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CHAPMAN'S    DRAMATIC    WORKS. 

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COMEDIES  AND  TRAGE 
DIES  OF  GEORGE  CHAPMAN 
NOW  FIRST  COLLECTED  WITH 
ILLUSTRATIVE  NOTES  AND  A 
MEMOIR  OF  THE  AUTHOR  IN 


THREE    VOLUMES 


VOLUME  THE  THIRD 


LONDON 

JOHN  PEARSON  YORK  STREET  COVENT  GARDEN 

1873 


R 

if 

6 


-'J  VI  -.5  ON 

•. 


THE 

Widdowes     Teares 

A 
Comedie. 

As  it  was  often  prefented  in  the  blacke 
and  white  Friers. 

Written  by 
GEOR.     CHAP. 


LONDON, 

Printed  for  lohn  Browne,  and  are  to  be  fold  at  his  Ihop 

in  Fleet-ftreet  in  Saint  Dun/lanes  Church-yard. 

1612. 


To  the  right  Vertuous  and  truly 
noble  Gentleman^   Mr  Io.  REED 

of  Mitton,  in  the  Countie  of  Glo 

cefler  Efquire. 

JIR,  if  any  worke  of  this  nature  be 
worth  the  prefenting  to  Friends 
Worthie,  and  Noble ;  1  prefume 
this)  will  not  want  muck  of  that 
value.  Other  Countrie  men  haue 
thought  the  like  wort  hie  of  D^l,kes 
and  Princes  acceptations  ;  Iniufti  fdegnij  ; 
II  Pentamento  Amorofe  ;  Califthe,  Paftor 
fido3  &c.  (all  being  but  plates)  were  all  dedi 
cate  to  Princes  of  Italie*  And  therefore  only 
difcourfe  tojhew  my  loue  to  yo^lr  right  vertiious 
and  noble  difpofition,  This  poor  Comedie  (of 
many  dejired  to  fee  printed)  I  thought  not 
vtterly  vnworthie  that  affectionate  dejigne  in 
me:  Well  knowing  that  your  free  i^l,dgement 
weighs  nothing  by  the  Name,  or  Forme  ;  or 
any  vaine  ejlimation  of  the  v^dgar ;  but  will 
accept  acceptable  matter,  as  well  in  Plaies  ;  as 
in  many  leffe  materialls,  masking  in  more 
ferious  Titles :  Andfo,  tillfome  worke  more 
worthie  I  canfelect,  and  perfectput  of  my 
other  Studies,  that  may  better  expreffe  me ; 
and  more  fit  the  graziitie  of  your  ripe  incli 
nation,  1  reft. 

Yours  at  all  parts  moft  truly  affe6led. 
GEO.    CHAPMAN. 


The  Adlors. 


Tharfalio  the  wooer. 

Lyfander  his  brother. 

Thir.  Gouernour  of  Cyprus. 

Lycasfer.  to  the  widdow  Counteffe. 

Argus,  Gent.  V/her. 

3.  Lords  fuiters  to  Eudora  the  widdow 

Counteffe. 
Hyl.  Nephew  to  Tharfalio,  and  Sonne 

to  Lyfander. 
Captaine  of  the  watch. 
2.  Souldiers. 

Eudora  the  widdow  Counteffe. 
Cynthia,  wife  to  Lyfander. 
Sthenio. 

lanthe  Gent,  attending  on  Eudora. 
Ero,  waiting  woman  to  Cynthia. 


The    VViddowes    Teares. 


A   COMEDIE 


AEtus  Primi. 


Sccena  Prima. 


THARSALIO  Solus,  with  a  Glaffe  in  his  hand 
making  readie. 

THow  blinde  imperfe<5l  Goddeffe,  that  delights 
(Like  a  deepe-reaching  Statefman)  to  conuerfe 
Only  with  Fooles  :  lealous  of  knowing  fpirits  ; 
•  For  feare  their  pierfmg  Judgements  might  dif- 

couer 

Thy  inward  weakneffe,  and  defpife  thy  power ; 
Contemne  thee  for  a  Goddeffe ;  Thou  that  lad'fl 


6  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

ThVnworthy  Affe  with  gold ;  while  worth  and  merit 
Serue  thee  for" nought ;  (weake  Fortune)  I  renounce 
Thy  vaine  dependance,  and  conuert  my  dutie 
And  facrifices  of  my  fweetefl  thoughts, 
To  a  more  Noble  Deitie.   Sole  friend  to  worth, 
And  Patroneffe  of  all  good  Spirits,  Confidence, 
Shee  be  my  Guide,  and  hers  the  praife  of  thefe 
My  worthie  vndertakings. 

Enter  Lyfander  with  a  Glaffe  in  his  hand,  Cyn 
thia,  Hylus,  Ero. 

Lyfand.  TV   IT  Orrow  Brother ;  Not  readie  yet  ? 
Thar.      IV JL  No  ;  I  haue  fomewhat  of  the  Brother 
in  me ;  I  dare  fay,  your  Wife  is  many  times  readie,  and 
you  not  vp.    Saue  you  filler;  how,  are  you  enamoured 
of  my  prefence  ]  how  like  you  my  afpecl  ? 
Cynth.     Faith  no  worfe  then  I  did  lafl  weeke,  the 
weather  has  nothing  chang'd  the  graine  of  your  com 
plexion. 

Thar.     A  firme  proofe,  'tis  in  graine,  and  fo  are  not 
all  complexions. 
A  good  Souldiers  face  Sifter. 
Cynth.     Made  to  be  worne  vnder  a  Beuer. 
Thar.    I,  and  'twould  mew  well  enough  vnder  a  maske 
too. 

Lyfand.     So  much  for  the  face. 
Thar.     But  is  there  no  obieft  in  this  fuite  to  whet 
your  tongue  vpon  ? 

Lyfand.  None,  but  Fortune  fend  you  well  to  weare 
it :  for  ftiee  beft  knowes  how  you  got  it. 
lhar.  Faith,  'tis  the  portion  fhee  beftowes  vpon 
yonger  Brothers,  valour,  and  good  clothes  :  Marry,  if 
you  aske  how  we  come  by  this  new  fuite,  I  muft  take 
time  to  anfwere  it :  for  as  the  Ballad  faies,  in  written 
Bookes  I  find  it.  Brother  thefe  are  the  bloffomes  of 
fpirit :  and  I  will  haue  it  faid  for  my  Fathers  honour, 
that  fome  of  his  children  were  truly  begotten. 


A    Comedie.  7 

Lyfand.     Not  all  1 

Thar.     Shall  I  tell  you  brother  that  I  know  will  re- 

ioyce  you  ?  my  former  fuites  haue  been  all  fpenders, 

this  mall  be  a  fpeeder. 

Lyfand.     A  thing  to  bee  heartily  wiflit ;   but  brother, 

take  heede  you  be  not  gull'd,  be  not  too  forward. 

Thar.     'T  had  beene  well  for  me,  if  you  had  follow'd 

that  couniaile  :  You  were  too  forward  when  you  flept 

into  the  world  before  me,  and  gull'd  me  of  the  Land, 

that  my  fpirits  and  parts  were  indeede  borne  too. 

Cynth.     May  we  not  haue  the  blefTmg  to  know  the 

aime  of  your  fortunes,  what  coafl,  for  heauens  loue  ? 

Thar.     Nay,  tis  a  proie6l  of  State  :  you  may  fee  the 

preparation ;  but  the  defigne  lies  hidden  in  the  brefts 

of  the  wife. 

Lyfand,     May  we  not  know't  ? 

lhar.     Not  vnleffe  you'le  promife  mee  to  laugh  at  it, 

for  without  your  applaufe,  He  none. 

Lyfand.     The  qualitie  of  it  may  bee  fuch  as  a  laugh 

will  not  be  ill  beftow'd  vpon't ;  pray  heauen  I  call  not 

Arface  fitter. 

Cynth.     What  ?  the  Pandreffe  ? 

Thar.     Know  you  (as  who  knowes  not)  the  exquifite 

Ladie  of  the  Palace  ?  The  late  Gouernours  admired 

Widdow  1  The  rich  and  haughtie  Counteffe  Eudora  ? 

Were  not  mee  a  lewell  worth  the  wearing,  if  a  man 

knew  how  to  win  her  ? 

Lyfand.     How's  that  1  how's  that  1 

Thar.     Brother,  there  is  a  certaine  Goddefie  called 

Confidence,  that  carries  a  maine  ftroke  in  honourable 

preferments.     Fortune  waits  vpon  her ;    Cupid  is  at 

her  becke  ;  mee  fends  them  both  of  errands.     This 

Deitie  doth  promife  me  much  affiftance  in  this  bufi- 

neffe. 

Lyfand.     But  if  this  Deitie  mould  draw  you  vp  in  a 

basket  to  your  Counteffes  window,  and  there  let  you 

hang  for  all  the  wits  in  the  Towne  to  moot  at :  how 

then  ? 

Thar.     If  mee  doe,  let  them  fhoote  their  bolts  and 


8  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

fpare  not :  I  haue  a  little  Bird  in  a  Cage  here  that 
fmgs  me  better  comfort  What  mould  be  the  barre  ? 
you'le  fay,  I  was  Page  to  the  Count  her  husband. 
What  of  that  ?  I  haue  thereby  one  foote  in  her  fauour 
alreadie ;  Shee  has  taken  note  of  my  fpirit,  and  furuaid 
my  good  parts,  and  the  picture  of  them  Hues  in  her 
eie :  which  fleepe,  I  know,  can  not  clofe,  till  fhee  haue 
embrac't  the  fubflance. 

Lyfand.  All  this  fauors  of  the  blinde  Goddefle  you 
fpeake  of. 

Thar.  Why  mould  I  defpaire,  but  that  Cupid  hath 
one  dart  in  ilore  for  her  great  Ladimip,  as  well  as  for 
any  other  huge  Ladie,  whom  me  hath  made  ftoope 
Gallant,  to  kiffe  their  worthie  followers.  In  a  word, 
I  am  affured  of  my  fpeede.  Such  faire  attempts  led 
by  a  braue  refolue,  are  euermore  feconded  by  For 
tune. 

Cynth.  But  brother  ?  haue  I  not  heard  you  fay,  your 
own  eares  haue  been  witnefle  to  her  vowes,  made 
folemnely  to  your  late  Lord  ;  in  memorie  of  him,  to 
preferue  till  death,  the  vnftain'd  honour  of  a  Widdowes 
bed.  If  nothing  elfe,  yet  that  might  coole  your  confi 
dence. 

Thar.  Turn  fitter,  fuppofe  you  mould  protefl  with 
with  folemne  oath  (as  perhaps  you  haue  done,  if  euer 
Heauen  heares  your  praiers,  that  you  may  Hue  to  fee 
my  Brother  nobly  interred)  to  feede  only  vpon  fifh, 
and  not  endure  the  touch  of  flefh,  during  the  wretched 
Lent  of  your  miferable  life;  would  you  beleeue  it 
Brother  ? 

Lyfand.     I  am  therein  moft  confident. 
Thar.     Indeed,  you  had  better  beleeue  it  then  trie  it : 
but  pray  Sifter  tell  me,  you  are  a  woman :  doe  not  you 
wiues  nod  your  heads,  and  fmile  one  vpon  an  other 
when  yee  meete  abroade  ? 
Cynth.     Smile?  why  fo  ? 

Thar.  As  who  mould  fay,  are  not  we  mad  Wenches, 
that  can  lead  our  blind  husbands  thus  by  the  nofes  ? 
do  you  not  brag  amongft  your  felues  how  grofly  you 


A    Comedie.  9 

abufe  their  honeft  credulities  ?  how  they  adore  you  for 
Saints  :  and  you  beleeue  it  ?  while  you  adhorne  their 
temples,  and  they  beleeue  it  not  ?  how  you  vow  Wid- 
dow-hood  in  their  life  time,  and  they  beleeue  you, 
when  euen  in  the  fight  of  their  breathleffe  corfe,  ere 
they  be  fully  cold,  you  ioine  embraces  with  his  Groome, 
or  his  Phifition,  and  perhaps  his  poifoner ;  or  at  leail 
by  the  next  Moone  (if  you  can  expect  fo  long) 
folemnely  plight  new  Hymineall  bonds,  with  a  wild, 
confident,  vntamed  Ruffine  ? 
Lyfand.  As  for  example. 

Thar.     And  make  him  the  top  of  his  houfe,  and  foue- 
raign  Lord  of  the  Palace,  as  for  example.    Looke  you 
Brother,  this  glaffe  is  mine. 
Lyfand.     What  of  that  ? 

Thar.  While  I  am  with  it,  it  takes  impreffion  from 
my  face  ;  but  can  I  make  it  fo  mine,  that  it  mail  bee 
of  no  vfe  to  any  other  ?  will  it  not  doe  his  office  to 
you  or  you  :  and  as  well  to  my  Groome  as  to  my  felfe  1 
Brother,  Monopolies  are  cryed  downe.  Is  it  not  mad- 
nes  for  me  to  beleeue,  when  I  haue  conquer'd  that  Fort 
of  chaflitie  the  great  Counteffe ;  that  if  another  man 
of  my  making,  and  mettall,  mail  affault  her :  her  eies 
and  eares  mould  lofe  their  function,  her  other  parts 
their  vfe,  as  if  Nature  had  made  her  all  in  vaine,  vn- 
leffe  I  only  had  flumbl'd  into  her  quarters. 
Cyntk.  Brother  :  I  feare  mee  in  -your  trauaile,  you 
haue  drunck  too  much  of  that  Italian  aire,  that  hath 
infected  the  whole  maffe  of  your  ingenuous  Nature  ; 
dried  vp  in  you  all  fap  of  generous  difpofition,  poifond 
the  very  Effence  of  your  foule,  and  fo  polluted  your 
fenfes,  that  whatfoeuer  enters  there,  takes  from  them 
contagion,  and  is  to  your  fancie  reprefented  as  foule 
and  tainted,  which  in  it  felfe  perhaps  is  fpotlefle. 
Thar.  No  filler,  it  hath  refin'd  my  fenfes,  and  made 
mee  fee  with  cleare  eies,  and  to  iudge  of  obiecls,  as 
they  truly  are,  not  as  they  feeme,  and  through  their 
maske  to  difcerne  the  true  face  of  thinges.  It  tells  me 
how  fhort  liu'd  Widdowes  teares  are,  that  their  weeping 


io  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

is  in  truth  but  laughing  vnder  a  Maske^that  they 

mourne  in  their  Gownes,  and  laugh  in  their  Sleeues, 

all  which  I  beleeue  as  a  Delphian  Oracle :  and  am 

refolu'd  to  burne  in  that  faith,  And  in  that  refolution 

doe  I  march  to  the  great  Ladie. 

Lyfand.     You  lofe  time  Brother  in  difcourfe,  by  this 

had  you  bore  vp  with  the  Ladie  and  clapt  her  aboord, 

for  I  knowe  your  confidence  will  not  dwell  long  in  the 

feruice. 

Thar.    No,  I  will  performe  it  in  the  Conquerours  ftile. 

Your  way  is,  not  to  winne  Penelope  by  mite,  but  by 

furprife.    The  Cattle's  carried  by  a  fodaine  affault,  that 

would  perhaps  fit  out  a  twelue-moneths  fiege.    It  would 

bee  a  good  breeding  to  my  yong  Nephew  here,  if 

hee  could  procure  a  ftand  at  the  Palace,  to  fee  with 

what  alacritie  He   a-coaft   her   Counteffhip,   in  what 

garbe  I  will  woo  her,  with  what  facilitie  I  will  winne 

her. 

Lyfand.     It  mall  goe  hard  but  weele  heare  your  en- 

tertainement  for  your  confidence  fake. 

Thar.     And  hauing  wonne  her  Nephew ;   This  fweet 

face 

Which  all  the  Citie  faies,  is  fo  like  me, 
Like  me  mall  be  preferr'd,  for  I  will  wed  thee 
To  my  great  widdowes  Daughter  and  fole  Heire, 
The  louely  fparke,  the  bright  Laodice. 
Lyfand.     A  good  pleafant  dreame. 
Thar.     In  this  eie  I  fee 
That  fire  that  (hall  in  me  inflame  the  Mother, 
And  that  in  this  mail  fet  on  fire  the  Daughter. 
It  goes  Sir  in  a  bloud ;  beleeue  me  brother, 
Thefe  deflinies  goe  euer  in  a  bloud. 
Lyfand.     Thefe  difeafes  doe,  brother,  take  heede  of 

them  : 
Fare  you  well ;  Take  heede  you  be  not  baffeld. 

Exeunt  Lyf.  Cynth.  Hyl.  Ero.  manet  Tharf. 
Thar,     Now  thou  that  art  the  third  blind  Deitie 
That  gouernes  earth  in  all  her  happineffe, 
The  life  of  all  endowments,  Confidence  j 


A    Comedie.  1 1 

Dire<fl  and  profper  my  intention. 

Command  thy  feruant  Deities,  Loue  and  Fortune 

To  fecond  my  attempts  for  this  great  Ladie, 

Whofe  Page  I  lately  was  ;  That  fhee,  whofe  bord 

I  might  not  fit  at,  I  may  boord  a  bed 

And  vnder  bring,  who  bore  fo  high  her  head.       Exit. 


Lyfander,  Lycus. 


miraculous  that  you  tell  me  Sir  :  he  come 
to  woo  our  Ladie  Miflris  for  his  wife  1 
Lyf.  'Tis  a  phrenfie  he  is  poffefl  with,  and  wil  not  be 
cur'd  but  by  fome  violent  remedie.  And  you  fhall 
fauour  me  fo  much  to  make  me  a  fpedlator  of  the 
Scene.  But  is  fhee  (fay  you)  alreadie  acceffible  for 
Suiters  1  I  thought  Ihee  would  haue  flood  fo  flifly  on 
her  Widdow  vow,  that  fhee  would  not  endure  the  fight 
of  a  Suiter. 

Lye.  Faith  Sir,  Penelope  could  not  barre  her  gates 
againfl  her  woers,  but  fhee  will  flill  be  Miflris  of  her 
felfe.  It  is  you  know,  a  certaine  Itch  in  femall  bloud, 
they  loue  to  be  fu'd  to  :  but  fheele  hearken  to  no 
Suiters. 

Lyf.  But  by  your  leaue  Lycus,  Penelope  is  not  fo  wife 
as  her  husband  Vlyjjes,  for  he  fearing  the  iawes  of  the 
Syren,  flopt  his  eares  with  waxe  againfl  her  voice. 
They  that  feare  the  Adders  fling,  will  not  come  neare 
her  hiffing.  Is  any  Suiter  with  her  now  ? 
Lye.  A  Spartan  Lord,  dating  himfelfe  our  great  Vice- 
roies  Kinfman,  and  two  or  three  other  of  his  Countrie 
Lords,  as  fpots  in  his  train.  He  comes  armed  with 
his  Altitudes  letters  in  grace  of  his  perfon,  with  pro- 
mife  to  make  her  a  Ducheffe  if  fhee  embrace  the 
match.  This  is  no  meane  attraction  to  her  high 
thoughts;  but  yet  fhee  difdaines  him. 
Lyj.  And  how  then  fhall  my  brother  prefume  of  ac 
ceptance?  yet  I  hold  it  much  more  vnder  her  content- 


12  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

ment,  to  marrie  fuch  a  Naflie  braggart,  then  vnder  her 
honour  to  wed  my  brother  :  A  Gentleman  (though  I 
fai't)  more  honourably  defcended  than  that  Lord :  who 
perhaps,  for  all  his  Anceftrie  would  bee  much  troubled 
to  name  you  the  place  where  his  Father  was  borne. 
Lye.  Nay,  I  hold  no  comparifon  betwixt  your  brother 
&  him.  And  the  Venerean  difeafe,  to  which  they  fay, 
he  has  beene  long  wedded,  mail  I  hope  firft  rot  him, 
ere  fhee  endure  the  fauour  of  his  Sulphurous  breath. 
Well,  her  Ladifliip  is  at  hand ;  y'are  beft  take  you  to 
your  Hand. 
Lyf.  Thankes  good  friend  Lycus.  Exit. 


Enter  Argus  barehead,  with  whome  another  VJher  Lycus 
ioynes,  going  ouer  the  Stage.  Ifiarbas,  and  Pforabem 
next,  Rebus  fmgle  before  Eudora,  Laodice,  Sthenia 
bearing  her  traine^  lanthe  following. 

Reb.      T  Admire  Madame,  you  can  not  loue  whome 

J_  the  Viceroy  loues. 

Hiar.    And  one  whofe  veines  fwell  fo  with  his  bloud, 
Madam,  as  they  doe  in  his  Lordlhip. 
Pfo.     A  neare  and  deare  Kinfman  his  Lordfhip  is  to 
his  Altitude,  the  Viceroy;   In  care  of  whofe  good 
ipeede  here,  I  know  his  Altitude  hath  not  flept  a  found 
fleepe  fince  his  departure. 

Eud.     I  thanke  Venus  I  haue,  euer  fmce  he  came. 
Reb.     You  fleepe  away  your  Honour,  Madam,  if  you 
neglect  me. 

Hiar.    Neglect  your  Lordfhip?  that  were  a  negligence 
no  leffe  than  difloialtie. 

Eud.     I  much  doubt  that  Sir,  It  were  rather  a  pre- 
fumption  to  take  him,  being  of  the  bloud  Viceroiall. 
Reb.     Not  at  all,  being  offered  Madame. 
Eud.     But  offered  ware  is  not  fo  fweet  you  know, 
hey  are  the  graces  of  the  Viceroy  that  woo  me,  not 
your  Lordfhips,  and  I  conceiue  it  mould  be  neither 


A   Comedie.  13 

Honor  nor  Pleafure  to  you,  to  be  taken  in  for  an  other 

mans  fauours. 

Reb.     Taken  in  Madam?   you  fpeake  as  I  had  no 

houfe  to  hide  my  head  in. 

End.     I  haue  heard  fo  indeed,  my  Lord,  vnleffe  it  be 

another  mans. 

Reb.    You  haue  heard  vntruth  then  ;  Thefe  Lords  can 

well  witneffe  I  can  want  no  houfes. 

Hiar.     Nor  Palaces  neither  my  Lord. 

PJo.     Nor  Courts  neither. 

Eud.     Nor  Temples  I  thinke  neither  ;  I  beleeue  wee 

mall  haue  a  God  of  him. 


Enter  Tharfalio. 


Arg.     O  Ee  the  bold  fellow ;  whether  will  you  Sir  ? 

Thar.  ^  Away,  all  honour  to  you  Madam  ? 

Eud.     How  now  bafe  companion  ? 

Thar.     Bafe  Madame  :  hees  not  bafe  that  fights  as 

high  as  your  lips. 

Eud.     And  does  that  befeeme  my  feruant  % 

Thar.     Your  Court-feruant  Madam. 

Eud.     One  that  waited  on  my  boord  ? 

Thar.     That  was  only  a  preparation  to  my  weight  on 

your  bed  Madam. 

Eud.     How  dar'fl  thou   come   to   me  with  fuch  a 

thought  ? 

Thar.     Come  to  you  Madam  ?  I  dare  come  to  you  at 

midnight,  and  bid  defiance  to  the  proudeft  fpirit  that 

haunts  thefe  your  loued  fhadowes ;    and  would  any 

way  make  terrible  the  acceffe  of  my  loue  to  you. 

Eud.     Loue  me  1  loue  my  dogge. 

Thar.        I     am    bound    to    that    by    the    prouerb 

Madam. 

Eud.     Kennell  without  with  him,  intrude  not  here. 

What  is  it  thou  prefum'fl  on  \ 

Thar.    On  your  iudgement  Madam,  to  choofe  a  Man, 


14  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

and  not  a  Giant,  as  thefe  are  that  come  with  Titles, 
and  Authoritie,  as  they  would  conquer,  or  rauifli  you. 
But  I  come  to  you  with  the  liberall  and  ingenuous 
Graces,  Loue,  Youth,  and  Gen  trie;  which  (in  no  more 
deform'd  a  perfon  then  my  felfe)  deferue  any  Prin- 
ceffe. 

End.  In  your  fawcie  opinion  Sir,  and  firha  too  ;  get 
gone ;  and  let  this  malipert  humour  return e  thee  no 
more,  for  afore  heauen  He  haue  thee  toft  in  blan- 
quets. 

Thar.     In  blanquets  Madam?   you  mufl  adde  your 
(heetes,  and  you  muft  be  the  Toffer. 
Reb.     Nay  then  Sir  y'are  as  groffe  as  you  are  fawcie. 
Thar.     And  all  one  Sir,  for  I  am  neither. 
Reb.     Thou  art  both. 

Thar.     Thou  lieft ;  keepe  vp  your  fmiter  Lord  Rebus. 
Hiar.     Vfeft  thou  thus  his  Altitudes  Cofen  ? 
Reb.     The  place  thou  know'ft  protects  thee. 
Thar.     Tie  vp  your  valour  then  till  an  other  place 
turne  me  loofe  to  you,  you  are  the  Lord  (I  take  it)  that 
wooed  my  great  Miftris  here  with  letters  from  his  Alti 
tude  ;  which  while  me  was  reading,  your  Lordmip  (to 
entertaine  time)  ftrodl'd  and  skal'd  your  fingers  ;    as 
you  would  mew  what  an  itching  defire  you  had  to  get 
betwixt  her  fheetes. 

Hiar.     Slight,  why  does  your  Lordmip  endure  him  ? 
Reb.     The  place,  the  place  my  Lord. 
Thar.     Be  you  his  Attorney  Sir. 
Hiar.     What  would  you  doe  Sir  1 
Thar.    Make  thee  leape  out  at  window,  at  which  thou 
cam'ft  in  :  Whores-fonne  bag-pipe  Lords. 
End.     What  rudeneffe  is  this  1 

Thar.  What  tameneffe  is  it  in  you  Madam,  to  fticke 
at  the  difcarding  of  fuch  a  fuiter  ?  A  leane  Lord,  dub'd 
with  the  lard  of  others?  A  difeafed  Lord  too,  that 
opening  certaine  Magick  Characters  in  an  vnlawfull 
booke,  vp-ftart  as  many  aches  in's  bones,  as  there  are 
ouches  in's  skinne.  Send  him  (Miftris)  to  the  Wicldow 
your  Tennant ;  the  vertuous  Pandreffe  Arface.  I  per- 


A  Comedie.  15 

ceiue  he  has  crownes  in's  Purfe,  that  make  him  proud 

of  a  firing ;  let  her  pluck  the  Goofe  therefore,  and  her 

maides  dreffe  him. 

Pfo.     Still  my  Lord  fuffer  him  ? 

Reb.     The  place  Sir,  beleeue  it  the  place. 

Thar.     O  good  Lord  Rebus ;  The  place  is  neuer  like 

to  be  yours  that  you  neede  refpecl  it  fo  much. 

End.     Thou  wrong'ft  the  noble  Gentleman. 

Thar.    Noble  Gentleman?  A  tumor,  an  impodume  hee 

is  Madam ;  a  very  hault-boy,  a  bag-pipe ;  in  whom 

there  is  nothing  but  winde,  and  that  none  of  the  fweeteft 

neither. 

End.     Quitt  the  Houfe  of  him,  by  'thead  and  Soul- 

ders. 

Thar.     Thankes  to  your  Honour  Madame,  and  my 

Lord  Cofen  the  Viceroy  mail  thanke  you. 

Reb.     So  mail  he  indeede  fir. 

Lye.     Arg.     Will  you  be  gone  fir  ? 

Thar.    Away  poore  Fellowes. 

End.     What  is  he  made  of?  or  what  Deuill  fees  your 

childifh,  and  effeminate  fpirits  in  him,  that  thus  yee 

fhun  him  ?     Free  vs  of  thy  fight ; 

Be  gone,  or  I  protefl  thy  life  (hall  goe. 

Thar.     Yet  (hall  my  Ghofl  flay  ftill ;  and  haunt  thofe 

beauties,  and  glories,  that  haue  renderd  it  immortall. 

But  fince  I  fee  your  bloud  runnes  (for  the  time) 

High,  in  that  contradiction  that  fore-runs 

Trued  agreements  (like  the  Elements 

Fighting  before  they  generate  ;)  and  that  Time 

Mud  be  attended  mod,  in  thinges  mod  worth  ; 

I  leaue  your  Honour  freely  ;  and  commend 

That  life  you  threaten,  when  you  pleafe,  to  be 

Aduentur'd  in  your  feruice  ;  fo  your  Honour 

Require  it  likewife. 

Eud.     Doe  not  come  againe. 

Thar.     He  come  againe,  beleeue  it,  and  againe.  Exit. 

Eud.     If  he  (hall  dare  to  come  againe,  I  charge  you 

(hut  dores  vpon  him. 

Arg.     You  mud  fhut  them  (Madam) 


1 6  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

To  all  men  elfe  then,  if  it  pleafe  your  Honour, 

For  if  that  any  enter,  hele  be  one. 

End.     I  hope,  wife  Sir,  a  Guard  will  keepe  him  out. 

Arg.     Afore  Heauen,  not  a  Guard  (ant  pleafe  your 

Honour. ) 

Eud.     Thou  liefl  bafe  Affe;    One  man   enforce  a 

Guard  ? 

He  turne  yee  all  away  (by  our  lies  Goddeffe) 
If  he  but  fet  a  foote  within  my  Gates. 
Lurd.     Your  Honour  mail  doe  well  to  haue  him  poi- 
fon'd. 
Hiar.     Or  begg'd  of  your  Cofen  the  Viceroy.      Exit. 


Lyfander  from  his  ftand. 

Lyfand.  This  brauing  wooer,  hath  the  fucceffe  ex 
pected  ;  The  fauour  I  obtain'd,  made  me  witneffe  to 
the  fport  ',  And  let  his  Confidence  bee  fure,  He  giue  it 
him  home.  The  newes  by  this,  is  blowne  through  the 
foure  quarters  of  the  Cittie,  Alas  good  Confidence  : 
but  the  happineffe  is  he  has  a  forehead  of  proofe  ;  the 
flaine  mall  neuer  flick  there  whatfoeuer  his  reproch 
be. 

Enter  Tharfalio. 


Lyjand.  \\J  Hat  ?  in  difcourfe  ? 
Thar.       \V  Hel1  and  tne  Furies  take  this  vile  en 
counter, 

Who  would  imagine  this  Saturnian  Peacock 
Could  be  fo  barbarous  to  vfe  a  fpirit 
Of  my  erection,  with  fuch  lowe  refpe<5t  ? 
Fore  heauen  it  cuts  my  gall ;  but  He  diffemble  it. 
Lyfand.     What  1  my  noble  Lord  1 
Thar.     Well  Sir,  that  may  be  yet,  and  meanes  to  be. 
Lyfand.     What  meanes  your  Lordfhip  then  to  hang 


A    Comedie.  1 7 

that  head  that  hath  beene  fo  erecfled ;  it  knocks  Sir  at 
your  bofome  to  come  in  and  hide  it  felfe. 
Thar.     Not  a  iot. 

Lyjand.  I  hope  by  this  time  it  needes  feare  no 
homes. 

Thar.  Well  Sir,  but  yet  that  bleffmg  runs  not  alwaies 
in  a  bloud. 

Lyfand.  What  blanqueted  ?  O  the  Gods  1  fpurn'd 
out  by  Groomes  like  a  bafe  Bifogno  ?  thruft  out  by'th 
head  and  moulders  ? 

Thar.     You  doe  well  Sir  to  take  your  pleafure  of  me, 
(I  may  turne  tables  with  you  ere  long.) 
Lyfand.     What  has  thy  wits  fine  engine  taken  cold? 
art  Huff' t  inth  head  ?  canft  anfwere  nothing  ? 
Thar.     Truth  is,  I  like  my  entertainment  the  better 
that  'twas  no  better. 

Lyfand.  Now  the  Gods  forbid  that  this  opinion  mould 
run  in  a  bloud. 

Thar.     Haue  not  you  heard  this  principle,  All  thinges 
by  flrife  engender  ? 
Lyfand.     Dogges  and  Cats  doe. 
Thar.     And  men  and  women  too. 
Lyfand.     Well  Brother,  in  earnefl,  you  haue  now  fet 
your  confidence  to  fchoole,  from  whence  I  hope't  has 
brought  home  fuch  a  leffon  as  will  inftrucl:  his  mafler 
neuer  after  to  begin  fuch  attempts  as  end  in  laughter. 
Thar.     Well  Sir,  you  leffon  my  Confidence  flill;   I 
pray  heauens  your  confidence  haue  not  more  mallow 
ground  (for  that  I  know)  then  mine  you  reprehend  fo. 
Lyfand.     My  confidence  ?  in  what  ? 
Thar.     May  be  you  trufl  too  much. 
Lyfand.     Wherein  ] 
Thar.     In  humane  frailtie. 

Lyfand.  Why  brother  know  you  ought  that  may  im 
peach  my  confidence,  as  this  fucceffe  may  yours  ?  hath 
your  obferuation  difcouered  any  fuch  frailtie  in  my 
wife  (for  that  is  your  aime  I  know)  then  let  me  know 
it. 
Thar.  Good,  good.  Nay  Brother,  I  write  no  bookes 

B 


1 8  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

of  Obferuations,  let  your  confidence  beare  out  it  felfe, 
as  mine  (hall  me. 

Lyfand.     That's  fcarce  a  Brothers  fpeech.     If  there 
be  ought  wherein  your  Brothers  good  might  any  way 
be  queftion'd  can  you  conceale  it  from  his  bofome  1 
Thar.     So,  fo.     Nay  my  faying  was  but  generall.     I 
glanc't  at  no  particular. 

Lyfand.  Then  muft  I  preffe  you  further.  You  fpake 
(as  to  your  felfe,  but  yet  I  ouer-heard)  as  if  you  knew 
fome  difpofition  of  weakneffe  where  I  moft  had  fixt 
my  trufl.  I  challenge  you  to  let  me  know  what  'twas. 
Thar.  Brother  ?  are  you  wife  ? 
Lyfand.  Why  ? 

Thar.    Be  ignorant.    Did  you  neuer  heare  of  Affczon  f 
Lyfand.     What  then  ? 

Thar.  Curiofitie  was  his  death.  He  could  not  be 
content  to  adore  Diana  in  her  Temple,  but  he  muft 
needes  dogge  her  to  her  retir'd  pleafures,  and  fee  her 
in  her  nakedneffe.  Doe  you  enioy  the  fole  priuiledge 
of  your  wiues  bed  ?  haue  you  no  pretie  Paris  for  your 
Page  ?  No  yong  Adonis  to  front  you  there  ? 
Lyfand.  I  think e  none  :  I  know  not. 
Thar.  Know  not  flill  Brother.  Ignorance  and  credu- 
litie  are  your  fole  meanes  to  obtaine  that  bleffing. 
You  fee  your  greateft  Clerkes,  your  wifeft  Politicians, 
are  not  that  way  fortunate  :  your  learned  Lawyers 
would  lofe  a  dozen  poore  mens  caufes  to  gaine  a  leafe 
ant,  but  for  a  Terrne.  Your  Phifition  is  ielous  of  his. 
Your  Sages  in  generall,  by  feeing  too  much  ouerfee 
that  happineffe.  Only  your  block-headly  Tradefman  ; 
your  honefl  meaning  Cittizen  •  your  not-headed  Coun- 
trie  Gentleman ;  your  vnapprehending  Stinckerd  is 
bleft  with  the  fole  prerogatiue  of  his  Wiues  chamber. 
For  which  he  is  yet  beholding,  not  to  his  ftarres,  but 
to  his  ignorance.  For  if  he  be  wife,  Brother,  1  muft 
tell  you  the  cafe  alters. 
How  doe  you  relifh  thefe  thinges  Brother  ? 
Lyfand.  Faffing  ill. 


A    Comedie.  1 9 

Thar.     So  do  fick  men  folid  meates  :  hearke  you  bro 
ther,  are  you  not  ielous  ? 

Lyfand.  No  :  doe  you  know  caufe  to  make  me  ? 
Thar.  Hold  you  there ;  did  your  wife  neuer  fpice 
your  broth  with  a  dramme  of  fublimate  ?  hath  fhee 
not  yeelded  vp  the  Fort  of  her  Honour  to  a  flaring 
Soldado  %  and  (taking  courage  from  her  guilt)  plaid 
open  banckrout  of  all  mame,  and  runne  the  Countrie 
with  him  ?  Then  bleffe  your  Starres,  bow  your  knees 
to  luno.  Looke  where  fhee  appeares. 


Enter  Cynthia,  Hylus. 


Cynth.  \  T  7  E  haue  fought  you  long  Sir,   there's  a 
V  V  Meffenger  within,  hath  brought  you  let 
ters  from  the  Court,  and  defires  your  fpeech. 
Lyfand.     I  can  difcouer  nothing  in  her  lookes.     Goe, 
He  not  be  long. 

Cynth.     Sir,  it  is  of  weight  the  bearer  faies  :  and  be- 
fides,  much  haflens  his  departure.     Honourable  Bro 
ther  !  crie  mercie  !  what,  in  a  Conquerours  flile  ?  but 
come  and  ouercome  1 
Thar.     A  frefli  courfe. 

Cynth.  Alas  you  fee  of  how  fleight  mettall  WioMowes 
vowes  are  made. 

Thar.     And  that  mail  you  proue  too  ere  long. 
Cynth.     Yet  for  the  honour  of  our  fexe,  boafl  not 
abroade  this  your  eafie  conquefl  ;  another  might  per 
haps  haue  flaid  longer  below  flaires,  it  but  was  your 
confidence,  that  furprifd  her  loue. 
Hyi.    My  vncle  hath  inflrudled  me  how  to  accoafl  an 
honorable  Ladie ;   to  win  her,  not  by  fuite,  but  by  fur- 
prife. 

Thar.     The  Whelp  and  all. 

Hyl.  Good  Yncle  let  not  your  neare  Honours  change 
your  manners,  bee  not  forgetfull  of  your  promife  to 
mee,  touching  your  Ladies  daughter  Laodicc.  My 


2O  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

fancie  runns  fo  vpon't,  that  I  dreame  euery  night  of 
her. 

Thar.     A  good  chicken,  goe  thy  waies,  thou  haft 
done  well ;  eate  bread  with  thy  meate. 
Cyn.     Come  Sir,  will  you  in  ? 
Lyfand.     He  follow  you. 

Cynth,     He  not  ftirre  a  foot  without  you.       I  can  not 
fatisfie  the  meffengers  impatience. 
Lyf.     He  takes  Thar,  afide.    Wil  you  not  refolue  me 
brother  ? 
Thar.     Of  what  ? 

Lyfanderjlamps  and  goes  cut  vext  with  Cynth.  Hyl.  Eto. 
So,  there's  venie  for  venie,  I  haue  giuen't  him  'ith  fpee- 
ding  place  for  all  his  confidence.  Well  out  of  this  per 
haps  there  may  bee  moulded  matter  of  more  mirth, 
then  my  baffling.  It  fhall  goe  hard  but  He  make  my 
conftant  filler  act  as  famous  a  Scene  as  Virgil  did  his 
Miftris ;  who  caui'd  all  the  Fire  in  Rome  to  faile  fo 
that  none  could  light  a  torch  but  at  her  nofe.  Now 
forth :  At  this  houfe  dwells  a  vertuous  Dame,  fome- 
times  of  worthy  Fame,  now  like  a  decai'd  Merchant 
turn'd  Broker,  and  retailes  refufe  commodities  for  vn- 
thriftie  Gallants.  Her  wit  I  muft  imploy  vpon  this 
bufmeffe  to  prepare  my  next  encounter,  but  in  fuch  a 
falhion  as  mall  make  all  fplit.  Ho  1  Madam  Arf  ace, 
pray  heauen  the  Oifter-wiues  haue  not  brought  the 
newes  of  my  woing  hether  amongfl  their  Hale  Pil- 
cherds. 

Enter  Arface,  Tomafin. 

Arf.     \\J  Hat  1  my  Lord  of  the  Palace  1 
Thar.     \  V  I-ooke  you. 

Arf.  Why,  this  was  done  like  a  beaten  Souldier. 
Thar.  Hearke,  I  muft  fpeake  with  you.  I  haue  a 
lhare  for  you  in  this  riche  aduenture.  You  muft  bee 
the  Affe  chardg'd  with  Crownes  to  make  way  to  the 
Fort,  and  I  the  Conquerour  to  follow,  and  feife  it. 
Seeft  thou  this  iewell  ? 


A  Comedie.  21 

Arf.     Is't  come  to  that  ?  why  Tomafin. 
Tom.     Madam. 

Arf.     Did  not  one  of  the  Countefies  Seruing-men  tell 
vs  that  this  Gentleman  was  fped  ? 
Tom.     That  he  did,  and  how  her  honour  grac't  and 
entertained  him  in  very  familiar  manner. 
Arf.     And  brought  him  downe  ftaires  her  felfe. 
Tom.      I  forfooth,  and  commanded  her  men  to  beare 
him  out  of  dores. 

Thar.     Slight,  pelted  with  rotten  egges  ? 
Arf.      Nay  more,  that   he  had   alreadie  poffell  her 
meetes. 

Tom.     No  indeede  Miflris,  twas  her  blanquets. 
Thar.      Out  you  yong  hedge-fparrow,  learne  to  tread 
afore  you  be  fledge.  He  kicks  her  out : 

Well  haue  you  done  now  Ladie. 
Arf.     O  my  fweet  kilbuck. 

Thar.     You  now,  in  your  mallow  pate,  thinke  this  a 
difgrace  to  mee ;  fiich  a  difgrace  as  is  a  batterd  helmet 
on  a  fouldiers  head,  it  doubles  his  refolution.     Say, 
(hall  I  vfe  thee  \ 
Arf.     Vfe  me? 

Thaa.  O  holy  reformation !  how  art  thou  fallen 
downe  from  the  vpper-bodies  of  the  Church  to  the 
skirts  of  the  Citie  !  honeflie  is  ftript  out  of  his  true  fub- 
flance  into  verball  nicetie.  Common  fmners  ftartle  at 
common  termes,  and  they  that  by  whole  mountaines 
fwallow  downe  the  deedes  of  darkneffe  ;  A  poore  mote 
of  a  familiar  word,  makes  them  turne  vp  the  white  o'th 
eie.  Thou  art  the  Ladies  Tennant. 
Arf.  For  terme  Sir. 

Thar.     A  good  induction,  be  fucceflefull  for  me,  make 
me  Lord  of  the  Palace,  and  thou  malt  hold  thy  Tene 
ment  to  thee  and  thine  eares  for  euer,  in  free  fmockage, 
as  of  the  manner  of  Panderage,  prouided  alwaies. 
Arf  a.     Nay  if  you  take  me  vnprouided. 
Thar.       Prouided  I  fay,  that  thou  mak'fl  thy  repaire 
to  her  prefently  with  a  plot  I  will  inflrucl  thee  in  ;  and 


22  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

for  thy  furer  acceffe  to  her  greatneffe,  thou  fhalt  pre- 

fent  her,  as  from  thy  felfe  with  this  iewell. 

Arfa.       So  her  old  grudge,  Hand  not  betwixt  her  and 

me. 

Thar.     Feare  not  that. 

Prefents  are  prelent  cures  for  femall  grudges, 
Make  bad,  feeme  good :  alter  the  cafe  with  Judges. 

Exit. 
Finis  Aftus  Primi. 


Actus     Secundi. 
Scoena    Prima. 

Lyfander,  Tharfalio. 

now  we  are  our  felues.  Brother,  that 
ill  relifht  fpeech  you  let  flip  from  your 
tongue,  hath  taken  fo  deepe  hold  of  my 
thoughts,  that  they  will  neuer  giue  me  reft, 
till  I  be  refolu'd  what  'twas  you  faid,  you  know,  touch 
ing  my  wife. 

Tharf.     Turn :   I  am   wearie   of  this  fubieft,  I  faid 
not  fo. 

LyJ.  By  truth  it  felfe  you  did  :  I  oner -heard  you. 
Come,  it  mall  nothing  moue  me,  whatfoeuer  it  be ; 
pray  thee  vnfold  briefly  what  you  know. 
Tharf.  Why  briefly  Brother.  I  know  my  filler  to  be 
the  wonder  of  the  Earth  ;  and  the  Enuie  of  the  Hea- 
uens.  Yertuous,  Loiall,  and  what  not.  Briefly,  I 
know  fhee  hath  vow'd,  that  till  death  and  after  death, 
meele  hold  inuiolate  her  bonds  to  you,  &  that  her 
black  fhal  take  no  other  hew  ;  all  which  I  firmely  be- 
leeue.  In  briefe  Brother,  I  know  her  to  be  a  woman. 
But  you  know  brother,  I  haue  other  yrons  on  th'anmle, 

Extiurus* 


A  Comedie.  23 

Lyf.     You  fhall  not  leaue  mee  fo  vnfatisfied  ;  tell  mee 

what  tis  you  know. 

Thar.     Why  Brother ;    if  you  be  fure  of  your  wines 

loialtie  for  terme  of  life  :  why  mould  you  be  curious  to 

fearch  the  Almanacks  for  after-times  :   whether  fome 

wandring   JEneas   mould   enioy   your   reuerfion ;     or 

whether   your  true  Turtle  would  fit  mourning  on  a 

wither'd  branch,  till  Atropos  cut  her  throat :  Beware  of 

curiofitie,  for  who  can  reiolue  you  ?  youle  fay  perhaps 

her  vow. 

Lyfami.     Perhaps  I  mail. 

Thar.     Turn,  her  felfe  knowes  not  what  mee  mail  doe. 

when  mee  is  transform'd  iuto  a  Widdow.     You   are 

now  a  fober  and  ilaid  Gentleman.     But  if  Diana  for 

your  curiofitie  mould  tranflate  you  into  a  monckey : 

doe  you  know  what  gambolds  you  mould  play  ?    your 

only  way  to  bee  refolu'd  is  to  die  and  make  triall  of 

her. 

Lyfand.     A  deare  experiment,  then  I  muft  rife  againe 

to  bee  refolu'd. 

Thar.     You  fhall  not  neede.    I  can  fend  you  fpeedier 

aduertifement  of  her  conflancie,,  by  the  next  Ripier 

that  rides  that  way  with  Mackerel!.     And  fo  I  leaue 

you.  Exit     Thar. 

Lyfand.     All  the  Furies  in  hell  attend  thee  ;  has  giuen 

me  a 

Bone  to  tire  on  with  a  peftilence  ;  flight  know  ? 
What  can  he  know  ?  what  can  his  eie  obferue 
More  then  mine  owne,  or  the  moft  pierfing  fight 
That  euer  viewed  her?  by  this  light  I  thinke 
Her  priuat'fl  thought  may  dare  the  eie  of  heauen, 
And  challenge  th'  enuious  world  to  witneffe  it. 
I  know  him  for  a  wild  corrupted  youth, 
Whom  prophane  Ruffins,  Squires  to  Bawds,  &  Strum 
pets, 

Drunkards,  fpeud  out  of  Tauerns,  into'th  fmkes 
Of  Tap-houfes,  and  Stewes,  Reuolts  from  manhood  ; 
Debaucht  perdu's,  haue  by  their  companies 
Turn'd  Deuill  like  themfelues,  and  ftuft  his  foule 


24  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

With  damn'd  opinions,  and  vnhallowed  thoughts 
Of  womanhood,  of  all  humanitie, 
Nay  Deitie  it  felfe. 

Enter  Lycus. 

Lyf.     \  \  7Elcome  friend  "Lycus. 
Lye.       »  V  Haue  you  met  with  your  capricious  bro 
ther  ? 

Lyf.     He  parted  hence  but  now. 
Lye.       And  has  he  yet  refolu'd  you  of  that  point  you 
brake  with  me  about  ? 

Lyf.     Yes,  he  bids  me  die  for  further  triall  of  her  con- 
ftancie. 

Lye.     That   were   a  ftrange   Phificke   for   a   iealous 
patient ;  to  cure  his  thirft  with  a  draught  of  poifon. 
Faith  Sir,  difcharge  your  thoughts  an't ;   thinke  'twas 
but  a  Buzz  deuis'd  by  him  to  fet  your  braines  a  work, 
and  diuert  your  eie  from  his  difgrace.     The  world  hath 
written  your  wife,  in  higheft  lines  of  honour'd  Fame : 
her  vertues  fo  admir'd  in  this  He,  as  the  report  thereof 
founds  in  forraigne  eares  ;   and  flrangers  oft  arriuing 
here,  (as  fome  rare  fight)  defire  to  view  her  prefence, 
thereby  to  compare  the  Picture  with  the   originall. 
Nor  thinke  he  can  turne  fo  farre  rebell  to  his  bloud, 
Or  to  the  Truth  it  felfe  to  mifconceiue 
Her  fpotleffe  loue  and  loialtie  ;   perhaps 
Oft  hauing  heard  you  hold  her  faith  fo  facred 
As  you  being  dead,  no  man  might  flirre  a  fparke 
Of  vertuous  loue,  in  way  of  fecond  bonds  ; 
As  if  you  at  your  death  mould  carrie  with  you 
Both  branch  and  roote  of  all  affection. 
T'may  be,  in  that  point  hee's  an  Infidell, 
And  thinkes  your  confidence  may  ouer-weene. 
Lyf.     So  thinke  not  I. 
Lye.     Nor  I  :   if  euer  any  made  it  good. 
I  am  refolu'd  of  all,  fheele  proue  no  changling. 
Lyf.     Well,  I  mufl  yet  be  further  fatisfied ; 
And  vent  this  humour  by  fome  ilraine  of  wit, 
Somewhat  He  doe  ;  but  what,  I  know  not  yet.   Exeunt. 


A  Comedie.  25 

Enter  Sthenio,  lanthe. 

Sthe.      T)Affion  of  Virginitie,  lanthe,  how  (hall  we 
quit  ourfelues  of  this  Pandreffe,  that  is  fo 
importunate  to  fpeake  with  vs  1    Is  fhee  knowne  to  be 
a  Pandreffe  ? 

Ian.  I,  as  well  as  we  are  knowne  to  be  waiting 
women. 

Sthe.     A  fhrew  take  your  comparifon. 
Sthe.     Lets  cal  out  Argus  that  bold  Affe  that  neuer 
weighs  what  he  does  or  faies  ;   but  walkes  and  talkes 
like  one  in  a  fleepe  ;    to  relate  her  attendance  to  my 
Ladie,  and  prefent  her. 

Ian.      Who  %   ant  pleafe  your  Honour  1      None  fo  fit 
to  fet  on  any  dangerous  exploit. 
Ho?   Argus  1 

Enter  Argus  bare. 

Arg.     T I J  Hats  the  matter  Wenches  ? 
Seth.       *  V  YOU  mud  tell  my  Ladie  here's  a  Gentle 
woman  call'd  Arface,  her  Honours  Tennant,  attends 
her,  to  impart  important  bufmeffe  to  her. 
Arg.     I  will  prefently.  Exit  Arg. 

lant.  Well,  mee  has  a  welcome  prefent,  to  beare  out 
her  vn welcome  prefence  :  and  I  neuer  knew  but  a 
good  gift  would  welcome  a  bad  perfon  to  the  pureft. 
Arface  1 

Enter  Arface. 
Arf.     T  Miflris. 

Sthe.     J_  Giue  me  your  Prefent,  He  doe  all  I  can,   to 
make  way  both  for  it  and  your  felfe. 
Arf.     You  (hall  binde  me  to  your  feruice  Ladie. 
Sthe.    Stand  vnfeene. 

Enter  Lye.  Eudora,  Laodice,  Reb,  Hiar  Pfor.,  cam 
ming  after,  Argus  camming  to 
Eudora. 

Arg.       T  T  Ere's  a  Gentle-woman  (ant 

Jtj.  Pleafe  your  Honour)  one  of  your  Ten- 
nants 


26  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

Defires  acceffe  to  you. 
End.     What  Tennant  ?  what's  her  name  ? 
Arg.     Arface,  mee  faies  Madam. 
End.     Arface  ?  what  the  Bawde  ? 
^r§;     The  Bawd  Madam  ?  JJiee  flrikes,  that's  without 
my  priuitie. 

.£#*/.  Out  Affe,  know'fl  not  thou  the  Pandreffe  Ar 
face  ? 

Sth.     Shee  prefents  your  Honour  with  this  lewell  ? 
Eud.     This  iewell  ?  how  came  fhee  by  fuch  a  iewell  ? 
Shee  has  had  great  Cuflomers. 

Arg.  Shee  had  neede  Madam,  fhee  fits  at  a  great 
Rent. 

Eud.    Alas  for  your  great  Rent :  He  keepe  her  iewell, 
and  keepe  you  her  out,  yee  were  befl :  fpeake  to  me 
for  a  Pandreffe  1 
Arg.     What  (hall  we  doe  ? 
Sthe.     Goe  to  ;  Let  vs  alone.     Arface  ? 
Arf.     I  Ladie. 

Sthe.  You  muft  pardon  vs,  we  can  not  obtaine  your 
acceffe. 

Arf.     Miflris  Sthenio,  tell  her  Honour,  if  I  get  not 
acceffe  to  her,  and  that  inflantly  fhee's  vndone. 
Sthe.     This  is  fome  thing  of  importance.     Madam, 
fhee  fweares  your  Honour  is  vndone  if  me  fpeake  not 
with  you  inflantly. 
Eud.     Vndone  ? 

Arf.  Pray  her  for  her  Honours  fake  to  giue  mee 
inflant  acceffe  to  her. 

Sthe.  Shee  makes  her  bufmeffe  your  Honour  Madame, 
and  entreates  for  the  good  of  that,  her  inflant  fpeech 
with  you. 

Eud.  How  comes  my  Honour  in  queflion?  Bring 
her  to  mee. 

Enter  Arface. 

Arf.    /^~\Vr    Cypriane  Goddeffe   faue    your  good 

\_J  Honor. 
Eud.     Stand  you  off  I  pray :  How  dare  you  Miflris 


A    Comedie.  2  7 

importune  accefle  to  me  thus,   corjfidering   the   laft 

warning  I  gaue  for  your  abfence  ? 

Arf.     Becaufe,  Madam,  I  haue  been  mou'd  by  your 

Honours  laft  moft  chaft  admonition,    to   leaue   the 

offenfme  life  I  led  before. 

Eud.     I  ?  haue  you  left  it  then  ? 

Arf.     I,  I  affure  your  Honour,  vnleffe  it  be  for  the 

pleafure  of  two  or  three  poore  Ladies,  that  haue  prodi- 

gall  Knights  to  their  husbands. 

Eud.     Out  on  thee  Impudent. 

Arf.     Alas  Madam,  wee  would  all  bee  glad  to  Hue  in 

our  callings. 

Eud.     Is  this  the  reform' d  life  thou  talk'ft  on  1 

Arf.     I  befeech  your  good  Honour  miftake  me  not, 

I  boaft  of  nothing  but  my  charitie,  that's  the  worft. 

Eud.     You  get  thefe  iewels  with  charitie,  no  doubt. 

But  whats  the  point  in  which  my  Honour  ftands  en- 

danger'd  I  pray  1 

Arf.     In  care  of  that  Madam,  I  haue  prefum'd  to 

offend  your  chaft  eies  with  my  prefence.     Hearing  it 

reported  for  truth  and  generally,  that  your  Honor  will 

take  to  husband  a  yong  Gentleman  of  this  Citie  called 

Tharfalio. 

Eud.     I  take  him  to  husband  1 

Arf.     If  your  Honour  does,  you  are  vtterly  vndone, 

for  hee's  the  moft  incontinent,  and  infatiate  Man  of 

Women  that  euer  VENVS  bleft  with  abilitie  to  pleafe 

them. 

Eud.     Let  him  be  the  Deuill ;  I  abhorre  his  thought, 

and  could  I  be  inform'd  particularly  of  any  of  thefe 

flanderers  of  mine  Honour,  he  mould  as  dearely  dare 

it,  as  any  thing  wherein  his  life  were  ejidanger'd. 

Arf.    Madam,  the  report  of  it  is  fo  ftrongly  confident, 

that  I  feare  the  ftrong  deftinie  of  marriage  is  at  worke 

in  it.     But  if  it  bee    Madam  :    Let   your   Honours 

known e  vertue  refift  and  dene  it  for  him :  for  not  a 

hundred  will  ferue  his  one  turne.     I  proteft  to  your 

Honour,  When  (VENVS  pardon  mee)  I  winckt  at  my 


28  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

vnmaidenly  exercife,  I  haue  knovvne  nine  in  a  Night 
made  mad  with  his  loue. 

Eud.  What  tell'fl  thou  mee  of  his  loue  ?  I  tell  thee  I 
abhorre  him  ;  and  deflinie  mufl  haue  an  other  mould 
for  my  thoughts,  then  Nature  or  mine  Honour,  and 
a  Witchcraft  aboue  both,  to  transforme  mee  to  an 
other  fhape,  as  foone  as  to  an  other  conceipt  of 
him. 

Arf.  Then  is  your  good  Honour  iuft  as  I  pray  for 
you,  and  good  Madam,  euen  for  your  vertues  fake, 
and  comfort  of  all  your  Dignities,  and  Poffeffions  ; 
fixe  your  whole  Woman-hood  againfl  him.  Hee  will 
fo  in  chant  you,  as  neuer  man  did  woman  :  Nay  a 
Goddefle  (fay  his  light  hufwiues)  is  not  worthie  of  his 
fweetneffe. 

Eud.     Goe  to,  be  gone. 

Arf.  Deare  Madam,  your  Honours  moft  perfe<5l  ad 
monition  haue  brought  mee  to  fuch  a  hate  of  thefe 
imperfections,  that  I  could  not  but  attend  you  with 
my  dutie,  and  vrge  his  vnreafonable  manhood  to  the 
fill. 

Eud.     Man-hood,  quoth  you  ? 

Arf.    Nay  Beaftly-hood,  I  might  fay,  indeede  Madam, 
but  for  fauing  your  Honour ;  Nine  in  a  night  faid  1 1 
Eud.     Goe  to,  no  more. 

Arf.  No  more  Madame?  that's  enough  one  would 
thinke. 

Eud.     Well  be  gone  I  bid  thee. 

Arf.  Alas  Madam,  your  Honour  is  the  chiefe  of  our 
Cittie,  and  to  whom  mall  I  complaine  of  thefe  in- 
chaftities,  (being  your  Ladifhips  reform'd  Tennant) 
but  to  you  that  are  chaftefl  ? 

Eud.     I  pray  thee  goe  thy  waies,  and  let  me  fee  this 
reformation  you  pretend  continued. 
Arf.     I  humbly  thanke  your  good  Honour,  that  was 
firft  caufe  of  it. 

Eud.     Here's  a  complaint  as  ftrange  as  my  Suiter. 
Arf.     I  befeech  your  good  Honour  thinke  vpon  him, 
make  him  an  example. 


A    Comedie.  29 

End.     Yet  againe  'I 

Arf.  All  my  dutie  to  your  Excellence.  Exit.  Arf. 
Eud.  Thefe  forts  of  licentious  perfons,  when  they  are 
once  reclaim'd,  are  mofl  vehement  againfl  licence. 
But  it  is  the  courfe  of  the  world  to  difpraife  faults  & 
ufe  them  ;  that  fo  we  may  vfe  them  the  fafer.  What 
might  a  wife  Widdow  refolue  vpon  this  point  now  ? 
Contentment  is  the  end  of  all  worldly  beings :  Befhrow 
her  ;  would  mee  had  fpared  her  newes.  Exit. 

Reb.  See  if  mee  take  not  a  contrarie  way  to  free  her 
felfe  of  vs. 

Hiar.  Yon  muft  complaine  to  his  Altitude. 
Pfor.  All  this  for  triall  is  ;  you  mufl  indure 
That  will  haue  wiues,  nought  elfe,  with  them  is  fure. 

Exit. 

Tkarfalio,  Arface. 

Thar.    T  T  Aft  thou  beene  admitted  then  ? 

Arf.        ~~\  Admitted?  I,  into  her  heart,  He  able  it ; 

neuer  was  man  fo  prais'd  with  a  difpraife ;   nor  fo 

fpoken  for  in  being  rail'd  on.     He  giue  you  my  word ; 

I  haue  fet  her  hart  vpon  as  tickle  a  pin  as  the  needle 

of  a  Diall ;  that  will  neuer  let  it  reft,  till  it  be  in  the 

right  pofition. 

Thar.     Why  doft  thou  imagine  this  ? 

Arf.     Becaufe  I  faw  Cupid  moot  in  my  wordes,  and 

open  his  wounds  in  her  lookes.     Her  bloud  went  and 

came  of  errands  betwixt  her  face  and  her  heart ;    and 

thefe  changes  I  can  tell  you  are  fhrewd  tell-tales. 

Thar.     Thou  fpeak'ft  like  a  Doclriffe  in  thy  facultie  ; 

but  howfoeuer,  for  all  this  foile,  He  retriue  the  game 

once  againe,  hee's  a  mallow  gamfter  that  for  one  dif- 

pleafing  caft  giues  vp  fo  faire  a  game  for  loft. 

Arf.     Well,  'twas  a  villanous  inuention  of  thine,  and 

had  a  fwift  operation,  it  tooke  like  fulphure.     And  yet 

this  vertuous  Counteffe  hath  to  my  eare  fpun  out  many 

a  tedious  leclure  of  pure  fillers  thred  agaiuft  concu- 

pifcence.     But  euer  with  fuch  an  affected  zeale,  as  my 


30  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

minde  gaue  me,  fhee  had  a  kinde  of  fecret  titillation 
to  grace  my  poore  houfe  fometimes ;  but  that  fhee 
fear'd  a  fpice  of  the  Sciatica,  which  as  you  know  euer 
runs  in  the  bloud. 

Thar.  And  as  you  know,  fokes  into  the  bones.  But 
to  fay  truth,  thefe  angrie  heates  that  breake  out  at  the 
lips  of  thefe  ftreight  lac't  Ladies,  are  but  as  fymptoms 
of  a  luflfull  feuer  that  boiles  within  them.  For  where 
fore  rage  wiues  at  their  husbands  fo,  when  they  flie  out, 
for  zeale  againfl  the  fmne  ? 

Arf.  No,  but  becaufe  they  did  not  purge  that  fmne. 
Thar.  Th'art  a  notable  Syren,  and  I  fweare  to  thee, 
if  I  profper,  not  only  to  giue  thee  thy  mannbr-houfe 
gratis,  but  to  marrie  thee  to  fome  one  Knight  or  other, 
and  burie  thy  trade  in  thy  Ladifhip  :  Goe  be  gone. 

Exit  Arf. 

Enter  Lycus. 

Thar.  T  T  7  Hat  newes  Lycus  ?    where's  the  Ladic  1 
Lye.       VV  Retir'd  into  her  Orchard. 
Thar.     A  pregnant  badge  of  loue,  fhee's  melancholy. 
Lye.     'Tis  with  the  fight  of  her  Spartane  wooer.     But 
howfoeuer  tis  with  her,  youhaue  praclis'd  flrangely  vpon 
your  Brother. 
Thar.     Whyfo? 

Lye.  You  had  almoft  lifted  his  wit  off  the  hinges. 
That  fparke  ieloufie  falling  into  his  drie  melancholy 
braine,  had  well  neare  fet  the  whole  houfe  on  fire. 
Thar.  No  matter,  let  it  worke  :  I  did  but  pay  him 
in's  owne  coine;  Sfoot  hee  plied  me  with  fuch  a  volley 
of  vnfeafon'd  feoffs,  as  would  haue  made  Patience  it 
felfe  turne  Ruffine,  attiring  it  felfe  in  wounds  and 
bloud  :  but  is  his  humour  better  qualified  then  % 
Lye.  Yes,  but  with  a  medicine  ten  parts  more  dan 
gerous  then  the  fickneffe  :  you  know  how  flrange  his 
dotage  euer  was  on  his  wife  ;  taking  fpeciall  glorie  to 
haue  her  loue  and  loialtie  to  him  fo  renowm'd  abrode. 
To  whom  fhee  oftentimes  hath  vow'd  conflancie  after 


A    Comedie.  3 1 

life,  till  her  owne  death  had  brought  forfooth,  her  wid- 

dow-troth  to  bed.     This  he  ioi'd  in  ftrangely,  and  was 

therein  of  infallible  beliefe,  till  your  furmife  began  to 

fhake  it ;   which  hath  loos'd    it  fo,    as   now   there's 

nought  can  fettle  it,  but  a  triall,   which  hee's  refolu'd 

vpon. 

Thar.     As  how  man  ?  as  how  ? 

Lye.     Hee  is  refolu'd  to  follow  your  aduife,  to  die, 

and  make  triall  of  her  flablenefle,  and  you  mufl  lend 

your  hand  to  it. 

Thar.     What  to  cut's  throat  1 

Lye.     To  forge  a  rumour  of  his  death,  to  vphold  it  by 

circumflance,  maintaine  a  publike  face  of  mourning, 

and  all  thinges  appertaining. 

Thar.     I,  but  the  meanes  man :    what  time  ?    what 

probabilitie. 

Lye.     Nay,  I  thinke  he  has  not  lickt  his  Whelpe  into 

full  fhape  yet,  but  you  mail  fhortly  heare  ant. 

Thar.      And    when  (hall  this  flrange  conception  fee 

light  ? 

Lye.     Forthwith  :  there's  nothing  dales  him,  but  fome 

odde  bufmeffe  of  import,  which  hee  mufl  winde  vp  ; 

lead  perhaps  his  abfence  by  occafion  of  his  intended 

triall  be  prolonged  aboue  his  aimes. 

Thar.     Thankes  for  this  newes  i'  faith.     This  may 

perhaps  proue  happie  to  my  Nephew.    Truth  is  I  loue 

my  fitter  well  and  rnuft  acknowledge  her  more  then 

ordinarie  vertues.    But  mee  hath  fo  poffefl  my  brothers 

heart  with  vowes,  and  difauowings,  feal'd  with  oathes 

of  fecond  nuptialls  ;  as  in  that  confidence,  hee  hath 

inuefled  her  in  all  his  ftate,  the  ancient  inheritance  of 

our  Familie:  and  left  my  Nephew  and  the  reft  to  hang 

vpon  her  pure  deuotion  ;   fo  as  he  dead,  and  mee 

matching  (as  I  am  refolu'd  mee  will)  with  fome  yong 

Prodigall ;  what  mufl  enfue,  but  her  poft-iffue  beggerd, 

and  our  houfe  alreadie  finking,  buried  quick  in  ruin. 

But  this  triall  may  remoue  it,  and  fmce  tis  come  to 

this  ;  marke  but  the  iffue  Lycus,  for  all  thefe  folemne 

vowes,  if  I  doe  not  make  her  proue  in  the  handling  as 


32  The  Wtctdowes  Teares. 

weake  as  a  wafer ;  fay  I  loft  my  time  in  trauaile.  This 
refolution  then  has  fet  his  wits  in  ioynt  againe,  hee's 
quiet. 

Lye.      Yes,  and  talkes  of  you  againe  in  the  faireft 
manner,  liftens  after  your  fpeede. 
Thar.     Nay  hee's  paffing  kinde,  but  I  am  glad  of  this 
triall  for  all  that. 

Lye.  Which  he  thinkes  to  be  a  flight  beyond  your 
wing. 

Thar.  But  hee  will  change  that  thought  ere  long. 
My  Bird  you  faw  euen  now,  fings  me  good  newes,  and 
makes  hopefull  fignes  to  me. 

Lye.  Somewhat  can  I  fay  too,  fmce  your  meffengers 
departure,  her  Ladifhip  hath  beene  fomething  alter'd, 
more  penfme  then  before,  and  tooke  occafion  to  quef- 
tion  of  you,  what  your  addictions  were  ?  of  what  taft 
your  humor  was  ?  of  what  cut  you  wore  your  wit,  and 
all  this  in  a  kind  of  difdainefull  fcorne. 
Thar.  Good  Callenders  Lycus.  Well  He  pawne  this 
iewell  with  thee,  my  next  encounter  mail  quite  alter 
my  brothers  iudgement.  Come  lets  in,  he  mall  com 
mend  it  for  a  difcreet  and  honourable  attempt. 

Mens  iudgments  fway  on  that  fide  fortune  leanes, 

Thy  wifties  mail  affift  me  : 
Lye.     And  my  meanes.  Exeunt. 


Argus,  Clinias,  Sthenio,  lanthe. 

Arg.  T  Muft   confeffe   I  was  ignorant,  what'twas  to 

JL  court  a  Ladie  till  now. 
Sf/ie.     And  I  pray  you  what  is  it  now  ? 
Arg.     To  court  her  I  perceiue,  is  to  woo  her  with  let 
ters  from  Court,  for  fo  this  Spartane  Lords  Court  dif- 
cipline  teacheth. 

Sth.    His  Lordmip  hath  procur'd  a  new  Pacquet  from 
his  Altitude. 

Gin.     If  he  bring  no  better  ware  then  letters  in's  pac- 
quet,  I  mail  greatly  doubt  of  his  good  fpeede. 


A   Comedie.  33 

Ian.     If  his  Lordfhip  did  but  know  how  gracious  his 
Afpecl  is  to  my  Ladie  in  this  folitarie  humour. 
Clin.     Well  thefe  retir'd  walkes  of  hers  are  not  vfuall ; 
and  bode  fome  alteration  in  her  thoughts.     What  may 
bee  the  caufe  Sthenio. 

Sthe.  Nay  twould  trouble  Argus  with  his  hundred 
eies  to  defcrie  the  caufe. 

Ian.  Venus  keepe  her  vpright,  that  fhee  fall  not  from 
the  flate  of  her  honour;  my  feare  is  that  fome  of  thefe 
Serpentine  fuiters  will  tempt  her  from  her  conflant 
vow  of  widdow-hood.  If  they  doe,  good  night  to  our 
good  daies. 

Sthe.  'Twere  a  finne  to  fufpecl  her;  I  haue  been 
witneffe  to  fo  many  of  her  fearfull  proteflations  to  our 
late  Lord  againft  that  courfe  ;  to  her  infinite  oathes  im 
printed  on  his  lips,  and  feal'd  in  his  heart  with  fuch 
imprecations  to  her  bed,  if  euer  it  mould  receiue  a 
fecond  impreffion ;  to  her  open  and  often  deteftations 
of  that  inceftuous  life  (as  fhee  term'd  it)  of  widdowes 
marriages  ;  as  being  but  a  kinde  of  lawfull  adulterie  ; 
like  vfurie,  permitted  by  the  law,  not  approu'd.  That 
to  wed  a  fecond,  was  no  better  then  to  cuckold  the 
firft  :  That  women  mould  entertaine  wedlock  as  one 
bodie,  as  one  life,  beyond  which  there  were  no  defire, 
no  thought,  no  repentance  from  it,  no  reflitution  to  it. 
So  as  if  the  confcience  of  her  vowes  mould  not  reflraine 
her,  yet  the  worlds  fhame  to  breake  fuch  a  conflant 
refolution,  mould  repreffe  any  fuch  motion  in  her. 
Arg.  Well,  for  her  vowes,  they  are  gone  to  heauen 
with  her  husband,  they  binde  not  vpon  earth:  And  as 
for  Womens  refolutions,  I  muft  tell  you,  The  Planets, 
&  (as  Ptolomie  faies)  the  windes  haue  a  great  ftroke  in 
them.  Truft  not  my  learning  if  her  late  flrangeneffe, 
and  exorbitant  folitude,  be  not  hatching  fome  new 
Monfter. 

Ian.    Well  applied  Argus ;  Make  your  husbands  Mon- 
flers. 
Arg.    I  fpoke  of  no  husbands  :  but  you  Wenches  haue 


34  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

the  pregnant  wits,  to  turne  Monfters  into  husbands,  as 
you  turne  husbands  into  monfters. 
Sthe.     Well  lanthe,  'twere  high  time  we  made  in,  to 
part  our  Ladie  and  her  Spartane  wooer. 
Ian.     We  mail  appeare  to  her  like  the  two  fortunate 
Stars  in  a  tempefl,  to  faue  the  fhipwrack  of  her  pa 
tience. 

Sthe.     I,  and  to  him  to,  I  beleeue ;  For  by  this  time 
he  hath  fpent  the  laft  dramme  of  his  newes. 
Arg.     That  is,^  of  his  wit. 

Sth.  lufl  goo'd  wittals.  Ian.  If  not,  &  that  my  La : 
be  not  too  deep  in  her  new  dumps,  we  mail  heare  from 
his  Lordfhip ;  what  fuch  a  Lord  faid  of  his  wife  the 
firfl  night  hee  embrac't  her  :  To  what  Gentleman  fuck 
a  Count  was  beholding  for  his  fine  children.  What 
yong  Ladie,  fuch  an  old  Count  mould  marrie ;  what 
Reuells  ;  what  prefentments  are  towards  ;  and  who 
penn'd  the  Pegmas  ;  and  fo  forth  :  and  yet  for  all  this, 
I  know  her  harm  Suiter  hath  tir'd  her  to  the  vttermofl 
fcruple  of  her  forbearance,  and  will  doe  more,  vnleffe 
we  two,  like  a  paire  of  Sheres,  cut  a-funder  the  thred 
of  his  difcourfe. 

Sthe.     Well  then,  lets  in ;  But  my  maflers,  waite  you 
on  your  charge  at  your  perils,  See  that  you  guard  her 
approch  from  any  more  intruders. 
Ian.     Excepting  yong  Tharfalio. 
Sthe.     True,  excepting  him  indeede,  for  a  guard  of 
men  is  not  able  to  keepe  him  out  ant  pleafe  your 
Honour. 

Arg.     O  Wenches,  that's  the  propertie  of  true  valour, 
to  promife  like  a  Pigmey,  and  performe  like  a  Giant. 
If  he  come,  He  bee  fworne  I  doe  my  Ladies  com- 
mandement  vpon  him. 
Ian.     What  ?  beate  him  out  1 

Sthe.  If  hee  mould,  Tharfalio  would  not  take  it  ill 
at  his  handes.  for  he  does  but  his  Ladies  commande- 
ment. 


A    Comedie.  35 

Enter  Tharfalio. 

Arg.  T  T  7  Ell,  by  Hercules  he  comes  not  here. 
V  V 


Sthe.  By  J7^*^  but  hee  does  :  or  elfe  fhee  hath 

heard  my  Ladies  praiers,  and  fent  fome  gracious  fpirit 

in  his  likeneffe  to  fright  away  that  Spartane  wooer,  that 

hants  her. 

Thar.     There  fland  her  Sentinells. 

Arg.     Slight  the  Ghoft  appeares  againe. 

Thar.    Saue  yee  my  quondam  fellowes  in  Armes  ;  faue 

yee  ;  my  women. 

Sthe.     Your  Women  Sir? 

Thar.     'Twill  be  fo.     What  no  courtefies  ?  No  prepa 

ration  of  grace  ?   obferue  me  I  aduife  you  for  your 

owne  lakes. 

Ian.    For  your  owne  fake,  I  aduife  you  to  pack  hence, 

left  your  impudent  valour  coft  you  dearer  then  you 

thinke. 

Clin.     What  fenfeleffe  boldnefle  is  this  Tharfalio  ? 

Arg.     Well  faid  Clinias,  talke  to  him. 

Clin.     I  wonder  that  notwithflanding  the  fhame  of 

your    lafl    entertainment,  and  threatnings  of  worfe  ; 

you  would  yet  prefume  to  trouble  this  place  againe. 

Thar.     Come  y'are  a  widgine  ;  Off  with  your  hat  Sir, 

acknowledge  :  forecafl  is  better  then  labour.    Are  you 

fquint  ey'd  1  can  you  not  fee  afore  you.     A  little  fore- 

fight  I  can  tell  you  might  fled  you  much  as  the  Starres 

mine  now. 

Clin.     'Tis  well  fir,  tis  not  for  nothing  your  brother  is 

afham'd  on  you.     But  Sir,  you  mull  know,  wee  are 

chardg'd  to  barre  your  entrance. 

Thar.     But  Wifler,  know  you,  that  who  fo  mall  dare  to 

execute  that  charge,  He  be  his  Executioner. 

Arg.      By  loue,    Clinias,  me  thinks,  the  Gentleman 

fpeakes  very  honourably. 

Thar  .  Well  I  fee  this  houfe  needes  eformation,  here's 

a  fellow  ftands  behind  now,  of  a  forwarder  infight  then 

yee  all.     What  place  hafl  thou  ? 


36  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

Arg.     What  place  you  pleafe  Sir. 
Thar.    Law  you  Sir.     Here's  a  fellow  to  make  a  Gen 
tleman  Vfher  Sir,  I  difcharge  you  of  the  place,  and 
doe  here  inueft  thee  into  his  roome,   Make  much  of 
thy  haire,  thy  wit  will  fuit  it  rarely.     And  for  the  full 
poffeffion  of  thine  office;    Come,  Yfher  me   to   thy 
Ladie  :  and  to  keep  thy  hand  fupple,  take  this  from 
me. 

Arg.     No  bribes  Sir,  ant  pleafe  your  Worfhip. 
Thar.     Goe  to,  thou  doll  well ;  but  pocket  it  for  all 
that ;  it's  no  impaire  to  thee  :  the  greatefl  doo't. 
Arg.     Sir,  tis  your  loue  only  that  I  refpecl,   but  fmce 
out  of  your  loue  you  pleafe  to  beftow  it  vpon  me,  It 
were  want  of  Courtfhip  in  mee  to  refufe  it ;   He  ac 
quaint  my  Ladie  with  your  comming.          Exit .  Arg. 
Tfiar.      How  fay  by  this?   haue  I  not  made  a   fit 
choife,  that  hath  fo  foone  attain'd  the  deepefl  myflerie 
of  his  profeffion  :  Good  footh  Wenches,  a  few  courtfies 
had  not  beene  cafl  away  vpon  your  new  Lord. 
Sthe.     Weele  beleeue  that,  when  our  Ladie  has  a  new 
Sonne  of  your  getting. 

Enter  Argus,  Eudora,  Rebus,  Hiar. 
Pfor. 

Eud.\\  7 Hats  the  matter?  whofe  that,  you  fay,  is 

VV  come? 

Arg.     The  bold  Gentleman,  ant  pleafe  your  Honour. 
End.     Why  thou  flering  Affe  thou. 
Arg.     Ant  pleafe  your  Honour. 
Eud.     Did  not  I  forbid  his  approch  by  all  the  charge 
and  dutie  of  thy  feruice  ? 

Thar.  Madam,  this  fellow  only  is  intelligent ;  for  he 
truly  vnderilood  your  command  according  to  the  flile 
of  the  Court  of  Venus  j  that  is,  by  contraries  :  when 
you  forbid  you  bid. 

Eud.     By  heauen  He  difcharge  my  houfe  of  yee  all. 
Thar.     You  mail  not  neede  Madame,  for  I  haue  al- 


A    Comedie.  3  7 

readie  cafheer'd  your  officious  Vfher  here,  and  chos'd 
this  for  his  Succeffor. 
Eud.     O  incredible  boldnefle  ! 

Thar.  Madam,  I  come  not  to  command  your  loue 
with  enforft  letters,  nor  to  woo  you  with  tedious  flories 
of  my  Pedigree,  as  hee  who  drawes  the  thred  of  his 
defcent  from  Ledas  Diflaffe  ;  when  'tis  well  knowne 
his  Grandfire  cried  Coniskins  in  Sparta. 
Reb.  Whom  meane  you  Sir  ? 

Thar.  Sir,  I  name  none,  but  him  who  firft  mail  name 
himfelfe. 

Reb.  The  place  Sir,  I  tell  you  flill ;  and  this  God- 
deffes  faire  prefence,  or  elfe  my  reply  mould  take  a 
farre  other  forme  vpon't. 

Thar.  If  it  mould  Sir,  I  would  make  your  Lordihip 
an  anfer. 

Arg.  Anfer's  Latine  for  a  Goofe,  ant  pleafe  your 
honor. 

Eud.     Well  noted  Gander  ;  and  what  of  that  1 
Arg.     Nothing,  ant  pleafe  your  Honor,  but  that  he 
faid  he  would  make  his  Lordihip  an  anfwere. 
Eud.     Thus  euery  foole  mocks  my  poore  Suiter.    Tell 
mee  thou  moft  frontleffe  of  all  men,  did'ft  thou  (when 
thou  had'fl  meanes  to  note  me  beft)  euer  obferue  fo 
bafe  a  temper  in  mee,  as  to  giue  any  glance  at  {looping 
to  my  Vaffall  ? 

Thar.  Your  drudge  Madam,  to  doe  your  drudgerie. 
Eud.  Or  am  I  now  fo  skant  of  worthie  Suiters,  that 
may  aduance  mine  honour ;  aduance  my  eflate ; 
ftrengthen  my  alliance  (if  I  lift  to  wed)  that  I  muft 
(loop  to  make  my  foot  my  head. 
Thar.  No  but  your  fide,  to  keepe  you  warme  a  bed. 
But  Madame  vouchfafe  me  your  patience  to  that  points 
ferious  anfwere.  Though  I  confeffe  to  get  higher  place 
in  your  graces,  I  could  wifh  my  fortunes  more  honour 
able  ;  my  perfon  more  gratious ;  my  minde  more 
adorn'd  with  Noble  and  Heroicall  vertues ;  yet 
Madame  (that  you  thinke  not  your  bloud  difparadg'd 
by  mixture  with  mine)  daine  to  know  this :  howfoeuer 


38  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

I  once,  only  for  your  loue,  difguis'd  my  felfe  in  the 
ieruice  of  your  late  Lord  and  mine ;  yet  my  defcent  is 
as  honourable  as  the  proudeft  of  your  Spartane  at- 
tempters ;  who  by  vnknown  quills  or  conduits  vnder 
ground,  drawes  his  Pedigree  from  ~Lycurgus  his  great 
Toe,  to  the  Viceroies  little  finger,  and  from  thence 
to  his  owne  elbow,  where  it  will  neuer  leaue  itch 
ing. 

JReb.  Tis  well  Sir,  prefume  flill  of  the  place. 
Thar.  Sfoot  Madame,  am  I  the  firfl  great  perfonage 
that  hath  ftoopt  to  difguifes  for  loue  ?  what  thinke  you 
of  our  Countrie-man  Hercules ;  that  for  loue  put  on 
Omphales  Apron,  and  fate  fpinning  amongft  her 
Wenches,  while  his  Miftris  wore  his  Lyons  skin  and 
Lamb-skin'd  him,  if  he  did  not  his  bufmeffe. 
End.  Moil  fitly  thou  refembl'ft  thy  felfe  to  that  violent 
outlaw,  that  claim' d  all  other  mens  poffeffions  as  his 
owne  by  his  meere  valoure.  For  what  leffe  hafl  thou 
done  ?  Come  into  my  houfe,  beate  away  thefe  Hon 
ourable  perfons  ? 

Thar.  That  I  will  Madam.  Hence  ye  Sparta-Vel- 
uets. 

Pfor.     Hold,  ihee  did  not  meane  fo. 
Thar.     Away  I  fay,  or  leaue  your  Hues  I  proteft  here, 
Star.    Well  Sir,  his  Altitude  fliall  know  you. 
Reb.     He  doe  your  errand  Sir. 

Exeunt. 

Thar,  Doe  good  Cofen  Altitude  ;  and  beg  the  reuer- 
fion  of  the  next  Ladie  :  for  Dido  has  betrotht  her  loue 
to  me.  By  this  faire  hand  Madam,  a  faire  riddance 
of  this  Calidonian  Bore. 
Eud.  O  moil  prodigious  audacioufneffe  ! 
Thar.  True  Madam ;  O  fie  vpon  am,  they  are  intol- 
lerable.  And  I  can  not  but  admire  your  fingular  vertue 
of  patience,  not  common  in  your  fexe ;  and  muft 
therefore  carrie  with  it  fome  rare  indowment  of  other 
Mafculine  and  Heroicall  vertues.  To  heare  a  rude 
Spartane  court  fo  ingenuous  a  Ladie,  with  dull  newes 
from  Athens,  or  the  Vicerois  court ;  how  many  dogs 


A    Comedie.  39 

were  fpoil'd  at  the  laft  Bull-baiting ;  what  Ladies  dub'd 
their  husbands  Knights,  and  fo  forth. 
Eud.  But  haft  thou  no  fhame  ?  No  fenfe  of  what  dif- 
dain  I  fhew'd  thee  in  my  laft  entertainement  ?  chacing 
thee  from  my  prefence,  and  charging  thy  dutie,  not  to 
attempt  the  like  intrufion  for  thy  life ;  and  dar'ft  thou 
yet  approch  mee  in  this  vnmannerly  manner  2  No 
queftion  this  defperate  boldneffe  can  not  choofe  but 
goe  accompanied  with  other  infinite  rudeneffes. 
Thar.  Good  Madam,  giue  not  the  Child  an  vnfit 
name,  terrne  it  not  boldnes,  which  the  Sages  call  true 
confidence,  founded  on  the  moft  infallible  Rocke  of  a 
womans  conftancie. 

Eud.  If  fhame  can  not  reftraine  thee,  tell  mee  yet  if 
any  brainleffe  foole  would  haue  tempted  the  danger 
attending  thy  approch. 

Thar.  No  Madam,  that  proues  I  am  no  Foole  :  Then 
had  I  been  here  a  Foole,  and  a  bafe  low-lprited  Spar 
tan,  if  for  a  Ladies  froune,  or  a  Lords  threates,  or  for 
a  Guard  of  Groomes,  I  mould  haue  fhrunke  in  the 
wetting,  and  fuffer'd  fuch  a  delicious  flower  to  perifli 
in  the  ftalke,  or  to  be  fauadgely  pluckt  by  a  prophane 
finger.  No  Madam  :  Firft  let  me  be  made  a  Subiecl 
for  difgrace ;  let  your  remorfelefie  Guard  feaze  on  my 
defpifed  bodie,  bind  me  hand  and  foot,  and  hurle  me 
into  your  Ladifhips  bed. 

Eud.  G  Gods  :  I  proteft  thou  doft  more  and  more 
make  me  admire  thee. 

Thar.  Madam,  ignorance  is  the  mother  of  admira 
tion  :  know  me  better,  and  youle  admire  me  lefie. 
Eud.  What  would'ft  thou  haue  mee  know?  what 
feekes  thy  comming  ?  why  doft  thou  hant  me  thus  ? 
Thar.  Only  Madam,  that  the  ^Etna  of  mj*  fighes, 
and  Nilus  of  my  teares,  pour'd  forth  in  your  prefence, 
might  witneffe  to  your  Honor  the  hot  and  moift  affec 
tion  of  my  hart,  and  worke  me  fome  meafure  of  fauour, 
from  your  fweete  tongue,  or  your  fweeter  lips,  or  what 
elfe  your  good  Ladilhip  mall  efteeme^ore  conducible, 
to  your  diuine  contentment 


4<D  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

Eud.  Pen  and  Inck-horne  I  thanke  thee.  This  you 
learn'd  when  you  were  a  Seruing-man. 
Thar.  Madam,  I  am  Hill  the  fame  creature ;  and  I 
will  fo  tie  my  whole  fortunes  to  that  ftile,  as  were  it  my 
happinefie  (as  I  know  it  will  be)  to  mount  into  my 
Lords  fucceffion,  yet  vow  I  neuer  to  affume  other  Title, 
or  State,  then  your  feruants :  Not  approching  your 
boord,  but  bidden  :  Not  preffing  to  your  bed,  but  your 
pleafure  mail  be  firft  known  if  you  will  commanoS  me 
any  feruice. 

Eud.  Thy  vowes  are  as  vaine  as  a  Ruffins  othes ;  as 
common  as  the  aire  ;  and  as  cheape  as  the  dufl.  How 
many  of  the  light  hufwiues,  thy  Mufes,  hath  thy  loue 
promifl  this  feruice  befides,  I  pray  thee  1 

Thar.  Compare  fhadowes  to  bodies,  Madam  ;  Pic 
tures  to  the  life  ;  and  fuch  are  they  to  you,  in  my  val 
uation. 

Eud.  I  fee  wordes  will  neuer  free  me  of  thy  boldneffe, 
and  will  therefore  now  vfe  blowes  ;  and  thofe  of  the 
mortallefl  enforcement.  Let  it  fuffice  Sir,  that  all  this 
time,  and  to  this  place,  you  enioy  your  fafetie  ;  keepe 
backe  :  No  one  foote  follow  mee  further ;  for  I  protefl 
to  thee,  the  next  threshold  paft,  lets  paffe  a  prepar'd 
Ambufh  to  thy  lateil  breath.  Exit .  Eud. 

Thar.  This  for  your  Ambnfh,  He  drawes.  Dare  my 
loue  with  death  ? 

Clin.     Slight ;  follow  ant  pleafe  your  Honour. 

Arg,     Not  I  by  this  light. 

Clin.     I  hope  Gentle-women  you  will. 

Sthe.     Not  we  Sir,  we  are  no  parters  of  fraies. 

Clin.     Faith  nor  He  be  any  breaker  of  cuflomes. 

Exeunt. 

Finis  Attits  Secundi. 


w 


A    Comedie.  4 1 

AEius     Tertij. 

Scoena  Prima. 

Enter  Lyfander  and  Lycus  booted. 

Lye.  "V  ^IT  T"  Ould  any  heart  of  Adamant,  for  fatis- 
faclion  of  an  vngrounded  humour, 
racke  a  poore  Ladies  innocencie  as 
you  intend  to  doe.  It  was  a  flrange 

curiofitie   in   that   Emperour,  that  ript  his   Mothers 

wombe  to  fee  the  place  he  lay  in. 

Lyf.     Come  do  not  lode  me  with  volumes  of  per- 

fwafion ;  I  am  refolu'd,  if  fhee  be  gold  fhee  may  abide 

the  tail,  lets  away,  I  wonder  where  this  wild  brother 

is. 

Enter  Cynthia,  Hylus,  and  Ero. 

Cynth.     Q  Ir. 

Lyf  and.  >^  I  pray  thee  wife  mew  but  thy  felfe  a  wo 
man  ;  and  be  filent :  queflion  no  more  the  reafon  of 
my  iourney,  which  our  great  Viceroies  charge  vrg'd  in 
this  letter  doth  enforce  me  to. 

Cynth.  Let  me  but  fee  that  letter,  there  is  fomthing 
in  this  prefaging  bloud  of  mine,  tells  me  this  fodaine 
iourney  can  portend  no  good,  refolue  me  fweet,  haue 
not  I  giuen  you  caufe  of  difcontent,  by  fome  mifprifion, 
or  want  of  fit  obferuance,  let  mee  know  that  I  may 
wreake  my  felfe  vpon  my  felfe. 
Lyf  and.  Come  wife,  our  loue  is  now  growne  old  and 

flaid, 

And  muft  not  wanton  it  in  tricks  of  Court, 
Nor  enterchang'd  delights  of  melting  louers ; 
Hanging  on  ileeues,  fighing,  loth  to  depart ; 
Thefe  toies  are  paft  with  vs ;  our  true  loues  fub fiance 
Hath  worne  out  all  the  mew,  let  it  fuffice, 
I  hold  thee  deare :  and  think e  fome  caufe  of  weight 


42  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

With  no  excufe  to  be  difpenfl  with  all, 
Compells  me  from  thy  mofl  defired  embraces  ; 
I  flay  but  for  my  Brother,  came  he  not  in  lafl  night. 
HyL      For  certaine  no  fir,  which  gaue  vs  caufe  of 
wonder,  what  accident  kept  him  abrode. 
Cynth.     Pray  heauen  it  proue  not  fome  wild  refolu- 
tion,  bred  in  him  by  his  fecond  repulfe  from  the  Coun- 
teffe. 

Lyfand.  Trufl  me  I  fomething  feare  it,  this  infatiate 
fpirit  of  afpiring,  being  fo  dangerous  and  fatall ;  defire 
mounted  on  the  wings  of  it,  defcends  not  but  head 
long. 

Hyl.     Sir,  fir,  here 's  my  Vncle.  Enter  TJiarf. 

Lyfand.  What  wrapt  in  careleffe  cloake,  face  hid  in 
hat  vnbanded,  thefe  are  the  ditches  brother,  in  which 
outraging  colts  plunge  both  themfelues  and  their 
riders. 

Thar.     Well,  wee  mufl  get  out  as  well  as  wee  may,  if 
not,  there's  the  making  of  a  graue  fau'd. 
Cynth.     That's  defperately  fpoken  brother,  had  it  not 
been  happier  the  colt  had  beene  better  broken,  and 
his  rider  not  fallen  in. 

Thar.     True  fitter,  but  wee  mufl  ride  colts  before  wee 
can  breake  them,  you  know. 
Lyfand.     This  is  your  blind  Goddeffe  Confidence. 
Thar.    Alas  brother,  our  houfe  is  decaid,  &  my  honefl 
ambition  to  reflore  it,  I  hope  be  pardonable.     My 
comfort  is  :  the  Poet  that  pens  the  ftorie  will  write  ore 
my  head  magnis  tamen  extidit  aufis\    which  in  our 
natiue  Idiome,  lets  you  know,     His  mind  was  high, 
though  Fortune  was  his  Foe. 

Lyfand.  A  good  refolue  brother,  to  out-ieft  difgrace  : 
come  I  had  been  on  my  iourney  but  for  fome  priuate 
fpeech  with  you  :  lets  in. 

Thar.       Good  brother  flay  a  little,  helpe  out  this  rag 
ged  colt  out  of  the  ditch. 
Lyfand.     How  now. 

Thar.  Now  I  confeffe  my  ouerfight,  this  haue  I  pur- 
chas'd  byjny  confidence. 


A  Comedie.  43 

Lyfand.     I  like  you  brother,  'tis  the  true  Garb  you 

know, 

What  wants  in  reall  worth  fupply  in  mow. 
Thar.     In  fhow  ?  alas  'twas  euen  the  thing  it  felfe, 
I  op't  my  counting  houfe,  and  tooke  away 
Thefe  fimple  fragments  of  my  treafurie, 
Husband  my  Counteffe  cri'd  take  more,  more  yet, 
Yet,  I  in  haft,  to  pay  in  part  my  debt, 
And  proue  my  felfe  a  husband  of  her  ftore, 
Kift  and  came  of;  and  this  time  tooke  no  more. 
Cynth.     But  good  brother. 

Thar.     Then  were  our  honor' d  fpoufall  rites  per- 

forin'd, 

Wee  made  all  thort,  and  fweet,  and  clofe,  and  fure. 
Lyfand.     Hee's  wrap't. 
Thar.    Then  did  my  Vftiers,   and   chiefe   Seruants 

ftoope, 

Then  made  my  women  curtfies,  and  enuied 
Their  Ladies  fortune  :  I  was  magnified. 
Lyfand.     Let  him  alone,  this  fpirit  will  foone  vanim. 
Thar.     Brother  and  fifter  as  I  loue  you,  and  am  true 
feruant  to  Venus,  all  the  premifes  are  ferious  and  true, 
and  the  conclufion  is  :  the  great  Counteffe  is  mine,  the 
Palace  is  at  your  feruice,  to  which  I  inuite  you  all  to 
folemnize  my  honour'd  nuptialls. 
Lyfand.     Can  this  be  credited  ! 
Thar.     Good  brother  doe  not  you  enuie  my  fortunate 
atchieuement. 

Lyfand.     Nay  I  euer  faid,  the  attempt  was  commenda 
ble. 

Thar.     Good. 

Lyfand.  If  the  iffue  were  fucceffefull. 
Thar.  A  good  ftate-conclufion,  happie  euents  make 
good  the  worft  attempts.  Here  are  your  widdow- 
vowes  fifter  ;  thus  are  yee  all  in  your  pure  naturalls  ; 
certaine  morall  difguifes  of  coineffe,  which  the  igno 
rant  cal  modeftie,  ye  borrow  of  art  to  couer  your 
buske  points ;  which  a  blunt  and  refolute  encounter, 
taken  vnder  a  fortunate  afpedl,  eafily  difarmesyou  off; 


44  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

and  then  alas  what  are  you  ?  poore  naked  fmners, 
God  wot :  weake  paper  walls  thruft  downe  with  a 
finger ;  this  is  the  way  on't,  boile  their  appetites  to  a 
full  height  of  lufl ;  and  then  take  them  downe  in  the 
nicke. 

Cynth.  Is  there  probabilitie  in  this  ;  that  a  Ladie  fo 
great,  fo  vertuous,  {landing  on  fo  'high  termes  of 
honour,  fhould  fo  foone  floope  1 

Thar.     You  would  not  wonder  fitter,   if  you  knew 
the  lure  fhee  floo'pt  at :   greatneffe  ?   thinke  you  that 
can  curb  affection  ;   no,  it  whets  it  more ;  they  haue 
the  full  ftreame  of  bloud,  to  beare  them :   the  fweet 
gale  of  their  fublim'd  fpirits  to  driue  them  :    the  calme 
of  eafe  to  prepare  them :   the  fun-mine  of  fortune  to 
allure  them  :  Greatneffe  to  waft  them  fafe  through  all 
Rocks  of  infamie  :  when  youth,  wit,  and  perfon  come 
aboord  once,  tell  me  filler,  can  you  chufe  but  hoife 
faile,  and  put  forward  to  the  maine  ? 
Lyfand.     But  let  me  wonder  at  this  frailtie  yet ;  would 
(hee  in  fo  fhort  time  weare  out  his  memorie,  fo  foon 
wipe  from  her  eies,  nay,  from  her  heart,  whom  I  my- 
felfe,  and  this  whole  He  befides,  flill  remember  with 
griefe,  the  impreffion  of  his  loffe  taking  worthily  fuch 
roote  in  vs ;  howe  thinke  you  Wife  1 
Cynth.     I  am  aftiam'd  ant,  and  abhorre  to  thinke, 
So  great  and  vow'd  a  patterne  of  our  f exe, 
Should  take  into  her  thoughts,  nay  to  her  bed, 
(O  ftaine  to  woman-hood)  a  fecond  loue. 
Lye.     In  fo  (hort  time. 
Cynth.     In  any  time. 
Lyfand.     No  wife. 

Cynth.  By  luno  no  ;  fooner  a  lothfom  Tode. 
Thar.  High  words  beleeue  me,  and  I  thinke  flieele 
keep  them  ;  next  turne  is  yours  Nephew ;  you  mall 
now  marrie  my  noblefl  Ladie-Daughter ;  the  firfl  mar 
riage  in  Paphos  •  next  my  nuptialls  (hall  be  yours  ; 
thefe  are  flrange  occurrents  brother,  but  pretie  and 
patheticall ;  if  you  fee  mee  in  my  chaire  of  Honour ; 
and  my  Counteffe  in  mine  armes ;  you  will  then 


A  Comedie.  45 

beleeue,  I  hope,  I  am  Lord  of  the  Palace,  then  fhall 
you  trie  my  great  Ladies  entertainement ;  fee  your 
handes  free'd  of  mee,  and  mine  taking  you  to  aduance- 
ment. 

Lyf  and.     Well,  all  this  rids  not  my  bufmeffe ;   wife 
you  fhall  bee  there  to  partake  the  vnexpecled  honour 
of  our  Houfe.  Lycus,  and  I  will  make  it  our  recreation 
by  the  way,  to  thinke  of  your  Reuells  and  Nuptiall 
fports  ;  Brother  my  flay  hath  beene  for  you ;   Wife 
pray  thee  bee  gone,  and  foone  prepare  for  the  folemni- 
tie,  a  Moneth  returnes  mee. 
Cynth.     Heauens  guide  your  iourney. 
Lyf.    -^are-will. 

Thar.     Fare-well  Nephew;    profper  in   virilitie,  but 
doe  you  heare ;  keepe  your  hand  from  your  voice,  I 
haue  a  part  for  you  in  our  Hymeneall  mew. 
Hyl.     You  fpeake  too  late  for  my  voice,  but  He  dif- 
charge  the  part.  Exit  Cyn.  Hyl. 

Lyf  and.  Occurrents  call  yee  them  ;  foule  mame  con 
found  them  all ;  that  impregnable  Fort  of  chaftitie  and 
loyaltie,  that  amazement  of  the  world,  O  yee  Deities 
could  nothing  reftraine  her  ?  I  tooke  her  fpirit  to  bee 
too  haughtie  for  fuch  a  depreffion. 
Thar.  But  who  commonly  more  fhort  heeld  ;  then 
they  that  are  high  'ith  in-ftep. 

Lyfand.  Mee  thinkes  yet  mame  mould  haue  con- 
troul'd  fo  fodaine  an  appetite. 

Thar.   Turn,  mame  doth  extinguifh  luft  as  oile  doth  fire, 
The  bloud  once  het,  mame  doth  enflame  the  more, 
What  they  before,  by  art  diffembled  moil 
They  ac~l  more  freely ;   fhame  once  found  is  loft  ; 
And  to  lay  truth  Brother ;   what  fhame  is  due  to't  1  or 
what  congruence  doth  it  carrie,  that  a  yong  Ladie, 
Gallant,  Vigorous,  full  of  Spirit,  and  Complexion  ;  her 
appetite  newe  whetted  with  Nuptiall  delights  ;   to  be 
confind  to  the  fpeculation  of  a  deaths  head,  or  for  the 
loffe  of  a  husband,  the  world  affording  flefh  enough, 
make  the  noone-tide  of  her  yeares,  the  funne-fet  of  her 
pleafures. 


46  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

Lye.     And  yet  there  haue  been  fuch  women. 
Thar.     Of  the  firft  ilamp  perhaps,  when  the  mettal 
was  purer  then  in  thefe  degenerate  daies;   of  later 
yeares,  much  of  that  coine  hath  beene  counterfait,  and 
befides  fo  crackt  and  worne  with  vfe,  that  they  are 
growne  light,  and  indeede  fit  for  nothing,  but  to  be 
turn'd  ouer  in  play. 
Lyfand.     Not  all  brother. 

Thar.     My  matchleffe  fitter  only  excepted  :   for  fhee, 
you  know  is  made  of  an  other  mettall,  then  that  fhee 
borrow'd  of  her  mother.        But  doe  you  brother  fadly 
intend  the  purfuite  of  this  triall  ? 
Lyfand.     Irreuocably. 

Thar.    Its  a  high  proie6l :  if  it  be  once  rais'd,  the 
earth  is  too  weake  to  beare  fo  waightie  an  accident,  it 
cannot  bee  coniur'd  downe  againe,  without  an  earth 
quake,  therefore  beleeue  fhee  will  bee  conttant. 
Lye.    No,  I  will  riot. 

Thar.     Then  beleeue  ftiee  will  not  be  conttant. 
Lyfand.  Neither,  I  will  beleeue  nothing  but  what  triall 
enforces  ;    will  you  hold  your  promife  for  the  gouern- 
ing  of  this  proiecl  with  skill,  and  fecrecie  1 
Thar.     If  it  mutt  needes  bee  fo.     But   hearke  you 
brother  ;   haue  you  no  other  Capricions  in  your  head 
to  intrap  my  fitter  in  her  frailtie,  but  to  proue  the 
firmeneffe  of  her  widdow  vowes  after  your  fuppos'd 
death. 

Lyfand.     None  in  the  world. 

Thar.  Then  here's  my  hand,  He  be  as  clofe,  as  my 
Ladies  moe  to  her  foote  that  pinches  and  pleafes  her, 
and  will  beare  on  with  the  plot,  till  the  veffell  fplit 
againe. 

Lyfand.     Forge  any  death,  fo  you  can  force  beliefe. 
Say  I  was  poifon'd,  drown'd. 
Thar.     Hang'd. 

Lyfand.     Any  thing,  fo  you  affitt  it  with  likely  circum- 
ftance,  I  neede  not  indraft  you  :   that  mutt  bee  your 
imploiment  Lycus. 
Lye.    Well  Sir. 


A  Comedie.  47 

Thar.  But  brother  you  muft  fet  in  to ;  to  counte 
nance  truth  out,  a  herfe  there  muft  be  too  ;  Its  ftrange 
to  thinke  how  much  the  eie  preuailes  in  fuch  impref- 
fions  ;  I  haue  marckt  a  Widdow,  that  iuft  before  was 
feene  pleafant  enough,  follow  an  emptie  herfe,  and 
weepe  deuoutly. 

Lye.     All  thofe  thinges  leaue  to  me. 
Lyfan.     But  brother  for  the  beftowing  of  this  herfe  in 
the  monument  of  our  Familie,  and  the  marmalling  of  a 
Funerall. 

Thar.  Leaue  that  to  my  care,  and  if  I  doe  not  doe 
the  mourner,  as  liuely  as  your  Heire,  and  weepe  as 
luftily  as  your  Widdow,  fay  there's  no  vertue  in 
Onions  \  that  being  done,  He  come  to  vifit  the  diftrefl 
widdow  ;  apply  old  ends  of  comfort  to  her  griefe,  but 
the  burden  of  my  fong  mall  be  to  tell  her  wordes  are 
but  dead  comforts  ;  and  therefore  counfaile  her  to 
take  a  liuing  comfort ;  that  might  Ferrit  out  the 
thought  of  her  dead  husband,  and  will  come  prepar'd 
with  choife  of  miters;  either  my  Spartane  Lord  for 
grace  at  the  Viceroies  Court,  or  fome  great  Lawyer 
that  may  foder  vp  her  crackt  eftate,  and  fo  forth.  But 
what  would  you  fay  brother,  if  you  mould  finde  her 
married  at  your  airmail. 
Lyfand.  By  this  hand  fplit  her  Weafand. 
Thar  Well,  forget  not  your  wager,  a  flately  chariot 
with  foure  braue  Horfes  of  the  Thracian  breede,  with 
all  appurtenances.  He  prepare  the  like  for  you,  if  you 
proue  Viclor ;  but  well  remembred,  where  will  you 
lurke  the  whiles  ? 

Lyfand.     Mewd  vp  clofe,  fome  mort  daies   iourney 
hence,  Lycus  mall  know  the  place,  write  Hill  how  all 
things  paffe,  brother  adiew ;  all  ioy  attend  you. 
Thar.     Will  you  not  flay  our  nuptiall  now  fo  neare. 
Lyfand.     I  mould  be  like  a  man  that  heares  a  tale 
And  heedes  it  not ;  one  abfent  from  himielfe,  my  wife 
(hall  attend  the  Counteffe,  and  my  Sonne. 
Thar.     Whom  you  fhal  here  at  your  returne  call  me 
father,  adiew  :  loue  be  your  fpeede. 
My  Nuptialls  done,  your  Funeralls  fucceed.      Exeunt* 


48  The    Widdowes    Teares. 

.    Enter  Argus  larehead. 

Arg.        A   Hall,  a  hall  :  who's  without  there  1   Enter 

jr\_  two  or  three  with  cujhions. 
Come  on,  y'are  proper  Groomes,  are  yee  not  ?  Slight 
I  thinke  y'are  all  Bridegroomes,  yee  take  your  pleafures 
fo.  A  companie  of  dormice.  Their  Honours  are  vpon 
comming,  and  the  roome  not  readie.  Rufhes  and 
feates  inftantly. 

Thar.  Now,  alas  fellow  Argus,  how  thou  art  comberd 
with  an  office  ? 

Arg.     Perfume  firrha,  the  roome's  dampifh. 
Thar.      Nay  you  may  leaue  that  office  to  the  Ladies, 
theyle  perfume  it  fufficiently. 

Arg.  Cry  mercie  Sir,  here's  a  whole  Chorus  of 
Syluans  at  hand,  cornetting,  &  tripping  ath'  toe,  as  the 
ground  they  troad  on  were  too  hot  for  their  feete. 
The  deuice  is  rare  ;  and  there's  your  yong  Nephew 
too,  he  hangs  in  the  clouds  Deified  with  Hymens 
fhape. 

Thar.  Is  he  perfect  in's  part  ?  has  not  his  tongue 
learn' d  of  the  Syluans  to  trip  ath'  Toe  1 
Arg.  Sir,  beleeue  it,  he  does  it  pretiouily  for  accent 
and  ac~lion,  as  if  hee  felt  the  part  he  plaid  :  hee 
rauifhes  all  the  yong  Wenches  in  the  Palace  :  Pray 
Venus  my  yong  Ladie  Laodice  haue  not  fome  little 
prick  of  Cupid  in  her,  fhee's  fo  diligent  at's  rehearfalls. 
Thar.  No  force,  fo  my  next  vowes  be  heard,  that  if 
Cupid  haue  prickt  her,  Hymen  my  cure  her. 
Arg.  You  meane  your  Nephew  Sir  that  prefents 
Hymen. 

Thar.  Why  fo,  I  can  fpeake  nothing  but  thou  art 
with  in  me  :  fie  of  this  wit  of  thine,  'twill  be  thy 
deflruction.  But  howfoeuer  you  pleafe  to  vnderftand, 
Hymen  fend  the  boy  no  worfe  fortune  :  And  where's 
my  Ladies  honour  ? 

Arg.  At  hand  Sir,  with  your  vnparagond  fifter,  pleafe 
you  take  your  chaire  of  Honour  Sir  ? 


A  Comedie.  49 

Thar.     Mod  feruiceable  Argus,  the  Gods  reward  thy 
feruice  ;   for  I  will  not. 


Enter  Eudora,  leading  Cynthia^  Laodice,  St/ienio, 

lanthe,   Ero,  with  others 

following. 


End.      /^~^Ome   lifter,  now  we  muft  exchange  that 

V_/     name 

For  ftranger  Titles,  let's  difpofe  our  felues 
To  entertame  thefe  Syluane  Reuellers, 
That  come  to  grace  our  loued  Nuptialls, 
I*feare  we  muft  all  turne  Nymphs  to  night, 
To  fide  thofe  fprightly  wood-Gods  in  their  dances  ; 
Can  you  doo't  nimbly  fifter  1  flight  what  aile  you,  are 
you  not  well  1 
Cynth.     Yes  Madam. 

End.  But  your  lookes,  mee  thinkes,  are  cloudie  ; 
suiting  all  the  Sunne-lhine  of  this  cleare  honour  to 
your  husbands  houfe. 

Is  there  ought  here  that  forts  not  with  your  liking  ? 
Thar.    Blame  her  not  Miftris,  if  her  lookes  mew  care. 
Excufe  the  Merchants  fadneffe  that  hath  made 
A  doubtfull  venture  of  his  whole  eftate  j 
His  liuelyhood,  his  hopes,  in  one  poore  bottome, 
To  all  encounters  of  the  Sea  and  ftormes. 
Had  you  a  husband  that  you  lou'd  as  well, 
Would  you  not  take  his  abfent  plight  as  ill  ? 
Cauill  at  euery  fancie  ?  Not  an  obie6l 
That  could  prefent  it  felfe,  but  it  would  forge 
Some  vaine  obieclion,  that  did  doubt  his  fafetie  ; 
True  loue  is  euer  full  of  iealoufie. 
End.     lealous  ?  of  what  ?  of  euery  little  iourney  ? 
Meere  fancie  then  is  wanton  ;  and  doth  caft 
At  thofe  Height  dangers  there,  too  doting  glances  ; 
Mifgiuing  mindes  euer  prouoke  milch  ances  : 
Shines  not  the  Sunne  in  his  way  bright  as  here  ? 
Is  not  the  aire  as  good  ?   what  hazard  doubt  you  1 

D 


^o  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

Arg.       His    horfe    may    flumble    if  it  pleafe  your 
Honour  ; 

The  raine  may  wet,  the  winde  may  blow  on  him ; 

Many  fhrewd  hazards  watch  poore  trauailers. 

End.     True,  and  the  fhrewdeft  thou  haft  reckend  vs, 

Good  fifler,  thefe  cares  fit  yong  married  wines. 

Cynth.     Wiues  mould  be  flil  yong  in  their  husbands 
loues. 

Time  beares  no  Sythe  mould  bear  down  them  before 
him. 

Our  Hues  he  may  cut  fhort,  but  not  our  loues. 

Thar.     Sifter  be  wife,  and  fliip  not  in  one  Barke, 

All  your  abilitie  :  if  he  mifcarrie, 

Your  well  tried  wifedome  mould  looke  out  for  new. 

Cynth.     I  wifh  them  happie  windes  that  runne  that 

courfe, 

From  me  tis  farre ;  One  Temple  feal'd  our  troth. 
One  Tomb,  one  houre  mail  end,  and  fhroud  vs  both. 

Thar.     Well,   y'are  a  Phoenix,   there   be   that  your 

cheere 

Loue,  with  your  husband  be,  your  wifedome  here. 
Hearke,  our  fports  challenge  it ;  Sit  dearefl  Miftris. 
Eud.     Take  your  place  worthier!  feruant. 
Thar.     Serue  me  heauen.  Mufique. 

As  I  rny  heauenly  Miftris,  Sit  rare  fifler. 
Mufiquc :  Hymen  defcends ;   and  fixe  Syluanes  enter 
beneath,  with  Torches. 

Arg.     A  hall,  a  hall :  let  no  more  Citizens  in  there. 
Laod.     O,  Not  my  Cofen  fee  ;  but  Hymens  felfe. 
Sthe.     He  does  become  it  moft  enflamingly. 
Hym.     Haile  honor'd  Bridegroom,  and  his  Princely 

bride 

With  the  moft  fam'd  for  vertue,  Cynthia  ; 
And  this  yong  Ladie,  bright  Laodice, 
One  rich  hope  of  this  nobleft  Familie. 
Sthe.     Hearke  how  he  courts  :  he  is  enamour'd  too. 
Laod.     O  grant  it  Venus,  and  be  euer  honour'd. 
Hym.     In  grace  and  loue  of  you,  I  Hymen  fearcht 
The  groues  and  thickets  that  embrace  this  Palace 


A  Comedie.  51 

With  this  clear-flam'd,  and  good  aboding  Torch 
For  fummons  of  thefe  frefh  and  flovvrie  Syluans, 
To  this  faire  prefence  ;  with  their  winding  Haies, 
Acliue  and  Antique  dances  to  delight 
Your  frolick  eies,  and  helpe  to  celebrate 
Thefe  noblefl  nuptialls  ;  which  great  Deftinie, 
Ordain'd  paft  cuftome  and  all  vulgar  obiecT, 
To  be  the  readuancement  of  a  houfe, 
Noble  and  Princely,  and  reftore  this  Palace 
To  that  name,  that  fixe  hunderd  Summers  fmce 
Was  in  poffeffion  of  this  Bridegroomes  Ancetors, 
The  ancient  and  mod  vertue-fam'd  Lyfandri. 
Syluans  \   the  Courtfhips  you  make  to  your  Dryads, 
Vfe  to  this  great  Bride,  and  thefe  other  Dames, 
And  heighten  with  your  fports,  my  nuptiall  flames. 
Laod.      O  would  himfelfe  defcend,  and  me  command. 
St/ie.      Dance  ;  and  his  heart  catch  in  an  others  hand. 
Syluans,  take  out  the  Bride  and  the  reft :    They  dance^ 
after  which,  and  all  fet  in  their  places. 

Hymen. 

Hym.     Now,  what  the  Power  and  my  Torches  in 
fluence 

Hath  in  the  bleffings  of  your  Nuptiall  ioyes 
(Great  Bride  and  Bridegrqome)  you  (hall  amply  part 
Betwixt  your  free  loues,  and  forgoe  it  neuer. 
Omn.     Thankes  to  great  Hymen,  and  faire  Syluanes 
euer.  Exeunt. 

Finis  Aclus  Tertij. 


AEius    ^uarti. 

Sccena  Prima. 

Tharfalio,  Lycus,  with  his  Arme  in  a  skarfe,  a  night 
cap  oris  head. 

Lye.      T  Hope  Sir  by  this  time. 

Thar.     I  Put  on  man,  by  our  felues. 

Lye.      A  The  edge  of  your  confidence  is  well  take 


52  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

off;   would  you  not  bee  content  to  with-draw  your 

wager  ? 

Thar.      Faith  fellow  Lycus,  if  my  wager  were  weakely 

built,  this  vnexpecled  accident  might  dagger  it.      For 

the  truth  is,  this  flrain  is  extraordinarie,  to  follow  her 

husbands  bodie  into  the  Tombe,  and  there  for  his 

companie  to  burie  her  felfe  quick  :  it's  new  and  {lining, 

but  for  all  this,  He  not  defpaire  of  my  wager. 

Lye.     Why  Sir,  can  you  thinke  fuch  a  paffion   dif- 

fembl'd  ? 

Thar.     All's  one  for  that,  What  I  thinke  I  thinke ;  In 

the  meane  time  forget  not  to  write  to  my  Brother,  how 

the  plot  hath  fucceeded,  that  the  newes  of  his  death 

hath  taken  ;  a  funerall  folemnitie  perform'd,  his  fup- 

pos'd  Corfe  beflow'd  in  the  monument  of  our  Familie, 

thou  and  I  horrible  mourners  :   But  aboue  all  that  his 

intolerable  vertuous  Widow,  for  his  loue ,  and  (for 

her  loue)  Ero  her  hand-maid,  are  difcended  with  his 

Corfe  into  the  vault ;   there  wipe  their  eies  time  out  of 

minde,  drinke  nothing  but  their  own  teares,  and  by 

this  time  are   almoft   dead  with  famine.     There's  a 

point  will  fling  it  (for  you  fay  tis  true)  where  left  you 

him? 

Lye.     At  Dipolis  Sir,  fome  twentie  miles  hence. 

Thar.     He  keepes  clofe. 

Lye.  I  fir,  by  all  meanes ;  skulks  vnknowne  vnder  the 

name   of  a   flrange  Knight. 

Thar.      That  may  carrie  him  without  difcrying,  for 

there's  a  number  of  flrange  Knights  abroad.     You  left 

him  well. 

Lye.     Well  Sir,  but  for  this  iealous  humour  that  hants 

him. 

Thar.     Well,  this  newes   will  abfolutely  purge   that 

humor.     Write  all,  forget  not  to  defcribe  her  paffion 

at  thy  difcouerie  of  his  flaughter  :    did  fhee  performe 

it  well  for  her  husbands  wager  ? 

Lye.     Performe  it,  call  you  it  1   you  may  left ;    men 

hunt  Hares  to  death  for  their  fports,   but  the  poore 

beafls  die  in  earn  eft :   you  wager  of  her  paftions  for 


A  Comedie.  53 

your  pleafure,  but  fliee  takes  little  pleafure  in  thofe 

earneft   paffions.      I   neuer  faw   fuch    an    extafie    of 

forrow,    fince    I   knew   the   name    of    forrow.       Her 

hands  flew  vp  to  her  head  like  Furies,  hid  all  her 

beauties  in  her  difcheuel'd.  haire,  &  wept  as  me  would 

turne  fountaine.     I  would  you  and  her  husband  had 

beene  behind  the  Arras   but  to  haue  heard  her.      I 

affure  you  Sir,  I  was  fo  tranfported  with  the  fpeclacle, 

that  in  defpight  of  my  difcretion,  I  was  forc't  to  turne 

woman,  and  beare  a  part  with  her.     Humanitie  broke 

loofe  from  my  heart,  and  flream'd  through  mine  eies. 

Thar.     In  profe,  thou  weptfl.    So  haue  I  feen  many  a 

moid  Auditor  doe  at  a  play ;  when  the  ftorie  was  but 

a  meere  fiction:  And  didft  acl  the  Nuntius  well,  would 

I  had  heard  it :  could'fl  thou  dreffe  thy  lookes  in  a 

mournefull  habite  ? 

Lye.     Not  without  preparation  Sir ;  no  more  then  my 

fpeech,  twas  a  plaine  acting  of  an  enterlude  to  me,  to 

pronounce  the  part. 

Thar.     As  how  for  heauens  fake  1 

Lye.     Phasbus  addrefl  his  Chariot  towards  the  Weft 

To  change  his  wearied  Courfers,  and  fo  forth. 

Thar.     Nay  on,  and  thou  lou'ft  me. 

Lye.     Lyfander  and  my  felfe  beguild  the  way 

With  enterchang'd  difcourfe,  but  our  chiefe  Theame, 

Was  of  your  dearefl  felfe,  his  honour'd  wife ; 

Your  loue,  your  vertue,  wondrous  conftancie. 

Thar.     Then  was  her  Cu  to  whimper  ;  on. 

Lye.     When  fodainly  appear'd  as  far  as  fight 

A  troope  of  horfe,  arm'd  as  we  might  defcerne, 

With  lauelines,  Speares,  and  fuch  accoutrements. 

He  doubted  nought  (As  Innocencie  euer 

Is  free  from  doubting  ill.) 

Thar.     There  dropt  a  teare. 

Lye.     My  minde  mifgaue  me. 

They  might  be  mountaners.     At  their  approch 

They  vs'd  no  other  language  but  their  weapons, 

To  tell  vs  what  they  were  ;  Lyfander  drew, 

And  bore  him  felfe  Achilles  like  in  fight, 


54  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

And  as  a  Mower  fweepes  off  t'heads  of  Bents, 

So  did  Lyf cinders  fword  lhaue  off  the  points 

Of  their  affaulting  lances. 

His  horfe  at  lad,  fore  hurt,  fell  vnder  him  ; 

I  feeing  I  could  not  refcue,  vs'd  my  fpurres 

To  flie  away. 

Thar.     What  from  thy  frierid  ? 

Lye.     I  in  a  good  quarrell,  why  not  1 

Thar.     Good  j  I  am  anfwer'd. 

Lye.     A  lance  purfued  me,  brought  me  back  againe  ; 

And  with  thefe  wounds  left  me  t'accompanie 

Dying  Lyfander  :  Then  they  rifl'd  vs, 

And  left  vs. 

They  gone  ;  my  breath  not  yet  gone,  gan  to  flriue 

And  reuiue  fenfe  :  I  with  my  feeble  ioynts 

Crawl'd  to  Lyfander,  flirr'd  him,  and  withall 

He  gafpt ;  cried  Cynthia  !  and  breath'd  no  more. 

Thar.     O  then  fhee  howl'd  out  right. 

Lye.     Paffengers  came  and  in  a  Chariot  brought  vs 

Streight  to  a  Neighbour  Towne  ;  where  I  forthwith 

Coffind  my  friend  in  leade ;  and  fo  conuaid  him 

To  this  fad  place. 

Thar.     'Twas  well ;  and  could  not  (how  but  flrangely. 

Lye.    Well  Sir,  This  tale  pronounc't  with  terrour,  fuited 

with  aclion  clothed  with  fuch  likely  circum fiance  ;  My 

wounds  in  (hew,  her  husbands  herfe  in  fight,  thinke 

what  effecl  it  wrought :  And  if  you  doubt,  let  the  fad 

confequence  of  her  retreat  to  his  Tombe,  bee  your 

wofull  inftruc~ler. 

Thar.     For  all  this,  He  not  deipaire  of  my  wager: 

Thefe   Grieues   that  found  fo   lowd,   proue    alvvaies 

light, 

True  forrow  euermore  keepes  out  of  fight. 
This  flraine  of  mourning  with  Sepulcher,  like  an  ouer- 
doing  Aclor,  affects  grofly,  and  is  indeede  fo  farre 
forc't  from  the  life,  that  it  bewraies  it  felfe  to  be  alto 
gether  artificiall. 

To  fet  open  a  mop  of  mourning  !  Tis  palpable. 
Truth    the  fubllance,  hunts  not  after  the  fhadow  of 


A    Comedie.  55 

popular  Fame.  Her  officious  oftentation  of  forrow 
condemnes  her  fmceritie.  When  did  euer  woman 
mourne  fo  vnmeafurably,  but  fhee  did  diffemble  ^ 
Lye.  O  Gods  !  a  paffion  thus  borne ;  thus  apparell'd 
with  teares,  fighes,  fwownings,  and  all  the  badges  of  true 
lorrow,  to  be  diffembl'd  !  by  Venus  I  am  forrie  I  euer 
fet  foot  in't.  Could  fhee,  if  fhee  diffembl'd,  thus  dally 
with  hunger,  be  deafe  to  the  barking  of  her  appetite, 
not  hauing  thefe  foure  daies  relieu'd  nature  with  one 
dramme  of  fuflenance. 

Thar.  For  this  does  mee  looke  to  bee  Deified,  to 
haue  Hymnes  made  of  her,  nay  to  her  :  The  Tomb 
where  me  is  to  be  no  more  reputed  the  ancient  monu 
ment  of  our  Familie  the  Lyfandri\  but  the  new  erected 
Altar  of  Cynthia  :  To  which  all  the  Paphian  widdowes 
mall  after  their  husbands  Funeralls,  offer  their  wet 
muckinders,  for  monuments  of  the  danger  they  haue 
pafl,  as  Sea-men  doe  their  wet  garments  at  Neptunes 
Temple  after  a  (hip  wracke. 

Lye.  Well,  He  apprehend  you,  at  your  pleafure  :  I 
for  my  part  will  fay ;  that  if  her  faith  bee  as  conflant 
as  her  loue  is  heartie,  and  vnaffecled,  her  vertues  may 
iuftly  challenge  a  Deitie  to  enfhrine  them. 
Thar.  I,  there's  an  other  point  too.  But  one  of 
thofe  vertues  is  enough  at  once.  All  natures  are  not 
capable  of  all  gifts.  If  the  braine  of  the  Weft,  were 
in  the  heads  of  the  learned  ;  then  might  Parifh-Clerkes 
be  common  counfaile  men,  and  Poets  Aldermens  depu 
ties.  My  lifter  may  turne  Niobe  for  loue;  but  till 
Niobe  bee  turn'd  to  a  Marble,  He  not  defpaire  but  fhee 
may  proue  a  woman.  Let  the  triall  runne  on,  if  fhee 
doe  not  out-runne  it,  He  fay  Poets  are  no  Prophets, 
Prognofticators  are  but  Mountibankes,  &  none  tell  true 
but  wood-mongers.  Exit. 

Lye.  A  fweet  Gentleman  you  are.  I  meruaile  what 
man  ?  what  woman  ?  what  name  1  what  adlion  doth 
his  tongue  glide  ouer,  but  it  leaues  a  flime  vpon't. 
Well,  He  prefently  to  Dipolis,  where  Lyfander  flaies ; 
and  will  not  fay  but  fhee  may  proue  fraile  :  But  this 


56  The    Widdowes    Teares. 

He  fay,  If  fhe  mould  chance  to  breake,  Her  teares  are 
true,  though  women s  truths  are  weake.  Exit. 

Enter  Lyfander  like  a  Souldier  difguifde  at  all  parts, 

a  lialfe  Pike,  gorget,  &c.  he  difcouers  the  Tombe, 

lookes  in  and  wonders,  &>c. 

O  Miracle  of  nature  !  womens  glorie  ; 
Mens  fhame ;  and  enuie  of  the  Deities  ! 
Yet  muft  thefe  matchleffe  creatures  be  fufpecled  ; 
Accus'd  ;  condemn'd ! 
Now  by  th'immortall  Gods, 
They  rather  merit  Altars,  Sacrifice, 
Then  loue  and  courtmip. 
Yet  fee  the  Queene  of  thefe  lies  here  interred  ; 
Tearing  her  haire,  and  drowned  in  her  teares. 
Which  loue  mould  turne  to  Chriftall ;  and  a  Mirrour 
Make  of  them  ;  wherein  men  may  fee  and  wonder 
At  womens  vertues.     Shall  fhee  famifh  then  ? 
Will  men  (without  cliffwafions)  fuffer  thus 
So  bright  an  Ornament  to  earth,  tomb'd  quick. 
In  Earths  darke  bofome  :  Ho  ! 
Who's  in  the  Tombe  there  ? 
Ero.     Who  calls  1  whence  are  you  ? 
Lyf.     I  am  Souldier  of  the  watch  and  mufl  enter. 
Ero.     Amongfl  the  dead  ? 

Lyf.     Doe  the  dead  fpeake  ?  ope  or  He  force  it  open. 
Ero.     What  violence  is  this  1  what  feeke  you  here 
Where  nought  but  death  and  her  attendants  dwell. 
Lyf.    What  wretched  foules  are  you  that  thus  by  night 
lurke  here  amongfl  the  dead  ? 
Ero.     Good  Souldier  doe  not  ftirre  her, 
Shee's  weake,  and  quickly  feiz'd  with  fwowning  and 
paflions,  and  with  much  trouble  mail  we  both  recall 
her  fainting  fpirits. 

Fiue  daies  thus  hath  fhee  wafted ;  and  not  once  fea- 
fon'd  her  Pallate  with  the  tall  of  meate ;  her  powers 
of  life  are  fpent ;  and  what  remaines  of  her  familht 
fpirit,  femes  not  to  breath  but  figh. 


A    Comedie.  57 

Shee  hath  exil'd  her  eies  from  fleepe,  or  fight,  and  giuen 

them  wholly  vp  to  ceafeleffe  teares  ouer  that  ruthfull 

herfe  of  her  deare  Spoufe,  flaine  by  Bantditos,  Nobly 

borne  Lyfander. 

Lyfand.     And  hopes  fhee  with  thefe  heauie  notes  and 

cries  to  call  him  from  the  dead  ?   in  thefe  fiue  daies 

hath  fhee  but  made  him  ilirre  a  finger  or  fetch  one 

gafp  of  that  forfaken  life  fhee  mournes  1 

Come,  honour'd  Miilris  ;  I  admire  your  vertues  ; 

But  muft  reproue  this  vaine  exceffe  of  mone ; 

Rowfe  your  felfe  Ladie,  and  looke  vp  from  death, 

Well  faid,  tis  well ;  flay  by  my  hand  and  rife. 

This  Face  hath  beene   maintain'd  with  better   huf- 

wiferie. 

Cyn.     What  are  you  ? 
Lyf.     Ladie,  I  am  Sentinell, 
Set  in  this  hallowed  place,  to  watch  and  guard 
On  forfait  of  my  life,  thefe  monuments 
From  Rape,  and  fpoil'd  of  facrilegious  handes 
And  faue  the  bodies,  that  without  you  fee 
Of  crucified  offenders  :  that  no  friends 
May  beare  them  hence,  to  honour'd  buriall. 
Cyn.      Thou  feem'fl  an  honefl  Souldier,  pray  thee 

then 

Be  as  thou  feem'fl ;  betake  thee  to  thy  charge 
And  leaue  this  place  ;  adde  not  affliction 
To  the  affliaed. 

Lyf.     You  mifname  the  children. 
For  what  you  terme  affliction  now,  in  you 
Is  but  felfe-humour ;  voluntarie  Penance 
Impos'd  vpon  your  felfe  :  and  you  lament 
As  did  the  Satyr e  once,  that  ran  affrighted 
From  that  homes  found  that  he  himfelfe  had  winded. 
Which  humor  to  abate,  my  counfaile  tending  your 

term'd  affliction, 

What  I  for  Phificke  giue,  you  take  for  poifon. 
I  tell  you  honour'd  Miflris,  thefe  ingredients 
Are  wholefome,  though  perhaps  they  feeme  vntooth- 

fome. 


58  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

Ero.     This  Souldier  fure,  is  fome  decai'd  pothecarie. 
Lyf.     Deere  Ghofl  be  wife,  and  pittie  your  faire  felfe 
Thus,  by  your  felfe  vnnaturally  afflicled  : 
Chide   back,   heart-breaking  grones,   clear   vp   thofe 

lamps, 

Reflore  them  to  their  firft  creation : 
Windowes  for  light ;  not  fluces  made  for  teares. 
Beate  not  the  fenfeleffe  aire  with  needleffe  cries, 
Banefull  to  life,  and  bootlefle  to  the  dead. 
This  is  the  Inne,  where  all  Deucalions  race 
Sooner  or  later,  mud  take  vp  their  lodging ; 
No  priuiledge  can  free  vs  from  this  prifon ; 
No  teares,  no  praiers,  can  redeeme  from  hence 
A  captiu'd  foule  ;  Make  vfe  of  what  you  fee  : 
Let  this  affrighting  fpedlacle  of  death 
Teach  you  to  nourifh  life. 
Ero.     Good  heare  him  :  this  is  a  rare  Souldier. 
Lyfand.     Say  that  with  abflinence  you  mould  vnlofe 
the  knot  of  life  :  Suppofe  that  in  this  Tombe  for  your 
deare  Spoufe,  you  mould  entomb  your  felfe  a  liuing 
Corfe  ;  Say  that  before  your  houre  without  due  Sum 
mons  from  the  Fates,  you  fend  your  haftie  foule  to 
hell :  can  your  deare  Spoufe  take  notice  of  your  faith 
and  conftancie?   Shall  your  deare  Spoufe  reuiue  to 
giue  you  thankes  ? 
Cynth.     Idle  difcourfer. 
Lyf  an.     No,  your  moanes  are  idle. 
Goe  to  I  fay,  be  counfail'd ;  raife  your  felfe  : 
Enioy  the  fruits  of  life,  there's  viands  for  you, 
Now,  Hue  for  a  better  husband. 
No  ?  will  you  none  % 

Ero.     For  loue  of  courtefie,  good  Miflris,  eate, 
Doe  not  reiecl  fo  kinde  and  fweet  an  offer, 
Who  knowes  but  this  may  be  fome  Mer curie 
Difguis'de,  and  fent  from  luno  to  relieue  vs  ] 
Did  euer  any  lend  vnwilling  eares 
To  thofe  that  came  with  meffages  of  life  ] 
Cynth.     I  pray  thee  leaue  thy  Rhetorique. 
Ero.     By  my  foule  \  to  fpeake  plaine  truth,  I  could 


A  Comedie.  59 

rather  wifh  t' employ  my  teeth  then  my  tongue,  fo  your 
example  would  be  my  warrant. 
Cytith.     Thou  hail  my  warrant. 
Lyfand.     Well  then,  eate  my  wench, 
Let  obftinacie  flame. 
Fall  to. 

Ero.     Perfwade  my  Miflris  firft. 
Lyfand.     Slight  tell  me  Ladie, 
Are  you  refolu'd  to  die  ?  If  that  be  fo, 
Choofe  not  (for  fhame)  a  bafe,  and  beggars  death  : 
Die  not  for  hunger,  like  a  Spartane  Ladie  ; 
Fall  valiantly  vpon  a  fword,  or  drinke 
Noble  death,  expell  your  griefe  with  poifon, 
There  'tis,  feize  it. — Tufh  you  dare  not  die. 
Come  Wench  thou  haft  not  loft  a  husband ; 
Thou  malt  eate,  th'art  now  within 
The  place  where  I  command. 
Ero.     I  proteft  fir. 

Lyf.     Well  faid  ;  eate,  and  protefl,  or  He  proteft. 
And  doe  thou  eate  ;  thou  eat'fl  againft  thy  will, 
That's  it  thou  would'ft  fay. 
Ero.     It  is. 

Lyf.     And  vnder  fuch  a  proteflation 
Thou  loft.'  thy  Maiden-head. 

For  your  owne  fake  good  Ladie  forget  this  husband, 
Come  you  are  now  become  a  happy  Widdow, 
A  bleffedneffe  that  many  would  be  glad  of. 
That  and  your  husbands  Inuentorie  together, 
Will  raife  you  vp  husbands  enow. 
What  thinke  you  of  me  !\ 

Cynth.     Trifler,  purfue  this  wanton  Theame  no  fur 
ther; 

Left  (which  I  would  be  loth)  your  fpeech  prouoke 
Vnciuill  language  from  me  ;  I  muft  tell  you, 
One  ioynt  of  him  I  loft,  was  much  more  worth 
Then  the  rackt  valew  of  thy  entire  bodie. 
Ero.     O  know  what  ioynt  fhee  meanes. 
Lyf.     Well,  I  haue  done. 
And  well  done  frailtie  ;  proface,  how  lik'ft  thou  it. 


60  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

Era.     Very  toothfome  Ingrediens  furely  lir, 

Want  but  fome  lycor  to  incorporate  them. 

Lyf.     There  tis,  caroufe. 

Era.     I  humbly  thanke  you  Sir. 

Lyf,     Hold  pledge  me  now. 

Ero.     Tis  the  poifon  Sir, 

That  preferues  life,  I  take  it.  Mbit  AncilL 

Lyf.     Doe  fo,  take  it. 

Ero.     Sighing  has  made  me  fomthing  fhort-winded. 

He  pledge  y'at  twice. 

Lyf.     Tis  well  done  ;  doe  me  right. 

Ero.     I  pray  fir,  haue  you  beene  a  Pothecarie  1 

Lyf.     Marrie  haue  I  wench  ;  A  womans  Pothecarie. 

Ero.     Haue  you  good  Ingredients  ? 

I  like  your  Bottle  well.     Good  Miftris  tafl  it. 

Trie  but  the  operation,  twill  fetch  vp 

The  Rofes  in  your  cheekes  againe. 

Doctor  Verolles  bottles  are  not  like  it ; 

There's  no  Guaicum  here,  I  can  affure  you. 

Lyf.     This  will  doe  well  anone. 

Ero.     Now  fie  vpon't. 

O  I  haue  loft  my  tongue  in  this  fame  lymbo. 

The  fpring  ants,  fpoil'd  me  thinkes  ;  it  goes  not  off 

With  the  old  twange. 

Lyf.    Well  faid  wench,  oile  it  well ;  twill  make  it  Hide 

well. 

Ero.     Ariftotle  faies  fir,  in  his  Pofterionds. 
Lyf.     This  wench  is  learned ;  And  what  faies  he  1 
Ero.     That  when  a  man  dies,  the  laft  thing  that  moues 
is  his  heart,  in  a  woman  her  tongue. 
Lyf.     Right ;  and  addes  further,  that  you  women  are 
a  kind  of  fpinners ;  if  their  legs  be  pluckt  off,  yet  ftill 
they'le  wag  them  ;  fo  will  you  your  tongues. 
With  what  an  eafie  change  does  this  fame  weakneffe 
Of  women,  flip  from  one  extreame  t'  another  ? 
All  thefe  attractions  take  no  hold  of  her  ; 
No  not  to  take  refection  ;  'T  muft  not  be  thus. 
Well  faid  wench  ;  Tickle  that  Helicon. 
But  mail  we  quit  the  field  with  this  difgrace 


A    Conicdie.  6 1 

Giuen  to  our  Oratorie  ?  Both  not  gaine 

So  much  ground  of  her  as  to  make  her  eate  ? 

Ero.     Faith  the  trurh  is  fir  :  you  are  no  fit  Organe 

For  this  bufmeffe  ; 

Tis  quite  out  of  your  Element : 

Let  vs  alone,  fheele  eate  I  haue  no  feare  ; 

A  womans  tongue  bed  fits  a  womans  eare. 

loue  neuer  did  employ  Mercuric, 

But  Iris  for  his  Meffenger  to  luno. 

Lyf.     Come,  let  me  kiffe  thee  wench  ;  wilt  vndertake 

To  make  thy  Miftris  eate  ? 

Ero.     It  (hall  go  hard  Sir 

But  I  will  make  her  turne  flefh  and  bloud, 

And  learne  to  Hue  as  other  mortalls  doe. 

Lyf.      Well  faid  :     the   morning   hafts ;    next   night 

expecl  me. 

Ero.     With  more  prouifion  good  Sir. 
Lyf.     Very  good.  Exiturus. 

Ero.     And  bring  more  wine.     SheeJJiuts  vp  the  Tomb. 
Lyf.     What  elfe  ;   malt  haue  enough  : 
O  Cynthia,  heire  of  her  bright  puritie, 
Whofe  name  thou  doft  inherit ;  Thow  difdainft 
(Seuer'd  from  all  concretion)  to  feede 
Vpon  the  bafe  foode  of  groffe  Elements. 
Thou  all  art  foule  ;   All  immortalitie. 
Thou  fafts  for  NeElar  and  Ainbrofia, 
Which  till  thou  find'ft,  and  eat' (I  aboue  the  ftarres, 
To  all  foode  here  thou  bidd'ft  celeftiall  warrs.       Exit. 

Cynthia^  Ero,  the  Tomb  opening. 

Ero.     So  ;   lets  aire  our  dampifti  fpirits,  almoft  ftifl'd 
in  this  grofe  muddie  Element. 

Cyn.     How  fweet  a  breath  the  calmnefle  of  the  night 
infpires  the  aire  withall  ? 

Ero.  Well  faid  ;  Now  y'are  your  felfe  :  did  not  I 
tell  you  how  fweet  an  operation  the  Souldiers  bottle 
had  ?  And  if  there  be  fuch  vertue  in  the  bottle;  what 
is  there  in  the  Souldier  ?  know,  and  acknowledge  his 
worth  when  hee  comes  in  any  cafe  Miftris. 
Cyn.  So  Maide. 


62  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

Ero.      Gods  my  patience  ?  did  you  looke  forfooth 

that  luno  mould  haue  fent  you  meate  from  her  owne 

Trencher,  in  reward  of  your  widdowes  teares  ?   you 

might  fit  and  figh  firft  till  your  heart-firings  broke,  He 

able't. 

Cyn.  I  feare  me  thy  lips  haue  gone  fo  oft  to  the  bottle, 

that  thy  tongue-firings  are  come  broken  home. 

Ero.    Faith  the  truth  is,  my  tongue  hath  beene  fo  long 

tied  vp,  that  tis  couer'd  with  rufl,  &  I  rub  it  againfl 

my  pallat  as  wee  doe  fufpecled  coines,  to  trie  whether 

it  bee  currant  or  no.      But  now  Miflris  for  an  vpfhot 

of  this  bottle;   let's  haue  one  caroufe  to   the  good 

fpeede  of  my  old  Mafler,  and  the  good  fpeede  of  my 

new. 

Cyn.     So  Damzell. 

Ero.     You  mufl  pledge  it,  here's  to  it.     Doe  me  right 

I  pray. 

Cyn.     You  fay  I  muft. 

Ero.     Mufl  1   what  elfe  1 

Cyn.       How   excellent   ill   this  humour    fuites    our 

habite  ? 

Ero.     Go  to  Miflris,  do  not  thinke  but  you  and  I 

mail  haue  good  fport  with  this  left,  when  we  are  in 

priuate  at  home.      I  would  to    Venus  we  had  fome 

honefl  fhift  or  other  to  get  off  withall ;  for  He  no  more 

ant ;  He  not  turne  Salt-peeter  in  this  vault  for  neuer  a 

mans   companie  liuing ;    much  leffe  for   a   womans. 

Sure  I  am  the  wonder's  ouer,  and  'twas  only  for  that, 

that  I  endur'd  this ;   and  fo  a  my  confcience  did  you. 

Neuer  denie  it. 

Cyn.     Nay  pray  thee  take  it  to  thee. 

Enter  Lyf cinder. 

Cyn.      TT  Earke  I  heare  fome  footing  neare  vs. 
Ero.     4-  J-  Gods  me  'tis  the  Souldier  Miflris,  by  Venus 
if  you  fall  to  your  late  black  Santus  again e,  He  dif- 
couer  you. 

Lyf.     What's  here  ?     The   maid   hath   certainly   pre- 
uail'd  with  her  \   mee  thkikes  thofe  cloudes  that  lafl 


A  Comedie.  63 

night  couer'd  her  lookes  are  now  difperfl :   He  trie 

this  further.     Saue  you  Lady. 

Ero.     Honorable   Souldier?    y'are  welcome;   pleafe 

you  ftep  in  fir  ? 

Lyf.  With  all  my  heart  fvveet  heart ;  by  your  patience 

Ladie ;     why    this  beares  fome   fhape  of    life    yet. 

Damzell,  th'aft  performd  a  feruice  of  high  reckoning, 

which  cannot  perifh  vnrewarded. 

Ero.     Faith  Sir,  you  are  in  the  way  to  doe  it  once,  if 

you  haue  the  heart  to  hold  on. 

Cyn.     Your  bottle  has  poifond  this  wench  fir. 

Lyf.     A  wholfome  poifon   it   is  Ladie,  if  I  may  be 

iudge ;  of  which  fort  here  is  one  better  bottle  more. 
Wine  is  ordaind  to  raife  fuch  hearts  as  fmke, 
Whom  wofull  ftarres  diflemper ;  let  him  drinke. 

I  am  mofl  glad  I  haue  beene  fome  meane  to  this  part 

of  your  recouerie,  and  will  drinke  to  the  reft  of  it. 

Ero.     Goe  to  Miftris,  pray  fimper  no  more ;  pledge 

the  man  of  Warre  here. 

Cyn.     Come  y'are  too  rude. 

Ero.     Good . 

Lyf.     Good  footh  Ladie  y'are  honour'd  in  her  feruice; 

I  would  haue  you  Hue,  and  fhee  would  haue  you  Hue 

freely ;  without  which  life  is  but  death.    To  Hue  freely 

is  to  feaft  our   appetites  freely;   without  which  hu- 

manes  are  ftones  ;  to  the  fatisfaclion  whereof  I  drinke 

Ladie. 

Cyn.     He  pledge  you  Sir. 

Ero.     Said  like  a  Miftris  ;   and  the  Miftris  of  your 

felfe  ;  pledge  him  in  loue  too  :    I  fee  hee  loues  you ; 

Slice's  filent,  fhee  confents  fir. 

Lyf.     O  happy  flarres.     And  now  pardon  Ladie  ;  me 

thinks  thefe  are  all  of  a  peece. 

Ero.     Nay  if  you  kiffe  all  of  a  peece  wee  mall  n'ere 

haue  done  :   Well  twas  well  offer'd,  and  as  well  taken. 

Cyn.     If  the  world  mould  fee  this. 

Lyf.     The  world  !  mould  one  fo  rare  as  your  felfe, 

refpecl  the  vulgar  world  ? 

Cyn.     The  praife  I  haue  had,  I  would  continue. 


64  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

Lyf.      What  of  the  vulgar  ?      Who  hates  not  the  vul 
gar,  deferues  not  loue  of  the  vertuous.     And  to  affedl 
praife  of  that  we  defpife,  how  ridiculous  it  is  ? 
Ero.     Comfortable  dodlrine  Miftris,  edifie,  edifie. 
Me  thinkes  euen  thus  it  was  when  Dido 
And  jEneas  met  in  the  Caue  ;  And  hearke 
Me  thinks  I  heare  fome  of  the  hunters.     She  fJmts  the 

tomb. 
Finis  A  flits  Quarti. 


Actus 


T 


Sccena  Prima. 

Enter  Tharfalio,  Lycus. 

Lye.  r~  j  ^>  Is  fuch  an  obftinacie  in  you  Sir, 

As  neuer  was  conceipted,  to  runne  on 
With  an  opinion  againfl  all  the  world, 
And  what  your  eies  may  witnes  ;  to  ad- 
ueture 

The  famimment  for  griefe  of  fuch  a  woman 

As  all  mens  merits  met  in  any  one, 

Could  not  deferue. 

Thar.     I  muft  confeffe  it  Lycus, 

Weele  therefore  now  preuent  it  if  we  may, 

And  that  our  curious  triall  hath  not  dwelt 

Too  long  on  this  vnneceffarie  hant : 

Griefe,  and  all  want  of  foode  ;  not  hauing  wrouught 

Too  mortally  on  her  diuine  difpofure. 

Lye.     I  feare  they  haue,  and  fhee  is  pail  our  cure. 

Thar.     I  mud  confeffe  with  feare  and  fhame  as  much. 

Lye.     And  that  fhee  will  not  truil  in  any  thing 

What  you  perfwade  her  to. 

Thar.     Then  thou  malt  haft 

And  call  my  brother  from  his  fecret  fhroude, 

Where  he  appointed  thee  to  come  and  tell  him 


A  Comedie.  65 

How  all  thinges  haue  fucceeded. 

Lye.     This  is  well. 

If  (as  I  fay)  the  ill  be  not  fo  growne, 

That  all  help  is  denied  her.     But  I  feare 

The  matchlefie  Deme  is  famifht.     Thar,  looks  into  the 

Thar.     Slight,  whofe  here  ?  tomb. 

A  Souldier  with  my  lifter  ?   wipe,  wipe,  fee 

Kifling  by  loue ;  fhee,  as  I  lay  tis  fhee. 

Lye.     What  ?   is  Ihee  well  Sir  ? 

Thar.     O  no,  fhee  is  famifht ; 

Shee's  paft  our  comfort,  Ihee  lies  drawing  on. 

Lye.     The  Gods  forbid. 

Thar.     Looke  thou,  fhee's  drawing  on. 

How  faift  thou  ? 

Lye.     Drawing  on  ?  Illuflrious  witchcrafts. 

Thar.     Lies  fhee  not  drawing  on  I 

Lye.     Shee  drawes  on  fairely. 

Our  fifter  Sir  1  This  fhee  ?  can  this  be  fhee  ? 

Thar.     She,  me,  me,  and  none  but  me. 

He  dances  &*fmgs. 

Shee  only  Queene  of  loue,  and  chaftitie, 
O  chaftitie ;  This  women  be. 
Lye.     Slight  tis  prodigious.         Thar.     Horfe,  horfe, 

horfe, 

Foure  Chariot  Horfes  of  the  Thracian  breede, 
Come,  bring  me  brother.     O  the  happieft  euening, 
That  euer  drew  her  vaile  before  the  Sunne. 
Who  is't  canft  tell  ? 
Lye.     The  Souldier  Sir  that  watches 
The  bodies  crucified  in  this  hallow' d  place. 
Of  which  to  lofe  one,  it  is  death  to  him, 
And  yet  the  luftfull  knaue  is  at  his  Venerie, 
While  one  might  fteale  one. 
Thar.     What  a  flaue  was  I 
That  held  not  out  my  windes  flrength  conftanly, 
That  fhee  would  proue  thus  ?  O  incredible  % 
A  poore  eight -pennie  Souldier  1  Shee  that  lately 
Was  at  fuch  height  of  interieclion, 
Stoope  now  to  fuch  a  bafe  coniunclion  ? 

E 


66  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

By  heauen  I  wonder  now  I  fee't  in  ac~t, 

My  braine  xcould  euer  dreame  of  fuch  a  thought. 

And  yet,  tis  true  :  Rare,  pereles,  is't  not  Lycus  ? 

Lye.     I  know  not  what  it  is ;  Nor  what  to  fay. 

Thar.     O  had  1  held  out  (villaine  that  I  was,) 

My  bleffed  confidence  but  one  minute  longer, 

I  mould  haue  beene  eternis'd.     Gods  my  fortune, 

What  an  vnfpeakable  fweet  fight  it  is  ? 

O  eies  He  facrifice  to  your  deare  fenfe. 

And  confecrate  a  Phane  to  Confidence. 

Lye.     But  this  you  muft  at  no  hand  tell  your  brother. 

Twill  make  him  mad  :  For  he  that  was  before 

So  fcurg'd  but  only  with  bare  iealoufie. 

What  would  he  be,  if  he  mould  come  to  know  it? 

Thar.     He  would  be  leffe  mad  :  for  your  only  way 

To  cleare  his  iealoufie,  is  to  let  him  know  it. 

When  knowledge  comes  fufpicion  vanifhes. 

The  Sunne-beames  breaking  forth  fwallow  the  mills. 

But  as  for  you  Sir  Gallant :  howfoeuer 

Your  banquet  feemes  fweet  in  your  lycorous  pallat, 

It  mail  be  fure  to  turne  gall  in  your  maw. 

Thy  hand  a  little  Lycus  here  without. 

Lye.     To  what  1 

Thar.     No  bootie  ferue  you  fir  Soldado 

But  my  poore  lifter  ?  Come,  lend  me  thy  moulder, 

He  climbe  the  croffe  ;  it  will  be  fuch  a  cooler 

To  my  Venerean  Gentleman  s  hot  liuer, 

When  he  mall  finde  one  of  his  crucified  bodies 

Stolne  downe,  and  he  to  be  forthwith  made  fall 

In  place  thereof,  for  the  figne 

Of  the  loft  Sentinell.     Come  glorifie 

Firme  Confidence  in  great  Inconftancie. 

And  this  beleeue  (for  all  prou'd  knowledge  fweares) 

He  that  beleeues  in  errour,  neuer  errs.  Exeunt. 

The  Tomb  opens,  Lyfander,  Cynthia,  Ero. 
Lyf.     Tis  late  ;  I  muft  away. 
Cyn.     Not  yet  fweet  loue. 

Lyf.     Tempt  not  my  ftay,  tis  dangerous.     The  law  is 
ftnO,  and  not  to  bee  difpenft  with.     If  any  Sentinell 


A    Comedie.  67 

be  too  late  in's  watch,  or  that  by  his  neglect  one  of 
the  crucified  bodies  fhould  be  ftollen  from  the  croffe, 
his  life  buyes  it. 

Cyn.     A  little  flay  will  not  endanger  them. 
The  daies  proclaimer  has  not  yet  giuen  warning. 
The  Cock  yet  has  not  beate  his  third  alarme. 
Lyf.    What  ?  mail  we  euer  dwell  here  amongft  th'  An 
tipodes  ?  Shall  I  not  enioy  the  honour  of  my  fortune 
in  publique  1  fit  in  Lyfanders  chaire  ?  Raigne  in  his 
wealth  ? 

Cyn.     Thou  malt,  thou  malt ;  though  my  loue  to  thee 
Hath  prou'd  thus  fodaine  and  for  haft  lept  ouer 
The  complement  of  wooing,  Yet  only  for  the  worlds 
opinion. 

Lyf.     Marke  that  againe. 

Cyn.  I  muft  maintaine  a  forme  in  parting  hence. 
Lyf.  Out  vpon't,  Opinion  the  blind  Goddeffe  of 
Fooles,  Foe  to  the  vertuous ;  and  only  friend  to  unde- 
feruing  perfons,  contemne  it.  Thou  know'ft  thou  haft 
done  vertuoufly  ;  thou  haft  ftrangly  forrow'd  for  thy 
husband,  follow'd  him  to  death ;  further  thou  could'ft 
not,  thou  haft  buried  thy  felfe  quick.  (O  that  'twere 
true)  fpent  more  teares  ouer  his  carcafe,  then  would 
ferue  a  whole  Citie  of  faddeft  widdowes  in  a  plague 
time ;  befides  fighings,  and  fwownings,  not  to  be 
credited. 

Cyn.  True,  but  thofe  complements  might  haue  their 
time  for  fafhion'fake. 

Lyf.     Right,  Opinion  and  Faihion.     Sfoot  what  call 
you  time  ?  t'haft  wept  thefe  foure  whole  daies. 
Ero.     Nay  berladie  almoft  fiue. 
Lyf.     Looke  you  there  ;  nere  vpon  fiue  whole  daies. 
Cyn.     Well  goe  and  fee  ;  Returne,  weele  goe  home. 
Lyf.     Hell  be  thy  home,  Huge  Monfters  damne  yee, 
and  your  whole  creation,  O  yee  Gods ;  in  the  height 
of  her  mourning  in  a  Tomb,  within  fight  of  fo  many 
deaths  !  her  husbands  beleeu'd  bodie  in  her  eie.     He 
dead,  a  few  daies  before  ;    this  mirrour  of  Nuptiall 
chaftitie ;    this   Votreffe    of    widdow-conftancie :    to 


68  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

change  her  faith  ;  exchange  kiffes,  embraces,  with  a 
flranger ;  and  but  my  fhame  with-flood,  to  giue  the 
vtmofl  earneft  of  her  loue,  to  an  eight-pennie  Senti- 
nell :  in  effect,  to  proflitute  her  felfe  vpon  her  husbands 
Coffin  !  Luft,  impietie,  hell,  womanhood  it  felfe,  adde 
if  you  can  one  flep  to  this. 

Enter  Captaine  with  two  or  three  Souldiers. 
Cap.    /^~\  Ne  of  the  crucified  bodies  taken  downe ! 
Lyf.    \J  Enough.  (flincks  away.) 

Cap.     And  the  Sentinell  not  to  be  heard  off  1 

1.  No  fir. 

Cap.  Make  out ;  haft,  fearch  about  for  him ;  does 
none  of  you  know  him  ?  nor  his  name  1 

2.  Hee's  but  a  ftranger  here  of  fome  foure  daies 
Handing ;  and  we  neuer  fet  eie  on  him,  but  at  fetting 
the  watch. 

Cap.  For  whom  ferues  he  1  you  looke  well  to  your 
watch  mafters. 

i.  For  Seigneur  Stratio,  and  whence  he  is,  tis  igno 
rant  to  vs  ;  we  are  not  correfpondent  for  any,  but  our 
owne  places. 

Cap.  Y'are  eloquent.  Abroad  I  fay,  let  me  haue 
him.  Exeunt. 

This  negligence  will  by  the  Gouernour  be  wholly  caft 
on  me,  he  hereby  will  fuggefl  to  the  Viceroy,  that  the 
Citie  guards  are  very  carefly  attended.  He  loues  mee 
not  I  know ;  becaufe  of  late  I  knew  him  but  of  meane 
condition;  but  now  by  fortunes  iniudicious  hand, 
guided  by  bribing  Courtiers,  hee  is  rais'd  to  this  high 
leate  of  honour.  Nor  blufhes  he,  to  fee  him  felfe 
aduanc't  ouer  the  heads  of  ten  times  higher  worths ; 
but  takes  it  all  forfooth,  to  his  merits  ;  and  lookes  (as 
all  vpftarts  doe)  for  moil  huge  obferuance.  Well,  my 
mind  mufl  ftoope  to  his  high  place,  and  learne  within 
it  felfe  to  feuer  him  from  that,  and  to  adore  the  Au- 
thoritie  the  Goddeffe,  how  euer  borne  by  an  vnworthie 
beafl ;  and  let  the  Beafts  dull  apprehenfion  take  the 
honour  done  to  Ifis,  done  to  himfelfe.  I  muft  fit 


A    Comedie.  69 

fail,  and  bee  fure  to  giue  no  hold  to  thefe  fault-hunting 
enemies.  Exit. 

Tomb  opens,  and  Lyfander  within  lies  along, 
Cynthia  and  Ero. 

Lyf.     Pray  thee  difturbe  me  not ;  put  out  the  lights. 
Ero.     Faith  lie  take  a  nap  againe. 
Cyn.     Thou  malt  not  reft  before  I  be  refolu'd 
What  happy  winde  hath  driuen  thee  back  to  harbour  ? 
Was  it  my  loue  ? 
Lyf.     No. 

Cyn.    Yet  fay  fo  (fweet)  that  with  the  thought  thereof 
I  may  enioy  all  that  I  wilh  in  earth. 
Lyf.     I  am  fought  for.     A  crucified  body  is  flolne 
while  I  loiter'd  here ;  and  I  mufl  die  for't. 
Cyn.     Die  1  All  the  Gods  forbid  ;  O  this  affright  tor 
ments  me  ten  parts  more  then  the  fad  loffe  of  my  deare 
husband. 

Lyf.     ^Damnation)  I  beleeue  thee. 
Cyn.     Yet  heare  a  womans  wit, 
Take  counfaile  of  Neceffitie  and  it 
I  haue  a  bodie  here  which  once  I  lou'd 
And  honour'd  aboue  all ;  but  that  time's  pad. 
Lyf.     It  is,  reuenge  it  heauen. 
Cyn.    That  fliall  fupply  at  fo  extrem  a  need  the  vacant 

Gibbet. 

Lyf.     Canero.     What  1  thy  husbands  bodie  ? 
Cyn.     What  hurt  is't,  being  dead  it  faue  the  liuing  ? 
Lyf.     O  heart  hold  in,  check  thy  rebellious  motion. 
Cyn.     Vexe  not  thy  felfe  deare  loue,  nor  vfe  delay. 
Tempt  not  this  danger,  fet  thy  handes  to  worke. 
Lyf.     I  can  not  doo't ;  my  heart  will  not  permit 
My  handes  to  execute  a  fecond  murther. 
The  truth  is  I  am  he  that  flew  thy  husband. 
Cyn.     The  Gods  forbid. 

Lyf.     It  was  this  hand  that  bath'd  my  reeking  fword 
In  his  life  bloud,  while  he  cried  out  for  mercie. 
But  I  remorfeleffe,  panch't  him,  cut  his  throat, 
He  with  his  lafl  breath  crying,  Cynthia. 


70  The  Widdowes  Teares, 

Cyn.     O  thou  hafl  told  me  newes  that  cleaues  my 

heart, 

Would  I  had  neuer  feene  thee,  or  heard  fooner 

This  bloudie  florie  ;  yet  fee,  note  my  truth 

Yet  I  mufl  loue  thee. 

Lyf.     Out  vpon  the  Monfler. 

Goe,  tell  the  Gouernour ;  Let  me  be  brought 

To  die  for  that  moft  famous  villanie  ; 

Not  for  this  miching  bafe  tranfgxeffion 

Of  tenant  negligence. 

Cyn.     I  can  not  doo't. 

Loue  mufl  falue  any  murther  :  He  be  iudge 

Of  thee  deare  loue,  and  thefe  (hall  be  thy  paines 

In  fleede  of  yron,  to  fuffer  thefe  foft  chaines. 

Lyf.     O  I  am  infinitely  oblig'd. 

Cyn.     Arife  I  fay,  thou  fauer  of  my  life. 

Doe  not  with  vaine-affrighting  confcience 

Betray  a  life,  that  is  not  thine  but  mine  : 

Rife  and  preferue  it.     Lyf.  Ha?  thy  husbands  bodie  ? 

Hang't  vp  you  fay,  in  ileede  of  that  that's  flolne ; 

Yet  I  his  murtherer,  is  that  your  meaning  1 

Cyn.     It  is  my  Loue.     Lyf.     Thy  loue  amazes  me, 

The  point  is  yet  how  we  (hall  get  it  thither, 

Ha  1  Tie  a  halter  about' s  necke,  and  dragge  him  to 

the  Gallowes  :  mall  I  my  loue  1 

Cyn.     So  you  may  doe  indeede, 

Or  if  your  owne  ftrength  will  not  ferae,  wee'le  aide 

Our  handes  to  yours,  and  beare  him  to  the  place. 

For  heauens  loue  come,  the  night  goes  off  apace. 

Lyf.     All  the  infernall  plagues  dwell  in  thy  foule  ; 

He  fetch  a  crow  of  yron  to  breake  the  coffin. 

Cyn.     Doe  loue,  be  fpeedie. 

Lyf.     As  I  wifh  thy  damnation.  Shut  the  Tomb. 

O  I  could  teare  my  felfe  into  Atonies ;    off  with  this 

An  tick,  the  fhirt  that  Hercules  wore  for  his  wife,  was  not 

more  banefull.     Is't  poffible  there  mould  be  fuch  a 

latitude  in  the  Sphere  of  this  fexe,  to  entertaine  fuch 

an  extention  of  mifchiefe,  and  not  turne  Deuill.  What 

is  a  woman  1  what  are  the  worft  when  the  befl  are  fo 


A  Comedie.  71 

paft  naming?    As  men  like  this  let  them  trie  their 
wiues  againe.     Put  women  to  the  teft  ;  difcouer  them; 
paint  them,  paint  them  ten  parts  more  then  they  doe 
themfelues,  rather  then  looke  on  them  as  they  are; 
Their  wits  are  but  painted  that  dillike  their  painting. 
Thou  foolifli  thirfler  after  idle  fecrets,  And  ill's  abrode; 
looke  home,  and  flore  &  choke  thee  ; 
There  flicks  an  Achelons  home  of  all,   Copie  enough. 
As  much  as  Alizon  of  ftreames  receiues, 
Or  loftie  Jlea  mowes  of  fliadie  leaues. 

Enter  Tharfalio. 
Who's  that  ? 

Thar.  I  wonder  Lycus  failes  me.  Nor  can  I  heare 
whats  become  of  him.  Hee  would  not  certaine  ride 
to  Dipolis  to  call  my  brother  back,  without  my  know 
ledge. 

Lyf.  My  brothers  voice  ;  what  makes  he  here  abouts 
fo  vn timely  ?  He  flip  him.  Exiturus. 

Thar.     Who  goes  there  ?         Lyf.     A  friend. 
Thar.     Deare  friend,  lets  know  you.     A  friend  leaft 
look't  for  but  mod  welcome,  and  with  many  a  long 
looke  expecled  here. 

What  fir  vnbooted  ?  haue  you  beene  long  arriu'd  ? 
Lyf.     Not  long,  fome  two  houres  before  night 
Thar.    Well  brother,  y'haue  the  mofl  rare,  admirable, 
vnmatchable  wife,  that  euer  fuffer'd  for  the  fmne  of  a 
husband.     I  cannot  blame  your  confidence  indeede 
now:  'tis  built  on  fuch  infallible  ground;    Lycus  I 
thinke  be  gone  to  call  you  to  the  refcue  of  her  life ; 
why  (hee  !  O  incomprehenfible  ! 
Lyfan.     I  haue  heard  aU  related  fince  my  arriuall, 
weele  meet  to  morrow. 

Thar.  What  haft  brother?  But  was  it  related  with 
what  vntollerable  paines,  I  and  my  Miftris,  her  other 
friends,  Matrones  and  Magiftrates,  labour' d  her  diuer- 
fion  from  that  courfe  ? 

Lyf.  Yes,  yes.  Thar.  What  flreams  of  teares  fhe 
powr'd  out ;  what  treffes  of  her  haire  fhe  tore  I  and 


72  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

offer'd  on  your  fuppos'd  herfe  !  Lyf.  I  haue  heard 
all. 

Thar.     But  aboue  all ;  how  fmce  that  time,  her  eies 
neuer  harbour'd  winck  of  flumber,  thefe  fixe  dales  j  no 
nor  tailed  the  leaft  dramme  of  any  fullenance. 
Lyf.     How  is  that  affurd  ?         Thar.     Not  a  fcruple. 
Lyf.     Are  you  fure  there  came  no  Souldier  to  her  nor 
brought  her  vic~lualls?  Thar.      Souldier  1    what 

Souldier  ? 

Lyf.  Why  fome  Souldier  of  the  watch,  that  attends 
the  executed  bodies  :  well  brother  I  arn  in  haft  ;  to 
morrow  mail  fupply  this  nights  defect  of  conference  ; 
Adieu.  Exit.  LyJ. 

Thar.  A  Souldier?  of  the  watch  1  bring  her  viftualls? 
Goe  to  brother  I  haue  you  in  the  winde  ;  hee's  vn- 
harneft  of  all  his  trauailing  accoutrements.  I  came 
directly  from's  houfe,  no  word  of  him  there ;  he  knowes 
the  whole  relation  ;  hee's  paflionate  :  All  collections 
fpeake  he  was  the  Souldier.  What  mould  be  the 
riddle  of  this  ?  that  he  is  ftolne  hether  into  a  Souldiers 
difguife?  he  mould  haue  (laid  at  Dipolis  to  receiue 
news  from  vs.  WThether  he  fufpedled  our  relation  ;  or 
had  not  patience  to  expect  it,  or  whether  that  furious, 
frantique  capricious  Deuill  iealoufie  hath  toft  him 
hether  on  his  homes,  I  can  not  conjecture.  But  the 
cafe  is  cleare,  hee's  the  Souldier.  Sifter,  looke  to  your 
fame,  your  chaftetie's  vncouer'd.  Are  they  here  ftill  1 
here  beleeue  it  both  moil  wofully  weeping  ouer  the 
bottle.  He  knocks. 

Era.     Who's  there.         Thar.     Tharfalio,  open. 
Ero.     Alas  Sir,  tis  no  boote  to  vexe  your  lifter,  and 
your  felfe,  me  is  defperate,  &  will  not  heare  perfwafion, 
fhe's  very  weak. 

Thar.  Here's  a  true-bred  chamber-maid.  Alas,  I  am 
forrie  for't ;  I  haue  brought  her  meat  and  Candian 
wine  to  ftrengthen  her. 

Ero.     O  the  very  naming  an't,  will  driue  her  into  a 
fwowne  ;  good  Sir  forbeare. 
Thar.     Yet  open  fweet,  that  I  may  bleffe  mine  eies 


A    Comedie.  73 

with  fight  of  her  faire  fhrine ;  and  of  thy  fweeteft  felfe 
(her  famous  Pandreffe)  open  I  fay.  Sifter  ?  you  heare 
me  well,  paint  not  your  Tomb  without ;  wee  know  too 
well  what  rotten  carcafes  are  lodg'd  within ;  open  I 
fay.  Ero  opens,  and  hee  fees  her  head  layd  on  the 
coffin,  &c.  Sifter  I  haue  brought  you  tidings  to  wake 
you  out  of  this  ileeping  mummerie. 
Ero.  Alas  fhee's  faint,  and  fpeech  is  painefull  to  her. 
Thar.  Well  faid  frubber,  was  there  no  Souldier  here 
lately  ^ 

Ero.     A  Souldier  ?  when  ? 

Thar.  This  night,  laft  night,  tother  night;  and  I 
know  not  how  many  nights  and  daies.  Cyn.  Whofe 
there  ? 

Ero.  Your  brother  Miftris,  that  asks  if  there  were  not 
a  fouldier  here.  Cyn.  Here  was  no  fouldier. 
Ero.  Yes  Miftris  I  thinke  here  was  fuch  a  one  though 
you  tooke  no  heede  of  him.  Thar.  Goe  to  fifter ; 
did  not  you  ioyne  kiffes,  embraces,  and  plight  indeede 
with  him,  the  vtmoft  pledge  of  Nuptiall  loue  with 
him.  Deni't,  deni't ;  but  firft  heare  me  a  fhort  ftorie. 
The  Souldier  was  your  difguis'd  husband,  difpute  it 
not.  That  you  fee  yonder,  is  but  a  fhadow,  an  emptie 
cheft  containing  nothing  but  aire.  Stand  not  to  gaze 
at  it,  tis  true.  This  was  a  proiec~t  of  his  owne  contriu- 
ing  to  put  your  loialtie  &  conftant  vowes  to  the  teft  ; 
y'are  warnd,  be  arm'd.  Exit. 

Ero.  O  fie  a  thefe  perils.  Cyn.  O  Ero  I  we  are 
vndone. 

Ero.  Nay,  you'd  nere  be  warn'd ;  I  euer  wifht  you  to 
withftand  the  pufh  of  that  Souldiers  pike,  and  not  enter 
him  too  deep  into  your  bofom,  but  to  keep  facred  your 
widowes  vowes  made  to  Lyfander.  Cyn.  Thou 
did'ft,  thou  did'ft. 

Ero.  Now  you  may  fee  th'euent.  Well  our  fafetie 
lies  in  our  fpeed  :  heele  doe  vs  mifchiefe,  if  we  preuent 
not  his  comming.  Lets  to  your  Mothers  :  and  there 
cal  out  your  mightieft  friends  to  guard  you  from  his 
furie.  Let  them  begin  the  quarrell  with  him  for  prac- 


74  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

tifmg  this  villanie  on  your  fexe  to  intrappe  your  frail 
ties. 

Cyn.  Nay.I  refolue  to  fit  out  one  brunt  more  ;  to  trie 
to  what  ainie  heele  enforce  his  proiecl :  were  he  fome 
other  man,  vnknowne  to  me,  his  violence  might  awe 
me  j  but  knowing  him  as  I  doe,  I  feare  him  not.  Do 
thou  but  fecond  me,  thy  flrength  and  mine  mail  mailer 
his  befl  force,  if  he  mould  proue  outragious.  Defpaire 
they  fay  makes  cowardes  turne  couragious.  Shut  vp 
the  Tomb.  Shut  the  Tomb. 

Enter  one  of  the  Souldier s  fent  out  before  to  feeke 
the  SentinelL 

1.  All  paines  are  loft  in  hunting  out  this  Souldier; 
his  fear  (adding  wings  to  his  heeles)  out-goes  vs  as  farre 
as  the  frefti  Hare  the  tir'd  hounds.     Who  goes  there  ? 

Ent.  2  fouldier  another  way 

2.  A  friend.  i.      O,   your   fucceffe   and   mine 
touching  this  Sentinell,  tells,  I  fuppofe,  one  tale  ;  hee's 
farre  enough  I  vndertake  by  this  time.       2.     I  blame 
him  not :  the  law's  feuere  (though  iuft  and  can  not  be 
difpenc'd.) 

i.  Why  mould  the  lawes  of  Paphos,  with  more  rigour, 
then  other  Citie  lawes  purfue  offenders  ?  that  not  ap- 
peas'd  with  their  liues  forfait,  exact  a  iuflice  of  them 
after  death  ?  And  if  a  Souldier  in  his  watch  forfooth. 
lofe  one  of  the  dead  bodies,  he  muft  die  for't:  It  feems 
the  State  needed  no  fouldiers  when  that  was  made  a 
law.  2.  So  we  may  chide  the  fire  for  burning  vs  ; 
or  fay  the  Bee's  not  good  becaufe  me  flings ;  Tis  not 
the  body  the  law  refpecls,  but  the  fouldiers  neglect ; 
when  the  watch  (the  guard  and  fafetie  of  the  Citie)  is 
left  abandon' d  to  all  hazards.  But  let  him  goe ;  and 
tell  me  if  your  newes  fort  with  mine,  for  Lycus ;  appre 
hended  they  fay,  about  Lyfanders  murther. 
i.  Tis  true ;  hee's  at  the  Captaines  lodge  vnder 
guard,  and  tis  my  charge  in  the  morning  to  vnclofe 
the  leaden  coffin,  and  difcouer  the  bodie  ;  The  Cap- 
taine  will  affay  an  old  conclufion  often  approu'd  j  that 


A  Comedte.  75 

at  the  murtherers  fight  the  bloud  reuiues  againe,  and 
boiles  a  frelh ;  and  euery  wound  has  a  condemning 
voice  to  crie  out  guiltie  gainft  the  murtherer. 
2.  O  world,  if  this  be  true  ;  his  deareft  friend,  his 
bed  companion,  whom  of  all  his  friends  he  cull'd  out 
for  his  bofome ! 

1.  Turn  man,  in  this  topfie  turuy  world,  friendship 
and  bofom  kindnes,  are  but  made  couers  for  mifchief, 
meanes  to  cornpaffe  il.      Near-allied  truft,   is  but  a 
bridge  for  trefon.     The  preemptions  crie  loud  againfl 
him  ;  his  anfweres  found  difiointed ;    croffe-legd  trip 
ping  vp  one  another.     He  names  a  Town  whether  he 
brought  Lyfander  murther'd  by  Mountainers,  thats  falie, 
fome  of  the  dwellers  haue  been  here,  and  all  difclaim 
it.     Befides,  the  wounds  he  bear?  in  mow,  are  fuch  as 
fhrews  clofely  giue  their  husbands,  that  neuer  bleede, 
and  finde  to  be  counterfait. 

2.  O  that  iade  falfhood  is  neuer  found  of  all ;   but 
halts  of  one  legge  Hill.     Truth  pace  is  -all  vpright : 
found  euery  where. 

And  like  a  die,  fets  euer  on  a  fquare. 

And  how  is  Lycus  his  bearing  in  this  condition  1 

1.  Faith  (as  the  manner  of  fuch  defperate  offenders 
is  till  it  come  to  the  point)  careleffe,  &  confident, 
laughing  at  all  that  feeme  to  pittie  him.     But  leaue  it 
to  th'euent.     Night  fellow  Souldier,  youle  not  meet 
me  in  the  morning  at  the  Tomb,  and  lend  me  your 
hand  to  the  vnrigging  of  Lyfander s  herfe. 

2.  I  care  not  if  I  do,  to  view  heauens  power  in  this 
vnbottomd  feller. 

Bloud,  though  it  fleepe  a  time,  yet  neuer  dies. 
The  Gods  on  murtherers  fixe  reuengefull  eies. 

Exeunt. 

Lyfander  folus  with  a  crow  of  yron>   and  a  halter 

which  he  laies  downe  and  puts  on  his  difgmfe 

againe. 

COme  my  borrow'd  difguife,  let  me  once  more 
Be  reconcild  to  thee,  my  truftieil  friend  ; 
Thou  that  in  trueft  fhape  haft  let  me  fee 


76  The  Widaowes  Teares. 

That  which  my  truer  felfe  hath  hid  from  me, 

Helpe  me  to  take  reuenge  on  a  difguife, 

Ten  times  more  falfe  and  counterfait  then  thou. 

Thou,  falfe  in  mow,  haft  been  moil  true  to  me  ; 

The  feeming  true  ;  hath  prou'd  more  falfe  then  her. 

Affifl  me  to  behold  this  adl  of  luft, 

Note  with  a  Scene  of  ilrange  impietie. 

Her  husbands  murtherd  corfe  !  O  more  then  horror  ! 

He  not  beleeue't  vntri'd  ;  If  mee  but  lift 

A  hand  to  ac~l  it ;  by  the  fates  her  braines  flie  out, 

Since  fhee  has  madded  me;  let  her  beware  my  homes. 

For  though  by  goring  her,  no  hope  be  fhowne 

To  cure  my  felfe,  yet  He  not  bleede  alone.  He  knocks. 

Ero.     Who  knocks  ?  Lyf.    The  fouldier  ;  open. 

Jhe  opes  &>  he  enters 

See  fweet,  here  are  the  engines  that  muft  doo't, 
Which  with  much  feare  of  my  difcouerie 
I  haue  at  laft  procur'd. 

Shall  we  about  this  worke  ?  I  feare  the  morne 
Will  ouer-take's ;  my  ftay  hath  been  prolong'd 
With  hunting  obfcure  nookes  for  thefe  emploiments, 
The  night  prepares  away  ;  Come,  art  refolu'd. 
Cyn.     I,  you  (hall  finde  me  conftant. 
Lyf.     I,  fo  I  haue,  moft  prodigioufly  conftant, 
Here's  a  rare  halter  to  hugge  him  with. 
Ero.     Better  you  and  I  ioyne  our  handes  and  beare 
him  thether,  you  take  his  head. 
Cyn.     I,  for  that  was  alwaies  heauier  then's  whole 

bodie  befides 

Lyf.     You  can  tell  beft  that  loded  it. 
Ero.     He  be  at  the  feet ;  I  am  able  to  beare  againft 
you  I  warrant  you. 

Lyf.     Haft  thou  prepar'd  weake  nature  to  digeft 
A  fight  fo  much  diftaftfull ;  haft  fer'd  thy  heart 
I  bleede  not  at  the  bloudie  fpeclacle  2 
Haft  arm'd  thy  fearefull  eies  againft  th'affront 
Of  fuch  a  direfull  obieft  ? 
Thy  murther'd  husband  ghaftly  ftaring  on  thee  ; 


A    Comedie.  7  7 

His  wounds  gaping  to  affright  thee ;   his  bodie  foild 

with 

Gore  ?  fore  heauen  my  heart  Ihruggs  at  it. 
Cyn.     So  does  not  mine, 
Loue's  refolute  ;  and  flands  not  to  confult 
With  pettie  terrour ;  but  in  full  carrier 
Runnes  blind-fold  through  an  Armie  of  mifdoubts, 
And  interpofing  feares  ;  perhaps  He  weepe 
Or  fo,  make  a  forc't  face  and  laugh  againe. 
Lyf.     O  mofl  valiant  loue  ! 

I  was  thinking  with  my  felfe  as  I  came  ;  how  if  this 
Brake  to  light ;  his  bodie  knowne ; 
(As  many  notes  might  make  it)  would  it  not  fixe 
Vpon  thy  fame,  an  vnremoued  Brand 
Of  mame,  and  hate  ;  they  that  in  former  times 
Ador'd  thy  vertue ;  would  they  not  abhorre 
Thy  lotheft  memorie  ?         Cyn.     All  this  I  know, 
But  yet  my  loue  to  thee 
Swallowes  all  this  ;  or  whatfoeuer  doubts 
Can  come  againfl  it. 

Shame's  but  a  feather  ballanc't  with  thy  loue. 
Lyf.     Neither  feare  nor  fhame  ?  you  are  ileele  toth' 
Proofe  (but  I  mall  yron  you) :    Come  then  lets  to 

worke. 

Alas  poore  Corps  how  many  martyrdomes 
Muft  thou  endure  ?  mangl'd  by  me  a  villaine, 
And  now  expos'd  to  foule  fhame  of  the  Gibbet  1 
Fore,  pietie,  there  is  fomewhat  in  me  flriues 
Againft  the  deede,  my  very  arme  relents 
To  ftrike  a  ftroke  fo  inhumane, 
To  wound  a  hallow'd  herfe  ?  fuppofe  twere  mine, 
Would  not  my  Ghofl  ftart  vp  and  flie  vpon  thee  ? 
Cyn.     No,  I'de  mall  it  down  againe  with  this. 

She  f natches  vp  the  crow. 

Lyf.     How  now  1  He  catches  at  her  throat. 

Cyn.     Nay,  then  He  affay  myflrength;  a  Souldierand 
afraid  of  a  dead  man  ?     A  foft-r'ode  milk-fop  1   come 
He  doot  my  felfe. 
Lyf.     And  I  looke  on  1  giue  me  the  yron. 


78  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

Cyn.     No,  He  not  lofe  the  glorie  ant.    This  hand,  &c. 

Lyf.     Pray  thee  fweet,  let  it  not  bee  faid  the  fauage 

a<5t  was  thine  ;  deliuer  me  the  engine. 

Cyn.     Content  your  felfe,  tis  in  a  fitter  hand. 

Lyf.     Wilt  thou  firfU  art  not  thou  the  mod. 

Cyn.     Ill-deflin'd  wife  of  a  transferred  monfler  ; 

Who  to  afiure  him  felfe  of  what  he  knew, 

Hath  loft  the  fliape  of  man.         Lyf.     Ha?    croffe- 

capers  ? 
Cyn.     Poore  Souldiers  cafe;   doe  not  we  know  you 

Sir? 

But  I  haue  giuen  thee  what  thou  cam'ft  to  feeke. 
Goe  Satyrc,  runne  affrighted  with  the  noife 
Of  that  harfh  founding  home  thy  felfe  haft  blowne, 
Farewell  ;  I  leaue  thee  there  my  Husbands  Corps, 
Make  much  of  that.  Exit,  cum  Er. 

Lyf.     What  haue  I  done  *(    O  let  me  lie  and  grieue, 
and  fpeake  no  more. 

Captaine,  Lycus  with  a  guard  of  three  orfoure 
Souldiers. 


Cap.    T)  R-rmg  him  awa7  '>   y°u  muft  naue  patience 
L)  Sir  :  If  you  can  fay  ought  to  quit  you  of 
thofe  prefumptions  that  lie  heauie  on  you,  you  mail 
be  heard.     If  not,  tis  not  your  braues,  nor  your  affec 
ting  lookes  can  carrie  it. 
We  muft  acquite  our  duties. 
Lye.     Y'are  Captaine  ath'  watch  Sir. 
Cap.     You  take  me  right. 

Lye.  So  were  you  beft  doe  mee  ;  fee  your  prefump 
tions  bee  ftrong;  or  be  affured  that  mail  proue  a  deare 
prefumption,  to  brand  me  with  the  murther  of  my 
friend.  But  you  haue  beene  fuborn'd  by  fome  clofe 
villaine  to.  defame  me. 

Cap.     Twill  not  be  fo  put  off  friend  Lycus,  I  could 
wifti  your  foule  as  free  from  taint  of  this  foule  fact  ;  as 
mine  from  any  fuch  vnworthy  pradlife. 
Lye.     Conducl  mee  to  the  Gouernour  him  felfe  \   to 
confront  before  him  your  mallow  accufations. 


A    Comedie.  79 

Cap.     Firft  Sir,  He  beare  you  to  Lyfanders  Tombe,  to 

confront  the  rnurther'd  body ;  and  fee  what  euidence 

the  wounds  will  yeeld  againfl  you. 

Lye.     Y'are  wife  Captaine.     But  if  the  bodie  fhould 

chance  not  to  fpeake  ;    If  the   wounds   fhould  bee 

tongue-tied   Captaine  ;    where's   then   your   euidence 

Captaine  ?  will  you  not  be  laught  at  for  an  officious 

Captaine  % 

Cap.     Y'are  gallant  Sir. 

Lye.      Your  Captainfhip  commands   my   feruice   no 

further. 

Cap.  Well  Sir,  perhaps  I  may,  if  this  conclufion  take 
not ;  weele  trie  what  operation  lies  in  torture,  to  pull 
confeflion  from  you. 

Lye.     Say  you  fo  Captaine  1  but  hearke  you  Captaine, 
Might  it  not  concurre  with  the  qualitie  of  your  office, 
ere  this  matter  grow  to  the  height  of  a  more  threatning 
danger  ;  to  winck  a  little  at  a  by-flip,  or  fo  ? 
Cap.     How's  that  !\ 

Lye.  To  fend  a  man  abroad  vnder  guard  of  one  of 
your  fillieft  mack-rags  ;  that  he  may  beate  the  knaue, 
and  run's  way.  I  meane  this  on  good  termes  Cap- 
taine  ;  lie  be  thankfull. 

Cap.     He  thinke  ont  hereafter.     Meane  time  I  haue 

other  emploiment  for  you. 

Lye.     Your  place  is  worthily  replenifht  Captaine.    My 

dutie  Sir ;  Hearke  Captaine,  there's  a  mutinie  in  your 

Armie  ;  lie  go  raife  the  Gouernour.  Exiturus. 

Cap.     No  haft  Sir ;  heele  loone  be  here  without  your 

fummons. 

Souldiers  thruft  vp  Lyfander  from  the  Tomb. 

i.     Bring  forth  the  Knight  ath'  Tomb  ;  haue  we  met 

with  you  Sir?        Lyf.     Pray  thee  fouldier  vfe  thine 

office  with  better  temper.         2.     Come  conuay  him 

to  the  Lord  Gouernour. 

Firft   afore    the    Captaine   Sir.       Haue   the   heauens 

nought  elfe  to  doe,  but  to  Hand  flill,  and  turne  all 

their  malignant 

Afpecls  vpon  one  man  ^ 


8o  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

2.    Captaine  here's  the  Sentinell  wee  fought  for  ;  hee's 
fome  new  preft  Souldier,  for  none  of  vs  know  him. 
Cap.     Where  found  you  him  % 

i.  My  truant  was  mich't  Sir  into  a  blind  corner  of 
the  Tomb. 

Cap.     Well  faid,  guard  him  fafe,  but  for  the  Corps, 
i.      For  the  Corps  Sir?    bare  mifprifion,  there's  no 
bodie,  nothing.     A  meere  blandation,  a  deceptio  vifus. 
Ynleffe  this  fouldier  for  hunger  haue  eate  vp  Lyfanders 
bodie. 

Lye.  Why,  I  could  haue  told  you  this  before  Cap 
taine  ;  The  body  was  borne  away  peece-meale  by 
deuout  Ladies  of  Venus  order,  for  the  man  died  one 
of  Venus  Martys.  And  yet  I  heard  fmce  'twas  feene 
whole  ath'  other  fide  the  downes  vpon  a  Coleilafe 
betwixt  two  huntfmen,  to  feede  their  dogges  withall. 
Which  was  a  miracle  Captaine. 

Cap.  Mifchiefe  in  this  act  hath  a  deepe  bottom ;  and 
requires  more  time  to  found  it.  But  you  Sir,  it  feemes, 
are  a  Souldier  of  the  neweft  flamp.  Know  you  what 
tis  to  forfake  your  fland  1  There's  one  of  the  bodies  in 
your  charge  ftolne  away  ;  how  anfwere  you  that  ?  See 
here  comes  the  Gouernour. 

Enter  a  Guard  bare  after  the  Gouernour  :  Tharfalio, 

Argus,  Clinias,  before  Eudora,  Cynthia,  Lao- 

dice,  Sthenio,  lanthe,  Ero,  <&c. 

Guard.    O  Tand  afide  there. 

CaP*  >^Roome  for  a  ftrange  Gouernour.  The 
perfedl  draught  of  a  moft  braineleffe,  imperious  vp- 
ftart.  O  defert !  where  wert  thou,  when  this  wood- 
den  dagger  was  guilded  ouer  with  the  Title  of  Gouer 
nour? 

Guard:     Peace  Mailers  ;  heare  my  Lord. 
Thar.     All  wifedome  be  filent ;  Now  fpeakes  Autho- 
ritie. 

Gouer.     I  am  come  in  perfon  to  difcharge  luflice. 
Thar.     Of  his  office. 


A    Comedie.  8 1 

Gouer.     The  caufe  you  mall  know  hereafter ;  and  it  is 
this.  A  villaine,  whofe  very  fight  I  abhorre  ;  where  is 
he  ?  Let  mee  fee  him. 
Cap.     Is't  Lycus  you  meane  my  Lord  ? 
Gouer.    Goe  to  firrha  y'are  too  malipert ;  I  haue  heard 
of  your  Sentinells  efcape  ;  looke  too't. 
Cap.     My  Lord,  this  is  the  Sentinell  you  fpeake  of. 
Gouer.     How  now  Sir  ?  what  time  a  day  ill  1 
Arg.     I  can  not  mew  you  precifely,  ant  pleafe  your 
Honour. 

Gouer.     What  ]  mail  we  haue  replications  ?    Reioin- 
ders? 

Thar.     Such  a  creature,  Foole  is,  when  hee  beflrides 
the  back  of  Authoritie. 

Gouer.     Sirrha,  (land  you  forth.     It  is  fuppofed  thou 
haft  committed  a  moil  inconuenicnt  murther  vpon  the 
body  of  Lyfander. 
Lye.     My  good  Lord,  I  haue  not. 
Gouer.     Peace  varlet ;  doft  chop  with  me  ?  I  fay  it  is 
imagined  thou  haft  murther'd  Lyfander.     How  it  will 
be  prou'd  I  know  not.     Thou  malt  therefore  prefently 
bee  had  to  execution,  as  iuftice   in   fuch   cafes   re- 
quireth.     Souldiers  take  him  away :    bring  forth  the 
Sentinell. 

Lyb.      Your  Lordfhip  will   firft   let   my  defence   be 
heard. 

Gouer.     Sirrha ;  lie  no  fending  nor  prouing.     For  my 
part  I  am  fatisfied,  it  is  fo  :  thats  enough  for  thee.     I 
had  euer  a  Sympathy  in  my  minde  againft  him. 
Let  him  be  had  away. 

Thar.     A  moft  excellent  apprehenfion.     Hee's  able 
yee  fee  to  iudge  of  a  caufe  at  firft  fight,  and  heare  but 
two  parties.     Here's  a  fecond  Solon. 
Eud.     Heare  him  my  Lord ;  prefumptions  oftentimes, 
(Though  likely  grounded)  reach  not  to  the  truth. 
And  Truth  is  oft  abus'd  by  likelyhood. 
Let  him  be  heard  my  Lord. 

Gouer.      Madam,    content   your  felfe.      I   will   doe 
iuftice;  I  will  not  heare  him.     Your  late  Lord,  was 

F 


82  The  Widdowes  Teares. 

my  Honourable  Predeceffour :  But  your  Ladifhip  muft 
pardon  me.     In  matters  of  iuflice  I  am  blinde. 
Thar.     Thats  true. 

Gouer.  I  know  no  perfons.  If  a  Court  fauourite  write 
to  mee  in  a  cafe  of  iuflice  :  I  will  pocket  his  letter, 
and  proceede.  If  a  Suiter  in  a  cafe  of  iuftice  thrufls 
a  bribe  into  my  hand,  I  will  pocket  his  bribe,,  and 
proceede.  Therefore  Madam,  fet  your  heart  at  reft : 
I  am  feated  in  the  Throne  of  iuftice  ;  and  I  will  doe 
iuftice ;  I  will  not  heare  him. 
Eud.  Not  heare  him  my  Lord  ? 
Gouer.  No  my  Ladie  :  and  moreouer  put  you  in 
mind,  in  whofe  prefence  you  ftand ;  if  you  Parrat  to 
me  long  ;  goe  to. 

Thar.  Nay  the  Vice  muft  fnap  his  Authoritie  at  all 
he  meetes,  how  malt  elfe  be  knowne  what  part  he 
plaies  ? 

Gouer.  Your  husband  was  a  Noble  Gentleman,  but 
Alas  hee  came  fhort,  hee  was  no  Statefman.  Hee  has 
left  a  foule  Citie  behinde  him. 

Thar.  I,  and  I  can  tell  you  twill  trouble  his  Lordlhip 
and  all  his  Honorable  affiftants  of  Scauingers  to  fweepe 
it  cleane. 

Gouer.     It's  full  of  vices,  and  great  ones  too. 
Thar.     And  thou  none  of  the  meaneft. 
Gouer.     But  He  turne  all  topfie  turuie ;  and  fet  vp  a 
new  difcipline  amongft  you.     He  cut  of  all  perifht 
members. 

Thar.     Thats  the  Surgeons  office. 
Gouer.     Caft  out  thefe  rotten  ftinking  carcafes  for  in- 
feeling  the  whole  Citie. 

Arg.  Rotten  they  may  be,  but  their  wenches  vfe  to 
pepper  them  ;  and  their  Surgeons  to  perboile  them ; 
and  that  preferues  them  from  ftinking,  ant  pleafe  your 
Honour. 

Gouer.    Peace  Sirrha,  peace ;  and  yet  tis  well  faid  too. 
A  good  pregnant  fellow  yfaith.     But  to  proceede.     I 
will  fpew  drunkenneffe  out  ath'  Citie. 
Thar.     Into  th'  Countrie. 


A    Comedie.  83 

Goner.  Shifters  fhall  cheat  e  and  fterue  ;  And  no  man 
mall  doe  good  but  where  there  is  no  neede.  Braggarts 
(hall  Hue  at  the  head ;  and  the  tumult  that  hant 
Tauernes.  Affes  fhall  beare  good  qualities,  and  wife 
men  fhall  vfe  them.  I  will  whip  lecherie  out  ath' 
Citie,  there  mail  be  no  more  Cuckolds.  They  that 
heretofore  were  errand  Cornutos,  fhall  now  bee  honed 
mop-keepers,  and  iuflice  fhall  take  place.  I, will  hunt 
ieloufie  out  of  my  Dominion. 
Thar.  Doe  heare  Brother  1 

Gouer.  It  fhall  be  the  only  note  of  loue  to  the  hus 
band,  to  loue  the  wife  :  And  none  fhall  be  more  kindly 
welcome  to  him  then  he  that  cuckolds  him. 
Thar.  Beleeue  it  a  wholfome  reformation. 
Gouer.  He  haue  no  more  Beggers.  Fooles  fhall  haue 
wealth,  and  the  learned  fhall  line  by  their  wits.  He 
haue  no  more  Banckrouts.  They  that  owe  money 
fhall  pay  it  at  their  befl  leifure  :  And  the  refl  fhall 
make  a  vertue  of  imprifonment ;  and  their  wiues  fhall 
helpe  to  pay  their  debts.  He  haue  all  yong  widdowes 
fpaded  for  marrying  againe.  For  the  old  and  wither'd, 
they  fhall  be  confifcate  to  vnthriftie  Gallants,  and 
decai'd  Knights.  If  they  bee  poore  they  fhall  bee 
burnt  to  make  fope  afhes,  or  giuen  to  Surgeons  Hall, 
to  bee  flampt  to  falue  for  the  French  mefells.  To 
conclude,  I  will  Cart  pride  out  ath'  Towne. 
Arg.  Ant  pleafe  your  Honour  Pride  ant  be  nere  fo 
beggarly  will  looke  for  a  Coch. 

Gouer.  Well  faid  a  mine  Honour.  A  good  fignificant 
fellow  yfaith  :  What  is  he  1  he  talkes  much  ;  does  he 
follow  your  Ladifhip  ? 

Arg.     No  ant  pleafe  your  Honour,  I  goe  before  her. 
Gouer.     A  good  vndertaking  pretence  ;    A  well-pro- 
mifmg  forehead,  your  Gentleman  Vfher  Madam  ? 
Eud.     Yours  if  you  pleafe  my  Lord. 
Gouer.     Borne  ith'  Citie  ? 

Arg.    I  ant  pleafe  your  Honour,  but  begot  ith'  Court. 
Gouer.     Treffellegg'd  ? 
Arg.     I,  ant  pleafe  your  Honour. 


84  The   Widdowes  Teares. 

Gouer.     The  better,  it  beares  a  bredth  ;  makes  roome 

a  both  fides.     Might  I  not  fee  his  pace?     Argus 

Arg.     Yes  ant  pleafe  your  Honour.  Jlalkes. 

Gouer.     Tis  well,  tis  very  well.     Giue  me  thy  hand  : 

Madame  I  will  accept  this  propertie  at  your  hand,  and 

wil  weare  it  thredbare  for  your  fake.     Fall  in  there, 

iirrha.     And  for  the  matter  of  Lycus  Madam,  I  mu  ft 

tell  you,  you  are  mallow  :  there's  a  State  point  in't  1 

hearke  you  :   The  Viceroy  has  giuen  him,  and  wee 

muft  vphold  correfpondence.     Hee  muft  walke ;  fay 

one  man  goes  wrongfully  out  ath'  world,   there  are 

hundreds  to  one  come  wrongfully  into  th'  world. 

Eud.     Your  Lordfhip  will  giue  me  but   a  word   in 

priuate. 

Thar.      Come   brother ;   we  know  you   well  :    what 

meanes  this  habite  ?  why  ftaid  you  not  at  Dipolis  as 

you  refolu'd,  to  take  aduertifement   for   vs  of  your 

wiues  bearing? 

Lye.     O  brother,  this  iealous  phrenfie  has  borne  mee 

headlong  to  mine. 

Tnar.     Go  to,  be  comforted  ;  vncafe  your  felfe ;  and 

difcharge  your  friend. 

Gouer.      Is  that  Lyfander  fay  you?   And  is  all   his 

florie  true  ? 

Berladie  Madam  this  iealoufie  will  coil  him  deare  :  he 

vndertooke  the  perfon  of  a  Souldier;  and  as  a  Soul- 

dier  muft  haue  iuftice.     Madam,  his  Altitude  in  this 

cafe   can   not  difpence.      Lycus,   this   Souldier   hath 

acquited  you. 

Thar.      And  that  acquitall  He  for  him  requite ;   the 

body  loft,  is  by  this  time  reftor'd  to  his  place. 

Soul.     It  is  my  Lord. 

Thar.     Thefe  are  State  points,  in  which  your  Lord- 

fhips  time  has  not  yet  train'd  your  Lordfhip ;   pleafe 

your  Lordfhip  to  grace  a  Nuptiall  we  haue  now  in 

hand. 

Hylus  and  Laodice  Jland  together. 
Twixt  this  yong  Ladie  and  this  Gentleman. 
Your  Lordfhip  there  mall  heare  the  ample  ftorie. 


A    Comedie.  8  5 

And  how  the  Affe  wrapt  in  a  Lyons  skin 
Fearefully  rord  ;  but  his  large  eares  appeard 
And  made  him  laught  at,  that  before  was  feard. 
Gouer.     He  goe  with  you.     For  my  part,  I  am  at  a 
non  plus. 

Eudora  whifpers  with  Cynthia. 

Thar.  Come  brother ;  Thanke  the  Counteffe  :  fhee 
hath  fwet  to  make  your  peace.  Sifter  giue  me  your 
hand. 

So  ;  Brother  let  your  lips  compound  the  flrife, 
And  thinke  you  haue  the  only  conftant  Wife. 

Exgmt. 


FINIS. 


THE 

& 

MEMORABLE   MASKE 

of  the  two  Honorable  Houfes  or  Inns  of 

Court;  the  Middle  Temple,  and 

Lyncolns  Inne. 

As    it    was   performd  before'  the  King,   at 

White-Hall  on  Shroue  Munday  at  night ; 

being  the  15.  of  February.  1613. 

At   the    Princely   celebration    of    the    moft    Royal! 

Nuptialls  of  the  Palfgraue,  and  his  thrice  gratious 

Prince/e  Elizabeth.  &c. 

With  a  defcription  of  their  whokjhow,  in  the  manner 

of  their  march  on  horfe-backe  to  the  Court  from 

the  Maifter  of  the  Rolls  his  houfe  :  with  all 

their  right  Noble  conforts,  and  mojl 

Jhowfull  attendants. 

Inuented,  and  fafhioned,  with  the  ground,  and 
fpeciall  flrudlure  of  the  whole  worke, 

By  our  Kingdomes  moft  Artfull  and  Ingenious 
Architect,  INNIGO  IONES. 

Supplied,  Aplied,  Digested,  and  written, 
By  GEO  :  CHAPMAN. 


AT  LONDON, 

Printed  by  G.  Eld,  for  George  Norton  and  are  to  be 
fould  at  his  fhoppe  neere  Temple-bar. 


TO    THE    MOST    NO- 

ble,  and  conftant  Combiner  of  Honor, 

and  Vertue,  Sir  EDWARD  PHILIPS, 

Knight,  Mr.  of  the  Rolls. 


\His  Noble  and  Magnificent  perform 
ance,  renewing  the  ancient  fpirit,  and 
Honor  of  the  Innes  of  Court ;  being 
efpecially  furthered  and  followed  by 
your  most  laborious  and  honored 
endeuors,  (for  his  Maiejlies  feruice  ; 
and  honour  of  the  all-grace-deferzdng  Nuptialls, 
of  the  thrice  gracious  Princeffe  Elizabeth,  his 
Highnefs  daughter)  deferues  efpecially  to  be  in  this 
fort  confecrate,  to  your  worthy  memory  and  honor. 
Honor  hailing  neuer  her  faire  hand  more  freely 
and  nobly  giuen  to  Riches  (being  a  fit  particle  of 
this  Inuention)  then  by  yours,  at  this  Nuptiall 
folemnity.  To  which  afsisted,  and  memorable 
ceremony  ;  the  ioind  hand  and  industry,  of  the 
worthely  honour  d  Knight,  Sir  H.  Hubberd,  his 
Maiejlies  Atturny  generall,  deferuing,  in  good 
part  a  ioint  memory  with  yours,  I  haue  fubmitted 
it  freely  to  his  noble  acceptance.  The  poore  paines 
I  added  to  this  Roy  all  feruice,  being  wholly  chofen, 
and  commanded  by  your  most  constant,  and  free 


The  Epiftle  Dedicatorie. 

fauour;  I  Jiope  will  now  appeare  nothing  negleEliue 
of  their  expelled  duties.  Hearty  wil,  and  care 
enough,  I  am  afsured  was  employed  in  me ;  and 
the  onely  ingenuous  will,  being  first  and  principall 
ftep  to  vertue  ;  I  befeech  you  let  it  ftand  for  the 
performing  vertue  it  felfe.  In  which  addition  of 
your  euer-honourd  fauours,  you  Jhall  euer  binde 
all  my  future  feruice  to  your  most  wifoed  Com- 
mandement. 

God  fend  you  long  health,  and  your  Vertues  will 
endue  you  with  honor  enough, 


By  your  free  merits  euer  vow'd  honorer, 
and  moft  vnfainedly  affec~bioned, 

GEO.  CHAPMAN. 


THE    MASKE    OF     THE 

Gentlemen  of  the  two  combined  houfes, 

or  Inns  of  Court,  the  Middle-Temple, 

and  Lincolns  Inne. 


[T  the  houfe  of  the  moll  worthely  honour'd 

Ag^  preferrer  and  gracer  of  all  honorable 
JT  Aclions,  and  vertues,  (fir  Edward 
lr  Philips  Knight,  Mafler  of  the  Rolls)  al 
^ifljr^g  the  Performers  and  their  Afsiflents 
made  their  Rendes  vous,  prepar'd  to  their  performance, 
and  thus  fet  forth, 

Fiftie  Gentlemen,  richly  attirde,  and  as  gallantly 
mounted,  with  Foot-men  perticularly  attending,  made 
the  noble  vant-guarde  of  thefe  Nuptiall  forces.  Next 
(a  fit  diftance  obferu'd  betweene  them)  marcht  a  mock- 
Maske  of  Baboons,  attir'd  like  fantaflicall  Trauailers, 
in  Neapolitane  futes,  and  great  ruffes,  all  horft  with 
Affes ;  and  dwarfe  Palfries,  with  yellow  foot-cloathes, 
and  cafting  Cockle-demois  about,  in  courtefie,  by  way 
of  lardges  ;  Torches  boarn  on  either  hand  of  them  ; 


92  The  Mafque  of  the  middle 

lighting  their  flate  as  ridiculoufly,  as  the  reft  Nobly. 
After  them  were  forted  two  Carrs  Triumphall,  adornd 
with  great  Maske  heads,  Feftones,  fcroules,  andantick 
leaues,  euery  part  inricht  with  filuer  and  golde.  Thefe 
were  through-varied  with  different  inuention,  and  in 
them  aduanc't,  the  choice  Mufitions  of  our  Kingdome, 
fixe  in  each  ;  attir'd  like  Virginean  Priefts,  by  whom 
the  Sun  is  there  ador'd ;  and  therfore  called  the  Phce- 
bades.  Their  Robes  were  tuckt  vp  before  ;  ftrange 
Hoods  of  feathers,  and  fcallops  about  their  neckes, 
and  on  their  heads  turbants,  ftucke  with  feuerall 
colour'd  feathers,  fpotted.  with  wings  of  Flies,  of  extra 
ordinary  bigneffe ;  like  thofe  of  their  countrie  :  And 
about  them  march't  two  ranks  of  Torches.  Then  rode 
the  chiefe  Maskers,  in  Indian  habits,  all  of  a  refem- 
blance  :  the  ground  cloath  of  filuer,  richly  embroidered, 
with  golden  Sunns,  and  about  euery  Sunne,  ran  a  traile 
of  gold,  imitating  Indian  worke :  their  bafes  of  the 
fame  ftuffe  and  work,  but  betwixt  euery  pane  of  em 
broidery,  went  a  row  of  white  Eflridge  feathers, 
mingled  with  fprigs  of  golde  plate;  vnder  their  breads, 
they  woare  bawdricks  of  golde,  embroidered  high  with 
with  purle,  and  about  their  neckes,  Ruffes  of  feathers, 
fpangled  with  pearle  and  filuer.  On  their  heads  high 
fprig'd-feathers,  compaft  in  Coronets,  like  the  Virginian 
Princes  they  prefented.  Betwixt  euery  fet  of  feathers, 
and  about  their  browes,  in  the  vnder-part  of  their 
Coronets,  fhin'd  Sunnes  of  golde  plate,  fprinkled 
with  pearle  ;  from  whence  fprung  rayes  of  the  like 
plate,  that  mixing  with  the  motion  of  the  feathers, 
fhew'd  exceedingly  delightfull,  and  gracious.  Their 
legges  were  adorn'd,  with  clofe  long  white  filke- 
ilockings :  curioufly  embroidered  with  golde  to  the 
Midde-legge. 

And  ouer  thefe  (being  on  horfe  backe)  they  drew 
greaues  or  buskins  embrodered  with  gould,  &  enter- 
lac't  with  rewes  of  fethers ;  Altogether  eflrangfull,  and 
Indian  like. 

In  their  Hands  (fet  in  feueral  poftures  as  they  rode) 


Temple,  and  Lincolns  Jnne.          93 

they  brandifht  cane  darts  of  the  fineft  gould.  Their 
vizerds  of  oliue  collour  ;  but  pleafmgly  vifag'd  :  their 
hayre,  blacke  and  lardge,  waning  downe  to  their 
fhoulders. 

Their  Horfe,  for  rich  fliow,  equalld  the  Maskers 
them-felues ;  all  their  caparifons  being  enchac't  with 
funnes  of  Gould  and  Ornamentall  lewells.  To  euery 
one  of  which,  was  tackt  a  Scarffing  of  Siluer  ;  that  ran 
finuoufely  in  workes  ouer  the  whole  caparifon,  euen  to 
the  dafeling  of  the  admiring  fpec~lators. 

Their  heads,  no  leffe  gracefully  and  properly  deckt 
with  the  like  light  skarffing  that  hung  about  their  eares 
wantonly  dangling. 

Euery  one  of  thefe  horfe,  had  two  Moores,  attir'd 
like  Indian  flaues,  that  for  Hate  fided  them;  with 
fwelling  wreaths  of  gould,  and  watfhed  on  their  heads, 
which  arofe  in  all  to  the  number  of  a  hundred. 

The  Torch-bearers  habits  werelikewife  of  the  Indian 
garb,  but  more  flrauagant  then  thofe  of  the  Maskers ; 
all  fhowfully  garnifht  with  feueral-hewd  fethers.  The 
humble  variety  whereof,  ftucke  off  the  more  amplie, 
the  Maskers  high  beauties,  mining  in  the  habits  of 
themfelues ;  and  reflected  in  their  kinde,  a  new  and 
delightfully-varied  radiance  on  the  beholders. 

All  thefe  fuflaind  torches  of  Virgine  wax,  whofe 
flaues  were  great  canes  al  ouer  gilded  ;  And  thefe  (as 
the  reft)  had  euery  Man  his  Moore,  attending  his 
horfe. 

The  Maskers,  riding  fingle ;  had  euery  Masker,  his 
Torch-bearer  mounted  before  him. 

The  lafl  Charriot,  which  was  mofl  of  all  adornd ; 
had  his  whole  frame  fill'd  with  moulded  worke  ;  mixt 
all  with  paintings,  and  glittering  fcarffings  of  filuer ; 
ouer  which  was  cafl  a  Canopie  of  golde,  boarne  vp 
with  antick  figures,  and  all  compos'd  a  la  Grotefca. 
Before  this  in  the  feate  of  it,  as  the  Chariotere  ;  was 
aduanc't  a  flrange  perfon,  and  as  flrangely  habited, 
half  French,  halfe  Swizz  ;  his  name  Capricdo ;  wearing 
on  his  head  a  paire  of  golden  Bellowes,  a  guilt  fpurre 


94  The  Mafque  of  the  middle 

in  one  hand,  and  with  the  other  mannaging  the  reignes 
of  the  fovvre  Horfes  that  drewe  it. 

On  a  feate  of  the  fame  Chariot,  a  little  more  eleuate, 
fate  Eunomia^  the  Yirgine  Priefl  of  the  Goddeffe 
Honor,  together  with  Phemis,  her  Herald  :  The  habite 
of  her  Priefl,  was  a  Robe  of  white  filke,  gathered 
about  the  necke  ;  a  pentacle  of  filuered  fluffe  about 
her  moulders,  hanging  foldedly  downe,  both  before  and 
behind. 

A  veftall  vaile  on  her  head  of  Tiffany,  flrip't  with 
filuer,  hanging  with  a  trayne,  to  the  earth. 

The  Herrald  was  attyr'd  ;in  an  Antique  Curace  of 
filuer  fluffe,  with  labells  at  thewings  and  baffes;  a  fhort 
gowne  of  gould  fluffe;  with  wide  fleeues,  cut  in  panes!:  A 
wreath  of  gould  on  his  head,  and  a  Rod  of  gould  in 
his  hand. 

Highefl  of  all  in  the  mofl  eminent  feate  of  the 
Tryumphall  fat,  fide  to  fide,  the  ccelefliall  Goddeffe, 
Honour ;  and  the  earthy  Deity,  Plutus  •  or  Riches. 
His  attire  ;  a  fhort  robe  of  gould,  frindg'd  ;  his  wide 
fleeues  turn'd  vp,  and  out-fhowd  his  naked  armes  :  his 
Head  and  Beard  fprinckl'd  with  fhowrs  of  gould  :  his 
Buskins,  clinckant,  as  his  other  attire.  The  Orna 
ments  of  Honor  were  thefe  :  a  rich  full  robe  of  blew 
filke  girt  about  her,  a  mantle  of  filuer  worne  ouer- 
thwart,  ful  gathered,  and  defcending  in  folds  behind  :  a 
vaile  of  net  lawne,  enbrodered  with  Oos  and  Spangl'd  ; 
her  treffes  in  tucks,  braided  with  filuer :  The  hinder 
part  fhadowing  in  waues  her  moulders. 

Thefe,  thus  perticularly,  and  with  proprietie  adorn'd, 
were  'flrongly  attended  with  a  full  Guard  of  two  hun 
dred  Halbardiers  :  two  Marfhals  (being  choice  Gentle 
men,  of  either  houfe)  Commaunder-like  attir'd,  to  and 
fro  courfing,  to  keepe  all  in  their  orders. 

A  fhowe  at  all  parts  io  nouell,  conceitfull  and  glo 
rious,  as  hath  not  in  this  land,  (to  the  proper  vfe  and 
obie<5l  it  had  porpol'd)  beene  euer  before  beheld.  Nor 
did  thofe  honorable  Inns  of  Court,  at  any  time  in  that 
kinde,  fuch  acceptable  feruice  to  the  facred  Maiefly  of 


Temp le,  and  Linco Ins  Jnne.          95 

this  kingdome,  nor  were  return'd  by  many  degrees? 
with  fo  thrice  gratious,  and  royall  entertainment 
and  honor.  But,  (as  aboue  fayd)  all  thefe  fo  march 
ing  to  the  Court  at  White  Hall,  the  King,  Bride, 
&  Bridegroom,  with  all  the  Lords  of  the  moft 
honord  priuy  Councel,  and  our  chief  Nobility,  flood 
in  the  Gallery  before  the  Tilt-yeard,  to  behold  their 
arriuall ;  who,  for  the  more  ful  fatisfaclion  of  his 
Maieflies  view,  made  one  turn  about  the  yeard,  and 
difmounted  :  being  then  honorably  attended  through 
the  Gallery  to  a  Chamber  appointed,  where  they 
were  to  make  ready  for  their  performance  in  the 
Hall,  &c. 

The  King  beeing  come  forth,  the  Maskers  afcended 
vnfeene  to  their  fccene.     Then  for  the  works. 

Firfl  there  appear'd  at  the  lower  end  of  the  Hall,  an 
Artificiall  Rock,  whofe  top  was  neere  as  high  as  the 
hall  it  felfe.  This  Rock,  was  in  the  vndermoft  part 
craggy,  and  full  of  hollow  places,  in  whofe  concaues 
were  contriv'd,  two  winding  paire  of  ftaires,  by  whofe 
greeces  the  Perfons  aboue  might  make  their  def- 
cents,  and  all  the  way  be  feene  :  all  this  Rocke  grew 
by  degrees  vp  into  a  gold-colour ;  and  was  run 
quite  through,  with  veines  of  golde  :  On  the 
one  fide  whereof,  eminently  raifed  on  a  faire  hill, 
was  erected  a  filuer  Temple  of  an  octangle  figure, 
whofe  Pillars  were  of  a  compos'd  order,  and  bore 
vp  an  Architraue,  Freefe,  and  Cornifh :  Ouer 
which  flood  a  continued  Plinthe ;  whereon  were  ad- 
uanc't  Statues  of  filuer  :  Aboue  this,  was  placed  a 
baftarde  Order  of  Architecture,  wherein  were  keru'd 
Compartements  :  In  one  of  which  was  written  in 
great  golde  Capitalls,  HONORIS  FANVM.  Aboue 
all,  was  a  Coupolo,  or  Type,  which  feem'd  to  be  fcal'd 
with  filuer  Plates. 

For  fmiming,  of  all,  vpon  a  Pediflall,  was  fixt  a 
round  flone  of  filuer,  from  which  grew  a  paire  of 
golden  wings,  both  faign'd  to  bee  Fortunes :  the 
the  round  Hone  (when  her  feet  trod  it)  euer  affirm'd 


96  The  Mafque  of  the  middle 

to  be  rouling  ;  figuring  her  inconftancy  :  the  golden 
wings,  denoting  thofe  nimble  Powres,  that  pompoufly 
beare  her  about  the  world ;  On  that  Temple  (erected 
to  her  daughter,  Honor  ;  and  figuring  this  kingdome) 
put  off  by  her,  and  fixt,  for  affured  figne  me  would 
neuer  forfake  it. 

About  this  Temple,  hung  Feftones  wreath'd  with 
filuer  from  one  Pillars  head  to  another.  Befides,  the 
Freefe  was  enricht  with  keruings,  all  mewing  Greatnes 
and  Magnificence. 

On  the  other  fide  of  the  Rocke,  grewe  a  Groue, 
in  whofe  vtmoft  part  appear'd  a  vaft,  wither'd,  and 
•hollow  Tree,  being  the  bare  receptacle  of  the 
Baboonerie. 

Thefe  following  mould  in  duty  haue  had  their  pro 
per  places,  after  euery  fitted  fpeech  of  the  Actors  ;  but 
being  preuented  by  the  vnexpedled  hafte  of  the  Prin 
ter,  which  he  neuer  let  me  know,  and  neuer  fending 
me  a  proofe,  till  he  had  paft  thofe  fpeeches ;  I  had  no 
reafon  to  imagine  hee  could  haue  been  fo  forward. 
His  fault  is  therfore  to  be  fupplied  by  the  obferuation, 
and  reference  of  the  Reader,  who  will  eafily  perceiue, 
where  they  were  to  bee  inferted. 

After  the  fpeech  of  Plutus  (who  as  you  may  fee 
after,  firft  entred)  the  middle  part  of  the  Rocke  began 
to  moue,  and  being  come  fome  fiue  paces  vp  towards 
the  King,  it  fplit  in  peeces  with  a  great  crack ;  and 
out  brake  Capricdo,  as  before  defcribed.  The 
peeces  of  the  Rocke  vanilht,  and  he  fpake  as  in  his 
place. 

At  the  finging  of  the  firft  Song,  full,  which  was  fung 
by  the  Virginian  Priefls ;  called  the  Phcebades,  to  fixe 
Lutes  (being  vfed  as  an  Orphean  vertue,  for  the  flate 
of  the  Mines  opening) :  the  vpper  part  of  the  Rock 
was  fodainly  turn'd  to  a  Cloude,  difcouering  a  rich 
and  refulgent  Mine  of  golde ;  in  which  the  twelue 
Maskers  were  triumphantly  feated :  their  Torch-bearers 
attending  before  them.  All  the  lights  being  fo  ordred, 
that  though  none  were  feen,  yet  had  their  luflre  fuch 


Temple,  and  Lincolns  Inne.  97 

vertue,  that  by  it,  the  lead  fpangle  or  fpark  of  the 
Maskers  rich  habites,  might  with  eafe  and  cleereneffe 
be  difcerned  as  far  off  as  the  feate. 

Ouer  this  golden  Mine,  in  an  Euening  sky,  the 
ruddy  Sunne  was  feen  ready  to  be  fet ;  and  behind  the 
tops  of  certaine  white  Cliffes,  by  degrees  defcended, 
calling  vp  a  banke  of  Cloudes ;  in  which,  a  while  hee 
was  hidden  :  but  then  glorioufly  fhining,  gaue  that 
vfually-obferu'd  good  Omen,  of  fucceeding  faire 
weather. 

Before  he  was  fully  fet,  the  Phcebades  (mewing  the 
cuftome  of  the  Indians  to  adore  the  Sunne  fetting) 
began  their  obferuance  with  the  Song,  to  whofe  place, 
wee  mufl  referre  you  for  the  manner  and  words  ;  All 
the  time  they  were  finging  ;  the  Torch-bearers  holding 
vp  their  Torches  to  the  Sun ;  to  whome  the  Priefts 
themfelues,  and  the  reft,  did  as  they  fung  obeifance  : 
Which  was  anfwred  by  other  Mufique  and  voices,  at 
at  the.  commandement  of  Honor,  with  al'  obferuances 
vf'd  to  the  King  &c.  As  in  the  following  places. 


TO  anfwer  certai?ie  infolent  obieclions  made  again/I 
the  length  of  my  fpeeches,  and  narrations ;  being  (for 
the  probability  of  all  accidents,  rifing  from  the  inuention 
of  this  Maske;  and  their  aplicatio?i,  to  the  perfons,  and 
places :  for  whome,  and  by  whome  it  was  prefented)  not 
conuenient,  but  necejfary  ;  I  a?n  enfortJ  to  affirme  this  ; 
That :  as  there  is  no  Poem  nor  Oration  fo  gener all ;  but 
hath  his  one  perticular  propofition  ;  Nor  no  ritier  fo 
extrauagantly  ample,  but  hath  his  neuer-fo-narrow  foun- 
taine,  worthy  to  be  namd  ;  fo  all  thefe  courtly,  and  honor- 
tug  inuentions  (hauing  Poefie,  and  Oration  in  them,  and 
a  fountaine,  to  be  exprejl,  from  whence  their  Riuers 
flow)  Jhould  exprejjiuely-arife ;  out  of  the  places,  and 
perfons  for ;  and  by  whome  they  are  prefented ;  without 
which  limits,  they  are  luxurious,  and p aim.  But  what 
rules  foeuer  are  fet  downe,  to  any  Art,  or  AEI  (though, 
without  their  obferuation ;  No  Art,  nor  Ac~l,  is  true,  and 
worthy)  yet  they  are  nothing  the  more  followd ;  or  thofe 
feiu  that  follow  them  credited.  Euery  vulgarly-efleemd 
vpQart ;  dares  breake  the  dreadfull  dignity  of  antient  and 
autenticallPoefie :  and prefume  Lucifer oufly,  to  proclame 
in  place  thereof,  repugnant  precepts  of  their  owne  fpaune. 
Truth,  and  Worth,  haue  no  faces,  to  enamour  the  Lycen- 
tious,  but  vaine-glory,  and  humor.  The  fame  body  :  the 
fame  beauty,  a  thoufand  men  feeing :  Onely  the  man 
whofe  bloud  is  fitted,  hath  that  which  hee  calls  hisfoule, 


enamourd.     And  this,  out  of  infallible  caufe ;  for,  men  * 

vnderftand  not  thefe  of  Msenander  eft  morbuis 

oportunitas 

Animae,  quod  ic"lus,  vulnus  accipit  graue. 

But  the  caufe  of  all  Mens  being  enamourd  with  Triith. 
And  of  her  flight  refpefl,  in  others  ;  is  the  diuine  Free 
dom  ;  one  touching  with  his  aprehenfiue  finger,  the 
other,  paffing.  The  Hill  of  the  Mufes  (which  all  men 
mujl  clime  in  the  regular  way,  to  Truth)  is  jaid  of  ould, 
to  be  forcked.  And  the  two  points  of  it,  parting  at  the 
Top ;  are  Infania,  and,  diuinus  furor.  Iniania,  is  that 
which  euery  Ranck-brainde  writer ;  and  iudge  of  Poeti- 
call  writing,  is  rapt  withal;  when  hee  prefumes  either 
to  wife  or  cenfure  the  height  of  Poefie;  and  that  trans 
ports  him  with  humor,  vaine-glory  and  pride,  mojl  pro- 
phane  and  facrilegious  :  when  diuinus  furor ;  makes 
gentle,  and  noble,  the  neuer  fo  truly-infpired  writer 

Emollit  mores  nee  fmit  effe  feros. 

And  the  mild  beanies  of  the  moft  holy  inflamer;  eafely, 
and  fweetly  enter,  with  all  vnderflanding  fharpeneffe, 
the  foft,  and  fincerely  humane ;  but  with  no  Time ;  No 
Study;  No  meanes  vnder  heauen  :  any  arrogant,  all- 
occupation  demurer  (that  will  Chandler-like  fet  vp  with 
all  wares ;  felling,  Poefies  Nectar  and  Ambrofia ;  as 
wel  as  muflerd,  and  vineagar. )  TJie  chajl  and  rejlraind 
beames  of  humble  truth  will  euer  enter  ;  but  onely  grafe 
and  glaunce  at  them  :  and  the  further  fly  them. 


The  aplicable  argument  of 
the  Majke. 


HOnor,  is  fo  much  refpecled,  and  ador'd;  that 
fhee  hath  a  Temple  erected  to  her,  like  a 
Goddeffe ;  a  Virgine  Priefl  confecrated  to  her  (which 
is  Eunomia,  or  Lawe ;  fmce  none  mould  dare  acceffe 
to  Honor,  but  by  Vertue ;  of  which  Lawe  being  the 
rule,  mufl  needes  be  a  chiefe)  and  a  Herrald  (call'd 
Phemis,  or  Fame)  to  proclame  her  inflitutions,  and 
commandements.  To  amplefie  yet  more  the  diuine 
graces  of  this  Goddeffe ;  Plutus,  (or  Riches)  being 
by  Ariftophams,  Lucian,  &>c.  prefented  naturally 
blind,  deformd,  and  dull  witted ;  is  here  by  his 
loue  of  Honor,  made  fee,  made  fightly,  made  in 
genious  ;  made  liberall  :  And  all  this  conuerted  and 
confecrate  to  the  moil  worthy  celebration  of  thefe 
facred  Nuptialls;  all  iffuing  (to  conclude  the  neceffary 
application)  from  an  honorable  Temple.  &c. 

Non  eft  certa  fides,  quam  non  Iniuria  verfat. 
Fallit  portus  &  ipfc  fidem. 


THE     NAMES     OF     THE   (° 
SPEAKERS. 

Honour,  a  Goddeffe. 
Plutus,  (or  Riches)  a  God. 
Eunomia  (or  law)  Priefl  of  honor. 
Phemis,  Honors  Herrald. 
Cafriccio,  a  man  of  wit,  &c. 


THE  PRESENTMENT. 
Plutus  appear V  furuaying  the  worke  with  this  fpeech. 

PLVTVS. 

Ockes  ?  Nothing  but  Rockes  in  thefe  masking 
deuices?  Is  Inuention  fo  poore  fhee  muft 
needes  euer  dwell  amongfl  Rocks?  But  it 
may  worthily  haue  chaunc'd  (being  fo  often 
prefented)  that  their  vaine  Cuftome  is  now 
become  the  neceffarie  hand  of  heauen,  transforming 
into  Rocks,  fome  flonie  hearted  Ladies,  courted  in 
former  masks ;  for  whofe  loues,  fome  of  their  repulfl 
feruants  haue  perifht :  or  perhaps  fome  of  my  flintie- 
hearted  Vfurers  haue  beene  heere  metamorphofed ; 
betwixt  whom  and  Ladies,  there  is  refemblance 
enough:  Ladies  vfmg  to  take  interefl,  befides  their 
principall,  as  much  as  Vfurers.  See,  it  is  fo ;  and  now 
is  the  time  of  refloring  them  to  their  naturall  fhapes  : 
It  moues,  opens,  excellent  !  This  metamorphofis  I 
intend  to  ouer-heare. 


A    ROCK,    MOOVING 

and  breaking  with  a  cracke  about 

Capriccio,  he  enters  with  a  payre  of  Bellows  on 

his  head,  a  fpur  in  one  hand,  and  a  peece  of 

golde  Ore  in  the  other,  &c. 

He  fpeakes,  vt  feqnitur. 

CAPRICCIO. 

HOw  hard  this  world  is  to  a  man  of  wit  1  hee 
muft  eate  through  maine  Rockes  for  his 
food,  or  fall;  a  reftles  and  tormenting 
Hone,  his  wit  is  to  him :  the  very  Hone  of 
Sifyphus  in  hell ;  nay,  the  Philofophers  flone,  makes 
not  a  man  more  wretched  :  A  man  mufl  be  a  fecond 
Proteus,  and  turne  himfelfe  into  all  fhapes  (like  Vlifses) 
to  winde  through  the  flraites  of  this  pinching  vale  of 
miferie  ;  I  haue  turn'd  my  felfe  into  a  Tailor,  a  Man, 
a  Gentleman,  a  Nobleman,  a  Worthy  man ;  but  had 
neuer  the  witte  to  turne  my  felfe  into  an  Alder-man. 
There  are  manie  fhapes  to  perim  in,  but  one  to  Hue 
in,  and  tha's  an  Aldermans  :  Tis  not  for  a  man  of  wit 
to  take  any  rich  Figure  vpon  him :  your  bould,  proud, 
ignorant,  that's  braue  and  clinkant,  that  findes  crownes 
put  into  his  mooes  euery  morning  by  the  Fayries  and 
will  neuer  tell ;  whofe  Wit  is  humor,  whofe  Judgement 
is  fafhion,  whofe  Pride  is  emptinefle,  Birth  his  full 


Temple,  and  Lincolns  Inne.         103 

man,  that  is  in  all  things  fomething,  in  Sum  totall, 
nothing.  He  mail  Hue  in  the  land  of  Spruce,  milke 
and  hony  flowing  into  his  mouth  fleeping. 

PLVTVS. 

This  is  no  transformation,  but  an  intrufion  into  my 
golden  mines  :  I  will  heare  hirh  further. 

CAPRIC. 

This  breach  of  Rockes  I  haue  made,  in  needy  purfuite 
of  the  blind  Deity,  Riches  :  who  is  myraculoufly  ariued 
here.  For  (acording  to  our  rare  men  of  wit)  heauen 
Handing,  and  earth  mouing,  her  motion  (being  circular) 
hath  brought  one  of  the  moft  remote  parts  of  the  world, 
to  touch  at  this  all-exceeding  Hand :  which  a  man  of 
wit  would  imagine  muft  needs  moue  circularly  with 
the  reft  of  the  world,  and  fo  euer  maintaine  an  equal 
diflance.  But,  Poets  (our  chiefe  men  of  wit)  anfwere 
that  point  dire6lly  ;  mod  ingenioufly  affirming  :  That 
this  lie  is  (for  the  excellency  of  it)  diuided  from  the 
world  (diuifus  ab  orbe  Britannus)  and  that  though  the 
whole  World  befides  moues ;  yet  this  He  ftands  fixt  on 
her  owne  feete,  and  defies  the  Worlds  mutability,  which 
this  rare  accident  of  the  arriuall  of  Riches,  in  one  of 
his  furtheft-off-fcituate  dominions,  moft  demonftratiuely 
proues. 

PLVTVS. 

This  is  a  man  of  wit  indeede,  and  knows  of  all  our 
arriuals. 

CAPRIC. 

With  this  dull  Deity  Riches,  a  rich  Hand  lying  in  the 
South-fea,  called  Paana,  (of  the  Ptzans  (or  fongs)  fung 
to  the  Sun,  whom  they  there  adore  (being  for  ftrength 
and  riches,  called  the  Nauill  of  that  South-fea)  is  by 
earths  round  motion  mou'd  neere  this  Brittan  Shore. 
In  which  Ifland  (beeing  yet  in  command  of  the  Vir- 


IO4  The  Mafqite  of  the  middle 

ginian  continent.)  A  troupe  of  the  nobleft  Virginians 
inhabiting ;  attended  hether  the  God  of  Riches, 
all  triumphantly  fhyning  in  a  Mine  of  gould.  For 
hearing  of  the  mofl  royal  folemnity,  of  thefe  facred 
Nuptialls ;  they  croft  the  Ocean  in  their  honor,  and 
are  here  arriu'd.  A  poore  fnatch  at  fome  of  the  goul- 
den  Ore,  that  the  feete,  of  riches  haue  turnd  vp  as  he 
trod  here,  my  poore  hand  hath  purchaft  ;  and  hope 
the  Remainder  of  a  greater  worke,  wilbe  fhortly  extant. 

PLVT. 

You  Sir,  that  are  miching  about  my  goulden  Mines 
here. 

CAPR. 

What,  can  you  fee  Sir?  you  haue  heretofore  beene 
prefented  bliride :  like  your  Mother  Fortune ;  and  your 
Brother  Loue. 

PLVT. 
But  now  Sir,  you  fee  I  fee. 

CAPR. 
By  what  good  meanes,  I  befeech  you  Sir. 

PLVT. 

That  meanes,  I  may  vouchfafe  you  hereafter  ;  meane 
fpace,  what  are  you  ? 

CAPR. 

I  am  Sir  a  kinde  of  Man  ;  A  Man  of  wit  :  with  whom 
your  worfhip  has  nothing  to  do  I  thinke. 

PLVT. 

No  Sir,  nor  will  haue  any  thing  to  doe  with  him  :  A 
Man  of  wit  ?  whats  that  1  A  Begger. 


Temple,  and  Lincolns  Inne.         1 05 

CAPR. 
And  yet  no  Diuell  Sir. 

PLV. 
As  I  am,  you  meane. 

CAPR. 

Indeede  fir  your  Kingdome  is  vnder  the  Earth. 

PLVT. 

That's  true,  for  Riches  is  the  Atlas  that  holdes  it  vp, 
it  would  fnike  elfe. 

CAPR. 

Tis  rather  a  wonder,  it  finks  not  with  you  Sir,  y'are  fo 
fmfully,  and  damnably  heauy. 

PLVT. 

Sinfull  ?  and  damnable  ?  what  a  Puritane  ?  Thefe 
Bellowes  you  weare  on  your  head,  mew  with  what 
matter  your  braine  is  pufft  vp  Sir  :  A  Religion-forger 
I  fee  you  are,  and  prefume  of  infpiration  from  thefe 
Bellowes  ;  with  which  yee  fludy  to  blow  vp  the  fetled 
gouernments  of  kingdomes. 

CAPR. 

Your  worfhip  knockes  at  a  wrong  dore  Sir,  I  dwell 
farre  from  the  perfon  you  fpeak  of. 

PLVT. 

What  may  you  be  then,  beeing  a  man  of  wit  ?  a  Buffon, 
a  letter.  Before  I  would  take  vpon  mee  the  title  of  a 
man  of  wit,  and  bee  baffl'd  by  euery  man  of  wifedome 
for  a  Buffon  ;  I  would  turne  Banckront,  or  fet  vp  a 
Tobacco  mop,  change  clokes  with  an  Alchemift,  or 
ferue  an  Vfurer,  bee  a  watering  poft  for  euery  Groome; 
ftand  the  pufh  of  euery  rafcall  wit ;  enter  lifts  of  iefls 


io6  The  Mafque  of  the  middle 

with  trencher-fooles,  and  bee  foold  downe  by  them,  or 
(which  is  worfe)  put  them  downe  in  fooling  :  are  thefe 
the  qualities  a  man  of  wit  mould  run  proud  of  ? 

CAPR. 

Your  worihip  I  fee  has  obtaind  wit,  with  fight,  which 
I  hope  yet  my  poor  wit  wil  well  be  able  to  anfwer;  for 
touching  my  iefting,  I  haue  heard  of  fome  Courtiers, 
that  haue  run  themfelues  out  of  their  Hates  with  lull 
ing  ;  and  why  may  not  I  then  raife  my  felfe  in  the 
State  with  iefting]  An  honeft  Shoomaker,  (in  in  a 
liberall  Kings  time)  was  knighted  for  making  a  cleane 
boote,  and  is  it  impofsible,  that  I  for  breaking  a  cleane 
left,  mould  bee  aduaunc't  in  Court,  or  Counfaile  ?  or  at 
leaft,  ferued  out  for  an  Ambaffador  to  a  dull  Climate  ? 
lefts,  and  Merriments  are  but  wild  weedes  in  a  rank 
foile,  which  being  well  manured,  yield  the  wholefom 
crop  of  wifdome  and  difcretion  at  time  ath'  yeare. 

PLV. 

Nay,  nay,  I  commend  thy  Judgement  for  cutting  thy 
cote  fo  iuft  to  the  bredth  of  thy  moulders;  he  that 
cannot  be  a  courier  in  the  field,  let  him  learne  to  play 
the  lack-an-Apes  in  the  Chamber,  hee  that  cannot 
perfonate  the  wife-man  well  amongft  wifards,  let  him 
learne  to  play  the  foole  well  amongft  dizzards. 

CAPR. 

Tis  pafsing  miraculous,  that  your  dul  and  blind  wor- 
fhip  mould  fo  fodainly  turne  both  fightfull,  and  witfull. 

PLVT. 

The  Riddle  of  that  myracle,  I  may  chance  diffolue  to 
you  in  fequell;  meane  time,  what  name  fuftain'ft  thou? 
and  what  toies  are  thefe  thou  bear'ft  fo  phantaftically 
about  thee  ? 


Temple,  and  Lincolns  Inne.         107 
CAPR. 

Thefe,  toies  Sir,  are  the  Enfignes  that  difcouer  my 
name  and  qualitie  :  my  name  being  Caprictio,  and  I 
weare  thefe  Bellowes  on  my  head,  to  mew  I  can  puffe 
vp  with  glory  all  thofe  that  affedfl  mee  :  and  befides, 
beare  this  fpurre,  to  mew  I  can  fpur-gall,  euen  the 
beft  that  contemne  me. 

PLVT. 

A  dangerous  fellowe,  But  what  makefl  thou  (poore 
man  of  wit)  at  thefe  pompous  Nuptials  ; 

CAPRIC. 

Sir,  I  come  hether  with  a  charge  j  To  doe  thefe  Nup 
tial's,  I  hope,  very  acceptable  feruice  ;  And  my  charge 
is ;  A  company  of  accomplifht  Trauailers ;  that  are 
excellent  at  Antemaskes  ;  and  will  tender  a  taft  of 
thair  quallity,  if  your  worfhip  pleafe. 

PLVT. 

Excellent  well  pleafd  ;  of  what  vertue  are  they  befides. 

CAPR. 

Paffing  graue  Sir,  yet  exceeding  acute  :  witty,  yet  not 
ridiculous  ;  neuer  laugh  at  their  owne  iefts  :  laborious 
yet  not  bafe,  hauing  cut  out  the  skirts  of  the  whole 
world,  in  amorous  queft  of  your  gould  and  filuer. 

PLVT. 

They  fhal  haue  enough  ;  cal  them  :  I  befeech  thee  call 
them  :  how  farre  hence  abide  they  ? 

CAPR. 

Sir  (being  by  another  eminent  qualitie  the  admired 
fouldiers  of  the  world)  in  contempt  of  foftnes,  and 


1 08  The  Mafqiie  of  the  middle 

delicacie,  they. lie  on  the  naturally  hard  boords  of  that 
naked  tree ;  and  will  your  worfhip  affure  them  rewards 
fit  for  perfons  of  their  freight. 

PLVT. 
Dofl  thou  doubt  my  reward  beeing  pleafed  ? 

CAPR. 

I  know  Sir,  a  man  may  fooner  win  your  reward,  for 
pleafing  you,  the  deferuing  you.  But  you  great  wife 
perfons,  haue  a  fetch  of  State ;  to  employ  with  coun 
tenance,  and  encouragement,  but  reward  with  aufterity 
and  difgrace,  faue  your  purfes,  and  lofe  your  honours. 

PLVT. 

To  aflure  thee  of  reward,  I  will  now  fatiffie  thee  touch 
ing  the  miraculous  caufe,  both  of  my  fight  and  wit, 
and  which  confequently  moues  mee  to  humanity,  and 
bounty ;  And  all  this,  onely  this  ;  my  late  being  in 
loue,  with  the  louely  Goddeffe  Honor. 

CAPRIC. 

If  your  Worfhipp  loue  Honor,  indeed,  Sir  you  muft 
needes  be  bountifull.  But  where  is  the  rare  Goddeffe 
you  fpeake  of  to  be  feene  ? 

PLVTVS. 

In  that  Rich  Temple,  where  Fortune  fixt  thofe  her 
goulden  wings,  thou  feefl ;  And  that  rowling  ftone  me 
vf 'd  to  tread  vpon,  for  figne  fhee  would  neuer  for-fake 
this  Kingdome  ;  There  is  ador'd,  the  worthy  Goddeffe 
Honor.  The  fwetneffe  of  whofe  voice,  when  I  firfl 
heard  her  perfwafions,  both  to  my  felf,  and  the  Vir 
ginian  Princes  arriu'd  here,  to  doe  hpnor  and  homage, 
to  thefe  heauenly  Nuptialls,  fo  moft  powerfully  ena- 
mour'd  mee,  that  the  fire  of  my  loue  flew  vp  to  the 


Temple,  and  Lincolns  Inne.         109 

fight  of  mine  eyes  :  that  haue  lighted  within  mee  a 
whole  firmament  of  Bounty,  which  may  fecurely  affure 
the,  thy  reward  is  certaine  :  &  therefore  call  thy 
accompliflit  company  to  their  Autemaske. 

CAPRIC. 

See  Sir,  The  time,  fet  for  their  apperance,  being  ex- 
pir'd ;  they  appeere  to  their  feruice  of  them-felves. 


Enter  the  Baboones  after  who^e  dance, 

being  Anticke,  and  delightful,  they 

returned  to  their  Tree,  when  Plu- 

ta.f.fpake  to  Cafriccius. 

PLVTVS. 

Gramercy  now  Capricao,  take  thy  men  of  complement, 
and  trauaile  with  them  to  other  marriages.  My  Riches 
to  thy  Wit ;  they  will  get  fomething  fome-where. 

CAPR. 

Whats  this  ? 

PLVT. 

A  ftraine  of  Wit  beyond  a  Man  of  Wit.  I  haue  im- 
ployd  you,  and  the  grace  of  that,  is  reward  enough ; 
hence  ;  packe,  with  your  complemental  Fardle  :  The 
fight  of  an  attendant  for  reward,  is  abominable  in  the 
eyes  of  a  turne-feru'd  Politician,  and  I  feare,  will  flrike 
me  blinde  againe.  I  can  not  abide  thefe  bellowes  of 
thy  head,  they  and  thy  men  of  wit  haue  melted  my 


1 1  o  The  Mafque  of  the  middle 

Mines  with  them,  and  confum'd  me,  yet  take  thy  life 
and  be  gone.  Neptune  let  thy  predeceffor,  Vlyffes, 
Hue  after  all  his  flaine  companions,  but  to  make  him 
die  more  miferably  liuing  :  gaue  him  vp  to  fhip-wracks, 
enchantments  j  men  of  wit  are  but  enchanted,  there  is 
no  fuch  thing  as  wit  in  this  world.  So,  take  a  tree, 
inure  thy  fouldiers  to  hardnes,  tis  honorable,  though 
not  clinkant. 

CAPR. 
Can  this  be  poffible  ? 

PLVT. 

Alas  !  poore  man  of  wit,  how  want  of  reward  daunts 
thy  vertue1?  But  becaufe  I  muft  fend  none  away  dif- 
contented,  from  thefe  all-pleafmg  Nuptials ;  take  this 
wedge  of  golde,  and  wedge  thy  felfe  into  the  world 
with  it,  renouncing  that  loofe  wit  of  thine,  t'will  fpoile 
thy  complexion. 

CAPR. 

Honor,  and  all  Argus  eyes,  to  Earths  all-commaunding 
Riches.  Pluto  etiam  cedit  lupiter. 

Exit  Capr. 

After   this  lowe    Induction,    by      thefe 
fucceeding  degrees,  the  chiefe  Maskers 
were  aduanc't  to  their  difcouerie 

PLYTVS. 

PtolESunols  Thefe  humble  obie<5ls  can  no  high  eyes  drawe, 

mia.       Eunomia  <\  (or  the  facred  power  of  Lawe) 
Daughter  of  loue,  and  Goddefie  Honors  Priefl ; 
Appeare  to  Plutus,  and  his  loue  affifl. 

EVN. 

Eunomia 

liS  What  would  tlie  g°d  of  Riches  1 


Temple.,  and  Lincolns  Inne.          1 1 1 

PLVT. 

loine  with  Honor  : 

In  purpos'd  grace  of  thefe  great  Nuptials  ; 
And  fmce  to  Honor  none  fhould  dare  acceffe, 
But  helpt  by  vertues  hand  (thy  felfe,  chafle  Loue 
Being  Vertues  Rule,  and  her  direclfull  light) 
Help  me  to  th'  honor  of  her  fpeech  and  fight. 

EVN. 

Thy  will  dial  ilraight  be  honour'd  ;  all  that  feek 

Acceffe  to  Honor,  by  cleer  virtues  beame, 

Her  grace  preuents  their  pains,  and  comes  to  them. 

Loud    Mufick,    and    Honor   appears, 

defcending  with  her  Herrald  Phemis,  and 

Eunomia  (her  Prieft)  before  her.     The 

Mufique   ceafing  Plutus   fpake. 

PLYT. 

Crowne  of  all  merit,  Goddefs,  and  my  Loue ; 
Tis  now  high  time,  that  th'  end  for  which  we  come 
Should  be  endeuor'd  in  our  vtmoft  right, 
Done  to  the  fweetnes  of  this  Nuptiall  night. 

HON. 

Plutus  1     The  Princes  of  the  Virgine  land, 

Whom  I  made  croffe  Britan  Ocean 

To  this  moft  famed  He,  of  all  the  world, 

To  do  due  homage  to  the  facred  Nuptials 

Of  Loue  and  Beauty,  celebrated  here, 

By  this  Howre  of  the  holy  Eeuen  I  know, 

Are  ready  to  performe  the  rites  they  owe 

To  fetting  Phoebus  ;  which  (for  greater  State 

To  their  apparance)  their  firft  acl  aduances. 

And  with  fongs  Yihers  their  fucceeding  dances, 

Herrald  !  giue  fummons  to  the  Virgine  Knights 

No  longer  to  delay  their  purpos'd  Rites. 


1 1 2  The  Mafqzie  of  the  middle 

HER. 

Knights  of  the  Virgin e  Land,  whom  bewties  lights 

Would  glorifie  with  their  inflaming  fights  ; 

Keep  now  obfcur'd  no  more  your  faire  intent, 

To  adde  your  Bearnes  to  this  nights  ornament, 

The  golden-winged  Howre  flrikes  now  a  Plaine, 

And  calls  out  all  the  pompe  ye  entertain  e  ; 

The  Princely  Bride-groome,  and   the   Brides   bright 

eyes, 
Sparkle  with  grace  to  your  difcoueries. 

At  thefe  words,  the  Phcebades  (or  Priefls  of  the  Sunne) 
appear'd  firft  with  fixe  Lutes,  and  fixe  voices,  and  fung 
to  the  opening  of  the  Mine  and  Maskers  difcouery, 
this  ful  Song. 

The  firfl  Song. 

OPe  Earth  thy  wombe  of  golde 
Shew  Heauen  thy  cope  of  starres. 
All  glad  Afpefts  unfolde, 

Shine  out,  and  deere  our  Cares  : 

Kifse  Heauen  and  Earth,  and  so  combine 
In  all  mixt  ioy  our  Nuptiall  Twine. 

This  Song  ended,  a  Mount  opened,  and  fpred  like  a 
Skie,  in  which  appear'd  a  Sunne  fetting  ;  beneath 
which,  fate  the  twelue  Maskers,  in  a  Mine  of 
golde  ;  twelue  Torch-bearers  holding  their  torches 
before  them,  after  which  Honor,  &c. 

HON. 

Se  now  the  fetting  Sun,  calls  vp  his  bank, 
And  fhowes  his  bright  head  at  his  Seas  repaire, 
For  figne  that  all  daies  future  mall  be  faire. 

PLVT. 
May  he  that  rules  al  nightes  &  dayes  confirme  it. 


Temple  and  Lincolns  June.         1 1 3 
HON. 

Behold  the  Suimes  faire  Preifts  the  Phcebades, 
Their  euening  feruice  in  an  Hymne  addreffe 
To  Phoebus  fetting ;   which  we  now  mall  heare, 
And  fee  the  formes  of  their  deuotions  there. 

The  Phcebades  Jlng  the  first  Stance  of  the 
fecond  fong,  vt  fequitur. 

One  alone        i. 

Defcend  (faire  Sun)  and  fwedly  reft, 

In  Tethis  Cristal  armes,  thy  toyle, 
Fall  burning  on  her  Marble.brest, 

And  make  with  Loue  her  billowes  boyle. 

Another  alone,         2. 

Blow  blow,fweet  windes,  C  blow  away, 

Al  vapours  from  the  fined  ay  re : 
That  to  his  golden  head  no  Ray, 

May  langui/h  with  the  leaft  empaire. 

CHO. 

Dance  Tethis,  and  thy  loites  red  beames. 

Embrace  with  Toy  he  now  difcends  : 
Burnes  burnes  with  loue  to  drinke  thyftreames, 

and  on  him  endles  youth  attends. 

After  this  Stance,  Honor  &c. 

HON. 

This  fuperftitious  Hymne,  fung  to  the  Simne, 
Let  vs  encounter  with  fit  duties  done 
To  our  cleere  Phrebus  ;  whofe  true  piety, 
Enioyes  from  heauen  an  earthly  deity. 

H 


1. 14  The  Mafqiie  of  the  middle 

Other  Mufique,   and   voyces ;     and  this  Jecond 

Stance  was  fung,  directing  their  obfer- 

uance  to  the  King. 

One  alone        i. 

Rife,  rife  O  Phczbus,  euer  rife, 

defcend  not  to  tti  inconstant  Jlreame, 
But  grace  with  endles Alight,  ourjkyes, 

to  thee  that  Sun  is  but  a  beame. 

Another        2. 

Dance  Ladies  in  our  Sunnes  bright  rayes, 

in  which  the  Bride  and  Bridegroome  fhine : 

Cleere  fable  night  with  your  eyes  dayes, 
andfetfirme  lights  on  Hymens fhrine. 

CHO. 

O  may  our  Sun  not  fet  before, 

he  fees  his  endlesfeed  arife  : 
And  deck  his  triple  crowned  Jhore, 

with  fpr ings  of  humane  Deities. 

This  ended  the  Phabades  fung  the 
third  Stance. 

1.  Set  Set  (great  Sun}  our  rifing  loue 

fliall  euer  celebrate  thy  %race  : 
Whom  entring  the  high  court  of  /oue, 
each  God  greetes  rifmgfrom  his  place. 

2.  When  thow  thy  ft  liter  bow  dost  bend, 

alljlart  afide  and  dread  thy  draughtes  : 
How  can  we  thee  enough  commend, 

commanding  all  worlds  with  thy  Jhafts  ? 


Temple  and  Line o Ins  Jnne.        115 

CHO. 

Blest  was  thy  mother  bearing  thee, 

And  Phoebe  that  delights  in  darts  : 
Thou  artful  Songes  doftfet ;  and  Jhee 

winds  horns,  loues  hounds,  c%°  high  fallmd  harts. 

After  this  Honor. 

HON. 

Againe  our  Mufique  and  conclude  this  Song, 
To  him,  to  whom  all  Phoebus  beames  belong  : 

The  other  voyces  fung  to  other  Mujlke  the 
third   fiance. 

i     Rife  stil  (cleere  Sun)  andneuerfet, 

but  be  to  Earth  her  only  light : 
All  other  Kings  in  thy  beames  met, 

are  cloudes  and  darke  effects  of  night. 

2. 

As  when  the  Rofie  Morn  doth  rife. 

Like  Mifts,  all  giue  thy  wifedome  waie  ; 

A  learned  King,  is,  as  in  skies, 

To  poore  dimmejlars,  the  flaming  da} . 

CHO. 

Blejl  was  thy  Mother,  bearing   Thee, 

Thee  only  Relick  of  her  Race, 
Made  by  thy  vertues  beames  a  Tree, 

Whofe  armes  Jhall  all  the  Earth  embrace. 

This  done  Eunomia  Tpake  to  the  Maskers   set 
yet  aboue. 

EVN. 

Virginian  Princes,  ye  muft  now  renounce 
Your  fuperflitious  worfhip  of  thefe  Sunnes, 


1  1  6          The  Mafque  of  the  middle 

Subiec~l  to  cloudy  darknings  and  defcents, 

And  of  your  fit  deuotions,  turne  the  euents 

To  this  our  Britan  Phoebus,  whofe  bright  skie 

(Enlightned  with  a  Chriftian  Piety) 

Is  neuer  fubiecl  to  black  Errors  night, 

And  hath  already  offer'd  heauens  true  light, 

To  your  darke  Region  ;  which  acknowledge  now  ; 

Defcend,  and  to  him  all  your  homage  vow. 

With  this  the  Torch-bearers  defcended,  and  per- 
formed  another  Antemaske,  dancing  with  Tor 
ches  lighted  at  both  ends;  which  done,  the 
Maskers  defcended,  and  fell  into  their  dances,  two 
of  which  being  pafl,  and  others  with  the  Ladies. 
Honor  fpake. 

'  VOUr  VOVceS>  now  tune  fweet  and 


were  figured  in  hlC^ 

Beauty"*1  And  fmge  the  Nuptiall  Hymn    of  Love, 

and  Beauty. 
Twinns,  as  of  one  age,  fo  to  one  defire 

of    May  both  their  bloods  giue,  an  vnparted  fire. 
et  And  as  thofe  twuins  that  Fame  giues  all 
her  prife, 

Combind  their  lifes  power  in  fuch  Symphathies  ; 
That  one  being  merry  ;  mirth  the  other  grac't  : 
If  one  felt  forrow,  th'  other  griefe  embrac't. 
If  one  were  healthfull  ;  Health  the  other  pleafd  : 
If  one  were  ficke  :  the  other  was  difeafd  ; 
And  all  waies  ioynd  in  fuch  a  conflant  troth 
That  one  like  caufe  had  like  effect  in  both, 
Called  Twynns  So  may  thefe  Nuptiall  Twynnes,  their  whole 
beinagnXhe°f        Hues  ftore, 

Spend  in  fuch  euen  parts,  neuer  grieuing  more, 
Then  may  the  more  fet  off  their  ioyes  diuine  ; 
As  after  the  clouds,  the  Sunne,  doth  clerefl  mine. 
This   fayd,   this  Song   of  Loue,   and 

Bcwty  was  lung  ;  fingle. 
Bright  Panthaea  borne  to  Pan, 
Of  the  Noblest  Race  of  Man, 

Her  white  ha?id  to  Eros  gitting, 


Temple,  and  Lincolns  Inne.         1 1 7 

With  a  kifse,  ioirid  Heauen  to  Earth 
And  begot  fo  faire  a  birth, 

As  yet  ntuer  grac't  tfo  lining. 


CHO. 

A  Twinne  that  all  worlds  did  adorns, 
For  fo  were  Loue  and  Bewty  borne. 


2. 


Both  fo  lou'd,  they  did  contend 
Which  the  other  Jhould  tranfcend, 

Doing  either,  grace,  and  kindnes  ; 
I,ouefr0m  Bewty  did  remoue, 
Lightnes  calfd  her  ftaine  in  loue, 

Bewtie  tookjrom  Loue  his  blindnefs  \ 

CHO, 

~Louefparks  made flames\in  Bewties  /kie* 
And  Bewtie  blew  vp  Loue  as  hie. 


Virtue  then  commixt  her  fire ; 
To  whuh  Bountie  did  afpire, 

Innocence  a  Crowne  conferring ; 
Mine,  and  Thine,  w£re  then  vnufde, 
All  things  common :  Nought  abufde,  • 

Freely  earth  her  frutage  bearing. 

CHO. 

Nought  then  was  car 'd for,  that  could  fade, 
And  thus  the  golden  world  was  made. 


( 1 8  The  Mafqne  of  the  middle 

This  fung,  the  Maskers  danc't  againe  with 
the  Ladies,  after  which  Honor. 

HON. 

Now  may  the  bleffings  of  the  golden  age, 
Swimme  in  thefe  Nuptials,  euen  to  holy  rage, 
A  Hymn  to  Sleep  prefer,  and  all  the  ioyes 
That  in  his  Empire  are  of  dearefl  choice, 
Betwixt  his  golden  flumbers  euer  flow, 
In  thefe ;  And  Theirs,  in  Springs  as  endlefs  growe. 

This  fayd,  the  lafl  Song  was  fung  full. 

The  laft  Song. 

Now  fleepe,  bindefast,  the  flood  of  Ayr e, 

strike  all  things  dumb  and  deafe, 
And,  to  dijlurbbe  our  Nuptiall  paire, 

Letjlir  no  Afpen  leafe. 
Send  flocks  of  golden  Dreames 

That  all  true  ioyes  prefage. 
Bring,  in  thy  oyly  streames, 

The  milke  and  hony  Age. 
Now  clqfe  the  world-round  fphere  of  bliffe, 
And  fill  it  with  a  heauenly  kiffe. 

After  this  Plutus  to  the  Maskers. 

PLVT. 

Come  Yirgine  Knights,  the  homage  ye  haue  done, 

To  Loue  and  Bewty,  and  our  Britan  Sun, 

Kinde  Honor,  will  requite  with  holy  feafts 

In  her  faire  Temple  ;  and  her  loued  Guefts, 

Giues  mee  the  grace  t'inuite,  when  me  and  I 

(Honor  and  Riches]  will  eternally 

A  league  in  fauour  of  this  night  combine, 

In  which  Loues  fecond  hallowed  Tapers  mine  ; 


Temple,  and  Lincolns  June.         119 

Whofe  loies,  may  Heauen  &  Earth  as  highly  pleafe 
As  thofe  two  nights  that  got  great  Hercules. 

The  fpeech  ended ;  they  concluded  with  a  dance,  that 
brought  them  off;  Plutus,  with  Honor  and  the 
reft  conducting  them  vp  to  the  Temple  of  Honor. 


FINIS. 


A  Hymne  to  Hymen  for  the  moft  time- 

fitted  Nuptialls   of  our 

thrice  gracious  Prince// e 

Elizabeth,  &c. 

Singe,  Singe  a  Rapture  to  all  Nuptial  eares, 
Bright  Hymens  torches,  drunke  vp  Parcczs  tears  : 
Sweete  Hymen ;  Hymen,  Mightiefl  of  Gods, 
Attoning  of  all-taming  blood  the  odds  ; 
Two  into  One,  contracting  ;  One  to  Two 
Dilating,  which  no  other  God  can  doe. 
Mak'il  fure,  with  change,  and  lett'fl  the  married  try, 
Of  Man  and  woman,  the  Variety. 
And   as   a  flower,    halfe    fcorcht    with    daies    long 
simil-  heate. 

Thirfts  for  refrefhing,  with  Nights  cooling  fweate, 
The  wings  of  Zephire,  fanning  Hill  her  face, 
No  chere  can  ad  to  her  heart-thirfty  grace ; 


A  Hymn  to  Hymen.  1 2 1 

Yet  weares  me  gatnft  thofe  fires  that  make  her  fade, 
Her  thicke  hayrs  proofe,  al  hyd,  in  Midnights  made  ; 
Her  Helth,  is  all  in  dews  ;  Hope,  all  in  fhowres, 
Whofe  want  bewailde,  fhe  pines  in  all  her  powres  : 
So  Loue-fcorch't  Virgines,  nourifh  quenchles  fires ; 
The  Fathers  cares  ;  -  the  Mothers  kind  defires. 
Their  Gould,  and  Garments,  of  the  newefl  guife, 
Can  nothing  comfort  their  fcorcht  Phantafies, 
But,  taken  rauifh't  vp,  in  Hymens  armes, 
His  Circkle  holds,  for  all  their  anguifh,  charms  : 
simii.   ad  Then,  as  a  glad  Graft,  in  the  fpring  Sunne 

eandem  ex-  '  ° 

piicat.  mines, 

That  all  the  helps,  of  Earth,  &  Heauen  combines 
In  Her  fweet  grouth  :  Puts  in  the  Morning  on 
Her  cherefull  ayres  ;  the  Sunnes  rich  fires,  at  Noone ; 
At  Euen  the  fweete  deaws,  and  at  Night  with  flarrs, 
In  all  their  vertuous  influences  mares ; 
So,  in  the  Bridegroomes  fweet  embrace  ;  the  Bride, 
All  varied  loies  tads,  in  their  naked  pride  : 
To  which  the  richeft  weedes  :  are  weedes,  to  flowres  ; 
Come  Hymen  then  :  com  clofe  thefe  Nuptial  howres 
With  all  yeares  comforts.     Come  ;  each  virgin  keepes 
Her  odorous  kiffes  for  thee  ;  Goulden  fleepes 
Will,  in  their  humors,  neuer  fteepe  an  eie, 
Till  thou  inuit'ft  them  with  thy  Harmony. 
Why  flaieft  thou  ?  fee  each  Virgin  doth  prepare 
"Embraces  for  thee  ;  Her  white  brefls  laies  bare 
To  tempt  thy  foft  hand  ;  let's  fuch  glances  flie 
As  make  flarres  fhoote,-to  imitate  her  eye. 
Puts  Arts  attires  on,  that  put  Natures  doune  : 
Singes,  Dances,  fets  on  euery  foote  a  Crowne, 
Sighes,  in  her  fongs,  and  dances  ;  kiffeth  Ayre 
Till  Rites,  and  words  paft,  thou  in  deedes  repaire  ; 
The  whole  court  lo  fings  :  lo,  the  Ayre  : 
lo,  the  flouds,  and  fields  :  lo,  mofl  faire, 
Moft  fweet,  mofl  happy  Hyme?i ;  Come  :  away  ; 
With  all  thy  Comforts  come ;  old  Matrons  pray, 
With  young  Maides  Languors ;  Birds  bill,  build,  and 
breed 


122  A  Hymne  to  Hymen. 

To  teach  thee  thy  kinde,  euery  flowre  and  weed 

Looks  vp  to  gratulate  thy  long'd  for  fruites  ; 

Thrice  giuen,  are  free,  and  timely-granted  fuites  : 

There  is  a  feed  by  thee  now  to  be  fowne, 

In  whofe  fruit  Earth,  fliall  fee  her  glories  fhow'n, 

At  all  parts  perfect ;  and  mufl  therfore  loofe 

No  minutes  time ;  from  times  vfe  all  fruite  flowes  ; 

And  as  the  tender  Hyacinth,  that  growes  simil- 

Where  Phcebus  mofl  his  golden  beames  beilowes, 

Is  propt  with  care  ;  is  water'd  euery  howre  ; 

The  fweet  windes  adding  their  encreafmg  powre, 

The  fcattered  drops  of  Nights  refreihing  dew, 

Hafting  the  full  grace,, of  his  glorious  hew, 

Which  once  difclofing,  mufl  be  gatherd  flraight, 

Or  hew,  and  Odor  both,  will  lofe  their  height ; 

So,  of  a  Virgine,  high,  and  richly  kept, 

The  grace  and  fweetnes  full  growne  muft  be  reap't, 

Or,  forth  her  fpirits  fly,  in  empty  Ayre  ; 

The  fooner  fading  ;  the  more  fweete  and  faire. 

Gentle,  O  Gentle  Hymen,  be  not  then 

Cruell,  That  kindefl  art  to  Maids,  and  Men  ; 

Thefe  two,  One  Twynn  are  ;  and  their  mutuall  bliffe, 

Not  in  thy  beames,  but  in  thy  Bofome  is. 

Nor  can  their  hands  faft,  their  harts  ioyes  make  fweet ; 

Their  harts,   in   brefts  are ;   and   their   Brefts   muft 

meete. 

,  Let  there  be  Peace,  yet  Murmur ;  and  that  noife, 
Beget  of  peace,  the  Nuptiall  battailes  ioyes. 
Let  Peace  grow  cruell,  and  take  wrake  of  all, 
The  warrs  delay  brought  thy  full  Feftiuall. 
Harke,  harke,   O   now   the   fweete    Twyn    murmur 

founds ; 

Hymen  is  come,  and  all  his  heate  abounds ; 
Shut  all  Dores ;  None,  but  Hymens  lights  aduance. 
No  found  flyr ;  let,  dumb  loy,  enioy  a  trance. 
Sing,  fmg  a  Rapture  to  all  Nuptiall  eares, 
Bright  Hymens  Torches, drunke  up  Par  cos  teares. 

FINIS. 


CAESAR,., 

AND 

POMPEY: 

I 

A    Roman   Tragedy,     de 
claring    their    Warres. 

Out   of  whofe   euents   is   euidled  this 

Propofition.  - 
Only    a   iujl    man    is    a  freeman. 

BY     GEORGE     CHAPMAN. 


LONDON : 

Printed    by    THOMAS     HARPER,     and    are    to   be 

fold  by  Godfrey  Emondfon,  and  Thomas  Alchorne. 

M.DC.XXXI. 


TO 


THE  RIGHT  HOMO 

rable,    his    exceeding    good    Lord,   the 
Earle    of    Middlejex, 


ough  (my  good  Lord]  this  martiall 
'iftory  fuffer  the  diuifeon  of  Afts  and 
Scenes,  both  for  the  more  perfpicuity 
and  height  of  the  celebration,  yet  neuer 
toucht  it  at  the  Stage  ;  or  if  it  had 
(though  fome  .  may  perhaps  caufelefey 
empaire  if)  yet  would  it,  I  hope,  fall 
'under  no  exception  in  your  Lord/hips 
better-iudgeing  eftimation,  fence  fceni- 
call  reprefentation  is  fo  farre  from 
of  any  leafe  dimimution ;  that  the 


giuing  iujl  caufe 
perfonall  and  exatl  life  it  &iues  to  any  Hi/lory,  or 
other  fitch  delineation  of  humane  actions,  ads  to 
them  hifter,  fpirit  and  apprehenfeon,  which  the  only 
fecJion  oj  AcJs  and  Scenes  makes  mee  Jland  vpon  thus 
much,  fence  that  only, iji  fome  precifeanifmes  will  require  a 
little  preuention  :  And  the  hajiy  profe  theflile  auoides, 
obtaine  to  the  more  temperate  andftai'd  numerous  elocu 
tion,  fome  afsiflance  to  the  acceptation  and  grace  of  it. 
Though  ingenioufey  my  gratitude  confej/eth  (my  Lord]  it 
is  not  fuck  as  hereafter  J  vow  to  your  honor j  being  written 
fo  long  fence  ;  ana  had  not  the  timely  ripenejfe  of  that  age 
that  (y  thank  God}  J  yetfinde  no  fault  with  all  for  any 
old  defefts. 

Good  my  Lord  vouchfafe  your  idle  minutes  may  admit 
fome  feight  glances  at  this,  till  fome  worke  of  more  noudty 
andfajhion  may  conferre\this  the  more  liking  of  your  honors 
more  worthy  deferuings  ;  To  which  his  bounden  affettion 
vowes  allferuices. 


Euer  your  Lordfliips 

GEO.      CHAPMAN. 


The  Argument. 

Qmpey  and  Ccefar  bring  their  Armies  fo 
neare  Rome,  that  the  Senate  except 
againft  them.  Ccefar  vnduly  and  ambi- 
tioufly  commanding  his  forces.  Pom- 
pey  more  for  feare  of  Ctzfars  violence 
to  the  State,  then  mou'd  with  any  affec 
tation  of  his  own  greatneffe.  Their  oppofite  pleadings, 
out  of  which  admirable  narrations  are  made,  which  yet 
not  conducing  to  their  ends,  warre  ends  them.  In 
which  at  firft  Ccefar  is  forc't  to  fly,  whom  Pompey  not 
purfuing  with  fuch  wings  as  fitted  a  fpeeding  Con 
queror  ;  his  victory  was  preuented,  and  he  vnhappily 
difhonor'd.  Whofe  ill  fortune  his  mofl  louing  and 
learned  wife  Cornelia  trauailde  after,  with  paines 
folemne  and  carefull  enough  ;  whom  the  two  Lentuli 
and  others  attended,  till  me  miferably  found  him,  and 
faw  him  monftroufly  murthered. 

Both  the  Confuls  and  Cato  are  flaughterd  with 
their  owne  invincible  hands  ;  and  Ccefar  (in  fpight  of 
all  his  fortune)  without  his  victory,  victor. 


ONELY     A     I  VST     MAN 

IS     A     FREE.    MAN. 
A61  i.  Scene  i. 


Cato,  Athenodorus,  Porrius,  Statilius. 


Cat 


N 


Ow 


will  the  two  Suns  of  our   Romane 
Heauen 

{Pompey  6°   Ccefar)  in  their  Tropicke 
burning, 

With  their  contention,  all  the  clouds  affemble 
That  threaten  tempefls  to  our  peace  &  Empire, 
Which  we  lhall  ihortly  fee  poure  down  in  bloud, 
Civill  and  naturall,  wilde  and  barbarous  turning. 
Ath.     From  whence  prefage  you  this  ? 
Cat.     From  both  their  Armies, 
Now  gathered  neere  our  Italic,  contending 
To  enter  feuerally  :  Pompeys  brought  fo  neere 
By  Romes  confent ;  for  feare  of  tyranous  Ccefar, 
Which  Ccefar  fearing  to  be  done  in  fauour 
Of  Pompey,  and  his  paffage  to  the  Empire ; 
Hath  brought  on  his  for  interuention. 


128  The  Tragedy  of 

And  fuch  a  flocke  of  Puttocks  follow  Ccejar, 
For  fall  of  his  ill-difpofed  Purfe 
(That  neuer  yet  fpar'd  Croffe  to  Aquiline  vertue) 
As  well  may  make  all  ciuill  fpirits  fufpicious. 
Looke  how  againft  great  raines,  a  Handing  Poole 
Of  Paddockes,  Todes,  and  water-Snakes  put  vp 
Their  fpeckl'd  throates  aboue  the  venemous  Lake, 
Croking  and  gafping  for  fome  frefh  falne  drops 
To  quench  their  poifond  thirfl ;  being  neere  to  ftifle 
With  clotterd  purgings  of  their  owne  foule  bane  ; 
So  Hill,  where  Cafar  goes,  there  thrufl  vp  head, 
Importers,  Flatterers,  Fauorites,  and  Bawdes, 
Buffons,  Intelligencers,  fele<5l  wits  ; 
Clofe  Murtherers,  Montibanckes,  and  decaied  Theeues, 
To  gaine  their  banefull  Hues  reliefes  from  him. 
From  Britaine,  Belgia,  France,  and  Germanie, 
The  fcum  of  either  Countrie,  (chus'd  by  him, 
To  be  his  blacke  Guard,  and  red  Agents  here) 
Swarming  about  him. 

Pore.     And  all  thefe  are  faid 
To  be  fuborn'd,  in  chiefe,  againft  your  felfe  ; 
Since  Cczfar  chiefly  feares,  that  you  will  fit 
This  day  his  oppofite  ;  in  the  caufe  for  which 
Both  you  were  lent  for  home  ;  and  he  hath  ftolne 
Acceffe  fo  foone  here  ;  Pompeys  whole  reft  raifde 
To  his  encounter  ;  and  on  both  fides,  Rome 
In  generall  vproare. 
•    Stat.     Which  Sir,  if  you  faw, 
And  knew,  how  for  the  danger,  all  fufpedl 
To  this  your  worthieil  friend   (for  that  knowne  free- 
dome 

His  fpirit  will  vfe  this  day,  'gainft  both  the  Riuals, 
His  wife  and  familie  mourne,  no  food,  no  comfort 
Allowd  them  for  his  danger)  you  would  vfe 
Your  vtmoft  powrs  to  ftay  him  from  the  Senate, 
All  this  daies  Seffion. 

Cat.     Hee's  too  wife,  Statilius, 
For  all  is  nothing. 

Stnt.     Nothing  Sir  1     I  faw 


« 


Caefar  and  Pompey.  129 

Caftor  and  Pollux  Temple,  thrufl  vp  full, 
With  all  the  damn'd  crew  you  haue  lately  nam'd  : 
The  market  place  and  fuburbs  fwarming  with  them  : 
And  where  the  Senate  fit,  are  Ruffians  pointed 
To  keepe  from  entring  the  degrees  that  goe 
Vp  to  the  Bench ;  all  other  but  the  Confuls, 
C&far  and  Pompey,  and  the  Senators, 
And  all  for  no  caufe,  but  to  keepe  out  Cato, 
With  any  violence,  any  villanie ; 
And  is  this  nothing  Sir  ?     Is  his  One  life, 
On  whom  all  good  Hues,  and  their  goods  depend, 
In  Romes  whole  Empire  !     All  the  luflice  there 
That's  free,  and  fimple ;  all  fuch  virtues  too, 
And  all  fuch  knowledge  ;  Nothing,  nothing,  all ! 
Cat.     Away  Statilius  ;   how  long  fhall  thy  loue 
Exceede  thy  knowledge  of  me,  and  the  Gods  1 
Whofe  rights  thou  wrongft  for  my  right  ?  haue  not  I 
Their  powers  to  guard  me,  in  a  caufe  of  theirs  1 
Their  iuflice,  and  integrity  included, 
In  what  I  ftand  for  ?  he  that  feares  the  Gods, 
For  guard  of  any  goodneffe  ;  all  things  feares  ; 
Earth,  Seas,  and  Aire  ;    Heauen,  darkneffe,    broacle 

day-light, 

Rumor,  and  Silence,  and  his  very  made  : 
And  what  an  Afpen  foule  hath  fuch  a  creature  ? 
How  dangerous  to  his  foule  is  fuch  a  feare  1 
In  whofe  cold  fits,  is  all  heauens  iuflice  fhaken 
To  his  faint  thoughts  ;    and  all  the  goodneffe  there 
Due  to  all  good  men,  by  the  gods  owne  vowes, 
Nay,  by  the  firmeneffe  of  their  endleffe  Being. 
All  which  fhall  faile'as  foone  as  any  one 
Good  to  a  good  man  in  them  :  for  his  goodneffe 
Proceeds  from  them,  and  is  a  beame  of  theirs. 
O  neuer  more,  Statilius,  may  this  feare 
Taint  thy  bould  bofome,  for  thy  felfe,  or  friend, 
More  then  the  gods  are  fearefull  to  defend. 

Athen.     Come  j  let  him  goe,  Statilius ;   and  your 
fright ; 


130  The  Tragedy  of 

This  man  hath  .inward  guard,  pafl  your  yong  fight. 

Exeunt. 

Enter  Minutius,  manet  Cato. 

Cat.     Welcome  ;  come  Hand  by  me  in  what  is  fit 
For  our  poore  Cities  fafety  ;  nor  refpec~l 
Her  proudefl  foes  corruption,  or  our  danger 
Of  what  feene  face  foeuer. 

Min.     I  am  yours. 

But  what  alas,  Sir,  can  the  weaknefle  doe 
Againft  our  whole  State  of  vs  only  two  1 
You  know  our  Statiils  fpirits  are  fo  corrupt 
And  feruile  to  the  greatefl ;  that  what  croffeth 
Them,  or  their  owne  particular  wealth,  or  honor, 
They  will  not  enterprife  to  faue  the  Empire. 

Cat.     I  know  it ;   yet  let  vs  doe  like  our  felues. 

Exeunt. 

Enter fome  bearing  Axes,  bundles  of  rods,  bare;  before 

two  Confuls,  Ccefar  and  Metellus  ;  Anthonius,  and 

Marcellus  in  couples  ;  Senators,  People,  Souldiers, 

&c.  following.  The  Confuls  enter  the  Degrees,  with 

Anthonius,  and  Marcellus  :     Cafar  Jlaying  a 

while  without  with  Metellus  who  hath 

a  paper  in  his  hand. 

Caf.     Moue  you  for  entring  only  Pompeys  army  j 
Which  if  you  gaine  for  him ;  for  me,  all  iuilice 
Will  ioyne  with  my  requeft  of  entring  mine. 

Met.     Tis  like  fo,  and  I  purpofe  to  enforce  it. 

Ccef.      But  might  we  not  win  Cato  to  our  friendmip 
By  honoring  fpeeches,  nor  perfwafiue  gifts  1 

Met.     Not  poffible. 

Caf.     Nor  by  enforciue  vfage  1 

Met.     Not  all  the  violence  that  can  be  vfde, 
Of  power,  or  fet  authority  can  ftirre  him, 
Much  leffe  faire  words  win,  or  rewards  corrupt  him  ; 
And  therefore  all  meanes  we  muft  vfe  to  keepe  him 
From  off  the  Bench. 


Caefar  and  Pompey.  131 

Ctzf.  Giue  you  the  courfe  for  that, 
And  if  he  offer  entry,  I  haue  fellowes 
Will  ferue  your  will  on  him,  at  my  giuen  fignall. 

•     They  afcend. 

Enter  Pompey,  Gabinius,  Vibius,  Demetrius,  with 

papers.       Enter  the  Lifts,  afcend  and  fit. 

After  whom  enter  Cato,  Minutius, 

Athenodorus,  Statilius,  Porcius. 

Cat.     He  is  the  man  that  fits  fo  clofe  to  Ccefar, 
And  holds  the  law  there,  whifpering  ;  fee  the  Cowherd 
Hath  guards  of  arm'd  men  got,  againfl  one  naked. 
He  part  their  whifpering  virtue. 

1  Hold,  keepe  out. 

2  What  ?   honor' d   Cato  1    enter,  chufe  thy  place. 
Cat.     Come  in ; 

He  drawes  him  in  and  fits  betwixt  Ccefar  and  Metellus. 

— Away  vnworthy  groomes. 

3.  No  more. 

Caf.     What  mould  one  fay  to  him  1 

Met.     He  will  be  Stoical!. 

Cat.     Where  fit  place  is  not  giuen,  it  mud  be  taken. 

4.  Doe,  take  it  Cato  ;  feare  no  greatefl  of  them  ; 
Thou  feek'ft  the  peoples  good ;  and  thefe  their  owne. 

5.  Braue  Cato  \  what  a  countenance  he  puts  on  ? 
Let's  giue  his  noble  will,  our  vtmoft  power. 

6.  Be  bould  in  all  thy  will ;  for  being  iuft, 
Thou  maifl  defie  the  gods. 

Cat.     Said  like  a  God. 

Met.     We  mud  endure  thefe  people. 

Caef.     Doe ;  begin. 

Met.     Confuls,    and    reuerend   Fathers ;    And   ye 

people, 

Whofe  voyces  are  the  voyces  of  the  Gods  ; 
I  here  haue  drawne  a  law,  by  good  confent, 
For  entring  into  Italy,  the  army 
Of  Romes  great  Pompey  :  that  his  forces  here, 


132  The  Tragedy  of 

As  well  as  he,  great  Rome,  may  reft  fecure 
From  danger  of  the  yet  flill  fmoaking  fire, 
Of  Catilines  abhorr'd  confpiracy  : 
Of  which  the  very  chiefe  are  left  aliue, 
Only  chaftifde/but  with  a  gentle  prifon. 

Cat.     Put  them  to  death  then,  and  flrike  dead  our 

feare, 

That  well  you  vrge,  by  their  vnfit  furuiuall. 
Rather  then  keepe  it  quick  ;  and  two  Hues  giue  it, 
By  entertaining  Pompeys  army  too. 
That  giues  as  great  caufe  of  our  feare,  as  they. 
For  their  confpiracy,  onely  was  to  make 
One  Tyrant  ouer  all  the  State  of  Rome. 
And  Pompeys  army,  fufferd  to  be  entred, 
Is,  to  make  him,  or  giue  him  meanes  to  be  fo. 

Mtt.     It  followes  not. 

Cat.     In  purpofe  ;  clearely  Sir, 
Which  He  illuflrate,  with  a  cleare  example. 
If  it  be  day,  the  Sunne's  aboue  the  Earth ; 
Which  followes  not  (youle  anfwere)  for  'tis  day 
When  firft  the  morning  breakes  ;  and  yet  is  then 
The  body  of  the  Sunne  beneath  the  Earth  ; 
But  he  is  virtually  aboue  it  too,    • 
Becaufe  his  beames  are  there  ;  and  who  then  knowes 

not 

His  golden  body  will  foone  after  mount. 
So  Pompeys  army  entred  Italy, 
Yet  Pompey's  not  in  Rome ;  but  Pompey's  beames 
Who  fees  not  there  ?  and  confequently,  he 
Is  in  all  meanes  enthron'd  in  th'  Emperie. 

Met.     Examples  proue  not,  we  will  haue  the  army 
Of  Pompey  entred. 

Cato.     We  ?  which  we  intend  you  ? 
Haue  you  already  bought  the  peoples  voices  % 
Or  beare  our  Confuls  or  our  Senate  here 
So  fmall  loue  to  their  Country ;  that  their  wills 
Beyond  their  Countrys  right  are  fo  peruerfe, 
To  giue  a  Tyrant  here  entire  command  ? 
Which  I  haue  prou'd  as  cleare  as  day,  they  doe, 


Caefar  and  Pompey,  1 33 

If  either  the  Confpirators  furuiuing    ' 

Be  let  to  Hue  ;  or  Pompeys  army  entred  ; 

Both  which,  beat  one   fole    path ;    and   threat   one 

danger. 
CcRf.     Confuls,   and   honor'd    Fathers;    The   fole 

entry 

Of  Pomfeys  army,  He  not  yet  examine  : 
But  for  the  great  Confpirators  yet  liuing, 
(Which  Cato  will  conclude  as  one  felfe  danger, 
To  our  deare  Country ;  and  deterre  all  therefore 
That  loue  their  Country,  from  their  Hues  defence 
I  fee  no  reafon  why  fuch  danger  hangs 
On  their  iau'd  Hues  ;  being  flill  fafe  kept  in  prifon  ; 
And  fince  clofe  prifon,  to  a  Roman  freedome, 
Ten  fold  torments  more,  then  directed  death, 
Who  can  be  thought  to  loue  the  leffe  his  Country, 
That  feekes  to  faue  their  Hues  ?  And  left  my  felfe 
(Thus  fpeaking  for  them)  be  vniuftly  toucht 
With  any  leffe  doubt  of  my  Countryes  loue, 
Why  (reuerend  Fathers)  may  it  be  efteem'd 
Selfe  praife  in  me,  to  proue  my  felfe  a  chiefe 
Both  in  my  loue  of  her ;  and  in  defert 
Of  her  like  loue  in  me  :  For  he  that  does 
Moll  honour  to  his  Miftriffe  ;  well  may  boafl 
(Without  lead  queflion)  that  he  loues  her  moil. 
And  though  things  long  fmce  done,  were  long  fmce 

known, 

And  fo  may  feeme  fuperfluous  to  repeat ; 
Yet  being  forgotten,  as  things  neuer  done, 
Their  repetition  needful  is,  in  iuflice, 
T'enflame  the  fhame  of  that  obliuion  : 
For  hoping  it  will  feeme  no  leffe  empaire 
To  others  acts,  to  truely  tell  mine  owne  ; 
Put  all  together ;  I  haue  pad  them  all 
That  by  their  acls  can  boaft  themfelues  to  be 
Their  Countries   louers :    firft  in    thofe   wilde   king- 
domes 

Subdu'd  to  Rome,  by  my  vnwearied  toyles. 
Which  I  diffauag'd  and  made  nobly  ciuill. 


134  The  Tragedy  of 

Next,  in  the  multitude  of  thofe  rude  Realmes 
That  fo  I  fafhiond ;  and  to  Romes  yong  Empire 
Of  old  haue  added  :  Then  the  battailes  numbred 
This  hand  hath  fought,  and  wonne  for  her,  with  all 
Thofe  infinites  of  dreadfull  enemies 
(I  flue  in  them  :  Twice  fifteene  hundred  thoufand 
All  able  Souldiers)  I  haue  driuen  at  once 
Before  my  forces  :  and  in  fundry  onfets, 
A  thoufand  thoufand  of  them,  put  to  fword  : 
Befides,  I  tooke  in  leffe  then  ten  yeares  time, 
By  ftrong  affault,  aboue  eight  hundred  Cities, 
Three  hundred  feuerall  Nations,  in  that  fpace, 
Subduing  to  my  Countrey  ;  all  which  feruice, 
I  trull,  may  interefl  me  in  her  loue, 
Publique,  and  generall  enough,  to  aquit  me 
Of  any  felfe-loue  ;  pall  her  common  good  : 
For  any  motion  of  particular  iuftice 
(By  which  her  generall  Empire  is  maintaind) 
That  I  can  make  for  thofe  accufed  prifoners, 
Which  is  but  by  the  way ;  that  fo  the  reafon 
Metellus  makes  for  entring  Pompeys  armie, 
May  not  more  weighty  feeme,  then  to  agree 
With  thofe  imprifon'd  nobles,  vitall  fafeties. 
Which  granted,  or  but  yeelded  fit  to  be, 
May  well  extenuate  the  neceflity 
Of  entring  Pompeys  armie. 

Cat.     All  that  need 

I  tooke  away  before  ;  and  reafons  gaue 
For  a  neceflity  to  keepe  it  out 
Whofe  entry  (I  think e)  he  himfelfe  affecls  not 
Since  I  as  well  thinke  he  affecls  not  th'  Empire, 
And  both  thofe  thoughts  hold ;  fmce  he  loues  his 

Country, 

In  my  great  hopes  of  him  too  well  to  feeke 
His  fole  rule  of  her,  when  fo  many  foules, 
So  hard  a  taske  approue  it ;  nor  my  hopes 
Of  his  fmcere  loue  to  his  Country,  build 
On  fandier  grounds  then  Ccefars  •  fmce  he  can 
As  good  Cards  Ihew  for  it  as  Cafar  did, 


Caefar  and  Pompey.  135 

And  quit  therein  the  clofe  afperfion 
Of  his  ambition,  feeking  to  imploy 
His  army  in  the  breaft  of  Italy. 
Pomp.     Let   me    not   thus    (imperiall    Bench   and 

Senate) 

Feele  my  felfe  beat  about  the  eares,  and  toft 
With  others  breathes  to  any  coaft  they  pleafe  : 
And  not  put  fome  flay  to  my  errors  in  them. 
The  gods  can  witneffe  that  not  my  ambition 
Hath  brought  to  queflion  th'  entry  of  my  army, 
And  therefore  not  fufpecled  the  effect, 
Of  which  that  entry  is  fuppofde  the  caufe  : 
Which  is  a  will  in  me,  to  giue  my  power 
The  rule  of  Romes  fole  Empire  ;  that  mod  flrangely 
Would  put  my  will  in  others  powers  ;  and  powers 
(Vnforfeit  by  my  fault)  in  others  wills. 
My  felfe-loue,  out  of  which  all  this  mufl  rife  : 
I  will  not  wrong  the  knowne  proofes  of  my  loue 
To  this  my  natiue  Cities  publique  good, 
To  quit,  or  thinke  of ;  nor  repeat  thofe  proofes 
Confirm' d  in  thofe  three  triumphs  I  haue  made  ; 
For  conquefl  of  the  whole  inhabited  world  ; 
Firfl  A/rick,  Europe,  and  then  Afia, 
Which  neuer  Confull  but  my  felfe  could  boafl. 
Nor  can  blinde  Fortune  vaunt  her  partiall  hand, 
In  any  part  of  all  my  feruices, 

Though  fome  haue  faid,  me  was  the  page  of  Ccefar, 
Both  fayling,  marching,  fighting,  and  preparing 
His  fights  in  very  order  of  his  battailes  : 
The  parts  me  plaid  for  him  inuerting  nature, 
As  giuing  calmneffe  to  th'  enraged  fea  ; 
Impofing  Summers  weather  on  flerne  winter ; 
Winging  the  floweft  foot  he  did  command, 
And  his  moft  Cowherd  making  fierce  of  hand. 
And  all  this  euer  when  the  force  of  man 
Was  quite  exceeded  in  it  all ;  and  me 
In  th'  inflant  adding  her  cleare  deity. 
Yet,  her  for  me,  I  both  difclaime  and  fcorne  ; 
And  where  all  fortune  is  renounc't,  no  reafon 


1 36  The  Tragedy  of 

Will  thinke  one  man  transferd  with  affectation 
Of  all  Romes  Empire  ;  for  he  mufl  haue  fortune 
That  goes  beyond  a  man  ;  and  where  fo  many 
Their  hand-fulls  finde  with  it ;  the  one  is  mad 
That  vndergoes  it :  and  where  that  is  clear'  d; 
Th'  imputed  meanes  to  it,  which  is  my  fute 
For  entry  of  mine  army,  I  confute. 

Cat.     What  refts  then,  this  of  all  parts  being  dif- 
claimd  ? 

Met.     My  part,   Sir,   refts,   that  let  great  Pompey 

beare 

What  fpirit  he  lifts  ;  'tis  needfull  yet  for  Rome, 
That  this  Law  be  eilablifht  for  his  army. 

Caf.     Tis  then  as  needfull  to  admit  in  mine  ; 
Or  elfe  let  both  lay  downe  our  armes  ;  for  elfe 
To  take  my  charge  off,  and  leaue  Pompey  his ; 
You  wrongfully  accufe  me  to  intend 
A  tyranny  amongft  ye :  and  mall  giue 
Pompey  full  meanes  to  be  himfelfe  a  tyrant. 

Anth.     Can  this  be  anfwer'd  ? 

1.  Conf.     Is  it  then  your  wils 
That  Pompey  mall  ceafe  armes  1 

Anth.     What  elfe  ] 
Omnes.     No,  no. 

2.  Conf.     Shall  Ccefar  ceafe  his  armes  1 
Omn.     I,  I. 

Anth.     For  fhame 

Then  yeeld  to  this  cleare  equity,  that  both 
May  leaue  their  armes. 

Omn.     We  indifferent  ftand. 

Met.     Read  but  this  law,  and  you  (hall  fee  a  differ 
ence 

Twixt  equity  and  your  indifferency  ; 
All  mens  obieclions  anfwered  ;  Read  it  Notary. 

Cat.     He  mail  not  read  it. 

Met.     I  will  read  it  then. 

Mm.     Nor  thou  malt  read  it,  being  a  thing  fo  vaine, 
Pretending  caufe  for  Pompeys  armies  entry, 
That  only  by  thy  Complices  and  thee  ; 


Csefar  and  Pompey.  137 

Tis  forg'd  to  fet  the  Senate  in  an  vproare. 

Met.     I  haue  it  Sir,  in  memory,  and  will  fpeake  it. 

Cat.     Thou  malt  be  dumbe  as  foone. 

Ccef.     Pull  downe  this  Goto, 
Author  of  factions,  and  to  prifon  with  him. 

Gen.     Come  downe  Sir.  He  drawes. 

Pom.     Hence  ye  mercenary  Ruffians,  and  all  draw. 

i.   Conf.     What   outrage   mew   you?    fheath   your 

infolent  fvvords, 
Or  be  proclaim'd  your  Countreys  foes  and  traytors. 

Pom.     How  infolent  a  part  was  this  in  you, 
To  offer  the  imprifonment  of  Cato  ? 
When  there  is  right  in  him  (were  forme  fo  anfwer'd 
With  termes  and  place)  to  fend  vs  both  to  prifon  ? 
If,  of  our  owne  ambitions,  we  mould  offer 
Th'  entry  of  our  armies ;  for  who  knowes  • 
That,  of  vs  both,  the  bell  friend  to  his  Country, 
And  freeft  from  his  owne  particular  ends  ; 
(Being  in  his  power)  would  not  affume  the  Empire, 
And  hauing  it,  could  rule  the  State  fo  well 
As  now  'tis  gouer'nd,  for  the  common  good  ? 

Ccef.      Accufe  your  felfe,  Sir,  (if  your  confcience 

vrge  it) 

.Or  of  ambition,  or  corruption, 
Or  infufficiency  to  rule  the  Empire, 
And  found  not  me  with  your  Lead. 

Pom.     Lead  ?  tis  Gold, 

And  fpirit  of  Gold  too  ;  to  the  politique  droffe 
With  which  falfe  Ccefar  founds  men  ;  and  for  which 
His  praife  and  honour  crown es  them  ;  who  founds  not 
The  inmofl  fand  of  C&far  1  for  but  fand 
Is  all  the  rope  of  your  great  parts  affected. 
You  fpeake  well,  and  are  learn'd  ;  and  golden  fpeech 
Did  Nature  neuer  giue  man ;  but  to  guild 
A  copper  foule  in  him ;  and  all  that  learning 
That  heartily  is  fpent  in  painting  fpeech, 
Is  merely  painted,  and  no  folid  knowledge. 
But  y'aue  another  praife  for  temperance, 


The  Tragedy  of 

Which  nought  commends  your  free  choice  to  be  tem 
perate. 

For  fo  you  muft  be  ;  at  leafl  in  your  meales, 
Since  y'aue  a  malady  that  tyes  you  to  it ; 
For  fe'are  of  daily  fals  in  your  afpirings. 
And  your  difeafe  the  gods  nere  gaue  to  man  ; 
But  fuch  a  one,  as  had  a  fpirit  too  great 
For  all  his  bodies  paffages  to  ferue  it, 
Which  notes  th'  exceffe  of  your  ambition. 
The  malady  chancing  where  the  pores  and  paffages 
Through  which  the  fpirit  of  a  man  is  borne, 
So  narrow  are,  and  ftraight,  that  oftentimes 
They  intercept  it  quite,  and  choake  it  vp. 
And  yet  becaufe  the  greatneffe  of  it  notes 
A  heat  mere  flefhly,  and  of  bloods  ranck  fire, 
Goates  are  of  all  beafls  fubiecTfl  to  it  moft. 

Ctzf.      Your  felfe  might  haue  it  then,  if  thofe  faults 

caufe  it ; 

But  deales  this  man  ingenioufly,  to  tax 
Men  with  a  frailty  that  the  gods  inflict  1 

Pomp.     The  gods  inflict  on  men,  difeafes  neuer, 
Or  other  outward  maimes  ;  but  to  decipher, 
Correct,  and  order  fome  rude  vice  within  them  : 
And  why  decipher  they  it,  but  to  make 
Men  note,  and  fhun,  and  tax  it  to  th'  extreame  ? 
Nor  will  I  fee  my  Countries  hopes  abufde, 
In  any  man  commanding  in  her  Empire ; 
If  my  more  tryall  of  him,  makes  me  fee  more 
Into  his  intricafies  ;  and  my  freedome 
Hath  fpirit  to  fpeake  more,  then  obferuers  feruile. 

Ccef.      Be  free,  Sir,  of  your  infight  and  your  fpeech ; 
And  fpeak,  and  fee  more,  then  the  world  befides  ; 
I  mud  remember  I  haue  heard  of  one, 
That  fame  gaue  out,  could  fee  thorow  Oke  and  flone : 
And  of  another  fet  in  Sicily, 
That  could  difcerne  the  Carthaginian  Nauy, 
And  number  them  diftinclly,  leauing  harbor, 
Though  full  a  day  and  nights  faile  diflant  thence  : 
But  thefe  things  (Reuerend  Fathers)  I  conceiue, 


Caefar  and  Pompey.  139 

Hardly  appeare  to  you  worth  graue  beliefe  : 

And  therefore  fmce  fuch  ftrange  things  haue  beene 

feene 

In  my  fo  deepe  and  foule  detractions, 
By  only  Lyncean  Pompey  ;  who  was  moft 
Lou'd  and  beleeu'd  of  Romes  moft  famous  whore, 
Infamous  Flora  \  by  fo  fine  a  man 
As  Galba,  or  Sarmentus  ;  any  iefter 
Or  flatterer  may  draw  through  a  Ladyes  Ring ; 
By  one  that  all  his  Souldiers  call  in  fcorne 
Great   Agamemnon,  or  the  King  of  men  ; 
I  reft  vnmou'd  with  him  ;  and  yeeld  to  you 
To  right  my  wrongs,  or  his  abufe  allow. 

Cat.     My  Lords,  ye   make   all   Rome   amaz'd    to 

heare. 

Pom.     Away,  He  heare  no  more  ;  I  heare  it  thun 
der 

My  Lords  ;  All  you  that  loue  the  good  of  Rome, 
I  charge  ye,  follow  me ;  all  fuch  as  ftay, 
Are  friends  to  Ccefar,  and  their  Countreys  foes. 
Cczf.     Th'  euent  will  fall  out  contrary,  my  Lords. 

1.  Conf.     Goe,  thou  art  a  thiefe  to  Rome,  dif charge 
thine  army, 

Or  be  proclaim'd,  forthwith,  her  open  foe. 

2.  Conf.     Pompey y  I  charge  thee,  helpe  thy  iniur'd 
Country 

With  what  powers  thou  haft  arm'd,  and  leuy  more. 
The  Ruffians.     Warre,  warre,  O  Ccefar. 
Sen.  andPtop.     Peace,  peace,  worthy  Pompey. 


140  The  Tragedy  of 


Ad  II.      Scene  I. 

Enter  Pronto  all  ragg'd,  in  an  ouergrowne  red 

Heard,  black  head,  with  a  Halter  in  his  hand, 

looking  about. 

WArres,  warres,  and  preffes,  fly  in  fire  about ; 
No  more  can  I  lurke  in  my  lafie  corners, 
Nor  miftmg  courfes :  and  with  honeft  meanes 
To  rack  my  miferable  life  out,  more, 
The  rack  is  not  fo  fearefull ;  when  difhoneft 
And  villanous  fafhions  faile  me  ;  can  I  hope 
To  liue  with  virtuous  ?  or  to  raife  my  fortunes 
By  creeping  vp  in  Souldierly  degrees  ? 
Since  villany  varied  thorow  all  his  figures, 
Will  put  no  better  cafe  on  me  then  this ; 
Defpaire  !  come  feafe  me  :  I  had  able  meanes  ; 
And  fpent  all  in  the  fwinge  of  lewd  affections  ; 
Plung'd  in  all  riot,  and  the  rage  of  blood  \ 
In  full  affurance  that  being  knaue  enough, 
Barbarous  enough,  bafe,  ignorant  enough, 
I  needs  mud  haue  enough,  while  this  world  lailed ; 
Yet,  fince  I  am  a  poore,  and  ragged  knaue, 
My  rags  difgrace  my  knauery  fo,  that  none 
Will  thinke  I  am  knaue ;  as  if  good  clothes 
Were  knacks  to  know  a  knaue  ;  when  all  men  know 
He  has  no  liuing  ?  which  knacks  fince  my  knauery 
Can  (hew  no  more ;  and  only  (hew  is  all 
That  this  world  cares  for ;  lie  flep  out  of  all 
The  cares  'tis  fteept  in.          He  offers  to  hang  himfelfe. 

Thunder,  and  the  Gulfe  opens,  flames  ifluing; 

and  Ophioneus  afcending,   with  the  face, 

wings,  and  taile  of  a  Dragon  ;  a  skin 

coate  all  fpeckled  on  the  throat. 

Oph.     Hold  Rafcall,  hang  thy  felfe  in  thefe  dayes  1 


Caefar  and  Pompey.  1 4 1 

The  only  time  that  euer  was  for  a  Rafcall  to  Hue  in  ? 

Fron.     How  chance  I  cannot  Hue  then  1 

Oph.     Either  th'art  not  rafcall  nor  villaine  enough  ; 
Or  elfe  thou  doft  not  pretend  honefty 
And  piety  enough  to  difguife  it. 

Fro.     That's  certaine,  for  euery  afle  does  that. 
What  art  thou  1 

Oph.     O  villaine  worfe  then  thou. 

Fro.     And  doft  breathe  ? 

Oph.     I   fpeake,    thou   hear'ft,    I  moue,  my  pulfe 

beates 
Faft  as  thine. 

Fro.     And  wherefpre  liu'ft  thou  '? 

Oph.     The  world's  out  of  frame,  a  thoufand  Rulers 
Wrefting  it  this  way,  and  that,  with  as  many 
Religions  ;  when,  as  heauens  vpper  Sphere  is  mou'd 
Onely  by  one ;  fo  mould  the  Sphere  of  earth  be,  and 
lie  haue  it  fo. 

Fro.     How  canft  thou  ?  what  art  thou  1 

Oph.     My  mape  may  tell  thee. 

Fro.     No  man  ? 

Oph.     Man  ?  no,  fpawne  of  a  clot,  none  of  that 

curfed 
Crew,  damn'd  in  the  maffe  it  felfe;    plagu'd  in  m's 

birth, 

Confinde  to  creepe  below,  and  wreftle  with  the  Ele 
ments  ; 

Teach  himfelfe  tortures ;  kill  himfelfe,  hang  himfelfe  ; 
No  fuch  gaily  flaue,  but  at  warre  with  heauen  ; 
Spurning  the  power  of  the  gods,  command  the  Ele 
ments. 

Fro.     What  maift  thou  be  theu  ^ 

Oph.     An  endleffe  friend  of  thine ;   an  immortall 
deuill. 

Fro.     Heauen  bleffe  vs. 

Oph.     Nay   then,   forth,  goe,  hang  thy  felfe,  and 

thou  talk'ft 
Of  heauen  once. 

Fro.     I  haue  done  ;   what  deuill  art  thou  1 


142  The  Tragedy  of 

Oph.     Read   the   old   ftoick  Pherecides,  that  tels 

thee 

Me  truly,  and  fayes  that  I  Ophioneus  (for  fo  is 
My  name. 

Fro.     Ophioneus  ?  what's  that  1 

Oph.       Deuilifh  Serpent,   by  interpretation ;    was 

generall 

Captain  e  of  that  rebellious  hofl  of  fpirits  that 
Wag'd  warre  with  heauen. 

Fro.     And  fo  were  hurl'd  downe  to  hell. 

Oph.     We  were  fo ;  and  yet  haue  the  rule  of  earth ; 

and  cares 
Any  man  for  the  worft  of  hell  then  1 

Fro.     Why  mould  he  ? 

Oph.     Well  faid  ;  what's  thy  name  now  ? 

Fro.     My  name  is  Fronto. 

Oph.    Fronto  ?  A  good  one ;  and  has  Fronto  liu'd 

thus  long 

In  Rome  1  loft  his  ftate  at  dice "?  murther'd  his 
Brother  for  his  meanes  ?   fpent  all  ?    run  thorow  worfe 
Offices  fmce  1  beene  a  Promoter  ?  a  Purueyor  ?  a  Pan 
der? 

A  jSumner  1   a  Sergeant  ?  an  Intelligencer  1  and  at  laft 
Mug  thy  felfe  ? 

Fro.     How  the  deuill  knowes  he  all  this  ? 

Oph.       Why  thou   art   a   moft   greene   Plouer   in 

policy,  I 

Perceiue  ;  and  maift  drinke  Colts-foote,  for  all  thy 
Horfemane  beard  :  S'light,  what  need  haft 
TKou  to  hang  thy  felfe  ? .  as  if  there  were  a  dearth 
Of  hangmen  in  the  land  1  Thou  liu'ft  in  a  good  cheape 
State,  a  man  may  be  hang'd  here  for  a  little,  or 
Nothing.     What's  the  reafon  of  thy  defperation  ? 

Gro.      My  idle  diffolute  life,  is  thruft  out  of  all  his 

corners 
By  this  fearching  tumult  now  on  foot  in  Rome. 

Ccefar  now  and  Pompey 

Are  both  for  battaile  :  Pompey  (in  his  feare 
Of  Cafars  greater  force)  is  fending  hence 


Csefar  and  Pompey.  143 

His  wife  and  children,  and  he  bent  to  fly. 

Enter  Pompey  running  over  the  Stage  with  his  wife 

and  children,  Gabinius,  Demetrius,  Vibius, 

Pages  ;  other  Senators,  the  Confuls  and 

all  following. 

See,  all  are  on  their  wings  ;  and  all  the  City 
In  fuch  an  vproare,  as  if  fire  and  fword 
Were  ranfacking,  and  ruining  their  houfes, 
No  idle  perfon  now  can  lurke  neare  Rome, 
All  muft  to  armes  ;  or  make  their  heeles  beneath 
Her  martiall  halters  ;  whofe  officious  pride 
He  fhun,  and  vfe  mine  owne  fwinge  :  I  be  forc't 
To  helpe  my  Countrey,  when  it  forceth  me 
To  this  pafl-helping  pickle  ? 

Oph.     Goe  to,  thou  malt  feme  me  ;    chufe  thy  pro- 

feffion ;  • 

And  what  cloth  thou  wouldft  wifh  to  haue  thy  Coat 
Cut  out  on. 

Fro.     I  can  name  none. 

Oph.     Shall  I  be  thy  learn'd  Counfaile  \ 

Fro.     None  better. 

Oph.     Be  an  Archflamen  then,  to  one  of  the  Gods. 

Fro.     Archflamen  ?     what's  that  ? 

Oph.     A  Prieft. 

Fro.     A  Prieft  ?  that  nere  was  Clerke  1 

Oph.     No  Clerke  ?     what  then  ? 
The  greateft  Clerks  are  not  the  wifefl  men. 
Nor  skils  it  for  degrees  in  a  knaue,  or  a  fooles  prefer 
ment, 

Thou  malt  rife  by  fortune  :  let  defert  rife  leifurely 
Enough,  and  by  degrees  ;    fortune  preferres  headlong, 
And  comes  like  riches  to  a  man ;  huge  riches  being 
Got  with  little  paines ;    and  little  with  huge  paines. 

And 

For  difcharge  of  the  Priefthood,  what  thou  wantil 
In  learning,  thou  fhalt  take  out  in  goodfellowfhip  : 
Thou  fhalt  equiuocate  with  the  Sophifter,  prate  with 


144  The  Tragedy   of 

The  Lawyer,  fcrape  with  the  Vfurer,  drinke  with  the 
Dutchman,  fweare  with  the  French  man,  cheat 
With  the  Englifti  man,  brag  with  the  Scot,  and 
Turne  all  this  to  Religion,  Hoc  eft  regnum 
Deorum  Gentibus. 

Fro.     All  this  I  can  doe  to  a  haire. 

Oph.      Very  good,  wilt  thou  mew  thy  felfe  deepely 

learn'd  too, 

And  to  Hue  licentioufly  here,  care  for  nothing  here 
after  1 

Fro.     Not  for  hell  \ 

Oph.      For  hell  ?   foft  Sir  ;   hop'ft  thou  to  purchafe 

hell 

With  only  dicing  or  whoring  away  thy  liuing  1 
Murthering  thy  brother,  and  fo  forth  ?     No  there 
Remaine  works  of  a  higher  hand  and  deeper  braine, 
To  obtaine  hell.     Thinkft  thou  earths  great 
Potentates  haue  gotten  their  places  there'  with 
Any  fmgle  ac~l  of  murther,  poyfoning,  adultery, 
And  the  reft  ?    No  ;  tis  a  purchafe  for  all  manner 
Of  villany  ;  efpecially,  that  may  be  priuiledg'd 
By  Authority ;  colourd  with  holineffe,  and  enioyd 
With  pleafure. 

Fro.      O  this  were  moft  honourable  and  admirable. 

Oph.     Why  fuch  an  admirable  honorable  villane 

malt 
Thou  be. 

Fro.     Is't  poffible  ? 

Oph.     Make  no  doubt  on't ;   He  infpire  thee. 

Fro.     Sacred  and  puiffant.  He  kneeles. 

Oph.     Away  ;    Companion  and  friend,  giue  me  thy 
Hand  ;  fay,  doft  not  loue  me  I  art  not  enamourd 
Of  my  acquaintance  1 

Fro.     Proteft  I  am. 

Oph.    Well  faid,  proteft  and  tis  enough.  And  know 

for 

Infallible  ;  I  haue  promotion  for  thee  ;  both  here,  and 
Hereafter  ;  which  not  one  great  one  amongft 
Millions  mall  euer  afpire  to.     Alexander,  nor  great 


Caefar  and  Pompey.  145 

Cyrus,  retaine  thofe  titles  in  hell,  that  they  did 
On  earth. 

Fron.     No  ?        Oph.     No  :   he  that  fold   Seacoale 

here,  mall  be 

A  Baron  there  ;  he  that  was  a  cheating 
Rogue  here,  mall  be  a  luflice  of  peace  there  ; 
A  knaue  here,  a  knight  there.     In  the  meane 
Space,  learne  what  it  is  to  Hue  ;  and  thou  fhalt 
Haue  Chopines  at  commandment  to  any  height 
Of  life  thou  canfl  wifh. 

Fro.     I  feare  my  fall  is  too  low. 

Qph.      Too   low  foole?    haft  thou  not  heard  of 

Vulcans  falling 

Out  of  heauen  ?     Light  a  thy  legges,  and  no  matter 
Thou  thou  halt'fl  with  thy  beft  friend  euer  after ;  tis 
The  more  comely  and  fafhionable.      Better  goe  lame 
In  the  fafhion  with  Pcmpey,  then  neuer  fo  vpright, 
Quite  out  of  the  fafhion  with  Cato. 

Fro.     Yet  you  cannot  change  the  old  fafhion  (they 

fay) 
And  hide  your  clouen  feet. 

Oph.     No  ?    I  can  weare  Rofes  that  fhall  fpread 

quite 
Ouer  them. 

Fro.     For  loue  of  the  fafhion  doe  then. 

Oph.     Goe  to ;   I  will  hereafter. 

Fro.     But  for  the  Priefthood  you  offer  me,  I  affect 
it  not. 

Oph.     No  ?     what  faift  thou  to  a  rich  office  then  ? 

Fro.     The  only  fecond  meanes  to  raife  a  rafcall 
In  the  earth. 

Oph.      Goe  to ;  lie  helpe  thee  to  the  beft  ith  earth 

then  : 

And  that's  in  Sicilia ;  the  very  ftorehoufe  of  the 
Romanes,  where  the  Lord  chiefe  Cenfor  there 
Lyes  now  a  dying ;  whofe  foule  I  will  haue  ;  and 
Thou  fhalt  haue  his  office.    ' 

Fro.       Excellent;    was   euer    great    office    better 
fupplied  ?  Exeunt. 

K 


146  The  Tragedy   of 

Nuntius. 

Now  is  the  mighty  Empreffe  of  the  earth 
(Great  Rome)  faft  lockt  vp  in  her  fancied  ftrength, 
All  broke  in  vproares  ;  fearing  the  iufl  gods 
In  plagues  will  drown e  her  fo  abufed  bleffings. 
In  which  feare,  all  without  her  wals,  fly  in  ; 
By  both  their  iarring  Champions  rufhing  out ; 
And  thofe  that  were  within,  as  faft  fly  forth  ; 
The  Confuls  both  are  fled  without  one  rite 
Of  facrifice  fubmitted  to  the  gods, 
As  euer  heretofore  their  cuftome  was 
When  they  began  the  bloody  frights  of  warre. 
Tn  which  our  two  great  Souldiers  now  encountring, 
Since  both  left  Rome>  oppos'd  in  bitter  skirmifh, 
Pompey  (not  willing  yet  to  hazard  battaile, 
By  Catos  counfaile,  vrging  good  caufe)  fled : 
Which  firing  Ccefars  fpirit ;  he  purfu'd 
So  home,  and  fiercely,  that  great  Pompey  skorning 
The  heart  he  tooke,  by  his  aduifed  flight, 
Defpifde  aduice  as  much  as  his  purfuite. 
And  as  in  Lybia,  an  aged  Lion, 
Vrg'd  from  his  peacefull  couert,  feares  the  light, 
With  his  vnready  and  difeaf'd  appearance, 
Giues  way  to  chace  a  while,  and  coldly  hunts, 
Till  with  the  youthfull  hunters  wanton  heat, 
He  all  his  coole  wrath  frets  into  a  flame : 
And  then  his  fides  he  fwinges  with  his  Sterne, 
To  lafti  his  ftrenth  vp,  let's  downe  all  his  browes 
About  his  burning  eyes ;  creels  his  mane, 
Breakes  all  his  throat  in  thunders,  and  to  wreake 
His  hunters  infolence,  his  heart  euen  barking  ; 
He  frees  his  fury,  turnes,  and  rufhes  back 
With  fuch  a  gaftly  horror,  that  in  heapes, 
His  proud  foes  fly,  and  he  that  ftation  keepes  : 
So  Pompey s  coole  fpirits,  put  to  all  their  heat 
By  Cafars  hard  purfuit  he  turnd  frefti  head, 
And  flew  vpon  his  foe  with  fuch  a  rapture 
As  tooke  vp  into  furies,  all  friends  feares ; 
Who  fir'd  with  his  firft  turning,  all  turnd  head, 


C^efar  and  Pompey.  147 

And  gaue  fo  fierce  a  charge,  their  followers  fled, 
Whofe  inftant  iffue  on  their  both  fides,  fee, 
And  after  fet  out  fuch  a  tragedy, 
As  all  the  Princes  of  the  earth  may  come 
To  take  their  patternes  by  the  fpirits  of  Rome. 

Alar  me,   after   which   enter    Cczfar  following   Crajfi- 
nius  calling  to  the  Souldiers. 

Craff.     Stay  cowherd,  fly  ye  Cafars  fortunes  1 
Caf.       Forbeare,  foolifh  Craffiniust  we  contend  in 

vaine 

To  Hay  thefe  vapours,  and  mufl  raife  our  Campe. 
Crajj.     How  mall  we  rife  (my  Lord)  but  all  in  vp- 

roares, 
Being  flill  purfude  1 

Enter  Atilius. 

The  purfuit  flayes,  my  Lord, 

Pompey  hath  founded  a  retreat,  refigning 

His  time  to  you  to  vfe,  in  inftant  rayfing 

Your  ill-lodg'd  army,  pitching  now  where  fortune 

May  good  amends  make  for  her  fault  to  day. 

Caf.     It  was  not  fortunes  fault,  but  mine  Acilius, 
To  giue  my  foe  charge,  being  fo  neare  the  fea, 
Where  well  I  knew  the  eminence  of  his  ftrength, 
And  mould  haue  driuen  th'  encounter  further  off ; 
Bearing  before  me  fuch  a  goodly  Country, 
So  plentifull,  and  rich,  in  all  things  fit 
To  haue  fuppli'd  my  armies  want  with  victuals, 
And  th'  able  Cities  too,  to  ftrengthen  it, 
Of  Macedon  and  Theffaly,  where  now 
I  rather  was  befieg'd  for  want  of  food, 
Then  did  affault  with  fighting  force  of  armes. 

Enter  Anthony ',  Vibius^  with  others. 

Ant.     See,  Sir,  here's  one  friend  of  your  foes  re- 

couer'd. 
Cczf.      Vibius'l     In  happy  houre. 


148  The  Tragedy  of 

Vib.     For  me  vnhappy. 

Caf.     What  ?  brought  againfl  your  will  ? 

Vib.     Elfe  had  not  come. 

Ant.     Sir,  hee's  your  prifoner,  but  had  made  you 

his, 

Had  all  the  reft  purfu'd  the  chace  like  him  ; 
He  draue  on  like  a  fury ;  paft  all  friends, 
But  we  that  tooke  him  quick  in  his  engagement. 

Ccsf.     O    Vibius,  you  deferue  to  pay  a  ranfome 
Of  infinite  rate,  for  had  your  Generall  ioyn'd 
In  your  addreffion,  or  knowne  how  to  conquer ; 
This  day  had  prou'd  him  the  fupreame  of  Ccefar? 

Vib.     Knowne  how  to  conquer  ?    His  fiue  hundred 

Conquefts 

Atchieu'd  ere  this  day,  make  that  doubt  vnfit 
For  him  that  flyes  him  ;   for,  of  iffues  doubtfuil 
Who  can  at  all  times  put  on  for  the  beft  ? 
If  I  were  mad,  muft  hee  his  army  venture 
In  my  engagement  ?     Nor  are  Generalls  euer 
Their  powers  difpofers,  by  their  proper  Angels, 
But  truft  againfl.  them,  oftentimes,  their  Counfailes, 
Wherein,  I  doubt  not,  Cafars  felfe  hath  err'd 
Sometimes  as  well' as  Pompey. 

Ccef.     Or  done  worfe, 
In  difobeying  my  Counfaile  ( Vibius) 
Of  which,  this  dayes  abufed  light  is  witneffe  ; 
By  which  I  might  haue  feene  a  courfe  fecure 
Of  this  difcomfiture. 

Ant.     Amends  fits  euer 

Aboue  repentance,  what's  done,  wifh  not  vndone  ; 
But  that  prepared  patience  that  you  know 
Beft  fits  a  fouldier  charg'd  with  hardeft  fortunes ; 
Asks  ftill  your  vfe,  fince  powers  ftill  temperate  kept 
Ope  ftill  the  clearer  eyes  by  one  faults  fight 
To  place  the  next  ac~l,  in  the  furer  right. 

Ccef.     You  prompt  me  nobly  Sir,  repayring  in  me 
Mine  owne  ftayes  practice,  out  of  whofe  repofe, 
The  ftrong  convulfions  of  my  fpirits  forc't  me 
Thus  farre  beyond  my  temper  \   but  good  Vibius, 


i 


Csefar  and  Pompey.  149 

Be  ranfom'd  with  my  loue,  and  hafte  to  Pompey ', 
Entreating  him  from  me,  that  we  may  meet, 
And  for  that  reafon  which  I  know  this  day 
(Was  giuen  by  Cato,  for  his  purfutes  flay 
Which  was  preuention  of  our  Romane  blood1* 
Propofe  my  offer  of  our  hearty  peace. 
That  being  reconcil'd,  and  mutuall  faith 
Giuen  on  our  either  part,  not  three  dayes  light 
May  further  mew  vs  foes,  but  (both  our  armies 
Difperft  in  Garifons)  we  may  returne 
Within  that  time  to  Italy,  fuch  friends 
As  in  our  Countryes  loue,  containe  our  fplenes. 

Vit.     Tis  offerd,  Sir,  'boue  the  rate  of  Cos  far, 
In  other  men,  but  in  what  I  approue 
Beneath  his  merits :  which  I  will  not  faile 
T'  enforce  at  full  to  Pompey,  nor  forget 
In  any  time  the  gratitude  of  my  feruice.     F^ti^K 

Ccef.  Your  loue,  Sir,  and  your  friendfhip.        &>  exit. 

Ant.  This  prepares  a  good  induction  to  the  change 

of  fortune, " 

In  this  dayes  iffue,  if  the  pride  it  kindles 
In  Pompeys  vaines,  makes  him  deny  a  peace 
So  gently  offerd  :  for  her  alterd  hand 
Works  neuer  furer  from  her  ill  to  good 
On  his  fide  me  hath  hurt,  and  on  the  other 
With  other  changes,  then  when  meanes  are  vfde 
To  keepe  her  conftant,  yet  retire  refufde. 

Caf,     I  try  no  fuch  conclufion,  but  defire 
Directly  peace.     In  meane  fpace  He  prepare 
For  other  iffue  in  my  vtmofl  meanes  ; 
Whofe  hopes  now  refling  at  Brundufium, 
In  that  part  of  my  army,  with  Sabinus, 
I  wonder  he  fo  long  delaies  to  bring  me, 
And  mufl  in  perfon  hafle  him,  if  this  Euen 
I  heare  not  from  him. 

Craft     That  (I  hope)  flyes  farre 
Your  full  intent,  my  Lord,  fmce  Pompeys  navie 
You  know,  lies  houering  all  alongfl  thofe  feas, 
In  too  much  danger,  for  what  ayde  foeuer 


150  The  Tragedy  of 

You  can  procure  to  paffe  your  perfon  fafe. 

Adi    Which  doubt  may  proue  the  caufe  that  Hayes 

Sabinus ; 

And,  if  with  fhipping  fit  to  paffe  your  army, 
He  yet  flraines  time  to  venture,  I  prefume 
You  will  not  paffe  your  perfon  with  fuch  Conuoy 
Of  thofe  poore  veffels,  as  may  feme  you  here. 

Gtf.     How  mail  I  helpe  it  ?  (hall  I  fuffer  this 
Torment  of  his  delay  1  and  rack  fufpitions 
Worfe  then  affur'd  deflruc~lions  through  my  thoughts. 

Anth.  Pad  doubt  he  will  be  here  ;  I  left  all  orderd, 
And  full  agreement  made  with  him  to  make 
All  vtmofl  hade,  no  lead  let  once  fufpecled. 

Ccef.     Sufpecled  ]   what  fufpeclion  mould  feare  a 

friend 

In  fuch  affur'd  dreights  from  his  friends  enlargement. 
If  twere  his  fouldiers  fafeties  he  fo  tenders, 
Were  it  not  better  they  mould  finke  by  fea, 
Then  wrack  their  number^  King  and  caufe  amore  1 
Their  day  is  worth  their  ruine,  mould  we  Hue, 
If  they  in  fault  were?  if  their  leader  !  he 
Should  dye  the  deaths  of  all ;  in  meane  fpace,  I 
That  mould  not,  beare  all,  fly  the  fight  in  fhame, 
Thou  eye  of  nature,  and  abortiue  night 
Fall  dead  amongd  vs  :  with  defects,  defects 
Mud  ferue  proportion  ;  iudice  neuer  can 
Be  elfe  redor'd,  nor  right  the  wrongs  of  man.    Exeunt. 

Pompey,  Cato,  Gabinius,  Demetrius,  Athenodorus, 
Porcius,  Statilius. 

Pomp.     This  charge  of  our  fierce  foe,  the  friendly 

gods 

Haue  in  our  drengthen'd  fpirits  beaten  back 
With  happy  iffue,  and  his  forces  leffen'd, 
Of  two  and  thirty  Enfignes  forc't  from  him, 
Two  thoufand  fouldiers  flaine. 

Cat.     O  boad  not  that, 
Their  loffe  is  yours,  my  Lord. 


Csefar  and  Pompey.  1 5  r 

Pomp.     I  boaft  it;  not, 
But  only  name  the  number. 

Gab.     Which  right  well 

You  might  haue  raifde  fo  high,  that  on  their  tops 
Your  Throne  was  offer'd,  euer  t'ouerlooke 
Subuerted  Ccefar,  had  you  beene  fo  bleft 
To  giue  fuch  honor  to  your  Captaines  Counfailes 
As  their  alacrities  did  long  to  merit 
With  proofefull  action. 

Dem.  .  O  twas  ill  neglected. 

Stat.     It  was  deferr'd  with  reafon,  which  not  yet 
Th'  euent  fo  cleare  is  to  confute. 

Pom.     If  twere, 

Our  likelieft  then  was,  not  to  hazard  battaile, 
Th'  aduenture  being  fo  cafuall ;  if  compar'd 
With  our  more  certaine  meanes  +o  his  iubuerfion  ? 
For  finding  now  our  army  amply  florde 
With  all  things  fit  to  tarry  furer  time, 
Reafon  thought  better  to  extend  to  length 
The  warre  betwixt  vs ;  that  his  little  flrength 
May  by  degrees  proue  none  ;  which  vrged  now, 
(Confirming  of  his  befl  and  ablefl  fouldiers) 
We  fhould  haue  found  at  one  direct  fet  battaile 
Of  matchleffe  valours  ;  their  defects  of  victuall 
Not  tyring  yet  enough  on  their  tough  nerues, 
Where,  on  the  other  part,  to  put  them  ftill 
In  motion,  and  remotion,  here  and  there ; 
Enforcing  them  to  fortifying  ftill 
Where  euer  they  fet  downe  ;  to  fiege  a  wall, 
Keepe  watch  all  night  in  armour  :  their  moft  part 
Can  neuer  beare  it,  by  their  yeares  oppreflion  ; 
Spent  heretofore  too  much  in  thofe  fleele  toyles. 

Cat.     I  fo  aduifde,  and  yet  repent  it  not, 
But  much  reioyce  in  fo  much  faued  blood 
As  had  beene  pour'd  out  in  the  ftroke  of  battaile, 
Whofe  fury  thus  preuented,  comprehends 
Your  Countreys  good,  and  Empires ;  in  whofe  care 
Let  me  befeech  you  that  in  all  this  warre, 
You  fack  no  City,  fubiect  to  our  Rule, 


152  The  Tragedy  of 

Nor  put  to  fword  one  Citizen  oti.'Rome ; 
But  when  the  rieedfull  fury  of  the  fword 
Can  make  no  fit  diftinclion  in  maine  battaile, 
That  you  will  pleafe  ftill  to  prolong  the  flroke 
Of  abfolute  decifion  to  thefe  iarres, 
Confidering  you  mall  ftrike  it  with  a  man 
Of  much  skill  and  experience,  and  one 
That  will  his  Conqueft  fell  at  infinite  rate, 
If  that  muft  end  your  difference  ;  but  I  doubt 
There  will  come  humble  offer  on  his  part, 
Of  honor'd  peace  to  you,  for  whofe  fweet  name 
So  cryed  out  to  you  in  our  late-met  Senate, 
Loft  no  fit  offer  of  that  wifhed  treaty. 
Take  pity  on  your  Countreys  blood  as  much 
As  poflible  may  fland  without  the  danger 
Of  hindering  her  iuftice  on  her  foes, 
Which  all  the  gods  to  your  full  wifh  difpofe. 

Pom.     Why  will  you  leaue  vs?  whither  will  you 

goe 

To  keepe  your  worthyefl  perfon  in  more  fafety 
Then  in  my  army,  fo  deuoted  to  you  ? 

Cat.     My  perfon  is  the  leaft,  my  Lord,  I  value  ; 
I  am  commanded  by  our  powerful!  Senate, 
To  view  the  Cities,  and  the  kingdomes  icituate 
About  your  either  army,  that  which  fide 
Soeuer  conquer,  no  difordered  flraglers 
Puft  with  the  Conqueft,  or  by  need  impeld, 
May  take  their  fwinge  more  then  the' care  of  one 
May  curb  and  order  in  thefe  neighbor  confines 
My  chiefe  paffe  yet  refolues  for  Vtica. 

Pom.     Your  paffe  (my  trueft  friend,  and  worthy 

Father) 

May  all  good  powers  make  fafe,  and  alwayes  anfwer 
Your  infinite  merits,  with  their  like  protection. 
In  which,  I  make  no  doubt  but  we  mall  meet 
With  mutuall  greetings,  or  for  abfolute  conqueft 
Or  peace  preuenting  that  our  bloody  ftroke, 
Nor  let  our  parting  be  difhonor'd  fo, 
As  not  to  take  into  our  nobleft  notice 


Caefar  and  Pompey.  153 

Your  felfe  (mofl  learned  and  admired  Father) 
Whofe  merits,  if  I  Hue,  mall  lack  no  honor. 
Pordus,  Statilius,  though  your  fpirits  with  mine 
Would  highly  chere  me,  yet  ye  mail  beftow  them 
In  much  more  worthy  conducl ;  but  loue  me, 
And  wifh  me  conqueft,  for  your  Countreys  fake. 

Sta.     Our  Hues  mail  feale  our  loues,  Sir,  with  worfl 

deaths 
Aduentur'd  in  your  feruice. 

Pom.     Y'are  my  friends. 

Exeunt  Cat.  Athen.  For.  Sat. 

Thefe  friends  thus  gone,  tis  more  then  time  we  minded 
Our  loft  friend  Vibius. 

Gab.     You  can  want  no  friends, 
See,  our  two  Confuls,  Sir,  betwixt  them  bringing 
The  worthy  Brutus 

Enter  two  Confuls  leading  Brutus  betwixt  them. 

1.  Conf.     We  attend  (my  Lord) 

With  no  meane  friend,  to  fpirit  your  next  encounter, 
Six  thoufand  of  our  choice  Patrician  youths 
Brought  in  his  conduct. 

2.  Conf.     And  though  neuer  yet 
He  hath  faluted  you  with  any  word 

Or  looke  of  flendreft  loue  in  his  whole  life, 
Since  that  long  time  fince,  of  his  fathers  death 
By  your  hand  authord ;  yet  fee,  at  your  need 
He  comes  to  feme  you  freely  for  his  Country. 

Pom.     His  friendly  prefence,  making  vp  a  third 
With  both  your  perfons,  I  as  gladly  welcome, 
As  if  loues  triple  flame  had  guilt  this  field, 
And  lightn'd  on  my  right  hand,  from  his  fhield. 

Bru.     I  well  affure  my  felfe,  Sir,  that  no  thought 
In  your  ingenious  conftruclion,  touches 
At  the  afperfion  that  my  tendred  feruice 
Proceeds  from  my  defpaire  of  elfewhere  fafety. 
But  that  my  Countreys  fafety  owning  iuftly 
My  whole  liabilities  of  life  and  (ortunes, 


154  The  Tragedy  of 

And  you  the  ableft  fautor  of  her  fafty, 

Her  loue,  and  (for  your  loue  of  her)  your  owne 

Only  makes  facred  to  your  vfe  my  offering. 

Pom.     Farre  fly  all  other  thought  from  my  conflruc- 

tion, 

And  due  acceptance  of  the  liberall  honor, 
Your  loue  hath  done  me,  which  the  gods  are  witnefle, 
I  take  as  flirr'd  vp  in  you  by  their  fauours, 
Nor  leffe  efleeme  it  then  an  offering  holy ; 
Since,  as  of  all  things,  man  is  faid  the  meafure, 
So  your  ful!3merits  meafure  forth  a  man. 

j.   Conf.     See  yet,  my  Lord,  more  friends. 

2   Conf.     Fiue  Kings,  your  feruants. 

Enter  fiue  Kin%s. 

Hib.     Conqueft  and  all  grace  crowne  the  gracious 

Pompey, 

To  feme  whom  in  the  facred  Romane  fafety, 
My  felfe,  Iberias  King,  prefent  my  forces. 

Theff.     And  I  that  hold  the  tributary  Throne 
Of  Grecian  Thefialy,  fubmit  my  homage, 
To  Rome,  and  Pompey. 

Cil.     So  Cilitia  too. 

Epir.     And  fo  Epirus. 

Thra.     Laftly  I  from  Thrace 
Prefent  the  duties  of  my  power  and  feruice. 

Pom.    Your  royall    aides   deferue   of  Rome  and 

Pompey 

Our  vtmofl  honors.     O  may  now  our  fortune 
Not  ballance  her  broad  breaft  twixt  two  light  wings, 
Nor  on  a  flippery  globe  fuftaine  her  fteps, 
But  as  the  Spartans  fay,  the  Paphian  Queene 
(The  flood  Eurotas  paffing)  laid  afide 
Her  Glaffe,  her  Cefton,  and  her  amorous  graces, 
And  in  Lycurgus  fauor ;  arm'd  her  beauties 
With  Shield  and  laueline,  fo  may  fortune  now, 
The  flood  of  all  our  enemies  forces  paffing 
With  her  faire  Enfignes,  and  arriu'd  at  ours, 


Csefar  and  Pompey.  155 

Difplume  her  moulders,  cafl  off  her  wing'd  mooes, 
Her  faith]  effe,  and  ftill-rowling  Hone  fpurne  from  her, 
And  enter  our  powers  as  me  may  remaine 
Our  firme  affiflent  :  that  the  generall  aydes, 
Fauours,  and  honors  you  performe  to  Rome, 
May  make  her  build  with  you  her  endleffe  home. 
Omn.    The  gods  vouchfafe  it ;  and  our  caufes  right 
Dem.     What  fuddaine  Shade  is  this  ?    obferue  my 

Lords, 
The  night,  methinks,  comes  on  before  her  houre. 

Thunder  and  lightning. 

Gab.     Nor  trufl  me  if  my  thoughts  conceiue  not  fo. 
Bru.     What  thin  clouds  fly  the  winds,  like  fwifteft 

fliafts 
Along  aires  middle  region. 

i  Conf.     They  prefage 
Ynufuall  tempefts. 

2.  Conf.     And  tis  their  repaire, 
That  timeleffe  darken  thus  the  gloomy  ayre. 

Pom.     Let's  force  no  omen  from  it,  but  avoid 
The  vapors  furies  now  by  loue  employd. 


Thunder  continued,  and  Ccefar  enters  difguijde. 

The  wrathfull  tempefl  of  the  angry  night. 
Where  hell  flyes  mufl'd  vp  in  clouds  of  pitch, 
Mlngl'd  with  Sulphure,  and  thofe  dreadfull  bolts, 
The  Cyclops  Ram  in  loues  Artillery, 
Hath  roufde  the  furies,  arm'd  in  all  their  horrors, 
Vp  to  the  enuious  feas,  in  fpight  of  Ccefar. 

0  night,  O  ielous  night,  of  all  the  nobleft 
Beauties,  and  glories,  where  the  gods  haue  flroke 
Their  foure  digeflions,  from  thy  gaflly  Chaos, 
Blufh  thus  to  drowne  them  all  in  this  houre  fign'd 
By  the  neceffity  of  fate  for  Ccefar. 

1  that  haue  ranfackt  all  the  world  for  worth, 
To  forme  in  man  the  image  of  the  gods, 


156  The  Tragedy  of 

Muft  like  them  haue  the  power  to  check  the  word 

Of  all  things  vnder  their  celefliall  Empire, 

Stoop  e  it,  and  burfl  it,  or  breake  through  it  all, 

With  vfe  and  fafety,  till  the  Crowne  be  fet 

On  all  my  aclions ;  that  the  hand  of  nature 

In  all  her  worft  works  ayming  at  an  end, 

May  in  a  mafter-peece  of  hers  be  feru'd 

With  tops,  and  Hate  fit  for  his  virtuous  Crowne  : 

Not  lift  arts  thus  farre  vp  in  glorious  frame, 

To  let  them  vanifh  thus  in  fmoke  and  mame. 

This  riuer  Anius  (in  whofe  mouth  now  lyes 

A  Pynnace  I  would  paffe  in,  to  fetch  on 

My  armies  dull  reft  from  Brundufium) 

That  is  at  all  times  elfe  exceeding  calme, 

(By  reafon  of  a  purling  winde  that  flyes 

Off  from  the  more  each  morning,  driuing  vp 

The  billows  farre  to  fea)  in  this  night  yet, 

Beares  fuch  a  terrible  gale  ;  put  off  from  fea, 

As  beats  the  land  wind  back,  and  thrufls  the  flood, 

Vp  in  fuch  vproare,  that  no  boat  dare  flirre. 

And  on  it  is  difperfl  all  Pompeys  nauy 

To  make  my  perill  yet  more  enuious. 

Shall  I  yet  fhrinke  for  all  1  were  all,  yet  more  ? 

There  is  a  certaine  need  that  I  mufl  giue 

Way  to  my  paffe  ;  none,  knowne,  that  I  mufl  Hue. 

Enter  M after  of  ajhip  with  Sailors 

Maft.     What  battaile  is  there  fought  now  in  the 

ayre. 
That  threats  the  wrack,  of  nature  1 

Caf.     Matter?  come. 
Shall  we  thrufl  through  it  all  ? 

Maft.     What  lofl  man, 

Art  thou  in  hopes  and  fortunes,  that  dar'fl  make 
So  defperate  a  motion. 

Ccef.     Launch  man,  and  all  thy  feares  fraight  dif- 


auow 


Thou  carriefl  Ccefar  and  his  fortunes  now. 


Caefar  and  Pompey.  157 


Aft  III.        Scene  I. 


Pompey,  two  Confuls,  fine  Kings,  Brutus,  Gabinius, 
Demetrius. 

NOw  to  Pharfalia,  where  the  fmarting  ftrokes 
Of  our  refolu'd  contention  muft  refound, 
(My  Lords  and  friends  of  Rome}  I  giue  you  all 
Such  welcome  as  the  fpirit  of  all  my  fortunes, 
Conquefls,  and  triumphs  (now  come  for  their  crowne) 
Can  crowne  your  fauours  with,  and  feme  the  hopes 
Of  my  deare  Country,  to  her  vtmoft  wifh ; 
I  can  but  fet  vp  all  my  being  to  giue 
So  good  an  end  to  my  forerunning  A6ls ; 
The  powers  in  me  that  formd  them  hauing  loft 
No  leaft  time  fince,  in  gathering  skill  to  better ; 
But  like  fo  many  Bees  haue  brought  me  home, 
The  fweet  of  what  foeuer  flowers  haue  growne 
In  all  the  meades,  and  gardens  of  the  world. 
All  which  hath  growne  flill,  as  the  time  encreafe 
In  which  twas  gather'd,  and  with  which  it  ftemm'd. 
That  what  decay  foeuer  blood  inferr'd, 
Might  with  my  mindes  ftore,  be  fuppli'd,  and  cher'd, 
All  which,  in  one  fire  of  this  inftant  fight 
He  burne,  and  facrifice  to  euery  cinder 
In  facred  offering  to  my  Countreys  loue, 
And  therefore  what  euent  foeuer  fort, 
As  I  no  praife  will  looke  for,  but  the  good 
Freely  beflow  on  all ;  (if  good  fucceed) 
So  if  aduerfe  fate  fall,  I  wifh  no  blame, 
But  th'  ill  befalne  me,  made  my  fortunes  mame, 
Not  mine,  nor  my  fault. 

i  Conf.     We  too  well  loue  Pompey, 
'o  doe  him  that  iniuftice. 


158  The  Tragedy  of 

Bru.     Who  more  thirds 
The  Conqueft,  then  refolues  to  beare  the  foile  ? 

Pom.     Said  JBrutUf-lake,  giue  feuerall  witneffe  all, 
That  you  acquit  me  whatfoeuer  fall. 

2  Conf.     Particular  men  particular  fates  muft  beare, 

Who  feeles  his  owne  wounds  leffe,  to  wound  another  ? 

The/.      Leaue  him  the  word  whofe    bed   is   left 

vndone, 

He  only  conquers  whofe  minde  dill  is  one. 
Epir.     Free  mindes,  like  dice,  fall  fquare,  what  ere 

the  cad. 
Ibir.     Who  on  him  felfe  fole  dands,  dands  folely 

fad. 
Thra.     He's  neuer  downe,  whofe  minde  fights  dill 

aloft. 
Cil.     Who  cares  for  vp  or  downe,  when  all's  but 

thought. 

Gab.    To  things  euents  doth  no  mans  power  extend. 
Dem.     Since  gods  rule  all,  who  any  thing  would 

mend. 
Pom.     Ye  fweetly  eafe  my  charge,  your  felues  vn- 

burthening. 

Return'd  not  yet  our  trumpet,  fent  to  know 
Of  Vibi'iis  certaine  date  ? 
Gab.     Not  yet,  my  Lord. 

Pomp.     Too  long  protra6l  we  all  meanes  to  recouer 
His  perfon  quick  or  dead,  for  I  dill  thinke 
His  loffe  feru'd  fate,  before  we  blew  retreat ; 
Though  fome  affirme  him  feene,  foone  after  fighting. 
Dem.     Not  after,  Sir,  (I  heard)  but  ere  it  ended. 
Gab.     He  bore  a  great  minde  to  extend  our  purfuit 
Much  further  then  it  was ;  and  feru'd  that  day 
(When  you  had,  like  the  true  head  of  a  battaile, 
Led  all  the  body  in  that  glorious  turne) 
Vpon  a  farre-off  Squadron  that  dood  fad 
In  conducl  of  the  great  Marc  Anthony, 
When  all  the  red  were  fled,  fo  pad  a  man 
That  in  their  tough  receipt  of  him,  I  faw  him 
Thrice  breake  thorow  all  with  eafe,  and  paffe  as  faire 


Csefar  and  Pompey.  159 

As  he  had  all  beene  fire,  and  they  but  ayre. 

Pom.    He  fluck  at  lafl  yet,  in  their  midft,  it  feem'd. 

Gab.    So  haue  I  feen  a  fire  drake  glide  at  midnight 
Before  a  dying  man  to  point  his  graue, 
And  in  it  flick  and  hide. 

Dem.     He  comes  yet  fafe. 

A  Trumpet  founds,  and  enters  before  Vibius, 
with  others. 

Pom.     O  Vibius,  welcome,  what  a  prifonerl 
With  mighty  Cczfar,  and  fo  quickly  ranfom'd  ? 

Vib.     I  Sir,  my  ranfome,  needed  little  time, 
Either  to  gaine  agreement  for  the  value, 
Or  the  disburfment,  fince  in  Cczfars  grace 
We  both  concluded. 

Pom.     Was  his  grace  fo  free. 

Vib.     For  your  refpedl,  Sir. 

Pom.     Nay,  Sir,  for  his  glory. 
That  the  maine  Conqueft  he  fo  furely  builds  on, 
(Which  euer  is  forerun  with  petty  fortunes) 
Take  not  effecl:,  by  taking  any  friend 
From  all  the  moft,  my  poore  defence  can  make, 
But  muft  be  compleat,  by  his  perfecl  owne. 

Vib.    I  know,  Sir,  you  more  nobly  rate  the  freedome 
He  freely  gaue  your  friend ;  then  to  peruert  it 
So  paft  his  wifdome :  that  knowe*s  much  too  well 
Th'  vncertaine  flate  of  Conqueft  ;  to  raife  frames 
Of  fuch  prefumption  on  her  fickle  wings, 
And  chiefely  in  a  loffe  fo  late,  and  grieuous, 
Befides,  your  forces  farre  exceeding  his, 
His  whole  powers  being  but  two  and  twenty  thoufand : 
And  yours  full  foure  and  fourty  thoufand  ftrong  : 
For  all  which  yet,  he  flood  as  farre  from  feare 
In  my  enlargement,  as  the  confident  glory 
You  pleafe  to  put  on  him ;  and  had  this  end 
In  my  fo  kinde  difmiffion,  that  as  kindely 
I  might  folicite  a  fure  peace  betwixt  you. 

Pom.     A  peace  ?  Is't  poffible  ? 


160  The  Tragedy  of 

Vib.     Come,,  doe  not  fliew  this  wanton  incredulity 
too. 

Tom.      Beleeue  me  I  was  farre  from  fuch  a  thought 
In  his  high  ftomack  :  Cato  prophecied  then. 
What  thinke  my  Lords  our  Confuls,  and  friend  Bruturt 

Omn.     An  offer  happy. 

Bru.     Were  it  plaine  and  hearty. 

Pom.     I,  there's  the  true  infpeclon  to  his  profpect. 

£ru.      This  ftreight  of  his  perhaps  may  need   a 

Height 
Of  fome  hid  ftratagem,  to  bring  him  off. 

Pom.     Deuices  of  a  new  fordge  to  entrap  me  ? 
I  reft  in  Cafars  fhades  ?  walke  his  flrow'd  paths  ? 
Sleepe  in  his  quiet  waues  ?  He  fooner  truft 
Hibernian  Boggs,  and  quickfands ;  and  hell  mouth 
Take  for  my  fancluary :  in  bad  parts 
That  no  extreames  will  better,  natures  finger 
Hath  markt  him  to  me,  to  take  heed  of  him. 
What  thinks  my  Brutus  ? 

Bru.     Tis  your  bed  and  fafefl. 

Pom.     This  offer'd  peace  of  his  is  fare  a  fnare 
To  make  our  warre  the  bloodier,  whofe  fit  feare 
Makes  me  I  dare  not  now  (in  thoughts  maturer 
Then  late  enclin'de  me)  put  in  vfe  the  Counfaile 
Your  noble  father  Cato  (parting)  gaue  me, 
Whofe  much  too  tender  munning  innocent  blood, 
This  battaile  hazards  now,  that  mufl  cofl  more. 

i  Conf.     It  does,  and  therefore  now  no  more  de- 
ferre  it. 

Pom.     Say  all  men  fo  ? 

Omn.     We  doe. 

Pom.     I  grieue  ye  doe, 
Becaufe  I  rather  wifh  to  erre  with  Cato 
Then  with  the  truth  goe  of  the  world  befides  ; 
But  fmce  it  mail  abide  this  other  ftroke, 
Ye  gods  that  our  great  Roman e  Genius 
Haue  made,  not  giue  vs  one  dayes  conqueft  only, 
Nor  grow  in  conquefls  for  fome  little  time, 
As  did  the  Genius  of  the  Macedons ; 


Caefar  and  Pompey.  161 

Nor  be  by  land  great  only,  like  Laconians  ; 

Nor  yet  by  fea  alone,  as  was  th'  Athenians  ; 

Nor  ilowly  flirr'd  vp,  like  the  Perfian  Angell ; 

Nor  rockt  afleepe  foone,  like  the  Ionian  fpirit. 

But  made  our  Romane  Genius,  fiery,  watchfull, 

And  euen  from  Romes  prime,  ioynd  his  youth  with 

hers, 

Grow  as  me  grew,  and  firme  as  earth  abide, 
By  her  encreafing  pomp,  at  fea,  and  more, 
In  peace,  in  battaile ;  againft  Greece  as  well 
As  our  Barbarian  foes  ;  command  yet  further 
Ye  firme  and  iufl  gods,  our  affiftfull  Angell 
For  Rome,  and  Pompey ',  who  now  fights  for  Rome ; 
That  all  thefe  royall  Lawes,  to  vs,  and  iuftice 
Of  common  fafety,  may  the  felfe-loue  drowne 
Of  tyrannous  Cafar ;  and  my  care  for  all 
Your  Altars  crown'd  with  endleffe  feftiuall.        Exeunt, 

C&far,  Anthony,  a  Soothfayer,  Craffinius, 
AdliuSj  with  others. 

Ccef.    Say  (facred  Southfayer)  and  informe  the  truth, 
What  liking  haft  thou  of  our  facrifice  ? 

Sooth.     Imperiall  Ccefar,  at  your  facred  charge, 
I  drew  a  milke  white  Oxe  into  the  Temple, 
And  turning  there  his  face  into  the  eaft, 
(Fearefully  making  at  the  mining  light) 
Downe  fell  his  horned  forehead  to  his  hoofe, 
When  I  began  to  greet  him  with  the  ftroke, 
That  mould  prepare  him  for  the  holy  rites, 
With  hydeous  roares  he  laid  out  fuch  a  throat 
As  made  the  fecret  lurkings  of  the  god 
To  anfwer  ecco-like,  in  threatning  founds  : 
I  ftroke  againe  at  him,  and  then  he  flept, 
His  life-blood  boyling  out  at  euery  wound 
In  ftreames  as  cleare  as  any  liquid  Ruby, 
And  there  began  to  alter  my  prefage, 
The  other  ill  fignes,  fhewing  th' other  fortune, 
Of  your  laft  skirmim,  which  farre  oppofite  now 


1 62  The  Tragedy  of 

Proues,  ill  beginnings  good  euents  forefhew. 
For  now  the  bead  cut  vp,  and  laid  on  th'  Altar, 
His  lims  were  all  lickt  up  with  inflant  flames, 
Not  like  the  Elementall  fire  that  burnes 
In  houfhold  vfes,  lamely  flruggling  vp, 
This  way  and  that  way  winding  as  it  rifes, 
But  (right  and  vpright)  reacht  his  proper  fphere 
Where  burnes  the  fire  eternall  and  fincere. 

Caf.     And  what  may  that  prefage  1 

Sooth.     That  euen  the  fpirit 
Of  heauens  pure  flame  flew  downe  and  rauifht  vp 
Your  offerings  blaze  in  that  religious  inflant, 
Which  fhewes  th'  alacritie  and  cheerefull  virtue 
Of  heauens  free  bounty,  doing  good  in  time, 
And  with  what  fwiftneffe  true  deuotions  clime. 

Omn.     The  gods  be  honor'd. 

Sooth.     O  behold  with  wonder, 
The  facred  blaze  is  like  a  torch  enlightned, 
Directly  burning  iuft  aboue  your  campe  1 

Omn.     Miraculous. 

Sooth.     Beleeue  it,  with  all  thanks  : 
The  Romane  Genius  is  alterd  now, 
And  armes  for  Ccefar. 

Ccef.     Soothfayer  be  for  euer 
Reuerenc't  of  Ccefar.     O  Marc  Anthony, 
I  thought  to  raife  my  camp,  and  all  my  tents, 
Tooke  downe  for  fwift  remotion  to  Scotuffa. 
Shall  now  our  purpofe  hold  ? 

Anth.     Againfl  the  gods  ? 
They  grace  in  th'  inflant,  and  in  th'  inflant  we 
Muft  adde  our  parts,  and  be  in  th'  vfe  as  free. 

Graff.     See  Sir,  the  fcouts  returne. 

Enter  two  fcouts. 

Ccef.     What  newes,  my  friends  ? 

1  Scou.     Arme,  arme,  my  Lord,  the  voward  of  the 
foe 

Is  rang'd  already. 

2  Scou.     Anfwer  them,  and  arme  : 
You  cannot  fet  your  refl  of  battell  vp 


Caefar  and  Pompey.  163 

In  happyer  houre  ;  for  I  this  night  beheld 
A  flrange  confufion  in  your  enemies  campe, 
The  fouldiers  taking  armes  in  all  difmay, 
And  hurling  them  againe  as  fafl  to  earth. 
Euery  way  routing  ;  as  th'  alarme  were  then 
Giuen  to  their  army.     A  mofl  caufeleffe  feare 
Difperft  quite  through  them. 

Caf.     Then  twas  loue  himfelfe 
That  with  his  fecret  finger  flirr'd  in  them. 

Crqff.     Other  prefages  of  fucceffe  (my  Lord) 
Haue  flrangely  hapn'd  in  the  adiacent  Cities, 
To  this  your  army  :  for  in  Tralleis, 
Within  a  Temple,  built  to  Viclory, 
There  flands  a  flatue  of  your  forme  and  name, 
Neare  whofe  firme  bafe,  euen  from  the  marble  paue- 

ment, 

There  fprang  a  Palme  tree  vp,  in  this  lafl  night, 
That  feemes  to  crowne  your  flatue  with  his  boughs, 
Spred  in  wrapt  fhadowes  round  about  your  browes. 

Gef.     The  figne,    Craffinius,  is  mofl  flrange  and 

gracefull, 

Nor  could  get  iffue,  but  by  power  diuine ; 
Yet  will  not  that,  nor  all  abodes  befides 
(Of  neuer  fuch  kinde  promife  of  fucceffe) 
Performe  it  without  tough  a6ls  of  our  owne. 
No  care,  no  nerue  the  leffe  to  be  emploid ; 
No  offering  to  the  gods,  no  vowes,  no  prayers  : 
Secure  and  idle  fpirits  neuer  thriue 
When  mofl  the  gods  for  their  aduancements  flriue. 
And  therefore  tell  me  what  abodes  thou  buildfl  on 
In  any  fpirit  to  act,  enflam'd  in  thee, 
Or  in  our  Souldiers  feene  refolu'd  addreffes  ? 

Crajff.     Great  and  firy  virtue.     And  this  day 
Be  fure  (great  Cazfar)  of  effects  as  great 
In  abfolute  conqueft  ;  to  which  are  prepar'd 
Enforcements  refolute,  from  this  arm'd  hand, 
Which  thou  (halt  praife  me  for  aliue  or  dead. 

Caf.     Aliue  (ye  gods  vouchfafe)  and  my  true  vowes 
For  life  in  him  (great  heauen)  for  all  my  foes 


164  The  Tragedy  of 

(Being  natural!  Romans)  fo  farre  ioyntly  heare 
As  may  not  hurt  our  Conqueft ;  as  with  feare 
Which  thou  already  ftrangely  hail  diffufde 
Through  all  their  army ;  which  extend  to  flight 
Without  one  bloody  ftroke  of  force  and  fight. 

Cnth.     Tis  time,  my  Lord,  you  put  in  forme  your 

battell. 

Ccef.    Since  we  mufl  fight  then,  and  no  ofTerd  peace 
Will  take  with  Pompey  :  I  rejoyce  to  fee 
This  long-time  lookt  for,  and  moft  happy  day, 
In  which  we  now  (hall  fight,  with  men,  not  hunger, 
With  toyles,  not  fweats  of  blood  through  yeares  ex 
tended, 

This  one  day  feruing  to  decide  all  iarres 
Twixt  me  and  Pompey.     Hang  out  of  my  tent 
My  Crimfine  coat  of  armes,  to  giue  my  fouldiers 
That  euer-fure  figne  of  refolu'd-for  fight. 

Craff.    Thefe  hands  fhall  giue  that  figne  to  all  their 
longings.  Exit  Crqff. 

Ccef.     My  Lord,  my  army,  I  thinke  beft  to  order 
In  three  full  Squadrons :  of  which  let  me  pray 
Your  felfe  would  take  on  you  the  left  wings  charge ; 
My  felfe  will  lead  the  right  wing,  and  my  place 
Of  fight  elect  in  my  tenth  legion  : 
My  battell  by  Domitius  Calvinus 
Shall  take  direction. 

The  Cote  of  Armes  is  hung  out,  and  the 
Souldiers  Jhoute  within. 

An.     Heark,  your  fouldiers  Ihoute 
For  ioy  to  fee  your  bloody  Cote  of  Armes 
Affure  their  fight  this  morning. 

Cctf.     O  bleft  Euen 

Bring  on  them  worthy  comforts.     And  ye  gods 
Performe  your  good  prefages  in  euents 
Of  fit  crowne  for  our  difcipline,  and  deeds 
Wrought  vp  by  conqueft ;  that  my  vfe  of  it 
May  wipe  the  hatefull  and  vnworthy  flaine 


Csefar  and  Pompey.  165 

Of  Tyrant  from  my  Temples,  and  exchange  it 
For  fautor  of  my  Country,  ye  haue  giuen 
That  title  to  thofe  poore  and  fearefull  fowles 
That  euery  found  puts  vp,  in  frights  and  cryes ; 
Euen  then,  when  all  Romes  powers  were  weake  and 

heartlefs, 

When  traiterous  fires,  and  fierce  Barbarian  fwords, 
Rapines,  and  foule-expiring  flaughters  fild 
Her  houfes,  Temples,  all  her  ayre,  and  earth. 
To  me  then  (whom  your  bounties  haue  enform'd 
With  fuch  a  fpirit  as  defpifeth  feare  ; 
Commands  in  either  fortune,  knowes,  and  armes 
Againft  the  worft  of  fate  ;  and  therefore  can 
Difpofe  bleft  meanes,  encourag'd  to  the  beft) 
Much  more  vouchfafe  that  honor  ;  chiefely  now, 
When  Rome  wants  only  this  dayes  conqueft  giuen  me 
To  make  her  happy,  to  confirme  the  brightneffe 
That  yet  me  mines  in  ouer  all  the  world  ; 
In  Empire,  riches,  ftrife  of  all  the  Arts, 
In  gifts  of  Cities,  and  of  kingdomes  fent  her ; 
In  Crownes  laid  at  her  feet,  in  euery  grace 
That  mores,  and  feas,  floods,  Iflands,  Continents, 
Groues,  fields,  hills,  mines,  and  metals  can  produce  ; 
All  which  I  (victor)  will  encreafe,  I  vow 
By  all  my  good,  acknowledg'd  giuen  by  you. 


A6t   IIII        Scene   I. 


Pompey  in  hq/te,  Brutus,  Gabinius,  Vibius  following. 


'T~~*He  poyfon  fleep't  in  euery  vaine  of  Empire, 

In  all  the  world,  meet  now  in  onely  me, 
Thunder  and  lighten  me  to  death  ;  and  make 
My  fenfes  feed  the  flame,  my  foule  the  crack. 


1 66  The  Tragedy  of 

Was  euer  foueraigne  Captaine  of  fo  many 
Armies  and  Nations,  fo  oppreft  as  I, 
With  one  hofts  headftrong  outrage  ?  vrging  fight, 
Yet  fly  about  my  campe  in  panick  terrors  ; 
No  reafon  vnder  heauen  fuggefling  caufe. 
And  what  is  this  but  euen  the  gods  deterring 
My  iudgement  from  enforcing  fight  this  morne  ? 
The  new-fled  night  made  day  with  Meteors, 
Fir'd  ouer  Cctfars  campe,  and  falne  in  mine, 
As  pointing  out  the  terrible  euents 
Yet  in  fufpence  ;  but  where  they  threat  their  fall 
Speake  not  thefe  prodigies  with  fiery  tongues, 
And  eloquence  that  mould  not  moue  but  rauim 
All  found  mindes,  from  thus  tempting  the  iufl  gods, 
And  fpitting  out  their  faire  premoniming  flames 
With  brackim  rheumes  of  ruder  and  brainfick  number, 
What's  infinitely  more,  thus  wild,  thus  mad 
For  one  poore  fortune  of  a  beaten  few  ; 
To  halfe  fo  many  {laid,  and  dreadfull  fouldiers  ? 
Long  train  d,  long  foughten  ?  able,  nimble,  perfect 
To  turne  and  winde  aduantage  euery  way  1 
Encreafe  with  little,  and  enforce  with  none? 
Made  bold  as  Lyons,  gaunt  as  famifht  wolues, 
With  ftill-feru'd  flaughters,  and  continuall  toyles. 
£ru.     You  mould  not,  Sir,  forfake  your  owne  wife 

Counfell, 

Your  owne  experienc't  difcipline,  owne  praclife, 
Owne  god-infpired  infight  to  all  changes, 
Of  Protean  fortune,  and  her  zany,  warre, 
For  hofls,  and  hels  of  fuch  ;  What  man  will  thinke 
The  befl  of  them,  not  mad  ;  to  fee  them  range 
So  vp  and  downe  your  campe,  already  fuing 
For  offices  falne,  by  Ccefars  built-on  fall, 
Before  one  ftroke  be  ftruck  ?     Domitius,  Spinther, 
Your  father  Scipio  now  preparing  friends 
For  Ccefars  place  of  vniverfall  Bifhop  ? 
Are  you  th'obferued  rule,  and  voucht  example ; 
Who  euer  would  commend  Phyfitians, 
That  would  not  follow  the  difeaf'd  defires 


Caefar  and  Pompey.  167 

Of  their  fick  patients  1  yet  incurre  your  felfe 
The  faults  that  you  fo  much  abhorre  in  others. 

Pom.     I  cannot,  Sir,  abide  mens  open  mouthes, 
Nor  be  ill  fpoken  of ;   nor  haue  my  counfels 
And  circumfpeclions,  turnd  on  me  for  feares, 
With  mocks  and  fcandals  that  would  make  a  man 
Of  lead,  a  lightning;  in  the  defperat'fl  onfet 
That  euer  trampled  vnder  death,  his  life. 
I  beare  the  touch  of  feare  for  all  their  fafeties, 
Or  for  mine  owne  1  enlarge  with  twice  as  many 
Selfe-liues,  felfe-fortunes  1  they  mail  finke  beneath 
Their  owne  credulities,  before  I  croffe  them. 
Come,  hafle,  difpofe  our  battaile. 

Vib.     Good  my  Lord, 
Againft  your  Genius  warre  not  for  the  world. 

Pom.  By  all  worlds  he  that  moues  me  next  to  beare 
Their  fcofs  and  imputations  of  my  feare 
For  any  caufe,  mall  beare  this  fword  to  helL 
Away,  to  battaile  ;  good  my  Lord  lead  you 
The  whole  fix  thoufand  of  our  yong  Patricians, 
Plac't  in  the  left  wing  to  enuiron  Ccefar. 
My  father  Scipio  fhall  lead  the  battaile ; 
Domitius  the  left  wing  ;  I  the  right 
Againft  Marc  Anthony.     Take  now  your  fils 
Ye  beaftly  doters  on  your  barbarous  wills. 

Exetint, 

Alarme,  excurfions,  &f  al :  The  fim  Kings  driuen  ouer 

the  Stage,  Craffinius  chief ely  purfuing :  At  tlie 

dare  enter  againe  thefiue  Kings.     The 

batiell  continued  within. 

Epir.     Fly,  fly,  the  day  was  loft  before  twas  fought. 

Theff.     The  Romans  feard  their  madowes. 

Cil.     Were  there  euer 
Such  monftrous  confidences,  as  laft  night 
Their  Cups  and  mufique  fhew'd  ?    Before  the  morning 
Made  fuch  amazes  ere  one  ftroke  was  ftruck  ? 

Iber.    It  made  great  Pompey  mad,  which  who-  could 
mend? 


!68  The  Tragedy  of 

The  gods  had  hand  in  it. 

Tra.     It  made  the  Confuls 

Run  on  their  fwords  to  fee't.    .The  braue  Patricians 
Fled  with  their  fpoyled  faces,  arrowes  flicking 
As  mot  from  heauen  at  them. 

Theff.     Twas  the  charge 
That  Ctefar  gaue  againft  them. 

Epir.     Come,  away, 
Leaue  all,  and  wonder  at  this  fatall  day. 

Exeunt. 

The  fight  neerer ;   and  enter,    Craffmeus,  a  fword,  as 

thruft  through  his  face;  he  fals.     To  him  Pompey 

and  Cafar  fighting  :    Pompey  giues  way, 

Ccefar  follows,    and  enters  at 

another  dore. 

Caf.     Purfue,   purfue;    the  gods  foreihew'd  their 

powers, 

Which  we  gaue  iffue,  and  the  day  is  ours. 
Craffineus^.  O  looke  vp  :  he  does,  and  fhewes 
Death  in  his  broken  eyes  ;  which  Cczfars  hands 
Shall  doe  the  honor  of  eternall  clofure. 
Too  well  thou  keptft  thy  word,  that  thou  this  day 
Wouldft  doe  me  feruice  to  our  victory, 
Which  in  thy  life  or  death  I  mould  behold, 
And  praife  thee  for ;  I  doe,  and  muft  admire 
Thy  matchles  valour  ;  euer  euer  reft 
Thy  manly  lineaments,  which  in  a  tombe 
Erected  to  thy  noble  name  and  virtues, 
He  curiofly  preferue  with  balmes,  and  fpices, 
In  eminent  place  of  thefe  Pharfalian  fields, 
Infcrib'd  with  this  true  foule  of  funerall. 

Epitaph : 

Craffmeus  fought  for  fame,  and  died  for  Rome, 
Whofe publique  weale  fprings  from  this  priuate  tombe. 

Enter  fome  taking  him  off,  whom  Ctzfar  helps. 


Csefar  and  Pompey,  169 

Enter  Pompey,  Demetrius,  with  black   robes   in  their 
hands,  broad  hats,  &>c. 

Pom.       Thus  haue  the  gods  their  iuftice,  men  their 

wils, 

And  I,  by  mens  wils  rulde ;  my  felfe  renouncing, 
Am  by  my  Angell  and  the  gods  abhorr'd  ; 
Who  drew  me,  like  a  vapour,  vp  to  heauen 
To  dam  me  like  a  tempeft  'gainft  the  earth  : 
O  the  defemed  terrors  that  attend 
On  humane  confidence  !   had  euer  men 
Such  outrage  of  prefumption  to  be  victors 
Before  they  arm'd  ?     To  fend  to  Rome  before 
For  houfes  neare  the  market  place,  their  tents 
Strowd  all  with  flowers,  and  nofegayes ;  tables  couer'd 
With  cups  and  banquets  ;  bayes  and  mirtle  garlands, 
As  ready  to  doe  facrifice  for  conqueft 
Rather  then  arme  them  for  fit  fight  t'enforc  it ; 
Which  when  I  faw,  I  knew  as  well  th'  euent 
As  now  I  feele  it,  and  becaufe  I  rag'd 
In  that  prefage,  my  Genius  mewing  me  clearely 
(As  in  a  mirror)  all  this  curfed  iffue ; 
And  therefore  vrg'd  all  meanes  to  put  it  off 
For  this  day,  or  from  thefe  fields  to  fome  other, 
Or  from  this  ominous  confidence,  till  I  faw 
Their!  fpirits  fettl'd  in  fome  grauer  knowledge 
Of  what  belong' d  to  fuch  a  deare  decifion  ; 
They  fpotted  me  with  feare,  with  loue  of  glory, 
To  keepe  in  my  command  fo  many  Kings, 
So  great  an  army  ;  all  the  hellifh  blaflings 
That  could  be  breath'd  on  me,  to  ftrike  me  blinde 
Of  honor,  fpirit"  and  foule  :     And  mould  I  then 
Saue  them  that  would  in  fpight  of  heauen  be  ruinde  ? 
And,  in  their  fafeties  mine  me  and  mine 
In  euerlafling  rage  of  their  detraction. 

Dem.     Your  fafety  and  owne  honor  did  deferue 
Refpecl  pall  all  their  values ;  O  my  Lord 
Would  you  ? 

Pom.     Vpbraid  me  not ;  goe  to,  goe  on. 


1 70  The  Tragedy  of 

Dem.     No  ;.  He  not  rub  the  wound.    The  mifery  is, 
The  gods  for  any  error  in  a  man 
(Which  they  might  reaify,  and  fhould  ;  becaufe 
That  man  maintain'd  the  right)  mould  fuffer  wrong 
To  be  thus  infolent,  thus  grac't,  thus  bled  1 

Pom.  O  the  ftrange  carriage  of  their  ac~ls,  by  which 
Men  order  theirs  j  and  their  deuotions  in  them ; 
Much  rather  ftriving  to  entangle  men 
In  pathleffe  error,  then  with  regular  right 
Confirme  their  reafons,  and  their  pieties  light. 
For  now  Sir,  whatfoeuer  was  foremowne 
By  heauen,  or  prodigy ;  ten  parts  more  for  vs, 
Forewarning  vs,  deterring  vs,  and  all 
Our  blinde  and  brainleffe  frenzies,  then  for  Ctzfar  • 
All  yet  will  be  afcribde  to  his  regard 
Giuen  by  the  gods  for  his  good  parts,  preferring 
Their  gloffe  (being  flarck  impoftures)  to  the  iuftice, 
Loue,  honor,  piety,  of  our  lawes  and  Countrey. 
Though  I  thinke  thefe  are  arguments  enow 
For  my  acquitall,  that  for  all  thefe  fought. 

Dem.     Y'are  cleare,  my  Lord. 

Pom.    Gods  helpe  me,  as  I  am  ; 
What  euer  my  vntoucht  command  of  millions 
Through  all  my  eight  and  fifty  yeares,  hath  woonne, 
This  one  day  (in  the  worlds  efleeme)  hath  loft. 
So  vile  is  praife  and  difpraife  by  euent. 
For  I  am  ftill  my  felfe  in  euery  worth 
The  world  could  grace  me  with,  had  this  dayes  Euen 
In  one  blaze  ioyn'd,  with  all  my  other  Conquefls. 
And  mail  my  comforts  in  my  well-knowne  felfe 
Faile  me  for  their  falfe  fires,  Demetrius  1 

Dem.     O  no,  my  Lord. 

Pom.     Take  griefe  for  them,  as  if 
The  rotten-hearted  world  could  fteepe  my  foule 
In  filthy  putrifraction  of  their  owne  1 
Since  their  applaufes  faile  me  1  that  are  hiffes 
To  euery  found  acceptance  1     I  confeffe, 
That  till  th'  affaire  was  pad,  my  paffions  flam'd, 
But  now  tis  helpleffe,  and  no  caufe  in  me, 


Caefar  and  Pompey.  1  71 

Reft  in  thefe  embers  my  vnrnoued  foule, 

With  any  outward  change,  this  dyftick  minding; 

No  man  fhould  more  allow  his  owne  loffe,  woes, 

(Being  paft  his  fault)  then  any  ftranger  does. 

And  for  the  worlds  falfe  loues,  and  ayry  honors, 

What  foule  that  euer  lou'd  them  moft  in  life, 

(Once  feuer'd  from  this  breathing  fepulchre) 

Againe  came  and  appearde  in  any  kind 

Their  kinde  admirer  flill,  or  did  the  ftate 

Of  any  beft  man  here,  affociate  1 

And  euery  true  foule  mould  be  here  fo  feuer'd 

From  loue  of  fuch  men,  as  here  drowne  their  foules 

As  all  the  world  does  ]     Cato  fole  accepted, 

To  whom  He  fly  now,  and  my  wife  in  way 

(Poore  Lady,  and  poore  children,  worfe  then  father- 

leffe) 
Vifit,  and  comfort     Come  Demetrius, 


We  now  mufl  fute  our  habites  to  our  fortunes  t    •    u 

And  fmce  thefe  changes  euer  chance  to  greatefl. 

Nor  defire  to  be 

(Doe  fortune,  to  exceed  it,  what  me  can) 

A  Pompey,  or  a  Ccefar,  but  a  man.  Exeunt. 

Enter  Ccefar,  Anthony,  Acilius,  witkfouldiers. 

Ccef.     O  We   haue  flaine,  not  conquerd,    Roman 

blood 

Peruerts  th'  euent,  and  defperate  blood  let  out 
With  their  owne  fwords.     Did  euer  men  before 
Enuy  their  owne  Hues,  fmce  another  liu'd 
Whom  they  would  willfully  conceiue  their  foe, 
And  forge  a  Tyrant  merely  in  their  feares 
To  iuftifie  their  flaughters  1     Confuls  ?  furies. 

Ant.     Be,  Sir,  their  faults  their  griefes  !  The  greater 

number 

Were  only  flaues,  that  left  their  bloods  to  ruth, 
And  altogether,  but  fix  thoufand  flaine. 

Ccef.    How  euer  many  ;  gods  and  men  can  witneffe- 
Themfelues  enforc't  it,  much  againft  the  moft 


172  The   Tragedy   of 

I  could  enforce  on  Pompey  for  our  peace. 

Of  all  flaine,  yet,  if  Brutus  only  liu'd, 

I  fhould  be  comforted,  for  his  life  fau'd 

Would  weigh  the  whole  fix  thoufand  that  are  loft. 

But  much  1  feare  his  death,  becaufe  the  battell 

Full  ftricken  now,  he  yet  abides  vnfound. 

Adi.     I  faw  him  fighting  neare  the  battels  end, 
But  fuddainly  giue  off,  as  bent  to  fly. 

Enter  Brutus, 

Anth.     He  comes  here,  fee  Sir. 

Bru.     I  fubmit  to  Ccefar 
My  life  and  fortunes. 

Ccef.     A  more  welcome  fortune 
Is  Brutus,  then  my  conqueft. 

Bru.     Sir,  I  fought 

Againfl  your  conqueft,  and  your  felfe  ;  and  merit 
(I  mull  acknowledge)  a  much  flerner  welcome. 

Ccef.     You  fought  with  me,  Sir,  for  I  know  your 

armes 

Were  taken  for  your  Country,  not  for  Pompey : 
And  for  my  Country  I  fought,  nothing  lefie 
Then  he,  or  both  the   mighty-ftomak't  Confuls ; 
Both  whom  (I  heare)  haue  flaine  themfelues  before 
They  would  enioy  life  in  the  good  of  Cafar. 
But  I  am  nothing  worfe,  how  ill  foeuer 
They,  and  the  great  authority  of  Rome 
Would  faine  enforce  me  by  their  mere  fufpitions. 
Lou'd  they  their  Country  better  then  her  Brutus  ? 
Or  knew  what  fitted  nobleffe,  and  a  Romane 
With  freer  fouls  then  Brutus.     Thofe  that  Hue 
Shall  fee  in  Cafars  iuflice,  and  what  euer 
Might  make  me  worthy  both  their  Hues  and  loues,, 
That  I  haue  loft  the  one  without  my  merit, 
And  they  the  other  with  no  Roman  fpirit. 
Are  you  empair'd  to  Hue,  and  ioy  my  loue  ? 
Only  requite  me,  Brutus,  loue  but  Ccefar, 
And  be  in  all  the  powers  of  Ccefar,  Cafar. 
In  wnich  free  wifh,  I  ioyne  your  father  Cato  ; 


Caefar  and  Pompey..  173 

For  whom  He  hafte  to  Vtica,  and  pray 

His  loue  may  ftrengthen  my  fucceffe  to  day.    Exeunt. 

Porcius  in  hafte,  Marcillius  bare,  following.  Porcius 
difcouers  a  bed,  and  a  f  word  hanging  by  it  which  he 
takes  downet 

Mar.     To  what  vfe  take  you  that  (my  Lord '?) 

Por.     Take  you 

No  note  that  I  take  it,  nor  let  any  feruant, 
Befides  your  felfe,  of  all  my  fathers  neareft, 
Serue  any  mood  he  ferues,  with  any  knowledge 
Of  this  or  any  other.     C<zfar  comes 
And  giues  his  army  wings  to  reach  this  towne. 
Not  for  the  townes  fake,  but  to  faue  my  father. 
Whom  iuftly  he  fufpecls  to  be  rcfolu'd 
Of  any  violence  to  his  life,  before 
He  will  preferue  it  by  a  Tyrants  fauour. 
For  Pompey  hath  mifcarried,  and  is  fled. 
Be  true  to  me,  and  to  my  fathers  life  ; 
And  doe  not  tellhim  ;  nor  his  fury  ferue 
With  any  other. 

Mar.     I  will  dye,  my  Lord, 
Ere  I  obferue  it. 

Por.     O  my  Lord  and  father. 

Cato,  Athenodorus,  Statilius. 
Cato  with  a  booke  in  his  hand. 

Cat.     What  feares  fly  here  on  all  fides  ?  what  wilde 

lookes 

Are  fquinted  at  me  from  mens  mere  fufpicions 
That  I  am  wilde  my  felfe,  and  would  enforce 
What  will  be  taken  from  me  by  the  Tyrant. 

Ath.     No  :   Would  you  only  aske  life,  he  would 

thinke 
His  owne  life  giuen  more  flrength  in  giuing  yours 

Cat.     I  aske  my  life  of  him  % 

Stat.     Aske  what's  his  owne  ? 


1 74  The  Tragedy  of 

Of  him  he  fcornes  fhould  haue  the  leafl  drop  in  it 
At  his  difpofure. 

Cat.     No,  Statilius. 

Men  that  haue  forfeit  Hues  by  breaking  lawes, 
Or  haue  beene  ouercome,  may  beg  their  Hues, 
But  I  haue  euer  beene  in  euery  iuftice 
Better  then  Cafar,  and  was  neuer  conquer'd, 
Or  made  to  fly  for  life,  as  Cafar  was. 
But  haue  beene  viclor  euer,  to  my  wifti, 
Gainil  whomfoeuer  euer  hath  oppofde  ; 
Where  Cafar  now  is  conquer'd  in  his  Conquefl, 
In  the  ambition,  he  til  now  denide  ; 
Taking  vpon  him  to  giue  life,  when  death 
Is  tenfold  due  to  his  mod  tyrannous  felfe. 
No  right,  no  power  giuen  him  to  raife  an  army, 
Which  in  defpight  of  Rome  he  leades  about 
Slaughtering  her  loyall  fubie6ls,  like  an  outlaw, 
Nor  is  he  better.      Tongue,  mew,  falfhood  are, 
To  bloodiefl  deaths  his  parts  fo  much  admir'd, 
Vaineglory,  villany  ;  and  at  beft  you  can, 
Fed  with  the  parings  of  a  worthy  man. 
My  fame  affirme  my  life  receiu'd  from  him  ? 
He  rather  make  a  bead  my  fecond  father. 

Stat.     The  gods  auert  from  euery  Roman  minde 
The  name  of  flaue  to  any  Tyrants  power. 
Why  was  man  euer  mil,  but  to  be  free, 
'Gainft  all  iniuflice  1  and  to  beare  about  him 
As  well  all  meanes  to  freedome  euery  houre, 
As  euery  houre  he  mould  be  arm'd  for  death, 
Which  only  is  his  freedome  ? 

Ath.     But  Statilius 

Death  is  not  free  for  any  mans  election, 
Till  nature,  or  the  law,  impofe  it  on  him. 

Cat.     Mud  a  man  goe  to  law  then,  when  he  may 
Enioy  his  owne  in  peace  ?     If  I  can  vfe 
Mine  owne  my  felfe,  muft  I  of  force,  referue  it 
To  feme  a  Tyrant  with  it  ?     All  mil  men 
Not  only  may  enlarge  their  Hues,  'but  muft, 
From  all  rule  tyrannous,  or  Hue  vniuft. 


Caefar  and  Pompey.  1 75 

Ath.     By  death  mufl  they  enlarge  their  Hues  1 

Cat.     By  death. 

Ath.     A  man's  not  bound  to  that. 

Cat.     He  proue  he  is. 
Are  not  the  Hues  of  all  men  bound  to  iuflice  ? 

Ath.     They  are. 

Cat.     And  therefore  not  to  ferue  iniuftice  : 
Iuflice  it  felfe  ought  euer  to  be  free, 
And  therefore  euery  iuft  man  being  a  part 
Of  that  free  iuflice,  mould  be  free  as  it. 

Ath.     Then  wherefore  is  there  law  for  death  ? 

Cat.     That  all 

That  know  not  what  law  is,  nor  freely  can 
Performe  the  fitting  iuflice  of  a  man 
In  kingdomes  common  good,  may  be  enforc't. 
But  is  not  euery  iufl  man  to  him  felfe 
The  perfecTft  law  ? 

Ath.     Suppofe. 

Cat.     Then  to  himfelfe 
Is  euery  iuft  mans  life  fubordinate. 
Again e,  Sir  ;  Is  not  our  free  foule  infufd 
To  euery  body  in  her  abfolute  end 
To  rule  that  body?  in  which  abfolute  rule 
Is  me  not  abfolutely  Empreffe  of  it  1 
And  being  Empreffe,  may  me  not  difpofe 
It,  and  the  life  in  it,  at  her  iuft  pleafure  ? 

Ath.     Not  to  deftroy  it. 

Cat.     No  ;  me  not  deftroyes  it 
When  me  difliues  it  ;  that  their  freedomes  may 
Goe  firme  together,  like  their  powers  and  organs, 
Rather  then  let  it  Hue  a  rebell  to  her, 
Prophaning  that  diuine  coniunc~lion 
Twixt  her  and  it ;  nay,  a  difmn6lion  making 
Betwixt  them  worfe  then  death ;  in  killing  quick 
That  which  in  iuft  death  Hues  :  being  dead  to  her 
If  to  her  rule  dead,  and  to  her  aliue, 
If  dying  in  her  iuft  rule. 

Ath.    -The  body  Hues  not 
When  death  hath  reft  it. 


1 76  The  Tragedy  of 

Cat.     Yet  tis  free,  and  kept 
Fit  for  reiunclion  in  mans  fecond  life  ; 
Which  dying  rebell  to  the  foule,  is  farre 
Vnfit  to  ioyne  with  her  in  perfecl  life. 

Ath.     It  fliall  not  ioyne  with  her  againe. 

Cat.     It  (hall. 

Ath.     In  reafon  (hall  it  ? 

Cat.     In  apparant  reafon  ; 
Which  He  proue  clearely. 

Staf.     Heare,  and  iudge  it  Sir. 

Cat.     As  nature  works  in  all  things  to  an  end, 
So  in  th'  appropriate  honor  of  that  end, 
All  things  precedent  haue  their  natural!  frame  ; 
And  therefore  is  there  a  proportion 
Betwixt  the  ends  of  thofe  things  and  their  primes  : 
For  elfe  there  could  not  be  in  their  creation, 
Alwayes,  or  for  the  mod  part,  that  firme  forme 
In  their  ftill  like  exiftence  ;  that  we  fee 
In  each  full  creature.     What  proportion  then 
Hath  an  immortall  with  a  mortal!  fubflance  1 
And  therefore  the  mortality  to  which 
A  man  is  fubiec~l ;  rather  is  a  fleepe, 
Then  beftiall  death  ;  fmce  fleepe  and  death  are  call'd 
The  twins  of  nature.     For  if  abfolute  death 
And  beftiall  feafe  the  body  of  a  man, 
Then  is  there  no  proportion  in  his  parts, 
His  foule  being  free  from  death,  which  otherwife 
Retaines  diuine  proportion.     For  as  fleepe 
No  difproportion  holds  with  humane  foules, 
But  aptly  quickens  the  proportion 
Twixt  them  and  bodies,  making  bodies  fitter 
To  giue  vp  formes  to  foules,  which  is  their  end  : 
So  death  (twin-borne  of  fleepe)  refoluing  all 
Mans  bodies  heauy  parts  ;  in  lighter  nature 
Makes  a  reunion  with  the  fpritely  foule ; 
When  in  a  fecond  life  their  beings  giuen, 
Holds  this  proportion  firme,  in  higheft  heauen. 

Ath.     Hold  you  our  bodies  (hall  reuiue,  renaming 
Our  foules  againe  to  heauen  ? 


Caefar  and  Pompey.  177 

Cat.     Pail  doubt,  though  others 
Thinke  heauen  a  world  too  high  for  our  low  reaches. 
Not  knowing  the  facred  fence  of  him  that  fings, 
lone  can  let  downe  a  golden  chaine  from  heauen, 
Which  tyed  to  earth,  mall  fetch  vp  earth  and  feas ; 
And  what's  that  golden  chaine,  but  our  pure  foules, 
A  golden  beame  of  him,  let  downe  by  him, 
That  gouern'd  with  his  grace,  and  drawne  by  him, 
Can  hoifl  this  earthy  body  vp  to  him, 
The  fea,  and  ayre,  and  all  the  elements 
Comprefl  in  it :   not  while  tis  thus  concret, 
But  fin'd  by  death,  and  then  giuen  heauenly  heat 

Ath.    tYour  happy  expofition  of  that  place 
(Whofe  facred  depth  I  neuer  heard  fo  founded) 
Euicls  glad  grant  from  me  you  hold  a  truth. 

Stat.     Is't  not  a  manly  truth,  and  mere  diuine  ? 

Cat.     Tis  a  good  chearefull  doctrine  for  good  men. 
But  (fonne  and  feruants)  this  is  only  argu'd 
To  fpend  our  deare  time  well,  and  no  life  vrgeth 
To  any  violence  further  then  his  owner 
And  grauer  men  hold  fit.     Lets  talke  of  Cafar, 
He's  the  great  fubiecl;  of  all  talke,  and  he 
Is  hotly  hafting  on.     Is  fupper  ready  ? 

Mar.     It  is,  my  Lord. 

Cat.     Why  then  let's  in  and  eat ; 
Our  coole  fubmiffion  will  quench  Cafars  heat. 

Sta.     Submiffion  ?  here's  for  him. 

Cat.     Statilius, 

My  reafons  muft  not  flrengthen  you  in  error, 
Nor  learn'd  Athenodorus  gentle  yeelding. 
Talke  with  fome  other  deepe  Philofophers. 
Or  fome  diuine  Prieft  of  the  knowing  gods, 
And  heare  their  reafons,  in  meane  time  come  fup. 

Exeunt. 

Cato  going  out  arme  in  arme 
betwixt  Athen.  and  Statilius. 


M 


178  The  Tragedy  of 


Ad  V.       Scene  I. 


Enter    VJJiers^  with  the  two  Lentuli,   and  Septimius 

before  Cornelia ;   Cyris,  Telefilla,  L&lia,  Drufus, 

with  others,  following,   Cornelia,  Septimiiis 

and  the  two  Lentuli  reading  letters. 

Cor.     O  o  may  my  comforts  for  this  good  newes 

^  thriue 

As  I  am  thankfull  for  them  to  the  Gods, 
loyes  vnexpedled,  and  in  defperate  plight, 
Are   ftill  moft  fweet,   and  proue  from  whence  they 

come; 

When  earths  ftill  Moonelike  confidence,  in  ioy, 
Is  at  her  full.     True  ioy  descending  farre 
From  paft  her  fphere,  and  from  that  higheft  heauen 
That  moues  and  is  not  mou'd  :  how  farre  was  I 
From  hope  of  thefe  euents,  when  fearefull  dreames 
Of  Harpies  tearing  out  my  heart  ?  of  armies 
Terribly  ioyning  ?  Cities,  kingdomes  falling, 
And  all  on  me  ?  prou'd  fleepe,  not  twin  to  death, 
But  to  me,  death  it  felfe  ?  yet  waking  then, 
Thefe  letters  ;  full  of  as  much  chearefull  life, 
I  found  clofde  in  my  hand.     O  gods  how  iuftly 
Ye  laugh  at  all  things  earthly  ?  at  all  feares 
That  rife  not  from  your  iudgements  1  at  all  ioyes, 
Not  drawn e  directly  from  your  felues,  and  in  ye, 
Diftruft  in  man  is  faith,  trull  in  him  ruine. 
Why  write  great  learned  men  1  men  merely  rapt 
With  facred  rage,  of  confidence,  beleefe  1 
Vndanted  fpirits  ?  inexorable  fate 
And  all  feare  treading  on  1  tis  all  but  ayre, 
If  any  comfort  be,  tis  in  defpaire. 

*  Len.     You  learned  Ladies  may  hold  any  thing. 


Caefar  and  Pompey.  179 

2  Lent.      Now  madam  is  your  walk   from   coach 

come  neare 

The  promontory,  where  you  late  commanded 
A  Sentinell  mould  Hand  to  fee  from  thence 
If  eitner  with  a  nauy,  brought  by  fea, 
Or  traine  by  land  ;  great  Pompey  comes  to  greet  you 
As  in  your  letters,  he  neare  this  time  promifde. 

Cor.     O  may  this  Ifle  of  Lesbos,  compafl  in 
With  the  sEgcean  fea,  that  doth  diuide 
Europe  from  Afta.    (The  fweet  literate  world 
From  the  Barbarian)  from  my  barbarous  dreames 
Diuide  my  deareft  husband  and  his  fortunes. 

2  Len.     He's  bufied  now  with  ordering  offices. 
By  this  time,  madam,  fits  your  honor'd  father  .     He  looks 

T  J    „     ,.  '     .  -  '    .      Jf  ,.  _..-  in  his  letter. 

In  Ccefars  chaire  of  vnmerfall  Bifhop. 
Domitius  SEnobarbas,  is  made  Confull, 
Spynther  his  Confort  j  and  Phaonius 
Tribune,  or  Pretor. 

Septimius  with  a  letter. 

Sep.     Thefe  were  only  fought 
Before  the  battaile,  not  obtaind  j  nor  mouing 
My  father  but  in  fhadowes. 

Corn.     Why  mould  men 
Tempt  fate   with   fuch  firme   confidence  1      feeking 

places 
Before   the  power  that  mould   difpofe    could   grant 

them] 
For  then  the  ftroke  of  battaile  was  not  flruck. 

i  Len.     Nay,   that  was   fure  enough.      Phyfitians 

know 

When  fick  mens  eyes  are  broken,  they  mud  dye. 
Your  letters  telling  you  his  victory 
Loft  in  the  skirmim,  which  I  know  hath  broken 
Both  the  eyes  and  heart  of  C<zfar  :  for  as  men 
Healthfull  through  all  their  Hues  to  grey-hayr'd  age, 
When  fickneffe  takes  them  once,  they  feldom  fcape  : 
So  C&far  viclor  in  his  general  fights 


i  So  The  Tragedy  of 

Till  this  late  skirmifh,  could  no  aduerfe  blow 
Suflaine  without  his  vtter  ouerthrow. 

2  Lent     See,  madam,  now ;    your  Sentinell :    en 
quire. 

Cor.     Seeft  thou  no  fleet  yet  (Sentinell)  nor  tra"ine 
That  may  be  thought  great  Pompey  s  1 

Sen.     Not  yet,  madam  e. 

i  Len.     Seeft  thou  no  trauellers  addrefl  this  way  ? 
In  any  number  on  this  Lesbian  more  ? 

Sent.  I  fee  fome  not  worth  note  ;  a  couple  comming 
This  way,  on  foot,  that  are  not  now  farre  hence. 
.    2  Lent.     Come  they  apace  1   like  meffengers  with 
newes  1 

Sent.     No,  nothing  like  (my  Lord)  nor  are  their 

habites 

Of  any  fuch  mens  faihions  ;  being  long  mantles, 
And  fable  hew'd  ;  their  heads  all  hid  in  hats 
Of  parching  Thejfjaly,  broad  brimm'd,  high  crown'd. 

Cor.     Thefe  feme  not  our  hopes. 

Sent.     Now  I  fee  a  fhip, 
A  kenning  hence  ;  that  (hikes  into  the  hauen. 

Cor.    One  onely  (hip  ? 

Sen.     One  only,  madam,  yet. 

Cor.     That  mould  not  be  my  Lord. 

1  Lent.     Your  Lord  1  no  madam. 

Sen.     She  now  lets  out  arm'd  men  vpon  the  land. 

2  Lent.     Arm'd  men  ?  with  drum  and  colours  ? 
Sen.     No,  my  Lord, 

But  bright  in  armes,  yet  beare  halfe  pikes,  or  bead- 

hookes. 
i  Lent.     Thefe  can  be  no  plumes  in  the  traine  of 

Pompey. 

Cor.     He  fee  him  in  his  letter,  once  againe. 
Sen.     Now,  madam,  come  the  two  I  faw  on  foot. 

Enter  Pompey  and  Demetrius. 

Dem.  See  your  Princefle,  Sir,  come  thus  farre 
from  the  City  in  her  coach,  to  encounter  your  promift 
comming 


Csefar  and  Pompey .  1 8 1 

About  this  time  in  your  laft  letters. 

Pom.     The  world  is  alter'd  fince  Demetrius , 

(offer  to  goe  by. 

1  Lent.     See,   madam,    two   Theffalian   Augurs   it 

feemes 

By  their  habits.     Call,  and  enquire  if  either  by  their 
Skils  or  trauels,  they  know  no  newes  of  your  husband. 

Cor.     My  friends  ?  a  word, 

Dem.     With  vs,  madam  ?• 

Cor.     Yes.     Are  you  of  Theffaly  1 

Dem.     I,  madam,  and  all  the  world  befides. 

Cor.     Your  Country  is  great. 

Dem.     And  our  portions  little. 

Cor.     Are  you  Augures  ? 

Dem .     Augur es  madam  ?  yes  a  kinde  of  Augures,  alias 
Wizerds,  that  goe  vp  and  downe  the  world,  teaching 
How  to  turne  ill  to  good. 

Cor.     Can  you  doe  that  ? 

Dem.     I,  madam,  you  haue  no  worke  for  vs,  haue 

you  ? 
No  ill  to  turne  good,  I  meane  ? 

Cor.     Yes  ;  the  abfence  of  my  husband. 

Dem.     What's  he  1 

Cor.     Pompey  the  great 

Dem.     Wherein  is  he  great  ? 

Cor.     In  his  command  of  the  world. 

Dem.     Then  he's  great  in  others.      Take  him  with 
out  his 
Addition  (great)  what  is  he  then  ? 

Cor.     Pompey. 

Dem.     Not  your  husband  then  ? 

Cor.     Nothing  the  leffe  for  his  greatneffe. 

Dem.     Not  in  his  right ;  but  in  your  comforts  he  is. 

Cor.     His  right  is  my  comfort. 

Dem.     What's  his  wrong  ? 

Cor.     My  forrow. 

Dem.     And  that's  ill. 

Cor.     Yes. 


1 82  The  Tragedy  oj 

Dem.     Y'are  come   to   the   vfe  of  our  Profeffion, 

madam, 

Would  you  haue  that  ill  turnd  good  ?  that 
Sorrow  turnd  comfort  ? 

Cor.     Why  is  my  Lord  wrong' d  ? 
Cor.     We  profeffe  not  that  knowledge,  madam  : 
Supofe  he  were. 
Cor.     Not  I. 

Dem.     Youle  fuppofe  him  good. 
Cor.     He  is  fo. 
Dem.  Then  mufl  you  needs  fuppofe  him  wrong'd  ; 

for 

All  goodneffe  is  wrong'd  in  this  world. 
Cor.     What  call  you  wrong  ? 
Dem.     Ill  fortune,  affliction. 
Cor.     Thinke  you  my  Lord  afflicted  1 
Dem,     If  I  thinke  him  good  (madam)  I  muft.     Vn- 

leffe  he 

Be  worldly  good,  and  then,  either  he  is  ill,  or  has  ill : 
Since,  as  no  fugar  is  without  poyfon  :  fo  is1  no  worldly 
Good  without  ill.     Euen  naturally  nourifht  in  it,  like  a 
Houfhold  thiefe,  which  is  the  worft  of  all  theeues. 
Cor.     Then  he  is  not  worldly,  but  truly  good. 
Dem.    He's  too  great  to  be  truly  good  j  for  worldly 

greatnes 

Is  the  chiefe  worldly  goodneffe  ;  and  all  worldly  good 
neffe 

(I  prou'd  before)  has  ill  in  it :  which  true  good  has  not. 
Cor.     If  he  rule  well  with  his  greatneffe ;  wherein 

is  he  ill? 
Dem.     But  great  Rulers  are  like  Carpenters  that 

weare  their 
Rules  at  their  backs  ftill :  and  therefore  to  make  good 

.your 
True  good  in  him,  y'ad  better  fuppofe  him  little,  or 

meane. 
For  in  the  meane  only  is  the  true  good. 

Pom.    But  euery  great  Lady  mufl  haue  her  husband 
Great  ftill,  or  her  loue  will  be  little. 


Caefar  and  Pompey.  183 

Cor.     I  am  none  of  thofe  great  Ladyes. 

i  Len.      She's  a  Philofophreffe   Augure,   and   can 

turne 
111  to  good  as  well  as  you. 

Pom.     I  would  then,  not  honor,  but  adore  her : 

could  you 

Submit  your  felfe  chearefully  to  your  husband, 
Suppofing  him  falne  1 

Cor.    If  he  fubmit  himfelfe  chearfully  to  his  fortune. 

Pom.     Tis  the  greateft  greatnes  in  the  world  you 
vndertake. 

Cor.     I  would  be  fo  great,  if  he  were. 

Pom.     In  fuppofition. 

Cor.     In  facl. 

Pom.    Be  no  woman,  but  a  Goddefie  then ;  &  make 

good  thy  greatneffe ; 
I  am  chearfully  falne  ;  be  chearfulL 

Cor.    I  am :  and  welcome,  as  the  world  were  clofde 
In  thefe  embraces. 

Pom.     Is  it  poffible  1 
A  woman,  lofing  greatneffe,  ftill  as  good, 
As  at  her  greateft  ?  O  gods,  was  I  euer 
Great  till  this  minute  ? 

Amb.  Len.     Pompey  ? 

Pom.     View  me  better. 

Amb.  Len.     Conquerd  by  Ccejar  ? 

Pom.     Not  I,  but  mine  army. 
No  fault  in  me,  in  it :  no  conquefl  of  me  : 
I  tread  this  low  earth  as  I  trod  on  Ccefar. 
Muft  I  not  hold  my  felfe,  though  lofe  the  world  ? 
Nor  lofe  I  leffe  ;  a  world  loft  at  one  clap, 
Tis  more  then  lout  euer  thundred  with. 
What  glory  is  it  to  haue  my  hand  hurle 
So  vaft  a  volley  through  the  groning  ayre  ? 
And  is't  not  great,  to  turne  griefes  thus  to  ioyes, 
That  breake  the  hearts  of  others  ? 

Amb.  Len.     O  tis  f out-like. 

Pom.     It  is  to  imitate  Ioue}  that  from  the  wounds 
Of  fofteft  clouds,  beats  vp  the  terribleft  founds. 


184  The  Tragedy  of 

I  now  am  good,  for  good  men  flill  haue  lead, 
That  twixt  themfelues  and  God  might  rife  their  reft. 

Cor.     O  Pompey,  Pompey  :  neuer  Great  till  now. 

Pom.     O  my  Cornelia  :  let  vs  ftill  be  good, 
And  we  mall  ftill  be  great :  and  greater  farre 
In  euery  folid  grace,  then  when  the  tumor 
And  bile  of  rotten  obfemation  fweld  vs. 
Griefes  for  wants  outward,  are  without  our  cure, 
Greatneffe,  not  of  it  felfe,  is  neuer  fare. 
Before,  we  went  vpon  heauen,  rather  treading 
The  virtues  of  it  vnderfoot,  in  making 
The  vicious  world  our  heauen  ;  then  walking  there 
Euen  here,  as  knowing  that  our  home  ;  contemning 
All  forg'd  heauens  here  raifde  ;  fetting  hills  on  hills. 
Vulcan  from  heauen  fell,  yet  on's  feet  did  light, 
And  flood  no  lefle  a  god  then  at  his  height ; 
At  loweft,  things  lye  faft ;  we  now  are  like 
The  two  Poles  propping  heauen,  on  which  heauen 

moues  j 

And  they  are  fixt,  and  quiet,  being  aboue 
All  motion  farre  ;  we  reft  aboue  the  heauens. 

Cor.     O,  I  more  ioy,  t'embrace  my  Lord  thus  fixt, 
Then  he  had  brought  me  ten  inconftant  conquefts. 

i  Len.     Miraculous  ftanding  in  a  fall  fo  great, 
Would  Ccefar  knew  Sir,  how  you  conquerd  him 
In  your  conui6lion. 

Pom.     Tis  enough  for  me 
That  Pompey  knows  it.     I  will  ftand  no  more 
On  others  legs  :  nor  build  one  ioy  without  me. 
If  euer  I  be  worth  a  houfe  againe, 
He  build  all  inward  :  not  a  light  mail  ope 
The  common  outway  :  no  expence,  no  art, 
No  ornament,  no  dore  will  I  vfe  there, 
But  raife  all  plain e,  and  rudely,  like  a  rampier, 
Againft  the  falfe  fociety  of  men 
That  ftill  batters 

All  reafon  peecemeale.     And  for  earthy  greatneffe 
All  heauenly  comforts  rarifies  to  ayre, 
He  therefore  Hue  in  darke,  and  all  my  light, 


Csefar  and  Pompey.  185 

Like  Ancient  Temples,  let  in  at  my  top. 

This  were  to  turne  ones  back  to  all  the  world, 

And  only  looke  at  heauen.     Empedocles 

RecurM  a  mortall  plague  through  all  his  Country, 

With  flopping  vp  the  yawning  of  a  hill, 

From  whence  the  hollow  and  vnwholfome  South 

Exhald  his  venomd  vapor.     And  what  elfe 

Is  any  King,  given  ouer  to  his  lulls, 

But  euen  the  poyfon'd  cleft  of  that  crackt  mountaine, 

That  all  his  kingdome  plagues  with  his  example  1 

Which  I  haue  ftopt  now,  and  fo  cur'd  my  Country 

Of  fuch  a  fenfuall  peflilence  : 

When  therefore  our  difeafde  affections 

Harmefull  to  humane  freedome  ;  and  flormelike 

Inferring  darkneffe  to  th'  infected  minde 

Oppreffe  our  comforts  :  tis  but  letting  in 

The  light  of  reafon,  and  a  purer  fpirit, 

Take  in  another  way  ;  like  roomes  that  fight 

With  windowes  gainfl  the  winde,  yet  let  in  light. 

Amb.  Len.     My  Lord,  we  feru'd  before,  but  now 
adore  you. 

Sen.     My  Lord,  the  arm'd  men  I  difcou'rd  lately 
Vnlhipt,  and  landed  ;  now  are  trooping  neare. 

Pom.     What  arm'd  men  are  they  ? 

i  Len.     Some,  my  Lord,  that  lately 
The  Sentinell  difcouer'd,  but  not  knew. 

Sen.     Now  all  the  fea  (my  Lords)  is  hid  with  mips, 
Another  Promontory  flanking  this, 
Some  furlong  hence,  is  climb'd,  and  full  of  people, 
That  eafily  may  fee  hither  ;  it  feemes  looking 
What  thefe  fo  neare  intend  :  Take  heed,  they  come. 

Enter  Achillas  ;  Septius,  Saluius,  with  fouldiers. 
Arch.    Haile  to  Romes  great  Commander;  to  whom 


(Not  long  fince  feated  in  his  kingdome  by  thee, 

And  fent  to  by  thee  in  thy  paffage  by) 

Sends  vs  with  anfwer  :  which  withdraw  and  heare. 


1 86  The  Tragedy  of 

Pom.     He  kiffe  my  children  firft. 

Sep.     Bleffe  me,  my  Lord. 

Pom.  I  will,  and  Cyris,  my  poore  daughter  too. 
Euen  that  high  hand  that  hurld  me  downe  thus  low, 
Keepe  you  from  rifing  high  :  I  heare  :  now  tell  me. 
I  thinke  (my  friend)  you  once  feru'd  vnder  me  : 

Septius  only  nods  with  his  head. 

Pom.     Nod  onely  ?  not  a  word  daigne  ?  what  are 

thefe  1 

Cornelia  %  I  am  now  not  worth  mens  words. 
Ach.  Pleafe  you  receiue  your  ayde,  Sir  ? 
Pom.  I,  I  come. 

Exit  Pom.     They  draw  and  follow. 
Cor.    Why  draw  they  ?  See,  my  Lords;  attend  them 

vfhers. 

Sen.     O  they  haue  flaine  great  Pompey. 
Cor.     O  my  husband. 
Sept.  Cyr.     Mother,  take  comfort. 

Enter  Pompey  bleeding. 
O  my  Lord  and  father. 

Pom.     See  heauens  your  fufferings,  is  my  Countries 

loue, 

The  iuflice  of  an  Empire  ;  pietie  ; 
Worth  this  end  in  their  leader  :  lafl  yet  life 
And  bring  the  gods  off  fairer :  after  this 
Who  will  adore,  or  ferue  the  deities  ? 

He  hides  his  face  with  his  robe. 

Enter  the  Murtherers. 

Ach.     Helpe  hale  him  off:  and  take  his  head  for 

Cafar. 
Sep.     Mother  ?  O  faue  us  ;  Pompey  1  O  my  father. 

Enter  the  two  Lentnli  and  Demetrius  bleeding, 
and  kneele  about  Cornelia. 

i  Len.     Yet  fals  not  heauen  ?    Madam,   O  make 
good 


Caefar  and  Pompey.  187 

Your  late  great  fpirits ;  all  the  world  will  fay, 
You  know  not  how  to  beare  aduerfe  euents, 
if  now  you  languifh. 

Omn.     Take  her  to  her  coach. 

They  beare  her  out. 

Cato  with  a  booke  in  his  hand. 

0  Beaflly  apprehenders  of  things  manly, 

And  merely  heauenly  :  they  with  all  the  reafons 

1  vfde  for  iufl  mens  liberties,  to  beare 

Their  Hues  and  deaths  vp  in  their  owne  free  hands  ; 

Feare  flill  my  refolution  though  I  feeme 

To  giue  it  off  like  them  :  and  now  am  woonne 

To  thinke  my  life  in  lawes  rule,  not  mine  owne, 

When  once  it  comes  to  death  ;  at,  if  the  law 

Made  for  a  fort  of  outlawes,  mufl  bound  me 

In  their  fubieclion  j  as  if  I  could 

Be  rackt  out  of  my  vaines,  to  Hue  in  others  ; 

As  fo  I  mufl,  if  others  rule  my  life ; 

And  publique  power  keepe  all  the  right  of  death, 

As  if  men  needes  mufl  ferue  the  place  of  iuflice  ; 

The  forme,  and  idoll,  and  renounce  it  felfe  1 

Our  felues,  and  all  our  rights  in  God  and  goodneffe  ? 

Our  whole  contents  and  freedomes  to  difpofe, 

All  in  the  ioyes  and  wayes  of  arrant  rogues  1 

No  flay  but  their  wilde  errors,  to  fuilaine  vs  ? 

No  forges  but  their  throats  to  vent  our  breaths  ? 

To  forme  our  Hues  in,  and  repofe  our  deaths  1 

See,  they  haue  got  my  fword.     Who's  there  ] 

Enter  Marcillius  bare. 

Mar.     My  Lord. 

at.     Who  tooke  my  fword  hence  ?  Dumb  1  I  doe 
not  aske 

For  any  vfe  or  care  of  it :  but  hope 
I  may  be  anfwered.     Goe  Sir,  let  me  haue  it. 

Exit  Mar. 


1 88  The  Tragedy  of 

Poore  flaues,  how  terrible  this  death  is  to  them  ? 

If  men  would  ileepe,  they  would  be  wroth  with  all 

That  interrupt  them  :  Phyfick  take  to  take 

The  golden  reft  it  brings  :  both  pay  and  pray 

For  good,  and  founded  naps  :  all  friends  confenting 

In  thofe  kinde  inuocations  ;  praying  all 

Good  reft,  the  gods  vouchfafe  you ;  but  when  death 

(Sleepes   naturall    brother)    comes;    (that's    nothing 

worfe, 

But  better  ;  being  more  rich  ;  and  keepes  the  ftore  ; 
Sleepe  euer  fickle,  wayward.  Mill,  and  poore) 
O  how  men  grudge,  and  make,  and  feare,  and  fly 
His  fterne  approaches  1  all  their  comforts  taken 
In  faith,  and  knowledge  of  the  bliffe  and  beauties 
That  watch  their  wakings  in  an  endleffe  life  : 
Dround  in  the  paines  and  horrors  of  their  fenfe 
Suftainde  but  for  an  houre  ;  be  all  the  earth 
Rapt  with  this  error,  Tie  purfue  my  reafon, 
And  hold  that  as  my  light  and  fiery  pillar, 
Th'  eternall  law  of  heauen  and  earth  no  firmer. 
But  while  I  feeke  to  conquer  conquering  Cafar, 
My  foft-fplen'd  femants  ouerrule  and  curb  me. 

He  knocks,  and  Brutus  enters. 
Where's  he  I  fent  to  fetch  and  place  my  fword 
Where  late  I  left  it  ?  Dumb  to  ?  Come  another  ! 

Enter  Cleanthes. 
Where's  my  fword  hung  here  ? 

Cle.     My  Lord,  I  know  not.  Ent.  Mardlius. 

Cat.     The  reft,  come  in  there.     Where's  the  fword 

I  charg'd  you 

To  giue  his  place  againe  1  He  breake  your  lips  ope, 
Spight  of  my  freedome  ;  all  my  feruants,  friends  ; 
My  fonne  and  all,  will  needs  betray  me  naked 
To  th'  armed  malice  of  a  foe  fo  fierce 
And  Beare-like,  mankinde  of  the  blood  of  virtue. 
O  gods,  who  euer  faw  me  thus  contemn'd  1 
Goe  call  my  fonne  in  ;  tell  him,  that  the  leffe 
He  fhewes  himfelfe  my  fonne,  the  leffe  He  care 
To  Hue  his  father. 


Cadar  and  Pompey.  189 

Enter  Athenodorus,  Por^ius  :  Porcius  kneeling;  Brutus, 
Cleanthes  and  Martilius  by  him. 

For.     I  befeech  you,  Sir, 
Reft  patient  of  my  duty,  and  my  lone  ; 
Your  other  children  think  on,  our  poore  mother, 
Your  family,  your  Country. 

Cat.     If  the  gods 

Giue  ouer  all,  He  fly  the  world  with  them. 
Athenodorus^  I  admire  the  changes, 
I  note  in  heauenly  prouidence.     When  Pompey 
Did  all  things  out  of  courfe,  paft  right,  paft  reafon, 
He  flood  inuincible  againft  the  world  : 
Yet,  now  his  cares  grew  pious,  and  his  powers 
Set  all  vp  for  his  Countrey,  he  is  conquered. 

Ath.     The  gods  wills  fecret  are,  nor  muft  we  mea- 

fure 

Their  chaft-referued  deepes  by  our  dry  mallowes. 
Sufficeth  vs,  we  are  entirely  fuch 
As  twixt  them  and  our  confciences  we  know 
Their  graces,  in  our  virtues,  mall  prefent 
Ynfpotted  with  the  earth ;  to'th  high  throne 
That  ouerlookes  vs  :  for  this  gyant  world 
Let's  not  contend  with  it,  when  heauen  it  felfe 
Failes  to  reforme  it :  why  mould  we  affecT: 
The  leaft  hand  ouer  it,  in  that  ambition  ? 
A  heape  tis  of  digefted  villany  ; 
Virtue  in  labor  with  eternall  Chaos 
Preft  to  a  liuing  death,  and  rackt  beneath  it. 
Her  throwes  vnpitied  ;  euery  worthy  man 
Limb  by  limb  fawne  out  of  her  virgin e  wombe, 
To  Hue  here  peecemeall  tortur'd,  fly  life  then  ; 
Your  life  and  death  made  prefidents  for  men.       Exit. 

Cat.     Ye  heare  (my  mafters)  what  a  life  this  is, 
And  vfe  much  reafon  to  refpec"l  it  fo. 
But  mine  mall  feme  ye.     Yet  reftore  my  fword, 
Left  too  much  ye  prefume,  and  I  conceiue 
Ye  front  me  like  my  fortunes.    Where's  Statiliusl 


190  The  Tragedy  of 

For.      I  think  Sir,  gone  with  the  three  hundred 

Romans 
In  Lucius  Cafars  charge,  to  feme  the  victor. 

Cat.     And  would  not  take  his  leaue  of  his  poore 

friend  ? 

Then  the  Philosophers  haue  ftoop't  his  fpirit, 
Which  I  admire,  in  one  fo  free,  and  knowing, 
And  fuch  a  fiery  hater  of  bafe  life, 
Befides,  being  fuch  a  vow'd  and  noted  foe 
To  our  great  Conqueror.     But  I  aduifde  him 
To  fpare  his  youth,  and  liue. 

For.     My  brother  Brutus 
Is  gone  to  Ccefar. 

Cat.     Brutus  ?  Of  mine  honor 
(Although  he  be  my  fonne  in  law)  I  muft  fay 
There  went  as  worthy,  and  as  learned  a  Prefident 
As  Hues  in  Romes  whole  rule,  for  all  lifes  actions  ; 
And  yet  your  filler  Porcia  (his  wife) 
Would  fcarce  haue  done  this.    But  (for  you  my  fonne) 
Howeuer  Ccefar  deales  with  me  ;  be  counfailde 
By  your  experienc't  father,  not  to  touch 
At  any  action  of  the  publique  weale, 
Nor  any  rule  beare  neare  her  politique  fterne  : 
For,  to  be  vpright,  and  fmcere  therein 
Like  Catos  fonne,  the  times  corruption 
Will  neuer  beare  it :  and,  to  footh  the  time, 
You  mail  doe  bafely,  and  vnworthy  your  life  ; 
Which,  to  the  gods  I  wilh,  may  outweigh  mine 
In  euery  virtue;  howfoeuer  ill 
You  thriue  in  honor. 

For.     I,  my  Lord,  mail  gladly 
Obey  that  counfell. 

Cat.     And  what  needed  you 
Vrge  my  kinde  care  of  any  charge  that  nature 
Impofes  on  me  ?  haue  I  euer  fhowne 
Loues  leaft  defect  to  you  ?  or  any  dues 
The  moll  indulgent  father  (being  difcreet) 
Could  doe  his  dearefl  blood  1  doe  you  me  right 
In  iudgement,  and  in  honor ;  and  difpence 


Caefar  and  Pompey.  T  9 1 

With  paffionate  nature  :  goe,  neglect  me  not, 

But  fend  my  fword  in.     Goe,  tis  I  that  charge  you. 

Cor.     O  my  Lord,  and  father,  come,  aduife  me. 

Exeunt. 

Cat.     What  haue  I  now  to  thinke  on  in  this  world? 
No  one  thought  of  the  world,  I  goe  each  minute 
Difcharg'd  of  all  cares  that  may  fit  my  freedome. 
The  next  world,  and  my  foule,  then  let  me  feme 
With  her  laft  vtterance  ;  that  my  body  may 
With  fweetneffe  of  the  paffage  drowne  the  fowre 
That  death  will  mix  with  it :  the  Confuls  foules 
That  flew  themfelues  fo  nobly,  fcorning  life 
Led  vnder  Tyrants  Scepters,  mine  would  fee. 
For  we  mall  know  each  other ;  and  pad  death 
Retaine  thofe  formes  of  knowledge  learn'd  in  life  ; 
Since,  if  what  here  we  learne,  we  there  mall  lofe, 
Our  immortality  were  not  life,  but  time. 
And  that  our  foules  in  reafon  are  immortall, 
Their  naturall  and  proper  obiects  proue  ; 
Which  immortallity  and  knowledge  are. 
For  to  that  obiect  euer  is  referr'd 
The  nature  of  the  foule,  in  which  the  acts 
Of  her  high  faculties  are  flill  employde. 
And  that  true  obiect  mull  her  powers  obtaine 
To  which  they  are  in  natures  aime  directed. 
Since  twere  abfurd  to  haue  her  fet  an  obiect 
Which  poffibly  me  neuer  can  afpire. 

Enter  a  Pa%e,  with  his  fword  taken  out  before. 

Pag.     Your  fword,  my  Lord. 

Cat.     O  is  it  found  ?  lay  downe 
Vpon  the  bed  (my  boy)     Exit  Pa.     Poore  men  ;  a 

boy 

Muft  be  prefenter ;  manhood  at  no  hand 
Muft  ferue  fo  foule  a  fact ;  for  fo  are  calde 
(In  common  mouths)  mens  fairefl  acts  of  all. 
Vnfheath  ;  is't  fharpe  ?  tis  fweet.     Now  I  am  fafe, 
Come  Cczfar,  quickly  now,  or  lofe  your  vafiall. 


192  The  Tragedy   of 

Now  wing  thee,  deare  foule,  and  receiue  her  heauen. 
The  earth,  the  ayre,  and  feas  I  know,  and  all 
The  ioyes,  and  horrors  of  their  peace  and  warres, 
And  now  will  fee  the  gods  ftate,  and  the  ftarres, 

He  fals  upon  his  fword,  and  enter  Statilius  at 

another  fide  of  the  Stage  with  his  fword 

drawne,  Porcius,  Brutus,  Cleanthes 

and  Marcilius  holding  his  hands. 

Stat.     Cato  1  my  Lord  ? 

For.     I  fweare  (Statilius) 
He's  forth,  and  gone  to  feeke  you,  charging  me 
To  ieeke  elfewhere,  left  you  had  flaine  your  felfe ; 
And  by  his  loue  entreated  you  would  Hue. 

Sta.     I  fweare  by  all  the  gods,  He  run  his  fortunes. 

Por.    You  may,  you  may ;  but  fhun  the  vic~tor  now, 
Who  neare  is,  and  will  make  vs  all  his  flaues. 

Sta.    He  mall  himfelfe  be  "mine  firft,  and  my  flaues. 

Exit. 

Por.     Looke,  looke  in  to  my  father,  O  (I  feare) 
He  is  no  fight  for  me  to  beare  and  Hue.  Exit. 

Omn.  3.     O  ruthfull  fpeclacle  ? 

Cle.     He  hath  ript  his  entrals. 

Bru.     Search,  fearch  ;  they  may  be  found. 

Cle.     They  may,  and  are. 
Giue  leaue,  my  Lord,  that  I  may  few  them  vp 
Being  yet  vnperiiht. 

Ca.     Stand  off;  now  they  are    He  thrujls  him  back 
not.  6° plucks  out  his  entrals. 

Have  he  my  curfe  that  my  lifes  leaft  part  faues. 
luft  men  are  only  free,  the  reft  are  flaues. 

Bru.     Myrror  of  men. 

Mar.     The  gods  enuied  his  goodneffe. 

Enter  Cafar,  Anthony,  Brutus,  Acilius,  with  Lords 
and  Citizens  of  Vtica. 

Caf.     Too  late,  too  late;  with  all  our  hafte.     O 
Cato, 


Caefar  and  Pompey.  193 

All  my  late  Conqueft,  and  my  lifes  whole  acts, 
Moft  crownde,  mod  beautified,  are  blafled  all 
With  thy  graue  lifes  expiring  in  their  fcorne. 
Thy  life  was  rule  to  all  Hues ;  and  thy  death 
(Thus  forcibly  defpifmg  life)  the  quench 
Of  all  Hues  glories. 

Ant.     Vnreclaimed  man  ? 
How  cenfures  Brutus  his  flerne  fathers  fact  ? 

Bru.    Twas  not  well  done. 

Caf.     O  cenfure  not  his  a<fls  ; 
Who  knew  as  well  what  fitted  man,  as  all  men. 

Enter  Achilius,  Septimius,  Salvius,  with 
Pompeys  head. 

All  kneeling.     Your  enemies  head  great  Cafar. 

Caf.     Curfed  monflers, 

Wound  not  mine  eyes  with  it,  nor  in  my  camp 
Let  any  dare  to  view  it ;  farre  as  nobleffe 
The  den  of  barbarifme  flies,  and  bliffe 
The  bitterefl  curfe  of  vext  and  tyrannifde  nature, 
Transferre  it  from  me.     Borne  the  plagues  of  virtue 
How  durfl  ye  poyfon  thus  my  thoughts  ?  to  torture 
Them  with  inflant  rapture. 

Omn.  3.     Sacred  Ctzfar. 

Ccef.     Away  with  them  ;  T  vow  by  all  my  comforts, 
Who  flack  feemes,  or  not  fiery  In  my  charge, 
Shall  fuffer  with  them. 

All  the  fouldiers.     Out  bafe  murtherers ; 
Tortures,  tortures  for  them  :  hale  them  out. 

Omn.     Cruell  Cczfar. 

Ccef.     Too  milde  with  any  torture. 

Bru.     Let  me  craue 
The  eafe  of  my  hate  on  their  one  curft  life. 

Ccef.  Good  Brutus  take  it ;  O  you  coole  the  poyfon 
Thefe  villaines  flaming  pou'rd  vpon  my  fpleen 
To  fuffer  with  my  lothings.     If  the  blood 
Of  euery  common  Roman  toucht  fo  neare  ; 
Shall  I  confirm e  the  falfe  brand  of  my  tyranny 


1 94  Csefar  and  Pompey. 

With  being  found  a  fautor  of  his  murther 
Whom  my  deare  Country  chufde  to  fight  for  her  ? 

Ant.    Your  patience  Sir,  their  tortures  well  will  quit 
you  : 

Bru.     Let  my  flaues  vfe,  Sir,  be  your  prefident. 

Caf.     It  mail,  I  fweare :  you  doe  me  infinite  honor. 
O  Cato,  I  enuy  thy  death,  fince  thou 
Enuiedft  my  glory  to  preferue  thy  life. 
Why  fled  his  fonne  and  friend  Statilius  ? 
So  farre  I  fly  their  hurt,  that  all  my  good 
Shall  fly  to  their  defires.     And  (for  himfelfe) 
My  Lords  and  Citizens  of  Vtica% 
His  much  renowne  of  you,  quit  with  your  moft. 
And  by  the  fea,  vpon  fome  eminent  rock, 
Erect  his  fumptuous  tombe  ;  on  which  aduance 
With  all  fit  ftate  his  ftatue ;  whofe  right  hand 
Let  hold  his  fword,  where,  may  to  all  times  reft 
His  bones  as  honor'd  as  his  foule  is  bleft. 


FINIS. 


THE 


TRAGEDY 


OF 


ALPHONSUS 

EMPEROUR 


OF 


GERMANY 

As  it  hath  been  very  often  Afted  (with 

great  applaufe)  at  the  Privat  'houfe 

in  BLACK- FRIERS  by  his  late 

MAJESTIES    Servants. 

By  George  Chapman  Gent. 


LONDON, 

Printed  for  HUMPHREY  MOSELEY,  and  are  to  be 

fold  at  his  Shopp  at  the  Princes- Arms 

in  St.  Pauls  Church-yard  1654. 


To  the  Reader 


I  Shall  not  need  to  befpeak  thee  Cour 
teous,  if  thou  haft  feen  this  Piece  pre- 
fented  with  all  the  Elegance  of  Life  and 
Action  on  the  Black-Friers  Stage  ;  But  if 
it  be  a  Stranger  to  thee,  give  me  leave  to 
prepare  thy  acceptation,  by  telling  thee,  it 
was  receiv'd  with  general  applaufe,  and 
thy  judgement  (I  doubt  not)  will  be  fatis- 
fied  in  the  reading. 

I  will  not  raife  thy  Expectation  further, 
nor  delay  thy  Entertainment  by  a  tedious 
Preface.  The  Defign  is  high,  the  Con- 
trivement  fubtle,  and  will  deferve  thy 
grave  Attention  in  the  perufall. 

Farewell. 


Dramatis  Perfona. 


ALphonfus  Emperour  of  Germany. 
King  of  Bohemia. 
Bifhop  of  Mentz.  \ 

Bifhop  of  CW&*.  The   feyen    Ek. 

Bifhop  of  7b*r.         -  f          aors    f  the  ^ 

Pallatme  of  the  ^?^.  ^^  ^      ^ 

Duke  of  Saxon. 

Marquefs  of  Brandenburgh.       j 
Prince  Edward  of  England. 
Richard  Duke  of  Cornwall. 
Lorenzo  de  Cipres,  Secretary  to  the  Emperour. 
Alexander  his  Son,  the  Emperours  Page. 
Ifabella  the  Emprefs. 

Hedewick  Daughter  to  the  Duke  of  Saxon. 
Captain  of  the  Guard. 
Souldiers. 
Jaylor. 
Two  Boores. 


ALPHONSUS 

Emperour  of  Germany. 


Enter  Alphonfus  the  Emperour  in  his  night-gown,  and 

his  JJiirt,  and  a  torch  in  his  hand,  Alexander 

de  Tripes  his  Page  following  him. 

|Oy,  give  me  the  Matter  Key  of  all  the 

doors. 
To  Bed  again,  and  leave  me  to  my  felf. 

Exit  Alexder. . 
Is  Richard  come  ?  have  four  Electors  fworn 
To  make  him  Xeifar  in  defpite  of  me  ? 
Why  then  Alphonfus  it  is  time  to  wake. 
No  Englifhman,  thou  art  too  hot  at  hand, 
Too  mallow  braind  to  undermine  my  throne  ; 
The  Spanim  Sun  hath  purifi'd  my  wit, 
And  dry'd  up  all  grofs  humours  in  my  head, 
That  I  am  lighted  as  the  King  of  Birds, 
And  can  difcern  thy  deeped  Stratagems. 
I  am  the  lawful  German  Emperour, 


200  ALPHONSUS 

Chofen,  enftall'd,  by  general  confent ; 

And  they  may  tearm  me  Tyrant  as  they  pleafe, 

I  will  be  King,  and  Tyrant  if  I  pleafe  ; 

For  what  is  Empire  but  a  Tyrannic  ? 

And  none  but  children  ufe  it  othervvife. 

Of  feven  Ele6lors,  four  are  falln  away, 

The  other  three  I  dare  not  greatly  truft ; 

My  Wife  is  Sifter  to  mine  enemy, 

And  therefore  wifely  to  be  dealt  withall ; 

But  why  do  I  except  in  fpecial, 

When  this  pofition  rnuft  be  general, 

That  no  man  living  muft  be  credited, 

Further  than  tends  unto  thy  proper  good. 

But  to  the  purpofe  of  my  filent  walk  ; 

Within  this  Chamber  lyes  my  Secretary, 

Lorenzo  de  Cipres,  in  whofe  learned  brain 

Is  all  the  compafs  of  the  world  containd  ; 

And  as  the  ignorant  and  fimple  age 

Of  our  forefathers,  blinded  in  their  zeal, 

Receiv'd  dark  anfwers  from  Appollds  fhrine, 

And  honour'd  him  as  Patron  of  their  blifs ; 

So  I,  not  muffled  in  fimplicitie, 

Zealous  indeed  of  nothing  but  my  good, 

Haft  to  the  Augur  of  my  happinefs, 

To  lay  the  ground  of  my  enfuing  Wars. 

He  learns  his  wifdorn,  not  by  flight  of  Birds, 

By  prying  into  facrificed  beafts, 

By  Hares  that  crofs  the  way,  by  howling  Wolves, 

By  gazing  on  the  Starry  Element, 

Or  vain  imaginary  calculations  ; 

But  from  a  fetled  wifdom  in  it  felf 

Which  teacheth  to  be  void  of  paffion. 

To  be  Religious  as  the  ravenous  Wolf, 

Who  loves  the  Lamb  for  hunger,  and  for  prey ; 

To  threaten  our  inferiors  with  our  looks  ; 

To  flatter  our  Superiors  at  our  need  ; 

To  be  an  outward  Saint,  an  inward  Devill ; 

Thefe  are  the  lectures  that  my  Mafter  reads. 

This  Key  commands  all  Chambers  in  the  Court ; 


Emperour  of  Germany.      .     201 

Now  on  a  fudain  will  I  try  his  wit, 
I  know  my  comming  is  unlook'd  for. 

He  opens  the  door  and  finds  Lorenzo  fleep  a  loft. 

Nay  fleep,  Lorenzo,  I  will  walk  a  while. 
As  nature  in  the  framing  of  the  world, 
Ordain 'd  there  mould  be  nihil  vacuum  ; 
Even  fo  me  thinks  his  wifdom  mould  contrive, 
That  all  his  Study  fhould  be  full  of  wit, 
And  every  corner  fluft  with  fentences  ? 
What's  this  1  Plato  1  Ariflotle  ?  tufti  thefe  are  ordinary, 
It  feems  this  is  a  note  but  newly  written.     \He  reads  a 
note  which  he  finds  among  his  Books. 

Una  arbufla  non  alit  duos  Erithicos  ;  which  being 
granted,  the  Roman  Empire  will  not  fuffice  Alphonfus 
King  of  Caflile,  and  Richard  Earl  of  Cornwall  his  com 
petitor;  thy  wifdom  teacheth  thee  to  cleave  to  the  ftrongeft', 
Alphonfus  is  in  poffejfion,  and  therefore  the  ftrongeft,  but 
he  is  in  hatred  ivith  the  Eleftors,  and  men  rather  honour 
the  Sun  rifing  than  the  Sun  goin§  down.  I  marry  this 
is  argued  like  himfelf,  and  now  me  thinks  he  wakes. 

[Lorenzo  Rifeth,  and  matches  at  his  fword  which 
hung  by  his  Bed-fide.] 

Loren.      What  are  there  thieves  within  the    Em- 

perour's  Court  ? 

Villain  thou  dy'ft  ;  what  mak'ft  thou  in  my  Chamber  1 
Alphon.      How  now  Lorenzo,  wilt    thou    flay    thy 

Lord? 
Loren.    I  do  befeech  your  facred  Majefty  to  pardon 

me, 
I  did  not  know  your  grace. 

Alphon.     Ly  down  Lorenzo,  I  will  fit  by  thee, 
The  ayr  is  fharp  and  piercing  ;  tremble  not, 
Had  it  been  any  other  but  our  felf, 
He  mud  have  been  a  villain  and  a  thief. 

Loren.     Alas  my  Lord  !    what  means  your  excel 
lence, 
To  walk  by  night  in  thefe  fo  dangerous  times  ? 


202  ALPHONSUS 

Alphon.      Have   I   not   reafon  now  to  walk  and 

watch, 

When  I  am  compaft  with  fo  many  foes  1 
They  ward,  they  watch,  they  cad,  and  they  confpire, 
To  win  confederate  Princes  to  their  aid, 
And  batter  down  the  Eagle  from  my  creaft. 
O,  my  Lorenzo,  if  thou  help  me  not, 
Th'  Imperial  Crown  is  fhaken  from  my  head, 
And  giv'n  from  me  unto  an  Englifh  Earl. 
Thou  knoweil  how  all  things  (land  as  well  as  we, 
Who  are  our  enemies,  and  who  our  friends, 
Who  muft  be  threatned,  and  who  dallyed  with, 
Who  won  by  words,  and  who  by  force  of  arms  ; 
For  all  the  honour  I  have  done  to  thee. 
Now  fpeak,  and  fpeak  to  purpofe  in  the  caufe  ; 
Nay  reft  thy  body,  labour  with  thy  brain, 
And  of  thy  words  my  felf  will  be  the  fcribe. 

Loren.     Why  then  my  Lord,  take  Paper,  Pen  and 

Ink, 
Write  firft  this  maxim,  it  (hall  do  you  good. 

T.  A  Prince  muft  be  of  the  nature  of  the  Lion  and 
the  Fox  ;  but  not  the  one  without  the  other. 

Alphon.     The  Fox  is  fubtil,  but  he  wanteth  force  ; 
The  Lion  ftrong,  but  fcorneth  policie  ; 
I'l  imitate  Lyfander  in  this  point, 
And  where  the  Lion's  hide  is  thin  and  fcant, 
I'l  firmly  patch  it  with  the  Foxes  fell. 
Let  it  fumce  I  can  be  both  in  one. 

Loren.  2.  A  Prince  above  all  things  muft  feem 
devout ;  but  there  is  nothing  fo  dangerous  to  his  ftate, 
as  to  regard  his  promife  or  his  oath. 

Alphon.  Turn,  fear  not  me,  my  promifes  are  found, 
But  he  that  trufts  them  mail  be  fure  to  fail. 

Loren.     Nay  my  good  Lord,  but  that  I  know  your 

Majefty, 

To  be  a  ready  quickwitted  Scholar, 
I  would  beftow  a  comment  on  the  text. 

3.  Truft  not  a  reconciled  friend;  for  good  turns 
cannot  blot  out  old  grudges. 


Emperour  of  Germany.  203 

Alphon.     Then  mufl  I  watch  the   Palatine  of  the 


1  caus'd  his  Father  to  be  put  to  death. 

Lor  en.     Your  Highnefs  hath  as  little  caufe  to  trull 
The  dangerous  mighty  Duke  of  Saxony  ; 
You  know,  you  fought  to  banifh  him  the  Land  ; 
And  as  for  Cullen,  was  not  he  the  firft 
That  fent  for  Richard  into  Germany  ^ 

Alphon.     What's  thy  opinion  of  the  other  four  1 

Alphon.     That  Bohemie  neither  cares  for  one  nor 

other, 

But  hopes  this  deadly  flrife  between  you  twain, 
Will  call  th'  Imperial  Crown  upon  his  head. 
For  Trier  and  Brandenberg,  I  think  of  them 
As  fimple  men  that  wifh  the  common  good  ; 
And  as  for  Mentz  I  need  not  cenfure  him, 
Richard  \&fln.  chain'd  him.  in  a  golden  bond, 
And  fau'd  his  life  from  ignominious  death. 

Alphon.     Let  it  fuffice,  Lorenzo,  that  I  know, 
When  Churfurft  Mentz  was  taken  Prifoner, 
By  young  victorious  Otho  Duke  of  Brunfchweige 
That  Richard  Earl  of  Cornwall  did  disburfe 
The  ranfome  of  a  King,  a  million, 
To  fave  his  life,  and  rid  him  out  of  bands, 
That  fum  of  gold  did  fill  the  Brunfchweige  bags  ; 
But  fmce  my  felf  have  rain'd  a  golden  mower. 
Of  bright  Hungarian  Ducates  and  Crufadoes, 
Into  the  private  Coffers  of  the  Bifhop, 
The  Englifh  Angels  took  their  wings  and  fled  ; 
My  croffes  blefs  his  Coffers,  and  plead  for  me, 
His  Voice  is  mine,  bought  with  ten  tun  of  Gold, 
And  at  the  meeting  of  the  feven  Electors, 
His  Princely  double-dealing  holinefs 
Will  fpoyl  the  Englifh  Emperour  of  hope. 
But  I  refer  thefe  matters  to  the  fequel. 
Proceed  Lorenzo  forward  to  the  next. 

Loren.  I'm  glad  your  grace  hath  dealt  fo  cunningly, 
With  that  victorious  fickle  minded  Prelate  ;  for  in 
election  his  voice  is  firft  but  to  the  next. 


204  ALPHONSUS 

4.  'Tis  more  fafety  for  a  Prince  to  be  feared  than 
loved. 

Alphon.    Love  is  an  humour  pleafeth  him  that  loves  ; 
Let  me  be  hated,  fo  I  pleafe  my  felf. 
Love  is  an  humour  mild  and  changeable  ; 
But  fear  engraves  a  reverence  in  the  heart. 

Loren.  5.  To  keep  an  ufurped  Crown,  a  Prince 
mud  fwear,  forfwear,  poyfon,  murder,  and  commit  all 
kind  of  villanies,  provided  it  be  cunningly  kept  from 
the  eye  of  the  world. 

Alphon.     But  my  Lorenzo  that's  the  hardeft  point, 
It  is  not  for  a  Prince  to  execute, 
Phyficians  and  Apothecaries  muft  know, 
And  fervile  fear  or  Counfel-breaking  bribes, 
Will  from  a  Peafant  in  an  hour  extort 
Enough  to  overthrow  a  Monarchy. 

Loren.  Therefore  my  Lord  fet  down  this  fixt  and 
lafl  Article. 

6.  Be  alwaies  jealous  of  him  that  knows  your  fecrets, 
And  therefore  it  behooves  you  credit  few ; 
And  when  you  grow  into  the  leafl  mfpecl., 
With  filent  cunning  mufl  you  cut  them  off. 
As  for  example,  ^ulio  Lentulus, 
A  mofl  renowned  Neapolitan, 
Gave  me  this  Box  of  poyfon,  t'was  not  long 
But  therewithall  I  lent  him  to  his  grave. 

Alphon.   And  what's  the  fpecial  vertue  of  the  fame  ? 

Loren.     That  it  is  twenty  days  before  it  works. 

Alphon.     But  what  is  this  1 

Loren.     This  an  infection  that  kils  fuddainly ; 
This  but  a  toy  to  carl  a  man  afleep. 

Alphon.     How  %  being  drunk  1 

Loren.     No,  being  fmelt  unto. 

Alphon.  Then  fmell  Lorenzo,  I  did  break  thy  fleep  ; 
And,  for  this  time,  this  lecture  mall  fuffice. 

Loren.      What  have   you   done  my  Lord  ]    y'ave 
made  me  fafe, 
For  flirring  hence  thefe  four  and  twenty  hours. 

Alphon.     I  fee  this  charms  his  fenfes  fudainly. 


Emperour  of  Germany.  205 

How  now  Lorenzo,  half  afleep  already  1 

SEneas  Pilot  by  the  God  of  dreams, 

Was  never  lull'd  into  a  founder  trance  ; 

And  now  Alphonfus  over-read  thy  notes.        \He  reads. 

Thefe  are  already  at  my  fingers  ends, 

And  left  the  world  mould  find  this  little  Schedule, 

Thus  will  I  rend  the  text,  and  after  this, 

On  my  behaviour  fet  fo  fair  a  glofs, 

That  men  mail  take  me  for  a  Convertite ; 

But  fome  may  think,  I  mould  forget  my  part, 

And  have  been  over  ram  in  renting  it, 

To  put  them  out  of  doubt  I  ftudy  fure, 

I'le  make  a  backward  repetition, 

In  being  jealous  of  my  Counfel  keepers, 

This  is  the  poyfon  that  kils  fudainly, 

So  didft  thou  unto  Julius  Lentuh.s, 

And  blood  with  blood  muft  be  requited  thus. 

N6w  am  I  fafe,  and  no  man  knows  my  Counfels. 

Churfurft  of  Mentz,  if  now  thou  play  thy  part, 

Erning  thy  gold  with  cunning  workmanmip, 

Upon  the  Bemim  Kings  ambition, 

Richard  mall  fhamefully  fail  of  his  hope, 

And  I  with  triumph  keep  my  Emperie.  Exit. 

Enter  the.  King  of  Bohemia,  the  Bi/hops  of  Mentz, 

Collen,  Trier,  the  Pallatine  of  the  Rhein, 

The  Duke  of  Saxon,  The  Marquejs 

of  Brandenburg. 

Bohe.     Churfurjls  and  Princes  of  the  Election, 
Since  by  the  adverfe  fortune  of  our  age, 
The  facred  and  Imperial  Majefly 
Hath  been  ufurp'd  by  open  Tyranny, 
We  the  feven  Pillars  of  the  German  Empire, 
To  whom  fucceffively  it  doth  belong 
To  make.eleclion  of  our  Emperours, 
Are  here  affembled  to  unite"  a  new 
Unto  her  former  flrength  and  glorious  type, 
Our  half  declining  Roman  Monarchy, 


2o6  ALPHONSUS 

And  in  that  hope,  I  Henry  King  of  Bohem, 
Churfurjl  and  Sewer  to  the  Emperour, 
Do  take  my  feat  next  to  the  facred  throne. 

Mentz.     Next  feat  belongs  to  Julius  Florius 
Archbifhop  of  Mentz,  Chancelor  of  Germany, 
By  birth  the  Duke  of  fruitful  Pomerland. 

Pal.    The  next  place  in  ele6lion  longs  to  me, 
George  Caffimirus  Palfgrave  of  the  Rhein, 
His  Highnefs  Taller,  and  upon  my  knee 
I  vow  a  pure  fincere  innated  zeal 
Unto  my  Country,  and  no  wrefted  hate, 
Or  private  love  (hall  blind  mine  intellect. 

Gotten.     Brave  Duke  of  Saxon,  Dutchlands  greatefl 

hope, 

Stir  now  or  never,  let  the  Spanim  tyrant, 
That  hath  difhonoured  us,  murder'd  our  Friends, 
And  ftain'd  this  feat  with  blood  of  innocents, 
At  lafl  be  chaflis'd  with  the  Saxon  fword, 
And  may  Albertus  Archbifhop  of  Gotten, 
Chancelor  of  Gattia  and  the  fourth  Elector  ; 
Be  thought  unworthy  of  his  place  and  birth, 
But  he  affift  thee  to  his  utmofl  power. 

Sax.    Wifdom,  not  words,  mufl  be  the  foveraign 

falve, 

To  fearch  and  heal  thefe  grievous  feflred  wounds, 
And  in  that  hope  Augujlus  Duke  of  Saxon, 
Arch-Marmall  to  the  Emperour,  take  my  place. 

Trier.      The   like  doth  Frederick  Arch-Bilhop   of 

Trier, 
Duke  of  Lorrain,  Chancelour  of  Italie. 

Bran.     The  feventh  and  lafl  is  Joachim   Carolus, 
Marquefs  of  Brandenburg,  overworn  with  age, 
Whofe  Office  is  to  be  the  Treafurer  ; 
But  Wars  have  made  the  Coffers  like  the  Chair. 
Peace  bringeth  plenty,  Wars  bring  poverty  ; 
Grant  Heavens,  this  meeting  may  be  to  effect, 
Eaablifh  Peace,  and  cut  off  Tyrannic. 


Emperoiir  of  Germany.  207 

Enter  the  Emprefs  Ifabella  Kirtg  John's  Daughter. 

Emprefs.     Pardon  my  bold  intrufion  mighty  Chur- 

furjls, 
And 'let  my  words  pierce  deeply  in  your  hearts. 

0  !  I  befeech  you  on  my  bended  Knees, 

1  the  poor  miferable  Emprefs, 

A  ftranger  in  this  Land,  unus'd  to  broyls, 

Wife  to  the  one,  and  Sifter  to  the  other 

That  are  Competitors  for  Soveraignty  ; 

All  that  I  pray,  is,  make  a  quiet  end  ; 

Make  Peace  between  my  Husband  and  my  Brother. 

O  think  how  grief  doth  ftand  on  either  fide, 

If  either  party  chance  to  be  amifs  ; 

My  Husband  is  my  Husband  ;  but  my  Brother, 

My  heart  doth  melt  to  think  he  mould  milcarry. 

My  Brother  is  my  Brother  ;  but  my  Husband, 

O  how  my  joynts  do  make  fearing  his  wrong  ! 

If  both  mould  dye  in  thefe  uncertain  broyls. 

O  me,  why  do  I  live  to  think  upon't ! 

Bear  with  my  interrupted  fpeeches  Lords, 

Tears  ftop  my  voice,  your  wifdoms  know  my  meaning. 

Alas  I  know  my  Brother  Richard's  heart 

Affects  not  Empire,  he  would  rather  choofe 

To  make  return  again  to  Paleftine, 

And  be  a  fcourge  unto  the  Infidels  ; 

As  for  my  Lord,  he  is  impatient, 

The  more  my  grief,  the  leffer  is  my  hope. 

Yet  Princes  thus  he  fends  you  word  by  me, 

He  will  fubmit  himfelf  to  your  award, 

And  labour  to  amend  what  is  amifs. 

All  I  have  faid,  or  can  device  to  fay, 

Is  few  words  of  great  worth,  Make  unity. 

Bohe.     Madam,  that  we  have  fuffer'd  you  to  kneel 

fo  long, 

Agrees  not  with  your  dignity  nor  ours  ; 
Thus  we  excufe  it,  when  we  once  are  fet, 
In  folemn  Councel  of  Election, 
We  may  not  rife  till  fomewhat  be  concluded. 


208 


ALPHONSUS 


So  much  for  that :  touching  your  earned  fute, 
Your  Majeflie  doth  know  how  it  concerns  us, 
Comfort  your  felf,  as  we  do  hope  the  bed  ; 
But  tell  us,  Madam,  wher's  your  Husband  now  ? 

Emprefs.      I  left  him  at  his  prayers,  good  my  Lord. 

Saxon.     At  prayers  1  Madam  that's  a  miracle. 

Pall.     Vndoubtedly  your  Highnefs  did  miflake  j 
'Twas  fare  fome  Book  of  Conjuration; 
I  think  he  never  faid  pray'r  in  his  life. 

Emprefs.     Ah  me,  my  fear,  I  fear,  will  take  effect ; 
Your  hate  to  him, -and  love  unto  my  Brother, 
Will  break  my  heart,  and  fpoil  th'  Imperial  peace. 

Mentz.     My  Lord  of  Saxon,  and  Prince  Pallatine, 
This  hard  opinion  yet  is  more  than  needs ; 
But,  gracious  Madam,  leave  us  to  our  f elves. 

Emprefs.     I  go,  and  Heav'n  that  holds  the  Hearts 

of  Kings, 
Direct  your  Counfels  unto  unity.  Exit. 

Bohe.     Now  to  the  depth  of  that  we  have  in  hand  ; 
This  is  the  queflion,  whether  the  King  of  Spain 
Shall  flill  continue  in  the  Royal  throne, 
Or  yield  it  up  unto  Plantagenet, 
Or  we  proceed  unto  a  third  Eeleclion. 

Saxon.     E're  fuch  a  viperous  blood-thirfty  Spaniard 
Shall  fuck  the  hearts  of  our  Nobility, 
Th'  Imperial  Sword  which  Saxony  doth  bear, 
Shall  be  unfheath'd  to  War  againft  the  world. 

Pall.     My  hate  is  more  than  words  can  teftifie, 
Slave  as  he  is  he  murdered  my  Fathe'r. 

Coll.    Prince  Richard  is  the  Champion  of  the  world, 
Learned,  and  mild,  fit  for  the  Government. 

Bohe.     And  what  have  we  to  do  with  Englifhmen  ? 
They  are  divided  from  our  Continent. 
But  now  that  we  may  orderly  proceed 
To  our  high  Office  of  Election, 
To  you  my  Lord  of  Mentz  it  doth  belong, 
Having  firfl  voice  in  this  Imperial  Synod, 
To  name  a  worthy  man  for  Emperour. 


Emperour  of  Germany.  209 

Mentz.     It  may  be  thought,  mofl  grave  and  reve 
rend  Princes, 

That  in  refpedl  of  divers  fums  of  gold, 
Which  Richard  of  meer  charitable  love, 
Not  as  a  bribe,  but  as  a  deed  of  Alms, 
Disburs'd  for  me  unto  the  Duke  of  Brunfchweige, 
That  I  dare  name  no  other  man  but  he, 
Or  mould  I  nominate  an  other  Prince, 
Upon  the  contrary  I  may  be  thought 
A  moil  ingrateful  wretch  unto  my  Friend ; 
But  private  caufe  mud  yield  to  publick  good ; 
Therefore  me  thinks  it  were  the  fitteft  courfe, 
To  choofe  the  worthier!  upon  this  Bench. 

Bohem.     We  are  all  Germans,  why  mould  we  be 

yoak'd 
Either  by  Englimmen  or  Spaniards  ? 

Saxo.     The  Earl  of  Cornwall  by  a  full  confent 
Was  fent  for  out  of  England. 

Mentz.     Though  he  were, 
Our  later  thoughts  are  purer  than  our  firft, 
And  to  conclude,  I  think  this  end  were  beft, 
Since  we  have  once  chofen  him  Emperour, 
That  fome  great  Prince  of  wifdom  and  of  power, 
Whofe  countenance  may  overbear  his  pride, 
Be  joynd  in  equal  Government  with  Alphonfus. 

Bohem.       Your    Holinefs    hath    foundry    in     few 

words 
Set  down  a  mean  to  quiet  all  thefe  broyls. 

Trier.     So  may  we  hope  for  peace  if  he  amend  ; 
But  (hall  Prince  Richard  then  be  joynd  with  him  ? 

Pal.    Why  mould  your  Highnefs  ask  that  queilion  ? 
As  if  a  Prince  of  fo  high  Kingly  Birth, 
Would  live  in  couples  with  fo  bafe  a  Cur  ? 

Bohe.     Prince  Pallatine,  fuch  words  do  ill  become 
thee. 

Saxon.    He  faid  but  right,  and  call'd  a  Dog  a  Dog. 

Bohe.     His  Birth  is  Princely. 

Saxo.     His  manners  villanous, 
And  vertuous  Richard  fcorns  fo  bafe  a  yoak. 

o 


210  ALPHONSUS 

Bohe.     My  Lord  of  Saxon,  give  me  leave  to  tell 

you, 

Ambition  blinds  your  judgement  in  this  cafe  ; 
You  hope,  if  by  your  means  Richard  be  Emperour, 
He,  in  requital  of  fo  great  advancement, 
Will  make  the  long-defired  Marriage  up 
Between  the  Prince  of  England  and  your  Sifter, 
And  to  that  end  Edward  the  Prince  of  Wales, 
Hath  born  his  Uncle  Company  to  Germany. 

Saxo.     Why  King  of  Bohem  i'ft  unknown  to  thee, 
How  oft  the  Saxons  Sons  have  marryed  Queens, 
And  Daughters  Kings,  yea  mightieft  Emperours  2 
If  Edward  like  her  beauty  and  behaviour, 
He'l  make  no  queflion  of  her  Princely  Birth  ; 
But  let  that  pafs,  I  fay,  as  erfl  I  faid, 
That  vertuous  Richard  fcorns  fo  bafe  a  yoak. 

Mentz.    \iRichard  fcorn,  fome  one  upon  this  Bench, 
Whofe  power  may  overbear  Alphonfus  pride, 
Is  to  be  named.     What  think  you  my  Lords  1 

Saxon.     I  think  it  was  a  mighty  mafs  of  Gold, 
That  made  your  grace  of  this  opinion. 

Mentz.     My  Lord  of  Saxony,  you  wrong  me  much, 
And  know  I  highly  fcorn  to  take  a  bribe. 

Pal.     I  think  you  fcorn  indeed  to  have  it  known  : 
But  to  the  purpofe,  if  it  muft  be  fo, 
Who  is  the  fitted  man  to  joyn  with  him  ? 

Gotten.      Firfl   with  an  Oxe  to  plough  will   I  be 
yok'd. 

Mentz.     The  fitteft  is  your  grace  in  mine  opinion. 

Bohem.     I  am  content,  to  ftay  thefe  mutinies, 
To  take  upon  me  what  you  do  impofe. 

Saxon.     Why  here's  a  tempeft  quickly  overblown. 
God  give  you  joy  my  Lord  of  half  the  Empire  j 
For  me  I  will  not  meddle  in  the  matter, 
But  warn  your  Majeflie  to  have  a  care, 
And  vigilant  refpecl  unto  your  perfon, 
I'l  hie  me  home  to  fortifie  my  Towns, 
Not  to  offend,  but  to  defend  my  felf. 

Palf.     Ha'  with  you  Cofm,  and  adieu  my  Lords, 


Emperour  of  Germany.  2 1 1 

I  am  afraid  this  fuddain  knitted  Peace, 

Will  turn  unto  a  tedious  lading  War ; 

Only  thus  much  we  do  requeft  you  all, 

Deal  honourably  with  the  Earl  of  Cornwall, 

And  fo  adieu.  Exeunt.  Saxon,  and  Palf. 

Brand.   I  like  not  this  ilrange  Farewel  of  the  Dukes. 

Bohem.     In  all  elections  fome  are  malcontent. 
It  doth  concern  us  now  with  fpeed  to  know, 
How  the  Competitors  will  like  of  this, 
And  therefore  you  my  Lord  Archbifhop  of  Trier, 
Impart  this  order  of  arbitrament 
Unto  the  Emperour  bid  him  be  content, 
To  (land  content  with  half  or  lofe  the  whole, 
My  Lord  of  Mentz  go  you  unto  Prince  Richard, 
And  tell  him  flatly  here's  no  Crown,  nor  Empire 
For  Englifh  Iflanders ;  tell  him,  'twere  his  beft, 
To  hie  him  home  to  help  the  King  his  Brother, 
Againfl  the  Earl  of  Leicejler  and  the  Barons. 

Collen.    My  Lord  of  Mentz,  fweet  words  will  qualifie, 
When  bitter  tearms  will  adde  unto  his  rage. 
'Tis  no  fmall  hope  that  hath  deceiv'd  the  Duke  ; 
Therefore  be  mild  ;  I  know  an  Englishman, 
Being  flattered,  is  a  Lamb,  threatned,  a  Lion ; 
Tell  him  his  charges  what  fo  e're  they  are 
Shalbe  repaid  with  treble  vantages  ; 
Do  this ;  we  will  expecl  their  refolutions. 

Mentz.     Brother  of  Collen,  I  entreat  your  grace 
To  take  this  charge  upon  you  in  my  Head ; 
For  why  I  fliame  to  look  him  in  the  face. 

Collen.     Your  Holinefs  (hall  pardon  me  in  this, 
Had  I  the  profit  I  would  take  the  pains ; 
With  fhame  enough  your  Grace  may  bring  the  meffage. 

Mentz.    Thus  am  I  wrong'd,  God  knows,  unguiltily. 

Brand.     Then  arm  your  countenance   with  inno- 

cency, 

And  boldly  do  the  meffage  to  the  Prince ; 
For  no  man  elfe  will  be  the  meffenger. 

Mentz.     Why  then  I  muft,  fince  ther's  no  remedy. 

Exit  Mentz. 


212  ALPHONSUS 

Brand.     If  Heav'n  that  guides  the  hearts  of  mighty 

men, 

Do  calm  the  Winds  of  thefe  great  Potentates, 
And  make  them  like  of  this  Arbitrament, 
Sweet  Peace  will  tryumph  thorough  Chriftendom, 
And  Germany  mail  blefs  this  happy  day. 

Enter  Alexander  de  Toledo  the  Page. 

Alexand.    O  me  moft  miferable  !  O  my  dear  Father ! 
Eohem.    What  means  this  paflionate  accent  ?  what 

art  thou 
That  founds  thefe  acclamations  in  our  ears  ? 

Alex.     Pardon  me  Princes,  I  have  loft  a  Father, 
O  me,  the  name  of  Father  kils  my  heart. 
O  !  I  mall  never  fee  my  Father  more, 
H'as  tane  his  leaue  of  me  for  age  and  age, 

Cotten.     What  was  thy  Father  ? 

Alex.     Ah  me  1  whot  was  a  not  ? 
Noble,  Rich,  valiant,  well-belov'd  of  all, 
The  glory  and  the  wifdom  of  his  age, 
Chief  Secretary  to  the  Emperour. 

Gotten.     Lorenzo  de  Toledo,  is  he  dead  1 

Alex.     Dead,  ay  me  dead,  ay  me  my  life  is  dead, 
Strangely  this  night  bereft  of  breath  and  fenfe, 
And  I,  poor  I,  am  comforted  in  nothing, 
But  that  the  Emperour  laments  with  me, 
As  I  exclame,  fo  he,  he  rings  his  hands, 
And  makes  me  mad  to  fee  his  Majefly 
Excruciate  himfelf  with  endlefs  forrow. 

Collen.     The  happieft  news  that  euer  I  did  hear ; 
Thy  Father  was  a  villain  murderer, 
Witty,  not  wife,  lov'd  like  a  Scorpion, 
Grown  rich  by  the  impoveriming  of  others, 
The  chiefefl  cauie  of  all  thefe  mutinies, 
And  Ccefar's  tutor  to  all  villanie. 

Alex.     None  but  an  open  lyar  terms  him  fo. 

Col.     What  Boy,  fo  malepert  ? 

Bohem.      Good   Collen  bear  with  him,  it  was  his 
Father, 


Emperour  of  Germany.         -213 

Dutch- land  vs.  bleffed  in  Lorenzo's  Death. 
Brand.     Did  never  live  a  viler  minded  man. 
Exeunt.  Manet  Alex. 

Alex.     Nor  King,  nor  Churfurft  mould  be  privi- 

leg'd 

To  call  me  Boy,  and  rayl  upon  my  Father, 
Were  I  wehrfafflig  ;  but  in  Germany, 
A  man  mufl  be  a  Boy  at  40.  years, 
And  dares  not  draw  his  weapon  at  a  Dog, 
Till  being  foundly  box'd  about  the  ears, 
His  Lord  and  Matter  gird  him  with  a  fword  ; 
The  time  will  come  I  mall  be  made  a  man, 
Till  then  I'l  pine  with  thought  of  dire  revenge, 
And  live  in  Hell  untill  I  take  revenge. 


ACT.    II. 


Enter  Alphonfus,  Richard  Earl  of  Cornwall,  Mentz, 

Trier,  Prince  Edward,  Bohemia,  Collen,  Bran- 

denburge,  Attendants,  and  Pages  with 

a  fword. 

Bohem.     Behold  here  comes  the  Princes  hand  in 

hand, 
PleasM  highly  with  the  fentence  as  it  feems. 

Alphon.     Princes  and  Pillars  of  the  Monarchy, 
We  do  admire  your  wifdoms  in  this  caufe, 
And  do  accept  the  King  of  Bohemia, 
As  worthy  partner  in  the  Government. 
Alas  my  Lords,  I  flatly  now  confefs, 
I  was  alone  too  weak  to  underprop 
So  great  a  burden  as  the  Roman  Empire, 


214  ALPHONSUS 

And  hope  to  make  you  all  admire  the  courfe 
That  we  intend  in  this  conjunction. 

Richard.     That  I  was  call'd  from   England  with 

confent 

Of  all  the  feven  Ele6lors  to  this  place, 
Your  felves  beft  know,  who  wrote  for  me  to  come. 
'Twas  no  ambition  mov'd  me  to  the  journey, 
But  pitty  of  your  half  declining  State  ; 
Which  being  likely  now  to  be  repayr'd, 
By  the  united  force  of  thefe  two  Kings, 
I  reft  content  to  fee  you  fatisfied. 

Mentz:    Brave  Earl,  wonder  of  Princely  patience, 
I  hope  your  grace  will  not  mif-think  of  me, 
Who  for  your  good,  and  for  the  Empires  beft, 
Bethought  this  means  to  fet  the  world- at  Peace. 

Edward.     No  doubt  this  means  might  have  been 

thought  upon, 
Although  your  Holinefs  had  dy'd  in  Prifon. 

Mentz.     Peace,  peace  young  Prince,  you  want  ex 
perience  ; 

Your  Unckle  knows  what  cares  accompany, 
And  wait  upon  the  Crowns  of  mightiefi  Kings, 
And  glad  he  is  that  he  hath  fhak'd  it  off. 

Edward.     Heark  in  your  ear  my  Lord,  hear  me 

one  word, 

Although  it  were  more  than  a  million, 
Which  thefe  two  Kings  beftow'd  upon  your  grace, 
Mine  Unckle  Richards  million  fav'd  your  life. 

Mentz.     Youwere  beft  to  fay,  your  Vnckle  brib'd 
me  then. 

Edward.     I  do  but  fay  mine  Vnckle  fav'd  your  life, 
You  know  Count  Mansfield  your  fellow  Prifoner, 
Was  by  the  Duke  of  Brunfchwig  put  to  death. 

Mentz.     You  are  a  Child  my  Lord,  your  words  are 
wind. 

Edward.      You  are  a  Fox  my  Lord,  and  paft  a 
Child. 

Bohem.     My  Lord  of  Cornwall,  your  great  forward- 
nefs, 


Emperour  of  Germany.  215 

Croffmg  the  Seas  with  aid  of  Englifhmen, 

Is  more  than  we  can  any  way  requite  ; 

But  this  your  admirable  patience, 

In  being  pleas'd  with  our  eleclion, 

Deferves  far  more  than  thanks  can  fatiffie, 

In  any  thing  command  the  Emperours, 

Who  live  to  honour  Richard  Earl  of  Cornwall. 

Alpho.      Our  deeds  mail  make  our  Proteflations 

good, 

Mean  while,  brave  Princes,  let  us  leave  this  place, 
And  folace  us  with  joy  of  this  accord. 

Enter  Ifabella  the  Emprefs,  Hedewick  the  Duke  of 
Saxon's  Daughter,  apparelled  like  Fortune,  drawn 
on  a  Globe,  with  a  Cup  in  her  hand,  wherein 
are  Bay  leaves,  whereupon   are  written 
the  lots,     A  train  of  Ladies  follow 
ing  with  Mufick. 

Emprefs.    To  gratulate  this  unexpected  Peace, 
This  glorious  league  confirm'd  againfl  all  hope, 
Joyful  Ifabella  doth  prefent  this  mew, 
Of  Fortunes  triumph,  as  the  cuftom  is 
At  Coronation  of  our  Emperours  ; 
If  therefore  every  party  be  well  pleas'd, 
And  Hand  content  with  this  arbitriment, 
Then  daign  to  do  as  your  Progenitors, 
And  draw  in  fequence  Lots  for  Offices. 

Alphon.     This  is  an  order  here  in  Germany, 
For  Princes  to  difport  themfelves  with  all, 
In  fign  their  hearts  fo  firmly  are  conjoyn'd, 
That  they  will  bear  all  fortunes  equally, 
And  that  the  world  may  know  I  fcorn  no  Hate, 
Or  courfe  of  life  to  do  the  Empire  good, 
I  take  my  chance  :  My  Fortune  is  to  be  the  Forrefler. 

Emp.     If  we  want  Yenfon  either  red  or  fallow, 
Wild  bore  or  bear,  you  muft  be  fin'd  my  Lord. 

Bohem.     The  Emperour's  Taller  I. 

Emp.     Your  Majefly  hath  been  tailed  to  fo  oft, 


216  ALPHONSUS 

That  you  have  need  of  fmall  inftrudlions. 

Richard.    I  am  the  bowr,  Sifter  what  is  my  charge  ? 

Emp.     Tyr'd  like  a  Carter,  and  a  Clownim  Bowr, 
To  bring  a  load  of  Wood  into  the  Kitchin. 
Now  for  my  felf,  Faith  I  am  Chamber  Maid, 
I  know  my  charge  :  proceed  unto  the  next. 

Alphon.     Prince  Edward  flandeth  melancholy  ilill, 
Pleafe  it  your  Grace,  my  Lord,  to  draw  your  lot. 

Emp.     Nephew  you  mufl  be  folemn  with  the  fad, 
And  given  to  myrth  in  fportful  Company, 
The  German  Princes  when  they  will  be  lufty, 
Shake  of  all  cares,  and  Clowns  and  they  are  Fellows. 

Edward.     Sweet  Aunt,  I  do  not  know  the  Country 

.     guife, 

Yet  would  be  glad  to  learn  all  fafhions. 
Since  I  am  next,  good  Fortune  be  my  guide. 

Brand.     A  moll  ingenuous  countenance  hath  this 

Prince, 
Worthy  to  be  the  King  of  England's  Heir. 

Edward.    Be  it  no  difparagement  to  you  my  Lords, 
I  am  your  Emperour. 

Alphon.     Sound  trumpets,  God  fave  the  Emperour. 

Collen.     The  world  could  never  worfe  have  fitted 

me, 
I  am  not  old  enough  to  be  the  Cook. 

Emprefs.     If  you  be  Cook,  there  is  no  remedy 
But  you  mufl  dreis  one  Mefs  of  meat  your  felf. 

Branden.     I  am  Phyfician. 

Trier.     I  am  Secretary. 

Mentz.     I  am  the  Jefter. 

Edward.     O  excellent !  is  your  Holinefs  the  Vice  ? 
Fortune  hath  fitted  you  y'faith  my  Lord, 
You'l  play  the  Ambodexter  cunningly. 

Mentz.     Your  Highnefs  is  to  bitter  in  your  Jefts. 

Alphon.     Come  hither  Alexander,  to  comfort  thee, 
After  the  death  of  thy  beloved  Father, 
Whofe  life  was  deer  unto  his  Emperour, 
Thou  malt  make  one  in  this  folemnity, 
Yet  e're  thou  draw,  my  felf  will  honour  thee, 


Emperour  of  Germany.  1 1 7 

And  as  the  cuftom  is  make  thee  a  man. 

Stand  fliff  Sir  Boy,  now  com'ft  thou  to  thy  tryal ; 

Take  this,  and  that,  and  therewithall  this  Sword  ; 

He  gives  Alexander  Box  on  the  ear  or  two. 

If  while  thou  live,  thou  ever  take  the  like, 
Of  me,  or  any  man,  I  here  pronounce 
Thou  art  a  fchelm,  otherwife  a  man. 
Now  draw  thy  lot,  and  Fortune  be  thy  fpeed. 

Edward.  Vnckle  I  pray  why  did  he  box  the  fellow  ? 
Foul  lubber  as  he  is,  to  take  fuch  blows. 

Richard.     Thus  do  the  Princes  make  their  Pages 
men. 

Edward.     But  that  is  ftrange  to  make  a  man  with 

blows. 

We  fay  in  England  that  he  is  a  man, 
That  like  a  man  dare  meet  his  enemy, 
And  in  my  judgement  'tis  the  founder  tryal. 

Alex.      Fortune   hath   made  me  Marfhall  of   the 
tryumphs. 

Alphon.     Now  what  remains  ? 

Emperefs.     That  Fortune  draw  her  lot. 

She  opens  it,  and  gives  it  to  the  Emperefs  to  read. 

Emprefs.     Sound  trumpets,  Fortune  is  your  Emperefs. 

Alphon.     This  happens  right ;  for  Fortune  will  be 

Queen. 

Now  Emperour  you  muft  unmask  her  face, 
And  tell  us  how  you  like  your  Emperefs, 
In  my  opinion  England  breeds  no  fairer. 

Bohe.    Fair  Hedewick  the  Duke  of  Saxons  daughter, 
Young  Prince  of  England,  you  are  bravely  match'd. 

Edward.     Tell  me  fweet  Aunt,  is  that  this  Saxon 

Princefs, 
Whofe  beauties  fame  made  Edward  crofs  the  Seas  ? 

Emperefs.    Nephew,  it  is  ;  hath  fame  been  prodigal, 
Or  over  fparing  in  the  Princefs  praife  ? 

Edward.      Fame   I   accufe  thee,  thou  did'ft  nig- 

gardize, 
And  faintly  found  my  loves  perfedlions. 


2i8  ALPHONSUS 

Great  Lady  Fortune,  and  fair  Emperefs, 
Whom  chance  this  day  hath  thrown  into  my  arms, 
More  welcome  than  the  Roman  Emperefs.      [Edward 

kiffes  her. 

Hede.  &tt  tiotrf),  tmfe  (ft  fcfcr  fc* in  gefc 

rand), 

JHein  <§ot  tft  trafe  iir  (Engltfcft  manier, 
Safe  irtrtn 

Edward.      What  meaneth   this  ?    why   chafes   my 

Emperefs  *( 

Alphon.     Now  by  my  troth,  I  did  expecl  this  jell, 
Prince  Edward  us'd  his  Country  faftiion. 

Edward.      I  am  an  Englimman,  why  mould  I  not  1 
Emp.     Fy  Nephew  Edward,  here  in  Germany 
To  kifs  a  Maid,  a  fault  intolerable. 

Edward.     Why  mould  not  German  Maids  be  kill 
afwell  as  others  1 

Richard.     Nephew,  becaufe  you  did  not  know  the 

falhion, 

And  want  the  language  to  excufe  your  felf, 
I'l  be  your  fpokes-man  to  your  Emperefs. 

Edward.     Excufe  it  thus  :  I  like  the  firft  fo  well, 
That  tell  her,  fhe  mail  chide  me  twice  as  much 
For  fuch  an  other ;  nay  tell  her  more  than  fo, 
ri  double  kifs  on  kifs,  and  give  her  leave 
To  chide  and  braul,  and  cry  ten  thoufand  ttaiS  Ulty, 
And  make  her  weary  of  her  fretting  humour, 
E're  I  be  weary  of  my  kimng  vein, 
JBafS  fold)  a  SUUgfrafil  angry  for  a  kifs. 

Emprefs.     Nephew,  fhfe  thinks  you  mock  her  in  her 

mirth. 

Edward.     I  think  the  Princes  make  a  fcorn  of  me. 
If  any  do,  I'l  prove  it  with  my  Sword, 
That  Englifh  Courtlhip  leaves  it  from  the  world. 
Bohem.     The  pleafant'ft  accident  that  I  have  feen. 
Bran.     Me  thinks  the  Prince  is  chaf'd  as  well  as 
me. 


Emperour  ^/"Germany.  219 

Rich.  (Snrtit'ges  fratoltm 
Hede.  Date  Mc&,  muft  itft  aim  61  nit  ju 
ft&antittt  gemacftt  toerlrm* 

Edward.     JiafS"  JjlCl)    I   have   kift   as    good   as 

you, 

Pray  Unckle  tell  her ;  if  me  miflike  the  kifs, 
I'l  take  it  off  agen  with  fuch  an  other. 

Rich.  ®p  Sfrbes  fratolm  ntm  t$  all  fur 

guttf 
fe  ift  ite  OfnglfftS  manfer  2Enlr  geftrautSe. 

Hede.  OEtoer  gnatren  tueffftsJ  tooll  es«  ift 
mtr  tin  grolft  ftftantr^ 

Edward.     Good  Aunt  teach  me  fo  much  Dutch  to 
ask  her  pardon. 

.  Say  fo:  (gnelrt'ges  fratolm  bergtfbet 
flfe  ntmimrmeftr  tftuen, 

Then  kifs  your  hand  three  times  Upfp  Dutch. 

Edward,  3$  totlfe  ntmmermefir  tftuen, 

if  I  underftand  it,  right, 

That's  as  much  to  fay,  as  II  do  fo  no  more. 

Empr.     True  Nephew. 

Edward.     Nay  Aunt  pardon  me  I  pray,  I  hope  to 
kifs  her  many  thoufand  times, 

And  fhall  I  go  to  her  like  a  great  Boy,  and  fay  I'l  do 
fo  no  more. 

Emprefs.     I  pray  Cofm  fay  as  I  tell  you. 

Edward.  <©nrtuges  fratolfn  bergebet  mirfe 
fcl)  toilfe  ntmmermeftr  tfwetu 
Alphon.  ®ortoaftr  fento  fcftantrt 
Hedew.   (gneiriger  ftorirgdwrner  Jfurft 
fterr 


220  ALPHONSUS 

®23an  tc8  fcunte  ft  fatel  engltfeS  fprte&w  tc& 

toolt  rfner  <@nafren* 
jpur  toafcr  tin  fflto  geftm,  tc&  fiofie  after  td) 

ftll  etnmaftl 
So  fa  (el  lerntn  5afs»  Me  mttft  faerfteften  ftU. 

Edward.     What  fays  (he  ? 

Alphon.     O  excellent  young  Prince  look  to  your 

felf, 

She  (wears  (he'l  learn  fome  Englifh  for  your  fake, 
To  make  you  underftand  her  when  fhe  chides. 

Edward.     I'l  teach  her  Englilh,  (he  (hall  teach  me 
Dutch, 

(gneitge^  fratolm,  &c. 

Bohem.     It  is  great  pitty  that  the  Duke  of  Saxon, 
Is  abfent  at  this  joyful  accident, 
I  (ee  no  reafon  if  his  Grace  were  here, 
But  that  the  Marriage  might  be  folemniz'd, 
I  think  the  Prince  of  Wales  were  well  content. 

Edward.     I  left  fweet  England  to  none  other  end  ; 
And  though  the  Prince  her  Father  be  not  here, 
This  Royal  prefence  knows  his  mind  in  this. 

Emp.     Since  you  do  come  fo  roundly  to  the  pur- 

pofe, 

'Tis  time  for  me  to  (peak,  the  Maid  is  mine, 
Giv'n  freely  by  her  Father  unto  me, 
And  to  the  end  thefe  broyls  may  have  an  end, 
I  give  the  Father's  intereft  and  mine  own, 
Unto  my  Nephew  Edward  Prince  of  Wales. 

Edward.     A  Jewel  of  incomparable  price, 
Your  Majefly  hath  here  bellowed  on  me, 
How  (hall  I  ask  her  if  (he  be  content  ? 

Empr.  Say  thus,  {ft  etoer  gnaftm  tonil  Jw-- 

mtt  jufrietom 
Edward.  3ft  etow  <gnaUm  tool!  ftiemtt 


Emperour  #/*  Germany.  221 

Hede.  ®23aff  iftr  iurleit&ttg&eft  iafe  toOI 
fcafe  to  til  metn  batter  bntit 
TOafe  mem  batter  to  til  iarmtt  mufs  i$ 
jufrietien  fern. 

Alphon.     It  is  enough,  (he  doth  confirm  the  match ; 
We  will  difpatch  a  Poft  unto  her  Father, 
On  Sunday  (hall  the  Revels  and  the  Wedding, 
Be  both  folemnized  with  mutual  joy. 
Sound  trumpets,  each  one  look  unto  his  charge, 
For  preparation  of  the  Feftivals.  Exeunt. 

Manent  Alphonfus  and  Alexander. 

Alphon.     Come  hither  Alexander,  thy  Fathers  joy. 
If  tears  and  fighs,  and  deep-fetch  t  deadly  groans, 
Could  ferve  t'  evert  inexorable  fate, 
Divine  Lorenzo,  whom  in  life  my  heart, 
In  death  my  foul  and  better  part  adores, 
Had  to  thy  comfort  and  his  Prince's  honour, 
Surviv'd,  and  drawn  this  day  this  breath  of  life. 

Alexan.      Dread   Ccefar,  prollrate  on  my  bended 

Knee, 

I  thank  your  Majefty  for  all  favours  fhewn 
To  my  deceafed  Father  and  my  felf. 
I  mufl  confefs,  I  fpend  but  bootlefs  tears, 
Yet  cannot  bridle  nature,  I  mufl  weep, 
Or  heart  will  break  with  burden  of  my  thoughts  ; 
Nor  am  I  yet  fo  young  or  fond  withall, 
Cauilefs  to  fpend  my  gall,  and  fret  my  heart, 
'Tis  not  that  he  is  dead,  for  all  mufl  dye ; 
But  that  I  live  to  hear  his  lives  reproach. 
O  facred  Emperour,  thefe  ears  have  heard, 
What  no  Sons  ears  can  unrevenged  hear, 
The  Princes  all  of  them,  but  fpecially, 
The  Prince  Elector  Archbifliop  of  Gotten, 
Revil'd  him  by  the  names  of  murderer, 
Arch  villain,  robber  of  the  Empires  fame, 


222  A-LPHONSUS 

And  Ctzfars  tutor  in  all  wickednefs, 

And  with  a  general  voice  applaus'd  his  death, 

As  for  a  fpecial  good  to  Chriftendome. 

Alphon.    Have  they  not  reafon  to  applaud  the  deed 
Which  they  themfelves  have  plotted  ?  ah  my  Boy, 
Thou  art  too  young  to  dive  into  their  drifts. 

Alex.     Yet  old  enough  I  hope  to  be  reveng'd. 

Alphon.     What  wilt  thou  do,  or  whither  wilt  thou 
run1? 

Alex.     Headlong  to  bring  them  death,  then  dye  my 
felf. 

Alphon.     Firft  hear  the  reafon  why  I  do  miilruft 
them. 

Alex.     They  had  no  reafon  for  my  Father's  death, 
And  I  fcorn  reafon  till  they  all  be  dead. 

Alphon.  Thou  wilt  not  fcorn  my  Counfel  in  revenge? 

Alex.     My  rage  admits  no  Counfel  but  revenge. 

Alphon.     Firft  let  me  tell  thee  whom  I  do  miftruft. 

Alex.     Your  highnefs  faid  you  did  miftruft  them 
all. 

Alpho.     Yea  Alexander,  all  of  them,  and  more  than 

all, 
My  mod  efpeciall  neereft  deareft  friends. 

Alex.     Alls  one  to  me,  for  know  thou  Emperour, 
Were  it  thy  Father,  Brother,  or  thine  Emprefs, 
Yea  were't  thy  felf,  that  did'ft  confpire  his  death, 
This  fatal  hand  mould  take  away  thy  life. 

Alphon.    Spoke  like  a  Son,  worthy  fo  dear  a  Father. 
Be  ftill  and  hearken,  I  will  tell  thee  all, 
The  Duke  of  Saxon— 

Alex.     O,  1  thought  no  lefs. 

Alphon.     Supprefs  thy  choler,  hearken  to  the  reft. 
Saxon  I  fay  fo  wrought  with  flattering  Mentz, 
Mentz  with  Bohemia,  Trier,  and  Brandenburg, 
For  Collen  and  the  Palfgrave  of  the  Rhein 
Were  principals  with  Saxon  in  the  Plot, 
That  in  a  general  meeting  to  that  purpofe, 
The  feven  felecled  Emperours  electors, 
Moft  hainoufly  concluded  of  the  murder  ; 


Emperour  of  Germany.  223 

The  reafon  why  they  doom'd  him  unto  death, 

Was  his  deep  wifdom  and  found  policy  ; 

Knowing  while  he  did  live  my  ftate  was  firm, 

He  being  dead  my  hope  mufl  dye  with  him. 

Now  Alexander  will  we  be  reveng'd 

Upon  this  wicked  whore  of  Babylon, 

This  hideous  monfler  with  the  feven-fold  head  : 

We  muft  with  cunning  level  at  the  heart, 

With  pierc'd  and  perifht  all  the  body  dyes  : 

Or  ftrike  we  off  her  heads  by  one  and  one, 

Behoveth  us  to  ufe  dexterity, 

Left  me  do  trample  us  under  her  feet, 

And  tryumph  in  our  honours  overthrow. 

Alex.     Mad  and  amaz'd  to  hear  this  tragick  doom, 
I  do  fubfcribe  unto  your  found  advice. 

Alfhon.     Then  hear  the  reft ;  thefe  feven  gave  but 

the  fentence 

A  neerer  hand  put  it  in  execution, 
And  but  I  lov'd  Lorenzo  as  my  life, 
I  never  would  betray  my  deareft  Wife. 

Alex.     What  ?  what  the  Emprefs  acceffary  to  1 

Alphon.     What  cannot  kindred  do?   her  Brother 

Richard, 

Hoping  thereby  to  be  an  Emperour, 
Gave  her  a  dram  that  fent  him  to  his  grave. 

Alex.     O  my  poor  Father,  wert  thou  fuch  an  eye- 
fore, 

That  9.  the  greateft  Princes  of  the  earth 
Muft  be  confederate  in  thy  tragedy  ? 
But  why  do  I  refpecl  their  mightinefs, 
Who  did  not  once  refpec~l  my  Fathers  life  ? 
Your  Majefty  may  take  it  as  you  pleafe, 
I'l  be  reveng'd  upon  your  Emperefs, 
On  Englifh  Richard,  Saxon,  and  the  Palfgrave, 
On  Bohem,  Collen,  Mentz,  Trier,  and  Brandenburg, 
If  that  the  Pope  of  Rome  himfelf  were  one 
In  this  confederacy,  undaunted  I, 
Amidft  the  College  of  his  Cardinals, 
Would  prefs,  and  ftab  him  in  St.  Peters  chair, 


224  ALPHONSUS 

Though  clad  in  all  his  Pontificalibus. 

Alphon.     Why  Alexander  ?  do'fl  thou  fpeak  to  me 
As  if  thou  didft  miftruft  my  forwardnefs  ? 
No,  thou  (halt  know  my  love  to  him  was  fuch, 
And  in  my  heart  I  have  profcrib'd  them  all, 
That  had  to  do  in  this  confpiracy. 
The  bands  of  Wedlock  mail  not  ferve  her  turn, 
Her  fatal  lot  is  call  among  the  reft, 
And  to  conclude,  my  foul  doth  live  in  Hell 
Till  I  have  fet  my  foot  upon  their  necks, 
That  gave  this  fpur  of  forrow  to  my  heart ; 
But  with  advice  it  muft  be  managed, 
Not  with  a  head-long  rage  as  thou  intend'ft, 
Nor  in  a  moment  can  it  be  perform'd, 
This  work  requires  long  time,  diffembling  looks, 
Commixt  with  undermining  actions, 
Watching  advantages  to  execute. 
Our  foes  are  mighty,  and  their  number  great, 
It  therefore  follows  that  our  Stratagems 
Muft  branch  forth  into  manifold  deceits, 
Endlefs  devices,  bottomlefs  conclufions. 

Alexan.     What  by  your  Majefty  is  prefcrib'd  to  me, 
That  will  I  execute  or  dye  the  death. 
I  am  content  to  fuck  my  forrows  up, 
And  with  dull  patience  will  attend  the  time, 
Gaping  for  every  opportunity 
That  may  prefent  the  leaft  occafion  ; 
Although  each  minute  multiply  mine  anguifh, 
And  to  my  view  prefent  a  thoufand  forms 
Of  fenfelefs  bodies  in  my  Fathers  fhape, 
Yelling  with  open  throat  for  juft  revenge. 

Alphon.     Content  thy  felf,  he  mall  not  cry  in  vain, 
I  have  already  plotted  Richards  death. 

Alex.     That  hath  my  Fathers  facred  Ghoft  infpir'd, 
O  tell  me,  mall  I  flab  him  fuddainly  1 
The  time  feems  long,  till  I  be  fet  a  work. 

Alphon.     Thou  knoweft  in  griping  at  our  lots  to 

day, 
It  was  Prince  Rkhard\  hap  to  be  the  bowr ; 


Emperour  of  Germany.  225 

So  that  his  Office  is  to  drive  the  Cart, 
And  bring  a  load  of  Wood  into  the  Kitchin. 

Alex.     O  excellent,  your  Grace  being  Forefter, 
As  in  the  thicket  he  doth  load  the  Cart, 
May  fhoot  him  dead,  as  if  he  were  a  Deer. 

Alphon.     No  Alexander,  that  device  were  fhallow, 
Thus  it  mud  be,  there  are  two  very  bowrs 
Appointed  for  to  help  him  in  the  Wood, 
Thefe  muft  be  brib'd  or  cunningly  feduc'd, 
Inflead  of  helping  him  to  murder  him. 

Ale.      Verbum  fatis  fapienti,  it  is  enough, 
Fortune  hath  made  me  Marfhal  of  the  fports 
I  hope  to  Marfhal  them  to  th'  Devils  Feafl. 
Plot  you  the  reft,  this  will  I  execute, 
Dutch  bowrs  as  towfandt  fchelms  and  gold  to  tempt 
them. 

Alphon.     'Tis  right,  about  it  then,  but  cunningly. 

Alex.     Fife  let  me  lofe  that  good  opinion 
Which  by  your  Highnefs  I  defire  to  hold, 
By  Letters  which  I'l  ftrew  within  the  Wood, 
I'l  undermine  the  bowrs  to  murder  him, 
Nor  mail  they  know  who  fet  them  fo  a  work, 
Like  a  familiar  will  I  fly  about, 
And  nimbly  haunt  their  Ghofts  in  every  nook. 
Exit.   Manet  Alphonfus. 

Alphon.    This  one  nayl  helps  to  drive  the  other  out, 
I  flew  the  Father,  and  bewitch  the  Son, 
With  power  of  words  to  be  the  inftrument 
To  rid  my  foes  with  danger  of  his  life. 
How  eafily  can  fubtil  age  intice, 
Such  credulous  young  novices  to  their  death  ? 
Huge  wonders  will  Alphonfus  bring  to  pafs, 
By  the  mad  mind  of  this  enraged  Boy ; 
Even  they  which  think  themfelves  my  greateft  friends, 
Shall  fall  by  this  deceit,  yea  my  Arch-enemies 
Shall  turn  to  be  my  chief  confederates. 
My  follitary  walks  may  breed  fufpedl, 
I'le  therefore  give  my  felf  to  Companie, 
As  I  intended  nothing  but  thefe  fports, 


226  ALPHONSUS 

Yet  hope  to  fend  mofl  adlors  in  this  Pageant, 

To  Revel  it  with  Rhadamant  in  Hell.  Exit. 

Enter  Richard  Earl  of  Cornwall  like  a  Clown. 

Richard.     How  far  is  Richard  now  unlike  the  man 
That  croft  the  Seas  to  win  an  Emperie  ? 
But  as  I  plod  it  like  a  plumper  Bowr, 
To  fetch  in  Fewel  for  the  Kitchin  fire, 
So  every  one  in  his  vocation, 
Labours  to  make  the  paftimes  plaufible ; 
My  Nephew  Edward  jets  it  through  the  Court, 
With  Princefs  Hedewick  Emprefs  of  his  Fortune, 
The  demy  Cczfar  in  his  hunters  fuit, 
Makes  all  the  Court  to  Ring  with  Horns  and  Hounds, 
Gotten  the  Cook  beftirs  him  in  the  Kitchin  ; 
But  that  which  joyes  me  mofl  in  all  thefe  fports, 
Is  Mentz,  to  fee  how  he  is  made  an  Afs  ? 
The  common  fcorn  and  by-word  of  the  Court ; 
And  every  one  to  be  the  fame  he  feems, 
Seems  to  forget  to  be  the  fame  he  is. 
Yet  to  my  roabs  I  cannot  fuit  my  mind, 
Nor  with  my  habit  make  dimonour  off. 
The  feven  Eleclors  promis'd  me  the  Empire, 
The  perjur'd  Bilhop  Mentz  did  fwear  no  lefs, 
Yet  I  have  feen  it  fhar'd  before  my  face, 
While  my  beft  friends  do  hide  their  heads  for  fhame  ; 
I  bear  a  mew  of  outward  full  content, 
But  grief  thereof  hath  almoft'kill'd  my  heart. 
Here  reft  thee  Richard^  think  upon  a  mean, 
To  end  thy  life,  or  to  repair  thine  honour, 
And  vow  never  to  fee  fair  Englands  bounds, 
Till  thou  in  Aix^Q  Crowned  Emperour. 

Enter  two  Bowrs. 

Holla,  me  thinks  there  cometh  Company, 
The  Bowrs  I  troe  that  come  to  hew  the  Wood, 
Which  I  muft  carry  to  the  Kitchen  Fire, 
I'le  lye  a  while  and  liften  to  their  talk. 


Emperour  of  Germany.  227 

Enter  Hans  and  Jerick  two  Dutch  Bowrs. 

je.  Eom  fner  fcans  toot*  tuft  iroto,  toa-- 
rumb  Jrift  troto  fo  tratoruk  ?  htfg  frolufe 
fean  toel  gelt  beriitenen,  totr  toil  tfm  6eg 
potts  tatofantft  toirt  fc&lagetu 

Hanf.  aat  mfcft  trie  bn'effe  feftem 

Rich.    Me  thinks  they  talk  of  murdering  fome  body, 
I'l  liften  more. 

Reads  the  Letter. 


bnU  Siericfc,  mem  It'efie  fremtre, 
f  ty  bitte  lafftt  e$  iep  eurl)  Slefhen  m  ge* 
fiefm,  bnti  f^Iaget  Hen  OEnsellan&er  ju 
tout. 

^?«r^.  What's  that  ?  ^^j  bttft  y<?r/^  my  good 
friend,  I  pray  be  fecret  and  murder  the  Englifhman. 

Jerick  reads. 

gear  toefter,  tren  er  ift  feein  botore  nf  c&t, 
er  tft  tin  Sunrber,  Jm&  ftatt  bteJ  grit  bnlr 
felefnotften  hep  ficfi. 

^/^.  For  he  is  no  Bowre  but  a  Gentleman,  and 
hath  flore  of  Gold  and  Jewels  by  him. 

jeric.  |^oc&  toefter  :  fljr  folt  folcfie  gele-' 
genftett  nicSt  berfaftmen,  bnir  toan  ftr 
getftan  ftaftet,  ftft  toill  eu^  fagen,  toas  icft 
fur  ein  guter  Earl  bin,  tier  eucft  rafrt 
gegeben  ftabe, 

7?zV/^.  Slip  not  this  opportunity,  and  when  you  have 
done,  I  will  difcover  who  gave  you  the  Counfel. 


228  ALPHONSUS 

jerick.  OTat  fagft  tioto,  toflt  fcoto  e$ 
tbun? 

Hans.  Wat  hull  ich  ntrh  fur  gelt  tbun? 
fee  potts;  taufenfct,  trar  ift  en 

jerick.  ga,  hep  potts  taufenfts  flapper- 
ment,  er  tfte,  holla  guter  morgen,  glutfe 
ju  iunrfeen 

Hans,  gjuttrfter,  trer  Irtbell  fte  fsJ  etn 
botore ! 

Rich.  iBoto  fiift  em  ftftelm,  toefrfi  faon 
mtn 

jerick.  gcilla,  fiolla,  ijfft  ioto  fo  ftoffet-- 
tufe  ?  Sfunrter  botore,  feompt  6ter,  otrer 
it'efer  hnti  jemter  felleurft  ftnlen* 

Rich.  3rf)  bten  em  Jfurft,  briefc  mirf) 
nirftt  iftr  ftfielmsi,  iftr  berraftters^. 

Bath.  ^>la  to,  fla  to,  toir  toill  goto  furft-- 
Iirfe  trartferen. 

Richard  having  nothing  in  his  hand  but  his  whip, 
defends  himfelf  a  while  and  then  fall's  down  as  if  he 
were  dead : 

Rich.  ©  $ot,  ntmb  meme  feele  in  Ueine 
ftanie* 

jerick.  ©  excellent,  fturttrfe  fte  fe  totrt,  fte 
ieJ  toiit 

£at  bug  fee,  ioat  be  ijat  for  gelt  bep  firft, 
holla  Iner  is;  all  enough,  all  fatt,  fcor  fe 


Emperour  of  Germany.         •  229 

for  irfrf),  antr  tror  i$  for  mtrft,  imtr  tu'tt 
to  ill  tri)  trarto  I)a6en : 

Jerick  puts  the  chain  about  his  neck. 

Hans,  goto  fo  gans  ^arfrafe,  geue  mtr 
trie  fcette  ftim 

jerick^  jja  ritt  trarfe,  trit  feett  fteftet 
feupftft  bmb  mem  I;afe,  iritt  totll  tr6  tra-~ 
gen. 

Hans.  Bat  irirt  potts  Mtm  bffim  irat 
foltu  nfmmermeftr  tftun  iroto  irftelm* 

jenck.  »at  folt  Doto  mirfi  ftftelm  fatten, 
ntmfa  trat 

Hans,  jaat  irfcl)  ftuntrert  tonnen  trtbelte, 
ftarr  itft  toill  trtcft  lenxtm 

jerick.  »titutr  ftatom  oirer  fterfien  ? 

Hans,  gel)  totll  retrltrft  ftatoen ; 

jerick.  $^w  toollan,  irar  fft  tiwn  rurfe, 
fla  to. 

They  mufl  have  axes  made  for  the  nonfl  to  fight 

withall,  and  while  one  ftrikes,  the  other  holds 

his  back  without  defence. 

Hans,  ^imb  iroto  fcas,  bnlr  trar  fiaft  mem 
ruriu 

jerick.  ^orft  amafth  ©  excellent,  Iigft 
troto  bar,  nun  tofll  trft  alless  ftaben,  gelt  bni 
feett,  fanU  alle  mil  emantter,  ©  fturttg, 


23o  •          ALPHONSUS 

frifcfcbp  lufttg,  nun  bin  fr6  tin  fturttg 
gjumfeer, 

Richard  rifes  up  again  and  fnatcheth  up  the  fellows 
hatchet  that  was  flain. 

Rich.  Ae  Hercules  contra  duos,  yet  pollicy  hath 
gone  beyond  them  both. 

2iu  ftu&ler  fcftefot,  mortrer,  feef)re  tu'rf), 
feeftu  mul)  ?  gebe  mtr  iie  feett  bnir  gelt 
ime&er ; 

jerkk.  OTat  bfftu  tmrtier  labenlrig  tonr-- 
Co  muss  frf)  meren,  toat  tot'Itu  fterfrm 
ftatoen  ? 

Richard,  ^o  toi'II  tcft  marften  iru  frftelnu 

jenck.  garr,ftarr,  fit'ttu  rin  retoliri)  fearle, 
fo  figftt  rrth'rft,  ©  frft  fterb,  trft  fterh,  lat 
muf)  leben ! 

Richard.  £>agt  mfr  San  toer  ftatt  trie  im'effe 
ge^rftrtetim  ?  3Lte  nirftt  Toniern  fagt  irt> 
toarftnt: 

jerick.  ©  nw'n  fromer,  guter,  rtiler,  get- 
trenger  gjuncfeer,  Irar  fft  irat  gelt  bntr  feett 
toietrer,  pto  toll  ailed  ftaben,  aber  toer 
ftatt  tit'e  brt'effe  geftftrieben,  iat  toet  trft  bep 
metner  Teele  nicftt* 

Rich.  3Ct'g  trot  fttll,  Kill  f eft  fag. 

The  villain  fwears,  and  deeply  doth  proteft 
He  knows  not  who  incited  them  to  this, 
And  as  it  feems  the  fcrowl  imports  no  lefs. 

Kerb  tm  mir  fcftelnu 


Emperour  ^/"Germany.  231 

jerick.  ©  itf)  fterb,  atoe,  atoe,  atoe  irat 
turf)  trer  irtbell 


As  Richard  kils  the  Bowr.     Enter  Saxon  and  the, 
Palfgrave. 

Saxon,  jfp  tricft  an  lofnr  frftelm,  ftaftu 
Irefn  gefellm  totrt  sefrftlasm  ? 
Palfgr.  i.aft  bs  &m  ftfcelmm  angretffnu 

Richard.    Call  you  me  ff)£lttl£  how  dare  you  then 
Being  Princes  offer  to  lay  hands  on  me  ? 
That  is  the  Hangmans  Office  here  in  Dutch-land. 

Saxon.     But  this  is  flrange,  our  Bours  can  fpeak  no 

Englifh, 

What  biftum  more  than  a  damn'd  murderer  ? 
That  thou  art  fo  much  we  are  witneffes. 

Rich.     Can  then  this  habit  alter  me  fo  much, 
That  I  am  call'd  a  villairi  by  my  friends  ? 
Or  mall  I  dare  once  to  fufpecl  your  graces, 
That  for  you  could  not  make  me  Emperour, 
Pittying  my  forrow  through  mine  honour  loft, 
You  fet  thefe  flaves  to  rid  me  of  my  life, 
Yet  far  be  fuch  a  thought  from  Richard's  heart. 

Palf.     How  now  ?  what  do  I  hear  Prince  Richard 
fpeak  ? 

Rich.      The  fame  :   but  wonder  that  he    lives    to 

fpeak. 

And  had  not  policy  helpt  above  ftrength, 
Thefe  flurdy  fwains  had  rid  me  of  my  life. 

Sax.     Far  be  it  from  your  Grace  for  to  fufpecl  us. 

Rich.     Alas,  I  know  not  whom  I  mould  fufpecl  ; 
But  yet  my  heart  cannot  mifdoubt  your  Graces  ? 

Saxon.     How  came  your  Highnefs  into  this  appar- 
rell 

Rich.     We  as  the  manner  is  drew  lots  for  Offices, 
My  hap  was  hardefl  to  be  made  a  Carter, 
And  by  this  letter  which  fome  villain  wrote, 


ALPHONSUS 

I  was  betray'd,  .here  to  be  murdered  ; 
But  Heav'n  which  doth  defend  the  Innocent, 
Arm'd  me  with  ilrength  and  policy  together, 
That  I  efcap'd  out  of  their  treacherous  fnare. 

Palf.     Were  it  well  founded,  I  dare  lay  my  life, 
The  Spanifh  tyrant  knew  of  this  confpiracie  ; 
Therefore  the  better  to  dive  into  the  depth 
Of  this  moft  devillim  murderous  complot, 
As  alfo  fecretly  to  be  beholders, 
Of  the  long-wiftit  for  wedding  of  your  daughter, 
We  will  difrobe  thefe  bowrs  of  their  apparrel, 
Clapping  their  ruftick  cafes  on  our  backs, 
And  help  your  Highnefs  for  to  drive  the  Cart. 
T  may  be  the  traytor  that  did  write  thefe  lines, 
Miftaking  us  for  them  will  fhevv  himfelf. 

Richard.     Prince  Palatine  this  plot  doth  pleafe  me 

well, 

I  make  no  doubt  if  we  deal  cunningly, 
But  we  (hall  find  the  writer  of  this  fcroul. 

Saxon.     And  in  that  hope  I  will  difrobe  this  Have. 
Come  Princes  in  the  neighbouring  thicket  here, 
We  may  difguife  our  felves,  and  talk  at  pleafure ; 
Fye  on  him  heavy  lubber  how  he  weighs. 

Richard.     The  fin  of  murder  hangs  upon  his  foul, 
It  is  no  mervail  then  if  he  be  heavy. 

Exeunt. 


Emperour  of  Germany.  233 

ACT.    III. 

Enter  to  the  Revels. 


Edward  with  an  Imperial  Crown.  Hedewig  the 
Emprefs.  Bohemia  the  Tafter.  Alphonfus  the  For- 
rejler.  Mentz  the  Getter.  Emprefs  the  Chambermaid. 
Brandenburg  Phyfician.  Tryer  Secretarie.  Alexander 
the  Marjhal,  with  his  Marjhals  Jlaff>  and  all  the  reft 
in  their  proper  apparrel,  and  Attendants  and  Pages. 


Alex.  Princes  and  Princes  Superiors,  Lords  and 
Lords  fellows,  Gentlemen  and  Gentlemens  Matters, 
and  all  the  reft  of  the  States  here  affembled,  as  well 
Mafculine  as  Feminine,  be  it  known  unto  you  by  thefe 
prefence,  that  I  Alexander  de  Toledo,  Fortunes  chief 
Marmal,  do  will  and  command  you,  by  the  authority  of 
my  faid  Office,  to  take  your  places  in  manner  and  form 
following,  Firfl  the  Emperour  and  the  Emprefs,  then 
the  Tafter,  the  Secretary,  the  Forrefter,  the  Phyfician, 
as  for  the  Chambermaid  and  my  felf,  we  will  take  our 
places  at  the  neither  end,  the  Jefter  is  to  wait  up,  and 
live  by  the  crums  that  fall  from  the  Emperours  tren 
cher,  But  now  I  have  Marfhal'd  you  to  the  table,  what 
remains  ? 

Mentz.  Every  fool  can  tell  that,  when  men  are  fet 
to  dinner  they  commonly  expecl  meat. 

Edward.  That's  the  bed  Jeft  the  fool  made  fince 
he  came  into  his  Office.  Marmal  walk  into  the  Kitchin, 
and  fee  now  the  Churfurft  of  Gotten  beftirs  himfelf. 

Exit.  Alex. 


234  A  L  P  H  O  N  S  U  S 

Mentz.  Shall  I  go  with  him  too  1  I  love  to  be  im- 
ploy'd  in  the  Kitchin. 

Edward.  I  prethee  go,  that  we  may  be  rid  of  thy 
wicked  Jefts. 

Mentz.      Have  with  thee  Marfhal,  the  fool  rides 
thee.  Exit,  on  Alex.  back. 

Alphon.  Now  by  mine  honour,  my  Lord  of  Mentz 
plays  the  fool  the  worft  that  ever  I  faw. 

Edward.  He  do's  all  by  contraries  ;  for  I  am  fure 
he  playd  the  wifeman  like  a  fool,  and  now  he  plays 
the  fool  wifely. 

Alphon.      Princes    and    Churfurfts    let   us   frolick 

now, 

This  is  a  joyful  day  to  Chriflendome, 
When  Chriftian  Princes  joyn  in  amity, 
Schinck  bowls  of  Reinfal  and  the  pur  eft  Wine, 
We'l  fpend  this  evening  luftie  upfie  Dutch, 
In  honour  of  this  unexpected  league. 

Empref.      Nay  gentle  Forrefter,  there   you  range 

amifs, 

His  looks  are  fitly  fuited  to  his  thoughts, 
His  glorious  Emprefs  makes  his  heart  tryumph, . 
And  hearts  tryumphing  makes  his  countenance  ftai'd, 
In  contemplation  of  his  lives  delight. 

Edward.     Good  Aunt  let  me  excufe   my  felf  in 

this, 

I  am  an  Emperour  but  for  a  day, 
She  Emprefs  of  my  heart  while  life  doth  laft ; 
Then  give  me  leave  to  ufe  Imperial  looks, 
Nay  if  I  be  an  Emperour  I'l  take  leave, 
And  here  I  do  pronounce  it  openly, 
What  I  have  lately  whifper'd  in  her  ears, 
I  love  mine  Emprefs  more  than  Empery, 
I  love  her  looks  above  my  fortunes  hope. 

Alphon.    Saving  your  looks  dread  Emperour  t£»  gtlt 

a  bowl, 
Unto  the  health  of  your  fair  Bride  and  Emprefs. 

Edward.  £>am  (Sat  ££  Ml  nur  nt  Ifeie 


Empero^lr  of  Germany.  235 

fttll,  fo  much  Dutch  have  I  learnt  fmce  I 
came  into  Germany. 

Bran.      When  you  have  drunk  a  dozen  of  thele 

bowls, 

So  can  your  Majefly  with  a  full  mouth, 
Trowl  out  high  Dutch,  till  then  it  founds  not  right, 

JBrauff  t%  gelt  norf)  ems  fftr  Jflateftat 
Edward.  £>am  <got  lafe  lauffen, 


Bohem.     My  Lord  of  Brandenburg  fpoken  like  a 
good  Dutch  Brother  ; 
But  moft  unlike  a  good  Phyfician, 
You  mould  confider  what  he  has  to  do, 
His  Bride  will  give  you  little  thanks  to  night. 

Alphon.     Ha,  ha  my  Lord,  now  give  me  leave  to 

laugh, 

He  need  not  therefore  fhun  one  Beaker  full. 
In  Saxon  Land  you  know  it  is  the  ufe, 
That  the  firfl  night  the  Bridegroom  fpares  the  Bride. 

Bohem.    'Tis  true  indeed,  that  had  I  quite  forgotten. 

Edward.     How  underfland  I  that  1 

Alphon.     That  the  firfl  night, 
The  Bride  and  Bridegroom  never  fleep  together. 

Edward.     That  may  well  be,  perchance  they  wake 
together. 

Bohem.    Nay  without  fallace  they  have  feveral  Beds. 

Edward.     I  in  one  Chamber,  that  is  moft  Princely. 

Alphon.     Not  onely  feveral  Beds,  but  feveral  Cham 

bers, 
Lockt  foundly  too,  with  Iron  Bolts  and  Bars. 

Empr.  Beleeve  me  Nephew,  that's  the  cuftom  here. 

Edward.    O  my  good  Aunt,  the  world  is  now  grown 

new, 

Old  cuftoms  are  but  fuperflitions. 
I  'm  fure  this  day,  this  prefence  all  can  witnefs, 
The  high  and  mighty  Prince  th'  Archbifhop  of  Gotten^ 
Who  now  is  bufie  in  the  skullery, 
Joyn'd  us  together  in  St.  Peters  Church, 


236  A  L  P  H  O  N  S  U  S 

And  he  that  would  disjoyn  us  two  to  night, 
'Twixt  jefl  and  earned  be  it  proudly  fpoken, 
Shall  eat  a  piece  of  ill-digefling  Iron. 

Bride  totlt  troto  ins  uid)t  Imt  mee 
Hede.  23a  btfyutt  mid)  <8ott  fur,  3*6  ftoffe 
material  toflfe  bun  mir  mitt, 


Edward.   What  fays  (he  M)Ute  mirf)  ffifll  flit  ? 

Alphon.     She  fays  God  blefs  her  from  fuch  a  deed. 

Edward.     Tufh  Emprefs,  clap  thy  hands  upon  thy 

head, 

And  God  will  blefs  thee,  I  have  a  Jacobs  flaff, 
Shall  take  the  Elevation  of  the  Pole  ; 
For  I  have  heard  it  fayd,  the  Dutch  North  ftar, 
Is  a  degree  or  two  higher  than  ours. 

Bohem.     Nay  though  we  talk  lets  drink,  and  Em- 

perour, 

I'l  tell  you  plainly  what  you  mufl  trufl  unto, 
Can  they  deceive  you  of  your  Bride  to  night, 
They'll  furely  do't,  therefore  look  to  your  felf. 

Edward.     If  ftie  deceive  me  not,  let  all  do  their 
worft. 

Alphon.     Affure  you  Emperour  fhe'l  do  her  bed. 

Edward.     I  think  the  Maids  in  Germany  are  mad, 
E're  they  be  marryed  they  will  not  kifs, 
And  being  marryed  will  not  go  to  Bed. 
We  drink  about,  let's  talk  no  more  of  this, 
Well  warn'd  half  arm'd  our  Engliih  proverb  fay 

Alphon.     Holla  Marfhal,  what  fays  the  Cook  1 

Enter  Alexander. 

Belike  he  thinks  we  have  fed  fo  well  already, 
That  we  difdain  his  fimple  Cookery. 

Alex.  Faith  the  Cook  fays  fo,  that  his  Office  was 
to  drefs  a  mefs  of  meat  with  that  Wood  which  the 
Englifh  Prince  mould  bring  in,  but  he  hath  neither 


Emperottr  0/"  Germany.  237 

feen  Dutch  Wood  nor  Englifh  Prince,  therefore  he 
defires  you  hold  him  excus'd. 

Alphon.     I  wonder  where  Prince  Richard  flays  fo 

long. 
Alex.      An't,  pleafe  your    Majefty,   he's   come   at 

length, 

And  with  him  has  he  brought  a  crew  of  Bowrs, 
A  hipfe  bowr  maikins  frefh  as  Flow'rs  in  May, 
With  whom  they  mean  to  dance  a  Saxon  round, 
In  honour  of  the  Bridegroom  and  his  Bride. 
Edward.     So  has  he  made  amends  for  his  long  tar 
rying. 
I  prethee  Marfhall  them  into  the  prefence. 

Alphon.     Lives  Richard  then?   I  had  thought  th' 
had'ft  made  him  fure. 

Alex.     O,  I  could  tear  my  flefh  to  think  upon  't, 
He  lives  and  fecretly  hath  brought  with  him, 
The  Palf^rave  and  the  Duke  of  Saxonie^ 
Clad  like  two  Bowrs,  even  in  the  fame  apparrel. 
That  Hans  and  Jerick  wore  when  they  went  out  to 

murder  him, 
It  now  behooves  us  to  be  circumfpecl. 

Alphon.      It  likes   me  not ;    Away  Marfhal  bring 
them. 

Exit.  Alexander. 
I  long  to  fee  this  fports  conclufion. 

Bohem.     I'd  not  a  lovely  fight  to  fee  this  couple 
Sit  fweetly  billing  like  two  Turtle  Doves. 

Alphon.      I   promife   you    it    fets    my    Teeth   an 

Edge, 

That  I  mufl  take  mine  Emprefs  in  mine  arms. 
Come  hither  Ifabel,  though  thy  roabs  be  homely, 
Thy  face  and  countenance  holds  colour  flill. 


238  ALPHONSUS 

Enter  Alexander,   Collen,  Mentz,  Richard,    Saxony, 

Palfgrave,  Collen  Cook,  with  a  gamon  of  raw 

bacon,  and  links  or  puddings  in  a  platter •, 

Richard,  Palfgrave.  Saxon,  Mentz, 

like  Clowns  with  each  of  them 

a  Miter  with  Corances  on 

their  heads. 

Collen.      Dread  Emperour  and  Emperefs  for  to  day, 
I  Your  appointed  Cook  untill  to  morrow, 
Have  by  the  Marihal  fent  my  iuft  excufe, 
And  hope  your  Highnefs  is  therewith  content, 
Our  Carter  here  for  whom  I  now  do  fpeak, 
Says  that  his  Axletree  broke  by  the  way, 
That  is  his  anfwer,  and  for  you  mail  not  famiih, 
He  and  his  fellow  bowrs  of  the  next  dorp, 
Haue  brought  a  fchinkel  of  good  raw  Bacon, 
And  that's  a  common  meat  with  us,  unfod, 
Defiring  you,  you  would  not  fcorn  the  fare  ; 
'Twil  make  a  cup  of  Wine  tafte  nippitate. 

Edward.     Welcome  good  fellows,  we   thank   you 
for  your  prefent 

Richard.       So    fpdl    frftt)     UJ3,    and    let   us 

rammer  fcaunfen. 

Alex.     Pleafe  it  your  Highnefs  to  dance  with  your 

Bride? 
Edward.       Alas  I   cannot   dance    your    German 

dances. 

Bohem.     I  do  befeech  your  Highnefs  mock  us  not, 
We  Germans  have  no  changes  in  our  dances, 
An  Almain  and  an  upfpring  that  is  all, 
So  dance  the  Princes,  Burgers,  and  the  Bowrs. 

Brand.     So  daunc'd  our  Aunceflors  for  thoufand 

years. 

Edw.       It  is  a  fign  the  Dutch  are  not  new  fangled, 
I'le  follow  in  the  meafure  ;  Marfhal  lead. 


Emperour  of  Germany.  239 

Alexander  and  Mentz  have  the  fore  dance  with  each  oj 

them  a  glafs  of  Wine  in  their  hands,  then  Edward 

and  Hedewick,  Palfgrave  and  Emprefs,  and 

two  other  couple,  after  Drum  and  Trumpet. 

The  Palfgrave  whifpers  with  the  Emprefs. 
Alphon.  I  think  the  Bowr  is  amorous  of  my  Emprefs  ; 

jfmt  botor  and  leffiel  morgen,  when  thou 

com'ft  to  houfe. 

Gotten.     Now  is  your  Graces  time  to  fleal  away, 
Look  to't  or  elfe  you'l  lie  alone  to  night. 

Edward  fleals  away  the  Bride. 
Alex.  (Drinketh  to  the  Palfgrave.)  JHtelt 

botort 

Palfgrave.    £>am  (gfltt 

The  Palfgrave  requefts  the  Emprefs. 

®P  3Sungfrato  ftelpe  mtcft  tort)  etn  Sung- 

frato  iruwfe 

to  gelt  guter  freuntrt  tin  frotorfeen  fortnfc 
Alphon.  ^>ain  (§ott  twin  fruntrt  uft 

to  ill  gern  ieftfwtit  tftun 

(Alphonfus  takes  the  Citp  of  the  Palfgrave,  and  drinks 
to  the  Kins,  of  Bohemia,  and  after  he  hath  drunk  puts 
poyfon  into  the  Beaker?) 

Half  this  I  drinke  unto  your  Highnefs  health, 
It  is  the  firfl  fince  we  were  joynd  in  Office. 

Bohem.     I  thank  your  Maiefty,  I'le  pledge  you  half. 

(As  Bohem  is  a  drinking,  Jre  he  hath  drunk  it  all 
out,  Alphonfus  pulls  the  Beaker  from  his  mouth}. 

I        Alphon.     Hold,  hold,  your  Maiefty,  drink  not  too 
much. 
Bohem.     What  means  your  Highnefs. 


24o  ALPHONSUS 

Alphon.     Methinks  that  fomething  grates  between 

my  teeth, 
Pray  God  there  be  not  poyfon  in  the  bowl. 

Bohem.     Marry  God  forbid. 

Alex.     So  were  I  pepper'd. 

Alphon.     I  highly  do  miflruft  this  fchelmifh  bowr, 
Lay  hands  on  him,  I'le  make  him  drink  the  reft. 

fft  toftas  tft  toat  tmll  pou  mit  met 


Alphon.     Drink  out,  drink  out  flier  fter 

tuMl  foil  iurf)  ijofau 
Pair.     ®p  grf)  pou  to  frfrtren  frf)  toil! 
gem  tfriniu 

Saxon.     Drink  not  Prince  Pallatine,  throw  it  on  the 

ground, 
It  is  not  good  to  trufl  his  Spanifh  flies. 

Bohem.     Saxon  and  Palf  grave,  this  cannot  be  good. 
Alphon.    'Twas  not  for  nought  my  mind  mifgave 

me  fo  ; 

This  hath  Prince  Richard  done  t'entrap  our  lives. 
Richard.     No  Alphonfus,  I  difdain  to  be  a  traytor. 
Emprejs.     O  fheath  your  fwords,  forbear  thefe  need- 

lefs  broyls. 

Alphon.     Away,  I  do  miftrufl  thee  as  the  reft. 
Bohem.       Lord's   hear   me   fpeak,  to  pacify  thefe 

broyls  ; 

For  my  part  I  feel  no  diftemperature, 
How  do  you  feel  your  felf  ? 

Alphon.     I  can  not  tell,  not  ill,  and  yet  methinks 

I  am  not  well. 

Bohem.     Were  it  a  poyfon  'twould  begin  to  work. 
Alphon.     Not  fo,  all  poyfons  do  not  work  alike. 
Palf.     If  there  were  poyfon  in,  which  God  forbid, 
The  Emprefs  and  my  felf  and  Alexander, 
Have  caufe  to  fear  as  well  as  any  other. 

Alphon.     Why  didft  thou  throw  the  Wine  upon  the 
earth  ? 


Emperonr  of  Germany.  241 

Hadft  thou  but  drunk,  thou  hadfl  fatisfied  our  minds. 

Palf.     I  will  not  be  enforc't  by  Spanifh  hands. 

Alphon.     If  all  be  well  with  us,  that  fchuce  (hall 

ferve 
If  not,  the  Spaniards  blood  will  be  reveng'd. 

Rich.     Your  Maiefty  is  more  afraid  than  hurt. 

Bohem.     For  me  I  do  not  fear  my  felf  a  whit, 
Let  all  be  friends,  and  forward  with  our  mirth. 

Enter  Edward  in  his  night-gown  and  hisjhirt. 

Richard.     Nephew,  how  now  ?  is  all  well  with  you  ? 

Bohem.     I  lay  my  life  the  Prince  has  loft  his  bride. 

Edward.     I  hope  not  fo,  (he  is  but  ftray'd  a  little. 

Alphon.     Your  Grace  muft  not  be  angry  though  we 
laugh. 

Edward.     If  it  had  hapned  by  default  of  mine, 
You  might  have  worthily  laught  me  to  fcorn  ; 
But  to  be  fo  deceiv'd,  fo  over  reach'd, 
Even  as  I  meant  to  clafp  her  in  mine  arms, 
The  grief  is  intollerable,  not  to  be  gueft, 
Or  comprehended  by  the  thought  of  any, 
But  by  a  man  that  hath  been  fo  deceiv'd, 
And  that's  by  no  man  living  but  my  felf. 

Saxon.     My  Princely  Son-in-Law  God  give  you  joy. 

Edward.     Of  what  my  Princely  Father  ? 

Saxon.     O'  my  Daughter. 
Your  new  betroathed  Wife  and  Bed-fellow. 

Edward.     I    thank    you    Father,    indeed   I   muft 

confeis 
She  is  my  Wife,  but  not  my  Bed-fellow. 

Saxon.     How  fo  young  Prince  %      I  faw  you  (leal 

her  hence, 
And  as  me  thought  (he  went  full  willingly. 

Edward.    Tis  true,  I  dole  her  finely  from  amongft 

you, 

And  by  the  Arch-Bimop  of  Collens  help, 
Got  her  alone  in  to  the  Bride-Chamber, 
Where  having  lockt  the  Door,  thought  all  was  well. 

Q 


242  A  L  P  H  O  N  S  U  S 

I  could  not  fpeak  but  pointed  to  the  Bed, 
She  anfwered  $a.  and  gan  for  to  unlace  her  ; 
I  feeing  that  fufpecled  no  deceit, 
But  flraight  untrufl  my  points,  uncas'd  my  fell", 
And  in  a  moment  flipt  between  the  Sheets  ; 
There  lying  in  deep  contemplation, 
The  Princefs  of  her  felf  drew  neer  to  me, 
Gave  me  her  hand,  fpake  prettily  in  Dutch 
I  know  not  what,  and  kifl  me  lovingly, 
And  as  I  mrank  out  of  my  luke  warm  place 
To  make  her  room,  me  clapt  thrice  with  her  feet, 
And  through  a  trap-door  funck  out  of  my  fight ; 

Knew  I  but  her  Confederates  in  the  deed 

I  fay  no  more. 

Emprefs.    Turn  Cofm,  be  content ; 
So  many  Lands,  fo  many  fafhions, 
It  is  the  German  ufe,  be  not  impatient, 
She  will  be  fo  much  welcomer  to  morrow. 

Rich.     Come  Nephew,  we'l  be  Bed-fellows  to-night. 

Edward.    Nay  if  T  find  her  not,  Fie  lye  alone, 
I  have  good  hope  to  ferret  out  her  Bed, 
And  fo  good  night  fweet  Princefs  all  at  once. 

Alphon.     Godnight  to  all  ;    Marshal  difcharge  the 
train. 

Alex.     To  Bed,  to  Bed  the  Marfhal  crys  'tis  time. 

Exeunt. 

Flour ijh   Cornets,  Manent  Saxon,  Richard,  Palfgrave, 
Collen,   Emprefs. 

Saxon.     Now  Princes  it  is  time  that  we  advife, 
Now  we  are  all  fail  in  the  Fowlers  gin, 
Not  to  efcape  his  fubtle  fnares  alive, 
Unlefs  by  force  we  break  the  Nets  afunder. 
When  he  begins  to  cavil  and  pick  quarrels, 
I  will  not  trull  him  in  the  leafl  degree. 

Emprefs.    It  may  befeem  me  evill  to  miflruft 
My  Lord  and  Emperour  of  fo  foul  a  fac~l ; 
But  love  unto  his  honour  and  your  lives, 


Emperour  of  Germany.  243 

Makes  me  with  tears  intreat  your  Excellencies 
To  fly  with  fpeed  out  of  his  dangerous  reach, 
His  cloudy  brow  foretells  a  fuddain  ftorm 
Of  blood  not  natural  but  prodigious. 

Rich.  The  Cattle  gates  are  (hut,  how  mould  we  fly  ; 
But  were  they  open,  I  would  lofe  my  life, 
E're  I  would  leave  my  Nephew  to  the  flaughter ; 
He  and  his  Bride  were  fure  to  bear  the  brunt. 

Saxon.     Could  I  get  out  of  doors,  I'ld  venture  that, 
And  yet  I  hold  their  perfons  dear  enough, 
I  would  not  doubt,  but  e're  the  morning  Sun, 
Should  half  way  run  his  courfe  into  the  South, 
To  compafs  and  begirt  him  in  his  Fort, 
With  Saxon  lansknights  and  brunt-bearing  Switzers, 
Who  lye  in  Ambufcado  not  far  hence, 
That  he  ihould  come  to  Compofition, 
And  with  fafe  conduct  bring  into  our  tents, 
Both  Bride  and  Bridegroom,  and  all  other  friends. 

Emprefs.     My  Chamber  Window  (lands  upon  the 

Wall, 
And  thence  with  eafe  you  may  efcape  away. 

Saxon.     Prince  Richard,  will  you  bear  me  Com 
pany? 

Richard.     I  will  my  Lord. 

Saxon.     And  you  Prince  Pallatine  1 

Palf.     The  Spanifli  Tyrant  hath  me  in  fufpect 
Of  poyfoning  him,  I'l  therefore  (lay  it  out, 
To  fly  upon't  were  to  accufe  my  felf. 

Emprefs.     If  need  require,  I'le  hide  the  Pallatine. 
Untill  to  morrow,  if  you  (lay  no  longer. 

Saxon.     If  God  be  with  us,  e're  to  morrow  noon 
We'll  be  with  Enfigns  fpread  before  the  Walls ; 
We  leave  dear  pledges  of  our  quick  return. 

Emp.    May  the  Heavens  profper  your  iuft  intents. 

Exeunt, 

Enter  Alphonfus. 

Alphon.     This   dangerous   plot  was   happily  over 
heard, 


244  ALPHONSUS 

Here  didft  thou  liften  in  a  bleffed  howr. 
Alexander,  where  do'ft  thou  hide  thy  felf  1 
I've  fought  thee  in  each  Corner  of  the  Court, 
And  now  or  never  muft  thou  play  the  man. 

Alex.     And  now  or  never  muft  your  Highnefs  flir. 
Treafon  hath  round  encompaffed  your  life. 

Alphon.     I  have  no  leafure  now  to  hear  thy  talk. 
Seed  thou  this  Key  1 

Alex.    Intends  your  Majefly,  that  I  fhould  fteal  into 

the  Princes  Chambers, 

And  fleeping  ftab  them  in  their  Beds  to  night  ? 
That  cannot  be. 

Alphon.     Wilt.thou  not  hear  me  fpeak  1 

Alex.  The  Prince  of  England^  Saxon,  and  of  Gotten, 
Are  in  the  Emprefs  chamber  privily. 

Alphon.      All   this   is   nothing,   they  would   mur 
der  me, 
I  come  not  there  to  night ;  feed  thou  this  Key  ? 

Alex.  They  mean  to  fly  out  at  the  Chamber  Window, 
And  raife  an  Army  to  befeege  your  Grace  ; 
Now  may  your  Highnefs  take  them  with  the  deed. 

Alphon.     The  Prince  of  Wales  I  hope  is  none  of 
them. 

Alex.  Him  and  his  Bride  by  force  they  will  recover. 

Alphon.     What  makes  the  curfed  Palfgrave  of  the 
Rhein  ? 

Alex.     Him  hath  the  Emprefs  taken  to  her  charge, 
And  in  her  Clofet  means  to  hide  him  fafe. 

Alphon.  To  hide  him  in  her  Clofet  ?  of  bold  deeds, 
The  deareft  charge  that  e're  me  undertook, 
Well  let  them  bring  their  Complots  to  an  end, 
I'le  undermine  to  meet  them  in  their  works, 

Alex.     Will  not  your  Grace  furprize  them  e're  they 
fly? 

Alphon.     No,  let  them  bring  their  purpofe  to  effect, 
I'le  fall  upon  them  at  my  beft  advantage, 
Seefl  thou  this  Key  ?  there  take  it  Alexander  ; 
Yet  take  it  not  unlefs  thou  be  refolv'd  ; 
Turn  I  am  fond  to  make  a  doubt  of  thee  ; 


•     Emperour  of  Germany.  245 

Take  it  I  fay,  it  doth  command  all  Doors, 
And  will  make  open  way  to  dire  revenge. 

Alex.     I  know  not  what  your  Majefty  doth  mean. 

Alp/ion.     Hie  thee  with  fpeed  into  the  inner  Cham 
ber, 

Next  to  the  Chappel,  and  there  malt  thou  find 
The  danty  trembling  Bride  coutcht  in  her  Bed, 
Having  beguil'd  her  Bridegroom  of  his  hopes, 
Taking  her  farewel  of  Virginity, 
Which  me  to  morrow  night  expects  to  lofe, 
By  night  all  Cats  are  gray,  and  in  the  dark, 
She  will  imbrace  thee  for  the  Prince  of  Wales, 
Thinking  that  he  hath  found  her  Chamber  out, 
Fall  to  thy  bufinefs  and  make  few  words, 
And  having  pleas'd  thy  fenfes  with  delight, 
And  fild  thy  beating  vains  with  Healing  joy, 
Make  thence  agen  before  the  break  of  day, 
What  flrange  events  will  follow  this  device, 
We  need  not  ftudy  on,  our  foes  mall  find. 
How  now  ]  how  ftandfl  thou  1  hall  thou  not  the  heart  ? 

Alex.     Should  I  not  have  the  heart  to  do  this  deed, 
I  were  a  Baflard  villain  and  no  man  ; 
Her  fweetnefs,  and  the  fweetnefs  of  revenge, 
Tickles  my  fenfes  in  a  double  fenfe, 
And  fo  I  wifh  your  Majefty  good  night. 

Alphon.  God  night,  fweet  Venus  profper  thy  attempt. 

Alex.    Sweet  Venus  and  grim  Ate  I  implore, 
Stand  both  of  you  to  me  aufpicious.    Exit.  Alexander. 

Alphon.     It  had  been  pitty  of  his  Fathers  life, 
Whofe  death  hath  made  him  fuch  a  perfect  villain. 
What  murder,  wrack,  and  caufelefs  enmity, 
'Twixt  dearefl  friends  that  are  my  flrongefl  foes, 
Will  follow  fuddainly  upon  this  rape, 
1  hope  to  live  to  fee,  and  laugh  thereat, 
And  yet  this  peece  of  practice  is  not  all. 
The  King  of  Bohem  though  he  little  feel  it, 
Becaufe  in  twenty  hours  it  will  not  work, 
Hath  from  my  Knives  point  fuck'd  his  deadly  bane, 
Whereof  I  will  be  leaH  of  all  fufpeaed ; 


246  ALPHONSUS 

For  I  will  feign  my  felf  as  fick  as  he, 

And  blind  mine  enemies  eyes  with  deadly  groans ; 

Upon  the  Palfgrave  and  mine  Emperefs, 

Heavy  fufpe<5l  mall  light  to  bruze  their  bones  ; 

Though  Saxon  would  not  fuffer  him  to  tafte, 

The  deadly  potion  provided  for  him, 

He  cannot  fave  him  from  the  Sword  of  luftice, 

When  all  the  world  mall  think  that  like  a  villain, 

He   hath   poyfon'd   two   great   Emperours  with  one 

draught ; 

That  deed  is  done,  and  by  this  time  I  hope, 
The  other  is  a  doing,  Alexander 
I  doubt  it  not  will  do  it  thorowly. 
While  thefe  things  are  a  brewing  Fl  not  fleep, 
But  fudainly  break  ope  the  Chamber  doors, 
And  rum  upon  my  Emprefs  and  the  Palfgravt, 
Holla  wher's  the  Captain  of  the  Guard  ? 

Enter  Captain,  and  Souldiers. 

Cap.     What  would  you  Majefty  ? 
Alphon.    Take  fix  travants  well  arm'd  and  followe. 
They  break  with  violence  into  the  Chamber,  and  Alphon- 
fus  trayles  the  Emprefs  by  the  hair. 

Enter  Alphonfus,  Emprefs,  Souldiers,  &>c. 

Alphon.  Come  forth  thou  damned  Witch,  adulterous 

Whore, 
Foul  fcandal  to  thy  name,  thy  fex,  thy  blood. 

Emp.     O  Emperour,  gentle  Husband,  pitty  me. 

Alphon.     Canft  thou  deny  thou  wert  confederate, 
With  my  arch  enemies  that  fought  my  blood  1 
And  like  a  Strumpet  through  thy  Chamber  Window, 
Haft  with  thine  own  hands  helpt  to  let  them  down, 
With  an  intent  that  they  mould  gather  arms, 
Befiege  my  Court,  and  take  away  my  life  ? 

Emp.     Ah  my  Alphonfus. 

Alphon.     Thy  Alphonfus  Whore  1 

Emp.     O  pierce  my  heart,  trail  me  not  by  my  hair 


Emperour  of  Germany.         247 

What  I  have  done,  I  did  it  for  the  befl. 

AlpJwn.     So  for  the  bed  advantage  of  thy  luft, 
Haft  thou  in  fecret  Clytemneflra  like, 
Hid  thy  ^Ege/lus  thy  adulterous  love. 

Emp.     Heav'n  be  the  record  'twixt  my  Lord  and 

me, 
How  pure  and  facred  I  do  hold  thy  Bed. 

Alphon.     Art  thou  fo  impudent  to  bely  the  deed, 
Is  not  the  Palfgrave  hidden  in  thy  Chamber  \ 

Empe.     That  I  have  hid  the  Palfgrave  I  confefs ; 
But  to  no  ill  intent  your  confcience  knows. 

Alphon.     Thy  treafons,  murders,  incefts,  forceries, 
Are  all  committed  to  a  good  intent ; 
Thou  know'ft  he  was  my  deadly  enemy. 

Emp.    By  this  device  I  hop'd  to  make  your  friends  : 

Alphon.       Then  bring  him  forth,  we'l  reconcile  our 
felves. 

Emp.     Should  I  betray  fo  great  a  Prince's  life  1 

Alphon.     Thou  holdfl  his  life  far  dearer  than  thy 

Lords, 

This'very  night  haft  thou  betrayd  my  blood, 
But  thus,  and  thus,  will  I  revenge  my  felf, 
And  but  thou  fpeedily  deliver  him, 
I'le  trail  thee  through  the  Kennels  of  the  Street, 
And  cut  the  Nofe  from  thy  bewitching  face, 
And  into  England  fend  thee  like  a  Strumpet. 

Emp.     Pull  every  hair  from  off  my  head, 
Drag  me  at  Horfes  tayls,  cut  off  my  nofe 
My  Princely  tongue  mail  not  betray  a  Prince. 

Alph.     That  will  I  try. 

Emp.     O  Heav'n  revenge  my  mame. 

Enter  Palfgrave. 

Pal.    Is  Cafar  now  become  a  torturer, 
A  Hangman  of  his  Wife,  turn'd  murderer  ? 
Here  is  the  Pallatine,  what  wouldfl  thou  more  ? 

Alphon.    Upon  him  Souldiers,  flrike  him   to  the 
ground 


248  ALPHONSUS 

Emp.     Ah  Souldiers,  fpare  the  Princely  Pallatine. 
Alphon.     Down  with  the  damn'd  adulterous  mur 
derer. 
Kill  him  I  fay,  his  blood  be  on  my  head . 

They  kill  the  Pallatine. 

Run  to  the  Tow'r,  and  Ring  the  Larum  Bell, 
That  fore  the  world  I  may  excufe  my  felf, 
And  tell  the  reafon  of  this  bloody  deed. 

Enter  Edward  in  his  night  gown  andjhirt. 

Edw.     How  now  1  what  means  this  fudain  flrange 

Allarm  1 

What  wretched  dame  is  this  with  blubbered  cheeks, 
And  rent  difhevel'd  hair  1 

Emp.     O  my  dear  Nephew, 
Fly,  fly  the  Shambles,  for  thy  turn  is  next, 

Edward.  What,  my  Imperial  Aunt  1  then  break  my 
heart. 

Alphon.     Brave  Prince  be  flill ;  as  I  am  nobly  born, 
There  is  no  ill  intended  to  thy  perfon. 

Enter  Mentz,  Tryer,  Branden.  Bohem. 

Mentz.     Where  is  my  Page  ?  bring  me  my  two  hand 
Sword. 

Tryer.    What  is  the  matter  1   is  the  Court  a  fire 

Bran.       Whofe    that  ?     the   Emperour    with   his 
weapon   drawn  ? 

Bohem.     Though  deadly  fick  yet  am  I  forc'd  to  rife, 
To  know  the  reafon  of  this  hurley  hurley. 

Alphon.     Princes  be  filent,  I  will  tell  the  caufe, 
Though  fudainly  a  griping  at  my  heart 
Forbids  my  tongue  his  wonted  courfe  of  fpeech. 
See  you  this  Harlot,  traytrefs  to  my  life, 
See  you  this  murderer,  ftain  to  mine  honour, 
Thefe  twain  I  found  together  in  my  Bed, 
Shamefullly  committing  lewd  Adultery, 
And  hainoufly  confpiring  all  your  deaths, 


Emperoiir  of  Germany.  249 

I  mean  your  deaths,  that  are  not  dead  already  ; 
As  for  the  King  of  Boherne  and  my  felf, 
We  are  not  of  this  world,  we  have  our  tranfports 
Giv'n  in  the  bowl  by  this  adulterous  Prince, 
And  lead  the  poyfon  work  too  ftrong  with  me, 
Before  that  I  have  warnd  you  of  your  harms, 
I  will  be  brief  in  the  relation. 
That  he  hath  flaind  my  Bed,  thefe  eyes  have  feen, 
That  he  hath  murder'd  two  Imperial  Kings, 
Our  fpeedy  deaths  will  be  too  fudain  proof; 
That  he  and  me  have  bought  and  fold  your  lives,  • 
To  Saxon,  Collen,  and  the  Englifh  Prince, 
Their  Enfigns  fpread  before  the  Walls  to  morrow 
Will  all  too  fudainly  bid  you  defiance. 
Now  tell  me  Princes  have  I  not  jufl  caufe, 
To  flay  the  murderer  of  fo  many  fouls  % 
And  have  not  all  caufe  to  applaud  the  deed  ? 
More  would  I  utter,  but  the  poyfons  force 
Forbids  my  fpeech,  you  can  conceive  the  reft. 

Bohem.     Your  Majefly  reach  me  your  dying  hand, 
With  thoufand  thanks  for  this  fo  jufl  revenge. 
O,  how  the  poyfons  force  begins  to  work  ! 

Mentz.    The  world  may  pitty  and  applaud  the  deed. 

Brand.     Did  never  age  bring  forth  fuch  hainous 


Edward.      My  fenfes  are  confounded  and  amaz'd. 
Emp.    The  God  of  Heav'n  knows  my  unguiltinefs. 

Enter  Meffe?iger. 

Mef.     Arm,  arm  my  Lords,  we  have  defcry'd  a  far, 
An  Army  of  ten  thoufand  men  at  arms. 

Alphon.     Some  run  unto  the  Walls,  fome  draw  up 

the  Sluce, 
Some  fpeedily  let  the  Purcullefs  down. 

Mentz.     Now  may  we  fee  the  Emperours  words  are 

true. 
To  prifon  with  the  wicked  murderous  Whore.  Exeunt. 


250  ALPHONSUS 


ACT.    IV. 


Enter  Saxon  and  Richard  with  Souldiers. 

Saxon.     My  Lord  of  Cornwall,  let  us  march  before, 
To  fpeedy  refcue  of  our  deareft  friends, 
The  rereward  with  the  armed  Legions, 
Committed  to  the  Prince  of  Collerfs  charge, 
Cannot  fo  lightly  pafs  the  mountain  tops. 

Richard.     Let's  fummon  fudainly  unto  a  Parly, 
I  do  not  doubt  but  e're  we  need  their  helps, 
Collen  with  all  his  forces  will  be  here. 

Enter  Collen  with  Drums  and  an  Army. 

Richard.      Your   Holinefs   hath    made   good  haft 

to  day, 
And  like  a  beaten  Souldier  lead  your  troops. 

Collen.     In  time  of  peace  I  am  an  Arch-Bilhop, 
And  like  a  Church-man  can  both  fing  and  fay  ; 
But  when  the  innocent  do  fuffer  wrong, 
I  caft  my  rocket  off  upon  the  Altar, 
And  like  a  Prince  betake  my  felf  to  arms. 

Enter  above  Mentz,  Tryer,  and  Brandenburg. 

Mentz.    Great  Prince  of  Saxonie,  what  mean  thefe 

arms? 

Richard  of  Cornwall,  what  may  this  intend  1 
Brother  of  Collen  no  more  Churchman  now, 
Inflead  of  Miter,  and  a  Croffier  Staff, 
Have  you  betane  you  to  your  Helme  and  Targe  \ 
Were  you  fo  merry  yefterday  as  friends, 


Emperour  of  Germany.  251 

Cloaking  your  treafon  in  your  Clowns  attire  ? 

Saxon.     Mentz,  we  return  the  tray  tor  in  thy  face. 
To  fave  our  lives,  and  to  releafe  our  friends, 
Out  of  the  Spaniards  deadly  trapping  Snares, 
Without  intent  of  ill,  this  power  is  rais'd  ; 
Therefore  grave  Prince  Marquefs  of  Brandenburg, 
My  loving  Cofm,  as  indifferent  Judge, 
To  you  an  aged  Peace-maker  we  fpeak, 
Deliver  with  fafe  con  duct  in  our  tents, 
Prince  Edward  and  his  Bride,  the  Pallatint, 
With  every  one  of  high  or  low  degree, 
That  are  fufpicious  of  the  King  of  Spain, 
So  Ihall  you  fee  that  in  the  felf  fame  howr 
We  marched  to  the  Walls  with  colours  fpread, 
We  will  cafhier  our  troups,  and  part  good  friends. 

Brand.     Alas  my  Lord,  crave  you  the  Pallatine  1 

Rich.     If  craving  will  not  ferve,  we  will  command. 

Brand.     Ah   me,   fmce  your  departure,  good   my 

Lords, 
Strange  accidents  of  bloud  and  death  are  hapned. 

Saxon.     My  mind  mifgave  a  maffacre  this  night. 

Rich.     How  do's  Prince  Edward  then  1 

Sax.     How  do's  my  Daughter  ? 

Colkn.     How  goes  it  with  the   Pal/grave  of  the 
Rhein  ? 

Brand.     Prince  Edward  and  his  Bride  do  live  in 

health, 
And  mall  be  brought  nnto  you  when  you  pleafe. 

Saxon.     Let  them  be  prefently  deliver'd  ? 

Coll.     Lives  not  the  Palfgrave  too  ^ 

Mentz.     In  Heaven  or  Hell  he  lives,  and  reaps  the 
merrit  of  his  deeds. 

Coll.      What   damned  hand   hath   butchered    the 
Prince  ? 

Saxon.     O  that  demand  is  needlefs,  who  but  he, 
That  feeks  to  be  the  Butcher  of  us  all ; 
But  vengeance  and  revenge  mail  light  on  him. 

Bran.     Be  patient  noble  Princes,  hear  the  reft. 
The  two  great  Kings  of  Bohem  and  Caftile, 


252  ALPHONSUS 

God  comfort  them,  lie  now  at  point  of  death, 
Both  poyfon'd  by  the  Pal f grave  yeilerday. 

Rich.     How  is  that  poffible  1  fo  mud  my  Sifter, 
The  Pallatine  himfelf,  and  Alexander, 
Who  drunk  out  of  the  bowl,  be  poyfoned  too. 

Mentz.     Nor  is  that  hainous  deed  alone  the  caufe, 
Though  caufe  enough  to  ruin  Monarchies  ; 
He  hath  defil'd  with  luft  th'  Imperial  Bed, 
And  by  the  Emperour  in  the  fa<5l  was  flain. 

Gotten.     O  worthy  guiltless  Prince  ;  O  had  he  fled. 

Rich.     But  fay  where  is  the  Emprels,  where's  my 
Sifter. 

Mentz.     Not  burnt  to  allies  yet,  but  mail  be  fhortly. 

Rich.     I  hope  her  Majefty  will  live  to  fee 
A  hundred  thoufand  flattering,  turncoat  flaves, 
Such  as  your  Holinefs,  dye  a  mameful  death. 

Brand.     She  is  in  prifon,  and  attends  her  tryal. 

Sax.     O  ftrange  heart-breaking  mifchievous  intents, 
Give  me  my  children  if  you  love  your  lives, 
No  fafety  is  in  this  enchanted  Fort. 
O  fee  in  happy  hour  there  comes  my  Daughter, 
And  loving  fon,  fcapt  from  the  Maffacre. 

Enter  Edward  and  Hedewick. 

Edward.     My  body  lives,   although  my  heart   be 

flain, 

O  Princes  this  hath  been  the  difmalPft  night, 
That  ever  eye  of  forrow  did  behold, 
Here  lay  the  Palfgrave.  weltring  in  his  bloud, 
Dying  Alphonjus  (landing  over  him, 
Upon  the  other  hand  the  King  of  Bohem, 
Still  looking  when  his  poyfon'd  bulk  would  break  ; 
But  that  which  pierc'd  my  foul  with  natures  touch 
Was  my  tormented  Aunt  with  blubberd  cheeks, 
Torn  bloody  Garments,  and  difheveld'  hair, 
Waiting  for  death  ;  defervedly  or  no, 
That  knows  the  fearcher  of  all  humane  thoughts  ; 
For  thefe  devices  are  beyond  my  reach. 


Emperour  of  Germany.  253 

Saxon,    ^>aft  trocb  lirf)ts>  fcmfter  tofjo 
toarttioto  trirfrllrienafl* 

Hede.     $Is!  M)fl  MjO  Colt  ftft  frttt  Ul) 

toar  in  fette* 

Saxon.    fflffiiert  iroto  allem  fo  toart  iroto 
gar  borftftrarftm* 

Hede.  Id)  fta  mitt  ante  gemetnt  tram 
t'ri)  toalt  allem  geftflaffne  ftaben,  ahur 
mitternattt  fcam  memtr  brtiresroom 
ijnutrt  fcglaffet  bep  mtr,  its  toir  mit  trem 
grtumntd  ertoadjt  toaren* 

Edward.     What  fays  fhe  ?  came  her  Bridegroom  to 
to  her  at  midnight  ? 

Rich.     Nephew,  I  fee  you  were  not  over-reach'd ; 
Although  fhe  flipt  out  of  your  arms  at  firfl, 
You  ceiz'd  her  furely,  e're  you  left  the  chace. 

Saxon.     But  left  your  Grace  your  Bride  alone  in 

Bed? 
Or  did  fhe  run  together  in  the  Lamm  1 

Edward.     Alas  my  Lords,  this  is  no  time  to  jefl ; 
I  lay  full  fadly  in  my  Bed  alone, 
Not  able  for  my  life  to  fleep  a  wink, 
Till  that  the  Larum  Bell  began  to  Ring, 
And  then  I  ftarted  from  my  weary  couch. 

Saxon.     How    now?    this    rimes    not     with     my 

daughters  fpeech, 
She  fays  you  found  her  Bed,  and  lay  with  her. 

Edward.     Not  I,  your  Highnefs  did  miflake  her 
words. 

Collen.     Deny  it  not  Prince  Edward^  'tis  an  honour. 

Edward.     My  Lords  I  know  no  reafon  to  deny  it ; 
T'have  found  her  Bed,  I  would  have  given  a  million. 

Saxon.    $ieiiiim'dt  fter  dfurtt  fast  er 
ftatt  nuftt  he  Sir  ftfclafim 


254  ALPHONSUS 

Hede.    &  gefelt  ffrm  alfo  jum  fagun 
aier  irf)  ftaies  toall  gerfiilet 

^zV/ifc.     She  fay's  you  are  difpos'd  to  jeft  with  her; 
But  yeflernight  me  felt  it  in  good  earned. 

Edward.     Unckle  thefe  jefls  are  too  unfavorie, 
111  fuited  to  thefe  times,  and  pleafe  me  not, 

£ab  irf)  bin  you  gefljlapm  yefiemight. 
Hede.    \  leff,  toarum  fult  tfrrs  fragem 

Saxon.     Edward,  I  tell  thee  'tis  no  jefting  matter, 
Say  plainly,  wa'fl  thou  by  her  I  or  no  ? 

Edward.     As  I  am  Prince,  true  heir  to  Englands 

Crown, 
I  never  toucht  her  body  in  a  Bed. 

Hede.    Jias  fiafte  getftan  orlrer  ftolle 
mfr6  tor  tuML 

^?zV/%.     Nephew,  take  heed,  you  hear  the  Princefs 

words. 

Edward.     It  is  not  me,  nor  you,  nor  all  the  world, 
Shall  make  me  fay  I  did  anothers  deed. 
^Saxon.     Anothers  deed  ?  what,  think' ft  thou  her  a 
whore  1 

Saxon  flrikes  Edward. 

Edward.     She  may  be  Whore,  and  thou  a  villain 

too. 
Strook  me  the  Emperor  I  will  ftrike  again. 

Gotten.     Content  you  Princes,  buffet  not  like  boys. 
Richard.     Hold  you  the  one,  and  I  will  hold  the 

other. 

Hede.    ©  fter  got,  ftelp,  I)dp,  mrfi 
arms  feintrt. 

Saxon.     Souldiers  lay  hands  upon   the  Prince   of 

Wales, 

Convey  him  fpeedily  unto  a  prifon, 
And  load  his  Legs  with  grievous  bolts  of  Iron  ; 


Emperour  of  Germany.  255 

Some  bring  the  Whore  my  Daughter  from  my  fight ; 

And  thou  fmooth  Englifhman  to  thee  I  fpeak, 

My  hate  extends  to  all  thy  Nation, 

Pack  thee  out  of  my  fight,  and  that  with  fpeed 

Your  Englifh  praclifes  have  all  to  long, 

Muffled  our  German  eyes,  pack,  pack  I  fay. 

Richard.     Although  your   Grace   have  reafon   for 

your  rage, 
Yet  be  not  like  a  madman  to  your  friends. 

Saxon.     My  friends  ?  I  fcorn  the  friendfhip  of  fuch 

mates, 

That  feek  my  Daughters  fpoil,  and  my  dilhonour ; 
But  I  will  teach  the  Boy  another  leffon, 
His  head  mail  pay  the  ranfom  of  his  fault. 

Richard.     His  head  ? 

Saxon.     And  thy  head  too,  O  how  my  heart  doth 

fwell  ! 

Was  there  no  other  Prince  to  mock  but  me  ? 
Firft  woo,  then  marry  her,  then  lye  with  her, 
And  having  had  the  pleafure  of  her  Bed, 
Call  her  a  Whore  in  open  audieuce, 
None  but  a  villain  and  a  Have  would  do  it, 
My  Lords  of  Mentz,  of  Tryer,  and  Brandenburg, 
Make  ope  the  Gates,  receive  me  as  a  friend, 
I'le  be  a  fcourge  unto  the  Englifh  Nation. 

Mentz.     Your  Grace  fhall  be  the  welcom'ft  gueft 
alive, 

Collen.     None  but  a  madman  would  do  fuch  a  deed. 

Saxon.     Then  Collen  count  me  mad,  for  I  will  do 

it. 

I'le  fet  my  life  and  Land  upon  the  hazard, 
But  I  will  thoroughly  found  this  deceit. 
What  will  your  Grace  leave  me  or  follow  me  ? 

Collen.     No  Saxon  know  I  will  not  follow  thee. 
And  leave  Prince  Richard  in  fo  great  extreams. 

Saxon.     Then  I  defy  you  both,  and  fo  farwell. 

Rich.     Yet  Saxon  hear  me  fpeak  before  thou  go, 
Look  to  the  Princes  life  as  to  thine  own, 
Each  perifht  hair  that  falleth  from  his  head 


256  ALPHONSUS 

By  thy  default,  (hall  cofl  a  Saxon  City, 
Henry  of  England  will  not  lofe  his  heir, 
And  fo  farwel  and  think  upon  my  words. 

Saxon.     Away,  I  do  difdain  to  anfwer  thee. 
Pack  thee  with  fhame  again  into  thy  Countrie, 
I'le  have  a  Cock-boat  at  my  proper  charge, 
And  fend  th'  Imperial  Crown  which  thou  haft  won, 
To  England  by  Prince  Edward  after  thee.       Exeunt. 

Man.  Rich,  and  Coll. 

Gotten.     Anfwer  him   not   Prince   Richard,   he   is 

mad, 

Choler  and  grief  have  rob'd  him  of  his  fenfes. 
Like  accident  to  this  was  never  heard. 

Rich.     Break  heart  and  dye,  flie  hence  my  troubled 

fpirit, 

I  am  not  able  for  to  underbear 
The  weight  of  forrow  which  doth  bruze  my  foul, 
O  Edward,  O  fweet  Edward,  O  my  life. 
O  noble  Gotten  laft  of  all  my  hopes, 
The  only  friend  in  my  extremities, 
If  thou  doeft  love  me,  as  I  know  thou  doeft, 
Unfheath  thy  fword,  and  rid  me  of  this  forrow. 

Gotten.     Away  with  abject  thoughts,   fie   Princely 

Richard, 

Rouze  up  thy  felf,  and  call  thy  fenfes  home, 
Shake  of  this  bafe  pufillanimitie, 
And  cafl  about  to  remedie  thefe  wrongs, 

Richard.     Alas  I  fee  no  means  of  temedie. 

Gotten.     Then  hearken  to  my  Counfel  and  advice, 
We  will  Intrench  our  felves  not  far  from  hence, 
With  thofe  fmall  pow'rs  we  have,  and  fend  for  more, 
If  they  do  make  affault,  we  will  defend  ; 
If  violence  be  offer'd  to  the  Prince, 
We'l  refcue  him  with  venture  of  our  lives  ; 
Let  us  with  patience  attend  advantage, 
Time  may  reveal  the  author  of  thefe  treafons, 
For  why  undoubtedly  the  fweet  young  Princefs, 
Fowly  beguild  by  night  with  cunning  (hew, 
Hath  to  fome  villain  loft  her  Maiden-head. 


Emperour  of  Germany.  257 

Rich.     O  that  I  knew  the  foul  inceftuous  wretch, 
Thus  would  I  tear  him  with  my  teeth  and  nails. 
Had  Saxon  fenfe  he  would  conceave  fo  much, 
And  not  revenge  on  guiltlefs  Edwards  life. 

Collen.     Perfwade  your  felf  he  will  be  twice  advis'd, 
Before  he  offer  wrong  unto  the  Prince. 

Rich.     In  that  good  hope  I  will  have  patience. 
Come  gentle  Prince  whofe  pitty  to  a  ftranger 
Js  rare  and  admirable,  not  to  be  fpoken. 
England  cannot  requite  this  gentlenefs. 

Collen.     Turn  talk  not  of  requital,  let  us  go, 
To  fortifie  our  felves  within  our  trench.  Exeunt. 

Enter  Alphonio  (carried  in  the  Couch)  Saxony,  Mentz, 
Tryer,  Brandenburg,  Alexander. 

Alphon.     O  moll  exceffive  pain,  O  raging  Fire  ! 
Is  burning  Cancer  or  the  Scorpion, 
Defcended  from  the  Heavenly  Zodiack, 
To  parch  mine  Entrals  with  a  quenchlefs  flame? 
Drink,  drink  I  fay,  give  drink  or  I  mall  dye. 
Fill  a  thoufand  bowls  of  Wine,  Water  I  fay 
Water  from  forth  the  cold  Tartarian  hils. 
I  feel  th'  afcending  flame  lick  up  my  blood, 
Mine  Entrals  ftirink  together  like  a  fcrowl 
Of  burning  parchment,  and  my  Marrow  fries, 
Bring  hugie  Cakes  of  Ice,  and  Flakes  of  Snow. 
That  I  may  drink  of  them  being  diffolved. 

Saxon.     We     do     befeech     your     Majeilie    have 
patience, 

Alphon.     Had  I  but  drunk  an  ordinary  poyfon, 
The  fight  of  thee  great  Duke  of  Saxony, 
My  friend  in  death,  in  life  my  greatefl  foe, 
Might  both  allay  the  venom  and  the  torment  ; 
But  that  adulterous  Palf grave  and  my  Wife, 
Upon  whofe  life  and  foul  I  vengeance  cry, 
Gave  me  a  mineral  not  to  be  digelled, 
Which  burning  eats,  and  eating  burns  my  heart. 
My  Lord  of  Tryer,  run  to  the  King  of  Bohem, 

R 


258  ALPHONSUS 

Commend  me  to  him,  ask  him  how  he  fares, 
None  but  my  felf  can  rightly  pitty  him  ; 
For  none  but  we  have  fympathie  of  pains. 
Tell  him  when  he  is  dead,  my  time's  not  long, 
And  when  I  dye  bid  him  prepare  to  follow. 

Exit  Tryer. 

Now,  now  it  works  a  frefh  ;  are  you  my  friends  ? 
Then  throw  me  on  the  cold  fwift  running  Rhyn, 
And  let  me  bath  there  for  an  hour  or  two, 
I  cannot  bear  this  pain. 

Mentz.     O  would  th'  impartial  fates  afflict  on  me, 
Thefe  deadly  pains,  and  eafe  my  Emperour, 
How  willing  would  I  bear  them  for  his  fake. 

Alp/ion.     O  Mentz,  I  would  not  wifti  unto  a  Dog, 
The  leafl  of  thoufand  torments  that  afflict  me, 
Much  lefs  unto  your  Princely  holinefs. 
See,  lee  my  Lord  of  Mentz,  he  points  at  you. 

Mentz.     It  is  your  fantafie  and  nothing  elfe  ; 
But  were  death  here,  I  would  difpute  with  him, 
And  tell  him  to  his  teeth  he  doth  unjuftice, 
To  take  your  Majefty  in  the  prime  of  youth  ; 
Such  wither* d  rotten  branches  as  my  felf, 
Should  firfl  be  lopt,  had  he  not  partial  hands ; 
And  here  I  do  protefl  upon  my  Knee. 
I  would  as  willingly  now  leave  my  life, 
To  fave  my  King  and  Emperour  alive, 
As  erfl  my  mother  brought  me  to  the  world. 

Brand.     My  Lord   of  Mentz,   this  flattery  is   too 

grofs, 

A  Prince  of  your  experience  and  calling, 
Should  not  fo  fondly  call  the  Heavens  to  witnefs. 
Mentz.     Think  you  my  Lord,  I  would  not  hold  my 

word '? 
Brand.     You  know   my   Lord,    death   is   a  bitter 

gueil. 

Mentz.     To  eafe  his  pain  and  fave  my  Emperour, 
I  fweetly  would  embrace  that  bitternefs. 

Alex.     If  I  were  death,  I  knew  what  I  would  do. 
Mentz.     But  fee,  his  Majefty  is  fain  a  ileep, 


Emperour  of  Germany.  259 

Ah  me,  I  fear  it  is  a  dying  (lumber. 

Alphon.     My  Lord  of  Saxonie  do  you  hear  this 
jeft. 

Saxon.     What  fhould  I  hear  my  Lord  ? 

Alphon.     Do  you  not  hear 
How  loudly  death  proclames  it  in  mine  ears, 
Swearing  by  trophies,  Tombs  and  deadmens  Graves, 
If  I  have  any  friend  fo  dear  to  me, 
That  to  excufe  my  life  will  lofe  his  own, 
I  mall  be  prefently  reftor'd  to  health. 

Enter  Tryer. 

Mentz.     I  would  he  durfl  make  good  his  promifes. 
Alphon.     My  Lord  of  Tryer,  how  fares  my  fellow 

Emperour  ? 

Tryer.     His  Majefly  is  eas'd  of  all  his  pains. 
Alphon.     O  happy  news,  now  I  have  hope  of  health. 
Mentz.     My  joyful  heart    doth  fpring  within    my 

bodie, 

To  hear  thofe  words, 
Comfort  your  Maieflie  I  will  excufe  you, 
Or  at  the  lead  will  bear  you  Company. 

Alphon.     My  hope  is  vain,  now,  now  my  heart  will 

break, 

[y  Lord  of  Tryer  you  did  but  flatter  me, 
Tell  me  the  truth,  how  fares  his  Majeftie. 

Tryer.     I  told  your  Highnefs,  eas'd  of  all  his  pain. 
Alphon.     I    underfland   thee  now,  he's   eas'd    by 

death, 

And  now  I  feel  an  alteration ; 
Farewel  fweet  Lords,  farewel  my  Lord  of  Mentz t 
The  trueft  friend  that  ever  earth  did  bear. 
Live  long  in  happinefs  to  revenge  my  death, 
Upon  my  Wife  and  all  the  Englifh  brood. 
My  Lord  of  Saxonie  your  Grace  hath  caufe. 

Mentz.     I  dare  thee  death  to  take  away  my  life. 
Some  charitable  hand  that  loves  his  Prince. 
And  hath  the  heart,  draw  forth  his  Sword  and  rid  me 
of  my  life. 


260  ALPHONSUS 

Alex.     I  love  my  Prince,  and  have  the  heart  to  do 

it. 

Mentz.     O  flay  a  while. 
Alex.     Nay  now  it  is  to  late. 
Bran.     Villain  what  haft  thou  done  1  th'aft  flain  a 

Prince. 

Alex.     I  did  no  more  than  he  intreated  me, 
Alphon.     How  now,  what  make  I  in  my  Couch  fo 

late? 

Princes  why  ftand  you  fo  gazing  about  me  ? 
Or  who  is  that  lies  flain  before  my  face  1 

0  I  have  wrong,  my  foul  was  half  in  Heaven, 
His  holinefs  did  know  the  joys  above, 

And  therefore  is  afcended  in  my  ftead. 
Come  Princes  let  us  bear  the  body  hence ; 
I'le  fpend  a  Million  to  embalm  the  lame. 
Let  all  the  Eels  within  the  Empire  Ring, 
Let  Mafs  be  faid  in  every  Church  and  Chappel, 
And  that  I  may  perform  my  lateft  vow, 

1  will  procure  fo  much  by  Gold  or  friends, 
That  my  fweet  Mentz  mail  be  Canonized, 
And  numbred  in  the  Bed-role  of  the  Saints, 
I  hope  the  Pope  will  not  deny  it  me, 

I'le  build  a  Church  in  honour  of  thy  name, 

Within  the  antient  famous  Citie  Mentz, 

Fairer  than  any  one  in  Germany, 

There  malt  thou  be  interrd  with  Kingly  Pomp, 

Over  thy  Tomb  mall  hang  a  facred  Lamp, 

Which  till  the  day  of  doom  mail  ever  burn, 

Yea  after  ages  mail  fpeak  of  thy  renown, 

And  go  a  Pilgrimage  to  thy  facred  Tomb. 

Grief  flops  my  voice,  who  loves  his  Emperour, 

Lay  to  his  helping  hand  and  bear  him  hence, 

Sweet  Father  and  redeemer  of  my  life.  Exeunt. 

Manet  Alexander. 

Alex.     Now  is  my  Lord  fole  Emperour  of  Rome, 
And  three  Confpirators  of  my  Fathers  death, 


Emperour  of  Germany.  261 

Are  cunningly  fent  unto  Heaven  or  Hell ; 

Like  fubtilty  to  this  was  never  feen. 

Alas  poor  Mcntz  I  pittying  thy  prayers, 

Could  do  no  lefs  than  lend  a  helping  hand, 

Thou  wert  a  famous  flatterer  in  thy  life, 

And  now  haft  reapt  the  fruits  thereof  in  death  ; 

But  thou  (halt  be  rewarded  like  a  Saint, 

With  Maffes,  Bels,  dirges  and  burning  Lamps, 

Tis  good,  I  envie  not  thy  happinefs  : 

But  ah  the  fweet  remembrance  of  that  night, 

That  night  I  mean  of  fweetnefs  and  of  Health, 

When  for  a  Prince,  a  Princefs  did  imbrace  me, 

Paying  the  firft  fruits  of  her  Marriage  Bed, 

Makes  me  forget  all  other  accidents. 

O  Saxon  I  would  willingly  forg'Ve, 

The  deadly  trefpafs  of  my  Fathers  death, 

So  I  might  have  thy  Daughter  to  my  Wife, 

And  to  be  plain,  I  have  beft  right  unto  her, 

And  love  her  beft,  and  have  deferv'd  her  beft  ; 

But  thou  art  fond  to  think  on  fuch  a  match ; 

Thou  muft  imagin  nothing  but  revenge. 

And  if  my  computation  fail  me  not. 

Ere  long  I  mall  be  thorowly  reveng'd.  Exit. 

Enter  the  Zto  0/"  Saxon,  and  Hedewick  with 
the  Child. 

Saxon.     Come  forth  thou  perfect  map  of  miferie, 
Defolate  Daughter  and  diftreffed  Mother, 
In  whom  the  Father  and  the  Son  are  curft ; 
Thus  once  again  we  will  affay  the  Prince. 
'T  may  be  the  fight  of  his  own  flefh  and  blood 
Will  now  at  laft  pierce  his  obdurate  heart. 
Jailor  how  fares  it  with  thy  prifoner  ? 
Let  him  appear  upon  the  battlements. 

Hede.  ©  mem  fteere  batter,  uft  fcafie 
in  fots  lang  laitff  30.  foeefeen,  toelrfje  mt'rt) 
tmnrftet  fern  40.  jafir  getoefen,  em  Iftte 


262  ALPHONSUS 

(BngMftft  gelernet,  fantr  irf)  I)ope>  fce  toiil 
me  fcerftofw,  bn&  ffcetu  me  a  Iftte  ptttte, 

jE#/fcr  Edward  0;z  the  .  Walls  and  Jailor. 

Saxon.     Good  morrow  to  your   grace  Edward  oj 

Wales, 

Son  and  immediate  Heir  to  Henry  the  third, 
King  of  England  and  Lord  of  Ireland, 
Thy  Fathers  comfort,  and  the  peoples  hope  ; 
'Tis  not  in  mockage  nor  at  unawares, 
That  I  am  ceremonious  to  repeat 
Thy  high  defcent  joynd  with  thy  Kingly  might ; 
But  therewithall  to  intimate  unto  thee 
What  God  expecleth  from  the  higher  powers, 
Juftice,  and  mercie,  truth,  fobrietie, 
Relenting  hearts,  hands  innocent  of  blood. 
Princes  are  Gods  chief  fubftitutes  on  earth,  , 

And  fhould  be  Lamps  unto  the  common  fort. 
But  you  will  fay  I  am  become  a  Preacher, 
No,  Prince,  I  am  an  humble  fuppliant, 
And  to  prepare  thine  ears  make  this  exordium, 
To  pierce  thine  eyes  and  heart,  behold  this  fpeclacle, 
Three  Generations  of  the  Saxon  blood, 
Defcended  lineallie  from  forth  my  Loyns, 
Kneeling  and  crying  to  thy  mightinefs  ; 
Firft  look  on  me,  and  think  what  I  have  been, 
For  nowl  think  my  felf  of  no  account, 
Next  Ccefar,  greateft  man  in  Germanie, 
Neerly  a  lyed,  and  ever  friend  to  England ; 
But  Womens  fighs  move  more  in  manly  hearts, 
O  fee  the  hands  me  elevates  to  Heaven, 
Behold  thofe  eyes  that  whilom  e  were  thyjoyes, 
Uttering  domb  eloquence  in  Chriflal  tears ; 
If  thefe  exclames  and  fights  be  ordinarie, 
Then  look  with  pittie  on  thy  other  felf, 
This  is  thy  flem,  and  blood,  bone  of  thy  bone, 
A  goodly  Boy  the  Image  of  his  fire. 


Emperour  of  Germany.  263 

Turn'fl  them  away  1  O  were  thy  Father  here, 

He  would,  as  I  do,  take  him  in  his  arms, 

And  fweetly  kifs  his  Grand-child  in  the  face. 

O  Edward  too  young  in  experience, 

That  canfl  not  look  into  the  grievous  wrack, 

Enfuing  this  thy  obftinate  deniall  ; 

O  Edward  too  young  in  experience, 

That  canft  not  fee  into  the  future  good, 

Enfuing  thy  mod  juft  acknowledgement  ; 

Hear  me  thy  trueft  friend,  I  will  repeat  them  ; 

For  good  thou  haft  an  Heir  indubitate, 

Whofe  eyes  already  fparckle  Majefty, 

Born  in  true  Wedlock  of  a  Princely  Mother, 

And  all  the  German  Princes  to  thy  friends  ; 

Where  on  the  contrary  thine  eyes  fhall  fee, 

The  fpeedy  Tragedie  of  thee  and  thine  ; 

Like  Athamas  firft  will  I  ceize  upon 

Thy  young  unchriilened  and  defpifed  Son, 

And  with  his  guiltlefs  brains  bepaint  the  Stones  ; 

Then  like  Virginius  will  I  kill  my  Child, 

Unto  thine  eyes  a  pleafing  fpeclacle  ; 

Yet  fhall  it  be  a  momentarie  pleafure, 

Henry  of  England  mall  mourn  with  me  ; 

For  thou  thy  felf  Edward  mail  make  the  third, 

And  be  an  ac~lor  in  this  bloody  Scean. 

Hede.  %fy  mgite  fttte  (dumart,  mem 
foenfem,  mpne  frbenfem,  nw'n  fternges, 
eim'ges  6en,  mew  allerletbeft  ftusftantr, 
J  preefoee  mem  leefe  fee  me  ftieniluf)  one, 
feete  ftarte  tell  Ire  trut  :  anir  at  left 


to  me,  antr  iryue  allerleefeft 
pfttp!  iran  id)  hut  trpe,  bnir  troto  bfft 
mpne,  footu  ftaft  me  gefaen  em  fetntrelem  ; 
©  ©trouart,  feete,  ®&otiart  erbarmet  fern! 


264  ALPHONSUS 

Edw.     O  Hedewick  peace,  thy  fpeeches  pierce  my 
foul. 

Hede.  3§etretoicfe  tjoe  poto  ejrcellenrie 
f;igl;t  me  getretoicfe  leete  Ctrouart  poto 
ftoeete  id)  6in  potor  allerlieuefte  toife, 

Edward.     The  PriefL  I  muft  confefs  made  thee  my 

Wife, 

Curft  be  the  damned  villanous  adulterer, 
That  with  fo  fowl  a  blot  divorc'd  our  love. 

Hede.  ©  mein  allerliebefier,  ftie&orne 
jfurft  bnti  feerr,  trincfe  trat  unfer  gerr 
<gott  tftts.  in  ftimmelfe  trone,  antr  fees  trat 
bart  bntr  to  ill  mp  raufe  tooll  rerfeen : 

Saxon.  Edward  hold  me  not  up  with  long  delays  ; 
But  quickly  fay,  wilt  thou  confefs  the  truth  1 

Edward.     As  true  as  I  am  born  of  Kingly  Linage, 
And  am  the  beft  Plantagenet  next  my  Father, 
I  never  carnallie  did  touch  her  body. 

Saxon.     Edward  this  anfwer  had  we  long  ago, 
Seed  thou  this  brat  ?  fpeak  quickly  or  he  dyes. 

Edward.     His  death  will  be  more  piercing  to  thine 

eyes, 
Than  unto  mine,  he  is  not  of  my  kin. 

Hede.   ©  jfatfter,  ©  mpne  Matter  (pare 

mpne  feintrt 

©  (Etrouajt  @  prinre  OEtrouart  fpreafe 
noto  otrer  nimmermebr  trie  feintrt  ift  mein, 
it  foil  niri;t  fterhen : 

Saxon.     Have  I  difhonoured  my  felf  fo  much, 
To  bow  my  Knee  to  thee,  which  never  bow'd 
But  to  my  God,  and  am  I  thus  rewarded  1 
Is  he  not  thine  ?  fpeak  murderous-minded  Prince. 

Edward.     O  Saxon,  Saxon  mitigate  thy  rage. 


Empwour  of  Germany.  265 

Firft  thy  exceeding  great  humilitie, 

When  to  thy  captive  prifoner  thou  didft  kneel, 

Had  almofl  made  my  lying  tongue  confefs, 

The  deed  which  I  proteft  I  never  did  ; 

But  thy  not  caufelefs  furious  madding  humour, 

Together  with  thy  Daughters  pitious  cryes, 

Whom  as  my  life  and  foul  I  dearly  love, 

Had  thorowly  almofl  perfwaded  me, 

To  fave  her  honour  and  belie  my  felf, 

And  were  I  not  a  Prince  of  fo  high  blood, 

And  Baftards  have  no  fcepter-b  earing  hands, 

I  would  in  filence  fmother  up  this  blot, 

And  in  compaffion  of  thy  Daughters  wrong, 

Be  counted  Father  to  an  others  Child  ; 

For  why  my  foul  knows  her  ungmltinefs. 

Saxon.     Smooth  words   in   bitter  fenfe  ;    is   thine 
anfwer  ? 

Hede.  ®p  batter  geue  mir  mem  femtrt, 
fct'e  fetnir  itt  mem. 


Saxon.    jBas  toefs  ul)  tooll,  er  fagt  e£ 

tft  Uirf)t  fem  ;    therefore  it  dyes. 

He  dajlies  out  the  Childs  brains. 

Hede.  ©  ^ot  in  feutem  trmte,  ©  mem 
feinM  mem  fefttivk 

Saxon.     There  murderer  take  his  head,  and  breath- 

lefs  lymbs, 

Ther's  flefh  enough,  bury  it  in  thy  bowels, 
Eat  that,  or  dye  for  hunger,  I  proteft, 
Thou  getfl  no  other  food  till  that  be  fpent. 
And  now  to  thee  lewd  Whore,  difhonour'd  ftrumpet, 
Thy  turn  is  next,  therefore  prepare  to  dye. 

Edward.     O  mighty   Duke  of    Saxon,    fpare  thy 

Child. 
Sax.     She  is  thy  Wife  Edward,  and  thou  fhouldfl 

fpare  her, 
One  Gracious  word  of  thine  will  fave  her  life. 


266  ALPHONSUS 

Edward.     I  do  confefs  Saxon  me  is  mine  own, 
As  I  have  marryed  her,  I  will  live  with  her, 
Comfort  thy  felf  fweet  Hcdewick  and  fweet  Wife. 

Hede.  3rft,  art)  bni  toefte,  iuarumb  fagt 
pour  (Kjrcellente  nuftt  fo  before,  noto  ift 
to  late,  infer  arme  feinfot  ift  Mt 

Edward.  Though  thou  be  mine,  and  I  do  pittie  thee, 
I  would  not  Nurfe  a  Baftard  for  a  Son. 

Hede.  ©  ©fcouartf  notu  id)  mark  pour 
menmg  uft  fftoltrt  be  pour  toftore,  mem 
fatter  irf)  begebr  upon  metne  knee,  faft 
mirf)  lieber  fterben,  atre  falre  (Strouart, 
falee  ^rmre,  left  begeftrs^  nuftt 

Saxon.     Unprincely  thoughts    do  hammer  in  thy 

head, 

I'ft  not  enough  that  thou  haft  fham'd  her  once, 
And  feen  the  Baftard  torn  before  thy  face  ; 
But  thou  wouldft  get  more  brats  for  Butcherie  ? 
No  Hedewick  thou  fhalt  not  live  the  day. 

Hede.  ©  getT  (§ott,  ntmb  mefne  feele 
tn  Uetner  ftentren^ 

Saxon.     It    is    thy    hand  that   gives    this    deadly 
ftroak. 

Hede.  ©  ^err  ^>abote,  Iras  mem  bn* 
ftbuftt  an  tag  feommen  morfjt 

Edward.     Her  blood  be  on  that  wretched  villains 

head, 
That  is  the  caufe  of  all  this  mifery. 

Saxon.     Now  murderous-minded  Prince,  haft  thou 

beheld 

Vpon  my  Child  and  Childs  Child,  thy  defire, 
Swear  to  thy  felf,  that  here  I  firmly  fwear, 
That  thou  mall  furely  follow  her  to  morrow, 
In  Company  of  thy  adulterous  Aunt, 


Empero^ir  of  Germany.  267 

Jaylor  convey  him  to  his  Dungeon, 
If  he  be  hungrie,  I  have  thrown  him  meat, 
If  thirftie  let  him  fuck  the  newly  born  lymbs. 
Edward.     O  Heavens  and  Heavenly  powers,  if  you 

be  jufl, 
Reward  the  author  of  this  wickednefs. 

Exit  Edw.  6-  Jaoler. 

Enter  Alexander. 

Alex.     To  arms  great  Duke  of  Saxonie,  to  arms, 
My  Lord  of  Collen,  and  the  Earl  of  Cornwall, 
In  refcue  of  Prince  Edward  and  the  Emprefs, 
Have  levy'<l  frefh  supplies,  and  prefently 
Will  bid  you  battail  in  the  open  Field, 

Sax.     They  never  could  have  come  in  fitter  time  ; 
Thirft  they  for  blood  ?   and  they  mail  quench  their 

thirft. 
Alex.     O  piteous  fpeclacle  !    poor  Princefs  Hede- 

wick. 

Sax.     Stand  not  to  pittie,  lend  a  helping  hand. 
Alex.       What   Have  hath   murdered   this  guiltlefs 

Child  ? 
Sax.     What?    clar'fl  thou  call  me  flave  unto  my 

face? 

I  tell  thee  villain,  I  have  done  this  deed. 
And  feeing  the  Father  and  the  Grand  fires  heart, 
Can  give  confent  and  exeeute  their  own, 
Wherefore  mould  fuch  a  rafcal  as  thy  felf 
Prefume  to  pittie  them,  whom  we  have  flain  ? 

Alex.     Pardon  me,  if  it  be  prefumption 
To  pittie  them,  I  will  prefume  no  more. 

Sax.     Then  help,  I  long  to  be  amidft  my  foes. 

Exeunt. 


268  ALPHONSUS 

Alarum  and  Retreat.          ACT.     V. 
Enter  Richard  and  Collen  with  Drums  and  Souldiers. 

Richard.     What  means  your  Excellence  to  found 

retreat  ? 

This  is  the  day  of  doom  unto  our  Friends  ; 
Before  Sun  fet,  my  Siller,  and  my  Nephew, 
Vnlefs  we  refcue  them  muft  lofe  their  lives  : 
The  caufe  admits  no  dalliance  nor  delay. 
He  that  fo  tyrant-like  hath  flain  his  own, 
Will  take  no  pittie  on  a  flrangers  blood. 

Collen.     At  my  entreaty  e're  we  ftrike  the  battail, 
Let's  fummon  out  our  enemies  to  a  parle. 
Words  fpoken  in  time,  have  vertue,  power,  and  price, 
And  mildnefs  may  prevail  and  take  effect, 
When  dynt  of  Sword  perhaps  will  aggravate. 

Rich.     Then  found  a  Parly  to  fulfill  your  mind, 
Although  I  know  no  good  can  follow  it.        A  Parley. 

Enter  Alphonfo,   Emprefs,   Saxon,  Edward  prifoner^ 
Tryer,  Brandenburg,  Alexander  and  Souldiers. 

Alphon.  Why  now  now  Emperour  that  mould  have 

been, 

Are  thefe  the  Englifh  Generals  bravado's  ? 
Make  you  affault  fo  hotly  at  the  firft, 
And  in  the  felf  fame  moment  found  retreat  1 
To  let  you  know,  that  neither  War  nor  words, 
Hove  power  for  to  divert  their  fatall  doom, 
Thus  are  we  both  refolv'd  ;  if  we  tryumph, 
And  by  the  right  and  juftice  of  our  caufe 
Obtain  the  vic~lorie,  as  I  doubt  it  not, 
Then  both  of  you  mall  bear  them  Company, 
And  e're  Sun  fet  we  will  perform  our  oaths, 
With  jufl  effufion  of  their  guilty  bloods ; 


Emperour  of  Germany.  269 

If  you  be  Conquerours,  and  we  overcome, 

Carry  not  that  conceit  to  refcue  them, 

My  felf  will  be  the  Executioner, 

And  with  thefe  Poynards  fruflrate  all  your  hopes, 

Making  you  tryumph  in  a  blood ie  Field. 

Saxon.     To  put  you  out  of  doubt  that  we  intend  it, 
Pleafe  it  your  Majefly  to  take  your  Seate, 
And  make  a  demonftration  of  your  meaning. 

Alphon.     Firft  on  my  right  hand  bind  the  Englifh 

Whore, 

That  venemous  Serpent  nurft  within  my  breaft 
To  fuck  the  vitall  bloud  out  of  my  veins, 
My  Emprefs  mufl  have  fome  preheminence, 
Efpecially  at  fuch  a  bloodie  Banquet, 
Her  State,  and  love  to  me  deferves  no  lefs. 

Saxon.  That  to  Prince  Edivard  I  may  fhew  my  love, 
And  do  the  latefl  honour  to  his  State, 
Thefe  hands  of  mine  that  never  chained  any, 
Shall  fallen  him  in  fetters  to  the  Chair. 
Now  Princes  are  you  ready  for  the  battail  ? 

Collen.     Now  art  thou  right  the  picture  of  thy  felf, 
Seated  in  height  of  all  thy  Tyrannic  ; 
But  tell  us  what  intends  this  fpedlacle. 

Alphon.     To   make  the  certaintie  of  their  deaths 

more  plain, 

And  Cancel  all  your  hopes  to  fave  their  lives, 
While  Saxon  leads  the  troups  into  the  Field, 
Thus  will  I  vex  their  fouls,  with  fight  of  death, 
Loudly  exclaming  in  their  half  dead  ears  ; 
That  if  we  win  they  mail  have  companie, 
Viz.  The  Englim  Emperour, 
And  you  my  Lord  Archbifhop  of  Gotten, 
If  we  be  vanquifht,  then  they  mud  expect. 
Speedy  difpatch  from  thefe  two  Daggers  points. 

Gotten.     What  canfl  thou  tyrant  then  expect  but 
death  ? 

Alphon.     Turn  hear  me  out,  that  hand  which  med 

their  blood, 
Can  do  the  like  to  rid  me  out  of  bonds. 


270 


ALPHONSUS 


Rich.     But  that's  a  damned  refolution. 
Alphon.     So  mufl  this  defperate  difeafe  be  cur'd. 
Rich.    O  Saxon  I'le  yield  my  felf  and  all  my  power, 
To  fave  my  Nephew,  though  my  Sifter  dye. 

Sax.    Thy  Brothers  Kingdom  mail  not  fave  his  life. 

Edward.     Uncle,  you  fee  thefe  fa^wage  minded  men. 
Will  have  no  other  ranfome  but  my  blood, 
England  \\a.t\\  Heirs,  though  I  be  never  King, 
And  hearts  and  hands  to  fcourge  this  tyrannic, 
And  fo  farewel. 

Emp.     A  thoufand  times  farewel, 
Sweet  Brother  Richard  and  brave  Prince  of  Collen. 

Sax.     What  Richard,  hath  this  object  pierc'd  thy 

heart  ? 

By  this  imagine  how  it  went  with  me, 
When  yeflerday  I  flew  my  Children. 

Rich.     O  Saxon  I  entreat  thee  on  my  Knees. 

Sax.     Thou  malt  obtain  like  mercy  with  thy  kneel 
ing, 
As  lately  I  obtained  at  Edward's  hands. 

Rich.     Pitty  the  tears  I  powr  before  thy  feet. 

Sax.     Pitty  thofe  tears  ?  why  I  fried  bloudie  tears. 

Rich.     I'le  do  the  like  to  fave  Prince  Edwards  life. 

Sax.     Then  like  a  Warrior  fpill  it  in  the  Field, 
My  griefull  anger  cannot  be  appeaz'd, 
By  facrifice  of  any  but  himfelf. 
Thou  haft  difhonour'd  me,  and  thou  (halt  dye ; 
Therefore  alarum,  alarum  to  the  fight, 
That  thoufands  more  may  bear  thee  company. 

Rich.     Nephew  and  Sifter  now  farewell  for  ever. 

Ed.  Heaven  and  the  Right  prevail,  and  let  me  die ; 
Uncle  farewell. 

Emp.     Brother  farewell  untill  wee  meet  in  Heaven. 
Exeunt.     Manent  Alphon.  Edw.  Emp.  Alex. 

Alphon.     Here's  farewell  Brother,  Nephew,  Vncle, 

Aunt, 

As  if  in  thoufand  years  you  fhould  not  meet ; 
Good  Nephew,  and  good  Aunt  content  your  felves, 
The  Sword  of  Saxon  and  thefe  Daggers-points, 


Emperour  of  Germany.  271 

Before  the  Evening-Star  doth  fhew  it  felf, 
Will  take  fufficient  order  for  your  meeting. 
But  Alexander,  my  truftie  Alexander, 
Run  to  the  Watch-Tow'r  as  I  pointed  thee, 
And  by  thy  life  I  charge  thee  look  unto  it 
Thou  be  the  firft  to  bring  me  certain  word 
If  we  be  Conquerors,  or  Conquered. 

Alex.  With  carefull  fpeed  I  will  perform  this  charge. 

Exit. 

Alphon.     Now  have  I  leafure  yet  to  talk  with  you. 
Fair  Ifabel.  the  Palf graves  Paramour, 
Wherein  was  he  a  better  man  than  1  ? 
Or  wherfore  fhould  thy  love  to  him,  effefl 
Such  deadly  hate  unto  thy  Emperour  ? 
Yet  welfare  wenches  that  can  love  Good  fellows, 
And  not  mix  Murder  with  Adulterie. 

Emp.     Great  Emperor,   I  dare  not  call  you  Hus 
band, 
Your  Confcience  knows  my  hearts  unguiltinefs. 

Alpho.     Didfl  thou  not  poifon  or  confent  to  poi- 
fon  us  ? 

Emp.    Should  any  but  your  Highnefs  tell  me  fo, 
I  (hould  forget  my  patience  at  my  death, 
And  call  him  Villain,  Liar,  Murderer. 

AlpJwn.     She  that  doth  fo  mifcall  me  at  her  end, 
Edward  I  prethee  fpeak  thy  Confcience, 
Thinkft  thou  not  that  in  her  profperitie 
Sh'hath  vext  my  Soul  with  bitter  Words  and  Deeds  ? 
O  Prince  of  England  I  do  count  thee  wife 
That  thou  wilt  not  be  cumber'd  with  a  wife, 
When  thou  hadft  ftoln  her  daintie  rofe  Corance, 
And  pluck'd  the  flow'r  of  her  virginitie. 

Edw.     Tyrant  of  Spain  thou  Heft  in  thy  throat. 

Alpho.     Good  words,  thou  feeft  thy  life  is  in  our 
hands. 

Edw.     I  fee  thou  art  become  a  common  Hangman, 
An  Office  farre  more  fitting  to  thy  mind 
Than  princelie  to  the  Imperial!  dignitie. 

AlpJwn.     I  do  not  exercife  on  common  perfons, 


272  ALPHONSUS 

Your  Highnefs.  is  a  Prince,  andftie  an  Emprefs, 

I  therefore  count  not  of  a  dignitie. 

Hark  Edward  how  they  labour  all  in  vain, 

With  lofs  of  many  a  valiant  Soldiers  life, 

To  refcue  them  whom  Heaven  and  we  have  doom'd 

Dofl  thou  not  tremble  when  thou  think'fl  upon't  1 

Edw.     Let  guiltie  minds  tremble  at  fight  of  Death, 
My  heart  is  of  the  nature  of  the  Palm, 
Not  to  be  broken,  till  the  highefl  Bud 
Be  bent  and  ti'd  unto  the  lowed  Root ; 
I  rather  wonder  that  thy  Tyrants  heart 
Can  give  confent  that  thofe  thy  Butcherous  hands 
Should  offer  violence  to  thy  Flefti  and  Blood. 
See  how  her  guiltlefs  innocence  doth  plead 
In  filent  Oratorie  of  her  chaded  tears. 

Alphon.     Thofe  tears  proceed  from  Fury  and  curd 

heart. 
I  know  the  flomach  of  your  Englifh  Dames. 

Emp.      No   Emperour,   thefe   tears   proceed  from 

grief. 
Alphon.     Grief  that  thou   canfl   not   be    reveng'd 

of  Vs. 

Emp.     Grief  that  your  Highnefs  is  fo  ill  advis'd, 
To  offer  violence  to  my  Nephew  Edward  \ 
Since  then  there  muft  be  facrifice  of  Blood, 
Let  my  heart-blood  fave  both  your  bloods  unfpilt, 
For  of  his  death,  thy  Heart  mufl  pay  the  guilt. 

Edw.     No  Aunt,  I  will  not  buy  my  life  fo  dear  : 
Therefore  Alphonfo  if  thou  beeft  a  man 
Shed  manly  blood,  and  let  me  end  this  flrife. 

Alphon.     Here's  draining  curt'fie  at  a  bitter  Fead, 
Content  thee  Emprefs  for  thou  art  my  Wife, 
Thou  malt  obtain  thy  Boon  and  die  the  death, 
And  for  it  were  unprincely  to  deny 
So  flight  requefl  unto  fo  great  a  Lord, 
Edward  (hall  bear  thee  company  in  Death.   A  Retreat. 
But  hark  the  heat  of  battail  hath  an  end  ; 
One  fide  or  other  hath  the  victory,      Enter  Alxeander. 
And  fee  where  Alexander  fweating  comes  ; 


Emperour  of  Germany.  273 

Speak  man  what  newes  fpeak,  mall  I  die  or  live  ? 
Shall  I  flab  fure,  or  els  prolong  their  lives 
To  grievous  Torments  ?  fpeak,  am  I  Conquerour  ? 
What,  hath  thy  hail  bereft  thee  of  thy  fpeech  ? 
Hafl  thou  not  breath  to  fpeak  one  tillable  1 
O  fpeak,  thy  dalliance  kills  me,  wonn  or  loft  ?   A  maz'd 
Alex.     Loft.  lets  fall  the 

Alphon.   Ah  me  my  Senfes  fail !  my  fight    Daggers. 

is  gon. 
Alex.     Will  not  your  Grace  difpatch  the  Strumpet 

Queen  1 

Shall  me  then  live,  and  we  be  doom'd  to  death  ] 
Is  your  Heart  faint,  or  is  your  Hand  too  weak  ? 
Shall  fervill  fear  break  your  fo  facred  Oaths  ? 
Me  thinks  an  Emperour  mould  hold  his  word ; 
Give  me  the  Weapons  I  will  foon  difpatch  them, 
My  Fathers  yelling  Ghoft  cries  for  revenge, 
His  Blood  within  my  Veins  boyls  for  revenge  ; 

0  give  me  leave  Ca>far  to  take  revenge. 
Alphon.   Ypon  condition  that  thou  wilt  protefl 

To  take  revenge  upon  the  Murtherers, 
Without  refpecl  of  dignity,  or  State, 
Afflicted,  fpeedy,  pittilefs  Revenge, 

1  will  commit  this  Dagger  to  thy  truft, 
And  give  thee  leave  to  execute  thy  Will. 

Alex.     What  need  I  here  reiterate  the  Deeds 
Which  deadly  forrow  made  me  perpetrate  ? 
How  neer  did  I  entrap  Prince  Richard's  life  ? 
How  fure  fet  I  the  Knife  to  Mentz  his  heart  ? 
How  cunninglie  was  Palf grave  doom'd  to  death  ? 
How  fubtilly  was  Bohem  poifoned  ? 
How  flily  did  I  fatisfie  my  luft 
Commixing  dulcet  Love  with  deadly  Hate, 
When  Princeffe  Hedivick  loft  her  Maidenhead, 
Sweetly  embracing  me  for  England*  Heir  ? 

Edw.     O  execrable  deeds  ! 

Emp.     O  falvage  mind  ! 

Alex.     Edward,  I  give  thee  leave  to  hear  of  this, 
But  will  forbid  the  blabbing  of  your  tongue. 


274  ALPHON S US 

Now  gratious  Lord  and  facred  Emperour, 
Your  highnefs  knowing  thefe  and  many  more, 
Which  fearles  pregnancie  hath  wrought  in  me, 
You  do  me  wrong  to  doubt  that  I  will  dive 
Into  their  hearts  that  have  not  fpar'd  their  betters, 
Be  therefore  fuddain  left  we  die  our  felves. 
I  know  the  Conquerour  hafts  to  refcue  them. 
Alphon.      Thy   Reafons  are    effectuall,   take  this 

Dagger; 
Yet  pawfe  a  while. 

Emp.     Sweet  Nephew  now  farewell. 

Alphon.     They  are  moft  dear  to  me  whom  thou  muft 

kill. 

Edward,      Hark  Aunt  he  now  begins  to  pittie  you. 
Alex.     But  they  confented  to  my  Fathers  death. 
Alphon.     More  then  confented,  they  did  execute. 
Emp.     I  will  not  make  his  Majeftie  a  Lyar, 
I  kill'd  thy  Father,  therefore  let  me  die, 
But  fave  the  life  of  this  unguilty  Prince. 

Edward.     I  kill'd  thy  Father,  therefore  let  me  die, 
But  fave  the  life  of  this  unguiltie  Emprefs. 

Alphon.    Hark  thou  to  me,  and  think  their  words  as 

wind. 

I  kill'd  thy  Father,  therfore  let  me  die, 
And  fave  the  lives  of  thefe  two  guiltlefs  Princes. 
Art  thou  amaz'd  to  hear  what  I  have  faid  ? 
There,  take  the  weapon,  now  revenge  at  full 
Thy  Fathers  death,  and  thofe  my  dire  deceits 
That  made  thee  murtherer  of  fo  many  Souls. 

Alex.     O  Emperour,  how  cunningly  wouldft  thou 

entrap 

My  fimple  youth  to  credit  Fictions  ? 
Thou  kill  my  Father,  no,  no  Emperour, 
Ctzfar  did  love  Lorentzo  all  to  dearly  : 
Seeing  thy  Forces  now  are  vanquifhed, 
Fruftrate  thy  hopes,  thy  Highnefs  like  to  fall 
Into  the  cruel  and  revengefull  hands 
Of  mercilefs  incenfed  Enemies, 
Like  Caius  Caffius  wearie  of  thy  life, 


Emperour  0/ Germany.  275 

Now  wouldfl  thou  make  thy  Page  an  inftrument 
By  fuddain  flroak  to  rid  thee  of  thy  bonds. 

Alphon.     Hafl  thou  forgotten  how  that  very  night 
Thy  Father  dy'd,  I  took  the  Mafler-Key, 
And  with  a  lighted  Torch  walk'd  through  the  Courts. 

Alex.     I  mufl  remember  that,  for  to  my  death 
I  never  mall  forget  the  flighteft  deed, 
Which  on  that  difmall  Night  or  Day  I  did. 

Alphon.     Thou  wall  no  fooner  in  thy  reflfull  Bed, 
But  I  difturb'd  thy  Father  of  his  reft, 
And  to  be  fhort,  not  that  I  hated  him, 
But  for  he  knew  my  deepeft  Secrets, 
With  cunning  Poifon  I  did  end  his  life  : 
Art  thou  his  Son  ?  exprefs  it  with  a  Stabb, 
And  make  account  if  I  had  profpered, 
Thy  date  was  out,  thou  waft  already  doom'd, 
Thou  knewft  too  much  of  me  to  live  with  me. 

Alex.    What  wonders  do  I  hear  great  Emperour  ? 
Not  that  I  do  ftedfaftlie  believe 
That  thou  didft  murder  my  beloved  Father  ; 
But  in  meer  pittie  of  thy  vanquifh'd  ftate 
I  undertake  this  execution  : 
Yet,  for  I  fear  the  fparkling  Majeftie 
Which  iflues  from  thy  moil  Imperial  eyes 
May  ftrike  relenting  Paffion  to  my  heart, 
And  after  wound  receiv'd  from  fainting  hand, 
Thou  fall  halfe  dead  among  thine  Enemies, 
I  crave  thy  Highnefs  leave  to  bind  thee  firft. 

Alphon.    Then  bind  me  quickly,  ufe  me  as  thou 
pleafe 

Emp.     O  Villain,  wilt  thou  kill  thy  Sovereign? 

Alex.     Your  Highnefs  fees  that  I  am  forc'd  unto  it. 

Alphon.     Fair  Emprefs,  I  ftiame  to  aflc  thee  pardon, 
Whom  I  have  wrong' d  fo  many  thoufand  waies. 

Emp.     Dread  Lord  and  Hufband,  leave  thefe  def- 

perat  thoughts, 
Doubt  not  the  Princes  may  be  reconcil'd. 

Alex.     'T  may  be  the  Princes  will  be  reconcil'd, 
But  what  is  that  to  rne  ?   all  Potentates  on  Earth 


276  ALPHONSUS 

Can  neuer  reconcile  my  grieved  Soul. 

Thou  flew'fl  my  Father,  thou  didfl  make  this  hand 

Mad  with  Revenge  to  murther  Innocents, 

Now  hear,  how  in  the  height  of  all  thy  pride 

The  rightfull  Gods  have  powr'd  their  juftfull  wrath 

Upon  thy  Tyrants  head,  Devill  as  thou  art. 

And  fav'd  by  miracle  thefe  Princes  lives ; 

For  know,  thy  fide  hath  got  the  Victory  ; 

Saxon  triumphs  over  his  deareft  friends  • 

Richard  and  Collen,  both  are  Prifoners, 

And  every  thing  hath  forted  to  thy  wim  ; 

Only  hath  Heaven  put  it  in  my  mind 

(for  he  alone  directed  then  my  thoughts 

Although  my  meaning  was  moft  mifchievous) 

To  tell  thee  thou  hadft  loft,  in  certain  hope 

That  fuddainly  thou  wouldfl  have  flain  them  both,. 

For  if  the  Princes  came  to  talk  about  it, 

I  greatly  feard  their  lives  might  be  prolong'd. 

Art  thou  not  mad  to  think  on  this  deceit  ] 

He  make  the  madder,  with  tormenting  thee. 

I  tell  thee  Arch-Thief,  Villain,  Murtherer, 

Thy  Forces  have  obtaind  the  Victory, 

Victory  leads  thy  Foes  in  captive  bands ; 

This  Victory  hath  crown'd  thee  Emperour, 

Only. my  felf  have  vanquifht  Victory, 

And  triumph  in  the  Victors  overthrow. 

Alphon.     O  Alexander  fpare  thy  Princes  life. 

Alex.     Even  now  thou  didft  entreat  the  contrary. 

Alphon.    Think  what  I  am  that  begg  my  life  of 
thee. 

Alex.    Think  what  he  was  whom  thou  haft  doom'd 

to  death. 

But  leaft  the  Princes  do  furprize  us  here 
Before  I  have  perform'd  my  ilrange  revenge, 
I  will  be  fuddain  in  the  execution. 

Alphon.     I  will  accept  any  condition. 

Alex.     Then  in  the  prefence  of  the  Emperefs, 
The  captive  Prince  of  England,  and  my  felf, 
Forfwear  the  joyes  of  Heaven,  the  fight  of  God, 


Emperour  of  Germany.  277 

Thy  Souls  falvation,  and  thy  Saviour  Chrift, 
Damning  thy  Soul  to  endlefs  pains  of  Hell. 
Do  this  or  die  upon  my  Rapiers  point. 

Emp.     Sweet  Lord  and  Husband,  fpit  in's  face. 
Die  like  a  man,  and  live  not  like  a  Devill. 

Alex.    What  1  wilt  thou  fave  thy  life,  and  damn  thy 

Soul? 

Alph.      O    hold    thy  hand,    Alphonfus    doth  re 
nounce. 
Edward.     Aunt  flop  your  ears,  hear  not  this  Blaf- 

phemy. 
Empr.     Sweet  Husband  think  that  Chrifl  did  dy 

for  thee. 
Alphon.      Alphonfus  doth  renounce   the  joyes   of 

Heaven, 

The  fight  of  Angells  and  his  Saviours  blood, 
And  gives  his  Soul  unto  the  Devills  power. 

Alex.     Thus  will  I  make  delivery  of  the  Deed, 
Die  and  be  damn'd,  now  am  I  fatisfied. 

Edward.     O  damned   Mifcreant,   what   haft  thou 

done? 

Alex.    When  I  have  leafure  I  will  anfwer  thee  : 
Mean  while  I'le  take  my  heels  and  fave  my  ielf. 
If  I  be  ever  call'd  in  queftion, 
T  hope  your  Majeflies  will  fave  my  life, 
You  have  fo  happily  preferred  yours  ; 
Did  I  not  think  it,  both  of  you  mould  die. 

Exit  Alex. 

Enter  Saxon,  Branden.  Tryer,  (Richard  and  Collen 
as  pr  if  oners]  and  Soldiers. 

Saxon.     Bring  forth  thefe  daring  Champions  to  the 

Block, 

Comfort  your  felves  you  mall  have  company. 
Great  Emperor,  where  is  his  Majeftie  ? 
What  bloody  fpeftacle  do  I  behold? 

Emp.     Revenge,  revenge,  O  Saxon,  Brandenburg, 
My  Lord  is  flain,  Cczfar  is  doom'd  to  death. 


278  ALPHONSUS 

Edward.      Princes   make   hafte,   follow  the   mur 
therer. 

Saxon.     Is  Ccefar  ilain  ? 

Edward.     Follow  the  Murtherer. 

Emp.     Why  ftand  you  gafing  on  an  other  thus  1 
Follow  the  Murtherer. 

Saxon.     What  Murtherer  1 

Edward.    The  villain  Alexander  hath  flain  his  Lord, 
Make  after  him  with  fpeed,  fo  mall  you  hear 
Such  villanie  as  you  have  never  heard. 

Brand.     My  Lord  of  Tryer,  we  both  with  our  light 
.       Horfe 
Will  fcoure  the  Coafts  and  quickly  bring  him  in. 

Saxon.     That  can  your  Excellence  alone  perform. 
Stay  you  my  Lord,  and  guard  the  Prifoners, 
While  I,  alas,  unhappiefl  Prince  alive, 
Over  his  Trunk  confume  my  felf  in  Tears. 
Hath  Alexander  done  this  damned  deed  ? 
That  cannot  be,  why  mould  he  flay  his  Lord  ? 
O  cruel  Fate,  O  miferable  me  ! 
Me  thinks  I  now  prefent  Mark  Antony, 
Folding  dead  Julius  C&far  in  mine  arms. 
No,  no,  I  rather  will  prefent  Actnlles, 
And  on  Patrodus  Tomb  do  facrifife. 
Let  me  be  fpurn'd  and  hated  as  a  Dogg, 
But  I  perform  more  direfull  bloody  Rites 
Than  Thetis  Son  for  Menetiades. 

Edward.     Leave  mourning  for  thy  Foes,  pitty  thy 
Friends. 

Sax.     Friends  have  I  none,  and  that  which  grieves 

my  Soul, 

Is  want  of  Foes  to  work  my  wreak  upon  ; 
But  were  you  Traitors  4,  four  hundred  thoufand, 
Then  might  I  fatisfie  my  felf  with  Blood. 

Enter  Brandenb.  Alexand.  and  Soldiers. 

Saxon.     See  Alexander  where  C&far  lieth  flain, 
The  guilt  whereof  the  Traitors  caft  on  thee  ; 


Emperour  of  Germany.  279 

Speak,  canft  thou  tell  who  flew  thy  Soveraign  ? 

Alexan.     Why  who  but  1 1  how  mould  I  curie  my 

felf 

If  any  but  my  felf  had  done  this  deed  ? 
This  happy  hand,  bleft  be  my  hand  therefore, 
Reveng'd  my  Fathers  death  upon  his  Soul : 
And  Saxon  thou  haft  caufe  to  curfe  and  bann 
That  he  is  dead,  before  thou  didfl  inflicl. 
Torments  on  him  that  fo  hath  torn  thy  heart. 

Saxon.     What  Myfteries  are  thefe  ? 

Bran.     Princes,  can  you  inform  us  of  the  Truth  ? 

Edward.     The  Deed's  fo  heinous  that  my  faltering 

tongue 
Abhorres  the  utterance.     Yet  I  muft  tell  it. 

Alex.     Your  Highnefs  mail  not  need  to  take  the 

pains, 

What  you  abhorr  to  tell,  I  joy  to  tell, 
Therefore  be  filent  and  give  audience. 
You  mighty  men,  and  Rulers  of  the  Earth, 
Prepare  your  Ears  to  hear  of  Stratagems 
Whofe  dire  effects  have  gaul'd  your  princely  hearts, 
Confounded  your  conceits,  muffled  your  eyes  : 
Firft  to  begin  this  villanous  Fiend  of  Hell 
Murther'd  my  Father,  fleeping  in  his  Chair, 
The  reafon  why,  becaufe  he  only  knew 
All  Plotts,  and  complots  of  his  villanie  ; 
His  death  was  made  the  Bafis  and  the  Ground 
Of  every  mifchief  that  hath  troubled  you. 

Saxon.     If  thou,  thy  Father  and  thy  Progenie 
Were  hang'd  and  burnt,  and  broken  on  the  Wheel, 
How    could    their    deaths    heap    mifchief    on    our 
heads  1 

Alex.      And  if   you  will    not    hear    the    Reafon 

chufe. 

I  tell  thee  I  have  flain  an  Emperour, 
And  thereby  think  my  felf  as  good  a  man 
As  thou,  or  any  man  in  Chriftendom, 
Thou  fhalt  entreat  me  ere  I  tell  thee  more. 

Brand.     Proceed. 


28o  ALPHONSUS 

Alex.     Not  I. 

Saxon.     I  prethe  now  proceed. 
Alex.      Since   you   intreat   you   then,    I   will  pro 
ceed. 

This  murtherous  Devill  having  flam  my  Father, 
Buz'd  cunningly  into  my  credulous  ears, 
That  by  a  General  Councell  of  the  States, 
And  as  it  were  by  Ac~l  of  Parlement, 
The  feven  Electors  had  fet  down  his  death, 
And  made  the  Emprefs  Executioner, 
Transferring  all  the  guilt  from  him  to  you. 
This  I  believ'd,  and  firft  did  fet  upon 
The  life  of  Princely  Richard,  by  the  Boors, 
But  how  my  purpofe  faild  in  that,   his   Grace  bed 

knows  ; 

Next,  by  a  double  intricate  deceit, 
Midft  all  his  Mirth  was  Bohem  poyfoned, 
And  good  old  Mentz  to  fave  Alphonfds  life, 
(Who  at  that  inftant  was  in  perfect  health) 
Twixt  j eft  and  earneft  was  made  a  Sacrifice  ; 
As  for  the  Palatine,  your  Graces  knew 
His  Highnefs  and  the  Queens  unguiltines  ; 
But  now  my  Lord  of  Saxon  hark  to  me, 
Father  of  Saxon  mould  I  rather  call  you, 
Twas  I  that  made  your  Grace  a  Grandfather  : 
Prince   Edward   plow'd   the   ground,    I    fow'd    the 

Seed, 

Poor  Hedewick  bore  the  moft  unhappy  fruit, 
Created  in  a  moft  unluckie  hour, 
To  a  moft  violent  and  untimely  death. 

Sax.     O  loathfome  Villain,  O  detefted  deeds, 
O  guiltlefs  Prince,  O  me  moft  miferable. 

Brand.      But   tell   us   who    reveal'd    to    thee    at 

laft 
This  fhamefull  guilt,  and  our  unguiltinefs  1 

Alex.     Why  that's  the  wonder  Lords,  and  thus  it 

was  : 

When  like  a  tyrant  he  had  tane  his  feat, 
And  that  the  furie  of  the  Fight  began, 


Empefour  of  Germany.  281 

Upon  the  highefl  Watch-Tow'r  of  the  Fort, 

It  was  my  office  to  behold  alofft 

The  Warres  event,  and  having  feen  the  end, 

I  faw  how  Victory  with  equal  wings 

Hang  hovering  'twixt  the  Battails  here  and  there, 

Till  at  the  lafl,  the  Englifli  Lyons  fled, 

And  Saxon's  fide  obtain'd  the  Victory ; 

Which  feen,  I  pofted  from  the  turrets  top, 

More  furioufly  than  ere  Laocoon  ran, 

When  Trojan  hands  drew  in  Troys  overthrow, 

But  yet  as  fatally  as  he  or  any. 

The  tyrant  feeing  me,  flar'd  in  my  face, 

And  fuddainly  demanded  whats  the  newes, 

I,  as  the  Fates  would  have  it,  hoping  that  he 

Even  in  a  twinkling  would  have  flain  'em  both, 

For  fo  he  fwore  before  the  Fight  began, 

Cri'd  bitterly  that  he  had  loft  the  day, 

The  found  whereof  did  kill  his  daftard  heart, 

And  made  the  Villain  defperatly  confefs 

The  murther  of  my  Father,  praying  me, 

With  dire  revenge,  to  ridd  him  of  his  life ; 

Short  tale  to  make,  I  bound  him  cunningly, 

Told  him  of  the  deceit,  triumphing  over  him, 

And  laftly  with  my  Rapier  flew  him  dead. 

Sax.       O    Heavens !    juftly    have    you    tane    re 
venge. 

But  thou,  thou  murtherous  adulterous  Have, 
What  Bull  of  Phalaris,  what  ftrange  device, 
Shall  we  invent  to  take  away  thy  life  ? 

Alex.      If  Edward   and   the   Emprefs,   whom    I 

fav'd, 

Will  not  requite  it  now,  and  fave  my  life, 
Then  let  me  die,  contentedly  I  die, 
Having  at  laft  reveng'd  my  Fathers  death. 

Sax.      Villain,   not   all   the   world   fhall   fave   thy 
life. 

Edw.     Hadft  thou  not  been  Author  of  my  Hede- 
wicks  death, 


282  ALPHONSUS 

I  would  have  certainly  fav'd  thee  from  death  ; 

But  if  my  Sentence  now  may  take  effect, 

I  would  adjudge  the  Villain  to  be  hang'd 

As  here  the  Jewes  are  hang'd  in  Germany. 

Sax.     Young  Prince  it  mail  be  fo ;   go  dragg  the 
Slave 

Unto  the  place  of  execution  : 

There  let  the  Judas,  on  a  Jewifh  Gallowes, 

Hang  by  the  heels  between  two  Englifh  Maftives, 

There   feed   on   Doggs,   let    Doggs    there    feed    on 
thee, 

And  by  all  means  prolong  his  miferie. 

Alex.      O   might   thy   felf    and   all   thefe   Englifh 
Currs, 

Inftead  of  Maflive-Doggs  hang  by  my  fide, 

How  fweetly  would  I  tugg  upon  your  Flefh. 

Exit  Alex. 
Sax.     Away  with  him,  fuffer  him  not  to  fpeak. 

And   now   my    lords,    Colkn,    Tryer,   and    Branden 
burg, 

Whofe  Hearts  are  bruz'd  to  think  upon  thefe  woes, 

Though  no  man  hath  fuch  reafon  as  my  felf, 

We  of  the  feven  Electors  that  remain, 

After  fo  many  bloody  Maffacres, 

Kneeling  upon  our  Knees,  humbly  intreat 

Your  Excellence  to  be  our  Emperour. 

The  Royalties  of  the  Coronation 

Shall  be,  at  Aix,  fhortly  folemnized. 

Cullen.      Brave   Princely  Richard   now    refufe    it 
not, 

Though  the  Election  be  made  in  Tears, 

Joy  mail  attend  thy  Coronation. 

Richard.     It  flands  not  with  mine  Honour  to  deny 
it, 

Yet  by  mine  Honour,  fain  I  would  refufe  it. 

Edward.     Uncle,  the  weight  of  all  thefe  Miferies 

Maketh  my  heart  as  heavy  as  your  own, 

But  an  Imperial  Crown  would  lighten  it, 

Let  this  one  reafon  make  you  take  the  Crown. 


Emperour  of  Germany.  283 

Richard.     What's  that  fvveet  nephew  1 

Edward.     Sweet  Uncle,  this  it  is, 
Was  never  Englifhman  yet  Emperour, 
Therefore  to  honour  England  and  your  felf, 
Let  private  forrow  yield  to  publike  Fame, 
That  once  an  Englifhman  bare  Cafar's  name. 

Richard.      Nephew,  thou  haft  prevail' d  ;    Princes 

ftand  up, 
We  humbly  do  accept  your  facred  offer. 

Cullen.     Then  found  the  Trumpets,  and  cry  Vivat 
Cafar. 

All.     Vivat  C&far. 

Cullen.  Richardus  Dei  gratia  Romanorum  Imperator, 
femper  Auguftus,  Comes  Cornubice. 

Richard.     Sweet  Sifter  now  let  Ccefar  comfort  you, 
And  all  the  reft  that  yet  are  comfortlefs  ; 
Let  them  expect  from  Englifh  Cafar's  hands 
Peace,  and  abundance  of  all  earthly  Joy. 


FINIS 


REVENGE 

*v 

FOR 

HONOUR. 

A 

TR  AGEDIE, 

BY 

GEORGE     CHAPMAN. 


LONDON, 

Printed  for  Richard  Marriot,  in  ,S.  Dunftaris 
Church-yard,    Fleetftreet.     1654. 


The  Perfons  AEiing. 


Almanzor  Caliph  of  Arabia. 
Abilqualit  his  eldeft  Son. 
Abrahen  his  Son  by  a  fecond  Wife. 

Brother  to  Abilqualit. 
Tarifa  an  old  General,  Conqueror  of 

Spain,  Tutor  to  Abilqualit. 
Mura  a  rough  Lord,  a  Souldier,  Kinf- 

man  by  his  Mother,  to  Abrahen. 
Simanthes  a  Court  Lord,  allyed  to 

Abrahen. 
Selinthus  an  honefl,  merrie  Court 

Lord. 
Mefithes  a  Court  Eunuch,  Attendant 

on  Abilqualit. 

Ofman  a  Captain  to  Tarifa. 
Gafelles  another  Captain. 
Caropia  Wife  to  Mura,  firft  beloved  of 

Abrahen,  then  of  Abilqualit. 
Perilinda  her  Woman. 

Souldiers,       Guard. 
Mutt*  Attendants. 


PROLOGUE. 


OVr  Author  thinks  'tis  not  i'th  power  of  Wit, 
Invention,  Art,  nor  Indujlrie,  to  fit 
The  feveral phantafies  which  in  this  age 
With  a  predominant  humour  rule  the  Stage. 
Some  men  cry  out  for  Satyr,  others  chufe 
Meerly  to  Jlory  to  confine  each  Mufe  ; 
Moft  like  no  Play,  but  fuck  as  gives  large  birth 
To  tJiat  which  they  judiciou fly  term  mirth. 
Nor  wil  the  bejl  woiks  with  their  liking  crown, 
Except  V  begrac'd  with  part  of  foole  or  clown. 
Hard  andfevere  the  task  is  then  to  write, 
So  as  may  pleafe  each  various  appetite. 
Our  Author  hopes  wel  though,  that  in  this  Play, 
He  has  endeavoured fo,  hejujlly  may 
Gain  liking  from  you  all,  unleffe  thofefew 
WJto  wil  diflike,  be't  ne'refo  good,  fo  new  ; 
Whe  rather  Gentlemen,  he  hopes,  caufe  I 
Am  a  mean  AElor  in  this  Tragedie : 
You've  graced  mefometimes  in  another  Sphear, 
And  I  do  hope  yotfl  not  diflike  me  here. 


REVENGE 

FOR    HONOUR. 

\ 

ACTUS  PRIMUS.     Scena  I. 

Enter  Selinthus,  Gafelles,  and  Of  man. 

Sel.      "X  T  O  murmurings,  Noble  Captains. 

Gaf.    \^\     Murmurings,  Cofen  ? 
this  Peace  is  worfe  to  men  of  war  and  ac~lion 
then  falling  in  the  face  o'th'  fo,  or  lodging 
on  the  cold  earth.     Give  me  the  Camp,  fay  I, 
where  in  the  Sutlers  palace  on  pay-day 
we  may  the  precious  liquor  quaff,  and  kifle 
his  buxome  wife  ;  who  though  me  be  not  clad 
in  Perfian  Silks,  or  coftly  Tyrian  Purples, 
has  a  clean  fkin,  foft  thighes,  and  wholfome  corps, 
fit  for  the  trayler  of  the  puiffant  Pike, 
to  follace  in  delight  with. 

Of.     Here  in  your  lewd  Citie, 
T 


290  Revenge  for  Honour. 

the  Harlots  do. avoid  us  fons  o'th'  Sword 

worfe  then  a  fevere  Officer.     Befides. 

here  men  o'th'  Shop  can  gorge  their  mudie  maws 

with  the  delicious  Capon,  and  fat  limbs 

of  Mutton  large  enough  to  be  held  fhoulders 

o'  th'   Ram  ancouge  the   12  Signes,  while  for  pure 

want 

Your  fouldier  oft  dines  at  the  charge  o'  th'  dead, 
'mong  tombs  in  the  great  Mofque, 

&/.     Tis  beleev'd  Coz, 
and  by  the  wifeil  few  too,  that  i'  th'  Camp 
you  do  not  feed  on  pleafant  poults  ;  a  fallad, 
and  without  oyl  or  vinegar,  appeafes 
fometimes  your  guts,  although  they  keep  more  noife 
then  a  large  pool  ful  of  ingendring  frogs. 
Then  for  accoutrements,  you  wear  the  Buff, 
as  you  believ'd  it  herefie  to  change 
for  linnen  :  Surely  rnoft  of  yours  is  fpent 
in  lint,  to  make  long  tents  for  your  green  wounds 
after  an  onflaught. 

Gaf.     Coz.  thefe  are  fad  truths, 
incident  to  fraile  mortals  ! 

Sel.     You  yet  crie 

out  with  more  eagerneffe  flil  for  new  wars, 
then  women  for  new  fafhions. 

Of.     'Tis  confefs'd, 

Peace  is  more  oppofite  to  my  nature,  then 
the  running  ach  in  the  rich  Ufurers  feet, 
when  he  roars  out,  as  if  he  were  in  hel 
before  his  time.     Why,  I  love  mifchief,  Coz, 
when  one  may  do't  fecurely  ;  to  cut  throats 
with  a  licencious  pleafure  ;  when  good  men 
and  true  o'  th  Jurie,  with  their  froflie  beards 
(hall  nat  have  power  to  give  the  noble  wefand, 
which  has  the  ileele  defied,  to  th'  hanging  mercy 
of  the  ungracious  cord. 

Sel.     Gentlemen  both, 
and  Cozens  mine,  I  do  believe't  much  pity, 
to  drive  to  reconvert  you  from  the  faith 


Revenge  for  Honour.  291 

you  have  been  bred  in  :  though  your  large  difcourfe 
and  praiie,  wherein  you  magnifie  your  Miftrifs, 
Warr,  (hall  fcarce  drive  me  from  my  quiet  fheets, 
to  fleep  upon  a  turfe.     But  pray  fay,  Cozens, 
How  do  you  like  your  General,  Prince, 
is  he  a  right  Mars  ? 

Gaf.     As  if  his  Nurfe  had  lapt  him 
in    fwadling  clouts  of  fteele ;  a  very  Heftor 
and  Alcibiades. 

Sel.     It  feems  he  does  not  relifti 
thefe  boafled  fweets  of  warre  :  for  all  his  triumphs, 
he  is  reported  melencholy. 

Of.     Want  of  exercife 
renders  all  men  of  actions,  dul  as  dormife ; 
your  Souldier  only  can  dance  to  the  Drum, 
and  fmg  a  Hymn  of  joy  to  the  fweet  Trumpet : 
there's  no  mufick  like  it. 

Enter  Abrahen,  Mura,  and  Simantkes. 

Ab.     I'll  know  the  caufe, 
he  mail  deny  me  hardly  elfe. 

Mu.     His  melancholy 

known  whence  it  rifes  once,  't  may  much  conduce 
to  help  our  purpofe. 

Gaf.     Pray  Coz.  what  Lords  are  thefe  ? 
they  feem  as  ful  of  plot,  as  Generals 
are  in  Siege,  they're  very  ferious. 

Sel.     That  young  Stripling 
is  our  great  Emperors  fon,  by  his  laft  wife  : 
that  in  the  rich  Imbroidery's,  the  Count  Hermes  ; 
one  that  has  hatcht  more  projects,  then  the  ovens 
in  Egypt  chickens ;  the  other,  though  they  cal 
friends,  his  meer  oppofite  Planet  Mars> 
one  that  does  put  on  a  referv'd  gravitie, 
which  fome  call  wifdom,  the  rough  Souldier  Mura, 
Governour  i'  th'  Moroccos. 

Of.     Him  we've  heard  of 
before  :  but  Cozen,  fhal  that  man  of  trufl, 


29 2  Revenge  for  Honour. 

thy  tailor,  furnifh  us  with  new  accoutrements  ? 
haft  thou  tane  order  for  them  ? 

Sel.     Yes,  yes,  you  mal 
flourifh  in  frefh  habiliments  ;  but  you  mud 
promife  me  not  to  ingage  your  corporal  oathes 
you  wil  fee't  fatisfied  at  the  next  prefs, 
out  of  the  profits  that  arife  from  ranfome 
of  thofe  rich  yeoman s  heires,  that  dare  not  look 
the  fierce  foe  in  the  face. 

Gaf.     Doubt  not  our  truths, 
though  we  be  given  much  to  contradictions, 
we  wil  not  pawn  oaths  of  that  nature. 

Sel.     Well  then,  this  note  does  fetch  the  garments  : 
meet  me  Cozens  anon  at  Supper.        Exeunt  Gaf.  Of. 
Of.     Honourable    Coz.    we    wil    come    give    our 
thanks.  Eiiter  Abilqualit. 

Ab.     My  gracious  brother, 
make  us  not  fuch  a  flranger  to  your  thoughts, 
to  confume  all  your  honors  in  clofe  retirements  ; 
perhaps  fince  you  from  Spain  return'd  a  victor, 
with  (the  worlds  conqueror)  Alexander,  you  greive 
Nature  ordain'd  no  other  earths  to  vanquim  ; 
if  t  be  fo,  Princely  brother,  we'le  bear  part 
in  your  heroique  melancholy. 

Abil.     Gentle  youth, 

prefs  me  no  farther,  I  flil  hold  my  temper 
free  and  unfhaken,  only  fome  fond  thoughts 
of  trivial  moment,  cal  my  faculties 
to  private  meditations 

Sim.     Howfoe're  your  Highneffe 
does  pleafe  to  term  them,  'tis  meer  melancholy, 
which  next  to  fin,  is  the  greatefl  maladie 
than  can  opprefs  mans  foul. 

Sel.     They  fay  right : 

and  that  your  Grace  may  fee  what  a  meer  madneffe, 
a  very  mid-fummer  frenzy,  'tis  to  be 
melancholy,  for  any  man  that  wants  no  monie, 
I  (with  your  pardon)  wil  difcuffe  unto  you 
All  forts,  all  fizes,  perfons  and  conditions, 


Revenge  for  Honour.  293 

that  are  infec"led  with  it ;  and  the  reafons 
why  it  in  each  arifes. 

Ab.     Learned  Sdinthus, 
Let's  taft  of  thy  Philofophie. 

Mu*     Pifli,  'Tis  unwelcome 
to  any  of  judgment,  this  fond  prate  : 
I  marvel  that  our  Emperor  dos  permit 
fools  to  abound  ith'  Court ! 

SeL     What  makes  your  grave  Lordfhip 
in  it,  I  do  befeech  you?  But  Sir,  mark  me, 
the  Kernel  of  the  text  enucleated, 
I  mail  confute,  refute,  repel,  refel, 
explode,  exterminate,  expunge,  extinguifh 
like  a  rum  candle,  this  fame  herefie, 
that  is  (hot  up  like  a  pernicious  Mumroom, 
to  poifon  true  humanitie. 

Ab.     You  (hall  flay  and  hear  a  lecture  read 
on  your  difeafe  ;  you  fhal,  as  I  love  virtue. 

Sel.     Firft  the  caufe  then 
from  whence  \h\sflatus  Hypocondriacus 
this  glimmering  of  the  gizard  (for  in  wild  fowl, 
'tis  term'd  fo  by  Hypocrates)  arifes, 
is  as  Averroes  and  Avicen, 
with  Abenbucar,  Baruch  and  Aboflii, 
and  all  the  Arabick  writers  have  affirm'd, 
a  meer  defect,  that  is  as  we  interpret,  a  want  of 

Abil.     Of  what,  Sdinthus  \ 

Sd.     Of  wit,  and  pleafe  your  HighnefTe, 
That  is  the  caufe  in  gen'ral,  for  particular 
and  fpecial  caufes,  they  are  all  deriv'd 
from  feverall  wants  ;  yet  they  muft  be  confiderd,' 
pondred,  perpended,  or  premeditated. 

Sim.     My  Lord,  y'ad  beft  be  brief, 
your  Patient  will  be  wearie  elfe. 

Sd.     I  cannot  play  the  fool  rightly,  I  mean,  the 

Phyfician 

without  I  have  licence  to  expalcat 
on  the  difeafe.     But  (my  good  Lord)  more  briefly, 
I  mail  declare  to  you  like  a  man  of  wifdom 


294  Revenge  for  Honour. 

and  no  Phyiician,  who  deal  all  in  fimples, 

why  men  are  melancholy.     Firfl,  for  your  Courtier. 

Sim.     It  concerns  us  all  to  be  attentive,  Sir. 

Sel.     Your  fage   and   ferious   Courtier,  who  does 

walk 

with  a  State  face,  as  he  had  dreft  himfelf 
ith'  Emperors  glaffe,  and  had  his  beard  turn'd  up 
by  the'  irons  Roial,  he  will  be  as  penlive 
as  Stallion  after  Catum,  when  he  wants  fuits, 
begging  fuits,  I  mean.     Me  thinks,  (my  Lord) 
you  are  grown  fornething  folemn  on  the  fudden; 
fmce  your  Monopolies  and  Patents,  which 
made  your  purfe  fwell  like  a  wet  fpunge,  have  been 
reduc'd  to  th'  laft  gafp.     Troth,  it  is  far  better 
to  confeffe  here,  then  in  a  worfer  place. 
Is  it  not  fo  indeed  ? 

Abil.     What  ere  he  does 

by  mine,  J'me  fure  h'as  hit  the  caufe  from  whence 
your  grief  fp rings,  Lord  Simanthes. 

Set.     No  Egyptian  Soothfayer 
has  truer  infpirations,  then  your  fmall  Courtiers 
from  caufes  and  wants  manifold  ;  as  when 
the  Emperors  count'nance  with  propitious  noife 
does  not  cry  chink  in  pocket,  no  repute  is 
with  Mercer,  nor  with  Tailor ;  nay  fometimes  too 
the  humor's  pregnant  in  him,  when  repulfe 
is  given  him  by  a  Beautie  : '  I  can  fpeak  this 
though  from  no  Memphian  Prieft,  or  fage  Caldean, 
from  the  beft  Miftris  (Gentlemen)  an  Experience. 
Laft  night  I  had  a  mind  t'a  comly  Semftrefs, 
who  did  refufe  me,  and  behold,  ere  fmce 
how  like  an  Afs  I  look. 

Enter  Tarifa. 

Tar.     What,  at  your  Counfels,   Lords  1   the  great 

Almanzor 

requires  your  prefence,  Mura ;  has  decree'd 
the  Warr  for  Perfia.       You  (my  gracious  Lord) 


Revenge  for  Honour.  295 

Prince  Abilqualet,  are  appointed  Chief : 
And  you,  brave  Ipirited  Abrahen,  an  Affiftant 
to  your  victorious  Brother :  You,  Lord  Mttra, 
deflin'd  Lieutenant  General. 

Abil.     And  mud  I  march  againfl  the  foe,  without 
thy  company  ?     I  relifh  not  th'  imployment. 

Tar.     Alas,  my  Lord, 

Tariffs  head's  grown  white  beneath  his  helmet ; 
and  your  good  Father  thought  it  charity 
to  fpare  mine  age  from  travel  :  though  this  eafe 
will  be  more  irkfome  to  me  then  the  toil 
of  war  in  a  marp  winter. 

Abr.     It   arrives   juft   to   our  wifti.     My  gracious 

brother,  I 

anon  mail  wait  on  you  :  mean  time,  valiant  Mura, 
let  us  attend  my  Father. 

Exeunt  Ab.  Mura,   Sim. 

Abil.     Good  Selinthus, 
vouchfafe  a  while  your  abfence,  I  mall  have 
imployment  fhortly  for  your  truft. 

Set.     Your  Grace  mall  have  as  much  power  to  com 
mand 

Selinthus,  as  his  bed  fanci'd  Miftrefs.     I  am  your  crea 
ture.  Exit. 

Tar.     Now,  my  Lord, 

I  hope  y'are  cloath'd  with  all  thofe  refolutions 
that  ufher  glorious  minds  to  brave  atchievements. 
The  happy  genius  on  your  youth  attendant 
declares  it  built  for  Victories  and  Triumphs  ; 
and  the  proud  Perfian  Monarchic,  the  fole 
emulous  oppofer  of  the  Arabique  Greatnefle, 
courts  (like  a  fair  Bride)  your  Imperial  Arms, 
waiting  t'invefl  You  Soveraigne  of  her  beauties. 
Why  are  you  dull  (my  Lord  ?)     Your  cheerful  looks 
mould  with  a  profp'rous  augury  prefage 
a  certain  Victory  :  when  you  droop  already, 
as  if  the  foe  had  ravifh'd  from  your  Creft 
the  noble  Palm.     For  fhame  (Sir)  be  more  fprightly ; 


296  Revenge  for  Honoiir. 

your  fad  appearance,  fhould  they  thus  behold  you, 
would  half  unfoul  your  Army. 

AbiL     'Tis  no  matter, 

Such  looks  bed  fute  my  fortune.     Know  (Tarifa} 
I'm  undifpos'd  to  manage  this  great  Voiage, 
and  mud  not  undertake  it. 

Tar.     Muft  not,  Sir  ! 

Is't  poffible  a  love-fick  youth,  whofe  hopes 
are  fixt  on  marriage,  on  his  bridal  night 
mould  in  foft  ilumbers  languim  ?  that  your  Arms 
ihould  ruft  in  eafe,  now  when  you  hear  the  charge, 
and  fee  before  you  the  triumphant  Prize 
dellin'd  t'adorn  your  Valour  ?     You  mould  rather 
be  furnifh'd  with  a.  power  above  thefe  paffions  ; 
and  being  invok'd  by  the  mighty  charm  of  Honour, 
flie  to  atchieve  this  war,  not  undeitake  it. 
I'd  rather  you  had  faid,  Tarifa  ly'd, 
then  utter'd  fuch  a  found,  harm  and  unwelcome. 

AbiL     I  know  thou  lov'ft  me  truly,  and  duril  I 
to  any  born  of  woman,  fpeak  my  intentions, 
the  fatal  caufe  which  does  withdraw  my  courage 
from  this  imployment,  which  like  health  I  covet, 
thou  mouldft  enjoy  it  fully.     But  (Tarifa) 
the  faid  difcov'ry  of  it  is  not  fit 
for  me  to  utter,  much  leffe  for  thy  vertue 
to  be  acquainted  with. 

Tar.     Why  (my  Lord  ?) 
my  loyaltie  can  merit  no  fufpicion 
from  you  of  falfhood  :  whatfoere  the  caufe  be 
or  good,  or  wicked,  't  meets  a  truftie  filence, 
and  my  beft  care  and  honefl  counfel  mail 
indeavour  to  reclaim,  or  to  affift  you 
if  it  be  good,  if  ill,  from  your  bad  purpofe. 

AbiL     Why,  that  I  know  Tarifa.     'Tis  the  love 
thou  bear'fl  to  honour,  renders  thee  unapt 
to  be  partaker  of  thofe  refolutions 
that  by  compulfion  keep  me  from  this  Voiage  : 
For  they  with  fuch  inevitable  fweetneffe 
invade  my  fenfe,  that  though  in  their  performance 


Revenge  for   Honour.  297 

my  Fame  and  Vertue  even  to  death  do  languifh, 
I  muft  attempt,  and  bring  them  unto  ac~l, 
or  perim  i'  th'  purfuance. 

Tar.     Heaven  avert 

a  mifchief  fo  prodigious.     Though  I  would  not 
with  over-fawcie  boldneffe  preffe  your  counfels  ; 
yet  pardon  (Sir)  my  Loialtie,  which  timorous 
of  your  lov'd  welfare,  mud  intreat,  befeech  you 
with  ardent  love  and  reverence,  to  difclofe 
the  hidden  caufe  that  can  eflrange  your  courage 
from  its  own  Mars,  with-hold  you  from  this  Action 
fo  much  ally'd  to  honour  :  Pray  reveal  it  : 
By  all  your  hopes  of  what  you  hold  moft  precious, 
I  do  implore  it ;  for  my  faith  in  breeding 
your  youth  in  warrs  great  rudiments,  relieve 
Tariffs  fears,  that  wander  into  ftrange 
unwelcome  doubts,  left  fome  ambitious  frenzy 
'gainft  your  imperial  fathers  dignitie 
has  late  feduc'd  your  goodnefs. 

Abr.     No,  Tarifa, 

I  ne're  durfl  aim  at  that  unholy  height 
in  viperous  wickedneffe  ;  a  fmleffe,  harmleffe 
(ift  can  be  truly  term'd  one)  'tis  my  foul 
labours  even  to  difpaire  with  :  't  faine  would  out, 
did  not  my  blufhes  interdict  my  language  : 
'tis  unchaft  love,  Tarifa  ;  nay,  tak't  all, 
and  when  thou  haft  it,  pity  my  misfortunes, 
to  fair  Caropia,  the  chall,  vertuous  wife 
to  furly  iVlura. 

Tar.     What  a  fool  Defire  is  ! 

with  Giant  ftrengths.  it  makes  us  court  the  knowledg 
of  hidden  myfteries,  which  once  reveal'd, 
far  more  inconftant  then  the  air,  it  fleets 
into  new  wifhes,  that  the  coveted  fecret 
had  flept  ftill  in  oblivion. 

Abil.     1  was  certain e 

'twould  fright  thy  innocence,  and  look  to  be 
befieged  with  ftrong  ditTwafions  from  my  purpofe  : 
but  be  affur'd,  that  I  have  tir'd  my  thoughts 


298  Revenge  for  Honour. 

with  all  the  rules  that  teach  men  moral  goodnefle, 
fo  to  reclaime  them  from  this  love-- tick  loofenefs ; 
but  they  (like  vvholefome  medicines  mifapTied) 
fac'd  their  bed  operation,  fond  and  fruitleffe. 
Though  I  as  wel  may  hope  to  kifs  the  Sun-beams 
'caufe  they  mine  on  me,  as  from  her  to  gaine 
one  glance  of  comfort ;  yet  my  mind,  that  pities 
it  felf  with  conilant  tenderneffe,  mufl  needs 
revolve  the  caufe  of  its  calamity, 
and  melt  i'  th'  pleafure  of  fo  fweet  a  fadnefs. 

Tar.     Then  y'are  undone  for  ever ;  Sir,  undon 
beyond  the  help  of  councel  or  repentance. 
'Tis  mofl  ignoble,  that  a  mind  unmaken 
by  fear,  mould  by  a  vain  defire  be  broken  ; 
or  that  thofe  powers  no  labour  e're  could  vanquifti, 
mould  be  orecome  and  thral'd  by-  fordid  pleafure. 
Pray  (Sir)  confider,  that  in  glorious  war, 
which  makes  Ambition  (by  bafe  men  termed  fin) 
a  big  and  gallant  Virtue,  y'ave  been  nurs'd, 
lull'd  (as  it  were)  into  your  infant  fleeps 
by  th'  furly  noife  o'  th'  trumpet,  which  now  fummons 
you  to  victorious  ufe  of  your  indowments  : 
and  mail  a  Miftriffe  flay  you  !  fuch  a  o-ne  too, 
as  to  attempt,  then  war  it  felf  s  more  dangerous  ! 

AbiL     All  thefe  perfwafions  are  to  as  much  purpofe, 
as  you  mould  ftrive  to  rein ve ft  with  peace, 
and  all  the  ioyes  of  health  and  life,  a  foul 
condemn'd  to  perpetuity  of  torments. 
No  (my  Tarifa)  though  through  all  difgraces, 
loffe  of  my  honour,  fame,  nay  hope  for  Empire, 
I  mould  be  forc'd  to  wade  to  obtain  her  love  ; 
thofe  feas  of  mifchief  would  be  pleating  ftreams, 
which  I  would  haft  to  bath  in,  and  paffe  through  them 
with  that  delight  thou  would'ft  to  victory, 
or  fiaves  long  chain'd  to'  th'  oare,  to  fudden  freedome. 

Tar.     Were  you  not  Abilqualit,  from  this  time  then 
our  friendfhips  (like  two  rivers  from  one  head 
rifmg)  mould  wander  a  diffever'd  courfe, 
and  never  meet  agairie,  unleffe  to  quarrel. 


Revenge  for  Honour.  2    9 

Nay,  old  and  ftiffe,  now  as  my  iron  garments, 

were  you  my  fon,  my  fword  fhould  teach  your  wildnefs 

a  fwift  way  to  repentance      Y'are  my  Prince, 

on  whom  all  hopes  depend  ;  think  on  your  Father, 

that  lively  Image  of  majeflick  goodnefs, 

who  never  yet  wrong'd  Matron  in  his  luft, 

or  man  in  his  difpleafure.     Pray  conjecture 

your  Father,  Countrie,  Army,  by  my  mouth 

befeech  your  pietie  to  an  early  pittie 

of  your  yet  unflain  Innocence.     No  attention  ! 

Farwel  :  my  praiers  fhall  wait  you,  though  my  Counfels 

be  thus  defpifd.     Farwel  Prince  !  Exit. 

Abil.     'Las  good  man,  he  weeps. 
Such  tears  I've  feen  fall  from  his  manly  eyes 
once  when  ye  loft  a  battel.     Why  fliould  I 
put  off  my  Reafon,  Valor,  Honour,  Virtue, 
in  hopes  to  gain  a  Beautie,  whofe  poffeffion 
renders  me  more  uncapable  of  peace, 
then  I  am  now  I  want  it  ?     Like  a  fweet, 
much  coveted  banquet,  'tis  no  fooner  tailed, 
but  it's  delicious  luxury's  forgotten, 
Befides,  it  is  unlawful.     Idle  fool, 
there  is  no  law,  but  what's  prefcribed  by  Love, 
Natures  firfl  moving  Organ  ;  nor  can  ought 
what  Nature  dictates  to  us  be  held  vicious. 
On  then,  my  foul,  and  deflitute  of  fears, 
like  an  adventrous  Mariner,  that  knows 
ilorms  muft  attend  him,  yet  dares  court  his  peril, 
ftrive  to  obtain  this  happy  Port.     Mefithes 
(Loves  cunning  Advocate)  does  for  me  befiege 
(with  gifts  and  vows)  her  Chaflitie.     She  is 
compafs'd  with  flefh,  that's  not  invulnerable, 
and  may  by  Love's  fharp  darts  be  pierc'd.    They  fland 
firm,  whom  no  art  can  bring  to  Love's  command. 

Enter  Abrahen. 

Abr.     My  gracious  brother  ! 

Abil.     Deareft  Abrahen,  welcome. 
Tis  certainly  decreed  by  our  dread  Father, 
we  muft  both  march  againft  th'  infulting  foe. 


Revenge  for  Honour. 


How  does  thy  youth,  yet  uninur'd  to  travel, 
relifh  the  Imploiment  ? 

Abr.     War  is  fweet  to  thofe 
that  neuer  have  experienc'd  it.     My  youth 
cannot  defire  in  that  big  Art  a  nobler 
Tutor  then  you  (my  Brother  :)  Like  an  Eglet 
following  her  dam,  I  fhall  your  honour'd  fleps 
trace  through  all  dangers,  and  be  proud  to  borrow 
a  branch,  when  your  head's  coverd  ore  with  Lawrel, 
to  deck  my  humbler  temples. 

Abil.     I  do  know  thee 
of  valiant  active  foul ;  and  though  a  youth, 
thy  forward  fpirit  merits  the  Command 
of  Chief,  rather 'then  Second  in  an  Armie. 
Would  heaven  our  Roial  Father  had  beflow'd 
On  thee  the  Charge  of  General. 

Abr.     On  me,  Sir  ! 

Alas,  'tis  fit  I  firft  mould  know  thofe  Arts 
that  do  diilinguifh  Valour  from  wild  rafhnefs. 
A  Gen'ral  (Brother)  muft  have  abler  nerves 
of  Judgment,  then  in  my  youth  can  be  hop'd  for. 
Your  felf  already  like  a  flourifhing  Spring 
teeming  with  early  Victories,  the  Souldier 
expects  fhould  iead  them  to  new  Triumphs,  as 
if  you  had  vanquifht  fortune. 

Abil.     I  am  not  fo 

ambitious  (Abraheii)  of  particular  glories, 
but  I  would  have  thofe  whom  I  love  partake  them. 
This  Perftan  war,  the  lafl  of  the  whole  Eaft 
left  to  be  managed,  if  I  can  perfwade 
the  great  Almanzor,  (hall  be  the  trophee 
of  thy  yet  maiden  Valour.     I  have  done 
enough  already  to  inform  Succeffion, 
that  AbUqualit  durfl  on  fierceft  foes 
run  to  fetch  Conqueft  home,  and  would  have  thy 

name 

as  great  as  mine  in  Arms,  that  Hiftorie 
might  regifter,  our  Familie  abounded 
with  Heroes,  born  for  Victorie. 


Revenge  for  Honour-.  301 

Abr.     Tis  an  honour, 

which,  though  it  be  above  my  powers,  committed 
to  my  direction,  T  would  feek  to  manage 
with  care  above  my  years,  and  courage  equal 
to  his,  that  dares  the  norrid'ft  face  of  danger  : 
But  'tis  your  noble  courtefie  would  thrufl 
this  mafc'line  honor  (far  above  his  merits) 
on  your  regardlefs  Brother ;  for  my  Father, 
he  has  no  thought  tending  to  your  intentions  ; 
nor  though  your  goodnefs  mould  defire,  would  hardly 
be  won  to  yeild  confent  to  them. 

Abil.     Why,  my  Abrahen, 
w'are  both  his  fons,  and  mould  be  both  alike 
dear  to's  affections ;  and  though  birth  hath  given  me 
the  larger  hopes  and  Titles,  'twere  unnatural, 
mould  he  not  ftrive  t'  indow  thee  with  a  portion 
apted  to  the  magnificence  of  his  Off-fpring. 
But  thou  perhaps  art  timorous,  left  thy  firft 
effayes  of  valour  mould  meet  fate  difaftrous. 
The  bold  are  Fortunes  darlings.     If  thou  haft 
courage  to  venture  on  this  great  imploiment, 
doubt  not,  I  mail  prevail  upon  our  Father 
t'  ordain  thee  Chief  in  this  brave  hopefull  Yoiage. 

Abr.     You  imagine  me 

beyond  all  thought  of  gratitude  ;  and  doubt  not 
that  I'll  deceive  your  truft.     The  glorious  Enfignes 
waving  i'  th'  air  once,  like  fo  many  Comets, 
fhall  fpeak  the  Perfians  funerals,  on  whofe  ruines 
we'l  build  to  Fame  and  Vidlorie  new  temples, 
which  fhall  like  Pyramids  preferve  our  memories, 
when  we  are  chang'd  to  allies. 

Abil.     Be  fure,  continue 
in  this  brave  minde  ;   I'll  inftantly  folicite 
our  Father  to  confirm  thee  in  the  Charge 
of  General.     I'll  about  it.  Exit. 

Abr.     Farewell  gracious  Brother. 
This  haps  above  my  hopes/    'Las,  good  dull  fool, 
I  fee  through  thy  intents,  clear,  as  thy  foul 
were  as  tranfparent  as  thin  air  or  Criftal. 


302  Revenge  for  Honour. 

He  would  have  me  remov'd,  march  with  the  Armie, 

that  he  mean  time  might  make  a  fure  defeat 

on  our  aged  fathers  life  and  Empire  :  'tmufl 

be  certain  as  the  light.     Why  mould  not  his 

with  equall  heat,  be  like  my  thoughts,  ambitious  ? 

Be  they  as  harmlefs  as  the  prai'rs  of  Virgins, 

I'll  work  his  ruine  out  of  his  intentions. 

He  like  a  thick  cloud  Hands  'twixt  me  and  Greatnefie : 

Greatneffe,  the  wife  mans  true  felicity, 

Honour's  direct  inheritance.     My  youth 

wil  quit  fufpicion  of  my  fubtil  practice  : 

then  have  I  furly  Mura  and  Simanthes, 

my  allyes  by  my  dead  Mothers  bloud,  my  affiftants, 

his  Eunuch  too  Mefithes  at  my  fervice. 

Simanthes  fhall  inform  the  King,  the  people 

defire  Prince  Abilqualifs  flay  ;  and  Mura 

whofe  blunt  demeanour  renders  him  oraculous, 

make  a  ihrewd  inference  out  of  it.     He  is  my  hall 

Brother, 

th'  other's  my  Father ;  names,  meer  airie  titles  ! 
So veraign tie's  onely  facred,  Greatneffe  goodneffe, 
true  f elf- affection  Juflice,  every  thing 
righteous  that's  help  full  to  create  a  King. 

Enter  Mura,  Simanthes. 

•  *" 

Abr.     My  truflie  friends,  y'are  welcome  : 
our  fate's  above  our  willies  ;  Abilqualit 
by  whatfo'ere  pow'r  mov'd  to  his  own  mine, 
would  fain  inforce  his  charge  of  General  on  me, 
and  flay  at  home. 

Sim.     Why,  how  can  this  conduce 
t'  advance  our  purpofe  ? 

Abr.     Tis  the  mainefl  engine 
could  ever  move  to  ruine  him.     Simanthes, 
you  fhall  inform  our  Father,  tis  the  people 
out  of  their  tender  love  defires  his  flay. 
You  (Mura)  fhall  infer  my  Brothers  greatneffe 
with  people ;  out  of  it,  how  nice  it  is  and  dangerous. 


Revenge  for  Honour.  ,  303 

The  air  is  open  here  ;  come,  wee'll  difcourfe 
with  more  feciire  privacie  our  purpofe. 
Nothing's  unjuft,  unfacred,  tends  to  advance 
us  to  a  Kingdom  •  that's  the  height  of  chance. 


ACTUS  SECUNDUS.    Scena  i. 


Enter  Almanzor,  Mura,  and  Simanthei. 

AL      T  T  Ow  1  not  go,  Simanthes  1 
Sim.    JLJ.  My  dread  Soveraign, 
I  fpeak  but  what  the  well  affected  people 
o-ut  of  their  loyal  care  and  pious  duty 
injoyn'd  me  utter  :  they  do  look  upon  him 
as  on  your  eldefl  Son,  and  next  Succeffor, 
and  would  be  loth  the  Perfian  War  mould  rob 
their  eies  of  light,  their  fouls  of  joy  and  comfort, 
this  flourishing  Empire  leave  as  it  were  widow'd 
of  its  lov'd  Spoufe  :  They  humbly  do  befeech 
your  Maiefty  would  therefore  defline  fome 
more  fitting  General,  whofe  lofs  (as  heaven 
avert  fuch  a  misfortune)  mould  it  happen, 
might  leffe  concern  the  State. 

A  I.     'Tis  not  the  lead 

among  the  bleffings  Heaven  has  fhowrM  upon  us, 
that  we  are  happie  in  fuch  loving  Subjects, 
to  govern  whom,  when  we  in  peace  are  allies, 
we  leave  them  a  Succefior  whom  they  truly  reverence ; 
A  loving  people  and  a  loving  Soveraign 
makes  Kingdoms  truly  fortunate  and  flourifhing. 
But  I  beleeve  (Simanthes}  their  intents, 
though  we  confirm  them,  will  fcarce  take  effect : 


304  Revenge  for  Honour. 

My  Abilqualit  (like  a  Princely  Lion, 
in  view  of  s  prey  (wil  fcarcely  be  orecom 
to  leave  the  honour  of  the  Perfian  War, 
in's  hopes  already  vanquifh'd  by  his  valour, 
and  reft  in  lazy  quiet,  while  that  Triumph 
is  ravifh'd  by  another. 

Sim.     With  the  pardon 
of  your  moft  facred  Majeftie,  'tis  fit  then 
your  great  commands  forbid  the  Princes  Voyage : 
boldneffe  inforces  youth  to  hard  atchievements 
before  their  time,  makes  them  run  forth  like  Lapwings 
from  their  warm  neft,  part  of  the  fhel  yet  flicking 
unto  their  downie  heads.     Sir,  good  fucceffe 
is  oft  more  fatal  far  then  bad  ;  one  winning 
caft  from  a  flatt'ring  Die  tempting  a  Gamefter 
to  hazard  his  whole  fortunes. 

Mur.     This  is  dull, 
fruitlefs  Philofophy,  he  that  falls  nobly 
winns  as  much  honour  by  his  lofs,  as  conqueft. 

Sim.    This  rule  may  hold  wel  among  common  men, 
but  not  'mong  Princes.     Such  a  prince  as  ours  is, 
who  knows  as  wel  to  conquer  mens  affections 
as  he  does  enemies,  mould  not  be  expof'd 
to  every  new  caufe,  honourable  danger. 
Prince  Abilqualit'' s  fair  and  winning  carriage 
has  flolne  poffcflion  of  the  peoples  hearts, 
they  doate  on  him  fmce  his  late  Spanifti  conqueft, 
as  new  made  brides  on  their  much  coveted  husbands ; 
and  they  would  pine  like  melancholy  turtles, 
mould  they  fo  foone  lofe  the  invalued  objecl 
both  of  their  love  and  reverence  :  Howfoe're, 
what  ere  your  awful  wil  (Sir)  fhall  determine, 
as  heaven,  is  by  their  flricl  obedience 
held  facred  and  religious. 

A  I.     Good  Simanthes,  let  them  receive  our  thanks 
for  their  true  care  of  our  dear  Abilqualit. 
Wee'l  con  fid  er  of  their  requefl,  fay. 

Sim.     Your  highneffe  humblefl  creature.  Exit. 

Mu.     I  do  not  like  this. 


Revenge  for  Honour.  305 

Al.     Like  what  ?  Valiant  Mura, 
we  know  thy  counfels  fo  fupremely  wife, 
and  thy  true  heart  fo  excellently  faithful, 
that  whatfoere  difpleafes  thy  fage  Judgment, 
Almanzors  wifdome  mull  account  diftaftful. 
What  is't  dislikes  thee  ? 

Mu.     Your  Majeftie  knows  me 
a  downright  Souldier,  I  affect  not  words ; 
but  to  be  brief,  I  relilh  not  your  fon 
ihould  (as  if  you  were  in  your  tomb  already) 
ingrofs  fo  much  the  giddie  peoples  favours. 
'Tis  neither  fit  for  him,  nor  fafe  for  you 
to  fuffer  it. 

AL     Why,  how  can  they,  Mura, 
Give  a  more  ferious  teflimony  of  reverence 
to  me,  then  by  conferring  their  affections, 
their  pious  wifhes,  zealous  contemplations 
on  him  that  fits  the  nearefl  to  my  heart, 
my  Abilqualit,  in  whofe  hopeful  virtues 
my  age  more  glories  then  in  all  my  conquefts  1 

Mu.     May  you  prove  fortunate  in  your  pious  care 
of  the  Prince  Abilqualit.     But  (my  Lord) 
Mura  is  not  fo  prone  to  idle  language 
(the  Parafits  beft  ornament)  to  utter 
ought,  but  what  (if  you'l  pleafe  to  give  him  audience 
hee'l  mow  you  a  blunt  reafon  for. 

Al.     Come,  I  fee 

into  thy  thoughts,  good  Mura',  too  much  care 
of  us,  informs  thy  loyal  foul  with  fears 
the  Princes  too  much  popularity 
may  breed  our  danger  :  banifh  thofe  fufpicions  ; 
neither  dare  they  who  under  my  long  raign 
have  been  triumphant  in  fo  many  bleffings, 
have  the  leaft  thought  may  tend  to  difobedience  : 
or  if  they  had,  my  Abilqualit 's  goodneffe    - 
would  ne're  confent  with  them  to  become  impious. 

Mu.     'Tis  too  fecure  a  confidence  betrays 
minds  valiant  to  irreparable  dangers. 
Not  that  I  dare  invade  with  a  foule  thought 

u 


306  Revenge  for  Honour. 

the  noble  Princes  loyalty  ;  but  (my  Lord) 

when  this  fame  many  headed  beaft  (the  people) 

violent,  and  fo  not  conftant  in  affections, 

fubjecl  to  love  of  novelty,  the  fickneffe 

proper  t'all  humane  fpecially  light  natures, 

do  magnifie  with  too  immoderate  praifes 

the  Princes  actions,  doate  upon  his  prefence, 

nay  chaine  their  fouls  to  th'  fhadow  of  his  foot-fleps, 

as  all  exceffes  ought  to  be  held  dangerous, 

efpecially  when  they  do  aim  at  Scepters, 

their  too  much  dotage  fpeaks,  you  in  their  wilhes 

are  dead  alreadie,  that  their  darling  hope 

the  Prince  might  have  the  Throne  once. 

AL     Tis  confefs'd,  all  this  a  ferious  truth. 

Mn.     Their  mad  applaufes 
oth'  noble  Prince,  though  he  be  truly  virtuous, 
may  force  ambition  into  him,  a  mifchief 
Seafmg  the  foul  with  too  much  craft  and  fweetnefs, 
as  pride  or  luft  do's  minds  unftay'd  and  wanton  : 
'tmakes  men  like  poyfon'd  rats,  which  when  they'ave 

fwallow'd 

the  pleafing  bane,  reft  not  until  they  drink, 
and  can  reft  then  much  leffe,  until  they  burft  with't. 

AL     Thy  words  are  ftil  oraculous. 

Mu.     Pray  then  think 
with  what  an  eafie  toil  the  haughty  Prince, 
a  demy  God  by  th'  popular  acclamations, 
nay,  the  world's  Soveraign  in  the  vulgar  wilhes, 
had  he  a  refolution  to  be  wicked, 
might  fnatch  this  diadem  from  your  aged  temples  1 
What  law  fo  holy,  tye  of  blood  fo  mightie, 
which  for  a  Crown,  minds  fandlified  and  religious 
have  not  prefum'd  to  violate  1  How  much  more  then 
may  the  foul  dazling  glories  of  a  Scepter 
work  in  his  youth,  whofe  conftitution's  fierie, 
as  overheated  air,  and  has  to  fan  it 
into  a  flame,  the  breath  of  love  and  praifes 
blown  by  ftrong  thought  of  his  own  worth  and  actions. 

A!.     No  more  of  this,  good  Mura. 


Revenge  for  Honour.  307 

Mu.     They  dare  already  limit  your  intentions, 
demand  (as  'twere)  with  cunning  zeal  (which  rightly 
interpreted,  is  infolence)  the  Princes 
abode  at  home.     I  wil  not  fay  it  is, 
but  I  guefs,  'tmay  be  their  fubtle  purpofe 
while  we  abroad  fight  for  new  kingdomes  purchafe 
depriv'd  by  that  means  of  our  faithful  fuccors, 
they  may  deprive  you  of  this  crown,  inforce 
upon  the  prince  this  Diadem  ;  which  however 
he  may  be  loth  t' accept,  being  once  poffeffed  oft 
and  tailed  the  delights  of  fupreme  greatnefs, 
hee'l  be  more  loath  to  part  with.     To  prevent  this, 
not  that  I  think  it  wil,  but  that  may  happen, 
'tis  fit  the  Prince  march.     I'ave  obferved  in  him  too 
of  late  a  fallen  Melancholly,  whence  rifing 
i'le  not  conjecture  :  only  T  fhould  grieve,  Sir, 
beyond  a  moderate  forrow,  traitorous  practife 
mould  take  that  from  you  which  with  loyal  blood 
ours  and  your  own  victorious  arms  have  purchas'd. 
and  now  I  have  difcharg'd  my  honefl  confcience 
cenfure  on't  as  you  pleafe  ;  henceforth  I'me  filent. 

AL     Would  thbu  hadft  been  fo  now,  thy  loyal  fears 
have  made  me  fee  how  miferable  a  King  is, 
whofe  rule  depends  on  the  vain  people  fuffrage. 
Black  now  and  horrid  as  the  face  of  florins 
appears  al  Abilqualits  lovely  vertues, 
becaufe  to  me  they  only  make  him  dangerous, 
and  with  great  terror  (hall  behold  thofe  actions 
which  with  delight  before  we  view'd,  and  dotage  ; 
like  Mariners  that  blefs  the  peaceful  feas, 
which  when  fufpected  to  grow  up  tempefluous, 
they  tremble  at.     Though  he  may  flil  be  virtuous, 
'tis  wifdome  in  us,  to  him  no  injuflice, 
to  keep  a  vigilant  eie  o're  his  proceedings 
and  the  wild  peoples  purpofes. 

Enter  Abil. 

AL     Abilqualit ! 
come  to  take  your  leave,  I  do  conjecture. 

Abil.     Rather,  Sir,  to  beg 


308  Revenge  for  Honour. 

your  gracious  "licence,  I  may  flil  at  home 

attend  your  dread  commands,  and  that  you'd  pleafe 

to  nominate  my  hopeful  brother  Abrahen 

(in  lieu  of  me)  chief  of  your  now  raifed  Forces 

for  th;  Perftan  expedition, 

AL    Dare  you  (Sir)  prefume  to  make  this  fuit  to  us? 

Abil.     Why  1  (my  roial  Lord) 
I  hope  this  cannot  pull  your  anger  on 
your  mod  obedient  Son  :  a  true  affection 
to  the  young  Prince  my  brother,  did  beget 
this  my  requeft  ;  I  willingly  would  have 
his  youth  adorn'd  with  glorie  of  this  conquefl. 
No  tree  bears  fruit  in  Autumn,  'lefs  it  bloffome 
firfl  in  the  Spring  :  'tis  fit  he  were  acquainted 
in  thefe  foft  years  with  military  action, 
that  when  grown  perfect  man,  he  may  grow  up  too 
perfect  in  warlike  difcipline. 

AL     Hereafter 

we  mall  by  your  appointment  guide  our  Counfels. 
Why  do  you  not  intreat  me  to  refigne 
rny  Crown,  that  you  the  peoples  much  lov'd  minion 
may  with't  impale  your  glorious  brow  1  Sir,  henceforth 
or  know  your  duty  better,  or  your  pride 
mall  meet  our  juft  wak'd  anger.     To  your  Charge, 
and  march  with  fpeed,  or  you  mall  know  what  'tis 
to  difobey  our  pleafure.     When  y'are  King, 
learn  to  command  your  Subjects  ;  I  will  mine  (Sir.) 
You  know  your  Charge,  perform  it. 

Exit  Aim.  and  Mura. 

Abil.     I  have  done. 

Our  hopes  (I  fee)  referable  much  the  Sun, 
that  rifing  and  declining  cait  large  fhadows ; 
but  when  his  beams  are  drefs'd  in's  midday  brightneffe, 
yeelds  none  at  all :  when  they  are  fartheft  from 
fucceffe,  their  guilt  reflection  does  difplay 
the  largeft  mow  of  events  fair  and  profp'rous. 
With  what  a  fetled  confidence  did  I  promife 
my  felf,  my  flay  here,  Mura's  wifh'd  departure  ? 
when  Head  of  thefe,  I  finde  my  fathers  wrath 


Revenge  for  Honour.  309 

deftroying  mine  intentions.     Such  a  fool 
is  felf-compaffion,  foothing  us  to  faith 
of  what  we  wifli  mould  hap,  while  vain  defire 
of  things  we  have  not,  makes  us  quite  forget 
thofe  w'are  poffefs'd  of. 

Enter  Abrahen. 

Abr.     Alone  the  engine  works 
beyond  or  hope  or  credit.     How  I  hug 
with  vafl  delight,  beyond  that  of  ftoln  pleafures 
forbidden  Lovers  tafle,  my  darling  Miftrifs, 
my  active  Brain  !  If  I  can  be  thus  fubtle 
while  a  young  Serpent,  when  grown  up  a  Dragon 
how  glorious  (hall  I  be  in  cunning  practife  ? 
My  gracious  brother ! 

Abil.     Gentle  Abrahen,  I 

am  griev'd  my  power  cannot  comply  my  promife  : 
my  Father's  fo  averfe  from  granting  my 
requeft  concerning  thee,  that  with  angrie  frowns 
he  did  exprefs  rather  a  pafiionate  rage 
then  a  refufall  civil,  or  accuflom'd 
to  his  indulgent  difpofition. 

Abr.     Hee's  our  Father, 
and  fo  the  tyrant  Cuflome  doth  inforce  us 
to  yeeid  him  that  which  fools  call  natural, 
when  wife  men  know  'tis  more  then  fervile  duty, 
a  flavifh,  blind  obedience  to  his  pleafure, 
be  it  nor  juft,  nor  honourable. 

Abil.     O  my  Abrahen, 

thefe  founds  are  unharmonious,  as  unlookt  for 
from  thy  unblemifh'd  innocence  :  though  he  could 
put  off  paternal  pietie,  't  gives  no  pnviledg 
for  us  to  wander  from  our  filial  dutie  : 
though  harm,  and  to  our  natures  much  unwelcom 
be  his  decrees,  like  thofe  of  Heaven,  we  mufl  not 
prefume  to  queilion  them. 

Abr.     Not,  if  they  concern 
our  lives  and  fortunes  ?  'Tis  not  for  my  felf 
I  urge  thefe  doubts  ;  but  'tis  for  you,  who  are 
my  Brother,  and  I  hope,  mufl  be  my  Soveraigne, 


jio  Revenge- for  Honour. 

my  fears  grow  on  me  almoft  to  diftraclion  : 
Our  Father's  age  betrayes  him  to  a  dotage, 
which  may  be  dang'rous  to  your  future  fafetie  ; 
he  does  fufpecl  your  loyaltie. 

AbiL     How,  Abrahen  ? 

Ab.     I  knew  'twould  Hart  your  innocence  ;  but  'tii 

truth, 

a  fad  and  ferious  truth  ;  nay  his  fufpicion 
almoft  arriv'd  unto  a  fetled  faith 
that  y'are  ambitious. 

AbiL     Tis  impoffible. 

Ab.     The  glorious  mine  of  your  illuflrious  verities 
are  grown  too  bright  and  dazling  for  his  eyes 
to  look  on  as  he  ought,  with  admiration  ; 
and  he  with  fear  beholds  them,  as  it  were, 
through  a  perfpeclive,  where  each  brave  action 
of  yours  furvey'd  though  at  remoteft  diftance, 
appears  far  greater  then  it  is.     In  brief, 
that  love  which  you  have  purchaf  d  from  the  people 
that  fing  glad  Hymns  to  your  victorious  fortunes, 
betraies  you  to  his  hate  ;  and  in  this  Voiage 
which  he  inforces  you  to  undertake, 
he  has  fet  fpies  upon  you. 

AbiL     Tis  fo  :  affiiaions 
do  fal  like  hailftones,  one  no  fooner  drops, 
but  a  whole  Showre  does  follow.     I  obferv'd 
indeed,  my  Abrahen,  that  his  looks  and  language 
was  dreff'd  in  unaccuftom'd  clouds,  but  did  not 
imagine  they'd  prefag'd  fo  fierce  a  tempeft. 
Ye  gods,  why  do  you  give  us  gifts  and  graces, 
fhare  your  own  attributes  with  men.  your  virtues, 
when  they  betray  them  to  worfe  hate  then  vices  ? 
But  Abrahen,  prithee  reconfirm  my  feares 
by  teftimonial  how  this  can  be  truth  ; 
for  yet  my  innocence  with  too  credulous  trail 
fooths  up  my  foul,  our  father  mould  not  thus 
put  that  off  which  does  make  him  fo,  his  fweetneffe, 
to  feed  the  irregular  flames  of  falfe  fufpicions 
and  foul  tormenting  jealoufies. 


Revenge  for  Honour.  311 

Ab.     Why,  to  me, 

to  me  (my  Lord)  he  did  with  flrong  Injunctions 
give  a  folicitous  charge  to  overlook  your  a6lions. 
My  AbraJien  (quoth  he)  I'me  not  fo  unhappie, 
that  like  thy  brother  thou  (houldft  be  ambitious, 
who  does  affect,  'fore  thy  ag'd  Fathers  afhes, 
with  greedie  luft  my  Empire.     Have  a  Uriel 
and  cautious  diligence  to  obferve  his  carriage, 
'twil  be  a  pious  care.     Mov'd  with  the  bafe 
indignity,  that  he  on  'me  mould  force 
the  office  of  a  fpy  ;  your  fpy,  my  noble 
and  much  lov'd  brother  :  my  bed  manhood  fcarce 
could  keep  my  angry  tears  in  ;  I  refolv'd 
I  was  in  duty  bound  to  giue  you  early 
intelligence  of  his  unjufl  intentions, 
that  you  in  wifedome  might  prevent  all  dangers 
might  fall  upon  you  from  them,  like  fwift  lightning, 
killing  'caufe  they  invade  with  fudden  fierceneffe. 

Abil.     In  afflicting  me,  mifery  is  grown  witty. 

Ab.     Nay  befides  (Sir) 
the  fullen  Mura  has  the  felf  fame  charge  too 
confign'd  and  fetled  on  him ;  which  his  blind 
duty  will  execute.     O  brother,  your 
foft  paffive  nature,  do's  like  jet  on  fire 
when  oyls  caft  on't,  extinguilh  :  otherwife, 
this  bafe  lufpicion  would  inflame  your  fufferance, 
nay  make  the  pureft  loyalty  rebellious. 
However,  though  your  too  religious  piety 
forces  you  'ndure  this  foul  difgrace  with  patience, 
look  to  your  fafety,  brother,  that  dear  fafety 
which  is  not  only  yours,  but  your  whole  Empires  : 
for  my  part,  if  a  faithfull  brothers  fervice 
may  aught  avail  you,  tho  again  ft  our  father, 
fmce  he  can  be  fo  unnaturally  fufpicious, 
as  your  own  thoughts,  command  it. 

Enter  Sdinthus  and  Mtfithes. 

Sel.     Come,  I  know, 
although  th'  aft  loft  fome  implements  of  manhood 


3 1 2  Revenge  for  Honour. 

may  make  thee  gracious  in  the  fight  of  woman, 
yet  th'  aft  a  little  engine,  cal'd  a  tongue, 
by  which  thou  canft  orecome  the  niceft  female, 
in  the  behalf  of  friend.     Infooth,  you  Eunuchs 
may  well  be  ftil'd  Pimps-royal,  for  the  skill 
you  have  in  quaint  procurement. 

Mef.     Your  Lordfhip's  merry, 
and  would  inforce  on  me  what  has  been  your 
office  far  oftner  than  the  cunningft  Squire  belonging 
to  the  fmock  tranfitory.     May'i  pleafe  your  Highneffe. 

AbiL     Ha  !  Mefithes. 

Ab.     His  countenance  varies  ftrangely,  fome  affaire 
the  Eunuch  gives  him  notice  of,  't  mould  feem, 
begets  much  pleafure  in  him. 

AbiL     Is  this  truth  ? 

Mef.     Elfe  let  me  tafte  your  anger. 

AbiL     My  dear  Abrahen, 

wee'l  march  to  night,  prethee  give  fpeedie  Notice 
to  our  Lieutenant  Mura,  to  collect 
the  forces  from  their  feveral  quarters,  and 
draw  them  into  Battalia  on  the  plain 
behind  the  Citie,  lay  a  ftricl,  command 
he  ftir  not  from  the  Enfigns  til  our  felf 
arrive  in  perfon  there.     Be  fpeedie,  brother, 
a  little  haftie  bufmeis  craves  our  prefence. 
We  wil  anon  be  wiih  you,  my  Mefithes. 

Exeunt  AbiL  and  Mef. 

Set.     Can  your  grace  imagine 
whether  his  highnefs  goes  now  1 

Ab.     No,  Selinthus  \ 

canft  thou  conjecture  at  the  Eunuchs  bufmefs  ? 
what  ere  it  was,  his  countenance  feem'd  much  altred  : 
Il'd  give  a  talent  to  have  certain  knowledg 
what  was  Mefithes  meffage. 

SeL     I'll  inform  you 
at  a  far  eafier  rate.     Mefithes  bufmeffe 
certes  concern'd  a  limber  petticoate, 
and  the  fmock  foft  and  flipperie  ;  on  my  honour, 
has  been  providing  for  the  Prince,  fome  female 


Revenge  for  Honour.  313 

that  he  takes  his  leave  of  Ladies  flefh 
ere  his  departure. 

Ab.     Not  improbable,  it  may  be  fo. 

Set.     Nay,  certain  (Sir)  it  is  fo  : 
and  I  believe,  your  little  bodie  earnes 
after  the  fame  fport     You  were  once  reported 
a  wag  would  have  had  bufmefs  of  ingendring 
with  furly  Mura's  Lady  :  and  men  may 
conjecture  y'are  no  chafler  then  a  vot'rie  : 
yet  though  fhe  would  not  folace  your  defires, 
there  are  as  handfome  Ladies  wil  be  proud 
to  have  your  Grace  inoculate  their  flocks 
with  your  graft-royal. 

Ab.     Thou  art  Selinthus  ftil, 
and  wilt  not  change  thy  humor.     I  mull  go 
and  find  out  Mura  \  fo  farwel  Stlintkus, 
thou  art  not  for  thefe  warrs,  I  know.  Exit. 

Set.     No  truly, 

nor  yet  for  any  other,  'lefs  't  be  on 
a  naked  yeilding  enemie  ;  though  there  may 
be  as  hot  fervice  upon  fuch  a  foe 
as  on  thofe  clad  in  fleel  :  the  little  fquadron, 
we  civill  men  aflault  body  to  body, 
oft  carry  wild-fire,  about  them  privately, 
that  findges  us  ith'  fervice  from  the  crown 
even  to  the  fole,  nay  fometimes  hair  and  all  off. 
But  thefe  are  tranfitory  perills. 

Enter  Gafdles,  Ofman. 
Couzens, 

I  thought  you  had  been  dancing  to  the  drum. 
Your  General  has  given  order  for  a  march 
this  night,  I  can  affure  you. 

Gaf.     It  is  Couzen, 

fomething  of  the  foonefl ;  but  we  are  prepar'd 
at  all  times  for  the  journey. 

Sel.     To  morrow  morning 

may  ferve  the  turn  though.  Hark  you,  Couzens  mine ; 
if  in  this  Perfian  War  you  chance  to  take  a 
handfome  fhe  Captive,  pray  you  be  not  unmindfull 


314  Revenge  for  Honour. 

of  us  your  friends  at  home  ;  I  will  disburfe 
her  ranfome,  Couzens/for  I've  a  months  mind 
to  try  if  flrange  flefli,  or  that  of  our  own 
Countrey  has  the  compleater  relifli. 

Of.  We  will  accomplilh  thy  pleafure,  noble  Couzen. 

Sel.     But  pray  do  not 

take  the  firfl  fay  of  her  your  felves.     I  do  not 
love  to  walk  after  any  of  my  kindred 
ith'  path  of  copulation. 

Gaf.     The  firfl  fruits 

mail  be  thy  own,  dear  Couz.     But  fhall  we  part 
(never  perhaps  to  meet  agen)  with  dry 
lips,  my  right  honoured  Coz  ? 

Sel.     By  no  means, 
though  by  the  Alcharon  wine  be  forbidden, 
you  Souldiers  in  that  cafe  make't  not  your  faith. 
Drink  water  in  the  Camp,  when  you  can  purchafe 
no  other  liquor ;  here  you  mail  have  plenty 
of  wine,  old  and  delicious.     I'le  be  your  leader, 
and  bring  you  on,  let  who  will  bring  you  off. 
To  the  encounter,  come  let  us  march,  Couzens. 

Exeunt  Omnes. 

Song. 

Scena  Secunda. 
Enter  Abilqualit,   Caropia,  and  Mefithes,  Perilinda. 

Car.     No  more,  my  gracious  Lord,  where  real  love 

is 

needleffe  are  all  expreffions  ceremonious  : 
the  amorous  Turtles,  that  at  firfl  acquaintance 
ilrive  to  expreffe  in  murmuring  notes  their  loves, 
do  when  agreed  on  their  affections  change 
their  chirps  to  billing. 

Abil.     And  in  feather'd  arms 
incompaffe  mutually  their  gawdy  necks. 

Mef\  How  do  you  like 


Revenge  for  Honoiir.  3 1 5 

thefe  love  tricks,  Perilinda  ? 

Per.     Very  well ; 

but  one  may  fooner  hope  from  a  dead  man 
to  receive  kindnefs,  than  from  thee,  an  Eunuch. 
You  are  the  coldeft  creatures  in  the  bodies, 
no  fnow-balls  like  you. 

Mef.     We  mufl  needs,  who  have  not 
that  which  like  fire  mould  warm  our  conflitutions, 
the  inflruments  of  copulation,  girle, 
our  toyes  to  pleafe  the  Ladies. 

Abil.     Caropia,  in  your  well  becoming  pity 
of  my  extream  affiiclions  and  flern  fufferings, 
you've  mown  that  excellent  mercy  as  mufl  render 
what  ever  action  you  can  fix  on,  virtuous. 
But  Lady,  I  till  now  have  been  vour  tempter, 
one  that  defired  hearing,  the  brave  refinance 
you  made  my  brother,  when  he  woo'd  your  love, 
only  to  boafl  the  glory  of  a  conqueft 
which  feem'd  impoffible,  now  I  have  gain'd  it 
by  being  vanquisher,  I  my  felf  am  vanquifti'd 
your  everlafling  Captive. 

Car.     Then  the  thraldome 
will  be  as  profperous  as  the  pleafmg  bondage 
of  palms,  that  flourim  moil  when  bowd  down  faded; 
Condraint  makes  fvveet  and  eafie  things  laborious, 
when  love  makes  greatefl  miferies  feem  pleafures. 
Yet  'twas  ambition  (Sir)  join'd  with  afifeclion 
that  gave  me  up  a  fpoil  to  your  temptations. 
I  was  refolv'd,  if  ever  I  did  make 
a  breach  on  matrimonial  faith,  't  mould  be 
with  him  that  was  the  darling  of  kind  fortune 
as  well  as  liberall  nature  ;  who  poffeff  d 
the  height  of  greatnefie  to  adorn  his  beauty  ; 
which  fince  they  both  confpire  to  make  you  happy. 
I  thought  't  would  be  a  greater  fin  to  fuffer 
your  hopeful  perfon,  born  to  fway  this  Empire, 
in  loves  hot  flames  to  languifh,  by  refufal 
to  a  confuming  feaver,  then  t'  infringe 
a  vow  which  ne're  proceeded  from  my  heart 


316  Revenge  for  Honour. 

when  I  unwillingly  made  it. 

Abil.     And  may  break  it  with  confidence,  fecure 

from  the 

leaft  guilt,  as  if  't  had  only  in  an  idle  dream 
been  by  your  fancy  plighted.     Madam,  there 
can  be  no  greater  mifery  in  love, 
than  feparation  from  the  object  which 
we  affect ;  and  fuch  is  our  misfortune 
we  mufl  ith'  infancy  of  our  defires 
breath  at  unwelcome  diflance  ;  ith'  mean  time, 
lets  make  good  ufe  of  the  moft  precious  minuts 
we  have  to  fpend  together. 

Car.     Elfe  we  were  unworthy  to  be  titled  lovers ; 

but 

I  fear  loath'd  Mura  may  with  fwift  approach 
diflurb  our  happineffe. 

Abil.     By  my  command   hee's   muftring    up    our 

forces. 

Yet  Mefithes,  go  you  to  Abrahen,  and  with  intimations 
from  us,  flrengthen  our  charge.     Come  my  Caropia, 
love's  wars  are  harmleffe,  for  who  ere  do's  yeild, 
gains  as  much  honor  as  who  wins  the  field. 


ACTUS  TERTIUS  SCENA   i. 


Enter  Abilqualit  and  Caropia,  as  rifingfrom 
bed,  Abrahen  without,  Perilinda. 

ABr.     Open   the    door,    I    mufl   and   will   have 
entrance 

unto  the  Prince  my  brother,  as  you  love 
your  life  and  fafety  and  that  Ladies  honor, 


Revenge  for  Honour.  317 

whom  you  are  lodg'd  in  amorous  twines  with,  do  not 
deny  me  entrance  to  you,  I  am  Abrahen, 
your  loyal  brother  Abrahen. 

Abil.     'Tis  his  voice, 
and  there  can  be  no  danger  in't,  Caropia, 
be  not  difmaid,  though  w'are  to  him  difcover'd. 
Your  fame  mail  tafte  no  blemifh  by't.  Now  brother, 
'tis  fomething  rude  in  you,  thus  violently 
to  preffe  upon  our  privacies. 

Abr.     My  affection 

mail  be  my  Advocate,  and  plead  my  care 
of  your  lov'd  welfare,  as  you  love  your  honour, 
haile  from  this  place,  or  you'l  betray  the  Lady 
to  ruin  mofl  inevitable.     Her  husband 
has  notice  of  your  being  here,  and's  comming 
on  wings  of  jealoufie  and  defperate  rage 
to  intercept  you  in  your  clofe  delights. 
In  breif,  I  over  heard  a  trufly  Servant 
of  his  ith'  Camp  come  and  declare  your  higrmefle 
was  private  with  Caropia  :  at  which  tidings 
the  fea  with  greater  hafte  when  vext  with  tempefts, 
fo  fudden  and  boyftrous,  flies  not  towards  the  more, 
then  he  intended  homewards.     He  by  this 
needs  muft  have  gain'd  the  City  ;   for  with  all  my 

power 

I  hafted  hitherward,  that  by  your  abfence 
you  might  prevent  his  veiw  of  you. 

Abil.     Why?  the  Have 

dare  not  invade  my  perfon,  had  he  found  me 
in  fair  Caropias  armes  :  'twould  be  ignoble, 
now  I  have  cauf  }d  her  danger,  mould  I  not 
defend  her  from  his  violence.     I'le  flay 
though  he  come  arm'd  with  thunder. 

Abr.     That  will  be 
a  certain  means  to  ruin  her  :  To  me' 
count  that  cure,  I'le  lland  between  the  Lady, 
and  Mura's  fury,  when  your  very  fight, 
giving  frefh  fire  to  th'  injury,  will  incenfe  him 
'gainft  her  beyond  all  patience. 


318  Revenge  for  Honour. 

Car.     Nay,  befides 

his  violent  wrath  breaking  through  his  allegiance 
may  riot  on  your  perfon.     Dear  my  Lord 
withdraw  your  felf,  there  may  be  fome  excufe 
when  you  are  abfent  thought  on,  to  take  off 
Mura's  fufpition  :  by  our  loves,  depart 
I  do  befeech  you.     Haplefs  I  was  born 
to  be  mod  miferable. 

AbiL     You  fliall  over-rule  me. 
Better  it  is  for  him  with  unhallowed  hands 
to  act  a  facriledg  on  our  Prophets  tombe 
then  to  profane  this  purity  with  the  leaf! 
offer  of  injurie  ;  be  careful  Abraheu, 
to  thee  I  leave  my  heart.     Farewell  Caropia, 
your  tears  inforce  my  abfence.  Exit  AbiL 

Abr.     Pray  haft  my  Lord 

left  you  mould  meet  the  inrag'd  Mura  :  now  Madam 
where  are  the  boafted  glories  of  that  virtue, 
which  like  a  faithful  Fort  withftood  my  batt'ries  ? 
demolifli'd  now,  and  ruin'd  they  appear ; 
like  a  fair  building  toter'd  from  its  bafe 
by  an  unruly  whirlewind,  and  are  now 
inftead  of  love  the  objedls  of  my  pi  tie. 

Car.     I'me  bound  to  thank  you  Sir,  yet  credit  me  ; 
my  fin's  fo  pleafing  't'  cannot  meet  repentance. 
Were  Mura  here,  and  arm'd  with  all  the  horrors 
rage  could  inveft  his  powers  with  ;  not  forgiven 
Hermits  with  greater  peace  dial  haft  to  death, 
then  I  to  be  the  Martyr  of  this  caufe, 
which  I  fo  love  and  reverence. 

Abr.     'Tis  a  noble 

and  wel  becoming  conftancie,  and  merits 
a  lover  of  thofe  Supreme  eminent  graces, 
that  do  like  ful  winds  fwel  the  glorious  Sails 
of  Abilqualifs  dignitie  and  beautie  ! 
yet  Madam,  let  me  tell  you,  though  I  could  not 
envie  my  brothers  happineffe,  if  he 
could  have  enjoy'd  your  pricelefs  love  with  fafetie, 
free  from  difcoverie,  I  am  afflicted 


Revenge  for  Honou r.  319 

beyond  a  moderate  forrow,  that  my  youth 
which  with  as  true  a  zeal,  courted  your  love, 
mould  appear  fo  contemptible  to  receive 
a  killing  fcorn  from  you  :  yet  I  forgive  you, 
and  do  fo  much  refpedt  your  peace,  I  wifli 
you  had  not  fm'd  fo  carelefly  to  be 
betray'd  ith'  firfl  fruitions  of  your  wifhes 
to  your  fufpicious  husband. 

Car.     'Tis  a  fate  Sir, 

which  I  muft  ftand,  though  it  come  drefs'd  in  flames, 
killing  as  circular  fire,  and  as  prodigious 
as  death  prefaging  Comets :  there's  that  ftrength 
in  love,  can  change  the  pitchie  face  of  dangers 
to   pleafmg  formes,  make  ghaftly  fears  feeme  beau 
teous  ; 

and  I'me  refolv'd,  fince  the  fweet  Prince  is  free 
from  Murds  anger,  which  might  have  been  fatal 
if  he  mould  here  have  found  him,  unrefifllefs 
I  dare  his  utmoft  fury. 

A  br.     Twil  bring  death  with't 
fure  as  Rifling  dampe  ;  and  'twere  much  pitie 
fo  fweet  a  beautie  fliould  unpitied  fall, 
betrai'd  to  endleffe  infamie ;  your  husband 
knowes  only  that  my  brother  in  your  chamber 
was  entertained  ;  the  fervant  that  betrayed  you, 
curfe  on  his  diligence,  could  not  affirm 
he  faw  you  twin'd  together :  yet  it  is 
death  by  the  law,  you  know,  for  any  Ladie 
at  fuch  an  hour,  and  in  her  husbands  abfence  ; 
to  entertain  a  flranger. 

Car.     'Tis  confidered  Sir, 
and  fince  I  cannot  live  to  enjoy  his  love, 
I'le  meet  my  death  as  willingly  as  I 
met  Abilqualifs  dear  embraces. 

Abr.  That  were  too  fevere  a  crueltie.  Live  Caropia^ 
til  the  kind  deflinies  take  the  loath'd  Mura 
to  their  eternal  Manfions,  til  he  fal 
either  in  war  a  facrifice  to  fortune, 
or  elfe  by  ftratagem  take  his  deftruction 


320  Revenge  for  Honoiir. 

from  angry  Abilqualit,  whofe  faire  Empreffe 
you  were  created  for  :  there  is  a  mean  yet 
to  fave  th'  opinion  of  your  honour  fpotleffe, 
as  that  of  Virgin  innocence,  nay  to  preferve, 
(though  he  doth  know  (as  certainly  he  muft  do) 
my  Brother  have  injoy'd  thee)  thee  ftil  precious 
in  his  deluding  fancie. 

Car.     Let  me  adore  you 
if  you  can  give  effect  to  your  good  purpofe. 
But  tis  impoflible. 

Abr.     With  as  fecure  an  eafe 
't  fhal  be  accomplifh'd  as  the  bleft  defires 
of  uncrofs'd  lovers  :  you  fhal  with  one  breath 
diffolve  thefe  mifts  that  with  contagious  darkneffe 
threaten  the  lights  both  of  your  life  and  honour. 
Affirm  my  brother  ravifh'd  you. 

Car.     How  my  Lord  ? 

Abr.  Obtained  by  violence  entry  into  your  chamber 
where  his  big  lufl  feconded  by  force, 
defpight  of  yours  and  your  Maids  weak  refinance 
furpris'd  your  honor  :  when't  fhall  come  to  queflion, 
my  brother  cannot  fo  put  off  the  truth, 
he  owes  his  own  affection  and  your  whiten efs, 
but  to  acknowledg  it  a  rape. 

Car.     And  fo  by  faving  mine,  betray  his  fame  and 

fafety, 

to  the  lawes  danger,  and  your  fathers  juftice, 
which  with  impartial  doome  will  mod  feverely 
fentence  the  Prince,  although  his  fon. 

Abr.     Your  fears 

and  too  affectionate  tenderneffe  wil  ruine 
all  that  my  care  has  builded.     Sure,  Mefithes 
has  (as  my  charge  injoin'd  him)  made  relation 

Enter  Mura. 

to  him  of  AbilqualiPs  action.     See  your  Husband, 
refolve  on't,  or  y'are  miferable. 

Mu.     Furies, 

where  is  this  luftful  Prince,  and  this  lafcivious 
Strumpet  ?  ha  Abr  a  ken,  here  ? 


Revenge  for  Honour.  321 

Abr.     Good  Cozen  Mura, 
be  not  fo  paffionate,  it  is  your  Prince 
has  wrought  your  injury ;  refolve  to  bear 
your  croffes  like  a  man  :  the  great'ft  afflictions 
fhould  have  the  greateft  fortitude  in  their  fuff'rings 
from  minds  refolv'd  and  noble.     ;Las  poor  Ladie, 
'twas  not  her  fault ;  his  too  unruly  lull 
'tis,  has  deftroi'd  her  puritie. 

Mu.     Ha,  in  tears  ! 

Are  thefe  the  liverie  of  your  fears  and  penitence, 
or  of  your  forrows  (minion)  for  being  rob'd 
fo  foon  of  your  Adulterer  1 

Abr.     Fie,  your  paffion 
is  too  unmannerly  ;  you  look  upon  her 
with  eyes  of  rage,  when  you  with  grief  and  pitie 
ought  to  furveigh  her  innocence.     My  Brother, 
degenerate  as  he  is  from  worth,  and  meerly 
the  bqp.fl  of  lull,  (what  fiends  would  fear  to  violate) 
has  with  rude  infolence  deftroyed  her  honor, 
by  him  inhumane  ravifhed. 

Car.     Good  Sir  be 
fo  merciful  as  to  fet  free  a  wretch 
from  loath' d  mortalitie,  whofe  lifes  fo  great 
and  hateful  burden  now  fh'as  loll  her  honor  : 
'Twil  be  a  friendly  charitie  to  deliver 
her  from  the  torment  of  it. 

Mu.     That  I  could 
contract,  the  foul  of  univerfal  rage 
into  this  fwelling  heart,  that  it  might  be 
as  ful  of  poifonous  anger  as  a  dragons 
when  in  a  toile  infnar'd.      Caropia  ravifhed  ! 
Methinks  the  horror  of  the  found  mould  fright 
to  everlafling  ruine,  the  whole  world, 
Hart  natures  Genius. 

Abr.     Gentle  Madam,  pray 
withdraw  your  felf,  your  fight,  til  I  have  wrought 
a  cure  upon  his  temper,  wil  but  adde 
to  his  affliction. 

Car.     You're  as  my  good  Angel, 


322  Revenge  for  Honour. 

I'll  follow  your  directions.  Exit. 

Abr.     Cozen  Mura, 

I  thought  a  perfon  of  your  mafculine  temper, 
in  dangers  foflred,  where  perpetual  terrors 
have  been  your  play-fell  owes,  would  not  have  refented 
with  fuch  effeminate  paffion  a  difgrace, 
though  ne're  fo  huge  and  hideous. 

Mu.     I  am  tame, 
collected  now  in  all  my  faculties, 
which  are  fo  much  opprefs'd  with  injuries, 
they've  loft  the  anguilh  of  them  :  can  you  think,  Sir, 
when  all  the  winds  fight,  the  inrag'd  billows 
that  ufe  to  imprint  on  the  black  lips  of  clouds 
a  thoufand  brinie  kiffes,  can  lie  ftil, 
as  in  a  lethargic  1  that  when  baths  of  oyl 
are  pour'd  upon  the  wild  irregular  flames 
in  populous  Cities,  that  they'll  then  extinguifh  ? 
Your  mitigations  adde  but  feas  to  feas, 
give  matter  to  my  fires  to  increafe  their  burning, 
and  I  ere  long  enlightned  by  my  anger 
mail  be  my  owne  pile,  and  confume  to  afhes.     • 

Abr.     Why,  then  I  fee  indeed  your  injuries 
have  ravilhed  hence  your  reafon  and  difcourfe, 
and  left  you  the  meere  proflitute  of  paffion. 
Can  you  repaire  the  ruins  you  lament  fo 
with  thefe  exclaimes  1  was  ever  dead  man  call'd 
to  life  again  by  fruitful  fighs  1  or  can 
your  rage  reedifie  Caropias  honour, 
ilain  and  betrai'd  by  his  foul  luft  ?  Your  manhood, 
that  heretofore  has  thrown  you  on  all  dangers, 
me  thinks  mould  prompt  you  to  a  noble  vengance, 
which  you  may  fafely  profecute  with  Juftice, 
to  which  this  crime,  although  he  be  a  Prince, 
Renders  him  liable. 

Mu.     Yes,  I'le  have  juflice 
or  I'le  awake  the  fleepy  Deities, 
or  like  ambitious  Gyants  wage  new  wars 
with  heaven  it  felf,  my  wrongs  mail  fteel  my  courage, 
and  on  this  vicious  Prince  like  a  fierce  Sea-breach 


Revenge  for  Honour.  323 

my  juft  wak'd  rage  mall  riot  till  it  fmk 
in  the  remorceleffe  eddie,  fmk  where  time 
fliall  never  find  his  name  but  with  difgrace 
to  taint  his  hatefull  memory. 

Abr.     This  wildneffe  neither  befit  your  wifdom  nor 

your  courage, 

which  mould  with  fetled  and  collected  thoughts 
walk  on  to  noble  vengeance.     He  before 
was  by  our  plots  profcrib'd  to  death  and  ruine 
to  advance  me  to  the  Empire  ;  now  with  eafe 
we  may  accomplilh  our  defigns 

Mu.     Would  heaven 

I  nere  had  given  confent,  o'recome  by  love 
to  you  to  have  made  a  forfeit  on  my  allegiance, 
'tis  a  jufl  punifhment,  I  by  him  a.m  wrong'd, 
whom  for  your  fake  I  fearleffe  fought  to  ruin. 

Abr.     Are  you  repentant  grown,  Mura  ?  this  foft- 

nefe? 

ill  fuits  a  perfon  of  your  great  refolves, 
on  whom  my  fortunes  have  fuch  firm  dependance. 
Come,  let  Caropids  fate  invoke  thy  vengeance 
to  gain  full  maftry  o're  all  other  paffions, 
leave  not  a  corner  in  thy  fpacious  heart 
unfurnifli'd  of  a  noble  rage,  which  now 
will  be  an  attribute  of  glorious  juflice  : 
the  law  you  know  with  lofs  of  fight  doth  punifh 
all  rapes,  though  on  mean  perfons ;  and  our  father 
is  fo  fevere  a  Juflicer,  not  blood 
can  make  a  breach  upon  his  faith  to  juflice. 
Befides,  we  have  already  made  him  dangerous 
in  great  Almanzors  thoughts,  and  being  delinquent 
he  needs  mufl  fuffer  what  the  meanefl  offender 
merits  for  fuch  a  trefpafs. 

Mu.     I'me  awake  now, 
the  lethargy  of  horror  and  amaze 
that  did  obfcure  my  reafon,  like  thofe  dul 
and  lazy  vapors  that  o'refhade  the  Sun, 
vanifh,  and  it  refumes  its  native  brightnefs. 
And  now  I  would  not  but  this  devil  Prince 


324  Revenge  for  Honour. 

had  done  this  .act  upon  Caropicts  whitenefs, 
fince't  yeilds  you  free  accefs  unto  the  Empire, 
The  deprivall  of's  fight  do's  render  him  incapable 
of  future  foveraignty. 

Abr.     Thou'rt  in  the  right, 
and  haft  put  on  manly  confiderations  : 
Caropia  (fmce  fhee's  in  her  will  untainted) 
ha's  not  forgon  her  honor  :  he  difpatc'd  once, 
as  we  will  have  him  fhortly,  't  mail  go  hard  elfe, 
a  tenant  to  his  marble,  thou  agen 
wedded  in  peace  maift  be  to  her  pure  vertues, 
and  live  their  happy  owner. 

Mu.     I'le  repair 

to  great  Almanzor  inftantly,  and  if 
his  partial  piety  do  defcend  to  pitty, 
I  will  awake  the  Executioner 
of  juftice,  death,  although  in  fleep  more  heavy 
than  he  can  borrow  from  his  natural  coldnefs  ; 
on  this  good  fword  I'le  wear  my  caufes  juftice 
till  he  do  fall  its  facrifice. 

Abr.     But  be  fure 

you  do't  with  cunning  fecrefie,  perhaps, 
mould  he  have  notice  of  your  juft  intentions, 
he  would  repair  to  th'  Army,  from  which  fafegard 
our  beft  force  could  not  pluck  him  without  danger 
to  the  whole  Empire. 

Mu.     Doubt  not  but  I'le  manage 
with  a  difcreet  feverity  my  vengeance, 
invoke  Almanzors  equity  with  fudden 
and  private  hafte. 

Abr.     Mean  time 

I  will  go  put  a  new  defign  in  practice 
that  may  be  much  conducing  to  our  purpofe. 
Like  clocks,  one  wheele  another  on  muft  drive, 
affairs  by  diligent  labor  only  thrive.  Exeunt. 

Scena  Secunda* 

Enter  Selinthus,  Gafdles,  Of  man,  and  Souldiers. 
Sel.     No  quarrelling  good  Couzens,  left  it  be 


Revenge  for  Honour.  325 

with  the  glafs,  'caufe  'tis  not  of  fize  fufficient 
to  give  you  a  magnificent  draught.     You  will 
have  fighting  work  enough  when  you're  i'  th'  wars, 
do  not  fall  out  among  your  felves. 

Of.     Not  pledg 
my  peerleffe  Miflreffe  health  1   Souldier,  thou'rt  mor- 

tall, 
if  thou  refufe  it. 

Gaf.     Come,  come,  he  mail  pledg  it, 
and  'twere  a  Tun.     Why,  w'are  all  as  dull 
as  dormife  in  our  liquor  :  Here's  a  health 
to  the  Prince  Abilqualit. 

Soul.     Let  go  round  : 

rid  drink't,  were  it  an  Ocean  of  warm  bloud 
flowing  from  th'  enemie.     Pray,  good  my  Lord 
what  news  is  {lining  ? 

Sel.     It  mould  feem,  Souldier, 

thou  canft  not  read ;  otherwife  the  learn'd  Pamphlets 
that  flie  about  the  flreets,  would  fatisfie 
thy  curiofitie  with  news  ;  they'r  true  ones, 
full  of  difcreet  intelligence. 

Of.     Cofens,  dial's  have  a  Song  ?  here  is  a  Souldier 
in's  time  hath  fung  a  dirge  unto  the  foe 
oft  in  the  field. 

Soul.     Captain,  I  have  a  new  one, 
the  Souldiers  Joy  'tis  call'd. 

Sel.     That  is  an  harlot. 
Preethee  be  muficall,  and  let  us  tafle 
the  fweetneffe  of  thy  voice.  A  Song. 

Gaf.     Whirl,  give  attention. 

Soul.     How  does  your  Lordihip  like  it  ? 

Sel.     Very  well. 

And  fo  here's  to  thee.     There's  no  drum  beats  yet, 
and  -'tis  cleer  day  j  fome  hour  hence  'twill  be 

Enter  Abr.  Mef. 
time   to   break   up   the  Watch.      Ha  !    young   Lord 

Abr alien, 

and  trim  Mejithes  with  him  !  what  the  divel 
does  he  make  up  fo  early  ?    He  has  been 


326  Revenge  for  Honour. 

a  bat-fowling  all  night  after  thofe  Birds, 

thofe  Ladie-birds  term'd  wagtails  ;  what  flrange  buli- 

nefs 
can  he  have  here,  tro  ? 

Abr.     Twas  wel  done,  MefitJies  \ 
and  trull  me,  I  dial  find  an  apt  reward, 
both  for  thy  care  and  cunning.     Prethee  haft 
to  Lord  SimanthcS)  and  deliver  this 
note  to  him  with  beft  diligence,  my  dear  Eunuch  ; 
thou'rt  hal.fe  the  foul  of  Abrahen  : 

Mef.     I  was  borne 

to  be  intituled  your  moft  humble  vaffal ; 
I'll  haft  to  the  Lord  Simanthes.  Exit. 

Sel.     How  he  cringes  ! 

Thefe  youths  that  want  the  inftruments  of  Manhood, 
are  very  fupple  in  the  hams. 

Abr.     Good  morrow 

to  noble  Lord  Sdinthus  :  what  companions 
have  you  got  here  thus  early  ? 

Sel.     Blades  of  metal, 

tall  men  of  war,  and't  pleafe  your  Grace,  of  my 
own  blood  and  family,  men  who  gather'd 
a  fallad  on  the  enemies  ground,  and  eaten  it 
in  bold  defiance  of  him  ; 
and  not  a  Souldier  here  but's  an  Achy  lies, 
valiant  as  flouted  Mirmidon. 

Abr.     And  they 

never  had  jufter  caufe  to  mow  their  valor  ; 
the  Prince  my  dearefl  brother,  their  Lord  General's 
became  a  forfeit  to  the  ftern  laws  rigour  ; 
and  'tis  imagin'd,  our  impartial  father, 
will  fentence  him  to  lofe  his  eyes. 

Gaf.     Marry  heaven 
defend,  for  what,  and  't  like  your  Grace  ! 

Abr    For  a  fact 

which  the  fevere  law  puniflies  with  lofs 
of  natures  precious  lights  ;  my  teares  wil  fcarce 
permit  me  utter't :  for  a  rape  committed 
on  the  fair  wife  of  Mitra. 


Revenge  for  Honour.  327 

Of.     Was  it  for  nothing  elfe,  and  pleafe  your  Grace  ? 
ere  he  flial  lofe  an  eie  for  fuch  a  trifle, 
or  have  a  haire  diminifti'd,  we  wil 
lofe  our  heads  ;  what,  hoodwink  men  like  fallen  hawks 
for  doing  deeds  of  nature  !    I'me  afham'd 
the  law  is  fuch  an  Afs. 

Set.     Some  Eunuch  Judg, 
that  could  not  be  acquainted  with  the  fweets 
due  to  concupifcencial  parts,  invented 
this  law,  I'll  be  hang'd  elfe.     's  Life,  a  Prince, 
and  fuch  a  hopeful  one,  to  lofe  his  eyes, 
for  fatisfying  the  hunger  of  the  ftomack 
beneath  the  waft,  is  crueltie  prodigious, 
not  to  be  fuffer'd  in  a  common-wealth 
of  ought  but  geldings. 

Abr.     'Tis  vain  to  footh 
our  hopes  with  thefe  delufions,  he  wil  fufFer 
lefs  he  be  reskued.     I  would  have  you  therfore 
if  you  ow  any  fervice  to  the  Prince, 
my  much  lamented  brother,  to  attend 
without  lead  tumult  'bout  the  Court,  and  if 
there  be  neceffity  of  your  ayd,  I'le  give  you 
notice  when  to  imploy  it. 

Sel.     Sweet  Prince,  wee'l  fwim 
in  blood  to  do  thee  or  thy  brother  fervice. 
Each  man  provide  their  weapons. 

'Abr.     You  will  win 
my  brothers  love  for  ever,  nay  my  father, 
though  hee'l  feem  angry  to  behold  his  juftice 
deluded,  afterwards  when  his  rage  is  paft, 
will  thank  you  for  your  loyalties  :  Pray  be  there 
with  all  fpeed  poffible,  by  this  my  brothers 
commanded  'fore  my  father,  He  go  learn 
the  truth,  and  give  you  notice  :  pray  be  fecret 
and  firm  to  your  refolves.  Exit. 

Sel.     For  him  that  flinches 
in  fuch  a  caufe,  I'le  have  no  more  mercy 
on  him.     Heres  larifa          Enter  Tarifa  and  Mura. 
the  Princes  fometimes  Tutor,  Mura  with  him 


328  Revenge  for  Honour. 

a  walking  towards  the  Court,  let's  take  no  notice 
of  them,  left  they  difcover  our  intentions 
by  our  grim  looks.     March  fair  and  foftly  Couzens, 
wee'l  be  at  Court  before  them. 

Tar.     You  will  not  do  this,  Miira  \ 

Mu.     How  Tarifa  ? 

will  you  defend  him  in  an  act  fo  impious  1 
Is't  fit  the  drum  fhould  ceafe  his  furly  language, 
when  the  bold  Souldiers  marches,  or  that  I 
mould  paffe  o're  this  affront  in  quiet  filence, 
which  Gods  and  men  invoke  to  fpeedy  vengeance  ? 
which  I  will  have,  or  manhood  mail  be  tame 
as  Cowardice. 

Tar.     It  was  a  deed  fo  barbarous, 
that  truth  it  felf  blumes  as  well  as  juftice 
to  hear  it  mention'd  :  but  confider  Mura, 
he  is  our  Prince,  the  Empires  hope,  and  pillar 
of  great  Almanzors  age.     How  far  a  publick 
regard  fhould  be  prefer'd  before  your  private 
defire  of  vengeance  !  which  if  you  do  purchace 
from  our  impartial  Emperors  equity, 
his  lofs  of  fight,  and  fo  of  the  fuccefsion, 
will  not  reftore  Caropia  to  the  honor 
he  ravim't  from  her.     But  fo  foule  the  caufe  is, 
I  rather  mould  lament  the  Princes  folly 
than  plead  in  his  behalf. 

Mur.     'Tis  but  vain, 

there  is  your  warrant,  as  you  are  high  Martha!, 
to  fummon  him  to  make  his  fpeedy  appearance 
'fore  the  Tribunall  of  Almanzor ; 
fo  pray  you  execute  your  office.  Exit. 

Tar.     How  one  vice 

can  like  a  fmall  cloud  when 't  breaks  forth  in  mowers, 
black  the  whole  heaven  of  vertues  !  O  my  Lord, 
Enter  Abilqualit,  Muts,  whifpring,  feem  to  make 

proteftations.     Exeunt. 

that  face  of  yours  which  once  with  Angell  brightnefle 
cheer'd  my  faint  fight,  like  a  grim  apparition 
frights  it  with  ghailly  terror  :  you  have  done 


Revenge  for  Honour.  329 

a  deed  that  flartles  vertue  till  it  (hakes 
as  it  got  a  palfie.     I'me  commanded 
to  fummon  you  before  your  father,  and 
hope  you'l  obey  his  mandate. 

Abil.     Willingly, 
what's  my  offence,  Tarifa  1 

Tar.     Would  you  knew  not, 
I  did  prefage  your  too  unruly  paffions 
would  hurry  you  to  fome  difaft'rous  acl:, 
but  ne're  imagin'd  you'd  have  been  fo  loft 
to  mafculine  honor,  to  commit  a  rape 
on  that  unhappy  object  of  your  love, 
whom  now  y'ave  made  the  fpoil  of  your  foul  luft, 
the  much  wrong'd  wife  of  Mura. 

Abil.  Why,  do's  Mura  charge  me  with  his  Caropids 
rape  ? 

Tar.     This  warrant  fent  by  your  angry  father,  tefti- 

fies 
he  means  to  appeach  you  of  it. 

Abil.     'Tis  my  fortune,  all  natural  motions  when  they 
approach  their  end,  haft  to  draw  to't  with  accuftom'd 
fwiftneffe.     Rivers  with  greedier  fpeed  run  neere 
their  out-falls,  than  at  their  fprings.    But  I'me  refolv'd, 
let  what  happen  that  will,  I'le  ftand  it,  and  defend 
Caropids  honor,  though  mine  own  I  ruin ; 
Who  dares  not  dye  to  juftifie  his  love, 
deferves  not  to  enjoy  her.     Come,  Tarifa^ 
what  e're  befall,  I'me  refolute.     He  dies 
glorious,  that  falls  loves  innocent  facrifice.        Exeunt. 


ACTUS  QUARTUS.       Scena  I. 
Enter  Almanzor,  Abilqualit,  Tarifa  and  Mura. 


Al.     "X  T  O  more  Tarifa,  you'l  provoke  our  anger, 

J[^  if  you  appear  in  this  caufe  fo  felicitous, 
the  acl  is  too  apparent :  nor  fhal  you 


330  Revenge  for  Honour. 

need  (injur'd  Murd)  to  implore  our  juflice, 
which  with  impartial  doome  (hall  fal  on  him 
more  rigoroufly,  then  on  a  flrange  offender. 

0  Abilqu&lit)  (for  the  name  of  Son, 

when  thou  forfookft  thy  native  virtue,  left  thee  ;) 

Were  all  thy  blood,  thy  youth  and  fortunes  glories 

of  no  more  value,  then  to  be  expos'd 

to  ruine  for  one  vice  ;  at  whofe  name  only 

the  furies  Hart,  and  bafhful  fronted  juftice 

hides  her  amaz'd  head  ?  But  it  is  now  bootlefs 

to  mew  a  fathers  pitie,  in  my  grief 

for  thy  amifs.     As  I 'me  to  be  thy  Judg, 

be  refolute,  I'll  take  as  little  notice, 

thou  art  my  off-fpring,  as  the  wandring  clouds 

do  of  the  mowers,  which  when  they've  bred  to  ripe- 

neffe, 
they  ftraight  difperfe  through  the  vail  earth  forgotten. 

AbiL     I'me  forrie  Sir,  that  my  unhappie  chance 
mould  draw  your  anger  on  me  ;  my  long  filence 
declares  I  have  on  that  excelling  fweetneffe, 
that  unexampled  pattern  of  chad  goodneffe  ; 
Caropia  a6led  violence.     I  confeis, 

1  lov'd  the  Ladie,  and  when  no  perfwafions 
ferv'd  to  prevail  on  her,  too  ftubborn,  incenfs'd, 
by  force  I  fought  my  purpofe  and  obtain'd  it ; 
nor  do  I  yet  (fo  much  I  prize  the  fweetneffe 

of  that  unvalued  purchaf  e)  find  repentance 
in  any  abjec~l  thought ;  what  ere  fals  on  me 
from  your  fterne  rigor  in  a  caufe  fo  precious, 
wil  be  a  pleafmg  puniftiment. 

Al.     You  are  grown 

a  glorious  malefadlor,  that  dare  brave  thus 
the  awful  rod  of  juftice  !  Loft  young  man, 
for  thou'rt  no  child  of  mine  ;  doft  not  confider 
to  what  a  Hate  of  defperate  deftruclion 
thy  wild  luft  has  betrai'd  thee  !     What  rich  bleffings 
(that  I  may  make  thee  fenfible  of  thy  fins 
by  fhowing  thee  thy  fuffering)  haft  thou  loft 
by  thy  irregular  folly  !  Firft  my  love, 


Revenge  for  Honoiir.  331 

which  never  more  muft  meet  thee,  fcarce  in  pitie  ; 

the  glorie  flowing  from  thy  former  aclions 

flopt  up  for  ever  ;  and  thofe  luflful  eies, 

by  whofe  deprival  (thou'rt  depriv'd  of  being 

capable  of  this  Empire)  to  the  law, 

which  wil  exact  them,  forfeited.     Cal  in  there 

a  Surgeon,  and  our  Mutts  to  execute  this  act 

Enter  Stirg.  Muts. 

of  juftice  on  the  unworthie  traitor,  upon  whom 
my  juft  wak'd  wrath  mail  have  no  more  compaffion, 
then  the  incens'd  flames  have  on  perilhing  wretches 
that  wilfully  leap  into  them. 

Tar.     O  my  Lord, 

that  which  on  others  would  be  fitting  juftice, 
on  him  your  hopeful  though  offending  fon, 
wil  be  exemplar  crueltie  ;  his  youth  Sir, 
that  hath  abounded  with  fo  many  vertues, 
is  an  excufe  fufficient  for  one  vice  : 
he  is  not  yours  only,  hee's  your  Empires, 
deftin'd  by  nature  and  fucceffions  priviledg, 
when  you  in  peace  are  fhrowded  in  your  marble, 
to  weild  this  Scepter  after  you.     O  do  not, 
by  putting  out  his  eies,  deprive  your  Subjects 
of  light,  and  leave  them  to  dul  mournful  darkneffe. 

AL     'Tis  but  in  vain,  I  am  inexorable. 
If  thofe  on  which  his  eyes  hang,  were  my  heart  firings, 
I'de  cut  them  out  rather  then  wound  my  Juftice ; 
nor  dos't  befit  thy  vertue  intercede 
for  him  in  this  caufe  horrid  and  prodigious  ; 
the  crime  'gainfl  me  was  acted  ;  'twas  a  rape 
upon  my  honour,  more  then  on  her  whiteneffe  ; 
his  was  from  mine  derivative,  as  each  flream 
is  from  its  fpring  ;  fo  that  he  has  polluted 
by  his  foul  fact,  my  fame,  my  truth,  my  goodneffe, 
ftrucken  through  my  dignitie  by  his  violence  : 
nay,  flarted  in  their  peaceful  urnes,  the  afhes 
of  all  my  glorious  Anceftors  ;  defil'd 
the  memorie  of  their  flil  defcendent  vertues  ; 
nay,  with  a  killing  frofl,  nipt  the  fair  bloffomes, 


332  Revenge  for  Honour. 

that  did  prefage.  fuch  goodly  fruit  arifing 
from  his  own  hopeful  youth. 

Mitr.     I  ask  but  juftice  ; 
thofe  eyes  that  led  him  to  unlawful  objects, 
tis  fit  mould  fuffer  for't  a  lafting  blindneffe  ; 
the  Sun  himfelf,  when  he  darts  rayes  lafcivious, 
fuch  as  ingender  by  too  piercing  fervence 
intemperate  and  infectious  heats,  flraight  wears 
obfcuritie  from  the  clouds  his  own  beams  raifes. 
I   have   been   your  Souldier   Sir,    and   fought    your 

battails ; 

for  all  my  fervices,  I  beg  but  juftice, 
which  is  the  Subjects  befl  prerogative, 
the  Princes  greatefl  attribute  ;  and  for  a  fact, 
then  which,  none  can  be  held  more  black  and  hideous, 
which  has  betrai'd  to  an  eclipfe  the  brightefl 
liar  in  th'  heaven  of  vertues  :  the  juft  law 
does  for't  ordain  a  punifhment,  which  I  hope 
you  the  laws  righteous  guider,  wil  accordiug 
to  equitie  fee  executed. 

Tar.     Why  !  that  law 
was  only  made  for  common  malefactors, 
but  has  no  force  to  extend  unto  the  Prince, 
to  whom  the  law  it  felf  muft  become  fubject. 
This  hopeful  Prince,  look  on  him,  great  Almanzor; 
and  in  his  eyes,  thofe  volumes  of  all  graces, 
which  you  like  erring  Meteors  would  extinguish  : 
read  your  own  lively  figure,  the  befl  florie 
of  your  youths  noblefl  vigor  ;  let  not  wrath  (Sir) 
o'recome  your  pietie,  nay  your  humane  pity. 
'Tis  in  your  brefl,  my  Lord,  yet  to  mew  mercie  ; 
that  precious  attribute  of  heavens  true  goodneffe, 
even  to  your  felf,  your  fon  !  me  thinks  that  name 
mould  have  a  power  to  interdict  your  Juftice 
in  its  too  rigorous  progrefs. 

Abil.     Dear  Tar  if  a, 
I'me  more  afflicted  at  the  interceffions, 
then  at  the  view  of  my  approaching  torments, 
which  I  wil  meet  with  fortitude  and  boldnefs, 


Revenge  for  Hono^ir.  333 

too  bafe  to  fhake  now  at  one  perfonal  danger, 

when  I've  incountred  thoufand  perils  fearlefs ; 

Nor  do  I  blame  my  gracious  fathers  Juftice, 

though  it  precede  his  nature.     I'ld  not  have  him 

(for  my  fake)  forfeit  that  for  which  hee's  famous, 

his  incorrupted  equitie,  nor  repine 

I  at  my  deftinie  ;  my  eies  have  had 

delights  fufficient  in  CaropicCs  beauties, 

to  ferve  my  thoughts  for  after  contemplations  ; 

nor  can  I  ever  covet  a  new  objecl, 

fmce  they  can  ne're  hope  to  incounter  any 

of  equal  worth  and  fweetnefs. 

Yet  hark  Tarifa,  to  thy  fecrefie 

I  wil  impart  my  deareft,  inmoft  counfels  ; 

if  I  mould  perifh,  as  'tis  probable 

I  may,  under  the  hands  of  thefe  tormentors ; 

thou  maifl  unto  fucceffion  fhow  my  innocence  ; 

Carnpia  yeilded  without  leafl  conftraint, 

and  I  injoy'd  her  freely. 

Tar.     How  my  Lord  1 

Abil.     No  words  on't, 
as  you  refpecl  my  honour  !  I'ld  not  lofe 
the  glorie  I  mail  gain  by  thefe  my  fufterings ; 
come  grim  fures,  and  execute  your  office.  I  wil  fland 

you, 

unmov'd  as  hills  at  whirlewinds,  and  amidft 
the  torments  you  inflict,  retain  my  courage. 

AL  Be  fpeedie  villaines. 

Tar.     O  flay  your  cruel  hands, 
you  dumb  miniflers  of  injur'd  Juflice, 
and  let  me  fpeak  his  innocence  ere  you  further 
affli6l  his  precious  eye-fight. 

AL     What  does  this  mean,  Tarifa  \ 

Tar.     O  my  Lord, 

the  too  much  braverie  of  the  Princes  fpirit 
'tis  has  undone  his  fame,  and  pul'd  upon  him 
this  fatal  punifhment ;  'twas  but  to  fave 
the  Ladies  honour,  that  he  has  affurn'd 
her  rape  upon  him,  when  with  her  confent 


7^4  Revenge  for  Honour. 

O  «J   i  &       J 

the  deed  of  fha.me  was  acted. 

Mttr.     Tis  his  fears 

makes  him  traduce  her  innocence  :  he  who  did  not 
flick  to  commit  a  riot  on  her  perfon, 
can  make  no  confcience  to  deflroy  her  fame 
by  his  untrue  fuggeftions. 

Al.     'Tis  a  bafeneffe 

beyond  thy  other  villanie  (had  fhee  yeilded) 
thus  to  betraie  for  tranfitorie  torture, 
her  honour,  which  thou  wert  ingag'd  to  fafeguard 
even  with  thy  life.     A  fon  of  mine  could  never 
mow  this  ignoble  cowardize  :  Proceed 
to  execution,  I'll  not  hear  him  fpeak, 
he  his  made  up  of  treacheries  and  falfhoods. 

Tar.     Wil  you  then 

be  to  the  Prince  fo  tyrannous  ?     Why,  to  me 
juft  now  he  did  confefs  his  only  motive 
to  undergoe  this  torment,  was  to  fave 
Caropids  honour  blamelefs. 

Abil.     I  am  more  troubled 
Sir,  with  his  untimely  frenzie, 
then  with  my  punimment ;  his  too  much  love 
to  me,  has  fpoild  his  temperate  reafon.     I 
confefs  Caropia  yeilded  !     Not  the  light 
is  half  fo  innocent  as  her  fpotleffe  virtue. 
'Twas  not  wel  done,  Tarifa,  to  betray 
the  fecret  of  your  friend  thus,  though  Shee  yeilded, 
the  terror  of  ten  thoufand  deaths  mail  never 
force  me  to  confefs  it. 

Tar.     Agen,  my  Lord,  even  now 
he  does  confefs,  me  yeilded,  and  protefts 
that  death  fhall  never  make  him  fay  Ihee's  guiltie  : 
the  breath  fcarce  pafs'd  his  lips  yet. 

Abil.     Hapleffe  man, 
to  run  into  this  lunacie  ! 
Fie  Tarifa, 
fo  treacherous  to  your  Friend  ! 

Tar.     Agen,  agen. 
Wil  no  man  give  me  credit  ? 


Revenge  for  Honour. 


oo. 


Enter  Abrahen. 

Abr.     Where  is  our  roial  father  ?  where  our  brother  ? 
As  you  refpec~t  your  life  and  Empires  fafetie, 
difmifs  thefe  tyrannous  inftruments  of  death 
and  crueltie  unexemplified.     O  Brother, 
that  I  mould  ever  live  to  enjoy  my  eie- fight, 
and  fee  one  halfe  of  your  dear  lights  indanger'd. 
My  Lord,  you've  done  an  a6l,  which  my  jufl  fears 
tels  me,  wil  make  your  Scepter !  O  for  heavens  fake, 
look  to  your  future  fafetie ;  the  rough  Souldier 
hearing  their  much  lov'd  General,  My  good  Brother 
was  by  the  law  betrai'd  to  fome  fad  danger, 
have  in  their  pietie  befet  the  pallace  ; 
think  on  fome  means  to  appeafe  them,  ere  their  furie 
grow  to  its  ful  unbridled  height  ;  they  threaten 
your  life,  dear  Sir  :  pray  fend  my  brother  to  them, 
his  fight  can  only  pacific  them. 

AL     Have  you  your  Champions  ! 
We  wil  prevent  their  infolence,  you  mal  not 
boaft,  you  have  got  the  Empire  by  our  ruine. 
Muts,  Strangle  him  immediately. 

Abr.     Avert 
fuch  a  prodigious  mifchief,  heaven,  Hark,  hark 

Enter,  Enter. 

they're  entred  into  th'  Court ;  defift  you  monfters, 
my  life  fhal  (land  betwixt  his  and  this  violence, 
or  I  with  him  wil  perim.     Faithful  Souldiers, 
haft  to  defend  your  Prince,  curfe  on  your  flown effe. 
Hee's  dead  ;  my  fathers  turn  is  next.     O  horror, 
would  I  might  fink  into  forgetfuln effe  ! 
What  has  your  furie  urg'd  you  to  ] 

Al.     To  that 
which  whofo  murmurs  at,  is  a  faithleffe  traitor 

Enter  Simanthes. 
to  our  tranquilitie.     Now  Sir,  your  bufmefs  1 

Sim.     My  Lord,  the  Citie 
is  up  in  arms,  in  refcue  of  the  Prince ; 
the  whole  Court  throngs  with  Souldiers. 

Al.     'Twas  high 


336  Revenge  for  Honour. 

to  cut  this  viper  off,  that  would  have  eat  his  paffage 
through  our  very  bowels  to  our  Empire. 
Nay,  we  wil  fland  their  furies,  and  with  terror 
of  Majedie  flrike  dead  thefe  infurreclions. 

Enter  Sonldiers. 
Traitors,  what  means  this  violence? 

Abr.   O  dear  Souldiers, 

your  honed  love's  in  vain  ;  my  Brother's  dead, 
flrangled  by  great  Almanzor's  dire  command, 
ere  your  arrival.     I  do  hope  they'l  kill  him 
in  their  hot  zeal. 

Al.     Why  do  you  flare  fo,  traitors  1 
'twas  I  your  Emp'ror  that  have  done  this  a<5t, 
which  who  repines  at,  treads  the  felf  fame  fleps 
of  death  that  he  has  done.     Withdraw  and  leave  us, 
wee'ld  be  alone.     No  motion  !  Are  you  flatues  1 
Stay  you,  Tar  if  a  here.     For  your  part,  Mura, 
you  cannot  now  complain  but  you  have  juftice ; 
fo  quit  our  prefence. 

Of.     Faces  about,  Gentleman.  Exeunt. 

Abr.     It  has  happ'ned 

above  our  wiihes,  we  mail  have  no  need  now 
to  imploy  your  handkercher.  Yet  give  it  me. 
You'r  fure  'tis  right,  Simanthes. 

AL     Tarifa, 

I  know  the  love  thou  beard  Prince  Abilqualit 
makes  thy  big  heart  fwell  as  't  had  drunk  the  fome 
of  angry  Dragons.     Speak  thy  free  intentions, 
Deferv'd  he  not  this  fate  ? 

Tar.     No  :  You're  a  Tyrant, 
one  that  delights  to  feed  on  your  own  bowels, 
and  were  not  worthie  of  a  Son  fo  vertuous. 
Now  you  have  tane  his,  add  to  your  injudice, 
and  take  Tariffs  life,  who  in  his  death, 
mould  it  come  flying  on  the  wings  of  torments, 
would  fpeak  it  out  as  an  apparant  truth  : 
the  Prince  to  me  declar'd  his  innocence, 
and  that  Caropia  yeelded. 

Al.     Rife  Tarifa] 


Revenge  for  Honour.  33  7 

we  do  command  thee,  rife  :  a  fudden  chilneffe, 

fuch  as  the  hand  of  winter  cads  on  brooks, 

thrils  our  ag'd  heart.     I'll  not  have  thee  ingrofs 

forrow  alone  for  Abilqualifs  death  : 

I  lov'd  the  boy  well,  and  though  his  ambition 

and  popularitie  did  make  him  dangerous, 

I  do  repent  my  furie,  and  will  vie 

with  thee  in  forrow.     How  he  makes  death  lovely  ! 

Shall  we  fix  here,  and  weep  till  we  be  flatues  1 

Tar.     Til  we  grow  fliff  as  the  cold  Alablailers 
muft  be  creeled  over  us.     Your  rafhneffe 
has  rob'd  the  Empire  of  the  greatefl  hope 
it  ere  mall  boafl  agen.     Would  I  were  afhes. 

AL     He    breathes   (me    thinks :)    the   over-haflie 

foul 

was  too  difcourteous  to  forfake  fo  fair 
a  lodging,  without  taking  folemn  leave 
firft  of  the  owner.     Ha,  his  handkercher  ! 
Thou'rt  lib'ral  to  thy  Father  even  in  death, 
leav'ft  him  a  legacie  to  drie  his  tears, 
which  are  too  flow ;  they  mould  create  a  deluge. 

0  my  dear  Abilqualit  \ 
Tar.     You  exceed  now 

as  much  in  grief  as  you  did  then  in  rage, 
One  drop  of  this  pious  paternal  foftneffe 
had  ranfom'd  him  from  mine.     Dear  Sir,  rife  : 
my  grief's  divided,  and  I  know  not  whether 

1  mould  lament  you  living,  or  him  dead. 

Good  Sir,  erecl  your  looks.     Not  ftir  !     His  forrow 

makes  him  infenfible.     Ha,  there's  no  motion 

left  in  his  vital  fpirits  :  The  exceffe 

of  grief  has  flifled  up  his  pow'rs,  and  crack'd 

(I  fear)  his  ag'd  hearts  cordage.      Help,  the  Emperor, 

the  Emperor's  dead  ;  Help,  help. 

Abrahen,  Simanthes,  Mefithes,  Muts. 

Abr.     What  difmal  outcrie's  this  1 
our  royal  father  dead  !   The  handkercher  has  wrought 
I  fee. 


338  Revenge  for  Honour. 

Tar.     Yes  ;  his  big  heart 
vanquifh'd  with  forrow,  that  in's  violent  rage, 
he  doom'd  his  much  lov'd  fon  to  timelefs  death, 
could  not  endure  longer  on  its  weak  firings, 
but  crack'd  with  weight  of  forrow.     Their  two  fpirits, 
by  this,  are  met  in  their  delightful  paffage 
to  the  bleft  Ihades  ;  we  in  our  tears  are  bound 
to  cal  you  our  dread  Soveraign. 

Omnes.     Long  live  Abrahen 
Great  Caliph  of  Arabia. 

Abr.     Tis  a  title 

we  cannot  covet,  Lords,  it  comes  attended 
with  fo  great  cares  and  troubles,  that  our  youth! 
flart  at  the  thought  of  them,  even  in  our  forrows 
which  are  fo  mightie  on  us ;  our  weak  fpirits 
are  readie  to  relinquiih  the  poffeffion 
they've  of  mortalitie,  and  take  fwift  flight 
after  our  roial  friends.     Simanthes,  be  it 
your  charge  to  fee  all  fitting  preparation 
provided  for  the  funerals.  Enter  Selinthus. 

Sel.     Where's  great  Almanzor*), 

Abr.     O  Selinthus,  this 
day  is  the  hour  of  funerals  grief ;  for  his 
crueltie  to  my  brother,  has  tranflated 
him  to  immortalitie. 

Sel.     Hee'll  have  attendants 
to  wait  on  him  to  our  great  prophets  paradife, 
ere  he  be  readie  for  his  grave.     The  Souldiers 
all  mad  with  rage  for  the  Princes  daughter, 
have  vow'd  by  all  oaths  Souldiers  can  invent, 
(and  that's  no  fmal  ftore)  with  death    and  deftruc- 

tion 
to  purfue  fullen  Mura. 

Abr.  "Tarifa, 

ufe  your  authoritie  to  keep  their  violence 
in  due  obedience.     We're  fo  fraught  with  grief, 
we  have  no  room  for  any  other  paffion 
in  our  diflradled  bofome.     Take  thefe  roial  bodies 
and  place  them  on  that  couch ;  here  where  they  fell, 


Revenge  for  Honour.  339 

they  fhal  be  imbalm'd.     Yet  put  them  out  of   our 

.  fight, 

their  veiws  draw  frefli  drops  from  our  heart. 
Anon  we'l  mew  our  felves  to  chear  the  afflicted 
Subjea.  a  Shout. 

Omnes.     Long  live  Abrahen,  great  Caliph  of  Arabia. 

Exeunt. 

Abr.     And  who  can  fay  now,  Abrahen  is  a  villain  ? 
I  am  faluted  King  with  acclamations 
that  deaf  the  Heavens  to  hear,  with  as  much  joy 
as  if  I  had  atchiev'd  this  Scepter  by 
means  fair  and  vertuous.     'Twas  this  handkercher 
that  did  to  death  Almanzor  ;  fo  infected 
its  lead  infenfible  vapour  has  full  power  ; 
apply'd  to  th'  eye,  or  any  other  Organ, 
can  drink  its  poyfon  in  to  vanquifL  Nature, 
though  nere  fo  flrong  and  youthful.    'Twas  Simanthes 
devis'd  it  for  my  brother,  and  my  cunning 
transferr'd  it  to  Almanzor  ;  'tis  no  matter, 
my  worft  impiety  is  held  now  religious. 
'Twixt  Kings  and  their  inferiors  there's  this  ods, 
Thefe  are  meer  men,  we  men,  yet  earthly  gods. 

Exit. 

AMI.     'Twas  well  the  Muts  prov'd  faithful,  other- 
wife 

I'd  loll  my  breath  with  as  much  fpeed  and  filence 
as  thofe  who  do  expire  in  dreams,  their  health 
feeming  no  whit  abated.     But  'twas  wifely 
confider'd  of  me,  to  prepare  thofe  fure 
inftruments  of  deftruclion  :  The  fufpicion 
I  had  by  Abrahen  of  my  fathers  fears 
of  my  unthought  ambition,  did  inftruct  me 
by  making  them  mine,  to  fecure  my  fafety. 
Would  the  inhumane  Surgeon  had  tane 
thefe  bleffed  lights    from  me;   that  I  had  liv'd  for 

ever 

doom'd  to  perpetual  darknefs,  rather  then 
Tar  if  as  fears  had  fo  appeach'd  her  honour. 

Y    2 


340  Revenge  for  Honour. 

Well,  villain  Brother,  I  have  found  that  by 

my  feeming  death,  which  by  my  lives  beft  arts 

I  ne're  mould  have  had  knowledg  of.     Dear  Father, 

though  thou  to  me  wert  pitileffe,  my  heart 

weeps  tears  of  blood,  to  fee  thy  age  thus  like 

a  lofty  pine  fall,  eaten  through  by  th'  gin 

from  its  own  Stock  defcending  :  He  has  agents 

in  his  ungracious  wickedneffe  :  Simanthes 

he  has  difcover'd  :  Were  they  multitudes 

as  numerous  as  collected  fands,  and  mighty 

in  force  as  mifchief,  they  mould  from  my  Juftice 

meet  their  due  punifhment.     Abrahen  by  this 

is  proclaim'd  Caliph,  yet  my  undoubted  right, 

when't  mail  appear  I'me  living,  wil  reduce 

the  people  to  my  part ;  the  armie's  mine, 

whither  I  mud  withdraw  unleen  :  the  night 

wil  befl  fecure  me.     What  a  flrange  Chimera 

of  thought  poffeffes  my  dul  brain  !     Caropia, 

thou  haft  a  mare  in  them  :  Fate,  to  thy  mercie 

I  do  commit  my  felf ;  who  fcapes  the  mare 

once,  has  a  certain  caution  to  beware.  Exit. 

Seen.  2.     Enter  Caropia  and  Perilinda. 

Car.     Your  Lord  is  not  returned  yet ! 

Per.     No,  good  Madam  : 
pray  do  not  thus  torment  your  felf,  the  Prince 
(I  warrant  you)  wil  have  no  injurie 
by  faving  of  your  honour  ;  do  you  think 
his  father  wil  be  fo  extreme  outragious 
for  fuch  a  trifle,  as  to  force  a  woman 
with  her  good  liking  ? 

Car.     My  ill  boding  foul 
beats  with  prefages  ominous.     Would  heaven 
I'd  flood  the  hazard  of  my  incenf  'd  Lords  furie, 
rather  then  he  had  run  this  imminent  danger. 
Could  you  ne're  learn,  which  of  the  flaves  it  was 
betray'd  ourclofe  loves  to  loath'd  Mura's  notice  1 


Revenge  for  Honour.  341 

,     Per.     No  indeed  could  I  not ;  but  here's  my  Lord, 
pray  Madam  do  not  grieve  fo  !  Enter  Mura. 

Mu.     My  Caropia, 

drefs  up  thy  looks  in  their  accuftom'd  beauties, 
cal  back  the  con  flan t  fpring  into  thy  cheeks, 
that  droope  like  lovely  Violets,  o're  charg'd 
with  too  much  mornings  dew;  moot  from  thy  eies 
a  thoufand  flames  of  joy.     The  luftful  Prince, 
that  like  a  foul  thief,  lob'd  thee  of  thy  honour 
by  his  ungracious  violence,  has  met 
his  roial  fathers  Juftice. 

Car.     Now  my  fears 

carry  too  fure  an  augury  !  you  would  fain 
footh  me,  my  Lord,  out  of  my  floud  of  forrows ; 
what  reparation  can  that  make  my  honour, 
though  he  have  tailed  puniftiment  t 

Mu.  His  life 

is  fain  the  off-fpring  of  thy  chaftitie, 
which  his  hot  luft  polluted  :  nay,  Caropia, 
to  faye  himfelf,  when  he  but  felt  the  torment 
applied  to  his  lafcivious  eies  ;  although 
at  firfl  he  did  with  impudence  acknowledg 
thy  rape,  he  did  invade  thy  fpotlefs  virtue, 
protefled,  only  'twas  to  fave  thy  honor, 
he  took  on  him  thy  rape,  when  with  confent 
and  not  conilrain'd,  thou  yeildedft  to  the  loofnefs 
of  his  wild  vicious  flames. 

Car.     Could  he  be  fo  unjuft,  my  Lord  1 

Mu.     He  was,  and  he  has  paid  for't ; 
the  malicious  Souldier,  while  he  was  a  lofing 
his   eies,   made  violent   head   to  bring   him  reskue, 

which 

pul'd  his  mine  on  him.     But  no  more 
of  fuch  a  prodigie ;  may  his  black  memorie 
perifh  even  with  his  afhes.     My  Caropia, 
the  flourishing  trees  widow'd  by  winters  violence 
of  their  fair  ornaments,  when  'tis  expir'd  once, 
put  forth  again  with  new  and  virgin  frefhnefs, 
their  bumie  beauties ;  it  mould  be  thy  emblem. 


342  Revenge  for  Honoitr. 

Difplay  agen.thofe  chad  immaculate  glories, 
which  the  harfh  winter  of  his  luft  had  wither'd ; 
and  I'll  agen  be  wedded  to  thy  verities, 
with  as  much  joy,  as  when  thou  firft  inrich'd  me 
with  their  pure  maiden  beauties.     Thou  art  dul, 
and  doft  not  gratulate  with  happie  welcoms, 
the  triumphs  of  thy  vengeance. 

Car.     Are  you  fure,  my  Lord,  the  Prince  is  dead  ? 
Mu.     Pirn,  I  beheld 'him  breathleffe. 
Take  comfort  bed  Caropia,  thy  difgrace 
did  with  his  loath'd  breath  vaniih. 

Car.     I  could  wifli  though, 
that  he  had  falne  by  your  particular  vengance, 
rather  then  by  th'  laws  rigor  ;  you're  a  Souldier 
of  glorie,  great  in  war  for  brave  performance  : 
me  thinks  't  had  been  far  nobler,  had  you  call'd  him 
to  perfonal  fatisfaclion  :  had  I  been 
your  husband,  you  my  wife,  and  ravifhed  by  him  ; 
my  refolution  would  have  arm'd  my  courage 
to  Ve  ftroke  him  thus :  The  dead  Prince  fends  you 
that.  Stab  him. 

Mu.     O,  I  am  flam  ! 
Car.     Would  it  were  poffible 
to  kil  even  thy  eternitie.     Sweet  Prince, 
how  flial  I  fatisfie  thy  unhappie  ruins  ! 
Ha,  not  yet  breathleffe  !     To  increafe  thy  anguifh 
even  to  defpair,  know,  Abilqitalit  was 
more  dear  to  me,  then  thy  foul  felfe  was  odious, 
and  did  enjoy  me  freely. 

An.     That  I  had 
but  breath  enough  to  blafl  thee. 

Car.     Twas  his  brother 
(curfe  on  his  art)  feduc'd  me  to  accufe 
him  of  my  rape.     Do  you  groane,  prodigie  ! 
take  this  as  my  lail  bountie.  Stab  again. 

Enter  Perilinda. 
Per.     O  Madam,  Madam, 


Revenge  for  Honour.  343 

^          fiial  we  do  ?  the  houfe  is  round  befet] 
'with  Souldiers ;  Madam,  they  do  fweare  they'le  tear 
my  Lord,  for  the  fweet  Princes  death,  in  pieces. 

Car.     This  hand  has  fav'd 
their  furie  that  jufl  labour :  yet  Tie  make 
ufe  of  their  malice,  help  to  convey 
him  into's  Chamber. 

Enter  Ofman,  Gaj)elles>  Souldiers. 

Gof.     Where  is  this  villain,  this  traitor  Mura  1 
Car.     Heaven  knowes  what  violence 
their  furie  may  affault  me  with  ;  be't  death, 
't  mall  be  as  welcome,  as  found  healthful  fleeps 
to  men  opprefs'd  with  fickneffe.     What's  the  matter  ? 
what  means  this  outrage  ? 
Of.     Marry,  Ladie  gay, 

We're  come  to  cut  your  little  throat ;  pox  on  you, 
and  all  your  fex  ;  you've  caus'd  the  noble  Princes 
death,  wild-fire  take  you  fort,  weel  talk  with  you 
at  better  leifure  :  you  mufl  needs  be  ravifhed  ! 
and  could  not  like  an  honeft  woman,  take 
the  curtefie  in  friendly  fort ! 

Gaf.     We  trifle  : 

her  husband  may  efcape  us.     Say,  where  is  he  ? 
or  you  mall  die,  ere  you  can  pray. 

Sold.     Here,  here  I  have  found  the  vallain  !  what,  do 

you 

deep  fo  foundly  1  ne're  wake  more,  this  for  the 
Prince,  you  rogue  :  let's  tear  him  piecemeale. 
Do  you  take  your  death  in  filence,  dog  ! 

Car.     You  appear  indow'd  with  fome  humanitie, 
you  have  tane  his  life ;  let  not  your  hate  lad 
after  death ;  let  me  embalm  his  bodie  with 
my  tears,  or  kil  me  with  him. 

Of.     Now  you've  faid  the  word, 
we  care  not  if  we  do.  Enter  Tarifa. 

Tar.     Slaves,  unhand 
the  Ladie,  who  dares  offer  her  leafl  violence, 


344  Revenge  for  Honour. 

from  this  hand  meets  his  punifliment.      Gafelles, 
Ofman,  I  thought  you  had  been  better  temper'd, 
then  thus  to  raife  up  mutinies.     In  the  name 
of  Abrahen  our  now  Caliph,  I  command  you, 
defift  from  thefe  rebellious  praclifes, 
and  quietly  retire  into  the  Camp, 
and  there  expe6t  his  pleafure. 

Gaf.     Abrahen  Caliph  ! 

There  is  fome  hopes  then,  we  mail  gaine  our  par 
dons  : 

Long  live  great  Abrahen.     Souldiers,  flink  away, 
our  vow  is  consummate. 

Car.     O  my  deare  Lord  ! 

Tar.     Be  gone. 

Of.     Yes,  as  quietly 
as  if  we  were  in  flight  before  the  foe ; 
the  general  pardon  at  the  coronation, 
wil  bring  us  off,  I'me  fure. 

Tar.     Alas,  good  Madam  ! 
I'me  forrie  that  thefe  miferies  have  fain 
with  fo  much  rigor  on  you  ;  pray  take  comfort  : 
your  husband  profecuted  with  too  much  violence 
Prince  Abilqualifs  ruine. 

Car.     It  appeared  fo  ! 

what  worlds  of  woes  have  haplefs  I  given  life  to, 
and  yet  furvive  them  ! 

Tar.     Do  not  with  fuch  furie 

torment  your  innocent  felf.     I'me  fure  the  Emperor 
Abrahtn,  wil  number  't  'mongft  his  greatefl  forrows, 
that  he  has  loft  your  husband.     I  muft  give  him 
notice  of  thefe  proceedings.     Beft  peace  keep  you, 
and  fettle  your  diftraclions. 

Car.     not  until 

I'me  fetled  in  my  peaceful  urne.     This  is  yet 
fome  comfort  to  me,  'midft  the  floods  of  woes, 
that  do  overwhelm  me  for  the  Princes  death, 
that  I  reveng'd  it  fafely ;  though  I  prize 
my  life  at  no  more  value  then  a  foolifh 
ignorant  Indian  does  a  Diamond, 


Revenge  for  Honour.  345 

which  for  a  bead  of  Jet  or  glafs,  he  changes  : 

'Nor  would  I  keep  it,  were  it  not  with  fuller, 

more  noble  braverie,  to  take  revenge 

for  my  Lord  Abilqualifs  timeleffe  Daughter. 

I  mull  ufe  craft  and  myfterie.     Diffembling 

is  held  the  natural  qualitie  of  our  Sex, 

nor  wil't  be  hard  to  practice.     This  fame  Abrahen, 

that  by  his  brothers  ruine  weilds  the  Scepter, 

whether  out  of  his  innocence  or  malice, 

'twas  that  perfwaded  me  to  accufe  him  of 

my  rape.     The  die  is  caft,  I  am  refolv'd 

to  thee  my  Abilqualit  I  wil  come. 

A  death  for  love,  's  no  death  but  Martyrdom.       Exit. 


ACTUS  QUINTUS.      Scena  I. 

Enter  Abilqualit,  Selinthus,  Gaff  elks,  Of  man, 
Souldiers,  and  Muts. 

.,  .j      "X  T  O  more,  good  faithful  Souldiers  ;  thank 
Abil.      J^          the  powers 

divine,  has  brought  me  back  to  you  in  fafety ; 

the  traitorous  practifes  againft  our  life, 

and  our  deare  fathers,  poifon'd  by  our  brother ; 

we  have  difcoverd,  and  (hall  take  juft  vengance 

on  the  unnatural  paricide  :  Retire 

into  your  tents,  and  peacefully  expect 

the  event  of  things,  you  Ofman  and  Gaffelles 

(hall  into  th'  Citie  with  me. 

Of.     We  wil  march 

through  the  world  with  thee,  dear  Soveraign, 
great  Abilqualit. 

Abil.     Selinthus, 

give  you  our  dear  Tarifa  fpeedie  notice 
we  are  again  among  the  living  :  pray  him 
to  let  our  loyal  Subjects  in  the  Citie, 
have  fure  intelligence  of  our  efcape  ; 


346  Revenge  for  Honoiir. 

and  dearefl  friends  and  fellowes,  let  not  your 
too  loud  expreffions  of  your  joy,  for  our 
unlook'd  for  welfare,  fubjecl  to  difcoverie 
our  unexpected  fafety. 

Sel.     Never  fear  :  they'r  truflie  Mirmidons,  and  wil 

flick  clofe 

to  you  their  dear  Achilles ;  but  my  Lord, 
the  wifeft  may  imagine  it  were  fafer 
for  you  to  reft  here  'mong  your  armed  legions, 
then  to  intruft  your  perfon  in  the  City, 
whereas  it  feems  by  the  pafs'd  florie,  you'le 
not  know  friends  from  enemies. 

AbiL     Selinthus, 

Thy  honed  care  declares  the  zealous  duty 
thou  ow'ft  thy  Soveraign  :  but  what  danger  can 
affault  us  there,  where  there  is  none  fufpedls 
we  are  alive  '?  we'l  go  furveigh  the  ftate 
of  things,  i'  th'  morning  we  will  feize  the  Palace, 
and  then  proclaim  our  Right.  Come,  valiant  Captains, 
you  mail  be  our  companions. 

Gaf.     And  we'l  guard  you 
fafe,  as  you  were  encompafs'd  with  an  Army. 

SeL     You  guard  your  own  fools  heads  :  I'st  fit  his 

fafety, 

on  which  our  lives  and  fortunes  have  dependance, 
mould  be  expos'd  unto  your  fingle  valour  1 
Pray  once  let  your  friends  rule  you,  that  you  may 
rule  them  hereafter.     Your  good  brother  Abrahen 
has  a  ftrong  faction,  it  mould  feem  i'  th'  Court : 
and  thofe  thefe  Blood-hounds  follow'd  the  fent  hotly 
till  they  had  worried  Mura.     He  has  other 
allies  of  no  mean  confequence  ;  your  Eunuch 
Mefithes  his  chief  Favourite,  and  Simanthes. 

AbiL     It  was  that  Villain  that  betray'd  my  Love 
to  him  and  flaught'red  Mura. 

Sel.     Wery  likely.. 

An  arranter,  falfer  Parafite,  never  was 
cut  like  a  Colt.     Pray  Sir,  be  wife  this  once, 
at  my  intreaties ;  and  for  ever  after 


Revenge  for  Honoiir.  347 

ufe  your  difcretion  as  you  pleafe  :  thefe  night  works 
I  do  not  like  ;  yet  e're  the  morning  I  will  bring 
Tarifa  to  you. 

Abil.     You  mall  o're  rule  us.     Poor  Caropia,  thefe 
thoughts  are  thy  vot'ries  ;  love  thy  acftive  fire, 
flames  out  when  prefent,  abfent  in  defire.          Exeunt. 

Seen.  2.     Enter  Abrahen,  Simanthes  and  Mefithes. 

Abr.     What   State    and    Dignitie's    like    that    of 

Scepters  ? 

With  what  an  awful  Majefly  refembles  it 
the  Powers  above  ?  the  inhabitants  of  that 
Superior  world  are  not  more  fubjedl 
to  them,  then  thefe  to  us ;  they  can  but  tremble 
when  they  do  fpeak  in  thunder  ;  at  our  frowns 
thefe  make  like  Lambs  at  lightning.     Can  it  be 
impiety  by  any  means  to  purchafe 
this  earthly  Deity,  Soveraignty.     I  did  fleep 
this  night  with  as  fecure  and  calme  a  peace, 
as  in  my  former  innocence.     Confcience, 
thou'rt  but  a  terror,  firft  devis'd  by  th'  fears 
of  Cowardife,  a  fad  and  fond  remembrance, 
which  men  mould  fhun,  as  Elephants  clear  fprings, 
left  they  beheld  their  own  deformities, 

Enter  Mefithes. 
and  ftart  at  their  grim  fhadowes.     Ha,  Mefithes  \ ' 

Mef.     My  Royal  Lord  ! 

Abr.     Call  me  thy  Friend,  Mefithes, 
thou  equally  doft  mare  our  heart,  bed  Eunuch  ; 
there  is  not  in  the  flock  of  earthly  bleffmgs 
another  I  could  wifli  to  make  my  ftate 
completely  fortunate,  but  one  ;  and  to 
atcheive  poffeffion  of  that  blifs,  thy  diligence 
mud  be  the  fortunate  Inflrument. 

Mef.     Be  it  dangerous 
as  the  affrights  Sea  men  do  fain  in  Tempefls, 
I'll  undertake  it  for  my  gracious  Soveraign, 
and  perifti,  but  effecl  it. 


348  Revenge  for  Honour. 

Abr.     No,  /there  is 

not  the  lead  (hew  of  peril  in't ;  'tis  the  want 
of  fair  Caropids  long  coveted  beauties 
that  doth  airlift  thy  Abrahen.     Love,  Meftthes, 
is  a  mofl  ilubborn  Malady  in  a  Lady,  not  cur'd 
with  that  felicity,  that  are  other  paflions, 
and  creeps  upon  us  by  thofe  ambufhes, 
that  we  perceive  our  lelves  fooner  in  love, 
then  we  can  think  upon  the  way  of  loving. 
The  old  flames  break  more  brightly  from  th'  allies 
where  they  have  long  layn  hid,  like  the  young  Phenix 
that  from  her  fpicie  pile  revives  more  glorious. 
Nor  can  I  now  extinguim't ;  it  has  paff'd 
the  limits  of  my  reafon,  and  intend 
my  wil,  where  like  a  fixt  Star  't  fettles, 
never  to  be  removed  thence. 

Mef.     Ceafe  your  fears  ; 
I  that  could  win  her  for  your  brother,  who 
could  not  boaft  half  your  mafculine  Perfections, 
for  you  will  vanquifh  her.  Enter  Simanthes. 

Sim.     My  Lord,  the  widow 
of  flaughtered  Mura^  fair  Caropia  does 
humbly  intreat  accefs  to  your  dread  prefence  ; 
Shall  we  permit  her  entrance  % 

Abr.  With  all  freedom 
and  beft  regard.     Mefithes,  this  arrives 
beyond  our  wifh.     I'll  trie  my  eloquence 
in  my  own  caufe ;  and  if  I  fail,  thou  then 
fhalt  be  my  Advocate. 

Mef.     Your  humbled  vaffal. 

Abr.     With-draw  and  leave  us,  and  give  ftric~l  order 
none  approach  our  prefence 

till  we  do  call.     It  is  not  fit  her  forrows      Enter  Car. 
mould  be  furvey'd  by  common  eie.    Caropia,  welcom  ; 
and  would  we  could  as  eafily  give  thee  comfort 
as  we  allow  thee  more  then  mod'rate  pitie. 
In  tears  thofe  eyes  call  forth  a  greater  luftre, 
then  fparkling  rocks  of  Diamonds  inclos'd 
in  fwelling  feas  of  Pearl. 


Revenge  for  Honour.  349 

Car.     Your  Majeftie 
is  pleas'd  to  wanton  with  my  miferies, 
which  truly  you,  if  you  have  nature  in  you, 
ought  to  bear  equall  part  in  your  deer  brothers 
untimely  loffe,  occafion'd  by  my  falfhood, 
and  your  improvident  counfel :  'Tis  that  calls 
thefe  hearty  forrows  up,  I  am  his  Murdreffe. 

Abr.     'Twas  his  own  deflinie,  not  our  bad  intentions 
took  him  away  from  earth  ;  he  was  too  heavenly, 
fit  only  for  th'  focietie  of  Angels, 
'mongil  whom  he  fings  glad  hymns  to  thy  perfections, 
celebrating  with  fuch  eloquence  thy  beauties, 
that  thofe  immortal  effences  forget 
to  love  each  other  by  intelligence, 
and  doat  on  the  Idea  of  thy  SweetnefTe. 

Car.     Thefe  gentle  blandifhirents,  and  his  innocent 

carriage 

had  I  as  much  of  malice  as  a  Tigreffe 
rob'd  of  her  young,  would  melt  me  into  meeknefle. 
But  I'll  not  be  a  woman. 

Abr.     Sing  out,  Angel, 

and  charm  the  world  (were  it  at  mortal  diff'rence) 
to  peace  with  thine  inchantments.  What  foft  murmurs 
are  thofe  that  fteal  through  thofe  pure  rofie  organs, 
like  aromatick  weft-winds,  when  they  flie 
through  fruitful  mifts  of  fragrant  mornings  dew, 
to  get  the  Spring  with  child  of  flowers  and  fpices  ? 
Difperfe  thefe  clouds,  that  like  the  vail  of  night, 
with  unbecoming  darkneffe  made  thy  beauties, 
and  flrike  a  new  day  from  thofe  orient  eies, 
to  gild  the  world  with  brightneffe, 

Car.     Sir,  thefe  flatteries 
neither  befit  the  ears  of  my  true  forrows, 
nor  yet  the  utt'rance  of  that  reall  fadneffe 
mould  dwel  in  you.     Are  thefe  the  fun'ral  rites 
you  pay  the  memorie  of  your  roiall  Father, 
and  much  lamented  Brother  ? 

Abr.     They  were  mortall, 
and  to  lament  them,  were  to  mew  I  envi'd 


350  Revenge  for  Honour. 

th'  immortal  joyes  of  that  true  happineffe 

their  glorious  fouls  (disfranchis'd  from  their  flefli) 

poffefs  to  perpetuitie  and  fulneffe. 

Befides,  (Caropid)  I  have  other  griefs 

more  neer  my  heart,  that  circle't  with  a  ficknefie 

will  mortly  number  me  among  their  fellowfhip, 

if  fpeedier  remedie  be  not  apply'd 

to  my  moft  defp'rate  maladie. 

Car.     I  mall 

(if  my  hand  fail  not  my  determin'd  courage) 
fend  you  to  their  focietie  far  fooner 
then  you  expect  or  covet.     Why,  great  Sir, 
what  grief,  unleffe  your  forrow  for  their  loffe, 
is't  can  afflict  you,  that  command  all  bleffmgs 
men  wittie  in  ambition  of  exceffe 
can  wifli,  to  pleafe  their  fancies  ? 

Abr.     The  want  only 

of  that  which  I've  fo  long  defird  ;  thy  love, 
thy  love,  Caropia,  without  which  my  Empire, 
and  all  the  pleafures  flowing  from  its  greatneffe, 
will  be  but  burdens,  foul-tormenting  troubles. 
There's  not  a  beam  mot  from  thofe  grief  drown'd 

Comets 

but  (like  the  Sun's,  when  they  break  forth  of  fhowers) 
dart  flames  more  hot  and  piercing.     Had  I  never 
doated  before  on  thy  divine  perfections, 
viewing  thy  beautie  thus  adorn'd  by  fadnefie, 
my  heart,  though  marble,  actuated  to  foftneffe, 
would  burn  like  facred  incenfe,  it  felf  being 
the  Altar,  Prieft,  and  Sacrifice. 

Car.     This  is 

as  unexpected,  as  unwelcome,  Sir. 
Howere  you're  pleas'd  to  mock  me  and  my  griefs 
with  thefe  impertinent,  unmeant  difcourfes, 
I  cannot  have  fo  prodigal  a  faith, 
to  give  them  the  lead  credit ;  and  it  is 
unkindly  done,  thus  to  deride  my  forrows. 
the  virgin  Turtles  hate  to  joyn  their  purenefs 
with  widow'd  mates  ;  my  Lord,  you  are  a  Prince, 


Revenge  for  Honour.  351 

and  fuch  as  much  deteft  to  utter  falfhoods, 
as  Saints  do  perjuries  :  why  fhould  you  ftrive  then 
to  lay  a  bait  to  captivate  my  affections,  when  your 
greatneffe  conjoin'd  with  your  youths  mafculine  beau 
ties, 

are  to  a  womans  frailtie,  ftrong  temptations  ? 
You  know  the  ftorie  too  of  my  misfortunes, 
that  your  dead  brother,  did  with  vicious  loofenefie, 
corrupt  the  chafl  dreams  of  my  fpotleffe  vertues, 
and  left  me  foiled  like  a  long  pluck'd  rofe, 
whofe  leaves  diffever'd,  have  forgon  their  fweetneffe. 

Abr.     Thou  haft  not  (my  Caropia  ;)  thou  to  me 
art  for  thy  fent  ftil  fragrant,  and  as  precious 
as  the  prime  virgins  of  the  Spring,  the  violets, 
when  they  do  firft  difplay  their  early  beauties, 
til  all  the  winds  in  love,  do  grow  contentious, 
which  from  their  lips  mould  ravifh  the  firft  kiffes. 
Caropia,  thinkft  thou  I  mould  fear  the  Nuptials 
of  this  great  Empire,  'caufe  it  was  my  brothers  ? 
As  I  fucceeded  him  in  all  his  glories, 
'tis  fit  I  do  fucceed  him  in  his  love. 
Tis  true,  I  know  thy  fame  fel  by  his  praclife, 
which  had  he  liv'd,  hee'd  have  reftored  by  marriage, 
by  it  repair'd  thy  injur'd  honors  ruines. 
I'me  bound  to  do  it  in  religious  confcience  ; 
It  is  a  debt  his  incenf'd  ghoft  would  quarrel 
me  living  for,  mould  I  not  pay't  with  fulneffe. 

Car.     Of  what    frail  temper  is  a  womans  weak- 

neffe  ! 

words  writ  in  waters,  have  more  lafting  Effence, 
then  our  determinations. 

Abr.     Come,  I  know, 
thou  muft  be  gentle,  I  perceive  a  combat 
in  thy  foft  heart,  by  th'  intervening  blumes 
that  ftrive  to  adorn  thy  cheek  with  purple  beauties, 
and  drive  the  lovelie  liverie  of  thy  forrows, 
the  Ivorie  palenefs,  out  of  them.     Think,  Caropia, 
with  what  a  fetled  unrevolting  truth 
I  have  affected  thee ;  with  what  heat,  what  purenefs  ; 


352  Revenge  for  Honour. 

and  when  upon  mature  confiderations, 
I  found  I  was  umvorthie  to  enjoy 
a  treafure  of  fuch  excellent  grace  and  goodneffe, 
I  did  defift,  fmothering  my  love  in  anguifh ; 
anguim  !  to  which  the  foul  of  humane  torments, 
compar'd,  were  pains  not  eafie,  but  delicious  ; 
yet  ftil  the  fecret  flames  of  my  affections, 
like  hidden  virtues  in  fome  bafhful  man, 
grew  great  and  ferventer  by  thofe  fuppreffions. 
Thou  wert  created  only  for  an  Emprefie  ; 
defpife  not  then  thy  deflinie,  now  greatneffe, 
love,  Empire,  and  what  ere  may  be  held  glorious, 
courts  thy  acceptance  like  obedient  Vaffals. 

Car.     I  have  confider'd,  and  my  ferious  thoughts 
tel  me,  tis  folly  to  refufe  thefe  prefers : 
to  put  off  my  mortalitie,  the  pleafures 
of  life,  which  like  ful  ftreams,  do  flow  from  great 
neffe, 

to  wander  i'  th'  unpeopled  air,  to  keep 
focietie  with  ghaftly  apparitions, 
where's  neither  voice  of  friends,  nor  vifiting  fuitors 
breaths  to  delight  our  ears,  and  all  this  for 
the  fame  of  a  fell  murdrefs.     I  have  blood 
enough  alreadie  on  my  foul,  more  then 
my  tears  can  e're  warn  off.     My  roial  Lord, 
if  you  can  be  fo  merciful  and  gracious, 
to  take  a  woman  laden  with  affliclions, 
big  with  true  forrow,  and  religious  penitence 
for  her  amifs,  her  life  and  after  aclions, 
mal  ftudie  to  deferve  your  love.     But  furely 
this  is  not  ferious. 

Abra.     Not  the  vowes  which  votries 
make  to  the  powers  above,  can  be  more  fraught 
with  binding  fandlitie. 
This  holy  kifs 

confirms  our  mutual  vows  :  never  til  now 
was  I  true  Caliph  of  Arabia. 


Revenge  for  Honour.  353 

Enter,  Enter ;  Enter. 

Abr.     Ha,  what  tumult 's  that ! 
Be  you  all  furies,  and  thou  the  great'fl  of  divels, 
Abrahen  wil  (land  you  all,  unmov'd  as  mountains. 
This  good  fword 

if  you  be  air,  fhal  difmchant  you  from 
your  borrow'd  figures. 

Abil.     No,  ill-natur'd  monfler, 
we're  all  corporeal,  and  furvive  to  take 
revenge  on  thy  inhumane  acts,  at  name 
of  which,  the  bafhful  elements  do  make 
as  if  they  teem'd  with  prodigies.     Dofl  not  tremble 
at  thy  inhumane  villaines  ?     Dear  Caropia, 
quit  the  infectious  viper,  left  his  touch 
poifon  thee  paft  recoverie. 

Abr.     No,  me  mail  not ; 
nor  you,  until  this  body  be  one  wound 
Lay  a  rude  hand  upon  me  !     Abilquatit, 
how  ere  thou  fcapft  my  praclifes  with  life, 
I  am  not  now  to  queflion ;  we  were  both 
fons  to  one  father,  whom,  for  love  of  Empire, 
when  I  beleev'd  thee  ilrangled  by  thofe  Muts, 
I  fcnt  to  his  eternal  reft ;  nor  do  I 
repent  the  fact  yet,  I  have  been  titled  Calif  h 
a  day,  which  is  to  my  ambitious  thoughts, 
honor  enough  to  eternize  my  big  name 
to  all  pofleritie.     I  know  thou  art 
of  valiant  noble  foul ;  let  not  thy  brother 
fal  by  ignoble  hands,  opprefs'd  by  number  ; 
draw  thy  bright  weapon  ;  as  thou  art  in  Empire, 
thou  art  my  rival  in  this  Ladies  love, 
whom  I  efteem  above  all  joyes  of  life  : 
for  her  and  for  this  Monarchic,  let's  trie 
our  flrengths  and  fates  :  the  impartial  fates 
to  him,  who  has  the  better  caufe,  in  juflice 
mufl  needs  defign  the  viclorie. 

Abil.     In  this  offer, 
though  it  proceed  from  defperateneffe,  not  valor  ; 


354  Revenge  for  Honour. 

thou  fhowft  a  mafculine  courage,  and  we  wi]  not 
render  our  caufe  fo  abject  as  to  doubt, 
but  our  jufl  arme  has  flrength  to  punifh 
thy  raoft  unheard  of  treacheries. 

Tar.     But  you  fliall  not 
be  fo  unjuft  to  us  and  to  your  right, 
to  try  your  caufes  moft  undoubted  Juflice, 
'gainft  the  difpairing  ruffian  ;  Souldiers,  pul 
the  Lady  from  him,  and  difarm  him. 

Abil.     Stay ! 

though  he  doth  merit  multitudes  of  death, 
we  would  not  murder  his  eternitie 
by  fudden  execution  ;  yeild  your  felf. 
and  we'l  allow  you  libertie  of  life, 
til  by  repentance  you  have  purg'd  your  fin  ; 
and  fo  if  poffible,  redeem  your  foul 
from  future  punimment. 

Abr.     Pirn,  tel  fools  of  fouls, 
and  thofe  effeminate  cowards  that  do  dreame 
of  thofe  fantaftick  other  worlds  :  there  is 
not  fuch  a  thing  in  nature,  all  the  foul 
of  men  is  refolution,  which  expires 
never  from  valiant  men,  till  their  laft  breath, 
and  then  with  it  like  to  a  flame  extinguiiht'd 
for  want  of  matter,  't  dos  not  dy,  but  rather 
ceafes  to  live.     Injoy  in  peace  your  Empire, 
and  as  a  legacy  of  Abrahens  love, 
take  this  fair  Lady  to  your  Bride.  J?ab  her. 

Abil.     Inhumane  Butcher  ! 
has  flain  the  Lady.     Look  up,  beft  Caropia, 
run  for  our  furgeons  :  Tie  give  half  my  Empire 
to  fave  her  precious  life. 

Abr.     She  has  enough, 

or  mine  aym  fail'd  me,  to  procure  her  paffage 
to  the  eternal  dwellings  :  nor  is  this 
cruelty  in  me  ;  I  alone  was  worthy 
to  have  injoy'd  her  beauties.     Make  good  hade 
Caropia,  or  my  foul,  if  I  have  any, 
will  hover  for  thee  in  the  clouds.     This  was 


Revenge  for  Honour.  355 

the  fatal  engine  which  betray'd  our  father 

to  his  untimely  death,  made  by  Sima?it/ies 

for  your  ufe,  Abilqualit :  and  who  has  this 

about  him  and  would  be  a  Have  to  your  bafe  mercy, 

deferved  death  more  than  by  dayly  tortures ; 

and  thus  I  kiff 'd  my  laft  breath.     Blaft  you  all.     dies. 

Tar.     Damn'd  defperate  villain. 

Abil.     O  my  dear  Caropia, 
my  Empire  now  will  be  unpleafmg  to  me 
fince  I  muft  lofe  thy  company.     This  furgeon, 
where's  this  furgeon  ? 

Set.     Drunk  perhaps. 

Car.     Tis  but  needleffe, 
no  humane  help  can  fave  me  :  yet  me  thinks 
I  feel  a  kind  of  pleafing  eafe  in  your 
imbraces.     I  mould  utter  fomethmg, 
and  I  have  flrength  enough,  I  hope,  left  yet 
to  effecl  my  purpofe.     In  revenge  for  your 
fuppof  'd  death,  my  lov'd  Lord,  I  flew  my  husband, 

Abil.     I'me  forry  thou  haft  that  fin  to  charge  thy 

foul  with, 
twas  rumour' d  by  the  fouldiers. 

Set.     Couzens  mine,  your  necks  are  fafe  agen  now. 

Car.     And  came  hither 
with   an   intent  to   have   for    your  fake   (lain    your 

brother 

Abrahen,  had  not  his  curtefie  and  winning  carriage 
alter'd  my  refolution,  with  this  poniard 
I'de  ftruck  him  here  about  the  heart.  Stabs  Abil. 

Abil.     O  I  am  (lain,  Caropia, 
and  by  thy  hand.     Heavens,  you  are  juft,  this  is 
revenge  for  thy  dear  honor  which  I  murdred, 
though  thou  wer't  confenting  to  it. 

Car.     True,  I  was  fo, 
and  not  repent  it  yet,  my  fole  ambition 
was  to  have  liv'd  an  Empreffe,  which  fmce  fate 
would  not  allow,  I  was  refolv'd  no  woman 
after  my  felfe  mould  ere  in  joy  that  glory, 
you  dear  Abilqualit :  which  fmce  my 


356  Revenge  for  Honour. 

weak  ftrength  has  ferv'd  me  to  performe,  I  dye 

willingly  as  an  infant.     O  now  I  faint, 

life's  death  to  thofe  that  keep  it  by  conftraint.         dye. 

Tar.     My  dear  Lord, 
is  there  no  hopes  of  life  ?  mull  we  be  wretched  ? 

AbiL     Happier,  my  Tarifa,  by  my  death  : 
but  yefterday  I  playd  the  part  in  jeft 
which  I  now  a61  in  earned.     My  Tarifa, 
the  Empire's  thine,  I'me  fure  thou'lt  rul't 
with  jullice,  and  make  the  fubjecft  happy.     Thou  haft 

a  Son 

of  hopefull  growing  vertues  to  fucceed  thee, 
commend  me  to  him,  and  from  me  intreat  him 
to  mun  the  temptings  of  lafcivious  glances. 

Sel.     'Las  good  Prince  ! 
heele  dy  indeed.     I  fear,  he  is  fo  full 
of  ferious  thoughts  and  Counfels. 

Abil.     For  this  flaughtred  body, 
let  it  have  decent  burial  with  flain  Muras, 
but  let  not  Abrahens  corps  have  fo  much  honor 
to  come  ith'  royal  monument :  lay  mine 
by  my  dear  fathers  :  for  that  trecherous  Eunuch, 
and  Lord  Simanthes,  ufe  them  as  thy  juftice 
tells  thee  they  have  merited  ;  for  Lord  Selinthus, 
advance  him  (my  Tarifa)  hee's  of  faithfull 
and  well  deferving  vertues. 

Sel.     So  I  am, 

I  thought  'twould  come  to  me  anon  : 
poor  Prince,  I  e'ne  could  dy  with  him. 

AbiL     And  for  thofe  fouldiers,  and  thofe  our  mod 

faithfull 

Muts,  that  my  life  once  fav'd,  let  them  be 
well  rewarded  ;  death  and  I  are  almoft  now 
at  unitie.     Farewell.  dyes. 

Tar.     Sure  I  mall  not 

furvive  thefe  forrows  long.     Muts,  take  thofe  Traitors 
to  prifon  ;  we  will  fliortly  paffe  their  fentence, 
which  (hall  be  death  inevitable.     Take  up 
that  fatal  inflrument  of  poifonous  mifchief, 


Revenge  for  Honour.  357 

and  lee  it  burn'd,  Gafelles.     Gentlemen, 

Fate  has  made  us  your  King  againft  our  wifhes. 

Sd.     Long  live  Tarifa,  Caliph  of  Arabia. 

Tar.     We  have  no  time  now  for  your  acclamations ; 
thefe  are  black  forrows  Feftival.     Bear  off 
in  ftate  that  royal  Bodie ;  for  the  other, 
fince  twas  his  will,  let  them  have  burial, 
but  in  obfcuritie.     By  this  it  may, 
as  by  an  ev'dent  rule  be  underflood, 
they're  onely  truly  great,  wh'  are  truly  good. 

Recorders  Exeunt  omnes. 

Flourijh. 

FINIS. 


EPILOGUE. 


I*M  much  displeased  the  Poet  has  made  me 
The  Epilogue  to  his  fad  Tragedie. 
Would  I  had  dyd  honejlly  among  (I  the  reft. 
Rather  then  live  to  ttt  laft,  now  to  be  preft 
To  death  by  your  hard  Cenfures.     Pray  you  fay ', 
What  is  it  you  diflikefo  in  this  Play, 
That  none  applauds  ?     Beleeve  it,  IJhould  faint, 
Did  not  fome  f  mile,  and  keep  me  by  conftraint 
From  the  fad  qualm.      Wnat  pow'r  is  in  your  breath, 
That  you  canfave  alive,  and  doom  to  death, 
Even  whom  you  pleafe  1  thus  are  your  judgments  free, 
Moft  of  the  reft  are  Jlain,  you  may  fave  me. 
But  if  death  be  the  word,  I  pray  be/low  it 
Where  it  beftfits.     Hang  up  the  Poet. 


NOTES    AND   ILLUSTRATIONS. 


PAGE  i. 

The   Widdowes  Teares. 

Although  it  cannot  be  faid  that  there  were  two  editions  of  The 
Widdowes  Teares  in  1612,  the  copies  with  that  date  have  fome 
variations,  probably  introduced  at  the  inflance  of  the  author, 
who  feems  to  have  been  rather  more  anxious  about  the  correct  - 
nefs  of  his  productions  than  moft  of  his  contemporaries. 

"  The  plot  of  Lyfander  and  Cynthia  is  borrowed  from  Petro- 
nius  Arbiter's  Satyricon,  being  the  ftory  of  the  Matron  of  Ephe- 
fus  related  by  Eumolpus  :  a  ftory  fince  handled  by  feveral  other 
pens,  as  Janus  Doufa,  the  father,  in  his  notes  on  this  ftory,  and 
Gabbema,  in  the  laft  edition  of  Petronius,  who  obferve  that  it 
was  tranflated  into  Latin  verfe  by  Romulus,  an  antique  gramma 
rian  :  and  into  French  rhyme  by  Hebertus.  We  have  it  not  only 
in  the  Seven  Wife  Mafters,  but  alfo  I  have  read  the  fame  ftory 
in  the  Cento  Novelle  Antiche  di  Carlo  Gualteruzzi,  Nov.  51." — 
Langbaine. 

PAGE  17. 

0  the  Gods  ?  fpurrfd  out  by  Groomes  like  a  bafe  Bifogno  ? 
This  is  a  term  of  contempt  frequently  ufed  in  our  old  plays. 
It  is  probably  derived  from  the  Ital.  bifogno,  or  the  Fr.  befoin 
want,  need),  and  is  generally  applied  to  people  in  want  or  of  the 
.  ower  rank.  See  Churchyard's  Challenge,  1593,  p.   85,  and  Loves 
Cure,  by  Beaumont  and  Fletcher,  Acl  2,  fc.  I. 

PAGE  18. 

No  yong  Adonis  to  front  you  there? 
Some  of  the  copies  read  "  myftical"  inftead  of  yong. 


360 

PAGE  18. 

Your  not-headed  Countrie  Gentleman. 

So  in  Chaucer's  Canterbury  Tales,  the  yeman  is  thus  de- 
fcribed  :- 

"  A  nott-head\&&  he  with  a  brown  vifage." 
A  perfon  was  faid  to  be  nott-pated  when  the  hair  was  cut  fhort 
and  round.     Ray  fays  the  word  was,   in  his  time,  flill  ufed  in 
Effex  for  polled  or  /horn. 

PAGE  20. 

So  there's  veniefor  venie. 

i.e.  touch  for  touch,  bout  for  bout  ;  a  technical  term  at  fencing 
and  cudgel-playing,  from  the  French  venue.  The  word  occurs  in 
acT:  iii.  fc.  2,  of  The  Old  Law  ;  but  appears  to  have  been  out  of 
fafhion  with  the  fantaftic  gallants  of  the  times  very  early.  Cap 
tain  Bobadil,  in  Every  Man  in  his  Humour,  a<ft  i.  fc.  5,  fays,  in 
anfwer  to  Mafter  Matthew's  requeft  for  one  venue,  "  Venue!  fie  ; 
"  moft  grofs  denomination  as  ever  I  heard  :  O,  the  ftoccata, 
"  while  you  live,  fir,  note  that." 

PAGE  23. 

by  the  next  Ripier  that  rides  that  way  with  Mackerell. 
"  Ripiers  (riparii)"  fays  Minfhieu,    "  be  thofe   that  ufe  to 
bring  fifh  from  the  fea-coaft  to  the  inner  parts  of  the  land.     It  is 
a  word  made  of  the  Latin  ripa,  the  bank  or  fhore." 

PAGE  23. 
a  Bone  to  tire  on. 
i.e.  to  peck  at :  a  term  of  falconry. 

PAGE  29. 

Admitted?  I,  into  her  heart,  lie  able  it. 

An  old  phrafe,  fignifying  to  undertake,  or  anfwer  for.  So  in 
King  Lear  (aft  iv.  fc.  7)  :— 

"  None  does  offend,  none,  I  fay,  none  I'll  able  'em. " 

PAGE  34. 

who  penrid  the  Pegmas. 

i.e.,  the  bills  fixed  up  at  pageants  to  give  fome  account  of 
their  contents. 

PAGE  71. 

There  flicks  an  Achelons  home  of  all,  Copie  enough, 
As  much  as  Alizon  of  /lerames  receiues. 


Or  lofty  IleaJJimves  of  Jhadie  leaues. 

The  firfl  line  of  this  paffage  feems  hopeleffly  cormpt.  I  once 
thought  the  words,  "  Copie  enough,"  were  attributable  rather  to 
the  printer's  devil  than  to  Lyfander,  and  had  got  interpolated 
into  the  text  through  the  ftupidity  of  the  compofitor  and  the 
negligence  of  the  "  reader."  But  I  find  that  a  former  Editor  of 
this  play  explains  "  Copie  "  as  Copia,  and  fuppofes  the  paffage  to 
refer  to  the  Cornucopia,  or  horn  of  plenty. 

PAGE  116. 

Twinns  of  which  Hippocrates  f peaks. 
See  alfo  The  Gentleman  VJher  (Vol.  I.,  p.  309). 

PAGE  142. 

Read  the  oldjloick  Pkerecides,  that  tels  thee 
Me  truly,  andfayes  that  I  Ophioneus — 
Deuilifh  Serpent,  by  interpretation  ;  was  generall 
Captaine  of  that  rebellious  hojl  of  fpirits  that 
Wag'd  warre  with  heauen. 

See  the  Fragments  of  Pherecides,  the  ftoic,  a  rather  recondite 
author. 

PAGE  155. 

thofe  dreadfull  bolts 
The  Cyclops  Ram  in  loues  Artillery. 

This  energetic  expreffion,  thoroughly  characleriftic  of  Chap 
man,  occurs  alfo  in  Bujfy  d" Ambois  (Vol.  II,  p.  70.) 

PAGE  201. 

Una  arbujla  non  alit  duos  Erithicos  : — 

Ou  Tpefai  fJiia  Ao;^  <$uo  epi^aKovs.  Schol.Ariftoph.  Vefp. 
922.  Stephani  Thefaur.  f.  Ep&aKOS.  Plin.  Hift.  Nat.  X, 
29,  44. 

PAGE  202. 
/'//  imitate  Lyfander~\  See  Plutarch.  Lyfand.  VII. 

PAGE  203. 

That  Bohemie  neither  cares. 

'  Bohemia '  in  this  verfe.  which  in  the  original  edition  is  erro- 
neoufly  given  to  Alphonfus,  is  to  be  read  as  a  diflyllable,  as  if 
it  was  written  '  Bemia.'     The  fame  contraction  occurs  on  page 
213,  where,  however,  the  word  is  ufed  as  a  trifyllable  : 
And  do  accept  the  king  of  Bohemia. 


362 

PAGE  207. 
When  we  once  arefet. 

I  am  unable  to  fay,  whether  or  not  the  cuftom  al 
luded  to  in  the  text  was  really  obferved  in  the  elective  coun 
cil  ;  thus  much,  however,  is  certain,  that  it  admirably  har* 
monizes  with  the  directions  contained  in  the  Golden  Bull : 
'  They  (viz.  the  Electors)  lhall  proceed  to  the  Election  and  mall 
not  in  any  manner  depart  out  of  the  faid  Citie  of  Franckford, 
before  that  the  greater  part  of  them  fhall  have  chofen  a  tempo- 
rall  head  or  governour  of  the  world  or  of  Chriftendome,  a  King  of 
Romains,  to  be  Emperour,  which  if  they  fhall  prolong  or  deferre 
the  fpace  of  thirty  dayes  from  the  day  of  taking  their  oathes* 
then  the  faid  thirty  dayes  being  expired,  they  fhall  eate  nothing 
but  bread  and  water,  nor  by  any  meanes  goe  away  from  the  faid 
Citie,  untill  or  before  they  or  the  greater  number  of  them  mail 
have  chofen  the  ruler  or  temporall  head  of  Chriftendome,  as 
aforefaid.' 

PAGE  214. 

Count  Mansfield. 

This  name  was  familiar  to  the  poet's  contemporaries,  the 
famous  Count  Erneft  Mansfield  having  paid  a  vifit  to  London 
in  1621  or  1622. 

See  alfo  Byron's  Confpiracie  (Vol.  II,  p.  199). 

PAGE  220. 
Einfiltz  geben. 

i.  e.  I  mould  chide  you.  This  expreffion  frequently  occurs  in 
the  plays  of  Ayrer,  of  Duke  Heinrich  Julius,  in  Simpliciffimus, 
and  other  writers  of  the  time. 

PAGE  234. 
Bowls  oj  Reinfal, 

'  Reinfal  (Rainfal),  vinum  Rifolium,  IVein  von  Rivoglio 
in  I/lrien '  fays  Schmeller  in  his  Bayerijches  IVorterbuch, 
III.  95  ;  and  O.  Schade  in  his  Altdeutfches  Worterbuch  s.  h. 
v.  has  adopted  this  explanation.  Karajan,  Fontes  Rer.  Auftriac 
(Vienn.  1855),  I.  I,  17,  however,  has  fhown  that  there  is  no 
place  of  that  name  in  Iftria.  J.  Grimm,  in  his  Preface  to  F.  F. 
Roller's  Deutfche  Rechtfdenkmaler  aus  Bohmen  und  Mdhren 
(Prag,  1845),  I.  VII,  thinks  the  '  Reinfal'  to  have  come  from 
Rivoli  near  Verona  or  from  Botzen  in  the  Tyrol.  Compare  alfo 


363 

Zedler's  Univerfal-Lexikon  (Leipzig  und  Halle,  1742),  XXXI 
282  fq. ;  Brandt's  Narrenfchiff  ed.  by  Zarncke,  63,  87  ;  and  Kel 
ler  Fajlnachtffpiele  (Mittheil.  def.  Liter.  Vereins  XLVI),  362. 

PAGE  234. 

Nay,  gentle  Forrejler. 

Before  this  verfe  a  line  or  two  feem  to  have  dropped  out,  in 
which  the  Emperor  may  have  fpoken  of  Prince  Edward's  not 
joining  in  the  univerfal  merriment. 

PAGE  235—9. 

Sam  Got. 

'  Sam  Got '  either  means  '  with  God,'  or  it  may  be  an  abbre 
viation  of  ' fam  mir  Got,'  i.  e.  fo  mir  Gott  helfe.  See 
Schade's  Althochdeutfches  Worterbuch  f.  Sam,  and  Laurember^s 
Scherzgedichte  ed.  by  Lappenberg,  256. 

PAGE  238. 

With  Corances  on  their  heads. 

The  much  difcuffed  'crants'  in  Hamlet  V.  I,  receives 
a  new  light  from  this  paffage.  Meffrs.  Halliwell  and  Wright 
in  their  new  edition  of  Nares*  Gloffary  have  repeated  the 
remark  of  Nares',  that  '  no  other  example  of  the  word 
has  been  found,'  whilft  it  occurs  twice  in  this  tragedy.  They 
arc  further  of  opinion,  that  Shakefpeare  probably  found  this  word 
in  fome  legend  of  Hamlet,  which  we  cannot  but  think  moft  im 
probable,  as  the  word  could  only  be  found  in  a  German  (or 
Danifh)  legend,  and  Shakefpeare  therefore  muft  be  fuppofed  to 
have  read  German  or  Danim.  Befides  no  German  legend  of 
Hamlet  is  known  to  exift.  Shakefpeare,  in  our  opinion,  made 
the  acquaintance  of  this  German  importation  at  the  Steelyard,  or 
he  witneffed  fome  German  funeral  in  London,  where  the  coffin 
of  a  young  girl,  according  to  the  German  cuftom,  was  decked 
with  '  crances  ;'  nay,  both  may  have  been  the  cafe,  and  we  imagine 
the  word  thus  to  have  found  its  way  into  Shakefpeare  and  Chap 
man.  At  all  events  it  was  not  an  entire  ftranger  to  their  contem 
poraries.  Mr.  Lettfom  has  very  juftly  obferved,  that  '  crants  ' 
is  not  the  plural,  but  the  fmgular  number  (fee  Shakefpeare's 
Works  ed.  by  Dyce,  2nd  Ed.  VII.  239).  From  the  prefent 
paffage  it  would  appear  that  we  ought  to  write  '  crance ;' 
this  is  confirmed  by  the  Anglicifed  form  of  the  German  Chriftian 


364 

name  '  Hans,'  which  in  Mr.  W.  Durrani  Cooper's  {  Lift  of 
Foreign  Proteftants  and  Aliens '  is  ufually  fpelt  '  Hance,'  or 
4  Haunce.' 

PAGE  238. 
An  upfpring. 

'Upfpring,'  neither  means  an  'upftart,'  as  moft  Shake- 
fperian  editors  (as  well  as  Nares,  though  he  cites  the  pre- 
fent  line  from  Alphonfus)  have  imagined,  nor  the  German  '  Wal- 
zer,'  as  Schlegel  has  tranflated  it  in  Hamlet  I,  4,  but  it  is  the 
'  Hapfauf,'  the  laft  and  confequently  wildeft  dance  at  the  old 
German  merrymakings.  See  Ayrer's  Dramen  ed.  by  Keller,  IV. 
2840  and  2846  : 

Ey,  jtzt  geht  erft  der  hupffauff  an, 

Ey,  Herr,  jtzt  kummt  erjl  der  hupffauff. 

No  epithet  could  therefore  be  more  appropriate  to  this  drunken 
dance,  than  Shakefpeare's  '  fwaggering.' 

PAGE  262. 
And  Jhould  be  lamps. 

Compare  the  Golden  Bull  (1619)  Chap.  I:  ' — the  feaven 
Electors  of  the  Empire,  by  whom  (as  by  feven  Candleftickes, 
mining  in  the  unitie  of  a  fevenfold  fpirit)  the  holy  Empire  mould 
be  illuminated.'  The  Latin  text  has  l  velut  feptem  candelabra 
lucentia? 

PAGE  263. 

Mein  allerlievejl  hufband. 

According  to  Dr.  Wm.  Bell  (Shakefpeare's  Puck,  III.  207 
fq.)  this  '  decidedly  Teutonic  word  occurs  only  once  in  the 
Englifh  language,'  viz.  in  2  Henry  VI,  I.  I  :  'mine  alderliefeft 
fovereign.' 

PAGE  271. 

Her  dainty  rofe-Corance. 

See  Note  on  p.  238.  In  Germany  a  * Rofenkranz*  ferved 
as  a  fymbol  of  virginity,  and  therefore  in  old  popular 
fongs  often  denotes  maidenhead  itfelf.  Uhland's  Volk- 
Jlieder,  I.  No.  2  and  3  (with  Note  in  Vol.  II.  997)  ;  I.  No. 
114  and  173  (p.  456).  Shakefpeare  and  his  contemporaries  alfo 
fymbolize  maidenhead  as  a  rofe.  All's  Well  that  Ends  Well,  IV. 


365 

2  :  "  But  when  you  have  our  rofes."  Othello,  V.  2  :  "  When  I  have 
plucked  thy  rofe."      Chapman,  Bu(Ty  d'Ambois  (Vol.  II.  p.  30). 

Honour,  whats  that  ?  your  fecond  maidenhead  : 
And  what  is  that  ?  a  word  ;  the  word  is  gone, 
The  thing  remaines  ;  the  rofe  is  pluckt,  the  ftalke 
Abides. 

PAGE  281. 

Than  ere  Laocoon  ran. 
For  the  fact  alluded  to  compare  Virg.  ^«.,  II.  40  fqq. 

PAGE  285. 

Revenge  Jor  Honour.     1654. 

"  This  play,"  fays  Langbaine,  "  I  have  feen  a6led  many  years 
.go  at  the  Niirfery  in  Barbican" 


INDEX. 


Accius  Naevius,  ii.  17. 

Acheron,  i.  230. 

Achilles,  i.  235  ;  [ii.  142,  253  ; 
iii.  53,  278. 

Aclseon,  i.  196;  iii.  18. 

Adelafia,  i.  327,  344. 

Adonis,  ii.  377. 

.tineas,  iii.  23,  64. 

Agamemnon,  iii.   139. 

Agincourt,  i.  235. 

Ajax,  ii.  58. 

Alcides,  i.  232  ;  ii.  208,  270. 

Alcoran,  Turkifh,  ii.  243;  wine 
forbidden  by,  iii.  314. 

Ale- Knights,  i.  316. 

Alexander  the  Great,  i.  103  ;  ii. 
283  ;  iii.  144,  292. 

Alexandria,  i.  39. 

Alizon,  iii.  71. 

Alphonfus,  Emperor  of  Ger 
many,  iii.  l^fqq. 

Amiens,  Siege  of,  ii.  220. 

Anius,  river,  iii.  156. 

Antigone,  ii.  123. 

Antipodes,  the,  i.  196  ;    ii.  Si. 

Apollo,  ii.  195  ;  iii.  200. 

Arabia,  i.  41. 

Arcflos,  ii.  287. 

Ardennes,  Foreft  of,  ii.  24,  137, 
262. 

Argus,  i.  196 ;  iii.  no. 

Ariadne,  i.  28. 

Arion,  ii.  233. 

Ariftophanes,  iii.   100. 

Ariftotle,  iii.  60,  201. 

Armenia,  ii.  24. 

Arras  pictures,  ii.  214. 

Afs  in  lion's  fkin,  ii.  19,  20 ;  iii. 
8S. 


Ate,  iii.  245. 

Athamas,  iii.  263. 

Atlas,  ii.  22,  42,  287 ;  iii.  105. 

Atropos,  iii.  23. 

Auguftus  Caefar,  ii.  64,  266. 

Aurora,  i.  261  ;  ii.  287. 

Bacchus,  i.  98. 

Beauty,    described    as    a  quin- 

teffence,  i.  1 1 6. 
Bees,  fimile  of,  iii.  157. 
Berenice,  i.  29. 
Blackthorn,  the,  ii.  269. 
Bootes,  ii.  83. 
Brutus,  ii.  123. 

Byron,  Duke  of,  ii.  179—320. 
Csefar,  iii.  126  fqq.,  278. 
Caius  Camus,  iii.  274. 
Camel,  the,  begs  horns  of  Jove, 

ii.  125,  233. 
Camillus,  ii.  7,  256. 
Caffandra,  ii.  140. 
Caffimere,  Duke,  ii.  145. 
Catiline's  confpiracy,  iii.  132. 
Cato,  iii.  126  fqq, 
Cerberus,  ii.  53,  68. 
Character  of    a   virtuous  wife, 

i.  308. 

Chymaera,  ii.  67. 
Cicero,  quoted,  i.  75. 
Clotho,  ii.  59. 
Clytemneftra,  iii.  247. 
Cornelia,  iii.  126. 
Corrucus,  i.  16,  26. 
Cratinus,  i.  113. 
Creon,  ii.  123. 
Cupid,  i.  36,  1 1 8,  226,  294  ;  ii. 

30,  263,  329  ;  iii.  8,  29,  48. 
Ctiradio  of  Plautus,  i.  241,  343. 


368 


Curtius,  ii.  218. 

Cyclops,  the,  ii=  70,   21 8 ;    iii. 

155- 

Cynthia,  i.  190  ;  ii.  65. 
Cyrus,  iii.  145. 
Cythaeron,  ii.  78. 

Dapfyle,  ii.  262. 

Demades,  ii.  134. 

Demetrius  Phalerius,  ii.  134. 

Demoflhenes,  ii.  134. 

Deucalion,  iii.  58. 

Diana,  i.  29,  267  ;  iii.  1 8,  23. 

Dido,  i.  236,  343  ;  ii.  341 ;  iii. 

64. 

Diogenes,  i.  58. 
Domitian,  ii.  125. 
Dreux,  Siege  of,  ii,  209. 

Eagle,  the,  i.  160;  ii.  169. 

Echo,  i.  107. 

Elizabeth,     Princefs,    marriage 

of,  iii.  ^fqq. 
Elizabeth,  Queen,  ii.   13 ;    her 

Speech  to  the  Duke  of  Byron, 

229. 

Empedocles  on  Etna,  iii.  185. 
Epaminondas,  ii.  7,  HO. 
Epilepfy,  iii.  138. 
Eros,  iii.  1 1 6. 

Effex,  Earl  of,  ii  281,  309. 
Etna,  ii.  271. 
Eunomia,  iii.  94,  IIO. 
Euphorbus,  ii.  123. 
Eupolis,  i.  113. 
Eurotas,  iii.  154. 
Eurus,  i.  41. 
Eve  and  the  ferpent,  i.  60. 

•  Field,  Nat.,  performs  the  cha 
racter  of  Buffy  D'Ambois, 
ii.  3 ;  account  of,  407. 

Flora,  a  noted  Roman  courte 
zan,  iii.  139. 

Fox,  the,  who  loft  his  tail,  i. 
117  ;  compared  with  the  lion, 


Ganimede,  ii.  374. 
Garlic,  1.215,  2I7>  236- 


Gefta  Romanorum,  ii.  360. 
Guevara's    Golden   Epiftles,    i. 
3°2,  344- 

Habakuk,  i,  63. 

Hart,  Mr.,  acts  the  part  of 
Buffy  D'Ambois,  ii.  407. 

Hazlitt,  William,  on  Monfieur 
D'Olive,  i.  341. 

Hecate,  ii.  92. 

Hector,  holds  up  the  brazen 
lance,  ii.  23. 

Helen  of  Greece,  i.  198. 

Helicon,  i.  227 ;  ii.  368. 

Hella  the  forcerefs,  i.  33. 

Hercules,  i.  266,  278  ;  ii.  93, 
141,  173,  195,  341,  366;  iii. 
38,  70,  119,  230. 

Hermes,  i.  232. 

Hero  and  Leander,  ii.  366. 

Herod,  ii.  65. 

Hippocrates,  his  account  of  the 
twins,  i.  309  ;  iii.  116 ;  on  the 
flatus  Hypocondriacus,  293. 

Homer,  his  difcernment  in  fpite 
of  blindnefs,  i.  9  ;  his  battle  of 
the  Frogs  and  Mice,  278  ;  his 
Iliads  and  Odyffes,  ii.  127;  his 
purpofe  in  the  character  of 
Achilles,  142;  his  critics,  160. 

Horns,  praife  of,  i.  182. 

Howard,  Sir  Thomas,  ii.  99. 

Hubberd,  Sir  IL,  iii.  89. 

Hudibras,  i.  344. 

Huguenots,  the  fcourge  of,  ii. 
258,  295. 

Hybla,  i.  288,  317. 

Hydra,  ii.  45. 

Hymen,  ii.  194,371  ;  iii.  48,  50, 
51  ;  Hymn  to,  120. 

Jacob's  ftaff,  iii.  236. 

Ida,  ii.  367. 

Jewifh  Executions  in  Germany, 

iii.  282. 
Ilea,  iii.  71. 
lo,  iii.  121. 
Jones,  Inigo,  iii.  87. 
Iris,  iii.  61. 


369 


Ids,  ftatueof,  i.  6  ;  honour  done 

to,  iii.  68. 
Judas,  iii.  282. 
Juno,    ii.  47,  208  ;  iii.  ig,  58, 

61,  62. 
Jupiter  Amraon,  ii.  58. 

Kings,  ii.  123,  139,  191,  284. 

Lachefis,  ii.  59- 

Lamb,  Charles,  on  Bufiy  D' Am- 

bois,  ii. 

Laocoon,  iii.  281. 
Leda's  Diflaff,  iii.  37. 
Lefbos.ifle  of,  iii.  179. 
Louis  XI.,  his  Scots  guard,   ii. 

305- 

Lucian,  iii.  100. 
Lucifer,  ii.  287. 
Lycurgus,  38,  154. 

Machiavelli,  i.  138. 
Manlius,  ii.  305. 
Marcus  Aurelius,  ii.  360. 
Mars,  i.  154. 
Meander,  i.  268. 
Medea,  i.  333. 
Memphis,  i.  6. 
Menandcr,  quoted,  iii.  99. 
Menelaus,  i.  140. 
Menetiades,  iii.  278. 
Mentz,  defcribed,  iii.  260. 
Mercury,  i.  151  ;  iii.  58,  6l. 
Middlesex,  Earl  of,  Dedication 

to,  iii.  125. 

Middleton,  quoted,  ii.  408. 
Minos,  i.  75. 

Mirror  of  Magiftrates,  ii.  360. 
Monopolies,  iii.  9. 
Morpheus,  i.  146. 
Morricc-dance,  i.  228. 

Nafo  (fee  Ovid). 
Neptune,  iii.  1 10. 
Nero,  i.  330 ;  ii.  266. 

Niobe,  iii.  55. 

Olympus,  ii.  22. 
Omphalc,  iii.  38. 


Ophioneus,  iii.  14°- 

Ophir,  gold  of,  ii,  205. 

Orpheus,  ii.  306. 

Ovid,  quoted,  i.  220. 

Oxford,  Earl  of,  ii.  144. 

Padua,  ii.  377. 

Pceana,  iii.  103. 

Palm,  fimile  ot,  iii.  272,  315. 

Pan,  i.  1 1 8. 

Pandarus,  i  221. 

Panthea,  iii.  116. 

Faroe,  iii.  120. 

Paris  and  Helen,  ii.  126. 

Parnaffus,  i.  256  ;  ii.  370. 

Patroclus,  iii.  278. 

Peleus,  ii.  67. 

Pelides,  ii.  205. 

Pelion,  beafts  of,  ii.  67,  78. 

Penelope,  iii.  10,  n. 

Perfeus  and  Andromeda,  i.  29. 

Pettie's  Pallace  of  Pleafure,  i. 

327,  344- 

Phalaris,  Bull  of,  iii.  281. 
Pharfalia,  iii.  157,  1 68. 
Phemis,  iii.  94. 
Pherecides,  the  floic,  iii.  142. 
Philips,  Sir  Edward,  Dedication 

to,  iii.  89,  91. 

Phoebus,  iii.  53,  III,  113,  122. 
Phoenix,  the,  i.  78. 
Pindus  and  Offa,  ii.  93. 
Plato,  ii.  IOI,  212  ;  iii.  201. 
Plautus,  i,  261 ;  quoted,  262,343. 
Plutus,  iii.  94,  96,  100.  101,  &c. 
Po,  lilies  of  the,  i.  288;  and  Ti- 

cino,  ii.  197. 
Pompey,  ii.  143;  iii.  126  et  fqq. 

fapius. 
Porus,  King  of  ./Ethiopia,  i.  41, 

44,  47,  48. 
Proteus,  iii.  102. 
Ptolemy,   King  of  Egypt,  i  17, 

39- 
Pygmalion,   and   the  ftatue,   i. 

221. 

Pythagoras,  ii.  123  ;  on  witches, 
372- 

Queen  Elizabeth,  ii.  13,  229. 

15   B 


Rainbow,  the,  ii.  131. 

Reed,  Jo.,  of  Mitton,  Dedication 

to,  iii.  3. 
Rhefus,  king  of  Arabia,  i.   41, 

44,  47,  48. 

Rhine,  the,  defcribed,  iii.  258. 
Rome,  i.  12,  325  ;  ii.  145. 

Saturn,  i.  195  ;  ii.  46. 

Satyr,   the,    affrighted    by    the 

found  of  his  own  horn,  iii.  57- 
Savonorala,  de  Urinis,  i.2i  7, 342. 
Scamander,  ii.  205. 
Scylla  and  Charybdis,  ii.  53. 
Semele,  ii.  194. 
Sertorius,  ii.  303. 
Shelley,   P.   B.,  takes  a  motto 

from  Chapman's    Confpirade 

of   Byron  for   his   Revolt  of 

I  flam,  ii.  413. 

Sleep  and  Death,  iii.  176,  1 88. 
Solon,  iii.  Si. 
Song  of  Love  and  Beauty,  iii. 

116. 

Sophocles,  ii.  123. 
Sophrofyne,  ii.  262. 
Spenfer,   Edm.,    his     eleventh 

Eclogue,  i.  343. 
Syfiphus,  ii,  112,  iii.  102. 

Tennyfon,  quoted,  i.  339. 
Terence,    his    Heautontimoru- 

menos  the  model  of  All  Fools, 

i-  339- 

Tethis,  iii.  113. 
Themiftocles,  ii.  7. 


Theorbo,  the,  i.  144,  145,  170, 

226. 

Tithonus,  i.  258  ;  ii.  56. 
Tobacco,  i.  16,  137,   175,  214  ; 

praife  of,  216. 
Trout,  i.  149. 

Valentines,  chofen  blindfold,    i. 

199  ;  St.  Valentine's  day,  235. 
Venice,  ii.  377. 
Venus,  i.  238;  ii.  77,  366;  iii. 

12,  27,  33,  36,  43,  80. 
Violets,  iii.   351. 
Virgil,  iii.  20;  quoted,  103. 
Virginius,  iii.  263. 
Ulyffes,    ii.    253;  iii.    II,   102, 

no. 

Utica,  iii.  152,  192,  194. 
Vulcan,  i.  154;  iii.  145. 

Walfingham,  Sir  Thomas,  Dedi 
catory  Sonnet  to,  i.  in  ;  De 
dication  of  Byroris  Confpi 
rade  to,  ii.  181. 

Wife,  character  of  a  virtuous,  i. 
308. 

Winchefter  goofe,  i.  233,  342. 

Wind  and  the  Sun,  Fable  of,  ii. 
117. 

Xerxes,  ii.  7. 
Youth,  i.  19. 
Zephyr,  iii.  120. 


PR 

2441 

S5 

1873 

v.3 


Chapman,  George 

The  comedies  and  tragedies 


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