Part 11

VORT. Vessels of sanctity, be pleas’d a while To give attention to the general peace, Wherein heaven is serv’d too, though not so purely. Constantius, eldest son of Constantine, We here seize on thee for the general good, And in thy right of birth. CONST. On me! for what, lords? VORT. The kingdom’s government. CONST. O powers of blessedness, Keep me from growing downwards into earth again! I hope I’m[361] further on my way than so.— Set forwards! VORT. You must not. CONST. How! VORT. I know your wisdom Will light upon a way to pardon us, When you shall read in every Briton’s brow The urg’d necessity of the times. CONST. What necessity can there be in the world, But prayer and repentance? and that business I am about now. VORT. Hark, afar off still! We lose and hazard much.—Holy Germanus And reverend Lupus, with all expedition Set the crown on him. CONST. No such mark of fortune Comes near my head. VORT. My lord, we’re[362] forc’d to rule you. CONST. Dare you receive heaven’s light in at your eyelids, And offer violence to religion? Take heed; The very beam let in to comfort you May be the fire to burn you. On these knees, [_Kneeling._ Harden’d with zealous prayers, I entreat you Bring not my cares into the world again! Think with how much unwillingness and anguish A glorified soul parted from the body Would to that loathsome jail again return: With such great pain a well-subdu’d affection Re-enters worldly business. VORT. Good my lord, I know you cannot lodge so many virtues, But patience must be one. As low as earth [_Kneeling with_ DEVONSHIRE _and_ STAFFORD. We beg the freeness of your own consent, Which else must be constrain’d; and time it were Either agreed or forc’d. Speak, good my lord, For you bind up more sins in this delay Than thousand prayers can absolve again. CONST. Were’t but my death, you should not kneel so long for’t. VORT. ’Twill be the death of millions if you rise not, And that betimes too.—Lend your help, my lords, For fear all come too late. [_They rise and raise_ CONSTANTIUS. CONST. This is a cruelty That peaceful man did never suffer yet, To make me die again, that once was dead, And begin all that ended long before. Hold, Lupus and Germanus: you are lights Of holiness and religion; can you offer The thing that is not lawful? stand not I Clear from all temporal charge by my profession? GER. Not when a time so violent calls upon you. Who’s[363] born a prince, is born a general peace,[364] Not his own only: heaven will look for him In others’ acts,[365] and will requite[366] him there. What is in you religious, must be shewn In saving many more souls than your own. CONST. Did not great Constantine, our noble father, Deem me unfit for government and rule, And therefore preas’d[367] me into this profession? Which I’ve[368] held strict, and love it above glory. Nor is there want of me: yourselves can witness, Heaven hath provided largely for your peace, And bless’d you with the lives of my two brothers: Fix your obedience there, leave me a servant. [_They put the crown on the head of_ CONSTANTIUS. ALL. Long live Constantius, son of Constantine, King of Great Britain! CONST. I do feel a want And extreme poverty of joy within; The peace I had is parted ’mongst rude men; To keep them quiet, I have lost it all. What can the kingdom gain by my undoing? That riches is not best, though it be mighty, That’s purchas’d by the ruin of another; Nor can the peace, so filch’d, e’er[369] thrive with them: And if’t be worthily held sacrilege To rob a temple, ’tis no less offence To ravish meditations from the soul, The consecrated altar in a man: And all their hopes will be beguil’d in me; I know no more the way to temporal rule, Than he that’s born and has his years come to him In a rough desert. Well may the weight kill me; And that’s the fairest good I look for from it. VORT. Not so, great king: here stoops a faithful servant Would sooner perish under it with cheerfulness, Than your meek soul should feel oppression Of ruder cares: such common coarse employments Cast upon me your servant, upon Vortiger. I see you are not made for noise and pains, Clamours of suitors, injuries, and redresses, Millions of actions, rising with the sun, Like laws still ending, and yet never done, Of power to turn a great man to the state Of his marble monument with over-watching. To be oppress’d is not requir’d of you, my lord, But only to be king. The broken sleeps Let me take from you, sir; the toils and troubles, All that is burthenous in authority, Please you lay it on me, and what is glorious Receive’t[370] to your own brightness. CONST. Worthy Vortiger, If ’twere not sin to grieve another’s patience With what we cannot tolerate ourself, How happy were I in thee and thy love! There’s nothing makes man feel his miseries But knowledge only: reason, that is plac’d For man’s director, is his chief afflictor; For though I cannot bear the weight myself, I cannot have that barrenness of remorse,[371] To see another groan under my burthen. VORT. I’m[372] quite blown up a conscionable way: There’s even a trick of murdering in some pity. The death of all my hopes I see already: There was no other likelihood, for religion Was never friend of mine yet. [_Aside._ CONST. Holy partners in strictest abstinence, Cruel necessity hath forc’d me from you: We part, I fear, for ever; but in mind I will be always here; here let me stay. DEVON. My lord, you know the times. CONST. Farewell, blest souls; I fear I shall offend: He that draws tears from you takes your best friend. [_Exeunt_ CONSTANTIUS, DEVONSHIRE, _and_ STAFFORD; _while_ LUPUS _and_ GERMANUS _enter the monastery_. VORT. Can the great motion of ambition stand, Like wheels false wrought by an unskilful hand? Then, Time, stand thou too: let no hopes arrive At their sweet wishfulness, till mine set forwards. Would I could stay thy[373] existence, as I can Thy glassy counterfeit in hours of sand! I’d keep thee turn’d down, till my wishes rose; Then we’d[374] both rise together. What several inclinations are in nature! How much is he disquieted, and wears royalty Disdainfully upon him, like a curse! Calls a fair crown the weight of his afflictions! When here’s a soul would sink under the burthen, Yet well recover’t.[375] I will use all means To vex authority from him, and in all Study what most may discontent his blood, Making my mask my zeal to the public good: Not possible a richer policy Can have conception in the thought of man.

_Enter two_ GRAZIERS.

FIRST GRAZ. An honourable life enclose your lordship! VORT. Now, what are you? SECOND GRAZ. Graziers, if’t like[376] your lordship. VORT. So it should seem by your enclosures. What’s your affair with me? FIRST GRAZ. We are your Petitioners, my lord. VORT. For what? depart: Petitioners to me! you’ve[377] well deserv’d My grace and favour. Have you not a ruler After your own election? hie you to court; Get near and close, be loud and bold enough, You cannot choose but speed. [_Exit._ SECOND GRAZ. If that will do’t, We have throats wide enough; we’ll put them to’t. [_Exeunt._

DUMB SHOW.

FORTUNE _discovered, in her hand a round ball full of lots; then enter_[378] HENGIST and HORSUS, _with others: they draw lots, and having opened them, all depart save_ HENGIST _and_ HORSUS, _who kneel and embrace: then enter_ ROXENA, _seeming to take leave of_ HENGIST _in great passion,[379] but more especially and warily of_ HORSUS, _her lover: she departs one way_, HENGIST _and_ HORSUS _another_.

_Enter_ RAYNULPH.

RAY. When Germany was overgrown With sons of peace too thickly sown, Several guides were chosen then By destin’d lots, to lead out men; And they whom Fortune here withstands Must prove their fates in other lands. On these two captains fell the lot; But that which must not be forgot, Was Roxena’s cunning grief; Who from her father, like a thief, Hid her best and truest tears, Which her lustful lover wears In many a stoln and wary kiss, Unseen of father. Maids do this, Yet highly scorn to be call’d strumpets too: But what they lack of’t, I’ll be judg’d by you. [_Exit._

## SCENE II.

_A Hall in the Palace._

_Enter_ VORTIGER, FELT-MONGER, BUTTON-MAKER, GRAZIERS, _and other petitioners_.

VORT. This way his majesty comes. ALL. Thank your good lordship. VORT. When you hear yon door open— ALL. Very good, my lord. VORT. Be ready with your several suits; put forward. GRAZ. That’s a thing every man does naturally, sir, That is a suitor, and doth mean to speed. VORT. ’Tis well you’re[380] so deep learn’d. Take no denials. ALL. No, my good lord. VORT. Not any, if you love The prosperity of your suits: you mar all utterly, And overthrow your fruitful hopes for ever, If either fifth or sixth, nay, tenth repulse Fasten upon your bashfulness. ALL. Say you so, my lord? We can be troublesome if we list. VORT. I know it: I felt it but too late in the general sum Of your rank brotherhood, which now I thank you for.— While this vexation is in play, I’ll study For a second; then a third to that; one still To vex another, that he shall be glad To yield up power; if not, it shall be had. [_Aside, and exit._ BUTT. Hark! I protest, my heart was coming upwards: I thought the door had open’d. GRAZ. Marry, would it had, sir! BUTT. I have such a treacherous heart of my own, ’twill throb at the very fall of a farthingale. GRAZ. Not if it fall on the rushes.[381] BUTT. Yes, truly; if there be no light in the room, I shall throb presently. The first time it took me, my wife was in the company: I remember the room was not half so light as this; but I’ll be sworn I was a whole hour in finding her. GRAZ. Byrlady,[382] y’had a long time of throbbing of it then. BUTT. Still I felt men, but I could feel no women; I thought they had been all sunk. I have made a vow for’t, I’ll never have meeting, while I live, by candle-light again. GRAZ. Yes, sir, in lanterns. BUTT. Yes, sir, in lanterns; but I’ll never trust candle naked again. GRAZ. Hark, hark! stand close: it opens now indeed! BUTT. O majesty, what art thou! I’d give any man half my suit to deliver my petition: it is in the behalf of button-makers, and so it seems by my flesh.[383]

_Enter_ CONSTANTIUS _in regal attire, and two_ GENTLEMEN.

CONST. Pray do not follow me, unless you do it To wonder at my garments; there’s no cause I give you why you should: ’tis shame enough, Methinks, to look upon myself; It grieves me that more should. The other weeds Became me better, but the lords are pleas’d To force me to wear these; I would not else: I pray be satisfied; I call’d you not. Wonder of madness! can you stand so idle, And know that you must die? FIRST GENT. We’re[384] all commanded, sir; Besides, it is our duties to your grace, To give attendance. CONST. What a wild thing is this! No marvel though you tremble at death’s name, When you’ll not see the cause why you are fools. For charity’s sake, desist here, I pray you! Make not my presence guilty of your sloth: Withdraw, young men, and find you honest business. SECOND GENT. What hopes have we to rise by following him? I’ll give him over shortly. FIRST GENT. He’s too nice,[385] Too holy for young gentlemen to follow That have good faces and sweet running fortunes. [_Exeunt_ GENTLEMEN. CONST. Eight hours a-day in serious contemplation Is but a bare allowance; no higher food To the soul than bread and water to the body; And that’s but needful; then more would do better. BUTT. Let us all kneel together; ’twill move pity: I’ve[386] been at the begging of a hundred suits. [_All the petitioners kneel._ CONST. How happy am I in the sight of you! Here are religious souls, that lose not time: With what devotion do they point at heaven, And seem to check me that am too remiss! I bring my zeal among you, holy men: If I see any kneel, and I sit out, [_Kneels._ That hour is not well spent. Methinks, strict souls, You have been of some order in your times. GRAZ. Graziers and braziers some, and this a felt-maker. BUTT. Here’s his petition and mine, if it like[387] your grace. [_Giving petitions._ GRAZ. Look upon mine, I am the longest suitor; I was undone seven years ago. CONST. [_rising with the others_] You’ve[388] mock’d My good hopes. Call you these petitions? Why, there’s no form of prayer among them all. BUTT. Yes, in the bottom there is[389] half a line Prays for your majesty, if you look on mine. CONST. Make your requests to heaven, not to me. BUTT. ’Las! mine’s a supplication for brass buttons, sir. FELT. There’s a great enormity in wool; I beseech your grace consider it. GRAZ. Pastures rise two-pence an acre; what will this world come to! BUTT. I do beseech your grace—— GRAZ. Good your grace—— CONST. O, this is one of my afflictions That with the crown enclos’d me! I must bear it. GRAZ. Your grace’s answer to my supplication. BUTT. Mine, my lord. CONST. No violent storm lasts ever; That is the comfort of’t.[390] FELT. Your highness’s answer. GRAZ. We are almost all undone, the country beggar’d. BUTT. See, see, he points at heaven, as who should say There’s enough there: but ’tis a great way thither. There’s no good to be done, I see that already; we may all spend our mouths like a company of hounds in chase of a royal deer, and then go home and fall to cold mutton-bones, when we have done. GRAZ. My wife will hang me, that’s my currish destiny. [_Exeunt all except_ CONSTANTIUS. CONST. Thanks, heaven! ’tis o’er now: we should ne’er[391] know rightly The sweetness of a calm, but for a storm. Here’s a wish’d hour for contemplation now; All’s still and silent; here is a true kingdom.

_Re-enter_ VORTIGER.

VORT. My lord. CONST. Again? VORT. Alas, this is but early And gentle to the troops of businesses That flock about authority! you must forthwith Settle your mind to marry. CONST. How! to marry? VORT. And suddenly, there’s no pause to be given; The people’s wills are violent, and covetous Of a succession from your loins. CONST. From me There can come none: a profess’d abstinence Hath set a virgin seal upon my blood, And alter’d all the course; the heat I have Is all enclos’d within a zeal to virtue, And that’s not fit for earthly propagation. Alas, I shall but forfeit all their hopes! I’m a man made without desires, tell them. VORT. I prov’d them with such words, but all were fruitless. A virgin of the highest subject’s blood They have pick’d out for your embrace, and send her, Bless’d with their general wishes, into fruitfulness. Lo! where she comes, my lord.

_Enter_ CASTIZA.

CONST. I never felt Th’ unhappy hand of misery till this touch: A patience I could find for all but this. CAST. My lord, your vow’d love ventures me but dangerously. VORT. ’Tis but to strengthen a vexation politic. CAST.[392] That’s an uncharitable practice, trust me, sir, VORT. No more of that. CAST. But say he should affect me, sir, How should I ’scape him then? I have but one Faith, my lord, and that you have already; Our late contràct is a divine witness to’t. VORT. I am not void of shifting-rooms and helps For all projècts that I commit with you. [_Exit._ CAST. This is an ungodly way to come to honour; I do not like it: I love lord Vortiger, But not these practices; they’re too uncharitable. [_Aside._ CONST. Are you a virgin? CAST. Never yet, my lord, Known to the will of man. CONST. O blessèd creature! And does too much felicity make you surfeit? Are you in soul assur’d there is a state Prepar’d for you, for you, a glorious one, In midst of heaven, now in the state you stand in, And had you rather, after much known misery, Cares and hard labours, mingled with a curse, Throng but to the door, and hardly get a place there? Think, hath the world a folly like this madness? Keep still that holy and immaculate fire, You chaste lamp[393] of eternity! ’tis a treasure Too precious for death’s moment to partake, This twinkling of short life. Disdain as much To let mortality know you, as stars To kiss the pavements; you’ve a substance as Excellent as theirs, holding your pureness: They look upon corruption, as you do, But are stars still; be you a virgin too. CAST. I’ll never marry. What though my truth be engag’d To Vortiger? forsaking all the world I save it well, and do my faith no wrong. [_Aside._ You’ve mightily prevail’d, great virtuous sir; I’m[394] bound eternally to praise your goodness: My thoughts henceforth shall be as pure from man, As ever made a virgin’s name immortal. CONST. I will do that for joy, I never did, Nor ever will again.

_As he kisses her, re-enter_ VORTIGER _and_ GENTLEMEN.

FIRST GENT. My lord, he’s taken. VORT. I’m[395] sorry for’t, I like not that so well; They’re something too familiar for their time, methinks. This way of kissing is no way to vex him: Why I, that have a weaker faith and patience, Could endure more than that, coming from a woman. Despatch, and bring his answer speedily. [_Exit._ FIRST GENT. My lord, my gracious lord! CONST. Beshrew thy heart! SECOND GENT. They all attend your grace. CONST. I would not have them: ’Twould please me better, if they’d[396] all depart, And leave me to myself; or put me out, And take it to themselves. FIRST GENT. The noon is past; Meat’s on the table. CONST. Meat! away, get from me; Thy memory is diseas’d; what saint’s eve’s this? FIRST GENT. Saint Agatha’s, I take it. CONST. Is it so? I am not worthy to be serv’d before her; And so return, I pray. SECOND GENT. He’ll starve the guard, if this be suffered: if we set court bellies by a monastery clock, he that breaks a fellow’s pate now, will not be able to crack a louse within this twelvemonth. [_Aside, and exeunt_ GENTLEMEN. CONST. ’Tis sure forgetfulness, and not man’s will, That leads him forth into licentious ways; He cannot certainly commit such errors, And think upon them truly as they’re[397] acting. Why’s abstinence ordain’d, but for such seasons?

_Re-enter_ VORTIGER.

VORT. My lord, you’ve pleas’d to put us to much pains, But we confess ’tis portion of our duty. Will your grace please to walk? dinner stays for you. CONST. I’ve[398] answer’d that already. VORT. But, my lord, We must not so yield to you: pardon me, ’Tis for the general good; you must be rul’d, sir; Your health and life are[399] dearer to us now: Think where you are, at court; this is no monastery. CONST. But, sir, my conscience keeps still where it was: I may not eat this day. VORT. We’ve[400] sworn you shall, And plentifully too: we must preserve you, sir, Though you be wilful; ’tis no slight condition To be a king. CONST. Would I were less than man! VORT. You will[401] make the people rise, my lord, In great despair of your continuance, If you neglect the means that must sustain you. CONST. I never eat on eves. VORT. But now you must; It concerns others’ healths that you take food: I’ve[402] chang’d your life, you well may change your mood. CONST. This is beyond all cruelty. VORT. ’Tis our care, my lord. [_Exeunt._

## ACT II. SCENE I.

_A Room in the Palace._

_Enter_ VORTIGER _and_ CASTIZA.

CAST. My lord, I am resolv’d; tempt me no farther; ’Tis all to fruitless purpose. VORT. Are you well? CAST. Never so perfect in the truth of health As at this instant. VORT. Then I doubt my own, Or that I am not waking. CAST. Would you were then! You’d[403] praise my resolution. VORT. This is wondrous! Are you not mine by contract? CAST. ’Tis most true, my lord, And I am better bless’d in’t than I look’d for, In that I am confin’d in faith so strictly: I’m[404] bound, my lord, to marry none but you,— You’ll grant me that,—and you I’ll never marry. VORT. It draws me into violence and hazard: I saw you kiss the king. CAST. I grant you so, sir; Where could I take my leave of the world better? I wrong’d not you in that; you will acknowledge A king is the best part of’t.[405] VORT. O, my passion! CAST. I see you something yielding to infirmity, sir; I take my leave. VORT. Why, ’tis not possible! CAST. The fault is in your faith; time I were gone To give it better strengthening. VORT. Hark you, lady.—— CAST. Send your intent to the next monastery; There you shall find my answer ever after; And so with my last duty to your lordship, For whose prosperity I will pray as heartily As for my own. [_Exit._ VORT. How am I serv’d in this? I offer a vexation to the king; He sends it home into my blood with ’vantage. I’ll put off time no longer: I have brought him Into most men’s neglects, calling his zeal A deep pride hallow’d over, love of ease More than devotion or the public benefit; Which catcheth many men’s beliefs. I’m strong[406] too In people’s wishes; their affections point at me. I lose much time and glory; that redeem’d, She that now flies returns with joy and wonder: Greatness and woman’s wish ne’er keep asunder. [_Exit._

DUMB SHOW.

[_Enter two villains; to them_ VORTIGER, _who seems to solicit them with gold, then swears them, and exit. Enter_ CONSTANTIUS _meditating; they rudely strike down his book, and draw their swords; he kneels and spreads his arms; they kill him, and hurry off the body. Enter_ VORTIGER, DEVONSHIRE, _and_ STAFFORD, _in conference; to them the two villains presenting the head of_ CONSTANTIUS; VORTIGER _seems sorrowful, and in rage stabs them both. Then the lords crown_ VORTIGER, _and fetch in_ CASTIZA, _who comes unwillingly_; VORTIGER _hales her, and they crown her_: AURELIUS _and_ UTHER, _brothers of_ CONSTANTIUS, _seeing him crowned, draw their swords and fly_.

_Enter_ RAYNULPH.

RAY. When nothing could prevail to tire The good king’s patience, they did hire Two wicked rogues to take his life; In whom a while there fell a strife Of pity and fury; but the gold Made pity faint, and fury bold. Then to Vortiger they bring The head of that religious king; Who feigning grief, to clear his guilt, Makes the slaughterers’ blood be spilt. Then crown they him, and force the maid, That vow’d a virgin-life, to wed; Such a strength great power extends, It conquers fathers, kindred, friends; And since fate’s pleas’d to change her life, She proves as holy in a wife. More to tell, were to betray What deeds in their own tongues must say: Only this, the good king dead, The brothers poor in safety fled. [_Exit._

## SCENE II.

_A Hall in the Palace._

_Enter_ VORTIGER _crowned, a_ GENTLEMAN _meeting him_.