EnterLeucippe,andGoverness.
Leu. Ye are the Mistris of the house ye say, Where this young Lady lies.
Gov. For want of a better.
Leu. You may be good enough for such a purpose: When was the Prince with her? answer me directly.
Gov. Not since he went a warring.
Leu. Very well then:What carnal copulation are you privie toBetween these two? be not afraid, we are women,And may talk thus amongst our selves, no harm in't.
Gov. No sure, there's no harm in't, I conceive that; But truly, that I ever knew the Gentlewoman Otherwise given, than a hopefull Gentlewoman—
Leu. You'l grant me the Prince loves her?
Gov. There I am with ye. And the gods bless her, promises her mightily.
Leu. Stay there a while. And gives her gifts?
Gov. Extreamly; And truly makes a very Saint of her.
Leu. I should think now,(Good woman let me have your judgement with me,I see 'tis none of the worst: Come sit down by me)That these two cannot love so tenderly.
Gov. Being so young as they are too.
Leu. You say well— But that methinks some further promises—
Gov. Yes, yes, I have heard the Prince swear he would marry her.
Leu. Very well still: they do not use to fall out?
Gov. The tenderest Chickens to one another, They cannot live an hour asunder.
Leu. I have done then;And be you gone; you know your charge, and do it.You know whose will it is; if you transgress it—That is, if any have access, or see her,Before the Kings will be fulfill'd—
Gov. Not the Prince, Madam?
Leu. You'I be hang'd if you doe it, that I'le assure ye.
Gov. But ne'retheless, I'le make bold to obey ye.
Leu. Away, and to your business then.
Gov. 'Tis done, Madam. [Exeunt.
EnterAntigonus,andMenippus.
Ant. Thou hast taken wondrous pains; but yetMenippus, You understand not of what bloud and country.
Men. I labour'd that, but cannot come to know it. AGreekI am sure she is, she speaks this language.
Ant. Is she so excellent handsom?
Men. Most inticing.
Ant. Sold for a prisoner?
Men. Yes Sir, Some poor creature.
Ant. And he loves tenderly?
Men. They say extreamly.
Ant. 'Tis well prevented then: yes, I perceiv'd it:When he took leave now, he made a hundred stops,Desir'd an hour, but half an hour, a minute,Which I with anger cross'd; I knew his business,I knew 'twas she he hunted on; this journey, man,I beat out suddenly for her cause intended,And would not give him time to breath. When comes she?
Men. This morning Sir.
Ant. Lodge her to all delight then:For I would have her try'd to th' test: I know,She must be some crackt coyn, not fit his traffique, (her,Which when we have found, the shame will make him leaveOr we shall work a nearer way: I'le bury him,And with him all the hopes I have cast upon him,E're he shall dig his own grave in that woman:You know which way to bring her: I'le stand close there,To view her as she passes: and do you hearMenippus,Observe her with all sweetness: humour her,'Twill make her lie more careless to our purposes.Away, and take what helps you please.
Men. I am gone Sir. [Exeunt.
EnterCelia,andGoverness.
Cel. Governess, from whom was this Gown sent me? Prethee be serious true; I will not wear't else: 'Tis a handsom one.
Gov. As though you know not?
Cel. No faith:But I believe, for certain too, yet I wonder,Because it was his caution, this poor way,Still to preserve me from the curious searchingsOf greedy eyes.
Gov. You have it: does it please you?
Cel. 'Tis very rich, methinks too, prethee tell me?
Gov. From one that likes you well, never look coy, Lady; These are no gifts, to be put off with powtings.
Cel. Powtings, and gifts? is it from any stranger?
Gov. You are so curious, that there is no talk to ye. What if it be I pray ye?
Cel. Unpin good Governess, Quick, quick.
Gov. Why, what's the matter?
Cel. Quick, good Governess:Fie on't, how beastly it becomes me! poorly!A trick put in upon me? well said Governess:I vow I would not wear it—out, it smells musty.Are these your tricks? now I begin to smell it,Abominable musty; will you help me?The Prince will come again—
Gov. You are not mad sure?
Cel. As I live I'le cut it off: a pox upon it; For sure it was made for that use; do you bring me Liveries? Stales to catch Kites? dost thou laugh too, thou base woman?
Gov. I cannot chuse, if I should be hang'd.
Cel. Abuse me, And then laugh at me too?
Gov. I do not abuse ye:Is it abuse, to give him drink that's thirsty?You want cloaths; is it such a hainous sin I beseech ye,To see you stor'd?
Cel. There is no greater wickedness Than this way.
Gov. What way?
Cel. I shall curse thee fearfully, If thou provok'st me further: and take heed, woman; My curses never miss.
Gov. Curse him that sent it.
Cel. Tell but his name—
Gov. You dare not curse him.
Cel. Dare not? By this fair light—
Gov. You are so full of passion—
Cel. Dare not be good? be honest? dare not curse him?
Gov. I think you dare not: I believe so.
Cel. Speak him.
Gov. Up with your valour then, up with it bravely, And take your full charge.
Cel. If I do not, hang me; Tell but his name.
Gov. 'Twas Prince Demetrius sent it: Now, now, give fire, kill him i'th' eye now Lady.
Cel. Is he come home?
Gov. It seems so; but your curse now.
Cel. You do not lie, I hope.
_Gov. You dare not curse him.
Cel. Prethee do not abuse me: is he come home indeed? For I would now with all my heart believe thee.
Gov. Nay, you may chuse: alas, I deal for strangers, That send ye scurvie musty Gowns, stale Liveries: I have my tricks.
Cel. 'Tis a good gown, a handsome one; I did but jest; where is he?
Gov. He that sent it—
Cel. How? he that sent it? is't come to that again? Thou canst not be so foolish: prethee speak out, I may mistake thee.
Gov. I said he that sent it.
Cel. Curse o' my life: why dost thou vex me thus?I know thou meanest Demetrius, dost thou not?I charge thee speak truth: if it be any other,Thou knowst the charge he gave thee, and the justiceHis anger will'inflift, if e're he know this,As know he shall, he shall, thou spightfull woman,Thou beastly woman; and thou shalt know too late too,And feel too sensible, I am no ward,No sale stuff for your money Merchants that sent if?Who dare send me, or how durst thou, thou—
Gov. What you please: For this is ever the reward of service. The Prince shall bring the next himself.
Cel. 'Tis strange That you should deal so peevishly: beshrew ye, You have put me in a heat.
Gov. I am sure ye have kill'd me: I ne're receiv'd such language: I can but wait upon ye, And be your drudge; keep a poor life to serve ye.
Cel. You know my nature is too easie, Governess, And you know now, I am sorry too: how does he?
Gov. O God, my head.
Cel. Prethee be well, and tell me,Did he speak of me, since he came? nay, see now,If thou wilt leave this tyranny? good sweet governess,Did he but name hisCelia? look upon me,Upon my faith I meant no harm: here, take this,And buy thy self some trifles: did he good wench?
Gov. He loves ye but too dearly.
Cel. That's my good Governess.
Gov. There's more cloaths making for ye.
Cel. More cloaths?
Gov. More:Richer and braver; I can tell ye that news;And twenty glorious things.
Cel. To what use Sirrah?
Gov. Ye are too good for our house now: we poor wretches Shall lose the comfort of ye.
Cel. No, I hope not.
Gov. For ever lose ye Lady.
Cel. Lose me? wherefore? I hear of no such thing.
Gov. 'Tis sure it must be so: You must shine now at Court: such preparation, Such hurry, and such hanging rooms—
Cel. To th' Court wench? Was it to th' Court thou saidst?
Gov. You'l find it so.
Cel. Stay, stay, this cannot be.
Gov. I say it must be: I hope to find ye still the same good Lady.
Cel. To th' Court? this stumbles me: art sure for me wench, This preparation is?
Gov. She is perilous crafty: I fear too honest for us all too. Am I sure I live?
Cel. To th' Court? this cannot down: what should I do there?Why should he on a suddain change his mind thus,And not make me acquainted? sure he loves me;His vow was made against it, and mine with him:At least while this King liv'd: he will come hither,And see me e're I goe?
Gov. Wou'd some wise womanHad her in working. That I think he will not,Because he means with all joy there to meet ye.Ye shall hear more within this hour.
Cel. A Courtier?What may that meaning be? sure he will see meIf he be come, he must: Hark ye good Governess,What age is the King of?
Gov. He's an old man, and full of business.
Cel. I fear too full indeed: what Ladys are there? I would be loth to want good company.
Gov. Delicate young Ladys, as you would desire; And when you are acquainted, the best company.
Cel. 'Tis very well: prethee goe in, let's talk more. For though I fear a trick, Fie bravely try it.
Gov. I see he must be cunning, Knocks this Doe down. [Exeunt.
EnterLieutenant,andLeontius,Drums within.
Leo. You shall not have your will, sirrah, are ye running?Have ye gotten a toy in your heels? Is this a season,When honour pricks ye on, to prick your ears up,After your whore, your Hobby-horse?
Lieu. Why look ye now: What a strange man are you? would you have a man fight At all hours all alike?
Leo. Do but fight something; But half a blow, and put thy stomach to't: Turn but thy face, and do-make mouths at 'em.
Lieu. And have my teeth knockt out; I thank ye heartily, Ye are my dear friend.
Leo. What a devil ails thee? Dost long to be hang'd?
Lieu. Faith Sir, I make no suit for't: But rather Fhan I would live thus out of charity, Continually in brawling—
Leo. Art thou not he? I may be cosen'd—
Lieu, I shall be discover'd.
Leo. That in the midst of thy most hellish pains, When thou wert crawling sick, didst aim at wonders, When thou wert mad with pain?
Lieu. Ye have found the cause out;I had ne're been mad to fight else: I confess Sir,The daily torture of my side that vext me,Made me as daily careless what became of me,Till a kind sword there wounded me, and eas'd me;'Twas nothing in my valour fought; I am well now,And take some pleasure in my life, methinks now,It shews as mad a thing to me to see you scuffle,And kill one another foolishly for honour,As 'twas to you, [t]o see me play the coxcomb.
Leo. And wilt thou ne're fight more?
Lieu. I'th' mind I am in.
Leo. Nor never be sick again?
Lieu. I hope I shall not.
Leo. Prethee be sick again: prethee, I beseech thee, Be just so sick again.
Lieu. I'le just be hang'd first.
Leo. If all the Arts that are can make a Colique, Therefore look to't: or if imposthumes, mark me, As big as foot-balls—
Lieu. Deliver me.
Leo. Or stones of ten pound weight i'th' kidneys,Through ease and ugly dyets may be gather'd;I'le feed ye up my self Sir, I'le prepare ye,You cannot fight, unless the Devil tear ye,You shall not want provocations, I'le scratch ye,I'le have thee have the tooth-ach, and the head-ach.
Lieu. Good Colonel, I'le doe any thing.
Leo. No, no, nothing—Then will I have thee blown with a pair of Smiths bellows,Because ye shall be sure to have a round gale with ye,Fill'd full of oyle o'Devil, andAqua-fortis,And let these work, these may provoke.
Lieu. Good Colonel.
Leo. A coward in full bloud; prethee be plain with me, Will roasting doe thee any good?
Lieu. Nor basting neither, Sir.
Leo. Marry that goes hard.
Enter1 Gentleman.
1 Gent. Where are you Colonel?The Prince experts ye Sir; h'as hedg'd the enemyWithin a streight, where all the hopes and valoursOf all men living cannot force a passage,He has 'em now.
Leo. I knew all this before Sir, I chalk'd him out his way: but do you see that thing there?
Lieu. Nay good sweet Colonel, I'le fight a little.
Leo. That thing?
1 Gent. What thing? I see the brave Lieutenant.
Leo. Rogue, what a name hast thou lost?
Lieu. You may help it, Yet you may help't: I'le doe ye any courtesie: I know you love a wench well.
Enter2 Gentlemen.
Leo. Look upon him; Do you look too.
2 Gent. What should I look on? I come to tell ye, the Prince stayes your direction, We have 'em now i'th' Coop, Sir.
Leo. Let 'em rest there, And chew upon their miseries: but look first—
Lieu. I cannot fight for all this.
Leo. Look on this fellow.
2 Gent. I know him; 'tis the valiant brave Lieutenant.Leo. Canst thou hear this, and play the Rogue? steal off quickly,Behind me quickly neatly do it,And rush into the thickest of the enemy,And if thou kill'st but two.
Lieu. You may excuse me, 'Tis not my fault: I dare not fight.
Leo. Be rul'd yet, I'le beat thee on; goe wink and fight: a plague upon your sheeps heart.
2 Gent. What's all this matter?
1 Gent. Nay I cannot shew ye.
Leo. Here's twenty pound, goe but smell to 'em.
Lieu. Alas Sir, I have taken such a cold I can smell nothing.
Leo. I can smell a Rascal, a rank Rascal: Fye, how he stinks, stinks like a tyred Jade.
2 Gent. What Sir?
Leo. Why, that Sir, do not you smell him?
2 Gent. Smell him?
Lieu. I must endure.
Leo. Stinks like a dead Dog, Carrion— There's no such damnable smell under Heaven, As the faint sweat of a Coward: will ye fight yet?
Lieu. Nay, now I defie ye; ye have spoke the worst ye can Of me, and if every man should take what you say To the heart.—
Leo. God ha' Mercy,God ha' Mercy with all my heart; here I forgive thee;And fight, or fight not, do but goe along with us,And keep my Dog.
Lieu. I love a good Dog naturally.
1 Gent. What's all this stir, Lieutenant?
Lieu. Nothing Sir, But a slight matter of argument.
Leo. Pox take thee.Sure I shall love this Rogue, he's so pretty a Coward.Come Gentlemen, let's up now, and if fortuneDare play the slut again, I'le never more Saint her,Come play-fellow, come, prethee come up; come chicken,I have a way shall fit yet: A tame knave,Come, look upon us.
Lieu. I'le tell ye who does best boyes. [Exeunt.
EnterAntigonus,andMenippus,above.
Men. I saw her coming out.
Ant. Who waits upon her?
Men.Timon,Charinthus, and some other Gentlemen, By me appointed.
Ant. Where's your wife?
Men. She's ready To entertain her here Sir; and some Ladies Fit for her lodgings.
Ant. How shews she in her trim now?
Men. Oh most divinely sweet.
Ant. Prethee speak softly. How does she take her coming?
Men. She bears it bravely; But what she thinks—For Heaven sake Sir preserve me— If the Prince chance to find this.
Ant. Peace ye old fool; She thinks to meet him here.
Men. That's all the Project.
Ant. Was she hard to bring?
Men. No she believ'd it quickly,And quickly made her self fit, the Gown a little,And those new things she has not been acquainted with,At least in this place, where she liv'd a prisoner,Troubled and stirr'd her mind. But believe me Sir,She has worn as good, they sit so apted to her;And she is so great a Mistris of disposure:Here they come now: but take a full view of her.
EnterCelia, Timon, Charinthus,andGent.
Ant. How cheerfully she looks? how she salutes all?And how she views the place? she is very young sure:That was an admirable smile, a catching one,The very twang of Cupids bow sung in it:She has two-edg'd eyes, they kill o' both sides.
Men. She makes a stand, as though she would speak.
Ant. Be still then.
Cel. Good Gentlemen, trouble your selves no further, I had thought sure to have met a noble friend here.
Tim. Ye may meet many Lady.
Cel. Such as you are I covet few or none, Sir.
Char. Will you walk this way, And take the sweets o'th' garden? cool and close, Lady.
Cel. Methinks this open air's far better, tend ye that way Pray where's the woman came along?
Char. What woman?
Cel. The woman of the house I lay at.
Tim. Woman? Here was none came along sure.
Cel. Sure I am catcht then: Pray where's the Prince?
Char. He will not be long from ye, We are his humble Servants.
Cel. I could laugh now, To see how finely I am cozen'd: yet I fear not, For sure I know a way to scape all dangers.
Tim. Madam, your lodgings lye this way.
Cel. My Lodgings? For Heaven sake Sir, what office do I bear here?
Tim. The great commander of all hearts.
EnterLeucippe,andLadies.
Cel. You have hit it. I thank your sweet heart for it. Who are these now?
Char. Ladies that come to serve ye.
Cel. Well consider'd, Are you my Servants?
Lady. Servants to your pleasures.
Cel. I dare believe ye, but I dare not trust ye:Catch'd with a trick? well, I must bear it patiently:Methinks this Court's a neat place: all the peopleOf so refin'd a size—
Tim. This is no poor Rogue.
Leu. Were it a Paradise to please your fancy, And entertain the sweetness you bring with ye.
Cel. Take breath;You are fat, and many words may melt ye,This is three Bawdes beaten into one; bless me Heaven,What shall become of me? I am i'th' pitfall:O' my conscience, this is the old viper, and all these little onesCreep every night into her belly; do you hear plump servantAnd you my little sucking Ladies, you must teach me,For I know you are excellent at carriage,How to behave my self, for I am rude yet:But you say the Prince will come?
Lady. Will flie to see you.
Cel. For look you if a great man, say the King now Should come and visit me?
Men. She names ye.
Ant. Peace fool.
Cel. And offer me a kindness, such a kindness.
Leu. I, such a kindness.
Cel. True Lady such a kindness, What shall that kindness be now?
Leu. A witty Lady, Learn little ones, learn.
Cel. Say it be all his favour.
Leu. And a sweet saying 'tis.
Cel. And I grow peevish?
Leu. You must not be negleftfull.
Cel. There's the matter, There's the main doctrine now, and I may miss it, Or a kind handsom Gentleman?
Leu. You say well.
Cel. They'I count us basely bred.
Leu. Not freely nurtur'd.
Cel. I'le take thy counsel.
Leu. 'Tis an excellent woman.
Cel. I find a notable volum here, a learned one;Which way? for I would fain be in my chamber;In truth sweet Ladies, I grow weary; fie,How hot the air beats on me!
Lady. This way Madam.
Cel. Now by mine honour, I grow wondrous faint too.
Leu. Your fans sweet Gentlewomen, your fans.
Cel. Since I am fool'd, I'le make my self some sport, though I pay dear for't. [Ex.
Men. You see now what a manner of woman she is Sir.
Ant. Thou art an ass.
Men. Is this a fit love for the Prince:
Ant. A coxcombe:Now by my crown a daintie wench, a sharp wench,And/a matchless Spirit: how she jeer'd 'em?How carelesly she scoff'd 'em? use her nobly;I would I had not seen her: wait anon,And then you shall have more to trade upon. [Exeunt.
EnterLeontius,and the2 Gentlemen.
Leo. We must keep a round, and a strong watch to night,The Prince will not charge the Enemy till the morning:But for the trick I told ye for this Rascal,This rogue, that health and strong heart makes a coward.
1 Gent. I, if it take.
Leo. Ne're fear it, the Prince has it,And if he let it fall, I must not know it;He will suspecl: me presently: but you twoMay help the plough.
2 Gent. That he is sick again.
Leo. Extreamly sick: his disease grown incurable, Never yet found, nor touch'd at.
EnterLieutenant.
2 Gent. Well, we have it, And here he comes.
Leo. The Prince has been upon him, What a flatten face he has now? it takes, believe it; How like an Ass he looks?
Lieu. I feel no great pain, At least, I think I do not; yet I feel sensibly I grow extreamly faint: how cold I sweat now!
Leo. So, so, so.
Lieu. And now 'tis ev'n too true, I feel a pricking,A pricking, a strange pricking: how it tingles!And as it were a stitch too: the Prince told me,And every one cri'd out I was a dead man;I had thought I had been as well—
Leo. Upon him now Boys, And do it most demurely.
1 Gent. How nowLieutenant?
Lieu. I thank ye Gentlemen.
1 Gent. 'Life, how looks this man? How dost thou goodLieutenant?
2 Gent. I ever told yeThis man was never cur'd, I see it too plain now;How do you feel your self? you look not perfect,How dull his eye hangs?
1 Gent. That may be discontent.
2 Gent. Believe me friend, I would not suffer now The tith of those pains this man feels; mark his forehead What a cloud of cold dew hangs upon't?
Lieu. I have it, Again I have it; how it grows upon me! A miserable man I am.
Leo. Ha, ha, ha, A miserable man thou shall be, This is the tamest Trout I ever tickl'd.
Enter2 Physicians.
1 Phy. This way he went.
2 Phy. Pray Heaven we find him living, He's a brave fellow, 'tis pity he should perish thus.
1 Phy. A strong hearted man, and of a notable sufferance.
Lieu. Oh, oh.
1 Gent. How now? how is it man?
Lieu. Oh Gentlemen, Never so full of pain.
2 Gent. Did I not tell ye?
Lieu. Never so full of pain, Gentlemen.
1 Phy. He is here; How do you, Sir?
2 Phy. Be of good comfort, Souldier, The Prince has sent us to you.
Lieu. Do you think I may live?
2 Phy. He alters hourly, strangely.
1 Phy. Yes, you may live: but—
Leo. Finely butted, Doctor.
1 Gent. Do not discourage him.
1 Phy. He must be told truth, 'Tis now too late to trifle.
EnterDemetrius,andGent.
2 Gent. Here the Prince comes.
Dem. How now Gentlemen?
2 Gent. Bewailing, Sir, a Souldier, And one I think, your Grace will grieve to part with, But every living thing—
Dem. 'Tis true, must perish, Our lives are but our marches to our graves, How dost thou nowLieutenant?
Lieu. Faith 'tis true, Sir, We are but spans, and Candles ends.
Leo. He's finely mortified.
Dem. Thou art heart whole yet I see he alters strangely, And that apace too; I saw it this morning in him, When he poor man, I dare swear—
Lieu. No believ't, Sir, I never felt it.
Dem. Here lies the pain now: how he is swel'd?
1 Phy. The ImpostumeFed with a new malignant humour now,Will grow to such a bigness, 'tis incredible,The compass of a Bushel will not hold it.And with such a Hell of torture it will rise too—
Dem. Can you endure me touch it?
Lieu. Oh, I beseech you, Sir: I feel you sensibly ere you come near me.
Dem. He's finely wrought, he must be cut, no Cure else, And suddenly, you see how fast he blows out.
Lieu. Good Master Doctors, let me be beholding to you, I feel I cannot last.
2 Phy. For whatLieutenant?
Lieu. But ev'n for half a dozen Cans of good Wine, That I may drink my will out: I faint hideously. (men,
Dem. Fetch him some Wine; and since he must go Gentle—Why let him take his journey merrily.
EnterServantwith Wine.
Lieu. That's ev'n the nearest way.
Leo. I could laugh dead now.
Dem. Here, off with that.
Lieu. These two I give your Grace, A poor remembrance of a dying man, Sir, And I beseech you wear 'em out.
Dem._ I will Souldier, These are fine Legacies.
Lieu. Among the Gentlemen,Even all I have left; I am a poor man, naked,Yet something for remembra[n]ce: four a piece Gentlemen,And so my body where you please.
Leo. It will work.
Lieu. I make your Grace my Executor, and I beseech ye See my poor Will fulfill'd: sure I shall walk else.
Dem. As full as they can be fill'd, here's my hand, Souldier.
1 Gent. The Wine will tickle him.
Lieut. I would hear a Drum beat, But to see how I could endure it.
Dem. Beat a Drum there. [Drum within.
Lieu. Oh Heavenly Musick, I would hear one sing to't; I am very full of pain.
Dem. Sing? 'tis impossible.
Lieu. Why, then I would drink a Drum full: Where lies the Enemy?
2 Gent. Why, here close by.
Leo. Now he begins to muster.
Lieu. And dare he fight? Dare he fight Gentlemen?
1 Phy. You must not cut him:He's gone then in a moment; all the hope left, isTo work his weakness into suddain anger,And make him raise his passion above his pain,And so dispose him on the Enemy;His body then, being stir'd with violence,Will purge it self and break the sore.
Dem. 'Tis true, Sir.
1 Phy. And then my life for his.
Lieu. I will not dye thus.
Dem. But he is too weak to do—
Lieu. Dye like a Dog?
2 Phy. I, he's weak, but yet he's heart whole.
Lieu. Hem.
Dem. An excellent sign.
Lieu. Hem.
Dem. Stronger still, and better.
Lieu. Hem, hem; ran, tan, tan, tan, tan. [Exit.
1 Phy. Now he's i'th' way on't.
Dem.Well go thy waies, thou wilt do something certain.
Leo.And some brave thing, or let mine ears be cut off. He's finely wrought.
Dem.Let's after him.
Leo.I pray, Sir; But how this Rogue, when this cloud's melted in him, And all discover'd—
Dem.That's for an after mirth, away, away, away. [Ex.
Enter Seleucus, Lysimachus, Ptolomie, Souldiers.
Sel. Let no man fear to dye: we love to sleep all,And death is but the sounder sleep; all ages,And all hours call us; 'tis so common, easie,That little Children tread those paths before us;We are not sick, nor our souls prest with sorrows,Nor go we out like tedious tales, forgotten;High, high we come, and hearty to our Funerals,And as the Sun that sets, in bloud let's fall.
Lysi. 'Tis true, they have us fast, we cannot scape 'emNor keeps the brow of fortune one smile for us,Dishonourable ends we can scape though,And (worse than those Captivities) we can die,And dying nobly, though we leave behind usThese clods of flesh, that are too massie burthens,Our living souls flie crown'd with living conquests.
Ptol. They have begun, fight bravely, and fall bravely;And may that man that seeks to save his life nowBy price, or promise, or by fear falls from us,Never again be blest with name of Souldier.
Enter a Souldier.
Sel. How now? who charged first? I seek a brave hand To set me off in death.
Soul. We are not charg'd, Sir, The Prince lies still.
Sel. How comes this Larum up then?
Soul. There is one desperate fellow, with the Devil in him(He never durst do this else) has broke into us,And here he bangs ye two or three before him,There five or six; ventures upon whole Companies.
Ptol. And is not seconded?
Soul. Not a man follows.
Sel. Nor cut i' pieces?
Soul. Their wonder yet has staid 'em.
Sel. Let's in, and see this miracle?
Ptol. I admire it. [Ex.
Enter Leontius, and Gentlemen.
Leon. Fetch him off, fetch him off; I am sure he's clouted; Did I hot tell you how 'twould take?
1 Gent. 'Tis admirable.
Enter Lieutenant with Colours in his hand, pursuing 3 or 4 Souldiers.
Lie. Follow that blow, my friend, there's at your coxcombs, I fight to save me from the Surgions miseries.
Leo. How the Knave curries 'em?
Lieu. You cannot Rogues,Till you have my Diseases, flie my fury,Ye Bread and Butter Rogues, do ye run from me?And my side would give me leave, I would so hunt ye,Ye Porridg gutted Slaves, ye Veal broth-Boobies.
Enter Demetrius, and Physicians, and Gentlemen.
Leo. Enough, enoughLieutenant, thou hast done bravely.
Dem. Mirrour of man.
Lieu. There's a Flag for ye, Sir, I took it out o'th' shop, and never paid for't, I'le to 'em again, I am not come to th' text yet.
Dem. No more my Souldier: beshrew my heart he is hurt sore.
Leo. Hang him, he'l lick all th^se whole.
1 Phy. Now will we take him, And Cure him in a trice.
Dem. Be careful of him.
Lieu. Let me live but two years,And do what ye will with me;I never had but two hours yet of happiness;Pray ye give me nothing to provoke my valour,For I am ev'n as weary of this fighting—
2 Phy. Ye shall have nothing; come to the Princes Tent And there the Surgions presently shall search ye, Then to your rest.
Lieu. A little handsome Litter To lay me in, and I shall sleep.
Leo. Look to him.
Dem. I do believe a Horse begot this fellow, He never knew his strength yet; they are our own.
Leo. I think so, I am cozen'd else; I would but see now A way to fetch these off, and save their honours.
Dem. Only their lives.
Leo. Pray ye take no way of peace now, Unless it be with infinite advantage.
Dem. I shall be rul'd;Let the Battels now move forward,Our self will give the signal:EnterTrumpetandHerald.Now Herald, what's your message?
Her. From my Masters, This honourable courtesie, a Parley For half an hour, no more, Sir.
Dem. Let 'em come on, They have my Princely word.
EnterSeleucus, Lysimacus, Ptolomie,Attendants, Souldiers.
Her. They are here to attend ye.
Dem. Now Princes, your demands?
Sel. Peace, if it may be Without the too much tainture of our honour: Peace, and we'l buy it too.
Dem. At what price?
Lysi. Tribute.
Ptol. At all the charge of this War.
Leo. That will not do.
Sel.Leontius, you and I have serv'd together,And run through many a Fortune with our swords,Brothers in Wounds and Health; one meat has fed us,One Tent a thousand times from cold night cover'd us:Our loves have been but one; and had we died then,One Monument had held our names, and actions:Why do you set upon your friends such prices?And sacrifice to giddy chance such Trophies?Have we forgot to dye? or are our vertuesLess in afflictions constant, than our fortunes?Ye are deceiv'd old Souldier.
Leo. I know your worths,And thus low bow in reverence to your vertues:Were these my Wars, or led my power in chief here,I knew then how to meet your memories:They are my Kings imployments; this man fights now,To whom I ow all duty, faith, and service;This man that fled before ye; call back that,That bloudy day again, call that disgrace home,And then an easie Peace may sheath our Swords up.I am not greedy of your lives and fortunes,Nor do I gape ungratefully to swallow ye.Honour, the spur of all illustrious natures,That made you famous Souldiers, and next Kings,And not ambitious envy strikes me forward.Will ye unarm, and yield your selves his prisoners?
Sel. We never knew what that sound meant: no Gyves Shall ever bind this body, but embraces; Nor weight of sorrow here, till Earth fall on me.
Leo. Expect our charge then.
Lysi. 'Tis the nobler courtesie: And so we leave the hand of Heaven to bless us.
Dem. Stay, have you any hope?
Sel. We have none left us, But that one comfort of our deaths together; Give us but room to fight.
Leo. Win it, and wear it.
Ptol. Call from the hills those Companies hang o're us, Like bursting Clouds; and then break in, and take us.
Dem. Find such a Souldier will forsake advantage,And we'll draw off to shew I dare be noble,And hang a light out to ye in this darkness,The light of peace; give up those Cities, Forts,And all those Frontier Countries to our uses.
Sel. Is this the Peace? Traitors to those that feed us, Our Gods and people? give our Countries from us?
Lysi. Begin the Knell, it sounds a great deal sweeter.
Ptol. Let loose your servant, death.
Sel. Fall fate upon us, Our memories shall never stink behind us.
Dem. Seleucus_, greatSeleucus.
Sol. The Prince calls, Sir.
Dem. Thou stock of nobleness, and courtesie, Thou Father of the War—
Leo. What means the Prince now?
Dem. Give me my Standard here.
Lysi. His anger's melted.
Dem. You Gentlemen that were his prisoners,And felt the bounty of that noble nature,Lay all your hands, and bear these Colours to him,The Standard of the Kingdom; take it Souldier.
Ptol. What will this mean?
Dem. Thou hast won it, bear it off, And draw thy men home whilest we wait upon thee.
Sel. You shall have all our Countries.
Lysi. Ptol. All by Heaven, Sir.
Dem. I will not have a stone, a bush, a bramble,No, in the way of courtesie, I'le start ye;Draw off, and make a lane through all the Army,That these that have subdu'd us, may march through us.
Sel. Sir, do not make me surfeit with such goodness, I'le bear your Standard for ye; follow ye.
Dem. I swear it shall be so, march through me fairly, And thine be this days honour, greatSeleucus.
Ptol. Mirrour of noble minds.
Dem. Nay then ye hate me.
Leo. I cannot speak now:[Ex. with Drums, and Shouts.Well, go thy wayes; at a sure piece of braveryThou art the best, these men are won by th' necks now:I'le send a Post away.
Enter Antigonus, and Menippus.
Ant. No aptness in her?
Men. Not an immodest motion, And yet when she is courted, Makes as wild witty answers.
Ant. This more fires me, I must not have her thus.
Men. We cannot alter her.
Ant. Have ye put the youths upon her?
Men. All that know any thing,And have been studied how to catch a beauty,But like so many whelps about an Elephant—The Prince is coming home, Sir.
Ant. I hear that too, But that's no matter; am I alter'd well?
Men. Not to be known I think, Sir.
Ant. I must see her.
Enter 2 Gentlemen, or Lords.
1 Gent. I offered all I had, all I could think of, I tri'd her through all the points o'th' compass, I think.
2 Gent. She studies to undo the Court, to plant hereThe Enemy to our Age, Chastity;She is the first, that e're bauk'd a close Arbour,And the sweet contents within: She hates curl'd heads too,And setting up of beards she swears is Idolatry.
1 Gent. I never knew so fair a face so froze; Yet she would make one think—
2 Gent. True by her carriage,For she's as wanton as a Kid to th' out side,As full of Mocks and Taunts: I kiss'd her hand too,Walkt with her half an hour.
1 Gent. She heard me sing,And sung her self too; she sings admirably;But still when any hope was, as 'tis her trickTo minister enough of those, then presentlyWith some new flam or other, nothing to the matter,And such a frown, as would sink all before her,She takes her Chamber; come, we shall not be the last fools.
2 Gent. Not by a hundred I hope; 'tis a strange wench.
Ant. This screws me up still higher.
Enter Celia, and Ladies behind her.
Men. Here she comes, Sir.
Ant. Then be you gone; and take the Women with ye, And lay those Jewels in her way.
Cel. If I stay longerI shall number as many Lovers asLaisdid;How they flock after me! upon my Conscience,I have had a dozen Horses given me this morning,I'le ev'n set up a Troop, and turn She-souldier,A good discreet wench now, that were not hideboundMight raise a fine estate here, and suddenly:For these warm things will give their Souls—I can go no whereWithout a world of offerings to my Excellence:I am a Queen, a Goddesse, I know not what—And no constellation in all Heaven, but I out-shine it;And they have found out now I have no eyesOf mortal lights, but certain influences,Strange vertuous lightnings, humane nature starts at,And I can kill my twenty in a morning,With as much ease now—Ha! what are these? new projects?Where are my honourable Ladies? are you out too?Nay then I must buy the stock, send me good Carding:I hope the Princes hands be not in this sport;I have not seen him yet, cannot hear from him,And that troubles me: all these were recreationsHad I but his sweet company to laugh with me:What fellow's that? another Apparition?This is the lovingst Age: I should know that face,Sure I have seen't before, not long since neither.
Ant. She sees me now: O Heaven, a most rare creature!
Cel. Yes, 'tis the same: I will take no notice of ye,But if I do not fit ye, let me fry for't;Is all this Cackling for your egg? they are fair ones,Excellent rich no doubt too; and may stumbleA good staid mind, but I can go thus by 'em;My honest friend; do you set off these Jewels?
Ant. Set 'em off, Lady?
Cel. I mean, sell 'em here, Sir?
Ant. She's very quick; for sale they are not meant sure.
Cel. For sanctity I think much less: good even Sir.
Ant. Nay noble Lady, stay: 'tis you must wear 'em: Never look strange, they are worthy your best beauty.
Cel. Did you speak to me?
Ant. To you or to none living: To you they are sent, to you they are sacrificed.
Cel. I'le never look a Horse i'th' mouth that's given: I thank ye, Sir: I'le send one to reward ye.
Ant. Do you never ask who sent 'em?
Cel. Never I:Nor never care, if it be an honest end,That end's the full reward, and thanks but slubber it;If it be ill, I will not urge the acquaintance.
Ant. This has a soul indeed: pray let me tell ye—
Cel. I care not if ye do, so you do it hansomly, And not stand picking of your words.
Ant. The King sent 'em.
Cel. Away, away, thou art some foolish fellow,And now I think thou hast stole 'em too: the King sent 'em?Alas good man, wouldst thou make me believeHe has nothing to do with things of these worths,But wantonly to fling 'em? he's an old man,A good old man, they say too: I dare swearFull many a year ago he left these gambols:Here, take your trinkets.
Ant. Sure I do not lye, Lady.
Cel. I know thou lyest extreamly, damnably: Thou hast a lying face.
Ant. I was never thus ratled.
Cel. But say I should believe: why are these sent me? And why art thou the Messenger? who art thou?
Ant. Lady, look on 'em wisely, and then considerWho can send such as these, but a King only?And, to what beauty can they be oblations,But only yours? For me that am the carrier,'Tis only fit you know I am his servant,And have fulfil'd his will.
Cel. You are short and pithy; What must my beauty do for these?
_Ant. _Sweet Lady,You cannot be so hard of understanding,When a King's favour shines upon ye gloriously,And speaks his love in these—
Cel. O then love's the matter;Sir-reverence love; now I begin to feel ye:And I should be the Kings Whore, a brave title;And go as glorious as the Sun, O brave still:The chief Commandress of his Concubines,Hurried from place to place to meet his pleasures.
Ant. A devilish subtil wench, but a rare spirit. (dry,
Cel. And when the good old spunge had suckt my youthAnd left some of his Royal aches in my bones:When time shall tell me I have plough'd my life up,And cast long furrows in my face to sink me.
Ant. You must not think so, Lady.
Cel. Then can these, Sir,These precious things, the price of youth and beauty;This shop here of sin-offerings set me off again?Can it restore me chaste, young, innocent?Purge me to what I was? add to my memoryAn honest and a noble fame? The Kings device;The sin's as universal as the Sun is,And lights an everlasting Torch to shame me.
Ant. Do you hold so sleight account of a great Kings favour, That all knees bow to purchase?
Cel. Prethee peace: If thou knewst how ill favouredly thy tale becomes thee, And what ill root it takes—
Ant. You will be wiser.
Cel. Could the King find no shape to shift his pander into, But reverend Age? and one so like himself too?
Ant. She has found me out.
Cel. Cozen the world with gravity? Prethee resolve me one thing, do's the King love thee?
Ant. I think he do's.
Cel. It seems so by thy Office: He loves thy use, and when that's ended, hates thee: Thou seemest to me a Souldier.
Ant. Yes, I am one.
Cel. And hast fought for thy Country?
Ant. Many a time.
Cel. May be, commanded too?
Ant. I have done, Lady.
Cel. O wretched man, below the state of pity!Canst thou forget thou wert begot in honour?A free Companion for a King? a Souldier?Whose Nobleness dare feel no want, but Enemies?Canst thou forget this, and decline so wretchedly,To eat the Bread of Bawdry, of base Bawdry?Feed on the scum of Sin? fling thy Sword from thee?Dishonour to the noble name that nursed thee?Go, beg diseases: let them be thy Armours,Thy fights, the flames of Lust, and their foul issues.
Ant. Why then I am a King, and mine own Speaker.
Cel. And I as free as you, mine own Disposer:There, take your Jewels; let them give them lustresThat have dark Lives and Souls; wear 'em your self, Sir,You'l seem a Devil else.
Ant. I command ye stay.
Cel. Be just, I am commanded.
Ant. I will not wrong ye.
Cel. Then thus low falls my duty.
Ant. Can ye love me? Say I, and all I have—
Cel. I cannot love ye;Without the breach of faith I cannot hear ye;Ye hang upon my love, like frosts on Lilies:I can dye, but I cannot love: you are answer'd.
Ant. I must find apter means, I love her truly.