Arb.
I hope thou art; for to be plain with thee,Thou art in Hell else, secret scorching flamesThat far transcend earthly material firesAre crept into me, and there is no cure.Is it not strangeMardonius, there's no cure?
Mar.
Sir, either I mistake, or there is something hidThat you would utter to me.
Arb.
So there is, but yet I cannot do it.
Mar.
Out with it Sir, if it be dangerous, I will not shrink to do you service, I shall not esteem my life a weightier matter than indeed it is, I know it is subject to more chances than it has hours, and I were better lose it in my Kings cause, than with an ague, or a fall, or sleeping, to a Thief; as all these are probable enough: let me but know what I shall do for you.
Arb.
It will not out: were you withGobrias,And bad him give my Sister all contentThe place affords, and give her leave to sendAnd speak to whom she please?
Mar.
Yes Sir, I was.
Arb.
And did you toBacuriussay as muchAboutTigranes?
Mar.
Yes.
Arb.
That's all my business.
Mar.
O say not so,You had an answer of this before;Besides I think this business mightBe utter'd more carelesly.
Arb.
Come thou shalt have it out, I do beseech theeBy all the love thou hast profest to me,To see my Sister from me.
Mar.
Well, and what?
Arb.
That's all.
Mar.
That's strange, I shall say nothing to her?
Arb.
Not a word;But if thou lovest me, find some subtil wayTo make her understand by signs.
Mar.
But what shall I make her understand?
Arb.
OMardonius, for that I must be pardon'd.
Mar.
You may, but I can only see her then.
Arb.
'Tis true;Bear her this Ring then, andOne more advice, thou shall speak to her:Tell her I do love My kindred all: wilt thou?
Mar.
Is there no more?
Arb.
O yes and her the best;Better than any Brother loves his Sister: That's all.
Mar.
Methinks this need not have been delivered with such a caution;I'le do it.
Arb.
There is more yet,Wilt thou be faith[f]ul to me?
Mar.
Sir, if I take upon me to deliver it, after I hear it, I'le pass through fire to do it.
Arb.
I love her better than a Brother ought;Dost thou conceive me?
Mar.
I hope you do not Sir.
Arb.
No, thou art dull, kneel down before her,And ne'r rise again, till she will love me.
Mar.
Why, I think she does.
Arb.
But better than she does, another way;As wives love Husbands.
Mar.
Why, I think there are few Wives that love theirHusbands better than she does you.
Arb.
Thou wilt not understand me: is it fitThis should be uttered plainly? take it thenNaked as it is: I would desire her loveLasciviously, lewdly, incestuously,To do a sin that needs must damn us both,And thee too: dost thou understand me now?
Mar.
Yes, there's your Ring again; what have I doneDishonestly in my whole life, name it,That you should put so base a business to me?
Arb.
Didst thou not tell me thou wouldst do it?
Mar.
Yes; if I undertook it, but if allMy hairs were lives, I would not be engag'dIn such a case to save my last life.
Arb.
O guilt! ha how poor and weak a thing art thou!This man that is my servant, whom my breathMight blow upon the world, might beat me hereHaving this cause, whil'st I prest down with sinCould not resist him: hearMardonius,It was a motion mis-beseeming man,And I am sorry for it.
Mar.
Heaven grant you may be so: you must understand, nothing that you can utter, can remove my love and service from my Prince. But otherwise, I think I shall not love you more. For you are sinful, and if you do this crime, you ought to have no Laws. For after this, it will be great injustice in you to punish any offender for any crime. For my self I find my heart too big: I feel I have not patience to look on whilst you run these forbidden courses. Means I have none but your favour, and I am rather glad that I shall lose 'em both together, than keep 'em with such conditions; I shall find a dwelling amongst some people, where though our Garments perhaps be courser, we shall be richer far within, and harbour no such vices in 'em: the Gods preserve you, and mend.
Arb.
Mardonius, stayMardonius, for thoughMy present state requires nothing but knavesTo be about me, such as are prepar'dFor every wicked act, yet who does knowBut that my loathed Fate may turn about,And I have use for honest men again?I hope I may, I prethee leave me not.
EnterBessus.
Bes.
Where is the King?
Mar.
There.
Bes.
An't please your Majesty, there's the knife.
Arb.
What knife?
Bes.
The Sword is eaten.
Mar.
Away you fool, the King is serious,And cannot now admit your vanities.
Bes.
Vanities! I'me no honest man, if my enemies have not brought it to this, what, do you think I lie?
Arb.
No, no, 'tis wellBessus, 'tis very well I'm glad on't.
Mar.
If your enemies brought it to this, your enemies are Cutlers, come leave the King.
Bes.
Why, may not valour approach him?
Mar.
Yes, but he has affairs, depart, or I shall be something unmannerly with you.
Arb.
No, let him stayMardonius, let him stay,I have occasion with him very weighty,And I can spare you now.
Mar.
Sir?
Arb.
Why I can spare you now.
Bes.
Mardoniusgive way to these State affairs.
Mar.
Indeed you are fitter for this present purpose.
[ExitMar.
Arb.
Bessus, I should imploy thee, wilt thou do't?
Bes.
Do't for you? by this Air I will do any thing without exception, be it a good, bad, or indifferent thing.
Arb.
Do not swear.
Bes.
By this light but I will, any thing whatsoever.
Arb.
But I shall name the thing,Thy Conscience will not suffer thee to do.
Bes.
I would fain hear that thing.
Arb.
Why I would have thee get my Sister for me?Thou understandst me, in a wicked manner.
Bes.
O you would have a bout with her?I'le do't, I'le do't, I'faith.
Arb.
Wilt thou, do'st thou make no more on't? Bes. More? no, why is there any thing else? if there be, it shall be done too.
Arb.
Hast thou no greater sense of such a sin?Thou art too wicked for my company,Though I have hell within me, thou may'st yetCorrupt me further: pray thee answer me,How do I shew to thee after this motion?
Bes.
Why your Majesty looks as well in my opinion, as ever you did since you were born.
Arb.
But thou appear'st to me after thy grant,The ugliest, loathed detestable thingThat I ever met with. Thou hast eyesLike the flames ofSulphur, which me thinks do dartInfection on me, and thou hast a mouthEnough to take me in where there do standFour rows of Iron Teeth.
Bes.
I feel no such thing, but 'tis no matter how I look, Pie do my business as well as they that look better, and when this is dispatch'd, if you have a mind to your Mother, tell me, and you shall see I'le set it hard.
Arb.
My Mother! Heaven forgive me to hear this,I am inspir'd with horrour: now I hate theeWorse than my sin, which if I could come byShould suffer death Eternal ne're to riseIn any breast again. Know I will dieLanguishing mad, as I resolve, I shall,E're I will deal by such an instrument:Thou art too sinful to imploy in this;Out of the World, away.
Bes.
What do you mean, Sir?
Arb.
Hung round with Curses, take thy fearful flightInto the Desarts, where 'mongst all the MonstersIf thou find'st one so beastly as thy self,Thou shalt be held as innocent.
Bes.
Good Sir.
Arb.
If there were no such instruments as thou,We Kings could never act such wicked deeds:Seek out a man that mocks Divinity,That breaks each precept both of God and man,And natures too, and does it without lust,Meerly because it is a law, and good,And live with him: for him thou canst not spoil.Away I say, I will not do this sin.
[ExitBessus.
I'le press it here, till it do break my breast,It heaves to get out, but thou art a sin,And spight of torture I will keep thee in.
EnterGobrias, Panthea,andSpaconia.
Gob.
Have you written Madam?
Pan.
Yes, goodGobrias.
Gob.
And with a kindness, and such winning wordsAs may provoke him, at one instant feelHis double fault, your wrong, and his own rashness?
Pan.
I have sent words enough, if words may win himFrom his displeasure; and such words I hope,As shall gain much upon his goodness,Gobrias.Yet fearing they are many, and a womans,A poor belief may follow, I have wovenAs many truths within 'em to speak for me,That if he be but gracious, and receive 'em—
Gob.
Good Lady be not fearful, though he should notGive you your present end in this, believe it,You shall feel, if your vertue can induce youTo labour on't, this tempest which I know,Is but a poor proof 'gainst your patience:All those contents, your spirit will arrive at,Newer and sweeter to you; your Royal brother,When he shall once collect himself, and seeHow far he has been asunder from himself;What a meer stranger to his golden temper:Must from those roots of vertue, never dying,Though somewhat stopt with humour, shoot againInto a thousand glories, bearing his fair branchesHigh as our hopes can look at, straight as justice,Loaden with ripe contents; he loves you dearly,I know it, and I hope I need not fartherWin you to understand it.
Pan.
I believe it.But howsoever, I am sure I love him dearly:So dearly, that if any thing I writeFor my enlarging should beget his anger,Heaven be a witness with me and my faith,I had rather live intomb'd here.
Gob.
You shall not feel a worse stroke than your grief,I am sorry 'tis so sharp, I kiss your hand,And this night will deliver this true story,With this hand to your Brother.
Pan.
Peace go with you, you are a good man.
[ExitGob.
MySpaconia, why are you ever sad thus?
Spa.
O dear Lady.
Pan.
Prethee discover not a way to sadness,Nearer than I have in me, our two sorrowsWork like two eager Hawks, who shall get highest;How shall I lessen thine? for mine I fearIs easier known than cur'd.
Spa.
Heaven comfort both,And give you happy ends, however IFall in my stubborn fortunes.
Pan.
This but teachesHow to be more familiar with our sorrows,That are too much our masters: goodSpaconiaHow shall I do you service?
Spa.
Noblest Lady,You make me more a slave still to your goodness,And only live to purchase thanks to pay you,For that is all the business of my life: nowI will be bold, since you will have it so,To ask a noble favour of you.
Pan.
Speak it, 'tis yours, for from so sweet a vertue,No ill demand has issue.
Spa.
Then ever vertuous, let me beg your willIn helping me to see the PrinceTigranes,With whom I am equal prisoner, if not more.
Pan.
Reserve me to a greater endSpaconia;Bacuriuscannot want so much good mannersAs to deny your gentle visitation,Though you came only with your own command.
Spa.
I know they will deny me gracious Madam,Being a stranger, and so little fam'd,So utter empty of those excellenciesThat tame Authority; but in you sweet Lady,All these are natural; beside, a powerDeriv'd immediate from your Royal brother,Whose least word in you may command the Kingdom.
Pan.
More than my wordSpaconia, you shall carry,For fear it fail you.
Spa.
Dare you trust a Token?Madam I fear I am grown too bold a begger.
Pan.
You are a pretty one, and trust me LadyIt joyes me, I shall do a good to you,Though to my self I never shall be happy:Here, take this Ring, and from me as a TokenDeliver it; I think they will not stay you:So all your own desires go with you Lady.
Spa.
And sweet peace to your Grace.
Pan.
Pray Heaven I find it.
[Exeunt.
EnterTigranes,in prison.
Tigr.
Fool that I am, I have undone my self,And with my own hand turn'd my fortune round,That was a fair one: I have childishlyPlaid with my hope so long, till I have broke it,And now too late I mourn for't; OSpaconia!Thou hast found an even way to thy revenge now,Why didst thou follow me like a faint shadow,To wither my desires? But wretched fool,Why did I plant thee 'twixt the Sun and me,To make me freeze thus? Why did I prefer herTo the fair Princess? O thou fool, thou fool,Thou family of fools, live like a slave still,And in thee bear thine own hell and thy torment,Thou hast deserv'd: Couldst thou find no LadyBut she that has thy hopes to put her to,And hazard all thy peace? None to abuse,But she that lov'd thee ever? poorSpaconia,And so much lov'd thee, that in honestyAnd honour thou art bound to meet her vertues:She that forgot the greatness of her griefAnd miseries, that must follow such mad passions,Endless and wild as women; she that for theeAnd with thee left her liberty, her name,And Country, you have paid me equal, Heavens,And sent my own rod to correct me with;A woman: for inconstancy I'le suffer,Lay it on justice, till my soul melt in meFor my unmanly, beastly, sudden dotingUpon a new face: after all my oathsMany and strange ones,I feel my old fire flame again and burnSo strong and violent, that should I see herAgain, the grief and that would kill me.
EnterBacuriusAndSpaconia.
Bac.
Lady, your token I acknowledge, you may pass;There is the King.
Spa.
I thank your Lordship for it.
[ExitBac.
Tigr.
She comes, she comes, shame hide me ever from her,Would I were buried, or so far remov'dLight might not find me out, I dare not see her.
Spa.
Nay never hide your self; or were you hidWhere earth hides all her riches, near her Center;My wrongs without more day would light me to you:I must speak e're I die; were all your greatnessDoubled upon you, y'are a perjur'd man,And only mighty in your wickednessOf wronging women. Thou art false, false Prince;I live to see it, poorSpaconialivesTo tell thee thou art false; and then no more;She lives to tell thee thou art more unconstant,Than all ill women ever were together.Thy faith is firm as raging over-flowes,That no bank can command; as lastingAs boyes gay bubbles, blown i'th' Air and broken:The wind is fixt to thee: and sooner shallThe beaten Mariner with his shrill whistleCalm the loud murmur of the troubled main,And strike it smooth again; than thy soul fallTo have peace in love with any: Thou art allThat all good men must hate; and if thy storyShall tell succeeding ages what thou wert,O let it spare me in it, lest true loversIn pity of my wrong, burn thy black Legend,And with their curses, shake thy sleeping ashes.
Tigr.
Oh! oh!
Spa.
The destinies, I hope, have pointed outOur ends, that thou maist die for love,Though not for me; for this assure thy self,The Princess hates thee deadly, and will soonerBe won to marry with a Bull, and saferThan such a beast as thou art: I have struck,I fear, too deep; beshrow me for't; Sir,This sorrow works me like a cunning friendship,Into the same piece with it; 'tis asham'd,Alas, I have been too rugged: Dear my Lord,I am sorry I have spoken any thing,Indeed I am, that may add more restraintTo that too much you have: good Sir, be pleas'dTo think it was a fault of love, not malice;And do as I will do, forgive it Prince.I do, and can forgive the greatest sinsTo me you can repent of; pray believe.
Tigr.
O mySpaconia! O thou vertuous woman!
Spa.
Nay, more, the King Sir.
EnterArbaces, Bacurius, Mardonius.
Arb.
Have you been carefull of our noble Prisoner,That he want nothing fitting for his greatness?
Bac.
I hope his grace will quit me for my care Sir.
Arb.
'Tis well, royalTigranes, health.
Tigr.
More than the strictness of this place can give Sir,I offer back again to greatArbaces.
Arb.
We thank you worthy Prince, and pray excuse us,We have not seen you since your being here,I hope your noble usage has been equallWith your own person: your imprisonment,If it be any, I dare say is easie,And shall not last t[w]o dayes.
Tigr.
I thank you;My usage here has been the same it was,Worthy a royal Conqueror. For my restraint,It came unkindly, because much unlook'd for;But I must bear it.
Arb.
What Lady's that?Bacurius?
Bac.
One of the Princess women, Sir.
Arb.
I fear'd it, why comes she hither?
Bac.
To speak with the PrinceTigranes.
Arb.
From whom,Bacurius?
Bac.
From the Princess, Sir.
Arb.
I knew I had seen her.
Mar.
His fit begins to take him now again,'Tis a strange Feaver, and 'twill shake us all anon, I fear,Would he were well cur'd of this raging folly:
Give me the warrs, where men are mad, and may talk what theylist, and held the bravest fellows; This pelting prating peace isgood for nothing: drinking's a vertue to't.
Arb.
I see there's truth in no man, nor obedience,But for his own ends, why did you let her in?
Bac.
It was your own command to barr none from him,Besides, the Princess sent her ring Sir, for my warrant.
Arb.
A token toTigranes, did she not?Sir tell truth.
Bac.
I do not use to lie Sir,'Tis no way I eat or live by, and I think,This is no token Sir.
Mar.
This combat has undone him: if he had been well beaten, he had been temperate; I shall never see him handsome again, till he have a Horse-mans staffe yok'd thorow his shoulders, or an arm broken with a bullet.
Arb.
I am trifled with.
Bac.
Sir?
Arb.
I know it, as I know thee to be false.
Mar.
Now the clap comes.
Bac.
You never knew me so, Sir I dare speak it,And durst a worse man tell me, though my better—
Mar.
'Tis well said, by my soul.
Arb.
Sirra, you answer as you had no life.
Bac.
That I fear Sir to lose nobly.
Arb.
I say Sir, once again.
Bac.
You may say what yo[u] please, Sir,Would I might do so.
Arb.
I will, Sir, and say openly, this woman carries letters,By my life I know she carries letters, this woman does it.
Mar.
WouldBessuswere here to take her aside and search her, He would quickly tell you what she carried Sir.
Arb.
I have found it out, this woman carries letters.
Mar.
If this hold, 'twill be an ill world for Bawdes, Chamber-maids and Post-boyes, I thank heaven I have none I but his letters patents, things of his own enditing.
Arb.
Prince, this cunning cannot do't.
Tigr.
Doe, What Sir? I reach you not.
Arb.
It shall not serve your turn, Prince.
Tigr.
Serve my turn Sir?
Arb.
I Sir, it shall not serve your turn.
Tigr.
Be plainer, good Sir.
Arb.
This woman shall carry no more letters back to yourLovePanthea, by Heaven she shall not, I say she shall not.
Mar.
This would make a Saint swear like a souldier.
Tigr.
This beats me more, King, than the blowes you gave me.
Arb.
Take'em away both, and together let them prisoners be, strictly and closely kept, or Sirra, your life shall answer it, and let no body speak with'em hereafter.
Tigr.
Well, I am subject to you,And must indure these passions:This is the imprisonment I have look'd for always.And the dearer place I would choose.
[ExeuntTigr. Spa. Bac.
Mar.
Sir, you have done well now.
Arb.
Dare you reprove it?
Mar.
No.
Arb.
You must be crossing me.
Mar.
I have no letters Sir to anger you,But a dry sonnet of my CorporalsTo an old Suttlers wife, and that I'll burn, Sir.'Tis like to prove a fine age for the Ignorant.
Arb.
How darst thou so often forfeit thy life?Thou know'st 'tis in my power to take it.
Mar.
Yes, and I know you wo'not, or if you doe, you'll miss it quickly.
Arb.
Why?
Mar.
Who shall tell you of these childish folliesWhen I am dead? who shall put to his powerTo draw those vertues out of a flood of humors,When they are drown'd, and make'em shine again?No, cut my head off:Then you may talk, and be believed, and grow worse,And have your too self-glorious temper rotInto a deep sleep, and the Kingdom with you,Till forraign swords be in your throats, and slaughterBe every where about you like your flatterers.Do, kill me.
Arb.
Prethee be tamer, goodMardonius,Thou know'st I love thee, nay I honour thee,Believe it good old Souldier, I am thine;But I am rack'd clean from my self, bear with me,Woot thou bear with me myMardonius?
EnterGobrias.
Mar.
There comes a good man, love him too, he's temperate,You may live to have need of such a vertue,Rage is not still in fashion.
Arb.
Welcome goodGobrias.
Gob.
My service and this letter to your Grace.
Arb.
From whom?
Gob.
From the rich Mine of vertue and beauty,Your mournfull Sister.
Arb.
She is in prison,Gobrias,is she not?
Gob.
She is Sir, till your pleasure to enlarge her,Which on my knees I beg. Oh 'tis not fit,That all the sweetness of the world in one,The youth and vertue that would tame wild Tygers,And wilder people, that have known no manners,Should live thus cloistred up; for your loves sake,If there be any in that noble heart,To her a wretched Lady, and forlorn,Or for her love to you, which is as muchAs nature and obedience ever gave,Have pity on her beauties.
Arb.
Pray thee stand up; 'Tis true, she is too fair,And all these commendations but her own,Would thou had'st never so commended her,Or I nere liv'd to have heard itGobrias;If thou but know'st the wrong her beautie does her,Thou wouldst in pity of her be a lyar,Thy ignorance has drawn me wretched man,Whither my self nor thou canst well tell: O my fate!I think she loves me, but I fear anotherIs deeper in her heart: How thinkst thouGobrias?
Gob.
I do beseech your Grace believe it not,For let me perish if it be not false. Good Sir, read her Letter.
Mar.
This Love, or what a devil it is I know not, begets more mischief than a Wake. I had rather be well beaten, starv'd, or lowsie, than live within the Air on't. He that had seen this brave fellow Charge through a grove of Pikes but t'other day, and look upon him now, will ne'r believe his eyes again: if he continue thus but two days more, a Taylor may beat him with one hand tied behind him.
Arb.
Alas, she would be at liberty.And there be a thousand reasonsGobrias,Thousands that will deny't:Which if she knew, she would contentedlyBe where she is: and bless her vertues for it,And me, though she were closer, she would,Gobrias,Good man indeed she would.
Gob.
Then good Sir, for her satisfaction,Send for her and with reason make her knowWhy she must live thus from you.
Arb.
I will; go bring her to me.
[Exeunt all.
EnterBessus,And two Sword-men, and a Boy.
Bes.
Y'are very welcome both; some stools boy,And reach a Table; Gentlemen o'th' Sword,Pray sit without more complement; be gone child.I have been curious in the searching of you,Because I understand you wise and valiant persons.
1.
We understand our selves Sir.
Bes.
Nay Gentlemen, and dear friends o'th' Sword,No complement I pray, but to the causeI hang upon, which in few, is my honour.
2.
You cannot hang too much Sir, for your honour,But to your cause.
Bes.
Be wise, and speak truth, my first doubt is,My beating by my Prince.
1.
Stay there a little Sir, do you doubt a beating?Or have you had a beating by your Prince?
Bes.
Gentlemen o'th' Sword, my Prince has beaten me.
2.
Brother, what think you of this case?
1.
If he has beaten him, the case is clear.
2.
If he have beaten him, I grant the case;But how? we cannot be too subtil in this business,I say, but how?
Bes.
Even with his Royal hand.
1.
Was it a blow of love, or indignation?
Bes.
'Twas twenty blows of indignation, Gentlemen,Besides two blows o'th face.
2.
Those blows o'th' face have made a new cause on't,The rest were but an horrible rudeness.
1.
Two blows o'th' face, and given by a worse man, I must confess, as the Sword-men say, had turn'd the business: Mark me brother, by a worse man; but being by his Prince, had they been ten, and those ten drawn teeth, besides the hazard of his nose for ever; all this had been but favours: this is my flat opinion, which I'le die in.
2.
The King may do much Captain, believe it; for had he crackt your Scull through, like a bottle, or broke a Rib or two with tossing of you, yet you had lost no honour: This is strange you may imagine, but this is truth now Captain.
Bes.
I will be glad to embrace it Gentlemen;But how far may he strike me?
1.
There is another: a new cause rising from the time and distance, in which I will deliver my opinion: he may strike, beat, or cause to be beaten: for these are natural to man: your Prince, I say, may beat you, so far forth as his dominion reacheth, that's for the distance; the time, ten miles a day, I take it.
2.
Brother, you err, 'tis fifteen miles a day,His stage is ten, his beatings are fifteen.
Bes.
'Tis the longest, but we subjects must—
1.
Be subject to it; you are wise and vertuous.
Bes.
Obedience ever makes that noble use on't,To which I dedicate my beaten body;I must trouble you a little further, Gentlemen o'th' Sword.
2.
No trouble at all to us Sir, if we mayProfit your understanding, we are boundBy vertue of our calling to utter our opinions,Shortly, and discreetly.
Bes.
My sorest business is, I have been kick'd.
2.
How far Sir?
Bes.
Not to flatter my self in it, all over, my sword forc'd but not lost; for discreetly I rendred it to save that imputation.
1.
It shew'd discretion, the best part of valour.
2.
Brother, this is a pretty cause, pray ponder on't;Our friend here has been kick'd.
1.
He has so, brother.
2.
Sorely he saies: Now, had he set down hereUpon the meer kick, 't had been Cowardly.
1.
I think it had been Cowardly indeed.
2.
But our friend has redeem'd it in deliveringHis sword without compulsion; and that manThat took it of him, I pronounce a weak one,And his kicks nullities.He should have kick'd him after the deliveringWhich is the confirmation of a Coward.
1.
Brother, I take it, you mistake the question;For, say that I were kick'd.
2.
I must not say so;Nor I must not hear it spoke by the tongue of man.You kick'd, dear brother! you're merry.
1.
But put the case I were kick'd?
2.
Let them put it that are things weary of their lives, and know not honour; put the case you were kick'd?
1.
I do not say I was kickt.
2.
Nor no silly creature that wears his head without a Case, his soul in a Skin-coat: You kickt dear brother?
Bes.
Nay Gentlemen, let us do what we shall do,Truly and honest[l]y; good Sirs to the question.
1.
Why then I say, suppose your Boy kick't, Captain?
2.
The Boy may be suppos'd is liable.
1.
A foolish forward zeal Sir, in my friend;But to the Boy, suppose the Boy were kickt.
Bes.
I do suppose it.
1.
Has your Boy a sword?
Bes.
Surely no; I pray suppose a sword too.
1.
I do suppose it; you grant your Boy was kick't then.
2.
By no means Captain, let it be supposed still; the word grant, makes not for us.
1.
I say this must be granted.
2
This must be granted brother?
1.
I, this must be granted.
2.
Still this must?
1.
I say this must be granted.
2.
I, give me the must again, brother, you palter.
1.
I will not hear you, wasp.
2.
Brother, I say you palter, the must three times together; I wear as sharp Steel as another man, and my Fox bites as deep, musted, my dear brother. But to the cause again.
Bes.
Nay look you Gentlemen.
2.
In a word, I ha' done.
1.
A tall man but intemperate, 'tis great pity;Once more suppose the Boy kick'd.
2.
Forward.
1.
And being thorowly kick'd, laughs at the kicker.
2
So much for us; proceed.
1.
And in this beaten scorn, as I may call it,Delivers up his weapon; where lies the error?
Bes.
It lies i'th' beating Sir, I found it four dayes since.
2.
The error, and a sore one as I take it,Lies in the thing kicking.
Bes.
I understand that well, 'tis so indeed Sir.
1.
That is according to the man that did it.
2.
There springs a new branch, whose was the foot?
Bes.
A Lords.
1.
The cause is mighty, but had it been two Lords,And both had kick'd you, if you laugh, 'tis clear.
Bes.
I did laugh,But how will that help me, Gentlemen?
2.
Yes, it shall help you if you laught aloud.
Bes.
As loud as a kick'd man could laugh, I laught Sir.
1.
My reason now, the valiant man is knownBy suffering and contemning; you haveEnough of both, and you are valiant.
2.
If he be sure he has been kick'd enough:For that brave sufferance you speak of brother,Consists not in a beating and away,But in a cudgell'd body, from eighteenTo eight and thirty; in a head rebuk'dWith pots of all size, degrees, stools, and bed-staves,This showes a valiant man.
Bes.
Then I am valiant, as valiant as the proudest,For these are all familiar things to me;Familiar as my sleep, or want of money,All my whole body's but one bruise with beating,I think I have been cudgell'd with all nations,And almost all Religions.
2.
Embrace him brother, this man is valiant,I know it by my self, he's valiant.
1.
Captain, thou art a valiant Gentleman,To bide upon, a very valiant man.
Bes.
My equall friends o'th'Sword, I must request your hands to this.
2.
'Tis fit it should be.
Bes.
Boy, get me some wine, and pen and Ink within:Am I clear, Gentlemen?
1.
Sir, the world has taken notice what we have done,Make much of your body, for I'll pawn my steel,Men will be coyer of their legs hereafter.
Bes.
I must request you goe along and testife to the LordBacurius, whose foot has struck me, how you find my cause.
2.
We will, and tell that Lord he must be rul'd,Or there are those abroad, will rule his Lordship.
[Exeunt.
EnterArbacesat one door, andGob.andPantheaat another.
Gob.
Sir, here's the Princess.
Arb.
Leave us then alone,For the main cause of her imprisonmentMust not be heard by any but her self.
[ExitGob.
You're welcome Sister, and would to heavenI could so bid you by another name:If you above love not such sins as these,Circle my heart with thoughts as cold as snowTo quench these rising flames that harbour here.
[P]an.
Sir, does it please you I should speak?
Arb.
Please me?I, more than all the art of musick can,Thy speech doth please me, for it ever sounds,As thou brought'st joyfull unexpected news;And yet it is not fit thou shouldst be heard.I pray thee think so.
Pan.
Be it so, I will.Am I the first that ever had a wrongSo far from being fit to have redress,That 'twas unfit to hear it? I will backTo prison, rather than disquiet you,And wait till it be fit.
Arb.
No, do not goe;For I will hear thee with a serious thought:I have collected all that's man about meTogether strongly, and I am resolv'dTo hear thee largely, but I do beseech thee,Do not come nearer to me, for there isSomething in that, that will undoe us both.
Pan.
Alas Sir, am I venome?
Arb.
Yes, to me;Though of thy self I think thee to beIn equall degree of heat or cold,As nature can make: yet as unsound menConvert the sweetest and the nourishing'st meatsInto diseases; so shall I distemper'd,Do thee, I pray thee draw no nearer to me.
Pan.
Sir, this is that I would: I am of lateShut from the world, and why it should be thus,Is all I wish to know.
Arb.
Why credit mePanthea,Credit me that am thy brother,Thy loving brother, that there is a causeSufficient, yet unfit for thee to know,That might undoe thee everlastingly,Only to hear, wilt thou but credit this?By Heaven 'tis true, believe it if thou canst.
Pan.
Children and fools are ever credulous,And I am both, I think, for I believe;If you dissemble, be it on your head;I'le back unto my prison: yet me-thinksI might be kept in some place where you are;For in my self, I find I know not whatTo call it, but it is a great desireTo see you often.
Arb.
Fie, you come in a step, what do you mean?Dear sister, do not so: AlasPanthea,Where I am would you be? Why that's the causeYou are imprison'd, that you may not beWhere I am.
Pan.
Then I must indure it Sir, Heaven keep you.
Arb.
Nay, you shall hear the case in shortPanthea,And when thou hear'st it, thou wilt blush for me,And hang thy head down like a VioletFull of the mornings dew: There is a wayTo gain thy freedome, but 'tis such a oneAs puts thee in worse bondage, and I know,Thou wouldst encounter fire, and make a proofWhether the gods have care of innocence,Rather than follow it: Know that I have lost,The only difference betwixt man and beast,My reason.
Pan.
Heaven forbid.
Arb.
Nay 'tis gone;And I am left as far without a bound,As the wild Ocean, that obeys the winds;Each sodain passion throwes me where it lists,And overwhelms all that oppose my will:I have beheld thee with a lustfull eye;My heart is set on wickedness to actSuch sins with thee, as I have been afraidTo think of, if thou dar'st consent to this,Which I beseech thee do not, thou maist gainThy liberty, and yield me a content;If not, thy dwelling must be dark and close,Where I may never see thee; For heaven knowsThat laid this punishment upon my pride,Thy sight at some time will enforce my madnessTo make a start e'ne to thy ravishing;Now spit upon me, and call all reproachesThou canst devise together, and at onceHurle'em against me: for I am a sicknessAs killing as the plague, ready to seize thee.
Pan.
Far be it from me to revile the King:But it is true, that I shall rather chooseTo search out death, that else would search out me,And in a grave sleep with my innocence,Than welcome such a sin: It is my fate,To these cross accidents I was ordain'd,And must have patience; and but that my eyesHave more of woman in 'em than my heart,I would not weep: Peace enter you again.
Arb.
Farwell, and goodPantheapray for me,Thy prayers are pure, that I may find a deathHowever soon before my passions growThat they forget what I desire is sin;For thither they are tending: if that happen,Then I shall force thee tho' thou wert a VirginBy vow to Heaven, and shall pull a heapOf strange yet uninvented sin upon me.
Pan.
Sir, I will pray for you, yet you shall knowIt is a sullen fate that governs us,For I could wish as heartily as youI were no sister to you, I should thenImbrace your lawfull love, sooner than health.
Arb.
Couldst thou affect me then?
Pan.
So perfectly,That as it is, I ne're shall sway my heart,To like another.
Arb.
Then I curse my birth,Must this be added to my miseriesThat thou art willing too? is there no stopTo our full happiness, but these meer soundsBrother and Sister?
Pan.
There is nothing else,But these alas will separate us moreThan twenty worlds betwixt us.
Arb.
I have liv'dTo conquer men and now am overthrownOnly by words Brother and Sister: whereHave those words dwelling? I will find 'em out,And utterly destroy 'em; but they areNot to be grasp'd: let 'em be men or beasts,And I will cut 'em from the Earth, or Towns,And I will raze 'em, and the[n] blow 'em up:Let 'em be Seas, and I will drink 'em off,And yet have unquencht fire left in my breast:Let 'em be any thing but meerly voice.
Pan.
But 'tis not in the power of any force,Or policy to conquer them.
Arb.
Panthea, What shall we do? Shall we stand firmly here, and gaze our eyes out?
Pan.
Would I could do so,But I shall weep out mine.
Arb.
Accursed man,Thou bought'st thy reason at too dear a rate,For thou hast all thy actions bounded inWith curious rules, when every beast is free:What is there that acknowledges a kindredBut wretched man? Who ever saw the BullFearfully leave the Heifer that he lik'dBecause they had one Dam?
Pan.
Sir, I disturb you and my self too;'Twere better I were gone.
Arb.
I will not be so foolish as I was,Stay, we will love just as becomes our births,No otherwise: Brothers and Sisters mayWalk hand in hand together; so will we,Come nearer: is there any hurt in this?
Pan.
I hope not.
Arb.
Faith there is none at all:And tell me truly now, is there not oneYou love above me?
Pan.
No by Heaven.
Arb.
Why yet you sent untoTigranes, Sister.
Pan.
True, but for another: for the truth—
Arb.
No more,I'le credit thee, thou canst not lie,Thou art all truth.
Pan.
But is there nothing else,That we may do, but only walk? methinksBrothers and Sisters lawfully may kiss.
Arb.
And so they mayPanthea, so will we,And kiss again too; we were too scrupulous,And foolish, but we will be so no more.
Pan.
If you have any mercy, let me goTo prison, to my death, to any thing:I feel a sin growing upon my blood,Worse than all these, hotter than yours.
Arb.
That is impossible, what shou'd we do?
Pan.
Flie Sir, for Heavens sake.
Arb.
So we must away,Sin grows upon us more by this delay.