Let your Forces by the next even be ready, my Brother feasts then; put in at St. Michaels, the ascent at that Port is easiest; the Keys of the Castle, you shall receive at my hands: that possest, you are Lord of Malta, and may soon destroy all by fire, then which I am hotter, till I embrace you,
Farewell,
Your Wife
ORIANA.
From this time let me never read again.
[Gent. W.] 'Tis certain her hand.
Val. This Letter too
So close kept by her self, could not be answered
To every period thus, but by her self.
So close kept by her self, could not be answered
To every period thus, but by her self.
Ori. Sir, hear me.
Val. Peace, thou fair sweet bank of flowers,
Under whose beauty Scorpions lie, and kill;
Wert thou a kin to me, in some new name
Dearer than Sister, Mother, or all blood,
I would not hear thee speak: bear her to prison,
So gross is this, it needs no formal course,
Prepare thy self, to morrow thou shalt dye.
Under whose beauty Scorpions lie, and kill;
Wert thou a kin to me, in some new name
Dearer than Sister, Mother, or all blood,
I would not hear thee speak: bear her to prison,
So gross is this, it needs no formal course,
Prepare thy self, to morrow thou shalt dye.
Ori. I dye a Martyr then, and a poor maid,
Almost yfaith as innocent as born,
Thou know'st thou art wicked, Frenchman heaven forgive thee [Ex.
Almost yfaith as innocent as born,
Thou know'st thou art wicked, Frenchman heaven forgive thee [Ex.
All. This Scene is strangely turn'd.
Val. Yet can nature be
So dead in me? I would my charge were off,
Mountferrat should perceive my Sister had
A Brother would not live to see her dye
Unfought for, since the statutes of our state
Allow (in case of accusations)
A Champion to defend a Ladies truth.
Peter Gomera, thou hast lost thy wife,
Death pleads a precontract.
So dead in me? I would my charge were off,
Mountferrat should perceive my Sister had
A Brother would not live to see her dye
Unfought for, since the statutes of our state
Allow (in case of accusations)
A Champion to defend a Ladies truth.
Peter Gomera, thou hast lost thy wife,
Death pleads a precontract.
Gom. I have lost my Tongue,
My sence, my heart, and every faculty:
Mountferrat go not up: with reverence
To our great Master, and this consistory
(I have considered it, it cannot be)
Thou art a villain, and a forger.
A blood-sucker of innocence, an hypocrite,
A most unworthy wearer of our Cross;
To make which good take (if thou dar'st) that gage
And arm'd at all points like a Gentleman
Meet me to morrow morning, where the Master,
And this fraternity shall design, where I
Will cram this slander back into thy throat,
And with my swords point thrust it to thy heart,
The very nest, where lust and slander breeds.
Pardon my passion; I will tear those spurs
Off from thy heels, and stik 'em in thy front
As a mark'd villain.
My sence, my heart, and every faculty:
Mountferrat go not up: with reverence
To our great Master, and this consistory
(I have considered it, it cannot be)
Thou art a villain, and a forger.
A blood-sucker of innocence, an hypocrite,
A most unworthy wearer of our Cross;
To make which good take (if thou dar'st) that gage
And arm'd at all points like a Gentleman
Meet me to morrow morning, where the Master,
And this fraternity shall design, where I
Will cram this slander back into thy throat,
And with my swords point thrust it to thy heart,
The very nest, where lust and slander breeds.
Pardon my passion; I will tear those spurs
Off from thy heels, and stik 'em in thy front
As a mark'd villain.
Mount. This I look'd not for:
Ten times more villain, I return my gage,
And crave the Law of Arms.
Ten times more villain, I return my gage,
And crave the Law of Arms.
Gom. 'Tis that I crave.
All. It cannot be denide.
Gom. Do not I know
With thousand gifts, and importunacies,
Thou often hast sollicited this Lady
(Contrary to thy oath of chastity)
Who ne'r disclosing this thy hot reign'd lust,
Yet tender to prevent a publique scandal,
That Christendom might justly have impos'd,
Upon this holy institution,
Thou now hast drawn this practise 'gainst her life
To quit her charity.
With thousand gifts, and importunacies,
Thou often hast sollicited this Lady
(Contrary to thy oath of chastity)
Who ne'r disclosing this thy hot reign'd lust,
Yet tender to prevent a publique scandal,
That Christendom might justly have impos'd,
Upon this holy institution,
Thou now hast drawn this practise 'gainst her life
To quit her charity.
Mount. Spaniard, thou liest.
Ast. No more Gomera, thou art granted combat,
And you Mountferrat must prepare against
To morrow morning in the valley here
Adjoyning to St. Georg[e]s Port: a Lady
In case of life 'gainst whom one witness comes
May have her champion.
And you Mountferrat must prepare against
To morrow morning in the valley here
Adjoyning to St. Georg[e]s Port: a Lady
In case of life 'gainst whom one witness comes
May have her champion.
Val. And who hath most right [Florish
With, or against our Sister, speed in fight. [Exit.
With, or against our Sister, speed in fight. [Exit.
Enter Rocca.
Mount. Rocca, the first news of Mirandas service
Let me have notice of.
Let me have notice of.
Roc. You shall: The Moore
Waites you without.
Waites you without.
Mount. Admit her, ha, ha, ha.
Oh, how my fancies run at tilt! Gomera
Loves Oriana; she as I should ghess,
Affects Miranda; these are two dear friends,
As firm, and full of fire, as steel and flint.
To make 'em so now, one against the other: [Enter Zanthia.
Stay let me like it better, Zanthia;
First tell me this, did Don Gomera use
To give his visits to your Mistriss?
Oh, how my fancies run at tilt! Gomera
Loves Oriana; she as I should ghess,
Affects Miranda; these are two dear friends,
As firm, and full of fire, as steel and flint.
To make 'em so now, one against the other: [Enter Zanthia.
Stay let me like it better, Zanthia;
First tell me this, did Don Gomera use
To give his visits to your Mistriss?
Zan. Yes, and Miranda too: but severally.
Mount. Which did she most apply to?
Zan. Faith to neither:
Yet infinitely I have heard her praise 'em both,
And in that manner, that were both one man
I think she was in love with't.
Yet infinitely I have heard her praise 'em both,
And in that manner, that were both one man
I think she was in love with't.
Mount. Zanthia,
Another Letter you must frame for me
Instantly, in your Ladies Character,
To such a purpose as I'll tell thee strait,
Go in, and stay me: Go my Tinder-box,
Cross lines I'll cross; so, so: my after-game
I must play better: woman, I will spread
My vengeance over Malta, for thy sake:
Spaniard, Italian, like my steel and stone,
I'll knock you thus together, wear ye out
To light my dark deeds, whilst I seem precise,
And wink to save the sparkles from mine eyes. [Exeunt.
Another Letter you must frame for me
Instantly, in your Ladies Character,
To such a purpose as I'll tell thee strait,
Go in, and stay me: Go my Tinder-box,
Cross lines I'll cross; so, so: my after-game
I must play better: woman, I will spread
My vengeance over Malta, for thy sake:
Spaniard, Italian, like my steel and stone,
I'll knock you thus together, wear ye out
To light my dark deeds, whilst I seem precise,
And wink to save the sparkles from mine eyes. [Exeunt.
Actus Secundus. Scæna Prima.
[A Sea-fight within, alarm.
Enter Norandine, Miranda, and Soldiers, and Gentlemen.
Mir. HOw is it Sir?
Nor. Pray set me down; I cool,
And my wounds smart.
And my wounds smart.
Mir. I hope yet
Though there be many, there's none dangerous.
Though there be many, there's none dangerous.
Nor. I know not, nor I care not much, I got 'em
Like a too forward fool, but I hope the Surgeons
Will take an order I shall not leave 'em so,
I make the rogues more work than all the Island,
And yet they give me the hardest words for my money.
Like a too forward fool, but I hope the Surgeons
Will take an order I shall not leave 'em so,
I make the rogues more work than all the Island,
And yet they give me the hardest words for my money.
Mir. I am glad ye are so sprightly: ye fought bravely
Go call the Surgeons Soldiers: wondrous nobly
Upon my life, I have not seen such valour,
Maintained so long, and to so large a ruine,
The odds so strong against ye.
Go call the Surgeons Soldiers: wondrous nobly
Upon my life, I have not seen such valour,
Maintained so long, and to so large a ruine,
The odds so strong against ye.
Nor. I thank ye,
And thank ye for your help, your timely succor.
By th'mass, it came i' th' nick Sir, and well handled;
Stoutly, and strongly handled: we had duckt else,
My Turk had Turk'd me else: but he has well paid for't.
Why what a Sign for an Almanack h'as made me!
And thank ye for your help, your timely succor.
By th'mass, it came i' th' nick Sir, and well handled;
Stoutly, and strongly handled: we had duckt else,
My Turk had Turk'd me else: but he has well paid for't.
Why what a Sign for an Almanack h'as made me!
Enter Astorius.
Ast. I am glad to find ye here Sir, of necessity,
I must have come aboard else; and brave Captain
We all joy much in your fair victory,
And all the Island speaks your valour nobly.
Have ye brought the Turk in, that ye took?
I must have come aboard else; and brave Captain
We all joy much in your fair victory,
And all the Island speaks your valour nobly.
Have ye brought the Turk in, that ye took?
Mir. He rides there.
Nor. If he were out again, the devil should bring him.
H'as truly circumcis'd me.
H'as truly circumcis'd me.
Ast. I have a business
Which much concerns ye, presently concerns ye;
But not this place nor people: pray ye draw off, Sir,
For 'tis of that weight to ye.
Which much concerns ye, presently concerns ye;
But not this place nor people: pray ye draw off, Sir,
For 'tis of that weight to ye.
Mir. I'll wait on ye,
I must crave leave awhile: my care dwels with ye,
And I must wait my self.
I must crave leave awhile: my care dwels with ye,
And I must wait my self.
Nor. Your servant, Sir.
Mir. Believe I shall, and what my love can minister;
Keep your stout heart still.
Keep your stout heart still.
Nor. That's my best Physitian.
Mir. And I shall keep your fame fair. [Exit.
Nor. Ye are too Noble.
A brave young fellow of a matchless spirit;
He brought me off like thunder, charg'd, and boarded,
As if he had been shot to save mine honor:
And when my fainting men, tyr'd with their labour,
And lack of bloud, gave to the Turk assurance
The day was his; when I was cut in shreds thus,
And not a corn of Powder left to bless us;
Then flew his Sword in, then his Cannon roar'd,
And let flie bloud and death and storms amongst 'em.
Then might I hear their sleepy Prophet howl too,
And all their silver Crescents then I saw
Like falling Meteors spent, and set for ever
Under the Cross of Malta; death so wanton
I never lookt upon, so full of revel.
A brave young fellow of a matchless spirit;
He brought me off like thunder, charg'd, and boarded,
As if he had been shot to save mine honor:
And when my fainting men, tyr'd with their labour,
And lack of bloud, gave to the Turk assurance
The day was his; when I was cut in shreds thus,
And not a corn of Powder left to bless us;
Then flew his Sword in, then his Cannon roar'd,
And let flie bloud and death and storms amongst 'em.
Then might I hear their sleepy Prophet howl too,
And all their silver Crescents then I saw
Like falling Meteors spent, and set for ever
Under the Cross of Malta; death so wanton
I never lookt upon, so full of revel.
Enter Surgeon.
I will not be drest yet: Methought that fellow
Was fit for no conversation, nor no Christian
That had not halfe his brain's knockt out, no Soldier.
Oh valiant young man, how I love thy virtue.
Was fit for no conversation, nor no Christian
That had not halfe his brain's knockt out, no Soldier.
Oh valiant young man, how I love thy virtue.
1 Sold. Pray ye Sir be drest, alas ye bleed apace yet.
Nor. 'Tis but the sweat of honor (alas) thou milksop,
Thou man of March-pain, canst thou fear to see
A few light hurts, that blush they are no bigger,
A few small scratches? get ye a Cawdle, Sirrah,
Your finger akes, and let the old wives watch thee:
Bring in the booty: and the prisoners;
By heaven I'll see 'em, and dispose 'em first,
Before I have a drop of blood wip'd from me, goe. [Exeunt Soldiers.
Thou man of March-pain, canst thou fear to see
A few light hurts, that blush they are no bigger,
A few small scratches? get ye a Cawdle, Sirrah,
Your finger akes, and let the old wives watch thee:
Bring in the booty: and the prisoners;
By heaven I'll see 'em, and dispose 'em first,
Before I have a drop of blood wip'd from me, goe. [Exeunt Soldiers.
Surg. You'll faint Sir.
Nor. No, ye lie, Sir, like an Ass, Sir;
I have no such pigs hurt in my belly.
I have no such pigs hurt in my belly.
Sur. By my life Captain
These hurts are not to be jested with.
These hurts are not to be jested with.
Nor. If thou hadst 'em:
They are my companions fool, my family;
I cannot eat nor sleep without their company,
Dost take me for St. Davy, that fell dead
With seeing of his nose bleed?
They are my companions fool, my family;
I cannot eat nor sleep without their company,
Dost take me for St. Davy, that fell dead
With seeing of his nose bleed?
Enter Soldiers with booty.
Nor. Pox: dress thy self first.
Thou faint'st a great deal faster: what's all this?
Thou faint'st a great deal faster: what's all this?
1 Sold. The money and the merchandize ye took Sir.
Nor. A goodly purchase; Is it for this we venture
Our liberties and lives? what can all this do?
Get me some dozen surfeits, some seven fresh whores,
And twenty pot-Allies; and then I am virtuous.
Lay the Knights part by, and that to pay the Soldier:
This is mine own, I think I have deserv'd it:
Come, now look to me, and grope me like a Chambermaid,
I'll neither start nor squeak; what's that i' th' Trusse there?
Our liberties and lives? what can all this do?
Get me some dozen surfeits, some seven fresh whores,
And twenty pot-Allies; and then I am virtuous.
Lay the Knights part by, and that to pay the Soldier:
This is mine own, I think I have deserv'd it:
Come, now look to me, and grope me like a Chambermaid,
I'll neither start nor squeak; what's that i' th' Trusse there?
2 Sold. 'Tis cloth of Tissue, Sir, and this is Scarlet.
Nor. I shall look redder shortly then, I fear me,
And as a Captain ought, a great deal prouder.
Can ye cure me of that crack, Surgeon?
And as a Captain ought, a great deal prouder.
Can ye cure me of that crack, Surgeon?
Sur. Yes, when your Suit's at pawn, Sir.
Nor. There's for your plaister.
A very learned Surgeon: what's in that pack there?
A very learned Surgeon: what's in that pack there?
1 Sold. 'Tis English Cloth.
Nor. That's a good wear indeed,
Both strong, and rich: but it has a virtue
A twang of the own Countrey, that spoils all:
A man shall ne'r be sober in't: Where are the Gentlemen,
That ventur'd with me, both their lives and fortunes?
Come forward my fair spirits; Norandine
Forgets his worth, when he forgets your valours,
You have lost an eye, I saw ye face all hazards:
You have one left yet, to choose your Mistriss.
You have your leg broke with a shot; yet sitting,
I saw you make the place good with your Pike still.
And your hand's gone; a good heart wants no instruments;
Share that amongst ye, there's an eye, an arm,
And that will bear you up, when your legs cannot.
Oh, where's the honest Sailor? that poor fellow,
Indeed that bold brave fellow, that with his Musket
Taught them new ways how to put their caps off;
That stood the fire of all the fight, twice blown,
And twice I gave him drown'd; welcome ashore knave;
Give me thy hand, if they be not both lost: faith thou art welcome,
My tough knave welcome: thou wilt not shrink i' th' washing.
Hold, there's a piece of Scarlet, get thee handsom.
And this to buy thee buttons.
Both strong, and rich: but it has a virtue
A twang of the own Countrey, that spoils all:
A man shall ne'r be sober in't: Where are the Gentlemen,
That ventur'd with me, both their lives and fortunes?
Come forward my fair spirits; Norandine
Forgets his worth, when he forgets your valours,
You have lost an eye, I saw ye face all hazards:
You have one left yet, to choose your Mistriss.
You have your leg broke with a shot; yet sitting,
I saw you make the place good with your Pike still.
And your hand's gone; a good heart wants no instruments;
Share that amongst ye, there's an eye, an arm,
And that will bear you up, when your legs cannot.
Oh, where's the honest Sailor? that poor fellow,
Indeed that bold brave fellow, that with his Musket
Taught them new ways how to put their caps off;
That stood the fire of all the fight, twice blown,
And twice I gave him drown'd; welcome ashore knave;
Give me thy hand, if they be not both lost: faith thou art welcome,
My tough knave welcome: thou wilt not shrink i' th' washing.
Hold, there's a piece of Scarlet, get thee handsom.
And this to buy thee buttons.
Sail. Thank ye Captain.
Command my life at all hours.
Command my life at all hours.
Nor. Thou durst give it.
You have deserv'd too.
You have deserv'd too.
3 Sold. We have seen the fight Sir.
Nor. Yes: coil'd up in a Cable, like salt Eels,
Or buried low i' th' ballast, do you call that fighting?
Where be your wounds? your knocks? your want of limbs rogues?
Art not thou he that ask'd the Master-gunner
Where thou mightst lie safest? and he strait answered,
Put thy head in that hole, new bor'd with a Cannon;
For 'twas an hundred to one, another shot would not hit there:
Your wages you shall have, but for rewards
Take your own waies: and get ye to the Taverns;
There, when ye are hot with Wine, 'mongst your admirers,
Take Ships, and Towns, and Castles at your pleasures,
And make the Great Turk shake at your valors.
Bring in the prisoners now, my brave Musslemen.
Or buried low i' th' ballast, do you call that fighting?
Where be your wounds? your knocks? your want of limbs rogues?
Art not thou he that ask'd the Master-gunner
Where thou mightst lie safest? and he strait answered,
Put thy head in that hole, new bor'd with a Cannon;
For 'twas an hundred to one, another shot would not hit there:
Your wages you shall have, but for rewards
Take your own waies: and get ye to the Taverns;
There, when ye are hot with Wine, 'mongst your admirers,
Take Ships, and Towns, and Castles at your pleasures,
And make the Great Turk shake at your valors.
Bring in the prisoners now, my brave Musslemen.
Enter Prisoners, and Luscinda.
You that are Lords o' th' Sea, and scorn us Christians,
Which of your mangy lives is worth this hurt here?
Away to prison with 'em, see 'em safe;
You shall find we have Gallies too, and slaves too.
Which of your mangy lives is worth this hurt here?
Away to prison with 'em, see 'em safe;
You shall find we have Gallies too, and slaves too.
1 Sold. What shall be done with this woman, Sir?
Nor. Pox take her,
'Twas she that set me on to fight with these rogues,
That Ring-worm, rot it: what can you do now
With all your paintings, and your pouncings, Lady,
To restore my blood again? you, and your Cupid
That have made a Carbinado of me, plague take ye,
Ye are too deep ye rogue, this is thy work woman,
Thou lousie woman; 'death, you goe too deep still.
The seeing of your simpring sweetness: —— ye Filly,
Ye Tit, ye Tomboy, what can one nights gingling,
Or two, or ten, sweet heart, and oh my dear chicken,
Scratching my head, or fumbling with my fore-mast,
Doe me good now? ye have powder'd me for one year,
I am in souce I thank ye; thank your beauty,
Your most sweet beauty: pox upon those goggles.
We cannot fight like honest men, for honor,
And quietly kill one another as we ought,
But in steps one of you; the devils holiness
And you must have a daunce: away with her,
She stinks to me now.
'Twas she that set me on to fight with these rogues,
That Ring-worm, rot it: what can you do now
With all your paintings, and your pouncings, Lady,
To restore my blood again? you, and your Cupid
That have made a Carbinado of me, plague take ye,
Ye are too deep ye rogue, this is thy work woman,
Thou lousie woman; 'death, you goe too deep still.
The seeing of your simpring sweetness: —— ye Filly,
Ye Tit, ye Tomboy, what can one nights gingling,
Or two, or ten, sweet heart, and oh my dear chicken,
Scratching my head, or fumbling with my fore-mast,
Doe me good now? ye have powder'd me for one year,
I am in souce I thank ye; thank your beauty,
Your most sweet beauty: pox upon those goggles.
We cannot fight like honest men, for honor,
And quietly kill one another as we ought,
But in steps one of you; the devils holiness
And you must have a daunce: away with her,
She stinks to me now.
1 Sold. Shall I have her Captain?
2 Sold. Or I?
3 Sold. I'll marry her.
4 Sold. Good Captain, I.
3 Sold. And make her a good Christian; lay hands off her;
I know she's mine.
I know she's mine.
2 Sold. I'll give my full share for her: have ye no manners;
To thrust the woman so?
To thrust the woman so?
Nor. Share her among ye;
And may she give ye as many hurts as I have,
And twice as many aches.
And may she give ye as many hurts as I have,
And twice as many aches.
Lusc. Noble Captain,
Be pleas'd to free me from these Soldiers wildness,
Till I but speak two words.
Be pleas'd to free me from these Soldiers wildness,
Till I but speak two words.
Nor. Now for your Maidenhead,
You have your book, proceed.
You have your book, proceed.
Lusc. Victorious Sir,
'Tis seldom seen in men so valiant,
Minds so devoid of virtue: he that can conquer,
Should ever know how to preserve his conquest,
'Tis but a base theft else. Valour's a virtue,
Crown of men's actions here; yours as you make it.
And can you put so rough a foyl as violence,
As wronging of weak woman to your triumph?
'Tis seldom seen in men so valiant,
Minds so devoid of virtue: he that can conquer,
Should ever know how to preserve his conquest,
'Tis but a base theft else. Valour's a virtue,
Crown of men's actions here; yours as you make it.
And can you put so rough a foyl as violence,
As wronging of weak woman to your triumph?
Nor. Let her alone.
Lusc. I have lost my husband, Sir;
You feel not that: him that I love; you care not:
When fortune falls on you thus, you may grieve too:
My liberty, I kneel not for; mine honor,
(If ever virtuous honor toucht your heart yet)
Make dear, and precious, Sir: you had a mother.
You feel not that: him that I love; you care not:
When fortune falls on you thus, you may grieve too:
My liberty, I kneel not for; mine honor,
(If ever virtuous honor toucht your heart yet)
Make dear, and precious, Sir: you had a mother.
Lusc. I wish no better,
A noble Gentleman, and Nobly us'd me,
They call'd his name Miranda.
A noble Gentleman, and Nobly us'd me,
They call'd his name Miranda.
Nor. You are his then:
Ye have light upon a young man worth your service,
I free ye from all the rest: and from all violence;
He that doth offer't, by my head he hangs for't:
Goe see her safe kept, till the Noble Gentleman
Be ready to dispose her: thank your tongue,
You have a good one, and preserve it good still:
Soldiers, come wait on me, I'll see ye paid all. [Exeunt.
Ye have light upon a young man worth your service,
I free ye from all the rest: and from all violence;
He that doth offer't, by my head he hangs for't:
Goe see her safe kept, till the Noble Gentleman
Be ready to dispose her: thank your tongue,
You have a good one, and preserve it good still:
Soldiers, come wait on me, I'll see ye paid all. [Exeunt.
Scæna Secunda.
Enter Miranda and Astorius.
Ast. I knew ye lov'd her, virtuously ye lov'd her,
Which made me make that haste: I knew ye priz'd her
As all fair minds do goodness.
Which made me make that haste: I knew ye priz'd her
As all fair minds do goodness.
Mir. Good Astorius,
I [must] confess I do much honor her,
And worthily I hope still.
I [must] confess I do much honor her,
And worthily I hope still.
Ast. 'Tis no doubt, Sir,
For on my life she is much wrong'd.
For on my life she is much wrong'd.
Mir. Very likely:
And I as much tormented I was absent.
And I as much tormented I was absent.
Ast. You need not fear, Peter Gomera's Noble,
Of a try'd faith and valour.
Of a try'd faith and valour.
Mir. This I know too:
But whilst I was not there, and whilst she suffer'd;
Whilst Virtue suffer'd, friend, oh how it loads me!
Whilst innocence and sweetness sunk together,
How cold it sits here! if my arm had fought her,
My truth, though naked, stood against all treasons,
My sword here grasped, Love on the edge, and Honor,
And but a signal from her eye to seal it;
If then she had been lost; I brag too late,
And too much I decline the Noble Peter.
Yet some poor service I would do her sweetness,
Alas she needs it, my Astorius,
The gentle Lady needs it.
But whilst I was not there, and whilst she suffer'd;
Whilst Virtue suffer'd, friend, oh how it loads me!
Whilst innocence and sweetness sunk together,
How cold it sits here! if my arm had fought her,
My truth, though naked, stood against all treasons,
My sword here grasped, Love on the edge, and Honor,
And but a signal from her eye to seal it;
If then she had been lost; I brag too late,
And too much I decline the Noble Peter.
Yet some poor service I would do her sweetness,
Alas she needs it, my Astorius,
The gentle Lady needs it.
Ast. Noble spirit.
Mir. And what [I] can: prethee bear with this weakness.
Often I do not use these Womens weapons
But where true pity is. I am much troubl'd,
And something have to do, I cannot form yet.
Often I do not use these Womens weapons
But where true pity is. I am much troubl'd,
And something have to do, I cannot form yet.
Ast. I'll take my leave, Sir, I shall but disturb ye.
Mir. And please you for a while: and pray to fortune
to smile upon this Lady.
to smile upon this Lady.
Ast. All my help, Sir. [Exit.
Mir. Gomera's old and stiff: and he may lose her,
The winter of his years and wounds upon him:
And yet he has done bravely hitherto;
Mountferrat's fury, in his heat of Summer,
The whistling of his Sword like angry storms,
Renting up life by th' roots, I have seen him scale
As if a Falcon had run up a train,
Clashing his warlike pinions, his steel'd Curasse,
And at his pitch inmew the Town below him.
I must doe something.
The winter of his years and wounds upon him:
And yet he has done bravely hitherto;
Mountferrat's fury, in his heat of Summer,
The whistling of his Sword like angry storms,
Renting up life by th' roots, I have seen him scale
As if a Falcon had run up a train,
Clashing his warlike pinions, his steel'd Curasse,
And at his pitch inmew the Town below him.
I must doe something.
Enter Collonna.
Col. Noble Sir, for Heaven sake
Take pity of a poor afflicted Christian
Redeem'd from one affliction to another.
Take pity of a poor afflicted Christian
Redeem'd from one affliction to another.
Mir. Boldly you ask that, we are bound to give it.
From what affliction, Sir?
From what affliction, Sir?
Col. From cold, and hunger;
From nakedness and stripes.
From nakedness and stripes.
Mir. A prisoner?
Col. A slave, Sir, in the Turkish prize, new taken;
That in the heat of fight, when your brave hand
Brought the Dane succor, got my irons off,
And put my self to mercy of the Ocean.
That in the heat of fight, when your brave hand
Brought the Dane succor, got my irons off,
And put my self to mercy of the Ocean.
M[i]r. And swom to Land?
Col. I did Sir, Heaven was gracious;
But now a stranger, and my wants upon me,
Though willingly I would preserve this life, Sir,
With honesty and truth I am not look'd on;
The hand of pity that should give for heaven sake,
And charitable hearts are grown so cold, Sir,
Never remembring what their fortunes may be.
But now a stranger, and my wants upon me,
Though willingly I would preserve this life, Sir,
With honesty and truth I am not look'd on;
The hand of pity that should give for heaven sake,
And charitable hearts are grown so cold, Sir,
Never remembring what their fortunes may be.
Mir. Thou say'st too true: of what profession art thou?
Col. I have been better train'd; and can serve truly,
Where trust is laid upon me.
Where trust is laid upon me.
Mir. A handsome fellow;
Hast thou e'r bore Arms?
Hast thou e'r bore Arms?
Col. I have trod full many a march, Sir,
And some hurts have to shew: before me too, Sir.
And some hurts have to shew: before me too, Sir.
Mir. Pity this thing should starve, or, forced for want,
Come to a worse end. I know not what thou mayst be.
But if thou thinkst it fit to be a servant,
I'll be a Master, and a good one to thee,
If ye deserve, Sir.
Come to a worse end. I know not what thou mayst be.
But if thou thinkst it fit to be a servant,
I'll be a Master, and a good one to thee,
If ye deserve, Sir.
Col. Else I ask no favour.
Mir. Then Sir, to try your trust, because I like you,
Go to the Dane, of him receive a woman,
A Turkish prisoner, for me receive her,
I hear she is my prize, look fairly to her,
For I would have her know, though now my prisoner,
The Christians need no Schoolmasters for honor.
Take this to buy thee clothes, this Ring, to help thee
Into the fellowship of my house: ye are a stranger,
And my servants will not know ye else; there keep her,
And with all modesty preserve your service.
Go to the Dane, of him receive a woman,
A Turkish prisoner, for me receive her,
I hear she is my prize, look fairly to her,
For I would have her know, though now my prisoner,
The Christians need no Schoolmasters for honor.
Take this to buy thee clothes, this Ring, to help thee
Into the fellowship of my house: ye are a stranger,
And my servants will not know ye else; there keep her,
And with all modesty preserve your service.
Col. A foul example find me else: Heaven thank ye.
Of Captain Norandine?
Of Captain Norandine?
Mir. The same.
Col. 'Tis done, Sir:
And may Heavens goodness ever dwell about ye.
And may Heavens goodness ever dwell about ye.
Mir. Wait there till I come home.
Col. I shall not fail, Sir. [Exeunt.
Scæna Tertia.
Enter Mountferrat with a Letter, and Abdella.
Abd. 'Tis strange it should be so, that your high mettle
Should check thus poorly, dully; most unmanly.
Should check thus poorly, dully; most unmanly.
Mount. Let me alone.
Abd. Thus leadenly?
Mount. —— [t]ake ye.
Abd. At every childish fear? at every shadow?
Are you Mountferrat that have done such deeds?
Wrought through such bloudy fields, men shake to speak of?
Can ye go back? is there a safety left yet
But fore-right? is not ruine round about ye?
Have ye not still these arms, that Sword, that heart-whole?
Is't not a man ye fight with, and an old man,
A man half kill'd already? Am not I here?
As lovely in my black to entertain thee,
As high and full of heat to meet thy pleasures?
Are you Mountferrat that have done such deeds?
Wrought through such bloudy fields, men shake to speak of?
Can ye go back? is there a safety left yet
But fore-right? is not ruine round about ye?
Have ye not still these arms, that Sword, that heart-whole?
Is't not a man ye fight with, and an old man,
A man half kill'd already? Am not I here?
As lovely in my black to entertain thee,
As high and full of heat to meet thy pleasures?
Mount. I will be alone.
Abd. Ye shall: farewel, Sir;
And do it bravely, never think of conscience:
There is none to a man resolved; be happy. [Exit.
And do it bravely, never think of conscience:
There is none to a man resolved; be happy. [Exit.
Enter Miranda.
Mount. No, most unhappy wretch as thou hast made me
More devil than thy self, I am.
More devil than thy self, I am.
Mir. Alone,
And troubled too, I take it: how he starts!
All is not handsome in thy heart Mountferrat.
God speed ye Sir, I have been seeking of ye:
They say you are to fight to day.
And troubled too, I take it: how he starts!
All is not handsome in thy heart Mountferrat.
God speed ye Sir, I have been seeking of ye:
They say you are to fight to day.
Mount. What then?
Mir. Nay, nothing but good fortune to your Sword, Sir.
Ye have a cause requires it, the Islands safety,
The Orders, and your Honors.
Ye have a cause requires it, the Islands safety,
The Orders, and your Honors.
Mount. And do you make a question
I will not fight it Nobly?
I will not fight it Nobly?
Mir. Ye dare fight,
Ye have, and with as great a confidence as justice,
I have seen ye strike as home, and hit as deadly.
Ye have, and with as great a confidence as justice,
I have seen ye strike as home, and hit as deadly.
Mount. Why are these questions then?
Mir. I'll tell ye quickly.
Ye have a Lady in your cause, a fair one,
A gentler never trode on ground, a Nobler.
Ye have a Lady in your cause, a fair one,
A gentler never trode on ground, a Nobler.
Mir. The Sun ne'r saw a sweeter.
Mount. These I grant ye:
Nor dare I against beauty heave my hand up,
It were unmanly, Sir; too much unmanly:
But when these excellencies turn to ruine,
To ruine of themselves, and those protect 'em;
When virtue's lost, lust and dishonor enter'd,
Loss of our selves and souls basely projected—
Nor dare I against beauty heave my hand up,
It were unmanly, Sir; too much unmanly:
But when these excellencies turn to ruine,
To ruine of themselves, and those protect 'em;
When virtue's lost, lust and dishonor enter'd,
Loss of our selves and souls basely projected—
Mir. Do you think 'tis so?
Mount. Too sure.
Mir. And can it be?
Can it be thought Mountferrat, so much sweetness,
So great a Magazine of all things precious,
A mind so heavenly made, prethee observe me:
Can it be thought Mountferrat, so much sweetness,
So great a Magazine of all things precious,
A mind so heavenly made, prethee observe me:
Mount. I thought so too: now by my Holy Order,
He that had told me, (till experience found it
Too bold a proof) this Lady had been vitious—
I wear no dull Sword Sir, nor hate I virtue.
He that had told me, (till experience found it
Too bold a proof) this Lady had been vitious—
I wear no dull Sword Sir, nor hate I virtue.
Mir. Against her brother? to the man has bred her?
Her Bloud and Honor?
Her Bloud and Honor?
Mount. Where ambitious lust
Desires to be above the rule prescrib'd her,
Takes hold, and wins, poor chastity, cold duty,
Like fashions old forgot, she flings behind her,
And puts on bloud and mischief, death, and ruine,
To raise her new-built hopes, new faith to fasten her:
Ma' foy, she is as foul, as Heaven is beauteous.
Desires to be above the rule prescrib'd her,
Takes hold, and wins, poor chastity, cold duty,
Like fashions old forgot, she flings behind her,
And puts on bloud and mischief, death, and ruine,
To raise her new-built hopes, new faith to fasten her:
Ma' foy, she is as foul, as Heaven is beauteous.
Mir. Thou liest; thou liest Mountferrat: thou liest basely.
Stare not, nor swell not with thy pride: thou liest;
And this shall make it good.
Stare not, nor swell not with thy pride: thou liest;
And this shall make it good.
Mount. Out with your heat first,
Ye shall be fought withal.
Ye shall be fought withal.
M[i]r. By —— that Lady,
The virtue of that woman, were all the good deeds
Of all thy families, bound in one Fagot,
From Adam to this hour, but with one sparkle
Would fire that wispe, and turn it to light ashes.
The virtue of that woman, were all the good deeds
Of all thy families, bound in one Fagot,
From Adam to this hour, but with one sparkle
Would fire that wispe, and turn it to light ashes.
Mount. Oh pitiful young man, struck blind with beauty!
Shot with a womans smile: poor, poor Miranda;
Thou hopeful young man once; but now thou lost man:
Thou naked man of all that we call Noble,
How art thou cozen'd! didst thou know what I do,
And how far thy dear honor (mark me fool)
Which like a father I have kept from blasting,
Thy tender honor is abus'd: but fight first,
And then too late, thou shalt know all.
Shot with a womans smile: poor, poor Miranda;
Thou hopeful young man once; but now thou lost man:
Thou naked man of all that we call Noble,
How art thou cozen'd! didst thou know what I do,
And how far thy dear honor (mark me fool)
Which like a father I have kept from blasting,
Thy tender honor is abus'd: but fight first,
And then too late, thou shalt know all.
Mir. Thou liest, still.
Mount. Stay, now I'll shew thee all, and then I'll kill thee.
I love thee so dear, time shall not disgrace thee.
Read that.
I love thee so dear, time shall not disgrace thee.
Read that.
Mir. It is her hand: it is most certain;
Good Angels keep me: that I should be her Agent
To betray Maltha, and bring her to the Basha,
That on my tender love lay all her project!
Eyes never see again, melt out for sorrow,
Did the Devil do this?
Good Angels keep me: that I should be her Agent
To betray Maltha, and bring her to the Basha,
That on my tender love lay all her project!
Eyes never see again, melt out for sorrow,
Did the Devil do this?
Mount. No, but his Dam did it,
The virtuous Lady that you love so dearly;
Come, will ye fight again?
The virtuous Lady that you love so dearly;
Come, will ye fight again?
Mir. No, prethee kill me:
For Heaven sake, and for goodness sake dispatch me,
For the disgrace sake that I gave thee, kill me.
For Heaven sake, and for goodness sake dispatch me,
For the disgrace sake that I gave thee, kill me.
Mount. Why, are ye guilty?
Mir. I have liv'd Mountferrat,
To see dishonor swallow up all virtue,
And now would die: by heavens eternal brightness,
I am as clear as innocence.
To see dishonor swallow up all virtue,
And now would die: by heavens eternal brightness,
I am as clear as innocence.
Mount. I knew it,
And therefore kept this Letter from all knowledge,
And this sword from anger, ye had died else.
And yet I lye, and basely lye.
And therefore kept this Letter from all knowledge,
And this sword from anger, ye had died else.
And yet I lye, and basely lye.
Mir. O virtue!
Unspotted virtue, whither art thou vanish'd?
What hast thou left to abuse our frailties
In shape of goodness?
Unspotted virtue, whither art thou vanish'd?
What hast thou left to abuse our frailties
In shape of goodness?
Mount. Come, take courage, man,
I have forgiven, and forgot your rashness,
And hold you fair as light in all your actions,
And by my troth I griev'd your loves; take comfort,
There be more women.
I have forgiven, and forgot your rashness,
And hold you fair as light in all your actions,
And by my troth I griev'd your loves; take comfort,
There be more women.
Mir. And more mischief in 'em.
Mount. The justice I shall do, to right these villanies
Shall make ye man again: I'll strike it sure, Sir.
Come, look up bravely: put this puling passion
Out of your mind; one knock for thee Miranda.
And for the Boy, the grave Gomera gave thee,
When she accepted thee her Champion;
And in thy absence, like a valiant Gentleman,
I yet remember it: he is too young,
Too Boyish, and too tender, to adventure:
I'll give him one sound rap for that: I love thee,
Thou art a brave young spark.
Shall make ye man again: I'll strike it sure, Sir.
Come, look up bravely: put this puling passion
Out of your mind; one knock for thee Miranda.
And for the Boy, the grave Gomera gave thee,
When she accepted thee her Champion;
And in thy absence, like a valiant Gentleman,
I yet remember it: he is too young,
Too Boyish, and too tender, to adventure:
I'll give him one sound rap for that: I love thee,
Thou art a brave young spark.
Mir. Boy, did he call me?
Gomera call me Boy?
Gomera call me Boy?
Mount. It pleas'd his gravity,
To think so of ye then: they that do service,
And honest service, such as thou, and I doe,
Are either knaves, or boys.
To think so of ye then: they that do service,
And honest service, such as thou, and I doe,
Are either knaves, or boys.
Mir. Boy, by Gomera?
How look'd he when he said it? for Gomera
Was ever wont to be a virtuous Gentleman,
Humane, and sweet.
How look'd he when he said it? for Gomera
Was ever wont to be a virtuous Gentleman,
Humane, and sweet.
Mount. Yes when he will, he can be;
But let it go, I would not breed dissention;
'Tis an unfriendly office, and had it been
To any of a higher strain than you, Sir,
The well known, well approved, and lov'd Miranda,
I had not thought on't: 'twas hap'ly his haste too,
And zeal to her.
But let it go, I would not breed dissention;
'Tis an unfriendly office, and had it been
To any of a higher strain than you, Sir,
The well known, well approved, and lov'd Miranda,
I had not thought on't: 'twas hap'ly his haste too,
And zeal to her.
Mir. A Traitor and a Boy too?
Shame take me if I suffer't: puff: farewel love.
Shame take me if I suffer't: puff: farewel love.
Mount. Ye know my business, I must leave ye, Sir,
My hour grows on apace.
My hour grows on apace.
Mir. I must not leave you
I dare not, nor I will not, till your goodness
Have granted me one courtesie: ye say ye love me?
I dare not, nor I will not, till your goodness
Have granted me one courtesie: ye say ye love me?
Mount. I doe, and dearly: ask, and let that courtesie
Nothing concern mine honor.
Nothing concern mine honor.
Mount. What is it?
It shall be great that puts ye off; pray speak it.
It shall be great that puts ye off; pray speak it.
Mir. Pray let me fight to day: good, dear Mountferrat,
Let me, and bold Gomera—
Let me, and bold Gomera—
Mount. Fie Miranda,
Doe ye weigh my worth so little?
Doe ye weigh my worth so little?
Mir. On my knees,
As ever thou hadst true touch of a sorrow
Thy friend conceiv'd, as ever honor lov'd thee.
As ever thou hadst true touch of a sorrow
Thy friend conceiv'd, as ever honor lov'd thee.
Mount. Shall I turn recreant now?
Mir. 'Tis not thy cause,
Thou hast no reputation wounded in't,
Thine's but a general zeal: 'death: I am tainted,
The dearest twyn to life, my credit's murder'd,
Bafl'd and boy'd.
Thou hast no reputation wounded in't,
Thine's but a general zeal: 'death: I am tainted,
The dearest twyn to life, my credit's murder'd,
Bafl'd and boy'd.
Mount. I am glad ye have swallow'd it,
I must confess I pity ye; and 'tis a justice,
A great one too, you should revenge these injuries:
I know it, and I know ye fit and bold to do it,
And man, as much as man may: but Miranda,
Why do ye kneel?
I must confess I pity ye; and 'tis a justice,
A great one too, you should revenge these injuries:
I know it, and I know ye fit and bold to do it,
And man, as much as man may: but Miranda,
Why do ye kneel?
Mir. By —— I'll grow to the ground here,
And with my sword dig up my grave, and fall in't
Unless thou grant me: dear Mountferrat, friend,
Is any thing in my power, to my life, Sir?
The honor shall be yours.
And with my sword dig up my grave, and fall in't
Unless thou grant me: dear Mountferrat, friend,
Is any thing in my power, to my life, Sir?
The honor shall be yours.
Mount. I love ye dearly,
Yet so much I should tender.
Yet so much I should tender.
Mir. I'll preserve all:
By —— I will: or all the sin fall with me,
Pray let me.
By —— I will: or all the sin fall with me,
Pray let me.
Mount. Ye have won: I'll once be coward
To pleasure you.
To pleasure you.
Mir. I kiss your hands, and thank ye.
Mount. Be tender of my credit, and fight bravely.
Mir. Blow not the fire that flames.
Mount. I'll send mine Armor,
My man shall presently attend ye with it,
For you must arm immediately, the hour calls,
I know 'twill fit ye right; be sure, and secret,
And last be fortunate; farewel: ye are fitted:
I am glad the load's off me.
My man shall presently attend ye with it,
For you must arm immediately, the hour calls,
I know 'twill fit ye right; be sure, and secret,
And last be fortunate; farewel: ye are fitted:
I am glad the load's off me.
Mir. My best Mountferrat. [Exeunt.
Scæna Quarta.
Enter Norandine and Doctor.