"00
Gbe Birtb of merlin
" Written by WILLIAM SHAKESPEAR AND WILLIAM ROWLEY "
1662
Kirkman's ascription of " The Birth of Merlin " as in part to
Shakespeare is generally regarded as improbable.
The date of composition and the stage-history of the play are also
shrouded in mystery.
Little likewise is known of William Rowley. The first notice of him
occurs in 1607, when he is found in London following the double calling
of actor and playwright, collaborating in the last capacity with Dekker,
Middleton, T. Heywood, Fletcher, Massinger, Webster, and Ford. The
last mention is of his marriage in 1637. The dates of his birth or death
are unknown. Samuel Rowley was probably his elder brother.
Mr. J. A. Herbert, of the Manuscript Department of the British
Museum, comparing this facsimile with the original [B.M. Press-mark,
C. 34, /. 7, from which these facsimiles are made : another copy is C. 12,
/. i (6)] , says : " It is very nearly perfect . . . . In all essentials it
is excellent. 1 '
JOHN S. FARMER.
.
>
THE
BIRTH
O F
MERLIN:
O R ,
The* Qhilde bath found bis Fathers
As it hath been feveral times
with great Applaufc.
_ __
. Written by William Shakf/pear , and
William
Tlacere cnpio.
. -t- i
LOS DON : Printed by Mo.Johnfon for Fr4f JT.-rfc, and
and are to be fold at the Princes Arms in
. 1662.
V
*Drammatis Terfon*.
The Scene B R i T T A i N .
AV rel$m , King of Britttin.
frriffr, Kin of
PendHgtn the Prince, Brother to
Doneten a Nobleman, tnd Father to Conftantia an
The Earl ofcitfer, and Father to rrf7/-.
Erfofl Earl of C^/rr, and General to King
Cador Earl of Cormr^/, and Suitor to Conji
tdwjn, Son to the Etrl of G/a/^r, and Suitor to Modrjli*
Toclio and ofwald 9 t wo Noblemen
Mrr/iff the Prophet
^/r/m^ the Hermit, after Bifhop of Wt
Clown, brother to jone, mother of Wrr//
Sir Ntchodemus Nothing, t Courtier
The Devil, father of Merlin
ofteruu, the Saxon General
ofta> a Saxon Nobleman
Pr0*jM*, a Saxon Magician
-TwoBiihopf
, Two Saxon Lords
, Two of E<i// Captains
r Two Gentlemen
A little Antick Spirit
Artefi4 9 Sifter to of trim the Stxon General
and >Daughters to
-rwV, Mother of
Waiting-woman to Jrrr/?4
5 Queen of the Shades.
Ax The
The BIRTH of MERLIN:
OR,
The Childe hath found bis Father.
Entfy Dotubert, Glojler, Cador, Edtvin, Confantu^nd Modcflia*
YOu teach me language, fir, as one that knows
the Dtbt of Love I owe unto their Vertues,
wherein like a true Courtier I have fed my
felf with hope of fair Succefs , and now at
tend your wiftt confent to my long Suit.
Dono. Believe me, youthful Lord , time could not give an op
portunity more fitting your dcfires, always provided my Daugh
ters love be fuited with my Grant. Cador. 'Tis the condition
fir, her Promife feal'd. Dono. I ft fo, Confantla. ?
Conflan. I was content to give him words for oathes, he fwore
fo oft he lov'd me. Dono. That thou believeft him ?
Conft. He is a man I hope. Dono. That's in the trial Girl.
Confl. However I am a woman,fir. Done. The Law's on th^
fide then, fha't have a Husband, I, and a worthy one : Take her
brave Cornwaly and make our happinefs great as our wifhes.
Cador. Sir, 1 thank you. Cloft. Double the fortunes of
the day 5 my Lord , and crown my wifhes too : I have a fon here,
who in my abfence would proteft no lefs unto your other Daugh
ter. Dono. Ha Cloper i is it fo ? what fays Lord Edwin ? will
fte proteft as much to thee ?
Edwin. Elfemuft fhe want fome of 'her Sifters faith, Sir.
Modefta. Of her credulity much rather, Sir : My^Lord, you are
a Soldier , and methinks the height of that Profeiiion ftiould di-
minifh all heat of Loves defires , being fo late employ 'd in blood
and ruine. Edwin. The more my Confcience tyes me to re
pair
7 he Birth if Merlin :
pair the worlds loflfcs in a new fuccCiHoo. llodejl. Necefllty it
feems cies yojr afTe&ions then, and at chat rate I would unwilling
ly be chruil upon you, a wife is a di(h foon cloys, dr.
Edwin. Weak and difeafed appetites it may. Mtdef. Moft
of your making have dull ftomacks fir. Dono, If that be all Girl,
thou (halt quicken him, be kinde to him Modeft*i Noble Edvm, let
it fuffice what's mine in her, (peaks youn j
For her contender your fair fuit go on,
She is a woman fir, and will be won. Enter Toctio*
Edwin. You give me comfort fir. Done. NowTw//*.
Tulw. Th'eKing,my honor'd Lords,requires your prefence,and
calls a Councel for return of anfwer unto the parling enemy,
whofe Embaifadors are on the way to Court. Dono. So fudden-
Jy, chefer it feems has ply'd them hard at war, they Cue fo faft for
peace, which by my advice they ne're (hall have, unlefs they leave
the Realm. Come noble Gloftfr, let's attend the King, it lies fir in
your Son to do me pleafure , and fave the charges of a Wedding
Dinner,
If you'l make hafte to end your Love affairs,
One colt may give difcharge to both my cares. Exit Dono. Gloft.
Edwin. Tie do my beft. Coder. Now Todio, what ftirrine
news at Court? Tocli*. Oh my Lord,the Court's all fill'd with
rumor, the City with news, and the Country with wonder , and all
the bells i'th' Kingdom muft proclaim it , we have a new Holy-
day a coming.. Confta. A holy-day! for whom? fordiee?
Jocko. Me, Madam I'sfoot I'de be loath that any man fhouU
make a holy-day for me yet: In brief 'tis thus, there's here arriv'd
at Court, fent by the Earl ofchfftcr to the King , a man of rare e-
fteem for holynefs, t reverent Hermit, that by miracle not onely
faved our army, but without aid of man o'rethrcw the pagan Hoft,
and with fuch wonder fir, as might confirm a Kingdom to his faith.
Edwin. This is ftrange news indeed, where is he ?
Toclio. In conference with the King that much rcfpefirs him.
Modtft. Truft me, I long to fee him, Toclio. Faith you will
linde no great pleafure in him, for ought that I can fee Lady, they
fay he is half a Prophet too , would h e could tell me any news of
the loft Prince, there's twenty Talents offer'd to him that finds
him. r *dor< Such news was breeding in the morning.
yetwhatfatemay o m "- fu . come fair Miftrifc, your Sifter
She will be out anon as well , I, ^ C4(J(>r
He wantsbut cunning to put u> . W*
l(w i. You are a cunning GOTelto,^ wbere
M(/. It U a defperate Came indeed ^^.^hy, what
there's no winning hout loft * worthinefe of ^ mr
- fromdfficult
WOTsSSfffcU--
you let this mild Reply give crro y ^ ^^
e'relchan^emyVirgmnaro ^yy Mwfctf. Let them con-
<ftri.My wifbes have ruw . credence *
fine you then, as to my promife, you ^r n
. nnr command my willing abien . l y*
Edwin, in your / ^ rould I dream 01 JViarriagej i
Modtft. Noble and v< L rn jr ou ( here's fomething tells me
ftould affea thee E^ on my i , w weafc man
chat thefc beft of ^O^^*^^^^ life, and being,
and woman 5 ftiould have tne. wuis, t fure wefe
SsSSi3SFffi3s!!ffit
cemin, fo im P. e ^f , : it f ^1^0^ placet Sll to fly from
who know noinccju* L J v ^ ..,- fncharate! no, no, that
0/wlnefs : oh s how bale were ,,,;f^rm- pave it for
w im :oh
the Court, and in our own Land too,
The link f Merlin:
dm lofs tempers the fweetnefs of our ha
tintmiely forrow. DM,. R ov ,
llion'd,fhould to time leave Sei
utanbjr the foe, oar fatal .ofs to
thr feemmg,above the Herm " '
withlsalef/' r>
councel then , and let fome give order the Fmh^
come, to taJje our an fl ver 5 4 have Stance S7V^ g
-^ r J rfm/ ww h '
nefs flakes, bafdo.Ales tte
wordofPeace feemsfairtobloorf-i
fuch a medicine as blinds .11
n ^ f Art ' J ^/''' You arciefrom defea s ,if bod, e na
andthecond.t.onofthe Peace 1 leone , itistobe prefer'd J
radc y '
the
tr t cace oe one , it is to be prefer 'd and fti
:cbf.- The ume of Trace requir'd for Sy days, Virries fu-
f ? ,c:on ,n ,t,. fince half that fpacewiUfer^wl^gth thdrVeak
red Re S ,menr. c al hr. Who in lef s time will imdeSe t\>
- _ f f AA_
Or, 7 bt Ckildt k*ik ftnwlhu fAtker.
free our Country from them. Edwin. Leave that unto our for
tune. D*no. Is not our bold , and hopeful General ftill Ma-
ftcr of the field , their Lcgious fata , the reft intrencht for rear, ,
half ftarv'd, and wounded, and fcaU we now give o're our fair ad
vantage? force heaven,my Lord, the danger is far more, in crufting
to their words, then to their weapons.
Enter Ofwtld.
oftvold. The Embafladors are come fir. ^ And. ConduA
them in v we are refolv'dmy Lords, fihce policy fail'd in the begin
ning, it fli^ll havfc no hand in theconclufion , that heavenly power
that hath fo well begun their fatal overthrow I know can end it,
from which fair hope, my felf will give them anfwer.
Flourifh Cornets. Enter Artffia witb the Saxon Lords.
Done. What's here,a woman Orator? Aurel. Peace Done-
, bert , fpeak, what are you Lady ? Artff. The fifter of the Sax
on General, warlike ofiorau the Eaft Anglefe King , my name Ar-
rr/u,who i terms of love brings peace and health to great Attrelm^
wifhW fhe may return as fair- a prefent as (he makes tender of.
Aurtl, The faireft prefent e're mine eyes were bleft with, com-
roaiKf a chair there for this Saxon Beauty : fit Lady , we'l confer :
your warlike brother fues for a peace, you fay?
Artef. With endlefs love unto your State and Perfon.
Axrel. Ha's fent a moving Orator believe me, what thinkft thou
Donofart ? Dono. Believe me fir, were 1 but yong agen this
gilded pill might take my ftomack quickly. Aurcl. True, thou
art old, how foon we do forget our own defers. Fair damfel, oh
my tongue turns Traitor , and will betray my heart , fiflcr to our
enemy : *s death her beauty mazes me, I cannot fpeak if I but look
on her, what's that we did conclude ? Dono. This Royal Lord.
Aurd. Piih, thou canft not utter it: fair'ft of creatures, tell the
King your Brotherthat we in'lcve,ha I and honor to our Country,
command his Armies to depart our Realm , but if you p'eafe fair
foul-Lord Donobnt) 'deliver you cur pleafure. Dsno. I fhall fir,
Lady return, and ceftifie your brother. AureL Thou art tco
Jblunt, andxtidc, return fo foon, fie , let her ftay , and fend fome
nieflenger to certifie our pleafure. Dcnv. What meanes your
dRracc? Aurd. To give her time of reft to her long Journey,
we wouid not willingly be thought uncivil. Artcf. Great King
B of
\
of Br/fw,tct it not feem ftrtnge to embrace the Princely Offer*
of t friend,
Whofe venues with thine own, in ftireft merit
Both States in Peace tnd Love may now inherit.
A*ul. She fpeakes of Love agen , fure 'tis my fear,0e know*l
do not hate her. Artef. Be then thy felf moft great AttreUt*
and let not envy,nor a deeper fin in thefe thy Counccllori, deprive
thy goodnefs of that fair honor , we in feeking peace,give firft to
the , who never ufc eo foe but force our wifoes % yet if this feem
light, oh let my fcx, though worthlefi your refpea,cake the report
of thy humanity,
Whofe mild ani verroous life loud fame difpiayei,
As being o'recome by one fo worthy praife.
Atael. She his an Angels tongue, fpeak dill. Dcno. -This
flattery isgrofs fir, hear no more on't, Lady,thefe childifh comple
ments are ncedlefs, you have your anfwer,and believe it, Madam,
his Grace , though yon& doth wear within his breaft ceo grave a.
Councellor to be feduc't by finooching flattery 5 or oy ly words.
Artef. I come ot fir, co wooe him. Dono. Twere folly if
you Ihould , you muft not wed htm, Oiame take thy tongue, being
old and weak thy fff , thoc dooe'tr, and looking on thine own de
fects, fpeak'lt what choud'ft wiib in me ., do I command the deeds
of others, nfine own aft not free ?
Be plegfd to fmile or frown, we refped neither,
My will and rule (hail fond and fall together.
Mod fair Artefajcc the King dcfccnds to give thee wekotne with
tbefe warlike Saxonj^nd now on equal terms boch fues and grants,
in (read of Truce, let a perpetual League foal our united bloods in
holy marriage, fend the Eaft Angles King this happy news , that
thou with me haft made a League for ever, and added to his ftate
a friend and brother : fpeak deareft Love , dare you confirm this
Title ? Artff I were no woman to deny a good fo high and
noble to my feme and Country. Attrtl. Live then a Queen in
Brittain. Cleft. He meanes to marry her*
Dono. Death 1 he (hall marry the devil firft, marry a ftgjv, an
Idolater. Cador. He has won her quickly.
Edwin. She was woo'd afore ftiecanae fore, or came of purpofe
KKonchidc the Match. Axrtl. Who dares oppofe our will? ray
Lord
Or, rbt Ckil& k*tkfo*n4kis Father.
Lord of Gkjterjbz you Embaflador unto our Brother, the Brother
of our Queen Artefi* , tell him .for fuch our entertainment look*
him , our marriage adding to the happinefs,
Of our intended joys, mans good or ill,
In this like waves agree,come double ftill, Enter Hermit .
Who's this, the Hermit ? Welcome mjr happinefs, our Countries
hope, mod reverent holy man , I wanted but thy bleiling to make
perfedthe infinite fum of my felicity.
Hermit. Alack fweet Prince, that happincfs is yonder,
Felicity and thou art far afunder,
this world can never give it. Attrtl . Thou art deceiv'd, fee
here what I have found, Beauty, Alliance, Peace, and ftrength of
Friends,all in this all exceeding excellence^ he League's conhrm'd.
Hermit. With whom,der Lord ? Aurtl. With the great
Brother of this Beauteous woman, the Royal Saxon King.
Hermit. Oh then I fee , and fear thou art too near thy mifery,
what magick could fo linck thee to this mifchief by all the good
that thou had reapt by me, (land further from deftrudion.
. Aurel* Speak as a man, and I (hall hope to obey thee.
Hermit. Idolaters get hence, fond King, let go,
Thou hug'ft thy ruine, ami thy Countries woe.
Dono. Well fpoke oW Father, too hkn, bait him foundly , nowr
by heavens bleft Lady, I can fcarce keep patience.
. i Saxn Lord. What devil K this ? 2 Saxw lord. That
r urfed Chriftian , by whofe hcllifh charmer our army was o're-
chrown . Hermit. Why do you dally fir > oh tempt not heaven,
warm not a ferpent in your naked bofom , difcharge them from
your Court. Attrtl. Thou fpeak'ft like madnefs, command the
frozen fhepherd to the (hade , when he fits warm i'th'Sun, the fe
ver fick to add more heat unto his burning pain , thefe may obey, '
*ris le(s extremity then thou enjoynft to mexraft but thine eye upon
this beauty ,do it 5 Ffe forgive thee,though jealoufie in others findes
no pardpfi,then (ay thou doft not love me-, I (ball then fwear th'art
immortal, and no earthly man, oh blame then my mortality , not
me. Hermit. It is thy weaknefs brings thy mifery, unhappy
Pwnce. Aurel. Be milder in thy doom.
Hermit. Tis you that tnoft indure heavens doom, which-faln,
remeraber'sjuft. Artef. Thou ffialt noc Hve to fee it: how
: - - B 2 fart i .
The link tf Merlin :
fcres ray Lord ? If my poor prefence breed diflfke, great Prince,
I am no fuch negleded foul, will feck to tie you to your word.
Mr el. My word dear Love, may ray Religion, Crown, State,
and Kingdom fail,when I fail thee, command Earl Chefter to break
up the camp, without difturbance to our Stxon friends, fend every
hour fwift pofts to haften on the King her Brother , to conclude
this League, this endlefs happy Peace of Love and Marriage, till
when provide for Revels,and give charge that nought be wanting
which make our Triumphs
Sportful and free to all, if fuch fair blood Exit all but Hermit.
Ingender ill, man mu ft not look for good. Flortfh.
Enter Modefti* reding m a bcol^
Mfdeft*. How much the oft report of thisbleft/Jrrro/r , hath
won on my defires j I muft behold him, and fure this fbould be he,
oh the worlds folly , proud earth and duft , how low a price bears
goodnefs, all that fhould make man abfolute, fhines in him : much
reverent Sir, may I without offence give interruption to your holy
thoughts? Hermit. What would you Lady? Modtft. That
which till now ne're found a language in me, I am in love.
Her. In Love, with what ? Modeft. W ith vertue ?
Her. There's no blame in that. Modejl. Nay fir, with you ?
With your Religious Life ? Your Vertue , Goodnefs, if there be
a name to exprefs aflfedion greater, that , that would I learn and
utter: Reverent Sir, if there be any thing to bar my fuit, be chari
table and expofe it , your prayers are the fame Orizons , which I
will number. Holy Sir, keep not inftru&ion back from willingnefs,
pofTefsmeof that knowledge leads you on to this humility, for
well I know were greatnefs good, you would not live fo low.
Her. Are you a Virgin? Modest. Yes Sir > Her. Your name?
Modejl. Modefta ? Her. Your name and vertues meet , a
Modeft Virgin , live ever in the fanftimonious way to Heaven
and Happinefs,there's goodnefs in you, I muft inftruft you further;
come look up,behold yon firmament , there fits a power , whofe
foot-ftool is this earth, oh learn this leflbn,
And pra&ife it, he that will climb fo high,
Muft leave no joy beneath, to move his eye. fxit. .
Uodeft. I apprehend you fir,on Heaven I fix my love,
Etrth gives us grief,.our joys are all above,
Or, 7&/ Child* fat 6 fttwd kit father.
For this was man in innocence naked born,
To fhow us wealth hinders our fweet return-
ACT us II.
Inter C/w, and bit Sifttrgrttt with cbtlde.
Clown. \ \V ay, follow me no further, I am none of thy brother,
JlV what with Childe, great with Childe , and knows not
whofe the father on't, I am alham'd to call thee,Sifter.
Jo*n. Believe me Brother, he was a Gentleman.
clown. Nay, I believe that, he gives arms, and legs too, and lias
made you the Herald to blaze 'em , but Joan, Jotn , fitter Joan,
can you tell me his name that did it : how (hall we call my Coufin,
your battard,when we have it? Jotn. Alas, I know not the
Gentlemans name Brother,! met him in thefe woods,the laft great
hunting , he was fo kinde and proffer'd me fo much , as I had not
the heart to ask him more. Clown. Not his name, why this
fliowes your Country breeding now, had you been brought up i'th*
City, you'd have got a Father firft , and the childe afterwards :
baft thou no markes to know him by. Joan. He had raoft rich
Attire, a fair Hat and Feather , a gilt Sword , and mod excellent
Hangers. Clown. Pox on his Hangers , would he had bin gelt
for his labor. Joan. Had you but heard him fwear you would
have thought. Clown. I as you did, (Wearing and lying goes
together (till, did his Oathesget you with Childe, we frail have a
roaring Boy then yfaith, well fitter, I muft leave you*
Joan. Dear Brother ftay, help me to finde him out, I'le ask no
- further. Clvwn. 'Sfoot who fhould 1 finde? who fhould I ask for?
Joan. Alas I know not , he ufes in thefe woods , and thefe are
witnefs of his oathes and promife. down* We are like to have
a hot fuit on't^ when cur be ft witnefs's but a Knight 'athPoft.
y.v*. Do but enquire this Forreft,I'Ie go with you, fome happy
fate may guide us till we meet him. Clown Meet him, and
what name (hall we have for him, whe we wee t him? 'STbot thou
neither knowft him, nor canft tell what to calThim , was ever man
tyr'd with fuch a bufinefs , to have a fitter got with childe , and
know not who did it-, well , you ft all fee him , I'le do my beft for
yoiu
The 9*rit> o/Merlm?
you, He make Proclamation , if chefe Woods and Tree* , a* you
ky, will bear any witnefs, lee them anfwer ; Oh yes : If there be
any mm that wants a name, will come in for conscience fake, and
acknowledge himfelf to be a Whore-Matkr 3 he fhal have that laid
to his charge in an hour, he (hall not be rid on in an age^ if he hare
Lands, he fhall have an heir, if he have patience , he flhall have a
wife, if. he have neither Lands nor patience,he (hall have a whore,
fo ho boy, fo ho, fo, fo. Wttbm Prince Uter. So, ho, by, fo, ho,
fllo ho, ilto ho. Clown. Hark, hark lifter, there's one hollows
to us, what a wicked world's this , a man cannot fo foon name a
whore but a knave comes prefently,and fee where he is,ftand ctofe
awhile, fitter. nter Prince Vter.
Prince. How like a voice that Eccbo fpake,but oh my thoughts
are loft for ever in amazement, could I but meet a man to tell her
beauties , thefe trees would bend their tops to kifs the air y that
from my lips fhould give her prarfes u]r. cltwn. He talk's of a
woman, fitter. . 7*<- This may be he, brother.
Clwn. View him well,you fee he has a fair Sword, but his Han
ger's are f*ln. Print*. Here did I fee her fir ft,here view her
beauty, oh had I known her name, I had been happy.
<?/<nr. Sifter this is he fure , he knows not thy name neither, a
conple of wif? fools yfaith,to get children and know not one ano
ther. Prince. You weeping leaves, upon whofe tender checks
doth ftand a flood of tears at my complaint, and heard my vows
and caches. Clwn. Law, Law, he has been a great fwearer
too, 'tis he fifter. ^ Prince . For having overtook her, as I have
feen a forward blood-hound , llrip the fwifcer of the cry ready to
feize his wifhcd hopes,upon the fudden view ftruck-wirh a ftontfli-
ment at his arriv'd prey, inftead of feizurc ftand? at fearful bay,
Or like to Mariw foldiers, who o'retook
The eye fight killing Gorgon at one look,
Made everlafting ftand: fo fear'd my power
Whofe dod afpir'd the Sun, dhTolv'dafhower:
rigmalian , then I cafted thy fad fate , whofe Ivory pidure, and
my fair were one , our doSlge paft imagfnation , I faw arrd felt
defire. Clwn. Pox a your fingering,dtd he feel fifter?
Prince. But enjoy 'd now,oh fate, chou haclit thy days and nights
to feed,
Cr
Or, 7 be CbiUek*tkf**4b* father.
Or calm affe&ion, one poor fight was all,
"Converts my pleafure to perpetual thrall,
Imbracing thine, thou loilefl breath and defue,
So I relating mine, will here expire,
For here I vow to you mournful plants
Who were the firft made happy by her fame,
Never to part hence, till I know her natne.
eleven. Give me thy hand fitter , The Ckilde has found his Father,
{his is he fure,as I am a man, had I been a woman thefe kinde words
would have won me , I fhould have had a great belly too that's
certain^ well. Tie fpeak to him : moft honeft and fiefhiy minded
Gentleman, give me your hand fir, Prince. Ha, what an thou,
that thus rude and boldly , dareft take notice of a wretch fo much
filly'd to mifery as I am? C/<mw.Nay,Sir,for our aliance^I fliall
be found to be a poor brother in Law of your worfhips, the Gen
tlewoman you fpake on, is my fifter, you fee what a clew /he
ipreads, her name is Join Go-too't , I am her elder, but (he has been
at it before me : 'tis a womans fault, pox a this bafhfulnefs , come
forward y*,prethee fpeak to him. Prince. Have you e're fcen
ne Lady? clown. Seen ye, ha, ha, It Teems (he has felt you too,
here's a yong Go-too't a coming fir, fhe is my fifter, we all love to
Go-too' t , as well as your worlhip, (he's a Maid yet , but you may
make her a wife, when you pleafe fir. Prince. I am amaz'd
with wonder : Tell me woman, what fin have you committed wor
thy this? JoAn. Do you not know me fir?
Print*. Know thee! as I <kKhunder 3 teIl,and mifchief, wicth,ftal-
lion, hag. C/wnu I fee he will marry her , he (peaks fo like a
husband. Prince. Death, I will cut their tongues out for
this bla(jpheray,ftrumpet,villain,wljere have you ever Teen me?
Clown. Speak for your felf with a pox to ye.
Prmce .Slaves, He make you curfe your felves for this temptation.
Jo*n. Oh fir, if ever you did fpeak to me , it was in finoother
phrafe,tn fairer language. Prince. Lightning confume roe, if I
ever faw thee, my rage o'reflowes my blood, all patience flies me.
Beats her. Clown. Hold I befeech you fir , I have nothing to
Ay to you. Joan. Help, help, murder, murder.
Enter Tociio* and Ofirold.
. Make hafte Sir,this way the found earnest was a wood.
ofyold.
T***M*f Merlin:
ofwold. See where (he is , and the Prince , the price of all our
wifties. Clown. The Prince fay ye, ha's made a poor Subject
of me I am fure. Toc/w. Sweet Prince, noble Vter, fpeak,
how fare y u fir ? O/Wrf. Dear fir, recal your felf, your
fearful abfence hath won too much alrea'dy on the grief of our fad
King , from whom our laboring fearch hath had this fair fuccefs
in meeting you. Toitco. Hisfilence 3 and his looks argue di-
ftraftion. Clown. Nay, he's mad. fure , he will not acknow
ledge my fitter, nor the childe neither. ofwold. Let us entreat
your Grace along with us , your fight will bring new life , to the
King your Brother. Tocito. Will you go fir?
Prince. Yes, any whether , guide me , all's hell I fee,
Man may change air, but not his mifery. Exit Prince Toclio.
Jo*n. Lend me one word with you, fir. Clown. Wellfaid
fifter, he has a Feather, and fair Hangers too, this may be he.
ofwold. What would you fair one. Clown. Sure I have
feen you in thefe woods e're this ? ofwold. Truft me never, I
never faw this place, till at this time my friend conduced me.
Joan. Themore'smyforrowthen: ofwold. Would I
o>uJd comfort you : I am a Bachelor , but it feems you have a hus
band, yon have been foufy o're/hot elfe. Clown. A womans
fault, we are all fub}e& to go tv'r, fir.
Enter Todie.
Toclia. ofwold away, the Prince will not ftir a foot without you.
. ofvold. I am comingjfarewel woman. Tutu* Prithee make
hafte. J9*n- Good fir, but one word with you e're you leave
us. Ttclii. With me fair foul ? Clown. Shee'l have a fling
at him too, the Childe muft have a Father. Jo*n. Have yon
ne'er feen rac fir ? Toflio. Seen thee , 'Sfoot I have feen many
fair faces in my time, prithee look up , and do not weep fo ,. fore
pretty wanton, I have feen this face before. Jo**. It is enough,
though your ne're fee me more. fmkt down.
Toclto. 'Sfoot (he's fain, this place is inchanted'fure, look to the
woman fellow. ixit.
Clown, Ob (he's dead! /he's dead, as you are a man fay rod
help, fir : Jomt^ Joan 9 Cil\cr f***i vthyJoin.Grfto't I fay, wiJt jroii
call away your felf, and your childe, and me too, what do you
rnean,fifter? J***. Oh give me pardon fir, 'twas too rauclt joy
oppreft
oppreft my loving thoughts , I know you were too noblerodeny
me, ha ! Where is he? Clown. Who,the Gentleman? heV'gdne
fitter. Joan. Oh! I am undone then, run., tell him I did but
faint fbi^oy^ear brother haftc,why doft thouftaytoh never ceafe,
till he give anfwer to thee. . Clown. He : which he? what do-
you call him tro? ff can. Unnatural brother, (hew me the path he
took, why doft thou dally?Tpeak, oh, which way went he ?
clown. This way, that way, through the bulhes there.
Joai. Were it through fire, the Journey's eaiie , winged with
fweet defire. Exit.
clown. Hey day, there's fotne hope of this yet , He follow her
for kindreds fake,ifjlhe raifs of her purpofc now,(he'l challenge di
fhe findes I fee, for if ever we meet with a two leg'd creature in
the whole Kingdom, the Childe (had have a Father that's
certain. . . Exit.
Loud Mufick. Enter twt vritb tbe Sword and Mace,CaAor^Edwin t
two Bijhop.<,Aurclius,oftortus leading Artefia Crown d, Conftatt-
eta, ModeJlia,Ofta 9 Proximw 4 Magician, Donoiert, Gloftr,
ofwoldyTtflio, all pafs over the Stage. Manet Dono-
lert, Glofttr, Edwin, Cador.
Dono. Come Glofer, I do not like this hafty Marriage.
Glofler. She was quickly wooed and won , not fix days fince ar
rived an enemy to fue tor Peace, and now crown'd Queen of
Srittain, this is ftrange. Deno. Her brother too made as quicW
fpeed in coming,leaving hisSaxons^nd his ftarved Troops, to lake
die advantage whilft 'twas offer'd , fore heaven I fear the King's
too credulous, our Army is difcharg'd too. dofter. Yes, and
our General commanded home , Son Edwin have you feen him,
fince? Edwin. He's come to Courts but will not view the pre-
fence, nor fpeak unto the King, he's fo difcontent at this fo >(lra.ige
alianee with tbe. Saxon, as nothing can perfwade his patience.
Cador. YOU know his humor will indure no check , no if the
King oppofe it, all erodes feeds both his fpleen,ad his impatience;
'thofe affeftionsare in him like powder, apt to inflame wkh-cVery
little fpark, and blow up all his reafon. ' O
Glijler. E/fo/ of fo/?w is a noble Soldier.
Dono. So is he by the Rood, ever moft faithful to the King and
Kingdom, how c're his paflions guide him.'
C Trtcr
H
Enter Edoll
See where he comes, my Lord. Omnts. Welcome
toCouit, brave EarU ld*l. Do not deceive me by your flat
teries : Is not the Saxon here? the League confirm'd ? the Mar-
riageratiri'd? the Court divided with Pagan Infidels > theleaft
part Chrtftran*, at leair in their Commands ? Oh the gods ! ic is a
thought that takes away my Ueep, and dulls my fenfei fo I fctrcely
know you : Prepare my horfes. He away to Cbefter.
Ctpt. What fhall we do with our Companies, my Lord ?
EM. Keep them at home to increafe Cuckolds , and get feme
Cafc&ibr your Captainflups, fmooth up your brows , the wars has
fpoi I'd your faces, and few wilt now regard you,
JEtowo. Preferve your patience, Sir.
frffl/. Preferve your Honors , Lords, your Countries Safery r
your Lives, and Lands from ftrangers : what black devil could fo
bewitch the King , fo to difcharge a Royal Army in the height of
conqueft ? nay, even already made victorious, to give fiich credit
to an enemy,a Itarved fee , a ftraglrng fugitive , beaten beneath
our feec, (b lave deeded , fo fervile. and fo bafe , as hope of life
bad won them all, to leave the Land for ever ?
Dons. It was die Kings will. Edet. It was your want of wif-
dom , that iboald have laid before his tender youth , the dangers
of a State, where forain Powers bandy for Soveraignty with Law-
fcl Kings, who be n^ feded once, to allure therafelves, will never
fail to leek the blood and life of all competitors.
Dono. Your words found we 1 1 my Lord, and point at fafety,both
for the Realm and us, but why did yon within whofe power it lay,
ts General, wkh foil Comraiffion to difpofe the war , lend ear to
parly with the weafcncd fbe> IM. Oh the good Gods 1
Cadof. And on that parly came this Embaffic.
Edat* You wifl hear me. Edwin. Your letters did declare ic
to the King, both of the Peace,and all Conditions brought by this
Suten Lady, whofe fond love has thus bewitched him.
Zdd* I will curie you all as Wack as hell , unlefs you hear me,
your grofs miftake would make wifdom her felf run madding
through the ftreets, and cjnarrei with her fhWow , death J why
bili'd ye notch* woman? Doi9.6lff. Oh my Lord.
Edit. The great devil take me quick, had Jbcen bf , airfall-
Or,
women of the world were barren , me fbould have died eVe he
btd married her on chefe conditions. c*dor. It is not rea-
ion that dire&s you thus. &foj. Then have I none , for all
I have dire&s me , never was man fo palpably abus'd,fo bafdp
marred, bought and fold tofcorn, my Honor, Fame, and hopeful
V Tories, the lofsofTimr, Expences, Blood and Fortunes, all
vaniiht into nothing. Edwin 1 his rage is vain my Lord, what
the King does, nor chef, nor you can help, Edoi. My Sword
mutt fail me then. CWer. 'Gainft whom will you expofe it?
Edvl. What's that to y . u , 'gamft ail the devils in bell to guard
my country. Edmn. Thefe are airy words.
Edl. Sir, you tread too hard upon my patience.
Edofln. 1 ipeak the duty of a Subjects faith , and iky agen had
your been here in prefence,
What the King did,you had not dar'd to crofs it,
EdoL I will trample on his Life and Soul that fays it.
C4dor. My Lord. Idxnn. Come, come, Erfp/. Nowbe-
fjre heaven. CnA%i. Dear fir. <to/. Not darejchoulicft be
neath thy lungs. Gbjter. No more ton Edwin*
Edmn. I have done fir, I take my leave. Edvl. Bnt thou
Aiall not, you (hall take no leave of me Sir.
Dmt. For wifdoms fake my Lord. Edol. Sir, Tie leave him,
and you, and all of you , the Court and King , and let my Sword,
a;,d fnends,ftwitie for bdh (afety : f>ay you here, and hog the Sa-
xtns ^ill they cot your throats,or bring the Land to fervile flavery,
ihch yokes of bafenefs, Coffer muft not fuffer,
Go, and repent betimesthefc foul mifdeeds,
For in chic League, all our whole Kingdom bleeds,
which lie preve t, or perifh.
Cleft. See how his rage traftfports him! "Exit Edot. Cap.
c*dr. Thefe paifiom fet apart, a braver ibidier breathes not
iW world this day. Dtru. 1 wiOi his own worth do not court
MMMb
The King muft Rnie, and we mud learn to obay,
Tax virtue fttX direb the noble way.
Load Mufick. wr AttrctiM, Arttf*, Qftvntu, Oft# y Pn>ximtts>
Toct* 9 OfnuMy Hermit.
. Why isthe Court fodtill? me dwiks each room, and
C 2 angle
The link tf Merlin :
angle of our Palace (hould appear (tuck full of obje&s fit for
mirch and triumphs,to (how our high concent. Of*oldfi\\ wine,muft
we begin the ReveU>be it fothen,reach me the cap : lie now begin '
a Health to our lov'd Queen, the bright Artcp* , the Royal Saxon
King, our warlike brother, go and command all the whole Court
to pledge it, fill to the Hermit there; moft reverent Anfelmt, wee'l
do thee Honor firfr, to pledge my j^ueen.
Her. I drink no healths great King, and if I did,I would be loath
to part with health, to thofe that have no power to give it back
agcn. Aurel. Miltake not , it is the argument of Love and
Duty to our j^ueen and us* Artef. But he ows none it feems.
Her. I do to vertue Madam , temperate minds covets that
.health to drink, which nature gives in every fpring to man, he that
doth hold
His body, but a Tenement at will
Beftows no coft,but to repair what's ill,
Yet if four healths or heat of Wine, fair Princes,
Could this old frame, or tbefe cras'd limbes reftore,
Or keep out death, or ficknefs, then fill more,
I'le make frcfh way for appetite , if no ,
On fuch a prodigal who would wealth bellow?
of or nis. He fpeaks not like a gueft to grace a wedding.
Enter Toclio.
Artef. No Lr,but like an envious importer. Oft*. A drift ian
Have, a Cinkk. oftor. What vertue couW decline your King
ly fpirit, to fuch refped of him whofe magick fpells met with
your vanquiflit Troops, and curn'd your Arms to that neceffity of
tight, which the difpairof any hope to ttand but by his charms, had
been defeated in a bloody conqueft? 08*. Twas magick jielU
bred magick did it fir, and that's acourfe my Lord, which ire efteem
in all our Saxon Wars , unto the laft and lowed ebbe of fervilc
treachery. ^ AitrcL. Sure you are deceiv'd, it was the hand of
heaven, that in his vertue gave us vi&ory, is there a power in man
that can ftrike fear thorough a general camp, or create fpirits, in
recreant boloms above prelent (enfe ? of*. To blind the fenfe
there may with apparition of well arm' d troops within thertfclves
are air, form'd into humane (hapes^nd facb that day were by that
Sorcerer rais'd to crofs our fortunes. AMcl. There 'is a'law
tells
tells us,that words want force to make deeds void, examples ngft
be ftown by inftances alike, eVe I believe it. o/?w. T
eafily perfbrm'd,believe me fir. > prbpofe your own Genres, and
give but way to what our Magick here flsall ftraight perform, a*k(
then let fiis or our deferts be eenfur'd. Aurel. We could aoti
wifh a greater happinefs, then what this faeisfa&ion brings with it,
let him proceed,fair brother. oftor. He fhall fir, come learned
ProximiUj this task be thine , let thy great charms confound theo-
. pinion this Chriftian by his fpells hath falfly won.
Prox. Great King,propound your wifhes then, what perfons,of
what State,what rumbers,or how arm'd,pleafe your own thoughts,
they (ball appear before you. Aurel. Strange art! what thinkft
thou reverent Hermit} #*. Let him go on iir.
Aurel. Wilt thou behold his cunning >
Her. Right gladly fir, it will be my joy totell r
That I was here to laugh at htm and hell.
Aurel. I like thy confidence. Artcf. His fawcy impudence,
proceed co'ch' trial. Prox. Speak your defires my Lord, and
be it place'c in any angle underneath the Moon, the center of the
Eareb^ the Sea, the Air, the region of the fire, nay hell it felf,and
Tie prefent it. Axrel. Wee'l have no fight fo fearful , onely
this,if all thy art can reach it, ftxnv me here the two great Cham
pions of the Trojan War, AchiUff and brave Heftor y our great An-
ccftor, both in their warlike habits, Armor,Shields,and Weapons
then in ufe for fight. Prox. Tis done, my Lord, command a
halt and filence, as each man will refpe& his lite or danger. Armel^
Plefeetb. Enter Spirit. Quid vis? Prox. Attend me.
Aurel. The Apparition comes , on our difpleafure let all keep
place and filence. Within Drums beat Marches.
wr.Proximus bringing in Hedor attird and arm'd after the Tro]att
manner 9 wtb Targ et , Sword, and Battel-ax, a Trumpet before him,
and a Spirit inflame colours with a Torchytt the other doer Achilles
with his Spear and Falchon, a Trumpet and a Spirit in blackjbe-
fore him\ Trumpets found alarm 9 and they manage their rvea-
~pons to begin tkt Fight : and after feme Charges , the
Hermit fieps between them, at which feeming 9 amau'd
tbkfpirits, and tremble. Thunder within.
, Prf. What means this ftay,bright Atmtljtefgeth? why fear you
and
T** Jfct*^ Mrlin:
ind I fall back? renew the Alarmed enforce the Combat
or darkneis circles you former Am. We da^of
*<&*>. Oar cimrms arc dl diflbiv'd, Amr/ awar ,
W , L then hdl to Bs > whileft fcw we iby.
WKat!ataNon-plusfir> command them back for
ws
. -
y double damnation feizeyoa, by all the Inferred
poweis, the prince of devils is in this ttrmks habit, wnatelfe
could force my Spirits quake or tremble thus >
*-. Wtak argument to hide your want of skill: does the devil
ear the devil or war wren hell? they havenotbeen acquainted
Jong lt f ccm$t Kn , w nrf-bdievi. g Pagan, e^cn that Power
1 nac overthrew you. Forces, ftill lets you fee,
He one!y can cone oul both hell and chce.
Pro x . Difgrac c and mifchicf, He enforce new charras,ncw fpells
and fpints rai^'d from tiie W Abyif of hells unbottom'd depths. '
Jlurfl. We have enough fi , give o'rcyour charms, wec'l finde
fome other time to praifc yv.ur Arr. I dare not but acknowledge
that heavenly Po*er my heart ifcnds witncfsto: benotdTmatd
my Lords, at this difaft.r, northoa myfaircft ^ueen : wc'l change
the Scene to fome more pleafine fpo: ts Lead to your Chamber
How'ere in this thy plea tares finde a croii,
Our joy's too fixed here to luffcr lofs.
Toclto. Which I fhall adde tofir,withnews Ibrig : Tiic Prince
yourBrother, lives. Axret. Hal Toclr. And comes
to grace this high and heaven-knit Marriage.
Aurel. VX by don thou Batter me , to make me think fuch hap-
pinefs attends rac ? Enter Prince Uter and Ofwold.
Toclio. His prefencefpeaks my truth, fir. Dona. Force me,
'tis he : look Glifer. Gioft. A bleiing beyond hopc,fir.
Auret. Hal tis he : welcome my iecond Comfort. ArteJiayDa*
reft Love, it is my Brother, my Princely Brother , all my King
doms hope, oh give him wd commas thou lov'ft my health.
Artff. You have fo free a welcome fir, from me, as this your
prefence has fuch power I fwetr o're me arranger, that I rauft
forget my Countrey, Name, and Friends, and oonnt th place my
Joy and Birth right. trivet. Tis fhef ^tis flic I fwear ! oh
ye good gods, 'tis {he ! that face within thofc woods where fir ft I
faw
Or, 7 h Chiktth*lbf9*tbu Itthtr.
faw her, captived my fenfcs^nd thus many moneihs bar'd me from
ail focietyofmen : how came ihe to this place, brother Anrtlituy
Speak chat Angels naane,her heaven-Weft name,oh fpeak it quick
ly Sir. Attret. It is Jrff/k, the Royal Saxon Princels.
Prince. A woman, and no Deity : no feigned fhape, to mock the
reafon of admiring fenfe, on whom a hope as low as mine may five,
love, and enjoy, dear Brother jtnay it not ? Aurtl. She is all
the Good, or Vertue thou canft name, iny Wife, my jueen.
Prince. Ha! your wife! Artcf. Which you ihail finde fir,
if that time and fortune may make my love hut worthy of your
tryal. Prince. Oh! Autet. What troubles you, dear Bro*
ther> Why with foftrange andfixt an eye dolt thou behold my
Joys? Artef. You are not well, fir. Prime. Yes, yes,
oh you immortal powers, why has poor man fo many entrances for
forrow to creep in at, when our fenfe is much too weak to hold his
faappineffr ? Oh fay I was born deaf: and let your filencc confirm
in me the knowing my defeft, at leaft be charitable to conceal my
fin, for hearing is no lefs in me, dear Brother.
Am el. No more, I fee thou arc a Rival in the Joys of my higfc
Blifs. Come my Artefta,
The Day's motl prais'd when 'tis eccHpft by Night ,
Great Good muft have as great III oppofite.
Prince. Stay, hear but a word , yet now I think on't,
This your VVeddiag-night, and were it mine,
I ihould be angry with lead lofs of time.
Artef. Envy fpeaks no fuch words, has no fuch lodes.
Prhite. Sweet reft unto you both. Aurel. Lights to our Nup
tial Chamber. ^ 4rtef. Could you fpeak fo, I would not fear
how much my grief did grow. Aurel. Lights to our Chamber,
on,on, fet on. Exeunt. Manet Prince.
Prince. Could you fpeak fo,I would not fear how much my griefs
did grow. Thofe were her very words , fure 1 am waking , flie
wrung me by the hand, andfpake them tome with a molt paffio-
nate aiFe^bion, perhaps (he loves, and now repents her choice , in
marriage with my brother -, oh fond man, how dareft thou traft
thy Traitors thoughts, thus to betray thy felf ? 'twas but a waking
dream wherein thou made ft thy wifties fpeak , not her , in which
thy fboiifh hopes ftrivcs to^rolorg
A wretched being , fo fickfy children pfey
With health lov'd coys, which -for a time delay ,
Buc do not cure the he: be then a man,
Meet that deftrudion which thoji canft not flic
From, not to live, make ie thy beft todie, ' -
And cali her now, whomthou didft hope to wed,
Thy brothers wife, thouarttoo nc're a kin.
And fuch an ad above all name's a. fin -
Not to be btotted out, heaven pardon me,.
She's banitht from my bofom now for ever,
To lowed ebbes, men juftly hope a flood, '
When vice grows barren, all dcfires are good.
Enter WAtting Gentlewoman with a Jewel.
Gent. The noWe Prince, I take it fir. Prince, You fpeak me
what I fhould be,Lady. . Gent . Know by that name fir, j^ieen
^rt'fi* greets you. Pi'mcc* Alasgood vertue, howisfhe muta-
ken. Gent. Commending her aflfedion in this Jewel, fir.
Prince. She binds ray fervice to her : ha ! a Jewel 'tis a fair one
truft me, an4 methinks it much rejfcmble* fpojething I have feen
with her. Gen. It is an artificial crab, Sir. Pntut. A crea
ture that goes .backward; ? Gent . Tm<{, from the way it looks.
Prince. There is no moral in it abides taher felf ?
Gent. 'Tis your conftrudion gives you that fir, (he's a woman.
PrMKtf And like this,may u!e her tees,and eyes two feyeral ways.
Gent. Juft like the Sea-crab, which oothe Muflel prayes,
whillt he biUs at a ftone. Prince. Pretty in troth , prithee
tell me,arcthou hone ft? Gewt. I hope I feen no other, fir.
Prince. And thofe that feem fo, are iometimes bad enough.
Gent. If they will accufe.tbemfelvcsfor want of witnefs,lec them,
I am-.not fo foolifh. , Prince. I fee th'art wife , come fpeak
me truly, what is the greateft fin ?
Gent. That which man never aded, what has been done
Is as the ieaft, common to all as one.
Prince. Doft think thy Lady is of thy opinionf
Gent. She's a bad Scholar elfe', I have brought her up, and kt {
dares owe me ftill. Prince. I, 'tis a ; fault iirgreatne^, they,
dare owe many e're they pay one, but dareft thou expofc thy fcho-
lar to my examining ? Gent. Yes in good troth fir , -;afld 0ray :
put
- >
Or, 7 be ckiltlt katk fgtijtdkkFttkcr^
putlier to't too , 'tis a hard leflbn if fhe anfwer it not,
Prime, Thou know'ft the hardefl. Gent. As far as a woman
majr, fir. Prince. I commend thy plainnefs, when wilt chou
brin^ me to thy Lady > Gent. Next opportunity I attend
you, fir, Prince. Thanks, take this_>and commend me to her.
Gent. Think of your Sea-crab fir, I may. Exit.
Priticf. Oh by any means, Lady , what (hould all this tend to ?
if it be Love or Luft that thus incites her , the fin is horrid and in-
ceituoas i if to betray my life, what hopes flhe by it ? Yes,it maf
be a practice 'twixt themlelves , to expel the Srittaint and enfure
the State through our deftru&ions , all this may be valid with a
deeper reach invillahy,then all my thoughts can guefs at, however
I will confer with her , and if I nnde
Luft hath given Life to Enyy in her minde,
I may prevent the danger -, fo men wife
By the fame ftep by which they fell, may rife.
V ices are Vertues, if fo thought and feen,
And Trees with fouleft roots, branch fooneft green. Exit.
A
CT* ?. CE N E I.
Ill LO' "?
Enter Cloven and hit Sifter.
Omc fi(ler,thou that art all fool, all mad- woman.
/ Joan. Prithee have patience, we are now at Court. *
. At Court! ha, ha, that proves thy mad nefs, was there
ever any woman in thy taking travel'd to Court for a husband ?
*flid,'tis enough for them to get children, and the City to keep 'cm,
and the Countrey to finde Nurfes : every thing murt be done in his
due place,fifter. Joan. Be but content a while , for fare j
know this Journey wHl be happy. Oh dear brother, this night my
fwect Friend came to comfort me, I faw him, and embrac't him in
mine arms. clown. Why did you not hold him, and call me
to help you ? , Joan. Alas > I thought I had been with him
ilill, but when I wak,'t ! Clown. Ah pox of all Loger-heads 3
then you were but in a Dream all this while , and we may ft ill go
look him : Well, fince we are come to Court , caft your Cats eyes
about you, and either lindc him out you dreamt on, or fomc ptb/r,
D for
tirtit
for He trouble my felf no further. Ent.D*no.C44or,Edw& To<l
See, fee, here comet more Courtiers, look about you , come, pray
view 'em all well , the old rain his none of the marks about him,
the other have both Swords and Feathers : whit thinkeft thou of
that tail yona Gentleman ? Jot*. He much referable* hin\j
but fure my friend, brother, was not fo high of ftatore.
Clnv*. Oh beaft, waft thou got a childe with a ftiort thing too?
Deri* Come,come, I'ehearnomoreon't : Go Lord </*;, tell
her this day her ftfter (hall be married co C*dbr Etrl of Cormvd , fo
fliatt (he to ebee brave Edw*, if ftie'fhave my fcletfing.
r tdmn. She is admitted to a fingte Life,fhe will not hear of Mar
riage. DW9. Tuft, fear it not : go you from me to her, tifc
your beft skill my Lord, and if you fail, I have a crick fhalf do it :
hafle, hafte about it. EMn t Sir, I am gone, my hope is in
your help more tben my owfh Dpi*. And worthy I*//*, to
your care I murt commend tbtsbofineft, for Lights and Mufi ck,and
what eife is needful . Twr/it . 1 1ht\l my Lord. C/<nrn. We
would intreat a word fir,eoe forward fifter . Ex. Dino.Tof.Cador,
ldin. What lackft thou fellow ? Cl<mn. I lack a father
forachilde, fir. t/k*'m. H*W! a Go^acher ? C/w. No
fir, we mean the own father : it may be you fir , for any thing we
know, I think the childe is like you. .Edwin. Like me ! pri
thee where is it ? flovn. Kay,'cis not born yet fir, 'tis forth
coming vou fee, the childe muft bar* t father : what do you think
of my ttfter ? Edirm. Why I think if fhe ne're had fiusband
fhc's 9 whore, and thou a fool, rarewet. E*ir .
Ch*n. I thank you fir : wefl, pufl up thy heart fitter, if tfcere be
any Law i'th Coort this feflow ftall father it , 'caufe he ufes me fo
(curriHr. There's t great Wedding towards thef fay, we'l amongd
them for a husband for rhee.
Enter Sir Nkodemus itk 4 Letter.
If we mi6 there , He have another bout with him that abus'd me.
Seef look, there comes another Hat and Feather , this fhould be a
ciofe Letcher,he's reading of a Love-letter. Sir tttc. Earl Char's
Marriage, t nd a Mafque to grace tt, fo, fo. This night fliall make
me famoBs for Preferments. How now^ what are you ?
Clwm. A coapte of Great Brittrinsrfoa may fce by our bellies,fir.
ShNu. Andwfeatofthisfir? C/<w. Why thus the matter
^ (lands
Or, IhechMt kttkftuujhif
Hands fir : There's one of your Courtiers Hunting Nags has
a Gap through another mans Inclofure. Now fir , here's the (fue-
ftion, who (hould be at charge of a Fur-bulb to ftop it >
; sir Hie. Ha,ha, this is out of my element : the Law muft end ie.
Clown. Your Worfhip fays well $ for furely I think Come Law
yer had a hand in the bimnefs. we have fuch a croubiefom liliie.
sirNic. But what's thy bufinefs with me now > clown. Nay
fir, the bufinefs is done already, you may fee by my lifters belly.
sir Nic. Oh, now I finde thee , this Gentlewoman it feerns has
been humbled. Clow. As low as the ground would give her
leave fir, and your Worfhip knows this : though there be many fa
thers without childrcn,yet to have a childe without a father, were
mod unnatural. sir Kit. That's true ifaith ', I never heard ,o
a childe yet that e're begot his father. Chwn. Why true,you
fay wifely fir. Sir Hie. And therefore I conclude, that he chat
got the childe, is without all queftkm the father of it.
clown. I, now you come to the matter fir : and our fuit is to
your Worfhip for the difcovery of this father. sir Hie. Why,
lives he in the Court here ? 7w. Yes fir , and I defire but
Marriage. sir Hie. And does the knave reftife it ? Come,
come, be merry wench , he fhall marry thee , and keep the childe
too, if my Knighthood can do any thing , I am bound by mine Or
ders to help diftrcfled Ladies, and can there be a greater injury to
a woman with childe, then to lack a father for't ? I am afram'd of
your fimplenefs : Come, come, give me a Courtiers Fee for my
pains and lie be thy Advocate my felf, and juftice fhall bt found,
; nay lie fue the Law for it -, but give me my Fee firfr.
clown f If all the money I have i'ch world wiH do it , yon fhall
have it fir. Srr Nie* An Angel does it. Clovrrr, Nay
there's two, for your better eye fight fir. Sir Kic. Why well
laid : give rae thy hand wench , lie reach thee a trick for all thi,
fhall get a father for thy childe prefently, and this rt is, mark now :
You meet a man, as you meet me now, thou clahneft Marriage of
toe, and teyeft thechildc to my charge, I deny it : putt^ that's no
thing, hold thy Claim faft, ihy words carries ie , and no Law ca n-
wichftandit. Chrvn. IftpoffiWe?
Sir Hie. Paft alt oppofition , her own word carries it , let her
cfetlkngeany man, the childe fhall call him Father-, there's^ trick
D 2 for
The Birth of Merlin :
for your money now. Clown. Trorh Sir, we thank you , we*I
make ufe of your trick , and go no further to feck the childe a Fa- '/
ther, for we challenge you Sir:fifter lay it to him , he (hall marry
thee, I fliail have a worfliipful old man to my brother.
Sir Kic. Ha, ha, I like thy pleafancnefi,. Jean. Nay in-
d^ed Sir, I do challenge 3-0:1. Clown . You th ; nk we jeft fir.
Sir NIC. I by my troth do I, I like thy wit yfaith, thou ftalt live
at Co ;rc \vich me, didft never here of Niccdtmw Nothing? I am the
man. Cloven- Nothing, 'flid we arc out agen , thou wait ne
ver got with childe with nothing fore. JQM. I know not what
to fay. Sir Kit. Never grieve wench , (how me the man and
procefs fhal I fly out. Clown. Tis enough for us to finde the
children, we look that you fhould finde the Father, and therefore
either do us juftice, or we'l (land to our firft challenge-
SirNic. Would you have jultice without an Adverfary , unlcfc
you can fhow me the man, I can do you no good in it.
Clown. Why then I hope you'l do us no harm iir, you'l re (lore
my money. sir NIC. What, my Fee ? marry Law forbid it,
finde out the party, and you (hall have juft ice,y our fault clos'd up,
and all fhall be amended, the Childe his Father, and the Law end-,
ed. Exit. clown. Well, he has deferv'd his Fee indeed,
for he has brought our fuit to a quick end, I promife you, and yet .
the Childe has never a Father , nor we have no more mony to feek
after him, a frame of all lecherous placcats-, now you look like a
Cat had netvly kitten'd,what will you do now tro ? Follow me no
further , left I beat your brains out. ,7*40. Impofe upon me
any punishment, rather then leave me now.
clown. Well, I think I am bewitch with thee , I cannot finde in
my heart to forfake her, there was never filler would have abus'd
a poor brother as thou haft done, I am even pin'd away with fret
ting, there's nothing but flefh and bones about me, well and I had
my money agen, it were fome comfort, hark fifter, Thunder.
does it not thunder? Jtan. Oh yes, moft fearfully, what /hall.
we do brother ? clown. Marry e'ene get fome ftielter c're the
ftorm catch us : away, let's away I prithee.
Enter the Dtvil in mans bdit,rifblj tttir'djfisfect and hit head bmid.
Jun. Ha, 'tis he, ftay brother, dear brother ftay.
-Clvrn. What's the matter now? 7<". My love, ray
friend
Or, Tbe CbiUt M fwud kit fMtttr.
friend is come, yonder he goes. clown. Where, where*
fhow me where, Tie flop him if the devil be not in him.
Jotn. Look there, look yonder, oh dear friend, pity my diftrefs,
for heaven and goodnefs do but fpeak to me.
DfVil She calls me, and yet drives me headlong from her,
Poor mortal, thou and I are much uneven,
Thou mult not fpeak of goodnefs nor of heaven,
if I confer with theerbut be of comfort, whilft men dobreath,and
Brtttains name be known,
The fatal fruit thou bear'il within thy womb, '
Shall here be famous till the day of doom.
Cln>n. 'Slid who's that talks fo ? I can fee no body.
Joan. Then art thou blind , or mad , fee where he goes , and
beckons me to come, ch lead me forth , Fie follow thee in fpight
of fear or death. ' Exit.
Claw. Oh brave, ftie'lrun to the devil for a husband, (he's
flark mad fure,and talks to a fhaddow, for I could fee no fubftance :
well, Tie after her , the childe was got by chance , and the father
mud be found at all adventure. Exit.
Enter Hermit, Modef*,and T.dwin.
Modcf*. Oh reverent fir , by you my heart hath reacht at the
large hopes of holy Piety , and for this I craved four company,
Here in your fight religiouflly to vow,
My chafte thoughts up to heaven, and make you now
the witnefsof my faith. Her. Angels aflift thy hopes.
Edmn. What meanes my Love ? thou art my promised wife.
Modeft. To part with willingly what friends and life
Can make no good aflurance of. Edwn. Oh finde remorfe,
fair foul, to love and merit, and yet recant thy vow.
Mjtdeft. Never : this world and I are parted now for ever.
Her. To finde the way to blifs, oh happy woman,
Th'aft learn'd the hardeft Leflbn well I fee,
Now (how thy fortitude and conftaacy,
Let thefe thy friends thy fad departure weep,
Thou (halt but loofe the wealth thou could'ft not keep,
My contemplation calls me, Imuft leave ye,
Edwin. O reverent Sir, perfwade not her to leave me,
My Lord I do not, nor to ceafe to love ye,
*
Ibt Blrtk if Merlin r
lonely puy her faith may fixed ftamL
Marriage was LI - A - nri
e. Pale and
. Would I were dead to all. U ,' VW, j
. Oh who would live to fee Why do
Mow men with care and coft,
Modtjt. CoVer me with night,
It is a vanity not worth the She.
ft ^"*'T^ fee ' *** S y Bdcr > P*^ on ion C^rfrr.
/f^, Ibeietch you all nnleis (be firft move
not. tdmn what good fuccefs. 2
: u Nodiing as yet 5 anlefi this objefi caJte her.
S' M ' ^? ^ " ^ u ^ ort bf fift * r
r: on afore there, ccme
utof Not fpeak to me, nor dtiuocaft an eye,
look on my dsfpiiedpovereyf
[sngi^fle
to one whilft fh was worthy of.it, i
Since
O r, 7 ke CbiUt k*tbf**d M fttbcr.
Since you negle& your fame and friends together,
In you I drown'd a fitters name forever.
Mcdeft. Your looks did fpeak no left. Ghfl. It now be
gins to work, this fight has moved her. Don* I know this
tf ick would take,or nothing. Mbdeft. Though you difdain in me
a fitters name, yet charity me thinks (hould be fo ftrong to inftru&
e're you reject, I am a wretch even follies inftance , who perhaps
have er'd, not having known tbe goodnefs bears fo high and fair a
(how in you, which being expreft
I may recant this low defpifed life,
And pleafe thofe friends whom I mov'd to grief.
Cador. She is coming yfaith, be merry Edwin,
'drift*. Since you dehre inftru&ion you fliall have it, what ift
fhould make you thus defire to live vow'd to a fingle life?
Modcft. Becaufe I know I cannot flic from death , oh my good
fitter, I bcfeech you hear me,
This world is but a Mafque, catching weak- eyes,
With what is not our felves but our dilguife,
A Vizard that falls off, the Dance being done,
And leaves Deaths Glafs for all co look upon,
Our bed happinefs here, lafts but a night,
\Vhofc burning Tapers makes falfe Ware feem right ;
Who knows not this, and will not now provide
Some better fhift before his frame be fpy 9 d,
And knowing this vain world at laft will leave him,
Shake off thefe robes that help but to deceive him.
Conft. Her words are powerful, I am amaz'd to hear her I
Dono. Her foul's inch anted with infe&ed Spells.
Leave her beft Girl , for now in thee
He feekthe fruits of Age, Pofterity.
Outo'my fight-,fure I was half afleep,or drunk,when I begot thee.
O/r. Good fir forbear. What fay you to that fifter*
The joy of children, a bleft Mothers Name I
Oh who without much grief can loofe fucb Fame ?
idodeft. Who can enjoy it without forrow rather ?
And that moft certain where the joy's unfure,
Seeing the fruit that we beget endure
So many fniferies , chat oft we pray
The
7ht Birth $ /"Merlin :
The Heavens to (hue up cheir atllided day :
At bell we do but bring forth Heirs to die,
And fiH the Coffins of our enemy.
ConA. Oh ray foul. Done. Hear her no more
(he's fure bewitchc with Error, leave her Girl. Conjl. Then
mud I leave all goodnefs fir : away, (land off, I fay.
Dono. How's this ? Conft. I have no father, friend, no huf-
band now,all are but borrowed robes,in which we mafque to wafte
and fpend the time, when all our Life is but one good betwiir two
Ague-days, which from the fir ft, e're we have time to praife,a fe-
cond Fever takes us : Oh my beft filler , my fouls eternal friend,
forgive the raftinefs of my diftemper'd tongue, for how could fhe
knew not her felf , know thy felicity , from which worlds cannot
now remove me. Dont. Art thou mad too , fond woman ?
what's thy meaning ? Conft. To fctk eternal happincfc in hea
ven, which all this world affords not. Cador. Think of thy
Vow, thou art ray promis'd Wife. Conft. Pray trouble me no
further. Omnes. Strange alteration ! Coder. VVhy do you
ftand at gaze> you facred Prielh ? you holy men be equal to the
Gods, and confummate my Marriage with this woman.
Bifhop. Her felf gives barr ray Lord , to your deilres , and our
performance^ 'tis againft the Law and Orders of the Church to
force a Marriage. Cador. How am I wrong' d! was this your
crick, my Lord ? Dono. I am abus'd pad fufferance , grief
and amazement ftrive which Sehfeof mine (hall loofe her being
firfti yet let me call thee Daughter. Cador. Me^Wtfe.
Cwft. Your words are air, you fpeak of want, to wealth,
And wifh her ficknefs, newly rais'd to health.
Dono. Bewitched Girls, tempt nor, an old mans fury, that hath
no ftrength to uphold his feeble age, but what your fights give life
JB>, oh beware, and do not make me curfe you.
KneeU Modefl. Dear father, here at your feet we kneel , .grant us
but this, that in your fight and hearing the good Hermit may plead
our Caufe \ which if it (hall not give fuch fatisfa&ion as your Age
defires, we will fubrait to you. Conft. You gave us life, fave
not our bodies,but our fouls from death- Dowo.This gives force
comfort yet : Rife with my hleifings. Have pacience^ioble C^cr,
worthy Edxnn, fend for the Hermit that we may confer 3 for fure
lleli-
'
Or,
Religion tyes you not to leave
Your careful Father thus ^ if fo it be,
Take you content, and give all grief to me.
Thtufder tnd Ltghtnitg, Enter Devit.
Devil, Mix light and darkntts, earth and heaven difloive, be of
one piece flgen, and turn to chaos, break alt your works you pow
ers, and fpoil the world , or if you will maintain earth ftill,givc
way and life to this abortive birth now coming , whofe fame (hall
add unto your Oracles. Lutin*, Hecate, dreadful Queen of Night,
bright Prcferpinejx pleas'd for Ceret love , from ttijitn darknefs,
fumraon up the Fates,
And in a moment bring them quickly hither,
Left death do vent her birth and her together, Thunder
Aiiift you fp.nts of infernal deeps, fquinteyM ri#fo,midinght lx-
cubw. Enter Lucina, And tbs three Fates.
Rife, rife to aid this birth prodigious. Thanks Hectte, hail fitter
to the Gods, there lies your way , barte with the Fates, and help,
give quick difpatch unto her laboring throws, to bring this mix
ture of infernal feed, to humane being, Exit Totes.
And to beguil her pains, till back you come,
An ticks fnall dance and Mufick fill the room. Dunce.
Devil. Thanks Queen of Shades.
Lutina. FareweL, great fcrvant to th'infernai King,
In honor of this childe, the Fates (nail bring
All their aiMing powers of Knowledge, Arts,
Learning, Wifdom, all the hidden parts
Of all-admiring Prophecy, to fore-fee
The evcrifpf times to come, his Art fhall ftand
A wall of brafs to guard the Britttiti Land,
Even from this minute, all his Arts appears
Manlike in Judgement, Pcrfon, State, and years,
Upon his breft the Fates hare fat his name,
And (ince his birth place was this forreft here,
They now have nam'd him Merlin Silvefter.
Devil. yAnd Merlins name in Brittain (hall Hve,
Whilft men inhabit here, or Fates can give-
Power to amazing wonder, envy ftali weep,
And mtfchief fit .and fhake her ebbone wings,
vs hiift
ft* Virri ^ Merlin :
Whilft all the world of Merlin* magiefc fing*.
Enttr Claim.
Cfrir. Well , I wonder how my poor fitter does , after all this
thundering , I chink (he's dead , for I can hear no tidings of her,
thofe woods yields fmall comfort for her, I could meet nothing but
a fvrinherds wife, keeping hogs bythcForeftfide,but neither fhe nor
nooc of her foxes would ftir a root to help as , indeed I thtnk (he
durft not traft her fe If amongft the trees with me, for I mirft needs
confefelof&r'd fome kindnefs to her-, well,! would fain know
what's becomj>of mv lifter, if fcSe have brought me a y one Coufiir,
his face may be a pi&ure to finde his Father by, fo oh, filter Jttrty
Jo*n Go-too't y where art thou f Within Jo*n. Here, here bro
ther, ftay but a white,! come to thec. Ctom. O brave, (he's *
live ftill, I know her voice , (he fpeaks , and fpeak* cherfully me-
thinks, how now, what Moon-calf has-fte got with her ?
Enter J*an and Merlin vith 4 Veok..
Jo*n. Come my dear Merlin , why doft thou fix thine eye fo
deeply on that book ? Merlin. To found the depth of Arts, of
Learning, VVifdom, Knowledge. Jtan. Oh my dear, dear fon>
thofe ftudies fits thee when thou art a man.
Merlin. Why mother, I can be but half a man at be(t>
And that is your mortality, the reft
In me is fpirit, 'tis not meat, nor time,
That give? this growth and bignefs, no, my years
Shall be more ftrange then yet my birth appears,
Look mother, there's my Uncle. $* How doe ft thou know
him fon , thou never faw'ft him ? Merlin. Yet I know hint,
aod know the pains be has taken for ye , to finde out my Father,,
give me your hand, good Uncle. Clint. Ha, ha, Tde laugh
at that yfaith, do you know me fir > Merlin. Yes, by the fame
token that evtn now you kift the fwinherds-wife 'ith' woods, and
would have done more, if fhe would have let you, Uncle.
Clavfn. A witch, a witch, a witch,fifter:rid him out of your com
pany , he is either a witch or a conjurer , he coold never have
known this elfe. Jwin. Pray love him brother,he is my fon.
Cl<nn. Ha, ha, this is worfe then alt the reft yfakh, by his
beard he is more like yoor husband : let me fee, is your grt belFy
Joan. Yes, and this she happy feuk.
Clovn*
Or, *Tljc<ihtt&1)**kf write
Clown. VVhatjthis Hartichoke ? A Guide born with a beard on
his face ? . Merlin. Yes., and ftrong legs co go, and ceech to etc.
clown. You can nurfe up your felf then ? There's Come charges
fav'd for Soap and Candle, 'Hid I have heard of fome that has been
born with teeth, but never none with fuch a talking tongue before*
y<w. Come, come, you muft ufe him kindly brother , did you
but know his worth ,you would make much of him. clem. Make
much of a Moncky ? This is worfe then Tom Thumb, that let a fart
in his Mothers belly, a Childe co fpeak, eat, and go the fir ft hour
of his birth, nay , fuch a Baby as had need of a Barber before he
was born too-, why fitter this ismonftrous, and (names all our
kindred. y^w.That thus 'gainft nature and our common births,
he comes thus furmfht to falute the world , i power of Fates, and
gift of his great father. Clown. Why , of what profcillon is
your father fir? Merlin. He keeps a Hbt-houfe 'ith' Low Coun
tries, will you fee him fir ? CUwn. See him, why fitter has the
chifde found his father? Me r.Yes,and He fetch him Uncle. Exit.
Clown. Do not Uncle me, till I know your kindred, formjr
confcience fome Baboon begot -thee, furely thou art horribly de
ceived fitter, this Urchin cannot be of thy breeding, I fhall be a-
iham'd to call him coufin, though his father be a Gentleman*
Enter Merlin and Dertl.
Merlin. Now my kinde Uncle fee,
The Childe has found his Father, this is he.
Ctorw. The devil it is,ha,ha,is rhis your hveet- heart filler? have
9 we run through the Countrey> haunted the City, and examin'd the
Court to finde out a Gallant with a Hat and Feather, and a filken
Sword, and golden Hangers, and do you now bring me to a Raga
muffin with a face like a Frying-pan? Joan. Fie brother, you
miftake, behold him better. Clown. How's this?do you juggle
with me, or are mine eyes matches? Hat and Feather, Sword, and
Hangers and all , this is a Gallant indeed lifter , this has all the
marks of him we look for.
Devil. And you have found him now fir : give me your hand, I
now muft call you brother. Clmn. Not till you have married
my filter, for all this while flic's but your whore, fir.
Devil. Thou art too -plain, He fatisfie that wrong to her, and
tfcee, and all, with liberal hand : come, why art chou fearful >
E 2 Clovit.
Th BirtB *f Merlin r
Clown. Nay I am not afraid, and you were the devil, fir.
Devil. Thou ncedlt not, keep with thy lifter (till , and He fup-
ply your wanes, you (hall lack nothing that gold and wealth can
purchafe. Cltwn. Thank you brother, we have gore many
a weary ftepto finde you -, you may be a husband for a Lady, for
you are far fetchtand dear bought,! allure you : Pray how ftiould
I call your ion, my coufin here? Devil. His rame is Merlin.
Clown, Merlin [ Your hand, coufin Meiltn, for your fathers fake
I accept you to my kindred: if you grow in all things as your Beard
does, you will be talkt on. By your Mothers fide coufm,you come
of the Go-tot 'r/, Suffolk^ bred, but our Handing houfe is at Hccklje
ttb Hole, and Lanon- buzzard. For your father, no doubt you may
from him claim Titles of Worfcip,but I cannot defcribe it^ I think
bis Anceltors came firO from HfU-hee in Wales ^ coufinr
Devil. No matter whence we do derive our Name,
All Britt4ny ftiall ring of Merlin's fame,
And wonder at his ab. G j hence to tTMts,
There live a while, there Vortiger the King
Builds CalVes and Ihong Holds, which cannot (land
TL'nlefs fupported by yong Merlins hand.
There- fcall thy fame begin, Wars are a breeding.
The Saxons praHfe Treafon, yet unfeen,
Wh ; ch Oiortly ftill break out : Fair Love, farewel,
Dear fon and brother, here mull I leave you all,
YetftilllwillbenearatM/r/jfljcaJL Tx'x.
M*r. Will you go Uncle? Clown. Yes, Ite follow you,
coufin : well, I do moft horribly begin to fufpec* my kindred v this
brother in law of mine is the Devil fare , and though "he hide his
horns with his Hat and Feather , I fpi'd bis cloven foot for all his
cunning. ' Exit.
Inter oftcrim^ O#4, *nd Pnximm.
Ojltr. Come, come, time calls- our clofe Complots to a^iion: go
Proximw, with winged fpeed flic hence, hyethee toJT/j/r/, falute
great Vonign with ^icfe our Letters ,' bid the King 10 arms, tell
Dim we have new friends, more Forces larded in Ncr/^aud Nw .
tbtanberltndy bid him make ha.fte to meet us ; if he keep his word,
wee'l part the Realm bet ween us. o&4. Bend all thine Art to
ouit that le difgrace the Chriftian Hermit gave thce , make thy
revenge
Or, 7ke CKMt b*tb fvwl kit
revenge both Cure and home. Prcx. That thought fir,fpurs me
on, t * 11 1 have wrought their fwift deftru&ion. ixtt.
of or. Go then, and pro! per. O&j, be vigilant : Speak, are the
Forts pofleft ? the Guards made Cure ? Revolve I pray on how
large confequence the bare event and feqnel cf our hopes joyntly
conliOsjthat have embark 'c our lives upon the hazzard of the leaft
mifcarriage. o#x. All's fure,the Queen your fitter hath con
trived the cunning Plot fo fure , as at an inttant the Brothers ftall
be both furpriz'd and taken. Of or. And both (hall die, yet
one a while mutt live , till we by him have gatber'd ftrength and
power to meet bold >"<W their (tern General, that now contrary to
the Kings command , hath re-united all his cafhier'd Troops, and
this way beats his drums to threaten us. OBa. Then our Plot's
difcover'd. Of or. Come, th'art a fool, his Army and his life
is given unto us : where is the Queen,my fifter ? ofta. In con
ference with the Prince.
of or. Bring the Guards nearer, all is fair and good,
Their Conference 1 hope (hall end in blood. Exeunt.
Enter Prince and Artef*.
Artef. Come, come, you do but flatter, what you term Love, is
but a Dream of blood, wakes with enjoying, and with open eyes
forgot, contemn'd, and loft. fringe. I muft be wary, her words
are dangerous. True, we'l fpeak of Love no more then.
Artff. Nay, if you will you may,
Tis but in jeft, and yet fo children play
With fiery flames, and covet what is bright,
But feeling his efie&s, abhor the light.
Pleafure is like a Building, the more high,
The narrower ft ill it grows, Cedars do dye
Sooneft at top. Prince. How does your inftanced fuit ? '
Artff. From Art and Nature to make fure the root,
And lay a fall foundation, e're I try
The incertain Changes of a wavering Skie.
Make your example thus. You have a kifs. was it not pleafing? '
Prince. Above all name to cxprefs it. Artef. Yet itow the
pleafure's gone, and you have loft your joys pofleiiion.
Prince. Yet when you pleafe this flood may ebb again*
Artef. But where k never ebbs, there runs the main.
Ike Birth */ Merlin:
Pruue. W ho can attain fuch hopes? Artef. Ilefliowthe
way co it, give me & tatte once more of what you may enjoy. &</.
Priw*. Impudent whorel Iwetcraorc falfe chan Acheifm can be,
Should I noc call this high felicity*
Artef. U 1 Jhou{d emit y ur faith , alas I fear you foon would
change belief. Printc. I would covet Martyrdom to make't
conhrra'd. Arttf. Gvc me your hand oa that,you'l keep your
word? Prince. I will. Artef. Enough: Help husbanding
AurrlitUy help, reicue betratd Artefia.
Pr;<r. Nay then 'tis I that am betraid I fee,
Yet with thy blood lie end thy Treachery.
Artef. How now ! what troubles you ? Is this you fir, chat but
even now would fuffer Martyrdom to win your hopes,and is there
now fuch terror in names of men to fright . you } nay then I foe
what mettle you are made on* Prince. Ha ! was it but tryal>
then I ask your pardon : What a dull (lave was I to be fo fearful ?
He trull her now no more, yet try the utraoft. I am refolved, no
brother, no man breathing, were he my bloods begetter , fhould
withhold me from your love, I'd leap into his bofom, and from his
brell pull forth that happinds Heaven had rderved in you for my
enjoying. AT tef. I now you fpeak a Lover like a Prince: Trea-
fon > treafon. Urinct. Agen. Artef. Help Saxon Princes:
Treafon. /* r ofttriw, O^u, drc.
ofor. Refcuethej^ueen: ftrike down the Villain.
Enter Edoll, Aurclius, Dondm, Coder, Ltivr$n y Toflii, ofvold,
*t ike other Door.
Edol. Call in the Guards : the Prince in danger! Fall back dear
Sir, my breft (hall buckler you. Attrei. Beat down their wea-'
pons. Edol. Slave, wert thou made of brafe,my fword /hall bite
thee* A*rel. Withdraw on pain of death : where is the Trai
tor ? Artef. Oh fave your life, ray Lord, krit fuffice my beau
ty forc't mine own captivity. Aurel. Who did attempt to
wrong thee > Prince. Hear me,Sir. AttreL. Oh my fad foul !
was r t thou ? Artef. Oh do not ftand to (peak, one minutes.
ftay,, pr events a fecond fpeech for ever. Aur*U Make our
Guards ftrong ; My dear Artefi*, let us know thy wrongs , and our
own dangers. 'Arttf* The Prince your brotber,wkh thefe Brit-
tain Lords, have all agreed to take me hence by force, and marry
it? me
Or, Ike CtlUct#tf**Kl& FAtker.
toe cbfcim. Prince. The Devil ftall wed the* firft : thy fcafc-
neis and thy loft confound and rot thce. Anef. He courted
me even now, and in mine car ftiam'd not to plead his moft di/ho-
neft love, and their attempts to feizc your facred perfon, either to
fliut you up within Come prifon, or which is worfe, I fear to mur-
ther you. Omne s Srittuint. 'Tis all as falfe as heiL
EdoL And as foul as (he is. Arttf. You know me, Sir ?
E dot. Yes, Deadly Sin, we know you , and fhall difcover all
yourvillany. Anrel. Cheftei forbear. of or. Their trea-
fons fir , are plain : Why are their Souldiers lodg'd fo near tire
Court > Oft*. Nay , why came he in arms fo fuddenly ?
Edol. You fleering An ticks, do not wake my fury.
oft*. Furyi Edol. Racsban , do not urge me.
Artef. Good fir , keep farther from them. Prince. Oh mjr
fick heart, ft>e is a witch by nature, devil by art Aurel. Bite
thine own flanderous tongue , 'tis thou art falfe , I haveobferv'd
your paillons long ere this. oftor. Stand on your guard , my
Lord, we are your friends, and all our Force is yours.
Edol. To fpoil and rob the Kingdom. Aurel. Sir, be lilenc.
Edol. Silent! how long? till Doomf^ay ? fhall I ftand by, and
hear mine Honor blaftcd with foul Treafon , the State half loft,
and your life endanger'djyet be filent ? Arttf. Yes, my blunt
Lord, unlefs you fpeak your Treafons. Sir , let your Guards , &
Traitors, feize them all, and then let tortures and devulfive racks,
force a ConfeiCon from them. Edol. Wilde-fire and Brim-
done eat thee. Hear me fir . Aurel. Sir,lle not hear you.
Edol. But you fhall : Not hear me I were the worlds Monarch,'
Cefar, living , hefhould hear me. I tell you Sir , thefe ferpents
have betraid your Life and Kingdom : does not every day bring
tidings of more fwarms of lowfie flaves, the offal fugitives of bar
ren Germany , that laad upon our Coafts, and by our negle&fc tried
in Korfolk..*^ Northumberland? . Ofter. They come as Aids
and Safeguards to the King, Otta. Has he not need, when
Vortiger'sin arms, andyouraife Powers, 'tis thought, to joyn with
him? Ed/.Peace,you pernicious Rat ; Dowo.I^rithee forbear^
Edol. Away,fufTer a gilded rafca!,a low-brd defpicable creeper, f
an infultin^Toad^tdfpithispoifon'dveooine in my face I
Oft*. Sir, fir.
Edol. Do not reply, you Cur, for by the Gods, tho* the Kings
prcfencc guard thee , 1 (hall break all patience, and like a Lion
rous'd co Fpoil, mall run foul-mouch'd upon thcc,and devour thee
quick. Speak fir, will you rbrfake thefe fcorpions, or (lay till they
have ttung you to the heart? Attrcl. Y'are traitors all,thi$ is our
wife, our Queen : brother Ojlornu , troop your Saxons up , we'l
hence to Winchester, raife more powers, to man with (trength the
Caftle Camilot : go hence falfe men , joyn you with Vortigfr, the
murderer of our brother Conftantine : we'l hunt both him and you
with dreadful vcngaoce,
Since BrirtMn fails , we'l tnift to forrain friends,
And guard our per ion from your traitorous ends.
LXfunt Aurti oftor. oft*. Anef. roc. Of*.
Edvin. He's fure bewitch. Gloft. Whatcounieljiowfor
fcfecy . ? Done. One'y this fir, with all the fpced we can, ore-
ferve the per fon of the King and Kingdom. C*dor. Which
to effed, 'tis beft march hence to Walet , and fee on Vortiger be
fore he joyn his Forces with the S*X9? t. Edmn. On then with
fpeed for Wtles and Var tiger , that tempeft once o'reblown, we
come ojhriiu to meet thy traiterous SAXQUS , thee and them , that
with advantage thus have won the King , co back your factions,
.and to work our ruines.
This by the Gods and my good Sword, I'le fee
In bloody lines upon thy Burgonet. Exeunt .
ACT. 4.. SCENE, i.
Zlown, Merlin > Mid
Ow now Uncle, why do you fearch your pockets fo ? do
you raifs any thing ? Clowt. Ha, Coufin AI*r//n, I
hope your beard does not overgrow your honefly, I pray remem
ber you are made up of fifters thread, I am your mothers brother,
whofoever was your father. Mcrl<n. Why, wherein can you
task my duty, Uncle ? clnm. Your felf, or your page it
mult be , I have kept no other company, fince year raothtr bound
your hQad to my Prote&orfhip, I do feel a fault of one fide,either
it was that Sparrowhawk,or a Caft of Mtrlinsjot I finde a Covy
' * of
Or, 7 ** CbMe k*tk fwd hk Ftthr.
of Cardecu's fprung out of my pocket, Merlin. VI hy, do you
war.t any money Uncle? firrah, had you any from him ?
Clown. Deny it not, for my pockets are witnefs againft you.
Spirit. Yes I had, to teach you better wit to look to it.
Clown. Pray ufe your fingers better , and my wit may ferve at
it is fir. Merlin. Well,reitore it. Spir.it. There it is.
clown. I, there's feme honefly in this, 'twas a token from ycor
invifible Father Coufin , which I would not have to go invrtibly
from me agen. Mer. Well, you are fureyou have it now
Uncle? Clown. Yes, and mean to keep it now, from your pa
ges filching fingers too. Spirit. If you have it fofrire, pray
ftiow it me agen. Clown. Yes, my little juggler,! dare ftiow it,
ha, cleanly conveyance agen,ye have no invifible fingers have J'e?
Tis gone cei tainty. spirit . \\ hy fir, 1 toucht you not.
Mer. Why look you Uncle, I have it now, how ill do you look
to it ? here U< p it fafer. Clown Ha, ha, this is fine vfatth, I
muft keep i<rrc. i>t! T company if you hare thefc fl'gbts orhand.
Mfrl<n. C<* ~ Cv 'jUncie/ti? a!l my Art which Sail not offend
you fir, ore. 'y [ ^ v; you a tafteof it, to ftiow you fport.
Clown Ch, but 'tis 1I ieOing with a mans pocket tho'--but lam.
g^ad to fee you runnirgCcufin , for now will I warrant thee 4 IN
ving till thOu dieft. You have heard the news in Wdct here?
Mrr Uncle,let me prevent your care and eounfel a 't will give you
better knowledge of my cunning, y*,u would prefer me now in
hope of gain,to Vartigei King of the Welch Prm*ins*to whom are
all the Artift? fummon'd now,that fceks the fecrets of futurity^thl
Bards, the Druids, Wizards, Conjurers, not an Aura'per with his
Whifling fpells, no Capuomander with his m.:fty ft.mcs,
No Witch or Juggler, but is thither fert,
T.o calculate the (trange and fear'd event
Of his prodigious Caftle now in building , where all the labors of
the painful day , are ruin'd ftill i'th' night, and to this place )'Ot!
would have me go. Clown. Well, if thy mother were nqtrnv'
fifter, I Would fa/fhe was*a witch that begot this; but this rs thy
Earlier, ^ot thy mother wit,thou haft taken my tale into thy niouri
am! fpalne( my thoughts befbre nje-, therefore a\vay, ftiu/he^hyie
Srtiongrt the (Conjurers, and be a made'man before t hoy' ^oqfteftt
age. $fer. Nay, bat llay^ Uncle, you overd^pln^rfaftg^r
t
Tbt tfm Jo/ Merlin:
the Prophecies and all the cunning Wizards , have certifi'd the
King, chat this his Cattle can never ilard, till the foundation's laid
with Mortar temper'd with the fatal blood of fuch a childe, whofe
father was no mortal. Clown. What's this to thee? If the devil
were thy father, was not thy mother horn at Ctrmtrdcn ? Diggon
for that then , and then it muft be achildes blood , and who will
take thee fo/ a childe with fuch a beard of thy face > Is there not
diggon for that too Coufin ? Merlin. I rauft not go, (end me
your car a while. Tie give you reafons to the contrary.
Emtr two Gentlemen. .
i Gentle- Sure this is an endlefs piece of work the King has fent
us about ! 2 Gentle. Kings may do it, man , the like has betn
done to finde out the Unicorn. i Gentle. Which will be fooner
found I think, then thisfien'd begotten childe we feek for.
a Gentle. Pox of thofe Conjurers that would fpeak of fuch a
one, and yet all their cunning could not tell us where to finde him.
1 Gentle. In W*les they fay affuredly he lives>cotne let's enquire
further. M*r. X incle, your perfwafions rauft not prevail with
me, I know mine enemies better then you do* Clown. I fay
th'art a baftard then if thoudifobey thine Uncle, was not Jotn Go-
too t thy mocher,my fi fter? if the devil were thy father , what kin
art thou to any man alive , but Baity s and Brokers? and they are
but brothers in Law to thee neither. i Gentle. How's this, I
think we (hall fpeed here. * Gentle. I, and unlook't for too, go
ne'rc and li'ften to them. Chwn. Haft thou a beard to hide it,
wil't thou (how thy felf a childe , wil't thou have more hair then
wit? Wil't thou deny thy mother, b caufe nobody knows thy
father? Or Qia!l thine Uncle be an afs? i Gentle. Btefs ye
friend, pray what call you this fmall Gentleman* name?
Clown, bma! l/ir, a froalt man may be a great Gentleman, his fa
ther may be of an ancient houfc, for ought we know fir.
2 Gentlf. Why? do you not know his father? Cltwn. No, nor
you neither I think,unlefs the devil be in ye . i Gentle. What is his
name fir ? Clown. His name is my Coufin fir, his education is my
fitters fon, but hismaners axe his own. Merlin. Why ask ye Gen-
tlemen? mv name n Mvlin. flown. \ es, and a Gofliawk was
- his father , tot ought we know,f or I am dire his mother was a Wind-
fucker, a Gtntte. He has a mother :hen? Clown. As tore
as
,, Or, Tht CkiU* fakfatdiit fttktr.
as I have t fitter, fir. I Gentle. But his father you leave doubt*
ful. Clown. Well Sir, as wife men as you , doubt whether he
had a father or no ? i Gentle. Sure this is he we feek for.
a Gent, I chink no lefs: and fir, we let you know the King hath
fent for you. Clown. The more childe hr, and he had bin rul'd
by me, he fhould have gone before he was fent for.
1 Gent. May we not fee his mother? Clown. Yes 5 and fee!
her too if you anger her, a deviliih thing I can tell ye (he has been,
lie go fetch her co ye. E*tf
2 Gent. Sir, it were fit you did refol ve for fpeed, yon muft unto
the King. Mer* My Service fir, (hall need no (trig, com
mand, it foal! obey mod peaceably , but needlefs 'tis to fetch what
is brought home, my journey may be (laid , the King is coming hi*
ther with the fame queft you bore before him, hark, this drain will
tell ye. Within Drums beat A low M*nb.
i Gent. Th ; s is fome cunning indeed tir.
Flori/h. L nter Vortiger retting A letter , Pnximtu^ vm\? Drum
#;d Soldiers, &c.
Vorti. Still in 6ur eye your mcflage Frtxtmw 9 we keep to fpur our
fpeed : Ofariw, and Ofta, we (hall lalute with fuccor againft Prince
Vter and Aureliut, whom now we hear incamps at Winchester, there's
nothing interrupts our way fo much, as doth the ere&ion of this fa-
tal Caftle, that fpite of ail our Art and daily labor , the night ftill
rtiincs. Prox. As erft I did affirm^ Hill I maintain, the fien'd
begotten childe maQ be found out , whofe blood gives ftrength to
the foundation, it cannot itand clfe.
Erne r Clewn, und 7w, Merlin.*
Vorti. Ha ! I'd fo? then Proxww by this intelligence he 1hou!d
be found: fpeak, is this he you tell of? ctv*rt. Vei Sir, and
I his Uncle, and (he his mother. V*ni. And who is his father ?
c'tffwn. vVhy, Ihe his mother can bcft tell you that, and yet I
think the childe be wife enough, for he has found his father.
, Vort: Woman, is tjiis thy ton ? yoan.lt i?,my Lord.
Vdr. What was Ms father? Or where lives he ?
Merl. Mother fpeak freely and unaftonifht,
That which you dard to a&, dread not to name. -
yw. In which 1 fnal I betray my fin and (name,
BtKfihceitmbdbe fo 5 thekno<rgrie King , all that my fel/ye^
F 2 knows
if Merlin:
knows of him, is this; In pride of Wood tnd beauty I did hVe , mf
glafe the Altar wasmy face the Idol, fucb was my peevifh love un
to my fdf, thac 1 did date at! other , fuch difdafn was in ray fcorn-
fijfeye, that I fuppos'd no mortal creature worthy to en}oy me ^
thus- with the Peacock I beheld my crain,but never faw thtr black -
ncfs of my feet, oft have I chid the winds far breathing on me,and"
curd the Sun, fearing to blalt my beauty, hi midft of this null lea-
proas drfeafe , t feeming fair yong man appear'd unto me , in all
tamgs fuiting my afpiring pride ,. and with him brought along a
conquering power , to which my frailtyjrteWed, from whofe em
braces this mue came, what more he is, I know not.
fViti. Svmt imubas, or Spirit of the night begot him then 3 for
fiwno mortal did it. Mer. No matter who my Lord,!eave fur
ther cjucft, fince 'tis as hurtful as unnccetfary more to enquire: Go
tofhecaufe my Lord, why you have fought me thus ?
Vorti. I doubt not but thou know ft , yet to b? plain , I fought
thee for thy blood. Mer. By whofc dire&on ?
Prox. By m ine, ray Art infalablc inftrucled Hie, upon thy blood
nrafl the foundation riie of the Kings building,it cann:t Hand elfe.
Mer. Hall thou fuch leifure to enquire my Fate , and let thine
own hang carefefs over thee ? Know (I thou what pende.ous mif-
chief rooft thy head, how fatal, and howfuddrn ?
Prox. Pifh, bearded abortive, thou for etc I my dangerlmyLord^
he trifles to delay bis own. Mer. ND, I yield my lelf; and here
before the King, make good thme Augury, as I fhal! mine, if thy
fate fall not , thou had (poke all truth , and let my blood facisfie
the Kings defirei : if thou thy fetf wilt write thine Epitaph , dif-
pajch it quickly, there's not a minutes thne 'twixt thee and thy
death . A ftontfdlt tnd kills Proxtmtu.
Pro*. Ha v ht, ha. Mer. I, fo, thou mayett die laughing.
Vorti. Ha ! This is above admiration, look, is he dead >
Clown. Yes fir, here's brains to make morter on , if you'l ufe
them: Coufin Merlin, there's no more of this ftonc fruit ready to
fall, is there ? I pray give your Uncle a little fair warning.
Mer. Remove that fhape of death, and now my Lord for clear
fatisfaftion of your doubts , Merlin wiH fhOw the fatal caufe thai
keeps your fatal Cattle down,and hinders your proceedings: Stand
there,and by an apparition fee the labor and end of alryour deftiny. . J
Mother
Or, Ibt ckilde t#b found kit F*thtr.
Mother an<MJnc>, you muft be abfent. clown. Is yor fa
ther coming Coufm ? Afcr. Nay, you muft be gone.
Joan Cdme,youM offend him brother, down. I would fain,
fee my Brother i'law> if you were married I might lawfully calf him
fo. Merlin flrikes his wand.
Tbnnder ant Lightning, two Dragons appear, 4 White And a Red,
thtypfb* * "M* andfaufe.
Vt,r. What means this ftay ?
Afrr. be not amaz'd my Lord, for on the vi&ory
Of lofs or gain, as thefe two Champions ends
Your fate, your life, and kingdom all depends,
therefore obferve k well. Vor. I (hall, heaven be aufpicious to us
thunder- I he two Dr agent fight agen,and the White Dragon drive*
of the Red.
Vor. The conqueft is on the white Dragons part , now Merlin
iaithful ly expound the meaning. Her. jf our Grace muft then
not be offended with me. Vor. It is the weakcft part I foumfc
in thee, to doubt of me fo (lightly 9 (hall I blame my prophet that
foretell* me of my dangers ? thy cunning I approve moft excellent.
Mtr, Then know my Lord, there is a dampifh Cave, the night*
iy habitation of thefe Dragons, vaulted beneath where you would
build your Cattle, wbofe enmity and nightly combats there, main
tain a conftant ruine of your labors : To make it more plain , the
Dragons then your felf betoken, and the Saxon King, the vanquifht
Red, is fir, your dreadful Emblem. Von. Oh my fate !
Afff. Nay, you muft hear with patience Royal fir, you flew the
lawful King Confavtnu , 'twas a red deed , your Crown his Wood
did cement, the Englifh S.-xon fir ft brought in by you , for aid a-
gaind Confanttm brethren, is the white horror who now knit toge*
ther, have driven and fhut you up in thefe wilde mountains , and
though they now feek to unite with friendihip, it is to wound your
bofom, not embrace it, and within utter extirpation co rout the
UwMiw/out, and plant the Englifh. Seek far your fafety Sir, and
fpcnd no time tolut'd the airy Caftles, for Prince Vter armed with
vengeance for his brothers blood is hard upon you, if you miftruft
me, and to my words craves witnefsfir, then know here comes a
meflenger to tell you fo. JE/ for.
Enter
7k* *to */ Merlim
Enter Meffen$*r t *y
Vt/en. My Lordl Prince Vttrl Vt. And who clfe Gr?
**fn, Edol, the great General. V*t. The great Devil,
they are comir g to mcec us. "Me/en. With a fuii power my
Vnt. With a full vengeance they mean to meet us,
ib we are ready to their confront as full march double footing, we'l
loofc no ground, nor (hall their numbers fright us.
If it be i-ate, it cannot be withftood,
We gocour Crown fo, be it loft in blood. Exeunt.
Enur Prince t/'w,E<W, Ctor, <bnn, Tdf/r*, itb Dram
*nd Soldi erf.
Prince. Scay,and advice, hold drum. EM. Beat Have, why do
you paufe? why make a Hand? where are our enemies ? or do you
mean we fight araongft our lei ves ? Prince. Nay, noble ///, let
us here take counfct , it cannot hurt , ic is che mreft Garifon to
iafecy. Edol. Fie on fuch ilow delays 1 fo fearful men that are to
pafs over a flowing river , (land on the ! ank to parly of the dan
ger, till che tide rite and then be f .-allowed, <s not the King in field?
Ctdor. Proud Vorttger y the Tratof is in field. Edwin. The
Murderer, and Ufurper. Edol. Let him be the devil fo I may
fight with him , for heavens love fir march on , oh my patience,
will you delay untill the Saxons come co aid his party > A Tucket*
Prmce. There's no tuch fear , prithee be calm a while, hark, it
feems by this, he comes or fends to us. EM. If it be for parly, I
will drown the fummons, if all our drums and hoarfcnefs choke me
me not. E* ter Cap**.
Prince. Nay, prithee hear, from whence t thoir?
c<p> From the King Vmiger. Edol Trakor, there's none
fuch : "Alarum drum , ftrike Jlave , or by mine honor I will break
thy head, and beat thy drums heads both abooc thine ears.
Prince. Hold noble E</o/,let's hear what Articles he can inforce.
Edol. What articles, or what conditions can you expect co value
half your wrong, unlefs he kill himfelf by thousand tortures , and
Jend his carcafe to appeafe your vengeance, ler the foul murder of
C<w/4M* 3 and thtfft nct^tenth pare neither. Prince "Tis tree,
my brothers bloodis^ry ing to me now> I do ppaud thy counfel r
hence, be gone. Exit C*p t
V\''I bear no parly now but By our fwords.
Edol.
Or, 7fc CtiUt h*tkf***Mi* fttbfr.
Edol. And thofe ftiall fpeakhome in death killing words,
Alarum to the fight, found, found the Alarum. Exeunt.
Alarum. Inter Edel ditvtng aU Vcrtiger^ forct befart him, tben
Enter PrinctUterpurfuing Vorttger. Exit.
Vvrt. Doft follow me ? Prtnce. Yes, to thy death I will.
Vert. Stay,be advis'd , I would not be the onely fall of Princes,
1 Hew thy brother : Prince. Thou didft black Traitor, and in
that vengeance I purfue thee. Vert. Take mercy for thv felf,
and file my fword, fave thine own life as fatisfa&ion, which nere 1
give thee for thy brothers death. Prince. Give what's thine
own : a Traitors heart and head, that's all thou art right Lord of ;
the Kingdom which thou ufurp'ft, thou raoft unhappy Tyrant , is
leaving thee, the Saxons which choubroughtft to back thy ufurpa-
tion$,are grown great, and where they feat themfelves, do hourly
feek to blot the Records of old Brute and Brtttains y from memory
of men, calling themfelves Uwgtfi-men, and Hingeji-l*nd y that no
m,>re the Brtt tain name be known \ all this by thee, thoubafe de-
ftroy r of thy Native Countrey . Enter EdoU
Edol. What, ftand you talking > Fight. Prince. Hold Edol
Ed. Hold out myfword,and hften not toKingor Princes word,
There's work enough abroad, this task is mine. Al*rum.
Prince. Profperthy V'tlour, as thy Vertues (hine. Exeunt.
Enter Gator and Edwin.
CAdor. Bright Vidory her felf fights on our part , and buckled
in t go'den Beaver, ridfs triumphantly before us. Edv>. Juftice
is with her, who ever takes the true and rightful caufe , let us not
lag behinde them. Enter Prince.
c*d<*> Here comesthe Prtnce how goes our fortunes Sir ?
Pnnce . Hopeful, and fair, brave Cador 9 proud Vertig er beat down
by Edols fword , was refcu'd by tke following multitudes, and now
lor (arety'sfled unto tCaftle here (landing on the hill : but lliave
fent a cry of hounds as violent as hunger, to break his (tony walls,
or if they fail,
We'l fend in wilde fire to diflodge him thence,
Or burn them all with flaming violence. Exeunt.
Skiing Star typears
Fla ifh Tromp. En$gfVrince 9 Vter 9 Edol, C*dcr> Edwin, T/W i<*
mtb Drum tndSeldters.
Prtnce
Th( littk ,f Mfrtin : .
Pr/.Look Idol: ilill this fiery escalation fliootshis frightful hor
rors on th'amazcd world,fee in the beam that 'bout his flaming rfog
a Dragons head appeaT$,firom out whofe mouth two flammg Hakes
of fire, ftrecch Eatt and Weft. Edol. Atd fee, from forth the
body of the &ar,feven (malter blaiing ftreams, direcily point on
thrs affrighted kingdom. Cider. T is a dreadfirt Meteor.
Edwin. And doch portend Orange fears. Prince. This is no
Crown of Peace, this angry fire hath fomething more to burn then
VortigtT; if ic atone were pointed at his fall , it would pull in his
blafing Pinrmids, and be appeas'd,for Vortiger is dead.
Ettot. .Thefe never come without tbeir large effe&s.
Prince. The will of heaven be done, our forrows this we want,
a miltick Pitkon to expound this fiery Oracle.
C4/r. Oh no my Lord, you have the beft that ever Brittain bred,
anrfdtirft I prophecy of yonr Prophet fir, none tike him (hall fnc-
ceedhitn. I'rince,, Yoa mean Mrr// cdor. Traefirj
wonderoos M>r/i>, he menis in the way , and did foretell the for
tune* oifth is day fuccefsful to uf . Edwin. He's fure about the
Camp, .fend for him fir. Cadar. He told the bloody Vortiger his
fate, and truety toc^anrfifl could give faith to any Wizards skill,
it ftoutfbe Merit*. /'".'
Enter Merlin and Clown.
Citdor. A/^d fee my Lord,as if to fattsfie your Hiehnefs pleafure,
Merlin is come. Prince. See, the Comet's in his eye, di fturb
him nor. , Edot. With what a piercing judgement he beholds
it J Mer. Whither will Heaven and Fate tranflate this Kim*-
"dom? whit revolutions, rife am} fat! of Natrons
Is f^ur'd yonder in that Star, tbttfings. .
The change of Briruins State, and death of Kings?
Ha 1 He s dead already, how fwiftly mifchicf creeps !
Thy fatal end fweet Prince, even Mtrlin weeps. '
Prince. Be does forefee fomeevfl, hi aftion ftows it , for e're
he does expound,he weeps the ftory. Edol. There's another
weeps too. Sirrah doft thou uoderftand what thou lament ft for? '
Clown. No fir, tarn his Uucle, and weep becaufe myCpufm
weeps; flefh and blood cannot forbear. Prince. Gentle Merit*,
fpeak, thy prophetick knowledge , in explanation of this fiery hor
ror, from which we gather from thy mournful tears^ much forrow
and
Or, The Ckltte faffftunthis fdtker.
F and dlfafter in it. Mer. Tis true fair Prince, but you muft hear
the reft with patience. Mer. I vow I will, tho' it portend my
mine. Mtr. There's no fuch fear,this brought the fiery fall
ofViftig'fr, and yet not him alone , this day is fain a King more
good, the glory of our Land., the milde, and gentle, fweet Aurcltw.
Prince. Our brother! Edwin, Forefend k heaven.
Mer. He at his Palace Royal fir tuWtncbefer , this day is dead
and poifon'd. Ctdor , By whom ? Or what means Merlin ?
Mer. By the Traiterous Saxons. Idol. I ever fear 'das much:
that devil oftoriw, and the damn'd witch Artef*, fure has done it.
Prince. Poifon'd ! oh look further gentle Mrr/m,behold the Star
agen, and do but finde revenge for me , though it coft thoufand
lives, and -mine the foremoft. Mer. Comfort your felf , the
feeavenshave given it fully , all the portentious ills to you is told,
t . now hear a happy ftory fir from me , to you and to your fair po-
fterity. Clown. Me thinks I fee fomething likea peel'd Oinon,
it makes me weep agen. Mer. Be filent Uncle, you'l be forc'c
-, dfe. clown. Can you not finde in the Star,Coufin, whether I
_.*.- cm hold my tongue or no? Idol. Yes, I rauft cut it out.
C/**r. Phu , you fpeak without book fir , my Coufin Merlin
knows. Mer. True, I mull tie it up, now fpeak your pleafure
Uncle. Cloven. Hum, hum, hum, hum. Mer, So, fo now
obferve my Lord , and there behold above yon flame-hair'd beam
that upward (hoots, appears a Dragons head , out of whofe mouth
two ftreaming lights point their flame-feather 'd darts contrary
ways, yet both (hall hare their aims : Again behold from the igni-
firent body , feven fplendant and illuftrious rays are fpred , all
fpeaking Heralds to this Brimin Ifle, and thus they are ex
pounded : Ttfc Dragons head is the Herogliphick that figures out
your Princely felf, that here muft reign a King , thofe by-form'd
fires that from the Dragons mouth ftioot Eaft and Weft, emblem
two Royal babe, which fhall proceed from you, a fon and daugh
ter: her pointed conftellation Northweft bending,
Crowns Her a jQueen in Ireland, of whom firft fprings
That Kingdoms Title to the Britttin Kings.
Clown. Hum, hum, hum. Mer. But of your Son , thus Fate
and Merlin tells, all after times ftiall fill their Chronicles with fame
of his renownywhofe* warlike fword mall pafs through fertile fravce
G and
' */" Merlin:
and Germany , nor fhall his conjuring foot be forc't toftand, til
Rome* Imperial Wreath hath crowa'd his Fame with Monarch of
the Weft, from whofe feven hills withConqueft 3 and contributory
Kings, he back returns to inlarge the Brittain bounds , his Heral
dry adorn'd with thirteen Crowns. Clown. Hum, hum, hum.
Mer. He to the world ftiall add another Worthy,and as a Load-
flone for his prowefs,draw a train of Marlhal Lovers tahis Court:
It (hall be then the beft of Knight-hoods honor, at Wtnchefter to
fill his CafHe Hail , and at his Royal Table fit and feaft in warlike
orders,all their arms round hurl'd,as if they meant to circumfcribc
the world. [_he touches the Clowns mouth with bit wand
Clown. Hum, hum, hum, oh that I could fpeak a little.
Mer. I know your mind Uncle, agen be filent. [Jlrikes agen
Prince. Thou fpeakft of wonders Merlin^ prithee go on^dcclare
at full this Conftellation. Mer. Thofe feven beams pointing
downward,(ir, betoken the troubles of this Land, which then fhall
meet with other Fate , War and Diflenfion drives to make divi-
fion,till feven Kings agree to draw this Kingdom to a Hcpterchy.
Prince* Thine art hath made fuch proof, that we believe thy
^rords authenticate ever neer us, my Prophet, and the Guide of
all my a&ions. Mcr- My fervice fhall be faithful to your per-
fon, and all ray ftudies for my Countries fafety. clown. Hum ,
hum, hum. Mer. Come, you are releaft, fir. Clown. Coufin,
pray help me to my tongue agen, you do not mean I fhaJl be dumb
ftill I hope ? Mer. Why, haft thou not thy tongue?
Clown. Ha ! yes, I feel it now, I was fo long dumb, I could not
well tell whether I (pake or no. Prince. I' ft thy advice we pre-
fently purfue the bloody Saxons, that have (lain my brother >
Mer. With your beft fpeed, my Lord, Profperity will keep you
company. Cador. Take then your Title with you , Royal
Prince, 'twill adde unto our ftrength, Long live King Uter.
Edol. Put the Addition to't that Heaven hath given you : The
DRAGON is your Emblem, bear it bravely , and fo long live and
ever happy ftyl'd Uter-Pe ndragon, lawful King of Srituin.
Prince. Thanks Edol, we imbrace the name and title, and in our
Sheild and Standard (hall the figure of a Red Dragon ftill be bora
before us, to fright the Woody Saxons. Oh my Anreliw 9 fweet reft
thy foul j let thy difturbed fpirit
f
Or, The CkMt hub f**d hit ftthr.
revenge, think what it would, it hath,
The Dragon's coming in his fiery wrach. Exeunt .
ACT. 5. SCENE, u
.r T
JTl
Thunder, then
Enter pMnfetrfttlly , the Dtvil fiUwing her.
Ence ehou black horror, is thy luftfui fire kindled agen>
not thy loud throated.thundcr,nor thy adulterate infer-
nil Mufick, ftiall e're bewitch me more , oh too too much is paft
mlready. Devtl. Why dpft thou fly me? I come a Lover to thcc,
to imbrace, and gently twine thy body in mine arms.
Joan. Out thou Hell-hound.
Devil. What hound fo e're I be,
Fawning and fporting as'I would with thee,
why (hould I not be ftroakt and plaid withal, will'tthou not thank
the Lion might devour thee, if he fhall let thee pafs ?
Jotn. Yes, thou art he, free me, and He thank thee.
Devil. Whyjwhither woutoft ? I am at home with thee , rhou
art mine own , have we not charge of family together , where is
your fon ? Jo*n. Oh darknefs cover me.
Devil. There is a pride which thou haft won by me , the mother
of a fame fhall never die> Kings fhall have need of written
Chronicles, to keep their names alive , but Merlin none , ages to
ages (hail like SafaHJlt
Keport the wonders of his name and glory,
While there are tongues ind times to tell his flory.
Jun. Oh rot my memory before my flefh , let him be ca'led
fome hell or earth-bred mon Her, that ne'rehad hapleft woman for
another: fweet death deliver me, hence from my fight , why
fhouldft thou now appear? I had no pridetior luftfui thought about
me,tb conjure and call thee to my ruine,when as at firft thy curfed
perfon became vifible. Devil. I am the fame I was.
Joan. But I am chang'd. Devil. Agen He change thee to
the fame thou wert, quench to my luft, come forth by thunder led,
my Coajutors in the fpoils of mortals. Thunder.
G 2 Fnter
Entrr Spirit ;
Ctafpe in your Ebon arms that prize of mine, mount her as high as
palled Hecate, tnd on this rock He ftandtocaft up fumes and
darknefs o're the blew fac'd firmament ; from Britain , and from
Merlin, He remove her, they ne're ftiall meet agen.
y4. Help me forae favinghand, if not too late,I cry let mercy
come. Enter Merlin.
Mtr. Stay you black (laves of night, let loofe your hold, fet her
downfafe,or by th'ifcrnal Stii,IIe biode you up with eiorcifmsfo
ftrong 5 thai all the black pentagoronof hell, (hail ne're releafe
you, fave you (elves and vanim. fxtt Spirit.
Dvil, Ha ! What's he ? Met. The Childe hafwnd his TA-
f for, do you not know me ? Devil. Merlin! Jotn. Oh, help
me gentle fon. Mer. Fear not,they (hall not hurt you.
Devil. Relieved thou her to dtfobey thy father?
Mer. Obedience is no IdTon in your fchool , nature and kind to
her^comroands ro^ duty, the part that you begot was againft'kinde,
To all I ow to you is to be unkind. Devil. He blalt thee Have
to death, and on this rock (lick thee an eternal Monument.
Mfr. Ha, ha, thy powers too weak , what art thou devil, but
an inferior lufthil Incubm , taking advantage of the wancon flefh,
wherewith thou doft beguile the ignorant? put off the form of thy
humanity, and cral upon thy fpeckted betly,ferpent , or He uncfafp
(be jaws of Aiboron, and fix thee ever in die local fire.
Devil. Traitor to hell ; curie that 1 e're begoc thee.
Her. Thou didft beget thy fcourge, ftonnnot,nor ftir, the
jower of Merlins Art is all confirm 'd in the Fates decretals, He
ranfack hell,and make thy [Thunder and Lighting in the Rocl^.
mafters bow unto my fpells, thou firft (b*H tafte it, Tenibrtrum
precuyderttururrtj &i*fromm, Dcut^ hunc Incubum in igniteterni *\>i-
f*m , 4fctptte tut in hc( cmere ttnebrofo , in fempeternum rfringere
mtndo . Cthe Rock inclofes him.]
So, there beget earthquakes or fome noifom damps , for never
fcalt thou touch a woman more-- How chear you mother ?
Jo**. Oh now my fon is my deliverer^ yetlmuft name him
withmydeepeftforrow. Alarum *far off.
Uer. Take comfort now, part times are ne're recal'd;
I did forefee your mifcjiicf and prevent it : hark , how the founds
!
Of, Ike Cbittc kttbfuwd bis Fdther.
of war now call roe hence to aid PfitdragW) that in battaii ftands
teainft.the Saxons, from wtiofe aid Merlin muft not be abfent: leave
tnis foyl , and He condu& you to a place retir'd , which I by art
have rah'd, cali'd Merlins B<nw,there fhail you dwell with folitary
fighs, with grones and pailions your companions , to weep away.,
this flelh you have offended with , and leave all bare ur.to your
aierial foul, and when you die , I will ered a Monument upon the
verdant Pfains oCStlitbufj, no King (hall have fo high a fepulchre,
with pendulous (tones that I wilt hang by art , where neither Lime
nor Morter fhalbe ns'd, a dark Enigmtto the memory , for none
fhall have the power to number them , a place that 1 will hollow
for your reft,
Where no Night-hag ftiall walk, nor Ware-wolf tread,
Where Mtrltnt Mother ftiall be fepulcher'd. Extant.
Enter Dtvohrt^ Gbfter *nd Hermit.
Dono. Sincerely Glofttr, 1 have told you all : .My Daughters are
both vow'd to Single Life , and this day gone unto the Nunnery,
though I begot them to another end , and fairly promised them in
Marriage , one to Earl Ctdor , t'other to your fon, my worthy
friend, the Earl of Gltfter. Thofe loft, I am loft : thty are loft,
all's loft. Anfwer me this then, Ifta fin to marry ?
Hermit. Oh no, my Lord.
Dovo. Go to then, lie go no further with you, I perfwade you
to no ill, perfwade youthen that I ptrfwade you well.
Giofer. 'Twill be a good Office in you, fir.
Enter Cader and tdivtn.
Dono. \\ 7 hich fince they thu neg!e& , my memory f}jal I lofe
them now for ever. See , fee the Noble Lords , their promis'd
Husbands I had Fate fo pleas'd,ycu might have .rall'd me Father,
Edvnn. Thofc hopes are paft, my Lord , for even this minute
we faw them both enter the Monatlery , fecluded from the world
and men for ever.
C4dor. Tis both our griefs we cannot. Sir.- but from the King
take you the Times ioy from us \ The Saxon Kisg of plus /lain,
and ofofled, that Woman-fury , Queen Arttfa, isfaOin hold,
and forc't tore-deliver London and Wir.cbeftcr (which fhe had for-
tifi'cO to Princely 'Uter , lately fty I'd Pendragon , who now trium
phantly is marching hither to be iHvefted with the Br;tt*in Crown.
erlin :
Don*. The joy of this , (hall banilh from my breaft all thought
that I was Father to two Children, two ftubborn Daughters, that
have left me thus : Let my old arms embrace, and call you Sons ,
for by the Honor of my Fathers Houfe , Tie part my eltate molt
equally betwixt you.
Sir, y 'are raoft noble !
FJor. Tromp. Enter Edol with Drum and Colour s, Ofwold beat
ing thf St**dard,Toclio the Sjjeildjvith the^Red Drtgonpi&nr'd
in'eniy two Bifhops with the Crown, PrinteUter, Mgrltn y
Artefi* bound, Guard And Clown.
Prince. Setup our Sheild and Standard, noble Soldiers,
We have firm hope that tho* our Dragon fleep,
Merltnw\[[ us and our fair Kingdom keep.
Clown. As his Uncle lives,! warrant you. Glof. Happy Re-
ftorer of the Brittains fame , uprifing Sun let Us Dilute thy glory,
ride in a day perpetual about us,and no night be in thy thrones zo-
diack, why do we (lay to binde thofe Princely browes with this
Imperial Hoior ? Prince. Stay noble G/^/rW,that monfter firft
raaft be expel'd our eye, or we (hill take no joy in it.
Dono. It that be hindrance, give her quick Judgement, and fend
her hence to death, (he has long deferv'd it.
Edol. Let my Sentence ftand for all, take her hence , and ftake
her carcafe in the burning Sun, till it be parent and dry , and (hen
fley off her wicked skin, and ftufF the pelt with ftrtw to be Jhown
up and down at Fairs and Markets , two pence a piece to fee fo
foul a Monfter, will be a fair Monopoly and worth the begging.
Artef. Ha, ha, ha. Edol. Dolt laugh Eri&ho ?
Arief. Yes , at thy poor invention, is there no better,torture-
monger? Dono. Burn her to duft. Artef* That's a Phtnix
death, and glorious. Edol. I, that's to good for her.
Prince. Alive fhe ftiall be buried circled in a wall, thoumur-
drefs of a King, there fiarveto death.
Aftef. Then He ftarve death when he comes for his prey , and
i'th' mean time He live upon your curfes.
Edol. I, 'tis diet good enough, away with her.
Artef. With joy, my bert of wiOiesis before,
Thy brother's poifon'd, but I wanted m ore. Exit . .
FTJJU&
p
Or,T J* cMdt forth found his Fitter.
Pnnce. Why does our Prophet Merlin ftand apart, fadly obfer-
ving tbefe our Ceremonies,and not applaud our joys with thy hid
knowledge? Let thy divining Art now fatisfie fome part of my de-
fires} for well I know 'tis in thy power to (how the full event, that
(hall'bota end our Reign and Chronicle : fpeak learned Merlin^nd.
refolve my fears , whether by war we (hall expel the Saxons , or
govern what we hold with beauteous peace in Wales and Brittaint
' Met. Long happinefs attend Pendragons Reign, what Heaven
decrecs 3 fate hath no power to alter : The Saxons,hr, will keep the
ground they have, and by fupplying numbers ftill inceafe, till Brit-
tain be no more. So plcafe your Grace,! will in vifible apparitions,
prefent you Prophecies wnich fhall concern
Succeeding Princes, which my Art (hall raife,
Till men ftiall call thefe times the latter days.
Prince . Do it my Merlin , and Crown me with much joy and
wonder. Merlin Jlrikc*
Hoeboys. Enter a King in Armoury bis Sheild quarter d with thir
teen Crowns. At the other door enter divers Princes who prefent
their Crowns to him at bit feet, and do him homage, then
enters Death and firikes him, be growing ftckj Crowns
Conftantine. Exeunt.
Mer.. This King, toy Lord, prefents,your Royal Son, who in hi s
prime of years (hall be fo fortunate, that thirteen feveral Princes*
fliall prefent their feveral Crowns unto him , and all Kings elfe
(hall fo admire his fame and vidories, that they (hall all be glad ei
ther through fear or love, to do him homage -, But death (who
neither favors the weak nor valliant ) in the middeftof all his
gloriesjfoon (hall feize him,fcarccly permitting him to appointonc
mall his purchafed Kingdoms to fucceed him.
Prince. Thanks to our Prophet for*his fo wifti'd for fatisfa&ion,
and hereby now we learn that always Fate muft be obferv'd, what
ever that decree,
All future times fhaH ftill record this Story,
Of Merlins learned worth, and Arthur's glory. . Exeunt Omntt.
F 1 M I S.
381
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