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diff --git a/old/50096-0.txt b/old/50096-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 14e4786..0000000 --- a/old/50096-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,20554 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Beaumont & Fletcher's Works (10 of 10), by -Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Beaumont & Fletcher's Works (10 of 10) - Thierry and Theodoret; The Woman-Hater; Nice Valour; The - Honest Man's Fortune; The Masque of the Gentlemen; Four - Plays in One - -Author: Francis Beaumont - John Fletcher - -Release Date: September 30, 2015 [EBook #50096] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEAUMONT & FLETCHER'S WORKS, VOL 10 *** - - - - -Produced by Richard Tonsing, Jonathan Ingram and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - FRANCIS BEAUMONT - - Born 1584 - Died 1616 - - JOHN FLETCHER - - Born 1579 - Died 1625 - - - - - _BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER_ - - THIERRY AND THEODORET - - THE WOMAN-HATER - - NICE VALOUR - - THE HONEST MAN'S FORTUNE - - THE MASQUE OF THE GENTLEMEN OF - GRAYS-INNE AND THE INNER-TEMPLE - - FOUR PLAYS OR MORAL - REPRESENTATIONS IN ONE - - - THE TEXT EDITED BY - - A.R. WALLER, M.A. - - [Illustration] - - Cambridge: - - at the University Press - - 1912 - - CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS - - London: FETTER LANE, E.C. - - C. F. CLAY, MANAGER - - [Illustration] - - Edinburgh: 100, PRINCES STREET - - Berlin: A. ASHER AND CO. - - Leipzig: F. A. BROCKHAUS - - New York: G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS - - Bombay and Calcutta: MACMILLAN AND CO., LTD. - - _All rights reserved_ - - - - -PREFACE - - -In 1905, the Syndics of the University Press asked me to complete, upon -the lines laid down in the preface to volume I, the editing of the -reprint of the Second Folio of the works of Beaumont and Fletcher which -had been begun by Arnold Glover. The present volume sees the end of the -task. In 1906, it was announced that a volume or, possibly, two volumes -of notes would follow the text. These, together with a critical text of -the scattered poems, must be left to other hands. I hoped, at one time, -to undertake this additional burden myself, but that seems now to have -become impossible. - - A. R. WALLER - - _21 May 1912_ - - - - -CONTENTS - - - PAGE - - Thierry and Theodoret 1 - - The Woman-Hater 71 - - Nice Valour, or The Passionate Mad-man 143 - - Mr. Francis Beaumonts Letter to Ben. - Johnson 199 - - The Honest Man's Fortune 202 - - The Masque of the Gentlemen of Grays-Inne - and the Inner-Temple 281 - - Four Plays or Moral Representations in - One 287 - - Appendix 365 - - - - -THE TRAGEDY - -OF - -Thierry and Theodoret. - - - - -_Actus Primus. Scæna Prima._ - - - _Enter Theodoret, Brunhalt, Bawd[b]er._ - - BRUNHALT. - - Taxe me with these hot tainters? - - _Theodoret._ You are too sudain; - I doe but gently tell you what becomes you - And what may bend your honor! how these courses - Of loose and lazie pleasures; not suspected - But done and known, your mind that grants no limit - And all your Actions follows, which loose people - That see but through a mist of circumstance - Dare term ambitious; all your wayes hide sores - Opening in the end to nothing but ulcers. - Your instruments like these may call the world - And with a fearfull clamor, to examine - Why, and to what we govern. From example - If not for vertues sake ye may be honest: - There have been great ones, good ones, and 'tis necessary - Because you are your self, and by your self - A self-peece from the touch of power and Justice, - You should command your self, you may imagine - Which cozens all the world, but chiefly women - The name of greatness glorifies your actions - And strong power like a pent-house, promise[s] - To shade you from opinion; Take heed mother, - And let us all take heed these most abuse us - The sins we doe, people behold through opticks, - Which shews them ten times more than common vices, - And often multiplys them: Then what justice - Dare we inflict upon the weak offenders - When we are theeves our selves? - - _Brun._ This is, _Martell_, - Studied and pen'd unto you, whose base person - I charge you by the love you owe a mother - And as you hope for blessings from her prayers, - Neither to give belief to, nor allowance, - Next I tell you Sir, you from whom obedience - Is so far fled, that you dare taxe a mother; - Nay further, brand her honor with your slanders, - And break into the treasures of her credit, - Your easiness is abused, your faith fraited - With lyes, malitious lyes, your merchant mischief, - He that never knew more trade then Tales, and tumbling - Suspitious into honest hearts; What you or he, - Or all the world dare lay upon my worth, - This for your poor opinions: I am shee, - And so will bear my self, whose truth and whiteness - Shall ever stand as far from these detections - As you from dutie, get you better servants - People of honest actions without ends, - And whip these knaves away, they eat your favours, - And turn 'em unto poysons: my known credit - Whom all the Courts o' this side _Nile_ have envied, - And happy she could site me, brought in question - Now in my hours of age and reverence, - When rather superstition should be rendred - And by a Rush that one days warmth - Hath shot up to this swelling; Give me justice, - Which is his life. - - _Theod._ This is an impudence, and he must tell you, that till now - mother brought ye a sons obedience, and now breaks it Above the - sufferance of a Son. - - _Bawd._ Bless us! - - For I doe now begin to feel my self - Turning into a halter, and the ladder - Turning from me, one pulling at my legs too. - - _Theod._ These truths are no mans tales, but all mens troubles, - They are, though your strange greatness would out-stare u'm: - Witness the daily Libels, almost Ballads - In every place, almost in every Province, - Are made upon your lust, Tavern discourses, - Crowds cram'd with whispers; Nay, the holy Temples, - Are not without your curses: Now you would blush, - But your black tainted blood dare not appear - For fear I should fright that too. - - _Brun._ O ye gods! - - _Theod._ Do not abuse their names: They see your actions - And your conceal'd sins, though you work like Moles, - Lies level to their justice. - - _Brun._ Art thou a Son? - - _Theod._ The more my shame is of so bad a mother, - And more your wretchedness you let me be so; - But woma[n], for a mothers name hath left me - Since you have left your honor; Mend these ruins, - And build again that broken fame, and fairly; - Your most intemperate fires have burnt, and quickly - Within these ten days take a Monasterie, - A most strickt house; a house where none may whisper, - Where no more light is known but what may make ye - Believe there is a day where no hope dwells, - Nor comfort but in tears. - - _Brun._ O miserie! - - _Theod._ And there to cold repentance, and starv'd penance - Tye your succeeding days; Or curse me heaven - If all your guilded knaves, brokers, and bedders, - Even he you built from nothing, strong _Protal[dy]e_, - Be not made ambling Geldings; All your maids, - If that name doe not shame 'em, fed with spunges - To suck away their ranckness; And your self - Onely to empty Pictures and dead Arras - Offer your old desires. - - _Brun._ I will not curse you, - Nor lay a prophesie upon your pride, - Though heaven might grant me both: unthankfull, no, - I nourish'd ye, 'twas I, poor I groan'd for you, - 'Twas I felt what you suffer'd, I lamented - When sickness or sad hours held back your swe[e]tness; - 'Twas I pay'd for your sleeps, I watchd your wakings: - My daily cares and fears, that rid, plaid, walk'd, - Discours'd, discover'd, fed and fashion'd you - To what you are, and I am thus rewarded. - - _Theod._ But that I know these tears I could dote on 'em, - And kneell to catch 'em as they fall, then knit 'em - Into an Armlet, ever to be honor'd; - But woman they are dangerous drops, deceitfull, - Full of the weeper, anger and ill nature. - - _Brun._ In my last hours despis'd. - - _Theod._ That Text should tell - How ugly it becomes you to err thus; - Your flames are spent, nothing but smoke maintains ye; - And those your favour and your bounty suffers - Lye not with you, they do but lay lust on you - And then imbrace you as they caught a palsie; - Your power they may love, and like spanish Jennetts - Commit with such a gust. - - _Bawd._ I would take whipping, - And pay a fine now. [_Exit Bawdber._ - - _Theod._ But were ye once disgraced, - Or fallen in wealth, like leaves they would flie from you, - And become browse for every beast; You will'd me - To stock my self with better friends, and servants, - With what face dare you see me, or any mankind, - That keep a race of such unheard of relicks, - Bawds, Leachers, Letches, female fornications, - And children in their rudiments to vices, - Old men to shew examples: and lest Art - Should loose her self in act, to call back custome, - Leave these, and live like _Niobe_. I told you how - And when your eyes have dropt away remembrance - Of what you were. I 'm your Son! performe it. - - _Brun._ Am I a woman, and no more power in me, - To tye this Tyger up, a soul to no end, - Have I got shame and lost my will? _Brunhalt_ - From this accursed hour, forget thou bor'st him, - Or any part of thy blood gave him living, - Let him be to thee an Antipathy, - A thing thy nature sweats at, and turns backward: - Throw all the mischiefs on him that thy self, - Or woman worse than thou art, have invented, - And kill him drunk, or doubtfull. - - _Enter Bawd[b]er_, _Protaldie_, _Lecure_. - - _Bawd._ Such a sweat, - I never was in yet, clipt of my minstrels, - My toyes to prick up wenches withall; Uphold me, - It runs like snow-balls through me. - - _Brun._ Now my varlets, - My slaves, my running thoughts, my executions. - - _Baw._ Lord how she looks! - - _Brun._ Hell take ye all. - - _Baw._ We shall be gelt. - - _Brun._ Your Mistress, - Your old and honor'd Mistress, you tyr'd curtals - Suffers for your base sins; I must be cloyster'd, - Mew'd up to make me virtuous who can help this? - Now you stand still like Statues; Come _Protaldye_, - One kiss before I perish, kiss me strongly, - Another, and a third. - - _Lecure._ I fear not gelding - As long [as] she holds this way. - - _Brun._ The young courser - That unli[c]kt lumpe of mine, will win thy Mistriss; - Must I be chast _Protaldye_? - - _Pro._ Thus and thus Lady. - - _Brun._ It shall be so, let him seek fools for Vestalls, - Here is my Cloyster. - - _Lecure._ But what safety Madam - Find you in staying here? - - _Brun._ Thou hast hit my meaning, - I will to _Thierry_ Son of my blessings, - And there complain me, tell my tale so subtilly, - That the cold stones shall sweat; And Statues mourn, - And thou shall weep _Protaldye_ in my witness, - And there forswear. - - _Bawd._ Yes, any thing but gelding, - I'm not yet in quiet Noble Lady, - Let it be done to night, for without doubt - To morrow we are capons. - - _Brun._ Sleep shall not seize me, - Nor any food befriend me but thy kisses, - E're I forsake this desart, I live honest; - He may as well bid dead men walk, I humbled, - Or bent below my power; let night-dogs tear me, - And goblins ride me in my sleep to jelly, - Ere I forsake my sphear. - - _Lecure._ This place you will. - - _Brun._ What's that to you, or any, - Ye doss, you powder'd pigsbones, rubarbe glister: - Must you know my designs? a colledge on you, - The proverbe makes but fools. - - _Prota._ But Noble Lady. - - _Brun._ You a sawcie ass too, off I will not, - If you but anger me, till a sow-gelder - Have cut you all like colts, hold me and kiss me, - For I'm too much troubled; Make up my treasure, - And get me horses private, come about it. [_Exeunt._ - - -[_Act. I. Scæ. 2._] - - _Enter Theodoret, Martell, &c._ - - _Theod._ Though I assure my self (_Martell_) your counsell - Had no end but allegeance and my honor: - Yet [I am] jealous, I have pass'd the bounds - Of a sons duty; For suppose her worse - Than you report, not by bare circumstance, - But evident proof confirm'd has given her out: - Yet since all weakness[es] in a kingdome, are - No more to be severely punished than - The faults of Kings are by the Thunderer - As oft as they offend, to be reveng'd: - If not for piety, yet for policie, - Since some are of necessitie to be spar'd, - I might, and now I wish I had not look'd - With such strict eyes into her follies. - - _Mart._ Sir, a duty well discharg'd is never follow'd - By sad repentance, nor did your Highness ever - Make payment of the debt you ow'd her, better - Than in your late reproofs not of her, but - Those crimes that made her worthy of reproof. - The most remarkeable point in which Kings differ - From private men, is that they not alone - Stand bound to be in themselves innocent, - But that all such as are allyed to them - In nearness, [or] dependance, by their care - Should be free from suspition of all crime; - And you have reap'd a double benefit - From this last great act: first in the restraint - Of her lost pleasures, you remove th' example - From others of the like licentiousness, - Then when 'tis known that your severitie - Extended to your mother, who dares hope for - The least indulgence or connivence in - The easiest slips that may prove dangerous - To you, or to the Kingdome? - - _Theod._ I must grant - Your reason[s] good (_Martell_) if as she is - My mother, she had been my subject, or - That only here she could make challenge to - A place of Being; But I know her temper - And fear (if such a word become a King,) - That in discovering her, I have let lo[o]se - A Tygress, whose rage being shut up in darkness, - Was grievous only to her self; Which brought - Into the view of light, her cruelty, - Provok'd by her own shame, will turn on him - That foolishly presum'd to let her see - The loath'd shape of her own deformitie. - - _Mart._ Beasts of that nature, when rebellious threats - Begin to appear only in their eyes, - Or any motion that may give suspition - Of the least violence should be chain'd up; - Their fangs and teeth, and all their means of hurt, - Par'd off, and knockt out, and so made unable - To do ill; They would soon begin to loath it. - I'll apply nothing: but had your Grace done, - Or would doe yet, what your less forward zeal - In words did only threaten, far less danger - Would grow from acting it on her, than may - Perhaps have Being from her apprehension - Of what may once be practis'd: For believe it, - Who confident of his own power, presumes - To spend threats on an enemy, that hath means - To shun the worst they can effect, gives armor - To keep off his own strength; Nay more, disarms - Himself, and lyes unguarded 'gainst all harms, - Or doubt, or malice may produce. - - _Theod._ 'Tis true. - And such a desperate cure I would have us'd, - If the intemperate patient had not been - So near me as a mother; but to her, - And from me gentle unguents only were - To be appli'd: and as physitians - When they are sick of fevers, eat themselves - Such viands as by their directions are - Forbid to others though alike diseas'd; - So she considering what she is, may challenge - Those cordialls to restore her, by her birth, - And priviledge, which at no suit must be - Granted to others. - - _Mart._ May your pious care - Effect but what it aim'd at, I am silent. - - _Enter Devitry._ - - _Theod._ What laught you at Sir? - - _Vitry._ I have some occasion, - I should not else; And the same cause perhaps - That makes me do so, may beget in you - A contrary effect. - - _Theod._ Why, what's the matter? - - _Vitry._ I see and joy to see that sometimes poor men, - (And most of [such] are good) stand more indebted - For [meanes] to breathe to such as are held vitious, - Than those that wear, like Hypocrites on their foreheads, - Th'ambitious titles of just men and vertuous. - - _Mart._ Speak to the purpose. - - _Vitry._ Who would e'er have thought - The good old Queen, your Highness reverend mother, - Into whose house (which was an Academ,) - In which all principles of lust were practis'd: - No soldier might presume to set his foot; - At whose most blessed intercession - All offices in the state, were charitably - Confer'd on Panders, o'erworn chamber wrestlers, - And such physitians as knew how to kill - With safety under the pretence of saving, - And such like children of a monstrous peace, - That she I say should at the length provide - That men of war, and honest younger brothers, - That would not owe their feeding to their cod-peece, - Should be esteem'd of more than mothers, or drones, - Or idle vagabonds. - - _Theod._ I am glad to hear it, - Prethee what course takes she to doe this? - - _Vitry._ One that cannot fail, she and her virtuous train, - With her jewels, and all that was worthy the carrying, - The last night left the court, and, as 'tis more - Than said, for 'tis confirm'd by such as met her, - She's fled unto your brother. - - _Theod._ How? - - _Vitry._ Nay storm not, - For if that wicked tongue of hers hath not - Forgot [its] pace, and _Thierry_ be a Prince - Of such a fiery temper, as report - Has given him out for; You shall have cause to use - Such poor men as my self; And thank us too - For comming to you, and without petitions; - Pray heaven reward the good old woman for't. - - _Mart._ I foresaw this. - - _Theod._ I hear a tempest comming, - That sings mine & my kingdomes ruin: haste, - And cause a troop of horse to fetch her back: - Yet stay, why should I use means to bring in - A plague that of her self hath left me? Muster - Our Soldiers up, we'll stand upon our guard, - For we shall be attempted; Yet forbear - The inequality of our powers will yield me - Nothing but loss in their defeature: something - Must be done, and done suddainly, save your labor, - In this I'll use no counsell but mine own, - That course though dangerous is best. Command - Our daughter be in readiness, to attend us: - _Martell_, your company, and honest _Vitry_, - Thou wilt along with me. - - _Vitry._ Yes any where, - To be worse than I 'm here, is past my fear. [_Exeunt._ - - - - -_Actus Secundus. Scæna Prima._ - - - _Enter Thierry, Brunhalt, Bawdber, Lecure, &c._ - - _Thier._ You are here in a sanctuary; and that viper - (Who since he hath forgot to be a Son, - I much disdain to think of as a brother) - Had better, in despight of all the gods, - To have raiz'd their Temples, and spurn'd down their Altars, - Than in his impious abuse of you, - To have call'd on my just anger. - - _Brun._ Princely Son; - And in this, worthy of a near name - I have in the relation of my wrongs, - Been modest, and no word my tongue deliver'd - T'express my insupportable injuries, - But gave my heart a wound: Nor has my grief - Being from what I suffer; But that he, - Degenerate as he is, should be the actor - Of my extremes; And force me to divide - The [fires] of brotherly affection, - Which should make but one flame. - - _Thier._ That part of his - As it deserves shall burn no more: [if or] - The tears of Orphans, Widows, or all such - As dare acknowledge him to be their Lord, - Joyn'd to your wrongs, with his heart blood have power - To put it out: and you, and these your servants, - Who in our favours shal find cause to know - In that they left not you, how dear we hold them; - Shal[l] give _Theodoret_ to understand, - His ignorance of the prizeless Jewel, which - He did possess in you, mother in you, - Of which I am more proud to be the donor, - Than if th' absolute rule of all the world - Were offer'd to this hand; Once more you are welcome, - Which with all ceremony due to greatness - I would make known, but that our just revenge - Admits not of delay; Your hand Lord Generall. - - _Enter Protaldie, with soldiers._ - - _Brun._ Your favor and his merit I may say - Have made him such, but I am jelous how - Your subjects will receive it. - - _Thier._ How my subjects? - What doe you make of me? Oh heaven! My subjects! - How base should I esteem the name of Prince - If that poor dust were any thing before - The whirle-wind of my absolute command? - Let 'em be happy and rest so contented: - They pay the tribute of their hearts & knees, - To such a Prince that not alone has power, - To keep his own but to increase it; That - Although he hath a body may add to - The fam'd night labor of strong _Hercules_: - Yet is the master of a continence - That so can temper it, that I forbear - Their daughters, and their wives, whose hands though strong, - As yet have never drawn by unjust mean - Their proper wealth into my treasury, - But I grow glorious, and let them beware - That in their least repining at my pleasures, - They change not a mild Prince, (for if provok'd - I dare and will be so) into a Tyrant. - - _Brun._ You see there's hope that we shall rule again, - And your fal'n fortunes rise. - - _Bawd._ I hope your Highness - Is pleas'd that I should still hold my place with you; - For I have been so long us'd to provide you - Fresh bits of flesh since mine grew stale, that surely - If cashir'd now, I shall prove a bad Cator - In the Fish-market of cold chastity. - - _Lecure._ For me I am your own, nor since I first - Knew what it was to serve you, have remembred - I had a soul, but such [a] one whose essence - Depended wholy on your Highness pleasure, - And therefore Madam-- - - _Brun._ Rest assur'd you are - Such instruments we must not lose. - - _Lecure. Bawd._ Our service. - - _Thier._ You have view'd them then, what's your opinion of them? - In this dull time of peace, we have prepar'd 'em - Apt for the war. Ha? - - _Prota._ Sir, they have limbs - That promise strength sufficient, and rich armors - The Soldiers best lov'd wealth: More, it appears - They have been drill'd, nay very pretily drill'd: - For many of them can discharge their muskets - Without the danger of throwing off their heads, - Or being offensive to the standers by, - By sweating too much backwards; Nay I find - They know the right, and left hand file, and may - With some impulsion no doubt be brought - To pass the _A_, _B_, _C_, of war, and come - Unto the Horn-book. - - _Thier._ Well, that care is yours; - And see that you effect it. - - _Prota._ I am slow - To promise much; But if within ten days, - By precepts and examples, not drawn from - Worm-eaten presidents of the _Roman_ wars - But from mine own, I make them not transcend - All that e'er yet bore armes, let it be said, - _Protaldye_ brags, which would be unto me - As hatefull as to be esteem'd a coward: - For Sir, few Captaines know the way to win [him], - And make the soldiers valiant. You shall [see me] - Lie with them in their trenches, talk, and drink, - And be together drunk; And, what seems stranger, - We'll sometimes wench together, which once practis'd - And with some other care and hidden acts, - They being all made mine, I'll breath[e] into them - Such fearless resolution and such fervor, - That though I brought them to beseige a fort, - Whose walls were steeple high, and cannon proof, - Not to be undermin'd, they should fly up, - Like swallows: and the parapet once won, - For proof of their obedience, if I will'd them - They should leap down again, and what is more, - By some directions they should have from me, - Not break their necks. - - _Thi._ This is above belief. - - _Brun._ Sir, on my knowledg[e] though he hath spoke much, - He's able to do more. - - _Lecure._ She means on her. - - _Brun._ And howsoever in his thankfulness, - For some few favors done him by my self, - He left _Austracia_, not _Theodoret_, - Though he was chiefly aim'd at, could have laid - With all his Dukedomes power, that shame upon him, - Which in his barborous malice to my honor, - He swore with threats to effect. - - _Thier._ I cannot but - Believe you Madam, thou art one degree - Grown nearer to my heart, and I am proud - To have in thee so glorious a plant - Transported hither; In thy conduct, we - Go on assur'd of conquest; our remove - Shall be with the next Sun. - - _Enter Theod[o]ret, Memberge, Martell, Devitry._ - - _Lecure._ Amazement leave me, 'tis he. - - _Bawd._ We are again undone. - - _Prot._ Our guilt hath no assurance nor defence. - - _Bawd._ If now your ever ready wit fail to protect us, - We shall be all discover'd. - - _Brun._ Be not so - In your amazement and your foolish fears, - I am prepared for't. - - _Theod._ How? Not one poor welcome, - In answer of so long a journey made - Only to see your brother. - - _Thier._ I have stood - Silent thus long, and am yet unresolv'd - Whether to entertaine thee on my sword, - As fits a parricide of a mothers honor; - Or whether being a Prince, I yet stand bound - (Though thou art here condemn'd) to give thee hearing - Before I execute. What foolish hope, - (Nay pray you forbear) or desperate madness rather, - (Unless thou com'st assur'd, I stand in debt - As far to all impiety as thy self) - Has made thee bring thy neck unto the axe? - Since looking only here, it cannot but - Draw fresh blood from thy sear'd up conscience, - To make thee sensible of that horror, which - They ever bear about them, that like _Nero_, - Like said I? Thou art worse: since thou darest strive - In her defame to murther thine alive. - - _Theod._ That she that long since had the boldness to - Be a bad woman, (though I wish some other - Should so report her) could not want the cunning, - (Since they go hand in hand) to lay fair colo[u]rs - On her black crimes, I was resolv'd before, - Nor make I doubt, but that she hath impoyson'd - Your good opinion of me, and so far - Incens'd your rage against me, that too late - I come to plead my innocence. - - _Brun._ To excuse thy impious scandalls rather. - - _Prot._ Rather forc'd with fear to be compel'd to come. - - _Thierry._ Forbear. - - _Theod._ This moves not me, and yet had I not been - Transported on my own integrity, - I neither am so odious to my subjects, - Nor yet so barren of defence, but that - By force I could have justified my guilt, - Had I been faulty, but since innocence - Is to it self an hundred thousand gards, - And that there is no Son, but though he owe - That name to an ill mother, but stands bound - Rather to take away with his own danger - From the number of her faults, than for his own - Security, to add unto them. This, - This hath made me to prevent th'expence - Of bloud on both sides, the injuries, the rapes, - (Pages, that ever wait upon the war:) - The account of all which, since you are the cause, - Believe it, would have been required from you; - Rather I say to offer up my daughter, - Who living onely could revenge my death, - With my heart blood a sacrifice to your anger - Than that you should draw on your head more curses - Than yet you have deserved. - - _Thier._ I do begin - To feel an alteration in my nature, - And in his full sail'd confidence, a showre - Of gentle rain, that falling on the fire - Of my hot rage hath quenched it, ha! I would - Once more speak roughly to him, and I will, - Yet there is something whispers to me, that - I have said too much. How is my heart devided - Between the duty of a Son, and love - Due to a brother! yet I am swayed here, - And must aske of you, how 'tis possible - You can effect me that have learned to hate, - Where you should pay all love? - - _Theod._ Which joyn'd with duty, - Upon my knees I should be proud to tender, - Had she not us'd her self so many swords - To cut those bonds that tide me to it. - - _Thier._ Fie no more of that. - - _Theod._ Ala[s] it is a theme, - I take no pleasure to discourse of; Would - It could assoon be buried to the world, - As it should die to me: nay more, I wish - (Next to my part of heaven) that she would spend - The last part of her life so here, that all - Indifferent Judges might condemn me, for - A most malicious slanderer, nay texde it - Upon my forehead, if you hate me mother, - Put me to such a shame, pray you do, believe it - There is no glory that may fall upon me, - Can equall the delight I should receive - In that disgrace; provided the repeal - Of your long banish'd virtues, and good name, - Usher'd me to it. - - _Thier._ See, she shews her self - An e[a]sie mother, which her tears confirme. - - _Theod._ 'Tis a good sign, the comfortablest rain - I ever saw. - - _Thier._ Embrace: Why this is well, - May never more but love in you, and duty - On your part rise between you. - - _Bawd._ Do you hear Lord Generall, - Does not your new stamp'd honor on the suddain - Begin to grow sick? - - _Prota._ Yes I find it fit, - That putting off my armor I should think of - Some honest hospitall to retire to. - - _Bawd._ Sure although I am a bawd, yet being a Lord, - They cannot whip me for't, what's your opinion? - - _Lecure._ The beadle will resolve you, for I cannot, - There is something that more near concerns my self, - That calls upon me. - - _Mart._ Note but yonder scarabs, - That liv'd upon the dung of her base pleasures, - How from the fear that she may yet prove honest - Hang down their wicked heads. - - _Vitry._ What is that to me? - Though they and all the pol[e]cats of the Court, - Were trust together, I perceive not how - It can advantage me a cardekue, - To help to keep me honest. [_A horn._ - - _Enter a Post._ - - _Thier._ How, from whence? - - _Post._ These letters will resolve your grace. - - _Thier._ What speak they? [_Reads._ - How all things meet to make me this day happy? - See mother, brother, to your reconcilement - Another blessing almost equall to it, - Is coming towards me; My contracted wife - _Ordella_, daughter of wise _Datarick_, - The King of _Aragon_ is on our confines; - Then to arrive at such a time, when you - Are happily here to honor with your presence - Our long defer'd, but much wish'd nuptiall, - Falls out above expression; Heaven be pleas'd - That I may use these blessings powr'd on me - With moderation. - - _Brun._ Hell and furies ayd me, - That I may have power to avert the plagues - That press upon me. - - _Thier._ Two dayes journy sayest thou, - We will set forth to meet her: in the mean time - See all things be prepar'd to entertain her; - Nay let me have your companies, there's a Forrest - In the midway shall yeild us hunting sport, - To ease our travel, I'll not have a brow - But shall wear mirth upon it, therefore clear them. - We'll wash away all sorrow in glad feasts; - And the war we mean to men, we'll make on beasts. - - [_Exeunt omnes, præter Brun. Bawdber, Portaldy, Lecure._ - - _Brun._ Oh that I had the Magick to transforme you - Into the shape of such, that your own hounds - Might tear you peece-meale; Are you so stupid? - No word of comfort? have I fed you mothers - From my excess of moysture, with such cost - And can you yeild no other retribution, - But to devour your maker, pandar, sponge, - Impoysoner, all grown barren? - - _Prota._ You your self - That are our mover, and for whom alone - We live, have fail'd your self in giving way - To the reconcilement of your [sonnes]. - - _Lecure._ Which if - You had prevented, or would teach us how - They might again be sever'd, we could easily - Remove all other hind'rances that stop - The passage of your pleasures. - - _Baud._ And for me, - If I fail in my office to provide you - Fresh delicat[e]s, hang me. - - _Brun._ Oh you are dull, and find not - The cause of my vexation; Their reconcilement - Is a mock castle built upon the sand - By children, which when I am pleas'd to o'rethrow, - I can with ease spurn down. - - _Lecure._ If so, from whence - Grows your affliction? - - _Brun._ My grief comes along - With the new Queen, in whose grace all my power - Must suffer shipwrack: for me now, - That hitherto have kept the first, to know - A second place, or yeeld the least precedence - To any other ['s] death; To have my sleeps - Less enquir'd after, or my rising up - Saluted with less reverence, or my gates - Empty of suitors, or the Kings great favours - To pass through any hand but mine, or he - Himself to be directed by another, - Would be to me: doe you understand me, yet - No meanes to prevent this. - - _Prota._ Fame gives her out - To be a woman of [a] chastity - Not to be wrought upon; and therefore Madam - For me, though I have pleas'd you, to attempt her - Were to no purpose. - - _Brun._ Tush, some other way. - - _Baud._ Faith I know none else, all my bringing up - Aim'd at no other learning. - - _Lecure._ Give me leave, - If my art fail me not, I have thought on - A speeding project. - - _Brun._ What [ist]? but effect it, - And thou shalt be my _Æsculapius_, - Thy image shall be set up in pure gold, - To which I'll fall down and worship it. - - _Lecure._ The Lady is fair. - - _Brun._ Exceeding fair. - - _Lecure._ And young. - - _Brun._ Some fifteen at the most. - - _Lecure._ And loves the King with equall ardor. - - _Brun._ More, she dotes on him. - - _Lecure._ Well then, [what] think you if I make a drink - Which given unto him on the bridall night - Shall for five days so rob his faculties, - Of all ability to pay that duty, - Which new made wives expect, that she shall swear - She is not match'd to a man. - - _Prota._ 'Twere rare. - - _Lecure._ And then, - If she have any part of woman in her, - She'll or fly out, or at least give occasion - Of such a breach which nere can be made up, - Since he that to all else did never fail - Of as much as could be perform'd by man - Proves only Ice to her. - - _Brun._ 'Tis excellent. - - _Bawd._ The Physitian - Helps ever at a dead lift; a fine calling, - That can both raise, and take down, out upon thee. - - _Brun._ For this one service [I am] ever thine, - Prepare it; I'll give it him my self, for you _Protaldye_, - By this kiss, and our promis'd sport at night, - Doe conjure you to bear up, not minding - The opposition of _Theodoret_, - Or any of his followers; What so ere - You are, yet appear valiant, and make good - The opinion that is had of you: For my self - In the new Queens remove, being made secure, - Fear not, I'll make the future building sure. [_Exeunt._ - - [_Wind horns._ - - _Enter Theodoret, Thierry._ - - _Theod._ This Stag stood well, and cunningly. - - _Thierry._ My horse, - I'm sure, has found it, for her sides are - Blooded from flank to shoulder, where's the troop? - - _Enter Martell._ - - _Theodoret._ Past homeward, weary and tir'd as we are, - Now _Martell_, have you remembred what we thought of? - - _Mart._ Yes Sir, I have snigled him, and if there be - Any desert in his blood, beside the itch, - Or manly heat, but what decoctions - Leaches, and callises have cram'd into him, - Your Lordship shall know perfect. - - _Thier._ What's that, may not I know too? - - _Theod._ Yes Sir, - To that end we cast the project. - - _Thierry._ What [ist]? - - _Mart._ A desire Sir, - Upon the gilded flag your Graces favor - Has stuck up for a Generall, and to inform you, - For this hour he shall pass the test, what valour, - Staid judgement, soul, or safe discretion - Your mothers wandring eyes, and your obedience - Have flung upon us, to assure your knowledge, - He can be, dare be, shall be, must be nothing, - Load him with piles of honors; Set him off - With all the cunning foyls that may deceive us: - But a poor, cold, unspirited, unmanner'd, - Unhonest, unaffected, undone, fool, - And most unheard of coward, a meer lump - Made to loade beds withall, and like a night-mare, - Ride Ladies that forget to say their prayers, - One that dares only be diseas'd, and in debt, - Whose body mewes more plaisters every month, - Than women doe old faces. - - _Thier._ No more, I know him, - I now repent my error, take your time - And try him home, ever thus far reserv'd, - You tie your anger up. - - _Mart._ I lost it else Sir. - - _Thier._ Bring me his sword fair taken without violence, - For that will best declare him. - - _Theod._ That's the thing. - - _Th[ie]r._ And my best horse is thine. - - _Mart._ Your Graces servant. [_Exit._ - - _Theod._ [You'le] hunt no more Sir. - - _Thier._ Not to day, the weather - Is grown too warm, besides the dogs are spent, - We'll take a cooler morning, let's to horse, - And hollow in the troop. [_Exeunt. Wind horns._ - - _Enter 2 Huntsmen._ - - _1._ I marry Twainer, - This woman gives indeed, these are the Angels - That are the keepers saints. - - _2._ I like a woman - That handles the deers dowsets with discretion; - And payes us by proportion. - - _1._ 'Tis no treason - To think this good old Lady has a stump yet - That may require a corrall. - - _2._ And the bells too. - - _Enter Protaldye._ - - Shee has lost a friend of me else, but here's the clark, - No more for feare o'th' bell ropes. - - _Prota._ How now Keepers, - Saw you the King? - - _1._ Yes Sir, he's newly mounted, - And as we take 't ridden home. - - _Pro._ Farew[e]ll then. [_Exit Keepers._ - - _Enter Martell._ - - My honour'd Lord, Fortune has made me happy - To meet with such a man of men to side me. - - _Protald._ How Sir? I know ye not - Nor what your fortune means. - - _Mart._ Few words shall serve, I am betrai'd Sir: - Innocent and honest; malice and violence, - Are both against me, basely and foully layd for; - For my life Sir, danger is now about me, - Now in my throat Sir. - - _Protald._ Where Sir? - - _Mart._ Nay I fear not, - And let it now powr down in storms upon me, - I have met with a noble guard. - - _Prot._ Your meaning Sir, - For I have present business. - - _Mart._ O my Lord, - Your honor cannot leave a gentleman - At least a fair design of this brave nature, - To which your worth is wedded, your profession - Hatcht in, and made one peece in such a perill, - There are but six my Lord. - - _Prot._ What six? - - _Mart._ Six villains sworn, and in pay to kill me. - - _Protaldye._ Six? - - _Mart._ Alas Sir, what can six do, or sixscore, now you are present? - Your name will blow 'em off: say they have shot too, - Who dare present a peece? your valour's proof Sir. - - _Prot._ No, I'll assure you Sir, nor my discretion - Against a multitude; 'Tis true, I dare fight - Enough, and well enough, and long enough: - But wisedome Sir, and weight of what is on me, - In which I am no more mine own, nor yours Sir, - Nor as I take it any single danger, - But what concerns my place, tel[l]s me directly, - Beside my person, my fair reputation, - If I thrust into crowds, and seek occasions - Suffers opinion, six? Why _Hercules_ - Avoyded two men, yet not to give example; - But only for your present dangers sake Sir, - Were there but four Sir, I car'd not if I kill'd them, - They will serve to whet my sword. - - _Mart._ There are but four Sir, - I did mistake them; but four such as _Europe_, - Excepting your great valour. - - _Prot._ Well consider'd, - I will not meddle with 'em, four in honor, - Are equall with fourscore, besides they're people - Only directed by their fury. - - _Mart._ So much nobler shall be your way of justice. - - _Prot._ That I find not. - - _Mart._ You will not leave me thus? - - _Prot._ I would not leave you, but look you Sir, - Men of my place and business, must not - Be question'd thus. - - _Mart._ You cannot pass Sir, - Now they have seen me with you without danger. - They are here Sir, within hearing, take but two. - - _Prot._ Let the law take 'em; take a tree Sir - I'll take my horse, that you may keep with safety, - If they have brought no hand-saws, within this hour - I'll send you rescue, and a toyl to take 'em. - - _Mart._ You shall not goe so poorly, stay but one Sir. - - _Prot._ I have been so hamper'd with these rescues, - So hew'd an[d] tortur'd, that the truth is Sir, - I have mainly vowd against 'em, yet for your sake, - If as you say there be but one, I'll stay, - And see fair play o' both sides. - - _Mart._ There is no - More Sir, and as I doubt a base one too. - - _Prot._ Fie on him, goe lug him out by th' ears. - - _Mart._ Yes, - This is he Sir, the basest in the kingdome. - - _Prot._ Do you know me? - - _Mart._ Yes, for a generall fool, - A knave, a coward, and upstart stallion baw[d], - Beast, barking puppy, that dares not bite. - - _Prot._ The best man best knows patience. - - _Mart._ Yes, - This way Sir, now draw your sword, and right you, - Or render it to me, for one you shall doe. - - _Pro._ If wearing it may do you any honor, - I shall be glad to grace you, there it is Sir. - - _Mart._ Now get you home, and tell your Lady Mistris, - Shee has shot up a sweet mushrum; quit your place too, - And say you are counsel'd well, thou wilt be beaten else - By thine own lanceprisadoes; when they know thee, - That tuns of oyl of roses will not cure thee; - Goe get you to your foyning work at Court, - And learn to sweat again, and eat dry mutton; - An armor like a frost will search your bones - And make you roar you rogue; Not a reply, - For if you doe, your ears goe off. - - _Prot._ Still patience. [_Exeunt._ - - [_Loud musick, A Banquet set out._ - - _Enter Thierry, Ordella, Brunhalt, Theodoret, Lecure,_ - _Bawd[b]er, &c._ - - _Thier._ It is your place, and though in all things else - You may and ever shall command me, yet - In this I'll be obeyed. - - _Ordella._ Sir, the consent, - That made me yours, shall never teach me to - Repent I am so; yet be you but pleas'd - To give me leave to say so much; The honor - You offer me were better given to her, - To whom you owe the power of giving. - - _Thier._ Mother, - You hear this and rejoyce in such a blessing - That payes to you so large a share of duty, - But fie no more, for as you hold a place - Nearer my heart than she, you must sit nearest - To all those graces, that are in the power - Of Majesty to bestow. - - _Brun._ Which I'll provide, - Shall be short liv'd _Lecure_. - - _Lecure._ I have it ready. - - _Brun._ 'Tis well, wait on our cup. - - _Lecure._ You honor me. - - _Thier._ We are dull, - No object to provoke mirth. - - _Theod. Martell_, - If you remember Sir, will grace your Feast, - With some thing that will yield matter of mirth, - Fit for no common view. - - _Thier._ Touching _Protaldye_. - - _Theod._ You have it. - - _Brun._ What of him? I fear his baseness [_aside._ - In spight of all the titles that my favours - Have cloth'd him, which will make discovery - Of what is yet conceal'd. - - _Enter Martell._ - - _Theod._ Look Sir, he has it, - Nay we shall have peace when so great a soldier - As the renoun'd _P[ro]taldye_, will give up - His sword rather then use it. - - _Brun._ 'Twas thy plot, - Which I will turn on thine own head. [_aside._ - - _Thie._ Pray you speak, - How won you him to part from't? - - _Mart._ Won him Sir, - He would have yielded it upon his knees - Before he would have hazarded the exchange - Of a phil[l]ip of the forehead: had you will'd me - I durst have undertook he should have sent you - His Nose, provided that the loss of it - Might have sav'd the rest of his face: he is, Sir - The most unutterable coward that e'er nature - Blest with hard shoulders, which were only given him, - To the ruin of bastinados. - - _Thier._ Possible? - - _Theod._ Observe but how she frets. - - _Mart._ Why believe it: - But that I know the shame of this disgrace, - Will make the beast to live with such, and never - Presume to come more among men; I'll hazard - My life upon it, that a boy of twelve - Should scourge him hither like a Parish Top, - And make him dance before you. - - _Brun._ Slave thou liest, - Thou dar'st as well speak Treason in the hearing - Of those that have the power to punish it, - As the least syllable of this before him, - But 'tis thy hate to me. - - _Martel._ Nay, pray you Madam, - I have no ears to hear you, though a foot - To let you understand what he is. - - _Brun._ Villany. - - _Theod._ You are too violent. - - _Enter_ Protaldye. - - The worst that can come - Is blanketing; for beating, and such virtues - I have been long acquainted with. - - _Mart._ Oh strange! - - _Bawdb._ Behold the man you talk of. - - _Brun._ Give me leave, - Or free thy self, (think in what place you are) - From the foul imputation that is laid - Upon thy valour (be bold, I'll protect you) - Or here I vow (deny it or forswear it) - These honors which thou wear'st unworthily, - Which be but impudent enough, and keep them, - Shall be torn from thee with thy eyes. - - _Prot._ I have it, - My v[a]lour! is there any here beneath, - The stile of King, dares question it? - - _Thier._ This is rare. - - _Prot._ Which of [my] actions, which have still been noble, - Has rend'rd me suspected? - - _Thier._ Nay _Martel[l]_ - You must not fall off. - - _Mart._ Oh Sir, fear it not, - Doe you know this sword? - - _Prot._ Yes. - - _Mart._ Pray you on what terms - Did you part with it? - - _Prot._ Part with it say you? - - _Mart._ So. - - _Thier._ Nay, study not an answer, confess freely. - - _Prot._ Oh I remember't now at the Stags [fall], - As we to day were hunting, a poor fellow, - And now I view you better, I may say - Much of your pitch: this silly wretch I spoke of - With his petition falling at my feet, - (Which much against my Will he kist,) desir'd - That as a special means for his preferment - I would vouchsafe to let him use my sword, - To cut off the Stags head. - - _Brun._ Will you hear that? - - _Bawdb._ This Lye bears a similitude of Truth. - - _Prot._ I ever courteous, (a great weakness in me) - Granted his humble suit. - - _Mart._ Oh impudence! - - _Thier._ This change is excellent. - - _Mart._ A word with you, - Deny it not, I was that man disguis'd, - You know my temper, and as you respect - A daily cudgeling for one whole year, - Without a second pulling by the ears, - Or tweaks by th' nose, or the most precious balm - You us'd of patience, patience do you mark me, - Confess before these Kings with what base fear - Thou didst deliver it. - - _Prot._ Oh, I sh[all] burst, - And if I have not instant liberty - To tear this fellow limb by limb, the wrong - Will break my heart, although _Herculean_, - And somewhat bigger; there's my gage, pray you he[re], - Let me redeem my credit. - - _Thier._ Ha, ha, forbear. - - _Mart._ Pray you let me take it up, and if I do not, - Against all odds of Armor and of Weapons, - With this make him confess it on his knees - Cut off my head. - - _Prot._ No, that's my office. - - _Bawdb._ Fie, you take the Hangmans place. - - _Ordel._ Nay, good my Lord - Let me attone this difference, do not suffer - Our bridal night to be the Centaurs Feast. - [You are] a Knight, and bound by oath to grant - All just suits unto Ladies; for my sake - Forget your suppos'd wrong. - - _Prot._ Well let him thank you, - For your sake he shall live, perhaps a day, - And may be, on submission longer. - - _Theod._ Nay _Martel[l]_ you must be patient. - - _Mart._ I am yours, - And this slave shall be once more mine. - - _Thier._ Sit all; - One health, and so to bed, for I too long - Deferr my choicest delicates. - - _Brun._ Which if poison - Have any power, thou shalt like _Tantalus_ - Behold and never taste, be careful. - - _Lecu._ Fear not. - - _Brun._ Though it be rare in our Sex, yet for once - I will begin a health. - - _Thier._ Let it come freely. - - _Brun. Lecure_, the cup; here to the son we hope - This night shall be an Embrion. - - _Thier._ You have nam'd - A blessing that I most desir'd, I pledge you; - Give me a larger cup, that is too little - Unto so great a god. - - _Brun._ Nay, then you wrong me, - Follow as I began. - - _Thier._ Well as you please. - - _Brun._ Is't done? - - _Lecu._ Unto your wish I warrant you, - For this night I durst trust him with my Mother. - - _Thier._ So 'tis gone round, lights. - - _Brun._ Pray you use my service. - - _Ordel._ 'Tis that which I shall ever owe you, Madam, - And must have none from you, pray [you] pardon me. - - _Thier._ Good rest to all. - - _Theod._ And to [you] pleasant labour. _Mart[ell]_ - Your company, Madam, good night. - - [_Exeunt all but_ Brunhalt, Protal, Lecure, Bawdber. - - _Brun._ Nay, you have cause to blush, but I will hide it, - And what's more, I forgive you; is't not pity - That thou that art the first to enter combate - With any Woman, and what is more, o'ercome her, - In which she is best pleas'd, should be so [fearefull] - To meet a man. - - _Prot._ Why would you have me lose - That bloud that is dedicated to your service - In any other quarrel? - - _Brun._ No, reserve it, - As I will study to preserve thy credit: - You sirrah, be't your care to find out one - That is poor, though valiant, that at any rate - Will, to redeem my servants reputation, - Receive a publique baffling. - - _Bawdb._ Would your Highness - Were pleas'd to inform me better of your purpose. - - _Brun._ Why one, Sir, that would thus be box'd - Or kick'd, do you apprehend me now? - - _Bawdb._ I feel you Madam, - The man that shall receive this from my Lord, - Shall have a thousand crowns. - - _Pro._ He shall. - - _Bawdb._ Besides - His day of bastinadoing past o'er, - He shall not lose your grace, nor your good favour? - - _Brun._ That shall make way to it. - - _Bawdb._ It must be a man - Of credit in the Court, that is to be - The foil unto your v[a]lour. - - _Prot._ True, it should. - - _Bawdb._ And if he have place there, 'tis not the worse. - - _Brun._ 'Tis much the better. - - _Bawdb._ If he be a Lord, - 'Twill be the greater grace. - - _Brun._ Thou art in the right. - - _Bawdb._ Why then behold that valiant man and Lord, - That for your sake will take a cudgeling: - For be assur'd, when it is spread abroad - That you have dealt with me, they'll give you out - For one of the Nine Worthies. - - _Brun._ Out you pandar, - Why, to beat thee is only exercise - For such as do affect it, lose not time - In vain replies, but do it: come my solace - Let us to bed, and our desires once quench'd - We'll there determine of _Theodorets_ death - For he's the Engine us'd to ruin us; - Yet one wor[d] more, _Lecure_, art thou assur'd - The potion will work? - - _Lecure._ My life upon it. - - _Brun._ Come my _Protaldye_, then glut me with - Those best delights of man, that are deny'd - To her that does expect them, being a Bride. - - - - -_Actus Tertius. Scæna Prima._ - - - _Enter_ Thierry, _and_ Ordella, _as from bed_. - - _Thier._ Sure I have drunk the bloud of Elephants: - The tears of Mandrake, and the Marble dew, - Mixt in my draught, have quencht my natural heat, - And left no spark of fire, but in mine eyes, - With which I may behold my miseries: - Ye wretched flames which play upon my sight, - Turn inward, make me all one piece, though earth. - My tears shall over-whelm you else too. - - _Or._ What moves my Lord to this strange sadness? - If any late discerned want in me, - Give cause to your repentance, care and duty - Shall find a painful way to recompence. - - _Thier._ Are you yet frozen veins, feel you a breath, - Whose temperate heat would make the North Star reel, - Her Icy pillars thaw'd, and do you not melt? - Draw nearer, yet nearer, - That from thy barren kiss thou maist confess - I have not heat enough to make a blush. - - _Ordel._ Speak nearer to my understanding, like a Husband. - - _Thier._ How should he speak the language of a Husband, - Who wants the tongue and organs of his voice? - - _Ordel._ It is a phrase will part with the same ease - From you, with that you now deliver. - - _Thier._ Bind not his ears up with so dull a charm - Who hath no other sense left open, why should thy words - Find more restraint than thy free speaking actions, - Thy close embraces, and thy midnight sighs - The silent Orators to slow desire? - - _Ordel._ Strive not to win content from ignorance - Which must be lost in knowledge: heaven can witness - My farthest hope of good, reacht at your pleasure, - Which seeing alone, may in your look be read: - Add not a doubtful comment to a text - That in it self is direct and easie. - - _Thier._ Oh thou hast drunk the juyce of hemlock too, - Or did upbraided nature make this pair - To shew she had not quite forgot her first - Justly prais'd Workmanship, the first chast couple - Before the want of joy, taught guilty sight - A way through shame and sorrow to delight: - Say, may we mix, as in their innocence - When Turtles kist, to confirm happiness, - Not to beget it. - - _Ordel._ I know no bar. - - _Thier._ Should I believe thee, yet thy pulse beats, woman, - And says the name of Wife did promise thee - The blest reward of duty to thy mother, - Who gave so often witness of her joy, - When she did boast thy likeness to her Husband. - - _Ordel._ 'Tis true, that to bring forth a second to your self, - Was only worthy of my Virgin loss; - And should I prize you less, unpattern'd Sir? - Then being exemplify'd, is't not more honor - To be possessor of unequall'd virtue, - Than what is paralell'd? give me belief, - The name of mother knows no way of good, - More than the end in me: who weds for Lust - Is oft a widow: when I married you, - I lost the name of Maid to gain a Title - Above the wish of change, which that part can - Only maintain, is still the same in man, - His virtue and his calm society, - Which no gray hairs can threaten to dissolve - Nor wrinkles bury. - - _Thier._ Confine thy self to silence, lest thou take - That part of reason from me, is only left - To give perswasion to me, I'm a man: - Or say thou hast never seen the Rivers haste - With gladsome speed, to meet th' amorous sea. - - _Ordel._ We are but to praise the coolness of their streams. - - _Thier._ Nor view'd the Kids, taught by their lustful [s]ires, - Pursue each other through the wanton lawns, - And lik'd the sport. - - _Ordel._ As it made way unto their envied rest - With weary knots, binding their harmless eyes. - - _Thier._ Nor do you know the reason why the Dove, - One of the pair, your hands wont hourly feed, - So often clipt and kist her happy mate. - - _Ordel._ Unless it were to welcome his wish'd sight, - Whose absence only gave her mourning voice. - - _Thier._ And you could, Dove-like to a single object, - Bind your loose spirits to one, nay, such a one - Whom only eyes and ears must flatter good, - Your surer sence made useless, my self, nay - As in my all of good, already known. - - _Ordel._ Let proof plead for me; let me be mew'd up - Where never eye may reach me, but your own; - And when I shall repent, but in my looks, if sigh. - - _Thier._ Or shed a tear that's warm. - - _Ordel._ But in your sadness. - - _Thier._ Or when you hear the birds call for their mates, - Ask if it be _St. Valentine_, their coupling day. - - _Ordel._ If any thing may make a thought suspected - Of knowing any happiness but you, - Divorce me, by the Title of Most Falshood. - - _Thier._ Oh, who would know a wife, that might have such a friend? - Posterity henceforth, lose the name of blessing - And leave the earth inhabited to people heaven. - - _Enter_ Theodoret, Brunhalt, Martel, Protaldye. - - _Mart._ All happiness to _Thierry_ and _Ordella_. - - _Thier._ 'Tis a desire but borrowed from me, my happiness - Shall be the period of all good mens wishes, - Which friends, nay dying Fathers shall bequeath, - And in my one give all: is there a duty - Belongs to any power of mine, or love - To any virtue I have right to? here, place it here, - _Ordella's_ name shall only bear command, - Rule, Title, Sovereignty. - - _Brun._ What passion sways my Son? - - _Thier._ Oh Mother, she has doubled every good - The travel of your bloud made possible - To my glad being. - - _Prot._ He should have done - Little to her, he is so light hearted. - - _Thier._ Brother, friends, if honor unto shame - If wealth to want inlarge the present sense, - My joyes are unbounded, instead of question - Let it be envy, not bring a present - To the high offering of our mirth, Banquets, and Masques; - Keep waking our delights, mocking nights malice, - Whose dark brow would fright pleasure from us, - Our Court be but one st[a]ge of Revels, and each [e]ye - The Scene where our content moves. - - _Theod._ There shall want - Nothing to express our shares in your delight, Sir. - - _Mart._ Till now I ne'er repented the estate - Of Widower. - - _Thier._ Musick, why art thou so slow voic'd? it staies thy presence - My _Ordella_, this chamber is a sphere - Too narrow for thy all-moving virtue. - Make way, free way I say; - Who must alone, her Sexes want supply, - Had need to have a room both large and high. - - _Mart._ This passion's above utterance. - - _Theod._ Nay, credulity. [_Exit all but_ Thierry, Brunhalt. - - _Brun._ Why Son what mean you, are you a man? - - _Thier._ No Mother I am no man, were I a man, - How could I be thus happy? - - _Brun._ How can a wife be author of this joy then? - - _Thier._ That being no man, I am married to no woman; - The best of men in full ability, - Can only hope to satisfie a wife, - And for that hope ridiculous, I in my want - And such defective poverty, that to her bed - From my first Cradle brought no strength but thought, - Have met a temperance beyond hers that rockt me, - Necessity being her bar; where this - Is so much sensless of my depriv'd fire; - She knows it not a loss by her desire. - - _Brun._ It is beyond my admiration. - - _Thier._ Beyond your sexes faith, - The unripe Virgins of our age, to hear't - Will dream themselves to women, and convert - Th' example to a miracle. - - _Brun._ Alas, 'tis your defect moves my amazement, - But what [i]ll can be separate from ambition? - Cruel _Theodoret_. - - _Thier._ What, of my brother? - - _Brun._ That to his name your barrenness adds rule; - Who loving the effect, would not be strange - In favouring the cause; look on the profit, - And gain will quickly point the mischief out. - - _Thier._ The name of Father, to what I possess - Is shame and care. - - _Brun._ Were we begot to single happiness - I grant you; but from such a wife, such virtue - To get an heir, what hermet would not find - Deserving argument to break his vow - Even in his age of chastity? - - _Thier._ You teach a deaf man language. - - _Brun._ The cause found out, the malady may cease, - Have you heard of one _Forts_? - - _Thier._ A learned Astronomer, great Magician, - Who lives hard by retir'd. - - _Brun._ Repair to him, with the just hour and place - Of your nativity; fools are amaz'd at fate, - Griefs but conceal'd are never desperate. - - _Thier._ You have timely waken'd me, nor shall I sleep - Without the satisfaction of his Art. [_Exit_ Thierry. - - _Enter_ Lecure. - - _Brun._ Wisdom prepares you to't, _Lecure_, met happily. - - _Lecure._ The ground answers your purpose, the conve[iance] - Being secure and easie, falling just - Behind the state set for _Theodoret_. - - _Brun._ 'Tis well, your trust invites you to a second charge, - You know _Leforte's_ Cell. - - _Lecure._ Who constellated your fair birth. - - _Brun._ Enough, I see thou know'st him, where's _Bawdber_? - - _Lec._ I left him careful of the project cast, - To raise _Protaldie's_ credit. - - _Brun._ A sore that must be plaister'd, in whose wound - Others shall find their graves, think themselves sound, - Your ear, and quickest apprehension. [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter_ Bawdber _and a servant_. - - _Bawdb._ This man of war will advance. - - _Lecu._ His hour's upon the stroke. - - _Bawdb._ Wind him back, as you favour my ears, - I [lo]ve no noise in my head, my brains have hitherto - Been imploy'd in silent businesses. - - _Enter_ Devitry. - - _Lecu._ The Gentleman is within your reach Sir. [_Exit._ - - _Bawdb._ Give ground, whilst I drill my wits to the encounter, - _Devitry_, I take it. - - _Devi._ All's that left of him. - - _Bawdb._ Is there another parcel of you, if it be at pawn - I will gladly redeem it, to make you wholly mine. - - _Vitry._ You seek too hard a pennyworth. - - _Bawdb._ You too ill to keep such distance; your parts have been - long known - To me, howsoever you please to forget acquaintance. - - _Vit._ I must confess I have been subject to lewd company. - - _Bawdb._ Thanks for your good remembrance, - You have been a soldier _Devitry_ and born[e] Arms. - - _Vit._ A couple of unprofitable ones, that have only serv'd - to get me a stomach to my dinner. - - _Bawdb._ Much good may it do you, Sir. - - _Vitry._ You sh[ould] have heard me say I had din'd first, I - have built on an unwholsome ground, rais'd up a house, before - I knew a Tenant, matcht to meet weariness, sought to find - want and hunger. - - _Bawdb._ It is time you put up your sword, and run away - for meat, Sir, nay, if I had not withdrawn e'r now, I might - have kept thee; fast with you: but since the way to thrive - is never late, what is the nearest course to profit think you? - - _Vitry._ It may be your worship will say bawdry. - - _Bawdb._ True sense, bawdry. - - _Vitry._ Why, is the[re] five kinds of them, I never knew - but one. - - _Bawdb._ I'll shew you a new way of prostitution, fall back, - further yet, further, there is fifty crowns, do but as much - to _Protaldye_ the Queens favorite, they are doubled. - - _Vitry._ But thus much. - - _Bawdb._ Give him but an affront as he comes to the presence, - and in his drawing make way, like a true bawd to his - valour, the s[um]'s thy own; if you take a scratch in the arm - or so, every drop of bloud weighs down a ducket. - - _Vitry._ After that rate, I and my friends would begger the - kingdom. Sir, you have made me blush to see my want, - whose cure is such a cheap and easie purchase, this is Male-bawdry - belike. - - _Enter_ Protaldy, _a Lady, and Revellers_. - - _Bawdb._ See, you shall not be long earning your wages, your work's - before your eyes. - - _Vitry._ Leave it to my handling, I'll fall upon't instantly. - - _Bawdb._ What opinion will the managing of this affair - - Bring to my wisdom? my invention tickles - With apprehension on't: - - _Pro._ These are the joyes of marriage, Lady, - Whose sights are able to dissolve Virginity. - Speak freely, do you not envy the Brides felicity? - - _Lady._ How should I, being partner of't? - - _Pro._ What you enjoy is but the Banquets view, - The taste stands from your pallat; if he impart - By day so much of his content, think what night gave? - - _Vitry._ Will you have a relish of wit, Lady? - - _Bawdb._ This is the man. - - _Lady._ If it be not dear, Sir. - - _Vitry._ If you affect cheapness, how can you prize this sullied - ware so much? mine is fresh, my own, not retail'd. - - _Pro._ You are saucy, sirrah. - - _Vitry._ The fitter to be in the dish with such dry Stock-fish as - you are, how, strike? - - _Bawdb._ Remember the condition as you look for payment. - - _Vitry._ That box was left out of the bargain. - - _Pro._ Help, help, help. - - _Bawdb._ Plague of the Scriveners running hand, - What a blow is this to my reputation! - - _Enter_ Thierry, Theodoret, Brunhalt, Ordella, - Memberge, Martell. - - _Thier._ What villain dares this outrage? - - _Devitry._ Hear me, Sir, this creature hir'd me with fifty crowns - in hand, to let _Protaldye_ have the better of me at single Rapier - on a made quarrel; he mistaking the weapon, laies me over the chops - with his club fist, for which I was bold to teach him the Art of - memory. - - _Omnes._ Ha, ha, ha, ha. - - _Theo._ Your General, Mother, will display himself. - 'Spight of our Peace I see. - - _Thier._ Forbear these civil jars, fie _Protaldy_, - So open in your projects, avoid our presence, sirrah. - - _Devi._ Willingly; if you have any more wages to earn, - You see I can take pains. - - _Theo._ There's somewhat for thy labour, - More than was promis'd, ha, ha, ha. - - _Bawdb._ Where could I wish my self now? in the _Isle of Dogs_. - So I might scape scratching, for I see by her Cats eyes - I shall be claw'd fearfully. - - _Thier._ We'll hear no more on't, [_Soft Musick._ - Musick drown all sadness; - Command the Revellers in, at what a rate I do purchase - My Mothers absence, to give my spleen full liberty. - - _Brun._ Speak not a thoughts delay, it names thy ruin. - - _Pro._ I had thought my life had born[e] more value with you. - - _Brun._ Thy loss carries mine with't, let that secure thee. - The vault is ready, and the door conveys to't - Falls just behind his chair, the blow once given, - Thou art unseen. - - _Pro._ I cannot feel more than I fear, I'm sure. [_Withdraws._ - - _Brun._ Be gone, and let them laugh their own destruction. - - _Thier._ You will add unto her rage. - - _Theod._ 'Foot, I shall burst, unless I vent my self, ha, ha, ha. - - _Brun._ Me Sir, you never could - Have found a time to invite more willingness - In my dispose to pleasure. - - _Memb._ Would you would please to make some other choise. - - _Revel._ 'Tis a disgrace would dwell upon me, Lady, - Should you refuse. - - _Memb._ Your reason conquers; my Grandmothers looks - Have turn'd all air to earth in me, they sit - Upon my heart like night-charms, black and heavy. - - [_They Dance._ - - _Thier._ You are too much libertine. - - _Theod._ The fortune of the fool perswades my laughter - More than his cowardize; was ever Rat - Ta'en by the tail thus? ha, ha, ha. - - _Thier._ Forbear I say. - - _Prot._ No eye looks this way, I will wink and strike, - Lest I betray my self. [_Behind the State stabs_ Theodoret. - - _Theo._ Ha, did you not see one near me? - - _Thier._ How near you, why do you look so pale, brother? - Treason, treason. - - _Memb._ Oh my presage! Father. - - _Ordella._ Brother. - - _Mart._ Prince, Noble Prince. - - _Thier._ Make the gates sure, search into every angle - And corner of the Court, oh my shame! Mother, - Your Son is slain, _Theodoret_, noble _Theodoret_, - Here in my arms, too weak a Sanctuary - 'Gainst treachery and murder, say, is the Traitor taken? - - _1 Guard._ No man hath past the chamber on my life Sir. - - _Thier._ Set present fire unto the place, that all unseen - May perish in this mischief, who moves slow to't, - Shall add unto the flame. - - _Brun._ What mean you? give me your private hearing. - - _Thier._ Perswasion is a partner in the crime, - I will renounce my claim unto a mother, - If you make offer on't. - - _Brun._ E'er a Torch can take flame, I will produce - The author of the fact. - - _Thier._ Withdraw but for your Lights. - - _Memb._ Oh my too true suspition. - - [_Exeunt_ Martel, Memberg. - - _Thier._ Speak, where's the Engine to this horrid act? - - _Brun._ Here you do behold her; upon whom make good - Your causeless rage; the deed was done by my incitement, - Not yet repented. - - _Thier._ Wh[i]ther did nature start, when you conceiv'd? - A birth so unlike woman? say, what part - Did not consent to make a son of him, - Reserv'd it self within you to his ruine. - - _Brun._ Ha, ha, a son of mine! doe not dissever - Thy fathers dust, shaking his quiet urn, - To which [thy] breath would send so foul an issue. - My Son, thy Brother? - - _Thier._ Was not _Theodoret_ my brother, or is thy tongue - Confederate with thy heart, to speak and do - Only things monstrous? - - _Brun._ Hear me and thou shalt make thine own belief, - Thy, still with sorrow mention'd, father liv'd - Three careful years, in hope of wished heirs, - When I conceiv'd, being from his jealous fear - Injoyn'd to quiet home, one fatal day: - Transported with my pleasure to the chase, - I forc'd command, and in pursuit of game - Fell from my horse, lost both my child and hopes. - Despair which only in his love saw life - Worthy of being, from a Gard'ners Arms - Snatcht this unlucky brat, and call'd it mine, - When the next year repaid my loss with thee: - But in thy wrongs preserv'd my misery, - Which that I might diminish, though not end, - My sighs, and wet eies from thy Fathers Will, - Bequeath this largest part of his Dominions - Of _France_ unto thee, and only left - _Austracia_ unto that changling, whose life affords - Too much of ill 'gainst me to prove my words, - And call him stranger. - - _Thier._ Come, doe not weep, I must, nay do believe you. - And in my fathers satisfaction count it - Merit, not wrong, or loss: - - _Brun._ You doe but flatter, there's anger yet flames - In your eyes. - - _Thier._ See, I will quench it, and confess that you - Have suffer'd double travel for me. - - _Brun._ You will not fire the house then? - - _Thier._ Rather reward the author who gave cause - Of knowing such a secret, my oath and duty - Shall be assurance on't. - - _Brun. Protaldye_, rise good faithful servant, heaven knows - How hardly he was drawn to this attempt. - - _Enter_ Protaldye. - - _Thier. Protaldye?_ he had a Gard'ners fa[t]e I'll swear: - [F]ell by thy hand, Sir, we doe owe unto you for this service. - - _Brun._ Why lookest thou so dejected? - - _Enter_ Martel. - - _Prot._ I want a little shift, Lady, nothing else. - - _Mart._ The fires are ready, please it your grace withdraw, - Whilst we perform your pleasure. - - _Thier._ Reserve them for the body; since he had the fate - To live and die a Prince, he shall not lose - The Title in his Funeral. [_Exit._ - - _Mart._ His fate to live a Prince, - Thou old impiety, made up by lust and mischief, - Take up the body. [_Exeunt with the body of_ Theod. - - _Enter_ Lecure _and a Servant_. - - _Lecu._ Dost think _Leforte's_ sure enough? - - _Serv._ As bonds can make him, I have turn'd his eyes to the East; - and left him gaping after the Morning star, his head is a meer - Astrolobe, his eyes stand for the Poles, the gag in his mouth - being the Coachman, his five teeth have the nearest resemblance to - _Charles Wain._ - - _Lecure._ Thou hast cast a figure which shall raise thee, direct my - hair a little: and in my likeness to him, read a fortune suiting - thy largest hopes. - - _Ser._ You are so far 'bove likeness, you are the same, - If you love mirth, perswade him from himself. - 'Tis but an Astronomer out of the way, - And lying, will bear the better place for't. - - _Lecure._ I have profitabler use in hand, haste to the Queen - And tell her how you left me chang'd. [_Exit Servant._ - Who would not serve this virtuous active Queen? - She that loves mischief 'bove the man that does it, - And him above her pleasure, yet knows no heaven else. - - _Enter_ Thierry. - - _Thier._ How well this loan[es] suits the Art I seek, - Discovering secret, and succeeding Fate, - Knowledge that puts all lower happiness on, - With a remiss and careless hand, - Fair peace unto your meditations, father. - - _Lecure._ The same to you, you bring, Sir. - - _Thier._ Drawn by your much fam'd skill, I come to know - Whether the man who owes [t]his character, - Shall e'er have issue. - - _Lecure._ A resolution falling with most ease, - Of any doubt you could have nam'd, he is a Prince - Whose fortune you enquire. - - _Thie._ He is nobly born. - - _Lecure._ He had a Dukedom lately fall'n unto him, - By one, call'd Brother, who has left a Daughter. - - _Thier._ The question is, of Heirs, not Lands. - - _Lecure._ Heirs, yes, he shall have Heirs. - - _Thier._ Begotten of his body, why look'st thou pale? - Thou canst not suffer in his want. - - _Lecure._ Nor thou, I neither can nor will - Give farther knowledge to thee. - - _Thier._ Thou must, I am the man my self, - Thy Sovereign, who must owe unto thy wisdom - In the concealing of my barren shame. - - _Lecure._ Your Grace doth wrong your Stars; if this be yours, - You may have children. - - _Thier._ Speak it again. - - _Lecure._ You may have fruitful issue. - - _Thier._ By whom? when? how? - - _Lecure._ It was the fatal means first struck my bloud - With the cold hand of wonder, when I read it - Printed upon your birth. - - _Thier._ Can there be any way unsmooth, has end - So fair and good? - - _Lecure._ We that behold the sad aspects of Heaven, - Leading sence blinded, men feel grief enough - To know, though not to speak their miseries. - - _Thier._ Sorrow must lose a name, where mine finds life; - If not in thee, at least ease pain with speed, - Which must know no cure else. - - _Lecure._ Then thus, - The first of Females which your eye shall meet - Before the Sun next rise, coming from out - The Temple of _Diana_ being slain, you live - Father of many sons. - - _Thier._ Call'st thou this sadness, can I beget a Son? - Deserving less than to give recompence - Unto so poor a loss? what e'er thou art, - Rest peaceable blest creature, born to be - Mother of Princes, whose grave shall be more fruitful - Than others marriage beds: methinks his Art - Should give her form and happy figure to me, - I long to see my happiness, he is gone, - As I remember, he nam'd my brothers Daughter, - Were it my Mother, 'twere a gainful death - Could give _Ordella_'s virtue living breath. [_Exeunt._ - - - - -_Actus Quartus. Scæna Prima._ - - - _Enter_ Thierry _and_ Martel. - - _Mart._ Your Grace is early stirring. - - _Thier._ How can he sleep, - Whose happiness is laid up in an hour - He knows comes stealing towar[d] him, Oh _Martel_! - Is't possible the longing Bride, whose wishes - Out-runs her fears, can on that day she is married - Consume in slumbers, or his Arms rust in ease, - That hears the charge, and sees the honor'd purchase - Ready to [gild] his valour? Mine is more - A power above these passions; this day _France_, - _France_ that in want of issue withers with us; - And like an aged River, runs his head - Into forgotten ways, again I ransome, - And his fair course turn right: this day _Thierry_, - The Son of _France_, whose manly powers like prisoners - Have been tied up, and fetter'd, by one death - Give life to thousand ages; this day beauty - The envy of the world, Pleasure the glory, - Content above the world, desire beyond it - Are made mine own, and useful. - - _Mart._ Happy Woman - That dies to do these things. - - _Thier._ But ten times happier - That lives to do the greater; oh _Martel_, - The gods have heard me now, and those that scorn'd me, - Mothers of many children, and blest fathers - That see their issues like the Stars un-number'd, - Their comfort more than them, shall in my praises - Now teach their Infants songs; and tell their ages - From such a Son of mine, or such a Queen, - That chaste _Ordella_ brings me blessed marriage - The chain that links two Holy Loves together - And in the marriage, more than blest _Ordella_, - That comes so near the Sacrament it self, - The Priests doubt whether purer. - - _Mart._ Sir, y'are lost. - - _Thier._ I prethee let me be so. - - _Mart._ The day wears, - And those that have been offering early prayers, - Are now retiring homeward. - - _Thier._ Stand and mark then. - - _Mart._ Is it the first must suffer. - - _Thier._ The first Woman. - - _Mart._ What hand shall do it, Sir? - - _Thier._ This hand _Martell_, - For who less dare presume to give the gods - An incense of this offering? - - _Mart._ Would I were she, - For such a way to die, and such a blessing - Can never crown my parting. - - _Enter two men passing over._ - - _Thier._ What are those? - - _Mart._ Men, men, Sir, men. - - _Thier._ The plagues of men light on 'em, - They cross my hopes like Hares, who's that? - - _Enter a Priest._ - - _Mart._ A Priest, Sir. - - _Thier._ Would he were gelt. - - _Mart._ May not these rascals serve, Sir, - Well hang'd and quarter'd? - - _Thier._ No. - - _Mart._ Here comes a woman. - - _Enter_ Ordella _veil'd_. - - _Thier._ Stand and behold her then. - - _Mart._ I think a fair one. - - _Thier._ Move not whilst I prepare her: may her peace - Like his whose innocence the gods are pleas'd with, - And offering at their Altars, gives his soul - Far purer than those fires; pull heaven upon her, - You holy powers, no humane spot dwell in her, - No love of any thing, but you and goodness, - Tie her to earth, fear be a stranger to her, - And all weak blouds affections, but thy hope - Let her bequeath to Women: hear me heaven, - Give her a spirit masculine, and noble, - Fit for your selves to ask, and me to offer. - Oh let her meet my blow, doat on her death; - And as a wanton Vine bows to the pruner, - That by his cutting off, more may increase, - So let her fall to raise me fruit; hail woman. - The happiest, and the best (if the dull Will - Do not abuse thy fortune) _France_ e'er found yet. - - _Ordel._ Sh' is more than dull, Sir, less, and worse than Woman, - That may inherit such an infinite - As you propound, a greatness so near goodness; - And brings a Will to rob her. - - _Thier._ Tell me this then, - Was there e'er woman yet, or may be found, - That for fair Fame, unspotted memory, - For virtues sake, and only for it self sake - Has, or dare make a story? - - _Ordel._ Many dead Sir, - Living I thin[ke] as many. - - _Thier._ Say, the kingdom - May from a womans Will receive a blessing, - The King and kingdom, not a private safety. - A general blessing, Lady. - - _Ordel._ A general curse - Light on her heart, denies it. - - _Thier._ Full of honor; - And such examples as the former ages - Were but dim shadows of, and empty figures. - - _Ordel._ You strangely stir me, Sir, and were my weakness - In any other flesh but modest womans, - You should not ask more questions, may I do it? - - _Thier._ You may, and which is more, you must. - - _Ordel._ I joy in't, - Above a moderate gladness, Sir, you promise - It shall be honest. - - _Thier._ As ever time discover'd. - - _Ordel._ Let it be what it may then, what it dare, - I have a mind will hazard it. - - _Thier._ But hark ye, - What may that woman merit, makes this blessing! - - _Ordel._ Only her duty, Sir. - - _Thier._ 'Tis terrible. - - _Ordel._ 'Tis so much the more noble. - - _Thier._ 'Tis full of fearful shadows. - - _Ordel._ So is sleep, Sir. - Or any thing that's meerly ours, and mortal, - We were begotten gods else; but those fears - Feeling but once the fires of nobler thoughts, - Flie, like the shapes of clouds we form, to nothing. - - _Thier._ Suppose it death. - - _Ordel._ I do. - - _Thier._ And endless parting - With all we can call ours, with all our sweetness, - With youth, strength, pleasure, people, time, nay reason: - For in the silent grave, no conversation, - No joyful tread of friends, no voice of Lovers, - No careful Fathers counsel, nothing's h[e]ard, - Nor nothing is, but all oblivion, - Dust and an endless darkness, and dare you woman - Desire this place? - - _Ord[e]l._ 'Tis of all sleeps the sweetest, - Children begin it to us, strong men seek it, - And Kings from heighth of all their painted glories - Fall like spent exhalations, to this centre: - And those are fools that fear it, or imagine - A few unhandsome pleasures, or lifes profits - Can recompence this place; and mad that staies it, - Till age blow out their lights, or rotten humors, - Bring them dispers'd to th' earth. - - _Thier._ Then you can suffer? - - _Ordel._ As willingly as say it. - - _Thier. Martell_, a wonder, - Here's a woman that dares die, yet tell me, - Are you a Wife? - - _Ordel._ I am Sir. - - _Thier._ And have children? - She sighs and weeps. - - _Ordel._ Oh none Sir. - - _Thier._ Dare you venture - For a poor barren praise you ne'er shall hear, - To part with these sweet hopes? - - _Ordel._ With all but Heaven, - And yet die full of children; he that reads me - When I am ashes, is my Son in wishes, - And those chaste dames that keep my memory, - Singing my yearly requiems, are my Daughters. - - _Thier._ Then there is nothing wanting but my knowledg[e]. - And what I must doe, Lady? - - _Ordel._ You are the King, Sir, - And what you do I'll suffer, and that blessing - That you desire, the gods showr on the Kingdom. - - _Thier._ Thus much before I strike then, for I must kill you, - The gods have will'd it so, they're made the blessing - Must make _France_ young again, and me a man, - Keep up your strength still nobly. - - _Ordel._ Fear me not. - - _Thier._ And meet death like a measure. - - _Ordel._ I am stedfast. - - _Thier._ Thou shalt be sainted woman, and thy Tomb - Cut out in Chrystal, pure and good as thou art; - And on it shall be graven every age, - Succeeding Peers of _France_ that rise by thy fall, - Tell thou liest there like old and fruitful nature. - Darest thou behold thy happiness? - - _Ordel._ I dare Sir. - - _Thier._ Ha? [_Pul[l]s off her veil, lets fall his sword._ - - _Mar._ Oh Sir, you must not doe it. - - _Thier._ No, I dare not. - There is an Angel keeps that Paradice, - A fiery Angel friend; oh virtue, virtue, - Ever and endless virtue. - - _Ordel._ Strike, Sir, strike; - And if in my poor death fair _France_ may merit, - Give me a thousand blows, be killing me - A thousand days. - - _Thier._ First let the earth be barren, - And man no more remembred, rise _Ordella_, - The nearest to thy maker, and the purest - That ever dull flesh shewed us,--oh my heart-strings. [_Exit._ - - _Mart._ I see you full of wonder, therefore noblest, - And truest amongst Women, I will tell you - The end of this strange accident. - - _Ordel._ Amazement - Has so much wove upon my heart, that truly - I feel my self unfit to hear, oh Sir, - My Lord has slighted me. - - _Mart._ Oh no sweet Lady. - - _Ordel._ Robb'd me of such a glory by his pity, - And most unprovident respect. - - _Mart._ Dear Lady, - It was not meant to you. - - _Ordel._ Else where the day is, - And hours distinguish time, time runs to ages, - And ages end the world, I had been spoken. - - [_Mart._] I'll tell you what it was, if but your patience - Will give me hearing. - - _Ordel._ If I have transgrest, - Forgive me, Sir. - - _Mart._ Your noble Lord was counsel'd, - Grieving the barrenness between you both, - And all the Kingdom with him, to seek out - A man that knew the secrets of the gods, - He went, found such [a] one, and had this answer, - That if he wou'd have issue, on this morning, - For this hour was prefixt him, he should kill - The first he met, being Female, from the Temple; - And then he should have children, the mistake - Is now too perfect, Lady. - - _Ordel._ Still 'tis I, Sir, - For may this work be done by common women? - Durst any but my self that knew the blessing, - And felt the benefit, assume this [dying] - In any other, 't'ad been lost, and nothing, - A curse and not a blessing; I was figur'd; - And shall a little fondness barr my purchase? - - _Mart._ Where should he then seek children? - - _Ordel._ Where they are - In wombs ordain'd for issues, in those beauties - That bless a marriage-bed, and makes it proceed - With kisses that conceive, and fruitful pleasures; - Mine like a grave, buries those loyal hopes, - And to a grave it covets. - - _Mart._ You are too good, - Too excellent, too honest; rob not us - And those that shall hereafter seek example, - Of such inestimable worthies in woman. - Your Lord of such obedience, all of honor - In coveting a cruelty is not yours, - A Will short of your Wisdom; make not error - A Tomb-stone of your virtues, whose fair life - Deserves a constellation: your Lord dare not; - He cannot, ought not, must not run this hazard, - He makes a separation, nature shakes at, - The gods deny, and everlasting justice - Shrinks back, and sheaths her sword at. - - _Ordel._ All's but talk, Sir, - I find to what I am reserv'd, and needful, - And though my Lord's compassion makes me poor, - And leaves me in my best use, yet a strength - Above mine own, or his dull fondness finds me; - The gods have given it to me. [_Draws a knife._ - - _Mart._ Self-destruction! - Now all good Angels bless thee, oh sweet Lady, - You are abus'd, this is a way to shame you, - And with you all that knows you, all that loves you, - To ruin all you build, would you be famous? - Is that your end? - - _Ordel._ I would be what I should be. - - _Mart._ Live and confirm the gods then, live and be loaden - With more than Olive[s]bear, or fruitful Autumn; - This way you kill your merit, kill your cause, - And him you would raise life to, where, or how - Got you these bloudy thoughts? what Devil durst - Look on that Angel face, and tempt? doe you know - What is't to die thus, how you strike the Stars, - And all good things above, do you feel - What follows a self-bloud, whether you venture, - And to what punishment? excellent Lady, - Be not thus cozen'd, do not fool your self, - The Priest was never his own sacrifice, - But he that thought his hell here. - - _Ordel._ I am counsell'd. - - _Mart._ And I am glad on't, lie, I know you dare not. - - _Ordel._ I never have done yet. - - _Mart._ Pray take my comfort, - Was this a soul to lose? two more such women - Would save their sex; see, she repents and prayes, - Oh hear her, hear her, if there be a faith - Able to reach your mercies, she hath sent it. - - _Ordel._ Now good _Martel_ confirm me. - - _Mart._ I will Lady, - And every hour advise you, for I doubt - Whether this plot be heavens, or hells; your mother - And I will find it, if it be in mankind - To search the center of it: in the mean time - I'll give you out for dead, and by your self, - And shew the instrument, so shall I find - A joy that will betray her. - - _Ordel._ Do what's fittest; - And I will follow you. - - _Mart._ Then ever live - Both able to engross all love, and give. [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter_ Brunhalt, Protaldye. - - _Brun._ I'm in labour - To be deliver'd of that burthenous project - I have so long gone with; ha, here's the Midwife, - Or life, or death. - - _Enter_ Lecure. - - _Lecu._ If in the supposition - Of her death in whose life you die, you ask me, - I think you are safe. - - _Brun._ Is she dead? - - _Lecu._ I have us'd - All means to make her so, I saw him waiting - At the Temple door, and us'd such Art within, - That only she of all her Sex was first - Giv'n up unto his fury. - - _Brun._ Which if love - Or fear made him forbear to execute - The vengeance he determin'd, his fond pity - Shall draw it on himself, for were there left - Not any man but he, to serve my pleasures, - Or from me to receive commands, which are - The joyes for which I love life, he should be - Remov'd, and I alone left to be Queen - O'er any part of goodness that's left in me. - - _Lecu._ If you are so resolv'd, I have provided - A means to s[h]ip him hence: look upon this, - But touch it sparingly, for this once us'd, - Say but to dry a tear, will keep the eye-lid - From closing, until death perform that office. - - _Brun._ Give't me, I may have use [of 't], and on you - I'll make the first experiment: if one sigh - Or heavy look beget the least suspition, - Childish compassion can thaw the Ice - Of your so long congeal'd and flinty hardness. - Slight, go on constant, or I shall. - - _Prot._ Best Lady, - We have no faculties which are not yours. - - _Lecu._ Nor will be any thing without you. - - _B[r]un._ Be so, and we will stand or fall together, for - Since we have gone so far, that death must stay - The journey, which we wish should never end; - And innocent, or guilty, we must die, - When we do so, let's know the reason why. - - _Enter_ Thierry _and_ Courtiers. - - _Lecu._ The King. - - _Thier._ We'll be alone. - - _Prot._ I would I had - A Convoy too, to bring me safe off. - For rage although it be allai'd with sorrow, - Appears so dreadful in him, that I shake - To look upon't. - - _Brun._ Coward I will meet it, - And know from whence 't has birth: Son, kingly _Thierry_. - - _Thier._ Is cheating grown so common among men? - And thrives so well here, that the gods endeavour - To practise it above? - - _Brun._ Your Mother. - - _Thier._ Ha! or are they only careful to revenge, - Not to reward? or when, for your offences - We study satisfaction, must the cure - Be worse than the disease? - - _Brun._ Will you not hear me? - - _Thier._ To lose th' ability to perform those duties - For which I entertain'd the name of Husband, - Ask'd more than common sorrow; but t'impose - For the redress of that defect, a torture - In marking her to death, for whom alone - I felt that weakness as a want, requires - More than the making the head bald: or falling - Thus flat upon the earth, or cursing that way, - Or praying this, oh such a Scene of grief, - And so set down, (the world the stage to act on) - May challenge a Tragedian better practis'd - Than I am to express it; for my cause - Of passion is so strong, and my performance - So weak, that though the part be good, I fear - Th'ill acting of it, will defraud it of - The poor reward it may deserve, mens pity. - - _Brun._ I have given you way thus long, a King, and what - Is more, my Son, and yet a slave to that - Which only triumphs over cowards sorrow, - For shame look up. - - _Thier._ Is't you, look down on me: - And if that you are capable to receive it, - Let that return to you, that have brought forth - One mark'd out only for it: what are these? - Come they upon your privilege to tread on - The Tomb of my afflictions? - - _Prot._ No, not we Sir. - - _Thier._ How dare you then omit the ceremony - Due to the funeral of all my hopes, - Or come unto the marriage of my sorrows, - But in such colours as may sort with them? - - _Prot._ Alas; we will wear any thing. - - _Brun._ This is madness - Take but my counsel. - - _Thier._ Yours? dare you again - Though arm'd with th' authority of a mother, - Attempt the danger that will fall on you - If such another syllable awake it? - Goe, and with yours be safe, I have such cause - Of grief, nay more, to love it, that I will not - Have such as these be sharers in it. - - _Lecu._ Madam. - - _Prot._ Another time were better. - - _Brun._ Do not sti[r], - For I must be resolv'd, and will, be statues. - - _Enter_ Martel. - - _Thier._ I, thou art welcome, and upon my soul - Thou art an honest man, do you see, he has tears - To lend to him whom prodigal expence - Of sorrow, has made bankrupt of such treasure, - Nay, thou dost well. - - _Mart._ I would it might excuse - The ill I bring along. - - _Thier._ Thou mak'st me smile - I[n] the heighth of my calamities, as if - There could be the addition of an Atome, - To the gyant-body of my miseries. - But try, for I will hear thee, all sit down, 'tis death - To any that shall dare to interrupt him - In look, gesture, or word. - - _Mart._ And such attention - As is due to the last, and the best story - That ever was deliver'd, will become you, - The griev'd _Ordella_, (for all other titles - But take away from that) having from me - Prompted by your last parting groan, enquir'd, - What drew it from you, and the cause soon learn'd: - For she whom barbarism could deny nothing, - With such prevailing earnestness desir'd it, - 'Twas not in me, though it had been my death, - To hide it from her, she I say, in whom - All was, that _Athens_, _Rome_, or warlike _Sparta_, - Have registred for good in their best Women: - But nothing of their ill, knowing her self - Mark'd out, (I know not by what power, but sure - A cruel one) to dye, to give you children; - Having first with a setled countenance - Look'd up to Heaven, and then upon her self, - (It being the next best object) and then smil'd, - As if her joy in death to do you service, - Would break forth, in despight of the much sorrow - She shew'd she had to leave you: and then taking - Me by the hand, this hand which I must ever - Love better than I have done, since she touch'd it, - Go said she, to my Lord, (and to goe to him - Is such a happiness I must not hope for) - And tell him that he too much priz'd a trifle - Made only worthy in his love, and her - Thankful acceptance, for her sake to rob - The Orphan Kingdom of such guardians, as - Must of necessity descend [from] him; - And therefore in some part of recompence - Of his much love, and to shew to the world - That 'twas not her fault only, but her fate, - That did deny to let her be the mother - Of such most certain blessings: yet for proof, - She did not envy her, that happy her, - That is appointed to them, her [q]uick end - Should make way for her, which no sooner spoke, - But in a moment this too ready engine - Made such a battery in the choisest Castle - That ever nature made to defend life, - That strait it shook, and sunk. - - _Thier._ Stay, dares any - Presume to shed a tear before me? or - Ascribe that worth unto themselves to merit: - To do so for her? I have done, now on. - - _Mart._ Fall'n thus, once more she smil'd, as if that death - For her had studied a new way to sever - The soul and body, without sense of pain; - And then tell him (quoth she) what you have seen, - And with what willingness 'twas done: for which - My last request unto him is, that he - Would instantly make choice of one (most happy - In being so chosen) to supply my place, - By whom if heaven bless him with a daughter, - In my remembrance let it bear my name - Which said she dy'd. - - _Thier._ I hear this, and yet live; - Heart! art thou thunder proof, will nothing break thee? - She's dead, and what her entertainment may be - In th'other world without me is uncertain, - And dare I stay here unresolv'd? - - _Mart._ Oh Sir! - - _Brun._ Dear son. - - _Prot._ Great King. - - _Thier._ Unhand me, am I fall'n - So low, that I have lost the power to be - Disposer of my own life? - - _Mart._ Be but pleas'd - To borrow so much time of sorrow, as - To call to mind her last request, for whom - (I must confess a loss beyond expression) - You turn your hand upon your self, 'twas hers - And dying hers, that you should live and happy - In seeing little models of your self, - By matching with another, and will you - Leave any thing that she desir'd ungranted? - And suffer such a life that was [l]aid down - For your sake only to be fruitless? - - _Thier._ Oh thou dost throw charms upon me, against which - I cannot stop my ears, bear witness heaven - That not desire of life, nor love of pleasure[s] - Nor any future comforts, but to give - Peace to her blessed spirit in satisfying - Her last demand, makes me defer our meeting, - Which in my choice, and suddain choice shall be - To all apparent. - - _Brun._ How? doe I remove one mischief - To draw upon my head a greater? - - _Thier._ Go, thou only good man, to whom for her self - Goodness is dear, and prepare to interr it - In her that was; oh my heart! my _Ordella_, - A monument worthy to be the casket - Of such a jewel. - - _Mart._ Your command that makes way - Unto my absence is a welcome one, - For but your self there's nothing here _Martel_, - Can take delight to look on; yet some comfort - Goes back with me to her, who though she want it - Deserves all blessings. [_Exit._ - - _Brun._ So soon to forget - The loss of such a wife, believe it will - Be censur'd in the world. - - _Thier._ Pray you no more, - There is no arg[u]ment you can use to cross it, - But does increase in me such a suspition - I would not cherish--who's that? - - _Enter_ Memberge. - - _Memb._ One, no guard - Can put back from access, whose tongue no threats - Nor praises can silence, a bold suitor, and - For that which if you are your self, a King, - You were made so to grant it, Justice, Justice. - - _Thier._ With what assurance dare you hope for that - Which is deny'd to me? or how can I - Stand bound to be just, unto such as are - Beneath me, that find none from those that are - Above me? - - _Memb._ There is justice, 'twere unfit - That any thing but vengeance should fall on him, - That by his giving way to more than murther, - (For my dear fathers death was parricide) - Makes it his own. - - _Brun._ I charge you hear her not. - - _Memb._ Hell cannot stop just prayers from ent'ring heaven, - I must and will be heard Sir; but remember - That he that by her plot fell, was your brother, - And the place where, your Palace, against all - Th' inviolable rites of hospitality, - Your word, a Kings word, given up for his safety, - His innocence, his protection, and the gods - Bound to revenge the impious breach of such - So great and sacred bonds; and can you wonder, - (That in not punishing such a horrid murther - You did it) that heavens favour is gone from you? - Which never will return, until his bloud - Be wash'd away in hers. - - _Brun._ Drag hence the wretch. - - _Thier._ Forbear, with what variety - Of torments do I meet! oh thou hast open'd - A Book, in which writ down in bloudy Letters, - My conscience finds that I am worthy of - More than I undergoe, but I'll begin - For my _Ordella_'s sake, and for thine own - To make less heavens great anger: thou hast lost - A father, I to thee am so; the hope - Of a good Husband, in me have one; nor - Be fearful I am still no man, already - That weakness is gone from me. - - _Brun._ That it might [_Aside._ - Have ever grown inseparably upon thee, - What will you do? Is such a thing as this - Worthy the lov'd _Ordella_'s place, the daughter - Of a poor Gardener? - - _Memb._ Your Son. - - _Thier._ The power - To take away that lowness is in me. - - _Brun._ Stay yet, for rather than [that] thou shalt add - Incest unto thy other sins, I will - With hazard of my own life, utter all, - _Theodoret_ was thy Brother. - - _Thier._ You deny'd it - Upon your oath, nor will I now believe you, - Your Protean turnings cannot change my purpose. - - _Memb._ And for me, be assur'd the means to be - Reveng'd on thee, vile hag, admits no thought, - But what tends to it. - - _Brun._ Is it come to that? - Then have at the last refuge: art thou grown - Insensible in [i]ll, that thou goest on - Without the least compunction? there, take that - To witness, that thou hadst a mother, which - Foresaw thy cause of grief, and sad repentance, - That so soon after blest _Ordella_'s death - Without a tear thou canst imbrace another, - Forgetful man. - - _Thier._ Mine eyes when she is nam'd - Cannot forget their tribute, and your gift - Is not unuseful now. - - _Lecu._ He's past all cure, that only touch is death. - - _Thier._ This night I'll keep it, - To morrow I will send it you, and full of my affliction. - - [_Exit_ Thierry. - - _Brun._ Is the poison mortal? - - _Lecu._ Above the help of Physick. - - _Brun._ To my wish, - Now for our own security, you _Protaldye_ - Shall this night post towards _Austracia_, - With Letters to _Theodorets_ bastard son, - In which we will make known what for his rising - We have done to _Thierry_: no denial, - Nor no excuse in such acts must be thought of, - Which all dislike, and all again commend - When they are brought unto a happy end. [_Exeunt._ - - - - -_Actus Quintus. Scæna Prima._ - - - _Enter_ Devitry _and four Soldiers_. - - _Devi._ No War, no Money, no Master; banish'd the Court, not - trusted in the City, whipt out of the Countrey, in what a triangle - runs our misery: let me hear which of you has the best voice to - beg in, for other hopes or fortunes I see you have not; be not - nice, nature provided you with tones for the purpose, the peoples - charity was your heritage, and I would see which of you deserves - his birth-right. - - _Omnes._ We understand you not Captain. - - _Devit._ You see this cardicue, the last, and the only quintessence - of 50 Crowns, distill'd in the limbeck of your gardage, of which - happy piece thou shalt be treasurer: now he that can soonest - perswade him to part with't, enjoyes it, possesses it, and with it, - me and my future countenance. - - _1._ If they want Art to perswade it, I'll keep it my self. - - _Devit._ So you be not a partial judge in your own cause, you shall. - - _Omnes._ A match. - - _2._ I'll begin to you, brave Sir; be proud to make him happy by - your liberality, whose tongue vouchsafes now to petition, was never - heard before less than to command. I am a Soldier by profession, a - Gentleman by birth, and an Officer by place, whose poverty blushes - to be the cause, that so high a virtue should descend to the pity - of your charity. - - _1._ In any case keep your high stile, it is not charity to shame - any man, much less a virtue of your eminence, wherefore preserve - your worth, and I'll preserve my money. - - _3._ You perswade? you are shallow, give way to merit: ah by the - bread of [God] man, thou hast a bonny countenance and a blith, - promising mickle good to a sicker womb, that has trode a long and - a sore ground to meet with friends, that will owe much to thy - reverence, when they shall hear of thy courtesie to their wandring - countreyman. - - _1._ You that will use your friends so hardly to bring them in - debt, Sir, will deserve worse of a stranger, wherefore pead on, - pead on, I say. - - _4._ It is the Welch must do't, I see, comrade man of urship, _St. - Tavy_ be her Patron, the gods of the mountains keep her cow and her - cupboard; may she never want the green of the Leek, [nor] the fat - of the Onion, if she part with her bounties to him, that is a great - deal away from her cozines, and has two big suits in law to recover - her heritage. - - _1._ Pardon me Sir, I will have nothing to do with your suits, it - comes within the statute of maintenance: home to your cozines, and - so[w]e garlick and hempseed, the one will stop your hunger; the - other end your suits, _gammawash comrade, gammawash_. - - _4._ 'Foot he'll hoord all for himself. - - _Vitry._ Yes, let him; now comes my turn, I'll see if he can answer - me: save you Sir, they say, you have that I want, Money. - - _1._ And that you are like to want, for ought I perceive yet. - - _Vitry._ Stand, deliver. - - _1._ 'Foot what mean you, you will not rob the Exchequer? - - _Vitry._ Do you prate? - - _1._ Hold, hold, here Captain. - - _2._ Why I could have done this before you. - - _3._ And I. - - _4._ And I. - - _Vit._ You have done this, brave man be proud to make him happy, by - the bread of God man, thou hast a bonny countenance, comrade man - of urship, _St. Tavy_ be her patron, out upon you, you uncurried - colts, walking cans that have no souls in you, but a little Rosin - to keep your ribs sweet, and hold in liquor. - - _Omnes._ Why, what would you have us to do Captain? - - _Devit._ Beg, beg, and keep Constables waking, wear out stocks - and whipcord, maunder for butter-milk, dye of the Jaundice, yet - have the cure about you, Lice, large Lice, begot of your own dust, - and the heat of the Brick-kills, may you starve, and fear of the - gallows, which is a gentle consumption to't, only preferr it, or - may you fall upon your fear, and be hanged for selling those purses - to keep you from famine, whose monies my valour empties, and be - cast without other evidence; here is my Fort, my Castle of defence, - who comes by shall pay me toll, the first purse is your mitimus - slaves. - - _2._ The purse, 'foot we'll share in the money Captain, if any come - within a furlong of our fingers. - - _4._ Did you doubt but we could steal as well as your self, did not - I speak Welsh? - - _3._ We are thieves from our cradles, and will dye so. - - _Vit._ Then you will not beg again. - - _Omnes._ Yes, as you did, stand, and deliver. - - _2._ Hark, here comes handsel, 'tis a Trade quickly set up, and as - soon cast down. - - _Vitry._ Have goodness in your minds varlets, and to't like men; he - that has more money than we, cannot be our friend, and I hope there - is no law for spoiling the enemy. - - _3._ You need not instruct us farther, your example pleads enough. - - _Devitry._ Disperse your selves, and as their company is, fall on. - - _2._ Come, there are a band of 'em, I'll charge single. [_Exit - Soldier[s]._ - - _Enter_ Protaldye. - - _Prot._ 'Tis wonderful dark, I have lost my man, and dare not - call for him, lest I should have more followers than I would pay - wages to; what throws am I in, in this travel! these be honourable - adventures; had I that honest bloud in my veins again Queen, that - your feats and these frights have drain'd from me, honor should - pull hard, e'r it drew me into these brakes. - - _Devitry._ Who goes there? - - _Prot._ Hey ho, here's a pang of preferment. - - _Devi._ 'Heart, who goes there? - - _Prot._ He that has no heart to your acquaintance, what shall I do - with my Jewels and my Letter, my codpiece that's too loose, good, - my boots, who is't that spoke to me? here's a friend. - - _Devit._ We shall find that presently, stand, as you love your - safety, stand. - - _Prot._ That unlucky word of standing, has brought me to all this, - hold, or I shall never stand you. - - _Devit._ I should know that voice, deliver. - - _Enter Soldiers._ - - _Prot._ All that I have is at your service Gentlemen, and much good - may it do you. - - _Devit._ Zones down with him, do you prate? - - _Prot._ Keep your first word as you are Gentlemen, and let me - stand, alas, what do you mean? - - _2._ To tye you to us Sir, bind you in the knot of friendship. - - _Prot._ Alas Sir, all the physick in _Europe_ cannot bind me. - - _Devit._ You should have jewels about you, stones, precious stones. - - _1._ Captain away, there's company within hearing, if you stay - longer, we are surpriz'd. - - _Devit._ Let the Devil come, I'll pillage this Fregat a little - better yet. - - _2._ 'Foot we are lost, they are upon us. - - _Devit._ Ha, upon us, make the least noise, 'tis thy parting gaspe. - - _3._ Which way shall we make Sir? - - _Devit._ Every man his own; do you hear, only bind me, bind me - before you goe, and when the company's past, make to this place - again, this karvel should have better lading in him, you are slow, - why do you not tye harder? - - _1._ You are sure enough I warrant you Sir. - - _Devit._ Darkness befriend you, away. [_Exit Soldiers._ - - _Prot._ What tyrants have I met with, they leave me alone in the - dark, yet would not have me cry. I shall grow wondrous melancho[l]y - if I stay long here without company; I was wont to get a nap with - saying my prayers, I'll see if they will work upon me now; but - then, if I should talk in my sleep, and they hear me, they would - make a Recorder of my windpipe, slit my throat: heaven be prais'd, - I hear some noise, it may be new purchase, and then I shall have - fellows. - - _Devit._ They are gone past hearing, now to taske _Devitry_, help, - help, as you are men help; some charitable hand, relieve a poor - distressed miserable wretch, thieves, wicked thieves have robb'd - me; bound me. - - _Prot._ 'Foot, would they had gagg'd you too, your noise will - betray us, and fetch them again. - - _Devit._ What blessed tongue spake to me, where, where where are - you Sir? - - _Prot._ A plague of your bawling throat, we are well enough if you - have the grace to be thankful for't, do but snore to me, and 'tis - as much as I desire, to pass away time with, till morning, then - talk as loud as you please Sir, I am bound not to stir, therefore - lie still and snore I say. - - _Devit._ Then you have met with thieves too I see. - - _Prot._ And desire to meet with no more of them. - - _Devit._ Alas, what can we suffer more? they are far enough by this - time; have they not all, all that we have Sir? - - _Prot._ No by my faith have they not Sir; I gave them one trick to - boot for their learning, my Boots Sir, my Boots, I have sav'd my - stock, and my jewels in them, and therefore desire to hear no more - of them. - - _Devit._ Now blessing on your wit, Sir, what a dull slave was I, - dreamt not of your conveyance, help to unbind me Sir, and I'll - undoe you, my life for yours, no worse thief than my self meets you - again this night. - - _Prot._ Reach me thy hands. - - _Devit._ Here Sir, here, I could beat my brains out, that could not - think of boots, boots Sir, wide topt boots, I shall love them the - better whilst I live; but are you sure your Jewels are here Sir? - - _Prot._ Sure sayst thou? ha, ha, ha. - - _Devit._ So ho, illo ho. [_Within Soldiers._ - Here Captain, here. - - _Prot._ 'Foot what do you mean Sir? - - _Enter Soldiers._ - - _Devit._ A trick to boot, say you; here you dull slaves, purchase, - purchase the soul of the Rock, Diamonds, sparkling Diamonds. - - _Prot._ I'm betraid, lost, past recovery, lost, as you are men. - - _Devit._ Nay rook, since you will be prating, we'll share your - carrion with you, have you any other conveyance now Sir? - - _1._ 'Foot here are Letters, Epistles, familiar Epistles, we'll see - what treasure is in them, they are seal'd sure. - - _Prot._ Gentlemen, as you are Gentlemen spare my Letters, and take - all willingly, all: I'll give you a release, a general release, and - meet you here to morrow with as much more. - - _Devit._ Nay, since you have your tricks, and your conveyances, we - will not leave a wrinkle of you unsearcht. - - _Prot._ Hark, there comes company, you will be betraid, as you love - your safeties, beat out my brains, I shall betray you else. - - _Devit._ Treason, unheard of Treason, monstrous, monstrous - villanies. - - _Prot._ I confess my self a Traitor, shew your selves good - subjects, and hang me up for't. - - _1._ If it be treason, the discovery will get our pardon, Captain. - - _Devit._ Would we were all lost, hang'd, quarter'd, to save this - one, one innocent Prince; _Thierry_'s poison'd, by his mother - poison'd, the Mistriss to this stallion, who by that poison ne'er - shall sleep again. - - _2._ 'Foot let us mince him by piece-meal[e], till he eat himself - up. - - _3._ Let us dig out his heart with needles, and half broil him like - a Mussel. - - _Prot._ Such another and I prevent you, my bloud's setled already. - - _Devit._ Here's that shall remove it, toad, viper, drag him unto - _Martel_, unnatural par[r]icide, cruel, bloudy woman. - - _Omnes._ On you dogfish, leech, caterpillar. - - _Devit._ A longer sight of him will make my rage turn pity, and - with his suddain end, prevent revenge and torture, wicked, wicked - _Brunhalt_. [_Exit._ - - _Enter_ Bawdber _and three Courtiers_. - - _1._ Not sleep at all, no means. - - _2._ No Art can do it. - - _Bawdb._ I will assure you, he can sleep no more - Than a hooded Hawk[e], a centinel to him, - Or one of the City Constables are tops. - - _3._ How came he so? - - _Bawdb._ They are too wise that dare know, - Something's amiss, heaven help all. - - _1._ What cure has he? - - _Bawdb._ Armies of those we call Physitians, some with glisters, - Some with Lettice-caps, some posset-drinks, some Pills, - Twenty consulting here about a drench, - [As many here to blood him; - Then comes a Don of _Spaine_, and he prescribes - More cooling opium then would kill a turke, - Or quench a whore ith dogdayes; after him - A wise Italian, and he cries, tie unto him - A woman of fourescore, whose bones are marble, - Whose bloud snow water, not so much heate about her - As may conceive a prayer: after him - An English Doctor, with a bunch of pot hearbes; - And he cries out Endiffe and suckery, - With a few mallow rootes and butter milke, - And talkes of oyle made of a churchmans charity, - Yet still he wakes. - - _1._ But your good honor - Has a praye[r] in store if all should faile. - - _Bawdb._ I could have prayed, and handsomely, - But age and an ill memory. - - _3._ Has spoyl'd your primmer. - - _Bawdb._ Yet if there be a man of faith i'the Court, - And can pray for a pension. - - _Enter Thierry, on a bed, with Doctors and attendants._ - - _2._ Here's the King Sir, - And those that will pray without pay. - - _Bawdb._ Then pray for me too. - - _1 Doct._ How does your grace now feele your selfe? - - _Thier._ What's that? - - _1 Doct._ Nothing at all Sir, but your fancy. - - _Thier._ Tell me, - Can ever these eyes more shut up in slumbers, - Assure my soule there is sleepe? is there night - And rest for humane labors? do not you - And all the world as I do, out stare time, - And live like funerall lampes never extinguisht? - Is there a grave, and do not flatter me, - Nor feare to tell me truth; and in that grave - Is there a hope I shall sleepe, can I die, - Are not my miseries immortall? o - The happinesse of him that drinkes his water - After his weary day, and sleepes for ever, - Why do you crucifie me thus with faces, - And gaping strangely upon one another, - When shall I rest? - - _2 Doct._ O Sir, be patient. - - _Thier._ Am I not patient? have I not endur'd - More then a maingy dog among your dosses? - Am I not now your patient? yee can make - Unholesome fooles sleepe for a garded foote-cloth; - Whores for a hot sin offering; yet I must crave - That feede ye, and protect ye, and proclame ye, - Because my powre is far above your searching, - Are my diseases so? can ye cure none - But those of equall ignorance, dare ye kill me? - - _1 Doct._ We do beseech your grace be more reclam'd, - This talke doth but distemper you. - - _Thier._ Well, I will die - In spight of all your potions; one of you sleepe, - Lie downe and sleepe here, that I may behold - What blessed rest it is my eyes are robde of: - See, he can sleepe, sleepe any where, sleepe now, - When he that wakes for him can never slumber, - I'st not a dainty ease? - - _2 Doct._ Your grace shall feele it. - - _Thier._ O never I, never, the eyes of heaven - See but their certaine motions, and then sleepe, - The rages of the _Ocean_ have their slumbers, - And quiet silver calmes; each violence - Crownes in his end a peace, but my fixt fires - Shall never, never set, who's that? - - _Enter Martell, Brunhalt, Devitry, souldiers._ - - _Mart._ No woman, - Mother of mischiefe, no, the day shall die first, - And all good things live in a worse then thou art, - Ere thou shalt sleepe, doest thou see him? - - _Brun._ Yes, and curse him, - And all that love him foole, and all live by him. - - _Mart._ Why art thou such a monster? - - _Brun._ Why art thou - So tame a knave to aske me? - - _Mart._ Hope of hell, - By this faire holy light, and all his wrongs - Which are above thy yeares, almost thy vices, - Thou shalt not rest, not feele more what is pitty, - Know nothing necessary, meete no society, - But what shall curse and crucifie thee, feele in thy selfe - Nothing but what thou art, bane, and bad conscience, - Till this man rest; but for whose reverence - Because thou art his mother, I would say - Whore, this shall be, do ye nod? ile waken ye - With my swords point. - - _Brun._ I wish no more of heaven, - Nor hope no more, but a sufficient anger - To torture thee. - - _Mart._ See, she that makes you see Sir, - And to your misery still see, your mother, - The mother of your woes Sir, of your waking, - The mother of your peoples cries, and curses, - Your murdering mother, your malicious mother: - - _Thier._ Phisitians, halfe my state to sleepe an houre now; - Is it so mother? - - _Brun._ Yes it is so sonne; - And were it yet againe to do, it should be. - - _Mart._ She nods againe, swing her. - - _Thier._ But mother, - For yet I love that reverence, and to death - Dare not forget you have bin so; was this, - This endlesse misery, this curelesse malice, - This snatching from me all my youth together, - All that you made me for, and happy mothers - Crownde with eternall time are proud to finish, - Done by your will? - - _Brun._ It was, and by that will. - - _Thier._ O mother, do not lose your name, forget not - The touch of nature in you, tendernes - 'Tis all the soule of woman, all the sweetnesse; - Forget not I beseech you what are children, - Nor how you [have] gron'd for um, to what love - They are borne inheritors, with what care kept, - And as they rise to ripenesse still remember - How they impe out your age; and when time calls you, - That as an Autum flower you fall, forget not - How round about your hearse they hang like penons. - - _Brun._ Holy foole, - Whose patience to prevent my wrongs has kill'd thee, - Preach not to me of punishments, or feares, - Or what I ought to be, but what I am, - A woman in her liberall will defe[at]ed, - In all her greatnesse crost, in pleasure blasted, - My angers have bin laught at, my ends slighted, - And all those glories that had crownd my fortunes, - Suffer'd by blasted vertue to be scatter'd, - I am the fruitefull mother of these angers, - And what such have done, reade, and know thy ruine. - - _Thier._ Heaven forgive you. - - _Mart._ She tells you true, for milions of her mischiefes - Are now apparent, _Protaldye_, we have taken - An equall agent with her, to whose care - After the damnde defeate on you, she trusted. - - _Enter Messenger._ - - The bringing in of _Leonor_ the bastard - Son to your murther'd brother, her Physitian - By this time is attacht to that damn'd devil. - - _Mess._ 'Tis like he will be so, for e'er we came - Fearing an equal justice for his mischiefs, - He drencht himself. - - _Brun._ He did like one of mine then. - - _Thier._ Must I still see these miseries, no night - To hide me from their horrors, that _Protaldy_ - See justice fall upon. - - _Brun._ Now I could sleep too. - - _Enter_ Ordella. - - _Mart._ I'll give you yet more Poppy, bring the Lady - And heaven in her embraces; gives him quiet, - Madam, unveil yourself. - - _Ordel._ I do forgive you, - And though you sought my bloud, yet I'll pray for you. - - _Brun._ Art thou alive? - - _Mart._ Now could you sleep? - - _Brun._ For ever. - - _Mart._ Go carry her without wink of sleep, or quiet, - Where her strong knave _Protaldye_'s broke o'th' wheel, - And let his cries and roars be musick to her, - I mean to waken her. - - _Thier._ Do her no wrong. - - _Mart._ Nor right, as you love justice. - - _Brun._ I will think, - And if there be new curses in old nature, - I have a soul dare send them. - - _Mart._ Keep her waking. [_Exit_ Brunhalt. - - _Thier._ What's that appears so sweetly? there's that face. - - _Mart._ Be moderate, Lady. - - _Thier._ That Angels face. - - _Mart._ Goe nearer. - - _Thier. Martel_, I cannot last long, see the soul, - I see it perfectly of my _Ordella_, - The heavenly figure of her sweetness there, - Forgive me gods, it comes, Divinest substance, - Kneel, kneel, kneel every one, Saint of thy Sex, - If it be for my cruelty thou comest, - Do ye see her hoe? - - _Mart._ Yes Sir, and you shall know her. - - _Thier._ Down, down again, to be reveng'd for bloud, - Sweet Spirit I am ready, she smiles on me, - O blessed sign of Peace. - - _Mart._ Goe nearer Lady. - - _Ordel._ I c[o]me to make you happy. - - _Thier._ Hear you that, Sir? - She comes to crown my soul: away, get sacrifice - Whilst I with holy Honors. - - _Mart._ She's alive, Sir. - - _Thier._ In everlasting life, I know it friend, - Oh happy, happy soul. - - _Ordel._ Alas, I live Sir, - A mortal woman still. - - _Thier._ Can spirits weep too? - - _Mart._ She's no spirit Sir, pray kiss her, Lady, - Be very gentle to him. - - _Thier._ Stay, she is warm, - And by my life the same lips tell me brightness, - Are you the same _Ordella_ still? - - _Mart._ The same, Sir, - Whom heavens and my good Angel staid from ruin. - - _Thier._ Kiss me again. - - _Ordel._ The same still, still your servant. - - _Thier._ 'Tis she, I know her now _Martel_; sit down sweet. - Oh blest and happiest woman, a dead slumber - Begins to creep upon me, oh my jewel! - - _Enter Messenger and_ Memberge. - - _Ordel._ Oh sleep my Lord. - - _Thier._ My joyes are too much for me. - - _Mess. Brunhalt_ impatient of her constraint to see - _Protaldye_ tortur'd, has choak'd her self. - - _Mart._ No more, her sins go with her. - - _Thier._ Love, I must die, I faint, close up my glasses. - - _1 Doct._ The Queen faints too, and deadly. - - _Thier._ One dying kiss. - - _Ordel._ My last Sir, and my dearest, and now - Close my eyes too. - - _Thier._ Thou perfect woman. - _Martel_, the Kingdom's yours, take _Memberge_ to you, - And keep my line alive; nay, weep not, Lady, - Take me, I go. - - _Ordel._ Take me too, farewel honour. [_Die both._ - - _2 Doct._ They are gone for ever. - - _Mart._ The peace of happy souls go after them, - Bear them to their last beds, whilst I study - A Tomb to speak their loves; whilst old time laste[t]h - I am your King in sorrows. - - _Omnes._ We your subjects. - - _Mart. Devitry_, for your service, be near us, - Whip out these instruments of this mad mother - From Court, and all good people; and because - She was born Noble, let that Title find her - A private grave, but neither tongue nor honor: - And now lead on, they that shall read this story, - Shall find that Virtue lives in Good, not Glory. - - [_Exeunt Omnes._ - - - - -The Woman-Hater. - - - - -PROLOGUE. - - - _Gentlemen, Inductions are out of date, and a Prologue in Verse, - is as stale as a black Velvet Cloak, and a Bay Garland: therefore - you shall have it plain Prose, thus: If there be any amongst you, - that come to hear lascivious Scenes, let them depart: for I do - pronounce this, to the utter discomfort of all twopenny Gallery - men, you shall have no bawdery in it: or if there be any lurking - amongst you in corners, with Table-books, who have some hope to - find fit matter to feed his ---- ---- malice on, let them claspe - them up, and slink away, or stay and be converted. For he that - made this Play, means to please Auditors so, as he may be an - Auditor himself hereafter, and not purchase them with the dear - [losse] of his [e]ares: I dare not call it_ Comedy _or_ Tragedy; - _'tis perfectly neither: A Play it is, which was meant to make you_ - _laugh, how it [will] please you, is not written in my Part: for_ - _though you should like it to day, perhaps your selves know not - how you should digest it to morrow: Some things in it you may - meet with, which are out of the common road: a Duke there is, - and the Scæne lies in Italy, as those two things lightly we never - miss. But you shall not find in it the ordinary and over-worn - Trade of jesting at Lords and Courtiers, and Citizens, without - taxation of any particular or new vice by them found out, but at - the persons of them; such, he, that made this, thinks vile, and - for his own part vows; That he did never think, but that a [Lord] - born might be a wise man, and a Courtier an honest man._ - - - - -_Actus Primus. Scæna Prima._ - - - _Enter Duke of_ Millain, Arrigo, Lucio, _and two Courtiers_. - - Tis now the sweetest time for sleep, the night is scarce - spent; _Arrigo_, what's a clock? - - _Arri._ Past four. - - _Duke._ Is it so much, and yet the morn not up? - See yonder where the shamefac'd Maiden comes - Into our sight, how gently doth she slide, - Hiding her chaste cheeks, like a modest Bride, - With a red veil of blushes; as [is] she, - Even such all modest virtuous Women be. - Why thinks your Lordship I am up so soon? - - _Lucio._ About some weighty State plot. - - _Duke._ And what thinks your knighthood of it? - - _Arr._ I do think to cure some strange corruptions in the - Common-wealth. - - _Duke._ Y'are well conceited of your selves to think - I chuse you out to bear me company - In such affairs and business of state: - For am not I a pattern for all Princes, - That break my soft sleep for my subjects good? - Am I not careful? very provident? - - _Luc._ Your Grace is careful. - - _Arri._ Very provident. - - _Duke._ Nay, knew you how my serious working plots, - Concern the whole Estates of all my subjects, - I, and their lives; then _Lucio_ thou wouldst swear, - I were a loving Prince. - - _Luc._ I think your Grace intends to walk the publick - streets disguis'd, to see the streets disorders. - - _Duke._ It is not so. - - _Arri._ You secretly will cross some other states, that do - conspire against you. - - _Duke._ Weightier far: - You are my friends, and you shall have the cause; - I break my sleeps thus soon to see a wench. - - _Luc._ Y'are wond'rous careful for your subjects good. - - _Arri._ You are a very loving Prince indeed. - - _Duke._ This care I take for them, when their dull eyes, - Are clos'd with heavy slumbers. - - _Arri._ Then you rise to see your wenches? - - _Luc._ What _Milan_ beauty hath the power, to charme her - Sovereign eyes, and break his sleeps? - - _Duke._ Sister to Count _Valore_, she's a Maid - Would make a Prince forget his throne, and sta[t]e, - And lowly kneel to her: the general fate - Of all mortality, is hers to give; - As she disposeth, so we die and live. - - _Luc._ My Lord, the day grows clear, the Court will rise. - - _Duk._ We stay too long, is the _Umbranoes_ head as we commanded, - sent to the sad _Gondarino_, our General? - - _Arr._ 'Tis sent. - - _Duke._ But stay, where shines that light? - - _Arri._ 'Tis in the chamber of _Lazarello_. - - _Duke. Lazarillo?_ what is he? - - _Arri._ A Courtier my Lord, and one that I wonder your Grace knows - not: for he hath followed your Court, and your last predecessors, - from place to place, any time this seven year[e], as faithfully as - your Spits and your Dripping-pans have done, and almost as greasily. - - _Duke._ Oh we know him, as we have heard, he keeps a Kalender of - all the [famous] dishes of meat, that have been in the Court, ever - since our great Grandfathers time; and when he can thrust in at no - Table, he makes his meat of that. - - _Lucio._ The very same my Lord. - - _Duk[e]._ A Courtier call'st thou him? - Believe me _Lucio_, there be many such - About our Court, respected, as they think, - Even by our self; with thee I will be plain: - - We Princes do use, to preferre many for nothing, and to take - particular and free knowledg[e], almost in the nature of - acquaintance of many; whom we do use only for our pleasures, and - [d]o give largely to numbers; more out of policy to be thought - liberal, and by that means to make the people strive to deserve - our Love; than to reward any particular desert of theirs, to whom - we give: and do suffer our selves to hear flatterers, more for - recreation - - Than for love of it, though we seldom hate it: - And yet we know all these, and when we please, - Can touch the wheel, and turn their names about. - - _Luc._ I wonder they that know their states so well, should fancy - such base slaves. - - _Duke._ Thou wond'rest _Lucio_, - Dost not thou think, if thou wert Duke of _Milan_, - Thou should'st be flattered? - - _Luc._ I know my Lord, I would not. - - _Duke._ Why so, I thought till I was Duke, I thought I should have - left me no more flatterers, than there are now Plain-dealers; and - yet for all this my resolution, I am most palpably flattered: the - poor man may loath covetousness and flattery, but fortune will - alter the mind when the wind turns: there may be well a little - conflict, but it will drive the billows before it. - - _Arrigo_ it grows late, for see, fair _Thetis_ hath undone the barrs - To _Phebus_ team; and his unrival'd light, - Hath cha[s]'d the mornings modest blush away: - Now must we to our love, bright _Paphian_ Queen; - Thou _Cytherean_ goddess, that delights - In stirring glances, and art still thy self, - More toying than thy team of Sparrows be; - Thou laughing _Errecina_, oh inspire - Her heart with love, or lessen my desire. [_Exeunt._ - - -_Scæna Secunda._ - - _Enter_ Lazarillo _and his boy_. - - _Laz._ Go run, search, pry in every nook and angle of the Kitchins, - Larders, and Pasteries, know what meat's boil'd, bak'd, rost, - stew'd, fri'd, or sous'd, at this dinner to be serv'd directly, or - indirectly, to every several Table in the Court, be gone. - - _Boy._ I run, but not so fast as your mouth will do upon the stroke - of Eleven. [_Exit Boy._ - - _Laz._ What an excellent thing did God bestow upon man, when he - [did give] him a good stomach! what unbounded graces there are - pour'd upon them that have the continual command of the very best - of these blessings! 'tis an excellent thing to be a Prince; he is - serv'd with such admirable variety of Fare; such innumerable choice - of Delicates; his Tables are full fraught with most nourishing - food, and his Cubbards heavy laden with rich Wines; his Court - is still filled with most [pleasing varieties]: In the Summer, - his Palace is full of Green Geese; and in Winter it [swarmeth] - Woodcocks, - - Oh thou goddess of Plenty - Fill me this day with some rare delicates - And I will every year most constantly, - As this day celebrate a sumptuous Feast, - If thou wilt send me victuals in thine honor; - And to it shall be bidden for thy sake, - Even all the valiant stomachs in the Court: - All short-cloak'd Knights, and all cross-garter'd Gentlemen; - All pump and pantofle, foot-cloth riders; - With all the swarming generation - Of long stocks, short pain'd hose, and huge stuff'd doublets: - All these shall eat, and which is more than yet - Hath e'er been seen, they shall be satisfied. - I wonder my Ambassador returns not! - - _Enter Boy._ - - _Boy._ Here I am Master. - - _Laza._ And welcome: - Never did that sweet Virgin in her smock, - Fair-cheek'd _Andromeda_, when to the rock - Her Ivorie limbs were chain'd, and straight before - A huge Sea-monster, tumbling to the shore, - To have devour'd her, with more longing sight - Expect the coming of some hardy Knight, - That might have quell'd his pride, and set her free, - Than I with longing sight have look'd for thee. - - _Boy._ Your _Perseus_ is come Master, that will destroy him, - The very comfort of whose presence shuts - The monster hunger from your yelping guts. - - _Laza._ Brief boy, brief, discourse the service of each several - Table compendiously. - - _Boy._ Here's a Bill of all Sir. - - _Laza._ Give it me, a Bill of all the several services this day - appointed for every Table in the Court, - - I, this is it on which my hopes relye, - Within this paper all my joyes are clos'd: - Boy, open it, and read it with reverence. - - _Boy._ For the Captain of the Guards Table, three chines of Beef, - and two jo[l]ls of Sturgeon. - - _Laza._ A portly service, but gross, gross, proceed to the Dukes - own Table, dear boy, to the Dukes own Table. - - _Boy._ For the Dukes own Table, the head of an _Umbrana_. - - _Laza._ Is't possible? can Heaven be so propitious to the Duke? - - _Boy._ Yes, I'll assure you Sir, 'tis possible, Heaven is so - propitious to him. - - _Laza._ Why then he is the richest Prince alive: - He were the wealthiest Monarch in all _Europe_, - Had he no other Territories, Dominions, Provinces, Seats, - No[r] Palaces, but only that _Umbrana_'s head. - - _Boy._ 'Tis very fresh and sweet, Sir, the fish was taken but - this night, and the head, as a rare novelty, appointed by special - commandement for the Dukes own Table, this dinner. - - _Laza._ If poor unworthy I may come to eat - Of this most sacred dish, I here do vow - (If that blind Huswife, Fortune will bestow - But means on me) to keep a sumptuous house, - - A board groaning under the heavy burden of the beasts that cheweth - the cudd, and the Fowl that cutteth the Air: I shall not like the - Table of a countrey Justice, besprinkled over with all manner of - cheap Sallads, sliced Beef, Giblets, and Petitoes, to fill up room, - nor should there stand any great, cumbersom, un-cut-up pies, at - the nether end fill'd with moss and stones, partly to make a shew - with and partly to keep the lower Mess from eating, nor shall my - meat come in sneaking, like the City service, one dish a quarter - of an hour after another, and gone, as if they had appointed to - meet there, and had mistook the hour, nor should it, like the new - Court service, come in in haste, as if it fain would be gone again, - all courses at once, like a hunting breakfast, but I would have - my several courses, and my dishes well fill'd, my first course - should be brought in after the antient manner, by a score of old - bleer-ey'd Serving-men, in long blew coats, (marry they shall buy - Silk, Facing, and Buttons themselves) but that's by the way. - - _Boy._ Master the time calls on, will you be walking? [_Exit Boy._ - - _Laza._ Follow boy, follow, my guts were half an hour since in the - privy Kitchin. [_Exeunt._ - - -_Scæna Tertia._ - - _Enter Count, and his Sister_ Oriana. - - _Oria._ Faith brother, I must needs go yonder. - - _Count._ And faith Sister what will you do yonder? - - _Oria._ I know the Lady _Honoria_ will be glad to see me. - - _Count._ Glad to see you? faith the Lady _Honoria_ cares for you - as she doth for all other young Ladies, she's glad to see you, and - will shew you the Privy Garden, and tell you how many Gowns the - Duchess had; Marry if you have ever an old Uncle, that would be a - Lord, or ever a kinsman that hath done a murther, or committed a - robbery, and will give good store of Money to procure his pardon, - then the Lady _Honoria_ will be glad to see you. - - _Oria._ I, but they say one shall see fine sights at the Court. - - _Count._ I'll tell you what you shall see, you shall see many faces - of mans making, for you shall find very few as God left them: and - you shall see many legs too; amongst the rest you shall behold one - pair, the feet of which, were in times past, sockless, but are now - through the change of time (that alters all things) very strangely - become the legs of a Knight and a Courtier; another pair you shall - see, that were heir apparent legs to a Glover, these legs hope - shortly to be honourable; when they pass by they will bow, and the - mouth to these legs, will seem to offer you some Courtship; it - [will] swear, but [it] will lye, hear it not. - - _Oria._ Why, and are not these fine sights? - - _Count._ Sister, in seriousness you yet are young - And fair, a fair young Maid, and apt. - - _Oria._ Apt? - - _Count._ Exceeding apt[, apt] to be drawn to. - - _Oria._ To what? - - _Count._ To that you should not be, 'tis no dispraise, - She is not bad that hath desire to ill, - But she that hath no power to rule that Will: - For there you shall be wooed in other kinds - Than yet your years have known, the chiefest men - Will seem to throw themselves - As vassals at your [service], kiss your hand, - Prepare [you] Banquets, Masques, Shews, all inticements - That Wit and Lust together can devise, - To draw a Lady from the state of Grace - To an old Lady widdows Gallery; - And they will praise your virtues, beware that, - The only way to turn a Woman whore, - Is to commend her chastity: you'll goe? - - _Oria._ I would go, if it were but only to shew you, that I could - be there, and be mov'd with none of these tricks. - - _Count._ Your servants are ready? - - _Oria._ An hour since. - - _Count._ Well, if you come off clear from this hot service, Your - praise shall be the greater. Farewel Sister. - - _Oria._ Farewel Brother. - - _Count._ Once more, if you stay in the presence till candle-light, - keep on the foreside o'th' Curtain; and do you hear, take heed - of the old Bawd, in the cloth of Tissue sleeves, and the knit - Mittines. Farewel Sister. [_Exit_ Oria. - - Now am I idle, I would I had been a Scholar, that I might a studied - now: the punishment of meaner men is, they have too much to do; - our only misery is, that without company we know not what to do; - I must take some of the common courses of our Nobility; which is - thus: if I can find no company that likes me, pluck off my Hatband, - throw an old Cloak over my face, and as if I would not be known, - walk hastily through the streets, till I be discovered; then there - goes Count such a one, says one; there goes Count such a one, says - another: Look how fast he goes, says a third; there's some great - matters in hand questionless, says a fourth; when all my business - is to hav[e] them say so: this hath been used; or if I can find any - company, I'll after dinner to the Stage, to see a Play; where, when - I first enter, you shall have a murmure in the house, every one - that does not know cries, What Nobleman is that? all the Gallants - on the Stage rise, vail to me, kiss their hand, offer me their - places: then I pick out some one, whom I please to grace among the - rest, take his seat, use it, throw my cloak over my face, and laugh - at him: the poor Gentleman imagines himself most highly grac'd, - thinks all the Auditors esteem him one of my bosom friends; and - in right special regard with me. But here comes a Gentleman, that - I hope will make me better sport, than either street and stage - fooleries. - - _Enter_ Lazarello _and Boy_. - - This man loves to eat good meat, always provided, he do not pay for - it himself, he goes by the name of the _Hungry Courtier_, marry, - because I think that name will not sufficiently distinguish him, - for no doubt he hath more fellows there, his name is _Lazarello_, - he is none of these [same] ordinary eaters, that will devour three - breakfasts, and as many dinners, without any prejudice to their - Beavers, Drinkings, or Suppers; but he hath a more courtly kind - of hunger, and doth hunt more after novelty, than plenty, I'll - overhear him. - - _Laza._ Oh thou most itching kindly appetite, - Which every creature in his stomach feels; - Oh leave, leave yet at last thus to torment me. - Three several Sallads have I sacrific'd, - Bedew'd with precious oil and vinegar - Already to appease thy greedy wrath. Boy. - - _Boy._ Sir. - - _Laza._ Will the Count speak with me? - - _Boy._ One of his Gentlemen is gone to inform him of your coming, - Sir. - - _Laza._ There is no way left for me to compass th[is] Fish-head, - but by being presently made known to the Duke. - - _Boy._ That will be hard Sir. - - _Laza._ When I have tasted of this sacred dish, - Then shall my bones rest in my Fathers tomb - In peace; then shall I dye most willingly, - And as a dish be serv'd to satisfie, - Deaths hunger, and I will be buried thus: - My Bier shall be a charger born by four, - The Coffin where I lye, a powd'ring-tub, - Bestrew'd with Lettice, and cool Sallad herbs, - My Winding-sheet of Tansies, the black Guard - Shall be my solemn Mourners, and instead - Of ceremonies, wholsom burial Prayers: - A printed dirge in rhyme, shall bury me. - Instead of tears, let them pour Capon sauce upon my hearse, - And salt instead of dust, Manchets for stones, for other glorious - shields - Give me a Voider; and above my Hearse - For a Trutch sword, my naked knife stuck up. - - [_The Count discovers himself._ - - _Boy._ Master, the Count's here. - - _Laza._ Where? my Lord I do beseech you. - - _Count._ Y'are very welcome Sir, I pray you stand up, you shall - dine with me. - - _Laza._ I do beseech your Lordship by the love I still have born to - your honourable house. - - _Count._ Sir, what need all this? you shall dine with me, I pray - rise. - - _Laza._ Perhaps your Lordship takes me for one of these same - fellows, that do as it were respect victuals. - - _Count._ Oh Sir by no means. - - _Laza._ Your Lordship has often promised, that whensoever I should - affect greatness, your own hand should help to raise me. - - _Count._ And so much still assure your self of. - - _Laza._ And though I must confess, I have ever shun'd popularity, - by the example of others, yet I do now feel my self a little - ambitious, your Lordship is great, and though young, yet a Privy - Counsellor. - - _Count._ I pray you Sir leap into the matter, what would You have - me do for you? - - _Laza._ I would intreat your Lordship to make me known to the Duke. - - _Count._ When Sir? - - _Laza._ Suddainly my Lord, I would have you present me unto him - this morning. - - _Count._ It shall be done, but for what virtues, would you have him - take notice of you? - - _Laza._ Your Lordship shall know that presently. - - _Count._ 'Tis pity of this fellow, he is of good wit, and - sufficient understanding, when he is not troubled with this greedy - worm. - - _Laza._ 'Faith, you may intreat him to take notice of me for - any thing; for being an excellent Farrier, for playing well at - Span-counter, or sticking knives in walls, for being impudent, or - for nothing; why may not I be a Favorite on the suddain? I see - nothing against it. - - _Count._ Not so Sir, I know you have not the face to be a Favourite - on the suddain. - - _Laz._ Why then you shall present me as a Gentleman well qualified, - or one extraordinary seen in divers strange mysteries. - - _Count._ In what Sir? as how? - - _Laz._ Marry as thus-- - - _Enter [I]ntelligencer._ - - _Count._ Yonder's my old Spirit, that hath haunted me daily, ever - since I was a privy Counsellor, I must be rid of him, I pray you - stay there, I am a little busie, I will speak with you presently. - - _Laza._ You shall bring me in, and after a little other talk taking - me by the hand, you shall utter these words to the Duke: May it - please your grace, to take note of a Gentleman, well read, deeply - learned, and throughly grounded in the hidden knowledge of all - Sallads and Pot-herbs whatsoever. - - _Count._ 'Twill be rare, if you will walk before, Sir, I will - overtake you instantly. - - _Laza._ Your Lordships ever. - - _Count._ This fellow is a kind of an informer, one that lives in - Alehouses and Taverns, and because he perceives some worthy men in - this Land, with much labour and great expence, to have discovered - things dangerously hanging over the State; he thinks to discover - as much out of the talk of drunkards in Tap-houses: he brings me - informations, pick'd out of broken words, in mens common talk, - which, with his malicious mis-application, he hopes will seem - dangerous, he doth besides, bring me the names of all the young - Gentlemen in the City, that use Ordinaries, or Taverns, talking - (to my thinking) only as the freedom of their youth teach them, - without any further ends; for dangerous and seditious spirits; - he is besides, an arrant whoremaster, as any is in _Milan_, of a - Lay-man; I will not meddle with the Clergy: he is parcel Lawyer, - and in my conscience much of their religion, I must put upon him - some piece of service; come hither Sir, what have you to do with me? - - _Int._ Little my Lord, I only come to know how your Lordship would - employ me. - - _Count._ Observed you that Gentleman, that parted from me but now? - - _Int._ I saw him now my Lord. - - _Count._ I was sending for you, I have talked with this man, and I - do find him dangerous. - - _Int._ Is your Lordship in good earnest? - - _Count._ Hark you Sir, there may perhaps be some within ear-[shot]. - [_He whispers with him._ - - _Enter_ Lazarello _and his Boy_. - - _Laz._ Sirrah, will you venture your life, the Duke hath sent the - Fish-head to my Lord? - - _Boy._ Sir if he have not, kill me, do what you will with me. - - _Laz._ How uncertain is the state of all mortal things! I have - these crosses from my Cradle, from my very Cradle, insomuch that - I do begin to grow desperate: Fortune I do despise thee, do thy - worst; yet when I do better gather my self together, I do find - it is rather the part of a wise man, to prevent the storms of - Fortune by stirring, than to suffer them by standing still, to pour - themselves upon his naked body. I will about it. - - _Count._ Who's within there? - - _Enter a Servingman._ - - Let this Gentleman out at the back door, forget not my - instructions, if you find any thing dangerous; trouble not - your self to find out me, but carry your informations to the - Lord _Lucio_, he is a man grave, and well experienced in these - businesses. - - [_Int._ Your Lordships Servant.] [_Exit Intelligencer and - Servingman._ - - _Laz._ Will it please your [worship walke]? - - _Count._ Sir I was coming, I will overtake you. - - _Laz._ I will attend you over against the Lord _Gonderinoes_ house. - - _Count._ You shall not attend there long. - - _Laz._ Thither must I to see my Loves face, the chaste - Virgin head - Of a dear Fish, yet pure and undeflowred, - Not known of man no rough bred countrey hand, - Hath once toucht thee, no Pandars withered paw, - Nor an un-napkin'd Lawyers greasie fist, - Hath once slubbered thee: no Ladies supple hand, - Wash'd o'er with Urine, hath yet seiz'd on thee - With her two nimble talents: no Court hand, - Whom his own natural filth, or change of air, - Hath bedeck'd with scabs, hath marr'd thy whiter grace: - Oh let it be thought lawful then for me, - To crop the flower of thy Virginity. [_Exit_ Lazarello. - - _Count._ This day I am for fools, I am all theirs, - Though like to our young wanton cocker'd heirs, - Who do affect those men above the rest, - In whose base company they still are best: - I do not with much labour strive to be - The wisest ever in the company: - But for a fool, our wisdom oft amends, - As enemies do teach us more than friends. [_Exit Count._ - - - - -_Actus Secundus. Scæna Prima._ - - - _Enter Gondarino and his servants._ - - _Serv._ My Lord: - - _Gond._ Ha! - - _Serv._ Here's one hath brought you a present. - - _Gond._ From whom? from a woman? if it be from a woman, bid him - carrie it back, and tell her she's a whore; what is it? - - _Serv._ A Fish head my Lord. - - _Gond._ What Fish head? - - _Serv._ I did not aske that my Lord. - - _Gond._ Whence comes it? - - _Ser._ From the Court. - - _Gond._ O 'tis a Cods-head. - - _Serv._ No my Lord, 'tis some strange head, it comes from the Duke. - - _Gond._ Let it be carried to my Mercer, I doe owe him money for - silks, stop his mouth with that. [_Exit Serv._ - - Was there ever any man that hated his wife after death but I? - and for her sake all women, women that were created only for the - preservation of little dogs. - - _Enter Servant._ - - _Serv._ My Lord the Count's sister being overtaken in the streets, - with a great hail-storm, is light at your gate, and desires [room] - till the storm be overpast. - - _Gond._ Is she a woman? - - _Serv._ I my Lord I think so. - - _Gond._ I have none for her then: bid her get her gone, tell her - she is not welcome. - - _Serv._ My Lord, she is now comming up. - - _Gond._ She shall not come up, tell her any thing; tell her I have - but one great room in my house, and I am now in it at the close - stool. - - _Serv._ She's here my Lord. - - _Gond._ O impudence of women: I can keep dogs out of my house, or I - can defend my house against theeves, but I cannot keep out women. - - _Enter_ Oriana, _a waiting woman, and a Page_. - - Now Madam, what hath your Ladyship to say to me? - - _Oria._ My Lord, I was bold to crave the help of your house against - the storm. - - _Gond._ Your Ladyships boldness in coming will be impudence in - staying; for you are most unwelcome. - - _Oriana._ Oh my Lord! - - _Gond._ Doe you laugh? by the hate I bear to you, 'tis true. - - _Orian._ Y'are merry my Lord. - - _Gond._ Let me laugh to death if I be, or can be whilst thou art - here, or livest; or any of thy sex. - - _Oriana._ I commend your Lordship. - - _Gond._ Doe you commend me? why doe you commend me? I give you no - such cause: thou art a filthy impudent whore; a woman, a very woman. - - _Oria._ Ha, ha, ha. - - _Gond._ Begot when thy father was drunk. - - _Orian._ Your Lordship hath a good wit. - - _Gond._ How? what have I a good wit? - - _Orian._ Come my Lord, I have heard before of your Lordships merry - vain in jesting against our Sex, which I being desirous to hear, - made me rather choose your Lordships house, than any other, but I - know I am welcome. - - _Gond._ Let me not live if you be: me thinks it doth not become - you, to come to my house being a stranger to you, I have no woman - in my house, to entertain you, nor to shew you your chamber; why - should you come to me? I have no Galleries, nor banqueting houses, - nor bawdy pictures to shew your Ladyship. - - _Orian._ Believe me this your Lordships plain[n]ess makes me think - my self more welcome, than if you had sworn by all the pretty Court - oaths that are, I had been welcomer than your soul to your body. - - _Gond._ Now she's in, talking treason will get her out, I durst - sooner undertake to talk an Intelligencer out of the room, and - speak more than he durst hear, than talk a woman out of my company. - - _Enter a Servant._ - - _Serv._ My Lord the Duke being in the streets, and the storm - continuing, is entred your gate, and now coming up. - - _Gond._ The Duke! now I know your Errand Madam; you have plots and - private meetings in hand: why doe you choose my house? are you - asham'd to goe to't in the old coupling place, though it be less - suspicious here; for no Christian will suspect a woman to be in - my house? yet you may do it cleanlyer there, for there is a care - had of those businesses; and wheresoever you remove, your great - maintainer and you shall have your lodgings directly opposite, it - is but putting on your night-gown, and your s[l]ippers; Madam, you - understand me? - - _Orian._ Before I would not understand him, but now he speaks - riddles to me indeed. - - _Enter the Duke, Arrigo, and Lucio._ - - _Duke._ 'Twas a strange hail-storm. - - _Lucio._ 'Twas exceeding strange. - - _Gond._ Good morrow to your grace. - - _Duke._ Good morrow _Gonderino_. - - _Gond._ Justice great Prince. - - _Duke._ Why should you beg for justice, I never did you wrong; - What's the offendor? - - _Gond._ A woman. - - _Duke._ I know your ancient quarrell against that Sex; but what - hainous crime hath she committed? - - _Gond._ She hath gone abroad. - - _Duke._ What? it cannot be. - - _Gond._ She hath done it. - - _Duke._ How? I never heard of any woman that did so before. - - _Gond._ If she have not laid by that modesty - That should attend a Virgin, and, quite void - Of shame, hath left the house where she was born, - As they should never doe; let me endure - The pains that she should suffer. - - _Duke._ Hath she so? Which is the woman? - - _Gond._ This, this. - - _Duke._ How! _Arrigo? Lucio?_ - - _Gond._ I then it is a plot, no Prince alive - Shall force me make my house a Brothell house; - Not for the sins, but for the womans sake, - I will not have her in my doors so long: - Will they make my house as bawdy as their own are? - - _Duke._ Is it not _Oriana_? - - _Lucio._ 'Tis. - - _Duke._ Sister to Count _Valero_? - - _Arri._ The very same. - - _Duke._ She that I love? - - _Lucio._ She that you love. - - _Duke._ I do suspect. - - _Lucio._ So doe I. - - _Duke._ This fellow to be but a counterfeit, - One that doth seem to loath all woman-kind, - To hate himself, because he hath some part - Of woman in him; seems not to endure - To see, or to be seen of any woman, - Only, because he knows it is their nature - To wish to tast that which is most forbidden: - And with this shew he may the better compass - (And with far less suspition) his base ends. - - _Lucio._ Upon my life 'tis so. - - _Duke._ And I doe know, - Before his slain wife gave him that offence, - He was the greatest servant to that Sex - That ever was: what doth this Lady here - With him alone? why should he rail at her to me? - - _Lucio._ Because your grace might not suspect. - - _Duke._ 'Twas so: I doe love her strangely: - I would fain know the truth: counsell me. [_They three whisper._ - - _Enter Count, Lazarello, and his boy._ - - _Count._ It falls out better than we could expect Sir, that we - should find the Duke and my Lord _Gondarino_ together; both which - you desire to be acquainted with. - - _Laz._ 'Twas very happy: Boy, goe down into the kitchen, and see if - you can spy that same; I am now in some hope: I have me thinks a - kind of fever upon me. [_Exit Boy._ - - A certain gloominess within me, doubting as it were, betwixt two - passions: there is no young maid upon her wedding night, when - her husband sets first foot in the bed, blushes, and looks pale - again, oftner than I doe now. There is no Poet acquainted with - more shakings and quakings, towards the latter end of [his] new - play, when he's in that case, that he stands peeping betwixt [the] - Curtains, so fearfully that a Bottle of Ale cannot be opened, but - he thinks some body hisses, than I am at this instant. - - _Count._ Are they in consultation? If they be, either my young Duke - hath gotten some Bastard, and is persuading my Knight yonder to - father the child, and marry the wench, or else some Cock-pit is to - be built. - - _Laz._ My Lord! what Nobleman's that? - - _Count._ His name is _Lucio_, 'tis he that was made a Lord at the - request of some of his friends for his wives sake: he affects to - be a great States-man, and thinks it consists in night-caps and - jewells, and tooth-picks. - - _Laz._ And what's that other? - - _Count._ A Knight Sir, that pleaseth the Duke to favour, and to - raise to some extraordinary fortunes, he can make as good men as - himself, every day in the week, and doth-- - - _Laz._ For what was he raised? - - _Count._ Truely Sir, I am not able to say directly, for what; But - for wearing of red breeches as I take it; he's a brave man, he will - spend three Knighthoods at a Supper without Trumpets. - - _Laza._ My Lord I'll talk with him, for I have a friend, that would - gladly receive the humor. - - _Count._ If he have the itch of Knighthood upon him, let him repair - to that Physitian, he'll cure him: but I will give you a note; is - your friend fat or lean? - - _Laz._ Something fat. - - _Count._ 'Twill be the worse for him. - - _Laza._ I hope that's not material. - - _Count._ Very much, for there is an impost set upon Knighthoods, & - your friend shall pay a Noble in the pound. - - _Duke._ I doe not like examinations, - We shall find out the truth more easily, - Some other way less noted, and that course, - Should not be us'd, till we be sure to prove - Some thing directly, for when they perceive - Themselves suspected, they will then provide - More warily to answer. - - _Luc._ Doth she know your Grace doth love her? - - _Duke._ She hath never heard it. - - _Luc._ Then thus my Lord. [_They whisper_ - - _Laz._ What's he that walks [_again_ - alone so sadly with his hands behind him? - - _Count._ The Lord of the house, he that you desire to be acquainted - with, he doth hate women for the same cause that I love them. - - _Laz._ What's that? - - _Count._ For that which Apes want: you perceive me Sir? - - _Laz._ And is he sad? Can he be sad that hath so rich a gem under - his roof, as that which I doe follow. What young Lady's that? - - _Count._ Which? Have I mine eye-sight perfect, 'tis my sister: - did I say the Duke had a Bastard? What should she make here with - him and his Councell? She hath no papers in her hand to petition - to them, she hath never a husband in prison, whose release she - might sue for: That's a fine trick for a wench; to get her husband - clapt up, that she may more freely, and with less suspition, visit - the private studies of men in authority. Now I doe discover their - consultation, yon fellow is a Pander without all salvation: But let - me not condemn her too rashly without weighing the matter; she's a - young Lady, she went forth early this morning with a waiting woman, - and a Page, or so: This is no garden house; in my conscience she - went forth with no dishonest intent: for she did not pretend going - to any Sermon in the further end of the City: Neither went she - to see any odd old Gentlewoman, that mourns for the death of her - husband, or the loss of her friend, and must have young Ladys come - to comfort her: those are the damnable Bawds: 'Twas no set meeting - certainly; for there was no wafer-woman with her these three days - on my knowledge: I'll talk with her; Good morrow my Lord. - - _Gond._ Y'are welcome Sir: here's her brother come now to doe a - kind office for his sister; is it not strange? - - _Count._ I am glad to meet you here sister. - - _Orian._ I thank you good brother: and if you doubt of the cause of - my coming I can satisfie you. - - _Count._ No faith, I dare trust thee, I doe suspect thou art - honest; for it is so rare a thing to be honest amongst you, that - some one man in an age, may perhaps suspect some two women to be - honest, but never believe it verily. - - _Luci._ Let your return be suddain. - - _Arri._ U[n]suspected by them. - - _Duke._ It shall; so shall I best perceive their Love, if there be - any; Farewell. - - _Count._ Let me entreat your grace to stay a little, - To know a gentleman, to whom your self - Is much beholding; he hath made the sport - For your whole Court these eight years, on my knowledge. - - _Duke._ His name? - - _Count. Lazarello._ - - _Duke._ I heard of him this morning, which is he? - - _Count. Lazarello_, pluck up thy spirits, thy [Fortuns are] now - raising, the Duke calls for thee, and thou shalt be acquainted with - him. - - _Laz._ He's going away, and I must of necessity stay here upon - business. - - _Count._ 'Tis all one, thou shalt know him first. - - _Laz._ Stay a little, if he should offer to take me away with him, - and by that means I should loose that I seek for; but if he should - I will not goe with him. - - _Count. Lazarello_, the Duke stayes, wilt thou lose this - opportunity? - - _Laz._ How must I speak to him? - - _Count._ 'Twas well thought of: you must not talk to him as you doe - to an ordinary man, honest plain sence, but you must wind about - him: for example, if he should aske you what a clock it is, you - must not say; If it please your grace 'tis nine; but thus; thrice - three a clock, so please my Sovereign: or thus; - - Look how many Muses there doth dwell - Upon the sweet banks of the learned Well; - And just so many stroaks the clock hath struck, - And so forth; And you must now and then enter into a description. - - _Laz._ I hope I shall doe it. - - _Count._ Come: May it please your grace to take note of a - Gentleman, wel seen, deeply read, and throughly grounded in the - hidden knowledge of all sallets and potherbs whatsoever. - - _Duke._ I shall desire to know him more inwardly. - - _Laz._ I kiss the Oxe-hide of your graces foot. - - _Count._ Very well: will your grace question him a little? - - _Duke._ How old are you? - - _Laz._ Full eight and twenty several Almanacks - Have been compiled, all for several years - Since first I drew this breath, four prentiships - Have I most truely served in this world: - And eight and twenty times hath _Phœbus_ Car - Run out his yearly course since. - - _Duke._ I understand you Sir. - - _Luci._ How like an ignorant Poet he talks. - - _Duke._ You are eight and twenty year[e] old? what time of the day - doe you hold it to be? - - _Laz._ About the time that mortals whet their knives - On thresholds, on their shooe sol[e]s, and on stairs, - New bread is grating, and the testy Cook - Hath much to doe now, now the Tables all. - - _Duk._ 'Tis almost dinner time? - - _Laz._ Your grace doth apprehend me very rightly. - - _Count._ Your grace shall find him in your further conference - Grave, wise, courtly, and scholar like, understandingly read - In the necessities of the life of man. - He knows that man is mortal by his birth; - He knows that man must dye, and therefore live; - He knows that [man] must live, and therefore eat, - - And if it shall please your grace, to accompany your self with - him, I doubt not, but that he will, at the least, make good my - commendations. - - _Duk._ Attend us _Lazarello_, we doe want - Men of such Action, as we have received you - Reported from your honorable friend. - - _Laza._ Good my Lord stand betwixt me and my overthrow, you know - I'm ti'd here, and may not depart, my gracious Lord, so waightie - are the businesses of mine own, which at this time do call upon me, - that I will rather chuse to die, than to neglect them. - - _Count._ Nay you shall [well] perceive, besides the virtues that I - have alreadie inform'd you of, he hath a stomach which will stoop - to no Prince alive. - - _Duk._ Sir at your best leisure, I shall thirst to see you. - - _Laza._ And I shall hunger for it. - - _Duk._ Till then farewell all. - - _Gon. Count._ Long life attend your Grace. - - _Duk._ I doe not tast this sport, _Arrigo, Lucio._ - - _Arrigo. Luci._ We doe attend. [_Exeunt Duke, Arrigo, Lucio._ - - _Gond._ His grace is gone, and hath left his _Hellen_ with me, I'm - no pander for him, neither can I be won with the hope of gain, or - the itching desire of tasting my Lords lecherie to him, to keep her - at (my house) or bring her in disguise, to his bed Chamber. - - The twyns of Adders, and of Scorpions - About my naked brest, will seem to me - More tickling than those claspes, which men adore; - The lustfull, dull, ill spirited embraces - Of women; The much praysed _Amazones_, - Knowing their own infirmities so well, - Made of themselves a people, and what men - They take amongst them, they condemne to die, - Perceiving that their folly made them fit - To live no longer that would willingly - Come in the worthless presence of a woman. - I will attend, and see what my young Lord will doe with his sister. - - _Enter Lazarilloes Boy._ - - _Boy._ My Lord; The fish head is gone again. - - _Count._ W[h]ither? - - _Boy._ I know whither my Lord. - - _Count._ Keep it from _Lazarillo_: Sister shall I confer with you - in private, to know the cause of the Dukes coming hither, I know he - makes you acquainted with his business of State. - - _Oria._ I'll satisfie you brother, for I see you are jealous of me. - - _Gond._ Now there shall be some course taken for her conveiance. - - _Laza. Lazarillo_, thou art happy, thy carriage hath begot love, - and that love hath brought forth fruits; thou art here in the - company of a man honorable, that will help thee to tast of the - bounties of the Sea, and when thou hast so done thou shalt retire - thy self unto the court, and there tast of the delicates of the - earth, and be great in the eyes of thy Soveraign: now no more shalt - thou need to scramble for thy meat, nor remove thy stomach with - the Court; But thy credit shall command thy hearts desire, and all - novelties shall be sent as presents unto thee. - - _Count._ Good Sister, when you see your own time, wil[l] you return - home. - - _Oria._ Yes brother, and not before. - - _Laza._ I will grow popular in this State, and overthrow the - fortunes of a number, that live by extortion. - - _Count. Lazarello_, bestirr thy self nimbly and sodainly, and - hear me with patience [to hear]. - - _Laza._ Let me not fall from my self; Speak I'm bound. - - _Count._ So art thou to revenge, when thou shalt hear the fish head - is gone, and we know not whither. - - _Laza._ I will not curse, nor swear, nor rage, nor rail, - Nor with contemptuous tongue, accuse my Fate; - Though I might justly doe it, nor will I - Wish my self uncreated for this evil: - Shall I entreat your Lordship to be seen - A little longer in the company - Of a man cross'd by Fortune? - - _Count._ I hate to leave my friend in his extremities. - - _Laza._ 'Tis noble in you, then I take your hand, - And doe protest, I doe not follow this - For any malice or for private ends, - But with a love, as gentle and as chast, - As that a brother to his sister bears: - And if I see this fish head yet unknown; - The last words that my dying father spake, - Before his eye strings brake, shall not of me - So often be remembred, as our meeting: - Fortune attend me, as my ends are just, - Full of pure love, and free from servile lust. - - _Count._ Farwell my Lord, I was entreated to invite your Lordship - to a Lady's upsiting. - - _Gond._ O my ears, why Madam, will not you follow your brother? you - are waited for by great men, heel bring you to him. - - _Oria._ I'm very well my Lord, you doe mistake me, if you think I - affect greater company than your self. - - _Gond._ What madness possesseth thee, that thou canst imagine me a - fit man to entertain [Ladies]; I tell thee, I doe use to tear their - hair, to kick them, and [to] twindge their noses, if they be not - carefull in avoiding me. - - _Oria._ Your Lordship may discant upon your own behavior as please - you, but I protest, so sweet and courtly it appeares in my eye, - that I mean not to leave you yet. - - _[Go]nd._ I shall grow rough. - - _Oria._ A rough carriage is best in a man, - I'll dine with you my Lord. - - _Gond._ Why I will starve thee, thou shalt have nothing. - - _Oria._ I have heard of your Lordships nothing, I'll put that to - the venture. - - _Gond._ Well thou shalt have meat, I'll send it to thee. - - _Oria._ I'll keep no state my Lord, neither doe I mourn, I'll dine - with you. - - _Gond._ Is such a thin[g] as this allowed to live? - What power hath let the[e] loose upon the earth - To plague us for our Sins? Out of my doors. - - _Oria._ I would your Lordship did but see how well - This fury doth become you, it doth shew - So neer the life, as it were natural. - - _Gond._ O thou damn'd woman, I will flie the vengeance - That hangs above thee, follow if thou dar'st. [_Exit Gondarino._ - - _Oria._ I must not leave this fellow, I will torment him to madness, - To teach his passions against kind to move, - The more he hates, the more I'll seem to love. - - [_Exeunt Oriana and Maid._ - - _Enter Pandar and Mercer a citizen._ - - _Pand._ Sir, what may be done by art shall be done, I wear no[t] - this black cloak for nothing. - - _Mer._ Perform this, help me to this great heir by learning, and - you shall want no black cloaks; taffaties, silkgrogra[m]s, sattins - and velvets are mine, they shall be yours; perform what you have - promis'd, and you shall make me a lover of Sciences, I will study - the learned languages, and keep my shop-book in Latine. - - _Pand._ Trouble me not now, I will not fail you within this hour at - your shop. - - _Mer._ Let Art have her course. [_Exit Mercer._ - - _Enter Curtezan._ - - _Pand._ 'Tis well spoken, _Madona_. - - _Mad._ Hast thou brought me any customers. - - _Pan._ No. - - _Ma._ What the devil do'st thou in black? - - _Pa._ As all solemn professors of setled courses, doe cover my - knavery with it: will you marry a citizen; Reasonably rich, and - unreasonably foolish, silks in his shop, mony in his purse, and no - wit in his head? - - _Ma._ Out upon him, I could have [bin] otherwise than so, there was - a Knight swore he would have had me, if I would have lent him but - forty shillings to have redeem'd his cloak, to goe to Church in. - - _Pan._ Then your wastcote wayter shall have him, call her in! - - _Ma. Francessina!_ - - _Fr._ Anon! - - _Ma._ Get you to the Church, and shrive your self, - For you shall be richly marryed anon. - - _Pan._ And get you after her, I will work upon my citizen whilst - he is warm, I must not suffer him to consult with his neighbours, - the openest fools are hardly cousened, if they once grow jealous. - [_Exeunt._ - - - - -_Actus Tertius. Scæna Prima._ - - - _Enter Gondarino flying the Lady._ - - _Gond._ Save me ye better powers, let me not fall - Between the lo[o]se embracements of a woman: - Heaven, if my Sins be ripe grown to a head, - And must attend your vengeance: I beg not to divert my fate, - Or to reprive a while thy punishment - Only I crave, and hear me equall heavens, - Let not your furious rod, that must afflict me - Be that imperfect peece of nature, - That art makes up, woman, unsatiate woman. - Had we not knowing souls, at first infus'd - To teach a difference, 'twixt extremes and goods? - Were we not made our selves, free, unconfin'd - Commanders of our own affections? - And can it be, that this most perfect creature, - This image of his maker, well squar'd man, - Should leave the handfast, that he had of grace, - To fall into a womans easie armes. - - _Enter Oriana._ - - _Orian._ Now _Venus_, be my speed, inspire me with all the severall - subtil temptations, that thou hast already given, or hast in store - heareafter to bestow upon our Sex: grant that I may apply that - Physick that is most apt to work upon him: whether he will soonest - be mov'd with wantonness, singing, dancing; or being passionate, - with scorn; or with sad and serious looks, cunningly mingled with - sighs, with smiling, lisping, kissing the hand, and making short - curt'sies, Or with whatsoever other nimble power, he may be caught, - doe thou infuse into me, and when I have him, I will sacrifice him - up to thee. - - _Gond._ It comes again; New apparitions, - And tempting spirits: Stand and reveal thy self, - Tell why thou followest me! I fear thee - As I fear the place thou cam'st from: Hell. - - _Orian._ My Lord, I 'm a woman, and such a one-- - - _Gond._ That I hate truely, thou hadst better bin a devill. - - _Orian._ Why my unpatient Lord? - - _Gond._ Devils were once good, there they excell'd you wom[e]n. - - _Orian._ Can ye be so uneasie, can ye freeze, and - Such a summers heat so ready - To dissolve? nay gentle Lord, turn not away in scorn, - Nor hold me less fair than I am: look on these cheeks, - They have yet enough of nature, true complexion, - If to be red and white, a forehead high, - An easie melting lip, a speaking eye, - And such a tongue, whose language takes the ear - Of strict religion, and men most austere: - If these may hope to please, look here. - - _Gond._ This woman with entreaty wo'd show all, - Lady there lies your way, I pray ye farewell. - - _Orian._ Y'are yet too harsh, too dissonant, - There's no true musick in your words, my Lord. - - _Gond._ What shall I give thee to be gone? - - Here's ta, and tha wants lodging, take my house, 'tis big enough, - 'tis thine own, 'twill hold five leacherous Lords, and their - lackies without discovery: there's stoves and bathing tubs. - - _Orian._ Dear Lord: y'are too wild. - - _Gond._ Shalt have a Doctor too, thou shalt, 'bout six and twentie, - 'tis a pleasing age; Or I can help thee to a handsome Usher: or if - thou lack'st a page, I'll give thee one, preethee keep house, and - leave me. - - _Oria._ I doe confess I'm too easie, too much woman, - Not coy enough to take affection, - Yet I can frown and nip a passion, - Even in the bud: I can say - Men please their present heats; Then please to leave us. - I can hold off, and, by my Chymick power, - Draw Sonnets from the melting lovers brain; - _Ayme's_, and _Elegies_: yet to you my Lord - My Love, my better self, I put these off, - Doing that office, not befits our sex, - Entreat a man to love; - Are ye not yet relenting? ha'ye blood and Spirit - In those veins? ye are no image, though ye be as hard - As marble: sure ye have no liver, if ye had, - 'Twould send a lively and desiring heat - To every member; Is not this miserable? - A thing so truely form'd, shapt out by Symetry, - Has all the organs that belong to man, - And working too, yet to shew all these - Like dead motions moving upon wyers? - Then good my Lord, leave off what you have been, - And freely be what you were first intended for, a man. - - _Gond._ Thou art a precious peece of slie damnation, - I will be deaf, I will lock up my ears, - Tempt me not, I will not love; If I doe. - - _Oria._ Then I'll hate you. - - _Gond._ Let me be 'nointed with hony, and turn'd into the Sun, - To be stung to death with horse-flies, - Hear'st thou, thou breeder, here I'll sit, - And, in despight of thee, I will say nothing. - - _Oria._ Let me with your fair patience, sit beside you. - - _Gond._ Madam, Lady, tempter, tongue, woman, ayr. - Look to me, I shall kick; I say again, - Look to me I shall kick. - - _Oria._ I cannot think your better knowledg[e] can use a woman so - uncivilly. - - _Gond._ I cannot think, I shall become a coxcombe, - To ha'my hair curl'd, by an idle finger, - My cheeks turn Tabers, and be plaid upon, - Mine eyes lookt babies in, and my nose blowd to my hand, - I say again I shall kick, sure I shall. - - _Oria._ 'Tis but your outside that you shew, I know your mind - Never was guilty of so great a weakness, - Or could the to[n]gues of all men joyn'd together. - Possess me with a thought of your dislike - My weakness were above a womans, to fall off - From my affection, for one crack of thunder, - O wo'd you could love, my Lord. - - _Gond._ I wo'd thou wouldst sit still, and say nothing: what - mad-man let thee lo[o]se to do more mischief than a dousen - whirlwinds, keep thy hands in thy muff, and warm the idle worms in - thy fingers ends: will ye be doing still? will no entreating serve - ye? no lawfull warning? I must remove and leave your Ladyship; Nay - never hope to stay me, for I will run, from that Smooth, Smiling, - Witching, Cousening, Tempting, Damning face of thine, as far as I - can find any land, where I will put my self into a daily course of - Curses for thee, and all thy Familie. - - _Oria._ Nay good my Lord sit still, I'll promise peace - And fold mine Armes up, let but mine eye discourse; - Or let my voyce, set to some pleasing cord, sound out - The sullen strains of my neglected love. - - _Gond._ Sing till thou crack thy treble-string in peeces, - And when thou hast done, put up thy pipes and walk, - Doe any thing, sit still and tempt me not. - - _Oria._ I had rather sing at doors for bread, than sing to this - fellow, but for hate: if this should be told in the Court, that I - begin to woe Lords, what a troop of the untrust nobilitie should I - have at my lodging to morrow morning. - - SONG. - - _Come sleep, and with th[y] sweet deceiving,_ - _Lock me in delight a while,_ - _Let some pleasing Dreams beguile_ - _All my fancies; That from thence,_ - _I may feel an influence,_ - _All my powers of care bereaving._ - _Though but a shadow, but a sliding,_ - _Let me know some little Joy,_ - _We that suffer long anoy_ - _Are contented with a thought_ - _Through an idle fancie wrought_ - _O let my joyes, have some abiding._ - - _Gond._ Have you done your wassayl? 'tis a handsome drowsie dittie - I'll assure ye, now I had as leave hear a Cat cry, when her tail - is cut off, as hear these lamentations, these lowsie love-layes, - these bewailements: you think you have caught me Lady, you think I - melt now, like a dish of May butter, and run, all into brine, and - passion, yes, yes, I 'm taken, look how I cross my arms, look pale, - and dwyndle, and wo'd cry, but for spoyling my face; we must part, - nay we'll avoyd all Ceremony, no kissing Lady, I desire to know - your Ladiship no more; death of my soul the Duke! - - _Oria._ God keep your Lordship. - - _Gond._ From thee and all thy sex. - - _Oria._ I'll be the Clark, and crie, _Amen_, - Your Lordships ever assured enemie _Oriana_. - - [_Exit. Oriana, Manet Gondarino._ - - -_Actius Tertius. Scæna Secunda._ - - _Enter Duke, Arrigo, Lucia._ - - _Gond._ All the days good, attend your Lordship. - - _Duk._ We thank you _Gondarino_, is it possible? - Can belief lay hold on such a miracle, - To see thee, one that hath cloyst'red up all passion, - Turn'd wilfull votary, and forsworn converse with women, in - company and fair discourse, with the best beauty of _Millain_? - - _Gon._ 'Tis true, and if your Grace that hath the sway - Of the whole State, will suffer this lude sex, - These women, to pursue us to our homes, - Not to be prayd, no[r] to be rail'd away, - But they will woe, and dance, and sing, - And, in a manner, looser than they are - By nature (which should seem impossible) - To throw their armes, on our unwilling necks. - - _Duk._ No more, I can see through your vissore, dissemble it no more. - Doe not I know thou hast us'd all Art, - To work upon the poor simplicitie - Of this yong Maid, that yet hath known none ill? - Thinkest that damnation will fright those that wooe - From oaths, and lies? But yet I think her chast, - And will from thee, before thou shalt apply - Stronger temptations, bear her hence with me. - - _Gond._ My Lord, I speak not this to gain new grace, - But howsoever you esteeme my words, - My love and dutie will not suffer me - To see you favour such a prostitute, - And I stand by dumb; Without Rack, Torture, - Or Strappado, I[le] unrip my self: - - I doe confess I was in company with that pleasing peece of - frailtie, that we call woman; I doe confess after a long and - tedious seige, I yielded. - - _Duke._ Forward. - - _Gond._ Faith my Lord to come quickly to the point, the woman you - saw with me is a whore; An arrant whore. - - _Duke._ Was she not Count _Valores_ Sister? - - _Gond._ Yes, that Count _Valores_ Sister is naught. - - _Duk._ Thou dar'st not say so. - - _Gond._ Not if it be distasting to your Lordship, but give me - freedome, and I dare maintain, she ha's imbrac'd this body, and - grown to it as close, as the hot youthfull vine to the elme. - - _Duk._ Twice have I seen her with thee, twice my thoughts were - prompted by mine eye, to hold thy strictness false and imposterous: - Is this your mewing up, your strict retirement, your bitterness - and gaul against that sex? Have I not heard thee say, thou wouldst - sooner meet the _Basilisks_ dead doing eye, than meet a woman for - an object? Look it be true you tell me, or by our countries Saint - your head goes off: if thou prove a whore, no womans face shall - ever move me more. [_Exeunt. Manet Gondarino._ - - _Gond._ So, so, 'tis as 't should be, are women grown so mankind? - Must they be wooing, I have a plot shall blow her up, she flyes, - she mounts; I'll teach her Ladyship to dare my fury, I will be - known, and fear'd, and more truely hated of women than an Eunuch. - - _Enter Oriana._ - - She's here again, good gaul be patient, for I must dissemble. - - _Orian._ Now my cold, frosty Lord, my woman-Hater, you that have - sworn an everlasting hate to all our sex: by my troth good Lord, - and as I'm yet a maid, my thought 'twas excellent sport to hear - your honor swear out an Alphabet, chafe nobly like a Generall, kick - like a resty Jade, and make ill faces: Did your good Honor think I - was in love? where did I first begin to take that heat? From those - two radiant eyes, that piercing sight? oh they were lovely, if the - balls stood right; and there's a leg made out of a dainty staff. - Where, the Gods be thanked, there is calf enough. - - _Gond._ Pardon him Lady, that is now a convert[ite]. - Your beauty, like a Saint hath wrought this wonder. - - _Oriana._ Alass, ha's it been prick'd at the heart? is the stomach - come down? will it rail no more at women, and call 'em Divells, she - Cats, and Goblins? - - _Gond._ He that shall marry thee, had better spend the poor - remainder of his days in a dung-barge, for two pence a week, and - find him self. - - Down again Spleen, I prethee down again, shall I find favour Lady? - shall at length my true unfeigned penitence get pardon for my harsh - unseasoned follies? I'm no more an Atheist, no I doe acknowledge, - that dread powerfull Deity, and his all quic'kning heats burn in - my breast: oh be not as I was, hard unrelenting; but as I [am], be - partner of my fires. - - _Oria._ Sure we [shall] have store of Larks, the Skies will not - hold up long, I should have look'd as soon for Frost in the dog - days, or another Inundation, as hop'd this strange conversion above - miracle: let me look upon your Lordship; is your name _Gondarino_? - are you _Millains_ Generall, that great Bugbear bloody-bones, at - whose name all women, from the Lady to the Landress, shake like a - cold fit? - - _Gond._ Good patience help me, this Fever will inrage my blood - again: Madam I'm that man; I'm even he that once did owe - unreconcil'd hate to you, and all that bear the name of woman: I'm - the man that wrong'd your Honor to the Duke: [I am hee] that said - you were unchast, and prostitute, yet I'm he that dare deny all - this. - - _Orian._ Your big Nobility is very merry. - - _Gond._ Lady 'tis true that I have wrong'd you thus, - And my contritio[n] is as true as that, - Yet have I found a means to make all good again, - I doe beseech your beautie, not for my self, - My merits are yet in conception, - But for your honors safety and my zeal - Retire a while, while I unsay my self unto the Duke, - And cast out that [evill] Spirit I have possest him with, - I have a house conveniently private. - - _Ori._ Lord, thou hast wrong'd my innocence, but thy confession - hath gain'd thee faith. - - _Gond._ By the true honest service, that I owe th[o]se eyes - My meaning is as spotless as my faith. - - _Oria._ The Duke doubt mine honor? a may judge [strangely,] - 'Twill not be long, before I'll be enlarg'd again. - - _Gond._ A day or two. - - _Orian._ Mine own servants shall attend me. - - _Gond._ Your Ladyships command is good. - - _Orian._ Look you be true. [_Exit Oriana._ - - _Gond._ Else let me lose the hopes my soul aspires to: I will be - a scourge to all females in my life, and after my death, the name - of _Gondarino_ shall be terrible to the mighty women of the earth; - They shall shake at my name, and at the sound of it, their knees - shall knock together; And they shall run into Nunneries, for they - and I are beyond all hope irreconcilable: for if I could endure an - ear with a hole in't, or a pleated lock, or a bare headed Coachman, - that sits like a sign where great Lad[ie]s are to be sold within; - agreement betwixt us, were not to be dispaired of; if I could be - but brought to endure to see women, I would have them come all once - a week, and kiss me, [where] Witches doe the devill, in token of - homage: I must not live here; I will to the Court, and there pursue - my plot; when it hath took, women shall stand in awe, but of my - look. [_Exit._ - - -_Actus Tertius. Scæna Tertia._ - - _Enter two Intelligencers, discovering treason in the_ - _Courtiers words._ - - _1 Intel._ There take your standing, be close and vigilant, here - will I set my self, and let him look to his language, a shall know - the Duke has more ears in Court than two. - - _2 Int._ I'll quote him to a tittle, let him speak wisely, and - plainly, and as hidden as a can, or I shall crush him, a shall not - scape charracters, though a speak Babel, I shall crush him: we have - a Fortune by this service hanging over us, that within this year - or two, I hope we shall be called to be examiners, wear politick - gowns garded with copper lace, making great faces full of fear and - office, our labors may deserve this. - - _1 Int._ I hope it shall: why has not many men been raised from - this worming trade, first to gain good access to great men, then to - have commissions out for search, and lastly, to be worthily nam'd - at a great Arraignment: yes, and why not we? They that endeavor - well deserve their Fee. Close, close, a comes: mark well, and all - goes well. - - _Enter Count, Lazarello, and his Boy._ - - _Laz._ Farewell my hopes, my Anchor now is broken, - Farewell my _quondam_ joys, of which no token - Is now remaining, such is the sad mischance, - Where Lady Fortune leads the slipp'ry dance. - Yet at the length, let me this favour have, - Give me my wishes, or a wished grave. - - _Count._ The gods defend so brave and valiant maw, - Should slip into the never satiate jaw - Of black Despair; no, thou shalt live and know - Thy full desires, hunger thy ancient foe, - Shall be subdued; those guts that daily tumble - Through ayr and appetite, shall cease to rumble: - And thou shalt now at length obtain thy dish, - That noble part, the sweet head of a fish. - - _Laz._ Then am I greater than the Duke. - - _2 Int._ There, there's a notable peece of treason, greater than - the Duke, mark that. - - _Count._ But how, or where, or when this shall be compas'd, is yet - out of my reach. - - _Laz._ I am so truely miserable, that might - I be now knockt oth' head, with all my heart - I would forgive a dog-killer. - - _Count._ Yet doe I see through this confusedness some little com[f]ort. - - _Laz._ The plot my Lord, as er'e you came of a woman, discover. - - _1 Int._ Plots, dangerous plots, I will deserve by this most liberally. - - _Count._ 'Tis from my head again. - - _Laz._ O that it would stand me, that I might fight, or have - some venture for it, that I might be turn'd loose, to try my - fortune amongst the whole frie in a Colledge, or an Inn of - Court; or scramble with the prisoners in the dungeon; nay - were it set down in the [owter] court, - And all the Guard about it in a ring, - With their knives drawn, which were a dismall sight, - And after twenty leisurely were told, - I to be let loose only in my shirt, - To trie the valour, how much of the spoyl, - I would recover from the enemies mouths: - [I would accept the challenge. - - _Count._ Let it go: hast not thou beene held - To have some wit in the Court, and to make fine jests] - Upon country people in progress time, and - Wilt thou lose this opinion, for the cold head of a Fish? - I say, let it goe: I'll help thee to as good a dish of meat. - - _Laz._ God let me not live, if I doe not wonder, - Men should talk so profanely: - But it is not in the power of loose words, - Of any vain or misbeleeving man, - To make me dare to wrong thy purity. - Shew me but any Lady in the Court, - That hath so full an eye, so sweet a breath, - So soft and white a flesh: this doth not lie - In almond gloves, nor ever hath bin washt - In artificiall baths: no traveller - That hath brought doctor home with him, hath dar'd - With all his waters, powders, Fucusses, - To make thy lovely corps sophisticate. - - _Count._ I have it, 'tis now infus'd, be comforted. - - _Laz._ Can there be that little hope yet left in nature? shall I - once more erect up Trophies? Shall I enjoy the sight of my dear - Saint, and bless my pallate with the best of creatures, ah good my - Lord, by whom I breathe again, shall I receive this Being? - - _Count._ Sir I have found by certain calculation, and setled - revolution of the stars, the Fish is sent by the Lord _Gondarino_ - to his Mercer, now 'tis a growing hope to know where 'tis. - - _Laz._ O 'tis far above the good of women, the _Pathick_ cannot - yield more pleasing titilation. - - _Count._ But how to compass it, search, cast about, and bang your - brai[n]s, _Lazarello_, thou art too dull and heavy to deserve a - blessing. - - _Laz._ My Lord, I will not be idle; now _Lazarello_, think, think, - think. - - _Count._ Yonder's my informer - And his fellow with table books, they nod at me - Upon my life, they have poor _Lazarello_, that beats - His brains about no such waighty matter, in for - Treason before this-- - - _Laz._ My Lord, what doe you think, if I should shave my self, - Put on midwives apparell, come in with a hand-kercher, - And beg a piece for a great bellied woman, or a sick child? - - _Count._ Good, very good. - - _Laz._ Or corrupt the waiting prentise to betray the reversion. - - _1 Inte._ There's another point in's plot, [corrupt] with money; to - betray: sure 'tis some Fort a means: mark, have a care. - - _Laz._ And 'twere the bare vinegar 'tis eaten with, it would in - some sort satisfie nature: but might I once attain the dish it - self, though I cut out my means through sword[s] and fire, through - poison, through any thing that may make good my hopes. - - _2 Int._ Thanks to the gods, and our officiousness, the plots - discover'd, fire, steel, and poison, burn the Palace, kill the Duke - and poison his privie Councell. - - _Count._ To the mercers, let me see: how, if before we can attain - the means, to make up our acquaintance, the fish be eaten? - - _Laz._ If it be eaten, here he stands, that is the most dejected, - most unfortunate, miserable, accursed, forsaken slave this Province - yields: I will not sure outlive it, no I will dye bravely, and like - a Roman; and after death, amidst the Elizian shades, I'll meet my - love again. - - _1 In._ I will dye bravely, like a Roman: have a care, mark that, - when he hath done all, he will kill himself. - - _Count._ Will nothing ease your appetite but this? - - _Laz._ No could the Sea throw up his vastness, - And offer free his best inhabitants: 'twere not so much as - a bare temptation to me. - - _Count._ If you could be drawn to affect Beef, Venison, - or Fowl, 'twould be far the better. - - _Laza._ I doe beseech your Lordships patience, - I doe confess that in this heat of blood, - I have contemn'd all dull and grosser meats, - But I protest I doe honor a Chine of Beef, - I doe reverence a loyn of Veal, - But good my Lord, give me leave a little to adore this: - But my good Lord, would your Lordship, under color of - taking up some silks, goe to the Mercers, I would in all - humilitie attend your honor, where we may be invited, if - Fortune stand propitious. - - _Count._ Sir you shall work me as you please. - - _Laza._ Let it be suddenly, I doe beseech your Lordship, 'tis now - upon the point of dinner time. - - _Count._ I am all yours. [_Exeunt Lazarello and Count._ - - _1 In._ Come let us confer, Imprimis he saith, like a blasphemous - villain, he's greater than the Duke, this peppers him, and there - were nothing else. - - _2 In._ Then he was naming plots; did you not hear? - - _1 In._ Yes but he fell from that unto discovery, to corrupt by - money, and so attain. - - _2 In._ I, I, he meant some Fort, or Cyttadell the Duke hath, his - very face betraid his meaning, O he is [a] very subtile and a - dangerous knave, but if he deal a Gods name, we shall worm him. - - _1 In._ But now comes the Stroak, the fatall blow, Fire, Sword and - Poyson, O Canibal, thou bloody Canibal. - - _2 In._ What had become of this poor state, had [not we] been? - - _1 In._ Faith it had lyen buried in his own ashes; had not a - greater hand been in't. - - _2 In._ But note the rascalls resolution, after th'acts done, - because he wo'd avoid all fear of torture, and cousen the Law, he - wo'd kill himself; was there ever the like danger brought to light - in this age? sure we shall merit much, we shall be able to keep - two men a peece, and a two handsword between us, we will live in - favour of the State, betray our ten or twelve treasons a week, and - the people shall fear us: come, to the Lord _Lucio_, the Sun shall - not goe down till he be hang'd. [_Exeunt._ - - -_Actus Tertius. Scæna Quarta._ - - _Enter Mercer._ - - _Mer._ Look to my shop, and if there come ever a Scholar in black, - let him speak with me; we that are shopkeepers in good trade, are - so pester'd, that we can scarce pick out an hour for our mornings - meditation: and howsoever we are all accounted dull, and common - jesting stocks for your gallants; There are some of us doe not - deserve it: for, for my own part, I doe begin to be given to my - book, I love a scholar with my heart, for questionless there are - merveilous things to be done by Art: why Sir, some of them will - tell you what is become of horses, and silver spoons, and will make - wenches dance naked to their beds: I am yet unmarried, and because - some of our neighbours are said to be Cuckolds, I will never - [marrie] without the consent of some of these scholars, that know - what will come of it. - - _Enter Pander._ - - _Pan._ Are you busie Sir? - - _Mer._ Never to you Sir, nor to any of your coat. Sir is there any - thing to be done by Art, concerning the great heir we talk'd on? - - _Pan._ Will she, nill she: she shall come running into my house at - the farther corner, in Sa. Marks street, betwixt three and four. - - _Mer._ Betwixt three and four? she's brave in cloaths, is she not? - - _Pan._ O rich! rich! where should I get cloaths to dress her in? - Help me invention: Sir, that her running through the street may - be less noted, my Art more shown, and your fear to speak with her - less, she shall come in a white wastcoat, And-- - - _Mer._ What shall she? - - _Pan._ And perhaps torn stockings, she hath left her old wont else. - - _Enter Prentice._ - - _Pren._ Sir my Lord _Gond._ hath sent you a rare fish head. - - _Mer._ It comes right, all things sute right with me since I began - to love scholars, you shall have it home with you against she come: - carrie it to this Gentleman's house. - - _Pan._ The fair white house at the farther corner at S. Marks - street, make haste, I must leave you too Sir, I have two hours to - study; buy a new Accedence, and ply your book, and you shall want - nothing that all the scholars in the Town can doe for you. [_Exit - Pander._ - - _Mer._ Heaven prosper both our studies, what a dull slave was I - before I fell in love with this learning! not worthy to tread upon - the earth, & what fresh hopes it hath put in to me! I doe hope - within this twelve-month to be able by Art to serve the Court with - silks, and not undoe my self; to trust Knights, and yet get in my - money again; to keep my wife brave, and yet she keep no body else - so. - - _Enter Count, and Lazarello._ - - Your Lordship is most honourably welcome in regard of your - Nobility; but most especialy in regard of your scholarship: did - your Lordship come openly? - - _Count._ Sir this cloak keeps me private, besides no man will - suspect me to be in the company of this Gentleman, with whom, I - will desire you to be acquainted, he may prove a good customer to - you. - - _Laza._ For plain silks and velvets. - - _Mer._ Are you scholasticall? - - _Laza._ Something addicted to the Muses. - - _Count._ I hope they will not dispute. - - _Mer._ You have no skill in the black Art. - - _Enter a Prentice._ - - _Pren._ Sir yonder's a Gentleman enquires hastily for Count - _Valore_. - - _Count._ For me? what is he? - - _Pren._ One of your followers my Lord I think. - - _Count._ Let him come in. - - _Mer._ Shall I talk with you in private Sir? - - _Enter a Messenger with a Letter to the Count, he reads._ - - _Count._ Count, _come to the Court your business calls you - thither_, I will goe, farewell Sir, I will see your silks some - other time: Farewell _Lazarillo_. - - _Mer._ Will not your Lordship take a piece of Beef with me? - - _Count._ Sir I have greater business than eating; I will leave this - Gentleman with you. [_Exeunt Count. & Mes._ - - _Laza._ No, no, no, no: now doe I feel that strain'd strugling - within me, that I think I could prophesie. - - _Mer._ The Gentleman is meditating. - - _Laza._ Hunger, valour, love, ambition are alike pleasing, and let - our Philosophers say what they will, are one kind of heat, only - hunger is the safest: ambition is apt to fall; love and valour are - not free from dangers; only hunger, begotten of some old limber - Courtier, in pan'de hose, and nurs'd by an Attourneys wife; now so - thriven, that he need not fear to be of the great Turks guard: is - so free from all quarrels and dangers, so full of hopes, joyes, and - ticklings, that my life is not so dear to me as his acquaintance. - - _Enter Lazarello's boy._ - - _Boy._ Sir the Fish head is gone. - - _Laza._ Then be thou henceforth dumb, with thy ill-boding voice. - Farewell _Millain_, farewell Noble Duke, - Farewell my fellow Courtiers all, with whom, - I have of yore made many a scrambling meal - In corners, behind Arasses, on stairs; - And in the action oftentimes have spoil'd, - Our Doublets and our Hose with liquid stuff: - Farewell you lusty Archers of the Guard, - To whom I now doe give the bucklers up, - And never more with any of your coat - Will eat for wagers, now you happy be, - When this shall light upon you, think on me: - You sewers, carvers, ushers of the court - Sirnamed gentle for your fair demean, - Here I doe take of you my last farewell, - May you stand stifly in your proper places, and execute your offices - aright. - Farewell you Maidens, with your mother eke, - Farewell you courtly Chaplains that be there - All good attend you, may you never more - Marry your Patrons Ladys wayting-woman, - But may you raised be by this my fall - May _Lazarillo_ suffer for you all. - - _Merc._ Sir I was hearkning to you. - - _Laz._ I will hear nothing, I will break my knife, the Ensign of - my former happy state, knock out my teeth, have them hung at a - Barbers, and enter into Religion. - - _Boy._ Why Sir, I think I know whither it is gone. - - _Laza._ See the rashness of man in his nature, whither? I do unsay - all that I have said, go on, go on: Boy, I humble my self and - follow thee; Farewell Sir. - - _Mer._ Not so Sir, you shall take a piece of Beef with me. - - _Laz._ I cannot stay. - - _Mer._ By my fay but you shall Sir, in regard of your love to - learning, and your [s]kill in the black Art. - - _Laz._ I do hate learning, and I have no skill in [the] black Art, - I would I had. - - _Mer._ Why your desire is sufficient to me, you shall stay. - - _Laz._ The most horrible and detested curses that can be imagined, - light upon all the professors of that Art; may they be drunk, and - when they goe to conjure, and reel in the Circle, may the spirits - by them rais'd, tear 'em in pieces, and hang their quarters on old - broken walls and Steeple tops. - - _Mer._ This speech of yours, shews you to have some skill in the - Science, wherefore in civilitie, I may not suffer you to depart - empty. - - _Laz._ My stomach is up, I cannot endure it, I will fight in this - quarrell as soon as for my Prince. - - _Draws his Rapier._ [_Exeunt Omnes._ - - Room, make way: - Hunger commands, my valour must obey. - - - - -_Actus_ [iiii]. _Scæna Prima._ - - - _Enter Count and Arrigo._ - - _Count._ Is the Duke private? - - _Arr._ He is alone, but I think your Lordship may enter. - - [_Exit Count._ - - _Enter Gondarino._ - - _Gond._ Who's with the Duke? - - _Arr._ The Count is new gone in; but the Duke will come forth, - before you can be weary of waiting. - - _Gond._ I will attend him here. - - _Arr._ I must wait without the door. [_Exit_ Arrigo. - - _Gond._ Doth he hope to clear his Sister? she will come no more to - my house, to laugh at me: I have sent her to a habitation, where - when she shall be seen, it will set a gloss upon her name; yet upon - my soul I have bestow'd her amongst the purest hearted creatures of - her sex, and the freest from dissimulation; for their deeds are all - alike, only they dare speak, what the rest think: the women of this - age, if there be any degrees of comparison amongst their sex, are - worse than those of former times; for I have read of women, of that - truth, spirit, and constancy, that were they now living, I should - endure to see them: but I fear the writers of the time belied them, - for how familiar a thing is it with the Poets of our age, to extoll - their whores, which they call Mistresses, with heavenly praises! - but I thank their furies, and their craz'd brains, beyond belief: - nay, how many that would fain seem serious, have dedicated grave - Works to Ladies, toothless, hollow-ey'd, their hair shedding, - purple fac'd, their nails apparently coming off; and the bridges - of their noses broken down, and have call'd them the choice handy - works of nature, the patterns of perfection, and the wonderment of - Women. Our Women begin to swarm like Bees [in] Summer: as I came - hither, there was no pair of stairs, no entry, no lobby, but was - pestred with them: methinks there might be some course taken to - destroy them. - - _Enter_ Arrigo, _and an old deaf countrey Gentlewoman - suitor to the Duke_. - - _Arri._ I do accept your money, walk here, and when the Duke comes - out, you shall have fit opportunity to deliver your petition to him. - - _Gentlew._ I thank you heartily, I pray you who's he that walks - there? - - _Ar._ A Lord, and a Soldier, one in good favour with the Duke; if - you could get him to deliver your Petition-- - - _Gentlew._ What do you say, Sir? - - _Ar._ If you could get him to deliver your petition for you, or to - second you, 'twere sure. - - _Gentlew._ I hope I shall live to requite your kindness. - - _Ar._ You have already. [_Exit_ Arri. - - _Gentlew._ May it please your Lordship-- - - _Gond._ No, no. - - _Gentlew._ To consider the estate-- - - _Gond._ No. - - _Gentlew._ Of a poor oppressed countrey Gentlewoman. - - _Gond._ No, it doth not please my Lordship. - - _Gentlew._ First and formost, I have had great injury, then I have - been brought up to the Town three times. - - _Gond._ A pox on him, that brought thee to the Town. - - _Gentlew._ I thank your good Lordship heartily; though I cannot - hear well, I know it grieves you; and here we have been delaid, and - sent down again, and fetch'd up again, and sent down again, to my - great charge: and now at last they have fetch'd me up, and five of - my daughters-- - - _Gond._ Enough to damn five worlds. - - _Gentlew._ Handsome young women, though I say it, they are all - without, if it please your Lordship I'll call them in. - - _Gond._ Five Women! how many of my sences should I have left me - then? call in five Devils first. - - _No, I will rather walk with thee alone,_ - _And hear thy tedious tale of injury,_ - _And give thee answers; whisper in thine ear,_ - _And make thee understand through thy French hood:_ - _And all this with tame patience._ - - _Gentlew._ I see your Lordship does believe, that they are without, - and I perceive you are much mov'd at our injury: here's a paper - will tell you more. - - _Gond._ Away. - - _Gentlew._ It may be you had rather hear me tell it _viva voce_, - as they say. - - _Gond._ Oh no, no, no, no, I have heard it before. - - _Gentlew._ Then you have heard of enough injury, for a poor - Gentlewoman to receive. - - _Gond._ Never, never, but that it troubles my conscience, to wish - any good to these women; I could afford them to be valiant, and - able, that it might be no disgrace for a Soldier to beat them. - - _Gentlew._ I hope your Lordship will deliver my petition to his - grace, and you may tell him withal-- - - _Gond._ What? I will deliver any thing against my self, to be rid - on thee. - - _Gentlew._ That yesterday about three a clock in the after noon, I - met my adversary. - - _Gond._ Give me thy paper, he can abide no long tales. - - _Gentlew._ 'Tis very short my Lord, and I demanding of him-- - - _Gond._ I'll tell him that shall serve thy turn. - - _Gentlew._ How? - - _Gond._ I'll tell him that shall serve thy turn, begone: man never - doth remember how great his offences are, till he do meet with one - of you, that plagues him for them: why should Women [only] above - all other creatures that were created for the benefit of man, have - the use of speech? or why should any deed of theirs, done by their - fleshly appetites, be disgraceful to their owners? nay, why should - not an act done by any beast I keep, against my consent, disparage - me as much as that of theirs? - - _Gentlew._ Here's some few Angels for your Lordship. - - _Gond._ Again? yet more torments? - - _Gentlew._ Indeed you shall have them. - - _Gond._ Keep off. - - _Gentlew._ A small gratuity for your kindness. - - _Gond._ Hold away. - - _Gentlew._ Why then I thank your Lordship, I'll gather them up - again, and I'll be sworn, it is the first money that was refus'd - since I came to the Court. - - _Gond._ What can she devise to say more? - - _Gentlew._ Truly I would have willingly parted with them to your - Lordship. - - _Gond._ I believe it, I believe it. - - _Gentlew._ But since it is thus-- - - _Gond._ More yet. - - _Gentlew._ I will attend without, and expect an answer. - - _Gond._ Do, begone, and thou shalt expect, and have any thing, thou - shalt have thy answer from him; and he were best to give thee a - good one at first, for thy deaf importunity, will conquer him too, - in the end. - - _Gentlew._ God bless your Lordship, and all tha[t] favour a poor - distressed countrey Gentlewoman. [_Exit Gentlew._ - - _Gond._ All the diseases of man light upon them that doe, and upon - me when I do. A week of such days, would either make me stark mad - or tame me: yonder other woman that I have sure enough, shall - answer for thy sins: dare they incense me still, I will make them - fear as much to be ignorant of me and my moods, as men are to be - ignorant of the law they live under. Who's there? My bloud grew - cold, I began to fear my Suiters return; 'tis the Duke. - - _Enter the Duke and the Count._ - - _Count._ I know her chaste, though she be young and free, - And is not of that forc'd behaviour - That many others are, and that this Lord, - Out of the boundless malice to the sex, - Hath thrown this scandal on her. - - _Gond._ Fortune befriended me against my Will, with this good old - countrey gentlewoman; I beseech your grace, to view favourably the - petition of a wronged Gentlewoman. - - _Duke._ What _Gondarino_, are you become a petitioner for your - enemies? - - _Gond._ My Lord, they are no enemies of mine, I confess, the better - to [cover] my deeds, which sometimes were loose enough, I pretended - it, as it is wisdom, to keep close our incontinence, but since you - have discover'd me, I will no more put on that vizard, but will as - freely open all my thoughts to you, as to my Confessor. - - _Duke._ What say you to this? - - _Count._ He that confesses he did once dissemble, - I'll never trust his words: can you imagine - A Maid, whose beauty could not suffer her - To live thus long untempted, by the noblest, - Richest, and cunningst Masters in that Art - And yet hath ever held a fair repute; - Could in one morning, and by him be brought, - To forget all her virtue, and turn whore? - - _Gond._ I would I had some other talk in hand, - Than to accuse a Sister to her Brother: - Nor do I mean it for a publick scandal, - Unless by urging me you make it so. - - _Duke._ I will read this at better leisure: [_Gondarino_, where is - the Lady?] - - _Count._ At his house. - - _Gond._ No, she is departed thence. - - _Count._ Whither? - - _Gond._ Urge it not thus, or let me be excus'd, - If what I speak betray her chastity, - And both increase my sorrow, and your own? - - _Count._ Fear me not so, if she deserve the fame - Which she hath gotten, I would have it publisht, - Brand her my self, and whip her through the City: - I wish those of my bloud that doe offend, - Should be more strictly punish[t], than my foes. - Let it be prov'd. - - _Duke. Gondarino_, thou shalt prove it, or suffer worse than - she should do. - - _Gond._ Then pardon me, if I betray the faults - Of one, I love more dearly than my self, - Since opening hers, I shall betray mine own: - But I will bring you where she now intends - Not to be virtuous: pride and wantonness, - That are true friends indeed, though not in shew, - Have entr'd on her heart, there she doth bathe, - And sleek her hair, and practise cunning looks - To entertain me with; and hath her thoughts - As full of lust, as ever you did think - Them full of modesty. - - _Duke. Gondarino_, lead on, we'll follow thee. [_Exeunt._ - - -_Actus Quartus. Scæna Secunda._ - - _Enter_ Pandar. - - _Pan._ Here hope I to meet my Citizen, and [here] hopes he to meet - his [Scholar]; I am sure I am grave enough, to his eyes, and knave - enough to deceive him: I am believ'd to conjure, raise storms, and - devils, by whose power I can do wonders; let him believe so still, - belief hurts no man; I have an honest black cloak, for my knavery, - and a general pardon for his foolery, from this present day, till - the day of his breaking. Is't not a misery, and the greatest of our - age, to see a handsome, young, fair enough, and well mounted wench, - humble her self, in an old stammel petticoat, standing possest of - no more fringe, than the street can allow her: her upper parts so - poor and wanting, that ye may see her bones through her bodies: - shooes she would have, if [her] Captain were come over, and is - content the while to devote her self to antient slippers. These - premisses well considered, Gentlemen, will move, they make me melt - I promise ye, they stirr me much: and wer't not for my smooth, - soft, silken Citizen, I would quit this transitory Trade, get me - an everlasting Robe, sear up my conscience, and turn Serjeant. - But here he comes, is mine as good as prize: Sir _Pandarus_ be my - speed, ye are most fitly met Sir. - - _Enter Mercer._ - - _Mer._ And you as well encount'red, what of this heir? hath your - Books been propitious? - - _Pan._ Sir, 'tis done, she's come, she's in my house, make your - self apt for Courtship, stroke up your stockings, loose not an inch - of your legs goodness; I am sure ye wear socks. - - _Mer._ There your Books fail ye Sir, in truth I wear no socks. - - _Pand._ I would you had, Sir, it were the sweeter grace for your - legs; get on your Gloves, are they perfum'd? - - _Mer._ A pretty wash I'll assure you. - - _Pand._ 'Twill serve: your offers must be full of bounty, Velvets - to furnish a Gown, Silks for Peticoats and Foreparts, Shag for - lining; forget not some pretty Jewel to fasten, after some little - compliment: if she deny this courtesie, double your bounties, be - not wanting in abundance, fulness of gifts, link'd with a pleasing - tongue, will win an Anchorite. Sir, ye are my friend, and friend to - all that professes good Letters; I must not use this office else, - it fits not for a Scholar, and a Gentleman: those stockin[g]s are - of _Naples_, they are silk? - - _Mer._ Ye are again beside your Text, Sir, they're of the best of - Wooll, and [they cleeped] Jersey. - - _Pan._ Sure they are very dear. - - _Mer._ Nine shillings, by my love to learning. - - _Pan._ Pardon my judgement, we Scholars use no other objects, but - our Books. - - _Mer._ There is one thing entomb'd in that grave breast, that makes - me equally admire it with your Scholarship. - - _Pand._ Sir; but that in modesty I am bound not to affect mine own - commendation, I would enquire it of you. - - _Merc._ Sure you are very honest; and yet ye have a kind of modest - fear to shew it: do not deny it, that face of yours is a worthy, - learned modest face. - - _Pand._ Sir, I can blush. - - _Mer._ Virtue and grace are always pair'd together: but I will - leave to stirr your bloud Sir, and now to our business. - - _Pand._ Forget not my instructions. - - _Mer._ I apprehend ye Sir, I will gather my self together with my - best phrases, and so I shall discourse in some sort takingly. - - _Pand._ This was well worded Sir, and like a Scholar. - - _Mer._ The Muses favour me as my intents are virtuous; - Sir, ye shall be my Tutor, 'tis never too late Sir, to love - Learning. - When I can once speak true Latine-- - - _Pand._ What do you intend Sir? - - _Mer._ Marry I will then begger all your bawdy Writers, and - undertake, at the peril of my own invention, all Pageants, Poesies - for Chimneys, Speeches for the Dukes entertainment, whensoever and - whatsoever; nay I will build, at mine own charge, an Hospital, to - which shall retire all diseased opinions, all broken Poets, all - Prose-men that are fall'n from small sence, to meer Letters; and it - shall be lawful for a Lawyer, if he be a civil man, though he have - undone others and himself by the language, to retire to this poor - life, and learn to be honest. - - _Pand._ Sir, ye are very good, and very charitable: ye are a true - pattern for the City Sir. - - _Merc._ Sir, I doe know sufficiently, their Shop-books cannot save - them, there is a farther end-- - - _Pand._ Oh Sir, much may be done by manuscript. - - _Mer._ I do confess it Sir, provided still they be Canonical, and - [have] some worthy hands set to 'um for probation: but we forget - our selves. - - _Pand._ Sir, enter when you please, and all good language tip your - tongue. - - _Merc._ All that love Learning pray for my good success. - - [_Exit Mercer._ - - -_Actus Quartus. Scæna Tertia._ - - _Enter_ Lazarello _and his Boy_. - - _Laz._ [Boy, whereabouts] are we? - - _Boy._ Sir, by all tokens this is the house, bawdy I am sure, [by] - the broken windows, the Fish head is within; if ye dare venture, - here you may surprize it. - - _Laz._ The misery of man may fitly be compar'd to a Didapper, who - when she is under water, past our sight, and indeed can seem no - more to us, rises again; shakes but her self, and is the same she - was, so is it still with transitory man, this day: oh but an hour - since, and I was mighty, mighty in knowledge, mighty in my hopes, - mighty in blessed means, and was so truly happy, that I durst have - said, live _Lazarello_, and be satisfied: but now-- - - _Boy._ Sir, ye are yet afloat, and may recover, be not your own - wreck, here lies the harbor, goe in and ride at ease. - - _Laz._ Boy, I am receiv'd to be a Gentleman, a Courtier, and a man - of action, modest, and wise, and be it spoken with thy reverence, - Child, abounding virtuous; and wouldst thou have a man of these - choise habits, covet the cover of a bawdy-house? yet if I goe not - in, I am but-- - - _Boy._ But what Sir? - - _Laz._ Dust boy, but dust, and my soul unsatisfied shall haunt the - keepers of my blessed Saint, and I will appear. - - _Boy._ An ass to all men; Sir, these are no means to stay your - appetite, you must resolve to enter. - - _Laz._ Were not the house subject to Martial Law-- - - _Boy._ If that be all, Sir, ye may enter, for ye can know nothing - here that the Court is ignorant of, only the more eyes shall look - upon you, for there they wink one at anothers faults. - - _Laz._ If I doe not. - - _Boy._ Then ye must beat fairly back again, fall to your physical - mess of porridge, and the twice sack'd carkass of a Capon: Fortune - may favour you so much, to send the bread to it: but it's a mee[re] - venture, and money may be put out upon it. - - _Laz._ I will go in and live; pretend some love to the Gentlewoman, - screw my self in affection, and so be satisfied. - - _Pan._ This Fly is caught, is mash'd already, I will suck him, and - lay him by. - - _Boy._ Muffle your self in your cloak by any means, 'tis a receiv'd - thing among gallants, to walk to their leachery, as though they had - the rheum, 'twas well you brought not your horse. - - _Laz._ Why Boy? - - _Boy._ Faith Sir, 'tis the fashion of our Gentry, to have their - horses wait at door like men, while the beasts their Masters, are - within at rack and manger, 'twould have discover'd much. - - _Laz._ I will lay by these habits, forms, and grave respects of - what I am, and be my self; only my appetite, my fire, my soul, my - being, my dear appetite shall go along with me, arm'd with whose - strength, I fearless will attempt the greatest danger dare oppose - my fury: I am resolv'd where ever that thou art, most sacred dish, - hid from unhallow'd eyes, to find thee out. - - Be'st thou in Hell, rap't by _Proserpina_, - To be a rival in black _Pluto's_ love; - Or mov'st thou in the heavens, a form Divine: - Lashing the lazie Sphear[s], - Or if thou be'st return'd to thy first Being, - Thy mother Sea, the[re] will I seek thee forth. - Earth, Air, nor Fire, - Nor the black shades below shall bar my sight - So daring is my powerful appetite. - - _Boy._ Sir, you may save this long voyage, and take a shorter - cut: you have forgot your self, the fish head's here, your own - imaginations have made you mad. - - _Laz._ Term it a jealous fury, good my boy. - - _Boy._ Faith Sir term it what you will, you must use other terms - [ere] you can get it. - - _Laz._ The looks of my sweet love are fair, - Fresh and feeding as the air. - - _Boy._ Sir, you forget your self. - - _Laz._ Was never seen so rare a head, - Of any Fish alive or dead. - - _Boy._ Good Sir remember: this is the house, Sir. - - _Laz._ Cursed be he that dare not venture. - - _Boy._ Pity your self, Sir, and leave this fury. - - _Laz._ For such a prize, and so I enter. - - [_Exit_ Lazarello _and Boy_. - - _Pan._ Dun's i'th' mire, get out again how he can: - My honest gallant, I'll shew you one trick more - Than e'er the fool your father dream'd of yet. - _Madona Julia_? - - _Enter_ Madona Julia, _a Whore_. - - _Julia._ What news my sweet rogue, my dear sins-broker, what? good - news? - - _Pan._ There is a kind of ignorant thing, - Much like a Courtier, now gone in. - - _Jul._ Is he gallant? - - _Pan._ He shines not very gloriously, nor does he wear one skin - perfum'd to keep the other sweet; his coat is not in _Or_, nor - does the world run yet on wheels with him; he's rich enough, and - has a small thing follows him, like to a boat tyed to a tall ships - tail: give him entertainment, be light, and flashing like a Meteor, - hug him about the neck, give him a kiss, and lisping cry, good - Sir; and he's thine own, as fast as he were tied to thine arms by - Indenture[s]. - - _Jul._ I dare doe more than this, if he be o'th' true Court cut; - I'll take him out a lesson worth the Learning: but we are but their - Apes; what's he worth? - - _Pan._ Be he rich, or poor; if he will take thee with him, thou - maist use thy trade [free] from Constables, and Marshals: who hath - been here since I went out? - - _Jul._ There is a Gentlewoman sent hither by a Lord, she's a piece - of dainty stuff my rogue, smooth and soft, as new Sattin; she was - never gumm'd yet boy, nor fretted. - - _Pan._ Where lies she? - - _Jul._ She lies above, towards the street, not to be spoke with, - but by [the] Lord that sent her, or some from him, we have in - charge from his servants. - - _Enter_ Lazarello. - - _Pan._ Peace, he comes out again upon discovery; up with all your - Canvas, hale him in; and when thou hast done, clap him aboard - bravely, my valiant Pinnace. - - _Jul._ Begone, I shall doe reason with him. - - _Laz._ Are you the special beauty of this house? - - _Jul._ Sir, you have given it a more special regard by your good - language, than these black brows can merit. - - _Laz._ Lady, you are fair. - - _Jul._ Fair Sir? I thank ye; all the poor means I have left to be - thought grateful, is but a kiss, and ye shall have it Sir. - - _Laz._ Ye have a very moving lip. - - _Jul._ Prove it again Sir, it may be your sense was set too high, - and so over-wrought it self. - - _Laz._ 'Tis still the same: how far may ye hold the time to be - spent Lady? - - _Jul._ Four a clock, Sir. - - _Laz._ I have not eat to day. - - _Jul._ You will have the better stomach to your supper; in the mean - time I'll feed you with delight. - - _Laz._ 'Tis not so good upon an empty stomach: if it might be - without the trouble of your house, I would eat? - - _Jul._ Sir, we can have a Capon ready. - - _Laz._ The day? - - _Jul._ 'Tis Friday, Sir. - - _Laz._ I do eat little flesh upon these days. - - _Jul._ Come sweet, ye shall not think on meat; I'll drown it with a - better appetite. - - _Laz._ I feel it work more strangely, I must eat. - - _Jul._ 'Tis now too late to send; I say ye shall not think on meat: - if ye do, by this kiss I'll be angry. - - _Laz._ I could be far more sprightful, had I eaten, and more - lasting. - - _Jul._ What will you have Sir? name but the Fish, my Maid shall - bring it, if it may be got. - - _Laz._ Methinks your house should not be so unfurnish'd, as not to - have some pretty modicum. - - _Jul._ It is [so] now: but you'd ye stay till supper? - - _Laz._ Sure I have offended highly, and much, and my [infl]ictions - makes it manifest, I will retire henceforth, and keep my chamber, - live privately, and dye forgotten. - - _Jul._ Sir, I must crave your pardon, I had forgot my self; I have - a dish of meat within, and it is fish; I think this Dukedom holds - not a daintier: 'tis an _Umbranoes_ head. - - _Laz._ [Lady, this] kiss is yours, and this. - - _Jul._ Hoe! within there! cover the board, and set the Fish head on - it. - - _Laz._ Now am I so truly happy, so much above all fate and fortune, - that I should despise that man, durst say, remember _Lazarello_, - thou art mortal. - - _Enter Intelligencers with a Guard._ - - _2 Int._ This is the villain, lay [hands] on him. - - _Laz._ Gentlemen, why am I thus intreated? what is the nature of my - crime? - - _2 Int._ Sir, though you have carried it a great while privately, - and (as you think) well; yet we have seen you Sir, and we do know - thee _Lazarello_, for a Traitor. - - _Laz._ The gods defend our Duke. - - _2 Int._ Amen, Sir, Sir, this cannot save that stiff neck from the - halter. - - _Jul._ Gentlemen, I am glad you have discover'd him, he should not - have eaten under my roof for twenty pounds; and surely I did not - like him, when he call'd for Fish. _Laz._ My friends, will ye let - me have that little favour-- - - _1 Int._ Sir, ye shall have Law, and nothing else. - - _Laz._ To let me stay the eating of a bit or two, for I protest I - am yet fasting. - - _Jul._ I'll have no Traitor come within my house. - - _Laz._ Now could I wish my self I had been a Traitor, I have - strength enough for to endure it, had I but patience: Man thou art - but grass, thou art a bubble, and thou must perish. - - Then lead along, I am prepar'd for all: - Since I have lost my hopes, welcome my fall. - - _2 Int._ Away Sir. - - _Laz._ As thou hast hope of man, stay but this dish this two hours, - I doubt not but I shall be discharged: by this light I will marry - thee. - - _Jul._ You shall marry me first then. - - _Laz._ I do contract my self unto thee now, before these Gentlemen. - - _Jul._ I'll preserve it till you be hang'd or quitted. - - _Laz._ Thanks, thanks. - - _2 Int._ Away, away, you shall thank her at the gallows. - - _Laz._ Adieu, adieu. [_Exeunt_ Laz. _2 Int. and Guard._ - - _Jul._ If he live I'll have him, if he be hang'd, there's no loss - in it. [_Exit._ - - _Enter_ Oriana _and her waiting woman, looking out at a window_. - - _Orian._ Hast thou provided one to bear my Letter to my brother? - - _Wait._ I have enquir'd, but they of the house will suffer no - Letter nor message to be carried from you, but such as the Lord - _Gondarino_ shall be acquainted with: truly Madam I suspect the - house to be no better than it should be. - - _Ori._ What dost thou doubt? - - _Wait._ Faith I am loth to tell it, Madam. - - _Ori._ Out with it, 'tis not true modesty to fear to speak that - thou dost think. - - _Wait._ I think it [be] one of these [same] Bawdy houses. - - _Ori._ 'Tis no matter wench, we are warm in it, keep thou thy mind - pure, and upon my word, that name will do thee no hurt: I cannot - force my self yet to fear any thing; when I do get out, I'll [have] - another encounter with my Woman-Hater. Here will I sit. I may get - sight of some of my friends, it must needs be a comfort to them to - see me here. - - _Enter_ Duke, Gondarino, Count, Arrigo. - - _Gond._ Are we all sufficiently disguis'd? for this house where she - attends me, is not to be visited in our own shapes. - - _Duke._ We are not our selves. - - _Arr._ I know the house to be sinful enough, yet I have been - heretofore, and durst now, but for discovering of you, appear here - in my own likeness. - - _Duke._ Where's _Lucio_? - - _Arri._ My Lord, he said the affairs of the Common-wealth would not - suffer him to attend always. - - _Duke._ Some great ones questionless that he will handle. - - _Count._ Come, let us enter. - - _Gond._ See how Fortune strives to revenge my quarrel upon these - women, she's in the window, were it not to undoe her, I should not - look upon her. - - _Duke._ Lead us _Gondarino_. - - _Gond._ Stay; since you force me to display my shame, - Look there, and you my Lord, know you that face? - - _Duke._ Is't she? - - _Count._ It is. - - _Gond._ 'Tis she, whose greatest virtue ever was - Dissimulation; she that still hath strove - More to sin cunningly, than to avoid it: - She that hath ever sought to be accounted - Most virtuous, when she did deserve most scandal: - 'Tis she that itches now, and in the height - Of her intemperate thoughts, with greedy eyes - Expects my coming to allay her Lust: - Leave her; forget she's thy sister. - - _Count._ Stay, stay. - - _Duke._ I am as full of this, as thou canst be, - The memory of this will easily - Hereafter stay my loose and wandring thought[s] - From any Woman. - - _Count._ This will not down with me, I dare not trust this fellow. - - _Duke._ Leave her here, that only shall be her punishment, never to - be fetcht from hence; but let her use her trade to get her living. - - _Count._ Stay good my Lord, I do believe all this, as great men as - I, have had known whores to their Sisters, and have laught at it: - I would fain hear how she talks, since she grew thus light: will - your grace make him shew himself to her, as if he were now come - to satisfie her longing? whilst we, unseen of her, over-hear her - wantonness, let's make our best of it now, we shall have good mirth. - - _Duke._ Do it _Gondarino_. - - _Gond._ I must; fortune assist me but this once. - - _Count._ Here we shall stand unseen, and near enough. - - _Gond._ Madam, _Oriana_. - - _Oria._ Who's that? oh! my Lord? - - _Gond._ Shall I come up? - - _Oria._ Oh you are merry, shall I come down? - - _Gond._ It is better there. - - _Oria._ What is the confession of the lye you made to the Duke, - which I scarce believe, yet you had impudence enough to do? did it - not gain you so much faith with me, as that I was willing to be at - your Lordships bestowing, till you had recover'd my credit, and - confest your self a lyar, as you pretended to do? I confess I began - to fear you, and desir'd to be out of your house, but your own - followers forc'd me hither. - - _Gond._ 'Tis well suspected, dissemble still, for there are some - may hear us. - - _Oria._ More tricks yet, my Lord? what house this is I know not, I - only know my self: it were a great conquest, if you could fasten - a scandal upon me: 'faith my Lord, give me leave to write to my - brother? - - _Duke._ Come down. - - _Count._ Come down. - - _Arr._ If it please your Grace, there's a back door. - - _Count._ Come meet us there then. - - _Duke._ It seems you are acquainted with the house. - - _Arr._ I have been in it. - - _Gond._ She saw you and dissembled. - - _Duke._ Sir, we shall know that better. - - _Gond._ Bring me unto her, if I prove her not - To be a strumpet, let me be contemn'd - Of all her sex. [_Exeunt._ - - - - -_Actus Quintus. Scæna Prima._ - - - _Enter_ Lucio. - - _Luc._ Now whilst the young Duke follows his delights, - We that do mean to practise in the State, - Must pick our times, and set our faces in, - And nod our heads as it may prove most fit - For the main good of the dear Common-wealth: - Who's within there? - - _Enter a Servant._ - - _Serv._ My Lord? - - _Luc._ Secretary, fetch the Gown I use to read Petitions in, - and the Standish I answer French Letters with: and call in the - Gentleman that attends: [_Exit Serv._ - - Little know they that do not deal in State, - How many things there are to be observ'd, - Which seem but little; yet by one of us - (Whose brains do wind about the Common-wealth) - Neglected, cracks our credits utterly. - - _Enter Gentleman and a Servant._ - - Sir, but that I do presume upon your secresie, I would not have - appear'd to you thus ignorantly attir'd without a tooth-pick in a - ribbond, or a Ring in my bandstring[s]. - - _Gent._ Your Lordship sen[t] for me? - - _Luc._ I did: Sir, your long practice in the State, under a great - man, hath led you to much experience. - - _Gent._ My Lord. - - _Luc._ Suffer not your modesty to excuse it: in short, and in - private, I desire your direction, I take my study already to be - furnisht after a grave and wise method. - - _Gent._ What will this Lord do? - - _Luc._ My Book-strings are sutable, and of a reaching colour. - - _Gent._ How's this? - - _Luc._ My Standish of Wood, strange and sweet, and my fore-flap - hangs in the right place, and as near _Machiavel's_, as can be - gathered by tradition. - - _Gent._ Are there such men as will say nothing abroad, and play - the fools in their Lodgings? this Lord must be followed: and hath - your Lordship some new made words to scatter in your speeches in - publick, to gain note, that the hearers may carry them away, and - dispute of them at dinner? - - _Luc._ I have Sir: and besides, my several Gowns and Caps agreeable - to my several occasions. - - _Gent._ 'Tis well, and you have learn'd to write a bad hand, that - the Readers may take pains for it. - - _Luc._ Yes Sir, and I give out I have the palsie. - - _Gent._ Good, 'twere better though, if you had it: your Lordship - hath a Secretary, that can write fair, when you purpose to be - understood. - - _Luc._ 'Faith Sir I have one, there he stands, he hath been my - Secretary these seven years, but he hath forgotten to write. - - _Gen._ If he can make a writing face, it is not amiss, so he keep - his own counsel: your Lordship hath no hope of the Gout? - - _Luc._ Uh, little Sir, since the pain in my right foot left me. - - _Gent._ 'Twill be some scandal to your wisdom, though I see your - Lordship knows enough in publick business. - - _Luc._ I am not imploy'd (though to my desert) in occasions - forreign, nor frequented for matters domestical. - - _Gent._ Not frequented? what course takes your Lordship? - - _Luc._ The readiest way, my door stands wi[de], my Secretary knows - I am not denied to any. - - _Gent._ In this (give me leave) your Lordship is out of the way: - make a back door to let out Intelligencers; seem to be ever busie, - and put your door under keepers, and you shall have a troop of - Clients sweating to come at you. - - _Luc._ I have a back door already, I will henceforth be busie, - Secretary, run and keep the door. [_Exit Secretary._ - - _Gent._ This will fetch 'um? - - _Luc._ I hope so. - - _Enter Secretary._ - - _Secr._ My Lord, there are some require access to you, about - weighty affairs of State. - - _Luc._ Already? - - _Gent._ I told you so. - - _Luc._ How weighty is the business? - - _Secr._ Treason my Lord. - - _Luc._ Sir, my debts to you for this are great. - - _Gent._ I will leave your Lordship now. - - _Luc._ Sir, my death must be suddain, if I requite you not: at the - back door good Sir. - - _Gent._ I will be your Lordships Intelligencer for once. [_Exit - Gentleman._ - - _Enter Secretary._ - - _Secr._ My Lord. - - _Luc._ Let 'em in, and say I am at my study. - - _Enter_ Lazarello, _and two Intelligencers_, - Lucio _being at his study_. - - _1 Int._ Where is your Lord? - - _Secr._ At his study, but he will have you brought in. - - _Laza._ Why Gentlemen, what will you charge me withal? - - _2 Int._ Treason, horrible treason, I hope to have the leading of - thee to prison, and prick thee on i'th' arse with a Halbert: to - have him hang'd that salutes thee, and call all those in question - that spit not upon thee. - - _Laz._ My thred is spun, yet might I but call for this dish of meat - at the gallows, instead of a Psalm, it were to be endur'd: the - Curtain opens, now my end draws on. - - [_Secretary draws the Curtain._ - - _Luc._ Gentlemen, I am not empty of weighty occasions at this time; - I pray you your business. - - _1 Int._ My Lord, I think we have discover'd one of the most bloudy - Traitors, that ever the world held. - - _Luc._ Signior _Lazarillo_, I am glad ye are one of this discovery, - give me your hand. - - _2 Int._ My Lord, that is the Traitor. - - _Luc._ Keep him off, I would not for my whole estate have touchd - him. - - _Laz._ My Lord. - - _Luc._ Peace Sir, I know the devil is at your tongue's end, to - furnish you with speeches: what are the particulars you charge him - with? - - [_They deliver a paper to_ Lucio, _who reads_. - - _Both Int._ We [have] conferr'd our Notes, and have extracted that, - which we will justifie upon our oaths. - - _Luc._ That he would be greater than the Duke, that he had cast - plots for this, and meant to corrupt some to betray him, that he - would burn the City, kill the Duke, and poison the Privy Council; - and lastly kill himself. Though thou deserv'st justly to be hang'd - with silence, yet I allow thee to speak, be short. - - _Laz._ My Lord, so may my greatest wish succeed, - So may I live, and compass what I seek, - As I had never treason in my thoughts, - Nor ever did conspire the overthrow - Of any creatures but of brutish beasts, - Fowls, Fishes, and such other humane food, - As is provided for the good of man. - If stealing Custards, Tarts, and Florentines - By some late Statute be created Treason; - How many fellow-Courtiers can I bring, - Whose long attendance and experience, - Hath made them deeper in the plot than I? - - _Luc._ Peace, such hath ever been the clemency of my gracious - Master the Duke, in all his proceedings, that I had thought, and - thought I had thought rightly; that malice would long e'r this - have hid her self in her Den, a[n]d have turn'd her own sting - against her own heart: but I well [now] perceive, that so froward - is the disposition of a deprav'd nature, that it doth not only seek - revenge, where it hath receiv'd injury, but many times thirst after - their destruction, where it hath met with benefits. - - _Laz._ But my good Lord-- - - _2 Int._ Let's gagg him. - - _Luc._ Peace again, but many times thirst after destruction, where - it hath met with benefits; there I left: Such, and no better are - the business that we have now in hand. - - _1 Int._ He's excellently spoken. - - _[2] Int._ He'll wind a Traitor I warrant him. - - _Luc._ But surely methinks, setting aside the touch of conscience, - and all [other] inward convulsions. - - _2 Int._ He'll be hang'd, I know by that word. - - _Laz._ Your Lordship may consider-- - - _Luc._ Hold thy peace: thou canst not answer this speech: no - Traitor can answer it: but because you cannot answer this speech, I - take it you have confess'd the Treason. - - _1 Int._ The Count _Valore_ was the first that discover'd him, and - can witness it; but he left the matter to your Lordship's grave - consideration. - - _Luc._ I thank his Lordship, carry him away speedily to the Duke. - - _Laz._ Now _Lazarillo_ thou art tumbl'd down - The hill of fortune, with a violent arm; - All plagues that can be, Famine, and the Sword - Will light upon thee, black despair will boil - In thy despairing breast, no comfort by, - Thy friends far off, thy enemies are nigh. - - _Luc._ Away with him, I'll follow you, look you pinion him, and - take his money from him, lest he swallow a shilling, and kill - himself. - - _2 Int._ Get thou on before. [_Exeunt._ - - -_Actus Quintus. Scæna [2]._ - - _Enter the Duke, the Count_, Gondarino, _and_ Arrigo. - - _Duke._ Now _Gondarino_, what can you put on now - That may [again] deceive us? - Have ye more strange illusions, yet more mists, - Through which, the weak eye may be led to error: - What can ye say that may do satisfaction - Both for her wrong'd honor, and your ill? - - _Gond._ All I can say, or may, is said already: - She is unchaste, or else I have no knowledge, - I do not breathe, nor have the use of sense. - - _Duke._ Dare ye be yet so wilful, ignorant of your own - nakedness? did not your servants - In mine own hearing confess - They brought her to that house we found her in, - Almost by force: and with a great distrust - Of some ensuing hazard? - - _Count._ He that hath begun so worthily, - It fits not with his resolution - To leave off thus, my Lord, I know these are but idle proofs. - What says your Lordship to them? - - _Gond._ Count, I dare yet pronounce again, thy Sister is not honest. - - _Count._ You are your self my Lord, I like your setledness. - - _Gond._ Count, thou art young, and unexperienc'd in the dark, - hidden ways of Women: Thou dar'st affirm with confidence, a Lady of - fifteen may be a Maid. - - _Count._ Sir, if it were not so, I have a Sister would set near my - heart. - - _Gond._ Let her sit near her shame, it better fits her: call back - the bloud that made our stream in nearness, and turn the Current to - a better use; 'tis too much mudded, I do grieve to know it. - - _Duke._ Dar'st thou make up again, dar'st thou turn face, knowing - we know thee, hast thou not been discover'd openly? did not our - ears hear her deny thy courtings? did we not see her blush with - modest anger, to be so overtaken by a trick; can ye deny this Lord? - - _Gond._ Had not your Grace, and her kind brother - Been within level of her eye, - You should have had a hotter volley from her, - More full of bloud and fire, ready to leap the window where she stood. - So truly sensual is her appetite. - - _Duke._ Sir, Sir, these are but words and tricks, give me the proof. - - _Count._ What need a better proof than your Lordship? - I am sure ye have lain with her my Lord. - - _Gond._ I have confest it Sir. - - _Duke._ I dare not give thee credit without witness. - - _Gond._ Does your grace think we carry seconds with us, to search - us, and see fair play: your Grace hath been ill tutor'd in the - business; but if you hope to try her truly, and satisfy your self - what frailty is, give her the Test: do not remember Count she is - your Sister; nor let my Lord the Duke believe she is fair; but put - her to it without hope or pity, then ye shall see that golde[n] - form flie off, that all eyes wonder at for pure and fixt, and - under't base blushing Copper; metall not worth the meanest honor: - you shall behold her then my Lord transparent, look through her - heart, and view the spirits how they leap, and tell me then I did - belie the Lady. - - _Duke._ It shall be done: come _Gondarino_ bear us company, - We do believe thee: she shall die, and thou shalt see it. - - _Enter_ Lazarello, _two Intelligencers, and Guard_. - - How now my friends, [whome] have you guarded hither? - - _2 Int._ So please your Grace we have discover'd a villain and a - Traitor: the Lord _Lucio_ hath examin'd him, and sent him to your - Grace for Judgement. - - _Count._ My Lord, I dare absolve him from all sin of Treason: I - know his most ambition is but a dish of meat; which he hath hunted - with so true a scent, that he deserveth the Collar not the Halter. - - _Duke._ Why do they bring him thus bound up? the poor man had more - need [of] some warm meat, to comfort his cold stomach. - - _Count._ Your Grace shall have the cause hereafter, when you [may] - laugh more freely: - - But these are call'd Informers: men that live by Treason, as - Rat-catchers do by poison. - - _Duke._ Would there were no heavier prodigies hung over us, - than this poor fellow, I durst redeem all perils ready to pour - themselves upon this State, with a cold Custard. - - _Count._ Your Grace might do it without danger to your person. - - _Laz._ My Lord, if ever I intended treason against your Person, - or the State, unless it were by wishing from your Table some dish - of meat, which I must needs confess, was not a subjects part: or - coveting by stealth, sups from those noble bottles, that no mouth, - keeping allegiance true, should dare to taste: I must confess, with - more than covetous eye, I have beheld those dear conceal'd dishes, - that have been brought in by cunning equipage, to wait upon your - Graces pallat: I do confesse, out of this present heat, I have had - Stratagems and Ambuscado's; but God be thank'd they have never took. - - _Duke._ Count, this business is your own; when you have done, - repair to us. [_Exit Duke._ - - _Count._ I will attend your Grace: _Lazarello_, you are at liberty, - be your own man again; and if you can be master of your wishes, I - wish it may be so. - - _Laz._ I humbly thank your Lordship: I must be unmannerly, I have - some present business, once more I heartily thank your Lordship. - [_Exit_ Lazarillo. - - _Count._ Now even a word or two to you, and so farewell; you think - you have deserv'd much of this State by this discovery: y'are a - slavish people, grown subject to the common course of all men. - How much unhappy were that noble spirit, could work by such baser - gains? what misery would not a knowing man put on with willingness, - e'r he see himself grown fat and full fed, by fall of those you - rise by? I do discharge ye my attendance; our healthful State needs - no such Leeches to suck out her bloud. - - _1 Int._ I do beseech your Lordship. - - _2 Int._ Good my Lord. - - _Count._ Go learn to be more honest, [when] I see you work your - means from honest industry, [_Exeunt Informers._ - - I will be willing to accept your labours: - Till then I will keep back my promis'd favours: - Here comes another remnant of folly: - - _Enter_ Lucio. - - I must dispatch him too. Now Lord _Lucio_, what business [bring] - you hither? - - _Luc._ Faith Sir, I am discovering what will become of that notable - piece of treason, intended by that Varlet _Lazarillo_; I have sent - him to the Duke for judgement. - - _Count._ Sir, you have perform'd the part of a most careful - Statesman, and let me say it to your face, Sir, of a Father to - this State: I would wish you to retire, and insconce your self in - study: for such is your daily labour, and our fear, that our loss - of an hour may breed our overthrow. - - _Luc._ Sir, I will be commanded by your judgement, and though I - find it a trouble scant to be waded through, by these weak years: - yet for the dear care of the Commonwealth, I will bruise my brains, - and confine my self to much vexation. - - _Count._ Go, and maist thou knock down Treason like an Ox. - - _Luc._ Amen. - - [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter Mercer, Pandar, Francissina._ - - _Mer._ Have I spoke thus much in the honor of Learning? learn'd the - names of the seven liberal Sciences, before my marriage; and since, - have in haste written Epistles congratulatory, to the Nine Muses, - and is she prov'd a Whore and a Begger? - - _Pan._ 'Tis true, you are not now to be taught, that no man can be - learn'd of a suddain; let not your first project discourage you, - what you have lost in this, you may get again in Alchumie. - - _Fran._ Fear not Husband, I hope to make as good a wife, as the - best of your neighbors have, and as honest. - - _Mer._ I will goe home; good Sir, do not publish this, as long as - it runs amongst our selves; 'tis good honest mirth: you'll come - home to supper; I mean to have all her friends, and mine, as ill as - it goes. - - _Pan._ Do wisely Sir, and bid your own friends, your whole wealth - will scarce feast all hers, neither is it for your credit, to walk - the streets with a woman so noted; get you home and provide her - cloaths: let her come an hour hence with an Hand-basket, and shift - her self, she'll serve to sit at the upper end of the Table, and - drink to your customers. - - _Mer._ Art is just, and will make me amends. - - _Pan._ No doubt Sir. - - _Mer._ The chief note of a Scholar you say, is to govern his - passions; wherefore I do take all patiently; in sign of which, my - [most] dear Wife, I do kiss thee, make haste home after me, I shall - be in my study. - - [_Exit Mercer._ - - _Pan._ Go, avaunt, my new City Dame, send me what you promis'd me - for consideration; and may'st thou prove a Lady. - - _Fran._ Thou shalt have it, his Silks shall flie for it. [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter_ Lazarello _and his boy_. - - _Laz._ How sweet is a Calm after a Tempest, what is there now that - can stand betwixt me and felicity? I have gone through all my - crosses constantly; have confounded my enemies, and know where to - have my longing[s] satisfied: I have my way before me, there's the - door, and I may freely walk into my delights: knock boy. - - _Jul._ Who's there? [_Within._ - - _Laz. Madona_, my Love, not guilty, not guilty, open the door. - - _Enter_ Julia. - - _Jul._ Art thou come sweet-heart? - - _Laz._ Yes, to [thy] soft embraces, and the rest of my over-flowing - blisses; come, let us in and swim in our delights: a short Grace as - we go, and so to meat. - - _Jul._ Nay my dear Love, you must bear with me in this; we'll to - the Church first. - - _Laz._ Shall I be sure of it then? - - _Jul._ By my love you shall. - - _Laz._ I am content, for I do now wish to hold off longer, to whet - my appetite, and do desire to meet with more troubles, so I might - conquer them: - - And as a holy Lover that hath spent - The tedious night with many a sigh and tears; - Whilst he pursu'd his wench: and hath observ'd - The smiles, and frowns, not daring to displease - When at last, hath with his service won - Her yielding heart; that she begins to dote - Upon him, and can hold no longer out, - But hangs about his neck, and wooes him more - Than ever he desir'd her love before: - Then begins to flatter his desert, - And growing wanton, needs will cast her off; - Try her, pick quarrels, to breed fresh delight, - And to increase his pleasing appetite. - - _Jul._ Come Mouse will you walk? - - _Laz._ I pray thee let me be deliver'd of the joy I am so big with, - I do feel that high heat within me, that I begin to doubt whether I - be mortal: - - How I contemn my fellows in the Court, - With whom I did but yesterday converse? - And in a lower, and an humbler key - Did walk and meditate on grosser meats? - There are they still poor rogues, shaking their chops, - And sneaking after Cheeses, and do run - Headlong in chace, of every Jack of Beer - That crosseth them, in hope of some repast, - That it will bring them to, whilst I am here, - The happiest wight that ever set his tooth - To a dear novelty: approach my love, - Come, let's go to knit the True Loves knot, - That never can be broken. - - _Boy._ That is to marry a whore. - - _Laz._ When that is done, then will we taste the gift, - Which Fates have sent my Fortunes up to lift. - - _Boy._ When that is done, you'll begin to repent upon a full - stomach; but I see, 'tis but a form in destiny, not to be alter'd. - [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter_ Arrigo _and Oriana_. - - _Oria._ Sir, what may be the current of your business, that thus - you single out your time and place? - - _Arri._ Madam, the business now impos'd upon me, concerns you - nearly, I wish some worser man might finish it. - - _Ori._ Why are ye chang'd so? are ye not well Sir? - - _Arr._ Yes Madam, I am well, wo'd you were so. - - _Oria._ Why Sir, I feel my self in perfect health. - - _Arri._ And yet ye cannot live long, Madam. - - _Oria._ Why good _Arrigo_? - - _Arr._ Why? ye must dye. - - _Oria._ I know I must, but yet my fate calls not upon me. - - _Arr._ It does; this hand the Duke commands shall give you death. - - _Oria._ Heaven, and the powers Divine, guard well the innocent. - - _Arr._ Lady, your Prayers may do your soul some good, - That sure your body cannot merit by 'em: - You must prepare to die. - - _Orian._ What's my offence? what have these years committed, - That may be dangerous to the Duke, or State? - Have I conspir'd by poison, have I giv'n up - My honor to some loose unsetl'd bloud - That may give action to my plots? - Dear Sir, let me not dye ignorant of my faults? - - _Arr._ Ye shall not. - Then Lady, you must know, you're held unhonest; - The Duke, your Brother, and your friends in Court, - With too much grief condemn ye: though to me, - The fault deserves not to be paid with death. - - _Orian._ Who's my accuser? - - _Arri._ Lord _Gondarino_. - - _Orian. Arrigo_, take these words, and bear them to the Duke, - It is the last petition I shall ask thee: - Tell him the child this present hour brought forth - To see the world has not a soul more pure, more white, - - More Virgin than I have; Tell him Lord _Gondarino's_ Plot, I suffer - for, and willingly: tell him it had been a greater honor, to have - sav'd than kill'd: but I have done: strike, I am arm'd for heaven. - Why, stay you? is there any hope? - - _Arri._ I would not strike. - - _Orian._ Have you the power to save? - - _Arri._ With hazard of my life, if it should be known. - - _Orian._ You will not venture that? - - _Arri._ I will Lady: there is that means yet to escape your death, - if you can wisely apprehend [it]. - - _Orian._ Ye dare not be so kind? - - _Arri._ I dare, and will, if you dare but deserve't. - - _Ori._ If I should slight my life, I were [to] blame. - - _Arri._ Then Madam, this is the means, or else you die: I love you. - - _Orian._ I shall believe it, if you save my life. - - _Arri._ And you must lie with me. - - _Orian._ I dare not buy my life so. - - _Arri._ Come, ye must resolve, say yea or no. - - _Orian._ Then no; nay, look not ruggedly upon me, I am made up too - strong to fear such looks: Come, do your Butchers part: before I - would wish life, with the dear loss of honour, I dare find means to - free my self. - - _Arr._ Speak, will ye yield? - - _Orian._ Villain, I will not; Murtherer, do thy worst, thy base - unnoble thoughts dare prompt thee to; I am above thee slave. - - _Arri._ Wilt thou not be drawn to yield by fair perswasions? - - _Orian._ No, nor by-- - - _Arri._ Peace, know your doom then; your Ladyship must remember, - you are not now at home, where you dare [jeast at] all that come - about you: but you are fallen under my mercy, which shall be but - small; if thou refuse to yield: hear what I have sworn unto my - self; I will enjoy thee, though it be between the parting of thy - soul and body; yield yet and live. - - _Orian._ I'll guard the one, let Heaven guard the other. - - _Arri._ Are you so resolute then? - - [_Duke from above._ Hold, hold I say.] - - _Orian._ What [have] I? yet more terror to my tragedy? - - _Arri._ Lady, the Scene of bloud is done; ye are now as free from - scandal, as from death. - - _Enter Duke, Count, and_ Gondarino. - - _Duke._ Thou Woman which wert born to teach men virtue, - Fair, sweet, and modest Maid, forgive my thoughts, - My trespass was my love. - Seize _Gondarino_, let him wait our dooms. - - _Gond._ I do begin a little to love this woman; I could endure her - already twelve miles off. - - _Count._ Sister, I am glad you have brought your honor off so - fairly, without loss: you have done a work above your sex, the Duke - admires it: give him fair encounter. - - _Duke._ Best of all comforts, may I take this hand, and call it - mine? - - _Ori._ I am your Graces handmaid. - - _Duke._ Would ye had sed my self: might it not be so Lady? - - _Count._ Sister, say I, I know you can afford it. - - _Ori._ My Lord, I am your subject, you may command me, provided - still, your thoughts be fair and good. - - _Duke._ Here I am yours, and when I cease to be so, - Let heaven forget me: thus I make it good. - - _Ori._ My Lord, I am no more mine own. - - _Count._ So, this bargain was well driven. - - _Gond._ Duke, thou hast sold away thy self to all perdition; thou - art this present hour becomming Cuckold: methinks I see thy gaul - grate through thy veins, and jealousie seize thee with her talons: - I know that womans nose must be cut off, she cannot scape it. - - _Duke._ Sir, we have punishment for you. - - _Orian._ I do beseech your Lordship, for the wrongs this man hath - done me, let me pronounce his punishment. - - _Duke._ Lady, I give't to you, he is your own. - - _Gond._ I do beseech your Grace, let me be banisht with all the - speed that may be. - - _Count._ Stay still, you shall attend her sentence. - - _Orian._ Lord _Gondarino_, you have wrong'd me highly; yet since it - sprung from no peculiar hate to me, but from a general dislike unto - all women, you shall thus suffer for it; _Arrigo_, call in some - Ladies to assist us; will your Grace [t]ake your State? - - _Gond._ My Lord, I do beseech your Grace for any punishment saving - this woman, let me be sent upon discovery of some Island; I do - desire but a small Gondela, with ten Holland Cheeses, and I'll - undertake it. - - _Oria._ Sir, ye must be content, will ye sit down? nay, do it - willingly: _Arrigo_, tie his Arms close to the chair, I dare not - trust his patience. - - _[G]ond._ Mayst thou be quickly old and painted; mayst thou dote - upon some sturdy Yeoman of the Wood-yard, and he be honest; mayst - thou be barr'd the lawful lechery of thy Coach, for want of - instruments; and last, be thy womb unopen'd. - - _Duke._ This fellow hath a pretty gaul. - - _Count._ My Lord, I hope to see him purg'd e'r he part. - - _Enter Ladies._ - - _Oria._ Your Ladyships are welcome: I must desire your helps, - though you are no Physitians, to do a strange cure upon this - Gentleman. - - _Ladies._ In what we can assist you Madam, ye may command us. - - _Gond._ Now do I sit like a Conjurer within my circle, and these - the Devils that are rais'd about me, I will pray that they may have - no power upon me. - - _Oria._ Ladies, fall off in couples, then with a [s]oft still - march, with low demeanors, charge this Gentleman, I'll be your - Leader. - - _Gond._ Let me be quarter'd Duke quickly, I can endure it: these - women long for Mans flesh, let them have it. - - _Duke._ Count, have you ever seen so strange a passion? what would - this fellow do, if he should find himself in bed with a young Lady? - - _Count._ 'Faith my Lord, if he could get a knife, sure he wou'd cut - her throat, or else he wou'd do as _Hercules_ did by _Lycas_, swing - out her soul: h'as the true hate of a woman in him. - - _Oria._ Low with your Cursies Ladies. - - _Gond._ Come not too near me, I have a breath will poison ye, - my lungs are rotten, and my stomach is raw: I am given much to - belching: hold off, as you love sweet airs; Ladies, by your first - nights pleasure, I conjure you, as you wou'd have your Husbands - proper men, strong backs, and little legs, as you would have 'em - hate your Waiting-women. - - _Oria._ Sir, we must court ye, till we have obtain'd some little - favour from those gracious eyes, 'tis but a kiss a piece. - - _Gond._ I pronounce perdition to ye all; ye are a parcel of that - damned crew that fell down with _Lucifer_, and here ye staid on - earth to plague poor men; vanish, avaunt, I am fortified against - your charms; heaven grant me breath and patience. - - _1 Lady._ Shall we not kiss then? - - _Gond._ No sear my lips with hot irons first, or stitch them up - like a Ferrets: oh that this brunt were over! - - _2 Lady._ Come, come, little rogue, thou art too maidenly by my - troth, I think I must box thee till thou be'st bolder; the more - bold, the more welcome: I prethee kiss me, be not afraid. [_She - sits on his knee._ - - _Gond._ If there be any here, that yet have so much of the fool - left in them, as to love their mothers, let them [looke] on her, - and loath them too. - - _2 Lady._ What a slovenly little villain art thou, why dost thou - not stroke up thy hair? I think thou ne'er comb'st it: I must have - it lie in better order; so, so, so, let me see thy hands, are they - wash'd? - - _Gond._ I would th[e]y were loose for thy sake. - - _Duke._ She tortures him admirably. - - _Count._ The best that ever was. - - _2 Lady._ Alas, how cold they are, poor golls, why dost thee not - get thee a Muff? - - _Arri._ Madam, here's an old Countrey Gentlewoman at the door, that - came nodding up for justice, she was with the Lord _Gondarino_ to - day, and would now again come to the speech of him, she says. - - _Oria._ Let her in, for sports sake, let her in. - - _Gond._ Mercy, oh Duke, I do appeal to thee: plant Canons there, - and discharge them against my breast rather: nay, first let this - she-fury sit still where she does, and with her nimble fingers - stroke my hair, play with my fingers ends, or any thing, until my - panting heart have broke my breast. - - _Duke._ You must abide her censure. [_The Lady rises from his knee._ - - _Enter old Gentlewoman._ - - _Gond._ I see her come, unbutton me, for she will speak. - - _Gentlew._ Where is he Sir? - - _Gond._ Save me, I hear her. - - _Ar._ There he is in state to give you audience. - - _Gentlew._ How does your [good] Lordship? - - _Gond._ Sick of the spleen. - - _Gentlew._ How? - - _Gond._ Sick. - - _Gentlew._ Will you chew a Nutmeg, you shall not refuse it, it is - very comfortable. - - _Gond._ Nay, now thou art come, I know it - Is the Devils Jubile, Hell is broke loose: - My Lord, if ever I have done you service, - Or have deserv'd a favour of your Grace, - Let me be turn'd upon some present action, - Where I may sooner die, than languish thus; - Your Grace hath her petition, grant it her, and ease me now at last. - - _Duke._ No Sir, you must endure. - - _Gentlew._ For my petition, I hope your Lordship hath remembred me. - - _Oria._ 'Faith I begin to pity him, _Arrigo_, take her off, bear - her away, say her petition is granted. - - _Gentlew._ Wh[i]ther do you draw me Sir? I know it is not my Lords - pleasure I should be thus used, before my business be dispatched? - - _Arr._ You shall know more of that without. - - _Oria._ Unbind him Ladies, but before he go, this he shall promise; - for the love I bear to our own sex, I would have them still hated - by thee, and injoyn thee as a punishment, never hereafter willingly - to come in the presence, or sight of any woman, nor never to seek - wrongfully the publick disgrace of any. - - _Gond._ 'Tis that I would have sworn, and do: when I [meddle] with - them, for their good, or their bad; may Time [call] back this day - again, and when I come in their companies, may I catch the pox, by - their breath, and have no other pleasure for it. - - _Duke._ Ye are [too] merciful. - - _Oria._ My Lord, I shew'd my sex the better. - - _Gond._ All is over-blown Sister: y'are like to have a fair night - of it, and a Prince in your Arms: let's goe my Lord. - - _Duke._ Thus through the doubtful streams of joy and grief, True - Love doth wade, and finds at last relief. [_Exeunt omnes._ - - - - -NICE VALOUR. - -A Comedy. - - -The Persons represented in the Play. - - Duke _of_ Genova. - Shamont _his Favourite, a superstitious lover of reputation._ - A passionate Lord, _the Duke's distracted kinsman._ - A Soldier, _brother to_ Shamont. - Lapet, _the cowardly Monsieur of_ Nice Valour. - A Gallant _of the same Temper._ - Pultrot, } _Two Mushroom_ - Mombazon, } _Courtiers._ - Two Brothers _to the Lady, affecting the passionate Lord_. - Four Courtiers. - Jester. - A Priest } _In a Masque._ - Six Women } - Galoshio, _a Clown, such another try'd piece of Man's flesh_. - - WOMEN. - - Lady, _Sister to the Duke_, Shamont's _beloved_. - Lapet's _Wife_. - A Lady, _personating_ Cupid, _Mistriss to the mad Lord_. - - The Scene Genova. - - - - -The PROLOGUE at the reviving of this Play. - - - _It's grown in fashion of late in these days,_ - _To come and beg a suff[eranc]e to our Plays_ - _'Faith Gentlemen, our Poet ever writ_ - _Language so good, mixt with such sprightly wit,_ - _He made the Theatre so Sovereign_ - _With his rare Scænes, he scorn'd this crouching vein:_ - _We stabb'd him with keen daggers when we pray'd_ - _Him write a Preface to a Play well made._ - _He could not write these toyes, 'tw[a]s easier far,_ - _To bring a Felon to appear at th' Barr_ - _So much he hated baseness; which this day,_ - _His Scænes will best convince you of in's Play._ - - - - -_Actus Primus. Scæna Prima._ - - - _Enter Duke_, Shamount, _and four Gentlemen_. - - _Duke. Shamount_, welcome; we have mist thee long, - Though absent but two days: I hope your sports - Answer your time and wishes. - - _Sham._ Very nobly Sir; - We found game, worthy your delight my Lord, - It was so royal. - - _Duke._ I've enough to hear on't. - Prethee bestow't upon me in discourse. - - _1 Gent._ What is this Gentleman, Coz? you are a Courtier, - Therefore know all their insides. - - _2 Gent._ No farther than the Taffaty goes, good Coz. - For the most part, which is indeed the best part - Of the most general inside; marry thus far - I can with boldness speak this one mans character, - And upon honor, pass it for a true one; - He has that strength of manly merit in him, - That it exceeds his Sovereigns power of gracing; - He's faithfully true to valour, that he hates - The man from _Cæsar's_ time, or farther off, - That ever took disgrace unreveng'd: - And if he chance to read his abject story, - He tears his memory out; and holds it virtuous, - Not to let shame have so much life amongst us; - There is not such a curious piece of courage - Amongst mans fellowship, or one so jealous - Of honors loss, or repu[t]ations glory: - There's so much perfect of his growing story. - - _1 Gent._ 'Twould make one dote on virtue as you tell it. - - _2 Gent._ I have told it to much loss, believe it Coz. - - _3 Gent._ How the Duke graces him! what is he brother? - - _4 Gent._ Do you not yet know him? a vain-glorious coxcomb, - As proud as he that fell for't: - Set but aside his valour, no virtue, - Which is indeed, not fit for any Courtier; - And we his fellows are as good as he, - Perhaps as capable of favour too, - For one thing or another, if 'twere look'd into: - Give me a man, were I a Sovereign now - Has a good stroke [a]t _Tennis_, and a stiff one, - Can play at _Æquinoctium_ with the Line, - As even, as the thirteenth of _September_, - When day and night lie in a scale together: - Or may I thrive, as I deserve at _Billiards_; - No otherwise at _Chesse_, or at _Primero_: - These are the parts requir'd, why not advanc'd? - - _Duke._ Trust me, it was no less than excellent pleasure, - And I'm right glad 'twas thine. How fares our kinsman? - Who can resolve us best? - - 1 _Gent._ I can my Lord. - - _Duke._ There, if I had a pity without bounds, - It might be all bestowed----A man so lost - In the wild ways of passion, that he's sensible - Of nought, but what torments him? - - _1 Gent._ True my Lord, - He runs through all the Passions of mankind, - And shifts 'em strangely too: one while in love, - And that so violent, that for want of business, - He'll court the very Prentice of a Laundress, - Though she have kib'd heels: and in's melancholly agen, - He will not brook an Empress though thrice fairer - Than ever _Maud_ was; or higher spirited - Than _Cleopatra_, or your _English_ Countess: - Then on a suddain he's so merry again, - Out-laughs a Waiting-woman before her first Child: - And turning of a hand, so angry-- - Has almost beat the Northern fellow blind; - That is for that use only; if that mood hold my Lord, - Had need of a fresh man; I'll undertake, - He shall bruise three a month. - - _Duke._ I pity him dearly: - And let it be your charge, with his kind brother - To see his moods observ'd; let every passion - Be fed ev'n to a surfet, which in time - May breed a loathing: let him have enough - Of every object, that his sence is wrapt with; - And being once glutted, then the taste of folly - Will come into his rellish. [_Exit._ - - _1 Gent._ I shall see - Your charge my Lord, most faith[fully] effected: - And how does noble _Shamount_? - - _Sham._ Never ill man - Until I hear of baseness, then I sicken: - I am the healthfull'st man i'th' kingdom else. - - _Enter_ Lapet. - - _1 Gent._ Be armed then for a fit, - Here comes a fellow - Will make you sick at heart, if baseness do't. - - _Sha._ Let me be gone: what is he? - - _1 Gent._ Let me tell you first, - It can be but a qualm: pray stay it out Sir, - Come, y'ave born more than this. - - _Sha._ Born? never any thing - That was injurious. - - _2 Gent._ Ha, I am far from that. - - _Sham._ He looks as like a man as I have seen one: - What would you speak of him? speak well I prethee, - Even for humanities cause. - - _1 Gent._ You'd have it truth though? - - _Sham._ What else Sir? I have no reason to wrong heav'n - To favour nature; let her bear her own shame - If she be faulty. - - _1 Gent._ Monstrous faulty there Sir. - - _Sham._ I'm ill at ease already. - - _1 Gent._ Pray bear up Sir. - - _Sham._ I prethee let me take him down with speed then; - Like a wild object that I would not look upon. - - _1 Gent._ Then thus: he's one that will endure as much - As can be laid upon him. - - _Sham._ That may be noble: - I'm kept too long from his acquaintance. - - _1 Gent._ Oh Sir, - Take heed of rash repentance, y'are too forward - To find out virtue where it never setl'd: - Take the particulars first, of what he endures; - _Videlicet_, Bastinadoes by the great. - - _Sham._ How! - - _1 Gent._ Thumps by the dozen, and your kicks by wholesale. - - _Sham._ No more of him. - - _1 Gent._ The twinges by the nostril he snuffs up, - And holds it the best remedy for sneezing. - - _Sham._ Away. - - _1 Gent._ H'as been thrice switch'd from 7 a clock till 9. - Yet with a Cart-Horse stomach, fell to breakfast; - Forgetful of his smart. - - _Sham._ Nay, the disgrace on't; - There's no smart but that: base things are felt - More by their shames than hurts, Sir. I know you not. - But that you live an injury to nature: - I'm heartily angry with you. - - _Lap._ Pray give your blow or kick, and begone then: - For I ne'er saw you before; and indeed, - Have nothing to say to you, for I know you not. - - _Sham._ Why wouldst thou take a blow? - - _Lap._ I would not Sir, - Unless 'twere offer'd me; and if from an enemy-- - I'd be loth to deny it from a stranger. - - _Sham._ What, a blow? - Endure a blow? and shall he live that gives it? - - _Lap._ Many a fair year----why not Sir? - - _Sham._ Let me wonder! - As full a man to see to, and as perfect-- - I prethee live not long-- - - _Lap._ How? - - _Sham._ Let me intreat it: - Thou dost not know what wrong thou dost mankind, - To walk so long here; not to dye betimes. - Let me advise thee, while thou hast to live here, - Ev'n for man's honour sake, take not a blow more. - - _Lap._ You should advise them not to strike me then Sir, - For I'll take none I assure you, 'less they are given. - - _Sham._ How fain would I preserve mans form from shame - And cannot get it done! however Sir, - I charge thee live not long. - - _Lap._ This is worse than beating. - - _Sham._ Of what profession art thou, tell me Sir, - Besides a Tailor? for I'll know the truth. - - _Lap._ A Tailor? I'm as good a Gentleman-- - Can shew my Arms and all. - - _Sham._ How black and blew they are! - Is that your manifestation? upon pain - Of pounding thee to dust, assume not wrongfully - The name of Gentleman, because I'm one, - That must not let thee live. - - _Lap._ I have done, I have done Sir. - If there be any harm, beshrew the Herald, - I'm sure I ha' not been so long a Gentleman, - To make this anger: I have nothing no where, - But what I dearly pay for. [_Exit._ - - _Sham._ Groom begone; - I never was so heart-sick yet of man. - - _Enter Lady, the Duke's Sister_, Lapet's _wife_. - - _1 Gent._ Here comes a cordial, Sir, from th'other sex, - Able to make a dying face look chearful. - - _Sham._ The blessedness of Ladies--. - - _Lady._ Y'are well met Sir. - - _Sham._ The sight of you has put an evil from me, - Whose breath was able to make virtue sicken. - - _Lady._ I'm glad I came so fortunately. What was't Sir? - - _Sham._ A thing that takes a blow, lives, and eats after it, - In very good health; you ha' not seen the like, Madam, - A Monster worth your sixpence, lovely worth. - - [_1 Gent._] Speak low Sir; by all likely-hoods 'tis her Husband, Lady, - That now bestow'd a visitation on me. Farewel Sir. [_Exit._ - - _Sham._ Husband? is't possible that he has a wife? - Would any creature have him? 'tis some forc'd match, - If he were not kick'd to th' Church o' th' wedding day, - I'll never come at Court. Can be no otherwise: - Perhaps he was rich, speak mistriss _Lapet_, was't not so? - - _Wife._ Nay, that's without all question. - - _Sh._ O ho, he would not want kickers enow then; - If you are wise, I much suspect your honesty; - For wisdom never fastens constantly, - But upon merit: if you incline to fool, - You are alike unfit for his society; - Nay, if it were not boldness in the man - That honors you, to advise you, troth his company - Should not be frequent with you. - - _Wife._ 'Tis good counsel Sir. - - _Sham._ Oh, I am so careful where I reverence, - So just to goodness, and her precious purity, - I'm as equally jealous, and as fearful, - That any undeserved stain might fall - Upon her sanctified whiteness, as of the sin - That comes by wilfulness. - - _Wife._ Sir, I love your thoughts, - And honor you for your counsel and your care. - - _Sham._ We are your servants. - - _Wife._ He's but a Gentleman o'th' chamber; he might have kist me: - Faith, where shall one find less courtesie, than at Court? - Say I have an undeserver to my Husband: - That's ne'er the worse for him: well strange lip'd men, - 'Tis but a kiss lost, there'll more come agen. [_Exit._ - - _Enter the passionate Lord, the Dukes kinsman, makes_ - _a congie or two to nothing._ - - _1 Gent._ Look, who comes here Sir, his love-fit's upon him: - I know it, by that sett smile, and those congies. - How courteous he's to nothing! which indeed, - Is the next kin to woman; only shadow - The elder Sister of the twain, because 'tis seen too. - See how it kisses the fore-finger still; - Which is the last edition, and being come - So near the thumb, every Cobler has got it. - - _Sham._ What a ridiculous piece, humanity - Here makes it self! - - _1 Gent._ Nay good give leave a little, Sir, - Y'are so precise a manhood-- - - _Sham._ It afflicts me - When I behold unseemliness in an Image - So near the Godhead, 'tis an injury - To glorious Eternity. - - _1 Gent._ Pray use patience, Sir. - - _Pas._ I do confess it freely, precious Lady, - And loves suit is so, the longer it hangs - The worse it is; better cut off, sweet Madam; - Oh, that same drawing in your neather Lip there, - Fore-shews no goodness, Lady; make you question on't? - Shame on me, but I love you. - - _1 Gent._ Who is't Sir, - You are at all this pains for? may I know her? - - _Pas._ For thee thou fairest, yet the falsest woman, - That ever broke man's heart-strings. - - _1 Gent._ How? how's this Sir? - - _Pas._ What the old trick of Ladies? man's apparel, - Will't ne'er be left amongst you? steal from Court in't? - - _1 Gent._ I see the Fit grows stronger. - - _Pas._ Pray let's talk a little. - - _Sham._ I can endure no more. - - _1 Gent._ Good, let's alone a little: - You are so exact a work: love light things somewhat, Sir. - - _Sham._ Th'are all but shames. - - _1 Gent._ What is't you'd say to me, Sir? - - _Pas._ Can you be so forgetful to enquire it Lady? - - _1 Gent._ Yes truely, Sir. - - _Pas._ The more I admire your flintiness: - What cause have I given you, illustrious Madam, - To play this strange part with me? - - _1 Gent._ Cause enough, - Do but look back Sir, into your memory, - Your love to other women, oh lewd man: - 'Tas almost kill'd my heart, you see I'm chang'd with it, - I ha' lost the fashion of my Sex with grief on't, - When I have seen you courting of a Dowdie; - Compar'd with me, and kissing your fore-finger - To one o'th' Black-Guards Mistresses: would not this - Crack a poor Ladies heart, that believ'd love, - And waited for the comfort? but 'twas said, Sir, - A Lady of my hair cannot want pittying: - The Countrey's coming up, farewel to you Sir. - - _Pas._ Whither intend you, Sir? - - _1 Gent._ A long journey, Sir: - The truth is, I'm with child, and goe to travel. - - _Pas._ With child? I never got it. - - _1 Gent._ I heard you were busie - At the same time, Sir, and was loth to trouble you. - - _Pas._ Why, are not you a whore then, excellent Madam? - - _1 Gent._ Oh by no means, 'twas done Sir in the state - Of my belief in you, and that quits me; - It lies upon your falshood. - - _Pas._ Does it so? - You shall not carry her though Sir, she's my contract. - - _Sham._ I prethee, thou four Elements ill brued, - Torment none but thy self; away I say - Thou beast of passion, as the drunkard is - The beast of Wine; dishonor to thy making, - Thou man in fragments. - - _Pas._ Hear me, precious Madam. - - _Sham._ Kneel for thy wits to Heaven. - - _Pas._ Lady, I'll father it, - Who e'er begot it: 'tis the course of greatness. - - _Sham._ How virtue groans at this! - - _Pas._ I'll raise the Court, but I'll stay your flight. - - _Sham._ How wretched is that piece! [_Ex. Pas. Lord._ - - _1 Gent._ He's the Dukes kinsman, Sir. - - _Sham._ That cannot take a passion away, Sir, - Nor cut a Fit, but one poor hour shorter, - He must endure as much as the poorest begger, - That cannot change his money; there's th' equality - In our impartial Essence: - What's the news now? - - _Enter a Servant._ - - _Ser._ Your worthy brother, Sir, 'has left his charge, - And come to see you. - - _Enter_ Shamount's _brother, a Soldier_. - - _Sham._ Oh the noblest welcome - That ever came from man, meet thy deservings: - Methinks I've all joyes treasure in mine arms now. - - _Sold._ You are so fortunate in prevention, brother, - You always leave the answerer barren, Sir, - You comprehend in few words so much worth-- - - _Sham._ 'Tis all too little for thee: come th'art welcome, - So I include all: take especial knowledge pray, - Of this dear Gentleman, my absolute friend, - That loves a Soldier far above a Mistriss, - Thou excellently faithful to 'em both. - But love to manhood, owns the purer troth. [_Exeunt._ - - - - -_Actus Secundus. Scæna Prima._ - - - _Enter_ Shamont's _brother, a Soldier and a Lady,_ - _the Dukes Sister_. - - _Lady._ There should be in this Gallery--oh th'are here, - Pray sit down, believe me Sir, I'm weary. - - _Sold._ It well becomes a Lady to complain a little - Of what she never feels: your walk was short, Madam, - You can be but afraid of weariness; - Which well employs the softness of your Sex, - As for the thing it self, you never came to't. - - _La._ You're wond'rously well read in Ladies, Sir. - - _Sold._ Shall I think such a creature as you Madam, - Was ever born to feel pain, but in Travel? - There's your full portion, - Besides a little tooth-ach in the breeding, - Which a kind Husband too, takes from you, Madam. - - _La._ But where do Ladies, Sir, find such kind Husbands? - Perhaps you have heard - The Rheumatick story of some loving Chandler now, - Or some such melting fellow that you talk - So prodigal of mens kindness: I confess Sir, - Many of those wives are happy, their ambition - Does reach no higher, than to Love and Ignorance, - Which makes an excellent Husband, and a fond one: - Now Sir, your great ones aim at height, and cunning, - And so are oft deceiv'd, yet they must venture it; - For 'tis a Ladies contumely, Sir, - To have a Lord an Ignorant; then the worlds voice - Will deem her for a wanton, e'r she taste on't: - But to deceive a wise man, to whose circumspection, - The world resigns it self, with all his envy; - 'Tis less dishonor to us [then] to fall, - Because his believ'd wisdom keeps out all. - - _Sold._ Would I were the man, Lady, that should venture - His wisdom to your goodness. - - _La._ You might fail - In the return, as many men have done, Sir: - I dare not justifie what is to come of me, - Because I know it not, though I hope virtuously; - Marry what's past, or present, I durst put - Into a good mans hand, which if he take - Upon my word for good, it shall not cozen him. - - _Sol._ No, nor hereafter? - - _La._ It may hap so too, Sir: - A womans goodness, when she is a wife, - Lies much upon a mans desert, believe it Sir, - If there be fault in her, I'll pawn my life on't, - 'Tis first in him, if she were ever good, - That makes one; knowing not a Husband yet, - Or what he may be: I promise no more virtues, - Than I may well perform, for that were cozenage. - - _Sol._ Happy were he that had you with all fears, - That's my opinion, Lady. - - _Enter_ Shamount _and a servant list'ning_. - - _Serv._ What say you now, Sir? - Dare you give confidence to your own eyes? - - _Sham._ Not yet I dare not. - - _Serv._ No? - - _Sham._ Scarce yet, or yet: - Although I see 'tis he. Why can a thing, - That's but my self divided, be so false? - - _Serv._ Nay, do but mark how the chair plays hi[s] part too: - How amoro[u]sly 'tis bent. - - _Sh[a]m._ Hell take thy bad thoughts, - For they are strange ones. Never take delight - To make a torment worse. Look on 'em heaven, - For that's a brother: send me a fair enemy, - And take him; for a fouler Fiend there breathes not: - I will not sin to think there's ill in her, - But what's of his producing. - Yet goodness, whose inclosure is but flesh, - Holds out oft times but sorrily. But as black Sir, - As ever kindred was: I hate mine own bloud, - Because i[t] is so near thine. Live without honesty, - And mayst thou dye with an unmoist'ned eye, - And no tear follow thee. [_Ex._ Shamont, _Servant_. - - _La._ Y'are wond'rous merry Sir; I would your Brother heard you. - - _Sold._ Oh my Sister, - I would not out o'th' way, let fall my words Lady, - For the precisest humor. - - _Enter passionate Lord._ - - _Pas._ Yea, so close. - - _Sold._ Th'are merry, that's the worst you can report on 'em: - Th'are neither dangerous, nor immodest. - - _Pas._ So Sir, - Shall I believe you, think you? - - _Sold._ Who's this Lady? - - _La._ Oh the Dukes Cosin, he came late from travel, Sir. - - _Sold._ Respect belongs to him. - - _Pas._ For as I said, Lady, - Th'are merry, that's the worst you can report of 'em: - Th'are neither dangerous, nor immodest. - - _Sold._ How's this? - - _Pas._ And there I think I left. - - _Sold._ Abuses me. - - _Pas._ Now to proceed, Lady; perhaps I swore I lov'd you, - If you believe me not, y'are much the wiser. - - _Sold._ He speaks still in my person, and derides me. - - _Pas._ For I can cog with you. - - _La._ You can all do so: - We make no question of mens promptness that way. - - _Pas._ And smile, and wave a chair with comely grace too, - Play with our Tastle gently, and do fine things, - That catch a Lady sooner than a virtue. - - _Sold._ I never us'd to let man live so long - That wrong'd me. - - _Pas._ Talk of Battalions, wooe you in a skirmish; - Divine my mind to you Lady; and being sharp set, - Can court you at Half pike: or name your weapon, - We cannot fail you Lady. - - _Enter 1 Gentleman._ - - _Sold._ Now he dies: - Were all succeeding hopes stor'd up within him. - - _1 Gent._ Oh fie, i'th' Court, Sir? - - _Sold._ I most dearly thank you; Sir. - - _1 Gent._ 'Tis rage ill spent upon a passionate mad man. - - _Sold._ That shall not priviledge him for ever, Sir: - A mad man call you him? I have found too much reason - Sound in his injury to me, to believe him so. - - _1 Gent._ If ever truth from mans lips may be held - In reputation with you, give this confidence; - And this his Love-fit, which we observe still, - By's flattering and his fineness: at some other time, - He'll go as slovenly as heart can wish. - The love and pity that his Highness shews to him, - Makes every man the more respectful of him: - Has never a passion, but is well provided for, - As this of Love, he is full fed in all - His swinge, as I may tearm it: have but patience, - And ye shall witness somewhat. - - _Sold._ Still he mocks me: - Look you, in action, in behaviour, Sir; - Hold still the chair, with a grand mischief to you, - Or I'll let so much strength upon your heart, Sir-- - - _Pas._ I feel some power has restrain'd me Lady: - If it be sent from Love, say, I obey it, - And ever keep a voice to welcome it. - - SONG. - - _Thou Deity, swift winged Love,_ - _Sometimes below, sometimes above,_ - _Little in shape, but great in power,_ - _Thou that mak'st a heart thy Tower,_ - _And thy loop-holes Ladies eyes,_ - _From whence thou strik'st the fond and wise._ - _Did all the Shafts in thy fair Quiver_ - _Stick fast in my ambitious Liver;_ - _Yet thy power would I adore._ - _And call upon thee to shoot more,_ - _Shoot more, shoot more._ - - _Enter one like a_ Cupid, _offering to shoot at him_. - - _Pas._ I prethee hold though, sweet Celestial boy; - I'm not requited yet with love enough, - For the first Arrow that I have within me; - And if thou be an equal Archer _Cupid_, - Shoot this Lady, and twenty more for me. - - _La._ Me Sir? - - _1 Gent._ 'Tis nothing but device, fear it not Lady; - You may be as good a Maid after that shaft, Madam, - As e'er your mother was at twelve and a half: - 'Tis like the boy that draws it, 'tas no sting yet. - - _Cup._ 'Tis like the miserable Maid that draws it--_Aside._ - That sees no comfort yet, seeing him so passionate. - - _Pas._ Strike me the Duchess of _Valois_ in love with me, - With all the speed thou canst, and two of her Women. - - _Cu._ You shall have more. [_Exit._ - - _Pas._ Tell 'em I tarry for 'em. - - _1 Gent._ Who would be angry with that walking trouble now? - That hurts none but it self? - - _Sold._ I am better quieted. - - _Pas._ I'll have all women-kind struck in time for me - After thirteen once: - I see this _Cupid_ will not let me want, - And let him spend his forty shafts an hour, - They shall be all found from the Dukes Exchequer; - He's come already. - - _Enter again the same_ Cupid, _two Brothers, six Women Maskers_, - Cupid's _Bow bent all the way towards them, the first woman - singing and playing, a Priest_. - - SONG. - - _Oh turn thy bow,_ - _Thy power we feel and know,_ - _Fair_ Cupid _turn away thy Bow:_ - _They be those golden Arrows,_ - _Bring Ladies all their sorrows,_ - _And till there be more truth in men,_ - _Never shoot at Maid agen._ - - _Pas._ What a felicity of whores are here! - And all my Concubines struck bleeding new: - A man can in his life time make but one woman, - But he may make his fifty Queans a month. - - _Cu._ Have you remembred a Priest, honest brothers? - - _1 Bro._ Yes Sister, and this is the young Gentleman, - Make you no question of our faithfulness. - - _2 Bro._ His growing shame, Sister, provokes our care: - - _Priest._ He must be taken in this fit of Love, Gentlemen. - - _1 Bro._ What else Sir, he shall do't. - - _2 Bro._ Enough. - - _1 Bro._ Be chearful wench. [_A dance._ Cupid _leading_. - - _Pas._ Now by the stroke of pleasure, a deep oath, - Nimbly hopt Ladies all; what height they bear too! - A story higher than your common statures; - A little man must go up stairs to kiss 'em: - What a great space there is - Betwixt Loves Dining Chamber, and his Garret! - I'll try the utmost height--the Garret stoops methinks; - The rooms are made all bending, I see that, - And not so high as a man takes 'em for. - - _Cu._ Now if you'll follow me Sir, I've that power, - To make them follow you. - - _Pas._ Are they all shot? - - _Cu._ All, all Sir, every mothers daughter of 'em. - - _Pas._ Then there's no fear of following; if they be once shot - They'll follow a man to th' devil--As for you, Sir-- - - [_Ex. with the Lady and the Masquers._ - - _Sold._ Me Sir? - - _1 Gent._ Nay sweet Sir. - - _Sold._ A noise, a threatening, did you not hear it Sir? - - _1 Gent._ Without regard, Sir, so would I hear you. - - _Sold._ This must come to something, never talk of that Sir. - You never saw it otherwise. - - _1 Gent._ Nay dear merit-- - - _Sold._ Me above all men? - - _1 Gent._ Troth you wrong your anger. - - _Sold._ I will be arm'd, my honourable Letcher. - - _1 Gent._ Oh fie sweet Sir. - - _Sold._ That devours womens honesties by lumps, - And never chaw'st thy pleasure: - - _2 Gent._ What do you mean, Sir? - - _Sold._ What does he mean t'ingross all to himself? - There's others love a whore as well as he Sir. - - _1 Gent._ Oh, if that be part o' th' fury, we have a City - Is very well provided for that case; - Let him alone with her, Sir, we have Women - Are very charitable to proper men, - And to a Soldier that has all his limbs; - Marry the sick and lame gets not a penny: - Right womens charity, and the Husbands follow't too: - Here comes his Highness Sir. - - _Enter Duke and Lords._ - - _Sold._ I'll walk to cool my self. [_Exit._ - - _Duke._ Who's that? - - _1 Gent._ The brother of _Shamont_. - - _Duke._ He's Brother then - To all the Courts love, they that love discreetly, - And place their friendliness upon desert: - As for the rest, that with a double face - Look upon merit much like fortunes visage, - That looks two ways, both to life's calms and storms, - I'll so provide for him, chiefly for him, - He shall not wish their loves, nor dread their envies. - And here comes my _Shamont_. - - _Enter_ Shamont. - - _Sham._ That Ladies virtues are my only joyes, - And he to offer to lay siege to them? - - _Duke. Shamont._ - - _Sham._ Her goodness is my pride: in all discourses, - As often as I hear rash tongu'd gallants, - Speak rudely of a woman, presently - I give in but her name, and th'are all silent: - Oh who would loose this benefit? - - _Duke._ Come hither Sir. - - _Sham._ 'Tis like the Gift of Healing, but Diviner; - For that but cures diseases in the body, - This works a cure on Fame, on Reputation: - The noblest piece of Surgery upon earth. - - _Duke. Shamont_; he minds me not. - - _Sham._ A Brother do't? - - _Duke. Shamont_ I say. [_Gives him a touch with his switch._ - - _Sham._ Ha? - If he be mortal, by this hand he perishes; [_Draws._ - Unless it be a stroke from heaven, he dies for't. - - _Duke._ Why, how now Sir? 'twas I. - - _Sham._ The more's my misery. - - _Duke._ Why, what's the matter prethee? - - _Sham._ Can you ask it, Sir? - No man else should; stood forty lives before him, - By this I would have op'd my way to him; - It could not be you Sir, excuse him not, - What e'er he be, as y'are dear to honor, - That I may find my peace agen. - - _Duke._ Forbear I say, - Upon my love to truth, 'twas none but I. - - _Sham._ Still miserable? - - _Duke._ Come, come, what ails you Sir? - - _Sham._ Never sate shame cooling so long upon me, - Without a satisfaction in revenge, - And heaven has made it here a sin to wish it. - - _Duke._ Hark you Sir! - - _Sham._ Oh y'ave undone me. - - _Duke._ How? - - _Sham._ Cruelly undone me; - I have lost my peace and reputation by you: - Sir, pardon me, I can never love you more. [_Exit._ - - _Duke._ What language call you this Sirs? - - _1 Gent._ Truth my Lord, I've seldom heard a stranger-- - - _2 Gent._ He is a man of a most curious valour, - Wondrous precise, and punctual in that virtue. - - _Duke._ But why to me so punctual? my last thought - Was most intirely fixt on his advancement - Why, I came now to put him in possession - Of his fair fortunes: what a mis-conceiver 'tis! - And from a Gentleman of our Chamber meerly, - Made him Vice-Admiral: I was setled in't. - I love him next to health: call him Gentlemen; - Why would not you, or you, ha' taken as much, - And never murmur'd? [_Exit 1 Gent._ - - _2 Gent._ Troth, I think we should, my Lord, - And there's a fellow walks about the Court, - Would take a hundred of 'em. - - _Duke._ I hate you all for't, - And rather praise his high pitch'd fortitude, - Though in extreams for niceness: now I think on't, - I would I had never done't--Now Sir, where is he? - - _Enter 1 Gentleman._ - - _1 Gent._ His sute is only Sir, to be excus'd. - - _Duke._ He shall not be excus'd, I love him dearlier: - Say we intreat him; goe, he must not leave us [_Exit two Gentlemen._ - So virtue bless me, I ne'er knew him paralell'd; - Why, he's more precious to me now, than ever. - - _Enter two Gentlemen, and_ Shamont. - - _2 Gent._ With much fair language w'ave brought him. - - _Duke._ Thanks----Where is he? - - _2 Gent._ Yonder Sir. - - _Duke._ Come forward man. - - _Sham._ Pray pardon me, I'm asham'd to be seen Sir. - - _Duke._ Was ever such a touchie man heard of? - Prethee come nearer. - - _Sham._ More into the light? - Put not such cruelty into your requests my Lord, - First to disgrace me publickly, and then draw me - Into mens eye-sight, with the shame yet hot - Upon my reputation. - - _Duke._ What disgrace, Sir? - - _Sham._ What? - Such as there can be no forgiveness for, - That I can find in honour. - - _Duke._ That's most strange, Sir. - - _Sham._ Yet I have search'd my bosom to find one, - And wrestled with my inclination, - But 'twill not be: would you had kill'd me Sir. - With what an ease had I forgiven you then! - But to endure a stroke from any hand - Under a punishing Angel, which is justice, - Honor disclaim that man, for my part chiefly: - Had it been yet the malice of your sword, - Though it had cleft me, 't had been noble to me; - You should have found my thanks paid in a smile - If I had fell unworded; but to shame me, - With the correction that your horse should have, - Were you ten thousand times my royal Lord, - I cannot love you never, nor desire to serve you more. - If your drum call me, I am vowed to valour, - But peace shall never know me yours agen, - Because I've lost mine own, I speak to dye Sir; - Would you were gracious that way to take off shame, - With the same swiftness as you pour it on: - And since it is not in the power of Monarchs - To make a Gentleman, which is a substance - Only begot of merit, they should be careful - Not to destroy the worth of one so rare, - Which neither they can make; nor lost, repair. [_Exit._ - - _Duke._ Y'ave set a fair light Sir before my judgement, - Which burns with wondrous clearness; I acknowledge it, - And your worth with it: but then Sir, my love, - My love--what gone agen? - - _1 Gen._ And full of scorn, my Lord. - - _Duke._ That language will undoe the man that keeps it. - Who knows no diff'rence 'twixt contempt and manhood. - Upon your love to goodness, Gentlemen, - Let me not lose him long: how now? - - _Enter a Huntsman._ - - _Hunts._ The game's at height my Lord. - - _Duke._ Confound both thee and it: hence break it off; - He hates me brings me news of any pleasure: - I felt not such a conflict since I cou'd; - Distinguish betwixt worthiness and bloud. [_Ex._ - - - - -_Actus Tertius. Scæna Prima._ - - - _Enter the two Brothers, 1 Gentleman, with those that_ - _were the Masquers, and the_ Cupid. - - _1 Gent._ I heartily commend your project, Gentlemen, - 'Twas wise and virtuous. - - _1 Bro._ 'Twas for the safety - Of precious honour Sir, which near bloud binds us to: - He promis'd the poor easie fool there, marriage, - There was a good Maiden-head lost i'th' belief on't, - Beshrew her hasty confidence. - - _1 Gent._ Oh no more, Sir, - You make her weep agen; alas poor _Cupid_: - Shall she not shift her self? - - _1 Bro._ Oh by no means Sir: - We dare not have her seen yet, all the while - She keeps this shape, 'tis but thought device, - And she may follow him so without suspition, - To see if she can draw all his wild passions, - To one point only, and that's love, the main point: - So far his Highness grants, and gave at first, - Large approbation to the quick conceit, - Which then was quick indeed. - - _1 Gent._ You make her blush insooth. - - _1 Bro._ I fear 'tis more the flag of shame, than grace Sir. - - _1 Gent._ They both give but one kind of colour, Sir: - If it be bashfulness in that kind taken, - It is the same with grace; and there she weeps agen. - In truth y'are too hard, much, much too bitter Sir, - Unless you mean to have her weep her eyes out, - To play a _Cupid_ truly. - - _1 Bro._ Come ha' done then: - We should all fear to sin first; for 'tis certain, - When 'tis once lodg'd, though entertain'd in mirth, - It must be wept out, if it e'er come forth. - - _1 Gent._ Now 'tis so well, I'll leave you. - - _1 Bro._ Faithfully welcome, Sir, - Go _Cupid_ to your charge; he's your own now; - If he want love, none will be blam'd but you. - - _Cu._ The strangest marriage, and unfortunat'st Bride - That ever humane memory contain'd; - I cannot be my self for't. [_Exit._ - - _Enter the Clown._ - - _Clow._ Oh Gentlemen? - - _1 Bro._ How now, Sir, what's the matter? - - _Clo._ His melancholly passion is half spent already, - Then comes his angry fit at the very tail on't, - Then comes in my pain, gentlemen; h'as beat me e'en to a - Cullis. I am nothing, right worshipful, but very pap, - And jelly: I have no bones, my body's all one business, - They talk of ribs and chines most freely abroad i'th' world, - Why, I have no such thing; who ever lives to see me dead, - Gentlemen, shall find me all mummie good to fill Gallipots, - And long dildo glasses: I shall not have a bone to throw - At a dog. - - _Omnes._ Alas poor vassal; how he goes! - - _Clo._ Oh Gentlemen, - I am unjoynted, do but think o' that: - My breast is beat into my maw, that what I eat, - I am fain to take't in all at mouth with spoons; - A lamentable hearing; and 'tis well known, my belly - Is driven into my back. - I earn'd four Crowns a month most dearly Gentlemen, - And one he must have when the fit's upon him, - The Privy-purse allows it, and 'tis thriftiness, - He would break else s[o]me forty pounds in Casements, - And in five hundred years undo the Kingdom: - I have cast it up to a quarrel. - - _1 Bro._ There's a fellow kickt about Court, I would - He had his place, brother, but for one fit of his indignation. - - _2 Bro._ And suddainly I have thought upon a means for't. - - _1 Bro._ I prethee how? - - _2 Bro._ 'Tis but preferring, Brother - This stockfish to his service, with a Letter - Of commendations, the same way he wishes it, - And then you win his heart: for o' my knowledge - He has laid wait this half year for a fellow - That will be beaten, and with a safe conscience - We may commend the carriage of this man in't; - Now servants he has kept, lusty tall feeders, - But they have beat him, and turn'd themselves away: - Now one that would endure, is like to stay, - And get good wages of him; and the service too - Is ten times milder, Brother, I would not wish it else. - I see the fellow has a sore crush'd body, - And the more need he has to be kick'd at ease. - - _Clow._ I sweet Gentlemen, a kick of ease, send me to such a Master. - - _2 Bro._ No more I say, we have one for thee, a soft footed Master, - One that wears wooll in's toes. - - _Clow._ Oh Gentlemen, soft garments may you wear, - Soft skins may you wed, - But as plump as pillows, both for white and red. - And now will I reveal a secret to you, - Since you provide for my poor flesh so tenderly, - Has hir'd meer rogues out of his chamber window, - To beat the Soldier, Monsieur _Shamont_'s Brother: - - _1 Bro._ That nothing concerns us, Sir. - - _Clow._ For no cause, Gentlemen, - Unless it be for wearing Shoulder-points, - With longer taggs than his. - - _2 Bro._ Is not that somewhat? - Birlakin Sir, the difference of long taggs, - Has cost many a man's life, and advanc'd other some, - Come follow me. - - _Clow._ See what a gull am I: - Oh every man in his profession; - I know a thump now as judiciously, - As the proudest he that walks, I'll except none; - Come to a tagg, how short I fall! I'm gone [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter_ Lapet. - - _Lap._ I have been ruminating with my self, - What honor a man loses by a kick: - Why; what's a kick? the fury of a foot, - Whose indignation commonly is stampt - Upon the hinder quarter of a man: - Which is a place very unfit for honor, - The world will confess so much: - Then what disgrace I pray, does th[a]t part surfer - Where honor never comes, I'de fain know that? - This being well forc'd, and urg'd, may have the power - To move most Gallants to take kicks in time, - And spurn out the duelloes out o' th' kingdom, - For they that stand upon their honor most, - When they conceive there is no honor lost, - As by a Table that I have invented - For that purpose alone, shall appear plainly, - Which shews the vanity of all blows at large. - And with what ease they may be took of all sides, - Numbring but twice o'er the Letters patience - From _C. P._ to _E._ I doubt not but in small time - To see a dissolution of all bloud-shed, - If the reform'd _Kick_ do but once get up: - For what a lamentable folly 'tis, - If we observe't, for every little justle, - Which is but the ninth part of a sound thump, - In our meek computation, we must fight forsooth, yes, - If I kill, I'm hang'd; if I be kill'd my self, - I dye for't also: is not this trim wisdom? - Now for the _Con_, a ma[n] may be well beaten, - Yet pass away his fourscore years smooth after: - I had a Father did it, and to my power - I will not be behind him. - - _Enter_ Shamont. - - _Sham._ Oh well met. - - _Lap._ Now a fine _punch_ or two, I look for't duly. - - _Sham._ I've been to seek you. - - _Lap._ Let me know your Lodging, Sir, - I'll come to you once a day, and use your pleasure, Sir. - - _Sham._ I'm made the fittest man for thy society: - I'll live and dye with thee, come shew me a chamber; - There is no house but thine, but only thine, - That's fit to cover me: I've took a blow, sirrah. - - _Lap._ I would you had indeed: why, you may see, Sir; - You'll all come to't in time, when my Book's out. - - _Sham._ Since I did see thee last, I've took a blow. - - _Lap._ Pha Sir, that's nothing: I ha' took forty since. - - _Sham._ What? and I charg'd thee thou shouldst not? - - _Lap._ I Sir, you might charge your pleasure. - But they would give't me, whether I would or no. - - _Sham._ Oh, I walk without my peace, I've no companion now; - Prethee resolve me, for I cannot aske - A man more beaten to experience, - Than thou art in this kind, what manner of blow - Is held the most disgraceful, or distasteful? - For thou dost only censure 'em by the hurt, - Not by the shame they do thee: yet having felt - Abuses of all kinds, thou may'st deliver, - Though't be by chance, the most injurious one. - - _Lap._ You put me to't, Sir; but to tell you truth, - They're all as one with me, little exception. - - _Sham._ That little may do much, let's have it from you. - - _Lap._ With all the speed I may, first then, and foremost, - I hold so reverently of the _Bastinado_, Sir, - That if it were the dearest friend i'th' world, - I'de put it into his hand. - - _Sham._ Go too, I'll pass that then. - - _Lap._ Y'are the more happy, Sir, - Would I were past it too: - But being accustom'd to't. It is the better carried. - - _Sham._ Will you forward? - - _Lap._ Then there's your _souce_, your _wherit_ and your _dowst_, - _Tugs_ on the hair, your _bob_ o'th' lips, a whelp on't, - I ne'er could find much difference: Now your _thump_, - A thing deriv'd first from your Hemp-beaters, - Takes a mans wind away, most spitefully: - There's nothing that destroys a Collick like it, - For't leaves no wind i'th' body. - - _Sham._ On Sir, on. - - _Lap._ Pray give me leave, I'm out of breath with thinking on't. - - _Sham._ This is far off yet. - - _Lap._ For the _twinge_ by th' nose, - 'Tis certainly unsightly, so my [Table] says, - But helps against the head-ach, wond'rous strangely. - - _Sham._ Is't possible? - - _Lap._ Oh your _crush'd nostrils_ slakes your _opilation_, - And makes your pent powers flush to wholsome sneezes. - - _Sham._ I never thought there had been half that virtue - In a wrung nose before. - - _Lap._ Oh plenitude, Sir: - Now come we lower to our _modern Kick_, - Which has been mightily in use of late, - Since our young men drank _Coltsfoot_: and I grant you, - 'Tis a most scornful wrong, cause the foot plays it; - But mark agen, how we that take't, requite it - With the like scorn, for we receive it backward; - And can there be a worse disgrace retorted? - - _Sham._ And is this all? - - _Lap._ All but a _Lug by th' ear_, - Or such a trifle. - - _Sham._ Happy sufferer, - All this is nothing to the wrong I bear: - I see the worst disgrace, thou never felt'st yet; - It is so far from thee tho[u] canst not think on't; - Nor dare I let thee know, it is so abject. - - _Lap._ I would you would though, that I might prepare for't - For I shall ha't at one time or another: - If't be a _thwack_, I make account of that; - There's no new fashion'd swap that e'er came up yet, - But I've the first on 'em, I thank 'em for't. - - _Enter the Lady and Servants._ - - _La._ Hast thou enquir'd? - - _1 Serv._ But can hear nothing, Madam. - - _Sham._ If there be but so much substance in thee - To make a shelter for a man disgrac'd, - Hide my departure from that glorious woman - That comes with all perfection about her: - So noble, that I dare not be seen of her, - Since shame took hold of me: upon thy life - No mention of me. - - _Lap._ I'll cut out my tongue first, - Before I'll loose my life, there's more belongs to't. - - _Lad._ See there's a Gentleman, enquire of him. - - _2 Ser._ For Monsieur _Shamont_, Madam? - - _Lad._ For whom else, Sir? - - _1 Serv._ Why, this fellow dares not see him. - - _Lad._ How? - - _1 Serv. Shamont_, Madam? - His very name's worse than a Feaver to him, - And when he cries, there's nothing stills him sooner; - Madam, your Page of thirteen is too hard for him, - 'Twas try'd i'th' wood-yard. - - _Lad._ Alas poor grieved Merit! - What is become of him? if he once fail, - Virtue shall find small friendship: farewel then - To Ladies worths, for any hope in men, - He lov'd for goodness, not for Wealth, or Lust, - After the world's foul dotage, he ne'er courted - The body, but the beauty of the mind, - A thing which common courtship never thinks on: - All his affections were so sweet and fair, - There is no hope for fame if he despair. - - [_Exit Lady and Serv._ - - _Enter the Clown. He kicks_ Lapet. - - _Lap._ Good morrow to you agen most heartily, Sir, - Cry you mercy, I heard you not, I was somewhat busie. - - _Clow._ He takes it as familiarly, as an Ave, - Or precious salutation: I was sick till I had one, - Because I am so us'd to't. - - _Lap._ However you deserve, your friends and mine, here - Give you large commendations i'this Letter, - They say you will endure well. - - _Clow._ I'de be loath - To prove 'em liers: I've endur'd as much - As mortal pen and ink can set me down for. - - _Lap._ Say you me so? - - _Clow._ I know and feel it so, Sir, - I have it under Black and White already; - I need no Pen to paint me out. - - _Lap._ He fits me, - And hits my wishes pat, pat: I was ne'er - In possibility to be better mann'd, - For he's half lam['d] already, I see't plain, - But take no notice on't, for fear I make - The rascal proud, and dear, to advance his wages; - First, let me grow into particulars with you; - What have you endured of worth? let me hear. - - _Clow._ Marry Sir, I'm almost beaten blind. - - _Lap._ That's pretty well for a beginning, - But many a Mill-horse has endur'd as much. - - _Clow._ Shame o'th' Millers heart for his unkindness then. - - _Lap._ Well Sir, what then? - - _Clow._ I've been twice thrown down stairs, just before supper. - - _Lap._ Puh, so have I, that's nothing. - - _Clow._ I but Sir, - Was yours pray before supper? - - _Lap._ There thou posest me. - - _Clow._ I marry, that's it, 't had been less grief to me, - Had I but fill'd my belly, and then tumbled, - But to be flung down fasting, there's the dolour. - - _Lap._ It would have griev'd me, that indeed: proceed Sir. - - _Clo._ I have been pluck'd and tugg'd by th' hair o'th' head - About a Gallery, half an Acre long. - - _Lap._ Yes, that's a good one, I must needs confess, - A principal good one that, an absolute good one, - I have been trode upon, and spurn'd about, - But never tugg'd by th' hair, I thank my fates. - - _Clow._ Oh 'tis a spiteful pain. - - _Lap._ Peace, never speak on't, - For putting men in mind on't. - - _Clow._ To conclude, - I'm bursten Sir: my belly will hold no meat. - - _Lap._ No? that makes amends for all. - - _Clow._ Unless 't be puddings, - Or such fast food, any loose thing beguiles me, I'm ne'er the better - for't. - - _Lap._ Sheeps-heads will stay with thee? - - _Clo._ Yes Sir, or Chaldrons. - - _Lap._ Very well sir: - Your bursten fellows must take heed of surfets: - Strange things it seems, you have endur'd; - - _Clo._ Too true Sir. - - _Lap._ But now the question is, what you will endure - Hereafter in my service? - - _Clo._ Anything - That shall be reason Sir, for I'm but froth; - Much like a thing new calv'd, or come more nearer Sir, - Y'ave seen a cluster of Frog-spawns in _April_, - E'en such a starch am I, as weak and tender - As a green woman yet. - - _Lap._ Now I know this, - I will be very gently angry with thee, - And kick thee carefully. - - _Clow._ Oh I, sweet Sir. - - _Lap._ Peace, when thou art offer'd well, lest I begin now. - Your friends and mine have writ here for your truth, - They'll pass their words themselves, and I must meet 'em. - - _Clow._ Then have you all: [_Exit._ - As for my honesty, there is no fear of that, - For I have ne'er a whole bone about me. [_Exit._ - -_Musick. Enter the passionate Cosin, rudely, and carelesly apparrell'd,_ - _unbrac'd, and untruss'd. The_ Cupid _following_. - - _Cup._ Think upon love, which makes all creatures handsome, - Seemly for eye-sight; goe not so diffusedly, - There are great Ladies purpose Sir to visit you. - - _Pas._ Grand plagues, shut in my casements, that the breaths - Of their Coach-mares reek not into my nostrils; - Those beasts are but a kind of bawdy fore-runners. - - _Cup._ It is not well with you, - When you speak ill of fair Ladies. - - _Pas._ Fair mischiefs, give me a nest of Owls and take 'em; - Happy is he, say I, whose window opens - To a brown Bakers chimney, he shall be sure there - To hear the Bird sometimes after twilight: - What a fine thing 'tis methinks to have our garments - Sit loose upon us thus, thus carelesly, - It is more manly, and more mortifying; - For we're so much the readier for our shrouds: - For how ridiculous wer't, to have death come, - And take a fellow, pinn'd up like a Mistriss! - About his neck a Ruff, like a pinch'd Lanthorn, - Which School-boys make in winter; and his doublet - So close and pent, as if he fear'd one prison - Would not be strong enough, to keep his soul in; - But's Tailor makes another: - And trust me; (for I know't when I lov'd _Cupid_,) - He does endure much pain, for the poor praise - Of a neat sitting suit. - - _Cup._ One may be handsome, Sir, - And yet not pain'd, nor proud. - - _Pas._ There you lie _Cupid_, - As bad as _Mercury_: there is no handsomness, - But has a wash of Pride and Luxury, - And you go there too _Cupid._ Away dissembler, - Thou tak'st the deeds part, which befools us all; - Thy Arrow heads shoot out sinners: hence away, - And after thee I'll send a powerful charm, - Shall banish thee for ever. - - _Cup._ Never, never, - I am too sure thine own. [_Exit._ - - Pas. Sings. - - _Hence all you vain Delights,_ - _As short as are the nights,_ - _Wherein you spend your folly,_ - _There's nought in this life sweet,_ - _If man were wise to see't_, - _But only melancholly,_ - _Oh sweetest melancholly._ - _Welcome folded Arms, and fixed Eyes,_ - _A sigh that piercing mortifies,_ - _A look that's fastened to the ground,_ - _A tongue chain'd up without a sound._ - - _Fountain heads, and pathless Groves,_ - _Places which pale passion loves:_ - _Moon-light walks, when all the Fowls_ - _Are warmly hous'd, save Bats and Owls;_ - _A mid-night Bell, a parting groan,_ - _These are the sounds we feed upon;_ - _Then stretch our bones in a still gloomy valley,_ - _Nothing's so dainty sweet, as lovely melancholly._ [_Exit._ - - _Enter at another door_ Lapet, _the_ Cupid_'s Brothers_ - _watching his coming_. - - _1 Bro._ So, so, the Woodcock's ginn'd; - Keep this door fast brother. - - _2 Bro._ I'll warrant this. - - _1 Bro._ I'll goe incense him instantly; - I know the way to't. - - _2 Bro._ Will't not be too soon think you, - And make two fits break into one? - - _1 Bro._ Pah, no, no; the tail of his melancholy - Is always the head of his anger, and follows as close, - As the Report follows the powder. - - _Lap._ This is the appointed place, and the hour struck, - If I can get security for's truth, - I'll never mind his honesty, poor worm, - I durst lay him by my wife, which is a benefit - Which many Masters ha' not: I shall ha' no Maid - Now got with child, but what I get my self, - And that's no small felicity: in most places - Th'are got by th' Men, and put upon the Masters, - Nor shall I be resisted when I strike, - For he can hardly stand; these are great blessings. - - _Pas._ I want my food, deliver me a Varlet. [_Within._ - - _Lap._ How now, from whence comes that? - - _Pas._ I am allow'd a carkass to insult on; - Where's the villain? - - _Lap._ He means not me I hope. - - _Pas._ My maintenance rascals; my bulk, my exhibition. - - _[L]ap._ Bless us all, - What names are these? Would I were gone agen. - - _The passionate man enters in fury with a Truncheon._ - - He Sings. - - _A curse upon thee for a slave,_ - _Art thou here, and heardst me rave?_ - _Fly not sparkles from mine eye,_ - _To shew my indignation nigh?_ - _Am I not all foam, and fire,_ - _With voice as hoarse as a Town-crier?_ - _How my back opes and shuts together,_ - _With fury, as old mens with weather!_ - _Could'st thou not hear my teeth gnash hither?_ - - _Lap._ No truly, Sir, I thought 't had been a Squirrel, - Shaving a Hazel-nut. - - _Pas._ Death, Hell, Fiends, and darkness. - I will thrash thy maungy carkass. - - _Lap._ Oh sweet Sir. - - _Pas._ There cannot be too many tortures, - Spent upon those louzie Quarters. - - _Lap._ Hold, oh. [_Falls down for dead._ - - _Pas._ Thy bones shall rue, thy bones shall rue. - - Sings again. - - _Thou nasty, scurvy, mongril Toad,_ - _Mischief on thee;_ - _Light upon thee,_ - _All the plagues_ - _That can confound thee_ - _Or did ever raign abroad:_ - _Better a thousand lives it cost,_ - _Than have brave anger spilt or lost._ [_Exit._ - - _Lap._ May I open mine eyes yet, and safely peep: - I'll try a groon first--oh--Nay then he's gone. - There was no other policy but to dy, - He would ha' made me else. Ribs are you sore? - I was ne'er beaten to a tune before. - - _Enter the two Brothers._ - - _1 Bro. Lapet._ - - _Lap._ Agen? [_Falls again._ - - _1 Bro._ Look, look, he's flat agen, - And stretched out like a Coarse, a handful longer - Than he walks, trust me brother. Why _Lapet_ - I hold my life we shall not get him speak now: - Monsieur _Lapet_; it must be a privy token, - If any thing fetch him, he's so far gone. - We come to pass our words for your mans truth. - - _Lap._ Oh Gentlemen y'are welcome: I have been thrash'd i' faith. - - _2 Bro._ How? thrash'd Sir? - - _Lap._ Never was Shrove-tuesday Bird - So cudgell'd, Gentlemen. - - _1 Bro._ Pray how? by whom Sir? - - _Lap._ Nay, that I know not. - - _1 Bro._ Not who did this wrong? - - _Lap._ Only a thing came like a Walking Song. - - _1 Bro._ What beaten with a Song? - - _Lap._ Never more tightly, Gentlemen: - Such crotchets happen now and then, methinks - He that endures well, of all waters drinks. [_Exeunt._ - - - - -_Actus Quartus. Scæna Prima._ - - - _Enter_ Shamont's _Brother, the Soldier, and 1 Gentleman_. - - _Sold._ Yes, yes, this was a Madman, Sir, with you, - A passionate Mad-man. - - _1 Gen._ Who would ha' lookt for this, Sir? - - _Sold._ And must be priviledg'd: a pox priviledge him: - I was never so dry beaten since I was born, - And by a litter of rogues, meer rogues, the whole twenty - Had not above [nine] elbows amongst 'em all too: - And the most part of those left-handed rascals, - The very vomit, Sir, of Hospitals, - Bridewels, and Spittle-houses; such nasty smellers, - That if they'd been unfurnish'd of Club-Truncheons, - They might have cudgell'd me with their very stinks, - It was so strong, and sturdy: and shall this, - This filthy injury, be set off with madness? - - _1 Gen._ Nay, take your own blouds counsel, Sir, hereafter, - I'll deal no further in't: if you remember, - It was not come to blows, when I advis'd you. - - _Sold._ No, but I ever said, 'twould come to something, - And 'tis upon me, thank him: were he kin - To all the mighty Emperors upon earth, - He has not now in life three hours to reckon; - I watch but a free time. - - _Enter_ Shamont. - - _1 Gent._ Your noble brother, Sir, I'll leave you now. [_Ex._ - - _Sham._ Soldier, I would I could perswade my thoughts - From thinking thee a brother, as I can - My tongue from naming on't: thou hast no friend here, - But fortune and thy own strength, trust to them. - - [_Sold._ How? what's the incitement, sir?] - - _Sham._ Treachery to virtue; - Thy treachery, thy faithless circumvention: - Has Honor so few daughters, never fewer, - And must thou aim thy treachery at the best? - The very front of virtue, that blest Lady? the Dukes Sister? - Created more for admirations cause, - Than for loves ends; whose excellency sparkles - More in Divinity, than mortal beauty; - And as much difference 'twixt her mind and body, - As 'twixt this earths poor centre, and the Sun: - And could'st thou be so injurious to fair goodness, - Once to attempt to court her down to frailty? - Or put her but in mind that there is weakness, - Sin, and desire, which she should never hear of? - Wretch, thou'st committed worse than Sacriledge, - In the attempting on't, and ought'st to dye for't. - - _Sold._ I rather ought to do my best, to live, Sir. - Provoke me not; for I've a wrong sits on me, - That makes me apt for mischief; [I] shall lose - All respects suddainly of friendship, Brother-hood, - Or any sound that way. - - _Sham._ But 'ware me most; - For I come with a two-edg'd injury; - Both my disgrace, and thy apparent falshood, - Which must [b]e dangerous. - - _Sold._ I courted her, Sir; - Love starve me with delays, when I confess it not. - - _Sham._ There's nothing then but death - Can be a pennance fit for that confession. - - _Sold._ But far from any vitious taint. - - _Sham._ Oh Sir, - Vice is a mighty stranger grown to courtship. - - _Sold._ Nay, then the fury of my wrong light on thee. - - _Enter 1 Gentleman, and others._ - - _1 Gen._ Forbear, the Duke's at hand. - Here, hard at hand, upon my reputation. - - _Sold._ I must do something now. [_Ex. Sold._ - - _Sham._ I'll follow you close Sir. - - _1 Gen._ We must intreat you must not; for the Duke - Desires some conference with you. - - _Sham._ Let me go, - As y'are Gentlemen. - - _2 Gent._ Faith we dare not Sir. - - _Sham._ Dare ye be false to honor, and yet dare not - Do a man justice? give me leave-- - - _1 Gent._ Good sweet Sir. - H'as sent twice for you. - - _Sham._ Is this brave, or manly? - - _1 Gent._ I prethee be conform'd. - - _Sham._ Death-- - - _Enter Duke._ - - _2 Gent._ Peace, he's come in troth. - - _Sham._ Oh have you betraid me to my shame afresh? - How am I bound to loath you! - - _Duke. Shamont_, welcome, - I sent twice. - - _2 Gent._ But my Lord, he never heard on't. - - _Sham._ Pray pardon him, for his falseness, I did Sir, - Both times; I'd rather be found rude, than faithless. - - _Duke._ I love that bluntness dearly: h'as no vice, - But is more manly than some others virtue, - That lets it out only for shew or profit. - - _Sham._ Will't please you quit me, Sir, I've urgent business? - - _Duke._ Come, you're so hasty now, I sent for you - To a better end. - - _Sham._ And if it be an end, - Better or worse, I thank your goodness for't. - - _Duke._ I've ever kept that bounty in condition, - And thankfulness in bloud, which well becomes - Both Prince and Subject, that where any wrong - Bears my impression, or the hasty figure - Of my repented anger, I'm a Law - Ev'n to my self, and doom my self most strictly - To Justice, and a noble satisfaction: - So that, what you, in tenderness of honor, - Conceive to be loss to you, which is nothing - But curious opinion, I'll restore agen, - Although I give you the best part of _Genoa_, - And take to boot but thanks for your amends. - - _Sham._ Oh miserable satisfaction, - Ten times more wretched than the wrong it self; - Never was ill better made good with worse: - Shall it be said, that my posterity - Shall live the sole heir[es] of their fathers shame? - And raise their wealth and glory from my stripes? - You have provided nobly, bounteous Sir, - For my disgrace, to make it live for ever, - Out-lasting Brass or Marble: - This is my fears construction, and a deep one, - Which neither argument nor time can alter: - Yet I dare swear, I wrong your goodness in't Sir, - And the most fair intent on't, which I reverence - With admiration, that in you a Prince, - Should be so sweet and temperate a condition, - To offer to restore where you may ruine, - And do't with justice, and in me a servant, - So harsh a disposition, that I cannot - Forgive where I should honor, and am bound to't. - But I have ever had that curiosity - In bloud, and tenderness of reputation - Such an antipathy against a blow, - I cannot speak the rest: Good Sir discharge me, - It is not fit that I should serve you more, - Nor come so near you; I'm made now for privacy, - And a retir'd condition, that's my suit: - To part from Court for ever, my last suit; - And as you profess bounty, grant me that Sir. - - _Duk[e]._ I would deny thee nothing. - - _Sham._ Health reward you, Sir. [_Exit._ - - _Duke._ He's gone agen already, and takes hold - Of any opportunity: not riches - Can purchase him, nor honors, peaceably, - And force were brutish: what a great worth's gone with him, - And but a Gentleman? well, for his sake, - I'll ne'er offend more, those I cannot make; - They were his words, and shall be dear to memory. - Say I desire to see him once agen; - Yet stay, he's so well forward of his peace, - 'Twere pity to disturb him: he would groan - Like a soul fetch'd agen; and that were injury, - And I've wrong'd his degree too much already. - Call forth the Gentlem[e]n of our chamber instantly. - - _1 Serv._ I shall my Lord. [_Within._ - - _Duke._ I may forget agen, - And therefore will prevent: the strain of this - Troubles me so, one would not hazard more. - - _Enter 1 Gent, and divers others._ - - _Gent._ Your Will my Lord? - - _Duke._ Yes; I discharge you all. - - _2 Gent._ My Lord-- - - _Duke._ Your places shall be otherwise dispos'd of. - - _4 Gent._ Why Sir? - - _Duke._ Reply not, I dismiss you all: - Y'are Gentlemen, your worths will find you fortunes; - Nor shall your farewell taxe me of ingratitude. - I'll give you all noble remembrances, - As testimonies 'gainst reproach and malice, - That you departed lov'd. - - _3 Gen._ This is most strange, Sir. - - _1 Gent._ But how is your Grace furnish'd, these dismiss'd? - - _Duke._ Seek me out Grooms. - Men more insensible of reputation, - Less curious and precise in terms of honor, - That if my anger chance let fall a stroke, - As we are all subject to impetuous passions, - Yet it may pass unmurmur'd, undisputed; - And not with braver fury prosecuted. [_Exit._ - - _1 Gent._ It shall be done, my Lord. - - _3 Gent._ Know you the cause, Sir? - - _1 Gent._ Not I kind Gentlemen, but by conjectures, - And so much shall be yours when you please. - - _4._ Thanks Sir. - - _3 Gent._ We shall i'th mean time think our selves guilty - Of some foul fault, through ignorance committed. - - _1 Gent._ No, 'tis not that, nor that way. - - _4 Gent._ For my part, - I shall be dis-inherited, I know so much. - - _1 Gent._ Why Sir, for what? - - _4 Gent._ My Sire's of a strange humor, - He'll form faults for me, and then swear 'em mine, - And commonly the first begins with leachery, - He knows his own youths trespass. - - _1 Gent._ Before you go, - I'll come and take my leave, and tell you all Sirs. - - _3 Gent._ Thou wert ever just and kind. [_Exit._ - - _1 Gent._ That's my poor virtue, Sir, - And parcel valiant; but it's hard to be perfect: - The choosing of these fellows now will puzle me, - Horribly puzle me; and there's no judgement - Goes true upon mans outside, there's the mischief: - He must be touch'd, and try'd, for gold or dross; - There is no other way for't, and that's dangerous too; - But since I'm put in trust, [I] will attempt it: - The Duke shall keep one daring man about him. - - _Enter a Gallant._ - - Soft, who comes here? a pretty bravery this: - Every one goes so like a Gentleman, - 'Tis hard to find a difference, but by th' touch. - I'll try your mettal sure. - - _Gal._ Why what do you mean Sir? - - _1 Gent._ Nay, and you understand it not, I do not. - - _Gal._ Yes, would you should well know, - I understand it for a box o'th' ear Sir. - - _1 Gent._ And o'my troth, that's all I gave it for. - - _Gal._ 'Twere best it be so. - - _1 Gent._ This is a brave Coward, - A jolly threat'ning Coward; he shall be Captain: - Sir, let me meet you an hour hence i'th' Lobby. - - _Gal._ Meet you? the world might laugh at [me] then i'faith. - - _1 Ge._ Lay by your scorn and pride, they're scurvy qualities, - And meet me, or I'll box you while I have you, - And carry you gambril'd thither like a Mutton. - - _Gal._ Nay, and you be in earnest, here's my hand. - I will not fail you. - - _1 Gent._ 'Tis for your own good. - - _Gal._ Away. - - _1 Gent._ Too much for your own good, Sir, a pox on you. - - _Gal._ I prethee curse me all day long so. - - _1 Gent._ Hang you. - - _Gal._ I'll make him mad: he's loth to curse too much to me; - Indeed I never yet took box o'th' ear, - But it redounded, I must needs say so-- - - _1 Gent._ Will you be gone? - - _Gal._ Curse, curse, and then I goe. - Look how he grins, I've anger'd him to th' kidneys. [_Ex._ - - _1 Gen._ Was ever such a prigging coxcomb seen? - One might have beat him dumb now in this humor, - And he'd ha' grin'd it out still: - - _Enter a plain fellow._ - - Oh, here's one made to my hand, - Methinks looks like a Craven; - Less pains will serve his trial: some slight justle. - - _Plain._ How? take you that Sir: - And if that content you not-- - - _1 Gent._ Yes very well, Sir, I desire no more. - - _Plain._ I think you need not; - For you have not lost by't. [_Exit._ - - _1 Gent._ Who would ha' thought this would have prov'd a Gentleman? - I'll never trust long chins and little legs agen, - I'll know 'em sure for Gentlemen hereafter: - A gristle but in shew, but gave his cuff - With such a fetch, and reach of gentry, - As if h' had had his arms before the floud; - I have took a villanous hard taske upon me; - Now I begin to have a feeling on't. - - _Enter_ Lapet, _and Clown his servant, and so habited_. - - Oh, here comes a try'd piece, now, the reformed kick. - The millions of punches, spurns, and nips - That he has endur'd! his buttock's all black Lead, - He's half a _Negro_ backward; he was past a _Spaniard_ - In Eighty eight, and more _Ægyptian_ like; - His Table and his Book come both out shortly, - And all the cowards in the Town expect it; - So, if I fail of my full number now, - I shall be sure to find 'em at Church corners, - Where _Dives_, and the suff'ring Ballads hang. - - _Lap._ Well, since thou art of so mild a temper, - Of so meek a spirit, thou mayst live with me, - Till better times do smile on thy deserts. - I am glad I am got home again. - - _Clow._ I am happy in your service, Sir, - You'll keep me from the Hospital. - - _Lap._ So, bring me the last proof, this is corrected. - - _Clow._ I, y'are too full of your correction, Sir. - - _Lap._ Look I have perfect Books within this half hour. - - _Clow._ Yes Sir. - - _Lap._ Bid him put all the Thumps in _Pica Roman_. - And with great T's, (you vermin) as Thumps should be. - - _Clow._ Then in what Letter will you have your Kicks? - - _Lap._ All in _Italica_, your backward blows - All in _Italica_, you _Hermaphrodite_: - When shall I teach you wit? - - _Clow._ Oh let it alone, - Till you have some your self, Sir. - - _Lap._ You mumble? - - _Clow._ The victuals are lockt up; - I'm kept from mumbling. [_Exit._ - - _Lap._ He prints my blows upon Pot Paper too, the rogue, - Which had been proper for some drunken Pamphlet. - - _1 Gent._ Monsieur _Lapet_? how the world rings of you, Sir! - Your name sounds far and near. - - _Lap._ A good report it bears, for an enduring name-- - - _1 Gent._ What luck have you Sir? - - _Lap._ Why, what's the matter? - - _1 Gent._ I'm but thinking on't. - I've heard you wish these five years for a place. - Now there's one fall'n, and freely without money too; - And empty yet, and yet you cannot have't. - - _Lap._ No? what's the reason? I'll give money for't, - Rather than go without Sir. - - _1 Gen._ That's not it Sir: - The troth is, there's no Gentleman must have it - Either for love or money, 'tis decreed so; - I was heartily sorry when I thought upon you, - Had you not been a Gentleman, I had fitted you. - - _Lap._ Who I a Gentleman? a pox I'm none, Sir. - - _1 Gent._ How? - - _Lap._ How? why did you ever think I was? - - _1 Gent._ What? not a Gentleman? - - _Lap._ I would thou'dst put it upon me i'faith; - Did not my Grand-father cry Cony-skins? - My Father _Aquavitæ_? a hot Gentleman: - All this I speak on, i' your time and memory too; - Only a rich Uncle dy'd, and left me chattels, - You know all this so well too-- - - _1 Gent._ Pray excuse me, Sir, ha' not you Arms? - - _Lap._ Yes, a poor couple here, - That serve to thrust in wild-Fowl. - - _1 Gent._ Heralds Arms, - Symbols of Gentry, Sir: you know my meaning; - They've been shewn and seen. - - _Lap._ They have. - - _1 Gen._ I fex have they. - - _Lap._ Why I confess, at my wives instigation once, - (As Women love these Heralds kickshawes naturally) - I bought 'em: but what are they think you? puffs. - - _1 Gent._ Why, that's proper to your name being _Lapet_. - Which is _La fart_, after the _English_ Letter. - - _Lap._ The Herald, Sir, had much adoe to find it. - - _1 Gent._ And can you blame him? - Why, 'tis the only thing that puzles the devil. - - _Lap._ At last he lookt upon my name agen, - And having well compar'd it, this he gave me, - The two Cholliques playing upon a wind Instrument. - - _1 Gent._ An excellent proper one; but I pray tell me, - How does he express the Cholliques? - They are hard things. - - _Lap._ The Cholliques? with hot trenchers at their bellies; - There's nothing better, Sir, to blaze a Chollique. - - _1 Gent._ And are not you a Gentleman by this Sir? - - _Lap._ No, I disclaim't: no belly-ake upon earth - Shall make me one: he shall not think - To put his gripes upon me, - And wring out gentry so, and ten pound first. - If the wind Instrument will make my wife one, - Let her enjoy't, for she was a Harpers Grand-child: - But Sir, for my particular, I renounce it. - - _1 Gent._ Or to be call'd so? - - _Lap._ I Sir, or imagin'd. - - _1 Gent._ None fitter for the place: give me thy hand. - - _Lap._ A hundred thousand thanks, beside a Bribe, Sir. - - _1 Gent._ Yo[u] must take heed - Of thinking toward a Gentleman, now. - - _Lap._ Pish, I am not mad, I warrant you: nay, more Sir, - If one should twit me i'th' teeth that I'm a Gentleman, - Twit me their worst, I am but one since _Lammas_, - That I can prove, if they would see my heart out. - - _[1] Gen._ Marry, in any case keep me that evidence. - - _Enter Clown._ - - _Lap._ Here comes my Servant; Sir, _Galoshio_, - Has not his name for nought, he will be trode upon: - What says my Printer now? - - _Clow._ Here's your last Proof, Sir. - You shall have perfect Books now in a twinkling. - - _Lap._ These marks are ugly. - - _Clow._ He says, Sir, they're proper: - Blows should have marks, or else they are nothing worth. - - _La._ But why a Peel-crow here? - - _Clow._ I told 'em so Sir: - A scare-crow had been better. - - _Lap._ How slave? look you, Sir, - Did not I say, this _Whirrit_, and this _Bob_, - Should be both _Pica Roman_. - - _Clow._ So said I, Sir, both _Picked Romans_, - And he has made 'em _Welch_ Bills, - Indeed I know not what to make on 'em. - - _Lap._ Hay-day; a _Souse_, _Italica_? - - _Clow._ Yes, that may hold, Sir, - _Souse_ is a _bona roba_, so is _Flops_ too. - - _Lap._ But why stands _Bastinado_ so far off here? - - _Clow._ Alas, you must allow him room to lay about him, Sir. - - _La._ Why lies this _Spurn lower_ than that _Spurn_, Sir? - - _Clow._ Marry, this signifies one kick[t] down stairs, Sir, - The other in a Gallery: I asked him all these questions. - - _1 Gent._ Your Books name? - Prethee _Lapet_ mind me, you never told me yet. - - _La._ Marry but shall Sir: 'tis call'd the Uprising of the _kick_; - And the downfall of the _Duello_. - - _1 Gent._ Bring that to pass, you'll prove a happy member, - And do your Countrey service: your young blouds - Will thank you then, why they see fourscore. - - _Lap._ I hope - To save my hundred Gentlemen a month by't, - Which will be very good for the private house. - - _Clow._ Look you, your Table's finish'd, Sir, already. - - _Lap._ Why then behold my Master-piece: see, see, Sir, - Here's all your Blows, and Blow-men whatsoever; - Set in their lively colours, givers, and takers. - - _1 Gent._ Troth wondrous fine, Sir. - - _Lap._ Nay, but mark the postures, - The standing of the takers, I admire more than the givers; - They stand scornfully, most contumeliously, I like not them, - Oh here's one cast into a comely Figure. - - _Clow._ My Master means him there that's cast down headlong. - - _Lap._ How sweetly does this fellow take his _Dowst_! - Stoops like a _Cammel_, that Heroick beast, - At a great load of Nutmegs; and how meekly - This other fellow here receives his _Whirrit_! - - _Clow._ Oh Master, here's a fellow stands most gallantly, - Taking his _kick_ in private, behind the hangings, - And raising up his hips to't. But oh, Sir, - How daintily this man lies trampled on! - Would I were in thy place, what e'er thou art: - How lovely he endures it! - - _1 Gent._ But will not these things, Sir, be hard to practice, think - you? - - _Lap._ Oh, easie, Sir: I'll teach 'em in a Dance. - - _1 Gent._ How? in a dance? - - _Lap._ I'll lose my new place else, - What e'er it be; I know not what 'tis yet. - - _1 Gent._ And now you put me in mind, I could employ it well, - For your grace, specially: For the Dukes Cosin - Is by this time in's violent fit of mirth, - And a device must be sought out for suddainly, - To over-cloy the passion. - - _Lap._ Say no more, Sir, - I'll fit you with my Scholars, new practitioners, - Endurers of the time. - - _Clow._ Whereof I am one Sir. - - _1 Gent._ You carry it away smooth; give me thy hand, Sir. [_Exeunt._ - - - - -_Actus Quintus. Scæna Prima._ - - - _Enter the two Brothers._ - - _Pas._ Ha, ha, ha. [_Within._ - - _2 Bro._ Hark, hark, how loud his fit's grown. - - _Pas._ Ha, ha, ha. - - _1 Bro._ Now let our Sister lose no time, but ply it - With all the power she has. - - _2 Bro._ Her shame grows big, brother; - The _Cupid_'s shape will hardly hold it longer, - 'Twould take up half an Ell of _China_ Damask more, - And all too little: it struts per'lously: - There is no tamp'ring with these _Cupids_ longer, - The meer conceit with Woman-kind works strong. - - _Pas._ Ha, ha, ha. - - _2 Bro._ The laugh comes nearer now, - 'Twere good we were not seen yet. [_Ex. Bro._ - - _Enter Passion, and Base, his jester._ - - _Pas._ Ha, ha, ha, - And was he bastinado'd to the life? ha, ha, ha. - I prethee say, Lord General, how did the rascals - Entrench themselves? - - _Base._ Most deeply, politickly, all in ditches. - - _Pas._ Ha, ha, ha. - - _Bas._ 'Tis thought he'll ne'r bear Arms [ith'] field agen, - Has much ado to lift 'em to his head, Sir. - - _Pas._ I would he had. - - _Bas._ On either side round Truncheons plaid so thick, - That Shoulders, Chines, nay Flanks were paid to th' quick. - - _Pas._ Well said Lord-General: ha, ha, ha. - - _Bas._ But pray how grew the diff'rence first betwixt you? - - _Pas._ There was never any, Sir; there lies the jest man; - Only because he was taller than his brother; - There's all my quarrel, to him; and methought - He should be beaten for't, my mind so gave me, Sir, - I could not sleep for't: Ha, ha, ha, ha. - Another good jest quickly, while 'tis hot now; - Let me not laugh in vain: ply me, oh ply me, - As you will answer't to my cosin Duke. - - _Bas._ Alas, who has a good jest? - - _Pas._ I fall, I dwindle in't. - - _Bas._ Ten Crowns for a go[o]d jest: ha' you a good jest, Sir? - - _Enter Servant._ - - _Serv._ A pretty moral one. - - _Bas._ Let's ha't, what e'er it be. - - _Serv._ There comes a _Cupid_ - Drawn by six fools. - - _Bas._ That's nothing. - - _Pas._ Help it, help it then. - - _Bas._ I ha' known six hundred fools drawn by a _Cupid_. - - _Pas._ I that, that, that's the smarter Moral: ha, ha, ha. - Now I begin to be Song-ripe methinks. - - _Bas._ I'll sing you a pleasant Air Sir, before you ebb. - - SONG. - - Pas. _Oh how my Lungs do tickle! ha, ha, ha._ - - _Bas. Oh how my Lungs do tickle! oh, oh, ho, ho._ - - Pas. Sings. - - _Set a sharp Jest_ - _Against my breast,_ - _Then how my Lungs do tickle!_ - _As Nightingales,_ - _And things in Cambrick rails,_ - _Sing best against a prickle,_ - _Ha, ha, ha, ha._ - - Bas. _Ho, ho, ho, ho, ha._ - - Pas. _Laugh._ - - Bas. _Laugh._ - - Pas. _Laugh._ - - Bas. _Laugh._ - - Pas. _Wide._ - - Bas. _Loud._ - - Pas. _And vary._ - - Bas. _A smile is for a simpering Novice._ - - Pas. _One that ne'er tasted Caveare._ - - Bas. _Nor knows the smack of dear Anchovis._ - - Pas. _Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha._ - - Bas. _Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho._ - - Pas. _A gigling waiting wench for me,_ - _That shews her teeth how white they be._ - - Bas. _A thing not fit for gravity,_ - _For theirs are foul, and hardly three._ - - Pas. _Ha, ha, ha._ - - Bas. _Ho, ho, ho._ - - Pas. Democritus, _thou antient Fleerer,_ - _How I miss thy laugh, and ha' since_. - - Bas. _There you nam'd the famous Jeerer,_ - _That ever jeer'd in_ Rome, _or_ Athens. - - Pas. _Ha, ha, ha._ - - Bas. _Ho, ho, ho._ - - Pas. _How brave lives he that keeps a fool,_ - _Although the rate be deeper!_ - - [B]as. _But he that is his own fool, Sir,_ - _Does live a great deal cheaper._ - - Pas. _Sure I shall burst, burst, quite break, thou art so witty._ - - Bas. _'Tis rare to break at Court, for that belongs to th' City._ - - Pas. _Ha, ha, my spleen is almost worn to the last laughter._ - - Bas. _Oh keep a corner for a friend, a jest may come hereafter._ - - _Enter_ Lapet _and_ Clown, _and four other like fools, dancing,_ - _the_ Cupid _leading, and bearing his Table, and holding it_ - _up to_ Lapet _at every strain, and acting the postures_. - - _Lap._ Twinge all now, twinge I say. - 2 Strain. - Souse upon Souse. - 3 Strain. - Douses single. - 4 Strain. - Justle sides. - 5 Strain. - Knee Belly. - 6 Strain. - Kicksee Buttock. - 7 Strain. - - _La._ Downderry. - - _Enter Soldier_, Shamont_'s brother; his sword drawn_. - - _Sol._ Not angry Law, nor doors of Brass shall keep me, - From my wrongs expiation to thy Bowels, - I return my disgrace; and after turn - My face to any death that can be sentenc'd. - - _Base._ Murder, oh murder, stop the murderer there-- - - _Lap._ I am glad he's gone; h'as almost trode my guts out; - Follow him who list for me, I'll ha' no hand in't. - - _Clo._ Oh 'twas your luck and mine to be squelch'd, Mr. - H'as stamp'd my very Puddings into Pancakes. - - _Cup._ Oh brothers, oh, I fear 'tis mortal: help, oh help, - I'm made the wretchedst woman by this accident, - That ever love beguil'd. - - _Enter two Brothers._ - - _2 Bro._ We are undone Brother, - Our shames are too apparent: Away receptacle - Of Luxury, and dishonor, most unfortunate, - To make thy self but lucky to thy spoil, - After thy Sexes manner: lift him up Brother; - He breaths not to our comfort, he's too wasted - Ever to cheer us more: A Chirurgeon speedily; - Hence; the unhappiest that e'er stept aside, - She'll be a Mother, before she's known a Bride. - - _Cup._ Thou hadst a most unfortunate conception, - What e'er thou prov'st to be; in midst of mirth - Comes ruine, for a welcome, to thy birth. [_Exeunt._ - - -_Scæna Secunda._ - - _Enter_ Shamont. - - _Sham._ This is a beautiful life now; privacy - The sweetness and the benefit of Essence: - I see there is no man, but may make his Paradice; - And it is nothing but his love, and dotage - Upon the worlds foul joyes, that keeps him out on't: - For he that lives retir'd in mind, and spirit, - Is still in Paradice, and has his innocence, - Partly allow'd for his companion too, - As much as stands with justice: here no eyes - Shoot their sharp pointed scorns upon my shame; - They know no terms of reputation here, - No punctual limits, or precise dimensions: - Plain down-right honesty is all the beauty - And elegancy of life, found amongst Shepheards; - For knowing nothing nicely, or desiring it, - Quits many a vexation from the mind, - With which our quainter knowledge does abuse us; - The name of envy is a stranger here, - That dries mens blouds abroad, robs Health and Rest, - Why here's no such fury thought on: no, nor falshood, - That brotherly disease, fellow-like devil, - That plays within our bosom, and betrays us. - - _Enter 1 Gent._ - - _1 Gent._ Oh are you here? - - _Sham. La Nove_, 'tis strange to see thee. - - _1 Gent._ I ha' rid one horse to death, - To find you out, Sir. - - _Sham._ I am not to be found of any man - That saw my shame, nor seen long. - - _1 Gent._ Good, your attention: - You ought to be seen now, and found out, Sir, - If ever you desire before your ending - To perform one good office, nay, a dear one, - Mans time can hardly match it. - - _Sham._ Be't as precious - As reputation; if it come from Court - I will not hear on't. - - _1 Gent._ You must hear of this, Sir. - - _Sham._ Must? - - _1 Gent._ You shall hear it. - - _Sham._ I love thee, that thou'lt dye. - - _1 Gent._ 'Twere nobler in me, - Than in you living: you will live a murderer, - If you deny this office. - - _Sham._ Even to death, Sir. - - _1 Gent._ Why then you'll kill your brother. - - _Sham._ How? - - _1 Gent._ Your Brother, Sir: - Bear witness heaven, this man destroys his Brother - When he may save him, his least breath may save him: - Can there be wilfuller destruction? - He was forc'd to take a most unmanly wrong, - Above the suff'ring virtue of a Soldier, - Has kill'd his injurer, a work of honor; - For which, unless you save him, he dies speedily - My conscience is discharg'd, I'm but a friend, - A Brother should go forward where I end. [_Exit._ - - _Sham._ Dyes? - Say he be naught, that's nothing to my goodness, - Which ought to shine through use, or else it loses - The glorious name 'tis known by: he's my brother; - Yet peace is above bloud: Let him go; I, - But where's the nobleness of affection then? - That must be car'd for too, or I'm imperfect, - The same bloud that stood up in wrath against him, - Now in his misery, runs all to pity; - I'd rather dye than speak one syllable - To save my self, but living as I am, - There's no avoiding on't, the worlds humanity - Expects it hourly from me: curse of fortune, - I took my leave so well too: Let him dye, - 'Tis but a brother lost; so pleasingly, - And swiftly I came off, 'twere more than irksomness, - To tread that path agen; and I shall never - Depart so handsomely: but then where's posterity? - The consummation of our house and name? - I'm torn in pieces betwixt love and shame. [_Exit._ - - -_Scæna Tertia._ - - _Enter_ Lapet, Clown, Poultrot, Moulbazon, _and_ - _others, the new Court Officers_. - - _Lap._ Good morrow fellow _Poltrot_, and _Moulbazon_, - Good morrow fellows all. - - _Pol._ Monsieur _Lapet_? - - _Lap._ Look, I've remembred you, here's books apiece for you. - - _Moul._ Oh Sir, we dearly thank you. - - _Lap._ So you may: - There's two impressions gone already, Sirs. - - _Pol._ What no? in so short a time? - - _Lap._ 'Tis as I tell you, Sir. - My Kick sells gallantly, I thank my stars. - - _Clow._ So does your Table; you may thank the Moon too. - - _Lap._ 'Tis the Book sells the Table. - - _Clow._ But 'tis the Bookseller - That has the money for 'em, I'm sure o' that. - - _Lap._ 'Twill much enrich the Company of Stationers, - 'Tis thought 'twill prove a lasting benefit, - Like the _Wise Masters_, and the _Almanacks_, - The hundred _Novels_, and the Book of _Cookery_, - For they begin already to engross it, - And make it a Stock-book, thinking indeed - 'Twill prove too great a benefit, and help, - For one that's new set up: they know their way, - And make him Warden, e'r his beard be gray. - - _Moul._ Is't possible such virtue should lye hid, - And in so little Paper? - - _Lap._ How? why there was the Carpenter, - An unknown thing; an odoriferous Pamphlet, - Yet no more Paper, by all computation, - Than _Ajax Telamon_ would use at once, - Your Herring prov'd the like, able to buy - Another _Fishers_ Folly, and your _Pasquil_ - Went not below the mad-caps of that time, - And shall my elaborate _Kick_ come behind, think you? - - _Clow._ Yes, it must come behind, 'tis in _Italica_ too, - According to your humor. - - _Lap._ Not in sale, Varlet. - - _Clow._ In sale, Sir? it shall sail beyond 'em all I tro. - - _Lap._ What have you there now? oh Page 21. - - _Clow._ That Page is come to his years, he should be a Serving man. - - _Lap._ Mark how I snap up the _Duello_ there: - One would not use a dog so, - I must needs say; but's for the common good. - - _Clow._ Nay Sir, your Commons seldom fight at sharp, - But buffet in a Warehouse. - - _Lap._ This will save - Many a Gentleman of good bloud from bleeding, Sirs, - I have a curse from many a Barber-Surgeon; - They'd give but too much money to call't in; - Turn to Page 45. see what you find there. - - _Clow._ Oh, out upon him, - Page 45. that's an old thief indeed. - - _Enter Duke, the Lady his Sister, 1 Gent._ - - _Lap._ The Duke, clap down your Books; away _Galoshio_. - - _Clow._ Indeed I am too foul to be i' th' presence, - They use to shake me off at the chamber door still. [_Ex._ - - _Lady._ Good my Lord, grant my suit: let me not rise - Without the comfort on't: I have not often - Been tedious in this kind. - - _Duke._ Sister, you wrong your self, - And those great virtues that your Fame is made of, - To waste so much breath for a murderers life. - - _Lad._ You cannot hate th' offence more than I do, Sir, - Nor the offender, the respect I owe - Unto his absent brother, makes me a suitor, - A most importunate Sister, make me worthy - But of this one request. - - _Duke._ I am deaf - To any importunacy, and sorry - For your forgetfulness; you never injur'd - Your worth so much, you ought to be rebuk'd for't: - Pursue good ways, end as you did begin, - 'Tis half the guilt to speak for such a sin. - - _La._ This is loves beggery right, that now is ours, - When Ladies love, and cannot shew their powers. [_Ex._ - - _Du. La Nove?_ - - _1 Gent._ My Lord. - - _Duke._ Are these our new Attendants? - - _Lap._ We are my Lord, and will endure as much - As better men, my Lord, and more I trust. - - _Duke._ What's he? - - _1 Gent._ My Lord, a decay'd Gentleman, - That will do any service. - - _Duke._ A decay'd one? - - _1 Gent._ A renounc'd one indeed: for this place only. - - _Duke._ We renounce him then; go, discharge him instantly. - He that disclaims his gentry for meer gains, - That man's too base to make a vassal on. - - _Lap._ What says the Duke? - - _1 [Gent.]_ Faith little to your comfort, Sir, - You must be a Gentleman agen. - - _Lap._ How? - - _1 Gent._ There's no remedy. - - _Lap._ Marry, the fates forefend: ne'r while I breathe, Sir. - - _1 Gent._ The Duke will have it so, there's no resisting, - He spy'd it i' your forehead. - - _Lap._ My wife's doing. - She thought she should be put below her betters now, - And su'd to ha' me a Gentleman agen. - - _1 Gent._ And very likely, Sir, - Marry, I'll give you this comfort when all's done, - You'll never pass but for a scurvy one, - That's all the help you have: come shew your pace. - - _Lap._ The heaviest Gentleman that e'er lost place; - Bear witness, I am forc'd to't. [_Exit._ - - _Duke._ Though you have a courser Title yet upon you, - Than those that left your places, without blame, - 'Tis in your power to make your selves the same: - I cannot make you Gentlemen, that's a work - Rais'd from your own deservings, merit, manners, - And in-born virtue does it. Let your own goodness - Make you so great, my power shall make you greater; - And more t'encourage you, this I add agen, - There's many Grooms, now exact Gentlemen. - - _Enter_ Shamont. - - _Sham._ Methinks 'tis strange to me to enter here: - Is there in nature such an awful power, - To force me to this place? and make me do this? - Is mans affection stronger than his Will? - His resolution? was I not resolv'd - Never to see this place more? Do I bear - Within my breast one bloud that confounds th' other? - The bloud of Love, and Will, and the last weakest? - Had I ten Millions, I would give it all now, - I were but past it, or 'twould never come; - For I shall never do't, or not do't well, - But spoil it utterly betwixt two passions, - Yonder's the Duke himself, I will not do't now, - Had twenty lives their several sufferings in him. [_Exit._ - - _Duke._ Who's that went out now? - - _Pol._ I saw none my Lord. - - _Duke._ Nor you? - - _Moul._ I saw the glimpse of one my Lord. - - _Duke._ What e'er it was, methought it pleas'd me strangely - And suddenly my joy was ready for't. - Did you not mark it better? - - _Pol. & Moul._ Troth my Lord, - We gave no great heed to't. - - _Enter_ Shamont. - - _Sham._ 'Twill not be answer'd, - It brings me hither still; by main force hither: - Either I must give over to profess humanity, - Or I must speak for him. - - _Duke._ 'Tis here agen: - No marvel 'twas so pleasing, 'tis delight - And worth it self, now it appears unclouded. - - _Sham._ My Lord-- - He turns away from me: by this hand - I am ill-us'd of all sides: 'tis a fault - That fortune ever had t'abuse a goodness. - - _Duke._ Methought you were saying somewhat. - - _Sham._ Mark the Language, - As coy as fate; I see 'twill ne'er be granted. - - _Duke._ We little look'd in troth to see you here yet. - - _Sham._ Not till the day after my brother's death, I think. - - _Duke._ Sure some great business drew you. - - _Sham._ No insooth, Sir, - Only to come to see a brother dye, Sir, - That I may learn to go too; and if he deceive me not, - I think he will do well in't of a soldier, - Manly, and honestly: and if he weep then, - I shall not think the worse on's manhood for't, - Because he's leaving of that part that has it. - - _Duke._ Has slain a noble Gentleman, think on't, Sir. - - _Sham._ I would I could not, Sir. - - _Duke._ Our kinsman too. - - _Sham._ All this is but worse, Sir. - - _Duke._ When 'tis at worst, - Yet seeing thee, he lives. - - _Sham._ My Lord-- - - _Duke._ He lives, - Believe it as thy bliss, he dies not for't: - Will this make satisfaction for things past? - - _Sham._ Oh my Lord-- - - _Duke._ Will it? speak. - - _Sham._ With greater shame to my unworthiness. - - _Duke._ Rise then, we're even: I never found it harder - To keep just with a man: my great work's ended. - I knew your brother's pardon was your suit, Sir. - How ever your nice modesty held it back. - - _Sham._ I take a joy now, to confess it, Sir. - - _Enter 1 Gent._ - - _1 Gent._ My Lord-- - - _Duke._ Hear me first, Sir, what e'er your news be: - Set free the Soldier instantly. - - _1 Gent._ 'Tis done, my Lord. - - _Duke._ How? - - _1 Gent._ In effect: 'twas part of my news too, - There's fair hope of your noble kinsman's life, Sir. - - _Duke._ What sayst thou? - - _1 Gent._ And the most admired change - That living flesh e'r had; he's not the man my Lord; - Death cannot be more free from passions, Sir, - Than he is at this instant: he's so meek now, - He makes those seem passionate, was never thought of: - And for he fears his moods have oft disturb'd you, Sir, - He's only hasty now for his forgiveness, - And here behold him, Sir. - - _Enter Passion, the_ Cupid, _and two Brothers_. - - _Duke._ Let me give thanks first: our worthy Cosin-- - - _Pas._ Your unworthy trouble, Sir; - For which, with all acknowledg'd reverence, - I ask your pardon; and for injury - More known and wilful, I have chose a wife, - Without your counsel, or consent, my Lord. - - _Duke._ A wife? where is she, Sir? - - _Pas._ This noble Gentlewoman. - - _Duke._ How? - - _Pas._ Whose honor my forgetful times much wrong'd. - - _Duke._ He's madder than he was. - - _1 Gent._ I would ha' sworn for him. - - _Duke._ The _Cupid_, Cosin? - - _Pas._ Yes, this worthy Lady, Sir. - - _Duke._ Still worse and worse. - - _1 Bro._ Our Sister under pardon, my Lord. - - _Duke._ What? - - _2 Bro._ Which shape Love taught her to assume. - - _Duke._ Is't truth then? - - _1 Gent._ It appears plainly now, below the waste, my Lord. - - _Duke. Shamont_, didst ever read of a She-_Cupid_? - - _Sham._ Never in fiction yet: but it might hold, Sir; - For desire is of both Genders. - - _Enter the Dukes Sister._ - - _Duke._ Make that good here: [_He joyns_ Shamont's _hand_ - I take thee at thy word, Sir. [_and his Sisters_. - - _Sham._ Oh my Lord, - Love would appear too bold, and rude from me, - Honour and admiration are her rights, - Her goodness is my Saint, my Lord. - - _Duke._ I see, - Y'are both too modest to bestow your selves: - I'll save that virtue still, 'tis but my pains: come, - It shall be so. - - _Sham._ This gift does but set forth my poverty. - - _La._ Sir, that which you complain of, is my riches. - - _Enter_ Shamont's _brother the Soldier_. - - _Duke._ Soldier, now every noise sounds peace, th'art welcome. - - _Sol._ Sir, my repentance sues for your blest favour, - Which once obtain'd, no injury shall lose it; - I'll suffer mightier wrongs. - - _Duke._ Rise, lov'd and pardon'd: - For where Hope fail'd, nay Art it self resign'd, - Thou'st wrought that cure, which skill could never find; - Nor did there cease, but to our peace extend; - Never could wrongs boast of a nobler end. [_Exeunt._ - - - - -EPILOGUE. - - - _Our Poet bid us say for his own part,_ - _He cannot lay too much forth of his Art:_ - _But fears our over-acting passions may,_ - _As not adorn, deface his labour'd Play,_ - _Yet still he's resolute, for what is writ_ - _Of Nicer valour, and assumes the wit:_ - _But for the Love-Scænes which he ever meant_, - Cupid _in's Peticoat should represent,_ - _He'll stand no shock of censure; the Play's good,_ - _He says he knows it, (if well understood.)_ - _But we (blind god) beg, if thou art Divine,_ - _Thou'lt shoot thy Arrows round, this Play was thine._ - - - - -Mr. _Francis Beaumonts_ Letter to _Ben. Johnson_, written before he and -Mr. _Fletcher_ came to _London_, with two of the precedent Comedies -then not finish'd, which deferr'd their merry meetings at the _Mermaid_. - - - _The Sun which doth the greatest comfort bring_ - _To absent friends, because the self-same thing_ - _They know they see however absent, is,_ - _Here our best Hay-make[r] forgive me this,_ - _It is our Countreys stile. In this warm shine,_ - _I l[y]e and dream of your full Mermaid Wine._ - _Oh we have water mixt with Claret Lees,_ - _Drink apt to bring in dryer Heresies_ - _Than Beer, good only for the Sonnets strain,_ - _With fustian Metaphors to stuff the brain,_ - _So mixt, that given to the thirstiest one,_ - _'Twill not prove Alms, unless he have the stone:_ - _I think with one draught mans invention fades,_ - _Two Cups had quite spoil'd_ Homers Illiads; - _'Tis Liquor that will find out_ Sutcliff's _wit,_ - _Lye where he will, and make him write worse yet;_ - _Fil'd with such moisture in most grievous qualms;_ - _Did_ Rob[ert] Wisdom _write his Singing Psalms;_ - _And so must I do this, and yet I think_ - _It is a potion sent us down to drink,_ - _By special Providence keeps us from fights,_ - _Makes us not laugh, when we make legs to knights._ - _'Tis this that keeps our minds fit for our States,_ - _A Medicine to obey our Magistrates_: - _For we do live more free than you, no hate,_ - _No envy at one anothers_ [happy] _State_ - _Moves us, we are all equal every whit:_ - _Of Land that God gives men here is their wit:_ - _If we consider fully, for our best,_ - _And gravest men will with his main house jest,_ - _Scarce please you; we want subtilty to do_ - _The City tricks, lye, hate, and flatter too:_ - _Here are none that can bear a painted show,_ - _Strike when you winch, and then lament the blow:_ - _Who like Mills set the right way for to grind,_ - _Can make their gains alike with every wind:_ - _Only some fellows with the subtil'st pate_ - _Amongst us, may perchance equivocate_ - _At selling of a Horse, and that's the most._ - _Methinks the little wit I had is lost_ - _Since I saw you, for Wit is like a Rest_ - _Held up at Tennis, which men do the best,_ - _With the best gamesters: what things have we seen,_ - _Done at the_ Mermaid! _heard words that have been_ - _So nimble, and so full of subtil flame,_ - _As if that every one from whence they came,_ - _Had meant to put his whole wit in a jest,_ - _And had resolv'd to live a fool, the rest_ - _Of his dull life; then when there hath been thrown_ - _Wit able enough to justifie the Town_ - _For three days past, wit that might warrant be_ - _For the whole City to talk foolishly_ - _Till that were cancell'd, and when that was gone,_ - _We left an Air behind us, which alone,_ - _Was able to make the two next Companies_ - _Right witty; though but downright fools, more wise._ - _When I remember this, and see that now_ - _The Countrey Gentlemen begin to allow_ - _My wit for dry bobs, then I needs must cry,_ - _I see my days of Ballating grow nigh;_ - _I can already Riddle, and can Sing_ - _[Ca]tches, sell bargains, and I fear shall bring_ - _My self to speak the hardest words I find,_ - _Over, as oft as any, with one wind,_ - _That takes no medicines: But one thought of thee_ - _Makes me remember all these things to be_ - _The wit of our young men, fellows that show_ - _No part of good, yet utter all they know:_ - _Who like trees of the Guard, have growing souls._ - _Only strong destiny, which all controuls,_ - _I hope hath left a better fate in store,_ - _For me thy friend, than to live ever poor,_ - _Banisht unto this home; fate once again_ - _Bring me to thee, who canst make smooth and plain_ - _The way of Knowledge for me, and then I,_ - _Who have no good but in thy company,_ - _Protest it will my greatest comfort be_ - _To acknowledge all I have to flow from thee_. - - Ben. _when these_ Scænes _are perfect, we'll taste wine;_ - _I'll drink thy Muses health, thou shalt quaff mine_. - - - - -The Honest Man's Fortune. - -A TRAGI-COMEDY. - - -The Persons represented in the Play. - - Duke of _Orleans, a spleenful detracting Lord_. - { _Brother-in-law to_ Orleans, - Earl of { _a noble accomplish'd_ - _Amiens_, { _Gentleman, servant to_ - { Lamira. - Mountague, _an honest Lord_. - Du-boys, } _Two faithful followers_ - Longueville, } _of_ Mountague. - Voramer, _the loving and loyal Page of_ Mountague. - La Verdine, _a knavish Courtier_. - La Poop, _a foisting Captain_. - Mallicorn, _a sharking Citizen_. - Two Lawyers. - Two Creditors. - Officers. - Servants. - - WOMEN. - - Duchess of { _a virtuous Lady, and_ - _Orleans_, { _chaste, (but suspected)_ - { _wife to the Duke_. - Lamira, _a modest Virgin, and a Lady, rich and noble_. - Charlotte, Lamira's _Woman_. - - The Scene France. - - The Principal Actors were - - _Nathan Field_, - _Rob. Benfield_, - _Emanuel Read_, - _Joseph Taylor_, - _Will. Eglestone_, - _Thomas Basse_. - - - - -_Actus Primus. Scæna Prima._ - - - _Enter the Duke of_ Orleance, _and the Earl of_ Amiens, - _at several doors_. - - _Amiens._ Morrow, my Lord of _Orleans_. - - _Orl._ You salute me like a stranger; brother _Orleance_ were to me - a Title more belonging, whom you call the Husband of your Sister. - - _Ami._ Would the circumstances of your brotherhood had never - offer'd cause to make our conversation less familiar: I meet you - like a hindrance in your way: your great Lawsuit is now upon the - tongue, and ready for a judgement. - - _Orl._ Came you from the Hall now? - - _Ami._ Without stay; the Court is full, and such a press of people - does attend the issue, as if some great man were brought to his - arraignment. - - _Orl._ Every mothers son of all that multitude of hearers, went to - be a witness of the misery your Sisters fortunes must have come to, - if my adversary who did love her first, had been her Husband. - - _Ami._ The success may draw a testimony from them, to confirm the - same opinion, but they went prepar'd with no such hope or purpose. - - _Orl._ And did you intreat the number of them, that are come with - no such hope or purpose. - - _Ami._ Tush, your own experience of my heart can answer ye. - - _Orl._ This doubtful, makes me clearly understand your disposition. - - _Ami._ If your cause be just, - I wish you a conclusion like your cause. - - _Orl._ I can have any common charity to such a Prayer - From a friend I would expect a love to prosper in; - Without exceptions such a love as might - Make all my undertakings thankful to't; - Precisely just is seldom faithful in our wishes - To another mans desires: Farewel. [_Exit_ Orl. - - _Enter_ Montague _having a Purse_, Duboys, Longueville, - _and_ Voramer _the Page, with two Caskets_. - - _Dub._ Here comes your adversarie's brother-in-law. - - _Long._ The Lord of _Amiens_. - - _Dub._ From the Hall I think. - - _Ami._ I did so: save your Lordship. - - _Mount._ That's a wish my Lord, as courteous to my present state, - As ever honest mind was thankful for; - For now my safety must expose it self - To question: yet to look for any free - Or hearty salutation (Sir) from you - Would be unreasonable in me. - - _Ami._ Why? - - _Mont._ Your Sister is my adversarie's wife; - That nearness needs must consequently draw - Your inclination to him. - - _Ami._ I will grant - Him all the nearness his alliance claims, - And yet be nothing less impartial, - My Lord of _Montague_. - - _Mont._ Lord of _Montague_ yet: - But (Sir) how long the dignity or state - Belonging to it will continue, stands - Upon [t]he dangerous passage of this hour. - Either for evermore to be confirm'd, - Or like the time wherein 'twas pleaded, gone: - Gone with it, never to be call'd again. - - _Ami._ Justice direct your process to the end; - To both your persons my respect shall still - Be equal; but the righteous cause is that - Which bears my wishes to the side it holds, - Where, ever may it prosper. [_Exit_ Amiens. - - _Mont._ Then my thanks - Are proper to you, if a man may raise - A confidence upon a lawful ground - I have no reason to be once perplex'd - With any doubtful motion, _Longue[v]ille_, - That Lord of _Amiens_, (didst observe him?) has - A worthy nature in him. - - _Long._ Either 'tis his nature or his cunning. - - _Mont._ That's the vizard of most mens actions, - Whose dissembled lives - Do carry only the similitude - Of goodness on 'em: but for him - Honest [b]ehaviour makes a true report, - What disposition does inhabit him, - Essential virtue. - - _Long._ Then 'tis pity that - Injurious _Orleans_ is his brother. - - _Dub._ He is but his brother-in-law. - - _Long._ Law? that's as bad. - - _Dub._ How is your Law as bad? I rather wish - The hangman thy Executor than that - Equivocation should be ominous. - - _Enter two Lawyers, and two Creditors._ - - _Long._ Some of your Lawyers-- - - _1 Law._ What is ominous? - - _2 Law._ Let no distrust trouble your Lordships thought. - - _1 Law._ The evidences of your question'd Land - Ha' not so much as any literal - Advantage in 'em to be made against - Your Title. - - _2 Law._ And your Council understands - The business fully. - - _1 Law._ Th'are industrious, just. - - _2 Law._ And very confident. - - _1 Law._ Your state endures - A voluntary trial; like a man - Whose honors are maliciously accus'd. - - _2 Law._ The accusation serves to clear his cause. - - _1 Law._ And to approve his truth more. - - _2 Law._ So shall all - Your adversarie's pleadings strengthen your - Possession. - - _1 Law._ And be set upon record - To witness the hereditary right - Of you and yours. - - _2 Law._ Courage, you have the law. - - _Long._ And you the profits. - - _Mont._ If discouragement - Could work upon me, your assurances - Would put me strongly into heart again; - But I was never fearful: and let fate - Deceive my expectation, yet I am - Prepared against dejection. - - _1 Cre._ So are we. - - _2 Cre._ We have received a comfortable hope - That all will speed well. - - _Long._ What is he _Duboys_? - - _Dub._ A Creditor. - - _Long._ I thought so, for he speaks - As if he were a partner in his state. - - _Mont._ Sir, I am largely indebted to your loves. - - _Long._ More to their purses. - - _M[o]nt._ Which you shall not lose. - - _1 Cred._ Your Lordship. - - _Dub._ That's another creditor. - - _1 Cred._ Has interest in me. - - _Long._ You have more of him. - - _1 Cred._ And I have had so many promises - From these, and all your learned Counsellors; - How certainly your cause will prosper: that-- - - _Long._ You brought no Serjeants with you? - - _Dub._ To attend his ill success. - - _Mont._ Good Sir, I will not be - Unthankful either to their industries - Or your affections. - - _1 Law._ All your Land (my Lord) - Is at the barr now, give me but ten Crowns - I'll save you harmless. - - _Long._ Take him at his word; - If he does lose, you're sav'd by miracle, - For I never knew a Lawyer yet undone. - - _1 Law._ Then now you shall, Sir, if this prospers not. - - _Long._ Sir, I beseech you do not force your voice - To such a loudness, but be thrifty now; - Preserve it till you come to plead at bar - It will be much more profitable in - The satisfaction than the promise. - - _1 Law._ Is not this a satisfaction to engage - My self for this assurance, if he-- - - _Mont._ No Sir, my ruin never shall import - Anothers loss, if not by accident, - And that my purpose is not guilty of: - You [are] engag'd in nothing but your care. [_Ex. Law._ - Attend the Procurator to the Court, - Observe how things incline, and bring me word. - - _Long._ I dare not, Sir, if I be taken there, - Mine ears will be in danger. - - _Mont._ Why? hast thou - Committed something that deserves thine ears? - - _Long._ No, but I fear the noise; my hearing will be - Perished by the noise; 'tis as good 't want - [A member, as to loose the use--] - - _Mont._ The ornament is excepted. - - _Long._ Well my Lord - I'll put 'em to the hazard. [_Exit_ Long. - - _1 Cred._ Your desires be prosperous to you. - - _2 Cred._ Our best Prayers wait - Upon your fortune. [_Exeunt_ Cred. - - _Dub._ For your selves, not him. - - _Mont._ Thou canst not blame 'em: I am in their debts. - - _Ver._ But had your large expence (a part whereof - You owe 'em) for unprofitable Silks - And Laces, been bestowed among the poor, - That would have prayed the right way for you: - Not upon you. - - _Mont._ For unprofitable Silks - And Laces? now believe me honest boy - Th'ast hit upon a reprehension that belongs - Unto me. - - _Ver._ By ---- my Lord, - I had not so unmannerly a thought, - To reprehend you. - - _Mont._ Why I love thee for't. - Mine own acknowledgement confirms thy words: - For once I do remember, comming from - The Mercers, where my Purse had spent it self - On those unprofitable toys thou speak'st of, - A man half naked with his poverty - Did meet me, and requested my relief: - I wanted whence to give it, yet his eyes - Spoke for him, those I could have satisfied - With some unfruitful sorrow, (if my tears - Would not have added rather to his grief, - Than eas'd it) but the true compassion that - I should have given I had not: this began - To make me think how many such mens wants - The vain superfluous cost I wore upon - My outside would have clothed, and left my self - A habit as becomming: to increase - This new consideration there came one - Clad in a garment plain and thrifty, yet - As decent as these fair dear follies; made - As if it were of purpose to despise - The vanity of shew: his purse had still - The power to do a charitable deed, - And did it. - - _Dub._ Yet your inclination, Sir, - Deserv'd no less to be commended, than his action. - - _Mont._ Prethee do not flatter me; - He that intends well, yet deprives himself - Of means, to put his good thoughts into deed, - Deceives his purpose of the due reward - That goodness merits: oh antiquity - Thy great examples of Nobility - Are out of imitation, or at least - So lamely follow'd, that thou art as much - Before this age in virtue, as in time. - - _Dub._ Sir, it must needs be lamely followed, when - The chiefest men love to follow it - Are for the most part cripples. - - _Mont._ Who are they? - - _Dub._ Soldiers, my Lord, soldiers. - - _Mont._ 'Tis true _Duboys_: but if the law disables me no more - For Noble actions, than good purposes, - I'll practice how to exercise the worth - Commended to us by our ancestors; - The poor neglected soldier shall command - Me from a Ladies Courtship, and the form - I'll study shall no more be taught me by - The Taylor, but the Scholar; that expence - Which hitherto has been to entertain - Th' intemperate pride and pleasure of the taste - Shall fill my Table more to satisfie, - And less to surfeit. - What an honest work it would be; when we find - A Virgin in her poverty, and youth - Inclining to be tempted, to imploy - As much perswasion, and as much expence - To keep her upright, as men use to do upon her falling. - - _Dub._ 'Tis charity that many Maids will be unthankful for, - And some will rather take it for a wrong, - To buy 'em out of their inheritance, - The thing that they were born to. - - _Enter_ Longueville. - - _Mont. Longueville_, thou bringst a chearful promise in thy face. - There stands no pale report upon thy cheek, - To give me fear or knowledge of my loss, 'tis red and lively. - How proceeds my suit? - - _Long._ That's with leave, Sir, a labour that to those of _Hercules_, - May add another; or (at least) be call'd - An imitation of his burning shirt: - For 'twas a pain of that [un]merciful - Perplexity, to shoulder through the throng - Of people that attended your success: - My sweaty linnen fixt upon my skin, - Still as they pull'd me, took that with it; 'twas - A fear I should have left my flesh among 'em: - Yet I was patient, for (methought) the toil - Might be an emblem of the difficult - And weary passage to get out of Law. - And to make up the dear similitude, - When I was forth seeking my handkerchief - To wipe my sweat off, I did find a cause - To make me sweat more, for my Purse was lost - Among their fingers. - - _Dub._ There 'twas rather found. - - _Long._ By them. - - _Dub._ I mean so. - - _Mont._ Well, I will restore - Thy damage to thee: how proceeds my suit? - - _L[o]ng._ Like one at Brokers; I think forfeited. - Your promising Counsel at the first - Put strongly forward with a labour'd speed, - And such a violence of pleading, that - His Fee in Sugar-candy scarce will make - His throat a satisfaction for the hurt - He did it, and he carried the whole cause - Before him, with so clear a passage, that - The people in the favour of your side - Cried _Montague, Montague_: in the spight of him - That cryed out silence, and began to laugh - Your adversaries advocate to scorn: - Who like a cunning Footman set me forth - With such a temperate easie kind of course - To put him into exercise of strength, - And follow'd his advantages so close, - That when your hot mouth'd pleader thought h' had won, - Before he reacht it, he was out of breath, - And then the other stript him. - - _Mont._ So all is lost. - - _Long._ But how I know not; for, (methought) I stood - Confounded with the clamour of the Court, - Like one embark'd upon a storm at Sea, - Where the tempestuous noise of Thunder mixt - With roaring of the billows, and the thick, - Imperfect language of the Sea-men, takes - His understanding and his safety both - Together from him. - - _Mont._ Thou dost bring ill news. - - _Long._ Of what I was unwilling to have been - The first reporter. - - _Mont._ Didst observe no more? - - _Long._ At least no better. - - _Mont._ Then th'art not inform'd - So well as I am; I can tell thee that - Will please thee, for when all else left my cause, - My very adversaries took my part. - - _Long._ --Whosoever told you that, abused you. - - _Mont._ Credit me, he took my part - When all forsook me. - - _Long._ Took it from you. - - _Mont._ Yes I mean so, and I think he had just cause - To take it, when the verdict gave it him. - - _Dub._ His Spirit would ha' sunk him, e'r he could - Have carried an ill fortune of this weight so lightly. - - _Mont._ Nothing is a misery, unless our weakness apprehend it so; - We cannot be more faithful to our selves - In any thing that's manly, than to make - Ill fortune as contemptible to us - As it makes us to others. - - _Enter Lawyers._ - - _Long._ Here come they - Whose very countenances will tell you how - Contemptible it is to others. - - _Mont._ Sir? - - _Long._ The Sir of Knighthood may be given him, e'r - They hear you now? - - _Mont._ Good Sir but a word. - - _Dub._ How soon the loss of wealth makes any man - Grow out of knowledge. - - _Long._ Let me see, I pray, Sir, - Never stood you upon the Pillory? - - _1 Law._ The Pillory? - - _Long._ Oh now I know you did not. - Y'ave ears, I thought ye had lost 'em; pray observe, - Here's one that once was gracious in your eyes. - - _1 Law._ Oh my Lord, have an eye upon him. - - _Long._ But ha' you ne'er a Counsel to redeem - His Land yet from the judgement? - - _2 Law._ None but this, a Writ of error to remove the cause. - - _Long._ No more of error, we have been in that too much already. - - _2 Law._ If you will reverse the judgement, you must trust to that - delay. - - _Long._ Delay? indeed he's like to trust to that, - With you has any dealing. - - _2 Law._ E'r the Law proceeds to an _Habere facias possessionem_. - - _Dub._ That's a language Sir, I understand not. - - _Long._ Th'art a very strange unthankful fellow to have taken Fees - of such a liberal measure, and then give a man hard words for's - money. - - _1 Law._ If men will hazard their salvations, - What should I say? I've other business. - - _Mont._ Y'are i'th' right; - That's it you should say, now prosperity has left me. - - _Enter two Creditors._ - - _1 Cred._ Have an eye upon him; if - We lose him now, he's gone for ever; stay - And dog him: I'll go fetch the Officers. - - _Long._ Dog him you Bloud-hound: by this point thou shalt more - safely dog an angry Lion, than attempt him. - - _Mont._ What's the matter? - - _Long._ Do but stir to fetch a Serjeant; and besides your loss - Of labour, I'll have you beaten, till - Those casement in your faces be false lights. - - _Dub._ Falser than those you sell by. - - _Mont._ Who gave you Commission to abuse my friends thus? - - _Lon._ Sir, are those your friends that would betray you? - - _Mont._ 'Tis to save themselves rather than betray me. - - _1 Cred._ Your Lordship makes a just construction of it. - - _2 Cred._ All our desire is but to get our own. - - _Long._ Your wives desires and yours do differ then. - - _Mont._ So far as my ability will go - You shall have satisfaction _Longeville_. - - _Long._ And leave your self neglected; every man - Is first a debtor to his own demands, being honest. - - _Mont._ As I take it, Sir, I did - Not entertain you for my Counselor. - - _Long._ Counsel's the office of a servant, - When the master falls upon a danger; as - Defence is; never threaten with your eyes, - They are no cockatrices; do you hear? - Talk with [a] Girdler, or [a] Mill'ner, - He can inform you of a kind of men - That first undid the profit of those trades - By bringing up the form of carrying - Their _Morglays_ in their hands: with some of those - A man may make himself a priviledge - To ask a question at the prison gates - Without your good permission. - - _2 Cred._ By your leave. - - _Mont._ Stay Sir, what one example since the time - That first you put your hat off to me, have - You noted in me to encourage you - To this presumption? by the justice now - Of thine own rule, I should begin with thee, - I should turn thee away ungratified - For all thy former kindness, forget - Thou ever didst me any service: 'tis not fear - Of being arrested, makes me thus incline - To satisfy you; for you see by him, - I lost not all defences with my state; - The curses of a man to whom I am - Beholding terrify me more, than all - The violence he can pursue me with. - _Duboys_, I did prepare me for the worst; - These two small Cabinets do comprehend - The sum of all the wealth that it hath pleased - Adversity to leave me, one as rich - As th'other, both in Jewels; take thou this, - And as the Order put within it shall - Direct thee, distribute it half between - Those Creditors, and th' other half among - My servants: for (Sir) they are my Creditors - As well as you are, they have trusted me - With their advancement: if the value fail, - To please you all, my first increase of means - Shall offer you a fuller payment; be content - To leave me something, and imagine that - You put a new beginner into credit. - - _Cred._ So prosper our own blessings, as we wish you to - your merit. - - _Mont._ Are you[r] silences of discontent, or of sorrow? - - _Dub._ Sir, we would not leave you. - - _Long._ Do but suffer us to follow you, and what our present - means, or industries hereafter can provide, shall serve you. - - _Mont._ Oh desire me not to live - To such a baseness, as to be maintained - By those that serve me; pray begone, I will - Defend your honesties to any man - That shall report you have forsaken me; - I pray begone. [_Exeunt Servants and Creditors._ - Why, dost thou weep my boy, - Because I do not bid thee go to[o]? - - _Ver._ No, I weep (my Lord) because I would not go; - I fear you will command me. - - _Mont._ No my child, - I will not; that would discommend th' intent - Of all my other actions: thou art yet - Unable to advise thy self a course, - Should I put thee to seek it; after that - I must excuse, or at the least forgive - Any [un]charitable deed that can be done against my self. - - _Ver._ Every day (my Lord) I tarry with you, I'll account - A day of blessing to me; for I shall - Have so much less time left me of my life - When I am from you: and if misery - Befall you (which I hope so good a man - Was never born to) I will take my part, - And make my willingness increase my strength - To bear it. In the Winter I will spare - Mine own cloth[e]s from my self to cover you; - And in the Summer, carry some of yours - To ease you: I'll doe any thing I can. - - _Mont._ Why, thou art able to make misery - Ashamed of hurting, when thy weakness can - Both bear it, and despise it: Come my boy - I will provide some better way for thee - Than this thou speakst of: 'tis the comfort that - [Ill] fortune has undone me into the fashion: - For now in this age most men do begin, - To keep but one boy, that kept many men. [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter Orleans, a Servant, his Lady following._ - - _Orl._ Where is she? call her. - - _Lady._ I attend you Sir. - - _Orl._ Your friend sweet Madam. - - _Lady._ What friend, good my Lord? - - _Orl._ Your _Montague_, Madam, he will shortly want - Those Courtly graces that you love him for; - The means wherewith he purchased this, and this; - And all his own provisions to the least - Proportion of his feeding, or his clothes, - Came out of that inheritance of land - Which he unjustly lived on: but the law - Has given me right in't, and possession; now - Thou shalt perceive his bravery vanish, as - This Jewell does from thee now, and these Pearls - To him that owes 'em. - - _Lady._ Ye are the owner Sir of every thing that does belong to me. - - _Orl._ No, not of him, sweet Lady. - - _Lady._ O good [God]! - - _Orl._ But in a while your mind will change, and be - As ready to disclaim him; when his wants - And miseries have perish'd his good face, - And taken off the sweetness that has made - Him pleasing in a womans understanding. - - _La._ O Heaven, how gratious had Creation been - To women, who are born without defence, - If to our hearts there had been doors through which - Our husbands might have lookt into our thoughts, - And made themselves undoubtfull. - - _Orl._ Made 'em mad. - - _La._ With honest women. - - _Orl._ Thou dost still pretend - A title to that virtue: prethee let - Thy honesty speak freelie to me now. - Thou know'st that _Montague_, of whose Land - I [a]m the master, did affect thee first, - And should have had thee, if the strength of friends - Had not prevail'd above thine own consent. - I have undone him; tell me how thou dost - Consider his ill fortune and my good. - - _La._ I'll tell you justly his undoing is - An argument for pity and for tears - In all their dispositions that have known - The honor and the goodness of his life: - Yet that addition of prosperity, - Which you have got by't, no indifferent man - Will malice or repine at, if the Law - Be not abused in't; howsoever since - You have the upper fortune of him, 'twill - Be some dishonor to you to bear your self - With any pride or glory over him. - - _Orl._ This may be truely spoken, but in thee - It is not honest. - - _La._ Yes, so honest, that I care not if the chast _Penelope_ - Were now alive to hear me. - - _Enter Amiens._ - - _Orl._ Who comes there? - - _La._ My brother. - - _Am._ Save ye. - - _Orl._ Now Sir, you have heard of prosperous _Montague_. - - _Am._ No Sir, I have heard of _Montague_, - But of your prosperity. - - _Orl._ Is he distracted. - - _Am._ He does bear his loss with such a noble strength - Of patience that, - Had fortune eyes to see him, she would weep - For having hurt him, and pretending that - Shee did it but for triall of his worth: - Hereafter ever love him. - - _Orl._ I perceive you love him, and because (I must confess) - He does deserve that though for some respects, - I have not given him that acknowledgement, - Yet in mine honor I did still conclude to use him nobly. - - _Am._ Sir, that will become your reputation and make me - grow proud of your alliance. - - _Orl._ I did reserve the doing of this friendship till I had - His fortunes at my mercy, that the world - May tell him 'tis a willing courtesie. - - _La._ This change will make me happy. - - _Orl._ 'Tis a change; thou shalt behold it: then observe me when - That _Montague_ had possession of my Land, - I was his rivall, and at last obtain'd - This Lady who, by promise of her own - Affection to him, should ha' bin his wife; - I had her, and withheld her like a pawn, - Till now my Land is rend'red to me again, - And since it is so, you shall see I have - The conscience not to keep her--give him her-- [_draws._ - - For by the faithfull temper of my sword, she shall not tarry with - me. - - _Am._ Give me way-- [_draws._ - Thou most unworthy man--give me way; - Or by the wrong he does the Innocent, - I'll end thy misery and his wickedness, together. - - _Lady._ Stay and let me justifie - My husband in that, I have wrong'd his bed. [_Exeunt Am. Orl._ - - _Enter Orleans in amazement, the servants following him._ - - Never--all shames that can afflict me fall - Upon me if I ever wrong'd you; - - _Orl._ Didst thou not confess it; - - _La._ 'Twas to save your blood from shedding, that has - Turn'd my brothers edge; - He that beholds our thoughts as plainely as - Our faces, knowes it, I did never hurt - My honesty but by accusing it. - - _Orl._ Womens consents are sooner credited - Than their denials: and I'll never trust - Her body that prefers any defence - Before the safety of her honor--here - - _Enter Servant._ - - Show forth that stranger--give me not a word. - Thou seest a danger readie to be tempted. - - _La._ Cast that upon me rather than my shame, - And as I am now dying I will vow - That I am honest. - - _Orl._ Put her out of dores; but that I fear my land - May go again to _Montague_, I would kill thee, I am loth, - To make a beggar of him that way; or else-- - Go now you have the liberty of flesh, - And you may put it to a double use, - One for your pleasure, th'other to maintain - Your wellbeloved, he will want. [_Exit Lady._ - In such a charitable exercise - The virtue will excuse you for the vice. [_Exit Orleans._ - - _Enter Amiens drawn, Montague, Veramor meeting._ - - _Mont._ What means your Lordship? - - _Ver._ For the love of [God]. - - _Am._ Thou hast advantage of me, cast away this buckler. - - _Mont._ So he is Sir, for he lives - With one that is undone--avoyd us boy. - - _Ver._ I'll first avoid my safety, - Your Rapier shall be button'd with my head, before it touch - my Master. - - _Am. Montague?_ - - _Mont._ Sir. - - _Am._ You know my sister? - - _Mont._ Yes Sir. - - _Am._ For a whore? - - _Mont._ You lye, and shall lie lower if you dare abuse her honor. - - _Enter Lady._ - - _La._ I am honest. - - _Am._ Honest! - - _La._ Upon my faith I am. - - _Am._ What did then p[e]rsuade thee to condemn thy self? - - _La._ Your safety. - - _Am._ I had rather be expos'd - To danger, than dishonor; th'ast betray'd - The reputation of my familie - More basely by the falseness of that word, - Than if thou hadst delivered me asleep - Into the hands of base enemies. - Relief will never make thee sensible - Of thy disgraces; let thy wants compell thee to it. [_Exit._ - - _La._ O I am a miserable woman. - - _Mont._ Why Madam? are you utterly without means to relieve you? - - _La._ I have nothing Sir, unless by changing of these cloaths for - worse, and then at last the worst for nakedness. - - _Mont._ Stand off boy, nakedness would be a change - To please us Madam, to delight us both. - - _La._ What nakedness Sir? - - _Mont._ Why the nakedness of body Madam, we were Lovers once. - - _La._ Never dishonest Lovers. - - _Mont._ Honestie has no allowance now to give our selves. - - _La._ Nor you allowance against honestie. - - _Mont._ I'll send my Boy hence, opportunitie - Shall be our servant, come and meet me first - With kisses like a stranger at the door, - And then invite me nearer to receive - A more familiar inward wellcome; where, - Instead of tapers made of Virgins wax - Th'increasing flames of our desires shall light - Us to a banquet: and before the taste - Be dull with satisfaction, I'll prepare - A nourishment compos'd of every thing - That bears a naturall friendship to the blood, - And that shall set another edge upon 't, - Or else between the courses of the feast - We'll dallie out an exercise of time, - That ever as one appetite expires another may succeed it. - - _La._ O my Lord, how has your nature lost her worthiness! - When our affections had their liberty, - Our kisses met as temperatelie as - The hands of sisters, or of brothers, that - Our bloods were then as moving; then you were - So noble, that I durst have trusted your - Embraces in an opportunity - Silent enough to serve a ravisher, - And yet come from you--undishonor'd--how - You think me altered, that you promise your - Attempt success I know not; but were all - The sweet temptations that deceive us set - On this side, and [on] that side all the waiters, - These neither should p[e]rsuade me, nor these force. - - _Mont._ Then misery may waste your body. - - _Lady._ Yes, but lust shall never. - - _Mont._ I have found you still as uncorupted as I left you first - Continue so; and I will serve you with - As much devotion as my word, my hand - Or purse can show you; and to justifie - That promise, here is half the wealth I have, - Take it, you owe me nothing, till you fall - From virtue, which the better to protect - I have bethought me of a present means: - Give me the Letter; this commends my Boy - Into the service of a Lady, whose - Free goodness you have bin acquainted with, _Lamira_. - - _Lady._ Sir I know her. - - _Mont._ Then believe her entertainment will be noble to you; - My boy shall bring you thither: and relate - Your manner of misfortune if your own - Report needs any witness: so I kiss your hand good Lady. - - _Lady._ Sir, I know not how to promise, but I cannot be unthankfull. - - _Mont._ All that you can implore in thankfulness - Be yours, to make you the more prosperous. - Farwell my boy,--I am not yet oppress'd. [_Exit Lady Vere._ - Having the power to helpe one that's distress'd. [_Exeunt._ - - - - -_Actus Secundi. Scæna Prima._ - - - _Enter Longaville and Dubois._ - - _Long._ What shall we do now: swords are out of use, - And words are out of credit. - - _Dub._ We must serve. - - _L[o]ng._ The means to get a service will first spend - Our purses; and except we can allow - Our selves an entertainment, service will - Neglect us; now 'tis grown into a doubt - Whether the Mr. or the servants gives the countenance. - - _Dub._ Then fall in with Mistresses. - - _Long._ They keep more servants now (indeed) than men, - But yet the age is grown so populous - Of those attendants, that the women are - Grown full too. - - _Dub._ What shall we propound our selves? - - _Long._ I'll think on't. - - _Dub._ Do; Old occupations have too many setters up to - prosper, some uncommon trade would thrive now. - - _Long._ Wee'll e'en make up some half a dozen proper men. - And should not we get more - Than all your female sinners? - - _Dub._ If the house be seated as it should be privately. - - _Long._ I, but that would make a multitude of witches. - - _Dub._ Witches? how prethee? - - _Long._ Thus the bauds would all turn witches to revenge - Themselves upon us, and the women that - Come to us, for disguises must wear beards, - And that's they say, a token of a witch. - - _Dub._ What shall we then do. - - _Long._ We must study on't - With more consideration; stay _Duboyes_ - Are not the Lord of _Orleans_ and the Lord - Of _Amiens_ enemies? - - _Dub._ Yes, what of that. - - _Long._ Methinks the factions of two such great men. - Should give a promise of advancement now - To us that want it. - - _Dub._ Let the plot be thine, and in the enterprize I'll second thee. - - _Long._ I have it, we will first set down our selves - The Method of a quarrell; and make choyce - Of some frequented Tavern; or such a place - Of common notice, to perform it in - By way of undertaking to maintain - The severall honors of those enemies. - Thou for the Lord of _Orleans_; I for _Amiens_. - - _Dub._ I like the project, and I think 'twill take - The better, since their difference first did rise - From his occasion whom we followed once. - - _Long._ We cannot hope less after the report, - Than entertainment or gratuity, - Yet those are ends, I do not aim at most; - Great spirits that are needy, and will thrive, - Must labour whiles such troubles are alive. [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter Laverdine and La-poope._ - - _La-p._ Slander is sharper than the sword. I have fed this three - dayes upon leaf _Tobacco_, for want of other Victuals. - - _Lav._ You have liv'd the honester Captain; but be not so dejected, - but hold up thy head, and meat will sooner fall i'thy mouth. - - _La-p._ I care not so much for meat, so I had but good liquor, for - which my guts croak like so many Frogs for rain. - - _Lav._ It seems, you are troubled with the wind-Collick, Captain, - swallow a bullet: 'tis present remedy I'll assure you. - - _La-p._ A bullet? I'll tell you Sir, my panch is nothing but a pile - of bullets; when I was in any service I stood between my Generall - and the shot, like a mud-wall; I am all lead, from the crown of the - head to the soal of the foot, not a sound bone about me. - - _La[v]._ It seems you have bin in terrible hot service Captain. - - _La-p._ It has ever bin the fate of the low Country wars to spoil - many a man, I ha' not bin the first nor shall not be the last: but - I'll tell you Sir, (hunger has brought it in to mind) I served once - at the Siege of _Braste_, 'tis memorable to this day, where we were - in great distress for victuals, whole troops fainted more for want - of food then for blood, and died, yet we were resolved to stand it - out; I my self was but then Gentleman of a Company, and had as much - need as any man, and indeed I had perished had not a miraculous - providence preserved me. - - _Lav._ As how good Captain? - - _La-p._ Marry Sir, e'en as I was fainting and falling down for want - of sustenance, the enemy made a shot at me, and struck me full ith' - paunch with a penny loaf. - - _Lav._ Instead of a bullet! - - _La-p._ In stead of a bullet. - - _Lav._ That was miraculous indeed; and that loaf sustained you. - - _La-p._ Nourished me or I had famished with the rest. - - _Lav._ You have done worthy acts being a soldier, and now you shall - give me leave to requite your tale, and to acquaint you with the - most notorious deeds that I have done being a Courtier. I protest - Captain I will lie no more than you have done. - - _La-p._ I can indure no lies. - - _Lav._ I know you cannot Captain, therefore I'll only tell you - of strange things: I did once a deed of charity for it self; I - assisted a poor widow in a sute, and obtained it, yet I protest I - took not a penny for my labor. - - _La-p._ 'Tis no such strange thing. - - _Lav._ By _Mars_ Captain, but it is, and a very strange thing too - in a Courtier, it may take the upper hand of your penny loaf for a - miracle. I could ha' told you how many Ladyes have languished for - my love, and how I was once sollicited by the mother, the daughter, - and grand-mother; out of the least of which I might have digg'd - my self a fortune; they were all great Ladyes, for two of them - were so big I could hardly embrace them: but I was sluggish in - my rising courses, and therefore let them pass; what means I had - is spent upon such as had the wit to cheat me; That wealth being - gone, I have only bought experience with it, with a strong hope - to cheat others; but see here comes the much declined _Montague_, - who had all the Manor houses, which were the body of his estate, - overthrowen by a great wind. - - _Enter Montague, Mallicorne._ - - _La-p._ How by a great wind? was he not overthrown by law? - - _Lav._ Yes, marry was he: but there was terrible puffing and - blowing before he was overthrown, if you observ'd, and believe it - Captain, there's no wind so dangerous to a building as a lawyers - breath. - - _La-p._ What's he with him? - - _Lav._ An eminent Citizen, Mounsier _Mallicorne_, let's stand a - side and listen their design. - - _Mal._ Sir, profit is the Crown of labor, it is the life, the soul - of the industrious Merchant, in it he makes his paradise, and for - it neglects Wife, Children, Friends, Parents, nay all the world, - and delivers up himself to the violence of storms, and to be tos'd - into unknown ayrs; as there is no faculty so perillous, so there's - none so worthy profitable. - - _Mont._ Sir, I am very well possest of it, and what of my poore - fortunes remaines, I would gladly hazard upon the Sea: it cannot - deal worse with me than the Land, though it sink or throw it in - the hands of Pirats. I have yet five hundred pounds left, and your - honest and worthy acquaintance may make me a young Merchant; th'one - moity of what I have I would gladly adventure. - - _Mal._ How adventure? you shall hazard nothing: you shall only joyn - with me in certain commodities that are safe arrived unto the Key; - you shall neither be in doubt of danger nor dammage; But so much - money disburst, so much receive; Sir, I would have you conceive I - pursue it not for any good your money will do me, but meerly out of - mine own freeness and courtesie to pleasure you. - - _Mont._ I can believe no less, and you express a noble nature, - seeking to build up a man so ruin'd as my self. - - _Lav._ Captain here is subject for us to work upon if we have wit; - you hear that there is money yet left, and it is going to be layd - out in Rattels, Bels, Hobby-Horses, brown paper, or some such like - sale commodities; now it would do better in our purses, upon our - backs in good Gold-lace, and Scarlat, and then we might pursue - our projects, and our devices towards my Lady _Annabella_; go to, - there's a conceit newly landed, heark I stand in good reputation - with him, and therefore may the better cheat him: Captain, take a - few instructions from me. - - _Mont._ What monies I have is at your disposing, and upon twelve I - will meet you at the Pallace with it. - - _Mal._ I will there expect you, and so I take my leave. [_Exit._ - - _Lav._ You apprehend me? - - _La-p._ Why do ye think I am a dunce? - - _Lav._ Not a dunce Captain, but you might give me leave to misdoubt - that pregnancy in a Soldier, which is proper and hereditary to a - Courtier; but prosecute it, I will both second, and give credit - to it. Good Mounsier _Montague_, I would your whole revenues lay - within the circuit of mine armes, that I might as easily bestow, or - restore it unto you as my curtesie. - - _La-p._ My zealous wishes Sir, do accompany his for your good - fortunes. - - _Lav._ Believe it Sir, our affection towards you is a strong band - of friendship. - - _Mont._ To which I shall most willingly seal. But believe me - Gentlemen in a broken estate, the bond of friendship oft is - forfeited, but that it is your free and ingenuous nature to renew - it. - - _Lav._ Sir, I will amply extend my self to your use, and am very - zealously afflicted as not one of your least friends for your - crooked fate; But let it not seise you with any dejection, you have - as I hear a sufficient competency left, which well disposed may - erect you as high in the worlds account as ever. - - _Mont._ I cannot live to hope it, much less injoy it, nor is it any - part of my endeavor; my study is to render every man his own, and - to contain my self within the limits of a Gentleman. - - _Lav._ I have the grant of an Office given me by some noble - favorites of mine in Court, there stands but a small matter between - me and it, if your ability be such to lay down the present summ, - out of the love I bear you, before any other man, it shall be - confirmed yours. - - _Mont._ I have heard you often speak of such a thing; If it be - assur'd to you I will gladly deal in it: that portion I have, I - would not hazard upon one course, for I see the most certain is - incertain. - - _La-p._ Having money Sir, you could not light upon men that could - give better direction; there is at this time a friend of mine upon - the Seas; to be plain with you, he is a pyrate, that hath wrote - to me to work his fredom, and by this Gentlemans means, whose - acquaintance is not small at Court; we have the word of a worthy - man for it, only there is some money to be suddainly disburst, and - if your happiness be such to make it up you shall receive treble - gain by it, and good assurance for it. - - _Mont._ Gentlemen, out of the weakness of my estate you seem (to - have some knowledge of my brest) that wou'd if it were possible - advance my declined fortunes, to satisfie all men of whom I have - had credit, and I know no way better than these which you propose; - I have some money ready under my command, some part of it is - already promis'd, but the remainder is yours to such uses as are - propounded. - - _Lav._ Appoint some certain place of meeting, for these affaires - require expedition. - - _Mount._ I will make it my present business: at twelve, I am to - meet _Mallicorne_, the Marchant at the Pallace, you know him Sir, - about some negotiation of the same nature, there I will be ready to - tender you that money, upon such conditions as we shall conclude of. - - _Lav._ The care of it be yours, so much as the affair concerns you. - - _Mont._ Your caution is effectuall, and till then I take my leave. - - _Lav._ Good Mr _Montague_. [_Exit._ - - _W[i]thin a clamor, down with their weapons._ - - _Enter Longavile, and Dubois, their swords drawn, - servants and others between them._ - - _Ser._ Nay Gentlemen what mean you? pray be quiet, have some - respect unto the house. - - _Long._ A treacherous slave. - - _Du._ Thou dost revile thy self base _Longavile_. - - _Long._ I say thou art a villain, and a corrupt one, that hast some - seven years fed on thy masters trencher, yet never bredst good - blood towards him: for if thou hadst, thou'dst have a sounder heart. - - _Du._ So Sir, you can use your tongue something nimbler than your - sword. - - _Long._ Wou'd you cou'd use your tongue well of your Master, friend - you might have better imployment for your sword. - - _Du._ I say again, and I will speak it loud and often, that - _Orleans_ is a noble Gentleman with whom _Amiens_ is too light to - poyse the scale. - - _Long._ He is the weaker for taking of a prayse out of thy mouth. - - _Du._ This hand shall seal his merit at thy heart. - - _Lav._ Part them my masters, part them. - - _Ser._ Part them Sir, why do you not part them, you stand by with - your sword in your hand, and cry part 'em. - - _Lav._ Why you must know my friend my cloaths are better than - yours, and in a good suit, I do never use to part any body. - - _La-p._ And it is discretion. - - _Lav._ I marry is it Captain. - - _Long. Dubois_ though this place priviledge thee, know where - next we meet, the blood which at thy heart flows drops at thy feet. - - _Enter Amience in haste, his sword drawn._ - - _Du._ I would not spend it better than in this quarrell, and on - such a hazard. - - _Ami._ What uprore's this, must my name here be question'd in - Tavern brawls, and by affected Ruffins? - - _Lav._ Not we indeed Sir. - - _Du._ Fear cannot make me shrink out of your fury, though you were - greater than your name doth make you, I am one, and the opposer; if - your swoln rage have ought in malice to inforce express it. - - _Ami._ I seek thee not, nor shalt thou ever gain - That credit, which a blow from me wou'd give thee, - By my ---- I more detest that fellow - Which took my part than thee, that he durst offer - To take my honor in his feeble armes, - And spend it in a drinking room; which way went he? - - _Lav._ That way Sir, I wou'd you wou'd after; for I do fear we - shall have some more scuffling. - - _Ami._ [I]'ll follow him, and if my speed o'er take him, I shall - ill thank him, for his forwardness. [_Exit._ - - _Lav._ I am glad he's gone, for I doe not love to see a sword drawn - in the hand of a man that lookes so furious, there's no jesting - with edge tooles, how say you Captain? - - _Cap._ I say 'tis better jesting than to be in earnest with them. - - _Enter Orleance._ - - _Orl._ How now? what's the difference? they say there have bin - swords drawn, and in my quarrell: let me know that man, whose love - is so sincere to spend his blood for my sake, I will bounteously - requite him. - - _Lav._ We were all of your side, but there he stands begun it. - - _Orl._ What's thy name? - - _Dub. Duboyes._ - - _Orl._ Give me thy hand, [thou] hast received no hurt? - - _Dub._ Not any, nor were this body stuck full of wounds, I should - not count them hurts, being taken in so honorable a cause as the - defence of my most worthy Lord. - - _Orl._ The dedication of thy love to me requires my ample bounty, - thou art mine, for I do find thee made unto my purposes: Mounsieur - _Laverdine_, pardon my neglect I not observed you, and how runs - rumour? - - _Lav._ Why, it runs my Lord like a foot-man without a cloak, to - show that what's once rumour'd it cannot be hid. - - _Or[l]._ And what say the rable, am not I the subject of their talk? - - _Lav._ Troth my Lord the common mouth speaks foul words. - - _Orl._ Of me, for turning away my wife, do they not? - - _Lav._ Faith the men do a little murmure at it and say, 'tis an ill - president in so great a man, marry the women they rayl out right. - - _Orl._ Out upon them rampallions. I'll keep my self safe enough out - of their fingers, but what say my pritty jolly composed gallants - that censure every thing more desperate than it is dangerous; what - say they? - - _Lav._ Marry they are laying wagers, what death you shall die; one - offers to lay five hundred pounds; And yet he had but a groat about - him, & that was in two twopences too to any man that wou'd make - it up a shilling; that you were kil'd with a Pistoll charg'd with - white Powder; another offerd to pawn his soul for five shillings, - and yet no body wou'd take him, that you were stab'd to death, and - shou'd die with more wounds than _Cæsar_. - - _Orl._ And who shou'd be the Butchers that shou'd do it? _Montague_ - and his associates? - - _Lav._ So 'tis conjectured. - - _La-p._ And believe it, sweet Prince, it is to be feared, and - therefore prevented. - - _Orl._ By turning his purpose on himself, were not that the way? - - _Lav._ The most direct path for your safety. For where doth danger - sit more furious than in a desperate man? - - _La-p._ And being you have declined his means, you have increast - his malice. - - _Lav._ Besides the generall report that steems in every mans - breath, and stains you all over with infamy, that Time the devourer - of all things cannot eat out. - - _La-p._ I, for that former familiarity, which he had with your Lady. - - _Lav._ Men speak it as boldly as words of compliment; good morrow, - good even, or [God] save you Sir, are not more usuall; if the word - cuckold had been written upon your forehead in great Capitall - Letters, it could not have been dilated with more confidence. - - _Orl._ He shall not sleep another night, I will have his blood, - though it be required at my hands again. - - _Lav._ Your Lordship may, and without hazarding your own person; - here's a Gentleman in whose looks I see a resolution to perform it. - - _Dub._ Let his Lordship give me but his honorable word for my life, - I'll kill him as he walks. - - _Lav._ Or pistoll him as he sits at meat. - - _La-p._ Or at game. - - _Lav._ Or as he is drinking. - - _Dub._ Any way. - - _Orl._ Wou't thou? call what is mine thine own, thy reputation - shall not be brought in question for it, much less thy life; it - shall be nam'd a deed of valour in thee, not murder: Farewell. - [_Exit._ - - _Dub._ I need no more encouragement, it is a work I will persuade - my self that I was born to. - - _Laver._ And you may persuade your self too that you shall be sav'd - by it, being that it is for his honorable Lordship. - - _Dub._ But you must yield me means, how, when and where. - - _Lav._ That shall be our tasks; - Nay more, we will be agents with thee: - This hour we are to meet him, on the receipt of certain moneys, - Which indeed we purpose honestly to cheat him of, - And that's the main cause I wou'd have him slain, - Who works with safety makes a double gain. [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter Longaville, Amiens following him._ - - _Ami._ Stay Sir, I have took some pains to overtake you.--Your name - is _Longaville_. - - _Long._ I have the word of many honest men for't, I crave your - Lordships pardon, your sudden apprehension on my steps made me to - frame an answer unwitting and unworthy your respect. - - _Ami._ Doe you know me? - - _Long._ Yes, my Lord. - - _Ami._ I know not you; nor am I well pleased to make this time, as - the affair now stands, the induction of your acquaintance; you are - a fighting fellow. - - _Long._ How my Lord? - - _Ami._ I think I too much grace you; rather you are a fellow - dares not fight, but spit and puffe and make a noyse, whilst your - trembling hand draws out your Sword, to lay it upon andirons, - stools or tables, rather than on a man. - - _Long._ Your honor may best speak this; yet ---- with little - safety, if I thought it serious. - - _Ami._ Come, you are a verie braggart, and you have given me cause - to tell you so: what weakness have you ever seen in me to prompt - your self, that I could need you help; or what other reason[s] - could induce you to it? you never yet had a meals meat from my - Table, nor as I remember from my Wardrop any cast Suit. - - _Lon._ 'Tis true, I never durst yet have such a servile spirit, - to be the minion of a full swoln Lord; but alwaies did detest - such slavery: a meals meat, or a cast Suit? I wou'd first eat the - stones, and from such rags the dunghils doe afford, pick me a - garment. - - _Ami._ I have mistook the man, his resolute spirit - Proclaimes him generous, he has a noble heart - As free to utter good deeds as to act them; - For had he not been right, and of one piece, - He would have crumpled, curled, and struck himself - Out of the shape of man into a shaddow. - But prethee tell me, if no such fawning hope - Did lead thee on to hazard life for my sake; - What was it that incited thee? - Tell me; speak it without the imputation of a Sycophant. - - _Long._ Your own desert, and with it was joyn'd the unfained - friendship that I judged you ever held unto my former Lord. - - _Ami._ The noble _Montague_? - - _Long._ Yes, the noble and much injured _Montague_. - - _Ami._ To such a man as thou art, my heart shall be - A Casket: I will lock thee up there, - And esteem thee as a faithfull friend, - The richest Jewell that a man enjoyes; - And being thou didst follow once my friend, - And in thy heart still dost, not with his fortunes casting him off, - Thou shalt go hand in hand with me, and share - As well in my ability as love; 'tis not my end - To gain men for my use, but a true friend. [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter Duboys._ - - _Dub._ There's no such thriving way to live in grace, - As to have no sence of it; his back nor belly - Shall not want warming that can practise me mischief; - I walk now with a full purse, grow high and wanton, - Prune and briske my self in the bright shine - Of his good Lordships favours; and for what virtue? - For fashioning my self a murderer. - O noble _Montague_, to whom I owe my heart, - With all my best thoughts, though my tongue have promis'd - To exceed the malice of thy destiny, - Never in time of all my service knew I - Such a sin tempt thy bounty; those that did feed - Upon thy charge had merit or else need. - - _Enter Laverdine, and La-poope, with disguises._ - - _Lav. Duboys_, most prosperously met. - - _Dub._ How now? will he come this way? - - _La._ This way, immediately; therefore thy assistance, dear - _Duboys_. - - _Dub._ What have you cheated him of the money you spoke of? - - _Lav._ Fough, as easily as a silly Countrey wench of her - maydenhead; we had it in a twinkling. - - _Dub._ 'Tis well Captain, let me help you, you must be our leader - in this action. - - _La-p._ Tut, fear not, I'll warrant you if my Sword hold, we'll - make no sweating sickness of it. - - _Dub._ Why that's well said, but let's retire a little, that we may - come on the more bravely; this way, this way. [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter Montague in the hands of three Officers, and three - Creditors._ - - _1 Cre._ Officers look to him, and be sure you take good security - before he part from you. - - _Mont._ Why but my friends, you take a strange course with me; the - sums I owe you are rather forgetfulness, they are so slight, than - want of will or honesty to pay you. - - _1 Cred._ I Sir, it may be so; but we must be paid, and we will be - paid before you scape: we have wife and children, and a charge, and - you are going down the wind, as a man may say; and therefore it - behooves us to look to't in time. - - _2 Cred._ Your cloak here wou'd satisfie me, mine's not above a - three pound matter, besides the arrest. - - _3 Cred._ 'Faith and mine is much about that matter too; your - Girdle and Hangers, and your Beaver, shall be sufficient bail for't. - - _1 Cred._ If you have ever a plain black sute at home, this Silken - one, with your Silke-stockings, Garters, and Roses shall pacifie me - too; for I take no delight, if I have a sufficient pawn, to cast - any Gentleman in prison; therefore 'tis but an untrussing matter: - and you are free, we are no unreasonable creatures you see; for - mine own part, I protest I am loth to put you to any trouble for - security. - - _Mont._ Is there no more of you? he wou'd next demand my skin. - - _1 Cred._ No Sir, here's no more of us, nor do any of us demand - your skin, we know not what to do with it: but it may be if you - ow'd your Glover any money, he knew what use to make of it. - - _Mont._ Ye dregs of baseness, vultures amongst men, - That tyre upon the hearts of generous spirits. - - _1 Cred._ You do us wrong Sir, we tyre no generous spirits, we tyre - nothing but our hackneys. - - _Enter Mallicorne._ - - _Mont._ But here comes one made of another piece; - A man well meriting that free born name - Of Citizen; welcome my deliverer, I am falen - Into the hands of blood-hounds, that for a sum - Lesser than their honesties, which is nothing, - Wou'd tear me out of my skin. - - _Mal._ Why Sir, what's the matter? - - _1 Cre._ Why Sir the matter is, that we must have our money, which - if we cannot have, we'll satisfie our selves with his carcass, - and be payd that wayes: you had as good Sir, not have been so - peremptory. Officer, hold fast. - - _1 Offi._ The strenuous fist of vengeance now is clutcht; therefore - fear nothing. - - _Mal._ What may be the debt in gross? - - _Mont._ Some forty Crowns, nay rather not so much, 'tis quickly - cast. - - _Mal._ 'Tis strange to me, that your estate shou'd have so low an - ebb, to stick at such sleight sums: why my friends, you are too - strict in your accounts, and call too sudden on this Gentleman, he - has hopes left yet to pay you all. - - _1 Cred._ Hopes? I marry; bid him pay his friends with hopes, - and pay us with currant Coyn: I knew a gallant once that fed his - creditors still with hopes, and bid 'em they shou'd fear nothing, - for he had 'em tyed in a string; and trust me so he had indeed, for - at last he and all his hopes hopt in a halter. - - _Mont._ Good Sir, with what speed you may, free me out of the - company of these slaves, that have nothing but their names to show - 'em men. - - _Mal._ What wou'd you wish me do Sir? I protest I ha' not the - present sum (small as it is) to lay down for you; and for giving my - word, my friends no later than yesternight made me take bread and - eat it, that I shou'd not do it for any man breathing i'th' world; - therefore I pray hold me excused. - - _Mont._ You do not speak this seriously? - - _Mal._ As ever I said my prayers, I protest to you. - - _Mont._ What may I think of this? - - _Mal._ Troth Sir thought is free for any man; we abuse our betters - in it, I have done it my self. - - _Mont._ Trust me, this speech of yours doth much amaze me; pray - leave this language, and out of that same sum you lately did - receive of me, lay down as much as may discharge me. - - _Mal._ You are a merry man Sir, and I am glad you take your crosses - so temperately; fare you well Sir, and yet I have something more - to say to ye, a word in your ear I pray; to be plain with you I did - lay this plot to arrest you to enjoy this money I have of yours, - with the more safety. I am a fool to tel[l] you this now; but in - good faith I could not keep it in. And the money wou'd a done me - little good else. An honest Citizen cannot wholly enjoy his own - wife for you, they grow old before they have true use of them, - which is a lamentable thing, and truely much hardens the hearts of - us Citizens against you: I can say no more, but am heartily sorry - for your heaviness, and so I take my leave. [_Exit Mallycorne._ - - _1 Cred._ Officers take hold on him again, for Mounsier - _Mallycorne_ will do nothing for him I perceive. - - _Enter Duboys, Lapoope, and Laverdine._ - - _Dub._ Nay come my masters, leave dancing of the old measures, and - let's assault him bravely. - - _Lav._ By no means; for it goes against my stomach to kill a man in - an unjust quarrell. - - _La-p._ It must needs be a clog to a mans conscience all his life - time. - - _Lav._ It must indeed Captain: besides doe ye not see he has gotten - a guard of friends about him, as if he had some knowledge of our - purpose? - - _Dub._ Had he a guard of Devils, as I think them little better, my - Sword should doe the message that it came for. - - _Lav._ If you will be so desperate, the blood lie upon your own - neck, for we'll not meddle in't. - - _Duboys runs upon Montague, and strugling yields him his Sword; - the Officers draw, Laverdine and La-poope in the scuffling - retire, Montague chaseth them off the Stage, himself - wounded._ - - _Dub._ I am your friend and servant. - Struggle with me and take my Sword; - Noble Sir, make your way, you have slain an Officer. - - _Mont._ Some one of them has certainly - Requited me; for I doe lose much blood. - - _1 Offic._ Udsprecious, we have lost a brother, pursue the - Gentleman. - - _2 Offic._ I'll not meddle with him: you see what comes on't; - besides I know he will be hang'd ere he be taken. - - _1 Offic._ I tell thee yeoman he must be taken ere he be hanged; he - is hurt in the guts, run afore therefore and know how his wife will - rate his Sawsages a pound. - - _3 Offic._ Stay brother, I may live, for surely I find I'm but hurt - in the leg, a dangerous kick on the shin-bone. [_Exeunt._ - - - - -_Actus Tertius. Scæna Prima._ - - - _Enter Madam Lamira, Madam le Orleans, Veramour._ - - _Lam._ You see Lady - What harmless sports ou[r] Countrey life affords; - And though you meet not here with City dainties, - Or Courtly entertainment, what you have - Is free and hearty. - - _L. Orl._ Madam, I find here - What is a stranger to the Court, content, - And receive curtesies done for themselves, - Without an expectation of return, - Which binds me to your service. - - _Lam._ Oh your love; - My homely house built more for use than shew - Observes the Golden mean equally distant - From glittering pomp, and sordid avarice; - For Maskes, we will observe the works of nature, - And in the place of visitation, read: - Our Physick shall be wholsome walks, our viands, - Nourishing, not provoking: for I find - Pleasures are tortures that leave stings behind. - - _L. Orl._ You have a great estate. - - _Lam._ A competency - Sufficient to maintain me and my rank, - Nor am I, I thank Heaven, so Courtly bred - As to imploy the utmost of my Rents - In paying Tailors for phantastick Robes; - Or rather than be second in the fashion, - Eat out my Officers and my Revenues - With grating usury; my back shall not - Be the base on which your soothing Citizen - Erects his Summer-houses; nor on th' other side - Will I be so penuriously wise, - As to make money (that's my slave) my Idoll, - Which yet to wrong, merits as much reproof, - As to abuse our servant. - - _L. Orl._ Yet with your pardon - I think you want the Crown of all contentment. - - _Lam._ In what good Madam? - - _L. Orl._ In a worthy husband. - - _Lam._ ---- It is strange the galley-slave should praise - His Oar, or stroaks; or you, that have made shipwrack - Of all delight upon this Rock, cal'd marriage, - Should sing _Encomions_ on't. - - _L. Orl._ Madam, though one fall - From his horse and break his neck, will you - Conclude from that it is unfit to ride? - Or must it follow, because _Orleans_ - My Lord's pleased to make his passionate triall - Of my suspected patience, that my brother, - (Were he not so, I might say, worthy _Amiens_) - Will imitate his ills, that cannot fancy - What's truely Noble in him? - - _Lam._ I must grant - There's as much worth in him as can be lookt for - From a young Lord, but not enough to make - Me change my golden liberty and consent - To be a servant to it, as wives are - To the Imperious humors of their Lords: - Me thinks I'm well, I rise and goe to bed - When I think fit, eat what my appetite - Desires without controle, my servants study - Is my contentment, and to make me merry - Their farthest ayms; my sleeps are enquired after, - My rising up saluted with respect: - Command and liberty now wait upon - My Virgin state; what would I more; change all, - And for a husband? no; these freedoms die, - In which they live with my Virginity; - 'Tis in their choice that's rich to be a wife, - But not being yoakt to chuse the single life. - - _Ver._ Madam. - - _Lam._ How like you the Countrey? - - _Ver._ I like the ayr of it well Madam, and the rather because, - as on _Irish_ Timber your Spider will not make his web, so for - ought I see yet your Cheater, Pander, and Informer being in their - dispositions too foggy for this piercing climate, shun it, and - chose rather to walk in mists in the City. - - _Lam._ Who did you serve first boy? - - _Ver._ A rich Merchants widow, and was by her preferred to a young - Court-Lady. - - _L. Orl._ And what difference found you in their service? - - _Ver._ Very much: for look how much my old City Madam gave to - her young visitants, so much my Lady received from her hoary - Court-servants. - - _Lam._ And what made you to leave her? - - _Ver._ My father (Madam) had a desire to have me a tall-man, took - me from thence. - - _Lam._ Well, I perceive you inherit the wag, from your father. - - _Ver._ Doves beget Doves; and Eagles, Eagles, Madam: A Citizen - here, tho left never so rich, seldome at the best proves a - Gentleman: the son of an Advocate, tho dub'd like his father, will - shew a relish of his descent, and the fathers thriving practice, - as I have heard: she that of a Chambermayd is metamorphosed into - a Madam, will yet remember how oft her daughter by her mother - ventured to lie upon the rushes before she could get in that which - makes many Ladyes. - - _L. Orl._ But what think you of your late Master? - - _Ver._ Oh Madam-- [_Sighs._ - - _Lam._ Why doe you sigh? you are sorry that you left him, - He made a wanton of you. - - _Ver._ Not for that: - Or if he did, for that my youth must love him. - Oh pardon me, if I say liberty - Is bondage, if compar'd with his kind service; - And but to have power now to speak his worth - To its desert; I should be well content - To be an old man when his praise were ended: - And yet, if at this instant you were pleased, - I should begin, the livery of age - Would take his lodging upon this head - Ere I should bring it to a period. - In brief he is a man (for [God] forbid - That I should ever live to say he was - Of such a shape as would make one beloved, - That never had good thought;) and to his body - He hath a mind of such a constant temper - In which virtues throng to have a room: - Yet 'gainst this noble Gentleman, this _Montague_, - For in that name I comprehend all goodness, - Wrong, and the wrested law, false witnesses, - And envy sent from hell, have rose in Armes, - And though not pierc'd, batter'd his honor'd shield. - What shall I say? I hope you will forgive me, - That if you were but pleas'd to love, - I know no _Juno_ worthy such a _Jove_. - - _Enter Charlot with a letter._ - - _Lam._ 'Tis well yet that I have the second place - In your affection: From whence? - - _Charl._ From the Lord _Amiens_, Madam. - - _Lam._ 'Tis wellcome, though it bear his usual language: - I thought so much, his love-suit speaks his health. - What's he that brought it? - - _Charl._ A Gentleman of good rank, it seems. - - _Lam._ Where is he? - - _Charl._ Receiving entertainment in your house - Sorting with his degree. - - _Lam._ 'Tis well. - - _Charl._ He waits your Ladyships pleasure. - - _Lam._ He shall not wait long: - I'll leave you for a while; nay stay you boy, - Attend the Lady. [_Exeunt Lam. Charl._ - - _Vir._ Would I might live once - To wait on my poor Master. - - _L. Orl._ That's a good boy: - This thankfulness looks lovely on thy forehead, - And in it, as a book, me thinks I read - Instructions for my self, that am his debtor, - And wou'd do much that I might be so happy - To repair that which to our grief is ruin'd. - - _Vir._ It were a work a King might glory in, - If he saw with my eyes: If you please Madam, - For sure to me you seem unapt to walk, - To sit, although the churlish Birds deny - To give us musick in this grove, where they - Are prodigall to others: I'll strain my voyce - For a sad Song, the place is safe and private. - - _L. Orl._ 'Twas my desire; begin good _Viramour_. - - _Musick, a Song, at the end of it enter Montague,_ - _fainting, his Sword drawn._ - - _L. Orl._ What's he _Viramour_? - - _Vir._ A goodly personage. - - _Mont._ Am I yet safe? or is my flight a dream? - My wounds and hunger tell me that I wake: - Whither have my fears born me? no matter where, - Who hath no place to goe to, cannot err: - What shall I do? cunning calamity! - That others gross wits uses to refine, - When I most need it duls the edg of mine. - - _L. Orl._ Is not this _Montagues_ voyce? - - _Vir._ My Masters? fie. - - _Mont._ What sound was that, 'pish, - Fear makes the wretch think every leaf oth' Jury: - What course to live, 'beg? better men have done it, - But in another kind: steal? _Alexander_ - Though stil'd a Conqueror, was a proud thief, - Though he rob'd with an Army; fie how idle - These meditations are: though thou art worse - Than sorrows tongue can speak thee, thou art still, - Or shouldst be, honest _Montague_. - - _L. Orl._ 'Tis too true. - - _Vir._ 'Tis he: what villains hands did this? oh that my flesh - Were Balm; in faith Sir, I would pluck it off - As readily as this; pray you accept - My will to do you service: I have heard - The Mouse once sav'd the Lyon in his need, - As the poor Scarab spild the Eagles seed. - - _L. Orl._ How do you? - - _Mont._ As a forsaken man. - - _L. Orl._ Do not say so, take comfort, - For your misfortunes have been kind in this, - To cast you on a hospitable shoar, - Where dwels a Lady-- - - _Vir._ She to whom, good Master, - You prefer'd me. - - _L. Orl._ In whose house, whatsoere - Your dangers are, I'll undertake your safety. - - _Mont._ I fear that I am pursued, and doubt that I, - In my defence have kild an Officer. - - _Vir._ Is that all? there's no law under the Sun - But will I hope confess, one drop of blood - Shed from this arme is recompence enough - Though you had cut the throats of all the Catchpoles - In _France_, nay in the world. - - _Mont._ I would be loth - To be a burthen, or feed like a drone - On the industrious labor of a Bee, - And baser far I hold it to owe for - The bread I eat, what's not in me to pay; - Then since my full fortunes are declin'd, - To their low ebb I'll fashion my high mind. - It was no shame to _Hecuba_, to serve - When Troy was fir'd: if't be in your power - To be a means to make her entertainment, - And far from that I was; but to supply - My want with habit fit for him that serves, - I shall owe much to you. - - _L. Orl._ Leave that care to me. - - _Vir._ Good Sir, lean on my shoulder; help good Madam: oh that I - were a horse for half an hour, that I might carry you home on my - back: I hope you w[i]ll love me still? - - _Mont._ Thou dost deserve it boy, that I should live - To be thus troublesome. - - _L. Orl._ Good Sir, 'tis none. - - _Vir._ Trouble? most willingly I would be chang'd - Like _Apuleius_, weare his Asses ears, - Provided I might still this burthen bear. - - _L. Orl._ 'Tis a kind boy. - - _Mont._ I find true proof of it. [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter Amiens, and Longeville, with a Paper._ - - _Ami._ You'll carry it. - - _Long._ As I live although my packet were like _Bellerophon's_, - what have you seen in me or my behavior since your favors so - plentifully showr'd upon my wants, that may beget distrust of my - p[er]formance? - - _Ami._ Nay, be not angry, if I entertained - But the least scruple of your love, or courage, - I would make choyce of one which my estate - Should do me right in this, nor can you blame me - If in a matter of such consequence - I am so importunate. - - _Long._ Good my Lord let me prevent your farther conjurations - To rayse my spirit, I know this is a challenge - To be delivered unto _Orlean[c]e_ hand, - And that my undertaking ends not there, - But I must be your second, and in that - Not alone search your enemy, measure weapons, - But stand in all your hazards, as our blouds - Ran in the self-same veins, in which if I - Better not your opinion, as a limb - That's putrifi'd and useless, cut me off, - And underneath the Gallows bury it. - - _Ami._ At full you understand me, and in this - Bind me, and what's mine to you and yours, - I will not so much wrong you as to add - One syllable more, let it suffice I leave - My honor to your guard: and in that prove, - You hold the first place in my heart and love. [_Ex. Ami._ - - _Long._ The first place in a Lords affection? very good; and how - long doth that last? perhaps the changing of some three shirts in - the Tennis-Court; well, it were very necessary that an order were - taken (if it were possible,) that younger brothers might have more - wit, or more money: for now, however the fool hath long been put - upon him that inherits, his revenue hath bought him a spunge, and - wip't off the imputation, and for the understanding of the younger, - let him get as much Rhetorick as he can, to grace his language. - - _Enter_ Dubois. - - They will see, he shall have gloss little enough to set out his - Bark; stand _Dubois_, look about, 's all safe? - - _Dub._ Approach not near me but with reverence Lawrel and - adorations, I have done more than deserves a hundred thanks. - - _Long._ How now, what's the matter? - - _Dub._ With this hand, only aided by this brain, - Without an _Orpheus_ Harp redeem'd from Hells - Three headed Porter, our _Euridice_. - - _Long._ Nay, prethee speak sence, this is like the stale bragart in - a Play. - - _Dub._ Then in plain Prose thus, and with as little action as - thou canst desire, the three headed Porter, were three unexorable - Catch-poles, out of whose jaws without the help of _Orpheus_ Harp, - bait or bribe; for those two strings make the Musick, that molifies - those flinty furies, I rescued our _Euridice_, I mean my old Master - _Montague_. - - _Long._ And is this all? a poor rescue; I thought thou hadst - revers'd the judgement for his overthrow in his sute, or wrought - upon his adversary _Orleance_, taken the shape of a Ghost, frighted - his mind into distraction, and for the appeasing of his conscience, - forc'd him to make restitution of _Montague's_ Lands, or such - like rescue; S'light I would have hired _Acrocheture_ for two - _Cardekues_, to have done so much with his whip. - - _Dub._ You wood Sir, and yet 'tis more than three on their - foot-cloaths durst do for a sworn Brother, in a Coach. - - _Long._ Besides, what proof's of it? for ought I know, this may be - a trick, I had rather have him a prisoner, where I might visit him, - and do him service, than not at all, or I know not where. - - _Dub._ Well Sir, the end will shew it, what's that, a challenge? - - _Long._ Yes, where's _Orleance_? though we fight in jest, he must - meet with _Amiens_ in earnest,--fall off, we are discovered; my - horse _garson_; ha! - - _Dub._ Were it not in a house, and in his presence, - To whom I owe all duty-- - - _Long._ What would it do? prate as it does? but be as far from - striking, as he that owes it _Orleance_. - - _Dub._ How? - - _Long._ I think thou art his Porter, - Set here to answer creditors, that his Lordship - Is not within, or takes the diet: I am sent, - And will grow here until I have an answer, - Not to demand a debt of money, but - To call him to a strict account for wrong - Done to the honors of a Gentleman, - Which nothing but his heart-bloud shall wash off. - - _Dub._ Shall I hear this? - - _Long._ And more, that if [I] may not - Have access to him, I will fix this here - To his disgrace and thine. - - _Dub._ And thy life with it. - - _Long._ Then have the copies of it pasted on posts, - Like Pamphlet Titles, that sue to be sold; - Have his disgrace talk for Tobacco-shops, - His picture baffled. - - _Dub._ All respect away, wer't in a Church-- [_draw both._ - - _Long._ This is the Book I pray with. - - _Enter Orleance._ - - _Orl._ Forbear upon your lives. - - _Long._ What are you rouz'd? I hope your Lordship can read (though - he stain not his birth with Scholar-ship) doth it not please you - now? if you are a right _Mounsieur_, muster up the rest of your - attendance, which is a Page, a Cook, a Pander, Coach-man, and - a Footman, in these days a great Lords train, pretending I am - unworthy to bring you a challenge, instead of answering it, have me - kick'd. - - _Dub._ If he does, thou deserv'st it. - - _Long._ I dare you all to touch me, I'll not stand still, - What answer? - - _Orl._ That thou hast done to _Amiens_ - The office of a faithful friend, which I - Would cherish in thee, were he not my foe, - How ever since on honourable terms - He calls me forth, say I will meet with him, - And by _Dubois_ e'r Sun-set make him know - The time and place, my swords length, and what ever - Scruple of circumstance he can expect. - - _Long._ This answer comes unlookt for, fare you well, - Finding your temper thus, wou'd I had said less. [_Exit._ - - _Orl._ Now comes thy love to the test. - - _Dub._ My Lord, 'twill hold, - And in all dangers prove it self true Gold. [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter_ Laverdine, La-poop, Malicorn, _servant_. - - _Ser._ I will acquaint my Lady with your coming. - Please you repose your selves here. - - _Mal._ There's a Tester, nay, now I am a wooer, I must be bountiful. - - _Ser._ If you would have two three-pences for it Sir, To give some - of your kindred as you ride, I'll see if I can get them; we use not - (tho servants) to take bribes. [_Ex._ - - _Lav._ Then thou art unfit to be in office, either in Court or City. - - _La-p._ Indeed, corruption is a Tree, whose branches are of - an unmeasurable length, they spread every where, and the dew, - that drops from thence, hath infected some chairs and stools of - authority. - - _Mal._ Ah Captain! lay not all the fault upon Officers, you know - you can shark, tho you be out of action, witness _Montague_. - - _Lav._ Hang him, he's safe enough; you had a hand in it too, and - have gained by him; but I wonder you Citizens, that keep so many - books, and take such strict accounts for every farthing due to you - from others, reserve not so much as a memorandum for the courtesies - you receive. - - _Mal._ Would you have a Citizen book those? thankfulness is a - thing, we are not sworn to in our Indentures: you may as well urge - conscience. - - _Lav._ Talk no more of such vanities, _Mountague_ is irrecoverably - sunk, I would we had twenty more to send after him; the Snake that - would be a Dragon, and have wings, must eat; and what implies that, - but this, that in this _Cannibal_ age, he that would have the sute - of wealth, must not care ---- whom he feeds on? and as I have - heard, no flesh battens better, then that of a profest friend; - and he that would mount to honor, must not make dainty to use the - head of his mother, back of his Father, or neck of his Brother, for - ladders to his preferment; for, but observe, and you shall find for - the most part, cunning villany sit at a Feast as principal guest, - and innocent honesty wait as a contemn'd servant with a trencher. - - _La-p._ The Ladies. - - _Enter_ Montague _bare-headed_, Lamira, _Lady_ - Orleance, Charlotte _a[n]d_ V[e]ramour. - - _Mont._ Do ye smell nothing? - - _Char._ Not I Sir. - - _Mont._ The carrion of knaves is very strong in my nostrils. - - _Lav._ We came to admire, and find Fame was a niggard, - Which we thought prodigal in our report - Before we saw you. - - _Lam._ Tush Sir, this Courtship's old. - - _La-p._ I'll fight for thee, sweet wench, - This is my tongue, and woes for me. - - _Lam._ Good man of War, - Hands off; if you take me, it must be by siege, - Not by an onset; and for your valour, I - Think that I have de[ser]ved few enemies, - And therefore need it not. - - _Mal._ Thou need'st nothing, sweet Lady, but an obsequious husband, - and where wilt thou find him, if not in the City? We are true - _Muscovites_ to our Wives, and are never better pleased, than when - they use us as slaves, bridle and Saddle us; Have me, thou shalt - command all my wealth as thine own, thou shalt sit like a Queen in - my Ware-house; And my Factors at the return with my ships, shall - pay thee tribute of all the rarities of the earth; thou shalt wear - gold, feed on delicates, the first Peascods, Strawberries, Grapes, - Cherries shall-- - - _Lam._ Be mine; I apprehend what you would say, - Those dainties which the City pays so dear for, - The Countrey yields for nothing, and as early; - And, credit me, your far-fet viands please not - My appetite better than those that are near hand. - Then for your promis'd service and subjection - To all my humors, when I am your wife, - Which [as] it seems, is frequent in the City, - I cannot find what pleasure they receive - In using their fond Husbands like their Maids; - But of this, more hereafter: I accept - Your proffer kindly, and yours; my house stands open - To entertain you, take your pleasure in it, - And ease after your journey. - - _La. Orl._ Do you note the boldness of the fellows? - - _Lam._ Alas Madam, a Virgin must in this be like a Lawyer, - And as he takes all Fees; she must hear all suitors; the - One for gain, the other for her mirth; stay with the - Gentlemen, we'll to the Orchards. - - [_Exeunt_ Lamira, _Lady_ Orleance, Vera. _and_ Charl. - - _La-p._ ---- What art thou? - - _Mont._ An honest man, though poor; - And look they like to monsters, are they so rare? - - _Lav._ Rose from the dead. - - _Mal._ Do you hear Monsieur _Serviture_, didst thou never hear of - one _Montague_, a prodigal gull, that lives about _Paris_? - - _Mont._ So Sir. - - _Lav._ One that after the loss of his main estate in a Lawsute, - bought an Office in the Court. - - _La-p._ And should have Letters of _Mart_, to have the _Spanish_ - treasure as it came from the _Indies_; were not thou and he twins? - put off thy Hat, let me see thy Fore-head. - - _Mont._ Though you take priviledge to use your tongue[s], - I pray you hold your fingers, - 'Twas your base cozenag[e] made me as I am: - And were you somewhere else, I would take off - This proud film from your eyes, that will not let you, - Know I am _Montague_. - - _Enter_ Lamira _behind the Arras_. - - _Lam._ I will observe this better. - - _Lav._ And art thou he? I will do thee grace; give me thy hand: I - am glad thou hast taken so good a course; serve God, and please thy - Mistriss; if I prove to be thy Master, as I am very like[l]y, I - will do for thee. - - _Mal._ Faith the fellow's well made for a Serving-man, and will no - doubt, carry a chine of Beef with a good grace. - - _La-p._ Prethee be careful of me in my chamber, I will remember - thee at my departure. - - _Mont._ All this I can endure under this roof, - And so much owe I her, whose now I am, - That no wrong shall incense me to molest, - Her quiet house, while you continue here, - I will not be ashamed to do you service - More than to her, because such is her pleasure. - But you that have broke thrice, and fourteen times - Compounded for two shillings in the pound, - Know I dare kick you in your shop; do you hear? - If ever I see _Paris_, though an Army - Of musty Murrions, rusty brown Bills and Clubs, - Stand for your guard--I have heard of your tricks, - And you that smell of Amber at my charge, - And triumph in your cheat; well, I may live - To meet thee, be it among a troop of such - That are upon the fair face of the Court - Like running Ulcers, and before thy whore - Trampel upon thee. - - _La-p._ This a language for a Livery? take heed, I am a Captain. - - _Mont._ A Coxcomb are you not? that thou and I, - To give proof, which of us dares most, were now - In midst of a rough Sea, upon a piece - Of a split Ship, where only one might ride, - - [Lamira _from the Arras_. - - I would--but foolish anger makes me talk - Like a Player. - - _Lam._ Indeed you act a part - Doth ill become you my servant; is this your duty? - - _Mont._ I crave your pardon, and will hereafter be more circumspect. - - _Lav._ Oh the power of a Womans tongue: it hath done more than we - three with our swords durst undertake; put a mad man to silence. - - _Lam._ Why sirrah, these are none of your comrades - To drink with in the Cellar; one of them - For ought you know, may live to be your Master. - - _La-p._ There's some comfort yet. - - _Lam._ Here's choice of three, a wealthy Merchant. - - _Mal._ Hem, she's taken, she hath spy'd my good Calf, - And many Ladies chuse their Husbands by that. - - _Lam._ A Courtier that's in grace, a valiant Captain, - And are these mates for you, away, begone. - - _Mont._ I humbly pray you will be pleased to pardon, - And to give satisfaction to you Madam, - (Although I break my heart) I will confess - That I have wrong'd them too, and make submission. - - _Lam._ No I'll spare that; go bid the Cook haste supper. [_Exit_ Mont. - - _La-p._ Oh brave Lady, thou art worthy to have servants, to be - commandress of a Family, that knowest how to use and govern it. - - _Lav._ You shall have many Mistresses that will so mistake, as to - take their Horse-keepers, and Footmen instead of their Husbands, - thou art none of those. - - _Mal._ But she that can make distinction of men, and knows when she - hath gallants, and fellows of rank and quality in her house-- - - _Lam._ Gallants indeed, if it be the Gallants fashion - To triumph in the miseries of a man, - Of which they are the cause: one that transcends - (In spight of all that fortune hath, or can be done) - A million of such things as you, my doors - Stand open to receive all such as wear - The shape of Gentlemen, and my gentl[i]er nature - (I might say weaker) weighs not the expence - Of entertainment; think you I'll forget yet - What's due unto my self? do not I know, - That you have dealt with poor _Montague_, but like - Needy Commanders, cheating Citizens, - And perjur'd Courtiers? I am much mov'd, else use not - To say so much, if you will bear your selves - As fits such, you would make me think you are, - You may stay; if not, the way lies before you. [_Exit._ - - _Mal._ What think you of this Captain? - - _La-p._ That this is a bawdy-house, with Pinacles and Turrets, in - which this disguised _Montague_ goes to Rut _gratis_, and that this - is a landed pandress, and makes her house a brothel for charity. - - _Mal._ Come, that's no miracle; but from whence derive you the - supposition? - - _Lav._ Observe but the circumstance; you all know that in the - height of _Mountagues_ prosperity, he did affect, and had his love - return'd by this Lady _Orleans_; since her divorcement, and his - decay of estate, it is known they have met, not so much as his boy - [is] wanting; and that this can be any thing else than a meer plot - for their night-work, is above my imagination to conceive. - - _Mal._ Nay, it carries probability, let us observe it better, but - yet with such caution, as our prying be not discovered; here's all - things to be had without cost, and therefore good staying here. - - _La-p._ Nay, that's true, I would we might wooe her twenty years, - like _Penelopes_ sutors; come _Laverdine_. - - [_Exeunt_ Malli. La Poop. - - _Lav._ I follow instantly, yonder he is. - - _Enter_ Viramor. - - The thought of this boy hath much cool'd my affection to his Lady, - and by all conjectures, this is a disguised whore; I will try if I - can search this Mine, Page-- - - _Ver._ Your pleasure, Sir? - - _Lav._ Thou art a pretty boy. - - _Ver._ And you a brave man: now I am out of your debt. - - _Lav._ Nay, prethee stay. - - _Ver._ I am in haste, Sir. - - _Lav._ By the faith of a Courtier. - - _Ver._ Take heed what you say, you have taken a strange oath. - - _Lav._ I have not seen a youth that hath pleased me better; I would - thou couldst li[k]e me, so far as to leave thy Lady and wait on me, - I would maintain thee in the bravest cloaths. - - _Ver._ Though you took them up on trust, or bought 'em at the - Brokers. - - _Lav._ Or any way: then thy imployments should be so neat and - cleanly, thou shouldst not touch a pair of pantables in a month, - and thy lodging-- - - _Ver._ Should be in a brothel. - - _Lav._ No, but in mine arms. - - _Ver._ That may be the circle of a Bawdy-house, or worse. - - _Lav._ I mean thou should'st lye with me. - - _Ver._ Lie with you? I had rather lye with my Ladies Monkey; - 'twas never a good world, since our French Lords learned of the - _Neapolitans_, to make their Pages their Bed-fellows, doth more - hurt to the Suburb Ladies, than twenty dead vacations; 'Tis supper - time, Sir. [_Exit_ Veram. - - _Lav._ I thought so, I know by that 'tis a woman, for because, - peradventure she hath made trial of the Monkey, she prefers him - before me, as one unknown; well, these are standing creatures, and - have strange desires; and men must use strange means to quenc[h] - strange fires. [_Exit._ - - - - -_Actus Quartus. Scæna Prima._ - - - _Enter_ Montague _alone in mean habit_. - - _Mont._ Now _Montague_, who discerns thy spirit now? - Thy breeding, or thy bloud? here's a poor cloud - Eclipseth all thy splendor; who can read - In thy pale face, dead eye, or _lenten shute_, - The liberty thy ever-giving hand - Hath bought for others, manacling it self - In gyves of parchment indissoluble? - The greatest hearted man supplyed with means, - Nobility of birth and gentlest parts, - I thought the right hand of his Sovereign, - If virtue quit her seat in his high soul, - Glitters but like a Palace set on fire, - Whose glory whilst it shines, but ruins him, - And his bright show each hour to ashes tending - Shall at the last be rak'd up like a sparkle, - Unless mens lives and fortunes feed the flame. - Not for my own wants, though blame I my Stars, - But suffering others to cast love on me, - When I can neither take, nor thankful be. - My Ladies woman, fair and virtuous - Young as the present month, sollicites me - For love and marriage now being nothing worth-- - - _Enter_ Veramour. - - _Ver._ Oh! Master, I have sought you a long hour, - Good faith, I never joy'd out of your sight; - For Heavens sake, Sir, be merry, or else bear - The buffets of your fortunes with more scorn; - Do but begin to rail, teach me the way, - And I'll sit down, and help your anger forth: - I have known you wear a suit; full worth a Lordship, - Give to a man whose need ne'er frighted you - From calling of him friend, five hundred Crowns - E'er sleep had left your sences to consider - Your own important present uses; yet - Since I have seen you with a t[r]encher wait, - Void of all scorn, therefore I'll wait on you. - - _Mont._ Would [God] thou wert less honest. - - _Ver._ Would to [God] you were less worthy: I am ev'n w'e Sir. - - _Mon._ Is not thy Master strangely fall'n, when thou - Servest for no wages, but for charity? - Thou dost surcharge me with thy plenteous love: - The goodness of thy virtue shown to me, - More opens still my disability - To quit thy pains: credit me loving boy, - A free and honest nature may be opprest, - Tir'd with courtesies from a liberal spirit, - When they exceed his means of gratitude. - - _Ver._ But 'tis a due in him that to that end - Extends his love or duty. - - _Mont._ Little world - Of virtue, why dost love and follow me? - - _Ver._ I will follow you through all Countreys, - I'll run (fast as I can) by your horse side, - I'll hold your stirrop when you do alight, - And without grudging, wait till you return: - I'll quit offer'd means, and expose my self - To cold and hunger, still to be with you; - Fearless I'll travel through a wilderness, - And when you are weary, I will lay me down - That in my bosom you may rest your head, - Where whilst you sleep, I'll watch, that no wild beast - Shall hurt or trouble you: and thus we'll breed a story - To make every hearer weep, - When they disco[u]rse our fortunes and our loves. - - _Mont._ Oh what a scoff might men of women make, - If they did know this boy? but my desire - Is, that thou wouldest not (as thou usest still: - When like a servant, I 'mong servants sit) - Wait on my Trencher, fill my cups with Wine: - Why should'st thou do this boy? prethee consider, - I am not what I was. - - _Ver._ Curst be the day when I forget that _Montague_ was my Lord, - or not remember him my Master still. - - _Mont._ Rather curse me, with whom thy youth hath spent, - So many hours, and yet untaught to live - By any worldly quality. - - _Ver._ Indeed you never taught me how to handle Cards - To cheat and cozen men with oaths and lies: - Those are the worldly qualities to live: - Some of our scarlet Gallants teach their boys - These worldly qualities. - Since stumbling fortune then leaves virtue thus - Let me leave fortune, e'r be vicious. - - _Mon._ Oh lad, thy love will kill me. - - _Ver._ In truth, I think in conscience [I] shall dye for you: - Good Master weep not, do you want aught, Sir? - Will you have any money, here's some Silver; - And here's a little Gold, 'twill serve to play, - And put more troublesome thoughts out of your mind: - I pray Sir take it, I'll get more with singing. - And then I'll bring it you, my Lady ga't me, - And--it was not covetousness, - But I forgot to tell you sooner on't. - - _Mont._ Alas boy, thou art not bound to tell it me, - And less to give it, buy thee Scarfs and Garters, - And when I have money, I will give thee a sword: - Nature made thee a beauteous Cabinet - To lock up [all] the goodness of the earth. - - _Enter Charlote._ - - _Ver._ I have lost my voice with the very sight of this - Gentlewoman: good Sir steal away, you were wont to be a curious - avoider of womens company. - - _Mont._ Why boy, thou dar'st trust me any where, dar'st thou not? - - _Ver._ I had rather trust you by a roaring Lion, than a ravening - woman. - - _Mont._ Why boy? - - _Ver._ Why truly she devours more mans flesh-- - - _Mont._ I, but she roars not boy. - - _Ver._ No Sir, why she is never silent but when her mouth is full. - - _Charl._ Monsieur _Montague_. - - _Mont._ My sweet fellow, since you please to call me so. - - _Ver._ Ah my conscience, she wou'd be pleas'd well enough to call - you bed-fellow: oh Master, do not hold her by the hand so: a woman - is a Lime-bush, that catcheth all she toucheth. - - _Charl._ I do most dangerously suspect this boy to be a wench; art - thou not one? come hither, let me feel thee. - - _Ver._ With all my heart. - - _Charl._ Why dost thou pull off thy Glove? - - _Ver._ Why, to feel whether you be a boy, or no. - - _Charl._ Fie boy, go too. I'll not look your head, nor comb your - locks any more, if you talk thus. - - _Ver._ Why, I'll sing to you no more then. - - _Charl._ Fie upon't, how sad you are! a young Gentleman that was - the very Sun of _France_. - - _Mont._ But I am in the eclipse now. - - _Cha[r]l._ Suffer himself to be over-run with a Lethargy of - melancholy and discontent! rouze up thy spirit, man, and shake it - off: - - A Noble Soul is like a Ship at Sea, - That sleeps at Anchor when the Ocean's calm; - But when she rages, and the wind blows high, - He cuts his way with skill and Majesty. - I would turn a Fool, or Poet, or any thing, or marry, to - make you merry; prethee let's walk: good _Veramour_, leave - thy Master and me, I have earnest business with him. - - _Ver._ Pray do you leave my Master, and me: we were very merry - before you came, he does not covet womens company. - - What have you to do with him? come Sir will you go? - And I'll sing to you again: - - I'faith his mind is stronger than to credit Womens vows, and too - pure to be capable of their loves. - - _Charl._ The boy is jealo[u]s, sweet lad leave us: my Lady call'd - for you I swear: that's a good child, there's a piece of Gold for - thee, go buy a Feather. - - _Ver._ There's two pieces for you, do you go and buy one, or what - you will, or nothing, so you go. Nay then I see you would have me - go, Sir; why, I'faith I will, now I perceive you love her better - than you do me; but [God] bless you whatever you do, or intend, I - know you are a very honest man. [_Exit._ - - _Charl._ Still [shall] I wooe thee, whilst thy ears reply - I cannot, or I will not marry thee? - Why hast thou drawn the bloud out of my cheeks, - And given a quicker motion to my heart? - Oh thou hast bred a Feaver in my veins - Call'd love, which no Physitian can cure; - Have mercy on a Maid, whose simple youth-- - - _Mont._ How your example, fairest, teacheth me - A ceremonious Idolatry! [_Kneels._ - By all the joy of love, I love thee better, - Than I or any man can tell another; - And will express the mercy which thou crav'st, - I will forbear to marry thee: consider - Thou art Nature's heir in feature, and thy parents, - In fair Inheritances; rise with these thoughts, - And look on me; but with a womans eye, - A decaid fellow, void of means and spirit. - - _Charl._ Of spirit? - - _Mont._ Yes, could I tamely live, - Forget my Fathers bloud, wait, and make legs, - Stain my best breeches, with the servile drops - That fall from others draughts. - - _Charl._ This vizard wherewith thou wouldst hide thy spirit, - Is perspective, to shew it plainlier. - This undervalue of thy life, is but - Because I should not buy thee, what more speaks - Greatness of man, than valiant patience, - That shrinks not under his fates strongest strokes? - These _Roman_ deaths, as falling on a sword, - Opening of veins, with poison quenching thirst, - (Which we erroneously do stile the deeds - Of the heroick and magnanimous man) - Was dead-ey'd cowardize, and white-cheek'd fear, - Who doubting tyranny, and fainting under - Fortunes false Lottery, desperately run - To death, for dread of death; that soul's most stout, - That bearing all mischance, dares last it out; - Will you perform your word, and marry me, - When I shall call you to't? - - _Enter_ Longueville _with a riding-rod_. - - _Mont._ I'faith I will. - - _Charl._ Who's this alights here? - - _Long._ With leave, fair creature, are you the Lady Mistriss of the - house? - - _Charl._ Her servant, Sir. - - _Long._ I pray then favour me, to inform your Lady, and Duke - _Orleans_ wife, - - A business of import awaits 'em here, - And craves for speedy answer. - - _Charl._ Are you in post, Sir? - - _Long._ No, I am in Satin, Lady; I would you would be in post. - - _Charl._ I will return, Sweet. [_Exit._ - - _Long._ Honest friend, do you belong to the house? I pray be - covered. - - _Mont._ Yes Sir, I do. - - _Long._ Ha, dream'st thou _Longaville_? sure 'tis not he: Sir I - should know you. - - _Mont._ So should I you, but that I am asham'd. - But though thou know'st me, prethee _Longaville_, - Mock not my poverty, pray remember your self; - Shows it not strangely for thy cloaths to stand - Without a Hat to mine? mock me no more. - - _Long._ The ---- embroider me all over, Sir, - If ever I began to mock you yet. - The ---- on me, why should I wear Velvet - And Silver Lace? ---- I will tear it off. - - _Mont._ Why Mad-man? - - _Long._ Put on my Hat? yes, when I am hang'd I will: - ---- I could break my head. - For holding eyes that knew not you at first: - But time and fortune run your courses with him, - He'll laugh and storm you, when you shew most hate. - - _Enter_ Lamira, Orlean's _Lady_, Laverdine, La Poop, - Malycorn, Veramour, Charlot. - - _Lam._ You're a fair Mounsieur. - - _Long._ Do you mock me, Lady? - - _Lam._ Your business, Sir, I mean. - - _Lady._ Regard your self good Mounsieur _Longueville_. - - _Lam._ You are too negligent of your self and place, - Cover your head sweet Mounsieur. - - _Long._ Mistake me not fair Ladies, - 'Tis not to you, nor you, that I stand bare. - - _Lav._ Nay sweet dear Mounsieur, let it not be to us then. - - _La Poop._ ---- A compliment. - - _Mal._ And ---- of manners. - Pray hide your head, your gallants use to do't. - - _Long._ And you your foreheads, why you needful accessary rascals, - That cannot live without your mutual knaveries, - More than a Bawd, a Pandor, or a Whore - From one another; how dare you suspect - That I stand bare to you? what make you here? - Shift your house, Lady of 'em, for I know 'em, - They come to steal Napkins, and your Spoons; - Look to your Silver-bodkin, (Gentlewoman) - 'Tis a dead _Utensil_, and Page 'ware your pockets; - My reverence is unto this man, my Master, - Whom you, with protestations, and oaths - As high as Heaven, as deep as Hell, which would - Deceive the wisest man of honest nature, - Have cozen'd and abus'd; but I may meet you, - And beat you one with th' other. - - _Mont._ Peace, no more. - - _Long._ Not a word, Sir. - - _Lav._ I am something thick of hearing; what said he? - - _La poop._ I hear him, but regard him not. - - _Mal._ Nor I, I am never angry fasting. - - _Long._ My love keeps back my duty, noblest Lady; - If Husband or brother merit love from you, - Prevent their dangers, this hour brings to trial - Their hereto sleeping hates; by this time each - Within a yard is of the others heart, - And met to prove their causes and their spirits - With their impartial swords points; haste and save, - Or never meet them more, but at the grave. - - _Lady._ Oh my distracted heart, that my wrackt honor - Should for a Brothers, or a Husbands life, through thy undoing, die. - - _Lam. Amiens_ engag'd; if he miscarry all my hopes and joys, - I now confess it loudly, are undone: - Caroch, and haste, one minute may betray - A life more worth than all time can repay. - - [_Exeunt Ladies and_ Mont. - - _Mal._ Hump: Monsieur _Laverdine_ pursues this boy extreamly, - Captain, what will you do? - - _La p._ Any thing but follow to this Land-service; I am a - Sea-Captain you know, and to offer to part 'em, without we could - do't like Watermen with long staves, a quarter of a mile off, might - be dangerous. - - _Mal._ Why then let's retire and pray for 'em, I am resolv'd to - stop your intent; abus'd more than we have been we cannot be, - without they fall to flat beating on's. - - [_Exeunt_ Maly, La-poop. - - _Lav._ And that were unkindly done i'faith. - - _Ver._ But you are the trou[b]lesomest Ass that e'er I met with; - retire, you smell like a womans chamber, that's newly up, before - she have pinsht her vapours in with her cloaths. - - _Lav._ I will haunt thee like thy Grandames Ghost, thou shalt never - rest for me. - - _Ver._ Well, I perceive 'tis vain to conceal a secret from you: - believe it Sir, indeed I am a woman. - - _Lav._ Why la; I knew't, this Prophetical tongue of mine never - fail'd me; my mother was half a witch, never any thing that she - forespake, but came to pass: a woman? how happy am I! now we may - lawfully come together without fear of hanging; sweet wench, be - gracious, in honourable sort I woe, no otherwise. - - _Ver._ Faith, the truth is, I have loved you long. - - _Lav._ See, see. - - _Ver._ But durst not open it. - - _Lav._ ---- I think so. - - _Ver._ But briefly, when you bring it to the test, if there be not - one Gentleman in this house, will challenge more interest in me, - than you can, I am at your disposure. [_Exit._ - - _Lav._ Oh _Fortunatus_, I envy thee not - For Cap, or pouch, this day I'll prove my Fortune, - In which your Lady doth elect her Husband, - Who will [b]e _Amiens_, 'twill save my wedding dinner, - _Povera_, _La Poop_, and _Malicorn_: if all fail, - I will turn Citizen, a beauteous wife - Is the Horn-book to the richest Tradesmans life. [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter_ Duboys, Orleans, Longueville, Amiens, _two_ - _Lacques, a Page with two Pistols_. - - _Dub._ Here's a good even piece of ground my Lords: - Will you fix here? - - _Orl._ Yes, any where; Lacquey, take off my spurs; - Upon a bridge, a rail, but my swords breadth upon a battlement, - I'll fight this quarrel. - - _Dub._ O' the Ropes, my Lord. - - _Orl._ Upon a Line. - - _Dub._ So all our Countrey Duels are carried, like a firework on a - thred. - - _Orl._ Go now, stay with the horses, and, do you hear? - Upon your lives, till some of us come to you, - Dare not to look this way. - - _Dub._ Except you see strangers or others that by chance or purpose - are like to interrupt us. - - _Orl._ Then give warning. - - _Long._ Who takes a sword? the advantage is so small, - As he that doubts, hath the free leave to choose. - - _Orl._ Come, give me any, and search me; 'tis not - The ground, weapon, or seconds that can make - Odds in those fatal trials: but the cause. - - _Ami._ Most true, and, but it is no time to wish - When men are come to do, I would desire - The cause 'twixt us were other than it is; - But where the right is, there prevail our Swords. - And if my Sister have out-liv'd her honor, - I do not pray I may out-live her shame. - - _Orl._ Your Sister _Amiens_, is a whore, at once. - - _Ami._ You oft have spoke that sence to me before, - But never in th[i]s language _Orleance_; - And when you spoke it fair, and first, I told you - That it was possible you might be abus'd: - But now, since you forget your manners, you shall find, - If I transgress my custom, you do lye, - And are a villain, which I had rather yet - My sword had prov'd, than I been forc'd to speak: - Nay, give us leave, and since you stand so haughtily - And highly on your cause, let you and I, - Without engaging these two Gentlemen, singly determine it. - - _Long._ My Lord, you'll pardon us. - - _Dub._ I trust your Lordships may not do us that affront. - - _Ami._ As how? - - _Dub._ We kiss your Lordships hand, and come to serve you here with - swords. - - _Long._ My Lord, we understand our selves. - - _Dub._ We have had the honor to be call'd unto the business, and we - must not now quit it on terms. - - _Ami._ Not terms of reason? - - _Long._ No, no [r]eason for the quitting of our calling. - - _Dub._ True, if I be call'd to't I must ask no reason. - - _Long._ Nor hear none neither, which is less: - It is a favour, if my throat be cut, - Your Lordship does me; which I never can, - - [_A noise-within, crying down with your swords._ - - Nor must have hope how to requite: what noise? - What cry is that my Lord upon your guard? - So[me] treachery is a foot. - - _Enter Lady_ Orleans, Lamira, Montague. - - _Lady._ Oh here they are: - My Lord (dear Lady help me) help me all; - I have so woful interest in both, - I know not which to fear for most: and yet - I must prefer my Lord. Dear brother, - You are too understanding, and too noble - To be offended, when I know my duty, - Though scarce my tears will let me so to do it. - - _Orl._ Out loathed strumpet. - - _Lady._ Oh my dearest Lord, - If words could on me cast the name of whore, - I then were worthy to be loath'd; but know, - Your unkindness cannot make me wicked; - And therefore should less use that power upon me. - - _Orl._ Was this your Art to make these Actors come, - To make this interlude? withdraw, cold man, - And if thy spirit be not frozen up, - Give me one stroke yet at thee for my vengeance. - - _Ami._ Thou shalt have strokes, and strokes, thou glorious man, - Till thou breath'st thinner air than that thou talkest. - - _Lam._ My Lord, Count _Amiens_. - - _Lady._ Princely Husband. - - _Orl._ Whore. - - [_Lam._] You wrong her impudent Lord; oh that I had the bulk - Of those dull men; look how they stand, and no man - Will revenge an innocent Lady. - - _Ami._ You hinder it Madam. - - _Lam._ I would hinder you; is there none else to kill him? - - _Lady._ Kill him, Madam? have you learn'd that bad language? oh repent, - And be the motive, rather both kill me. - - _Orl._ Then d[i]e my infamy. - - _Mont._ Hold bloody man. - - _Orl._ Art thou there Basilisk? - - _Mont._ To strike thee dead, but that thy fate deserves some - weightier hand. - - _Dub._ Sweet my Lord. - - _Orl._ Oh here's a plot; you bring your champions with you; the - adultress with the adulterer: Out howling-- - - _Dub._ Good my Lord. - - _Orl._ Are you her Graces countenancer, Lady, the receiver to the - poor vicious couple. - - _Dub._ Sweet my Lord. - - _Orl._ Sweet rascal, didst not tho[u] tell me, false fellow, - This _Montague_ here was murdered? - - _Dub._ I did so; but he was falser, and a worthless Lord, - Like thy foul self that would have had it so. - - _Long. Orleance_ 'tis true, and shall be prov'd upon thee. - - _Mont._ Thy malice Duke, and this thy wicked nature, are all as - visible as thou; but I born to contemn thy injuries, do know, that - though thy greatness may corrupt a Jury, and make a Judge afraid, - and carry out a world of evils with thy Title: yet thou art not - quiet at home, thou bearest about thee that, that doth charge thee, - and condemn thee too. The thing that grieves me more, and doth - indeed displease me, is, to think that so much baseness stands here - to have encountred so much honor: Pardon me my Lord, what late my - passion spake, when you provok'd my innocence. - - _Orl._ Yes, do, oh! flattery becomes him better than the suit he - wears; give him a new one, _Amiens_. - - _Ami. Orleance_, 'tis here no time nor place, to jest or rail - Poorly with you, but I will find a time to - Whisper you forth to this, or some fit place, - As shall not hold a second interruption. - - _Mont._ I hope your Lordships honor, and your life - Are destined unto higher hazards; this is of - A meaner arm. - - _Dub._ Yes faith, or none. - - _Long._ He is not fit to fall by an honest Sword, - A Prince and lye! - - _Dub._ And slander, and hire men - To publish the false rumours he hath made. - - _Long._ And stick 'em on his friends, and innocents. - - _Dub._ And practice against their lives after their fames. - - _Long._ In men that are the matter of all lewdness, - Bawds, Thieves, and Cheaters, it were monstrous. - - _Dub._ But in a man of bloud, how more conspicuous! - - _Ami._ Can this be? - - _Lady._ They do slander him. - - _Orl._ Hang them, a pair of railing hangbies. - - _Long._ How? stand _Orleance_; stay, give me my Pistols boy, - Hinder me not, by---- - I will kill him. - - _Lady._ Oh, stay his fury. - - _Ami. Longueville_, my friend. - - _Long._ Not for my self, my Lord, but for mankind, - And all that have an interest to virtue, - Or title unto innocence. - - _Ami._ Why hear me. - - _Long._ For justice sake. - - _Ami._ That cannot be. - - _Long._ To punish his wives, your honor, and my Lords wrongs here, - whom I must ever call so; for your loves I'll swear I'll sacrifice-- - - _Ami. Longueville_, I did not think you a murtherer before. - - _Long._ I care not what you thought me. - - _Ami._ By ---- If thou attempt - His life, thy own is forfeit. - - _Mont._ Foolish frantick man, the murder will be of us, not him. - - _Lady._ Oh [God]! - - _Mont._ We could have kill'd him, but we would not take - The justice out of fates.-- - Sindge but a hair of him, thou diest. - - _Long._ No matter, shoot. - - _Ami._ Villain. - - _Dub._ My Lord, your Sister is slain. - - _Ami. Biancha?_ - - _Mont._ Oh hapless, and most wretched chance. - - _Lam._ Standst thou looking upon the mischief thou hast made? - Thou godless man, feeding thy blood-shot eyes - With the red spectacle, and art not turn'd to stone - With horror? Hence, and take the wings of thy black - Infamy, to carry thee beyond the shoot of looks, - Or sound of curses, which will pursue thee still: - Thou hast out-fled all but thy guilt. - - _Orl._ Oh wish it off again, for I am crack'd - Under the burden, and my heart will break. - How heavy guilt is, when men come to feel - If you could know the mountain I sustain - With horror, you would each take off your part, - And more, to ease me: I cannot stand, - Forgive where I have wrong'd, I pray. - - _Ami._ Look to him _Montague_. - - _Long._ My Lords and Gentlemen, the Lady is well, but for fear, - Unless that have shot her; - I have the worst on't, that needs would venture - Upon a trick had like to ha' cost my guts: - Look to her, she'll be well, it was but Powder - I charg'd with, thinking that a guilty man - Would have been frighted sooner; but I'm glad - He's come at last. - - _La[m]._ How is _Byancha_? well? - - _Ami._ Lives she? see Sister, doth she breathe? - - _Lady._ Oh Gentlemen, think you I can breathe, - That am restored to the hateful sense - Of feeling in me my dear husbands death? - Oh no, I live not; life was that I left; - And what you have call'd me to, is death indeed: - I cannot weep so fast as he doth bleed. - - _Dub._ Pardon me, Madam, he is well. - - _Lady._ Ha my Husband. - - _Orl._ I cannot speak whether my joy or shame - Be greater, but I thank the Heavens for both. - Oh look not black upon me, all my friends, - To whom I will be reconcil'd, or grow unto - This earth, till I have wept a trench - That shall be great enough to be my grave, - And I will think them too most manly tears, - If they do move your pities: it is true, - Man should do nothing that he should repent; - But if he have, and say that he is sorry, - It is a worse fault, if he be not truly. - - _Lam._ My Lord, such sorrow cannot be suspected: - Here take your honoured wife, and joyn your hands. - ----She hath married you again: - And Gentlemen, I do invite you all, - This night to take my house, where on the morrow, - To heighten more the reconciling feast, - I'll make my self a Husband and a guest. [_Exeunt._ - - - - -_Actus Quintus. Scæna Prima._ - - - _Enter_ Montague, _and_ Charlotte. - - _Charl._ Well now I am sure you are mine. - - _Mont._ I am sure I am glad - I have one to own then; you'll find me honest - As these days go, enough; poor without question, - Which beggars hold a virtue; give me meat, and I - Shall do my work, else knock my shooes off, - And turn me out again. - - _Char._ You are a merry fellow. - - _Mont._ I have no great cause. - - _Char._ Yes, thy love to me. - - _Mont._ That's as we make our game. - - _Char._ Why, you repent then? - - _Mont._ Faith no worse than I am I cannot be; - Much better I expect not: I shall love you, - And when you bid me go to bed, obey, - Lie still or move, as you shall minister; - Keep a four-Nobles Nag, and a _Jack_ - _Merling_, learn to love Ale, and play at Two-hand _Irish_, - And there's then all I aim at. - - _Char._ Nay sweet fellow, I'll make it something better. - - _Mont._ If you do, you'll make me worse: - Now I am poor, and willing to do well, - Hold me in that course; of all the Kings creatures, - I hate his coin, keep me from that, and save me; - For if you chance out of your housewivery - To leave a hundred pound or two, bestow it - In Plumb-broth e'r I know it, else I take it; - Seek out a hundred men that want this money, - Share it among 'em, they'll cry noble _Montague_, - And so I stand again at livery. - - _Char._ You have pretty fancies, Sir, but married once, - This charity will fall home to your self. - - _Mont._ I would it would, I am afraid my looseness - Is yet scarce stopt, though it have nought to work on - But the meer air of what I have had. - - _Char._ Pretty. - - _Mont._ I wonder sweet heart why you'll marry me, - I can see nothing in my self deserves it, - Unless the handsome wearing of a band, - For that's my stock now, or a pair of garters; - Necessity will not let me loose. - - _Char._ I see Sir, a great deal more, a handsome man, a Husband, - To make a right good woman truly happy. - - _Mont._ Lord, where are my eyes, either you are foolish - As wenches once a year are, or far worse, - Extreamly virtuous, can you love a poor man - That relies on cold meat, and cast stockings, - One only suit to his back, which now is mewing? - But what will be the next coat will pose _Tristram_. - If I should leavy from my friends a fortune: - I could not raise ten groats to pay the Priest now. - - _Char._ I'll do that duty; 'tis not means nor money - Makes me pursue your love; were your mind bankrupt, - I would never love you. - - _Enter_ Lamira. - - _Mont._ Peace wench, here's my Lady. - - _Lam._ Nay, never shrink i'th' wetting, for my presence; - D'ye find her willing _Montague_? - - _Mont._ Willing Madam? - - _Lam._ How dainty you make of it, do not I know - You two love one another? - - _Mont._ Certain Madam, I think ye'ave revelations of these matters: - Your Ladyship cannot tell me when I kist her. - - _Lam._ But she can, Sir. - - _Mont._ But she will not Madam; - For when they talk once, 'tis like Fairy-Money, - They get no more close kisses. - - _Lam._ Thou art wanton. - - _Mont._ [God] knows I need not, yet I would be lusty: - But ---- my Provender scarce pricks me. - - _Lam._ It shall be mended _Montague_, I am glad you are - grown so merry. - - _Mont._ So am I too Madam. - - _Lam._ You two will make a pretty handsome Consort. - - _Mont._ Yes Madam, if my Fiddle fail me not. - - _Lam._ Your Fiddle? why your Fiddle? I warrant thou - meanest madly: - - _Mont._ Can you blame me? alas I am in love. - - _Char._ 'Tis very well, Sir. - - _Lam._ How long have you been thus? - - _Mont._ How thus in love? - - _Lam._ You are very quick, Sir: no, I mean thus pleasant. - - _Mont._ --Ever since I was poor. - - _Lam._ A little wealth would change you then? - - _Mont._ Yes Lady, into another suit, but never more - Into another man: I'll bar that mainly, - The wealth I get hence-forward shall be charm'd - For ever hurting me, I'll spend it fasting: - As I live noble Lady, there is nothing - I have found directly, cures the melancholy, - But want and wedlock; when I had store of money, - I simper'd sometime, and spoke wondrous wise, - But never laught out-right; now I am empty, - My heart sounds like a Bell, and strikes at both sides. - - _Lam._ You are finely temper'd, _Montague_. - - _Mont._ Pardon Lady, if any way my free mirth have offended, - 'Twas meant to please you: if it prove too saucy, - Give it a frown, and I am ever silenc'd. - - _Lam._ I like it passing well; pray follow it: - This is my day of choice, and shall be yours too, - 'Twere pity to delay ye: call to the Steward, - And tell him 'tis my pleasure he should give you - Five hundred Crowns: make your self handsome _Montague_, - Let none wear better cloaths, 'tis for my credit; - But pray be merry still. - - _Mont._ If I be not, and make a fool of twice as many hundreds, - Clap me in Canvas, Lady. [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter_ La-poop, Laverdine, _and_ Malycorne. - - _Lav._ I am strangely glad, I have found the mystery - Of this disguised boy out: I ever trusted - It was a woman; and how happily - I have found it so; and for my self, I am sure, - One that would offer me a thousand pound now - (And that's a pretty sum to make one stagger) - In ready Gold for this concealment, could not - Buy my hope of her, she's a dainty wench, - And such a one I find I want extreamly, - To bring me into credit: beauty does it. - - _Mal._ Say we should all meach here, and stay the Feast, now, what - can the worst be? we have plaid the knaves, that's without question. - - _La-p._ True, and as I take it, this is the first truth - We told these ten years, and for any thing - I know, may be the last: but grant we are knaves, - Both base and beastly knaves-- - - _Mal._ Say so then. - - _Lav._ Well. - - _La-p._ And likewise let it be considered, we have wrong'd, - And most maliciously, this Gentlewoman - We cast to stay with, what must we expect now? - - _Mal._ I, there's the point, we would expect good eating. - - _La-p._ I know we would, but we may find good beating. - - _Lav._ You say true Gentlemen, and by---- - Though I love meat as well as any man, - I care not what he be, if a eat a Gods name; - Such a crab-sauce to my meat will turn my pallate. - - _Mal._ There's all the hazard, for the frozen _Montague_ - Has now got spring again, and warmth in him, - And without doubt, dares beat us terribly. - For not to mint the matter, we are cowards, - And have, and shall be beaten, when men please - To call us into cudgeling. - - _La-p._ I feel we are very prone that way. - - _Lav._ The sons of _Adam_. - - _La-p._ Now, here then rests the state o'th' question; - Whether we yield our bodies for a dinner - To a sound dog-whip, for I promise ye, - If men be given to correction, - We can expect no less; or quietly - Take a hard Egg or two, and ten mile hence - Bait in a ditch, this we may do securely; - For, to stay hereabout will be all one, - If once our moral mischiefs come in memory. - - _Mal._ But pray ye hear me, is not this the day - The Virgin Lady doth elect her Husband? - - _Lav._ The dinner is to that end. - - _Mal._ Very well then, say we all stay, and say we all scape this - whipping, and be well entertained, and one of us carry the Lady. - - _La-p._ 'Tis a seemly saying, I must confess, but if we stay, how fitly - We may apply it to our selves (i'th' end) - Will ask a _Christian_ fear; I cannot see, - If I say true, what special ornaments - Of Art or Nature, (lay aside our lying - Whoring and drinking, which are no great virtues) - We are endued withal, to win this Lady. - - _Mal._ Yet Women go not by the best parts ever; that I have found - directly. - - _Lav._ Why should we fear then? they choose men - As they feed; sometimes they settle - Upon a White broth'd face, a sweet smooth gallant, - And him they make an end of in a night; - Sometimes a Goose, sometimes a grosser meat, - A rump of Beef will serve 'em at some season, - And fill their bellies too, though without doubt - They are great devourers: Stock-fish is a dish, - If it be well drest, for the tuffness sake - Will make the proud'st of 'em long and leap for't. - They'll run mad for a Pudding, e'r they'll starve. - - _La-p._ For my own part I care not, come what can come, - If I be whipt, why so be it; if cudgell'd, - I hope I shall out-live it, I am sure - 'Tis not the hundredth time I have been serv'd so, - And yet I thank [God] I am here. - - _Mal._ Here's resolution. - - _La-p._ A little patience, and a rotten Apple - Cures twenty worse diseases; what say you, Sir? - - _Lav._ Marry I say Sir, if I had been acquainted - With lamming in my youth, as you have been - With whipping, and such benefits of nature, - I should do better: as I am, I'll venture, - And if it be my luck to have the Lady, - I'll use my fortune modestly; if beaten, - You shall not hear a word, one I am sure of, - And if the worst fall, she shall be my Physick. - Lets go then, and a merry wind be with us. - - _Mal._ Captain, your shooes are old, pray put 'em off, - And let one fling 'em after us; be bold, Sirs, - And howsoever our fortune falls, lets bear - An equal burden; if there be an odd lash, - We'll part it afterwards. - - _La-p_. I am arm'd at all points. [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter four serving in a Banquet._ - - _1._ Then my Lady will have a bedfellow to night. - - _2._ So she says; Heaven! what a dainty arm-full shall he enjoy, - that has the launching of her, what a fight she'll make. - - _3._ I marry boys, there will be sport indeed, there will be - grapling, she has a murderer lies in her prow, I am afraid will - fright his main Mast, _Robin_. - - _4._ Who dost thou think shall have her of thy conscience, thou art - a wise man? - - _3._ If she go the old way, the way of lot, the longest cut sweeps - all without question. - - _1._ She has lost a friend of me else; what think ye of the - Courtier? - - _2._ Hang him Hedge-hog: h'as nothing in him but a piece of - _Euphues_, and twenty dozen of twelvepenny ribond, all about him, - he is but one _Pedlers_ shop of Gloves and Garters, pick-teeth and - pomander. - - _3._ The Courtier, marry God bless her _Steven_, she is not mad - yet, she knows that trindle-tail too well, he's crestfall'n, and - pin-buttock't, with leaping Landresses. - - _4._ The Merchant, sure she will not be so base to have him. - - _1._ I hope so _Robin_, he'll sell us all to the Moors to make - Mummy; nor the Captain. - - _4._ Who _Potgun_? that's a sweet youth indeed, will he stay, think - ye? - - _3._ Yes, without question, and have halfe din'd too, e'r the Grace - be done; he's good for nothing in the world but eating, lying and - sleeping; what other men devour in drink, he takes in potage, they - say h'as been at Sea, a Herring-fishing, for without doubt he dares - not hale an Eel-boat i'th' way of War. - - _2._ I think so, they would beat him off with Butter. - - _3._ When he brings in a prize, unless it be Cockles, or _Callis_ - sand to scour with, I'll renounce my Five Mark a year, and all - the hidden Art I have in carving, to teach young Birds to whistle - _Walsingham_; leave him to the Lime-Boats; now, what think you of - the brave _Amiens_? - - _1._ That's a thought indeed. - - _2._ I marry, there's a person fit to feed upon a dish so dainty, - and he'll do't I warrant him i'th' nick boys, has a body world - without end. - - _4._ And such a one my Lady will make no little of; but is not - _Montague_ married to day? - - _3._ Yes faith, honest _Montague_ must have his bout too. - - _2._ He's as good a lad as ever turn'd a trencher; must we leave - him? - - _3._ He's too good for us, _Steven_, I'll give him health to his - good luck to night i'th' old Beaker, and it shall be Sack too. - - _4._ I must have a Garter; and boys I have bespoke a Posset, some - body shall give me thanks fort, 'tas a few toys in't will rase - commotions in a bed, lad. - - _1._ Away; my Lady. [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter_ Orleance _and his Lady, arm in arm_, Amiens, Lamira, - Charlotte, _like a Bride_, Montague _brave_, Laverdine, - Longaville, Dubois, Mallycorn, La-poop. - - _Lam._ Seat your selves noble Lords and Gentlemen, - You know your places; many royal welcomes - I give your Grace; how lovely shews this change! - My house is honor'd in this reconcilement. - - _Orl._ Thus Madam must you do, my Lady now shall see - You made a Woman; - And give you some short lessons for your voyage. - Take her instructions Lady, she knows much. - - _Lam._ This becomes you, Sir. - - _L[a]._ My Lord must have his Will. - - _Orl._ 'Tis all I can do now, sweet-heart, fair Lady; - This to your happy choice, brother _Amiens_, - You are the man I mean it to. - - _Ami._ I'll pledge you. - - _Orl._ And with my heart. - - _Ami._ With all my love I take it. - - _Lam._ Noble Lords, I am proud ye have done this day, so much - content, and me such estimation, that this hour (In this poor - house) shall be a league for ever, For so I know ye mean it. - - _Ami._ I do Lady. - - _Orl._ And I my Lord. - - _Omnes._ Y'ave done a work of honor. - - _Ami._ Give me the Cup, where this health stops, let - That man be either very sick, or very simple; - Or I am very angry; Sir, to you; - Madam, methinks this Gentleman might sit too; - He would become the best on's. - - _Orl._ Pray sit down, Sir, I know the Lady of the Feast expects not - this day so much old custom. - - _Ami._ Sit down _Montague_; nay, never blush for the matter. - - _Mont._ Noble Madam, I have t[w]o reasons [a]gainst it, and I dare - not; duty to you first, as you are my Lady, and I your poorest - servant; next the custom of this days ceremony. - - _Lam._ As you are my servant, I may command you then. - - _Mont._ To my life, Lady. - - _Lam._ Sit down, and here, I'll have it so. - - _Ami._ Sit down man, never refuse so fair a Ladies offer. - - _Mont._ It is your pleasure, Madam, not my pride, - And I obey; I'll pledge ye now my Lord, Monsieur _Longaville_. - - _Long._ I thank you, Sir. - - _Mont._ This to my Lady, and her fair choice to day, and happiness. - - _Lon._ 'Tis a fair health, I'll pledge you though I sink for't. - - _Lam. Montague_ you are too modest; come, I'll add a little more - wine t'yee, 'twill make you merry, this to the good I wish.---- - - _Mont._ Honour'd Lady, I shall forget my self with this great - bounty. - - _Lam._ You shall not Sir, give him some Vine. - - _Ami._ By Heaven you are a worthy woman, and that - Man is blest can come near such a Lady. - - _Lami._ Such a blessing wet weather washes. - - _Mont._ At all, I will not go a lip less, my Lord. - - _Orl._ 'Tis well cast, Sir. - - _Mal._ If _Montague_ get more Wine, we are all like to hear on't. - - _Lav._ I do not like that sitting there. - - _Mal._ Nor I, methinks he looks lik[e] a Judge. - - _La-p._ Now have I a kind of grudging of a beating on me, I fear my - hot fit: - - _Mal._ Drink apace, there's nothing allays a cudgel like it. - - _Lami. Montague_, now I'll put my choice to you; who do you hold - in all this honor'd company a Husband fit to enjoy thy Lady? speak - directly. - - _Mont._ Shall I speak, Madam? - - _Lami. Montague_ you shall. - - _Mont._ Then as I have a soul, I'll speak my conscience, - Give me more Wine, in _vino veritas_, - Here's to my self, and _Montague_ have a care. - - _Lami._ Speak to th' cause. - - _Mont._ Yes Madam, first I'll begin to thee. - - _Lav._ Have at us. - - _La-p._ Now for a Psalm of mercy. - - _Mont._ You good Monsieur, you that belye the noble name of - Courtier, and think your claim good here, hold up your hand; your - Worship is endited here, for a vain glorious fool. - - _Lav._ Good, oh Sir. - - _Mont._ For one whose wit - Lies in a ten pound wastcoat; yet not warm; - Ye have travell'd like a Fidler to make faces, - And brought home nothing but a case of tooth-picks. - You would be married, and no less than Ladies, - And of the best sort can serve you; thou Silk-worm, - What hast thou in thee to deserve this woman? - Name but the poorest piece of man, good manners, - There's nothing sound about thee, faith, th'ast none, - It lies pawn'd at thy Silk-man's, for so much Lace; - Thy credit with his wife cannot redeem it, - Thy cloaths are all the soul thou hast, for so - Thou sav'st them handsome for the next great tilting, - Let who will take the t'other, thou wert never christen'd - (Upon my conscience) but in Barbers water; - Thou art never out o'th' Bason, thou art rotten, - And if thou dar'st tell truth, thou wilt confess it; - ---- Thy skin - Looks of a Chesnut colour, greaz'd with Amber, - All women that on earth do dwell, thou lov'st, - Yet none that understand love thee again, - But those that love the Spittle; get thee home - Poor painted Butter-flie, th[y] Summers past; - Go sweat, and eat dry Mutton, thou may'st live - To do so well yet; a bruis'd Chamber-Maid - May fall upon thee, and advance thy follies. - You have your sentence; now it follows Captain, - I treat of you. - - _La-p._ Pray [God] I may deserve it. - - _Orl._ Beshrew my heart, he speaks plain. - - _Ami._ That's plain dealing. - - _Mont._ You are a rascal Captain. - - _La-p._ A fine Calling. - - _Mont._ A Water-coward. - - _Ami._ He would make a pretty stuff. - - _Mont._ May I speak freely, Madam? - - _Lami._ Here's none ties you. - - _Mont._ Why shouldst thou dare come hither with a thought - To find a wife here fit for thee? are all - Thy single money whores that fed on Carrots, - And fill'd the high Grass with familiars - Fall'n off to Footmen; prethee tell me truly, - For now I know thou dar'st not lie, couldst thou not - Wish thy self beaten well with all thy heart now, - And out of pain? say that I broke a rib, - Or cut thy nose off, wer't not merciful for this ambition? - - _La-p._ Do your pleasure, Sir, beggars must not be choosers. - - _Orl._ He longs for beating. - - _Mont._ But that I have nobler thoughts possess my soul, - Than such brown Bisket, such a piece of Dog-fish, - Such a most maungy Mackril eater as thou art, - That dares do nothing that belongs to th' Sea, - But spue, and catch Rats, and fear men of War, - Though thou hast nothing in the world to loose - Aboord thee, but one piece of Beef, one Musket - Without a cock for peace sake, and a Pitch-barrel, - I'll tell thee, if my time were not more pretious - Than thus to loose it, I would rattle thee, - It may be beat thee, and thy pure fellow, - The Merchant there of Catskins, till my words, - Or blows, or both, made ye two branded wretches - To all the world hereafter; you would fain to - Venture your Bils of lading for this Lady; - What would you give now for her? some five frayl - Of rotten Figs, good Godson, would you not, Sir? - Or a Parrot that speaks _High Dutch_? can all thou ever saw'st - Of thine own fraughts from Sea, or cosenage - (At which thou art as expert as the Devil) - Nay, sell thy soul for wealth to, as thou wilt do, - Forfeit thy friends, and raise a mint of Money, - Make thee dream all these double, could procure - A kiss from this good Lady? canst thou hope - She would lye with such a nook of Hell as thou art, - And hatch young Merchant-furies? oh ye dog-bolts! - That fear no [God] but _Dunkirk_, I shall see you - Serve in a lowsy Lime-boat, e'r I dye, - For mouldy Cheese and Butter, _Billingsgate_ - Would not endure, or bring in rotten Pippins - To cure blew eyes, and swear they came from _China_. - - _Lami._ Vex 'em no more, alas they shake: - - _Mont._ Down quickly on your marrow-bones, and thank this Lady. - I would not leave you thus else, there are blankets, - And such delights for such knaves; but fear still; - 'Twill be revenge enough to keep you waking. - Ye have no mind of marriage, ha' ye? - - _La-p._ Surely no great mind now. - - _Mont._ Nor you. - - _Mal._ Nor I, I take it. - - _Mont._ Two eager suitors. - - _L[a]v._ Troth 'tis wondrous hot, [God] bless us from him. - - _Lami._ You have told me _Montag[u]e_ - Who are not fit to have me, let me know - The man you would point out for me. - - _Mont._ There he sits; my Lord of _Amiens_, Madam, is my choice, - he's noble every way, and worthy a wife with all the dowries of-- - - _Ami._ Do you speak Sir, out of your friendship to me? - - _Mont._ Yes my Lord, and out of truth, for I could never flatter. - - _Ami._ I would not say how much I owe you for it, - For that were but a promise, but I'll thank ye, - As now I find you, in despite of fortune, - A fair and noble Gentleman. - - _Lami._ My Lords, I must confess the choice this man hath made - Is every way a great one, if not too great, - And no way to be slighted: yet because - We love to have our own eyes sometimes n[o]w, - Give me a little liberty to see, - How I could fit my self, if I were put to't. - - _Ami._ Madam we must. - - _Lami._ Are ye all agreed? - - _Omnes._ We be. - - _Lami._ Then as I am a Maid, I shall choose here. - _Montague_ I must have thee. - - _Mont._ Why Madam, I have learnt to suffer more - Than you can (out of pity) mock me with this way especially. - - _Lami._ Thou think'st I jest now; - But by the love I bear thee, I will have thee. - - _Mont._ If you could be so weak to love a fall'n man, - He must deserve more than I ever can, - Or ever shall (dear Lady;) look but this way - Upon that Lord, and you will tell me then - Your eyes are no true choosers of good men. - - _Ami._ Do you love him truly? - - _Lam._ Yes my Lord, I will obey him truly, for I'll marry him, and - justly think he that has so well serv'd me with his obedience, - being born to greatness, must use me nobly of necessity, when I - shall serve him. - - _Ami._ 'Twere a deep sin to cross ye, noble _Montague_, - I wish ye all content, and am as happy - In my friends good as it were meerly mine. - - _Mont._ Your Lordship does ill to give up your right; - I am not capable of this great goodness, - There sits my wife that holds my troth. - - _Cha._ I'll end all, I wooed you for my Lady, and now give up my - Title, alas poor wench, my aims are lower far. - - _Mont._ How's this sweet-heart? - - _Lami._ Sweet-heart 'tis so, the drift was mine to hide - My purpose till it struck home. - - _Omnes._ [God g]ive you joy. - - _Lami._ Prethee leave wondring, by this kiss I'll have thee. - - _Mont._ Then by this kiss, and this, I'll ever serve ye. - - _Long._ This Gentleman and I Sir, must needs hope once more to - follow ye. - - _Mont._ As friends and fellows, never as servants more. - - _Long. Dub._ You make us happy. - - _Orl._ Friend _Montague_, ye have taught me so much honor, I have - found a fault in my self, but thus I'll purge my conscience of - it, the late Land I took by false play, from you, with as much - contrition, and entireness of affection to this most happy day - again, I render; be master of your own, forget my malice, and make - me worthy of your love, L. _Montague_. - - _Mont._ You have won me and honor to your name. - - _Mal._ Since your Lordship has begun good deeds, we'll follow; good - Sir forgive us, we are now those men fear you for goodness sake; - those sums of money unjustly we detain from you, on your pardon - shall be restor'd again, and we your servants. - - _La-p._ You are very forward Sir, it seems you have money, I pray - you lay out, I'll pay you, or pray for you, as the Sea works. - - _Lav._ Their pennance Sir, I'll undertake, so please ye - To grant me one concealment. - - _Long._ A right Courtier, still a begging. - - _Mont._ What is it Sir? - - _Lav._ A Gentlewoman. - - _Mont._ In my gift? - - _Lav._ Yes Sir, in yours. - - _Mont._ Why, bring her forth, and take her. - - _Lami._ What wench would he have? - - _Mont._ Any wench I think. - - _Enter_ Laverdine _and_ Veramour _like a woman_. - - _Lav._ This is the Gentlewoman. - - _Mont._ 'Tis my Page, Sir. - - _Ver._ No Sir, I am a poor disguis'd Lady, - That like a Page have followed you full long for love god-wot. - - _Omnes._ A Lady--_Laverdine_--yes, yes, 'tis a Lady. - - _Mont._ It may be so, and yet we have lain together, - But by my troth I never found her, Lady. - - _L. Orl._ Why wore you boys cloaths? - - _Ver._ I'll tell you, Madam, - I took example by two or three Plays, that methought - Concerned me. - - _Mont._ Why made you not me acquainted with it? - - _Ver._ Indeed Sir, I knew it not my self, - Until this Gentleman open'd my dull eyes, - And by perswasion made me see it. - - _Ami._ Could his power in words make such a change? - - _Ver._ Yes, as truly woman as your self, my Lord. - - _Lav._ Why, but hark you, are not you a woman? - - _Ver._ If hands and face make it not evident, you shall see more. - - _Mai._ Breeches, breeches, _Laverdine_. - - _La-p._ 'Tis not enough, women may wear those cases. - Search further Courtier. - - _Omnes._ Ha, ha, ha. - - _La-p._ Oh thou fresh-water Gudgeon, wouldst thou come - To point of Marriage with an _Ignoramus_? - Thou shouldst have had her Urin to the Doctors, - The foolishest Physitian could have made plain - The liquid _Epicæne_; a blind man by the hand - Could have discovered the ring from the stone. - Boy, come, to Sea with me, I'll teach thee to climb, - And come down by the Rope, nay to eat Rats. - - _Ver._ I shall devour my Master before the prison then, - Sir, I have began my Trade. - - _Mal._ Trade? to the City, child, a flat-cap will become thee. - - _Mont._ Gentlemen, I beseech you molest your selves no further, - For his preferment it is determin'd. - - _Lav._ I am much ashamed, and if my cheek - Gives not satisfaction, break my head. - - _Mont._ Your shame's enough, Sir. - - _Ami. Montague_, much joy attend thy marriage-bed; - By thy example of true goodness, envy is exil'd, - And to all honest men that truth intend, - I wish good luck, fair fate be still thy friend. [_Exeunt._ - - - - -Upon an Honest Man's Fortune. - -By Mr. _JOHN FLETCHER_. - - - _You that can look through Heaven, and tell the Stars,_ - _Observe their kind conjunctions, and their wars;_ - _Find out new Lights, and give them where you please,_ - _To those men honors, pleasures, to those ease;_ - _You that are God's Surveyers, and can show_ - _How far, and when, and why the wind doth blow;_ - _Know all the charges of the dreadful thunder,_ - _And when it will shoot over, or fall under:_ - _Tell me, by all your Art I conjure ye,_ - _Yes, and by truth, what shall become of me?_ - _Find out my Star, if each one, as you say,_ - _Have his peculiar Angel, and his way;_ - _Observe my fate, next fall into your dreams,_ - _Sweep clean your houses, and new line your Sceames,_ - _Then say your worst: or have I none at all?_ - _Or is it burnt out lately? or did fall?_ - _Or am I poor? not able, no full flame?_ - _My Star, like me, unworthy of a name?_ - _Is it your Art can only work on those,_ - _That deal with dangers, dignities, and cloaths?_ - _With Love, or new Opinions? you all lye,_ - _A Fish-wife hath a fate, and so have I,_ - _But far above your finding; he that gives,_ - _Out of his providence, to all that lives,_ - _And no man knows his treasure, no, not you:_ - _He that made_ Egypt _blind, from whence you grew_ - _Scabby and lowzie, that the world might see_ - _Your Calculations are as blind as ye:_ - _He that made all the Stars, you daily read,_ - _And from thence filtch a knowledge how to feed;_ - _Hath hid this from you, your conjectures all_ - _Are drunken things, not how, but when they fall:_ - _Man is his own Star, and the soul that can_ - _Render an honest, and a perfect man,_ - _Commands all light, all influence, all fate,_ - _Nothing to him falls early, or too late._ - _Our Acts our Angels are, or good or ill,_ - _Our fatal shadows that walk by us still,_ - _And when the Stars are labouring, we believe_ - _It is not that they govern, but they grieve_ - _For stuborn ignorance; all things that are_ - _Made for our general uses, are at war,_ - _Even we among our selves, and from the strife,_ - _Tour first unlike opinions got a life._ - _Oh man! thou Image of thy Makers good,_ - _What canst thou fear, when breathed into thy bloud,_ - _His spirit is, that built thee? what dull sence_ - _Makes thee suspect, in need, that Providence?_ - _Who made the morning, and who plac'd the light_ - _Guide to thy labours? who call'd up the night,_ - _And bid her fall upon thee like sweet showers_ - _In hollow murmurs, to lock up thy powers?_ - _Who gave thee knowledge, who so trusted thee,_ - _To let thee grow so near himself, the Tree?_ - _Must he then be distrusted? shall his frame_ - _Discourse with him, why thus, and thus I am?_ - _He made the Angels thine, thy fellows all,_ - _Nay, even thy servants, when Devotions call._ - _Oh! canst thou be so stupid then, so dim,_ - _To seek a saving influence, and loose him?_ - _Can Stars protect thee? or can poverty,_ - _Which is the light to Heaven, put out his eye?_ - _He is my Star, in him all truth I find,_ - _All influence, all fate, and when my mind_ - _Is furnish'd with his fullness, my poor story_ - _Shall out-live all their age, and all their glory,_ - _The hand of danger cannot fall amiss,_ - _When I know what, and in whose power it is._ - _[N]or want, the cause of man, shall make me groan,_ - _A Holy Hermit is a mind alone._ - _Doth not experience teach us all we can,_ - _To work our selves into a glorious man?_ - _Love's but an exhalation to best eyes_ - _The matter spent, and then the fools fire dies?_ - _Were I in love, and could that bright Star bring_ - _Increase to Wealth, Honor, and every thing:_ - _Were she as perfect good, as we can aim,_ - _The first was so, and yet she lost the Game._ - _My Mistriss then be knowledge and fair truth;_ - _So I enjoy all beauty and all youth,_ - _And though to time her Lights, and Laws she lends,_ - _She knows no Age, that to corruption bends._ - _Friends promises may lead me to believe,_ - _But he that [is] his own friend, knows to live._ - _Affliction, when I know it is but this,_ - _A deep allay, whereby man tougher is_ - _To [b]ear the hammer, and the deeper still,_ - _We still arise more image of his Will._ - _Sickness, an humorous cloud 'twixt us and light_ - _And death, at longest but another night._ - _Man is his own Star, and that soul that can_ - _Be honest, is the only perfect man._ - - - FINIS. - - - - -THE - -MASQUE of the Gentlemen - -OF - -_GRAYS-INNE_ and the _INNER-TEMPLE_; - - _Performed before the KING in the_ Banqueting-House _in_ - White-Hall, at the Marriage of the Illustrious _Frederick_ and - _Elizabeth_, Prince and Princess Palatine of the _Rhine_. - - Written by _FRANCIS BEAMONT_ Gent. - - _Enter_ Iris _running_, Mercury _following, and catching hold of her_. - - _Mercury._ - Stay Light-[f]oot _Iris_, for thou striv'st in vain, - My wings are nimbler than thy feet. - - _Iris._ Away, - Dissembling _Mercury_, my messages - Ask honest haste, not like those wanton ones, - Your thundering Father sends. - - _Mer._ Stay foolish Maid, - Or I will take my rise upon a hill, - When I perceive thee seated in a cloud, - In all the painted glory that thou hast, - And never cease to clap my willing wing[s], - Till I catch hold o[f] thy discolour'd Bow, - And shiver it beyond the angry power - Of your [curst] Mistriss to make up again. - - _Iris. Hermes_ forbear, _Juno_ will chide and strike; - Is great _Jove_ jealous that I am imploy'd - On her Love-errands? she did never yet - Claspe weak mortality in her white arms, - As he has often done; I only come - To celebrate the long wish'd Nuptials - Here in _Olympia_, which are now perform'd - Betwixt two goodly Rivers, [which] have mixt - Their gentle [ris]ing waves, and are to grow - Into a thousand streams, great as themselves. - I need not name them, for the sound is loud - In Heaven and Earth, and I am sent from her - The Queen of marriage, that was present here, - And smil'd to see them joyn, and hath not chid - Since it was done. Good _Hermes_ let me goe. - - _Merc._ Nay, you must stay, _Jove's_ message is the same; - Whose eyes are lightning, and whose voice is thunder, - Whose breath is a[n]y wind, he will, who knows - How to be first [o]n Earth, as well as Heaven. - - _Iris._ But what hath he to do with Nuptial rites? - Let him [keepe state] upon his Starry throne, - And fright poor mortals with his Thunder-bolts, - Leaving to us the mutual darts of eyes. - - _Merc._ Alas, when ever offer'd he t'abridge - Your Ladies power, but only now in these, - Whose match concerns [his] general government? - Hath not each God a part in these high joyes? - And shall not he the King of gods presume - Without proud _Juno's_ licence? let her know, - That when enamour'd _Jove_ fir[st] gave her power - To link soft hearts in undissolv[ed] b[o]nds, - He then foresaw, and to himself reserv'd - The honor of this marriage: thou shalt stand - Still as a Rock, while I to bless this Feast - Will summon up with mine all-charming rod - The Nymphs of Fountains, from whose watry locks, - (Hung with the dew of blessing and increase) - The greedy Rivers take their nourishment. - Y[ou] Nymphs, who bathing in your loved Springs, - Beheld these Rivers in their infancy. - And joy'd to see them, when their circled heads - Refresh'd the Air, and spread the ground with Flowers; - Rise from your Wells, and with your nimble feet - Perform that office to this happy pair, - Which in these Plains you to _Alpheus_ did, - When passing hence, through many Seas unmixt, - He gain'd the favour of his _Arethuse_. - - [_The Nymphs rise, and dance a little, and then make a stand._ - - _Iris._ Is _Hermes_ grown a Lover? by what power - Unknown to us, calls he the [Naiades]? - - _Merc._ Presumptuous _Iris_, I could make thee dance, - Till thou forgetst thy Ladies messages, - And rann'st back crying to her; thou shalt know - My power is more, only my breath, and this - Shall move fix'd Stars, and force the Firmament - To yield the Hyades, who govern showers, - And dewy clouds, in whose dispersed drops - Thou form'st the shape of thy deceitful Bow. - Y[ou] Maids, who yearly at appointed times - Advance with kindly tears, the gentle floods - Discend, and pour your blessing on these streams, - Which rolling down from Heaven-aspiring hills, - And now united in the fruitful vales, - Bear all before them, ravish'd with their joy, - And swell in glory, till they know no bounds. - - [_The Cloud discends with the Hyades, at which the Maids seem to - be rejoyced; they all dance a while together, then make another - stand, as if they wanted something._ - - _Iris._ Great Wit and Power hath _Hermes_ to contrive - A livel[esse] dance, which of one sex consists. - - _Merc._ Alas poor _Iris_! _Venus_ hath in store - A secret ambush of her winged boys, - Who lurking long within these pleasant groves, - First stuck these Lovers with their equal darts; - Those _Cupids_ shall come forth, and joyn with these, - To honor that which they themselves began. - - [_The_ Cupids _come forth and dance, they are weary with their - blind pursuing the Nymphs, and th[e] Nymphs weary with flying - them_. - - _Iris._ Behold the Statues which wild Vulcan plac'd - Under the Altar of Olympian _Jove_, - And gave to them an artificial life: - [Shall daunce for joy of these great Nuptialls:] - See how they move, drawn by this Heavenly joy, - Like the wild Trees, which followed _Orpheus_ Harp. - - [_The Statues come down, and they all dance, till the Nymphs - out-run them, and lose them, then the_ Cupids _go off, and last the - Statues_. - - _Merc._ And what will _Juno's Iris_ do for her? - - _Iris._ Just match this shew, or m[y] inventio[n] fail[es], - Had it been worthier, I would have invok'd - The blazing Comets, Clouds, and falling Stars, - And all my kindred Meteors of the air, - To have excell'd it; but I now must strive - To imitate confusion; therefore thou - Delightful _Flora_; if thou ever feltst - Increase of sweetness in those blooming Plants, - On which the horns of my fair Bow decline, - Send hither all th[e] rural company, - Which deck the May-games with their [Countrey] sports; - _Juno_ will have it so. - - [_The second Anti-Masque [rush] in, [dance] their measure, and as - rudely depart._ - - _Merc. Iris_, we strive - Like winds at liberty, who should do worst - E'r we return. If _Juno_ be the Queen - Of Marriages, let her give happy way - To what is done in honor of the State - She governs. - - _Iris. Hermes_, so it may be done - Meerly in honor of the State, and th[e]se - That now have prov'd it; not to satisfy - The lust of _Jupiter_, in having thanks - More than his _Juno_; if thy Snaky rod - Have power to search the Heaven, or sound the Sea, - Or call together all the ends of earth, - To bring [in] any thing that may do grace - To us, and these, do it, we shall be pleas'd. - - _Merc._ Then know that from the mouth of _Jove_ himself, - Whose words have wings, and need not to be born, - I took a message, and I b[a]re it through - A thousand yielding clouds, and never staid - Till his high Will was done: the _Olympian_ games, - Which long ha[ve] slept, at these wish'd Nuptials, - He pleas'd to have renew'd, and all his Knights - Are gather'd hither, who within their Tents - Rest on this hill, upon whose rising head - - [_The Altar is discovered with the Pri[e]sts about it, and the - Statues under it, and the Knights lying in their Tents on each - side, near the top of the hill._ - - Behold _Jove's_ Altar, and his blessed Priests - Moving about it; come you Holy men, - And with your voices draw these youths along, - That till _Jove's_ Musick call them to their games. - Their active sports may give a blest content - To those, for whom they are again begun. - - The first Song, when the Priests descend, and the Knights follow - them. - - _Shake off your heavy trance,_ - _and leap into a dance,_ - _Such as no mortals use to tread,_ - _fit only for_ Apollo - _To play to, for the Moon to lead,_ - _And all the Stars to follow_. - - The second Song at the end of the first Dance. - - _On blessed youths, for_ Jove _doth pause,_ - _Laying aside his graver Laws_ - _For this device:_ - _And at the wedding such a pair,_ - _Each dance is taken for a prayer,_ - _Each Song a Sacrifice._ - - The third Song, after their many Dances, when they are to take out - the Ladies. - - Single. - - _More pleasing were these sweet delights,_ - _If Ladies mov'd as well as Knights_; - _Run every one of you and catch_ - _A Nymph, in honor of his match;_ - _And whisper boldly in her ear,_ - Jove _will but laugh, if you forswear._ - - All. - - _And this days sins he doth resolve,_ - _That we his Priests should all absolve._ - - The fourth Song, when they have parted with the Ladies, a shrill - Musick sounds, supposed to be that which calls them to the - Olympian games, at which they all make a seeming preparation to - depart. - - _Y[e] should stay longer if we durst,_ - _Away, alas! that he that first_ - _Gave time wild wings to fly away,_ - _H[ath] now no power to make him stay._ - _[But] though these games must needs be plaid,_ - _I would th[is] pair, when they are laid,_ - _And not a creature nigh 'em,_ - _[Could] catch his sithe, as he doth pass,_ - _And [cut] his wings, and break his glass,_ - _And keep him ever by 'em._ - - The fifth Song, when all is done, as they ascend - - _Peace and silence be the guide_ - _To the Man, and to the Bride:_ - _If there be a joy y[e]t new_ - _In marriage, let it fall on you,_ - _That all the world may wonder:_ - _If we should stay, we should do worse,_ - _And turn our blessings to a curse,_ - _By keeping you asunder._ - - - - -Four PLAYS in One. - - -The Persons represented in the Play. - - Emanuel, _King of_ Portugal, & Castile. - Isabella, _his Queen_. - Lords. - Frigoso, _a Courtier_. } _Spectators of the Play at the_ - Rinaldo, _his acquaintance_. } _celebration of their Nuptials._ - - -The Triumph of Honor. - - Martius, _a Roman General_. - Valerius, _his Brother_. - Nicodemus, _a cowardly Corporal_. - Cornelius, _a wittal Sutler_. - Captain. - Sophocles, _Duke of_ Athens. - - WOMEN. - - Diana. - Dorigen, Sophocles _wife, the example of Chastity_. - Florence, _Wife to_ Cornelius. - - -The Triumph of Love. - - Cupid. - Rinaldo, _Duke of_ Milan. - Benvoglio, } _Brothers, Lords of_ - Randulpho, } Milan - Gerard, } _Sons of the Duke, supposed_ - Ferdinand, } _lost._ - - WOMEN. - - Angelina, _Wife to_ Benvoglio. - Violante, _her Daughter_, Gerard's _Mistriss_. - Dorothea, Violante's _Attendant_. - Cornelia, _the obscured Duchess_. - - -The Triumph of Death. - - Duke _of_ Anjou. - Lavall, _his lustful Heir_. - Gentille, _a Courtier, Father to_ Perolot. - Perolot, _contracted to_ Gabriella. - Two Gentlemen. - A Spirit. - Shalloone, _servant to_ Lavall. - - WOMEN. - - Gabriella, _the despised wife of_ Lavall. - Hellena, _his second wife_. - Casta, _Daughter to_ Gentille. - Maria, _a servant attending on_ Gabriella. - - -The Triumph of Time. - - Jupiter. - Mercurie. - Plutus. - Time. - Atropos. - Desire. - Vain Delight. - Bounty. - Poverty. - Honesty. - Simplicity. - Fame. - - - - -Four - -PLAYS - -OR - -Moral Representations - -IN ONE. - - - _Enter Don_ Frigozo. - - _Frig._ [_Noise within._ Away with those bald-pated Rascals there, - their wits are bound up in Vellom, they are not currant here. Down - with those City-Gentlemen, &c. Out with those ---- I say, and in - with their wives at the back door. Worship and place, I am weary of - ye, ye lye on my shoulders lik a load of Gold on an Asses back. A - man in Authority, is but as a candle in the wind, sooner wasted or - blown out, than under a bushel. How now, what's the matter? - - Who are you, Sir? - - _Enter_ Rinaldo. - - _Rin._ Who am I, Sir? why, do y' not know me? - - _Frig._ No by my ---- do I not. - - _Rin._ I am sure we din'd together to day. - - _Frig._ That's all one: as I din'd with you in the City, and as you - paid for my dinner there, I do know you, and am beholding to you: - But as my mind is since transmigrated into my office, and as you - come to Court to have me pay you again, and be beholding to me, I - know you not, I know you not. - - _Rin._ Nay, but look ye, Sir. - - _Frig._ Pardon me: If you had been my bed-fellow these seven - years, and lent me money to buy my place, I must not transgress - principles: This very talking with you is an ill example. - - _Rin._ Pish, you are too punctual a Courtier, Sir: why, I am a - Courtier too, yet never understood the place or name to be so - infectious to humanity and manners, as to cast a man into a burning - pride and arrogance, for which there is no cure. I am a Courtier, - and yet I will know my friends, I tell you. - - _Frig._ And I tell you, you will thrive accordingly, I warrant you. - - _Rin._ But hark ye, Signior _Frigozo_, you shall first understand, - I have no friends with me to trouble you. - - _Frig._ Humh: That's a good motive. - - _Rin._ No[r] to borrow money of you. - - _Frig._ That's an excellent motive. - - _Rin._ No my sweet Don, nor to ask what you owe me. - - _Frig._ Why, that is the very motive of motives, why I ought and - will know thee: and if I had not wound thee up to this promise, I - would not have known thee these fifteen years, no more than the - errantst, or most founder'd _Castillian_ that followed our new - Queens Carriages a-foot. - - _Rin._ Nor for any thing, dear Don, but that you would place me - conveniently to see the Play to night. - - _Frig._ That shall I, Signior _Rinaldo_: but would you had come - sooner: you see how full the Scaffolds are, there is scant room for - a Lovers thought here. Gentlewomen sit close for shame: Has none of - ye a little corner for this Gentleman? I'll place ye, fear not. And - how did our brave King of _Portugal_, _Emanuel_, bear himself to - day? You saw the solemnity of the marriage. - - _Rin._ Why, like a fit Husband for so gracious and excellent a - Princess, as his worthy mate _Isabella_, the King of _Castiles_ - Daughter doth in her very external li[ne]aments, mixture of - colours, and joyning Dove-like behaviour assure her self to be. - And I protest (my dear Don) seriously, I can sing prophetically - nothing but blessed Hymns, and happy occasions to this sacred union - of _Portugal_ and _Castile_, which have so wisely and mutually - conjoyned two such virtuous and beautiful Princes as these are; and - in all opinion like to multiply to their very last minute. - - _Frig._ The King is entring: Signior, hover here about, and as soon - as the Train is set, clap into me, we'll stand near the State. If - you have any Creditors here, they shall renew bonds a Twelvemonth - on such a sight: but to touch the pomel of the King's Chair in - the sight of a Citizen, is better security for a thousand double - Duckets, than three of the best Merchants in _Lisbon_. Besides, - Signior, we will censure, not only the King in the Play here, that - Reigns his two hours; but the King himself, that is to rule his - life time: Take my counsel: I have one word to say to this noble - Assembly, and I am for you. - - _Rin._ Your method shall govern me. - - Frig. _Prologues are bad Huishers before the wise;_ - _Why may not then an Huisher Prologize?_ - _Here's a fair sight, and were ye oftner seen_ - _Thus gather'd here, 'twould please our King and Queen_ - _Upon my conscience, ye are welcome all_ - _To_ Lisbon, _and the Court of_ Portugal; - _Where your fair eyes shall feed on no worse sights_ - _Than preparations made for Kings delights._ - _We wish to men content, the manliest treasure,_ - _And to the Women, their own wish'd for pleasure._ [Flourish. - - _Enter King and Queen, Emanuel and Isabella,_ - _Lords and attendants._ - - _Em._ Fair fountain of my life, from whose pure streams - The propagation of two Kingdoms flowes, - Never contention rise in eithers brest, - But contestation whose love shall be best. - - _Isab._ Majestick Ocean, that with plenty feeds - Me, thy poor tributary Rivolet, - Sun of my beauty, that with radiant beams - Dost gild, and dance upon these humble streams, - Curst be my birth-hour, and my ending day, - When back your love-floods I forget to pay: - Or if this brest of mine, your crystall brook, - Ever take other form in, other look - But yours, or ere produce unto your grace - A strange reflection, or anothers face, - But be your love-book clasp'd, open'd to none - But you, nor hold a storie, but your own; - A water fix'd, that ebbs nor floods pursue, - Frozen to all, onely dissolv'd to you. - - _Em._ O, who shall tel the sweetness of our love - To future times, and not be thought to lye? - I look through this hour like a perspective, - And far off see millions of prosperous seeds, - That our reciprocall affection breeds. - Thus my white rib, close in my brest with me, - Which nought shall tear hence, but mortalitie. - - _Lords._ Be Kingdoms blest in you, you blest in them. - - _Frig._ Whist, Seignior; my strong imagination shews me - Love (me thinks) bathing in milk, and wine in her cheeks: - O! how she clips him, like a plant of Ivie. - - _Rin._ I; Could not you be content to be an Owl in such an - ivie-bush, or one of the Oaks of the City to be so clipt? - - _Frig._ Equivocal Don, though I like the clipping well, I could not - be content either to be your Owl, or your Ox of the City. The Play - begins. [_Flourish._ - - _Enter a Poet with a garland._ - - Poet Prologue. _Low at your sacred feet our poor Muse layes_ - _Her, and her thunder-fearless virdant Bayes._ - _Four severall_ Triumphs _to your Princely eyes,_ - _Of_ Honor, Love, Death, _and_ Time _do rise_ - _From our approaching subject, which we move_ - _Towards you with fear, since that a sweeter_ Love, - _A brighter_ Honor, _purer_ Chastitie - _March in your brests this day triumphantly,_ - _Then our weak Scenes can show: then how dare we_ - _Present like Apes and Zanies, things that be_ - _Exemplifi'd in you, but that we know,_ - _We ne'r crav'd grace, which you did not bestow_? - - _Enter in triumph with Drums, Trumpets, Colours_, Martius, - Valerius, Sophocles _bound_, Nicodemus, Cornelius, _Captains - and Soldiers_. - - _Mar._ What means proud _Sophocles_? - - _Soph._ To go even with _Martius_, - And not to follow him like his Officer: - I never waited yet on any man. - - _Mar._ Why poor _Athenian_ Duke, thou art my slave, - My blows have conquerd thee. - - _Soph._ Thy slave? proud _Martius_, - _Cato_ thy countrey-man (whose constancie, - Of all the Romans, I did honor most) - Rip'd himself twice to avoid slavery, - Making himself his own Anatomie. - But look thee _Martius_, not a vein runs here - From head to foot, but _Sophocles_ would unseame, and - Like a spring garden shoot his scornfull blood - Into their eyes, durst come to tread on him: - As for thy blows, they did [not] conquer me: - Seven Battailes have I met thee face to face, - And given thee blow for blow, and wound for wound, - And till thou taught'st me, knew not to retire; - Thy sword was then as bold, thy arm as strong; - Thy blows then _Martius_, cannot conquer me. - - _Val._ What is it then? - - _Soph._ Fortune. - - _Val._ Why, yet in that - Thou art the worse man, and must follow him. - - _Soph._ Young Sir, you erre: If Fortune could be call'd - Or his, or your's, or mine, in good or evill - For any certain space, thou hadst spoke truth: - But she but jests with man, and in mischance - Abhors all constancie, flowting him still - With some small touch of good, or seeming good - Midst of his mischief: which vicissitude - Makes him strait doff his armour, and his fence - He had prepar'd before, to break her strokes. - So from the very Zenith of her wheel, - When she has dandled some choice favorite, - Given him his boons in women, honor, wealth, - And all the various delecacies of earth; - That the fool scorns the gods in his excess, - She whirls, and leaves him at th' _Antipodes_. - - _Mar._ Art sure we have taken him? Is this _Sophocles_? - His fettred arms say no; his free soul, I. - This _Athens_ nurseth Arts, as well as Arms. - - _Soph._ Nor glory _Martius_, in this day of thine, - 'Tis behind yesterday, but before to morrow: - Who knows what Fortune then will do with thee? - She never yet could make the better man, - The better chance she has: the man that's best - She still contends with, and doth favor least. - - _Mar._ Me thinks a graver thunder then the skies - Breaks from his lips; I am amaz'd to hear, - And _Athens_ words, more then her swords doth fear. - - _Soph. Martius_, slave _Sophocles_, couldst thou acquire - (And did thy Roman gods so love thy prayers, - And solemn sacrifice, to grant thy suit) - To gather all the valour of the _Cæsars_ - Thy Predecessors, and what is to come, - And by their influence fling it on thee now, - Thou couldst not make my mind go less, not pare - With all their swords one virtue from my soul: - How am I vassall'd then? Make such thy slaves, - As dare not keep their goodness past their graves. - Know General, we two are chances on - The die of Fate; now thrown, thy six is up, - And my poor one beneath thee, next th[y] throw - May set me upmost, and cast thee below. - - _Mar._ Yet will I trie thee more: Calamitie - Is mans true touchstone: Listen insolent Prince, - That dar'st contemn the Master of thy life, - Which I will force here 'fore thy City walls - With barbarous crueltie, and call thy wife - To see it, and then after send her-- - - _Soph._ Ha, ha, ha. - - _Mar._ And then demolish _Athens_ to the ground, - Depopulate her, fright away her fame, - And leave succession neither stone nor name. - - _Soph._ Ha, ha, ha. - - _Mar._ Dost thou deride me? - - _Val._ Kneel, ask _Martius_ - For mercy, _Sophocles_, and live happy still. - - _Soph._ Kneel, and ask mercie? (_Roman_) art a god? - I never kneel'd, or begg'd of any else. - Thou art a fool, and I will loose no more - Instructions on thee: now I find thy eares [_Solemn Musick._ - - _Enter Dorigen, Ladyes bearing a sword._ - - Are foolish, like thy tongue. My _Dorigen_? - Oh! must she see me bound? - - _1 Cap._ There's the first sigh - He breath'd since he was born, I think. - - _2 Cap._ Forbear, - All but the Lady his wife. - - _Soph._ How my heart chides - The manacles of my hands, that let them not - Embrace my _Dorigen_. - - _Val._ Turn but thy face. - And ask thy life of _Martius_ thus, and thou - (With thy fair wife) shalt live; _Athens_ shall stand, - And all her priviledges augmented be. - - _Soph._ 'Twere better _Athens_ perish'd, and my wife - Which (Romans) I do know a worthie one, - Then _Sophocles_ should shrink of _Sophocles_, - Commit profane Idolatry, by giving - The reverence due to gods to thee blown man. - - _Mar._ Rough, stubborn Cynick. - - _Soph._ Thou art rougher far, - And of a couser wale, fuller of pride, - Less temperate to bear prosperity. - Thou seest my meer neglect hath rais'd in thee - A storm more boystrous then the Oceans, - My virtue, Patience, makes thee vitious. - - _Mar._ Why, fair-ey'd Lady, do you kneel? - - _Dor._ Great Generall, - Victorious, godlike _Martius_, your poor handmaid - Kneels, for her husband will not, cannot: speaks - Thus humbly, that he may not. Listen _Roman_, - Thou whose advanced front doth speak thee _Roman_ - To every Nation, and whose deeds assure 't; - Behold a Princess (whose declining head - Like to a drooping lilly after storms - Bowes to thy feet) and playing here the slave, - To keep her husbands greatness unabated: - All which doth make thy Conquest greater: For, - If he be base in ought whom thou hast taken, - Then _Martius_ hath but taken a base prize. - But if this Jewell hold lustre and value, - _Martius_ is richer then in that he hath won. - O make him such a Captive, as thy self - Unto another wouldst, great Captain, be; - Till then, he is no prisoner fit for thee. - - _Mar. Valerius_, here is harmonie would have brought - Old crabbed _Saturn_ to sweet sleep, when _Jove_ - Did first incense him with Rebellion: - _Athens_ doth make women Philosophers, - And sure their children chat the talk of gods. - - _Val._ Rise beauteous _Dorigen_. - - _Dor._ Not untill I know - The Generals resolution. - - _Val._ One soft word - From _Sophocles_ would calm him into tears, - Like gentle showres after tempestuous winds. - - _Dor._ To buy the world, he will not give a word, - A look, a tear, a knee, 'gainst his own judgement, - And the divine composure of his minde: - All which I therefore doe, and here present - This Victors wreathe, this rich _Athenian_ sword, - Trophies of Conqu[e]st, which, great _Martius_, wear, - And be appeas'd: Let _Sophocles_ still live. - - _Mar._ He would not live. - - _Dor._ He would not beg to live. - When he shall so forget, then I begin - To command, _Martius_; and when he kneels, - _Dorigen_ stands; when he lets fall a tear, - I dry mine eyes, and scorn him. - - _Mar._ Scorn him now then, - Here in the face of _Athens_, and thy friends. - Self-will'd, stiff _Sophocles_, prepare to die, - And by that sword thy Lady honor'd me, - With which her self shall follow. Romans, Friends, - Who dares but strike this stroke, shall part with me - Half _Athens_, and my half of Victorie. - - _Cap._ By ---- not we. - - _Nic. Cor._ We two will do it, Sir. - - _Soph._ Away, ye fish-fac'd Rascals. - - _Val. Martius_, - To Eclipse this great Eclipse labours thy fame; - _Valerius_ thy Brother shall for once - Turn Executioner: Give me the sword. - Now _Sophocles_, I'll strike as suddenly - As thou dar'st die. - - _Soph._ Thou canst not. And _Valerius_, - 'Tis less dishonour to thee thus to kill me, - Then bid me kneel to _Martius_: 'tis to murther - The fame of living men, which great ones do; - Their studies strangle, poyson makes away, - The wretched hangman only ends the Play. - - _Val._ Art thou prepar'd? - - _Soph._ Yes. - - _Val._ Bid thy wife farewell. - - _Soph._ No, I will take no leave: My _Dorigen_, - Yonder above, 'bout _Ariadnes_ Crown - My spirit shall hover for thee; prethee haste. - - _Dor._ Stay _Sophocles_, with this tie up my sight, - Let not soft nature so transform[e]d be - (And lose her gentle[r] sex'd humanitie) - To make me see my Lord bleed. So, 'tis well: - Never one object underneath the Sun - Will I behold before my _Sophocles_. - Farewell: now teach the Romans how to die. - - _Mar._ Dost know what 'tis to die? - - _Soph._ Thou dost not, _Martius_, - And therefore not what 'tis to live; to die - Is to begin to live: It is to end - An old stale weary work, and to commence - A newer and a better. 'Tis to leave - Deceitfull knaves for the societie - Of gods and goodness. Thou thy self must part - At last from all thy garlands, pleasures, Triumphs, - And prove thy fortitude, what then 'twill do. - - _Val._ But ar't not griev'd nor vex'd to leave life thus? - - _Soph._ Why should I grieve, or vex for being sent - To them I ever lov'd best? now I'll kneel, - But with my back toward thee; 'tis the last duty - This trunk can doe the gods. - - _Mar._ Strike, strike, _Valerius_, - Or _Martius_ heart will leap out at his mouth. - This is a man, a woman! Kiss thy Lord, - And live with all the freedome you were wont. - O Love! thou doubly hast afflicted me, - With virtue, and with beauty. Treacherous heart, - My hand shall cast thee quick into my urne, - E're thou transgress this knot of pietie. - - _Val._ What ails my Brother? - - _Soph. Martius_, oh _Martius_! - Thou now hast found a way to conquer me. - - _Dor._ O star of _Rome_, what gratitude can speak - Fit words to follow such a deed as this? - - _Mar._ Doth _Juno_ talk, or _Dorigen_? - - _Val._ You are observ'd. - - _Mar._ This admirable Duke (_Valerius_) - With his disdain of Fortune, and of Death, - Captiv'd himself, hath captivated me: - And though my arm hath ta'ne his body here, - His soul hath subjugated _Martius_ soul: - By _Romulus_, he is all soul, I think; - He hath no flesh, and spirit cannot b[e] gyv'd; - Then we have vanquish'd nothing; he is free, - And _Martius_ walks now in captivitie. - - _Soph._ How fares the noble Roman? - - _Mar._ Why? - - _Dor._ Your blood - Is sunk down to your heart, and your bright eyes - Have lost their splendor. - - _Mar._ Baser fires go out, - When the Sun shines on 'em: I am not well, - An Apoplectick fit I use to have - After my heats in war carelesly coold. - - _Soph. Martius_ shall rest in _Athens_ with his friends, - Till this distemper leave him: O! great Roman, - See _Sophocles_ doe that for thee, he could not - Do for himself, weep. _Martius_, by the---- - It grieves me that so brave a soul should suffer - Under the bodies weak infirmitie. - Sweet Lady, take him to thy loving charge, - And let thy care be tender. - - _Dor._ Kingly Sir, - I am your Nurse and servant. - - _Mar._ O deer Lady, - My Mistris, nay my Deity; guide me heaven, - Ten wreathes triumphant _Martius_ will give, - To change a _Martius_ for a _Sophocles_: - Can't not be done (_Valerius_) with this boot? - Inseparable affection, ever thus - Colleague with _Athens Rome_. - - _Dor._ Beat warlike tunes, - Whilest _Dorigen_ thus honors _Martius_ brow - With one victorious wreath more. - - _Soph._ And _Sophocles_ - Thus girds his Sword of conquest to his thigh, - Which ne'r be drawn, but cut out Victorie. - - _Lords._ For ever be it thus. [_Exeunt._ - - _Corn._ Corporall _Nichodemus_, a word with you. - - _Nic._ My worthie Sutler _Cornelius_, it befits not _Nichodemus_ - the Roman Officer to parley with a fellow of thy rank: the affairs - of the Empire are to be occupied. - - _Corn._ Let the affaires of the Empire lie a while unoccupied, - sweet _Nichodemus_; I doe require the money at thy hands, which - thou doest owe me; and if faire means cannot attain, force of Armes - shall accomplish. - - _Nic._ Put up and live. - - _Corn._ I have put up too much already, thou Corporall of - Concupiscence, for I suspect thou hast dishonored my flock-bed, - and with thy foolish Eloquence, and that bewitching face of thine - drawn my Wife, the young harlotrie baggage to prostitute herself - unto thee. Draw therefore, for thou shalt find thyself a mortall - Corporall. - - _Nichod._ Stay thy dead-doing hand, and heare: I will rather - descend from my honor, and argue these contumelies with thee, then - clutch thee (poor flye) in these eaglet ---- of mine: or draw my - sword of Fate on a Pesant, a _Besognio_, a _Cocoloch_, as thou art. - Thou shalt first understand this foolish eloquence, and intolerable - beauty of mine (both which, I protest, are meerly naturall) are the - gifts of the gods, with which I have neither sent baudy Sonnet, - nor amorous glance, or (as the vulgar call it) sheeps eye to thy - betrothed _Florence_. - - _Cor._ Thou lyest. - - _Nich._ O gods of _Rome_, was _Nichodemus_ born - To hear these braveries from a poor provant? - Yet when dogs bark, or when the asses bray, - The lion laughs, not roars, but goes his way. - - _Cornel._ A ---- o' your poeticall veine: This versifying my wife - has hornified me. Sweet Corporall codshead, no more standing on - your punctilio's and punketto's of honor, they are not worth a - lowse: the truth is, thou art the Generals Bygamie, that is, his - fool, and his knave; thou art miscreant and recreant, not an - horse-boy in the Legions, but has beaten thee; thy beginning was - knap-sack, and thy ending will be halter-sack. - - _Nich._ Me thinks I am now _Sophocles_, the wise, and thou art - _Martius_, the mad. - - _Cornel._ No more of your tricks good Corporall Letherchops: I - say, thou hast dishonour'd me, and since honor now adaies is only - repaired by money, pay me, and I am satisfied: Even reckoning keeps - long friends. - - _Nic._ Let us continue friends then, for I have been even with thee - a long time; and though I have not paid thee, I have paid thy wife. - - _Corn._ Flow forth my tears, thou hast deflowred her _Tarquin_, - the Garden of my delight, hedg'd about, in which there was but one - bowling Alley for mine owne private procreation, thou hast, like a - thief in the night, leap'd the hedge, entred my Alley, and without - my privitie, plaid thine owne rubbers. - - _Nic._ How long shall patience thus securely snore? - Is it my fault, if these attractive eyes, - This budding chin, or rosie-colour'd cheek, - This comely body, and this waxen leg, - Have drawn her into a fools paradise? - By _Cupids_ ---- I do swear (no other) - She's chaster far then _Lucrece_, her grand-mother; - Pure as glass-window, ere the rider dash it, - Whiter then Ladyes smock, when she did wash it: - For well thou wotst (though now my hearts Commandress) - I once was free, and she but the Camps Landress. - - _Corn._ I, she then came sweet to me; no part about her but smelt - of Soap-suds, like a _Dryad_ out of a wash-bowl. Pray, or pay. - - _Nich._ Hold. - - _Corn._ Was thy cheese mouldy, or thy peny-worths small? - Was not thy Ale the mightiest of the earth in Malt, - And thy stope fill'd like a tide: was not thy bed soft, and - Thy Bacon fatter then a dropsie? Come, Sir. - - _Nich. Mars_ then inspire me with the fencing skill - Of our Tragedi[a]n Actors. Honor pricks; - And Sutler, now I come with thwacks and thwicks. - Grant us one crush, one pass, and now a high, Cavalto fall: - Then up again, now down again, yet do no harm at all. - - _Enter Wife._ - - _Wife._ O that ever I was born: why Gent? - - _Corn. Messaline_ of _Rome_, away, disloyal Concubine: I will be - deafer to thee, then thou art to others: I will have my hundred - drachma's he owes me, thou arrant whore. - - _Wife._ I know he is an hundred drachmaes o'the score; but what o' - that? no bloodshed, sweet _Cornelius_. O my heart; o' my conscience - 't is faln thorow the bottom of my bellie. O my sweet Didimus, - if either of ye miskil one another, what will become of [p]oor - _Florence_? Pacifie your selves, I pray. - - _Corn._ Go to, my heart is not stone; I am not marble: drie your - eyes, _Florence_; the scurvie apes-face knows my blinde side well - enough: leave your puling; will this content ye? let him tast thy - nether lip, which in signe of amitie I thus take off again: go thy - ways, and provide the Cows udder. - - _Nich._ Lilie of Concord. And now, honest Sutler, since I have had - proof as well of thy good nature, as of thy wives before, I will - acquaint thee with a project shall fully satisfie thee for thy - debt. Thou shalt understand I am shortly to be knighted. - - _Corn._ The devil thou art. - - _Nich._ Renounce me else; for the sustenance of which Worship - (which Worship many times wants sustenance) I have here the - Generals grant to have the leading of two hundred men. - - _Corn._ You jest, you jest. - - _Nich._ Refuse me else to the pit. - - _Corn._ Mercie on us: ha you not forgot your self? by you[r] - swearing you should be knighted already. - - _Nich._ Damn me, Sir, here's his hand, read it. - - _Corn._ Alas, I cannot. - - _Nich._ I know that. - - It has pleas'd the General to look upon my service. Now, Sir, shall - you joyn with me in petitioning for fifty men more, in regard of my - arrearages to you; which if granted, I will bestow the whole profit - of those fifty men on thee and thine heirs for ever, till _Atropos_ - do cut this simple thred. - - _Corn._ No more, dear Corporal, Sir _Nichodemus_, that shall be, I - cry your wishes mercie: I am your servant body and goods, moveables - and immoveables; use my house, use my wife, use me, abuse me, do - what you list. - - _Nich._ A figment is a candid lye: this is an old Pass. Mark what - follows. [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter Martius, and two Captains._ - - _Mar._ Pray leave me: you are Romans, honest men, - Keep me not company, I am turn'd knave, - Have lost my fame and nature. _Athens, Athens_, - This _Dorigen_ is thy _Palladium_: - He that will sack thee, must betray her first, - Whose words wound deeper than her husbands sword; - Her eyes make captive still the Conqueror, - And here they keep her only to that end. - O subtill devil, what a golden ball - Did tempt, when thou didst cast her in my way! - Why, foolish _Sophocles_, broughtst thou not to field - Thy Lady, that thou mightst have overcome? - _Martius_ had kneel'd, and yielded all his wreathes - That hang like Jewels on the seven-fold hill, - And bid _Rome_, send him out to fight with men, - (For that she knew he durst) and not 'gainst Fate - Or Deities, what mortal conquers them? - Insatiate _Julius_, when his Victories - Had run ore half the world, had he met her, - There he had stopt the legend of his deeds, - Laid by his Arms, been overcome himself, - And let her vanquish th' other half. And fame - Made beauteous _Dorigen_, the greater name. - Shall I thus fall? I will not; no, my tears - Cast on my heart, shall quench these lawless fires: - He conquers best, conquers his lewd desires. - - _Enter Dorigen, with Ladyes._ - - _Dor._ Great Sir, my Lord commands me visit you, - And thinks your retir'd melancholy proceeds - From some distast of worthless entertainment. - Will't please you take your chamber? how d'ye do, Sir? - - _Mar._ Lost, lost again; the wild rage of my blood - Doth Ocean-like oreflow the shallow shore - Of my weak virtue: my desire's a vane, - That the least breath from her turns every way. - - _Dor._ What says my Lord? - - _Mar._ Dismiss your women, pray, - And I'll reveal my grief. - - _Dor._ Leave me. - - _Mar._ Long tales of love (whilst love it self - Might be enjoyed) are languishing delays. - There is a secret strange lies in my brest, - I will partake wi' you, which much concerns - Your Lord, your self, and me. Oh! - - _Dor._ Strange secrets, Sir, - Should not be made so cheap to strangers: yet, - If your strange secret do no lower lie - Then in your brest, discover it. - - _Mar._ I will. - Oh! can you not see it, Lady, in my sighs? - - _Dor._ Sighs none can paint, and therefore who can see? - - _Mar._ Scorn me not, _Dorigen_, with mocks: _Alcides_, - That master'd monsters, was by beautie tam'd, - _Omphale_ smil'd his club out of his hand, - And made him spin her smocks. O sweet, I love you, - And I love _Sophocles_: I must enjoy you, - And yet I would not injure him. - - _Dor._ Let go; - You hurt me, Sir: fare well. Stay, is this _Martius_? - I will not tell my Lord; he'll swear I lye. - Doubt my fidelitie, before thy honor. - How hast thou vex'd the gods, that they would let thee - Thus violate friendship, hospitalitie, - And all the bounds of sacred pietie? - Sure thou but tri'st me out of love to him, - And wouldst reject me, if I did consent. - O _Martius, Martius_, wouldst thou in one minute, - Blast all thy Laurels, which so many years - Thou hast been purchasing with blood and sweat? - Hath _Dorigen_ never been written, read, - Without the epithet of chast, chast _Dorigen_? - And wouldst thou fall upon her chastitie, - Like a black drop of ink, to blot it out? - When men shall read the records of thy valour, - Thy hitherto-brave virtue, and approach - (Highly content yet) to this foul assault - Included in this leaf, this ominous leaf, - They shall throw down the Book, and read no more, - Though the best deeds ensue, and all conclude, - That ravell'd the whole story, whose sound heart - (Which should have been) prov'd the most leprous part. - - _Mar._ O! thou confut'st divinely, and thy words - Do fall like rods upon me; but they have - Such silken lines, and silver hooks, that I - Am faster snar'd: my love has ta'en such hold, - That (like two wrestlers) though thou stronger be, - And hast cast me, I hope to pull thee after. - I must, or perish. - - _Dor._ Perish, _Martius_, then; - For I here vow unto the gods, These rocks, - These rocks we see so fix'd, shall be removed, - Made champion field, ere I so impious prove, - To stain my Lords bed with adulterous love. - - _Enter Valerius._ - - _Val._ The gods protect fair _Dorigen_. - - _Dor._ Amen, - From all you wolvish Romanes. [_Exit._ - - _Val._ Ha? what's this? - Still, brother, in your moods? O th[e]n my doubts - Are truths. Have at it: I must try a way - To be resolv'd. - - _Mar._ How strangely dost thou look! what ailst thou? - - _Val._ What ailst thou? - - _Mar._ Why, I 'm mad. - - _Val._ Why, I [a]m madder. _Martius_, draw thy sword, - And lop a villain from the earth; for if - Thou wilt not, on some tree about this place - I'll hang my self; _Valerius_ shall not live - To wound his brothers honor, stain his Countrey, - And branded with ingratitude to all times. - - _Mar._ For what can all this be? - - _Val._ I [a]m in love. - - _Mar._ Why so am I. With whom? ha? - - _Val. Dorigen._ - - _Mar._ With _Dorigen_? how dost thou love her? speak. - - _Val._ Even to the height of lust; and I must have her or else I - die. - - _Mar._ Thou shalt, thou daring Traitor. - On all the confines I have rid my horse, - Was there no other woman for thy choice - But _Dorigen_? Why, villain, she is mine: - She makes me pine thus, sullen, mad, and fool; - 'T is I must have her, or I die. - - _Val._ O all ye gods, - With mercy look on this declining rock - Of valour, and of virtue; breed not up - (From infancie) in honor, to full man, - As you have done him, to destroy: here, strike; - For I have onely search'd thy wound: dispatch; - Far, far be such love from _Valerius_, - So far he scorns to live to be call'd brother - By him that dares own such folly and such vice. - - _Mar._ 'T is truth thou speak'st; but I do hate it: peace, - If heaven will snatch my sword out of my hand, - And put a rattle in it, what can I do? - He that is destin'd to be odious - In his old age, must undergo his fate. - - _Enter Cornelius and Nichodemus._ - - _Corn._ If you do not back me, I shall never do't. - - _Nich._ I warrant you. - - _Corn._ Humh, humh: Sir; my Lord, my Lord. - - _Mart._ Hah? what's the matter? - - _Corn._ Humh; concerning the odd fifty, my Lord, and 't please your - Generality, his Worship, Sir _Nichodemus_. - - _Mar._ What's here? a Pass? you would for _Rome_? you lubbers, doth - one days laziness make ye covet home? away, ye boarish rogues; ye - dogs, away. - - _Enter wife._ - - _Wife._ Oh, oh, oh: - How now man, are you satisfi'd? - - _Corn._ I, I, I: a ---- o' your Corporal; I 'm paid soundly, I was - never better paid in all my life. - - _Wife._ Mar[r]y the gods blessing on his honors heart: you have - done a charitable deed, Sir, many more such may you live to do, - Sir: the gods keep you, Sir, the gods protect you. [_Exit._ - - _Mar._ These peasants mock me sure (_Valerius_) - Forgive my dotage, see my ashes urn'd, - And tell fair _Dorigen_, (she that but now - Left me with this harsh vow, Sooner these rocks - Should be remov'd, then she would yield) that I - Was yet so loving, on her gift to die. - - _Val._ O _Jupiter_ forbid it, Sir, and grant - This my device may certifie thy mind: - You are my brother, nor must perish thus: - Be comforted: think you fair _Dorigen_ - Would yield your wishes, if these envious rocks - By skill could be remov'd, or by fallacie - She made believe so? - - _Mar._ Why, she could not chuse; - The _Athenians_ are religious in their vows, - Above all nations. - - _Val._ Soft, down yonder hill - The Lady comes this way, once more to trie her, - If she persist in obstinacie: by my skill - Learn'd from the old _Caldean_ was my Tutor, - Who train'd me in the _Mathematicks_, I will - So dazle and delude her sight, that she - Shall think this great impossibilitie - Effected by some supernatural means. - Be confident; this engine shall at least, - Till the gods better order, still this brest. [_Exit Valerius._ - - _Mar._ O my best brother, go; and for reward, - Chuse any part o'th' world, I'll give it thee. - O little _Rome_, men say thou art a god; - Thou mightst have got a fitter fool then I. - - _Enter Dorigen._ - - _Dor._ Art thou there, Basilisk? remove thine eyes, - For I'm sick to death with thy infection. - - _Mar._ Yet, yet have mercy on me; save him, Lady, - Whose single arm defends all _Rome_, whose mercie - Hath sav'd thy husband's and thy life. - - _Dor._ To spoil - Our fame and honors? no, my vow is fixt, - And stands, as constant as these stones do, still. - - _Mar._ Then pitie me, ye gods; you onely may - Move her, by tearing these firm stones a way. - - [_Solemn musick._ - - _A mist ariseth, the rocks remove._ - - _Enter Valerius like Mercury, singing._ - - Val. _Martius rejoyce, Jove sends me from above,_ - _His Messenger, to cure thy desperate love;_ - _To shew rash vows c[a]nnot binde destinie:_ - _Lady, behold, the rocks transplanted be._ - _Hard-hearted Dorigen, yield, lest for contempt,_ - _They fix thee here a rock, whence they 're exempt._ - - _Dor._ What strange delusion's this? what Sorcery - Affrights me with these apparitions? - My colder Chastity's nigh turn'd to death. - Hence, lewd Magician; dar'st thou make the gods - Bawds to thy lust; will they do miracles - To further evil? or do they love it now? - Know, if they dare do so, I dare hate them, - And will no longer serve 'em. _Jupiter_, - Thy golden showr, nor thy snow-white Swan, - Had I been _Læda_, or bright _Danae_, - Had bought mine honor. Turn me into stone - For being good, and blush when thou hast done. [_Exit Dorigen._ - - _Enter Valerius._ - - _Mar._ O my _Valerius_, all yet will not do; - Unless I could so draw mine honestie - Down to the lees to be a ravisher; - She calls me witch, and villain. - - _Val._ Patience, Sir, - The gods will punish perjury. Let her breathe - And ruminate on this strange sight. Time decays - The strongest fairest buildings we can finde; - But still _Diana_, fortifie her minde. [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter Sophocles and Dorigen._ - - _Soph._ Weep not bright _Dorigen_; for thou hast stood - Constant and chaste (it seems 'gainst gods and men) - When rocks and mountains were remov'd. These wonders - Do stupifie my senses. _Martius_, - This is inhumane: was thy sickness lust? - Yet were this truth, why weeps she? Jealous soul, - What dost thou thus suggest? Vows, Magick, Rocks? - Fine tales, and tears. She ne'er complain'd before. - I bade her visit him; she often did, - Had many opportunities. Humh, 'tis naught: O! - No way but this. Come, weep no more, I have ponder'd - This miracle: the anger of the gods, - Thy vow, my love to thee, and _Martius_: - He must not perish, nor thou be forsworn, - Lest worse fates follow us; Go, keep thy oath: - For chaste, and whore, are words of equal length: - But let not _Martius_ know that I consent, - O! I'm pull'd in pieces. - - _Dor._ I? say you so? - I'll meet you in your path. O wretched men! - With all your valour and your learning, bubbles. - Forgive me, _Sophocles_. Yet why kneel I - For pardon, having been but over-diligent, - Like an obedient servant, antedating - My Lords command? Sir, I have often, and already given - This bosom up to his embraces, and - Am proud that my dear Lord is pleas'd with it; - Whose gentle honorable minde I see - Participates even all, his wife and all, - Unto his friend. You are sad, Sir. _Martius_ loves me, - And I love _Martius_ with such ardencie, - As never married couple could: I must - Attend him now. My Lord, when you have need - To use your own wife, pray Sir send for me; - Till then, make use of your Philosophie. [_Exit._ - - _Soph._ Stay, _Dorigen_: O me, inquisitive fool! - Thou that didst order this congested heap - When it was Chaos, 'twixt thy spacious palms - Forming it to this vast rotundie; - Dissolve it now; shuffle the elements, - That no one proper by it self may stand: - Let the sea quench the sun, and in that instant - The sun drink up the sea: day, ne'er come down, - To light me to those deeds that must be done. [_Exit._ - - _Drums and Colours._ - - _Enter Martius, Valerius, Captains and soldiers, at one_ - _door, and Dorigen with Lad[i]es, at another._ - - _Dor._ Hail, General of _Rome_; from _Sophocles_ - That honors _Martius_, _Dorigen_ presents - Her self to be dishonour'd: do thy will; - For _Sophocles_ commands me to obey. - Come, violate all rules of holiness, - And rend the consecrated knot of love. - - _Mar._ Never, _Valerius_, was I blest till now: - Behold the end of all my weary steps, - The prize of all my Battels: leave us all; - Leave us as quick as thought. Thus joy begin, - In zealous love a minutes loss is sin. - - _Val._ Can _Martius_ be so vile? or _Dorigen_? - - _Dor._ Stay, stay, and monster, keep thou further of; - I thought thy brave soul would have much, much loath'd - To have gone on still on such terms as this. - See, thou ungrateful, since thy desperate lust - Nothing can cure but death, I'll die for thee, - Whilst my chaste name lives to posterity. - - _Mar._ Live, live, thou Angel of thy sex: forgive, - Till by those golden tresses thou be'st snatch'd - Alive to Heaven: for thy corruption's - So little, that it cannot suffer death. - Was ever such a woman? O my mirror! - How perfectly thou shew'st me all my faults, - Which now I hate, and when I next attempt thee, - Let all the fires in the _Zodiak_ - Drop on this cursed head. - - _All._ O blest event! - - _Dor._ Rise like the sun again in all his glory, - After a dark Eclipse. - - _Mar._ Never without a pardon. - - _Enter Sophocles, and two or three with him._ - - _Dor._ Sir, you have forgiven your self. - - _Soph._ Behold their impudence: are my words just? - Unthankful man, viper to Arms, and _Rome_ - Thy natural mother; have I warm'd thee here - To corrode ev'n my heart? _Martius_, prepare - To kill me, or be kill'd. - - _Mar._ Why _Sophocles_? - Then prethee kill me; I deserve it highly; - For I have both transgress'd 'gainst men, and gods; - But am repentant now, and in best case - To uncase my soul of this oppressing flesh; - Which, though (Gods witness) nev'r was actually - Injurious to thy wife and thee, yet 't was - Her goodness that restrain'd and held me now: - But take my life, dear friend, for my intent, - Or else forgive it. - - _Val._ By the gods of _Athens_, - These words are true, and all direct again. - - _Soph._ Pardon me, _Dorigen_. - - _Mar._ Forgive me, _Sophocles_, - And _Dorigen_ too, and every one that 's good. - - _Dor._ Rise, noble Roman, belov'd _Sophocles_, - Take to thy brest thy friend. - - _Mar._ And to thy heart - Thy matchless wife: Heaven has not stuff enough - To make another such: for if it could, - _Martius_ would marry too. For thy blest sake - (O thou infinitie of excellence) - Henceforth in mens discourse _Rome_ shall not take - The wall of _Athens_, as 'tofore. But when - In their fair honors we to speak do come, - We'll say 'T was so in _Athens_, and in _Rome_. - - [_Exeun[t] in pomp._ - - _Diana descends._ - - Diana. _Honor set ope thy gates, and with thee bring_ - _My servant and thy friend, fair_ Dorigen_:_ - _Let her triumph, with her, her Lord, and friend,_ - _Who, though misled, still honor was their end_. [Flourish. - - _Enter the Shew of_ Honors Triumph; _a great flourish of Trumpets - and Drums within; Then enter a noise of Trumpets sounding - cheerfully. Then follows an armed Knight bearing a Crimson - Banneret in hand, with the inscription_ Valour: _by his side - a Lady, bearing a Watchet Banneret, the inscription_ Clemencie: - _next_ Martius _and_ Sophocles _with Coronets. Next, two - Lad[i]es, one bearing a white Banneret, the inscription_ Chastity: - _the other a black, the inscription_ Constancie. _Then_ Dorigen - _crown'd. Last, a Chariot drawn by two Moors, in it a Person - crown'd, with a Scepter: on the top, in an antick Scutcheon, is - written_ Honor. _As they pass over_, Diana _ascends_. - - _Rinald._ How like you it? - - _Frig._ Rarely; so well, I would they would do it again. How many - of our wives now adays would deserve to triumph in such a Chariot? - - _Rinald._ That's all one; you see they triumph in Caroches. - - _Frig._ That they do, by the mass; but not all neither; many of - them are content with Carts. But Seignior, I have now found out a - great absurditie i'faith. - - _Rinald._ What was 't? - - _Frig._ The Prologue presenting four Triumphs, made but three legs - to the King: a three-legged Prologue, 't was monstrous. - - _Rinald._ 'T had been more monstrous to have had a four-legg'd one. - Peace, the King speaks. - - _Em._ Here was a woman, _Isabel._ - - _Isa._ I, my Lord, - But that she told a lye to vex her husband; - Therein sh[e] fail'd. - - _Em._ She serv'd him well enough; - He that was so much man, yet would be cast - To jealousie for her integrity. - This teacheth us, the passion of love - Can fight with Soldiers, and with Scholars too. - - _Isa._ In _Martius_, clemencie and valour shown, - In the other, courage and humanitie; - And therefore in the Triumph they were usher'd - By clemencie and valour. - - _Em._ Rightly observ'd, - As she by chastitie and constancie; - What hurt's now in a Play, against which some rail - So vehemently? thou and I, my love, - Make excellent use methinks: I learn to be - A lawful lover void of jealousie, - And thou a constant wife. Sweet Poetry's - A flower, where men, like Bees and Spiders, may - Bear poison, or else sweets and Wax away. - Be venom-drawing Spiders they that will; - I'll be the Bee, and suck the honey still. [_Flourish._ - - _Cupid descends._ - - Cupid. _Stay, clouds, ye rack too fast: bright Phœbus see,_ - _Honor has triumph'd with fair Chastity:_ - _Give Love now leave, in purity to shew_ - _Unchaste affe[ct]ions flie not from his bowe._ - _Produce the sweet example of your youth._ - _Whilst I provide a Triumph for your Truth._ [Flourish. - - _Enter Violanta (with childe) and Gerrard._ - - _Viol._ Why does my _Gerr[a]rd_ grieve? - - _Ger._ O my sweet Mistris, - 'Tis not life (which by our _Milain_ law - My fact hath forfeited) makes me thus pensive; - That I would lose to save the little finger - Of this your noble burthen, from least hurt, - Because your blood is in't. But since your love - Made poor incompatible me the parent, - (Being we are not married) your dear blood - Falls under the same cruel penalty; - And can Heaven think fit ye die for me? - For Heavens sake say I ravisht you, I'll swear it, - To keep your life, and repute unstain'd. - - _Viol._ O _Gerrard_, th' art my life and faculties: - And if I lose thee, I'll not keep mine own; - The thought of whom, sweetens all miseries. - Wouldst have me murder thee beyond thy death? - Unjustly scandal thee with ravishment? - It was so far from rape, that Heaven doth know, - If ever the first Lovers, ere they fell, - Knew simply in the state of innocence, - Such was this act, this, that doth ask no blush. - - _Ger._ O! but my rarest _Violanta_, when - My Lord _Randulpho_ brother to you[r] father, - Shall understand this, how will he exclaim, - That my poor Aunt, and me, which his free alms - Hath nurs'd, since _Millain_ by the Duke of _Mantua_ - (Who now usurps it) was surpriz'd? that time - My father and my mother were both slain, - With my Aunts husband, as she says, their states - Despoil'd and seiz'd; 'tis past my memory, - But thus she told me: onely thus I know, - Since I could understand, your honor'd Uncle - Hath given me all the liberal education, - That his own son might look for, had he one; - Now will he say, Dost thou requite me thus? - O! the thought kills me. - - _Viol._ Gentle, gentle _Gerrard_, - Be cheer'd, and hope the best. My mother, father, - And uncle love me most indulgently, - Being the onely branch of all their stocks: - But neither they, nor he thou wouldst not grieve - With this unwelcom news, shall ever hear - _Violanta_'s tongue reveal, much less accuse - _Gerrard_ to be the father of his own; - I'll rather silent die, that thou maist live - To see thy little of-spring grow and thrive. - - _Enter Dorothea._ - - _Dor._ Mistris, away, your Lord and father seeks you; - I'll convey _Gerrard_ out at the back door; - He has found a husband for you, and insults - In his invention, little thinking you - Have made your own choice, and possest him too. - - _Viol._ A husband? 't mus[t] be _Gerrard_, or my death. - Fare well; be onely true unto thy self, - And know Heavens goodness shall prevented be, - Ere worthiest _Gerrard_ suffer harm for me. - - _Ger._ Fare well, my life and soul. Aunt, to your counsel - I flee for aid. O unexpressible love! thou art - An undigested heap of mixt extremes, - Whose pangs are wakings, and whose pleasures dreams. [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter Benvoglio, Angelina, Ferdinand._ - - _Ben._ My _Angelina_, never didst thou yet - So please me, as in this consent; and yet - Thou hast pleas'd me well, I swear, old wench: ha, ha. - _Ferdinand_, she's thine own; thou'st have her, boy, - Ask thy good Lady else. - - _Ferd._ Whom shall I have, Sir? - - _Ben._ Whom d' ye think, ifaith? - - _Angel._ Ghess. - - _Ferd._ Noble Madam, - I may hope (prompted by shallow merit) - Through your profound grace, for your chamber-maid. - - _Ben._ How 's that? how 's that? - - [_Ferd._ Her chamber-maid, my Lord. - - _Ben._] Her chamber-pot, my Lord. You modest ass, - Thou never shew'dst thy self an ass till now. - 'Fore Heaven I am angrie with thee. Sirha, sirha, - This whitmeat spirit's not yours, legitimate, - Advance your hope, and 't please you: ghess again. - - _Ang._ And let your thoughts flee higher: aim them right; - Sir, you may hit, you have the fairest white. - - _Ferd._ If I may be so bold then, my good Lord, - Your favour doth encourage me to aspire - To catch my Ladyes Gentlewoman. - - _Ben._ Where? - Where would you catch her? - Do you know my daughter _Violanta_, Sir? - - _Ang._ Well said: no more about the bush. - - _Ferd._ My good Lord, - I have gaz'd on _Violanta_, and the stars, - Whose Heavenly influence I admir'd, not knew, - Nor ever was so sinful to believe - I might attain 't. - - _Ben._ Now you are an ass again; - For if thou ne'er attain'st, 't is onely long - Of that faint heart of thine, which never did it. - She is your Lords heir, mine, _Benvoglio_'s heir, - My brothers too, _Randulpho_'s; her descent - Not behinde any of the _Millanois_. - And _Ferdinand_, although thy parentage - Be unknown, thou know'st that I have bred thee up - From five yeers old, and (do not blush to hear it) - Have found thy wisdom, trust, and fair success - So full in all my affa[ir]s, that I am fitter - To call thee Master, then thou me thy Lord. - Thou canst not be but sprung of gentlest blood; - Thy minde shines thorow thee, like the radiant sun, - Although thy body be a beauteous cloud. - Come, seriously this is no flatterie, - And well thou know'st it, though thy modest blood - Rise like the morning in thy cheek to hear 't. - Sir, I can speak in earnest: Vertuous service, - So meritorious, _Ferdinand_, as yours, - (Yet bashful still, and silent?) should extract - A fuller price then impudence exact: - And this is now the wages it must have; - My daughter is thy wife, my wealth thy slave. - - _Ferd._ Good Madam pinch; I sleep: does my Lord mock, - And you assist? Custom's inverted quite; - For old men now adays do flout the young. - - _Ben._ Fetch _Violanta_. As I intend this - Religiously, let my soul finde joy or pain. [_Exit Angelina._ - - _Ferd._ My honor'd Lord and Master, if I hold - That worth could merit such felicitie, - You bred it in me, and first purchas'd it; - It is your own: and what productions - In all my faculties my soul begets, - Your very mark is on: you need not add - Rewards to him, that is in [d]ebt to you: - You sav'd my life, Sir, in the Massacre; - There you begot me new, since foster'd me. - O! can I serve to[o] much, or pray for you? - Alas, 'tis slender paiment to your bountie. - Your daughter is a paradice, and I - Unworthie to be set there; you may chuse - The royalst seeds of _Milain_. - - _Ben._ Prethee peace, - Thy goodness makes me weep; I am resolv'd: - I am no Lord o' th' time, to tie my blood - To sordid muck; I have enough: my name, - My [s]tate and honors I will store in thee, - Whose wisdom will rule well, keep and increase: - A knave or fool, that could confer the like, - Would bate each hour, diminish every day. - Thou art her price-lot th[e]n, drawn out by fate; - An honest wise man is a Princes mate. - - _Ferd._ Sir, Heaven and you have over-charg'd my brest - With grace beyond my continence; I shall burst: - The blessing you have given me (witness Saints) - I would not change for _Millain_. But, my Lord, - Is she prepar'd? - - _Ben._ What needs Preparative, - Where such a Cordial is prescrib'd as thou? - Thy person and thy virtues in one scale, - Shall poize hers, with her beautie and her wealth; - If not, I add my will unto thy weight; - Thy mother's with her now. Son, take my keys, - And let this prepar[a]tion for this Marriage, - (This welcome Marriage) long determin'd here, - Be quick, and gorgeous.--_Gerrard._ - - _Enter Gerrard._ - - _Ger._ My good Lord, - My Lord, your brother craves your conference - Instantly, on affairs of high import. - - _Ben._ Why, what news? - - _Ger._ The Tyrant, my good Lord, - Is sick to death of his old Apoplexie, - Whereon the States advise, that Letters-missive - Be straight dispatcht to all the neighbour-Countreys, - And Schedules too divulg'd on every post, - To enquire the lost Duke forth: their purpose is - To re-instate him. - - _Ben._ 'Tis a pious deed. - _Ferdinand_, to my daughter: this delay - (Though to so good a purpose) angers me; - But I'll recover it. Be secret, son. - Go woo with truth and expedition. [_Exit._ - - _Ferd._ O my unsounded joy! how fares my _Gerrard_, - My noble twin-friend? fie, thy l[oo]k is heavie, - Sullen, and sowre; blanch it: didst thou know - My cause of joy, thou 'ldst never sorrow more, - I know thou lov'st me so, How dost thou? - - _Ger._ Well, - Too well: my fraught of health my sickness is; - In life, I am dead; by living dying still. - - _Ferd._ What sublunary mischief can predominate - A wise man thus? or doth thy friendship play - (In this antipathous extreme) with mine, - Lest gladness suffocate me? I, I, I do feel - My spirit's turn'd to fire, my blood to air, - And I am like a purifi'd essence - Tri'd from all drossie parts. - - _Ger._ Were 't but my life, - The loss were sacrific'd; but virtue - Must for me be slain, and innocence made dust. - - _Ferd._ Fare well good _Gerrard_. - - _Ger._ Dearest friend, stay. - - _Ferd._ Sad thoughts are no companions for me now, - Much less sad words: thy bosom bindes some secret, - Which do not trust me with; for mine retains - Another, which I must conceal from thee. - - _Ger._ I would reveal it: 't is a heavie tale: - Canst thou be true, and secret still? - - _Ferd._ Why, friend? - If you continue true unto your self, - I have no means of falshood. Lock this door; - Come, yet your prisoner's sure. - - _Ger._ Stay, _Ferdinand_. - - _Ferd._ What is this trouble? Love? - Why, thou art capable of any woman. - Doth want oppress thee? I will lighten thee: - Hast thou offended law? My Lord and thine, - And I, will save thy life. Does servitude - Upbraid thy freedom, that she suffers it? - Have patience but three days, and I will make thee - Thy Lords companion. Can a friend do more? - - _Ger._ Lend me the means. How can this be? - - _Ferd._ First let this Cabinet keep your pawn, and I will trust: - Yet for the form of satisfaction, - Take this my Oath to boot. By my presum'd - Gentrie, and sacred known Christianitie, - I'll die, ere I reveal thy trust. - - _Ger._ Then hear it. - Your Lords fair daughter _Violanta_ is - My betrothed wife, goes great with childe by me; - And by this deed both made a pr[e]y to Law. - How may I save her life? advise me, friend. - - _Ferd._ What did he say? _Gerrard_, whose voice was that? - O death unto my heart, bane to my soul! - My wealth is vanish'd like the rich mans store: - In one poor minute all my daintie fare - But jugling dishes; my fat hope, despair. - - _Ger._ Is this so odious? where's your mirth? - - _Ferd._ Why thou - Hast robb'd me of it. _Gerrard_, draw thy sword; - And if thou lov'st my Mistris chastitie, - Defend it, else I'll cut it from thy heart, - Thy theevish heart that stole it, and restore 't, - Do miracles to gain her. - - _Ger._ Was she thine? - - _Ferd._ Never, but in my wish, and her fathers vow, - Which now he left with me, on such sure terms; - He call'd me son, and will'd me to provide - My Wedding-preparation. - - _Ger._ Strange. - - _Ferd._ Come, let's - Kill one another quickly. - - _Ger. Ferdinand_, my love is old to her, thine new begot: - I have not wrong'd thee; think upon thine Oath. - - _Ferd._ It manacles me, _Gerrard_, else this hand - Should bear thee to the Law. Fare well for ever: - Since friendship is so fatal, never more - Will I have friend: thou hast put so sure a plea, - That all my weal's litigious made by thee. - - _Ger._ I did no crime to you. His love transports him; - And yet I mourn, that cruel destinie - Should make us two thus one anothers cross: - We have lov'd since boys; for the same time cast him - On Lord _Benvoglio_, that my Aunt and I - Were succour'd by _Randulpho_: men have call'd us - The parallels of _Millain_; and some said - We were not much unlike. O Heaven divert, - That we should (ever since that time) be breeding - Mutual destruction. - - _Enter Dorothea._ - - _Dor._ O where are you? you have made a fair hand. By ---- yonder - is your Aunt with my Lady; she came in, just as she was wooing - your Mistris for another; and what did me she, but out with her - purse, and shew'd all the naked truth, ifaith. Fie upon you, you - should never trust an old woman with a secret; they cannot hold; - they cannot hold so well as we, and you'ld hang 'em. First, there - was swearing and staring, then there was howling and weeping, and O - my daughter, and O my mother. - - _Ger._ The effect, the effect. - - _Dor._ Marry no way, but one with you. - - _Ger._ Why welcom. Shall she scape? - - _Dor._ Nay, she has made her scape already. - - _Ger._ Why, is she gone? - - _Dor._ The scape of her virginitie, I mean. - You men are as dull, you can conceive nothing; - You think it is enough to beget. - - _Ger._ I; but surely, _Dorothea_, that scap'd not; - Her maiden-head suffer'd. - - _Dor._ And you were the Executioner. - - _Ger._ But what's the event? lord, how thou starv'st me, _Doll_! - - _Dor._ Lord how thou starv'st me, _Doll_? By ---- I would fain see - you cry a little. Do you stand now, as if you could get a child? - Come, I'll rack you no more: This is the heart of the business: - always provided, Signior, that if it please the fates to make you - a Lord, you be not proud, nor forget your poor handmaid _Doll_, - who was partly accessary to the incision of this _Holofernian_ - Maidenhead. - - _Ger._ I will forget my name first. Speak. - - _Dor._ Then thus; My Lady knows all; her sorrow is reasonably - well digested; has vow'd to conceal it from my Lord, till delay - ripen things better; Wills you to attend her this evening at the - back gate; I'll let you in; where her own Confessor shall put you - together lawfully, e'r the child be born; which birth is very near, - I can assure you: all your charge is your vigilance; and to bring - with you some trusty Nurse, to convey the Infant out of the house. - - _Ger._ Oh beam of comfort, take! go, tell my Lady - I pray for her as I walk: my joys so flow, - That what I speak or do, I do not know. [_Exeunt._ - - Dumb Shew. - - _Enter_ Violanta _at one door, we[e]ping, supported by_ Cornelia - _and a Frier; at another door_, Angelina _weeping, attended - by_ Dorothea. Violanta _kneels down for pardon_. Angelina - _shewing remorse, takes her up, and cheers her; so doth_ - Cornelia. Angelina _sends_ Dorothea _for_ Gerrard. _Enter_ - Gerrard _with_ Dorothea: Angelina _and_ Cornelia _seem to_ - _chide him, shewing_ Violanta's _heavy plight_: Violanta - _rejoyceth in him: he makes signes of sorrow, intreating - pardon_: Angelina _brings_ Gerrard _and_ Violanta _to the - Frier; he joyns them hand in hand, takes a Ring from_ - Gerrard, _puts it on_ Violanta's _finger; blesseth them_; - Gerrard _kisseth her: the Frier takes his leave_. Violanta - _makes shew of great pain, is instantly conveyed in by the - Women_, Gerrard _is bid stay; he walks in meditation, seeming - to pray. Enter_ Dorothea, _whispers him, sends him out. Enter_ - Gerrard _with a Nurse blindfold; gives her a purse. To them - Enter_ Angelina _and_ Cornelia _with an Infant; they present - it to_ Gerrard; _he kisseth and blesseth it; puts it into - the Nurses arms, kneels, and takes his leave_. Exeunt _all - severally_. - - _Enter_ Benvoglio _and_ Randulpho. - - _Ben._ He's dead, you say then. - - _Rand._ Certainly: and to hear - The people now dissect him now he's gone, - Makes my ears burn, that lov'd him not: such Libels, - Such Elegies and Epigrams they have made, - More odious than he was. Brother, great men - Had need to live by love, meting their deeds - With virtues rule; sound, with the weight of judgement, - Their privat'st action: for though while they live - Their power and policie masque their villanies, - Their bribes, their lust, pride, and ambition, - And make a many slaves to worship 'em, - That are their flatterers, and their bawds in these: - These very slaves shall, when these great beasts dye, - Publish their bowels to the vulgar eye. - - _Ben._ 'Fore Heaven 'tis true. But is _Rinaldo_ (brother) our good - Duke, heard of living? - - _Rand._ Living, Sir, and will be shortly with the Senate: has - Been close conceal'd at _Mantua_, and reliev'd: - But what's become of his? no tidings yet? - But brother, till our good Duke shall arrive, - Carry this news, here. Where's your _Ferdinand_? - - _Ben._ Oh busie, Sir, about this marriage: - And yet my Girl o'th' suddain is fall'n sick: - You'll see her e'r you go? - - _Rand._ Yes; well I love her; - And yet I wish I had another daughter - To gratifie my _Gerrard_, who (by ----) - Is all the glory of my family, - But has too much worth to [l]ive so obscure; - I'll have him Secretary of Estate - Upon the Dukes return: for credit me, - The value of that Gentleman's not known; - His strong abilities are fit to guide - The whole Republique: he hath Learning, youth, - Valour, discretion, honesty of a Saint; - His Aunt is wondrous good too. - - _Enter_ Violanta _in a bed_; Angelina _and_ Dorothea - _sitting by her_. - - _Ben._ You have spoke - The very character of _Ferdinand_: - One is the others mirror. How now, Daughter? - - _Rand._ How fares my Neece? - - _Viol._ A little better, Uncle, then I was, - I thank you. - - _Rand._ Brother, a meer cold. - - _Angel._ It was a cold and heat, I think: but Heaven be thanked - We have broken that away. - - _Ben._ And yet, _Violanta_, - You'll lie alone still, and you see what's got. - - _Dor._ Sure, Sir, when this was got, she had a bed-fellow. - - _Rand._ What has her chollick left her in her belly? - - _Dor._ 'T has left her, but she has had a sore fit. - - _Rand._ I, that same Collick and Stone's inherent to us - O' th' womans side: our Mothers had them both. - - _Dor._ So has she had, Sir. How these old fornicators talk! she had - more - Need of Mace-Ale, and Rhenish-wine Caudles, heaven knows, - Then your aged Discipline. - - _Ben._ Say? - - _Enter_ Ferdinand. - - _Ang._ She will have the man; and on recovery - Will wholly be dispos'd by you. - - _Ben._ That's my wench: - How now? what change is this? why _Ferdinand_, - Are these your Robes of joy should be indu'd? - Doth _Hymen_ wear black? I did send for you - To have my honorable Brother witness - The Contract I will make 'twixt you and her. - Put off all doubt; she loves ye? what d' ye say? - - _Rand._ Speak man, Why look you so distractedly? - - _Ferd._ There are your keys, [Sir:] I'll no Contract[s, I] - Divinest _V[i]olanta_, I will serve you - Thus on my knees, and pray for you: _Juno, Lucina fer opem_. - My inequality ascends no higher: - I dare not marry you. - - _Ben._ How's this? - - _Ferd._ Good night, - I have a friend has almost made me mad: - I weep sometimes, and instantly can laugh: - Nay, I do dance, and sing, and suddenly - Roar like a storm. Strange tricks these, are they not? - And wherefore all this? Shall I tell you? no, - Thorow mine ears, my heart a plague hath caught, - And I have vow'd to keep it close, not shew - My grief to any; for it has no cure. - On, wandring steps, to some remote place move: - I'll keep my vow, though I have lost my Love. [_Exit._ - - _Ben._ 'Fore heaven, distracted for her! fare you well: - I'll watch his steps; for I no joy shall find, - Till I have found his cause, and calm'd his mind. [_Exit._ - - [_Rand._] He's overcome with joy. - - _Ang[e]l._ 'Tis very strange. - - _Rand._ Well, Sister, I must leave you; the time's busie. - _Violanta_, chear you up; and I pray Heaven - Restore each to their love, and health again. [_Exit._ - - _Viol._ Amen, Great Uncle. Mother, what a chance - Unluckily is added to my woe, - In this young Gentleman! - - _Ang[e]l._ True, _Violanta_: - It grieves me much. _Doll_, go you instantly, - And find out _Gerrard_; tell him his friends hap, - And let him use best means to comfort him; - But as his life preserve this secret still. - - _Viol._ Mother, I'ld not offend you: might not _Gerrard_ - Steal in, and see me in the evening? - - _Angel._ Well, - Bid him do so. - - _Viol._ Heavens blessing o' your heart. - Do ye not call Child-bearing, Travel, Mother? - - _Angel._ Yes. - - _Viol._ It well may be, The bare-foot traveller - That's born a Prince, and walks his pilgrimage, - Whose tender feet kiss the remorseless stones - Only, ne'er felt a travel like to it. - Alas, dear Mother, you groan'd thus for me, - And yet how disobedient have I been! - - _Angel._ Peace, _Violanta_, thou hast always been - Gentle and good. - - _Viol. Gerrard_ is better, Mother: - Oh if you knew the implicite innocency - Dwells in his brest, you'ld love him like your Prayers. - I see no reason but my Father might - Be told the truth, being pleas'd for _Ferdinand_ - To wooe himself: and _Gerard_ ever was - His full comparative: my Uncle loves him, - As he loves _Ferdinand_. - - _Angel._ No, not for the world, - Since his intent is cross'd: lov'd _Ferdinand_ - Thus ruin'd, and a child got out of wedlock: - His madness would pursue ye both to death. - - _Viol._ As you please (mother:) I am now, methinks, - Even in the land of ease; I'll sleep. - - _Angel._ Draw in - The bed nearer the fire: silken rest, - Tie all thy cares up. [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter_ Ferdinand _and_ Benvoglio _privately after him_. - - _Ferd._ Oh blessed solitude! here my grief[s] may speak; - And sorrow, I will argue with thee now: - Nothing will keep me company: the flowers - Die at my moan; the gliding silver streams - Hasten to flee my lamentations; - The air rolls from 'em; and the Golden Sun - Is smother'd pale as _Phœbe_ with my sighs: - Only the earth is kind, that stays. Then earth, - To thee will I complain. Why do the Heavens - Impose upon me Love, what I can ne'er enjoy? - Before fruition was impossible, - I did not thirst it. _Gerrard_, she is thine, - Seal'd and deliver'd; but 'twas ill to stain - Her virgin state, e'r ye were married. - Poor Infant, what's become of thee? thou know'st not - The woe thy parents brought thee t[o]. Dear earth, - Bury this close in thy sterility; - Be barren to this seed, let it not grow; - For if it do, 'twill bud no Violet - Nor Gillyflower, but wild Brier, or rank Rue, - Unsavory and hurtful. - - _Ben. Ferdinand_, - Thy steel hath digg'd the Earth, thy words my Heart. - - _Ferd._ Oh! I have violated faith, betraid - My friend and innocency. - - _Ben._ Desperate youth, - Violate not thy soul too: I have showers - For thee, young man; but _Gerrard_ flames for thee. - Was thy base pen made to dash out mine honor, - And prostitute my Daughter? Bastard, whore, - Come, turn thy femal tears into revenge, - Which I will quench my thirst with, e'r I see - Daughter, or Wife, or branded Family. - By ---- both dye: and for amends, - _Ferd'nando_ be my heir. I'll to my brother, - First tell him all, then to the Duke for justice: - This morning he's receiv'd. Mountains nor Seas - Shall bar my flight to vengeance: the foul stain - Printed on me, thy bloud shall rinse again. [_Exit._ - - _Ferd._ I have transgress'd all goodness, witlesly - Rais'd mine own curs[es] from posterity: - I'll follow, to redress in what I may; - If not, your heir can dye as well as they. [_Exit._ - - Dumb Shew. - - _Enter_ Duke Rinaldo _with Attendants, at one door; States_, - Randulpho, _and_ Gerrard, _at another: they kneel to the Duke,_ - _he accepts their obedience, and raises them up: they prefer_ - Gerrard _to the Duke, who entertains him: they seat the Duke_ - _in State. Enter_ Benvoglio _and_ Ferdinand: Benvoglio _kneels - for justice_; Ferd. _seems to restrein him._ Benvog. _gives_ - _the Duke a paper; Duke reads, frowns on_ Gerr. _shews the - paper to the States, they seem sorry, consult, cause the_ - _Guard to apprehend him; they go off with him. Then_ Rand. - _and_ Benv. _seem to crave justice; Duke vows it, and_ exit - _with his attendants._ Rand. Ben. _and_ Ferd. _confer. Enter to - them_ Cornelia _with two servants; she seems to expostulate_, - Rand. _in scorn, causeth her to be thrust out poorly._ Exit - Rand. Benv. _beckons_ Ferd. _to him (with much seeming - passion) swears him; then stamps with his foot. Enter_ - Dorothea _with a Cup, weeping, she delivers it to_ Ferd. _who - with discontent_ exit; _and_ exeunt Benvoglio _and_ Dorothea. - - _Enter_ Violanta. - - _Viol. Gerrard_ not come? nor _Dorothy_ return'd? - What averse star rul'd my Nativity? - The time to night has been as dilatory - As languishing Consumptions. But till now - I never durst say, my _Gerrard_ was unkind. - Heaven grant all things go well; and nothing does, - If he be ill, which I much fear: my dreams - Have been portentous. I did think I saw - My Love araid for battel with a beast, - A hideous Monster, arm'd with teeth and claws, - Grinning, and venemous, that sought to make - Both us a prey: on's tail wa[s] lash'd in bloud - _Law_: and his forehead I did plainly see - Held Characters that spell'd _Authority_. - This rent my slumbers; and my fearful soul - Ran searching up and down my dismaid breast, - To find a Port t'escape. Good faith, I am cold; - But _Gerrard_'s love is colder: here I'll sit, - And think my self away. - - _Enter_ Ferdinand _with a Cup and a Letter_. - - _Ferd._ The peace of Love - Attend the sweet _Violanta_: Read, - For the sad news I bring, I do not know; - Only I am sworn to give you that, and this. - - _Viol._ Is it from _G[e]rrard_? gentle _Ferdinand_, - How glad am I to see you thus well restor'd! - In troth he never wrong'd you in his life, - Nor I, but always held fair thoughts of you, - Knew not my Fathers meaning, till of late; - Could never have known it soon enough: for Sir, - _Gerrard_'s, and my affection began - In infancy: My Uncle brought him oft - In long coats hither; you were such another; - The little boy would kiss me, being a child, - And say, he lov'd me; give me all his toys, - Bracelets, Rings, Sweet-meats, all his Rosie-smiles: - I then would stand, and stare upon his eyes, - Play with his locks, and swear I lov'd him too; - For sure, methought, he was a little Love, - He woo'd so prettily in innocence, - That then he warm'd my fancy; for I felt - A glimmering beam of Love kindle my bloud, - Both which, time since hath made a flame and floud. - - _Fer._ Oh gentle innocent! methinks it talks - Like a child still, whose white simplicity - Never arriv'd at sin. Forgive me, Lady, - I have destroy'd _Gerrard_, and thee; rebell'd - Against Heavens Ordinance; dis-pair'd two Doves, - Made 'em sit mourning; slaughter'd Love, and cleft - The heart of all integrity. This breast - Was trusted with the secret of your vow - By _Gerrard_, and reveal'd it to your Father. - - _Viol._ Hah! - - _Ferd._ Read, and curse me. - - _Viol._ Neither: I will never - Nor Write, nor Read again. - - _Ferd._ My pennance be it. - Reads. _Your Labyrinth is found, your Lust proclaim'd._ - - _Viol._ Lust? Humh: - My Mother sure felt none, when I was got. - - _Fer. I and the Law implacably offend[e]d._ - Gerrard's _imprison'd, and to dye_. - - _Viol._ Oh Heaven! - - _Ferd. And you to suffe[r] with reproach and scoffs_ - _A publick execution; I have sent you_ - _An Antidote 'gainst shame, poison; by him_ - _You have most wrong'd: give him your penitent tears._ - - _Viol._ Humh: 'tis not truth. - - _Ferd. Drink, and farewel for ever:_ - _And though thy whoredom blemish thy whol[e] line,_ - _Prevent the Hangmans stroke, and die like mine._ - - _Viol._ Oh woe is me for _Gerrard_: I have brought - Confusion on the noblest Gentleman - That ever truly lov'd. But we shall meet - Where our condemners shall not, and enjoy - A more refin'd affection than here; - No Law, nor Father hinders marriage there - 'Twixt souls Divinely affi'd, as (sure) ours were: - There we will multiply, and generate joyes - Like fruitful Parents. Luckless _Ferdinand_, - Where's the good old Gentlewoman, my Husbands Aunt? - - _Ferd._ Thrust from you Uncle [t]o all poverty. - - _Viol._ Alas the pi[t]y: reach me, Sir, the cup; - I'll say my prayers, and take my Fathers Physick. - - _Ferd._ Oh villain that I was, I had forgot - To spill the rest, and am unable now - To stir to hinder her. - - _Viol._ What ail you, Sir? - - _Ferd._ Your Father is a monster, I a villain, - This tongue has kill'd you, pardon, _Violant[a]_, - Oh pardon, _Gerrard_; and for sacrifice, - Accept my life, to expiate my fault. - I have drunk up the poison. - - _Viol._ Thou art not so - Uncharitable: a better fellow far, - Thou'st left me halfe. Sure death is now a-dry, - And calls for more bloud still to quench his thirst. - I pledge thee _Ferdinand_, to _Gerrards_ health: - Dear _Gerrard_, poor Aunt, and unfortunate friend, - Ay me, that Love should breed true Lovers end. - - _Fer._ Stay Madam, stay; help hoa, for Heavens sake help; - Improvident man, that good I did intend - For satisfaction, saving of her life, - My equal cruel Stars made me forget. - - _Enter_ Angelina _with two Servants_. - - _Ang._ What spectacle of death assaults me? oh! - - _Viol._ M[y] dearest Mother, I am dead, I leave - Father, and friends, and life, to follow Love. - Good Mother, love my Child, that did no ill. - Fie, how men lie, that say, death is a pain: - Or has he chang'd his nature? like soft sleep - He seizes me. Your blessing. Last, I crave, - That I may rest by _Gerrard_ in his grave. - - _Ferd._ There lay me too: oh! noble Mistriss, I - Have caus'd all this; and therefore justly dye. - That key will open all. - - _Ang._ Oh viperous Father! - For Heavens sake, bear 'em in: run for Physitians, - And Medicines quickly: Heaven, thou shalt not have her - Yet; 'tis too soon: Alas, I have no more, - And taking her away, thou rob'st the poor. [_Exeunt._ - Flourish. - - _Enter_ Duke, States, Randulpho, Benvoglio, - Gerrard, Executioner, Guard. - - _Duke._ The Law, as greedy as your red desire - _Benvoglio_, hath cast this man: 'Tis pity - So many excellent parts are swallow'd up - In one foul wave. Is _Violanta_ sent for? - Our Justice must not lop a branch, and let - The body grow still. - - _Ben._ Sir, she will be here - Alive or dead, I am sure. - - _[G]er._ How chearfully my countenance comments death! - That which makes men seem horrid, I will wear - Like to an Ornament. Oh _Violanta_! - Might my life only satisfie the Law, - How jocundly my soul would enter Heaven! - Why shouldst thou dye? thou wither'st in thy bud, - As I have seen a Rose, e'er it was blown. - I do beseech your Grace, the Statute may - (In this case made) be read: not that I hope - T'extenuate my offence or penalty, - But to see whether it lay hold on her. - And since my death is more exemplary - Than just, this publick Reading will advise - Caution to others. - - _Duke._ Read it. - - _Ran._ Brother, does not - Your soul groan under this severity? - - Statute read. - - _A Statute provided in case of unequal Matches, Marriages against - Parents consent, stealing of Heirs, Rapes, Prostitutions, and - such like: That if any person meanly descended, or ignorant of - his own Parentage, which implies as much, shall with a foul - intent, unlawfully sollicite the Daughter of any Peer of the - Dukedom, he shall for the same offence forfeit his right hand: - but if he further prostitute her to his Lust, he shall first - have his right hand cut off, and then suffer death by the common - Executioner. After whom, the Lady so offending, shall likewise - the next day, in the same manner, dye for the Fact._ - - _Ger._ This Statute has more cruelty than sense: - I see no ray of Mercy. Must the Lady - Suffer death too? suppose she were inforc'd, - By some confederates born away, and ravish'd; - Is she not guiltless? - - _Duke._ Yes, if it be prov'd. - - _Ger._ This case is so: I ravish'd _Violanta_. - - _State._ Who ever knew a Rape produce a child? - - _Ben._ Pish, these are idle. Will your grace command - The Executioner proceed? - - _Duke._ Your Office. - - _Ger._ Farewell to thy inticing vanity, - Thou round gilt box, that dost deceive man's eye: - The wise man knows, when open thou art broke, - The treasure thou includ'st, is dust and smoke, - Even thus, I cast thee by. My Lords, the Law - Is but the great mans mule, he rides on it, - And tramples poorer men under his feet; - Yet when they come to knock at yon bright Gate, - Ones Rags shall enter, 'fore the others State. - Peace to ye all: here, sirrah, strike: this hand - Hath _Violanta_ kiss'd a thousand times; - It smells sweet ever since: this was the hand - Plighted my faith to her: do not think thou canst - Cut that in sunder with my hand. My Lord, - As free from speck as this arm is, my heart - Is of foul Lust, and every vein glides here - As full of truth. Why does thy hand shake so? - 'Tis mine must be cut off, and that is firm; - For it was ever constant. - - _Enter_ Cornelia. - - _Cor._ Hold; your Sentence - Unjustly is pronounced, my Lord: this blow - Cuts your hand off; for his is none of yours: - But _Violanta_'s given in Holy marriage - Before she was delivered, consummated - With the free Will of her Mother, by her Confessor, - In Lord _Benvoglio_'s house. - - _Ger._ Alas good Aunt, - That helps us nothing; else I had reveal'd it. - - _Duke._ What woman's this? - - _Ben._ A base confederate - In this proceeding, kept of alms long time - By him; who now expos'd to misery, - Talks thus distractedly. Attach her, Guard. - - _Ran._ Your cruelty (brother) will have end. - - _Cor._ You'd best - Let them attach my tongue. - - _Duke._ Good woman, peace: - For were this truth, it doth not help thy Nephew; - The Law's infring'd by their disparity, - That forfeits both their lives. - - _Cor._ Sir, with your pardon, - Had your Grace ever children? - - _Duke._ Thou hast put - A question, whose sharp point toucheth my heart: - I had two little Sons, twins, who were both - (With my good Dutchess) slain, as I did hear; - At that time when my Dukedom was surpriz'd. - - _Cor._ I have heard many say (my gracious Lord) - That I was wondrous like her. - - _All._ Ha? - - _Duke._ By all mans joy, it is _Cornelia_, - My dearest wife. - - _Cor._ To ratifie me her, - Come down, _Alphonso_, one of those two twins, - And take thy Fathers blessing: thou hast broke - No Law, thy birth being above thy wives: - _Ascanio_ is the other, nam'd _Fernando_, - Who by remote means, to my Lord _Benvoglio_ - I got preferr'd; and in poor habits clad, - (You fled, and th' innovation laid again) - I wrought my self into _Randulpho_'s service, - With my eldest boy; yet never durst reveal - What they and I were, no, not to themselves, - Until the Tyrants death. - - _Duke._ My joy has fill'd me - Like a full-winded sail: I cannot speak. - - _Ger._ Fetch _Violanta_ and my brother. - - _Ben._ Run, - Run like a spout, you rogue: a ---- o' poison, - That little whore I trusted, will betray me. - Stay, hangman, I have work for you; there's Gold; - Cut off my head, or hang me presently. - - _Soft Musick._ - - _Enter_ Angelina _with the bodies of_ Ferdinand _and_ Violanta _on - a bier_; Dorothea _carrying the Cup and Letter, which she - gives to the Duke: he reads, seems sorrowful; shews it to_ - Cornelia _and_ Gerrard: _they lament over the bier_. Randulpho - _and_ Benvoglio _seem fearful, and seem to report to_ - Angelina _and_ Dorothea, _what hath passed before_. - - _Ran._ This is your rashness, brother. - - _Duke._ Oh joy, thou wert too great to last; - This was a cruel turning to our hopes, - Unnatural Father: poor _Ascanio_. - - _Ger._ Oh mother! let me be _Gerrard_ again, - And follow _Violanta_. - - _Cor._ Oh my Son-- - - _Duke._ Your lives yet, bloudy men shall answer this. - - _Dor._ I must not see 'em longer grieve. My Lord, - Be comforted; let sadness generally - Forsake each eye and bosom; they both live: - For poison, I infus'd meer _Opium_; - Holding compulsive perjury less sin - Than such a loathed murther would have bin. - - _All._ Oh blessed Ma[iden]. - - _Dor._ Musick, gently creep - Into their ears, and fright hence lazy sleep. - _Morpheus_, command thy servant sleep - In leaden chains no longer keep - This Prince and Lady: Rise, wake, rise, - And round about convey your eyes: - Rise Prince, go greet thy Father and thy Mother; - Rise thou, t'imbrace thy Husband and thy Brother. - - _Duke Cor._ Son, Daughter. - - _Ferd._ Father, Mother, Brother. - - _Ger._ Wife. - - _Viol._ Are we not all in Heaven? - - _Ger._ Faith, very near it. - - _Ferd._ How can this be? - - _Duke._ Hear it. - - _Dor._ If I had serv'd you right, I should have seen - Your old pate off, e'r I had reveald. - - _Ben._ Oh wench! - Oh honest wench! if my wife die, I'll marry thee: - There's my reward. - - _Ferd._ 'Tis true. - - _Duke._ 'Tis very strange. - - _Ger._ Why kneel you honest Master? - - _Ferd._ My good Lord. - - _Ger._ Dear Mother. - - _Duke._ Rise, rise, all are friends: I owe ye - for all their boards: And wench, take thou the man - Whose life thou sav'dst; less cannot pay the merit. - How shall I part my kiss? I cannot: Let - One generally therefore joyn our cheeks. - A pen of Iron, and a leaf of Brass, - To keep this Story to Eternity: - And a _Promethean Wit_. Oh sacred Love, - Nor chance, nor death can thy firm truth remove. [_Exeunt._ - - _King._ Now _Isabella_. [_Flourish._ - - _Isab._ This can true Love do. - I joy they all so happily are pleas'd: - The Ladies and the Brothers must triumph. - - _King._ They do: - For _Cupid_ scorns but t' have his triumph too. [_Flourish._ - - _The_ TRIUMPH. - - _Enter divers Musicians, then certain Singers bearing Bannerets_ - _inscribed, Truth, Loyalty, Patience, Concord: Next_ Gerrard - _and_ Ferdinand _with Garlands of Roses: Then_ Violanta, - _Last, a Chariot drawn by two_ Cupids, _and a_ Cupid _sitting - in it_. [Flourish. - - _Enter_ PROLOGUE. - - _Love, and the strength of fair affection_ - _(Most royal Sir) what long seem'd lost, have won_ - _Their perfect ends, and crown'd those constant hearts_ - _With lasting Triumph, whose most virtuous parts,_ - _Worthy desires, and love, shall never end._ - _Now turn we round the Scæne, and (Great Sir) lend_ - _A sad and serious eye to this of Death,_ - _This black and dismal Triumph; where man's breath,_ - _Desert, and guilty bloud ascend the Stage,_ - _And view the Tyrant, ruind in his rage._ [Exit. - - [Flourish. - - _Enter_ L'avall, Gabriella _and_ Maria. - - _Gab._ No, good my Lord, I am not now to find - Your long neglect of me; All those affections - You came first clad in to my love, like Summer, - Lusty and full of life: all those desires - That like the painted Spring bloom'd round about ye, - Giving the happy promise of an Harvest, - How have I seen drop off, and fall forgotten! - With the least lustre of anothers beauty, - How oft (forgetful Lord) have I been blast[e]d! - Was I so eas'ly won? or did this body - Yield to your false embraces with less labour - Then if you had carried some strong Town? - - _Lav._ Good _Gabriella_. - - _Gab._ Could all your subtilties and sighs betray me. - The vows ye shook me with, the tears ye drown'd me, - Till I came fairly off with honor'd Marriage? - Oh fie, my Lord. - - _Lav._ Prethee good _Gabriella_. - - _Gab._ Would I had never known ye, nor your honors, - They are stuck too full of griefs: oh happy women, - That plant your Love in equal honest bosoms, - Whose sweet desires like Roses set together, - Make one another happy in their blushes, - Growing and dying without sense of greatness, - To which I am a slave! [and] that blest Sacrament - That daily makes millions of happy mothers, link'd me - To this man's Lust alone, there left me. - I dare not say I am his wife, 'tis dangerous: - His Love, I cannot say: alas, how many? - - _Lav._ You grow too warm; pray [ye be] content, you best know, - The times necessity, and how our marriage - Being so much unequal to mine honor, - While the Duke lives, I standing high in favour; - And whilst I keep that safe, next to the Dukedom, - Must not be known, without my utter ruine. - Have patience for a while, and do but dream wench, - The glory of a Dutchess. How she tires me! - How dull and leaden is my appetite - To that stale beauty now! oh, I could curse - And crucifie my self for childish doating - Upon a face that feeds not with fresh Figures - Every fresh hour: she is now a surfet to me. - - _Enter_ Gentille. - - Who's that? _Gentille?_ I charge ye, no acquaintance - You nor your Maid with him, nor no discourse - Till times are riper. - - _Gent._ Fie, my Noble Lord, - Can you be now a stranger to the Court, - When your most virtuous Bride, the beauteous _Hellena_ - Stands ready like a Star to gild your happiness, - When _Hymens_ lusty fires are now a lighting, - And all the Flower of _Anjou_? - - _Lav._ Some few trifles, - For matter of adornment, have a little - Made me so slow, _Gentille_, which now in readiness, - I am for Court immediately. - - _Gent._ Take heed, Sir, - This is no time for trifling, nor she no Lady - To be now entertain'd with toys: 'twill cost ye-- - - _Lav._ Y'are an old Cock, _Gentille_. - - _Gent._ By your Lordships favour. - - _Lav._ Prethee away; 'twill lose time. - - _Gent._ Oh my Lord, - Pardon me that by all means. - - _Lav._ We have business - A-foot man, of more moment. - - _Gent._ Then my manners? - I know none, nor I seek none. - - _Lav._ Take to morrow. - - _Gent._ Even now, by your Lordships leave. Excellent Beauty. - My service here I ever dedicate, - In honor of my best friend, your dead Father, - To you his living virtue, and wish heartily, - That firm affection that made us two happy, - May take as deep undying root, and flourish - Betwixt my Daughter _Casta_, and your goodness, - Who shall be still your servant. - - _Gab._ I much thank ye. - - _Lav._ ---- [o'] this dreaming puppy. Will ye go, Sir? - - _Gent._ A little more, Good Lord. - - _Lav._ Not now, by---- - Come, I must use ye. - - _Gent._ Goodness dwell still with you. [_Exeunt Gentill and Laval._ - - _Gab._ The sight of this old Gentleman, _Maria_, - Pulls to my mine eyes again the living Picture - Of _Perolot_ his virtuous Son, my first Love, - That dy'd at _Orleance_. - - _Mar._ You have felt both fortunes, - And in extreams, poor Lady; for young _Perolot_, - Being every way unable to maintain you, - Durst not make known his love to Friend or Father: - My Lord _Lavall_, being powerful, and you poor, - Will not acknowledge you. - - _Gab._ No more: Let's in wench: - There let my Lute speak my Laments, they have t[ir]ed me. [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter two Courtiers._ - - _1 Court._ I grant, the Duke is wondrous provident - In his now planting for succession, - I know his care as honourable in the choice too. - _Marines_ fair virtuous daughter; but what's all this? - To what end excellent arrives this travel, - When he that bears the main roof is so rotten? - - _2 Court._ You have hit it now indeed: For if Fame lye not - He is untemperate. - - _1 Court._ You express him poorly, - Too gentle Sir: the most deboist and barbarous; - Believe it, the most void of all humanity, - Howe'r his cunning, cloak it to his Uncle, - And those his pride depends upon. - - _[2] Court._ I have heard too, - Given excessively to drink. - - _1 Court._ Most certain, - And in that drink most dangerous: I speak these things - To one I know loves truth, and dares not wrong her. - - _2 Court._ You may speak on. - - _1 Court._ Uncertain as the Sea, Sir, - Proud and deceitful as his sins Great Master; - His appetite to Women (for there he carries - His main Sail spread) so boundles, and abominably, - That but to have her name by that tongue spoken, - Poisons the virtue of the purest Virgin. - - _2 Cour._ I am sorry for young _Gabriella_ then, - A Maid reputed, ever of fair carriage, - For he has been noted visiting. - - _1 Court._ She is gone then, - Or any else, that promises, or power, - Gifts, or his guilful vows can work upon, - But these are but poor parcels. - - _2 Court._ 'Tis great pity. - - _1 Court._ Nor want these sins a chief Saint to befriend 'em, - The Devil follows him; and for a truth, Sir, - Appears in visible figure often to him, - At which time he's possest with sudden trances, - Cold deadly sweats, and griping of the conscience, - Tormented strangely, as they say. - - _2 Court._ Heaven turn him: - This marriage-day mayst thou well curse, fair _Hellen_. - But let's go view the ceremony. - - _1 Court._ I'll walk with you. [_Exeunt._ - - [_Musick._ - - _Enter_ Gabriella, _and_ Maria _above_. _And_ Laval, _Bride, - States in solemnity as to marriage; and pass over_; viz. - Duke, Marine, Longaville. - - _Mar._ I hear 'em come. - - _Gab._ Would I might never hear more. - - _Mar._ I told you still: but you were so incredulous. - See, there they kiss. - - _Gab._ Adders be your embraces. - The poison of a rotten heart, oh _Hellen_! - Blast thee as I have been; just such a flattery, - With that same cunning face, that smile upon't, - Oh mark it _Marie_, mark it seriously, - That Master smile caught me. - - _Mar._ There's the old Duke, and - _Marine_ her Father. - - _Gab._ Oh! - - _Mar._ There _Longaville_-- - The Ladies now. - - _Gab._ Oh, [I] am murder'd, _Marie_. - Beast, most inconstant beast. - - _Mar._ There. - - _Gab._ There I am not; - No more I am not there: Hear me, oh Heaven! - And all you powers of Justice bow down to me; - But you of pity dye. I am abus'd, - She that depended on your Providence, - She is abus'd: your honor is abus'd. - That noble piece ye made, and call'd it man, - Is turn'd to Devil: all the world's abus'd: - Give me a womans Will, provok'd to mischief, - A two-edg'd heart; my suffering thoughts to wild-fires, - And my embraces to a timeless grave turn. - - _Mar._ Here I'll step in, for 'tis an act of merit. - - _Gab._ I am too big to utter more. - - _Mar._ Take time then. [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter_ Gentille _and_ Casta. - - _Gent._ This solitary life at home undoes thee, - Obscures thy beauty first, which should prefer thee; - Next fills thee full of sad thoughts, which thy years - Must not arrive at yet, they choak thy sweetness; - Follow the time, my Girl, and it will bring thee - Even to the fellowship of the noblest women, - _Hellen_ her self, to whom I would prefer thee, - And under whom this poor and private carriage, - Which I am only able yet to reach at, - Being cast off, and all thy sweets at lustre, - Will take thee as a fair friend, and prefer thee. - - _Casta._ Good Sir, be not so cruel as to seek - To kill that sweet content y'have bred me to: - Have I not here enough to thank Heaven for? - The free air uncorrupted with new flattery. - The water that I touch, unbrib'd with odours - To make me sweet to others: the pure fire - Not smothered up, and choak'd with lustful incense - To make my bloud sweat; but burning clear and high, - Tells me my mind must flame up so to Heaven. - What should I do at Court, wear rich apparel? - Methinks these are as warm: And for your state, Sir, - Wealthy enough; Is it you would have me proud, - And like a Pageant, stuck up for amazements? - Teach not your child to tread that path, for fear (Sir) - Your dry bones after death, groan in your grave - The miseries that follow. - - _Gent._ Excellent _Casta_. - - _Casta._ When shall I pray again? (a Courtier) - Or when I do, to what God? what new body - And new face must I make me, with new manners? - For I must be no more my self. Whose Mistriss - Must I be first? with whose sin-offering season'd? - And when I am grown so great and glorious - With prostitution of my burning beauties, - That great Lords kneel, and Princes beg for favours, - Do you think I'll be your Daughter, a poor Gentlemans, - Or know you for my father? - - _Enter_ Lavall. - - _Gent._ My best _Casta_. - Oh my most virtuous child! Heaven reigns within thee; - Take thine own choice, sweet child, and live a Saint still. - The Lord _Lavall_, stand by wench. - - _Lav. Gabriella_, - She cannot, nor she dares not make it known, - My greatness crushes her, when e'er she offers: - Why should I fear her then? - - _Gent._ Come, let's pass on wench. - - _Lav. Gentille_, come hither: who's that Gentlewoman? - - _Gent._ A child of mine, Sir, who observing custome, - Is going to the Monastery to her Prayers. - - _Lav._ A fair one, a most sweet one; fitter far - To beautifie a Court, than make a Votarist. - Go on, fair Beauty, and in your Orizons - Remember me: will ye, fair sweet? - - _Casta._ Most humbly. [_Exeunt._ - - _Lav._ An admirable Beauty: how it fires me! - - _Enter a Spirit._ - - But she's too full of grace, and I too wicked. - I feel my wonted fit: Defend me, goodness. - Oh! it grows colder still, and stiffer on me, - My hair stands up, my sinews shake and shrink; - Help me good Heaven, and good thoughts dwell within me. - Oh get thee gone, thou evil evil spirit, - Haunt me no more, I charge thee. - - _Spir._ Yes _Lavall_: - Thou art my vassal, and the slave to mischief, - I blast thee with new sin: pursue thy pleasure; - _Casta_ is rare and sweet, a blowing Beauty; - Set thy desires a fire, and never quench 'em - Till thou enjoy'st her; make her all thy Heaven, - And all thy joy, for she is all true happiness: - Thou art powerful, use command; if that prevail not, - Force her: I'll be thy friend. - - _Lav._ Oh help me, help me. - - _Spir._ Her virtue, like a spell, sinks me to darkness. [_Exit._ - - _Enter_ Gentille _and_ Casta. - - _Gent._ He's here still. How is't, noble Lord? me thinks, Sir, - You look a little wildly. Is it that way? - Is't her you stare on so? I have spy'd your fire, Sir, - Bu[t] dare not stay the flaming. Come. - - _Lav._ Sweet [c]reature, - Excellent Beauty, do me but the happiness - To be your humblest servant. Oh fair eyes, - Oh blessed, Blessed Sweetness, Divine Virgin! - - _Casta._ Oh good my Lord, retire into your honor: - You're spoken good and virtuous, plac'd [at] Helme - To govern others from mischances: from example - Of such fair Chronicles as great ones are, - We do, or sure we should direct our lives. - I know y'are full of worth, a school of virtue - Daily instructing us that live below ye, - I make no doubt, dwells there. - - _Lav._ I cannot answer, - She has struck me dumb with wonder. - - _Casta._ Goodness guide ye. [_Exeunt._ - - _Lav._ She's gone, and with her all [l]ight, and has left me - Dark as my black desires. Oh devil lust, - How dost thou hug my bloud, and whisper to me, - There is no day again, no time, no living, - Without this lusty Beauty break upon me! - Let me collect my self, I strive like billows, - Beaten against a rock, and fall a fool still. - I must enjoy her, and I will: from this hour - My thoughts, and all my bus'ness shall be nothing. - - _Enter_ Maria. - - My eating, and my sleeping, but her beauty, - And how to work it. - - _Mar._ Health to my Lord _Lavall_. - Nay good Sir, do not turn with such displeasure; - I come not to afflict your new born pleasures; - My honour'd Mistriss, neither let that vex ye, - For nothing is intended, but safe to you. - - _Lav._ What of your Mistriss? I am full of bus'ness. - - _Mar._ I will be short, my Lord; she, loving Lady, - Considering the unequal tie between ye, - And how your ruine with the Duke lay on it, - As also the most noble match now made, - By me sends back all links of marriage, - All Holy Vows, and Rights of Ceremony, - All promises, oaths, tears, and all such pawns - You left in hostage: only her love she cannot, - For that still follows ye, but not to hurt ye; - And still beholds ye Sir, but not to shame ye: - In recompence of which, this is her suit, Sir, - Her poor and last petition, but to grant her, - When weary nights have cloyed ye up with kisses, - (As such must come) the honor of a Mistriss, - The honor but to let her see those eyes, - (Those eyes she doats on, more than gods do goodness) - And but to kiss you only: with this prayer, - (a prayer only to awake your pity) - And on her knees she made it, that this night - You'ld bless her with your company at supper. - - _Lav._ I like this well, and now I think on't better, - I'll make a present use from this occasion. - - _Mar._ Nay, good my Lord, be not so cruel to her - Because she has been yours. - - _Lav._ And to mine own end - A rare way I will work. - - _Mar._ Can love for ever, - The Love of her (my Lord) so perish in ye? - As ye desire in your desires to prosper. - What gallant under Heaven, but _Anjou_'s Heir then - Can brag so fair a Wife, and sweet a Mistriss? - Good noble Lord. - - _Lav._ Ye mis-apply me, _Mary_, - Nor do I want true pity to your Lady: - Pity and love tell me, too much I have wrong'd her - To dare to see her more: yet if her sweetness - Can entertain a Mediation, - And it must be a great one that can cure me; - My love again, as far as honor bids me, - My service and my self-- - - _Mar._ That's nobly spoken. - - _Lav._ Shall hourly see her; want shall never know her; - Nor where she has bestow'd her love, repent her. - - _Mar._ Now whither drives he? - - _Lav._ I have heard _Maria_, - That no two women in the world more lov'd, - Then thy good Mistriss, and _Gentille_'s fair Daughter. - - _Mar._ What may this mean? you have heard a truth, my Lord: - But since the secret Love betwixt you two, - My Mistriss durst not entertain such friendship; - _Casta_ is quick, and of a piercing judgement, - And quickly will find out a flaw. - - _Lav._ Hold _Marie_: - Shrink not, 'tis good gold, wench: prepare a Banquet, - And get that _Casta_ thither; for she's a creature - So full of forcible Divine perswasion, - And so unwearied ever with good offic[e], - And she shall cure my ill cause to my Mistriss, - And make all errors up. - - _Mar._ I'll doe my best, Sir: - But she's too fearful, coy, and scrupulous, - To leave her Fathers house so late; and bashful - At any mans appearance, that I fear, Sir; - 'Twill prove impossible. - - _Lav._ There's more gold, _Marie_, - And fain thy Mistriss wondrous sick to death, wench. - - _Mar._ I have ye in the wind now, and I'll pay ye. - - _Lav._ She cannot chuse but come; 'tis charity, - The chief of her profession: undertake this, - And I am there at night; if not, I leave ye. - - _Mar._ I will not loose this offer, though it fall out - Clean cross to that we cast, I'll undertake it, - I will, my Lord; she shall be there. - - _Lav._ By ----? - - _Mar._ By ---- she shall. - - _Lav._ Let it be something late then. - For being seen, now force or favour wins her. - My spirits are grown dull, strong wine, and store, - Shall set 'em up again, and make me fit - To draw home at the enterprize I aim at. [_Exit._ - - _Ma._ Go thy wa[ies] false Lord, if thou hold'st, thou pay'st - The price of all thy lusts. Thou shalt be there - Thou modest Maid, if I have any working, - And yet thy honor safe; for which this thief - I know has set this meeting: but I'll watch him. - - _Enter_ Per[o]lot. - - _Per. Maria._ - - _Mar._ Are mine eyes mine own? or bless me, - Am I deluded with a flying shadow? - - _Per._ Why do you start so from me? - - _Mar._ It speaks sensibly, - And shews a living body: yet I am fearful. - - _Per._ Give me your hand, good _Maria_. - - _Mar._ He feels warm too. - - _Per._ And next your [l]ips. - - _Mar._ He kisses perfectly. - Nay, and the Devil be n[o] worse: you are _Perolot_. - - _Per._ I was, and sure I should be: Can a small distance, - And ten short moneths take from your memory - The figure of your friend, that you stand wondring? - Be not amaz'd, I am the self-same _Per[o]lot_, - Living, and well; Son to _Gentille_, and Brother - To virtuous _Casta_; to your beauteous Mistriss, - The long since poor betroth'd, and still vow'd servant. - - _Mar._ Nay, sure he lives. My Lord _Lavall_, your Master, - Brought news long since to your much mourning Mistriss, - Ye dy'd at _Orleance_; bound her with an oath too, - To keep it secret from your aged Father, - Lest it should rack his heart. - - _Per._ A pretty secret - To try my Mistriss Love, and make my welcome - From travel of more worth; from whence, Heaven be thanked, - My business for the Duke dispatch'd to th' purpose, - And all my money spent, I am come home, wench. - How does my Mistriss? for I have not yet seen - Any, nor will I, till I do her service. - - _Mar._ But did the Lord _Laval_ know of your love, Sir, before he - went? - - _Per._ Yes, by much more force he got it, - But none else knew; upon his promise too - And honor to conceal it faithfully - Till my return; to further which, he told me, - My business being ended, from the Duke - He would procure a pension for my service, - Able to make my Mistriss a fit Husband. - - _Mar._ But are you sure of this? - - _Per._ Sure as my sight, wench. - - _Mar._ Then is your Lord a base dissembling villain, - A Devil Lord, the damn'd Lord of all lewdness, - And has betraid ye, and undone my Mistriss, - My poor sweet Mistriss: oh that leacher Lord, - Who, poor soul, since was married. - - _Per._ To whom, _Maria_? - - _Mar._ To that unlucky Lord, a ---- upon him; - Whose hot horse-appetite being allaid once - With her chaste joyes, married again, scarce cool'd, - The Torches yet not out the yellow _Hymen_ - Lighted about the bed, the Songs yet sounding, - _Marine_'s young noble Daughter _Helena_, - Whose mischief stands at door next. Oh that recreant! - - _Per._ Oh villain! Oh most unmanly falshood! - Nay then I see, my Letters were betraid too. - Oh, I am full of this, great with his mischiefs, - Loaden and burst: Come, lead me to my Lady. - - _Mar._ I cannot, Sir, _Lavall_ keeps her conceal'd, - Besides, her griefs are such, she will see no man. - - _Per._ I must, and will go to her: I will see her: - There be my friend, or this shall be thy furthest. - - _Mar._ Hold, and I'll help thee: but first ye shall swear to me, - As you are true and gentle, as ye hate - This beastly and base Lord, where I shall place ye, - (Which shall be within sight) till I discharge ye, - What-e'er you see or hear, to make no motion. - - _Per._ I do by ---- - - _Mar._ Stay here about the house then, - Till it be later; yet the time's not perfect: - There at the back door I'll attend you truly. - - _Per._ Oh monstrous, monstrous beastly villain. [_Exit._ - - _Mar._ How cross this falls, and from all expectation! - And what the end shall be, Heaven only yet knows: - Only I wish, and hope. But I forget still, - _Casta_ must be the bait, or all miscarries. [_Exeunt._ - - _Enter_ Gentille _with a Torch_, Shalloon _above_. - - _Gent._ Holla, _Shaloon_. - - _Shal._ Who's there? - - _Gent._ A word from the Duke, Sir. - - _Shal._ Your pleasure. - - _Gent._ Tell your Lord he must to Court strait. - - _Shal._ He is ill at ease: and prays he may be pardon'd - The occasions of this night. - - _Gent._ Belike he is drunk then: - He must away; the Duke and his fair Lady, - The beauteous _Helena_, are now at _Cent_. - Of whom she has such fortune in her carding, - The Duke has lost a thousand Crowns, and swears, - He will not go to bed, till by _Lavall_ - The Tide of loss be turn'd again. Awake him, - For 'tis the pleasure of the Duke he must rise. - - _Sha._ Having so strict command (Sir) to the contrary, - I dare not do it: I beseech your pardon. - - _Gent._ Are you sure he is there? - - _Sha._ Yes. - - _Gen._ And asleep? - - _Sha._ I think so. - - _Gen._ And are you sure you will not tell him, _Shalon_? - - _Sha._ Yes, very sure. - - _Gen._ Then I am sure, I will. - Open, or I must force. - - _Sha._ Pray ye stay, he is not, - Nor will not be this night. You may excuse it. - - _Gent._ I knew he was gone about some womans labour. - As good a neighbor, though I say it, and as comfortable: - Many such more we need _Shaloon_. Alas, poor Lady, - Thou art like to lie cross-legg'd to night. Good Monsieur, - I will excuse your Master for this once, Sir, - Because sometimes I have lov'd a wench my self too. - - _Sha._ 'Tis a good hearing, Sir. - - _Gent._ But for your lye, _Shaloon_, - If I had you here, it should be no good hearing. - For your pate I would pummel. - - _Sha._ A fair good night, Sir. - - _Gent._ Good night, thou noble Knight, Sir _Pandarus_. - My heart is cold o'th' suddain, and a strange dulness - Possesses all my body: thy Will be done Heaven. [_Exit._ - - _Enter_ Gabriella _and_ Casta: _and_ Maria _with a Taper_. - - _Casta._ 'Faith Friend, I was even going to my bed, - When your Maid told me of your sudden sickness: - But from my grave (so truly I love you) - I think your name would raise me: ye look ill - Since last I saw ye, much decay'd in colour: - Yet I thank Heaven, I find no such great danger - As your Maid frighted me withal: take courage - And give your sickness course: some grief you have got - That feeds within upon your tender spirits, - And wanting open way to vent it self, - Murders your mind, and choaks up all your sweetness. - - _Gab._ It was my Maids fault; worthy friend, to trouble ye, - So late, upon so light a cause: yet since I have ye - Oh my dear _Casta_. - - _Casta._ Out with it, God's name. - - _Gab._ The Closset of my heart, I will lock here, wench, - - [Laval _knocks within_. - - And things shall make ye tremble. Who's that knocks there? - - _Mar._ 'Tis _Lavall_. - - _Gab._ Sit you still. Let him in. - I am resolv'd, and all you wronged women, - You noble spirits, that as I have suffer'd - Under this glorious beast-insulting man, - Lend me your causes, then your cruelties, - For I must put on madness above women. - - _Cast._ Why do you look so ghastly? - - _Gab._ Peace; no harm, Deer. - - _Enter_ Lavall. - - _Lav._ There, take my cloak and sword: Where is this Banquet? - - _Mar._ In the next room. - - _Casta._ How came he here? Heaven bless me. - - _Lav._ Give me some Wine wench; fill it full, and sprightly. - - _Gab._ Sit still, and be not fearful. - - _Lav._ Till my veins swell, - And my strong sinews stretch like that brave _Centaur_, - That at the Table snatch'd the Bride away - In spight of _Hercules_. - - _Casta._ I am betraid. - - _Lav._ Nay, start not Lady; 'tis for you that I come, - And for your beauty: 'tis for you, _Lavall_ - Honors this night; to you, the sacred shrine - I humbly bow, offering my vows and prayers; - To you I live. - - _Gab._ In with the powder quickly: - So, that and the Wine will rock ye. - - [_Lav._ Here, to the health] - Of the most beauteous and divine, fair _Casta_, - The star of sweetness. - - _Gab._ Fear him not, I'll die first. - And who shall pledge ye? - - _Lav._ Thou shalt, thou tann'd Gipsey: - And worship to that brightness give, cold _Tartar_. - By ---- ye shall not stir; ye are my Mistris, - The glory of my love, the great adventure, - The Mistris of my heart, and she my whore. - - _Gab._ Thou ly'st, base, beastly Lord; drunker then anger, - Thou sowsed Lord, got by a surfeit, thou lyest basely. - Nay, stir not: I dare tell thee so. Sit you still. - If I be whore, it is in marrying thee, - That art so absolute and full a villain, - No Sacrament can save that piece tied to thee. - How often hast thou woo'd in those flatteries, - Almost those very words, my constancie? - What goddess have I not been, or what goodness - What star that is of any name in Heaven, - Or brightness? which of all the virtues - (But drunkenness, and drabbing, thy two morals) - Have not I reach'd to? what Spring was ever sweeter? - What _Scythian_ snow so white? what crystal chaster? - Is not thy new wife now the same too? Hang thee, - Base Bigamist, thou honor of ill women. - - _Casta._ How's this? O! Heaven defend me. - - _Gab._ Thou salt-itch, - For whom no cure but ever burning brimstone - Can be imagin'd. - - _Lav._ Ha, ha, ha. - - _Gab._ Dost thou laugh, thou breaker - Of all law, all religion, of all faith - Thou Soule contemner? - - _Lav._ Peace, thou paltry woman: - And sit by me, Sweet. - - _Gab._ By the Devil? - - _Lav._ Come, - And lull me with delights. - - _Gab._ It works amain now. - - _Lav._ Give me such kisses as the Queen of shadows - Gave to the sleeping boy she stole on _Latmus_; - Look round about in snakie wreathes close folded, - Those rosie arms about my neck, O! _Venus_. - - _Gab._ Fear not, I say. - - _Lav._ Thou admirable sweetness, - Distill thy blessings like those silver drops, - That falling on fair grounds, rise all in roses: - Shoot me a thousand darts from those fair eyes, - And through my heart transfix 'em all, I'll stand 'em. - Send me a thousand smiles, and presently - I'll catch 'em in mine eyes, and by Love's power - Turn 'em to _Cupids_ all, and fling 'em on thee, - How high she looks, and heavenly! More wine for me. - - _Ga._ Give him more wine, and good friend be not fearful. - - _Lav._ Here on my knee, thou Goddess of delights, - This lustie grape I offer to thy Beauties; - See how it leaps to view that perfect redness - That dwels upon thy lips: now, how it blushes - To be outblush'd. Oh! let me feed my fancie, - And as I hold the purple god in one hand - Dancing about the bri[m] and proudly swelling, - Deck'd in the pride of nature young, and blowing; - So let me take fair _Semele_ in the other, - And sing the loves of gods, then drink, their Nectar's - Not yet desir'd. - - _Casta._ Oh! - - _Lav._ Then like lustie _Tarquin_ - Turn'd into flames with _Lucrece_ coy denyals, - His blood and spirit equally ambitious, - I force thee for my own. - - _Casta._ O help me Justice: - Help me, my Chastitie. - - _Lav._ Now I am bravely quarried. [_Perolot above._ - - _Per._ 'Tis my Sister. - - _Gab._ No, bawdy slave, no Treacher, she is not carried. - - _Per._ She's loose again, and gone. I'll keep my place still. - - _Mar._ Now it works bravely: stand, he cannot hurt ye. - - _Lav._ O my sweet Love, my life. [_He falls downe, and sleeps._ - - _Mar._ He sinks. - - _Lav._ My blessing. - - _Mar._ So, now he is safe a while. - - _Gab._ Lock all the doors, wench, - Then for my wrongs. - - _Per._ Now I'll appear to know all. - - _Gab._ Be quick, quick, good _Marie_, sure and sudden. - - _Per._ Stay, I must in first. - - _Gab._ O' my conscience! - It is young _Perol[o]t_: Oh my stung conscience! - It is my first and noblest Love. - - _Mar._ Leave wondring, - And recollect your self: the man is living, - Equally wrong'd as you, and by that Devil. - - _Per._ 'Tis most true, Lady: your unhappy fortune - I grieve for as mine own, your fault forgive too, - If it be one. This is no time for kisses: - I have heard all, and known all, which mine ears - Are crack'd apieces with, and my heart perish'd. - I saw him in your chamber, saw his fury. - And am afire till I have found his heart out. - What do you mean to do? for I'll make one. - - _Gab._ To make his death more horrid (for he shall dye). - - _Per._ He m[u]st, he must. - - _Gab._ We'll watch him till he wakes, - Then bind him, and then torture him. - - _Per._ 'Tis nothing. - No, take him dead drunk now without repentance, - His leachery inseam'd upon him. - - _Gab._ Excellent. - - _Per._ I'll do it my self; and when 'tis done, provide ye, - For we'll away for _Italy_ this night. - - _Gab._ We'll follow thorow all hazards. - - _Per._ Oh false Lord, - Unmanly, mischievous; how I could curse thee; - But that but blasts thy fame; have at thy heart, fool: - Loop-holes I'll make enough to let thy life out. - - _Lav._ Oh! does the devil ride me? - - _Per._ Nay then. - - _Lav._ Murder. - Nay, then take my share too. - - _Per._ Help; oh! he has slain me. - Bloudy intentions must have bloud. - - _Lav._ Hah? - - _Per._ Heaven. - - _Gab._ He sinks, he sinks, for ever sinks: oh fortune! - Oh sorrow! how like seas thou flowest upon me! - Here will I dwell for ever. Weep _Maria_, - Weep this young man's misfortune: oh thou truest! - - _Enter Spirit._ - - _Lav._ What have I done? - - _Spir._ That that has mark'd thy soul man. - - _Lav._ And art thou come again thou dismal spirit? - - _Spir._ Yes, to devour thy last. - - _Lav._ Mercy upon thee. - - _Spir._ Thy hour is come: succession, honor, pleasure, - And all the lustre thou so long hast look'd for - Must here have end: Summon thy sins before thee. - - _Lav._ Oh my affrighted soul! - - _Spir._ There lies a black one; - Thy own best servant by thy own hand slain, - Thy drunkenness procur'd it: There's another: - Think of fair _Gabriella_, there she weeps; - And such tears are not lost. - - _Lav._ Oh miserable! - - _Spir._ Thy foul intention to the virtuous _Casta_. - - _Lav._ No more, no more, thou wild-fire. - - _Spir._ Last, thy last wife, - Think on the wrong she suffers. - - _Lav._ O my miserie. - Oh! whither shall I flie? - - _Spir._ Thou hast no faith, fool. - Heark to thy knell. [_Sings, and vanishes._ - - _Lav._ Millions of sins muster about mine eyes now: - Murders, ambitions, lust, false faiths; O horror, - In what a stormie form of death thou rid'st now! - Me thinks I see all tortures, fires, and frosts, - Deep sinking caves, where nothing but despair dwels, - The balefull birds of night hovering about 'em; - A grave, me thinks, now opens, and a herse - Hung with my Arms tumbles into it: oh! - Oh! my afflicted soul: I cannot pray; - And the least child that has but goodness in him - May strike my head off; so stupid are my powers: - I'll lift mine eyes up though. - - _Mar._ Cease these laments, - They are too poor for venge[a]nce: _Lavall_ lives yet. - - _Gab._ Then thus I drie all sorrows from these eyes, - Fury and rage possess 'em now: damn'd divell. - - _Lav._ Hah? - - _Gab._ This for young _Perolot_. - - _Lav._ O mercy, mercy. - - _Gab._ This for my wrongs. - - _Lav._ But one short hour to cure me. [_Knock within._ - Oh be not cruell: Oh! oh. - - _Mar._ Heark, they knock. - Make hast for Heavens sake, Mistris. - - _Gab._ This for _Casta_. - - _Lav._ Oh, O, O, O! [_He dies._ - - _Mar._ He's dead: come quickly, let's away with him, - 'T will be too late else. - - _Gab._ Help, help up to th' chamber! [_Exeunt with Lavalls body._ - - _Enter Duke, Hellena, Gentile, Casta, and attendants,_ - _with lights._ - - _Duke._ What frights are these? - - _Gent._ I [a]m sure here 's one past frighting. - Bring the lights neerer: I have enough alreadie. - Out, out, mine eyes. Look, _Casta_. - - _Lord._ 'T is young _Perolot_. - - _Duke._ When came he over? Hold the Gentlewoman, she sinks; and - bear her off. - - _Cast._ O my dear brother! [_Exit._ - - _Gent._ There is a time for all; for me, I hope, too, - And very shortly. Murdred? - - [_Gabriella, Maria, with Lavalls body, above._ - - _Duke._ Who's above there? - - _Gab._ Look up, and see. - - _Duke._ What may this mean? - - _Gab._ Behold it; - Behold the drunken murderer - Of that young Gentleman; behold the rankest, - The vilest, basest slave that ever flourish'd. - - _Duke._ Who kill'd him? - - _Gab._ I; and there 's the cause I did it: - Read, if your eyes will give you leave. - - _Hell._ Oh! monstrous. - - _Gab._ Nay, out it shall: there, take this false heart to ye; - The base dishonor of a thousand women: - Keep it in gold, Duke, 'tis a precious jewel. - Now to my self; for I have liv'd a fair age, - Longer by some moneths then I had a mind to. - - _Duke._ Hold. - - _Gab._ Here, young _Perolot_; my first contracted - True love shall never go alone. - - _Duke._ Hold, _Gabriella_. - I do forgive all. - - _Gab._ I shall die the better, - Thus let me seek my grave, and my shames with me. - - _Mar._ Nor shalt thou go alone my noble Mistris: - Why should I live, and thou dead? - - _Lord._ Save the wench there. - - _Mar._ She is, I hope; and all my sins here written. - - _Duke._ This was a fatal night. - - _Gent._ Heaven has his working, - Which we cannot contend against. - - _Duke._ Alas! - - _Gent._ Your Grace has your alas too. - - _Duke._ Would 't were equal; - For thou hast lost an honest noble childe. - - _Gent._ 'T is heir enough has lost a good remembrance. - - _Duke._ See all their bodies buried decently, - Though some deserv'd it not. How do you, Lady? - - _Hell._ Even with your Graces leave, ripe for a Monasterie; - There will I wed my life to tears and prayers, - And never know what man is more. - - _Duke._ Your pleasure; - How does the maid within? - - _Lord._ She is gone before, Sir, - The same course that my Lady takes. - - _Gent._ And my course shall be my Beads at home; so - Please your Grace to give me leave to leave the Court. - - _Duke._ In peace, Sir, - And take my love along. - - _Gent._ I shall pray for ye. - - _Duke._ Now to our selves retire we, and begin - By this example to correct each sin. [_Exeunt._ - - [_Flourish._ - - _King. Em._ By this we plainly view the two imposthumes - That choke a kingdoms welfare; Ease, and Wantonness; - In both of which _Lavall_ was capital: - For first, Ease stole away his minde from honor, - That active noble thoughts had kept still working, - And then deliver'd him to drink and women, - Lust and outragious riot; and what their ends are, - How infamous and foul, we see example. - Therefore, that great man that will keep his name, - And gain his merit out of Virtues schools, - Must make the pleasures of the world his fools. [_Flourish._ - - _The_ TRIUMPH. - - _Enter Musicians: next them_, Perolot _with the wound he died_ - _with. Then_ Gabriella _and_ Maria, _with their wounds: after - them, four Furies with Bannerets in[s]crib'd_ Revenge, Murder, - Lust _and_ Drunkenness, _singing. Next them_, Lavall _wounded. - Then [a] Chariot with Death drawn by the Destinies_. [_Flourish._ - - _Enter_ PROLOGUE. - - _From this sad sight ascend your noble eye,_ - _And see old_ Time _helping triumphantly,_ - _Helping his Master_ Man: _view here his vanities_ - _And see his false friends like those glutted flyes,_ - _That when they've suckt their fill, fall off, and fade_ - _From all remembrance of him, like a shade._ - _And last, view who relieves him; and that gone,_ - _We hope your favour, and our Play is done_. [Flourish. - - _Enter Anthropos, Desire, and Vain Delight; Bounty._ - - _Ant._ What hast thou done, _Desire_, and how imploy'd - The charge I gave thee, about levying wealth - For our supplies? - - _Desire._ I have done all, yet nothing: - Tri'd all, and all my ways, yet all miscarried; - There dwells a sordid dulness in their mindes - Thou son of earth, colder then that thou art made of, - I came to _Craft_, found all his hooks about him, - And all his nets baited and set; his slie self - And greedie _Lucre_ at a serious conference - Which way to tie the world within their statutes: - Business of all sides and of all sorts swarming - Like Bees broke loose in summer: [I] declared - Your will and want together, both inforcing - With all the power and pains I had, to reach him; - Yet all fell short. - - _Anth._ His answer. - - _Desire._ This he gave me. - Your wants are never ending; and those supplies - That came to stop those breaches, are ever lavisht - Before they reach the main, in toys and trifles, - Gew-gaws, and gilded puppets: _Vain delight_ - He says has ruin'd ye, with clappi[n]g all - That comes in for support, on clothes, and Coaches, - Perfumes, and powder'd pates; and that your Mistris, - The Lady _Pleasure_, like a sea devours - At length both you and him too. If you have houses, - Or land, or jewels, for good pawn, he'll hear you, - And will be readie to supplie occasions; - If not, he locks his ears up, and grows stupid. - From him, I went to _Vanity_, whom I found - Attended by [a]n endless troop of Tailors, - Mercers, Embroiderers, Feather-makers, Fumers, - All occupations opening like a Mart, - That serve to rig the body out with braverie; - And th'row the roome new fashions flew like flyes, - In thousand gaudie shapes; _Pride_ waiting on her, - And busily surveying all the breaches - Time and delaying Nature had wrought in her, - Which still with art she piec'd again, and strengthened: - I told your wants; she shew'd me gowns and head-tires, - Imbroider'd wastcoats, smocks seam'd thorow with cut-works, - Scarfs, mantles, petticoats, muffs, powders, paintings, - Dogs, monkeys, parrots, which all seemed to shew me - The way her money went. From her to _Pleasure_ - I took my journey. - - _Anth._ And what says our best Mistris? - - _Desire._ She danc'd me out this answer presently: - Revels and Masques had drawn her drie alreadie. - I met old _Time_ too, mowing mankind down, - Who says you are too hot, and he must purge ye. - - _Anth._ A cold _quietus_. Miserable creatures, - Born to support and beautifie your master, - The godlike man, set here to do me service, - The children of my will; why, or how dare ye, - Created to my use alone, disgrace me? - Beasts have more court[e]sie; they live about me, - Offering their warm wooll to the shearers hand, - To clothe me with their bodies to my labours; - Nay, even their lives they daily sacrifice, - And proudly press with garlands to the altars, - To fill the gods oblations. Birds bow to me, - Striking their downie sails to do me service, - Their sweet airs ever ecchoing to mine honor, - And to my rest their plumie softs they send me. - Fishes, and plants, and all where life inhabits, - But mine own cursed kind, obey their ruler; - Mine have forgot me, miserable mine, - Into whose stonie hearts, neglect of dutie, - Squint-ey'd deceit, and self-love, are crept closely: - None feel my wants, not one mend with me. - - _Desire._ None, Sir? - - _Ant._ Thou hast forgot (_Desire_) thy best friend, _Flatterie_; - He cannot fail me. - - _Delight._ Fail? he will sell himself, - And all within his power, close to his skin first. - - _Desire._ I thought so too, and made him my first venture - But found him in a young Lords ear so busie, - So like a smiling showr pouring his soul - In at his portals, his face in a thousand figures - Catching the vain mind of the men: I pull'd him, - But still he hung like birdlime; spoke unto him, - His answer still was, By the Lord, sweet Lord, - And By my soul, thou master-piece of honor; - Nothing could stave him off: he has heard your flood's gone; - And on decaying things he seldom smiles, Sir. - - _Anth._ Then here I break up state, and free my followers, - Putting my fortune now to _Time_, and _Justice_: - Go seek new masters now; for _Anthropos_ - Neglected by his friends, must seek new fortunes. - _Desire_, to _Avarice_ I here commend thee, - Where thou may'st live at full bent of thy wishes: - And _Vain Delight_, thou feeder of my follies - With light fantastickness, be thou in favour. - To leave thee, _Bountie_, my most worthie servant, - Troubles me more then m[ine] own misery; - But we must part: go plant thy self, my best friend, - In honorable hearts that truely know thee, - And there live ever like thy self, a virtue: - But leave this place, and seek the Countrey, - For Law, and lust, like fire lick all up here. - Now none but _Poverty_ must follow me, - Despis'd patch'd _Poverty_; and we two married, - Will seek _Simplicity_, _Content_ and _Peace_ out. - - _Enter Poverty._ - - And live with them in exile. How uncall'd on - My true friend comes! - - _Poverty._ Here, hold thee, _Anthropos_, - Thou art almost arm'd at rest; put this on, - A penitential robe, to purge thy pleasures: - Off with that vanitie. - - _Anth._ Here, _Vain Delight_, - And with this all my part, to thee again - Of thee I freely render. - - _Pov._ Take this staff now, - And be more constant to your steps hereafter: - The staff is _Staidness of affections_. - Away you painted flyes, that with mans summet - Take life and heat buzzing about his blossoms; - When growing full, ye turn to Caterpillers, - Gnawing the root that gave you life. Fly shadows. - - [_Exeunt desire and delight._ - - Now to _Content_ I'll give thee, _Anthropos_, - To _Rest_ and _Peace_: no vanitie dwells there; - _Desire_ [nor] _Pleasur[e]_, to delude thy mind more; - No _Flatteries_ smooth-fil'd tongue shall poison thee. - - _Anth._ O! _Jupiter_, if I have ever offer'd - Upon thy burning Altars but one Sacrifice - Thou and thy fair-ey'd _Juno_ smil'd upon; - If ever, to thine honor, bounteous feasts, - Where all thy statu[e]s sweet with wine and incense, - Have by the son of earth been celebrated: - Hear me (the child of shame now) hear thou helper, - And take my wrongs into thy hands, thou justice - Done by unmindful man, unmerciful, - Against his master done, against thy order; - And raise again, thou father of all honor, - The poor despis'd, but yet thy noblest creature. - Raise from his ruines once more this sunk Cedar, - That all may fear thy power, and I proclaim it. [_Exeunt._ - - _Jupiter and Mercury descend severally. Trumpets_ - _small above._ - - _Jup._ Ho! _Mercury_, my winged son. - - _Mer._ Your servant. - - _Jup._ Whose powerful prayers were those that reach'd our ears, - Arm'd in such spells of pity now? - - _Mer._ The sad petitions - Of the scorn'd son of earth, the god-like _Anthropos_, - He that has swell'd your sacred fires with incense, - And pil'd upon your Altars a thousand heifers; - He that (beguil'd by _Vanity_ and _Pleasure_, - _Desire_, _Craft_, _Flattery_, and smooth _Hypocrisie_) - Stands now despis'd and ruin'd, left to _Poverty_. - - _Jup._ It must not be; he was not rais'd for ruine; - Nor shall those hands heav'd at m[ine] Altars, perish: - He is our noblest creature. Flee to _Time_, - And charge him presently release the bands - Of _Poverty_ and _Want_ this suitor sinks in: - Tell him, among the Sun-burnt _Indians_, - That know no other wealth but Peace and pleasure, - She shall find golden _Plutus_, god of riches, - Who idly is ador'd, the innocent people - Not knowing yet what power and weight he carries: - Bid him compell him to his right use, honor, - And presently to live with _Anthropos_. - It is our Will. Away. - - _Mer._ I do obey it. [_Jupiter and Mercury ascend again._ - - Musick. _Enter_ Plutus, _with a troop of_ Indians, _singing and_ - _dancing wildly about him, and bowing to him: which ended, Enter_ - Time. - - _Time._ Rise, and away; 'tis _Joves_ command. - - _Plut._ I will not: - Ye have some fool to furnish now; some _Midas_ - That to no purpose I must choak with riches. - Who must I go to? - - _Time._ To the son of earth; - He wants the god of wealth. - - _Plut._ Let him want still: - I was too lately with him, almost torn - Into ten thousand pieces by his followers: - I could not sleep, but _Craft_ or _Vanity_ - Were filing off my fingers; not eat, for fear - _Pleasure_ would cast her self into my belly, - And there surprize my heart. - - _Time._ These have forsaken him: - Make haste then, thou must with me: be not angry, - For fear a greater anger light upon thee. - - _Plut._ I do obey then: but change my figure; - For when I willingly befriend a creature, - Goodly, and full of glory I shew to him; - But when I am compell'd, old, and decrepid, - I halt, and hang upon my staff. Farewell, friends, - I will not be long from ye; all my servants - I leave among ye still, and my chief riches. - - [_Exeunt_ Indians _with a dance_. - - Oh _Time_, what innocence dwells here, what goodness! - They know me not, nor hurt me not, yet hug me. - Away, I'll follow thee: but not too fast, _Time_. - - [_Exeunt_ Plutus _and_ Time. - - _Enter Anthropos, Honesty, Simplicity, Humility, Poverty._ - - _Humil._ Man, be not sad, nor let this divorce - From _Mundus_, and his many ways of pleasure, - Afflict thy spirits; which consider'd rightly - With inward eyes, makes thee arrive at happy. - - _Pov._ For now what danger or deceit can reach thee? - What matter left for _Craft_ or _Covetize_ - To plot against thee? what _Desire_ to burn thee? - - _Honest._ Oh son of earth, let _Honesty_ possess thee; - Be as thou wast intended, like thy Maker; - See thorow those gawdy shadows, that like dreams - Have dwelt upon thee long: call up thy goodness, - Thy mind and man with[in] thee, that lie shipwrack'd, - And then how thin and vain these fond affections, - How lame this worldly [l]ove, how lump-like raw - And ill digested all these vanities - Will shew, let _Reason_ tell thee. - - _Simpl._ Crown thy mind - With that above the worlds wealth, joyful suff'ring, - And truly be the master of thy self. - Which is the noblest Empire; and there stand - The thing thou wert ordain'd, and set to govern. - - _Pov._ Come, let us sing the worlds shame: hear us, _Anthropos_. - - Song: _And then Enter_ Time _and_ Plutus. - - _Hon._ Away; we are betrayd. [_Exeunt all but_ Poverty. - - _Time._ Get thou too after, - Thou needy bare companion; go for ever, - For ever, I conjure thee: make no answer. [_Exit_ Poverty. - - _Anth._ What mak'st thou here, _Time_? thou that to this Minute, - never stood still by me? - - _Time._ I have brought thee succour; - And now catch hold, I am thine: The god of riches - (Compell'd by him that saw thy miseries, - The ever just and wakeful _Jove_, at length) - Is come unto thee: use him as thine own; - For 'tis the doom of Heaven: he must obey thee. - - _Anth._ Have I found pity then? - - _Time._ Thou hast; and _Justice_ - Against those false seducers of thine honor: - Come, give him present helps. [_Exit_ Time. - - _Industry and the Arts discovered._ - - _Plut._ Come _Industry_, - Thou friend of life; and next to thee, rise _Labour_; - - [Plutus _stamps_. Labour _rises_. - - Rise presently: and now to your employments; - But first conduct this mortal to the rock. - - _They carry_ Anthropos _to a Rock,_ - _and fall a digging_. - - What seest thou now? [Plutus _strikes the Rock, and flames flie out_. - - _Anth._ A glorious Mine of Metal. - Oh _Jupiter_, my thanks. - - _Plut._ To me a little. - - _Anth._ And to the god of wealth, my Sacrifice. - - _Plut._ Nay, then I am rewarded. Take heed now, Son, - You are afloat again, lest _Mundus_ catch ye. - - _Anth._ Neve[r] betray me more. - - _Plut._ I must to _India_, - From whence I came, where my main wealth lies buried, - And these must with me. Take that Book and Mattock, - And by those, know to live again. - - [_Exeunt_ Plutus, Industry, Labour, _&[c]._ - - _Anth._ I shall do. - - _Enter_ Fame _sounding_. - - _Fame._ Thorow all the world, the fortune of great _Anthropos_ - Be known and wonder'd at; his riches envy'd - As far as Sun or Time is; his power fear'd too. [_Exeunt._ - - MUSICK. - - _Enter_ Delight, Pleasure, [Craft, Lucre,] Vanity, _&c. dancing_ - _(and Masqu'd) towards the Rock, offering service to_ - Anthropos. Mercury _from above. Musick heard. One half of - a cloud drawn. Singers are discovered: then the other half - drawn._ Jupiter _seen in glory_. - - _Mer._ Take heed, weak man, those are the sins that sunk thee: - Trust 'em no more: kneel, and give thanks to _Jupiter_. - - _Anth._ Oh mighty power! - - _Jup._ Unmask, ye gilded poisons: - Now look upon 'em, son of earth, and shame 'em; - Now see the faces of thy evil Angels, - Lead 'em to _Time_, and let 'em fill his Triumph: - Their memories be here forgot for ever. - - _Anth._ Oh just great god! how many lives of service, - What ages only given to thine honor. - What infinites of vows, and holy prayers, - Can pay my thanks? - - _Jup._ Rise up: and to assure thee - That never more thou shalt feel want, strike, _Mercury_, - Strike him; and by that stroke he shall for ever - Live in that rock of Gold, and still enjoy it. - Be't done, I say. Now sing in honor of him. - - _SONG._ - - _Enter the Triumph. First, the Musicians: then_ Vain Delight, - Pleasure, Craft, L[u]cre, Vanity, _and other of the Vices: Then - a Chariot with the person of_ Time _sitting in it, drawn by - four persons, representing Hours, singing_. - - _Exeunt._ _Flourish._ - - _King. Em._ By this we note (sweet-heart) in Kings and Princes - A weakness, even in spite of all their wisdoms. - And often to be master'd by abuses: - Our natures here describ'd too, and what humors - Prevail above our Reasons to undo us. - But this the last and best. When no friend stands, - The gods are merciful, and lend their hands. _Flourish._ - - - - -Epilogue - - - _Now as the Husbandman, whose Costs and Pain,_ - _Whose Hopes and Helps lie buried in his Grain,_ - _Waiting a happy Spring to ripen full_ - _His long'd-for Harvest, to the Reapers pull;_ - _Stand we expecting, having sown our Ground_ - _With so much charge, (the fruitfulness not found)_ - _The Harvest of our Labours: For we know_ - _You are our Spring; and when you smile, we grow._ - _Nor Charge nor Pain, shall bind us from your Pleasures,_ - _So you but lend your hands to fill our Measures._ - - FINIS. - - - - -APPENDIX. - - - _In the following references to the text the lines are numbered - from the top of the page, including titles, acts, stage - directions, &c., but not, of course, the headline or mere - 'rules.' Where, as in the lists of Persons Represented, there - are double columns, the right-hand column is numbered after the - left._ - -It has not been thought necessary to record the correction of every -turned letter nor the substitution of marks of interrogation for -marks of exclamation and _vice versâ_. Full-stops have been silently -inserted at the ends of speeches and each fresh speaker has been given -the dignity of a fresh line: in the double-columned folio the speeches -are frequently run on. Misprints in the Quartos and the First Folio -are recorded when they appear to be interesting. A word or two from -the printed text is attached to the variants recorded below in cases -where the variant, by itself, would not be sufficiently clear. Altered -punctuation is shown, usually, by printing the old punctuation. - -[Thanks are due to Mrs Arnold Glover for collations of quartos in the -British Museum and to R. F. Towndrow, for collations of those in the -Bodleian.] - - -THIERRY AND THEODORET. - - =A= = 1621. =B= = 1648. =C= = 1649. =D= = Second folio. - -(=A=) THE | TRAGEDY | OF THIERRY KING OF | _France, and his Brother_ | -Theodoret. | As it was diverse times acted at the Blacke-| _Friers by -the Kings Majesties_ | Servants. | _LONDON_, | Printed for _Thomas -Walkley_, and are to bee sold at | his shop in _Britaines Burse_, at -the signe of | the Eagle and Child. | 1621. - -(=B=) THE | TRAGEDY | OF | THIERRY | King of _France_, and his Brother -| THEODORET. | As it was diverse times acted at the | _Blacke-Friers_ -_by the Kings Majesties_ | Servants. Written by | John Fletcher Gent. | -_LONDON_, | Printed for _Humphrey Mosely_, and are to be sold at | his -Shop at the _Princes Armes_ in St. _Pauls_ | Church-yard. 1648. - -(=C=) THE | TRAGEDY | OF | THIERRY | King of _France_, and his Brother -| THEODORET. | As it was diverse times acted at the _Blacke-Friers,_ -_by the Kings Majesties_ | Servants. | Written by | FRACIS BEAMONT. -AND JOHN FLETCHER Gent. | _LONDON_, | Printed for _Humphrey Moseley_, -and are to be sold at | his Shop at the _Princes Armes_ in St. _Pauls_ -| Church-yard. 1649. - -[The following lines are printed from the edition of 1649] - - The Prologue to _Thierry_ - and _Theodoret_. - - _Wit is become an Antick; and puts on_ - _As many shapes of variation,_ - _To court the times applause, as the times dare_ - _Change severall fashions; nothing is thought rare_ - _Which is not new and follow'd; yet we know_ - _That what was worne some twenty yeares agoe_ - _Comes into grace againe, and we pursue_ - _That custome, by presenting to your view_ - _A Play in fashion then, not doubting now_ - _But 'twill appeare the same, if you allow_ - _Worth to their noble memories, whose names_ - _Beyond all power of death live in their fames._ - - The Epilogue. - - _Our Poet knowes you will be just; but we_ - _Appeale to mercy: he desires that ye_ - _Would not distast his Muse, because of late_ - _Transplanted; which would grow here if no fate_ - _Have an unluckie bode: opinion_ - _Comes hither but on crutches yet, the sun_ - _Hath lent no beame to warme us; if this play_ - _Proceed more fortunate, wee'll crowne the day_ - _And Love that brought you hither: 'tis in you_ - _To make A Little Sprig of Lawrell grow,_ - _And spread into a Grove where you may sit_ - _And here soft Stories, when by blasting it_ - _You gain no honour, though our ruines Lye_ - _To tell the spoyles of your offended eye:_ - _If not for what we are, (for alas, here_ - _No_ Roscius _moves to charme your eyes or ear)_ - _Yet as you hope hereafter to see Playes._ - _Incourage us, and give our Poet Bayes._ - - _Dramatis Personæ._ - - _Thierry_, King of France - _Theodoret_, his Brother Prince of _Austrachia_ - _Martell_, their noble Kinsman - _Devitry_, an honest Souldier of fortune - _Protuldy_, } - _Bawdher_, } Cowardly Panders. - _Lecure_, } - A Priest - A Post - Huntsmen - Souldiers - Doctors - _Brunhalt_, Mother to the Princes - _Ordella_, the matchlesse wife of _Thierry_ - _Memburges_, Daughter of _Theodoret_. - - _The Scene France._ - -p. =1=, l. 5. D] _Bawdher_ l. 25. A-D] women. - -p. =2=, l. 1. A] promises l. 5. A] shewes vm l. 6. A] multiplyes vm -l. 30. A-C] Courts a this D] Nile, have l. 37. A-C] _Theod._ ... -impudence, | And ... mother | Brought ... it | - -p. =3=, l. 20. D] womam l. 32. B-D] bedders. l. 33. A-C] _Portalyde_ D] -_Protalyde_ - -p. =4=, l. 4. B-D] swetness l. 8. A] am I thus rewarded? B and C] am I -thus rewarded, l. 37. A-C] I am - -p. =5=, l. 8. D] _Bawdher_ l. 26. D] long she l. 28. D] unlikt - -p. =6=, l. 3. A-C] I am not l. 7. A-D] kisses. l. 22. A-C] For I am l. -24. D] _Actus Secundus. Scæna Prima_ l. 28. D] I'm jealous l. 32. D] -weakness - -p. =7=, l. 12. D] to dependance l. 24. D] reason l. 29. D] lose - -p. =8=, l. 38. B-D] of them l. 39. D] mean's - -p. =9=, l. 30. D] ti's pace l. 30. D] Thierry, be - -p. =10=, l. 13. A-C] I am l. 32. B-D] fiers l. 35. D] or if - -p. =11=, l. 5. D] Shal l. 21. A-D] dust, were - -p. =12=, l. 2. A] I shall still l. 9. D] an one l. 40. D] win 'em, - -p. =13=, l. 1. A-C] shall seeme D] shall seem l. 6. B-D] I'll breath -l. 17. D] knowledg l. 24. B-D] Withall l. 34. A-D] _Theoderet_ D] -_Theoderet Memberge_, - -p. =14=, l. 21. D] _Nero._ l. 27. D] colors - -p. =15=, l. 36. D] Alass - -p. =16=, l. 12. D] eusie l. 34. B-D] polcats l. 35. A] trustde - -p. =17=, l. 22. B-D] mid way l. 25. B-D] away, all l. 27. D] _Portaldy -Lecure_. l. 34. B-D] pandar sponge l. 39. D] your Son - -p. =18=, l. 7. D] delicats l. 20. A] others, death; B-D] others death; -l. 29. B-D] of chastity l. 39. B-D] i'st? - -p. =19=, l. 9. D] then, think you l. 27. D] I'm - -p. =20=, l. 2. A-C] I am sure l. 12. D] too; l. 15. B-D] i'st? - -p. =21=, l. 1. B-D] violence. l. 4. D] _Their._ l. 6. D] You I'll hunt -l. 20. A] currall l. 24. A-C] ath l. 28. A] take it l. 29. D] Farewll -l. 34. B-D] Sir, - -p. =22=, l. 6. A] met a noble l. 27. B-D] tels l. 34. A] to set my l. -40. A-C] they are - -p. =23=, l. 11. A] vm, take a tree Sir, B and C] um take a tree Sir, D] -'em take a tree Sir; l. 17. D] an l. 19. B-D] stay. l. 20. A-C] a both -l. 28. B-D] bawb l. 37. A-C] mushrump - -p. =24=, l. 9. D] _Bawdher_ l. 39. B-D] him, I - -p. =25=, l. 7. D] _Portaldye_ l. 10. A] on thy l. 16. D] philip - -p. =26=, l. 18. D] volour l. 20. A] is care l. 21. D] my my actions l. -23. D] _Martel_ (_here and often elsewhere_) l. 33. A-D] falls - -p. =27=, l. 14. A-C] the nose l. 18. D] should l. 22. D] hear l. 29. -A-C] that is l. 34. D] You're l. 40. D] _Martel_ - -p. =28=, l. 28. D] pray pardon l. 30. D] your ... Martel B-D _Print_ -_as a new line_] _Mart._ Your company, etc. l. 37. D _omits_] fearefull - -p. =29=, l. 2. A] it B-D] it. l. 22. D] volour - -p. =30=, l. 1. A-D] work - -p. =31=, l. 5. A] selfe's l. 20. D] self. l. 26. D] paralell'd, l. 27. -D] mother, l. 38. A-C] I am l. 40. A-C] the - -p. =32=, l. 2. D] fires l. 17. D] up. l. 22. D] mates. l. 32. D] -happiness. - -p. =33=, l. 14. B-D] one stange of Revels, and each ye l. 29. B-D] I a -man? l. 37. D] thought - -p. =34=, l. 8. D] what Ill can l. 35. B and C] conveniance D] -convenience - -p. =35=, l. 11. B-D] I have no l. 26. D] born l. 30. D] shall l. 32. B -and C] marcht - -p. =36=, l. 2. A and D] their l. 10. A-D] son's - -p. =37=, l. 31. D] born - -p. =38=, l. 11. A-C] _The Dance_. l. 18. B-D] Theodoret? l. 32. D] to -'t. - -p. =39=, l. 7. B-D] Whether l. 13. B-D] my - -p. =40=, l. 9. D] knows. l. 12. D] face - -p. =41=, l. 8. D] loans l. 14. D] skill. l. 15. D] his - -p. =42=, l. 29. A-D] hour. l. 30. D] towards l. 35. D] gil'd - -p. =43=, l. 38. B-D] away - -p. =45=, l. 7. D] thing l. 36. D] thoughts. - -p. =46=, l. 5. A-D] nothing's hard, l. 9. D] _Ordeel._ l. 16. B-D] -humors. l. 17. A] Bring um l. 21. A-C] Here is l. 28. D] hear. l. 35. -D] knowledg. - -p. =47=, l. 1. _Possibly_ thou'rt made the blessing _is intended_ l. -14. D] _Puls_ - -p. =48=, l. 3. A-D] _Devi._ l. 11. D] an l. 20. B-D] thing - -p. =49=, l. 18. B and C] olive beare D] Olive-bear l. 23. A-C] What 'tis - -p. =50=, l. 12. A-C] I am l. 36. D] snip l. 37. B-D] us'd. - -p. =51=, l. 2. B-D] use of it l. 11. D] _Baun._ A _prints a new line_] -And we will l. 23. A-C] upon it l. 25. A-C] t'as l. 35. B and C] the -ability - -p. =52=, l. 24. D] hopes. l. 26. B-D] them. l. 30. A-C] the l. 39. B -and C] stirre D] stirr - -p. =53=, l. 6. A-C] doest l. 7. B-D] excuse. l. 10. D] I - -p. =54=, l. 7. D] from from l. 14. D] guick - -p. =55=, l. 15. D] Iaid down l. 19. B-D] pleasure - -p. =56=, l. 2. D] argment - -p. =57=, l. 17. B-D] than thou l. 21. A] it B and C] it, D] it. l. 29. -D] in all - -p. =58=, l. 18. D] misery? - -p. =59=, l. 4. A-C] of good D] of a good l. 7. A] a thy l. 15. B-D] and -l. 20. D] some l. 32. D] you? - -p. =60=, l. 29. D] _Soldier._ - -p. =61=, l. 28. A-C] only bind mee before l. 36. D] melancholly - -p. =62=, l. 8. A] fetch em ll. 9-10. A-C _omit one_] where l. 20. A] -em l. 25. A] was I, dreampt not of your conveiance? B and C] was I, -dreampt not of your conveyance? helpe to unbidd D] was I? dreamt not of -your conveyance, l. 30. A] top l. 31. A] em - -p. =63=, l. 25. D] piece-meals l. 32. D] paricide - -p. =64=, l. 2. D] Hawks l. 7. A-C] cures D] _omits the passage in_ -_square brackets from l. 11 to l. 30 on p. 67. Supplied here from_ A l. -25. A] prayers l. 35. C] grace feele yourselfe now - -p. =67=, l. 9. A] are B and C] them l. 19. A] defeeaed l. 20. B and C] -pleasures - -p. =68=, l. 6. A] give l. 21. A] um l. 27. D] _Martel._ l. 39. D] came - -p. =69=, l. 2. B-D] soule away l. 10. A] She is l. 15. B-D] Sir. l. 38. -A-C] _Dies_ - -p. =70=, l. 1. A] um l. 2. A] um l. 3. D] lasteh - - -THE WOMAN-HATER. - - =A= = 1607. =B= = 1607. =C= = 1648. =D= = 1649. - =E= = Second folio. - -(=A=) THE | WOMAN | HATER. | _As it hath beene lately Acted by | the_ -_Children of Paules_: | LONDON | Printed, and are to be sold | by _John -Hodgets_ in Paules | Church-yard. 1607. - -(=B=) _THE_ | WOMAN | HATER. | _As it hath beene lately Acted by | the_ -_Children of Paules_: | LONDON | Printed by _R. R._ and are to be | -sold by _John Hodgets_ in Paules | Church-yard. 1607. - -(=C=) THE | WOMAN | HATER. | _As it hath beene Acted by his_ -_Majesties_ | Servants with great Applause. | Written by | JOHN -FLETCHER Gent. | _LONDON_, | Printed for _Humphrey Moseley_, and are -to be sold at | his Shop at the _Princes Armes_ in St. _Pauls_ | -Church-yard. 1648. - -(=D=) THE | WOMAN | HATER, | OR THE | Hungry Courtier. | A COMEDY, -| _As it hath been Acted by his Majesties | Servants with great_ -_Applause._ | Written by | FRANCIS BEAMONT AND JOHN FLETCHER. Gent. | -_LONDON_, | Printed for _Humphrey Moseley_, and are to be sold at | his -Shop at the _Princes Armes_ in St. _Pauls_ | Church-yard. 1649. - - The Prologue to the _Woman-hater_, or the - _Hungry Courtier_. - - _Ladies take't as a secret in your Eare,_ - _In stead of homage, and kind welcome here,_ - _I heartily could wish you all were gone;_ - _For if you stay, good faith, we are undone._ - _Alas! you now expect, the usuall wayes_ - _Of our addresse, which is your Sexes praise:_ - _But we to night, unluckily must speake,_ - _Such things will make your Lovers-Heart-strings breake,_ - _Bely your Virtues, and your beauties staine,_ - _With words, contriv'd long since, in your disdaine._ - _'Tis strange you stirre not yet; not all this while_ - _Lift up your Fannes to hide a scornefull smile:_ - _Whisper, or jog your Lords to steale away;_ - _So leave us t'act, unto our selves, our Play:_ - _Then sure, there may be hope, you can subdue_ - _Your patience to endure an Act or two:_ - _Nay more, when you are told our Poets rage_ - _Pursues but one example, which that age_ - _Wherein he liv'd produc'd; and we rely_ - _Not on the truth, but the varietie._ - _His Muse beleev'd not, what she then did write;_ - _Her Wings were wont to make a nobler flight;_ - _Sor'd high, and to the Stars, your Sex did raise;_ - _For which, full Twenty yeares, he wore the Bayes._ - _'Twas he reduced_ Evandra _from her scorne,_ - _And taught the sad_ Aspacia _how to mourne;_ - _Gave_ Arethusa's _love a glad reliefe._ - _And made_ Panthea _elegant in griefe._ - _If those great Trophies of his noble Muse,_ - _Cannot one humor 'gainst your Sex excuse_ - _Which we present to night; you'l finde a way_ - _How to make good the Libell in our Play:_ - _So you are cruell to your selves; whilst he_ - _(Safe in the fame of his integritie)_ - _Will be a Prophet, not a Poet thought;_ - _And this fine Web last long though loosely wrought_. - - The Epilogue to the _Woman-hater_, - or the _Hungry Courtier_. - - _The monuments of Vertue and desert,_ - _Appeare more goodly when the glosse of Art_ - _Is eaten off by time, then when at first:_ - _They were set up, not censur'd at the worst_ - _We have done our best for your contents to fit,_ - _With new paines, this old monument of wit._ - - _Dramatis Personæ_, - - Duke of _Millaine_ - _Gordamio_, The Woman-Hater - _Count Valore_, Brother to _Oriana_ - _Lucio_, A foolish Femall Statesman - _Arigo_, A Courtier attending the Duke - _Lazarillo_, A Voluptuous Smell-feast - His Boy. - A Mercer, A City-Gull, Perlously in Love with Learning. - A Pander - A Gentleman, Instructor to _Lucio_ - - A Secretary to _Lucio_ - Two Intelligencers - Servants. - _Oriana_, The Dukes Mistris - An old deafe Country Gentlewoman - Ladyes - _Madona_, A Courtezan - _Fraciscina_, One of her Wastcote-wayters. - - _The Scene Millaine._ - -p. =71=, l. 14. C-E] _dearenesse of his cares_ l. 16. C-E] _it would -please_ l. 25. C and D] _Lord Lord-borne_ E] Lord, Lord born - -p. =72=, l. 10. C-E] as if - -p. =73=, l. 8. E] and stare, l. 21. E] years l. 25. E] the dishes l. -29. E] Duke l. 34. E] knowledg, l. 36. C-E] to give - -p. =74=, l. 19. E] chac'd the l. 36. E] he gave him - -p. =75=, l. 6. C and D] pleasant varietyes E] pleasant variety l. 7. -E] swarmeth with l. 13. C-E] honor? l. 21. A and B] satisfied. C-E] -satisfied - -p. =76=, l. 7. E] two joals l. 18. E] Not Palaces l. 35. A and B] after -one another gone, C and D] after one another, and gone, - -p. =77=, l. 31. C-E] it will not swear l. 32. E] it it l. 37. E] -Exceeding apt to be - -p. =78=, l. 8. E] at your voice, l. 9. E] your Banquets l. 38. E] hav- - -p. =79=, l. 17. E] these ordinary l. 32. E] compass the - -p. =80=, l. 8. A-D] ... Capon sauce | Upon ... of dust, | Manchets -for ... shields | l. 13. A and B] Count is - -p. =81=, l. 17. E] l_ntelligencer_ l. 28. E] rare if you l. 31. A and -B] of Informer l. 16. A and B] in earnest? l. 18. C-E] ear-shots l. 30. -E] body, I will - -p. =83=, l. 1. A and B] _Int._ Your Lordships Servant. _is followed by -Laz._ Will it please C-E _print as a separate speech, coming before -Laz._] _Count._ Your Lordships Servant. l. 3. E] Lordship to walk? - -p. =84=, l. 15. A-E] desires Rome - -p. =85=, l. 8. A-D] have I good l. 19. C-E] plainess l. 23. A-D] in -talking, treason l. 38. E] shippers - -p. =86=, l. 25. C-E] How! _Arrigo: Lucio:_ l. 32. A-D] It is. - -p. =87=, l. 14. A-D] at her | to me? l. 31. A-E] of this new l. 32. E] -betwixt Curtains - -p. =88=, l. 4. E] tooth-picks? - -p. =89=, l. 35. E] Uususpected - -p. =90=, l. 5. C-E] thy Fortune is now l. 18. E] a clock, it l. 34. -A-D] Hath been - -p. =91=, l. 1. C-E] years old l. 4. E] sols l. 13. A-D] that men must -l. 14. C and D] that men must live E] that must live l. 23. A and B] -the busines C and D] the businesse l. 26. E] shall perceive l. 33. C-E] -_Arrigo Lucio_ l. 36. E] his. - -p. =92=, l. 15. C-E] Wither l. 27. A] Court, there l. 33. E] wil l. 39. -A-D] with patience. | to heare. E] with patience to hear. - -p. =93=, l. 31. E] Lady's l. 32. E] and twindge l. 37. E] _Crnd._ - -p. =94=, l. 6. E] a think as l. 7. E] let the l. 20. C-E] nor this l. -22. C-E] silkgrograns l. 35. E] doe, cover - -p. =95=, l. 1. E] have otherwise l. 17. E] lose - -p. =96=, l. 14. E] woman - -p. =97=, l. 32. E] knowledg - -p. =98=, l. 7. E] tougues l. 7. E] lose l. 28. E] the sweet - -p. =99=, l. 6. E] passion? yes l. 26. C-E] women: to l. 27. C-E] not to -be - -p. =100=, l. 8. E] I unrip l. 15. E] _Valores_, Sister l. 26. E] -_Basilisks_, dead - -p. =101=, l. 9. C-E] convert. l. 22. E] as I'm, l. 23. C-E] we have -store l. 34. C and D] I am the man that E] I'm the man that l. 38. E] -contritiou - -p. =102=, l. 4. E] ill Spirit ll. 8-10 C-E] - - _Gond._ By the true honest service, that I owe these eyes strangely, - My meaning is as spotles as my faith. - - _Oria._ The Duke doubt mine honour? a may judge - -l. 18. E] _Gondarino_, shall l. 24. E] Ladys are l. 27. A and B] where -Witches - -p. =103=, l. 34. E] comsort - -p. =104=, l. 6. C-E] outward court ll. 13-15 _are omitted from_ E - -p. =105=, l. 3. E] compass it search, l. 4. =E=] braius l. 20. C-E] -corrupted l. 25. A] cut out the meanes l. 25. C-E] sword l. 34. A-D] -here a - -p. =106=, l. 22. A-D] a saith l. 22. A-D] he is greater l. 24. A-D] -a was A and B] did yee l. 25. A-D] a fell l. 27. A-D] a meant l. 28. -E] is very l. 29. A and B] if a deale l. 33. C-E] we not l. 37. A-D] -because a l. 38. A-D] a wo'd l. 40. E] hand-sword - -p. =107=, l. 4. A and B] a be hanged. l. 19. C-E] be married - -p. =110=, l. 1. A and B] Surnamed l. 3. A] stand stiffe l. 3. A-D] -places, | And execute l. 9. A and B] rays'd bee; by this l. 15. A-D] -whether l. 16. A and B] whither? wither? l. 22. E] kill l. 23. E] in -black - -p. =111=, l. 1. E] _Actus Tertius._ l. 21. C-E] constancy; l. 27. C and -D] grave words l. 32. C-E] in the Summer - -p. =113=, l. 11. A and B] those women l. 28. C-E _omit_] only - -p. =114=, l. 14. E] thar l. 14. A-D _omit_] a l. 36. C-E] to recover - -p. =115=, l. 16. C-E _give_] _Gondarino_, where is the Lady? _a -separate line, as though not part of the Duke's speech_. l. 28. E] -punish l. 36. E] virtuous, - -p. =116=, l. 6. C-E _omit_] here l. 7. E] scohlar l. 18. C-E] if our l. -24. A-D] a comes l. 30. A-D] shee is l. 35. A and B] would ye - -p. =117=, l. 3. E] Peticoats, and Foreparts l. 5. C-E] compliment? -l. 10. E] stockins C-E] silk. l. 11. A and B] they are a the best -of wooll, and they cleeped jersey. C and D] they are of the best of -wooll, and they clyped Jersey. E] they're of the best of Wooll, and the -clipped Jersey l. 16. A and B] their bookes l. 39. C-E] Poesies, for - -p. =118=, l. 4. A-D] a have l. 13. C-E] I have l. 21. C-E] _Laz._ -Whereabouts l. 23. C-E] because of l. 31. A-D] durst a said - -p. =119=, l. 4. E] unsatisfied, shall l. 11. A and B] upon yee l. 14. -C-E] back, again fall l. 17. E] meet - -p. =120=, l. 2. C-E] Sphear l. 4. C-E] then l. 13. C-E] before l. 30. -C-E] what good l. 34. A-D] does a l. 36. A and B] is rich - -p. =121=, l. 1. A and B] is thine l. 2. A-D] a were C-E] Indenture l. -3. A-D] a bee a the l. 7. C-E _omit_] free l. 14. C-E] my l. 16. A and -B _omit stage direction_. l. 17. A-D] a comes l. 25. C-E] Fair Sir: I -thank ye? l. 35. A and B] feed ye - -p. =122=, l. 10. A and B] will ye l. 14. E _omits_] so l. 16. E] -afflictions l. 21. E] _Laz._ This kiss is yours, l. 28. C-E] hold l. -37. A-D] a should l. 39. A-D] a cal'd - -p. =123=, l. 37. C-E] to be one l. 37. C-E _omit_] same - -p. =124=, l. 2. C-E _omit_] have l. 37. C-E] thought - -p. =126=, l. 26. E] bandstring l. 27. E] send - -p. =127=, l. 21. A-D] this seven yeares l. 31. C-E] wind l. 39. A-D] -fetch am - -p. =128=, l. 4. A and B] All readie? - -p. =129=, l. 9. C-E _omit_] have l. 15. A-E] to bee hang'd, with -silence yet l. 32. E] ahd l. 33. C-E _omit_] now l. 34. A and B] so -forward - -p. =130=, l. 4. E] _1 Int._ l. 6. C-E _omit_] other l. 27. C and D] -Scena 3 E] _Scæna Tertia_ l. 30. E _omits_] again - -p. =131=, l. 2. A and B] wilfull, ignorant, | Of your owne nakednes, -did l. 24. A] dar'st to turne B] dar'st ta turne - -p. =132=, l. 7. E] goldeu l. 8. A-D] it l. 16. A and B] whome have ye -guarded hether C-E] who l. 22. A and B] a hath l. 25. E] have l. 28. -C-E] shall - -p. =133=, l. 27. C-E] what l. 34. E] brings - -p. =134=, l. 2. A] that the l. 23. E] neighbors, l. 38. C-E _omit_] most - -p. =135=, l. 10. C-E] longing l. 11. A-D] there is l. 18. C-E] my l. -34. A and B] not longer - -p. =137=, l. 3. E] good. l. 8. C-E] up, l. 13. A-D] you are l. 32. C-E -_omit_] it l. 34. A-D] deserve it. l. 35. A-E] too - -p. =138=, l. 15. B] feast at all C-E] feast all l. 16. A] be small l. -16. B _omits_] if l. 18. A and B] it betweene l. 20. A and B] heavens -guard the tother C and D] the tother l. 22. E _prints_] _Duke from_ -_above_ at end of line as stage direction. l. 23. B-E] What I? - -p. =139=, l. 3. A and B] ye can l. 13. A and B] talents l. 18. A and B] -give to you l. 26. C-E] make l. 29. A and B] Gundele C and D] Gondele -l. 34. E] _Cond._ l. 40. A-D] a part - -p. =140=, l. 5. A and B] assist ye l. 10. E] foft l. 16. A-D] do, if a -should E] do; if he should l. 18. A-D] if a cou'd get a knife, sure a -wo'd l. 19. A-D] a wo'd doe l. 24. A and B] stomack rawe - -p. =141=, l. 5. B-E] them on her l. 11. E] thy l. 34. C-E] does your -Lordship? - -p. =142=, l. 14. A-E] Whether l. 22. E] wrongfully, the l. 25. C-E] -meditate l. 26. E] Time will call l. 29. C-E] are most merciful - - -NICE VALOUR. - - =A= = First folio. =B= = Second folio. - -(=A=) THE | NICE VALOUR, | or, | The Passionate Mad-man. - -p. =143=. A _omits all after l. 2_. - -p. =144=, l. 3. B] suffrage l. 10. B] 'twos - -p. =145=, l. 5. B] repuations l. 8. A] I ha' l. 12. B] valour; no -virtue; l. 18. B] ot - -p. =146=, l. 5. A] 'Has l. 7. A] 'Had l. 18. B] faithlfuly - -p. =147=, l. 35. B] enemy? - -p. =148=, l. 22. A] I am - -p. =149=, l. 2. A _omits_] Lady, _at end_ l. 3. A and B _omit_] _1 -Gent. at beginning_ l. 22. A] I am - -p. =150=, l. 2. B] too - -p. =151=, l. 40. A] the equality - -p. =153=, l. 15. B] us, than - -p. =154=, l. 6. B] hie l. 7. B] amoroesly l. 8. B] _Shvm_ l. 18. B] is - -p. =157=, l. 5. B] _Women_, l. 18. B] time, make - -p. =158=, l. 23. A] an' that l. 29. A] This sute l. 36. A and B] him? - -p. =161=, l. 16. A] wrested l. 22. B] sword. - -p. =162=, l. 5. B] diff'rence, 'twixt l. 11. B] me, brings - -p. =163=, l. 24. A] beaten e'ne - -p. =164=, l. 3. B] same l. 32. A] 'Has - -p. =165=, l. 15. B] thot l. 27. B] _I_, doubt l. 36. B] may may - -p. =167=, l. 11. B] Tables l. 32. B] thon - -p. =169=, l. 15. B] lame l. 28. B] supper; - -p. =170=, l. 6. B] puddings. l. 11. A] Any your - -p. =171=, l. 38. B] _see 't._ - -p. =173=, l. 5. B] _Dap._ - -p. =174=, l. 22. B] Song? l. 35. B _omits_] nine - -p. =175=, l. 12. B] earth. l. 20. B] strength trust l. 21. B _omits_ -_this line_ l. 40. B] I shall - -p. =176=, l. 6. B] he l. 31. A] 'Death - -p. =177=, l. 27. B] heir l. 34. A] durst - -p. =178=, l. 11. B] _Duke_ l. 25. B] Gentleman l. 27. B] agen. l. 30. -A] _other_ - -p. =179=, l. 9. A] any anger l. 38. B] and I will - -p. =180=, l. 15. B] you l. 17. A] hox - -p. =182=, l. 15. A] this five yeare - -p. =183=, l. 22. B] upon me. l. 31. B] Yov l. 37. B] _2 Gen._ l. 39. B] -Sir. - -p. =184=, l. 23. B] kick - -p. =186=, l. 17. B] in l. 20. B] thick. l. 34. B] god - -p. =187=, l. 18. B] _Ha, ha, ha, ha._ - -p. =188=, l. 2. A] _Now I_ l. 9. B] Pas. l. 15. B] _other, like fools_ -_dancing,_ - -p. =191=, l. 16. B] pleasingly. - -p. =192=, l. 3. B] _Almanacks._ - -p. =193=, l. 36. B] _1 Duke._ - -p. =196=, l. 8. B] However l. 9. B] confess, it, - -p. =198=, l. 6. A] _he is_ l. 6. B] _writ._ - - -BEAUMONT'S LETTER. - - =A= = First folio. =B= = Second folio. - -p. =199=, l. 1. A] M. _Francis_ l. 2. A] Master _Fletcher_ l. 8. A] -_see, however absent is,_ l. 9. B] _Hay-makers_ l. 11. B] _Ile and_ l. -23. B] Rob. l. 26. A] _Providence, keeps_ l. 27. B] _knights_ - -p. =200=, l. 2. B _omits_] happy [_Should have been printed in italics_] - -p. =201=, l. 7. B] _Ketches_ - - -THE HONEST MAN'S FORTUNE. - - =A= = First folio. =B= = Second folio. - -p. =202=. A _omits all after l. 2_. - -p. =203=, l. 2. A] Orleans l. 9. B] brotherhood, had - -p. =204=, l. 24. B] rhe l. 32. B] Where-ever l. 37. B] _Longuezille_ - -p. =205=, l. 6. B] hehaviour - -p. =206=, l. 17. B] _Mrnt._ - -p. =207=, l. 3. B] if he l. 7. B] You're l. 16. B _repeats_] A member -as to lose the use-- - -p. =208=, l. 13. B] outside, would l. 24. A] with labour sir, - -p. =209=, l. 26. A] of this l. 27. B] merciful l. 29. B] people, that - -p. =210=, l. 7. B] _Lang._ l. 23. A] thought, had - -p. =211=, l. 33. A] our eyes. - -p. =212=, l. 13. B] say; l. 22. B] matter: - -p. =213=, l. 3. A] Defence is never l. 5. B] the Girdler, or the l. 26. -B] Beholding, terrify l. 33. B] it, shall - -p. =214=, l. 5. B] you silences l. 13. B] report, you l. 16. B] to l. -25. B] charitable l. 34. B] cloths - -p. =215=, l. 2. B] I'll l. 24. B] Heaven - -p. =216=, l. 1. A] knowest l. 2. B] I'm - -p. =217=, l. 8. B] _Montague_, had l. 23. A _omits the stage -direction_. l. 24. A] _Enter Amiens_ l. 38. B] word - -p. =218=, l. 16. B] Heaven. l. 33. B] parsuade - -p. =219=, l. 1. A] Then that thou hast l. 2. A] enemie l. 33. A] Or -kisses - -p. =220=, l. 3. B] one l. 4. B] parsuade A] the force. l. 19. B] you? -l. 34. B] _Leng._ - -p. =221=, l. 21. B] do; l. 31. B] it we - -p. =222=, l. 4. A] Greater l. 16. A] A bullet; if you be Captain, my l. -21. B] _Lau._ - -p. =223=, l. 33. A and B] Citizen. - -p. =225=, l. 8. A] it seise l. 21. A] certainest - -p. =226=, l. 9. A and B] _Whithin_ l. 18. A] for if, thou hadst have l. -26. B] Orleans, is - -p. =227=, l. 21. B] I'll l. 34. A and B] _Duboyes?_ l. 35. B] hand, hast - -p. =228=, l. 7. B] _Ori._ l. 13. A] women they rayle, out right. B] -women; they rayl out right. l. 16. A] pritty | Jelly. l. 17. A] gallant -l. 21. B] too to, - -p. =229=, l. 4. B _omits_] God l. 11. A] he's a - -p. =230=, l. 15. A] a merry l. 18. B] reason - -p. =231=, l. 6. B] dost not - -p. =233=, l. 22. A] free out the - -p. =234=, l. 4. B] tel I - -p. =235=, l. 9. A and B] ous - -p. =237=, l. 12. A] received for ll. 15-16. A] tale-man - -p. =238=, l. 2. B] Heaven - -p. =239=, l. 3. A] seem to me unapt l. 13. B] dream; - -p. =240=, l. 32. B] wIll l. 36. A] Trouble most willingly; - -p. =241=, l. 5. A] showed upon l. 6. B] preformance l. 9. A] make of -one which my state l. 13. A] tell me, prevent your further l. 16. B] -_Orleane_ l. 37. A] hath brought - -p. =242=, l. 3. A] about all safe l. 5. A] deserve a B] deserves, a l. -16. A] makes l. 25. A] Crohieture l. 28. B] foot-cloaths, durst l. 37. -A] ha'. - -p. =243=, l. 13. B] if I may l. 23. A _omits stage direction_ - -p. =245=, l. 10. A] _Charlo, Veramour, salute._ B] _aud_ Voramour, l. -23. B] derseved l. 28. B] pleased; l. 35. B] mine? - -p. =246=, l. 3. B] Which is as it l. 28. B] tongue l. 30. B] cozenages -l. 32. A] tell you l. 39. B] like I y, - -p. =247=, l. 36. A] had done - -p. =248=, l. 29. B] gentler - -p. =249=, l. 10. B] boy but is wanting l. 34. B] lie - -p. =250=, l. 16. B] quenceh - -p. =251=, l. 4. A] _Enter Veramour with Counters_ l. 7. B] merry) or l. -16. B] tencher l. 18. B] Heaven l. 19. B] Heaven - -p. =252=, l. 6. B] disconrse l. 7. A] of Wormes make l. 27. B] l. 40. -B] up all all the - -p. =253=, l. 3. B] Gentlewoman? l. 30. B] _Chal._ - -p. =254=, l. 8. B] jealons l. 13. B] go. Sir; l. 14. B] Heaven l. 17. -B] will - -p. =255=, l. 9. A] white cheeke - -p. =257=, l. 25. A] Sea-service l. 31. A] o'us l. 34. B] troulesomest - -p. =258=, l. 17. B] will he l. 26. A] a raile but my Swords bredth, -upon a battlement, B] battlement. - -p. =259=, l. 12. B] ths l. 31. B] treason l. 36. A] _their Swords_. l. -39. B] So, - -p. =260=, l. 9.?] _see to_ l. 11. B] Out-loathed l. 26. B _omits_] -_Lam._ l. 34. B] dye l. 36. A] their - -p. =261=, l. 2. B] Out-howling l. 4. A] countenance l. 7. B] thon l. -15. A] of devils - -p. =262=, l. 25. B] Heaven - -p. =263=, l. 3. B] feel? l. 15. A] I am l. 17. B] _Lan._ l. 26. B] Ha' -my - -p. =264=, l. 19. B] no, worse l. 23. A] and a black - -p. =266=, l. 1. B] Heaven l. 29. B] offended. - -p. =268=, l. 1. B] dog-whip? l. 38. B] Heaven - -p. =270=, l. 36. A] Stur your - -p. =271=, l. 6. B] _Lam._ l. 28. A and B] too B] rgainst - -p. =272=, l. 16. B] lik l. 21. B] company, - -p. =273=, l. 1. B] married and l. 7. A] credit which is worse cannot l. -17. B] understand, love l. 19. B] the l. 25. B] Heaven l. 32. A] Nay - -p. =274=, l. 31. B] Hell l. 31. A] _Dunkirks_ - -p. =275=, l. 7. B] _Lov._ l. 7. B] Heaven l. 8. B] _Montagne_ l. 24. B] -new - -p. =276=, l. 18. B _omits_] God l. 39. B] Sea-works - -p. =277=, l. 1. A] me on l. 2. A] Right Courtier - -p. =279=, l. 19. A] _Command_ B] _Command's_ - -p. =280=, l. 13. B] _For_ l. 28. B] _knows_ l. 31. B] _hear_ - - -THE MASQUE OF THE GENTLEMEN OF GRAYS-INNE AND THE INNER-TEMPLE. - -The quarto is as follows: - -THE | MASQUE | OF THE INNER | TEMPLE AND GRAYES | INNE: | GRAYES INNE -AND THE IN-|NER TEMPLE, PRESENTED BEFORE | his Majestie, the Queenes -Majestie, the Prince, Count | _Palatine and the Lady Elizabeth their -Highnesses, in_ | the Banquetting house at White-hall on Sa-|turday -the twentieth day of Fe-|bruarie, 1612. | _AT LONDON,_ | Imprinted -by _F.K._ for _George Norton_, and are to be | at his shoppe neere -Temple-bar. - -THE MASKE OF | THE INNER TEMPLE AND | GRAYES INNE, GRAYES INNE | and -the Inner Temple, presented before his | _Majestie, the Queenes, &c._ - -This Maske was appointed to have beene presented the Shrove-tuesday -before, at which time the Maskers with their attendants and divers -others gallant young Gentlemen of both houses, as their convoy, set -forth from Winchester house which was the _Rende vous_ towards the -Court, about seven of the clocke at night. - -This voyage by water was performed in great Triumph. The gentlemen -Maskers being placed by themselves in the Kings royall barge with the -rich furniture of state, and adorned with a great number of lights -placed in such order as might make best shew. - -They were attended with a multitude of barges and gallies, with all -variety of lowde Musicke, and severall peales of Ordnance. And led by -two Admiralls. - -Of this shew his Majesty was gratiously pleased to take view, with -the Prince, the Count _Palatine_, and the Lady _Elizabeth:_ their -highnesses at the windowes of his privy gallerie upon the water, till -their landing, which was at the privy staires: where they were most -honorablie received by the Lord Chamberlaine, and so conducted to the -Vestry. - -The Hall was by that time filled with company of very good fashion, but -yet so as a very great number of principall Ladies, and other noble -persons were not yet come in, wherby it was foreseen that the roome -would be so scanted as might have been inconvenient. And there upon his -Majesty was most gratiously pleased with the consent of the gentlemen -Maskers, to put off the night until Saturday following with this -special favour and priviledge, that there should bee no let, as to the -outward ceremony of magnificence untill that time. - -At the day that it was presented, there was a choice roome reserved -for the gentlemen, of both their houses, who comming in troope about -seven of the clocke, received that speciall honor and noble favour, as -to be brought to their places, by the Right Honourable the Earle of -Northampton, Lord Privie Seale. - -TO THE WORTHIE | SIR FRANCIS BACON, HIS MA-|JESTIES SOLLICITOR -GENE-|rall, and the grave and learned Bench of | the anciently allied -houses of Grayes | Inne, and the Inner Temple, the Inner | _Temple, and -Grayes Inne._ - -_Yee that spared no time nor travell, in the setting forth, ordering, -& furnishing of this Masque, being the first fruits of honor in this -kinde, which these two societies have offered to his Majestie: Will -not thinke much now to looke backe upon the effects of your owne care -and worke: for that whereof the successe was then doubtfull, is now -happily performed and gratiously accepted. And that which you were -then to thinke of in straites of time, you may now peruse at leysure. -And you Sir_ Francis Bacon _especially, as you did then by your -countenance, and loving affection advance it, so let your good word -grace it, and defend it, which is able to adde value to the greatest, -and least matters._ - - THE DEVISE OR | ARGUMENT OF THE | MASQUE. - -_Jupiter_ and _Juno_ willing to doe honour to the Mariage of the -two famous Rivers _Thamesis_ and _Rhene_, imploy their Messengers -severally, _Mercurie_ and _Iris_ for that purpose. They meete and -contend: then _Mercurie_ for his part brings forth an Anti-masque all -of Spirits or divine Natures: but yet not of one kinde or liverie -(because that had been so much in use heretofore) but as it were in -consort like to broken Musicke. And preserving the proprietie of the -devise; for that Rivers in nature are maintained either by Springs from -beneath, or Shewers from above: He raiseth foure of the _Naiades_ out -of the Fountaines, and bringeth downe five of the _Hyades_ out of the -Cloudes to daunce; hereupon _Iris_ scoffes at _Mercurie_ for that hee -had devised a daunce but of one Sexe, which could have no life: but -_Mercurie_ who was provided for that exception, and in token that the -Match should be blessed both with Love and Riches calleth forth out of -the Groves foure _Cupids_, and brings downe from _Jupiters_ Altar foure -_Statuaes_ of gold and silver to daunce with the Nymphes and Starres: -in which daunce the _Cupids_ being blinde, and the _Statuaes_ having -but halfe life put into them, and retaining still somewhat of their old -nature, giveth fit occasion to new and strange varieties both in the -Musick and paces. This was the first Anti-masque. - -Then _Iris_ for her part in scorne of this high flying devise, and in -token that the Match shall likewise be blessed with the love of the -Common People, calles to _Flora_ her confederate (for that the Moneths -of flowers are likewise the Moneths of sweete shewers, and Raine-bowes) -to bring in a May-daunce or Rurall daunce, consisting likewise not -of any suted persons, but of a confusion, or commixture of all such -persons as are naturall and proper for Countrey sports. This is the -second Anti-masque. - -Then _Mercurie_ and _Iris_ after this vying one upon the other, seeme -to leave their contention: and _Mercurie_ by the consent of _Iris_ -brings downe the _Olympian_ Knights, intimating that _Jupiter_ having -after a long discontinuance revived the _Olympian_ games, and summoned -thereunto from all parts the liveliest, & activest persons that were, -had enjoyned them before they fell to their games to doe honour to -these Nuptials. The _Olympian_ games portend to the Match, Celebritie, -Victorie, and Felicitie. This was the maine Masque. - -The Fabricke was a Mountaine with two descents, and severed with two -Travesses. - - _At the entrance of the King._ - -The first Travers was drawne, and the lower descent of the Mountaine -discovered; which was the Pendant of a hill to life, with divers -boscages and Grovets upon the steepe or hanging grounds thereof, and at -the foote of the Hill, foure delicate Fountaines running with water and -bordered with sedges and water flowers. - -_Iris_ first appeared, and presently after _Mercurie_ striving to -overtake her. - -_Iris_ apparelled in a robe of discoulored Taffita figured in variable -colours, like the Raine-bowe, a cloudie wreath on her head, and Tresses. - -_Mercurie_ in doublet and hose of white Taffita, a white hat, wings on -his shoulders and feet, his Caduceus in his hand, speaking to _Iris_ as -followeth. - - MERCURIE. - - Stay, Stay. - Stay light foot _Iris_, for thou strivest in vaine, - My wings are nimbler then thy feete. - - IRIS. - - Away, - Dissembling _Mercury_; my messages - Aske honest haste, not like those wanton ones - Your thundring father sends. - - MERCURIE. - - Stay foolish Maid, - Or I will take my rise upon a hill, - When I perceive thee seated in a cloud, - In all the painted glorie that thou hast, - And never cease to clap my willing wings, - Till I catch hold of thy discolour'd Bow, - And shiver it beyond the angry power - Of your curst Mistresse, to make up againe. - - IRIS. - - _Hermes_ forbeare, _Juno_ will chide and strike; - Is great _Jove_ jealous that I am imploy'd - On her love errands? she did never yet - Claspe weake mortalitie in her white armes, - As he hath often done: I onely come - To celebrate the long wisht Nuptials, - Heere in _Olympia_, which are now perform'd - Betwixt two goodly Rivers, which have mixt - Their gentle rising waves, and are to grow - Into a thousand streames, great as themselves; - I need not name them, for the sound is lowde - In heaven and earth, and I am sent from her - The Queene of Mariage, that was present heere, - And smil'd to see them joyne, and hath not chid - Since it was done: good _Hermes_ let me go. - - MERCURIE. - - Nay you must stay, _Joves_ message is the same, - Whose eies are lightning, and whose voice is thunder, - Whose breath is any winde, he will, who knowes - How to be first on earth as well as heaven. - - IRIS. - - But what hath he to doe with Nuptiall rights? - Let him keepe state upon his starry throne, - And fright poore mortals with his thunderbolts, - Leaving to us the mutuall darts of eyes. - - MERCURIE. - - Alas, when ever offer'd he t'abridge - Your Ladies power, but onely now in these, - Whose match concernes his generall government? - Hath not each god a part in these high joyes? - And shall not he the King of gods presume - Without proud _Junoes_ licence? let her know - That when enamor'd _Jove_ first gave her power - To linke soft hearts in Undissolved bonds, - He then foresaw, and to himselfe reserv'd - The honor of this Mariage: thou shalt stand - Still as a Rocke, while I to blesse this feast - Will summon up with my all charming rod, - The Nymphes of fountains, from whose watry locks - Hung with the dew of blessing and encrease, - The greedie Rivers take their nourishment. - You Nymphes, who bathing in your loved springs, - Beheld these Rivers in their infancie, - And joy'd to see them, when their circled heads - Refresht' the aire, and spread the ground with flowers: - Rise from your Wells, and with your nimble feete - Performe that office to this happie paire; - Which in these plaines, you to _Alpheus_ did; - When passing hence through many seas unmixt, - He gained the favour of his _Arethuse_. - - Immediatlie upon which speech foure _Naiades_ - arise gentlie out of their severall - Fountaines, and present themselves upon the - Stage, attired in long habits of sea-greene - Taffita, with bubbles of Christall intermixt - with powdering of silver resembling drops - of water; blewish Tresses on their heads, - garlands of Water-Lillies. They fall into a - Measure, daunce a little, then make a stand. - - IRIS. - - Is _Hermes_ growne a lover, by what power - Unknowne to us, calls he the _Naiades?_ - - MERCURIE. - - Presumptuous _Iris_, I could make thee daunce - Till thou forgott'st thy Ladies messages, - And rann'st backe crying to her, thou shall know - My power is more, onely my breath, and this - Shall move fix'd starres, and force the firmament - To yeeld the _Hyades_, who governe showers, - And dewie clouds, in whose dispersed drops - Thou form'st the shape of thy deceitfull Bow. - You maids, who yearely at appointed times, - Advance with kindly teares, the gentle flouds, - Descend, and powre your blessing on these streames, - Which rolling downe from heaven aspiring hils, - And now united in the fruitfull vales; - Beare all before them ravisht with their joy, - And swell in glorie till they know no bounds. - - Five _Hyades_ descend softly in a cloud from the - firmament, to the middle part of the hill, - apparelled in skie coloured Taffita robes, - spangled like the Heavens, golden Tresses, - and each a faire Starre on their head, from - thence descend to the Stage, at whose sight - the _Naiades_ seeming to rejoyce, meete and - joyne in a dance. - - IRIS. - - Great witte and power hath _Hermes_ to contrive - A livelesse dance, which of one sexe consists. - - MERCURIE. - - Alas poore _Iris_, _Venus_ hath in store - A secret Ambush of her winged boyes, - Who lurking long within these pleasant groves; - First strucke these Lovers with their equall darts, - Those _Cupids_ shall come forth, and joyne with these, - To honor that which they themselves begun. - - Enter foure _Cupids_ from each side of the - Boscage, attired in flame coloured Taffita - close to their bodie like naked Boyes, with - Bowes, Arrowes, and wings of gold: Chaplets - of flowers on their heads, hoodwinckt with - Tiffiny scarfs, who joyne with the Nymphes, - and the _Hyades_ in another daunce. That - ended, _Iris_ speakes. - - IRIS. - - Behold the Statuaes which wise _Vulcan_ plac'd - Under the Altar of Olympian _Jove_, - Shall daunce for joy of these great Nuptialls: - And gave to them an Artificiall life, - See how they move, drawne by this heavenly joy, - Like the wilde trees, which follow'd _Orpheus_ Harpe. - - The _Statuaes_ enter, supposed to be before - descended from _Joves_ Altar, and to have - been prepared in the covert with the - _Cupids_, attending their call. - -These _Statuaes_ were attired in cases of gold and silver close to -their bodie, faces, hands and feete, nothing seene but gold and silver, -as if they had been solid Images of mettall, Tresses of haire as they -had been of mettall imbossed, girdles and small aprons of oaken leaves, -as if they likewise had been carved or molded out of the mettall: at -their comming, the Musicke changed from Violins to Hoboyes, Cornets, -&c. And the ayre of the Musicke was utterly turned into a soft time, -with drawing notes, excellently expressing their natures, and the -Measure likewise was fitted unto the same, and the _Statuaes_ placed -in such severall postures, sometimes all together in the Center of the -daunce, and sometimes in the foure utmost Angles, as was very gracefull -besides the noveltie: and so concluded the first Anti-masque. - - MERCURIE. - - And what will _Junoes Iris_ do for her? - - IRIS. - - Just match this shew; or my Invention failes, - Had it beene worthier, I would have invok'd - The blazing Comets, Clouds and falling Starres, - And all my kindred Meteors of the Ayre - To have excell'd it, but I now must strive - To imitate Confusion, therefore thou - Delightfull _Flora_, if thou ever felt'st - Encrease of sweetnesse in those blooming plants, - On which the homes of my faire bow decline; - Send hither all the Rurall company, - Which decke the May-games with their Countrey sports; - _Juno_ will have it so. - - The second Anti-masque rush in, daunce their Measure, and - as rudely depart, consisting of a Pedant. - - May Lord, May Lady. - Servingman, Chambermaide. - A Countrey Clowne, or Shepheard, Countrey Wench. - An Host, Hostesse. - A Hee Baboone, Shee Baboone. - A Hee Foole, Shee Foole ushering them in. - - All these persons apparelled to the life, the - Men issuing out of one side of the Boscage, - and the Woemen from the other: the Musicke - was extremely well fitted, having such a - spirit of Countrey jolitie, as can hardly be - imagined, but the perpetuall laughter and - applause was above the Musicke. - -The dance likewise was of the same strain, and the Dancers, or rather -Actors expressed every one their part so naturally, and aptly, as when -a Mans eye was caught with the one, and then past on to the other, hee -could not satisfie himselfe which did best. It pleased his Majestie -to call for it againe at the end, as he did likewise for the first -Anti-masque, but one of the _Statuaes_ by that time was undressed. - - MERCURIE. - - _Iris_ we strive, - Like windes at libertie, who should do worst - Ere we returne. If _Juno_ be the Queene - Of Mariage, let her give happie way - To what is done, in honor of the State - She governes. - - IRIS. - - _Hermes,_ so it may be done - Meerely in honor of the State, and these - That now have prov'd it, not to satisfie - The lust of _Jupiter_, in having thankes - More then his _Juno_, if thy snakie rod - Have power to search the heavens, or sound the sea, - Or call together all the ends of earth, - To bring in any thing that may do grace - To us, and these; do it, we shall be pleas'd. - - MERCURY. - - Then know that from the mouth of _Jove_ himselfe, - Whose words have wings, and need not to be borne; - I tooke a message, and I bare it through - A thousand yeelding clouds, and never stai'd - Till his high will was done: the Olympian games - Which long have slept, at these wish'd Nuptials, - He pleas'd to have renew'd, and all his Knights - Are gathered hither, who within their tents - Rest on this hill, upon whose rising head. - Behold _Joves_ Altar, and his blessed Priests - Moving about it: come you holy men, - And with your voices draw these youthes along, - That till _Joves_ musicke call them to their games, - Their active sports may give a blest content - To those, for whom they are againe begun. - - * * * * * - - _The Maine Masque._ - -The second Travers is drawne, and the higher ascent of the Mountaine -is discovered, wherein upon a levell after a great rise of the Hill, -were placed two Pavilions: open in the front of them, the Pavilions -were to sight as of cloth of gold, and they were trimmed on the inside -with rich Armour and Militarie furniture hanged up as upon the walles, -and behind the Tents there were represented in prospective, the tops of -divers other Tents, as if it had been a Campe. In these Pavilions were -placed fifteene _Olympian_ Knights, upon seates a little imbowed neere -the forme of a Croisant, and the Knights appeared first, as consecrated -persons all in vailes, like to Coapes, of silver Tiffinie, gathered, -and falling a large compasse about them, and over their heads high -Miters with long pendants behind falling from them, the Miters were -so high, that they received their hats and feathers, that nothing was -seene but vaile: in the midst betweene both the Tents upon the very top -of the hill, being a higher levell then that of the Tents, was placed -_Jupiters_ Altar gilt, with three great Tapers upon golden Candlesticks -burning upon it: and the foure _Statuaes_, two of gold, and two of -silver, as supporters, and _Jupiters_ Priests in white robes about it. - -Upon the sight of the King, the vailes of the Knights did fall easilie -from them, and they appeared in their owne habit. - - _The Knights attire._ - -Arming doublets of Carnation satten embrodered with Blazing Starres -of silver plate, with powderings of smaller Starres betwixt, gorgets -of silver maile, long hose of the same, with the doublets laide with -silver lace spangled, and enricht with embroderie betweene the lace: -Carnation silke stockins imbrodered all over, garters and roses -sutable: Pumpes of Carnaiton satten imbrodered as the doublets, hats -of the same stuffe and embroderie cut like a helmet before, the hinder -part cut into Scallops, answering the skirts of their doublets: the -bands of the hats were wreathes of silver in forme of garlands of wilde -Olives, white feathers with one fall of Carnation, Belts of the same -stuffe and embrodered with the doublet: Silver swords, little Italian -bands and cuffes embrodered with silver, faire long Tresses of haire. - - _The Priests habits._ - -Long roabes of white Taffita, long white heads of haire. The high -Priest a cap of white silke shagge close to his head, with two labels -at the eares, the midst rising in forme of a Pyramis, in the top -thereof a branch of silver, every Priest playing upon a Lute: twelve in -number. - - The Priests descend and sing this song following, - after whom the Knights likewise descend: - first laying aside their vailes, belts, and - swords. - - The first Song. - - _Shake off your heavy traunce,_ - _And leape into a daunce,_ - _Such as no mortals use to treade,_ - _Fit only for_ Apollo - _To play to, for the Moone to lead,_ - _And all the Starres to follow._ - - The Knights by this time are all descended and - fallen into their place, and then daunce - their first Measure. - - The second Song. - - _On blessed youthes, for_ Jove _doth pause_ - _Laying aside his graver lawes_ - _For this device,_ - _And at the wedding such a paire,_ - _Each daunce is taken for a praier,_ - _Each song a sacrifice._ - - The Knights daunce their second Measure. - - The third Song. - - Single. - - _More pleasing were these sweet delights,_ - _If Ladies mov'd as well as Knights;_ - _Runne ev'ry one of you and catch_ - _A Nymph in honor of this match;_ - _And whisper boldly in her eare,_ - _Jove will but laugh, if you forsweare._ - - All. - - _And this dayes sinnes he doth resolve_ - _That we his Priests should all absolve._ - - The Knights take their Ladies to daunce with them - Galliards, Durets, Corantoes, &c. and leade - them to their places. Then loude Musicke - sound's, supposed to call them to their - _Olympian_ games. - - The fourth Song. - - _Ye should stay longer if we durst,_ - _Away, alas that he that first_ - _Gave Time wilde wings to fly away,_ - _Hath now no power to make him stay._ - _But though these games must needs be plaid,_ - _I would this Paire, when they are laid,_ - _And not a creature nie them,_ - _Could catch his scythe, as he doth passe,_ - _And cut his wings, and breake his glasse,_ - _And keepe him ever by them._ - - The Knights daunce their parting Measure and - ascend, put on their Swords and Belts, during - which time the Priests sing the fifth and - last Song. - - _Peace and silence be the guide_ - _To the Man, and to the Bride,_ - _If there be a joy yet new_ - _In mariage, let it fall on you,_ - _That all the world may wonder._ - _If we should stay, we should doe worse,_ - _And turne our blessing to a curse,_ - _By keeping you asunder._ - - FINIS. - - =Q= = Quarto. =A= = First folio. =B= = Second folio. - -p. =281=, l. 6. A] at White-hall l. 12. B] loot l. 21. B] glory, l. 22. -A and B] wing l. 23. A and B] on l. 25. A and B] mad - -p. =282=, l. 7. A and B] that l. 8. A and B] winding l. 17. A and B] -airy l. 18. A and B] in l. 20. A and B] sit pleas'd l. 23. B] offer'd, -l. 24. A and B] now, l. 25. A and B] the l. 29. B] firk l. 30. A and B] -undissolving bands l. 38. A and B] Yea - -p. =283=, l. 10. A and B] Maids l. 19. A and B] Yea l. 31. A and B] -lively l. 39. B] _the_ - -p. =284=, l. 4. A and B _omit this line_. l. 11. A and B] mine -inventions fail l. 14. B] kindred, Meteors l. 20. A and B] that l. 21. -A and B] clownish l. 23. A and B] _rusheth in, they dance_ l. 32. A and -B] those l. 38. A and B] thee - -p. =285=, l. 2. A and B] bore l. 5. A and B] had l. 9. B] _Priests_ - -p. =286=, l. 9. B] that, l. 12. A and B] _You_ l. 15. A and B] _H'as_ -l. 16. A and B] _And_ l. 17. A and B] _these_ l. 19. A and B] _Might_ -l. 21. A and B] _clip_ l. 25. B] _yet_ - - -FOUR PLAYS IN ONE. - - =A= = First folio. =B= = Second folio. - -(=A=) FOUR PLAYS, | OR | Morall Representations, | IN ONE. - -p. =287=. A _omits from l_. 2 _on p._ 287 _and the whole of p_. 288. - -p. =290=, l. 8. B] you, is l. 20. B] Not l. 39. B] lienaments - -p. =291=, l. 17. A] _are Hinshers bare before_ l. 18. A] _Hinsher_ - -p. =293=, l. 13. B] to a void l. 19. B] did conquer - -p. =294=, l. 18. B] prayers. l. 29. B] the - -p. =295=, l. 30.?] coarser - -p. =296=, l. 31. B] Conqust - -p. =297=, l. 28. B] transform'd l. 29. B] gentle - -p. =298=, l. 7. B] to ward thee l. 30. B] by - -p. =299=, l. 31. B] _Nichodemus I_, ll. 38-39. A] prosecute - -p. =300=, l. 10. A and B] _Corin_. l. 16. B] cod-shead - -p. =301=, l. 16. B] Tragedion l. 29. B] yoor - -p. =302=, l. 8. B] you l. 19. B] house use l. 36. B] _Martius_, had - -p. =305=, l. 6. B] than l. 12. B] I'm l. 19. B] I'm - -p. =306=, l. 21. B] Maray - -p. =307=, l. 19. A] I am l. 33. B] _connot_ - -p. =308=, l. 31. B] tears? - -p. =309=, l. 2. B] know, that l. 32. B] _Ladyes_ - -p. =310=, l. 5. B] _Martius_, be - -p. =311=, l. 19. B] _Exeuni_ l. 23. B] _triumph with_ l. 32. B] -_Ladyes_ l. 35. B] _Scepteron the_ - -p. =312=, l. 16. B] _shs_ - -p. =313=, l. 2. B] _affeions_ l. 6. A] _Violane_ l. 7. B] _Gerrerd_ l. -29. A] _Violane_ l. 30. B] yout - -p. =314=, l. 11. A] _Violane's_ l. 16. B] away your l. 21. B] mus - -p. =315=, l. 4. B _omits the speech in square brackets, and gives the -one following it to Ferd._ l. 34. B] affaris - -p. =316=, l. 19. B] bebt l. 22. B] to l. 31. B] estate l. 35. B] than - -p. =317=, l. 8. B] prepartion l. 29. B] loook - -p. =318=, l. 38. B] pray - -p. =320=, l. 3. B] an-old - -p. =321=, l. 2. B] weeping - -p. =322=, l. 14. B] Iive l. 34. A] lie above - -p. =323=, l. 17. B] keys, I'll B] Contract, 1 l. 18. B] _Violanta_ l. -37. B] _Stet._ l. 38. B] _Angel_ - -p. =324=, l. 6. B] _Angel_ - -p. =325=, l. 4. B] griefe l. 19. B] too - -p. =326=, l. 5. B] cursse - -p. =327=, l. 1. B] wash l. 14. B] Gerrard - -p. =328=, l. 11. B] _offended._ l. 14. B] _Suff ewith_ l. 20. B] -_whole_ l. 32. B] Uncle o all l. 33. B] piry l. 40. B] _Violanto,_ - -p. =329=, l. 17. B] M dearest - -p. =330=, l. 5. B] _Cer._ l. 10. A] Why? shouldst thou dye, l. 22. A] -States read - -p. =331=, l. 14. A] yond' - -p. =333=, l. 22. B] Madam - -p. =334=, l. 23. B] 't - -p. =335=, l. 14. B] blastad l. 30. B] slave! I. and that l. 32. B] me -l. 35. B] be ye - -p. =336=, l. 31. B] business. l. 37. A] my ever service here I dedicate - -p. =337=, l. 6. B] ---- Oh l. 17. B] _Perolot._ l. 23. B] tried l. 31. -B] roof, is l. 39. B] 1 _Court_ - -p. =339=, l. 10. B] Oh,! am l. 26. A _omits stage direction._ - -p. =341=, l. 30. B] Bur l. 31. B] ereature l. 36. B] and - -p. =342=, l. 7. B] Iight - -p. =343=, l. 2. A] ye onely - -p. =344=, l. 2. B] offices l. 26. B] way:, l. 31. B] Perelot - -p. =345=, l. 1. B] Iips l. 3. B] not l. 7. B] _Perelot_ - -p. =347=, l. 3. B] _Lavall._ - -p. =348=, l. 39. B _omits the line in square brackets._ l. 17. B] -constancie l. 18. B] goodness? - -p. =350=, l. 21. B] brim'd l. 38. B] _falls._ - -p. =351=, l. 8. B] _Perolet_ l. 19. B] a fire l. 22. B] mnst - -p. =353=, l. 6. B] vengeaance l. 26. B] em - -p. =355=, l. 24. B] _incrib'd_ l. 25. B _omits_] _a_ - -p. =356=, l. 14. B] l l. 24. B] clappiug l. 33. B] en - -p. =357=, l. 19. B] courtisie - -p. =358=, l. 18. B] my - -p. =359=, l. 1. B] A way l. 8. B] and _Pleasure_ l. 14. B] statuas A] -sweat l. 39. B] my - -p. =361=, l. 19. B] with l. 21. B] Iove - -p. =362=, l. 26. B] Neve l. 31. B] _&t._ - -p. =363=, l. 2. B] Lucre, Craft, l. 21. B] want. Strike _Mercury_. l. -24. A] Be done l. 27. B] Lncre - - END OF VOL. X. - - - - - - TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES - - - Silently corrected simple spelling, grammar, and typographical - errors. - - Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed. - - Enclosed italics markup in _underscores_. - - Enclosed bold markup in =equals=. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Beaumont & Fletcher's Works (10 of 10), by -Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEAUMONT & FLETCHER'S WORKS, VOL 10 *** - -***** This file should be named 50096-0.txt or 50096-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/0/9/50096/ - -Produced by Richard Tonsing, Jonathan Ingram and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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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