part I

care not, come what can come, If I be whipt, why so be it; if cudgell'd, I hope I shall out-live it, I am sure 'Tis not the hundredth time I have been serv'd so, And yet I thank [God] I am here.

_Mal._ Here's resolution.

_La-p._ A little patience, and a rotten Apple Cures twenty worse diseases; what say you, Sir?

_Lav._ Marry I say Sir, if I had been acquainted With lamming in my youth, as you have been With whipping, and such benefits of nature, I should do better: as I am, I'll venture, And if it be my luck to have the Lady, I'll use my fortune modestly; if beaten, You shall not hear a word, one I am sure of, And if the worst fall, she shall be my Physick. Lets go then, and a merry wind be with us.

_Mal._ Captain, your shooes are old, pray put 'em off, And let one fling 'em after us; be bold, Sirs, And howsoever our fortune falls, lets bear An equal burden; if there be an odd lash, We'll part it afterwards.

_La-p_. I am arm'd at all points. [_Exeunt._

_Enter four serving in a Banquet._

_1._ Then my Lady will have a bedfellow to night.

_2._ So she says; Heaven! what a dainty arm-full shall he enjoy, that has the launching of her, what a fight she'll make.

_3._ I marry boys, there will be sport indeed, there will be grapling, she has a murderer lies in her prow, I am afraid will fright his main Mast, _Robin_.

_4._ Who dost thou think shall have her of thy conscience, thou art a wise man?

_3._ If she go the old way, the way of lot, the longest cut sweeps all without question.

_1._ She has lost a friend of me else; what think ye of the Courtier?

_2._ Hang him Hedge-hog: h'as nothing in him but a piece of _Euphues_, and twenty dozen of twelvepenny ribond, all about him, he is but one _Pedlers_ shop of Gloves and Garters, pick-teeth and pomander.

_3._ The Courtier, marry God bless her _Steven_, she is not mad yet, she knows that trindle-tail too well, he's crestfall'n, and pin-buttock't, with leaping Landresses.

_4._ The Merchant, sure she will not be so base to have him.

_1._ I hope so _Robin_, he'll sell us all to the Moors to make Mummy; nor the Captain.

_4._ Who _Potgun_? that's a sweet youth indeed, will he stay, think ye?

_3._ Yes, without question, and have halfe din'd too, e'r the Grace be done; he's good for nothing in the world but eating, lying and sleeping; what other men devour in drink, he takes in potage, they say h'as been at Sea, a Herring-fishing, for without doubt he dares not hale an Eel-boat i'th' way of War.

_2._ I think so, they would beat him off with Butter.

_3._ When he brings in a prize, unless it be Cockles, or _Callis_ sand to scour with, I'll renounce my Five Mark a year, and all the hidden Art I have in carving, to teach young Birds to whistle _Walsingham_; leave him to the Lime-Boats; now, what think you of the brave _Amiens_?

_1._ That's a thought indeed.

_2._ I marry, there's a person fit to feed upon a dish so dainty, and he'll do't I warrant him i'th' nick boys, has a body world without end.

_4._ And such a one my Lady will make no little of; but is not _Montague_ married to day?

_3._ Yes faith, honest _Montague_ must have his bout too.

_2._ He's as good a lad as ever turn'd a trencher; must we leave him?

_3._ He's too good for us, _Steven_, I'll give him health to his good luck to night i'th' old Beaker, and it shall be Sack too.

_4._ I must have a Garter; and boys I have bespoke a Posset, some body shall give me thanks fort, 'tas a few toys in't will rase commotions in a bed, lad.

_1._ Away; my Lady. [_Exeunt._

_Enter_ Orleance _and his Lady, arm in arm_, Amiens, Lamira, Charlotte, _like a Bride_, Montague _brave_, Laverdine, Longaville, Dubois, Mallycorn, La-poop.

_Lam._ Seat your selves noble Lords and Gentlemen, You know your places; many royal welcomes I give your Grace; how lovely shews this change! My house is honor'd in this reconcilement.

_Orl._ Thus Madam must you do, my Lady now shall see You made a Woman; And give you some short lessons for your voyage. Take her instructions Lady, she knows much.

_Lam._ This becomes you, Sir.

_L[a]._ My Lord must have his Will.

_Orl._ 'Tis all I can do now, sweet-heart, fair Lady; This to your happy choice, brother _Amiens_, You are the man I mean it to.

_Ami._ I'll pledge you.

_Orl._ And with my heart.

_Ami._ With all my love I take it.

_Lam._ Noble Lords, I am proud ye have done this day, so much content, and me such estimation, that this hour (In this poor house) shall be a league for ever, For so I know ye mean it.

_Ami._ I do Lady.

_Orl._ And I my Lord.

_Omnes._ Y'ave done a work of honor.

_Ami._ Give me the Cup, where this health stops, let That man be either very sick, or very simple; Or I am very angry; Sir, to you; Madam, methinks this Gentleman might sit too; He would become the best on's.

_Orl._ Pray sit down, Sir, I know the Lady of the Feast expects not this day so much old custom.

_Ami._ Sit down _Montague_; nay, never blush for the matter.

_Mont._ Noble Madam, I have t[w]o reasons [a]gainst it, and I dare not; duty to you first, as you are my Lady, and I your poorest servant; next the custom of this days ceremony.

_Lam._ As you are my servant, I may command you then.

_Mont._ To my life, Lady.

_Lam._ Sit down, and here, I'll have it so.

_Ami._ Sit down man, never refuse so fair a Ladies offer.

_Mont._ It is your pleasure, Madam, not my pride, And I obey; I'll pledge ye now my Lord, Monsieur _Longaville_.

_Long._ I thank you, Sir.

_Mont._ This to my Lady, and her fair choice to day, and happiness.

_Lon._ 'Tis a fair health, I'll pledge you though I sink for't.

_Lam. Montague_ you are too modest; come, I'll add a little more wine t'yee, 'twill make you merry, this to the good I wish.----

_Mont._ Honour'd Lady, I shall forget my self with this great bounty.

_Lam._ You shall not Sir, give him some Vine.

_Ami._ By Heaven you are a worthy woman, and that Man is blest can come near such a Lady.

_Lami._ Such a blessing wet weather washes.

_Mont._ At all, I will not go a lip less, my Lord.

_Orl._ 'Tis well cast, Sir.

_Mal._ If _Montague_ get more Wine, we are all like to hear on't.

_Lav._ I do not like that sitting there.

_Mal._ Nor I, methinks he looks lik[e] a Judge.

_La-p._ Now have I a kind of grudging of a beating on me, I fear my hot fit:

_Mal._ Drink apace, there's nothing allays a cudgel like it.

_Lami. Montague_, now I'll put my choice to you; who do you hold in all this honor'd company a Husband fit to enjoy thy Lady? speak directly.

_Mont._ Shall I speak, Madam?

_Lami. Montague_ you shall.

_Mont._ Then as I have a soul, I'll speak my conscience, Give me more Wine, in _vino veritas_, Here's to my self, and _Montague_ have a care.

_Lami._ Speak to th' cause.

_Mont._ Yes Madam, first I'll begin to thee.

_Lav._ Have at us.

_La-p._ Now for a Psalm of mercy.

_Mont._ You good Monsieur, you that belye the noble name of Courtier, and think your claim good here, hold up your hand; your Worship is endited here, for a vain glorious fool.

_Lav._ Good, oh Sir.

_Mont._ For one whose wit Lies in a ten pound wastcoat; yet not warm; Ye have travell'd like a Fidler to make faces, And brought home nothing but a case of tooth-picks. You would be married, and no less than Ladies, And of the best sort can serve you; thou Silk-worm, What hast thou in thee to deserve this woman? Name but the poorest piece of man, good manners, There's nothing sound about thee, faith, th'ast none, It lies pawn'd at thy Silk-man's, for so much Lace; Thy credit with his wife cannot redeem it, Thy cloaths are all the soul thou hast, for so Thou sav'st them handsome for the next great tilting, Let who will take the t'other, thou wert never christen'd (Upon my conscience) but in Barbers water; Thou art never out o'th' Bason, thou art rotten, And if thou dar'st tell truth, thou wilt confess it; ---- Thy skin Looks of a Chesnut colour, greaz'd with Amber, All women that on earth do dwell, thou lov'st, Yet none that understand love thee again, But those that love the Spittle; get thee home Poor painted Butter-flie, th[y] Summers past; Go sweat, and eat dry Mutton, thou may'st live To do so well yet; a bruis'd Chamber-Maid May fall upon thee, and advance thy follies. You have your sentence; now it follows Captain, I treat of you.

_La-p._ Pray [God] I may deserve it.

_Orl._ Beshrew my heart, he speaks plain.

_Ami._ That's plain dealing.

_Mont._ You are a rascal Captain.

_La-p._ A fine Calling.

_Mont._ A Water-coward.

_Ami._ He would make a pretty stuff.

_Mont._ May I speak freely, Madam?

_Lami._ Here's none ties you.

_Mont._ Why shouldst thou dare come hither with a thought To find a wife here fit for thee? are all Thy single money whores that fed on Carrots, And fill'd the high Grass with familiars Fall'n off to Footmen; prethee tell me truly, For now I know thou dar'st not lie, couldst thou not Wish thy self beaten well with all thy heart now, And out of pain? say that I broke a rib, Or cut thy nose off, wer't not merciful for this ambition?

_La-p._ Do your pleasure, Sir, beggars must not be choosers.

_Orl._ He longs for beating.

_Mont._ But that I have nobler thoughts possess my soul, Than such brown Bisket, such a piece of Dog-fish, Such a most maungy Mackril eater as thou art, That dares do nothing that belongs to th' Sea, But spue, and catch Rats, and fear men of War, Though thou hast nothing in the world to loose Aboord thee, but one piece of Beef, one Musket Without a cock for peace sake, and a Pitch-barrel, I'll tell thee, if my time were not more pretious Than thus to loose it, I would rattle thee, It may be beat thee, and thy pure fellow, The Merchant there of Catskins, till my words, Or blows, or both, made ye two branded wretches To all the world hereafter; you would fain to Venture your Bils of lading for this Lady; What would you give now for her? some five frayl Of rotten Figs, good Godson, would you not, Sir? Or a Parrot that speaks _High Dutch_? can all thou ever saw'st Of thine own fraughts from Sea, or cosenage (At which thou art as expert as the Devil) Nay, sell thy soul for wealth to, as thou wilt do, Forfeit thy friends, and raise a mint of Money, Make thee dream all these double, could procure A kiss from this good Lady? canst thou hope She would lye with such a nook of Hell as thou art, And hatch young Merchant-furies? oh ye dog-bolts! That fear no [God] but _Dunkirk_, I shall see you Serve in a lowsy Lime-boat, e'r I dye, For mouldy Cheese and Butter, _Billingsgate_ Would not endure, or bring in rotten Pippins To cure blew eyes, and swear they came from _China_.

_Lami._ Vex 'em no more, alas they shake:

_Mont._ Down quickly on your marrow-bones, and thank this Lady. I would not leave you thus else, there are blankets, And such delights for such knaves; but fear still; 'Twill be revenge enough to keep you waking. Ye have no mind of marriage, ha' ye?

_La-p._ Surely no great mind now.

_Mont._ Nor you.

_Mal._ Nor I, I take it.

_Mont._ Two eager suitors.

_L[a]v._ Troth 'tis wondrous hot, [God] bless us from him.

_Lami._ You have told me _Montag[u]e_ Who are not fit to have me, let me know The man you would point out for me.

_Mont._ There he sits; my Lord of _Amiens_, Madam, is my choice, he's noble every way, and worthy a wife with all the dowries of--

_Ami._ Do you speak Sir, out of your friendship to me?

_Mont._ Yes my Lord, and out of truth, for I could never flatter.

_Ami._ I would not say how much I owe you for it, For that were but a promise, but I'll thank ye, As now I find you, in despite of fortune, A fair and noble Gentleman.

_Lami._ My Lords, I must confess the choice this man hath made Is every way a great one, if not too great, And no way to be slighted: yet because We love to have our own eyes sometimes n[o]w, Give me a little liberty to see, How I could fit my self, if I were put to't.

_Ami._ Madam we must.

_Lami._ Are ye all agreed?

_Omnes._ We be.

_Lami._ Then as I am a Maid, I shall choose here. _Montague_ I must have thee.

_Mont._ Why Madam, I have learnt to suffer more Than you can (out of pity) mock me with this way especially.

_Lami._ Thou think'st I jest now; But by the love I bear thee, I will have thee.

_Mont._ If you could be so weak to love a fall'n man, He must deserve more than I ever can, Or ever shall (dear Lady;) look but this way Upon that Lord, and you will tell me then Your eyes are no true choosers of good men.

_Ami._ Do you love him truly?

_Lam._ Yes my Lord, I will obey him truly, for I'll marry him, and justly think he that has so well serv'd me with his obedience, being born to greatness, must use me nobly of necessity, when I shall serve him.

_Ami._ 'Twere a deep sin to cross ye, noble _Montague_, I wish ye all content, and am as happy In my friends good as it were meerly mine.

_Mont._ Your Lordship does ill to give up your right; I am not capable of this great goodness, There sits my wife that holds my troth.

_Cha._ I'll end all, I wooed you for my Lady, and now give up my Title, alas poor wench, my aims are lower far.

_Mont._ How's this sweet-heart?

_Lami._ Sweet-heart 'tis so, the drift was mine to hide My purpose till it struck home.

_Omnes._ [God g]ive you joy.

_Lami._ Prethee leave wondring, by this kiss I'll have thee.

_Mont._ Then by this kiss, and this, I'll ever serve ye.

_Long._ This Gentleman and I Sir, must needs hope once more to follow ye.

_Mont._ As friends and fellows, never as servants more.

_Long. Dub._ You make us happy.

_Orl._ Friend _Montague_, ye have taught me so much honor, I have found a fault in my self, but thus I'll purge my conscience of it, the late Land I took by false play, from you, with as much contrition, and entireness of affection to this most happy day again, I render; be master of your own, forget my malice, and make me worthy of your love, L. _Montague_.

_Mont._ You have won me and honor to your name.

_Mal._ Since your Lordship has begun good deeds, we'll follow; good Sir forgive us, we are now those men fear you for goodness sake; those sums of money unjustly we detain from you, on your pardon shall be restor'd again, and we your servants.

_La-p._ You are very forward Sir, it seems you have money, I pray you lay out, I'll pay you, or pray for you, as the Sea works.

_Lav._ Their pennance Sir, I'll undertake, so please ye To grant me one concealment.

_Long._ A right Courtier, still a begging.

_Mont._ What is it Sir?

_Lav._ A Gentlewoman.

_Mont._ In my gift?

_Lav._ Yes Sir, in yours.

_Mont._ Why, bring her forth, and take her.

_Lami._ What wench would he have?

_Mont._ Any wench I think.

_Enter_ Laverdine _and_ Veramour _like a woman_.

_Lav._ This is the Gentlewoman.

_Mont._ 'Tis my Page, Sir.

_Ver._ No Sir, I am a poor disguis'd Lady, That like a Page have followed you full long for love god-wot.

_Omnes._ A Lady--_Laverdine_--yes, yes, 'tis a Lady.

_Mont._ It may be so, and yet we have lain together, But by my troth I never found her, Lady.

_L. Orl._ Why wore you boys cloaths?

_Ver._ I'll tell you, Madam, I took example by two or three Plays, that methought Concerned me.

_Mont._ Why made you not me acquainted with it?

_Ver._ Indeed Sir, I knew it not my self, Until this Gentleman open'd my dull eyes, And by perswasion made me see it.

_Ami._ Could his power in words make such a change?

_Ver._ Yes, as truly woman as your self, my Lord.

_Lav._ Why, but hark you, are not you a woman?

_Ver._ If hands and face make it not evident, you shall see more.

_Mai._ Breeches, breeches, _Laverdine_.

_La-p._ 'Tis not enough, women may wear those cases. Search further Courtier.

_Omnes._ Ha, ha, ha.

_La-p._ Oh thou fresh-water Gudgeon, wouldst thou come To point of Marriage with an _Ignoramus_? Thou shouldst have had her Urin to the Doctors, The foolishest Physitian could have made plain The liquid _Epicæne_; a blind man by the hand Could have discovered the ring from the stone. Boy, come, to Sea with me, I'll teach thee to climb, And come down by the Rope, nay to eat Rats.

_Ver._ I shall devour my Master before the prison then, Sir, I have began my Trade.

_Mal._ Trade? to the City, child, a flat-cap will become thee.

_Mont._ Gentlemen, I beseech you molest your selves no further, For his preferment it is determin'd.

_Lav._ I am much ashamed, and if my cheek Gives not satisfaction, break my head.

_Mont._ Your shame's enough, Sir.

_Ami. Montague_, much joy attend thy marriage-bed; By thy example of true goodness, envy is exil'd, And to all honest men that truth intend, I wish good luck, fair fate be still thy friend. [_Exeunt._

Upon an Honest Man's Fortune.

By Mr. _JOHN FLETCHER_.

_You that can look through Heaven, and tell the Stars,_ _Observe their kind conjunctions, and their wars;_ _Find out new Lights, and give them where you please,_ _To those men honors, pleasures, to those ease;_ _You that are God's Surveyers, and can show_ _How far, and when, and why the wind doth blow;_ _Know all the charges of the dreadful thunder,_ _And when it will shoot over, or fall under:_ _Tell me, by all your Art I conjure ye,_ _Yes, and by truth, what shall become of me?_ _Find out my Star, if each one, as you say,_ _Have his peculiar Angel, and his way;_ _Observe my fate, next fall into your dreams,_ _Sweep clean your houses, and new line your Sceames,_ _Then say your worst: or have I none at all?_ _Or is it burnt out lately? or did fall?_ _Or am I poor? not able, no full flame?_ _My Star, like me, unworthy of a name?_ _Is it your Art can only work on those,_ _That deal with dangers, dignities, and cloaths?_ _With Love, or new Opinions? you all lye,_ _A Fish-wife hath a fate, and so have I,_ _But far above your finding; he that gives,_ _Out of his providence, to all that lives,_ _And no man knows his treasure, no, not you:_ _He that made_ Egypt _blind, from whence you grew_ _Scabby and lowzie, that the world might see_ _Your Calculations are as blind as ye:_ _He that made all the Stars, you daily read,_ _And from thence filtch a knowledge how to feed;_ _Hath hid this from you, your conjectures all_ _Are drunken things, not how, but when they fall:_ _Man is his own Star, and the soul that can_ _Render an honest, and a perfect man,_ _Commands all light, all influence, all fate,_ _Nothing to him falls early, or too late._ _Our Acts our Angels are, or good or ill,_ _Our fatal shadows that walk by us still,_ _And when the Stars are labouring, we believe_ _It is not that they govern, but they grieve_ _For stuborn ignorance; all things that are_ _Made for our general uses, are at war,_ _Even we among our selves, and from the strife,_ _Tour first unlike opinions got a life._ _Oh man! thou Image of thy Makers good,_ _What canst thou fear, when breathed into thy bloud,_ _His spirit is, that built thee? what dull sence_ _Makes thee suspect, in need, that Providence?_ _Who made the morning, and who plac'd the light_ _Guide to thy labours? who call'd up the night,_ _And bid her fall upon thee like sweet showers_ _In hollow murmurs, to lock up thy powers?_ _Who gave thee knowledge, who so trusted thee,_ _To let thee grow so near himself, the Tree?_ _Must he then be distrusted? shall his frame_ _Discourse with him, why thus, and thus I am?_ _He made the Angels thine, thy fellows all,_ _Nay, even thy servants, when Devotions call._ _Oh! canst thou be so stupid then, so dim,_ _To seek a saving influence, and loose him?_ _Can Stars protect thee? or can poverty,_ _Which is the light to Heaven, put out his eye?_ _He is my Star, in him all truth I find,_ _All influence, all fate, and when my mind_ _Is furnish'd with his fullness, my poor story_ _Shall out-live all their age, and all their glory,_ _The hand of danger cannot fall amiss,_ _When I know what, and in whose power it is._ _[N]or want, the cause of man, shall make me groan,_ _A Holy Hermit is a mind alone._ _Doth not experience teach us all we can,_ _To work our selves into a glorious man?_ _Love's but an exhalation to best eyes_ _The matter spent, and then the fools fire dies?_ _Were I in love, and could that bright Star bring_ _Increase to Wealth, Honor, and every thing:_ _Were she as perfect good, as we can aim,_ _The first was so, and yet she lost the Game._ _My Mistriss then be knowledge and fair truth;_ _So I enjoy all beauty and all youth,_ _And though to time her Lights, and Laws she lends,_ _She knows no Age, that to corruption bends._ _Friends promises may lead me to believe,_ _But he that [is] his own friend, knows to live._ _Affliction, when I know it is but this,_ _A deep allay, whereby man tougher is_ _To [b]ear the hammer, and the deeper still,_ _We still arise more image of his Will._ _Sickness, an humorous cloud 'twixt us and light_ _And death, at longest but another night._ _Man is his own Star, and that soul that can_ _Be honest, is the only perfect man._

FINIS.

THE

MASQUE of the Gentlemen

OF

_GRAYS-INNE_ and the _INNER-TEMPLE_;

_Performed before the KING in the_ Banqueting-House _in_ White-Hall, at the Marriage of the Illustrious _Frederick_ and _Elizabeth_, Prince and Princess Palatine of the _Rhine_.

Written by _FRANCIS BEAMONT_ Gent.

_Enter_ Iris _running_, Mercury _following, and catching hold of her_.

_Mercury._ Stay Light-[f]oot _Iris_, for thou striv'st in vain, My wings are nimbler than thy feet.

_Iris._ Away, Dissembling _Mercury_, my messages Ask honest haste, not like those wanton ones, Your thundering Father sends.

_Mer._ Stay foolish Maid, Or I will take my rise upon a hill, When I perceive thee seated in a cloud, In all the painted glory that thou hast, And never cease to clap my willing wing[s], Till I catch hold o[f] thy discolour'd Bow, And shiver it beyond the angry power Of your [curst] Mistriss to make up again.

_Iris. Hermes_ forbear, _Juno_ will chide and strike; Is great _Jove_ jealous that I am imploy'd On her Love-errands? she did never yet Claspe weak mortality in her white arms, As he has often done; I only come To celebrate the long wish'd Nuptials Here in _Olympia_, which are now perform'd Betwixt two goodly Rivers, [which] have mixt Their gentle [ris]ing waves, and are to grow Into a thousand streams, great as themselves. I need not name them, for the sound is loud In Heaven and Earth, and I am sent from her The Queen of marriage, that was present here, And smil'd to see them joyn, and hath not chid Since it was done. Good _Hermes_ let me goe.

_Merc._ Nay, you must stay, _Jove's_ message is the same; Whose eyes are lightning, and whose voice is thunder, Whose breath is a[n]y wind, he will, who knows How to be first [o]n Earth, as well as Heaven.

_Iris._ But what hath he to do with Nuptial rites? Let him [keepe state] upon his Starry throne, And fright poor mortals with his Thunder-bolts, Leaving to us the mutual darts of eyes.

_Merc._ Alas, when ever offer'd he t'abridge Your Ladies power, but only now in these, Whose match concerns [his] general government? Hath not each God a part in these high joyes? And shall not he the King of gods presume Without proud _Juno's_ licence? let her know, That when enamour'd _Jove_ fir[st] gave her power To link soft hearts in undissolv[ed] b[o]nds, He then foresaw, and to himself reserv'd The honor of this marriage: thou shalt stand Still as a Rock, while I to bless this Feast Will summon up with mine all-charming rod The Nymphs of Fountains, from whose watry locks, (Hung with the dew of blessing and increase) The greedy Rivers take their nourishment. Y[ou] Nymphs, who bathing in your loved Springs, Beheld these Rivers in their infancy. And joy'd to see them, when their circled heads Refresh'd the Air, and spread the ground with Flowers; Rise from your Wells, and with your nimble feet Perform that office to this happy pair, Which in these Plains you to _Alpheus_ did, When passing hence, through many Seas unmixt, He gain'd the favour of his _Arethuse_.

[_The Nymphs rise, and dance a little, and then make a stand._

_Iris._ Is _Hermes_ grown a Lover? by what power Unknown to us, calls he the [Naiades]?

_Merc._ Presumptuous _Iris_, I could make thee dance, Till thou forgetst thy Ladies messages, And rann'st back crying to her; thou shalt know My power is more, only my breath, and this Shall move fix'd Stars, and force the Firmament To yield the Hyades, who govern showers, And dewy clouds, in whose dispersed drops Thou form'st the shape of thy deceitful Bow. Y[ou] Maids, who yearly at appointed times Advance with kindly tears, the gentle floods Discend, and pour your blessing on these streams, Which rolling down from Heaven-aspiring hills, And now united in the fruitful vales, Bear all before them, ravish'd with their joy, And swell in glory, till they know no bounds.

[_The Cloud discends with the Hyades, at which the Maids seem to be rejoyced; they all dance a while together, then make another stand, as if they wanted something._

_Iris._ Great Wit and Power hath _Hermes_ to contrive A livel[esse] dance, which of one sex consists.

_Merc._ Alas poor _Iris_! _Venus_ hath in store A secret ambush of her winged boys, Who lurking long within these pleasant groves, First stuck these Lovers with their equal darts; Those _Cupids_ shall come forth, and joyn with these, To honor that which they themselves began.

[_The_ Cupids _come forth and dance, they are weary with their blind pursuing the Nymphs, and th[e] Nymphs weary with flying them_.

_Iris._ Behold the Statues which wild Vulcan plac'd Under the Altar of Olympian _Jove_, And gave to them an artificial life: [Shall daunce for joy of these great Nuptialls:] See how they move, drawn by this Heavenly joy, Like the wild Trees, which followed _Orpheus_ Harp.

[_The Statues come down, and they all dance, till the Nymphs out-run them, and lose them, then the_ Cupids _go off, and last the Statues_.

_Merc._ And what will _Juno's Iris_ do for her?

_Iris._ Just match this shew, or m[y] inventio[n] fail[es], Had it been worthier, I would have invok'd The blazing Comets, Clouds, and falling Stars, And all my kindred Meteors of the air, To have excell'd it; but I now must strive To imitate confusion; therefore thou Delightful _Flora_; if thou ever feltst Increase of sweetness in those blooming Plants, On which the horns of my fair Bow decline, Send hither all th[e] rural company, Which deck the May-games with their [Countrey] sports; _Juno_ will have it so.

[_The second Anti-Masque [rush] in, [dance] their measure, and as rudely depart._

_Merc. Iris_, we strive Like winds at liberty, who should do worst E'r we return. If _Juno_ be the Queen Of Marriages, let her give happy way To what is done in honor of the State She governs.

_Iris. Hermes_, so it may be done Meerly in honor of the State, and th[e]se That now have prov'd it; not to satisfy The lust of _Jupiter_, in having thanks More than his _Juno_; if thy Snaky rod Have power to search the Heaven, or sound the Sea, Or call together all the ends of earth, To bring [in] any thing that may do grace To us, and these, do it, we shall be pleas'd.

_Merc._ Then know that from the mouth of _Jove_ himself, Whose words have wings, and need not to be born, I took a message, and I b[a]re it through A thousand yielding clouds, and never staid Till his high Will was done: the _Olympian_ games, Which long ha[ve] slept, at these wish'd Nuptials, He pleas'd to have renew'd, and all his Knights Are gather'd hither, who within their Tents Rest on this hill, upon whose rising head

[_The Altar is discovered with the Pri[e]sts about it, and the Statues under it, and the Knights lying in their Tents on each side, near the top of the hill._

Behold _Jove's_ Altar, and his blessed Priests Moving about it; come you Holy men, And with your voices draw these youths along, That till _Jove's_ Musick call them to their games. Their active sports may give a blest content To those, for whom they are again begun.

The first Song, when the Priests descend, and the Knights follow them.

_Shake off your heavy trance,_ _and leap into a dance,_ _Such as no mortals use to tread,_ _fit only for_ Apollo _To play to, for the Moon to lead,_ _And all the Stars to follow_.

The second Song at the end of the first Dance.

_On blessed youths, for_ Jove _doth pause,_ _Laying aside his graver Laws_ _For this device:_ _And at the wedding such a pair,_ _Each dance is taken for a prayer,_ _Each Song a Sacrifice._

The third Song, after their many Dances, when they are to take out the Ladies.

Single.

_More pleasing were these sweet delights,_ _If Ladies mov'd as well as Knights_; _Run every one of you and catch_ _A Nymph, in honor of his match;_ _And whisper boldly in her ear,_ Jove _will but laugh, if you forswear._

All.

_And this days sins he doth resolve,_ _That we his Priests should all absolve._

The fourth Song, when they have parted with the Ladies, a shrill Musick sounds, supposed to be that which calls them to the Olympian games, at which they all make a seeming preparation to depart.

_Y[e] should stay longer if we durst,_ _Away, alas! that he that first_ _Gave time wild wings to fly away,_ _H[ath] now no power to make him stay._ _[But] though these games must needs be plaid,_ _I would th[is] pair, when they are laid,_ _And not a creature nigh 'em,_ _[Could] catch his sithe, as he doth pass,_ _And [cut] his wings, and break his glass,_ _And keep him ever by 'em._

The fifth Song, when all is done, as they ascend

_Peace and silence be the guide_ _To the Man, and to the Bride:_ _If there be a joy y[e]t new_ _In marriage, let it fall on you,_ _That all the world may wonder:_ _If we should stay, we should do worse,_ _And turn our blessings to a curse,_ _By keeping you asunder._

Four PLAYS in One.

The Persons represented in the Play.

Emanuel, _King of_ Portugal, & Castile. Isabella, _his Queen_. Lords. Frigoso, _a Courtier_. } _Spectators of the Play at the_ Rinaldo, _his acquaintance_. } _celebration of their Nuptials._

The Triumph of Honor.

Martius, _a Roman General_. Valerius, _his Brother_. Nicodemus, _a cowardly Corporal_. Cornelius, _a wittal Sutler_. Captain. Sophocles, _Duke of_ Athens.

WOMEN.

Diana. Dorigen, Sophocles _wife, the example of Chastity_. Florence, _Wife to_ Cornelius.

The Triumph of Love.

Cupid. Rinaldo, _Duke of_ Milan. Benvoglio, } _Brothers, Lords of_ Randulpho, } Milan Gerard, } _Sons of the Duke, supposed_ Ferdinand, } _lost._

WOMEN.

Angelina, _Wife to_ Benvoglio. Violante, _her Daughter_, Gerard's _Mistriss_. Dorothea, Violante's _Attendant_. Cornelia, _the obscured Duchess_.

The Triumph of Death.

Duke _of_ Anjou. Lavall, _his lustful Heir_. Gentille, _a Courtier, Father to_ Perolot. Perolot, _contracted to_ Gabriella. Two Gentlemen. A Spirit. Shalloone, _servant to_ Lavall.

WOMEN.

Gabriella, _the despised wife of_ Lavall. Hellena, _his second wife_. Casta, _Daughter to_ Gentille. Maria, _a servant attending on_ Gabriella.

The Triumph of Time.

Jupiter. Mercurie. Plutus. Time. Atropos. Desire. Vain Delight. Bounty. Poverty. Honesty. Simplicity. Fame.

Four

PLAYS

OR

Moral Representations

IN ONE.

_Enter Don_ Frigozo.

_Frig._ [_Noise within._ Away with those bald-pated Rascals there, their wits are bound up in Vellom, they are not currant here. Down with those City-Gentlemen, &c. Out with those ---- I say, and in with their wives at the back door. Worship and place, I am weary of ye, ye lye on my shoulders lik a load of Gold on an Asses back. A man in Authority, is but as a candle in the wind, sooner wasted or blown out, than under a bushel. How now, what's the matter?

Who are you, Sir?

_Enter_ Rinaldo.

_Rin._ Who am I, Sir? why, do y' not know me?

_Frig._ No by my ---- do I not.

_Rin._ I am sure we din'd together to day.

_Frig._ That's all one: as I din'd with you in the City, and as you paid for my dinner there, I do know you, and am beholding to you: But as my mind is since transmigrated into my office, and as you come to Court to have me pay you again, and be beholding to me, I know you not, I know you not.

_Rin._ Nay, but look ye, Sir.

_Frig._ Pardon me: If you had been my bed-fellow these seven years, and lent me money to buy my place, I must not transgress principles: This very talking with you is an ill example.

_Rin._ Pish, you are too punctual a Courtier, Sir: why, I am a Courtier too, yet never understood the place or name to be so infectious to humanity and manners, as to cast a man into a burning pride and arrogance, for which there is no cure. I am a Courtier, and yet I will know my friends, I tell you.

_Frig._ And I tell you, you will thrive accordingly, I warrant you.

_Rin._ But hark ye, Signior _Frigozo_, you shall first understand, I have no friends with me to trouble you.

_Frig._ Humh: That's a good motive.

_Rin._ No[r] to borrow money of you.

_Frig._ That's an excellent motive.

_Rin._ No my sweet Don, nor to ask what you owe me.

_Frig._ Why, that is the very motive of motives, why I ought and will know thee: and if I had not wound thee up to this promise, I would not have known thee these fifteen years, no more than the errantst, or most founder'd _Castillian_ that followed our new Queens Carriages a-foot.

_Rin._ Nor for any thing, dear Don, but that you would place me conveniently to see the Play to night.

_Frig._ That shall I, Signior _Rinaldo_: but would you had come sooner: you see how full the Scaffolds are, there is scant room for a Lovers thought here. Gentlewomen sit close for shame: Has none of ye a little corner for this Gentleman? I'll place ye, fear not. And how did our brave King of _Portugal_, _Emanuel_, bear himself to day? You saw the solemnity of the marriage.

_Rin._ Why, like a fit Husband for so gracious and excellent a Princess, as his worthy mate _Isabella_, the King of _Castiles_ Daughter doth in her very external li[ne]aments, mixture of colours, and joyning Dove-like behaviour assure her self to be. And I protest (my dear Don) seriously, I can sing prophetically nothing but blessed Hymns, and happy occasions to this sacred union of _Portugal_ and _Castile_, which have so wisely and mutually conjoyned two such virtuous and beautiful Princes as these are; and in all opinion like to multiply to their very last minute.

_Frig._ The King is entring: Signior, hover here about, and as soon as the Train is set, clap into me, we'll stand near the State. If you have any Creditors here, they shall renew bonds a Twelvemonth on such a sight: but to touch the pomel of the King's Chair in the sight of a Citizen, is better security for a thousand double Duckets, than three of the best Merchants in _Lisbon_. Besides, Signior, we will censure, not only the King in the Play here, that Reigns his two hours; but the King himself, that is to rule his life time: Take my counsel: I have one word to say to this noble Assembly, and I am for you.

_Rin._ Your method shall govern me.

Frig. _Prologues are bad Huishers before the wise;_ _Why may not then an Huisher Prologize?_ _Here's a fair sight, and were ye oftner seen_ _Thus gather'd here, 'twould please our King and Queen_ _Upon my conscience, ye are welcome all_ _To_ Lisbon, _and the Court of_ Portugal; _Where your fair eyes shall feed on no worse sights_ _Than preparations made for Kings delights._ _We wish to men content, the manliest treasure,_ _And to the Women, their own wish'd for pleasure._ [Flourish.

_Enter King and Queen, Emanuel and Isabella,_ _Lords and attendants._

_Em._ Fair fountain of my life, from whose pure streams The propagation of two Kingdoms flowes, Never contention rise in eithers brest, But contestation whose love shall be best.

_Isab._ Majestick Ocean, that with plenty feeds Me, thy poor tributary Rivolet, Sun of my beauty, that with radiant beams Dost gild, and dance upon these humble streams, Curst be my birth-hour, and my ending day, When back your love-floods I forget to pay: Or if this brest of mine, your crystall brook, Ever take other form in, other look But yours, or ere produce unto your grace A strange reflection, or anothers face, But be your love-book clasp'd, open'd to none But you, nor hold a storie, but your own; A water fix'd, that ebbs nor floods pursue, Frozen to all, onely dissolv'd to you.

_Em._ O, who shall tel the sweetness of our love To future times, and not be thought to lye? I look through this hour like a perspective, And far off see millions of prosperous seeds, That our reciprocall affection breeds. Thus my white rib, close in my brest with me, Which nought shall tear hence, but mortalitie.

_Lords._ Be Kingdoms blest in you, you blest in them.

_Frig._ Whist, Seignior; my strong imagination shews me Love (me thinks) bathing in milk, and wine in her cheeks: O! how she clips him, like a plant of Ivie.

_Rin._ I; Could not you be content to be an Owl in such an ivie-bush, or one of the Oaks of the City to be so clipt?

_Frig._ Equivocal Don, though I like the clipping well, I could not be content either to be your Owl, or your Ox of the City. The Play begins. [_Flourish._

_Enter a Poet with a garland._

Poet Prologue. _Low at your sacred feet our poor Muse layes_ _Her, and her thunder-fearless virdant Bayes._ _Four severall_ Triumphs _to your Princely eyes,_ _Of_ Honor, Love, Death, _and_ Time _do rise_ _From our approaching subject, which we move_ _Towards you with fear, since that a sweeter_ Love, _A brighter_ Honor, _purer_ Chastitie _March in your brests this day triumphantly,_ _Then our weak Scenes can show: then how dare we_ _Present like Apes and Zanies, things that be_ _Exemplifi'd in you, but that we know,_ _We ne'r crav'd grace, which you did not bestow_?

_Enter in triumph with Drums, Trumpets, Colours_, Martius, Valerius, Sophocles _bound_, Nicodemus, Cornelius, _Captains and Soldiers_.

_Mar._ What means proud _Sophocles_?

_Soph._ To go even with _Martius_, And not to follow him like his Officer: I never waited yet on any man.

_Mar._ Why poor _Athenian_ Duke, thou art my slave, My blows have conquerd thee.

_Soph._ Thy slave? proud _Martius_, _Cato_ thy countrey-man (whose constancie, Of all the Romans, I did honor most) Rip'd himself twice to avoid slavery, Making himself his own Anatomie. But look thee _Martius_, not a vein runs here From head to foot, but _Sophocles_ would unseame, and Like a spring garden shoot his scornfull blood Into their eyes, durst come to tread on him: As for thy blows, they did [not] conquer me: Seven Battailes have I met thee face to face, And given thee blow for blow, and wound for wound, And till thou taught'st me, knew not to retire; Thy sword was then as bold, thy arm as strong; Thy blows then _Martius_, cannot conquer me.

_Val._ What is it then?

_Soph._ Fortune.

_Val._ Why, yet in that Thou art the worse man, and must follow him.

_Soph._ Young Sir, you erre: If Fortune could be call'd Or his, or your's, or mine, in good or evill For any certain space, thou hadst spoke truth: But she but jests with man, and in mischance Abhors all constancie, flowting him still With some small touch of good, or seeming good Midst of his mischief: which vicissitude Makes him strait doff his armour, and his fence He had prepar'd before, to break her strokes. So from the very Zenith of her wheel, When she has dandled some choice favorite, Given him his boons in women, honor, wealth, And all the various delecacies of earth; That the fool scorns the gods in his excess, She whirls, and leaves him at th' _Antipodes_.

_Mar._ Art sure we have taken him? Is this _Sophocles_? His fettred arms say no; his free soul, I. This _Athens_ nurseth Arts, as well as Arms.

_Soph._ Nor glory _Martius_, in this day of thine, 'Tis behind yesterday, but before to morrow: Who knows what Fortune then will do with thee? She never yet could make the better man, The better chance she has: the man that's best She still contends with, and doth favor least.

_Mar._ Me thinks a graver thunder then the skies Breaks from his lips; I am amaz'd to hear, And _Athens_ words, more then her swords doth fear.

_Soph. Martius_, slave _Sophocles_, couldst thou acquire (And did thy Roman gods so love thy prayers, And solemn sacrifice, to grant thy suit) To gather all the valour of the _Cæsars_ Thy Predecessors, and what is to come, And by their influence fling it on thee now, Thou couldst not make my mind go less, not pare With all their swords one virtue from my soul: How am I vassall'd then? Make such thy slaves, As dare not keep their goodness past their graves. Know General, we two are chances on The die of Fate; now thrown, thy six is up, And my poor one beneath thee, next th[y] throw May set me upmost, and cast thee below.

_Mar._ Yet will I trie thee more: Calamitie Is mans true touchstone: Listen insolent Prince, That dar'st contemn the Master of thy life, Which I will force here 'fore thy City walls With barbarous crueltie, and call thy wife To see it, and then after send her--

_Soph._ Ha, ha, ha.

_Mar._ And then demolish _Athens_ to the ground, Depopulate her, fright away her fame, And leave succession neither stone nor name.

_Soph._ Ha, ha, ha.

_Mar._ Dost thou deride me?

_Val._ Kneel, ask _Martius_ For mercy, _Sophocles_, and live happy still.

_Soph._ Kneel, and ask mercie? (_Roman_) art a god? I never kneel'd, or begg'd of any else. Thou art a fool, and I will loose no more Instructions on thee: now I find thy eares [_Solemn Musick._

_Enter Dorigen, Ladyes bearing a sword._

Are foolish, like thy tongue. My _Dorigen_? Oh! must she see me bound?

_1 Cap._ There's the first sigh He breath'd since he was born, I think.

_2 Cap._ Forbear, All but the Lady his wife.

_Soph._ How my heart chides The manacles of my hands, that let them not Embrace my _Dorigen_.

_Val._ Turn but thy face. And ask thy life of _Martius_ thus, and thou (With thy fair wife) shalt live; _Athens_ shall stand, And all her priviledges augmented be.

_Soph._ 'Twere better _Athens_ perish'd, and my wife Which (Romans) I do know a worthie one, Then _Sophocles_ should shrink of _Sophocles_, Commit profane Idolatry, by giving The reverence due to gods to thee blown man.

_Mar._ Rough, stubborn Cynick.

_Soph._ Thou art rougher far, And of a couser wale, fuller of pride, Less temperate to bear prosperity. Thou seest my meer neglect hath rais'd in thee A storm more boystrous then the Oceans, My virtue, Patience, makes thee vitious.

_Mar._ Why, fair-ey'd Lady, do you kneel?

_Dor._ Great Generall, Victorious, godlike _Martius_, your poor handmaid Kneels, for her husband will not, cannot: speaks Thus humbly, that he may not. Listen _Roman_, Thou whose advanced front doth speak thee _Roman_ To every Nation, and whose deeds assure 't; Behold a Princess (whose declining head Like to a drooping lilly after storms Bowes to thy feet) and playing here the slave, To keep her husbands greatness unabated: All which doth make thy Conquest greater: For, If he be base in ought whom thou hast taken, Then _Martius_ hath but taken a base prize. But if this Jewell hold lustre and value, _Martius_ is richer then in that he hath won. O make him such a Captive, as thy self Unto another wouldst, great Captain, be; Till then, he is no prisoner fit for thee.

_Mar. Valerius_, here is harmonie would have brought Old crabbed _Saturn_ to sweet sleep, when _Jove_ Did first incense him with Rebellion: _Athens_ doth make women Philosophers, And sure their children chat the talk of gods.

_Val._ Rise beauteous _Dorigen_.

_Dor._ Not untill I know The Generals resolution.

_Val._ One soft word From _Sophocles_ would calm him into tears, Like gentle showres after tempestuous winds.

_Dor._ To buy the world, he will not give a word, A look, a tear, a knee, 'gainst his own judgement, And the divine composure of his minde: All which I therefore doe, and here present This Victors wreathe, this rich _Athenian_ sword, Trophies of Conqu[e]st, which, great _Martius_, wear, And be appeas'd: Let _Sophocles_ still live.

_Mar._ He would not live.

_Dor._ He would not beg to live. When he shall so forget, then I begin To command, _Martius_; and when he kneels, _Dorigen_ stands; when he lets fall a tear, I dry mine eyes, and scorn him.

_Mar._ Scorn him now then, Here in the face of _Athens_, and thy friends. Self-will'd, stiff _Sophocles_, prepare to die, And by that sword thy Lady honor'd me, With which her self shall follow. Romans, Friends, Who dares but strike this stroke, shall part with me Half _Athens_, and my half of Victorie.

_Cap._ By ---- not we.

_Nic. Cor._ We two will do it, Sir.

_Soph._ Away, ye fish-fac'd Rascals.

_Val. Martius_, To Eclipse this great Eclipse labours thy fame; _Valerius_ thy Brother shall for once Turn Executioner: Give me the sword. Now _Sophocles_, I'll strike as suddenly As thou dar'st die.

_Soph._ Thou canst not. And _Valerius_, 'Tis less dishonour to thee thus to kill me, Then bid me kneel to _Martius_: 'tis to murther The fame of living men, which great ones do; Their studies strangle, poyson makes away, The wretched hangman only ends the Play.

_Val._ Art thou prepar'd?

_Soph._ Yes.

_Val._ Bid thy wife farewell.

_Soph._ No, I will take no leave: My _Dorigen_, Yonder above, 'bout _Ariadnes_ Crown My spirit shall hover for thee; prethee haste.

_Dor._ Stay _Sophocles_, with this tie up my sight, Let not soft nature so transform[e]d be (And lose her gentle[r] sex'd humanitie) To make me see my Lord bleed. So, 'tis well: Never one object underneath the Sun Will I behold before my _Sophocles_. Farewell: now teach the Romans how to die.

_Mar._ Dost know what 'tis to die?

_Soph._ Thou dost not, _Martius_, And therefore not what 'tis to live; to die Is to begin to live: It is to end An old stale weary work, and to commence A newer and a better. 'Tis to leave Deceitfull knaves for the societie Of gods and goodness. Thou thy self must part At last from all thy garlands, pleasures, Triumphs, And prove thy fortitude, what then 'twill do.

_Val._ But ar't not griev'd nor vex'd to leave life thus?

_Soph._ Why should I grieve, or vex for being sent To them I ever lov'd best? now I'll kneel, But with my back toward thee; 'tis the last duty This trunk can doe the gods.

_Mar._ Strike, strike, _Valerius_, Or _Martius_ heart will leap out at his mouth. This is a man, a woman! Kiss thy Lord, And live with all the freedome you were wont. O Love! thou doubly hast afflicted me, With virtue, and with beauty. Treacherous heart, My hand shall cast thee quick into my urne, E're thou transgress this knot of pietie.

_Val._ What ails my Brother?

_Soph. Martius_, oh _Martius_! Thou now hast found a way to conquer me.

_Dor._ O star of _Rome_, what gratitude can speak Fit words to follow such a deed as this?

_Mar._ Doth _Juno_ talk, or _Dorigen_?

_Val._ You are observ'd.

_Mar._ This admirable Duke (_Valerius_) With his disdain of Fortune, and of Death, Captiv'd himself, hath captivated me: And though my arm hath ta'ne his body here, His soul hath subjugated _Martius_ soul: By _Romulus_, he is all soul, I think; He hath no flesh, and spirit cannot b[e] gyv'd; Then we have vanquish'd nothing; he is free, And _Martius_ walks now in captivitie.

_Soph._ How fares the noble Roman?

_Mar._ Why?

_Dor._ Your blood Is sunk down to your heart, and your bright eyes Have lost their splendor.

_Mar._ Baser fires go out, When the Sun shines on 'em: I am not well, An Apoplectick fit I use to have After my heats in war carelesly coold.

_Soph. Martius_ shall rest in _Athens_ with his friends, Till this distemper leave him: O! great Roman, See _Sophocles_ doe that for thee, he could not Do for himself, weep. _Martius_, by the---- It grieves me that so brave a soul should suffer Under the bodies weak infirmitie. Sweet Lady, take him to thy loving charge, And let thy care be tender.

_Dor._ Kingly Sir, I am your Nurse and servant.

_Mar._ O deer Lady, My Mistris, nay my Deity; guide me heaven, Ten wreathes triumphant _Martius_ will give, To change a _Martius_ for a _Sophocles_: Can't not be done (_Valerius_) with this boot? Inseparable affection, ever thus Colleague with _Athens Rome_.

_Dor._ Beat warlike tunes, Whilest _Dorigen_ thus honors _Martius_ brow With one victorious wreath more.

_Soph._ And _Sophocles_ Thus girds his Sword of conquest to his thigh, Which ne'r be drawn, but cut out Victorie.

_Lords._ For ever be it thus. [_Exeunt._

_Corn._ Corporall _Nichodemus_, a word with you.

_Nic._ My worthie Sutler _Cornelius_, it befits not _Nichodemus_ the Roman Officer to parley with a fellow of thy rank: the affairs of the Empire are to be occupied.

_Corn._ Let the affaires of the Empire lie a while unoccupied, sweet _Nichodemus_; I doe require the money at thy hands, which thou doest owe me; and if faire means cannot attain, force of Armes shall accomplish.

_Nic._ Put up and live.

_Corn._ I have put up too much already, thou Corporall of Concupiscence, for I suspect thou hast dishonored my flock-bed, and with thy foolish Eloquence, and that bewitching face of thine drawn my Wife, the young harlotrie baggage to prostitute herself unto thee. Draw therefore, for thou shalt find thyself a mortall Corporall.

_Nichod._ Stay thy dead-doing hand, and heare: I will rather descend from my honor, and argue these contumelies with thee, then clutch thee (poor flye) in these eaglet ---- of mine: or draw my sword of Fate on a Pesant, a _Besognio_, a _Cocoloch_, as thou art. Thou shalt first understand this foolish eloquence, and intolerable beauty of mine (both which, I protest, are meerly naturall) are the gifts of the gods, with which I have neither sent baudy Sonnet, nor amorous glance, or (as the vulgar call it) sheeps eye to thy betrothed _Florence_.

_Cor._ Thou lyest.

_Nich._ O gods of _Rome_, was _Nichodemus_ born To hear these braveries from a poor provant? Yet when dogs bark, or when the asses bray, The lion laughs, not roars, but goes his way.

_Cornel._ A ---- o' your poeticall veine: This versifying my wife has hornified me. Sweet Corporall codshead, no more standing on your punctilio's and punketto's of honor, they are not worth a lowse: the truth is, thou art the Generals Bygamie, that is, his fool, and his knave; thou art miscreant and recreant, not an horse-boy in the Legions, but has beaten thee; thy beginning was knap-sack, and thy ending will be halter-sack.

_Nich._ Me thinks I am now _Sophocles_, the wise, and thou art _Martius_, the mad.

_Cornel._ No more of your tricks good Corporall Letherchops: I say, thou hast dishonour'd me, and since honor now adaies is only repaired by money, pay me, and I am satisfied: Even reckoning keeps long friends.

_Nic._ Let us continue friends then, for I have been even with thee a long time; and though I have not paid thee, I have paid thy wife.

_Corn._ Flow forth my tears, thou hast deflowred her _Tarquin_, the Garden of my delight, hedg'd about, in which there was but one bowling Alley for mine owne private procreation, thou hast, like a thief in the night, leap'd the hedge, entred my Alley, and without my privitie, plaid thine owne rubbers.

_Nic._ How long shall patience thus securely snore? Is it my fault, if these attractive eyes, This budding chin, or rosie-colour'd cheek, This comely body, and this waxen leg, Have drawn her into a fools paradise? By _Cupids_ ---- I do swear (no other) She's chaster far then _Lucrece_, her grand-mother; Pure as glass-window, ere the rider dash it, Whiter then Ladyes smock, when she did wash it: For well thou wotst (though now my hearts Commandress) I once was free, and she but the Camps Landress.

_Corn._ I, she then came sweet to me; no part about her but smelt of Soap-suds, like a _Dryad_ out of a wash-bowl. Pray, or pay.

_Nich._ Hold.

_Corn._ Was thy cheese mouldy, or thy peny-worths small? Was not thy Ale the mightiest of the earth in Malt, And thy stope fill'd like a tide: was not thy bed soft, and Thy Bacon fatter then a dropsie? Come, Sir.

_Nich. Mars_ then inspire me with the fencing skill Of our Tragedi[a]n Actors. Honor pricks; And Sutler, now I come with thwacks and thwicks. Grant us one crush, one pass, and now a high, Cavalto fall: Then up again, now down again, yet do no harm at all.

_Enter Wife._

_Wife._ O that ever I was born: why Gent?

_Corn. Messaline_ of _Rome_, away, disloyal Concubine: I will be deafer to thee, then thou art to others: I will have my hundred drachma's he owes me, thou arrant whore.

_Wife._ I know he is an hundred drachmaes o'the score; but what o' that? no bloodshed, sweet _Cornelius_. O my heart; o' my conscience 't is faln thorow the bottom of my bellie. O my sweet Didimus, if either of ye miskil one another, what will become of [p]oor _Florence_? Pacifie your selves, I pray.

_Corn._ Go to, my heart is not stone; I am not marble: drie your eyes, _Florence_; the scurvie apes-face knows my blinde side well enough: leave your puling; will this content ye? let him tast thy nether lip, which in signe of amitie I thus take off again: go thy ways, and provide the Cows udder.

_Nich._ Lilie of Concord. And now, honest Sutler, since I have had proof as well of thy good nature, as of thy wives before, I will acquaint thee with a project shall fully satisfie thee for thy debt. Thou shalt understand I am shortly to be knighted.

_Corn._ The devil thou art.

_Nich._ Renounce me else; for the sustenance of which Worship (which Worship many times wants sustenance) I have here the Generals grant to have the leading of two hundred men.

_Corn._ You jest, you jest.

_Nich._ Refuse me else to the pit.

_Corn._ Mercie on us: ha you not forgot your self? by you[r] swearing you should be knighted already.

_Nich._ Damn me, Sir, here's his hand, read it.

_Corn._ Alas, I cannot.

_Nich._ I know that.

It has pleas'd the General to look upon my service. Now, Sir, shall you joyn with me in petitioning for fifty men more, in regard of my arrearages to you; which if granted, I will bestow the whole profit of those fifty men on thee and thine heirs for ever, till _Atropos_ do cut this simple thred.

_Corn._ No more, dear Corporal, Sir _Nichodemus_, that shall be, I cry your wishes mercie: I am your servant body and goods, moveables and immoveables; use my house, use my wife, use me, abuse me, do what you list.

_Nich._ A figment is a candid lye: this is an old Pass. Mark what follows. [_Exeunt._

_Enter Martius, and two Captains._

_Mar._ Pray leave me: you are Romans, honest men, Keep me not company, I am turn'd knave, Have lost my fame and nature. _Athens, Athens_, This _Dorigen_ is thy _Palladium_: He that will sack thee, must betray her first, Whose words wound deeper than her husbands sword; Her eyes make captive still the Conqueror, And here they keep her only to that end. O subtill devil, what a golden ball Did tempt, when thou didst cast her in my way! Why, foolish _Sophocles_, broughtst thou not to field Thy Lady, that thou mightst have overcome? _Martius_ had kneel'd, and yielded all his wreathes That hang like Jewels on the seven-fold hill, And bid _Rome_, send him out to fight with men, (For that she knew he durst) and not 'gainst Fate Or Deities, what mortal conquers them? Insatiate _Julius_, when his Victories Had run ore half the world, had he met her, There he had stopt the legend of his deeds, Laid by his Arms, been overcome himself, And let her vanquish th' other half. And fame Made beauteous _Dorigen_, the greater name. Shall I thus fall? I will not; no, my tears Cast on my heart, shall quench these lawless fires: He conquers best, conquers his lewd desires.

_Enter Dorigen, with Ladyes._

_Dor._ Great Sir, my Lord commands me visit you, And thinks your retir'd melancholy proceeds From some distast of worthless entertainment. Will't please you take your chamber? how d'ye do, Sir?

_Mar._ Lost, lost again; the wild rage of my blood Doth Ocean-like oreflow the shallow shore Of my weak virtue: my desire's a vane, That the least breath from her turns every way.

_Dor._ What says my Lord?

_Mar._ Dismiss your women, pray, And I'll reveal my grief.

_Dor._ Leave me.

_Mar._ Long tales of love (whilst love it self Might be enjoyed) are languishing delays. There is a secret strange lies in my brest, I will partake wi' you, which much concerns Your Lord, your self, and me. Oh!

_Dor._ Strange secrets, Sir, Should not be made so cheap to strangers: yet, If your strange secret do no lower lie Then in your brest, discover it.

_Mar._ I will. Oh! can you not see it, Lady, in my sighs?

_Dor._ Sighs none can paint, and therefore who can see?

_Mar._ Scorn me not, _Dorigen_, with mocks: _Alcides_, That master'd monsters, was by beautie tam'd, _Omphale_ smil'd his club out of his hand, And made him spin her smocks. O sweet, I love you, And I love _Sophocles_: I must enjoy you, And yet I would not injure him.

_Dor._ Let go; You hurt me, Sir: fare well. Stay, is this _Martius_? I will not tell my Lord; he'll swear I lye. Doubt my fidelitie, before thy honor. How hast thou vex'd the gods, that they would let thee Thus violate friendship, hospitalitie, And all the bounds of sacred pietie? Sure thou but tri'st me out of love to him, And wouldst reject me, if I did consent. O _Martius, Martius_, wouldst thou in one minute, Blast all thy Laurels, which so many years Thou hast been purchasing with blood and sweat? Hath _Dorigen_ never been written, read, Without the epithet of chast, chast _Dorigen_? And wouldst thou fall upon her chastitie, Like a black drop of ink, to blot it out? When men shall read the records of thy valour, Thy hitherto-brave virtue, and approach (Highly content yet) to this foul assault Included in this leaf, this ominous leaf, They shall throw down the Book, and read no more, Though the best deeds ensue, and all conclude, That ravell'd the whole story, whose sound heart (Which should have been) prov'd the most leprous part.

_Mar._ O! thou confut'st divinely, and thy words Do fall like rods upon me; but they have Such silken lines, and silver hooks, that I Am faster snar'd: my love has ta'en such hold, That (like two wrestlers) though thou stronger be, And hast cast me, I hope to pull thee after. I must, or perish.

_Dor._ Perish, _Martius_, then; For I here vow unto the gods, These rocks, These rocks we see so fix'd, shall be removed, Made champion field, ere I so impious prove, To stain my Lords bed with adulterous love.

_Enter Valerius._

_Val._ The gods protect fair _Dorigen_.

_Dor._ Amen, From all you wolvish Romanes. [_Exit._

_Val._ Ha? what's this? Still, brother, in your moods? O th[e]n my doubts Are truths. Have at it: I must try a way To be resolv'd.

_Mar._ How strangely dost thou look! what ailst thou?

_Val._ What ailst thou?

_Mar._ Why, I 'm mad.

_Val._ Why, I [a]m madder. _Martius_, draw thy sword, And lop a villain from the earth; for if Thou wilt not, on some tree about this place I'll hang my self; _Valerius_ shall not live To wound his brothers honor, stain his Countrey, And branded with ingratitude to all times.

_Mar._ For what can all this be?

_Val._ I [a]m in love.

_Mar._ Why so am I. With whom? ha?

_Val. Dorigen._

_Mar._ With _Dorigen_? how dost thou love her? speak.

_Val._ Even to the height of lust; and I must have her or else I die.

_Mar._ Thou shalt, thou daring Traitor. On all the confines I have rid my horse, Was there no other woman for thy choice But _Dorigen_? Why, villain, she is mine: She makes me pine thus, sullen, mad, and fool; 'T is I must have her, or I die.

_Val._ O all ye gods, With mercy look on this declining rock Of valour, and of virtue; breed not up (From infancie) in honor, to full man, As you have done him, to destroy: here, strike; For I have onely search'd thy wound: dispatch; Far, far be such love from _Valerius_, So far he scorns to live to be call'd brother By him that dares own such folly and such vice.

_Mar._ 'T is truth thou speak'st; but I do hate it: peace, If heaven will snatch my sword out of my hand, And put a rattle in it, what can I do? He that is destin'd to be odious In his old age, must undergo his fate.

_Enter Cornelius and Nichodemus._

_Corn._ If you do not back me, I shall never do't.

_Nich._ I warrant you.

_Corn._ Humh, humh: Sir; my Lord, my Lord.

_Mart._ Hah? what's the matter?

_Corn._ Humh; concerning the odd fifty, my Lord, and 't please your Generality, his Worship, Sir _Nichodemus_.

_Mar._ What's here? a Pass? you would for _Rome_? you lubbers, doth one days laziness make ye covet home? away, ye boarish rogues; ye dogs, away.

_Enter wife._

_Wife._ Oh, oh, oh: How now man, are you satisfi'd?

_Corn._ I, I, I: a ---- o' your Corporal; I 'm paid soundly, I was never better paid in all my life.

_Wife._ Mar[r]y the gods blessing on his honors heart: you have done a charitable deed, Sir, many more such may you live to do, Sir: the gods keep you, Sir, the gods protect you. [_Exit._

_Mar._ These peasants mock me sure (_Valerius_) Forgive my dotage, see my ashes urn'd, And tell fair _Dorigen_, (she that but now Left me with this harsh vow, Sooner these rocks Should be remov'd, then she would yield) that I Was yet so loving, on her gift to die.

_Val._ O _Jupiter_ forbid it, Sir, and grant This my device may certifie thy mind: You are my brother, nor must perish thus: Be comforted: think you fair _Dorigen_ Would yield your wishes, if these envious rocks By skill could be remov'd, or by fallacie She made believe so?

_Mar._ Why, she could not chuse; The _Athenians_ are religious in their vows, Above all nations.

_Val._ Soft, down yonder hill The Lady comes this way, once more to trie her, If she persist in obstinacie: by my skill Learn'd from the old _Caldean_ was my Tutor, Who train'd me in the _Mathematicks_, I will So dazle and delude her sight, that she Shall think this great impossibilitie Effected by some supernatural means. Be confident; this engine shall at least, Till the gods better order, still this brest. [_Exit Valerius._

_Mar._ O my best brother, go; and for reward, Chuse any part o'th' world, I'll give it thee. O little _Rome_, men say thou art a god; Thou mightst have got a fitter fool then I.

_Enter Dorigen._

_Dor._ Art thou there, Basilisk? remove thine eyes, For I'm sick to death with thy infection.

_Mar._ Yet, yet have mercy on me; save him, Lady, Whose single arm defends all _Rome_, whose mercie Hath sav'd thy husband's and thy life.

_Dor._ To spoil Our fame and honors? no, my vow is fixt, And stands, as constant as these stones do, still.

_Mar._ Then pitie me, ye gods; you onely may Move her, by tearing these firm stones a way.

[_Solemn musick._

_A mist ariseth, the rocks remove._

_Enter Valerius like Mercury, singing._

Val. _Martius rejoyce, Jove sends me from above,_ _His Messenger, to cure thy desperate love;_ _To shew rash vows c[a]nnot binde destinie:_ _Lady, behold, the rocks transplanted be._ _Hard-hearted Dorigen, yield, lest for contempt,_ _They fix thee here a rock, whence they 're exempt._

_Dor._ What strange delusion's this? what Sorcery Affrights me with these apparitions? My colder Chastity's nigh turn'd to death. Hence, lewd Magician; dar'st thou make the gods Bawds to thy lust; will they do miracles To further evil? or do they love it now? Know, if they dare do so, I dare hate them, And will no longer serve 'em. _Jupiter_, Thy golden showr, nor thy snow-white Swan, Had I been _Læda_, or bright _Danae_, Had bought mine honor. Turn me into stone For being good, and blush when thou hast done. [_Exit Dorigen._

_Enter Valerius._

_Mar._ O my _Valerius_, all yet will not do; Unless I could so draw mine honestie Down to the lees to be a ravisher; She calls me witch, and villain.

_Val._ Patience, Sir, The gods will punish perjury. Let her breathe And ruminate on this strange sight. Time decays The strongest fairest buildings we can finde; But still _Diana_, fortifie her minde. [_Exeunt._

_Enter Sophocles and Dorigen._

_Soph._ Weep not bright _Dorigen_; for thou hast stood Constant and chaste (it seems 'gainst gods and men) When rocks and mountains were remov'd. These wonders Do stupifie my senses. _Martius_, This is inhumane: was thy sickness lust? Yet were this truth, why weeps she? Jealous soul, What dost thou thus suggest? Vows, Magick, Rocks? Fine tales, and tears. She ne'er complain'd before. I bade her visit him; she often did, Had many opportunities. Humh, 'tis naught: O! No way but this. Come, weep no more, I have ponder'd This miracle: the anger of the gods, Thy vow, my love to thee, and _Martius_: He must not perish, nor thou be forsworn, Lest worse fates follow us; Go, keep thy oath: For chaste, and whore, are words of equal length: But let not _Martius_ know that I consent, O! I'm pull'd in pieces.

_Dor._ I? say you so? I'll meet you in your path. O wretched men! With all your valour and your learning, bubbles. Forgive me, _Sophocles_. Yet why kneel I For pardon, having been but over-diligent, Like an obedient servant, antedating My Lords command? Sir, I have often, and already given This bosom up to his embraces, and Am proud that my dear Lord is pleas'd with it; Whose gentle honorable minde I see

## Participates even all, his wife and all,

Unto his friend. You are sad, Sir. _Martius_ loves me, And I love _Martius_ with such ardencie, As never married couple could: I must Attend him now. My Lord, when you have need To use your own wife, pray Sir send for me; Till then, make use of your Philosophie. [_Exit._

_Soph._ Stay, _Dorigen_: O me, inquisitive fool! Thou that didst order this congested heap When it was Chaos, 'twixt thy spacious palms Forming it to this vast rotundie; Dissolve it now; shuffle the elements, That no one proper by it self may stand: Let the sea quench the sun, and in that instant The sun drink up the sea: day, ne'er come down, To light me to those deeds that must be done. [_Exit._

_Drums and Colours._

_Enter Martius, Valerius, Captains and soldiers, at one_ _door, and Dorigen with Lad[i]es, at another._

_Dor._ Hail, General of _Rome_; from _Sophocles_ That honors _Martius_, _Dorigen_ presents Her self to be dishonour'd: do thy will; For _Sophocles_ commands me to obey. Come, violate all rules of holiness, And rend the consecrated knot of love.

_Mar._ Never, _Valerius_, was I blest till now: Behold the end of all my weary steps, The prize of all my Battels: leave us all; Leave us as quick as thought. Thus joy begin, In zealous love a minutes loss is sin.

_Val._ Can _Martius_ be so vile? or _Dorigen_?

_Dor._ Stay, stay, and monster, keep thou further of; I thought thy brave soul would have much, much loath'd To have gone on still on such terms as this. See, thou ungrateful, since thy desperate lust Nothing can cure but death, I'll die for thee, Whilst my chaste name lives to posterity.

_Mar._ Live, live, thou Angel of thy sex: forgive, Till by those golden tresses thou be'st snatch'd Alive to Heaven: for thy corruption's So little, that it cannot suffer death. Was ever such a woman? O my mirror! How perfectly thou shew'st me all my faults, Which now I hate, and when I next attempt thee, Let all the fires in the _Zodiak_ Drop on this cursed head.

_All._ O blest event!

_Dor._ Rise like the sun again in all his glory, After a dark Eclipse.

_Mar._ Never without a pardon.

_Enter Sophocles, and two or three with him._

_Dor._ Sir, you have forgiven your self.

_Soph._ Behold their impudence: are my words just? Unthankful man, viper to Arms, and _Rome_ Thy natural mother; have I warm'd thee here To corrode ev'n my heart? _Martius_, prepare To kill me, or be kill'd.

_Mar._ Why _Sophocles_? Then prethee kill me; I deserve it highly; For I have both transgress'd 'gainst men, and gods; But am repentant now, and in best case To uncase my soul of this oppressing flesh; Which, though (Gods witness) nev'r was actually Injurious to thy wife and thee, yet 't was Her goodness that restrain'd and held me now: But take my life, dear friend, for my intent, Or else forgive it.

_Val._ By the gods of _Athens_, These words are true, and all direct again.

_Soph._ Pardon me, _Dorigen_.

_Mar._ Forgive me, _Sophocles_, And _Dorigen_ too, and every one that 's good.

_Dor._ Rise, noble Roman, belov'd _Sophocles_, Take to thy brest thy friend.

_Mar._ And to thy heart Thy matchless wife: Heaven has not stuff enough To make another such: for if it could, _Martius_ would marry too. For thy blest sake (O thou infinitie of excellence) Henceforth in mens discourse _Rome_ shall not take The wall of _Athens_, as 'tofore. But when In their fair honors we to speak do come, We'll say 'T was so in _Athens_, and in _Rome_.

[_Exeun[t] in pomp._

_Diana descends._

Diana. _Honor set ope thy gates, and with thee bring_ _My servant and thy friend, fair_ Dorigen_:_ _Let her triumph, with her, her Lord, and friend,_ _Who, though misled, still honor was their end_. [Flourish.

_Enter the Shew of_ Honors Triumph; _a great flourish of Trumpets and Drums within; Then enter a noise of Trumpets sounding cheerfully. Then follows an armed Knight bearing a Crimson Banneret in hand, with the inscription_ Valour: _by his side a Lady, bearing a Watchet Banneret, the inscription_ Clemencie: _next_ Martius _and_ Sophocles _with Coronets. Next, two Lad[i]es, one bearing a white Banneret, the inscription_ Chastity: _the other a black, the inscription_ Constancie. _Then_ Dorigen _crown'd. Last, a Chariot drawn by two Moors, in it a Person crown'd, with a Scepter: on the top, in an antick Scutcheon, is written_ Honor. _As they pass over_, Diana _ascends_.

_Rinald._ How like you it?

_Frig._ Rarely; so well, I would they would do it again. How many of our wives now adays would deserve to triumph in such a Chariot?

_Rinald._ That's all one; you see they triumph in Caroches.

_Frig._ That they do, by the mass; but not all neither; many of them are content with Carts. But Seignior, I have now found out a great absurditie i'faith.

_Rinald._ What was 't?

_Frig._ The Prologue presenting four Triumphs, made but three legs to the King: a three-legged Prologue, 't was monstrous.

_Rinald._ 'T had been more monstrous to have had a four-legg'd one. Peace, the King speaks.

_Em._ Here was a woman, _Isabel._

_Isa._ I, my Lord, But that she told a lye to vex her husband; Therein sh[e] fail'd.

_Em._ She serv'd him well enough; He that was so much man, yet would be cast To jealousie for her integrity. This teacheth us, the passion of love Can fight with Soldiers, and with Scholars too.

_Isa._ In _Martius_, clemencie and valour shown, In the other, courage and humanitie; And therefore in the Triumph they were usher'd By clemencie and valour.

_Em._ Rightly observ'd, As she by chastitie and constancie; What hurt's now in a Play, against which some rail So vehemently? thou and I, my love, Make excellent use methinks: I learn to be A lawful lover void of jealousie, And thou a constant wife. Sweet Poetry's A flower, where men, like Bees and Spiders, may Bear poison, or else sweets and Wax away. Be venom-drawing Spiders they that will; I'll be the Bee, and suck the honey still. [_Flourish._

_Cupid descends._

Cupid. _Stay, clouds, ye rack too fast: bright Phœbus see,_ _Honor has triumph'd with fair Chastity:_ _Give Love now leave, in purity to shew_ _Unchaste affe[ct]ions flie not from his bowe._ _Produce the sweet example of your youth._ _Whilst I provide a Triumph for your Truth._ [Flourish.

_Enter Violanta (with childe) and Gerrard._

_Viol._ Why does my _Gerr[a]rd_ grieve?

_Ger._ O my sweet Mistris, 'Tis not life (which by our _Milain_ law My fact hath forfeited) makes me thus pensive; That I would lose to save the little finger Of this your noble burthen, from least hurt, Because your blood is in't. But since your love Made poor incompatible me the parent, (Being we are not married) your dear blood Falls under the same cruel penalty; And can Heaven think fit ye die for me? For Heavens sake say I ravisht you, I'll swear it, To keep your life, and repute unstain'd.

_Viol._ O _Gerrard_, th' art my life and faculties: And if I lose thee, I'll not keep mine own; The thought of whom, sweetens all miseries. Wouldst have me murder thee beyond thy death? Unjustly scandal thee with ravishment? It was so far from rape, that Heaven doth know, If ever the first Lovers, ere they fell, Knew simply in the state of innocence, Such was this act, this, that doth ask no blush.

_Ger._ O! but my rarest _Violanta_, when My Lord _Randulpho_ brother to you[r] father, Shall understand this, how will he exclaim, That my poor Aunt, and me, which his free alms Hath nurs'd, since _Millain_ by the Duke of _Mantua_ (Who now usurps it) was surpriz'd? that time My father and my mother were both slain, With my Aunts husband, as she says, their states Despoil'd and seiz'd; 'tis past my memory, But thus she told me: onely thus I know, Since I could understand, your honor'd Uncle Hath given me all the liberal education, That his own son might look for, had he one; Now will he say, Dost thou requite me thus? O! the thought kills me.

_Viol._ Gentle, gentle _Gerrard_, Be cheer'd, and hope the best. My mother, father, And uncle love me most indulgently, Being the onely branch of all their stocks: But neither they, nor he thou wouldst not grieve With this unwelcom news, shall ever hear _Violanta_'s tongue reveal, much less accuse _Gerrard_ to be the father of his own; I'll rather silent die, that thou maist live To see thy little of-spring grow and thrive.

_Enter Dorothea._

_Dor._ Mistris, away, your Lord and father seeks you; I'll convey _Gerrard_ out at the back door; He has found a husband for you, and insults In his invention, little thinking you Have made your own choice, and possest him too.

_Viol._ A husband? 't mus[t] be _Gerrard_, or my death. Fare well; be onely true unto thy self, And know Heavens goodness shall prevented be, Ere worthiest _Gerrard_ suffer harm for me.

_Ger._ Fare well, my life and soul. Aunt, to your counsel I flee for aid. O unexpressible love! thou art An undigested heap of mixt extremes, Whose pangs are wakings, and whose pleasures dreams. [_Exeunt._

_Enter Benvoglio, Angelina, Ferdinand._

_Ben._ My _Angelina_, never didst thou yet So please me, as in this consent; and yet Thou hast pleas'd me well, I swear, old wench: ha, ha. _Ferdinand_, she's thine own; thou'st have her, boy, Ask thy good Lady else.

_Ferd._ Whom shall I have, Sir?

_Ben._ Whom d' ye think, ifaith?

_Angel._ Ghess.

_Ferd._ Noble Madam, I may hope (prompted by shallow merit) Through your profound grace, for your chamber-maid.

_Ben._ How 's that? how 's that?

[_Ferd._ Her chamber-maid, my Lord.

_Ben._] Her chamber-pot, my Lord. You modest ass, Thou never shew'dst thy self an ass till now. 'Fore Heaven I am angrie with thee. Sirha, sirha, This whitmeat spirit's not yours, legitimate, Advance your hope, and 't please you: ghess again.

_Ang._ And let your thoughts flee higher: aim them right; Sir, you may hit, you have the fairest white.

_Ferd._ If I may be so bold then, my good Lord, Your favour doth encourage me to aspire To catch my Ladyes Gentlewoman.

_Ben._ Where? Where would you catch her? Do you know my daughter _Violanta_, Sir?

_Ang._ Well said: no more about the bush.

_Ferd._ My good Lord, I have gaz'd on _Violanta_, and the stars, Whose Heavenly influence I admir'd, not knew, Nor ever was so sinful to believe I might attain 't.

_Ben._ Now you are an ass again; For if thou ne'er attain'st, 't is onely long Of that faint heart of thine, which never did it. She is your Lords heir, mine, _Benvoglio_'s heir, My brothers too, _Randulpho_'s; her descent Not behinde any of the _Millanois_. And _Ferdinand_, although thy parentage Be unknown, thou know'st that I have bred thee up From five yeers old, and (do not blush to hear it) Have found thy wisdom, trust, and fair success So full in all my affa[ir]s, that I am fitter To call thee Master, then thou me thy Lord. Thou canst not be but sprung of gentlest blood; Thy minde shines thorow thee, like the radiant sun, Although thy body be a beauteous cloud. Come, seriously this is no flatterie, And well thou know'st it, though thy modest blood Rise like the morning in thy cheek to hear 't. Sir, I can speak in earnest: Vertuous service, So meritorious, _Ferdinand_, as yours, (Yet bashful still, and silent?) should extract A fuller price then impudence exact: And this is now the wages it must have; My daughter is thy wife, my wealth thy slave.

_Ferd._ Good Madam pinch; I sleep: does my Lord mock, And you assist? Custom's inverted quite; For old men now adays do flout the young.

_Ben._ Fetch _Violanta_. As I intend this Religiously, let my soul finde joy or pain. [_Exit Angelina._

_Ferd._ My honor'd Lord and Master, if I hold That worth could merit such felicitie, You bred it in me, and first purchas'd it; It is your own: and what productions In all my faculties my soul begets, Your very mark is on: you need not add Rewards to him, that is in [d]ebt to you: You sav'd my life, Sir, in the Massacre; There you begot me new, since foster'd me. O! can I serve to[o] much, or pray for you? Alas, 'tis slender paiment to your bountie. Your daughter is a paradice, and I Unworthie to be set there; you may chuse The royalst seeds of _Milain_.

_Ben._ Prethee peace, Thy goodness makes me weep; I am resolv'd: I am no Lord o' th' time, to tie my blood To sordid muck; I have enough: my name, My [s]tate and honors I will store in thee, Whose wisdom will rule well, keep and increase: A knave or fool, that could confer the like, Would bate each hour, diminish every day. Thou art her price-lot th[e]n, drawn out by fate; An honest wise man is a Princes mate.

_Ferd._ Sir, Heaven and you have over-charg'd my brest With grace beyond my continence; I shall burst: The blessing you have given me (witness Saints) I would not change for _Millain_. But, my Lord, Is she prepar'd?

_Ben._ What needs Preparative, Where such a Cordial is prescrib'd as thou? Thy person and thy virtues in one scale, Shall poize hers, with her beautie and her wealth; If not, I add my will unto thy weight; Thy mother's with her now. Son, take my keys, And let this prepar[a]tion for this Marriage, (This welcome Marriage) long determin'd here, Be quick, and gorgeous.--_Gerrard._

_Enter Gerrard._

_Ger._ My good Lord, My Lord, your brother craves your conference Instantly, on affairs of high import.

_Ben._ Why, what news?

_Ger._ The Tyrant, my good Lord, Is sick to death of his old Apoplexie, Whereon the States advise, that Letters-missive Be straight dispatcht to all the neighbour-Countreys, And Schedules too divulg'd on every post, To enquire the lost Duke forth: their purpose is To re-instate him.

_Ben._ 'Tis a pious deed. _Ferdinand_, to my daughter: this delay (Though to so good a purpose) angers me; But I'll recover it. Be secret, son. Go woo with truth and expedition. [_Exit._

_Ferd._ O my unsounded joy! how fares my _Gerrard_, My noble twin-friend? fie, thy l[oo]k is heavie, Sullen, and sowre; blanch it: didst thou know My cause of joy, thou 'ldst never sorrow more, I know thou lov'st me so, How dost thou?

_Ger._ Well, Too well: my fraught of health my sickness is; In life, I am dead; by living dying still.

_Ferd._ What sublunary mischief can predominate A wise man thus? or doth thy friendship play (In this antipathous extreme) with mine, Lest gladness suffocate me? I, I, I do feel My spirit's turn'd to fire, my blood to air, And I am like a purifi'd essence Tri'd from all drossie parts.

_Ger._ Were 't but my life, The loss were sacrific'd; but virtue Must for me be slain, and innocence made dust.

_Ferd._ Fare well good _Gerrard_.

_Ger._ Dearest friend, stay.

_Ferd._ Sad thoughts are no companions for me now, Much less sad words: thy bosom bindes some secret, Which do not trust me with; for mine retains Another, which I must conceal from thee.

_Ger._ I would reveal it: 't is a heavie tale: Canst thou be true, and secret still?

_Ferd._ Why, friend? If you continue true unto your self, I have no means of falshood. Lock this door; Come, yet your prisoner's sure.

_Ger._ Stay, _Ferdinand_.

_Ferd._ What is this trouble? Love? Why, thou art capable of any woman. Doth want oppress thee? I will lighten thee: Hast thou offended law? My Lord and thine, And I, will save thy life. Does servitude Upbraid thy freedom, that she suffers it? Have patience but three days, and I will make thee Thy Lords companion. Can a friend do more?

_Ger._ Lend me the means. How can this be?

_Ferd._ First let this Cabinet keep your pawn, and I will trust: Yet for the form of satisfaction, Take this my Oath to boot. By my presum'd Gentrie, and sacred known Christianitie, I'll die, ere I reveal thy trust.

_Ger._ Then hear it. Your Lords fair daughter _Violanta_ is My betrothed wife, goes great with childe by me; And by this deed both made a pr[e]y to Law. How may I save her life? advise me, friend.

_Ferd._ What did he say? _Gerrard_, whose voice was that? O death unto my heart, bane to my soul! My wealth is vanish'd like the rich mans store: In one poor minute all my daintie fare But jugling dishes; my fat hope, despair.

_Ger._ Is this so odious? where's your mirth?

_Ferd._ Why thou Hast robb'd me of it. _Gerrard_, draw thy sword; And if thou lov'st my Mistris chastitie, Defend it, else I'll cut it from thy heart, Thy theevish heart that stole it, and restore 't, Do miracles to gain her.

_Ger._ Was she thine?

_Ferd._ Never, but in my wish, and her fathers vow, Which now he left with me, on such sure terms; He call'd me son, and will'd me to provide My Wedding-preparation.

_Ger._ Strange.

_Ferd._ Come, let's Kill one another quickly.

_Ger. Ferdinand_, my love is old to her, thine new begot: I have not wrong'd thee; think upon thine Oath.

_Ferd._ It manacles me, _Gerrard_, else this hand Should bear thee to the Law. Fare well for ever: Since friendship is so fatal, never more Will I have friend: thou hast put so sure a plea, That all my weal's litigious made by thee.

_Ger._ I did no crime to you. His love transports him; And yet I mourn, that cruel destinie Should make us two thus one anothers cross: We have lov'd since boys; for the same time cast him On Lord _Benvoglio_, that my Aunt and I Were succour'd by _Randulpho_: men have call'd us The parallels of _Millain_; and some said We were not much unlike. O Heaven divert, That we should (ever since that time) be breeding Mutual destruction.

_Enter Dorothea._

_Dor._ O where are you? you have made a fair hand. By ---- yonder is your Aunt with my Lady; she came in, just as she was wooing your Mistris for another; and what did me she, but out with her purse, and shew'd all the naked truth, ifaith. Fie upon you, you should never trust an old woman with a secret; they cannot hold; they cannot hold so well as we, and you'ld hang 'em. First, there was swearing and staring, then there was howling and weeping, and O my daughter, and O my mother.

_Ger._ The effect, the effect.

_Dor._ Marry no way, but one with you.

_Ger._ Why welcom. Shall she scape?

_Dor._ Nay, she has made her scape already.

_Ger._ Why, is she gone?

_Dor._ The scape of her virginitie, I mean. You men are as dull, you can conceive nothing; You think it is enough to beget.

_Ger._ I; but surely, _Dorothea_, that scap'd not; Her maiden-head suffer'd.

_Dor._ And you were the Executioner.

_Ger._ But what's the event? lord, how thou starv'st me, _Doll_!

_Dor._ Lord how thou starv'st me, _Doll_? By ---- I would fain see you cry a little. Do you stand now, as if you could get a child? Come, I'll rack you no more: This is the heart of the business: always provided, Signior, that if it please the fates to make you a Lord, you be not proud, nor forget your poor handmaid _Doll_, who was partly accessary to the incision of this _Holofernian_ Maidenhead.

_Ger._ I will forget my name first. Speak.

_Dor._ Then thus; My Lady knows all; her sorrow is reasonably well digested; has vow'd to conceal it from my Lord, till delay ripen things better; Wills you to attend her this evening at the back gate; I'll let you in; where her own Confessor shall put you together lawfully, e'r the child be born; which birth is very near, I can assure you: all your charge is your vigilance; and to bring with you some trusty Nurse, to convey the Infant out of the house.

_Ger._ Oh beam of comfort, take! go, tell my Lady I pray for her as I walk: my joys so flow, That what I speak or do, I do not know. [_Exeunt._

Dumb Shew.

_Enter_ Violanta _at one door, we[e]ping, supported by_ Cornelia _and a Frier; at another door_, Angelina _weeping, attended by_ Dorothea. Violanta _kneels down for pardon_. Angelina _shewing remorse, takes her up, and cheers her; so doth_ Cornelia. Angelina _sends_ Dorothea _for_ Gerrard. _Enter_ Gerrard _with_ Dorothea: Angelina _and_ Cornelia _seem to_ _chide him, shewing_ Violanta's _heavy plight_: Violanta _rejoyceth in him: he makes signes of sorrow, intreating pardon_: Angelina _brings_ Gerrard _and_ Violanta _to the Frier; he joyns them hand in hand, takes a Ring from_ Gerrard, _puts it on_ Violanta's _finger; blesseth them_; Gerrard _kisseth her: the Frier takes his leave_. Violanta _makes shew of great pain, is instantly conveyed in by the Women_, Gerrard _is bid stay; he walks in meditation, seeming to pray. Enter_ Dorothea, _whispers him, sends him out. Enter_ Gerrard _with a Nurse blindfold; gives her a purse. To them Enter_ Angelina _and_ Cornelia _with an Infant; they present it to_ Gerrard; _he kisseth and blesseth it; puts it into the Nurses arms, kneels, and takes his leave_. Exeunt _all severally_.

_Enter_ Benvoglio _and_ Randulpho.

_Ben._ He's dead, you say then.

_Rand._ Certainly: and to hear The people now dissect him now he's gone, Makes my ears burn, that lov'd him not: such Libels, Such Elegies and Epigrams they have made, More odious than he was. Brother, great men Had need to live by love, meting their deeds With virtues rule; sound, with the weight of judgement, Their privat'st action: for though while they live Their power and policie masque their villanies, Their bribes, their lust, pride, and ambition, And make a many slaves to worship 'em, That are their flatterers, and their bawds in these: These very slaves shall, when these great beasts dye, Publish their bowels to the vulgar eye.

_Ben._ 'Fore Heaven 'tis true. But is _Rinaldo_ (brother) our good Duke, heard of living?

_Rand._ Living, Sir, and will be shortly with the Senate: has Been close conceal'd at _Mantua_, and reliev'd: But what's become of his? no tidings yet? But brother, till our good Duke shall arrive, Carry this news, here. Where's your _Ferdinand_?

_Ben._ Oh busie, Sir, about this marriage: And yet my Girl o'th' suddain is fall'n sick: You'll see her e'r you go?

_Rand._ Yes; well I love her; And yet I wish I had another daughter To gratifie my _Gerrard_, who (by ----) Is all the glory of my family, But has too much worth to [l]ive so obscure; I'll have him Secretary of Estate Upon the Dukes return: for credit me, The value of that Gentleman's not known; His strong abilities are fit to guide The whole Republique: he hath Learning, youth, Valour, discretion, honesty of a Saint; His Aunt is wondrous good too.

_Enter_ Violanta _in a bed_; Angelina _and_ Dorothea _sitting by her_.

_Ben._ You have spoke The very character of _Ferdinand_: One is the others mirror. How now, Daughter?

_Rand._ How fares my Neece?

_Viol._ A little better, Uncle, then I was, I thank you.

_Rand._ Brother, a meer cold.

_Angel._ It was a cold and heat, I think: but Heaven be thanked We have broken that away.

_Ben._ And yet, _Violanta_, You'll lie alone still, and you see what's got.

_Dor._ Sure, Sir, when this was got, she had a bed-fellow.

_Rand._ What has her chollick left her in her belly?

_Dor._ 'T has left her, but she has had a sore fit.

_Rand._ I, that same Collick and Stone's inherent to us O' th' womans side: our Mothers had them both.

_Dor._ So has she had, Sir. How these old fornicators talk! she had more Need of Mace-Ale, and Rhenish-wine Caudles, heaven knows, Then your aged Discipline.

_Ben._ Say?

_Enter_ Ferdinand.

_Ang._ She will have the man; and on recovery Will wholly be dispos'd by you.

_Ben._ That's my wench: How now? what change is this? why _Ferdinand_, Are these your Robes of joy should be indu'd? Doth _Hymen_ wear black? I did send for you To have my honorable Brother witness The Contract I will make 'twixt you and her. Put off all doubt; she loves ye? what d' ye say?

_Rand._ Speak man, Why look you so distractedly?

_Ferd._ There are your keys, [Sir:] I'll no Contract[s, I] Divinest _V[i]olanta_, I will serve you Thus on my knees, and pray for you: _Juno, Lucina fer opem_. My inequality ascends no higher: I dare not marry you.

_Ben._ How's this?

_Ferd._ Good night, I have a friend has almost made me mad: I weep sometimes, and instantly can laugh: Nay, I do dance, and sing, and suddenly Roar like a storm. Strange tricks these, are they not? And wherefore all this? Shall I tell you? no, Thorow mine ears, my heart a plague hath caught, And I have vow'd to keep it close, not shew My grief to any; for it has no cure. On, wandring steps, to some remote place move: I'll keep my vow, though I have lost my Love. [_Exit._

_Ben._ 'Fore heaven, distracted for her! fare you well: I'll watch his steps; for I no joy shall find, Till I have found his cause, and calm'd his mind. [_Exit._

[_Rand._] He's overcome with joy.

_Ang[e]l._ 'Tis very strange.

_Rand._ Well, Sister, I must leave you; the time's busie. _Violanta_, chear you up; and I pray Heaven Restore each to their love, and health again. [_Exit._

_Viol._ Amen, Great Uncle. Mother, what a chance Unluckily is added to my woe, In this young Gentleman!

_Ang[e]l._ True, _Violanta_: It grieves me much. _Doll_, go you instantly, And find out _Gerrard_; tell him his friends hap, And let him use best means to comfort him; But as his life preserve this secret still.

_Viol._ Mother, I'ld not offend you: might not _Gerrard_ Steal in, and see me in the evening?

_Angel._ Well, Bid him do so.

_Viol._ Heavens blessing o' your heart. Do ye not call Child-bearing, Travel, Mother?

_Angel._ Yes.

_Viol._ It well may be, The bare-foot traveller That's born a Prince, and walks his pilgrimage, Whose tender feet kiss the remorseless stones Only, ne'er felt a travel like to it. Alas, dear Mother, you groan'd thus for me, And yet how disobedient have I been!

_Angel._ Peace, _Violanta_, thou hast always been Gentle and good.

_Viol. Gerrard_ is better, Mother: Oh if you knew the implicite innocency Dwells in his brest, you'ld love him like your Prayers. I see no reason but my Father might Be told the truth, being pleas'd for _Ferdinand_ To wooe himself: and _Gerard_ ever was His full comparative: my Uncle loves him, As he loves _Ferdinand_.

_Angel._ No, not for the world, Since his intent is cross'd: lov'd _Ferdinand_ Thus ruin'd, and a child got out of wedlock: His madness would pursue ye both to death.

_Viol._ As you please (mother:) I am now, methinks, Even in the land of ease; I'll sleep.

_Angel._ Draw in The bed nearer the fire: silken rest, Tie all thy cares up. [_Exeunt._

_Enter_ Ferdinand _and_ Benvoglio _privately after him_.

_Ferd._ Oh blessed solitude! here my grief[s] may speak; And sorrow, I will argue with thee now: Nothing will keep me company: the flowers Die at my moan; the gliding silver streams Hasten to flee my lamentations; The air rolls from 'em; and the Golden Sun Is smother'd pale as _Phœbe_ with my sighs: Only the earth is kind, that stays. Then earth, To thee will I complain. Why do the Heavens Impose upon me Love, what I can ne'er enjoy? Before fruition was impossible, I did not thirst it. _Gerrard_, she is thine, Seal'd and deliver'd; but 'twas ill to stain Her virgin state, e'r ye were married. Poor Infant, what's become of thee? thou know'st not The woe thy parents brought thee t[o]. Dear earth, Bury this close in thy sterility; Be barren to this seed, let it not grow; For if it do, 'twill bud no Violet Nor Gillyflower, but wild Brier, or rank Rue, Unsavory and hurtful.

_Ben. Ferdinand_, Thy steel hath digg'd the Earth, thy words my Heart.

_Ferd._ Oh! I have violated faith, betraid My friend and innocency.

_Ben._ Desperate youth, Violate not thy soul too: I have showers For thee, young man; but _Gerrard_ flames for thee. Was thy base pen made to dash out mine honor, And prostitute my Daughter? Bastard, whore, Come, turn thy femal tears into revenge, Which I will quench my thirst with, e'r I see Daughter, or Wife, or branded Family. By ---- both dye: and for amends, _Ferd'nando_ be my heir. I'll to my brother, First tell him all, then to the Duke for justice: This morning he's receiv'd. Mountains nor Seas Shall bar my flight to vengeance: the foul stain Printed on me, thy bloud shall rinse again. [_Exit._

_Ferd._ I have transgress'd all goodness, witlesly Rais'd mine own curs[es] from posterity: I'll follow, to redress in what I may; If not, your heir can dye as well as they. [_Exit._

Dumb Shew.

_Enter_ Duke Rinaldo _with Attendants, at one door; States_, Randulpho, _and_ Gerrard, _at another: they kneel to the Duke,_ _he accepts their obedience, and raises them up: they prefer_ Gerrard _to the Duke, who entertains him: they seat the Duke_ _in State. Enter_ Benvoglio _and_ Ferdinand: Benvoglio _kneels for justice_; Ferd. _seems to restrein him._ Benvog. _gives_ _the Duke a paper; Duke reads, frowns on_ Gerr. _shews the paper to the States, they seem sorry, consult, cause the_ _Guard to apprehend him; they go off with him. Then_ Rand. _and_ Benv. _seem to crave justice; Duke vows it, and_ exit _with his attendants._ Rand. Ben. _and_ Ferd. _confer. Enter to them_ Cornelia _with two servants; she seems to expostulate_, Rand. _in scorn, causeth her to be thrust out poorly._ Exit Rand. Benv. _beckons_ Ferd. _to him (with much seeming passion) swears him; then stamps with his foot. Enter_ Dorothea _with a Cup, weeping, she delivers it to_ Ferd. _who with discontent_ exit; _and_ exeunt Benvoglio _and_ Dorothea.

_Enter_ Violanta.

_Viol. Gerrard_ not come? nor _Dorothy_ return'd? What averse star rul'd my Nativity? The time to night has been as dilatory As languishing Consumptions. But till now I never durst say, my _Gerrard_ was unkind. Heaven grant all things go well; and nothing does, If he be ill, which I much fear: my dreams Have been portentous. I did think I saw My Love araid for battel with a beast, A hideous Monster, arm'd with teeth and claws, Grinning, and venemous, that sought to make Both us a prey: on's tail wa[s] lash'd in bloud _Law_: and his forehead I did plainly see Held Characters that spell'd _Authority_. This rent my slumbers; and my fearful soul Ran searching up and down my dismaid breast, To find a Port t'escape. Good faith, I am cold; But _Gerrard_'s love is colder: here I'll sit, And think my self away.

_Enter_ Ferdinand _with a Cup and a Letter_.

_Ferd._ The peace of Love Attend the sweet _Violanta_: Read, For the sad news I bring, I do not know; Only I am sworn to give you that, and this.

_Viol._ Is it from _G[e]rrard_? gentle _Ferdinand_, How glad am I to see you thus well restor'd! In troth he never wrong'd you in his life, Nor I, but always held fair thoughts of you, Knew not my Fathers meaning, till of late; Could never have known it soon enough: for Sir, _Gerrard_'s, and my affection began In infancy: My Uncle brought him oft In long coats hither; you were such another; The little boy would kiss me, being a child, And say, he lov'd me; give me all his toys, Bracelets, Rings, Sweet-meats, all his Rosie-smiles: I then would stand, and stare upon his eyes, Play with his locks, and swear I lov'd him too; For sure, methought, he was a little Love, He woo'd so prettily in innocence, That then he warm'd my fancy; for I felt A glimmering beam of Love kindle my bloud, Both which, time since hath made a flame and floud.

_Fer._ Oh gentle innocent! methinks it talks Like a child still, whose white simplicity Never arriv'd at sin. Forgive me, Lady, I have destroy'd _Gerrard_, and thee; rebell'd Against Heavens Ordinance; dis-pair'd two Doves, Made 'em sit mourning; slaughter'd Love, and cleft The heart of all integrity. This breast Was trusted with the secret of your vow By _Gerrard_, and reveal'd it to your Father.

_Viol._ Hah!

_Ferd._ Read, and curse me.

_Viol._ Neither: I will never Nor Write, nor Read again.

_Ferd._ My pennance be it. Reads. _Your Labyrinth is found, your Lust proclaim'd._

_Viol._ Lust? Humh: My Mother sure felt none, when I was got.

_Fer. I and the Law implacably offend[e]d._ Gerrard's _imprison'd, and to dye_.

_Viol._ Oh Heaven!

_Ferd. And you to suffe[r] with reproach and scoffs_ _A publick execution; I have sent you_ _An Antidote 'gainst shame, poison; by him_ _You have most wrong'd: give him your penitent tears._

_Viol._ Humh: 'tis not truth.

_Ferd. Drink, and farewel for ever:_ _And though thy whoredom blemish thy whol[e] line,_ _Prevent the Hangmans stroke, and die like mine._

_Viol._ Oh woe is me for _Gerrard_: I have brought Confusion on the noblest Gentleman That ever truly lov'd. But we shall meet Where our condemners shall not, and enjoy A more refin'd affection than here; No Law, nor Father hinders marriage there 'Twixt souls Divinely affi'd, as (sure) ours were: There we will multiply, and generate joyes Like fruitful Parents. Luckless _Ferdinand_, Where's the good old Gentlewoman, my Husbands Aunt?

_Ferd._ Thrust from you Uncle [t]o all poverty.

_Viol._ Alas the pi[t]y: reach me, Sir, the cup; I'll say my prayers, and take my Fathers Physick.

_Ferd._ Oh villain that I was, I had forgot To spill the rest, and am unable now To stir to hinder her.

_Viol._ What ail you, Sir?

_Ferd._ Your Father is a monster, I a villain, This tongue has kill'd you, pardon, _Violant[a]_, Oh pardon, _Gerrard_; and for sacrifice, Accept my life, to expiate my fault. I have drunk up the poison.

_Viol._ Thou art not so Uncharitable: a better fellow far, Thou'st left me halfe. Sure death is now a-dry, And calls for more bloud still to quench his thirst. I pledge thee _Ferdinand_, to _Gerrards_ health: Dear _Gerrard_, poor Aunt, and unfortunate friend, Ay me, that Love should breed true Lovers end.

_Fer._ Stay Madam, stay; help hoa, for Heavens sake help; Improvident man, that good I did intend For satisfaction, saving of her life, My equal cruel Stars made me forget.

_Enter_ Angelina _with two Servants_.

_Ang._ What spectacle of death assaults me? oh!

_Viol._ M[y] dearest Mother, I am dead, I leave Father, and friends, and life, to follow Love. Good Mother, love my Child, that did no ill. Fie, how men lie, that say, death is a pain: Or has he chang'd his nature? like soft sleep He seizes me. Your blessing. Last, I crave, That I may rest by _Gerrard_ in his grave.

_Ferd._ There lay me too: oh! noble Mistriss, I Have caus'd all this; and therefore justly dye. That key will open all.

_Ang._ Oh viperous Father! For Heavens sake, bear 'em in: run for Physitians, And Medicines quickly: Heaven, thou shalt not have her Yet; 'tis too soon: Alas, I have no more, And taking her away, thou rob'st the poor. [_Exeunt._ Flourish.

_Enter_ Duke, States, Randulpho, Benvoglio, Gerrard, Executioner, Guard.

_Duke._ The Law, as greedy as your red desire _Benvoglio_, hath cast this man: 'Tis pity So many excellent parts are swallow'd up In one foul wave. Is _Violanta_ sent for? Our Justice must not lop a branch, and let The body grow still.

_Ben._ Sir, she will be here Alive or dead, I am sure.

_[G]er._ How chearfully my countenance comments death! That which makes men seem horrid, I will wear Like to an Ornament. Oh _Violanta_! Might my life only satisfie the Law, How jocundly my soul would enter Heaven! Why shouldst thou dye? thou wither'st in thy bud, As I have seen a Rose, e'er it was blown. I do beseech your Grace, the Statute may (In this case made) be read: not that I hope T'extenuate my offence or penalty, But to see whether it lay hold on her. And since my death is more exemplary Than just, this publick Reading will advise Caution to others.

_Duke._ Read it.

_Ran._ Brother, does not Your soul groan under this severity?

Statute read.

_A Statute provided in case of unequal Matches, Marriages against Parents consent, stealing of Heirs, Rapes, Prostitutions, and such like: That if any person meanly descended, or ignorant of his own Parentage, which implies as much, shall with a foul intent, unlawfully sollicite the Daughter of any Peer of the Dukedom, he shall for the same offence forfeit his right hand: but if he further prostitute her to his Lust, he shall first have his right hand cut off, and then suffer death by the common Executioner. After whom, the Lady so offending, shall likewise the next day, in the same manner, dye for the Fact._

_Ger._ This Statute has more cruelty than sense: I see no ray of Mercy. Must the Lady Suffer death too? suppose she were inforc'd, By some confederates born away, and ravish'd; Is she not guiltless?

_Duke._ Yes, if it be prov'd.

_Ger._ This case is so: I ravish'd _Violanta_.

_State._ Who ever knew a Rape produce a child?

_Ben._ Pish, these are idle. Will your grace command The Executioner proceed?

_Duke._ Your Office.

_Ger._ Farewell to thy inticing vanity, Thou round gilt box, that dost deceive man's eye: The wise man knows, when open thou art broke, The treasure thou includ'st, is dust and smoke, Even thus, I cast thee by. My Lords, the Law Is but the great mans mule, he rides on it, And tramples poorer men under his feet; Yet when they come to knock at yon bright Gate, Ones Rags shall enter, 'fore the others State. Peace to ye all: here, sirrah, strike: this hand Hath _Violanta_ kiss'd a thousand times; It smells sweet ever since: this was the hand Plighted my faith to her: do not think thou canst Cut that in sunder with my hand. My Lord, As free from speck as this arm is, my heart Is of foul Lust, and every vein glides here As full of truth. Why does thy hand shake so? 'Tis mine must be cut off, and that is firm; For it was ever constant.

_Enter_ Cornelia.

_Cor._ Hold; your Sentence Unjustly is pronounced, my Lord: this blow Cuts your hand off; for his is none of yours: But _Violanta_'s given in Holy marriage Before she was delivered, consummated With the free Will of her Mother, by her Confessor, In Lord _Benvoglio_'s house.

_Ger._ Alas good Aunt, That helps us nothing; else I had reveal'd it.

_Duke._ What woman's this?

_Ben._ A base confederate In this proceeding, kept of alms long time By him; who now expos'd to misery, Talks thus distractedly. Attach her, Guard.

_Ran._ Your cruelty (brother) will have end.

_Cor._ You'd best Let them attach my tongue.

_Duke._ Good woman, peace: For were this truth, it doth not help thy Nephew; The Law's infring'd by their disparity, That forfeits both their lives.

_Cor._ Sir, with your pardon, Had your Grace ever children?

_Duke._ Thou hast put A question, whose sharp point toucheth my heart: I had two little Sons, twins, who were both (With my good Dutchess) slain, as I did hear; At that time when my Dukedom was surpriz'd.

_Cor._ I have heard many say (my gracious Lord) That I was wondrous like her.

_All._ Ha?

_Duke._ By all mans joy, it is _Cornelia_, My dearest wife.

_Cor._ To ratifie me her, Come down, _Alphonso_, one of those two twins, And take thy Fathers blessing: thou hast broke No Law, thy birth being above thy wives: _Ascanio_ is the other, nam'd _Fernando_, Who by remote means, to my Lord _Benvoglio_ I got preferr'd; and in poor habits clad, (You fled, and th' innovation laid again) I wrought my self into _Randulpho_'s service, With my eldest boy; yet never durst reveal What they and I were, no, not to themselves, Until the Tyrants death.

_Duke._ My joy has fill'd me Like a full-winded sail: I cannot speak.

_Ger._ Fetch _Violanta_ and my brother.

_Ben._ Run, Run like a spout, you rogue: a ---- o' poison, That little whore I trusted, will betray me. Stay, hangman, I have work for you; there's Gold; Cut off my head, or hang me presently.

_Soft Musick._

_Enter_ Angelina _with the bodies of_ Ferdinand _and_ Violanta _on a bier_; Dorothea _carrying the Cup and Letter, which she gives to the Duke: he reads, seems sorrowful; shews it to_ Cornelia _and_ Gerrard: _they lament over the bier_. Randulpho _and_ Benvoglio _seem fearful, and seem to report to_ Angelina _and_ Dorothea, _what hath passed before_.

_Ran._ This is your rashness, brother.

_Duke._ Oh joy, thou wert too great to last; This was a cruel turning to our hopes, Unnatural Father: poor _Ascanio_.

_Ger._ Oh mother! let me be _Gerrard_ again, And follow _Violanta_.

_Cor._ Oh my Son--

_Duke._ Your lives yet, bloudy men shall answer this.

_Dor._ I must not see 'em longer grieve. My Lord, Be comforted; let sadness generally Forsake each eye and bosom; they both live: For poison, I infus'd meer _Opium_; Holding compulsive perjury less sin Than such a loathed murther would have bin.

_All._ Oh blessed Ma[iden].

_Dor._ Musick, gently creep Into their ears, and fright hence lazy sleep. _Morpheus_, command thy servant sleep In leaden chains no longer keep This Prince and Lady: Rise, wake, rise, And round about convey your eyes: Rise Prince, go greet thy Father and thy Mother; Rise thou, t'imbrace thy Husband and thy Brother.

_Duke Cor._ Son, Daughter.

_Ferd._ Father, Mother, Brother.

_Ger._ Wife.

_Viol._ Are we not all in Heaven?

_Ger._ Faith, very near it.

_Ferd._ How can this be?

_Duke._ Hear it.

_Dor._ If I had serv'd you right, I should have seen Your old pate off, e'r I had reveald.

_Ben._ Oh wench! Oh honest wench! if my wife die, I'll marry thee: There's my reward.

_Ferd._ 'Tis true.

_Duke._ 'Tis very strange.

_Ger._ Why kneel you honest Master?

_Ferd._ My good Lord.

_Ger._ Dear Mother.

_Duke._ Rise, rise, all are friends: I owe ye for all their boards: And wench, take thou the man Whose life thou sav'dst; less cannot pay the merit. How shall I part my kiss? I cannot: Let One generally therefore joyn our cheeks. A pen of Iron, and a leaf of Brass, To keep this Story to Eternity: And a _Promethean Wit_. Oh sacred Love, Nor chance, nor death can thy firm truth remove. [_Exeunt._

_King._ Now _Isabella_. [_Flourish._

_Isab._ This can true Love do. I joy they all so happily are pleas'd: The Ladies and the Brothers must triumph.

_King._ They do: For _Cupid_ scorns but t' have his triumph too. [_Flourish._

_The_ TRIUMPH.

_Enter divers Musicians, then certain Singers bearing Bannerets_ _inscribed, Truth, Loyalty, Patience, Concord: Next_ Gerrard _and_ Ferdinand _with Garlands of Roses: Then_ Violanta, _Last, a Chariot drawn by two_ Cupids, _and a_ Cupid _sitting in it_. [Flourish.

_Enter_ PROLOGUE.

_Love, and the strength of fair affection_ _(Most royal Sir) what long seem'd lost, have won_ _Their perfect ends, and crown'd those constant hearts_ _With lasting Triumph, whose most virtuous parts,_ _Worthy desires, and love, shall never end._ _Now turn we round the Scæne, and (Great Sir) lend_ _A sad and serious eye to this of Death,_ _This black and dismal Triumph; where man's breath,_ _Desert, and guilty bloud ascend the Stage,_ _And view the Tyrant, ruind in his rage._ [Exit.

[Flourish.

_Enter_ L'avall, Gabriella _and_ Maria.

_Gab._ No, good my Lord, I am not now to find Your long neglect of me; All those affections You came first clad in to my love, like Summer, Lusty and full of life: all those desires That like the painted Spring bloom'd round about ye, Giving the happy promise of an Harvest, How have I seen drop off, and fall forgotten! With the least lustre of anothers beauty, How oft (forgetful Lord) have I been blast[e]d! Was I so eas'ly won? or did this body Yield to your false embraces with less labour Then if you had carried some strong Town?

_Lav._ Good _Gabriella_.

_Gab._ Could all your subtilties and sighs betray me. The vows ye shook me with, the tears ye drown'd me, Till I came fairly off with honor'd Marriage? Oh fie, my Lord.

_Lav._ Prethee good _Gabriella_.

_Gab._ Would I had never known ye, nor your honors, They are stuck too full of griefs: oh happy women, That plant your Love in equal honest bosoms, Whose sweet desires like Roses set together, Make one another happy in their blushes, Growing and dying without sense of greatness, To which I am a slave! [and] that blest Sacrament That daily makes millions of happy mothers, link'd me To this man's Lust alone, there left me. I dare not say I am his wife, 'tis dangerous: His Love, I cannot say: alas, how many?

_Lav._ You grow too warm; pray [ye be] content, you best know, The times necessity, and how our marriage Being so much unequal to mine honor, While the Duke lives, I standing high in favour; And whilst I keep that safe, next to the Dukedom, Must not be known, without my utter ruine. Have patience for a while, and do but dream wench, The glory of a Dutchess. How she tires me! How dull and leaden is my appetite To that stale beauty now! oh, I could curse And crucifie my self for childish doating Upon a face that feeds not with fresh Figures Every fresh hour: she is now a surfet to me.

_Enter_ Gentille.

Who's that? _Gentille?_ I charge ye, no acquaintance You nor your Maid with him, nor no discourse Till times are riper.

_Gent._ Fie, my Noble Lord, Can you be now a stranger to the Court, When your most virtuous Bride, the beauteous _Hellena_ Stands ready like a Star to gild your happiness, When _Hymens_ lusty fires are now a lighting, And all the Flower of _Anjou_?

_Lav._ Some few trifles, For matter of adornment, have a little Made me so slow, _Gentille_, which now in readiness, I am for Court immediately.

_Gent._ Take heed, Sir, This is no time for trifling, nor she no Lady To be now entertain'd with toys: 'twill cost ye--

_Lav._ Y'are an old Cock, _Gentille_.

_Gent._ By your Lordships favour.

_Lav._ Prethee away; 'twill lose time.

_Gent._ Oh my Lord, Pardon me that by all means.

_Lav._ We have business A-foot man, of more moment.

_Gent._ Then my manners? I know none, nor I seek none.

_Lav._ Take to morrow.

_Gent._ Even now, by your Lordships leave. Excellent Beauty. My service here I ever dedicate, In honor of my best friend, your dead Father, To you his living virtue, and wish heartily, That firm affection that made us two happy, May take as deep undying root, and flourish Betwixt my Daughter _Casta_, and your goodness, Who shall be still your servant.

_Gab._ I much thank ye.

_Lav._ ---- [o'] this dreaming puppy. Will ye go, Sir?

_Gent._ A little more, Good Lord.

_Lav._ Not now, by---- Come, I must use ye.

_Gent._ Goodness dwell still with you. [_Exeunt Gentill and Laval._

_Gab._ The sight of this old Gentleman, _Maria_, Pulls to my mine eyes again the living Picture Of _Perolot_ his virtuous Son, my first Love, That dy'd at _Orleance_.

_Mar._ You have felt both fortunes, And in extreams, poor Lady; for young _Perolot_, Being every way unable to maintain you, Durst not make known his love to Friend or Father: My Lord _Lavall_, being powerful, and you poor, Will not acknowledge you.

_Gab._ No more: Let's in wench: There let my Lute speak my Laments, they have t[ir]ed me. [_Exeunt._

_Enter two Courtiers._

_1 Court._ I grant, the Duke is wondrous provident In his now planting for succession, I know his care as honourable in the choice too. _Marines_ fair virtuous daughter; but what's all this? To what end excellent arrives this travel, When he that bears the main roof is so rotten?

_2 Court._ You have hit it now indeed: For if Fame lye not He is untemperate.

_1 Court._ You express him poorly, Too gentle Sir: the most deboist and barbarous; Believe it, the most void of all humanity, Howe'r his cunning, cloak it to his Uncle, And those his pride depends upon.

_[2] Court._ I have heard too, Given excessively to drink.

_1 Court._ Most certain, And in that drink most dangerous: I speak these things To one I know loves truth, and dares not wrong her.

_2 Court._ You may speak on.

_1 Court._ Uncertain as the Sea, Sir, Proud and deceitful as his sins Great Master; His appetite to Women (for there he carries His main Sail spread) so boundles, and abominably, That but to have her name by that tongue spoken, Poisons the virtue of the purest Virgin.

_2 Cour._ I am sorry for young _Gabriella_ then, A Maid reputed, ever of fair carriage, For he has been noted visiting.

_1 Court._ She is gone then, Or any else, that promises, or power, Gifts, or his guilful vows can work upon, But these are but poor parcels.

_2 Court._ 'Tis great pity.

_1 Court._ Nor want these sins a chief Saint to befriend 'em, The Devil follows him; and for a truth, Sir, Appears in visible figure often to him, At which time he's possest with sudden trances, Cold deadly sweats, and griping of the conscience, Tormented strangely, as they say.

_2 Court._ Heaven turn him: This marriage-day mayst thou well curse, fair _Hellen_. But let's go view the ceremony.

_1 Court._ I'll walk with you. [_Exeunt._

[_Musick._

_Enter_ Gabriella, _and_ Maria _above_. _And_ Laval, _Bride, States in solemnity as to marriage; and pass over_; viz. Duke, Marine, Longaville.

_Mar._ I hear 'em come.

_Gab._ Would I might never hear more.

_Mar._ I told you still: but you were so incredulous. See, there they kiss.

_Gab._ Adders be your embraces. The poison of a rotten heart, oh _Hellen_! Blast thee as I have been; just such a flattery, With that same cunning face, that smile upon't, Oh mark it _Marie_, mark it seriously, That Master smile caught me.

_Mar._ There's the old Duke, and _Marine_ her Father.

_Gab._ Oh!

_Mar._ There _Longaville_-- The Ladies now.

_Gab._ Oh, [I] am murder'd, _Marie_. Beast, most inconstant beast.

_Mar._ There.

_Gab._ There I am not; No more I am not there: Hear me, oh Heaven! And all you powers of Justice bow down to me; But you of pity dye. I am abus'd, She that depended on your Providence, She is abus'd: your honor is abus'd. That noble piece ye made, and call'd it man, Is turn'd to Devil: all the world's abus'd: Give me a womans Will, provok'd to mischief, A two-edg'd heart; my suffering thoughts to wild-fires, And my embraces to a timeless grave turn.

_Mar._ Here I'll step in, for 'tis an act of merit.

_Gab._ I am too big to utter more.

_Mar._ Take time then. [_Exeunt._

_Enter_ Gentille _and_ Casta.

_Gent._ This solitary life at home undoes thee, Obscures thy beauty first, which should prefer thee; Next fills thee full of sad thoughts, which thy years Must not arrive at yet, they choak thy sweetness; Follow the time, my Girl, and it will bring thee Even to the fellowship of the noblest women, _Hellen_ her self, to whom I would prefer thee, And under whom this poor and private carriage, Which I am only able yet to reach at, Being cast off, and all thy sweets at lustre, Will take thee as a fair friend, and prefer thee.

_Casta._ Good Sir, be not so cruel as to seek To kill that sweet content y'have bred me to: Have I not here enough to thank Heaven for? The free air uncorrupted with new flattery. The water that I touch, unbrib'd with odours To make me sweet to others: the pure fire Not smothered up, and choak'd with lustful incense To make my bloud sweat; but burning clear and high, Tells me my mind must flame up so to Heaven. What should I do at Court, wear rich apparel? Methinks these are as warm: And for your state, Sir, Wealthy enough; Is it you would have me proud, And like a Pageant, stuck up for amazements? Teach not your child to tread that path, for fear (Sir) Your dry bones after death, groan in your grave The miseries that follow.

_Gent._ Excellent _Casta_.

_Casta._ When shall I pray again? (a Courtier) Or when I do, to what God? what new body And new face must I make me, with new manners? For I must be no more my self. Whose Mistriss Must I be first? with whose sin-offering season'd? And when I am grown so great and glorious With prostitution of my burning beauties, That great Lords kneel, and Princes beg for favours, Do you think I'll be your Daughter, a poor Gentlemans, Or know you for my father?

_Enter_ Lavall.

_Gent._ My best _Casta_. Oh my most virtuous child! Heaven reigns within thee; Take thine own choice, sweet child, and live a Saint still. The Lord _Lavall_, stand by wench.

_Lav. Gabriella_, She cannot, nor she dares not make it known, My greatness crushes her, when e'er she offers: Why should I fear her then?

_Gent._ Come, let's pass on wench.

_Lav. Gentille_, come hither: who's that Gentlewoman?

_Gent._ A child of mine, Sir, who observing custome, Is going to the Monastery to her Prayers.

_Lav._ A fair one, a most sweet one; fitter far To beautifie a Court, than make a Votarist. Go on, fair Beauty, and in your Orizons Remember me: will ye, fair sweet?

_Casta._ Most humbly. [_Exeunt._

_Lav._ An admirable Beauty: how it fires me!

_Enter a Spirit._

But she's too full of grace, and I too wicked. I feel my wonted fit: Defend me, goodness. Oh! it grows colder still, and stiffer on me, My hair stands up, my sinews shake and shrink; Help me good Heaven, and good thoughts dwell within me. Oh get thee gone, thou evil evil spirit, Haunt me no more, I charge thee.

_Spir._ Yes _Lavall_: Thou art my vassal, and the slave to mischief, I blast thee with new sin: pursue thy pleasure; _Casta_ is rare and sweet, a blowing Beauty; Set thy desires a fire, and never quench 'em Till thou enjoy'st her; make her all thy Heaven, And all thy joy, for she is all true happiness: Thou art powerful, use command; if that prevail not, Force her: I'll be thy friend.

_Lav._ Oh help me, help me.

_Spir._ Her virtue, like a spell, sinks me to darkness. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Gentille _and_ Casta.

_Gent._ He's here still. How is't, noble Lord? me thinks, Sir, You look a little wildly. Is it that way? Is't her you stare on so? I have spy'd your fire, Sir, Bu[t] dare not stay the flaming. Come.

_Lav._ Sweet [c]reature, Excellent Beauty, do me but the happiness To be your humblest servant. Oh fair eyes, Oh blessed, Blessed Sweetness, Divine Virgin!

_Casta._ Oh good my Lord, retire into your honor: You're spoken good and virtuous, plac'd [at] Helme To govern others from mischances: from example Of such fair Chronicles as great ones are, We do, or sure we should direct our lives. I know y'are full of worth, a school of virtue Daily instructing us that live below ye, I make no doubt, dwells there.

_Lav._ I cannot answer, She has struck me dumb with wonder.

_Casta._ Goodness guide ye. [_Exeunt._

_Lav._ She's gone, and with her all [l]ight, and has left me Dark as my black desires. Oh devil lust, How dost thou hug my bloud, and whisper to me, There is no day again, no time, no living, Without this lusty Beauty break upon me! Let me collect my self, I strive like billows, Beaten against a rock, and fall a fool still. I must enjoy her, and I will: from this hour My thoughts, and all my bus'ness shall be nothing.

_Enter_ Maria.

My eating, and my sleeping, but her beauty, And how to work it.

_Mar._ Health to my Lord _Lavall_. Nay good Sir, do not turn with such displeasure; I come not to afflict your new born pleasures; My honour'd Mistriss, neither let that vex ye, For nothing is intended, but safe to you.

_Lav._ What of your Mistriss? I am full of bus'ness.

_Mar._ I will be short, my Lord; she, loving Lady, Considering the unequal tie between ye, And how your ruine with the Duke lay on it, As also the most noble match now made, By me sends back all links of marriage, All Holy Vows, and Rights of Ceremony, All promises, oaths, tears, and all such pawns You left in hostage: only her love she cannot, For that still follows ye, but not to hurt ye; And still beholds ye Sir, but not to shame ye: In recompence of which, this is her suit, Sir, Her poor and last petition, but to grant her, When weary nights have cloyed ye up with kisses, (As such must come) the honor of a Mistriss, The honor but to let her see those eyes, (Those eyes she doats on, more than gods do goodness) And but to kiss you only: with this prayer, (a prayer only to awake your pity) And on her knees she made it, that this night You'ld bless her with your company at supper.

_Lav._ I like this well, and now I think on't better, I'll make a present use from this occasion.

_Mar._ Nay, good my Lord, be not so cruel to her Because she has been yours.

_Lav._ And to mine own end A rare way I will work.

_Mar._ Can love for ever, The Love of her (my Lord) so perish in ye? As ye desire in your desires to prosper. What gallant under Heaven, but _Anjou_'s Heir then Can brag so fair a Wife, and sweet a Mistriss? Good noble Lord.

_Lav._ Ye mis-apply me, _Mary_, Nor do I want true pity to your Lady: Pity and love tell me, too much I have wrong'd her To dare to see her more: yet if her sweetness Can entertain a Mediation, And it must be a great one that can cure me; My love again, as far as honor bids me, My service and my self--

_Mar._ That's nobly spoken.

_Lav._ Shall hourly see her; want shall never know her; Nor where she has bestow'd her love, repent her.

_Mar._ Now whither drives he?

_Lav._ I have heard _Maria_, That no two women in the world more lov'd, Then thy good Mistriss, and _Gentille_'s fair Daughter.

_Mar._ What may this mean? you have heard a truth, my Lord: But since the secret Love betwixt you two, My Mistriss durst not entertain such friendship; _Casta_ is quick, and of a piercing judgement, And quickly will find out a flaw.

_Lav._ Hold _Marie_: Shrink not, 'tis good gold, wench: prepare a Banquet, And get that _Casta_ thither; for she's a creature So full of forcible Divine perswasion, And so unwearied ever with good offic[e], And she shall cure my ill cause to my Mistriss, And make all errors up.

_Mar._ I'll doe my best, Sir: But she's too fearful, coy, and scrupulous, To leave her Fathers house so late; and bashful At any mans appearance, that I fear, Sir; 'Twill prove impossible.

_Lav._ There's more gold, _Marie_, And fain thy Mistriss wondrous sick to death, wench.

_Mar._ I have ye in the wind now, and I'll pay ye.

_Lav._ She cannot chuse but come; 'tis charity, The chief of her profession: undertake this, And I am there at night; if not, I leave ye.

_Mar._ I will not loose this offer, though it fall out Clean cross to that we cast, I'll undertake it, I will, my Lord; she shall be there.

_Lav._ By ----?

_Mar._ By ---- she shall.

_Lav._ Let it be something late then. For being seen, now force or favour wins her. My spirits are grown dull, strong wine, and store, Shall set 'em up again, and make me fit To draw home at the enterprize I aim at. [_Exit._

_Ma._ Go thy wa[ies] false Lord, if thou hold'st, thou pay'st The price of all thy lusts. Thou shalt be there Thou modest Maid, if I have any working, And yet thy honor safe; for which this thief I know has set this meeting: but I'll watch him.

_Enter_ Per[o]lot.

_Per. Maria._

_Mar._ Are mine eyes mine own? or bless me, Am I deluded with a flying shadow?

_Per._ Why do you start so from me?

_Mar._ It speaks sensibly, And shews a living body: yet I am fearful.

_Per._ Give me your hand, good _Maria_.

_Mar._ He feels warm too.

_Per._ And next your [l]ips.

_Mar._ He kisses perfectly. Nay, and the Devil be n[o] worse: you are _Perolot_.

_Per._ I was, and sure I should be: Can a small distance, And ten short moneths take from your memory The figure of your friend, that you stand wondring? Be not amaz'd, I am the self-same _Per[o]lot_, Living, and well; Son to _Gentille_, and Brother To virtuous _Casta_; to your beauteous Mistriss, The long since poor betroth'd, and still vow'd servant.

_Mar._ Nay, sure he lives. My Lord _Lavall_, your Master, Brought news long since to your much mourning Mistriss, Ye dy'd at _Orleance_; bound her with an oath too, To keep it secret from your aged Father, Lest it should rack his heart.

_Per._ A pretty secret To try my Mistriss Love, and make my welcome From travel of more worth; from whence, Heaven be thanked, My business for the Duke dispatch'd to th' purpose, And all my money spent, I am come home, wench. How does my Mistriss? for I have not yet seen Any, nor will I, till I do her service.

_Mar._ But did the Lord _Laval_ know of your love, Sir, before he went?

_Per._ Yes, by much more force he got it, But none else knew; upon his promise too And honor to conceal it faithfully Till my return; to further which, he told me, My business being ended, from the Duke He would procure a pension for my service, Able to make my Mistriss a fit Husband.

_Mar._ But are you sure of this?

_Per._ Sure as my sight, wench.

_Mar._ Then is your Lord a base dissembling villain, A Devil Lord, the damn'd Lord of all lewdness, And has betraid ye, and undone my Mistriss, My poor sweet Mistriss: oh that leacher Lord, Who, poor soul, since was married.

_Per._ To whom, _Maria_?

_Mar._ To that unlucky Lord, a ---- upon him; Whose hot horse-appetite being allaid once With her chaste joyes, married again, scarce cool'd, The Torches yet not out the yellow _Hymen_ Lighted about the bed, the Songs yet sounding, _Marine_'s young noble Daughter _Helena_, Whose mischief stands at door next. Oh that recreant!

_Per._ Oh villain! Oh most unmanly falshood! Nay then I see, my Letters were betraid too. Oh, I am full of this, great with his mischiefs, Loaden and burst: Come, lead me to my Lady.

_Mar._ I cannot, Sir, _Lavall_ keeps her conceal'd, Besides, her griefs are such, she will see no man.

_Per._ I must, and will go to her: I will see her: There be my friend, or this shall be thy furthest.

_Mar._ Hold, and I'll help thee: but first ye shall swear to me, As you are true and gentle, as ye hate This beastly and base Lord, where I shall place ye, (Which shall be within sight) till I discharge ye, What-e'er you see or hear, to make no motion.

_Per._ I do by ----

_Mar._ Stay here about the house then, Till it be later; yet the time's not perfect: There at the back door I'll attend you truly.

_Per._ Oh monstrous, monstrous beastly villain. [_Exit._

_Mar._ How cross this falls, and from all expectation! And what the end shall be, Heaven only yet knows: Only I wish, and hope. But I forget still, _Casta_ must be the bait, or all miscarries. [_Exeunt._

_Enter_ Gentille _with a Torch_, Shalloon _above_.

_Gent._ Holla, _Shaloon_.

_Shal._ Who's there?

_Gent._ A word from the Duke, Sir.

_Shal._ Your pleasure.

_Gent._ Tell your Lord he must to Court strait.

_Shal._ He is ill at ease: and prays he may be pardon'd The occasions of this night.

_Gent._ Belike he is drunk then: He must away; the Duke and his fair Lady, The beauteous _Helena_, are now at _Cent_. Of whom she has such fortune in her carding, The Duke has lost a thousand Crowns, and swears, He will not go to bed, till by _Lavall_ The Tide of loss be turn'd again. Awake him, For 'tis the pleasure of the Duke he must rise.

_Sha._ Having so strict command (Sir) to the contrary, I dare not do it: I beseech your pardon.

_Gent._ Are you sure he is there?

_Sha._ Yes.

_Gen._ And asleep?

_Sha._ I think so.

_Gen._ And are you sure you will not tell him, _Shalon_?

_Sha._ Yes, very sure.

_Gen._ Then I am sure, I will. Open, or I must force.

_Sha._ Pray ye stay, he is not, Nor will not be this night. You may excuse it.

_Gent._ I knew he was gone about some womans labour. As good a neighbor, though I say it, and as comfortable: Many such more we need _Shaloon_. Alas, poor Lady, Thou art like to lie cross-legg'd to night. Good Monsieur, I will excuse your Master for this once, Sir, Because sometimes I have lov'd a wench my self too.

_Sha._ 'Tis a good hearing, Sir.

_Gent._ But for your lye, _Shaloon_, If I had you here, it should be no good hearing. For your pate I would pummel.

_Sha._ A fair good night, Sir.

_Gent._ Good night, thou noble Knight, Sir _Pandarus_. My heart is cold o'th' suddain, and a strange dulness Possesses all my body: thy Will be done Heaven. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Gabriella _and_ Casta: _and_ Maria _with a Taper_.

_Casta._ 'Faith Friend, I was even going to my bed, When your Maid told me of your sudden sickness: But from my grave (so truly I love you) I think your name would raise me: ye look ill Since last I saw ye, much decay'd in colour: Yet I thank Heaven, I find no such great danger As your Maid frighted me withal: take courage And give your sickness course: some grief you have got That feeds within upon your tender spirits, And wanting open way to vent it self, Murders your mind, and choaks up all your sweetness.

_Gab._ It was my Maids fault; worthy friend, to trouble ye, So late, upon so light a cause: yet since I have ye Oh my dear _Casta_.

_Casta._ Out with it, God's name.

_Gab._ The Closset of my heart, I will lock here, wench,

[Laval _knocks within_.

And things shall make ye tremble. Who's that knocks there?

_Mar._ 'Tis _Lavall_.

_Gab._ Sit you still. Let him in. I am resolv'd, and all you wronged women, You noble spirits, that as I have suffer'd Under this glorious beast-insulting man, Lend me your causes, then your cruelties, For I must put on madness above women.

_Cast._ Why do you look so ghastly?

_Gab._ Peace; no harm, Deer.

_Enter_ Lavall.

_Lav._ There, take my cloak and sword: Where is this Banquet?

_Mar._ In the next room.

_Casta._ How came he here? Heaven bless me.

_Lav._ Give me some Wine wench; fill it full, and sprightly.

_Gab._ Sit still, and be not fearful.

_Lav._ Till my veins swell, And my strong sinews stretch like that brave _Centaur_, That at the Table snatch'd the Bride away In spight of _Hercules_.

_Casta._ I am betraid.

_Lav._ Nay, start not Lady; 'tis for you that I come, And for your beauty: 'tis for you, _Lavall_ Honors this night; to you, the sacred shrine I humbly bow, offering my vows and prayers; To you I live.

_Gab._ In with the powder quickly: So, that and the Wine will rock ye.

[_Lav._ Here, to the health] Of the most beauteous and divine, fair _Casta_, The star of sweetness.

_Gab._ Fear him not, I'll die first. And who shall pledge ye?

_Lav._ Thou shalt, thou tann'd Gipsey: And worship to that brightness give, cold _Tartar_. By ---- ye shall not stir; ye are my Mistris, The glory of my love, the great adventure, The Mistris of my heart, and she my whore.

_Gab._ Thou ly'st, base, beastly Lord; drunker then anger, Thou sowsed Lord, got by a surfeit, thou lyest basely. Nay, stir not: I dare tell thee so. Sit you still. If I be whore, it is in marrying thee, That art so absolute and full a villain, No Sacrament can save that piece tied to thee. How often hast thou woo'd in those flatteries, Almost those very words, my constancie? What goddess have I not been, or what goodness What star that is of any name in Heaven, Or brightness? which of all the virtues (But drunkenness, and drabbing, thy two morals) Have not I reach'd to? what Spring was ever sweeter? What _Scythian_ snow so white? what crystal chaster? Is not thy new wife now the same too? Hang thee, Base Bigamist, thou honor of ill women.

_Casta._ How's this? O! Heaven defend me.

_Gab._ Thou salt-itch, For whom no cure but ever burning brimstone Can be imagin'd.

_Lav._ Ha, ha, ha.

_Gab._ Dost thou laugh, thou breaker Of all law, all religion, of all faith Thou Soule contemner?

_Lav._ Peace, thou paltry woman: And sit by me, Sweet.

_Gab._ By the Devil?

_Lav._ Come, And lull me with delights.

_Gab._ It works amain now.

_Lav._ Give me such kisses as the Queen of shadows Gave to the sleeping boy she stole on _Latmus_; Look round about in snakie wreathes close folded, Those rosie arms about my neck, O! _Venus_.

_Gab._ Fear not, I say.

_Lav._ Thou admirable sweetness, Distill thy blessings like those silver drops, That falling on fair grounds, rise all in roses: Shoot me a thousand darts from those fair eyes, And through my heart transfix 'em all, I'll stand 'em. Send me a thousand smiles, and presently I'll catch 'em in mine eyes, and by Love's power Turn 'em to _Cupids_ all, and fling 'em on thee, How high she looks, and heavenly! More wine for me.

_Ga._ Give him more wine, and good friend be not fearful.

_Lav._ Here on my knee, thou Goddess of delights, This lustie grape I offer to thy Beauties; See how it leaps to view that perfect redness That dwels upon thy lips: now, how it blushes To be outblush'd. Oh! let me feed my fancie, And as I hold the purple god in one hand Dancing about the bri[m] and proudly swelling, Deck'd in the pride of nature young, and blowing; So let me take fair _Semele_ in the other, And sing the loves of gods, then drink, their Nectar's Not yet desir'd.

_Casta._ Oh!

_Lav._ Then like lustie _Tarquin_ Turn'd into flames with _Lucrece_ coy denyals, His blood and spirit equally ambitious, I force thee for my own.

_Casta._ O help me Justice: Help me, my Chastitie.

_Lav._ Now I am bravely quarried. [_Perolot above._

_Per._ 'Tis my Sister.

_Gab._ No, bawdy slave, no Treacher, she is not carried.

_Per._ She's loose again, and gone. I'll keep my place still.

_Mar._ Now it works bravely: stand, he cannot hurt ye.

_Lav._ O my sweet Love, my life. [_He falls downe, and sleeps._

_Mar._ He sinks.

_Lav._ My blessing.

_Mar._ So, now he is safe a while.

_Gab._ Lock all the doors, wench, Then for my wrongs.

_Per._ Now I'll appear to know all.

_Gab._ Be quick, quick, good _Marie_, sure and sudden.

_Per._ Stay, I must in first.

_Gab._ O' my conscience! It is young _Perol[o]t_: Oh my stung conscience! It is my first and noblest Love.

_Mar._ Leave wondring, And recollect your self: the man is living, Equally wrong'd as you, and by that Devil.

_Per._ 'Tis most true, Lady: your unhappy fortune I grieve for as mine own, your fault forgive too, If it be one. This is no time for kisses: I have heard all, and known all, which mine ears Are crack'd apieces with, and my heart perish'd. I saw him in your chamber, saw his fury. And am afire till I have found his heart out. What do you mean to do? for I'll make one.

_Gab._ To make his death more horrid (for he shall dye).

_Per._ He m[u]st, he must.

_Gab._ We'll watch him till he wakes, Then bind him, and then torture him.

_Per._ 'Tis nothing. No, take him dead drunk now without repentance, His leachery inseam'd upon him.

_Gab._ Excellent.

_Per._ I'll do it my self; and when 'tis done, provide ye, For we'll away for _Italy_ this night.

_Gab._ We'll follow thorow all hazards.

_Per._ Oh false Lord, Unmanly, mischievous; how I could curse thee; But that but blasts thy fame; have at thy heart, fool: Loop-holes I'll make enough to let thy life out.

_Lav._ Oh! does the devil ride me?

_Per._ Nay then.

_Lav._ Murder. Nay, then take my share too.

_Per._ Help; oh! he has slain me. Bloudy intentions must have bloud.

_Lav._ Hah?

_Per._ Heaven.

_Gab._ He sinks, he sinks, for ever sinks: oh fortune! Oh sorrow! how like seas thou flowest upon me! Here will I dwell for ever. Weep _Maria_, Weep this young man's misfortune: oh thou truest!

_Enter Spirit._

_Lav._ What have I done?

_Spir._ That that has mark'd thy soul man.

_Lav._ And art thou come again thou dismal spirit?

_Spir._ Yes, to devour thy last.

_Lav._ Mercy upon thee.

_Spir._ Thy hour is come: succession, honor, pleasure, And all the lustre thou so long hast look'd for Must here have end: Summon thy sins before thee.

_Lav._ Oh my affrighted soul!

_Spir._ There lies a black one; Thy own best servant by thy own hand slain, Thy drunkenness procur'd it: There's another: Think of fair _Gabriella_, there she weeps; And such tears are not lost.

_Lav._ Oh miserable!

_Spir._ Thy foul intention to the virtuous _Casta_.

_Lav._ No more, no more, thou wild-fire.

_Spir._ Last, thy last wife, Think on the wrong she suffers.

_Lav._ O my miserie. Oh! whither shall I flie?

_Spir._ Thou hast no faith, fool. Heark to thy knell. [_Sings, and vanishes._

_Lav._ Millions of sins muster about mine eyes now: Murders, ambitions, lust, false faiths; O horror, In what a stormie form of death thou rid'st now! Me thinks I see all tortures, fires, and frosts, Deep sinking caves, where nothing but despair dwels, The balefull birds of night hovering about 'em; A grave, me thinks, now opens, and a herse Hung with my Arms tumbles into it: oh! Oh! my afflicted soul: I cannot pray; And the least child that has but goodness in him May strike my head off; so stupid are my powers: I'll lift mine eyes up though.

_Mar._ Cease these laments, They are too poor for venge[a]nce: _Lavall_ lives yet.

_Gab._ Then thus I drie all sorrows from these eyes, Fury and rage possess 'em now: damn'd divell.

_Lav._ Hah?

_Gab._ This for young _Perolot_.

_Lav._ O mercy, mercy.

_Gab._ This for my wrongs.

_Lav._ But one short hour to cure me. [_Knock within._ Oh be not cruell: Oh! oh.

_Mar._ Heark, they knock. Make hast for Heavens sake, Mistris.

_Gab._ This for _Casta_.

_Lav._ Oh, O, O, O! [_He dies._

_Mar._ He's dead: come quickly, let's away with him, 'T will be too late else.

_Gab._ Help, help up to th' chamber! [_Exeunt with Lavalls body._

_Enter Duke, Hellena, Gentile, Casta, and attendants,_ _with lights._

_Duke._ What frights are these?

_Gent._ I [a]m sure here 's one past frighting. Bring the lights neerer: I have enough alreadie. Out, out, mine eyes. Look, _Casta_.

_Lord._ 'T is young _Perolot_.

_Duke._ When came he over? Hold the Gentlewoman, she sinks; and bear her off.

_Cast._ O my dear brother! [_Exit._

_Gent._ There is a time for all; for me, I hope, too, And very shortly. Murdred?

[_Gabriella, Maria, with Lavalls body, above._

_Duke._ Who's above there?

_Gab._ Look up, and see.

_Duke._ What may this mean?

_Gab._ Behold it; Behold the drunken murderer Of that young Gentleman; behold the rankest, The vilest, basest slave that ever flourish'd.

_Duke._ Who kill'd him?

_Gab._ I; and there 's the cause I did it: Read, if your eyes will give you leave.

_Hell._ Oh! monstrous.

_Gab._ Nay, out it shall: there, take this false heart to ye; The base dishonor of a thousand women: Keep it in gold, Duke, 'tis a precious jewel. Now to my self; for I have liv'd a fair age, Longer by some moneths then I had a mind to.

_Duke._ Hold.

_Gab._ Here, young _Perolot_; my first contracted True love shall never go alone.

_Duke._ Hold, _Gabriella_. I do forgive all.

_Gab._ I shall die the better, Thus let me seek my grave, and my shames with me.

_Mar._ Nor shalt thou go alone my noble Mistris: Why should I live, and thou dead?

_Lord._ Save the wench there.

_Mar._ She is, I hope; and all my sins here written.

_Duke._ This was a fatal night.

_Gent._ Heaven has his working, Which we cannot contend against.

_Duke._ Alas!

_Gent._ Your Grace has your alas too.

_Duke._ Would 't were equal; For thou hast lost an honest noble childe.

_Gent._ 'T is heir enough has lost a good remembrance.

_Duke._ See all their bodies buried decently, Though some deserv'd it not. How do you, Lady?

_Hell._ Even with your Graces leave, ripe for a Monasterie; There will I wed my life to tears and prayers, And never know what man is more.

_Duke._ Your pleasure; How does the maid within?

_Lord._ She is gone before, Sir, The same course that my Lady takes.

_Gent._ And my course shall be my Beads at home; so Please your Grace to give me leave to leave the Court.

_Duke._ In peace, Sir, And take my love along.

_Gent._ I shall pray for ye.

_Duke._ Now to our selves retire we, and begin By this example to correct each sin. [_Exeunt._

[_Flourish._

_King. Em._ By this we plainly view the two imposthumes That choke a kingdoms welfare; Ease, and Wantonness; In both of which _Lavall_ was capital: For first, Ease stole away his minde from honor, That active noble thoughts had kept still working, And then deliver'd him to drink and women, Lust and outragious riot; and what their ends are, How infamous and foul, we see example. Therefore, that great man that will keep his name, And gain his merit out of Virtues schools, Must make the pleasures of the world his fools. [_Flourish._

_The_ TRIUMPH.

_Enter Musicians: next them_, Perolot _with the wound he died_ _with. Then_ Gabriella _and_ Maria, _with their wounds: after them, four Furies with Bannerets in[s]crib'd_ Revenge, Murder, Lust _and_ Drunkenness, _singing. Next them_, Lavall _wounded. Then [a] Chariot with Death drawn by the Destinies_. [_Flourish._

_Enter_ PROLOGUE.

_From this sad sight ascend your noble eye,_ _And see old_ Time _helping triumphantly,_ _Helping his Master_ Man: _view here his vanities_ _And see his false friends like those glutted flyes,_ _That when they've suckt their fill, fall off, and fade_ _From all remembrance of him, like a shade._ _And last, view who relieves him; and that gone,_ _We hope your favour, and our Play is done_. [Flourish.

_Enter Anthropos, Desire, and Vain Delight; Bounty._

_Ant._ What hast thou done, _Desire_, and how imploy'd The charge I gave thee, about levying wealth For our supplies?

_Desire._ I have done all, yet nothing: Tri'd all, and all my ways, yet all miscarried; There dwells a sordid dulness in their mindes Thou son of earth, colder then that thou art made of, I came to _Craft_, found all his hooks about him, And all his nets baited and set; his slie self And greedie _Lucre_ at a serious conference Which way to tie the world within their statutes: Business of all sides and of all sorts swarming Like Bees broke loose in summer: [I] declared Your will and want together, both inforcing With all the power and pains I had, to reach him; Yet all fell short.

_Anth._ His answer.

_Desire._ This he gave me. Your wants are never ending; and those supplies That came to stop those breaches, are ever lavisht Before they reach the main, in toys and trifles, Gew-gaws, and gilded puppets: _Vain delight_ He says has ruin'd ye, with clappi[n]g all That comes in for support, on clothes, and Coaches, Perfumes, and powder'd pates; and that your Mistris, The Lady _Pleasure_, like a sea devours At length both you and him too. If you have houses, Or land, or jewels, for good pawn, he'll hear you, And will be readie to supplie occasions; If not, he locks his ears up, and grows stupid. From him, I went to _Vanity_, whom I found Attended by [a]n endless troop of Tailors, Mercers, Embroiderers, Feather-makers, Fumers, All occupations opening like a Mart, That serve to rig the body out with braverie; And th'row the roome new fashions flew like flyes, In thousand gaudie shapes; _Pride_ waiting on her, And busily surveying all the breaches Time and delaying Nature had wrought in her, Which still with art she piec'd again, and strengthened: I told your wants; she shew'd me gowns and head-tires, Imbroider'd wastcoats, smocks seam'd thorow with cut-works, Scarfs, mantles, petticoats, muffs, powders, paintings, Dogs, monkeys, parrots, which all seemed to shew me The way her money went. From her to _Pleasure_ I took my journey.

_Anth._ And what says our best Mistris?

_Desire._ She danc'd me out this answer presently: Revels and Masques had drawn her drie alreadie. I met old _Time_ too, mowing mankind down, Who says you are too hot, and he must purge ye.

_Anth._ A cold _quietus_. Miserable creatures, Born to support and beautifie your master, The godlike man, set here to do me service, The children of my will; why, or how dare ye, Created to my use alone, disgrace me? Beasts have more court[e]sie; they live about me, Offering their warm wooll to the shearers hand, To clothe me with their bodies to my labours; Nay, even their lives they daily sacrifice, And proudly press with garlands to the altars, To fill the gods oblations. Birds bow to me, Striking their downie sails to do me service, Their sweet airs ever ecchoing to mine honor, And to my rest their plumie softs they send me. Fishes, and plants, and all where life inhabits, But mine own cursed kind, obey their ruler; Mine have forgot me, miserable mine, Into whose stonie hearts, neglect of dutie, Squint-ey'd deceit, and self-love, are crept closely: None feel my wants, not one mend with me.

_Desire._ None, Sir?

_Ant._ Thou hast forgot (_Desire_) thy best friend, _Flatterie_; He cannot fail me.

_Delight._ Fail? he will sell himself, And all within his power, close to his skin first.

_Desire._ I thought so too, and made him my first venture But found him in a young Lords ear so busie, So like a smiling showr pouring his soul In at his portals, his face in a thousand figures Catching the vain mind of the men: I pull'd him, But still he hung like birdlime; spoke unto him, His answer still was, By the Lord, sweet Lord, And By my soul, thou master-piece of honor; Nothing could stave him off: he has heard your flood's gone; And on decaying things he seldom smiles, Sir.

_Anth._ Then here I break up state, and free my followers, Putting my fortune now to _Time_, and _Justice_: Go seek new masters now; for _Anthropos_ Neglected by his friends, must seek new fortunes. _Desire_, to _Avarice_ I here commend thee, Where thou may'st live at full bent of thy wishes: And _Vain Delight_, thou feeder of my follies With light fantastickness, be thou in favour. To leave thee, _Bountie_, my most worthie servant, Troubles me more then m[ine] own misery; But we must part: go plant thy self, my best friend, In honorable hearts that truely know thee, And there live ever like thy self, a virtue: But leave this place, and seek the Countrey, For Law, and lust, like fire lick all up here. Now none but _Poverty_ must follow me, Despis'd patch'd _Poverty_; and we two married, Will seek _Simplicity_, _Content_ and _Peace_ out.

_Enter Poverty._

And live with them in exile. How uncall'd on My true friend comes!

_Poverty._ Here, hold thee, _Anthropos_, Thou art almost arm'd at rest; put this on, A penitential robe, to purge thy pleasures: Off with that vanitie.

_Anth._ Here, _Vain Delight_, And with this all my part, to thee again Of thee I freely render.

_Pov._ Take this staff now, And be more constant to your steps hereafter: The staff is _Staidness of affections_. Away you painted flyes, that with mans summet Take life and heat buzzing about his blossoms; When growing full, ye turn to Caterpillers, Gnawing the root that gave you life. Fly shadows.

[_Exeunt desire and delight._

Now to _Content_ I'll give thee, _Anthropos_, To _Rest_ and _Peace_: no vanitie dwells there; _Desire_ [nor] _Pleasur[e]_, to delude thy mind more; No _Flatteries_ smooth-fil'd tongue shall poison thee.

_Anth._ O! _Jupiter_, if I have ever offer'd Upon thy burning Altars but one Sacrifice Thou and thy fair-ey'd _Juno_ smil'd upon; If ever, to thine honor, bounteous feasts, Where all thy statu[e]s sweet with wine and incense, Have by the son of earth been celebrated: Hear me (the child of shame now) hear thou helper, And take my wrongs into thy hands, thou justice Done by unmindful man, unmerciful, Against his master done, against thy order; And raise again, thou father of all honor, The poor despis'd, but yet thy noblest creature. Raise from his ruines once more this sunk Cedar, That all may fear thy power, and I proclaim it. [_Exeunt._

_Jupiter and Mercury descend severally. Trumpets_ _small above._

_Jup._ Ho! _Mercury_, my winged son.

_Mer._ Your servant.

_Jup._ Whose powerful prayers were those that reach'd our ears, Arm'd in such spells of pity now?

_Mer._ The sad petitions Of the scorn'd son of earth, the god-like _Anthropos_, He that has swell'd your sacred fires with incense, And pil'd upon your Altars a thousand heifers; He that (beguil'd by _Vanity_ and _Pleasure_, _Desire_, _Craft_, _Flattery_, and smooth _Hypocrisie_) Stands now despis'd and ruin'd, left to _Poverty_.

_Jup._ It must not be; he was not rais'd for ruine; Nor shall those hands heav'd at m[ine] Altars, perish: He is our noblest creature. Flee to _Time_, And charge him presently release the bands Of _Poverty_ and _Want_ this suitor sinks in: Tell him, among the Sun-burnt _Indians_, That know no other wealth but Peace and pleasure, She shall find golden _Plutus_, god of riches, Who idly is ador'd, the innocent people Not knowing yet what power and weight he carries: Bid him compell him to his right use, honor, And presently to live with _Anthropos_. It is our Will. Away.

_Mer._ I do obey it. [_Jupiter and Mercury ascend again._

Musick. _Enter_ Plutus, _with a troop of_ Indians, _singing and_ _dancing wildly about him, and bowing to him: which ended, Enter_ Time.

_Time._ Rise, and away; 'tis _Joves_ command.

_Plut._ I will not: Ye have some fool to furnish now; some _Midas_ That to no purpose I must choak with riches. Who must I go to?

_Time._ To the son of earth; He wants the god of wealth.

_Plut._ Let him want still: I was too lately with him, almost torn Into ten thousand pieces by his followers: I could not sleep, but _Craft_ or _Vanity_ Were filing off my fingers; not eat, for fear _Pleasure_ would cast her self into my belly, And there surprize my heart.

_Time._ These have forsaken him: Make haste then, thou must with me: be not angry, For fear a greater anger light upon thee.

_Plut._ I do obey then: but change my figure; For when I willingly befriend a creature, Goodly, and full of glory I shew to him; But when I am compell'd, old, and decrepid, I halt, and hang upon my staff. Farewell, friends, I will not be long from ye; all my servants I leave among ye still, and my chief riches.

[_Exeunt_ Indians _with a dance_.

Oh _Time_, what innocence dwells here, what goodness! They know me not, nor hurt me not, yet hug me. Away, I'll follow thee: but not too fast, _Time_.

[_Exeunt_ Plutus _and_ Time.

_Enter Anthropos, Honesty, Simplicity, Humility, Poverty._

_Humil._ Man, be not sad, nor let this divorce From _Mundus_, and his many ways of pleasure, Afflict thy spirits; which consider'd rightly With inward eyes, makes thee arrive at happy.

_Pov._ For now what danger or deceit can reach thee? What matter left for _Craft_ or _Covetize_ To plot against thee? what _Desire_ to burn thee?

_Honest._ Oh son of earth, let _Honesty_ possess thee; Be as thou wast intended, like thy Maker; See thorow those gawdy shadows, that like dreams Have dwelt upon thee long: call up thy goodness, Thy mind and man with[in] thee, that lie shipwrack'd, And then how thin and vain these fond affections, How lame this worldly [l]ove, how lump-like raw And ill digested all these vanities Will shew, let _Reason_ tell thee.

_Simpl._ Crown thy mind With that above the worlds wealth, joyful suff'ring, And truly be the master of thy self. Which is the noblest Empire; and there stand The thing thou wert ordain'd, and set to govern.

_Pov._ Come, let us sing the worlds shame: hear us, _Anthropos_.

Song: _And then Enter_ Time _and_ Plutus.

_Hon._ Away; we are betrayd. [_Exeunt all but_ Poverty.

_Time._ Get thou too after, Thou needy bare companion; go for ever, For ever, I conjure thee: make no answer. [_Exit_ Poverty.

_Anth._ What mak'st thou here, _Time_? thou that to this Minute, never stood still by me?

_Time._ I have brought thee succour; And now catch hold, I am thine: The god of riches (Compell'd by him that saw thy miseries, The ever just and wakeful _Jove_, at length) Is come unto thee: use him as thine own; For 'tis the doom of Heaven: he must obey thee.

_Anth._ Have I found pity then?

_Time._ Thou hast; and _Justice_ Against those false seducers of thine honor: Come, give him present helps. [_Exit_ Time.

_Industry and the Arts discovered._

_Plut._ Come _Industry_, Thou friend of life; and next to thee, rise _Labour_;

[Plutus _stamps_. Labour _rises_.

Rise presently: and now to your employments; But first conduct this mortal to the rock.

_They carry_ Anthropos _to a Rock,_ _and fall a digging_.

What seest thou now? [Plutus _strikes the Rock, and flames flie out_.

_Anth._ A glorious Mine of Metal. Oh _Jupiter_, my thanks.

_Plut._ To me a little.

_Anth._ And to the god of wealth, my Sacrifice.

_Plut._ Nay, then I am rewarded. Take heed now, Son, You are afloat again, lest _Mundus_ catch ye.

_Anth._ Neve[r] betray me more.

_Plut._ I must to _India_, From whence I came, where my main wealth lies buried, And these must with me. Take that Book and Mattock, And by those, know to live again.

[_Exeunt_ Plutus, Industry, Labour, _&[c]._

_Anth._ I shall do.

_Enter_ Fame _sounding_.

_Fame._ Thorow all the world, the fortune of great _Anthropos_ Be known and wonder'd at; his riches envy'd As far as Sun or Time is; his power fear'd too. [_Exeunt._

MUSICK.

_Enter_ Delight, Pleasure, [Craft, Lucre,] Vanity, _&c. dancing_ _(and Masqu'd) towards the Rock, offering service to_ Anthropos. Mercury _from above. Musick heard. One half of a cloud drawn. Singers are discovered: then the other half drawn._ Jupiter _seen in glory_.

_Mer._ Take heed, weak man, those are the sins that sunk thee: Trust 'em no more: kneel, and give thanks to _Jupiter_.

_Anth._ Oh mighty power!

_Jup._ Unmask, ye gilded poisons: Now look upon 'em, son of earth, and shame 'em; Now see the faces of thy evil Angels, Lead 'em to _Time_, and let 'em fill his Triumph: Their memories be here forgot for ever.

_Anth._ Oh just great god! how many lives of service, What ages only given to thine honor. What infinites of vows, and holy prayers, Can pay my thanks?

_Jup._ Rise up: and to assure thee That never more thou shalt feel want, strike, _Mercury_, Strike him; and by that stroke he shall for ever Live in that rock of Gold, and still enjoy it. Be't done, I say. Now sing in honor of him.

_SONG._

_Enter the Triumph. First, the Musicians: then_ Vain Delight, Pleasure, Craft, L[u]cre, Vanity, _and other of the Vices: Then a Chariot with the person of_ Time _sitting in it, drawn by four persons, representing Hours, singing_.

_Exeunt._ _Flourish._

_King. Em._ By this we note (sweet-heart) in Kings and Princes A weakness, even in spite of all their wisdoms. And often to be master'd by abuses: Our natures here describ'd too, and what humors Prevail above our Reasons to undo us. But this the last and best. When no friend stands, The gods are merciful, and lend their hands. _Flourish._

Epilogue

_Now as the Husbandman, whose Costs and Pain,_ _Whose Hopes and Helps lie buried in his Grain,_ _Waiting a happy Spring to ripen full_ _His long'd-for Harvest, to the Reapers pull;_ _Stand we expecting, having sown our Ground_ _With so much charge, (the fruitfulness not found)_ _The Harvest of our Labours: For we know_ _You are our Spring; and when you smile, we grow._ _Nor Charge nor Pain, shall bind us from your Pleasures,_ _So you but lend your hands to fill our Measures._

FINIS.

APPENDIX.

_In the following references to the text the lines are numbered from the top of the page, including titles, acts, stage directions, &c., but not, of course, the headline or mere 'rules.' Where, as in the lists of Persons Represented, there are double columns, the right-hand column is numbered after the left._

It has not been thought necessary to record the correction of every turned letter nor the substitution of marks of interrogation for marks of exclamation and _vice versâ_. Full-stops have been silently inserted at the ends of speeches and each fresh speaker has been given the dignity of a fresh line: in the double-columned folio the speeches are frequently run on. Misprints in the Quartos and the First Folio are recorded when they appear to be interesting. A word or two from the printed text is attached to the variants recorded below in cases where the variant, by itself, would not be sufficiently clear. Altered punctuation is shown, usually, by printing the old punctuation.

[Thanks are due to Mrs Arnold Glover for collations of quartos in the British Museum and to R. F. Towndrow, for collations of those in the Bodleian.]

THIERRY AND THEODORET.

=A= = 1621. =B= = 1648. =C= = 1649. =D= = Second folio.

(=A=) THE | TRAGEDY | OF THIERRY KING OF | _France, and his Brother_ | Theodoret. | As it was diverse times acted at the Blacke-| _Friers by the Kings Majesties_ | Servants. | _LONDON_, | Printed for _Thomas Walkley_, and are to bee sold at | his shop in _Britaines Burse_, at the signe of | the Eagle and Child. | 1621.

(=B=) THE | TRAGEDY | OF | THIERRY | King of _France_, and his Brother | THEODORET. | As it was diverse times acted at the | _Blacke-Friers_ _by the Kings Majesties_ | Servants. Written by | John Fletcher Gent. | _LONDON_, | Printed for _Humphrey Mosely_, and are to be sold at | his Shop at the _Princes Armes_ in St. _Pauls_ | Church-yard. 1648.

(=C=) THE | TRAGEDY | OF | THIERRY | King of _France_, and his Brother | THEODORET. | As it was diverse times acted at the _Blacke-Friers,_ _by the Kings Majesties_ | Servants. | Written by | FRACIS BEAMONT. AND JOHN FLETCHER Gent. | _LONDON_, | Printed for _Humphrey Moseley_, and are to be sold at | his Shop at the _Princes Armes_ in St. _Pauls_ | Church-yard. 1649.

[The following lines are printed from the edition of 1649]

The Prologue to _Thierry_ and _Theodoret_.

_Wit is become an Antick; and puts on_ _As many shapes of variation,_ _To court the times applause, as the times dare_ _Change severall fashions; nothing is thought rare_ _Which is not new and follow'd; yet we know_ _That what was worne some twenty yeares agoe_ _Comes into grace againe, and we pursue_ _That custome, by presenting to your view_ _A Play in fashion then, not doubting now_ _But 'twill appeare the same, if you allow_ _Worth to their noble memories, whose names_ _Beyond all power of death live in their fames._

The Epilogue.

_Our Poet knowes you will be just; but we_ _Appeale to mercy: he desires that ye_ _Would not distast his Muse, because of late_ _Transplanted; which would grow here if no fate_ _Have an unluckie bode: opinion_ _Comes hither but on crutches yet, the sun_ _Hath lent no beame to warme us; if this play_ _Proceed more fortunate, wee'll crowne the day_ _And Love that brought you hither: 'tis in you_ _To make A Little Sprig of Lawrell grow,_ _And spread into a Grove where you may sit_ _And here soft Stories, when by blasting it_ _You gain no honour, though our ruines Lye_ _To tell the spoyles of your offended eye:_ _If not for what we are, (for alas, here_ _No_ Roscius _moves to charme your eyes or ear)_ _Yet as you hope hereafter to see Playes._ _Incourage us, and give our Poet Bayes._

_Dramatis Personæ._

_Thierry_, King of France _Theodoret_, his Brother Prince of _Austrachia_ _Martell_, their noble Kinsman _Devitry_, an honest Souldier of fortune _Protuldy_, } _Bawdher_, } Cowardly Panders. _Lecure_, } A Priest A Post Huntsmen Souldiers Doctors _Brunhalt_, Mother to the Princes _Ordella_, the matchlesse wife of _Thierry_ _Memburges_, Daughter of _Theodoret_.

_The Scene France._

p. =1=, l. 5. D] _Bawdher_ l. 25. A-D] women.

p. =2=, l. 1. A] promises l. 5. A] shewes vm l. 6. A] multiplyes vm l. 30. A-C] Courts a this D] Nile, have l. 37. A-C] _Theod._ ... impudence, | And ... mother | Brought ... it |

p. =3=, l. 20. D] womam l. 32. B-D] bedders. l. 33. A-C] _Portalyde_ D] _Protalyde_

p. =4=, l. 4. B-D] swetness l. 8. A] am I thus rewarded? B and C] am I thus rewarded, l. 37. A-C] I am

p. =5=, l. 8. D] _Bawdher_ l. 26. D] long she l. 28. D] unlikt

p. =6=, l. 3. A-C] I am not l. 7. A-D] kisses. l. 22. A-C] For I am l. 24. D] _Actus Secundus. Scæna Prima_ l. 28. D] I'm jealous l. 32. D] weakness

p. =7=, l. 12. D] to dependance l. 24. D] reason l. 29. D] lose

p. =8=, l. 38. B-D] of them l. 39. D] mean's

p. =9=, l. 30. D] ti's pace l. 30. D] Thierry, be

p. =10=, l. 13. A-C] I am l. 32. B-D] fiers l. 35. D] or if

p. =11=, l. 5. D] Shal l. 21. A-D] dust, were

p. =12=, l. 2. A] I shall still l. 9. D] an one l. 40. D] win 'em,

p. =13=, l. 1. A-C] shall seeme D] shall seem l. 6. B-D] I'll breath l. 17. D] knowledg l. 24. B-D] Withall l. 34. A-D] _Theoderet_ D] _Theoderet Memberge_,

p. =14=, l. 21. D] _Nero._ l. 27. D] colors

p. =15=, l. 36. D] Alass

p. =16=, l. 12. D] eusie l. 34. B-D] polcats l. 35. A] trustde

p. =17=, l. 22. B-D] mid way l. 25. B-D] away, all l. 27. D] _Portaldy Lecure_. l. 34. B-D] pandar sponge l. 39. D] your Son

p. =18=, l. 7. D] delicats l. 20. A] others, death; B-D] others death; l. 29. B-D] of chastity l. 39. B-D] i'st?

p. =19=, l. 9. D] then, think you l. 27. D] I'm

p. =20=, l. 2. A-C] I am sure l. 12. D] too; l. 15. B-D] i'st?

p. =21=, l. 1. B-D] violence. l. 4. D] _Their._ l. 6. D] You I'll hunt l. 20. A] currall l. 24. A-C] ath l. 28. A] take it l. 29. D] Farewll l. 34. B-D] Sir,

p. =22=, l. 6. A] met a noble l. 27. B-D] tels l. 34. A] to set my l. 40. A-C] they are

p. =23=, l. 11. A] vm, take a tree Sir, B and C] um take a tree Sir, D] 'em take a tree Sir; l. 17. D] an l. 19. B-D] stay. l. 20. A-C] a both l. 28. B-D] bawb l. 37. A-C] mushrump

p. =24=, l. 9. D] _Bawdher_ l. 39. B-D] him, I

p. =25=, l. 7. D] _Portaldye_ l. 10. A] on thy l. 16. D] philip

p. =26=, l. 18. D] volour l. 20. A] is care l. 21. D] my my actions l. 23. D] _Martel_ (_here and often elsewhere_) l. 33. A-D] falls

p. =27=, l. 14. A-C] the nose l. 18. D] should l. 22. D] hear l. 29. A-C] that is l. 34. D] You're l. 40. D] _Martel_

p. =28=, l. 28. D] pray pardon l. 30. D] your ... Martel B-D _Print_ _as a new line_] _Mart._ Your company, etc. l. 37. D _omits_] fearefull

p. =29=, l. 2. A] it B-D] it. l. 22. D] volour

p. =30=, l. 1. A-D] work

p. =31=, l. 5. A] selfe's l. 20. D] self. l. 26. D] paralell'd, l. 27. D] mother, l. 38. A-C] I am l. 40. A-C] the

p. =32=, l. 2. D] fires l. 17. D] up. l. 22. D] mates. l. 32. D] happiness.

p. =33=, l. 14. B-D] one stange of Revels, and each ye l. 29. B-D] I a man? l. 37. D] thought

p. =34=, l. 8. D] what Ill can l. 35. B and C] conveniance D] convenience

p. =35=, l. 11. B-D] I have no l. 26. D] born l. 30. D] shall l. 32. B and C] marcht

p. =36=, l. 2. A and D] their l. 10. A-D] son's

p. =37=, l. 31. D] born

p. =38=, l. 11. A-C] _The Dance_. l. 18. B-D] Theodoret? l. 32. D] to 't.

p. =39=, l. 7. B-D] Whether l. 13. B-D] my

p. =40=, l. 9. D] knows. l. 12. D] face

p. =41=, l. 8. D] loans l. 14. D] skill. l. 15. D] his

p. =42=, l. 29. A-D] hour. l. 30. D] towards l. 35. D] gil'd

p. =43=, l. 38. B-D] away

p. =45=, l. 7. D] thing l. 36. D] thoughts.

p. =46=, l. 5. A-D] nothing's hard, l. 9. D] _Ordeel._ l. 16. B-D] humors. l. 17. A] Bring um l. 21. A-C] Here is l. 28. D] hear. l. 35. D] knowledg.

p. =47=, l. 1. _Possibly_ thou'rt made the blessing _is intended_ l. 14. D] _Puls_

p. =48=, l. 3. A-D] _Devi._ l. 11. D] an l. 20. B-D] thing

p. =49=, l. 18. B and C] olive beare D] Olive-bear l. 23. A-C] What 'tis

p. =50=, l. 12. A-C] I am l. 36. D] snip l. 37. B-D] us'd.

p. =51=, l. 2. B-D] use of it l. 11. D] _Baun._ A _prints a new line_] And we will l. 23. A-C] upon it l. 25. A-C] t'as l. 35. B and C] the ability

p. =52=, l. 24. D] hopes. l. 26. B-D] them. l. 30. A-C] the l. 39. B and C] stirre D] stirr

p. =53=, l. 6. A-C] doest l. 7. B-D] excuse. l. 10. D] I

p. =54=, l. 7. D] from from l. 14. D] guick

p. =55=, l. 15. D] Iaid down l. 19. B-D] pleasure

p. =56=, l. 2. D] argment

p. =57=, l. 17. B-D] than thou l. 21. A] it B and C] it, D] it. l. 29. D] in all

p. =58=, l. 18. D] misery?

p. =59=, l. 4. A-C] of good D] of a good l. 7. A] a thy l. 15. B-D] and l. 20. D] some l. 32. D] you?

p. =60=, l. 29. D] _Soldier._

p. =61=, l. 28. A-C] only bind mee before l. 36. D] melancholly

p. =62=, l. 8. A] fetch em ll. 9-10. A-C _omit one_] where l. 20. A] em l. 25. A] was I, dreampt not of your conveiance? B and C] was I, dreampt not of your conveyance? helpe to unbidd D] was I? dreamt not of your conveyance, l. 30. A] top l. 31. A] em

p. =63=, l. 25. D] piece-meals l. 32. D] paricide

p. =64=, l. 2. D] Hawks l. 7. A-C] cures D] _omits the passage in_ _square brackets from l. 11 to l. 30 on p. 67. Supplied here from_ A l. 25. A] prayers l. 35. C] grace feele yourselfe now

p. =67=, l. 9. A] are B and C] them l. 19. A] defeeaed l. 20. B and C] pleasures

p. =68=, l. 6. A] give l. 21. A] um l. 27. D] _Martel._ l. 39. D] came

p. =69=, l. 2. B-D] soule away l. 10. A] She is l. 15. B-D] Sir. l. 38. A-C] _Dies_

p. =70=, l. 1. A] um l. 2. A] um l. 3. D] lasteh

THE WOMAN-HATER.

=A= = 1607. =B= = 1607. =C= = 1648. =D= = 1649. =E= = Second folio.

(=A=) THE | WOMAN | HATER. | _As it hath beene lately Acted by | the_ _Children of Paules_: | LONDON | Printed, and are to be sold | by _John Hodgets_ in Paules | Church-yard. 1607.

(=B=) _THE_ | WOMAN | HATER. | _As it hath beene lately Acted by | the_ _Children of Paules_: | LONDON | Printed by _R. R._ and are to be | sold by _John Hodgets_ in Paules | Church-yard. 1607.

(=C=) THE | WOMAN | HATER. | _As it hath beene Acted by his_ _Majesties_ | Servants with great Applause. | Written by | JOHN FLETCHER Gent. | _LONDON_, | Printed for _Humphrey Moseley_, and are to be sold at | his Shop at the _Princes Armes_ in St. _Pauls_ | Church-yard. 1648.

(=D=) THE | WOMAN | HATER, | OR THE | Hungry Courtier. | A COMEDY, | _As it hath been Acted by his Majesties | Servants with great_ _Applause._ | Written by | FRANCIS BEAMONT AND JOHN FLETCHER. Gent. | _LONDON_, | Printed for _Humphrey Moseley_, and are to be sold at | his Shop at the _Princes Armes_ in St. _Pauls_ | Church-yard. 1649.

The Prologue to the _Woman-hater_, or the _Hungry Courtier_.

_Ladies take't as a secret in your Eare,_ _In stead of homage, and kind welcome here,_ _I heartily could wish you all were gone;_ _For if you stay, good faith, we are undone._ _Alas! you now expect, the usuall wayes_ _Of our addresse, which is your Sexes praise:_ _But we to night, unluckily must speake,_ _Such things will make your Lovers-Heart-strings breake,_ _Bely your Virtues, and your beauties staine,_ _With words, contriv'd long since, in your disdaine._ _'Tis strange you stirre not yet; not all this while_ _Lift up your Fannes to hide a scornefull smile:_ _Whisper, or jog your Lords to steale away;_ _So leave us t'act, unto our selves, our Play:_ _Then sure, there may be hope, you can subdue_ _Your patience to endure an Act or two:_ _Nay more, when you are told our Poets rage_ _Pursues but one example, which that age_ _Wherein he liv'd produc'd; and we rely_ _Not on the truth, but the varietie._ _His Muse beleev'd not, what she then did write;_ _Her Wings were wont to make a nobler flight;_ _Sor'd high, and to the Stars, your Sex did raise;_ _For which, full Twenty yeares, he wore the Bayes._ _'Twas he reduced_ Evandra _from her scorne,_ _And taught the sad_ Aspacia _how to mourne;_ _Gave_ Arethusa's _love a glad reliefe._ _And made_ Panthea _elegant in griefe._ _If those great Trophies of his noble Muse,_ _Cannot one humor 'gainst your Sex excuse_ _Which we present to night; you'l finde a way_ _How to make good the Libell in our Play:_ _So you are cruell to your selves; whilst he_ _(Safe in the fame of his integritie)_ _Will be a Prophet, not a Poet thought;_ _And this fine Web last long though loosely wrought_.

The Epilogue to the _Woman-hater_, or the _Hungry Courtier_.

_The monuments of Vertue and desert,_ _Appeare more goodly when the glosse of Art_ _Is eaten off by time, then when at first:_ _They were set up, not censur'd at the worst_ _We have done our best for your contents to fit,_ _With new paines, this old monument of wit._

_Dramatis Personæ_,

Duke of _Millaine_ _Gordamio_, The Woman-Hater _Count Valore_, Brother to _Oriana_ _Lucio_, A foolish Femall Statesman _Arigo_, A Courtier attending the Duke _Lazarillo_, A Voluptuous Smell-feast His Boy. A Mercer, A City-Gull, Perlously in Love with Learning. A Pander A Gentleman, Instructor to _Lucio_

A Secretary to _Lucio_ Two Intelligencers Servants. _Oriana_, The Dukes Mistris An old deafe Country Gentlewoman Ladyes _Madona_, A Courtezan _Fraciscina_, One of her Wastcote-wayters.

_The Scene Millaine._

p. =71=, l. 14. C-E] _dearenesse of his cares_ l. 16. C-E] _it would please_ l. 25. C and D] _Lord Lord-borne_ E] Lord, Lord born

p. =72=, l. 10. C-E] as if

p. =73=, l. 8. E] and stare, l. 21. E] years l. 25. E] the dishes l. 29. E] Duke l. 34. E] knowledg, l. 36. C-E] to give

p. =74=, l. 19. E] chac'd the l. 36. E] he gave him

p. =75=, l. 6. C and D] pleasant varietyes E] pleasant variety l. 7. E] swarmeth with l. 13. C-E] honor? l. 21. A and B] satisfied. C-E] satisfied

p. =76=, l. 7. E] two joals l. 18. E] Not Palaces l. 35. A and B] after one another gone, C and D] after one another, and gone,

p. =77=, l. 31. C-E] it will not swear l. 32. E] it it l. 37. E] Exceeding apt to be

p. =78=, l. 8. E] at your voice, l. 9. E] your Banquets l. 38. E] hav-

p. =79=, l. 17. E] these ordinary l. 32. E] compass the

p. =80=, l. 8. A-D] ... Capon sauce | Upon ... of dust, | Manchets for ... shields | l. 13. A and B] Count is

p. =81=, l. 17. E] l_ntelligencer_ l. 28. E] rare if you l. 31. A and B] of Informer l. 16. A and B] in earnest? l. 18. C-E] ear-shots l. 30. E] body, I will

p. =83=, l. 1. A and B] _Int._ Your Lordships Servant. _is followed by Laz._ Will it please C-E _print as a separate speech, coming before Laz._] _Count._ Your Lordships Servant. l. 3. E] Lordship to walk?

p. =84=, l. 15. A-E] desires Rome

p. =85=, l. 8. A-D] have I good l. 19. C-E] plainess l. 23. A-D] in talking, treason l. 38. E] shippers

p. =86=, l. 25. C-E] How! _Arrigo: Lucio:_ l. 32. A-D] It is.

p. =87=, l. 14. A-D] at her | to me? l. 31. A-E] of this new l. 32. E] betwixt Curtains

p. =88=, l. 4. E] tooth-picks?

p. =89=, l. 35. E] Uususpected

p. =90=, l. 5. C-E] thy Fortune is now l. 18. E] a clock, it l. 34. A-D] Hath been

p. =91=, l. 1. C-E] years old l. 4. E] sols l. 13. A-D] that men must l. 14. C and D] that men must live E] that must live l. 23. A and B] the busines C and D] the businesse l. 26. E] shall perceive l. 33. C-E] _Arrigo Lucio_ l. 36. E] his.

p. =92=, l. 15. C-E] Wither l. 27. A] Court, there l. 33. E] wil l. 39. A-D] with patience. | to heare. E] with patience to hear.

p. =93=, l. 31. E] Lady's l. 32. E] and twindge l. 37. E] _Crnd._

p. =94=, l. 6. E] a think as l. 7. E] let the l. 20. C-E] nor this l. 22. C-E] silkgrograns l. 35. E] doe, cover

p. =95=, l. 1. E] have otherwise l. 17. E] lose

p. =96=, l. 14. E] woman

p. =97=, l. 32. E] knowledg

p. =98=, l. 7. E] tougues l. 7. E] lose l. 28. E] the sweet

p. =99=, l. 6. E] passion? yes l. 26. C-E] women: to l. 27. C-E] not to be

p. =100=, l. 8. E] I unrip l. 15. E] _Valores_, Sister l. 26. E] _Basilisks_, dead

p. =101=, l. 9. C-E] convert. l. 22. E] as I'm, l. 23. C-E] we have store l. 34. C and D] I am the man that E] I'm the man that l. 38. E] contritiou

p. =102=, l. 4. E] ill Spirit ll. 8-10 C-E]

_Gond._ By the true honest service, that I owe these eyes strangely, My meaning is as spotles as my faith.

_Oria._ The Duke doubt mine honour? a may judge

l. 18. E] _Gondarino_, shall l. 24. E] Ladys are l. 27. A and B] where Witches

p. =103=, l. 34. E] comsort

p. =104=, l. 6. C-E] outward court ll. 13-15 _are omitted from_ E

p. =105=, l. 3. E] compass it search, l. 4. =E=] braius l. 20. C-E] corrupted l. 25. A] cut out the meanes l. 25. C-E] sword l. 34. A-D] here a

p. =106=, l. 22. A-D] a saith l. 22. A-D] he is greater l. 24. A-D] a was A and B] did yee l. 25. A-D] a fell l. 27. A-D] a meant l. 28. E] is very l. 29. A and B] if a deale l. 33. C-E] we not l. 37. A-D] because a l. 38. A-D] a wo'd l. 40. E] hand-sword

p. =107=, l. 4. A and B] a be hanged. l. 19. C-E] be married

p. =110=, l. 1. A and B] Surnamed l. 3. A] stand stiffe l. 3. A-D] places, | And execute l. 9. A and B] rays'd bee; by this l. 15. A-D] whether l. 16. A and B] whither? wither? l. 22. E] kill l. 23. E] in black

p. =111=, l. 1. E] _Actus Tertius._ l. 21. C-E] constancy; l. 27. C and D] grave words l. 32. C-E] in the Summer

p. =113=, l. 11. A and B] those women l. 28. C-E _omit_] only

p. =114=, l. 14. E] thar l. 14. A-D _omit_] a l. 36. C-E] to recover

p. =115=, l. 16. C-E _give_] _Gondarino_, where is the Lady? _a separate line, as though not part of the Duke's speech_. l. 28. E] punish l. 36. E] virtuous,

p. =116=, l. 6. C-E _omit_] here l. 7. E] scohlar l. 18. C-E] if our l. 24. A-D] a comes l. 30. A-D] shee is l. 35. A and B] would ye

p. =117=, l. 3. E] Peticoats, and Foreparts l. 5. C-E] compliment? l. 10. E] stockins C-E] silk. l. 11. A and B] they are a the best of wooll, and they cleeped jersey. C and D] they are of the best of wooll, and they clyped Jersey. E] they're of the best of Wooll, and the clipped Jersey l. 16. A and B] their bookes l. 39. C-E] Poesies, for

p. =118=, l. 4. A-D] a have l. 13. C-E] I have l. 21. C-E] _Laz._ Whereabouts l. 23. C-E] because of l. 31. A-D] durst a said

p. =119=, l. 4. E] unsatisfied, shall l. 11. A and B] upon yee l. 14. C-E] back, again fall l. 17. E] meet

p. =120=, l. 2. C-E] Sphear l. 4. C-E] then l. 13. C-E] before l. 30. C-E] what good l. 34. A-D] does a l. 36. A and B] is rich

p. =121=, l. 1. A and B] is thine l. 2. A-D] a were C-E] Indenture l. 3. A-D] a bee a the l. 7. C-E _omit_] free l. 14. C-E] my l. 16. A and B _omit stage direction_. l. 17. A-D] a comes l. 25. C-E] Fair Sir: I thank ye? l. 35. A and B] feed ye

p. =122=, l. 10. A and B] will ye l. 14. E _omits_] so l. 16. E] afflictions l. 21. E] _Laz._ This kiss is yours, l. 28. C-E] hold l. 37. A-D] a should l. 39. A-D] a cal'd

p. =123=, l. 37. C-E] to be one l. 37. C-E _omit_] same

p. =124=, l. 2. C-E _omit_] have l. 37. C-E] thought

p. =126=, l. 26. E] bandstring l. 27. E] send

p. =127=, l. 21. A-D] this seven yeares l. 31. C-E] wind l. 39. A-D] fetch am

p. =128=, l. 4. A and B] All readie?

p. =129=, l. 9. C-E _omit_] have l. 15. A-E] to bee hang'd, with silence yet l. 32. E] ahd l. 33. C-E _omit_] now l. 34. A and B] so forward

p. =130=, l. 4. E] _1 Int._ l. 6. C-E _omit_] other l. 27. C and D] Scena 3 E] _Scæna Tertia_ l. 30. E _omits_] again

p. =131=, l. 2. A and B] wilfull, ignorant, | Of your owne nakednes, did l. 24. A] dar'st to turne B] dar'st ta turne

p. =132=, l. 7. E] goldeu l. 8. A-D] it l. 16. A and B] whome have ye guarded hether C-E] who l. 22. A and B] a hath l. 25. E] have l. 28. C-E] shall

p. =133=, l. 27. C-E] what l. 34. E] brings

p. =134=, l. 2. A] that the l. 23. E] neighbors, l. 38. C-E _omit_] most

p. =135=, l. 10. C-E] longing l. 11. A-D] there is l. 18. C-E] my l. 34. A and B] not longer

p. =137=, l. 3. E] good. l. 8. C-E] up, l. 13. A-D] you are l. 32. C-E _omit_] it l. 34. A-D] deserve it. l. 35. A-E] too

p. =138=, l. 15. B] feast at all C-E] feast all l. 16. A] be small l. 16. B _omits_] if l. 18. A and B] it betweene l. 20. A and B] heavens guard the tother C and D] the tother l. 22. E _prints_] _Duke from_ _above_ at end of line as stage direction. l. 23. B-E] What I?

p. =139=, l. 3. A and B] ye can l. 13. A and B] talents l. 18. A and B] give to you l. 26. C-E] make l. 29. A and B] Gundele C and D] Gondele l. 34. E] _Cond._ l. 40. A-D] a part

p. =140=, l. 5. A and B] assist ye l. 10. E] foft l. 16. A-D] do, if a should E] do; if he should l. 18. A-D] if a cou'd get a knife, sure a wo'd l. 19. A-D] a wo'd doe l. 24. A and B] stomack rawe

p. =141=, l. 5. B-E] them on her l. 11. E] thy l. 34. C-E] does your Lordship?

p. =142=, l. 14. A-E] Whether l. 22. E] wrongfully, the l. 25. C-E] meditate l. 26. E] Time will call l. 29. C-E] are most merciful

NICE VALOUR.

=A= = First folio. =B= = Second folio.

(=A=) THE | NICE VALOUR, | or, | The Passionate Mad-man.

p. =143=. A _omits all after l. 2_.

p. =144=, l. 3. B] suffrage l. 10. B] 'twos

p. =145=, l. 5. B] repuations l. 8. A] I ha' l. 12. B] valour; no virtue; l. 18. B] ot

p. =146=, l. 5. A] 'Has l. 7. A] 'Had l. 18. B] faithlfuly

p. =147=, l. 35. B] enemy?

p. =148=, l. 22. A] I am

p. =149=, l. 2. A _omits_] Lady, _at end_ l. 3. A and B _omit_] _1 Gent. at beginning_ l. 22. A] I am

p. =150=, l. 2. B] too

p. =151=, l. 40. A] the equality

p. =153=, l. 15. B] us, than

p. =154=, l. 6. B] hie l. 7. B] amoroesly l. 8. B] _Shvm_ l. 18. B] is

p. =157=, l. 5. B] _Women_, l. 18. B] time, make

p. =158=, l. 23. A] an' that l. 29. A] This sute l. 36. A and B] him?

p. =161=, l. 16. A] wrested l. 22. B] sword.

p. =162=, l. 5. B] diff'rence, 'twixt l. 11. B] me, brings

p. =163=, l. 24. A] beaten e'ne

p. =164=, l. 3. B] same l. 32. A] 'Has

p. =165=, l. 15. B] thot l. 27. B] _I_, doubt l. 36. B] may may

p. =167=, l. 11. B] Tables l. 32. B] thon

p. =169=, l. 15. B] lame l. 28. B] supper;

p. =170=, l. 6. B] puddings. l. 11. A] Any your

p. =171=, l. 38. B] _see 't._

p. =173=, l. 5. B] _Dap._

p. =174=, l. 22. B] Song? l. 35. B _omits_] nine

p. =175=, l. 12. B] earth. l. 20. B] strength trust l. 21. B _omits_ _this line_ l. 40. B] I shall

p. =176=, l. 6. B] he l. 31. A] 'Death

p. =177=, l. 27. B] heir l. 34. A] durst

p. =178=, l. 11. B] _Duke_ l. 25. B] Gentleman l. 27. B] agen. l. 30. A] _other_

p. =179=, l. 9. A] any anger l. 38. B] and I will

p. =180=, l. 15. B] you l. 17. A] hox

p. =182=, l. 15. A] this five yeare

p. =183=, l. 22. B] upon me. l. 31. B] Yov l. 37. B] _2 Gen._ l. 39. B] Sir.

p. =184=, l. 23. B] kick

p. =186=, l. 17. B] in l. 20. B] thick. l. 34. B] god

p. =187=, l. 18. B] _Ha, ha, ha, ha._

p. =188=, l. 2. A] _Now I_ l. 9. B] Pas. l. 15. B] _other, like fools_ _dancing,_

p. =191=, l. 16. B] pleasingly.

p. =192=, l. 3. B] _Almanacks._

p. =193=, l. 36. B] _1 Duke._

p. =196=, l. 8. B] However l. 9. B] confess, it,

p. =198=, l. 6. A] _he is_ l. 6. B] _writ._

BEAUMONT'S LETTER.

=A= = First folio. =B= = Second folio.

p. =199=, l. 1. A] M. _Francis_ l. 2. A] Master _Fletcher_ l. 8. A] _see, however absent is,_ l. 9. B] _Hay-makers_ l. 11. B] _Ile and_ l. 23. B] Rob. l. 26. A] _Providence, keeps_ l. 27. B] _knights_

p. =200=, l. 2. B _omits_] happy [_Should have been printed in italics_]

p. =201=, l. 7. B] _Ketches_

THE HONEST MAN'S FORTUNE.

=A= = First folio. =B= = Second folio.

p. =202=. A _omits all after l. 2_.

p. =203=, l. 2. A] Orleans l. 9. B] brotherhood, had

p. =204=, l. 24. B] rhe l. 32. B] Where-ever l. 37. B] _Longuezille_

p. =205=, l. 6. B] hehaviour

p. =206=, l. 17. B] _Mrnt._

p. =207=, l. 3. B] if he l. 7. B] You're l. 16. B _repeats_] A member as to lose the use--

p. =208=, l. 13. B] outside, would l. 24. A] with labour sir,

p. =209=, l. 26. A] of this l. 27. B] merciful l. 29. B] people, that

p. =210=, l. 7. B] _Lang._ l. 23. A] thought, had

p. =211=, l. 33. A] our eyes.

p. =212=, l. 13. B] say; l. 22. B] matter:

p. =213=, l. 3. A] Defence is never l. 5. B] the Girdler, or the l. 26. B] Beholding, terrify l. 33. B] it, shall

p. =214=, l. 5. B] you silences l. 13. B] report, you l. 16. B] to l. 25. B] charitable l. 34. B] cloths

p. =215=, l. 2. B] I'll l. 24. B] Heaven

p. =216=, l. 1. A] knowest l. 2. B] I'm

p. =217=, l. 8. B] _Montague_, had l. 23. A _omits the stage direction_. l. 24. A] _Enter Amiens_ l. 38. B] word

p. =218=, l. 16. B] Heaven. l. 33. B] parsuade

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p. =220=, l. 3. B] one l. 4. B] parsuade A] the force. l. 19. B] you? l. 34. B] _Leng._

p. =221=, l. 21. B] do; l. 31. B] it we

p. =222=, l. 4. A] Greater l. 16. A] A bullet; if you be Captain, my l. 21. B] _Lau._

p. =223=, l. 33. A and B] Citizen.

p. =225=, l. 8. A] it seise l. 21. A] certainest

p. =226=, l. 9. A and B] _Whithin_ l. 18. A] for if, thou hadst have l. 26. B] Orleans, is

p. =227=, l. 21. B] I'll l. 34. A and B] _Duboyes?_ l. 35. B] hand, hast

p. =228=, l. 7. B] _Ori._ l. 13. A] women they rayle, out right. B] women; they rayl out right. l. 16. A] pritty | Jelly. l. 17. A] gallant l. 21. B] too to,

p. =229=, l. 4. B _omits_] God l. 11. A] he's a

p. =230=, l. 15. A] a merry l. 18. B] reason

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p. =234=, l. 4. B] tel I

p. =235=, l. 9. A and B] ous

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p. =240=, l. 32. B] wIll l. 36. A] Trouble most willingly;

p. =241=, l. 5. A] showed upon l. 6. B] preformance l. 9. A] make of one which my state l. 13. A] tell me, prevent your further l. 16. B] _Orleane_ l. 37. A] hath brought

p. =242=, l. 3. A] about all safe l. 5. A] deserve a B] deserves, a l. 16. A] makes l. 25. A] Crohieture l. 28. B] foot-cloaths, durst l. 37. A] ha'.

p. =243=, l. 13. B] if I may l. 23. A _omits stage direction_

p. =245=, l. 10. A] _Charlo, Veramour, salute._ B] _aud_ Voramour, l. 23. B] derseved l. 28. B] pleased; l. 35. B] mine?

p. =246=, l. 3. B] Which is as it l. 28. B] tongue l. 30. B] cozenages l. 32. A] tell you l. 39. B] like I y,

p. =247=, l. 36. A] had done

p. =248=, l. 29. B] gentler

p. =249=, l. 10. B] boy but is wanting l. 34. B] lie

p. =250=, l. 16. B] quenceh

p. =251=, l. 4. A] _Enter Veramour with Counters_ l. 7. B] merry) or l. 16. B] tencher l. 18. B] Heaven l. 19. B] Heaven

p. =252=, l. 6. B] disconrse l. 7. A] of Wormes make l. 27. B] l. 40. B] up all all the

p. =253=, l. 3. B] Gentlewoman? l. 30. B] _Chal._

p. =254=, l. 8. B] jealons l. 13. B] go. Sir; l. 14. B] Heaven l. 17. B] will

p. =255=, l. 9. A] white cheeke

p. =257=, l. 25. A] Sea-service l. 31. A] o'us l. 34. B] troulesomest

p. =258=, l. 17. B] will he l. 26. A] a raile but my Swords bredth, upon a battlement, B] battlement.

p. =259=, l. 12. B] ths l. 31. B] treason l. 36. A] _their Swords_. l. 39. B] So,

p. =260=, l. 9.?] _see to_ l. 11. B] Out-loathed l. 26. B _omits_] _Lam._ l. 34. B] dye l. 36. A] their

p. =261=, l. 2. B] Out-howling l. 4. A] countenance l. 7. B] thon l. 15. A] of devils

p. =262=, l. 25. B] Heaven

p. =263=, l. 3. B] feel? l. 15. A] I am l. 17. B] _Lan._ l. 26. B] Ha' my

p. =264=, l. 19. B] no, worse l. 23. A] and a black

p. =266=, l. 1. B] Heaven l. 29. B] offended.

p. =268=, l. 1. B] dog-whip? l. 38. B] Heaven

p. =270=, l. 36. A] Stur your

p. =271=, l. 6. B] _Lam._ l. 28. A and B] too B] rgainst

p. =272=, l. 16. B] lik l. 21. B] company,

p. =273=, l. 1. B] married and l. 7. A] credit which is worse cannot l. 17. B] understand, love l. 19. B] the l. 25. B] Heaven l. 32. A] Nay

p. =274=, l. 31. B] Hell l. 31. A] _Dunkirks_

p. =275=, l. 7. B] _Lov._ l. 7. B] Heaven l. 8. B] _Montagne_ l. 24. B] new

p. =276=, l. 18. B _omits_] God l. 39. B] Sea-works

p. =277=, l. 1. A] me on l. 2. A] Right Courtier

p. =279=, l. 19. A] _Command_ B] _Command's_

p. =280=, l. 13. B] _For_ l. 28. B] _knows_ l. 31. B] _hear_

THE MASQUE OF THE GENTLEMEN OF GRAYS-INNE AND THE INNER-TEMPLE.

The quarto is as follows:

THE | MASQUE | OF THE INNER | TEMPLE AND GRAYES | INNE: | GRAYES INNE AND THE IN-|NER TEMPLE, PRESENTED BEFORE | his Majestie, the Queenes Majestie, the Prince, Count | _Palatine and the Lady Elizabeth their Highnesses, in_ | the Banquetting house at White-hall on Sa-|turday the twentieth day of Fe-|bruarie, 1612. | _AT LONDON,_ | Imprinted by _F.K._ for _George Norton_, and are to be | at his shoppe neere Temple-bar.

THE MASKE OF | THE INNER TEMPLE AND | GRAYES INNE, GRAYES INNE | and the Inner Temple, presented before his | _Majestie, the Queenes, &c._

This Maske was appointed to have beene presented the Shrove-tuesday before, at which time the Maskers with their attendants and divers others gallant young Gentlemen of both houses, as their convoy, set forth from Winchester house which was the _Rende vous_ towards the Court, about seven of the clocke at night.

This voyage by water was performed in great Triumph. The gentlemen Maskers being placed by themselves in the Kings royall barge with the rich furniture of state, and adorned with a great number of lights placed in such order as might make best shew.

They were attended with a multitude of barges and gallies, with all variety of lowde Musicke, and severall peales of Ordnance. And led by two Admiralls.

Of this shew his Majesty was gratiously pleased to take view, with the Prince, the Count _Palatine_, and the Lady _Elizabeth:_ their highnesses at the windowes of his privy gallerie upon the water, till their landing, which was at the privy staires: where they were most honorablie received by the Lord Chamberlaine, and so conducted to the Vestry.

The Hall was by that time filled with company of very good fashion, but yet so as a very great number of principall Ladies, and other noble persons were not yet come in, wherby it was foreseen that the roome would be so scanted as might have been inconvenient. And there upon his Majesty was most gratiously pleased with the consent of the gentlemen Maskers, to put off the night until Saturday following with this special favour and priviledge, that there should bee no let, as to the outward ceremony of magnificence untill that time.

At the day that it was presented, there was a choice roome reserved for the gentlemen, of both their houses, who comming in troope about seven of the clocke, received that speciall honor and noble favour, as to be brought to their places, by the Right Honourable the Earle of Northampton, Lord Privie Seale.

TO THE WORTHIE | SIR FRANCIS BACON, HIS MA-|JESTIES SOLLICITOR GENE-|rall, and the grave and learned Bench of | the anciently allied houses of Grayes | Inne, and the Inner Temple, the Inner | _Temple, and Grayes Inne._

_Yee that spared no time nor travell, in the setting forth, ordering, & furnishing of this Masque, being the first fruits of honor in this kinde, which these two societies have offered to his Majestie: Will not thinke much now to looke backe upon the effects of your owne care and worke: for that whereof the successe was then doubtfull, is now happily performed and gratiously accepted. And that which you were then to thinke of in straites of time, you may now peruse at leysure. And you Sir_ Francis Bacon _especially, as you did then by your countenance, and loving affection advance it, so let your good word grace it, and defend it, which is able to adde value to the greatest, and least matters._

THE DEVISE OR | ARGUMENT OF THE | MASQUE.

_Jupiter_ and _Juno_ willing to doe honour to the Mariage of the two famous Rivers _Thamesis_ and _Rhene_, imploy their Messengers severally, _Mercurie_ and _Iris_ for that purpose. They meete and contend: then _Mercurie_ for his part brings forth an Anti-masque all of Spirits or divine Natures: but yet not of one kinde or liverie (because that had been so much in use heretofore) but as it were in consort like to broken Musicke. And preserving the proprietie of the devise; for that Rivers in nature are maintained either by Springs from beneath, or Shewers from above: He raiseth foure of the _Naiades_ out of the Fountaines, and bringeth downe five of the _Hyades_ out of the Cloudes to daunce; hereupon _Iris_ scoffes at _Mercurie_ for that hee had devised a daunce but of one Sexe, which could have no life: but _Mercurie_ who was provided for that exception, and in token that the Match should be blessed both with Love and Riches calleth forth out of the Groves foure _Cupids_, and brings downe from _Jupiters_ Altar foure _Statuaes_ of gold and silver to daunce with the Nymphes and Starres: in which daunce the _Cupids_ being blinde, and the _Statuaes_ having but halfe life put into them, and retaining still somewhat of their old nature, giveth fit occasion to new and strange varieties both in the Musick and paces. This was the first Anti-masque.

Then _Iris_ for her part in scorne of this high flying devise, and in token that the Match shall likewise be blessed with the love of the Common People, calles to _Flora_ her confederate (for that the Moneths of flowers are likewise the Moneths of sweete shewers, and Raine-bowes) to bring in a May-daunce or Rurall daunce, consisting likewise not of any suted persons, but of a confusion, or commixture of all such persons as are naturall and proper for Countrey sports. This is the second Anti-masque.

Then _Mercurie_ and _Iris_ after this vying one upon the other, seeme to leave their contention: and _Mercurie_ by the consent of _Iris_ brings downe the _Olympian_ Knights, intimating that _Jupiter_ having after a long discontinuance revived the _Olympian_ games, and summoned thereunto from all parts the liveliest, & activest persons that were, had enjoyned them before they fell to their games to doe honour to these Nuptials. The _Olympian_ games portend to the Match, Celebritie, Victorie, and Felicitie. This was the maine Masque.

The Fabricke was a Mountaine with two descents, and severed with two Travesses.

_At the entrance of the King._

The first Travers was drawne, and the lower descent of the Mountaine discovered; which was the Pendant of a hill to life, with divers boscages and Grovets upon the steepe or hanging grounds thereof, and at the foote of the Hill, foure delicate Fountaines running with water and bordered with sedges and water flowers.

_Iris_ first appeared, and presently after _Mercurie_ striving to overtake her.

_Iris_ apparelled in a robe of discoulored Taffita figured in variable colours, like the Raine-bowe, a cloudie wreath on her head, and Tresses.

_Mercurie_ in doublet and hose of white Taffita, a white hat, wings on his shoulders and feet, his Caduceus in his hand, speaking to _Iris_ as followeth.

MERCURIE.

Stay, Stay. Stay light foot _Iris_, for thou strivest in vaine, My wings are nimbler then thy feete.

IRIS.

Away, Dissembling _Mercury_; my messages Aske honest haste, not like those wanton ones Your thundring father sends.

MERCURIE.

Stay foolish Maid, Or I will take my rise upon a hill, When I perceive thee seated in a cloud, In all the painted glorie that thou hast, And never cease to clap my willing wings, Till I catch hold of thy discolour'd Bow, And shiver it beyond the angry power Of your curst Mistresse, to make up againe.

IRIS.

_Hermes_ forbeare, _Juno_ will chide and strike; Is great _Jove_ jealous that I am imploy'd On her love errands? she did never yet Claspe weake mortalitie in her white armes, As he hath often done: I onely come To celebrate the long wisht Nuptials, Heere in _Olympia_, which are now perform'd Betwixt two goodly Rivers, which have mixt Their gentle rising waves, and are to grow Into a thousand streames, great as themselves; I need not name them, for the sound is lowde In heaven and earth, and I am sent from her The Queene of Mariage, that was present heere, And smil'd to see them joyne, and hath not chid Since it was done: good _Hermes_ let me go.

MERCURIE.

Nay you must stay, _Joves_ message is the same, Whose eies are lightning, and whose voice is thunder, Whose breath is any winde, he will, who knowes How to be first on earth as well as heaven.

IRIS.

But what hath he to doe with Nuptiall rights? Let him keepe state upon his starry throne, And fright poore mortals with his thunderbolts, Leaving to us the mutuall darts of eyes.

MERCURIE.

Alas, when ever offer'd he t'abridge Your Ladies power, but onely now in these, Whose match concernes his generall government? Hath not each god a part in these high joyes? And shall not he the King of gods presume Without proud _Junoes_ licence? let her know That when enamor'd _Jove_ first gave her power To linke soft hearts in Undissolved bonds, He then foresaw, and to himselfe reserv'd The honor of this Mariage: thou shalt stand Still as a Rocke, while I to blesse this feast Will summon up with my all charming rod, The Nymphes of fountains, from whose watry locks Hung with the dew of blessing and encrease, The greedie Rivers take their nourishment. You Nymphes, who bathing in your loved springs, Beheld these Rivers in their infancie, And joy'd to see them, when their circled heads Refresht' the aire, and spread the ground with flowers: Rise from your Wells, and with your nimble feete Performe that office to this happie paire; Which in these plaines, you to _Alpheus_ did; When passing hence through many seas unmixt, He gained the favour of his _Arethuse_.

Immediatlie upon which speech foure _Naiades_ arise gentlie out of their severall Fountaines, and present themselves upon the Stage, attired in long habits of sea-greene Taffita, with bubbles of Christall intermixt with powdering of silver resembling drops of water; blewish Tresses on their heads, garlands of Water-Lillies. They fall into a Measure, daunce a little, then make a stand.

IRIS.

Is _Hermes_ growne a lover, by what power Unknowne to us, calls he the _Naiades?_

MERCURIE.

Presumptuous _Iris_, I could make thee daunce Till thou forgott'st thy Ladies messages, And rann'st backe crying to her, thou shall know My power is more, onely my breath, and this Shall move fix'd starres, and force the firmament To yeeld the _Hyades_, who governe showers, And dewie clouds, in whose dispersed drops Thou form'st the shape of thy deceitfull Bow. You maids, who yearely at appointed times, Advance with kindly teares, the gentle flouds, Descend, and powre your blessing on these streames, Which rolling downe from heaven aspiring hils, And now united in the fruitfull vales; Beare all before them ravisht with their joy, And swell in glorie till they know no bounds.

Five _Hyades_ descend softly in a cloud from the firmament, to the middle part of the hill, apparelled in skie coloured Taffita robes, spangled like the Heavens, golden Tresses, and each a faire Starre on their head, from thence descend to the Stage, at whose sight the _Naiades_ seeming to rejoyce, meete and joyne in a dance.

IRIS.

Great witte and power hath _Hermes_ to contrive A livelesse dance, which of one sexe consists.

MERCURIE.

Alas poore _Iris_, _Venus_ hath in store A secret Ambush of her winged boyes, Who lurking long within these pleasant groves; First strucke these Lovers with their equall darts, Those _Cupids_ shall come forth, and joyne with these, To honor that which they themselves begun.

Enter foure _Cupids_ from each side of the Boscage, attired in flame coloured Taffita close to their bodie like naked Boyes, with Bowes, Arrowes, and wings of gold: Chaplets of flowers on their heads, hoodwinckt with Tiffiny scarfs, who joyne with the Nymphes, and the _Hyades_ in another daunce. That ended, _Iris_ speakes.

IRIS.

Behold the Statuaes which wise _Vulcan_ plac'd Under the Altar of Olympian _Jove_, Shall daunce for joy of these great Nuptialls: And gave to them an Artificiall life, See how they move, drawne by this heavenly joy, Like the wilde trees, which follow'd _Orpheus_ Harpe.

The _Statuaes_ enter, supposed to be before descended from _Joves_ Altar, and to have been prepared in the covert with the _Cupids_, attending their call.

These _Statuaes_ were attired in cases of gold and silver close to their bodie, faces, hands and feete, nothing seene but gold and silver, as if they had been solid Images of mettall, Tresses of haire as they had been of mettall imbossed, girdles and small aprons of oaken leaves, as if they likewise had been carved or molded out of the mettall: at their comming, the Musicke changed from Violins to Hoboyes, Cornets, &c. And the ayre of the Musicke was utterly turned into a soft time, with drawing notes, excellently expressing their natures, and the Measure likewise was fitted unto the same, and the _Statuaes_ placed in such severall postures, sometimes all together in the Center of the daunce, and sometimes in the foure utmost Angles, as was very gracefull besides the noveltie: and so concluded the first Anti-masque.

MERCURIE.

And what will _Junoes Iris_ do for her?

IRIS.

Just match this shew; or my Invention failes, Had it beene worthier, I would have invok'd The blazing Comets, Clouds and falling Starres, And all my kindred Meteors of the Ayre To have excell'd it, but I now must strive To imitate Confusion, therefore thou Delightfull _Flora_, if thou ever felt'st Encrease of sweetnesse in those blooming plants, On which the homes of my faire bow decline; Send hither all the Rurall company, Which decke the May-games with their Countrey sports; _Juno_ will have it so.

The second Anti-masque rush in, daunce their Measure, and as rudely depart, consisting of a Pedant.

May Lord, May Lady. Servingman, Chambermaide. A Countrey Clowne, or Shepheard, Countrey Wench. An Host, Hostesse. A Hee Baboone, Shee Baboone. A Hee Foole, Shee Foole ushering them in.

All these persons apparelled to the life, the Men issuing out of one side of the Boscage, and the Woemen from the other: the Musicke was extremely well fitted, having such a spirit of Countrey jolitie, as can hardly be imagined, but the perpetuall laughter and applause was above the Musicke.

The dance likewise was of the same strain, and the Dancers, or rather Actors expressed every one their part so naturally, and aptly, as when a Mans eye was caught with the one, and then past on to the other, hee could not satisfie himselfe which did best. It pleased his Majestie to call for it againe at the end, as he did likewise for the first Anti-masque, but one of the _Statuaes_ by that time was undressed.

MERCURIE.

_Iris_ we strive, Like windes at libertie, who should do worst Ere we returne. If _Juno_ be the Queene Of Mariage, let her give happie way To what is done, in honor of the State She governes.

IRIS.

_Hermes,_ so it may be done Meerely in honor of the State, and these That now have prov'd it, not to satisfie The lust of _Jupiter_, in having thankes More then his _Juno_, if thy snakie rod Have power to search the heavens, or sound the sea, Or call together all the ends of earth, To bring in any thing that may do grace To us, and these; do it, we shall be pleas'd.

MERCURY.

Then know that from the mouth of _Jove_ himselfe, Whose words have wings, and need not to be borne; I tooke a message, and I bare it through A thousand yeelding clouds, and never stai'd Till his high will was done: the Olympian games Which long have slept, at these wish'd Nuptials, He pleas'd to have renew'd, and all his Knights Are gathered hither, who within their tents Rest on this hill, upon whose rising head. Behold _Joves_ Altar, and his blessed Priests Moving about it: come you holy men, And with your voices draw these youthes along, That till _Joves_ musicke call them to their games, Their active sports may give a blest content To those, for whom they are againe begun.

* * * * *

_The Maine Masque._

The second Travers is drawne, and the higher ascent of the Mountaine is discovered, wherein upon a levell after a great rise of the Hill, were placed two Pavilions: open in the front of them, the Pavilions were to sight as of cloth of gold, and they were trimmed on the inside with rich Armour and Militarie furniture hanged up as upon the walles, and behind the Tents there were represented in prospective, the tops of divers other Tents, as if it had been a Campe. In these Pavilions were placed fifteene _Olympian_ Knights, upon seates a little imbowed neere the forme of a Croisant, and the Knights appeared first, as consecrated persons all in vailes, like to Coapes, of silver Tiffinie, gathered, and falling a large compasse about them, and over their heads high Miters with long pendants behind falling from them, the Miters were so high, that they received their hats and feathers, that nothing was seene but vaile: in the midst betweene both the Tents upon the very top of the hill, being a higher levell then that of the Tents, was placed _Jupiters_ Altar gilt, with three great Tapers upon golden Candlesticks burning upon it: and the foure _Statuaes_, two of gold, and two of silver, as supporters, and _Jupiters_ Priests in white robes about it.

Upon the sight of the King, the vailes of the Knights did fall easilie from them, and they appeared in their owne habit.

_The Knights attire._

Arming doublets of Carnation satten embrodered with Blazing Starres of silver plate, with powderings of smaller Starres betwixt, gorgets of silver maile, long hose of the same, with the doublets laide with silver lace spangled, and enricht with embroderie betweene the lace: Carnation silke stockins imbrodered all over, garters and roses sutable: Pumpes of Carnaiton satten imbrodered as the doublets, hats of the same stuffe and embroderie cut like a helmet before, the hinder

## part cut into Scallops, answering the skirts of their doublets: the

bands of the hats were wreathes of silver in forme of garlands of wilde Olives, white feathers with one fall of Carnation, Belts of the same stuffe and embrodered with the doublet: Silver swords, little Italian bands and cuffes embrodered with silver, faire long Tresses of haire.

_The Priests habits._

Long roabes of white Taffita, long white heads of haire. The high Priest a cap of white silke shagge close to his head, with two labels at the eares, the midst rising in forme of a Pyramis, in the top thereof a branch of silver, every Priest playing upon a Lute: twelve in number.

The Priests descend and sing this song following, after whom the Knights likewise descend: first laying aside their vailes, belts, and swords.

The first Song.

_Shake off your heavy traunce,_ _And leape into a daunce,_ _Such as no mortals use to treade,_ _Fit only for_ Apollo _To play to, for the Moone to lead,_ _And all the Starres to follow._

The Knights by this time are all descended and fallen into their place, and then daunce their first Measure.

The second Song.

_On blessed youthes, for_ Jove _doth pause_ _Laying aside his graver lawes_ _For this device,_ _And at the wedding such a paire,_ _Each daunce is taken for a praier,_ _Each song a sacrifice._

The Knights daunce their second Measure.

The third Song.

Single.

_More pleasing were these sweet delights,_ _If Ladies mov'd as well as Knights;_ _Runne ev'ry one of you and catch_ _A Nymph in honor of this match;_ _And whisper boldly in her eare,_ _Jove will but laugh, if you forsweare._

All.

_And this dayes sinnes he doth resolve_ _That we his Priests should all absolve._

The Knights take their Ladies to daunce with them Galliards, Durets, Corantoes, &c. and leade them to their places. Then loude Musicke sound's, supposed to call them to their _Olympian_ games.

The fourth Song.

_Ye should stay longer if we durst,_ _Away, alas that he that first_ _Gave Time wilde wings to fly away,_ _Hath now no power to make him stay._ _But though these games must needs be plaid,_ _I would this Paire, when they are laid,_ _And not a creature nie them,_ _Could catch his scythe, as he doth passe,_ _And cut his wings, and breake his glasse,_ _And keepe him ever by them._

The Knights daunce their parting Measure and ascend, put on their Swords and Belts, during which time the Priests sing the fifth and last Song.

_Peace and silence be the guide_ _To the Man, and to the Bride,_ _If there be a joy yet new_ _In mariage, let it fall on you,_ _That all the world may wonder._ _If we should stay, we should doe worse,_ _And turne our blessing to a curse,_ _By keeping you asunder._

FINIS.

=Q= = Quarto. =A= = First folio. =B= = Second folio.

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FOUR PLAYS IN ONE.

=A= = First folio. =B= = Second folio.

(=A=) FOUR PLAYS, | OR | Morall Representations, | IN ONE.

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p. =293=, l. 13. B] to a void l. 19. B] did conquer

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p. =295=, l. 30.?] coarser

p. =296=, l. 31. B] Conqust

p. =297=, l. 28. B] transform'd l. 29. B] gentle

p. =298=, l. 7. B] to ward thee l. 30. B] by

p. =299=, l. 31. B] _Nichodemus I_, ll. 38-39. A] prosecute

p. =300=, l. 10. A and B] _Corin_. l. 16. B] cod-shead

p. =301=, l. 16. B] Tragedion l. 29. B] yoor

p. =302=, l. 8. B] you l. 19. B] house use l. 36. B] _Martius_, had

p. =305=, l. 6. B] than l. 12. B] I'm l. 19. B] I'm

p. =306=, l. 21. B] Maray

p. =307=, l. 19. A] I am l. 33. B] _connot_

p. =308=, l. 31. B] tears?

p. =309=, l. 2. B] know, that l. 32. B] _Ladyes_

p. =310=, l. 5. B] _Martius_, be

p. =311=, l. 19. B] _Exeuni_ l. 23. B] _triumph with_ l. 32. B] _Ladyes_ l. 35. B] _Scepteron the_

p. =312=, l. 16. B] _shs_

p. =313=, l. 2. B] _affeions_ l. 6. A] _Violane_ l. 7. B] _Gerrerd_ l. 29. A] _Violane_ l. 30. B] yout

p. =314=, l. 11. A] _Violane's_ l. 16. B] away your l. 21. B] mus

p. =315=, l. 4. B _omits the speech in square brackets, and gives the one following it to Ferd._ l. 34. B] affaris

p. =316=, l. 19. B] bebt l. 22. B] to l. 31. B] estate l. 35. B] than

p. =317=, l. 8. B] prepartion l. 29. B] loook

p. =318=, l. 38. B] pray

p. =320=, l. 3. B] an-old

p. =321=, l. 2. B] weeping

p. =322=, l. 14. B] Iive l. 34. A] lie above

p. =323=, l. 17. B] keys, I'll B] Contract, 1 l. 18. B] _Violanta_ l. 37. B] _Stet._ l. 38. B] _Angel_

p. =324=, l. 6. B] _Angel_

p. =325=, l. 4. B] griefe l. 19. B] too

p. =326=, l. 5. B] cursse

p. =327=, l. 1. B] wash l. 14. B] Gerrard

p. =328=, l. 11. B] _offended._ l. 14. B] _Suff ewith_ l. 20. B] _whole_ l. 32. B] Uncle o all l. 33. B] piry l. 40. B] _Violanto,_

p. =329=, l. 17. B] M dearest

p. =330=, l. 5. B] _Cer._ l. 10. A] Why? shouldst thou dye, l. 22. A] States read

p. =331=, l. 14. A] yond'

p. =333=, l. 22. B] Madam

p. =334=, l. 23. B] 't

p. =335=, l. 14. B] blastad l. 30. B] slave! I. and that l. 32. B] me l. 35. B] be ye

p. =336=, l. 31. B] business. l. 37. A] my ever service here I dedicate

p. =337=, l. 6. B] ---- Oh l. 17. B] _Perolot._ l. 23. B] tried l. 31. B] roof, is l. 39. B] 1 _Court_

p. =339=, l. 10. B] Oh,! am l. 26. A _omits stage direction._

p. =341=, l. 30. B] Bur l. 31. B] ereature l. 36. B] and

p. =342=, l. 7. B] Iight

p. =343=, l. 2. A] ye onely

p. =344=, l. 2. B] offices l. 26. B] way:, l. 31. B] Perelot

p. =345=, l. 1. B] Iips l. 3. B] not l. 7. B] _Perelot_

p. =347=, l. 3. B] _Lavall._

p. =348=, l. 39. B _omits the line in square brackets._ l. 17. B] constancie l. 18. B] goodness?

p. =350=, l. 21. B] brim'd l. 38. B] _falls._

p. =351=, l. 8. B] _Perolet_ l. 19. B] a fire l. 22. B] mnst

p. =353=, l. 6. B] vengeaance l. 26. B] em

p. =355=, l. 24. B] _incrib'd_ l. 25. B _omits_] _a_

p. =356=, l. 14. B] l l. 24. B] clappiug l. 33. B] en

p. =357=, l. 19. B] courtisie

p. =358=, l. 18. B] my

p. =359=, l. 1. B] A way l. 8. B] and _Pleasure_ l. 14. B] statuas A] sweat l. 39. B] my

p. =361=, l. 19. B] with l. 21. B] Iove

p. =362=, l. 26. B] Neve l. 31. B] _&t._

p. =363=, l. 2. B] Lucre, Craft, l. 21. B] want. Strike _Mercury_. l. 24. A] Be done l. 27. B] Lncre

END OF VOL. X.

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES

Silently corrected simple spelling, grammar, and typographical errors.

Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed.

Enclosed italics markup in _underscores_.

Enclosed bold markup in =equals=.