Otr. What business is here? away, are not you gone yet?
Flo. My Lord, this is not well: although you hate me,
For what I know not; to let your people wrong me,
Wrong me maliciously, and call me.—
For what I know not; to let your people wrong me,
Wrong me maliciously, and call me.—
Otr. Peace,
And mark me what we say advisedly;
Mark, as you love that that you call your credit;
Yield now, or you are undone: your good name's perish'd
Not all the world can buy your reputation;
'Tis sunk for ever else, these peoples tongues will poison ye
Though you be white as innocence they'll taint ye,
They will speak terrible and hideous things,
And people in this age are prone to credit,
They'll let fall nothing that may brand a woman,
Consider this, and then be wise and tremble,
Yield yet, and yet I'll save ye.
And mark me what we say advisedly;
Mark, as you love that that you call your credit;
Yield now, or you are undone: your good name's perish'd
Not all the world can buy your reputation;
'Tis sunk for ever else, these peoples tongues will poison ye
Though you be white as innocence they'll taint ye,
They will speak terrible and hideous things,
And people in this age are prone to credit,
They'll let fall nothing that may brand a woman,
Consider this, and then be wise and tremble,
Yield yet, and yet I'll save ye.
Flo. How?
Otr. I'll show ye,
Their mouths I'll seal up, they shall speak no more
But what is honorable and honest of ye,
And Saintlike they shall worship ye: they are mine,
And what I charge them Florimell.
Their mouths I'll seal up, they shall speak no more
But what is honorable and honest of ye,
And Saintlike they shall worship ye: they are mine,
And what I charge them Florimell.
Flo. I am ruin'd,
Heaven will regard me yet, they are barbarous wretches:
Let me not fall (my Lord.)
Heaven will regard me yet, they are barbarous wretches:
Let me not fall (my Lord.)
Otr. You shall not Florimell:
Mark how I'll work your peace, and how I honor ye.
Who waits there? come all in.
Mark how I'll work your peace, and how I honor ye.
Who waits there? come all in.
Enter Gerasto and Servants.
Ger. Your pleasure Sir.
Otr. Who dare say this sweet beauty is not heavenly?
This virgin, the most pure the most untainted,
The holiest thing?
This virgin, the most pure the most untainted,
The holiest thing?
Ger. We know it (my dear Lord)
We are her slaves: and that proud impudence
That dares disparage her, this sword (my Lord.)
We are her slaves: and that proud impudence
That dares disparage her, this sword (my Lord.)
1. Ser. They are rascals, base, the sons of common women
That wrong this virtue, or dare own a thought
But fair and honorable of her: when we slight her,
Hang us, or cut's in pieces: let's tug i'th' Gallies.
That wrong this virtue, or dare own a thought
But fair and honorable of her: when we slight her,
Hang us, or cut's in pieces: let's tug i'th' Gallies.
2 Ser. Brand us for villains.
Flo. Why sure I dream: these are all Saints.
Otr. Go, and live all her slaves.
Ger. We are proud to do it. [Exeunt.
Otr. What think ye now? am not I able Florimell
Yet to preserve ye?
Yet to preserve ye?
Flo. I am bound to your Lordship,
Ye are all honour, and good my Lord but grant me,
Untill to morrow, leave to weigh my fortunes,
I'll give you a free answer, perhaps a pleasing,
Indeed I'll do the best I can to satisfie ye.
Ye are all honour, and good my Lord but grant me,
Untill to morrow, leave to weigh my fortunes,
I'll give you a free answer, perhaps a pleasing,
Indeed I'll do the best I can to satisfie ye.
Otr. Take your good time, this kiss, till then farewell,
Sweet. [Exeunt.
Sweet. [Exeunt.
Actus Quartus. Scæna Prima.
Enter Antonio, Martine, Bustofa.
Mar. BY all means discharge your follower.
Ant. If we can get him off: Sirrah Bustofa
Thou must needs run back.
Thou must needs run back.
Bust. But I must not unless you send
A Bier, or a Lictor at my back, I do not use to run
From my friends.
A Bier, or a Lictor at my back, I do not use to run
From my friends.
Ant. Well, go will serve turn: I have forgot.
Bust. What Sir?
Ant. See if I can think on't now.
Bust. I know what 'tis now.
Ant. A Pistolet of that.
Bust. Done, you have forgot a devise to send me away,
You are going a smocking perhaps.
You are going a smocking perhaps.
Mar. His own, due, due i'faith Antonio,
The Pistolet's his own.
The Pistolet's his own.
Ant. I confess it,
There 'tis: now if you could afford out of it
A reasonable excuse to mine Uncle.
There 'tis: now if you could afford out of it
A reasonable excuse to mine Uncle.
Bust. Yes, I can:
But an excuse will not serve your turn: it must be a lye,
A full lye, 'twill do no good else: if you'll go to
The price of that?
But an excuse will not serve your turn: it must be a lye,
A full lye, 'twill do no good else: if you'll go to
The price of that?
Ant. Is a lye dearer than an excuse?
Bust. Oh, treble; this is the price of an excuse: but a lye is two more:
Look how many foyles go to a fair fall, so many excuses to
A full lye, and less cannot serve your turn, let any Tailor
I'th' Town make it.
Look how many foyles go to a fair fall, so many excuses to
A full lye, and less cannot serve your turn, let any Tailor
I'th' Town make it.
Mar. Why 'tis reasonable, give him his price:
Let it be large enough now.
Let it be large enough now.
Bust. I'll warrant you, cover him all over.
Ant. I would have proof of one now.
Bust. What? scale my invention before hand? you shall pardon
Me for that; well, I'll commend you to your Uncle, and
Tell him you'll be at home at supper with him.
Me for that; well, I'll commend you to your Uncle, and
Tell him you'll be at home at supper with him.
Ant. By no means, I cannot come to night (man)
Bust. I know that too, you do not know a lye when you see it.
Mar. Remember it must stretch for all night.
Bust. I shall want stuffe, I doubt 'twill come to the other
Pistolet.
Pistolet.
Ant. Well, lay out, you shall be no looser Sir.
Bust. It must be faced, you know, there will be a yard of dissimulation
At least (City-measure) and cut upon an untroth or two: Lyned
With Fables, that must needs be, cold weather's coming, if it had
A gallon of hypocrisie, 'twould do well: and hooked
Together with a couple of conceits,
That's necessity; well, I'll bring in my
Bill: I'll warrant you as fair a lye by that time I have done
With it, as any Gentleman i'th' Town can swear to, if he
Would betray his Lord and Master. [Exit.
At least (City-measure) and cut upon an untroth or two: Lyned
With Fables, that must needs be, cold weather's coming, if it had
A gallon of hypocrisie, 'twould do well: and hooked
Together with a couple of conceits,
That's necessity; well, I'll bring in my
Bill: I'll warrant you as fair a lye by that time I have done
With it, as any Gentleman i'th' Town can swear to, if he
Would betray his Lord and Master. [Exit.
Ant. So, so, this necessary trouble's over.
Mar. I would you had bought an excuse of him
Before he went: you'll want one for Ismenia.
Before he went: you'll want one for Ismenia.
Ant. Tush, there needs none, there's no suspition yet,
And I'll be arm'd before the next encounter,
In a fast tye with my fair Isabella.
And I'll be arm'd before the next encounter,
In a fast tye with my fair Isabella.
Enter Bustofa.
Mar. Yes, you'll find your errand is before you now.
Bust. Oh Gentlemen, look to your selves, ye are
Men of another world else; your enemies are upon you;
The old house of the Bellides will fall upon your heads:
Signior Lisauro.
Men of another world else; your enemies are upon you;
The old house of the Bellides will fall upon your heads:
Signior Lisauro.
Ant. Lisauro?
Bust. And Don what call you him? he's a Gentleman:
Yet he has but a Yeomans name,
Don Tarso, Tarso, and a dozen at their heels.
Yet he has but a Yeomans name,
Don Tarso, Tarso, and a dozen at their heels.
Ant. Lisauro, Tarso, nor a dozen more
Shall fright me from my ground, nor shun my path,
Let 'em come on in their ablest fury.
Shall fright me from my ground, nor shun my path,
Let 'em come on in their ablest fury.
Mar. 'Tis worthily resolved: I'll stand by you Sir,
This way, I am thy true friend.
This way, I am thy true friend.
Bust. I'll be gone Sir, that one may live to tell what's become of you.
Put up, put up, will you never learn to know a lye
From an Esop's Fables? there's a tast for you now. [Exit.
Put up, put up, will you never learn to know a lye
From an Esop's Fables? there's a tast for you now. [Exit.
Enter Ismenia and Aminta.
Mar. Look Sir, what time of day is it?
Ant. I know not, my eyes go false, I dare not trust 'em now,
I prethee tell me (Martin) if thou canst,
Is that Ismenia or Isabella.
I prethee tell me (Martin) if thou canst,
Is that Ismenia or Isabella.
Ant. If this face may be borrowed and lent out,
If it can shift shoulders, and take other tyres,
So, 'tis mine where ere I find it.
If it can shift shoulders, and take other tyres,
So, 'tis mine where ere I find it.
Ism. Be sudden. [Exit Aminta.
I cannot hold out long.
I cannot hold out long.
Mar. Believ't she frowns.
Ant. Let it come, she cannot frown me off on't:
How prettily it wooes me to come nearer?
How do you do (Lady) since yesterdays pains?
Were you not weary? of my faith.
How prettily it wooes me to come nearer?
How do you do (Lady) since yesterdays pains?
Were you not weary? of my faith.
Ism. I think you were.
Ant. What Lady?
Ism. Weary of your faith; 'tis a burthen
That men faint under, though they bear little of it.
That men faint under, though they bear little of it.
Mar. So, this is to the purpose.
Ant. You came home
In a fair hour I hope?
In a fair hour I hope?
Enter Aminta.
Ism. From whence Sir?
Am. Sir, there's a Gentlewoman without desires to speak with you.
Ant. They were pretty homely toyes: but your presence
Made them illustrious.
Made them illustrious.
Ism. My Cosen speaks to you.
Am. A Gentlewoman Sir, Isabella.
She names her self.
She names her self.
Mar. So, so, it hits finely now.
Ant. Name your self how you please: speak what you please,
I'll hear you cheerfully.
I'll hear you cheerfully.
Ism. You are not well,
Request her in, she may have more acquaintance
With his passions, and better cure for 'em.
Request her in, she may have more acquaintance
With his passions, and better cure for 'em.
Am. She's nice in that (Madam) poor soul it seems
She's fearful of your displeasure.
She's fearful of your displeasure.
Ism. I'll quit her
From that presently, and bring her in my self. [Exit.
From that presently, and bring her in my self. [Exit.
Mar. How carelesly do you behave your self,
When you should call all your best faculties
To counsel in you! how will you answer
The breach you made with fair Ismenia?
Have you forgot the retrograde vow you took
With her, that now is come in evidence?
You'll dye upon your shame, you need no more
Enemies of the house, but the Lady now:
You shall have your dispatch.
When you should call all your best faculties
To counsel in you! how will you answer
The breach you made with fair Ismenia?
Have you forgot the retrograde vow you took
With her, that now is come in evidence?
You'll dye upon your shame, you need no more
Enemies of the house, but the Lady now:
You shall have your dispatch.
Enter Ismenia like Juno.
Ant. Give me that face,
And I am satisfied upon whose shoulders
So ere it grows: Juno deliver us
Out of this amazement: Beseech you Goddess
Tell us of our friends, how does Ismenia?
And how does Isabella? both in good health
I hope, as you your self are.
And I am satisfied upon whose shoulders
So ere it grows: Juno deliver us
Out of this amazement: Beseech you Goddess
Tell us of our friends, how does Ismenia?
And how does Isabella? both in good health
I hope, as you your self are.
Ism. I am at farthest
In my counterfeit: my Antonio
I have matter against you may need pardon,
As I must crave of you.
In my counterfeit: my Antonio
I have matter against you may need pardon,
As I must crave of you.
Ant. Observe you Sir,
What evidence is come against me? what think you
The Hydra-headed Jury will say to't?
What evidence is come against me? what think you
The Hydra-headed Jury will say to't?
Mar. 'Tis I am fool'd,
My hopes are pour'd into the bottomless tubs,
'Tis labour for the house of Bellides:
I must not seem so yet: but in sooth (Lady)
Did you imagine your changeable face
Hid you from me? By this hand I knew you.
My hopes are pour'd into the bottomless tubs,
'Tis labour for the house of Bellides:
I must not seem so yet: but in sooth (Lady)
Did you imagine your changeable face
Hid you from me? By this hand I knew you.
Ant. I went by the face: and by these eyes I
Might have been deceived.
Might have been deceived.
Ism. You might indeed (Antonio)
For this Gentleman did vow to Isabella,
That he it was that lov'd Ismenia,
And not Antonio?
For this Gentleman did vow to Isabella,
That he it was that lov'd Ismenia,
And not Antonio?
Mar. Good, was not that
A manifest confession that I knew you?
I else had been unjust unto my friend:
'Twas well remembred, there I found you out
And speak your conscience now.
A manifest confession that I knew you?
I else had been unjust unto my friend:
'Twas well remembred, there I found you out
And speak your conscience now.
Ism. Yes, I vow to you, had Antonio
Wedded Isabella, Isme[n]ia
Had not been lost, there had been her lover.
Wedded Isabella, Isme[n]ia
Had not been lost, there had been her lover.
Ant. Why much good do you friend, take her to you:
I crave but one, here have I my wish full,
I am glad we shall be so near neighbors.
I crave but one, here have I my wish full,
I am glad we shall be so near neighbors.
Mar. Take both Sir, Juno to boot: three parts in one,
S. Hilarie bless you, now opportunity
Beware to meet with falshood, if thou canst
Shun it, my friends faith's turning from him.
S. Hilarie bless you, now opportunity
Beware to meet with falshood, if thou canst
Shun it, my friends faith's turning from him.
Ism. Might I not justly accuse Antonio
For a love-wanderer? you know no other
But me, for another, and confess troth now?
For a love-wanderer? you know no other
But me, for another, and confess troth now?
Ant. Here was my guide, where ere I find this face,
I am a Lover, marry, I must not miss
This freckle then, I have the number of 'em,
Nor this dimple, no[t] a silk from this brow,
I carry the full Idea ever with me;
If nature can so punctually parallel,
I may be cozened.
I am a Lover, marry, I must not miss
This freckle then, I have the number of 'em,
Nor this dimple, no[t] a silk from this brow,
I carry the full Idea ever with me;
If nature can so punctually parallel,
I may be cozened.
Ism. Well, all this is even:
But now, to perfect all, our love must now
Come to our Enemies hands, where neither part
Will ever give consent to't.
But now, to perfect all, our love must now
Come to our Enemies hands, where neither part
Will ever give consent to't.
Ant. Most certain:
For which reason it must not be put to'em:
Have we not prevention in our own hands.
Shall I walk by the tree? desire the fruit,
Yet be so nice to pull till I ask leave
Of the churlish Gard'ner, that will deny me?
For which reason it must not be put to'em:
Have we not prevention in our own hands.
Shall I walk by the tree? desire the fruit,
Yet be so nice to pull till I ask leave
Of the churlish Gard'ner, that will deny me?
Ism. O Antonio.
Ant. 'Tis manners to fall to
When grace is said.
When grace is said.
Ism. That holy acts to come.
Mar. You may open an oyster or two before grace.
Ant. Are there not double vows, as valuable
And as well spoke as any Frier utters?
Heaven has heard all.
And as well spoke as any Frier utters?
Heaven has heard all.
Ism. Yes: but stayes the blessing,
Till all dues be done: heaven is not serv'd by halfs.
We shall have ne'r a fathers blessing here,
Let us not lose the better, from above.
Till all dues be done: heaven is not serv'd by halfs.
We shall have ne'r a fathers blessing here,
Let us not lose the better, from above.
Ant. You take up weapons of unequal force,
It shows you cowardly: heark in your ear.
It shows you cowardly: heark in your ear.
Am. Have I lost all imployment? Would this proffer
Had been to me, though I had paid it
With a reasonable pennance.
Had been to me, though I had paid it
With a reasonable pennance.
Mar. Have I past
All thy fore-lock (Time?) I'll stretch a long arm
But I'll catch hold again: Do but look back
Over thy shoulder, and have a pull at thee.
All thy fore-lock (Time?) I'll stretch a long arm
But I'll catch hold again: Do but look back
Over thy shoulder, and have a pull at thee.
Ism. I hear you (Sir) nor can I hear too much
While you speak well: You know th'accustom'd place
Of our night-parley: if you can ascend,
The window shall receive you. You may find there
A corrupted Church-man to bid you welcome.
While you speak well: You know th'accustom'd place
Of our night-parley: if you can ascend,
The window shall receive you. You may find there
A corrupted Church-man to bid you welcome.
Ant. I would meet no other man.
Ism. Aminta, you hear this.
Am. With joy (Madam) 'cause it pleases you.
It may be mine own case another time:
Now you go the right way; ask the Banes out,
Put it past father, or friends, to forbid it,
And then you're sure. Sir, your Hymen Taper
I'll light up for you: the window shall show you
The way to Sestos.
It may be mine own case another time:
Now you go the right way; ask the Banes out,
Put it past father, or friends, to forbid it,
And then you're sure. Sir, your Hymen Taper
I'll light up for you: the window shall show you
The way to Sestos.
Ant. I'll venture drowning.
Mar. The simile holds not; 'tis hanging rather.
You must ascend your Castle by a Ladder;
To the foot I'll bring you.
You must ascend your Castle by a Ladder;
To the foot I'll bring you.
Ant. Leave me to climb it.
Mar. If I do turn you off?
Ant. Till night fare-well:
Then better.
Then better.
Ism. Best it should be;
But peevish hatred keeps back that degree. [Exeunt.
But peevish hatred keeps back that degree. [Exeunt.
Mar. I never look'd so smooth as now I purpose:
And then beware: Knave is at worst of knave
When he smiles best, and the most seems to save. [Exit.
And then beware: Knave is at worst of knave
When he smiles best, and the most seems to save. [Exit.
Scæna Secunda.
Enter Julio.
Jul. My mind's unquiet; while Antonio
My Nephew's abroad, my heart is not at home,
Only my fears stay with me; bad company:
But I cannot shift 'em off. This hatred
Betwixt the house of Bellides and us,
Is not fair war: 'tis civil, but uncivil.
We are near neighbors, were of love as near,
Till a cross misconstruction ('twas no more
In conscience) put us so far asunder:
I would 'twere reconcil'd; it has lasted
Too many Sun-sets, if grace might moderate:
Man should not lose so many days of peace
To satisfie the anger of one minute.
I could repent it heartily. I sent
The knave to attend my Antonio too,
Yet he returns no comfort to me neither.
My Nephew's abroad, my heart is not at home,
Only my fears stay with me; bad company:
But I cannot shift 'em off. This hatred
Betwixt the house of Bellides and us,
Is not fair war: 'tis civil, but uncivil.
We are near neighbors, were of love as near,
Till a cross misconstruction ('twas no more
In conscience) put us so far asunder:
I would 'twere reconcil'd; it has lasted
Too many Sun-sets, if grace might moderate:
Man should not lose so many days of peace
To satisfie the anger of one minute.
I could repent it heartily. I sent
The knave to attend my Antonio too,
Yet he returns no comfort to me neither.
Enter Bustofa.
Bust. No: I must not.
Jul. Hah; hee's come.
Bust. I must not: 'twill break his heart to hear it.
Jul. How? there's bad tidings: I must obscure and hear it;
He will not tell me for breaking of my heart,
'Tis half split already.
He will not tell me for breaking of my heart,
'Tis half split already.
Bust. I have spi'd him: Now to knock down a Don
with a lye, a silly harmless lye; 'twill be valiantly done, and
nobly perhaps.
with a lye, a silly harmless lye; 'twill be valiantly done, and
nobly perhaps.
Jul. I cannot hear him now.
Bust. Oh the bloody days that we live in; the envious,
malitious, deadly days that we draw breath in!
malitious, deadly days that we draw breath in!
Jul. Now I hear too loud.
Bust. The Children that [n]ever shall be born may rue it;
for men that are slain now might have liv'd to have got children,
that might have curs'd their fathers.
for men that are slain now might have liv'd to have got children,
that might have curs'd their fathers.
Bust. Oh sweet Antonio.
Jul. Oh dear Antonio.
Bust. Yet it was nobly done of both parts: When he and
Lisauro met.
Lisauro met.
Jul. Oh, death Has parted 'em.
Bust. Welcome my mortal foe (says one,) Welcome my
deadly enemy (says th'other:) off go their doublets, they in
their shirts, and their swords stark naked; here lies Antonio,
here lies Lisauro: he comes upon him with an Embroccado,
that he puts by with a puncta reversa; Lisauro recoils me
two paces and some six inches back, takes his carrere, and
then, on.
deadly enemy (says th'other:) off go their doublets, they in
their shirts, and their swords stark naked; here lies Antonio,
here lies Lisauro: he comes upon him with an Embroccado,
that he puts by with a puncta reversa; Lisauro recoils me
two paces and some six inches back, takes his carrere, and
then, on.
Jul. Oh.
Bust. Runs Antonio quite thorow.
Jul. Oh villain.
Bust. Quite thorow between the arm and the body: so
yet he had no hurt at that bout.
yet he had no hurt at that bout.
Jul. Goodness be praised.
Bust. But then, at next encounter, he fetches me up
Lisauro; Lisauro makes out a long at him, which he thinking
to be a Passado, Antonio's foot slipping: down: oh down.
Lisauro; Lisauro makes out a long at him, which he thinking
to be a Passado, Antonio's foot slipping: down: oh down.
Jul. O now thou art lost.
Bust. Oh, but the quality of the thing: both Gentlemen,
both Spanish Christians, yet one man to shed....
both Spanish Christians, yet one man to shed....
Jul. Say his enemies blood.
Bust. His hair, may come by divers casualties, though he
never go into the field with his foe: but a man to lose nine
ounces and two drams of blood at one wound, thirteen and a
scruple at another, and to live till he dye in cold blood: yet
the Surgeon (that cur'd him) said if Pia-mater had not been
perish'd, he had been a lives man till this day.
never go into the field with his foe: but a man to lose nine
ounces and two drams of blood at one wound, thirteen and a
scruple at another, and to live till he dye in cold blood: yet
the Surgeon (that cur'd him) said if Pia-mater had not been
perish'd, he had been a lives man till this day.
Jul. There he concludes he is gone.
Bust. But all this is nothing: now I come to the point.
Jul. I, the point, that's deadly: the antient blow
Over the buckler, ne'r went half so deep.
Over the buckler, ne'r went half so deep.
Bust. Yet pitty bids me keep in my charity: for me to
pull an old mans ears from his head with telling of a Tale:
oh fowle Tale! No, be silent Tale. Farthermore, there is
the charge of Buriall; every one will cry Blacks, Blacks,
that had but the least finger dipt in his blood, though ten
degrees remov'd when 'twas done. Moreover, the Surgeon
(that made an end of him) will be paid: Sugar-plums and
sweet breads; yet I say, the man may recover again, and dye
in his bed.
pull an old mans ears from his head with telling of a Tale:
oh fowle Tale! No, be silent Tale. Farthermore, there is
the charge of Buriall; every one will cry Blacks, Blacks,
that had but the least finger dipt in his blood, though ten
degrees remov'd when 'twas done. Moreover, the Surgeon
(that made an end of him) will be paid: Sugar-plums and
sweet breads; yet I say, the man may recover again, and dye
in his bed.
Jul. What motley stuff is this? Sirrha, speak truth
What hath befallen my dear Antonio?
Restrain your pitty in concealing it;
Tell me the danger full; take off your care
Of my receiving it: kill me that way,
I'll forgive my death; what thou keepst back from truth
Thou shalt speak in pain; do not look to find
A limb in his right place, a bone unbroke,
Nor so much flesh unbroil'd of all that mountain,
As a worm might sup on, dispatch, or be dispatch'd.
What hath befallen my dear Antonio?
Restrain your pitty in concealing it;
Tell me the danger full; take off your care
Of my receiving it: kill me that way,
I'll forgive my death; what thou keepst back from truth
Thou shalt speak in pain; do not look to find
A limb in his right place, a bone unbroke,
Nor so much flesh unbroil'd of all that mountain,
As a worm might sup on, dispatch, or be dispatch'd.
Bust. Alass Sir, I know nothing, but that Antonio is a man
of Gods making to this hour, 'tis not two since I left him so.
of Gods making to this hour, 'tis not two since I left him so.
Jul. Where didst thou leave him?
Bust. In the same clothes he had on when he went from you.
Jul. Does he live?
Bust. I saw him drink.
Jul. Is he not wounded?
Bust. He may have a cut i'th'leg by this time; for Don
Martin and he were at whole slashes.
Martin and he were at whole slashes.
Jul. Met he not with Lisauro?
Bust. I do not know her.
Jul. Her? Lisauro is a man, as he is.
Bust. I saw ne'er a man like him.
Jul. Didst thou not discourse a fight betwixt Ant. and Lis?
Bust. I to my self; I hope a man may give himself the lye if it please him.
Jul. Didst thou lye then?
Bust. As sure as you live now.
Jul. I live the happier by it: when will he return?
Bust. That he sent me to tell you, within these ten days
at farthest.
at farthest.
Jul. Ten days? he's not wont to be absent two.
Bust. Nor I think he will not, he said he would be at
home to morrow, but I love to speak within my compass.
home to morrow, but I love to speak within my compass.
Jul. You shall speak within mine Sir, now. Within there.
Enter Servants.
Take this fellow into custody, keep him safe
I charge you.
I charge you.
Bust. Safe? do you hear? take notice what plight you
find me in, if there want but a collop or a steak o'me, look
to't.
find me in, if there want but a collop or a steak o'me, look
to't.
Jul. If my Nephew return not in his health to morrow,
Thou goest to th'Rack.
Thou goest to th'Rack.
Bust. Let me go to th'manger first; I had rather eat oats
than hay. [Exeunt.
than hay. [Exeunt.
Enter Bellides with a Letter.
Bel. By your leave, Sir.
Jul. For ought I know yet, you are welcome Sir.
Bel. Read that, and tell me so: or if thy spectacles be not easie,
Keep thy nose unsadl'd, and ope thine ears;
I can speak thee the contents, I made 'em;
'Tis a challenge, a fair one, I'll maintain't:
I scorn to hire my Second to deliver't,
I bring't my self: Dost know me, Julio?
Keep thy nose unsadl'd, and ope thine ears;
I can speak thee the contents, I made 'em;
'Tis a challenge, a fair one, I'll maintain't:
I scorn to hire my Second to deliver't,
I bring't my self: Dost know me, Julio?
Jul. Bellides?
Bel. Yes: is not thy hair on end now?
Jul. Somewhat amaz'd at thy rash hardiness;
How durst thou come so near thine enemy?
How durst thou come so near thine enemy?
Bel. Durst?
I dare come nearer: thou'rt a fool, Julio.
I dare come nearer: thou'rt a fool, Julio.
Jul. Take it home to thee with a knave to boot.
Bel. Knave to thy teeth again: and all that's quit:
Give me not a fool more than I give thee,
Or if thou dost, look to hear on't again.
Give me not a fool more than I give thee,
Or if thou dost, look to hear on't again.
Jul. What an encounter's this?
Bel. A noble one:
My hand is to my words, thou hast it there,
There I do challenge thee, if thou dar'st be
Good friends with me; or I'll proclaim thee coward.
My hand is to my words, thou hast it there,
There I do challenge thee, if thou dar'st be
Good friends with me; or I'll proclaim thee coward.
Jul. Be friends with thee?
Bel. I'll shew thee reasons for't:
A pair of old Coxcombs (now we go together)
Such as should stand examples of discretion,
The rules of Grammar to unwilling youth
To take out lessons by; we that should check
And quench the raging fire in others bloods,
We strike the battel to destruction?
Read 'em the black art? and make 'em believe
It is divinity? Heathens, are we not?
Speak thy conscience, how hast thou slept this month,
Since this Fiend haunted us?
A pair of old Coxcombs (now we go together)
Such as should stand examples of discretion,
The rules of Grammar to unwilling youth
To take out lessons by; we that should check
And quench the raging fire in others bloods,
We strike the battel to destruction?
Read 'em the black art? and make 'em believe
It is divinity? Heathens, are we not?
Speak thy conscience, how hast thou slept this month,
Since this Fiend haunted us?
Jul. Sure some Good Angel
Was with us both last night: speak thou truth now,
Was it not last nights motion?
Was with us both last night: speak thou truth now,
Was it not last nights motion?
Bel. Dost not think
I would not lay hold of it at first proffer?
Should I n'er sleep again?
I would not lay hold of it at first proffer?
Should I n'er sleep again?
Jul. Take not all from me;
I'll tell the doctrine of my vision.
Say that [Antonio] (best of thy blood)
Or any one, the least allyed to thee,
Should be the prey unto Lisauro's sword,
Or any of the house of Bellides?
I'll tell the doctrine of my vision.
Say that [Antonio] (best of thy blood)
Or any one, the least allyed to thee,
Should be the prey unto Lisauro's sword,
Or any of the house of Bellides?
Bel. Mine was the just inversion: on, on.
Jul. How would thine eyes have emptied thee in sorrow,
And left the Conduit of nature drie?
Thy hands have turn'd rebellious to the balls,
And broke the glasses, with thine own curses
Have torn thy soul, left thee a Statue
To propagate thy next posterity.
And left the Conduit of nature drie?
Thy hands have turn'd rebellious to the balls,
And broke the glasses, with thine own curses
Have torn thy soul, left thee a Statue
To propagate thy next posterity.
Bel. Yes, and thou causer: so it said to me,
They fight but your mischiefs: the young men were friends,
As is the life and blood coagulate
And curded in one body; but this is yours,
An inheritance that you have gather'd for 'em,
A Legacie of blood to kill each other
Throughout your Generations. Was't not so?
They fight but your mischiefs: the young men were friends,
As is the life and blood coagulate
And curded in one body; but this is yours,
An inheritance that you have gather'd for 'em,
A Legacie of blood to kill each other
Throughout your Generations. Was't not so?
Jul. Word for word.
Bel. Nay, I can go farther yet.
Jul. 'Tis far enough; Let us attone it here.
And in a reconciled circle fold
Our friendship new again.
And in a reconciled circle fold
Our friendship new again.
Jul. You cannot proclaim me coward now, Don Bellides.
Bel. No: thou 'rt a valiant fellow: so am I:
I'll fight with thee at this hug, to the last leg
I have to stand on, or breath or life left.
I'll fight with thee at this hug, to the last leg
I have to stand on, or breath or life left.
Jul. This is the salt unto humanity,
And keeps it sweet.
And keeps it sweet.
Bel. Love! oh life stinks without it.
I can tell you news.
I can tell you news.
Jul. Good has long been wanting.
Bel. I do suspect, and I have some proof on't,
(So far as a Love-Epistle comes to)
That Antonio (your Nephew) and my daughter
Ismenia are very good friends before us.
(So far as a Love-Epistle comes to)
That Antonio (your Nephew) and my daughter
Ismenia are very good friends before us.
Jul. That were a double wall about our houses,
Which I could wish were built.
Which I could wish were built.
Bel. I had it
From Antonio's Intimate, Don Martin:
And yet (me thought) it was no friendly part
To show it me.
From Antonio's Intimate, Don Martin:
And yet (me thought) it was no friendly part
To show it me.
Jul. Perhaps 't was his consent:
Lovers have policies as well as Statesmen:
They look not always at the mark they aim at.
Lovers have policies as well as Statesmen:
They look not always at the mark they aim at.
Bel. Wee'll take up cudgels, and have one bowt with 'em,
They shall know nothing of this union:
And till they find themselves most desperate,
Succor shall never see 'em.
They shall know nothing of this union:
And till they find themselves most desperate,
Succor shall never see 'em.
Jul. I'll take your part Sir.
Bel. It grows late; there's a happy day past us.
Jul. The example I hope to all behind it. [Exeunt.
Scæna Tertia.
Enter Aminta (above) with a Taper.
Am. Stand fair, light of Love, which epithite and place
Adds to thee honour, to me it would be shame,
We must be weight in love, no grain too light;
Thou art the Land-mark, but if love be blind,
(As many that can see have so reported)
What benefit canst thou be to his darkness?
Love is a jewel (some say) inestimable,
But hung at the ear, deprives our own sight,
And so it shines to others, not our selves.
I speak my skill, I have only heard on't,
But I could wish a nearer document,
Alass, the ignorant desire to know:
Some say Love's but a toy, and with a but.
Now methinks I should love it ne'er the worse,
A toy is harmless sure, and may be plaid with,
It seldome goes without his adjunct, pretty,
A pretty toy we say, 'tis meeter to joy too.
Well, here may be a mad night yet for all this,
Here's a Priest ready, and a Lady ready:
A chamber ready, and a bed ready,
'Tis then but making unready, and that's soon done:
My Lady is my Cosen; I, my self,
Which is nearest then? My desires are mine,
Say they be hers too, is't a hanging matter?
It may be ventur'd in a worser cause,
I must go question with my conscience:
I have the word; Centinel, do thou stand,
Thou shalt not need to call, I'll be at hand. [Exit.
Adds to thee honour, to me it would be shame,
We must be weight in love, no grain too light;
Thou art the Land-mark, but if love be blind,
(As many that can see have so reported)
What benefit canst thou be to his darkness?
Love is a jewel (some say) inestimable,
But hung at the ear, deprives our own sight,
And so it shines to others, not our selves.
I speak my skill, I have only heard on't,
But I could wish a nearer document,
Alass, the ignorant desire to know:
Some say Love's but a toy, and with a but.
Now methinks I should love it ne'er the worse,
A toy is harmless sure, and may be plaid with,
It seldome goes without his adjunct, pretty,
A pretty toy we say, 'tis meeter to joy too.
Well, here may be a mad night yet for all this,
Here's a Priest ready, and a Lady ready:
A chamber ready, and a bed ready,
'Tis then but making unready, and that's soon done:
My Lady is my Cosen; I, my self,
Which is nearest then? My desires are mine,
Say they be hers too, is't a hanging matter?
It may be ventur'd in a worser cause,
I must go question with my conscience:
I have the word; Centinel, do thou stand,
Thou shalt not need to call, I'll be at hand. [Exit.
Enter Antonio and Martin.
Ant. Are we not dog'd behind us, thinkst thou friend?
Mar. I heard not one bark, Sir.
Ant. There are that bite
And bark not (man:) me-thought I spy'd two fellows
That through two streets together walk'd aloof,
And wore their eyes suspiciously upon us.
And bark not (man:) me-thought I spy'd two fellows
That through two streets together walk'd aloof,
And wore their eyes suspiciously upon us.
Mar. Your Jealousie, nothing else; or such perhaps
As are afraid as much of us, who knows
But about the like business? but for your fears sake
I'll advise and intreat one curtesie.
As are afraid as much of us, who knows
But about the like business? but for your fears sake
I'll advise and intreat one curtesie.
Ant. What's that friend?
Mar. I will not be denyed, Sir,
Change your upper garments with me.
Change your upper garments with me.
Ant. It needs not.
Ant. Nay then.
Mar. If there should be danger towards,
There will be the main mark I'm sure.
There will be the main mark I'm sure.
Ant. Here thou tak'st from me.
Mar. Tush, the General
Must be safe, how ere the Battle goes:
See you the Beacon yonder?
Must be safe, how ere the Battle goes:
See you the Beacon yonder?
Ant. Yes, we are near shore.
Enter 2. Gentlemen with weapons drawn, they set upon Martin: Antonio pursues them out in rescue of Martin.