Cam.You tell us wonders.Cast.But I tell you truths, they are both well.Men.Why are not we in Arms then?And all the Island given to know—Cast.Discreetly and privately it must be done, 'twill miss else,And prove our ruines; most of the noble CitizensKnow it by me, and stay the hour to attend it,Prepare your hearts and friends, let their's be right too,And keep about the King to avoid suspicion;
Cam.You tell us wonders.
Cast.But I tell you truths, they are both well.
Men.Why are not we in Arms then?And all the Island given to know—
Cast.Discreetly and privately it must be done, 'twill miss else,And prove our ruines; most of the noble CitizensKnow it by me, and stay the hour to attend it,Prepare your hearts and friends, let their's be right too,And keep about the King to avoid suspicion;
EnterFrederickandSorano.
When you shall hear the Castle Bell, take courage,And stand like men, away, the King is coming.
When you shall hear the Castle Bell, take courage,And stand like men, away, the King is coming.
[Exeunt Lords.
Fre.Now Captain, what have you done with your prisoner?Cast.He is dead, Sir, and his body flung into the Sea,To feed the fishes, 'twas your will, I take it,I did it from a strong Commission,And stood not to capitulate.Fred.'Tis well done,And I shall love you for your faith. What angerOr sorrow did he utter at his end?Cast.Faith little, Sir, that I gave any ear to,He would have spoke, but I had no CommissionTo argue with him, so I flung him off;His Lady would have seen, but I lockt her up,For fear her womans tears should hinder us.Fred.. 'Twas trusty still. I wonder, mySorano,We hear not from the Monastery; I believeThey gave it not, or else it wrought not fully.Cast.Did you name the Monastery?Fred.Yes, I did Captain.Cast.I saw the Fryer this morning, and LordRugio,Bitterly weeping, and wringing of their hands,And all the holy men hung down their heads.Sara.'Tis done I'le warrant ye.Cast.I ask'd the reason.Fred.What answer hadst thou?Cast.This in few words, Sir,Your Brother's dead, this morning he deceased,I was your servant, and I wept not, Sir,I knew 'twas for your good.Fred.It shall be for thine too,Captain, indeed it shall. O mySorano,Now we shall live.Sor.I, now there's none to trouble ye.Fred.Captain, bring out the woman, and give wayTo any Suitor that shall come to marry her,Of what degree soever.Cast.It shall be done, Sir.[ExitCast.Fre.O let me have a lusty Banquet after it,
Fre.Now Captain, what have you done with your prisoner?
Cast.He is dead, Sir, and his body flung into the Sea,To feed the fishes, 'twas your will, I take it,I did it from a strong Commission,And stood not to capitulate.
Fred.'Tis well done,And I shall love you for your faith. What angerOr sorrow did he utter at his end?
Cast.Faith little, Sir, that I gave any ear to,He would have spoke, but I had no CommissionTo argue with him, so I flung him off;His Lady would have seen, but I lockt her up,For fear her womans tears should hinder us.
Fred.. 'Twas trusty still. I wonder, mySorano,We hear not from the Monastery; I believeThey gave it not, or else it wrought not fully.
Cast.Did you name the Monastery?
Fred.Yes, I did Captain.
Cast.I saw the Fryer this morning, and LordRugio,Bitterly weeping, and wringing of their hands,And all the holy men hung down their heads.
Sara.'Tis done I'le warrant ye.
Cast.I ask'd the reason.
Fred.What answer hadst thou?
Cast.This in few words, Sir,Your Brother's dead, this morning he deceased,I was your servant, and I wept not, Sir,I knew 'twas for your good.
Fred.It shall be for thine too,Captain, indeed it shall. O mySorano,Now we shall live.
Sor.I, now there's none to trouble ye.
Fred.Captain, bring out the woman, and give wayTo any Suitor that shall come to marry her,Of what degree soever.
Cast.It shall be done, Sir.[ExitCast.
Fre.O let me have a lusty Banquet after it,
EnterEvanthe, Camillo, Cleanthes, Menallo,Fool.
I will be high and merry.Sor.There be some LordsThat I could counsel ye to fling from Court, Sir,They pry into our actions, they are suchThe foolish people call their Countries honours,Honest brave things, and stile them with such Titles,As if they were the patterns of the Kingdom,Which makes them proud, and prone to look into us,And talk at random of our actions,They should be lovers of your commands,And followers of your will; bridles and curbsTo the hard headed Commons that malign us,They come here to do honour to my Sister,To laugh at your severity, and fright us;If they had power, what would these men do?Do you hear, Sir, how privily they whisper?Fred.I shall silence 'em,And to their shames within this weekSorano,In the mean time have patience.Sor.How they jeer, and look upon me as I were a Monster!And talk and jeer! how I shall pull your plumes, LordsHow I shall humble ye within these two daies!Your great names, nor your Country cannot save ye.Fred.Let in the Suitors. Yet submit, I'le pardon ye,You are half undone already, do not windMy anger to that height, it may consume ye,
I will be high and merry.
Sor.There be some LordsThat I could counsel ye to fling from Court, Sir,They pry into our actions, they are suchThe foolish people call their Countries honours,Honest brave things, and stile them with such Titles,As if they were the patterns of the Kingdom,Which makes them proud, and prone to look into us,And talk at random of our actions,They should be lovers of your commands,And followers of your will; bridles and curbsTo the hard headed Commons that malign us,They come here to do honour to my Sister,To laugh at your severity, and fright us;If they had power, what would these men do?Do you hear, Sir, how privily they whisper?
Fred.I shall silence 'em,And to their shames within this weekSorano,In the mean time have patience.
Sor.How they jeer, and look upon me as I were a Monster!And talk and jeer! how I shall pull your plumes, LordsHow I shall humble ye within these two daies!Your great names, nor your Country cannot save ye.
Fred.Let in the Suitors. Yet submit, I'le pardon ye,You are half undone already, do not windMy anger to that height, it may consume ye,
Enter Lawyer, Physician, Captain, Cut-purse.
And utterly destroy thee, fairEvanthe: yet I have mercy.Evan.Use it to your bawds,To me use cruelty, it best becomes ye,And shews more Kingly: I contemn your mercy,It is a cozening, and a bawdy mercy;Can any thing be hoped for, to relieve me?Or is it fit? I thank you for a pity, when you have kill'd my Lord.Fred.Who will have her?Evan.My tears are gone,My tears of love to my dearValerio,But I have fill'd mine eyes again with anger;O were it but so powerful to consume ye.My tongue with curses I have arm'd against ye,With Maiden curses, that Heaven crowns with horrors,My heart set round with hate against thy tyranny;O would my hands could hold the fire of Heaven,Wrapt in the thunder that the Gods revenge with,That like stern Justice I might fling it on thee;Thou art a King of Monsters, not of men,And shortly thou wilt turn this Land to Devils.Fred.I'le make you one first, and a wretched Devil,Come who will have her?Law.I an't like your Majesty, I am a Lawyer,I can make her a Joynture of any mans Land inNaples,And she shall keep it too, I have a trick for it.Fool.Canst thou make her a Joynture of thine honesty?Or thy abili[t]y, thou lewd abridgment?Those are non suted and flung o're the bar.Phy.An't please your Majesty to give me leave,I dare accept her; and though old I seem, Lady,LikeÆson, by my art I can renew youth and ability.Fool.In a powdering TubStew thy self tender again, like a Cock Chicken,The broth may be good, but the flesh is not fit for dogs sure.Capt.Lady, take me, and I'le maintain thine honour,I am a poor Captain, as poor people call me,Very poor people, for my SouldiersThey are quartered in the outside of the City,Men of ability, to make good a high way;We have but two grand Enemies that oppose us,TheDon Gout, and the Gallows.Fool.I believe ye, and both these you will bind her for a Jointure;Now Signior firk.Cut-purse.Madam, take me and be wise,I am rich and nimble, and those are rare in one man,Every mans pocket is my Treasury,And no man wears a Sute but fits me neatly;Cloaths you shall have, and wear the purest Linnen,I have a tribute out of every Shop, Lady,Meat you shall eat, I have my Caters out too,The best and lustiest, and drink good Wine, good Lady,Good quickening Wine, Wine that will make you caper.And at the worst—Fool.It is but capering short, Sir,You seldom stay for Agues or for Surfeits,A shaking fit of a whip sometimes o'retakes ye,Marry you dye most commonly of choakings,Obstructions of the halter are your ends ever;Pray leave your horn and your knife for her to live on.Eva.Poor wretched people, why do you wrong your selves?Though I fear'd death, I should fear you ten times more,You are every one a new death, and an odious,The earth will purifie corrupted bodies,You'll make us worse and stink eternally.Go home, go home and get good Nurses for you,Dream not of Wives.Fred.You shall have one of 'em, if they dare venture for ye.Evan.They are dead already,Crawling diseases that must creep intoThe next grave they find open, are these fit HusbandsFor her you have loved, Sir? though you hate me now,And hate me mortally, as I hate you,Your nobleness, in that you have done otherwise,And namedEvantheonce as your poor Mistris,Might offer worthier choice.Fre.Speak, who dare take her for one moneth, and then dye?Phy.Dye, Sir?Fred.I, dye Sir, that's the condition.Phy.One moneth is too littleFor me to repent in for my former pleasure,To go still on, unless I were sure she would kill me,And kill me delicately before my day,Make it up a year, for by that time I must dye,My body will hold out no longer.Fred.No Sir, it must be but a moneth.Law.Then farewel Madam,This is like to be a great year of dissentionAmong good people, and I dare not lose it,There will [b]e money got.Capt.Bless your good Ladiship, there's nothing in thegrave but bones and ashes,In Taverns there's good wine, and excellent wenches,And Surgeons while we live.Cutp.Adieu sweet Lady,Lay me when I am dead near a rich Alderman,I cannot pick his Purse, no, I'le no dying,Though I steal Linnen, I'le not steal my shrowd yet.All.Send ye a happy match.[Exeunt.Fool.And you all halters, you have deserved 'em richly.These do all Villanies, and mischiefs of all sorts, yet those they fear not,To flinch where a fair wench is at the stake.Evan.Come, your sentence, let me dye: you see, Sir,None of your valiant men dare venture on me,A Moneth's a dangerous thing.
And utterly destroy thee, fairEvanthe: yet I have mercy.
Evan.Use it to your bawds,To me use cruelty, it best becomes ye,And shews more Kingly: I contemn your mercy,It is a cozening, and a bawdy mercy;Can any thing be hoped for, to relieve me?Or is it fit? I thank you for a pity, when you have kill'd my Lord.
Fred.Who will have her?
Evan.My tears are gone,My tears of love to my dearValerio,But I have fill'd mine eyes again with anger;O were it but so powerful to consume ye.My tongue with curses I have arm'd against ye,With Maiden curses, that Heaven crowns with horrors,My heart set round with hate against thy tyranny;O would my hands could hold the fire of Heaven,Wrapt in the thunder that the Gods revenge with,That like stern Justice I might fling it on thee;Thou art a King of Monsters, not of men,And shortly thou wilt turn this Land to Devils.
Fred.I'le make you one first, and a wretched Devil,Come who will have her?
Law.I an't like your Majesty, I am a Lawyer,I can make her a Joynture of any mans Land inNaples,And she shall keep it too, I have a trick for it.
Fool.Canst thou make her a Joynture of thine honesty?Or thy abili[t]y, thou lewd abridgment?Those are non suted and flung o're the bar.
Phy.An't please your Majesty to give me leave,I dare accept her; and though old I seem, Lady,LikeÆson, by my art I can renew youth and ability.
Fool.In a powdering TubStew thy self tender again, like a Cock Chicken,The broth may be good, but the flesh is not fit for dogs sure.
Capt.Lady, take me, and I'le maintain thine honour,I am a poor Captain, as poor people call me,Very poor people, for my SouldiersThey are quartered in the outside of the City,Men of ability, to make good a high way;We have but two grand Enemies that oppose us,TheDon Gout, and the Gallows.
Fool.I believe ye, and both these you will bind her for a Jointure;Now Signior firk.
Cut-purse.Madam, take me and be wise,I am rich and nimble, and those are rare in one man,Every mans pocket is my Treasury,And no man wears a Sute but fits me neatly;Cloaths you shall have, and wear the purest Linnen,I have a tribute out of every Shop, Lady,Meat you shall eat, I have my Caters out too,The best and lustiest, and drink good Wine, good Lady,Good quickening Wine, Wine that will make you caper.And at the worst—
Fool.It is but capering short, Sir,You seldom stay for Agues or for Surfeits,A shaking fit of a whip sometimes o'retakes ye,Marry you dye most commonly of choakings,Obstructions of the halter are your ends ever;Pray leave your horn and your knife for her to live on.
Eva.Poor wretched people, why do you wrong your selves?Though I fear'd death, I should fear you ten times more,You are every one a new death, and an odious,The earth will purifie corrupted bodies,You'll make us worse and stink eternally.Go home, go home and get good Nurses for you,Dream not of Wives.
Fred.You shall have one of 'em, if they dare venture for ye.
Evan.They are dead already,Crawling diseases that must creep intoThe next grave they find open, are these fit HusbandsFor her you have loved, Sir? though you hate me now,And hate me mortally, as I hate you,Your nobleness, in that you have done otherwise,And namedEvantheonce as your poor Mistris,Might offer worthier choice.
Fre.Speak, who dare take her for one moneth, and then dye?
Phy.Dye, Sir?
Fred.I, dye Sir, that's the condition.
Phy.One moneth is too littleFor me to repent in for my former pleasure,To go still on, unless I were sure she would kill me,And kill me delicately before my day,Make it up a year, for by that time I must dye,My body will hold out no longer.
Fred.No Sir, it must be but a moneth.
Law.Then farewel Madam,This is like to be a great year of dissentionAmong good people, and I dare not lose it,There will [b]e money got.
Capt.Bless your good Ladiship, there's nothing in thegrave but bones and ashes,In Taverns there's good wine, and excellent wenches,And Surgeons while we live.
Cutp.Adieu sweet Lady,Lay me when I am dead near a rich Alderman,I cannot pick his Purse, no, I'le no dying,Though I steal Linnen, I'le not steal my shrowd yet.
All.Send ye a happy match.[Exeunt.
Fool.And you all halters, you have deserved 'em richly.These do all Villanies, and mischiefs of all sorts, yet those they fear not,To flinch where a fair wench is at the stake.
Evan.Come, your sentence, let me dye: you see, Sir,None of your valiant men dare venture on me,A Moneth's a dangerous thing.
EnterValeriodisguis'd.
Fred.Away with her, let her dye instantly.Evan.Will you then be willingTo dye at the time prefixt? that I must know too,And know it beyond doubt.Fred.What if I did wench?Evan.On that condition if I had it certain,I would be your any thing, and you should injoy me,How ever in my nature I abhor you,Yet as I live I would be obedient to you;But when your time came how I should rejoyce,How then I should bestir my self to thank ye,To see your throat cut, how my heart would leap, Sir!I would dye with you, but first I would so torture ye,And cow you in your end, so despise you,For a weak and wretched coward, you must end sure;Still make ye fear, and shake, despised, still laugh at ye.Fred.Away with her, let her dye instantly.Cam.Stay, there's another, and a Gentleman,His habit shews no less, may be his businessIs for this Ladies love.Fred.Say why ye come, Sir, and what you are.Val.I am descended nobly, a Prince by birth, and by my trade a Souldier,A Princes fellow,Abidosbrought me forth,My Parents DukeAgenor, and fairEgla,My business hither to renew my loveWith a young noble spirit, call'dValerio;Our first acquaintance was at Sea, in fightAgainst a Turkish man of War, a stout one,Where Lyon-like I saw him shew his valour,And as he had been made of compleat vertue,Spirit, and fire, no dregs of dull earth in him.Evan.Thou art a brave Gentleman, and bravely speakest him.Val.The Vessel dancing under him for joy,And the rough whistling winds becalm'd to view him;I saw the child of honour, for he was young,Deal such an Alms amongst the spightful Pagans,His towring sword flew like an eager Falkon,And round about his reach invade theTurks,He had intrencht himself in his dead quarries;The silver Crescents on the tops they carriedShrunk in their heads to see his rage so bloody,And from his fury suffered sad eclipses;The game of death was never plaid more nobly,The meager thief grew wanton in his mischiefs,And his shrunk hollow eyes smil'd on his ruines.Evan.Heaven keep this Gentleman from being a Suitor,For I shall ne'r deny him, he's so noble.Val.But what can last long? strength and spirit wasted,And fresh supplies flew on upon this Gentleman,Breathless and weary with oppression,And almost kill'd with killing, 'twas my chanceIn a tall Ship I had to view the fight;I set into him, entertain'd theTurk,And for an hour gave him so hot a breakfast,He clapt all linnen up he had to save him,And like a Lovers thought he fled our fury;There first I saw the man I lov'd,Valerio,There was acquainted, there my soul grew to him,And his to me, we were the twins of friendship.Evan.Fortune protect this man, or I shall ruine him.Val.I made this voyage to behold my friend,To warm my love anew at his affection;But since I landed, I have heard his fate:My Father's had not been to me more cruel,I have lamented too, and yet I keepThe treasure of a few tears for you Lady,For by description you were hisEvanthe.Evan.Can he weep that's a stranger to my story?And I stand still and look on? Sir, I thank ye;If noble spirits after their departure,Can know, and wish, certain his soul gives thanks too;There are your tears again, and when yours fail, Sir,Pray ye call to me, I have some store to lend ye. Your name?Val.Urbino.Evan.That I may remember,That little time I have to live, your friendships,My tongue shall study both.Fred.Do you come hither, only to tell this story, PrinceUrbino?Val.My business now is, Sir, to woo this Lady.Evan.Blessing defend ye; do you know the danger?Val.Yes, and I fear it not, danger's my play-fellow,Since I was man 'thas been my best companion,I know your doom, 'tis for a Moneth you give her,And then his life you take that marries her.Fred.'Tis true, nor can your being born a Prince,If you accept the offer, free you from it.Val.I not desire it, I have cast the worst,And even that worst to me is many blessings;I lov'd my friend, not measur'd out by time,Nor hired by circumstance of place and honour,But for his wealthy self and worth I lov'd him,His mind and noble mold he ever mov'd in,And wooe his friend because she was worthy of him,The only relique that he left behind, Sir;To give his ashes honour, Lady take me,And in me keepValerio's love alive still,When I am gone, take those that shall succeed me,Heaven must want light, before you want a Husband,To raise up heirs of love and noble memory,To your unfortunate—Evan.Am I still hated? hast thou no end, O fate, of my affliction?Was I ordain'd to be a common Murdress?And of the best men too? Good Sir—Val.Peace Sweet, look on my hand.Evan.I do accept the Gentleman, I faint with joy.Fr.I stop it, none shall have her, convey this stranger hence.Val.I am no stranger—Hark to the bell, that rings,Hark, hark, proudFrederick, that was King of mischief,Hark, thou abhorred man, dost thou hear thy sentence?Does not this bell ring in thine ears thy ruine?Fred.What bell is this?Cam.The Castle bell: Stand sure, Sir, and move not, if you do you perish.Men.It rings your knell;Alphonso, KingAlphonso.All.Alphonso, KingAlphonso.Fred.I am betrai'd, lock fast the Palace.Cam.We have all the keys, Sir.And no door here shall shut without our Licence.Cle.Do you shake now, LordSorano? no new trick?Nor speedy poison to prevent this business?No bawdy meditation now to fly to?Fred.Treason, Treason, Treason.Cam.Yes, we hear ye,
Fred.Away with her, let her dye instantly.
Evan.Will you then be willingTo dye at the time prefixt? that I must know too,And know it beyond doubt.
Fred.What if I did wench?
Evan.On that condition if I had it certain,I would be your any thing, and you should injoy me,How ever in my nature I abhor you,Yet as I live I would be obedient to you;But when your time came how I should rejoyce,How then I should bestir my self to thank ye,To see your throat cut, how my heart would leap, Sir!I would dye with you, but first I would so torture ye,And cow you in your end, so despise you,For a weak and wretched coward, you must end sure;Still make ye fear, and shake, despised, still laugh at ye.
Fred.Away with her, let her dye instantly.
Cam.Stay, there's another, and a Gentleman,His habit shews no less, may be his businessIs for this Ladies love.
Fred.Say why ye come, Sir, and what you are.
Val.I am descended nobly, a Prince by birth, and by my trade a Souldier,A Princes fellow,Abidosbrought me forth,My Parents DukeAgenor, and fairEgla,My business hither to renew my loveWith a young noble spirit, call'dValerio;Our first acquaintance was at Sea, in fightAgainst a Turkish man of War, a stout one,Where Lyon-like I saw him shew his valour,And as he had been made of compleat vertue,Spirit, and fire, no dregs of dull earth in him.
Evan.Thou art a brave Gentleman, and bravely speakest him.
Val.The Vessel dancing under him for joy,And the rough whistling winds becalm'd to view him;I saw the child of honour, for he was young,Deal such an Alms amongst the spightful Pagans,His towring sword flew like an eager Falkon,And round about his reach invade theTurks,He had intrencht himself in his dead quarries;The silver Crescents on the tops they carriedShrunk in their heads to see his rage so bloody,And from his fury suffered sad eclipses;The game of death was never plaid more nobly,The meager thief grew wanton in his mischiefs,And his shrunk hollow eyes smil'd on his ruines.
Evan.Heaven keep this Gentleman from being a Suitor,For I shall ne'r deny him, he's so noble.
Val.But what can last long? strength and spirit wasted,And fresh supplies flew on upon this Gentleman,Breathless and weary with oppression,And almost kill'd with killing, 'twas my chanceIn a tall Ship I had to view the fight;I set into him, entertain'd theTurk,And for an hour gave him so hot a breakfast,He clapt all linnen up he had to save him,And like a Lovers thought he fled our fury;There first I saw the man I lov'd,Valerio,There was acquainted, there my soul grew to him,And his to me, we were the twins of friendship.
Evan.Fortune protect this man, or I shall ruine him.
Val.I made this voyage to behold my friend,To warm my love anew at his affection;But since I landed, I have heard his fate:My Father's had not been to me more cruel,I have lamented too, and yet I keepThe treasure of a few tears for you Lady,For by description you were hisEvanthe.
Evan.Can he weep that's a stranger to my story?And I stand still and look on? Sir, I thank ye;If noble spirits after their departure,Can know, and wish, certain his soul gives thanks too;There are your tears again, and when yours fail, Sir,Pray ye call to me, I have some store to lend ye. Your name?
Val.Urbino.
Evan.That I may remember,That little time I have to live, your friendships,My tongue shall study both.
Fred.Do you come hither, only to tell this story, PrinceUrbino?
Val.My business now is, Sir, to woo this Lady.
Evan.Blessing defend ye; do you know the danger?
Val.Yes, and I fear it not, danger's my play-fellow,Since I was man 'thas been my best companion,I know your doom, 'tis for a Moneth you give her,And then his life you take that marries her.
Fred.'Tis true, nor can your being born a Prince,If you accept the offer, free you from it.
Val.I not desire it, I have cast the worst,And even that worst to me is many blessings;I lov'd my friend, not measur'd out by time,Nor hired by circumstance of place and honour,But for his wealthy self and worth I lov'd him,His mind and noble mold he ever mov'd in,And wooe his friend because she was worthy of him,The only relique that he left behind, Sir;To give his ashes honour, Lady take me,And in me keepValerio's love alive still,When I am gone, take those that shall succeed me,Heaven must want light, before you want a Husband,To raise up heirs of love and noble memory,To your unfortunate—
Evan.Am I still hated? hast thou no end, O fate, of my affliction?Was I ordain'd to be a common Murdress?And of the best men too? Good Sir—
Val.Peace Sweet, look on my hand.
Evan.I do accept the Gentleman, I faint with joy.
Fr.I stop it, none shall have her, convey this stranger hence.
Val.I am no stranger—Hark to the bell, that rings,Hark, hark, proudFrederick, that was King of mischief,Hark, thou abhorred man, dost thou hear thy sentence?Does not this bell ring in thine ears thy ruine?
Fred.What bell is this?
Cam.The Castle bell: Stand sure, Sir, and move not, if you do you perish.
Men.It rings your knell;Alphonso, KingAlphonso.
All.Alphonso, KingAlphonso.
Fred.I am betrai'd, lock fast the Palace.
Cam.We have all the keys, Sir.And no door here shall shut without our Licence.
Cle.Do you shake now, LordSorano? no new trick?Nor speedy poison to prevent this business?No bawdy meditation now to fly to?
Fred.Treason, Treason, Treason.
Cam.Yes, we hear ye,
EnterAlphonso, Rugio, Marco, Castruchio,Queen,with Guard.
And we have found the Traytor in your shape, Sir,We'll keep him fast too.Fred.Recover'd! then I am gone,The Sun of all my pomp is set and vanisht.Alp.Have you not forgot this face of mine, KingFrederick?Brother, I am come to see you, and have broughtA Banquet to be merry with your Grace;I pray sit down, I do beseech your Majesty,And eat, eat freely, Sir, why do you start?Have you no stomach to the meat I bring you?Dare you not taste? have ye no Antidotes?You need not fear;Sorano's a good Apothecary,Me thinks you look not well, some fresh wine for him,Some of the same he sent me bySorano;I thank you for't, it sav'd my life, I am bound to ye,But how 'twill work on you—I hope your LordshipWill pledge him too, me thinks you look but scurvily,And would be put into a better colour,But I have a candi'd Toad for your Lordship.Sor.Would I had any thing that would dispatch me,So it were down, and I out of this fear once.Fred.Sir, Thus low as my duty now compells me,I do confess my unbounded sins, my errours,And feel within my soul the smarts already;Hide not the noble nature of a Brother,The pity of a friend, from my afflictions;Let me a while lament my misery,And cast the load off of my wantonness,Before I find your fury, then strike home,I do deserve the deepest blow of Justice,And then how willingly, O death, I'le meet thee!Alp.Rise, Madam, those sweet tears are potent speakers,And Brother live, but in the Monastery,Where I lived, with the self same silence too,I'le teach you to be good against your will, Brother,Your tongue has done much harm, that must be dumb now;The daily pilgrimage to my Fathers Tomb,Tears, sighs, and groans, you shall wear out your daies with,And true ones too, you shall perform dear Brother;Your diet shall be slender to inforce these; too light a penance, Sir.Fred.I do confess it.Alph.Soranoyou shall—Sor.How he studies for it!Hanging's the least part of my penance certain.[EvantheKneels.Alph.What Lady's that that kneels?Cast.The chasteEvanthe.Alph.Sweet, your Petition?Evan.'Tis for this bad man, Sir,Abominable bad, but yet my Brother.Alph.The bad man shall attend as bad a Master,And both shall be confin'd within the Monastery;His rank flesh shall be pull'd with daily fasting,But once a week he shall s[m]ell meat, he will surfeit else,And his immodest mind, compell'd to prayer;On the bare boards he shall lye, to rememberThe wantonness he did commit in beds;And drink fair water, that will ne'r inflame him;He sav'd my life, though he purpos'd to destroy me,For which I'le save his, though I make it miserable:Madam, at Court I shall desire your company,You are wise and vertuous, when you please to visitMy BrotherFrederick, you shall have our Licence,My dear best friend,Valerio.Val.SaveAlphonso.Omn.Long liveAlphonso, King of us, andNaples.Alph.Is this the Lady that the wonder goes on?Honour'd sweet Maid, here take her myValerio,The King now gives her, she is thine own without fear:Brother, have you so much provision that is good?Not season'd bySoranoand his Cooks?That we may venture on with honest safety,We and our friends?Fred.All that I have is yours, Sir.Alph.Come then, let's in, and end this Nuptial,Then to our Coronation with all speed:My vertuous Maid, this day I'le be your Bride-man,And see you bedded to your own desires too;Beshrew me Lords, who is not merry hates me,OnlySoranoshall not bear my cup:Come, now forget old pains and injuries,As I must do, and drown all in fair healths;That Kingdom's blessed, where the King beginsHis true love first, for there all loves are twins.
And we have found the Traytor in your shape, Sir,We'll keep him fast too.
Fred.Recover'd! then I am gone,The Sun of all my pomp is set and vanisht.
Alp.Have you not forgot this face of mine, KingFrederick?Brother, I am come to see you, and have broughtA Banquet to be merry with your Grace;I pray sit down, I do beseech your Majesty,And eat, eat freely, Sir, why do you start?Have you no stomach to the meat I bring you?Dare you not taste? have ye no Antidotes?You need not fear;Sorano's a good Apothecary,Me thinks you look not well, some fresh wine for him,Some of the same he sent me bySorano;I thank you for't, it sav'd my life, I am bound to ye,But how 'twill work on you—I hope your LordshipWill pledge him too, me thinks you look but scurvily,And would be put into a better colour,But I have a candi'd Toad for your Lordship.
Sor.Would I had any thing that would dispatch me,So it were down, and I out of this fear once.
Fred.Sir, Thus low as my duty now compells me,I do confess my unbounded sins, my errours,And feel within my soul the smarts already;Hide not the noble nature of a Brother,The pity of a friend, from my afflictions;Let me a while lament my misery,And cast the load off of my wantonness,Before I find your fury, then strike home,I do deserve the deepest blow of Justice,And then how willingly, O death, I'le meet thee!
Alp.Rise, Madam, those sweet tears are potent speakers,And Brother live, but in the Monastery,Where I lived, with the self same silence too,I'le teach you to be good against your will, Brother,Your tongue has done much harm, that must be dumb now;The daily pilgrimage to my Fathers Tomb,Tears, sighs, and groans, you shall wear out your daies with,And true ones too, you shall perform dear Brother;Your diet shall be slender to inforce these; too light a penance, Sir.
Fred.I do confess it.
Alph.Soranoyou shall—
Sor.How he studies for it!Hanging's the least part of my penance certain.
[EvantheKneels.
Alph.What Lady's that that kneels?
Cast.The chasteEvanthe.
Alph.Sweet, your Petition?
Evan.'Tis for this bad man, Sir,Abominable bad, but yet my Brother.
Alph.The bad man shall attend as bad a Master,And both shall be confin'd within the Monastery;His rank flesh shall be pull'd with daily fasting,But once a week he shall s[m]ell meat, he will surfeit else,And his immodest mind, compell'd to prayer;On the bare boards he shall lye, to rememberThe wantonness he did commit in beds;And drink fair water, that will ne'r inflame him;He sav'd my life, though he purpos'd to destroy me,For which I'le save his, though I make it miserable:Madam, at Court I shall desire your company,You are wise and vertuous, when you please to visitMy BrotherFrederick, you shall have our Licence,My dear best friend,Valerio.
Val.SaveAlphonso.
Omn.Long liveAlphonso, King of us, andNaples.
Alph.Is this the Lady that the wonder goes on?Honour'd sweet Maid, here take her myValerio,The King now gives her, she is thine own without fear:Brother, have you so much provision that is good?Not season'd bySoranoand his Cooks?That we may venture on with honest safety,We and our friends?
Fred.All that I have is yours, Sir.
Alph.Come then, let's in, and end this Nuptial,Then to our Coronation with all speed:My vertuous Maid, this day I'le be your Bride-man,And see you bedded to your own desires too;Beshrew me Lords, who is not merry hates me,OnlySoranoshall not bear my cup:Come, now forget old pains and injuries,As I must do, and drown all in fair healths;That Kingdom's blessed, where the King beginsHis true love first, for there all loves are twins.
[Exeunt Omnes.
Prologue.
You are wellcome Gentlemen, and would our FeastWere so well season'd, to please every Guest;Ingenuous appetites, I hope we shall,And their examples may prevail in all.Our noble friend, who writ this, bid me say,He had rather dress, upon a Triumph day,My Lord Ma[y]ors Feast, and make him Sawces too,Sawce for each several mouth, nay further go,He had rather build up those invincible PyesAnd Castle Custards that affright all eyes,Nay eat 'em all and their Artillery,Than dress for such a curious companyOne single dish; yet he has pleas'd ye too,And you've confest he knew well what to do;Be hungry as you were wont to be, and bring,Sharp stomachs to the stories he shall sing,And he dare yet, he saies, prepare a TableShall make you say, well drest, and he well able.
You are wellcome Gentlemen, and would our FeastWere so well season'd, to please every Guest;Ingenuous appetites, I hope we shall,And their examples may prevail in all.Our noble friend, who writ this, bid me say,He had rather dress, upon a Triumph day,My Lord Ma[y]ors Feast, and make him Sawces too,Sawce for each several mouth, nay further go,He had rather build up those invincible PyesAnd Castle Custards that affright all eyes,Nay eat 'em all and their Artillery,Than dress for such a curious companyOne single dish; yet he has pleas'd ye too,And you've confest he knew well what to do;Be hungry as you were wont to be, and bring,Sharp stomachs to the stories he shall sing,And he dare yet, he saies, prepare a TableShall make you say, well drest, and he well able.
Epilogue.
We have your favours, Gentlemen, and youHave our indeavours, (dear Friends grudge not now,)There's none of you, but when you please can sellMany a lame Horse, and many a fair tale tell;Can put off many a Maid unto a friend,That was not so since th' action atMile-end;Ours is a Virgin yet, and they that loveUntainted flesh, we hope our friends will prove.
We have your favours, Gentlemen, and youHave our indeavours, (dear Friends grudge not now,)There's none of you, but when you please can sellMany a lame Horse, and many a fair tale tell;Can put off many a Maid unto a friend,That was not so since th' action atMile-end;Ours is a Virgin yet, and they that loveUntainted flesh, we hope our friends will prove.
ATRAGEDY.
Persons Represented in the Play.
WOMEN.
The SceneFrance.
The principal Actors were,
EnterLeon,andMallfort.
Mal.And as I told you, Sir.Leon.I understand you,Clarinda's still perverse.Mal.She's worse, obdurate,Flinty, relentless, my love-passions jeer'd at,My Presents scorn'd.Leon.'Tis strange a waiting-woman,In her condition apt to yield, should hold out,A man of your place, reverend Beard and shape,Besieging her.Mal.You might add too my wealth,Which she contemns, five hundred Crownsper annum,For which I have ventur'd hard, my Conscience knows it,Not thought upon, though offer'd for a Joynture;This Chain which my Lords Pesants worship, flouted;My solemn hums and ha's, the servants quake at,No Rhetorick with her; every hour she hangs outSome new Flag of defiance to torment me;Last Lent, my Lady call'd me herPoor John,But now I am grown a walkingSkeleton,You may see through, and through me.Leon.Indeed you are much faln away.Mal.I am a kind of nothing,As she hath made me; Love's a terrible Clyster,And if some Cordial of her favours help not,I shall like anItalian, dye backward,And breathe my last the wrong way.Leon.As I live, you have my pity; but this is cold comfort,And in a friend lip-physick; and now I think on't,I should do more, and will, so you deny notYour self the means of comfort.Mal.I'll be hang'd first; one dram of't I beseech you.Leon.You are not jealous of any mans access to her?Mal.I would not receive theDor, but as a bosome friendYou shall direct me, still provided thatI understand who is the man, and whatHis purpose, that pleads for me.Leon.By all means:First, for the undertaker, I am he;The means that I will practise, thus—Mal.Pray you forward.Leon.You know your Lady, chasteCalistaloves her.Mal.Too well, that makes her proud.Leon.Nay, give me leave,This beauteous Lady, I may stile her so,(Being the paragon ofFrancefor feature)Is not alone contented in her selfTo seem, and be good, but desires to makeAll such as have dependance on her, like her;For thisClarinda's liberty is restrain'd;And though her kinsman, the gate's shut against me;Now if you please to make your self the door,For my conveyance to her, though you runThe hazard of a check for't, 'tis no matter.Mal.It being for mine own ends.Leon.I'll give it o'r,If that you make the least doubt otherwise:Study upon't: good morrow.Mal.Pray you stay, Sir;You are my friend; yet as the Proverb says,When love puts in, friendship is gone: supposeYou should your self affect her?Leon.Do you think I'll commit incest? for it is no less,She being my Cousin German. Fare you well, Sir.Mal.I had forgot that, for this once forgive me.Only to ease the throbbing of my heart,(For I do feel strange pangs) instruct me whatYou will say for me.Leon.First, I'll tell her thatShe hath so far besotted you, that you haveAlmost forgot to cast accompt.Mal.Meer truth, Sir.Leon.That of a wise and provident Steward,You are turn'd stark Ass.Mal.Urge that point home, I am so.Leon.That you adore the ground she treads upon,And kiss her footsteps.Mal.As I do when I find their print in the snow.Leon.A loving fool I know it,By your bloudless frosty lips; then having relatedHow much you suffer for her, and how wellYou do deserve it—Mal.How? to suffer?Leon.No, Sir, to have your love return'd.Mal.That's good, I thank you.Leon.I will deliver her an InventoryOf your good parts: as this, your precious noseDropping affection; your high forehead reachingAlmost to the Crown of your head; your slender waste,And a back not like a threshers, but a bending,And Court-like back, and so forth, for your Body.But when I touch your mind, for that must take her,(Since your out-side promises little) I'll enlarge it,(Though ne'r so narrow) as your arts to thrive,Your composition with the Cook and ButlerFor Cony-Skins and Chippings, and half a shareWith all the under Officers of the house,In strangers bounties, that she shall have all,And you as 'twere her Bailiff.Mal.As I will be.Leon.As you shall, so I'll promise. Then your qualities,As playing on a Gyttern, or a Jews-Trump.Mal.A little too on the Viol.Leon.Fear you nothing.Then singing her asleep with curious CatchesOf your own making; for as I have heard,You are Poetical.Mal.Something given that way;Yet my works seldom thrive: and the main reasonThe Poets urge for't, is, because I am notAs poor as they are.Leon.Very likely; fetch herWhile I am in the vein.Mal.'Tis an apt time, my Lady being at her Prayers.Leon.Let her pray on.Nay go, and if upon my intercessionShe do you not some favour, I'll disclaim her;I'll ruminate on't the while.Mal.A hundred Crowns is your reward.Leon.Without 'em—nay no trifling.[Ex.Mal.That this dull clod of ignorance should knowHow to get money, yet want eyes to seeHow grosly he's abus'd, and wrought upon!When he should make his will, the Rogue's turn'd rampant,As he had renew'd his youth; a handsome wench,Love one a spittle-whore would run away from?Well, Master Steward, I will plead for youIn such a method, as it shall appearYou are fit to be a property.
Mal.And as I told you, Sir.
Leon.I understand you,Clarinda's still perverse.
Mal.She's worse, obdurate,Flinty, relentless, my love-passions jeer'd at,My Presents scorn'd.
Leon.'Tis strange a waiting-woman,In her condition apt to yield, should hold out,A man of your place, reverend Beard and shape,Besieging her.
Mal.You might add too my wealth,Which she contemns, five hundred Crownsper annum,For which I have ventur'd hard, my Conscience knows it,Not thought upon, though offer'd for a Joynture;This Chain which my Lords Pesants worship, flouted;My solemn hums and ha's, the servants quake at,No Rhetorick with her; every hour she hangs outSome new Flag of defiance to torment me;Last Lent, my Lady call'd me herPoor John,But now I am grown a walkingSkeleton,You may see through, and through me.
Leon.Indeed you are much faln away.
Mal.I am a kind of nothing,As she hath made me; Love's a terrible Clyster,And if some Cordial of her favours help not,I shall like anItalian, dye backward,And breathe my last the wrong way.
Leon.As I live, you have my pity; but this is cold comfort,And in a friend lip-physick; and now I think on't,I should do more, and will, so you deny notYour self the means of comfort.
Mal.I'll be hang'd first; one dram of't I beseech you.
Leon.You are not jealous of any mans access to her?
Mal.I would not receive theDor, but as a bosome friendYou shall direct me, still provided thatI understand who is the man, and whatHis purpose, that pleads for me.
Leon.By all means:First, for the undertaker, I am he;The means that I will practise, thus—
Mal.Pray you forward.
Leon.You know your Lady, chasteCalistaloves her.
Mal.Too well, that makes her proud.
Leon.Nay, give me leave,This beauteous Lady, I may stile her so,(Being the paragon ofFrancefor feature)Is not alone contented in her selfTo seem, and be good, but desires to makeAll such as have dependance on her, like her;For thisClarinda's liberty is restrain'd;And though her kinsman, the gate's shut against me;Now if you please to make your self the door,For my conveyance to her, though you runThe hazard of a check for't, 'tis no matter.
Mal.It being for mine own ends.
Leon.I'll give it o'r,If that you make the least doubt otherwise:Study upon't: good morrow.
Mal.Pray you stay, Sir;You are my friend; yet as the Proverb says,When love puts in, friendship is gone: supposeYou should your self affect her?
Leon.Do you think I'll commit incest? for it is no less,She being my Cousin German. Fare you well, Sir.
Mal.I had forgot that, for this once forgive me.Only to ease the throbbing of my heart,(For I do feel strange pangs) instruct me whatYou will say for me.
Leon.First, I'll tell her thatShe hath so far besotted you, that you haveAlmost forgot to cast accompt.
Mal.Meer truth, Sir.
Leon.That of a wise and provident Steward,You are turn'd stark Ass.
Mal.Urge that point home, I am so.
Leon.That you adore the ground she treads upon,And kiss her footsteps.
Mal.As I do when I find their print in the snow.
Leon.A loving fool I know it,By your bloudless frosty lips; then having relatedHow much you suffer for her, and how wellYou do deserve it—
Mal.How? to suffer?
Leon.No, Sir, to have your love return'd.
Mal.That's good, I thank you.
Leon.I will deliver her an InventoryOf your good parts: as this, your precious noseDropping affection; your high forehead reachingAlmost to the Crown of your head; your slender waste,And a back not like a threshers, but a bending,And Court-like back, and so forth, for your Body.But when I touch your mind, for that must take her,(Since your out-side promises little) I'll enlarge it,(Though ne'r so narrow) as your arts to thrive,Your composition with the Cook and ButlerFor Cony-Skins and Chippings, and half a shareWith all the under Officers of the house,In strangers bounties, that she shall have all,And you as 'twere her Bailiff.
Mal.As I will be.
Leon.As you shall, so I'll promise. Then your qualities,As playing on a Gyttern, or a Jews-Trump.
Mal.A little too on the Viol.
Leon.Fear you nothing.Then singing her asleep with curious CatchesOf your own making; for as I have heard,You are Poetical.
Mal.Something given that way;Yet my works seldom thrive: and the main reasonThe Poets urge for't, is, because I am notAs poor as they are.
Leon.Very likely; fetch herWhile I am in the vein.
Mal.'Tis an apt time, my Lady being at her Prayers.
Leon.Let her pray on.Nay go, and if upon my intercessionShe do you not some favour, I'll disclaim her;I'll ruminate on't the while.
Mal.A hundred Crowns is your reward.
Leon.Without 'em—nay no trifling.[Ex.Mal.That this dull clod of ignorance should knowHow to get money, yet want eyes to seeHow grosly he's abus'd, and wrought upon!When he should make his will, the Rogue's turn'd rampant,As he had renew'd his youth; a handsome wench,Love one a spittle-whore would run away from?Well, Master Steward, I will plead for youIn such a method, as it shall appearYou are fit to be a property.
EnterMalfort,andClarinda.
Mal.Yonder he walksThat knows my worth and value, though you scorn it.Clar.If my Lady know not this—Mal.I'll answer it:If you were a Nun I hope your Cousin GermanMight talk with you through a grate, but you are none,And therefore may come closer; ne'r hang off,As I live you shall bill; ye may salute as strangers,Custom allows it. Now, now, come upon herWith all your Oratory, [tickle her to the quick,]As a young Advocate should, and leave no VertueOf mine unmentioned, I'll stand centinel;Nay keep the door my self.[Exit.Clar.How have you work'dThis piece of motley to your ends?Leon.Of that at leasure, Mistriss.[Kissing.Clar.Lower, you are too loud,Though the fool be deaf, some of the house may hear you.Leon.Suppose they should, I am a Gentleman,And held your Kinsman, under that I hopeI may be free.Clar.I grant it, but with caution;But be not seen to talk with me familiarly,But at fit distance, or not seen at all,It were the better; you know my Ladies humour,She is all honour, and compos'd of goodness,(As she pretends) and you having no business,How jealous may she grow?Leon.I will be rul'd.But you have promis'd, and I must enjoy you.Clar.We shall find time for that; you are too hasty,Make your self fit and I shall make occasion,Deliberation makes best in that business,And contents every way.Leon.But you must feedThis foolish Steward with some shadow ofA future favour, that we may preserve himTo be our instrument.Clar.Hang him.Leon.For my sake, Sweet,I undertook to speak for him, any Bauble,Or slight employment in the way of service,Will feed him fat.
Mal.Yonder he walksThat knows my worth and value, though you scorn it.
Clar.If my Lady know not this—
Mal.I'll answer it:If you were a Nun I hope your Cousin GermanMight talk with you through a grate, but you are none,And therefore may come closer; ne'r hang off,As I live you shall bill; ye may salute as strangers,Custom allows it. Now, now, come upon herWith all your Oratory, [tickle her to the quick,]As a young Advocate should, and leave no VertueOf mine unmentioned, I'll stand centinel;Nay keep the door my self.[Exit.
Clar.How have you work'dThis piece of motley to your ends?
Leon.Of that at leasure, Mistriss.[Kissing.
Clar.Lower, you are too loud,Though the fool be deaf, some of the house may hear you.
Leon.Suppose they should, I am a Gentleman,And held your Kinsman, under that I hopeI may be free.
Clar.I grant it, but with caution;But be not seen to talk with me familiarly,But at fit distance, or not seen at all,It were the better; you know my Ladies humour,She is all honour, and compos'd of goodness,(As she pretends) and you having no business,How jealous may she grow?
Leon.I will be rul'd.But you have promis'd, and I must enjoy you.
Clar.We shall find time for that; you are too hasty,Make your self fit and I shall make occasion,Deliberation makes best in that business,And contents every way.
Leon.But you must feedThis foolish Steward with some shadow ofA future favour, that we may preserve himTo be our instrument.
Clar.Hang him.
Leon.For my sake, Sweet,I undertook to speak for him, any Bauble,Or slight employment in the way of service,Will feed him fat.
EnterMalfort.