Ast.I might, my lord;But pardon me.
Bert.And will Astutio prove, then,To please a passionate man, (the king's no more,)False to his maker, and his reason, whichCommands more than I ask? O summer friendship,Whose flattering leaves, that shadow'd us in ourProsperity, with the least gust drop offIn the autumn of adversity! How likeA prison is to a grave! when dead, we areWith solemn pomp brought thither, and our heirs,Masking their joy in false dissembled tears,Weep o'er the herse; but earth no sooner coversThe earth brought thither, but they turn away,With inward smiles, the dead no more remember'd:So, enter'd in a prison——
Ast.My occasionsCommand me hence, my lord.
Bert.Pray you, leave me, do;And tell the cruel king, that I will wearThese fetters till my flesh and they are oneIncorporated substance. [ExitAstutio.] In myself,As in a glass, I'll look on human frailty,And curse the height of royal blood; since I,In being born near to Jove, am near his thunder[159].Cedars once shaken with a storm, their ownWeight grubs their roots out.—Lead me where you please;I am his, not fortune's martyr, and will dieThe great example of his cruelty.[Exit guarded.
Palermo. A Grove near the Palace.
EnterAdorni.
Ador.He undergoes my challenge, and contemns it,And threatens me with the late edict made'Gainst duellists,—the altar cowards fly to.But I, that am engaged, and nourish in meA higher aim than fair Camiola dreams of,Must not sit down thus. In the court I dare notAttempt him; and in public he's so guarded,With a herd of parasites, clients, fools, and suitors,That a musket cannot reach him:—my designsAdmit of no delay. This is her birthday,Which, with a fit and due solemnity,Camiola celebrates: and on it, all suchAs love or serve her usually presentA tributary duty. I'll have somethingTo give, if my intelligence prove true,Shall find acceptance. I am told, near this groveFulgentio, every morning, makes his marketsWith his petitioners; I may present himWith a sharp petition!——Ha! 'tis he: my fateBe ever bless'd for 't!
EnterFulgentioand Page.
Ful.Command such as wait meNot to presume, at the least for half an hour,To press on my retirements. Begone, sir.[Exit Page.Challenged! 'tis well; and by a groom! still better.Was this shape made to fight? I have a tongue yet,Howe'er no sword, to kill him; and what way,This morning I'll resolve of.[Exit.
Ador.I shall crossYour resolution, or suffer for you.[Exit following him.
The same. A Room inCamiola's House.
EnterCamiola,followed by Servants with Presents;Sylli,andClarinda.
Syl.What are all these?
Clar.Servants with several presents,And rich ones too.
1 Serv.With her best wishes, madam,Of many such days to you, the lady PetulaPresents you with this fan.
2 Serv.This diamond,From your aunt Honoria.
3 Serv.This piece of plateFrom your uncle, old Vicentio, with your armsGraven upon it.
Cam.Good friends, they are tooMunificent in their love and favour to me.Out of my cabinet return such jewelsAs this directs you:—[ToClarinda.]—for your pains; and yours;Nor must you be forgotten. [Gives them money.] Honour meWith the drinking of a health.
1 Serv.Gold, on my life!
2 Serv.She scorns to give base silver.
3 Serv.Would she had beenBorn every month in the year!
1 Serv.Month! every day.
2 Serv.Show such another maid.
3 Serv.All happiness wait you!
Clar.I'll see your will done.[ExeuntSylli, Clarinda,and Servants.
EnterAdorniwounded.
Cam.How, Adorni wounded!
Ador.A scratch got in your service, else not worthYour observation: I bring not, madam,In honour of your birthday, antique plate,Or pearl, for which the savage Indian divesInto the bottom of the sea; nor diamondsHewn from steep rocks with danger. Such as giveTo those that have, what they themselves want, aim atA glad return with profit: yet, despise notMy offering at the altar of your favour;Nor let the lowness of the giver lessenThe height of what's presented; since it isA precious jewel, almost forfeited,And dimm'd with clouds of infamy, redeem'd,And, in its natural splendour, with additionRestored to the true owner.
Cam.How is this?
Ador.Not to hold you in suspense, I bring you, madam,Your wounded reputation cured, the stingOf virulent malice, festering your fair name,Pluck'd out and trod on. That proud man, that wasDenied the honour of your hand, yet durst,With his untrue reports, revile your fame,Compell'd by me, hath given himself the lie,And in his own blood wrote it:—you may readFulgentio subscribed.[Offering a paper.
Cam.I am amazed!
Ador.It does deserve it, madam. Common serviceIs fit for hinds, and the reward proportion'dTo their conditions: therefore, look not on meAs a follower of your father's fortunes, orOne that subsists on yours:—you frown! my serviceMerits not this aspéct.
Cam.Which of my favours,I might say bounties, hath begot and nourish'dThis more than rude presumption? Since you hadAn itch to try your desperate valour, whereforeWent you not to the war? Couldst thou supposeMy innocence could ever fall so lowAs to have need of thy rash sword to guard itAgainst malicious slander? O how muchThose ladies are deceived and cheated, whenThe clearness and integrity of their actionsDo not defend themselves, and stand secureOn their own bases! Such as in a colourOf seeming service give protection to them,Betray their own strengths. Malice scorn'd, puts outItself; but argued, gives a kind of creditTo a false accusation. In this, this yourMost memorable service, you believedYou did me right; but you have wrong'd me moreIn your defence of my undoubted honour,Than false Fulgentio could.
Ador.I am sorry what wasSo well intended is so ill received;
Re-enterClarinda.
Yet, under your correction, you wish'dBertoldo had been present.
Cam.True, I did:But he and you, sir, are not parallels,Nor must you think yourself so.
Ador.I am whatYou'll please to have me.
Cam.If Bertoldo hadPunish'd Fulgentio's insolence, it had shownHis love to her whom, in his judgment, heVouchsafed to make his wife; a height, I hope,Which you dare not aspire to. The same actionsSuit not all men alike;—but I perceiveRepentance in your looks. For this time, leave me;I may forgive, perhaps forget, your folly:Conceal yourself till this storm be blown over.You will be sought for; yet, if my estate[Gives him her hand to kiss.Can hinder it, shall not suffer in my service.[ExitAdorni.This gentleman is of a noble temper;And I too harsh, perhaps, in my reproof:Was I not, Clarinda?
Clar.I am not to censureYour actions, madam; but there are a thousandLadies, and of good fame, in such a causeWould be proud of such a servant.
Cham.It may be;
Enter a Servant.
Let me offend in this kind. Why, uncall'd for?
Serv.The signiors, madam, Gasparo and Antonio,Selected friends of the renown'd Bertoldo,Put ashore this morning.
Cam.Without him?
Serv.I think so.
Cam.Never think more then.
Serv.They have been at court,Kiss'd the king's hand; and, their first duties doneTo him, appear ambitious to tenderTo you their second service.
Cam.Wait them hither.[Exit Servant.Fear, do not rack me! Reason, now, if ever,Haste with thy aids, and tell me, such a wonderAs my Bertoldo is, with such care fashion'd,Must not, nay, cannot, in Heaven's providence
EnterAntonioandGasparo.
So soon miscarry!—pray you, forbear; ere you takeThe privilege, as strangers, to salute me,(Excuse my manners,) make me first understandHow it is with Bertoldo.
Gasp.The relationWill not, I fear, deserve your thanks.
Ant.I wishSome other should inform you.
Cam.Is he dead?You see, though with some fear, I dare inquire it.
Gasp.Dead! Would that were the worst; a debt were paid then,Kings in their birth owe nature.
Cam.Is there aughtMore terrible than death?
Ant.Yes, to a spiritLike his; cruel imprisonment, and thatWithout the hope of freedom.
Cam.You abuse me[160]:The royal king cannot, in love to virtue,(Though all springs of affection were dried up,)But pay his ransom.
Gasp.When you know what 'tis,You will think otherwise: no less will do itThan fifty thousand crowns.
Cam.A petty sum,The price weigh'd with the purchase: fifty thousand!To the king 'tis nothing. He that can spare moreTo his minion for a masque, cannot but ransomSuch a brother at a million. You wrongThe king's magnificence.
Ant.In your opinion;But 'tis most certain: he does not aloneIn himself refuse to pay it, but forbidsAll other men.
Cam.Are you sure of this?
Gasp.You may readThe edict to that purpose, publish'd by him;That will resolve you.
Cam.Possible! pray you, stand off.If I do not mutter treason to myself,My heart will break; and yet I will not curse him;He is my king. The news you have deliver'dMakes me weary of your company; we'll saluteWhen we meet next. I'll bring you to the door.Nay, pray you, no more compliments.
Gasp.One thing more,And that's substantial: let your AdorniLook to himself.
Ant.The king is much incensedAgainst him for Fulgentio.
Cam.As I am,For your slowness to depart.
Both.Farewell, sweet lady.[ExeuntGasparoandAntonio.
Cam.O more than impious times! when not aloneSubordinate ministers of justice areCorrupted and seduced, but kings themselves,The greater wheels by which the lesser move,Are broken, or disjointed! could it be, else,A king, to sooth his politic ends, should so farForsake his honour, as at once to breakThe adamant chains of nature and religion,To bind up atheism[161], as a defenceTo his dark counsels? Will it ever be,That to deserve too much is dangerous,And virtue, when too eminent, a crime?Must she serve fortune still, or, when stripp'd ofHer gay and glorious favours, lose the beautiesOf her own natural shape? O, my Bertoldo,Thou only sun in honour's sphere, how soonArt thou eclipsed and darken'd! not the nearnessOf blood prevailing on the king; nor allThe benefits to the general good dispensed,Gaining a retribution! But thatTo owe a courtesy to a simple virginWould take from the deserving, I find in meSome sparks of fire, which, fann'd with honour's breath,Might rise into a flame, and in men darkenTheir usurp'd splendour. Ha! my aim is high,And, for the honour of my sex, to fall so,Can never prove inglorious.—'Tis resolved:Call in Adorni.
Clar.I am happy inSuch an employment, madam.[Exit.
Cam.He's a man,I know, that at a reverent distance loves me;And such are ever faithful. What a seaOf melting ice I walk on! what strange censuresAm I to undergo! but good intentsDeride all future rumours.
Re-enterClarindawithAdorni.
Ador.I obeyYour summons, madam.
Cam.Leave the place, Clarinda;One woman, in a secret of such weight,Wise men may think too much: [ExitClarinda.] nearer, Adorni.I warrant it with a smile.
Ador.I cannot askSafer protection; what's your will?
Cam.To doubtYour ready desire to serve me, or prepare youWith the repetition of former merits,Would, in my diffidence, wrong you: but I will,And without circumstance, in the trust that IImpose upon you, free you from suspicion.
Ador.I foster none of you.
Cam.I know you do not.You are, Adorni, by the love you owe me——
Ador.The surest conjuration.
Cam.Take me with you[162].—Love born of duty; but advance no further.You are, sir, as I said, to do me service,To undertake a task, in which your faith,Judgment, discretion—in a word, your allThat's good, must be engaged; nor must you study,In the execution, but what may makeFor the ends I aim at.
Ador.They admit no rivals.
Cam.You answer well. You have heard of Bertoldo'sCaptivity, and the king's neglect; the greatnessOf his ransom; fifty thousand crowns, Adorni;Two parts of my estate!
Ador.To what tends this?[Aside.
Cam.Yet I so love the gentleman, for to youI will confess my weakness, that I purposeNow, when he is forsaken by the king,And his own hopes, to ransom him, and receive himInto my bosom, as my lawful husband—Why change you colour?
Ador.'Tis in wonder ofYour virtue, madam.
Cam.You must, therefore, toSienna for me, and pay to GonzagaThis ransom for his liberty; you shall haveBills of exchange along with you. Let him swearA solemn contract to me; for you must beMy principal witness, if he should—but whyDo I entertain these jealousies? You will do this?
Ador.Faithfully, madam—but not live long after.[Aside.
Cam.One thing I had forgot: besides his freedom,He may want accomodations; furnish himAccording to his birth.I'll instantly despatch you.[Exit.
Ador.Was there everPoor lover so employ'd against himself,To make way for his rival? I must do it,Nay, more, I will. If loyalty can findRecompense beyond hope or imagination,Let it fall on me in the other world,As a reward, for in this I dare not hope it.[Exit.
The Siennese. A Camp before the Walls of Sienna.
EnterGonzagaandPierio.
Gonz.You have seized upon the citadel, and disarm'dAll that could make resistance?
Pier.Hunger hadDone that, before we came; nor was the soldierCompell'd to seek for prey: the famish'd wretches,In hope of mercy, as a sacrifice offer'dAll that was worth the taking.
Gonz.Where is the duke of Urbin?
Pier.Under guard,As you directed.
Gonz.See the soldiers setIn rank and file, and, as the duchess passes,Bid them vail their ensigns.
Loud music. EnterRoderigo, Jacomo,andAureliaunder a Canopy.Astutiopresents her with letters.
Aurel.But for these aids from Sicily sent against us,To blast our spring of conquest in the bud;I cannot find, my lord ambassador,How we should entertain 't but as a wrong,With purpose to detain us from our own,Howe'er the king endeavours, in his letters,To mitigate the affront.
Ast.Your grace hereafterMay hear from me such strong assurancesOf his unlimited desires to serve you,As will, I hope, drown in forgetfulnessThe memory of what's past.
Aurel.We shall take timeTo search the depth of 't further, and proceedAs our council shall direct us.
Gonz.We present youWith the keys of the city; all lets are removed,Your way is smooth and easy; at your feetYour proudest enemy falls.
Aurel.We thank your valours:A victory without blood is twice achieved,And the disposure of it, to us tender'd,The greatest honour. Worthy captains, thanks!My love extends itself to all.
Gonz.Make way there.[A Guard drawn up;Aureliapasses through them.Loud music.[Exeunt.
Sienna. A Room in the Prison.
Bertoldois discovered in fetters, reading.
Bert.'Tis here determined, (great examples, arm'dWith arguments, produced to make it good,)That neither tyrants, nor the wrested laws,The people's frantic rage, sad exile, want,Nor that which I endure, captivity,Can do a wise man any injury.Thus Seneca, when he wrote it, thought.—But thenFelicity courted him; his wealth exceedingA private man's; happy in the embracesOf his chaste wife Paulina; his house fullOf children, clients, servants, flattering friends,Soothing his lip-positions; and createdPrince of the senate, by the general voice,At his new pupil's suffrage: then, no doubt,He held, and did believe, this. But no soonerThe prince's frowns and jealousies had thrown himOut of security's lap, and a centurionHad offer'd him what choice of death he pleased,But told him, die he must; when straight the armourOf his so boasted fortitude fell off,[Throws away the book.Complaining of his frailty. Can it thenBe censured womanish weakness in me, if,Thus clogg'd with irons, and the periodTo close up all calamities denied me,Which was presented Seneca, I wishI ne'er had being; at least, never knewWhat happiness was; or argue with heaven's justice,Tearing my locks, and, in defiance, throwingDust in the air? or, falling on the ground, thusWith my nails and teeth to dig a grave, or rendThe bowels of the earth, my step-mother,And not a natural parent? or thus practiseTo die, and, as I were insensible,Believe I had no motion?[Falls on his face.
EnterGonzaga, Adorni,and Gaoler.
Gonz.There he is:I'll not inquire by whom his ransom's paid,I am satisfied that I have it; nor allegeOne reason to excuse his cruel usage,As you may interpret it: let it sufficeIt was my will to have it so. He is yours now,Dispose of him as you please.[Exit.
Ador.Howe'er I hate him,As one preferr'd before me, being a man,He does deserve my pity. Sir!—he sleeps:—Or he is dead?—[kneels by him.]—No, he breathes! Come near,And, if 't be possible, without his feeling,Take off his irons.—[His irons taken off.]—So; now leave us private.[Exit Gaoler.He does begin to stir; and, as transportedWith a joyful dream, how he stares! and feels his legs,As yet uncertain whether it can beTrue or fantastical.
Bert.[rising.] Ministers of mercy,Mock not calamity. Ha! 'tis no vision!Or, if it be, the happiest that everAppear'd to sinful flesh! Who's here? his faceSpeaks him Adorni;—but some glorious angel,Concealing its divinity in his shape,Hath done this miracle, it being not an actFor wolfish man. Resolve me, if thou look'st forBent knees in adoration?
Ador.O forbear, sir!I am Adorni, and the instrumentOf your deliverance; but the benefitYou owe another.
Bert.If he has a name,As soon as spoken, 'tis writ on my heartI am his bondman.
Ador.To the shame of men,This great act is a woman's.
Bert.The whole sexFor her sake must be deified. How I wanderIn my imagination, yet cannotGuess who this phœnix should be!
Ador.'Tis Camiola.
Bert.Pray you, speak 't again; there's music in her name.Once more, I pray you, sir.
Ador.Camiola,TheMAID OF HONOUR.
Bert.Cursed atheist that I was,Only to doubt it could be any other;Since she alone, in the abstract of herself,That small, but ravishing substance, comprehendsWhatever is, or can be wish'd, in theIdea of a woman! O what service,Or sacrifice of duty, can I pay her,If not to live and die her charity's slave,Which is resolved already!
Ador.She expects notSuch a dominion o'er you. You must now,Which is the sum of all that she desires,By a solemn contract bind yourself, when sheRequires it, as a debt due for your freedom,To marry her.
Bert.This does engage me further;A payment! an increase of obligation.To marry her!—'twas mynil ultraever:The end of my ambition. O that nowThe holy man, she present, were preparedTo join our hands, but with that speed my heartWishes mine eyes might see her!
Ador.You must swear this.
Bert.False to Camiola! never.—Shall I nowBegin my vows to you?
Ador.I am no churchman;Such a one must file it on record: you are free;And, that you may appear like to yourself,(For so she wish'd,) here's gold, with which you mayRedeem your trunks and servants, and whateverOf late you lost. I have found out the captainWhose spoil they were; his name is Roderigo.
Bert.I know him.
Ador.I have done my parts.
Bert.So much, sir,As I am ever yours for 't. Now, methinks,I walk in air! Divine Camiola——But words cannot express thee: I'll build to theeAn altar in my soul, on which I'll offerA still-increasing sacrifice of duty.[Exit.
Ador.What will become of me now is apparent.This Roman resolution of self-murderWill not hold water at the high tribunal,When it comes to be argued; my good GeniusPrompts me to this consideration. HeThat kills himself to avoid misery, fears it,And, at the best, shows but a bastard valour.This life's a fort committed to my trust,Which I must not yield up till it be forced:Nor will I. He's not valiant that dares die,But he that boldly bears calamity.[Exit.
The same. A State-room in the Palace.
A Flourish. EnterPierio, Roderigo, Jacomo, Gonzaga, Aurelia, Ferdinand, Astutio,and Attendants.
Aurel.A seat here for the duke. It is our gloryTo overcome with courtesies, not rigour;The lordly Roman, who held it the heightOf human happiness to have kings and queensTo wait by his triumphant chariot-wheels,In his insulting pride, deprived himselfOf drawing near the nature of the gods,Best known for such, in being merciful.Yet, give me leave, but still with gentle language,And with the freedom of a friend, to tell you,To seek by force, what courtship could not win,Was harsh, and never taught in Love's mild school.Wise poets feign that Venus' coach is drawnBy doves and sparrows, not by bears and tigers.I spare the application.
Fer.In my fortune,Heaven's justice hath confirm'd it; yet, great lady,Since my offence grew from excess of love,And not to be resisted, having paid, too,With loss of liberty, the forfeitureOf my presumption, in your clemencyIt may find pardon.
Aurel.You shall have just causeTo say it hath. The charge of the long siegeDefray'd, and the loss my subjects have sustain'dMade good, since so far I must deal with caution,You have your liberty.
Fer.I could not hope forGentler conditions.
Aurel.My lord Gonzaga,Since my coming to Sienna, I've heard much ofYour prisoner, brave Bertoldo.
Gonz.Such an one,Madam, I had.
Ast.And have still, sir, I hope.
Gonz.Your hopes deceive you. He is ransom'd, madam.
Ast.By whom, I pray you, sir?
Gonz.You had best inquireOf your intelligencer: I am no informer.
Ast.I like not this.[Aside.
Aurel.He is, as 'tis reported,A goodly gentleman, and of noble parts;A brother of your order.
Gonz.He was, madam,Till he, against his oath, wrong'd you, a princess,Which his religion bound him from.
Aurel.Great minds,For trial of their valours, oft maintainQuarrels that are unjust, yet without malice;And such a fair construction I make of him:I would see that brave enemy.
Gonz.My dutyCommands me to seek for him.
Aurel.Pray you do;And bring him to our presence.[ExitGonzaga.
Ast.I must blastHis entertainment. [Aside.] May it please your excellency.He is a man debauch'd, and, for his riots,Cast off by the king my master; and that, I hope, isA crime sufficient.
Fer.To you, his subjects,That like as your king likes.
Aurel.But not to us;We must weigh with our own scale.
Re-enterGonzaga,withBertoldorichly habited, andAdorni.
This is he, sure.How soon mine eye had found him! what a portHe bears! how well his bravery becomes him!A prisoner! nay, a princely suitor, rather!But I'm too sudden.[Aside.
Gonz.Madam, 'twas his suit,Unsent for, to present his service to you,Ere his departure.
Aurel.With what majestyHe bears himself![Aside.
Ast.The devil, I think, supplies him.Ransom'd, and thus rich too!
Aurel.You ill deserve[Bertoldo,kneeling, kisses her hand.The favour of our hand——we are not well,Give us more air.[Descends suddenly.
Gonz.What sudden qualm is this?
Aurel.—That lifted yours against me.
Bert.Thus, once more,I sue for pardon.
Aurel.Sure his lips are poison'd,And through these veins force passage to my heart,Which is already seized on.[Aside.
Bert.I wait, madam,To know what your commands are; my designsExact me in another place.
Aurel.BeforeYou have our licence to depart! If manners,Civility of manners, cannot teach youTo attend our leisure, I must tell you, sir,That you are still our prisoner; nor had youCommission to free him.
Gonz.How's this, madam?
Aurel.You were my substitute, and wanted power,Without my warrant, to dispose of him:I will pay back his ransom ten times over,Rather than quit my interest.
Bert.This isAgainst the law of arms.
Aurel.But not of love.[Aside.Why, hath your entertainment, sir, been such,In your restraint, that, with the wings of fear,You would fly from it?
Bert.I know no man, madam,Enamour'd of his fetters, or delightingIn cold or hunger, or that would in reasonPrefer straw in a dungeon beforeA down-bed in a palace.
Aurel.How!—Come nearer:Was his usage such?
Gonz.Yes, and it had been worse,Had I foreseen this.
Aurel.O such as thou, that haveNo share in nature's bounties, know no pityTo such as have them. Look on him with my eyes,And answer, then, whether this were a manWhose cheeks of lovely fulness should be madeA prey to meagre famine? or these eyes,Whose every glance store Cupid's emptied quiver,To be dimm'd with tedious watching? or these lips,These ruddy lips, of whose fresh colour cherriesAnd roses were but copies, should grow paleFor want of nectar? or these limbs, that bearA burthen of more worth than is supportedBy Atlas' wearied shoulders, should be cramp'dWith the weight of iron? O, I could dwell everOn this description!
Bert.Is this in derision,Or pity of me?
Aurel.In your charityBelieve me innocent. Now you are my prisoner,You shall have fairer quarter: you will shameThe place where you have been, should you now leave it,Before you are recover'd. I'll conduct youTo more convenient lodgings, and it shall beMy care to cherish you. Repine who dare;It is our will. You'll follow me?
Bert.To the centre,Such a Sybilla guiding me.[ExeuntAurelia, Bertoldo,and Attendants.
Gonz.Who speaks first?
Fer.We stand as we had seen Medusa's head.
Pier.I know not what to think, I am so amazed.
Rod.Amazed! I am thunderstruck.
Jac.We are enchanted,And this is some illusion.
Ador.Heaven forbid!In dark despair it shows a beam of hope:Contain thy joy, Adorni.[Aside.
Ast.Such a princess,And of so long experienced reservedness,Break forth, and on the sudden, into flashesOf more than doubted love!
Gonz.They come again,Smiling, as I live!—Some fury hath possess'd her.If I speak, I may be blasted.
Re-enterBertoldoandAurelia.
Aurel.Let not, sir,The violence of my passion nourish in youAn ill opinion; or, grant my carriageOut of the road and garb of private women,'Tis still done with decorum.
Bert.Gracious madam,Vouchsafe a little pause; for I am so raptBeyond myself, that, till I have collectedMy scatter'd faculties, I cannot tenderMy resolution.
Aurel.Consider of it:I will not be long from you.[Bertoldowalks by musing.
Gonz.Pray you, fair lady,If you can, in courtesy direct me toThe chaste Aurelia.
Aurel.Are you blind? who are we?
Gonz.Another kind of thing. Her love was govern'dBy her discretion, and not ruled her reason:The reverence and majesty of JunoShined in her looks, and, coming to the camp,Appear'd a second Pallas. I can seeNo such divinities in you: if I,Without offence, may speak my thoughts, you are,As 'twere, another Helen.
Aurel.Good! ere longYou shall know me better.
Gonz.Why, if you are Aurelia,How shall I dispose of the soldier?
Ast.May it please youTo hasten my despatch?
Aurel.Prefer your suitsUnto Bertoldo; we will give him hearing,And you'll find him your best advocate.[Exit.
Ast.This is rare!
Gonz.What are we come to?
Rod.Grown up in a momentA favourite!
Ferd.He does take state already.
Bert.No, no; it cannot be:—yet, but Camiola,There is no step between me and a crown.Then my ingratitude! a sin in whichAll sins are comprehended! Aid me, Virtue,Or I am lost!
Gonz.May it please your excellence——Second me, sir.
Bert.Then my so horrid oaths,And hell-deep imprecations made against it!
Ast.The king, your brother, will thank you for the advancementOf his affairs.
Bert.And yet who can hold outAgainst such batteries as her power and greatnessRaise up against my weak defences?
Gonz.Sir,
Re-enterAurelia.
Do you dream waking? 'Slight, she's here again!Walks she on woollen feet[163]!
Aurel.You dwell too longIn your deliberation, and comeWith a cripple's pace to that which you should fly to.
Bert.It is confess'd: yet why should I, to winFrom you, that hazard all to my poor nothing,By false play send you off a loser from me?I am already too, too much engagedTo the king my brother's anger; and who knowsBut that his doubts and politic fears, should youMake me his equal, may draw war uponYour territories? Were that breach made up,I should with joy embrace what now I fearTo touch but with due reverence.
Aurel.That hinderanceIs easily removed. I owe the kingFor a royal visit, which I straight will pay him;And having first reconciled you to his favour,A dispensation shall meet with us.
Bert.I am wholly yours.
Aurel.On this book seal it.
Gonz.What, hand and lip too! then the bargain's sure.——You have no employment for me?
Aurel.Yes, Gonzaga;Provide a royal ship.
Gonz.A ship! St. John,Whither are we bound now?
Aurel.You shall know hereafter.My lord, your pardon for my too much trenchingUpon your patience.
Ador.Camiola![Aside toBertoldo.
Aurel.How do you?
Bert.Indisposed; but I attend you.[Exeunt all butAdorni.
Ador.The heavy curse that waits on perjuryAnd foul ingratitude pursue thee ever!Yet why from me this? in his breach of faithMy loyalty finds reward: what poisons him,Proves mithridate[164]to me. I have perform'dAll she commanded, punctually; and now,In the clear mirror of my truth, she mayBehold his falsehood. O that I had wingsTo hear me to Palermo! This, once known,Must change her love into a just disdain,And work her to compassion of my pain.[Exit.
Palermo. A Room inCamiola's House.
EnterSylli, Camiola,andClarinda,at several doors.
Syl.Undone! undone!—poor I, that whilome wasThe top and ridge of my house, am, on the sudden,Turn'd to the pitifullest animalO' the lineage of the Syllis!
Cam.What's the matter?
Syl.The king—break, girdle, break!
Cam.Why, what of him?
Syl.Hearing how far you doted on my person,Is come himself a suitor, with the awlOf his authority to bore my nose,And take you from me—Oh, oh, oh!
Cam.Do not roar so:The king!
Syl.The king. Yet loving Sylli is notSo sorry for his own as your misfortune:If the king should carry you, he can but make youA queen, and what a simple thing is thatTo the being my lawful spouse! the world can neverAfford you such a husband.
Cam.I believe you.But how are you sure the king is so inclined?Did not you dream this?
Syl.With these eyes I saw himDismiss his train, and lighting from his coach,Whispering Fulgentio in the ear.
Cam.If so,I guess the business.
Syl.Yonder they are; I dare not
EnterRobertoandFulgentio.
Be seen, I am so desperate: if you forsake me,Send me word, that I may provide a willow garland,To wear when I drown myself. O Sylli, Sylli![Exit crying.
Ful.It will be worth your pains, sir, to observeThe constancy and bravery of her spirit.Though great men tremble at your frowns, I dareHazard my head your majesty, set offWith terror, cannot fright her.
Rob.May she answerMy expectation![Aside.
Ful.There she is.
Cam.My knees thusBent to the earth, while my vows are sent upwardFor the safety of my sovereign, pay the dutyDue for so great an honour, in this favourDone to your humblest handmaid.
Rob.You mistake me;I come not, lady, that you may reportThe king, to do you honour, made your house(He being there) his court; but to correctYour stubborn disobedience. A pardonFor that, could you obtain it, were well purchasedWith this humility.
Cam.A pardon, sir!Till I am conscious of an offence,I will not wrong my innocence to beg one.What is my crime, sir?
Rob.Look on him I favour,By you scorn'd and neglected.
Cam.Is that all, sir?
Rob.No, minion; though that were too much. How can youAnswer the setting on your desperate bravoTo murder him?
Cam.With your leave, I must not kneel, sir,While I reply to this: but thus rise upIn my defence, and tell you, as a man,(Since, when you are unjust, the deity,Which you may challenge as a king, parts from you,)'Twas never read in holy writ, or moral,That subjects on their loyalty were obligedTo love their sovereign's vices: your grace, sir,To such an undeserver is no virtue.
Ful.What think you now, sir?
Cam.Say you should love wine,You being the king, and, 'cause I am your subject,Must I be ever drunk? Tyrants, not kings,By violence, from humble vassals forceThe liberty of their souls. I could not love him;And to compel affection, as I take it,Is not found in your prerogative.
Rob.Excellent virgin!How I admire her confidence![Aside.
Cam.He complainsOf wrong done him: but be no more a king,Unless you do me right. Burn your decrees,And of your laws and statutes make a fireTo thaw the frozen numbness of delinquents,If he escape unpunish'd. Do your edictsCall it death in any man that breaks intoAnother's house to rob him, though of trifles;And shall Fulgentio, your Fulgentio, live,Who hath committed more than sacrilege,In the pollution of my clear fameBy his malicious slanders?
Rob.Have you done this?Answer truly, on your life.
Ful.In the heat of blood,Some such thing I reported.
Rob.Out of my sight!For I vow, if by true penitence thou win notThis injured lady to sue out thy pardon,Thy grave is digg'd already.
Ful.By my own follyI have made a fair hand of 't.[Aside, and Exit.
Rob.You shall know, lady,While I wear a crown, Justice shall use her swordTo cut offenders off, though nearest to us.
Cam.Ay, now you show whose deputy you are:If now I bathe your feet with tears, it cannotBe censured superstition.
Rob.You must rise;Rise in our favour and protection ever.[Kisses her.
Cam.Happy are subjects, when the prince is stillGuided by justice, not his passionate will.[Exeunt.
The same. A Room inCamiola's House.
EnterCamiolaandSylli.
Cam.You see how tender I am of the quietAnd peace of your affection, and what great onesI put off in your favour.
Syl.You do wisely,Exceeding wisely; and, when I have said,I thank you for 't, be happy.
Cam.And good reason,In having such a blessing.
Syl.When you have it;But the bait is not yet ready.
EnterClarindahastily.
Cam.What news with thee, now?
Clar.Off with that gown, 'tis mine; mine by your promise:Signior Adorni is return'd! now upon entrance!Off with it, off with it, madam!
Cam.Be not so hasty:When I go to bed, 'tis thine.
Syl.You have my grant too;But, do you hear, lady, though I give way to this,You must hereafter ask my leave, beforeYou part with things of moment.
Cam.Very good;When I'm yours I'll be govern'd.
Syl.Sweet obedience!
EnterAdorni.
Cam.You are well return'd.
Ador.I wish that the successOf my service had deserved it.
Cam.Lives Bertoldo?
Ador.Yes, and return'd with safety.
Cam.'Tis not thenIn the power of fate to add to, or take fromMy perfect happiness; and yet—he shouldHave made me his first visit.
Ador.So I think too;But he——
Syl.Durst not appear, I being present;That's his excuse, I warrant you.
Cam.Speak, where is he?With whom? who hath deserved more from him? orCan be of equal merit? I in thisDo not except the king.
Ador.He's at the palace,With the duchess of Sienna. One coach brought them hither,Without a third: he's very gracious with her;You may conceive the rest.
Cam.My jealous fearsMake me to apprehend.
Ador.Pray you, dismissSignior Wisdom, and I'll make relation to youOf the particulars.
Cam.Servant, I would have youTo haste unto the court.
Syl.I will outrunA footman for your pleasure.
Cam.There observeThe duchess' train, and entertainment.
Syl.Fear not;I will discover all that is of weight,To the liveries of her pages and her footmen.This is fit employment for me.[Exit.
Cam.Gracious withThe duchess! sure you said so?
Ador.I will useAll possible brevity to inform you, madam,Of what was trusted to me, and dischargedWith faith and loyal duty.
Cam.I believe it;You ransomed him, and supplied his wants—imagineThat is already spoken; and what vowsOf service he made to me, is apparent;His joy of me, and wonder too, perspicuous;Does not your story end so?
Ador.Would the endHad answered the beginning!—In a word,Ingratitude and perjury at the heightCannot express him.
Cam.Take heed.
Ador.Truth is arm'd,And can defend itself. It must out, madam:I saw (the presence full) the amorous duchessKiss and embrace him; on his part acceptedWith equal ardour; and their willing handsNo sooner join'd, but a remove was publish'd,And put in execution.
Cam.The proofs areToo pregnant. O Bertoldo!
Ador.He's not worthYour sorrow, madam.
Cam.Tell me, when you saw this,Did not you grieve, as I do now to hear it?
Ador.His precipice from goodness raising mine,And serving as a foil to set my faith off,I had little reason.
Cam.In this you confessThe malice of your disposition. AsYou were a man, you stood bound to lament it;And not, in flattery of your false hopes,To glory in it. When good men pursueThe path mark'd out by virtue, the blest saintsWith joy look on it, and seraphic angelsClap their celestial wings in heavenly plaudits,To see a scene of grace so well presented,The fiends, and men made up of envy, mourning.Whereas now, on the contrary, as farAs their divinity can partake of passion,With me they weep, beholding a fair temple,Built in Bertoldo's loyalty, turn'd to ashesBy the flames of his inconstancy, the damn'dRejoicing in the object.—'Tis not wellIn you, Adorni.
Ador.What a temper dwellsIn this rare virgin! [Aside.] Can you pity him,That hath shown none to you?
Cam.I must not beCruel by his example. You, perhaps,Expect now I should seek recoveryOf what I have lost, by tears, and with bent kneesBeg his compassion. No; my towering virtue,From the assurance of my merit, scornsTo stoop so low. I'll take a nobler course,And, confident in the justice of my cause,The king his brother, and new mistress, judges,Ravish him from her arms. You have the contract,In which he swore to marry me?
Ador.'Tis here, madam.
Cam.He shall be, then, against his will, my husband;And when I have him, I'll so use him!—Doubt not,But that, your honesty being unquestion'd,This writing, with your testimony, clears all.
Ador.And buries me in the dark mists of error.
Cam.I'll presently to court; pray you, give orderFor my caroch[165]. [ExitAdorni.] My good angel help me,In these my extremities!
Re-enterSylli.
Syl.If you e'er will see brave sight,Lose it not now. Bertoldo and the duchessAre presently to be married: there's such pompAnd preparation!
Cam.If I marry, 'tisThis day, or never.
Syl.Why, with all my heart;Though I break this, I'll keep the next oath I make,And then it is quit.
Cam.Follow me to my cabinet;You know my confessor, father Paulo?
Syl.Yes: shall heDo the feat for us?
Cam.I will give in writingDirections to him, and attire myselfLike a virgin bride; and something I will do,That shall deserve men's praise and wonder too.[Exeunt.
The same. A State-room in the Palace.
Loud music. EnterRoberto, Bertoldo, Aurelia, Ferdinand, Astutio, Gonzaga, Roderigo, Jacomo, Pierio,a Bishop, and Attendants.
Rob.Had our division been greater, madam,Your clemency, the wrong being done to you,In pardon of it, like the rod of concord,Must make a perfect union.—Once more,With a brotherly affection, we receive youInto our favour: let it be your studyHereafter to deserve this blessing, farBeyond your merit.
Bert.As the princess' graceTo me is without limit, my endeavours,With all obsequiousness to serve her pleasures,Shall know no bounds: nor will I, being madeHer husband, e'er forget the duty thatI owe her as a servant.
Aurel.I expect notBut fair equality, since I well know,If that superiority be due,'Tis not to me. When you are made my consort,All the prerogatives of my high birth cancell'd,I'll practise the obedience of a wife,And freely pay it.
Gonz.This done, as it is promised, may well stand forA precedent to great women.
Rob.One word moreTouching the articles.
EnterFulgentio, Camiola, Sylli,andAdorni.
Ful.In you aloneLie all my hopes; you can or kill or save me;But pity in you will become you better(Though I confess injustice 'tis denied me)Than too much rigour.
Cam.I will make your peaceAs far as it lies in me; but must firstLabour to right myself.
Aurel.Or add or alterWhat you think fit; in him I have my all:Heaven make me thankful for him!
Rob.On to the temple.
Cam.Stay, royal sir; and, as you are a king,Erect one[166]here, in doing justice toAn injured maid.
Aurel.How's this?
Bert.O, I am blasted!
Rob.I have given some proof, sweet lady, of my promptnessTo do you right; you need not, therefore, doubt me;And rest assured, that, this great work despatch'd,You shall have audience, and satisfactionTo all you can demand.
Cam.To do me justiceExacts your present care, and can admitOf no delay. If, ere my cause be heard,In favour of your brother you go on, sir,Your sceptre cannot right me. He's the man,The guilty man, whom I accuse; and youStand bound in duty, as you are supreme,To be impartial. Since you are a judge,As a delinquent look on him, and notAs on a brother: Justice painted blind,Infers her ministers are obliged to hearThe cause, and truth, the judge, determine of it;And not sway'd or by favour or affection,By a false gloss, or wrested comment, alterThe true intent and letter of the law.
Rob.Nor will I, madam.
Aurel.You seem troubled, sir.
Gonz.His colour changes too.
Cam.The alterationGrows from his guilt. The goodness of my causeBegets such confidence in me, that I bringNo hired tongue to plead for me, that with gayRhetorical flourishes may palliateThat which, stripp'd naked, will appear deform'd.I stand here mine own advocate; and my truth,Deliver'd in the plainest language, willMake good itself; nor will I, if the kingGive suffrage to it, but admit of you,My greatest enemy, and this stranger prince,To sit assistants with him.
Aurel.I ne'er wrong'd you.
Cam.In your knowledge of the injury, I believe it;Nor will you, in your justice, when you areAcquainted with my interest in this man,Which I lay claim to.
Rob.Let us take our seats.What is your title to him?
Cam.By this contract,Seal'd solemnly before a reverend man,[Presents a paper to the king.I challenge him for my husband.
Syl.Ha! was ISent for the friar for this?
Rob.This writing isAuthentical.
Aurel.But, done in heat of blood,Charm'd by her flatteries, as, no doubt, he was,To be dispensed with.
Fer.Add this, if you please,The distance and disparity betweenTheir births and fortunes.
Cam.What can Innocence hope for,When such as sit her judges are corrupted!Disparity of birth or fortune, urge you?Or syren charms? or, at his best, in meWants to deserve him? Call some few days back,And, as he was, consider him, and youMust grant him my inferior. ImagineYou saw him now in fetters, with his honour,His liberty lost; with her black wings DespairCircling his miseries, and this GonzagaTrampling on his afflictions; the great sumProposed for his redemption; the kingForbidding payment of it; his near kinsmen,With his protesting followers and friends,Falling off from him; by the whole world forsaken;Dead to all hope, and buried in the graveOf his calamities; and then weigh dulyWhat she deserved, whose merits now are doubted,That, as his better angel, in her bountiesAppear'd unto him, his great ransom paid,His wants, and with a prodigal hand, supplied;Whether, then, being my manumised slave,He owed not himself to me?
Aurel.Is this true?
Rob.In his silence 'tis acknowledged.
Gonz.If you wantA witness to this purpose, I'll depose it.
Cam.If I have dwelt too long on my deservingsTo this unthankful man, pray you pardon me;The cause required it. And though now I addA little, in my painting to the lifeHis barbarous ingratitude, to deterOthers from imitation, let it meet withA fair interpretation. This serpent,Frozen to numbness, was no sooner warm'dIn the bosom of my pity and compassion,But, in return, he ruin'd his preserver,The prints the irons had made in his fleshStill ulcerous; but all that I had done,My benefits, in sand or water written,As they had never been, no more remember'd!And on what ground, but his ambitious hopesTo gain this duchess' favour?
Aurel.Yes; the object,Look on it better, lady, may excuseThe change of his affection.
Cam.The object!In what? forgive me, modesty, if I sayYou look upon your form in the false glassOf flattery and self-love, and that deceives you.That you were a duchess, as I take it, was notCharacter'd on your face; and, that not seen,For other feature, make all these, that areExperienced in women, judges of them,And, if they are not parasites, they must grant,For beauty without art, though you storm at it,I may take the right-hand file.
Gonz.Well said, i' faith!I see fair women on no terms will yieldPriority in beauty.
Cam.Down, proud heart!Why do I rise up in defence of that,Which, in my cherishing of it, hath undone me!No, madam, I recant,—you are all beauty,Goodness, and virtue; and poor I not worthyAs a foil to set you off: enjoy your conquest;But do not tyrannize. Yet, as I am,In my lowness, from your height you may look on me,And, in your suffrage to me, make him knowThat, though to all men else I did appearThe shame and scorn of women, he stands boundTo hold me as the masterpiece.
Rob.By my life,You have shown yourself of such an abject temper,So poor and low-condition'd, as I grieve forYour nearness to me.
Fer.I am changed in myOpinion of you, lady; and professThe virtues of your mind an ample fortuneFor an absolute monarch.
Gonz.Since you are resolvedTo damn yourself, in your forsaking ofYour noble order for a woman, do itFor this. You may search through the world, and meet notWith such another phœnix.
Aurel.On the suddenI feel all fires of love quench'd in the waterOf my compassion.—Make your peace; you haveMy free consent; for here I do disclaimAll interest in you: and, to further yourDesires, fair maid, composed of worth and honour,The dispensation procured by me,Freeing Bertoldo from his vow, makes wayTo your embraces.
Bert.Oh, how have I stray'd,And wilfully, out of the noble trackMark'd me by virtue! till now, I was neverTruly a prisoner. To excuse my lateCaptivity, I might allege the maliceOf Fortune; you, that conquer'd me, confessingCourage in my defence was no way wanting.But now I have surrender'd up my strengthsInto the power of Vice, and on my foreheadBranded, with mine own hand, in capital letters,Disloyal, andIngrateful. Though barr'd fromHuman society, and hiss'd intoSome desert ne'er yet haunted with the cursesOf men and women, sitting as a judgeUpon my guilty self, I must confessIt justly falls upon me; and one tear,Shed in compassion of my sufferings, moreThan I can hope for.
Cam.This compunctionFor the wrong that you have done me, though you shouldFix here, and your true sorrow move no further,Will, in respect I loved once, make these eyesTwo springs of sorrow for you.
Bert.In your pityMy cruelty shows more monstrous: yet I am not,Though most ingrateful, grown to such a heightOf impudence, as, in my wishes only,To ask your pardon. If, as now I fallProstrate before your feet, you will vouchsafeTo act your own revenge, treading upon meAs a viper eating through the bowels ofYour benefits, to whom, with liberty,I owe my being, 'twill take from the burdenThat now is insupportable.
Cam.Pray you, rise;As I wish peace and quiet to my soul,I do forgive you heartily: yet, excuse me,Though I deny myself a blessing that,By the favour of the duchess, secondedWith your submission, is offer'd to me;Let not the reason I allege for 't grieve you,You have been false once.—I have done: and if,When I am married, as this day I will be,As a perfect sign of your atonement with me,You wish me joy, I will receive it forFull satisfaction of all obligationsIn which you stand bound to me.
Bert.I will do it,And, what's more, in despite of sorrow, liveTo see myself undone, beyond all hopeTo be made up again.
Syl.My blood beginsTo come to my heart again.