ACT V., SCENE I.

EnterLorenzo,Mocinigo,Æmilia, andLucretia.

Lor.Now, Signor Mocinigo, what haste requires your presence?Moc.Marry, sir, this. You brought me once into a paradise of pleasure and expectation of much comfort; my request therefore is, that you would no longer defer what then you so liberally promised.Lor.How do you mean?Moc.Why, sir, in joining that beauteous lady, your daughter, and myself in the firm bonds of matrimony; for I am somewhat impatient of delay in this kind, and indeed the height of my blood requires it.Luc.Are you so hot? I shall give you a card to cool you[358]presently.[Aside.Lor.'Tis an honest and a virtuous demand, and on all sides an action of great consequence; and, for my part, there's not a thing in the world I could wish sooner accomplished.Moc.Thank you, sir.Lor.There's another branch of policy, besides the coupling of you together, which springs from the fruitfulness of my brain, that I as much labour to bring to perfection as the other.Moc.What's that, sir?Lor.A device upon the same occasion, but with a different respect; 'tis to be imposed upon Petrucio. I hate to differ so much from the nature of an Italian, as not to be revengeful; and the occasion at this time was, he scorned the love of her, that you now so studiously affect; but I'll fit him in his kind.Moc.Did he so? He deserves to have both his eyes struck as blind as Cupid's, his master, that should have taught him better manners. But how will you do it?Lor.There's one Lionel, an ingenious witty gentleman.Æmi.Ay, that he is, as ever breathed, husband, upon my knowledge.Lor.Well, he is so, and we two have cast to requite it upon him. The plot, as he informs me, is already in agitation, and afterwards, sans delay, I'll bestow her upon you.Luc.But you may be deceived.[Aside.Moc.Still you engage me more and more your debtor.Lor.If I can bring both these to success, as they are happily intended, I may sit down, and, with the poet, cry,Jamque opus exegi.Moc.Would I could say so too; I wish as much, but 'tis you must confirm it, fair mistress: one bare word of your consent, and 'tis done. The sweetness of your looks encourage me, that you will join pity with your beauty; there shall be nothing wanting in me to demerit it; and then, I hope, although I am base,

Lor.Now, Signor Mocinigo, what haste requires your presence?

Moc.Marry, sir, this. You brought me once into a paradise of pleasure and expectation of much comfort; my request therefore is, that you would no longer defer what then you so liberally promised.

Lor.How do you mean?

Moc.Why, sir, in joining that beauteous lady, your daughter, and myself in the firm bonds of matrimony; for I am somewhat impatient of delay in this kind, and indeed the height of my blood requires it.

Luc.Are you so hot? I shall give you a card to cool you[358]presently.[Aside.

Lor.'Tis an honest and a virtuous demand, and on all sides an action of great consequence; and, for my part, there's not a thing in the world I could wish sooner accomplished.

Moc.Thank you, sir.

Lor.There's another branch of policy, besides the coupling of you together, which springs from the fruitfulness of my brain, that I as much labour to bring to perfection as the other.

Moc.What's that, sir?

Lor.A device upon the same occasion, but with a different respect; 'tis to be imposed upon Petrucio. I hate to differ so much from the nature of an Italian, as not to be revengeful; and the occasion at this time was, he scorned the love of her, that you now so studiously affect; but I'll fit him in his kind.

Moc.Did he so? He deserves to have both his eyes struck as blind as Cupid's, his master, that should have taught him better manners. But how will you do it?

Lor.There's one Lionel, an ingenious witty gentleman.

Æmi.Ay, that he is, as ever breathed, husband, upon my knowledge.

Lor.Well, he is so, and we two have cast to requite it upon him. The plot, as he informs me, is already in agitation, and afterwards, sans delay, I'll bestow her upon you.

Luc.But you may be deceived.[Aside.

Moc.Still you engage me more and more your debtor.

Lor.If I can bring both these to success, as they are happily intended, I may sit down, and, with the poet, cry,Jamque opus exegi.

Moc.Would I could say so too; I wish as much, but 'tis you must confirm it, fair mistress: one bare word of your consent, and 'tis done. The sweetness of your looks encourage me, that you will join pity with your beauty; there shall be nothing wanting in me to demerit it; and then, I hope, although I am base,

Base in respect of you divine and pure,Dutiful service may your love procure.

Lor.How now, Signor! What, love and poetry, have they two found you out? Nay, then you must conquer. Consider this, daughter; show thy obedience to Phœbus and god Cupid: make an humble professor of thyself; 'twill be the more acceptable, and advance thy deserts.Æmi.Do, chicken, speak the word, and make him happy in a minute.Lor.Well said, wife; solicit in his behalf; 'tiswell done; I am loth to importune her too much, for fear of a repulse.Æmi.Marry, come up, sir; you are still usurping in my company. Is this according to the articles proposed between us, that I should bear rule and you obey with silence? I had thought to have endeavoured for persuasion, but because you exhort me to it, I'll desist from what I intended: I'll do nothing but of my own accord, I.Lor.Mum! wife, I have done. This we, that are married, must be subject to.Moc.You give an ill example, Mistress Æmilia; you give an ill example——Æmi.What old fellow is this that talks so? Do you know him, daughter?Moc.Have you so soon forgot me, lady?Æmi.Where has he had his breeding, I wonder? He is the offspring of some peasant, sure! Can he show any pedigree?Lor.Let her alone, there's no dealing with her. Come, daughter, let me hear your answer to this gentleman.Luc.Truly, sir, I have endeavoured all means possible, and in a manner enforced myself to love him——Lor.Well said, girl.Luc.But could never effect it.Lor.How!Luc.I have examined whatever might commend a gentleman, both for his exterior and inward abilities; yet, amongst all that may speak him worthy, I could never discern one good part or quality to invite affection.Lor.This is it I feared. Now should I break out into rage; but my wife and a foolish nature withhold my passion.Moc.I am undone, unspirited, my hopes vain, and my labours nullities!Lor.Where be your large vaunts now, Signor? What strange tricks and devices you had to win a woman!Moc.Such assurance I conceived of myself; but when they affect wilful stubbornness, lock up their ears, and will hearken to no manner of persuasion, what shall a man do?Lor.You hear what taxes are laid upon you, daughter: these are stains to your other virtues.Luc.Pray, sir, hear my defence. What sympathy can there be between our two ages or agreement in our conditions? But you'll object, he has means. 'Tis confess'd; but what assurance has he to keep it? Will it continue longer than the law permits him possession, which will come like a torrent, and sweep away all? He has made a forfeiture of his whole estate.Lor.What, are you become a statist's daughter[359]or a prophetess? Whence have you this intelligence?Moc.I hope she will not betray me.[Aside.Luc.If murder can exact it, 'tis absolutely lost.Lor.How, murder!Luc.Yes, he conspired the other day with a bravo, a cut-throat, to take away the life of a noble innocent gentleman, which is since discovered by miracle: the same that came with music to my window.Moc.All's out; I'm ruined in her confession! That man that trusts woman with a privacy, and hopes for silence, he may as well expect it at thefall of a bridge![360]A secret with them is like a viper; 'twill make way, though it eat through the bowels of them.[Aside.Lor.Take heed how you traduce a person of his rank and eminency: a scar in a mean man becomes a wound in a greater.Luc.There he is, question him; and if he deny it, get him examined.Lor.Why, signor, is this true?Æmi.His silence betrays him: 'tis so.Moc.'Tis so, that all women thirst man's overthrow; that's a principle as demonstrative as truth: 'tis the only end they were made for; and when they have once insinuated themselves into our counsels, and gained the power of our life, the fire is more merciful; it burns within them till it get forth.Lor.I commend her for the discovery: 'twas not fit her weak thoughts should be clogged with so foul a matter. It had been to her like forced meat to a surfeited stomach, that would have bred nothing but crudities in her conscience.Moc.O my cursed fate! shame and punishment attend me! they are the fruits of lust. Sir, all that I did was for her ease and liberty.[Aside.Luc.Nay, sir, he was so impudent to be an accessory. Who knows but he might as privately have plotted to have sent me after him; for how should I have been secure of my life when he made no scruple to kill another upon so small an inducement?Æmi.Thou sayest right, daughter; thou shaltutterly disclaim him. The cast of his eye shows he was ever a knave.Moc.How the scabs descant upon me!Lor.What was the motive to this foul attempt?Luc.Why, sir, because he was an affectionate lover of mine, and for no other reason in the earth.Æmi.O mandrake, was that all? He thought, belike, he should not have enough. Thou covetous engrosser of venery. Why, one wife is able to content two husbands.Moc.Sir, I am at your mercy: bid them not insult upon me. I beseech you, let me go as I came.Lor.Stay there; I know not how I shall be censured for your escape. I may be thought a party in the business.Luc.Besides, I hear since that the mercenary varlet that did it, though he be otherwise most desperate and hardened in such exploits, yet out of the apprehension of so unjust an act, and moved in conscience for so foul a guilt, is grown distracted, raves out of measure, confesses the deed, accuses himself and the procurer, curses both, and will by no means be quieted.Lor.Where is that fellow?Luc.Sir, if you please to accompany me, I will bring you to him, where your own eye and ear shall witness the certainty; and then, I hope, you will repent that ever you sought to tie me to such a monster as this, who preferred the heat of his desires before all laws of nature or humanity.Lor.Yes, that I will, and gratulate the subtlety of thy wit, and goodness of fate, that protected thee from him.Æmi.Away with him, husband: and be sure to beg his lands betimes, before your court-vultures scent his carcase.Lor.Well said, wife; I should never have thought on this now, and thou had'st not put me in mind of it: women, I see, have the only masculine policy, and are the best solicitors and politicians of a state. But I'll first go and see him my daughter tells me of, that, when I am truly informed of all, I may the better proceed in my accusation against them. Come along, sir.Moc.Well, if you are so violent, I'm as resolute: 'tis but a hanging matter, and do your worst.[Exeunt.

Æmi.Do, chicken, speak the word, and make him happy in a minute.

Lor.Well said, wife; solicit in his behalf; 'tiswell done; I am loth to importune her too much, for fear of a repulse.

Æmi.Marry, come up, sir; you are still usurping in my company. Is this according to the articles proposed between us, that I should bear rule and you obey with silence? I had thought to have endeavoured for persuasion, but because you exhort me to it, I'll desist from what I intended: I'll do nothing but of my own accord, I.

Lor.Mum! wife, I have done. This we, that are married, must be subject to.

Moc.You give an ill example, Mistress Æmilia; you give an ill example——

Æmi.What old fellow is this that talks so? Do you know him, daughter?

Moc.Have you so soon forgot me, lady?

Æmi.Where has he had his breeding, I wonder? He is the offspring of some peasant, sure! Can he show any pedigree?

Lor.Let her alone, there's no dealing with her. Come, daughter, let me hear your answer to this gentleman.

Luc.Truly, sir, I have endeavoured all means possible, and in a manner enforced myself to love him——

Lor.Well said, girl.

Luc.But could never effect it.

Lor.How!

Luc.I have examined whatever might commend a gentleman, both for his exterior and inward abilities; yet, amongst all that may speak him worthy, I could never discern one good part or quality to invite affection.

Lor.This is it I feared. Now should I break out into rage; but my wife and a foolish nature withhold my passion.

Moc.I am undone, unspirited, my hopes vain, and my labours nullities!

Lor.Where be your large vaunts now, Signor? What strange tricks and devices you had to win a woman!

Moc.Such assurance I conceived of myself; but when they affect wilful stubbornness, lock up their ears, and will hearken to no manner of persuasion, what shall a man do?

Lor.You hear what taxes are laid upon you, daughter: these are stains to your other virtues.

Luc.Pray, sir, hear my defence. What sympathy can there be between our two ages or agreement in our conditions? But you'll object, he has means. 'Tis confess'd; but what assurance has he to keep it? Will it continue longer than the law permits him possession, which will come like a torrent, and sweep away all? He has made a forfeiture of his whole estate.

Lor.What, are you become a statist's daughter[359]or a prophetess? Whence have you this intelligence?

Moc.I hope she will not betray me.[Aside.

Luc.If murder can exact it, 'tis absolutely lost.

Lor.How, murder!

Luc.Yes, he conspired the other day with a bravo, a cut-throat, to take away the life of a noble innocent gentleman, which is since discovered by miracle: the same that came with music to my window.

Moc.All's out; I'm ruined in her confession! That man that trusts woman with a privacy, and hopes for silence, he may as well expect it at thefall of a bridge![360]A secret with them is like a viper; 'twill make way, though it eat through the bowels of them.[Aside.

Lor.Take heed how you traduce a person of his rank and eminency: a scar in a mean man becomes a wound in a greater.

Luc.There he is, question him; and if he deny it, get him examined.

Lor.Why, signor, is this true?

Æmi.His silence betrays him: 'tis so.

Moc.'Tis so, that all women thirst man's overthrow; that's a principle as demonstrative as truth: 'tis the only end they were made for; and when they have once insinuated themselves into our counsels, and gained the power of our life, the fire is more merciful; it burns within them till it get forth.

Lor.I commend her for the discovery: 'twas not fit her weak thoughts should be clogged with so foul a matter. It had been to her like forced meat to a surfeited stomach, that would have bred nothing but crudities in her conscience.

Moc.O my cursed fate! shame and punishment attend me! they are the fruits of lust. Sir, all that I did was for her ease and liberty.[Aside.

Luc.Nay, sir, he was so impudent to be an accessory. Who knows but he might as privately have plotted to have sent me after him; for how should I have been secure of my life when he made no scruple to kill another upon so small an inducement?

Æmi.Thou sayest right, daughter; thou shaltutterly disclaim him. The cast of his eye shows he was ever a knave.

Moc.How the scabs descant upon me!

Lor.What was the motive to this foul attempt?

Luc.Why, sir, because he was an affectionate lover of mine, and for no other reason in the earth.

Æmi.O mandrake, was that all? He thought, belike, he should not have enough. Thou covetous engrosser of venery. Why, one wife is able to content two husbands.

Moc.Sir, I am at your mercy: bid them not insult upon me. I beseech you, let me go as I came.

Lor.Stay there; I know not how I shall be censured for your escape. I may be thought a party in the business.

Luc.Besides, I hear since that the mercenary varlet that did it, though he be otherwise most desperate and hardened in such exploits, yet out of the apprehension of so unjust an act, and moved in conscience for so foul a guilt, is grown distracted, raves out of measure, confesses the deed, accuses himself and the procurer, curses both, and will by no means be quieted.

Lor.Where is that fellow?

Luc.Sir, if you please to accompany me, I will bring you to him, where your own eye and ear shall witness the certainty; and then, I hope, you will repent that ever you sought to tie me to such a monster as this, who preferred the heat of his desires before all laws of nature or humanity.

Lor.Yes, that I will, and gratulate the subtlety of thy wit, and goodness of fate, that protected thee from him.

Æmi.Away with him, husband: and be sure to beg his lands betimes, before your court-vultures scent his carcase.

Lor.Well said, wife; I should never have thought on this now, and thou had'st not put me in mind of it: women, I see, have the only masculine policy, and are the best solicitors and politicians of a state. But I'll first go and see him my daughter tells me of, that, when I am truly informed of all, I may the better proceed in my accusation against them. Come along, sir.

Moc.Well, if you are so violent, I'm as resolute: 'tis but a hanging matter, and do your worst.[Exeunt.

EnterBravoandBoy.

Bravo.What news, boy?Boy.Sir, Mistress Lucretia commends her to you, and desires, as ever her persuasions wrought upon you, or as you affect her good, and would add credit and belief to what she has reported, that you would now strain your utmost to the expression of what she and you consulted of.Bravo.I apprehend her: where is she?Boy.Hard by, sir: her father, and the old fornicator Mocinigo, and I think her mother, are all coming to be spectators of your strange behaviour.[Exit.Bravo.Go, wait them in, let me alone to personate an ecstasy;[361]I am near mad already, and I do not fool myself quite into't, I care not. I'll withdraw, till they come.[Exit.

Bravo.What news, boy?

Boy.Sir, Mistress Lucretia commends her to you, and desires, as ever her persuasions wrought upon you, or as you affect her good, and would add credit and belief to what she has reported, that you would now strain your utmost to the expression of what she and you consulted of.

Bravo.I apprehend her: where is she?

Boy.Hard by, sir: her father, and the old fornicator Mocinigo, and I think her mother, are all coming to be spectators of your strange behaviour.[Exit.

Bravo.Go, wait them in, let me alone to personate an ecstasy;[361]I am near mad already, and I do not fool myself quite into't, I care not. I'll withdraw, till they come.[Exit.

EnterLorenzo,Mocinigo,Æmilia,Lucretia, andBoy.

Lor.Is this the place?Luc.Yes, sir. Where's your master, boy? how does he?Boy.O sweet mistress, quite distempered; his brains turn round like the needle of a dial, six men's strength is not able to hold him; he was bound with I know not how many cords this morning, and broke them all. See, where he enters!

Lor.Is this the place?

Luc.Yes, sir. Where's your master, boy? how does he?

Boy.O sweet mistress, quite distempered; his brains turn round like the needle of a dial, six men's strength is not able to hold him; he was bound with I know not how many cords this morning, and broke them all. See, where he enters!

EnterBravo.

Bravo.Why, if I kill'd him, what is that to thee?Was I not hir'd unto it? 'twas not I,But the base gold that slew Sir Polydore:[362]Then damn the money,

Lor.He begins to preach.Æmi.Will he do us no mischief, think you?Boy.O no, he's the best for that in his fits that e'er you knew: he hurts nobody.Moc.But I am vilely afraid of him.Boy.If you are a vile person, or have done any great wickedness, you were best look to yourself; for those he knows by instinct, and assaults them with as much violence as may be.Moc.Then am I perished. Good sir, I had rather answer the law than be terrified with his looks.Lor.Nay, you shall tarry, and take part with us, by your favour.Æmi.How his eyes sparkle!

Lor.He begins to preach.

Æmi.Will he do us no mischief, think you?

Boy.O no, he's the best for that in his fits that e'er you knew: he hurts nobody.

Moc.But I am vilely afraid of him.

Boy.If you are a vile person, or have done any great wickedness, you were best look to yourself; for those he knows by instinct, and assaults them with as much violence as may be.

Moc.Then am I perished. Good sir, I had rather answer the law than be terrified with his looks.

Lor.Nay, you shall tarry, and take part with us, by your favour.

Æmi.How his eyes sparkle!

Bravo.Look, where the ghost appears, his wounds fresh-bleeding!He frowns, and threatens me; [O,] could the substanceDo nothing, and will shadows revenge?Lor.'Tis strange,This was a fearful murder.Bravo.Do not stare so,I can look big too; all I did unto thee'Twas by another's instigation:There be some that are as deep in as myself;Go and fright them too.Moc.Beshrew him for his counsel![Aside.Lor.What a just judgment's here! 'Tis an old saying,Murder will out; and 'fore it shall lie hid,The authors will accuse themselves.Bravo.Now he vanishes;Dost thou steal from me, fearful spirit? SeeThe print of his footsteps!Moc.That ever my lust should be the parent to so foul a sin!

Bravo.Look, where the ghost appears, his wounds fresh-bleeding!He frowns, and threatens me; [O,] could the substanceDo nothing, and will shadows revenge?

Lor.'Tis strange,This was a fearful murder.

Bravo.Do not stare so,I can look big too; all I did unto thee'Twas by another's instigation:There be some that are as deep in as myself;Go and fright them too.

Moc.Beshrew him for his counsel![Aside.

Lor.What a just judgment's here! 'Tis an old saying,Murder will out; and 'fore it shall lie hid,The authors will accuse themselves.

Bravo.Now he vanishes;Dost thou steal from me, fearful spirit? SeeThe print of his footsteps!

Moc.That ever my lust should be the parent to so foul a sin!

[Aside.

Bravo.He told me that his horrid tragedyWas acted over every night in hell,Where sad Erinnys, with her venom'd face,Sits[363]a spectatrix, black with the curls of snakes,That lift their speckled heads above their shoulders,And, thrusting forth their stings, hiss at their entrance;And that serves for an applause.Moc.How can you have the heart to look upon him? pray let me go,I feel a looseness in my belly.Lor.Nay, you shall hear all out first.Moc.I confess it,What would you have more of me?Bravo.Then fierce Enyo holds a torch, MegæraAnother; I'll down and play my part amongst them,For I can do't to th' life.Lor.Rather to the death.Bravo.I'll trace th' infernal theatre, and viewThose squalid actors, and the tragic pompOf hell and night.Moc.How ghastly his words sound! pray, keep him off from me.Lor.The guilt of conscience makes you fearful, Signor!Bravo.When I come there, I'll chain up Cerberus,Nay, I'll muzzle him; I'll pull down ÆacusAnd Minos by the beard; then with my footI'll tumble Rhadamanthus from his chair,And for the Furies I'll not suffer them;I'll be myself a Fury.Moc.To vex me, I warrant you.Bravo.Next will I post unto the Destinies,Shiver their wheel and distaff 'gainst the wall,And spoil their housewif'ry; I'll take their spindle,Where hang the threads of human life like beamsDrawn from the sun, and mix them altogether—Kings with beggars.Moc.Good sir, he comes towards me!Bravo.That I could see that old fox Mocinigo,The villain that did tempt me to this deed!Moc.He names me too; pray, sir, stand between us:Ladies, do you speak to him; I have not the faith.Æmi.What would you do with him, if you had him?Bravo.I'd serve him worse than Hercules did Lychas,[364]When he presented him the poison'd shirt,Which when he had put on, and felt the smart,He snatch'd him by the heels into the air,Swung him some once or twice about his head,Then shot him like a stone out of an engine,Three furlongs length into the Euboic sea.Lor.What a huge progress is that for an oldlover to be carried!Bravo.What's he that seeks to hide himself?Come forth,Thou mortal, thou art a traitor or a murderer!O, is it you?Moc.What will become of me? Pray, help me!I shall be torn in pieces else.

Moc.How can you have the heart to look upon him? pray let me go,I feel a looseness in my belly.

Lor.Nay, you shall hear all out first.

Moc.I confess it,What would you have more of me?

Bravo.Then fierce Enyo holds a torch, MegæraAnother; I'll down and play my part amongst them,For I can do't to th' life.

Lor.Rather to the death.

Bravo.I'll trace th' infernal theatre, and viewThose squalid actors, and the tragic pompOf hell and night.

Moc.How ghastly his words sound! pray, keep him off from me.

Lor.The guilt of conscience makes you fearful, Signor!

Bravo.When I come there, I'll chain up Cerberus,Nay, I'll muzzle him; I'll pull down ÆacusAnd Minos by the beard; then with my footI'll tumble Rhadamanthus from his chair,And for the Furies I'll not suffer them;I'll be myself a Fury.

Moc.To vex me, I warrant you.

Bravo.Next will I post unto the Destinies,Shiver their wheel and distaff 'gainst the wall,And spoil their housewif'ry; I'll take their spindle,Where hang the threads of human life like beamsDrawn from the sun, and mix them altogether—Kings with beggars.

Moc.Good sir, he comes towards me!

Bravo.That I could see that old fox Mocinigo,The villain that did tempt me to this deed!

Moc.He names me too; pray, sir, stand between us:Ladies, do you speak to him; I have not the faith.

Æmi.What would you do with him, if you had him?

Bravo.I'd serve him worse than Hercules did Lychas,[364]When he presented him the poison'd shirt,Which when he had put on, and felt the smart,He snatch'd him by the heels into the air,Swung him some once or twice about his head,Then shot him like a stone out of an engine,Three furlongs length into the Euboic sea.

Lor.What a huge progress is that for an oldlover to be carried!

Bravo.What's he that seeks to hide himself?Come forth,Thou mortal, thou art a traitor or a murderer!O, is it you?

Moc.What will become of me? Pray, help me!I shall be torn in pieces else.

Bravo.You and I must walk together: come into the middle; yet further.

EnterAurelioas an Officer, and two Servants.

Aur.Where be these fellows here that murder men? Serjeants, apprehend them, and convey them straight before the duke.Bravo.Who are you?Aur.We are the duke's officers.Bravo.The duke's officers must be obey'd, take heed of displeasing them: how majestically they look!Lor.You see, wife, the charm of authority: and a man be ne'er so wild, it tames him presently.Æmi.Ay, husband, I know what will tame a man besides authority.Aur.Come, gentles, since you are all together, I must entreat your company along with us, to witness what you know in this behalf.Lor.Sir, you have prevented us; for we intended to have brought him ourselves before his highness.Aur.Then I hope your resolution will make it the easier to you. What, sir, will you go willingly?Bravo.Without all contradiction; lead on.[Exeunt, flourish.

Aur.Where be these fellows here that murder men? Serjeants, apprehend them, and convey them straight before the duke.

Bravo.Who are you?

Aur.We are the duke's officers.

Bravo.The duke's officers must be obey'd, take heed of displeasing them: how majestically they look!

Lor.You see, wife, the charm of authority: and a man be ne'er so wild, it tames him presently.

Æmi.Ay, husband, I know what will tame a man besides authority.

Aur.Come, gentles, since you are all together, I must entreat your company along with us, to witness what you know in this behalf.

Lor.Sir, you have prevented us; for we intended to have brought him ourselves before his highness.

Aur.Then I hope your resolution will make it the easier to you. What, sir, will you go willingly?

Bravo.Without all contradiction; lead on.[Exeunt, flourish.

EnterLionelas theDuke;Duke,Petrucio,Gasparo,Angeliaas a woman.

Duke.Come, Signor,This is the morning must shine bright upon you,Wherein preferment, that has slept obscure,And all this while linger'd behind your wishes,Shall overtake you in her greatest glories:Ambition shall be weak, to think the honoursShall crown your worth.Pet.Father, you hear all this?Gas.I do with joy, son, and am ravish'd at it;Therefore I have resign'd m' estate unto thee,(Only reserving some few crowns to live on)Because I'd have thee to maintain thy port.Pet.You did as you ought.Gas.'Tis enough for me,To be the parent of so bless'd an issue.Pet.Nay, if you are so apprehensive, I amsatisfied.Lio.Is this the gentleman you so commended?Duke.It is the same, my liege, whose royal virtues,Fitting a prince's court, are the large fieldFor fame to triumph in.Lio.So you inform'd me: his face and carriage do import no less.Duke.Report abroad speaks him as liberally;And in my thoughts Fortune deserves but ill,That she detain'd thus long her favours from him.Lio.That will I make amends for.Gas.Happy hour,And happy me to see it! Now I perceiveHe has more wit than myself.Pet.What must I do?Duke.What must you do? go straight and kneel before him,And thank his highness for his love.Pet.I can't speak,I am so overcome with sudden gladness;Yet I'll endeavour it. [He kneels.] Most mighty sovereign,Thus low I bow in humble reverence,To kiss the basis of your regal throne.Lio.Rise up.Pet.Your grace's servant.Lio.We admit youOur nearest favourite in place and council.Duke.Go to, you are made for ever.[Aside.Pet.I'll find some officeTo gratulate thy pains.Lio.What was the cause,That you presented him no sooner to us?We might have bred him up in our affairs,And he have learnt the fashions of our court,Which might have render'd him more active.Duke.Doubt not,His ingenuity will soon instruct him.Lio.Then, to confirm him deeper in our friendship,We here assign our sister for his wife.What! is he bashful?Pet.Speaks your grace in earnest?Lio.What else? I'll have it so.Duke.Why do you not step and take her?Pet.Is't not a kind of treason?Duke.Not if he bid you.Pet.Divinest lady, are you so content?Ang.What my brother commands, I must obey.Lio.Join hands together; be wise; and useYour dignities with a due reverence.Tiberius Cæsar joy'd not in the birthOf great Sejanus' fortunes with that zeal,As I shall to have rais'd you—though I hopeA different fate attends you.Duke.Go to the church,Perform your rites there, and return again,As fast as you can.Gas.I could e'en expire with contemplation of his happiness.Lio.What old man's that?Pet.This is my father, sir.Lio.Your own father?Gas.So please your grace.Lio.Give him a pairOf velvet breeches from our grandsire's wardrobe.Gas.Thrice noble duke. Come, son, let's to the church.

Pet.Father, you hear all this?

Gas.I do with joy, son, and am ravish'd at it;Therefore I have resign'd m' estate unto thee,(Only reserving some few crowns to live on)Because I'd have thee to maintain thy port.

Pet.You did as you ought.

Gas.'Tis enough for me,To be the parent of so bless'd an issue.

Pet.Nay, if you are so apprehensive, I amsatisfied.

Lio.Is this the gentleman you so commended?

Duke.It is the same, my liege, whose royal virtues,Fitting a prince's court, are the large fieldFor fame to triumph in.

Lio.So you inform'd me: his face and carriage do import no less.

Duke.Report abroad speaks him as liberally;And in my thoughts Fortune deserves but ill,That she detain'd thus long her favours from him.

Lio.That will I make amends for.

Gas.Happy hour,And happy me to see it! Now I perceiveHe has more wit than myself.

Pet.What must I do?

Duke.What must you do? go straight and kneel before him,And thank his highness for his love.

Pet.I can't speak,I am so overcome with sudden gladness;Yet I'll endeavour it. [He kneels.] Most mighty sovereign,Thus low I bow in humble reverence,To kiss the basis of your regal throne.

Lio.Rise up.

Pet.Your grace's servant.

Lio.We admit youOur nearest favourite in place and council.

Duke.Go to, you are made for ever.[Aside.

Pet.I'll find some officeTo gratulate thy pains.

Lio.What was the cause,That you presented him no sooner to us?We might have bred him up in our affairs,And he have learnt the fashions of our court,Which might have render'd him more active.

Duke.Doubt not,His ingenuity will soon instruct him.

Lio.Then, to confirm him deeper in our friendship,We here assign our sister for his wife.What! is he bashful?

Pet.Speaks your grace in earnest?

Lio.What else? I'll have it so.

Duke.Why do you not step and take her?

Pet.Is't not a kind of treason?

Duke.Not if he bid you.

Pet.Divinest lady, are you so content?

Ang.What my brother commands, I must obey.

Lio.Join hands together; be wise; and useYour dignities with a due reverence.Tiberius Cæsar joy'd not in the birthOf great Sejanus' fortunes with that zeal,As I shall to have rais'd you—though I hopeA different fate attends you.

Duke.Go to the church,Perform your rites there, and return again,As fast as you can.

Gas.I could e'en expire with contemplation of his happiness.

Lio.What old man's that?

Pet.This is my father, sir.

Lio.Your own father?

Gas.So please your grace.

Lio.Give him a pairOf velvet breeches from our grandsire's wardrobe.

Gas.Thrice noble duke. Come, son, let's to the church.

[ExeuntPetrucio,Gasparo, andAngelia.

EnterAntiquaryandPetro.

Lio.How now! what new-come pageant have we here?Duke.This is the famous antiquary I told your grace of, a man worthy your grace; the Janus of our age, and treasurer of times passed: a man worthy your bounteous favour and kind notice; that will as soon forget himself in the remembrance of your highness, as any subject you have.Lio.How comes he so accoutred?Duke.No miracle at all, sir; for, as you have many fools in the habit of a wise man, so have you sometimes a wise man in the habit of a fool.Ant.Sir, I have been so grossly abused, as no story, record, or chronicle can parallel the like, and I come here for redress: I hear your highness loves me, and indeed you are partly interested in the cause, for I, having took somewhat a large potion for your grace's health, fell asleep, when in the interim they apparelled me as you see, made a fool or an asinigo[365]of me; and for my boy here, theycogged him out of his proper shape into the habit of an Amazon, to wait upon me.Lio.But who did this?Ant.Nay, sir, that I cannot tell; but I desire it may be found out.Duke.Well, signor, if you knew all, you have no cause to be angry.Ant.How so?Duke.Why, that same coat you wear did formerly belong unto Pantolabus the Roman jester, and buffoon to Augustus Cæsar.

Lio.How now! what new-come pageant have we here?

Duke.This is the famous antiquary I told your grace of, a man worthy your grace; the Janus of our age, and treasurer of times passed: a man worthy your bounteous favour and kind notice; that will as soon forget himself in the remembrance of your highness, as any subject you have.

Lio.How comes he so accoutred?

Duke.No miracle at all, sir; for, as you have many fools in the habit of a wise man, so have you sometimes a wise man in the habit of a fool.

Ant.Sir, I have been so grossly abused, as no story, record, or chronicle can parallel the like, and I come here for redress: I hear your highness loves me, and indeed you are partly interested in the cause, for I, having took somewhat a large potion for your grace's health, fell asleep, when in the interim they apparelled me as you see, made a fool or an asinigo[365]of me; and for my boy here, theycogged him out of his proper shape into the habit of an Amazon, to wait upon me.

Lio.But who did this?

Ant.Nay, sir, that I cannot tell; but I desire it may be found out.

Duke.Well, signor, if you knew all, you have no cause to be angry.

Ant.How so?

Duke.Why, that same coat you wear did formerly belong unto Pantolabus the Roman jester, and buffoon to Augustus Cæsar.

Ant.And I thought so, I'd ne'er put it off, while I breath'd.Lio.Stand by; we'll inquire further anon.

Ant.And I thought so, I'd ne'er put it off, while I breath'd.

Lio.Stand by; we'll inquire further anon.

EnterAurelio,Lorenzo,Mocinigo,Bravo,Æmilia,Lucretia, Officers.

Now who are you?Aur.Your highness's officers.We have brought two murderers here to be censured,Who by their own confession are found guilty,And need no further trial.Lio.Which be the parties?Aur.These, and please you.Lio.Well, what do you answer?What can you plead to stop the course of justice?Moc.For my part, though I had no conscience to act it,I have not the heart to deny it; and therefore expectYour sentence; for mercy, I hope none nor favour.Lio.What says th' accuser?Luc.Please your princely wisdom,He slew a man was destin'd for my husband;Yet, since another's death cannot recall him,Were the law satisfied, and he adjudg'dTo have his goods confiscate, for my own part,I could rest well content.Moc.With all my heart;I yield possession to whomsoe'erShe shall choose for a husband. Reach a paperOr blank: I'll seal to it.Luc.See, there's a writing!Moc.And there's my hand to it:I care not what the conditions be.Lio.'Tis well: whom will you choose in place of the other?Luc.Then, sir, to keep his memory alive,I'll seek no further than this officer.Lor.How? choose a common serjeant for her husband!Æmi.A base commendadore! I'll ne'er endure it.Aur.No, lady, a gentleman I assure you, andSuppos'd the slain Aurelio.[Discovers himself.Moc.A plot, a plot upon me! I'll revoke it all.Lio.Nay, that you cannot, now you have confirm'd it.Moc.Am I then cheated? I'll go home and die,To avoid shame, not live in infamy.Lio.What says the villain bravo for himself?Bravo.The bravo, sir, is honest, and his father.Aur.My father! bless me, how comes this about?Bravo.That virtuous maid, whom I must always honour,Acquainted me with that old lecher's drift:I, to prevent the ruin of my son,Conceal'd from all, proffer'd my service to himIn this disguise.Lio.'Twas a wise and pious deed.

Now who are you?

Aur.Your highness's officers.We have brought two murderers here to be censured,Who by their own confession are found guilty,And need no further trial.

Lio.Which be the parties?

Aur.These, and please you.

Lio.Well, what do you answer?What can you plead to stop the course of justice?

Moc.For my part, though I had no conscience to act it,I have not the heart to deny it; and therefore expectYour sentence; for mercy, I hope none nor favour.

Lio.What says th' accuser?

Luc.Please your princely wisdom,He slew a man was destin'd for my husband;Yet, since another's death cannot recall him,Were the law satisfied, and he adjudg'dTo have his goods confiscate, for my own part,I could rest well content.

Moc.With all my heart;I yield possession to whomsoe'erShe shall choose for a husband. Reach a paperOr blank: I'll seal to it.

Luc.See, there's a writing!

Moc.And there's my hand to it:I care not what the conditions be.

Lio.'Tis well: whom will you choose in place of the other?

Luc.Then, sir, to keep his memory alive,I'll seek no further than this officer.

Lor.How? choose a common serjeant for her husband!

Æmi.A base commendadore! I'll ne'er endure it.

Aur.No, lady, a gentleman I assure you, andSuppos'd the slain Aurelio.[Discovers himself.

Moc.A plot, a plot upon me! I'll revoke it all.

Lio.Nay, that you cannot, now you have confirm'd it.

Moc.Am I then cheated? I'll go home and die,To avoid shame, not live in infamy.

Lio.What says the villain bravo for himself?

Bravo.The bravo, sir, is honest, and his father.

Aur.My father! bless me, how comes this about?

Bravo.That virtuous maid, whom I must always honour,Acquainted me with that old lecher's drift:I, to prevent the ruin of my son,Conceal'd from all, proffer'd my service to himIn this disguise.

Lio.'Twas a wise and pious deed.

EnterPetrucio,Angelia, andGasparo.

Pet.Room for the duke's kindred.Lio.What, you are married, I perceive.Pet.I am, royal brother.Lio.Then, for your better learning in our service,Take these instructions. Never hereafterContemn a man that has more wit than yourself,Or foolishly conceive no lady's meritOr beauty worthy your affection.Pet.How's this?Lio.Truth, my most honour'd brother, you are gull'd;So is my reverend uncle the Antiquary;So are you all. For he that you conceiv'dThe duke, is your friend and Lionel;Look you else.Pet.'Tis so.Gas.'Tis too apparent true.Lio.What, all drunk! Speak, uncle.Ant.Thou art my nephew,And thou hast wit; 'tis fit thou should'st have land too.Tell me no more, how thou hast cheated me,I do perceive it, and forgive thee for 't;Thou shalt have all I have, and I'll be wiser.Lio.I thank you, sir. Brother Petrucio,This to your comfort; that is my sister,Whom formerly you did abuse in love,And you may be glad your lot is no worse.Pet.I am contented; I'll give a good witLeave to abuse me at any time.Lor.When he cannot help it.Gas.This 'tisTo be so politic and ambitious, son.Pet.Nay, father, do not you aggravate it too.Lor.Well, signor,You must pardon me, if I bid joy to you;My daughter was not good enough for you.Pet.You are tyrannous.

Pet.Room for the duke's kindred.

Lio.What, you are married, I perceive.

Pet.I am, royal brother.

Lio.Then, for your better learning in our service,Take these instructions. Never hereafterContemn a man that has more wit than yourself,Or foolishly conceive no lady's meritOr beauty worthy your affection.

Pet.How's this?

Lio.Truth, my most honour'd brother, you are gull'd;So is my reverend uncle the Antiquary;So are you all. For he that you conceiv'dThe duke, is your friend and Lionel;Look you else.

Pet.'Tis so.

Gas.'Tis too apparent true.

Lio.What, all drunk! Speak, uncle.

Ant.Thou art my nephew,And thou hast wit; 'tis fit thou should'st have land too.Tell me no more, how thou hast cheated me,I do perceive it, and forgive thee for 't;Thou shalt have all I have, and I'll be wiser.

Lio.I thank you, sir. Brother Petrucio,This to your comfort; that is my sister,Whom formerly you did abuse in love,And you may be glad your lot is no worse.

Pet.I am contented; I'll give a good witLeave to abuse me at any time.

Lor.When he cannot help it.

Gas.This 'tisTo be so politic and ambitious, son.

Pet.Nay, father, do not you aggravate it too.

Lor.Well, signor,You must pardon me, if I bid joy to you;My daughter was not good enough for you.

Pet.You are tyrannous.

EnterLeonardo.

Leo.Save you, gallants.Lio.You are very welcome.Leo.I come in quest of our noble duke,Who from his court has stol'n out privately,And 'tis reported he is here.Lio.No indeed, sir,He is not here. 'Slight, we shall be question'dFor counterfeiting his person.Duke.Be not dismay'd,I am the duke.Leo.My lord!Duke.The very same, sir.That for my recreation have descended,And no impeach, I hope, to royaltyTo sit spectator of your mirth. And thus muchYou shall gain by my presence: what is pass'd,I'll see it ratified as firm, as ifMyself and senate had concluded it.And when a prince allows his subjects sport,He that pines at it, let him perish for 't.

Leo.Save you, gallants.

Lio.You are very welcome.

Leo.I come in quest of our noble duke,Who from his court has stol'n out privately,And 'tis reported he is here.

Lio.No indeed, sir,He is not here. 'Slight, we shall be question'dFor counterfeiting his person.

Duke.Be not dismay'd,I am the duke.

Leo.My lord!

Duke.The very same, sir.That for my recreation have descended,And no impeach, I hope, to royaltyTo sit spectator of your mirth. And thus muchYou shall gain by my presence: what is pass'd,I'll see it ratified as firm, as ifMyself and senate had concluded it.And when a prince allows his subjects sport,He that pines at it, let him perish for 't.

FOOTNOTES:[358]A cooling cardis frequently mentioned in our ancient authors; but the precise sense in which it is used is difficult to be ascertained. In some places it seems to signifyadmonitionoradvice; in others,censureorreproof. In Lyly's "Euphues," p. 39, "Euphues, to the intent he might bridle the overlashing affections of Philautus, conveied into his studie a certeine pamphlet, which he tearmedA cooling cardfor Philautus; yet generally to bee applyed to all lovers."So in the "First Part of Henry VI.," act v. sc. 4—"There all is marr'd; there liesa cooling card."And in the "Wounds of Civil War," 1594—"I'll have a presentcooling cardfor you."[359]See Note to this play, p.421.[360]i.e., at thefallof water through a bridge. The idea seems to be taken from the noisy situation of the houses formerly standing on London Bridge.—Steevens.[361]So in "Hamlet," act iii. sc. 4—"This is the very coinage of your brain;This bodiless creationecstasyIs very cunning in."Mr Steevens observes that in this place, and many others,ecstasymeans a temporary alienation of mind, a fit.[362]Alluding to the fate of Polydorus, a son of King Priam. See Virgil's "Æneid," book iii. l. 49—"HuncPolydorum auriquondam cum pondere magnoInfelix Priamus furtim mandarat alendumThreicio regi——. . . .Polydorumobtruncat, etauroVi petitur."[363]In the first edit. this line is thus—"Black with the curls of snakes, sits a spectatrix."It may be doubted whether Mr Reed had sufficient warrant for altering the old reading: at all eventsspectatrix, the word of the time, might have stood; perhaps, in the two next linestheirshould be changed toher.—Collier.[364]So in Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra"—"Let me lodgeLichason the horn o' th' moon."—Steevens.Again, Ovid's "Metam.," lib. 9. l. 215—"Tremit ille pavetquePallidus; et timide verba excusantia dicitDicentem, genibusque manus adhibere parantemCorripit Alcides; et terque quaterque rotatumMittit in Euboicas tormento fortius undas,Ille per aerias pendens indurnit auras."Of which the following is Gay's translation—"The youth all pale with shiv'ring fear was stung,And vain excuses falter'd on his tongue:Alcides snatch'd him, as with suppliant faceHe strove to clasp his knees, and beg for grace;He toss'd him o'er his head with airy course,And hurl'd with more than with an engine's force:Far o'er the Eubœan main aloof he flies,And hardens by degrees amid the skies."[365]A cant term for a foolish fellow or idiot. See Mr Steevens's note on "Troilus and Cressida," act ii. sc. 1.

[358]A cooling cardis frequently mentioned in our ancient authors; but the precise sense in which it is used is difficult to be ascertained. In some places it seems to signifyadmonitionoradvice; in others,censureorreproof. In Lyly's "Euphues," p. 39, "Euphues, to the intent he might bridle the overlashing affections of Philautus, conveied into his studie a certeine pamphlet, which he tearmedA cooling cardfor Philautus; yet generally to bee applyed to all lovers."So in the "First Part of Henry VI.," act v. sc. 4—"There all is marr'd; there liesa cooling card."And in the "Wounds of Civil War," 1594—"I'll have a presentcooling cardfor you."

So in the "First Part of Henry VI.," act v. sc. 4—

"There all is marr'd; there liesa cooling card."

And in the "Wounds of Civil War," 1594—

"I'll have a presentcooling cardfor you."

[359]See Note to this play, p.421.

[360]i.e., at thefallof water through a bridge. The idea seems to be taken from the noisy situation of the houses formerly standing on London Bridge.—Steevens.

[361]So in "Hamlet," act iii. sc. 4—"This is the very coinage of your brain;This bodiless creationecstasyIs very cunning in."Mr Steevens observes that in this place, and many others,ecstasymeans a temporary alienation of mind, a fit.

[361]So in "Hamlet," act iii. sc. 4—

"This is the very coinage of your brain;This bodiless creationecstasyIs very cunning in."

Mr Steevens observes that in this place, and many others,ecstasymeans a temporary alienation of mind, a fit.

[362]Alluding to the fate of Polydorus, a son of King Priam. See Virgil's "Æneid," book iii. l. 49—"HuncPolydorum auriquondam cum pondere magnoInfelix Priamus furtim mandarat alendumThreicio regi——. . . .Polydorumobtruncat, etauroVi petitur."

[362]Alluding to the fate of Polydorus, a son of King Priam. See Virgil's "Æneid," book iii. l. 49—

"HuncPolydorum auriquondam cum pondere magnoInfelix Priamus furtim mandarat alendumThreicio regi——. . . .Polydorumobtruncat, etauroVi petitur."

[363]In the first edit. this line is thus—"Black with the curls of snakes, sits a spectatrix."It may be doubted whether Mr Reed had sufficient warrant for altering the old reading: at all eventsspectatrix, the word of the time, might have stood; perhaps, in the two next linestheirshould be changed toher.—Collier.

[363]In the first edit. this line is thus—

"Black with the curls of snakes, sits a spectatrix."

It may be doubted whether Mr Reed had sufficient warrant for altering the old reading: at all eventsspectatrix, the word of the time, might have stood; perhaps, in the two next linestheirshould be changed toher.—Collier.

[364]So in Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra"—"Let me lodgeLichason the horn o' th' moon."—Steevens.Again, Ovid's "Metam.," lib. 9. l. 215—"Tremit ille pavetquePallidus; et timide verba excusantia dicitDicentem, genibusque manus adhibere parantemCorripit Alcides; et terque quaterque rotatumMittit in Euboicas tormento fortius undas,Ille per aerias pendens indurnit auras."Of which the following is Gay's translation—"The youth all pale with shiv'ring fear was stung,And vain excuses falter'd on his tongue:Alcides snatch'd him, as with suppliant faceHe strove to clasp his knees, and beg for grace;He toss'd him o'er his head with airy course,And hurl'd with more than with an engine's force:Far o'er the Eubœan main aloof he flies,And hardens by degrees amid the skies."

[364]So in Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra"—

"Let me lodgeLichason the horn o' th' moon."

—Steevens.

Again, Ovid's "Metam.," lib. 9. l. 215—

"Tremit ille pavetquePallidus; et timide verba excusantia dicitDicentem, genibusque manus adhibere parantemCorripit Alcides; et terque quaterque rotatumMittit in Euboicas tormento fortius undas,Ille per aerias pendens indurnit auras."

Of which the following is Gay's translation—

"The youth all pale with shiv'ring fear was stung,And vain excuses falter'd on his tongue:Alcides snatch'd him, as with suppliant faceHe strove to clasp his knees, and beg for grace;He toss'd him o'er his head with airy course,And hurl'd with more than with an engine's force:Far o'er the Eubœan main aloof he flies,And hardens by degrees amid the skies."

[365]A cant term for a foolish fellow or idiot. See Mr Steevens's note on "Troilus and Cressida," act ii. sc. 1.

END OF VOL. XIII.

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