Part 11
[183] Another allusion to the book mentioned in "Eastward Hoe!" Since the note on that passage was written, I have discovered that there were two books with titles nearly similar: one of them, "The Seckman's Salve," by Thomas Becon, 8o, 1591: and the other: "The Salve of a Sickman; or, A treatise concerning the nature, difference, and kinds of death," by William Perking, 8o, 1595. [It does not appear at all necessary to conclude that any partcular look is referred to.]
[184] Mr Reed, without any authority from the old copies, and without the slightest notice, gave the lines that follow to Alphonso, and inserted his name accordingly: they are most clearly a continuation of Epire's speech: he draws the distinction between their situations.--_Collier._
[185] The omission of this repetition of the words _and thus_, has hitherto spoiled the measure.--_Collier._
[186] _Reap a palace_ in both quartos.--_Collier._
[187] [Edits., _my_.]
[188] [Edits., _my_.]
[189] These lines are the 39th stanza of "Venus and Adonis," by Shakespeare.
[190] Two lines from the third stanza of "Venus and Adonis."
[191] [Edits., _for_. Reed's emendation.]
[192] _i.e._, Pruner. Chaucer, in the "Merchant's Tale," says of Damian, that
"He kembeth him, he _proineth_ him, and piketh."
--_Steevens._
[193] Horse with housings.--_Steevens._
[194] [Edits., _loves_.]
[195] [Edits., _tale_.]
[196] [Old copy, _From_.]
[197] The name of an image on a post in Rome, to which defamatory libels are affixed.--_Steevens._
[198] A parroquet, or small sort of parrot. See Altieri's "Italian Dictionary," in the English part. She gives him this name on account of his prating.--_Pegge._
[199] To draw _dry foot_, as Dr Gray observes, is when the dog pursues the game by the scent of the foot, for which the bloodhound is famed. See Mr Steevens's note to the "Comedy of Errors," act iv. sc. 2.
[200] A puppet. Mr Tollet supposes it to be a corruption of Mahomet. See several instances of the use of this word in Mr Steevens's note on "The First Part of King Henry IV.," act ii. sc. 3.
Again, in Hall's "Chronicle," fol. 20, Henry IV.: "By the deviacion, and not devinacion of that _mawmet_ Merlyn."
[201] Alluding to the poisoned garment given by Dejanira to Hercules. See Ovid's "Metamorphoses," b. ix.
[202] [Edits., _thy_.]
[203] In the quartos of 1608 and of 1633, this line is by mistake assigned to Cyprus. The _exit_ of Florio, who obviously withdraws, is also not marked.--_Collier._
[204] [Edits., _you, to her, and_.]
[205] [Edits., _do, do, do_.]
[206] This horrid sentiment is to be found in too many of our ancient poets. See [Ford's "Works," by Dyce, i. 143.]
ACTUS IV., SCÆNA 1.
_Enter_ FLORIO _and_ MECHANT.
FLO. The queen is all for revels; her light heart, Unladen from the heaviness of state, Bestows itself upon delightfulness.
MECH. She follows her creation and her sex. In my conceit it is as vile a thing To see the worthy model of a woman, Who had not been at all but to give life And stirring spleen to man's alacrity, To sit o'erwhelm'd with thought, with dark amuse, And the sad sullenness of griev'd dislike;[207] As to behold an old man in his furs, Whose well-spent youth hath given his age full strength, To be his country's best physician, To caper to his grave, and with vain gauds Trick up his coffin, and upon his tomb To leave no knowledge but his levity.
FLO. 'Tis true indeed, and Nature in herself Doth give us still distaste in contraries. And in my thoughts It is as base to see a woman man, As see a man a long-rob'd feminine.
MECH. Well, we forget ourselves, my lord; What, is the music ready? I pray you, Command the guard to take their halberts in their hands; The ushers should have seen this room perfumed. In faith, they are too negligent: here comes the queen.
_Enter the_ QUEEN, MARIANA, _and waiting-women_: PHILOCLES, _and other lords: the_ KING _disguised_ _like one of the guard at the one end of the stage,_ _and the duke so likewise disguised at the other_ _end of the stage_.
QUEEN. Loud music there, and let the god of harmony Ravish our senses with delightful airs, Tun'd to the music of the higher sphere; And with that mortal sign most rarely show The joys in Jove's high court, to feast the gods, Making that place abound in happiness. Come, noble Philocles, I seize you first-- Mariana, there are choice of other lords-- In gracing you, it is the king I grace.
MAR. Come, honest lord, 'tis you must stand to me, The queen in mine doth challenge interest, And I must fly for shelter to my friends.
MECH. And I'll be glad to be your coverture.
MAR. O no, my lord, not till the weather change.
MECH. Well, when you please--meantime you do me grace.
QUEEN. Nay, my lord, there's a lady worth the handling: Sound music then; fill earth with heaven's pleasure.
CYP. My queen is out of time, though she keep measure.
[_Here they dance the first strain._
EPIRE. Be lucky, villany: hit now the mark[208] That mine ambition aims at; methinks I see That lean Italian devil, jealousy, Dance in his eyes. Possess him, spirit of rage: Muffle his understanding with black thoughts, Let passion govern reason, falsehood truth, Oblivion hide his age, hate kill his youth.
CYP. Thou dancest on my heart, lascivious queen, Even as upon these rushes, which thou treadest:[209] See how her motions wind about his eyes, And doth present to him her passions: Now doth her moistening palm glow in his hand, And courts him unto dalliance. She dies: 'tis just. She's slave to murder that is slave to lust.
EPIRE. Thou curse of greatness, waking-ey'd suspicion, Now help thy poor friends, murder and ambition.
[_The first strain ends._
QUEEN. This strain contain'd a pretty change. Proceed unto the next. [_They dance the second._
CYP. Sin follows sin, and change on change doth wait; Thy change doth change my love to cruel hate.
[_In this strain_ MARIANA _came to_ PHILOCLES.
PHIL. Madam, methinks this chance is better than the first.
MAR. Ay, if the music would not alter it.
QUEEN. Methinks 'tis worse; come, we will have Another strain. [_They dance again._
PHIL. I'm pleas'd;[210] let us proceed.
CYP. Rivals in crowns and beds of kings must bleed. Can that fair house contain so foul a guest As lust, or cloak inordinate base desires,[211] Under so fair a coverture? O yes, Women can blind our sense when we see best, And set fair landskips on inconstancy, Making us blind with seeing. The dance ends: Your sins are blackest, breach of love and friends.
EPIRE. Now to the king; blow, rage, till it flame hate; A politician thrives the best in state.
[_Exit_ EPIRE, _and enters to the_ KING _again_.
QUEEN. Come, sweet Prince Philocles, Devise some new delights to shorten time; This dulness hath no relish in my sense, It hath no pith; and sloth in my conceit Is but a type of pride in best constructions.[212]
MAR. Madam, I'll stand, that a fair woman Must be proud, or else a fool.
PHIL. I would fain hear that, i' faith.
QUEEN. Thy reason, wench, I pray thee: come, disburse.
MAR. A woman fair is like a full-blown rose.
QUEEN. Which holds the fair no longer than it grows.
MAR. A woman fair is like the finest gold.
PHIL. Which kept from use is good, though ne'er so old.
MAR. Nay, good lord, leave a little: She that is fair is wise, and ought to know it, For to that end did nature first bestow it. Now of this knowledge if we be not proud, We wrong the author, and we are allow'd To rank with senseless beasts, sith careless we For want of pride detract our dignity. Now knowing it, we know truth in the same, Not to be proud of truth asks folly's name. This lesson still is read in beauty's school: She that is fair and humble is a fool. For neither knows she how to hold her good, Or to keep safe the treasure of her blood.
QUEEN. A notable declamation.
MAR. Nay, madam, by your leave, Pride gives a lustre to a woman's fair,[213] Things that are highest priz'd are ever dear. Why is the diamond the sapphire's king, But for esteem and rareness? both which spring From the stone's pride, which is so chaste and hard, Nothing can pierce it, itself is itself's guard. Now what is pride? self-love, our own esteem, A strength to make us of ourselves well deem: From whence this maxim I collect 'mongst other, Who hates herself can never love another. And, to conclude, man's appetite grows dull To what it may have: empty hope's a fool.[214] So[215] all our sex on earth, maid, widow, wife, and bride, They happy live, when they live with chaste pride.
CYP. [_Aside._] My queen will speak as much for lust, as she For pride, if the toy take her.
MECH. Your ladyship sows dangerous seed abroad.
MAR. But I hope, my lord, all grounds are not fruitful.
QUEEN. Well, wench, shalt be the proud woman's champion.
MAR. And I'll defend them against all men, as at single tongue.
MECH. I had rather fight with a giant than you at that weapon.
CYP. [_To_ EPIRE.] My lord, go forth, return in your own shape, Say I am coming.
EPIRE. I go, my lord. [_Exit_ EPIRE.
CYP. [_Aside._] I'll note their countenance when they hear of me: Kings often see that which they would not see.
QUEEN. Dancing hath made me weary. What sport is next?
PHIL. What your highness will command.
CYP. [_Aside._] She will command you, sir, to play with her.
_Enter_ EPIRE.
EPIRE. Madam, his majesty is return'd to court.
QUEEN. Nay, then, away with revels and with sports; Lie hush'd and still this vainer idleness, It now hath lost his spleen; come, lords, away, My sun is risen brings a brighter day.
[_Exeunt all but_ CYPRUS _and_ EPIRE.
CYP. Darkness is thy delight, lascivious queen, And thou wouldst have thy sun pent-up in clouds, If I be he. O falseness, did I for this In single opposition, hand to hand, Hazard my royal blood for thee to be My greatest shame, the scandal of my blood, Whilst rumour crowns me king of infamy? But I will be reveng'd. Watch, gentle lord When next I see them, they shall taste of death, Such power hath baseness over great defame, That monarchs cannot cover their own shame.
[_Exit_ CYPRUS.
EPIRE. My plot yet holds a true proportion, And I do see an even way to rule. A crown, like a bold champion, bids me on, And fame shall chronicle mine enterprise: The queen being dead, I must oppose myself Against her tyrant husband--that's my claim,-- And with strong courage stand the shock of war: If of myself I can withstand the king, Then all the land will flock unto mine aid; if not, The king is God's anointed, my head fits the block, And that's the worst: yet future times will tell, I sunk not slightly; for a crown I fell. [_Exit_ EPIRE.
_Enter_ MECHANT, _and a guard of_ WATCHMEN.
MECH. Come on, my masters, You know the tenor of the king's command. And what in this great business you must do, Which is to keep him safe, and not vouchsafe That any creature speak or visit him, Till he be brought to th' presence of the king. You must not start for bounty, nor for threats, No, though he say he is a nobleman, As it may be, he may prove mighty born, Yet what for that? you must perform your office, Or else expect to taste sharp punishment.
1ST WATCH. Tut, fear not, my lord, we that have had Cerberus' office so many years under a gate, are not to learn now to play either devils or tyrants; let us but see him, and then take no care for his safety.
2D WATCH. Nay, he shall be put into safe keeping, for my wife shall take charge of him.
_Enter_ ALPHONSO _in the Orator's clothes_.
MECH. 'Tis well-devis'd, see where he comes; He may not see my presence; think upon't, [_To the Watch._ Your charge is trusty, and of mighty weight. Farewell. [_Exit_ MECHANT.
1ST WATCH. Fear not; come, my hearts, compass him about, and seize on him all at once, like so many ravens on a dead horse.
ALPH. Now an eternal sleep, an apoplex, a swoon, Seize on their senses, who in this disguise Shall view or note my vile deformity. I was bewitch'd by spells to my misfortune, Or else star-cross'd with some hag's hellishness. Sure, I said my prayers, ris'd on my right side, Wash'd hands and eyes, put on my girdle last. Sure, I met no spay-footed baker: No hare did cross me, nor no bearded witch, Nor other ominous sign. O, then, why Should I be thus damm'd in the devil's nets? Is't possible this habit that I wear Should become any man? now of my soul, I loathe to see myself, and willingly I would even vomit at my countenance.
1ST WATCH. Stand, sir; we arrest you.
ALPH. Arrest me! why, I injure no man but myself.
2D WATCH. You're the more unkind; he that wrongs himself will not stick to wrong the whole world also.
1ST WATCH. Nay, strive not, for we arrest you by virtue of the king's commission.
ALPH. Well, my masters, be careful; you may mistake me.
2D WATCH. Indeed it is no marvel, you are so like other men.
ALPH. Indeed at this time I am hardly like one of God's making.
1ST WATCH. Faith, and I am sure you are no man of a good tailor's making, you are but pieced-work.
ALPH. Well, yet I may hap to prove a nobleman.
2D WATCH. A whoremaster or an unthrift! away with him, and let no man catechise him upon pain of my displeasure. [_Exeunt._
_Enter the_ DUKE OF EPIRE _alone_.
EPIRE. Roll on, the chariot-wheels of my dear plots, And bear mine ends to their desired marks. As yet there's not a rub of wit, a gulf of thought, No rocky misconstruction, thorny maze, Or other let of any doubtfulness. As yet thy way is smooth and plain, Like the green ocean in a silent calm. Blessed credulity, thou great God of error, Thou art the strong foundation of huge wrongs, To thee give I my vows and sacrifice; By thy great deity he doth believe Falsehoods, that falsehood's self could not invent, And from that misbelief doth draw a course To overwhelm even virtue, truth, and sanctity. Let him go on, bless'd stars, 'tis meet he fall, Whose blindfold judgment hath no guide at all. But O, these shadows have bewitched long: To threat and not to do doth malice wrong. And see, here comes the queen.
_Enter the_ QUEEN, MARIANA, _and other ladies_.
QUEEN. My lord the duke, your presence and my wish Jump in an even line together: come, We must to cards: I have some crowns I needs must lose to you.
EPIRE. I humbly beseech your highness pardon me: I have important business of the king's, Which doth command mine instant diligence.
MAR. Brother, indeed you shall attend the queen; Another time will serve those state despatches.
EPIRE. Sister, content you, the affairs of state Must give their best attendance on the times; And great occurrents must not lose their minutes.
MAR. Now I'll stand to it, that to be a statesman or a lawyer is to be of the most thankless occupation that ever was derived from human invention.
QUEEN. Why, I pray thee, wench?
MAR. Because they bestow all the laborious toil of the mind until they be forty, that they may live imprisoned in a study-chamber till they be fourscore, only for this world's mammon, a great name and riches, which, like a string between a galley-slave's legs, is the only ease of their fetters.[216]
QUEEN. A notable construction of a noble labour: but shall we not have your company, my lord?
EPIRE. My service, madam, but my presence the king hath employed; only, if you please, I will send Prince Philocles to your majesty.
QUEEN. No creature better; for his skill in play Is equal with our knowledge. Good my lord, Send him to my privy-chamber presently.
[_Exeunt_ QUEEN, MARIANA, _&c._
_Enter_ PHILOCLES.
EPIRE. I will, and send affliction after him; And see where he comes. My lord, your presence hath Saved me much labour and a little care, I was in quest for your fair company: The queen, my lord, entreats you earnestly You will attend her in her privy-chamber.
PHIL. Unto what end?
EPIRE. Only to waste some time at cards with her, The lazy hours stick heavy on her thoughts, Which she would lose with some forgetfulness.
PHIL. Faith, and play ne'er relish'd worse Within my thoughts. I know not how, but leaden[217] heaviness Draws me to be in love with melancholy.
EPIRE. The fitter for you with more light sports To chase that blood-consumer from your breast, Who with a honey-poison doth devour, And kill the very life of livelihood.
PHIL. 'Tis true, and therefore shall your counsel tutor me; Where is her majesty?
EPIRE. Gone To her privy-chamber, where she doth expect you.
PHIL. I will attend her presently.
[_Exit_ PHILOCLES.
EPIRE. Do, and I will attend thee to thy grave, Poor shallow lord, by much too virtuous. Ho! who's within there?
_Enter_ FLORIO.
FLO. Your grace's pleasure?
EPIRE. Go tell his majesty that I must speak with him.
FLO. I go. [_Exit._
_Enter aloft to cards the_ QUEEN _and_ PHILOCLES.
QUEEN. Come, my lord, take your place, here are cards, and here are my crowns.
PHIL. And here are mine; at what game will your majesty play?
QUEEN. At Mount-saint.[218]
PHIL. A royal game, and worthy of the name, And meetest even for saints to exercise. Sure, it was of a woman's first invention.
QUEEN. It is not saint, but cent, taken from hundreds.
PHIL. True, for 'mongst millions hardly is found one saint.
QUEEN. Indeed you may allow a double game; But come, lift for the dealing; it is my chance to deal.
PHIL. An action most-most proper to your sex.
_Enter_ CYPRUS.
CYP. How now, my waking dragon, thou whose eyes Do never fall or close through Lethean sleep: What, is there a Hercules that dare to touch Or enter the Hesperian rosaries?[219]
EPIRE. Speak softly, gentle lord; behold, behold, The silly birds are tangled in your snare, And have no way to 'scape your punishment. See, how her eyes do court him, and his looks Pay to her love a double interest. Fie, fie! they are to blame.
QUEEN. What are you, my lord?
PHIL. Your highness' servant, but misfortune's slave.
QUEEN. Your game, I mean.
PHIL. Nothing in show, yet somewhat in account; Madam, I am blank.
QUEEN. You are a double game, and I am no less; there's an hundred, and all cards made, but one knave.
EPIRE. Mark that! of my life, she means your majesty.
CYP. True, I know she holds me as her varlet, And that I am imperfect in her game; But my revenge shall give me better place, Beyond the hate of her foul impudence.
EPIRE. Nay, good my lord, observe: they will confirm you better.
QUEEN. What's your game now?
PHIL. Four kings, as I imagine.
QUEEN. Nay, I have two, yet one doth me little good.
PHIL. Indeed, mine are two queens, and one I'll throw away.
EPIRE. Doth your majesty mark that? You are the king that she is weary of, And my sister the queen that he will cast away.
PHIL. Can you decard,[220] madam?
QUEEN. Hardly, but I must do hurt.[221]
PHIL. But spare not any to confirm your game.
EPIRE. Would you have more plain proof of their foul treason? They do not plot your highness' death alone.
CYP. But others, which they think depend on me.
EPIRE. Myself, and those which do you services: They are bloody-minded; yet for myself, Were it not for your safety, I could wish You would remit and blot these errors out, In hope that time would bring them to more virtue.
CYP. O, then thou didst not love me, nor thy faith Took hold upon my scandals; fie, I'm mad, Sham'd and disgrac'd, all wit-stung, wisdomless. Within there, ho!
_Enter_ FLORIO.
FLO. Did your majesty call?
CYP. Go instantly--(nay, Do not look sad or pale, neither dispute with me Nor with thy thoughts; but as thou lov'st thy life, Effect my will)--call all my guard. Ascend the queen's privy-chamber, and in my name Arrest her and Prince Philocles of treason. Make no delay, but in thy diligence Show how thou dost respect me. Arrested once, Convey them unto straitest prison: away. [_Exit_ FLORIO. For you, my lord, go instantly prepare, And summon all the princes of our land Unto an instant parliament, where we Will have them both condemn'd immediately, Without their answers, plaints, or piteousness. Since women's tears do blunt revenge's sword. I will not see, nor hear them speak one word.
[_Exeunt_ CYPRUS _and_ EPIRE.
_Enter_ FLORIO, _and a guard aloft, to the_ QUEEN _and_ PHILOCLES.
FLO. Madam and Prince Philocles, in the king's name I arrest you both of high treason.
PHIL. He lies that saith I ever knew the word.
QUEEN. I pray thee, do not affright me, gentle lord, Thy words do carry death even in their sound.
FLO. Madam, I am most sorry 'tis my fortune, But what I do is by the king's commission.
QUEEN. Whence is that warrant grounded, or what's our treason?
FLO. I am his instrument, but not his councillor.
PHIL. Madam, be patient; that we do not know, We have no cause to grieve at. As for envy's toil, Let her even break her own gall with desire, Our innocence is our prevention. Be cheerful, madam, 'tis but some villain's sound, Made only to amaze, not to confound. And what must we do, my lord?
FLO. To prison are the words of my commission.
PHIL. Then lead the way; he hath of grief no sense, Whose conscience doth not know of his offence.
FOOTNOTES:
[207] _And the sad sullenness of a griev'd dislike_ is the reading of the 4o. The article was omitted by Mr Reed for the sake of the measure.--_Collier._
[208] _Be lucky villany_ is necessary for the measure, and is conformable to the old copies. Mr Reed permitted the misprint to stand, and did not regulate the verse as it required.--_Collier._
[209] See the present vol., p. 213, and Mr Steevens's note on "Romeo and Juliet," act i. sc. 4.
[210] The 4o, 1608, has it, _I pleas'd_, and the reprint of 1633 implicitly follows all blunders, and adds others peculiar to itself.--_Collier._
[211] _Inordinate and base desires_--both quartos.
[212] In the last edition it was printed--
"And sloth in my conceit Is but a type or pride in best _constitutions_."
which is neither sense nor metre. The old copies are uniform for the restored reading.--_Collier._
[213] [Fairness.]
[214] [Old copy, _is full_]
[215] [Edits., _To_.]
[216] In the two 4o copies of this play the latter part of the speech stands thus:--_Only for this world's mammon, which is great name and riches, like a string between a galley-slave's legs, is the only ease of their fetters._ Mr. Reed introduced the improvement.--_Collier._
[217] [Old copies, _loaden_.]
[218] This game is often mentioned in our ancient writers, and what immediately follows sufficiently explains the nature of it.
[219] Places where roses grow in great abundance.
"Biferique _rosaria_ Pæsti."--VIRG.
--_Steevens._
[220] _i.e._, Throw away a card.--_Steevens._
[221] [Without injuring my hand.]
ACTUS V., SCÆNA 1.
_Enter at one door_ EPIRE, _at another_ MARIANA.