Zab.'Tis well, be sure The wines be lusty, high, and full of Spirit, And Amber'd all.
Ser.They are.
Zab.Give fair attendance. In the best trim, and state, make ready all. I shall come presently again. [Banquet set forth. Exit.
2 Ser.We shall Sir,What preparation's this?Some new deviceMy Lady has in hand.
1 Ser.O, prosper it As long as it carries good wine in the mouth, And good meat with it, where are all the rest?
2 Ser.They are ready to attend. [Musick.
1 Ser.Sure some great person, They would not make this hurry else.
2 Ser.Hark the Musick.
EnterZabulon,andArnoldo.
It will appear now certain, here it comes.Now to our places.
Arn.Whither will he lead me?What invitation's this? to what new endAre these fair preparations? a rich Banquet,Musick, and every place stuck with adornment,Fit for a Princes welcome; what new gameHas Fortune now prepar'd to shew me happy?And then again to sink me? 'tis no illusion,Mine eyes are not deceiv'd, all these are reall;What wealth and state!
Zab.Will you sit down and eat Sir?These carry little wonder, they are usual;But you shall see, if you be wise to observe it,That that will strike dead, strike with amazement,Then if you be a man: this fair health to you.
Ar.What shall I see? I pledge ye Sir, I was never So buried in amazement—
Zab.You are so still: Drink freely.
Ar.The very wines are admirable:Good Sir, give me leave to ask this question,For what great worthy man are these prepar'd?And why do you bring me hither?
Zab.They are for you, Sir;And under-value not the worth you carry,You are that worthy man: think well of these,They shall be more, and greater.
Ar.Well, blind fortune Thou hast the prettiest changes when thou art pleas'd, To play thy game out wantonly—
Zab.Come be lusty, And awake your Spirits. [Cease Musick.
Ar.Good Sir, do not wake me. For willingly I would dye in this dream, pray whose Servants Are all these that attend here?
Zab.They are yours; They wait on you.
Ar.I never yet remember I kept such faces, nor that I was ever able To maintain so many.
Zab.Now you are, and shall be.
Ar.You'l say this house is mine too?
Zab.Say it? swear it.
Ar.And all this wealth?
Zab.This is the least you see Sir.
Ar.Why, where has this been hid these thirtie years?For certainly I never found I was wealthieTill this hour, never dream'd of house, and Servants.I had thought I had been a younger Brother, a poor Gent.I may eat boldly then.
Zab.'Tis prepar'd for ye.
Ar.The taste is perfect, and most delicate:But why for me? give me some wine, I do drink;I feel it sensibly, and I am here,Here in this glorious place: I am bravely us'd too,Good Gentle Sir, give me leave to think a little,For either I am much abus'd—
Zab.Strike Musick And sing that lusty Song. [Musick. Song.
Ar.Bewitching harmony! Sure I am turn'd into another Creature.
EnterHippolyta.
Happy and blest,Arnoldowas unfortunate;Ha! bless mine eyes; what pretious piece of natureTo pose the world?
Zab.I told you, you would see that Would darken these poor preparations; What think ye now? nay rise not, 'tis no vision.
Ar.'Tis more: 'tis miracle.
Hip.You are welcom Sir.
Ar.It speaks, and entertains me still more glorious; She is warm, and this is flesh here: how she stirs me! Bless me what stars are there?
Hip.May I sit near ye?
Ar.No, you are too pure an object to behold, Too excellent to look upon, and live; I must remove.
Zab.She is a woman Sir, Fy, what faint heart is this?
Arn.The house of wonder.
Zab.Do not you think your self now truly happy?You have the abstract of all sweetness by ye,The precious wealth youth labours to arrive at;Nor is she less in honour, than in beauty,Ferrara'sRoyal Duke is proud to call herHis best, his Noblest, and most happy Sister,Fortune has made her Mistress of herself,Wealthy, and wise, without a power to sway her,Wonder ofItaly, of all hearts Mistress.
Arn.And all this is—
Zab.Hippolytathe beauteous.
Hip.You are a poor relator of my fortunes,Too weak a Chronicle to speak my blessings,And leave out that essential part of storyI am most high and happy in, most fortunate,The acquaintance, and the noble fellowshipOf this fair Gentleman: pray ye do not wonder,Nor hold it strange to hear a handsome LadySpeak freely to ye: with your fair leave and courtesieI will sit by ye.
Arn.I know not what to answer, Nor where I am, nor to what end consider; Why do you use me thus?
Hip.Are ye angry Sir, Because ye are entertain'd with all humanity? Freely and nobly us'd?
Arn.No gentle Lady,That were uncivil, but it much amazes meA stranger, and a man of no desertShould find such floods of courtesie.
Hip.I love ye,I honour ye, the first and best of all men,And where that fair opinion leads, 'tis usualThese trifles that but serve to set off, follow.I would not have you proud now, nor disdainfulBecause I say I love ye, though I swear it,Nor think it a stale favour I fling on ye,Though ye be handsome, and the only manI must confess I ever fixt mine eye on,And bring along all promises that please us,Yet I should hate ye then, despise ye, scorn ye,And with as much contempt pursue your person,As now I do with love. But you are wiser,At least I think, more master of your fortune,And so I drink your health.
Arn.Hold fast good honesty, I am a lost man else.
Hip.Now you may kiss me, 'Tis the first kiss, I ever askt, I swear to ye.
Arn.That I dare do sweet Lady.
Hip.You do it well too; You are a Master Sir, that makes you coy.
Arn.Would you would send your people off.
Hip.Well thought on. Wait all without. [ExitZab.and Servants.
Zab.I hope she is pleas'd throughly.
Hip.Why stand ye still? here's no man to detect ye,My people are gone off: come, come, leave conjuring,The Spirit you would raise, is here already,Look boldly on me.
Arn.What would you have me do?
Hip.O most unmanly question! have you do? Is't possible your years should want a Tutor? I'le teach ye: come, embrace me.
Arn.Fye stand off;And give me leave, more now than e're, to wonder,A building of so goodly a proportion,Outwardly all exact, the frame of Heaven,Should hide within so base inhabitants?You are as fair, as if the morning bare ye,Imagination never made a sweeter;Can it be possible this frame should suffer,And built on slight affections, fright the viewer?Be excellent in all, as you are outward,The worthy Mistress of those many blessingsHeaven has bestowed, make 'em appear still nobler,Because they are trusted to a weaker keeper.Would ye have me love ye?
Hip.Yes.
Arn.Not for your beauty;Though I confess, it blowes the first fire in us,Time as he passes by, puts out that sparkle;Nor for your wealth, although the world kneel to it,And make it all addition to a woman,Fortune that ruines all, makes that his conquest;Be honest, and be vertuous, I'le admire ye,At least be wise, and where ye lay these nets,Strow over 'em a little modesty,'Twill well become your cause, and catch more Fools.
Hip.Could any one that lov'd this wholesome counselBut love the giver more? you make me fonder:You have a vertuous mind, I want that ornament;Is it a sin I covet to enjoy ye?If ye imagine I am too free a Lover,And act that part belongs to you, I am silent:Mine eyes shall speak my blushes, parly with ye;I will not touch your hand, but with a trembleFitting a Vestal Nun; not long to kiss ye,But gently as the Air, and undiscern'd too,I'le steal it thus: I'le walk your shadow by ye,So still and silent that it shall be equal,To put me off, as that, and when I covet,To give such toyes as these—
Arn.A new temptation—
Hip.Thus like the lazie minutes will I drop 'em, Which past once are forgotten.
Arn.Excellent vice!
Hip.Will ye be won? look stedfastly upon me,Look manly, take a mans affections to you;Young women, in the old world were not wont, Sir,To hang out gaudy bushes for their beauties,To talk themselves into young mens affections;How cold and dull you are!
Arn.How I stagger! She is wise, as fair; but 'tis a wicked wisdom; I'le choak before I yield.
Hip.Who waits within there? [Zabulonwithin.Make ready the green Chamber.
Zab.It shall be Madam.
Arn.I am afraid she will injoy me indeed.
Hip.What Musick do ye love?
Arn.A modest tongue.
Hip.We'l have enough of that: fye, fye, how lumpish! In a young Ladyes arms thus dull?
Arn.For Heaven sake Profess a little goodness.
Hip.Of what Country?
Arn.I am ofRome.
Hip.Nay then I know you mock me, TheItaliansare not frighted with such bug-bears, Prethee go in.
Arn.I am not well.
Hip.I'le make thee, I'le kiss thee well.
Arn.I am not sick of that sore.
Hip.Upon my Conscience, I must ravish thee, I shall be famous for the first example: With this I'le tye ye first, then try your strength Sir.
Arn.My strength? away base woman, I abhor thee. I am not caught with stales, disease dwell with thee. [Exit.
Hip.Are ye so quick? and have I lost my wishes? Hoe,Zabulon; my servants.
EnterZabulonandServants.
Zab.Call'd ye Madam?
Hip.Is all that beauty scorned, so many su'd for; So many Princes? by a stranger too? Must I endure this?
Zab.Where's the Gentleman?
Hip.Go presently, pursue the stranger,Zabulon.He has broke from me, Jewels I have given him:Charge him with theft: he has stoln my love, my freedome,Draw him before the Governour, imprison him,Why dost thou stay?
Zab.I'le teach him a new dance,For playing fast and loose with such a Lady.Come fellows, come: I'le execute your anger,And to the full.
Hip.His scorn shall feel my vengeance.— [Exeunt.
Scena Tertia.
EnterSulpiciaandJaques.
Sul.Shall I never see a lusty man again?
Ja.Faith Mistress You do so over-labour 'em when you have 'em, And so dry-founder 'em, they cannot last.
Sul.Where's theFrench-man?
Ja.Alas, he's all to fitters, and lyes, taking the height of his fortune with a Syringe. He's chin'd, he's chin'd good man, he is a mourner.
Sul.What's become of theDane?
Ja.Who? goldy-locks?He's foul i'th' touch-hole; and recoils again,The main Spring's weaken'd that holds up his cock,He lies at the sign of theSun, to be new breech'd.
Sul.The Rutter too, is gone.
Ja.O that was a brave Rascal,He would labour like a Thrasher: but alasWhat thing can ever last? he has been ill mew'd,And drawn too soon; I have seen him in the Hospital.
Sul.There was anEnglish-man.
Ja.I there was anEnglish-man;You'l scant find any now, to make that name good:There were thoseEnglishthat were men indeed,And would perform like men, but now they are vanisht:They are so taken up in their own Country,And so beaten of their speed by their own women,When they come here, they draw their legs like Hackneys:Drink, and their own devices have undone 'em.
Sul.I must have one that's strong, no life inLisbonelse,Perfect and young: my Custom with young Ladies,And high fed City dames, will fall, and break else.I want my self too, in mine age to nourish me:They are all sunk I mantain'd: now what's this business,What goodly fellow's that?
EnterRutilioandOfficers.
Rut.Why do you drag me? Pox o' your justice; let me loose.
1 Offi.Not so Sir.
Rut.Cannot a man fall into one of your drunken Cellars, And venture the breaking on's neck, your trap-doors open, But he must be us'd thus rascally?
1 Offi.What made you wandring So late i'th' night? you know that is imprisonment.
Rut.May be I walk in my sleep.
2 Offi.May be we'l walk ye. What made you wandring Sir, into that vault Where all the City store, and the Munition lay?
Rut.I fell into it by chance, I broke my shins for't:Your worships feel not that: I knockt my headAgainst a hundred posts, would you had had it.Cannot I break my neck in my own defence?
2 Offi.This will not serve: you cannot put it off so, Your coming thither was to play the villain, To fire the Powder, to blow up that part o'th' City.
Rut.Yes, with my nose: why were the trap-doors open? Might not you fall, or you, had you gone that way? I thought your City had sunk.
1 Offi.You did your best Sir,We must presume, to help it into th' Air,If you call that sinking: we have told you what's the law,He that is taken there, unless a Magistrate,And have command in that place, presentlyIf there be nothing found apparent near himWorthy his torture, or his present death,Must either pay his fine for his presumption,(Which is six hundred Duckets) or for six yearsTug at an Oar i'th' Gallies: will ye walk Sir,For we presume you cannot pay the penalty.
Rut.Row in the Gallies, after all this mischief?
2 Offi.May be you were drunk, they'l keep you sober there.
Rut.Tug at an Oar? you are not arrant rascals, To catch me in a pit-fall, and betray me?
Sul.A lusty minded man.
Ja.A wondrous able.
Sul.Pray Gentlemen, allow me but that liberty To speak a few words with your prisoner, And I shall thank you.
1 Offi.Take your pleasure Lady.
Sul.What would you give that woman should redeem ye, Redeem ye from this slavery?
Rut.Besides my service I would give her my whole self, I would be her vassal.
Sul.She has reason to expect as much, consideringThe great sum she pays for't, yet take comfort,What ye shall do to merit this, is easie,And I will be the woman shall befriend ye,'Tis but to entertain some handsome Ladies,And young fair Gentlewomen: you guess the way:But giving of your mind—
Rut.I am excellent at it: You cannot pick out such another living. I understand ye: is't not thus?
Sul.Ye have it.
Rut.Bring me a hundred of 'em: I'le dispatch 'em.I will be none but yours: should another offerAnother way to redeem me, I should scorn it.What women you shall please: I am monstrous lusty:Not to be taken down: would you have Children?I'le get you those as fast, and thick as flie-blows.
Sul.I admire him: wonder at him!
Rut.Hark ye Lady, You may require sometimes—
Sul.I by my faith.
Rut.And you shall have it by my faith, and handsomly:This old Cat will suck shrewdly: you have no Daughters?I flye at all: now am I in my Kingdom.Tug at an Oar? no, tug in a Feather-bed,With good warm Caudles; hang your bread and water,I'le make you young again, believe that Lady.I will so frubbish you.
Sul.Come, follow Officers, This Gentleman is free: I'le pay the Duckets.
Rut.And when you catch me in your City-powdring-tub Again, boil me with Cabbidge.
1 Offi.You are both warn'd and arm'd Sir. [Exeunt.
Scena Quarta.
EnterLeopold, Hippolyta, Zenocia.
Zen.Will your Ladyship wear this Dressing?
Hip.Leave thy prating: I care not what I wear.
Zen.Yet 'tis my duty To know your pleasure, and my worst affliction To see you discontented.
Hip.Weeping too?Prethee forgive me: I am much distemper'd,And speak I know not what: to make thee amendsThe Gown that I wore yesterday, is thine;Let it alone awhile.
Leo.Now you perceive, And taste her bounty.
Zen.Much above my merit.
Leo.But have you not yet found a happy time To move for me.
Zen.I have watched all occasions, But hitherto, without success: yet doubt not But I'le embrace the first means.
Leo.Do, and prosper:Excellent creature, whose perfections makeEven sorrow lovely, if your frowns thus take me,What would your smiles doe?
Hip.Pox o' this stale Courtship: If I have any power.
Leo.I am commanded, Obedience is the Lovers sacrifice Which I pay gladly.
Hip.To be forc'd to wooe,Being a woman, could not but torment me,But bringing for my advocates, youth and beauty,Set off with wealth, and then to be deni'd tooDo's comprehend all tortures. They flatter'd me,That said my looks were charms, my touches fetters,My locks soft chains, to bind the arms of Princes,And make them in that wish'd for bondage, happy.I am like others of a coarser feature,As weak to allure, but in my dotage, stronger:I am noCirce; he, more thanUlysses,Scorns all my offer'd bounties, slights my favours,And, as I were some new Egyptian, flyes me,Leaving no pawn, but my own shame behind him.But he shall finde, that in my fell revenge,I am a woman: one that never pardonsThe rude contemner of her proffered sweetness.
EnterZabulon.
Zab.Madam, 'tis done.
Hip.What's done?
Zab.The uncivill stranger Is at your suite arrested.
Hip.'Tis well handled.
Zab.And under guard sent to the Governour,With whom my testimony, and the favourHe bears your Ladiship, have so prevail'dThat he is sentenc'd.
Hip.How?
Zab.To lose his head.
Hip.Is that the means to quench the scorching heatOf my inrag'd desires? must innocence suffer,'Cause I am faulty? or is my Love so fatallThat of necessity it must destroyThe object it most longs for? dullHippolyta,To think that injuries could make way for love,When courtesies were despis'd: that by his deathThou shouldst gain that, which only thou canst hope forWhile he is living: My honour's at the stake now,And cannot be preserv'd, unless he perish,The enjoying of the thing I love, I everHave priz'd above my fame: why doubt I now then?One only way is left me, to redeem all:Make ready my Caroch.
Leo.What will you Madam?
Hip.And yet I am impatient of such stay:Bind up my hair: fye, fye, while that is doingThe Law may seise his life: thus as I am then,Not likeHippolyta, but aBacchanalMy frantique Love transports me. [Exit.
Leo.Sure she's distracted.
Zab.Pray you follow her: I will along with you:I more than ghess the cause: women that loveAre most uncertain, and one minute crave,What in another they refuse to have. [Exit.
Scena Quinta.
EnterClodio, Charino.
Clo.Assure thy selfCharino, I am alter'dFrom what I was; the tempests we have met withIn our uncertain voyage, were smooth galesCompar'd to those, the memory of my lustsRais'd in my Conscience: and if ere againI live to seeZenocia, I will sue,And seek to her as a Lover, and a Servant,And not command affection, like a Tyrant.
Char.In hearing this, you make me young again,And Heaven, it seems, favouring this good change in youIn setting of a period to our dangersGives us fair hopes to find that here inLisbonWhich hitherto in vain we long have sought for.I have receiv'd assur'd intelligence,Such strangers have been seen here: and though yetI cannot learn their fortunes, nor the placeOf their abode, I have a Soul presagesA fortunate event here.
Clo.There have pass'dA mutual enterchange of courtesiesBetween me, and the Governour; therefore boldlyWe may presume of him, and of his powerIf we finde cause to use them, otherwiseI would not be known here, and these disguisesWill keep us from discovery.
EnterManuel, Doctor, Arnoldo, Guard.
Char.What are these?
Clo.The Governour: with him my Rival, bound.
Char.For certain 'tisArnoldo.
Clo.Let's attend What the success will be.
Mar.Is't possible There should be hope of his recovery, His wounds so many and so deadly?
Doct.So they appear'd at first, but the blood stop'd, His trance forsook him, and on better search We found they were not mortal.
Man.Use all careTo perfect this unhop'd for cure: that donePropose your own rewards: and till you shallHear farther from me, for some ends I have,Conceal it from his Mother.
Doct.Wee'l not fail Sir. [Exit.
Man.You still stand confident on your innocence.
Arn.It is my best and last guard, which I will not Leave, to relye on your uncertain mercy.
EnterHippolyta, Zabulon, Leopold, Zenocia, 2 Servants.
Hip.Who bad you follow me! Goe home, and you Sir, As you respect me, goe with her.
Arn.Zenocia! And in her house a Servant!
Char.'Tis my Daughter.
Clo.My love? Contain your joy, observe the sequel. [Zen. passes.
Man.Fye Madam, how undecent 'tis for you,So far unlike your self to bee seen thusIn th' open streets? why do you kneel? pray you rise,I am acquainted with the wrong, and lossYou have sustain'd, and the Delinquent nowStands ready for his punishment.
Hip.Let it fall, Sir,On the offender: he is innocent,And most unworthy of these bonds he wears,But I made up of guilt.
Man.What strange turn's this?
Leo.This was my prisoner once.
Hip.If chastityIn a young man, and tempted to the height tooDid ere deserve reward, or admiration,He justly may claim both. Love to his person(Or if you please give it a fouler name)Compel'd me first to train him to my house,All engines I rais'd there to shake his vertue,Which in the assault were useless; he unmov'd stillAs if he had no part of humane frailty.Against the nature of my Sex, almostI plaid the Ravisher. You might have seenIn our contention, youngApolloflyAnd love-sickDaphnefollow, all arts failing,By flight he wan the victory, breaking fromMy scorn'd embraces: the repulse (in womenUnsufferable) invited me to practiseA means to be reveng'd: and from this grewHis Accusation, and the abuseOf your still equall justice: My rage everThanks heaven, though wanton, I found not my selfSo far engag'd to Hell, to prosecuteTo the death what I had plotted, for that loveThat made me first desire him, then accuse him,Commands me with the hazard of my selfFirst to entreat his pardon, then acquit him.
Man.What ere you are, so much I love your vertue,That I desire your friendship: do you unloose himFrom those bonds, you are worthy of: your repentanceMakes part of satisfaction; yet I mustSeverely reprehend you.
Leo.I am made A stale on all parts: But this fellow shall Pay dearly for her favour.
Arn.My life's so fullOf various changes, that I now despairOf any certain port; one trouble ending,A new, and worse succeeds it: what shouldZenociaDo in this womans house? Can chastityAnd hot Lust dwell together without infection?I would not be or jealous, or secure,Yet something must be done, to sound the depth on't:That she lives is my bliss, but living there,A hell of torments; there's no way to herIn whom I live, but by this door, through whichTo me 'tis death to enter, yet I must,And will make tryal.
Man.Let me hear no moreOf these devices, Lady: this I pardon,And at your intercession I forgiveYour instrument the Jew too: get you home.The hundred thousand crowns you lent the CityTowards the setting forth of the last NavyBound for the Islands, was a good then, whichI ballance with your ill now.
Char.Now Sir, to him, You know my Daughter needs it.
Hip.Let me takeA farewell with mine eye, Sir, though my lipBe barr'd the Ceremonie, courtesieAnd Custom too allows of.
Arn.Gentle Madam,I neither am so cold, nor so ill bredBut that I dare receive it: you are unguarded,And let me tell you that I am asham'dOf my late rudeness, and would gladly thereforeIf you please to accept my ready serviceWait on you to your house.
Hip.Above my hope: Sir, if an Angel were to be my convoy, He should not be more welcom.— [Ex.Arn.andHip.
Clo.Now you know me.
Man.Yes Sir, and honour you: ever remembringYour many bounties, being ambitious onlyTo give you cause to say by some one serviceThat I am not ungratefull.
Clod.'Tis now offer'd: I have a suit to you, and an easie one, Which e're long you shall know.
Man.When you think fit Sir,And then as a command I will receive it,Till when, most welcom: you are welcom too Sir,'Tis spoken from the heart, and therefore needs notMuch protestation: at your better leisureI will enquire the cause that brought you hither:In the mean time serve you.
Clod.You out-doe me Sir. [Exeunt.
Actus Quartus. Scena Prima.
EnterDuarte, Doctor.
Dua.You have bestow'd on me a second life,For which I live your creature, and have better'dWhat nature fram'd unperfect, my first beingInsolent pride made monstrous; but this laterIn learning me to know my self, hath taught meNot to wrong others.
Doct.Then we live indeed,When we can goe to rest without alarmGiven every minute to a guilt-sick conscienceTo keep us waking, and rise in the morningSecure in being innocent: but whenIn the remembrance of our worser actionsWe ever bear about us whips and furies,To make the day a night of sorrow to us,Even life's a burthen.
Dua.I have found and felt it;But will endeavour having first made peaceWith those intestine enemies my rude passions,To be so with man-kind: but worthy Doctor,Pray if you can resolve me; was the GentlemanThat left me dead, ere brought unto his tryal?
Doct.Not known, nor apprehended.
Dua.That's my grief.
Doct.Why, do you wish he had been punished?
Dua.No,The stream of my swoln sorrow runs not that way:For could I find him, as I vow to HeavenIt shall be my first care to seek him out,I would with thanks acknowledge that his sword,In opening my veins, which proud bloud poison'd,Gave the first symptoms of true health.
Doct.'Tis in youA Christian resolution: that you liveIs by the Governours, your Uncles chargeAs yet conceal'd. And though a sons loss neverWas solemniz'd with more tears of true sorrowThan have been paid by your unequal'd MotherFor your supposed death, she's not acquaintedWith your recovery.
Dua.For some few dayes Pray let her so continue: thus disguis'd I may abroad unknown.
Doct.Without suspicion Of being discovered.
Dua.I am confidentNo moisture sooner dies than womens tears,And therefore though I know my Mother vertuous,Yet being one of that frail sex I purposeHer farther tryal.
Doct.That as you think fit—I'le not betray you.
Dua.To find out this strangerThis true Physician of my mind and mannersWere such a blessing. He seem'd poor, and mayPerhaps be now in want; would I could find him.The Innes I'le search first, then the publick Stewes;He was ofItaly, and that Country breeds notPrecisians that way, but hot Libertines;And such the most are: 'tis but a little travail:I am unfurnisht too, pray Mr. Doctor,Can you supply me?
Doct.With what summ you please.
Dua.I will not be long absent.
Doct.That I wish too; For till you have more strength, I would not have you To be too bold.
Dua.Fear not, I will be carefull. [Exeunt.
EnterLeopold, Zabulon, Bravo.
Zab.I have brought him Sir, a fellow that will do it Though Hell stood in his way, ever provided You pay him for't.
Leop.He has a strange aspect, And looks much like the figure of a hang-man In a table of the Passion.
Zab.He transcendsAll precedents, believe it, a flesh'd ruffian,That hath so often taken the Strappado,That 'tis to him but as a lofty trickIs to a tumbler: he hath perused tooAll Dungeons inPortu[g]al, thrice seven yearsRowed in the Galleys for three several murthers,Though I presume that he has done a hundred,And scap't unpunisht.
Leop.He is much in debt to you, You set him off so well. What will you take Sir To beat a fellow for me, that thus wrong'd me?
Bra.To beat him say you?
Leop.Yes, beat him to lameness, To cut his lips or nose off; any thing, That may disfigure him.
Bra.Let me consider? Five hundred pistolets for such a service I think were no dear penniworth.
Zab.Five hundred! Why there are of your Brother-hood in the City, I'le undertake, shall kill a man for twenty.
Bra.Kill him? I think so; I'le kill any man For half the mony.
Leop.And will you ask more For a sound beating than a murther?
Bra.I Sir,And with good reason, for a dog that's dead,The Spanish proverb says, will never bite:But should I beat or hurt him only, he mayRecover, and kill me.
Leo.A good conclusion,The obduracie of this rascal makes me tender.I'le run some other course, there's your rewardWithout the employment.
Bra.For that as you please Sir; When you have need to kill a man, pray use me, But I am out at beating. [Exit.
Zab.What's to be done then?
Leop.I'le tell theeZabulon, and make thee privy To my most near designs: this stranger, whichHippolytaso dotes on, was my prisoner When the last Virgin, I bestowed upon her, Was made my prize; how he escaped, hereafter I'le let thee know; and it may be the love He bears the servant, makes him scorn the Mistris.
Zab.'Tis not unlike; for the first time he saw herHis looks exprest so much, and for more proofSince he came to my Ladys house, though yetHe never knew her, he hath practis'd with meTo help him to a conference, withoutThe knowledge ofHippolyta; which I promis'd.
Leop.And by all means perform it for their meeting,But work it so, that my disdainful Mistris(Whom, notwithstanding all her injuries,'Tis my hard fate to love) may see and hear them.
Zab.To what end Sir?
Leop.ThisZabulon: when she seesWho is her rival, and her Lovers basenessTo leave a Princess for her bondwoman,The sight will make her scorn, what now she dotes on,I'le double thy reward.
Zab.You are like to speed then:For I confess what you will soon believe,We serve them best that are most apt to give,For you, I'le place you where you shall see all, and yet be unobserv'd.
Leop.That I desire too. [Exeunt.
EnterArnoldo.
Arn.I cannot see her yet, how it afflicts meThe poyson of this place should mix it selfWith her pure thoughts? 'Twas she that was commanded,Or my eyes failed me grosly; that youth, that faceAnd all that noble sweetness. May she not live here,And yet be honest still?
EnterZenocia.
Zen.It isArnoldo,From all his dangers free; fortune I bless thee.My noble husband! how my joy swells in me,But why in this place? what business hath he here?He cannot hear of me, I am not known here.I left him vertuous; how I shake to think now!And how that joy I had, cools, and forsakes me!
Enter aboveHippolytaandZabulon.
This Lady is but fair, I have been thought soWithout compare admired; She has bewitched himAnd he forgot—
Arn.'Tis she again, the same—the sameZenocia.
Zab.There they are together.—Now you may mark.
Hip.Peace, let 'em parly.
Arn.That you are wellZenocia, and once more Bless my despairing eyes, with your wisht presence, I thank the gods; but that I meet you here—
Hip.They are acquainted.
Zab.I found that secret Madam, When you co[m]manded her go home: pray hear 'em.
Zen.That you meet me here, ne're blush at thatArnoldo.Your coming comes too late: I am a woman,And one woman with another may be trusted;Do you fear the house?
Arn.More than a fear, I know it, Know it not good, not honest.
Zen.What do you here then?I'th' name of vertue why do you approach it?Will you confess the doubt and yet pursue it?Where have your eyes been wandring, myArnoldo?What constancy, what faith do you call this? Fie,Aim at one wanton mark, and wound another?I do confess, the Lady fair, most beauteous,And able to betray a strong mans liberty,[Leopoldplaces himself unseen below.But you that have a love, a wife—you do wellTo deal thus wisely with me: yetArnoldo,Since you are pleas'd to study a new beauty,And think this old and ill, beaten with misery,Study a nobler way for shame to love me,Wrong not her honesty.
Arn.You have confirm'd me.
Zen.Who though she be your wife, will never hinder you,So much I rest a servant to your wishes,And love your Loves, though they be my destructions,No man shall know me, nor the share I have in thee,No eye suspect I am able to prevent you,For since I am a slave to this great Lady,Whom I perceive you follow,
Arn.Be not blinded.
Zen.Fortune shall make me useful to your service, I will speak for you.
Arn.Speak for me? you wrong me.
Zen.I will endeavour all the wayes I am ableTo make her think well of you; will that please?To make her dote upon you, dote to madness,So far against my self I will obey you.But when that's done, and I have shewed this duty,This great obedience, few will buy it at my price,Thus will I shake hands with you, wish you well,But never see you more, nor receive comfortFrom any thing,Arnoldo.
Arn.You are too tender;I neither doubt you, nor desire longerTo be a man, and live, than I am honestAnd only yours; our infinite affectionsAbus'd us both.
Zab.Where are your favours now? The courtesies you shew'd this stranger, Madam?
Hip.Have I now found the cause?
Zab.Attend it further.
Zen.Did she invite you, do you say?
Arn.Most cunningly, And with a preparation of that state I was brought in and welcom'd.
Zen.Seem'd to love you?
Arn.Most infinitely, at first sight, most dotingly.
Zen.She is a goodly Lady.
Arn.Wondrous handsom:At first view, being taken unprepar'd,Your memory not present then to assist me,She seem'd so glorious sweet, and so far stir'd me,Nay be not jealous, there's no harm done.
Zen.Prethee—didst thou not kiss,Arnoldo?
Arn.Yes faith did I.
Zen.And then—
Arn.I durst not, did not—
Zen.I forgive you, Come tell the truth.
Arn.May be I lay with her.
Hip.He mocks me too, most basely.
Zen.Did ye faith? did ye forget so far?
Arn.Come, come, no weeping;I would have lyen first in my grave, believe that.Why will you ask those things you would not hear?She is too untemperate to betray my vertues,Too openly lascivious: had she dealtBut with that seeming modesty she might,And flung a little Art upon her ardor,But 'twas forgot, and I forgot to like her,And glad I was deceiv'd. No myZenocia,My first love here begun, rests here unreapt yet,And here for ever.
Zen.You have made me happy, Even in the midst of bondage blest.
Zab.You see now What rubs are in your way.
Hip.And quicklyZabulonI'le root 'em out.—Be sure you do this presently.
Zab.Do not you alter then.
Hip.I am resolute. [Exit Zabulon.
Arn.To see you only I came hither last, Drawn by no love of hers, nor base allurements, For by this holy light I hate her heartily.
Leop.I am glad of that, you have sav'd me so much vengeance And so much fear, From this hour fair befal you.
Arn.Some means I shall make shortly to redeem you, Till when, observe her well, and fit her temper, Only her lust contemn.
Zen.When shall I see you?
Arn.I will live hereabouts, and bear her fair still, Till I can find a fit hour to redeem you.
Hip.Shut all the doors.
Arn.Who's that?
Zen.We are betray'd, The Lady of the house has heard our parly, Seen us, and seen our Loves.
Hip.You courteous Gallant,You that scorn all I can bestow, that laugh atThe afflictions, and the groans I suffer for you,That slight and jeer my love, contemn the fortuneMy favours can fling on you, have I caught you?Have I now found the cause? ye fool my wishes;Is mine own slave, my bane? I nourish thatThat sucks up my content. I'le pray no more,Nor wooe no more; thou shalt see foolish man,And to thy bitter pain and anguish, look onThe vengeance I shall take, provok'd and slighted;Redeem her then, and steal her hence: hoZabulonNow to your work.
EnterZabulon,andServants,some holdingArnoldo,some ready with a cord to strangleZenocia.
Arn.Lady, but hear me speak first, As you have pity.
Hip.I have none. You taught me, When I even hung about your neck, you scorn'd me.
Zab.Shall we pluck yet?
Hip.No, hold a littleZabulon, I'le pluck his heart-strings first: now am I worthy A little of your love?
Arn.I'le be your Servant, Command me through what danger you shall aime at, Let it be death.
Hip.Be sure Sir, I shall fit you.
Arn.But spare this Virgin.
Hip.I would spare that villain first, Had cut my Fathers throat.
Arn.Bounteous Lady, If in your sex there be that noble softness, That tenderness of heart, women are crown'd for—
Zen.Kneel notArnoldo, doe her not that honour,She is not worthy such submission,I scorn a life depends upon her pity.Proud woman do thy worst, and arm thy angerWith thoughts as black as Hell, as hot and bloody,I bring a patience here, shall make 'em blush,An innocence, shall outlook thee, and death too.
Arn.Make me your slave, I give my freedom to ye,For ever to be fetter'd to your service;'Twas I offended, be not so unjust then,To strike the innocent, this gentle maidNever intended fear and doubt against you:She is your Servant, pay not her observanceWith cruel looks, her duteous faith with death.
Hip.Am I fair now? now am I worth your liking?
Zen.Not fair, not to be liked, thou glorious Devil, Thou vernisht piece of lust, thou painted fury.
Arn.Speak gently sweet, speak gently.
Zen.I'le speak nobly.'Tis not the saving of a life I aim at,Mark me lascivious woman, mark me truly,And then consider, how I weigh thy anger.Life is no longer mine, nor dear unto me,Than usefull to his honour I preserve it.If thou hadst studied all the courtesiesHumanity and noble blood are linkt to,Thou couldst not have propounded such a benefit,Nor heapt upon me such unlookt for honourAs dying for his sake, to be his Martyr,'Tis such a grace.
Hip.You shall not want that favour, Let your bones work miracles.
Arn.Dear Lady By those fair eyes—
Hip.There is but this way left ye To save her life.—
Arn.Speak it, and I embrace it.
Hip.Come to my private chamber presently, And there, what love and I command—
Arn.I'le doe it, Be comfortedZenocia.
Zen.Do not do thisTo save me, do not lose your self I charge you,I charge you by your love, that love [you] bear me;That love, that constant love you have twin'd to me,By all your promises, take heed you keep 'em,Now is your constant tryal. If thou dost this,Or mov'st one foot, to guide thee to her lust,My curses and eternal hate pursue thee.Redeem me at the base price of dis-loyalty?Must my undoubted honesty be thy Bawd too?Go and intwine thy self about that body;Tell her, for my life thou hast lost thine honour,Pull'd all thy vows from heaven, basely, most baselyStoop'd to the servile flames of that foul woman,To add an hour to me that hate thee for it,Know thee not again, nor name thee for a Husband.
Arn.What shall I do to save her?
Hip.How now, what hast there?
Enter aServant.
Ser.The Governour, attended with some Gentlemen, Are newly entred, to speak with your Ladiship.
Hip.Pox o' their business, reprieve her for this hour, I shall have other time.
Arn.Now fortune help us.
Hip.I'le meet 'em presently: retire awhile all. [Exeunt.
Zab.You rise to day upon your right side Lady;You know the danger too, and may prevent it,And if you suffer her to perish thus,As she must do, and suddenly, believe it,Unless you stand her friend; you know the way on't,I guess you poorly love her, less your fortune.Let her know nothing, and perform this matter,There are hours ordained for several businesses,You understand.
Arn.I understand you Bawd Sir, And such a Counsellour I never car'd for.
Enter theGovernour, Clodio, Leopold, CharinoandAttendantsat one door, Hippolytaat the other.
Hip.Your Lordship does me honour.
Gover.FairHippolyta, I am come to ease you of a charge.
Hip.I keep none I count a burthen Sir: and yet I lye too.
Gover.Which is the Maid; is she here?
Clod.Yes Sir, This is she, this isZenocia, The very same I sued to your Lordship for.
Zen.Clodioagain? more misery? more ruin? Under what angry star is my life govern'd?
Gov.Come hither Maid, you are once more a free woman, Here I discharge your bonds.
Arn.Another smile, Another trick of fortune to betray us!
Hip.Why does your Lordship use me so unnobly? Against my will to take away my bond-woman?
Gov.She was no lawful prize, therefore no bond-woman:She's of that Country we hold friendship with,And ever did, and therefore to be usedWith entertainment, fair and courteous.The breach of League in us gives foul example,Therefore you must be pleas'd to think this honest;Did you know what she was?
Leop.Not till this instant; For had I known her, she had been no prisoner.
Gov.There, take the Maid, she is at her own dispose now, And if there be ought else to do your honour Any poor service in—
Clod.I am vowed your servant.
Arn.Your Father's here too, that's our only comfort, And in a Country now, we stand free people, WhereClodiohas no power, be comforted.
Zen.I fear some trick yet.
Arn.Be not so dejected.
Gover.You must not be displeas'd; so farewel Lady. Come Gentlemen; Captain, you must with me too, I have a little business.
Leop.I attend your Lordship: Now my way's free, and my hope's Lord again. [Exeunt all butHip.andZab.
Hip.D'ye jeer me now ye are going? I may live yet—to make you howl both.
Zab.You might have done; you had power then,But now the chains are off, the command lost,And such a story they will make of thisTo laugh out lazie time.
Hip.No means yet left me? For now I burst with anger: none to satisfie me? No comfort? no revenge?
Zab.You speak too late;You might have had all these, your useful servants,Had you been wise, and suddain: what power, or willOver her beauty, have you now? by violenceTo constrain his love; she is as free as you are,And no law can impeach her liberty,And whilst she is so,Arnoldowill despise you.
Hip.Either my love or anger must be satisfied, Or I must dye.
Zab.I have a way wou'd do it, Wou'd do it yet, protect me from the Law.
Hip.From any thing; thou knowest what power I have, What mony, and what friends.
Zab.'Tis a devilish one: But such must now be us'd: walk in, I'le tell you; And if you like it, if the Devil can do any thing—
Hip.Devil, or what thou wilt, so I be satisfied. [Ex.
EnterSulpitia,andJaques.
Sulp.This is the rarest and the lustiest fellow, And so bestirs himself—
Jaq.Give him breath Mistress, You'l melt him else.
Sulp.He does perform such wonders— The women are mad on him.
Jaq.Give him breath I say; The man is but a man, he must have breath.
Sulp.How many had he yesterday? And they paid bravely too.
Jaq.About fourteen, But still I cry give breath, spare him and have him.
Sulp.Five Dames to day; this was a small stage, He may endure five more.
Jaq.Breath, breath I cry still; Body o' me give breath, the man's a lost man else. Feed him and give him breath.
Enter2 Gentlewomen.
Sulp.Welcome Gentlewomen, Y'are very welcome.
1 Gen.We hear you have a lusty and well complexion'd fellow That does rare tricks; my Sister and my self here, Would trifle out an hour or two, so please you.
Sulp.Jaques, conduct 'em in.
Both.There's for your courtesie. [Ex.Jaq.andGent.
Sulp.Good pay still, good round pay, this happy fellowWill set me up again; he brings in goldFaster than I have leisure to receive it.O that his body were not flesh and fading;But I'le so pap him up—nothing too dear for him;What a sweet scent he has?—Now what newsJaques?
Jaq.He cannot last, I pity the poor man,I suffer for him; two Coaches of young City dames,And they drive as the Devil were in the wheels,Are ready now to enter: and behind theseAn old dead-palsied Lady in a Litter,And she makes all the haste she can: the man's lost,You may gather up his dry bones to make Nine-pins,But for his flesh.
Sulp.These are but easie labours Yet, for I know he must have rest.
Ja.He must—you'll beat him off his legs else presently.
Sul.Go in, and bid him please himself, I am pleas'd too:To morrow's a new day; but if he canI would have him take pity o' the old Lady.Alas 'tis charity.
Jaq.I'le tell him all this, And if he be not too fool-hardy.
EnterZabulon.
Sulp.How now? What news with you?
Zab.You must presently Shew all the art you have, and for my Lady.
Sulp.She may command.
Zab.You must not dream nor trifle.
Sulp.Which way?
Zab.A spell you must prepare, a powerful one,Peruse but these directions, you shall find all;There is the picture too, be quick, and faithful,And do it with that strength—when 'tis perform'd,Pitch your reward at what you please, you have it.
Sul.I'le do my best, and suddenly: but hark ye, Will you never lye at home again?
Zab.Excuse me, I have too much business yet.
Sulp.I am right glad on't.
Zab.Think on your business, so farewel.
Sulp.I'le do it.
Zab.Within this hour I'le visit you again And give you greater lights.
Sulp.I shall observe ye; This brings a brave reward, bravely I'le do it, And all the hidden art I have, express in't. [Exeunt at both doors.
EnterRutiliowith a Night-cap.
Rut.Now do I look as if I were Crow-trodden,Fye, how my hams shrink under me! O me,I am broken-winded too; is this a life?Is this the recreation I have aim'd at?I had a body once, a handsome body,And wholesome too. Now I appear like a rascal,That had been hung a year or two in Gibbets.Fye how I faint! women? keep me from women;Place me before a Cannon, 'tis a pleasure;Stretch me upon a Rack, a recreation;But women? women? O the Devil! women?CurtiusGulf was never half so dangerous.Is there no way to find the Trap-door again,And fall into the Cellar, and be taken?No lucky fortune to direct me that way?No Gallies to be got, nor yet no Gallows?For I fear nothing now, no earthly thingBut these unsatisfied Men-leeches, women.How devilishly my bones ake! O the old Lady!I have a kind of waiting-woman lyes cross my back too,O how she stings! no treason to deliver me?Now what are you? do you mock me?
Enter3.with Night-caps very faintly.
1No Sir, no; We were your Predecessors in this place.
2And come to see you bear up.
Rut.Good Gentlemen; You seem to have a snuffing in your head Sir, A parlous snuffing, but this same dampish air—
2A dampish air indeed.
Rut.Blow your face tenderly,Your nose will ne're endure it: mercy o' me,What are men chang'd to here? is my nose fast yet?Me thinks it shakes i'th' hilts: pray tell me gentlemen,How long is't since you flourisht here?
3Not long since.
Rut.Move your self easily, I see you are tender, Nor long endured.
2The labour was so much Sir, And so few to perform it—
Rut.Must I come to this?And draw my legs after me like a lame Dog?I cannot run away, I am too feeble:Will you sue for this place again Gentlemen?
1No truly Sir, the place has been too warm for our complexions.We have enough on't, rest you merry Sir,We came but to congratulate your fortune,You have abundance.
3Bear your fortune soberly, And so we leave you to the next fair Lady. [Ex. the3.
Rut.Stay but a little, and I'le meet you Gentlemen,At the next Hospital: there's no living thus,Nor am I able to endure it longer,With all the helps and heats that can be given me,I am at my trot already: they are fair and youngMost of the women that repair unto me,But they stick on like Burs, shake me like Feathers.
EnterSulpitia.
More Women yet?Would I were honestly marriedTo any thing that had but half a face,And not a groat to keep her, nor a smock,That I might be civilly merry when I pleased,Rather than labouring in these Fulling-mills.
Sul.By this the spell begins to work: you are lusty, I see you bear up bravely yet.
Rut.Do you hear Lady,Do not make a game-bear of me, to play me hourly,And fling on all your whelps; it would not hold;Play me with some discretion; to day one course,And two dayes hence another.
Sulp.If you be so angryPay back the mony I redeem'd you atAnd take your course, I can have men enough:You have cost me a hundred crowns since you came hither,In Broths and strength[n]ing Caudles; till you do pay me,If you will eat and live, you shall endeavour,I'le chain you to't else.
Rut.Make me a Dog-kennel,I'le keep your house and bark, and feed on bare bones,And be whipt out o' doors,Do you mark me Lady? whipt,I'le eat old shoes.
EnterDuarte.
Dua.In this house I am toldThere is a stranger, of a goodly person,And such a one there was; if I could see him,I yet remember him.
Sulp.Your business Sir, If it be for a woman, ye are couzen'd, I keep none here. [Exit.
Dua.Certain this is the Gentleman; The very same.
Rut.Death, if I had but mony,Or any friend to bring me from this bondage,I would Thresh, set up a Cobler's shop, keep Hogs,And feed with 'em, sell Tinder-boxes,And Knights of Ginger-bread, Thatch for threeHalf pence a day, and think it Lordly,From this base Stallion trade: why does he eye me,Eye me so narrowly?
Dua.It seems you are troubled Sir, I heard you speak of want.
Rut.'Tis better hearing Far, than relieving Sir.
Dua.I do not think so, you know me not.
Rut.Not yet that I remember.
Dua.You shall, and for your friend: I am beholding to ye,Greatly beholding Sir; if you remember,You fought with such a man, they call'dDuarte,A proud distemper'd man: he was my enemy,My mortal foe, you slew him fairly, nobly.
Rut.Speak softly Sir, you do not mean to betray me, I wisht the Gallows, now th'are coming fairly.
Dua.Be confident, for as I live, I love you,And now you shall perceive it: for that service,Me, and my purse command: there, take it to ye,'Tis gold, and no small sum, a thousand Duckets,Supply your want.
Rut.But do you do this faithfully?
Dua.If I mean ill, spit in my face and kick me: In what else I may serve you, Sir—
Rut.I thank you,This is as strange to me as Knights adventures.I have a project, 'tis an honest one,And now I'le tempt my fortune.
Dua.Trust me with it.
Rut.You are so good and honest I must trust ye, 'Tis but to carry a letter to a Lady That sav'd my life once.