Cam. You tell us wonders.
Cast. But I tell you truths, they are both well.
Men. Why are not we in Arms then?
And all the Island given to know—
And all the Island given to know—
Cast. Discreetly and privately it must be done, 'twill miss else,
And prove our ruines; most of the noble Citizens
Know it by me, and stay the hour to attend it,
Prepare your hearts and friends, let their's be right too,
And keep about the King to avoid suspicion;
And prove our ruines; most of the noble Citizens
Know it by me, and stay the hour to attend it,
Prepare your hearts and friends, let their's be right too,
And keep about the King to avoid suspicion;
Enter Frederick and Sorano.
When you shall hear the Castle Bell, take courage,
And stand like men, away, the King is coming.
And stand like men, away, the King is coming.
[Exeunt Lords.
Fre. Now Captain, what have you done with your prisoner?
Cast. He is dead, Sir, and his body flung into the Sea,
To feed the fishes, 'twas your will, I take it,
I did it from a strong Commission,
And stood not to capitulate.
To feed the fishes, 'twas your will, I take it,
I did it from a strong Commission,
And stood not to capitulate.
Fred. 'Tis well done,
And I shall love you for your faith. What anger
Or sorrow did he utter at his end?
And I shall love you for your faith. What anger
Or sorrow did he utter at his end?
Cast. Faith little, Sir, that I gave any ear to,
He would have spoke, but I had no Commission
To argue with him, so I flung him off;
His Lady would have seen, but I lockt her up,
For fear her womans tears should hinder us.
He would have spoke, but I had no Commission
To argue with him, so I flung him off;
His Lady would have seen, but I lockt her up,
For fear her womans tears should hinder us.
Fred.. 'Twas trusty still. I wonder, my Sorano,
We hear not from the Monastery; I believe
They gave it not, or else it wrought not fully.
We hear not from the Monastery; I believe
They gave it not, or else it wrought not fully.
Cast. Did you name the Monastery?
Fred. Yes, I did Captain.
Cast. I saw the Fryer this morning, and Lord Rugio,
Bitterly weeping, and wringing of their hands,
And all the holy men hung down their heads.
Bitterly weeping, and wringing of their hands,
And all the holy men hung down their heads.
Sara. 'Tis done I'le warrant ye.
Cast. I ask'd the reason.
Fred. What answer hadst thou?
Cast. This in few words, Sir,
Your Brother's dead, this morning he deceased,
I was your servant, and I wept not, Sir,
I knew 'twas for your good.
Your Brother's dead, this morning he deceased,
I was your servant, and I wept not, Sir,
I knew 'twas for your good.
Fred. It shall be for thine too,
Captain, indeed it shall. O my Sorano,
Now we shall live.
Captain, indeed it shall. O my Sorano,
Now we shall live.
Sor. I, now there's none to trouble ye.
Fred. Captain, bring out the woman, and give way
To any Suitor that shall come to marry her,
Of what degree soever.
To any Suitor that shall come to marry her,
Of what degree soever.
Cast. It shall be done, Sir. [Exit Cast.
Fre. O let me have a lusty Banquet after it,
Enter Evanthe, Camillo, Cleanthes, Menallo, Fool.
I will be high and merry.
Sor. There be some Lords
That I could counsel ye to fling from Court, Sir,
They pry into our actions, they are such
The foolish people call their Countries honours,
Honest brave things, and stile them with such Titles,
As if they were the patterns of the Kingdom,
Which makes them proud, and prone to look into us,
And talk at random of our actions,
They should be lovers of your commands,
And followers of your will; bridles and curbs
To the hard headed Commons that malign us,
They come here to do honour to my Sister,
To laugh at your severity, and fright us;
If they had power, what would these men do?
Do you hear, Sir, how privily they whisper?
That I could counsel ye to fling from Court, Sir,
They pry into our actions, they are such
The foolish people call their Countries honours,
Honest brave things, and stile them with such Titles,
As if they were the patterns of the Kingdom,
Which makes them proud, and prone to look into us,
And talk at random of our actions,
They should be lovers of your commands,
And followers of your will; bridles and curbs
To the hard headed Commons that malign us,
They come here to do honour to my Sister,
To laugh at your severity, and fright us;
If they had power, what would these men do?
Do you hear, Sir, how privily they whisper?
Fred. I shall silence 'em,
And to their shames within this week Sorano,
In the mean time have patience.
And to their shames within this week Sorano,
In the mean time have patience.
Sor. How they jeer, and look upon me as I were a Monster!
And talk and jeer! how I shall pull your plumes, Lords
How I shall humble ye within these two daies!
Your great names, nor your Country cannot save ye.
And talk and jeer! how I shall pull your plumes, Lords
How I shall humble ye within these two daies!
Your great names, nor your Country cannot save ye.
Fred. Let in the Suitors. Yet submit, I'le pardon ye,
You are half undone already, do not wind
My anger to that height, it may consume ye,
You are half undone already, do not wind
My anger to that height, it may consume ye,
Enter Lawyer, Physician, Captain, Cut-purse.
And utterly destroy thee, fair Evanthe: yet I have mercy.
Evan. Use it to your bawds,
To me use cruelty, it best becomes ye,
And shews more Kingly: I contemn your mercy,
It is a cozening, and a bawdy mercy;
Can any thing be hoped for, to relieve me?
Or is it fit? I thank you for a pity, when you have kill'd my Lord.
To me use cruelty, it best becomes ye,
And shews more Kingly: I contemn your mercy,
It is a cozening, and a bawdy mercy;
Can any thing be hoped for, to relieve me?
Or is it fit? I thank you for a pity, when you have kill'd my Lord.
Fred. Who will have her?
Evan. My tears are gone,
My tears of love to my dear Valerio,
But I have fill'd mine eyes again with anger;
O were it but so powerful to consume ye.
My tongue with curses I have arm'd against ye,
With Maiden curses, that Heaven crowns with horrors,
My heart set round with hate against thy tyranny;
O would my hands could hold the fire of Heaven,
Wrapt in the thunder that the Gods revenge with,
That like stern Justice I might fling it on thee;
Thou art a King of Monsters, not of men,
And shortly thou wilt turn this Land to Devils.
My tears of love to my dear Valerio,
But I have fill'd mine eyes again with anger;
O were it but so powerful to consume ye.
My tongue with curses I have arm'd against ye,
With Maiden curses, that Heaven crowns with horrors,
My heart set round with hate against thy tyranny;
O would my hands could hold the fire of Heaven,
Wrapt in the thunder that the Gods revenge with,
That like stern Justice I might fling it on thee;
Thou art a King of Monsters, not of men,
And shortly thou wilt turn this Land to Devils.
Fred. I'le make you one first, and a wretched Devil,
Come who will have her?
Come who will have her?
Law. I an't like your Majesty, I am a Lawyer,
I can make her a Joynture of any mans Land in Naples,
And she shall keep it too, I have a trick for it.
I can make her a Joynture of any mans Land in Naples,
And she shall keep it too, I have a trick for it.
Fool. Canst thou make her a Joynture of thine honesty?
Or thy abili[t]y, thou lewd abridgment?
Those are non suted and flung o're the bar.
Or thy abili[t]y, thou lewd abridgment?
Those are non suted and flung o're the bar.
Phy. An't please your Majesty to give me leave,
I dare accept her; and though old I seem, Lady,
Like Æson, by my art I can renew youth and ability.
I dare accept her; and though old I seem, Lady,
Like Æson, by my art I can renew youth and ability.
Fool. In a powdering Tub
Stew thy self tender again, like a Cock Chicken,
The broth may be good, but the flesh is not fit for dogs sure.
Stew thy self tender again, like a Cock Chicken,
The broth may be good, but the flesh is not fit for dogs sure.
Capt. Lady, take me, and I'le maintain thine honour,
I am a poor Captain, as poor people call me,
Very poor people, for my Souldiers
They are quartered in the outside of the City,
Men of ability, to make good a high way;
We have but two grand Enemies that oppose us,
The Don Gout, and the Gallows.
I am a poor Captain, as poor people call me,
Very poor people, for my Souldiers
They are quartered in the outside of the City,
Men of ability, to make good a high way;
We have but two grand Enemies that oppose us,
The Don Gout, and the Gallows.
Fool. I believe ye, and both these you will bind her for a Jointure;
Now Signior firk.
Now Signior firk.
Cut-purse. Madam, take me and be wise,
I am rich and nimble, and those are rare in one man,
Every mans pocket is my Treasury,
And no man wears a Sute but fits me neatly;
Cloaths you shall have, and wear the purest Linnen,
I have a tribute out of every Shop, Lady,
Meat you shall eat, I have my Caters out too,
The best and lustiest, and drink good Wine, good Lady,
Good quickening Wine, Wine that will make you caper.
And at the worst—
I am rich and nimble, and those are rare in one man,
Every mans pocket is my Treasury,
And no man wears a Sute but fits me neatly;
Cloaths you shall have, and wear the purest Linnen,
I have a tribute out of every Shop, Lady,
Meat you shall eat, I have my Caters out too,
The best and lustiest, and drink good Wine, good Lady,
Good quickening Wine, Wine that will make you caper.
And at the worst—
Fool. It is but capering short, Sir,
You seldom stay for Agues or for Surfeits,
A shaking fit of a whip sometimes o'retakes ye,
Marry you dye most commonly of choakings,
Obstructions of the halter are your ends ever;
Pray leave your horn and your knife for her to live on.
You seldom stay for Agues or for Surfeits,
A shaking fit of a whip sometimes o'retakes ye,
Marry you dye most commonly of choakings,
Obstructions of the halter are your ends ever;
Pray leave your horn and your knife for her to live on.
Eva. Poor wretched people, why do you wrong your selves?
Though I fear'd death, I should fear you ten times more,
You are every one a new death, and an odious,
The earth will purifie corrupted bodies,
You'll make us worse and stink eternally.
Go home, go home and get good Nurses for you,
Dream not of Wives.
Though I fear'd death, I should fear you ten times more,
You are every one a new death, and an odious,
The earth will purifie corrupted bodies,
You'll make us worse and stink eternally.
Go home, go home and get good Nurses for you,
Dream not of Wives.
Fred. You shall have one of 'em, if they dare venture for ye.
Evan. They are dead already,
Crawling diseases that must creep into
The next grave they find open, are these fit Husbands
For her you have loved, Sir? though you hate me now,
And hate me mortally, as I hate you,
Your nobleness, in that you have done otherwise,
And named Evanthe once as your poor Mistris,
Might offer worthier choice.
Crawling diseases that must creep into
The next grave they find open, are these fit Husbands
For her you have loved, Sir? though you hate me now,
And hate me mortally, as I hate you,
Your nobleness, in that you have done otherwise,
And named Evanthe once as your poor Mistris,
Might offer worthier choice.
Fre. Speak, who dare take her for one moneth, and then dye?
Phy. Dye, Sir?
Fred. I, dye Sir, that's the condition.
Phy. One moneth is too little
For me to repent in for my former pleasure,
To go still on, unless I were sure she would kill me,
And kill me delicately before my day,
Make it up a year, for by that time I must dye,
My body will hold out no longer.
For me to repent in for my former pleasure,
To go still on, unless I were sure she would kill me,
And kill me delicately before my day,
Make it up a year, for by that time I must dye,
My body will hold out no longer.
Fred. No Sir, it must be but a moneth.
Law. Then farewel Madam,
This is like to be a great year of dissention
Among good people, and I dare not lose it,
There will [b]e money got.
This is like to be a great year of dissention
Among good people, and I dare not lose it,
There will [b]e money got.
Capt. Bless your good Ladiship, there's nothing in the
grave but bones and ashes,
In Taverns there's good wine, and excellent wenches,
And Surgeons while we live.
grave but bones and ashes,
In Taverns there's good wine, and excellent wenches,
And Surgeons while we live.
Cutp. Adieu sweet Lady,
Lay me when I am dead near a rich Alderman,
I cannot pick his Purse, no, I'le no dying,
Though I steal Linnen, I'le not steal my shrowd yet.
Lay me when I am dead near a rich Alderman,
I cannot pick his Purse, no, I'le no dying,
Though I steal Linnen, I'le not steal my shrowd yet.
All. Send ye a happy match. [Exeunt.
Fool. And you all halters, you have deserved 'em richly.
These do all Villanies, and mischiefs of all sorts, yet those they fear not,
To flinch where a fair wench is at the stake.
These do all Villanies, and mischiefs of all sorts, yet those they fear not,
To flinch where a fair wench is at the stake.
Evan. Come, your sentence, let me dye: you see, Sir,
None of your valiant men dare venture on me,
A Moneth's a dangerous thing.
None of your valiant men dare venture on me,
A Moneth's a dangerous thing.
Enter Valerio disguis'd.
Fred. Away with her, let her dye instantly.
Evan. Will you then be willing
To dye at the time prefixt? that I must know too,
And know it beyond doubt.
To dye at the time prefixt? that I must know too,
And know it beyond doubt.
Fred. What if I did wench?
Evan. On that condition if I had it certain,
I would be your any thing, and you should injoy me,
How ever in my nature I abhor you,
Yet as I live I would be obedient to you;
But when your time came how I should rejoyce,
How then I should bestir my self to thank ye,
To see your throat cut, how my heart would leap, Sir!
I would dye with you, but first I would so torture ye,
And cow you in your end, so despise you,
For a weak and wretched coward, you must end sure;
Still make ye fear, and shake, despised, still laugh at ye.
I would be your any thing, and you should injoy me,
How ever in my nature I abhor you,
Yet as I live I would be obedient to you;
But when your time came how I should rejoyce,
How then I should bestir my self to thank ye,
To see your throat cut, how my heart would leap, Sir!
I would dye with you, but first I would so torture ye,
And cow you in your end, so despise you,
For a weak and wretched coward, you must end sure;
Still make ye fear, and shake, despised, still laugh at ye.
Fred. Away with her, let her dye instantly.
Cam. Stay, there's another, and a Gentleman,
His habit shews no less, may be his business
Is for this Ladies love.
His habit shews no less, may be his business
Is for this Ladies love.
Fred. Say why ye come, Sir, and what you are.
Val. I am descended nobly, a Prince by birth, and by my trade a Souldier,
A Princes fellow, Abidos brought me forth,
My Parents Duke Agenor, and fair Egla,
My business hither to renew my love
With a young noble spirit, call'd Valerio;
Our first acquaintance was at Sea, in fight
Against a Turkish man of War, a stout one,
Where Lyon-like I saw him shew his valour,
And as he had been made of compleat vertue,
Spirit, and fire, no dregs of dull earth in him.
A Princes fellow, Abidos brought me forth,
My Parents Duke Agenor, and fair Egla,
My business hither to renew my love
With a young noble spirit, call'd Valerio;
Our first acquaintance was at Sea, in fight
Against a Turkish man of War, a stout one,
Where Lyon-like I saw him shew his valour,
And as he had been made of compleat vertue,
Spirit, and fire, no dregs of dull earth in him.
Evan. Thou art a brave Gentleman, and bravely speakest him.
Val. The Vessel dancing under him for joy,
And the rough whistling winds becalm'd to view him;
I saw the child of honour, for he was young,
Deal such an Alms amongst the spightful Pagans,
His towring sword flew like an eager Falkon,
And round about his reach invade the Turks,
He had intrencht himself in his dead quarries;
The silver Crescents on the tops they carried
Shrunk in their heads to see his rage so bloody,
And from his fury suffered sad eclipses;
The game of death was never plaid more nobly,
The meager thief grew wanton in his mischiefs,
And his shrunk hollow eyes smil'd on his ruines.
And the rough whistling winds becalm'd to view him;
I saw the child of honour, for he was young,
Deal such an Alms amongst the spightful Pagans,
His towring sword flew like an eager Falkon,
And round about his reach invade the Turks,
He had intrencht himself in his dead quarries;
The silver Crescents on the tops they carried
Shrunk in their heads to see his rage so bloody,
And from his fury suffered sad eclipses;
The game of death was never plaid more nobly,
The meager thief grew wanton in his mischiefs,
And his shrunk hollow eyes smil'd on his ruines.
Evan. Heaven keep this Gentleman from being a Suitor,
For I shall ne'r deny him, he's so noble.
For I shall ne'r deny him, he's so noble.
Val. But what can last long? strength and spirit wasted,
And fresh supplies flew on upon this Gentleman,
Breathless and weary with oppression,
And almost kill'd with killing, 'twas my chance
In a tall Ship I had to view the fight;
I set into him, entertain'd the Turk,
And for an hour gave him so hot a breakfast,
He clapt all linnen up he had to save him,
And like a Lovers thought he fled our fury;
There first I saw the man I lov'd, Valerio,
There was acquainted, there my soul grew to him,
And his to me, we were the twins of friendship.
And fresh supplies flew on upon this Gentleman,
Breathless and weary with oppression,
And almost kill'd with killing, 'twas my chance
In a tall Ship I had to view the fight;
I set into him, entertain'd the Turk,
And for an hour gave him so hot a breakfast,
He clapt all linnen up he had to save him,
And like a Lovers thought he fled our fury;
There first I saw the man I lov'd, Valerio,
There was acquainted, there my soul grew to him,
And his to me, we were the twins of friendship.
Evan. Fortune protect this man, or I shall ruine him.
Val. I made this voyage to behold my friend,
To warm my love anew at his affection;
But since I landed, I have heard his fate:
My Father's had not been to me more cruel,
I have lamented too, and yet I keep
The treasure of a few tears for you Lady,
For by description you were his Evanthe.
To warm my love anew at his affection;
But since I landed, I have heard his fate:
My Father's had not been to me more cruel,
I have lamented too, and yet I keep
The treasure of a few tears for you Lady,
For by description you were his Evanthe.
Evan. Can he weep that's a stranger to my story?
And I stand still and look on? Sir, I thank ye;
If noble spirits after their departure,
Can know, and wish, certain his soul gives thanks too;
There are your tears again, and when yours fail, Sir,
Pray ye call to me, I have some store to lend ye. Your name?
And I stand still and look on? Sir, I thank ye;
If noble spirits after their departure,
Can know, and wish, certain his soul gives thanks too;
There are your tears again, and when yours fail, Sir,
Pray ye call to me, I have some store to lend ye. Your name?
Val. Urbino.
Evan. That I may remember,
That little time I have to live, your friendships,
My tongue shall study both.
That little time I have to live, your friendships,
My tongue shall study both.
Fred. Do you come hither, only to tell this story, Prince Urbino?
Val. My business now is, Sir, to woo this Lady.
Evan. Blessing defend ye; do you know the danger?
Val. Yes, and I fear it not, danger's my play-fellow,
Since I was man 'thas been my best companion,
I know your doom, 'tis for a Moneth you give her,
And then his life you take that marries her.
Since I was man 'thas been my best companion,
I know your doom, 'tis for a Moneth you give her,
And then his life you take that marries her.
Fred. 'Tis true, nor can your being born a Prince,
If you accept the offer, free you from it.
If you accept the offer, free you from it.
Val. I not desire it, I have cast the worst,
And even that worst to me is many blessings;
I lov'd my friend, not measur'd out by time,
Nor hired by circumstance of place and honour,
But for his wealthy self and worth I lov'd him,
His mind and noble mold he ever mov'd in,
And wooe his friend because she was worthy of him,
The only relique that he left behind, Sir;
To give his ashes honour, Lady take me,
And in me keep Valerio's love alive still,
When I am gone, take those that shall succeed me,
Heaven must want light, before you want a Husband,
To raise up heirs of love and noble memory,
To your unfortunate—
And even that worst to me is many blessings;
I lov'd my friend, not measur'd out by time,
Nor hired by circumstance of place and honour,
But for his wealthy self and worth I lov'd him,
His mind and noble mold he ever mov'd in,
And wooe his friend because she was worthy of him,
The only relique that he left behind, Sir;
To give his ashes honour, Lady take me,
And in me keep Valerio's love alive still,
When I am gone, take those that shall succeed me,
Heaven must want light, before you want a Husband,
To raise up heirs of love and noble memory,
To your unfortunate—
Evan. Am I still hated? hast thou no end, O fate, of my affliction?
Was I ordain'd to be a common Murdress?
And of the best men too? Good Sir—
Was I ordain'd to be a common Murdress?
And of the best men too? Good Sir—
Val. Peace Sweet, look on my hand.
Evan. I do accept the Gentleman, I faint with joy.
Fr. I stop it, none shall have her, convey this stranger hence.
Val. I am no stranger—Hark to the bell, that rings,
Hark, hark, proud Frederick, that was King of mischief,
Hark, thou abhorred man, dost thou hear thy sentence?
Does not this bell ring in thine ears thy ruine?
Hark, hark, proud Frederick, that was King of mischief,
Hark, thou abhorred man, dost thou hear thy sentence?
Does not this bell ring in thine ears thy ruine?
Fred. What bell is this?
Cam. The Castle bell: Stand sure, Sir, and move not, if you do you perish.
Men. It rings your knell; Alphonso, King Alphonso.
All. Alphonso, King Alphonso.
Fred. I am betrai'd, lock fast the Palace.
Cam. We have all the keys, Sir.
And no door here shall shut without our Licence.
And no door here shall shut without our Licence.
Cle. Do you shake now, Lord Sorano? no new trick?
Nor speedy poison to prevent this business?
No bawdy meditation now to fly to?
Nor speedy poison to prevent this business?
No bawdy meditation now to fly to?
Fred. Treason, Treason, Treason.
Cam. Yes, we hear ye,
Enter Alphonso, Rugio, Marco, Castruchio, Queen, with Guard.
And we have found the Traytor in your shape, Sir,
We'll keep him fast too.
We'll keep him fast too.
Fred. Recover'd! then I am gone,
The Sun of all my pomp is set and vanisht.
The Sun of all my pomp is set and vanisht.
Alp. Have you not forgot this face of mine, King Frederick?
Brother, I am come to see you, and have brought
A Banquet to be merry with your Grace;
I pray sit down, I do beseech your Majesty,
And eat, eat freely, Sir, why do you start?
Have you no stomach to the meat I bring you?
Dare you not taste? have ye no Antidotes?
You need not fear; Sorano's a good Apothecary,
Me thinks you look not well, some fresh wine for him,
Some of the same he sent me by Sorano;
I thank you for't, it sav'd my life, I am bound to ye,
But how 'twill work on you—I hope your Lordship
Will pledge him too, me thinks you look but scurvily,
And would be put into a better colour,
But I have a candi'd Toad for your Lordship.
Brother, I am come to see you, and have brought
A Banquet to be merry with your Grace;
I pray sit down, I do beseech your Majesty,
And eat, eat freely, Sir, why do you start?
Have you no stomach to the meat I bring you?
Dare you not taste? have ye no Antidotes?
You need not fear; Sorano's a good Apothecary,
Me thinks you look not well, some fresh wine for him,
Some of the same he sent me by Sorano;
I thank you for't, it sav'd my life, I am bound to ye,
But how 'twill work on you—I hope your Lordship
Will pledge him too, me thinks you look but scurvily,
And would be put into a better colour,
But I have a candi'd Toad for your Lordship.
Sor. Would I had any thing that would dispatch me,
So it were down, and I out of this fear once.
So it were down, and I out of this fear once.
Fred. Sir, Thus low as my duty now compells me,
I do confess my unbounded sins, my errours,
And feel within my soul the smarts already;
Hide not the noble nature of a Brother,
The pity of a friend, from my afflictions;
Let me a while lament my misery,
And cast the load off of my wantonness,
Before I find your fury, then strike home,
I do deserve the deepest blow of Justice,
And then how willingly, O death, I'le meet thee!
I do confess my unbounded sins, my errours,
And feel within my soul the smarts already;
Hide not the noble nature of a Brother,
The pity of a friend, from my afflictions;
Let me a while lament my misery,
And cast the load off of my wantonness,
Before I find your fury, then strike home,
I do deserve the deepest blow of Justice,
And then how willingly, O death, I'le meet thee!
Alp. Rise, Madam, those sweet tears are potent speakers,
And Brother live, but in the Monastery,
Where I lived, with the self same silence too,
I'le teach you to be good against your will, Brother,
Your tongue has done much harm, that must be dumb now;
The daily pilgrimage to my Fathers Tomb,
Tears, sighs, and groans, you shall wear out your daies with,
And true ones too, you shall perform dear Brother;
Your diet shall be slender to inforce these; too light a penance, Sir.
And Brother live, but in the Monastery,
Where I lived, with the self same silence too,
I'le teach you to be good against your will, Brother,
Your tongue has done much harm, that must be dumb now;
The daily pilgrimage to my Fathers Tomb,
Tears, sighs, and groans, you shall wear out your daies with,
And true ones too, you shall perform dear Brother;
Your diet shall be slender to inforce these; too light a penance, Sir.
Fred. I do confess it.
Alph. Sorano you shall—
Sor. How he studies for it!
Hanging's the least part of my penance certain.
Hanging's the least part of my penance certain.
[Evanthe Kneels.
Alph. What Lady's that that kneels?
Cast. The chaste Evanthe.
Alph. Sweet, your Petition?
Evan. 'Tis for this bad man, Sir,
Abominable bad, but yet my Brother.
Abominable bad, but yet my Brother.
Alph. The bad man shall attend as bad a Master,
And both shall be confin'd within the Monastery;
His rank flesh shall be pull'd with daily fasting,
But once a week he shall s[m]ell meat, he will surfeit else,
And his immodest mind, compell'd to prayer;
On the bare boards he shall lye, to remember
The wantonness he did commit in beds;
And drink fair water, that will ne'r inflame him;
He sav'd my life, though he purpos'd to destroy me,
For which I'le save his, though I make it miserable:
Madam, at Court I shall desire your company,
You are wise and vertuous, when you please to visit
My Brother Frederick, you shall have our Licence,
My dear best friend, Valerio.
And both shall be confin'd within the Monastery;
His rank flesh shall be pull'd with daily fasting,
But once a week he shall s[m]ell meat, he will surfeit else,
And his immodest mind, compell'd to prayer;
On the bare boards he shall lye, to remember
The wantonness he did commit in beds;
And drink fair water, that will ne'r inflame him;
He sav'd my life, though he purpos'd to destroy me,
For which I'le save his, though I make it miserable:
Madam, at Court I shall desire your company,
You are wise and vertuous, when you please to visit
My Brother Frederick, you shall have our Licence,
My dear best friend, Valerio.
Val. Save Alphonso.
Omn. Long live Alphonso, King of us, and Naples.
Alph. Is this the Lady that the wonder goes on?
Honour'd sweet Maid, here take her my Valerio,
The King now gives her, she is thine own without fear:
Brother, have you so much provision that is good?
Not season'd by Sorano and his Cooks?
That we may venture on with honest safety,
We and our friends?
Honour'd sweet Maid, here take her my Valerio,
The King now gives her, she is thine own without fear:
Brother, have you so much provision that is good?
Not season'd by Sorano and his Cooks?
That we may venture on with honest safety,
We and our friends?
Fred. All that I have is yours, Sir.
Alph. Come then, let's in, and end this Nuptial,
Then to our Coronation with all speed:
My vertuous Maid, this day I'le be your Bride-man,
And see you bedded to your own desires too;
Beshrew me Lords, who is not merry hates me,
Only Sorano shall not bear my cup:
Come, now forget old pains and injuries,
As I must do, and drown all in fair healths;
That Kingdom's blessed, where the King begins
His true love first, for there all loves are twins.
Then to our Coronation with all speed:
My vertuous Maid, this day I'le be your Bride-man,
And see you bedded to your own desires too;
Beshrew me Lords, who is not merry hates me,
Only Sorano shall not bear my cup:
Come, now forget old pains and injuries,
As I must do, and drown all in fair healths;
That Kingdom's blessed, where the King begins
His true love first, for there all loves are twins.
[Exeunt Omnes.
Prologue.
You are wellcome Gentlemen, and would our Feast
Were so well season'd, to please every Guest;
Ingenuous appetites, I hope we shall,
And their examples may prevail in all.
Our noble friend, who writ this, bid me say,
He had rather dress, upon a Triumph day,
My Lord Ma[y]ors Feast, and make him Sawces too,
Sawce for each several mouth, nay further go,
He had rather build up those invincible Pyes
And Castle Custards that affright all eyes,
Nay eat 'em all and their Artillery,
Than dress for such a curious company
One single dish; yet he has pleas'd ye too,
And you've confest he knew well what to do;
Be hungry as you were wont to be, and bring,
Sharp stomachs to the stories he shall sing,
And he dare yet, he saies, prepare a Table
Shall make you say, well drest, and he well able.
Were so well season'd, to please every Guest;
Ingenuous appetites, I hope we shall,
And their examples may prevail in all.
Our noble friend, who writ this, bid me say,
He had rather dress, upon a Triumph day,
My Lord Ma[y]ors Feast, and make him Sawces too,
Sawce for each several mouth, nay further go,
He had rather build up those invincible Pyes
And Castle Custards that affright all eyes,
Nay eat 'em all and their Artillery,
Than dress for such a curious company
One single dish; yet he has pleas'd ye too,
And you've confest he knew well what to do;
Be hungry as you were wont to be, and bring,
Sharp stomachs to the stories he shall sing,
And he dare yet, he saies, prepare a Table
Shall make you say, well drest, and he well able.
Epilogue.
We have your favours, Gentlemen, and you
Have our indeavours, (dear Friends grudge not now,)
There's none of you, but when you please can sell
Many a lame Horse, and many a fair tale tell;
Can put off many a Maid unto a friend,
That was not so since th' action at Mile-end;
Ours is a Virgin yet, and they that love
Untainted flesh, we hope our friends will prove.
Have our indeavours, (dear Friends grudge not now,)
There's none of you, but when you please can sell
Many a lame Horse, and many a fair tale tell;
Can put off many a Maid unto a friend,
That was not so since th' action at Mile-end;
Ours is a Virgin yet, and they that love
Untainted flesh, we hope our friends will prove.
THE
LOVERS PROGRESS.
A
TRAGEDY.
Persons Represented in the Play.
- King of France.
- Cleander, Husband to Calista.
- Lidian, Brother to Calista, {both in love with Olinda.
- Clarange, Rival to Lidian, {
- Dorilaus, Father to Lidian and Calista, a merry old man.
- Lisander, a noble Gentleman, in love with Calista.
- Alcidon, a friend, and second to Lidian.
- Beronte, Brother to Cleander.
- Lem[ure], a noble Courtier.
- Leon, a Villain, Lover of Clarinda.
- Mallfort, a foolish Steward of Cleander.
- Lancelot, Servant to Lisander.
- Fryar.
- Hosts ghost.
- Chamberlain.
- Servants.
WOMEN.
- Calista, a vertuous Lady, Wife to Cleander.
- Olinda, a noble Maid, and rich Heir, Mistress to Lidian and Clarange.
- Clarinda, a lustful Wench, Calista's waiting woman.
The Scene France.
The principal Actors were,
- Joseph Taylor.
- Robert Benfield.
- Thomas Polard.
- George Birch.
- John Lowin.
- John Underwood.
- Richard Sharpe.
- John Thomson.
Actus Primus. Scena Prima.
Enter Leon, and Mallfort.
Mal. And as I told you, Sir.
Leon. I understand you,
Clarinda's still perverse.
Clarinda's still perverse.
Mal. She's worse, obdurate,
Flinty, relentless, my love-passions jeer'd at,
My Presents scorn'd.
Flinty, relentless, my love-passions jeer'd at,
My Presents scorn'd.
Leon. 'Tis strange a waiting-woman,
In her condition apt to yield, should hold out,
A man of your place, reverend Beard and shape,
Besieging her.
In her condition apt to yield, should hold out,
A man of your place, reverend Beard and shape,
Besieging her.
Mal. You might add too my wealth,
Which she contemns, five hundred Crowns per annum,
For which I have ventur'd hard, my Conscience knows it,
Not thought upon, though offer'd for a Joynture;
This Chain which my Lords Pesants worship, flouted;
My solemn hums and ha's, the servants quake at,
No Rhetorick with her; every hour she hangs out
Some new Flag of defiance to torment me;
Last Lent, my Lady call'd me her Poor John,
But now I am grown a walking Skeleton,
You may see through, and through me.
Which she contemns, five hundred Crowns per annum,
For which I have ventur'd hard, my Conscience knows it,
Not thought upon, though offer'd for a Joynture;
This Chain which my Lords Pesants worship, flouted;
My solemn hums and ha's, the servants quake at,
No Rhetorick with her; every hour she hangs out
Some new Flag of defiance to torment me;
Last Lent, my Lady call'd me her Poor John,
But now I am grown a walking Skeleton,
You may see through, and through me.
Leon. Indeed you are much faln away.
Mal. I am a kind of nothing,
As she hath made me; Love's a terrible Clyster,
And if some Cordial of her favours help not,
I shall like an Italian, dye backward,
And breathe my last the wrong way.
As she hath made me; Love's a terrible Clyster,
And if some Cordial of her favours help not,
I shall like an Italian, dye backward,
And breathe my last the wrong way.
Leon. As I live, you have my pity; but this is cold comfort,
And in a friend lip-physick; and now I think on't,
I should do more, and will, so you deny not
Your self the means of comfort.
And in a friend lip-physick; and now I think on't,
I should do more, and will, so you deny not
Your self the means of comfort.
Mal. I'll be hang'd first; one dram of't I beseech you.
Leon. You are not jealous of any mans access to her?
Mal. I would not receive the Dor, but as a bosome friend
You shall direct me, still provided that
I understand who is the man, and what
His purpose, that pleads for me.
You shall direct me, still provided that
I understand who is the man, and what
His purpose, that pleads for me.
Leon. By all means:
First, for the undertaker, I am he;
The means that I will practise, thus—
First, for the undertaker, I am he;
The means that I will practise, thus—
Mal. Pray you forward.
Leon. You know your Lady, chaste Calista loves her.
Mal. Too well, that makes her proud.
Leon. Nay, give me leave,
This beauteous Lady, I may stile her so,
(Being the paragon of France for feature)
Is not alone contented in her self
To seem, and be good, but desires to make
All such as have dependance on her, like her;
For this Clarinda's liberty is restrain'd;
And though her kinsman, the gate's shut against me;
Now if you please to make your self the door,
For my conveyance to her, though you run
The hazard of a check for't, 'tis no matter.
This beauteous Lady, I may stile her so,
(Being the paragon of France for feature)
Is not alone contented in her self
To seem, and be good, but desires to make
All such as have dependance on her, like her;
For this Clarinda's liberty is restrain'd;
And though her kinsman, the gate's shut against me;
Now if you please to make your self the door,
For my conveyance to her, though you run
The hazard of a check for't, 'tis no matter.
Mal. It being for mine own ends.
Leon. I'll give it o'r,
If that you make the least doubt otherwise:
Study upon't: good morrow.
If that you make the least doubt otherwise:
Study upon't: good morrow.
Mal. Pray you stay, Sir;
You are my friend; yet as the Proverb says,
When love puts in, friendship is gone: suppose
You should your self affect her?
You are my friend; yet as the Proverb says,
When love puts in, friendship is gone: suppose
You should your self affect her?
Leon. Do you think I'll commit incest? for it is no less,
She being my Cousin German. Fare you well, Sir.
She being my Cousin German. Fare you well, Sir.
Mal. I had forgot that, for this once forgive me.
Only to ease the throbbing of my heart,
(For I do feel strange pangs) instruct me what
You will say for me.
Only to ease the throbbing of my heart,
(For I do feel strange pangs) instruct me what
You will say for me.
Leon. First, I'll tell her that
She hath so far besotted you, that you have
Almost forgot to cast accompt.
She hath so far besotted you, that you have
Almost forgot to cast accompt.
Mal. Meer truth, Sir.
Leon. That of a wise and provident Steward,
You are turn'd stark Ass.
You are turn'd stark Ass.
Mal. Urge that point home, I am so.
Mal. As I do when I find their print in the snow.
Leon. A loving fool I know it,
By your bloudless frosty lips; then having related
How much you suffer for her, and how well
You do deserve it—
By your bloudless frosty lips; then having related
How much you suffer for her, and how well
You do deserve it—
Mal. How? to suffer?
Leon. No, Sir, to have your love return'd.
Mal. That's good, I thank you.
Leon. I will deliver her an Inventory
Of your good parts: as this, your precious nose
Dropping affection; your high forehead reaching
Almost to the Crown of your head; your slender waste,
And a back not like a threshers, but a bending,
And Court-like back, and so forth, for your Body.
But when I touch your mind, for that must take her,
(Since your out-side promises little) I'll enlarge it,
(Though ne'r so narrow) as your arts to thrive,
Your composition with the Cook and Butler
For Cony-Skins and Chippings, and half a share
With all the under Officers of the house,
In strangers bounties, that she shall have all,
And you as 'twere her Bailiff.
Of your good parts: as this, your precious nose
Dropping affection; your high forehead reaching
Almost to the Crown of your head; your slender waste,
And a back not like a threshers, but a bending,
And Court-like back, and so forth, for your Body.
But when I touch your mind, for that must take her,
(Since your out-side promises little) I'll enlarge it,
(Though ne'r so narrow) as your arts to thrive,
Your composition with the Cook and Butler
For Cony-Skins and Chippings, and half a share
With all the under Officers of the house,
In strangers bounties, that she shall have all,
And you as 'twere her Bailiff.
Mal. As I will be.
Leon. As you shall, so I'll promise. Then your qualities,
As playing on a Gyttern, or a Jews-Trump.
As playing on a Gyttern, or a Jews-Trump.
Mal. A little too on the Viol.
Leon. Fear you nothing.
Then singing her asleep with curious Catches
Of your own making; for as I have heard,
You are Poetical.
Then singing her asleep with curious Catches
Of your own making; for as I have heard,
You are Poetical.
Mal. Something given that way;
Yet my works seldom thrive: and the main reason
The Poets urge for't, is, because I am not
As poor as they are.
Yet my works seldom thrive: and the main reason
The Poets urge for't, is, because I am not
As poor as they are.
Leon. Very likely; fetch her
While I am in the vein.
While I am in the vein.
Mal. 'Tis an apt time, my Lady being at her Prayers.
Leon. Let her pray on.
Nay go, and if upon my intercession
She do you not some favour, I'll disclaim her;
I'll ruminate on't the while.
Nay go, and if upon my intercession
She do you not some favour, I'll disclaim her;
I'll ruminate on't the while.
Mal. A hundred Crowns is your reward.
Leon. Without 'em—nay no trifling. [Ex. Mal.
That this dull clod of ignorance should know
How to get money, yet want eyes to see
How grosly he's abus'd, and wrought upon!
When he should make his will, the Rogue's turn'd rampant,
As he had renew'd his youth; a handsome wench,
Love one a spittle-whore would run away from?
Well, Master Steward, I will plead for you
In such a method, as it shall appear
You are fit to be a property.
That this dull clod of ignorance should know
How to get money, yet want eyes to see
How grosly he's abus'd, and wrought upon!
When he should make his will, the Rogue's turn'd rampant,
As he had renew'd his youth; a handsome wench,
Love one a spittle-whore would run away from?
Well, Master Steward, I will plead for you
In such a method, as it shall appear
You are fit to be a property.
Enter Malfort, and Clarinda.
Mal. Yonder he walks
That knows my worth and value, though you scorn it.
That knows my worth and value, though you scorn it.
Clar. If my Lady know not this—
Mal. I'll answer it:
If you were a Nun I hope your Cousin German
Might talk with you through a grate, but you are none,
And therefore may come closer; ne'r hang off,
As I live you shall bill; ye may salute as strangers,
Custom allows it. Now, now, come upon her
With all your Oratory, [tickle her to the quick,]
As a young Advocate should, and leave no Vertue
Of mine unmentioned, I'll stand centinel;
Nay keep the door my self. [Exit.
If you were a Nun I hope your Cousin German
Might talk with you through a grate, but you are none,
And therefore may come closer; ne'r hang off,
As I live you shall bill; ye may salute as strangers,
Custom allows it. Now, now, come upon her
With all your Oratory, [tickle her to the quick,]
As a young Advocate should, and leave no Vertue
Of mine unmentioned, I'll stand centinel;
Nay keep the door my self. [Exit.
Clar. How have you work'd
This piece of motley to your ends?
This piece of motley to your ends?
Leon. Of that at leasure, Mistriss. [Kissing.
Clar. Lower, you are too loud,
Though the fool be deaf, some of the house may hear you.
Though the fool be deaf, some of the house may hear you.
Leon. Suppose they should, I am a Gentleman,
And held your Kinsman, under that I hope
I may be free.
And held your Kinsman, under that I hope
I may be free.
Clar. I grant it, but with caution;
But be not seen to talk with me familiarly,
But at fit distance, or not seen at all,
It were the better; you know my Ladies humour,
She is all honour, and compos'd of goodness,
(As she pretends) and you having no business,
How jealous may she grow?
But be not seen to talk with me familiarly,
But at fit distance, or not seen at all,
It were the better; you know my Ladies humour,
She is all honour, and compos'd of goodness,
(As she pretends) and you having no business,
How jealous may she grow?
Leon. I will be rul'd.
But you have promis'd, and I must enjoy you.
But you have promis'd, and I must enjoy you.
Clar. We shall find time for that; you are too hasty,
Make your self fit and I shall make occasion,
Deliberation makes best in that business,
And contents every way.
Make your self fit and I shall make occasion,
Deliberation makes best in that business,
And contents every way.
Leon. But you must feed
This foolish Steward with some shadow of
A future favour, that we may preserve him
To be our instrument.
This foolish Steward with some shadow of
A future favour, that we may preserve him
To be our instrument.
Clar. Hang him.
Leon. For my sake, Sweet,
I undertook to speak for him, any Bauble,
Or slight employment in the way of service,
Will feed him fat.
I undertook to speak for him, any Bauble,
Or slight employment in the way of service,
Will feed him fat.
Enter Malfort.