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diff --git a/old/12312.txt b/old/12312.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..cffcf11 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/12312.txt @@ -0,0 +1,9684 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of A King, and No King +by Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: A King, and No King + +Author: Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher + +Release Date: May 10, 2004 [EBook #12312] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A KING, AND NO KING *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Jayam Subramanian and PG Distributed +Proofreaders + + + + + +A KING, AND NO KING. + + +By Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher + + + +Persons Represented in the Play. + + +Arbaces, _King_ of Iberia. + +Tigranes, _King of_ Armenia. + +Gobrias, _Lord Protector, and Father of_ Arbaces. + +Bacurius, _another Lord_. + +Mardonius.) +Bessus, ) _Two Captains_ + +Ligo[n]es, _Father of_ Spaconia. + +_Two Gentlemen_. + +_Three Men and a Woman_. + +Philip, _a servant, and two Citizens Wives_. + +_A Messenger_. + +_A Servant to_ Bacurius. + +_Two Sword-men_. + +_A Boy_. + + +Arane, ) _The [Queen-Mother_. + +Panthea,) _Her Daughter_. + +Spaconia,) _A Lady Daughter of_ Ligones + +Mandane,) _A waiting woman, and other attendants_. + + + * * * * * + + + + +_Actus primus. Scena prima_. + + * * * * * + +_Enter_ Mardonius _and_ Bessus, _Two Captains_. + +_Mar_. + + _Bessus_, the King has made a fair hand on't, he has ended the + Wars at a blow, would my sword had a close basket hilt to hold + Wine, and the blade would make knives, for we shall have nothing + but eating and drinking. + +_Bes_. + + We that are Commanders shall do well enough. + +_Mar_. + + Faith _Bessus_, such Commanders as thou may; I had as lieve set + thee Perdue for a pudding i'th' dark, as _Alexander_ the Great. + +_Bes_. + + I love these jests exceedingly. + +_Mar_. + + I think thou lov'st 'em better than quarrelling _Bessus_, I'le + say so much i'thy behalf, and yet thou 'rt valiant enough upon a + retreat, I think thou wouldst kill any man that stopt thee if + thou couldst. + +_Bes_. + + But was not this a brave Combate _Mardonius_? + +_Mar_. + + Why, didst thou see't? + +_Bes_. + + You stood wi'me. + +_Mar_. + + I did so, but me thought thou wink'dst every blow they strook. + +_Bes_. + + Well, I believe there are better souldiers than I, that never saw + two Princes fight in lists. + +_Mar_. + + By my troth I think so too _Bessus_, many a thousand, but + certainly all that are worse than thou have seen as much. + +_Bes_. + + 'Twas bravely done of our King. + +_Mar_. + + Yes, if he had not ended the wars: I'me glad thou dar'st talk of + such dangerous businesses. + +_Bes_. + + To take a Prince prisoner in the heart of's own Country in single + combat. + +_Mar_. + + See how thy blood curdles at this, I think thou couldst be + contented to be beaten i'this passion. + +_Bes_. + + Shall I tell you truly? + +_Mar_. + + I. + +_Bes_. + + I could willingly venture for't. + +_Mar_. + + Um, no venture neither _Bessus_. + +_Bes_. + + Let me not live, if I do not think 'tis a braver piece of service + than that I'me so fam'd for. + +_Mar_. + + Why, art thou fam'd for any valour? + +_Bes_. + + Fam'd! I, I warrant you. + +_Mar_. + + I'me e'en heartily glad on't, I have been with thee e're since + thou cam'st to th'wars, and this is the first word that ever I + heard on't, prethee who fames thee. + +_Bes_. + + The Christian world. + +_Mar_. + + 'Tis heathenishly done of'em in my conscience, thou deserv'st it + not. + +_Bes_. + + Yes, I ha' don good service. + +_Mar_. + + I do not know how thou mayst wait of a man in's Chamber, or thy + agility of shifting of a Trencher, but otherwise no service good + _Bessus_. + +_Bes_. + + You saw me do the service your self. + +_Mar_. + + Not so hasty sweet _Bessus_, where was it, is the place +vanish'd? + +_Bes_. + + At _Bessus_ desp'rate redemption. + +_Mar_. + + At _Bessus_ desp'rate redemption, where's that? + +_Bes_. + + There where I redeem'd the day, the place bears my name. + +_Mar_. + + Pray thee, who Christened it? + +_Bes_. + + The Souldiers. + +_Mar_. + + If I were not a very merrily dispos'd man, what would become of + thee? one that had but a grain of choler in the whole composition + of his body, would send thee of an errand to the worms for + putting thy name upon that field: did not I beat thee there i'th' + head o'th' Troops with a Trunchion, because thou wouldst needs + run away with thy company, when we should charge the enemy? + +_Bes_. + + True, but I did not run. + +_Mar_. + + Right _Bessus_, I beat thee out on't. + +_Bes_. + + But came I not up when the day was gone, and redeem'd +all? + +_Mar_. + + Thou knowest, and so do I, thou meanedst to flie, and thy fear + making thee mistake, thou ranst upon the enemy, and a hot charge + thou gav'st, as I'le do thee right, thou art furious in running + away, and I think, we owe thy fear for our victory; If I were the + King, and were sure thou wouldst mistake alwaies and run away + upon th' enemy, thou shouldst be General by this light. + +_Bes_. + + You'l never leave this till I fall foul. + +_Mar_. + + No more such words dear _Bessus_, for though I have ever known + thee a coward, and therefore durst never strike thee, yet if thou + proceedest, I will allow thee valiant, and beat thee. + +_Bes_. + + Come, our King's a brave fellow. + +_Mar_. + + He is so _Bessus_, I wonder how thou cam'st to know it. But if + thou wer't a man of understanding, I would tell thee, he is + vain-glorious, and humble, and angry, and patient, and merry and + dull, and joyful and sorrowful in extremity in an hour: Do not + think me thy friend for this, for if I ear'd who knew it, thou + shouldst not hear it _Bessus_. Here he is with his prey in his + foot. + +_Enter &c. Senet Flourish_. + +_Enter_ Arbaces _and_ Tigranes, _Two Kings and two Gentlemen_. + +_Arb_. + + Thy sadness brave _Tigranes_ takes away + From my full victory, am I become + Of so small fame, that any man should grieve + When I o'recome him? They that plac'd me here, + Intended it an honour large enough, (though he + For the most valiant living, but to dare oppose me single, + Lost the day. What should afflict you, you are as free as I, + To be my prisoner, is to be more free + Than you were formerly, and never think + The man I held worthy to combate me + Shall be us'd servilely: Thy ransom is + To take my only Sister to thy Wife. + A heavy one _Tigranes_, for she is + A Lady, that the neighbour Princes send + Blanks to fetch home. I have been too unkind + To her _Tigranes_, she but nine years old + I left her, and ne're saw her since, your wars + Have held me long and taught me though a youth, + The way to victory, she was a pretty child, + Then I was little better, but now fame + Cries loudly on her, and my messengers + Make me believe she is a miracle; + She'l make you shrink, as I did, with a stroak + But of her eye _Tigranes_. + +_Tigr_. + + Is't the course of _Iberia_ to use their prisoners thus? + Had fortune thrown my name above _Arbace_, + I should not thus have talk'd Sir, in _Armenia_ + We hold it base, you should have kept your temper + Till you saw home again, where 'tis the fashion + Perhaps to brag. + +_Arb_. + + Be you my witness earth, need I to brag, + Doth not this captive Prince speak + Me sufficiently, and all the acts + That I have wrought upon his suffering Land; + Should I then boast! where lies that foot of ground + Within his whole Realm, that I have not past, + Fighting and conquering; Far then from me + Be ostentation. I could tell the world + How I have laid his Kingdom desolate + By this sole Arm prop't by divinity, + Stript him out of his glories, and have sent + The pride of all his youth to people graves, + And made his Virgins languish for their Loves, + If I would brag, should I that have the power + To teach the Neighbour world humility, + Mix with vain-glory? + +_Mar_. + + Indeed this is none. + +_Arb. + + _Tigranes_, Nay did I but take delight + To stretch my deeds as others do, on words, + I could amaze my hearers. + +_Mar_. + +So you do. + +_Arb_. + + But he shall wrong his and my modesty, + That thinks me apt to boast after any act + Fit for a good man to do upon his foe. + A little glory in a souldiers mouth + Is well-becoming, be it far from vain. + +_Mar_. + + 'Tis pity that valour should be thus drunk. + +_Arb_. + + I offer you my Sister, and you answer + I do insult, a Lady that no suite + Nor treasure, nor thy Crown could purchase thee, + But that thou fought'st with me. + +_Tigr_. + + Though this be worse + Than that you spake before, it strikes me not; + But that you think to overgrace me with + The marriage of your Sister, troubles me. + I would give worlds for ransoms were they mine, + Rather than have her. + +_Arb_. + + See if I insult + That am the Conquerour, and for a ransom + Offer rich treasure to the Conquered, + Which he refuses, and I bear his scorn: + It cannot be self-flattery to say, + The Daughters of your Country set by her, + Would see their shame, run home and blush to death, + At their own foulness; yet she is not fair, + Nor beautiful, those words express her not, + They say her looks have something excellent, + That wants a name: yet were she odious, + Her birth deserves the Empire of the world, + Sister to such a brother, that hath ta'ne + Victory prisoner, and throughout the earth, + Carries her bound, and should he let her loose, + She durst not leave him; Nature did her wrong, + To Print continual conquest on her cheeks, + And make no man worthy for her to taste + But me that am too near her, and as strangely + She did for me, but you will think I brag. + +_Mar_. + + I do I'le be sworn. Thy valour and thy passions sever'd, would + have made two excellent fellows in their kinds: I know not + whether I should be sorry thou art so valiant, or so passionate, + wou'd one of 'em were away. + +_Tigr_. + + Do I refuse her that I doubt her worth? + Were she as vertuous as she would be thought, + So perfect that no one of her own sex + Could find a want, had she so tempting fair, + That she could wish it off for damning souls, + I would pay any ransom, twenty lives + Rather than meet her married in my bed. + Perhaps I have a love, where I have fixt + Mine eyes not to be mov'd, and she on me, + I am not fickle. + +_Arb_. + + Is that all the cause? + Think you, you can so knit your self in love + To any other, that her searching sight + Cannot dissolve it? So before you tri'd, + You thought your self a match for me in [f]ight, + Trust me _Tigranes_, she can do as much + In peace, as I in war, she'l conquer too, + You shall see if you have the power to stand + The force of her swift looks, if you dislike, + I'le send you home with love, and name your ransom + Some other way, but if she be your choice, + She frees you: To _Iberia_ you must. + +_Tigr_. + + Sir, I have learn'd a prisoners sufferance, + And will obey, but give me leave to talk + In private with some friends before I go. + +_Arb_. + + Some to await him forth, and see him safe, + But let him freely send for whom he please, + And none dare to disturb his conference, + I will not have him know what bondage is, + + [_Exit Tigranes_. + + Till he be free from me. This Prince, _Mardonius_, + Is full of wisdom, valour, all the graces + Man can receive. + +_Mar_. + + And yet you conquer'd him. + +_Arb_. + + And yet I conquer'd him, and could have don't + Hadst thou joyn'd with him, though thy name in Arms + Be great; must all men that are vertuous + Think suddenly to match themselves with me? + I conquered him and bravely, did I not? + +_Bes_. + + And please your Majesty, I was afraid at first. + +_Mar_. + + When wert thou other? + +_Arb_. + + Of what? + +_Bes_. + + That you would not have spy'd your best advantages, for your + Majesty in my opinion lay too high, methinks, under favour, you + should have lain thus. + +_Mar_. + + Like a Taylor at a wake. + +_Bes_. + + And then, if please your Majesty to remember, at one time, by my + troth I wisht my self wi'you. + +_Mar_. + + By my troth thou wouldst ha' stunk 'em both out o'th' Lists. + +_Arb_. + + What to do? + +_Bes_. + + To put your Majesty in mind of an occasion; you lay thus, and + _Tigranes_ falsified a blow at your Leg, which you by doing thus + avoided; but if you had whip'd up your Leg thus, and reach'd him + on the ear, you had made the Blood-Royal run down his head. + +_Mar_. + + What Country Fence-school learn'st thou at? + +_Arb_. + + Pish, did not I take him nobly? + +_Mar_. + + Why you did, and you have talked enough on't. + +_Arb_. + + Talkt enough? + Will you confine my word? by heaven and earth, + I were much better be a King of beasts + Than such a people: if I had not patience + Above a God, I should be call'd a Tyrant + Throughout the world. They will offend to death + Each minute: Let me hear thee speak again, + And thou art earth again: why this is like + _Tigranes_ speech that needs would say I brag'd. + _Bessus_, he said I brag'd. + +_Bes_. + + Ha, ha, ha. + +_Arb_. + + Why dost thou laugh? + By all the world, I'm grown ridiculous + To my own Subjects: Tie me in a Chair + And jest at me, but I shall make a start, + And punish some that others may take heed + How they are haughty; who will answer me? + He said I boasted, speak _Mardonius_, + Did I? He will not answer, O my temper! + I give you thanks above, that taught my heart + Patience, I can endure his silence; what will none + Vouchsafe to give me answer? am I grown + To such a poor respect, or do you mean + To break my wind? Speak, speak, some one of you, + Or else by heaven. + +_1 Gent_. + + So please your. + +_Arb_. + + Monstrous, + I cannot be heard out, they cut me off, + As if I were too saucy, I will live + In woods, and talk to trees, they will allow me + To end what I begin. The meanest Subject + Can find a freedom to discharge his soul + And not I, now it is a time to speak, + I hearken. + +_1 Gent_. + + May it please. + +_Arb_. + + I mean not you, + Did not I stop you once? but I am grown + To balk, but I defie, let another speak. + +_2 Gent_. + + I hope your Majesty. + +_Arb_. + + Thou drawest thy words, + That I must wait an hour, where other men + Can hear in instants; throw your words away, + Quick, and to purpose, I have told you this. + +_Bes_. + + And please your Majesty. + +_Arb_. + + Wilt thou devour me? this is such a rudeness + As you never shew'd me, and I want + Power to command too, else _Mardonius_ + Would speak at my request; were you my King, + I would have answered at your word _Mardonius_, + I pray you speak, and truely, did I boast? + +_Mar_. + +Truth will offend you. + +_Arb_. + + You take all great care what will offend me, + When you dare to utter such things as these. + +_Mar_. + + You told _Tigranes_, you had won his Land, + With that sole arm propt by Divinity: + Was not that bragging, and a wrong to us, + That daily ventured lives? + +_Arb_. + + O that thy name + Were as great, as mine, would I had paid my wealth, + It were as great, as I might combate thee, + I would through all the Regions habitable + Search thee, and having found thee, wi'my Sword + Drive thee about the world, till I had met + Some place that yet mans curiosity + Hath mist of; there, there would I strike thee dead: + Forgotten of mankind, such Funeral rites + As beasts would give thee, thou shouldst have. + +_Bes_. + + The King rages extreamly, shall we slink away? He'l strike us. + +_2 Gent_. + + Content. + +_Arb_. + + There I would make you know 'twas this sole arm. + I grant you were my instruments, and did + As I commanded you, but 'twas this arm + Mov'd you like wheels, it mov'd you as it pleas'd. + Whither slip you now? what are you too good + To wait on me (_puffe_,) I had need have temper + That rule such people; I have nothing left + At my own choice, I would I might be private: + Mean men enjoy themselves, but 'tis our curse, + To have a tumult that out of their loves + Will wait on us, whether we will or no; + Go get you gone: Why here they stand like death, + My words move nothing. + +_1 Gent_. + + Must we go? + +_Bes_. I know not. + +_Arb_. + + I pray you leave me Sirs, I'me proud of this, + That you will be intreated from my sight: + Why now the[y] leave me all: _Mardonius_. + + + [_Exeunt all but_ Arb. _and_ Mar. + +_Mar_. + + Sir. + +_Arb_. + + Will you leave me quite alone? me thinks + Civility should teach you more than this, + If I were but your friend: Stay here and wait. + +_Mar_. + + Sir shall I speak? + +_Arb_. + + Why, you would now think much + To be denied, but I can scar[c]e intreat + What I would have: do, speak. + +_Mar_. + + But will you hear me out? + +_Arb_. + + With me you Article to talk thus: well, + I will hear you out. + +_Mar_. + + Sir, that I have ever lov'd you, my sword hath spoken for me; + that I do, if it be doubted, I dare call an oath, a great one to + my witness; and were you not my King, from amongst men, I should + have chose you out to love above the rest: nor can this challenge + thanks, for my own sake I should have done it, because I would + have lov'd the most deserving man, for so you are. + +_Arb_. + + Alas _Mardonius_, rise you shall not kneel, + We all are souldiers, and all venture lives: + And where there is no difference in mens worths, + Titles are jests, who can outvalue thee? + _Mardonius_ thou hast lov'd me, and hast wrong, + Thy love is not rewarded, but believe + It shall be better, more than friend in arms, + My Father, and my Tutor, good _Mardonius_. + +_Mar_. + + Sir, you did promise you would hear me out. + +_Arb_. + + And so I will; speak freely, for from thee + Nothing can come but worthy things and true. + +_Mar_. + + Though you have all this worth, you hold some qualities that do + Eclipse your vertues. + +_Arb_. + + Eclipse my vertues? + +_Mar_. + + Yes, your passions, which are so manifold, that they appear even + in this: when I commend you, you hug me for that truth: but when + I speak your faults, you make a start, and flie the hearing but. + +_Arb_. + + When you commend me? O that I should live + To need such commendations: If my deeds + Blew not my praise themselves about the earth, + I were most wretched: spare your idle praise: + If thou didst mean to flatter, and shouldst utter + Words in my praise, that thou thoughtst impudence, + My deeds should make 'em modest: when you praise I hug + you? 'tis so [false], that wert thou worthy thou shouldst receive + a death, a glorious death from me: but thou shalt understand + thy lies, for shouldst thou praise me into Heaven, and there + leave me inthron'd, I would despise thee though as much as + now, which is as much as dust because I see thy envie. + +_Mar_. + + However you will use me after, yet for your own promise sake, + hear me the rest. + +_Arb_. + + I will, and after call unto the winds, for they shall lend as + large an ear as I to what you utter: speak. + +_Mar_. + + Would you but leave these hasty tempers, which + I do not say take from you all your worth, but darken 'em, + then you will shine indeed. + +_Arb_. + + Well. + +_Mar_. + + Yet I would have you keep some passions, lest men should take you + for a God, your vertues are such. + +_Arb_. + + Why now you flatter. + +_Mar_. + + I never understood the word, were you no King, and free from + these moods, should I choose a companion for wit and pleasure, it + should be you; or for honesty to enterchange my bosom with, it + should be you; or wisdom to give me counsel, I would pick out + you; or valour to defend my reputation, still I should find you + out; for you are fit to fight for all the world, if it could come + in question: Now I have spoke, consider to your self, find out a + use; if so, then what shall fall to me is not material. + +_Arb_. + + Is not material? more than ten such lives, as mine, _Mardonius_: + it was nobly said, thou hast spoke truth, and boldly such a truth + as might offend another. I have been too passionate and idle, + thou shalt see a swift amendment, but I want those parts you + praise me for: I fight for all the world? Give me a sword, and + thou wilt go as far beyond me, as thou art beyond in years, I + know thou dar'st and wilt; it troubles me that I should use so + rough a phrase to thee, impute it to my folly, what thou wilt, so + thou wilt par[d]on me: that thou and I should differ thus! + +_Mar_. + +Why 'tis no matter Sir. + +_Arb_. + + Faith but it is, but thou dost ever take all things I do, thus + patiently, for which I never can requite thee, but with love, and + that thou shalt be sure of. Thou and I have not been merry + lately: pray thee tell me where hadst thou that same jewel in + thine ear? + +_Mar_. + + Why at the taking of a Town. + +_Arb_. + + A wench upon my life, a wench _Mardonius_ gave thee that jewel. + +_Mar_. + + Wench! they respect not me, I'm old and rough, and every limb + about me, but that which should, grows stiffer, I'those + businesses I may swear I am truly honest: for I pay justly for + what I take, and would be glad to be at a certainty. + +_Arb_. + + Why, do the wenches encroach upon thee? + +_Mar_. + + I by this light do they. + +_Arb_. + + Didst thou sit at an old rent with 'em? + +_Mar_. + + Yes faith. + +_Arb_. + + And do they improve themselves? + +_Mar_. + + I ten shillings to me, every new young fellow they come + acquainted with. + +_Arb_. + + How canst live on't? + +_Mar_. + + Why I think I must petition to you. + +_Arb_. + + Thou shalt take them up at my price. + +_Enter two Gentlemen and_ Bessus. + +_Mar_. + + Your price? + +_Arb_. + + I at the Kings price. + +_Mar_. + + That may be more than I'me worth. + +_2 Gent_. + + Is he not merry now? + +_1 Gent_. + + I think not. + +_Bes_. + + He is, he is: we'l shew our selves. + +_Arb_. + + Bessus, I thought you had been in _Iberia_ by this, I bad you + hast; _Gobrias_ will want entertainment for me. + +_Bes_. + + And please your Majesty I have a sute. + +_Arb_. + + Is't not lousie _Bessus_, what is't? + +_Bes_. + + I am to carry a Lady with me. + +_Arb_. + + Then thou hast two sutes. + +_Bes_. + + And if I can prefer her to the Lady _Pentha_ your Majesties + Sister, to learn fashions, as her friends term it, it will be + worth something to me. + +_Arb_. + + So many nights lodgings as 'tis thither, wilt not? + +_Bes_. + + I know not that Sir, but gold I shall be sure of. + +_Arb_. + + Why thou shalt bid her entertain her from me, so thou wilt + resolve me one thing. + +_Bes_. + + If I can. + +_Arb_. + + Faith 'tis a very disputable question, and yet I think thou canst + decide it. + +_Bes_. + + Your Majesty has a good opinion of my understanding. + +_Arb_. + + I have so good an opinion of it: 'tis whether thou be valiant. + +_Bes_. + + Some body has traduced me to you: do you see this sword Sir? + +_Arb_. + +Yes. + +_Bes_. + + If I do not make my back-biters eat it to a knife within this + week, say I am not valiant. + +_Enter a Messenger_. + +_Mes_. + + Health to your Majesty. + +_Arb_. + + From Gobrias? + +_Mes_. + + Yes Sir. + +_Arb_. + + How does he, is he well? + +_Mes_. + + In perfect health. + +_Arb_. + + Take that for thy good news. A trustier servant to his Prince + there lives not, than is good Gobrias. + +_1 Gent_. + + The King starts back. + +_Mar_. + + His blood goes back as fast. + +_2 Gent_. And now it comes again. + +_Mar_. + + He alters strangely. + +_Arb_. + + The hand of Heaven is on me, be it far from me to struggle, if my + secret sins have pull'd this curse upon me, lend me tears now to + wash me white, that I may feel a child-like innocence within my + breast; which once perform'd, O give me leave to stand as fix'd + as constancy her self, my eyes set here unmov'd, regardless of + the world though thousand miseries incompass me. + +_Mar_. + + This is strange, Sir, how do you? + +_Arb_. + + Mardonius, my mother. + +_Mar_. + + Is she dead? + +_Arb_. + + Alas she's not so happy, thou dost know how she hath laboured + since my Father died to take by treason hence this loathed life, + that would but be to serve her, I have pardoned, and pardoned, + and by that have made her fit to practise new sins, not repent + the old: she now had stirr'd a slave to come from thence, and + strike me here, whom Gobrias sifting out, took and condemn'd and + executed there, the carefulst servant: Heaven let me but live to + pay that man; Nature is poor to me, that will not let me have as + many deaths as are the times that he hath say'd my life, that I + might dye 'em over all for him. + +_Mar_. + + Sir let her bear her sins on her own head, + Vex not your self. + +_Arb_. + + What will the world + Conceive of me? with what unnatural sins + Will they suppose me loaden, when my life + Is sought by her that gave it to the world? + But yet he writes me comfort here, my Sister, + He saies, is grown in beauty and in grace. + In all the innocent vertues that become + A tender spotless maid: she stains her cheeks + With morning tears to purge her mothers ill, + And 'mongst that sacred dew she mingles Prayers + Her pure Oblations for my safe return: + If I have lost the duty of a Son, + If any pomp or vanity of state + Made me forget my natural offices, + Nay farther, if I have not every night + Expostulated with my wandring thoughts, + If ought unto my parent they have err'd, + And call'd 'em back: do you direct her arm + Unto this foul dissembling heart of mine: + But if I have been just to her, send out + Your power to compass me, and hold me safe + From searching treason; I will use no means + But prayer: for rather suffer me to see + From mine own veins issue a deadly flood, + Than wash my danger off with mothers blood. + +_Mar_. + + I n'ere saw such suddain extremities. + + [Exeunt. + +_Enter_ Tigranes _and_ Spaconia. + +_Tigr_. + + Why? wilt thou have me die Spaconia. + What should I do? + +_Spa_. + + Nay let me stay alone, + And when you see _Armenia_ again, + You shall behold a Tomb more worth than I; + Some friend that ever lov'd me or my cause, + Will build me something to distinguish me + From other women, many a weeping verse + He will lay on, and much lament those maids, + That plac'd their loves unfortunately high, + As I have done, where they can never reach; + But why should you go to _Iberia_? + +_Tigr_. + + Alas, that thou wilt ask me, ask the man + That rages in a Fever why he lies + Distempered there, when all the other youths + Are coursing o're the Meadows with their Loves? + Can I resist it? am I not a slave + To him that conquer'd me? + +_Spa_. + + That conquer'd thee _Tigranes_! he has won + But half of thee, thy body, but thy mind + May be as free as his, his will did never + Combate thine, and take it prisoner. + +_Tigr_. + + But if he by force convey my body hence, + What helps it me or thee to be unwilling? + +_Spa_. + + O _Tigranes_, I know you are to see a Lady there, + To see, and like I fear: perhaps the hope + Of her make[s] you forget me, ere we part, + Be happier than you know to wish; farewel. + +_Tigr_. + + _Spaconia_, stay and hear me what I say: + In short, destruction meet me that I may + See it, and not avoid it, when I leave + To be thy faithful lover: part with me + Thou shalt not, there are none that know our love, + And I have given gold unto a Captain + That goes unto _Iberia_ from the King, + That he will place a Lady of our Land + With the Kings Sister that is offered me; + Thither shall you, and being once got in + Perswade her by what subtil means you can + To be as backward in her love as I. + +_Spa_. + + Can you imagine that a longing maid + When she beholds you, can be pull'd away + With words from loving you? + +_Tigr_. + + Dispraise my health, my honesty, and tell her I am jealous. + +_Spa_. + + Why, I had rather lose you: can my heart + Consent to let my tongue throw out such words, + And I that ever yet spoke what I thought, + Shall find it such a thing at first to lie? + +_Tigr_. + + Yet do thy best. + +_Enter_ Bessus. + +_Bes_. + + What, is your Majesty ready? + +_Tigr_. + + There is the Lady, Captain. + +_Bes_. + + Sweet Lady, by your leave, I co[u]ld wish my self more full of + Courtship for your fair sake. + +_Spa_. + + Sir I shall feel no want of that. + +_Bes_. + + Lady, you must hast, I have received new letters from the King + that require more hast than I expected, he will follow me + suddenly himself, and begins to call for your Majesty already. + +_Tigr_. + + He shall not do so long. + +_Bes_. + + Sweet Lady, shall I call you my Charge hereafter? + +_Spa_. + + I will not take upon me to govern your tongue Sir, you shall call + me what you please. + + + + +_Actus Secundus_. + + +_Enter_ Gobrias, Bacurius, Arane, Panthe, _and_ Mandane, +_ Waiting-women with Attendants_. + +_Gob_. + + My Lord Bacurius, you must have regard unto the Queen, she is + your prisoner, 'tis at your peril if she make escape. + +_Bac_. + + My Lord, I know't, she is my prisoner from you committed; yet she + is a woman, and so I keep her safe, you will not urge me to keep + her close, I shall not shame to say I sorrow for her. + +_Gob_. + + So do I my Lord; I sorrow for her, that so little grace doth + govern her: that she should stretch her arm against her King, so + little womanhood and natural goodness, as to think the death of + her own Son. + +_ Ara_. + + Thou knowst the reason why, dissembling as thou art, and wilt not + speak. + +_Gob_. + + There is a Lady takes not after you, + Her Father is within her, that good man + Whose tears weigh'd down his sins, mark how she weeps, + How well it does become her, and if you + Can find no disposition in your self + To sorrow, yet by gracefulness in her + Find out the way, and by your reason weep: + All this she does for you, and more she needs + When for your self you will not lose a tear, + Think how this want of grief discredits you, + And you will weep, because you cannot weep. + +_Ara_. + + You talk to me as having got a time fit for your purpose; but you + should be urg'd know I know you speak not what you think. + +_Pan_. + + I would my heart were Stone, before my softness + Against my mother, a more troubled thought + No Virgin bears about; should I excuse + My Mothers fault, I should set light a life + In losing which, a brother and a King + Were taken from me, if I seek to save + That life so lov'd, I lose another life + That gave me being, I shall lose a Mother, + A word of such a sound in a childs ears + That it strikes reverence through it; may the will + Of heaven be done, and if one needs must fall, + Take a poor Virgins life to answer all. + +_ Ara_. + + But _Gobrias_ let us talk, you know this fault + Is not in me as in another Mother. + +_Gob_. + + I know it is not. + +_ Ara_. + + Yet you make it so. + +_Gob_. + + Why, is not all that's past beyond your help? + +_ Ara_. + + I know it is. + +_Gob_. + + Nay should you publish it before the world, + Think you 'twould be believ'd? + +_ Ara_. + + I know it would not. + +_Gob_. + + Nay should I joyn with you, should we not both be torn and yet + both die uncredited? + +_ Ara_. + + I think we should. +_Gob_. + + Why then take you such violent courses? As for me I do but right + in saving of the King from all your plots. + +_ Ara_. + + The King? + +_Gob_. + + I bad you rest with patience, and a time + Would come for me to reconcile all to + Your own content, but by this way you take + Away my power, and what was done unknown, + Was not by me but you: your urging being done + I must preserve my own, but time may bring + All this to light, and happily for all. + +_ Ara_. + + Accursed be this over curious brain + That gave that plot a birth, accurst this womb + That after did conceive to my disgrace. + +_Bac_. + + My Lord Protector, they say there are divers Letters come from + _Armenia_, that _Bessus_ has done good service, and brought again + a day, by his particular valour, receiv'd you any to that effect? + +_Gob_. + + Yes, 'tis most certain. + +_Bac_. + + I'm sorry for't, not that the day was won, + But that 'twas won by him: we held him here + A Coward, he did me wrong once, at which I laugh'd, + And so did all the world, for nor I, + Nor any other held him worth my sword. + +_Enter_ Bessus _and_ Spaconia. + +_Bes_. + + Health to my Protector; from the King + These Letters; and to your grace Madam, these. + +_Gob_. + + How does his Majesty? + +_Bes_. + + As well as conquest by his own means and his valiant + C[o]mmanders can make him; your letters will tell you all. + +_Pan_. + + I will not open mine till I do know + My Brothers health: good Captain is he well? + +_Bes_. + + As the rest of us that fought are. + +_Pan_. + + But how's that? is he hurt? + +_Bes_. + + He's a strange souldier that gets not a knock. + +_Pan_. + + I do not ask how strange that souldier is + That gets no hurt, but whether he have one. + +_Bes_. + +He had divers. + +_Pan_. + +And is he well again? + +_Bes_. + + Well again, an't please your Grace: why I was run twice through + the body, and shot i'th' head with a cross-arrow, and yet am well + again. + +_Pan_. + + I do not care how thou do'st, is he well? + +_Bes_. + + Not care how I do? Let a man out of the mightiness of his spirit, + fructifie Foreign Countries with his blood for the good of his + own, and thus he shall be answered: Why I may live to relieve + with spear and shield, such a Lady as you distressed. + +_Pan_. + + Why, I will care, I'me glad that thou art well, I prethee is he + so? + +_Gob_. + + The King is well and will be here to morrow. + +_Pan_. + + My prayer is heard, now will I open mine. + +_Gob_. + + _Bacurius_, I must ease you of your charge: + Madam, the wonted mercy of the King, + That overtakes your faults, has met with this, + And struck it out, he has forgiven you freely, + Your own will is your law, be where you please. + +_ Ara_. + + I thank him. + +_Gob_. + + You will be ready to wait upon his Majesty to morrow? + +_ Ara_. + + I will. + + [_Exit_ Arane. + +_Bac_. + + Madam be wise hereafter; I am glad I have lost this Office. + +_Gob_. + + Good Captain _Bessus_, tell us the discourse betwixt _Tigranes_ + and our King, and how we got the victory. + +_Pan_. + + I prethee do, and if my Brother were + In any danger, let not thy tale make + Him abide there long before thou bring him off, + For all that while my heart will beat. + +_Bes_. + + Madam let what will beat, I must tell the truth, and thus it was; + they fought single in lists, but one to one; as for my own part, + I was dangerously hurt but three days before, else, perhaps, we + had been two to two, I cannot tell, some thought we had, and the + occasion of my hurt was this, the enemy had made Trenches. + +_Gob_. + + Captain, without the manner of your hurt be much material to this + business, we'l hear't some other time. + +_Pan_. + + I prethee leave it, and go on with my Brother. + +_Bes_. + + I will, but 'twould be worth your hearing: To the + Lists they came, and single-sword and gantlet was their fight. + +_Pan_. + + Alas! + +_Bes_. + + Without the Lists there stood some dozen Captains of either side + mingled, all which were sworn, and one of those was I: and 'twas + my chance to stand next a Captain o'th' enemies side, called + _Tiribasus_; Valiant they said he was; whilst these two Kings + were streaching themselves, this _Tiribasus_ cast something a + scornful look on me, and ask't me who I thought would overcome: I + smil'd and told him if he would fight with me, he should perceive + by the event of that whose King would win: something he answered, + and a scuffle was like to grow, when one _Zipetus_ offered to + help him, I-- + +_Pan_. + + All this is of thy self, I pray thee _Bessus_ tell something of + my Brother, did he nothing? + +_Bes_. + + Why yes, I'le tell your Grace, they were not to fight till the + word given, which for my own part, by my troth I confess I was + not to give. + +_Pan_. + +See for his own part. + +_Bac_. + + I fear yet this fellow's abus'd with a good report. + +_Bes_. + + But I-- + +_Pan_. + + Still of himself. + +_Bes_. + + Cri'd give the word, when as some of them say, _Tigranes_ was + stooping, but the word was not given then, yet one _Cosroes_ of + the enemies part, held up his finger to me, which is as much with + us Martialists, as I will fight with you: I said not a word, nor + made sign during the combate, but that once done. + +_Pan_. + + He slips o're all the fight. + +_Bes_. + + I call'd him to me, _Cosroes_ said I. + +_Pan_. + + I will hear no more. + +_Bes_. + + No, no, I lie. + +_Bac_. + + I dare be sworn thou dost. + +_Bes_. + + Captain said I, so it was. + +_Pan_. + + I tell thee, I will hear no further. + +_Bes_. + + No? Your Grace will wish you had. + +_Pan_. + + I will not wish it, what is this the Lady + My brother writes to me to take? + +_Bes_. + + And please your Grace this is she: Charge, will you come near the + Princess? + +_Pan_. + + You'r welcome from your Country, and this land shall shew unto + you all the kindness that I can make it; what's your name? + +_Spa_. + + _Thalectris_. + +_Pan_. + + Y'are very welcome, you have got a letter to put you to me, that + has power enough to place mine enemy here; then much more you + that are so far from being so to me that you ne're saw me. + +_Bes_. + + Madam, I dare pass my word for her truth. + +_Spa_. + + My truth? + +_Pan_. + + Why Captain, do you think I am afraid she'l steal? + +_Bes_. + + I cannot tell, servants are slippery, but I dare give my word for + her, and for honesty, she came along with me, and many favours + she did me by the way, but by this light none but what she might + do with modesty, to a man of my rank. + +_Pan_. + + Why Captain, here's no body thinks otherwise. + +_Bes_. + + Nay, if you should, your Grace may think your pleasure; but I am + sure I brought her from _Armenia_, and in all that way, if ever I + touch'd any bare of her above her knee, I pray God I may sink + where I stand. + +_Spa_. + + Above my knee? + +_Bes_. + + No, you know I did not, and if any man will say, I did, this + sword shall answer; Nay, I'le defend the reputation of my charge + whilst I live, your Grace shall understand I am secret in these + businesses, and know how to defend a Ladies honour. + +_Spa_. + + I hope your Grace knows him so well already, I shall not need to + tell you he's vain and foolish. + +_Bes_. + + I you may call me what you please, but I'le defend your good name + against the world; and so I take my leave of your Grace, and of + you my Lord Protector; I am likewise glad to see your Lordship + well. + +_Bac_. + + O Captain _Bessus_, I thank you, I would speak with you + anon. + +_Bes_. + + When you please, I will attend your Lordship. + +_Bac_. + +Madam, I'le take my leave too. + +_Pan_. + + Good _Bacurius_. + + [_Exeunt_ Bes. _and_ Bac. + +_Gob_. + + Madam what writes his Majesty to you? + +_Pan_. + + O my Lord, the kindest words, I'le keep 'em whilst I live, here + in my bosom, there's no art in 'em, they lie disordered in this + paper, just as hearty nature speaks 'em. + +_Gob_. + + And to me he writes what tears of joy he shed to hear how you + were grown in every vertues way, and yields all thanks to me, for + that dear care which I was bound to have in training you, there + is no Princess living that enjoys a brother of that worth. + +_Pan_. + + My Lord, no maid longs more for any thing, + And feels more heat and cold within her breast, + Than I do now, in hopes to see him. + +_Gob_. + + Yet I wonder much + At this he writes, he brings along with him + A husband for you, that same Captive Prince, + And if he loves you as he makes a shew, + He will allow you freedom in your choice. + +_Pan_. + + And so he will my Lord, I warrant you, he will but offer and give + me the power to take or leave. + +_Gob_. + + Trust me, were I a Lady, I could not like that man were bargain'd + with before I choose him. + +_Pan_. + + But I am not built on such wild humours, if I find him worthy, he + is not less because he's offer'd. + +_Spa_. + + 'Tis true, he is not, would he would seem less. + +_Gob_. + + I think there's no Lady can affect + Another Prince, your brother standing by; + He doth Eclipse mens vertues so with his. + +_Spa_. + + I know a Lady may, and more I fear + Another Lady will. + +_Pan_. + + Would I might see him. + +_Gob_. + + Why so you shall, my businesses are great, + I will attend you when it is his pleasure to see you. + +_Pan_. + + I thank you good my Lord. + +_Gob_. + + You will be ready Madam. + + [_Exit Gob_. + +_Pan_. + + Yes. + +_Spa_. + + I do beseech you Madam, send away + Your other women, and receive from me + A few sad words, which set against your joyes + May make 'em shine the more. + +_Pan_. + + Sirs, leave me all. + + [_Exeunt Women_. + +_Spa_. + + I kneel a stranger here to beg a thing + Unfit for me to ask, and you to grant, + 'Tis such another strange ill-laid request, + As if a begger should intreat a King + To leave his Scepter, and his Throne to him + And take his rags to wander o're the world + Hungry and cold. + +_Pan_. + + That were a strange request. + +_Spa_. + + As ill is mine. + +_Pan_. Then do not utter it. + +_Spa_. + + Alas 'tis of that nature, that it must + Be utter'd, I, and granted, or I die: + I am asham'd to speak it; but where life + Lies at the stake, I cannot think her woman + + That will not take something unreasonably to hazard saving of it: + I shall seem a strange Petitioner, that wish all ill to them I + beg of, e're they give me ought; yet so I must: I would you were + not fair, nor wise, for in your ill consists my good: if you were + foolish, you would hear my prayer, if foul, you had not power to + hinder me: he would not love you. + +_Pan_. + + What's the meaning of it. + +_Spa_. + + Nay, my request is more without the bounds + Of reason yet: for 'tis not in the power + Of you to do, what I would have you grant. + +_Pan_. + + Why then 'tis idle, pray thee speak it out. + +_Spa_. + + Your brother brings a Prince into this land, + Of such a noble shape, so sweet a grace, + So full of worth withal, that every maid + That looks upon him, gives away her self + To him for ever; and for you to have + He brings him: and so mad is my demand + That I desire you not to have this man, + This excellent man, for whom you needs must die, + If you should miss him. I do now expect + You should laugh at me. + +_Pan_. + + Trust me I could weep rather, for I have found him + In all thy words a strange disjoynted sorrow. + +_Spa_. + + 'Tis by me his own desire so, that you would not love him. + +_Pan_. + + His own desire! why credit me _Thalestris,_ I am no common wooer: + if he shall wooe me, his worth may be such, that I dare not swear + I will not love him; but if he will stay to have me wooe him, I + will promise thee, he may keep all his graces to himself, and + fear no ravishing from me. + +_Spa_. + + 'Tis yet his own desire, but when he sees your face, I fear it + will not be; therefore I charge you as you have pity, stop these + tender ears from his enchanting voice, close up those eyes, that + you may neither catch a dart from him, nor he from you; I charge + you as you hope to live in quiet; for when I am dead, for certain + I will walk to visit him if he break promise with me: for as fast + as Oaths without a formal Ceremony can make me, I am to him. + +_Pan_. + + Then be fearless; + For if he were a thing 'twixt God and man, + I could gaze on him; if I knew it sin + To love him without passion: Dry your eyes, + I swear you shall enjoy him still for me, + I will not hinder you; but I perceive + You are not what you seem, rise, rise _Thalestris_, + If your right name be so. + +_Spa_. + + Indeed it is not, _Spaconia_ is my name; but I desire not to be + known to other. + +_Pan_. + + Why, by me you shall not, I will never do you wrong, what good I + can, I will, think not my birth or education such, that I should + injure a stranger Virgin; you are welcome hither, in company you + wish to be commanded, but when we are alone, I shall be ready to + be your servant. + + + [_Exeunt_. + +_Enter three Men and a Woman_. + +_1_. + + Come, come, run, run, run. + +_2_. + + We shall out-go her. + +_3_. + + One were better be hang'd than carry out women fidling to these + shews. + +_ Wom_. + + Is the King hard by? + +_1_. + + You heard he with the Bottles said, he thought we should come too + late: What abundance of people here is! + +_ Wom_. + + But what had he in those Bottles? + +_3_. + + I know not. + +_2_. + + Why, Ink goodman fool. + +_3_. + + Ink, what to do? + +_1_. + + Why the King look you, will many times call for these + Bottles, and break his mind to his friends. + +_ Wom_. + + Let's take our places, we shall have no room else. + +_2_. + + The man told us he would walk o' foot through the people. + +_3_. + + I marry did he. + +_1_. + + Our shops are well look't to now. + +_2_. + +'Slife, yonder's my Master, I think. + +_1_. + + No 'tis not he. + +_Enter a man with two Citizens-wives._ + +_1 Cit_. + + Lord how fine the fields be, what sweet living 'tis in the + Country! + +_2 Cit_. + + I poor souls, God help 'em; they live as contentedly as one of + us. + +_1 Cit_. + + My husbands Cousin would have had me gone into the Country last + year, wert thou ever there? + +_2 Cit_. + + I, poor souls, I was amongst 'em once. + +_1 Cit_. + + And what kind of creatures are they, for love of God? + +_2 Cit_. + + Very good people, God help 'em. + +_1 Cit_. + + Wilt thou go down with me this Summer when I am brought to bed? + +_2 Cit_. + + Alas, it is no place for us. + +_1 Cit_. + + Why, pray thee? + +_2 Cit_. + + Why you can have nothing there, there's no body cryes brooms. + +_1 Cit_. + + No? + +_2 Cit_. + + No truly, nor milk. + +_1 Cit_. + + Nor milk, how do they? + +_2 Cit_. + + They are fain to milk themselves i'th' Country. + +_1 Cit_. + + Good Lord! but the people there, I think, will be very dutiful to + one of us. + +_2 Cit_. + + I God knows will they, and yet they do not greatly care for our + husbands. + +_1 Cit_. + + Do they not? Alas! I'good faith I cannot blame them: for we do + not greatly care for them our selves. _Philip_, I pray choose us + a place. + +_ Phil_. + + There's the best forsooth. + +_1 Cit_. + + By your leave good people a little. + +_3_. + + What's the matter? + +_ Phil_. + + I pray you my friend, do not thrust my Mistress so, she's with + Child. + +_2_. + + Let her look to her self then, has she not had showing enough + yet? if she stay shouldring here, she may haps go home with a + cake in her belly. + +_3_. + + How now, goodman squitter-breech, why do you lean on me? + +_ Phi_. + + Because I will. + +_3_. + + Will you Sir sawce-box? + +_1 Cit_. + + Look if one ha'not struck _Philip_, come hither _Philip_, why did + he strike thee? + +_ Phil_. + + For leaning on him. + +_1 Cit_. + + Why didst thou lean on him? + +_ Phil_. + + I did not think he would have struck me. + +_1 Cit_. + + As God save me la thou'rt as wild as a Buck, there's no quarel + but thou'rt at one end or other on't. + +_3_. + + It's at the first end then, for he'l ne'r stay the last. + +_1 Cit_. + + Well slip-string, I shall meet with you. + +_3_. + + When you will. + +_1 Cit_. + + I'le give a crown to meet with you. + +_3_. + + At a Bawdy-house. + +_1 Cit_. + + I you're full of your Roguery; but if I do meet you it shall cost + me a fall. + +_ Flourish. Enter one running_. + +_4_ + + The King, the King, the King. Now, now, now, now. + +_ Flourish. Enter_ Arb. Tigr. _The two Kings and_ Mardonius. + +_ All_. + + God preserve your Majesty. + +_Arb_. + + I thank you all, now are my joyes at full, when I behold you + safe, my loving Subjects; by you I grow, 'tis your united love + that lifts me to this height: all the account that I can render + you for all the love you have bestowed on me, all your expences + to maintain my war, is but a little word, you will imagine 'tis + slender paiment, yet 'tis such a word, as is not to be bought but + with your bloods, 'tis Peace. + +_ All_. + + God preserve your Majesty. + +_Arb_. + + Now you may live securely i'your Towns, + Your Children round about you; may sit + Under your Vines, and make the miseries + Of other Kingdoms a discourse for you, + And lend them sorrows; for your selves, you may + Safely forget there are such things as tears, + And you may all whose good thoughts I have gain'd, + Hold me unworthy, where I think my life + A sacrifice too great to keep you thus + In such a calm estate. + +_ All_. + + God bless your Majesty. + +_Arb_. + + See all good people, I have brought the man whose very name you + fear'd, a captive home; behold him, 'tis _Tigranes_; in your + heart sing songs of gladness, and deliverance. + +_1 Cit_. + + Out upon him. + +_2 Cit_. + + How he looks. + +_3 Wom_. + + Hang him, hang him. + +_Mar_. + + These are sweet people. + +_Tigr_. + + Sir, you do me wrong, to render me a scorned spectacle to common + people. + +_Arb_. + + It was so far from me to mean it so: if I have ought deserv'd, my + loving Subjects, let me beg of you, not to revile this Prince, in + whom there dwells all worth of which the name of a man is + capable, valour beyond compare, the terrour of his name has + stretcht it self where ever there is sun; and yet for you I + fought with him single, and won him too; I made his valour stoop, + and brought that name soar'd to so unbeliev'd a height, to fall + beneath mine: this inspir'd with all your loves, I did perform, + and will for your content, be ever ready for a greater work. + +_ All_. + + The Lord bless your Majesty. + +_Tigr_. + + So he has made me amends now with a speech in commendation of + himself: I would not be so vain-glorious. + +_Arb_. + + If there be any thing in which I may + Do good to any creature, here speak out; + For I must leave you: and it troubles me, + That my occasions for the good of you, + Are such as call me from you: else, my joy + Would be to spend my days among you all. + You shew your loves in these large multitudes + That come to meet me, I will pray for you, + Heaven prosper you, that you may know old years, + And live to see your childrens children sit + At your boards with plenty: when there is + A want of any thing, let it be known + To me, and I will be a Father to you: + God keep you all. + + [_ Flourish. Exeunt Kings and their Train_. + +_ All_. + + God bless your Majesty, God bless your Majesty. + +_1_. + + Come, shall we go? all's done. + +_ Wom_. + + I for God sake, I have not made a fire yet. + +_2_. + + Away, away, all's done. + +_3_. + + Content, farewel _Philip_. + +_1 Cit_. + + Away you halter-sack you. + +_2_. + + _Philip_ will not fight, he's afraid on's face. + +_ Phil_. + + I marry am I afraid of my face. + +_3_. + + Thou wouldst be _Philip_ if thou sawst it in a glass; it looks so + like a Visour. + + [_Exeunt _2_., _3_., and Woman_. + +_1 Cit_. + + You'l be hang'd sirra: Come _Philip_ walk before us homewards; + did not his Majesty say he had brought us home Pease for all our + money? + +_2 Cit_. + + Yes marry did he. + +_1 Cit_. + + They're the first I heard of this year by my troth, I longed for + some of 'em: did he not say we should have some? + +_2 Cit_. + + Yes, and so we shall anon I warrant you have every one a peck + brought home to our houses. + + + + +_Actus Tertius_. + +_Enter_ Arbaces _and_ Gobrias. + +_Arb_. + + My Sister take it ill? + + +_Gob_. + + Not very ill. + Something unkindly she does take it Sir to have + Her Husband chosen to her hands. + +_Arb_. + + Why _Gobrias_ let her, I must have her know, my will and not her + own must govern her: what will she marry with some slave at home? + +_Gob_. + + O she is far from any stubbornness, you much mistake her, and no + doubt will like where you would have her, but when you behold + her, you will be loth to part with such a jewel. + +_Arb_. + + To part with her? why _Gobrias_, art thou mad? she is my Sister. + +_Gob_. + + Sir, I know she is: but it were pity to make poor our Land, with + such a beauty to enrich another. + +_Arb_. + + Pish will she have him? + +_Gob_. + + I do hope she will not, I think she will Sir. + +_Arb_. + + Were she my Father and my Mother too, and all the names for which + we think folks friends, she should be forc't to have him when I + know 'tis fit: I will not hear her say she's loth. + +_Gob_. + + Heaven bring my purpose luckily to pass, you know 'tis just, she + will not need constraint she loves you so. + +_Arb_. + + How does she love me, speak? + +_Gob_. + + She loves you more than people love their health, + that live by labour; more than I could love a man that died + for me, if he could live again. + +_Arb_. + + She is not like her mother then. + +_Gob_. + + O no, when you were in _Armenia_, + I durst not let her know when you were hurt: + For at the first on every little scratch, + She kept her Chamber, wept, and could not eat, + Till you were well, and many times the news + Was so long coming, that before we heard + She was as near her death, as you your health. + +_Arb_. + + Alas poor soul, but yet she must be rul'd; + I know not how I shall requite her well. + I long to see her, have you sent for her, + To tell her I am ready? + +_Gob_. + + Sir I have. + +_Enter_ 1 Gent, _and_ Tigranes. + +_1 Gent_. + + Sir, here is the _Armenian_ King. + +_Arb_. + + He's welcome. + +_1 Gent_. + + And the Queen-mother, and the Princess wait without. + +_Arb_. + + Good _Gobrias_ bring 'em in. + _Tigranes_, you will think you are arriv'd + In a strange Land, where Mothers cast to poyson + Their only Sons; think you you shall be safe? + +_Tigr_. + + Too safe I am Sir. + +_Enter_ Gobrias, Arane, Panthea, Spaconia, Bacurius, +Mardonius _and_ Bessus, _and two Gentlemen_. + +_ Ara_. + + As low as this I bow to you, and would + As low as is my grave, to shew a mind + Thankful for all your mercies. + +_Arb_. + + O stand up, + And let me kneel, the light will be asham'd + To see observance done to me by you. + +_ Ara_. + + You are my King. + +_Arb_. + + You are my Mother, rise; + As far be all your faults from your own soul, + As from my memory; then you shall be + As white as innocence her self. + +_ Ara_. + + I came + Only to shew my duty, and acknowledge + My sorrows for my sins; longer to stay + Were but to draw eyes more attentively + Upon my shame, that power that kept you safe + From me, preserve you still. + +_Arb_. + + Your own desires shall be your guide. + + [_Exit_ Arane. + +_Pan_. + + Now let me die, since I have seen my Lord the King + Return in safetie, I have seen all good that life + Can shew me; I have ne're another wish + For Heaven to grant, nor were it fit I should; + For I am bound to spend my age to come, + In giving thanks that this was granted me. + +_Gob_. + + Why does not your Majesty speak? + +_Arb_. + + To whom? + +_Gob_. + +To the Princess. + +_Pan_. + + Alas Sir, I am fearful, you do look + On me, as if I were some loathed thing + That you were finding out a way to shun. + +_Gob_. + + Sir, you should speak to her. + +_Arb_. + + Ha? + +_Pan_. + + I know I am unworthy, yet not ill arm'd, with which innocence + here I will kneel, till I am one with earth, but I will gain some + words and kindness from you. + +_Tigr_. + + Will you speak Sir? + +_Arb_. + + Speak, am I what I was? + What art thou that dost creep into my breast, + And dar'st not see my face? shew forth thy self: + I feel a pair of fiery wings displai'd + Hither, from hence; you shall not tarry there, + Up, and be gone, if thou beest Love be gone: + Or I will tear thee from my wounded breast, + Pull thy lov'd Down away, and with thy Quill + By this right arm drawn from thy wonted wing, + Write to thy laughing Mother i'thy bloud, + That you are powers bely'd, and all your darts + Are to be blown away, by men resolv'd, + Like dust; I know thou fear'st my words, away. + +_Tigr_. + + O misery! why should he be so slow? + There can no falshood come of loving her; + Though I have given my faith; she is a thing + Both to be lov'd and serv'd beyond my faith: + I would he would present me to her quickly. + +_Pan_. + + Will you not speak at all? are you so far + From kind words? yet to save my modesty, + That must talk till you answer, do not stand + As you were dumb, say something, though it be + Poyson'd with anger, that it may strike me dead. + +_Mar_. + + Have you no life at all? for man-hood sake + Let her not kneel, and talk neglected thus; + A tree would find a tongue to answer her, + Did she but give it such a lov'd respect. + +_Arb_. + + You mean this Lady: lift her from the earth; why do you let her + kneel so long? Alas, Madam, your beauty uses to command, and not + to beg. What is your sute to me? it shall be granted, yet the + time is short, and my affairs are great: but where's my Sister? I + bade she should be brought. + +_Mar_. + + What, is he mad? + +_Arb. + + Gobrias,_ where is she? + +_Gob_. + + Sir. + +_Arb_. + + Where is she man? + +_Gob._ + + Who, Sir? + +_Arb_. + + Who, hast thou forgot my Sister? + +_Gob_. + + Your Sister, Sir? + +_Arb_. + + Your Sister, Sir? some one that hath a wit, answer, where is she? + +_Gob_. + + Do you not see her there? + +_Arb_. + + Where? + +_Gob_. + + There. + +_Arb_. + + There, where? + +_Mar_. + + S'light, there, are you blind? + +_Arb_. + + Which do you mean, that little one? + +_Gob_. + + No Sir. + +_Arb_. + + No Sir? why, do you mock me? I can see + No other here, but that petitioning Lady. + +_Gob_. + + That's she. + +_Arb_. + + Away. + +_Gob_. + + Sir, it is she. + +_Arb_. + + 'Tis false. + +_Gob_. + + Is it? + +_Arb_. + + As hell, by Heaven, as false as hell, + My Sister: is she dead? if it be so, + Speak boldly to me; for I am a man, + And dare not quarrel with Divinity; + And do not think to cozen me with this: + I see you all are mute and stand amaz'd, + Fearful to answer me; it is too true, + A decreed instant cuts off ev'ry life, + For which to mourn, is to repine; she dy'd + A Virgin, though more innocent than sheep, + As clear as her own eyes, and blessedness + Eternal waits upon her where she is: + I know she could not make a wish to change + Her state for new, and you shall see me bear + My crosses like a man; we all must die, + And she hath taught us how. + +_Gob_. + + Do not mistake, + And vex your self for nothing; for her death + Is a long life off, I hope: 'Tis she, + And if my speech deserve not faith, lay death + Upon me, and my latest words shall force + A credit from you. + +_Arb_. + + Which, good Gobrias? that Lady dost thou mean? + +_Gob_. + + That Lady Sir, + She is your Sister, and she is your Sister + That loves you so, 'tis she for whom I weep, + To see you use her thus. + +_Arb_. + + It cannot be. + +_Tigr_. + + Pish, this is tedious, + I cannot hold, I must present my self, + And yet the sight of my _Spaconia_ + Touches me, as a sudden thunder-clap + Does one that is about to sin. + +_Arb_. + + Away, + No more of this; here I pronounce him Traytor, + The direct plotter of my death, that names + Or thinks her for my Sister, 'tis a lie, + The most malicious of the world, invented + To mad your King; he that will say so next, + Let him draw out his sword and sheath it here, + It is a sin fully as pardonable: + She is no kin to me, nor shall she be; + If she were ever, I create her none: + And which of you can question this? My power + Is like the Sea, that is to be obey'd, + And not disputed with: I have decreed her + As far from having part of blood with me, + As the nak'd _indians_; come and answer me, + He that is boldest now; is that my Sister? + +_Mar_. + + O this is fine. + +_Bes_. + + No marry, she is not, an't please your Majesty, + I never thought she was, she's nothing like you. + +_Arb_. + + No 'tis true, she is not. + +_Mar_. + + Thou shou'dst be hang'd. + +_Pan_. + + Sir, I will speak but once; by the same power + You make my blood a stranger unto yours, + You may command me dead, and so much love + A stranger may importune, pray you do; + If this request appear too much to grant, + Adopt me of some other Family, + By your unquestion'd word; else I shall live + Like sinfull issues that are left in streets + By their regardless Mothers, and no name + Will be found for me. + +_Arb_. + + I will hear no more, + Why should there be such musick in a voyce, + And sin for me to hear it? All the world + May take delight in this, and 'tis damnation + For me to do so: You are fair and wise + And vertuous I think, and he is blest + That is so near you as my brother is; + But you are nought to me but a disease; + Continual torment without hope of ease; + Such an ungodly sickness I have got, + That he that undertakes my cure, must first + O'rethrow Divinity, all moral Laws, + And leave mankind as unconfin'd as beasts, + Allowing 'em to do all actions + As freely as they drink when they desire. + Let me not hear you speak again; yet see + I shall but lang[u]ish for the want of that, + The having which, would kill me: No man here + Offer to speak for her; for I consider + As much as you can say; I will not toil + My body and my mind too, rest thou there, + Here's one within will labour for you both. + +_Pan_. + + I would I were past speaking. + +_Gob_. + + Fear not Madam, + The King will alter, 'tis some sudden rage, + And you shall see it end some other way. + +_Pan_. + + Pray heaven it do. + +_Tig_. + + Though she to whom I swore, be here, I cannot + Stifle my passion longer; if my father + Should rise again disquieted with this, + And charge me to forbear, yet it would out. + Madam, a stranger, and a pris'ner begs + To be bid welcome. + +_Pan_. + + You are welcome, Sir, + I think, but if you be not, 'tis past me + To make you so: for I am here a stranger, + Greater than you; we know from whence you come, + But I appear a lost thing, and by whom + Is yet uncertain, found here i'th' Court, + And onely suffer'd to walk up and down, + As one not worth the owning. + +_Spa_. + + O, I fear + _Tigranes_ will be caught, he looks, me-thinks, + As he would change his eyes with her; some help + There is above for me, I hope. + +_Tigr_. + + Why do you turn away, and weep so fast, + And utter things that mis-become your looks, + Can you want owning? + +_Spa_. + + O 'tis certain so. + +_Tigr_. + + Acknowledge your self mine. + +_Arb_. + + How now? + +_Tigr_. + + And then see if you want an owner. + +_Arb_. + + They are talking. + +_Tigr_. + + Nations shall owne you for their Queen. + +_Arb_. + + _Tigranes_, art not thou my prisoner? + +_Tigr_. + + I am. + +_Arb_. + + And who is this? + +_Tigr_. + + She is your Sister. + +_Arb_. + + She is so. + +_Mar_. + + Is she so again? that's well. + +_Arb_. + + And then how dare you offer to change words with her? + +_Tigr_. + + Dare do it! Why? you brought me hither Sir, + To that intent. + +_Arb_. + + Perhaps I told you so, + If I had sworn it, had you so much folly + To credit it? The least word that she speaks + Is worth a life; rule your disordered tongue, + Or I will temper it. + +_Spa_. + + Blest be the breath. + +_Tigr_. + + Temper my tongue! such incivilities + As these, no barbarous people ever knew: + You break the lawes of Nature, and of Nations, + You talk to me as if I were a prisoner + For theft: my tongue be temper'd? I must speak + If thunder check me, and I will. + +_Arb_. + + You will? + +_Spa_. + + Alas my fortune. + +_Tigr_. + + Do not fear his frown, dear Madam, hear me. + +_Arb_. + + Fear not my frown? but that 'twere base in me + To fight with one I know I can o'recome, + Again thou shouldst be conquer'd by me. + +_Mar_. + + He has one ransome with him already; me-thinks + 'T were good to fight double, or quit. + +_Arb_. + + Away with him to prison: Now Sir, see + If my frown be regardless; Why delay you? + Seise him _Bacurius_, you shall know my word + Sweeps like a wind, and all it grapples with, + Are as the chaffe before it. + +_Tigr_. + + Touch me not. + +_Arb_. + + Help there. + +_Tigr_. + + Away. + +_1 Gent_. + + It is in vain to struggle. + +_2 Gent_. + + You must be forc'd. + +_Bac_. + + Sir, you must pardon us, we must obey. + +_Arb_. + + Why do you dally there? drag him away + By any thing. + +_Bac_. + + Come Sir. + +_Tigr_. + + Justice, thou ought'st to give me strength enough + To shake all these off; This is tyrannie, + _Arbaces_, sutler than the burning Bulls, + Or that fam'd _Titans_ bed. Thou mightst as well + Search i'th' deep of Winter through the snow + For half starv'd people, to bring home with thee, + To shew 'em fire, and send 'em back again, + As use me thus. + +_Arb_. + + Let him be close, _Bacurius_. + + [_Exeunt_ Tigr. _And_ Bac. + +_Spa_. + + I ne're rejoyc'd at any ill to him, + But this imprisonment: what shall become + Of me forsaken? + +_Gob_. + + You will not let your Sister + Depart thus discontented from you, Sir? + +_Arb_. + + By no means _Gobrias_, I have done her wrong, + And made my self believe much of my self, + That is not in me: You did kneel to me, + Whilest I stood stubborn and regardless by, + And like a god incensed, gave no ear + To all your prayers: behold, I kneel to you, + Shew a contempt as large as was my own, + And I will suffer it, yet at the last forgive me. + +_Pan_. + + O you wrong me more in this, + Than in your rage you did: you mock me now. + +_Arb_. + + Never forgive me then, which is the worst + Can happen to me. + +_Pan_. + + If you be in earnest, + Stand up and give me but a gentle look, + And two kind words, and I shall be in heaven. + +_Arb_. + + Rise you then to hear; I acknowledge thee + My hope, the only jewel of my life, + The best of Sisters, dearer than my breath, + A happiness as high as I could think; + And when my actions call thee otherwise, + Perdition light upon me. + +_Pan_. + + This is better + Than if you had not frown'd, it comes to me, + Like mercie at the block, and when I leave + To serve you with my life, your curse be with me. + +_Arb_. + + Then thus I do salute thee, and again, + To make this knot the stronger, Paradise + Is there: It may be you are yet in doubt, + This third kiss blots it out, I wade in sin, + And foolishly intice my self along; + Take her away, see her a prisoner + In her own chamber closely, _Gobrias_. + +_Pan_. + + Alas Sir, why? + +_Arb_. + + I must not stay the answer, doe it. + +_Gob_. + + Good Sir. + +_Arb_. + + No more, doe it I say. + +_Mard_. + + This is better and better. + +_Pan_. + + Yet hear me speak. + +_Arb_. + + I will not hear you speak, + Away with her, let no man think to speak + For such a creature; for she is a witch, + A prisoner, and a Traitor. + +_Gob_. + + Madam, this office grieves me. + +_Pan_. + + Nay, 'tis well the king is pleased with it. + +_Arb_. + + _Bessus_, go you along too with her; I will prove + All this that I have said, if I may live + So long; but I am desperately sick, + For she has given me poison in a kiss; + She had't betwixt her lips, and with her eyes + She witches people: go without a word. + + [_Exeunt_ Gob. Pan. Bes. _And_ Spaconia. + + Why should you that have made me stand in war + Like fate it self, cutting what threds I pleas'd, + Decree such an unworthy end of me, + And all my glories? What am I, alas, + That you oppose me? if my secret thoughts + Have ever harbour'd swellings against you, + They could not hurt you, and it is in you + To give me sorrow, that will render me + Apt to receive your mercy; rather so, + Let it be rather so, than punish me + With such unmanly sins: Incest is in me + Dwelling already, and it must be holy + That pulls it thence, where art _Mardonius_? + +_Mar_. + + Here Sir. + +_Arb_. + + I pray thee bear me, if thou canst, + Am I not grown a strange weight? + +_Mar_. + + As you were. + +_Arb_. + + No heavier? + +_Mar_. + + No Sir. + +_Arb_. + + Why, my legs + Refuse to bear my body; O _Mardonius_, + Thou hast in field beheld me, when thou knowst + I could have gone, though I could never run. + +_Mar_. + + And so I shall again. + +_Arb_. + + O no, 'tis past. + +_Mar_. + + Pray you go rest your self. + +_Arb_. + + Wilt thou hereafter when they talk of me, + As thou shalt hear nothing but infamy, + Remember some of those things? + +_Mar_. + + Yes I will. + +_Arb_. + + I pray thee do: for thou shalt never see me so again. + + [_Exeunt_. + +_Enter Bessus alone_. + +_Bes_. + + They talk of fame, I have gotten it in the wars; and will afford + any man a reasonable penny-worth: some will say, they could be + content to have it, but that it is to be atchiev'd with danger; + but my opinion is otherwise: for if I might stand still in + Cannon-proof, and have fame fall upon me, I would refuse it: my + reputation came principally by thinking to run away, which no + body knows but _Mardonius_, and I think he conceals it to anger + me. Before I went to the warrs, I came to the Town a young + fellow, without means or parts to deserve friends; and my empty + guts perswaded me to lie, and abuse people for my meat, which I + did, and they beat me: then would I fast two days, till my + hunger cri'd out on me, rail still, then me-thought I had a + monstrous stomach to abuse 'em again, and did it. I, this state I + continu'd till they hung me up by th' heels, and beat me wi' + hasle sticks, as if they would have baked me, and have cousen'd + some body wi'me for Venison: After this I rail'd, and eat + quietly: for the whole Kingdom took notice of me for a baffl'd + whipt fellow, and what I said was remembred in mirth but never in + anger, of which I was glad; I would it were at that pass again. + After this, heaven calls an Aunt of mine, that left two hundred + pound in a cousins hand for me, who taking me to be a gallant + young spirit, raised a company for me with the money and sent me + into _Armenia_ with 'em: Away I would have run from them, but + that I could get no company, and alone I durst not run. I was + never at battail but once, and there I was running, but + _Mardonius_ cudgel'd me; yet I got loose at last, but was so + fraid, that I saw no more than my shoulders doe, but fled with my + whole company amongst my Enemies, and overthrew 'em: Now the + report of my valour is come over before me, and they say I was a + raw young fellow, but now I am improv'd, a Plague on their + eloquence, 't will cost me many a beating; And _Mardonius_ might + help this too, if he would; for now they think to get honour on + me, and all the men I have abus'd call me freshly worthily, as + they call it by the way of challenge. + +_Enter a Gent_. + +_3 Gent_. + + Good morrow, Captain _Bessus_. + +_Bes_. + + Good morrow Sir. + +_3 Gent_. + + I come to speak with you. + +_Bes_. + + You're very welcome. + +_3 Gent_. + + From one that holds himself wrong'd by you some + three years since: your worth he says is fam'd, and he doth + nothing doubt but you will do him right, as beseems a souldier. + +_Bes_. + + A pox on 'em, so they cry all. + +_3 Gent_. + + And a slight note I have about me for you, for the delivery of + which you must excuse me; it is an office that friendship calls + upon me to do, and no way offensive to you; since I desire but + right on both sides. + +_Bes_. + + 'Tis a challenge Sir, is it not? + +_3 Gent_. + + 'Tis an inviting to the field. + +_Bes_. + + An inviting? O Sir your Mercy, what a Complement he delivers it + with? he might as agreeable to my nature present me poison with + such a speech: um um um reputation, um um um call you to account, + um um um forc'd to this, um um um with my Sword, um um um like a + Gentleman, um um um dear to me, um um um satisfaction: 'Tis very + well Sir, I do accept it, but he must await an answer this + thirteen weeks. + +_3 Gent_. + + Why Sir, he would be glad to wipe off his stain as soon as he + could. + +_Bes_. + + Sir upon my credit I am already ingag'd to two hundred, and + twelve, all which must have their stains wip'd off, if that be + the word, before him. + +_3 Gent_. + + Sir, if you be truly ingag'd but to one, he shall stay a + competent time. + +_Bes_. + + Upon my faith Sir, to two hundred and twelve, and I have a spent + body, too much bruis'd in battel, so that I cannot fight, I must + be plain, above three combats a day: All the kindness I can shew + him, is to set him resolvedly in my rowle, the two hundred and + thirteenth man, which is something, for I tell you, I think there + will be more after him, than before him, I think so; pray you + commend me to him, and tell him this. + +_3 Gent_. + + I will Sir, good morrow to you. + + [_Exit 3 Gent_. + +_Bes_. + + Good morrow good Sir. Certainly my safest way were to print my + self a coward, with a discovery how I came by my credit, and clap + it upon every post; I have received above thirty challenges + within this two hours, marry all but the first I put off with + ingagement, and by good fortune, the first is no madder of + fighting than I, so that that's referred, the place where it must + be ended, is four days journey off, and our arbitratours are + these: He has chosen a Gentleman in travel, and I have a special + friend with a quartain ague, like to hold him this five years, + for mine: and when his man comes home, we are to expect my + friends health: If they would finde me challenges thus thick, as + long as I liv'd, I would have no other living; I can make seven + shillings a day o'th' paper to the Grocers: yet I learn nothing + by all these but a little skill in comparing of stiles. I do + finde evidently, that there is some one Scrivener in this Town, + that has a great hand in writing of Challenges, for they are all + of a cut, and six of 'em in a hand; and they all end, my + reputation is dear to me, and I must require satisfaction: Who's + there? more paper I hope, no, 'tis my Lord _Bacurius_, I fear all + is not well betwixt us. + +_Enter_ Bacurius. + +_Bac_. + + Now Captain _Bessus_, I come about a frivolous matter, caus'd by + as idle a report: you know you were a coward. + +_Bes_. + + Very right. + +_Bac_. + + And wronged me. + +_Bes_. + + True my Lord. + +_Bac_. + + But now people will call you valiant, desertlesly I think, yet + for their satisfaction, I will have you fight with me. + +_Bes_. + + O my good Lord, my deep Engagements. + +_Bac_. + + Tell not me of your Engagements, Captain _Bessus_, it is not to + be put off with an excuse: for my own part, I am none of the + multitude that believe your conversion from Coward. + +_Bes_. + + My Lord, I seek not Quarrels, and this belongs not to me, I am + not to maintain it. + +_Bac_. + + Who then pray? + +_Bes_. + + _Bessus_ the Coward wrong'd you. + +_Bac_. + + Right. + +_Bes_. + + And shall _Bessus_ the Valiant, maintain what _Bessus_ the Coward + did? + +_Bac_. + + I pray thee leave these cheating tricks, I swear thou shalt fight + with me, or thou shall be beaten extreamly, and kick'd. + +_Bes_. + + Since you provoke me thus far, my Lord, I will fight with you, + and by my Sword it shall cost me twenty pound, but I will have my + Leg well a week sooner purposely. + +_Bac_. + + Your Leg? Why, what ailes your Leg? i'le do a cure on you, stand + up. + +_Bes_. + + My Lord, this is not Noble in you. + +_Bac_. + + What dost thou with such a phrase in thy mouth? I will kick thee + out of all good words before I leave thee. + +_Bes_. + + My Lord, I take this as a punishment for the offence I did when I + was a Coward. + +_Bac_. + + When thou wert? Confess thy self a Coward still, or by this + light, I'le beat thee into Spunge. + +_Bes_. + + Why I am one. + +_Bac_. + + Are you so Sir? And why do you wear a Sword then? + Come unbuckle. + +_Bes_. + + My Lord. + +_Bac_. + + Unbuckle I say, and give it me, or as I live, thy head will ake + extreamly. + +_Bes_. + + It is a pretty Hilt, and if your Lordship take an affection to + it, with all my heart I present it to you for a New-years-gift. + +_Bac_. + + I thank you very heartily, sweet Captain, farewel. + +_Bes_. + + One word more, I beseech your Lordship to render me my knife + again. + +_Bac_. + + Marry by all means Captain; cherish your self with it, and eat + hard, good Captain; we cannot tell whether we shall have any more + such: Adue dear Captain. + + [_Exit_ Bac. + +_Bes_. + + I will make better use of this, than of my Sword: A base spirit + has this vantage of a brave one, it keeps alwayes at a stay, + nothing brings it down, not beating. I remember I promis'd the + King in a great Audience, that I would make my back-biters eat my + sword to a knife; how to get another sword I know not, nor know + any means left for me to maintain my credit, but impudence: + therefore I will out-swear him and all his followers, that this + is all that's left uneaten of my sword. + + [_Exit_ Bessus. + +_Enter_ Mardonius. + +_Mar_. + + I'le move the King, he is most strangely alter'd; I guess the + cause I fear too right, Heaven has some secret end in't, and 'tis + a scourge no question justly laid upon him: he has followed me + through twenty Rooms; and ever when I stay to wait his command, + he blushes like a Girl, and looks upon me, as if modesty kept in + his business: so turns away from me, but if I go on, he follows + me again. + +_Enter_ Arbaces. + + See, here he is. I do not use this, yet I know not how, I cannot + chuse but weep to see him; his very Enemies I think, whose wounds + have bred his fame, if they should see him now, would find tears + i'their eyes. + +_Arb_. + + I cannot utter it, why should I keep + A breast to harbour thoughts? I dare not speak. + Darkness is in my bosom, and there lie + A thousand thoughts that cannot brook the light: + How wilt thou vex 'em when this deed is done, + Conscience, that art afraid to let me name it? + +_Mar_. + + How do you Sir? + +_Arb_. + + Why very well _Mardonius_, how dost thou do? + +_Mar_. + + Better than you I fear. + +_Arb_. + + I hope thou art; for to be plain with thee, + Thou art in Hell else, secret scorching flames + That far transcend earthly material fires + Are crept into me, and there is no cure. + Is it not strange _Mardonius_, there's no cure? + +_Mar_. + + Sir, either I mistake, or there is something hid + That you would utter to me. + +_Arb_. + + So there is, but yet I cannot do it. + +_Mar_. + + Out with it Sir, if it be dangerous, I will not shrink to do you + service, I shall not esteem my life a weightier matter than + indeed it is, I know it is subject to more chances than it has + hours, and I were better lose it in my Kings cause, than with an + ague, or a fall, or sleeping, to a Thief; as all these are + probable enough: let me but know what I shall do for you. + +_Arb_. + + It will not out: were you with _Gobrias_, + And bad him give my Sister all content + The place affords, and give her leave to send + And speak to whom she please? + +_Mar_. + + Yes Sir, I was. + +_Arb_. + + And did you to _Bacurius_ say as much + About _Tigranes_? + +_Mar_. + + Yes. + +_Arb_. + + That's all my business. + +_Mar_. + + O say not so, + You had an answer of this before; + Besides I think this business might + Be utter'd more carelesly. + +_Arb_. + + Come thou shalt have it out, I do beseech thee + By all the love thou hast profest to me, + To see my Sister from me. + +_Mar_. + + Well, and what? + +_Arb_. + + That's all. + +_Mar_. + + That's strange, I shall say nothing to her? + +_Arb_. + + Not a word; + But if thou lovest me, find some subtil way + To make her understand by signs. + +_Mar_. + + But what shall I make her understand? + +_Arb_. + + O _Mardonius_, for that I must be pardon'd. + +_Mar_. + + You may, but I can only see her then. + +_Arb_. + + 'Tis true; + Bear her this Ring then, and + One more advice, thou shall speak to her: + Tell her I do love My kindred all: wilt thou? + +_Mar_. + + Is there no more? + +_Arb_. + + O yes and her the best; + Better than any Brother loves his Sister: That's all. + +_Mar_. + + Methinks this need not have been delivered with such a caution; + I'le do it. + +_Arb_. + + There is more yet, + Wilt thou be faith[f]ul to me? + +_Mar_. + + Sir, if I take upon me to deliver it, after I hear it, I'le pass + through fire to do it. + +_Arb_. + + I love her better than a Brother ought; + Dost thou conceive me? + +_Mar_. + + I hope you do not Sir. + +_Arb_. + + No, thou art dull, kneel down before her, + And ne'r rise again, till she will love me. + +_Mar_. + + Why, I think she does. + +_Arb_. + + But better than she does, another way; + As wives love Husbands. + +_Mar_. + + Why, I think there are few Wives that love their + Husbands better than she does you. + +_Arb_. + + Thou wilt not understand me: is it fit + This should be uttered plainly? take it then + Naked as it is: I would desire her love + Lasciviously, lewdly, incestuously, + To do a sin that needs must damn us both, + And thee too: dost thou understand me now? + +_Mar_. + + Yes, there's your Ring again; what have I done + Dishonestly in my whole life, name it, + That you should put so base a business to me? + +_Arb_. + + Didst thou not tell me thou wouldst do it? + +_Mar_. + + Yes; if I undertook it, but if all + My hairs were lives, I would not be engag'd + In such a case to save my last life. + +_Arb_. + + O guilt! ha how poor and weak a thing art thou! + This man that is my servant, whom my breath + Might blow upon the world, might beat me here + Having this cause, whil'st I prest down with sin + Could not resist him: hear _Mardonius_, + It was a motion mis-beseeming man, + And I am sorry for it. + +_Mar_. + + Heaven grant you may be so: you must understand, nothing that you + can utter, can remove my love and service from my Prince. But + otherwise, I think I shall not love you more. For you are sinful, + and if you do this crime, you ought to have no Laws. For after + this, it will be great injustice in you to punish any offender + for any crime. For my self I find my heart too big: I feel I have + not patience to look on whilst you run these forbidden courses. + Means I have none but your favour, and I am rather glad that I + shall lose 'em both together, than keep 'em with such conditions; + I shall find a dwelling amongst some people, where though our + Garments perhaps be courser, we shall be richer far within, and + harbour no such vices in 'em: the Gods preserve you, and mend. + +_Arb_. + + _Mardonius_, stay _Mardonius_, for though + My present state requires nothing but knaves + To be about me, such as are prepar'd + For every wicked act, yet who does know + But that my loathed Fate may turn about, + And I have use for honest men again? + I hope I may, I prethee leave me not. + +_Enter_ Bessus. + +_Bes_. + + Where is the King? + +_Mar_. + + There. + +_Bes_. + + An't please your Majesty, there's the knife. + +_Arb_. + + What knife? + +_Bes_. + + The Sword is eaten. + +_Mar_. + + Away you fool, the King is serious, + And cannot now admit your vanities. + +_Bes_. + + Vanities! I'me no honest man, if my enemies have not brought it + to this, what, do you think I lie? + +_Arb_. + + No, no, 'tis well _Bessus_, 'tis very well I'm glad on't. + +_Mar_. + + If your enemies brought it to this, your enemies are Cutlers, + come leave the King. + +_Bes_. + + Why, may not valour approach him? + +_Mar_. + + Yes, but he has affairs, depart, or I shall be something + unmannerly with you. + +_Arb_. + + No, let him stay _Mardonius_, let him stay, + I have occasion with him very weighty, + And I can spare you now. + +_Mar_. + + Sir? + +_Arb_. + + Why I can spare you now. + +_Bes_. + + _Mardonius_ give way to these State affairs. + +_Mar_. + + Indeed you are fitter for this present purpose. + + [_Exit_ Mar. + +_Arb_. + + _Bessus_, I should imploy thee, wilt thou do't? + +_Bes_. + + Do't for you? by this Air I will do any thing without exception, + be it a good, bad, or indifferent thing. + +_Arb_. + + Do not swear. + +_Bes_. + + By this light but I will, any thing whatsoever. + +_Arb_. + + But I shall name the thing, + Thy Conscience will not suffer thee to do. + +_Bes_. + + I would fain hear that thing. + +_Arb_. + + Why I would have thee get my Sister for me? + Thou understandst me, in a wicked manner. + +_Bes_. + + O you would have a bout with her? + I'le do't, I'le do't, I'faith. + +_Arb_. + + Wilt thou, do'st thou make no more on't? Bes. More? no, why is + there any thing else? if there be, it shall be done too. + +_Arb_. + + Hast thou no greater sense of such a sin? + Thou art too wicked for my company, + Though I have hell within me, thou may'st yet + Corrupt me further: pray thee answer me, + How do I shew to thee after this motion? + +_Bes_. + + Why your Majesty looks as well in my opinion, as ever you did + since you were born. + +_Arb_. + + But thou appear'st to me after thy grant, + The ugliest, loathed detestable thing + That I ever met with. Thou hast eyes + Like the flames of _Sulphur_, which me thinks do dart + Infection on me, and thou hast a mouth + Enough to take me in where there do stand + Four rows of Iron Teeth. + +_Bes_. + + I feel no such thing, but 'tis no matter how I look, Pie do my + business as well as they that look better, and when this is + dispatch'd, if you have a mind to your Mother, tell me, and you + shall see I'le set it hard. + +_Arb_. + + My Mother! Heaven forgive me to hear this, + I am inspir'd with horrour: now I hate thee + Worse than my sin, which if I could come by + Should suffer death Eternal ne're to rise + In any breast again. Know I will die + Languishing mad, as I resolve, I shall, + E're I will deal by such an instrument: + Thou art too sinful to imploy in this; + Out of the World, away. + +_Bes_. + + What do you mean, Sir? + +_Arb_. + + Hung round with Curses, take thy fearful flight + Into the Desarts, where 'mongst all the Monsters + If thou find'st one so beastly as thy self, + Thou shalt be held as innocent. + +_Bes_. + + Good Sir. + +_Arb_. + + If there were no such instruments as thou, + We Kings could never act such wicked deeds: + Seek out a man that mocks Divinity, + That breaks each precept both of God and man, + And natures too, and does it without lust, + Meerly because it is a law, and good, + And live with him: for him thou canst not spoil. + Away I say, I will not do this sin. + + [_Exit_ Bessus. + + I'le press it here, till it do break my breast, + It heaves to get out, but thou art a sin, + And spight of torture I will keep thee in. + + + + +_ACTUS QUARTUS_. + + +_Enter_ Gobrias, Panthea, _and_ Spaconia. + +_Gob_. + + Have you written Madam? + +_Pan_. + + Yes, good _Gobrias_. + +_Gob_. + + And with a kindness, and such winning words + As may provoke him, at one instant feel + His double fault, your wrong, and his own rashness? + +_Pan_. + + I have sent words enough, if words may win him + From his displeasure; and such words I hope, + As shall gain much upon his goodness, _Gobrias_. + Yet fearing they are many, and a womans, + A poor belief may follow, I have woven + As many truths within 'em to speak for me, + That if he be but gracious, and receive 'em-- + +_Gob_. + + Good Lady be not fearful, though he should not + Give you your present end in this, believe it, + You shall feel, if your vertue can induce you + To labour on't, this tempest which I know, + Is but a poor proof 'gainst your patience: + All those contents, your spirit will arrive at, + Newer and sweeter to you; your Royal brother, + When he shall once collect himself, and see + How far he has been asunder from himself; + What a meer stranger to his golden temper: + Must from those roots of vertue, never dying, + Though somewhat stopt with humour, shoot again + Into a thousand glories, bearing his fair branches + High as our hopes can look at, straight as justice, + Loaden with ripe contents; he loves you dearly, + I know it, and I hope I need not farther + Win you to understand it. + +_Pan_. + + I believe it. + But howsoever, I am sure I love him dearly: + So dearly, that if any thing I write + For my enlarging should beget his anger, + Heaven be a witness with me and my faith, + I had rather live intomb'd here. + +_Gob_. + + You shall not feel a worse stroke than your grief, + I am sorry 'tis so sharp, I kiss your hand, + And this night will deliver this true story, + With this hand to your Brother. + +_ Pan._ + + Peace go with you, you are a good man. + + [_Exit_ Gob. + + My _Spaconia_, why are you ever sad thus? + +_Spa_. + + O dear Lady. + +_Pan_. + + Prethee discover not a way to sadness, + Nearer than I have in me, our two sorrows + Work like two eager Hawks, who shall get highest; + How shall I lessen thine? for mine I fear + Is easier known than cur'd. + +_Spa_. + + Heaven comfort both, + And give you happy ends, however I + Fall in my stubborn fortunes. + +_Pan_. + + This but teaches + How to be more familiar with our sorrows, + That are too much our masters: good _Spaconia_ + How shall I do you service? + +_Spa_. + + Noblest Lady, + You make me more a slave still to your goodness, + And only live to purchase thanks to pay you, + For that is all the business of my life: now + I will be bold, since you will have it so, + To ask a noble favour of you. + +_Pan_. + + Speak it, 'tis yours, for from so sweet a vertue, + No ill demand has issue. + +_Spa_. + + Then ever vertuous, let me beg your will + In helping me to see the Prince _Tigranes_, + With whom I am equal prisoner, if not more. + +_Pan_. + + Reserve me to a greater end _Spaconia_; + _Bacurius_ cannot want so much good manners + As to deny your gentle visitation, + Though you came only with your own command. + +_Spa_. + + I know they will deny me gracious Madam, + Being a stranger, and so little fam'd, + So utter empty of those excellencies + That tame Authority; but in you sweet Lady, + All these are natural; beside, a power + Deriv'd immediate from your Royal brother, + Whose least word in you may command the Kingdom. + +_Pan_. + + More than my word _Spaconia_, you shall carry, + For fear it fail you. + +_Spa_. + + Dare you trust a Token? + Madam I fear I am grown too bold a begger. + +_Pan_. + + You are a pretty one, and trust me Lady + It joyes me, I shall do a good to you, + Though to my self I never shall be happy: + Here, take this Ring, and from me as a Token + Deliver it; I think they will not stay you: + So all your own desires go with you Lady. + +_Spa_. + + And sweet peace to your Grace. + +_Pan_. + + Pray Heaven I find it. + + [_Exeunt_. + +_Enter_ Tigranes, _in prison_. + +_Tigr_. + + Fool that I am, I have undone my self, + And with my own hand turn'd my fortune round, + That was a fair one: I have childishly + Plaid with my hope so long, till I have broke it, + And now too late I mourn for't; O _Spaconia_! + Thou hast found an even way to thy revenge now, + Why didst thou follow me like a faint shadow, + To wither my desires? But wretched fool, + Why did I plant thee 'twixt the Sun and me, + To make me freeze thus? Why did I prefer her + To the fair Princess? O thou fool, thou fool, + Thou family of fools, live like a slave still, + And in thee bear thine own hell and thy torment, + Thou hast deserv'd: Couldst thou find no Lady + But she that has thy hopes to put her to, + And hazard all thy peace? None to abuse, + But she that lov'd thee ever? poor _Spaconia_, + And so much lov'd thee, that in honesty + And honour thou art bound to meet her vertues: + She that forgot the greatness of her grief + And miseries, that must follow such mad passions, + Endless and wild as women; she that for thee + And with thee left her liberty, her name, + And Country, you have paid me equal, Heavens, + And sent my own rod to correct me with; + A woman: for inconstancy I'le suffer, + Lay it on justice, till my soul melt in me + For my unmanly, beastly, sudden doting + Upon a new face: after all my oaths + Many and strange ones, + I feel my old fire flame again and burn + So strong and violent, that should I see her + Again, the grief and that would kill me. + +_Enter_ Bacurius _And_ Spaconia. + +_Bac_. + + Lady, your token I acknowledge, you may pass; + There is the King. + +_Spa_. + + I thank your Lordship for it. + + [_Exit_ Bac. + +_Tigr_. + + She comes, she comes, shame hide me ever from her, + Would I were buried, or so far remov'd + Light might not find me out, I dare not see her. + +_Spa_. + + Nay never hide your self; or were you hid + Where earth hides all her riches, near her Center; + My wrongs without more day would light me to you: + I must speak e're I die; were all your greatness + Doubled upon you, y'are a perjur'd man, + And only mighty in your wickedness + Of wronging women. Thou art false, false Prince; + I live to see it, poor _Spaconia_ lives + To tell thee thou art false; and then no more; + She lives to tell thee thou art more unconstant, + Than all ill women ever were together. + Thy faith is firm as raging over-flowes, + That no bank can command; as lasting + As boyes gay bubbles, blown i'th' Air and broken: + The wind is fixt to thee: and sooner shall + The beaten Mariner with his shrill whistle + Calm the loud murmur of the troubled main, + And strike it smooth again; than thy soul fall + To have peace in love with any: Thou art all + That all good men must hate; and if thy story + Shall tell succeeding ages what thou wert, + O let it spare me in it, lest true lovers + In pity of my wrong, burn thy black Legend, + And with their curses, shake thy sleeping ashes. + +_Tigr_. + + Oh! oh! + +_Spa_. + + The destinies, I hope, have pointed out + Our ends, that thou maist die for love, + Though not for me; for this assure thy self, + The Princess hates thee deadly, and will sooner + Be won to marry with a Bull, and safer + Than such a beast as thou art: I have struck, + I fear, too deep; beshrow me for't; Sir, + This sorrow works me like a cunning friendship, + Into the same piece with it; 'tis asham'd, + Alas, I have been too rugged: Dear my Lord, + I am sorry I have spoken any thing, + Indeed I am, that may add more restraint + To that too much you have: good Sir, be pleas'd + To think it was a fault of love, not malice; + And do as I will do, forgive it Prince. + I do, and can forgive the greatest sins + To me you can repent of; pray believe. + +_Tigr_. + + O my _Spaconia_! O thou vertuous woman! + +_Spa_. + + Nay, more, the King Sir. + +_Enter_ Arbaces, Bacurius, Mardonius. + +_Arb_. + + Have you been carefull of our noble Prisoner, + That he want nothing fitting for his greatness? + +_Bac_. + + I hope his grace will quit me for my care Sir. + +_Arb_. + + 'Tis well, royal _Tigranes_, health. + +_Tigr_. + + More than the strictness of this place can give Sir, + I offer back again to great _Arbaces_. + +_Arb_. + + We thank you worthy Prince, and pray excuse us, + We have not seen you since your being here, + I hope your noble usage has been equall + With your own person: your imprisonment, + If it be any, I dare say is easie, + And shall not last t[w]o dayes. + +_Tigr_. + + I thank you; + My usage here has been the same it was, + Worthy a royal Conqueror. For my restraint, + It came unkindly, because much unlook'd for; + But I must bear it. + +_Arb_. + + What Lady's that? _Bacurius_? + +_Bac_. + + One of the Princess women, Sir. + +_Arb_. + + I fear'd it, why comes she hither? + +_Bac_. + + To speak with the Prince _Tigranes_. + +_Arb_. + + From whom, _Bacurius_? + +_Bac_. + + From the Princess, Sir. + +_Arb_. + + I knew I had seen her. + +_Mar_. + + His fit begins to take him now again, + 'Tis a strange Feaver, and 'twill shake us all anon, I fear, + Would he were well cur'd of this raging folly: + + Give me the warrs, where men are mad, and may talk what they + list, and held the bravest fellows; This pelting prating peace is + good for nothing: drinking's a vertue to't. + +_Arb_. + + I see there's truth in no man, nor obedience, + But for his own ends, why did you let her in? + +_Bac_. + + It was your own command to barr none from him, + Besides, the Princess sent her ring Sir, for my warrant. + +_Arb_. + + A token to _Tigranes_, did she not? + Sir tell truth. + +_Bac_. + + I do not use to lie Sir, + 'Tis no way I eat or live by, and I think, + This is no token Sir. + +_Mar_. + + This combat has undone him: if he had been well beaten, he had + been temperate; I shall never see him handsome again, till he + have a Horse-mans staffe yok'd thorow his shoulders, or an arm + broken with a bullet. + +_Arb_. + + I am trifled with. + +_Bac_. + + Sir? + +_Arb_. + + I know it, as I know thee to be false. + +_Mar_. + + Now the clap comes. + +_Bac_. + + You never knew me so, Sir I dare speak it, + And durst a worse man tell me, though my better-- + +_Mar_. + + 'Tis well said, by my soul. + +_Arb_. + + Sirra, you answer as you had no life. + +_Bac_. + + That I fear Sir to lose nobly. + +_Arb_. + + I say Sir, once again. + +_Bac_. + + You may say what yo[u] please, Sir, + Would I might do so. + +_Arb_. + + I will, Sir, and say openly, this woman carries letters, + By my life I know she carries letters, this woman does it. + +_Mar_. + + Would _Bessus_ were here to take her aside and search her, He + would quickly tell you what she carried Sir. + +_Arb_. + + I have found it out, this woman carries letters. + +_Mar_. + + If this hold, 'twill be an ill world for Bawdes, Chamber-maids + and Post-boyes, I thank heaven I have none I but his letters + patents, things of his own enditing. + +_Arb_. + + Prince, this cunning cannot do't. + +_Tigr_. + + Doe, What Sir? I reach you not. + +_Arb_. + + It shall not serve your turn, Prince. + +_Tigr_. + + Serve my turn Sir? + +_Arb_. + + I Sir, it shall not serve your turn. + +_Tigr_. + + Be plainer, good Sir. + +_Arb_. + + This woman shall carry no more letters back to your + Love _Panthea_, by Heaven she shall not, I say she shall not. + +_Mar_. + + This would make a Saint swear like a souldier. + +_Tigr_. + + This beats me more, King, than the blowes you gave me. + +_Arb_. + + Take'em away both, and together let them prisoners be, strictly + and closely kept, or Sirra, your life shall answer it, and let + no body speak with'em hereafter. + +_Tigr_. + + Well, I am subject to you, + And must indure these passions: + This is the imprisonment I have look'd for always. + And the dearer place I would choose. + + [_Exeunt_ Tigr. Spa. Bac. + +_Mar_. + + Sir, you have done well now. + +_Arb_. + + Dare you reprove it? + +_Mar_. + + No. + +_Arb_. + + You must be crossing me. + +_Mar_. + + I have no letters Sir to anger you, + But a dry sonnet of my Corporals + To an old Suttlers wife, and that I'll burn, Sir. + 'Tis like to prove a fine age for the Ignorant. + +_Arb_. + + How darst thou so often forfeit thy life? + Thou know'st 'tis in my power to take it. + +_Mar_. + + Yes, and I know you wo'not, or if you doe, you'll miss it + quickly. + +_Arb_. + + Why? + +_Mar_. + + Who shall tell you of these childish follies + When I am dead? who shall put to his power + To draw those vertues out of a flood of humors, + When they are drown'd, and make'em shine again? + No, cut my head off: + Then you may talk, and be believed, and grow worse, + And have your too self-glorious temper rot + Into a deep sleep, and the Kingdom with you, + Till forraign swords be in your throats, and slaughter + Be every where about you like your flatterers. + Do, kill me. + +_Arb_. + + Prethee be tamer, good _Mardonius,_ + Thou know'st I love thee, nay I honour thee, + Believe it good old Souldier, I am thine; + But I am rack'd clean from my self, bear with me, + Woot thou bear with me my _Mardonius?_ + +_Enter_ Gobrias. + +_Mar_. + + There comes a good man, love him too, he's temperate, + You may live to have need of such a vertue, + Rage is not still in fashion. + +_Arb_. + + Welcome good _Gobrias_. + +_Gob_. + + My service and this letter to your Grace. + +_Arb_. + + From whom? + +_Gob_. + + From the rich Mine of vertue and beauty, + Your mournfull Sister. + +_Arb_. + +She is in prison, _Gobrias,_ is she not? + +_Gob_. + + She is Sir, till your pleasure to enlarge her, + Which on my knees I beg. Oh 'tis not fit, + That all the sweetness of the world in one, + The youth and vertue that would tame wild Tygers, + And wilder people, that have known no manners, + Should live thus cloistred up; for your loves sake, + If there be any in that noble heart, + To her a wretched Lady, and forlorn, + Or for her love to you, which is as much + As nature and obedience ever gave, + Have pity on her beauties. + +_Arb_. + + Pray thee stand up; 'Tis true, she is too fair, + And all these commendations but her own, + Would thou had'st never so commended her, + Or I nere liv'd to have heard it _Gobrias;_ + If thou but know'st the wrong her beautie does her, + Thou wouldst in pity of her be a lyar, + Thy ignorance has drawn me wretched man, + Whither my self nor thou canst well tell: O my fate! + I think she loves me, but I fear another + Is deeper in her heart: How thinkst thou _Gobrias_? + +_Gob_. + + I do beseech your Grace believe it not, + For let me perish if it be not false. Good Sir, read her Letter. + +_Mar_. + + This Love, or what a devil it is I know not, begets more mischief + than a Wake. I had rather be well beaten, starv'd, or lowsie, + than live within the Air on't. He that had seen this brave fellow + Charge through a grove of Pikes but t'other day, and look upon + him now, will ne'r believe his eyes again: if he continue thus + but two days more, a Taylor may beat him with one hand tied + behind him. + +_Arb_. + + Alas, she would be at liberty. + And there be a thousand reasons _Gobrias,_ + Thousands that will deny't: + Which if she knew, she would contentedly + Be where she is: and bless her vertues for it, + And me, though she were closer, she would, _Gobrias,_ + Good man indeed she would. + +_Gob_. + + Then good Sir, for her satisfaction, + Send for her and with reason make her know + Why she must live thus from you. + +_Arb_. + + I will; go bring her to me. + + [_Exeunt all_. + +_Enter_ Bessus, _And two Sword-men, and a Boy_. + +_Bes_. + + Y'are very welcome both; some stools boy, + And reach a Table; Gentlemen o'th' Sword, + Pray sit without more complement; be gone child. + I have been curious in the searching of you, + Because I understand you wise and valiant persons. + +_1_. + + We understand our selves Sir. + +_Bes_. + + Nay Gentlemen, and dear friends o'th' Sword, + No complement I pray, but to the cause + I hang upon, which in few, is my honour. + +_2_. + + You cannot hang too much Sir, for your honour, + But to your cause. + +_Bes_. + + Be wise, and speak truth, my first doubt is, + My beating by my Prince. + +_1_. + + Stay there a little Sir, do you doubt a beating? + Or have you had a beating by your Prince? + +_Bes_. + + Gentlemen o'th' Sword, my Prince has beaten me. + +_2_. + + Brother, what think you of this case? + +_1_. + + If he has beaten him, the case is clear. + +_2_. + + If he have beaten him, I grant the case; + But how? we cannot be too subtil in this business, + I say, but how? + +_Bes_. + + Even with his Royal hand. + +_1_. + + Was it a blow of love, or indignation? + +_Bes_. + + 'Twas twenty blows of indignation, Gentlemen, + Besides two blows o'th face. + +_2_. + + Those blows o'th' face have made a new cause on't, + The rest were but an horrible rudeness. + +_1_. + + Two blows o'th' face, and given by a worse man, I must confess, + as the Sword-men say, had turn'd the business: Mark me brother, + by a worse man; but being by his Prince, had they been ten, and + those ten drawn teeth, besides the hazard of his nose for ever; + all this had been but favours: this is my flat opinion, which + I'le die in. + +_2_. + + The King may do much Captain, believe it; for had he crackt your + Scull through, like a bottle, or broke a Rib or two with tossing + of you, yet you had lost no honour: This is strange you may + imagine, but this is truth now Captain. + +_Bes_. + + I will be glad to embrace it Gentlemen; + But how far may he strike me? + +_1_. + + There is another: a new cause rising from the time and distance, + in which I will deliver my opinion: he may strike, beat, or cause + to be beaten: for these are natural to man: your Prince, I say, + may beat you, so far forth as his dominion reacheth, that's for + the distance; the time, ten miles a day, I take it. + +_2_. + + Brother, you err, 'tis fifteen miles a day, + His stage is ten, his beatings are fifteen. + +_Bes_. + + 'Tis the longest, but we subjects must-- + +_1_. + + Be subject to it; you are wise and vertuous. + +_Bes_. + + Obedience ever makes that noble use on't, + To which I dedicate my beaten body; + I must trouble you a little further, Gentlemen o'th' Sword. + +_2_. + + No trouble at all to us Sir, if we may + Profit your understanding, we are bound + By vertue of our calling to utter our opinions, + Shortly, and discreetly. + +_Bes_. + + My sorest business is, I have been kick'd. + +_2_. + + How far Sir? + +_Bes_. + + Not to flatter my self in it, all over, my sword forc'd but not + lost; for discreetly I rendred it to save that imputation. + +_1_. + + It shew'd discretion, the best part of valour. + +_2_. + + Brother, this is a pretty cause, pray ponder on't; + Our friend here has been kick'd. + +_1_. + + He has so, brother. + +_2_. + + Sorely he saies: Now, had he set down here + Upon the meer kick, 't had been Cowardly. + +_1_. + + I think it had been Cowardly indeed. + +_2_. + + But our friend has redeem'd it in delivering + His sword without compulsion; and that man + That took it of him, I pronounce a weak one, + And his kicks nullities. + He should have kick'd him after the delivering + Which is the confirmation of a Coward. + +_1_. + + Brother, I take it, you mistake the question; + For, say that I were kick'd. + +_2_. + + I must not say so; + Nor I must not hear it spoke by the tongue of man. + You kick'd, dear brother! you're merry. + +_1_. + + But put the case I were kick'd? + +_2_. + + Let them put it that are things weary of their lives, and know + not honour; put the case you were kick'd? + +_1_. + + I do not say I was kickt. + +_2_. + + Nor no silly creature that wears his head without a Case, his + soul in a Skin-coat: You kickt dear brother? + +_Bes_. + + Nay Gentlemen, let us do what we shall do, + Truly and honest[l]y; good Sirs to the question. + +_1_. + + Why then I say, suppose your Boy kick't, Captain? + +_2_. + + The Boy may be suppos'd is liable. + +_1_. + + A foolish forward zeal Sir, in my friend; + But to the Boy, suppose the Boy were kickt. + +_Bes_. + + I do suppose it. + +_1_. + + Has your Boy a sword? + +_Bes_. + + Surely no; I pray suppose a sword too. + +_1_. + + I do suppose it; you grant your Boy was kick't then. + +_2_. + + By no means Captain, let it be supposed still; the word grant, + makes not for us. + +_1_. + + I say this must be granted. + +_2_ + + This must be granted brother? + +_1_. + + I, this must be granted. + +_2_. + + Still this must? + +_1_. + + I say this must be granted. + +_2_. + + I, give me the must again, brother, you palter. + +_1_. + + I will not hear you, wasp. + +_2_. + + Brother, I say you palter, the must three times together; I wear + as sharp Steel as another man, and my Fox bites as deep, musted, + my dear brother. But to the cause again. + +_Bes_. + + Nay look you Gentlemen. + +_2_. + + In a word, I ha' done. + +_1_. + + A tall man but intemperate, 'tis great pity; + Once more suppose the Boy kick'd. + +_2_. + + Forward. + +_1_. + + And being thorowly kick'd, laughs at the kicker. + +_2_ + + So much for us; proceed. + +_1_. + + And in this beaten scorn, as I may call it, + Delivers up his weapon; where lies the error? + +_Bes_. + + It lies i'th' beating Sir, I found it four dayes since. + +_2_. + + The error, and a sore one as I take it, + Lies in the thing kicking. + +_Bes_. + + I understand that well, 'tis so indeed Sir. + +_1_. + + That is according to the man that did it. + +_2_. + + There springs a new branch, whose was the foot? + +_Bes_. + + A Lords. + +_1_. + + The cause is mighty, but had it been two Lords, + And both had kick'd you, if you laugh, 'tis clear. + +_Bes_. + + I did laugh, + But how will that help me, Gentlemen? + +_2_. + + Yes, it shall help you if you laught aloud. + +_Bes_. + + As loud as a kick'd man could laugh, I laught Sir. + +_1_. + + My reason now, the valiant man is known + By suffering and contemning; you have + Enough of both, and you are valiant. + +_2_. + + If he be sure he has been kick'd enough: + For that brave sufferance you speak of brother, + Consists not in a beating and away, + But in a cudgell'd body, from eighteen + To eight and thirty; in a head rebuk'd + With pots of all size, degrees, stools, and bed-staves, + This showes a valiant man. + +_Bes_. + + Then I am valiant, as valiant as the proudest, + For these are all familiar things to me; + Familiar as my sleep, or want of money, + All my whole body's but one bruise with beating, + I think I have been cudgell'd with all nations, + And almost all Religions. + +_2_. + + Embrace him brother, this man is valiant, + I know it by my self, he's valiant. + +_1_. + + Captain, thou art a valiant Gentleman, + To bide upon, a very valiant man. + +_Bes_. + + My equall friends o'th'Sword, I must request your hands to this. + +_2_. + + 'Tis fit it should be. + +_Bes_. + + Boy, get me some wine, and pen and Ink within: + Am I clear, Gentlemen? + +_1_. + + Sir, the world has taken notice what we have done, + Make much of your body, for I'll pawn my steel, + Men will be coyer of their legs hereafter. + +_Bes_. + + I must request you goe along and testife to the Lord _Bacurius_, + whose foot has struck me, how you find my cause. + +_2_. + + We will, and tell that Lord he must be rul'd, + Or there are those abroad, will rule his Lordship. + + [_Exeunt_. + +_Enter_ Arbaces _at one door, and_ Gob. _and_ Panthea _at +another_. + +_Gob_. + + Sir, here's the Princess. + +_Arb_. + + Leave us then alone, + For the main cause of her imprisonment + Must not be heard by any but her self. + + [_Exit_ Gob. + + You're welcome Sister, and would to heaven + I could so bid you by another name: + If you above love not such sins as these, + Circle my heart with thoughts as cold as snow + To quench these rising flames that harbour here. + +_ [P]an_. + + Sir, does it please you I should speak? + +_Arb_. + + Please me? + I, more than all the art of musick can, + Thy speech doth please me, for it ever sounds, + As thou brought'st joyfull unexpected news; + And yet it is not fit thou shouldst be heard. + I pray thee think so. + +_Pan_. + + Be it so, I will. + Am I the first that ever had a wrong + So far from being fit to have redress, + That 'twas unfit to hear it? I will back + To prison, rather than disquiet you, + And wait till it be fit. + +_Arb_. + + No, do not goe; + For I will hear thee with a serious thought: + I have collected all that's man about me + Together strongly, and I am resolv'd + To hear thee largely, but I do beseech thee, + Do not come nearer to me, for there is + Something in that, that will undoe us both. + +_Pan_. + + Alas Sir, am I venome? + +_Arb_. + + Yes, to me; + Though of thy self I think thee to be + In equall degree of heat or cold, + As nature can make: yet as unsound men + Convert the sweetest and the nourishing'st meats + Into diseases; so shall I distemper'd, + Do thee, I pray thee draw no nearer to me. + +_Pan_. + + Sir, this is that I would: I am of late + Shut from the world, and why it should be thus, + Is all I wish to know. + +_Arb_. + + Why credit me _Panthea_, + Credit me that am thy brother, + Thy loving brother, that there is a cause + Sufficient, yet unfit for thee to know, + That might undoe thee everlastingly, + Only to hear, wilt thou but credit this? + By Heaven 'tis true, believe it if thou canst. + +_Pan_. + + Children and fools are ever credulous, + And I am both, I think, for I believe; + If you dissemble, be it on your head; + I'le back unto my prison: yet me-thinks + I might be kept in some place where you are; + For in my self, I find I know not what + To call it, but it is a great desire + To see you often. + +_Arb_. + + Fie, you come in a step, what do you mean? + Dear sister, do not so: Alas _Panthea_, + Where I am would you be? Why that's the cause + You are imprison'd, that you may not be + Where I am. + +_Pan_. + +Then I must indure it Sir, Heaven keep you. + +_Arb_. + + Nay, you shall hear the case in short _Panthea_, + And when thou hear'st it, thou wilt blush for me, + And hang thy head down like a Violet + Full of the mornings dew: There is a way + To gain thy freedome, but 'tis such a one + As puts thee in worse bondage, and I know, + Thou wouldst encounter fire, and make a proof + Whether the gods have care of innocence, + Rather than follow it: Know that I have lost, + The only difference betwixt man and beast, + My reason. + +_Pan_. + + Heaven forbid. + +_Arb_. + + Nay 'tis gone; + And I am left as far without a bound, + As the wild Ocean, that obeys the winds; + Each sodain passion throwes me where it lists, + And overwhelms all that oppose my will: + I have beheld thee with a lustfull eye; + My heart is set on wickedness to act + Such sins with thee, as I have been afraid + To think of, if thou dar'st consent to this, + Which I beseech thee do not, thou maist gain + Thy liberty, and yield me a content; + If not, thy dwelling must be dark and close, + Where I may never see thee; For heaven knows + That laid this punishment upon my pride, + Thy sight at some time will enforce my madness + To make a start e'ne to thy ravishing; + Now spit upon me, and call all reproaches + Thou canst devise together, and at once + Hurle'em against me: for I am a sickness + As killing as the plague, ready to seize thee. + +_Pan_. + + Far be it from me to revile the King: + But it is true, that I shall rather choose + To search out death, that else would search out me, + And in a grave sleep with my innocence, + Than welcome such a sin: It is my fate, + To these cross accidents I was ordain'd, + And must have patience; and but that my eyes + Have more of woman in 'em than my heart, + I would not weep: Peace enter you again. + +_Arb_. + + Farwell, and good _Panthea_ pray for me, + Thy prayers are pure, that I may find a death + However soon before my passions grow + That they forget what I desire is sin; + For thither they are tending: if that happen, + Then I shall force thee tho' thou wert a Virgin + By vow to Heaven, and shall pull a heap + Of strange yet uninvented sin upon me. + +_Pan_. + + Sir, I will pray for you, yet you shall know + It is a sullen fate that governs us, + For I could wish as heartily as you + I were no sister to you, I should then + Imbrace your lawfull love, sooner than health. + +_Arb_. + + Couldst thou affect me then? + +_Pan_. + + So perfectly, + That as it is, I ne're shall sway my heart, + To like another. + +_Arb_. + + Then I curse my birth, + Must this be added to my miseries + That thou art willing too? is there no stop + To our full happiness, but these meer sounds + Brother and Sister? + +_Pan_. + + There is nothing else, + But these alas will separate us more + Than twenty worlds betwixt us. + +_Arb_. + + I have liv'd + To conquer men and now am overthrown + Only by words Brother and Sister: where + Have those words dwelling? I will find 'em out, + And utterly destroy 'em; but they are + Not to be grasp'd: let 'em be men or beasts, + And I will cut 'em from the Earth, or Towns, + And I will raze 'em, and the[n] blow 'em up: + Let 'em be Seas, and I will drink 'em off, + And yet have unquencht fire left in my breast: + Let 'em be any thing but meerly voice. + +_Pan_. + + But 'tis not in the power of any force, + Or policy to conquer them. + +_Arb_. + + _Panthea_, What shall we do? + Shall we stand firmly here, and gaze our eyes out? + +_Pan_. + + Would I could do so, + But I shall weep out mine. + +_Arb_. + + Accursed man, + Thou bought'st thy reason at too dear a rate, + For thou hast all thy actions bounded in + With curious rules, when every beast is free: + What is there that acknowledges a kindred + But wretched man? Who ever saw the Bull + Fearfully leave the Heifer that he lik'd + Because they had one Dam? + +_Pan_. + + Sir, I disturb you and my self too; + 'Twere better I were gone. + +_Arb_. + + I will not be so foolish as I was, + Stay, we will love just as becomes our births, + No otherwise: Brothers and Sisters may + Walk hand in hand together; so will we, + Come nearer: is there any hurt in this? + +_Pan_. + + I hope not. + +_Arb_. + + Faith there is none at all: + And tell me truly now, is there not one + You love above me? + +_Pan_. + + No by Heaven. + +_Arb_. + + Why yet you sent unto _Tigranes_, Sister. + +_Pan_. + + True, but for another: for the truth-- + +_Arb_. + + No more, + I'le credit thee, thou canst not lie, + Thou art all truth. + +_Pan_. + + But is there nothing else, + That we may do, but only walk? methinks + Brothers and Sisters lawfully may kiss. + +_Arb_. + + And so they may _Panthea_, so will we, + And kiss again too; we were too scrupulous, + And foolish, but we will be so no more. + +_Pan_. + + If you have any mercy, let me go + To prison, to my death, to any thing: + I feel a sin growing upon my blood, + Worse than all these, hotter than yours. + +_Arb_. + + That is impossible, what shou'd we do? + +_Pan_. + + Flie Sir, for Heavens sake. + +_Arb_. + + So we must away, + Sin grows upon us more by this delay. + + [_Exeunt several wayes_. + + + + + +_Actus Quintus_. + + +_Enter_ Mardonius _And_ Lygones. + +_Mar_. + + Sir, the King has seen your Commission, and believes it, and + freely by this warrant gives you power to visit Prince Tigranes, + your Noble Master. + +_Lygr_. + + I thank his Grace and kiss his hand. + +_Mar_. + + But is the main of all your business ended in this? + +_Lyg_. + +I have another, but a worse, I am asham'd, it is a business. + +_Mar_. + + You serve a worthy person, and a stranger I am sure you are; you + may imploy me if you please without your purse, such Offices + should ever be their own rewards. + +_Lyg_. + + I am bound to your Nobleness. + +_Mar_. + + I may have need of you, and then this courtesie, + If it be any, is not ill bestowed; + But may I civilly desire the rest? + I shall not be a hurter if no helper. + +_Lyg_. + + Sir you shall know I have lost a foolish Daughter, + And with her all my patience, pilfer'd away + By a mean Captain of your Kings. + +_Mar_. + + Stay there Sir: + If he have reacht the Noble worth of Captain, + He may well claim a worthy Gentlewoman, + Though she were yours, and Noble. + +_Lyg_. + + I grant all that too: but this wretched fellow + Reaches no further than the empty name + That serves to feed him; were he valiant, + Or had but in him any noble nature + That might hereafter promise him a good man, + My cares were so much lighter, and my grave + A span yet from me. + +_Mar_. + + I confess such fellows + Be in all Royal Camps, and have and must be, + To make the sin of Coward more detested + In the mean souldier that with such a foil + Sets off much valour. By description + I should now guess him to you, it was _Bessus_, + I dare almost with confidence pronounce it. + +_Lyg_. + + 'Tis such a scurvie name as _Bessus_, and now I think 'tis he. + +_Mar_. + + Captain do you call him? + Believe me Sir, you have a misery + Too mighty for your age: A pox upon him, + For that must be the end of all his service: + Your Daughter was not mad Sir? + +_Lyg_. + + No, would she had been, + The fault had had more credit: I would do something. + +_Mar_. + + I would fain counsel you, but to what I know not, he's so below a + beating, that the Women find him not worthy of their Distaves, + and to hang him were to cast away a Rope; he's such an Airie, + thin unbodyed Coward, that no revenge can catch him: I'le tell + you Sir, and tell you truth; this Rascal fears neither God nor + man, he has been so beaten: sufferance has made him Wainscot: he + has had since he was first a slave, at least three hundred + Daggers set in's head, as little boys do new Knives in hot meat, + there's not a Rib in's body o' my Conscience that has not been + thrice broken with dry beating: and now his sides look like two + Wicker Targets, every way bended; Children will shortly take him + for a Wall, and set their Stone-bows in his forehead, he is of so + base a sense, I cannot in a week imagine what shall be done to + him. + +_Lyg_. + + Sure I have committed some great sin + That this fellow should be made my Rod, + I would see him, but I shall have no patience. + +_Mar_. + + 'Tis no great matter if you have not: if a Laming of him, or + such a toy may do you pleasure Sir, he has it for you, and I'le + help you to him: 'tis no news to him to have a Leg broken, or + Shoulder out, with being turn'd o'th' stones like a Tansie: draw + not your Sword if you love it; for on my Conscience his head will + break it: we use him i'th' Wars like a Ram to shake a wall + withal. Here comes the very person of him, do as you shall find + your temper, I must leave you: but if you do not break him like a + Bisket, you are much to blame Sir. + + [_Exit_ Mar. + + _Enter_ Bessus _And the Sword men_. + +_Lyg_. + + Is your name _Bessus_? + +_Bes_. + + Men call me Captain Bessus. + +_Lyg_. + + Then Ca[p]tain _Bessus_, you are a rank rascall, without more + exordiums, a durty frozen slave; and with the favor of your + friends here I will beat you. + +_2 Sword_. + + Pray use your pleasure Sir, + You seem to be a Gentleman. + +_Lyg_. + + Thus Captain _Bessus_, thus; thus twing your nose, thus kick, + thus tread you. + +_Bes_. + + I do beseech you yield your cause Sir quickly. + +_Lyg_. + + Indeed I should have told that first. + +_Bes_. + + I take it so. + +_1 Sword_. + + Captain, he should indeed, he is mistaken. + +_Lyg_. + + Sir, you shall have it quickly, and more beating, +you have stoln away a Lady, Captain coward, and such an +one. + + _beats him_. + +_Bes_. + + Hold, I beseech you, hold Sir, I never yet stole any living thing + that had a tooth about it. + +_Lyg_. + + I know you dare lie. + +_Bes_. + + With none but Summer Whores upon my life Sir, my means and + manners never could attempt above a hedge or hay-cock. + +_Lyg_. + + Sirra, that quits not me, where is this Lady? do that you do not + use to do; tell truth, or by my hand, I'le beat your Captains + brains out, wash'em, and put 'em in again, that will I. + +_Bes_. + + There was a Lady Sir, I must confess, once in my charge: the + Prince Tigranes gave her to my guard for her safety, how I us'd + her, she may her self report, she's with the Prince now: I did + but wait upon her like a groom, which she will testife I am sure: + if not, my brains are at your service when you please Sir, and + glad I have 'em for you. + + _Lyg_. + + This is most likely, Sir, I ask you pardon, and am sorry I was so + intemperate. + +_Bes_. + + Well I can ask no more, you will think it strange not to have me + beat you at first sight. + +_Lyg_. + + Indeed I would, but I know your goodness can forget twenty + beatings, you must forgive me. + +_Bes_. + + Yes there's my hand, go where you will, I shall think you a + valiant fellow for all this. + +_Lyg_. + + My da[u]ghter is a Whore, I feel it now too sensible; yet I will + see her, discharge my self from being father to her, and then + back to my Country, and there die, farwell Captain. + + [_Exit Lygo_. + +_Bes_. + + Farwell Sir, farwell, commend me to the gentlewoman I pray. + +_1 Sword_. + + How now Captain? bear up man. + +_Bes_. + + Gentlemen o'th'sword, your hands once more; I have been kickt + agen, but the foolish fellow is penitent, has askt me Mercy, and + my honour's safe. + +_2 Sword_. + + We knew that, or the foolish fellow had better have kickt his + grandsir. + +_Bes_. + + Confirm, confirm I pray. + +_1 Sword_. + + There be our hands agen, now let him come and say he was not + sorry, and he sleeps for it. + +_Bes_. + + Alas good ignorant old man, let him go, let him go, these courses + will undo him. + + [_Exeunt clear_. + + _Enter_ Lygones _And_ Bacurius. + +_Bac_. + + My Lord, your authority is good, and I am glad it is so, for my + consent would never hinder you from seeing your own King, I am a + Minister, but not a governor of this State, yonder is your King, + I'le leave you. + + [_Exit_. + + _Enter_ Tigranes _And_ Spaconia. + +_Lyg_. + + There he is indeed, and with him my disloyal child. + +_Tigr_. + + I do perceive my fault so much, that yet me thinks thou shouldst + not have forgiven me. + +_Lyg_. + + Health to your Majesty. + +_Tigr_. + + What? good _Lygones_ welcome, what business brought thee hither? + +_Lyg_. + + Several businesses. My publick businesses will appear by this, I + have a message to deliver, which if it please you so to + authorize, is an embassage from the Armenian State, unto Arbaces + for your liberty: the offer's there set down, please you to read + it. + +_Tigr_. + + There is no alteration happened since I came thence? + +_Lyg_. + + None Sir, all is as it was. + +_Tigr_. + + And all our friends are well? + +_Lyg_. + + All very well. + +_Spa_. + + Though I have done nothing but what was good, I dare not see my + Father, it was fault enough not to acquaint him with that good. + +_Lyg_. + + Madam I should have seen you. + +_Spa_. + + O good Sir forgive me. + +_Lyg_. + + Forgive you, why? I am no kin to you, am I? + +_Spa_. + + Should it be measur'd by my mean deserts, indeed you are not. + +_Lyg_. + + Thou couldest prate unhappily ere thou couldst go, would thou + couldst do as well, and how does your custome hold out here? + +_Spa_. + + Sir? + +_Lyg_. + + Are you in private still, or how? + +_Spa_. + + What do you mean? + +_Lyg_. + + Do you take mony? are you come to sell sin yet? perhaps I can + help you to liberal Clients: or has not the King cast you off + yet? O thou vile creature, whose best commendation is, that thou + art a young whore, I would thy Mother had liv'd to see this, or + rather that I had died ere I had seen it; why didst not make me + acquainted when thou wert first resolv'd to be a whore, I would + have seen thy hot lust satisfied more privately: I would have + kept a dancer and a whole consort of musicians in my own house + only to fiddle thee. + +_Spa_. + + Sir, I was never whore. + +_Lyg_. + + If thou couldst not say so much for thy self, thou shouldst be + carted. + +_Tigr_. + + _Lygones_, I have read it, and I like it, you shall deliver it. + +_Lyg_. + + Well Sir, I will: but I have private business with you. + +_Tigr_. + + Speak, what is't? + +_Lyg_. How has my age deserv'd so ill of you, that you can +pick no strumpets i'th' land, but out of my breed? + +_Tigr_. + + Strumpets, good _Lygones_? + +_Lyg_. + + Yes, and I wish to have you know, I scorn to get a whore for any + prince alive, and yet scorn will not help methinks: my Daughter + might have been spar'd, there were enow besides. + +_Tigr_. + + May I not prosper but she's innocent as morning light for me, and + I dare swear for all the world. + +_Lyg_. + + Why is she with you then? can she wait on you better than your + man, has she a gift in plucking off your stockings, can she make + Cawdles well or cut your cornes? Why do you keep her with you? + For a Queen I know you do contemn her, so should I, and every + subject else think much at it. + +_Tigr_. + + Let 'em think much, but 'tis more firm than earth: thou see'st + thy Queen there. + +_Lyg_. + + Then have I made a fair hand, I call'd her Whore. If I shall + speak now as her Father, I cannot chuse but greatly rejoyce that + she shall be a Queen: but if I shall speak to you as a + States-man, she were more fit to be your whore. + +_Tigr_. + + Get you about your business to _Arbaces_, now you talk idlely. + +_Lyg_. + + Yes Sir, I will go, and shall she be a Queen? she had more wit + than her old Father, when she ran away: shall she be Queen? now + by my troth 'tis fine, I'le dance out of all measure at her + wedding: shall I not Sir? + +_Tigr_. + + Yes marry shalt thou. + +_Lyg_. + + I'le make these withered kexes bear my body two hours together + above ground. + +_Tigr_. + + Nay go, my business requires hast. + +_Lyg_. + + Good Heaven preserve you, you are an excellent King. + +_Spa_. + + Farwell good Father. + +_Lyg_. + + Farwell sweet vertuous Daughter, I never was so joyfull in all my + life, that I remember: shall she be a Queen? Now I perceive a man + may weep for joy, I had thought they had lyed that said so. + + [_Exit_ Lygones. + +_Tigr_. + + Come my dear love. + +_Spa_. + + But you may see another may alter that again. + +_Tigr_. + + Urge it no more, I have made up a new strong constancy, not to be + shook with eyes: I know I have the passions of a man, but if I + meet with any subject that should hold my eyes more firmly than + is fit, I'le think of thee, and run away from it: let that + suffice. + + [_Exeunt all_. + + _Enter_ Bacurius _And his Servant_. + +_Bac_. + + Three Gentlemen without to speak with me? + +_Ser_. + + Yes Sir. + +_Bac_. + + Let them come in. + + _Enter_ Bessus _with the two Sword-men_. + +_Ser_. + + They are entred Sir already. + +_Bac_. + + Now fellows your business? are these the Gentlemen? + +_Bes_. + + My Lord, I have made bold to bring these Gentlemen, my friends + o'th' Sword along with me. + +_Bac_. + + I am afraid you'l fight then. + +_Bes_. + + My good Lord, I will not, your Lordship is much mistaken, fear + not Lord. + +_Bac_. + + Sir, I am sorry for't. + +_Bes_. + + I ask no more in honour, Gentlemen you hear my Lord is sorry. + +_Bac_. + + Not that I have beaten you, but beaten one that will be beaten: + one whose dull body will require a laming, as Surfeits do the + diet, spring and fall; now to your Sword-men; what come they for, + good Captain Stock-fish? + +_Bes_. + + It seems your Lordship has forgot my name. + +_Bac_. + + No, nor your nature neither, though they are things fitter I must + confess for any thing, than my remembrance, or any honest mans: + what shall these Billets do; be pil'd up in my wood-yard? + +_Bes_. + + Your Lordship holds your mirth still, Heaven continue it: but for + these Gentlemen, they come-- + + _Bac_. + + To swear you are a Coward, spare your book, I do believe it. + +_Bes_. + + Your Lordship still draws wide, they come to vouch under their + valiant hands I am no Coward. + +_Bac_. + + That would be a show indeed worth seeing: sirra be wise, and take + Mony for this motion, travel with it, and where the name of + _Bessus_ has been known or a good Coward stirring, 'twill yield + more than a tilting. This will prove more beneficial to you, if + you be thrifty, than your Captainship, and more natural: men of + most valiant hands is this true? + +_2 Sword_. + + It is so, most renowned. + +_Bac_. + + 'Tis somewhat strange. + +_1 Sword_. + + Lord, it is strange, yet true; we have examined from your + Lordships foot there, to this mans head, the nature of the + beatings; and we do find his honour is come off clean and + sufficient: this as our swords shall help us. + +_Bac_. + + You are much bound to your Bil-bow-men, I am glad you are + straight again Captain; 'twere good you would think on some way + to gratifie them, they have undergone a labour for you, _Bessus_ + would have puzl'd _hercules_ with all his valour. + +_2 Sword_. + + Your Lordship must understand we are no men o'th' Law, that take + pay for our opinions: it is sufficient we have clear'd our + friend. + +_Bac_. + + Yet there is something due, which I as toucht in Conscience will + discharge Captain; I'le pay this Rent for you. + +_Bes_. + + Spare your self my good Lord; my brave friends aim at nothing but + the vertue. + +_Bac_. + + That's but a cold discharge Sir for the pains. + +_2 Sword_. + + O Lord, my good Lord. + +_Bac_. + + Be not so modest, I will give you something. + +_Bes_. + + They shall dine with your Lordship, that's sufficient. + +_Bac_. + + Something in hand the while, you Rogues, you Apple-squires: do + you come hither with your botled valour, your windy froth, to + limit out my beatings? + +_1 Sword_. + + I do beseech your Lordship. + +_2 Sword_. + + O good Lord. + +_Bac_. + + S'foot-what a heavy of beaten slaves are here! get me a Cudgel + sirra, and a tough one. + +_2 Sword_. + + More of your foot, I do beseech your Lordship. + +_Bac_. + + You shall, you shall dog, and your fellow-beagle. + +_1 Sword_. + + O' this side good my Lord. + +_Bac_. + + Off with your swords, for if you hurt my foot, I'le have you + flead you Rascals. + +_1 Sword_. + + Mine's off my Lord. + +_2 Sword_. + + I beseech your Lordship stay a little, my strap's tied to my Cod + piece-point: now when you please. + +_Bac_. + + Captain these are your valiant friends, you long for a little + too? + +_Bes_. + + I am very well, I humbly thank your Lordship. + +_Bac_. + + What's that in your pocket, hurts my Toe you Mungril? Thy + Buttocks cannot be so hard, out with it quickly. + +_2 Sword_. + + Here 'tis Sir, a small piece of Artillery, that a Gentleman a + dear friend of your Lordships sent me with, to get it mended Sir, + for if you mark, the nose is somewhat loose. + +_Bac_. + + A friend of mine you Rascal? I was never wearier of doing any + thing, than kicking these two Foot-balls. + + _Enter_ Servant. + +_Serv_. + + Here is a good Cudgel Sir. + +_Bac_. + + It comes too late I'me weary, pray thee do thou beat them. + +_2 Sword_. + + My Lord, this is foul play i'faith, to put a fresh man upon us, + men are but men Sir. + +_Bac_. + + That jest shall save your bones; Captain, Rally up your rotten + Regiment and be gone: I had rather thrash than be bound to kick + these Rascals, till they cry'd ho; _Bessus_ you may put your hand + to them now, and then you are quit. Farewel, as you like this, + pray visit me again, 'twill keep me in good health. + + [_Exit_ Bac. + +_2 Sword_. + + H'as a devilish hard foot, I never felt the like. + +_1 Sword_. + + Nor I, and yet I am sure I have felt a hundred. + +_2 Sword_. + + If he kick thus i'th' Dog-daies, he will be dry foundred: what + cure now Captain besides Oyl of Baies? + +_Bes_. + + Why well enough I warrant you, you can go. + +_2 Sword_. + + Yes, heaven be thanked; but I feel a shrowd ach, sure h'as sprang + my huckle-bone. + +_1 Sword_. + + I ha' lost a hanch. + +_Bes_. + + A little butter, friend a little butter, butter and parseley and + a soveraign matter: _probatum est_. + +_2 Sword_. + + Captain we must request your hand now to our honours. + +_Bes_. + + Yes marry shall ye, and then let all the world come, we are + valiant to our selves, and there's an end. + +_1 Sword_. + + Nay then we must be valiant; O my ribs. + +_2 Sword_. + + O my small guts, a plague upon these sharp-toed shooes, they are + murtherers. + + [_Exeunt clear_. + + _Enter_ Arbaces _with his sword drawn_. + +_Arb_. + + It is resolv'd, I bare it whilst I could, I can no more, I must + begin with murther of my friends, and so go on to that incestuous + ravishing, and end my life and sins with a forbidden blow, upon + my self. + + _Enter_ Mardonius. + +_Mar_. + + What Tragedy is near? That hand was never wont to draw a sword, + but it cry'd dead to something. + +_Arb_. + + _Mardonius_, have you bid _Gobrias_ come? + +_Mar_. + + How do you Sir? + +_Arb_. + + Well, is he coming? + +_Mar_. + + Why Sir, are you thus? why do your hands proclaim a lawless War + against your self? + +_Arb_. + + Thou answerest me one question with an other, is _Gobrias_ + coming? + +_Mar_. + + Sir he is. + +_Arb_. + + 'Tis well, I can forbear your questions then, be gone. + +_Mar_. + + Sir, I have mark't. + +_Arb_. + + Mark less, it troubles you and me. + +_Mar_. + + You are more variable than you were. + +_Arb_. + + It may be so. + +_Mar_. + + To day no Hermit could be humbler than you were to us all. + +_Arb_. + + And what of this? + +_Mar_. + + And now you take new rage into your eyes, as you would look us + all out of the Land. + +_Arb_. + + I do confess it, will that satisfie? I prethee get thee gone. + +_Mar_. + + Sir, I will speak. + +_Arb_. + + Will ye? + +_Mar_. + + It is my duty. I fear you will kill your self: I am a subject, + and you shall do me wrong in't: 'tis my cause, and I may speak. + +_Arb_. + + Thou art not train'd in sin, it seems _Mardonius_: kill my self! + by Heaven I will not do it yet; and when I will, I'le tell thee + then: I shall be such a creature, that thou wilt give me leave + without a word. There is a method in mans wickedness, it grows up + by degrees: I am not come so high as killing of my self, there + are a hundred thousand sins 'twixt me and it, which I must doe, + and I shall come to't at last; but take my oath not now, be + satisfied, and get thee hence. + +_Mar_. + + I am sorry 'tis so ill. + +_Arb_. + + Be sorry then, true sorrow is alone, grieve by thy + self. + +_Mar_. + + I pray you let me see your Sword put up before I go: I'le leave + you then. + +_Arb_. + + Why so? what folly is this in thee, is it not as apt to mischief + as it was before? can I not reach it thinkst thou? these are + toyes for Children to be pleas'd with, and not men, now I am safe + you think: I would the book of fate were here, my Sword is not so + sure but I would get it out and mangle that, that all the + destinies should quite forget their fixt decrees, and hast to + make us new, for other fortunes, mine could not be worse, wilt + thou now leave me? + +_Mar_. + + Heaven put into your bosome temperate thoughts, I'le leave you + though I fear. + +_Arb_. + + Go, thou art honest, why should the hasty error of my youth be so + unpardonable to draw a sin helpless upon me? + + _Enter_ Gobrias. + +_Gob_. + + There is the King, now it is ripe. + +_Arb_. + + Draw near thou guilty man, that art the authour of the loathedst + crime five ages have brought forth, and hear me speak; curses + more incurable, and all the evils mans body or his Spirit can + receive be with thee. + +_Gob_. + + Why Sir do you curse me thus? + +_Arb_. + + Why do I curse thee? if there be a man subtil in curses, that + exceeds the rest, his worst wish on thee, thou hast broke my + heart. + +_Gob_. + + How Sir, have I preserv'd you from a child, from all the arrows, + malice, or ambition could shoot at you, and have I this for my + pay? + +_Arb_. + + 'Tis true, thou didst preserve me, and in that wert crueller than + hardned murtherers of infants and their Mothers! thou didst save + me only till thou hadst studied out a way how to destroy me + cunningly thy self: this was a curious way of torturing. + +_Gob_. + + What do you mean? + +_Arb_. + + Thou knowst the evils thou hast done to me; dost thou remember + all those witching letters thou sent'st unto me to Armenia, + fill'd with the praise of my beloved Sister, where thou extol'st + her beauty, what had I to do with that? what could her beauty be + to me? and thou didst write how well she lov'd me, dost thou + remember this? so that I doted something before I saw her. + +_Gob_. + + This is true. + +_Arb_. + + Is it? and when I was return'd thou knowst thou didst pursue it, + till thou woundst me into such a strange and unbeliev'd + affection, as good men cannot think on. + +_Gob_. + + This I grant, I think I was the cause. + +_Arb_. + + Wert thou? Nay more, I think thou meant'st it. + +_Gob_. + + Sir, I hate to lie, as I love Heaven and honesty, I did, it was + my meaning. + +_Arb_. + + Be thine own sad judge, a further condemnation will not need, + prepare thy self to dy. + +_Gob_. + + Why Sir to dy? + +_Arb_. + + Why shouldst thou live? was ever yet offender so impudent, that + had a thought of Mercy after confession of a crime like this? get + out I cannot where thou hurl'st me in, but I can take revenge, + that's all the sweetness left for me. + +_Gob_. + + Now is the time, hear me but speak. + +_Arb_. + + No, yet I will be far more mercifull than thou wert to me; thou + didst steal into me and never gav'st me warning: so much time as + I give thee now, had prevented thee for ever. Notwithstanding all + thy sins, if thou hast hope, that there is yet a prayer to save + thee, turn and speak it to thy self. + +_Gob_. + + Sir, you shall know your sins before you do'em, if you kill me. + +_Arb_. + + I will not stay then. + +_Gob_. + + Know you kill your Father. + +_Arb_. + + How? + +_Gob_. + + You kill your Father. + +_Arb_. + + My Father? though I know't for a lie, made out of fear to save + thy stained life; the very reverence of the word comes cross me, + and ties mine arm down. + +_Gob_. + + I will tell you that shall heighten you again, I am thy Father, I + charge thee hear me. + +_Arb_. + + If it should be so, as 'tis most false, and that I should be + found a Bastard issue, the despised fruit of lawless lust, I + should no more admire all my wild passions: but another truth + shall be wrung from thee: if I could come by the Spirit of pain, + it should be poured on thee, till thou allow'st thy self more + full of lies than he that teaches thee. + + _Enter_ Arane. + +_Ara_. + + Turn thee about, I come to speak to thee thou wicked man, hear me + thou tyrant. + +_Arb_. + + I will turn to thee, hear me thou Strumpet; I have blotted out + the name of Mother, as thou hast thy shame. + +_Ara_. + + My shame! thou hast less shame than any thing; why dost thou keep + my Daughter in a prison? why dost thou call her Sister, and do + this? + +_Arb_. + + Cease thy strange impudence, and answer quickly if thou + contemnest me, this will ask an answer, and have it. + +_Ara_. + + Help me Gentle _Gobrias_. + +_Arb_. + + Guilt [dare] not help guilt though they grow together in doing + ill, yet at the [punishment] they sever, and each flies the noise + of other, think not of help, answer. + +_Ara_. + + I will, to what? + +_Arb_. + + To such a thing, as if it be a truth think what a creature thou + hast made thy self, that didst not shame to do, what I must blush + only to ask thee: tell me who I am, whose son I am without all + circumstance, be thou as hasty as my Sword will be if thou + refusest. + +_Ara_. + + Why, you are his son. + +_Arb_. + + His Son? swear, swear, thou worse than woman damn'd. + +_Ara_. + + By all that's good you are. + +_Arb_. + + Then art thou all that ever was known bad, now is the cause of + all my strange mis-fortunes come to light: what reverence + expectest thou from a child, to bring forth which thou hast + offended heaven, thy husband, and the Land? adulterous witch, I + know now why thou wouldst have poyson'd me, I was thy lust which + thou wouldst have forgot: then wicked Mother of my sins, and me, + show me the way to the inheritance I have by thee: which is a + spacious world of impious acts, that I may soon possess it: + plagues rot thee, as thou liv'st, and such diseases, as use to + pay lust, recompence thy deed. + +_Gob_. + + You do not know why you curse thus. + +_Arb_. + + Too well; you are a pair of Vipers; and behold the Serpent you + have got; there is no beast but if he knew it, has a pedigree as + brave as mine, for they have more descents, and I am every way as + beastly got, as far without the compass of Law as they. + +_Ara_. + + You spend your rage and words in vain, and rail upon a guess; + hear us a little. + +_Arb_. + + No, I will never hear, but talk away my breath, and die. + +_Gob_. + + Why, but you are no Bastard. + +_Arb_. + + How's that? + +_Ara_. + + Nor child of mine. + +_Arb_. + + Still you go on in wonders to me. + +_Gob_. + + Pray you be more patient, I may bring comfort to you. + +_Arb_. + + I will kneel, and hear with the obedience of a child; good Father + speak, I do acknowledge you, so you bring comfort. + +_Gob_. + + First know, our last King, your supposed Father was old and + feeble when he married her, and almost all the Land thought she + was past hope of issue from him. + +_Arb_. + + Therefore she took leave to play the whore, because the King was + old: is this the comfort? + +_Ara_. + + What will you find out to give me satisfaction, when you find how + you have injur'd me? let fire consume me, if ever I were a whore. + +_Gob_. + + For-bear these starts, or I will leave you wedded to despair, as + you are now: if you can find a temper, my breath shall be a + pleasant western wind that cools and blasts not. + +_Arb_. + + Bring it out good Father. I'le lie, and listen here as reverently + as to an Angel: if I breath too loud, tell me; for I would be as + still as night. + +_Gob_. + + Our King I say, was old, and this our Queen desir'd to bring an + heir, but yet her husband she thought was past it, and to be + dishonest I think she would not: if she would have been, the + truth is, she was watcht so narrowly, and had so slender + opportunities, she hardly could have been: but yet her cunning + found out this way; she feign'd her self with child, and posts + were sent in hast throughout the Land, and humble thanks was + given in every Church, and prayers were made for her safe going + and delivery: she feign'd now to grow bigger, and perceiv'd this + hope of issue made her fear'd, and brought a far more large + respect from every man, and saw her power increase, and was + resolv'd, since she believ'd, she could not hav't indeed, at + least she would be thought to have a child. + +_Arb_. + + Do I not hear it well? nay I will make no noise at all; but pray + you to the point, quickly as you can. + +_Gob_. + + Now when the time was full, she should be brought to bed, I had a + Son born, which was you, this the Queen hearing of mov'd me to + let her have you; and such reasons she shewed me, as she knew + would tie my secrecie, she swore you should be King, and to be + short, I did deliver you unto her, and pretended you were dead, + and in mine own house kept a funeral, and had an empty coffin put + in Earth, that night this Queen feign'd hastily to labour and by + a pair of women of her own, which she had charm'd, she made the + world believe she was delivered of you. You grew up as the Kings + Son, till you were six years old; then did the King dye, and did + leave to me Protection of the Realm; and contrary to his own + expectation, left this Queen truely with child indeed, of the + fair Princess _Panthea_: then she could have torn her hair and + did alone to me, yet durst not speak in publick, for she knew she + should be found a traytor: and her tale would have been thought + madness, or any thing rather than truth. This was the only cause + why she did seek to poyson you, and I to keep you safe; and this + the reason, why I sought to kindle some sparks of love in you to + fair _Panthea_, that she might get part of her right again. + +_Arb_. + + And have you made an end now? is this all? if not, + I will be still till I be aged, till all my hairs be Silver. + +_Gob_. + + This is all. + +_Arb_. + + And is it true say you too Madam? + +_Ara_. + + Yes heaven knows it is most true. + +_Arb_. + + _Panthea_ then is not my Sister? + +_Gob_. + + No. + +_Arb_. But can you prove this? + +_Gob_. + + If you will give consent, else who dares go about it? + +_Arb_. + + Give consent? why I will have 'em all that know it rackt, to get + this from 'em, all that wait without, come in, what ere you be, + come in and be partakers of my joy, O you are welcome. + + _Enter_ Bessus, Gentlemen, Mardonius, _And other attendants_. + +_Arb_. + + The best news, nay draw no nearer, they all shall hear it, I am + found no King. + +_Mar_. + + Is that so good news? + +_Arb_. + + Yes the happiest news that ere was heard. + +_Mar_. + + Indeed 'twere well for you if you might be a little less obey'd. + +_Arb_. + + One call the Queen. + +_Mar_. + + Why she is there. + +_Arb_. + + The Queen _Mardonius_, _Panthea_ is the Queen and I am plain + _Arbaces_; go some one, she is in _Gobrias_ house, since I saw + you there are a thousand things delivered to me, you little dream + of. + + [_Exit a Gent_. + +_Mar_. + + So it should seem my Lord, what fury's this? + +_Gob_. + + Believe me 'tis no fury, all that he saies is truth. + +_Mar_. + + 'Tis very strange. + +_Arb_. + + Why do you keep your hats off Gentlemen? is it to me? I swear it + must not be; nay, trust me, in good faith it must not be; I + cannot now command you, but I pray you for the respect you bare + me, when you took me for your King, each man clap on his hat at + my desire. + +_Mar_. + + We will, you are not found so mean a man, but that you may be + cover'd as well as we, may you not? + +_Arb_. + + O not here, you may, but not I, for here is my Father in + presence. + +_Mar_. + + Where? + +_Arb_. + + Why there: O the whole story would be a wilderness to lose thy + self for ever: O pardon me dear Father for all the idle and + unreverent words that I have spoke in idle moods to you: I am + _Arbaces_, we all fellow-subjects, nor is the Queen _Panthea_ now + my Sister. + +_Bes_. + + Why if you remember fellow-subject _Arbaces_; I told you once + she was not your sister: I, and she lookt nothing like you. + +_Arb_. + + I think you did, good Captain _Bessus_. + +_Bes_. + + Here will arise another question now amongst the Sword-men, + whether I be to call him to account for beating me, now he is + proved no King. + + _Enter_ Lygones. + +_Mar_. + + Sir here's Lygones, the agent for the Armenian_ State. + +_Arb_. + + Where is he? I know your business good Lygones. + +_Lyg_. + + We must have our King again, and will. + +_Arb_. + + I knew that was your business: you shall have your King again, + and have him so again as never King was had, go one of you and + bid _Bacurius_ bring _Tigranes_ hither; and bring the Lady with + him, that _Panthea_, the Queen _Panthea_ sent me word this + [morning], was brave _Tigranes_ mistress. + + [_Ex. two Gent_. + +_Lyg_. + + 'Tis _Spaconia_. + +_Arb_. + + I, I, _Spaconia_. + +_Lyg_. + + She is my Daughter. + +_Arb_. + + She is so: I could now tell any thing I never heard: your King + shall go so home, as never man went. + +_Mar_. + + Shall he go on's head? + +_Arb_. + + He shall have chariots easier than air that I will have invented; + and ne're think one shall pay any ransome, and thy self that art + the messenger, shalt ride before him on a horse cut out of an + intire Diamond, that shall be made to go with golden wheeles, I + know not how yet. + +_Lyg_. + + Why I shall be made for ever? they beli'd this King with us, and + said he was unkind. + +_Arb_. + + And then thy Daughter, she shall have some strange thing, wee'l + have the Kingdom sold utterly, and put into a toy which she shall + wear about her carelesly some where or other. See the vertuous + Queen; behold the humblest subject that you have kneel here + before you. + + _Enter_ Panthea _And_ 1 Gent. + +_Pan_. + + Why kneel you to me that am your Vassal? + +_Arb_. + + Grant me one request. + +_Pan_. + + Alas what can I grant you? what I can, I will. + +_Arb_. + + That you will please to marry me if I can prove it lawfull. + +_Pan_. + + Is that all? more willingly than I would draw this air. + +_Arb_. + + I'le kiss this hand in earnest. + +_2 Gent_. + + Sir, _Tigranes_ is coming though he made it strange at first, to + see the Princess any more. + + _Enter_ Tigranes _And_ Spaconia. + +_Arb_. + + The Queen thou meanest, O my _Tigranes_. Pardon me, tread on my + neck, I freely offer it, and if thou beest so given take revenge, + for I have injur'd thee. + +_Tigr_. + + No, I forgive, and rejoyce more that you have found repentance, + than I my liberty. + +_Arb_. + + Mayest thou be happy in thy fair choice, for thou art temperate. + You owe no ransom to the state, know that I have a thousand joyes + to tell you of, which yet I dare not utter till I pay my thanks + to Heaven for 'em: Will you go with me and help me? pray you do. + +_Tigr_. + + I will. + +_Arb_. + + Take then your fair one with you; and you Queen of goodness and + of us, O give me leave to take your arm in mine: come every one + that takes delight in goodness, help to sing loud thanks for me, + that I am prov'd no King. + + * * * * * + + +(A) A King and no King. | Acted at the Globe, by his Majesties +Servants. | Written by Francis Beamount, and John Flecher. | At +London | Printed for Thomas Walkley, and are to bee sold | at his +shoppe at the Eagle and Childe in | Brittans-Bursse. 1619. + +(B) A King | and | No King. | Acted at the Blacke-Fryars, by his +| Majesties Servants. | And now the second time Printed, +according | to the true Copie. | Written by Francis Beamount and +| John Flecher. | London, | Printed for Thomas Walkley, and are +to be sold at | his shop at the Eagle and Childe in | +Brittans-Burse. 1625. + +(C) A King, | and | No King. | Acted at the Blacke-Fryars, by his +| Majesties Servants. | And now the third time Printed, according +| to the true Copie. | Written by Francis Beamont & John Fletcher +Gent. | The Stationer to | Dramatophilus. | A Play and no Play, +who this Booke shall read, | Will judge, and weepe, as if 'twere +done indeed. | London, | Printed by A. M. for Richard Hawkins, +and are to bee sold | at his Shop in Chancerie Lane, neere | +Serjeants Inne. 1631. + +(D) A King | and | No King. | Acted at the Black-Fryars, by his | +Majesties Servants. | And now the fourth time printed, according +| to the true Copie. | Written by Francis Beaumont & John +Fletcher Gent. | The Stationer to | Dramatophilus. | A Play and +no Play, who this Booke shall read, | Will judge, and weepe, as +if 'twere done indeed. London, | Printed by E. G. for William +Leake, and are to be sold | at his shop in Chancery-lane, neere +unto the | Rowles. 1639. + +(E) A King | and | No King. | Acted at the Black-Fryers, by his | +Majesties Servants. | And now the fifth time Printed, according | +To the true Copie. | Written by Francis Beaumont & John Fletcher +Gent. | The Statinor to | Dramatophilus.| A Play and no Play, who +this Book shall read, Will judge, and weep, as if 'twere done +indeed | London, | Printed for William Leak, and are to be sold +| at his shop at the signe of the Crown in Fleet-| street, +between the two temple Gates. 1655. + +On the back of the last page is printed a list of books printed +or sold by William Leake. + +(F) A | King, | and | No King. | Acted at the Black-Fryars, by +his | Majesties Servants. | And now the fourth time Printed, +according to | the true Copie. | Written by Francis Beaumont and +John Fletcher Gent. | The Stationer to | Dramatophilus. | A Play +and no Play, who this Book shall read, | Will judge, and weep, as +if 'twere done indeed. | London, Printed in the Year, 1661. + +(G) A | King | and | No King. | As it is now Acted at the | +Theatre Royal, | By | His Majesties Servants. | Written by +Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher Gent. | London: | Printed by +Andr. Clark, for William and John Leake at the | Crown in +Fleetstreet, betwixt the two Temple-gates. | M.DC.LXXVI. + +A contains on the title-page a wood-cut representing Arbaces with +his crown partly lifted from his head by a hand emerging from a +cloud. + +A prefixes the following dedication] + +To the Right Worshipfull and Worthie Knight, Sir Henrie Nevill. +Worthy Sir, I Present, or rather returne unto your view, that +which formerly hath beene received from you, hereby effecting +what you did desire: To commend the worke in my unlearned method, +were rather to detract from it, then to give it any luster. It +sufficeth it hath your Worships approbation and patronage, to the +commendation of the Authors, and incouragement of their further +labours: and thus wholy committing my selfe and it to your +Worships dispose I rest, ever readie to doe you service, not +onely in the like, but in what I may. + + Thomas Walkley. + +p. 149, l. 4. A and B _omit_ the List of Persons Represented in +the Play. C--F] The Personated Persons. G] The Persons +Represented. G _omits_] in the Play. G includes in its List of +The Persons Represented the names of the players of the chief +parts, viz.] Arbaces, Mr Hart; Tigranes, Mr Kynaston; Gobrias, Mr +Wintershall; Bacurius, Mr Lydall; Mardonius, Mr Mohun; Bessus, Mr +Lacy, or Mr Shottrell; Lygones, Mr Cartwright; Two Sword-men, Mr +Watson, Mr Haynes; Arane, Mrs Corey; Panthea, Mrs Cox; Spaconia, +Mrs Marshall. l. 12. Folio _misprints_] Ligoces. l. 21. C--G and +Folio] The Queenes Mother. l. 27. A--G omit] Actus primus. Scena +prima. G] Act I. l. 29. A _omits_] he. ll. 35 and 36. B] had's. + +p. 150, l. 2. A] them. l. 3. A] thou art. l. 5. A] and thou +couldst. l. 8. A] with me. l. 9. A--F] winkst. G] winkedst. l. +10. A] strake. 1. 17. A] I am glad. l. 19. A] of his owne. l. 21. +A] cruddles. B and G] crudles. l. 22. A] wouldst. A] in this +passion. l. 25. A] for it. I. 26. A] neither good Bessus. l. 27. +A] it is. l.30. A] I famed, I, I warrant you. I. 31. A] I am +verie heartily. I. 32. A] ever. A] ath' warres. B--G omit] is. l. +39. A, B and G] in shifting a. + +p. 151, 11. 4 and 5. A] desperate. l. 5. A omits] At. l. 8. A] +Prethee. l. 9. A, B and G] The Souldier. l. 10. A] meerely. l. +12. E] compasion. F] compassion. l. 14. B--F] a'th. l. 19. A, B +and G] not I. l. 21. A] mean'st. B, C and G] meant'st. D, E and +F] meanest. l. 26. A] the enemie. B] shouldest. l. 31. A--G] +proceedst. l. 33. A] Come, come. l. 34. A] comst. l. 37. A] +extreamities. l. 40. A] the prey. + +p. 152, ll. 1 and 2. In place of these lines A] Enter Arbaces and +Tigranes, with attendants. l. 2. B and C] two Kings, &c. The two +Gentlemen. l. 4. A] fall victorie. l. 9. A--G] are free as I. l. +18. A, B, C and G] yeare. l. 27. A _omits_] Tigr. l. 28. A--D and +G] Arbaces. l. 29. A] talkt: for in Armenia. + +p. 153, l. 11. A] Tigranes, no. l. 16. A] an Act. l. 17. A and G] +Fit for a God. B--F _omit_] man. l. 20. A] Its. l. 26. A] spoke. +A] not mee. l. 40. A] are something. + +p. 154, l. 8. A] to take. B and G] her for to take. l. 17. A] no +owne of. l. 18. A] Would finde. l. 19. A] off her damning. l. 20. +A] twenty times. l. 29. Folio] sight. l. 40. A] Some two. + +p. 155, l. 3. For _Exit Tigranes_ A] Exe. l. 8. B and G _omit_] +don't. A] don. l. 20. A] ift. l. 21. A and G] with you. l. 22. A] +sunke. l. 28. A] th' eare. l. 29. B and G] runne about his head. +A] bloud runne abouts head. l. 30. A] didst thou learn that at. +B--F] learn'st that at. G] learn'st thou that at. l. 31. A] Pust, +did I not. l. 33. A--F] Talke. l. 34. A] While you. A--G] words. + +p. 156, l. 6. A] to a chaire. l. 8. A--F] other. A] will take. l. +14. A] give mee audience. G _omits_] me. l. 16. A] soone one of +you. ll. 29 and 30. G _omits_] but I am grown To balk, but I +defie. l. 30. A] but I desire, let. l. 32. B, C and G] draulst. +D] drawlst. l. 34. G] in an instant. l. 36. A] An't. l. 38. A, B +and G] As yet you. l. 39. A] command mee else. + +p. 157, l. 11. B, C and G] Were great as. l. 12. A] that I might. +l. 14. A] with. l. 28. A _omits_] puffe. B and G _omit_ the +bracket, and print 'puffe' in roman type as part of the speech. +l. 29. D, E and F] rules. l. 34. A] Will you be gone. l. 35. A] +My word mooves. C--F] My words moves. l. 36. A] 2 Gent. l. 39. A] +That they will. B _omits_] you. A _omits_] Exeunt all but Arb. +and Mar. l. 40. Folio] the. + +p. 158, l. 7. Folio] scare. l. 17. A] doted, because. B--F +_omit_] it. l. 35. A _omits_] but. A] of your faults. l. 39. A] +above the earth. + +p. 159, l. 4. Folio] safe. l. 15. A, B and G] would. l. 21. A] +these wilde moodes. l. 22. A] honest. l. 23. A, B and G] would. +l. 25. A] would. l. 34. A, B, C and G] Give thee. l. 37. Folio +_ misprints_] paron. l. 40. C] doest. F _omits_] I. + +p. 160, l. 4. B, C and D] i' thine eare. F] thy eare. l. 10. A] +Ith those. G] in those. l. 12. B] they wenches. l. 18. B by +mistake _Adds_] Enter Bessus, and the two Gent. l. 22. A _omits_ +this stage-direction. l. 25. A] I am. l. 26. A] 1 Gent. l. 27. A] +2 Gent. l. 30. A] I bad you; halfe. l. 31. A] An't. l. 35. A] +Panthan. l. 38. A] will not. l. 39. A _omits_] Sir. + +p. 161, l. 6. E and F] a good an opinion. l. 15. A _omits_] a. G] +Enter a Messenger, with a Packet. l. 21. A] Thanke thee for. l. +29. A] teares enough. B--F] tears I'now. G] tears Enow. l. 32. +C--F] set her. + +p. 162, l. 2. A] now has hired. l. 7. F] them. l. 12. A] laden. +l. 16. E and F] that come. l. 18. A--D and G] mourning. l. 19. A] +her sacred dew. l. 32. A] prayers. l. 34. A] dangers. l. 35. A +_omits_] Exeunt. + +p. #163#, l. 3. A, B and G] either loves. l. 7. A--G] place. +A] unfortunately too light. l. 17. A _omits_] thee. l. 24. Folio] +make. l. 31. B and G] gi'n. A, B and G] to. l. 33. A] would +place. + +p. #164#, l. 11. Folio _misprints_] could. l. 15. A--G] +requires. A] more speed. l. 18. B] He shall not doe so Lord. l. +21. A _Adds_] Finis Actus Primi. B and C _Add_] The end of the +First Act. l. 24. A] attendance. G _Adds_] and Guards. + +p. #165#, l. 5. A] paid downe. l. 20. A] let light. l. 25. +A--D] eare. l. 30. A] another woman. l. 36. A] twill. F] 'twood +not. l. 37. F _omits_] not. + +p. #, l. 9. A] mine own. l. 21. B--F] a did. l. 23. A] +held time. l. 25. A--G with variations in spelling] my Lord +Protectour. l. 29. Folio _misprints_] Cammanders. + +p. #167#, l. 7. A _omits_] as you. l. 12. A, B and G] prayers +are. A] I will. l. 20. A _omits_] Arane. l. 23. A] Betweene. l. +36. A] heare it. l. 37. A] I, I prethee. + +p. #168#, l. 1. F] Captain. l. 3. A] neere a Captaine. l. 4. +A] of the. l. 7. A--G] whom. l. 11. A] prethee. l. 14. F] was +given. l. 18. A] I, but I. l. 20. A] saide. ll. 21 and 22. A] +when one. l. 23. A] Marshallists. l. 30. F] doest. l. 31. A] twas +so. B--G] so 'twas. l. 36. A] An't. l. 37. A and B] neerer. G] +nearer. l. 39. A] kindnesses. + +p. #169#, l. 1. A and G] Thalestris. l. 10. A] for her +honestie. l. 17. A] on her. l. 33. A _Adds_] Exit. B--G with +various abbreviations _Add_] Exit Bessus. l. 34. A, B and G +_Add_] Exit. l. 35. A--G _omit_ stage-direction. l. 39. F] speeks +them. + +p. #170#, l. 1. A] vertuous. l. 6. A] or feeles. l. 7. A--G] +hope. l. 11. A--D and G] love. l. 16. E and F] where bargain'd. +l. 18. A] find time worthy. l. 20. A, B and G] there is. l. 22. +A] with this. l. 27. A] to see you Madam. l. 29. A _omits_] Gob. +l. 35. A _omits_] Exeunt Women. + +p. #171#, l. 9. F] a stake. l.14. F] if foole. l. 20. A] +prethee. l.22. F] noble sharp. l. 33. A] desire too. E and F] his +one desire. + +p. #172#, l. i. A--D and G] those tender. l. 4. A, B and G] I +shall. l. 13. B, C and F] Thalectris. l. 16. B, C and G] others. +l. 26. A, B and G] women out. l. 29. A] say. l. 35. A--D and G] +those. l. 37. A] places quickly. l. 38. A, D and F] a foote. B, C +and E] afoote. G] afoot. + +p. #173#, l. 2. A] looke. l. 5. A] Enter two Citizens wives, +and Philip. l. 15. A, B and G] with me downe. l. 16. A] abed. l. +17. A] tis. l. 18. A] prethee. l. 29. A] In good faith. l.34. A] +I. l. 35. A _omits_] you. l. 37. A] had thrusting. G] shoving. l. +38. A] hap to go. + +p. #174#, l. 2. A] so on me. l. 5. A] have not. l. 10. A] law, +thou art. A] there is. l. 11. A] thou art. A] of it. l. 12. A] he +will never. l. 13. A] stripling. l. 17. A] you are. l. 18. B--F] +cast. l. 19. A _omits_ this line. l. 20. A--D and G] The King, +the King, the King, the King. l. 21. A _omits_] Flourish. A] +Enter Arbaces, Tigranes, Mardonius, and others. l. 23. E and F] +I think. l. 29. A] without our blouds. B and G] but with our. G] +bloud. l. 31. A] in your Townes. l. 32. A--D and G] about you; +you may sit. l. 37. A, B and G] may you. F] you may fall. l. 38. +A, B and G] when I. + +p. 175, l. 5. E and F] beheld. l. 6. A] hearts. l. 9. A] Hang +him, hang him, hang him. l. 13. A, B and G] was farre. l. 14. E +and F] nor to revile. l. 15. A--D and G] the nature. l. 19. A] +made that name. l. 21. C and D] and well for. l. 22. B--G] word. +l. 25. A] commendations. l. 29. A] Thus my. l. 30. A] calles. l. +36. A] Eate at. l. 40. In place of this line A] Exeunt. + +p. 176, l. 1. A _omits_ one 'God bless your Majesty.' l. 7. A] +n*. l. 10. A _omits_] so. B, C, D and G] women. A] Exeunt 1, 2, +3, and Women. l. 11. A--G] afore. l. 12. A] homeward. l. 13. A +_omits_] all. l. 15. A] They are. A--G] heard on. l. 18. A +_Adds_] Finis Actus Secundi. B and C _Add_] The end of the Second +Act. l. 19. A] Actus Tertii Scaena Prima. l. 23. A] doth. l. 29. +A--D and G] where you will have her. l. 37. A _omits_] I do hope +she will not. + +p. 177, l. 6. A] Sir, sheele not. l. 15. B and G] would. l. 18. +C--F _omit_] you. l. 24. A _omits_] I Gent. and. l. 25. A] +here's. l. 29. A] them. B and G _Add_] Exit Gobrias. l. 35. A +_omits_] and two Gentlemen. G _Adds_] Attendants, and Guards. + +p. 178, l. 11. A, B and G] sorrow. l. 14. A _Adds_] Exit. l. 15. +A _omits_] Exit Arane. l. 32. G] words and kind ones. l. 35. C] +doest. l. 36. D] forth my selfe. l. 38. A and G] thence. l. 40. +A] wounded flesh. + +p. 179, l. 1. A, B and G] a quill. l. 2. A, B, C and G] wanton +wing. l. 3. A] in thy bloud. l. 16. A, B and G _omit_] it. l. 33. +A by mistake gives the words 'some one that hath [A has] a wit, +answer, where is she' to Gobrias, with the result that the names +of the speakers of the following four speeches are transposed. + +p. 180, l. 18. A] sleepe. l. 27. A] Is a long life of yet, I +hope. l. 31. C, D and E] doest. ll. 33--35. A _omits_ these +lines. + +p. 181, l. 11. A] If shee were any. l.14. D] dispute. l. 16. F +and G] naked. l. 19. A, B and G] is she not. l. 39. A, B and G] +your brother. + +p. 182, l. 6. A] them. l. 8. A] yet so. l. 9. Folio _prints_] +langish. l. 17. A] sudden change. l. 19. A, B and G] Pray God it +doe. l. 24. A] prisoner. l. 31. A] in the. + +p. 183, l. 13. A, B and G] And how dare you then. C and D] And +how then dare you. l. 21. A, B and G] that breath. l. 24. A] law. + +p. 184, l. 11*. A] subtiller. G] subtiler. l. 13. A and G] +Tyrants. B] Tirants. F] mightest. l. 14. A] in the depth. B] i' +the depth. C and G] i' the deepe. l. 18. A _omits_] Exeunt Tigr. +and Bac. l. 21. G _Adds_] Exit Spaconia. l. 39. A and B] then to; +here I. G] then too; here I. + +p. 185, l. 11. A] still in doubt. l. 12. A] This, this third. l. +25. A, B, C and G] A poysoner. l. 26. A by mistake gives this +speech to Bacurius and the following one to Gobrias. l. 32. A] +had it twixt. A] Exeunt omnes, prae. Ar. Mar. G] Exeunt Gob. Pan. +and Bes. + +p. 186, l. 9. A] I prethee. l. 10. B and G] Am not I. l. 19. F] O +do. l. 25. A] I prethee. l. 26. A _Adds_] _Mar_. I warrant ye. l. +28. G] of game. l. 30. B and G _omit_] it. + +p. 187, l. 2. A] them. l. 3. A] In this state (_omits_ I). B, C, +D and G] I' this state. l. 4. B--F] b' the. A] with. l. 5. A] +with. l. 10. A, B and G with variations of spelling] God cald. C +and D] heaven cald. l. 11. A] pounds. l. 17. A and G] afraid. l. +21. G] A pox. A--G] of their. l. 23. A] of me. l. 24. A] freshly +to account, worthily. l. 25. B and G _omit_] the. l. 26. A +_omits_] a. l. 27. Here and throughout the scene '3 Gent' is in A +described as 'Gent.' l. 30. A] you are. l. 32. A] he nothing +doubts. + +p. 188, l. 2. A--D, F and G with variations of spelling] O cry +you mercie. E] O cir you mercy. l. 3. A, B, C and G with +variations of spelling] agreeablie. l. 4. Here and in the +following three lines A reads only one 'um' in place of three. l. +12. A by mistake _omits_] _Bes_. l. 19. A] plaine with you. l. +20. A] can doe him. A] resolutely. l. 21. B and C] hundreth. l. +22. F] no more. l. 23. A] pray ye. l. 26. A simply] Exit. l. 30. +D] these two houres. l. 32. F _omits_] that. A] reserv'd. l. 34. +A] are there. l. 35. A] likely to hold him this time here for +mine. l. 36. B, C and G] yeare. D] these five yeares. l. 37. A] +send me. + +p. 189, l. 27. A] I prethee. l. 28. A--D and G] beate. l. 31. A] +pounds. l. 32. A _omits_] well. F] well and walk sooner. l. 33. +C] I do. l. 36. C] doest. + +p. 190, l. 5. A--G] Come, unbuckle, quicke. l. 7. C--F] Unbuckle +say. l. 17. A _omits_] Bac. l. 24. A] will I. l. 25. A] that this +is all is left. G] that is left. l. 26. A _omits_] Bessus. l. 28. +G] he's. l. 32. A, B and G] await. l. 35. A _omits_ this +stage-direction. l. 39. A] in their eyes. + +p. 191, l. 3. A--G] lies. l. 5. A--G] vex me. l. 6. G] thou art. +l. 8. A _omits_] do. l. 12. F] fire. l. 14. A, B and G] is not +that. G] there is. l. 18. A, B and G] I shall not. l. 20. A--G] I +know 'tis. l. 21. A] hath ... 22. A] or fall. l. 34. A] of all +this. + +p. 192, l. 2. A, B and G] shall I. l. 6. A] But what, what +should. B and G] should. l. 11. A, B and G] on more advice. l. +17. A _omits_] a. l. 19. Folio _misprints_] faithul. l. 21. F] +doe't. l. 23. C--F] doest. l. 24. A, B and G] I hope I. l. 37. E +and F] doest. + +p. 193, l. 4. A, B and G] cause. l. 5. A, B, C and G _omit_] ha. +l. 7. A, B, C and G] blow about the world. l. 8. A, B and G] his +cause. l. 9. A] deare Mardonius. l. 12. A, B and G] Pray God you. +l. 24. A, B and G] God preserve you, and mend you. l. 26. A, B +and G] require. l. 30. A, B and G] use of. l. 32. A _Adds_] to +them. + +p. 194, l. 2. A] I am. l. 4. A, B, F and G] I am. A includes the +words 'I am glad on't' in the following speech of Mardonius. l. +5. A, B and G] to that. ll. 7--9. A _omits_ these lines. l. 11. +A, B and G] occasions. l. 15. A, B, C and G] to the. l. 16. A--D +and G] for his. l. 17. A _omits_] Mar. l. 19. A] Doe for. The +letters 'ith' are in C cut off at the end of the line. l. 23. A, +B and G] a thing. l. 26. G] would fain have thee. l. 27. A] +understands. G] understandest. l. 30. A] dost make. l. 32. A, B +and G] tell me, it shall. C has the same reading, though the word +'tell' is by mistake cut off from the end of the line. A _omits_] +too. l. 35. A, B and C] and mayst yet. + +p. 195, l. 2. A--D and G] that I have ever. l. 3. A, B and G +_omit_] the. +l. 8. A, B, C and G] your businesse. +l. 12. A, B and G _omit_] now. +l. 29. A--F] Gods and mans. +l. 30. G] nature. +l. 36. A _Adds_] Finis Actus Tertii. B and C _Add_] The +end of the Third Act. + +p. 196, +l. 1. A] Actus Quarti Scaena Prima. +l. 2. A--G _omit_] and. +l. 11. A, B, C and G] Yet fearing since they. A] th' are many. +l. 13. F] them. +l. 14. F] them. +l. 15. A] fearefull; if he. +l. 18. A] labour out this. +l. 19. A] against. +ll. 25 and 26. A encloses the words 'never ... humour' within +brackets. +l. 26. D, E and F] shot. +l. 30. F] no farther. +l. 33. A _omits_] But. + +p. 197, +l. 3. A _Adds_] Exit. +l. 4. A _omits_] Exit Gob. +l. 13. A] yours. +l. 29. G] I'm. A] if no more. +l. 36. B--G] these. +l. 37. A] That have Authority. +l. 38. F] besides. + +p. 198, +l. 1. A] words. +l. 4. A] Ime. +l. 12. A, B and G] Pray God. +l. 13. A _omits_] in prison. +l. 15. A and F] mine. A] turne. +l. 27. A, B and G] deserv'd it. +l. 33. A] griefes. +l. 35. A] womans. F] woman. +l. 36. A] lost. +l. 39. G] unconstancy. + +p. 199, +l. 7. A] kill me Ladie. +l. 9. A _omits_] Lady. +l. 15. A] for were. +l. 20. A] in the. +l. 26. A, B and G] is as firme. +l. 27. A] and as lasting. +l. 28. A, B and G] in the. C] in th' ayre. +l. 31. A] murmurs. +l. 37. A--D and G] wrongs. + +p. 200, +l. 1. A by mistake _omits_] Spa. +l. 2. A, B, C and G] Our ends alike. +l. 9. A] hee's asham'd. +l. 17. A] pray believe me. +l. 19. A, B and G] No more. +l. 20. A] and Mardonius. +l. 32. A--G] outlast. Folio _misprints_] too. +l. 38. A] is that. + +p. 201, +l. 5. A] know. +l. 10. A] pratling. +l. 11. A] to it. +l. 15. A--G] Beside. +l. 17. A] Sirra. +l. 23. A] Staffe poak't. A, B, C and G] through. F] throw. +l. 24. A--D and G] broke. l. 25. D, E and F] stifled with. +l. 30. F] worst. +l. 35. A] you may say Sir what. Folio _misprints_] you. +l. 36. A gives this line to Mardonius. + +p. 202, +l. 3. A, B and G] I thank God. +l. 5. A] doe it. +l. 6. A _omits_] Doe. +l. 13. A _Adds_] and a Souldier like a termogant. +l. 16. A] let um be prisoners. +l. 18. F] them. +ll. 19 and 20. A gives these lines to Bacurius. +ll. 21 and 22. A and G give these lines to Spaconia. +l. 22. A, B, C and G] deare. +l. 23. A] Ex. Bacu. with Tig. and Spa. +l. 24. A, B, C and G] have you. +l. 25. F] prove. +l. 30. A] Sadlers. +l. 32. A, D and F] darest. +l. 33. A] knowest. +l. 34. G] will not. +l. 37. A] shall then tell. B] of this. +l. 40. A] Where. F] them. + +p. 203, +l. 1. A _Adds after_ off] doe, kill me. +l. 2. A _omits_] worse. +l. 4. A, B, C and G] a dead sleepe. +l. 5. A] Like forraigne swords. +l. 10. A] all thine. +l. 12. G] Wilt. A] with me good Mardonius. +l. 20. A, B and G] and all beautie. +l. 22. F] she is not. +l. 23. A] doe enlarge her. +l. 26. A] that would have. +l. 29. E and F] heat. +l. 30. E] To here wretched. F _omits_] a. +l. 38. A] knew of. B, C and D] knewst the. + +p. 204, +l. 7. A] is it. +l. 15. A--D and G _omit_] a. +l. 16. A _omits_] Thousands. E and F] Thousand. A] denie it. +l. 18. A, B and G] vertue. +l. 24. A _omits_] all. +l. 26. A--G] stooles there boy. +l. 32. A, B and G] and my deare. +l. 33. B, C and G] to th' cause. +l. 35. F _omits_ this line. +l. 37. A prints the words 'be wise, and speake truth' as the +conclusion of the second Sword-man's speech. + +p. 205, +l. 4. A] If he have. +l. 5. B--E] If a have. F] If I have. +l. 12. A] case. +l. 13. A, B and G] an honourable. +l. 15. A, B and G] we Sword-men. +l. 17. A, B and G] drawne ten teeth. A--G] beside. +l. 18. A] all these. +l. 21. B--E] a crackt. +l. 22. A] with crossing. +l. 26. A--G] There's. +l. 30. A, B, C and G] mile. +l. 32. A--G] mile. +l. 34. A, B and C] 'Tis a the longest. G] o' the longest. +l. 35. A by mistake gives this line to Bessus and the following +speech to the first Sword-man. + +p. 206, +ll. 5 and 6. F] word forc'd. +l. 9. A--D and G] case. +l. 12. A] sit. G] sat. +l. 13. A] it had. +l. 15. E and F] delivery. +l. 19. B--E] A should. F] And should. A--D and G] deliverie. +l. 24. A] by th'. +l. 25. A] you are. +l. 28. A _omits_] the. +l. 32. B and G] that we. +l. 33. Folio _misprints_] honesty. A] good Sir to th'. +l. 35. A] The boy may be supposd, hee's lyable; but kicke my +brother. + +p. 207, +l. 7. A] Still the must. +l. 9. A--D and G _omit_] I. A] againe, againe. +l. 12. F _omits_] my. +l. 20. A] at the kicke. +l. 22. F] baren scorn, as I will call it. +l. 27. A--G] sore indeed Sir. +l. 29. A] the foole. +l. 30. A] Ah Lords. +l. 32. A, B, C and G] laught. + +p. 208, +l. 5. A--G] size, daggers. F] sizes. +l. 16. A] To abide upon't. +l. 20. A, B, C and G _omit_] me. F] Both get me. +l. 21. F] cleane. +l. 22. G] what you have done. +l. 27. F] Go will, and tell. +l. 28. A--D] Or there be. +l. 29. A _omits_ and _before_ Gob. +l. 33. A _omits_] Exit Gob. +l. 34. A] you are. A, B, C and G] and I would. A, B and G] to +God. +l. 38. G] the rising. +l. 39. B, C and G] I shall. +l. 40. Folio _misprints_] Ban. + +p. 209, +l. 3. A] does. +l. 6. A] I prethee. +l. 8. A, B and G] I am. +l. 23. A, B and G] In as equal a degree. C and D] In equal a degree. +l. 27. A] I prethee. +l. 33. C, D and E] and there is. E] no cause. F] and there is none +can see. + +p. 210, +l. 6. D, E and F] stop. +l. 11. A, B and G] God keepe you. +l. 12. A, B and G] cause. +l. 19. A] innocents. +l. 20. A, B and G _omit_] that. +l. 24. A, B and G] it is. +l. 27. A, B and G] as it lists. +l. 33. A encloses 'Which I beseech thee doe not' within brackets. +l. 36. A, B and G] For God knows. +l. 39. A] start eye to. + +p. 211, +l. 2. F] them. +l. 5. A] should. +l. 11. F] them. +l. 20. A, B and G] sinnes. +l. 32. A] no steppe. + +p. 212, +ll. 1-6 and 8. F] them. +l. 2. A] them. +l. 5. Folio] and them. +l. 6. A] drinke them off. +l. 25. A gives this line to Panthea. +l. 27. D, E and F] brother. +l. 29. B] i' this. +l. 35. A _omits_] Why. +l. 38. A, B and G] I know thou. + +p. 213, +l. 4. A, B and G _omit_ too _before_ scrupulous. +ll. 8 and 9. In place of these lines G reads] I dare no longer stay. +l. 9. A and B] hotter I feare then yours. +l. 11. A, B and G] for God's sake. +l. 14. A _omits_ stage-direction. B and G _omit_] several +wayes. A _Adds_] Finis Actus Quarti. B and +C _Add_] The end of the Fourth Act. +l. 15. A] Actus Quinti Scaena Prima. +l. 19. A] leave to visit. l. 20. A] hands. +l. 26. A] officers. + +p. 214, +l. 3. B--F] were a valiant. +l. 6. A] something lighter. +l. 28. A--D _omit_] he. G] h'as. +l. 29. B--F] a was. +l. 30. A] in his. E and F] in in's. +l. 31. A--E] a my. F] in my. G] i'my. +l. 33. A, B and G] like to wicker Targets. +l. 35. A _omits_] he. A] so low a sence. +l. 36. A] should. +l. 38. A, B and G] That this strange fellow. + +p. 215, l. 3. A--D and G] broke. A--G] or a shoulder out. A--F] +ath' stones. l. 4. A] of my. l. 10. A _omits_] the. l. 13. Folio +_ misprints_] Catain. l. 16. A _omits_] Sword. l. 19. A] thus +kicke you, and thus. B and G] thus kicke, and thus. l. 21. A--D +and G] told you that. l. 23. A _omits_] Sword. A--F] a should. l. +25. A, B, C and G] a one. l. 26. A _omits_] beats him. l. 29. A, +B and G] Sir I know. l. 30. A _prints_ 'Bes.' at the beginning of +the following line, thus making this line part of Lygones' +speech. + +p. 216, l. 6. A, B and G] you would. l. 7. A, B, C and G] strange +now to have. l. 12. Folio _misprints_] danghter. l. 13. A, B and +G] of being. l. 15. A _omits_] Lygo. l. 18. A _omits_] Sword. l. +19. A] ath' sword. l. 20. G] h'as. l. 23. A] a kick't. l. 24. A +_omits_ 'Bes.,' thus making this line part of the second +Sword-man's speech. l. 25. A _omits_] Sword. A gives the words +'Now let him come and say he was not sorry, And he sleepes for +it' to '2,' i.e., the second Sword-man. l. 26. B--F] a was not. +B--F] a sleepes. l. 28. A _omits_] clear. G] Exeunt omnes. l. 34. +A prints this stage-direction after the words 'There he is +indeed' in l. 35. + +p. 217, l. 3. A, B, C and G] businesse will. l. 5. B] the Armenia +state. l. 9. F _omits_] is. l. 20. A--G] couldst prate. l. 28. A] +vild. B and C] vilde. B--F] commendations. l. 30. A, B and G] or +rather would I. l. 34. A and F] mine own. l. 38. A] and like it. + +p. 218, l. 3. A] in the. B, C, D and G] i' the. l. 6. B +_ misprints_] my Prince. l. 8. A] beside. l. 12. A] men. l. 13. C] +Cawdle. l. 14. A] your Queene. l. 21. A] should speake. l. 27. A] +a Queene. l. 33. A, B and G] Good God. l. 37. A, B and G _omit_] +all. + +p. 219, l. 4. A] that shall. l. 6. A _omits_] all. l. 7. A] a +servant. l. 11. A] and Swordmen. In A this stage-direction is +printed after the following line. l. 15. A--F] ath' sword. l. 17. +A--D and G _omit_] much. l. 20. A] I can aske. l. 23. A] will +require launcing. l. 24. A] and full. l. 28. A _omits_] must. l. +31. A, B and G] God continue it. l. 32. F _misprints_] they to +it. + +p. 220, l. 5. The two Sword-men are throughout the scene referred +to in A as '2' or '1.' l. 6. A _omits_ 'Bac.,' thus giving the +line to the second Sword-man. l. 13. A--G _omit_] on. F] them, +that have. l. 16. A--F] ath' law. l. 22. F] That is. A] their +paines. l. 26. A] ye rogues, ye apple-squiers. l. 31. A] a many +of. F] a beautie of. l. 33. E] I do beseech. l. 35. A--F] A this +side. + +p. 221, l. 4. A] in your pocket slave, my key you. B and G] in +your pocket slave, my toe. l. 5. A] with't. l. 11. A--G] doing +nothing. l. 12. A _omits_ this stage-direction. B] Enter Servant, +Will. Adkinson. l. 13. A--D] Here's. l. 14. A] I am. A] prethee. +l. 15. A] beate um. l. 17. A _omits_] Sir. l. 18. A _omits_] +Captain, Rally. A] up with your. F] rally upon. l. 20. A] cride +hold. l. 22. E and F] vit me. l. 23. A, B and G] breath. A +_omits_] Exit Bac. l. 25. A] Ime sure I ha. l. 26. B--F] a kicke. +B--F] a will. l. 27. C--F] beside. l. 29. A, B and G] yes, God be +thanked. l. 33. A, B, C and G] is a. l. 34. A] hands. + +p. 222, l. 2. A _omits_] clear. G] Exeunt omnes. l. 4. A--D and G] +bore. After this line A _Adds_]--Hell open all thy gates, And I will +thorough them; if they be shut, Ile batter um, but I will find the +place Where the most damn'd have dwelling; ere I end, Amongst them all +they shall not have a sinne, But I will call it mine: l. 5. A--D and +G] friend. A, B and G] to an. l. 13. B, C and D] a comming. l. 14. +A--G] does your hand. l. 19. This line from 'I can' and the next line +are given by A to Mardonius. l. 24. A] humblier. + +p. 223, l. 4. A, B and G _omit_] and. l. 12. A] thinkest. l. 13. +G] these are tales. l. 15. A--D and G] should get. l. 17. A] +Farre other Fortunes. l. 19. A, B and G] God put. G] temporall. +l. 20. A _Adds_] Exit. B and. G _Add_] Exit Mar. l. 21. A--D and +G] errors. l. 27. A, B and G _omit_] more. l. 35. A--D and G +_omit_] my. + +p. 224, l. 4. F] knowest. l. 9. A] doest. l. 12. A] and I when I. +F] knowest. l. 16. B and F] meanst. l. 17. A, B, C and G] a lie. +A, B and G] God and. l. 22. A, B and G] wouldst. l. 28. A] +gavest. l. 31. A] your selfe. B and G] it thy selfe. l. 38. A and +G] know it. l. 39. E and F] staind. + +p. 225, l. 7. A, B, C and G] allowest. l. 15. C--F] doest ... +doest. l. 17. A--D and G] Cease thou strange. l. 18. A] +contemn'st. ll. 20 and 21. Folio _misprints_] dear ... +punishnment. l. 35. A and C] expects. B] expectes. D] expectst. +G] expect'st. l. 39. A] thou wicked. + +p. 226, l. 10. A, B, C and G] of a law. l. 19. A _omits_] you. +ll. 25 and 26. A--G] Land as she. l. 29. A _misprints_] _Arb_. l. +31. A--D and G _omit_] a. + +p. 227, l. 2. A] opportunitie. ll. 4 and 5. A, B and G] and God +was humbly thankt in every Church, That so had blest the Queene, +and prayers etc. l. 12. A--D and G] quicke. l. 14. A] abed. l. +16. A] sware. l. 20. A] the Queene. l. 23. A--G] yeare. l. 28. A] +her talke. l. 32. A] sparke. l. 35. A, B and G] till I am. A] are +silver. l. 37. A _omits_] too. I. 38. A, B and G] yes God knowes. + +p. 228, l. 2. A by mistake _omits_] _Gob_. A] dare. l, 3. A] +them. l. 4. A--G] waites. l. 7. A] Ent. Mar. Bessus, and others. +l. 8. A _omits_] _Arb_. A] Mardonius, the best. B _misprints_] +_Mar_. l. 11. E and F] happie. l. 14. A] On, call. l. 19. A +_omits_] _Exit a Gent_. l. 24. A _omits_] I swear it must not be; +nay, trust me. l. 26. B and C] beare. l. 28. A] but you are not. + +p. 229, l. 1. A] I say she. l. 8. A] Armenian king. I. 15. Folio +_ misprints_] morrning. l. 16. A _omits_ this stage-direction. l. +24. A and G] He shall. B] A shall. C] An shall. l. 25. A--G] +shall. l. 26. F _omits_] that. l. 31. A _misprints_] thinke. l. +35. In place of this stage-direction A after the word 'Queen' in +l. 33 _reads_] Enter Pan. + +p. 230, l. 6. A gives this speech to Mardonius. l. 7. A _omits_] +at first. l. 8. In A this stage-direction occurs after 'Queen' in +the following line. l. 14. A and F] Maist. G] May'st. l. 17. F] +them. l. 20. A--G] your Queene. l. 23. A--G _Add_] Finis. + +A KING AND NO KING. VERSE AND PROSE VARIATIONS [1]. + +p. 152, ll. 8 and 9. A--D and G] 3 ll. _dare, day, I_. l. 27. A] +2 ll. _of, thus_. ll. 33--35. A] 3 ll. _Earth, Prince, Acts_. + +p. 157, l. 20. A] 2 ll. _king, away_. + +p. 159, ll. 3--8. A--D and G] 8 ll. _praise, worthy, death, lies, +there, though, dust, envy_. ll. 11 and 12. A--D and G] 3 ll. +_ windes, I, speake_. ll. 29--38. A--D and G] 14 ll. _lives, said, +truth, bin, see, parts, world, farre, yeares, mee, thee, wilt, I, +thus_. l. 40 and p. 160, ll. 1--4. A--D and G] 6 ll. _Take, +which, love, I, mee, eare_. + +p. 160, ll. 6 and 7. A, B and G] 2 ll. _Mardonius, Jewell_. + +p. 161, ll. 21 and 22. A--D and G] 3 ll. _newes, not, Gobrias_. +ll. 27--33. A--D and G] 9 ll. _farre, sinnes, teares, feele, +brest, stand, eyes, world, me_. ll. 37--39 and p. 162, ll. 1--7. +A--D and G] 14 ll. _know, died, life, pardon'd, fit, olde, +thence, out, there, live, me, deathes, life, him_. + +p. 163, ll. 16--22. A, B, C and G] 9 ll. _of_ (C = _halfe_), +_ free, thine, prisoner, force, me, unwilling, Tigranes, there_. +D] 7 ll. _halfe, free, thine, force, me, Tigranes, there_. + +p. 164, ll. 1 and 2. A--D and G] 2 ll. _health, jealous_. ll. +25--35 and p. 165, ll. 1 and 2. A--D and G] 16 ll. _regard, +prisoner, escape, prisoner, woman, me, say, her, Lord, grace, +arme, womanhood, death, sonne, why, speake_. + +p. 165, ll. 14--17. A--D and G] 5 ll. _Time, know, thinke, heart, +urgd_. ll. 35 and 36. A--D and G] 2 ll. _it, believ'd_. ll. 38 +and 39. A--D and G] 3 ll. _you, die, uncredited_ (D = _should_). + +p. 166, ll. I and 2. A--D and G] 4 ll. _Then, me, King, plots_ (D +adds l. 3). ll. 5--8. A--D and G] 5 ll. _me, content, power, me, +done_. ll. 19--23. A--and G] Prose. ll. 25 and 26. A] _These, +these_. + +p. 167, ll. 9 and 10. A] 2 ll. _well, so_. l. 19. A--D and G] 2 +ll. _readie, morrow_. ll. 21--28. A] 10 ll. _hereafter, office, +discourse, how, victorie, doe, danger, long, while, beate_. ll. +21--24. B--D and G] 4 ll. _hereafter, office, discourse, +victory_. ll. 25--28. B--D and G] Prose. + +p. 168, ll. 11 and 12. A--D and G] 2 ll. _Bessus, nothing_. ll. +39 and 40. A--D and G] 2 ll. _kindnesses, name_. + +p. 169, ll. 2--5. A--D and G] 5 ll. _letter, enough, you, me, +me_. ll. 25 and 26. A and G] 2 ll. _Already, foolish_. ll. 37--40 +and p. 170, ll. 1--4. A--D and G] 12 ll. _Lord, live, um, Just, +um, mee, heare, way, care, you, enjoyes, worth_. + +p. 170, ll. 5--10. A--D and G] Prose. ll. 13--18. A--D and G] 8 +ll. _you, power, leave, like, him, humours, lesse, offer'd_. ll. +27--29. A] 2 ll. _pleasure, Madam_. + +p. 171, ll. 10--15. A--D and G] 9 ll. _unreasonably, seeme, ill, +ought, faire, good, prayer, me, you_. ll. 31--40 and p. 172, ll. +1--6. A--D] 24 ll. _weepe, words, sorrow, me, him, Thalestris, +me, sweare, slay, thee, himselfe, me, yet, face, you, eares, +eyes, him, hope, dead, him, fast, ceremony, him_. + +p. 172, ll. 15--21. A--D and G] 11 ll. _not, desire, others, me_ +(or _not_), _wrong, birth, injure, hither, commanded, ready, +servand_. + +p. 174, l. 20. A--D] 2 ll. _king, now_. ll. 23--29. A--D and G] +11 ll. _full, subjects, love, height, you, me, warre, imagine, +word, blouds, peace_. + +[Footnote 1: The prose printings of E and F have not been +recorded.] + +p. 175, ll. 4--6. A--D and G] 4 ll. _man, home, hearts, +deliverance_. ll. 11--22. A--D and G] 17 ll. _wrong, spectacle, +people, me, deserved, you, dwels, man, compare, selfe, you, too, +name, fall, loves, content, worke_. ll. 35 and 36. A--D and G] 2 +ll. _Children, is_. + +p. 176, ll. 23--35. A--D and G] 14 ll. _Sir, hands, know, her, +home, stubbornnesse, like, her, Jewell, mad, sister, is, Land, +another_. + +p. 177, ll. 1--10. A--D and G] 11 ll. _Too, friends, know, loth, +passe, constraint, so, speake, health, love, againe_. + +p. 178, ll. 16 and 17. A--D and G] 3 ll. _die, returne, life_. +ll. 30--32. A--D and G] 4 ll. _ill, kneele, gaine, you_. + +p. 179, ll. 21--25. A--D and G] 7 ll. _earth, alas, command, me, +short, sister brought_. + +p. 180, l. 31. A--D and G] 7 ll. _Gobrias, meane_. + +p. 191, ll. 35 and 36. A--D and G] 2 ll. _utterd, careleslie_. + +p. 192, ll. 9--12. E and F] 3 ll. _And, love, thou_. ll. 10--12. +A--D and G] 3 ll. _Advice, love, thou_. ll. 16 and 17. A--D and +G] 3 ll. _This, caution, it_ (G _Adds_ l. 18). ll. 20 and 21. +A--D and G] 2 ll. _it, it_. + +p. 194, ll. 5 and 6. A] 2 ll. _cutlers, King_. l. 22. A] 2 ll. +_will, whatsoever_. + +p. 195, ll. 21 and 22. A] 2 ll. _in-, Monsters_. + +p. 196, l. 38, and p. 197, ll. 1--3. A] Prose. + +p. 197, ll. 4 and 5. A] 3 ll. _you, Spaconia, thus_. + +p. 199, ll. 9 and 10. B--D and G] 3 ll. _Ladie, passe, King_. ll. +12 and 13. A and G] 2 ll. _from, remov'd_. + +p. 201, ll. 7 and 8. A] 2 ll. _All, folly_. l. 15. A] 2 ll. _Sir, +warrant_. ll. 39 and 40. + +p. 202, ll. 19--22. A] Prose. + +p. 204, l. 6. A--D and G] 2 ll. _false, letter_. ll. 36--38. A] 2 +ll. _Truth, Prince_. + +p. 205, ll. 26 and 27. A--D and G] 3 ll. _Another, distance, +opinion_. + +p. 207, ll. 11--13. A--D and G] 3 ll. _Toge-, man, brother_. I. +24. A--D and G] 2 ll. _Sir, since_. + +p. 209, ll. 31 and 32. A] 2 ll. _me, brother_. + +p. 212, ll. ii and 12. A] 3 ll. _Panthea, gaze, out_. ll. 23 and +24. A] 2 ll. _you, gone_. + +Act 5 is in verse in Quartos A, B, C and D, in prose in Quartos E +and F from p. 214, I. 22. As the Second Folio also prints it in +prose it has been decided to give here the verse of Quarto A +(1619) in full. + + +Actus Quinti Scaena Prima. + +_Enter Mardonius, and Ligones_. + + +_Mar_. + + Sir, the King has seene your Commission, and beleeves it, and + freely by this warrant gives you leave to visit Prince + _Tigranes_ your noble Master. + +_Lig_. + + I thanke his Grace, and kisse his hands. + +_Mar_. + + But is the maine of all your businesse + Ended in this? + +_Lig_. + + I have another, but a worse; I am asham'd, it is a businesse.-- + +_Mar_. + + You serve a worthy person, and a stranger I am sure you are; you + may imploy mee if you please, without your purse, such Officers + should ever be their owne rewards. + +_Lig_. + + I am bound to your noblenesse. + +_Mar_. + + I may have neede of you, and then this curtesie, + If it be any, is not ill bestowed: + But may I civilly desire the rest? + I shall not be a hurter, if no helper. + +_Lig_. + + Sir, you shall know I have lost a foolish daughter, + And with her all my patience; pilferd away + By a meane Captaine of your Kings. + +_Mar_. + + Stay there Sir: + If he have reacht the noble worth of Captaine, + He may well claime a worthy gentlewoman, + Though shee were yours, and noble. + +_Lig_. + + I grant all that too: but this wretched fellow + Reaches no further then the emptie name, + That serves to feede him; were he valiant, + Or had but in him any noble nature, + That might hereafter promise him a good man; + My cares were something lighter, and my grave + A span yet from me. + +_Mar_. + + I confesse such fellowes + Be in all royall Campes, and have, and must be + To make the sinne of coward more detested + In the meane Souldier, that with such a foyle + Sets of much valour: By description + I should now guesse him to you. It was _Bessus_, + I dare almost with confidence pronounce it. + +_Lig_. + + Tis such a scurvy name as _Bessus_, and now I thinke tis hee. + +_Mar_. + + Captaine, doe you call him? + Beleeve me Sir, you have a miserie + Too mighty for your age: A pox upon him, + For that must be the end of all his service: + Your daughter was not mad Sir? + +_Lig_. + + No, would shee had beene, + The fault had had more credit: I would doe something. + +_Mar_. + + I would faine counsell you; but to what I know not: + Hee's so below a beating, that the women + Find him not worthy of their distaves; and + To hang him, were to cast away a rope, + Hee's such an ayrie thin unbodied coward, + That no revenge can catch him: + He tell you Sir, and tell you truth; this rascall + Feares neither God nor man, has beene so beaten: + Sufferance has made him wanscote; he has had + Since hee was first a slave, at least three hundred daggers + Set in his head, as little boyes doe new knives in hot meat; + Ther's not a rib in's bodie a my conscience, + That has not beene thrice broken with drie beating; + And now his sides looke like to wicker targets, + Everie way bended: + Children will shortly take him for a wall, + And set their stone-bowes in his forhead: is of so low a sence, + I cannot in a weeke imagine what should be done to him. + +_Lig_. + + Sure I have committed some great sinne, + That this strange fellow should be made my rod: + I would see him, but I shall have no patience: + +_Mar_. + + Tis no great matter if you have not, if a laming of him, or such + a toy may doe you pleasure Sir, he has it for you, and Ile helpe + you to him: tis no newes to him to have a leg broke, or a + shoulder out, with being turnd ath' stones like a Tanzie: Draw + not your sword, if you love it; for my conscience his head will + breake it: we use him ith' warres like a Ramme to shake a wall + withall; here comes the verie person of him, doe as you shall + find your temper I must leave you: but if you doe not breake him + like a bisket, you are much too blame Sir. _Ex. Mardo. Enter + Bessus and Sword-men_. + +_Lig_. + + Is your name Bessus? + +_Bes_. + + Men call me Captaine Bessus. + +_Lig_. + + Then Captaine _Bessus_ you are a ranke rascall, without more + exordiums, a durty frozen slave; and with the favour of your + friends here, I will beate you. + +_2_. + + Pray use your pleasure Sir, you seem to be a gentleman. + +_Lig_. + + Thus Captaine _Bessus_, thus; thus twinge your nose, thus kicke + you, and thus tread you. + +_Bess_. + + I doe beseech you yeeld your cause Sir quickly. + +_Lig_. + + Indeed I should have told you that first. + +_Bess_. + + I take it so. + +_1_. + + Captaine, a should indeed, he is mistaken: + +_Lig_. + + Sir you shall have it quickly, and more beating, + You have stolne away a Lady Captaine Coward, + And such a one. + +_Bes_. + + Hold, I beseech you, hold Sir, + I never yet stole any living thing + That had a tooth about it. + +_Lig_. + + Sir I know you dare lie + With none but Summer Whores upon my life Sir. + +_Bes_. + + My meanes and manners never could attempt + Above a hedge or hey-cocke. + +_Lig_. + + Sirra that quits not me, where is this Ladie, + Doe that you doe not use to doe, tell truth, + Or by my hand Ile beat your Captaines braines out. + Wash um, and put um in againe, that will I. + +_Bes_. + + There was a Ladie Sir, I must confesse + Once in my charge: the Prince _Tigranes_ gave her + To my guard for her safetie, how I usd her + She may her selfe report, shee's with the Prince now: + I did but waite upon her like a Groome, + Which she will testifie I am sure: If not, + My braines are at your service when you please Sir, + And glad I have um for you? + +_Lig_. + + This is most likely, Sir I aske your pardon, + And am sorrie I was so intemperate. + +_Bes_. + +Well, I can aske no more, you would thinke it strange Now to have +me beat you at first sight. + +_Lig_. + + Indeed I would but I know your goodnes can forget + Twentie beatings. You must forgive me. + +_Bes_. + + Yes, ther's my hand, goe where you will, I shall thinke + You a valiant fellow for all this. + +_Lig_. + + My daughter is a Whore, + I feele it now too sencible; yet I will see her, + Discharge my selfe of being Father to her, + And then backe to my Countrie, and there die; + Farewell Captaine. + + _Exit_. + +_Bes_. + + Farewell Sir, farewell, commend me to the Gentlewoman I praia. + +_1_. + + How now Captaine, beare up man. + +_Bes_. + + Gentlemen ath' sword your hands once more, I have + Beene kickt againe, but the foolish fellow is penitent, + Has ask't me mercy, and my honor's safe. + +_2_. + + We knew that, or the foolish fellow had better a kick't + His Grandsire. + Confirme, confirme I pray. + +_1_. + + There be our hands againe. + +_2_. + + Now let him come, and say he was not sorry, + And he sleepes for it. + +_Bes_. + + Alas good ignorant old man, let him goe, + Let him goe, these courses will undoe him. + + _Exeunt_. + +_Enter Ligones, and Bacurius_. + +_Bac_. + + My Lord your authoritie is good, and I am glad it is so, for my + consent would never hinder you from seeing your owne King. I am a + Minister, but not a governour of this state; yonder is your King, + Ile leave you. + + _Exit_. + +_Lig_. + + There he is indeed, _Enter Tig. and Spaco_. + And with him my disloyall childe. + +_Tig_. + + I doe perceive my fault so much, that yet + Me thinkes thou shouldst not have forgiven me. + +_Lig_. + + Health to your Maiestie. + +_Tig_. + + What? good Ligones, welcome; what businesse brought thee hether? + +_Lig_. + + Severall Businesses. + My publique businesse will appeare by this: + I have a message to deliver, which + If it please you so to authorise, is + An embassage from the Armenian state, + Unto _Arbaces_ for your libertie: + The offer's there set downe, please you to read it. + +_Tig_. + + There is no alteration happened + Since I came thence? + +_Lig_. + + None Sir, all is as it was. + +_Tig_. + + And all our friends are well. + +_Lig_. + + All verie well. + +_Spa_. + + Though I have done nothing but what was good, + I dare not see my Father: it was fault + Enough not to acquaint him with that good. + +_Lig_. + + Madam I should have scene you. + +_Spa_. + + O good Sir forgive me. + +_Lig_. + + Forgive you, why I am no kin to you, am I? + +_Spa_. + + Should it be measur'd by my meane deserts, + Indeed you are not. + +_Lig_. + + Thou couldst prate unhappily + Ere thou couldst goe, would thou couldst doe as well. + And how does your custome hold out here. _Spa_. Sir. + +_Lig_. + + Are you in private still, or how? + +_Spa_. + + What doe you meane? + +_Lig_. + + Doe you take money? are you come to sell sinne yet? perhaps I can + helpe you to liberall Clients: or has not the King cast you off yet? O + thou wild creature, whose best commendation is, that thou art a young + Whore. I would thy Mother had liv'd to see this: or rather would I had + dyed ere I had seene it: why did'st not make me acquainted when thou + wert first resolv'd to be a Whore? I would have seene thy hot lust + satisfied more privately. I would have kept a dancer, and a whole + consort of Musitions in mine owne house, onely to fiddle thee. _Spa_. + Sir I was never whore. + +_Lig_. + + If thou couldst not say so much for thy selfe thou shouldst be + Carted. + +_Tig._ + + _Ligones_ I have read it, and like it, + You shall deliver it. + +_Lig_. + + Well Sir I will: but I have private busines with you. + +_Tig_. + + Speake, what ist? + +_Lig_. + + How has my age deserv'd so ill of you, + That you can picke no strumpets in the Land, + But out of my breed. + +_Tig_. + + Strumpets good _Ligones_? + +_Lig_. + + Yes, and I wish to have you know, I scorne + To get a Whore for any Prince alive, + And yet scorne will not helpe me thinkes: My daughter + Might have beene spar'd, there were enough beside. + +_Tig_. + + May I not prosper, but Shee's innocent + As morning light for me, and I dare sweare + For all the world. + +_Lig_. + + Why is she with you then? + Can she waite on you better then your men, + Has she a gift in plucking off your stockings, + Can she make Cawdles well, or cut your Comes, + Why doe you keepe her with you? For your Queene + I know you doe contemne her, so should I + And every Subject else thinke much at it. + +_Tig_. + + Let um thinke much, but tis more firme then earth + Thou seest thy Queene there. + +_Lig_. + + Then have I made a faire hand, I cald her Whore, + If I shall speake now as her Father, I cannot chuse + But greatly rejoyce that she shall be a Queene: but if + I should speake to you as a Statesman shee were more fit + To be your Whore. + +_Tig_. + + Get you about your businesse to _Arbaces_, + Now you talke idlie. + +_Lig_. + + Yes Sir, I will goe. + And shall she be a Queene, she had more wit + Then her old Father when she ranne away: + Shall shee be a Queene, now by my troth tis fine, + Ile dance out of all measure at her wedding: + Shall I not Sir? + +_Tigr_. + + Yes marrie shalt thou. + +_Lig_. + + He make these witherd Kexes beare my bodie + Two houres together above ground. + +_Tigr_. + + Nay, goe, my businesse requires haste. + +_Lig_. + + Good God preserve you, you are an excellent King. + +_Spa_. + + Farewell good Father. + +_Lig_. + + Farewell sweete vertuous Daughter; + I never was so joyfull in my life, + That I remember: shall shee be a Queene? + Now I perceive a man may weepe for joy, + I had thought they had lied that said so. + + _Exit_. + +_Tig_. + + Come my deare love. + +_Spa_. + + But you may see another + May alter that againe. + +_Tigr_. + + Urge it no more; + I have made up a new strong constancie, + Not to be shooke with eyes; I know I have + The passions of a man, but if I meete + With any subject that shall hold my eyes + More firmely then is fit; Ile thinke of thee, + and runne away from it: let that suffice. + + _Exeunt_. + +_Enter Bacurius, and a servant_. + +_Bac_. + + Three gentlemen without to speake with me? + +_Ser_. + + Yes Sir. + +_Bac_. + + Let them come in. + +_Ser_. + + They are enterd Sir already. + +_Enter Bessus, and Swordmen_. + +_Bac_. + + Now fellowes, your busines, are these the Gentlemen. + +_Bess_. + + My Lord I have made bold to bring these Gentlemen my Friends ath' + sword along with me. + +_Bac_. + + I am afraid youle fight then. + +_Bes_. + + My good Lord I will not, your Lordship is mistaken, + Feare not Lord. + +_Bac_. + + Sir I am sorrie fort. + +_Bes_. + + I can aske no more in honor, Gentlemen you heare my Lord is sorrie. + +_Bac_. + + Not that I have beaten you, but beaten one that will be beaten: + one whose dull bodie will require launcing: As surfeits doe the + diet, spring and full. Now to your swordmen, what come they for + good Captaine Stock-fish? + +_Bes_. + + It seemes your Lordship has forgot my name. + +_Bac_. + + No, nor your nature neither, though they are things fitter I + confesse for anything, then my remembrance, or anie honestmans, + what shall these billets doe, be pilde up in my Wood-yard? + +_Bes_. + + Your Lordship holds your mirth still, God continue it: but for + these Gentlemen they come. + +_Bac_. + + To sweare you are a Coward, spare your Booke, I doe beleeve it. + +_Bes_. + + Your Lordship still drawes wide, they come to vouch under their + valiant hands, I am no Coward. + +_Bac_. + + That would be a shew indeed worth seeing: sirra be wise and take + money for this motion, travell with it, and where the name of + _Bessus_ has been knowne, or a good Coward stirring, twill yeeld + more then a tilting. This will prove more beneficiall to you, if + you be thriftie, then your Captaineship, and more naturall; Men + of most valiant hands is this true? + +_2_. + + It is so most renowned, + Tis somewhat strange. + +_1_. + + Lord, it is strange, yet true; wee have examined from your Lordships + foote there to this mans head, the nature of the beatings; and we doe + find his honour is come off cleane, and sufficient: This as our swords + shall helpe us. + +_Bac_. + + You are much bound to you bilbow-men, I am glad you are straight again + Captaine: twere good you would thinke some way to gratifie them, they + have undergone a labour for you _Bessus_, would have puzzled _hercules_, + with all his valour. + +_2_. + + Your Lordship must understand we are no men ath' Law, that take pay + for our opinions: it is sufficient wee have cleer'd our friend. + +_Bac_. + + Yet here is something due, which I as toucht in conscience will + discharge Captaine; Ile pay this rent for you. + +_Bess_. + + Spare your selfe my good Lord; my brave friends aime at nothing but + the vertue. + +_Bac_. + + Thats but a cold discharge Sir for their paines. + +_2_. + + O Lord, my good Lord. + +_Bac_. + + Be not so modest, I will give you something. + +_Bes_. + + They shall dine with your Lordship, that's sufficient. + +_Bac_. + + Something in hand the while; ye rogues, ye apple-squiers: doe you + come hether with your botled valour, your windie frothe, to limit + out my beatings. + +_1_. + + I doe beseech your Lordship. + +_2_. + + O good Lord. + +_Bac_. + + Sfoote, what a many of beaten slaves are here? get me a cudgell + sirra, and a tough one. + +_2_. + + More of your foot, I doe beseech your Lordship. + +_Bac_. + + You shall, you shall dog, and your fellow beagle. + +_1_. + + A this side good my Lord. + +_Bac_. + + Off with your swords, for if you hurt my foote, Ile have you + fleade you rascals. + +_1_. + + Mines off my Lord. + +_2_. + + I beseech your Lordship stay a little, my strap's tied to my + codpiece point: Now when you please. + +_Bac_. + + Captaine, these are your valiant friends, you long for a little + too? + +_Bess_. + + I am verie well, I humblie thanke your Lordship. + +_Bac_. + + Whats that in your pocket slave, my key you mungrell? thy + buttocks cannot be so hard, out with't quicklie. + +_2_. + + Here tis Sir, a small piece of Artillerie, that a gentleman a + deare friend of your Lordships sent me with to get it mended Sir; + for it you marke, the nose is somewhat loose. + +_Bac_. + + A friend of mine you rascall, I was never wearier of doing + nothing, then kicking these two foote-bals. + +_Ser_. + + Heres a good cudgell Sir. + +_Bac_. + + It comes too late; I am wearie, prethee doe thou beate um. + +_2_. + + My Lord this is foule play ifaith, to put a fresh man upon us; + Men, are but men. + +_Bac_. + + That jest shall save your bones, up with your rotten regiment, + and be gone; I had rather thresh, then be bound to kicke these + raskals, till they cride hold: _Bessus_ you may put your hand to + them now, and then you are quit. Farewell, as you like this, + pray visit mee againe, twill keepe me in good breath. + +2. + + Has a divellish hard foote, I never felt the like. + +1. + + Nor I, and yet Ime sure I ha felt a hundred. + +2. + + If he kicke thus ith dog-daies, he will be drie founderd: what + cure now Captaine, besides oyle of bayes? + +_Bess_. + + Why well enough I warrant you, you can goe. + +2. + + Yes, God be thanked; but I feele a shrewd ach, sure he has sprang + my huckle bone. + +1. + + I ha lost a haunch. + +_Bess_. + + A little butter friend, a little butter; butter and parselie is a + soveraigne matter: _probatum est_. + +1. + + Captaine, we must request your hands now to our honours. + +_Bess_. + + Yes marrie shall ye, and then let all the world come, we are + valiant to our selves, and theres an end. + +1. + + Nay, then we must be valiant; O my ribbes. + +2. + + O my small guts, a plague upon these sharpe toe'd shooes, they + are murderers. + + _Exeunt_. + +_Enter Arbaces with his Sword drawne_. + +_Arb_. + + It is resolv'd, I bore it whilst I could, + I can no more, Hell open all thy gates, + And I will thorough them; if they be shut, + Ile batter um, but I will find the place + Where the most damn'd have dwelling; ere I end, + Amongst them all they shall not have a sinne, + But I may call it mine: I must beginne + With murder of my friend, and so goe on + To an incestuous ravishing, and end + My life and sinnes with a forbidden blow + Upon my selfe. + + _Enter Mardonius_. + +_Mardo_. + + What Tragedie is here? + That hand was never wont to draw a Sword, + But it cride dead to something: + +_Arb_. + + _Mar_. have you bid _Gobrius_ come? + +_Mar_. + + How doe you Sir? + +_Arb_. + + Well, is he comming? + +_Mar_. + + + Why Sir are you thus? + Why does your hand proclaime a lawlesse warre + Against your selfe? + +_Arb_. + + Thou answerest me one question with another, + Is _Gobrius_ comming? + +_Mar_. + + Sir he is. _Arb_. Tis well. + +_Mar_. + + I can forbeare your questions then, be gone + Sir, I have markt. + +_Arb_. + + Marke lesse, it troubles you and me. + +_Mar_. + + You are more variable then you were. + +_Arb_. + + It may be so. + +_Mar_. + + To day no Hermit could be humblier + Then you were to us all. + +_Arb_. + + And what of this? + +_Mar_. + + And now you take new rage into your eies, + As you would looke us all out of the Land. + +_Arb_. + + I doe confesse it, will that satisfie, +I prethee get thee gone. + +_Mar_. + + Sir I will speake. + +_Arb_. + + Will ye? + +_Mar_. + + It is my dutie, + I feare you will kill your selfe: I am a subject, + And you shall doe me wrong in't: tis my cause, + And I may speake. + +_Arb_. + + Thou art not traind in sinne, + It seemes _Mardonius_: kill my selfe, by heaven + I will not doe it yet; and when I will, + Ile tell thee then: I shall be such a creature, + That thou wilt give me leave without a word. + There is a method in mans wickednesse, + It growes up by degrees; I am not come + So high as killing of my selfe, there are + A hundred thousand sinnes twixt me and it, + Which I must doe, I shall come toot at last; + But take my oath not now, be satisfied, + And get thee hence. + +_Mar_. + + I am sorrie tis so ill. + +_Arb_. + + Be sorrie then, + True sorrow is alone, grieve by thy selfe. + +_Mar_. + + I pray you let mee see your sword put up + Before I goe; Ile leave you then. + +_Arb_. + + Why so? + What follie is this in thee? is it not + As apt to mischiefe as it was before? + Can I not reach it thinkest thou? these are toyes + For children to be pleas'd with, and not men; + Now I am safe you thinke: I would the booke + Of Fate were here, my sword is not so sure, + But I should get it out, and mangle that + That all the destinies should quite forget + Their fix't decrees, and hast to make us new + Farre other Fortunes mine could not be worse, + Wilt thou now leave me? + +_Mar_. + + God put into your bosome temperate thoughts, + He leave you though I feare. + + _Exit_. + +_Arb_. + + Goe, thou art honest, + Why should the hastie errors of my youth + Be so unpardonable, to draw a sinne + Helpelesse upon me? + + _Enter Gobrius_. + +_Gob_. + + There is the King, now it is ripe. + +_Arb_. + + Draw neere thou guiltie man, + That are the author of the loathedst crime + Five ages have brought forth, and heare me speake + Curses incurable, and all the evils + Mans bodie or his spirit can receive + Be with thee. + +_Gob_. + +Why Sir doe you curse me thus? + +_Arb_. + + Why doe I curse thee, if there be a man + Subtill in curses, that exceedes the rest, + His worst wish on thee. Thou hast broke my hart. + +_Gob_. + + How Sir? Have I preserv'd you from a childe, + From all the arrowes, malice or ambition + Could shoot at you, and have I this for pay? + +_Arb_. + + Tis true thou didst preserve me, and in that + Wert crueller then hardned murderers + Of infants and their mothers; thou didst save me + Onely till thou hadst studdied out a way + How to destroy me cunningly thy selfe: + This was a curious way of torturing. + +_Gob_. + + What doe you meane? + +_Arb_. + + Thou knowst the evils thou hast done to me, + Dost thou remember all those witching letters + Thou sentst unto me to _Armenia_, + Fild with the praise of my beloved Sister, + Where thou extolst her beautie; what had I + To doe with that, what could her beautie be + To me, and thou didst write how well shee lov'd me, + Doest thou remember this: so that I doated + Something before I saw her. + +_Gob_. + + This is true. + +_Arb_. + + Is it, and I when I was returnd thou knowst + Thou didst pursue it, till thou woundst mee into + Such a strange, and unbeleev'd affection, + As good men cannot thinke on. + +_Gob_. + + This I grant, I thinke I was the cause. + +_Arb_. + + Wert thou? Nay more, I thinke thou meantst it. + +_Gob_. + + Sir I hate a lie. + As I love God and honestie, I did: + It was my meaning. + +_Arb_. + + Be thine owne sad Judge, + A further condemnation will not need: + Prepare thy selfe to die. + +_Gob_. + + Why Sir to die? + +_Arb_. + + Why wouldst thou live, was ever yet offender + So impudent, that had a thought of mercy + After confession of a crime like this? + Get out I cannot, where thou hurlst me in, + But I can take revenge, that's all the sweetnesse + Left for me. + +_Gob_. + + Now is the time, heare me but speake. + +_Arb_. + + No, yet I will be farre more mercifull + Then thou wert to me; thou didst steale into me, + And never gavest me warning: so much time + As I give thee now, had prevented thee + For ever. Notwithstanding all thy sinnes, + If thou hast hope, that there is yet a prayer + To save thee, turne, and speake it to your selfe. + +_Gob_. + + Sir, you shall know your sinnes before you doe um + If you kill me. + +_Arb_. + + I will not stay then. + +_Gob_. + + Know you kill your Father. + +_Arb_. + + How? + +_Gob_. + + You kill your Father. + +_Arb_. + + My Father? though I know it for a lie + Made out of feare to save thy stained life: + The verie reverence of the word comes crosse me, + And ties mine arme downe. + +_Gob_. + + I will tell you that shall heighten you againe, I am thy + Father, I charge thee heare me. + +_Arb_. + + If it should be so, + As tis most false, and that I should be found + A bastard issue, the dispised fruite + Of lawlesse lust, I should no more admire + All my wilde passions: but another truth + Shall be wrung from thee: If I could come by + The spirit of paine, it should be powr'd on thee, + Till thou allowest thy selfe more full of lies + Then he that teaches thee. + + _Enter Arane_. + +_Arane_. + + Turne thee about, + I come to speake to thee thou wicked man, + Heare me thou Tyrant. + +_Arb_. + + I will turne to thee, + Heare me thou Strumpet: I have blotted out + The name of mother, as thou hast thy shame. + +_Ara_. + + My shame, thou hast lesse shame then anything: + Why dost thou keepe my daughter in a prison? + Why dost thou call her Sister, and doe this? + +_Arb_. + + Cease thou strange impudence, and answere quickly, + If thou contemn'st me, this will aske an answere, + And have it. + +_Ara_. + + Helpe me gentle _Gobrius_. + +_Arb_. + + Guilt dare not helpe guilt, though they grow together + In doing ill, yet at the punishment + They sever, and each flies the noyse of other, + Thinke not of helpe, answere. + +_Ara_. + + I will, to what? + +_Arb_. + + To such a thing as if it be a truth, + Thinke what a creature thou hast made thy selfe, + That didst not shame to doe, what I must blush + Onely to aske thee: tell me who I am, + Whose sonne I am, without all circumstance; + Be thou as hastie, as my Sword will be + If thou refusest. + +_Ara_. + + Why you are his sonne. + +_Arb_. + + His sonne? + Sweare, sweare, thou worse then woman damn'd. + +_Ara_. + + By all thats good you are. + +_Arb_. + + Then art thou all that ever was knowne bad. Now is + The cause of all my strange misfortunes come to light: + What reverence expects thou from a childe + To bring forth which thou hast offended Heaven, + Thy husband and the Land: Adulterous witch + I know now why thou wouldst have poyson'd me, + I was thy lust which thou wouldst have forgot: + Thou wicked mother of my sinnes, and me, + Shew me the way to the inheritance + I have by thee: which is a spacious world + Of impious acts, that I may soone possesse it: + Plagues rott thee, as thou liv'st, and such diseases + As use to pay lust, recompence thy deed. + +_Gob_. + + You doe not know why you curse thus. + +_Arb_. + + Too well: + You are a paire of Vipers, and behold + The Serpent you have got; there is no beast + But if he knew, it has a pedigree + As brave as mine, for they have more discents, + And I am every way as beastly got, + As farre without the compasse of a law, + As they. + +_Ara_. + + You spend your rage, and words in vaine, + And raile upon a guesse: heare us a little. + +_Arb_. + + No I will never heare, but talke away + My breath, and die. + +_Gob_. + + Why but you are no Bastard. + +_Arb_. + + Howe's that? + +_Ara_. + + Nor childe of mine. + +_Arb_. + + Still you goe on in wonders to me. + +_Gob_. + + Pray be more patient, I may bring comfort to you. + +_Arb_. + + I will kneele, + And heare with the obedience of a childe; + Good Father speake, I doe acknowledge you, + So you bring comfort. + +_Gob_. + + First know our last King your supposed Father + Was olde and feeble when he marryed her, + And almost all the Land as shee past hope + Of issue from him. + +_Arb_. + + Therefore shee tooke leave + To play the whoore, because the King was old: + Is this the comfort? + +_Ara_. + + What will you find out + To give me satisfaction, when you find + How you have injur'd me: let fire consume mee, + If ever I were whore. + +_Gob_. + + Forbeare these starts, + Or I will leave you wedded to despaire, + As you are now: if you can find a temper, + My breath shall be a pleasant westerne wind, + That cooles, and blastes not. + +_Arb_. + + Bring it out good Father, + He lie, artd listen here as reverentlie + As to an Angell: If I breathe too loude, + Tell me; for I would be as still as night. + +_Gob_. + + Our King I say was old, and this our Queene + Desired to bring an heire; but yet her husband + Shee thought was past it, and to be dishonest + I thinke shee would not; if shee would have beene, + The truth is, shee was watcht so narrowlie, + And had so slender opportunitie, + Shee hardly could have beene: But yet her cunning + Found out this way; shee fain'd her selfe with child, + And postes were sent in haste throughout the Land, + And God was humbly thankt in every Church, + That so had blest the Queen, and prayers were made + For her safe going, and deliverie: + Shee fain'd now to grow bigger, and perceiv'd + This hope of issue made her feard, and brought + A farre more large respect from everie man. + And saw her power increase, and was resolv'd, + Since shee believ'd shee could not have't indeede; + At least shee would be thought to have a child. + +_Arb_. + + Doe I not heare it well: nay, I will make + No noise at all; but pray you to the point, + Quicke as you can. + +_Gob_. + + Now when the time was full, + Shee should be brought abed; I had a sonne + Borne, which was you: This the Queene hearing of, + Mov'd me to let her have you, and such reasons + Shee shewed me, as shee knew would tie + My secresie: shee sware you should be King; + And to be short, I did deliver you + Unto her, and pretended you were dead; + And in mine owne house kept a Funerall, + And had an emptie coffin put in earth: + That night the Queene fain'd hastilie to labour, + And by a paire of women of her owne, + Which shee had charm'd, shee made the world believe + Shee was deliver'd of you: you grew up + As the Kings sonne, till you were six yeere olde; + Then did the King die, and did leave to me + Protection of the Realme; and contrarie + To his owne expectation, left this Queene + Truly with Childe indeed of the faire Princesse + _Panthea_: Then shee could have torne her heire, + And did alone to me yet durst not speake + In publike; for shee knew shee should be found + A Traytor, and her talke would have beene thought + Madnesse or any thing rather then truth: + This was the onely cause why shee did seeke + To poyson you, and I to keepe you safe: + And this the reason why I sought to kindle + Some sparke of love in you to faire _Panthea_, + That shee might get part of her right agen. + +_Arb_. + + And have you made an end now, is this all? + If not, I will be still till I am aged, + Till all my heires are silver. + +_Gob_. + + This is all. + +_Arb_. + + And is it true say you Maddam? + +_Ara_. + + Yes, God knowes it is most true. + +_Arb_. + + _Panthea_ then is not my Sister. + +_Gob_. + + No. + +_Arb_. + + But can you prove this? + +[_Gob_.] + + If you will give consent: else who dare goe about it. + +_Arb_. + + Give consent? + Why I will have them all that know it rackt + To get this from um: All that waites without + Come in, what ere you be come in, and be + Partakers of my Joy: O you are welcome. + + _Ent. Mar: Bessus, and others_. + + _Mardonius_ the best newes, nay, draw no neerer + They all shall heare it: I am found no King. + +_Mar_. + + Is that so good newes? + +_Art_. + + Yes, the happiest newes that ere was heard. + +_Mar_. + + Indeed twere well for you, + If you might be a little lesse obey'd. + +_Arb_. + + On, call the Queene. + +_Mar_. + + Why she is there. + +_Arb_. + + The Queene _Mardonius_, _Panthea_ is the Queene, + And I am plaine _Arbaces_, goe some one, + She is in _Gobrius_ house; since I saw you + There are a thousand things delivered to me + You little dreame of. + +_Mar_. + + So it should seeme: My Lord, + What furi's this. + +_Gob_. + + Beleeve me tis no fury, + All that he sayes is truth. + +_Mar_. + + Tis verie strange. + +_Arb_. + + Why doe you keepe your hats off Gentlemen, + Is it to me? in good faith it must not be: + I cannot now command you, but I pray you + For the respect you bare me, when you tooke + Me for your King, each man clap on his hat at my desire. + +_Mar_. + + We will: but you are not found + So meane a man, but that you may be cover'd + As well as we, may you not? + +_Arb_. + + O not here, + You may, but not I, for here is my Father in presence. + +_Mar_. + + Where? + +_Arb_. + + Why there: O the whole storie + Would be a wildernesse to loose thy selfe + For ever; O pardon me deare Father, + For all the idle, and unreverent words + That I have spoke in idle moodes to you: + I am _Arbaces_, we all fellow subjects, + Nor is the Queene _Panthea_ now my Sister. + +_Bes_. + + Why if you remember fellow subject _Arbaces_, I tolde you once + she was not your sister, I say she look't nothing like you. + +_Arb_. + + I thinke you did good Captaine _Bessus_. + +_Bes_. + + Here will arise another question now amongst the Swordmen, + whether I be to call him to account for beating me, now he's + prov'd no King. + + _Enter Ligones_. + +_Ma_. + + Sir, heres _Ligones_ + The Agent for the Armenian King. + +_Arb_. + + Where is he, I know your businesse good _Ligones_. + +_Lig_. + + We must have our King againe, and will. + +_Arb_. + + I knew that was your businesse, you shall have + You King againe, and have him so againe + As never King was had. Goe one of you + And bid _Bacurius_ bring _Tigranes_ hither, + And bring the Ladie with him, that _Panthea_ + The Queene _Panthea_ sent me word this morning + Was brave _Tigranes_ mistresse. + +_Lig_. + + Tis _Spaconia_. + +_Arb_. + + I, I, _Spaconia_. + +_Lig_. + + She is my daughter. + +_Arb_. + + Shee is so, I could now tell any thing + I never heard; your King shall goe so home + As never man went. + +_Mar_. + + Shall he goe on's head? + +_Arb_. + + He shall have Chariots easier than ayre + That I will have invented; and nere thinke + He shall pay any ransome; and thy selfe + That art the Messenger shall ride before him + On a Horse cut out of an entire Diamond, + That shall be made to goe with golden wheeles, + I know not how yet. + +_Lig_. + + Why I shall be made + For ever, they belied this King with us + And sayd he was unkind. + +_Arb_. + + And then thy daughter, + She shall have some strange thinke, wele have the Kingdome + Sold utterly, and put into a toy. + Which she shall weare about her carelesly + Some where or other. + See the vertuous Queene. + + _Enter Pan_. + + Behold the humblest subject that you have + Kneele here before you. _Pan_. Why kneele you + To me that am your vassall? + +_Arb_. + + Grant me one request. + +_Pan_. + + Alas, what can I grant you? + What I can I will. + +_Arb_. + + That you will please to marry me, + If I can prove it lawfull. + +_Pan_. + + Is that all? + More willingly, then I would draw this ayre. + +_Arb_. + + Ile kisse this hand in earnest. + +_Mar_. + + Sir, _Tigranes_ is comming though he made it strange + To see the Princesse any more. + +_Arb_. + +The Queene, + + _Enter Tig. and Spa_. + + Thou meanest: O my Tigranes pardon me, + Tread on my necke I freely offer it, + And if thou beest so given; take revenge, + For I have injur'd thee. + +_Tig_. + + No, I forgive, + And rejoice more that you have found repentance, + Then I my libertie. + +_Arb_. + + Maist thou be happie + In thy faire choice; for thou art temperate: + You owe no ransome to the state, know that; + I have a thousand joyes to tell you of, + Which yet I dare not utter, till I pay + My thankes to Heaven for um: will you goe + With me, and helpe me; pray you doe. + +_Tig_. + + I will. + +_Arb_. + + Take then your faire one with you and your Queene + Of goodnesse, and of us; O give me leave + To take your arme in mine: Come every one + That takes delight in goodnesse, helpe to sing + Loude thankes for me, that I am prov'd no King. + + +FINIS. + +The following verse variations have also been noted between the +Act printed above from A and the quartos B, C, D and G. + +p. 434, ll. 46 and 47. B, C, D, G] two lines, _hint, rope_. + +p. 436, ll. 19 and 20. B--D] two lines, _better, Grandsire_. + +p. 437, ll. 16--18. B, C, D, G] six lines, _Whore, satisfied, +Dancer, Musilians, thee, whore_. + +p. 438, ll. 40 and 41. B, C, D, G] four lines, _laming, fall, +Sword-men, Stock-fish_. + +p. 442, ll. 22 and 23. B, C, D, G] two lines, _in-, affection_. + +p. 443, ll. 24 and 25. B, C, D, G] three lines, _impudence, me, +answere_. ll. 44 and 45. Three lines, _All, cause, light_. + +p. 446, ll. 17 and 18. B, C, D, G] one line, _This_. ll. 19 and +20. B, C, D, G] one line, _Truth_. l. 26. Two lines, _hat, +desire_. + +p. 447, ll. 16 and 17. B, C, D, G] two lines, _ever, us_. ll. 23 +and 24. B, C, D, G] one line, _Queene_. ll. 29 and 30. B, C, D, +G] one line, _will_. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A King, and No King +by Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A KING, AND NO KING *** + +***** This file should be named 12312.txt or 12312.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/2/3/1/12312/ + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Jayam Subramanian and PG Distributed +Proofreaders + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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