Bell. Oh my Noble Lord,View my strange fortune, and bestow on me,According to your bounty (if my serviceCan merit nothing) so much as may serveTo keep that little piece I hold of lifeFrom cold and hunger.
Phi. Is it thou? be gone:Go sell those misbeseeming Cloaths thou wear'st,And feed thy self with them.
Bell. Alas! my Lord, I can get nothing for them:The silly Country people think 'tis TreasonTo touch such gay things.
Phi. Now by my life this isUnkindly done, to vex me with thy sight,Th'art fain again to thy dissembling trade:How should'st thou think to cozen me again?Remains there yet a plague untri'd for me?Even so thou wept'st and spok'st when firstI took thee up; curse on the time. If thyCommanding tears can work on any other,Use thy art, I'le not betray it. Which wayWilt thou take, that I may shun thee;For thine eyes are poyson to mine; and IAm loth to grow in rage. This way, or that way?
Bell. Any will serve. But I will chuse to haveThat path in chase that leads unto my grave.
[ExeuntPhil.andBell.severally.
EnterDionand theWoodmen.
Di. This is the strangest sudden change! YouWoodman.
1 Wood. My LordDion.
Di. Saw you a Lady come this way on a Sable-horse stubbed with stars of white?
2 Wood. Was she not young and tall?
Di. Yes; Rode she to the wood, or to the plain?
2 Wood. Faith my Lord we saw none.
[ExeuntWood.
EnterCleremont.
Di. Pox of your questions then. What, is she found?
Cle. Nor will be I think.
Di. Let him seek his Daughter himself; she cannot stray about a little necessary natural business, but the whole Court must be in Arms; when she has done, we shall have peace.
Cle. There's already a thousand fatherless tales amongst us; some say her Horse run away with her; some a Wolf pursued her; others, it was a plot to kill her; and that Armed men were seen in the Wood: but questionless, she rode away willingly.
EnterKing,andThrasiline.
King. Where is she?
Cle. Sir, I cannot tell.
King. How is that? Answer me so again.
Cle. Sir, shall I lie?
King. Yes, lie and damn, rather than tell me that; I say again, where is she? Mutter not; Sir, speak you where is she?
Di. Sir, I do not know.
King. Speak that again so boldly, and by HeavenIt is thy last. You fellows answer me,Where is she? Mark me all, I am your King.I wish to see my Daughter, shew her me;I do command you all, as you are subjects,To shew her me, what am I not your King?If I, then am I not to be obeyed?
Di. Yes, if you command things possible and honest.
King. Things possible and honest! Hear me, thou,Thou Traytor, that darest confine thy King to thingsPossible and honest; shew her me,Or let me perish, if I cover not allCicilywith bloud.
Di. Indeed I cannot, unless you tell me where she is.
King. You have betray'd me, y'have, let me loseThe Jewel of my life, go; bring her me,And set her before me; 'tis the KingWill have it so, whose breath can still the winds,Uncloud the Sun, charm down the swelling Sea,And stop the Flouds of Heaven; speak, can it not?
Di. No.
King. No, cannot the breath of Kings do this?
Di. No; nor smell sweet it self, if once the Lungs Be but corrupted.
King. Is it so? Take heed.
Di. Sir, take you heed; how you dare the powersThat must be just.
King. Alas! what are we Kings?Why do you gods place us above the rest;To be serv'd, flatter'd, and ador'd till weBelieve we hold within our hands your Thunder,And when we come to try the power we have,There's not a leaf shakes at our threatnings.I have sin'd 'tis true, and here stand to be punish'd;Yet would not thus be punish'd; let me chuseMy way, and lay it on.
Di. He Articles with the gods; would some body would draw bonds, for the performance of Covenants betwixt them.
EnterPha. Galatea,andMegra.
King. What, is she found?
Pha. No, we have ta'ne her Horse. He gallopt empty by: there's some Treason; YouGalatearode with her into the wood; why left you her?
Gal. She did command me.
King. Command! you should not.
Gal. 'Twould ill become my Fortunes and my BirthTo disobey the Daughter of my King.
King. Y'are all cunning to obey us for our hurt,But I will have her.
Pha. If I have her not,By this hand there shall be no moreCicily.
Di. What will he carry it toSpainin's pocket?
Pha. I will not leave one man alive, but the King,A Cook and a Taylor.
Di. Yet you may do well to spare your Ladies Bed-fellow,and her you may keep for a Spawner.
King. I see the injuries I have done must be reveng'd.
Di. Sir, this is not the way to find her out.
King. Run all, disperse your selves: the man that finds her, Or (if she be kill'd) the Traytor; I'le [make] him great.
Di. I know some would give five thousand pounds to find her.
Pha. Come let us seek.
King. Each man a several way, here I my self.
Di. Come Gentlemen we here.
Cle. Lady you must go search too.
Meg. I had rather be search'd my self.
[Exeunt omnes.
EnterArethusa.
Are. Where am I now? Feet find me out a way,Without the counsel of my troubled head,I'le follow you boldly about these woods,O're mountains, thorow brambles, pits, and flouds:Heaven I hope will ease me. I am sick.
EnterBellario.
Bell. Yonder's my Lady; Heaven knows I want nothing;Because I do not wish to live, yet IWill try her Charity. Oh hear, you that have plenty,From that flowing store, drop some on dry ground; see,The lively red is gone to guard her heart;I fear she faints. Madam look up, she breaths not;Open once more those rosie twins, and sendUnto my Lord, your latest farewell; Oh, she stirs:How is it Madam? Speak comfort.
Are. 'Tis not gently done,To put me in a miserable life,And hold me there; I pray thee let me go,I shall do best without thee; I am well.
EnterPhilaster.
Phil. I am to blame to be so much in rage,I'le tell her coolely, when and where I heardThis killing truth. I will be temperateIn speaking, and as just in hearing.Oh monstrous! Tempt me not ye gods, good godsTempt not a frail man, what's he, that has a heartBut he must ease it here?
Bell. My Lord, help the Princess.
Are. I am well, forbear.
Phi. Let me love lightning, let me be embrac'dAnd kist by Scorpions, or adore the eyesOf Basilisks, rather than trust to tongues,And shrink these veins up; stick me here a stoneLasting to ages in the memoryOf this damn'd act. Hear me you wicked ones,You have put the hills on fire into this breast,Not to be quench'd with tears, for which may guiltSit on your bosoms; at your meals, and beds,Despair await you: what, before my face?Poyson of Aspes between your lips; DiseasesBe your best issues; Nature make a CurseAnd throw it on you.
Are. DearPhilaster, leaveTo be enrag'd, and hear me.
Phi. I have done;Forgive my passion, not the calm'd sea,WhenÆoluslocks up his windy brood,Is less disturb'd than I, I'le make you know it.DearArethusa, do but take this sword,And search how temperate a heart I have;Then you and this your boy, may live and raignIn lust without control; Wilt thouBellario?I prethee kill me; thou art poor, and maistNourish ambitious thoughts, when I am dead:This way were freer; Am I raging now?If I were mad I should desire to live;Sirs, feel my pulse; whether have you knownA man in a more equal tune to die?
Bel. Alas my Lord, your pulse keeps madmans time,So does your tongue.
Phi. You will not kill me then?
Are. Kill you?
Bell. Not for a world.
Phi. I blame not thee,Bellario; thou hast done but that, which gods Would have transform'd themselves to do; be gone, Leave me without reply; this is the last Of all our meeting. Kill me with this sword; Be wise, or worse will follow: we are two Earth cannot bear at once. Resolve to do, or suffer.
Are. If my fortunes be so good to let me fallUpon thy hand, I shall have peace in death.Yet tell me this, will there be no slanders,No jealousies in the other world, no ill there?
Phi. No.
Are. Shew me then the way.
Phi. Then guideMy feeble hand, you that have power to do it,For I must perform a piece of justice. If your youthHave any way offended Heaven, let prayersShort and effectual reconcile you to it.
Are. I am prepared.
Enter aCountry-fellow.
Coun. I'le see the King if he be in the Forest, I have hunted him these two hours; if I should come home and not see him my Sisters would laugh at me; I can see nothing but people better horst than my self, that outride me; I can hear nothing but shouting. These Kings had need of good brains, this whooping is able to put a mean man out of his wits. There's a Courtier with his sword drawn, by this hand upon a woman, I think.
Phi. Are you at peace?
Are. With Heavens and Earth.
Phi. May they divide thy soul and body?
Coun. Hold dastard, strike a Woman! th'art a craven I warrant thee, thou wouldst be loth to play half a dozen of venies at wasters with a good fellow for a broken head.
Phi. Leave us good friend.
Are. What ill bred man art thou, to intrude thy selfUpon our private sports, our recreations?
Coun. God 'uds, I understand you not, but I know theRogue has hurt you.
Phi. Pursue thy own affairs: it will be ill To multiply bloud upon my head; which thou wilt force me to.
Coun. I know not your Rhetorick, but I can lay it on if you touch the woman.
[They fight.
Phi. Slave, take what thou deservest.
Are. Heavens guard my Lord.
Coun. Oh do you breath?
Phi. I hear the tread of people: I am hurt.The gods take part against me, could this BoorHave held me thus else? I must shift for life,Though I do loath it. I would find a course,To lose it, rather by my will than force.
[ExitPhil.
Coun. I cannot follow the Rogue. I pray thee wench come and kiss me now.
EnterPhara. Dion, Cle. Thra.andWoodmen.
Pha. What art thou?
Coun. Almost kil'd I am for a foolish woman; a knavehas hurt her.
Pha. The Princess Gentlemen! Where's the wound Madam?Is it dangerous?
Are. He has not hurt me.
Coun. I'faith she lies, has hurt her in the breast, look else.
Pha. O sacred spring of innocent blood!
Di. 'Tis above wonder! who should dare this?
Are. I felt it not.
Pha. Speak villain, who has hurt the Princess?
Coun. Is it the Princess?
Di. I.
Coun. Then I have seen something yet.
Pha. But who has hurt her?
Coun. I told you a Rogue I ne're saw him before, I.
Pha. Madam who did it?
Are. Some dishonest wretch, Alas I know him not,And do forgive him.
Coun. He's hurt too, he cannot go far, I made my Fathers old Fox flie about his ears.
Pha. How will you have me kill him?
Are. Not at all, 'tis some distracted fellow.
Pha. By this hand, I'le leave ne'er a piece of him bigger than a Nut, and bring him all in my Hat.
Are. Nay, good Sir;If you do take him, bring him quick to me,And I will study for a punishment,Great as his fault.
Pha. I will.
Are. But swear.
Pha. By all my love I will: Woodmen conduct the Princess to the King, and bear that wounded fellow to dressing: Come Gentlemen, we'l follow the chase close.
[Ex. Are. Pha. Di. Cle. Thra.and1 Woodman.
Coun. I pray you friend let me see the King.
2 Wood.That you shall, and receive thanks.
[Exeunt.
Coun. If I get clear with this, I'le go see no more gay sights.
EnterBellario.
Bell. A heaviness near death sits on my brow,And I must sleep: Bear me thou gentle bank,For ever if thou wilt: you sweet ones all,Let me unworthy press you: I could wishI rather were a Coarse strewed o're with you,Than quick above you. Dulness shuts mine eyes,And I am giddy; Oh that I could takeSo sound a sleep, that I might never wake.
EnterPhilaster.
Phi. I have done ill, my conscience calls me false,To strike at her, that would not strike at me:When I did fight, me thought I heard her prayThe gods to guard me. She may be abus'd,And I a loathed villain: if she be,She will conceal who hurt her; He has wounds,And cannot follow, neither knows he me.Who's this;Bellariosleeping? If thou beestGuilty, there is no justice that thy sleep
[Cry within.
Should be so sound, and mine, whom thou hast wrong'd,So broken: Hark I am pursued: you godsI'le take this offer'd means of my escape:They have no mark to know me, but my wounds,If she be true; if false, let mischief lightOn all the world at once. Sword, print my woundsUpon this sleeping boy: I ha' none I thinkAre mortal, nor would I lay greater on thee.
[Wounds him.
Bell. Oh death I hope is come, blest be that hand, It meant me well; again, for pities sake.
Phi. I have caught my self,
[Phi.falls.
The loss of bloud hath stayed my flight. Here, here,Is he that stroke thee: take thy full revenge,Use me, as I did mean thee, worse than death:I'le teach thee to revenge this luckless handWounded the Princess, tell my followersThou didst receive these hurts in staying me,And I will second thee: Get a reward.
Bell. Fly, fly my Lord and save your self.
Phi. How's this?Wouldst thou I should be safe?
Bell. Else it were vainFor me to live. These little wounds I have,Ha' not bled much, reach me that noble hand,I'le help to cover you.
Phi. Art thou true to me?
Bell. Or let me perish loath'd. Come my good Lord, Creep in amongst those bushes: who does know But that the gods may save your (much lov'd) breath?
Phi. Then I shall die for grief, if not for this, That I have wounded thee: what wilt thou do?
Bell. Shift for my self well: peace, I hear 'em come.
Within. Follow, follow, follow; that way they went.
Bell. With my own wounds I'le bloudy my own sword. I need not counterfeit to fall; Heaven knows, That I can stand no longer.
EnterPha. Dion, Cle.andThra.
Pha. To this place we have tract him by his bloud.
Cle. Yonder, my Lord, creeps one away.
Di. Stay Sir, what are you?
Bell. A wretched creature wounded in these WoodsBy Beasts; relieve me, if your names be men,Or I shall perish.
Di. This is he my Lord,Upon my soul that hurt her; 'tis the boy,That wicked boy that serv'd her.
Pha. O thou damn'd in thy creation!What cause could'st thou shape to hurt the Princess?
Bell. Then I am betrayed.
Di. Betrayed! no, apprehended.
Bell. I confess;Urge it no more, that big with evil thoughtsI set upon her, and did take my aimHer death. For charity let fall at onceThe punishment you mean, and do not loadThis weary flesh with tortures.
Pha. I will know who hir'd thee to this deed?
Bell. Mine own revenge.
Pha. Revenge, for what?
Bell. It pleas'd her to receiveMe as her Page, and when my fortunes ebb'd,That men strid o're them carelesly, she did showrHer welcome graces on me, and did swellMy fortunes, till they overflow'd their banks,Threatning the men that crost 'em; when as swiftAs storms arise at sea, she turn'd her eyesTo burning Suns upon me, and did dryThe streams she had bestowed, leaving me worseAnd more contemn'd than other little brooks,Because I had been great: In short, I knewI could not live, and therefore did desireTo die reveng'd.
Pha. If tortures can be found,Long as thy natural life, resolve to feelThe utmost rigour.
[Philastercreeps out of a bush.
Cle. Help to lead him hence.
Phi. Turn back you ravishers of Innocence, Know ye the price of that you bear away so rudely?
Pha. Who's that?
Di. 'Tis the LordPhilaster.
Phi. 'Tis not the treasure of all Kings in one,The wealth ofTagus, nor the Rocks of Pearl,That pave the Court ofNeptune, can weigh downThat vertue. It was I that hurt the Princess.Place me, some god, upon aPiramis,Higher than hills of earth, and lend a voiceLoud as your Thunder to me, that from thence,I may discourse to all the under-world,The worth that dwells in him.
Pha. How's this?
Bell. My Lord, some man Weary of life, that would be glad to die.
Phi. Leave these untimely courtesiesBellario.
Bell. Alas he's mad, come will you lead me on?
Phi. By all the Oaths that men ought most to keep:And Gods do punish most, when men do break,He toucht her not. Take heedBellario,How thou dost drown the vertues thou hast shownWith perjury. By all that's good 'twas I:You know she stood betwixt me and my right.
Pha. Thy own tongue be thy judge.
Cle. It wasPhilaster.
Di. Is't not a brave boy? Well Sirs, I fear we were all deceived.
Phi. Have I no friend here?
Di. Yes.
Phi. Then shew it;Some good body lend a hand to draw us nearer.Would you have tears shed for you when you die?Then lay me gentle on his neck that thereI may weep flouds, and breath out my spirit:'Tis not the wealth ofPlutus, nor the goldLockt in the heart of earth, can buy awayThis arm-full from me, this had been a ransomTo have redeem'd the greatAugustus Caesar,Had he been taken: you hard-hearted men,More stony than these Mountains, can you seeSuch clear pure bloud drop, and not cut your fleshTo stop his life? To bind whose better wounds,Queens ought to tear their hair, and with their tears,Bath 'em. Forgive me, thou that art the wealth ofpoorPhilaster.
[EnterKing, Arethusaand aGuard.
King. Is the villain ta'ne?
Pha. Sir, here be two confess the deed; but say it wasPhilaster.
Phi. Question it no more, it was.
King. The fellow that did fight with him will tell us.
Are. Ay me, I know he will.
King. Did not you know him?
Are. Sir, if it was he, he was disguised.
Phi. I was so. Oh my stars! that I should live still.
King. Thou ambitious fool; Thou that hast laid a train for thy own life; Now I do mean to do, I'le leave to talk, bear him to prison.
Are. Sir, they did plot together to take henceThis harmless life; should it pass unreveng'd,I should to earth go weeping: grant me then(By all the love a Father bears his Child)Their custodies, and that I may appointTheir tortures and their death.
Di. Death? soft, our Law will not reach that, for this fault.
King. 'Tis granted, take 'em to you, with a Guard. Come PrincelyPharamond, this business past, We may with more security go on to your intended match.
Cle. I pray that this action lose notPhilasterthe hearts of the people.
Di. Fear it not, their overwise heads will think it but a trick.
[Exeunt Omnes.
Actus Quintus. Scena Prima.
EnterDion, Cleremont,andThrasiline.
Thra. Has the King sent for him to death?
Di. Yes, but the King must know, 'tis not inhis power to war with Heaven.
Cle. We linger time; the King sent forPhilasterand theHeadsman an hour ago.
Thra. Are all his wounds well?
Di. All they were but scratches; but the loss of bloud made him faint.
Cle. We dally Gentlemen.
Thra. Away.
Di. We'l scuffle hard before he perish.
[Exeunt.
EnterPhilaster, Arethusa,andBellario.
Are. Nay dearPhilastergrieve not, we are well.
Bell. Nay good my Lord forbear, we are wondrous well.
Phi. OhArethusa! OBellario! leave to be kind:I shall be shot from Heaven, as now fromEarth, If you continue so; I am a man,False to a pair of the most trusty onesThat ever earth bore, can it bear us all?Forgive and leave me, but the King hath sentTo call me to my death, Oh shew it me,And then forget me: And for thee my boy,I shall deliver words will mollifieThe hearts of beasts, to spare thy innocence.
Bell. Alas my Lord, my life is not a thingWorthy your noble thoughts; 'tis not a life,'Tis but a piece of child-hood thrown away:Should I out-live, I shall then out-liveVertue and honour. And when that day comes,If ever I should close these eyes but once,May I live spotted for my perjury,And waste my limbs to nothing.
Are. And I (the woful'st maid as ever was,Forc'd with my hands to bring my Lord to death)Do by the honour of a Virgin swear,To tell no hours beyond it.
Phi. Make me not hated so.
Are. Come from this prison, all joyful to our deaths.
Phi. People will tear me when they find you trueTo such a wretch as I; I shall die loath'd.Injoy your Kingdoms peaceably, whil'st IFor ever sleep forgotten with my faults,Every just servant, every maid in loveWill have a piece of me if you be true.
Are. My dear Lord say not so.
Bell. A piece of you?He was not born of women that can cut it and look on.
Phi. Take me in tears betwixt you,For my heart will break with shame and sorrow.
Are. Why 'tis well.
Bell. Lament no more.
Phi. What would you have doneIf you had wrong'd me basely, and had foundMy life no price, compar'd to yours? For love Sirs,Deal with me truly.
Bell. 'Twas mistaken, Sir.
Phi. Why if it were?
Bell. Then Sir we would have ask'd you pardon.
Phi. And have hope to enjoy it?
Are. Injoy it? I.
Phi. Would you indeed? be plain.
Bell. We would my Lord.
Phi. Forgive me then.
Are. So, so.
Bell. 'Tis as it should be now.
Phi. Lead to my death.
[Exeunt.
EnterKing, Dion, Cleremont,andThrasiline.
King. Gentlemen, who saw the Prince?
Cle. So please you Sir, he's gone to see the City, And the new Platform, with some Gentlemen Attending on him.
King. Is the Princess ready To bring her prisoner out?
Thra. She waits your Grace.
King. Tell her we stay.
Di. King, you may be deceiv'd yet:The head you aim at cost more setting onThan to be lost so slightly: If it must offLike a wild overflow, that soops before himA golden Stack, and with it shakes down Bridges,Cracks the strong hearts ofPines, whose Cable rootsHeld out a thousand Storms, a thousand Thunders,And so made mightier, takes whole VillagesUpon his back, and in that heat of pride,Charges strong Towns, Towers, Castles, Palaces,And layes them desolate: so shall thy head,Thy noble head, bury the lives of thousandsThat must bleed with thee like a sacrifice,In thy red ruines.
EnterPhil. Are.andBell,in a Robe and Garland.
King. How now, what Mask is this?
Bell. Right Royal Sir, I shouldSing you an Epithalamium of these lovers,But having lost my best ayres with my fortunes,And wanting a celestial Harp to strikeThis blessed union on; thus in glad storyI give you all. These two fair Cedar-branches,The noblest of the Mountain, where they grewStraightest and tallest, under whose still shadesThe worthier beasts have made their layers, and sleptFree from theSyrianStar, and the fell Thunder-stroke,Free from the Clouds, when they were big with humour,And delivered in thousand spouts, their issues tothe earth: O there was none but silent quiet there!Till never pleas'd fortune shot up shrubs,Base under brambles to divorce these branches;And for a while they did so, and did raignOver the Mountain, and choakt up his beautyWith Brakes, rude Thornes and Thistles, till thy SunScorcht them even to the roots, and dried them there:And now a gentle gale hath blown againThat made these branches meet, and twine together,Never to be divided: The god that singsHis holy numbers over marriage beds,Hath knit their noble hearts, and here they standYour Children mighty King, and I have done.
King. How, how?
Are. Sir, if you love it in plain truth,For there is no Masking in't; This GentlemanThe prisoner that you gave me is becomeMy keeper, and through all the bitter throwsYour jealousies and his ill fate have wrought him,Thus nobly hath he strangled, and at lengthArriv'd here my dear Husband.
King. Your dear Husband! call inThe Captain of the Cittadel; There you shall keepYour Wedding. I'le provide a Mask shall makeYour Hymen turn his Saffron into a sullen Coat,And sing sad Requiems to your departing souls:Bloud shall put out your Torches, and insteadOf gaudy flowers about your wanton necks,An Ax shall hang like a prodigious MeteorReady to crop your loves sweets. Hear you gods:From this time do I shake all title off,Of Father to this woman, this base woman,And what there is of vengeance, in a LionCast amongst Dogs, or rob'd of his dear young,The same inforc't more terrible, more mighty,Expect from me.
Are. Sir,By that little life I have left to swear by,There's nothing that can stir me from my self.What I have done, I have done without repentance,For death can be no Bug-bear unto me,So long asPharamondis not my headsman.
Di. Sweet peace upon thy soul, thou worthy maidWhen ere thou dyest; for this time I'le excuse thee,Or be thy Prologue.
Phi. Sir, let me speak next,And let my dying words be better with youThan my dull living actions; if you aimeAt the dear life of this sweet Innocent,Y'are a Tyrant and a savage Monster;Your memory shall be as foul behind youAs you are living, all your better deedsShall be in water writ, but this in Marble:No Chronicle shall speak you, though your own,But for the shame of men. No Monument(Though high and big asPelion) shall be ableTo cover this base murther; make it richWith Brass, with purest Gold, and shining Jasper,Like the Pyramids, lay on Epitaphs,Such as make great men gods; my little marble(That only cloaths my ashes, not my faults)Shall far out shine it: And for after issuesThink not so madly of the heavenly wisdoms,That they will give you more, for your mad rageTo cut off, unless it be some Snake, or somethingLike your self, that in his birth shall strangle you.Remember, my Father King; there was a fault,But I forgive it: let that sin perswade youTo love this Lady. If you have a soul,Think, save her, and be saved, for my self,I have so long expected this glad hour,So languisht under you, and daily withered,That heaven knows it is my joy to dye,I find a recreation in't.
Enter aMessenger.
Mess. Where's the King?
King. Here.
Mess. Get you to your strength,And rescue the PrincePharamondfrom danger,He's taken prisoner by the Citizens,Fearing the LordPhilaster.
Di. Oh brave followers;Mutiny, my fine dear Country-men, mutiny,Now my brave valiant foremen, shew your weaponsIn honour of your Mistresses.
[Enter anotherMessenger.
Mess. Arm, arm, arm.
King. A thousand devils take 'em.
Di. A thousand blessings on 'em.
Mess. Arm O King, the City is in mutiny, Led by an old Gray Ruffin, who comes on In rescue of the LordPhilaster.
[Exit withAre. Phi. Bell.
King. Away to the Cittadel, I'le see them safe, And then cope with these Burgers: Let the Guard And all the Gentlemen give strong attendance.
[Ex. King.
[ManentDion, Cleremont, Thrasiline.
Cle. The City up! this was above our wishes.
Di. I and the Marriage too; by my life, This noble Lady has deceiv'd us all, a plague upon my self; a thousand plagues, for having such unworthy thoughts of her dear honour: O I could beat my self, or do you beat me and I'le beat you, for we had all one thought.
Cle. No, no, 'twill but lose time.
Di. You say true, are your swords sharp? Well my dear Country-men, what ye lack, if you continue and fall not back upon the first broken shin, I'le have you chronicled, and chronicled, and cut and chronicled and all to be prais'd, and sung in Sonnets, and bath'd in new brave Ballads, that all tongues shall troule youin Saecula Saeculorummy kind Can-carriers.
Thra. What if a toy take 'em i'th' heels now, and they run all away, and cry the Devil take the hindmost?
Di. Then the same Devil take the foremost too, and sowce him for his breakfast; if they all prove Cowards, my curses fly amongst them and be speeding. May they have Murreins raign to keep the Gentlemen at home unbound in easie freeze: May the Moths branch their Velvets, and their Silks only be worn before sore eyes. May their false lights undo 'em, and discover presses, holes, stains, and oldness in their Stuffs, and make them shop-rid: May they keep Whores and Horses, and break; and live mued up with necks of Beef and Turnips: May they have many children, and none like the Father: May they know no language but that gibberish they prattle to their Parcels, unless it be the goarish Latine they write in their bonds, and may they write that false, and lose their debts.
Enter theKing.
King. Now the vengeance of all the gods confound them; how they swarm together! what a hum they raise; Devils choak your wilde throats; If a man had need to use their valours, he must pay a Brokage for it, and then bring 'em on, they will fight like sheep. 'TisPhilaster, none butPhilastermust allay this heat: They will not hear me speak, but fling dirt at me, and call me Tyrant. Oh run dear friend, and bring the LordPhilaster: speak him fair, call him Prince, do him all the courtesie you can, commend me to him. Oh my wits, my wits!
[ExitCle.
Di. Oh my brave Countrymen! as I live, I will not buy a pin out of your walls for this; Nay, you shall cozen me, and I'le thank you; and send you Brawn and Bacon, and soil you every long vacation a brace of foremen, that atMichaelmasshall come up fat and kicking.
King. What they will do with this poor Prince, the gods know, and I fear.
Di. Why Sir: they'l flea him, and make Church Buckets on's skin to squench rebellion, then clap a rivet in's sconce, and hang him up for a sign.
EnterCleremontwithPhilaster.
King. O worthy Sir forgive me, do not makeYour miseries and my faults meet together,To bring a greater danger. Be your self,Still sound amongst Diseases, I have wrong'd you,And though I find it last, and beaten to it,Let first your goodness know it. Calm the people,And be what you were born to: take your love,And with her my repentance, and my wishes,And all my prayers, by the gods my heart speaks this:And if the least fall from me not perform'd,May I be struck with Thunder.
Phi. Mighty Sir,I will not do your greatness so much wrong,As not to make your word truth; free the Princess,And the poor boy, and let me stand the shockOf this mad Sea breach, which I'le either turnOr perish with it.
King. Let your own word free them.
Phi. Then thus I take my leave kissing your hand,And hanging on your Royal word: be Kingly,And be not moved Sir, I shall bring your peace,Or never bring my self back.
King. All the gods go with thee.
[Exeunt Omnes.
Enter an old Captain and Citizens withPharamond.
Cap. Come my brave Mirmidons let's fall on, let our capsSwarm my boys, and you nimble tongues forget your mothersGibberish, of what do you lack, and set your mouthsUp Children, till your Pallats fall frighted half aFathom, past the cure of Bay-salt and gross Pepper.And then cryPhilaster, bravePhilaster,LetPhilasterbe deeper in request, my ding-dongs,My pairs of dear Indentures, King of Clubs,Than your cold water Chamblets or your paintingsSpitted with Copper; let not your hasty Silks,Or your branch'd Cloth of Bodkin, or your Tishues,Dearly belov'd of spiced Cake and Custard,Your Robin-hoods scarlets and Johns, tie your affectionsIn darkness to your shops; no, dainty Duckers,Up with your three pil'd spirits, your wrought valours.And let your un-cut Coller make the King feelThe measure of your mightinessPhilaster.Cry my Rose nobles, cry.
All. Philaster, Philaster.
Cap. How do you like this my Lord Prince, these are mad boys, I tell you, these are things that will not strike their top-sayles to a Foist. And let a man of war, an Argosie hull and cry Cockles.
Pha. Why you rude slave, do you know what you do?
Cap. My Pretty Prince of Puppets, we do know,And give your greatness warning, that you talkNo more such Bugs-words, or that soldred CrownShall be scratch'd with a Musket: Dear Prince Pippen,Down with your noble bloud; or as I live,I'le have you codled: let him lose my spirits,Make us a round Ring with your Bills my Hectors,And let us see what this trim man dares do.Now Sir, have at you; here I [lie],And with this swashing blow, do you swear Prince;I could hulk your Grace, and hang you up cross-leg'd,Like a Hare at a Poulters, and do this with this wiper.
Pha. You will not see me murder'd wicked Villains?
1 Cit. Yes indeed will we Sir, we have not seen one fo[r] a great while.
Capt. He would have weapons would he? give him a Broad-side my brave boyes with your pikes, branch me his skin in Flowers like a Satin, and between every Flower a mortal cut, your Royalty shall ravel, jag him Gentlemen, I'le have him cut to the kell, then down the seames, oh for a whip To make him Galoone-Laces, I'le have a Coach-whip.
Pha. O spare me Gentlemen.
Cap. Hold, hold, the man begins to fear and know himself,He shall for this time only be seal'd upWith a Feather through his nose, that he may only seeHeaven, and think whither he's going,Nay beyond-Sea Sir, we will proclaim you, you wouldbe King Thou tender Heir apparent to a Church-Ale,Thou sleight Prince of single Sarcenet;Thou Royal Ring-tail, fit to fly at nothingBut poor mens Poultry, and have every BoyBeat thee from that too with his Bread and Butter.
Pha. Gods keep me from these Hell-hounds.
2 Cit. Shall's geld him Captain?
Cap. No, you shall spare his dowcets my dear Donsels,As you respect the Ladies let them flourish;The curses of a longing woman kill as speedy as aPlague, Boys.
1 Cit. I'le have a Leg that's certain.
2 Cit. I'le have an Arm.
3 Cit. I'le have his Nose, and at mine own charge builda Colledge, and clap't upon the Gate.
4 Cit. I'le have his little Gut to string a Kit with,For certainly a Royal Gut will sound like silver.
Pha. Would they were in thy belly, and I past my pain once.
5 Cit. Good Captain let me have his Liver to feed Ferrets.
Cap. Who will have parcels else? speak.
Pha. Good gods consider me, I shall be tortur'd.
1 Cit. Captain, I'le give you the trimming of your hand-sword, and let me have his Skin to make false Scabbards.
2. He had no horns Sir had he?
Cap. No Sir, he's a Pollard, what would'st thou do with horns?
Cit. O if he had, I would have made rare Hafts and Whistles of 'em, but his Shin-bones if they be sound shall serve me.
[EnterPhilaster.
All. Long livePhilaster, the brave PrincePhilaster.
Phi. I thank you Gentlemen, but why are theseRude weapons brought abroad, to teach your handsUncivil Trades?
Cap. My Royal Rosiclear,We are thy Mirmidons, thy Guard, thy Rorers,And when thy noble body is in durance,Thus do we clap our musty Murrions on,And trace the streets in terrour: Is it peaceThouMarsof men? Is the King sociable,And bids thee live? Art thou above thy foemen,And free asPhoebus? Speak, if not, this standOf Royal blood shall be abroach, atilt, and runEven to the lees of honour.
Phi. Hold and be satisfied, I am my selfFree as my thoughts are, by the gods I am.
Cap. Art thou the dainty darling of the King?Art thou theHylasto ourHercules?Do the Lords bow, and the regarded scarlets,Kiss their Gumd-gols, and cry, we are your servants?Is the Court Navigable, and the presence struckWith Flags of friendship? if not, we are thy CastleAnd this man sleeps.
Phi. I am what I desire to be, your friend,I am what I was born to be, your Prince.
Pha. Sir, there is some humanity in you,You have a noble soul, forget my name,And know my misery, set me safe aboardFrom these wildCanibals, and as I live,I'le quit this Land for ever: there is nothing,Perpetual prisonment, cold, hunger, sicknessOf all sorts, all dangers, and all togetherThe worst company of the worst men, madness, age,To be as many Creatures as a woman,And do as all they do, nay to despair;But I would rather make it a new Nature,And live with all those than endure one hourAmongst these wild Dogs.
Phi. I do pity you: Friends discharge your fears,Deliver me the Prince, I'le warrant youI shall be old enough to find my safety.
3 Cit. Good Sir take heed he does not hurt you,He's a fierce man I can tell you Sir.
Cap. Prince, by your leave I'le have a Sursingle,And Male you like a Hawke.
[He stirs.
Phi. Away, away, there is no danger in him:Alas he had rather sleep to shake his fit off.Look you friends, how gently he leads, upon my wordHe's tame enough, he need[s] no further watching.Good my friends go to your houses andby me have your pardons, and my love,And know there shall be nothing in my powerYou may deserve, but you shall have your wishes.To give you more thanks were to flatter you,Continue still your love, and for an earnestDrink this.All. Long maist thou live brave Prince, brave Prince,brave Prince.
[ExeuntPhi.andPha.
Cap. Thou art the King of Courtesie: Fall off again my sweet youths, come and every man Trace to his house again, and hang his pewter up, then to The Tavern and bring your wives in Muffes: we will have Musick and the red grape shall make us dance, and rise Boys.
[Exeunt.
EnterKing, Are. Gal. Meg. Cle. Dion, Thra. Bellario,and Attendants.
King. Is it appeas'd?
Di. Sir, all is quiet as this dead of night,As peaceable as sleep, my LordPhilasterBrings on the Prince himself.
King. Kind Gentlemen!I will not break the least word I have givenIn promise to him, I have heap'd a worldOf grief upon his head, which yet I hopeTo wash away.