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Title: Beaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 05 of 10
Author: Francis Beaumont
John Fletcher
Editor: A. R. Waller
Release date: May 27, 2014 [eBook #45780]
Most recently updated: October 24, 2024
Language: English
Credits: Produced by Richard Tonsing, Jonathan Ingram, and the
Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER'S WORKS, VOL. 05 OF 10 ***
FRANCIS BEAUMONT
Born 1584
Died 1616
JOHN FLETCHER
Born 1579
Died 1625
BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER
A WIFE FOR A MONTH
THE LOVERS PROGRESS
THE PILGRIM
THE CAPTAIN
THE PROPHETESS
THE TEXT EDITED BY
A. R. WALLER, M.A.
Cambridge:
at the University Press
1907
CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS WAREHOUSE,
C. F. CLAY, Manager.
London: FETTER LANE, E.C.
Glasgow: 50, WELLINGTON STREET.
Leipzig: F. A. BROCKHAUS.
New York: G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS.
Bombay and Calcutta: MACMILLAN AND CO., Ltd.
[All Rights reserved.]
CONTENTS
| PAGE | |
| A Wife for a Month | 1 |
| The Lovers Progress | 74 |
| The Pilgrim | 153 |
| The Captain | 230 |
| The Prophetess | 320 |
A
WIFE FOR A MONTH;
A
TRAGI-COMEDY.
Persons Represented in the Play.
- Alphonso, King of Naples, elder Brother to Frederick.
- Frederick, unnatural and libidinous Brother to Alphonso, and usurper of his Kingdom.
- Sorano, a Lord, Brother to Evanthe, Frederick's wicked instrument.
- Valerio, a noble young Lord, servant to Evanthe.
- Camillo, }
- Cleanthes, }three honest Court Lords.
- Menallo, }
- Rugio, an honest Lord, friend to Alphonso.
- Marco, a Frier, Alphonso's friend.
- Podramo, a necessary creature to Sorano.
- Cupid, } with other Masquers.
- Graces, }
- Tonie, King Frederick's Knavish fool.
- Castruccio, Captain of the Cittadel, an honest man.
- Citizens.
- Lawyer.
- Physician.
- Captain.
- Cut-purse.
- Fool.
- Attendants.
WOMEN.
- Queen, Wife to Frederick, a vertuous Lady.
- Evanthe, Sister to Sorano, the chaste Wife of Valerio, or a Wife for a Month.
- Cassandra, an old Bawd, Waiting-woman to Evanthe.
- Ladies.
- City-Wives.
The Scene Naples.
The principal Actors were,
- Joseph Taylor.
- Richard Robinson.
- Nicholas Toolie.
- Robert Benfield.
- John Underwood.
- George Birch.
Actus Primus. Scena Prima.
Enter King Frederick, Sorano, Valerio, Camillo, Cleanthes, Menallo, and Attendants.
Sor. Will your Grace speak?
Fre. Let me alone, Sorano,
Although my thoughts seem sad, they are welcome to me.
Although my thoughts seem sad, they are welcome to me.
Sor. You know I am private as your secret wishes,
Ready to fling my soul upon your service,
E're your command be on't.
Ready to fling my soul upon your service,
E're your command be on't.
Fre. Bid those depart.
Sor. You must retire my Lords.
Cam. What new design is hammering in his head now?
Cle. Let's pray heartily
None of our heads meet with it, my Wife's old,
That's all my comfort.
None of our heads meet with it, my Wife's old,
That's all my comfort.
Men. Mine's ugly, that I am sure on,
And I think honest too, 'twould make me start else.
And I think honest too, 'twould make me start else.
Cam. Mine's troubled in the Country with a Feaver,
And some few infirmities else; he looks again,
Come let's retire, certain 'tis some she-business,
This new Lord is imployed.
And some few infirmities else; he looks again,
Come let's retire, certain 'tis some she-business,
This new Lord is imployed.
Val. I'le not be far off, because I doubt the cause. [Ex.
Fre. Are they all gone?
Sor. All but your faithful Servant.
Fre. I would tell thee,
But 'tis a thing thou canst not like.
But 'tis a thing thou canst not like.
Sor. Pray ye speak it, is it my head? I have it ready for ye, Sir:
Is't any action in my power? my wit?
I care not of what nature, nor what follows.
Is't any action in my power? my wit?
I care not of what nature, nor what follows.
Fre. I am in love.
Sor. That's the least thing of a thousand,
The easiest to atchieve.
The easiest to atchieve.
Fre. But with whom, Sorano?
Sor. With whom you please, you must not be deny'd, Sir.
Fred. Say it be with one of thy Kinswomen.
Sor. Say withal,
I shall more love your Grace, I shall more honour ye,
And would I had enough to serve your pleasure.
I shall more love your Grace, I shall more honour ye,
And would I had enough to serve your pleasure.
Fred. Why 'tis thy Sister then, the fair Evanthe,
I'le be plain with thee.
I'le be plain with thee.
Sor. I'le be as plain with you, Sir,
She brought not her perfections to the world,
To lock them in a case, or hang 'em by her,
The use is all she breeds 'em for, she is yours, Sir.
She brought not her perfections to the world,
To lock them in a case, or hang 'em by her,
The use is all she breeds 'em for, she is yours, Sir.
Fred. Dost thou mean seriously?
Sor. I mean my Sister,
And if I had a dozen more, they were all yours:
Some Aunts I have, they have been handsome Women,
My Mother's dead indeed, and some few Cousins
That are now shooting up, we shall see shortly.
And if I had a dozen more, they were all yours:
Some Aunts I have, they have been handsome Women,
My Mother's dead indeed, and some few Cousins
That are now shooting up, we shall see shortly.
Fred. No, 'tis Evanthe.
Sor. I have sent my man unto her,
Upon some business to come presently
Hither, she shall come; your Grace dare speak unto her?
Large golden promises, and sweet language, Sir,
You know what they work, she is a compleat Courtier,
Besides I'le set in.
Upon some business to come presently
Hither, she shall come; your Grace dare speak unto her?
Large golden promises, and sweet language, Sir,
You know what they work, she is a compleat Courtier,
Besides I'le set in.
Fred. She waits upon my Queen,
What jealousie and anger may arise,
Incensing her?
What jealousie and anger may arise,
Incensing her?
Sor. You have a good sweet Lady,
A Woman of so even and still a temper,
She knows not anger; say she were a fury,
I had thought you had been absolute, the great King,
The fountain of all honours, plays and pleasures,
Your will and your commands unbounded also;
Go get a pair of Beads and learn to pray, Sir.
A Woman of so even and still a temper,
She knows not anger; say she were a fury,
I had thought you had been absolute, the great King,
The fountain of all honours, plays and pleasures,
Your will and your commands unbounded also;
Go get a pair of Beads and learn to pray, Sir.
Enter Servant.
Ser. My Lord, your servant stayes.
Sor. Bid him come hither, and bring the Lady with him.
Fred. I will woo her,
And either lose my self, or win her favour.
And either lose my self, or win her favour.
Sor. She is coming in.
Fred. Thy eyes shoot through the door,
They are so piercing, that the beams they dart
Give new light to the room.
They are so piercing, that the beams they dart
Give new light to the room.
Enter Podramo and Evanthe.
Evan. Whither dost thou go?
This is the Kings side, and his private lodgings,
What business have I here?
This is the Kings side, and his private lodgings,
What business have I here?
Pod. My Lord sent for ye.
Evan. His lodgings are below, you are mistaken,
We left them at the stair-foot.
We left them at the stair-foot.
Pod. Good sweet Madam.
Evan. I am no Counsellor, nor important Sutor,
Nor have no private business through these Chambers,
To seek him this way, o' my life thou art drunk,
Or worse than drunk, hir'd to convey me hither
To some base end; now I look on thee better,
Thou hast a bawdy face, and I abhor thee,
A beastly bawdy face, I'le go no further.
Nor have no private business through these Chambers,
To seek him this way, o' my life thou art drunk,
Or worse than drunk, hir'd to convey me hither
To some base end; now I look on thee better,
Thou hast a bawdy face, and I abhor thee,
A beastly bawdy face, I'le go no further.
Sor. Nay shrink not back, indeed you shall good Sister,
Why do you blush? the good King will not hurt ye,
He honours ye, and loves ye.
Why do you blush? the good King will not hurt ye,
He honours ye, and loves ye.
Evan. Is this the business?
Sor. Yes, and the best you ever will arrive at if you be wise.
Evan. My Father was no bawd, Sir,
Nor of that worshipful stock as I remember.
Nor of that worshipful stock as I remember.
Sor. [You] are a Fool.
Evan, You are that I shame to tell ye.
Fred. Gentle Evanthe.
Evan. The gracious Queen, Sir,
Is well and merry, Heaven be thanked for it,
And as I think she waits you in the Garden.
Is well and merry, Heaven be thanked for it,
And as I think she waits you in the Garden.
Fre. Let her wait there, I talk not of her Garden,
I talk of thee sweet Flower.
I talk of thee sweet Flower.
Evan. Your Grace is pleasant,
To mistake a Nettle for a Rose.
To mistake a Nettle for a Rose.
Fre. No Rose, nor Lilly, nor no glorious Hyacinth
Are of that sweetness, whiteness, tenderness,
Softness, and satisfying blessedness
As my Evanthe.
Are of that sweetness, whiteness, tenderness,
Softness, and satisfying blessedness
As my Evanthe.
Evan. Your Grace speaks very feelingly,
I would not be a handsome wench in your way, Sir,
For a new Gown.
I would not be a handsome wench in your way, Sir,
For a new Gown.
Fred. Thou art all handsomness,
Nature will be asham'd to frame another
Now thou art made, thou hast rob'd her of her cunning:
Each several part about thee is a beauty.
Nature will be asham'd to frame another
Now thou art made, thou hast rob'd her of her cunning:
Each several part about thee is a beauty.
Sor. Do you hear this Sister?
Evan. Yes, unworthy Brother, but all this will not do.
Fred. But love Evanthe.
Thou shalt have more than words, wealth, ease, and honours,
My tender Wench.
Thou shalt have more than words, wealth, ease, and honours,
My tender Wench.
Evan. Be tender of my credit,
And I shall love you, Sir, and I shall honour ye.
And I shall love you, Sir, and I shall honour ye.
Fred. I love thee to enjoy thee, my Evantbe,
To give thee the content of love.
To give thee the content of love.
Evan. Hold, hold, Sir, ye are too fleet,
I have some business this way, your Grace can ne'r content.
I have some business this way, your Grace can ne'r content.
Sor. You stubborn toy.
Evan. Good my Lord Bawd I thank ye.
Fre. Thou shalt not go believe me, sweet Evanthe,
So high I will advance thee for this favour,
So rich and potent I will raise thy fortune,
And thy friends mighty.
So high I will advance thee for this favour,
So rich and potent I will raise thy fortune,
And thy friends mighty.
Evan. Good your Grace be patient,
I shall make the worst honourable wench that ever was,
Shame your discretion, and your choice.
I shall make the worst honourable wench that ever was,
Shame your discretion, and your choice.
Fred. Thou shalt not.
Evan. Shall I be rich do you say, and glorious,
And shine above the rest, and scorn all beauties,
And mighty in command?
And shine above the rest, and scorn all beauties,
And mighty in command?
Fred. Thou shalt be any thing.
Eva. Let me be honest too, and then I'le thank ye.
Have you not such a title to bestow too?
If I prove otherwise, I would know but this, Sir;
Can all the power you have or all the riches,
But tye mens tongues up from discoursing of me,
Their eyes from gazing at my glorious folly,
Time that shall come, from wondering at my impudence,
And they that read my wanton life from curses?
Can you do this? have ye this Magick in ye?
This is not in your power, though you be a Prince, Sir,
No more than evil is in holy Angels,
Nor I, I hope: get wantonness confirm'd
By Act of Parliament an honesty,
And so receiv'd by all, I'le hearken to ye.
Heaven guide your Grace.
Have you not such a title to bestow too?
If I prove otherwise, I would know but this, Sir;
Can all the power you have or all the riches,
But tye mens tongues up from discoursing of me,
Their eyes from gazing at my glorious folly,
Time that shall come, from wondering at my impudence,
And they that read my wanton life from curses?
Can you do this? have ye this Magick in ye?
This is not in your power, though you be a Prince, Sir,
No more than evil is in holy Angels,
Nor I, I hope: get wantonness confirm'd
By Act of Parliament an honesty,
And so receiv'd by all, I'le hearken to ye.
Heaven guide your Grace.
Fred. Evanthe, stay a little,
I'le no more wantonness, I'le marry thee.
I'le no more wantonness, I'le marry thee.
Evan. What shall the Queen do?
Fred. I'le be divorced from her.
Eva. Can you tell why? what has she done against ye?
Has she contrived a Treason 'gainst your Person?
Abus'd your bed? does disobedience urge ye?
Has she contrived a Treason 'gainst your Person?
Abus'd your bed? does disobedience urge ye?
Fred. That's all one, 'tis my will.
Evan. 'Tis a most wicked one,
A most absurd one, and will show a Monster;
I had rather be a Whore, and with less sin,
To your present lust, than Queen to your injustice.
Yours is no love, Faith and Religion fly it,
Nor has no taste of fair affection in it,
Some Hellish flame abuses your fair body,
And Hellish furies blow it; look behind ye,
Divorce ye from a Woman of her beauty,
Of her integrity, her piety?
Her love to you, to all that honours ye,
Her chaste and vertuous love, are these fit causes?
What will you do to me, when I have cloy'd ye?
You may find time out in eternity,
Deceit and violence in heavenly Justice,
Life in the grave, and death among the blessed,
Ere stain or brack in her sweet reputation.
A most absurd one, and will show a Monster;
I had rather be a Whore, and with less sin,
To your present lust, than Queen to your injustice.
Yours is no love, Faith and Religion fly it,
Nor has no taste of fair affection in it,
Some Hellish flame abuses your fair body,
And Hellish furies blow it; look behind ye,
Divorce ye from a Woman of her beauty,
Of her integrity, her piety?
Her love to you, to all that honours ye,
Her chaste and vertuous love, are these fit causes?
What will you do to me, when I have cloy'd ye?
You may find time out in eternity,
Deceit and violence in heavenly Justice,
Life in the grave, and death among the blessed,
Ere stain or brack in her sweet reputation.
Sor. You have fool'd enough, be wise now, and a woman,
You have shew'd a modesty sufficient,
If not too much for Court.
You have shew'd a modesty sufficient,
If not too much for Court.
Evan. You have shew'd an impudence,
A more experienc'd bawd would blush and shake at;
You will make my kindred mighty.
A more experienc'd bawd would blush and shake at;
You will make my kindred mighty.
Fred. Prethee hear me.
Evan. I do Sir, and I count it a great offer.
Fred. Any of thine.
Evan. 'Tis like enough you may clap honour on them,
But how 'twill sit, and how men will adore it,
Is still the question. I'le tell you what they'l say, Sir,
What the report will be, and 'twill be true too,
And it must needs be comfort to your Master,
These are the issues of her impudence:
I'le tell your Grace, so dear I hold the Queen,
So dear that honour that she nurs'd me up in,
I would first take to me, for my lust, a Moor,
One of your Gally-slaves, that cold and hunger,
Decrepit misery, had made a mock-man,
Than be your Queen.
But how 'twill sit, and how men will adore it,
Is still the question. I'le tell you what they'l say, Sir,
What the report will be, and 'twill be true too,
And it must needs be comfort to your Master,
These are the issues of her impudence:
I'le tell your Grace, so dear I hold the Queen,
So dear that honour that she nurs'd me up in,
I would first take to me, for my lust, a Moor,
One of your Gally-slaves, that cold and hunger,
Decrepit misery, had made a mock-man,
Than be your Queen.
Fred. You are bravely resolute.
Evan. I had rather be a Leper, and be shun'd,
And dye by pieces, rot into my grave,
Leaving no memory behind to know me,
Than be a high Whore to eternity.
And dye by pieces, rot into my grave,
Leaving no memory behind to know me,
Than be a high Whore to eternity.
Fre. You have another Gamester I perceive by ye,
You durst not slight me else.
You durst not slight me else.
Sor. I'le find him out,
Though he lye next thy heart hid, I'le discover him,
And ye proud peat, I'le make you curse your insolence.
Though he lye next thy heart hid, I'le discover him,
And ye proud peat, I'le make you curse your insolence.
Val. Tongue of an Angel, and the truth of Heaven,
How am I blest! [Exit Val.
How am I blest! [Exit Val.
Sor. Podramo go in hast
To my Sisters Gentlewoman, you know her well,
And bid her send her Mistris presently
The lesser Cabinet she keeps her Letters in,
And such like toyes, and bring it to me instantly. Away.
To my Sisters Gentlewoman, you know her well,
And bid her send her Mistris presently
The lesser Cabinet she keeps her Letters in,
And such like toyes, and bring it to me instantly. Away.
Pod. I am gone. [Exit.
Enter the Queen with two Ladies.
Sor. The Queen.
Fred. Let's quit the place, she may grow jealous.
[Ex. Fred. Sorano.
Queen. So suddenly departed! what's the reason?
Does my approach displease his Grace? are my eyes
So hateful to him? or my conversation
Infected, that he flies me? Fair Evanthe,
Are you there? then I see his shame.
Does my approach displease his Grace? are my eyes
So hateful to him? or my conversation
Infected, that he flies me? Fair Evanthe,
Are you there? then I see his shame.
Que. 'Tis strange to find thy modesty in this place,
Does the King offer fair? does thy face take him?
Ne'r blush Evanthe, 'tis a very sweet one,
Does he rain gold, and precious promises
Into thy lap? will he advance thy fortunes?
Shalt thou be mighty, Wench?
Does the King offer fair? does thy face take him?
Ne'r blush Evanthe, 'tis a very sweet one,
Does he rain gold, and precious promises
Into thy lap? will he advance thy fortunes?
Shalt thou be mighty, Wench?
Evan. Never mock, Madam;
'Tis rather on your part to be lamented,
At least reveng'd, I can be mighty Lady,
And glorious too, glorious and great, as you are.
'Tis rather on your part to be lamented,
At least reveng'd, I can be mighty Lady,
And glorious too, glorious and great, as you are.
Que. He will Marry thee?
Evan. Who would not be a Queen, Madam?
Que. 'Tis true Evanthe, 'tis a brave ambition,
A golden dream, that may delude a good mind,
What shall become of me?
A golden dream, that may delude a good mind,
What shall become of me?
Evan. You must learn to pray,
Your age and honour will become a Nunnery.
Your age and honour will become a Nunnery.
Que. Wilt thou remember me? [Weeps.
Evan. She weeps. Sweet Lady
Upon my knees I ask your sacred pardon,
For my rude boldness: and know, my sweet Mistris,
If e're there were ambition in Evanthe,
It was and is to do you faithful duties;
'Tis true I have been tempted by the King,
And with no few and potent charms, to wrong ye,
To violate the chaste joyes of your bed;
And those not taking hold, to usurp your state;
But she that has been bred up under ye,
And daily fed upon your vertuous precepts,
Still growing strong by example of your goodness,
Having no errant motion from obedience,
Flyes from these vanities, as meer illusions;
And arm'd with honesty, defies all promises.
In token of this truth, I lay my life down
Under your sacred foot, to do you service.
Upon my knees I ask your sacred pardon,
For my rude boldness: and know, my sweet Mistris,
If e're there were ambition in Evanthe,
It was and is to do you faithful duties;
'Tis true I have been tempted by the King,
And with no few and potent charms, to wrong ye,
To violate the chaste joyes of your bed;
And those not taking hold, to usurp your state;
But she that has been bred up under ye,
And daily fed upon your vertuous precepts,
Still growing strong by example of your goodness,
Having no errant motion from obedience,
Flyes from these vanities, as meer illusions;
And arm'd with honesty, defies all promises.
In token of this truth, I lay my life down
Under your sacred foot, to do you service.
Que. Rise my true friend, thou vertuous bud of beauty,
Thou Virgins honour, sweetly blow and flourish,
And that rude nipping wind, that seeks to blast thee,
Or taint thy root, be curst to all posterity;
To my protection from this hour I take ye,
Yes, and the King shall know—
Thou Virgins honour, sweetly blow and flourish,
And that rude nipping wind, that seeks to blast thee,
Or taint thy root, be curst to all posterity;
To my protection from this hour I take ye,
Yes, and the King shall know—
Evan. Give his heat way, Madam,
And 'twill go out again, he may forget all. [Exeunt.
And 'twill go out again, he may forget all. [Exeunt.
Enter Camillo, Cleanthes, and Menallo.
Cam. What have we to do with the times? we cannot cure 'em.
Let 'em go on, when they are swoln with Surfeits
They'l burst and stink, then all the world shall smell 'em.
Let 'em go on, when they are swoln with Surfeits
They'l burst and stink, then all the world shall smell 'em.
Cle. A man may live a bawd, and be an honest man.
Men. Yes, and a wise man too, 'tis a vertuous calling.
Cam. To his own Wife especially, or to his Sister,
The nearer to his own bloud, still the honester;
There want such honest men, would we had more of 'em.
The nearer to his own bloud, still the honester;
There want such honest men, would we had more of 'em.
Men. To be a villain is no such rude matter.
Cam. No, if he be a neat one, and a perfect,
Art makes all excellent: what is it, Gentlemen,
In a good cause to kill a dozen Coxcombs,
That blunt rude fellows call good Patriots?
Nothing, nor ne'r look'd after.
Art makes all excellent: what is it, Gentlemen,
In a good cause to kill a dozen Coxcombs,
That blunt rude fellows call good Patriots?
Nothing, nor ne'r look'd after.
Men. 'Tis e'en as much, as easie too, as honest, and as clear,
To ravish Matrons, and, deflower coy Wenches,
But here they are so willing, 'tis a complement.
To ravish Matrons, and, deflower coy Wenches,
But here they are so willing, 'tis a complement.
Cle. To pull down Churches with pretension
To build 'em fairer, may be done with honour,
And all this time believe no gods.
To build 'em fairer, may be done with honour,
And all this time believe no gods.
Cam. I think so, 'tis faith enough if they name 'em in their angers,
Or on their rotten Tombs ingrave an Angel;
Well, brave Alphonso, how happy had we been,
If thou had'st raign'd!
Or on their rotten Tombs ingrave an Angel;
Well, brave Alphonso, how happy had we been,
If thou had'st raign'd!
Men. Would I had his Disease,
Tyed like a Leprosie to my posterity,
So he were right again.
Tyed like a Leprosie to my posterity,
So he were right again.
Cle. What is his Malady?
Cam. Nothing but sad and silent melancholy,
Laden with griefs and thoughts, no man knows why neither;
The good Brandino Father to the Princess
Used all the art and industry that might be,
To free Alphonso from this dull calamity,
And seat him in his rule, he was his eldest
And noblest too, had not fair nature stopt in him,
For which cause this was chosen to inherit,
Frederick the younger.
Laden with griefs and thoughts, no man knows why neither;
The good Brandino Father to the Princess
Used all the art and industry that might be,
To free Alphonso from this dull calamity,
And seat him in his rule, he was his eldest
And noblest too, had not fair nature stopt in him,
For which cause this was chosen to inherit,
Frederick the younger.
Cle. Does he use his Brother
With that respect and honour that befits him?
With that respect and honour that befits him?
Cam. He is kept privately, as they pretend,
To give more ease and comfort to his sickness;
But he has honest servants, the grave Rugio,
And Fryar Marco, that wait upon his Person.
And in a Monastery he lives.
To give more ease and comfort to his sickness;
But he has honest servants, the grave Rugio,
And Fryar Marco, that wait upon his Person.
And in a Monastery he lives.
Men. 'Tis full of sadness,
To see him when he comes to his Fathers Tomb,
As once a day that is his Pilgrimage,
Whilst in Devotion, the Quire sings an Anthem:
How piously he kneels, and like a Virgin
That some cross Fate had cozen'd of her Love,
Weeps till the stubborn Marble sweats with pity,
And to his groans the whole Quire bears a Chorus.
To see him when he comes to his Fathers Tomb,
As once a day that is his Pilgrimage,
Whilst in Devotion, the Quire sings an Anthem:
How piously he kneels, and like a Virgin
That some cross Fate had cozen'd of her Love,
Weeps till the stubborn Marble sweats with pity,
And to his groans the whole Quire bears a Chorus.
Enter Frederick, Sorano, with the Cabinet, and Podramo.
Cam. So do I too. The King with his Contrivers,
This is no place for us. [Exeunt Lords.
This is no place for us. [Exeunt Lords.
Fred. This is a jewel,
Lay it aside, what paper's that?
Lay it aside, what paper's that?
Pod. A Letter,
But 'tis a womans, Sir, I know by the hand,
And the false Orthography, they write old Saxon.
But 'tis a womans, Sir, I know by the hand,
And the false Orthography, they write old Saxon.
Fred. May be her ghostly Mother's that instructs her.
Sor. No, 'tis a Cousins, and came up with a great Cake.
Fred. What's that?
Sor. A pair of Gloves the Dutchess gave her,
For so the outside says.
For so the outside says.
Fred. That other paper?
Sor. A Charm for the tooth-ach, here's nothing but Saints and Crosses.
Fre. Look in that Box, methinks that should hold secrets.
Pod. 'Tis Paint, and curls of Hair, she begins to exercise.
A glass of Water too, I would fain taste it,
But I am wickedly afraid 'twill silence me,
Never a Conduit-Pipe to convey this water.
A glass of Water too, I would fain taste it,
But I am wickedly afraid 'twill silence me,
Never a Conduit-Pipe to convey this water.
Sor. These are all Rings, Deaths-heads, and such Memento's
Her Grandmother, and worm-eaten Aunts left to her,
To tell her what her Beauty must arrive at.
Her Grandmother, and worm-eaten Aunts left to her,
To tell her what her Beauty must arrive at.
Fred. That, that.
Pod. They are written songs, Sir, to provoke young Ladies;
Lord, here's a Prayer-Book, how these agree!
Here's a strange union.
Lord, here's a Prayer-Book, how these agree!
Here's a strange union.
Sor. Ever by a surfeit you have a julep set to cool the Patient.
Fred. Those, those.
Sor. They are Verses to the blest Evanthe.
Fred. Those may discover,
Read them out, Sorano.
Read them out, Sorano.
To the blest Evanthe.
Let those complain that feel Loves cruelty.
And in sad legends write their woes,
With Roses gently has corected me,
My War is without rage or blows:
My Mistriss eyes shine fair on my desires,
And hope springs up enflam'd with her new fires.
And in sad legends write their woes,
With Roses gently has corected me,
My War is without rage or blows:
My Mistriss eyes shine fair on my desires,
And hope springs up enflam'd with her new fires.
No more an Exile will I dwell,
With folded arms, and sighs all day,
Reckoning the torments of my Hell,
And flinging my sweet joys away:
I am call'd home again to quiet peace,
My Mistriss smiles, and all my sorrows cease.
With folded arms, and sighs all day,
Reckoning the torments of my Hell,
And flinging my sweet joys away:
I am call'd home again to quiet peace,
My Mistriss smiles, and all my sorrows cease.
Yet what is living in her Eye?
Or being blest with her sweet tongue,
If these no other joys imply?
A golden Give, a pleasing wrong:
To be your own but one poor Month, I'd give
My Youth, my Fortune, and then leave to live.
Or being blest with her sweet tongue,
If these no other joys imply?
A golden Give, a pleasing wrong:
To be your own but one poor Month, I'd give
My Youth, my Fortune, and then leave to live.
Fred. This is my Rival, that I knew the hand now.
Sor. I know it, I have seen it, 'tis Valerio's,
That hopeful Gentlemans, that was brought up with ye,
And by your charge, nourish'd and fed
At the same Table, with the same allowance.
That hopeful Gentlemans, that was brought up with ye,
And by your charge, nourish'd and fed
At the same Table, with the same allowance.
Enter Evanthe, and Cassandra.
Evan. Thou old weak fool, dost thou know to what end,
To what betraying end he got this Casket?
Durst thou deliver him without my Ring,
Or a Command from mine own mouth, that Cabinet
That holds my heart? you unconsiderate Ass,
You brainless Ideot.
To what betraying end he got this Casket?
Durst thou deliver him without my Ring,
Or a Command from mine own mouth, that Cabinet
That holds my heart? you unconsiderate Ass,
You brainless Ideot.
Cas. I saw you go with him,
At the first word commit your Person to him,
And make no scruple, he is your Brothers Gentleman,
And for any thing I know, an honest man;
And might not I upon the same security deliver him a Box?
At the first word commit your Person to him,
And make no scruple, he is your Brothers Gentleman,
And for any thing I know, an honest man;
And might not I upon the same security deliver him a Box?
Evan. A Bottle-head.
Fred. You shall have cause to chafe, as I will handle it.
Evan. I had rather thou hadst delivered me to Pirats,
Betray'd me to uncurable diseases,
Hung up my Picture in a Market-place,
And sold me to wild Bawds.
Betray'd me to uncurable diseases,
Hung up my Picture in a Market-place,
And sold me to wild Bawds.
Cas. As I take it, Madam,
Your maiden-head lies not in that Cabinet,
You have a Closer, and you keep the Key too,
Why are you vex'd thus?
Your maiden-head lies not in that Cabinet,
You have a Closer, and you keep the Key too,
Why are you vex'd thus?
Evan. I could curse thee wickedly,
And wish thee more deformed than Age can make thee,
Perpetual hunger, and no teeth to satisfie it,
Wait on thee still, nor sleep be found to ease it;
Those hands that gave the Casket, may the Palsie
For ever make unuseful, even to feed thee:
Long winters, that thy Bones may turn to Isicles,
No Hell can thaw again, inhabit by thee.
Is thy Care like thy Body, all one crookedness?
How scurvily thou cryest now! like a Drunkard,
I'll have as pure tears from a dirty spout;
Do, swear thou didst this ignorantly, swear it,
Swear and be damn'd, thou half Witch.
And wish thee more deformed than Age can make thee,
Perpetual hunger, and no teeth to satisfie it,
Wait on thee still, nor sleep be found to ease it;
Those hands that gave the Casket, may the Palsie
For ever make unuseful, even to feed thee:
Long winters, that thy Bones may turn to Isicles,
No Hell can thaw again, inhabit by thee.
Is thy Care like thy Body, all one crookedness?
How scurvily thou cryest now! like a Drunkard,
I'll have as pure tears from a dirty spout;
Do, swear thou didst this ignorantly, swear it,
Swear and be damn'd, thou half Witch.
Evan. 'Tis not well, thou mummy,
'Tis impudently, basely done, thou durty—
'Tis impudently, basely done, thou durty—
Fred. Has your young sanctity done railing, Madam,
Against your innocent 'Squire? do you see this Sonnet,
This loving Script? do you know from whence it came too?
Against your innocent 'Squire? do you see this Sonnet,
This loving Script? do you know from whence it came too?
Evan. I do, and dare avouch it pure, and honest.
Fred. You have private Visitants, my noble Lady,
That in sweet numbers court your goodly Vertues,
And to the height of adoration.
That in sweet numbers court your goodly Vertues,
And to the height of adoration.
Evan. Well, Sir,
There's neither Heresie nor Treason in it.
There's neither Heresie nor Treason in it.
Fred. A Prince may beg at the door, whilst these feast with ye;
A favour or a grace, from such as I am,
A favour or a grace, from such as I am,
Enter Valerio, and Podramo.
Course common things. You are welcome; Pray come near Sir,
Do you know this paper?
Do you know this paper?
Val. I am betray'd; I do, Sir,
'Tis mine, my hand and heart, if I dye for her,
I am thy Martyr, Love, and time shall honour me.
'Tis mine, my hand and heart, if I dye for her,
I am thy Martyr, Love, and time shall honour me.
Cas. You sawcy Sir, that came in my Ladies name,
For her gilt Cabinet, you cheating Sir too,
You scurvy Usher, with as scurvy legs,
And a worse face, thou poor base hanging holder,
How durst thou come to me with a lye in thy mouth?
An impudent lye?
For her gilt Cabinet, you cheating Sir too,
You scurvy Usher, with as scurvy legs,
And a worse face, thou poor base hanging holder,
How durst thou come to me with a lye in thy mouth?
An impudent lye?
Pod. Hollow, good Gill, you hobble.
Cas. A stinking lye, more stinking than the teller,
To play the pilfering Knave? there have been Rascals
Brought up to fetch and carry, like your Worship,
That have been hang'd for less, whipt they are daily,
And if the Law will do me right—
To play the pilfering Knave? there have been Rascals
Brought up to fetch and carry, like your Worship,
That have been hang'd for less, whipt they are daily,
And if the Law will do me right—
Pod. What then old Maggot?
Cas. Thy Mother was carted younger; I'll have thy hide,
Thy mangy hide, embroider'd with a dog-whip,
As it is now with potent Pox, and thicker.
Thy mangy hide, embroider'd with a dog-whip,
As it is now with potent Pox, and thicker.
Fred. Peace good Antiquity, I'll have your Bones else
Ground into Gunpowder to shoot at Cats with;
One word more, and I'll blanch thee like an almond,
There's no such cure for the she-falling sickness
As the powder of a dryed Bawds Skin, be silent.
You are very prodigal of your service here, Sir,
Of your life more it seems.
Ground into Gunpowder to shoot at Cats with;
One word more, and I'll blanch thee like an almond,
There's no such cure for the she-falling sickness
As the powder of a dryed Bawds Skin, be silent.
You are very prodigal of your service here, Sir,
Of your life more it seems.
Val. I repent neither,
Because your Grace shall understand it comes
From the best part of Love, my pure affection,
And kindled with chaste flame, I will not flye from it,
If it be errour to desire to marry,
And marry her that sanctity would dote on,
I have done amiss, if it be a Treason
To graft my soul to Vertue, and to grow there,
To love the tree that bears such happiness;
Conceive me, Sir, this fruit was ne'r forbidden;
Nay, to desire to taste too, I am Traytor;
Had you but plants enough of this blest Tree, Sir,
Set round about your Court, to beautifie it,
Deaths twice so many, to dismay the approachers,
The ground would scarce yield Graves to noble Lovers.
Because your Grace shall understand it comes
From the best part of Love, my pure affection,
And kindled with chaste flame, I will not flye from it,
If it be errour to desire to marry,
And marry her that sanctity would dote on,
I have done amiss, if it be a Treason
To graft my soul to Vertue, and to grow there,
To love the tree that bears such happiness;
Conceive me, Sir, this fruit was ne'r forbidden;
Nay, to desire to taste too, I am Traytor;
Had you but plants enough of this blest Tree, Sir,
Set round about your Court, to beautifie it,
Deaths twice so many, to dismay the approachers,
The ground would scarce yield Graves to noble Lovers.
Fred. 'Tis well maintain'd, you wish and pray to fortune,
Here in your Sonnet, and she has heard your prayers,
So much you dote upon your own undoing,
But one Month to enjoy her as your Wife,
Though at the expiring of that time you dye for't.
Here in your Sonnet, and she has heard your prayers,
So much you dote upon your own undoing,
But one Month to enjoy her as your Wife,
Though at the expiring of that time you dye for't.
Val. I could wish many, many Ages, Sir,
To grow as old as Time in her embraces,
If Heaven would grant it, and you smile upon it;
But if my choice were two hours, and then perish,
I would not pull my heart back.
To grow as old as Time in her embraces,
If Heaven would grant it, and you smile upon it;
But if my choice were two hours, and then perish,
I would not pull my heart back.
Fred. You have your wish,
To morrow I will see you nobly married,
Your Month take out in all content and pleasure;
The first day of the following Month you dye for't;
Kneel not, not all your Prayers can divert me;
Now mark your sentence, mark it, scornful Lady,
If when Valerio's dead, within twelve hours,
For that's your latest time, you find not out
Another Husband on the same condition
To marry you again, you dye your self too.
To morrow I will see you nobly married,
Your Month take out in all content and pleasure;
The first day of the following Month you dye for't;
Kneel not, not all your Prayers can divert me;
Now mark your sentence, mark it, scornful Lady,
If when Valerio's dead, within twelve hours,
For that's your latest time, you find not out
Another Husband on the same condition
To marry you again, you dye your self too.
Evan. Now you are merciful, I thank your Grace.
[Manent Valerio, and Evanthe.