Oli.That for my love you should turn HermitLidian,As much amazes me, as your reportClarange'sdead.Lidi.He is so, and all comfortsMy youth can hope for, Madam, with him buried;Nor had I ever left my cell, but thatHe did injoin me at his death to shedSome tears of friendship on his Monument,And those last Rites perform'd, he did [b]equeath youAs the best legacie a friend could give,Or I indeed could wish to my embraces.Oli.'Tis still more strange, is there no foul play in it?I must confess I am not sorry SirFor your fair fortune; yet 'tis fit I grieveThe most untimely death of such a Gentleman,He was my worthy Servant.Lid.And for this acknowledgment, if I could prize you atA higher rate I should, he was my friend:My dearest friend.Oli.But how should I be assur'd Sir(For slow belief is the best friend of truth)Of this Gentlemans death? if I should credit it,And afterward it fall out contrary,How am I sham'd? how is your vertue tainted?Lid.There is a Frier that came along with me,His business to deliver you a LetterFrom deadClarange: You shall hear his Testimonie.Father, my reverend Father, look upon him,Such holy men are Authors of no Fables.
Oli.That for my love you should turn HermitLidian,As much amazes me, as your reportClarange'sdead.
Lidi.He is so, and all comfortsMy youth can hope for, Madam, with him buried;Nor had I ever left my cell, but thatHe did injoin me at his death to shedSome tears of friendship on his Monument,And those last Rites perform'd, he did [b]equeath youAs the best legacie a friend could give,Or I indeed could wish to my embraces.
Oli.'Tis still more strange, is there no foul play in it?I must confess I am not sorry SirFor your fair fortune; yet 'tis fit I grieveThe most untimely death of such a Gentleman,He was my worthy Servant.
Lid.And for this acknowledgment, if I could prize you atA higher rate I should, he was my friend:My dearest friend.
Oli.But how should I be assur'd Sir(For slow belief is the best friend of truth)Of this Gentlemans death? if I should credit it,And afterward it fall out contrary,How am I sham'd? how is your vertue tainted?
Lid.There is a Frier that came along with me,His business to deliver you a LetterFrom deadClarange: You shall hear his Testimonie.Father, my reverend Father, look upon him,Such holy men are Authors of no Fables.
EnterClarange,(with a Letter writ out) and Frier.
Oli.They should not be, their lives and their opinions,Like brightest purest flames should still burn upwards,To me Sir?[delivers the Letter.Clar.If you are the fairOlinda—Frier.I do not like these cross points.Clar.Give me leave, I am nearest to my self. What I have plottedShall be pursu'd: you must not over-rule me.OliDo you put the first hand to your own undoing?Play to betray your game? Mark but this letter.Lady I am come to claim your noble promise,[Reads.If you be Mistris of your word, ye are mine,I am last return'd: your riddle is dissolv'd,And I attend your faith. Your humble servantClarange.Is this the Frier that saw him dead?Lid.'Tis he.Clarangeon my life: I am defeated:Such reverend habits juggle? my true sorrowFor a false friend not worth a tear derided?Fri.You have abus'd my trust.Oli.It is not well, nor like a Gentleman.Clar.All stratagemsIn love, and that the sharpest war, are lawfull,By your example I did change my habit,Caught you in your own toyle, and triumph in it,And what by policy's got, I will maintainWith valour, noLisandershall come in again to fetch you off.Lid.His honour'd namePronounc'd by such a treacherous tongue is tainted,Maintain thy treason with thy sword? With whatContempt I hear it! in a WildernessI durst encounter it, and would, but thatIn my retired hours, not counterfeitedAs thy religious shape was, I have learn'dWhen Justice may determine such a cause,And of such weight as this fair Lady is,Must not be put to fortune, I appealUnto the King, and he whose wisedom knowsTo do his subjects right in their estates,As graciously with judgement will determineIn points of honour.Oli.I'le steer the same course with you.Clar.I'le stand the tryal.Fri.What have you done? or what intend you?Cla.Ask not; I'le come off with honour.[Exeunt.
Oli.They should not be, their lives and their opinions,Like brightest purest flames should still burn upwards,To me Sir?[delivers the Letter.
Clar.If you are the fairOlinda—
Frier.I do not like these cross points.
Clar.Give me leave, I am nearest to my self. What I have plottedShall be pursu'd: you must not over-rule me.
OliDo you put the first hand to your own undoing?Play to betray your game? Mark but this letter.Lady I am come to claim your noble promise,[Reads.If you be Mistris of your word, ye are mine,I am last return'd: your riddle is dissolv'd,And I attend your faith. Your humble servantClarange.Is this the Frier that saw him dead?
Lid.'Tis he.
Clarangeon my life: I am defeated:Such reverend habits juggle? my true sorrowFor a false friend not worth a tear derided?
Fri.You have abus'd my trust.
Oli.It is not well, nor like a Gentleman.
Clar.All stratagemsIn love, and that the sharpest war, are lawfull,By your example I did change my habit,Caught you in your own toyle, and triumph in it,And what by policy's got, I will maintainWith valour, noLisandershall come in again to fetch you off.
Lid.His honour'd namePronounc'd by such a treacherous tongue is tainted,Maintain thy treason with thy sword? With whatContempt I hear it! in a WildernessI durst encounter it, and would, but thatIn my retired hours, not counterfeitedAs thy religious shape was, I have learn'dWhen Justice may determine such a cause,And of such weight as this fair Lady is,Must not be put to fortune, I appealUnto the King, and he whose wisedom knowsTo do his subjects right in their estates,As graciously with judgement will determineIn points of honour.
Oli.I'le steer the same course with you.
Clar.I'le stand the tryal.
Fri.What have you done? or what intend you?
Cla.Ask not; I'le come off with honour.[Exeunt.
EnterBeronte, Clarinda, Malfort,a Bar set forth,Officers.
Ber.Be constant in your proofs: should you shrink back now,Your life must answer it, nor am I safe.My honour being engag'd to make that goodWhich you affirm.Clar.I am confident, so dearlyI honour'd my dead Lord, that no respect,Or of my Ladies bounties (which were great onesI must confess) nor of her former life,For while that she was chast, indeed I lov'd her,Shall hinder me from lending my assistanceUnto your just revenge—mine own I mean,[Aside.IfLeonkeep far off enough, all's secure:Lisanderdares not come in, modest blushesParted with me long since, and impudenceArm'd with my hate, unto her innocence shall beThe weapon I will fight with now.Ber.The rackBeing presented to you, you'l roar outWhat you conceal yet.Mal.Conceal? I know nothingBut that I shall be hang'd, and that I look for,It is my destiny, I ever hadA hanging look; and a wise woman told me,Though I had not the heart to do a deedWorthy the halter, in my youth or age,I should take a turn with a wry mouth, and now'Tis come about: I have pen'd mine own balladBefore my condemnation, in fearSome rimer should prevent me: here's my Lady?Would I were in heaven, or a thousand miles hence,That I might not blush to look on her.
Ber.Be constant in your proofs: should you shrink back now,Your life must answer it, nor am I safe.My honour being engag'd to make that goodWhich you affirm.
Clar.I am confident, so dearlyI honour'd my dead Lord, that no respect,Or of my Ladies bounties (which were great onesI must confess) nor of her former life,For while that she was chast, indeed I lov'd her,Shall hinder me from lending my assistanceUnto your just revenge—mine own I mean,[Aside.IfLeonkeep far off enough, all's secure:Lisanderdares not come in, modest blushesParted with me long since, and impudenceArm'd with my hate, unto her innocence shall beThe weapon I will fight with now.
Ber.The rackBeing presented to you, you'l roar outWhat you conceal yet.
Mal.Conceal? I know nothingBut that I shall be hang'd, and that I look for,It is my destiny, I ever hadA hanging look; and a wise woman told me,Though I had not the heart to do a deedWorthy the halter, in my youth or age,I should take a turn with a wry mouth, and now'Tis come about: I have pen'd mine own balladBefore my condemnation, in fearSome rimer should prevent me: here's my Lady?Would I were in heaven, or a thousand miles hence,That I might not blush to look on her.
EnterDorilaus, Calista, Olinda.
Dor.You behold this preparation, and the enemiesWho are to fight against your life, yet ifYou bring no witness here, that may convince yeOf breach of faith to your Lords bed, and hold upUnspotted hands before the King, this tryalYou are to undergo, will but refine,And not consume your honour.Cal.How confirm'dI am here, whatsoever Fate falls on me,You shall have ample testimony; till the deathOf my dear Lord, to whose sad memoryI pay a mourning widows tears, I liv'dToo happy in my holy-day trim of glorie,And courted with felicitie, that drew on me,With other helps of nature, as of fortune,The envie, not the love of most that knew me,This made me to presume too much, perhapsToo proud; but I am humbled; and if nowI do make it apparent, I can bearAdversity with such a constant patienceAs will set off my innocence, I hope Sir,In your declining age, when I should liveA comfort to you, you shall have no cause,How e're I stand accus'd, to hold your honourShip-wrack'd in such a Daughter.Oli.O best friend, my honour's at the stake too, for—Dor.Be silent; the King.
Dor.You behold this preparation, and the enemiesWho are to fight against your life, yet ifYou bring no witness here, that may convince yeOf breach of faith to your Lords bed, and hold upUnspotted hands before the King, this tryalYou are to undergo, will but refine,And not consume your honour.
Cal.How confirm'dI am here, whatsoever Fate falls on me,You shall have ample testimony; till the deathOf my dear Lord, to whose sad memoryI pay a mourning widows tears, I liv'dToo happy in my holy-day trim of glorie,And courted with felicitie, that drew on me,With other helps of nature, as of fortune,The envie, not the love of most that knew me,This made me to presume too much, perhapsToo proud; but I am humbled; and if nowI do make it apparent, I can bearAdversity with such a constant patienceAs will set off my innocence, I hope Sir,In your declining age, when I should liveA comfort to you, you shall have no cause,How e're I stand accus'd, to hold your honourShip-wrack'd in such a Daughter.
Oli.O best friend, my honour's at the stake too, for—
Dor.Be silent; the King.
Enter King,Lemure,and Attendants.
Lem.Sir, if you please to look uponThe Prisoner, and the many servicesHer Father hath done for you—King.We must look onThe cause, and not the persons. Yet beholdingWith an impartial eye, th' excelling beautiesOf this fair Lady, which we did believeUpon report, but till now never saw 'em,It moves a strange kind of compassion in me;Let us survey you nearer, she's a bookTo be with care perus'd; and 'tis my wonder,If such mishapen guests, as lust and murther,At any price should ever find a lodgingIn such a beauteous Inne! Mistake us not,Though we admire the outward structure, ifThe rooms be foul within, expect no favour.I were no man, if I could look on beautieDistress'd, without some pity; but no King,If any superficial gloss of featureCould work me to decline the course of Justice.But to the cause,Cleander'sdeath, what proofsCan you produce against her?Ber.Royal Sir, touching that point my Brothers death,We build on suppositions.King.Suppositions? how? Is such a Lady Sir to be condemn'dOn suppositions?Ber.They are well grounded Sir:And if we make it evident she is guiltyOf the first crime we charge her with, Adulterie,That being the parent, it may find belief,That murther was the issue.King.We allowIt may be so; but that it may be, must notInfer a necessary consequenceTo cast away a Ladies life. What witnessesTo make this good?Ber.The principal, this woman,For many years her servant; she hath takenHer oath in Court. Come forward.King.By my Crown a lying face.Clar.I swore Sir for the King:And if you are the partie, as I doBelieve you are, for you have a good face,How ever mine appears, swearing for you Sir,I ought to have my oath pass.King.Impudent too? well, what have you sworn?Clar.That this Lady wasA goodly tempting Lady, as she is:How thinks your Majestie? and I her servant,Her officer as one would say, and trustedWith her closest Chamber-service; thatLisanderWas a fine timber'd Gentleman, and active,That he cou'd do fine gambollsTo make a Lady merrie; that this pair,A very loving couple, mutuallyAffected one another: so much for them Sir.That I, a simple waiting-woman, having takenMy bodily oath, the first night of admittanceInto her Ladiships service, on her slippers,(That was the book) to serve her will in all things,And to know no Religion but her pleasure,'Tis not yet out of fashion with some Ladies;That I, as the premisses shew, being commandedTo do my function, in conveyance ofLisanderto her chamber, (my Lord absent,On a pretended sickness) did the feat,(It cannot be deny'd) and at dead mid-nightLeft 'em together: what they did, some hereCan easily imagine! I have said, Sir.Dor.The Devils Oratrix.King.Then you confess you were her Bawd?Clar.That's course, her Agent Sir.King.So, goodie Agent? and you think there isNo punishment due for you[r] agentship?Clar.Let her suffer first,Being my better, for adulterie,And I'le endure the Mulct impos'd on Bawds,Call it by the worst name.Cal.Live I to hear this?King.Take her aside. Your answer to this Lady?Cal.Heav'n grant me patience: to be thus confronted,(O pardon Royal Sir a womans passion)By one, and this the worst of my mis-fortunes,That was my slave, but never to such ends Sir,Would give a statue motion into furie:Let my pass'd life, my actions, nay intentions,Be by my grand accuser justly censur'd,(For her I scorn to answer) and if theyYield any probability of truthIn that she urges, then I will confessA guilty cause; the peoples voyce, which isThe voyce of truth, my husbands tendernessIn his affection to me, that no dotageBut a reward, of humbleness, the friendshipEcho'd throughFrancebetween him andLisander,All make against her; for him, in his absence,(What ever imputation it draw on me)I must take leave to speak: 'tis true, he lov'd me,But not in such a wanton way, his reasonMaster'd his passions: I grant I hadAt mid-night conference with him; but if heEver receiv'd a farther favour from me,Than what a Sister might give to a Brother,May I sink quick: and thus much, did he knowThe shame I suffer for him, with the lossOf his life for appearing, on my soulHe would maintain.
Lem.Sir, if you please to look uponThe Prisoner, and the many servicesHer Father hath done for you—
King.We must look onThe cause, and not the persons. Yet beholdingWith an impartial eye, th' excelling beautiesOf this fair Lady, which we did believeUpon report, but till now never saw 'em,It moves a strange kind of compassion in me;Let us survey you nearer, she's a bookTo be with care perus'd; and 'tis my wonder,If such mishapen guests, as lust and murther,At any price should ever find a lodgingIn such a beauteous Inne! Mistake us not,Though we admire the outward structure, ifThe rooms be foul within, expect no favour.I were no man, if I could look on beautieDistress'd, without some pity; but no King,If any superficial gloss of featureCould work me to decline the course of Justice.But to the cause,Cleander'sdeath, what proofsCan you produce against her?
Ber.Royal Sir, touching that point my Brothers death,We build on suppositions.
King.Suppositions? how? Is such a Lady Sir to be condemn'dOn suppositions?
Ber.They are well grounded Sir:And if we make it evident she is guiltyOf the first crime we charge her with, Adulterie,That being the parent, it may find belief,That murther was the issue.
King.We allowIt may be so; but that it may be, must notInfer a necessary consequenceTo cast away a Ladies life. What witnessesTo make this good?
Ber.The principal, this woman,For many years her servant; she hath takenHer oath in Court. Come forward.
King.By my Crown a lying face.
Clar.I swore Sir for the King:And if you are the partie, as I doBelieve you are, for you have a good face,How ever mine appears, swearing for you Sir,I ought to have my oath pass.
King.Impudent too? well, what have you sworn?
Clar.That this Lady wasA goodly tempting Lady, as she is:How thinks your Majestie? and I her servant,Her officer as one would say, and trustedWith her closest Chamber-service; thatLisanderWas a fine timber'd Gentleman, and active,That he cou'd do fine gambollsTo make a Lady merrie; that this pair,A very loving couple, mutuallyAffected one another: so much for them Sir.That I, a simple waiting-woman, having takenMy bodily oath, the first night of admittanceInto her Ladiships service, on her slippers,(That was the book) to serve her will in all things,And to know no Religion but her pleasure,'Tis not yet out of fashion with some Ladies;That I, as the premisses shew, being commandedTo do my function, in conveyance ofLisanderto her chamber, (my Lord absent,On a pretended sickness) did the feat,(It cannot be deny'd) and at dead mid-nightLeft 'em together: what they did, some hereCan easily imagine! I have said, Sir.
Dor.The Devils Oratrix.
King.Then you confess you were her Bawd?
Clar.That's course, her Agent Sir.
King.So, goodie Agent? and you think there isNo punishment due for you[r] agentship?
Clar.Let her suffer first,Being my better, for adulterie,And I'le endure the Mulct impos'd on Bawds,Call it by the worst name.
Cal.Live I to hear this?
King.Take her aside. Your answer to this Lady?
Cal.Heav'n grant me patience: to be thus confronted,(O pardon Royal Sir a womans passion)By one, and this the worst of my mis-fortunes,That was my slave, but never to such ends Sir,Would give a statue motion into furie:Let my pass'd life, my actions, nay intentions,Be by my grand accuser justly censur'd,(For her I scorn to answer) and if theyYield any probability of truthIn that she urges, then I will confessA guilty cause; the peoples voyce, which isThe voyce of truth, my husbands tendernessIn his affection to me, that no dotageBut a reward, of humbleness, the friendshipEcho'd throughFrancebetween him andLisander,All make against her; for him, in his absence,(What ever imputation it draw on me)I must take leave to speak: 'tis true, he lov'd me,But not in such a wanton way, his reasonMaster'd his passions: I grant I hadAt mid-night conference with him; but if heEver receiv'd a farther favour from me,Than what a Sister might give to a Brother,May I sink quick: and thus much, did he knowThe shame I suffer for him, with the lossOf his life for appearing, on my soulHe would maintain.
EnterLisander,andAlcidon.
Lisa.And will, thou clear example of womens pureness.King.Though we hold her such,Thou hast express'd thy self a desperate fool,To thrust thy head into the Lions jawes,The justice of thy King.Lisa.I came prepar'd for't,And offer up a guilty life to clearHer innocence; the oath she took, I swear to;And forCleander'sdeath, to purge my selfFrom any colour malice can paint on me,Or that she had a hand in't, I can proveThat fatal night when he in his own house fell,And many daies before, I was distant from itA long daies journey.Clarin.I am caught.Ber.If so,How came your sword into this stewards hands? stand forth.Mal.I have heard nothing that you spake:I know I must dye, and what kind of deathPray you resolve me, I shall go away elseIn a qualm; I am very faint.
Lisa.And will, thou clear example of womens pureness.
King.Though we hold her such,Thou hast express'd thy self a desperate fool,To thrust thy head into the Lions jawes,The justice of thy King.
Lisa.I came prepar'd for't,And offer up a guilty life to clearHer innocence; the oath she took, I swear to;And forCleander'sdeath, to purge my selfFrom any colour malice can paint on me,Or that she had a hand in't, I can proveThat fatal night when he in his own house fell,And many daies before, I was distant from itA long daies journey.
Clarin.I am caught.
Ber.If so,How came your sword into this stewards hands? stand forth.
Mal.I have heard nothing that you spake:I know I must dye, and what kind of deathPray you resolve me, I shall go away elseIn a qualm; I am very faint.
EnterLeon,Servants, and Guard.
King.Carry him off, his fear will kill him.[Ex. withMal.Dor.Sir, 'twas my ambition,My Daughters reputation being woundedI'th' general opinion, to have itCur'd by a publick trial; I had elseForborn your Majesties trouble: I'le bring forthCleander'smurtherer, in a wood I heard himAs I rode sadly by, unto himselfWith some compunction, though this devil had none,Lament what he had done, cursing her lust,That drew him to that blody fact.Le.To lessenThe foulness of it, for which I know justlyI am to suffer, and with my last breathTo free these innocents, I do confess all;This wicked woman only guilty with me.Clari.Is't come to this? thou puling Rogue, dye thouWith prayers in thy mouth; I'le curse the lawsBy which I suffer, all I grieve for is,That I dye unreveng'd.Leon.But one word more Sir,And I have done; I was by accident whereLisandermet withCloridon, andC[h]rysanthes,Was an ear witness when he sought for peace,Nay, begg'd it upon colder terms than canAlmost find credit, his past deeds considered,But they deaf to his reasons, severallyAssaulted him, but such was his good fortune,That both fell under it; upon my deathI take it uncompel'd, that they were guiltyOf their own violent ends; and he againstHis will, the instrument.Alci.This I will swear too, for I was not far off.Dor.They have alledg'dAs much to wake your sleeping mercy, Sir,As all the Advocates ofFrancecan pleadIn his defence.King.The criminal judge shall sentenceThese to their merits—with mine own hand, Lady,I take you from the bar and do my selfPronounce you innocent.[Ex. withLeon,andClari.All.Long live the King.King.And to confirm you stand high in our favour,And as some recompence for what you haveWith too much rigour in your trial suffered;Ask what you please, becoming me to grant,And be possest of 't.Cal.Sir, I dare not doubtYour royal promise, in a King it isA strong assurance, that emboldens meUpon my humble knees to make my boon,Lisander'spardon.Dor.My goodGeniusdid prompt her to it.Le[m].At your feet thus prostrate, I second her petition.Alci.Never KingPour'd forth his mercie on a worthier subject.Ber.To witness my repentance for the wrongIn my unjust suspicion I did both;I join in the same suit.Lis.The life you give,Still ready to lay down for your service,Shall be against your enemies imploy'd,Nor hazarded in brawles.All.Mercie, dread Sir.King.So many pressing me, and with such reasonsMoving compassion, I hope it will notBe censur'd levity in me, though I borrowIn this from justice to relieve my mercy;I grant his pardon at your intercession,But still on this condition; youLisander,In expiation of your guilt, shall buildA monument for myCloridon, andC[h]rysanthes:And never henceforth draw a Sword, but whenBy us you are commanded, in defence ofThe flower de Luce, and after one years sorrowFor your dear friend,Cleander'swretched fate,MarryCalista.
King.Carry him off, his fear will kill him.[Ex. withMal.
Dor.Sir, 'twas my ambition,My Daughters reputation being woundedI'th' general opinion, to have itCur'd by a publick trial; I had elseForborn your Majesties trouble: I'le bring forthCleander'smurtherer, in a wood I heard himAs I rode sadly by, unto himselfWith some compunction, though this devil had none,Lament what he had done, cursing her lust,That drew him to that blody fact.
Le.To lessenThe foulness of it, for which I know justlyI am to suffer, and with my last breathTo free these innocents, I do confess all;This wicked woman only guilty with me.
Clari.Is't come to this? thou puling Rogue, dye thouWith prayers in thy mouth; I'le curse the lawsBy which I suffer, all I grieve for is,That I dye unreveng'd.
Leon.But one word more Sir,And I have done; I was by accident whereLisandermet withCloridon, andC[h]rysanthes,Was an ear witness when he sought for peace,Nay, begg'd it upon colder terms than canAlmost find credit, his past deeds considered,But they deaf to his reasons, severallyAssaulted him, but such was his good fortune,That both fell under it; upon my deathI take it uncompel'd, that they were guiltyOf their own violent ends; and he againstHis will, the instrument.
Alci.This I will swear too, for I was not far off.
Dor.They have alledg'dAs much to wake your sleeping mercy, Sir,As all the Advocates ofFrancecan pleadIn his defence.
King.The criminal judge shall sentenceThese to their merits—with mine own hand, Lady,I take you from the bar and do my selfPronounce you innocent.[Ex. withLeon,andClari.
All.Long live the King.
King.And to confirm you stand high in our favour,And as some recompence for what you haveWith too much rigour in your trial suffered;Ask what you please, becoming me to grant,And be possest of 't.
Cal.Sir, I dare not doubtYour royal promise, in a King it isA strong assurance, that emboldens meUpon my humble knees to make my boon,Lisander'spardon.
Dor.My goodGeniusdid prompt her to it.
Le[m].At your feet thus prostrate, I second her petition.
Alci.Never KingPour'd forth his mercie on a worthier subject.
Ber.To witness my repentance for the wrongIn my unjust suspicion I did both;I join in the same suit.
Lis.The life you give,Still ready to lay down for your service,Shall be against your enemies imploy'd,Nor hazarded in brawles.
All.Mercie, dread Sir.
King.So many pressing me, and with such reasonsMoving compassion, I hope it will notBe censur'd levity in me, though I borrowIn this from justice to relieve my mercy;I grant his pardon at your intercession,But still on this condition; youLisander,In expiation of your guilt, shall buildA monument for myCloridon, andC[h]rysanthes:And never henceforth draw a Sword, but whenBy us you are commanded, in defence ofThe flower de Luce, and after one years sorrowFor your dear friend,Cleander'swretched fate,MarryCalista.
EnterLidian.
Lis.On your sacred hand, I vow to do it seriously.Lid.Great Sir, stay,Leave not your seat of justice, till you haveGiven sentence in a cause as much importantAs this you have determined.King.Lidian?
Lis.On your sacred hand, I vow to do it seriously.
Lid.Great Sir, stay,Leave not your seat of justice, till you haveGiven sentence in a cause as much importantAs this you have determined.
King.Lidian?
EnterClarange,andFrier.
Lid.He Sir, your humblest subject, I accuseClarangeOf falshood in true friendship at the height;We both were suiters to this Lady, bothInjoyn'd one pennance.Clar.Trouble not the KingWith an unnecessarie repetitionOf what the court's familiar with already.Kin.Clarange?Dor.With a shaven crown?Olin.Most strange.Clar.Look on thy rival, your late servant, Madam,But now devoted to a better Mistris,The Church, whose orders I have took upon me:I here deliver up my interest to her;And what was got with cunning as you thought,I simply thus surrender: heretofore,You did outstrip me in the race of friendship,I am your equal now.Dor.A suit soon ended.Clar.And joyning thus your hands, I know both willing,I may do in the Church myFriersOfficeIn marrying you.Lid.The victory is yours, Sir.King.It is a glorious one, and well sets of[f]Our Scene of mercy; to the dead we tenderOur sorrow, to the living ample wishesOf future happiness: 'tis a Kings dutyTo prove himself a Father to his subjects:And I shall hold it if this well succeed,A meritorious, and praise worthy deed.[Exeunt.
Lid.He Sir, your humblest subject, I accuseClarangeOf falshood in true friendship at the height;We both were suiters to this Lady, bothInjoyn'd one pennance.
Clar.Trouble not the KingWith an unnecessarie repetitionOf what the court's familiar with already.
Kin.Clarange?
Dor.With a shaven crown?
Olin.Most strange.
Clar.Look on thy rival, your late servant, Madam,But now devoted to a better Mistris,The Church, whose orders I have took upon me:I here deliver up my interest to her;And what was got with cunning as you thought,I simply thus surrender: heretofore,You did outstrip me in the race of friendship,I am your equal now.
Dor.A suit soon ended.
Clar.And joyning thus your hands, I know both willing,I may do in the Church myFriersOfficeIn marrying you.
Lid.The victory is yours, Sir.
King.It is a glorious one, and well sets of[f]Our Scene of mercy; to the dead we tenderOur sorrow, to the living ample wishesOf future happiness: 'tis a Kings dutyTo prove himself a Father to his subjects:And I shall hold it if this well succeed,A meritorious, and praise worthy deed.[Exeunt.
Prologue.
A Story, and a known one, long since writ,Truth must take place, and by an able wit,Foul mouth'd detraction daring not denyTo give so much toFletcher'smemory;If so, some may object, why then do youPresent an old piece to us for a new?Or wherefore will your profest Writer be(Not tax'd of theft before) a Plagiary?To this he answers in his just defence,And to maintain to all our Innocence,Thus much, though he hath travell'd the same way,Demanding, and receiving too the payFor a new Poem, you may find it due,He having neither cheated us, nor you;He vowes, and deeply, that he did no[t] spareThe utmost of his strengths, and his best careIn the reviving it, and though his powersCould not as he desired, in three short hoursContract the Subject, and much less expressThe changes, and the various passagesThat will be look'd for, you may hear this daySome Scenes that will confirm it is a play,He being ambitious that it should be knownWhat's good wasFletcher's,and what ill his own.
A Story, and a known one, long since writ,Truth must take place, and by an able wit,Foul mouth'd detraction daring not denyTo give so much toFletcher'smemory;If so, some may object, why then do youPresent an old piece to us for a new?Or wherefore will your profest Writer be(Not tax'd of theft before) a Plagiary?To this he answers in his just defence,And to maintain to all our Innocence,Thus much, though he hath travell'd the same way,Demanding, and receiving too the payFor a new Poem, you may find it due,He having neither cheated us, nor you;He vowes, and deeply, that he did no[t] spareThe utmost of his strengths, and his best careIn the reviving it, and though his powersCould not as he desired, in three short hoursContract the Subject, and much less expressThe changes, and the various passagesThat will be look'd for, you may hear this daySome Scenes that will confirm it is a play,He being ambitious that it should be knownWhat's good wasFletcher's,and what ill his own.
Epilogue.
Still doubtfull, and perplex'd too, whether heHath doneFletcherright in this Historie,The Poet sits within, since he must know it,He with respect desires that you would shew itBy some accustomed sign, if from our action,Or his indeavours you meet satisfaction,With ours he hath his ends, we hope the best,To make that certainty in you doth rest.
Still doubtfull, and perplex'd too, whether heHath doneFletcherright in this Historie,The Poet sits within, since he must know it,He with respect desires that you would shew itBy some accustomed sign, if from our action,Or his indeavours you meet satisfaction,With ours he hath his ends, we hope the best,To make that certainty in you doth rest.
ACOMEDY.
Persons Represented in the Play.
WOMEN.
The SceneSpain.
The principal Actors were,
EnterAlphonso, Curio,andSeberto.
CurioSigniorAlphonso, ye are too rugged to her,Believe too full of harshness.Alph.Yes, it seems so.Seb.A Father of so sweet a child, so happy,Fye, Sir, so excellent in all endowments,In blessedness of beauty, such a mirror.Alph.She is a fool, away.Seb.Can ye be angry?Can any wind blow rough, upon a blossomSo fair, and tender? Can a Fathers nature,A noble Fathers too?Alp.All this is but prating:Let her be rul'd; let her observe my humour,With my eyes let her see; with my ears listen;I am her Father: I begot her, bred her,And I will make her—Cur.No doubt ye may compel her,But what a mischievous, unhappy fortuneMay wait upon this will of yours, as commonlySuch forcings ever end in hates and ruines.Alph.Is't not a man I wish her to? a strong man?What can she have? what could she have? a Gentleman?A young man? and an able man? a rich man?A handsome man? a valiant man? do you mark me?None of your pieced-companions, your pin'd-Gallants,That flie to fitters, with every flaw of weather:None of your impt bravadoes: what can she ask more?Is not a metal'd man fit for a woman?A strong chin'd-man? I'le not be fool'd, nor flurted.Seb.I grant yeRoderigois all these,And a brave Gentleman: must it therefore followUpon necessity she must doat upon him?Will ye allow no liberty in choosing?Cur.Alas she is tender yet.Alp.Enough, enough, enough, Sir:She is malleable: she'll endure the hammer,And why not that strong workman that strikes deepest?Let me know that! she is fifteen, with the vantage,And if she be not ready now for marriage—Seb.You know he is a banish'd man: an Out-law;And how he lives: his nature rough, and bloodyBy customary Rapines: now, her sweet humourThat is as easie as a calm, and peaceful,All her affections, like the dews on Roses,Fair as the flowers themselves: as sweet and gentle:How would you have these meet?Alp.A bed, a bed, Sir:Let her be the fairest Rose, and the sweetest,Yet I know this fair Rose must have her prickles:I grant yeRoderigois an out-Law.An easie composition calls him in again,He is a valiant man, and he is a rich man,And loves the fool: a little rough by custom:She'l like him ten times better. She'l doat upon him,If ere they come to grapling, run mad for him;But there is another in the wind, some CastrelThat hovers over her, and dares her daily,Some flickring slave.Cur.I dare not think so poorly.Alp.Something there is, and must be: but I shall scent itAnd hunt it narrowly.Seb.I never saw her yetMake offer at the least glance of affection,But still so modest, wise—Alp.They are wise to gull us.There was a fellow, oldFerando's son,I must confess handsome, but my enemy,And the whole family I hate: youngPedro,That fellow I have seen her gaze upon,And turn, and gaze again, and make such offers,As if she would shoot her eyes like Meteors at him:But that cause stands removed.Cur.You need not doubt him,For long since as 'twas thought on a griev'd Conscience,He left his Father, and his Friends: more pity:For truth reports he was a noble Gentleman.Alp.Let him be what he will: he was a beggar,And there I'le leave him.Seb.The more the Court must answer;But certainly I think, though she might favour him,And love his goodness, as he was an honest man:She never with loose eyes stuck on his person.Alp.She is so full of Conscience too, and charity,And outward holiness, she will undo me:Relieves more Beggars, than an Hospital;
CurioSigniorAlphonso, ye are too rugged to her,Believe too full of harshness.
Alph.Yes, it seems so.
Seb.A Father of so sweet a child, so happy,Fye, Sir, so excellent in all endowments,In blessedness of beauty, such a mirror.
Alph.She is a fool, away.
Seb.Can ye be angry?Can any wind blow rough, upon a blossomSo fair, and tender? Can a Fathers nature,A noble Fathers too?
Alp.All this is but prating:Let her be rul'd; let her observe my humour,With my eyes let her see; with my ears listen;I am her Father: I begot her, bred her,And I will make her—
Cur.No doubt ye may compel her,But what a mischievous, unhappy fortuneMay wait upon this will of yours, as commonlySuch forcings ever end in hates and ruines.
Alph.Is't not a man I wish her to? a strong man?What can she have? what could she have? a Gentleman?A young man? and an able man? a rich man?A handsome man? a valiant man? do you mark me?None of your pieced-companions, your pin'd-Gallants,That flie to fitters, with every flaw of weather:None of your impt bravadoes: what can she ask more?Is not a metal'd man fit for a woman?A strong chin'd-man? I'le not be fool'd, nor flurted.
Seb.I grant yeRoderigois all these,And a brave Gentleman: must it therefore followUpon necessity she must doat upon him?Will ye allow no liberty in choosing?
Cur.Alas she is tender yet.
Alp.Enough, enough, enough, Sir:She is malleable: she'll endure the hammer,And why not that strong workman that strikes deepest?Let me know that! she is fifteen, with the vantage,And if she be not ready now for marriage—
Seb.You know he is a banish'd man: an Out-law;And how he lives: his nature rough, and bloodyBy customary Rapines: now, her sweet humourThat is as easie as a calm, and peaceful,All her affections, like the dews on Roses,Fair as the flowers themselves: as sweet and gentle:How would you have these meet?
Alp.A bed, a bed, Sir:Let her be the fairest Rose, and the sweetest,Yet I know this fair Rose must have her prickles:I grant yeRoderigois an out-Law.An easie composition calls him in again,He is a valiant man, and he is a rich man,And loves the fool: a little rough by custom:She'l like him ten times better. She'l doat upon him,If ere they come to grapling, run mad for him;But there is another in the wind, some CastrelThat hovers over her, and dares her daily,Some flickring slave.
Cur.I dare not think so poorly.
Alp.Something there is, and must be: but I shall scent itAnd hunt it narrowly.
Seb.I never saw her yetMake offer at the least glance of affection,But still so modest, wise—
Alp.They are wise to gull us.There was a fellow, oldFerando's son,I must confess handsome, but my enemy,And the whole family I hate: youngPedro,That fellow I have seen her gaze upon,And turn, and gaze again, and make such offers,As if she would shoot her eyes like Meteors at him:But that cause stands removed.
Cur.You need not doubt him,For long since as 'twas thought on a griev'd Conscience,He left his Father, and his Friends: more pity:For truth reports he was a noble Gentleman.
Alp.Let him be what he will: he was a beggar,And there I'le leave him.
Seb.The more the Court must answer;But certainly I think, though she might favour him,And love his goodness, as he was an honest man:She never with loose eyes stuck on his person.
Alp.She is so full of Conscience too, and charity,And outward holiness, she will undo me:Relieves more Beggars, than an Hospital;
EnterAlinda,andJuletta.
And all poor Rogues, that can but say their prayers,And tune their pipes to Lamentations,She thinks she is bound to dance to: good morrow to you,And that's as ye deserve too: you know my mind,And study to observe it: do it cheerfully,And readily, and home.Alin.I shall obey ye.But, noble Sir.Alp.Come, come, away with your flatteries,And your fine phrases.Cur.Pray ye be gentle to her.Alp.I know 'em; and know your feats: if you will find meNoble and loving, seek me in your duty,You know I am too indulgent.Seb.Alas, poor Lady.Alp.To your devotions: I take no good thing from you.Come Gentlemen; leave pitying, and moaning of herAnd praising of her vertues: and her whim-whams,It makes her proud, and sturdy.Seb. Cur.Good hours wait on ye.[Exeunt.Alin.I thank ye, Gentlemen: I want such comforts:I would thank you too Father: but your crueltyHath almost made me senseless of my duty,Yet still I must know: would I had known nothing.What Poor attend my charity to day, wench?Jul.Of all sorts, Madam; your open handed bountyMake's 'em flock every hour: some worth your pity,But others that have made a trade of begging.Alin.Wench, if they ask it truly, I must give it:It takes away the holy use of charityTo examine wants.Jul.I would you would be merry:A cheerful giving hand, as I think, Madam,Requires a heart as chearful.Alin.AlasJuletta,What is there to be merry at? what joy now,Unless we fool our own afflictions,And make them shew ridiculous?Jul.Sure, Madam,You could not seem thus serious, if you were married,Thus sad, and full of thoughts.Alin.Married? to whom, wench?Thou thinkst if there be a young handsome fellow,As those are plentiful, our cares are quenched then.Jul.Madam, I think a lusty handsome fellowIf he be kind, and loving, and a right one,Is even as good a Pill, to purge this melancholy,As everGalengave, I am sure more natural:And merrier for the heart, than Wine and Saffron:Madam, wanton youth is such a Cataplasme.Alin.Who has been thy Tutor, Wench?Jul.Even my own thoughts, Lady:For though I be bar'd the liberty of talking,Yet I can think unhappily, and as near the mark, Madam,'Faith, marry, and be merry.Alin.Who will have me?Who will be troubled with a pettish Girl?It may be proud, and to that vice expenceful?Who can assure himself, I shall live honest?Jul.Let every man take his fortune.Alin.And o' my ConscienceIf once I grow to breeding, a whole KingdomWill not contain my stock.Jul.The more the merrier:'Tis brave to be a mother of new Nations.Alin.Why, I should bury a hundred Husbands.Jul.'Tis no matter!As long as ye leave sufficient men to stock ye.Alin.Is this thy mirth? are these the joyes of marriage?Away light-headed fool; are these contentments?If I could find a man—Jul.You may a thousand.Alin.Meer men I know I may: and there a WomanHas liberty, (at least she'l venture for it)To be a monster and become the time too;But to enjoy a man, from whose example(As from a compass) we may steer our fortunes,Our actions, and our age; and safe arrive atA memory that shall become our ashes,Such things are few, and far to seek; to find oneThat can but rightly mannage the wild beast, Woman,And sweetly govern with her. But no more of this, Wench,'Tis not for thy discourse: Let's in, and seeWhat poor afflicted wait our charity.[Exeunt.
And all poor Rogues, that can but say their prayers,And tune their pipes to Lamentations,She thinks she is bound to dance to: good morrow to you,And that's as ye deserve too: you know my mind,And study to observe it: do it cheerfully,And readily, and home.
Alin.I shall obey ye.But, noble Sir.
Alp.Come, come, away with your flatteries,And your fine phrases.
Cur.Pray ye be gentle to her.
Alp.I know 'em; and know your feats: if you will find meNoble and loving, seek me in your duty,You know I am too indulgent.
Seb.Alas, poor Lady.
Alp.To your devotions: I take no good thing from you.Come Gentlemen; leave pitying, and moaning of herAnd praising of her vertues: and her whim-whams,It makes her proud, and sturdy.
Seb. Cur.Good hours wait on ye.[Exeunt.
Alin.I thank ye, Gentlemen: I want such comforts:I would thank you too Father: but your crueltyHath almost made me senseless of my duty,Yet still I must know: would I had known nothing.What Poor attend my charity to day, wench?
Jul.Of all sorts, Madam; your open handed bountyMake's 'em flock every hour: some worth your pity,But others that have made a trade of begging.
Alin.Wench, if they ask it truly, I must give it:It takes away the holy use of charityTo examine wants.
Jul.I would you would be merry:A cheerful giving hand, as I think, Madam,Requires a heart as chearful.
Alin.AlasJuletta,What is there to be merry at? what joy now,Unless we fool our own afflictions,And make them shew ridiculous?
Jul.Sure, Madam,You could not seem thus serious, if you were married,Thus sad, and full of thoughts.
Alin.Married? to whom, wench?Thou thinkst if there be a young handsome fellow,As those are plentiful, our cares are quenched then.
Jul.Madam, I think a lusty handsome fellowIf he be kind, and loving, and a right one,Is even as good a Pill, to purge this melancholy,As everGalengave, I am sure more natural:And merrier for the heart, than Wine and Saffron:Madam, wanton youth is such a Cataplasme.
Alin.Who has been thy Tutor, Wench?
Jul.Even my own thoughts, Lady:For though I be bar'd the liberty of talking,Yet I can think unhappily, and as near the mark, Madam,'Faith, marry, and be merry.
Alin.Who will have me?Who will be troubled with a pettish Girl?It may be proud, and to that vice expenceful?Who can assure himself, I shall live honest?
Jul.Let every man take his fortune.
Alin.And o' my ConscienceIf once I grow to breeding, a whole KingdomWill not contain my stock.
Jul.The more the merrier:'Tis brave to be a mother of new Nations.
Alin.Why, I should bury a hundred Husbands.
Jul.'Tis no matter!As long as ye leave sufficient men to stock ye.
Alin.Is this thy mirth? are these the joyes of marriage?Away light-headed fool; are these contentments?If I could find a man—
Jul.You may a thousand.
Alin.Meer men I know I may: and there a WomanHas liberty, (at least she'l venture for it)To be a monster and become the time too;But to enjoy a man, from whose example(As from a compass) we may steer our fortunes,Our actions, and our age; and safe arrive atA memory that shall become our ashes,Such things are few, and far to seek; to find oneThat can but rightly mannage the wild beast, Woman,And sweetly govern with her. But no more of this, Wench,'Tis not for thy discourse: Let's in, and seeWhat poor afflicted wait our charity.[Exeunt.
Enter a Porter, 4 Beggers, Pedro,and a Pilgrim.