Chapter III: Part 3

_Val._ He that will spare no fame, will spare no name, sweet;
Though as I am a man, I am full of weakness,
And may slip happily into some ignorance,
Yet at my years to be a bawd, and cozen
Mine own hopes with my Doctrine--

_Eva._ I believe not, nor never shall; our time is out to morrow.

_Val._ Let's be to night then full of fruitfulness,
Now we are both of one mind, let's be happy,
I am no more a wanting man, _Evanthe_,
Thy warm embraces shall dissolve that impotence,
And my cold lye shall vanish with thy kisses;
You hours of night be long, as when _Alcmena_
Lay by the lusty side of _Jupiter_;
Keep back the day, and hide his golden beams,
Where the chaste watchful morning may not find 'em;
Old doting _Tython_ hold _Aurora_ fast,
And though she blush the day-break from her cheeks,
Conceal her still; thou heavy Wain stand firm,
And stop the quicker revolutions;
Or if the day must come, to spoil our happiness,
Thou envious Sun peep not upon our pleasure,
Thou that all Lovers curse, be far off from us.

_Enter_ Castruchio _with Guard._

_Evan._ Then let's to bed, and this night in all joyes
And chaste delights--

_Cast._ Stay, I must part ye both;
It is the Kings command, who bids me tell ye,
To morrow is your last hour.

_Val._ I obey, Sir,
In Heaven we shall meet, Captain, where King _Frederick_
Dare not appear to part us.

_Cast._ Mistake me not, though I am rough in doing of my Office,
You shall find, Sir, you have a friend to honour ye.

_Val._ I thank ye, Sir.

_Evan._ Pray captain tell the King,
They that are sad on Earth, in Heaven shall sing. [_Exeunt._

_Actus Quintus. Scena Prima._

_Enter Fryer_ Marco, _and_ Rugio.

_Rug._ Have you writ to the Captain of the Castle?

_Mar._ Yes, and charged him
Upon his souls health, that he be not cruel,
Told him _Valerio_'s worth among the people,
And how it must be punisht in posterity,
Though he scape now.

_Rug._ But will not he, Fryer _Marco_, betray this to the King?

_Mar._ Though he be stubborn, and of a rugged nature, yet he is honest,
And honours much _Valerio_.

_Rug._ How does _Alphonso_?
For now me thinks my heart is light again,
And pale fear fled.

_Mar._ He is as well as I am;
The Rogue against his will has sav'd his life,
A desperate poison has re-cur'd the Prince.

_Rug._ To me 'tis most miraculous.

_Mar._ To me too, till I consider why it should do so,
And now I have found it a most excellent Physick,
It wrought upon the dull cold misty parts,
That clog'd his soul, which was another poison,
A desperate too, and found such matter there,
And such abundance also to resist it,
And wear away the dangerous heat it brought with it,
The pure blood and the spirits scap'd untainted.

_Rug._ 'Twas Heavens high hand, none of _Sorano_'s pity.

_Mar._ Most certain 'twas, had the malitious villain

_Enter_ Castruchio.

Given him a cooling poison, he had paid him.

_Rug._ The Captain of the Castle.

_Mar._ O ye are welcome, how does your Prisoner?

_Cast._ He must go for dead;
But when I do a deed of so much villany,
I'le have my skin pull'd o're mine ears, my Lord,

_Enter_ Alphonso _and Fryers._

Though I am the Kings, I am none of his abuses;
How does your Royal charge? that I might see once.

_Mar._ I pray see now, you are a trusty Gentleman.

_Alph._ Good Fathers, I thank Heaven, I feel no sickness.

_Cast._ He speaks again.

_Alph._ Nothing that bars the free use of my spirit,
Me thinks the air's sweet to me, and company
A thing I covet now, _Castruchio_.

_Cast._ Sir, he speaks, and knows, for Heaven sake break my pate Lord,
That I may be sure I sleep not.

_Alph._ Thou wert honest,
Ever among the rank of good men counted,
I have been absent long out of the world,
A dream I have lived, how does it look _Castruchio_?
What wonders are abroad?

_Cast._ I fling off duty to your dead Brother, for he is dead
in goodness,
And to the living hope of brave _Alphonso_,
The noble heir of nature, and of honour,
I fasten my Allegeance.

_Mar._ Softly Captain, we dare not trust the Air with this
blest secret,
Good Sir, be close again, Heaven has restor'd ye,
And by miraculous means, to your fair health,
And made the instrument your enemies malice,
Which does prognosticate your noble fortune;
Let not our careless joy lose you again, Sir,
Help to deliver ye to a further danger,
I pray you pass in, and rest a while forgotten,
For if your Brother come to know you are well again,
And ready to inherit as your right,
Before we have strength enough to assure your life,
What will become of you? and what shall we
Deserve in all opinions that are honest,
For our loss of judgment, care, and loyalty?

_Rug._ Dear Sir, pass in, Heaven has begun the work,
And blest us all, let our indeavours follow,
To preserve this blessing to our timely uses,
And bring it to the noble end we aim at;
Let our cares work now, and our eyes pick out
An hour to shew ye safely to your Subjects,
A secure hour.

_Alph._ I am counsel'd; ye are faithful.

_Cast._ Which hour shall not be long, as we shall handle it.
Once more the tender of my duty.

_Alph._ Thank ye.

_Cast._ Keep you the Monastery.

_Rug._ Strong enough I'le warrant ye. [_Exeunt._

_Enter the Fool, and_ Podrano.

_Pod._ Who are all these that crowd about the Court, Fool?
Those strange new faces?

_Fool._ They are Suitors, Coxcomb,
Dainty fine Suitors to the Widow Lady,
Thou hadst best make one of 'em, thou wilt be hang'd as handsomly
At the Months end, and as much joy follow'd,
And 'twere to morrow; as many mourning Bawds for thee,
And holy Nuns, whose vestal fire ne'r vanishes,
In sackcloth Smocks, as if thou wert Heir apparent
To all the impious Suburbs, and the sink-holes.

_Pod._ Out you base Rogue.

_Fool._ Why dost abuse thy self?
Thou art to blame, I take thee for a Gentleman,
But why does not thy Lord and Master marry her?

_Pod._ Why, she is his Sister.

_Fool._ 'Tis the better, Fool,
He may make bold with his own flesh and blood,
For o' my conscience there's none else will trust him;
Then he may pleasure the King at a dead pinch too,
Without a _Mephestophilus_, such as thou art,
And ingross the Royal disease like a true Subject.

_Pod._ Thou wilt be whipt.

_Fool._ I am sure thou wilt be hang'd,
I have lost a Ducket else, which I would be loth to venture
Without certainty. They appear. [_Suitors pass by._

_Pod._ Why these are Rascals.

_Fool._ They were meant to be so, does thy Master deserve
better kindred?

_Pod._ There's an old Lawyer,
Trim'd up like a Gally Foist, what would he do with her?

_Fool._ As Usurers do with their Gold, he would look on her,
And read her over once a day, like a hard report,
Feed his dull eye, and keep his fingers itching;
For any thing else, she may appeal to a Parliament,
_Sub Poena's_ and _Post Kaes_ have spoil'd his Codpiece;
There's a Physician too, older than he,
And _Gallen Gallinacius_, but he has lost his spurs,
He would be nibling too.

_Pod._ I marked the man, if he be a man.

_Fool._ H'as much ado to be so,
Searcloths and Sirrups glew him close together,
He would fall a pieces else; mending of she Patients,
And then trying whether they be right or no
In his own person, there's the honest care on't,
Has mollifi'd the man; if he do marry her,
And come but to warm him well at _Cupids_ Bonfire,
He will bulge so subtilly and suddenly,
You may snatch him up by parcels, like a Sea Rack:
Will your Worship go, and look upon the rest, Sir?
And hear what they can say for themselves.

_Pod._ I'le follow thee. [_Exeunt._

_Enter_ Camillo, Menallo, Cleanthes, _and_ Castruchio.

_Cam._ You tell us wonders.

_Cast._ But I tell you truths, they are both well.

_Men._ Why are not we in Arms then?
And all the Island given to know--

_Cast._ Discreetly and privately it must be done, 'twill miss else,
And prove our ruines; most of the noble Citizens
Know it by me, and stay the hour to attend it,
Prepare your hearts and friends, let their's be right too,
And keep about the King to avoid suspicion;

_Enter_ Frederick _and_ Sorano.

When you shall hear the Castle Bell, take courage,
And stand like men, away, the King is coming.

[_Exeunt Lords._

_Fre._ Now Captain, what have you done with your prisoner?

_Cast._ He is dead, Sir, and his body flung into the Sea,
To feed the fishes, 'twas your will, I take it,
I did it from a strong Commission,
And stood not to capitulate.

_Fred._ 'Tis well done,
And I shall love you for your faith. What anger
Or sorrow did he utter at his end?

_Cast._ Faith little, Sir, that I gave any ear to,
He would have spoke, but I had no Commission
To argue with him, so I flung him off;
His Lady would have seen, but I lockt her up,
For fear her womans tears should hinder us.

_Fred._. 'Twas trusty still. I wonder, my _Sorano_,
We hear not from the Monastery; I believe
They gave it not, or else it wrought not fully.

_Cast._ Did you name the Monastery?

_Fred._ Yes, I did Captain.

_Cast._ I saw the Fryer this morning, and Lord _Rugio_,
Bitterly weeping, and wringing of their hands,
And all the holy men hung down their heads.

_Sara._ 'Tis done I'le warrant ye.

_Cast._ I ask'd the reason.

_Fred._ What answer hadst thou?

_Cast._ This in few words, Sir,
Your Brother's dead, this morning he deceased,
I was your servant, and I wept not, Sir,
I knew 'twas for your good.

_Fred._ It shall be for thine too,
Captain, indeed it shall. O my _Sorano_,
Now we shall live.

_Sor._ I, now there's none to trouble ye.

_Fred._ Captain, bring out the woman, and give way
To any Suitor that shall come to marry her,
Of what degree soever.

_Cast._ It shall be done, Sir. [_Exit_ Cast.

_Fre._ O let me have a lusty Banquet after it,

_Enter_ Evanthe, Camillo, Cleanthes, Menallo, _Fool._

I will be high and merry.

_Sor._ There be some Lords
That I could counsel ye to fling from Court, Sir,
They pry into our actions, they are such
The foolish people call their Countries honours,
Honest brave things, and stile them with such Titles,
As if they were the patterns of the Kingdom,
Which makes them proud, and prone to look into us,
And talk at random of our actions,
They should be lovers of your commands,
And followers of your will; bridles and curbs
To the hard headed Commons that malign us,
They come here to do honour to my Sister,
To laugh at your severity, and fright us;
If they had power, what would these men do?
Do you hear, Sir, how privily they whisper?

_Fred._ I shall silence 'em,
And to their shames within this week _Sorano_,
In the mean time have patience.

_Sor._ How they jeer, and look upon me as I were a Monster!
And talk and jeer! how I shall pull your plumes, Lords
How I shall humble ye within these two daies!
Your great names, nor your Country cannot save ye.

_Fred._ Let in the Suitors. Yet submit, I'le pardon ye,
You are half undone already, do not wind
My anger to that height, it may consume ye,

_Enter Lawyer, Physician, Captain, Cut-purse._

And utterly destroy thee, fair _Evanthe_: yet I have mercy.

_Evan._ Use it to your bawds,
To me use cruelty, it best becomes ye,
And shews more Kingly: I contemn your mercy,
It is a cozening, and a bawdy mercy;
Can any thing be hoped for, to relieve me?
Or is it fit? I thank you for a pity, when you have kill'd my Lord.

_Fred._ Who will have her?

_Evan._ My tears are gone,
My tears of love to my dear _Valerio_,
But I have fill'd mine eyes again with anger;
O were it but so powerful to consume ye.
My tongue with curses I have arm'd against ye,
With Maiden curses, that Heaven crowns with horrors,
My heart set round with hate against thy tyranny;
O would my hands could hold the fire of Heaven,
Wrapt in the thunder that the Gods revenge with,
That like stern Justice I might fling it on thee;
Thou art a King of Monsters, not of men,
And shortly thou wilt turn this Land to Devils.

_Fred._ I'le make you one first, and a wretched Devil,
Come who will have her?

_Law._ I an't like your Majesty, I am a Lawyer,
I can make her a Joynture of any mans Land in _Naples_,
And she shall keep it too, I have a trick for it.

_Fool._ Canst thou make her a Joynture of thine honesty?
Or thy abili[t]y, thou lewd abridgment?
Those are non suted and flung o're the bar.

_Phy._ An't please your Majesty to give me leave,
I dare accept her; and though old I seem, Lady,
Like _Æson_, by my art I can renew youth and ability.

_Fool._ In a powdering Tub
Stew thy self tender again, like a Cock Chicken,
The broth may be good, but the flesh is not fit for dogs sure.

_Capt._ Lady, take me, and I'le maintain thine honour,
I am a poor Captain, as poor people call me,
Very poor people, for my Souldiers
They are quartered in the outside of the City,
Men of ability, to make good a high way;
We have but two grand Enemies that oppose us,
The _Don Gout_, and the Gallows.

_Fool._ I believe ye, and both these you will bind her for a Jointure;
Now Signior firk.

_Cut-purse._ Madam, take me and be wise,
I am rich and nimble, and those are rare in one man,
Every mans pocket is my Treasury,
And no man wears a Sute but fits me neatly;
Cloaths you shall have, and wear the purest Linnen,
I have a tribute out of every Shop, Lady,
Meat you shall eat, I have my Caters out too,
The best and lustiest, and drink good Wine, good Lady,
Good quickening Wine, Wine that will make you caper.
And at the worst--

_Fool._ It is but capering short, Sir,
You seldom stay for Agues or for Surfeits,
A shaking fit of a whip sometimes o'retakes ye,
Marry you dye most commonly of choakings,
Obstructions of the halter are your ends ever;
Pray leave your horn and your knife for her to live on.

_Eva._ Poor wretched people, why do you wrong your selves?
Though I fear'd death, I should fear you ten times more,
You are every one a new death, and an odious,
The earth will purifie corrupted bodies,
You'll make us worse and stink eternally.
Go home, go home and get good Nurses for you,
Dream not of Wives.

_Fred._ You shall have one of 'em, if they dare venture for ye.

_Evan._ They are dead already,
Crawling diseases that must creep into
The next grave they find open, are these fit Husbands
For her you have loved, Sir? though you hate me now,
And hate me mortally, as I hate you,
Your nobleness, in that you have done otherwise,
And named _Evanthe_ once as your poor Mistris,
Might offer worthier choice.

_Fre._ Speak, who dare take her for one moneth, and then dye?

_Phy._ Dye, Sir?

_Fred._ I, dye Sir, that's the condition.

_Phy._ One moneth is too little
For me to repent in for my former pleasure,
To go still on, unless I were sure she would kill me,
And kill me delicately before my day,
Make it up a year, for by that time I must dye,
My body will hold out no longer.

_Fred._ No Sir, it must be but a moneth.

_Law._ Then farewel Madam,
This is like to be a great year of dissention
Among good people, and I dare not lose it,
There will [b]e money got.

_Capt._ Bless your good Ladiship, there's nothing in the
grave but bones and ashes,
In Taverns there's good wine, and excellent wenches,
And Surgeons while we live.

_Cutp._ Adieu sweet Lady,
Lay me when I am dead near a rich Alderman,
I cannot pick his Purse, no, I'le no dying,
Though I steal Linnen, I'le not steal my shrowd yet.

_All._ Send ye a happy match. [_Exeunt._

_Fool._ And you all halters, you have deserved 'em richly.
These do all Villanies, and mischiefs of all sorts, yet those
they fear not,
To flinch where a fair wench is at the stake.

_Evan._ Come, your sentence, let me dye: you see, Sir,
None of your valiant men dare venture on me,
A Moneth's a dangerous thing.

_Enter_ Valerio _disguis'd._

_Fred._ Away with her, let her dye instantly.

_Evan._ Will you then be willing
To dye at the time prefixt? that I must know too,
And know it beyond doubt.

_Fred._ What if I did wench?

_Evan._ On that condition if I had it certain,
I would be your any thing, and you should injoy me,
How ever in my nature I abhor you,
Yet as I live I would be obedient to you;
But when your time came how I should rejoyce,
How then I should bestir my self to thank ye,
To see your throat cut, how my heart would leap, Sir!
I would dye with you, but first I would so torture ye,
And cow you in your end, so despise you,
For a weak and wretched coward, you must end sure;
Still make ye fear, and shake, despised, still laugh at ye.

_Fred._ Away with her, let her dye instantly.

_Cam._ Stay, there's another, and a Gentleman,
His habit shews no less, may be his business
Is for this Ladies love.

_Fred._ Say why ye come, Sir, and what you are.

_Val._ I am descended nobly, a Prince by birth, and by my trade
a Souldier,
A Princes fellow, _Abidos_ brought me forth,
My Parents Duke _Agenor_, and fair _Egla_,
My business hither to renew my love
With a young noble spirit, call'd _Valerio_;
Our first acquaintance was at Sea, in fight
Against a Turkish man of War, a stout one,
Where Lyon-like I saw him shew his valour,
And as he had been made of compleat vertue,
Spirit, and fire, no dregs of dull earth in him.

_Evan._ Thou art a brave Gentleman, and bravely speakest him.

_Val._ The Vessel dancing under him for joy,
And the rough whistling winds becalm'd to view him;
I saw the child of honour, for he was young,
Deal such an Alms amongst the spightful Pagans,
His towring sword flew like an eager Falkon,
And round about his reach invade the _Turks_,
He had intrencht himself in his dead quarries;
The silver Crescents on the tops they carried
Shrunk in their heads to see his rage so bloody,
And from his fury suffered sad eclipses;
The game of death was never plaid more nobly,
The meager thief grew wanton in his mischiefs,
And his shrunk hollow eyes smil'd on his ruines.

_Evan._ Heaven keep this Gentleman from being a Suitor,
For I shall ne'r deny him, he's so noble.

_Val._ But what can last long? strength and spirit wasted,
And fresh supplies flew on upon this Gentleman,
Breathless and weary with oppression,
And almost kill'd with killing, 'twas my chance
In a tall Ship I had to view the fight;
I set into him, entertain'd the _Turk_,
And for an hour gave him so hot a breakfast,
He clapt all linnen up he had to save him,
And like a Lovers thought he fled our fury;
There first I saw the man I lov'd, _Valerio_,
There was acquainted, there my soul grew to him,
And his to me, we were the twins of friendship.

_Evan._ Fortune protect this man, or I shall ruine him.

_Val._ I made this voyage to behold my friend,
To warm my love anew at his affection;
But since I landed, I have heard his fate:
My Father's had not been to me more cruel,
I have lamented too, and yet I keep
The treasure of a few tears for you Lady,
For by description you were his _Evanthe_.

_Evan._ Can he weep that's a stranger to my story?
And I stand still and look on? Sir, I thank ye;
If noble spirits after their departure,
Can know, and wish, certain his soul gives thanks too;
There are your tears again, and when yours fail, Sir,
Pray ye call to me, I have some store to lend ye. Your name?

_Val. Urbino_.

_Evan._ That I may remember,
That little time I have to live, your friendships,
My tongue shall study both.

_Fred._ Do you come hither, only to tell this story, Prince _Urbino_?

_Val._ My business now is, Sir, to woo this Lady.

_Evan._ Blessing defend ye; do you know the danger?

_Val._ Yes, and I fear it not, danger's my play-fellow,
Since I was man 'thas been my best companion,
I know your doom, 'tis for a Moneth you give her,
And then his life you take that marries her.

_Fred._ 'Tis true, nor can your being born a Prince,
If you accept the offer, free you from it.

_Val._ I not desire it, I have cast the worst,
And even that worst to me is many blessings;
I lov'd my friend, not measur'd out by time,
Nor hired by circumstance of place and honour,
But for his wealthy self and worth I lov'd him,
His mind and noble mold he ever mov'd in,
And wooe his friend because she was worthy of him,
The only relique that he left behind, Sir;
To give his ashes honour, Lady take me,
And in me keep _Valerio_'s love alive still,
When I am gone, take those that shall succeed me,
Heaven must want light, before you want a Husband,
To raise up heirs of love and noble memory,
To your unfortunate--

_Evan._ Am I still hated? hast thou no end, O fate, of my affliction?
Was I ordain'd to be a common Murdress?
And of the best men too? Good Sir--

_Val._ Peace Sweet, look on my hand.

_Evan._ I do accept the Gentleman, I faint with joy.

_Fr._ I stop it, none shall have her, convey this stranger hence.

_Val._ I am no stranger--Hark to the bell, that rings,
Hark, hark, proud _Frederick_, that was King of mischief,
Hark, thou abhorred man, dost thou hear thy sentence?
Does not this bell ring in thine ears thy ruine?

_Fred._ What bell is this?

_Cam._ The Castle bell: Stand sure, Sir, and move not, if you
do you perish.

_Men._ It rings your knell; _Alphonso_, King _Alphonso_.

_All. Alphonso_, King _Alphonso_.

_Fred._ I am betrai'd, lock fast the Palace.

_Cam._ We have all the keys, Sir.
And no door here shall shut without our Licence.

_Cle._ Do you shake now, Lord _Sorano_? no new trick?
Nor speedy poison to prevent this business?
No bawdy meditation now to fly to?

_Fred._ Treason, Treason, Treason.

_Cam._ Yes, we hear ye,

_Enter_ Alphonso, Rugio, Marco, Castruchio, _Queen,_
_with Guard._

And we have found the Traytor in your shape, Sir,
We'll keep him fast too.

_Fred._ Recover'd! then I am gone,
The Sun of all my pomp is set and vanisht.

_Alp._ Have you not forgot this face of mine, King _Frederick_?
Brother, I am come to see you, and have brought
A Banquet to be merry with your Grace;
I pray sit down, I do beseech your Majesty,
And eat, eat freely, Sir, why do you start?
Have you no stomach to the meat I bring you?
Dare you not taste? have ye no Antidotes?
You need not fear; _Sorano_'s a good Apothecary,
Me thinks you look not well, some fresh wine for him,
Some of the same he sent me by _Sorano_;
I thank you for't, it sav'd my life, I am bound to ye,
But how 'twill work on you--I hope your Lordship
Will pledge him too, me thinks you look but scurvily,
And would be put into a better colour,
But I have a candi'd Toad for your Lordship.

_Sor._ Would I had any thing that would dispatch me,
So it were down, and I out of this fear once.

_Fred._ Sir, Thus low as my duty now compells me,
I do confess my unbounded sins, my errours,
And feel within my soul the smarts already;
Hide not the noble nature of a Brother,
The pity of a friend, from my afflictions;
Let me a while lament my misery,
And cast the load off of my wantonness,
Before I find your fury, then strike home,
I do deserve the deepest blow of Justice,
And then how willingly, O death, I'le meet thee!

_Alp._ Rise, Madam, those sweet tears are potent speakers,
And Brother live, but in the Monastery,
Where I lived, with the self same silence too,
I'le teach you to be good against your will, Brother,
Your tongue has done much harm, that must be dumb now;
The daily pilgrimage to my Fathers Tomb,
Tears, sighs, and groans, you shall wear out your daies with,
And true ones too, you shall perform dear Brother;
Your diet shall be slender to inforce these; too light a penance, Sir.

_Fred._ I do confess it.

_Alph. Sorano_ you shall--

_Sor._ How he studies for it!
Hanging's the least part of my penance certain.

[Evanthe _Kneels._

_Alph._ What Lady's that that kneels?

_Cast._ The chaste _Evanthe_.

_Alph._ Sweet, your Petition?

_Evan._ 'Tis for this bad man, Sir,
Abominable bad, but yet my Brother.

_Alph._ The bad man shall attend as bad a Master,
And both shall be confin'd within the Monastery;
His rank flesh shall be pull'd with daily fasting,
But once a week he shall s[m]ell meat, he will surfeit else,
And his immodest mind, compell'd to prayer;
On the bare boards he shall lye, to remember
The wantonness he did commit in beds;
And drink fair water, that will ne'r inflame him;
He sav'd my life, though he purpos'd to destroy me,
For which I'le save his, though I make it miserable:
Madam, at Court I shall desire your company,
You are wise and vertuous, when you please to visit
My Brother _Frederick_, you shall have our Licence,
My dear best friend, _Valerio_.

_Val._ Save _Alphonso_.

_Omn._ Long live _Alphonso_, King of us, and _Naples_.

_Alph._ Is this the Lady that the wonder goes on?
Honour'd sweet Maid, here take her my _Valerio_,
The King now gives her, she is thine own without fear:
Brother, have you so much provision that is good?
Not season'd by _Sorano_ and his Cooks?
That we may venture on with honest safety,
We and our friends?

_Fred._ All that I have is yours, Sir.

_Alph._ Come then, let's in, and end this Nuptial,
Then to our Coronation with all speed:
My vertuous Maid, this day I'le be your Bride-man,
And see you bedded to your own desires too;
Beshrew me Lords, who is not merry hates me,
Only _Sorano_ shall not bear my cup:
Come, now forget old pains and injuries,
As I must do, and drown all in fair healths;
That Kingdom's blessed, where the King begins
His true love first, for there all loves are twins.

[_Exeunt Omnes._

Prologue.

_You are wellcome Gentlemen, and would our Feast_
_Were so well season'd, to please every Guest;_
_Ingenuous appetites, I hope we shall,_
_And their examples may prevail in all._
_Our noble friend, who writ this, bid me say,_
_He had rather dress, upon a Triumph day,_
_My Lord Ma[y]ors Feast, and make him Sawces too,_
_Sawce for each several mouth, nay further go,_
_He had rather build up those invincible Pyes_
_And Castle Custards that affright all eyes,_
_Nay eat 'em all and their Artillery,_
_Than dress for such a curious company_
_One single dish; yet he has pleas'd ye too,_
_And you've confest he knew well what to do;_
_Be hungry as you were wont to be, and bring,_
_Sharp stomachs to the stories he shall sing,_
_And he dare yet, he saies, prepare a Table_
_Shall make you say, well drest, and he well able._

Epilogue.

_We have your favours, Gentlemen, and you_
_Have our indeavours, (dear Friends grudge not now,)_
_There's none of you, but when you please can sell_
_Many a lame Horse, and many a fair tale tell;_
_Can put off many a Maid unto a friend,_
_That was not so since th' action at_ Mile-end;__
_Ours is a Virgin yet, and they that love_
_Untainted flesh, we hope our friends will prove._

THE LOVERS PROGRESS. A TRAGEDY.

* * * * *

Persons Represented in the Play.

_King of_ France.

Cleander, _Husband to_ Calista.

Lidian, _Brother to_ Calista, {_both in love with_ Olinda.
Clarange, _Rival to_ Lidian, {

Dorilaus, _Father to_ Lidian _and_ Calista, _a merry old man._

Lisander, _a noble Gentleman, in love with_ Calista.

Alcidon, _a friend, and second to_ Lidian.

Beronte, _Brother to_ Cleander.

Lem[ure], _a noble Courtier._

Leon, _a Villain, Lover of_ Clarinda.

Mallfort, _a foolish Steward of_ Cleander.

Lancelot, _Servant to_ Lisander.

_Fryar._

_Hosts ghost._

_Chamberlain._

_Servants._

_WOMEN._

Calista, _a vertuous Lady, Wife to_ Cleander.

Olinda, _a noble Maid, and rich Heir, Mistress to_ Lidian _and_ Clarange.

Clarinda, _a lustful Wench,_ Calista'_s waiting woman._

* * * * *

_The Scene_ France.

* * * * *

The principal Actors were,

_Joseph Taylor._
_Robert Benfield._
_Thomas Polard._
_George Birch._
_John Lowin._
_John Underwood._
_Richard Sharpe._
_John Thomson._

_Actus Primus. Scena Prima._

_Enter_ Leon, _and_ Mallfort.

_Mal._ And as I told you, Sir.

_Leon._ I understand you,
_Clarinda_'s still perverse.

_Mal._ She's worse, obdurate,
Flinty, relentless, my love-passions jeer'd at,
My Presents scorn'd.

_Leon._ 'Tis strange a waiting-woman,
In her condition apt to yield, should hold out,
A man of your place, reverend Beard and shape,
Besieging her.

_Mal._ You might add too my wealth,
Which she contemns, five hundred Crowns _per annum_,
For which I have ventur'd hard, my Conscience knows it,
Not thought upon, though offer'd for a Joynture;
This Chain which my Lords Pesants worship, flouted;
My solemn hums and ha's, the servants quake at,
No Rhetorick with her; every hour she hangs out
Some new Flag of defiance to torment me;
Last Lent, my Lady call'd me her _Poor John_,
But now I am grown a walking _Skeleton_,
You may see through, and through me.

_Leon._ Indeed you are much faln away.

_Mal._ I am a kind of nothing,
As she hath made me; Love's a terrible Clyster,
And if some Cordial of her favours help not,
I shall like an _Italian_, dye backward,
And breathe my last the wrong way.

_Leon._ As I live, you have my pity; but this is cold comfort,
And in a friend lip-physick; and now I think on't,
I should do more, and will, so you deny not
Your self the means of comfort.

_Mal._ I'll be hang'd first; one dram of't I beseech you.

_Leon._ You are not jealous of any mans access to her?

_Mal._ I would not receive the _Dor_, but as a bosome friend
You shall direct me, still provided that
I understand who is the man, and what
His purpose, that pleads for me.

_Leon._ By all means:
First, for the undertaker, I am he;
The means that I will practise, thus--

_Mal._ Pray you forward.

_Leon._ You know your Lady, chaste _Calista_ loves her.

_Mal._ Too well, that makes her proud.

_Leon._ Nay, give me leave,
This beauteous Lady, I may stile her so,
(Being the paragon of _France_ for feature)
Is not alone contented in her self
To seem, and be good, but desires to make
All such as have dependance on her, like her;
For this _Clarinda_'s liberty is restrain'd;
And though her kinsman, the gate's shut against me;
Now if you please to make your self the door,
For my conveyance to her, though you run
The hazard of a check for't, 'tis no matter.

_Mal._ It being for mine own ends.

_Leon._ I'll give it o'r,
If that you make the least doubt otherwise:
Study upon't: good morrow.

_Mal._ Pray you stay, Sir;
You are my friend; yet as the Proverb says,
When love puts in, friendship is gone: suppose
You should your self affect her?

_Leon._ Do you think I'll commit incest? for it is no less,
She being my Cousin German. Fare you well, Sir.

_Mal._ I had forgot that, for this once forgive me.
Only to ease the throbbing of my heart,
(For I do feel strange pangs) instruct me what
You will say for me.

_Leon._ First, I'll tell her that
She hath so far besotted you, that you have
Almost forgot to cast accompt.

_Mal._ Meer truth, Sir.

_Leon._ That of a wise and provident Steward,
You are turn'd stark Ass.

_Mal._ Urge that point home, I am so.

_Leon._ That you adore the ground she treads upon,
And kiss her footsteps.

_Mal._ As I do when I find their print in the snow.

_Leon._ A loving fool I know it,
By your bloudless frosty lips; then having related
How much you suffer for her, and how well
You do deserve it--

_Mal._ How? to suffer?

_Leon._ No, Sir, to have your love return'd.

_Mal._ That's good, I thank you.

_Leon._ I will deliver her an Inventory
Of your good parts: as this, your precious nose
Dropping affection; your high forehead reaching
Almost to the Crown of your head; your slender waste,
And a back not like a threshers, but a bending,
And Court-like back, and so forth, for your Body.
But when I touch your mind, for that must take her,
(Since your out-side promises little) I'll enlarge it,
(Though ne'r so narrow) as your arts to thrive,
Your composition with the Cook and Butler
For Cony-Skins and Chippings, and half a share
With all the under Officers of the house,
In strangers bounties, that she shall have all,
And you as 'twere her Bailiff.

_Mal._ As I will be.

_Leon._ As you shall, so I'll promise. Then your qualities,
As playing on a Gyttern, or a Jews-Trump.

_Mal._ A little too on the Viol.

_Leon._ Fear you nothing.
Then singing her asleep with curious Catches
Of your own making; for as I have heard,
You are Poetical.

_Mal._ Something given that way;
Yet my works seldom thrive: and the main reason
The Poets urge for't, is, because I am not
As poor as they are.

_Leon._ Very likely; fetch her
While I am in the vein.

_Mal._ 'Tis an apt time, my Lady being at her Prayers.

_Leon._ Let her pray on.
Nay go, and if upon my intercession
She do you not some favour, I'll disclaim her;
I'll ruminate on't the while.

_Mal._ A hundred Crowns is your reward.

_Leon._ Without 'em--nay no trifling. [_Ex._ Mal.
That this dull clod of ignorance should know
How to get money, yet want eyes to see
How grosly he's abus'd, and wrought upon!
When he should make his will, the Rogue's turn'd rampant,
As he had renew'd his youth; a handsome wench,
Love one a spittle-whore would run away from?
Well, Master Steward, I will plead for you
In such a method, as it shall appear
You are fit to be a property.

_Enter_ Malfort, _and_ Clarinda.

_Mal._ Yonder he walks
That knows my worth and value, though you scorn it.

_Clar._ If my Lady know not this--

_Mal._ I'll answer it:
If you were a Nun I hope your Cousin German
Might talk with you through a grate, but you are none,
And therefore may come closer; ne'r hang off,
As I live you shall bill; ye may salute as strangers,
Custom allows it. Now, now, come upon her
With all your Oratory, [tickle her to the quick,]
As a young Advocate should, and leave no Vertue
Of mine unmentioned, I'll stand centinel;
Nay keep the door my self. [_Exit._

_Clar._ How have you work'd
This piece of motley to your ends?

_Leon._ Of that at leasure, Mistriss. [_Kissing._

_Clar._ Lower, you are too loud,
Though the fool be deaf, some of the house may hear you.

_Leon._ Suppose they should, I am a Gentleman,
And held your Kinsman, under that I hope
I may be free.

_Clar._ I grant it, but with caution;
But be not seen to talk with me familiarly,
But at fit distance, or not seen at all,
It were the better; you know my Ladies humour,
She is all honour, and compos'd of goodness,
(As she pretends) and you having no business,
How jealous may she grow?

_Leon._ I will be rul'd.
But you have promis'd, and I must enjoy you.

_Clar._ We shall find time for that; you are too hasty,
Make your self fit and I shall make occasion,
Deliberation makes best in that business,
And contents every way.

_Leon._ But you must feed
This foolish Steward with some shadow of
A future favour, that we may preserve him
To be our instrument.

_Clar._ Hang him.

_Leon._ For my sake, Sweet,
I undertook to speak for him, any Bauble,
Or slight employment in the way of service,
Will feed him fat.

_Enter_ Malfort.

_Clar._ Leave him to me.

_Mal._ She comes, my Lady.

_Clar._ I will satisfie her.

_Mal._ How far have you prevail'd?

_Leon._ Observe.

_Clar._ Monsieur _Malfort_,
I must be brief, my cousin hath spoke much
In your behalf, and to give you some proof,
I entertain you as my servant,
You shall have the grace.

_Leon._ Upon your knee receive it.

_Clar._ And take it as a special favour from me,
To tye my shooe.

_Malf._ I am o're-joy'd.

_Leon._ Good reason.

_Clar._ You may come higher in time.

_Leon._ No more, the Lady.

_Enter_ Calista.

_Malf._ She frowns.

_Clar._ I thank you for this visit cousin,
But without leave hereafter from my Lady,
I dare not change discourse with you.

_Malf._ Pray you take your mornings draught.

_Leon._ I thank you: [_Exeunt_ Leon, Malf.
Happiness attend your honour.

_Calist._ Who gave warrant to this private parle?

_Clar._ My innocence; I hope
My conference with a kinsman cannot call
Your anger on me.

_Calist._ Kinsman? Let me have
No more of this, as you desire you may continue mine.

_Clar._ Why madam (under pardon)
Suppose him otherwise: yet coming in
A lawfull way, it is excusable.

_Calist._ How's this?

_Clar._ I grant you are made of pureness,
And that your tenderness of honour holds
The soveraigntie o're your passions. Yet you have
A noble Husband, with allow'd embraces,
To quench lascivious fires, should such flame in you,
As I must ne're believe. Were I the wife
Of one that could but zanie brave _Cleander_,
Even in his least perfections, (excuse
My o're-bold inference) I should desire
To meet no other object.

_Cal._ You grow saucie. Do I look further?

_Clar._ No, dear Madam: and
It is my wonder or astonishment rather,
You could deny the service of _Lisander_;
A man without a rival: one the King
And Kingdom gazes on with admiration,
For all the excellencies a Mother could
Wish in her only Son.

_Cal._ Did not mine honour
And obligation to _Cleander_, force me
To be deaf to his complaints?

_Clar._ 'Tis true; but yet
Your rigor to command him from your presence,
Argu'd but small compassion; the Groves
Witness his grievous sufferings, your fair name
Upon the rinde of every gentle Poplar,
And amorous Myrtle, (trees to _Venus_ sacred)
With adoration carv'd, and knee[l']d unto,
This you (unseen of him) both saw and heard
Without compassion, and what receiv'd he
For his true sorrows? but the heavy knowledge,
That 'twas your peremptory will and pleasure,
(How e're my Lord liv'd in him) he should quit
Your sight and house for ever.

_Cal._ I confess I gave him a strong potion to work
Upon his hot bloud, and I hope 'twill cure him:
Yet I could wish the cause had concern'd others,
I might have met his sorrows with more pity;
At least have lent some counsel to his miseries,
Though now for honours sake, I must forget him,
And never know the name more of _Lisander_:
Yet in my justice I am bound to grant him,
(Laying his love aside) most truely noble.
But mention him no more, this instant hour
My Brother _Lidian_, new return'd from travel,
And his brave friend _Clarange_, long since rivals
For fair and rich _Olinda_, are to hear
Her absolute determination, whom
She pleases to elect: see all things ready
To entertain 'em: and on my displeasure
No more words of _Lisander_.

_Clar._ She endures to hear him nam'd by no tongue but her own:
How e're she carries it, I know she loves him. [_Exit._

_Cal._ Hard nature: hard condition of poor women!
That where we are most su'd to, we must flye most.
The trees grow up, and mix together freely,
The Oak's not envious of the sailing Cedar,
The lustie Vine not jealous of the Ivie
Because she clips the Elm; the flowers shoot up,
And wantonly kiss one another hourly,
This blossome glorying in the others beauty,
And yet they smell as sweet, and look as lovely:
But we are ty'd to grow alone. O honour,
Thou hard Law to our lives, chain to our freedoms
He that invented thee had many curses;
How is my soul divided! O _Cleander_,
My best deserving husband! O _Lisander_,
The truest lover that e're sacrific'd
To _Cupid_ against _Hymen_! O mine honour;
A Tyrant, yet to be obey'd! and 'tis
But justice we should thy strict Laws endure,
Since our obedience to thee keeps us pure. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Cle[a]nder, Lidian, _and_ Clarange.

_Clean._ How insupportable the difference
Of dear friends is, the sorrow that I feel
For my _Lisanders_ absence, one that stamps
A reverend print on friendship, does assure me.
You are rivals for a Lady, a fair Lady,
And in the acquisition of her favours,
Hazard the cutting of that Gordian knot
From your first childhood to this present hour,
By all the tyes of love and amity fasten'd.
I am blest in a wife (Heaven make me thankfull)
Inferiour to none (sans pride I speak it)
Yet if I were a free-man, and could purchase
At any rate the certainty to enjoy
_Lisanders_ conversation while I liv'd,
Forgive me my _Calista_, and the Sex,
I never would seek change.

_Lid._ My Lord and Brother,
I dare not blame your choice, _Lisanders_ worth
Being a Mistris to be ever courted;
Nor shall our equal suit to fair _Olinda_
Weaken, but adde strength to our true affection,
With zeal so long continued.

_Claran._ When we know
Whom she prefers, as she can choose but one,
By our so long tri'd friendship we have vow'd
The other shall desist.

_Clea._ 'Tis yet your purpose,
But how this resolution will hold
In him that is refus'd, is not alone
Doubtfull, but dangerous.

_Enter_ Malfort.

_Malf._ The rich heir is come Sir.

_Cleand._ Madam _Olinda_?

_Malf._ Yes Sir, and makes choice,
After some little conference with my Lady,
Of this room to give answer to her suitors.

_Cle._ Already both look pale, between your hopes
To win the prize, and your despair to lose
What you contended for.

_Lid._ No Sir, I am arm'd.

_Clar._ I confident of my interest.

_Cle._ I'le believe ye when you have endur'd the test.

_Enter_ Calista, Olinda, _and_ Clarinda.

_Malf._ Is not your garter
Unty'd? you promis'd that I should grow higher
In doing you service.

_Clar._ Fall off or you lose me. [_Exit_ Malfort.

_Cle._ Nay take your place, no _Paris_ now sits judge
On the contending goddesses. You are
The Deitie that must make curst or happy
One of your languish[i]ng servants.

_Ol._ I thus look with equal eyes on both; either deserves
A fairer fortune than they can in reason
Hope for from me; from _Lidian_ I expect,
When I have made him mine, all pleasures that
The sweetness of his manners, youth, and vertues
Can give assurance of: but turning this way
To brave _Clarange_, in his face appears
A kind of Majesty which should command,
Not sue for favour. If the fairest Lady
Of _France_, set forth with natures best endowments
Nay should I adde a Princess of the bloud,
Did now lay claim to either for a husband,
So vehement my affection is to both,
My envie at her happiness would kill me.

_Cle._ The strangest love I ever heard.

_Cal._ You can enjoy but one.

_Clar._ The more I say the merrier.

_Oli._ Witness these tears I love both, as I know
You burn with equal flames, and so affect me;
Abundance makes me poor; such is the hard
Condition of my fortune; be your own judges;
If I should favour both, 'twill taint my honour,
And that before my life I must prefer;
If one I lean to, the other is disvalued;
You are fierie both, and love will make you warmer.

_Clar._ The warmer still the fitter. You are a fool Lady.

_Oli._ To what may love, and the Devil jealousie spur you
Is too apparent: my name's call'd in question:
Your swords flie out, your angers range at large:
Then what a murther of my modesty follows?

_Clar._ Take heed of that by any means: O innocent,
That will deny a blessing when 'tis offer'd,
Would I were murther'd so, I would thank my modesty.

_Cle._ What pause you on?

_Oli._ It is at length resolv'd.

_Clar._ We are on the Rack, uncertain expectation
The greatest torture.

_Lidi._ Command what you please,
And you shall see how willingly we will execute.

_Oli._ Then hear what for your satisfaction,
And to preserve your friendship I resolve
Against my self, and 'tis not to be alter'd:
You are both brave gentlemen, I'le still profess it,
Both noble servants, for whose gentle offers,
The undeserving, and the poor _Olinda_
Is ever bound; you love both, fair, and vertuously;
Would I could be so happy to content both:
Which since I cannot, take this resolute answer;
Go from me both contentedly, and he
That last makes his return, and comes to visit,
Comes to my bed. You know my will: farewel;
My heart's too big to utter more: come friend.

_Cal._ I'le wait on you to your Coach.

[_Exeunt_ Olinda, Calista, Clarinda.

_Cle._ You both look blank, I cannot blame you.

_Lid._ We have our dispatches.

_Clara._ I'le home.

_Lid._ And I'le abroad again, Farewel.

_Clara._ Farewel to ye.

[_Exeunt_ Clarange, _and_ Lidian.

_Cle._ Their blunted departure troubles me: I fear
A suddain and a dangerous division
Of their long love will follow: have you took
Your leave of fair _Olinda_?

_Enter_ Calista, _with a purse._

_C[al]._ She is gone Sir.

_Cle._ Had you brought news _Lisander_ were return'd too,
I were most happy.

_Cal._ Still upon _Lisander_?

_Cle._ I know he loves me, as he loves his health:
And Heaven knows I love him.

_Cal._ I find it so:
For me you have forgot, and what I am to you.

_Cle._ O think not so. If you had lost a Sister
You lock'd all your delights in, it would grieve you:
A little you would wander from the fondness
You ow'd your husband: I have lost a friend,
A noble friend, all that was excellent
In man, or man-kind, was contain'd within him,
That loss my wife--

_Enter_ Malfort.

_Malf._ Madam, your noble Father--
A fee for my good news.

_Cal._ Why? what of him Sir?

_Mal._ Is lighted at the door, and longs to see you.

_Calist._ Attend him hither.

_Clean._ O my dear _Lisander_.
But I'le be merry: let's meet him my _Calista_.

_Cal._ I hope _Lisanders_ love will now be buried:
My Father will bring joy enough for one moneth,
To put him out of memorie.

_Enter_ Dorilaus, _his arm in a scarff._

_Dor._ How do you Son?
Bless my fair child, I am come to visit yee,
To see what house you keep, they say you are bountifull,
I like the noise well, and I come to trie it.
Ne're a great belly yet? how have you trifl'd?
If I had done so (Son) I should have heard on't
On both sides by Saint _Denis_.

_Clean._ You are nobly welcom Sir:
We have time enough for that.

_Dorilaus._ See how she blushes!
'Tis a good sign you'l mend your fault, how dost thou,
My good _Calista_?

_Cal._ Well, now I see you Sir;
I hope you bring a fruitfulness along with ye.

_Dor._ Good luck, I never miss, I was ever good at it:
Your mother groan'd for't wench, so did some other,
But I durst never tell.

_Cal._ How does your arm Sir?

_Cle._ Have you been let bloud of late?

_Dor._ Against my will Sir.

_Cal._ A fall dear Father?

_Dor._ No, a Gun, dear Daughter;
Two or three Guns; I have one here in my buttock,
'Twould trouble a Surgeons teeth to pull it out.

_Cal._ O me! O me!

_Dor._ Nay, if you fall to fainting,
'Tis time for me to trudge: art such a coward,
At the meer name of hurt to change thy colour?
I have been shot that men might see clean through me,
And yet I fainted not: besides my self,
Here are an hospital of hurt men for ye.

_Enter Servants, wounded in several places._

_Clean._ What should this wonder be?

_Cal._ I am amaz'd at it.

_Doril._ What think ye of these? they are every one hurt soundly,
Hurt to the proof, they are through, and through I assure ye;
And that's good game, they scorn your puling scratches.

_Cal._ Who did this Sir?

_Dor._ Leave crying, and I'le tell you,
And get your plaisters, and your warm stupes ready:
Have you ne're a Shepheard that can tarr us over?
'Twill prove a business else, we are so many.
Coming to see you, I was set upon,
I and my men, as we were singing frolickly,
Not dreaming of an ambush of base Rogues,
Set on i'th' forest, I have forgot the name--

_Cle._ 'Twixt this, and _Fountaine-Bleau_,
In the wild Forest?

_Dor._ The same, the same, in that accursed Forest,
Set on by villains, that make boot of all men,
The Peers of _France_ are pillage there, they shot at us,
Hurt us, un-hors'd us, came to the sword, there pli'd us,
Opprest us with fresh multitudes, fresh shot still,
Rogues that would hang themselves for a fresh doublet,
And for a Scarlet Cassock kill their Fathers.

_Cle._ Lighted you among these?

_Dor._ Among these murtherers,
Our poor blouds were ingag'd: yet we strook bravely,
And more than once or twice we made them shun us,
And shrink their rugged heads: but we were hurt all.

_Cle._ How came you off? for I even long to hear that.

_Dor._ After our prayers made to Heaven to help us,
Or to be mercifull unto our souls;
So near we were. Alas poor wench, wipe, wipe.
See Heaven sends remedy.

_Cal._ I am glad 'tis come Sir,
My heart was even a bleeding in my body.

_Dor._ A curl'd hair Gentleman stept in, a stranger,
As he rod by, belike he heard our bickering,
Saw our distresses, drew his sword, and prov'd
He came to execute, and not to argue.
Lord what a lightning methought flew about him,
When he once toss'd his blade! in face _Adonis_,
While peace inhabited between his eye-brows:
But when his noble anger stirr'd his metal,
And blew his fierie parts into a flame,
Like _Pallas_, when she sits between two armies,
Viewing with horrid brows their sad events,
Such then he look'd: and as her shield had arm'd him.

_Cal._ This man Sir were a friend to give an age for.
This Gentleman I must love naturally:
Nothing can keep me off; I pray you go on Sir.

_Dor._ I will, for now you please me: this brave youth,
This bud of _Mars_, for yet he is no riper,
When once he had drawn bloud, and flesh'd his sword,
Fitted his manly metal to his spirit,
How he bestirr'd him! what a lane he made!
And through their fierie Bullets thrust securely:
The hardned villains wondring at his confidence,
Lame as I was I follow'd, and admir'd too,
And stirr'd, and laid about me with new spirit,
My men too with new hearts thrust into action,
And down the Rogues went.

_Cle._ I am struck with wonder.

_Dor._ Remember but the storie of strong _Hector_,
When like to lightning he broke through his vanguard,
How the _Greeks_ frighted ran away by Troops,
And trod down Troops to save their lives: so this man
Dispers'd these slaves: had they been more and mightier,
He had come off the greater, and more wonder.

_Cle._ Where is the man, good Sir, that we may honour him?

_Cal._ That we may fall in superstition to him.

_Dor._ I know not that, from me he late departed,
But not without that pious care to see safe
Me, and my weak men lodg'd, and dress'd; I urg'd him
First hither, that I might more freely thank him:
He told me he had business, crav'd my pardon,
Business of much import.