Vir. Boy.
Boy. Sir?
Vir. If my wife seek me, tell her that
Designs of weight, too heavy for her knowledge,
Exact my privacy.
Designs of weight, too heavy for her knowledge,
Exact my privacy.
Boy. I shall, Sir.
Vir. Do then,
And leave me to my self.
And leave me to my self.
Boy. 'Tis a raw morning
And would you please to interpret that for duty
Which you may construe boldness, I could wish
To arm your self against it, you would use
More of my service.
And would you please to interpret that for duty
Which you may construe boldness, I could wish
To arm your self against it, you would use
More of my service.
Vir. I have heat within here,
A noble heat (good boy) to keep it off,
I shall not freeze; deliver my excuse, [Enter Juliana.
And you have done your part.
A noble heat (good boy) to keep it off,
I shall not freeze; deliver my excuse, [Enter Juliana.
And you have done your part.
Boy. That is prevented,
My Lady follows you.
My Lady follows you.
Vir. Since I must be crost then,
Let her perform that office.
Let her perform that office.
Boy. I obey you. [Exit.
Vir. Prethee to bed; to be thus fond's more tedious
Than if I were neglected.
Than if I were neglected.
Jul. 'Tis the fault then
Of Love and Duty, which I would fall under,
Rather than want that care which you may challenge
As due to my obedience.
Of Love and Duty, which I would fall under,
Rather than want that care which you may challenge
As due to my obedience.
Vir. I confess
This tenderness argues a loving Wife,
And more deserves my hearts best thanks, than anger.
Yet I must tell ye Sweet, you do exceed
In your affection, if you would ingross me
To your delights alone.
This tenderness argues a loving Wife,
And more deserves my hearts best thanks, than anger.
Yet I must tell ye Sweet, you do exceed
In your affection, if you would ingross me
To your delights alone.
Jul. I am not jealous,
If my embraces have distasted you,
As I must grant you every way so worthy
That 'tis not in weak woman to deserve you,
Much less in miserable me, that want
Those graces, some more fortunate are stor'd with.
Seek any whom you please, and I will study
With my best service to deserve those favors,
That shall yield you contentment.
If my embraces have distasted you,
As I must grant you every way so worthy
That 'tis not in weak woman to deserve you,
Much less in miserable me, that want
Those graces, some more fortunate are stor'd with.
Seek any whom you please, and I will study
With my best service to deserve those favors,
That shall yield you contentment.
Vir. You are mistaken.
Jul. No, I am patient Sir, and so good morrow;
I will not be offensive.
I will not be offensive.
Vir. Hear my reasons.
Jul. Though in your life a widdows bed receives me,
For your sake I must love it. May she prosper
That shall succeed me in it, and your ardor
Last longer to her.
For your sake I must love it. May she prosper
That shall succeed me in it, and your ardor
Last longer to her.
Vir. By the love I bear,
First to my Countreys peace; next to thy self
To whom compar'd, my life I rate at nothing;
Stood here a Lady that were the choice abstract
Of all the beauties nature ever fashion'd,
Or Art gave ornament to, compar'd to thee,
Thus as thou art obedient and loving,
I should contemn and loath her.
First to my Countreys peace; next to thy self
To whom compar'd, my life I rate at nothing;
Stood here a Lady that were the choice abstract
Of all the beauties nature ever fashion'd,
Or Art gave ornament to, compar'd to thee,
Thus as thou art obedient and loving,
I should contemn and loath her.
Jul. I doe believe.
How I am blest
In my assur'd belief! this is unfeign'd;
And why this sadness then?
How I am blest
In my assur'd belief! this is unfeign'd;
And why this sadness then?
Vir. Why Juliana,
Believe me, these my sad and dull retirements,
My often, nay almost continued Fasts,
Sleep banisht from my eyes, all pleasures, strangers,
Have neither root nor growth from any cause
That may arrive at Woman. Shouldst thou be,
As chastity forbid, false to my bed,
I should lament my fortune, perhaps punish
Thy falshood, and then study to forget thee:
But that which like a never-emptied spring,
Feeds high the torrent of my swelling grief,
Is what my Countrey suffers; there's a ground
Where sorrow may be planted, and spring up,
Through yielding rage, and womanish despair,
And yet not shame the owner.
Believe me, these my sad and dull retirements,
My often, nay almost continued Fasts,
Sleep banisht from my eyes, all pleasures, strangers,
Have neither root nor growth from any cause
That may arrive at Woman. Shouldst thou be,
As chastity forbid, false to my bed,
I should lament my fortune, perhaps punish
Thy falshood, and then study to forget thee:
But that which like a never-emptied spring,
Feeds high the torrent of my swelling grief,
Is what my Countrey suffers; there's a ground
Where sorrow may be planted, and spring up,
Through yielding rage, and womanish despair,
And yet not shame the owner.
Jul. I do believe it true,
Yet I should think my self a happy woman,
If, in this general and timely mourning,
I might or give to you, or else receive
A little lawful comfort.
Yet I should think my self a happy woman,
If, in this general and timely mourning,
I might or give to you, or else receive
A little lawful comfort.
Vir. Thy discretion
In this may answer for me; look on Naples
The Countrey where we both were born and bred,
Naples the Paradise of Italy,
As that is of the earth; Naples, that was
The sweet retreat of all the worthiest Romans,
When they had shar'd the spoils of the whole world;
This flourishing Kingdom, whose inhabitants
For wealth and bravery, liv'd like petty Kings,
Made subject now to such a tyrannie.
As that fair City that receiv'd her name
From Constantine the great, now in the power
Of barbarous Infidels, may forget her own;
To look with pity on our miseries;
So far in our calamities we transcend her.
For since this Arragonian tyrant, Ferrand,
Seiz'd on the gover[n]ment, there's nothing left us
That we can call our own, but our afflictions.
In this may answer for me; look on Naples
The Countrey where we both were born and bred,
Naples the Paradise of Italy,
As that is of the earth; Naples, that was
The sweet retreat of all the worthiest Romans,
When they had shar'd the spoils of the whole world;
This flourishing Kingdom, whose inhabitants
For wealth and bravery, liv'd like petty Kings,
Made subject now to such a tyrannie.
As that fair City that receiv'd her name
From Constantine the great, now in the power
Of barbarous Infidels, may forget her own;
To look with pity on our miseries;
So far in our calamities we transcend her.
For since this Arragonian tyrant, Ferrand,
Seiz'd on the gover[n]ment, there's nothing left us
That we can call our own, but our afflictions.
Jul. And hardly those; the Kings strange cruelty,
Equals all presidents of tyranny.
Equals all presidents of tyranny.
Vir. Equal say you?
He has out-gone, the worst compar'd to him;
Nor Phalaris, nor Dionysius,
Caligula, nor Nero can be mention'd;
They yet as Kings, abus'd their Regal power;
This as a Merchant, all the Countreys fat,
He wholly does ingross unto himself;
Our Oils he buys at his own price, then sells them
To us, at dearer rates; our Plate and Jewels,
Under a fain'd pretence of publique use,
He borrows; which deny'd his instruments force.
The Races of our horses he takes from us;
Yet keeps them in our pastures; rapes of Matrons,
And Virgins, are too frequent; never man
Yet thank'd him for a pardon; for Religion,
It is a thing he dreams not of.
He has out-gone, the worst compar'd to him;
Nor Phalaris, nor Dionysius,
Caligula, nor Nero can be mention'd;
They yet as Kings, abus'd their Regal power;
This as a Merchant, all the Countreys fat,
He wholly does ingross unto himself;
Our Oils he buys at his own price, then sells them
To us, at dearer rates; our Plate and Jewels,
Under a fain'd pretence of publique use,
He borrows; which deny'd his instruments force.
The Races of our horses he takes from us;
Yet keeps them in our pastures; rapes of Matrons,
And Virgins, are too frequent; never man
Yet thank'd him for a pardon; for Religion,
It is a thing he dreams not of.
Jul. I have heard,
How true it is, I know not; that he sold
The Bishoprick of Tarent to a Jew,
For thirteen thousand Duckets.
How true it is, I know not; that he sold
The Bishoprick of Tarent to a Jew,
For thirteen thousand Duckets.
Vir. I was present,
And saw the money paid; the day would leave me,
E'r I could number out his impious actions;
Or what the miserable Subject suffers;
And can you entertain in such a time,
A thought of dalliance? tears, and sighs, and groans,
Would better now become you.
And saw the money paid; the day would leave me,
E'r I could number out his impious actions;
Or what the miserable Subject suffers;
And can you entertain in such a time,
A thought of dalliance? tears, and sighs, and groans,
Would better now become you.
Jul. They indeed are,
The only weapons, our poor Sex can use,
When we are injur'd; and they may become us;
But for me[n] that were born free men, of Ranck;
That would be Registred Fathers of their Countrey;
And to have on their Tombs in Golden Letters,
The noble stile of Tyrant-killers, written;
To weep like fools and Women, and not like wise men.
To practise a redress, deserves a name,
Which fits not me to give.
The only weapons, our poor Sex can use,
When we are injur'd; and they may become us;
But for me[n] that were born free men, of Ranck;
That would be Registred Fathers of their Countrey;
And to have on their Tombs in Golden Letters,
The noble stile of Tyrant-killers, written;
To weep like fools and Women, and not like wise men.
To practise a redress, deserves a name,
Which fits not me to give.
Vir. Thy grave reproof:
If what thou dost desire, were possible
To be effected, might well argue it,
As wise as loving; but if you consider,
With what strong guards this Tyrant is defended:
Ruffins, and male-contents drawn from all quarters;
That only know, to serve his impious Will;
The Cittadels built by him in the neck
Of this poor City; the invincible strength,
Nature by Art assisted, gave this Castle;
And above all his fear; admitting no man
To see him, but unarm'd; it being death
For any to approach him with a weapon.
You must confess, unless our hands were Cannons,
To batter down these walls; our weak breath Mines,
To blow his Forts up; or our curses lightning,
To force a passage to him; and then blast him;
Our power is like to yours, and we, like you,
Weep our misfortunes.
If what thou dost desire, were possible
To be effected, might well argue it,
As wise as loving; but if you consider,
With what strong guards this Tyrant is defended:
Ruffins, and male-contents drawn from all quarters;
That only know, to serve his impious Will;
The Cittadels built by him in the neck
Of this poor City; the invincible strength,
Nature by Art assisted, gave this Castle;
And above all his fear; admitting no man
To see him, but unarm'd; it being death
For any to approach him with a weapon.
You must confess, unless our hands were Cannons,
To batter down these walls; our weak breath Mines,
To blow his Forts up; or our curses lightning,
To force a passage to him; and then blast him;
Our power is like to yours, and we, like you,
Weep our misfortunes.
Jul. Walls of Brass resist not
A noble undertaking; nor can vice,
Raise any Bulwark, to make good the place,
Where virtue seeks to enter; then to fall
In such a brave attempt, were such an honor
That Brutus, did he live again, would envy.
Were my dead Father in you, and my Brothers;
Nay, all the Ancestors I am deriv'd from;
As you, in being what you are, are all these.
I had rather wear a mourning Garment for you,
And should be more proud of my widdowhood;
You dying for the freedom of this Countrey;
Than if I were assur'd, I should enjoy
A perpetuity of life and pleasure
With you, the Tyrant living.
A noble undertaking; nor can vice,
Raise any Bulwark, to make good the place,
Where virtue seeks to enter; then to fall
In such a brave attempt, were such an honor
That Brutus, did he live again, would envy.
Were my dead Father in you, and my Brothers;
Nay, all the Ancestors I am deriv'd from;
As you, in being what you are, are all these.
I had rather wear a mourning Garment for you,
And should be more proud of my widdowhood;
You dying for the freedom of this Countrey;
Than if I were assur'd, I should enjoy
A perpetuity of life and pleasure
With you, the Tyrant living.
Vir. Till this minute,
I never heard thee speak; O more than woman!
And more to be belov'd; can I find out
A Cabinet, to lock a secret in,
Of equal trust to thee? all doubts, and fears,
That scandalize your Sex, be far from me;
Thou shalt partake my near and dearest councils,
And further them with thine.
I never heard thee speak; O more than woman!
And more to be belov'd; can I find out
A Cabinet, to lock a secret in,
Of equal trust to thee? all doubts, and fears,
That scandalize your Sex, be far from me;
Thou shalt partake my near and dearest councils,
And further them with thine.
Jul. I will be faithful.
Vir. Know then this day, stand heaven propitious to us,
Our liberty begins.
Our liberty begins.
Jul. In Ferrands death?
Vir. 'Tis plotted love, and strongly, and believe it,
For nothing else could do it, 'twas the thought,
How to proceed in this design and end it,
That made strange my embraces.
For nothing else could do it, 'twas the thought,
How to proceed in this design and end it,
That made strange my embraces.
Jul. Curs'd be she,
That's so indulgent to her own delights,
That for their satisfaction, would give
A stop to such a glorious enterprize:
For me, I would not for the world, I had been
Guilty of such a crime; go on and prosper.
Go on my dearest Lord, I love your Honor
Above my life; nay, yours; my prayers go with you;
Which I will strengthen with my tears: the wrongs
Of this poor Countrey, edge your sword; Oh may it
Pierce deep into this Tyrants heart, and then
When you return bath'd in his guilty blood;
I'll wash you clean with fountains of true joy.
But who are your assistants? though I am
So covetous of your glory, that I could wish
You had no sharer in it. [Knock.
That's so indulgent to her own delights,
That for their satisfaction, would give
A stop to such a glorious enterprize:
For me, I would not for the world, I had been
Guilty of such a crime; go on and prosper.
Go on my dearest Lord, I love your Honor
Above my life; nay, yours; my prayers go with you;
Which I will strengthen with my tears: the wrongs
Of this poor Countrey, edge your sword; Oh may it
Pierce deep into this Tyrants heart, and then
When you return bath'd in his guilty blood;
I'll wash you clean with fountains of true joy.
But who are your assistants? though I am
So covetous of your glory, that I could wish
You had no sharer in it. [Knock.
Vir. Be not curious.
They come, however you command my bosom,
To them I would not have you seen.
They come, however you command my bosom,
To them I would not have you seen.
Jul. I am gone Sir,
Be confident; and may my resolution
Be present with you. [Exit.
Be confident; and may my resolution
Be present with you. [Exit.
Vir. Such a Masculine spirit,
With more than Womans virtues, were a Dower
To weigh down a Kings fortune.
With more than Womans virtues, were a Dower
To weigh down a Kings fortune.
Enter Brissonet, Camillo, Ronvere.
Briss. Good day to you.
Cam. You are an early stirrer.
Vir. What new face,
Bring you along?
Bring you along?
Ron. If I stand doubted Sir?
As by your looks I guess it: you much injure
A man that loves, and truly loves this Countrey,
With as much zeal as you doe; one that hates
The Prince by whom it suffers, and as deadly;
One that dares step as far to gain my freedom,
As any he that breaths; that wears a sword
As sharp as any's.
As by your looks I guess it: you much injure
A man that loves, and truly loves this Countrey,
With as much zeal as you doe; one that hates
The Prince by whom it suffers, and as deadly;
One that dares step as far to gain my freedom,
As any he that breaths; that wears a sword
As sharp as any's.
Cam. Nay, no more comparisons.
Ron. What you but whisper, I dare speak aloud,
Stood the King by; have means to put in act too
What you but coldly plot; if this deserve then
Suspition in the best, the boldest, wisest?
Pursue your own intents, I'll follow mine;
And if I not out-strip you—
Stood the King by; have means to put in act too
What you but coldly plot; if this deserve then
Suspition in the best, the boldest, wisest?
Pursue your own intents, I'll follow mine;
And if I not out-strip you—
Briss. Be assur'd Sir,
A conscience like this can never be ally'd
To treachery.
A conscience like this can never be ally'd
To treachery.
Cam. Who durst speak so much,
But one that is like us, a sufferer,
And stands as we affected?
But one that is like us, a sufferer,
And stands as we affected?
Vir. You are cozen'd
And all undone; every Intelligencer
Speaks Treason with like licence; is not this
Ronvere, that hath for many years been train'd
In Ferrand's School, a man in trust and favour,
Rewarded too, and highly?
And all undone; every Intelligencer
Speaks Treason with like licence; is not this
Ronvere, that hath for many years been train'd
In Ferrand's School, a man in trust and favour,
Rewarded too, and highly?
Cam. Grant all this,
The thought of what he was, being as he is now;
A man disgrac'd, and with contempt thrown off;
Will spurr him to revenge, as swift as they,
That never were in favour.
The thought of what he was, being as he is now;
A man disgrac'd, and with contempt thrown off;
Will spurr him to revenge, as swift as they,
That never were in favour.
Vir. Poor and childish.
Briss. His regiment is cast, that is most certain;
And his command in the Castle given away.
And his command in the Castle given away.
Cam. That on my knowledge.
Vir. Grosser still, what Shepheard
Would yield the poor remainder of his Flock,
To a known Wolf; though he put on the habit,
Of a most faithful dog, and bark like one?
As this but only talks.
Would yield the poor remainder of his Flock,
To a known Wolf; though he put on the habit,
Of a most faithful dog, and bark like one?
As this but only talks.
Cam. Yes, he has means too.
Vir. I know it to my grief, weak men I know it;
To make his peace, if there were any war
Between him and his Master, betraying
Our innocent lives.
To make his peace, if there were any war
Between him and his Master, betraying
Our innocent lives.
Ron. You are too suspitious
And I have born too much, beyond my temper,
Take your own waies, I'll leave you.
And I have born too much, beyond my temper,
Take your own waies, I'll leave you.
Vir. You may stay now;
You have enough, and all indeed you fish'd for;
But one word Gentlemen: have you discover'd
To him alone our plot?
You have enough, and all indeed you fish'd for;
But one word Gentlemen: have you discover'd
To him alone our plot?
Briss. To him and others, that are at his devotion.
Vir. Worse and worse:
For were he only conscious of our purpose,
Though with the breach of Hospitable laws,
In my own house, I'de silence him for ever:
But what is past my help, is past my care.
I have a life to lose.
For were he only conscious of our purpose,
Though with the breach of Hospitable laws,
In my own house, I'de silence him for ever:
But what is past my help, is past my care.
I have a life to lose.
Cam. Have better hopes.
Ron. And when you know, with what charge I have further'd
Your noble undertaking, you will swear me
Another man; the guards I have corrupted:
And of the choice of all our noblest youths,
Attir'd like Virgins; such as Hermits would
Welcome to their sad cells, prepar'd a Maske;
As done for the Kings pleasure.
Your noble undertaking, you will swear me
Another man; the guards I have corrupted:
And of the choice of all our noblest youths,
Attir'd like Virgins; such as Hermits would
Welcome to their sad cells, prepar'd a Maske;
As done for the Kings pleasure.
Vir. For his safety
I rather fear; and as a pageant to
Usher our ruine.
I rather fear; and as a pageant to
Usher our ruine.
Ron. We as Torch-bearers
Will wait on these, but with such art and cunning;
I have conveigh'd sharp poniards in the Wax,
That we may pass, though search't through all his guards
Without suspition, and in all his glory,
Oppress him, and with safety.
Will wait on these, but with such art and cunning;
I have conveigh'd sharp poniards in the Wax,
That we may pass, though search't through all his guards
Without suspition, and in all his glory,
Oppress him, and with safety.
Cam. 'Tis most strange.
Vir. To be effected.
Ron. You are doubtful still.
Briss. But we resolv'd to follow him, and if you
Desist now Virolet, we will say 'tis fear,
Rather than providence. [Exeunt.
Desist now Virolet, we will say 'tis fear,
Rather than providence. [Exeunt.
Cam. And so we leave you.
Enter Julian.
Jul. To your wise doubts, and to my better counsels;
Oh! pardon me my Lord, and trust me too;
Let me not like Cassandra prophesie truths,
And never be believ'd, before the mischief:
I have heard all; know this Ronvere a villain,
A villain that hath tempted me, and plotted
This for your ruine, only to make way
To his hopes in my embraces; at more leisure
I will acquaint you, wherefore I conceal'd it
To this last minute; if you stay, you are lost,
And all prevention too late. I know,
And 'tis to me known only, a dark cave
Within this house, a part of my poor Dower,
Where you may lie conceal'd, as in the center,
Till this rough blast be o'r, where there is air,
More then to keep in life; Ferrand will find you,
So curious his fears are.
Oh! pardon me my Lord, and trust me too;
Let me not like Cassandra prophesie truths,
And never be believ'd, before the mischief:
I have heard all; know this Ronvere a villain,
A villain that hath tempted me, and plotted
This for your ruine, only to make way
To his hopes in my embraces; at more leisure
I will acquaint you, wherefore I conceal'd it
To this last minute; if you stay, you are lost,
And all prevention too late. I know,
And 'tis to me known only, a dark cave
Within this house, a part of my poor Dower,
Where you may lie conceal'd, as in the center,
Till this rough blast be o'r, where there is air,
More then to keep in life; Ferrand will find you,
So curious his fears are.
Vir. 'Tis better fall
Than hide my head, now 'twas thine own advice,
My friends engag'd too.
Than hide my head, now 'twas thine own advice,
My friends engag'd too.
Jul. You stand further bound,
Than to weak men that have betrai'd themselves,
Or to my counsel, though then just and loyal:
Your phansie hath been good, but not your judgement,
In choice of such to side you; will you leap
From a steep Tower, because a desperate fool
Does it, and trusts the wind to save his hazard?
There's more expected from you; all mens eies are fixt
On Virolet, to help, not hurt them;
Make good their hopes and ours, you have sworn often,
That you dare credit me; and allow'd me wise
Although a woman; even Kings in great actions,
Wait opportunity, and so must you, Sir,
Or loose your understanding.
Than to weak men that have betrai'd themselves,
Or to my counsel, though then just and loyal:
Your phansie hath been good, but not your judgement,
In choice of such to side you; will you leap
From a steep Tower, because a desperate fool
Does it, and trusts the wind to save his hazard?
There's more expected from you; all mens eies are fixt
On Virolet, to help, not hurt them;
Make good their hopes and ours, you have sworn often,
That you dare credit me; and allow'd me wise
Although a woman; even Kings in great actions,
Wait opportunity, and so must you, Sir,
Or loose your understanding.
Vir. Thou art constant;
I am uncertain fool, a most blind fool;
Be thou my guide.
I am uncertain fool, a most blind fool;
Be thou my guide.
Jul. If I fail to direct you,
For torment or reward, when I am wretched,
May constancy forsake me.
For torment or reward, when I am wretched,
May constancy forsake me.
Vir. I've my safety.
Enter Castruchio and Villio.
Vil. Why are you rapt thus?
Cast. Peace, thou art a fool.
Vil. But if I were a flatterer like your worship,
I should be wise and rich too;
There are few else that prosper, Bawds excepted,
They hold an equal place there.
I should be wise and rich too;
There are few else that prosper, Bawds excepted,
They hold an equal place there.
Cast. A shrewd knave;
But oh the King, the happy King!
But oh the King, the happy King!
Vil. Why happy?
In bearing a great burthen.
In bearing a great burthen.
Cast. What bears he,
That's born on Princes shoulders?
That's born on Princes shoulders?
Vil. A Crowns weight,
Which sets more heavy on his head, than the Oar
Slaves dig out of the Mines, of which 'tis made.
Which sets more heavy on his head, than the Oar
Slaves dig out of the Mines, of which 'tis made.
Cast. Thou worthily art his fool, to think that heavy
That carries him in the air; the reverence due
To that most sacred Gold, makes him ador'd,
His Footsteps kist, his smiles to raise a begger
To a Lords fortune; and when he but frowns,
The City quakes.
That carries him in the air; the reverence due
To that most sacred Gold, makes him ador'd,
His Footsteps kist, his smiles to raise a begger
To a Lords fortune; and when he but frowns,
The City quakes.
Vil. Or the poor Cuckolds in it,
Coxcombs I should say, I am of a fool,
Grown a Philosopher, to hear this parasite.
Coxcombs I should say, I am of a fool,
Grown a Philosopher, to hear this parasite.
Cast. The delicates he is serv'd with see and envy.
Vil. I had rather have an Onion with a stomack,
Than these without one.
Than these without one.
Cast. The Celestial Musick,
Such as the motion of the eternal sphears [Still musick.
Yields Jove, when he drinks Nectar.
Such as the motion of the eternal sphears [Still musick.
Yields Jove, when he drinks Nectar.
Vil. Here's a fine knave, yet hath too many fellows.
Cast. Then the beauties,
That with variety of ch[oy]ce embraces, [These pass o'r.
Renew his age.
That with variety of ch[oy]ce embraces, [These pass o'r.
Renew his age.
Vil. Help him to crouch rather,
And the French Cringe, they are excellent Surgeons that way.
And the French Cringe, they are excellent Surgeons that way.
Cast. O Majesty! let others think of heaven,
While I contemplate thee.
While I contemplate thee.
Vil. This is not Atheisme, but Court observance.
Cast. Now the God appears, usher'd with earth-quakes.
Vil. Base Idolatry. [Flourish.
Enter Ferrand, Guard, Women, Servants.
Fer. These meats are poisoned, hang
The Cooks; no note more on
Forfeit of your fingers; do you
Envie me a minutes slumber, what are these?
The Cooks; no note more on
Forfeit of your fingers; do you
Envie me a minutes slumber, what are these?
1 Gu. The Ladies appointed by your Majesty.
Fer. To the purpose, for what appointed?
1 Gu. For your graces pleasure.
Fer. To suck away the little blood is left me,
By my continual cares; I am not apt now,
Injoy them first, taste of my Diet once;
And your turns serv'd, for fifty Crowns apiece
Their Husbands may redeem them.
By my continual cares; I am not apt now,
Injoy them first, taste of my Diet once;
And your turns serv'd, for fifty Crowns apiece
Their Husbands may redeem them.
Wo. Great Sir, mercy.
Fer. I am deaf, why stare you? is what we command
To be disputed, who's this? bring you the dead
T' upbraid me to my face?
To be disputed, who's this? bring you the dead
T' upbraid me to my face?
Cast. Hold Emperor;
Hold mightiest of Kings, I am thy vassal,
Thy footstool that durst not presume to look
On thy offended face.
Hold mightiest of Kings, I am thy vassal,
Thy footstool that durst not presume to look
On thy offended face.
Fer. Castruchio rise.
Cast. Let not the lightning of thy eie consume me,
Nor hear that musical tongue, in dreadful thunder,
That speaks all mercy.
Nor hear that musical tongue, in dreadful thunder,
That speaks all mercy.
Vil. Here's no flattering rogue.
Cast. Ferrand, that is the Father of his people,
The glory of mankind.
The glory of mankind.
Fer. No more, no word more;
And while [I] tell my troubles to my self,
Be Statues without motion [or] voice,
Though to be flatter'd is an itch to greatness,
It now offends me.
And while [I] tell my troubles to my self,
Be Statues without motion [or] voice,
Though to be flatter'd is an itch to greatness,
It now offends me.
Vil. Here's the happy man;
But speak who dares.
But speak who dares.
Fer. When I was innocent;
I yet remember I could eat and sleep,
Walk unaffrighted, but now terrible to others:
My guards cannot keep fear from me
It still pursues me; Oh! my wounded conscience,
The Bed I would rest in, is stuft with thorns;
The grounds strew'd o'r with adders, and with aspicks
Where e'r I set my foot, but I am in,
And what was got with cruelty, with blood,
Must be defended, though this life's a hell,
I fear a worse hereafter. Ha!
I yet remember I could eat and sleep,
Walk unaffrighted, but now terrible to others:
My guards cannot keep fear from me
It still pursues me; Oh! my wounded conscience,
The Bed I would rest in, is stuft with thorns;
The grounds strew'd o'r with adders, and with aspicks
Where e'r I set my foot, but I am in,
And what was got with cruelty, with blood,
Must be defended, though this life's a hell,
I fear a worse hereafter. Ha!
Enter Ronvere and Guard.
Ron. My Lord.
Fer. Welcome Ronvere, welcome my golden plummet
With which I sound mine enemies depths and angers,
Hast thou discover'd?
With which I sound mine enemies depths and angers,
Hast thou discover'd?
Ron. Al[l] as you could wish Sir,
The Plot, and the contrivers; was made one
Of the conspiracie.
The Plot, and the contrivers; was made one
Of the conspiracie.
Fer. Is Virolet in?
Ron. The head of all, he only scented me:
And from his fear, that I plaid false is fled;
The rest I have in fetters.
And from his fear, that I plaid false is fled;
The rest I have in fetters.
Fer. Death and Hell.
Next to my mortal foe the pirate Sesse,
I aim'd at him; he's virtuous, and wise,
A lover of his freedom and his Countries
Dangerous to such as govern by the sword,
And so to me: no tract which way he went,
No means to overtake him?
Next to my mortal foe the pirate Sesse,
I aim'd at him; he's virtuous, and wise,
A lover of his freedom and his Countries
Dangerous to such as govern by the sword,
And so to me: no tract which way he went,
No means to overtake him?
Ron. There's some hope left;
But with a rough hand, to be seiz'd upon.
But with a rough hand, to be seiz'd upon.
Fer. What is't?
Ron. If any know, or where he is,
Or which way he is fled, it is his wife;
Her with his Father I have apprehended,
And brought among the rest.
Or which way he is fled, it is his wife;
Her with his Father I have apprehended,
And brought among the rest.
Fer. 'Twas wisely order'd,
Go fetch them in, and let my executioners [Exit Ronvere.
Appear in horror with the rack.
Go fetch them in, and let my executioners [Exit Ronvere.
Appear in horror with the rack.
Vil. I take it Signior, this is no time for you to flatter,
Or me to fool in.
Or me to fool in.
Cast. Thou art wise in this, let's off, it is unsafe to be near Jove.
When he begins to thunder.
When he begins to thunder.
Vil. Good morality. [Exit.
Enter Ronvere, Guard, Executioners, with a Rack, Camillo, Brissonet, Pandulfo, Juliana.
Ca. What e're we suffer,
The weight that loads a Traitors
Heart [sit] ever, heavy on thine.
The weight that loads a Traitors
Heart [sit] ever, heavy on thine.
Briss. As we are caught by thee,
Fall thou by others.
Fall thou by others.
Ron. Pish poor fools, your curses will
Never reach me.
Never reach me.
Jul. Now by my Virolets life;
Father, this is a glorious stage of murther.
Here are fine properties too, and such spectators,
As will expect good action, to the life;
Let us perform our parts, and we shall live,
When these are rotten, would we might begin once;
Are you the Master of the company?
Troth you are tedious now.
Father, this is a glorious stage of murther.
Here are fine properties too, and such spectators,
As will expect good action, to the life;
Let us perform our parts, and we shall live,
When these are rotten, would we might begin once;
Are you the Master of the company?
Troth you are tedious now.
Fer. She does deride me.
Jul. Thee and thy power, if one poor syllable
Could win me an assurance of thy favor,
I would not speak it, I desire to be
The great example of thy cruelty,
To whet which on, know Ferrand, I alone
Can make discovery, where my Virolet is,
Whose life, I know thou aim'st at, but if tortures
Compel me to't, may hope of heaven forsake me;
I dare thy worst.
Could win me an assurance of thy favor,
I would not speak it, I desire to be
The great example of thy cruelty,
To whet which on, know Ferrand, I alone
Can make discovery, where my Virolet is,
Whose life, I know thou aim'st at, but if tortures
Compel me to't, may hope of heaven forsake me;
I dare thy worst.
Fer. Are we contemn'd?
Jul. Thou art,
Thou and thy Ministers, my life is thine;
But in the death[, the] victory shall be mine.
Thou and thy Ministers, my life is thine;
But in the death[, the] victory shall be mine.
Pand. We have such a Mistriss here to teach us courage,
That cowards might learn from her.
That cowards might learn from her.
Fer. You are slow; [Put on the rack.
Begin the Scene thou miserable fool,
For so I'll make thee.
Begin the Scene thou miserable fool,
For so I'll make thee.
Fer. So brave! I'll tame you yet, pluck hard villains;
Is she insensible? no sigh nor groan? or is she dead?
Is she insensible? no sigh nor groan? or is she dead?
Jul. No tyrant, though I suffer
More than a woman, beyond flesh and blood;
'Tis in a cause so honourable, that I scorn
With any sign that may express a sorrow
To shew I do repent.
More than a woman, beyond flesh and blood;
'Tis in a cause so honourable, that I scorn
With any sign that may express a sorrow
To shew I do repent.
Fer. Confess yet,
And thou shalt be safe.
And thou shalt be safe.
Jul. 'Tis wrapt up in my soul,
From whence thou canst not force it.
From whence thou canst not force it.
Fer. I will be
Ten daies a killing thee.
Ten daies a killing thee.
Jul. Be twenty thousand,
My glory lives the longer.
My glory lives the longer.
Ron. 'Tis a miracle,
She tires th' executioners,
And me.
She tires th' executioners,
And me.
Fer. Unloose her, I am conquer'd, I must take
Some other way; reach her my chair, in honor
Of her invincible fortitude.
Some other way; reach her my chair, in honor
Of her invincible fortitude.
Ron. Will you not
Dispatch the rest?
Dispatch the rest?
Fer. When I seem merciful,
Assure thy self Ronvere, I am most cruel.
Thou wonder of thy Sex, and of this Nation,
That hast chang'd my severity to mercy,
Not to thy self alone, but to thy people,
In which I do include these men, my enemies:
Unbind them.
Assure thy self Ronvere, I am most cruel.
Thou wonder of thy Sex, and of this Nation,
That hast chang'd my severity to mercy,
Not to thy self alone, but to thy people,
In which I do include these men, my enemies:
Unbind them.
Pand. This is strange.
Fer. For your intent
Against my life, which you dare not denie,
I only ask one service.
Against my life, which you dare not denie,
I only ask one service.
Cam. Above hope.
Fer. There rides a Pyrate neer, the Duke of Sesse,
My enemy and this Countreys, that in bonds
Holds my dear friend Ascanio: free this friend:
Or bring the Pyrats head; besides your pardon,
And honor of the action, your reward
Is forty thousand Ducates. And because
I know that Virolet is as bold as wise,
Be he your General, as pledge of your faith,
That you will undertake it, let this old man,
And this most constant Matron stay with me:
Of whom, as of my self, I will be careful;
She shall direct you where her Husband is.
Make choice of any ship you think most useful.
They are rig'd for you. [Exeunt Guard, with Juliana and Pand.
My enemy and this Countreys, that in bonds
Holds my dear friend Ascanio: free this friend:
Or bring the Pyrats head; besides your pardon,
And honor of the action, your reward
Is forty thousand Ducates. And because
I know that Virolet is as bold as wise,
Be he your General, as pledge of your faith,
That you will undertake it, let this old man,
And this most constant Matron stay with me:
Of whom, as of my self, I will be careful;
She shall direct you where her Husband is.
Make choice of any ship you think most useful.
They are rig'd for you. [Exeunt Guard, with Juliana and Pand.
Bris. We with joy accept it.
Cam. And will proclaim King Ferrant merciful. [Exeunt.
Ron. The mysterie of this, my Lord? or are you
Chang'd in your nature?
Chang'd in your nature?
Fer. I'll make thee private to it.
The lives of these weak men, and desperate woman,
Would no way have secur'd me, had I took them;
'Tis Virolet I aim at; he has power,
And knows to hurt. If they encounter Sesse,
And he prove conqueror, I am assur'd
They'll find no mercy: if that they prove victors,
I shall recover, with my friend his head
I most desire of all men.
The lives of these weak men, and desperate woman,
Would no way have secur'd me, had I took them;
'Tis Virolet I aim at; he has power,
And knows to hurt. If they encounter Sesse,
And he prove conqueror, I am assur'd
They'll find no mercy: if that they prove victors,
I shall recover, with my friend his head
I most desire of all men.
Ron. Now I have it.
Fer. I'll make thee understand the drift of all.
So we stand sure, thus much for those that fall. [Exeunt.
So we stand sure, thus much for those that fall. [Exeunt.
Actus Secundus. Scæna Prima.
Enter Boateswain and Gunner.
Boats. Lay here before the wind; up with your Canvase,
And let her work, the wind begins to whistle;
Clap all her streamers on, and let her dance,
As if she were the Minion of the Ocean.
Let her bestride the billows till they roar,
And curle their wanton heads. Ho, below there:
Ho, ho, within.
Lay her North-east, and thrust her missen out,
The day grows fair and clear, and the wind courts us.
Oh for a lusty sail now, to give chase to.
And let her work, the wind begins to whistle;
Clap all her streamers on, and let her dance,
As if she were the Minion of the Ocean.
Let her bestride the billows till they roar,
And curle their wanton heads. Ho, below there:
Ho, ho, within.
Lay her North-east, and thrust her missen out,
The day grows fair and clear, and the wind courts us.
Oh for a lusty sail now, to give chase to.
Gun. A stubborn Bark, that wou'd but bear up to us,
And change a broadside bravely.
And change a broadside bravely.
Boats. Where's the Duke?
Gun. I have not seen him stir to day.
Boats. Oh Gunner,
What bravery dwells in his age, and what valour!
And to his friends, what gentleness and bounty!
How long have we been inhabitants at Sea here?
What bravery dwells in his age, and what valour!
And to his friends, what gentleness and bounty!
How long have we been inhabitants at Sea here?
Gun. Some fourteen years.
Boats. By fourteen lives I swear then,
This Element never nourisht such a Pirate;
So great, so fearless, and so fortunate,
So patient in his want, in Act so valiant.
How many sail of well mann'd ships before us,
As the Bonuto does the flying Fish,
Have we pursued and scour'd, that to outstrip us,
They have been fain to hang their very shirts on?
What Gallies have we bang'd, and sunk, and taken;
Whose only fraughts were fire, and stern defiance?
And nothing spoke but Bullet in all these.
How like old Neptune have I seen our General
Standing i'th' Poop, and tossing his Steel Trident,
Commanding both the Sea and Winds to serve him!
This Element never nourisht such a Pirate;
So great, so fearless, and so fortunate,
So patient in his want, in Act so valiant.
How many sail of well mann'd ships before us,
As the Bonuto does the flying Fish,
Have we pursued and scour'd, that to outstrip us,
They have been fain to hang their very shirts on?
What Gallies have we bang'd, and sunk, and taken;
Whose only fraughts were fire, and stern defiance?
And nothing spoke but Bullet in all these.
How like old Neptune have I seen our General
Standing i'th' Poop, and tossing his Steel Trident,
Commanding both the Sea and Winds to serve him!
Gun. His Daughter too, which is the honor Boatswain,
Of all her sex; that Martial Maid.
Of all her sex; that Martial Maid.
Boats. A brave wench.
Gun. How oftentimes, a fight being new begun,
Has she leap'd down, and took my Linstock from me,
And crying, now fly righ[t], and fir'd all my chasers!
Then like the Image of the warlike Goddess,
Her Target brac'd upon her arm, her sword drawn,
And anger in her eies leapt up again,
And bravely ha[l]'d the Bark. I have wondred Boatswain,
That in a body made so delicate,
So soft for sweet embraces, so much fire,
And manly soul, not starting at a danger.
Has she leap'd down, and took my Linstock from me,
And crying, now fly righ[t], and fir'd all my chasers!
Then like the Image of the warlike Goddess,
Her Target brac'd upon her arm, her sword drawn,
And anger in her eies leapt up again,
And bravely ha[l]'d the Bark. I have wondred Boatswain,
That in a body made so delicate,
So soft for sweet embraces, so much fire,
And manly soul, not starting at a danger.
Gun. This too I wonder at
Taking so many strangers as he does,
He uses them with that respect and coolness,
Not making prize, but only borrowing
What may supply his want: nor that for nothing;
But renders back what they may stand in need of,
And then parts lovingly: Where, if he take
His Countreyman, that should be nearest to him,
And stand most free from danger, he sure pays for't:
He drowns or hangs the men, ransacks the Bark,
Then gives her up a Bonfire to his fortune.
Taking so many strangers as he does,
He uses them with that respect and coolness,
Not making prize, but only borrowing
What may supply his want: nor that for nothing;
But renders back what they may stand in need of,
And then parts lovingly: Where, if he take
His Countreyman, that should be nearest to him,
And stand most free from danger, he sure pays for't:
He drowns or hangs the men, ransacks the Bark,
Then gives her up a Bonfire to his fortune.
Boats. The wrongs he has receiv'd from that dull Countrey
That's all I know has purchas'd all his cruelty.
We fare the better; cheerly, cheerly boys,
The ship runs merrily, my Captain's melancholly,
And nothing cures that in him but a Sea-fight:
I hope to meet a sail boy, and a right one.
That's all I know has purchas'd all his cruelty.
We fare the better; cheerly, cheerly boys,
The ship runs merrily, my Captain's melancholly,
And nothing cures that in him but a Sea-fight:
I hope to meet a sail boy, and a right one.
Gun. That's my hope too; I am ready for the pastime.
Boats. I' th' mean time let's bestow a Song upon him,
To shake him from his dumps, and bid good day to him.
Ho, in the hold.
To shake him from his dumps, and bid good day to him.
Ho, in the hold.
Enter a Boy.