Assist.Are they come in?H[e]r.Yes.Assist.Read the Proclamation,That all the people here assembled mayHave satisfaction, what the Kings dear love,In care of the Republick, hath ordained;Attend with silence: read aloud.
Assist.Are they come in?
H[e]r.Yes.
Assist.Read the Proclamation,That all the people here assembled mayHave satisfaction, what the Kings dear love,In care of the Republick, hath ordained;Attend with silence: read aloud.
Herald Reads.
Forasmuch as our high and mighty Master, Philip,the potentand most Catholick King ofSpain,hath not only in his ownRoyal person, been long, and often sollicited, and grieved, with thedeadly and [uncurable] hatred, sprung up betwixt the two antientand most [honorable] descended Houses of these his two dearly andequally beloved Subjects, Don Ferdinando de Alvarez,andDonPedro de Vitelli:(all which in vain his Majesty hath oftenendeavored to reconcile and qualifie:) But that also through thedebates, quarrels, and outrages daily arising, falling, and flowingfrom these great heads, his publick civil Government is seditiouslyand barbarously molested and wounded, and many of his chiefGentry (no less tender to his Royal Majesty then the very branchesof his own sacred blood) spoyld, lost, and submerged, in the impiousinundation and torrent of their still-growing malice: It hath thereforepleased His sacred Majesty, out of his infinite affection to preservehis Common-wealth, and general peace, from farther violation,(as a sweet and heartily loving father of his people) and on theearnest petitions of these arch-enemies, to Order, and ordain, thatthey b[e] ready, each with his well-chosen and beloved friend, armedat all points like Gentlemen, in the Castle ofSt. Jago,on this presentMonday morning betwixt eight and nine of the clock, where (beforethe combattants be allowed to commence this granted Duel) Thisto be read aloud for the publick satisfaction of his Majesties wellbel[o]ved Subjects.
Forasmuch as our high and mighty Master, Philip,the potentand most Catholick King ofSpain,hath not only in his ownRoyal person, been long, and often sollicited, and grieved, with thedeadly and [uncurable] hatred, sprung up betwixt the two antientand most [honorable] descended Houses of these his two dearly andequally beloved Subjects, Don Ferdinando de Alvarez,andDonPedro de Vitelli:(all which in vain his Majesty hath oftenendeavored to reconcile and qualifie:) But that also through thedebates, quarrels, and outrages daily arising, falling, and flowingfrom these great heads, his publick civil Government is seditiouslyand barbarously molested and wounded, and many of his chiefGentry (no less tender to his Royal Majesty then the very branchesof his own sacred blood) spoyld, lost, and submerged, in the impiousinundation and torrent of their still-growing malice: It hath thereforepleased His sacred Majesty, out of his infinite affection to preservehis Common-wealth, and general peace, from farther violation,(as a sweet and heartily loving father of his people) and on theearnest petitions of these arch-enemies, to Order, and ordain, thatthey b[e] ready, each with his well-chosen and beloved friend, armedat all points like Gentlemen, in the Castle ofSt. Jago,on this presentMonday morning betwixt eight and nine of the clock, where (beforethe combattants be allowed to commence this granted Duel) Thisto be read aloud for the publick satisfaction of his Majesties wellbel[o]ved Subjects.
'Save the King.[Drums within.Say.Hark their Drums speak their insatiate thirstOf blood, and stop their ears 'gainst pious peace,Who gently whispering, implores their friendship!Assist.Kings nor authority can master fate;Admit 'em then, and blood extinguish hate.
'Save the King.[Drums within.
Say.Hark their Drums speak their insatiate thirstOf blood, and stop their ears 'gainst pious peace,Who gently whispering, implores their friendship!
Assist.Kings nor authority can master fate;Admit 'em then, and blood extinguish hate.
Enter severally,Alvarez, and Lucio, VitelliandLamora[l].
Say.Stay, yet be pleas'd to think, and let not daringWherein men now adaies exceed even beasts,And think themselves not men else, so transport youBeyond the bounds ofChristianity:LordAlvarez, Vitelli, Gentlemen,No Town inSpain, from ourMetropolisUnto the rudest hovel, but is greatWith your assured valors daily proofs:Oh will you then, for a superfluous fame,A sound of honor, which in these times, allLike hereticks profess (with obstinacy)But most erroneously venture your souls,'Tis a hard task, through a Sea of bloodTo sail, and land at Heaven?Vit.I hope notIf justice be my Pilot: but my Lord,You know, if argument, or time, or love,Could reconcile, long since we had shook hands;I dare protest, your breath cools not a veinIn any one of us, but blows the fireWhich nought but blood reciprocal can quench.Alv.Vitelli, thou sayst bravely, and sayst right,And I will kill thee for't, I love thee so.Vit.Ha, ha, old man: upon thy death I'll buildA story (with this arm) for thy old wifeTo tell thy daughterClaraseven years henceAs she sits weeping by a winters fire,How such a timeVitellislew her husbandWith the same Sword his daughter favor'd him,And lives, and wears it yet: ComeLamorall,Redeem thy self.Lam.Lucio, GenevoraShall on this Sword receive thy bleeding heart,For my presented hat, laid at her feet.Luc.Thou talk'st wellLamorall, but 'tis thy headThat I will carry to her to thy hat:Fie Father, I do cool too much.Alv.Oh boy:Thy fathers true Son:Beat Drums,—and so good morrow to your Lordship.
Say.Stay, yet be pleas'd to think, and let not daringWherein men now adaies exceed even beasts,And think themselves not men else, so transport youBeyond the bounds ofChristianity:LordAlvarez, Vitelli, Gentlemen,No Town inSpain, from ourMetropolisUnto the rudest hovel, but is greatWith your assured valors daily proofs:Oh will you then, for a superfluous fame,A sound of honor, which in these times, allLike hereticks profess (with obstinacy)But most erroneously venture your souls,'Tis a hard task, through a Sea of bloodTo sail, and land at Heaven?
Vit.I hope notIf justice be my Pilot: but my Lord,You know, if argument, or time, or love,Could reconcile, long since we had shook hands;I dare protest, your breath cools not a veinIn any one of us, but blows the fireWhich nought but blood reciprocal can quench.
Alv.Vitelli, thou sayst bravely, and sayst right,And I will kill thee for't, I love thee so.
Vit.Ha, ha, old man: upon thy death I'll buildA story (with this arm) for thy old wifeTo tell thy daughterClaraseven years henceAs she sits weeping by a winters fire,How such a timeVitellislew her husbandWith the same Sword his daughter favor'd him,And lives, and wears it yet: ComeLamorall,Redeem thy self.
Lam.Lucio, GenevoraShall on this Sword receive thy bleeding heart,For my presented hat, laid at her feet.
Luc.Thou talk'st wellLamorall, but 'tis thy headThat I will carry to her to thy hat:Fie Father, I do cool too much.
Alv.Oh boy:Thy fathers true Son:Beat Drums,—and so good morrow to your Lordship.
Enter aboveEugenia, Clara, Genevora.
Say.Brave resolutions.Anast.Brave, and Spanish right.Gen.Lucio.Cla.Vitelli.Eug.Alvarez.Alv.How the devilGot these Cats into th'gutter? my pusse too?Eug.Hear us.Gen.We must be heard.Cla.We will be heardVitelli, look, seeClaraon her kneesImploring thy compassion: Heaven, how sternlyThey dart their emulous eyes, as if each scorn'dTo be behind the other in a look!Mother, death needs no Sword here: oh my Sister(Fate fain would have it so) persuade, entreat,A Ladies tears are silent Orators(Or should be so at least) to move beyondThe honest tongu'd-Rhetorician:Why will you fight? why do's an uncles deathTwenty year old, exceed your love to meBut twenty days? whose forc'd cause, and fair mannerYou could not understand, only have heard.Custom, that wrought so cunningly on natureIn me, that I forgot my sex, and knew notWhether my body female were, or male,You did unweave, and had the power to charmA new creation in me, made me fearTo think on those deeds I did perpetrate,How little power though you allow to meThat cannot with my sighs, my tears, my prayersMove you from your own loss, if you should gain.Vit.I must forget youClara, 'till I haveRedeem'd my unkles blood, that brands my faceLike a pestiferous Carbuncle: I am blindTo what you do: deaf to your cries: and MarbleTo all impulsive exorations.When [o]n this point, I have perch'd thy fathers soul,I'll tender thee this bloody reeking handDrawn forth the bowels of that murtherer:If thou canst love me then, I'll marry thee,And for thy father lost, get thee a Son;On no condition else.Assist.Most barbarous.Say.Savage.Anast.Irreligious.Gen.OhLucio!Be thou merciful: thou bear'st fewer years,Art lately wean'd from soft eff[e]minacy,A maidens manners, and a maidens heartAre neighbors still to thee: be then more mild,Proceed not to this combat; be'st thou desperateOf thine own life? yet (dearest) pitty mineThy valour's not thine own, I gave it thee,These eyes begot it, this tongue bred it up,This breast would lodge it: do not use my giftsTo mine own ruine: I have made thee rich,Be not so thankless, to undo me for't.Luc.Mistriss, you know I do not wear a vein.I would not rip for you, to do you service:Life's but a word, a shadow, a melting dream,Compar'd to essential, and eternal honor.Why, would you have me value it beyondYour b[r]other: if I first cast down my swordMay all my body here, be made one wound,And yet my soul not find heaven thorough it.Alv.You would be catter-walling too, but peace,Go, get you home, and provide dinner forYour Son, and me: wee'll be exceeding merry:OhLucio, I will have thee cock of allThe proudVitelliesthat do live inSpain:Fie, we shall take cold: hunch:——I am hoarseAlready.Lam.How your Sister whets my spleen!I could eatLucionow:Gen. Vitelli, Brother,Ev'n for your Fathers soul, your uncles blood,As you do love my life: but last, and mostAs you respect your own Honor, and Fame,Throw down your sword; he is most valiantThat herein yields first.Vit.Peace, you fool.Cla.WhyLucio,Do thou begin; 'tis no disparagement:He's elder, and thy better, and thy valorIs in his infancy.Gen.Or pay it me,To whom thou ow'st it: Oh, that constant timeWould but go back a week, thenLucioThou would'st not dare to fight.Eug.Lucio, thy Mother,Thy Mother begs it: throw thy sword down first.Alv.I'll throw his head down after then.Gen.Lamorall.You have often swore you'ld be commanded by me.Lam.Never to this: your spight, and scornGenevora,Has lost all power in me:Gen.Your hearing for six words.Ass. Say. An.Strange obstinacy!Al. Vit. Lu. Lam.We'll stay no longer.Cla.Then by thy oathVitelli,Thy dreadfu[l] oath, thou wouldst return that SwordWhen I should ask it, give it to me, now,This instant I require it.Gen.By thy vow,As dreadfulLucio, to obey my willIn any one thing I would watch to challenge,I charge thee not to strike a stroak: now heOf our two brothers that loves perjuryBest, and dares first be damn'd, infringe his vow.Say.Excellent Ladies.Vit.Pish, you tyrannize.Luc.We did equivocate.Alv.On.Cla.ThenLucio,So well I love my husband, for he is so,(Wanting but ceremony) that I prayHis vengeful sword may fall upon thy headSuccesfully for false-hood to his Sister.Gen.I likewise pray (Vitelli)Lucio'ssword(Who equally is my husband as thou hers)May find thy false heart, that durst gage thy faith,And durst not keep it.Assist.Are you men, or stone.Alv.Men, and we'll prove it with our swords:Eug.Your hearing for six words, and we have done,Zanchocome forth—we'll fight our challenge too:Now speak your resolutions.
Say.Brave resolutions.
Anast.Brave, and Spanish right.
Gen.Lucio.
Cla.Vitelli.
Eug.Alvarez.
Alv.How the devilGot these Cats into th'gutter? my pusse too?
Eug.Hear us.
Gen.We must be heard.
Cla.We will be heardVitelli, look, seeClaraon her kneesImploring thy compassion: Heaven, how sternlyThey dart their emulous eyes, as if each scorn'dTo be behind the other in a look!Mother, death needs no Sword here: oh my Sister(Fate fain would have it so) persuade, entreat,A Ladies tears are silent Orators(Or should be so at least) to move beyondThe honest tongu'd-Rhetorician:Why will you fight? why do's an uncles deathTwenty year old, exceed your love to meBut twenty days? whose forc'd cause, and fair mannerYou could not understand, only have heard.Custom, that wrought so cunningly on natureIn me, that I forgot my sex, and knew notWhether my body female were, or male,You did unweave, and had the power to charmA new creation in me, made me fearTo think on those deeds I did perpetrate,How little power though you allow to meThat cannot with my sighs, my tears, my prayersMove you from your own loss, if you should gain.
Vit.I must forget youClara, 'till I haveRedeem'd my unkles blood, that brands my faceLike a pestiferous Carbuncle: I am blindTo what you do: deaf to your cries: and MarbleTo all impulsive exorations.When [o]n this point, I have perch'd thy fathers soul,I'll tender thee this bloody reeking handDrawn forth the bowels of that murtherer:If thou canst love me then, I'll marry thee,And for thy father lost, get thee a Son;On no condition else.
Assist.Most barbarous.
Say.Savage.
Anast.Irreligious.
Gen.OhLucio!Be thou merciful: thou bear'st fewer years,Art lately wean'd from soft eff[e]minacy,A maidens manners, and a maidens heartAre neighbors still to thee: be then more mild,Proceed not to this combat; be'st thou desperateOf thine own life? yet (dearest) pitty mineThy valour's not thine own, I gave it thee,These eyes begot it, this tongue bred it up,This breast would lodge it: do not use my giftsTo mine own ruine: I have made thee rich,Be not so thankless, to undo me for't.
Luc.Mistriss, you know I do not wear a vein.I would not rip for you, to do you service:Life's but a word, a shadow, a melting dream,Compar'd to essential, and eternal honor.Why, would you have me value it beyondYour b[r]other: if I first cast down my swordMay all my body here, be made one wound,And yet my soul not find heaven thorough it.
Alv.You would be catter-walling too, but peace,Go, get you home, and provide dinner forYour Son, and me: wee'll be exceeding merry:OhLucio, I will have thee cock of allThe proudVitelliesthat do live inSpain:Fie, we shall take cold: hunch:——I am hoarseAlready.
Lam.How your Sister whets my spleen!I could eatLucionow:
Gen. Vitelli, Brother,Ev'n for your Fathers soul, your uncles blood,As you do love my life: but last, and mostAs you respect your own Honor, and Fame,Throw down your sword; he is most valiantThat herein yields first.
Vit.Peace, you fool.
Cla.WhyLucio,Do thou begin; 'tis no disparagement:He's elder, and thy better, and thy valorIs in his infancy.
Gen.Or pay it me,To whom thou ow'st it: Oh, that constant timeWould but go back a week, thenLucioThou would'st not dare to fight.
Eug.Lucio, thy Mother,Thy Mother begs it: throw thy sword down first.
Alv.I'll throw his head down after then.
Gen.Lamorall.You have often swore you'ld be commanded by me.
Lam.Never to this: your spight, and scornGenevora,Has lost all power in me:
Gen.Your hearing for six words.
Ass. Say. An.Strange obstinacy!
Al. Vit. Lu. Lam.We'll stay no longer.
Cla.Then by thy oathVitelli,Thy dreadfu[l] oath, thou wouldst return that SwordWhen I should ask it, give it to me, now,This instant I require it.
Gen.By thy vow,As dreadfulLucio, to obey my willIn any one thing I would watch to challenge,I charge thee not to strike a stroak: now heOf our two brothers that loves perjuryBest, and dares first be damn'd, infringe his vow.
Say.Excellent Ladies.
Vit.Pish, you tyrannize.
Luc.We did equivocate.
Alv.On.
Cla.ThenLucio,So well I love my husband, for he is so,(Wanting but ceremony) that I prayHis vengeful sword may fall upon thy headSuccesfully for false-hood to his Sister.
Gen.I likewise pray (Vitelli)Lucio'ssword(Who equally is my husband as thou hers)May find thy false heart, that durst gage thy faith,And durst not keep it.
Assist.Are you men, or stone.
Alv.Men, and we'll prove it with our swords:
Eug.Your hearing for six words, and we have done,Zanchocome forth—we'll fight our challenge too:Now speak your resolutions.
[EnterBob[a]dillawith two swords and a Pistol.
Gen.These they are,The first blow given betwixt you, sheathes these swordsIn one anothers bosomes.Eug.And rogue, lookYou at that instant do discharge that PistolInto my breast: if you start back, or quake,I'll stick you like a Pig.Alv.—Hold, you are mad.Gen.This we said: and by our hope of blissThis we will do: speak your intents.Cla. Gen.Strike.Eug.Shoot.A[l]. Vit. L[u]. La.Hold, hold: all friends.Assist.Come down.Alv.These devilish womenCan make men friends and enemies when they list.Say.A gallant undertaking and a happy;Why this is noble in you: and will beA welcomer present to our MasterPhilipThan the return from hisIndies.
Gen.These they are,The first blow given betwixt you, sheathes these swordsIn one anothers bosomes.
Eug.And rogue, lookYou at that instant do discharge that PistolInto my breast: if you start back, or quake,I'll stick you like a Pig.
Alv.—Hold, you are mad.
Gen.This we said: and by our hope of blissThis we will do: speak your intents.
Cla. Gen.Strike.
Eug.Shoot.
A[l]. Vit. L[u]. La.Hold, hold: all friends.
Assist.Come down.
Alv.These devilish womenCan make men friends and enemies when they list.
Say.A gallant undertaking and a happy;Why this is noble in you: and will beA welcomer present to our MasterPhilipThan the return from hisIndies.
EnterClara, Genevora, Eugenia,andBobadilla.
Cla.Father, your blessing.Alv.Take her: if ye bring notBetwixt you, boys that will find out new worlds,And win 'em too, I'm a false Prophet.Vit.Brother.There is a Sister, long divided streamsMix now at length, by fate.
Cla.Father, your blessing.
Alv.Take her: if ye bring notBetwixt you, boys that will find out new worlds,And win 'em too, I'm a false Prophet.
Vit.Brother.There is a Sister, long divided streamsMix now at length, by fate.
Bob.I am not regarded: I was the careful Steward that provided these Instruments of peace, I put the longest weapon in your Sisters hand, (my Lord) because she was the shortest Lady: For likely the shortest Ladies love the longest —— men: And for mine own part, I could have discharged it: my Pistol is no ordinary Pistol, it has two ramming bullets; but thought I, why should I shoot my two bullets into my old Lady? if they had gone, I would not have staid long after: I would ev'n have died too, bravely y'faith, like aRomanSteward: hung my self in mine own chain, and there had been a story ofBobadilla,Spindola, Zancho, for after ages to lament: hum: I perceive, I am not only not regarded, but also not rewarded.Alv.Prethee peace: 'shalt have a new chain, next SaintJaquesday, or this new gilt:Bob.I am satisfied: let virtue have her due: And yet I am melancholy upon this atonement: pray heaven the State rue it not: I would my LordVitellie'sSteward, and I could meet: they should find it should cost 'em a little more to make us friends: well, I will forswear wine, and women for a year: and then I will be drunk to morrow, and run a whoring like a dog with a broken bottle at's tail; then will I repent next day, and forswear 'em again more vehemently: be forsworn next day again, and repent my repentance: for thus a melancholy Gentleman doth, and ought to live.
Bob.I am not regarded: I was the careful Steward that provided these Instruments of peace, I put the longest weapon in your Sisters hand, (my Lord) because she was the shortest Lady: For likely the shortest Ladies love the longest —— men: And for mine own part, I could have discharged it: my Pistol is no ordinary Pistol, it has two ramming bullets; but thought I, why should I shoot my two bullets into my old Lady? if they had gone, I would not have staid long after: I would ev'n have died too, bravely y'faith, like aRomanSteward: hung my self in mine own chain, and there had been a story ofBobadilla,Spindola, Zancho, for after ages to lament: hum: I perceive, I am not only not regarded, but also not rewarded.
Alv.Prethee peace: 'shalt have a new chain, next SaintJaquesday, or this new gilt:
Bob.I am satisfied: let virtue have her due: And yet I am melancholy upon this atonement: pray heaven the State rue it not: I would my LordVitellie'sSteward, and I could meet: they should find it should cost 'em a little more to make us friends: well, I will forswear wine, and women for a year: and then I will be drunk to morrow, and run a whoring like a dog with a broken bottle at's tail; then will I repent next day, and forswear 'em again more vehemently: be forsworn next day again, and repent my repentance: for thus a melancholy Gentleman doth, and ought to live.
Assist.Nay, you s[h]all dine with me: and afterwardI'll with ye to the King: But first, I willDispatch the Castles business, that this dayMay be compleat. Bring forth the malefactors.
Assist.Nay, you s[h]all dine with me: and afterwardI'll with ye to the King: But first, I willDispatch the Castles business, that this dayMay be compleat. Bring forth the malefactors.
EnterAlguazier, Pachieco, Metaldi, Mendoza, Lazaril, Piorato, Malroda,and Guard.
YouAlguazier, the Ringleader of thesePoor fellows, are degraded from your office,You must return all stolen goods you receiv'd,And watch a twelve month without any pay:This, if you fail of, (all your goods confiscate)You are to be whipt, and sent into the Gallies.Alg.I like all, but restoring that Catholique Doctrine.I do dislike: Learn all ye officersBy this to live uprightly (if you can.)[Exit.Assist.You Cobler, to t[r]anslate your manners new,Are doom'd to th' Cloisters of the Mendicants,With this your brother, botcher, there for nothingTo cobble, and heel hose for the poor Friers,Till they allow you pennance for sufficient,And your amendment; then you shall be freed,And may set up again.Pach.Mendoza, come,Our souls have trode awry in all mens sight,We'll underlay 'em, till they go upright.[Exe.Pach.andMend.Assist.Smith, in those shackles you for your hard heartMust lie by th' heels a year.Met.I have shod your horse, my Lord.[Exit.Assist.Away: for you, my hungry white-loaf'd face,You must to th' Gallies, where you shall be sureTo have no more bits, than you shall have blows.Laz.Well, though herrings want, I shall have rowes.Assist.Signior, you have prevented us, and punish'dYour selfe severelier than we would have done.You have married a whore: may she prove honest.Pio.'Tis better, my Lord, than to marry an honest woman,That may prove a whore.Vit.'Tis a hansome wench: and thou canst keep her tameI'll send you what I promis'd.Pio.Joy to your Lordships.Alv.He[re] may all Ladies learn, to make of foesThe perfect'st friends: and not the perfect'st foesOf dearest friends, as some do now a daies.Vit.Behold the power of love, to nature lostBy custome irrecoverably, past the hopeOf friends restoring, Love hath here retriv'dTo her own habit, made her blush to seeHer so long monstrous Metamorphoses,May strange affairs never have worse success.[Exeunt.
YouAlguazier, the Ringleader of thesePoor fellows, are degraded from your office,You must return all stolen goods you receiv'd,And watch a twelve month without any pay:This, if you fail of, (all your goods confiscate)You are to be whipt, and sent into the Gallies.
Alg.I like all, but restoring that Catholique Doctrine.I do dislike: Learn all ye officersBy this to live uprightly (if you can.)[Exit.
Assist.You Cobler, to t[r]anslate your manners new,Are doom'd to th' Cloisters of the Mendicants,With this your brother, botcher, there for nothingTo cobble, and heel hose for the poor Friers,Till they allow you pennance for sufficient,And your amendment; then you shall be freed,And may set up again.
Pach.Mendoza, come,Our souls have trode awry in all mens sight,We'll underlay 'em, till they go upright.[Exe.Pach.andMend.
Assist.Smith, in those shackles you for your hard heartMust lie by th' heels a year.
Met.I have shod your horse, my Lord.[Exit.
Assist.Away: for you, my hungry white-loaf'd face,You must to th' Gallies, where you shall be sureTo have no more bits, than you shall have blows.
Laz.Well, though herrings want, I shall have rowes.
Assist.Signior, you have prevented us, and punish'dYour selfe severelier than we would have done.You have married a whore: may she prove honest.
Pio.'Tis better, my Lord, than to marry an honest woman,That may prove a whore.
Vit.'Tis a hansome wench: and thou canst keep her tameI'll send you what I promis'd.
Pio.Joy to your Lordships.
Alv.He[re] may all Ladies learn, to make of foesThe perfect'st friends: and not the perfect'st foesOf dearest friends, as some do now a daies.
Vit.Behold the power of love, to nature lostBy custome irrecoverably, past the hopeOf friends restoring, Love hath here retriv'dTo her own habit, made her blush to seeHer so long monstrous Metamorphoses,May strange affairs never have worse success.[Exeunt.
OUr Author fears there are some Rebel hearts,Whose dulness doth oppose loves piercing darts;Such will be apt to say there wanted wit,The language low, very few Scænes are writWith spirit and life; such odd things as theseHe cares not for, nor ever means to please;For if your selves a Mistriss or loves friends,Are lik'd with this smooth Play he hath his ends.
OUr Author fears there are some Rebel hearts,Whose dulness doth oppose loves piercing darts;Such will be apt to say there wanted wit,The language low, very few Scænes are writWith spirit and life; such odd things as theseHe cares not for, nor ever means to please;For if your selves a Mistriss or loves friends,Are lik'd with this smooth Play he hath his ends.
FINIS.
ATRAGEDY-COMEDY.
The principal Actors were
EnterBartelloandSilvio.
Sil.TIs true she is a right good Princess, and a just one,AndFlorencewhen she sets, has lost a Planet.Bar.My Mistriss? I tell thee gentle Nephew,There is not such another friend to goodness,To down-right dealing, to faith and true heartWithin the Christian confines: Before she blest us,Justice was a Cheese-monger, a meer Cheese-monger,Weigh'd nothing to the world but Mites and Maggots,And a main stink: Law like a Horse-courser,Her rules, and precepts hung with gawdes and ribbondsAnd pamper'd up to cousen him that bought her,When she her self was hackney, lame, and founder'd.Sil.But the sweet Lady,Belviderethe bright one—Bar.I, there's a face indeed: Oh my dear Nephew,Could a young fellow of thy fiery mettleFreeze, and that Lady in his Arms?Sil.I think not.Bar.Thou hast a parlous judgement; but let that pass,She is as truly virtuous, fair, and noble,As her great Mother's good: and that's not ordinary.Sil.But why (so many Princes, and so great onesBeing Suitors) should the Dutchess deny to match her?Bar.She is a Jewel man, hangs in her bosom,Her only Child: with her eies she sees all things,Discourses with her tongue, and pluck her from her(So dotingly the old one loves her young one)You pluck her heart out too: Besides, of late daies,The Duke ofMilan, who could never win herBy Love, nor Treaty, laid a close train for herIn her own private Walks: some forty Horse-men,So to surprize her; which we found, and dealt with,And sent 'em running home to the Duke their Master,Like Dogs with bottles at their tails.Sil.Since that, I heard Sir,She has sent her to your Cittadel to secure her,My cosinRodope, your wife attending her.Bar.You hear a truth, and all convenient pleasuresAre there proportion'd for her.Sil.I would fain, Sir,Like one that owes a dutious service to herSometimes so please you—Bar.Gentle Cosin pardon me,I must not, nor you must not dare to offer,The last Edict lies on his life pursues it;Your friend, Sir, to command, abroad to love youTo lend ye any thing I have, to wait upon ye,But in the Cittadel where I stand charg'd,Not a bit upon a march: no service, Sir,No, good Sir by no means: I kiss your hands, Sir.[Exit.Sil.To your keeping only? none else to look upon her?None butBartelloworthy her attendance?No faith but his to serve her? OhBelvidere,Thou Saint to whom my youth is sacrific'd,Thou point to which my life turns, and my fortune,Art thou lock'd from me now? from all my comforts,Art thou snatch'd violently? thou hear'st me not,Nor canst thou see (fair soul) thy servants mournings,Yet let thy gentle heart feel what his absence,The great divorse of minds so truly loving,So long, and nurs'd in one affectionEven from our infant eyes, suck'd in and nourish'd:Oh let it feel but that, and there stand constantAnd I am blest. My dear AuntRodope,That is her Governess, did love me dearly,There's one hope yet to see her: when he is absentIt may be ventur'd, and she may work it closely:I know the Ladies will goe equal with me,And so the danger of the Edict avoided;Let me think more, for I must try all hazards.
Sil.TIs true she is a right good Princess, and a just one,AndFlorencewhen she sets, has lost a Planet.
Bar.My Mistriss? I tell thee gentle Nephew,There is not such another friend to goodness,To down-right dealing, to faith and true heartWithin the Christian confines: Before she blest us,Justice was a Cheese-monger, a meer Cheese-monger,Weigh'd nothing to the world but Mites and Maggots,And a main stink: Law like a Horse-courser,Her rules, and precepts hung with gawdes and ribbondsAnd pamper'd up to cousen him that bought her,When she her self was hackney, lame, and founder'd.
Sil.But the sweet Lady,Belviderethe bright one—
Bar.I, there's a face indeed: Oh my dear Nephew,Could a young fellow of thy fiery mettleFreeze, and that Lady in his Arms?
Sil.I think not.
Bar.Thou hast a parlous judgement; but let that pass,She is as truly virtuous, fair, and noble,As her great Mother's good: and that's not ordinary.
Sil.But why (so many Princes, and so great onesBeing Suitors) should the Dutchess deny to match her?
Bar.She is a Jewel man, hangs in her bosom,Her only Child: with her eies she sees all things,Discourses with her tongue, and pluck her from her(So dotingly the old one loves her young one)You pluck her heart out too: Besides, of late daies,The Duke ofMilan, who could never win herBy Love, nor Treaty, laid a close train for herIn her own private Walks: some forty Horse-men,So to surprize her; which we found, and dealt with,And sent 'em running home to the Duke their Master,Like Dogs with bottles at their tails.
Sil.Since that, I heard Sir,She has sent her to your Cittadel to secure her,My cosinRodope, your wife attending her.
Bar.You hear a truth, and all convenient pleasuresAre there proportion'd for her.
Sil.I would fain, Sir,Like one that owes a dutious service to herSometimes so please you—
Bar.Gentle Cosin pardon me,I must not, nor you must not dare to offer,The last Edict lies on his life pursues it;Your friend, Sir, to command, abroad to love youTo lend ye any thing I have, to wait upon ye,But in the Cittadel where I stand charg'd,Not a bit upon a march: no service, Sir,No, good Sir by no means: I kiss your hands, Sir.[Exit.
Sil.To your keeping only? none else to look upon her?None butBartelloworthy her attendance?No faith but his to serve her? OhBelvidere,Thou Saint to whom my youth is sacrific'd,Thou point to which my life turns, and my fortune,Art thou lock'd from me now? from all my comforts,Art thou snatch'd violently? thou hear'st me not,Nor canst thou see (fair soul) thy servants mournings,Yet let thy gentle heart feel what his absence,The great divorse of minds so truly loving,So long, and nurs'd in one affectionEven from our infant eyes, suck'd in and nourish'd:Oh let it feel but that, and there stand constantAnd I am blest. My dear AuntRodope,That is her Governess, did love me dearly,There's one hope yet to see her: when he is absentIt may be ventur'd, and she may work it closely:I know the Ladies will goe equal with me,And so the danger of the Edict avoided;Let me think more, for I must try all hazards.
EnterClaudioandSoto.
Soto.Will ye go yonder, Sir?Cla.Yes marry will I Sir.Soto.And by this Ladder?Cla.By that Ladder, coxcombe.Soto.Have ye any more necks at home when this is broken,For this will crack with the best friend he has Sir?Or can you pitch of all four, like an Ape now?Let me see you tumble.Cla.You are very pleasant Sir.Soto.No truly Sir, I should be loath to see yeCome fluttering down like a young Rook, cry squab,And take ye up with your brains beaten into your buttocks.Cla.Hold your peace Asse: who's this stands musing here?Sylvio?Sil.Who calls me?Cla.One most glad to see you Sir.Sil.My dearestClaudio? what make you thus private,And with a preparation of this nature?Soto.We have leave to play, and are going to climb Birds nests.Sil.Prethee what is it friend? why start ye from me?Is your old Mistriss grown so coy and cruel,She must be scal'd? it seems you are loath to tell me,Since twenty years continuance of our friendshipMay not be worth the weight of such a secret,'Twill be but rude to aske again: save ye.Cla.Nay stay, dearSilvio, if you love me take it:For till you know it, never woman labour'dAs I do now.Sil.I'll doe my best to ease it.Cla.You have heard the LadyBelvidere—Sil.What heard Sir?Cla.Heard to the Cittadel, upon some fearsShe is confin'd.Sil.Why dreams he on this beauty?'Tis true, I have heard it.Cla.And that no access,No blessing from those eyes, but with much hazard,Even hazard of a life.Sil.He dares not love her;I have heard that too: but whither points your purpose?Cla.OhSilvio, let me speak that none may hear me,None but thy truth: I have lov'd this Lady long,Long given away my life to her devotion,Long dwelt upon that beauty to my ruine.Sil.Do's she know this?Cla.No, there begins my misery,Ixion-like, I have only yet clasp'd clouds,And fed upon poor empty dreams that starve me.Sil.And what do you mean to do now?Cla.Though I dye for't.Though all the tortures in the world hung on me,Arm'd with imperious Love, I stand prepar'd now,With this to reach her Chamber: there to see her,And tell her boldly with what truth I love her.Sil.'Twill not be easily done Sir.Cla.Oh mySilvio,The hardest things are sweetest in possession.Sil.Nor will shew much discretion.Cla.Love is blind man,And he that looks for reason there far blinder.Sil.Have ye consider'd ripely?Cla.All that may fall,And arm'd against that all.Sil.Her honor too?What she may suffer in this rash adventureThe beauty of her name?Cla.I'll doe it closely,And only at her window, with that caution—Sil.Are there no Guards?Cla.Corruption chokes their service.Sil.Or do you hold her bred so light a womanTo hold commerce with strange tongues?Cla.Why this service,This only hazard of my life must tell her,Though she wereVestasself, I must deserve her.Sil.I would not have ye go: pray let it sink here,And think a nobler way to raise your service,A safer and a wiser.Cla.'Tis too late, Sir.Sil.Then I must say, You shall not goe.Cla.I shall not?Sil.You shall not go: that part bred with ye, friendshipBids me say boldly so, and you observe me.Cla.You stretch that tye too far.Sil.I'll stretch it farther:The honor that I bear that spotless virtueYou fouly seek to taint, unnobly covet,Bids me command ye stay: if not, thus force ye.Soto.This will be worse than climbing.Cla.Why do ye draw Sir?Sil.To kill thee, if thy base will be thy Master.Cla.I ever was your friend.Sil.Whilst thou wert honest,And not a Night-thief of anothers honor;I never call'd a fool my friend, a mad man,That durst expose his fame to all opinions,His life to unhonest dangers: I never lov'd him,Durst know his name, that sought a Virgins ruine,Nor ever took I pleasure in acquaintanceWith men, that give as loose rains to their fanciesAs the wild Ocean to his raging fluxes:A noble soul I twin with, and my loveFollowes his life, dares master his affections.Will ye give off, or fight?Cla.I will not fight with ye:The sacred name of friend ties up that anger,Rather I'll study.Sil.Do, to be a friend still.Cla.If this way, I shall never hold.Sil.I'll watch ye:And if I catch ye false: by heaven ye dye for't,All love forgot.Cla.When I fear that, I am fit for't.[Exeunt.
Soto.Will ye go yonder, Sir?
Cla.Yes marry will I Sir.
Soto.And by this Ladder?
Cla.By that Ladder, coxcombe.
Soto.Have ye any more necks at home when this is broken,For this will crack with the best friend he has Sir?Or can you pitch of all four, like an Ape now?Let me see you tumble.
Cla.You are very pleasant Sir.
Soto.No truly Sir, I should be loath to see yeCome fluttering down like a young Rook, cry squab,And take ye up with your brains beaten into your buttocks.
Cla.Hold your peace Asse: who's this stands musing here?Sylvio?
Sil.Who calls me?
Cla.One most glad to see you Sir.
Sil.My dearestClaudio? what make you thus private,And with a preparation of this nature?
Soto.We have leave to play, and are going to climb Birds nests.
Sil.Prethee what is it friend? why start ye from me?Is your old Mistriss grown so coy and cruel,She must be scal'd? it seems you are loath to tell me,Since twenty years continuance of our friendshipMay not be worth the weight of such a secret,'Twill be but rude to aske again: save ye.
Cla.Nay stay, dearSilvio, if you love me take it:For till you know it, never woman labour'dAs I do now.
Sil.I'll doe my best to ease it.
Cla.You have heard the LadyBelvidere—
Sil.What heard Sir?
Cla.Heard to the Cittadel, upon some fearsShe is confin'd.
Sil.Why dreams he on this beauty?'Tis true, I have heard it.
Cla.And that no access,No blessing from those eyes, but with much hazard,Even hazard of a life.
Sil.He dares not love her;I have heard that too: but whither points your purpose?
Cla.OhSilvio, let me speak that none may hear me,None but thy truth: I have lov'd this Lady long,Long given away my life to her devotion,Long dwelt upon that beauty to my ruine.
Sil.Do's she know this?
Cla.No, there begins my misery,Ixion-like, I have only yet clasp'd clouds,And fed upon poor empty dreams that starve me.
Sil.And what do you mean to do now?
Cla.Though I dye for't.Though all the tortures in the world hung on me,Arm'd with imperious Love, I stand prepar'd now,With this to reach her Chamber: there to see her,And tell her boldly with what truth I love her.
Sil.'Twill not be easily done Sir.
Cla.Oh mySilvio,The hardest things are sweetest in possession.
Sil.Nor will shew much discretion.
Cla.Love is blind man,And he that looks for reason there far blinder.
Sil.Have ye consider'd ripely?
Cla.All that may fall,And arm'd against that all.
Sil.Her honor too?What she may suffer in this rash adventureThe beauty of her name?
Cla.I'll doe it closely,And only at her window, with that caution—
Sil.Are there no Guards?
Cla.Corruption chokes their service.
Sil.Or do you hold her bred so light a womanTo hold commerce with strange tongues?
Cla.Why this service,This only hazard of my life must tell her,Though she wereVestasself, I must deserve her.
Sil.I would not have ye go: pray let it sink here,And think a nobler way to raise your service,A safer and a wiser.
Cla.'Tis too late, Sir.
Sil.Then I must say, You shall not goe.
Cla.I shall not?
Sil.You shall not go: that part bred with ye, friendshipBids me say boldly so, and you observe me.
Cla.You stretch that tye too far.
Sil.I'll stretch it farther:The honor that I bear that spotless virtueYou fouly seek to taint, unnobly covet,Bids me command ye stay: if not, thus force ye.
Soto.This will be worse than climbing.
Cla.Why do ye draw Sir?
Sil.To kill thee, if thy base will be thy Master.
Cla.I ever was your friend.
Sil.Whilst thou wert honest,And not a Night-thief of anothers honor;I never call'd a fool my friend, a mad man,That durst expose his fame to all opinions,His life to unhonest dangers: I never lov'd him,Durst know his name, that sought a Virgins ruine,Nor ever took I pleasure in acquaintanceWith men, that give as loose rains to their fanciesAs the wild Ocean to his raging fluxes:A noble soul I twin with, and my loveFollowes his life, dares master his affections.Will ye give off, or fight?
Cla.I will not fight with ye:The sacred name of friend ties up that anger,Rather I'll study.
Sil.Do, to be a friend still.
Cla.If this way, I shall never hold.
Sil.I'll watch ye:And if I catch ye false: by heaven ye dye for't,All love forgot.
Cla.When I fear that, I am fit for't.[Exeunt.
EnterLopezat a Table with Jewels and Money uponit, an Egg roasting by a Candle.
Lop.Whilst prodigal young gaudy fools are banqueting,And launching out their states to catch the giddy,Thus do I study to preserve my fortune,And hatch with care at home the wealth that Saints me.Here's Rubies ofBengala,rich, rich, glorious;These Diamonds ofOrmusbought for little,Here vented at the price of Princes Ransomes;How bright they shine like constellations,The South Seas treasure here, Pearl, fair and orientAble to equalCleopatra'sBanquet:Here chains of lesser stones for Ladies lusters,Ingotts of Gold, Rings, Brooches, bars of Silver,These are my studies to set off in sale well,And not in sensual surfeits to consume 'em;How rosts mine egg; he heats apace, I'll turn him:Penurio, where you knave do you wait?Penurio,You lazie knave.Pen.Did you call Sir?Lop.Where's your Mistriss?What vanity holds her from her attendance?Pen.The very sight of this egg has made him cockish,What would a dozen butter'd do? She is within Sir.Lop.Within Sir, at what thrif[t] ye knave? what getting?Pen.Getting a good stomach Sir, and she knew where to get meat to it,She is praying heartily upon her knees Sir,That Heaven would send her a good bearing dinner.Lop.Nothing but gluttony and surfeit thought on,Health flung behind: had she not yesternight sirrahTwo Sprats to supper, and the oil allowable?Was she not sick with eating? Hadst not thou,(Thou most ungrateful knave, that nothing satisfies)The water that I boil'd my other egg inTo make thee hearty broth?Pen.'Tis true, I had Sir;But I might as soon make the Philosophers Stone on't,You gave it me in water, and but for manners sake,I could give it you again, in wind, it was so heartyI shall turn pissing-Conduit shortly: my Mistriss comes, Sir.
Lop.Whilst prodigal young gaudy fools are banqueting,And launching out their states to catch the giddy,Thus do I study to preserve my fortune,And hatch with care at home the wealth that Saints me.Here's Rubies ofBengala,rich, rich, glorious;These Diamonds ofOrmusbought for little,Here vented at the price of Princes Ransomes;How bright they shine like constellations,The South Seas treasure here, Pearl, fair and orientAble to equalCleopatra'sBanquet:Here chains of lesser stones for Ladies lusters,Ingotts of Gold, Rings, Brooches, bars of Silver,These are my studies to set off in sale well,And not in sensual surfeits to consume 'em;How rosts mine egg; he heats apace, I'll turn him:Penurio, where you knave do you wait?Penurio,You lazie knave.
Pen.Did you call Sir?
Lop.Where's your Mistriss?What vanity holds her from her attendance?
Pen.The very sight of this egg has made him cockish,What would a dozen butter'd do? She is within Sir.
Lop.Within Sir, at what thrif[t] ye knave? what getting?
Pen.Getting a good stomach Sir, and she knew where to get meat to it,She is praying heartily upon her knees Sir,That Heaven would send her a good bearing dinner.
Lop.Nothing but gluttony and surfeit thought on,Health flung behind: had she not yesternight sirrahTwo Sprats to supper, and the oil allowable?Was she not sick with eating? Hadst not thou,(Thou most ungrateful knave, that nothing satisfies)The water that I boil'd my other egg inTo make thee hearty broth?
Pen.'Tis true, I had Sir;But I might as soon make the Philosophers Stone on't,You gave it me in water, and but for manners sake,I could give it you again, in wind, it was so heartyI shall turn pissing-Conduit shortly: my Mistriss comes, Sir.
EnterIsabella.
Lop.Welcome my Dove.Isab.Pray ye keep your welcome to ye,Unless it carries more than words to please me,Is this the joy to be a Wife? to bring with me,Besides the nobleness of blood I spring from,A full and able portion to maintain me?Is this the happiness of youth and beauty,The great content of being made a Mistriss,To live a Slave subject to wants and hungers,To jealousies for every eye that wanders?Unmanly jealousie.Lop.GoodIsabella.Isab.Too good for you: do you think to famish me,Or keep me like an Alms-woman in such rayment,Such poor unhandsome weeds? am I old, or ugly?I never was bred thus: and if your miseryWill suffer wilful blindness to abuse me,My patience shall be no Bawd to mine own ruine.Pen.Tickle him Mistris: to him.Isab.Had ye love in ye,Or any part of man—Pen.Follow that Mistriss.Isab.Or had humanity but ever known ye,You would shame to use a woman of my way thus,So poor, and basely; you are strangely jealous of meIf I should give ye cause.Lop.HowIsabella?Isab.As do not venture this way to provoke me.Pen.Excellent well Mistriss.Lop.How's thisIsabella?Isab.'Twill stir a Saint, and I am but a woman,And by that tenure may—Lop.By no means chicken,You know I love ye: fie, take no exampleBy those young gadding Dames: (you are noted virtuous)That stick their Husbands wealth in trifles on 'emAnd point 'em but the way to their own miseries:I am not jealous, kiss me, —— I am not:And for your Diet, 'tis to keep you healthful,Surfeits destroy more than the sword: that I am carefulYour meat should be both neat, and cleanly handledSee, Sweet, I am Cook my self, and mine own Cater.Pen.A —— of that Cook cannot lick his fingers.Lop.I'll add another dish: you shall have Milk to it,'Tis nourishing and good.Pen.With Butter in't Sir?Lop.This knave would breed a famine in a Kingdom:And cloths that shall content ye: you must be wise then,And live sequestred to your self and me,Not wandring after every toy comes cross ye,Nor struck with every spleen: what's the knave doing?Penurio.Pen.Hunting Sir, for a second course of Flies here,They are rare new Sallads.Lop.For certainIsabellaThis ravening fellow has a Wolf in's [belly]:Untemperate knave, will nothing quench thy appetite?I saw him eat two Apples, which is monstrous.Pen.If you had given me those 't had been more monstrous.Lop.'Tis a main miracle to feed this villain,ComeIsabella, let us in to supper,And think theRomandainties at our Table,'Tis all but thought.[Exeunt.Pen.Would all my thoughts would do it:The Devil should think of purchasing that Egg-shell,To victual out a Witch for theBurmoothes:'Tis Treason to any good stomach living nowTo hear a tedious Grace said, and no meat to't,I have a Radish yet, but that's but transitory.[Exit.
Lop.Welcome my Dove.
Isab.Pray ye keep your welcome to ye,Unless it carries more than words to please me,Is this the joy to be a Wife? to bring with me,Besides the nobleness of blood I spring from,A full and able portion to maintain me?Is this the happiness of youth and beauty,The great content of being made a Mistriss,To live a Slave subject to wants and hungers,To jealousies for every eye that wanders?Unmanly jealousie.
Lop.GoodIsabella.
Isab.Too good for you: do you think to famish me,Or keep me like an Alms-woman in such rayment,Such poor unhandsome weeds? am I old, or ugly?I never was bred thus: and if your miseryWill suffer wilful blindness to abuse me,My patience shall be no Bawd to mine own ruine.
Pen.Tickle him Mistris: to him.
Isab.Had ye love in ye,Or any part of man—
Pen.Follow that Mistriss.
Isab.Or had humanity but ever known ye,You would shame to use a woman of my way thus,So poor, and basely; you are strangely jealous of meIf I should give ye cause.
Lop.HowIsabella?
Isab.As do not venture this way to provoke me.
Pen.Excellent well Mistriss.
Lop.How's thisIsabella?
Isab.'Twill stir a Saint, and I am but a woman,And by that tenure may—
Lop.By no means chicken,You know I love ye: fie, take no exampleBy those young gadding Dames: (you are noted virtuous)That stick their Husbands wealth in trifles on 'emAnd point 'em but the way to their own miseries:I am not jealous, kiss me, —— I am not:And for your Diet, 'tis to keep you healthful,Surfeits destroy more than the sword: that I am carefulYour meat should be both neat, and cleanly handledSee, Sweet, I am Cook my self, and mine own Cater.
Pen.A —— of that Cook cannot lick his fingers.
Lop.I'll add another dish: you shall have Milk to it,'Tis nourishing and good.
Pen.With Butter in't Sir?
Lop.This knave would breed a famine in a Kingdom:And cloths that shall content ye: you must be wise then,And live sequestred to your self and me,Not wandring after every toy comes cross ye,Nor struck with every spleen: what's the knave doing?Penurio.
Pen.Hunting Sir, for a second course of Flies here,They are rare new Sallads.
Lop.For certainIsabellaThis ravening fellow has a Wolf in's [belly]:Untemperate knave, will nothing quench thy appetite?I saw him eat two Apples, which is monstrous.
Pen.If you had given me those 't had been more monstrous.
Lop.'Tis a main miracle to feed this villain,ComeIsabella, let us in to supper,And think theRomandainties at our Table,'Tis all but thought.[Exeunt.
Pen.Would all my thoughts would do it:The Devil should think of purchasing that Egg-shell,To victual out a Witch for theBurmoothes:'Tis Treason to any good stomach living nowTo hear a tedious Grace said, and no meat to't,I have a Radish yet, but that's but transitory.[Exit.
EnterSoto.