it must be granted Sop. If you have Cancell'd your kind opinion of me Deny me not to know who hath succeeded Sophia in your heart I beg the name Of your new Mistriss Lis You shall know her Madam If but these tumults cease and fate allow us To see the Court agen I hope you 'll bring No mutiny against her but this is No time to talk of Love let me attend you Sop. I must expect till you are pleas'd to satisfie My poor request conduct me at your pleasure Exeunt Enter Leonatus Eubulus Bishop Lisander and Philocles Leo. They are too slow dispatch new messengers To intreat 'em fairly hither I am extasi'd Were you witness for me too is it possible I am what this affirms true Leonatus And were you not my Father was I given In trust to you an Infant Eub. 'T is a truth Our soul 's bound to acknowledge you supply'd The absence and opinion of my Son Who died but to make you my greater care I know not of Demetrius but suppos'd Him dead indeed as Epire thought you were Your Fathers character doth want no testimony Which but compar'd with what concerns Demetrius Will prove it self King Theodosius act Your Royal Father Bish I am subscrib'd to both his Legacies By oath oblig'd to secresie until Thus fairly summon'd to reveal the trust Eub. Cassander had no thought you would prove thus To whose policie I gave this aim although He wrought you up to serve but as his Engine To batter young Demetrius for it was Your Fathers prudent jealousie that made him Give out your early deaths as if his soul Prophecy'd his own first and fear'd to leave Either of you to the unsafe protection Of one whose study would be to supplant Your right and make himself the King of Epire. Bish Your Sister fair Sophia in your Fathers Life was design'd to marry with Lisimachus That guarded her although she us'd some Art To quit her pupillage and being absolute Declar'd love to Demetrius which enforc'd Macarius to discover first your brother Leo. No more lest you destroy agen Leonatus With wonder of his fate are they not come yet Something it was I felt within my envy Of young Demetrius's fortune there were seeds Scattered upon my heart that made it swell With thought of Empire Princes I see cannot Be totally eclips'd but wherefore stays Demetrius and Sophia at whose names A gentle spirit walk'd upon my blood Enter Demetrius Polidora Sophia Macarius Cassander Lisima Eub. They are here Leo. Then thus I flie into their bosoms Nature has rectifi'd in me Demetrius The wandrings of ambition our dear Sister You are amaz'd I did expect it read Assurance there the day is big with wonder Mac. What means all this Leo. Lisimachus be dear to us Cassander you are welcome too Cas Not I I do not look for 't all this sha'not bribe My conscience to your faction and make Me false agen Seleucus is no son Of Theodosius my dear Countrey-men Correct your erring duties and to that Your lawful King prostrate your selves Demetrius Doth challenge all your knees Dem. All Love and Duty Flow from me to my Royal King and Brother I am confirm'd Cas You are two credulous What can betray your faith so much Leo. Sophia you appear sad as if your Will Gave no consent to this days happiness Sop. No joy exceeds Sophia's for your self Lis With your pardon Sir I apprehend A cause that makes her troubled she desires To know what other Mistriss since her late Unkindness I have chosen to direct My faith and service Leo. Another Mistriss Lis Yes Sir Leo. And does our Sister love Lisimachus Sop. Here 's something would confess Leo. He must not dare To affront Sophia Cas How my shame confounds me I beg your justice without pity on My age Leo. Your pennance shall be to be faithful To our state hereafter Omnes May you live long and happy Leonatus King of Epire. Leo. But where 's your other Mistriss Lis Even here Sir Leo. Our Sister is this another Mistriss Sir Sis It holds To prove my thoughts were so when she began Her sorrow for neglecting me that sweetness Deserv'd I should esteem her another Mistriss Then when she cruelly forsook Lisimachus Your pardon Madam and receive a heart Proud with my first devotions to serve you Sop. In this I am crown'd agen now mine for ever Leo. You have deceiv'd her happily Joy to you both Dem. We are ripe for the same wishes Polidora's part of me Pol. He all my blessing Leo. Heaven pour full joys upon you Mac. We are all blest There wants but one to fill your arms Leo. My Mistriss And Wife shall be my Countrey to which I Was in my birth contracted your love since Hath plaid the Priest to perfect what was ceremony Though Kingdoms by just Titles prove our own The subjects hearts do best secure a Crown Exeunt Omnes EPILOGUE THere is no Coronation to day Vnless your gentle votes do crown our Play If smiles appear within each Ladies eye Which are the leading Stars in this fair skie Our solemn day sets glorious for then We hope by their sad influence the men Will grace what they first shin'd on make 't appear Both how we please and bless our covetous ear With your applause more welcome than the Bells Vpon a triumph Bonfires or what else Can speak a Coronation And though I Were late depos'd and spoil'd of Majesty By the kind aid of your hands Gentlemen I quickly may be Crown'd a Queen agen THE COXCOMB A Comedy The Persons represented in the Play Ricardo a young Gentleman in love with Viola Antonio the Coxcomb Gentleman Mercurie fellow-traveller with Antonio three merry Gentlemen friends to Ricardo Uberto Pedro Silvio Valerio a Countrey Gentleman Curio Kinsman to Antonio Justice a shallow one Andrugio Father to Viola Alexander servant to Mercurie's Mother Marke the Justice's Clerk Rowland servant to Andrugio Tinker Constable Watch Drawer Musicians Women Viola Daughter to Andrugio Maria Wife to Antonio A Countrey-woman Mother to Mercurie Milk-maids Nan and Madge Dorothie the Tinkers Trull The Scene England France The Principal Actors were Nathan Field Giles Gary Rich. Allen Robert Benfeild Joseph Taylor Emanuel Read Hugh Atawell Will. Barcksted PROLOGUE THis Comedy long forgot by some thought dead By us preserv'd once more doth raise her head And to your noble censures does present Her outward form and inward ornament Nor let this smell of arrogance since 't is known The makers that confest it for their own Were this way skilful and without the crime Of flatteries I may say did please the time The work it self too when it first came forth In the opinion of men of worth Was well receiv'd and favour'd though some rude And harsh among th' ignorant multitude That relish gross food better than a dish That 's cook'd with care and serv'd into the wish Of curious pallats wanting wit and strength Truly to judge condemn'd it for
easily sound all their depth And rise up such a wonder that the pleaders That now are in most practice and esteem Should starve for want of Clients if I travell'd Like wise Vlysses to see men and manners I would return in act more knowing than Homer could fancy him if a Physician So oft I would restore death-wounded men That where I liv'd Galen should not be nam'd And he that joyn'd again the scatter'd limbs Of torn Hippolytus should be forgotten I could teach Ovid courtship how to win A Julia and enjoy her though her Dower Were all the Sun gives light to and for arms Were the Persian host that drank up Rivers added To the Turks present powers I could direct Command and Marshal them Man And yet you know not To rule your self you would not to a boy else Like Plautus Braggart boast thus Dua. All I speak In act I can make good Gui. Why then being Master Of such and so good parts do you destroy them With self opinion or like a rich miser Hoard up the treasures you possess imparting Nor to your self nor others the use of them They are to you but like inchanted viands On which you seem to feed yet pine with hunger And those so rare perfections in my Son Which would make others happy render me A wretched Mother Man You are too insolent And those too many excellencies that feed Your pride turn to a Pleurisie and kill That which should nourish vertue dare you think All blessings are confer'd on you alone Y' are grosly cousen'd there 's no good in you Which others have not are you a Scholar so Are many â—nd as knowing are you valiant Waste not that courage then in braules but spend it In the Wars in service of your King and Country Dua. Yes so I might be General no man lives That 's worthy to command me Man Sir in Lisbon I am and you shall know it every hour I am troubled with complaints of your behaviour From men of all conditions and all sexes And my authority which you presume Will bear you out in that you are my Nephew No longer shall protect you for I vow Though all that 's past I pardon I will punish The next fault with as much severity As if you were a stranger rest assur'd on 't Gui. And by that love you should bear or that duty You owe a Mother once more I command you To cast this haughtiness off which if you do All that is mine is yours if not expect My prayers and vows for your conversion only But never means nor favour Ex. Manuel and Guiomar Dua. I am Tutor'd As if I were a child still the base Peasants That fear and envy my great worth have done this But I will find them out I will o' boord Get my disguise I have too long been idle Nor will I curb my spirit I was born free â—d will pursue the course best liketh me Exeunt Enter Leopold Sailers and Zenocia Leop. Divide the spoil amongst you this fair Captive â—nly challenge for my self Sail. You have won her â—nd well deserve her twenty years I have liv'd 〈◊〉 Burgess of the Sea and have been present 〈◊〉 many a desperate fight but never saw 〈◊〉 small a Bark with such incredible valour 〈◊〉 long defended and against such odds â—nd by two men scarce arm'd too Leop. 'T was a wonder â—nd yet the courage they exprest being taken â—nd their contempt of death wan more upon me â—han all they did when they were free me thinks 〈◊〉 see them yet when they were brought aboard us â—isarm'd and ready to be put in setters â—ow on the suddain as if they had sworn â—ever to taste the bread of servitude â—oth snatching up their swords and from this Virgin Taking a farewel only with their eyes They leapt into the Sea Sail. Indeed 't was rare Leop. It wrought so much on me that but I fear'd The great ship that pursued us our own safety Hindring my charitable purpose to 'em 〈◊〉 would have took 'em up and with their lives They should have had their liberties Zen. O too late For they are lost for ever lost Leop. Take comfort 'T is not impossible but that they live yet For when they left the ships they were within A League o' th' shore and with such strength and cunning They swimming did delude the rising Billows With one hand making way and with the other Their bloudy swords advanced threatning the Sea-gods With war unless they brought them safely off That I am almost confident they live And you again may see them Zen. In that hope I brook a wretched being till I am Made certain of their fortunes but they dead Death hath so many doors to let out life I will not long survive them Leop. Hope the best And let the courteous usage you have found Not usual in men of War perswade you To tell me your condition Zen. You know it A Captive my fate and your power have made me Such I am now but what I was it skills not For they being dead in whom I only live I dare not challenge Family or Country And therefore Sir enquire not let it suffice I am your servant and a thankful servant If you will call that so which is but duty I ever will be and my honour safe Which nobly hitherto ye have preserv'd No slavery can appear in such a form Which with a masculine constancy I will not Boldly look on and suffer Leop. You mistake me That you are made my prisoner may prove The birth of your good fortune I do find A winning language in your tongue and looks Nor can a suit by you mov'd be deni'd And therefore of a prisoner you must be The Victors advocate Zen. To whom Leop. A Lady In whom all graces that can perfect beauty Are friendly met I grant that you are fair And had I not seen her before perhaps I might have sought to you Zen. This I hear gladly Leop. To this incomparable Lady I will give you Yet being mine you are already hers And to serve her is more than to be free At least I think so and when you live with her If you will please to think on him that brought you To such a happiness for so her bounty Will make you think her service you shall ever Make me at your devotion Zen. All I can do Rest you assur'd of Leop. At night I 'le present you Till when I am your Guard Zen. Ever your servant Exeunt Enter Arnoldo and Rutilio Arn. To what are we reserv'd Rut. Troth 't is uncertain Drowning we have scap'd miraculously and Stand fair for ought I know for hanging mony We have none nor e're are like to have 'T is to be doubted besides we are strangers Wondrous hungry strangers and charity Growing cold and miracles ceasing Without a Conjurers help cannot find When we shall eat again Arn. These are no wants If put in ballance with Zenocias loss In that alone
are happy a mony no not ten shillings Isab You search nearly Wid. I know it as I know your folly one that knows 〈◊〉 where he shall eat his next meal take his rest unless it 〈◊〉 i' th' stocks what kindred has he but a more want 〈◊〉 Brother or what vertues Isab You have had rare intelligence I see sister Wid. Or say the man had vertue is vertue in this age a â—ll inheritance what Joynture can he make you Plutarchs â—â—rals or so much penny rent in the small Poets this is not â—ell 't is weak and I grieve to know it Isab And this you quit the town for Wid. Is' t not time Isab You are better read in my affairs than I am that 's â—ll I have to answer I 'le go with you and willingly and â—hat you think most dangerous I 'le sit laugh at â—or sister 't is not folly but good discretion governs our main â—â—rtunes Wid. I am glad to hear you say so Isa I am for you Enter Shorthose and Humphrey with riding rods Hum. The Devil cannot stay her she 'l on 't eat an egg â—ow and then we must away Short I am gaul'd already yet I will pray may London â—ayes from henceforth be full of holes and Coaches crack â—heir wheels may zealous Smiths so housel all our Hackâ—eys that they may feel compunction in their feet and tire â—t High-gate may it rain above all Almanacks till Carriers â—â—il and the Kings Fish monger ride like Bike Arion upon 〈◊〉 Trout to London Hum. At S. Albanes let all the Inns be drunk not an Host â—ober to bid her worship welcom Short Not a Fiddle but all preach't down with Puriâ—ans no meat but Legs of Beef Hum. No beds but Wool-Packs Short And those so crammed with Warrens of starved â—leas that bite like Bandogs let Mims be angry at their S. â—el Swagger and we pass in the heat on 't and be beaten beaten â—bominably beaten horse and man and all my Ladies linnen â—prinkled with suds and dish-water Short Not a wheel but out of joynt Enter Roger laugh-ing Hum. Why dost thou laugh Rog. There 's a Gentleman and the rarest Gentleman â—nd makes the rarest sport Short Where where Rog. Within here h 'as made the gayest sport with Tom â—he Coachman so tewed him up with Sack that he lies â—ashing a But of Malmsie for his Mares Short 'T is very good Rog. And talks and laughs and sings the rarest songs and â—horthose he has so maul'd the Red Deer pies made such an â—lms i' th' butterie Short Better still Enter Val. Widow Hum. My Lady in a rage with the Gentleman Short May he anger her into a feather Exeunt Wid. I pray tell me who sent you hither for I imagine â—t is not your condition you look so temperately and like a Gentleman to ask me these milde questions Val. Do you think I use to walk of errands gentle Lady â—r deal with women out of dreams from others Wid. You have not know me sure Val. Not much Wid. What reason have you then to be so tender of my â—redit you are no kinsman Val. If you take it so the honest office that I came to do you is not so heavy but I can return it now I perceive you â—re too proud not worth my visit Wid. Pray stay a little proud Val. Monstrous proud I griev'd to hear a woman of your value and your abundant parts stung by the people but â—ow I see 't is true you look upon me as if I were a rude and â—aucie fellow that borrowed all my breeding from a dunghil or such a one as should now fall and worship you in hope of pardon you are cozen'd Lady I came to prove opinion a loud liar to see a woman only great in goodness and Mistress of a greater fame than fortune but Wid. You are a strange Gentleman if I were proud now I should be monstrous angry which I am not and shew the effects of pride I should despise you but you are welcom Sir To think well of our selves if we deserve it it is a lustre in us and every good we have strives to shew gracious what use is it else old age like Seer trees is seldom seen affected stirs sometimes at rehearsal of such acts as his daring youth endeavour'd Val. This is well and now you speak to the purpose you please me but to be place proud Wid. If it be our own why are we set here with distinction else degrees and orders given us In you men 't is held a coolness if you lose your right affronts and loss of honour streets and walls and upper ends of tables had they tongues could tell what blood has followed and what feud about your ranks are we so much below you that till you have us are the tops of nature to be accounted drones without a difference you will make us beasts indeed Val. Nay worse than this too proud of your cloaths they swear a Merceâ—s Lucifer a tumour tackt together by a Taylour nay yet worse proud of red and white a varnish that butter-milk can better Wid. Lord how little will vex these poor blind people if my cloaths be sometimes gay and glorious does it follow my mind must be my Mercers too or say my beauty please some weak eyes must it please them to think that blows me up that every hour blows off this is an Infants anger Val. Thus they say too what though you have a Coach lined through with velvet and four fair Flanders mares why should the streets be troubled continually with you till Carmen curse you can there be ought in this but pride of shew Lady and pride of bum-beating till the learned lawyers with their fat bags are thrust against the bulks till all their causes crack why should this Lady and t'other Lady and the third sweet Lady and Madam at Mile-end be daily visited and your poorer neighbours with course napses neglected fashions conferr'd about pouncings and paintings and young mens bodies read on like Anatomies Wid. You are very credulous and somewhat desperate to deliver this Sir to her you know not but you shall confess me and find I will not start in us all meetings lie open to these lewd reports and our thoughts at Church our very meditations some will swear which all should fear to judge at least uncharitably are mingled with your memories cannot sleep but this sweet Gentleman swims in our fancies that scarlet man of war and that smooth Senior not dress our heads without new ambushes how to surprize that greatness or that glorie our very smiles are subject to constructions nay Sir it 's come to this we cannot pish but 't is a favour for some fool or other should we examine you thus wer 't not possible to take you without Perspectives Wid. It may be but these excuse not Wid. Nor yours force no truth Sir what deadly tongues you have and to those tongues what hearts and what
sit down the looser Wid. Will you stay Gentlemen a piece of Beef and a cold Capon that 's all you know you are welcom Hum. That was cast to abuse us Bel. Steal off the Devil is in his anger Wid. Nay I am sure you will not leave me so discourteously now I have provided for you Val. What do you here why do ye vex a woman of her goodness her state and worth can you bring a fair certificate that you deserve to be her footmen husbands you puppies husbands for Whores and Bawds away you wind suckeâ—s do not look big nor prate nor stay nor grumble and when you are gone seem to laugh at my fury and slight this Lady I shall hear and know this and though I am not bound to fight for women as far they are good I dare preserve 'em be not too bold for if you be I 'le swinge you monstrously without all pity your honours now goe avoid me mainly Exeunt Wid. Well Sir you have delivered me I thank you and with your nobleness prevented danger their tongues might utter we 'll all go and eat Sir Val. No no I dare not trust my self with women go to your meat eat little take less ease and tie your body to a daily labour you may live honestly and so I thank you Exit Wid. Well go thy ways thou art a noble fellow and some means I must work to have thee know it Exit Actus Quintus Scena Prima Enter Uncle and Merchant Vnc. MOst certain 't is her hands that hold him up and her sister relieves Frank. Mer. I am glad to hear it but wherefore do they not pursue this fortune to some fair end Vnc. The women are too craftie Valentine too coy and Frank too bashfull had any wise man hold of such a blessing they would strike it out o' th' slint but they would form it Enter Widow and Shorthose Mer. The Widow sure why does she stir so early Wid. 'T is strange I cannot force him to understand me and make a benefit of what I would bring him tell my sister I 'le use my devotions at home this morning she may if she please go to Church Short Hey ho. Wid. And do you wait upon her with a torch Sir Short Hey ho. Wid. You lazie Knave Short Here is such a tinkle tanklings that we can ne're lie quiet and sleep our prayers out Ralph pray emptie my right shooe that you made your Chamber pot and burn a little Rosemarie in 't I must wait upon my Lady This morning Prayer has brought me into a consumption I have nothing left but flesh and bones about me Wid. You drousie slave nothing but sleep and swilling Short Had you been bitten with Bandog sleas as I have been and haunted with the night Mare Wid. With an Ale-pot Short You would have little list to morning Prayers pray take my fellow Ralph he has a Psalm Book I am an ingrum man Wid. Get you ready quickly and when she is ready wait upon her handsomely no more be gone Short If I do snore my part out Exit Short Vnc. Now to our purposes Mer. Good morrow Madam Wid. Good morrow Gentlemen Vnc. Good joy and fortune Wid. These are good things and worth my thanks thank you Sir Mer. Much joy I hope you 'l find we came to gratâ—â—â— your new knit marriage-band Wid. How Vnc. He 's a Gentleman although he be my kinsmâ—â— my fair Niece Wid. Niece Sir Vnc. Yes Lady now I may say so 't is no shame to yoâ— say a Gentleman and winking at some light fancies wâ—â—â—â— you most happily may affect him for as bravely carried a nobly bred and managed Wid. What 's all this I understand you not what Nieâ—â— what marriage-knot Vnc. I 'le tell plainly you are my Niece and Valentine the Gentleman has made you so by marriage Wid. Marriage Vnc. Yes Lady and 't was a noble and vertuous part tâ— take a falling man to your protection and buoy him up again to all his glories Wid. The men are mad Mer. What though he wanted these outward thingâ— that flie away like shadows was not his mind a full or and a brave one You have wealth enough to give hâ—â— gloss and outside and he wit enough to give way to love a Lady Vnc. I ever thought he would do well Mer. Nay I knew how ever he wheel'd about 〈◊〉 a loose Cabine he would charge home at length like a brave Gentleman Heavens blessing o' your heart Lady we are so bound to honour you in all your service 〈◊〉 devoted to you Vnc. Do not look so strange Widow it must be knowâ— better a general joy no stirring here yet come come 〈◊〉 cannot hide ' em Wid. Pray be not impudent these are the finest toyes be like I am married then Mer. You are in a miserable estate in the worlds account else I would not for your wealth it come to doubting Wid. And I am great with child Vnc. No great they say not but 't is a full opinion youâ— with child and great joy among the Gentlemen your huâ—band hath bestirred himself fairly Mer. Alas we know his private hours of entrance hâ—â— long and when he stayed could name the bed too where iâ— paid down his first-fruits Wid. I shall believe anon Vnc. And we consider for some private reasons you work have it private yet take your own pleasure and so good morrow my best Niece my sweetest Wid. No no pray stay Vnc. I know you would be with him love him and love him well Mer. You 'l find him noble this may beget Vnc. It must needs work upon her Exit Uncle and Merâ— Wid. These are fine bobs i'faith married and with châ— too how long has this been I trow they seem grave fellows they should not come to slout married and bedded the world takes notice too where lies this May game I could be vext extreamly now and rail too but 't is to 〈◊〉 end though I itch a little must I be scratcht I know not boâ— who waits there Enter Humphrey a Servant Hum. Madam Wid. Make ready my Coach quickly and wait you only and hark you Sir be secret and speedy inquire out wâ—â—â— he lies Hum. I shall do it Madam Wid. Married and got with child in a dream 〈◊〉 fine i'saith sure he that did this would do better waâ—â—â—â— Enter Valentine Fran. Lance and a Boy with a Torch Val. Hold thy Torch handsomely how dost thou Frank â—ter Bassel bear up Fran. You have fried me soundly Sack do you call this â—ink Val. A shrewd dog Frank will bite abundantly Lan. Now could I fight and fight with thee Val. With me thou man of Memphis Lan. But that thou art mine own natural master yet â—y sack says thou art no man thou art a Pagan and pawnâ— thy land which a noble cause Val. No arms nor arms good Lancelot dear Lance â— fighting here we will have Lands boy Livings and â—tles thou shalt be a
Doth only to her worthy self abide Thou blessed staâ— I thank thee for thy light Thou by whosâ— power the darkness of sad night Is banisht from the Earth in whose dull place Thy câ—aster bâ—ams play on the heavy face Of all the world making the blue Sea smile To see how cunningly thou dost beguile Thy Brother of his brightness giving day Again from Câ—â—â—â— Whiter than that way That leads to soâ—es high Court and chaster far Than chastity it self yon blessed star That nightly shines Thou all the constancie That in all women was or e're shall be From whose fair eye-balls flyes that holy fire That Poâ—ts stile the Mother of desire Infusing into every gentle brest A soul of greater price and far more blest Than that quick power which gives a difference 'Twixt man and creatures of a lower sense Clor. Shepherd how cam'st thou hither to this place No way is troden all the verdant grass The spring shot up stands yet unbruised here Of any foot only the dapled Deer Far from the feared sound of crooked horn Dwels in this fastness Th. Chaster than the morn I have not wandred or by strong illusion Into this vertuous place have made intrusion But hither am I come believe me fair To seek you out of whose great good the air Is full and strongly labours whilst the sound Breaks against Heaven and drives into a stound The amazed Shepherd that such vertue can Be resident in lesser than a man Clor. If any art I have or hidden skill May cure thee of disease or festred ill Whose grief or greenness to anothers eye May seem impossible of remedy I dare yet undertake it The. 'T is no pain I suffer through disease no beating vein Conveyes infection dangerous to the heart No part impostum'd to be cur'd by Art This body holds and yet a feller grief Than ever skilfull hand did give relief Dwells on my soul and may be heal'd by you Fair beauteous Virgin Clor. Then Shepherd let me sue To know thy grief that man yet never knew The way to health that durst not shew his sore Then Then fairest know I love you Chor. Swain no more Thou hast abus'd the strictness of this place And offred Sacrilegious foul disgrace To the sweet rest of these interred bones For fear of whose ascending sly at once Thou and thy idle passions that the sight Of death and speedy vengeance may not fright Thy very soul with horror Then Let me not Thou all perfection merit such a blot For my true zealous faith Clor. Dar'st thou abide To see this holy Earth at once divide And give her body up for sure it will If thou pursu'st with wanton flames to fill This hallowed place therefore repent and goe Whilst I with praise appease his Ghost below That else would tell thee what it were to be A rival in that vertuous love that he Imbraces yet Then 'T is not the white or red Inhabits in your cheek that thus can wed My mind to adoration nor your eye Though it be full and fair your forehead high And smooth as Pelops shoulder not the smile Lies watching in those dimples to beguile The easie soul your hands and fingers long With veins inamel'd richly nor your tongue Though it spoke sweeter than Arions Harp Your hair wove into many a curious warp Able in endless errour to infold The wandring soul nor the true perfect mould Of all your body which as pure doth show In Maiden whiteness as the Alpsian snow All these were but your constancie away Would please me less than a black stormy day The wretched Seaman toyling through the deep But whilst this honour'd strictness you dare keep Though all the plagues that e're begotten were In the great womb of air were setled here In opposition I would like the tree Shake off those drops of weakness and be free Even in the arm of danger Clor. Wouldst thou have Me raise again fond man from silent grave Those sparks that long agoe were buried here With my dead friends cold ashes Then Dearest dear I dare not ask it nor you must not grant Stand strongly to your vow and do not faint Remember how he lov'd ye and be still The same Opinion speaks ye let not will And that great god of women appetite Set up your blood again do not invite Desire and fancie from their long exile To set them once more in a pleasing smile Be like a rock made firmly up ' gainst all The power of angry Heaven or the strong fall Of Neptunes battery if ye yield I die To all affection 't is that loyaltie Ye tie unto this grave I so admire And yet there 's something else I would desire If you would hear me but withall deny O Pan what an uncertain destiny Hangs over all my hopes I will retire For if I longer stay this double fire Will lick my life up Clor. Doe let time wear out What Art and Nature cannot bring about Then Farewel thou soul of vertue and be blest For ever whilst that here I wretched rest Thus to my self yet grant me leave to dwell In kenning of this Arbor yon same dell O'retopt with morning Cypress and sad Yew Shall be my Cabin where I 'le early rew Before the Sun hath kist this dew away The hard uncertain chance which Fate doth lay Upon this head Clor. The gods give quick release And happy cure unto thy hard disease Exeunt Enter Sullen Shepherd Sullen I do not love this wench that I should meet For ne'r did my unconstant eye yet greet That beauty were it sweeter or more fair Than the new blossoms when the morning air Blows gently on theâ— or the breaking light When many maiden blushes to our sight Shoot from his early face were all these set In some neat form before me 't would not get The least love from me some desire it might Or present burning all to me in sight Are equal be they fair or black or brown Virgin or careless wanton I can crown My appetite with any swear as oft And weep as any melt my words as soft â—nto a maiden ears and tell how long My heart has been her servant and how strong My passions are call her unkind and cruel Offer her all I have to gain the Jewel Maidens so highly prize then loath and sly This do I hold a blessed destiny Enter Amaryllis Amar. Hail Shepherd Pan bless both thy flock and thee For being mindful of thy word to me Sul. Welcom fair Shepherdess thy loving swain Gives thee the self same wishes back again Who till this present hour ne're knew that eye Could make me cross mine arms â—â—er daily dye With fresh consumings boldly tell me then How shall we part their faithful loves and when Sâ—â—ll I bely him to her shall I swear Hâ—s faith is false and he loves every where 〈◊〉 say he mockt her th' other day to you Which will by your confirming shew as true For he
He flyes to you for succour and expects The entertainment of your Fathers friend And Guardian to your self Ptol. To say I grieve his fortune As much as if the Crown I wear his gift Were ravish'd from me is a holy truth Our Gods can witness for me yet being young And not a free disposer of my self Let not a few hours borrowed for advice Beget suspicion of unthankfulness Which next to Hell I hate pray you retire And take a little rest and let his wounds Be with that care attended as they were Cary'd on my flesh good Labienus think The little respite I desire shall be Wholly emploi'd to find the readiest way To doe great Pompey service Lab. May the gods As you intend protect you Exit Ptol. Sit sit all It is my pleasure your advice and freely Ach. A short deliberation in this May serve to give you counsel to be honest Religious and thankfull in themselves Are forcible motives and can need no flourish Or gloss in the perswader your kept faith Though Pompey never rise to th' height he 's fallen from Caesar himself will love and my opinion Is still committing it to graver censure You pay the debt you owe him with the hazard Of all you can call yours Ptol. What 's yours Photinus Pho. Achoreus great Ptolomy hath counsell'd Like a Religious and honest man Worthy the honour that he justly holds In being Priest to Isis But alas What in a man sequester'd from the world Or in a private person is prefer'd No policy allows of in a King To be or just or thankfull makes Kings guilty And faith though prais'd is punish'd that supports Such as good Fate forsakes joyn with the gods Observe the man they favour leave the wretched The Stars are not more distant from the Earth Than profit is from honesty all the power Prerogative and greatness of a Prince Is lost if he descend once but to steer His course as what 's right guides him let him leave The Scepter that strives only to be good Since Kingdomes are maintain'd by force and blood Ach. Oh wicked Ptol. Peace goe on Pho. Proud Pompey shews how much he scorns your youth In thinking that you cannot keep your own From such as are or'e come If you are tired With being a King let not a stranger take What nearer pledges challenge resign rather The government of Aegypt and of Nile To Cleopatra that has title to them At least defend them from the Roman gripe What was not Pompeys while the wars endured The Conquerour will not challenge by all the world Forsaken and despis'd your gentle Guardian His hopes and fortunes desperate makes choice of What Nation he shall fall with and pursu'd By their pale ghosts slain in this Civil war He flyes not Caesar only but the Senate Of which the greater part have cloâ—'d the hunger Of sharp Pharsalian fowl he flies the Nations That he drew to his Quarrel whose Estates Are sunk in his and in no place receiv'd Hath found out Aigypt by him yet not ruin'd And Potolmy things consider'd justly may Complain of Pompey wherefore should he stain Our Aegypt with the spots of civil war Or make the peaceable or quiet Nile Doubted of Caesar wherefore should he draw His loss and overthrow upon our heads Or choose this place to suffer in already We have offended Caesar in our wishes And no way left us to redeem his favour But by the head of Pompey Ach. Great Osiris Defend thy Aegypt from such cruelty And barbarous ingratitude Pho. Holy trifles And not to have place in designs of State This sword which Fate commands me to unsheath I would not draw on Pompey if not vanquish'd I grant it rather should have pass'd through Caesar But we must follow where his fortune leads us All provident Princes measure their intents According to their power and so dispose them And thinkst thou Ptolomy that thou canst prop His Ruines under whom sad Rome now suffers Or ' tempt the Conquerours force when 't is confirm'd Shall we that in the Battail sate as Neuters Serve him that 's overcome No no he 's lost And though 't is noble to a sinking friend To lend a helping hand while there is hope He may recover thy part not engag'd Though one most dear when all his hopes are dead To drown him set thy foot upon his head Ach. Most execrable Counsel Pho. To be follow'd 'T is for the Kingdoms safety Ptol. We give up Our absolute power to thee dispose of it As reason shall direct thee Pho. Good Achillas Seek out Septinius do you but sooth him He is already wrought leave the dispatch To me of Labienus 't is determin'd Already how you shall proceed nor Fate Shall alter it since now the dye is cast But that this hour to Pompey is his last Exit SCENA II. Enter Apollodorus Eros Arsino Apol. Is the Queen stirring Eros Eros Yes for in truth She touch'd no bed to night Apol. I am sorry for it And wish it were in me with my hazard To give her ease Ars Sir she accepts your will And does acknowledge she hath found you noble So far as if restraint of liberty Could give admission to a thought of mirth She is your debtor for it Apol. Did you tell her Of the sports I have prepar'd to entertain her She was us'd to take delight with her fair hand To angle in the Nile where the glad fish As if they knew who 't was sought to deceive 'em Contended to be taken other times To strike the Stag who wounded by her arrows Forgot his tears in death and kneeling thanks her To his last gasp then prouder of his Fate Than if with Garlands Crown'd he had been chosen To fall a Sacrifice before the altar Of the Virgin Huntress the King nor great Photinus Forbid her any pleasure and the Circuit In which she is confin'd gladly affords Variety of pastimes which I would Encrease with my best service Eros O but the thought That she that was born free and to dispense Restraint or liberty to others should be At the devotion of her Brother whom She only knows her equal makes this place In which she lives though stor'd with all delights A loathsome dungeon to her Apol. Yet howe're She shall interpret it I 'le not be wanting To do my best to serve her I have prepar'd Choise Musick near her Cabinet and compos'd Some few lines set unto a solemn time In the praise of imprisonment Begin Boy The SONG LOok out bright eyes and bless the air Even in shadows you are fair Shut-up beauty is like fire That breaks out clearer still and higher Though your body be confin'd And soft Love a prisoner bound Yet the beauty of your mind Neither cheek nor chain hath found Look out nobly then and dare Even the Fetters that you wear Enter Cleopatra Cleo. But that we are assur'd this tastes of duty And love in you my Guardian and desire In you my
keyes of all I have come let 's be merry For now I see thou art right Tho. Shall we to Church straight Val. Now presently and there with nuptial The holy Priest shall make ye happy all Tho. Away then fair afore Exeunt TO THE NOBLE HONOURER OF THE Dead Author's Works and Memory Master CHARLES COTTON SIR MY directing of this piece unto you renders me obvious to many censures which I would willingly prevent by declaring mine own and your right thereto Mine was the fortune to be made the unworthy preserver of it yours is the worthy opinion you have of the Author and his Poems neither can it easily be determined whether your affection to them hath made you by observing more able to judge of them than your ability to judge of them hath made you to affect them deservedly not partially In this presumptuous act of mine I express my twofold zeal to him and your noble self who have built him a more honourable monument in that fair opinion you have of him than any inscription subject to the wearing of time can be You will find him in this Poem as active as in others to many of which the dull apprehensions of former times gave but slender allowance from malitious custom more than reason yet they have since by your candid self and others been clearly vindicated You shall oblige by your acceptance of this acknowledgment which is the best I can render you mine own weak labours being too unworthy your judicious perusal him that is ambitious to be known Your most humble Servant RICHARD BROME THE CHANCES A COMEDY Persons Represented in the Play Duke of Ferrara Petruccio Governour of Bolognia two Spanish Gentlemen and Comerades Don John Don Frederick Antonio an old stout Gentleman Kinsman to Petruccio Three Gentlemen friends to the Duke Two Gentlemen friends to Petruccio Francisco a Musician Antonio's Boy Peter Vecchio a Teacher of Latine and Musick a reputed Wizard two Servants to Don John and Frederick Peter and Anthonie A Surgeon WOMEN Constancia Sister to Petruccio and Mistriss to the Duke Gentlewoman Servant to Constancia Old Gentlewoman Landlady to Don John and Frederick Constancia a Whore to old Antonio Bawd The Scene Bolognia Actus Primus Scena Prima Enter 2. Serving men Peter and Anthony Peter I WOULD we were remov'd from this town Anthony That we might taste some quiet for mine own part I 'm almost melted with continual trotting After enquiries dreams and revelations Of who knows whom or where serve wenching soldiers That knows no other Paradise but Plackets I 'll serve a Priest in Lent first and eat Bell ropes Ant. Thou art the froward'st fool Pet. VVhy good tame Anthonie Tell me but this to what end came we hither Ant. To wait upon our Masters Pet. But how Anthony Answer me that resolve me there good Anthony Ant. To serve their uses Pet. Shew your uses Anthony Ant. To be imploy'd in any thing Pet. No Anthony Not any thing I take it nor that thing VVe travel to discover like new islands A sâ—lt itch serve such uses in things of moment Concerning things I grant ye not things errant Sweet Ladies things and things to thank the Surgeon In no such things sweet Anthony put case Ant. Come come all will be mended this invisible woman Of infinite report for shape and vertue That bred us all this trouble to no purpose They are determin'd now no more to think on But fall close to their studies Pet. VVas there ever Men known to run mad with report before Or wonder after they know not where To find or if found how to enjoy are mens brains Made now adays of malt that their affections Are never sober but like drunken People Founder at every new Fame I do believe too That men in love are ever drunk as drunken men Are ever loving Ant. Prithee be thou sober And know that they are none of those not guilty Of the least vanity of love only a doubt Fame might too far report or rather flatter The Graces of this Woman made them curious To find the truth which since they find so blocked And lockt up from their searches they are now setled To give the wonder over Pet. Would they were setled To give me some new shoos too for I 'll be sworn These are e'en worn out to the reasonable souls In their good worships business and some sleep Would not do much amiss unless they mean To make Bell man on me and what now Mean they to study Anthony moral Philosophy After their mar-all women Ant. Mar a fools head Pet. 'T will mar two fools heads and they take not heed Besides the Giblets to ' em Ant. Will you walk Sir And talk more out of hearing your fools head May chance to find a wooden night-cap else Pet. I never layin any Enter Don John and Frederick Ant. Then leave your lying And your blind prophesying here they come You had best tell them as much Pet. I am no tell-tale Exeunt John I would we could have seen her though for sure She must be some rare Creature or Report lies All mens Reports too Fred. I could well wish I had seen her But since she is so conceal'd so beyond venture Kept and preserv'd from view so like a Paradise Plac'd where no knowledge can come near her so guarded As 't were impossible though known to reach her I have made up my belief John Hang me from this hour If I more think upon her or believe her But as she came a strong Report unto me So the next Fame shall lose her Fred. 'T is the next way But whither are you walking John My old Round After my meat and then to Bed Fred. 'T is healthful John Will not you stir Fred. I have a little business Joh. Upon my life this Lady still Fred. Then you will lose it John 'Pray let 's walk together Fred. Now I cannot John I have something to impart Fred. An hour hence I will not miss to meet you John Where Fred. I' th' high street For not to lie I have a few Devotions To do first then I am yours John Remember Exeunt SCENE II. Enter Petruchio Antonio and two Gentlemen Ant. Cut his wind-pipe I say 1 Gent. Fye Antonio Ant. Or knock his brains out first and then forgive him If you do thrust be sure it be to th'hilts A Surgeon may see through him 1 Gent. You are too violent 2 Gent. Too open undiscreet Pet. Am I not ruin'd The honour of my house crack'd my bloud poyson'd My Credit and my Name 2 Gent. Be sure it be so Before ye use this violence Let not doubt And a suspecting anger so much sway ye Your wisedom may be question'd Ant. I say kill him And then dispute the cause cut off what may be And what is shall be safe 2 Gent. Hang up a true man Because 't is possible he may be thievish Alas is this good Justice Pet. I know as certain As day must
I read the Souldiers love Think Diocles worthy to supply the place Of dead Numerianus as he stands His Heir in his revenge with one consent Salute him Emperour Senat. Long live Diocles Augustus Pater Patriae and all Titles That are peculiar only to the Caesars We gladly throw upon him Guard We confirm it And will defend his honour with our Swords Against the world raise him to the Tribunal 1 Sen. Fetch the Imperial Robes and as a sign We give him absolute power of life and death Bind this Sword to his side 2 Sen. Omit no Ceremony That may be for his honour SONG Max. Still the gods Express that they are pleas'd with this election Geta. My Master is an Emperour and I feel A Senators Itch upon me would I could hire These fine invisible Fidlers to play to me At my instalment Dio. I embrace your loves And hope the honours that you heap upon me Shall be with strength supported It shall be My studie to appear another Atlas To stand firm underneath this heaven of Empire And bear it boldly I desire no Titles But as I shall deserve ' em I will keep The name I had being a private man Only with some small difference I will add To Diocles but two short syllables And be called Dioclesianus Geta. That is fine I 'le follow the fashion and when I am a Senator I will be no more plain Geta but be call'd Lord Getianus Dru. He ne'er thinks of me Nor of your favour Enter Niger Del. If he dares prove false These glories shall be to him as a dream Or an inchanted banquet Niger From Charinus From great Charinus who with joy hath heard Of your proceedings and confirms your honours He with his beauteous Sister fair Aurelia Are come in person like themselves attended To gratulate your fortune Loud Musick Enter Charinus Aurelia Attendants Dio. For thy news Be thou in France Pro-consul let us meet The Emperour with all honour and embrace him Dru. O Aunt I fear this Princess doth eclipse Th' opinion of my beauty though I were My self to be the judge Del. Rely on me Char. 'T is vertue and not birth that makes us noble Great actions speak great minds and such should govern And you are grac't with both Thus as a Brother A fellow and Co-partner in the Empire I do embrace you may we live so far From difference or emulous Competition That all the world may say Although two Bodies We have one Mind Aur. When I look on the Trunk Of dear Numerianus I should wash His wounds with tears and pay a Sisters sorrow To his sad fate but since he lives again In your most brave Revenge I bow to you As to a power that gave him second life And will make good my promise If you find That there is worth in me that may deserve you And that in being your wife I shall not bring Disquiet and dishonour to your Bed Although my youth and fortune should require Both to be su'd and sought to here I yield My self at your devotion Dio. O you gods Teach me how to be thankful you have pour'd All blessings on me that ambitious man Could ever fancie till this happy minute I ne're saw beauty or believ'd there could be Perfection in a woman I shall live To serve and honour you upon my knees I thus receive you and so you vouchsafe it This day I am doubly married to the Empire And your best-self Del. False and perfidious villain Dru. Let me fall headlong on him O my stars This I foresaw and fear'd Cha. Call forth a Flamen This knot shall now be ti'd Del. But I will loose it If Art or Hell have any strength Enter a Flamen Thunder and Lightning Cha. Prodigious Max. How soon the day 's orecast Fla. The Signs are fatal Juno smiles not upon this Match and shews too She has her thunder Dio. Can there be a stop In my full fortune Cha. We are too violent And I repent the haste we first should pay Our latest duty to the dead and then Proceed discreetly Let 's take up the body And when we have plac'd his ashes in his Urn We 'll try the gods again for wise men say Marriage and Obsequies do not suit one day Senate Exit Del. So 't is deferr'd yet in despite of falshood Comfort Drusilla for he shall be thine Or wish in vain he were not I will punish Ascend His perjury to the height Mount up my birds Some Rites I am to perform to Hecate To perfect my designs which once perform'd He shall be made obedient to thy Call Or in his ruine I will bury all Ascends throne Actus Tertius Scena Prima Enter Maximinian solus Max. What powerful Star shin'd at this mans Nativity And bless'd his homely Cradle with full glory What throngs of people press and buz about him And with their humming flatteries sing him Caesar Sing him aloud and grow hoarse with saluting him How the fierce-minded Souldier steals in to him Adores and courts his honour at his devotion Their lives their vertues and their fortunes laying Charinus sues the Emperour intreats him And as a brighter flame takes his beams from him The bless'd and bright Aurelia she doats on him And as the god of Love burns incense to him All eyes live on him Yet I am still Maximinian Still the same poor and wretched thing his servant What have I got by this where lies my glory How am I rais'd and honour'd I have gone as far To woo this purblind honour and have pass'd As many dangerous Expeditions As noble and as high nay in his destinie Whilst 't was unknown have run as many hazards And done as much sweat thorow as many perils Only the Hang-man of Volutius Aper Which I mistook has made him Emperour And me his slave Enter Delphia and Drusilla Del. Stand still he cannot see us Till I please mark him well this discontentment I have forc'd into him for thy cause Drusilla Max. Can the gods see this See it with justice and confer their blessings On him that never flung one grain of incense Upon their Altars never bow'd his knee yet And I that have march'd foot by foot struck equally And whilst he was a gleaning have been praying Contemning his base covetous Del. Now we 'll be open Max. Bless me and with all reverence Del. Stand up Son And wonder not at thy ungratefull Uncle I know thy thoughts and I appear to ease ' em Max. O Mother did I stand the tenth part to ye Engag'd and fetter'd as mine Uncle does How would I serve how would I fall before ye The poorer powers we worship Del. Peace and flatter not Necessitie and anger draws this from ye Of both which I will quit ye For your Uncle I spoke this honour and it fell upon him Fell to his full content he has forgot me For all my care forgot me and his vow too As if a dream had vanish'd so h
pleasures as the ravish'd soul Gives to the sences So my charms have took Keep her you powers divine whilst I contemplate Upon the wealth and beauty of her mind She is only fair and constant only kind And only to thee Jasper Oh my joyes Whither will you transport me let not fulness Of my poor buried hopes come up together And over-charge my spirits I am weak Some say how ever ill the Sea and Women Are govern'd by the Moon both ebb and flow Both full of changes yet to them that know And truly judge these but opinions are And heresies to bring on pleasing War Between our tempers that without these were Both void of after-love and present fear Which are the best of Cupid O thou child Bred from despair I dare not entertain thee Having a love without the faults of Women And greater in her perfect goods thâ—n men Which to make good and please my self the stronger Though certainly I am certain of her love I 'll try her that the world and memory May sing to after-times her constancy Luce. Luce awake Luce why do you fright me friend With those distempered looks what makes your sword Drawn in your hand who hath offended you I prethee Jasper sleep thou art wild with watching Jasp Come make your way to Heaven and bid the world With all the villanies that stick upon it Farewell you 're for another life Luce. Oh Jasper How have my tender years committed evil Especially against the man I love Thus to be cropt untimely Jasp Foolish girl Canst thou imagine I could love his daughter That flung me from my fortune into nothing Discharged me his service shut the doors Upon my poverty and scorn'd my prayers Sending me like a boat without a malt To sink or swim Come by this hand you dye I must have life and blood to satisfie Your fathers wrongs Wife Away George away raise the Watch at Ludgate and bring a Mitrimus from the Justice for this desperate Villain Now I charge you Gentlemen see the Kings peace kept O my heart what a varlet 's this to offer Man-slaughter upon the harmless Gentlewoman Cit. I warrant thee sweet heart we 'll have him hampered Luce. Oh Jasper be not cruel If thou wilt kill me smile and do it quickly And let not many deaths appear before me I am a woman made of fear and love A weak weak woman kill not with thy eyes They shoot me through and through Strike I am ready And dying still I love thee Enter Merchant Humphrey and his Men. Merch. Where abouts Jasp No more of this now to my self again Hum. There there he stands with Sword like martial Knight Drawn in his hand therefore beware the fight You that are wise for were I good Sir Bevis I would not stay his coming by your leaves Merc. Sirrah restore my daughter Jasp Sirrah no. Merch. Upon him then Wife So down with him down with him down with him cut him i' the leg boyes cut him i'th'leg Merc. Come your ways Minion I 'll provide a Cage for you you 're grown so tame Horse her away Hum. Truly I 'm glad your forces have the day Exeunt Jasp They are gone and I am hurt my Love is lost manet Jasper Never to get again Oh me unhappy Bleed bleed and dye I cannot Oh my folly Thou hast betray'd me Hope where art thou sled Tell me if thou be'st any where remaining Shall I but see my love again Oh no! She will not dain to look upon her Butcher Nor is fit she should yet I must venter Oh chance or fortune or what ere thou art That men adore for powerful hear my cry And let me loving live or loosing dye Wife Is a gone George Cit. I conny Wife Marry and let him go sweet heart by the faith a my body a has put me into such a fright that I tremble as they say as 't were an Aspine leaf look a my little finger George how it shakes now in truth every member of my body is the worse for 't Cit. Come hug in mine arms sweet Mouse he shall not fright thee any more alass mine own dear heart how it quirers Entâ—â— Mistris Merry-thought Rafe Michael Squire Dwarfe Host and a Tapster Wife O Rafe how dost thou Rafe how hast thou slept to night has the Knight us'd thee well Cit. Peace Nell let Rafe alone Tapst Master the reckoning is not paid Rafe Right courteous Knight who for the orders sake Which thou hast tane hang'st out the holy Bell As I this flaming Pestle bear about We render thanks to your puissant self Your beauteous Lady and your gentle Squires For thus refreshing of our wearied limbs Stifned with hard atchievements in wild Desart Tapst Sir there is twelve shillings to pay Rafe Thou merry Squire Tapstero thanks to thee For comforting our souls with double Jug And if adventurous Fortune prick thee forth Thou jovial Squire to follow seats of Arms Take heed thou tender every Ladies cause Every true Knight and every Damsel fair But spill the blood of treacherous Sarazens And false inchanters that with Magick spels Have done to death full many a noble Knight Host Thou valiant Knight of the burning Pestle give ear to me there is twelve shillings to pay and as I am a true Knight I will not bate a penny Wife George I prethee tell me must Rafe pay twelve shillings now Cit. No Nel no nothing but the old Knight is merry with Rafe Wife O is' t nothing else Rafe will be as merry as he Rafe Sir Knight this mirth of yours becomes you well But to requite this liberal courtesie If any of your Squires will follow Arms He shall receive from my Heroick hand A Knighthood by the virtue of this Pestle Host Fair Knight I thank you for your noble offer Therefore gentle Knight Twelve shillings you must pay or I must cap you Wife Look George did not I tell thee as much the Knight of the Bell is in earnest Rafe shall not be beholding to him give him his money George and let him go snick up Cit. Cap Rafe no hold your hand sir Knight of the Bell there 's your Money have you any thing to say to Rafe now cap Rafe Wife I would you should know it Rafe has friends that will not suffer him to be capt for ten times so much and ten times to the end of that now take thy course Rafe M. mer. Come Michael thou and I will go home to thy father he hath enough left to keep us a day or two and we 'll set fellows abroad to cry our Purse and Casket Shall we Michael Mich. I I pray mother in truth my feot are full of chilblains with travelling Wife Faith and those chilblaines are a foul trouble Mistris Merry-thought when your youth comes home let him rub all the soles of his feet and his heels and his ankles with a Mouseskin or if none of your can catch a Mouse when he goes
shame unto my self wide open You are a noble Lord you pitty poor maids The people are mistaken in your courses You like a father try 'em to the uttermost As they do Gold you purge the dross from them And make them shine Otr. This cunning cannot help ye I love ye to enjoy I have stol'n ye To enjoy ye now not to be fool'd with circumstance Yield willingly or else Flo. What Otr. I will force ye I will not be delay'd a poor base wench That I in curtesie make offer to Argue with me Flo. Do not you will loose your labor Do not my Lord it will become ye poorly Your courtesie may do much on my nature For I am kind as you are and as tender If you compel I have my strengths to flye to My honest thoughts and those are guards about me I can cry too and noise enough I dare make And I have curses that will call down thunder For all I am a poor wench heaven will hear me My body you may force but my will never And be sure I do not live if you do force me Or have no tongue to tell your beastly Story For if I have and if there be a justice Otr. Pray ye go in here I 'll calm my self for this time And be your friend again Flo. I am commanded Exit Otr. You cannot scape me yet I must enjoy ye I 'll lie with thy wit though I miss thy honesty Is this a wench for a Boors hungry bosom A morsel for a Peasants base embraces And must I starve and the meat in my mouth I 'll none of that Enter Gerasto Ger. How now my Lord how speed ye Have ye done the deed Otr. No pox upon 't she is honest Ger. Honest what 's that you take her bare denial Was there ever wench brought up in a mill and honest That were a wonder worth a Chronicle Is your belief so large what did she say to ye Otr. She said her honesty was all her dowry And preach'd unto me how unsit and homely Nay how dishonourable it would seem in me To act my will popt me i' th mouth with modesty Ger. What an impudent Quean was that that 's their trick ever Otr. And then discours'd to me very learnedly What fame and loud opinion would tell of me A wife she touch'd at Ger. Out upon her Varlet Was she so bold these home-spun things are evils They 'll tell ye a thousand lies if you 'll believe 'em And stand upon their honors like great Ladies They 'll speak unhappily too good words to cozen ye And outwardly seem Saints they 'll cry down-right also But 't is for anger that you do not crush ' em Did she not talk of being with child Otr. She toucht at it Ger. The trick of an arrant whore to milk your Lordship And then a pension nam'd Otr. No no she scorn'd it I offer'd any thing but she refus'd all Refus'd it with a confident hate Ger. You thought so You should have taken her then turn'd her and tew'd her I' th' strength of all her resolution flatter'd her And shak't her stubborn will she would have thank'd ye She would have lov'd ye infinitely they must seem modest It is their parts if you had plaid your part Sir And handl'd her as men do unman'd Hawks Cast her and malde her up in good clean linnen And there have coyed her you had caught her heart-strings These tough Virginities they blow like white thornes In storms and tempests Otr. She is beyond all this As cold and harden'd as the Virgin Crystal Ger. Oh force her force her Sir she longs to be ravish'd Some have no pleasure but in violence To be torn in pieces is their paradise 'T is ordinary in our Countrey Sir to ravish all They will not give a penny for their sport Unless they be put to it and terribly And then they swear they 'll hang the man comes near 'em And swear it on his lips too Otr. No no forcing I have an other course and I will follow it I command you and do you command your fellows That when you see her next disgrace and scorn her I 'll seem to put her out o' th' dores o' th' sodain And leave her to conjecture then seize on her Away he ready straight Ger. We shall not fail Sir Exit Otr. Florimell Enter Florimell Flo. My Lord. Otr. I am sure you have now consider'd And like a wise wench weigh'd a friends displeasure Repented your proud thoughts and cast your scorn off Flo. My Lord I am not proud I was never beautiful Nor scorn I any thing that 's just and honest Otr. Come to be short can ye love yet you told me Kindness would far compell ye I am kind to ye And mean to exceed that way Flo. I told ye too Sir As far as it agreed with modesty With honour and with honesty I would yield to ye Good my Lord take some other Theam for Love Alass I never knew yet what it meant And on the sudden Sir to run through Volumes Of his most mystick art 't is most impossible Nay to begin with lust which is an Heresie A foul one too to learn that in my childhood O good my Lord. Otr. You will not out of this song Your modesty and honesty is that all I will not force ye Flo. Ye are too noble Sir Otr. Nor will I woo ye at that infinite price It may be you expect Flo. I expect your pardon And a discharge my Lord that 's all I look for Otr. No nor fall sick for love Flo. 'T is a heathful year Sir Otr. Look ye I 'll turn ye out o'dores and scorn ye Flo. Thank ye my Lord. Otr. A proud slight Peat I found ye A fool it may be too Flo. An honest woman Good my Lord think me Otr. And a base I leave ye So fare-ye-well Exit Enter Gerasto and Servants Ger. What dost thou stay for dost thou not know the way Thou base unprovident whore Flo. Good words pray ye Gentlemen 1 Ser. Has my Lord smoak'd ye over good-wife Miller Is your Mill broken that you stand so useless 2 Ser. An impudent Quean upon my life she is unwholsome Some base discarded thing my Lord has found her He would not have turn'd her off o'th'sudden else Ger. Now against every sack my honest sweet heart With every Smig and Smug. Flo. I must be patient Ger. And every greasie guest and sweaty Rascall For his Royal hire between his fingers Gentlewoman 1 Ser. I fear thou hast given my Lord the thou damn'd thing 2 Ser. I have seen her in the Stewes Ger. The knave her father Was Bawd to her there and kept a Tipling house You must even to it again a modest function Flo. If ye had honesty ye would not use me Thus basely wretchedly though your Lord bid ye But he that knows Ger. Away thou carted impudence You meat for every man a little meal Flung in your face
Above there Enter Maria and Byancha above Mar. Chevai'a Liv. A friend By. Who are you Liv. Look out and know Mar. Alas poor wench who sent thee What weak fool made thy tongue his Orator I know you come to parly Liv. Y' are deceiv'd Urg'd by the goodness of your cause I come To do as you do Mar. Y' are too weak too foolish To cheat us with your smoothness do not we know Thou hast been kept up tame Liv. Believe me Mar. No prethee good Livia Utter thy Eloquence somewhere else By. Good Cosin Put up your Pipes we are not for your palate Alas we know who sent you Liv. O' my word By. Stay there you must not think your word Or by your Maidenhead or such Sunday oaths Sworn after Even-Song can inveigle us To losâ— our hand-fast did their wisdoms think That sent you hither we would be so foolish To entertain our gentle Sister Sinon And give her credit while the wooden Jade Petruchio stole upon us no good Sister Go home and tell the merry Greeks that sent you Ilium shall burn and I as did Aeneas Will on my back spite of the Myrmidons Carry this warlike Lady and through Seas Unknown and unbeliev'd seek out a Land Where like a race of noble Amazons We 'll rooâ— our selves and to our endless glory Live and despise base men Liv. I 'll second ye By. How long have you been thus Liv. That 's all one Cosin I stand for freedom now By. Take heed of lying For by this light if we do credit you And find you tripping his infliction That kill'd the Prince of Orange will be sport To what we purpose Liv. Let me feel the heaviest Mar. Swear by thy Sweet-heart Rowland for by your maiden-head I fear 't will be too late to swear you mean Nothing but fair and safe and honourable To us and to your self Liv. I swear By. Stay yet Swear as you hate Moroso that 's the surest And as you have a certain fear to sind him Worse than a poor dry'd Jack full of more aches Than Autumn has more knavery and usury And foolery and brokery than dogs-ditch As you do constantly believe he 's nothing But an old empty bag with a grey beard And that Beard such a bob-tail that it looks Worse than a Mares tail eaten off with Fillies As you acknowledge that young handsome wench That lies by such a Bilboa blade that bends With ev'ry pass he makes to th' hilts miserable A dry Nurse to his Coughs a fewterer To such a nasty fellow a robb'd thing Of all delights youth looks for and to end One cast away on course beef born to brush That everlasting Cassock that has worn As many Servants out as the Northeast passage Has consum'd Sailors if you swear this and truly Without the reservation of a gown Or any meritorious Petticoat 'T is like we shall believe you Liv. I do swear it Mar. Stay yet a little came this wholsome motion Deal truly Sister from your own opinion Or some suggestion of the Foe Liv. Nev'r fear me For by that little faith I have in Husbands And the great zeal I bear your cause I come Full of that liberty you stand for Sister Mar. If we believe and you prove recreant Livia Think what a maim you give the noble Cause We now stand up for Think what women shall An hundred years hence speak thee when examples Are look'd for and so grâ—at ones whose relations Spoke as we do 'em wench shall make new customs By. If you be false repent go home and pray And to the serious women of the City Confess your self bring not a sin so hainous To load thy soul to this place mark me Livia If thou be'st double and betray'st our honors And we fail in our purpose get thee where There is no women living nor no hope There ever shall be Mar. If a Mothers daughter That ever heard the name of stubborn husband Find thee and know thy sin By. Nay if old age One that has worn away the name of woman And no more left to know her by but railing No teeth nor eyes nor legs but wooden ones Come but i' th' wind-ward of thee for sure she 'll smell theâ— Thou 'lt be so rank she 'll ride thee like a night-Mare And say her Prayers back-ward to undo thee She 'll curse thy meat and drink and when thou marriest Clap a sound spell for ever on thy pleasures Mar. Children of five year old like little Fairies Will pinch thee into motley all that ever Shall live and hear of thee I mean all women Will like so many furies shake their keys And toss their flaming distaffs o'r their heads Crying revenge take heed 't is hideous Oh 't is a fearful office if thou hadst Though thou be'st perfect now when thou cam'st hither A false imagination get thee gone And as my learned Cosin said repent This place is sought by soundness Liv. So I seek it Or let me be a most despis'd example Mar. I do believe thee be thou worthy of it You come not empty Liv. No here 's Cakes and cold meat And Tripe of proof behold here 's Wine and Beer Be suddain I shall be surpriz'd else Mar. Meet at the low parlour door there lies a close way What fond obedience you have living in you Or duty to a man before you enter Fling it away 't will but defile our Off'rings By. Be wary as you come Liv. I warrant ye Exeunt Scaena Tertia Enter three Maids 1 Mai. How goes your business Girls 2. A foot and fair 3. If fortune favour us away to your strength The Countrey Forces are arriv'd be gone We are discover'd else 1. Arm and be valiant 2. Think of our cause 3. Our Justice 1. 'T is sufficient Exeunt Scaene Quarta Enter Rowland and Tranio at several doors Tra. Now Rowland Row How doe you Tra. How dost thou man Thou look'st ill Bow Yes pray can you tell me Tranio Who knew the devil first Tra. A woman Row So. Were they not well acquainted Tra. May be so For they had certain Dialogues together Row He sold her fruit I take it Tra. Yes and Cheese That choak'd all mankind after Row Canst thou tell me Whether that woman ever had a faith After she had eaten Tra. That 's a School-question Row No 'T is no question for believe me Tranio That cold fruit after eating breâ—d naught in her But windy promises and chollick vows That broke out both ways Row Thou hast heard I am sure Of Esculapius a far famed Surgeon One that could set together quarter'd Traitors And make 'em honest men Tra. How dost thou Rowland Row Let him but take if be dare do a cure Shall get him fame indeed a faithless woman There will be credit for him that will speak him A broken woman Tranio a base woman And if he can cure such a rack of honor Let him come here and practice Tra. Now for honors
her Lis I presume She always speaks the language of her heart And I can be ambitious for no more Happiness on earth than she encourages Me to expect Cas It was an act becoming The wisdom of her Father to engage A tye between our Families and she Hath play'd her best discretion to allow it But we lose time in conference wait on her And be what thou wert born for King of Epire I must away Exit Lis Success ever attend you Is not the Queen yet coming forth Lisa Your servant You may command our duties This is the Court Star Philocles Phi. The Star that we must sail by Lisa All must borrow A light from him the young Queen directs all Her favours that way Phi. He 's a noble Gentleman And worthy of his expectations Too good to be the son of such a Father Lisa Peace remember he is Lord Protector Phil. We have more need of Heavens Protection I' th' mean time I wonder the old King Did in his life design him for the office Lisa He might expect his faith I have heard when The King Who was no Epirote advanc'd His claim Cassander our Protector now Young then oppos'd him toughly with his faction But forc'd to yield had fair conditions And was declar'd by the whole State next heir If the King wanted issue our hopes only Thriv'd in this daughter Phi. Whom but for her smiles And hope of marriage with Lisimachus His Father by some cunning had remov'd E'r this Lisa Take heed the Arras may have ears I should not weep much if his grace would hence Remove to Heaven Phi. I prethee what should he do there Lisa Some Offices will fall Phi. And the Skie too e'r I get one stair higher While he 's in place Enter Antigonus Ant. Lisander Philocles How looks the day upon us where 's the Queen Phi. In her bed-chamber Ant. Who was with her Lisa None but the young Lord Lisimachus Ant. 'T is no treason If a man wish himself a Courtier Of such a possibility he has The mounting fate Phi. I would his Father were â—ounted to th' gallows Ant. He has a path fair enough â—f he survive by title of his Father Lisa The Queen will hasten his ascent Phi. Would I were Queen Ant. Thou wou'dst become rarely the petticoat What wou'dst thou do Phi. Why I wou'd marry My Gentleman usher and trust all the strength And burden of my State upon his legs Rather than be call'd wife by any son Of such a Father Lisa Come let 's leave this subject We may find more secure discourse when saw You young Arcadius Lord Macarius's Nephew Ant. There 's a spark a youth moulded for a Favourite The Queen might do him honor Phi. Favourite 't is too cheap a name there were a match Now for her Virgin blood Lisa Must every man That has a handsome face or leg feed such Ambition I confess I honor him He has a nimble soul and gives great hope To be no woman-hater dances handsomly Can court a Lady powerfully but more goes To th' making of a Prince he 's here And 's Uncle Enter Arcadius Macarius Seleucus Sel. Save you Gentlemen who can direct me To find my Lord Protector Lisa He was here Within this half hour young Lisimachus His Son is with the Queen Sel. There let him compliment I have other business ha Arcadius Exit Phi. Observ'd you with what eyes Arcadius And he saluted their two families Will hardly reconcile Ant. Seleucus carries Himself too roughly with what pride and scorn He past by ' em Lisa Th' other with less shew Of anger carries pride enough in 's soul I wish 'em all at peace Macarius looks Are without civil war a good old man The old King lov'd him well Seleucus Father Was as dear to him and maintain'd the character Of an honest Lord through Epire that two men So lov'd of others should be so unwelcome To one another Arc. The Queen was not wont to send for me Mac. The reason 's to her self It will become your duty to attend her Arc. Save you Gentlemen what novelty Does the Court breathe to day Lisa None Sir the news That took the last impression is that you Purpose to leave the Kingdom and those men That honor you take no delight to hear it Arc. I have ambition to see the difference Of Courts and this may spare the delights At home do surfet and the Mistriss whom We all do serve is fixt upon one object Her beams are too much pointed but no Countrey Shall make me lose your memories Enter Queen Lisimachus Macarius Charilla Qu. Arcadius Mac. Your Lordship honor'd me I have no blessing in his absence Lis 'T is done like a pious Uncle Qu. We must not Give any licence Arc. If your Majesty Would please Qu. We are not pleas'd it had become your duty To have first acquainted us e'r you declar'd Your resolution publick is our Court Not worth your stay Arc. I humbly beg your pardon Qu. Where 's Lysimachus Lis Your humble servant Madam Qu. We shall find Employment at home for you do not lose us Arc. Madam I then write my self blest on earth When I may do you service Qu. We would be private Macarius Mac. Madam you have blest me Nothing but your command could interpose to Stay him Qu. Lisimachus You must not leave us Lisa Nothing but Lisimachus has she not Ta'en a philter Qu. Nay pray be cover'd Ceremony from you Must be excus'd Lisi It will become my duty Qu. Not your love I know you would not have me look upon Your person as a Courtier not as Favorite That Title were too narrow to express How we esteem you Lis The least of all These names from you Madam is grace enough Qu. Yet here you wou'd not rest Lis Not if you please To say there is a happiness beyond And teach my ambition how to make it mine Although the honors you already have Let fall upon your servant exceed all My merit I have a heart is studious To reach it with desert and make it possible Your savor's mine by justice with your pardon Qu. We are confident this needs no pardon Sir But a reward to cherish your opinion And that you may keep warm your passion Know we resolve for marriage and if I had another gift beside my self Greater in that you should discern how much My heart is fixt Lis Let me digest my blessing Qu. But I cannot resolve when this shall be Lis How Madam do not make me dream of Heaven And wake me into misery if your purpose Be to immortalize your humble servant Your power on earth's divine Princes are here The copies of Eternity and create When they but will our happiness Qu. I shall Believe you mock me in this argument I have no power Lis How no power Qu. Not as a Queen Lis I understand you not Qu. I must obey your Father 's my Protector Lis How Qu. When I am
There 's hope for me Cas Why you dare fight with him And need be for the Kingdom Sel. With Arcadius If you 'll make stakes my life against his crown I 'll fight with him and you and your fine Son And all the Courtiers one after another Cas ' T wo'not come to that Sel. I am of your Lordships mind so fare you well Cas Yet stay and hear Sel. What that you have betray'd me Do tell your King my life is grown a burden And I 'll confess and make your souls look pale To see how nimble mine shall leap this battlement Of flesh and dying laugh at your poor malice Omnes No more long live Leonatus King of Epire. Sel. Leonatus Who 's that Cas Be bold and be a King our brains have been Working to raise you to this height here are None but friends dare von but call your self Leonatus and but justifie with confidence What we 'll proclaime you if we do not bring The Crown to your head we ' ill forfeit ours Eub. The state is in distraction Arcadius Is prov'd a King there was an elder brother If you dare but pronounce you are the same Forget you are my son Pol. These are no trifles Sir all is plotted To assure your greatness if you will be wise And take the faire occasion that 's presented Sel. Arcadius you say is lawful King And now to depose him you would make me An elder brother is' t not so Cas Most right Sel. Nay right or wrong if this be your true meaning Omnes Upon our lives Sel. I 'll venture mine but with your pardon Whose brain was this from whom took this plot life Eub. My Lord Cassander Sel. And you are of his mind and you and think This may he done Eub. The destinies shall not croâ—s us if you have Spirit to undertake it Sel. Undertake it I am not us'd to compliment I 'll owe My life to you my fortunes to your Lordship Compose me as you please and when y 'ave made Me what you promise you shall both divide Me equally one word my Lord I had rather Live in the prison still than be a propeâ—â—y To advance his politick ends Eub. Have no suspition Cas So so I see Demetrius heels already Trip'd up and I 'll dispatch him out o th' way Which gone I can depose this at my leasure Being an Impostor then my Son stands fair And may piece with the Princess we lose time What think you if we first surprize the Court While you command the Castle we shall curbe All opposition Eub. Let 's proclaim him first I have some faction the people love me They gain'd to us wee 'll fall upon the Court. Cas Unless Demetrius yield himself he bleeds Sel. Who dares call treason sin when it succeeds Exeunt Omnes Enter Sophia and Charilla Cha. Madam you are too passionate and lose The greatness of your soul with the expence Of too much grief for that which providence Hath eas'd you of the burden of a state Above your tender bearing Sop. Thour' t a fool And canst not reach the spirit of a Lady Born great as I was and made onely less By a too cruel destiny above Our tender bearing What goes richer to The composition of Man than ours Our soul as free and spatious our heart 's As great our will as large each thought as active And in this onely Man more proud than we That would have us less capable of Empire But search the stories and the name of Queen Shines bright with glory and some precedents Above Mans imitation Cha. I grant it For the honor of our sex nor have you Madam By any weakness sorfeited command He that succeeds in justice was before you And you have gain'd more in a royal brother Than you could lose by your resign of Epire. Sop. This I allow Charilla I ha done 'T is not the thought I am depos'd afflicts me At the same time I feel a joy to know My Brother living no there is another Wound in me above cure Cha. Virtue forbid Sop. Canst find me out a Surgeon for that Cha. For what Sop. My bleeding fame Cha. Oh do not injure Your own clear innocence Sop. Do not flatter me I have been guilty of an act will make All love in women question'd is not that A blot upon a Virgins name my birth Cannot extâ—nuate my shame I am Become the stain of Epire. Cha. 'T is but Your own opinion Madam which presents Something to fright your self which cannot Be in the same shape so horrid to our sense Sop. Thou wod'st but canst not appear ignorant Did not the Court nay the whole Kingdom take Notice I lov'd Lisimachus Cha. True Madam Sop. No I was false Though counsel'd by my Father to affect him I had my politick ends upon Cassander To be absolute Queen flattering his son with hopes Of love and marriage when that very day I blush to think I wrong'd Lisimachus That noble Gentleman but heaven punish'd me For though to know Demetrius was a blessing Yet who will not impute it my dishonor Cha. Madam you yet may recompence Lisimachus If you affect him now you were not false To him whom then you lov'd not if you can Find any gentle passion in your soul To entertain his thought no doubt his heart Though sad retains a noble will to meet it His love was firm to you and cannot be Unrooted with one storme Sop. He will not sure Trust any language from her tongue that mock'd him Although my soul doth weep sor't and is punish'd To love him above the world Enter Lisimachus Cha. Hee 's here As fate would have him reconcil'd be free And speak your thoughts Lisi If Madam I appear Too bold your charity will sign my pardon I heard you were not well which made me haste To pay the duty of an humble visit Sop. You do not mock me Sir Lisi I am confident You think me not so lost to manners in The knowledge of your person to bring with me Such rudeness I have nothing to present But a heart full of wishes for your health And what else may be added to your happiness Sop. I thought you had been sensible Lisi How Madam Sop. A man of understanding can you spend One prayer for me remembring the dishonor I have done Lisimachus Lisi Nothing can deface that part of my Religion in me not to pray for you Sop. It is not then impossible you may Forgive me too indeed I have a soul Is full of penitence and something else If blushing would allow to give 't a name Lisi What Madam Sop. Love a love that should redeem My past offence and make me white again Lisi I hope no sadness can possess your thoughts For me I am not worthy of this sorrow But if you mean it any satisfaction For what your will hath made me suffer 't is But a strange overflow of Charity To keep me still alive be your self Madam And let
find by this assur'd intelligence The preparation of the Turks against us We have met him oft and beat him now to fear him Would argue want of courage and I hold it A safer policie for us and our signiories To charge him in his passage o'er the Sea Than to expect him here Alb. May it please your Highness Since you vouchsafe to think me worthy of This great imployment if I may deliver My judgement freely 't is not flattery Though I say my opinion waits on you Nor would I give my suffrage and consent To what you have propos'd but that I know it Worth the great speaker though that the denial Call'd on your heavy anger For my self I do profess thus much if a blunt Soldier May borrow so much from the oyl'd tongu'd Courtier That ecchoes whatsoe'er the Prince allows of All that my long experience hath taught me That have spent three parts of my life at Sea Let it not taste of arrogance that I say it Could not have added reasons of more weight To fortifie your affections ' than such As your grace out of observation meerly Already have propounded Bap. With the honor to give the daring enemy an affront In being the first opposer it will teach Your Soldiers boldness and strike fear in them That durst attempt you 1 Magi. Victuals and Ammunition And Money too the sinews of the War are stor'd up in the Magazine 2 Magi. And the Gallies new rig'd and train'd up And at two dayes warning fit for the service Duke We commend your care Nor will we e'er be wanting in Our counsels As we doubt not your action you Baptista Shall stay with us that Merchant is not wise That ventures his whole fortunes in one bottom Albertâ— Be our Admiral spare your thanks 'T is Merit in you that invites this honor Preserve it such ere long you shall hear more Things rashly undertaken end as ill But great acts thrive when reason guides the will Exeunt Enter 3 Gentlemen 1. No question 't was not well done in Caesario To cross the horse of young Mentivole â—n the midst of this course 2. That was not all the switching him dull'd him 3. Would that both the jades Had broke their necks when they first started 'Slight We stand here prating give them leave to whisper And when they have cut one anothers throats Enter Mentivole and Caesario Make in to part ' em 2. There is no such hazard Their Fathers friendship and their love forbid it â—ee where they come 1. With fury in their looks Ment. You have the wager with what foul play got â—ll not dispute Caesar Foul play Ment. I cannot speak it â—n a fairer language and if some respects â—amiliar to my self chain'd not my tongue â— should say no more I should but I 'll sit down With this disgrace how e'er press me no farther â—or if once more provok'd you 'll understand â— dare no more suffer an Injury Than I dare do one Caesar Why Sir are you injur'd â—n that I take my right which I would force Should you detain it Ment. Put it to judgment Caesar No my will in this shall carry it Ment. Your will nay farewell softness then They suddenly draw 3. This I foresaw 2. Hold hold Caesar I am hurt 2. Shift for your self 't is death Men. As you respect me bear him off with care â—f he miscarry since he did the wrong â—'ll stand the shock of 't 2. Gently he will faint else Exeunt Gent. with Caesario Ment. And speedily I beseech you my rage over That pour'd upon my reason clouds of error â— see my folly and at what dear loss â— have exchang'd a real innocence To gain a meer fantastical report Transported only by vain popular wind To be a daring nay fool-hardy Man Enter Baptista But could I satisfie my self within here How should I bear my fathers frown They meet me My guilt conjures him hither Bap. Sirrah Mentiv. Sir Bap. I have met the trophies of your russian sword Was there no other Anvile to make triall How far thou durst be wicked but the bosome Of him which under the adulterate name Of friendship thou hast murder'd Ment. Murder'd Sir My dreams abhor so base a fact true valour Imploy'd to keep my reputation fair From the austerest Judge can never merit To be branded with that title you begot me A man no coward and but call your youth To memory when injur'd you could never Boast of the Asses fortitude slave-like patience And you might justly doubt I were your son If I should entertain it if Caesario Recover as I hope his wound 's not mortal A second tryal of what I dare doe In a just cause shall give strong witness for me I am the true heir to Baptista's courage As to his other fortunes Baptist Boy to neither But on this strict condition which intreaties From Saints nay Angels shall not make me alter A friendship so began and so continu'd Between me and Alberto my best friend Your brawls shall not dissolve it is my will And as I am thy Father I command thee That instantly on any termes how poor So e'er it skills not thou desire his pardon And bring assurance to me he has sign'd it Or by my Fathers soul I 'll never know thee But as a stranger to my blood perform it And suddenly without reply I have said it Ment. And in it given a heavier sentence on me Than the most cruel death you are my father And your will to be serv'd and not disputed By me that am your Son But I 'll obey And though my heart-strings crack for 't make it known When you command my faculties are your own Exeunt Actus Secundus Scaena Prima Enter Alberto Physitian and a Chirurgion Phys HAve patience Noble Sir your son Caesario Will recover without question Surgeon A slight wound Though it pierc't his body it hath miss'd the vitals Phys My life for 't he shall take the air again within these ten dayes Alber. O but from a friend To receive this bloody measure from a friend If that a man should meet a violent death In a place where he had taken sanctuary Would it not grieve him such all Florence held Their friendship and 't is that which multiplies The injury Physi Have patience worthy Signior Alber. I do protest as I am Man and Soldier If I had buried him in a wave at Sea Lost in some honorable action I would not to the saltness of his grave Have added the least tear but these quarrels Enter Mariana and Clarissa Bred out of game and wine I had as live He should have died of a Surfet Maria. Oh what comfort How is it with our Son Sir Alber. His Work-masters Bear me in hand here as my Lawyer does When I have a crackt Title or bad Sute in Law All shall go well Maria. I pray you Gentlemen what think you of his wound Physi 'T is but a scratch nothing to danger
of Imitation Wonder and envy let not discontinuance Of some few days estrange a sweet opinion Of virtue cheifly when in such extremity Your pitty not contempt will argue goodness Maria. O Sir Cla. If you would use a thriving courtship You cannot utter a more powerfull language That I shall listen to with greater greediness Than th' argument you prosecute this speaks you A man compleat and excellent Ment. I speak not they are his own deserts Maria. Good Sir forbear I am now fully sensible of running Into a violent Lethargy whose deadliness Locks up all reason I shall never henceforth Remember my past happiness Ment. These clouds may be disperst Maria. I fear continuall night Will over-shroud me yet poor youth his trespass Lies in his fortune not the cruelty Of the Duke's sentence Cla I dare think it does Maria. If all fail I will learn thee to conquer Adversity with sufferance Ment. You resolve Nobly Exeunt Actus Quartus Scaena Prima Enter Cesario and a Servant Cesar Let any friend have entrance Servant Sir a 'shall Cesar Any I except none Serv. We know your mind Sir Exit Cesar Pleasures admit no bounds I am pitcht so high To such a growth of full prosperities That to conceal my fortunes were an injury To gratefulness and those more liberall favours By whom my glories prosper He that flowes In gracious and swolne tydes of best abundance Yet will be Ignorant of his own fortunes Deserves to live contemn'd and dye forgotten The harvest of my hopes is now already Ripen'd and gather'd I can fatten youth With choice of plenty and supplies of comforts My fate springs in my own hand and I 'll use it Enter 2 Servants and Biancha 1 'T is my place 2 Yours here fair one I 'll aquaint my Lord. 1 He 's here go to him boldly 2 Please you to let him understand how readily I waited on your errand 1 Saucy fellow you must excuse his breeding Cesar What 's the matter Biancha my Biancha to your offices Exit Ser. This visit Sweet from thee my pretty dear By how much more 't was unexpected comes So much the more timely witness this free welcome What ere occasion led thee Bâ—an You must guess Sir Yet indeed 't is a rare one Ces Prethee speak it my honest virtuous maid Bian. Sir I have heard Of your misfortunes and I cannot tell you Whether I have more cause of joy oâ— sadness To â—now they are a truth Ces What truth Biancha misfortunes how wherein Bian. You are disclaym'd For being the Lord Alberto's Son and publickly Acknowledg'd of as mean a birth as mine is It cannot chuse but greive ye Ces Greive me ha ha ha ha is this all Bian. This all Ces Thou art sorry for 't I warrant thee alas good soul Biancha That which thou call'st misfortune is my happiness My happiness Bianâ—ha Bian If you love me it may prove mine too Ces May it I will love thee My good good maid If that can make thee happy Better and better love thee Bian. Without breach then Of modesty I come to claime the Interest Your protestations both by vows and letters Have made me owner of from the first hour I saw you I confess I wisht I haâ— been Or not so much below your rank and greatness Or not so much above those humble flames That should have warm'd my bosome with a temperate Equality of desires in equal fortunes Still as you utter'd Language of affection I courted time to pass more slowly on That I might turn more fool to lend attention To what I durst not credit nor yet hope for Yet still as more I heard I wisht to hear more Ces Didst thou introth wench Bian. Willingly betraid My self to hopeless bondage Ces A good girl I thought I should not miss What ere thy answer waâ— Biancha But as I am a maid Sir and l'faith You may believe me for I am a maid So dearly I respected both your same And quality that I would first have perisht In my sick thoughts than ere have given consent To have undone your fortunes by inviting A marriage with so mean an one as I am I should have dyed sure and no creature known The sickness that had kill'd me Ces Pretty heart good Soul alas alas Bian. Now since I know There is no difference 'twixt your birth and mine Not much 'twixt our estates if any be The advantage is on my side I come willingly To tender you the first fruits of my heart And am content t' accept you for my husband Now when you are at lowest Ces For a husband Speak sadly dost thou mean sâ— Bian. In good deed Sir 'T is pure love makes this proffer Ces I believe thee What counsail urg'd thee on tell me thy Father My worshipfull smug Host wa st not he wench Or mother Hostess ha Bian. D' ee mock my parentage I doe not scorn yours Mean folks are as worthy To be well spoken of if they deserve well As some whose onely fame lies in their blood O y' are a proud poor man all your oaths falshood Your vows deceit your letters forg'd and wicked Ces thou 'dst be my wife I dare swear Bian. Had your heart Your hand and tongue been twins you had reputed This courtesy a benefit Ces Simplicity How prettily thou mov'st me why Biancha Report has coz'ned thee I am not fallen From my expected honors or possessions Though from the hope of birthright Bian. Are you not Thâ—n I am lost again I have a suit too You 'll grant it if you be a good man Ces Any thing Bian. Pray doe not talk of ought what I have said t' ee Ces As I wish health I will not Bian. Pitty me but never love me more Ces Nay now y' are cruell Why an these tears Thou shalt not go Bian. I 'll pray for ye That you may have a virtuous wife a fair one And when I am dead Ces Fy fy Bian. Think on me sometimes With mercy for this trespass Ces Let us kiss At parting as at coming Bian. This I have As a free dower to a virgins grave All goodness dwell with ye Exit Ces Harmeless Biancha unskill'd What hansome toyes are maids to play with Enter Mariana and Clarissa How innocent but I have other thoughts Of nobler meditation my felicity Thou commest as I could wish lend me a lip Soft as melting as when old Alberto After his first nights triall taking farewell Of thy youth's conquest tasted Maria. You are uncivill Ces I will be Lord of my own pleasures Madam Y' are mine mine freely Come no whimpering henceforth New con the lessons of loves best experience That our delights may meet in equal measure Of resolutions and desires this sulleness Is scurvy I like it not Mar. Be modest And do not learn Cesario how to prostitute The riot of thy hopes to common folly Take a sad womans word how ere thou doat'st Upon the present graces of thy greatnes Yea I am