ACTUS TERTIUS. SCENA PRIMA.
Enter De Castro and Dessandro.
Des. Tush! they had only tongue
And malice; and that great zeal they
Seem'd to owe to Rome was unto themselves
And their own estates. What were they but wranglers
In schools and law? and studied words to make men
Guilty. They liv'd at ease; and slept in purples and
Warm furs; but bold-minded Catiline threat'ned
Their wise sleeps.
And malice; and that great zeal they
Seem'd to owe to Rome was unto themselves
And their own estates. What were they but wranglers
In schools and law? and studied words to make men
Guilty. They liv'd at ease; and slept in purples and
Warm furs; but bold-minded Catiline threat'ned
Their wise sleeps.
De C. There was too much attempt and fact in't.
Des. 'Twas fact then to look sour on a gownman:
They were mere citizens, jealous of their wives
And daughters—that condemn'd 'em too!
De Castro, there's a lethargy in our blood:
We sleep and dream away our lives. If such
Wore purple for well-talking, what shall he merit,
That cures the wounds and smart his country groans with?
They were mere citizens, jealous of their wives
And daughters—that condemn'd 'em too!
De Castro, there's a lethargy in our blood:
We sleep and dream away our lives. If such
Wore purple for well-talking, what shall he merit,
That cures the wounds and smart his country groans with?
De C. The people shall enshrine his name with reverence;
And fill their temples with his statues. 'Tis
The great end we are all born to.
And fill their temples with his statues. 'Tis
The great end we are all born to.
Des. Which can't be, whilst by-respect shall closely
Wound the bosom of our laws and freedom:
For what was't less, that took our father's life?
Wound the bosom of our laws and freedom:
For what was't less, that took our father's life?
De C. In whose blow the heads of all brave men were
Threat'ned.
Threat'ned.
Des. Then, if we dare not do a general good,
Yet let us secure our own dear lives and honours.
Yet let us secure our own dear lives and honours.
De C. The State is full of dangerous whispers.
Des. There's an imposthume swells it.
De C. Wou'd 'twere lanc'd!
Des. Spoken with the soul of Cassius! We have the cure,
And may do it with a little stir. But then
We must deal like true physicians of state;
And where we find it ulcer'd (though in ourselves,
Friends and allies), not lay soft effeminate hands on't.
Nature has made us nearest to ourselves:
And I would pay the last warm drop of blood
From all these veins, to see the hopes and honours of our blood
(That's now benighted in our father's fate)
Dawn on De Castro's youth again.
And may do it with a little stir. But then
We must deal like true physicians of state;
And where we find it ulcer'd (though in ourselves,
Friends and allies), not lay soft effeminate hands on't.
Nature has made us nearest to ourselves:
And I would pay the last warm drop of blood
From all these veins, to see the hopes and honours of our blood
(That's now benighted in our father's fate)
Dawn on De Castro's youth again.
De C. No, Dessandro; these hopes are lost upon a high
And angry sea; and I must see fools and stale
Parasites (whose progeny ne'er bled one drop, nor had
A valiant thought to serve their country) begin
A spurious issue on my birthright, that will on tiptoes,
Collossus-like, bestride us, and grasp our fate.
And angry sea; and I must see fools and stale
Parasites (whose progeny ne'er bled one drop, nor had
A valiant thought to serve their country) begin
A spurious issue on my birthright, that will on tiptoes,
Collossus-like, bestride us, and grasp our fate.
Des. Take me into thy bosom, brave man; we meet
Like amorous streams, and as we ought;
Our honour, life and fortunes have but one heart.
Give me thy hand, De Castro. This sword [Draws.
Our father hath oft made glorious in the blood
Of De Castro's foes; and I'll not doubt,
How much it prompts thy valiant soul.
O brother, tears, and some sad discourse,
Is all that we have paid him yet. Strangers
Can be far braver in their sense unto his fame.
The tears we ought to shed ought to be blood, De Castro!
Blood, warm from their veins, that made us weep
In streams, and mingle it with the dust of vulgar
Feet, as they did his. Swear by all the glorious acts
Of our great ancestry, their hallowed urns,
Our father's injur'd memory, and all
The hopes and honour we derive from them,
To pay his blood a sad account in some
Revenge, worthy his ghost and our bold hands.
Like amorous streams, and as we ought;
Our honour, life and fortunes have but one heart.
Give me thy hand, De Castro. This sword [Draws.
Our father hath oft made glorious in the blood
Of De Castro's foes; and I'll not doubt,
How much it prompts thy valiant soul.
O brother, tears, and some sad discourse,
Is all that we have paid him yet. Strangers
Can be far braver in their sense unto his fame.
The tears we ought to shed ought to be blood, De Castro!
Blood, warm from their veins, that made us weep
In streams, and mingle it with the dust of vulgar
Feet, as they did his. Swear by all the glorious acts
Of our great ancestry, their hallowed urns,
Our father's injur'd memory, and all
The hopes and honour we derive from them,
To pay his blood a sad account in some
Revenge, worthy his ghost and our bold hands.
De C. All which religiously I vow to.
Des. And I. So now we are brothers by as strong
Divinity as nature. I'll not break open the
Design, till we shall hear't confirm'd by higher warrant:
Anon meet at the Duchess-Dowager's.
Divinity as nature. I'll not break open the
Design, till we shall hear't confirm'd by higher warrant:
Anon meet at the Duchess-Dowager's.
De C. Claudilla's?
Des. Yes; where you shall hear something worthy the
Encouragement of our father's spirit in thee.
I am now to wait upon the duke: he
That keeps us what we are.
Encouragement of our father's spirit in thee.
I am now to wait upon the duke: he
That keeps us what we are.
De C. The duke!—--I have the game in view,
And now discern what I must pay him for my place.
And now discern what I must pay him for my place.
Des. You are full of thoughts, my lord!
De C. Brother, our lives are on the cast; but 'tis not that
Does interpose 'em. There's something in my fears
Still presents Cleara. Take heed, Dessandro;
A virgin's tears leave sad and fatal prints.
Does interpose 'em. There's something in my fears
Still presents Cleara. Take heed, Dessandro;
A virgin's tears leave sad and fatal prints.
Des. Your wishes are a brother's; but those dreams
Chill not my sleeps. Think on that concerns us
Near, and be active.
Chill not my sleeps. Think on that concerns us
Near, and be active.
De C. I shall not fail ye. Farewell! [Exit De Castro.
Enter Pirez.
Des. Your lordship's pardon: Which way walk you?
Pir. As you please to dispose me; my business
Now designs it so: 'Tis there, in short.
Now designs it so: 'Tis there, in short.
[Gives a paper, which Dessandro reads.
I love this gallant mastery of a man's self:
I look'd his temper would have flam'd about my ears.
Not a sparkle in his brow, nor the least change of blood.
Strange! I have seen him ruffl'd into a storm,
And all fury: now, not a frown nor smile!
I look'd his temper would have flam'd about my ears.
Not a sparkle in his brow, nor the least change of blood.
Strange! I have seen him ruffl'd into a storm,
And all fury: now, not a frown nor smile!
Des. De Flame? Well,
My lord, this is a down-flat challenge.
My lord, this is a down-flat challenge.
Pir. I brought it for one.
Des. I accept it, with thanks to your lordship, and shall be
Ready to serve you in any power I have.
Ready to serve you in any power I have.
Pir. 'Tis not worth it, colonel.
Des. The Lord de Flame's angry, it seems, that Fortune should
Give me right without his hand in't; he has turn'd his style
High and strangely on me: But I shall coolly respite
That, till we have room to argue it. That he is
Far more worthy his expectations in the duchess, I can
Confess: that's no assent, sir, to my quarrel, nor yet
A law to her. For those, whom her thoughts please
To think most worthy, are so to her.
Give me right without his hand in't; he has turn'd his style
High and strangely on me: But I shall coolly respite
That, till we have room to argue it. That he is
Far more worthy his expectations in the duchess, I can
Confess: that's no assent, sir, to my quarrel, nor yet
A law to her. For those, whom her thoughts please
To think most worthy, are so to her.
Pir. But does not bind the opinion of another.
Des. Nor that opinion her freedom.
Pir. Yet there be rules in virtue, from which all noble
Judgments should take their level, even in love itself.
Judgments should take their level, even in love itself.
Des. If it be thought she's too partial in her grace
To me, I shall dispute it, as 'tis question'd.
To me, I shall dispute it, as 'tis question'd.
Pir. I come not to add exceptions, or to make any.
Des. I stand not in so cheap a rank, but that her
Favour may make my services as meritorious
As his lordship's, and can engage as much blood and
Fame for't.
Favour may make my services as meritorious
As his lordship's, and can engage as much blood and
Fame for't.
Pir. You know him of a noble breast, and one
That will not flatter weak pretences into truths;
Nor let 'em work with such impressions on his soul,
Did not his honour bleed in't. Sir, I come,
As one that ever honour'd your great parts,
And wish that you could think on't o'er again.
Think how black you must expect that morn to rise
Upon your wishes, when you lead her to the altar;
Where the faint lights with blue and ghastly flames
Will receive ye; and all the things of holy ceremony
Present pale glimmerings to your eyes, to fright your bride
Back unto her first vows. And then, methinks,
Each tear and groan the fair Cleara sends
To overtake ye, should show a speaking fury
To untwine your trembling hands.
That will not flatter weak pretences into truths;
Nor let 'em work with such impressions on his soul,
Did not his honour bleed in't. Sir, I come,
As one that ever honour'd your great parts,
And wish that you could think on't o'er again.
Think how black you must expect that morn to rise
Upon your wishes, when you lead her to the altar;
Where the faint lights with blue and ghastly flames
Will receive ye; and all the things of holy ceremony
Present pale glimmerings to your eyes, to fright your bride
Back unto her first vows. And then, methinks,
Each tear and groan the fair Cleara sends
To overtake ye, should show a speaking fury
To untwine your trembling hands.
Des. No; nor all the squadrons hell can spare
To aid them—though her brother led them on,
And you brought up the rear!
To aid them—though her brother led them on,
And you brought up the rear!
Pir. Sir!
Des. Pish! the meanest thought Claudilla
Pleases to bestow here (under this humble guard)
Must be without the affright (my lord) of all the
Dangers in his muster, stare they like giants
On me, and in armies. As for Cleara,
If she held flattering glasses to her thoughts
Which render'd 'em wide and airy, they must not forfeit
Me. You may deserve her better. I'll not start, sir,
A scruple from his demands and yours. Expect it,
And so farewell. [Going off.
Pleases to bestow here (under this humble guard)
Must be without the affright (my lord) of all the
Dangers in his muster, stare they like giants
On me, and in armies. As for Cleara,
If she held flattering glasses to her thoughts
Which render'd 'em wide and airy, they must not forfeit
Me. You may deserve her better. I'll not start, sir,
A scruple from his demands and yours. Expect it,
And so farewell. [Going off.
Pir. Farewell.——The time?
Des. I shall think on't.
Pir. Shall? It must not so tamely be thought on.
Des. How?
Pir. I spoke it, sir.
Des. Are you sent to own the quarrel?
Pir. No; but look on't with so much soul, as I think't
An honour to wear a sword in't.
An honour to wear a sword in't.
Des. Go, go hang it in your mistress's chamber!
It stinks, sir, of perfume.
It stinks, sir, of perfume.
Pir. It may, sir (for destiny has many ways to the wood[26]),
Cut your throat; and then I'll give't your footboy.
Cut your throat; and then I'll give't your footboy.
Des. My throat, Pirez! that saucy thought has
Ruin'd thee. [Fight.
Ruin'd thee. [Fight.
Enter Sampayo and De Loome.
Samp. Hold, hold, colonel.
De L. My lord, y'are hurt. [To Pirez.
Pir. I must owe him this for't.
Des. Canst talk yet?
Samp. Command your passion; see how the common herd
Come gazing in. Do not become their talk
And wonder. Noble Dessandro! put up, my lord!
Thank ye. [They part.
Come gazing in. Do not become their talk
And wonder. Noble Dessandro! put up, my lord!
Thank ye. [They part.
De L. Sir, my lord duke sent me to tell you
He expects your company.
He expects your company.
Des. I wait on him. [To Pirez.] Bid the ladies tear
Their clean smocks to wrap you in.
Their clean smocks to wrap you in.
Pir. Insolent man! [Offers to fight.
Samp. Again! [Exeunt.
Enter three Townsmen, as the Watch.
1st T. Was not I about to tell you so? They
would be afraid of true men, when we came.
would be afraid of true men, when we came.
2d T. By'r lady; but that mun not serve their
turns; for we must know flatly which was plantan
and which defendam,[27] or we shall discharge but a
sorry conscience to the king's justice.
turns; for we must know flatly which was plantan
and which defendam,[27] or we shall discharge but a
sorry conscience to the king's justice.
1st T. I'll take my oath upon the corporal Bible,
I saw two glittering swords run a tilt, and two to
that, if need be.
I saw two glittering swords run a tilt, and two to
that, if need be.
2d T. Neighbours, I cannot tell; we are old
men, or should be at least; some of us have lived
threescore years and upwards in a parish, as they
say; I name nobody; and therefore it is good to be
sure, and make all our tales bonum fidrum: for we
are not all one man's children. And yet, if I be
not mistaken, I am sure I saw three more, and
glittering ones indeed, as you call them. God bless
every good man and woman from the like! They
e'en yearned my heart; and yet, by my fay, I am
a hundred and two, come the time.
men, or should be at least; some of us have lived
threescore years and upwards in a parish, as they
say; I name nobody; and therefore it is good to be
sure, and make all our tales bonum fidrum: for we
are not all one man's children. And yet, if I be
not mistaken, I am sure I saw three more, and
glittering ones indeed, as you call them. God bless
every good man and woman from the like! They
e'en yearned my heart; and yet, by my fay, I am
a hundred and two, come the time.
3d T. You talk like sucking infants. Neighbours,
I'll be sworn, if I were to take my oath before
the best man living, high or low, there was
twenty drawn swords, little and great. I'm sure,
I might ha' seen 'em, like a fool, had I been worth
my head, but my little boy Jack did.
I'll be sworn, if I were to take my oath before
the best man living, high or low, there was
twenty drawn swords, little and great. I'm sure,
I might ha' seen 'em, like a fool, had I been worth
my head, but my little boy Jack did.
1st T. La, there; and that same's a murrain
wise boy, if you mark him, and will see a thing, I
warrant you, as soon as the wisest of us all, were
he twice as old again.
wise boy, if you mark him, and will see a thing, I
warrant you, as soon as the wisest of us all, were
he twice as old again.
3d T. I could ha' seen too at his bigness, for all
I'm lame now, God help us! You remember the
Powder Plot?
I'm lame now, God help us! You remember the
Powder Plot?
2d T. Powder Plot, quotha! I shall not forget
it, while the world stands.
it, while the world stands.
1st T. Nor I, were I to die a thousand deaths.
3d T. That very day was I working in our garret.
2d T. Say you so?
1st T. Nay, neighbours, beshrew me, this may
be true; for I have known this man here able to
do as tight a day's work by noon, as the tallest
fellow the king keeps (God bless him!) take him
from top to toe.
be true; for I have known this man here able to
do as tight a day's work by noon, as the tallest
fellow the king keeps (God bless him!) take him
from top to toe.
3d T. All's one for that. Mark me! there has
not been a glass window there time out of mind:
since I came nor after; and I tell you truly (I'm
a false liar else) I smelt the powder as hot as if it
had been done the next day.
not been a glass window there time out of mind:
since I came nor after; and I tell you truly (I'm
a false liar else) I smelt the powder as hot as if it
had been done the next day.
1st T. See, see, the wind! the wind, neighbours,
is much; God bless us!
is much; God bless us!
3d T. Go to; I am no made fool, though a born
fool, my masters. True, the wind may be something,
as you say. But if there had not been
something else, I would not give a fart for't. I did
not work at court with a master-carpenter for
nothing, my boys; and see the king's grace fasting
and full, as I did, to a hairsbreadth, as they
say. Let me alone for casting my cards, give me but
ground enough; and yet I can neither write nor
read, heaven make me thankful!
fool, my masters. True, the wind may be something,
as you say. But if there had not been
something else, I would not give a fart for't. I did
not work at court with a master-carpenter for
nothing, my boys; and see the king's grace fasting
and full, as I did, to a hairsbreadth, as they
say. Let me alone for casting my cards, give me but
ground enough; and yet I can neither write nor
read, heaven make me thankful!
2d T. Heaven make us all thankful! I have seen
the king too in my prime, and gave him a beck
upon his milk-white steed; as near as one should
say, what's this? and all his royal lords and ladies
sporting.
the king too in my prime, and gave him a beck
upon his milk-white steed; as near as one should
say, what's this? and all his royal lords and ladies
sporting.
1st T. Ay, ay, those were the days (peace be
with 'em!) a poor man's tale might be heard at court.
There are some lords and ladies now were lousy then.
with 'em!) a poor man's tale might be heard at court.
There are some lords and ladies now were lousy then.
3d T. Go thy ways, by the rood! Nay, he'll have
his old talk, for all the world, up and down.
his old talk, for all the world, up and down.
1st T. It was ever my condition; I care not who
knows it; and yet I never scathed the least sucking
child that begs his bread; but little does
another man know where the king's shoe wrings
him, but those that wear it, as my mother would
often say; and she lived long enough to know it.
knows it; and yet I never scathed the least sucking
child that begs his bread; but little does
another man know where the king's shoe wrings
him, but those that wear it, as my mother would
often say; and she lived long enough to know it.
3d T. Nay, that's certain; the king's but a man,
as we three are; no more is the queen, if you go
to that. Did you never hear of my uncle's observations?
He's but a poor knave (as they call him),
but such a knave as cares neither for king nor
kæsar, the least on 'em.
as we three are; no more is the queen, if you go
to that. Did you never hear of my uncle's observations?
He's but a poor knave (as they call him),
but such a knave as cares neither for king nor
kæsar, the least on 'em.
1st T. Then he may be hanged, neighbour Palmer.
3d T. If he be, he's not the first that has been
hanged for treason, I hope. [Exeunt.
hanged for treason, I hope. [Exeunt.
Enter the Duke and Claudilla.
Duke. That frown was shot with pretty tyranny
From your brow; but this kiss shall sacrifice
Me to my Claudilla's bosom.
From your brow; but this kiss shall sacrifice
Me to my Claudilla's bosom.
Claud. You'll sully your honour in't; widows
are but rumpled stuff.
are but rumpled stuff.
Duke. That again! By all my hopes and by
thyself, the next and greatest—
thyself, the next and greatest—
Claud. Your brother's crown's betwixt us.
Claud. Alas! he sighs all.
Duke. And, like some crude chaplain, spits most
Of his mind.
Of his mind.
Claud. Yet the tame dove can tire me sometimes
With penn'd speeches, when we're alone, and flatter.
I'm resolv'd to bestow him on my woman.
With penn'd speeches, when we're alone, and flatter.
I'm resolv'd to bestow him on my woman.
Duke. Now he can come to hand. Ha, ha, thinking men never love heartily, unless they be dank powder.
Claud. His courtship is like thick embroidery upon
Slight stuff. I must confess, I never
Lov'd the man, only as a rich gown out of
Fashion, for a day's change sometimes at home,
When I take physic.
Slight stuff. I must confess, I never
Lov'd the man, only as a rich gown out of
Fashion, for a day's change sometimes at home,
When I take physic.
Duke. You may wear him as you please, and to what
Purpose; his honest nature was meant you so;
But Dessandro is the man of men (I must confess),
That I could wish most near you now.
Purpose; his honest nature was meant you so;
But Dessandro is the man of men (I must confess),
That I could wish most near you now.
Claud. Dessandro!
Duke. And suddenly, before your honour blush too palpably:
I have discovered him and his devotions.
I have discovered him and his devotions.
Claud. Then your brains were in his plot.
Duke. 'Twas his own.
Claud. Stol'n from some romance or play! but
For De Flame——
For De Flame——
Duke. One wheel will move another to the period.
Claud. Methinks, his soft and easy spirit should be
The fitter engine, and more pliant to your aim.
The fitter engine, and more pliant to your aim.
Duke. He has too much of Venus in his mixture; all his
Desires would be at home still in the circle of those
Eyes: the other is all fire, and thinks that fame
Too cheap, that's found so near; and there will
Want such men abroad.
Desires would be at home still in the circle of those
Eyes: the other is all fire, and thinks that fame
Too cheap, that's found so near; and there will
Want such men abroad.
Claud. But where's my honour, duke?
Duke. Lock'd in my heart and cares: the king must die,
Claudilla, to smoothe the way, and lift us to our wishes.
Claudilla, to smoothe the way, and lift us to our wishes.
Claud. That still is talk'd on.
Duke. His last glass is now turn'd, and runs apace.
He gives thee to Dessandro, and is your guest; and
That night receives eternal thanks for't. Then
(My fair) Dessandro cannot want lustre and honour for
Your bed, nor thy commands, what all Castile can give.
He gives thee to Dessandro, and is your guest; and
That night receives eternal thanks for't. Then
(My fair) Dessandro cannot want lustre and honour for
Your bed, nor thy commands, what all Castile can give.
Claud. I understand not, sir.
Duke. Thou shalt in time. O my Claudilla! my best and nearest
Joy, our loves have been entire as a flame: one centre
To our thoughts and wishes; and crown our bosoms with
Delight and safety. But they are come.
Joy, our loves have been entire as a flame: one centre
To our thoughts and wishes; and crown our bosoms with
Delight and safety. But they are come.
Enter De Castro and Dessandro.
Claud. I have not known so little of his fame
To be a stranger to his worth. Sir, I honour it:
Nor am I so proud and dark in my opinion,
To think I stand upon myself, but stoop in
Honour to one of his deserts and blood. This is
The way, my lord, I ever summ'd up man, and set
His titles down but for cyphers.
To be a stranger to his worth. Sir, I honour it:
Nor am I so proud and dark in my opinion,
To think I stand upon myself, but stoop in
Honour to one of his deserts and blood. This is
The way, my lord, I ever summ'd up man, and set
His titles down but for cyphers.
Duke. Which will most clearly show his merits, and heighten
Them in value to you; for, madam, look on him
In the spring of his deserts; and you'll say, titles
Are but narrow spheres; and if honoured actions
Be the soul and breath, he's then above them,
And stands in the first rank of men.
Them in value to you; for, madam, look on him
In the spring of his deserts; and you'll say, titles
Are but narrow spheres; and if honoured actions
Be the soul and breath, he's then above them,
And stands in the first rank of men.
Des. I shall want life to pay this debt. [Aside.
Claud. But, with your grace's favour, I must be tender here:
For I stand a tall mark to voice and censure;
And need not tell your highness, with what strong
Expectation the Count de Flame hath long
Time visited me.
For I stand a tall mark to voice and censure;
And need not tell your highness, with what strong
Expectation the Count de Flame hath long
Time visited me.
Duke. If you will stand engaged, madam,
I am silent.
I am silent.
Claud. No, sir—but——
Duke. You expect honour and fortune to your bed:
I know Castile owns not a subject (I'll not
Except myself; and had I another's freedom, I should
Not speak my wishes in a second person) that
Looks not with ambition on you: but, madam, weigh
Them all; take but off their grains of fortune,
He shall hoist them into the air; and to my
Wish he's come. Dessandro, your name was
Mentioned—happily, I hope. Let me present
His value to your grace's hand; and to a sister,
Madam, I would say, her bosom.
I know Castile owns not a subject (I'll not
Except myself; and had I another's freedom, I should
Not speak my wishes in a second person) that
Looks not with ambition on you: but, madam, weigh
Them all; take but off their grains of fortune,
He shall hoist them into the air; and to my
Wish he's come. Dessandro, your name was
Mentioned—happily, I hope. Let me present
His value to your grace's hand; and to a sister,
Madam, I would say, her bosom.
De C. You purchase our poor lives too highly, sir.
Duke. I would have rich jewels set to their worth;
And shall be proud to give any advantage unto his.
The Duchess shall not slight me in't: I will be
Heard against the proudest courtship that shall
Charm her. Come, my lord, what sport will you
Win some ducats at?
And shall be proud to give any advantage unto his.
The Duchess shall not slight me in't: I will be
Heard against the proudest courtship that shall
Charm her. Come, my lord, what sport will you
Win some ducats at?
De C. I will lose some at any your grace pleases.
Duke. My brother has got a fortunate hand of late
'Gainst all the court: I cannot rise at even terms
From him.
'Gainst all the court: I cannot rise at even terms
From him.
De C. I saw him draw deep from your grace last night.
Duke. Two thousand ducats; but I expect 'em
with interest again.
with interest again.
Des. I cannot pawn myself to the unworthy ends
Of flattery and compliment; but this honour
Outbids the value of a thousand lives:
What this poor glimpse of expression can show me in;
Saints are not more unfeigned in their prayers,
Than I to serve you.
Of flattery and compliment; but this honour
Outbids the value of a thousand lives:
What this poor glimpse of expression can show me in;
Saints are not more unfeigned in their prayers,
Than I to serve you.
Claud. I shall not doubt, how much I may be indebted
To your noble wishes; but let me add, sir, he that
Lays out for me without my warrant, shall scarcely
Put it on my account for thanks—much less, debt.
To your noble wishes; but let me add, sir, he that
Lays out for me without my warrant, shall scarcely
Put it on my account for thanks—much less, debt.
Des. Not good devotions!
Claud. Them I desire, and shall repay.
Des. Then pay back mine.
Claud. I'm not to learn my prayers, sir.
Des. Teach me yours, that I may turn the virtue
Of their charms back to your bosom.
Of their charms back to your bosom.
Claud. Colonel, mine would hardly please you;
I never pray for wars.
I never pray for wars.
Duke. You have back-friends, my lord?
Duke. It wou'd spread to me too, if they durst.
De C. Had they but so much virtue left, they durst
Own their names by, I should make pale envy blush.
Own their names by, I should make pale envy blush.
Duke. Come, we'll to cards, and leave them to parl. [Exeunt.
Des. Madam, but mean it in a smile.
Claud. What!
Des. Love.
Claud. Fie!
Des. Yet stay; the air has busy wings. But give
The thought consent, and I will take it in soft
Whispers from your lip.
The thought consent, and I will take it in soft
Whispers from your lip.
Claud. You will?
Des. I feel it creep in flames through all my blood!
Enter De Flame.
Claud. Sir, the Count de Flame!
Des. With a black evening in his face!
De F. O my faithful Achilles, I came
To give you joy!
To give you joy!
Claud. Who! me, sir?
De F. My virtuous friend and you.
Claud. Of what?
De F. Of your entertainment under him. Y' have a brave commander,
And he a—I cannot be angry enough to tell you what.
And he a—I cannot be angry enough to tell you what.
Claud. I begin to doubt his wits; he looks so ghastly.
De F. Yes, I see a devil in those eyes, that makes my hair
Stare upward. False woman, my love durst scarce
Doubt before, what now I find and tremble at.
But heaven has wrath in ambush and scorpion-stings!
Stare upward. False woman, my love durst scarce
Doubt before, what now I find and tremble at.
But heaven has wrath in ambush and scorpion-stings!
Claud. For what, my lord?
De F. Duchess, thy perjury and warm engagements
To this, this huge impostor!
To this, this huge impostor!
Claud. Sir, he has crack'd his brains with poetry;
Pray, forgive him——
Pray, forgive him——
Des. Count, you know what privilege this roof can give
You on my anger, or else I should make your frenzy
Tongueless. Don't requite it barbarously on her,
That gives you leave to live by it. Gather your
Scatter'd wits up; go home, sir, and repent.
You on my anger, or else I should make your frenzy
Tongueless. Don't requite it barbarously on her,
That gives you leave to live by it. Gather your
Scatter'd wits up; go home, sir, and repent.
De F. Privilege!
I'll meet thee in a ring of flames, or on the tempest
Of some billow, upon whose back the raging north wind strides:
Yet I'd not ha' thee lose one spark of thy full man in noise
And air; that when next we greet, I may find thee worthy
My revenge. This frailty now protects thee.
I'll meet thee in a ring of flames, or on the tempest
Of some billow, upon whose back the raging north wind strides:
Yet I'd not ha' thee lose one spark of thy full man in noise
And air; that when next we greet, I may find thee worthy
My revenge. This frailty now protects thee.
Claud. Uncivil man, know the way back, or I shall
Let that justice loose upon you you deserve.
Let that justice loose upon you you deserve.
De F. Your centaur there, you mean; he must
Stare bigger to move a hair of mine.
Stare bigger to move a hair of mine.
Claud. You sha' not stir, sir; as you love me, do not:
Let him die mad.
Let him die mad.
Claud. And circle him in my arms from your pale envy.
Does that make you foam? Look ye— [Kisses Dessandro.
Does that make you foam? Look ye— [Kisses Dessandro.
De F. He shall not blossom there.
Claud. He shall, though thou dost bribe the Furies
With thy soul.
With thy soul.
Des. Madam, your commands will hold me, till I scorch away!
I am in flames and torment, and there's not so much
Mercy under heaven, but your own, would let him use
That tongue a minute longer. Thou has seen this
Sword reeking from hilt to point, and sweating
Showers of blood o'er thy head; whilst I bestrid thy
Life, and rescu'd it 'gainst many gallant foes:
And durst thou tempt it to thine own throat now?
Prythee, begone; and let us meet no more.
There's something in thy youth I still can love,
And will forget to call thee to account for this.
Be wise unto thyself, and ask this lady pardon.
I am in flames and torment, and there's not so much
Mercy under heaven, but your own, would let him use
That tongue a minute longer. Thou has seen this
Sword reeking from hilt to point, and sweating
Showers of blood o'er thy head; whilst I bestrid thy
Life, and rescu'd it 'gainst many gallant foes:
And durst thou tempt it to thine own throat now?
Prythee, begone; and let us meet no more.
There's something in thy youth I still can love,
And will forget to call thee to account for this.
Be wise unto thyself, and ask this lady pardon.
De F. O my blood! Must I bear this! I am
More cold than marble, sure!
More cold than marble, sure!
Claud. Within there! Where's his grace?
Enter Servant.
Serv. At cards, madam.
De F. O, cry you mercy! your bak'd meats sha' not cool for me;
I only wish that they may choke ye. That paper, sir,
I sent, wou'd be worth your noble answer.
I only wish that they may choke ye. That paper, sir,
I sent, wou'd be worth your noble answer.
De F. Ha! I'll make thy name a boy's play,
And kill thee on the threshold of thy door.
And kill thee on the threshold of thy door.
Des. Go, go, take your rest! When you are
Recovered, I may own you.
Recovered, I may own you.
De F. Thou hast not blood enough to answer this. [Exeunt.
Enter Pirez and Sampayo.
Samp. You tell me strange ones.
Pir. But true ones.
Samp. Nice windings!
Pir. This duke can strangely back his purposes,
Where they like him. 'Tis a fair lift
To Dessandro's fortune; his stars shin'd.
Where they like him. 'Tis a fair lift
To Dessandro's fortune; his stars shin'd.
Samp. True; she has a spacious fortune; but I shall
Tell your lordship what perhaps you know not.
Tell your lordship what perhaps you know not.
Pir. You may.
Samp. She has no blood. From her first, an honest
Tradesman's wife, who left her very rich and
Handsome, the duke (as he still keeps a
Kennel for that purpose) had her presented
To him for his game; remov'd her from the
Cuckoo's nest into another sphere; but with all
Caution and private sleight; and you must
Imagine, now she spreads a larger wing;
Stirs not abroad, but studded like the night
With flames; and at length becomes the court's
Discourse and wonder; but still keeps[28] the
Country her retiring place.
Tradesman's wife, who left her very rich and
Handsome, the duke (as he still keeps a
Kennel for that purpose) had her presented
To him for his game; remov'd her from the
Cuckoo's nest into another sphere; but with all
Caution and private sleight; and you must
Imagine, now she spreads a larger wing;
Stirs not abroad, but studded like the night
With flames; and at length becomes the court's
Discourse and wonder; but still keeps[28] the
Country her retiring place.
Pir. Unknown!
Samp. Or unsuspected, as the duke's instruments dealt it;
And the young Henrique being in those parts
With our king's brother for sport, casually (as 'twas plotted)
Visits her house, falls in love, and marries her. This
Is the epitome.
And the young Henrique being in those parts
With our king's brother for sport, casually (as 'twas plotted)
Visits her house, falls in love, and marries her. This
Is the epitome.
Pir. I hope the Duke Bereo had no dull hand in't.
Samp. 'Tis thought (only by me, sir,) [he] keeps his
Acquaintance to this day.
Acquaintance to this day.
Pir. It must be fatally answer'd somewhere;
Heaven has a justice.
Heaven has a justice.
Samp. The preparation makes huge noise.
Pir. 'Tis well the king's a guest; their triumph
Might miscarry else.
Might miscarry else.
Samp. The king gives her in church. Methinks
The Count de Flame must needs be all a-flame at it:
And I believe, sir, your affront bleeds freshly in him.
The Count de Flame must needs be all a-flame at it:
And I believe, sir, your affront bleeds freshly in him.
Pir. It must be put to an account somewhere.
Samp. To return his challenge and honour with such a scorn
Must work such a spirit to high extremes.
Must work such a spirit to high extremes.
Pir. The saddest story is his sister.
Samp. A rose new-blown, and flung aside to wither in
Her sweets! Poor innocence! that has much chang'd
My opinion of Dessandro.
Her sweets! Poor innocence! that has much chang'd
My opinion of Dessandro.
Pir. His resolution and ambition are like vast trees,
Whose spreading tops hide their own roots
From the kind sun.
Whose spreading tops hide their own roots
From the kind sun.
Samp. Let out unto so vast a pride, as shades all his natural
Virtues, or makes 'em grow up rank and sour.
The event will tell us all.
Virtues, or makes 'em grow up rank and sour.
The event will tell us all.
Pir. I wish it without blood. Your lordship's for the solemnity?
Samp. My attendance ties me to his majesty's person.
Pir. My best wishes to your lordship. [Exeunt.