Ben.You have spokeThe very character ofFerdinand:One is the others mirror. How now, Daughter?Rand.How fares my Neece?Viol.A little better, Uncle, then I was,I thank you.Rand.Brother, a meer cold.Angel.It was a cold and heat, I think: but Heaven be thankedWe have broken that away.Ben.And yet,Violanta,You'll lie alone still, and you see what's got.Dor.Sure, Sir, when this was got, she had a bed-fellow.Rand.What has her chollick left her in her belly?Dor.'T has left her, but she has had a sore fit.Rand.I, that same Collick and Stone's inherent to usO' th' womans side: our Mothers had them both.Dor.So has she had, Sir. How these old fornicators talk! she had moreNeed of Mace-Ale, and Rhenish-wine Caudles, heaven knows,Then your aged Discipline.Ben.Say?
Ben.You have spokeThe very character ofFerdinand:One is the others mirror. How now, Daughter?
Rand.How fares my Neece?
Viol.A little better, Uncle, then I was,I thank you.
Rand.Brother, a meer cold.
Angel.It was a cold and heat, I think: but Heaven be thankedWe have broken that away.
Ben.And yet,Violanta,You'll lie alone still, and you see what's got.
Dor.Sure, Sir, when this was got, she had a bed-fellow.
Rand.What has her chollick left her in her belly?
Dor.'T has left her, but she has had a sore fit.
Rand.I, that same Collick and Stone's inherent to usO' th' womans side: our Mothers had them both.
Dor.So has she had, Sir. How these old fornicators talk! she had moreNeed of Mace-Ale, and Rhenish-wine Caudles, heaven knows,Then your aged Discipline.
Ben.Say?
EnterFerdinand.
Ang.She will have the man; and on recoveryWill wholly be dispos'd by you.Ben.That's my wench:How now? what change is this? whyFerdinand,Are these your Robes of joy should be indu'd?DothHymenwear black? I did send for youTo have my honorable Brother witnessThe Contract I will make 'twixt you and her.Put off all doubt; she loves ye? what d' ye say?Rand.Speak man, Why look you so distractedly?Ferd.There are your keys, [Sir:] I'll no Contract[s, I]DivinestV[i]olanta, I will serve youThus on my knees, and pray for you:Juno, Lucina fer opem.My inequality ascends no higher:I dare not marry you.Ben.How's this?Ferd.Good night,I have a friend has almost made me mad:I weep sometimes, and instantly can laugh:Nay, I do dance, and sing, and suddenlyRoar like a storm. Strange tricks these, are they not?And wherefore all this? Shall I tell you? no,Thorow mine ears, my heart a plague hath caught,And I have vow'd to keep it close, not shewMy grief to any; for it has no cure.On, wandring steps, to some remote place move:I'll keep my vow, though I have lost my Love.[Exit.Ben.'Fore heaven, distracted for her! fare you well:I'll watch his steps; for I no joy shall find,Till I have found his cause, and calm'd his mind.[Exit.[Rand.] He's overcome with joy.Ang[e]l.'Tis very strange.Rand.Well, Sister, I must leave you; the time's busie.Violanta, chear you up; and I pray HeavenRestore each to their love, and health again.[Exit.Viol.Amen, Great Uncle. Mother, what a chanceUnluckily is added to my woe,In this young Gentleman!Ang[e]l.True,Violanta:It grieves me much.Doll, go you instantly,And find outGerrard; tell him his friends hap,And let him use best means to comfort him;But as his life preserve this secret still.Viol.Mother, I'ld not offend you: might notGerrardSteal in, and see me in the evening?Angel.Well,Bid him do so.Viol.Heavens blessing o' your heart.Do ye not call Child-bearing, Travel, Mother?Angel.Yes.Viol.It well may be, The bare-foot travellerThat's born a Prince, and walks his pilgrimage,Whose tender feet kiss the remorseless stonesOnly, ne'er felt a travel like to it.Alas, dear Mother, you groan'd thus for me,And yet how disobedient have I been!Angel.Peace,Violanta, thou hast always beenGentle and good.Viol.Gerrardis better, Mother:Oh if you knew the implicite innocencyDwells in his brest, you'ld love him like your Prayers.I see no reason but my Father mightBe told the truth, being pleas'd forFerdinandTo wooe himself: andGerardever wasHis full comparative: my Uncle loves him,As he lovesFerdinand.Angel.No, not for the world,Since his intent is cross'd: lov'dFerdinandThus ruin'd, and a child got out of wedlock:His madness would pursue ye both to death.Viol.As you please (mother:) I am now, methinks,Even in the land of ease; I'll sleep.Angel.Draw inThe bed nearer the fire: silken rest,Tie all thy cares up.[Exeunt.
Ang.She will have the man; and on recoveryWill wholly be dispos'd by you.
Ben.That's my wench:How now? what change is this? whyFerdinand,Are these your Robes of joy should be indu'd?DothHymenwear black? I did send for youTo have my honorable Brother witnessThe Contract I will make 'twixt you and her.Put off all doubt; she loves ye? what d' ye say?
Rand.Speak man, Why look you so distractedly?
Ferd.There are your keys, [Sir:] I'll no Contract[s, I]DivinestV[i]olanta, I will serve youThus on my knees, and pray for you:Juno, Lucina fer opem.My inequality ascends no higher:I dare not marry you.
Ben.How's this?
Ferd.Good night,I have a friend has almost made me mad:I weep sometimes, and instantly can laugh:Nay, I do dance, and sing, and suddenlyRoar like a storm. Strange tricks these, are they not?And wherefore all this? Shall I tell you? no,Thorow mine ears, my heart a plague hath caught,And I have vow'd to keep it close, not shewMy grief to any; for it has no cure.On, wandring steps, to some remote place move:I'll keep my vow, though I have lost my Love.[Exit.
Ben.'Fore heaven, distracted for her! fare you well:I'll watch his steps; for I no joy shall find,Till I have found his cause, and calm'd his mind.[Exit.
[Rand.] He's overcome with joy.
Ang[e]l.'Tis very strange.
Rand.Well, Sister, I must leave you; the time's busie.Violanta, chear you up; and I pray HeavenRestore each to their love, and health again.[Exit.
Viol.Amen, Great Uncle. Mother, what a chanceUnluckily is added to my woe,In this young Gentleman!
Ang[e]l.True,Violanta:It grieves me much.Doll, go you instantly,And find outGerrard; tell him his friends hap,And let him use best means to comfort him;But as his life preserve this secret still.
Viol.Mother, I'ld not offend you: might notGerrardSteal in, and see me in the evening?
Angel.Well,Bid him do so.
Viol.Heavens blessing o' your heart.Do ye not call Child-bearing, Travel, Mother?
Angel.Yes.
Viol.It well may be, The bare-foot travellerThat's born a Prince, and walks his pilgrimage,Whose tender feet kiss the remorseless stonesOnly, ne'er felt a travel like to it.Alas, dear Mother, you groan'd thus for me,And yet how disobedient have I been!
Angel.Peace,Violanta, thou hast always beenGentle and good.
Viol.Gerrardis better, Mother:Oh if you knew the implicite innocencyDwells in his brest, you'ld love him like your Prayers.I see no reason but my Father mightBe told the truth, being pleas'd forFerdinandTo wooe himself: andGerardever wasHis full comparative: my Uncle loves him,As he lovesFerdinand.
Angel.No, not for the world,Since his intent is cross'd: lov'dFerdinandThus ruin'd, and a child got out of wedlock:His madness would pursue ye both to death.
Viol.As you please (mother:) I am now, methinks,Even in the land of ease; I'll sleep.
Angel.Draw inThe bed nearer the fire: silken rest,Tie all thy cares up.[Exeunt.
EnterFerdinandandBenvoglioprivately after him.
Ferd.Oh blessed solitude! here my grief[s] may speak;And sorrow, I will argue with thee now:Nothing will keep me company: the flowersDie at my moan; the gliding silver streamsHasten to flee my lamentations;The air rolls from 'em; and the Golden SunIs smother'd pale asPhœbewith my sighs:Only the earth is kind, that stays. Then earth,To thee will I complain. Why do the HeavensImpose upon me Love, what I can ne'er enjoy?Before fruition was impossible,I did not thirst it.Gerrard, she is thine,Seal'd and deliver'd; but 'twas ill to stainHer virgin state, e'r ye were married.Poor Infant, what's become of thee? thou know'st notThe woe thy parents brought thee t[o]. Dear earth,Bury this close in thy sterility;Be barren to this seed, let it not grow;For if it do, 'twill bud no VioletNor Gillyflower, but wild Brier, or rank Rue,Unsavory and hurtful.Ben.Ferdinand,Thy steel hath digg'd the Earth, thy words my Heart.Ferd.Oh! I have violated faith, betraidMy friend and innocency.Ben.Desperate youth,Violate not thy soul too: I have showersFor thee, young man; butGerrardflames for thee.Was thy base pen made to dash out mine honor,And prostitute my Daughter? Bastard, whore,Come, turn thy femal tears into revenge,Which I will quench my thirst with, e'r I seeDaughter, or Wife, or branded Family.By —— both dye: and for amends,Ferd'nandobe my heir. I'll to my brother,First tell him all, then to the Duke for justice:This morning he's receiv'd. Mountains nor SeasShall bar my flight to vengeance: the foul stainPrinted on me, thy bloud shall rinse again.[Exit.Ferd.I have transgress'd all goodness, witleslyRais'd mine own curs[es] from posterity:I'll follow, to redress in what I may;If not, your heir can dye as well as they.[Exit.
Ferd.Oh blessed solitude! here my grief[s] may speak;And sorrow, I will argue with thee now:Nothing will keep me company: the flowersDie at my moan; the gliding silver streamsHasten to flee my lamentations;The air rolls from 'em; and the Golden SunIs smother'd pale asPhœbewith my sighs:Only the earth is kind, that stays. Then earth,To thee will I complain. Why do the HeavensImpose upon me Love, what I can ne'er enjoy?Before fruition was impossible,I did not thirst it.Gerrard, she is thine,Seal'd and deliver'd; but 'twas ill to stainHer virgin state, e'r ye were married.Poor Infant, what's become of thee? thou know'st notThe woe thy parents brought thee t[o]. Dear earth,Bury this close in thy sterility;Be barren to this seed, let it not grow;For if it do, 'twill bud no VioletNor Gillyflower, but wild Brier, or rank Rue,Unsavory and hurtful.
Ben.Ferdinand,Thy steel hath digg'd the Earth, thy words my Heart.
Ferd.Oh! I have violated faith, betraidMy friend and innocency.
Ben.Desperate youth,Violate not thy soul too: I have showersFor thee, young man; butGerrardflames for thee.Was thy base pen made to dash out mine honor,And prostitute my Daughter? Bastard, whore,Come, turn thy femal tears into revenge,Which I will quench my thirst with, e'r I seeDaughter, or Wife, or branded Family.By —— both dye: and for amends,Ferd'nandobe my heir. I'll to my brother,First tell him all, then to the Duke for justice:This morning he's receiv'd. Mountains nor SeasShall bar my flight to vengeance: the foul stainPrinted on me, thy bloud shall rinse again.[Exit.
Ferd.I have transgress'd all goodness, witleslyRais'd mine own curs[es] from posterity:I'll follow, to redress in what I may;If not, your heir can dye as well as they.[Exit.
Dumb Shew.
EnterDuke Rinaldowith Attendants, at one door; States, Randulpho,andGerrard,at another: they kneel to the Duke, he accepts their obedience, and raises them up: they preferGerrardto the Duke, who entertains him: they seat the Duke in State. EnterBenvoglioandFerdinand: Benvogliokneels for justice; Ferd.seems to restrein him.Benvog.gives the Duke a paper; Duke reads, frowns onGerr.shews the paper to the States, they seem sorry, consult, cause the Guard to apprehend him; they go off with him. ThenRand.andBenv.seem to crave justice; Duke vows it, andexitwith his attendants.Rand. Ben.andFerd.confer. Enter to themCorneliawith two servants; she seems to expostulate, Rand.in scorn, causeth her to be thrust out poorly.Exit Rand. Benv.beckonsFerd.to him (with much seeming passion) swears him; then stamps with his foot. EnterDorotheawith a Cup, weeping, she delivers it toFerd.who with discontentexit;andexeunt BenvoglioandDorothea.
EnterDuke Rinaldowith Attendants, at one door; States, Randulpho,andGerrard,at another: they kneel to the Duke, he accepts their obedience, and raises them up: they preferGerrardto the Duke, who entertains him: they seat the Duke in State. EnterBenvoglioandFerdinand: Benvogliokneels for justice; Ferd.seems to restrein him.Benvog.gives the Duke a paper; Duke reads, frowns onGerr.shews the paper to the States, they seem sorry, consult, cause the Guard to apprehend him; they go off with him. ThenRand.andBenv.seem to crave justice; Duke vows it, andexitwith his attendants.Rand. Ben.andFerd.confer. Enter to themCorneliawith two servants; she seems to expostulate, Rand.in scorn, causeth her to be thrust out poorly.Exit Rand. Benv.beckonsFerd.to him (with much seeming passion) swears him; then stamps with his foot. EnterDorotheawith a Cup, weeping, she delivers it toFerd.who with discontentexit;andexeunt BenvoglioandDorothea.
EnterViolanta.
Viol.Gerrardnot come? norDorothyreturn'd?What averse star rul'd my Nativity?The time to night has been as dilatoryAs languishing Consumptions. But till nowI never durst say, myGerrardwas unkind.Heaven grant all things go well; and nothing does,If he be ill, which I much fear: my dreamsHave been portentous. I did think I sawMy Love araid for battel with a beast,A hideous Monster, arm'd with teeth and claws,Grinning, and venemous, that sought to makeBoth us a prey: on's tail wa[s] lash'd in bloudLaw: and his forehead I did plainly seeHeld Characters that spell'dAuthority.This rent my slumbers; and my fearful soulRan searching up and down my dismaid breast,To find a Port t'escape. Good faith, I am cold;ButGerrard's love is colder: here I'll sit,And think my self away.
Viol.Gerrardnot come? norDorothyreturn'd?What averse star rul'd my Nativity?The time to night has been as dilatoryAs languishing Consumptions. But till nowI never durst say, myGerrardwas unkind.Heaven grant all things go well; and nothing does,If he be ill, which I much fear: my dreamsHave been portentous. I did think I sawMy Love araid for battel with a beast,A hideous Monster, arm'd with teeth and claws,Grinning, and venemous, that sought to makeBoth us a prey: on's tail wa[s] lash'd in bloudLaw: and his forehead I did plainly seeHeld Characters that spell'dAuthority.This rent my slumbers; and my fearful soulRan searching up and down my dismaid breast,To find a Port t'escape. Good faith, I am cold;ButGerrard's love is colder: here I'll sit,And think my self away.
EnterFerdinandwith a Cup and a Letter.
Ferd.The peace of LoveAttend the sweetViolanta: Read,For the sad news I bring, I do not know;Only I am sworn to give you that, and this.Viol.Is it fromG[e]rrard? gentleFerdinand,How glad am I to see you thus well restor'd!In troth he never wrong'd you in his life,Nor I, but always held fair thoughts of you,Knew not my Fathers meaning, till of late;Could never have known it soon enough: for Sir,Gerrard's, and my affection beganIn infancy: My Uncle brought him oftIn long coats hither; you were such another;The little boy would kiss me, being a child,And say, he lov'd me; give me all his toys,Bracelets, Rings, Sweet-meats, all his Rosie-smiles:I then would stand, and stare upon his eyes,Play with his locks, and swear I lov'd him too;For sure, methought, he was a little Love,He woo'd so prettily in innocence,That then he warm'd my fancy; for I feltA glimmering beam of Love kindle my bloud,Both which, time since hath made a flame and floud.Fer.Oh gentle innocent! methinks it talksLike a child still, whose white simplicityNever arriv'd at sin. Forgive me, Lady,I have destroy'dGerrard, and thee; rebell'dAgainst Heavens Ordinance; dis-pair'd two Doves,Made 'em sit mourning; slaughter'd Love, and cleftThe heart of all integrity. This breastWas trusted with the secret of your vowByGerrard, and reveal'd it to your Father.Viol.Hah!Ferd.Read, and curse me.Viol.Neither: I will neverNor Write, nor Read again.Ferd.My pennance be it.Reads.Your Labyrinth is found, your Lust proclaim'd.Viol.Lust? Humh:My Mother sure felt none, when I was got.Fer.I and the Law implacably offend[e]d.Gerrard'simprison'd, and to dye.Viol.Oh Heaven!Ferd.And you to suffe[r] with reproach and scoffsA publick execution; I have sent youAn Antidote 'gainst shame, poison; by himYou have most wrong'd: give him your penitent tears.Viol.Humh: 'tis not truth.Ferd.Drink, and farewel for ever:And though thy whoredom blemish thy whol[e] line,Prevent the Hangmans stroke, and die like mine.Viol.Oh woe is me forGerrard: I have broughtConfusion on the noblest GentlemanThat ever truly lov'd. But we shall meetWhere our condemners shall not, and enjoyA more refin'd affection than here;No Law, nor Father hinders marriage there'Twixt souls Divinely affi'd, as (sure) ours were:There we will multiply, and generate joyesLike fruitful Parents. LucklessFerdinand,Where's the good old Gentlewoman, my Husbands Aunt?Ferd.Thrust from you Uncle [t]o all poverty.Viol.Alas the pi[t]y: reach me, Sir, the cup;I'll say my prayers, and take my Fathers Physick.Ferd.Oh villain that I was, I had forgotTo spill the rest, and am unable nowTo stir to hinder her.Viol.What ail you, Sir?Ferd.Your Father is a monster, I a villain,This tongue has kill'd you, pardon,Violant[a],Oh pardon,Gerrard; and for sacrifice,Accept my life, to expiate my fault.I have drunk up the poison.Viol.Thou art not soUncharitable: a better fellow far,Thou'st left me halfe. Sure death is now a-dry,And calls for more bloud still to quench his thirst.I pledge theeFerdinand, toGerrardshealth:DearGerrard, poor Aunt, and unfortunate friend,Ay me, that Love should breed true Lovers end.Fer.Stay Madam, stay; help hoa, for Heavens sake help;Improvident man, that good I did intendFor satisfaction, saving of her life,My equal cruel Stars made me forget.
Ferd.The peace of LoveAttend the sweetViolanta: Read,For the sad news I bring, I do not know;Only I am sworn to give you that, and this.
Viol.Is it fromG[e]rrard? gentleFerdinand,How glad am I to see you thus well restor'd!In troth he never wrong'd you in his life,Nor I, but always held fair thoughts of you,Knew not my Fathers meaning, till of late;Could never have known it soon enough: for Sir,Gerrard's, and my affection beganIn infancy: My Uncle brought him oftIn long coats hither; you were such another;The little boy would kiss me, being a child,And say, he lov'd me; give me all his toys,Bracelets, Rings, Sweet-meats, all his Rosie-smiles:I then would stand, and stare upon his eyes,Play with his locks, and swear I lov'd him too;For sure, methought, he was a little Love,He woo'd so prettily in innocence,That then he warm'd my fancy; for I feltA glimmering beam of Love kindle my bloud,Both which, time since hath made a flame and floud.
Fer.Oh gentle innocent! methinks it talksLike a child still, whose white simplicityNever arriv'd at sin. Forgive me, Lady,I have destroy'dGerrard, and thee; rebell'dAgainst Heavens Ordinance; dis-pair'd two Doves,Made 'em sit mourning; slaughter'd Love, and cleftThe heart of all integrity. This breastWas trusted with the secret of your vowByGerrard, and reveal'd it to your Father.
Viol.Hah!
Ferd.Read, and curse me.
Viol.Neither: I will neverNor Write, nor Read again.
Ferd.My pennance be it.Reads.Your Labyrinth is found, your Lust proclaim'd.
Viol.Lust? Humh:My Mother sure felt none, when I was got.
Fer.I and the Law implacably offend[e]d.Gerrard'simprison'd, and to dye.
Viol.Oh Heaven!
Ferd.And you to suffe[r] with reproach and scoffsA publick execution; I have sent youAn Antidote 'gainst shame, poison; by himYou have most wrong'd: give him your penitent tears.
Viol.Humh: 'tis not truth.
Ferd.Drink, and farewel for ever:And though thy whoredom blemish thy whol[e] line,Prevent the Hangmans stroke, and die like mine.
Viol.Oh woe is me forGerrard: I have broughtConfusion on the noblest GentlemanThat ever truly lov'd. But we shall meetWhere our condemners shall not, and enjoyA more refin'd affection than here;No Law, nor Father hinders marriage there'Twixt souls Divinely affi'd, as (sure) ours were:There we will multiply, and generate joyesLike fruitful Parents. LucklessFerdinand,Where's the good old Gentlewoman, my Husbands Aunt?
Ferd.Thrust from you Uncle [t]o all poverty.
Viol.Alas the pi[t]y: reach me, Sir, the cup;I'll say my prayers, and take my Fathers Physick.
Ferd.Oh villain that I was, I had forgotTo spill the rest, and am unable nowTo stir to hinder her.
Viol.What ail you, Sir?
Ferd.Your Father is a monster, I a villain,This tongue has kill'd you, pardon,Violant[a],Oh pardon,Gerrard; and for sacrifice,Accept my life, to expiate my fault.I have drunk up the poison.
Viol.Thou art not soUncharitable: a better fellow far,Thou'st left me halfe. Sure death is now a-dry,And calls for more bloud still to quench his thirst.I pledge theeFerdinand, toGerrardshealth:DearGerrard, poor Aunt, and unfortunate friend,Ay me, that Love should breed true Lovers end.
Fer.Stay Madam, stay; help hoa, for Heavens sake help;Improvident man, that good I did intendFor satisfaction, saving of her life,My equal cruel Stars made me forget.
EnterAngelinawith two Servants.
Ang.What spectacle of death assaults me? oh!Viol.M[y] dearest Mother, I am dead, I leaveFather, and friends, and life, to follow Love.Good Mother, love my Child, that did no ill.Fie, how men lie, that say, death is a pain:Or has he chang'd his nature? like soft sleepHe seizes me. Your blessing. Last, I crave,That I may rest byGerrardin his grave.Ferd.There lay me too: oh! noble Mistriss, IHave caus'd all this; and therefore justly dye.That key will open all.Ang.Oh viperous Father!For Heavens sake, bear 'em in: run for Physitians,And Medicines quickly: Heaven, thou shalt not have herYet; 'tis too soon: Alas, I have no more,And taking her away, thou rob'st the poor.[Exeunt.Flourish.
Ang.What spectacle of death assaults me? oh!
Viol.M[y] dearest Mother, I am dead, I leaveFather, and friends, and life, to follow Love.Good Mother, love my Child, that did no ill.Fie, how men lie, that say, death is a pain:Or has he chang'd his nature? like soft sleepHe seizes me. Your blessing. Last, I crave,That I may rest byGerrardin his grave.
Ferd.There lay me too: oh! noble Mistriss, IHave caus'd all this; and therefore justly dye.That key will open all.
Ang.Oh viperous Father!For Heavens sake, bear 'em in: run for Physitians,And Medicines quickly: Heaven, thou shalt not have herYet; 'tis too soon: Alas, I have no more,And taking her away, thou rob'st the poor.[Exeunt.Flourish.
EnterDuke, States, Randulpho, Benvoglio, Gerrard, Executioner, Guard.
Duke.The Law, as greedy as your red desireBenvoglio, hath cast this man: 'Tis pitySo many excellent parts are swallow'd upIn one foul wave. IsViolantasent for?Our Justice must not lop a branch, and letThe body grow still.Ben.Sir, she will be hereAlive or dead, I am sure.[G]er.How chearfully my countenance comments death!That which makes men seem horrid, I will wearLike to an Ornament. OhViolanta!Might my life only satisfie the Law,How jocundly my soul would enter Heaven!Why shouldst thou dye? thou wither'st in thy bud,As I have seen a Rose, e'er it was blown.I do beseech your Grace, the Statute may(In this case made) be read: not that I hopeT'extenuate my offence or penalty,But to see whether it lay hold on her.And since my death is more exemplaryThan just, this publick Reading will adviseCaution to others.Duke.Read it.Ran.Brother, does notYour soul groan under this severity?
Duke.The Law, as greedy as your red desireBenvoglio, hath cast this man: 'Tis pitySo many excellent parts are swallow'd upIn one foul wave. IsViolantasent for?Our Justice must not lop a branch, and letThe body grow still.
Ben.Sir, she will be hereAlive or dead, I am sure.
[G]er.How chearfully my countenance comments death!That which makes men seem horrid, I will wearLike to an Ornament. OhViolanta!Might my life only satisfie the Law,How jocundly my soul would enter Heaven!Why shouldst thou dye? thou wither'st in thy bud,As I have seen a Rose, e'er it was blown.I do beseech your Grace, the Statute may(In this case made) be read: not that I hopeT'extenuate my offence or penalty,But to see whether it lay hold on her.And since my death is more exemplaryThan just, this publick Reading will adviseCaution to others.
Duke.Read it.
Ran.Brother, does notYour soul groan under this severity?
Statute read.
A Statute provided in case of unequal Matches, Marriages against Parents consent, stealing of Heirs, Rapes, Prostitutions, and such like: That if any person meanly descended, or ignorant of his own Parentage, which implies as much, shall with a foul intent, unlawfully sollicite the Daughter of any Peer of the Dukedom, he shall for the same offence forfeit his right hand: but if he further prostitute her to his Lust, he shall first have his right hand cut off, and then suffer death by the common Executioner. After whom, the Lady so offending, shall likewise the next day, in the same manner, dye for the Fact.
A Statute provided in case of unequal Matches, Marriages against Parents consent, stealing of Heirs, Rapes, Prostitutions, and such like: That if any person meanly descended, or ignorant of his own Parentage, which implies as much, shall with a foul intent, unlawfully sollicite the Daughter of any Peer of the Dukedom, he shall for the same offence forfeit his right hand: but if he further prostitute her to his Lust, he shall first have his right hand cut off, and then suffer death by the common Executioner. After whom, the Lady so offending, shall likewise the next day, in the same manner, dye for the Fact.
Ger.This Statute has more cruelty than sense:I see no ray of Mercy. Must the LadySuffer death too? suppose she were inforc'd,By some confederates born away, and ravish'd;Is she not guiltless?Duke.Yes, if it be prov'd.Ger.This case is so: I ravish'dViolanta.State.Who ever knew a Rape produce a child?Ben.Pish, these are idle. Will your grace commandThe Executioner proceed?Duke.Your Office.Ger.Farewell to thy inticing vanity,Thou round gilt box, that dost deceive man's eye:The wise man knows, when open thou art broke,The treasure thou includ'st, is dust and smoke,Even thus, I cast thee by. My Lords, the LawIs but the great mans mule, he rides on it,And tramples poorer men under his feet;Yet when they come to knock at yon bright Gate,Ones Rags shall enter, 'fore the others State.Peace to ye all: here, sirrah, strike: this handHathViolantakiss'd a thousand times;It smells sweet ever since: this was the handPlighted my faith to her: do not think thou canstCut that in sunder with my hand. My Lord,As free from speck as this arm is, my heartIs of foul Lust, and every vein glides hereAs full of truth. Why does thy hand shake so?'Tis mine must be cut off, and that is firm;For it was ever constant.
Ger.This Statute has more cruelty than sense:I see no ray of Mercy. Must the LadySuffer death too? suppose she were inforc'd,By some confederates born away, and ravish'd;Is she not guiltless?
Duke.Yes, if it be prov'd.
Ger.This case is so: I ravish'dViolanta.
State.Who ever knew a Rape produce a child?
Ben.Pish, these are idle. Will your grace commandThe Executioner proceed?
Duke.Your Office.
Ger.Farewell to thy inticing vanity,Thou round gilt box, that dost deceive man's eye:The wise man knows, when open thou art broke,The treasure thou includ'st, is dust and smoke,Even thus, I cast thee by. My Lords, the LawIs but the great mans mule, he rides on it,And tramples poorer men under his feet;Yet when they come to knock at yon bright Gate,Ones Rags shall enter, 'fore the others State.Peace to ye all: here, sirrah, strike: this handHathViolantakiss'd a thousand times;It smells sweet ever since: this was the handPlighted my faith to her: do not think thou canstCut that in sunder with my hand. My Lord,As free from speck as this arm is, my heartIs of foul Lust, and every vein glides hereAs full of truth. Why does thy hand shake so?'Tis mine must be cut off, and that is firm;For it was ever constant.
EnterCornelia.
Cor.Hold; your SentenceUnjustly is pronounced, my Lord: this blowCuts your hand off; for his is none of yours:ButViolanta's given in Holy marriageBefore she was delivered, consummatedWith the free Will of her Mother, by her Confessor,In LordBenvoglio's house.Ger.Alas good Aunt,That helps us nothing; else I had reveal'd it.Duke.What woman's this?Ben.A base confederateIn this proceeding, kept of alms long timeBy him; who now expos'd to misery,Talks thus distractedly. Attach her, Guard.Ran.Your cruelty (brother) will have end.Cor.You'd bestLet them attach my tongue.Duke.Good woman, peace:For were this truth, it doth not help thy Nephew;The Law's infring'd by their disparity,That forfeits both their lives.Cor.Sir, with your pardon,Had your Grace ever children?Duke.Thou hast putA question, whose sharp point toucheth my heart:I had two little Sons, twins, who were both(With my good Dutchess) slain, as I did hear;At that time when my Dukedom was surpriz'd.Cor.I have heard many say (my gracious Lord)That I was wondrous like her.All.Ha?Duke.By all mans joy, it isCornelia,My dearest wife.Cor.To ratifie me her,Come down,Alphonso, one of those two twins,And take thy Fathers blessing: thou hast brokeNo Law, thy birth being above thy wives:Ascaniois the other, nam'dFernando,Who by remote means, to my LordBenvoglioI got preferr'd; and in poor habits clad,(You fled, and th' innovation laid again)I wrought my self intoRandulpho's service,With my eldest boy; yet never durst revealWhat they and I were, no, not to themselves,Until the Tyrants death.Duke.My joy has fill'd meLike a full-winded sail: I cannot speak.Ger.FetchViolantaand my brother.Ben.Run,Run like a spout, you rogue: a —— o' poison,That little whore I trusted, will betray me.Stay, hangman, I have work for you; there's Gold;Cut off my head, or hang me presently.
Cor.Hold; your SentenceUnjustly is pronounced, my Lord: this blowCuts your hand off; for his is none of yours:ButViolanta's given in Holy marriageBefore she was delivered, consummatedWith the free Will of her Mother, by her Confessor,In LordBenvoglio's house.
Ger.Alas good Aunt,That helps us nothing; else I had reveal'd it.
Duke.What woman's this?
Ben.A base confederateIn this proceeding, kept of alms long timeBy him; who now expos'd to misery,Talks thus distractedly. Attach her, Guard.
Ran.Your cruelty (brother) will have end.
Cor.You'd bestLet them attach my tongue.
Duke.Good woman, peace:For were this truth, it doth not help thy Nephew;The Law's infring'd by their disparity,That forfeits both their lives.
Cor.Sir, with your pardon,Had your Grace ever children?
Duke.Thou hast putA question, whose sharp point toucheth my heart:I had two little Sons, twins, who were both(With my good Dutchess) slain, as I did hear;At that time when my Dukedom was surpriz'd.
Cor.I have heard many say (my gracious Lord)That I was wondrous like her.
All.Ha?
Duke.By all mans joy, it isCornelia,My dearest wife.
Cor.To ratifie me her,Come down,Alphonso, one of those two twins,And take thy Fathers blessing: thou hast brokeNo Law, thy birth being above thy wives:Ascaniois the other, nam'dFernando,Who by remote means, to my LordBenvoglioI got preferr'd; and in poor habits clad,(You fled, and th' innovation laid again)I wrought my self intoRandulpho's service,With my eldest boy; yet never durst revealWhat they and I were, no, not to themselves,Until the Tyrants death.
Duke.My joy has fill'd meLike a full-winded sail: I cannot speak.
Ger.FetchViolantaand my brother.
Ben.Run,Run like a spout, you rogue: a —— o' poison,That little whore I trusted, will betray me.Stay, hangman, I have work for you; there's Gold;Cut off my head, or hang me presently.
Soft Musick.
EnterAngelinawith the bodies ofFerdinandandViolantaon a bier; Dorotheacarrying the Cup and Letter, which she gives to the Duke: he reads, seems sorrowful; shews it toCorneliaandGerrard:they lament over the bier. RandulphoandBenvoglioseem fearful, and seem to report toAngelinaandDorothea,what hath passed before.
EnterAngelinawith the bodies ofFerdinandandViolantaon a bier; Dorotheacarrying the Cup and Letter, which she gives to the Duke: he reads, seems sorrowful; shews it toCorneliaandGerrard:they lament over the bier. RandulphoandBenvoglioseem fearful, and seem to report toAngelinaandDorothea,what hath passed before.
Ran.This is your rashness, brother.Duke.Oh joy, thou wert too great to last;This was a cruel turning to our hopes,Unnatural Father: poorAscanio.Ger.Oh mother! let me beGerrardagain,And followViolanta.Cor.Oh my Son—Duke.Your lives yet, bloudy men shall answer this.Dor.I must not see 'em longer grieve. My Lord,Be comforted; let sadness generallyForsake each eye and bosom; they both live:For poison, I infus'd meerOpium;Holding compulsive perjury less sinThan such a loathed murther would have bin.All.Oh blessed Ma[iden].Dor.Musick, gently creepInto their ears, and fright hence lazy sleep.Morpheus, command thy servant sleepIn leaden chains no longer keepThis Prince and Lady: Rise, wake, rise,And round about convey your eyes:Rise Prince, go greet thy Father and thy Mother;Rise thou, t'imbrace thy Husband and thy Brother.DukeCor.Son, Daughter.Ferd.Father, Mother, Brother.Ger.Wife.Viol.Are we not all in Heaven?Ger.Faith, very near it.Ferd.How can this be?Duke.Hear it.Dor.If I had serv'd you right, I should have seenYour old pate off, e'r I had reveald.Ben.Oh wench!Oh honest wench! if my wife die, I'll marry thee:There's my reward.Ferd.'Tis true.Duke.'Tis very strange.Ger.Why kneel you honest Master?Ferd.My good Lord.Ger.Dear Mother.Duke.Rise, rise, all are friends: I owe yefor all their boards: And wench, take thou the manWhose life thou sav'dst; less cannot pay the merit.How shall I part my kiss? I cannot: LetOne generally therefore joyn our cheeks.A pen of Iron, and a leaf of Brass,To keep this Story to Eternity:And aPromethean Wit. Oh sacred Love,Nor chance, nor death can thy firm truth remove.[Exeunt.King.NowIsabella.[Flourish.Isab.This can true Love do.I joy they all so happily are pleas'd:The Ladies and the Brothers must triumph.King.They do:ForCupidscorns but t' have his triumph too.[Flourish.
Ran.This is your rashness, brother.
Duke.Oh joy, thou wert too great to last;This was a cruel turning to our hopes,Unnatural Father: poorAscanio.
Ger.Oh mother! let me beGerrardagain,And followViolanta.
Cor.Oh my Son—
Duke.Your lives yet, bloudy men shall answer this.
Dor.I must not see 'em longer grieve. My Lord,Be comforted; let sadness generallyForsake each eye and bosom; they both live:For poison, I infus'd meerOpium;Holding compulsive perjury less sinThan such a loathed murther would have bin.
All.Oh blessed Ma[iden].
Dor.Musick, gently creepInto their ears, and fright hence lazy sleep.Morpheus, command thy servant sleepIn leaden chains no longer keepThis Prince and Lady: Rise, wake, rise,And round about convey your eyes:Rise Prince, go greet thy Father and thy Mother;Rise thou, t'imbrace thy Husband and thy Brother.
DukeCor.Son, Daughter.
Ferd.Father, Mother, Brother.
Ger.Wife.
Viol.Are we not all in Heaven?
Ger.Faith, very near it.
Ferd.How can this be?
Duke.Hear it.
Dor.If I had serv'd you right, I should have seenYour old pate off, e'r I had reveald.
Ben.Oh wench!Oh honest wench! if my wife die, I'll marry thee:There's my reward.
Ferd.'Tis true.
Duke.'Tis very strange.
Ger.Why kneel you honest Master?
Ferd.My good Lord.
Ger.Dear Mother.
Duke.Rise, rise, all are friends: I owe yefor all their boards: And wench, take thou the manWhose life thou sav'dst; less cannot pay the merit.How shall I part my kiss? I cannot: LetOne generally therefore joyn our cheeks.A pen of Iron, and a leaf of Brass,To keep this Story to Eternity:And aPromethean Wit. Oh sacred Love,Nor chance, nor death can thy firm truth remove.[Exeunt.
King.NowIsabella.[Flourish.
Isab.This can true Love do.I joy they all so happily are pleas'd:The Ladies and the Brothers must triumph.
King.They do:ForCupidscorns but t' have his triumph too.[Flourish.
TheTRIUMPH.
Enter divers Musicians, then certain Singers bearing Bannerets inscribed, Truth, Loyalty, Patience, Concord: NextGerrardandFerdinandwith Garlands of Roses: ThenViolanta,Last, a Chariot drawn by twoCupids,and aCupidsitting in it.[Flourish.
Enter divers Musicians, then certain Singers bearing Bannerets inscribed, Truth, Loyalty, Patience, Concord: NextGerrardandFerdinandwith Garlands of Roses: ThenViolanta,Last, a Chariot drawn by twoCupids,and aCupidsitting in it.[Flourish.
EnterPROLOGUE.
Love, and the strength of fair affection(Most royal Sir) what long seem'd lost, have wonTheir perfect ends, and crown'd those constant heartsWith lasting Triumph, whose most virtuous parts,Worthy desires, and love, shall never end.Now turn we round the Scæne, and (Great Sir) lendA sad and serious eye to this of Death,This black and dismal Triumph; where man's breath,Desert, and guilty bloud ascend the Stage,And view the Tyrant, ruind in his rage.[Exit.
Love, and the strength of fair affection(Most royal Sir) what long seem'd lost, have wonTheir perfect ends, and crown'd those constant heartsWith lasting Triumph, whose most virtuous parts,Worthy desires, and love, shall never end.Now turn we round the Scæne, and (Great Sir) lendA sad and serious eye to this of Death,This black and dismal Triumph; where man's breath,Desert, and guilty bloud ascend the Stage,And view the Tyrant, ruind in his rage.[Exit.
[Flourish.
EnterL'avall, GabriellaandMaria.
Gab.No, good my Lord, I am not now to findYour long neglect of me; All those affectionsYou came first clad in to my love, like Summer,Lusty and full of life: all those desiresThat like the painted Spring bloom'd round about ye,Giving the happy promise of an Harvest,How have I seen drop off, and fall forgotten!With the least lustre of anothers beauty,How oft (forgetful Lord) have I been blast[e]d!Was I so eas'ly won? or did this bodyYield to your false embraces with less labourThen if you had carried some strong Town?Lav.GoodGabriella.Gab.Could all your subtilties and sighs betray me.The vows ye shook me with, the tears ye drown'd me,Till I came fairly off with honor'd Marriage?Oh fie, my Lord.Lav.Prethee goodGabriella.Gab.Would I had never known ye, nor your honors,They are stuck too full of griefs: oh happy women,That plant your Love in equal honest bosoms,Whose sweet desires like Roses set together,Make one another happy in their blushes,Growing and dying without sense of greatness,To which I am a slave! [and] that blest SacramentThat daily makes millions of happy mothers, link'd meTo this man's Lust alone, there left me.I dare not say I am his wife, 'tis dangerous:His Love, I cannot say: alas, how many?Lav.You grow too warm; pray [ye be] content, you best know,The times necessity, and how our marriageBeing so much unequal to mine honor,While the Duke lives, I standing high in favour;And whilst I keep that safe, next to the Dukedom,Must not be known, without my utter ruine.Have patience for a while, and do but dream wench,The glory of a Dutchess. How she tires me!How dull and leaden is my appetiteTo that stale beauty now! oh, I could curseAnd crucifie my self for childish doatingUpon a face that feeds not with fresh FiguresEvery fresh hour: she is now a surfet to me.
Gab.No, good my Lord, I am not now to findYour long neglect of me; All those affectionsYou came first clad in to my love, like Summer,Lusty and full of life: all those desiresThat like the painted Spring bloom'd round about ye,Giving the happy promise of an Harvest,How have I seen drop off, and fall forgotten!With the least lustre of anothers beauty,How oft (forgetful Lord) have I been blast[e]d!Was I so eas'ly won? or did this bodyYield to your false embraces with less labourThen if you had carried some strong Town?
Lav.GoodGabriella.
Gab.Could all your subtilties and sighs betray me.The vows ye shook me with, the tears ye drown'd me,Till I came fairly off with honor'd Marriage?Oh fie, my Lord.
Lav.Prethee goodGabriella.
Gab.Would I had never known ye, nor your honors,They are stuck too full of griefs: oh happy women,That plant your Love in equal honest bosoms,Whose sweet desires like Roses set together,Make one another happy in their blushes,Growing and dying without sense of greatness,To which I am a slave! [and] that blest SacramentThat daily makes millions of happy mothers, link'd meTo this man's Lust alone, there left me.I dare not say I am his wife, 'tis dangerous:His Love, I cannot say: alas, how many?
Lav.You grow too warm; pray [ye be] content, you best know,The times necessity, and how our marriageBeing so much unequal to mine honor,While the Duke lives, I standing high in favour;And whilst I keep that safe, next to the Dukedom,Must not be known, without my utter ruine.Have patience for a while, and do but dream wench,The glory of a Dutchess. How she tires me!How dull and leaden is my appetiteTo that stale beauty now! oh, I could curseAnd crucifie my self for childish doatingUpon a face that feeds not with fresh FiguresEvery fresh hour: she is now a surfet to me.
EnterGentille.
Who's that?Gentille?I charge ye, no acquaintanceYou nor your Maid with him, nor no discourseTill times are riper.Gent.Fie, my Noble Lord,Can you be now a stranger to the Court,When your most virtuous Bride, the beauteousHellenaStands ready like a Star to gild your happiness,WhenHymenslusty fires are now a lighting,And all the Flower ofAnjou?Lav.Some few trifles,For matter of adornment, have a littleMade me so slow,Gentille, which now in readiness,I am for Court immediately.Gent.Take heed, Sir,This is no time for trifling, nor she no LadyTo be now entertain'd with toys: 'twill cost ye—Lav.Y'are an old Cock,Gentille.Gent.By your Lordships favour.Lav.Prethee away; 'twill lose time.Gent.Oh my Lord,Pardon me that by all means.Lav.We have businessA-foot man, of more moment.Gent.Then my manners?I know none, nor I seek none.Lav.Take to morrow.Gent.Even now, by your Lordships leave. Excellent Beauty.My service here I ever dedicate,In honor of my best friend, your dead Father,To you his living virtue, and wish heartily,That firm affection that made us two happy,May take as deep undying root, and flourishBetwixt my DaughterCasta, and your goodness,Who shall be still your servant.Gab.I much thank ye.Lav.—— [o'] this dreaming puppy. Will ye go, Sir?Gent.A little more, Good Lord.Lav.Not now, by——Come, I must use ye.Gent.Goodness dwell still with you.[Exeunt Gentill and Laval.Gab.The sight of this old Gentleman,Maria,Pulls to my mine eyes again the living PictureOfPerolothis virtuous Son, my first Love,That dy'd atOrleance.Mar.You have felt both fortunes,And in extreams, poor Lady; for youngPerolot,Being every way unable to maintain you,Durst not make known his love to Friend or Father:My LordLavall, being powerful, and you poor,Will not acknowledge you.Gab.No more: Let's in wench:There let my Lute speak my Laments, they have t[ir]ed me.[Exeunt.
Who's that?Gentille?I charge ye, no acquaintanceYou nor your Maid with him, nor no discourseTill times are riper.
Gent.Fie, my Noble Lord,Can you be now a stranger to the Court,When your most virtuous Bride, the beauteousHellenaStands ready like a Star to gild your happiness,WhenHymenslusty fires are now a lighting,And all the Flower ofAnjou?
Lav.Some few trifles,For matter of adornment, have a littleMade me so slow,Gentille, which now in readiness,I am for Court immediately.
Gent.Take heed, Sir,This is no time for trifling, nor she no LadyTo be now entertain'd with toys: 'twill cost ye—
Lav.Y'are an old Cock,Gentille.
Gent.By your Lordships favour.
Lav.Prethee away; 'twill lose time.
Gent.Oh my Lord,Pardon me that by all means.
Lav.We have businessA-foot man, of more moment.
Gent.Then my manners?I know none, nor I seek none.
Lav.Take to morrow.
Gent.Even now, by your Lordships leave. Excellent Beauty.My service here I ever dedicate,In honor of my best friend, your dead Father,To you his living virtue, and wish heartily,That firm affection that made us two happy,May take as deep undying root, and flourishBetwixt my DaughterCasta, and your goodness,Who shall be still your servant.
Gab.I much thank ye.
Lav.—— [o'] this dreaming puppy. Will ye go, Sir?
Gent.A little more, Good Lord.
Lav.Not now, by——Come, I must use ye.
Gent.Goodness dwell still with you.[Exeunt Gentill and Laval.
Gab.The sight of this old Gentleman,Maria,Pulls to my mine eyes again the living PictureOfPerolothis virtuous Son, my first Love,That dy'd atOrleance.
Mar.You have felt both fortunes,And in extreams, poor Lady; for youngPerolot,Being every way unable to maintain you,Durst not make known his love to Friend or Father:My LordLavall, being powerful, and you poor,Will not acknowledge you.
Gab.No more: Let's in wench:There let my Lute speak my Laments, they have t[ir]ed me.[Exeunt.
Enter two Courtiers.
1 Court.I grant, the Duke is wondrous providentIn his now planting for succession,I know his care as honourable in the choice too.Marinesfair virtuous daughter; but what's all this?To what end excellent arrives this travel,When he that bears the main roof is so rotten?2 Court.You have hit it now indeed: For if Fame lye notHe is untemperate.1 Court.You express him poorly,Too gentle Sir: the most deboist and barbarous;Believe it, the most void of all humanity,Howe'r his cunning, cloak it to his Uncle,And those his pride depends upon.[2] Court.I have heard too,Given excessively to drink.1 Court.Most certain,And in that drink most dangerous: I speak these thingsTo one I know loves truth, and dares not wrong her.2 Court.You may speak on.1 Court.Uncertain as the Sea, Sir,Proud and deceitful as his sins Great Master;His appetite to Women (for there he carriesHis main Sail spread) so boundles, and abominably,That but to have her name by that tongue spoken,Poisons the virtue of the purest Virgin.2 Cour.I am sorry for youngGabriellathen,A Maid reputed, ever of fair carriage,For he has been noted visiting.1 Court.She is gone then,Or any else, that promises, or power,Gifts, or his guilful vows can work upon,But these are but poor parcels.2 Court.'Tis great pity.1 Court.Nor want these sins a chief Saint to befriend 'em,The Devil follows him; and for a truth, Sir,Appears in visible figure often to him,At which time he's possest with sudden trances,Cold deadly sweats, and griping of the conscience,Tormented strangely, as they say.2 Court.Heaven turn him:This marriage-day mayst thou well curse, fairHellen.But let's go view the ceremony.1 Court.I'll walk with you.[Exeunt.
1 Court.I grant, the Duke is wondrous providentIn his now planting for succession,I know his care as honourable in the choice too.Marinesfair virtuous daughter; but what's all this?To what end excellent arrives this travel,When he that bears the main roof is so rotten?
2 Court.You have hit it now indeed: For if Fame lye notHe is untemperate.
1 Court.You express him poorly,Too gentle Sir: the most deboist and barbarous;Believe it, the most void of all humanity,Howe'r his cunning, cloak it to his Uncle,And those his pride depends upon.
[2] Court.I have heard too,Given excessively to drink.
1 Court.Most certain,And in that drink most dangerous: I speak these thingsTo one I know loves truth, and dares not wrong her.
2 Court.You may speak on.
1 Court.Uncertain as the Sea, Sir,Proud and deceitful as his sins Great Master;His appetite to Women (for there he carriesHis main Sail spread) so boundles, and abominably,That but to have her name by that tongue spoken,Poisons the virtue of the purest Virgin.
2 Cour.I am sorry for youngGabriellathen,A Maid reputed, ever of fair carriage,For he has been noted visiting.
1 Court.She is gone then,Or any else, that promises, or power,Gifts, or his guilful vows can work upon,But these are but poor parcels.
2 Court.'Tis great pity.
1 Court.Nor want these sins a chief Saint to befriend 'em,The Devil follows him; and for a truth, Sir,Appears in visible figure often to him,At which time he's possest with sudden trances,Cold deadly sweats, and griping of the conscience,Tormented strangely, as they say.
2 Court.Heaven turn him:This marriage-day mayst thou well curse, fairHellen.But let's go view the ceremony.
1 Court.I'll walk with you.[Exeunt.
[Musick.