Chapter VII: Part 7

_Wife._ But such a piece, as being tane away,
Man cannot last: the fairest and tallest ship,
That ever sail'd, is by a little piece of the same
Wood, steer'd right, and turn'd about.

_Gen._ 'Tis true she sayes, her answers stand with reason.

_Wife._ But Sir, your Cozin put this in your head,
Who is an enemy to your preferment,
Because I should not take place of his wife;
Come, by this kiss, thou shalt not go sweet heart.

_Gen._ Come, by this kiss I will go Sweet-heart,
On with your riding stuffe: I know your tricks,
And if preferment fall ere you be ready,
'Tis welcome, else adieu the City life.

_Wife._ Well, Sir, I will obey.

_Gent._ About it then.

_Wife._ To please your humor I would dress my self,
In the most loathsome habit you could name,
Or travel any whether o're the World,
If you command me, it shall ne'r be said,
The frailty of a woman, whose weak mind,
Is often set on loose delights, and shews,
Hath drawn her husband to consume his state,
In the vain hope of that which never fell.

_Gen._ About it then, women are pleasant creatures,
When once a man begins to know himself.

_Wife._ But hark you Sir, because I will be sure,
You shall have no excuse, no word to say
In your defence hereafter; when you see
What honors were prepar'd for you and me,
Which you thus willingly have thrown away,
I tell you I did look for present honor,
This morning for you, which I know had come:
But if they do not come ere I am ready
(Which I will be the sooner least they should)
When I am once set in a countrey life,
Not all the power of earth shall alter me,
Not all your prayers or threats shall make me speak
The least words to my honorable friends,
To do you any grace.

_Gent._ I will not wish it.

_Wife._ And never more hope to be honorable.

_Gent._ My hopes are lower.

_Wife._ As I live you shall not,
You shall be so far from the name of noble
That you shall never see a Lord again;
You shall not see a Maske, or Barriers,
Or Tilting, or a solemn Christning,
Or a great Marriage, or new Fire-works,
Or any bravery; but you shall live
At home, bespotted with your own lov'd durt,
In scurvy cloaths, as you were wont to doe,
And to content you, I will live so too.

_Gen._ Tis all I wish, make haste, the day draws on,
It shall be my care to see your Stuffe packt up.

_Wife._ It shall be my care to gull you: you shall stay. [_Ex. Gen._
And more than so, intreat me humbly too,
You shall have honors presently; _Maria_.

_Enter_ Maria.

_Mar._ Madam.

_Wife._ Bring hither, pen, ink, and paper.

_Ma._ 'Tis here.

_Wife._ Your Master will not stay,
Unless preferment come within an hour.

_Mar._ Let him command one of the City gates,
In time of mutiny, or you may provide him,
To be one of the counsel for invading,
Some savage Countrey to plant Christian faith.

_Wife._ No, no, I have it for him, call my page;
Now, my dear husband, there it is will fit you. [_Ex._ Maria.
And when the world shall see what I have done,
Let it not move the spleen of any Wife,
To make an Ass of her beloved husband,
Without good ground, but if they will be drawn
To any reason by you, do not gull them;
But if they grow conceited of themselves,
And be fine Gentlemen, have no mercy,
Publish them to the World, 'twill do them good
When they shall see their follies understood,
Go bear these Letters to my servant,
And bid him make haste, I will dress my self,
In all the Journey-Cloaths I us'd before,
Not to ride, but to make the Laughter more. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Gentleman, _and_ Jaques.

_Gent._ Is all packt up?

_Ja._ All, all Sir, there is no tumbler
Runs through his hoop with more dexterity,
Then I about this business: 'Tis a day,
That I have long long'd to see.

_Gent._ Come, Where's my Spurs?

_Ja._ Here, Sir, and now 'tis come.

_Gent._ I, _Jaques_, now,
I thank my fates, I can command my Wife.

_Ja._ I am glad to see it, Sir.

_Gent._ I do not love alwayes,
To be made a puppie, _Jaques_.

_Ja._ But, yet me thinks your Worship does not look,
Right like a Countrey Gentleman.

_Gent._ I will, give me my t'other hat.

_Ja._ Here.

_Gent._ So, my Jerkin.

_Ja._ Yes, Sir.

_Gent._ On with it _Jaques_, thou and I
Will live so finely in the Countrey, _Jaques_,
And have such pleasant walks into the Woods
A mornings, and then bring home riding-rods,
And walking staves--

_Ja._ And I will bear them, Sir,
And Skurdge-sticks for the children.

_Gent._ So thou shalt,
And thou shalt do all, over-see my Work-folkes,
And at the weeks end pay them all their wages.

_Ja._ I will, Sir, so your Worship give me Money.

_Gent._ Thou shalt receive all too: give me my Drawers.

_Ja._ They are ready, Sir.

_Gent._ And I will make thy Mistriss,
My wife, look to her landrie, and her dairy,
That we may have our linnen clean on Sundayes.

_Ja._ And Holy-dayes.

_Gent._ I, and ere we walk about the Grounds
Provide our break-fast,
Or she shall smoke, I'll have her a good huswife;
She shall not make a voyage to her Sisters,
But she shall live at home,
And feed her pullen fat, and see her Maides
In bed before her, and lock all the doors.

_Ja._ Why that will be a life for Kings and Queens.

_Gen._ Give me my Scarfe with the great Button quickly.

_Ja._ 'Tis done, Sir.

_Gen._ Now my Mittens.

_Ja._ Here they are, Sir.

_Gen._ 'Tis well: now my great dagger.

_Ja._ There.

_Gen._ Why so; thus it should be, now my riding rod.

_Ja._ There's nothing wanting, Sir.

_Gen._ Another, man, to stick under my girdle.

_Ja._ There it is.

_Gent._ All is well.

_Ja._ Why now methinks your Worship looks
Like to your self, a Man of means and credit,
So did your grave and famous Ancestors,
Ride up and down to Fairs, and cheapen cattel.

_Gent._ Goe, hasten your Mistriss, Sirra.

_Ja._ It shall be done. [_Ex._ Jaques.

_Enter_ Servant _and_ Page.

_Ser._ Who's that? who's that Boy?

_Page._ I think it be my Master.

_Ser._ Who, he that walkes in gray, whisking his riding rod?

_Pag._ Yes, Sir, 'tis he.

_Ser._ 'Tis he indeed; he is prepar'd
For his new journey; when I wink upon you,
Run out and tell the Gentleman 'tis time--
_Monsieur_ good day.

_Gen._ _Monsieur_, your Mistriss is within, but yet not ready.

_Ser._ My business is with you, Sir; 'tis reported,
I know not whether by some enemy
Maliciously, that envies your great hopes,
And would be ready to sow discontents
Betwixt his Majesty, and you, or truely,
Which on my faith I would be sorry for,
That you intend to leave the Court in haste.

_Gen._ Faith, Sir, within this half hour. _Jaques_?

_Jaques within:_ Sir?

_Gent._ Is my Wife ready?

_Ja._ Presently.

_Ser._ But Sir,
I needs must tell you, as I am your friend,
You should have ta'en your journey privater,
For 'tis already blaz'd about the Court.

_Gen._ Why Sir, I hope it is no Treason, is it?

_Ser._ 'Tis true, Sir, but 'tis grown the common talk,
There's no discovery else held, and in the presence
All the Nobility and Gentry,
Have nothing in their mouths but only this,
_Monsieur Marine_, that noble Gentleman,
Is now departing hence: every Mans face
Looks ghastly on his fellows; such a sadness
(Before this day) I ne'er beheld in Court,
Mens hearts begin to fail them when they hear it,
In expectation of the great event
That needs must follow it, pray Heaven it be good!

_Gen._ Why, I had rather all their hearts should fail,
Than I stay here until my purse fail me.

_Ser._ But yet you are a Subject, and beware,
I charge you by the love I bear to you,
How you do venture rashly on a course,
To make your Sovereign jealous of your deeds,
For Princes jealousies, where they love most,
Are easily found, but they be hardly lost.

_Gen._ Come, these are tricks, I smell 'em, I will goe.

_Ser._ Have I not still profest my self your friend?

_Gen._ Yes, but you never shewd it to me yet.

_Ser._ But now I will, because I see you wise,
And give ye thus much light into a business,
That came to me but now, be resolute,
Stand stifly to it that you will depart,
And presently.

_Gen._ Why so I mean to doe.

_Ser._ And by this light you may be what you will;
Will you be secret, Sir?

_Gen._ Why? What's the matter?

_Ser._ The King does fear you.

_Gent._ How?

_Ser._ And is now in Counsel;

_Gent._ About me?

_Ser._ About you, and you be wise,
You'll find he's in Counsel about you:
His Counsellors have told him all the truth.

_Gent._ What truth?

_Ser._ Why, that which now he knows too well.

_Gent._ What is't?

_Ser._ That you have followed him seven years,
With a great train: and though he have not grac't you,
Yet you have div'd into the hearts of thousands,
With liberality and noble carriage;
And if you should depart home unprefer'd,
All discontented, and seditious spirits
Would flock to you, and thrust you into action:
With whose help, and your Tenants, who doth not know
(If you were so dispos'd:)
How great a part of this yet fertile peaceful Realm of _France_
You might make desolate? but when the King
Heard this--

_Gent._ What said he?

_Ser._ Nothing, but shook,
As never Christian Prince did shake before.
And to be short, you may be what you will
But be not ambitious Sir, sit down
With moderate honors, least you make your self
More fear'd.

_Gent._ I know, Sir, what I have to doe
In mine own business.

_Enter_ Longavile.

_Long._ Where's _Monsieur Mount Marine_?

_Ser._ Why there he stands, will you ought with him?

_Long._ Yes: Good day _Monsieur Marine_.

_Gent._ Good day to you.

_Long._ His Majesty doth commend himself,
Most kindly to you Sir, and hath, by me,
Sent you this favor: kneel down, rise a Knight.

_Gent._ I thank his Majesty.

_Long._ And he doth further request you,
Not to leave the Court so soon,
For though your former merits have been slighted,
After this time there shall no Office fall;
Worthy your spirit, as he doth confess
There's none so great, but you shall surely have it.

_Ser._ Do you hear? if you yield yet you are an ass.

_Gent._ I'll shew my service to his Majesty
In greater things than these, but for this small one
I must intreat his Highness to excuse me.

_Long._ I'll bear your Knightly words unto the King,
And bring his Princely answer back again. [_Exit_ Long.

_Ser._ Well said, be resolute a while, I know
There is a tide of honors coming on.
I warrant you.

_Enter_ Bewford.

_Bew._ Where is this new made Knight?

_Gent._ Here, Sir.

_Bew._ Let me enfold you in my arms,
Then call you Lord, the King will have it so,
Who doth entreat your Lordship to remember
His Message sent to you by _Longavile_.

_Ser._ If ye be durty, and dare not mount aloft;
You may yield now, I know what I would do.

_Gent._ Peace, I will fit him; tell his Majesty
I am a Subject, and I do confess
I serve a gracious Prince, that thus hath heapt
Honors on me without desert, but yet
As for the Message, business urgeth me,
I must be gone, and he must pardon me,
Were he ten thousand Kings and Emperors.

_Bew._ I'll tell him so.

_Ser._ Why, this was like your self.

_Bew._ As he hath wrought him, 'tis the finest fellow
That e're was Christmas Lord, he carries it
So truely to the life, as though he were
One of the plot to gull himself. [_Exit_ Bewf.

_Ser._ Why so, you sent the wisest and the shrewdest answer
Unto the King, I swear, my honored friend,
That ever any Subject sent his Liege.

_Gent._ Nay now I know I have him on the hip,
I'll follow it.

_Enter_ Longavile.

_Long._ My honorable Lord,
Give me your noble hand right courteous Peer,
And from henceforth be a courtly Earl;
The King so wills, and Subjects must obey:
Only he doth desire you to consider
Of his request.

_Ser._ Why faith you'r well my Lord, yield to him.

_Gent._ Yield? why 'twas my plot.

_Ser._ Nay, 'twas your Wives plot.

_Gent._ To get preferment by it,
And thinks he now to pop me i'th' mouth
But with an Earldome? I'll be one step higher.

_Ser._ 'Tis the finest Lord, I am afraid anon
He will stand upon't to share the Kingdom with him.

_Enter_ Bewford.

_Bew._ Where's this Courtly Earl?
His Majesty commends his love unto you;
And will you but now grant to his request,
He bids you be a Duke, and chuse of whence.

_Ser._ Why if you yield not now, you are undone,
What can you wish to have more, but the Kingdom?

_Gent._ So please his Majesty, I would be D. of _Burgundy_,
Because I like the place.

_Bew._ I know the King is pleas'd.

_Gent._ Then will I stay and kiss his Highness hand.

_Bew._ His Majesty will be a glad man when he hears it.

_Lon._ But how shall we keep this from the world's ear,
That some one tell him not, he is no Duke?

_Ser._ Wee'l think of that anon.
Why Gentlemen, Is this a gracious habit for a Duke?
Each gentle body set a finger to
To pluck the clouds of this his riding weeds
From off the orient Sun of his best cloaths;
I'll pluck one Boot and spur off.

_Long._ I another.

_Bew._ I'll pluck his Jerkin off.

_Ser._ Sit down my Lord;
Both his spurs off at once good _Longavile_,
And _Bewford_, take that Scarfe off, and that Hat,
Doth not become his largely sprouting fore-head.
Now set your gracious foot to this of mine,
One pluck will do it, so, off with the other.

_Lon._ Loe, thus your servant _Longavile_ doth pluck
The trophy of your former gentry off.
Off with his Jerkin _Bewford._

_Ser._ Didst thou never see
A nimble footed Taylor stand so in his stockings,
Whilst some friend help'd to pluck his Jerkin off,
To dance a Jigg?

_Enter_ Jaques.

_Lon._ Here's his man _Jaques_ come,
Booted and ready still.

_Jaq._ My Mistriss stayes;
Why how now Sir? What do's your Worship mean,
To pluck your grave and thrifty habit off.

_Gent._ My slippers, _Jaques_.

_Lon._ O thou mighty Duke,
Pardon this Man,
That thus hath trespassed in ignorance.

_Gent._ I pardon him.

_Lon._ His Graces slippers, _Jaques_.

_Ja._ Why what's the matter?

_Lon._ Foot-man, he's a Duke:
The King hath rais'd him above all his Land.

_Ja._ I'll to his Cozen presently, and tell him so;
O what a dung-hill Countrey rogue was I. [_Exit_ Jaques.

_Enter_ Wife.

_Ser._ See, see, my Mistriss.

_Lon._ Let's observe their greeting.

_Wife._ Unto your will, as every good Wife ought,
I have turn'd all my thoughts, and now am ready.

_Gent._ O Wife, I am not worthy to kiss the least
Of all thy toes, much less thy Thumb,
Which yet I would be bold with; all thy counsel
Hath been to me Angelical, but mine to thee
Hath been most dirty, like my mind:
Dear Duchess I must stay.

_Wife._ What are you mad, to make me
Dress, and undress, turn and wind me,
Because you find me plyant? said I not
The whole world should not alter me, if once
I were resolv'd? and now you call me Duchess:
Why what's the matter?

_Gent._ Loe a Knight doth kneel.

_Wife._ A Knight?

_Gent._ A Lord.

_Wife._ A Fool.

_Gent._ I say doth kneel an Earl, a Duke.

_Long._ In Drawers.

_Bew._ Without shoes.

_Wife._ Sure you [are] lunatick.

_Ser._ No, honoured Duchess,
If you dare but believe your servants truth,
I know he is a Duke.

_Long._ God save his Grace.

_Wife._ I ask your Graces pardon.

_Gent._ Then I rise,
And here, in token that all strife shall end,
'Twixt thee and me, I let my drawers fall,
And to thy hands I do deliver them:
Which signifies, that in all acts and speeches,
From this time forth, my Wife shall wear the breeches.

_Ser._ An honorable composition. [_Exeunt omnes._

_Actus Tertius. Scaena Prima._

_Enter_ Cozen, _and_ Jaques.

_Coz._ Shall I believe thee, _Jaques_?

_Ja._ Sir you may.

_Coz._ Didst thou not dreame?

_Ja._ I did not.

_Coz._ Nor imagine?

_Ja._ Neither of both: I saw him great and mighty,
I saw the _Monsieurs_ bow, and heard them cry,
Good health and fortune to my Lord the Duke.

_Coz._ A Duke art sure? a Duke?

_Ja._ I am sure a Duke,
And so sure, as I know my self for _Jaques_.

_Coz._ Yet the Sun may dazel; _Jaques_, Was it not
Some leane Commander of an angry Block-house
To keep the Fleemish Eele-boats from invasion,
Or some bold Baron able to dispend
His fifty pounds a year, and meet the foe
Upon the Kings command, in gilded canvas,
And do his deeds of worth? or was it not
Some place of gain, as Clerk to the great Band
Of maribones, that people call the _Switzers_?
Men made of Beufe, and Sarcenet?

_Ja._ Is a Duke his chamber hung with Nobles like a presence?

_Coz._ I am something wavering in my faith;
Would you would settle me, and swear 'tis so,
Is he a Duke indeed?

_Ja._ I swear he is.

_Coz._ I am satisfied, he is my Kinsman. _Jaques_,
And I his poor unworthy Cozen.

_Ja._ True, Sir.

_Coz._ I might have been a Duke too, I had means,
A wife as fair as his, and as wise as his;
And could have brookt the Court as well as his,
And laid about her for her husbands honor:
O _Jaques_, had I ever dreamt of this,
I had prevented him.

_Ja._ Faith Sir it came
Above our expectation, we were wise
Only in seeking to undoe this honor,
Which shewed our dung-hill breeding and our durt.

_Coz._ But tell me _Jaques_,
Why could we not perceive? what dull Divel
Wrought us to cross this noble course, perswading
'Twould be his overthrow? 'fore me a Courtier
Is he that knows all, _Jaques_, and does all,
'Tis as his noble Grace hath often said,
And very wisely, _Jaques_, we are fools,
And understand just nothing.

_Ja._ I, as we were, I confess it.
But rising with our great Master,
We shall be call'd to knowledge with our places,
'Tis nothing to be wise, not thus much there,
There's not the least of the billet dealers,
Nor any of the Pastry, or the Kitchin,
But have it in measure delicate.

_Coz._ Methinks this greatness of the Dukes my Cozens,
(I ask you mercy, _Jaques_, that near name
Is too familiar for me) should give promise
Of some great benefits to his attendants.

_Ja._ I have a suit my self, and it is sure,
Or I mistake my ends much.

_Coz._ What is't _Jaques_,
May I not crave the place?

_Ja._ Yes, Sir, you shall,
'Tis to be but his Graces Secretary,
Which is my little all, and my ambition,
Till my known worth shall take me by the hand,
And set me higher; how the fates may do
In this poor thread of life, is yet uncertain;
I was not born I take it for a Trencher,
Nor to espouse my Mistriss Dairy-maid.

_Couz._ I am resolv'd my Wife shall up to Court;
I'll furnish her, that is a speeding course,
And cannot chuse but breed a mighty fortune;
What a fine youth was I, to let him start,
And get the rise before me! I'll dispatch,
And put my self in Moneys.

_Ja._ Mass 'tis true,
And now you talke of Money; Sir, my business
For taking those Crowns must be dispatcht:
This little plot in the Countrey lies most fit
To do his Grace such serviceable uses,
I must about it.

_Couz._ Yet, before you goe,
Give me your hand, and bear my humble service
To the great Duke your Master, and his Duchess,
And live your self in favor: say my Wife
Shall there attend them shortly, so farewell.

_Ja._ I'll see you mounted, Sir.

_Couz._ It may not be,
Your place is far above it, spare your self,
And know I am your servant, fare ye well. [_Exit Couzen._

_Ja._ Sir I shall rest to be commanded by you,
This place of Secretary will not content me,
I must be more and greater: let me see;
To be a Baron is no such great matter
As people take it: for say I were a Count,
I am still an under-person to this Duke,
Which methinks sounds but harshly: but a Duke?
O I am strangely taken, 'tis a Duke
Or nothing, I'll advise upon't, and see
What may be done by wit and industry. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Wife, Longoveil, Bewford, Servants.

_Wife._ It must be carried closely with a care
That no man speak unto him, or come near him,
Without our private knowledge, or be made
Afore-hand to our practice:
My good husband,
I shall entreat you now to stay a while,
And prove a noble coxcomb.
Gentlemen,
Your counsel and advice about this carriage.

_Ser._ Alas good man, I do begin to mourn
His dire Massacre: what a persecution
Is pouring down upon him! sure he is sinful.

_Long._ Let him be kept in's chamber under shew
Of state and dignity, and no man suffer'd
To see his noble face, or have access,
But we that are Conspirators.

_Bew._ Or else down with him into the Countrey amongst his Tenants,
There he may live far longer in his greatness,
And play the fool in pomp amongst his fellows.

_Wife._ No, he shall play the fool in the City, and stay,
I will not lose the greatness of this jest,
That shall be given to my wit, for the whole Revenues.

_Ser._ Then thus wee'll have a guard about his person,
That no man come too near him, and our selves
Alwayes in company; have him into the City
To see his face swell; whilst, in divers corners,
Some of our own appointing shall be ready
To cry heaven bless your Grace, long live your Grace.

_Wife._ Servant, your counsel's excellent good,
And shall be follow'd, 'twill be rarely strange
To see him stated thus, as though he went
A shroving through the City, or intended
To set up some new [stake]:
I shall not hold
From open laughter, when I hear him cry,
Come hither my sweet Duchess: let me kiss
Thy gracious lips: for this will be his phrases?
I fear me nothing but his legs will break
Under his mighty weight of such a greatness.

_Bew._ Now me thinks dearest Lady you are too cruel;
His very heart will freeze in knowing this.

_Wife._ No, no, the man was never of such deepness,
To make conceit his Master: Sir, I'll assure ye
He will out-live twenty such pageants.
Were he but my Cozen, or my Brother,
And such a desperate killer of his fortune,
In this belief he should dye, though it cost me
A thousand Crowns a day to hold it up;
Or were I not known his wife, and so to have
An equal feeling of this ill he suffers,
He should be thus till all the Boyes i'th' Town
Made sute to weare his badges in their hats,
And walk before his Grace with sticks and nose-gayes,
We Married Women hold--

_Ser._ 'Tis well, no more.
The Duke is entring, set you[r] faces right,
And bow like Countrey Prologues: here he comes.
Make room afore, the Duke is entring.

_Enter Duke._

_Long._ The choisest fortunes wait upon our Duke.

_Ser._ And give him all content and happiness.

_Bew._ Let his great name live to the end of time.

_Duke._ We thank you, and are pleas'd to give you notice
We shall at fitter times wait on your Loves,
Till when, be near Us.

_Longv._ 'Tis a valiant purge, and works extreamly;
'Thas delivered him
Of all Right worshipful and gentle humors,
And left his belly full of nobleness.

_Du._ It pleased the King my Master,
For sundry vertues not unknown to him,
And the all-seeing state, to lend his hand,
And raise me to this Eminence, how this
May seem to other Men, or stir the minds
Of such as are my fellow Peers, I know not,
I would desire their loves in just designs.

_Wife._ Now by my faith he does well, very well:
Beshrew my heart I have not seen a better,
Of a raw fellow, that before this day
Never rehearst his state: 'tis marvellous well.

_Ser._ Is he not Duke indeed, see how he looks
As if his spirit were a last, or two
Above his veins, and stretcht his noble hide.

_Long._ Hee's high-brac't like a Drum, pray God he break not.

_Bew._ Why let him break, there's but a Calves-skin lost.

_Long._ May it please your Grace to see the City,
'Twill be to the minds and much contentment
Of the doubtful people.

_Du._ I am determin'd so, till my return
I leave my honour'd Dutchess to her chamber.
Be careful of your health, I pray you be so.

_Ser._ Your Grace shall suffer us your humble servants
To give attendance, fit so great a person
Upon your body.

_Du._ I am pleased so.

_Long._ Away good _Bewford_, raise a guard sufficient
To keep him from the reach of Tongues, be quick;
And do you hear, remember how the streets
Must be dispos'd with, for cries, and salutations.
Your Grace determines not to see the King--

_Du._ Not yet, I shall be ready ten dayes hence
To kiss his Highness hand, and give him thanks,
As it is fit I should for his great bounty.
Set forward Gentlemen.

_Groom._ Room for the Duke there. [_Exeunt Duke and Train._

_Wife._ 'Tis fit he should have room to shew his mightiness,
He swells so with his poyson,
'Tis better to reclaim ye thus, than make
A sheeps-head of you, It had been but your due;
But I have mercy Sir, and mean to reclaim you
By a directer course.
That Woman is not worthy of a Soul
That has the sovereign power to rule her husband,
And gives her title up, so long provided
As there be fair play, and his state not wrong'd.

_Enter_ Shattillion.

_Shat._ I would be glad to know whence this new Duke springs,
The people buz abroad; or by what title
He receiv'd his dignity, 'tis very strange
There should be such close jugling in the State,
But I am ty'd to silence, yet a day
May come, and soon to perfect all these doubts.

_Wife._ It is the mad _Shattillion_ by my Soul,
I suffer much for this poor Gentleman;
I'll speak to him, may be he yet knows me.
_Monsieur Shattilion._

_Shat._ Can you give me reason from whence
This great Duke sprang that walks abroad?

_Wife._ Even from the King himself.

_Shot._ As you are a Woman, I think you may be cover'd?
Yet your prayer would do no harm good Woman.

_Wife._ God preserve him.

_Enter_ Shattillions _Love_.

_Shat._ I say Amen, and so say all good Subjects.

_Love._ Lady, as ever you have lov'd, or shall,
As you have hope of heaven lend your hand,
And wit, to draw this poor distracted man
Under your roofe, from the broad eyes of people,
And wonder of the streets.

_Wife._ With all my heart;
My feeling of his grief and loss is much.

_Love._ Sir, now you are come so near the prison, will ye
Goe in, and visit your fair Love: poor soul
She would be glad to see you.

_Shat._ This same Duke is but
Apocryphal, there's no creation
That can stand where titles are not right.

_Lov._ 'Tis true, Sir.

_Shat._ That is another draught upon my life;
Let me examine well the words I spake.
The words I spake were, that this novel Duke
Is not o'th' true making, 'tis to me most certain.

_Wife._ You are as right, Sir, as you went by line.

_Shat._ And to the grief of many thousands more.

_Wife._ If there be any such, God comfort them.

_Shat._ Whose mouths may open when the time shall please;
I'm betray'd, commend me to the King,
And tell him I am sound, and crave but justice;
You shall not need to have your guard upon me,
Which I am sure are plac'd for my attachment;
Lead on; I'm obedient to my bonds.

_Lov._ Good Sir be not displeased with us;
We are but servants to his Highness will,
To make that good.

_Shat._ I do forgive you even with my heart;
Shall I entreat a favor?

_Wife._ Any thing.

_Shat._ To see my love before that fatal stroak,
And publish to the world my christian death,
And true obedience to the Crown of _France_.

_Lov._ I hope it shall not need Sir, for there is mercy
As well as Justice in his Royal heart. [_Exeunt._

_Enter three Gentlemen._

_1 Gent._ Every man take his corner, here am I,
You there, and you in that place, so be perfect,
Have a great care your cries be loud; and faces
Full of dejected fear and humbleness.
He comes.

_Enter_ Jaques.

_Ja._ Fye, how these streets are charg'd and swell'd
With these same rascally people! give more room,
Or I shall have occasion to distribute
A martial almes amongst you; as I am a Gentleman
I have not seen such rude disorder,
They follow him like a prize, there's no true gaper
Like to your Citizen, he will be sure
The Beares shall not pass by his door in peace,
But he and all his family will follow.
Room there afore: Sound:

_Enter Duke and his company._

_Ja._ Give room, and keep your places,
you may see enough; keep your places.

_Long._ These people are too far unmanner'd, thus
To stop your Graces way with multitudes.

_Du._ Rebuke them not, good _Monsieur_, 'tis their loves
Which I will answer, if it please my stars
To spare me life and health.

_2 Gen._ Bless your Grace.

_Du._ And you with all my heart.

_1 Gen._ Now heaven preserve your happy dayes:

_Du._ I thank you too.

_3. Gen._ Now Heaven save your Grace;

_Du._ I thank you all.

_Bew._ On there before.

_Du._ Stand Gentlemen, stay yet a while.
For I am minded to impart my love
To these good people, and my friends,
Whose love and prayers for my greatness,
Are equal in abundance, note me well,
And with my words; my heart? for as the Tree--

_Long._ Your Grace had best beware, 'twill be inform'd
Your greatness with the people.

_Duke._ I had more,
My honest, and ingenious people.--But
The weight of business hath prevented me.
I am call'd from you: but this tree I spake of
Shall bring forth fruit, I hope, to your content,
And so I share my bowels amongst you all.

_Omnes._ A noble Duke, a very noble Duke.

_Enter a Gentleman._

_Ser._ Afore there Gentlemen.

_Gen._ You'r faithfully met good _Monsieur Mount Marine_.

_Ser._ Be advis'd, the time is alter'd.

_Gen._ Is he not the same man he was afore?

_Duke._ Still the same man to you, Sir.

_Long._ You have received mighty Grace, be thankful.

_Gen._ Let me not dye in ignorance;

_Long._ You shall not.
Then know, the King out of his love, hath pleas'd
To stile him Duke of _Burgundy_.

_Gen._ O great Duke,
Thus low, I plead for pardon, and desire
To be enrol'd amongst your poorest slaves.

_Du._ Sir, you have mercy, and withal my hand,
From henceforth let me call you one of mine.

_Ser._ Make room afore there, and dismiss the people.

_Du._ Every Man to his house in peace and quiet.

_Peop._ Now heaven preserve the Duke, heaven bless the Duke.
[_Exeunt Omnes._

_Enter Wife._

_Wife._ This Letter came this morn from my Cosin
To the great Lady, high and mighty Duchess
Of _Burgundy_, be these delivered. Oh,
For a stronger lace to keep my breath
That I may laugh the nine days till the wonder
Fall to an ebb: the high and mighty Duchess?
The high and mighty God? what a stile is this!
Methinks it goes like a Duchy lope-man,
A ladder of 100 rounds will fail
To reach the top on't: well my gentle Cosin
I know by these contents, your itch of honor;
You must to the Court you say, and very shortly:
You shall be welcome; and if your wife have wit
I'll put her in a thriving course, if not
Her own sin on her own head, not a blot
Shall stain my reputation, only this
I must for healths sake sometimes make an ass
Of the tame moil my Husband; 'twill do him good,
And give him fresher brains, Me fresher bloud.
Now for the noble Duke, I hear him coming.

_Enter Duke, his train._

Your Grace is well return'd.

_Duke._ As well as may be:
Never in younger health, never more able:
I mean to be your bed-fellow this night,
Let me have good encounter.

_Bew._ Bless me heaven
What a hot meat this greatness is!

_Long._ It may be so,
For I'll be sworn he hath not got a snap
This two months on my knowledge, or her woman
Is damn'd for swearing it.

_Duke._ I thank you Gentlemen for your attendance
And also your great pains, pray know my Lodgings
Better and oftner, do so Gentlemen.
Now by my honor, as I am a Prince,
I speak sincerely, know my lodgings better,
And be not strangers, I shall see your service
And your deservings, when you least expect.

_Om._ We humbly thank your grace for this great favor.

_Du._ _Jaques?_

_Jaq._ Your Grace.

_Du._ Be ready for the Countrey,
And let my Tenants know the Kings great love:
Say I would see them, but the weight at Court
Lies heavy on my shoulders: let them know
I do expect their duties in attendance
Against the next feast, wait for my coming
To take up Post-horse, and be full of speed. [_Exit_ Jaq.

_Wife._ I would desire your Grace--

_Du._ You shall desire, and have your
Full desire: sweet Duchess speak.

_Wife._ To have some conference with a Gentleman
That seems not altogether void of reason.
He talks of Titles, and things near the Crown,
And knowing none so fit as your [good] Grace,
To give the difference in such points of State--

_Du._ What is he? if he be noble, or have any part
That's worthy our converse, we do accept him.

_Wife._ I can assure your Grace, his strain is noble,
But he's very subtle.

_Duke._ Let him be so.
Let him have all the brains, I shall demonstrate
How this most Christian Crown of _France_ can bear
No other shew of Title than the Kings.
I will go in and meditate for half an hour,
And then be ready for him presently,
I will convert him quickly, or confound him.

_Serv._ Is mad _Shattillion_ here?

_Wife._ Is here, and's Lady,
I prethee servant fetch him hither.

_Serv._ Why, what do you mean to put him to?

_Wife._ To chat with the mad lad my Husband;
'Twill be brave to hear them speak, babble,
Stare, and prate.

_Bew._ But what shall be the end of all this, Lady?

_Enter_ Shattillion _and Lady_.

_Wife._ Leave that to me, now for the grand dispute,
For see, here comes _Shattillion_: as I live, methinks
All _France_ should bear part of his griefs.

_Long._ I'll fetch my Lord the Duke.

_Shat._ Where am I now, or whether will you lead me?
To my death? I crave my priviledge,
I must not dye, but by just course of Law.

_Serv._ His Majesty hath sent by me your pardon,
He meant not you should dye; but would intreat you
To lay the full state of your Title open,
Unto a grave and Noble Gentleman.

_Enter_ Duke _and_ Longovile.

The Duke of _Burgundy_ who here doth come,
Who, either by his wisdom will confute you,
Or else inform and satisfie the King.

_Bew._ May't please your grace, this is the Gentleman.

_Duke._ Is this he that chops Logick with my Liege?

_Shat._ D'ye mock me? you are great, the time will come,
When you shall be as much contemn'd as I,
Where are the antient compliments of _France_,
The upstarts brave the Princes of the bloud?

_Duke._ Your Title Sir, in short.

_Shat._ He must Sir,
Be a better States-man than your self, that can
Trip me in any thing, I will not speak
Before these witnesses.

_Duke._ Depart the room, for none shall stay,
No, not my dearest Duchess.

_Wife._ We'll stand behind the Arras and hear all. [_Exeunt._

_Duke._ In that chair take your place, I in this,
Discourse your Title now.

_Shat._ Sir, you shall know,
My Loves true Title, mine by Marriage,
Setting aside the first race of _French_ Kings,
Which will not here concern us, as _Pharamond_,
With _Clodian_, _Meroveus_, and _Chilperick_,
And to come down unto the second Race,
Which we will likewise slip--

_Duke._ But take me with you.

_Shat._ I pray you give me leave, of _Martel Charles_,
The Father of King _Pippin_, who was, Sire
To _Charles_ the Great, and famous _Charlemain_.
And to come to the third Race of _French_ Kings,
Which will not be greatly pertinent in this cause,
Betwixt the King and me, of which you know
_HUGH CAPET_ was the first,
Next his Son _Robert_, _Henry_ then, and _Philip_
With _Lewis_, and his Son a _Lewis_ too,
And of that name the Seventh, but all this
Springs from a Female, as it shall appear.

_Duke._ Now give me leave, I grant you this your Title
At the first sight, carries some shew of truth;
But if ye weigh it well, ye shall find light.
Is not his Majesty possest in peace,
And justice executed in his name,
And can you think the most Christian King
Would do this if he saw not reason for it?

_Shat._ But had not the Tenth _Lewis_ a sole Daughter?

_Duke._ I cannot tell.

_Shat._ But answer me directly.

_Duke._ It is a most seditious question.

_Shat._ Is this your justice?

_Duke._ I stand for my King.

_Shat._ Was ever Heir-apparant thus abus'd?
I'll have your head for this.

_Duke._ Why, do your worst.

_Shat._ Will no one stir to apprehend this Traitor?
A guard about my person, will none come?
Must my own royal hands perform the deed?
Then thus I do arrest you.

_Duke._ Treason, help.

_Enter Wife_, Long. Bew. _and Serv._

_Wife._ Help, help, my Lord and Husband.

_Duke._ Help the Duke.

_Long._ Forbear his grace's person.

_Shat._ Forbear you to touch him that
Your Heir-apparent weds,
But by this hand, I will have all your heads. [_Exit._

_Serv._ How doth your Grace?

_Duke._ Why? well.

_Serv._ How do you find his Title?

_Duke._ 'Tis a dangerous one,
As can come by a female.

_Serv._ I, 'tis true,
But the Law _Salique_ cuts him off from all.

_Long._ I do beseech your Grace, how stands his Title?

_Duke._ Pew, nothing; the Law _Salique_ cuts him off from all.

_Wife._ My gracious Husband, you must now prepare,
In all your Graces pomp to entertain
Your Cosin, who is now a convertite,
And follows here, this night he will be here.

_Duke._ Be ready all in haste, I do intend,
To shew before my Cosin's wondring face,
The greatness of my pomp, and of my place. [_Exeunt omnes._

_Actus Quartus. Scaena Prima._

_Enter Cosin and his Wife._

_Cos._ Sirrah, is all things carried to the Tailor?
The measure, and the fashion of the Gown,
With the best trim?

_Man._ Yes Sir, and 'twill be ready within this two days.

_Cos._ For my self I care not,
I have a suit or two of antient Velvet;
Which with some small correcting and addition,
May steal into the presence.

_Wife._ Would my Gown were ready; Husband, I'll lay my life,
To make you something e'r to morrow night.

_Cos._ It must not be
Before we see the Duke, and have advice,
How to behave our selves: lets in the while,
And keep our selves from knowledge, till time shall call us.

_Enter_ Long. _and_ Bew.

_Long._ I much admire the fierce _masculine_ spirit,
Of this dread _Amazon_.

_Bew._ This following night I'll have a wench in solace.

_Long._ Sir, I hear you,
And will be with you if I live, no more.

_Enter_ Maria.

_Ma._ My Lady would intreat your presence, Gentlemen.

_Bew._ We will obey your Lady, she is worthy.

_Long._ You, light alone, a word, or two.

_Ma._ Your Will, Sir.

_Long._ Hark in your ear; wilt thou be married? speak, wilt thou
marry?

_Ma._ Married? to whom Sir?

_Long._ To a proper fellow, landed, and able bodied.

_Ma._ Why do you flout me, Sir?

_Long._ I swear I do not; I love thee for thy Ladies sake, be free?

_Ma._ If I could meet such matches as you speak of,
I were a very child to lose my time, Sir.

_Long._ What saist thou to Monsieur _Bewford_?

_Ma._ Sir, I say he's a proper Gentleman, and far
Above my means to look at.

_Long._ Dost thou like him?

_Ma._ Yes Sir, and ever did.

_Long._ He is thine own.

_Ma._ You are too great in promises.

_Long._ Be rul'd, and follow my advice, he shall be thine.

_Ma._ Would you would make it good, Sir.

_Long._ Do but thus,
Get thee a cushion underneath thy cloaths,
And leave the rest to me.

_Ma._ I'll be your scholar,
I cannot lose much by the venture sure.

_Long._ Thou wilt lose a pretty maidenhead, my rogue,
Or I am much o'th' bow hand, you'll remember
If all this take effect, who did it for you,
And what I may deserve for such a kindness.

_Ma._ Yours Sir. [_Exeunt._

_Enter_ Jaques _and_ Shattillion _severally_.

_Jaq._ Save ye Sir.

_Shat._ Save the King.

_Jaq._ I pray you Sir, which is the nearest way.

_Shat._ Save the King, this is the nearest way.

_Jaq._ Which is the nearest way to the Post-house?

_Shat._ God save the King and his Post-house.

_Jaq._ I pray Sir direct me to the house.

_Shat._ Heaven save the King, you cannot catch me, Sir.

_Jaq._ I do not understand you, Sir.

_Shat._ You do not, I say you cannot catch me, Sir.

_Jaq._ Not catch you, Sir?

_Shat._ No Sir, nor can the King,
With all his stratagems, and his forced tricks,
Although he put his Nobles in disguise;
Never so oft to sift into my words,
By course of Law, lay hold upon my life.

_Jaq._ It is business that my Lord the Duke
Is by the King imployed in, and he thinks
I am acquainted with it.

_Shat._ I shall not need to rip the cause up,
From the first, to you,
But if his Majesty had suffer'd me
To marry her, though she be after him,
The right heir general to the Crown of _France_.
I would not have convey'd her into _Spain_,
As it was thought, nor would I e'er have joyn'd,
With the reformed Churches, to make them,
Stand for my cause.

_Jaq._ I do not think you would.

_Shat._ I thank you Sir,
And since I see you are a favourer
Of virtues, kept in bondage;
Tell directly to my soveraign King,
For so I will acknowledge him for ever,
How you have found my staid affections
Setled for peace, and for the present state.

_Jaq._ Why Sir?

_Shat._ And good Sir, tell him further this,
That notwithstanding all suggestions
Brought to him against me, and all his suspitions,
Which are innumerable to my treasons,
If he will warrant me but publique trial,
I'll freely yeild my self into his hands;
Can he have more than this?

_Jaq._ No by my troth.

_Shat._ I would his Majesty would hear but reason,
As well as you.

_Jaq._ But Sir, you do mistake me,
For I never saw the King.
In all my life but once, therefore good Sir,
May it please you to shew me which is the Post-house.

_Sha._ I cry you mercy, Sir, then you are my friend.

_Jaq._ Yes Sir.

_Sha._ And such men are very rare with me,
The Post-house is hard by, farewel;

_Jaq._ I thank you, Sir, I must ride hard to night,
And it is dark already.

_Sha._ I am cruel, to send this man directly to his death
That is my friend, and I might easily save him,
He shall not dye, come back, my friend, come back.

_Jaq._ What is your Will?

_Sha._ Do you not know?

_Jaq._ Not I.

_Sha._ And do you gather nothing by my face?

_Jaq._ No Sir.

_Sha._ Virtue is ever innocent,
Lay not the fault on me, I grieve for you,
And wish that all my tears might win your safety.

_Jaq._ Why Sir?

_Sha._ Alas good friend you are undone,
The more ill fortune, mine to be the means
Of your sad overthrow, you know not me.

_Jaq._ No truly Sir.

_Sha._ Would you had never seen me,
I am a man pursu'd by the whole state
And sure some one hath seen me talk with you.

_Jaq._ Yes, divers Sir.

_Sha._ Why then your head is gone.

_Jaq._ I'll out of town.

_Sha._ Would it were soon enough,
Stay if you love your life, or else you are taken.

_Jaq._ What shall I do?

_Sha._ I'll venture deeply for him,
Rather than to cast away an innocent,
Take courage friend, I will preserve thy life,
With hazard of mine own.

_Jaq._ I thank you, Sir.

_Sha._ This night thou shalt be lodg'd within my doors,
Which shall be all lock'd fast, and in the morn
I'll so provide, you shall have free access,
To the Sea-side, and so be shipt away,
E'r any know it.

_Jaq._ Good Sir, suddainly, I am afraid to dye.

_Sha._ Then follow me. [_Exeunt_.

_Enter_ Shatillion's _Love._

_Love._ This way he went, and there's the house, I hope,
His better Angel hath directed him,
To leave the wandring streets, poor Gentleman.
Would I were able with as free a heart,
To set his soul right, as I am to grieve,
The ruine of his fame, which God forgive me;
Sir, if you be within, I pray Sir speak to me.

_Sha._ I am within, and will be; what are you?

_Love._ A friend.

_Sha._ No Sir, you must pardon me,
I am acquainted with none such: be speedy,
Friend, there is no other remedy.

_Love._ A word Sir, I say, I am your friend.

_Sha._ You cannot scape by any other means,
Be not fearful, God save the King,
What's your business, Sir?

_Lov._ To speak with you.

_Sha._ Speak out then.

_Lov._ Shall I not come up?

_Sha._ Thou shalt not: flie if thou be'st thine own friend,
There lies the suit and all the furniture
Belonging to the head, on with it friend.

_Lov._ Sir do you hear?

_Sha._ I do, God bless the King,
It was a habit I had laid aside,
For my own person, if the state had forced me.

_Love._ Good Sir, unlock your door.

_Sha._ Be full of speed, I see some 20 Musquetiers in ambush
Whate'r thou art, know I am here and will be,
Seest thou this bloody sword that cries revenge?
Shake not my friend, through millions of these foes
I'll be thy guard, and set thee safe aboard.

_Lov._ Dare you not trust me, Sir?

_Sha._ My good sword before me,
And my allegeance to the King I tell thee
Captain (for so I ghess thee by thy Arms)
And the loose flanks of Halberdiers about thee,
Thou art too weak, and foolish to attempt me.
If you be ready, follow me, and hark you
Upon your life speak to no living wight,
Except my self.

_Love._ Monsieur _Shattillion_?

_Sha._ Thou shalt not call agen; thus with my sword,
And the strong faith I bear unto the King;
Whom God preserve, I will de[sc]end my chamber,
And cut thy throat, I swear I'll cut thy throat,
Steal after me and live.

_Love._ I will not stay.
The fury of a man so far distracted. [_Exit_ Love.

_Enter_ Shattillion.

Where's the Officer that dares not enter,
To intrap the life of my distressed friend?
I, have you hid your self? you must be found,
What do you fear? is not authority on your side
Nay, I know the Kings command
Will be your warrant, why then fear you? speak
What strange designs are these? _Shattillion_,
Be resolute and bear thy self upright,
Though the whole world despise thee: soft, methinks.
I heard a rushing which was like the shake
Of a discovered Officer, I'll search
The whole street over, but I'll find thee out. [_Exit._

_Enter_ Jaques _in womans apparel_.

_Jaq._ How my joynts do shake, where had I been
But for this worthy Gentleman, that
Hath some touch of my infortunes; would I were
Safe under hatches once, for _Callicut_,
Farewel the pomp of Court, I never more
Can hope to be a Duke or any thing,
I never more shall see the glorious face
Of my fair spreading Lord that lov'd me well.

_Enter_ Shattillion.

_Shat._ Fly you so fast? I had a sight of you,
But would not follow you; I was too wise,
You shall not lead me with a cunning trick;
Where you may catch me; poor _Shattillion_;
Hath the Kings anger left thee never a friend?
No, all mens loves move by the breath of Kings.

_Jaq._ It is the Gentleman that sav'd my life, Sir.

_Shat._ Bless _Shattillion_, another plot.

_Jaq._ No Sir, 'tis I.

_Shat._ Why, who are you?

_Jaq._ Your friend whom you preserv'd.

_Shat._ Whom I preserv'd?
My friend? I have no woman friend but one,
Who is too close in prison to be here;
Come near, let me look on you.

_Jaq._ 'Tis I.

_Shat._ You should not be a woman by your stature.

_Jaq._ I am none, Sir.

_Shat._ I know it, then keep off,
Strange men and times! how I am still preserv'd!
Here they have sent a yeoman of the guard,
Disguis'd in womans clothes, to work on me,
To make love to me; and to trap my words,
And so insnare my life, I know you, Sir,
Stand back, upon your peril, can this be
In _Christian_ Common-weals, from this time forth
I'll cut off all the means to work on me,
I'll ne'er stir from my house: and keep my doors
Lockt day and night, and cheapen meat and drink
At the next shops by Signs, out of my window,
And having bought it, draw it up in my garters.

_Jaq._ Sir, will you help me?

_Shat._ Do not follow me,
I'll take a course to live, despight of men. [_Exit_ Shat.

_Jaq._ He dares not venture for me, wretched _Jaques_!
Thou art undone for ever and for ever,
Never to rise again? what shall I do?

_Enter_ Bewfort.

Where shall I hide me? here's one to take me,
I must stand close, and not speak for my life.

_Bew._ This is the time of night, and this the haunt,
In which I use to catch my Wastcoatiers,
It is not very dark, no, I shall spie 'em,
I have walk't out in such a pitchy night.
I could not see my fingers this far off,
And yet have brought home venison by the smell,
I hope they have not left their old walk, ah?
Have I spied you sitting by this light?
To me there's no such fine sight in the world,
As a white apron 'twixt twelve and one;
See how it glisters! do you think to scape?
See now I have you fast; come, and do not strive,
It takes away the edge of appetite;
Come, I'll be liberal every way.
Take heed you make no noise, for waking of the Watch. [_Exeunt._

_Enter Cosin and his Wife._

_Cos._ Now the blessing of some happy guide,
To bring us to the Duke, and we are ready.

_Enter_ Long. _and Servant_.

Come forward, see the door is open'd,
And two of his Gent. I'll speak to them,
And mark how I behave my self, God save ye;
For less I cannot wish to men of sort, and of your seeming:
Are you of the Dukes?

_Long._ We are, Sir, and your servants, your salutes,
We give you back again with many thanks.

_Cos._ When did you hear such words before Wife? peace,
Do you not dare to answer yet; is't fit
So mean a Gentleman as my self should crave,
The presence of the great Duke your Master?

_Serv._ Sir you may.

_Long._ Shall we desire your name, and business, Sir?
And we will presently inform him of you.

_Cos._ My name is _Cleremont_.

_Serv._ You are his Graces kinsman,
Or I am much mistaken?