doors, a jovial crew. 
 Lusty boys and free, and very, 
 
 Very, very lusty boys are we ; 
 
 We can drink till all look blue, 
 Dance, sing, and roar. 
 Never give o'er. 
 As long as we have e'er an eye to see 
 
 Pithee, pithee, leths come in, 
 Oue thall all oua favous win, 
 Dently, dently, we thall passe ; 
 
 None kithcth like the lithping lasse. 
 
 Piero. What call ye this, a song ? 
 
 Amor. Yeth, a delithious thing, and wondroth 
 prety. 
 
 Fut. A very countryrcatch ! {Aside.) — Doubt:- 
 less, some prince 
 Belike, hath sent it to congratulate 
 Your night's repose. 
 
 Amor. Thinke ye tho, thignior ? 
 It muth be then thome unknowne obthcure priuth, 
 That thuns the light. 
 
 Piero. Perhaps the prince of darkness, l'-^ 
 
 Amor. Of darkneth ! what ith he ? 
 
 Fut. A courtier matchless ; 
 He woos and wins more beauties to his love 
 Than all the kings on earth. 
 
 Amor. Whea thandth hith court, pey ? 
 
 Fut. This gentleman approaching, I presume, 
 Has more relation to his court than I, 
 And comes in time t'inform ye. 
 
 Enter Fulgoso, 
 
 Amor. Think ye tho ? 
 I'm thure you know him. 
 
 Piero. Lady, you'll perceive it. 
 
 Ful. She seems in my first entrance to admire 
 me : 
 Protest she eyes me round ; Fulg. she's thine own ! 
 
 \_A^idc. 
 
 Piero. Noble Fulgoso. 
 
 Ful. Did you hear the music ? 
 *Twas I that brought it; was't not tickling? ha, ha ! 
 
 Amor. Pay, what pinth thent it ? 
 
 Ful. Prince ! no prince, but we ; 
 We set the ditty, and composed the song ; 
 There's not a note or foot in't but our own. 
 And the pure trodden mortar of this brain : 
 We can do things and things. 
 
 Amor. Dood ! thing't youa thelfe then. 
 
 Ful. Nay, nay, I could never sing 
 More than a gib-cat, or a very howlet ; 
 But you shall hear me whistle it. \_WhisUes. 
 
 Amor. Thith thingth thome jethter ; 
 Thure he belongth unto the piuth of daikneth. 
 
 Piero. Yes, and I'll tell you what his office is : 
 His prince delights himself exceedingly 
 In birds of divers kinds ; this gentleman ^ 
 Is keeper and instructor of his black-birds ; 
 He took his skill first from his father's carter. 
 
 Amor. Tith wonderful to thee by what thranj^e 
 meanes 
 Thome men are raised to plathes. 
 
 Ful. 1 do hear you. 
 And thank you heartily lor your gcxid wills, 
 in setting forth my parts; but what I live on, 
 
1(V2 
 
 THE LADY'S TRIAL. 
 
 Is simple trade of money from my 1 mds : 
 Hang sharks ! I am no shifter. 
 Amor. Ith potliible ? 
 
 Enter Guzman. 
 Bleth uth, whoth thith ? 
 
 Fut. Oh, 'tis the man of might. 
 
 Guz. May my address to beauty liy no scandal 
 Upon my martial honour, since even Mars, 
 I Whom, as in war, in love I imitate, 
 Could not resist the shafts of Cupid ; therefore, 
 As, with the god of war, I deign to stoop, 
 Lady, voiichsafe. Love's goddess-like, to yield 
 Your fairer hand unto these lips, the portals 
 Of valiant breath that hath o'erturn'd an army. 
 
 Amor. Faya weather keep me ! what a thorme 
 ith thith ? 
 
 Fut. Oh, Don, keep off at further distance ; yet 
 A little farther ; do you not observe 
 How your strong breath hath terrified the lady ? 
 
 Guz. I'll stop the breath of war, and breathe 
 as gently 
 As a perfumed pair of sucking bellnvs 
 In some sweet lady's chamber ; for I can 
 Speak lion-like, or sheep-like, when I please. 
 
 Fut. Stand by, then, without noise, a while, 
 brave Don, 
 And let her only view your parts: they'll take her. 
 
 Guz. I'll publish them in silence. 
 
 Piero. Stand you there, 
 Fulgoso the magnificent. 
 
 Ful. Here ? 
 
 Piero. Just there : 
 Let her survey you both ; you'll be her choice, 
 Ne'er doubt it, man. 
 
 Ful. I cannot doubt it, man. 
 
 Piero. But speak not till I bid you. 
 
 Ful, I may whistle ? 
 
 Piero. A little to yourself, to spend the time. 
 
 Amor. Both foolth., you thay ? 
 
 Till. But hear them for your sport. 
 
 Piero. Don shall begin. — Begin, Don ; she has 
 survey 'd 
 Your outwards and your inwards, through the rents 
 And wounds of your apparel. 
 
 Guz. She is politic ; 
 My outside, lady, shrouds a prince obscured. 
 
 Amor. I thank ye for your muthicke, printh. 
 
 Guz. My words 
 Are uiusic to her. \_Aside. 
 
 Amor. The muthicke and the thong 
 You thont me by thith whithling thing, your man. 
 
 Guz. She took him for my man ! love, thou wert 
 just. lAside. 
 
 Ful. I will not hold : — his man ! 'tis time to 
 speak 
 Before my time ; oh scurvy, I his man, 
 That has no means for meat, or rags and seam- 
 rents ! 
 
 Guz. Have I wi'-h this one rapier — 
 
 Piero. He has no other. 
 
 Guz. Pass'd through a field of pikes, whose 
 heads I lopt 
 i\s easily as the bloody-minded youth 
 Lopt off the poppy-heads ? 
 
 Ful. The puppet-heads. 
 
 Guz. Have I have I have 1 ? 
 
 Ful. Thou liest, thou hast not, 
 And I'll maintain't. 
 
 Guz. Have I — but let that pass ; 
 
 For though my famous acts were damn'd to silence. 
 Yet my descent shall crown me thy superior. 
 
 Amor. That I would lithen to. 
 
 Guz. List and wonder. 
 My great-great-grandsire was an ancient duke, 
 Stiled Desver di Gonzado. 
 
 Fut. That's, in Spanish, 
 An incorrigible rogue, without a fellow, 
 An unmatch'd rogue : he thinks we understand 
 not. 
 
 Guz. So was my grandfather, hight Argozile. 
 
 Fut. An arrant, arrant thief- leader; pray mark it. 
 
 Guz. My grandsire by the mother's side a conde, 
 Conde Scrivano. 
 
 Fut. A crop-ear'd scrivener. 
 
 Guz. Whose son, my mother's father, was a 
 Hijo di puto [marcpiis, 
 
 Piero. That's the son of a whore. 
 
 G z. And my renowned sire, Don Picaro, — 
 
 Fut. In proper sense, a rascal — O, brave Don ! 
 
 Guz. Hijo di una pravada — 
 
 Piero. He goes on, 
 Son of a branded bitch — high-spirited Don ! 
 
 Guz. Had honours both by sea and land, to wit — 
 
 Ful. The gallies and Bridewell. 
 
 Ful. I'll not endure it. 
 To hear a canting mongrel — hear me, lady ! 
 
 Guz. 'Tis no fair play. 
 
 Ful. I care not, fair or foul. — 
 I from a king derive my pedigree, 
 King Oberon by name, from whom my father, 
 The mighty and courageous Mountibanco, 
 Was lineally descended ; and my mother 
 (In right of whose blood I must ever honour 
 The lower Germany) was a Harlequin. 
 
 Fut. He'll blow up 
 The Spaniard presently by his mother's side. 
 
 Ful. Her father was Grave Hans Van Heme, 
 the son 
 Of Hogen Mogen, dat de droates did sneigheu 
 Of veirteen hundred Spaniards in one neict. 
 
 Guz^ Oh, diabolo ! 
 
 Ful' Ten thousand devils, nor diabolos, 
 Shall flight me from my pedigree. — My uncle, 
 Yacob Van Flagon-drought, with Abraham Snor- 
 
 ten-fert. 
 And yongster Brogen-foh, with fourscore hargu- 
 
 bush. 
 Managed by well-lined butter-boxes, took 
 A thousand Spanish jobbernowls by surprise, 
 And beat a sconce about their ears. 
 
 Guz. My fury 
 Is now but justice on thy forfeit life. ^Draws 
 
 Amor. 'Lath, they thaU not fight. 
 
 Fu,t. Fear not, sweet lady. 
 
 Piero. Be advised, great spirits. 
 
 Ful. My fortunes bid me to be wise in duels ; 
 Else hang't, who cares I 
 
 G^cz. Mine honour is my tutor, 
 Already tried and known. 
 
 Fut. Why, there's the point. 
 Mine honour is my tutor too. Noble men 
 Fight in their persons ! scorn't ! 'tis out of fashion; 
 There's none but hare-brain'd youths of mettle 
 use it. 
 
 Piero. Yet put not up your swords ; it is the 
 pleasure 
 Of the fair lady that you quit the field, 
 W^ith brandish 'd blades in hand. 
 
 Fut. And more, to show 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE LADY'S TRIAL. 
 
 ICli 
 
 Your suffering valour, as her equal favours, 
 You both should take a competence of kicks. 
 
 Jiolh. How ? 
 
 Flit, and Piero. Thus and thus ! [kicking them,'] 
 away, you brace of stinkards ! 
 
 Ful. Pheugh ! as it were. — lU'hisUcs. 
 
 Guz. Why, since it is her pleasure, 
 I dare and wiil endure it. 
 
 Ful. Pheugh 1 
 
 Picro. Away, 
 But stay below. 
 
 Put. Budge not, I charge ye, -'^ 
 
 Till you have further leave. 
 
 Guz. Mine honour claims 
 The last foot in the field. 
 
 Ful. I'll lead the van then. 
 
 Put. Yet more ? begone ! 
 
 [Excitnl FuLG. and Guz. 
 Are not these precious suitors — 
 
 Re-enter Trklcatio. 
 
 Trcl. What tumults fright the house » 
 
 Put. A brace of castrels, 
 That flutter'd, sir, about this lovely game. 
 Your daughter ; but they durst not give the souse, 
 And so took hedge. 
 
 Picro. Meie haggards, buzzards, kites. 
 
 Amor. I thkorne thuch trumpery; and will thape 
 my lufFe, 
 Henthforth, ath thall my father betht direct me. 
 
 Trel. Why now thou sing'st in tune, my Amo- 
 retta ; 
 And, my good friends, you have, like wise phy- 
 sicians. 
 Prescribed a healthful diet : I shall think on 
 A bounty for your pains, and will present ye 
 To noble Auria, such as your descents 
 Commend ; but for the present we must quit 
 This room to privacy : they come 
 
 Amor. Nay, predee, 
 Leave me not, dentlemen. 
 
 Put. We are your servants. . iKxcunt. 
 
 Enter Auria, Adurni, and Aurkjlio. 
 
 Aur. You are welcome, be assured you are ; for 
 proof. 
 Retrieve the boldness (as you please to term it) 
 Of visit to commands : if this man's presence 
 Be not of use, dismiss him. 
 
 Adur. 'Tis, with favour 
 Of consequence, my lord, j'our friend may witness 
 How far my reputation stands engaged 
 To noble reconcilement. 
 
 Aur. I observe 
 No party here amongst us, who can challenge 
 A motion of su<"h honour. 
 
 Adur. Could your looks 
 Bnriow more clear serenity and calmness, 
 Thau can the peace of a composed soul ; 
 Yet, I presume, report of my attempt, 
 Train'd by a curie sity in youth 
 For scattering clouds before 'em, hath rais'd tem- 
 Which will at last break out. [pests 
 
 Aur. Hid now, most likely, 
 I ' the darkness of your speech. 
 
 Aurel. You nay be |)Uiner 
 
 Adur. I shall, my lor I ; that I intended wrong ! 
 
 Aur. Ha! wrong! t»\\hom.' 
 
 Adur. To Auria; an 1 ;ts far 
 As language could preva'l, did 
 
 Aur. Take advice. 
 Young lord, before your tongue betray a secret 
 Conceal'd yet from the world; hear and consider* 
 In all my flight of vanity and giddiness, 
 When scarce the wings of my excess were fledg'd, 
 When a distemperature of youthful heat 
 Might have excus'd disorder and ambition, 
 Even then, and so from thence till now the down 
 Of softness is exchang'd for plumes of age, 
 Confirm'd and harden 'd, never durst I pitch 
 On any, howsoever likely, rest. 
 Where the presumption might be construed wrong; 
 The word is hateful, and the sense wants pa— Ion. 
 For, as I durst not wrong the meanest, so 
 He who but only aim'd, by any boldness, 
 A wrong to me, should find I must not bea it ; 
 The one is as unmanly as the other. — 
 Now, without interruption. 
 
 Adur. Stand, Aurelio, 
 And justify thine accusation boldly ; 
 Spare me the needless use of my confession ; 
 And, having told no more, than what thy jealousy 
 Possess'd thee with, again before my face. 
 Urge to thy fi'iend the breach of hospitality 
 Adurni trespast in, and thou conceiv'st. 
 Against Spinella ; [when thy] proofs grow faint. 
 If barely not suppos'd, I'll answer guilty. 
 
 Aurel. You come not here to brave us .'' 
 
 Adur. No, Aurelio ; 
 But to reply upon that brittle evidence. 
 To which thy cunning never shall rejoin. 
 I make my judge my jury ; be accountant 
 Whether, with all the eagerness of spleen 
 Of a suspicious rage can plead, thou hast 
 Enforced the likelihood of scandal. 
 
 Aurel. Doubt not 
 But that 1 have deliver'd honest truth. 
 As much as I believe, and justly witness. 
 
 Adur. Loose grounds to raise a bulwaik of 
 reproach on ! 
 And thus for that — My errand hither is not 
 In whining, truant-like submission. 
 To cry, " I have offended, pray, forgive me : 
 I will do so no more :" but to proclaim 
 The power of virtue, whose commanding sove- 
 reignty 
 Sets bounds to rebel-bloods; and checks, restrains, 
 Custom of folly ; by example teaches 
 A rule to reformation ; by rewards. 
 Crowns worthy actions, and invites to honour. 
 
 Aurel. Honour and worthy actions best beseCiA 
 Their lips who practise both, and not discourse 'em. 
 
 Aur. Peace, peace, man ; I am silent. 
 
 Adur. Some there are. 
 And they not few in number, who resolve 
 No beauty can be chaste, unless attempted ; 
 And, for because the liberty of courtship 
 Flies from the wanton, on the her comes next. 
 Meeting oft-times too many soon seduced, 
 Conclude, all may he won by gifts, by service, 
 Or compliments of vows : and with this file 
 I stood in rank ; conquest secured my confidence. 
 Spinella — storm not, Auria — was an obj-ect 
 Of study for fruition ; here I angled. 
 Not doubting the deceit could find resistance. 
 
 Aurel. After confession, follows 
 
 Aur. Noise ! observe him. 
 
 Adur. Oh, strange ! by all the comforts of my 
 I found a woman good ; — a woman good ! [hopes. 
 Yet, as I wish belief, or do desire 
 w Z 
 
164 
 
 THE LADY'S TRIAL. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 A memorable mention, so much majesty 
 Of humbleness, and scorn, appear'd at once 
 In fair, in chaste, in wise Spinella's eyes, 
 That I grew dull in utterance, and one frown 
 From her, cool'd every flame of sensual appetite. 
 
 Aur. On, sir, and do not stop. 
 
 Adur. Without protests, 
 T pleaded merely love, used not a syllable, 
 But what a virgin might, without a blush, 
 I Have listen'd to, and, not well arm'd, have pitied ; 
 But she neglecting, cry'd, " Come, Auria, come, 
 Fight for thy wife at home !" then in rush'd you, 
 Talk'd in much fury, parted ; when as soon [sir, 
 The lady vanish'd, after her the rest. 
 
 Aur. What follow'd? 
 
 Adur. My commission on mine error ; 
 In execution whereof I have proved 
 So punctually severe, that I renounce 
 All memory, not to this one fault alone, 
 But to my other greater, and more irksome. 
 Now he, whoever owns a name, that construes 
 This repetition the report of fear, 
 Of falsehood, or imposture, let him tell me, 
 I give myself the lie, and I will clear 
 The injury, and man to man ; — or, if 
 Such justice may prove doubtful, two to two, 
 Or three to three, or any way reprieve 
 The opinion of my forfeit, without blemish. 
 
 Aur. Who can you think I am ? did you expect 
 So great a tameness as you find, Adurni, 
 That you cast loud defiance? say — 
 
 Adur. I have robb'd you 
 Of rigour, Auria, by my strict self-penance, 
 For the presumption. 
 
 Aur. Sure, Italians hardly 
 Admit dispute in questions of this nature ; 
 The trick is new. 
 
 Adur. I find my absolution, 
 By vows of change from all ignoble practice. 
 
 Aur. Why look ye, friend, I told you this be- 
 fore ; 
 You would not be persuaded : — let me think — 
 
 [ Walks apart 
 
 Aurel. You do not yet deny that you solicited 
 The lady to ill purpose. 
 
 Adur. I have answer'd ; 
 But it return'd much quiet to my mind, 
 Perplex'd with rare commotions. 
 
 Aur. That's the way ; 
 It smooths all rubs. 
 
 Aurel. My lord } 
 
 Aur. Fob ! I am thinking 
 
 You may talk forward If it take, 'tis clear ; 
 
 And then — and then, — and so — and so — 
 
 Aditr. You labour 
 With curious engines, sure. 
 
 A7ir. Fine ones ! I take you 
 To be a man of credit ; else — 
 
 Adur. Suspicion 
 Is needless, know me better. 
 
 Aur. Yet you must not 
 Part from me, sir. 
 
 Adur. For that, your pleasure. 
 
 Aur. " Come, 
 Fight for thy wife at home, my Auria ! " — Yes, 
 We can fight, my Spinella, when thine honour 
 Relies upon a champion. 
 
 Re-enter Trelcatfo. 
 Now? 
 
 Trel. My lord, 
 Castanna, with her sister, and Malfato 
 Are newly enter'd. 
 
 Aur. Be not loud ; convey them 
 Into the gallery. — Aurelio, friend, 
 Adurni, lord, we three will sit in council. 
 And piece a hearty league, or scuffle shrewdly. 
 
 lExiunt. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I. — A Boom in the House o/Martino. 
 Enter Martino, Benatzi, and Levidolche. 
 
 Mart. Ruffian, out of my doors ! thou com'st 
 to rub me. — 
 An officer ! what, ho! — my house is haunted 
 By a lewd pack of thieves, of harlots, murderers. 
 Rogues, vagabonds ! I foster a decoy here ; 
 And she trowls on her ragged customer, 
 To cut my throat for pillage. 
 
 Lev. Good sir, hear me. 
 
 Be7i. Hear or not hear, — let him rave his lungs 
 
 out whilst this woman hath abode under this 
 
 roof, I will justify myself her bedfellow in despite 
 of denial ; in despite — those are my words. 
 
 Mart. Monstrous ! 
 W^hy, sirrah, do I keep a bawdy-house. 
 An hospital for pandars ? Oh, thou monster. 
 Thou she-confusion ! are you groA-n so rampant, 
 That from a private wanton, thou pioclaim'st 
 
 thyself 
 A baggage for all gamesters, lords or gentlemen. 
 Strangers, or home-spun yeomen, foot-posts, pageis, 
 Roarers, or hangmen ? hey- day ! set up shop, 
 A.nd then cry "a market open ;'to't, and welcome I" 
 
 Lev. This is my husband. 
 
 Ufart. Husband ! 
 
 Ben. Husband natural, I have married her ; 
 and — what's your verdict on the match, signor ? 
 
 Mart. Husband, and married her ! 
 
 Lev. Indeed, 'tis truth. 
 
 Mart. A proper joining ! give ye joy, great 
 mistress ; 
 Your fortunes are advanced, marry are they. 
 What jointure is assured, pray .'' some three thou- 
 sand 
 A-year in oaths and vermin } fair preferment ' 
 Was ever such a tatter'd rag of man's flesh, 
 Patch'd up for copesmate to my niece's daughter '. 
 
 Lev. Sir, for my mother's name, forbear this 
 anger ; 
 If I have yoked myself beneath your wishes. 
 Yet is ray choice a lawful one : and I 
 Will live as truly chaste unto his bosom, 
 As e'er my faith hath bound me. 
 
 Mart. A sweet couple ! 
 
 lien. We are so : for mine own part, however 
 my outside appear ungay, I have wrestled with 
 death, signior Martino, to preserve your sleeps, 
 and such as you are, untroubled. A soldier is in 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE LADY'S TRIAL. 
 
 Ifio 
 
 peace a mockery, a very town-bul! for laugliter ; 
 mithrifts, and landed babies are prey curmudgeons 
 lay iheir baits for. Let the wars rattle about your 
 ears onee, and the security of a soldier is right 
 honourable amon<ist ye then ; that day may shine 
 again. So to my business. 
 
 Mart A soldier ! thou a soldier! I do believe 
 Thour't lowsy ; that's a pretty sign I grant : - 
 A villainous poor banditti rather ; one 
 Can man a quean, and cant, and pick a pocket, 
 Pad for a cloak, or hat, and, in the dark, 
 Pistol a straggler for a quarter-ducat. "^ 
 
 A soldier ! yes, — he looks as if he had not 
 The spirit of a herring, or a tumbler. 
 
 Beti. Let age and dotage nige together ! Levi- 
 dolche, thou art mine ; on what conditions the 
 world shall soon witness : yet since our hands 
 join'd, I have not interessed my possession of thy 
 bed ; nor till I have accounted to thy injunction, 
 do I mean : kiss me quick and resolute, so ! — 
 adieu, signor ! 
 
 Lev. Dear, for love's sake, stay. 
 
 Ben. Forbear entreaties. lExit. 
 
 Mart. Ah, thou — but what ? ] know not how 
 to call thee : 
 Fain would I smother grief, [but] out it must ; 
 My heart is broke : thou hast for many a day 
 Been at a loss, and now art lost for ever ; 
 Lost, lost, without recovery. 
 
 Lev. With pardon, 
 Let me restrain your sorrows. 
 
 Mart. 'Tis impossible ; 
 Despair of rising up to honest fame 
 Turns all the courses wild, and this last action 
 Will roar thy infamy. — Then you are certainly 
 Married, forsooth, unto this new-come? 
 
 Lev. Yes, 
 And herein every hope is brought to life, 
 Which long hath lain in deadness ; I have once 
 Wedded Benatzi, my divorced husband. [more 
 
 Mart. Benatzi ! this the man ? 
 
 Lev. No odd disguise 
 Could guard him from discovery ; 'tis he, 
 The choice of my ambition ; heaven preserve me 
 Thankful for such a bounty ! yet he dreams not 
 Of this deceit ; but let me die in speaking, 
 If I repute not my success more happy 
 Than any earthly blessing. Oh ! sweet uncle. 
 Rejoice with me ; I am a faithful convert, 
 And will redeem the stains of a foul name, 
 By love and true obedience. 
 
 Mart. Force of passion 
 Shows me a child again. Do, Levidolche, 
 Perform thy resolutions; those perform'd, 
 I have been only steward for your welfare. 
 You shall have all between ye. 
 
 Lev. Join with me, sir ; 
 Our plot requires much speed ; we must be earnest. 
 I'll tell you what conditions threaten danger, 
 Unless you intermediate ; let us hasten, 
 For fear we come too late. 
 
 Mart. As thou intendest 
 A virtuous honesty, I am thy second 
 To any office, Levidolche witty. 
 My niece, my witty niece. 
 
 Lev. Let's slack no time, sir. lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE IL — An Apartment in Trui.catio's 
 II use. 
 
 Enter Trelcatio, Malfato, Spinella, and Castanna. 
 
 Trei. Kinsman and ladies, have a little pa- 
 tience, 
 All will be as you wish : I'll be your warrant. 
 Fear nothing; Auria is a noble fellow. 
 I leave ye ; but, be sure, I am in hearing: 
 Take courage. [h'xit. 
 
 Mai. Courage ! they who have no hearts, 
 Find none to lose ; ours is as great as his. 
 Who defies danger most. — Sure, state and cere- 
 mony 
 Inhabit here. Like strangers, we shall wait 
 Formality of entertainment. Cousin, 
 Let us return ; 'tis paltry. 
 
 Spin. Gentle sir. 
 Confine your passion ; my attendance only 
 Commends a duty. 
 
 Cast. Now, for Heaven's sake, sister ! - 
 ITe comes, your husband comes ; take comfoi t 
 sister. 
 
 Entrr Al'Ria a7id Aurelio. 
 
 Aur. Malfato ! 
 
 Mai. Auria ! 
 
 Aur. Cousin, would mine arms. 
 In their embraces, might at once deliver 
 Affectionately what interest your merit 
 Holds in my estimation ! I may chide 
 The coyness of this intercourse betwixt us, 
 Which a retired privacy on your part 
 Hath pleas'd to show : if ought of my endeavours 
 Can purchase kind opinion, I shall honour 
 The means and practice. 
 
 Mai. 'Tis your charity. 
 
 Anrel. Worthy Malfato! 
 
 JJal. Provident Aurelio ! 
 
 ^tiir. Castanna, virtuous maid ! 
 
 Cast. Your servant, brother. 
 
 Aur. But who's that other? such a face mine 
 eyes 
 Have been acquainted with ; the sight resembles 
 Something which is not quite lost to remembrance 
 
 [Spinella kneels. 
 Why does the lady kneel ? to whom ? pray rise ; 
 I shall forget civility of manners. 
 Imagining you tender a false tribute. 
 Or him to whom you tender it, a counterfeit. 
 
 IShe rises. 
 
 Mai. My lord, you use a borrow'd bravery, 
 Not suiting fair constructions : may your for- 
 tunes 
 Mount higher than can apprehension reach *em ! 
 Yet this waste kind of antic sovereignty 
 Unto a wife who equals every best 
 Of your deserts, achievements, or prosperity, 
 Bewrays a barrenness of noble nature : 
 Let upstarts exercise uncomely roughness. 
 Clear spirits to the humble will be humble. — 
 You know your wife, no doubt. 
 
 Aur. 'Cry ye mercy, gentleman ! 
 Belike you come to tutor a good carriage, 
 Arc expert in the nick on't : we she'll study 
 Instructions quaintly — " wife," you said — agreed. 
 Keep fair, and stand the trial. 
 
 Spin. Those words raise 
 A lively soul in her, who almost yielded 
 
160 
 
 THE LADY'S TRIAL. 
 
 To fanitiirss and stupidity ; I thank ye : 
 
 Though prove what judjje you will, till I can 
 
 purge 
 Objections which require belief and conscience, 
 I have no kindred, sister, husband, friend, 
 Or pity for my plea. 
 
 Mai. Call ye this welcome ? 
 We are mistook, Castaniia. 
 
 Cast. Oh ! my lord, 
 Other respects were promised. 
 
 Aur. Srid ye, lady, 
 '' No kindred, sister, husband, friend ?" 
 
 Spin. Nor name ; 
 Wiih this addition — I disclaim all benefit 
 Of mercy from a charitable thougnt ; 
 If one or all the subtleties of malice. 
 If any engineer of faithless discord. 
 If supposition for pretence in folly. 
 Can point out, without injury togoodn ss, 
 A likelihood of guilt in my behaviour, 
 Which may declare neglect in every duty, 
 Required, fit, or exacted. 
 
 Aur. High and peremptory ! 
 The confidence is masculine. 
 
 Mel. Whym)t? 
 An honourable cause gives life to truth, 
 Without controul. 
 
 Spin. I can proceed ; that tongue. 
 Whose venom, by traducing spotless honour. 
 Hath spread th' infection — is not more mine 
 
 enemy. 
 Than their's. or his weak and besotted brains 
 
 are, 
 On whom the poison of its canker'd falsehood 
 Hath wrought for credit to so foul a mischief. 
 Speak, sir, the churlish voice of this combustion, 
 Aurelio, speak ; nor, gentle sir, forbear 
 Ought what you know, but roundly use your elo- 
 quence 
 Against a mean defendant. 
 
 Mai. He's put to't ; 
 It seems the challenge gravels him. 
 
 Anrel. My intelligence 
 Was issue of my doubts, not of my knowledge. 
 A self-confession may crave assistance ; 
 Let the lady's justice [then] impose the penance. 
 So, in the rules of friendship, as of love. 
 Suspicion is not seldom an improper 
 Advantage for the knitting faster joints 
 Of faithfullest affection, by the fevers 
 Of casualty unloos'd, where lastly error 
 Hath run into the toil. 
 
 Spi)i. Woful satisfaction 
 For a divorce of hearts ' 
 
 Aur. So resolute .' 
 I shall touch nearer home : behold these hairs, 
 Great masters of a spirit, yet they are not 
 By winter of old age quite hid in snow ; 
 Some messengers of time, I must acknowledge. 
 Amongst them took up lodging ; when we first 
 Exchang'd our faiths in wtdlock, I was proud 
 I did prevail with one whose youth and beauty 
 Deserv'd a choice more suitable in both. 
 Advancement to a fortune could not court 
 Ambition, either on my side, or hers; 
 Love drove the bargain, and the truth of love 
 ^/ConfirmM it, I conceiv'd. But disproportion 
 In years, amongst the married, is a reason 
 For change of pleasures : whereto I reply, 
 Our union was not forced, 'twas by consent ; 
 
 So then the breach in such a case appears 
 Unpardonable : — sav vour thoughts. 
 
 Spin. My thoughts 
 Tn that respect are as resolute as yours. 
 The same ; yet herein evidence of frailty 
 Deserv'd not more a separation. 
 Than doth charge of disloyalty objected 
 Without or ground or witness : women's faults 
 Subject to punishments, and men's applauded, 
 Prescribe no laws in force. 
 Anrel. Are you so nimble? 
 Mai. A soul sublimed from dross by com;>eti- 
 tion, 
 Such as is mighty Auria's famed, descends 
 From its own sphere, when injuries, profound ones, 
 Yield to the combat of a scolding mastery. 
 Skirmish of words. Hath your wife lewdly 
 
 ranged. 
 Adulterating the honour of your bed ? 
 Withhold dispute ; but execute your vengeance 
 With unresisted rage ; we shall look on, 
 Allow the fact, and spurn her from our bloods : 
 Else, not detected, you have wrong'd her inno- 
 cence 
 Unworthily and childishly, for which 
 I challenge satisfaction. 
 Cast. 'Tis a tyranny 
 Over an humble and obedient sweetness, 
 Ungently to insult. 
 
 Enter Adurni. 
 
 Aclur. That I make good, 
 And must without exception find admittance, 
 Fitting the party who hath herein interest. 
 Put case I was in fault, that fault stretch 'd 
 
 merely 
 To a misguided thought ; and who in presence, 
 Except the pair of sisters, fair and matchless, 
 Can quit an imputation of like folly % 
 Here I ask pardon, excellent Spinella, 
 Of only you ; that granted, he amongst you, 
 Who calls an even reckoning, shall meet 
 An even accountant. 
 
 Aur. Baited by confederacy ! 
 I must have right. 
 
 Spin. And I, my lord, my lord — 
 What stir and coil is here ! you can suspect ? 
 So reconciliation then is needless : — 
 Conclude the difference by revenge, or part, 
 And never more see one another. Sister, 
 Lend me thine arm ; 1 have assumed a courage 
 Above my force, and can hold out no longer ; 
 Auria, unkind, unkind! 
 
 Cast. She faints. 
 
 Aur. Spinella I 
 Regent of my affections, thou hast conquered ; 
 I find thy virtues as I leit them, perfect. 
 Pure and unflaw'd ; for instance, let me claim 
 Castanna's promise. 
 
 Cast. Mine? 
 
 Aur. Yours, to whose faith 
 I am a guardian, not by imposition, 
 But by you chosen. Look you, I have fitted 
 A husband for you, noble and deserving ; 
 No shrinking back. Adurni, I present her, 
 A wife of worth. 
 
 Mai. How's that ? 
 
 Adur. So great a blessing 
 Crowns all desires of life. — The motion, lady. 
 To me, I can assure you, is not sudden ; 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE LADY'S TRIAL. 
 
 167 
 
 But welcomed and forethought ; would you could 
 
 please 
 To say the like ! 
 
 Aur. Castanna, do.— Speak, dearest, 
 It rectifies all crooked, vain surmises ; 
 1 prithee speak. 
 
 Spin. The courtship's somewhat quick, 
 The luatch it seems agreed on ; do not, sister. 
 Reject tlie use of fate. 
 
 Cast. I dare not question 
 The will of heaven. 
 
 MaL Unthought of and unlook'd for ! ^ 
 
 Spin. My ever honoured lord. 
 
 Aurel. This marriage frees 
 Each circumstance of jealousy. 
 
 Aur. Make no scruple, 
 Castanna, of the choice ; 'tis firm and real : 
 Why else have I so long with tameness nonrish'd 
 Report of wrongs, but that I fix'd on issue 
 Of my desires ? Italians use not dalliance, 
 But execution : herein I degenerated 
 From custom of our nation ; for the virtues 
 Of ray Spinella rooted in my soul, 
 
 Yet common form of matrimonial compliments, 
 Short-liv'd as are their pleasures. — Yet in sooth. 
 My dearest, I might blame your causeless absence, 
 To whom my love and nature were no strangers : 
 But being in your kinsman's house, I honour 
 His hospitable friendship, and must thank it. 
 Now lasting truce on all hands. 
 
 Aurel. You will pardon 
 A rash and over-busy curiosity. 
 
 Spin. It was to blame ; but the success remits 
 it. 
 
 Adur. Sir, what presumptions formerly have 
 grounded 
 Opinion of unfitting carriage to you, 
 On my part I shall faithfully acquit 
 At easy summons. 
 
 Mul. You prevent the nicety ; 
 Use your own pleasure. 
 
 Benatzi rushes in with his sword drawn, fc'.'oired by 
 Levidolche and Martino. 
 
 Aurel. What's the matter.^ 
 
 Aur. Matter? 
 
 Ben. Adurni and Malfato found together ! 
 Now for a glorious vengeance. 
 
 Lev. Hold, oh, hold him ! 
 
 Au el. This is no place for murder ; yield thy 
 sword. 
 
 Aur. Yield it, or force it ; [Ben. is disarmed.'] 
 set you up your shambles 
 Of slaughter in my presence ? 
 
 Adur. Let him come. 
 
 Mai. What can the ruffian mean ? 
 
 Ben. I am prevented ; 
 The (emple or the chamber of the Duke, 
 Had else not proved a sanctuary. Lord, 
 Thou hast dishonourably wrong'd my wife. 
 
 Adur. Thy wife ! I know not her, nor thee. 
 
 Aur. Fear nothing. 
 
 Lev. Yes, me you know. Heaven has a gentle 
 mercy 
 For penitent offenders : blessed ladies, 
 I^epute me not a cast-away, though once 
 I fell into some lapses, which our sex 
 Are oft entangled by ; yet what I have been 
 Concerns me now no more, who am resolv'd 
 
 On a new life. This gentleman, Benatzi, 
 Disguised as you see, I have re-manieti. — 
 I knew you at first sight, and tender cont^tantly 
 Submission for all errors. 
 
 Mart. Nay, 'tis true, > ir. 
 
 Ben. I joy in the discovery, am tl j'.nkful 
 Unto the change. 
 
 Aur. Let wonder henceforth ce^se, 
 For I am partner with Benatzi's counsels, 
 And in them was director : I have seen 
 The man do service in the wars late past, 
 Worthy an ample mention ; but of that 
 At large hereafter, repetitions now 
 Of good or bad, would straiten time, presented 
 For other use. 
 
 Mart. Welcome, and welcome ever. 
 
 Lev. Mine eyes, sir, never shall without a 
 blush 
 Receive a look from yours ; please to forget 
 All passages of rashness ; such attempt 
 Was mine, and only mine. 
 
 Mai. You have found a way 
 To happiness ; I honour the conversion. 
 
 Adur. Then 1 am freed. 
 
 Mai. May style your friend your servant. 
 
 Mart. Now all that's mine is theirs. 
 
 Adur. But let me add 
 An offering to the aitar of this peace. 
 
 IGivcs her money 
 
 Aur. How likes Spinella this ? our holiday 
 Deserves the kalendar. 
 
 Spin. This gentlewoman 
 Reform'd, must in my thoughts live fair and 
 
 worthy. 
 I ndeed you shall. \_Offering her money 
 
 Cast. And mine ; the novelty 
 Requires a friendly love. 
 
 Lev. You are kind and bountiful. 
 
 E'lter Trelcatio, Futblli, Ajmorktta, I-iEno, drivhu/ 
 in Fl'lgoso and GuziMan. 
 
 Trel. By your leaves, lords and ladies ! to your 
 jollities, 
 I bring increase with mine too ; here's a youngster 
 Whom I call son-in-law, for so my daughter 
 Will have it. [Presenting Put 
 
 Amor. Yeth, in sooth thee will. 
 
 Trel. Futelli 
 Hath wean'd her from this pair. 
 
 Piero. Stand forth, stout lovers. 
 
 Trd. Top and top-gallant pair — and for his 
 pains, 
 She will have him or none. He's not the richest 
 I'th' p Irish ; but a wit : I say, amen. 
 Because I cannot help it. 
 
 Amor. Tith no matter. 
 
 Aur. We'll remedy the penury "kf fortune ; 
 They shall with us to Corsica. Our cousin 
 Muit not despair of means, since 'tis believed 
 Futelli can deserve a place of trust. 
 
 Fut. You are in all unfellow'd. 
 
 Amor. Withly thjioken. 
 
 Piero. Think on Piero, sir. 
 
 Aur. Piero, yes ; 
 But what of these two pretty ones.' 
 
 Ful. I'll follow 
 The ladies, play at cards, make sport, and whistle, 
 My purse shall bear me out : a lazy life 
 Is s^curv^ and debosh'd ; fight you abi-oad, 
 \nd we'll be gaming, wliiht you fight, at home. 
 
1G$ 
 
 THE LADY'S TRIAL. 
 
 Run high, run low, here is a brain can do't — 
 But for my martial brother Don, pray ye make him 
 A— what-d'ye call't— a setting dog, — a sentinel ; 
 I'll mend his weekly pay. 
 
 Guz. He shall deserve it. 
 Vouchsafe employment, honourable — 
 
 Fill. Marry, 
 The Don's a generous Don. 
 
 Aicr. Unfit to lose him. 
 Command doth limit us short time for revels ; 
 We must be thrifty in them. None, I trust, 
 Repines at these delights, they are free and hhiiu- 
 
 less : 
 After distress at sea, the dangers o'er. 
 Safety and welcomes better taste ashore. 
 
 EPILOGUE, 
 
 The court's on rising ; 'tis too late 
 To wish the lady in her fate 
 Of trial now more fortunate. 
 
 A verdict in the jury's breast. 
 Will be giv'n up anon at least, 
 Till then 'tis fit we hope the beat. 
 
 Else if there can be any stay. 
 Next sitting without more delay, 
 \^ e vviii expect a gentle day. 
 

 THE SUN'S DARLING. 
 
 A MORAL MASQUE. 
 BY JOHN FORD^AND THOMAS DECKER. 
 
 TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE 
 
 THOMAS WRIOTHESLEY, 
 
 EARL OF SOUTHAMPTON, LORD WRIOTHESLEY, OF TITCHFIELD, ETC. 
 
 My Lord,— Herodotus reports, that the JEgyptians, by wrapping their dead in glass, present them lively to all 
 posterity ; but your lordship will do more, by the vivifying beams of your acceptation revive the parents of this orphan 
 poem, and make them live to eternity. While the stage flourished, the poem lived by the breath of general applauses, 
 and the virtual fervour of the court ; but since hath languished for want of heat, and now, near shrunk up with cold, 
 creeps, with a shivering fear, to extend itself at the flames of your benignity. My lord, though it seems rough and 
 forlorn, it is the issue of worthy parents, and we doubt not but you will find it accomplished with their virtue. Be 
 pleased, then, my lord, to give it entertainment ; the more destitute and needy it is, the greater reward may be 
 challenged by your charity ; and so, being sheltered under your wings, and comforted by the sunshine of your favour, 
 it will become proof against the injustice of time, and, like one of Demetrius's statues, appear fresher and fresher to 
 all ages. My lord, were we not confident of the excellence of the piece, we should not dare to assume an impudence 
 to prefer it to a person of your honour, and known judgment ; whose hearts are ready sacrifices to your name and 
 honour, being, my lord, your lordship's most humble and most obligedly submissive servants, 
 
 Theophilits Bird. 
 Andrew Pennbycuickb. 
 
 Reader,— It is not here intended to present thee with the perfect analogy between the world and man, which 
 was made for man ; nor their co-existence, the world determining with man : this, I presume, hath been by others 
 treated on : but, drawing the curtain of this moral, you shall find him in his progression as foUovveth : 
 
 THE FIRST SEASON. 
 
 Presents him in the Twilight of his age. 
 Not pot-gun-iiroof, and yet he'll have his page : 
 This small knight-errant will encounter things 
 Above his perch, and like the partridge springs. 
 
 THE SECOND SEASON. 
 
 Folly, his squire, the lady Humour brings, 
 Who in his ear far sweeter novels sings. 
 He follows them ; forsakes the April queen. 
 And now the Noon-tide of his age is seen. 
 
 THE THIRD SEASON. 
 
 As soon, as nerv'd with strength, he becomes weak. 
 Folly and Humour do his reason break ; 
 Hurry him from his Noontide to his Even : 
 From summer to his Autumn he is driven, 
 
 THE FOURTH SEASON. 
 
 And now the Winter, or his nonage, takes him. 
 The sad remembrance of his errors wakes him ; 
 Folly and Humour fain he'd cast away, 
 But they will never leave him till he's clay: 
 Thus man as clay descends, ascends in spirit ; 
 Dust goes to dust : the soul unto its merit. 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSONS. 
 
 Phckbus, the Sun, 
 
 Ravbright, the Sun's Darlino. 
 
 Sprino. 
 
 Youth, '\ 
 
 Delight, \her Attendants, 
 
 Health, j 
 
 Summer. 
 
 Plenty. 
 
 Pomona. 
 
 Cupid, 
 
 Fortune. 
 
 Autumn. 
 
 Bacchanalian. 
 
 Bounty. 
 
 Winter. 
 
 Conceit. 
 
 Detraction. 
 
 Time. 
 
 Priest of the Sun. 
 
 Humour, 
 
 Folly. 
 
 ^OLUS. 
 
 A Soldier, a Spaniard, an Italian Dancer, 
 a French Tailor, a Forester, Masquers. 
 Clowns, 4 c. 
 
^^ 
 
 170 
 
 THE SUN'S DARLING. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE l.—A Temple with an ^//ar.— Ray- 
 bright discovered aaleep. 
 Enter the Priest of the Sun. 
 Priest, Lkt your tunes, you sweet voiced si)lieres, 
 O'ertake him : 
 Charm his fancies, ope his ears ; 
 
 Now wake him ! IMusic within. 
 
 SONG. 
 Fancies are but streams 
 
 Of vain ploiisure: 
 They, who hy their dreams 
 True joys measure. 
 Feasting starve, laughing weep, 
 Playing smart ; whilst in sleep 
 Fools, with shadows smiling, 
 Wake and find 
 Hopes like wind, 
 Idle hopes, beguiling. 
 Thoughts flyaway ; Time hath passed them: 
 Wake now, awake ! see and taste them ! 
 
 Ray. {Waiting.'^ That I might ever slumber, 
 and enjoy 
 Contents as happy as the soul's best wishes 
 Can fancy or imagine ! 'tis a cruelty 
 , '\ *Beyond example, to usurp the peace 
 
 I sat enthroned in ; who was't pluck'd me from it? 
 .. Priest. Young man, look hither ! 
 
 Jtny. Good, I envy not 
 The pomp of your high office ; all prefermei.t 
 Of earthly glories are to me diseases, 
 Infecting those sound parts which should preserve 
 The flattering retribution to my thankfulness. 
 The times are better to me ; there's no taste 
 on the palate of my discontent 
 catch at empty hopes, whose only blessedness 
 
 pends on being miserable. 
 
 Priest. Raybright, 
 Thou draw'st thy great descent from my grand 
 The Sun, whose priest I am. [patron, 
 
 Hay. For small advantage. 
 He who is high-born never m.ounts yon battlements 
 Of sparkling stars, unless he be in spirit 
 As humble as the child of one that sweats 
 To eat the dear-earn'd bread of honest thrift. 
 
 Priest. Hast thou not flow'd in honours ? 
 
 Hay. Honours ? I'd not be baited with my fears 
 Of losing them, to be their monstrous creature 
 An age together : 'tis besides as comfortable 
 To die upon the embroidery of the grass, 
 Uiimijided, as to set a world at gaze, ,: 
 
 Whilst fi^om a pinnacle I tumble down • 
 And break my neck, to be talk'd of and wonder' J at. 
 
 Priest. You have worn rich liabitST • 
 
 [Ray.'] Fine ass trappings ! 
 A pedlar's heir turn'd gallant, follows fashion, 
 Can, by a cross-legg'd tailor, be transform'd 
 Into a jack-an-apes of passing bravery. 
 'Tis a stout happiness to wear good clothes, 
 Yet live and die a fool ! — mew ! 
 
 Priest. You have had choice 
 Of beauties to enrich your mart iage-bed. 
 
 Uay. Monkies and paraquitoes are as pretty 
 To play wiihal, though not indeed so gentle. 
 Honesty's indeed a line jewel, but the Indies 
 Where't grows is hard to be discover'd : 'troth, . ir, 
 I care for no long travels with lost labour. 
 
 , The 
 I Left 
 I To ci 
 I Dtpe 
 
 Priest. Pleasures of every sense have been your 
 Whenas you have commanded them. [servants, 
 
 Ray. To threaten ruin, 
 Coriupt the purity of knowledge ; wrest 
 Desires of better life to those of this. 
 This scurvy one, this life scarce worth the keeping ! 
 
 Priest. 'Tis melancholy, and too ibnd indul- 
 gence 
 To your own duU'd afTections, sway your judgment; 
 You could not el.se be thus lost, orsuspect 
 The care your arrces'dr the Sun takes of you. 
 
 Roy. The care ! the scoru^he throws on me. 
 
 Priest. Fie ! fie ! 
 Have you been sent out into strange[r] lands, 
 Seen courts of foreign kings ; by them been graced 
 To bring home such neglect ? 
 
 Ray. I have reason for it. 
 
 priest. Pray show it. 
 
 Ray. Since my coming home I have found 
 More sweets in one unprofitabl e dreana , . 
 Than in my lile's whole pilg^rjma^e. V 
 
 Priest. Your fantasy 
 Misleads your judgment vainly. Sir, in brief, 
 1 am to tell you, how I have received 
 From your progenitor, my lord, the Sun, 
 A token, that he visibly will descend 
 l'"rom the celestial orb^qj^ratiij^ 
 All your wild longings. 
 
 Kay. ' TeryinceljT when, pray.^^ 
 The world the while shall be beholding to him 
 For a long night ; new-married men will curse. 
 Though their brides tickle for't— oh 1 candle and 
 Will grow to an excessive ratei' th' city, [lanthorn 
 
 Priest. These are but flashes of a brain dis- 
 order'd. 
 Contain your float of spleen in seemly bounds ; 
 Your eyes shall be your witness. 
 
 Ray. He may come. 
 
 Enter Timk, whipping Foi.hv, in rags, before him. 
 
 Time. Hence, hence, thou shame of nature, 
 
 mankind's foil ! 
 
 Time whips thee from the world, kicks thee, and 
 
 scorns thee. 
 
 Fol. Whip me from the world ! why whip ? am 
 
 I a dog, a cur, a mongrel ? bow wow 1 do thy 
 
 worst, I defy thee. ISings. 
 
 I will ronr and squrinder, 
 
 Cozen and be drunk t^ o ; 
 I'll maintain my pandar. 
 
 Keep my horse and punk too ; 
 
 Brawl and scuffle, 
 
 Shift and shuffle, 
 Swag;.'er in my potmcals: 
 
 Damn-me's rank wiih ; 
 
 Do mad prank with 
 Koaving-boys and Oatmeals. 
 
 
 Pox on time, I care not ; 
 
 Ucing past, 'tis notliiiiLf. 
 I'll be free and spare not ; 
 Sorrows are life's loathing. 
 
 !R!L'la,ncholy 
 
 Is but folly ; 
 Mirth and youth are plotters; 
 
 Time, go hang thee ! 
 
 I will hang thee, 
 ThouKh 1 die in totters. 
 
THE SUN'S DARLING. 
 
 171 
 
 And what (hink you of this, you old doating, 
 moth-eaten, bearded rascal! as I am Folly by the 
 mother's side, and a true-bred gentleman, I will 
 sing thee to death, if thou vex me. Cannot a man 
 of fashion, for his pleasure, put on, now and then, 
 his working-day robes of humility, but he must 
 presently be subject to a beadle's rod of correction ? 
 Go, mend thyself, cannibal ! 'tis not without need ; 
 I am sure the times were never more beggarly and 
 proud : waiting women flaunt it in cast-suits, and 
 tlieir ladies fall for 'em ; knaves over-brave wise 
 men, while wise men stand with cap and knee to 
 fools. Pitiful Time ! pitiful Time ! '^ ^ 
 
 Time. Out, foul, prodigious and abortive birth! 
 Behold, the sand-glass of thy days is broke. 
 
 Fol. Bring me another; I'll shatter that too. 
 
 Time. No, thou'st mis-spent thy hours, lavish ['d,] 
 fool-like, 
 The circuit of thy life, in ceaseless riots ; 
 It is not therefore fit, that thou shouldst live 
 In such a court, as the Sun's majesty 
 Vouchsafes to illuminate with his bright beams. 
 
 Fol. In any court, father bald-pate, where my 
 grannam the Moon shows her horns, except the 
 Consistory Court ; and there she need not appear, 
 cuckolds carry such sharp stilettos in their fore- 
 heads. I'll live here and laugh at the bravery of 
 ignorance, maugre thy scurvy and abominable 
 beard. 
 
 Time. Priest of the Sun, 'tis neai about the 
 minute 
 Thy patron will descend; scourge hence this trifle: 
 Time is ne'er lost, till, in the common schools 
 Of impudence, time meets with wilful fools. lExU. 
 
 Fol. Farewell 1538 ! I might have said 5000, 
 but the other's long enough o'conscience, to be 
 honest-condition 'd — pox on him ! it's a notable 
 railing whipper, of a plain Time-whipper. 
 
 Priest. You heard the charge he left. 
 
 Fol. Ay, ay, he may give a charge ; he has been 
 a petty court-holder ever since he was a minute 
 old ; he took you for a foreman of a jury. 
 
 Ray. Pray, sir, what are you ? 
 
 Fol. No matter what ; what are you ? 
 
 Ray. Not as you are, I thank my better fates ; 
 I am gratidchild to the Sun. 
 
 Fol. And I am cousin-german, some two or 
 three hundred removes off, to the Moon, and my 
 name is Folly. -v. 
 
 Ray. Folly, sir ! of what quality ? >, 
 
 Fol. Quality ! any quality in fashion ; drinking , 
 whoring, singing, dancing, dicing, swearing, roar- 
 ing, foisting, lying, cogging, cantiiig, et cceleri . 
 "Will you have any more? ^ 
 
 Ray. You have a merry heart, if you can guide i 
 
 Fol. Yes, 'faith ; so, so : I laugh not at thos 
 whom I fear ; I fear not those whom I love ; and 
 love not any whom I laugh not at : pretty Strang 
 humour, is't not ? 
 
 Ray. To any one, that knows you not, it is. 
 
 Priest. You must avoid. 
 
 Fol. Away, away ! 1 have no such meaning, 
 indeed, la I \.Music of Recorder g. 
 
 Priest. Hark ! the fair hour is come ; draw to 
 the altar, 
 
 And, with amazement, reverence and comfort, 
 Behold the broad-eyed lamp of heaven descending 1 
 Stand ! — 
 
 The Si)N appears above. 
 
 Fol. Oh, brave ! 
 Pri St. Stand. 
 
 SONG. 
 
 Glorious and bright ! lo, here we bend 
 Before thy throne, trembling, attend 
 Thy sacred pleasures: be pleas'd then 
 To shower thy comforts down, that men 
 May freely taste, in life's extreniL-s, 
 The influence of thy powerful beams. 
 
 Ray. Let not my fate too swiftly runH 
 Till thou acknowledge me t!iy son ; 
 Oh ! there's no joy even from the womb 
 Of frailty, till we be call'd home. 
 
 Fol- Now am I an arrant rascal, and cannot 
 speak one word for myself, if I were hanged. 
 Sun. Ray bright ! 
 Priest. It calls you ; answer. 
 Ray. Lord and Father ! 
 
 Sun. We know thy cares ; appear to give release : 
 Boldly make thy demands, for we will please 
 To grant whate'er thou su'st for. 
 Ray. Fair-beam'd sir ! 
 
 I dare not greedily prefer 
 Eternity of Eartb's delights. 
 Before that duty which invites 
 My filial piety : in this 
 Your love shall perfect my heart's bliss, 
 If 1 but for one only year. 
 Enjoy the several pleasures here, 
 Wiiich every season in his kind, 
 Can bless a mortal with. 
 Sun. I find 
 T hy reason bre eds thy appetite, and grant it 
 Tliou mastei-'*srTFy 'de^eTand shalt not want it. 
 To the Spring garden let him be convey'd, 
 And entertain' d there by that lovely maid ; I jj/ 
 
 All the varieties the Spring can show, ' '^ 
 
 Be subject to his will. 
 
 Priest. Light's lord ! we go. 
 
 \_Exe.unt Prie.st and Ravbright. 
 Fol. And I will follow, that am not in love with 
 sucIj fopperies. \_Exit. 
 
 Sun. We must descend, and leave awhile our 
 sphere, 
 To greet the world. — Ha } there does now appear 
 A circle in this round, of beams that shine 
 As if their friendly lights would darken mine : 
 No, let them shine out still, for these are they, 
 By whose sweet favours, when our warmths decay, 
 Even in the storms of winter, daily nourish 
 Our active motions, which in summer flourish, 
 By their fair quick'ning dews of noble loves : 
 Oh, may you all, like stars, whilst swift time moves, 
 Stand fix'd in firmaments of blest content ! 
 Meanwhile [the] recreations we present. 
 Shall strive to please :— I liave th^ foremost tract ; 
 Each season else begins and ends an Act. 
 
 ■ "" "' """ ^ '' '^"""^^TJO^^ftm-disappears 
 
172 
 
 TPIE SUN'S DARLING. 
 
 ACT IT. 
 
 SCENE I.— The Garden 0/ Spring. 
 Enter Spring, Raybrioht, Youth, Hkalth, and Delight. 
 Spring. Welcome ! The mother of the year, the 
 Spring, 
 That mother, on whose back Age ne'er can sit, 
 For Age still waits on her ; that Spring, the nurse 
 Whose milk the Summer sucks, and is made 
 
 wanton ; 
 Physician to the sick, strength to the sound. 
 By whom all things above and under-ground 
 Are quicken'd with new heat, fresh blood, brave 
 
 vigour, — 
 That Spring, on thy fair cheeks, in kisses lays 
 Ten thousand welcomes, free ag are those rays, 
 From which thy name thou borrow 'st; glorious 
 
 name, 
 Raybuight, as bright in person as in fame ! 
 Itay. Your eyes amazed me first, but now mine 
 ears 
 Feel your tongue's charm ; in you move all the 
 
 spheres. 
 Oh, lady ! would the Sun, which gave me life. 
 Had never sent me to you ! 
 
 Spring. Why ? all my veins 
 Shrink up, as if cold Winter were come back, 
 And with his frozen beard had numb'd my lips, 
 To hear that sigh fly from you. 
 Ray. Round about me 
 I A firmament of such full blessings shine, 
 I I, in your sphere, seem a star more divine, 
 / Than in my father's chariot, should I ride 
 f One year about the world in all his pride. 
 
 Spring. Oh, that sweet breath revives me ; if 
 thou never 
 Part'st hence, (as part thou shalt not,) be happy 
 ever ! 
 Ray. I know I shall. 
 Spring. Thou, to buy whose state 
 \ Kings would lay down their crowns, fresh Youth, 
 \ wait, 
 
 I charge thee, on my darling. 
 
 Youth. Madam, I shall, 
 And on his smooth cheek such sweet roses set, 
 You still shall sit to gather them ; and when 
 Their colours fade, [like] brave shall spring again. 
 Spring. Thou, without whom they that have hills 
 of gold 
 Are slaves and wretches, Health ! that canst nor 
 
 be sold 
 Nor bought, I charge thee make his heart a tower 
 Guarded, for there lies the Spring's paramour. 
 Health. One of my hands is writing still in 
 Heaven, 
 For that's Health's library ; t' other on the Earth, 
 Is physic's treasurer, and what wealth those lay 
 Up for my queen, all shall his will obey. 
 Ray. Mortality sure falls from me. 
 Spring. Thou ! to whose tunes 
 The five nice senses dance ; thou, that dost spin 
 Those golden threads all women love to wind, 
 And but for whom, man would cut off mankind, 
 Delight ! not base, but noble, touch thy lyre, 
 And fill my court with brightest Delphic fire. 
 
 Del. Hover, you wing'd musicians, in the air ! 
 Clouds, leave your dancing! no winds stir but fair ! 
 . Health. Leave blustering March 
 
 V 
 
 SOXG by Delight. 
 
 WTiat bird so sings, yet so does M-ail ? 
 I 'Tie Philomel, the nightingale ; 
 I Jugg, jugg, jugg, terue she cries, 
 ." And, hating earth, to heaven she flies. 
 
 IThe cuckow is heard. 
 
 Ha, ha! hark, hark! tliecuckov.s sing 
 Cuckow, to welcome in the Spring. 
 
 Brave prick-song ! who is't now we hear ' 
 \ 'Tis tlie lark's silver leer-a-leer. 
 : Chirup the sparrow flies away ; 
 
 For he fell to't ere break of day. 
 
 ITke cuckow again. 
 
 Ila, ha! hark, hark ! the cuckows sing 
 Cuckow ! to welcome in the Spring. 
 
 Spring. How does my sun-born sweetheait 
 like his queen, 
 Her court, her train ? 
 
 Ray. Wondrous ; such ne'er were seen. 
 Health. l^resh^r_a]^Jj;£S^ierj^a^l^^^ ! o ne de- 
 Is a disease to''th' wa.nton appetjte^^^^ flight 
 
 UeJ. IVfusic, take Echo's voice, and dance qoTck 
 rounds 
 To thine own times in repercussive sounds. 
 
 [Jn echo of Cornets. 
 
 Spring. Enougli ! I will not weary thee. 
 
 " ^ ' lExil Del 
 
 PleasureSjdiange_ ! 
 Thou, as the Sun in a freezo iiac range. 
 
 Re-enter Delight. 
 
 Del. A company of rural fellows, faced 
 Like lovers of your laws, beg to be graced 
 Before your highness, to present their sport. 
 
 Spring. What is't ? 
 
 Del. A monioe. 
 
 Spring. Give them our court. — 
 Stay, these dull birds may make thee stop thine 
 
 ear ; 
 Take thou my lightning, none but laurel here 
 
 Shall scape thy blasting 
 
 found. 
 Smite ; let those stand, 
 
 crown'd. 
 
 Let these then, 
 
 sweets^ 
 
 ^^ay. 
 
 whom thou wUt con- 
 
 who in thy choice sit 
 
 I may surfeit else on 
 
 ^ 
 
 \i ! So)>rfd sleeps do not still lie in princes' sheets. 
 '^Spring. Beckon the rural s in ; the country- gray 
 Seldom ploughs treason : should'st thou be stul'n 
 By great ones, — that's my fear. [away 
 
 Ray. Fear it not, lady ; 
 Should all the world's black sorceries be laid 
 
 Enter the Morricedancers. 
 To blow me hence, I move not 
 
 Spring. I am made 
 In that word the Earth's empress. 
 
 Are not these sports too rustic ? 
 
 Ray. No ; pretty and pleasing. 
 
 Spring. My youngest girl, the violet-breathing 
 May, 
 Being told by Flora that my love dwelt here, 
 Is come to do you service : will you please 
 To honour her arrival ? 
 
SCENE 
 
 THE SUN'S DARLING. 
 
 173 
 
 Ray. I shall attend. 
 
 Spring. Oq thpn, {^Exeunt INIorrice-dancers. 
 
 and bid my rosy-fini:;er'd May ^ 
 Rob hills and daTes, with sweefnio'^frewnis way. 
 lExit, followed by Youth and Health. 
 
 Enter Folly, atid whispers Raybright. 
 
 Rai/. An empress, say'st thou, faU'nin love with 
 me ? 
 
 Fol. Sh.e.'s a grea t woman, and all great women 
 love to be empresses ; he r name , fhe ladj Huiiiaourr 
 
 Ra?/. Stl-a'ifgTnam'e"!' 1 ioFver sawli'er^ TS»w 'Bier 
 not ; 
 What kind of creature is she ? 
 
 Fol. Creature! of a skin soft as pomatum, sleek 
 as jelly, white as blanched almonds ; no mercer's 
 wife ever handled yard with a prettier [hand] ; 
 breath, sweet as a monkey's ; lips of cherries, 
 teeth of pearl, eyes of diamond, foot and leg 
 as 
 
 Rftt/. And what's thy name? 
 
 Fol. 'Tis but a folly to tell it ; my name is 
 Folly. 
 
 Rof/. Humour and Folly ! To my listening ear 
 The lady's praises often have been sung ; 
 Thy trumpet, sounding forth her graceful beauties. 
 Kindles high flames within me to behold her. 
 
 Fol. She's as hot as you for your heart. 
 
 Ray. ThisTMyr"caiFd--tKe''Kpmrg7T^ odd 
 trijaeV; -- 
 
 Fol. A. green-sickness thing. I came by the 
 way of a KTrtJtffrK(5rsFTet!?FH5frattorney, sent by 
 my lady as a spy to you. S pring, a hot lady ! a 
 f ew fields and garde ns jass. " Can you T^eSupoiir 
 s'gfirads and tansies? e'at'TiSe an ass upon grass 
 every day ? At my lady's comes to you now a 
 goose, now a woodcock ; nothing but fowl ; fowl 
 pies, platters all covered with fowl, and is not 
 fowl very good fare ? 
 
 Ray. Yea, marry is't. sir ; the fowl being kept 
 clean. 
 My admiration wastes itself in longings 
 To see this rare piece:. I'll see her ;, what are kings^ 
 Wer e not their pleasures varied? shall not mine, 
 
 "^" then ? 
 Should day last ever, 'twould be loath'd as night ; 
 Cha nge is "th e sauce that sharpens ap^getrtgr '' 
 TlTe'way? I'll to her. "^ 
 
 Fol. The way is windy and narrow ; for, look 
 you, I do but wind this cornet, and if another 
 answer it, she comes. 
 
 Ray. Be quick then I 
 
 [Folly winds his cornet, and is ansKcredfrom 
 without. 
 
 iard, an ) 
 
 Enter Huimour, followed hy a Soldier, a Span 
 Italian Dancer, and a French Tailor. 
 
 Hum. Is this that flower the Spring so dotes 
 upon ? 
 
 Fol. This is that honevsuckle she slicks in her 
 ruff. 
 
 Hum. A bedfellow for ^ fairy 1 lA.nde. 
 
 Ray. Admired perfection, 
 You set my praises to so high a tune, 
 My merits cannot reach them. 
 
 Hum. My heart-strings shall then, 
 As mine eye gives that senttiice on thy person. 
 And never was mine eye a corrupt judge. 
 That judge to save thee would conde»nn a world. 
 And lose mankind to gain thee : "tis not the Spring, 
 
 With all her gaudy arbours, nor perfumes 
 Sent up in flattering incense to the Sun, 
 For shooting glances at her, and for sending 
 Whole choirs of singers to her every morn. 
 With all her amorous fires, can heat thy blood 
 As I can with one kiss. 
 
 Ray. The rose-Iipp'd dawning 
 Is not so melting, so delicious : 
 Turn mp. into a hird, that \ pr^fl,y gjf ^ ^ 
 Still singing in such boughs. ^^ '~ 
 
 Hum. WH'at'Hra? - 
 
 Fol. A ring-tail. 
 
 Hum. Thou shalt be turn'd to nothing but to 
 mine. 
 My Mine of pleasures, which no hand shall rifle 
 But this, which in warm nectar bathes the palm. 
 1 nvent some other tires ! Music 1 — stay, — none ! — 
 
 Fol. Heyday! 
 
 Hum. New gowns, fresh fashions ! I'm not 
 brave enough 
 To make thee wonder at me. 
 
 Ray. Not the moon. 
 Riding at midnight in her crystal chariot, 
 WTtTi all her courtiers in their robes of stars. 
 Is half so glorious. 
 
 Hum. This feather was a bird of Paradise ; 
 Shall it be your's ? 
 
 Ray. No kingdom buys it from me. 
 
 Fol. Being in fool's paradise he must not lose 
 his bauble. 
 
 Rny. I am wrapt — 
 
 Fol. In your mother's smock. 
 
 Ray. I am wrapt above man's being, in being 
 sphered 
 In such a globe of rarities ; but say, lady, 
 What these are that attend you ? 
 
 Hum. All my attendants 
 Shall be to thee sworn servants. 
 
 Fol. Folly is sworn to him already never to 
 leave him. 
 
 Rny. He? 
 
 Fol. A French gentleman, that trails a Spanish 
 pike ; a tailor. 
 
 Tail. Wee, mounsieur ; hey ! nimbla upon de 
 cross-caper ; me take a de measure of de body 
 from de top a de noddel to de heel and great toe ; 
 oh, dish be fine ! dis coller is cut out in anger 
 scurvey : oh, dis beeshes pincha de bum ; me put 
 one French yard into de toder hose. 
 
 Fol. No French yards ; they want an [English] 
 yaid, at least. 
 
 Ray. Siiall I be bravej then? 
 
 //flrmr~TJoIden as the sun. 
 
 Ray. W^hat's he that looks so smickly ? 
 
 Fol. A flounder in a frying-pan, still skipping ; 
 d^ne that loves mutton so well, he always carries 
 capers about him ; his brains lie in his legs, and 
 his legs serve him to no other use than to do tricks, 
 as if he had bought them of a juggler. — lie's an 
 
 Dan. Signor Lavolta, messer mio ; me tesha all 
 de bella corantoes, gagliardas, pianettas, capeo- 
 rettas, amorettas, dolche dolche, to declamante do 
 bona robas de Toscana. 
 
 Ray. I ne'er shall be so nimble. 
 
 Fol. Yes, if you pour quicksilver into your shin- 
 bones, as he does. 
 
 Jitiif. This no«- ? 
 
 /•'.'/. A most sweet S})aniard. 
 
 Span. A cun'eciauador. which in your tonguv 
 
174 
 
 THE SUN'S DARLING. 
 
 r 
 
 ig^cqmfiMnaker, of Toledo. l3iLisacli,augaiLto 
 slixijiowji your throat--a mil^i^MV'ef-wiiyjg;;^-— 
 
 Fol. And the throat has but one inaTT; oh, 
 Toledo ! 
 
 Span. In conserves, candies, marmalades, sin- 
 cadoes, ponadoes, marablane, bergamoto, aranxues 
 muria, limons, berengenas of Toledo, orionej*, po- 
 tatoes of Malaga, and ten millions more. 
 
 Fol. Now 'tis ten millions ! a Spaniard can 
 multiply. 
 
 Span. I am your servidor. 
 
 Ray. My palate pleased too ! What's this last? 
 Sold. I am a gun that can roar, two stilettoes 
 in one sheath ; I can fight and bounce too. My 
 lady, by me, presents this sword and belt to you. 
 Ray. Incomparable mistress ! 
 Hum. Put them on. 
 
 Sold. I'll drill you how to give the lie, and stab 
 in the punto ; if you dare not fight, then how to 
 vamp a rotten quarrel without ado. 
 
 Ray. How? dare not fight I there's in me the 
 
 Sun's fire. 
 Hum. No more of this : — {dances) — awake the 
 music ! Qyez ! music ! 
 
 Ray. No more of this ; — this sword arms me 
 
 for battle. 
 Hum. Come then, let thou and I rise up in 
 arms ; 
 The_fieP^em braces ; kisses, our alarms. ^ 
 
 Fol. A dancer and a tailor ! yet "stariS still ? 
 Strike up. IMusic.—A Dance. 
 
 Re-enter Spring, Health, Yotrrn, Dklight. 
 Spring. Oh, tliou enticing strumpet ! how durst 
 thou 
 Throw thy voluptuous spells about a temple 
 That's consecrate to me ? 
 
 Hum. Poor Spring. g OQ jy l; ^^r ^wife K 
 How dar'st thou cast a glance on this rich jewel, 
 I have bought for my own wearing ? 
 Spring. Bought ? art thou sold then ? 
 Ray. Yes, with her gifts ; she buys me with her 
 
 graces. 
 Health. Graces ? a witch ! 
 Spring. What can she give thee? — 
 Ray. All things. 
 Spring. Which I for one bubble cannot add a 
 
 sea to ? 
 Fol. And show him a hobbj-^-horse in my like- 
 ness. 
 Spring. My Raybright, hear me ; I regard not 
 
 these. 
 Ray. What dowry can you bring me ? 
 Spring. Dowry ? ha ! 
 Is't come to this ? am I held poor and bjise ! 
 A girdle make whose buckles, stretch'd to th' 
 
 length, . ; 
 
 Shall reach from th' arctic to th' antarctic |(ole ; 
 \yhat ground soe'er thou canst with thajL^iclose 
 I'll give thee freely : not a lark, that caifs 
 The morning up, shall build on any turf 
 But she shall be thy tenant, call thee lord, 
 And for her rent pay thee in change of songs. 
 Ray. T must turn bird-catcher. 
 Fol. Do you think to have him for a song ? 
 Jlmn. Live with mc still, and all the measures, 
 Play'd to by tlie splieics. I'll teaeh thee ; 
 Let's but thus dally, all the pleasuix-s 
 Die moon behold.s, her jiian bhall reat-h thee. 
 
 Ray, Divincht ! \1 
 
 Fol. Here's a lady ! 
 
 Spring. Is't come to who gives most ? 
 Tiie self-same bay-tree, into which whs turn d 
 Peneian Daphne, I have still kept green ; 
 That tree shall now be thine : about it sit 
 All the old poets, with fresii laurel crown'd. 
 Singing in verse the praise of chastity ; 
 Hither when thou slialt come, they all shall rise. 
 Sweet cantos of thy love and mine to sing, 
 And invoke none but thee as Dalian king. 
 
 Ray. Li vejbj singing ballads ! ^ 
 
 Fol. Oh, l)ase riurhpoe'lT'r would not be one 
 myself. 
 
 Hum. Dwell in mine arms, aloft we'll hnvcr, 
 And see fields of armies fightinjf : 
 Oh, part not from me ! I'll discover 
 There all, but books of fancy's writing. 
 
 Del. Not far off stands the Hippocrenian well 
 Whither I'll lead thee, and but drinking thert-, 
 To welcome thee, nine Muses shall appear ; 
 And with full bovids of knowledge thee inspire. 
 
 Ray. Hang knovvledge, drown your Muses ! 
 
 Fol. Aye, aye, or they'll drown themselves in 
 sack and claret. 
 
 Hum. Do not regard their toys ; 
 
 Be but my darling, age to free tliec 
 From her curse, shall fall a-dying ; 
 
 Call me thy empress ; Time to see thee 
 Shall forget his art of flying. 
 
 R^>y. Oh, my all excellence ! 
 
 Spring. Speak thou for me ; I am fainting. 
 
 [7V* Hkalth. 
 
 Health. Leave her; take this, and travel through 
 the world, 
 
 I'll bring thee into all the courts of kings, 
 jWhere thou shalt stay, and learn their languages ; 
 ;Kiss ladies, revel out the nigh£s.in.,dajii4ng, 
 The day [in] manly pastimes ; s natch from Tim e 
 His glass, and let the golden s auds^ruiLiartli 
 As ihou shalt jog them ; riot it, go brave. 
 Spend half a world, my queen shall bear thee out : 
 ;Yet all this while, though thou climb hills of years, 
 Shall not one wrinkle sit upon thy brow, 
 [ Nor any sickness shake thee ; Youth and Health, 
 As slaves, shall lackey by thy chariot wheels : 
 , And who, for two such jewels, would not sell 
 Th' East and West Indies ? both are thine, so 
 that— 
 
 Ray. What.P 
 
 Fol. All lies ! gallop over the world, and not 
 grow old, nor be sick ? a lie. One gallant went 
 but into France last day, and was never his own 
 man since ; another stept but into the Low 
 Countries, and was drunk dead under the table ; 
 another did but peep into England, and it cost 
 him more in good-morrows blown up to him under 
 his window, by drums and trum|)ets, than his 
 whole voyage ; besides, he ran mad upon't. 
 
 Hum. Here's my last farewell : ride along with 
 I'll raise by art out of base earth a palace, [me ; 
 * * * * a crystal stream. 
 
 Whither thyself, waving * * * 
 
 Shall call together the most glorious spirits 
 Of all the kings that have been in the world ; 
 And they shall come, only to feast with thee. 
 
 Ray. Rare ! 
 
 Hum. At one end of this palace shall be heard 
 That music which gives motion to the heaven ; 
 And in the midst Orpheus shall sit and weep, 
 
SCENE I. 
 
 THE SUN'S DARLING. 
 
 For sorrow that his lute had not the charms j 
 To bring liis fair Eurydice from hell : / 
 
 Then, at ano her end, — 
 
 Roy. I'll hear no more : 
 This ends your strife ; you only I adore. 
 
 \_To Humour. 
 
 Spring. Oh, I am sick at heart ! unthankful 
 
 *Tis thou hast wounded me ; farewell ! [man, 
 
 \_She is led in hy Delight. 
 
 Ray. Farewell. 
 
 Fol. Health, recover her; sirrah Youth, look to 
 her. j^ 
 
 Health. That bird that in her nest sleeps out 
 the s prjggr """^ ^ '~'~^ 
 May fly in summer ; but— with sickly wing. 
 
 - ~" ^£'iUM. Health ana Youth. 
 
 Ray. I owe thee for this pill, doctor. 
 
 Hum. The Spring will die sure. 
 
 Rfjy. Let her ! 
 
 Hum. If she does, 
 
 Folly here is a kind of a foolish poet. 
 And he shall write her epitaph. 
 
 Ray. Against the morning 
 See it then writ, and I'll reward thee for it. 
 
 Fol. It shall not need. 
 
 Ray. 'Tis like it shall not need ; 
 This is your Folly ? 
 
 Hum. He shall be ever yours. 
 
 Fol. I hope ever to be mine own folly; he's one 
 of our fellows. 
 
 Hum. In triumph now I lead thee ; — no, be t 
 And lead me. [CseSj 
 
 Ray. Neither ; we'll ride with equal state 
 Both in one chariot, since we have equal fate. 
 
 Hum. Each do his office to this man, four 
 lord; 
 For though Delight, and Youth, and Health ^ould 
 
 leave him, / ly 
 
 This ivory-gated palace shall receive him.y ^ 
 
 \_Exeunt 
 
 ACT IIL 
 
 SCENE I. 
 
 The Confines of Spring and 
 Summer. 
 
 Enter Raybright melancholy. 
 Ray. Oh, my dear love the Spring, I am cheated 
 Thou hadst a body, the four elements [of thee ! 
 Dwelt never in a fairer ; a mind, princely : 
 Thy language, like thy singers, musical. 
 How cool wert thou in anger ! in thy diet. 
 How temperate, and yet sumptuous I thou wouldst 
 The weight pXa. sad violet in excess^; fnoFwaste 
 Yet still thj;_boar(r Kad dishes uumEerless r*"™"^" 
 DumlTGeasts even loved thee ; once^a^ young lark 
 Sat on thy hand, and gazin^jpn_tluDe.£y.es, 
 M oun te d an cTsungi thinking them moving skies. 
 
 Enter Folly. 
 
 Fol. I have done, my lord ; my muse has pump'd 
 hard for an epitaph upon the late departed Spring, 
 and here her lines spring up. 
 
 Roy. Read. 
 
 Fol. Read! so I will, please you to reach me 
 your high ears. 
 
 Here lies the blithe Spring, 
 
 Who first taught birds to sing ; 
 Yet in April herself fell a crying : 
 
 Then May growing hot, 
 
 A sweating sickness she got. 
 And the first of June lay a dying. 
 
 Yet no month can say, 
 
 But her merry daughter Miiy 
 Stuck her coffin with flowers gieat plenty : 
 
 The cuckow sung in verse 
 
 An epitaph o'er her hoarse, \ \j 
 
 But ussure you the lines were not dainty \ 1 
 
 Ray. No more are thine, thou idiot ! hast Wiou 
 To poison with thy nasty jigs but mine, [nbne 
 
 My matchless frame of nature, creation's wondf >• ' 
 Out of my sight ! 
 
 Fol. I am not in it ; if I were, you'd see ijut 
 scnrvily. You find fault as patrons do with books, 
 to give nothing. 
 
 Ray. Yes, bald one, beastly base one ; blockish 
 —away I 
 
 Vex me not, fool ; turn out o' doors your roarer, 
 French tailor, and that Spanish ginger-bread. 
 And your Italian skipper; then, sir, yourself. 
 
 Fol. Myself ! Carbonado me, bastinado me, 
 strappado me, hang me, I'll not stir ; poor Folly, 
 honest Folly, jocundary Folly forsake your lordship ! 
 no true gentleman hates me ; and how many women 
 are giyia!!3Sl|^._m e , jTrTTw dul3~Hke '*iginT,"t?s o i\. e 
 not faruoflLkogw. Tailor gone. Spanish fig gone, 
 all gone, but I 
 
 Enter Humour. 
 
 Hum. My waiters quoited off by you ! you flay 
 them ! 
 Whence come these thunderbolts .' what furies 
 
 Ray. You. [haunt you ? 
 
 Fol. She ! 
 
 Ray Yes, and thou. 
 
 Fol. Bow-wow ! 
 
 Ray. I shall grow old, diseased, and melan- 
 choly ; 
 For you have robb'd me both of Youth and Health, 
 And that Dehght my Spring bestow'd upon me : 
 But for you two, I should be wondrous good ; 
 By you I have been cozen'd, baffled, torn 
 From the embracements of the noblest creature — 
 
 Hum. Your Spring? 
 
 R<ig. Yes, she, e ven she, onjy the Spring. 
 One mornuig, spent with her, was worth ten nights 
 With ten of the prime beauties in the world : 
 She was unhappy never, but in two sotis, 
 March, a rude roaring fool, 
 
 Fol. And April, a whining puppy. 
 
 Hum. But May was a fine jjiece. 
 
 Ray. Mirror of faces. 
 
 Fol. Indeed May was a sweet creature ; and 
 a great raiser of Maypoles. 
 
 Hum. When will you sing my praises thus ? 
 
 Ray. Thy praises. 
 That art a common creature 1 
 
 Hum. Common ! 
 
 Ray. Yes, common : 
 I cannot pass through any prince's court. 
 Through auy country, camp, town, city, village 
 
 vetV 
 
 / 
 
J 70 
 
 THE SUN'S DARLING. 
 
 /I 
 
 n/ 
 
 But up your name is cried, nay curs'd ; " a ven- 
 On this your debauch'd Humour 1 " [geance 
 
 Fol. A vintner spoke those very words, last night, 
 to a company of roaring-boys, that would not pay 
 their reckoning. 
 
 Boy- How many bastards hast thou ? 
 
 Hum. None. 
 
 Ray. 'Tis a lie ; 
 Be judged by this your squire, else 
 
 Fol. Squire! worshipful master Folly. 
 
 Ray. The courtier has his Humour, has he not, 
 Folly? 
 
 Fol. Yes, marry, has he — folly : the courtier's 
 humour is to be brave, and not pay for't ; to be 
 proud, and no man cares for't. 
 
 Ray. Brave ladies have their humours. 
 
 Fol. Who has to do with that but brave lords ? 
 
 Ray. Your citizens have brave humours. 
 
 Fol. Oh ! but their wives have tickling humours. 
 
 Hum. Yet done ? 
 
 Fol. Humour, madam ! if all are your bastards 
 that are given to humour you, you have a com- 
 pany of as arrant rascals to your children as ever 
 went to the gallows : a collier being drunk jostled 
 a knight into the kennel, and cried, 'twas his 
 humour ; the knight broke his coxcomb, and that, 
 was his humour. 
 
 Rny. And yet you are not common ! 
 
 Hum. No matter what I am : 
 Rail, curse, be frantic ; get you to the tomb 
 Of your rare mistress ; dig up your dead Spring, 
 And lie with her, kiss her : rae, have you lost. 
 
 Fol. And I scorn to be found. 
 
 Ray. Stay ; must I lose all comfort } dearest. 
 There's such a deal of magic in those eyes, [stay ; 
 I'm charm'd to kiss these only. 
 
 Fol. Are you so ? kiss on ; I'll be kissed some- 
 where, I warrant. 
 
 Ray. I will not leave my Folly for a world. 
 
 Fol. Nor I you for ten. 
 
 Ray. Nor thee, my love, for worlds piled upon 
 worlds. 
 
 Hum. If ever for the Spring you do but sigh, 
 I take my bells. 
 
 Fol. And I my hobby-horse : — will you be merry 
 then, and jocund ? 
 
 Rfiy. As merry as the cuckows of the spring. 
 
 Fol. Again ! 
 
 Ray. How, lady, lies the way ? 
 
 Hum. I'll be your convoy. 
 And bring you to the court of the Sun's queen, 
 Summer, a glorious and majestic creature ; 
 Her face outshining the poor Spring's as far 
 As a sunbeam does a lamp, the moon a star. 
 
 Ray- Slld i^re the spheres I'd move in. — Attend 
 us. Folly. lExeunt. 
 
 [That] puts us in this heat, or is the air 
 
 In love with us, it clings with such embraces, 
 
 It keeps us in this warmth ? 
 
 Hum. This shows her Court 
 Is not far off, you covet so to see ; 
 Her subjects seldom kindle needless fires, 
 The Sun lends them his flames. 
 
 Ray. Has she rare buildings ? 
 
 Hum. Magnificent and curious : every noon 
 The horses of the day bait there ; whilst he. 
 Who in a golden chariot makes them gallop 
 In twelve hours o'er the world, alights awhile, 
 To give a love-kiss to the Summer-queen. 
 
 Ray. And shall we have fine sights there } 
 
 Hum. Oh! 
 
 Ray. And hear 
 More ravishing music .' 
 
 Hum. All the choristers 
 That leam'd to sing i' the temple of the Spr^ 
 But here attain such cunning, that when the 
 Roar and are mad, and clouds in antick gamt 
 Dance o'er our heads, their voices have 
 
 They'll all stand still to listen. 
 Ray. Excellent. 
 
 [charms, 
 
 and 
 
 Eiiter a Forester. 
 
 Fores. Back ! whither go you ? 
 
 [Fol.'\ Oyes ! this way. 
 
 Fores. None must pass : 
 Here's kept no open court ; our queen this day 
 Rides forth a-hunting, and the air being hot, 
 She will not have rude throngs so stifle her. 
 
 Back! 
 
 lExeMut. 
 
 SCENE II. — Near the Summer's Court. 
 
 Enter Raybright and IIuimour. 
 
 R'ly. I muse, my nimble Folly stays so long. 
 
 Hum. He's quick enough of foot, and counts 
 
 I swear, 
 
 That minute cast away, not spent on you. 
 
 R'ly. His company is music next to yours; 
 Both of you are a consort, and your tunes /^ j^ 
 Kiill ine asleep ; and, when I most am sad, ^V"! 
 My sorrows vanish from me in soft dreams : /j J 
 
 But how far must we travel ? Is't our motion ' 
 
 SCENE III.— The Court 0/ Summer. 
 Enter Summkr and Dkl[ght. 
 Sum. And did break her heart then .' 
 Del. Yes, with disdain. 
 
 Sum. The heart of my dear mother- nurse, the 
 Spring ! 
 I'll break his heart for't : had she not a face, 
 Too tempting for a Jove ? 
 
 Del. The Graces sat 
 On her fair eyelids ever ; but his youth. 
 Lusting for change, so doted on a lady. 
 Fantastic and yet fair, a piece of wonder, 
 (They call her Humour, and h er parasite Fo\ly) 
 lie cast the sweet Spring ofi', Tnd tur^ngl us jTom 
 
 him ; ^ 
 
 Yet his celestial kinsman, for young Raybfight 
 Is the Sun's Darling, knowing his journeying 
 
 hither 
 To see thy glorious court, sends me before 
 T' attend upon you, and spend all my hours 
 In care for him. — \_liecorders. 
 
 The Sln appears above. 
 
 SuiA Obey your charge ! — Oh, thou builder 
 
 [ KnreJs. 
 Of me, thy handmaid ! landlord of my life 1 
 Life of my love ! throne where my glories sit ! 
 ' ride in triumph on a silve£ clou d. 
 Now I butseethee. 
 
 'unr^&&\[sfie rises.] Is Raybright come yot -* 
 
ECKNE III. 
 
 THE SUN'S DARLING. 
 
 17? 
 
 Del. Not yet. 
 
 Suit. Be you indulgent over him ; 
 
 Enter Plenty. 
 
 And lavish thou thy treasure. — 
 
 Plen. Our princely cousin 
 Raybright, your Darling, and the world's delight, 
 Is come. 
 
 Sun. Who with him ? 
 
 Blen. A goddess in a woman. 
 Attended by a prating saucy fellow, 
 Call'd Folly. ^ 
 
 Sun. They'll confound him — 
 But he shall run [his course go and receive him. 
 
 \_Exit Plenty. 
 
 Sum. Your sparkling eyes, and his arrival, 
 Heaps of admirers ; earth itself will sweat [draws 
 To bear our weights. Vouchsafe, bright power, to 
 Winds not too rough from ^olus, to fan [borrow 
 Our glowing faces. . 
 
 Sun. I will : ho, ^olus I \ 
 Unlock the jail, and lend a wind oi 
 To fan my girl, the Summer. ] 
 
 ^ol. (Within.) I will. / 
 
 Sun. No roarers. ' 
 
 JEol. {Within.) No. 
 
 Sun. Quickly. 
 
 JEol. ( Within.) Fly, you slaves ! Summer 
 sweats ; cool her. 
 
 [,IIoboys.—The Sun takes his seat above. 
 
 Enter Raybright, Humour, Plbnty, Folly, Country- 
 
 and has 
 [drawn 
 
 two y 
 
 fellows, and Wenches. 
 
 SONG. 
 
 u^ ■;■;:.: 
 
 Haymakers, rakers, reapers, and mowers, 
 
 Wait on your Summer-queen ; * -, V ■ 
 
 Dress up with musk-rose her eglantine bowers, 
 DaffodiTSfETevf thegreeff -"~^-"' -_^--"' 
 Sing, dance, and play, 
 'Tis holiday ; 
 The Sun does bravely shine 
 On our ears of corn. 
 Rich as a pearl 
 Comes every girl. 
 This is mine, this isiniuej. this iajjiiae; 
 Let us die, ere away"they be borne. 
 
 Bow to the Sun, to our queen, and that fair one 
 
 Come to behold our sports : 
 Each bonny lass here is counted a rare one. 
 As those in princes' courts. 
 These and wo 
 With country glee, 
 Will teach the woods to resound. 
 And the hills with echoes hollow : 
 Skipping lambs 
 Their bleating dams, 
 •Mongst kids shall trip it round ; 
 For joy thus our wenches we follow. 
 
 Wind, jolly huntsmen, yoin- neat Bjigles shrilly, 
 
 Hounds make a lusty cry ; \ 
 
 Spring up, you falconers, the^artrid^es freely. 
 Then lot your brave hawks fly. 
 Horses amain, 
 Ovor ridge, over plain, 
 The dogs have the stag in chase : 
 •Tis a sport to content a king. 
 So ho ho ! through the skies 
 How the proud bird flies, 
 And sousing kills with a grace ! 
 Now the deer fallb ; hark ; how they ring — 
 
 IThe Sun bp degrees is clouded. 
 
 Sum. Leave off; the Sun is angry, 
 A cloud before his face. 
 
 Del. He is vex'd to see 
 That proud star shine [so] near you, at whose 
 
 rising 
 The Spring fell sick and died ; think what I told 
 His coyness will kill you else. [you, 
 
 Sum. It cannot. — Fair prince. 
 Though your illustrious name has touch'd mine ear, 
 Till now I never saw you : nor never saw 
 A man, whom I more love, more hate. 
 
 Rat/. Ha, lady ! 
 
 Sum. For him I love you, from whose glittering 
 rays 
 You boast your great name ; for that name I hate 
 
 you. 
 Because you kill'd my mother and my nurse. 
 
 Plen. Kill'd he my grandmother ? Plenty will 
 Hold you by tiiehand-again. [never 
 
 Sum. You have free leave 
 To thrust your arm into our treasury. 
 As deep as I myself : Plenty shall wait 
 Still at your elbow ; all my sports are yours. 
 Attendants yours, my state and glory's jours : 
 But these shall be as sunbeams from a glass 1/ 
 Reflected on you, not to give you heat ; 
 To doat on a smooth face, my spirit's too gr,eat. 
 
 [_Flourish. — Exit, followed i/yPLEN. and 1>3I>. 
 
 liai/. Divinest 1 
 
 Hum. Let her go. 
 
 Fol. And I'll go after ; for I must and will have 
 a fling at one of her plum-trees. 
 
 Jia^. I ne'er was scorn'd till now. 
 
 Hum. This that Altezza, 
 That Rhodian wonder gazed at by the Sun ! — 
 I feared thine eyes should have beheld a face. 
 The moon has not a clearer ; this ! a dowdy. 
 
 Fol. An ouzle ; this a queen-apple or a crab s 
 gave you ? 
 
 Hum. She bids you share her treasure ; bu 
 who keeps it } 
 
 Fol. She points to trees great with child with] 
 fruit ; but when delivered ? grapes hang in ropes 
 but no drawing, not a drop of wine ! whole ears of 
 corn lay their ears together for bread, but the devil 
 a bit I can touch. 
 
 Hum. Be ruled by me once more ; leave her, 
 ' Ray. In scorn, 
 As [s]he does me. 
 
 Fol. Scorn ! If I be not deceived, I have seen 
 Summer go up and down with hot codlings ; and 
 that little baggage, her daughter Plenty, crying six 
 bunches of raddish for a penny. 
 
 Hum. Thou shalt have nobler welcome ; for I'll 
 bring thee 
 To a brave and bounteous housekeeper, free 
 Autumn. 
 
 Fol. Oh, there's a lad !— let's go then. 
 
 Re-enter Plenty. 
 
 Plen. Where is this prince .' my mother, for the 
 Must not have you [dejpart. [Indies, 
 
 Ray. Must not ? 
 
 Re-enter Summer, 
 Sum. No, must not. 
 I dliJtiutjjliide .thefii Jike.A wlnstUng wind, 
 £layingv\jith leat]^ dancers : when I told thee 
 lliatea^ee, Tlied; I "dote upon thee. 
 Unlock my garden of the Hesperides, j^- 
 
 I 
 
178 
 
 THE SUN'S DARLING. 
 
 By dragons kept, (the apples being pure gold) 
 Take all that fruit ; 'tis thine. 
 
 Plen. Love but my mother, 
 I'll give thee corn enout;]i to feed the world. 
 
 Ray. I need not golden apples, nor your corn ; 
 What land soe'er the vt-orld's surveyor, the Sun, 
 Can measure in a day, I dare calLuxipej^ 
 All kingdoms I have right to ; I am free 
 Of every country ; in the four elements 
 I have as deep a share as an emperor ; 
 All beasts whom the earth bears are to serve me, 
 All birds to sing to me ; and can you catch me 
 With a tempting golden apple ? 
 
 Plen. She's too good for thee. 
 When she was born, the Sun for joy did rise 
 Before his time, only to kiss those eyes. 
 Which having touch'd, he stole from them such 
 
 store 
 Of lights, he shone more bright than e'er before ; 
 At which he vow'd, whenever she did die. 
 He'd snatch them up, and in his sister's sphere 
 Place them, since she had no two stars so clear. 
 
 Ray. Let him now snatch them up ; away ! 
 
 Hum. Away, 
 And leave this gipsy. 
 Sum. Oh, I am lost. 
 Ray. Lost ? 
 Sum . Scqni'd! — 
 
 KayTyJi no triumph more then love can boast. 
 [_Exit ivith Humour and Folly. 
 Fien. This strumpet will confound him, she has 
 
 me. 
 Sum. Deluded ! — [Recorders. 
 
 The Sun re-appears, with Cupid and Fortune. 
 
 Sun. Is Raybright gone ? 
 
 Sum. Yes, and his spiteful eyes 
 Have shot darts through me. 
 
 Sun. I thy wounds will cure. 
 And lengthen out thy days ; his followers gone, 
 Cupid and Fortune, take you charge of him. 
 HereliEoUv my Tsrightes^^^^^^^^^^ must end thy 
 
 reign ; - 
 Some nine months hence I'll shine on thee again. 
 .._.. .- l,Exeunt. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I.— The Court of Avtvu^. 
 
 Enter Pomona, Raybright, Cupid, and Fortune. 
 
 Ray. Your entertainments. Autumn's bounteous 
 queen, 
 Have feasted me with rarities as delicate, 
 As the full growth of an abundant year"" 
 Can ripen to my palate. 
 
 Pom. They are but courtings 
 Of gratitude to our dread lord, the Sun, 
 From whom thou draw'st thy name : the feast of 
 
 fruits 
 Our gardens yield are much too coarse for thee ; 
 Could we contract the choice of nature's plenty 
 Into one form, and that form to contain 
 All delicacies, which the wanton sense 
 Would relisli, or desire to invent, to please it, 
 The present were unworthy far to purchase 
 A sacred leave of friendship. 
 
 Ray. I have rioted 
 In surfeits of the ear, with various music 
 Of warbling birds ; I have smelt perfumes of roses, 
 And every flower, with which the fresh-trimra'd 
 
 earth 
 Is mantled in : the Spring could mock my senses 
 With these fine barren lullabies ; the Summer 
 Invited my then ranging eyes to look on 
 Large fields of ripen'd corn, presenting trifles 
 Of waterish petty dainties ; but my taste 
 Is only here pleas'd : the other objects claim 
 The style of formal, these are real bounties. 
 
 Pom. We can transcend thy wishes ; whom the 
 creatures 
 Of every age and quality post, madding. 
 From land to land and sea to sea, to meet, 
 Shall wait upon thy nod. Fortune and Cupid. 
 Love ! yield thy quiver and thine arrows up 
 To this great prince of time ; before him. Fortune ! i 
 Pour out thy mint of treasures ; crown him sove- J 
 
 Of what his thoughts can glory to command : \ 
 
 He shall give payment of a royal prize, 
 To Fortune judgment, and to Cupid eyes. 
 
 For. Be a merchant, I will freight thee 
 
 With all store that time is bought for. 
 Cup. Be a lover, I will wait thee 
 
 With success in life most sought for. 
 For. Be enamour'd on bright honour, 
 
 And thy greatness shall shine glorious. 
 Cup. Chastity, if thou smile on her, 
 
 Shall grow servile, thou victorious. 
 For. Be a warrior, conquest ever 
 
 Shall triumphantly renown thee. * 
 Cup. Be a courtier, beauty never 
 
 Shall but with her duty crown thee. 
 For. Fortune's wheel is thine, depose me; 
 
 I'm thy slave, thy power has bound me. 
 Cup. Cupid's shafts are thine, dispose me ; 
 
 Love love's love ; thy graces wound me. 
 Bot?i. Live, reign ! pity is fame's jewel ; 
 We obey ; oh ! be not cruel. 
 
 Ray. You ravish me with infinites, and lay 
 A bounty of more sovereignty and amazement, 
 Than the Atlas of mortality can support. — 
 
 Enter, behind. Humour and Foli^y. 
 
 Hum. What's here ? 
 
 FoL Nay, pray observe. 
 
 Ray. Be my heart's empress, build your king> 
 dom there. 
 
 Hum. With what an earnestness he com.pli- 
 [ments.] 
 
 Fol. Upon my life he means to turn coster- 
 monger, and is projecting how to forestal the 
 market ; I shall cry pippins rarely. 
 
 Ray. Till now my longings were ne'er satisfied; 
 And the desires my sensual appetite 
 Were only fed with, barren expectations 
 To what 1 now am fill'd with. 
 
 Fol. Yes, we are filled and must be emptied, 
 these wind-fruits have distended my guts into a 
 lenten pudding, there's no fat in them ; my belly 
 
SCKNE 
 
 THE SUN'S DARLING. 
 
 179 
 
 swells, but my sides fall away : a month of such 
 diet would make me a living anatomy. 
 
 Pom. These are too little ; more are due to him, 
 That is the pattern of his father's glory : 
 Dwell but amongst us, industry shall strive 
 To make another artificial nature, 
 And change all other seasons into ours. 
 
 Hum. Shall my heart break ? I can contain no 
 longer. [Comes/orward, with Folly. 
 
 Ray. How fares my loved Humour 
 
 Hum. A little stirr'd, 
 Call for some music — do not ; — I'll be melan 
 choly. ^ 
 
 Fol. A sullen humour ; and common in a dicer 
 that has lost all his money. 
 
 Pom. Lady, I hope 'tis no neglect of courtesy 
 Tn us, that so disturbs you ; if it rise 
 From any discontent, reveal the cause ; 
 It shall be soon removed. 
 
 Hum. Oh, my heart! — 
 Help to unlace ray gown. 
 
 Fol. And unlace your petticoat. 
 
 Hum. Saucy, how now ! — 'tis well you have 
 some sweetheart, 
 Some new fresh sweetheart; [7\> Ray.] — I'm a 
 
 goodly fool 
 To be thus play'd on, staled and foil'd. 
 
 Pom. "Why, madam ? 
 We can be courteous without stain of honour : 
 'Tis not the raging of a lustful blood 
 That we desire to tame with satisfaction, 
 Nor have his masculine graces in our breast 
 Kindled a wanton ftre ; our bounty gives him 
 A welcome free, but chaste and honourable. 
 
 Hum. Nay, 'tis all one ; I have a tender heart : 
 Come, come, let's drink. 
 
 Fol. A humour in fashion with gallants, and 
 brought out cf the Low Countries. 
 
 Hum. Fie 1 there's no music in thee ; — let us 
 sing. 
 
 Fol. Here's humour in the right trim! a few 
 more such toys would make the little world of man 
 ^un mad as the puritan that sold his conscience for 
 i maypole — lAJiourish.—Snouis within. 
 
 Ray. The meaning of this mirth ? 
 
 Pom. My lord is coming. 
 
 Ray. Let us attend to humble our best thanks. 
 For these high favours. 
 
 Enter Autumn and Bacchanalian. 
 
 Pom. My dearest lord, according to th' injunc- 
 tion 
 C'{ 5'our command, I have, with all observance, 
 Giv?n entertainment to this noble stranger. 
 
 Aut. The Sun-born Raybright, minion of my 
 love ! 
 Let us be twins in heart ; thy grandsire's beams 
 Shine graciously upon our fruits and vines. 
 I am his vassal, servant, tributary; 
 And, for his sake, the kingdoms I possess, 
 I will divide with thee ; thou shalt command 
 The Lydian Tmolus, and Campanian mounts, I V 
 To nod their grape-crown'd heads into thy bowli, 
 Expressing their rich juice ; a hundred grains. 
 Both from the Beltick and Sicilian fields, 
 Shall be congested for thy sacrifice, 
 In Ceres' fane ; Tiber sliall pay thee apples, 
 And Sicyon olives ; all the choicest fruits 
 Thy father's heat doth ripen. 
 
 Ray. Make me but treasurer 
 
 Of your respected favours, and that honour 
 Shall equal my ambition. 
 
 Aut. My Pomona, 
 Speed to prepare a^banquet of [all] novelties. 
 This is a day of rest, and we, the whiles, 
 Will sport before our friends, and shorten time 
 With length of wonted revels. 
 
 Pom. I obey. 
 Will't please you, madam? a retirement 
 y^rom these extremes in men, more tolerable, 
 
 matter, I'll be merry ;N' Will better tit our modesties. 
 
 Hum. I'll drink, ^N. . . 
 
 And be a Bacchanalian — no, I will not. \ *^ 
 Enter, I'll follow; — stay, I'll go before. ) 
 
 Pom. Even what Humonr pleaseth. 
 
 lExeunt IIuaj. and Poai 
 
 Aut. Raybright, a health to Phoebus ! 
 
 \_A Flourish. Drinks. 
 These are the Pseans, which we sing to him. 
 And yet we wear no bays ; our cups are only 
 Crown'd with Lyseus' blood : to him a health ! 
 
 \_A Flourish. Brinks. 
 
 Ray. I must pledge that too. 
 
 Aut. Now, one other health 
 To our o^rand patron, call'd Good-fellowship ; 
 Whose livery all our people hereabout 
 Are clad in. ^Flourish. Drinks. 
 
 Ray. I am for that too. 
 
 Aut. 'Tis well ; 
 Let it go round ; and, as our custom is 
 Of recreations of this nature, join 
 Your voices, as you drink, in lively notes ; 
 Sing los unto Bacchus. 
 
 Fol. Hey-hoes ! a god of winds : there's at least 
 four-and-twenty of them imprisoned in my belly ; 
 if I sigh not forth some of them, the rest will break 
 out at the back-door ; and how sweet the music of 
 their roaring will be, let an Irishman judge. 
 
 Ray. He is a songster too. 
 
 Fol. A very foolish one ; my music is natural, 
 and came by inheritance : my father was a French 
 nightingale, and my mother an English wagtail ; 
 I was born a cuckoo in the spring, and lost my 
 voice in summer, with laying my eggs in a sparrow's 
 nest ; but I'll venture for one: — fill my dish — every 
 one take his own, and, when I hold up my finger, 
 off with it. 
 
 Aut. Begin. 
 
 Folly 
 
 Cast away care ; he that loves sorrow 
 Lengthens not a day, nor can buy to-morrow ; 
 Money is trash ; and he that will spend it, 
 Let him drinU merrily, Fortune will send it. 
 Slerrily, merrily, merrily, Oh, ho I 
 Play it off stifly, we may not part so. 
 Char. Merrily, &c. 
 [_Here, and at the conclusion of every stanza, they drink. 
 
 Wine is a charm, it heats the blood too. 
 Cowards it will arm, if the wine be good too ; 
 Quickens the wit, and makes the back able. 
 Scorns to submit to the watch or constable. 
 Merrily, &c. 
 
 Pots fly about, give us more liquor, 
 Brothers of a rout, our brains will flow quicker ; 
 Empty the cask ; score up, we care not ; 
 Fill all the pots again, drink on, and spare not. 
 Merrily, &c. 
 
 Now, have I more air than ten musicians ; besides 
 there is a whirlwind in my brains, I could both 
 caper and turn round. 
 
 sings. \J 
 
180 
 
 THE SUN'S DARLING. 
 
 1/ 
 
 J 
 
 Aut. Ob, a dance by all means ! 
 Now cease your healths, and in an active motion 
 Bestir ye nimbly, to beguile the hours. 
 
 Fol. I am for you in that too ; 'twill jog down 
 the lees of these rouses into a freer passage ; but 
 take heed of sure footing, 'tis a slippery season : 
 many men fall by rising, and many women are 
 raised by falling. 
 
 A Dance. 
 
 Aut. How likes our friend this pastime ? 
 
 Ray. Above utterance. . 
 
 Oh, how have I, in ignorance and dulness, » 
 
 Run through the progress of so many minutes. 
 Accusing him, who was my life's first author, 
 Of slackness and neglect, whilst 1 have dreamt 
 The folly of my days in vain expense 
 Of useless taste and pleasure ! Pray, my lord. 
 Let one health j^ass about, whilst I bethink me 
 What course I am to take, for being denizen 
 In your unlimited courtesies. 
 > Aut. Devise a round ; 
 /You have your liberty. 
 f Ray. A health to Autumn's self ! 
 And here let time hold still his restless glass. 
 That not another golden sand may fall 
 To measure how it passeth. iThey drink. 
 
 Aut. Continue here with me, and by thy pre- 
 Create me favourite to thy fair progenitor, [seace 
 And be mine heir. 
 
 Ray. I want words to express 
 My thankfulness. 
 
 Aut. Whate'er the wanton Spring, 
 When she doth diaper the ground with beauties, 
 Toils for, comes home to Autumn ; Summer 
 
 sweats, 
 Either in pasturing her furlongs, reaping 
 The crop of bread, ripening the fruits for food, 
 [While] Autumn's garners house them. Autumn's 
 
 jollities 
 Feed on them ; I alone in every land, 
 Traffic my useful merchandize ; gold and jewels, 
 Lordly possessions, are for my commodities 
 Mortgaged and lost : I sit chief moderator 
 Between the .cbeeka^rfiE'd'SiTmmer, and th' ex- 
 tremes 
 
 Of Winter's tedious frost ; nay, in myself 
 
 I do contain another, teeming Spring. 
 
 Surety of health, prosperity of life 
 
 Belongs to Autumn ; if thou then canst hope 
 
 To inherit immortality in frailty. 
 
 Live here till time be spent, yet be not old. 
 
 Ray. Under the Sun, you are the "year's" great 
 emperor. 
 
 Aut. On now, to new variety of feasts ; 
 Princely contents are fit for princely guests. 
 
 T^oy. My lord, I'll follow. IFlourish. Exit Avr. 
 Sure, I am not well. 
 
 Fol. Surely I am half drunk, or monstrously 
 mistaken : you mean to stay here, belike? 
 
 Ray. Whither should I go else ? X 
 
 Fol. Nay, if you will kill yourself in your own 
 defence, I'll not be of your jury. 
 
 Re-enter Humour. 
 
 Hum. You have had precious pleasures, choice 
 of drunkenness : 
 Will you be gone ? 
 
 Roy. I feel a war within me, 
 And every doubt that resolution kills 
 
 Springs up a greater : In the year's revolution. 
 There cannot be a season more delicious. 
 When Plenty, Summer's daughter, empties daily 
 Her cornucopia, fiU'd with choicest viands. 
 
 Fol. Plenty's horn is always full in the city. 
 
 Ray. When temperate heat offends not with 
 extremes. 
 When day and night have their distinguishment 
 With a more equal measure ; — 
 / Hum. Ha ! in contemplation ? 
 
 Fol. Troubling himself with this windy-guts, 
 this belly-aching Autumn, this Apple John Kent, 
 
 v: 
 
 and warden of Fruiterers' hall. 
 
 Ray. When the bright Sun, with kindly distant 
 beams 
 
 4 
 
 4 jGilds ripen'd fruit ; 
 
 1^ Hum. And what fine meditation 
 Transports you thus ? You study some encomium 
 Upon the beauty of the garden's queen ; 
 You'd make the paleness to supply the vacancy 
 Of Cynthia's dark defect. 
 
 Fol. Madam, let but a green-sickness chamber- 
 maid be thoroughly steeled, if she get not a better 
 colour in one month, I'll be forfeited to Autumn 
 for ever, and fruit-eat my flesh into a consump- 
 tion. 
 
 Hum. Come, Raybright; whatsoe'er suggestions 
 Have won on thy apt weakness, leave these empty 
 And hollow-sounding pleasures, that include 
 Only a windy substance of delight. 
 Which every motion alters into air ; 
 I'll stay no longer here. 
 
 Ray. I must. 
 
 Hum. You shall not ; 
 These are adulterate mixtures of vain follies : 
 I'll bring thee 
 
 Into the court of Winter ; there thy food 
 Shall not be sickly fruits, but healthful broths. 
 Strong meat and dainty. 
 
 Fol. Pork, beef, mutton, very sweet mutton, 
 veal, venison, capon, fine fat capon, i)artridge, 
 snite, plover, larks, teal, admirable teal, my lord. 
 
 Hum. Mistery there, like to another nature, 
 Confects the substance of the choicest fruits 
 In a rich candy, with such imitation 
 Of form and colour, 'twill deceive the eye, 
 Until the taste be ravish'd. 
 
 Fol. Comfits and caraways, marchpanes and 
 marmalades, sugar-plums and pippin-pies, ginger- 
 bread and walnuts. 
 
 Hum. Nor is his bounty limited ; he'll not spare 
 To exhaust the treasure of a thousand Indies. 
 
 Fol. Two hundred pound suppers, and neither 
 fiddlers nor broken glasses reckoned ; besides, a 
 hundred pound a throw, ten times together, if you 
 can hold out so long. 
 
 Ray. You tell me wonders I 
 Be my conductress ; I'll fly this place in secret : 
 Three quarters of my time are almost spent, 
 The last remains to crown ray full content. 
 Now, if I fail, let man's experience read me : 
 L 'Twas_ Humour, joined with. JGallyj did mislead 
 V^ me. 
 
 Hum. Leave this naked season, 
 Wherein the vfeTyTreies-shake^off their locks. 
 It is so poor and barren. 
 
 Fol. And when the hair falls off, I have heard 
 a p'!et say, 'tis no good sign of a sound body. 
 
 Ray. Come, let's go taste old Winter's fresh 
 delights, 
 
THE SUN'S DARLING. 
 
 181 
 
 An 1 swf 11 with pleasures our big appetites. 
 
 The Summer, Autumn, [Winter] and the Spring, 
 
 As 'twere conjoin'din one conjugal ring, 
 
 (An emblem of four provinces we sway,) 
 
 Shall all attend our pastimes night and day ; 
 
 Shall both be subject to our glorious state. 
 
 While we enjoy the blessings of our fate : \ 
 
 And since we have notice that some barbarous 
 
 spirits 
 Mean to oppose our entrance, if by words , 
 
 They'll not desist, we'll force our way with swor is.y 
 
 lExeu it. 
 
 I 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE J.— The Court o/ Winter. 
 
 Enter several Clowns. 
 
 1 Clown. Hear you the news, neighbour ? 
 
 2 Clown. Yes, to my grief, neighbour ; they say 
 our prince Raybright is coming hither, with whole 
 troops and trains of courtiers : we are like to have 
 a fine time on't, neighbours. 
 
 3 Clown. Our wives and daughters are, for they 
 ate sure to get by the bargain ; though our barn 
 be emptied, they will be sure to be with bairn for't. 
 Oh, these courtiers, neighbours, are pestilent 
 knaves ; but ere I'll sufl'er it, I'll pluck a crow 
 with some of 'em. 
 
 1 Clown. 'Faith, neighbour, let's lay our heads 
 together, and resolve to die like men. rather than 
 live like beasts. 
 
 2 Clown. Aye, like horn-beasts, neighbour : 
 they may talk and call us rebels, but a fig for that, 
 'tis not a fart matter : let's be true amongst our- 
 selves, and with our swords in hand resist his 
 entrance. — 
 
 Enter Winter. 
 
 Win. What sullen murmurings does your gall 
 
 bring forth ? 
 Will you prov't trae, " No good comes from the 
 
 north ?" 
 Bold, saucy mortals, dare you then aspire 
 With snow and ice to quench the sphere of fire ? 
 Are your hearts frozen like your clime, from thence 
 All temperate heat's fled of obedience ? 
 How durst you else with force think to withstand 
 Your prince's entry into this his land ? 
 A prince, who is so excellently good. 
 His virtue is his honour, more than blood ; 
 In whose clear nature, as two suns, do rise 
 The attributes of mercifu. and wise ; 
 Whose laws are so impartial, they must 
 Be counted heavenly, 'cause they're truly just : 
 Who does, with princely moderation, give 
 His subjects an example how to live ; 
 Teaching their erring nataares to direct 
 Their wills, to what it ought most to affect : 
 That as the sun does unto all dispense 
 Heat, light, nay life, from his full influence : 
 Yet you, wild fools, possess'd with giant rage, 
 Dare, in your lawless fury, think to wage 
 War against Heaven; and from his shining throne 
 Pull Jove himself, for you to tread upon ; 
 Were your heads circled with his own green oak, 
 Yet are they subject to his thunder stroke, 
 And he can sink such wretches as rebel. 
 From Heaven's sublime height to the depth of 
 
 Hell. 
 
 1 Clown. The devil he can as soon ! we fear no 
 
 colours ; let him do his worst ; there's many a tall 
 
 fellow, besides us, will rather die than sec his living 
 
 taken from them, nay, even eat up : all things are 
 
 grown so dear, there's no enduring more mouths 
 than our own, neighbour. 
 
 2 Cloivn. Thou'rt a wise fellow, neighbour ; 
 prate is but prate. They say this prince too would 
 bring new laws upon us, new rites into the temples 
 of our gods ; and that's abominable ; we'll all be 
 hang'd first. ^ / 
 
 Win. A most fair pretence ^^ l/ 
 
 To found rebellion upon conscience ! \ 
 
 Dull, stubborn fools ! whose perverse judgments 
 
 still 
 Are govern'd by the malice of your will. 
 Not by indifferent reason, which to you 
 Comes, as in droughts the elemental dew 
 Does on the parch'd earth; wets, but does not giv 
 Moisture enough to make the plants to live. 
 Things void of soul ! can you conceive, that he, 
 Whose every thou;^ht's an act of piety. 
 Who's all religious, furnish'd with all good 
 That ever was comprised in flesh and blood, 
 Cannot direct you in the fittest way 
 To serve those Powers, to which himself does pay 
 True zealous worship, nay's so near allied 
 To them, himself must needs be deified ? 
 
 Enter Folly. 
 
 Fol. Save you, gentlemen ! 'Tis very cold ; you 
 live in frost ; you've Winter still about you. 
 
 2 Clown. What are you, sir.' 
 
 Fol. A courtier, sir; but, you may guess, a very 
 foolish one, to leave the bright beams of my lord, 
 the prince, to travel hither. I have an ague on 
 me ; do you not see me shake ? Well, if our cour- 
 tiers, when they come hither, have not warm young 
 wenches, good wines and fires, to heat their blood, 
 'twill freeze into an apoplexy. Farewell, frost ! 
 I'll go seek a fire to thaw me ; I'm all ice, I fear, 
 already. [Exit. 
 
 1 Cloivn. Farewell, and be hanged ! ere such as 
 these shall eat what we have sweat for, we'll spend 
 our bloods. Come, neighbours, let's go call our 
 company together, and go meet this prince he talks 
 so of. 
 
 3 Clown. Some shall have but a sour welcome 
 of it, if my crabtree- cudgel hold here. 
 
 Win. 'Tis, I see. 
 Not in my power to alter destiny ; 
 You're mad in your rebellious minds : but hear 
 What I presage, with understanding clear. 
 As your black thoughts are misty ; take from me 
 This, as a true and certain augury : 
 This prince shall come, and, by his glorious side, 
 Laurel-crown'd conquest shall in triumph ride, 
 Arm'd with the justice that attends his cause, 
 You shall with penitence embrace his laws : 
 He to the frozen northern clime shall bring 
 A warmth so temperate, as shall force the Spring 
 Usurp my privilege, and by his ray 
 
 1/ 
 
132 
 
 THE SUN'S DARLING. 
 
 / 
 
 Night shall be changed into perpetual day : 
 
 Plenty and happiness shall still increase, 
 As does his light ; and turtle-footed peace 
 Dance like a fairy through his realms, while all 
 That envy him, shall like swift comets fall, 
 By their own fire consumed ; and glorious he 
 Ruling, as 'twere, the force of destiny, 
 Shall have a long and prosperous reign on earth, 
 Then fly to Heaven, and give a new star birth. 
 
 J Flour ish.- 
 
 -Enter Raybrioht, Humour, Bounty, 
 and Delight. 
 
 But see, our star appears ; and from his eye 
 Fly thousand beams of sparkling majesty. 
 Bright son of Phoebus, welcome ! I begin 
 To feel the ice fall from my crisled skin ;, 
 For at your beams the waggoner might thaw 
 His chariot, axled with Riphsean snow ; 
 Nay, the slow moving North-star, having felt 
 Your temperate heat, his icicles would melt. 
 
 Ray. What bold rebellious caitiffs dare disturb 
 The happy progress of our glorious peace, 
 Contemn the justice of our equal laws, 
 Profane those sacred rites, which still must be 
 Attendant on monarchal dignity ? 
 I came to frolic with you, and to cheer 
 Your drooping souls by vigour of my beams, 
 And have I this strange welcome? Reverend 
 
 Winter ! 
 I'm come to be your guest ; your bounteous, free 
 Condition does assure [me], I shall have 
 A welcome entertainment. 
 
 Win. Illustrious sir ! I am [not] ignorant 
 How much expression my true zeal will wan » , 
 To entertain you fitly ; yet my love V 
 
 And hearty duty shall be far above 
 My outward welcome. To that glorious light 
 Of Heaven, the Sun, which chases hence the 
 
 night, 
 I am so much a vassal, that I'll strive, 
 By honouring you, to keep my faith alive 
 To him, brave prince, through you, who do inherit 
 'Your father's cheerful heat and quick'ning spirit. 
 Therefore, as I am Winter, worn and spent 
 So far with age, I am Time's monument, 
 Antiquity's example ; in my zeal 
 I, from my youth, a span of time will steal 
 To open the free treasures of my court. 
 And swell your soul with my delights and sport. 
 
 Ray. Never till now 
 Did admiration beget in me truly 
 The rare-match'd twins at once, pity and pleasure. 
 [Pity, that one] 
 
 So royal, so abundant in earth's blessings, 
 Should not partake the comfort of those beams, 
 \yith which the Sun, beyond extent, doth cheer 
 The other seasons ; yet my pleasures with you, 
 From their false charms, do get the start, as far 
 As Heaven's great lamp from every minor star. 
 
 Bonn. Sir, you can speak well ; if your tongue 
 deliver 
 The message of your heart, without some cunning 
 Of restraint, we may hope to enjoy 
 The lasting riches of your presence hence [forth] 
 Without distrust or change. 
 
 Ray. Winter's sweet bride, 
 All conquering Bounty, queen of hearts, life's 
 
 , glory, 
 Nature s perfection ; whom all love, all serve ; 
 To whom Fortune, even in extreme 's a slave ; 
 
 When I fall from my duty to thy goodness. 
 Let me be rank'd as nothing ! 
 
 Boun. Come, you flatter me. 
 
 Ray. I flatter you ! why, madam, you are 
 Bounty, 
 Sole daughter to the royal throne of peace. 
 
 Hum. He minds not me now. lAside. 
 
 Ray. Bounty's self! 
 For you, he is no soldier dares not fight ; 
 No scholar he, that dares not plead your merits. 
 Or study your best sweetness ; should the Sun, 
 Eclips'd for many years, forbear to shine 
 Upon the bosom of our naked pastures. 
 Yet, where you are, the glories of your smiles 
 Would warm the barren grounds, arm heartless 
 
 misery. 
 And cherish desolation : 'deed I honour you, 
 And, as all others ought to do, I serve you. 
 
 Hum. Are these the rare sights, these the pro- 
 mis'd compliments \ 
 
 Win. Attendance on our revels ! let delight 
 Conjoin the day with sable-footed night ; 
 Both shall forsake their orbs, and in one sphere 
 Meet in soft mirth, and harmless pleasures here : 
 While plump Lyseus shall, with garland crown'd 
 Of triumph-ivy, in full cups abound 
 Of Cretan wine, and shall dame Ceres call 
 To wait on you, at Winter's festival ; 
 While gaudy Summer, Autumn, and the Spring, 
 Shall to my lord their choicest viands bring. 
 We'll rob the sea, and from the subtle air 
 Fetch her inhabitants, to supply our fare ; 
 That, were Apicius here, he in one night 
 Should sate with dainties his strong appetite. 
 Begin our revels then, and let all pleasure 
 Flow like the ocean in a boundless measure. 
 '''*-...»,.^ , [_A Flourish. 
 
 Enter Conceit and Detraction. 
 
 Con. 
 
 Con. 
 
 Detr. 
 
 Con. 
 
 Wit and pleasure, soft attention 
 Grace the sports of our invention. 
 Detr. Conceit, peace I for Detraction 
 Hatli already drawn a faction 
 Shall deride thee. 
 
 Antick, leave me ! 
 For in labouring to bereave me 
 Of a scholar's praise, thy dotage 
 Shall be hiss'd at. 
 
 Here's a hot age. 
 When such petty penmen covet 
 Fame by folly ! On ; I'll prove it 
 Scurvy by thy part, and try thee 
 By thine own wit. 
 
 I defy thee ; 
 Here are nobler judges ; wit 
 Cannot suffer whei-e they sit. 
 
 Detr. Prithee, foolish Conceit, leave off thy set 
 speeches, and come to the conceit itself in plain 
 language. What goodly thing is't, in the name of 
 laughter.!' 
 
 Con. Detraction, do thy worst. Conceit ap- 
 pears. 
 In honour of the Sun, their fellow-friend. 
 Before thy censure : know, then, that the spheres 
 Have for a while resign'd their orbs, and lend 
 Their seats to the four Elements, who join'd 
 With the four known Complexions, have atoned 
 A noble league, and severally put on 
 Material bodies ; here amongst them none 
 Observes a difference : Earth and Air alike 
 Are sprightly active ; Fire and Water seek 
 
THE SUNS DARLING. 
 
 183 
 
 No glory of pre-eminence ; Phlegm and Blood, 
 Choler and Melancholy, who have stood 
 In contrarieties, now meet for pleasure, 
 To entertain time in a courtly Measure. 
 
 Detr. Impossible and improper ; first, to per- 
 sonate insensible creatures, and next, to compound 
 quite opposite humours I fie, fie, fie ; it\g abomi- 
 nable- 
 
 Con. Fond ignorance ! how darest tho^ 
 Impossibility, what reigns in man 
 Without disorder, wisely mix'd by nature, 
 To fashion and preserve so high a creature 
 
 Detr. Sweet sir, when shall our mortal ei 
 hold this new piece of wonder ? We mu^ gaze 
 on the stars for it, doubtless. 
 
 vainly 
 [scan 
 
 ves be- 
 
 The Scene opens, and discovers the Masquers, {the four 
 Elements, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth ; and the four 
 Complexions, Phlegm, Blood, Choler, and Melancholy,) 
 OH a raised Platform. 
 
 Con. See, thus the clouds fly off, and run in 
 chase, 
 When the Sun's bounty lends peculiar grace. 
 
 Detr. Fine, i'faith ; pretty, and in good earnest : 
 but, sirrah scholar, will they come down too ? 
 
 Con. Behold them well; the foremost repre- 
 Air, the most sportive of the elements. [sents 
 
 Delr. A nimble rascal, I warrant him some al- 
 derman's son ; wondrous giddy and light-headed ; 
 one that blew his patrimony away in feather and 
 tobacco. 
 
 Con. The next near him is Fire. 
 
 Detr. A choleric gentleman, I should know him ; 
 a younger brother and a great spender, but seldom 
 or never carries any money about him : he was 
 begot when the sign was in Taurus, for he roars 
 like a bull, but is indeed a bell-wether. 
 
 Con. The third in rank is W^ater. 
 
 Detr. A phlegmatic cold piece of stuff : his 
 father, methinks, should be one of the dunce- 
 table, and one that never drank strong beer in's 
 life, but at festival times ; and then he caught the 
 heart-burning a whole vacation and half a term 
 after. 
 
 Con. The fourth is Earth. 
 
 Detr. A shrewd plotting-pated fellow, and a 
 great lover of news. I guess at the rest ; Blood 
 is placed near Air, Choler near Fire ; Phlegm and 
 Water are sworn brothers, and so are Earth and 
 Melancholy. 
 
 Con. Fair nymph of Harmony, be it thy task 
 To sing them down, and rank them in a masque. 
 
 A SONG : 
 
 During which, the Masquers descend upon the Stage, and 
 take their places for the Dance. 
 
 See the Elements conspire .• 
 
 Nimble Air does court the Earth, 
 
 Water does commix with fire. 
 
 To give our prince's pleasure bh-th ; 
 
 Each delight, each joy, each sweet 
 
 In one composition meet. 
 
 All the seasons of the year ; 
 
 Winter does invoke the Spring, 
 Summer does in pride appear. 
 
 Autumn forth its fruits doth bring, 
 And with emulation pay 
 Their tribute to this holy-day ; 
 In which the Darling of the Sun is come, 
 To make this place a new Elysium. 
 
 [A Danck. — Exeunt Masquers.. 
 
 Win. How do these pleasures please .-• 
 
 Hum. Pleasures ' 
 
 Boun. Live here, 
 And be my lord's friend ; and thy sports shall 
 
 vary 
 A thousand ways ; Invention shall beget 
 Qonceit s, as curious as the thoughts of Change 
 Cah^^2E^^— '-"" — -•'•■-~~-"~-'" •'""^'" ^ """ 
 
 JTMmTTrifles ! Progress o'er the year 
 Again, my Raybright ; therein like the Sun ; 
 As he in Heaven runs his circular course, \ 
 So thou on earth run thine ; for to be fed 
 With stale delights, breeds duluess and con- 
 tempt : 
 Think on the Spring. 
 
 Ray. She was a lovely virgin. 
 
 Win. My royal lord ! 
 Without offence, be pleased but to afford 
 Me give you my true figure ; do not scorn 
 My age, nor think, 'cause I appear forlorn, 
 I serve for no use : 'tis my sharper breath 
 Does purge gross exhalations from the earth ; 
 My frosts and snows do purify the air 
 From choking fogs, make the sky clear and fair : 
 And though by nature cold and chill 1 be. 
 Yet I am warm in bounteous charity ; 
 And can, my lord, by grave and sage advice. 
 Bring you to the happy shades of paradise. 
 
 Ray. That wonder! Oh, can you bring me 
 thither ? 
 
 Win. I can direct and point you out a path. 
 
 Hum. But where's the guide ? 
 Quicken thy spirits, Raybright ; I'll not leave 
 
 thee : 
 We'll run the self-same race again, that happi- 
 ness; 
 These lazy, sleeping, tedious Winter's nights 
 Become not noble action. 
 
 Ray. To the Spring 
 I am resolvM — IRecorders, 
 
 Tlie Sun appears above. 
 
 Oh, what strange light appears ! 
 The Sun is up, sure. 
 
 Sun. Wanton Darling, look. 
 And worship with amazement. 
 
 Omnes. Gracious lord ! 
 
 Sun. Thy sands are number'd, and thy glass \{ 
 frailty 
 
 Here runs out to the last. — Here, in this mirror. 
 Let man behold the circuit of his fortunes ; 
 The season of the Spring dawns like the Morning 
 Bedewing Childhood with unrelish'd beauties 
 Of gaudy sights ; the Summer, as the Noon, 
 Shines in delight of Youth, and ripens strength 
 To Autumn's Manhood ; here the Evening grows, 
 And knits up all felicity in folly : 
 Winter at last draws on the Night of Age ; 
 Yet still a humour of some novel fancy 
 Untasted or untried, puts off the minute 
 Of resolution, which should bid farewell 
 To a vain world of weariness and sorrows. 
 The powers, from whom man does derive the 
 
 pedigree 
 Of his creation, with a royal bounty 
 Give him Health, Youth, Delight, for free at 
 
 tendants 
 To rectify his carriage : to be thankful 
 Again to them, man should cashier his riots, 
 His bosom's whorish sweetheart, idle Humour, 
 
184 
 
 TPIE SUN'S DARLING. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 f 
 
 His Reason's dangerous seducer, Folly. 
 
 Then shall, 
 
 Like four straight pillars, the four Elements 
 
 Support the goodly structure of mortality ; 
 
 Then shall the four Complexions, like four heads 
 
 Of a clear river, streaming in his body, 
 
 Nourish and comfort every vein and sinew ; 
 
 No sickness of contagion, no grim death 
 
 Or deprivation of Health's real blessings. 
 
 Shall then affright the creature built by Heaven, 
 
 
 Reserv'd to immortality. Henceforth 
 In peace go to our altars, and no more 
 Question the power of supernal greatness, 
 But give us leave to govern as we please 
 Nature and her dominion, who from us 
 And from our gracious influence hath both being. 
 And preservation ; no replies, but reverence. 
 Man hath a double guard, if time caiT'^viji him ; 
 Heav^'s'power aboT^iilm7lits o\vh peace within 
 
 
 «^ 
 
 
 ^^-^ 
 
THE WITCH OF EDMONTON, 
 
 BY ROWLEY, DEKKER, FORD, &c. 
 
 DRAMATIS PERSON.^. 
 
 Sir Arthur Claringtov. 
 
 Old Thorney, a Gentleman, 
 
 Carter, a rich Yeoman. 
 
 Old Banks, a Countryman. 
 
 Ratcliffe. 
 
 W. JMago. 
 
 W. Hamluc. 
 
 Rowland, and several other Countrymen. 
 
 Warbeck, ) „ .^ „ , ^ , 
 
 SoMERTON, j 'S'WJ'o''* to CARTER'S Daughters. 
 
 Frank, Thornev's Son. 
 Cuddy Banks, the Cloion. 
 Morrice-Dancers. 
 
 Sawgut, an old Fiddler. 
 
 Justice, Constable, Officers, SerVing-Men and 
 
 Maids. 
 Dog, a Familiar 
 A Spirit. 
 
 Mother Sawyer, the Witch. 
 Ann, Ratcliffe's Wife. 
 Susan, \ ^ . ^ 
 
 Katherine, } Carter's Dau(7ft<er*. 
 
 WiNNiFREDE, Sir ARTHUR'S Maid. 
 
 SCENE, — The Town and NKiGHnouRnooD of Edmoitton: in the end of the last Act, Lonhom. 
 
 THE WHOLE ARGUMENT IS THIS DISTICH : 
 
 Forced marriage, murder ; murder blood requires 
 Reproach, revenge ; revenge, hell's help desires. 
 
 PROLOGUE. 
 
 The town of Edmonton hath lent the stage 
 A Devil and a Witch, both in an age. 
 To make comparisons it were uncivil. 
 Between so even a pair, a Witch and Devil : 
 But as the year doth with his plenty bring, 
 As well a latter as a former spring. 
 
 So hath this Witch enjoy'd the first ; and reason 
 Presumes she may partake the other season : 
 In acts deserving name, the proverb says, 
 " Once good and ever ;" why not so in plays ? 
 Why not in this .' since, gentlemen, we flatter 
 No expectation ; here is mirth and matter. 
 
 MASTER BIRD. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 SCENE I.— The Neighbourhood of Edmonton. 
 A Boom in the House of Sir Arthur Clar- 
 ington. 
 
 Enter Frank Thornev and Winnifrede. 
 
 Frank. Come, wench ; why, here's a business 
 soon dispatch'd. 
 Thy heart I know is now at ease : thou necd'st not 
 Fear what the tattling gossips in their cups 
 Can speak against thy fame ; thy child shall know 
 Whom to call dad now. 
 
 Win. You have [here] discharg'd 
 The true part of an honest man ; I cannot 
 
 Eequest a fuller satisfaction 
 Than you have freely granted : yet methinks 
 'Tis an hard case, being lawful man and wife, 
 We should not live together. 
 
 Frank. Had I fail'd 
 In promise of my truth to thee, we must 
 Have then been ever sunder'd ; now the longest 
 Of our forbearing either's company. 
 Is only but to gain a little time 
 For our continuing thrift ; that so, hereafter, 
 The heir that shall be born may not have cause 
 To curse his hour of birth, which made him feel 
 The misery of beggary and want ; 
 
I3C 
 
 THK WITCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 /■ i 
 
 ^ 
 
 Two^^gjdls that are occasions to enforce 
 
 A shameful end. My plots aim but to keep 
 
 My father's love. 
 
 JVin. And that will be as difficult 
 To be preserv'd, when he shall understand 
 How you are married, as it will be now, 
 ^Should you confess it to him. 
 
 Frank. Fathers are 
 Won by degrees, not bluntlj% as our masters 
 Or wronged friends are ; and besides I'll use 
 Such dutiful and ready means, that ere 
 He can have notice of what's past, th' inheritance 
 To which I am born heir, shall be assured ; 
 That done, why let him know it : if he like it not, 
 Yet he shall have no power in him left 
 To cross the thriving of it. 
 
 Win. You who had 
 The conquest of my maiden -love, may easily 
 Conquer the fears of my distrust. And whither 
 Must I be hurried ? 
 
 Frank. Prithee do not use 
 A word so much unsuitable to the constant 
 Affections of thy husband : thou shalt live 
 Near Waltham-Abbey, with thy uncle Selman ; 
 I have acquainted him with all at large : 
 He'll use thee kindly ; thou shalt want no pleasures, 
 Nor any other fit supplies whatever 
 Thou canst in heart desire. 
 
 Win. All these are nothing 
 Without your company. 
 
 Frank. Which thou shalt have 
 Once every month at least. 
 
 Win. Once every month ! 
 Is this to have an husband ? 
 
 Frank. Perhaps oftener ; 
 That's as occasion serves. 
 
 Win. Ay, ay ; in case 
 No other beauty tempt your eye, whom you 
 Like better, I may chance to be remember'd, 
 And see you now and then. Faith ; I did hope 
 You'd not have us'd me so : 'tis but my fortune. 
 And yet, if not for my sake, have some pity 
 Upon the child I go with ; that's your own : 
 And 'less you'll be a cruel-hearted father, 
 You cannot but remember that. 
 Heaven knows, how — 
 
 Frank. To quit which fear at once, 
 As by the ceremony late perform'd, 
 I plighted thee a faith, as free from challenge, 
 As any double thought ; once more, in hearing 
 Of Heaven and thee, I vow that never henceforth 
 Disgrace, reproof, lawless affections, threats, 
 Or what can be suggested 'gainst our marriage. 
 Shall cause me falsify that bridal oath 
 That binds me thine. And, Winnifrede, whenever 
 The wanton heats of youth, by subtle baits 
 Of beauty, or what woman's art can practise, 
 Draw me from only loving thee, let Heaven 
 Inflict upon my life some fearful ruin ! 
 I hope thou dost believe me. 
 
 Win. Swear no more ; 
 I am confirm'd, and will resolve to do 
 What you think most behoveful for us. 
 
 Frank. Thus then : 
 Make thyself ready ; at the furthest house 
 Upon the green, without the town, your uncle 
 Ex))ects you. For a little time, farewell ! 
 
 Win. Sweet, 
 We shall meet again as soon as thou canst possibly ? 
 
 Frank. We shall. One kiss — away ! lExH Wm. 
 
 Enter Sir Arthur Claringtok, 
 
 Sir Ar. Frank Thorney ! 
 
 Frank. Here, sir. 
 
 Sir Ar. Alone ? then must I tell thee in plain 
 terms. 
 Thou hast wrong'd thy master's house basely and 
 
 Frank. Your house, sir .' [lewdly. 
 
 Sir Ar. Yes, sir : if the nimble devil 
 That wanton'd in your blood, rebelld against 
 All rules of honest duty, you might, sir. 
 Have found out some more fitting place than here, 
 To have built a stews in. All the country whispers 
 How shamefully thou hast undone a maid, 
 Approv'd for modest life, for civil carriage. 
 Till thy prevaihng perjuries enticed her 
 To forfeit shame. Will you be honest yet. 
 Make her amends and marry her ? 
 
 Frank. So, sir, 
 I might bring both myself and her to beggary ; 
 And that would be a shame worse than the other. 
 
 Sir Ar. You should have thought on this before, 
 and then 
 Your reason would have oversway'd the passion 
 Of your unruly lust. But that you may 
 Be left without excuse, to salve the infamy 
 Of my disgraced house, and 'cause you are 
 A gentleman, and both of you my servants, 
 I'll make the maid a portion. 
 
 Frank. So you promised me 
 Before, in case I married her. I know 
 Sir Arthur Clarington deserves the credit 
 Report hath lent him ; and presume you are 
 A debtor to your promise : but upon 
 What certainty shall I resolve ? Excuse me, 
 For being somewhat rude. 
 
 Sir Ar. It is but reason. 
 Well, Frank, what think'st thou of two hundred 
 And a continual friend .-• [pounds, 
 
 Frank. Though my poor fortunes 
 Might happily prefer me to a choice 
 Of a far greater portion ; yet to right 
 A wronged maid, and to preserve your favour, 
 I am content to accept your proffer. 
 
 Sir Ar. Art thou. 5^ 
 
 Frank. Sir, we shall every day have need to 
 The use of what you please to give. [employ 
 
 Sir Ar. Thou shalt have it. 
 
 Frank. Then I claim 
 Your promise. — We are man and wife. 
 
 Sir Ar. Already ^ 
 
 Frank. And more than so, [sir,] I have pro* 
 niised her 
 Free entertainment in her uncle's house 
 Near Waltham-Abbey, where she may securely 
 Sojourn, till time and my endeavours work 
 My father's love and liking. 
 
 Sir Ar. Honest Frank ! 
 
 Frank. I hope, sir, you will think 1 cannot keep 
 Without a daily charge. [l^sr, 
 
 Sir Ar. As for the money, 
 'Tis all thine own ; and though I cannot make thee 
 A present payment, yet thou shalt be sure 
 I will not fail thee. 
 
 Frank. But our occasions 
 
 Sir Ar. Nay, nay. 
 Talk not of your occasions ; trust my bounty, 
 It shall not sleep. — Hast married her i'faith, 
 
 Frank } 
 'Tis well, 'tis passing well ! — then, Winnifrede, 
 Once more thou art an honest woman. Frank, 
 
THE WITCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 187 
 
 Thou hast a jewel, love her; she'll deserve it. 
 And when to Waltham r 
 
 Frank. She is making ready ; 
 Her uncle stays for her. 
 
 Sir Ar. Most provident speed. 
 Frank, I will be [thy] friend, and such a friend! — 
 Thou wilt bring her thither ? 
 
 Frank. Sir, I cannot ; newly 
 My father sent me word I should come to liim. 
 
 Sir Ar. Marry, and do ; I know thou hast a wit 
 To handle him. 
 
 Frank. I have a suit to you. ^ 
 
 Sir Ar. What is it ? 
 Anything, Frank ; command it. 
 
 Frank. That you'll please 
 By letters to assure my father, that 
 I am not married. 
 
 Sir Ar. How ? 
 
 Frank. Some one or other 
 Hath certainly inform'd him, that I purposed 
 To marry Winnifrede ; on which he threaten'd 
 To disinherit me : — to prevent it. 
 Lowly I crave your letters, which he seeing 
 Will credit ; and I hope, ere I return. 
 On such conditions as I'll frame, his lands 
 Shall be assured. 
 
 Sir Ar. But what is there to quit 
 My knowledge of the marriage ? 
 
 Frank. Why, you wei*e not 
 A witness to it. 
 
 Sir Ar. I conceive ; and then — 
 His land confirm'd, thou wilt acquaint him tho- 
 roughly 
 With all that's past. 
 
 Frank. I mean no less. 
 
 Sir Ar. Provided 
 I never was made privy to't. 
 
 Frank. Alas, sir, 
 Am I a talker ? 
 
 Sir Ar. Draw thyself the letter, \ V 
 
 I'll put my hand to't. I commend thy policj, ^ 
 Thou'rt witty, witty, Frank ; nay, nay, tis lit : \ 
 Dispatch it. 'a 
 
 Frank. I shall write effectually. [£'j-i'iv^ 
 
 Sir Ar. Go thy way, cuckoo!— have I caught "i 
 
 the young man .•* 
 
 One trouble then is freed. He that will feast y 
 
 At other's cost, must be a bold-faced guest. — / 
 
 Enter WmnrrFRKDE in a riding-suit. 
 
 Win, I have heard the news, all now is safe ; 
 The worst is past : thy lip, wench I {kisses her.) 
 
 I must bid 
 Farewell, for fashion's sake ; but I will visit thee 
 Suddenly, girl. This was cleanly carried : 
 Ha ! was't not. Win .^ 
 
 Win. Then were my happiness. 
 That I in heart repent I did not bring him 
 Tlie dower of a virginity. Sir, forgive me ; 
 I have been much to blame : had not my laun- 
 dress 
 Given way to your immoderate waste of virtue, 
 You had not with such eagerness pursued 
 The error of your goodness. . 
 
 Sir Ar. Dear, dear Win, \ 
 
 I hug this art of thine ; it shows how cleanlX 
 Thou canst beguile, in case occasion serve 
 To practise ; it becomes thee : now we 
 Free scope enough, without controul or fear 
 To interchange our pleasures ; we will surfeit 
 
 \ 
 
 rve \ \ ' 
 share \\/ 
 r fear. \ » 
 
 In our embraces, wench. Come, tell me, when . 
 Wilt thou appoint a meeting \ 
 
 Win. What to do .' 
 
 Sir Ar. Good, good ! to con the lesson of our 
 Our secret game. [loves, 
 
 Win. Oh, blush to speak it further. * 
 As you are a noble gentleman, forget 
 A sin so monstrous ; 'tis not gently done. 
 To open a cured wound : I know you speak 
 For trial ; 'troth, you need not. 
 
 Sir Ar. I for trial ? 
 Not I, by this good sun-shine ! 
 
 Win. Can you name 
 That syllable of good, and yet not tremble 
 To think to what a foul and black intent 
 You use it for an oath ? Let me resolve you : 
 If you appear in any visitation, 
 That brings not with it pity for the wrongs 
 Done to abused Thorney, my kind husband ; 
 If you infect mine ear with any breath | 
 
 That is not thoroughly perfumed with sighs / 
 For former deeds of lust ; may I be curs'd •' 
 Even in my prayers, when I vouchsafe '/' 
 
 To see or hear you ' I will change my life, 
 From a loose whore to a repentant wife. 
 
 Sir Ar. Wilt thou turn monster now .' art not 
 asham'd 
 After so many months to be honest at last ? 
 AvFay^^_awaj_ij8.e.on't ! 
 
 Wiru yiy resolution 
 Is built upon a rock. This very day 
 Young Thorney vow'd, with oaths not to be 
 
 doubted. 
 That never any change of love should cancel 
 The bonds in which we are to either bound. 
 Of lasting truth : and shall I then for my part 
 Unfile the sacred oath set on record i 
 
 In Heaven's book ? Sir Arthur, do not study 
 To add to your lascivious lust, the sin 
 Of sacrilege ; for if you but endeavour 
 By any unchaste word to tempt my constancy. 
 You strive as much as in you lies to ruin 
 A temple hallow'd to the purity 
 Of holy marriage. I have said enough ; .' 
 You may believe me. ^ 
 
 Sir Ar. Get you to your nunnery, 
 TherrfTelszrfri your old clbtSter-'tKTs is fine !^ 
 
 Win. Good angels guide me 1 ' 'Sir,' "ye'uTr'give 
 — niB leave 
 To weep and pray for your conversion ? 
 
 Sir Ar. Yes ; 
 Away to Waltham. Pox upon your honesty ! 
 Had you no other trick to fool me ? well, 
 You may want money yet. 
 
 Win. None that I'll send for 
 To you, for hire of a damnation. 
 When I am gone, think on my just complaint ; 
 I was your devil ; oh, be you my saint ! {Exit. 
 
 Sir Ar. Go thy ways ; as changeable a baggage 
 
 As ever cozen'd knight ; I'm glad I am rid of her. 
 
 Honest ! marry hang her ! Thorney is my debtor ; 
 
 I thought to have paid him too ; but fools have 
 
 fortune. lExit. 
 
 SCENE II. — Edmonton. A Room in Cartkr's 
 House, 
 Enter Old Thoknky and C'AnTER. 
 Thor. You offer, master Carter, like a gentleman; 
 I cannot find fault with it, 'tis so fair. 
 
188 
 
 THE WITCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 ACT 1. 
 
 Car. No gentleman I, master Thorney ; spare 
 the mastership, call me by my name, John Carter. 
 Master is a title my father, nor his before him, 
 were acquainted with ; honest Hertfordshire yeo- 
 Xnen ; such an one am I ; my word and my deed 
 shall be p^-oved one at all times. I mean to give 
 you no security for the marriage-money. 
 
 Thor. How ! no security ? although it need not 
 so long as you live ; yet who is he has surety of 
 his life one hour 1 Men, the proverb says, are 
 mortal; else, for my part, I distrust you not, 
 were the sum double. 
 
 Car. Double, treble, more or less, T tell you, 
 master Thorney, I'll give no security. Bonds and 
 
 /bills are but terriers to catch fools, and keep lazy 
 knaves busy ; my security shall be present pay- 
 ment. And we here, about Edmonton, hold pre- 
 sent payment as sure as an alderman's bond in 
 London, master Thorney. 
 
 Thor. I cry you mercy, sir, I understood you 
 not. 
 
 Car. I like young Frank well, so does my Susan 
 too ; the girl has a fancy to him, which makes me 
 ready in my purse. There be other suitors within, 
 that make much noise to little purpose. If Frank 
 love Sue, Sue shall have none but Frank : 'tis a 
 mannerly girl, master Thorney, though but an 
 homely man's daughter ; there have worse faces 
 looked out of black bags, man. | 
 
 Thor. You speak your mind freely and honestly. *f 
 I marvel my son comes not ; I am sure he will be 
 b<^re some time to-day. 
 
 Car. To-day or to-morrow, when he comes he 
 / shall be welcome to bread, beer, and beef, yeo- 
 man's fare ; we have no kickshaws : full dishes, 
 whole belly-fulls. Should I diet three days at one 
 of the slender city-suppers, you might send me to 
 Barber-Surgeon's hall the fourth day, to hang up 
 for an anatomy. — Here come they that — 
 
 Enter Warbeck with Susan, Somerton with Kathkrine. 
 How now, girls ! every day play-day with you ? 
 Valentine's day, too, all by couples } Thus will 
 young folks do when we are laid in our graves, 
 master Thorney ; here's all the care they take. 
 And how do you find the wenches, gentlemen ? 
 have they any mind to a loose gown and a strait 
 shoe ? Win 'em and wear 'em ; they shall choose 
 for themselves by my consent. 
 
 War. Ttou speak like a kind father. Sue, thou 
 hear'st 
 The liberty that's granted thee ; what sayest thou ? 
 Wilt thou be mine ? 
 
 Sus. Your what, sir 1 I dare swear 
 Never your wife. 
 
 War. Canst thou be so unkind, 
 Considering how dearly I affect thee, 
 Nay, dote on thy perfections ? 
 
 Sus. You are studied, 
 Too scholar-like, in words I understand not. 
 I am too coarse for such a gallant's love 
 As you are. 
 
 War. By the honour of gentility — 
 
 Sus. Good sir, no swearing ; yea and nay with us 
 Prevail above all oaths you can invent. 
 
 War. By this v/hite hand of thine — 
 
 Sus. Take a false oath ! 
 Fie, fie ! flatter the wise ; fools not regard it, 
 And one of these am I. 
 
 War. Dost thou despise me ' 
 
 Car. Let them talk on, master Thorney; I know 
 Sue's mind. The fly may buzz about the candle, 
 he shall but singe his wings when all's done ; 
 Frank, Frank is he has her heart. 
 
 Som. But shall I live in hope, Kate ? 
 
 Kath. Better so. 
 Than be a desperate man. 
 
 Som. Perhaps thou think'st it is thy portion 
 I level at : wert thou as poor in fortunes 
 As thou art rich in goodness, I would rather 
 Be suitor for the dower of thy virtues, 
 Than twice thy father's whole estate ; and, prithe ', 
 Be thou resolv'd so. 
 
 Kath. Master Somerton, 
 It is an easy labour to deceive 
 A maid that will believe men's subtle promises 
 Yet I conceive of you as worthily 
 As I presume you to deserve. 
 
 Som. Which is, 
 As worthily in loving thee sincerely, 
 As thou art worthy to be so beloved. 
 
 Kath. I shall find time to try you. 
 
 Som. Do, Kate, do ; 
 And when I fail, may all my joys forsake me I 
 / Car. Warbeck and Sue are at it still. I laugh 
 to myself, master Thorney, to see how earnestly 
 he beats the bush, while the bird is flown into 
 another's bosom. A very unthrift, master Thor- 
 ney ; one of the country roaring-lads ; we have 
 such as well as the city, and as arrant rake-hells as 
 they are, though not so nimble at their prizes of 
 wit. Sue knows the rascal to an hair's-breadth, 
 and will fit him accordingly. 
 \ Thor. What is the other gentleman ? 
 
 Car. One Somerton ; the honester man of the 
 two, by five pound in every stone-weight. A 
 civil fellow ; he has a fine convenient estate of 
 land in West-ham, by Essex : master Ranges, that 
 dwells by Enfield, sent him hither. He likes Kate 
 well ; I may tell you, I think she likes him as well : 
 if they agree, I'll not hinder the match for my part. 
 
 But that Warbeck is such another 1 use him 
 
 kindly for master Somerton's sake ; for he came 
 hither first as a companion of his : honest men, 
 master Thorney, may fall into knaves' company 
 now and then. 
 
 War. Three hundred a year jointure, Sue. 
 
 Sus. Where lies it ! 
 By sea or land \ I think by sea. 
 
 War. Do I look like a captain ? 
 
 Sus. Not a whit, sir. 
 Should all that use the seas be reckon'd captains, 
 There's not a ship should have a scullion in her 
 To keep her clean. 
 
 War. Do you scorn me, mistress Susan ? 
 Am I a subject to be jeer'd at ? 
 
 Sus. Neither 
 Am I a property for you to use 
 As stale to your fond wanton loose discourse : 
 Pray, sir, be civil. 
 
 War. Wilt be angry, wasp ? 
 
 Car. God-a-mercy, Sue ! she'll firk him on my 
 life, if he fumble with her. 
 
 Enter Frank. 
 
 Master Francis Thorney, you are welcome indeed; 
 your father expected your coming. How does the 
 right worshipful knight, Sir Arthur Clarington, youi 
 master ? 
 
 Frank. In health this morning. Sir, my duty. 
 
SCICNK ir. 
 
 THE WITCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 Thor. Now 
 You come as I could wish. 
 
 War. Frank Thorney ? ha ! lAside. 
 
 Siis. You must excuse me. 
 
 Frank. Virtuous mistress Susan. 
 Kind mistress Katherine. iKisses them. 
 
 Gentlemen to both 
 Good time o' th' day. 
 
 Som. The like to you. 
 
 War. 'Tis he : 
 A word, friend. (Aside to SoM.) On my life, this 
 
 is the man ^ 
 
 Stands fair in crossing Susan's love to me." 
 
 Som. I think no less: be wise and taken no 
 notice on't ; / 
 
 He that can win her, best deserves her. i . 
 
 War. Marry ' 
 
 A serving man ? mew ! 
 
 Som. Prithee, friend, no more. 
 
 Car. Gentlemen all, there's within a slight 
 dinner ready, if you please to taste of it. Master 
 Thorney, master Francis, master Somerton I — 
 Why, girls ! what, huswives ! will you spend all 
 your forenoon in tittle-tattles ! away ; it's well, 
 i'faith. Will you go in, gentlemen? 
 
 Thor. We'll follow presently ; my son and 1 
 Have a few words of business. 
 
 Car. At your pleasure. 
 
 lExcnnt all but Thorney and Frank. 
 
 Thor. I think you guess the reason, Frank, for 
 I sent for you. [which 
 
 Frank. Yes, sir. 
 
 Thor. I need not tell you 
 With w^hat a labyrinth of dangers daily 
 The best part of my whole estate's encumber'd ; 
 Nor have I any clue to wind it out. 
 But what occasion proffers me ; wherein, 
 Jf you should falter, I shall have the shame. 
 And you the loss. On these two points rely 
 Our happiness or ruin. If you marry 
 With wealthy Carter's daughter, there's a portion 
 Will free my land ; all which I will instate, 
 Upon the marriage, to you : otherwise 
 I must be of necessity enforced 
 To make a present sale of all ; and yet, 
 For ought I know, live in as poor distress, 
 Or worse, than now 1 do ; you hear the sura : 
 I told you thus before ; have you consider'd on't ? 
 
 Frank. I have, sir ; and however I could wi^h 
 To enjoy the benefit of single freedom, 
 For that I find no disposition in me 
 To undergo the burden of that care 
 That marriage brings with it ; yet to secure 
 And settle the continuance of your credit, 
 I humbly yield to be directed by you 
 In all commands. J 
 
 Thor. You have already used J 
 
 Such thriving protestations to the maid, r 
 
 That she is wholly your's ; and spfeak the 
 
 truth, — \ 
 
 Y'ou love her, do you not } 
 
 Frank. 'Twere pity, sir, 
 I slvould deceive her. 
 
 Thor. Better you had been unborn. 
 But is your love so steady that you mean, 
 Nay more, desire, to make her your wife ? 
 
 Frank. Else, sir, 
 It were a wrong not to be righted. 
 
 Thor. True, 
 It were : and you will marry her ? 
 
 I 
 
 Frank. Heaven prosper it, 
 I do intend it. 
 
 Thor. Oh, thou art a villain ! 
 A devil like a man ! Wherein have I 
 Offeufled all the powers so much, to be 
 Father to such a graceless, godless son } 
 
 Frank. To me, sir, this ! oh, ray cleft heart ! 
 
 Thor. To thee, 
 Son of my curse. Speak truth and blush, thou 
 
 monster ! 
 Hast thou not married Winnifrede, a maid 
 Was fellow-servant with thee ? 
 
 Frank. Some swift spirit 
 Has blown this news abroad ; I must outface it. 
 
 {_Aside. 
 
 Thor. Do you study for excuse ? why all the 
 Is full on't. [country 
 
 Frank. With your license, 'tis not charitable, 
 I'm sure it is not fatherly, so much 
 To be o'ersway'd with credulous conceit 
 Of mere impossibilities ; but fathers 
 Are privileged to think and talk at pleasure. 
 
 Thor. Why, canst thou yet deny thou hast 
 wife } 
 
 Frank. What do you take me for .' an athei: 
 One that nor hopes the blessedness of life 
 Hereafter, neither fears the vengeance due 
 To such as make the marriage-bed an inn, 
 Which • » * • travellers, day and night. 
 After a toilsome lodging, leave at pleasure ? 
 Am I become so insensible of losing 
 The glory of creation's work, my soul ! 
 Oh, I have lived too long ! 
 
 Thor. Thou hast, dissembler. i 
 
 Dar'st thou persever yet, and pull down wrath 
 As hot as flames of hell, to strike thee quick 
 Into the grave of horror ? I believe thee not ; 
 Get from my sight ! 
 
 Frank. Sir, though mine innocence 
 Needs not a stronger witness than the clearness 
 Of an unperish'd conscience ; yet for that 
 I was inforra'd, how mainly you had been 
 Possess'd of this untruth, — to quit all scruple 
 Please you peruse this letter ; 'tis to you. 
 
 Thor. Frora whom ? 
 
 Frank. Sir Arthur Clarington, my master. 
 
 Thor. Well, sir. IRcadt. 
 
 Frank. On every side I am distracted ; 
 Am waded deeper into mischief 
 Than virtue can avoid ; but on I must : 
 Fate leads me ; I will follow. — \_Aside.'\ 
 
 you read 
 What may confirm you. 
 
 Thor. Yes, and wonder at it. 
 Forgive me, Frank ; credulity abus'd me. 
 My tears express my joy ; and I am sorry 
 I injured innocence. 
 
 Frank, Alas ! I knew 
 Your rage and grief proceeded from your love 
 To me ; so I coucciv'd it. 
 
 Thor. My good son, 
 I'll bear with many faults in thee hereafter; 
 Bear thou with mine. 
 
 Frank. The peace is soon concluded. 
 
 Re-enter Old Cartkr and Susam. 
 
 Car. Why, master Thorney, do you mean to 
 talk out your dinner ? the company attends your 
 coming. What must it be, master Frank.-* or san 
 Frank } I am plain Dunstable. 
 
190 
 
 THE ^V1TCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 Thor. Son, brother, if your daughter like to 
 have it so. 
 
 Frank. I dare be confident, she is not alter'd 
 From what I left her at our parting last : — 
 Are you, fair maid ? 
 
 Sus. You took too sure possession 
 Of an engaged heart. 
 
 Frank. Which now I challenge. 
 
 Car. Marry, and much good may it do thee, 
 son. Take her to thee ; get me a brace of boys at 
 a burthen, Fi-ank ; the nursing shall not stand thee 
 in a pennyworth of milk ; reach her home and 
 spare not : when's the day ? 
 
 Thor. To-morrow, if you please. To use cere- 
 mony 
 Of charge and custom were to little purpose ; 
 Their loves are married fast enough already. 
 
 Car. A good motion. We'll e'en have an house- 
 hold dinner, and let the fiddlers go scrape : let the 
 bride and bridegroom dance at night together ; no 
 matter for the guests : — to-mon-ow, Sue, to-mor- 
 row. Shall's to dinner now } 
 
 Thor. We are on all sides pleased, I hope. 
 
 Sus. Pray Heaven I may deserve the blessing 
 sent me ! 
 Now- my heart's settled. 
 
 Frank. So is mine. 
 
 Car. Your marriage-money shall be received 
 before your wedding-shoes can be pulled on. 
 Blessing on you both ! 
 
 Frank. \^Aside.'\ No man can hide his shame 
 from Heaven that views him ; 
 In vain he flees whose destiny pursues him. 
 
 \_Exertnt 
 
 ACT II. 
 
 W 
 
 / 
 
 SCENE I.— The Fields near Edmonton. 
 
 Enter Elizabeth Sawyer, gathering sticks. 
 
 Saw. And why on me ? why should the envious 
 world 
 Throw all their scandalous malice upon me ? 
 'Cause I am poor, deform'd, and ignorant, 
 And like a bow buckled and bent together. 
 By some more strong in mischiefs than myself, 
 Must I for that be made a common sink. 
 For all the filth and rubbish of men's tongues 
 To fall and run into ? Some call me Witch, 
 And being ignorant of myself, they go 
 About to teach me how to be one ; urging, 
 That my bad tongue (by their bad usage made so) 
 Forespeaks their cattle, doth bewitch their corn, 
 Themselves, their servants, and their babes at 
 This they enforce upon me ; and in part [nurse. 
 Make me to credit it ; and here comes one 
 Of my chief adversaries. 
 
 Enter Old Banks. 
 
 Banks. Out, out upon thee, witch ! 
 
 Sato. Dost call me witch ? 
 
 Banks. I do, witch, I do ; and worse I would, 
 knew I a name more hateful. What makest thou 
 upon my ground ? 
 
 Saw. Gather a few rotten sticks to warm me. 
 
 Banks. Down with them when I bid thee, 
 quickly ; I'll make thy bones rattle in thy skin 
 else. 
 
 Saw. You won't, churl, cut-throat, miser!— 
 there they be ; [Throws them down'] would they 
 stuck across thy throat, thy bowels, thy maw, thy 
 midriff. 
 
 Banks. Say'st thou me so, hag ? Out of my 
 ground ! iBeats her. 
 
 Saw. Dost strike me, slave, curmudgeon ! Now 
 thy bones aches, thy joints cramps, and convul- 
 sions stretch and crack thy sinews ! 
 
 Banks. Cursing, thou hag ! take that, and that. 
 [Beats her, and exit. 
 
 Saw. Strike, do ! — and wither'd may that hand 
 and arm 
 Whose bloi^s have lamed me, drop from the rotten 
 
 trunk ! 
 A.buse me ! beat me ! call me hag and witch 1 
 
 What is the name ? where, and by what art learn'd, 
 What spells, what charms or invocations ' 
 May the thing call'd Familiar be purchased .' 
 
 Enter Cuddy Banks, and several other Clowns. 
 
 Cud. A new head for the tabor, and silver tip- 
 ping for the pipe ; remember that : and forget not 
 five leash of new bells. 
 
 1 CI. Double bells ; — Crooked-Lane — you shall 
 have 'em straight in Crooked-Lane : — double bells 
 all, if it be possible. 
 
 Cud. Double bells ? double coxcombs ! trebles, 
 buy me trebles, all trebles ; for our purpose is to 
 be in the altitudes. 
 
 2 CI. All trebles ? not a mean .' 
 
 Cud. Not one. The morrice is so cast, we'll 
 have neither mean nor base in our company, fellow 
 Rowland. 
 
 3 CI. What ! nor a counter } 
 
 Cud. By no means, no hunting counter ; leave 
 that to the Enfield Chase men : all trebles, all in 
 the altitudes. Now for the disposing of parts in 
 the Morrice, little or no labour will serve. 
 
 2 CI. If you that be minded to follow your 
 leader, know me, (an ancient honour belonging to 
 our house,) for a fore-horse fi'th'] team, and fore- 
 gallant in a morrice, my father's stable is not un- 
 furnish'd. 
 
 3 CI. So much for the fore-horse ; but how for 
 a gooJ Hobby-horse .'' 
 
 Cud. For a Hobby-horse ? let me see an alma- 
 nack. Midsummer-moon, let me see you. "When 
 the moon's in the full, then wit's in the wane." 
 No more. Use your best skill ; your morrice will 
 suffer an eclipse. 
 
 1 CI. An eclipse ? 
 Cud. A strange one. 
 
 2 CI. Strange ? 
 
 Cud. Yes, and most sudden. Remember the 
 fore-gallant, and forget the hobby-horse ! the 
 whole body of your morrice will be darkened. — 
 There be of us — but 'tis no matter : — forget the 
 hobby-horse ! 
 
 1 CI. Cuddy Banks ! — have you forgot since he 
 paced it from Enfield Chase to Edmonton ? — 
 Cuddy, honest Cuddy, cast thy stuff. 
 
 Cud. Suffer may ye all ' it shall be known, I 
 
THE WITCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 191 
 
 Seek 
 
 and 
 
 can take my ease as well as another man. 
 your hobby-horse where you can get him. 
 
 1 CI. Cuddy, honest Cuddy, we confess 
 are sorry for our neglect. 
 
 2 CI. Tl>e old horse shall have a new bridle. 
 
 3 CI. The caparisons new painted. 
 
 4 CI. The tail repair'd. 
 
 1 CI. The snaffle and the bosses new saffroned 
 over. 
 
 1 CI. Kind,— 
 
 2 CI. Honest, 
 
 3 CI. Loving, ingenious — 
 
 4 CI. Affable, Cuddy. 
 Cud. To show I am not flint, but affable, as y 
 
 say, very well stuft, a kind of warm dough or pu 
 paste, I relent, I connive, most affable Jack. Le 
 the hobby-horse provide a stronj^ back, he shal 
 not want a belly when I am in him — but \_seeing\ 
 the vitch^ — uds me, mother Sawyer ! 
 
 1 CI. The old witch of Edmonton ! — if our mirt' 
 be not cross'd — 
 
 2 CI. Bless us, Cuddy, and let her curse her 
 t'other eye out. What dost now .■* 
 
 Cud. " Ungirt, unblest," says the proverb; but 
 my girdle shall serve [for] a riding knot ; and a 
 fig for all the witches in Christendom ! What 
 wouldst thou ^ 
 
 1 CI. The devil cannot abide to be crossed. 
 
 2 CI. And scorns to come at any man's whistle. 
 
 3 CI. Away— 
 
 4 CI. With the witch ! 
 
 All. Away with the Witch of Edmonton ! 
 
 \_Exeunt in strange postures 
 
 Saw. Still vex'd ! still tortured 1 that curmud- 
 geon Banks 
 Is ground of all my scandal ; I am shunn'd 
 And hated like a sickness ; made a scorn 
 To all degrees and sexes. I have heard old beldams 
 Talk of familiars in the shape of mice. 
 Rats, ferrets, weasels, and I wot not what, 
 That have appear'd, and suck'd, some say, their 
 
 blood ; 
 But by what means they came acquainted with them, 
 I am now ignorant. Would some power, good or 
 
 bad. 
 Instruct me which way I might be revenged 
 Upon this churl, I'd go out of myself, 
 And give this fury leave to dwell within 
 This ruin'd cottage, ready to fall with age ! 
 Abjure all goodness, be at hate with prayer, 
 And study curses, imprecations, 
 Blasphemous speeches, oaths, detested oaths, ^ 
 Or anything that's ill ; so I might work \ 
 
 Re\enge upon this miser, this black cur, i 
 
 That barks and bites, and sucks the very blood j 
 Of me, and of my credit. 'Ti s all o ne, 1 
 
 To be^witcb. as to be counted Qne~: 
 Vengeance, shame, ruin light 
 
 ;ht upon that cankefr^vt^- 
 
 ick Dog. m^ I ^\ 
 
 Enter a Black Dog. 
 
 Dog. Ho I have I found thee cursing ? now thou 
 Mine own. [art 
 
 Saw. Thine ! what art thou ? 
 
 Dog. He thou hast so often 
 Importuned to appear to thee, the devil. 
 
 Saw. Bless me ! the devil 1 
 
 Dog. Come, do not fear ; I love thee much too 
 To hurt o! fright thee ; if I seem terrible, [well 
 It is to such as hate me. I have found 
 Thy love unfeign'd ; have seen and pitied 
 
 'J'hy open wrongs, and come, out of my loveA 
 To give thee just revenge against thy foes. ( ■' 
 
 Saw. May I believe thee ? 
 
 Dog. To confirm't, command me 
 Do any mischief unto man or beast. 
 And I'll effect it, on condition 
 That, uncompell'd, thou make a deed of gift 
 Of soul and body to me. 
 
 Satv. Out, alas ! 
 My soul and body ? 
 
 Dog. And that instantly 
 And seal it with thy blood : if thou deniest, 
 I'll tear thy body in a thousand pieces. 
 
 Saw. I know not where to seek relief: 
 / shall I, 
 
 /^After such covenants seal'd, see full revenge 
 On all that wrong me ? 
 
 Dog. Ha, ha ! silly woman ! 
 The devil is no liar to such as he loves — 
 Didst ever know or hear the devil a liar 
 To such as he affects .'' 
 
 Saw. Then I am thine ; at least so much of me 
 As I can call mine own — 
 
 Dog. Equivocations ? 
 Art mine or no } speak, or I'll tear — 
 
 Saw. All thine. 
 
 Dog. Seal't with thy blood. 
 
 [She pricks her arm, which he sucks 27iunder and 
 
 lightning. 
 See ! how I dare call thee mine ! 
 For proof, command me ; instantly I'll run 
 To any mischief; goodness can I none. 
 
 Saw. And I desire as little. There's an old 
 churl, 
 One Banks — 
 
 Dog. That wrong'd thee : he lamed thee, call'd 
 thee witch. 
 
 Saw. The same ; first upon him I'd be re- 
 venged 
 
 Dog. Thou shalt ; do but name how ? 
 
 Saw. Go, touch his life. 
 
 Dog. I cannot. 
 
 Saw. Hast thou not vow'd ? Go, kill the slave ; 
 
 Dog. I will not. 
 
 Saw. I'll cancel then my gift. 
 
 Dog. Ha, ha ! 
 
 Saw. Dost laugh ! 
 Why wilt not kill him? 
 
 Dog. Fool, because I cannot. 
 Though we have power, know, it is circumscrib 
 And tied in limits : though he be curst to thee, 
 "Yet of himself, he is loving to the world, 
 And charitable to the poor ; now men, that, 
 As he, love goodness, though in smallest measurb, 
 Live without compass of our reach : his cattle 
 And corn I'll kill and mildew ; but his life 
 njntil I take him, as I late found thee. 
 Cursing and swearing) I have no power to touchA 
 
 Saw. Work on his corn and cattle then. \ 
 
 Dog. I shall. [ 
 
 Tlie Witch of Edmonton shall see his fall ; ] 
 If she at least put credit in my power. 
 And in mine only ; make orisons to me, 
 And none but me. 
 
 Saw. Say how, and in what manner. 
 
 Dog. I'll tell thee : when thou wishest ill. 
 
 Corn, man, or beast wouldst spoil or 
 
 kill. 
 Turn thy back against the sun. 
 And mumble this short ori&oo 
 
 i 
 
 ribV: 
 
192 
 
 THE WITCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 Saw. 
 
 If thou to death or shame pursue 'em, 
 Sanctibioetur nouien tuura. 
 
 If thou to death or shame pursue 'em, 
 Sanctibicetur nomen tuum. 
 
 r 
 
 Dog. Perfect : farewell ! Our first-made pro- 
 mises 
 We'll put into execution against Banks. lExit 
 
 Saw. Contarninetur nomen luum. I'm an ex- 
 pert scholar ; 
 Speak Latin, or I know not well what language, 
 As well as the best of 'em — but who comes here ? 
 
 Re-enter Cuddy Banks. 
 
 The son of my worst foe. 
 
 To death pursue 'em, 
 
 Et sanctabacetur nomen tuum. 
 
 Cud. What's that she mumbles ? the devil's 
 paternoster % would it were else I — Mother Sawyer, 
 good- morrow. 
 
 Saw. ill- morrow to thee, and all the world that 
 A poor old woman. [flout 
 
 To death pin-sue 'em. 
 
 And sanctabacetur nomen tuum. 
 
 Cud. Nay, good gammer Sawyer, whate'er it 
 pleases my father. to call you, I know you are — 
 
 Saw. A witch. 
 
 Cud. A witch ? would you were else, i'faith ! 
 
 Saw. Your father knows I am, by this. 
 
 Cud. I would he did ! 
 
 Saw. And so in time may you. 
 
 Cud. I would I might else ! But witcli or no 
 witch, you are a motherly woman ; and though my 
 father be a kind of God-bless-us, as they say, I 
 have an earnest suit to you ; and if you'll be so 
 kind to ka me one good turn, I'll be so courteous 
 to cob you another. 
 
 Saw. What's that ? to spurn, beat me, and call 
 As your kind father doth ? [me witch. 
 
 Cud. My father ! I am ashamed to own him. 
 If he has hurt the head of thy credit, there's 
 money to buy thee a plaster ; {gives her money) 
 and a small courtesy I would require at thy hands. 
 
 Saw. You seem a good young man, and — I 
 must dissemble. 
 
 The better to accomplish my revenge \_Aside. 
 
 But — for this silver, what wouldst have me do ? 
 Bewitch thee ' 
 
 Cvd. No, by no means ; I am bewitch'd already : 
 I would have thee so good as to unwitch me, or 
 witch another with me for company. 
 
 Saw. I understand thee not ; be plain, my son. 
 
 Cud. As a pike-stafF, mother. You know Kate 
 Carter \ 
 
 Saw. The wealthy yeoman's daughter ? what of 
 
 Cud. That same party has bewiich'd me. [her ? 
 
 Saw. Bewitch'd thee } 
 
 Cud. Bewitch'd me, Idsce auribus. I saw a 
 little devil fly out of her eye like a but-bolt, which 
 sticks at this hour up to the feathers in my heart. 
 Now, my request is, to send one of thy what-d'ye- 
 call-'ems, either to pluck that out, or stick another 
 as fast in her's : do, and here's my hand, I am 
 thine for three lives. 
 
 Saw. We shall have sport. {Aside.) — Thou art 
 ip love with her } 
 
 Cud. TJp to the very hilts, mother. 
 Saw. And thou wouldst have me make her love 
 thee too ? » . 
 
 Cud. I think I shall prove a witch in earnest. 
 {Aside.) — Yes, I could find in my heart to strike 
 her three quarters deep in love with me too. 
 
 Saw. But dost thou think that I can do't, and 1 
 alone ? 
 
 Cud. Truly, mother witch, I do verily believe 
 so ; and, when I see it done, I shall be half per- 
 suaded so too. 
 
 Saw. It is enough ; what art can do, be sure of. 
 Turn to the west, and whatsoe'er thou hear'st, 
 Or seest, stand silent, and be not afraid. 
 
 IShe stamps on the ground ; the Dog appears, and 
 fawns, and leaps upon her. 
 
 Cud. Afraid, mother witch ! — " turn my face to 
 the west !" I said I should always have a back- 
 friend of her ; and now it's out. An her little 
 devil should be hungry, come sneaking behind me, 
 like a cowardly catchpole, and clap his talons on 
 my haunches — 'Tis woundy cold sure — I duddei 
 and shake like an aspen leaf every joint of me. 
 
 Saw. To scandal and disgrace pursue 'em, 
 
 Et sanctabicetur nomen tuum. lExit Dog. 
 
 How now, my son, how is't ? 
 
 Cud. Scarce in a clean life, mother witch. — But 
 did your goblin and you spout Latin together } 
 
 Saw. A kind of charm I work by ; didst thou 
 hear me ? 
 
 Cud. I heard I know not the devil what mum- 
 ble in a scurvy base tone, like a drum that had 
 taken cold in the head the last muster. Very 
 comfortable words ; what w^ere they ? and who 
 taught them you ? 
 
 Saw. A great learned man. 
 
 Cud. Learned man ! learned devil it was as 
 soon ! But what 1 what comfortable news about 
 the party ? 
 
 Saw. Who ? Kate Carter ? I'll tell thee. Thou 
 know' St the stile at the west end of thy father's 
 pease-field ; be there to-morrow night after sun- 
 set : and the first live thing thou seest, be sm"e to 
 follow, and that shall bring thee to thy love. 
 
 Cud. In the pease-field ? has she a mind to cod- 
 lings already ? The first living thing I meet, you 
 say, shall bring me to her .' 
 
 Saw. To a sight of her, I mean. She will seem 
 wantonly coy, and flee thee ; but follow her close 
 and bOidly : do but embrace her in thy arms once, 
 and she is thine own. 
 
 Cud. "At the stile, at the west-end of my 
 father's pease-land, the first live thing I see, follow 
 and embrace her, and she shall be thine." Nay, 
 an I come to embracing once, she shall be mine ; 
 I'll go near to make a taglet else. lExit 
 
 Saw. A ball well bandied ! now the set's half 
 won ; 
 The father's wrong I'll wreak upon the son. lExit 
 
 SCENE II.— Carter's House. 
 Enter Carter, Warbeck, and Somerton. 
 
 Car. How now, gentlemen ! cloudy ? I know, 
 master Warbeck, you are in a fog about my daugh 
 ter's marriage. 
 
 War. And can you blame me, sir? 
 
 Car. Nor you me justly. Wedding and hanging 
 are tied up both in a proverb ; and destiny is the 
 juggler that unties the knot : my hope is, you are 
 reserved to a richer fortune than my poor daughter 
 
 ' a.v 
 
THE WITCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 nm 
 
 War. However, your promise — 
 
 Car. Is a kind of debt, I confess it. 
 
 War. Which honest men should pay. 
 
 Car. Yet some gentlemen break iu that point, 
 now and then, by your leave, sir. 
 
 Sorn. I confess thou hagt had a little wrong in 
 the wench ; but patience is the only salve to cure 
 it. Since Thorney has won the wench, he has most 
 reason to wear her. 
 
 War. Love in this kind admits no reason to 
 wear her. 
 
 Car. Then Love's a fool, and what wisef^ian 
 will take exception ? "\ 
 
 Som. Come, frolick, Ned ; were every man 
 master of his own fortune, Fate might pick straw^ 
 and Destiny go a wool-gathering. . J 
 
 War. You hold your's in a string though : 'tis 
 well ; but if there be any equity, look thou to meet 
 the like usage ere long. 
 
 Som. In my love to her sister Katherine ? In- 
 deed, they are a pair of arrows drawn out of one 
 quiver, and should fly at an even length ; if she do 
 run after her sister, 
 
 War. Look for the same mercy at my hands, as 
 I have received at thine. 
 
 Som. She'll keep a surer compass ; I have too 
 strong a confidence to mistrust her. 
 
 War. And that confidence is a wind that has 
 blown many a married man ashore at Cuckold's 
 Haven, I can tell you ; I wish your's more pros- 
 perous though. 
 
 Car. Whate'er you wish, I'll master my promise 
 to him. 
 
 War. Yes, as you did to me. 
 
 Car. No more of that, if you love me : but for 
 the more assurance, the next ofFer'd occasion shall 
 consummate the marriage ; and that once seal'd — 
 
 So7n. Leave the manage of the rest to my care. 
 
 Enter Frank Thornky and Susan. 
 
 But see, the bridegroom and bride come ; the new 
 pair of Sheffield knives, fitted both to one sheathr 
 
 War. The sheath might have been better fitted 
 if somebody had their due ; but — 
 
 Som. No harsh language, if thou lovest me. 
 Frank Thorney has done — 
 
 War. No more than I, or thou, or any man, 
 things so standing, would have attempted. 
 
 Sorn. Good-morrow, master bridegroom. 
 
 War. Come, give thee joy : may'st thou live 
 long and happy 
 In thy fair choice ! 
 
 Frank. I thank ye, gentlemen ; kind master 
 Warbeck, 
 I find you loving. 
 
 War. Thorney, that creature, — (much good do 
 thee with her !) 
 Virtue and beauty hold fair mixture in her ; 
 Slie's rich, no doubt, in both ; yet were she fairer, 
 Thou art right worthy of her : love her, Thorney, 
 'Tis nobleness in thee, in her but duty. 
 Tl match is fair and equal, the success 
 . leave to censure ; farewell, mistress bride ! 
 Till now elected thy old scorn deride. lExit. 
 
 Som. Good master Thorney — 
 
 Car. Nay, you shall not part till you see the 
 oarrels run a-tilt, gentlemen. 
 
 IRxit with SoMKRTOOl 
 
 Sns. Why change you your face, .swteth«'art ? 
 Ffank. Who, I ? for nothing. 
 
 7 
 
 Sus. Dear, say not so ; a spirit of your con 
 stancy 
 Cannot endure this change for nothing. — 
 I have observ'd strange variations in you. 
 
 Frank. In me ? 
 
 Sus. In you, sir. 
 Awake, you seem to dream, and in your sleep 
 You uf^er sudden and distracted accents. 
 Like one at enmity with peace. Dear loving hus- 
 If I [band 
 
 May dare to challenge any interest in you. 
 Give me the reason fully ; you may trust 
 My breast as safely as your own. 
 / Frank. With what } 
 You half amaze me ; prithee — 
 
 Sus. Come, you shall not. 
 Indeed you shall not shut me from partaking 
 The least dislike that grieves you ; I am all your's 
 
 Frank. And I all thine. 
 
 Sus. You are not, if you keep 
 The least grief from me ; but I find the cause, 
 It grew from me. 
 
 Frank. From you ? 
 
 Sus. From some distaste 
 In me or my behaviour : you are not kind 
 In the concealment. 'Las, sir, I am young, 
 Silly and plain ; more, strange to those contents 
 A wife should offer : say but in what I fail, 
 I'll study satisfaction. 
 
 Frank. Come ; in nothing. 
 
 Sus. I know I do ; knew I as well in what, 
 You should not long be sullen. Prithee, love. 
 If I have been immodest or too bold, , 
 
 Speak't in a frown ; if peevishly too nice. 
 Sliew't in a smile : thy liking is the giass 
 By which I'll habit my behaviour. 
 
 Frank. Wherefore 
 Dost weep now ? 
 
 Sus. You, sweet, have the power 
 To make me passionate as an April- day ; 
 No y smile, then weep ; now pale, then crimson red 
 You are the powerful moon of my blood's S( a, 
 To make it ebb or flow into my face. 
 As your looks change. 
 
 Frank. Change thy conceit, I prithee ; 
 Thou art all perfection : Diana herself 
 Swells in thy thoughts, and moderates thy Beauty. 
 Within thy left eye amorous Cupid sits 
 Feathering love-shafts, whose golden heads 
 
 dipp'd 
 * * * in thy chaste breast ; in the other lies 
 Blushing Adonis scarf 'd in modesties ; 
 And still as wanton Cupid blows love-fires, 
 Adonis quenches out unchaste desires : 
 And from these two I briefly do imply | 
 
 A perfect emblem of thy modesty. \ 
 
 Then, prithee dear, maintain no more disput^, 
 For where thou speak'st, it's fit all tongues bey''mutc'. 
 
 Sus. Come, come, these golden strings 6f flat- 
 tery 
 Shall not tie up my speech, sir ; I must know 
 The ground of your disturbance. 
 
 Frank. Then look here ; , 
 
 For here, here is the fen in which this hydra \| 
 Of discontent grows rank. 
 
 Sus. Heaven shield it ! where } 
 
 Frank. In mine own bosom, here the caus».' .\.u 
 root ; 
 The poison'd leeches twist about my bparl 
 And will, I hope, confound me. 
 o 
 
 he 
 
194 
 
 THE WITCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 Sus. You speak riddles. 
 
 Frank, Take't plainly then ; 'twas told me by 
 a woman 
 Known and approved in palmistry, 
 I should have two wives. 
 
 Sus. Two wives ? sir, I take it 
 Exceeding likely ; but let not conceit hurt you : 
 You are afraid to bury me ? 
 
 Frank. No, no, my Winnifrede. 
 
 Sus. How say you ? Winnifrede ! you forget 
 me. 
 
 Frank. No, I forget: myself, Susan. 
 
 Sus. In what ? 
 
 Frank. Talking of wives, I pretend Winnifrede, 
 A maid that at my mother's waited on me 
 Before thyself. 
 
 Sus. I hope, sir, she may live 
 To take my place ; but why should all this move 
 you? 
 
 Frank. The poor girl, — she has 't before thee, 
 And that's the fiend torments me. lAside. 
 
 Sus. Yet why should this 
 Raise mutiny within you ? such presages 
 Prove often false : or say it should be true ? 
 
 Frank. That I should liave another wife ? 
 
 Sus. Yes, many ; 
 If they be good, the better. 
 
 Frank. Never any 
 Equal to thee in goodness. 
 
 Sus. Sir, I could wish I were much better for 
 you ; 
 Yet if I knew your fate \ , 
 
 Ordain'd you for another, I could wish i 
 
 (So well I love you and your hopeful pleasure) 
 ^ie in my grave, and my poor virtues added 
 To my successor. 
 
 Frank. Prithee, prithee, talk not 
 Of death or graves ; thou art so rare a good^^ess 
 As Death would rather put itself to de^h, 
 
 Than murder thee : but we, as all things else, 
 Are mutable and changing. 
 
 Sus. Yet you still move 
 In your first sphere of discontent. Sweet, chase 
 Those clouds of sorrow, and shine clearly on me. 
 
 Frank. At my return 1 will. 
 
 Sus. Retur 
 
 ah 
 
 ^CT III. 
 
 Will you then leave me ? 
 
 Frank. For a time I must : 
 But how ? as birds their young, or loving bees 
 Their hives, to fetch home richer dainties. 
 
 Sus. Leave me ! 
 Now has my fear met its effect. You shall not, 
 Cost it my life, you shall not. 
 Frank. Why ? your reason ? 
 Sus. Like to the lapwing have you all this while. 
 With your false love, deluded me ; pretending 
 Counterfeit senses for your discontent ! 
 And now at last it is by chance stole from you. 
 Frank. What } what by chance ? 
 Sus. Your pre-appointed meeting 
 : Of single combat with young Warbeck. 
 ■ Frank. Ha! 
 
 Sus. Even so: dissemble not ; 'tis too apparent. 
 Then, in his look, I read it : — deny it not, 
 \I see't apparent ; cost it my undoing, 
 JAnd unto that my life, I will not leave you. 
 ^ Frank. Not until when .-' 
 I Sus. Till he and you be friends. 
 \Was this your cunning .''—and then flam me off 
 'With an old witch, two wives, and Winnifrede ! 
 You aie not so kind indeed as I imagined. 
 
 Frank. And you more fond by far than I ex- 
 pected. — \_AsUie 
 It is a virtue that attends thy kind — 
 But of our business within : — and by this kiss, 
 I'll anger thee no more ; 'troth, chuck, I will not. 
 
 Sus. YetTshall have no just cause. 
 ^ i^rofi/Q^ijear Sue, I shall not. \_Excunt' 
 
 SCENE \.—A Field 
 Enter Cuddy Banks, with the Morrice ikncers. 
 
 1 Clown. Nay, Cuddy, prithee do nok leave us 
 now ; if we part all this night, we shall apt meet 
 before day. 
 
 2 CI. I prithee, Banks, let's keep togetherWw 
 Cud. If you were wise, a word would serve ;\ut 
 
 as you are, I must be forced to tell you again 
 have a little private business, an hour's work ; i 
 may prove but an half hour's, as luck may serve ; 
 and then I take horse, and along with you. Have 
 \Ne e'er a witch in the morrice ? y 
 
 1 CI. No, no ; no woman's part but Maid- 
 Marian, and the hobby-horse. 
 
 Cud. I'll have a witch ; I love a witch. 
 
 1 CI. 'Faith, witches themselves are so common 
 now-a-days, that the counterfeit will not be re- 
 garded. They say we have three or four in 
 Edmonton, besides mother Sawyer. 
 
 2 CI. I would she would dance her part Avith us. 
 
 3 CI. So would not I ; for if she comes, the 
 devil and all comes along with her. 
 
 Cud. Well, I'll have a witch ; I have loved a i 
 witch ever since I played at cherry-pit. Leave I 
 
 me, and get my horse dress'd ; give him oats ; but 
 water him not till I come. Whither do we foot it 
 first } 
 
 2 CI. To Sir Arthur Clarington's first ; then 
 whither thou wilt. 
 
 Cud. Weil, I am content ; but we must up to 
 Carter's, the rich yeoman ; I must be seen on 
 hobby-horse there. 
 
 1 CI. Oh, I smell him now ! — I'll lay my ears 
 Banks is in love, and that's the reason he would 
 walk melancholy by himself. 
 
 Cud. Hah ! who was that said I was in love ? 
 
 1 CI. Not I. 
 
 2 CI. Nor I. 
 
 Cud. Go to, no more of that : when I under- 
 stand what you speak, I know what you say ; 
 believe that. 
 
 1 CI. Well, 'twas I, I'll not deny it; I meant 
 no hurt in't ; I have seen you walk up to Carter's 
 of Chessum : Banks, were not you there last 
 Shrove- tide .■* 
 
 Cud. Yes, I was ten days together there the last 
 Shrove-tide. 
 
 2 CI. How could that be, when there are but 
 seven Havs in the week ? 
 
THE WITCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 ['Jo 
 
 Cud. Prithee peace ! I reckon stila nova as a 
 traveller ; thou understandest as a fresh-water 
 farmer, that never saw'st a week beyond sea. Ask 
 any soldier that ever received his pay but in the 
 Low Countries, and he'll tell thee there are eight 
 days in the week there, hard by. How dost thou 
 think they rise in High Germany, Italy, and those 
 remoter places ? 
 
 3 CI. Aye, but simply there are but seven days 
 in the week yet. #— s. 
 
 Cud. No, simply as thou understandest. Pnthee\ 
 look but in the lover's almanack ; when be,i»s 
 been but three days absent, " Oh, says he, I have 
 not seen my love these seven years :" there's a long 
 cut ! When he comes to her again and embraces 
 her, " Oh, says he, now methinks I am in Heaven;" 
 and that's a pretty step ! he that can get up to 
 Heaven in ten days, need not repent his journey ; 
 you may ride a hundred days in a caroch, and be 
 farther off than when you set forth. But I pray 
 you, good morrice-mates, now leave me. I will be/ 
 with you by midnight. i 
 
 1 CI. Well, since he will be alone, we'll hacY 
 again and trouble him no more. 
 
 All. But remember. Banks. 
 
 Cud. The hobby-horse shall be remembered. 
 But hark you ; get Poldavis, the barber's boy, for 
 the witch ; because he can show his art better 
 than another. lExeunt all but Cvi^i;y. 
 
 Well, now to my walk. I am near the place 
 where I should meet — I know not what : say 1 
 meet a thief ? I must follow him, if to the gallows ; 
 say I meet a horse, or hare, or hound? still I must 
 follow : some slow-paced beast, I hope ; yet love 
 is full of lightness in the heaviest lovers. Ha ! my 
 guide is come. 
 
 Enter Dog. 
 
 A water-dog ! I am thy first man, sculler ; I go 
 with thee ; ply no other but myself. Away with 
 the boat ! land me but at Katherinc's Dock, my 
 sweet Katherine's Dock, and I'll be a fare to 
 thee. That way ? nay, which way thou wilt ; thou 
 know'st the way better than I : — fine gentle cur it 
 is, and well brouglit up, I warrant him. We go 
 a-ducking, spaniel ; thou shalt fetch me the ducks, 
 pretty kind rascal. 
 
 Enter a Spirit, vharded. He throws (ff his p^ask, S^c. 
 and appears in the shape o/Katherine. 
 
 Spir. Thus throw I off mine own essential horror, 
 And take the shape of a sweet lovely maid 
 Whom this fool dotes on ; we can meet his folly, 
 But from his virtues must be run-aways. 
 We'll sport with him ; but when we reckoning 
 
 call, 
 We know where to receive ; the witch pays for all. 
 
 [Dog harks. 
 
 Cud. Ay ? is that the watchword .' She's come. 
 (Sees the Spirit.) Well, if ever we be married, it 
 shall be at Barking-church, in memory of thee ; 
 now come behind, kind cur. 
 
 And have I met thee, sweet Kate? 
 1 will teach thee to walk so lute. 
 
 Oh see, we meet in metre. {The Spirit retires as 
 he advances.) What! dost thou trip from me? 
 Oh, that I were upon my hobby-horse, 1 would 
 mount after thee so nimble ! " Stay nymph, stay 
 nymph," sing'd Apollo. 
 
 Tarry and kiss me ; sweet nymph, stay ! 
 
 Tarry and kiss me, sweet. 
 
 We will to Chessum Street, 
 And then to the house stands in the highway, 
 
 Nay, by your leave, I must embrace you. 
 
 \_Exit, following the Spirit. 
 ( Within.) Oh, help, help ! I am drown'd, 1 am 
 drown'd ! 
 
 Re-enter Cuddy wet. 
 
 Dog. Ha, ha, ha, ha ! 
 
 Cud. This was an ill night to go a-wooingin; 
 I find it now in Pond's almanack : thinking to 
 land at Katherine's Dock, I was almost at Graves- 
 end. I'll never go to a wench in the dog-days 
 ^gain ; yet 'tis cool enough. Had you never a 
 if paw in this dog-trick .^ a mange take that black 
 hide of your's ! FIT tTirow you in at Limehouse, in 
 some tanner's pit or other. 
 
 Dog. Ha, ha, ha, ha ! 
 
 Cud. How now .' who's that laughs at me .' 
 Hist, to him ! (Dog barks.) — Peace, peace ! 
 thou didst but thy kind neither ; 'twas my own 
 fault. 
 
 Dog. Take heed how thou trustest the devil 
 another. time. 
 
 Cud. How now ! who's that speaks } I hope 
 you have not your reading tongue about you ? 
 
 Dog. Yes, I can speak. 
 
 Cud. The devil you can ! you have read .-Esop's 
 fables then : I have play'd one of your parts there ; 
 the dog that catch'd at the shadow in the water. 
 Pray you, let me catechize you a little ; what might 
 one call your name, dog ? 
 
 Dog. My dame calls me Tom. 
 
 Cad. 'Tis well, and she may call me Ass ; so 
 there's an whole one betwixt us, Tom-Ass : she 
 said, I should follow you indeed. Well, Tom, give 
 me thy fist, we are friends ; you shall be mine 
 ingle : I love you ; but I pray you let's have no 
 more of these ducking devices. 
 
 Dng. Not, if you love me. Dogs love where 
 they are beloved ; cherish me and I'll do any 
 thing for thee. 
 
 Cud. Well, you shall have jowls and livers ; 1 
 have butchers to my friends that shall bestow 'era : 
 and I will keep crusts and bones for you, if you'll 
 be a kind dog, Tom. 
 
 Dog. Anything ; I'll help thee to thy love. 
 
 Cud. Wilt thou .^ that promise shall cost me 
 a brown loaf, though I steal it out of my father's 
 cupboard you'll eat stolen goods, Tom, will you 
 not.' 
 
 Dog. Oh, best of all ; the sweetest bits those. 
 
 Cud. You shall not starve, ningle Tom, believe 
 that: if you love fish, I'll help you to maids and 
 soles ; I'm acquainted with a fishmonger. 
 
 Dog. Maids and soles ? Oh, sweet bits ! Lan- 
 queting stuff, those. 
 
 Cud. One thing I would request you, ningle, as 
 you have play'd the knavish cur with me a little, 
 that you would mingle amongst our morrice- 
 dancers in the morning. You can dance .' 
 
 Dng. Yes, yes, anything ; I'll be there, but 
 unseen to any but thyself. Get thee gone before ; 
 fear not my presence. I have work to-ni^ht ; I 
 serve more masters, more dames than one. 
 
 Cud. He can serve Mammon and the devil too. 
 
 Dog. It shall concern thee, and thy love's 
 I purchase. o 2 
 
I9G 
 
 THE WITCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 There's a gallant rival loves the maid, 
 
 And likely is to have her. Mark what a mischief, 
 
 Before the morrice ends, shall light on him ! 
 
 Cud. Oh, sweet ningle, thy neuf once again ; 
 friends must part for a time : farewell, with this 
 remembrance ; shalt have bread too when we 
 meet again. If ever there were an honest devil, 
 'twill be the devil of Edmonton, I see. Fare- 
 well, Tom, I prithee dog me as soon as thou 
 canst. lExit. 
 
 Dog. I'll not miss thee, and be merry with thee. 
 Those that are joys denied, must take delight 
 In sins and mischiefs ; 'tis the devil's right. lExit. 
 
 ^ 
 
 SCENE l\.— The Neighbourhood of Edmoston. 
 
 Enter Frank Thorney, a7id Winnifredk in boy's clothes. 
 
 Frank. Prithee no more ! those tears give 
 nourishment 
 To weeds and briars in me, which shortly will 
 O'ergrow and top my head ; my shame will sit 
 And cover all that can be seen of me. 
 
 fViii. I have not shown this cheek in company ; 
 Pardon me now : thus singled with yourself. 
 It calls a thousand sorrows round about, 
 Some going before, and some on either side. 
 But infinite behind ; all chain'd together : 
 Your second adulterous marriage leads ; 
 That is the sad eclipse, the effects must follow, 
 As plagues of shame, spite, scorn, and obloquy. 
 Frank. Why ? hast thou not left one hour's 
 patience 
 
 To add to all the rest .-' one hour bears us 
 Beyond the reach of all these enemies : 
 Are we not now set forward in the flight, 
 Provided with the dowry of my sin, 
 To keep us in some other nation ? 
 While we together are, we are at home 
 In any place. 
 J Win. 'Tis foul ill-gotten coin, 
 / Far worse than usury or extortion. 
 \, Frank. Let 
 /My father then make the restitution, 
 
 Who forced me take the bribe : it is his gift 
 I And patrimony to me ; so I receive it. 
 He would not bless, nor look a father on me, 
 
 UnfilT satisTied his "ahgYy will : 
 
 WlienJ was sold, I sold myself again 
 
 (Some knaves have done't in lands, and I in body) 
 
 For naoney, and I have the hire. But, sweet, 
 
 no more, 
 *Tis hazard of discovery, our discourse ; 
 And then prevention takes off all our hopes : 
 j For only but to take her leave of me, 
 I My wife is coming. 
 
 Win. Who coming ? your wife ! 
 Frank. No, no ; thou art here : the woman — I 
 knew 
 
 Not how to call her now ; but after this day 
 She shall be quite forgot, and have no name 
 In my remembrance. See, see ! she's come. 
 
 ^' Enter Susan. 
 
 Go lead 
 Tiie horses to th' hill's top ; there I'll meet tliee. 
 
 Sus. Nay, with your favour let him stay a little : 
 I would part with him too, because he is 
 Your sole companion ; aid I'll begin with him, 
 Reservin!^ you the last. 
 
 Frank. Ay, with all my heart, f- 
 
 Sus. You may hear, if it please you, sir. 
 
 Frank. No, 'tis not fit : 
 Some rudiments, I conceive, they must be, 
 To overlook my slippery footings : and so — 
 
 Sus. No, indeed, sir. 
 
 Frank. Tush, I know it must be so, 
 And it is necessary : on ! but be brief. 
 
 IM'alks /orward^ 
 
 Win. What charge soe'er you lay upon me, 
 mistress, 
 I shall support it faithfully (being honest) 
 To my best strength. 
 
 Sus. Believe't shall be no other. 
 I know you were commended to ray husband 
 By a noble knight. 
 
 Win. Oh gods ! — oh, mine eyes ! 
 
 Sus. How now ? what ail'st thou, lad ? 
 
 Win. Something hit mine eye, (it makes it 
 water still,) 
 Even as you said " commended to my hus- 
 band."— 
 Some dor, I think it was. — I was, forsooth, 
 Commended to him by Sir Arthur Clarington. 
 
 Sus. Whose servant once my Thorney was him- 
 self. 
 That title, methinks, should make you almost 
 
 fellows ; 
 Or at the least much more than a [mere] servant ; 
 And I am sure he will respect you so. 
 Your love to him then needs no spur for me, 
 And what for my sake you will ever do, 
 'Tis fit it should be bought with something more 
 Than fair entreats ; look ! here's a jewel for thee, 
 A pretty wanton label for thine ear ; 
 And I would have it hang there, still to whisper 
 These words to thee, Thou hast my jewel with 
 
 thee. 
 . It is but earnest of a larger bounty, 
 /When thou return'st with praises of thy service, 
 f Which I am confident thou wilt deserve. 
 Why, thou art many now besides thyself: 
 Thou m-ay'st be servant, friend, and wife to him ; 
 A good wife is them all. A friend can play 
 The wife and servant's part, and shift enough ; 
 No less the servant can the friend and wife : 
 'Tis all but sweet society, good counsel, 
 Interchang'd loves ; yes, and counsel- keeping 
 
 Frank. Not done yet } 
 ■ Sus. Even now, sir. 
 
 Win. M'istress, believe my vow ; your severe 
 eye, 
 Were't present to command, your bounteous 
 
 hand. 
 Were it then by to buy or bribe my service, 
 Shall not make me more dear or near unto him, 
 Than I shall voluntary. I'll be all your charge. 
 Servant, friend, wife to him. 
 
 Sus. Wilt thou ? 
 Now blessings go with thee for't I courtesies 
 Shall meet thee coming home 
 
 Win. Pray you say plainly. 
 Mistress, are you jealous of him ? if you be, 
 I'll look to him that way too. 
 
 Sus. Say'st thou so ? 
 I would thou hadst a woman's bosom now ; 
 We have weak thoughts within us. Alas ! 
 There's nothing so strong in us as suspicion ; 
 But I dare not, nay, I will not think 
 So hardly of my Thorney. 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE WITCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 197 
 
 IVin, Believe it, mistress, 
 I'll be no pandar to him ; and if I find 
 Any loose lubrick scapes in him, I'll watch him, 
 And at my return, protest I'll show you all : 
 He shall hardly offend without my knowledge. 
 
 Sus. Thine own diligence is that I press, . 
 And not the curious eye over his faults. \ 
 
 Farewell ! if I should never see thee more, \ J^ 
 Take it for ever, f 
 
 Frank. Prithee take that along with thee. / 
 
 IGives his sword to Winnikrede. 
 And hastc-thee 
 To the hill's top; I'll be there instantly. 
 
 Sus. No haste, I prithee; slowly as thou canst — 
 
 lExH Win. 
 Pray let hirn 
 
 Obey me now ; 'tis happily his last 
 Service to me. — 
 My power is e'en a-going out of sight. 
 
 Frank. Why would you delay .-' 
 We have no other business now but to part. 
 
 Sus. And will not that, sweet-heart, ask a long 
 time ? 
 Methinks it is the hardest piece of work 
 That e'er I took in hand. 
 
 Frank. Fie, fie I why look, 
 I'll make it plain and easy to you — farewell ! 
 
 IKisses 'her. 
 
 Sus. Ah, 'las ! I am not half perfect in it yen; 
 I must have it read o'er an hundred times : 
 Pray you take some pains, I confess my dullness |/ 
 
 Frank. What a thorn this rose grows on ! Pai K- 
 ing were sweet ; 
 But what a trouble 'twill be to obtain it ! lAsiJie. 
 Come, again and again, farewell ! — [Kisses her-.'] 
 
 Yet wilt return .-' 
 All questions of my journey, my stay, emjjloyment, 
 And revisitation, fully I have answered all; 
 There's nothing now behind but — nothing. 
 
 Sus. And that nothing is more hard than any- 
 thing, 
 Than all the everythings. This request — 
 
 Frank. What is't ? 
 
 Sus. That 1 may bring you through one pasture 
 more 
 Up to yon knot of trees ; amongst those shadows 
 I'll vanish from you, they shall teach me how. 
 
 Frank. Why 'tis granted ; come, walk then. 
 
 Sus. Nay, not too fast ; \ 
 
 They say, slow things have best perfection ; \ 
 The gentle shower wets to fertility, \\* 
 
 The churlish storm may mischief with his bounty. 
 The baser beasts take strength even from the 
 
 womb ; 
 But the lord lion's whelp is feeble long. iExeuid. 
 
 SCENE II — A Field, with a clump of Trees. 
 
 Enter Dog. 
 
 Dof/. Now for an early mischief and a sudden ! 
 The mind's about it now ; one touch from mo 
 Soon sets the body forward. 
 
 Enter Frank and Susan. 
 
 Frank. Your request 
 Is out ; vet will you leave me ? 
 
 Sus. What ? so churlishly ? 
 You'll make me stay for ever, 
 Rather than part, with such a sound from you. 
 
 Frank. Why, you almost anger me. — 'Pray 
 you be gone. 
 You have no company, and 'tis very early ; 
 Some hurt may betide you homewards. 
 
 Sus. Tush ! I fear none : 
 To leave you is the greatest hurt I can suffer : 
 Besides, I expect your father and mine own. 
 To meet me back, or overtake me with you ; 
 They began to stir when I came after you : 
 I know they'll not be long. 
 
 Frank. So 1 I shall have more trouble, — 
 
 IThe Doe rubs against hjpi 
 
 XhanFyoufor that : 
 
 ThenJ ^ll ease aUj .tjonce. [A s ideTJ^^TiS, aow^ JH.Oiw' ; 
 
 What T np'ftf thpiight nn.— TniiVViaii not gO back. 
 
 Sus. Why, shall I go along with thee .' sweet 
 
 Frank. No, to a better place. [music ! 
 
 Sus. Any place I ; 
 I'm there at home, where thou pleasest to have me. 
 
 Frank. At home ? I'll leave you in your last 
 I must kill you. [lodging ; t. 
 
 Sus. Oh fine ! you'd fright me from you. * 
 
 Frank. You see I had no purpose ; I'm unan.>\';l : 
 'Tis this minute's decree, and it must be ; 
 Look, this will serve your turn. \_Draws a k.ii/t; 
 
 Sus. I'll not turn from it, 
 If you be earnest, sir : yet you may tell me, 
 Wherefo'*e you'll kill me. 
 
 Frank. B ecause you are a whore. 
 
 Sus. There's one deep wound already ; a whore! 
 'Twas ever farther from me than the thought 
 Of this black hour ; a whore ? 
 
 Frank. Yes, I will prove it, 
 And you shall confess it. You are my whore, 
 No wife of mine ; the word admits no second. 
 I was before wedded to another ; have her still. 
 1 do not lay the sin unto your charge, 
 'Tis all mine own : your marriage ^as my theft ; 
 For I espoused your dowry, and I have it : 
 I did _not purpose to ha vp. added murder. 
 The devil did not pr nmpfr jpR ; t.jH f^^ js mi mite^ '. 
 You might have sate ret imi'd ; now yau-G»«not. j 
 You have do_gg\l your own death. ISlaLs //.r. \ 
 
 Sus. A.nd~F3eserve it ; ^^^^"""^ 
 
 I'm glad my fate was so intelligent : 
 'Twas some good spirit's motion. Die.' oh, 'twas 
 How many years might I have slept in sin, [time ! 
 [The] sin of my most hatred, too, adultery ! 
 
 Frank. Nay sure 'twas likely that the most was 
 For I meant never to return to you [past ; 
 
 Aftfr this parting. 
 
 Sus. Why then I thank you more ; 
 You have done lovingly, leaving yourself. 
 That you would thus bestow me on another. 
 Thouartmy,iiiisbaad, -Death-,-tHMi I--et»b ra«io thee 
 WitEjilTthe love I have. F orget t he stain 
 Of mj_ 1111 witting sin ; and then I come 
 A crysta l virgin to thee : my soul's purity 
 STTall, wftli bold wiiirs, ascend the doors of Mercy; 
 For innocence is ever lier companion. 
 
 /'raw^T't^ut yelTTnDrrat? ^{""Wonld not linger 
 you, 
 Or leave you a tongue to blab. [S^:^5 /av again. 
 
 Sus, Now heaven reward jou ne'er the worse 
 for me 1 
 I did nQt-tliittlclhat death- had,b£§ILS9,SLK£{it, 
 Nor I sq^aptjtp.lpve hira. I could ne'er die better, 
 Had 1 stay'd forty years for preparation; 
 For I'^mTri'cTiarity with all the world. 
 lyCt me for onceTie thme example, heaven ; 
 
 
 
198 
 
 THE WITCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 Do to this man, as I Inmjree forgive j 
 AnTmay lie IjgJttfir .3Iej_.and better live ! IDies. 
 
 Frank- ' Tis done; and I am in ! once past our 
 heigHt^ ■"■" -~~— -_ — 
 
 We scorn the deep'st abyss. This follows now, 
 To heal her wounds 15y"(Tressing of the weapon. 
 Arms, thighs, hands, any place ; we must not fail 
 
 [ Wounds himself. 
 Light scratches, giving such deep ones : the best I 
 
 can 
 To bind myself to this tree. Now's the storm, 
 Which, if blown o'er, many fair days may follow. 
 \_Binds himself to a tree • the Dog ties him behind, and 
 exit. 
 So, so ! I'm fast ; I did not think I could 
 Have done so well behind me. How prosperous 
 
 and 
 Effectual mischief sometimes is! — \_Aloud.'] — Help! 
 Murder, murder, murder! [help ! 
 
 Enter Carter and Old Thorney. 
 
 Car. Ha ! whom tolls the bell for ? 
 
 Frank. Oh, oh ! 
 
 Thor. Ah me ! 
 The cause appears too soon ; my child, my son. 
 
 Car. Susan, girl, child! not speak to thy father? 
 ha! 
 
 Frank. Oh lend me some assistance to o'ertake 
 This hapless woman. 
 
 Thor. Let 's o'ertake the murderers. 
 Speak whilst thou canst, anon may be too late ; 
 I fear thou hast death's mark upon thee too. 
 
 Frank. I know them both ; yet such an oath is 
 As pulls damnation up if it be broke ; [pass'd 
 
 I dare not name 'em : think what forced men do. 
 
 Thor. Keep oath with murderers ! that were a 
 To hold the devil in. [conscience 
 
 Frank. Nay, sir, I can describe 'em, 
 Shall show them as familiar as their names : 
 The taller of the two at this time wears 
 His satin doublet white, but crimson lined ; 
 Hose of black satin, cloak of scarlet — 
 
 Thor. Warbeck, 
 Warbeck ! — do you list to this, sir.' 
 
 Car. Yes, yes, I listen you ; here's nothing to 
 be heard. 
 
 Frank. The other's cloak branch'd velvet, black, 
 velvet lined his suit. 
 
 Thor. I have them already ; Somerton, Somer- 
 ton! 
 Binal revenge, all this. Come, sir, the first work 
 Is to pursue the murderers, when we have 
 
 KRemov'd these mangled bodies hence. 
 Car. Sir, take that carcase there, and give me 
 this. 
 I will not own her now ; she's none of mine. 
 Bob me off with a dumb show ! no, I'll have life. 
 This is my son, too, and while there's life in him, 
 'Tis half mine ; take you half that silence for't. — 
 When I speak I look to be spoken to : 
 Forgetful slut ! 
 
 Thor. Alas ! what grief may do now ! 
 y^ Look, sir, I'll take this load of sorrow with me. 
 
 S_Exit, with Susan in his arms. 
 Car. Ay, do, and I'll have this. How do you, 
 sir.' 
 
 Frank. O, very ill, sir. 
 Car. Yes, 
 I think so ; but 'tis well you can speak yet : 
 There's no music but in sound ; sound it must be. 
 
 I have not wept these twenty years before, 
 And that I guess was ere that girl was born ; 
 Yet now methinks, if I but knew the way. 
 My heart's so full, I could weep night and dav. 
 
 \_Exit with Frank. 
 
 SCENE III. — Before Sir Arthur's House. 
 Enter Sir Arthur Clarington, Warbeck, and Somerton. 
 
 Sir Ar. Come, gentlemen, we must all help to 
 The nimble-footed youth of Edmonton, [grace 
 That are so kind to call us up to-day 
 With an high Morrice. 
 
 War. I could wish it for the best, it were the 
 worst now. Absurdity is, in my opinion, ever the 
 best dancer in a morrice. 
 
 Som, I could rather sleep than see them. 
 
 Sir Ar. Not well, sir? 
 
 Som. Faith not ever thus leaden; yet I. know 
 no cause for't. 
 
 War. Now am I, beyond mine own condition, 
 highly disposed to mirth. 
 
 Sir Ar. Well, you may have a morrice to help 
 both ; 
 To strike you in a dump, and make him merry. 
 
 Enter Savvgut, the Fiddler, with the Morrice-dancers, Sfc. 
 
 Saw. Come, will you set yourselves in morrice- 
 ray ? the fore-bell, secondTbell, tenor, and great- 
 bell ; Maid Marian for the same bell. But where's 
 the weather-cock now ? the Hobby-hor.se ? 
 
 1 CI. Is not Banks come yet ? What a spite 
 'tis ! 
 
 Sir Ar. When set you forward, gentlemen } 
 
 1 CI. We stay but for the hobby-hoi'se, sir ; all 
 our footmen are ready. 
 
 Som. 'Tis marvel your horse should be behind 
 your foot. 
 
 2 CI. Yes, sir, he goes further about ; we can 
 come in at the wicket, but the broad gate must be 
 opened for him. 
 
 Enter Ci'DDY Banks, with the Hobby-horse, fullowed by 
 Dog. 
 
 Sir Ar. Oh, \ve staid for you, sir. 
 
 Cud. Only my hor.se wanted a shoe, sir ; but we 
 shall make you amends ere we part. 
 
 Sir Ar. Ay ? well said ; make 'em drink ere 
 they begin. 
 
 Enter Servants with beer. 
 
 Cud. A bowl, I prithee, and a little for my 
 horse ; he'll mount the better. Nay, give me, I 
 must drink to him, he'll not pledge else [drinks'\. 
 Here, Hobby, — [holds the bowl to the hobby-horse'] 
 — I pray you : no ? not drink I You see, gentle- 
 men, we can but bring our horse to the water ; he 
 may choose whether he'll drink or no. — \_Drinks 
 again.'] 
 
 Som. A good moral made plain by history. 
 
 1 Clown. Strike up, father Sawgut, strike up. 
 
 Saw. E'en when you will, children. [Cuddy 
 mounts the hobby.] — Now in the name of — the 
 best foot forward ! — [Endeavours to play ; but the 
 fiddle gives no sound.] — How now ! not a word in 
 thy guts } I think, children, my instrument has 
 caught cold on the sudden. 
 
 Cud. My ningle's knavery ; black Tom's doing. 
 
 \_Asid<: 
 
 All. Why, what mean you, father Sawgut. ? 
 
THE WITCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 11)0 
 
 Cud. Why, what would you have him do ? you 
 hear his fiddle is speechless. 
 
 Saw. I'll lay mine ear to my instrument, that 
 my poor fiddle is bewitched, I play'd The Flow- 
 ers in May e'en now, as sweet as a violet ; now 
 'twill not go against the hair : you see I can make 
 no more music than a beetle of a cow-turd. 
 
 Cud. Let me see, father Sawgut ; [^takes the 
 fiddle] say once you liad a brave hobby-horse, that 
 you were beholden to. I'll play and dance too. — 
 Mingle, away with it. 
 
 [_Gives it to the Dog, u'7iO plays the Mox^ice. 
 
 All. Ay, marry, sir ! 
 
 TUB DANCE. 
 
 Enter a Constable and Officers. 
 Con. Away with jollity 1 'tis too sad an hour. 
 Sir Arthur Clarington, your own assistance, 
 In the king's name, I charge, for apprehension 
 Of these two murderers, Warbeck and Somerton. 
 Sir Ar. Ha ! flat murderers % 
 Som. Ha, ha, ha! this has awaken'd my melan- 
 choly. 
 
 War. An,il struck my mirth down flat. — Mur- 
 derers ? 
 Con. The accusation's flat against you, gentle- 
 men. 
 Sir, you may be satisfied with this. 
 
 IShoifs his warrant. 
 
 I hope you'll quietly obey my power ; 
 'Twill make your cause the fairer. 
 
 Both. Oh, with all our hearts, sir. 
 
 Cud. There's my rival taken up for hangman's 
 meat ; Tom told me he was about a piece of vil- 
 lany, — Mates and morrice-men, you see here's no 
 longer piping, no longer dancing ; this news of 
 murder has slain the morrice. You that go the 
 foot-way, fare ye well ; I am for a gallop. Come, 
 ningle. [_Canters off with the hobby, and Dog. 
 
 Saw. [Strikes his fiddle, which sounds as be- 
 fore.] Ay ? nay, an my fiddle be come to himself 
 again, I care not. I think the devil has been 
 aln-oad amongst us to-day ; I'll keep thee out of 
 thy fit now, if I can. 
 
 lExit ivilh the Morrice Dancers. 
 
 Sir Ar. These things are full of horror, full of 
 pity. 
 Rut if this time be constant to the proof, 
 The guilt of both these gentlemen I dare take 
 On mine own danger ; yet, howsoever, sir, 
 Your power must be obey'd. 
 
 War. Oh, most willingly, sir. 
 'Tis a most sweet affliction ; I could not meet 
 A joy in the best shape with better will : 
 Come, fear not, sir ; nor judge, nor evidence 
 Can bind him o'er, who's freed by conscience. 
 
 Som. Mine stands so upright to the middle zone, 
 It takes no shadow to't, it goes alone. [_Exeuni. 
 
 ACT IV. 
 
 SCENE I.— Edmonton. The Street. 
 Enter Old Banks, and several Countrymen. 
 Banks. My horse this morning runs most pite- 
 ously of the glanders, whose nose yesternight was 
 as clean as any man's here now coming from the 
 barber's; and this, I'll take my death upon't, is 
 long of this jadish witch, mother Sawyer. 
 
 1 Coun. I took my wife and a serving man in 
 our town of Edmonton, thrashing in my barn to- 
 gether, such corn as country-wenches carry to 
 market ; and examining my pole-cat why she did 
 so, she swore in her conscience she was bewitch'd: 
 and what witch have we about us, but mother 
 Sawyer ? \ 
 
 2 Coun. Rid the town of her, else all our wives 
 will do nothing bnt dance about other country 
 may-poles. 
 
 3 Coun. Our cattle fall, our wives fall, our 
 daughters fall, and maid servants fall ; and we 
 ourselves shall not be able to stand, if this beast 
 be suffered to graze amongst us. 
 
 Enter W. IIaailuc, with thatch arid a lighted link. 
 
 Ham. Burn the witch, the witch, the witch, the 
 witch ! 
 
 All. What has't got there .' 
 
 Ham. A handful of thatch, pluck'd off a hovel 
 of her's ; and they say, when 'tis burning, if she 
 be a witch, she'll come running in. 
 
 Banks. Fire it, fire it ; I'll stand between thee 
 and home, for any danger. [Ham. sets fire to the thatch. 
 
 Enter Mother Sawyek, running. 
 Saw. Diseases, plagues, the curse of an old wo- 
 Foliow and fall upon you ! [man 
 
 All. Are you come, you old trot .' 
 
 Batiks. You hot whore, must we fetch you with 
 fire in your tail ? 
 
 1 Coun. This thatch is as good as a jury to 
 prove she is a witch. 
 
 All. Out, witch ! beat her, kick her, set fire on 
 her. 
 
 Saw. Shall I be murdered by a bed of serpents? 
 Help, help ! 
 
 Enter Sir Arthur Clarington, and a Justice. 
 
 All. Hang her, beat her, kill her ! 
 ; Just. How now .' forbear this violence. 
 / Saxv. A crew of villains, a knot of bloody hang- 
 ySet to torment me, I know not why. [men, 
 
 Just. Alas, neighbour Banks, are you a ringleader 
 in mischief.'' fie ! to abuse an aged woman. 
 
 Banks. Woman .^ a she-hell-cat, a witch ! To 
 prove her one, we no sooner set fire on the thattih 
 of her house, but in she came running, as if the 
 devil had sent her in a barrel of gunpowder ; 
 which trick as surely proves her a witch, as the 
 pox in a snuffling nose is a sign a man is a whore- 
 master. 
 
 Just. Come, come ; firing her thatch .' ridicu- 
 h)us ! 
 Take heed, sirs, what you do ; unless your proofs 
 Come better arm'd, instead of turning her 
 Into a witch, you'll prove yourselves stark fools. 
 
 All. Fools •> 
 
 Just. Arrant fools. 
 
 Banks. Pray, master Justice what-do-you-cnll- 
 'em, hear me but in one thing. Tiiis grumbling 
 devil owes me, I know, no good-will ever since 1 
 fell out with her. 
 
200 
 
 THE WITCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 Sato. And brak'st my back with beating me. 
 
 Banks. I'll break it worse. 
 
 Saw. Wilt thou ? 
 
 Just. You must not threaten her, 'tis against 
 Go on. [law ; 
 
 Banks. So, sir, ever since, having a dun cow 
 tied up in my back-side, let me go thither, or but 
 cast mine eye at her, and if I should be hang'd, I 
 cannot choose, though it be ten times in an hour, 
 but run to the cow, and taking up her tail, kiss 
 (saving your worship's reverence) my cow behind, 
 that the whole town of Edmonton has been ready 
 to bepiss themselves with laughing me to scorn. 
 
 Just. And this is long of her? 
 
 Banks. Who the devil else? for is any man such 
 an ass to be such a baby, if he were not bewitch'd? 
 
 Sir Ar. Nay, if she be a witch, and the harms 
 she does end in such sports, she may scape burn- 
 ing. 
 
 Just. Go, go ; pray vex her not ; she is a sub- 
 And you must not be judges of the law, [ject. 
 
 To strike her as you please. 
 
 All. No, no, we'll find cudgel enough to strike 
 her. 
 
 Banks. Ay ; no lips to kiss but my cow's ! — 
 
 [_Exeunt Banks and Countrymen. 
 
 Saw. Rots and foul maladies eat up thee and 
 thine ! 
 
 Just. Here's none now, mother Sawyer, but this 
 gentleman. 
 Myself, and you ; let us, to some mild questions, 
 Have your mild answers : tell us honestly. 
 And with a free confession, (we'll do our best 
 To wean you from it,) are you a witch, or no ? 
 
 Saiv. I am none. 
 
 Just. Be not so furious. 
 
 Saw. I am none. 
 None but base curs so bark at me ; I am none. 
 Or would 1 were ! if every poor old woman, 
 Be trod on thus by slaves, reviled, kick'd, beaten. 
 As I am daily, she to be revenged 
 Had need turn witch. 
 
 Sir Ar. And you to be revenged 
 Have sold your soul to th' devil. 
 
 Saw. Keep thine own from him. 
 
 Just. You are too saucy and too bitter. 
 
 Saw. Saucy } 
 By what commission can he send my soul 
 On the devil's errand more than I can his ? 
 Is he a landlord of my soul, to thrust it 
 When he list out of door.'' 
 
 Just. Know whom you speak to. 
 
 Saw. A man ; perhaps no man. Men in gay 
 clothes. 
 Whose backs are laden with titles and honours, 
 Are within far more crooked than I am, 
 And if I be a witch, more witch-like. 
 
 Sir Ar. You are a base hell-hound 
 
 And now, sir, let me tell you, far and near 
 She's bruited for a woman that maintains 
 A spirit that sucks her. 
 
 Saw. I defy thee. 
 
 Sir Ar. Go, go ; 
 I can, if need be, bring an hundred voices. 
 E'en here in Edmonton, that shall loud proclaim 
 Thee for a secret and pernicious witch. 
 
 Saiv. Ha, ha ! 
 
 Just. Do you laugh ? why laugh you .' 
 
 Saw. At my name. 
 The brave name this knight gives me, witch. 
 
 Just. Is the name of witch so pleasing to thine 
 ear ? 
 
 ^ Sir Ar. 'Pray, sir, give way; and let her tongue 
 gallop on. 
 
 Saw. A witch ! who is not } 
 
 old not that universal name in scorn then. 
 
 'hat are your painted things in princes' courts, 
 
 pon whose eye-lids lust sits, blowing fires 
 
 o burn men's souls in sensual hot desires ; 
 
 pon whose naked paps, a letcher's thought 
 uCts sin in fouler shapes than can be wrought ? 
 
 Just. But those work not as you do. 
 
 Saw. No, but far worse. 
 These, by enchantments, can whole lordships 
 
 change 
 To trunks of rich attire ; turn ploughs and teams 
 To Flanders mares and coaches ; and huge trains 
 Of servitors, to a French butterfly. 
 Have you not city-wenches, who can turn 
 Their husbands' wares, whole standing shops of 
 
 wares. 
 To sumptuous tables, gardens of stolen sin ; 
 In one year wasting, what scarce twenty win 1 
 Are not these witches ? 
 
 Just. Yes, yes ; but the law 
 Casts not an eye on these. 
 
 Saw. Why then on me. 
 Or any lean old beldam ? Reverence once 
 Had wont to wait on age ; now an old woman, 
 I'11-favour'd grown with years, if she be poor. 
 Must be call'd bawd or witch. Such so abused, 
 Are the coarse witches ; t'other are the fine, 
 Spun for the devil's own wearing. 
 
 Sir Ar. And so is thine. 
 
 Saio. She, on whose tongue a whirlwind .sits to 
 blow 
 A man out of himself, from his soft pillow. 
 To lean his head on rocks and fighting waves. 
 Is not that scold a witch } The man of law 
 W^hose honey'd hopes the credulous client draws, 
 (As bees by tinkling basons) to swarm to him, 
 From his own hive, to work the wax in his ; 
 He is no witch, not he ! 
 
 Sir Ar. But these men-witches 
 Are not in trading with hell's merchandize. 
 Like such as you, that for a word, a look, 
 Denial of a coal of fire, kill men. 
 Children, and cattle. 
 
 Saw. Tell them, sir, that do so : 
 Am I accus'd for such a one ? 
 
 Sir Ar. Yes ; 'twill be sworn. 
 
 Saw. Dare any swear I ever tempted maiden 
 With golden hooks flung at her chastity, 
 To come and lo.se her honour ? and being lost. 
 To pay not a denier for't ? Some slaves have done 
 
 it. 
 Men-witches can, without the fangs of law 
 Drawing once one drop of blood, put counterfeir 
 Away for true gold. [pieces 
 
 Sir Ar. By one thing she speaks, 
 I know now she's a witch, and dare no longer 
 Hold conference with the fury. 
 
 Just. Let's then away. 
 Old woman, mend thy life, get home and pray. 
 
 [_Exeunt Sir Arthur and Justice 
 
 Saiv. For his confusion. 
 
 Enter Dog. 
 
 My dear Tom-boy, welcome ! 
 
 I'm torn in pieces by a pack of curs 
 
SCENE I. 
 
 THE WITCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 201 
 
 CLjpt all upon me, and for want of thee : 
 Comfort me ; thou shalt have the teat anon. 
 
 Dog. Bow, wow ! I'll have it now. 
 
 Saw. I am dried up 
 With cursing and with madness ; and have yet 
 No blood to moisten these sweet lips of thine. 
 Stand on thy hind-legs up — kiss me, my Tommy, 
 And rub away some wrinkles on my brow, 
 By making my old ribs to shrug for joy 
 Of thy fine tricks. What hast thou done ? let's 
 
 tickle. 
 Hast thou struck the horse lame as I bid thee ? 
 
 Dog. Yes ; "^ 
 
 And nipp'd the sucking child. 
 
 Saiv. Ho, ho, my dainty. 
 My little pearl ! no lady loves her hound. 
 Monkey, or paraquit, as I do thee. 
 
 Dog. The maid has been cKui'ning butter nine 
 hours ; but it shall not come. 
 
 Saw. Let 'em eat cheese and choke. 
 
 Dog. I had rare sport 
 Among the clowns i' th' morrice. 
 
 Saw. I could dance 
 Out of my skin to hear thee. But, my curl pate, 
 That jade, that foul-tongued whore, Nan RatciifFe, 
 Who for a little soap lick'd by my sow. 
 Struck, and almost had lamed it ; — did not I charge 
 
 thee 
 To pinch that quean to th' heart ? 
 
 Dog. Bow, wow, wow ! look here else. 
 
 Enter Ann RAxcLrFFE, mad. \^i 
 
 Ann. See, see, see ! the man i' th' moon haX 
 built a new windmill, and what running there is\ 
 'rom all quarters of the city to learn the art of 
 grinding ! 
 
 Saw. Ho, ho, ho 1 I thank thee, my sweet mon- 
 grel. 
 
 Ami. Hoyda ! a pox of the devil's false hopper! 
 all the golden meal runs into the rich knaves' 
 purses, and the poor have nothing but bran. Hey 
 derry down ! are not you mother Sawyer ? 
 
 Saw. No, I am a lawyer. 
 
 Ann. Art thou? I prithee let me scratch, thy 
 face ; for thy pen has flay'd off a great many men's 
 skins. You'll have brave doings in the vacation ; 
 for knaves and fools are at variance in every vil- 
 lage. I'll sue mother Sawyer, and her own sow 
 shall give in evidence against her. 
 
 Saw. Touch her. [.To the 1*0%, who ruhs against her. 
 
 Ann. Oh ! my ribs are made of a paned hose, 
 and they break. There's a Lancashire hornpipe in 
 my throat ; hark, how it tickles it, with doodle 
 doodle, doodle, doodle ! welcome, Serjeants ! wel- 
 come, devil ! hands, hands ! hold hands, and dance 
 a-round, a-round, a-round. iDanciny. 
 
 Re-enter 0\AB ASKS, Cuddy, Ratcliffe, and Countrymen. 
 
 Rat. She's here ; alas ! my poor w ife is here. 
 
 Banks. Catch her fast, and have her into some 
 close chamber, do ; for she's as many wives are,) 
 stark mad. 
 
 Cud. The witch ! mother Sawyer, the witch, 
 the devil ! 
 
 Rat. Oh, my dear wife ! help, sirs ! 
 
 [^She is carried off. 
 
 Brinks. You see yonr work, mother Bumby. 
 
 Saw. My work } should she and all you here 
 run mad, 
 Is the work mine } 
 
 Cud. No, on my conscience, she would not 
 hurt a devil of two-years old. 
 
 Re-enter Ratcliffe, 
 
 How now? what's become of her? 
 
 Rat. Nothing; she's become nothing, but the 
 miserable trunk of a wretched woman. We were 
 in her hands as reeds in a mighty tempest : spite 
 of our strengths, away she brake ; and nothing in 
 her mouth being heard, but " the devil, the witch, 
 the witch, the devil ! " she beat out her own brains, 
 and so died. 
 
 Cud. It's any man's case, be he never so wise, 
 to die when his brains go a wool-gathering. 
 
 Banks. Masters, be ruled by me ; let's all to a 
 Jusuce. Hag, thou hast done this, and thou shale 
 answer it. 
 
 Saw. Banks, I defy thee. 
 
 Banks. Get a warrant first to examine her, then 
 ship her to Newgate ; here's enough, if all lur 
 other villanies were pardon'd, to burn her for a 
 witch. You have a spirit, they say, comes to you 
 in the likeness of a dog ; we shall see your cur at 
 one time or other : if we do, unless it be the devil 
 himself, he shall go howling to the gaol in one 
 chain, and thou in another. 
 
 Saio. Be hang'd thou in a third, and do thy 
 worst ! 
 
 Cud. How, father ? you send the poor dumb 
 thing howling to the ga'ol ? he that makes him 
 howl, makes me roar. 
 
 Banks. Why, foolish boy, dost thou know 
 him ? 
 
 Cud. No matter if I do or not ; he's bailable, I 
 am sure, by law ; — but if the dog's word will not 
 be taken, mine shall. 
 
 Banks. Thou bail for a dog 1 
 
 Cud. Yes, or bitch either, being my friend. I'll 
 lie by the heels myself, before puppison shall ; his 
 dog-days are not come yet, I hope. 
 
 Banks. What manner of dog is it ? didst ever 
 sec him ? 
 
 Cud. See him ? yes, and given him a bone to 
 gnaw twenty times. The dog is no court-foisting 
 hound, that fills his belly full by base wagging his 
 tail ; neither is it a citizen's water-spaniel, enticing 
 his master to go a-ducking twice or thrice a week, 
 whilst his wife makes ducks and drakes at home : 
 this is no Paris-garden bandog neither, tliat keeps 
 a bow-wow-wowing, to have butchers bring their 
 curs thither ; and when all comes to all, they run 
 away like sheep : neither is this the black dog of 
 Newgate. 
 
 Banks. No good-man son-fool ; but the dog of 
 hell -gate. 
 
 Cud. I say, good-tnan father-fool, it's a lie. 
 
 All. He's bewitch'd. 
 
 Cjid. A gross lie, as big as myself. The devil 
 in St. Dunstan's will as soon drink with this poor 
 / cur, as with any Temple-bar-laundress, that washes 
 ' and wrings lawyers. 
 
 Dog. Bow, wow, wow, wow I 
 
 All. Oh, the dog's here, the dog's here I 
 
 Banks. It was the voice of a dog. 
 
 Cud. The voice of a dog ? if that voL -^ were a 
 dog's, what voice had my mother? so am I a Jog: 
 bow, wow, wow ! It was I that bark'd so, fath=?r, 
 to make coxcombs of these clowns. 
 
 Banks. However, we'll be coxcomb'd no longer • 
 away, therefore, to the justice for a warrant ; and 
 
 ^^ 
 
202 
 
 THE WITCH OF EDMONTON 
 
 n^ 
 
 then, Gammer Gurton, have at your needle of 
 ivirchciaft. 
 
 Satv. And prick thine ovvn eyes out. Go, pee- 
 vish fools ! V 
 [Exettnt Banks, Rat. and Countrymen. ' 
 Cud. Ningle, you had like to have spoiled all 
 with your bow-ings. I was glad to put them off 
 with one of my dog-tricks, on a sudden ; I am be- 
 witch'd, little Cost-me-nought, to love thee, — a 
 pox, — that morrice makes me spit in thy mouth. 
 
 I dare not stay ; farewell, ningle ; you whoreson 
 
 dog's nose ! farewell, witch ! lExit. 
 
 Dog. Bow, wow, wow, wow ! 
 Saw. Mind him not, he's not worth thy worry- 
 ing ; 
 Run at a faiier game : that foul-mouth'd knight, 
 Scurvy Sir Arthur, fly at him, my Tommy, 
 And pluck out's throat. 
 
 Dog. No, there's a dog already biting, — his 
 
 conscience. 
 Saw. That's a sure blood-hound. Come, let's 
 home and play ; 
 Our black work ended, we'll make holyday. 
 
 lExeunt. 
 
 SCENE 11. — A Bed-room in Carter's House. 
 — Frank in a slumber. 
 
 Enter Katherine. 
 
 Kath. Brother, brother ! so sound asleep ? that's 
 well. 
 
 Frank. {Waking.) No, not I, sister; he that's 
 wounded here, 
 As I am, (all my other hurts are bitings 
 Of a poor flea,) but he that here once bleeds, 
 Is maim'd incurably. 
 
 Kath. My good sweet brother ; 
 (For now my sister must grow up in you,) 
 "Though her loss strikes you through, and that I 
 The blow as deep, I pray thee be not cruel [feel 
 To kill me too, by seeing you cast away 
 In your own helpless sorrow. Good love, sit up ; 
 And if you can give physic to yourself, 
 I shall be well. 
 
 Frank. I'll do my best. 
 
 Kath. I thank you : 
 What do you look about you for? 
 
 Frank. Nothing, nothing ; 
 But I was thinking, sister 
 
 Kath. Dear heart, what ? 
 
 Frank. Who but a fool would thus be bound to 
 Having this room to walk in .' [a bed, 
 
 Kath. Why do you talk so ? 
 Would you were fast asleep. 
 
 Frank. No, no ; I am not idle. 
 But here's my meaning ; being robb'd as I am,\ 1 
 Why should my soul, which married was to her^ 
 Live in divorce, and not fly after her ? 
 Why should not 1 walk hand in hand with Death, 
 To find my love out } 
 
 Kath. That were well indeed, 
 Your time being come ; when Death is sent to call 
 No doubt you shall meet her. [yo^> 
 
 Frank. Why should not I 
 Go wituout calling } 
 
 I^ath. Yes, brother, so you might ; 
 Wfcre tiiere no place to go to when you're gone, 
 Put only this. 
 
 .' Frank. 'Troth, sister, thou say'st true; 
 ' For when a man has been an hundred years 
 
 Hard travelling o'er the tottering bridge of age, 
 Tie's not the thousandth part upon his way : 
 (A.II life is but a wandering to find a home; 
 When we are gone, we're there. Happy were man. 
 Could here his voyage end ; he should not then 
 Answer, how well or ill he steer'd his soul, 
 By heaven's or by hell's compass ; how he put in 
 (Losing bless'd goodness' shore) at such a sin; 
 Nor how life's dear provision he has spent, 
 Nor hovv far he in's navigation went 
 Bej'ond commission : this were a fine reign, 
 j To do ill, and not hear of it again ; 
 \Yet then were man more wretched than a beast; 
 / For, sister, our dead pay is sure the best. 
 \ Kath. 'Tis so, the best or worst ; and I vvish 
 ^ Heaven 
 
 To pay (and so I know it will) that traitor, 
 That devil Somerton (who stood in mine eye 
 Once as an angel) home to his deservings : 
 What villain but himself, once loving me. 
 With Warbeck's soul would pawn his own to hell, 
 To be revenged on my poor sister ! 
 
 Frank. Slaves ! 
 A pair of merciless slaves ! speak no more of them. 
 
 Kath I think this talking hurts you. 
 
 Frank. Does me no good, I'm sure ; 
 I pay for't everywhere. 
 
 Kath. I have done then. 
 Eat if you cannot sleep ; you have these two days 
 Not tasted any food : — Jane, is it ready } 
 
 Frank. What's ready ? what's ready ? 
 
 Kath. I have made ready a roasted cliicken for 
 you. \_Enter Maid wilh the chicken. 
 
 Sweet, wilt thou eat ? 
 
 Frank. A pretty stomach on a sudden, yes, — 
 There's one i' th' house can play upon a lute ; 
 Good girl, let's hear him too. 
 
 Kath. You shall, dear brother. lExit Maid. 
 
 Would I were a musician, you should hear 
 How I would feast your ear ! — [Lute plays within.'] 
 
 stay, mend your })illow, 
 And raise you higher. 
 
 Frank. I am up too high, 
 Am I not, sister, now ? 
 
 Kath. No, no ; 'tis well. 
 Fall to, fall to. A knife ! here's ne'er a knife. 
 [Brother, I'll look out your's. [Takes up his vest 
 
 Enter Dog, shrugging as it were for joy, and dances. 
 Frank. Sister, O sister, 
 '.I'm ill upon a sudden, and can eat nothing. 
 \ Kath. In very deed you shall ; the want of food 
 /Makes you so faint. H a !— [ Sees th e bloody knife.] 
 / here's none in your pocket : 
 
 I will go fetch a knife. [Exit hastily. 
 
 ^-^ FmraAr. W'iil you ? 'tis well, all's well. 
 
 Frank searches first cnc pocket then the other, finds the 
 knife, and then lies down.— The spirit o/ Susan 
 comes to the bed's side .- he starts at it, and then 
 \ turns to the other side, hut the spirit is there— 
 
 \ meanwhile cnterWivNiFREDEasapagc, and stands 
 ) sorrowfully at the foot of the bed. Frank terrified, 
 j sits up, and the spirit vanishes. 
 / Frank. What art thou ? 
 V Win. A lost creature. 
 \Frank. So am I too. Win ? 
 Ail, my she-page ! 
 I Will. For your sake I put on 
 shape that's false ; yet do I wear a heart 
 rue to you as your own. 
 
SCENE II. 
 
 THE WITCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 203 
 
 Frank. 'Would mine and thine 
 Were fellows in one house ! kneel by me here. 
 On this side now ! how dar'st thou come to mock 
 On both sides ot the bed ? [me 
 
 Win. When? 
 
 Frank. But just now : 
 Outface me, stare upon me with strange postures ; 
 Turn my soul wild by a face in which were drawn 
 A thousand ghosts leapt newly from their graves, 
 To pluck me into a winding-sheet ! 
 
 Win. Believe it, 
 I came no nearer to you than yon place, ^ 
 At your bed's feet ; and of the house had leave, 
 Calling myself your horse-boy, in to come 
 And visit my sick master. 
 
 Frank. Then 'twas my fancy ; 
 Some windmill in my brains for want of sleep. 
 
 Win. Would 1 might never sleep, so you could 
 rest ! \ 
 
 But you have pluck'd a thunder on your heaa. 
 Whose noise cannot cease suddenly ; why sliould 
 Dance at the wedding of a second wife, lyo" 
 
 When scarce the music which you heard at m^ie 
 Had ta'en a farewell of you ? O, this was ill ! ! 
 And they who thus can give both hands away^ y 
 In th' end shall want their best limbs. | 
 
 Frank. Winnifrede, — 1 
 
 The chamber door's fast ? — ■ 
 
 Win. Yes. 
 
 Frank. Sit thee then down ; 
 And when thou'st heard me speak, melt into tears : 
 Yet I, to save those eyes of thine from weeping, 
 Being to write a story of us two. 
 Instead of ink, dipp'd my sad pen in blood. 
 Wiien of thee I took leave, I went abroad 
 Only for pillage, as a freebooter. 
 What gold soe'er I got, to make it thine. 
 To please a father, I have Heaven displeased ; 
 Striving to cast two wedding-rings in one, 
 Through my bad workmanship 1 now have none ; 
 I have lost her and thee. 
 
 Win. I know she's dead ; 
 But you have me still. 
 
 Frank. Nay, her this hand 
 Murdered ; and so I lose thee too. 
 
 Win. Oh me ! 
 
 Frank. Be quiet ; for thou art my evidence, 
 Jury and judge : sit quiet, and I'll tell all. 
 
 {_WhiU they are conversing in a low tone. Old Cartkr 
 and Katherine meet at the door of the room. 
 
 Kath. I have run madding up and down to find 
 Being laden with the heaviest news that ever [you, 
 Poor daughter carried. 
 
 Car. Why ? is the boy dead ? 
 
 Kath. Dead, sir ! 
 Oh, father, we are cozen'd ; you are told 
 
 Thf nrnrdprer sings i n pri is na >..aiidji fi jati g h a h fi re . 
 
 This villain kill'd my sister ; see else, see, 
 
 iTakcs vp his vest ; and shows the knife to her 
 father, who secures it. 
 A bloody knife in's pocket ! 
 Car. Bless me, patience ! 
 
 [Dog paws soflhj at Frank, and exit. 
 Frank. [Seeing them.] The knife ! the knife ! 
 Kath. What knife ? [the knife ! 
 
 Frank. To cut my chicken up, my chicken ; 
 
 Be vou my carver, father. 
 Car. That I will. 
 
 Kath. How the devil steels our brows after 
 doing ill I 
 
 / 
 
 Frank. My stomach and my sight are taken 
 from me ; 
 All is not well within me. 
 
 Car. I believe thee, boy : I that have seen so 
 many moons clap their horns on other men's fore- 
 heads to strike them sick ; yet mine to scape, and 
 be well ! I that never cast away a fee upon urinals, 
 but am as sound as an honest man's conscience 
 when he's dying, I should cry out as thou dost, 
 " All is not well within me," felt I but the bag of 
 thy imposthumes. Ah poor villain ! ah my wounded 
 rascal 1 all my grief is, I have now small hope of 
 thee. 
 
 Frank. Do the surgeons say my wounds are 
 dangerous, then ? 
 
 Car. Yes, yes, and there's no way with thee but 
 one. 
 
 Frank. Would he were here to open them. 
 
 Car. I'll go to fetch him ; I'll make an holiday 
 to see thee as I wish. lExit. 
 
 Frank. A wond'rous kind old man. 
 
 Win. Your sin's the blacker. 
 So to abuse his goodness. — [Aside to Frank.] — 
 Master, how do you ? lAloud. 
 
 Frank. Pretty well now, boy ; I have such odd 
 qualms 
 Come cross my stomach : — I'll fall to ; boy, cut 
 me — 
 
 Win. You have cut me, I'm sure; — a leg or 
 
 Frank. No, no, no ; a wing — [wing, sir } 
 
 Would I had wings but to soar up yon tower ! 
 But here's a clog that hinders me. 
 
 \_Re-enter Carter, followed hy Servants, toith 
 the body of ^vsAii in a coffin. 
 
 What's that ? ^ 
 
 Car. That .' what ? oh, now I see her ; 'tis a 
 young wench, my daughter, sirrah, sick to the 
 death ; and hearing thee to be an excellent rascal 
 for letting blood, she looks out at a casement, and 
 cries, " Help ! help ! stay that man ! him I must 
 have or none." 
 
 Frank. For p ity's sak e remove Jher^; see, she. 
 W ith on e broad ~oj)en eye stTTTirriny face! [stares 
 
 CofTTTTou'^urtest both her's out, like a villain 
 as thou art ; yet, see ! she is willing to lend thee 
 one again, to find out the murderer, and that's 
 thyself. 
 
 Frank. Old man, thou liest. 
 
 Car. So shalt thou — in the gaol. Run for 
 
 Kath. Oh thou merciless slave ! [officers. 
 
 She was (though yet above ground) in her grave 
 To me ; but thou hast torn [her] up again — 
 Mine eyes, too much drown'd, now must feel 
 more rain. 
 
 Car. Fetch officers. \.Exit Kath. icilh Servants. 
 
 Frank. For whom } 
 
 Car. For thee, sirrah ! s^irrah ! Some knives 
 have foolish posies upon them, but thine has a 
 villainous one ; look ! — [shewing the bloody knife] 
 — oh, it is enamelled with the heart-blood of thy 
 hated wife, my beloved daughter ! What say'st 
 thou to this evidence } is't not sharp ? does't not 
 strike home i thou canst not answer honestly, and 
 without a trembling heart, to this one point, this 
 terrible bloody point. 
 
 Win. I beseech you, sir. 
 Strike him no more; you see he's dead already. 
 
 Car. Oh, sir! you held his horses; you ai'e as 
 arrant a rogue as he : up go you too. 
 
 i 
 
TI.Z WITCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 Frank. As you're a man, throw not upon that 
 Your loads of tyranny, for she is innocent, [woman 
 
 Car. How? how? a woman! Is't grown to a 
 fashion for women in all countries to wear the 
 breeches ? 
 
 Win. I am not as my disguise speaks me, sir, 
 his page ; 
 BjCit his first, only wife, his lawful wife. 
 \/ Car. How ? how .'' more fire i' th' bed-straw ! 
 » Win. The wrongs which singly fell upon your 
 On me are multiplied ; she lost a life ; [daughter, 
 But I an husband and myself must lose. 
 If you call him to a Bar for what he has done. 
 
 Car. He has done it then } 
 
 Win. Yes, 'tis confess'd to me. 
 
 Frank. Dost thou betray me ? 
 
 Win. Oh pardon me, dear heart ! I am mad to 
 lose thee, 
 
 And know not what I speak ; but if thou didst, 
 I must arraign this father for two sins. 
 Adultery and murder. 
 
 Re-enter Katherine. 
 y. Kalh. Sir, they are come 
 
 V Car. Arraign me for what thou wilt, all Middle- 
 sex knows me better for an honest man, than the 
 middle of a market-place knows thee for an honest 
 Wman. Rise, sirrah, and don your tacklings ; 
 ^ yourself for the gallows, or I'll carry thee thi- 
 ^ iijf her on my back : your trull shall to the gaol with 
 jj^ou ; there be as fine Newgate birds as she, that 
 /can draw him in : pox on's wounds ! 
 / Frank. I have serv'd thee, and my wages now 
 are paid ; 
 Yet my worst punishment shall, I hope, be staid. 
 
 \_Exeunt. 
 
 ACT V. 
 
 SCENE I The Witch's Cottage. 
 
 Enter Mother Sawyer. 
 
 Saw. Still wrong'd by every slave ? and not a 
 
 dog 
 Bark in his dame's defence .' I am call'd witch. 
 Yet am myself bewitch'd from doing harm. 
 Have I giv'n up myself to thy black lust 
 Thus to be scorn'd ? Not see me in three 
 
 days ! 
 I'm lost without my Tomalin ; prithee come, 
 Revenge to me is sweeter far than life : 
 Thou art my raven, on whose coal-black wings 
 Revenge comes flying to me. Oh my best love ! 
 I am on fire, even in the midst of ice, 
 Raking my blood up, till my shrunk knees feel V 
 Thy cmi'd head leaning on them ; come, then, my 
 
 darling. 
 If in the air thou hover'st, fall upon me 
 In some dark cloud ; and as I oft have seen 
 Dragons and serpents in the elements, 
 Appear thou now so to me. Art thou i' th' sea? 
 Muster up all the monsters from the deep, 
 And be the ugliest of them ; so that my bulch 
 Shew but his swarth cheek to me, let earth 
 
 cleave, 
 lAnd break from hell, I care not ! could I run 
 Like a swift powder-mine beneath the world. 
 Up would I blow it all, to find out thee, 
 Though I lay ruin'd in it. Not yet come ! 
 I must then fall to my old prayer : 
 Sanctibicetur nomen tuum. 
 
 Not yet come ! [the] worrying of wolves, biting of 
 mad dogs, the manges, and the — 
 
 Enter Dog, white. 
 
 Dog. How now ! whom art thou cursing ? 
 
 Saw. Thee! 
 Ha ! no, 'tis my black cur I am cursing. 
 For not attending on me. 
 
 Dog. I am that cur. 
 
 Saw. Thou liest : hence ! come not nigh me. 
 
 Dog. Bow, wow ! 
 
 Saw. Why dost thou thus appear to me in 
 white. 
 As if thou werfc the ghost of my dear love ? 
 
 Dog. I am dogged, [and] list not to tell thee ; 
 yet, — to torment thee, — my whiteness puts thee in 
 mind of thy winding-sheet. 
 
 Saw. Am I near death? 
 
 Dog. Yes, if the dog of hell be near thee ; when 
 the devil comes to thee as a lamb, have at thy 
 throat ! 
 
 Saw. Off, cur ! 
 
 Dog. He has the back of a sheep, but the belly 
 of an otter ; devours by sea and land. " Why am 
 I in white ?" didst thou not pray to me ? 
 
 Saw. Yes, thou dissembling hell-hound, 
 
 ^hy now in white more than at other times ? 
 
 Dog. Be blasted with the news I whiteness is 
 ay's foot-boy, a forerunner to light, which shows 
 thy old rivell'd face : villainies are stripp'd naked ; 
 the witch must be beaten out of her cock-pit. 
 
 Saw. Must she ? she shall not ; thou'rt a lying 
 spirit : 
 Why to mine eyes art thou a flag of truce } 
 I am at peace with none ; 'tis the black colour 
 Or none, which I fight under : I do not like 
 Thy puritan paleness ; glowing furnaces 
 Are far more hot than they which flame outright. 
 If thou my old dog art, go and bite such 
 I As I shall set thee on. 
 
 Dog. I will not. 
 
 Saw. I'll sell myself to twenty thousand fiends 
 To have thee torn in pieces then. 
 
 Dog. Thou canst not ; thou art so ripe to fall 
 into hell, that no more of my kennel will so much 
 as bark at him that hangs thee. 
 
 Saw. I shall run mad. 
 J / Dog. Do so, thy time is come to curse, and 
 ^ fraye, and die ; the glass of thy sins is full, and it 
 must run out at gallows. 
 
 Saw. It cannot, ugly cur, I'll confess nothing ; 
 And not confessing, who dare come and swear 
 I have bewitch'd them.-* I'll not confess one 
 mouthful. 
 
 Dog. Choose, and be hang'd or burn'd. 
 
 Saw. Spite of the devil and thee, 
 I'll muzzle up my .tongue from telling tales. 
 
 Dog. Spite of thee and the devil, thou'lt be con- 
 demn'd. 
 
 Saw. Yes ! when .'' 
 
SCKNK I, 
 
 THE WITCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 Dog. And ere the executioner catch thee full in's 
 claws, thou'lt confess all. 
 
 Saw. Out, dog ! 
 
 Dog. Out, witch ! thy trial is at hand : 
 Our prey being had, the devil does laughing stand. 
 
 \_Goes aside. 
 
 Enter Old Banks, Ratclikfk, and Countrymen. 
 
 Banhs. She's here ; attach her. Witch, you 
 must go with us. iThey seize her. 
 
 Saiv. Whither ? to hell ? 
 
 Banks. No, no, no, old crone ; your mittimus 
 shall be made thither, but your own jailors shall 
 receive you. Away with her ! 
 
 Saw. My Tommy ! my sweet Tom-boy ! Oh, 
 thou dog I 
 Dost thou now fly to thy kennel and forsake me ! 
 Plagues and consumptions — iShe is carried off. 
 
 Dog. Ha, ha, ha, ha ! 
 Let not the world witches or devils condemn ; 
 They follow us, and then we follow them. 
 
 Enter Cuddy Banks. 
 
 Cud. I would fain meet with mine ingle once 
 more ; he has had a claw amongst them : my rival 
 that loved my wench is like to be hang'd like an 
 innocent. A kind cur where he takes, but where 
 he takes not, a dogged rascal ; I know the villain 
 loves me. [Dog harhs.'\ No! art thou there? 
 {^Seeing the Dog,] that's Tom's voice, but 'tis 
 not he ; this is a dog of another hair, this. Bark, 
 and not speak to me ? not Tom then ; there's as 
 much difference betwixt Tom and this, as betwixt 
 white and black. 
 
 Dog. Hast thou forgot me ? 
 
 Cud. That's Tom again ; prithee, ningle, speak, 
 is thy name Tom ? 
 
 Dog. Whilst I serv'd my old dame Sawyer, it 
 was ; I am gone from her now. 
 
 Cud. Gone ? away with the witch then too ! 
 she'll never thrive if thou leavest her ; she knows 
 no more how to kill a cow, or a horse, or a sow, 
 without thee, than she does to kill a goose. 
 
 Dog. No, she has done killing now, but must be 
 killed for what she has done ; she's shortly to be 
 hang'd. 
 
 Cud. Is she ? in my conscience if she be, 'tis 
 thou hast brought her to the gallows, Tom. 
 
 Dog. Right ; I serv'd her to that purpose 
 'twas part of my wages. 
 
 Cud. This was no honest servant's part, b] 
 your leave, Tom. This remember, I pray yoi 
 between you and I ; I entertain'd you ever as 
 dog, not as a devil. 
 
 Dog. True; 
 And so I used thee doggedly, not devilishly ; 
 I have deluded thee for sjiort to laugh at ; I " 
 
 The wench thou seek'st after thou nevei spaldst 
 
 with, 1 
 
 But a spirit in her form, habit, and likeness. f 
 Ha, ha ! < 
 
 Cud. I do not then wonder at the change of 
 your garments, if you can enter into shapes of 
 women too. 
 
 Dog. Any shape, to blind such silly eyes as 
 thine ; but chiefly those coarse creatures, dog, or 
 cat, hare, ferret, frog, toad. 
 
 Cud, Louse or flea .' 
 
 Dog. Any poor vermin. 
 
 Cud It seenvs you devils have poor thin souls, 
 
 that you can bestow yourselves in such small 
 bodies. But pray you, Tom, one question at 
 parting ; (I think I shall never see you more ;) 
 where do you borrow those bodies that are none of 
 your own ? — the garment-shape you may hire at 
 brokers. ,_ 
 
 Dog. Why would'st thou know that, fool 
 avails thee not. 
 
 Cud. Only for my mind's sake, Tom, and to teU 
 some of my friends. 
 
 Dog. I '11 thus much tel! thee : thou never art 
 so distant 
 From an evil spirit, but that thy oaths. 
 Curses, and blasphemies pull him to thine elbow; 
 Thou never tell'st a lie, but that a devil 
 Is within hearing it ; thy evil purposes 
 Are ever haunted ; but when they come to act, 
 As thy tongue slandering, bearing false witness, 
 Thy hand stabbing, stealing, cozening, cheating. 
 He's then within thee : thou play'st, he bets upon 
 
 thy part ; 
 Although thou lose, yet he will gain by thee. 
 
 Cud. Ay ? then he comes in the shape of a 
 rook .' 
 
 Dog. The old cadaver of some self-strangljd 
 wretch 
 We sometimes borrow, and appear humane ; 
 The carcass of some disease-slain strumpet 
 We varnish fresh, and wear as her first beaut^'. 
 Didst never hear ? if not, it has been done ; 
 An hot luxurious letcher in his twines. 
 When he has thought to clip his dalliance, 
 There has provided been for his embrace 
 A fine hot flaming devil in her place. 
 
 Cud. Yes, I am partly a witness to this ; but 1 
 never could embrace her ; I thank thee for that, 
 Tom. Well, again I thank thee, Tom, for all this 
 counsel ; without a fee, too ! there's few lawyers of 
 thy mind now. Certainly, Tom, I begin to piiy 
 thee. 
 
 Dog. Pity me ! for what % 
 
 Cud. Were it not possible for thee to become 
 an honest dog yet ? — 'tis a base life that you lead, 
 Tom, to serve witches, to kill innocent children, 
 to kill harmless cattle, to destroy corn and fruit, 
 and so forth : 'twere better yet to be a butcher and 
 kill for yourself. 
 
 Dog. Why, these are all my delights, my plea- 
 sures, fool. 
 
 Cud. Or, Tom, if you could give your mind to 
 ducking, (I know you can swim, fetch, and carry,) 
 some shopkeeper in London would take great de- 
 light in you, and be a tender master over you : or 
 if you have any mind to the game, either at bull 
 or bear, I think I could prefer you to Moll Cut- h 
 purse. ■ 
 
 Dog, Ha, ha! I should kill all the game, bulls, 
 bears, dogs and all : not a cub to be left. 
 
 Cud. You could do, Tom ; but you must jday 
 fair, you should be staved off else. Or if your 
 stomach did better like to serve in some noble- 
 man's, knight's, or gentleman's kitchen, if you 
 could brook the wheel, and turn the spit (your 
 labour could not be much) when they have roast 
 meat, that's but once or twice in the week at 
 most ; here you might lick your own toes very 
 well : or if you could translate yourself info a 
 lady's arming nuppy, there you mijxht lick sweet 
 lips, and do niauy pretty offices ; but to creep 
 under an old witch's coats, and suck like a grea*; 
 
2oa 
 
 THE WITCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 puppy ! — fie upon't ! I have heard beastly things 
 of you, Tom. 
 
 Dog. Ha, ha ! 
 The worst thou heard'st of me the better 'tis ; 
 Shall I serve thee, fool, at the self-same rate ? 
 
 Cud. No, I'll see thee hang'd, thou shalt be 
 damn'd first ! I know thy qualities too well, I'll 
 give no suck to such whelps ; therefore, henceforth 
 1 defy thee. Out ! and avaunt ! 
 
 Dog. Nor will I serve for such a silly soul. 
 I am for greatness now, corrupted greatness, 
 There I '11 shug in, and get a noble countenance ; 
 Serve some Briarean foot-cloth strider. 
 That has an hundred hands to catch at bribes, 
 But not a finger's nail of charity. 
 Such, like the dragon's tail, shall pull down hun- 
 dreds 
 To drop and sink with him : I'll stretch myself, 
 And draw this bulk small as a silver wire, 
 Enter at the least pore tobacco-fume 
 Can make a breach for : hence, silly fool ! 
 I scorn to prey on such an atom soul. 
 
 Cud. Come out, come out, you cur ! I will beat 
 thee out of the bounds of Edmonton, and to-mor- 
 row we go in procession, and after thou shalt never 
 come in again: if thou goest to London, I'll make 
 thee go about by Tyburn, stealing in by Thieving- 
 lane. If thou canst rub thy shoulder against a 
 lawyer's gown, as thou passest by Westminster- 
 hall, do ; if not, to the stairs amongst the ban-dogs, 
 take water, and the devil go with thee ! 
 
 iExil, followed by Dog harking. 
 
 SCENE II.— London. The neighbourhood of 
 Tyburn. 
 
 Enter Justice, Sir Ahthu^Somerton, Warbeck, Carter, 
 
 aJuOvATHBRINB, 
 
 Just. Sir Arthur, though the bench hath mildly 
 censured your errors, yet you have indeed been 
 the instrument that wrought all their misfortunes ; 
 I would wish you paid down your fine speedily 
 and willingly. 
 
 Sir Ar. I shall need no urging to it. 
 
 Car. If you should, 'twere a shame to you ; for, 
 if I should speak my conscience, you are worthier 
 to be hang'd of the two, all things considered ; and 
 now make what you can of it : but I am glad these 
 gentlemen are freed. 
 
 War. We knew our innocence. 
 
 Som. And therefore fear'd it not. 
 
 Kulh. But I am glad that I have you safe. 
 
 \_A noise within. 
 
 Just. How now ? what noise is that ? 
 
 Car. Young Frank is going the wrong way. — 
 Alas, poor youth ! now I begin to pity him. 
 
 Enter Old Thorney and Winnifrede weeping. 
 
 Thor. Here let our sorrows wait him ; to press 
 nearer 
 
 The place of his sad death, some apprehensions 
 
 May tempt our grief too much, at height already ; — 
 
 Dau2;hter, be comforted. 
 I Win. Comfort and I 
 
 Are too far separated to be join'd 
 
 But in eternity ; I share too much 
 \0f him that's going thither. 
 \ Wa^ Poor woman, 'twas not thy fault ; I 
 
 grieve to see thee weep for him that hath my pity 
 too. 
 
 Win. My fault was lust, my punishment was 
 shame. 
 Yet I am happy that my soul is free 
 Both from consent, fore-knowledge, and intent, 
 Of any murther, but of mine own honour ; 
 Restored again by a fair satisfaction, 
 And since not to be wounded. 
 
 Thor. Daughter, grieve not 
 For what necessity forceth ; 
 Rather resolve to conquer it with patience. 
 Alas, she faints ! 
 
 Win. My griefs are strong upon me ; 
 My weakness scarce can bear them — *■ 
 
 \_A great cry wilhin.'] — Away with her ! Hang 
 her, witch ! 
 
 Enter to Execution INIotlier Sawyer ; Officers vnth halberts, 
 followed by a crowd of country people. 
 
 Car. The witch, that instrument of mischief! — • 
 Did not she witch the devil into my son-in-law, 
 when he kill'd my poor daughter.^ Do you hear, 
 mother Sawyer ? 
 
 Saw. What would you have ? 
 Cannot a poor old woman have your leave 
 To die without vexation ? 
 
 Car. Did not you bewitch Frank, to kill his 
 wife } He could never have done't without the 
 devil. 
 
 Saw. Who doubts it ? but is every devil 
 mine ? 
 Would I had one now whom I might command 
 To tear you all in pieces ! Tom would have 
 
 done't, 
 Before he left me. 
 
 Car. Thou didst bewitch Ann Ratcliffe to kill 
 herself. 
 
 Saw. Churl, thou liest ; I never did her hurt: 
 would you were all as near your ends as I am, that 
 gave evidence against me for it ! 
 
 Coun. I'll be sworn, master Carter, she be- 
 witch'd Gammer Washbowl's sow to cast her pigs 
 a day before she would have farrowed : yet they 
 were sent up to London, and sold for as good West- 
 minster dog-pigs, at Bartholomew-fair, as ever 
 great-belly' d ale-wife longed for. 
 
 Saw. These dogs will mad me ; I was well re- 
 solv'd 
 To die in my repentance. Though 'tis true 
 I would live longer if I might, yet since 
 I cannot, pray torment me not ; my conscience 
 Is settled as it shall be : all take heed 
 How they believe the devil ; at last he'll cheat 
 you. 
 
 Car. Thou'dst best confess all truly. 
 
 Saw. Yet again ? 
 Have I scarce breath enough to say my prayers. 
 And would you force me to spend that in bawl- 
 ing? 
 Bear witness, I repent all former evil ; 
 There is no damned conjuror like the devil. 
 
 All. Away with her, away ! iSheis led off. 
 
 Enter Frank to Execution, Officers, SfC. 
 Thor. Here's the sad object which I yet must 
 meet 
 With hope of comfort, if a repentant end 
 Make him more happy than misfortune would 
 Sutfer him here to be. 
 
THE WITCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 utes 
 
 must 
 
 Fran Good sirs, turn from me ; 
 You will revive affliction almost kiii'd 
 With my continual sorrow. 
 
 Tlior. Oh, Frank, Frank ! 
 Would 1 had sunk in mine own wants, or dl 
 But one bare minute ere thy fault was acted 
 Fra/ik. To look upon your sorrows ex( 
 me, 
 Be "ore my execution. 
 
 IVin. Let me pray you, sir — 
 Frank. Thou much-wrong'd woman, 
 
 sigh for thee, ^ 
 
 As he that's only loath to leave the world 
 For that he leaves thee in it unprovided, 
 Unfriended ; and for me to beg a pity 
 From any man to thee when I am gone, 
 Is more than I can hope ; nor, to say truth, 
 Have I deserv'd it : but there is a payment 
 Belongs to goodness from the great Exchequer 
 Above ; it will not fail thee, VVinnifrede ; 
 Be that thy comfort, 
 
 Thor. Let it be thine too, 
 Untimely lost young man. 
 
 Frank. He is no^ lost. 
 Who^ bears his peace within him : had I spun 
 Myjveb oflife outlt full length, and dream'd 
 Away'my many years in lusts, in surfeits,"^ 
 Murthers of reputations, gallant sins 
 Commended or approved ; then, though I had 
 Died easily, as great and rich men do, " ' 
 Upon my own bed, not compell'd by justice. 
 You might have mourn'd for me indeed; my 
 
 ^ TOTKeTTeS ""' "™ 
 
 Had been as everlasting, as remediless : 
 But ntrw the law hath not arraign'd, condemn'd, 
 W^itlTgreater rigour my unhappy fact, 
 Than I myself have every little; sin. 
 MyTnemory can reckon from my childhood : 
 A court hath been kept heie, where I am found 
 Guilty: tKe difference is, my impartial judge 
 Is m ucli'Ttn Of « gracious than my faults are mon- 
 strous 
 * * * * to be nam'd ; yet they are monstrous. 
 Thor. Here'^s comfort in this penitence. 
 Win. It speaks 
 How truly you are reconciled, and quickens 
 My dying comfort, that was near expiring 
 With my last breath : now this repentance makes 
 
 thee 
 As white as innocence; and my first sin with 
 
 thee, 
 Since which I knew none like it, by my sorrow 
 Is clearly canceli'd. Might our souls together 
 Climb to the height of their eternity. 
 And there enjoy what earth denied us, 
 
 ness I 
 
 But since I must survive, and be the monu- 
 ment 
 Of thy loved memory, I will preserve it 
 With a religious care, and jjay tl)y ashes 
 A widow's duty, calling that end best, 
 Which, thouf^h it stain the name, makes the soul 
 blest. 
 Frank. Give me thy hand, poor woman ; 
 not weep : 
 Tarewell ! thou dost forgive raJ ! 
 
 Win. 'Tis my part 
 To use that language. 
 
 Frank. Oh ! that my examjue 
 Might teach the world hereafter what a curse 
 
 happi- 
 
 do 
 
 Hangs on their heads, who rather choose to' 
 
 marry 
 A goodly portion than a dower of virtues ! — 
 Are you there, gentlemen ? there is not one 
 Amongst you whom 1 have not wrong'd ; you 
 most, iTo Cartrr. 
 
 I robb'd you of a daughter ; — but she is 
 In heaven ; and I must suffer for it willingly. 
 
 Car. Ay, ay, she's in heaven, and I am glad to 
 see thee so well prepared to follow her. I forgive 
 thee with all my heart ; if thou hadst not had ill 
 counsel, thou woxdd'st not have done as thou 
 didst ; the more shame for them ! 
 
 Som. Spare your excuse to me, I do conceive 
 What you would speak ; I would you could as 
 
 easily 
 Make satisfaction to the law, as to 
 My wrongs : I am sorry for you. 
 
 War. And so am I, 
 And heartily forgive you. 
 
 Kath. I will pray for you. 
 For hei sake, who, I'm sure, did love you 
 dearly. 
 
 Sir Ar. Let us part friendly too ; I am asham'd 
 Of my part in thy wrongs. 
 
 Frank. You are all merciful, 
 And send me to my grave in peace. Sir Arthur, 
 Heaven send you a new heart ! — lastly, to you, 
 
 sir ; 
 And though I have deserv'd not to be call'd 
 Your son, yet give me leave upon my knees, 
 To beg a blessing. \_Kneelt. 
 
 Thor. Take it ; let me wet 
 Thy cheeks with the last tears my griefs have left I 
 me, 
 
 Frank, Frank, Frank ! 
 
 Frank. Let me beseech you, gentlemen, 
 To comfort my old father, keep him with you ; 
 Love this distressed widow ; and as often 
 As you remember what a graceless man 
 
 1 was, remember likewise that these are 
 Both free, both worthy of a better fate, 
 Than such a son or husband as I have been. 
 
 All he|£ jne with your pray.er,s,«. On, on: 'tis 
 "^ >^just 
 That law sffould purge the guilt of blood and lust. 
 
 -^»- -.— - - Zlle isieil qjfby the^Officers. 
 
 Car. Go thy ways ; I did not think to have shed 
 one tear for thee, but thou hast made me water 
 my plants spite of my heart. Master Thorney, 
 cheer up, man ; whilst I can stand by you, you shall 
 not want help to keep you from failing : we have 
 lost OUT cliiLdren. both oals .the wron^jtay, but 
 w^cannot help it; better or worse, 'tis now"as 
 'tis. 
 "^hor. 1 thank you, sir; you are more kind 
 
 than I 
 Have cause to hope or look for. 
 
 Car. Master Somerton, is Kate yours or no ? 
 
 Som. W^e are agreed. 
 
 Kath. And but my faith is pass'd, I should fear 
 to be married, husbands are so cruelly unkind. 
 Excuse me that I am troubled. 
 
 Som. Thou shalt have no cause. 
 
 Jusi. Take comfort, mistress Winnifrede. Sir 
 Arthur, 
 For his abuse to you and to your husband, 
 Is by the bench enjoin' d to pay you down 
 A thousand niark.^. 
 
 Sir Ar. Which I will soon discharge. 
 
20& 
 
 THE WITCH OF EDMONTON. 
 
 Win. Sir, 'tis too great a sum to be employ'd 
 Upon my funeral. 
 
 Car. Come, come ; if luck had serv'd, Sir 
 Arthur, and every man had his due, somebody 
 might have tottered ere this, without paying fines; 
 like it as you list. Come to me, Winnifrede, shalt 
 be welcome. Make much of her, Kate, I charge 
 
 you ; T do not think but she's a good wench, and 
 hath had wrong as well as we. So let's every man 
 home to Edmonton with heavy hearts, yet as merry 
 as we can, though not as we would. 
 
 Just. Join friends in sorrow ; make of all the 
 Harms past may be lamented, not redrest. [best: 
 
 EPILOGUE, 
 
 Spoken hy Winnifrede. 
 
 1 AM a widow still, and must not sort 
 A second choice, without a good report ; 
 Which though some widows find, and few deserve, 
 Yet I dare not presume ; but will not swerve 
 From modest hopes. All noble tongues are free > 
 The gentle may ^pcak one kind word for Rie. 
 
GLOSSARY. 
 
 ABSURD, (" TheBrokenHeart," act i* 
 scene 3.) a scholastic term, employed 
 ' when false conclusions are illogically 
 deduced from the premises of the 
 opponent 
 
 Affects, aflFections 
 
 Affronted. (" Perkin Warbeck," act v. 
 scene 1.) met face to face 
 
 Alcatote, silly fellow ; a word still used 
 in the north of Devon 
 
 Antick, {" Love's Sacrifice," act iii. 
 scene 2.) antimasque (something 
 directly opposed to the principal 
 masque), in which grotesque and 
 extravagant characters were intro- 
 duced 
 
 Ban-dog, Paris-garden bandog, — a 
 sort of mastiff kept to bait bears at 
 Paris-garden in Southwark 
 
 Banqueting-room, (" 'Tis Pity she's a 
 Whore," act v. scene 6, — stage-direc- 
 tion,) the room where the dessert was 
 placed, to which, after dinner, it was 
 customary to remove 
 
 Barking- church ; situated at the bot- 
 tom of Seething Lane, was destroyed 
 in the great fire of London 
 
 Beadsman, one boimd to pray for an- 
 other, a vowed servant 
 
 Begg'd ; I fear my lands, and all I have, 
 is begg'd, (" Love's Sacrifice," act iv. 
 scene 1.) as those of a person con- 
 demned 
 
 Severs, alight repasts between meals 
 
 Bear's sty, ('* Perkin Warbeck," act i. 
 scene 1.) an allusion to the armorial 
 bearings of Hichard the Third 
 
 Bumby, Mother, (•• The Witch of Ed- 
 monton," act iv. scene 1 . ) a celebrated 
 • wise-woman ;' she figures in one of 
 Lyly's plays, which is entitled Mother 
 Bombie 
 
 Bonny-clabber, curds and whey, or 
 sour butter-milk 
 
 Bourd, to jest 
 
 Brach, a bitch-hound 
 
 Branched velvet, (" The Witch of Ed- 
 
 monton," act iii. scene 2.) having 
 tufts, or tassels, hanging from the 
 shoulders 
 
 Bravery, finery of attire 
 
 Bug words, properly, terrific words, 
 but in " Perkin Warbeck," act iii. 
 scene 2. used in the sense of high- 
 sounding words 
 
 Bulch, calf 
 
 But-bolt, a strong, unbarbed arrow 
 used in shooting at the butts 
 
 Casting bottle, a small bottle for 
 sprinkling perfumed waters 
 
 Charm; You charm me, (" The Lover's 
 Melancholy," act ii. scene 1.) you 
 overcome my unwillingness to speak 
 
 Choppine, a large clog, worn imder the 
 shoe, and made of cork or light 
 frame-work, covered with leather 
 
 Chouses, properly Chiouses, Turkish 
 officers ; rogues, swindlers 
 
 Chrisome, an infant within the first 
 month 
 
 Cittern, ) Barbers shall wear 
 
 Cittern-headed ; ) thee on their cit- 
 terns, ("The Lover's Melancholy," 
 act ii. scene 1.) ; A cittern-headed 
 gew-gaw, (" The Fancies, Chaste and 
 Noble," act i. scene 2.) ; citterns, the 
 heads of which were generally gro- 
 tesquely carved, used to be kept in 
 barbers' shops for the amusement of 
 customers 
 
 Clap-dish; Stop your clap-dish, ("Love's 
 Sacrifice," act iii. scene 1.) close your 
 mouth, or hold your tongue: the 
 clap-dish was a wooden dish with a 
 moveable cover, which was originally 
 carried by lepers, who clapped it as 
 a warning that alms might be given 
 without touching them. It was after- 
 wards commonly carried by beggars 
 
 Cob-nut ; A cob-nut out of Africa, 
 (" The Sun's Darling," act iii. scene 
 3.) : what particular fruit is hero 
 alluded to, is uncertain ; cob-nut is 
 properly a large nut 
 
 Codlings, {" The Sun's Darling," act 
 
 iii. scene 3., " The Witch of Edmon- 
 ton," act iii. scene 1.) green pease 
 
 Colts; Painted colts, ("The Broken 
 Heart," act iv. scene 1.) rude and 
 silly persons ; there seems to be an 
 allusion to some allegorical picture, 
 — perhaps in the " painted cloth," a 
 kind of hangings for rooms 
 
 Compass; She'll keep a surer compass, 
 (^" The Witch of Edmonton," act ii. 
 scene 2.) an expression drawn from 
 archery: arrows shot with a com- 
 pass, t. e. with a degree of elevation, 
 were supposed to go more surely to 
 the mark 
 
 Condition, temper, disposition 
 
 Convinced, Too sure to be convinc'd, 
 (" The Broken Heart," act v. scene 
 2.) conquered, overthrown 
 
 Cotquean, one who meddles with fe- 
 male affairs 
 
 Counsel, In coimsel, (" Fancies, Chaste 
 and Noble," act i. scene 3.) in secret 
 
 Courtship, the manners of, behaviour 
 necessary at court 
 
 Cousin, (" 'Tis Pity she's a Whore," 
 act ii. scene 6.) nephew 
 
 Coxcomb, fool's cap 
 
 Crisled, shrivelled, roughened 
 
 Cunning, skill 
 
 Cup and knee, (" The Fancies, Chaste 
 and Noble," act i. scene 1.) should 
 probably be " cap and knee " 
 
 Curst, cross, splenetic 
 
 Days, eight to the week; Ask any sol- 
 dier that ever received his pay but 
 in the Low Countries, and he'll tell 
 thee there are eight days in the week 
 there, (" The Witch of Edmonton," 
 act iii. scene 1.) : this passage is ex- 
 plained by the following lines of 
 Butler, 
 
 " The soldier does it every day. 
 Eight to the week, for sixpence pay." 
 
 Den ye ; Dentlemen, then ye, (" The 
 Lady's Trial," act iv. scene 2.) Gen- 
 tlemen, good even to ye 
 
 Desvergonzado ; Desver di Gonzado, 
 
210 
 
 GLOSSARY. 
 
 ("The Lady's Trial," act iv. scene 2.) 
 shameless: Spanish 
 
 Devil of Edmonton, (Prologue to " The 
 Witch of Edmonton," and act iii. 
 scene i.) ; allusions to the old drama 
 entitled The Merry Devil of Edmon- 
 ton 
 
 Dor, beetle or cockchafer 
 
 Dunstable; I am plain Dunstable, 
 (" The Witch of Edmonton," act 1. 
 scene 2.) 1 am blunt and honest ; in 
 allusion to the well-known proverb 
 
 Engine; Chair with an engine, ('♦ The 
 l^ken Heart," stage-direction, act 
 IV. scene 4.) chair with moveable 
 arms 
 
 Engrossed, (" The Broken Heart," act 
 iii. scene 3.) possessed thyself of, 
 mastered 
 
 Fire V the bed-straw, ('• The Witch of 
 Edmonton," act iv. scene 2.) more 
 concealed mischief 
 
 Foist, cant term for rogue 
 
 Fond, foolish, unprofitable 
 
 Fool; Dressed like a fool, ("Love's 
 Sacrifice," act ii. scene 2. stage-direc- 
 tion,) dressed in long petticoats, 
 which born fools usually wore 
 
 For ; I should have wormed you, sir, 
 for running mad, (" "Tis Pity she's a 
 Whore," act i. scene 2.) to prevent 
 you from running mad 
 
 Forespeak, to bewitch 
 
 Fox. a cant name for a sword 
 
 Frail ; To trade by turns in such-like 
 frail commodities, ('* The Fancies, 
 Chaste and Noble," act iii. scene 2.) 
 a play on words, /ra{l meaning an 
 osier basket, in which figs &c. were 
 packed 
 
 trank; One that franks his lust in 
 swine-security of bestial incest, 
 («' The Broken Heart," act iii. scene 
 2.) fattens ; a frank was an inclosure 
 in which a boar was fattened 
 
 Gammer Gurton, (" The Witch of Ed- 
 monton," activ. scene 1.) the heroine 
 of the old play called Gammer Gur- 
 ton's Needle 
 
 Girds, tarmts, sarcasms 
 
 Grogram ; As fretting as an old gro- 
 gram, (" Love's Sacrifice," act i. 
 scene 2.) an inferior kind of taffeta, 
 generally stiffened with gum, and 
 therefore liable to fret 
 
 Grammates, grammar 
 
 Guarded ; Guarded page, (" The Lo- 
 ver's Melancholy," act i. scene 2.) a 
 page with laced livery 
 
 H 
 Harry, harass, worry 
 Ilench-boy, a page 
 
 Hope, (" Love's Sacrifice," act ii. scene 
 4., act iv. scene 2.) expect 
 
 rdle ; The youth is idle, (" The Lover's 
 Melanclioly," act iii. scene 2.) ; I am 
 
 not idle, (" The Witch of Edmon- 
 ton," act iv. scene 2.) light-headed, 
 wandering, talking from the purpose 
 
 Jealous, (" The Broken Heart," act ii. 
 scene 3.) suspicious 
 
 Index; The index pointing to a se- 
 cond, (" The Broken Heart," act v. 
 scene 1.) the iiidex-hand (IO-), so 
 common in the margins of old books, 
 by which the reader's attention was 
 directed to particular passages 
 
 Ingenious ; Stand ingenious to thine 
 own fate, (" The Fancies Chaste 
 and Noble," act i. scene 1.) continue 
 by your own dexterity to assist the 
 plans of fortune 
 
 Innocent, a natural fool 
 
 Intend; So I intend too, (" The Fan- 
 cies, Chaste and Noble," act v. scene 
 1.) mean, understand it 
 
 Irish hubbubs, ("Perkin Warbeck," 
 act ii. scene 1.) riotous merry-meet- 
 ings at wakes and fairs in Ireland 
 
 K 
 
 Ka me, kob tliee, ("The Witch of Ed- 
 monton," act ii. scene 1.) an arbitrary 
 variation of the proverbial phrase 
 Ka me, ka thee, — do me a good turn, 
 and I'll do you another 
 
 Kindly ; Not kindly wise, ('* The 
 Lover's Melancholy," act i. scene 3.) 
 according to kind or nature 
 
 Lapwing ; Like to the lapwing, &c., 
 (" The Witch of Edmonton," act ii. 
 scene 2.) : this bird is said to draw 
 pursuers from her nest by crying in 
 other places: there is a proverb, "The 
 lapwing cries tongue from heart" 
 
 Liked; Liked you, (" Tis pity She's a 
 Whore," act ii. scene 6.), pleased 
 
 Livery; Grace my hopes with any 
 instance of livery, (" The Broken 
 Heart," activ. scene 1 .), badge, orna- 
 ment ; in allusion to the followers of 
 great families being distinguished by 
 particular badges 
 
 Luxury, lust 
 
 M 
 
 Malice, (" The Lady's Trial, act iii. 
 scene 2.), bear malice to 
 
 May-game, ( ' ' The Lover's Melancholy," 
 act i. scene 2.), a trifle, a jest 
 
 Merchant ; A ship boy in a merchant, 
 (" The Lover's Melancholy," act ii. 
 scene 1.), a merchant-ship 
 
 Mno ; Mevf\-absurd, ("The Broken 
 Heart," act i. scene 3.), a scholastic 
 term, when false conclusions are 
 drawn illogically from the premises 
 of the opponent 
 
 Mewed, (" The Broken Heart," act ii. 
 scene 2 ), moulted, shed as a bird does 
 its feathers 
 
 Mischief; Remarked to taste a mischief, 
 (" 'Tis Pity She's a Whore," act ii. 
 scene 5.), marked out to experience 
 some dire evil 
 
 Mockado, an inferior sort of velvet 
 
 Moon ; If the moon serve, some that 
 are safe shall bleed, (" Love's Sacri- 
 fice," act iv. scene I.) ; an allusion to 
 the old superstitious practice of per- 
 forming the operation of bleeding only 
 on certain days of the moon 
 
 Morion, a plain steel-cap, a helmet 
 
 Mortal ; The hurts are yet but mortal, 
 (" The Broken Heart," act iv. scene 
 1 .) ; may mean, very great, extreme ; 
 but, perhaps, as Gifford conjectures, 
 we should read " not mortal" 
 
 Motion, puppet 
 
 Motions, puppet-shows 
 
 N 
 Nap; Set a nap on their cheeks, (" The 
 
 Fancies Chaste and Noble," act v. 
 
 scene 2.), a freshness, bloom, — by 
 
 applying cosmetics 
 Niceness, scrupulousness, useless pre- 
 
 Ningle, (a contraction of mine ingle), 
 familiar friend 
 
 Novels, novelties 
 
 No way but one, (" The Witch of Ed- 
 monton," act iv. scene 2.), a prover- 
 bial expression for death 
 
 O 
 
 Oatmeals, a name given to certain law- 
 less ruffians, who used formerly to 
 infest the streets of London 
 
 Once : Once I have outstripp'd thy plots, 
 ("Love's Sacrifice," act v. scenes.), 
 once for all 
 
 Owes; To him that owes it, ("Love's 
 Sacrifice," act v. scene 1.), owns, pos- 
 
 Ouzle, the blackbird, a generic terra 
 
 Pageants, {" The Lover's Melancholy," 
 act iv. scene 2 , " The FanciesChaste 
 and Noble," act ii. scene 1.), the city- 
 shows on the Lord Mayor's day 
 
 Paned hose, breeches formed of stripes 
 of various colours, stitched together 
 
 Parator, an apparitor 
 
 Paris-Garden : see Ban-dog 
 
 Parmasent, Parmasan cheese 
 
 Parr, Old, seems to be alluded to in the 
 following passage of " The Fancies 
 Chaste and Noble," act v. scene 2. ; 
 " An old man of one hundred and 
 twelve stood in a white sheet for 
 getting a wench of fifteen with child 
 
 Parts; Parts in your spirit, ("The 
 Fancies Chaste and Noble," act v. 
 scene 1.) shares in, partakers of 
 
 Pashing, dashing 
 
 Passionate, distressed, sorrowful ; and 
 ("The Witch of Edmonton," act ii. 
 scene 2.) changeful 
 
 Pavin, Spanish, a grave and majestic 
 dance 
 
 Peevish, trifling, perverse, foolish 
 
 Perfection ; As well for virtue as per- 
 fection, " 'Tis Pity she's a Whore," 
 act ii. scene 2.) perfection of beauty 
 or accomplishments , 
 
 Perish (a verb active), destroy 
 
 Pink, at a; A shrewd fellow at a pink, 
 (" The Lady's Trial," act iii. scene 
 1.) at a thrust or stab, at fighting 
 
 Pluck a crow, a low expression for 
 picking a quarrel 
 
 Pomp ; Would I might see thee in the 
 pomp once, ("The Fancies Chaste 
 and Noble," act v. scene 2.) means, 
 probably, the procession of the city- 
 companies 
 
 Porter's lodge, (" The Fancies Chaste 
 
GLOSSARY. 
 
 211 
 
 and Noble," act i. scene 2.) the usual 
 place of summary punishment for 
 servants 
 
 Potingstick, a small rod of wood, bono, 
 or steel, for setting the plaits of 
 ruffs, &c. 
 
 Pregnant, (•' The Fancies Chaste and 
 Noble," act ii. scene 2.) intelligent, 
 ready to understand 
 
 Present, the, ("Love's Sacrifice," act 
 iii. scene 2.) the present time 
 
 Pretence, (" Love's Sacrifice," act iii. 
 scene 3.) intent 
 
 Provincial garland, (*' The Broken 
 Heart," act i. scene 2.) the wreath 
 of laurel, conferred, according to 
 ancient custom, on those who had 
 added a province to the empire 
 
 Prynne, alluded to in the Dedication 
 of " Love's Sacrifice :" he had, the 
 preceding year, put forth his His- 
 triomastix, and was at this time 
 before the StJir-chamber for the 
 language used in that production 
 
 Puck-fist, the fungus, also called pvff- 
 ball 
 
 Purchase ; For he can live without a 
 wife and purchase, (" The Fancies 
 Chaste and Noble," act iv. scene 2.) 
 buy an estate 
 
 Quah, an unfledged bird ; figuratively, 
 anything unfinished, imperfect 
 
 Quack; Quack of fashions, (" The 
 Fancies Chaste and Noble," act iii. 
 scene 2.) loud and boastful pretender 
 to eminence in fashions 
 
 Quellio, a ruff 
 
 Quicken,- Quicken your sad remem- 
 brance, (" Love's Sacrifice," act i. 
 scene 1.) enliven 
 
 Quicksands ; Their very substance 
 was quicksands, ('• Love's Sacrifice," 
 act i. scene 1.) an allusion to the 
 story that glass was first discovered 
 by the Phoenician mariners in con- 
 sequence of their having lighted a 
 fire on the sand 
 
 II 
 Resolve, satisfy, assure ; convince 
 
 yourself 
 Resolution, a settled opinion 
 Rest, set up ,- I have set up my rest, 
 
 (" 'Tis Pity she's a Whore," act v. 
 
 scene 4.) taken my final resolution ; 
 
 a metaphor drawn from the game of 
 
 primero 
 Roaring ; Downright roaring, (•• The 
 
 Lover's Melancholy," act iii. scene 1.) 
 
 the language of roarers, or roaring 
 
 bops 
 Roaring hoys, a term for certain bully- 
 ing rufiians, who used formerly to 
 
 infest the streets of London: see 
 
 Oatmeals 
 Round ; Devise a round, (" The Sun's 
 
 Darling," act iv. scene I.) a health, 
 
 a toast 
 
 Badness; In sadness, (" 'Tis Pity she's 
 a Whore," act L scene 4.) serious- 
 
 ' ness 
 
 Saturday ; For Saturday yet never 
 fail'd, &c., a Perkin Warbeck," act 
 
 iii, scene i.) ; Lord Bacon has men- 
 tioned the predilection which Henry 
 had for Saturday 
 
 Scambling ; A scambling foot, ("Love's 
 Sacrifice," act v. scene 1.) sprawling, 
 shuffling ; Scambling half a ducat, 
 (" The Fancies Chaste and Noble," 
 act i. scene 3.) means, perhaps, at- 
 taining by bold importunity or false 
 pretences 
 
 Seeled; Like a seeled dove, ("The 
 Broken Heart," act ii. scene 2.) : to 
 seel means to sew up the eyelids 
 either partially or entirely ; the dove 
 let loose with its eyelids so closed, 
 continued to mount till it fell down 
 dead through mere exhaustion 
 
 Secure ,• The deities themselves are not 
 secure, (" The Broken Heart," act i. 
 scene 3.) sure, certain 
 
 Servant ; Henceforth I'll call you 
 servant, (" The Lover's Melancholy," 
 act i. scene 3.) the term by which a 
 lady formerly addressed her lover, 
 who in return called her mistress 
 
 Shape, dress ; a theatrical term 
 
 Shough, a shock-dog 
 
 Single, pure, genuine; plain, open; 
 also, weak, feeble 
 
 Singly; Thus singly I adventure to thy 
 bed, (" Love's Sacrifice," act ii. scene 
 4.) seems to mean, thinly clad, or 
 undressed 
 
 Slights; These fit slights, (" The 
 Broken Heart," act i. scene 2.) these 
 undervaluings adapted to my own 
 want of merit 
 
 Skip-jacks, properly Sanjiaks, Turkish 
 officers ; rogues, swindlers 
 
 Smicker, finical 
 
 Smickly, finically 
 
 Solicit; Solicit thy deserts, ("The 
 Lover's Melancholy," act v. scene 1.) 
 plead 
 
 Sounder ; A sounder of some such 
 wind-instrument, forsooth, (" The 
 Lover's Melancholy," act i. scene 2.) 
 the speaker intimates that her father 
 was a sow-gelder 
 
 Spanish pike, ("The Sun's Darling," 
 act ii. scene J.) a needle; the best 
 needles used to be imported from 
 Spain 
 
 Spleen; Thou hast made me laugh 
 beside my spleen, (" Love's Sacri- 
 fice," act i. scene 2.) more than I 
 usually laugh : the spleen seems to 
 have been regarded as the source 
 both of mirth and anger 
 
 Square men ; The world runs round, 
 yet there are squaremen still, (" The 
 Lover's Melancholy," act iv. scene 2.) 
 a play of words ; just men 
 
 Stale; As stale to your fond wanton 
 loose discourse, (" The Witch of 
 Edmonton," act i. scene 2.) pretence 
 (a stalking-horse used by sportsmen), 
 under cover of which you may utter 
 your licentious language 
 
 Stiletto ; A stiletto on his chin, (" The 
 Fancies, Chaste .<md Noble," act iii. 
 scene 1.) a sharp-pointed beard 
 
 Stover, bristle, stiffen 
 
 Strada ; That art and nature ever were 
 at strife in, (" The Lover's Melan- 
 choly," act i. scene 1.) Vide (says 
 the old ed.) Fami. Stradam, lib. ii. 
 Prohts. 6. Acad. 2, Imitat. Claud. 
 
 Suppositor, provocation 
 
 Surf ell, to wash with mercurial or sul- 
 phur water 
 Surquedry, pride, presiunption 
 
 Table-books, memorandum-books 
 
 Tablet, (" The Lover's Melancholy," 
 act V. scene 1, stage-direction), minia- 
 ture-picture 
 
 Tell, I cannot, (" Love's Sacrifice,** 
 act V. scene 1.) I know not what to 
 say, or think of it 
 
 Thirsty ; Thirsty in our pursuit, 
 (" The Fancies, Chaste and Noble," 
 act i. scene 1.) hot, eager 
 
 Tobacco, to drink, a common phrase 
 for smoking tobacco ; alluded to in 
 the song, " They that will learn to 
 drink, &c., (" The Lover's Melan- 
 choly," act iii. scene 3.) 
 
 Totters, tatters 
 
 Treddle, (" The Fancies Chaste and i 
 Noble," act iii. scene 3.) common 
 creature, strumpet ; properly, that 
 part of the loom which is pressed by 
 the foot 
 
 Trowses, (" Perkin Warbeck," act 
 iii. scene 2. stage-direction.), tight 
 drawers 
 
 Truthed ; They would have truth'd it 
 heaven, (" The Fancies, Chaste and 
 Noble," act ii. scene 2.) they would 
 have asserted as a truth that this was 
 heaven 
 
 Tumbler, a mongi-el greyhound 
 
 Uncivil; Would argrue me uncivil. 
 (" The Lover's Melancholy," act iii. 
 scene 2.) unacquainted vnth the lan- 
 guage and manners of good society 
 
 Uncivilly ; Not uncivilly, though vio- 
 lently, (" The Lady's Trial," act iii. 
 scene 3.) no rude language, though 
 you may be warm 
 
 Untermed; Love unterm'd, ("Love's 
 Sacrifice," act iii. scene 3.) inter- 
 minable 
 
 Unvamped, not patched up, fresh 
 
 Vamp, patcli up 
 
 Velvet-tips; Nothing but velvet-tips, 
 (" The Fancies Chaste and Noble," 
 act iii. scene 3.) an allusion to the 
 down upon the sprouting horns of a 
 young deer 
 
 W 
 
 Wannion, with a, a jocular impre- 
 cation, equivalent to— with a ven- 
 geance ! 
 
 Wassel-bowls, bowls of spiced ale or 
 wine 
 
 Weapon, dressing of the, (" The Witch 
 of Edmonton," act iii. scene 2.) an 
 allusion to the foolish superstition 
 that wounds might be cured by dress- 
 ing the weapon which had inflicted 
 them 
 
 Wearish ; A wearish hand, ("Love's 
 Sacrifice," act /. scene 1.) withered 
 
 Where ; Wh^re it does or not, (" The 
 Fancies Chaste and Noble," act iii, 
 scene 1.) wliether 
 
212 
 
 GLOSSARY. 
 
 White-boy, ('• "Tis Pity she's a Whore," 
 act i. scene 1.) a term of endearment 
 frequently found in old writers 
 
 Woman- Surgeon, (" Tho Lover's Me- 
 lancholy," act i. scene 2.) one who 
 deals in paints and washes for ladies 
 
 Woodcock, ("The Lover's Melancholy," 
 act ii. scene 1.) a cant term fur a 
 simpleton 
 
 Wormed; Wormed you, ("'Tis Pity 
 the's a Whore," act i. scene 2.) ; an 
 bliubion to the custom of cutting the 
 
 worm from under a dog's tongue, to 
 prevent madness. 
 Wreck; To take the wreck of our 
 divisions, («' The Lady's Trial," act 
 i. scene 1.), to seize the remnant of 
 time which our separations have 
 left U8 
 
 Yet; Yet we stand suspected, ("The 
 Fancies Chaste and Noble, act v. 
 scene 1,) as yet, hitherto 
 
 You are as I; Aurelio, you are as I 
 am, ["Ihe Lady's Trial," act i. 
 scene 3.), equivalent to— place your- 
 self in my situation 
 
 Z. 
 
 Zirick-see ; As drown'd the land 'twixt 
 Zirick-see and Vere, ("The Lady's 
 Trial," act i. scene 2.) ; early in the 
 16th century, a large portion of Zea- 
 land Avaa overwhelmed by au Inun- 
 dation 
 
 
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