The DRAGON is your Emblem bear it bravely and so long live and ever happy styl'd Vter-Pendragon lawful King of Brittain Prince Thanks Edol we imbrace the name and title and in our Sheild and Standard shall the figure of a Red Dragon still be born before us to fright the bloody Saxons Oh my Aurelius sweet rest thy soul let thy disturbed spirit Expect revenge think what it would it hath The Dragon 's coming in his fiery wrath Exeunt ACT. 5. SCENE 1. Thunder then Musick Enter Ioan fearfully the Devil following her Ioan. HEnce thou black horror is thy lustful fire kindled agen not thy loud throated thunder nor thy adulterate infernal Musick shall e're bewitch me more oh too too much is past already Devil Why dost thou fly me I come a Lover to thee to imbrace and gently twine thy body in mine arms Ioan. Out thou Hell-hound Devil What hound so e're I be Fawning and sporting as I would with thee why should I not be stroakt and plaid withal will 't thou not thank the Lion might devour thee if he shall let thee pass Ioan. Yes thou art he free me and I le thank thee Devil Why whither wouldst I am at home with thee thou art mine own have we not charge of family together where is your son Ioan. Oh darkness cover me Devil There is a pride which thou hast won by me the mother of a fame shall never die Kings shall have need of written Chronicles to keep their names alive but Merlin none ages to ages shall like Sabalists Report the wonders of his name and glory While there are tongues and times to tell his story Ioan. Oh rot my memory before my flesh let him be called some hell or earth-bred monster that ne're had hapless woman for a mother sweet death deliver me hence from my sight why shouldst thou now appear I had no pride nor lustful thought about me to conjure and call thee to my ruine when as at first thy cursed person became visible Devil I am the same I was Ioan. But I am chang'd Devil Agen I le change thee to the same thou wert quench to my lust come forth by thunder led my Coajutors in the spoils of mortals Thunder Enter Spirit Claspe in your Ebon arms that prize of mine mount her as high as palled Hecate and on this rock I le stand to cast up fumes and darkness o're the blew fac'd firmament from Brittain and from Merlin I le remove her they ne're shall meet agen Ioan. Help me some saving hand if not too late I cry let mercy come Enter Merlin Mer. Stay you black slaves of night let loose your hold set her down safe or by th' infernal Stix I le binde you up with exorcisms so strong that all the black pentagoron of hell shall ne're release you save you selves and vanish Exit Spirit Devil Ha! What 's he Mer. The Childe has found his Father do you not know me Devil Merlin Ioan. Oh help me gentle son Mer. Fear not they shall not hurt you Devil Relievest thou her to disobey thy father Mer. Obedience is no lesson in your school nature and kind to her commands my duty the part that you begot was against kinde so all I ow to you is to be unkind Devil I le blast thee slave to death and on this rock stick thee an eternal Monument Mer. Ha ha thy powers too weak what art thou devil but an inferior lustful Incubus taking advantage of the wanton flesh wherewith thou dost beguile the ignorant put off the form of thy humanity and cral upon thy speckled belly serpent or I le unclasp the jaws of Achoron and fix thee ever in the local fire Devil Traitor to hell curse that I e're begot thee Mer. Thou didst beget thy scourge storm not nor stir the power of Merlins Art is all confirm'd in the Fates decretals I le ransack hell and make thy Thunder and Lighting in the Rock masters bow unto my spells thou first shall taste it Tenibrarum precis devitiarum infirorum Deus hunc Incubum in ignis eterni abisum accipite aut in hoc carcere tenebroso in sempeternum astringere mando the Rock incloses him So there beget earthquakes or some noisom damps for never shalt thou touch a woman more How chear you mother Ioan. Oh now my son is my deliverer yet I must name him with my deepest sorrow Alarum afar off Mer. Take comfort now past times are ne're recal'd I did foresee your mischief and prevent it hark how the sounds of war now call me hence to aid Pendragon that in battail stands against the Saxons from whose aid Merlin must not be absent leave this soyl and I le conduct you to a place retir'd which I by art have rais'd call'd Merlins Bower there shall you dwell with solitary sighs with grones and passions your companions to weep away this flesh you have offended with and leave all bare unto your aierial soul and when you die I will erect a Monument upon the verdant Plains of Salisbury no King shall have so high a sepulchre with pendulous stones that I will hang by art where neither Lime nor Morter shal be us'd a dark Enigma to the memory for none shall have the power to number them a place that I will hollow for your rest Where no Night-hag shall walk nor Ware-wolf tread Where Merlins Mother shall be sepulcher'd Exeunt Enter Donobert Gloster and Hermit Dono. Sincerely Gloster I have told you all My Daughters are both vow'd to Single Life and this day gone unto the Nunnery though I begot them to another end and fairly promis'd them in Marriage one to Earl Cador t'other to your son my worthy friend the Earl of Gloster Those lost I am lost they are lost all 's lost Answer me this then I st a sin to marry Hermit Oh no my Lord Dono. Go to then I le go no further with you I perswade you to no ill perswade you then that I perswade you well Gloster 'T will be a good Office in you sir Enter Cador and Edwin Dono. Which since they thus neglect my memory shall lose them now for ever See see the Noble Lords their promis'd Husbands had Fate so pleas'd you might have call'd me Father Edwin Those hopes are past my Lord for even this minute we saw them both enter the Monastery secluded from the world and men for ever Cador. 'T is both our griefs we cannot Sir but from the King take you the Times joy from us The Saxon King Ostorius slain and Octa fled that Woman-fury Queen Artesia is fast in hold and forc't to re-deliver London and Winchester which she had fortifi'd to Princely Vter lately styl'd Pendragon who now triumphantly is marching hither to be invested with the Brittain Crown Dono. The joy of this shall banish from my breast all thought that I was Father to two Children two stubborn Daughters that have left me thus Let my old arms embrace and
name my Wife my Queen Prince Ha! your wife Artes. Which you shall finde sir if that time and fortune may make my love but worthy of your tryal Prince Oh! Aurel. What troubles you dear Brother Why with so strange and fixt an eye dost thou behold my Joys Artes. You are not well sir Prince Yes yes oh you immortal powers why has poor man so many entrances for sorrow to creep in at when our sense is much too weak to hold his happiness Oh say I was born deaf and let your silence confirm in me the knowing my defect at least be charitable to conceal my sin for hearing is no less in me dear Brother Aurel. No more I see thou art a Rival in the Joys of my high Bliss Come my Artesia The Day 's most prais'd when 't is ecclipst by Night Great Good must have as great Ill opposite Prince Stay hear but a word yet now I think on 't This is your Wedding-night and were it mine I should be angry with least loss of time Artes. Envy speaks no such words has no such looks Prince Sweet rest unto you both Aurel. Lights to our Nuptial Chamber Artes. Could you speak so I would not fear how much my grief did grow Aurel. Lights to our Chamber on on set on Exeunt Manet Prince Prince Could you speak so I would not fear how much my griefs did grow Those were her very words sure I am waking she wrung me by the hand and spake them to me with a most passionate affection perhaps she loves and now repents her choice in marriage with my brother oh fond man how darest thou trust thy Traitors thoughts thus to betray thy self 't was but a waking dream wherein thou madest thy wishes speak not her in which thy foolish hopes strives to prolong A wretched being so sickly children play With health lov'd toys which for a time delay But do not cure the fit be then a man Meet that destruction which thou canst not flie From not to live make it thy best to die And call her now whom thou didst hope to wed Thy brothers wife thou art too ne're a kin And such an act above all name 's a sin Not to be blotted out heaven pardon me She 's banisht from my bosom now for ever To lowest ebbes men justly hope a flood When vice grows barren all desires are good Enter Waiting Gentlewoman with a Iewel Gent. The noble Prince I take it sir Prince You speak me what I should be Lady Gent. Know by that name sir Queen Artesia greets you Prince Alas good vertue how is she mistaken Gent. Commending her affection in this Jewel sir Prince She binds my service to her has a Jewel 't is a fair one trust me and methinks it much resembles something I have seen with her Gen. It is an artificial crab Sir Prince A creature that goes backward Gent. True from the way it looks Prince There is no moral in it aludes to her self Gent. 'T is your construction gives you that sir she 's a woman Prince And like this may use her legs and eyes two several ways Gent. Just like the Sea-crab which on the Mussel prayes whilst he bills at a stone Prince Pretty in troth prithee tell me art thou honest Gent. I hope I seem no other sir Prince And those that seem so are sometimes bad enough Gent. If they will accuse themselves for want of witness let them I am not so foolish Prince I see th' art wise come speak me truly what is the greatest sin Gent. That which man never acted what has been done Is as the least common to all as one Prince Dost think thy Lady is of thy opinion Gent. She 's a bad Scholar else I have brought her up and she dares owe me still Prince I 't is a fault in greatness they dare owe many e're they pay one but darest thou expose thy scholar to my examining Gent. Yes in good troth sir and pray put her to 't too 't is a hard lesson if she answer it not Prince Thou know'st the hardest Gent. As far as a woman may sir Prince I commend thy plainness when wilt thou bring me to thy Lady Gent. Next opportunity I attend you sir Prince Thanks take this and commend me to her Gent. Think of your Sea-crab sir I pray Exit Prince Oh by any means Lady what should all this tend to if it be Love or Lust that thus incites her the sin is horrid and incestuous if to betray my life what hopes she by it Yes it may be a practice 'twixt themselves to expel the Brittains and ensure the State through our destructions all this may be valid with a deeper reach in villany then all my thoughts can guess at however I will confer with her and if I finde Lust hath given Life to Envy in her minde I may prevent the danger so men wise By the same step by which they fell may rise Vices are Vertues if so thought and seen And Trees with foulest roots branch soonest green Exit ACT. 3. SCENE 1. Enter Clown and his Sister Clown COme sister thou that art all fool all mad-woman Ioan. Prithee have patience we are now at Court Clown At Court ha ha that proves thy madness was there ever any woman in thy taking travel'd to Court for a husband 'slid 't is enough for them to get children and the City to keep 'em and the Countrey to finde Nurses every thing must be done in his due place sister Ioan. Be but content a while for sure I know this Journey will be happy Oh dear brother this night my sweet Friend came to comfort me I saw him and embrac't him in mine arms Clown Why did you not hold him and call me to help you Ioan. Alas I thought I had been with him still but when I wak't Clown Ah pox of all Loger-heads then you were but in a Dream all this while and we may still go look him Well since we are come to Court cast your Cats eyes about you and either finde him out you dreamt on or some other for I le trouble my self no further Ent. Dono. Cador Edw. Toclio See see here comes more Courtiers look about you come pray view 'em all well the old man has none of the marks about him the other have both Swords and Feathers what thinkest thou of that tall yong Gentleman Ioan. He much resembles him but sure my friend brother was not so high of stature Clown Oh beast wast thou got a childe with a short thing too Dono. Come come I le hear no more on 't Go Lord Edwin tell her this day her sister shall be married to Cador Earl of Cornwal so shall she to thee brave Edwin if she 'l have my blessing Edwin She is addicted to a single Life she will not hear of Marriage Dono. Tush fear it not go you from me to her use your best skill my Lord and if you fail I have a trick shall
THE BIRTH OF MERLIN OR The Childe hath found his Father As it hath been several times Acted with great Applause Written by William Shakespear and William Rowley Placere cupio LONDON Printed by Tho. Iohnson for Francis Kirkman and Henry Marsh and are to be sold at the Princes Arms in Chancery-Lane 1662 Drammatis Personae The Scene BRITTAIN AVrelius King of Brittain Vortiger King of Brittain Vter Pendragon the Prince Brother to Aurelius Donobert a Nobleman and Father to Constantia and Modestia The Earl of Gloster and Father to Edwyn Edoll Earl of Chester and General to King Aurelius Cador Earl of Cornwal and Suitor to Constantia Edwyn Son to the Earl of Gloster and Suitor to Modestia Toclio and Oswald two Noblemen Merlin the Prophet Anselme the Hermit after Bishop of Winchester Clown brother to Ione mother of Merlin Sir Nichodemus Nothing a Courtier The Devil father of Merlin Ostorius the Saxon General Octa a Saxon Nobleman Proximus a Saxon Magician Two Bishops Two Saxon Lords Two of Edols Captains Two Gentlemen A little Antick Spirit Artesia Sister to Ostorius the Saxon General Constantia and Modestia Daughters to Donobert Ione Goe-too 't Mother of Merlin A Waiting-woman to Artesia Lucina Queen of the Shades The BIRTH of MERLIN OR The Childe hath found his Father ACTUS I. Enter Donobert Gloster Cador Edwin Constantia and Modestia Cador YOu teach me language sir as one that knows the Debt of Love I owe unto their Vertues wherein like a true Courtier I have fed my self with hope of fair Success and now attend your wisht consent to my long Suit Dono. Believe me youthful Lord time could not give an opportunity more fitting your desires always provided my Daughters love be suited with my Grant Cador. 'T is the condition sir her Promise seal'd Dono. I st so Constantia Constan. I was content to give him words for oathes he swore so oft he lov'd me Dono. That thou believest him Const. He is a man I hope Dono. That 's in the trial Girl Const. However I am a woman sir Dono. The Law 's on thy side then sha't have a Husband I and a worthy one Take her brave Cornwal and make our happiness great as our wishes Cador. Sir I thank you Glost. Double the fortunes of the day my Lord and crown my wishes too I have a son here who in my absence would protest no less unto your other Daughter Dono. Ha Gloster is it so what says Lord Edwin will she protest as much to thee Edwin Else must she want some of her Sisters faith Sir Modesta. Of her credulity much rather Sir My Lord you are a Soldier and methinks the height of that Profession should diminish all heat of Loves desires being so late employ'd in blood and ruine Edwin The more my Conscience tyes me to repair the worlds losses in a new succession Modest. Necessity it seems ties your affections then and at that rate I would unwillingly be thrust upon you a wife is a dish soon cloys sir Edwin Weak and diseased appetites it may Modest. Most of your making have dull stomacks sir Dono. If that be all Girl thou shalt quicken him be kinde to him Modesta: Noble Edwin let it suffice what 's mine in her speaks yours For her consent let your fair suit go on She is a woman sir and will be won Enter Toclio. Edwin You give me comfort sir Dono. Now Toclio Toclio. The King my honor'd Lords requires your presence and calls a Councel for return of answer unto the parling enemy whose Embassadors are on the way to Court Dono. So suddenly Chester it seems has ply'd them hard at war they sue so fast for peace which by my advice they ne're shall have unless they leave the Realm Come noble Gloster let 's attend the King it lies sir in your Son to do me pleasure and save the charges of a Wedding Dinner If you 'l make haste to end your Love affairs One cost may give discharge to both my cares Exit Dono. Glost. Edwin I 'le do my best Cador. Now Toclio what stirring news at Court Toclio. Oh my Lord the Court 's all fill'd with rumor the City with news and the Country with wonder and all the bells i' th' Kingdom must proclaim it we have a new Holy-day a coming Consta. A holy-day for whom for thee Toclio. Me Madam 'sfoot I 'de be loath that any man should make a holy-day for me yet In brief 't is thus there 's here arriv'd at Court sent by the Earl of Chester to the King a man of rare esteem for holyness a reverent Hermit that by miracle not onely saved our army but without aid of man o'rethrew the pagan Host and with such wonder sir as might confirm a Kingdom to his faith Edwin This is strange news indeed where is he Toclio. In conference with the King that much respects him Modest. Trust me I long to see him Toclio. Faith you will finde no great pleasure in him for ought that I can see Lady they say he is half a Prophet too would he could tell me any news of the lost Prince there 's twenty Talents offer'd to him that finds him Cador. Such news was breeding in the morning Toclio. And now it has birth and life sir if fortune bless me I 'le once more search those woods where then we lost him I know not yet what fate may follow me Exit Cador. Fortune go with you sir come fair Mistriss your Sister and Lord Edwin are in game and all their wits at stake to win the Set Consta. My sister has the hand yet we had best leave them She will be out anon as well as I He wants but cunning to put in a Dye Exit Cador Constan. Edwin You are a cunning Gamester Madam Modest. It is a desperate Game indeed this Marriage where there 's no winning without loss to either Edwin Why what but your perfection noble Lady can bar the worthiness of this my suit if so you please I count my happiness from difficult obtaining you shall see my duty and observance Modest. There shall be place to neither noble sir I do beseech you let this mild Reply give answer to your suit for here I vow if e're I change my Virgin name by you it gains or looses Edwin My wishes have their crown Modest. Let them confine you then as to my promise you give faith and credence Edwin In your command my willing absence speaks it Exit Modest. Noble and vertuous could I dream of Marriage I should affect thee Edwin oh my soul here 's something tells me that these best of creatures these models of the world weak man and woman should have their souls their making life and being to some more excellent use if what the sense calls pleasure were our ends we might justly blame great natures wisdom who rear'd a building of so much art and beauty to entertain a guest so far incertain so imperfect if onely speech distinguish us
from beasts who know no inequality of birth or place but still to fly from goodness oh how base were life at such a rate no no that power that gave to man his being speech and wisdom gave it for thankfulness To him alone that Made me thus may I whence truly know I 'le pay to him not man the love I owe Exit Flourish Cornets Enter Aurelius King of Brittain Donobert Gloster Cador Edwin Toclio Oswold and Attendants Aurelius No tiding of our brother yet 'T is strange so ne're the Court and in our own Land too and yet no news of him oh this loss tempers the sweetness of our happy conquests with much untimely sorrow Dono. Royal sir his safety being unquestion'd should to time leave the redress of sorrow were he dead or taken by the foe our fatal loss had wanted no quick Herald to disclose it Aurelius That hope alone sustains me nor will we be so ingrateful unto heaven to question what we fear with what we enjoy Is answer of our message yet return'd from that religious man the holy Hermit sent by the Earl of Chester to confirm us in that miraculous act For 't was no less our Army being in rout nay quite o'rethrown as Chester writes even then this holy man arm'd with his cross and staff went smiling on and boldly fronts the foe at sight of whom the Saxons stood amaz'd for to their seeming above the Hermit head appear'd such brightness such clear and glorious beams as if our men march't all in fire wherewith the Pagans fled and by our troops were all to death pursu'd Glost. 'T is full of wonder sir Aurel. Oh Gloster he 's a jewelworth a Kingdom where 's Oswold with his answer Oswold 'T is here my Royal Lord Aurel. In writing will he not sit with us Oswo. His Orizons perform'd he bad me say he would attend with all submission Aurel. Proceed to councel then and let some give order the Embassadors being come to take our answer they have admittance Oswold Toclio be it your charge and now my Lords observe the holy councel of this reveren'd Hermit reads As you respect your safety limit not that onely power that hath protected you trust not an open enemy too far He 's yet a looser and knows you have won Mischiefs not ended are but then begun Anselme the Hermit Dono. Powerful and pithie which my advice confirms no man leaves physick when his sickness slakes but doubles the receipts the word of Peace seems fair to blood-shot eyes but being appli'd with such a medicine as blinds all the sight argues desire of Cure but not of Art Aurel. You argue from defects if both the name and the condition of the Peace be one it is to be prefer'd and in the offer made by the Saxon I see nought repugnant Glost. The time of Truce requir'd for thirty days carries suspicion in it since half that space will serve to strength their weakned Regiment Cador. Who in less time will undertake to free our Country from them Edwin Leave that unto our fortune Dono. Is not our bold and hopeful General still Master of the field their Legions faln the rest intrencht for fear half starv'd and wounded and shall we now give o're our fair advantage force heaven my Lord the danger is far more in trusting to their words then to their weapons Enter Oswold Oswold The Embassadors are come sir Aurel. Conduct them in we are resolv'd my Lords since policy fail'd in the beginning it shall have no hand in the conclusion that heavenly power that hath so well begun their fatal overthrow I know can end it from which fair hope my self will give them answer Flourish Cornets Enter Artesia with the Saxon Lords Dono. What 's here a woman Orator Aurel. Peace Donobert speak what are you Lady Artes. The sister of the Saxon General warlike Ostorius the East Anglese King my name Artesia who in terms of love brings peace and health to great Aurelius wishing she may return as fair a present as she makes tender of Aurel. The fairest present e're mine eyes were blest with command a chair there for this Saxon Beauty sit Lady we 'l confer your warlike brother sues for a peace you say Artes. With endless love unto your State and Person Aurel. Ha's sent a moving Orator believe me what thinkst thou Donobert Dono. Believe me sir were I but yong agen this gilded pill might take my stomack quickly Aurel. True thou art old how soon we do forget our own defects Fair damsel oh my tongue turns Traitor and will betray my heart sister to our enemy 's death her beauty mazes me I cannot speak if I but lock on her what 's that we did conclude Dono. This Royal Lord Aurel. Pish thou canst not utter it fair'st of creatures tell the King your Brother that we in love ha and honor to our Country command his Armies to depart our Realm but if you please fair soul-soul-Lord Donobert deliver you our pleasure Dono. I shall sir Lady return and certifie your brother Aurel. Thou art too blunt and rude return so soon fie let her stay and send some messenger to certifie our pleasure Dono. What meanes your Grace Aurel. To give her time of rest to her long Journey we would not willingly be thought uncivil Artes. Great King of Brittain let it not seem strange to embrace the Princely Offers of a friend Whose vertues with thine own in fairest merit Both States in Peace and Love may now inherit Aurel. She speakes of Love agen sure 't is my fear she knows I do not hate her Artes. Be then thy self most great Aurelius and let not envy nor a deeper sin in these thy Councellors deprive thy goodness of that fair honor we in seeking peace give first to thee who never use to sue but force our wishes yet if this seem light oh let my sex though worthless your respect take the report of thy humanity Whose mild and vertuous life loud fame displayes As being o'recome by one so worthy praise Aurel. She has an Angels tongue speak still Dono. This flattery is gross sir hear no more on 't Lady these childish complements are needless you have your answer and believe it Madam his Grace though yong doth wear within his breast too grave a Councellor to be seduc't by smoothing flattery or oyly words Artes. I come not sir to wooe him Dono. 'T were folly if you should you must not wed him shame take thy tongue being old and weak thy self thou doat'st and looking on thine own defects speak'st what thou d'st wish in me do I command the deeds of others mine own act not free Be pleas'd to smile or frown we respect neither My will and rule shall stand and fall together Most fair Artesia see the King descends to give thee welcome with these warlike Saxons and now on equal terms both sues and grants in stead of Truce let a perpetual League seal our united bloods in
holy marriage send the East Angles King this happy news that thou with me hast made a League for ever and added to his state a friend and brother speak dearest Love dare you confirm this Title Artes. I were no woman to deny a good so high and noble to my fame and Country Aurel. Live then a Queen in Brittain Glost. He meanes to marry her Dono. Death he shall marry the devil first marry a Pagan an Idolater Cador. He has won her quickly Edwin She was woo'd afore she came sure or came of purpose to conclude the Match Aurel. Who dares oppose our will my Lord of Gloster be you Embassador unto our Brother the Brother of our Queen Artesia tell him for such our entertainment looks him our marriage adding to the happiness Of our intended joys mans good or ill In this like waves agree come double still Enter Hermit Who 's this the Hermit Welcome my happiness our Countries hope most reverent holy man I wanted but thy blessing to make perfect the infinite sum of my felicity Hermit Alack sweet Prince that happiness is yonder Felicity and thou art far asunder this world can never give it Aurel. Thou art deceiv'd see here what I have found Beauty Alliance Peace and strength of Friends all in this all exceeding excellence the League 's confirm'd Hermit With whom dear Lord Aurel. With the great Brother of this Beauteous woman the Royal Saxon King Hermit Oh then I see and fear thou art too near thy misery what magick could so linck thee to this mischief by all the good that thou hast reapt by me stand further from destruction Aurel. Speak as a man and I shall hope to obey thee Hermit Idolaters get hence fond King let go Thou hug'st thy ruine and thy Countries woe Dono. Well spoke old Father too him bait him soundly now by heavens blest Lady I can scarce keep patience 1 Saxon Lord What devil is this 2 Saxon Lord That cursed Christian by whose hellish charmes our army was o'rethrown Hermit Why do you dally sir oh tempt not heaven warm not a serpent in your naked bosom discharge them from your Court Aurel. Thou speak'st like madness command the frozen shepherd to the shade when he sits warm i' th' Sun the fever sick to add more heat unto his burning pain these may obey 't is less extremity then thou enjoynst to me cast but thine eye upon this beauty do it I 'le forgive thee though jealousie in others findes no pardon then say thou dost not love me I shall then swear th' art immortal and no earthly man oh blame then my mortallity not me Hermit It is thy weakness brings thy misery unhappy Prince Aurel. Be milder in thy doom Hermit 'T is you that must indure heavens doom which faln remember's just Artes. Thou shalt not live to see it how fares my Lord If my poor presence breed dislike great Prince I am no such neglected soul will seek to tie you to your word Aurel. My word dear Love may my Religion Crown State and Kingdom fail when I fail thee command Earl Chester to break up the camp without disturbance to our Saxon friends send every hour swift posts to hasten on the King her Brother to conclude this League this endless happy Peace of Love and Marriage till when provide for Revels and give charge that nought be wanting which make our Triumphs Sportful and free to all if such fair blood Exit all but Hermit Ingender ill man must not look for good Florish Enter Modestia reading in a book Modesta. How much the oft report of this blest Hermit hath won on my desires I must behold him and sure this should be he oh the worlds folly proud earth and dust how low a price bears goodness all that should make man absolute shines in him much reverent Sir may I without offence give interruption to your holy thoughts Hermit What would you Lady Modest. That which now ne're found a language in me I am in love Her In Love with what Modest. With vertue Her There 's no blame in that Modest. Nay sir with you With your Religious Life Your Vertue Goodness if there be a name to express affection greater that that would I learn and utter Reverent Sir if there be any thing to bar my suit be charitable and expose it your prayers are the same Orizons which I will number Holy Sir keep not instruction back from willingness possess me of that knowledge leads you on to this humility for well I know were greatness good you would not live so low Her Are you a Virgin Modest. Yes Sir Her Your name Modest. Modesta Her Your name and vertues meet a Modest Virgin live ever in the sanctimonious way to Heaven and Happiness there 's goodness in you I must instruct you further come look up behold yon firmament there sits a power whose foot-stool is this earth oh learn this lesson And practise it he that will climb so high Must leave no joy beneath to move his eye Exit Modest. I apprehend you sir on Heaven I fix my love Earth gives us grief our joys are all above For this was man in innocence naked born To show us wealth hinders our sweet return Exit ACTUS II. Enter Clown and his Sister great with childe Clown AWay follow me no further I am none of thy brother what with Childe great with Childe and knows not whos 's the Father on 't I am asham'd to call thee Sister Ioan. Believe me Brother he was a Gentleman Clown Nay I believe that he gives arms and legs too and has made you the Herald to blaze 'em but Ioan Ioan sister Ioan can you tell me his name that did it how shall we call my Cousin your bastard when we have it Ioan. Alas I know not the Gentlemans name Brother I met him in these woods the last great hunting he was so kinde and proffer'd me so much as I had not the heart to ask him more Clown Not his name why this showes your Country breeding now had you been brought up i' th City you 'd have got a Father first and the childe afterwards hast thou no markes to know him by Ioan. He had most rich Attire a fair Hat and Feather a gilt Sword and most excellent Hangers Clown Pox on his Hangers would he had bin gelt for his labor Ioan. Had you but heard him swear you would have thought Clown I as you did swearing and lying goes together still did his Oathes get you with Childe we shall have a roaring Boy then yfaith well sister I must leave you Ioan. Dear Brother stay help me to finde him out I 'le ask no further Clown 'Sfoot who should I finde who should I ask for Ioan. Alas I know not he uses in these woods and these are witness of his oathes and promise Clown We are like to have a hot suit on 't when our best witness 's but a Knight 'ath Post Ioan. Do but enquire this
seen this face before Ioan. It is enough though your ne're see me more sinks down Toclio. 'Sfoot she 's faln this place is inchanted sure look to the woman fellow Exit Clown Oh she 's dead she 's dead as you are a man stay and help sir Ioan Ioan sister Ioan why Ioan Go too 't I say will you cast away your self and your childe and me too what do you mean sister Ioan. Oh give me pardon sir 't was too much joy opprest my loving thoughts I know you were too noble to deny me ha Where is he Clown Who the Gentleman he 's gone sister Ioan. Oh! I am und one then run tell him I did but faint for joy dear brother haste why dost thou stay oh never cease till he give answer to thee Clown He which he what do you call him tro Ioan. Unnatural brother shew me the path he took why dost thou dally speak oh which way went he Clown This way that way through the bushes there Ioan. Were it through fire the Journey 's easie winged with sweet desire Exit Clown Hey day there 's some hope of this yet I le follow her for kindreds sake if she miss of her purpose now she 'l challenge all she findes I see for if ever we meet with a two leg'd creature in the whole Kingdom the Childe shall have a Father that 's certain Exit Loud Musick Enter two with the Sword and Mace Cador Edwin two Bishops Aurelius Ostorius leading Artesia Crown'd Constancia Modestia Octa Proximus a Magician Donobert Gloster Oswold Toclio all pass over the Stage Manet Donobert Gloster Edwin Cador Dono. Come Gloster I do not like this hasty Marriage Gloster She was quickly wooed and won not six days since arrived an enemy to sue for Peace and now crown'd Queen of Brittain this is strange Dono. Her brother too made as quick speed in coming leaving his Saxons and his starved Troops to take the advantage whilst 't was offer'd fore heaven I fear the King 's too credulous our Army is discharg'd too Gloster Yes and our General commanded home Son Edwin have you seen him since Edwin He 's come to Court but will not view the presence nor speak unto the King he 's so discontent at this so strange aliance with the Saxon as nothing can perswade his patience Cador. You know his humor will indure no check no if the King oppose it all crosses feeds both his spleen and his impatience those affections are in him like powder apt to inflame with every little spark and blow up all his reason Gloster Edol of Chester is a noble Soldier Dono. So is he by the Rood ever most faithful to the King and Kingdom how e're his passions guide him Enter Edoll with Captaine Cador. See where he comes my Lord Omnes Welcome to Court brave Earl Edol. Do not deceive me by your flatteries Is not the Saxon here the League confirm'd the Marriage ratifi'd the Court divided with Pagan Infidels the least part Christians at least in their Commands Oh the gods it is a thought that takes away my sleep and dulls my senses so I scarcely know you Prepare my horses I le away to Chester Capt. What shall we do with our Companies my Lord Edol. Keep them at home to increase Cuckolds and get some Cases for your Captainships smooth up your brows the wars has spoil'd your faces and few will now regard you Dono. Preserve your patience Sir Edol. Preserve your Honors Lords your Countries Safety your Lives and Lands from strangers what black devil could so bewitch the King so to discharge a Royal Army in the height of conquest nay even already made victorious to give such credit to an enemy a starved foe a stragling fugitive beaten beneath our feet so love dejected so servile and so base as hope of life had won them all to leave the Land for ever Dono. It was the Kings will Edol. It was your want of wisdom that should have laid before his tender youth the dangers of a State where forain Powers bandy for Soveraignty with Lawful Kings who being setled once to assure themselves will never fail to seek the blood and life of all competitors Dono. Your words sound well my Lord and point at safety both for the Realm and us but why did you within whose power it lay as General with full Commission to dispose the war lend ear to parly with the weakned foe Edol. Oh the good Gods Cador. And on that parly came this Embassie Edol. You will hear me Edwin Your letters did declare it to the King both of the Peace and all Conditions brought by this Saxon Lady whose fond love has thus be witched him Edol. I will curse you all as black as hell unless you hear me your gross mistake would make wisdom her self run madding through the streets and quarrel with her shadow death why kill'd ye not that woman Dono. Glost. Oh my Lord Edol. The great devil take me quick had I been by and all the women of the world were barren she should have died e're he had married her on these conditions Cador. It is not reason that directs you thus Edol. Then have I none for all I have directs me never was man so palpably abus'd so basely marred bought and sold to scorn my Honor Fame and hopeful Victories the loss of Time Expences Blood and Fortunes all vanisht into nothing Edwin This rage is vain my Lord what the King does nor they nor you can help Edol. My Sword must fail me then Cador 'Gainst whom will you expose it Edol. What 's that to you 'gainst all the devils in hell to guard my country Edwin These are airy words Edol. Sir you tread too hard upon my patience Edwin I speak the duty of a Subjects faith and say agen had your been here in presence What the King did you had not dar'd to cross it Edol. I will trample on his Life and Soul that says it Cador. My Lord Edwin Come come Edol. Now before heaven Cador. Dear sir Edol. Not dare thou liest beneath thy lungs Gloster No more son Edwin Edwin I have done sir I take my leave Edol. But thou shall not you shall take no leave of me Sir Dono. For wisdoms sake my Lord Edol. Sir I 'le leave him and you and all of you the Court and King and let my Sword and friends shuffle for Edols safety stay you here and hug the Saxons till they cut your throats or bring the Land to servile slavery such yokes of baseness Chester must not suffer Go and repent betimes these foul misdeeds For in this League all our whole Kingdom bleeds which I le prevent or perish Glost. See how his rage transports him Exit Edol. Capt. Cador. These passions set apart a braver soldier breathes not i' th' world this day Dono. I wish his own worth do not court his ruine The King must Rule and we must learn to obay True vertue shall direct the noble way
Loud Musick Enter Aurelius Artesia Ostorius Octa Proximus Artesia Oswold Hermit Auret Why is the Court so dull me thinks each room and angle of our Palace should appear stuck full of objects fit for mirth and triumphs to show our high content Oswold fill wine must we begin the Revels be it so then reach me the cup I le now begin a Health to our lov'd Queen the bright Artesia the Royal Saxon King our warlike brother go and command all the whole Court to pledge it fill to the Hermit there most reverent Anselme wee 'l do thee Honor first to pledge my Queen Her I drink no healths great King and if I did I would be loath to part with health to those that have no power to give it back agen Aurel. Mistake not it is the argument of Love and Duty to our Queen and us Artes. But he ows none it seems Her I do to vertue Madam temperate minds covets that health to drink which nature gives in every spring to man he that doth hold His body but a Tenement at will Bestows no cost but to repair what 's ill Yet if your healths or heat of Wine fair Princes Could this old frame or these cras'd limbes restore Or keep out death or sickness then fill more I 'le make fresh way for appetite if no On such a prodigal who would wealth bestow Ostorius He speaks not like a guest to grace a wedding Enter Toclio. Artes. No sir but like an envious imposter Octa. A Christian slave a Cinick Ostor. What vertue could decline your Kingly spirit to such respect of him whose magick spells met with your vanquisht Troops and turn'd your Arms to that necessity of fight which the dispair of any hope to stand but by his charms had been defeated in a bloody conquest Octa. 'T was magick hell-bred magick did it sir and that 's a course my Lord which we esteem in all our Saxon Wars unto the last and lowest ebbe of service treachery Aurel. Sure you are deceiv'd it was the hand of heaven that in his vertue gave us victory is there a power in man that can strike fear thorough a general camp or create spirits in recreant bosoms above present sense Ostor. To blind the sense there may with apparition of well arm'd troops within themselves are air form'd into humane shapes and such that day were by that Sorcerer rais'd to cross our fortunes Aurel. There is a law tells us that words want force to make deeds void examples must be shown by instances alike e're I believe it Ostor. 'T is easily perform'd believe me sir propose your own desires and give but way to what our Magick here shall straight perform and then let his or our deserts be censur'd Aurel. We could not wish a greater happiness then what this satisfaction brings with it let him proceed fair brother Ostor. He shall sir come learned Proximus this task be thine let thy great charms confound the opinion this Christian by his spells hath falsly won Prox. Great King propound your wishes then what persons of what State what numbers or how arm'd please your own thoughts they shall appear before you Aurel. Strange art what thinkst thou reverent Hermit Her Let him go on sir Aurel. Wilt thou behold his cunning Her Right gladly sir it will be my joy to tell That I was here to laugh at him and hell Aurel. I like thy confidence Artes. His sawcy impudence proceed to 'th trial Prox. Speak your desires my Lord and be it place't in any angle underneath the Moon the center of the Earth the Sea the Air the region of the fire nay hell it self and I 'le present it Aurel. Wee 'l have no sight so fearful onely this if all thy art can reach it show me here the two great Champions of the Trojan War Achilles and brave Hector our great Ancestor both in their warlike habits Armor Shields and Weapons then in use for fight Prox. 'T is done my Lord command a halt and silence as each man will respect his life or danger Armel Plesgeth Enter Spirit Quid vis Prox. Attend me Aurel. The Apparition comes on our displeasure let all keep place and silence Within Drums beat Marches Enter Proximus bringing in Hector attir'd and arm'd after the Trojan manner with Target Sword and Battel-ax a Trumpet before him and a Spirit in flame colours with a Torch at the other door Achilles with his Spear and Falchon a Trumpet and a Spirit in black before him Trumpets sound alarm and they manage their weapons to begin the Fight and after some Charges the Hermit steps between them at which seeming amaz'd the spirits and tremble Thunder within Prox. What means this stay bright Armel Plosgoth why fear you and fall back renew the Alarms and enforce the Combat or hell or darkness circles you for ever Arm. We dare not Prox. Ha! Plesgeth Our charms are all dissolv'd Armel away 'T is worse then hell to us whilest here we stay Exit all Her What at a Non-plus fit command them back for shame Prox. What power o're-aws my Spell return you Hell-hounds Armel Plesgeth double damnation seize you by all the Infernal powers the prince of devils is in this Hermits habit what else could force my Spirits quake or tremble thus Her Weak argument to hide your want of skill does the devil fear the devil or war with hell they have not been acquainted long it seems Know mis-believing Pagan even that Power That overthrew your Forces still lets you see He onely can controul both hell and thee Prox. disgrace and mischief I le enforce new charms new spells and spirits rais'd from the low Abyss of hells unbottom'd depths Aurel. We have enough sir give o're your charms wee 'l finde some other time to praise your Art I dare not but acknowledge that heavenly Power my heart stands witness to be not dismaid my Lords at this disaster nor thou my fairest Queen we 'l change the Scene to some more pleasing sports Lead to your Chamber how'ere in this thy pleasures finde a cross Our joy 's too fixed here to suffer loss Toclio. Which I shall adde to sir with news I bring The Prince your Brother lives Aurel. Ha Toclio. And comes to grace this high and heaven-knit Marriage Aurel. Why dost thou flatter me to make me think such happiness attends me Enter Prince Uter and Oswold Toclio His presence speaks my truth sir Dono. Force me 〈…〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈…〉 saw her captived my senses and thus many moneths bar'd me from all society of men how came she to this place brother Aurelius Speak that Angels name her heaven-blest name oh speak it quickly Sir Aurel. It is Artesia the Royal Saxon Princess Prince A woman and no Deity no feigned shape to mock the reason of admiring sense on whom a hope as low as mine may live love and enjoy dear Brother may it not Aurel. She is all the Good or Vertue thou canst
do it haste haste about it Edwin Sir I am gone my hope is in your help more then my own Dono. And worthy Toclio to your care I must commend this business for Lights and Musick and what else is needful Toclio. I shall my Lord Clown We would intreat a word sir come forward sister Ex. Dono. Toc. Cador Edwin What lackst thou fellow Clown I lack a father for a childe sir Edwin How a God-father Clown No sir we mean the own father it may be you sir for any thing we know I think the childe is like you Edwin Like me prithee where is it Clown Nay 't is not born yet sir 't is forth coming you see the childe must have a father what do you think of my sister Edwin Why I think if she ne're had husband she 's a whore and thou a fool farewel Exit Clown I thank you sir well pull up thy heart sister if there be any Law i' th Court this fellow shall father it 'cause he uses me so scurvily There 's a great Wedding towards they say we 'l amongst them for a husband for thee Enter Sir Nicodemus with a Letter If we miss there I le have another bout with him that abus'd me Seel look there comes another Hat and Feather this should be a close Letcher he 's reading of a Love-letter Sir Nic. Earl Cador's Marriage and a Masque to grace it so so This night shall make me famous for Presentments How now what are you Clown A couple of Great Brittains you may see by our bellies sir Sir Nic. And what of this sir Clown Why thus the matter stands sir There 's one of your Courtiers Hunting Nags has made a Gap through another mans Inclosure Now sir here 's the question who should be at charge of a Fur-bush to stop it Sir Nic. Ha ha this is out of my element the Law must end it Clown Your Worship says well for surely I think some Lawyer had a hand in the business we have such a troublesom Issue Sir Nic. But what 's thy business with me now Clown Nay sir the business is done already you may see by my sisters belly Sir Nic. Oh now I finde thee this Gentlewoman it seems has been humbled Clown As low as the ground would give her leave sir and your Worship knows this though there be many fathers without children yet to have a childe without a father were most unnatural Sir Nic. That 's true ifaith I never heard of a childe yet that e're begot his father Clown Why true you say wisely sir Sir Nic. And therefore I conclude that he that got the childe is without all question the father of it Clown I now you come to the matter sir and our suit is to your Worship for the discovery of this father Sir Nic. Why lives he in the Court here Ioan. Yes sir and I desire but Marriage Sir Nic. And does the knave refuse it Come come be merry wench he shall marry thee and keep the childe too if my Knighthood can do any thing I am bound by mine Orders to help distressed Ladies and can there be a greater injury to a woman with childe then to lack a father for 't I am asham'd of your simpleness Come come give me a Courtiers Fee for my pains and I le be thy Advocate my self and justice shall be found nay I le sue the Law for it but give me my Fee first Clown If all the money I have i' th world will do it you shall have it sir Sir Nic. An Angel does it Clown Nay there 's two for your better eye sight sir Sir Nic. Why well said give me thy hand wench I le teach thee a trick for all this shall get a father for thy childe presently and this it is mark now You meet a man as you meet me now thou claimest Marriage of me and layest the childe to my charge I deny it push that 's nothing hold thy Claim fast thy words carries it and no Law can withstand it Clown I st possible Sir Nic. Past all opposition her own word carries it let her challenge any man the childe shall call him Father there 's a trick for your money now Clown Troth Sir we thank you we 'l make use of your trick and go no further to seek the childe a Father for we challenge you Sir sister lay it to him he shall marry thee I shall have a worshipful old man to my brother Sir Nic. Ha ha I like thy pleasantness Ioan. Nay indeed Sir I do challenge you Clown You think we jest sir Sir Nic. I by my troth do I I like thy wit yfaith thou shalt live at Court with me didst never here of Nicodemus Nothing I am the man Clown Nothing 'slid we are out agen thou wast never got with childe with nothing sure Ioan. I know not what to say Sir Nic. Never grieve wench show me the man and process shall fly out Clown 'T is enough for us to finde the children we look that you should finde the Father and therefore either do us justice or we 'l stand to our first challenge Sir Nic. Would you have justice without an Adversary unless you can show me the man I can do you no good in it Clown Why then I hope you 'l do us no harm sir you 'l restore my money Sir Nic. What my Fee marry Law forbid it finde out the party and you shall have justice your fault clos'd up and all shall be amended the Childe his Father and the Law ended Exit Clown Well he has deserv'd his Fee indeed for he has brought our suit to a quick end I promise you and yet the Childe has never a Father nor we have no more mony to seek after him a shame of all lecherous placcats now you look like a Cat had newly kitten'd what will you do now tro Follow me no further lest I beat your brains out Ioan. Impose upon me any punishment rather then leave me now Clown Well I think I am bewitch with thee I cannot finde in my heart to forsake her there was never sister would have abus'd a poor brother as thou hast done I am even pin'd away with fretting there 's nothing but flesh and bones about me well and I had my money agen it were some comfort hark sister Thunder does it not thunder Ioan. Oh yes most fearfully what shall we do brother Clown Marry e'ene get some shelter e're the storm catch us away let 's away I prithee Enter the Devil in mans habit richly attir'd his feet and his head horrid Ioan. Ha 't is he stay brother dear brother stay Clown What 's the matter now Ioan. My love my friend is come yonder he goes Clown Where where show me where I 'le stop him if the devil be not in him Ioan. Look there look yonder oh dear friend pity my distress for heaven and goodness do but speak to me Devil She calls me and yet drives me
headlong from her Poor mortal thou and I are much uneven Thou must not speak of goodness nor of heaven if I confer with thee but be of comfort whilst men do breath and Britiains name be known The fatal fruit thou bear'st within thy womb Shall here be famous till the day of doom Clown 'Slid who 's that talks so I can see no body Ioan. Then art thou blind or mad see where he goes and beckons me to come oh lead me forth I 'le follow thee in spight of fear or death Exit Clown Oh brave she 'l run to the devil for a husband she 's stark mad sure and talks to a shaddow for I could see no substance well I 'le after her the childe was got by chance and the father must be found at all adventure Exit Enter Hermit Modesta and Edwin Modesta. Oh reverent sir by you my heart hath reacht at the large hopes of holy Piety and for this I craved your company Here in your sight religiouslly to vow My chaste thoughts up to heaven and make you now the witness of my faith Her Angels assist thy hopes Edwin What meanes my Love thou art my promis'd wife Modest. To part with willingly what friends and life Can make no good assurance of Edwin Oh finde remorse fair soul to love and merit and yet recant thy vow Modest. Never this world and I are parted now for ever Her To finde the way to bliss oh happy woman Th' ast learn'd the hardest Lesson well I see Now show thy fortitude and constancy Let these thy friends thy sad departure weep Thou shalt but loose the wealth thou could'st not keep My contemplation calls me I must leave ye Edwin O reverent Sir perswade not her to leave me Her My Lord I do not nor to cease to love ye I onely pray her faith may fixed stand Marriage was blest I know with heavens own hand Exit Edwin You hear him Lady 't is not a virgins state but sanctity of life must make you happy Modest. Good sir you say you love me gentle Edwin even by that love I do beseech you leave me Edwin Think of your fathers tears your weeping friends whom cruel grief makes pale and bloodless for you Modest. Would I were dead to all Edwin Why do you weep Modest. Oh who would live to see How men with care and cost seek misery Edwin Why do you seek it then What joy what pleasure can give you comfort in a single life Modest. The contemplation of a happy death which is to me so pleasing that I think no torture could divert me What 's this world wherein you 'd have me walk but a sad passage to a dread Judgement-Seat from whence even now we are but bail'd upon our good abearing till that great Sessions come when Death the Cryer will surely summon us and all to appear to plead us guilty or our bail to clear what musick 's this Soft Musick Enter two Bishops Edwin Donobert Gloster Cador Constancia Oswold Toclio. Edwin Oh now resolve and think upon my love this sounds the Marriage of your beauteous sister vertuous Constancia with the noble Cador look and behold this pleasure Modest. Cover me with night It is a vanity not worth the sight Dono. See see she 's yonder pass on son Cador. Daughter Constancia I beseech you all unless she first move speech salute her not Edwin what good success Edwin Nothing as yet unless this object take her Dono. See see her eye is fixt upon her sister seem careless all and take no notice of her on afore there come my Constancia Modest. Not speak to me nor dain to cast an eye To look on my despised poverty I must be more charitable pray stay Lady are not you she whom I did once call sister Constan. I did acknowledge such a name to one whilst she was worthy of it in whose folly Since you neglect your fame and friends together In you I drown'd a sisters name for ever Modest. Your looks did speak no less Glost. It now begins to work this sight has moved her Dono. I know this trick would take or nothing Modest. Though you disdain in me a sisters name yet charity me thinks should be so strong to instruct e're you reject I am a wretch even follies instance who perhaps have er'd not having known the goodness bears so high and fair a show in you which being exprest I may recant this low despised life And please those friends whom I mov'd to grief Cador. She is coming yfaith be merry Edwin Consta. Since you desire instruction you shall have it what i st should make you thus desire to live vow'd to a single life Modest. Because I know I cannot flie from death oh my good sister I beseech you hear me This world is but a Masque catching weak eyes With what is not our selves but our disguise A Vizard that falls off the Dance being done And leaves Deaths Glass for all to look upon Our best happiness here lasts but a night Whose burning Tapers makes false Ware seem right Who knows not this and will not now provide Some better shift before his shame be spy'd And knowing this vain world at last will leave him Shake off these robes that help but to deceive him Const. Her words are powerful I am amaz'd to hear her Dono. Her soul 's inchanted with infected Spells Leave her best Girl for now in thee I le seek the fruits of Age Posterity Out o' my sight sure I was half asleep or drunk when I begot thee Const. Good sir forbear What say you to that sister The joy of children a blest Mothers Name Oh who without much grief can loose such Fame Modest. Who can enjoy it without sorrow rather And that most certain where the joy 's unsure Seeing the fruit that we beget endure So many miseries that oft we pray The Heavens to shut up their afflicted day At best we do but bring forth Heirs to die And fill the Coffins of our enemy Const. Oh my soul Dono. Hear her no more Constantia she 's sure bewitcht with Error leave her Girl Const. Then must I leave all goodness sir away stand-off I say Dono. How 's this Const. I have no father friend no husband now all are but borrowed robes in which we masque to waste and spend the time when all our Life is but one good betwixt two Ague-days which from the first e're we have time to praise a second Fever takes us Oh my best sister my souls eternal friend forgive the rashness of my distemper'd tongue for how could she knew not her self know thy felicity from which worlds cannot now remove me Dono. Art thou mad too fond woman what 's thy meaning Const. To seek eternal happiness in heaven which all this world affords not Cador. Think of thy Vow thou art my promis'd Wife Const. Pray trouble me no further Omnes Strange alteration Cador. Why do you stand at gaze you sacred Priests you holy men
Aurel. Withdraw on pain of death where is the Traitor Artes. Oh save your life my Lord let it suffice my beauty forc't mine own captivity Aurel. Who did attempt to wrong thee Prince Here me Sir Aurel. Oh my sad soul was 't thou Artes. Oh do not stand to speak one minutes stay prevents a second speech for ever Aurel. Make our Guards strong My dear Artesia let us know thy wrongs and our own dangers Artes. The Prince your brother with these Brittain Lords have all agreed to take me hence by force and marry me to him Prince The Devil shall wed thee first thy baseness and thy lust confound and rot thee Artes. He courted me even now and in mine car sham'd not to plead his most dishonest love and their attempts to seize your sacred person either to shut you up within some prison or which is worse I fear to murther you Omnes Brittains 'T is all as false as hell Edol. And as foul as she is Artes. You know me Sir Edol. Yes Deadly Sin we know you and shall discover all your villany Aurel Chester forbear Ostor. Their treasons sir are plain Why are their Souldiers lodg'd so near the Court Octa. Nay why came he in arms so suddenly Edol. You fleering Anticks do not wake my fury Octa. Fury Edol. Ratsbane do not urge me Artes. Good sir keep farther from them Prince Oh my sick heart she is a witch by nature devil by art Aurel. Bite thine own slanderous tongue 't is thou art false I have observ'd your passions long ere this Ostor. Stand on your guard my Lord we are your friends and all our Force is yours Edol. To spoil and rob the Kingdom Aurel. Sir be silent Edol. Silent how long till Doomsday shall I stand by and hear mine Honor blasted with foul Treason the State half lost and your life endanger'd yet be silent Artes. Yes my blunt Lord unless you speak your Treasons Sir let your Guards as Traitors seize them all and then let tortures and devulsive racks force a Confession from them Edol. Wilde-fire and Brimstone eat thee Hear me sir Aurel. Sir I le not hear you Edol. But you shall Not hear me I were the worlds Monarch Cesar living he should hear me I tell you Sir these serpents have betraid your Life and Kingdom does not every day bring tidings of more swarms of lowsie slaves the offal fugitives of barren Germany that land upon our Coasts and by our neglect settled in Norfolk and Northumberland Ostor. They come as Aids and Safeguards to the King Octa. Has he not need when Vortiger 's in arms and you raise Powers 't is thought to joyn with him Edol. Peace you pernicious Rat Dono. Prithee forbear Edol. Away suffer a gilded rascal a low-bred despicable creeper an insulting Toad to spit his poison'd venome in my face Octa. Sir sir Edol. Do not reply you Cur for by the Gods tho' the Kings presence guard thee I shall break all patience and like a Lion rous'd to spoil shall run foul-mouth'd upon thee and devour thee quick Speak sir will you forsake these scorpions or stay till they have stung you to the heart Aurel. Y' are traitors all this is our wife our Queen brother Ostorius troop your Saxons up we 'l hence to Winchester raise more powers to man with strength the Castle Camilot go hence false men joyn you with Vortiger the murderer of our brother Constantine we 'l hunt both him and you with dreadful vengance Since Brittain fails we 'l trust to forrain friends And guard our person from your traitorous ends Exeunt Aurel. Ostor. Octa. Artes. Toc. Osw. Edwin He 's sure bewitch Glost. What counsel now for safety Dono. Onely this sir with all the speed we can preserve the person of the King and Kingdom Cador. Which to effect t is best march hence to Wales and set on Vortiger before he joyn his Forces with the Saxons Edwin On then with speed for Wales and Vortiger that tempest once o'reblown we come Ostorius to meet thy traiterous Saxons thee and them that with advantage thus have won the King to back your factions and to work our ruines This by the Gods and my good Sword I 'le set In bloody lines upon thy Burgonet Exeunt ACT. 4. SCENE 1. Enter Clown Merlin and a little antick Spirit Mer. HOw now Uncle why do you search your pockets so do you miss any thing Clown Ha Cousin Merlin I hope your beard does not overgrow your honesty I pray remember you are made up of sisters thread I am your mothers brother whosoever was your father Merlin Why wherein can you task my duty Uncle Clown Your self or your page it must be I have kept no other company since your mother bound your head to my Protectorship I do feel a fault of one side either it was that Sparrowhawk or a Cast of Merlins for I finde a Covy of Cardecu's sprung out of my pocket Merlin Why do you want any money Uncle sirrah had you any from him Clown Deny it not for my pockets are witness against you Spirit Yes I had to teach you better wit to look to it Clown Pray use your fingers better and my wit may serve as it is sir Merlin Well restore it Spirit There it is Clown I there 's some honestly in this 't was a token from your invisible Father Cousin which I would not have to go invisibly from me agen Mer. Well you are sure you have it now Uncle Clown Yes and mean to keep it now from your pages filching fingers too Spirit If you have it so sure pray show it me agen Clown Yes my little juggler I dare show it ha cleanly conveyance agen ye have no invisible fingers have ye 'T is gone certainly Spirit Why sir I toucht you not Mer. Why look you Uncle I have it now how ill do you look to it here keep it safer Clown Ha ha this is fine yfaith I must keep some other company if you have these slights of hand Merlin Come come Uncle 't is all my Art which shall not offend you sir onely I give you a taste of it to show you sport Clown Oh but 't is ill jesting with a mans pocket tho' but I am glad to see you cunning Cousin for now will I warrant thee a living till thou diest You have heard the news in Wales here Mer Uncle let me prevent your care and counsel 't will give you better knowledge of my cunning you would prefer me now in hope of gain to Vortiger King of the Welch Brittains to whom are all the Artists summon'd now that seeks the secrets of futurity the Bards the Druids Wizards Conjurers not an Aurasper with his Whisling spells no Capuomanster with his musty fumes No Witch or Juggler but is thither sent To calculate the strange and fear'd event Of his prodigious Castle now in building where all the labors of the painful day are ruin'd still i th' night and to this place
Kings desires if thou thy self wilt write thine Epitaph dispatch it quickly there 's not a minutes time 'twixt thee and thy death A stone falls and kills Proximus Prox. Ha ha ha Mer. I so thou mayest die laughing Vorti. Ha! This is above admiration look is he dead Clown Yes sir here 's brains to make morter on if you 'l use them Cousin Merlin there 's no more of this stone fruit ready to fall is there I pray give your Uncle a little fair warning Mer. Remove that shape of death and now my Lord for clear satisfaction of your doubts Merlin will show the fatal cause that keeps your fatal Castle down and hinders your proceedings Stand there and by an apparition see the labor and end of all your destiny Mother and Uncle you must be absent Clown Is your father coming Cousin Mer. Nay you must be gone Ioan Come you 'l offend him brother Clown I would fain see my Brother i'law if you were married I might lawfully call him so Merlin strikes his wand Thunder and Lightning two Dragons appear a White and a Red they fight a while and pause Vor. What means this stay Mer. Be not amaz'd my Lord for on the victory Of loss or gain as these two Champions ends Your fate your life and kingdom all depends therefore observe it well Vor. I shall heaven be auspicious to us Thunder The two Dragons fight agen and the White Dragon drives off the Red. Vor. The conquest is on the white Dragons part now Merlin faithfully expound the meaning Mer. Your Grace must then not be offended with me Vor. It is the weakest part I found in thee to doubt of me so slightly shall I blame my prophet that foretells me of my dangers thy cunning I approve most excellent Mer. Then know my Lord there is a dampish Cave the nightly habitation of these Dragons vaulted beneath where you would build your Castle whose enmity and nightly combats there maintain a constant ruine of your labors To make it more plain the Dragons then your self betoken and the Saxon King the vanquisht Red is sir your dreadful Emblem Vort. Oh my fate Mer. Nay you must hear with patience Royal sir you slew the lawful King Constantius 't was a red deed your Crown his blood did cement the English Saxon first brought in by you for aid against Constantius brethren is the white horror who now knit together have driven and shut you up in these wilde mountains and though they now seek to unite with friendship it is to wound your bosom not embrace it and with an utter extirpation to rout the Brittains out and plant the English Seek for your safety Sir and spend no time to build the airy Castles for Prince Vter armed with vengeance for his brothers blood is hard upon you if you mistrust me and to my words craves witness sir then know here comes a messenger to tell you so Exit Mer. Enter Messenger Messen. My Lord Prince Uter Vort. And who else sir Messen. Edol the great General Vort. The great Devil they are coming to meet us Messen. With a full power my Lord Vort. With a full vengeance they mean to meet us so we are ready to their confront as full march double footing we 'l loose no ground nor shall their numbers fright us If it be Fate it cannot be withstood We got our Crown so be it lost in blood Exeunt Enter Prince Vter Edol Cador Edwin Toclio with Drum and Soldiers Prince Stay and advice hold drum Edol. Beat slave why do you pause why make a stand where are our enemies or do you mean we fight amongst our selves Prince Nay noble Edol let us here take counsel it cannot hurt it is the surest Garison to safety Edol. Fie on such slow delays so fearful men that are to pass over a flowing river stand on the bank to parly of the danger till the tide rise and then be swallowed is not the King in field Cador. Proud Vortiger the Trator is in field Edwin The Murderer and Usurper Edol. Let him be the devil so I may fight with him for heavens love sir march on oh my patience will you delay untill the Saxons come to aid his party A Tucket Prince There 's no such fear prithee be calm a while hark it seems by this he comes or sends to us Edol. If it be for parly I will drown the summons if all our drums and hoarseness choke me me not Enter Captain Prince Nay prithee hear from whence art thou Cap. From the King Vortiger Edol. Traitor there 's none such Alarum drum strike slave or by mine honor I will break thy head and beat thy drums heads both about thine ears Prince Hold noble Edol let 's hear what Articles he can inforce Edol. What articles or what conditions can you expect to value half your wrong unless he kill himself by thousand tortures and send his carcase to appease your vengeance for the foul murder of Constantius and that 's not a tenth part neither Prince 'T is true my brothers blood is crying to me now I do applaud thy counsel hence be gone Exit Capt. We 'l hear no parly now but by our swords Edol. And those shall speak home in death killing words Alarum to the fight sound sound the Alarum Exeunt Alarum Enter Edol driving all Vortigers Force before him then Enter Prince Vter pursuing Vortiger Exit Vort. Dost follow me Prince Yes to thy death I will Vort. Stay be advis'd I would not be the onely fall of Princes I slew thy brother Prince Thou didst black Traitor and in that vengeance I pursue thee Vort. Take mercy for thy self and flie my sword save thine own life as satisfaction which here I give thee for thy brothers death Prince Give what 's thine own a Traitors heart and head that 's all thou art right Lord of the Kingdom which thou usurp'st thou most unhappy Tyrant is leaving thee the Saxons which thou broughtst to back thy usurpations are grown great and where they seat themselves do hourly seek to blot the Records of old Brute and Brittains from memory of men calling themselves Hingest-men and Hingest-land that no more the Brittain name be known all this by thee thou base destroyer of thy Native Countrey Enter Edol. Edol. What stand you talking Fight Prince Hold Edol Ed. Hold out my sword and listen not to King or Princes word There 's work enough abroad this task is mine Alarum Prince Prosper thy Valour as thy Vertues shine Exeunt Enter Cador and Edwin Cador. Bright Victory her self fights on our part and buckled in a golden Beaver rides triumphantly before us Edw. Justice is with her who ever takes the true and rightful cause let us not lag behinde them Enter Prince Cador. Here comes the Prince how goes our fortunes Sir Prince Hopeful and fair brave Cador proud Vortiger beat down by Edols sword was rescu'd by the following multitudes and now for safety 's fled unto a
Castle here standing on the hill but I have sent a cry of hounds as violent as hunger to break his stony walls or if they fail We 'l send in wilde fire to dislodge him thence Or burn them all with flaming violence Exeunt Blazing Star appears Florish Tromp Enter Prince Vter Edol Cador Edwin Toclio with with Drum and Soldiers Prin. Look Edol still this fiery exalation shoots his frightful horrors on th' amazed world see in the beam that 'bout his flaming ring a Dragons head appears from out whose mouth two flaming flakes of fire stretch East and West Edol. And see from forth the body of the Star seven smaller blazing streams directly point on this affrighted kingdom Cador. 'T is a dreadful Meteor Edwin And doth portend strange fears Prince This is no Crown of Peace this angry fire hath something more to burn then Vortiger if it alone were pointed at his fall it would pull in his blasing Piramids and be appeas'd for Vortiger is dead Edol. These never come without their large effects Prince The will of heaven be done our sorrows this we want a mistick Pithon to expound this fiery Oracle Cador. Oh no my Lord you have the best that ever Brittain bred and durst I prophecy of your Prophet sir none like him shall succeed him Prince You mean Merlin Cador. True sir wonderous Merlin he met us in the way and did foretell the fortunes of this day successful to us Edwin He 's sure about the Camp send for him sir Cador. He told the bloody Vortiger his fate and truely too and if I could give faith to any Wizards skill it should be Merlin Enter Merlin and Clown Cador. And see my Lord as if to satisfie your Highness pleasure Merlin is come Prince See the Comet 's in his eye disturb him nor Edol. With what a piercing judgement he beholds it Mer. Whither will Heaven and Fate translate this Kingdom what revolutions rise and fall of Nations Is figur'd yonder in that Star that sings The change of Brittains State and death of Kings Ha! He 's dead already how swiftly mischief creeps Thy fatal end sweet Prince even Merlin weeps Prince He does foresee some evil his action shows it for e're he does expound he weeps the story Edol. There 's another weeps too Sirrah dost thou understand what thou lamentst for Clown No sir I am his Uncle and weep because my Cousin weeps flesh and blood cannot forbear Prince Gentle Merlin speak thy prophetick knowledge in explanation of this fiery horror from which we gather from thy mournful tears much sorrow and disaster in it Mer. 'T is true fair Prince but you must hear the rest with patience Mer. I vow I will tho' it portend my ruine Mer. There 's no such fear this brought the fiery fall of Vortiger and yet not him alone this day is faln a King more good the glory of our Land the milde and gentle sweet Aurelius Prince Our brother Edwin Forefend it heaven Mer. He at his Palace Royal sir at Winchester this day is dead and poison'd Cador. By whom Or what means Merlin Mer. By the Traiterous Saxons Edol. I ever fear'd as much that devil Ostorius and the damn'd witch Artesia sure has done it Prince Poison'd oh look further gentle Merlin behold the Star agen and do but finde revenge for me though it cost thousand lives and mine the foremost Mer. Comfort your self the heavens have given it fully all the portentious ills to you is told now hear a happy story sir from me to you and to your fair posterity Clown Me thinks I see something like a peel'd Oinon it makes me weep agen Mer. Be silent Uncle you 'l be forc't else Clown Can you not finde in the Star Cousin whether I can hold my tongue or no Edol. Yes I must cut it out Clown Phu you speak without book sir my Cousin Merlin knows Mer. True I must tie it up now speak your pleasure Uncle Clown Hum hum hum hum Mer. So so now observe my Lord and there behold above yon flame-hair'd beam that upward shoots appears a Dragons head out of whose mouth two streaming lights point their flame-feather'd darts contrary ways yet both shall have their aims Again behold from the ignifirent body seven splendant and illustrious rays are spred all speaking Heralds to this Brittain Isle and thus they are expounded The Dragons head is the Herogliphick that figures out your Princely self that here must reign a King those by-form'd fires that from the Dragons mouth shoot East and West emblem two Royal babes which shall proceed from you a son and daughter her pointed constellation Northwest bending Crowns Her a Queen in Ireland of whom first springs That Kingdoms Title to the Brittain Kings Clown Hum hum hum Mer. But of your Son thus Fate and Merlin tells all after times shall fill their Chronicles with fame of his renown whose warlike sword shall pass through fertile France and Germany nor shall his conjuring foot be forc't to stand till Romes Imperial Wreath hath crown'd his Fame with Monarch of the West from whose seven hills with Conquest and contributory Kings he back returns to inlarge the Brittain bounds his Heraldry adorn'd with thirteen Crowns Clown Hum hum hum Mer. He to the world shall add another Worthy and as a Loadstone for his prowess draw a train of Marshal Lovers to his Court It shall be then the best of Knight-hoods honor at Winchester to fill his Castle Hall and at his Royal Table sit and feast in warlike orders all their arms round hurl'd as if they meant to circumscribe the world he touches the Clowns mouth with his wand Clown Hum hum hum oh that I could speak a little Mer. I know your mind Uncle agen be silent strikes agen Prince Thou speakst of wonders Merlin prithee go on declare at full this Constellation Mer. Those seven beams pointing downward sir betoken the troubles of this Land which then shall meet with other Fate War and Dissension strives to make division till seven Kings agree to draw this Kingdom to a Hepterchy Prince Thine art hath made such proof that we believe thy words authentical be ever neer us my Prophet and the Guide of all my actions Mer. My service shall be faithful to your person and all my studies for my Countries safety Clown Hum hum hum Mer. Come you are releast sir Clown Cousin pray help me to my tongue agen you do not mean I shall be dumb still I hope Mer. Why hast thou not thy tongue Clown Ha! yes I feel it now I was so long dumb I could not well tell whether I spake or no Prince I' st thy advice we presently pursue the bloody Saxons that have slain my brother Mer. With your best speed my Lord Prosperity will keep you company Cador. Take then your Title with you Royal Prince 't will adde unto our strength Long live King Uter Edol. Put the Addition to 't that Heaven hath given you