Assist. Are they come in?
H[e]r. Yes.
Assist. Read the Proclamation,
That all the people here assembled may
Have satisfaction, what the Kings dear love,
In care of the Republick, hath ordained;
Attend with silence: read aloud.
That all the people here assembled may
Have satisfaction, what the Kings dear love,
In care of the Republick, hath ordained;
Attend with silence: read aloud.
Herald Reads.
Forasmuch as our high and mighty Master, Philip, the potent and most Catholick King of Spain, hath not only in his own Royal person, been long, and often sollicited, and grieved, with the deadly and [uncurable] hatred, sprung up betwixt the two antient and most [honorable] descended Houses of these his two dearly and equally beloved Subjects, Don Ferdinando de Alvarez, and Don Pedro de Vitelli: (all which in vain his Majesty hath often endeavored to reconcile and qualifie:) But that also through the debates, quarrels, and outrages daily arising, falling, and flowing from these great heads, his publick civil Government is seditiously and barbarously molested and wounded, and many of his chief Gentry (no less tender to his Royal Majesty then the very branches of his own sacred blood) spoyld, lost, and submerged, in the impious inundation and torrent of their still-growing malice: It hath therefore pleased His sacred Majesty, out of his infinite affection to preserve his Common-wealth, and general peace, from farther violation, (as a sweet and heartily loving father of his people) and on the earnest petitions of these arch-enemies, to Order, and ordain, that they b[e] ready, each with his well-chosen and beloved friend, armed at all points like Gentlemen, in the Castle of St. Jago, on this present Monday morning betwixt eight and nine of the clock, where (before the combattants be allowed to commence this granted Duel) This to be read aloud for the publick satisfaction of his Majesties well bel[o]ved Subjects.
'Save the King. [Drums within.
Say. Hark their Drums speak their insatiate thirst
Of blood, and stop their ears 'gainst pious peace,
Who gently whispering, implores their friendship!
Of blood, and stop their ears 'gainst pious peace,
Who gently whispering, implores their friendship!
Assist. Kings nor authority can master fate;
Admit 'em then, and blood extinguish hate.
Admit 'em then, and blood extinguish hate.
Enter severally, Alvarez, and Lucio, Vitelli and Lamora[l].
Say. Stay, yet be pleas'd to think, and let not daring
Wherein men now adaies exceed even beasts,
And think themselves not men else, so transport you
Beyond the bounds of Christianity:
Lord Alvarez, Vitelli, Gentlemen,
No Town in Spain, from our Metropolis
Unto the rudest hovel, but is great
With your assured valors daily proofs:
Oh will you then, for a superfluous fame,
A sound of honor, which in these times, all
Like hereticks profess (with obstinacy)
But most erroneously venture your souls,
'Tis a hard task, through a Sea of blood
To sail, and land at Heaven?
Wherein men now adaies exceed even beasts,
And think themselves not men else, so transport you
Beyond the bounds of Christianity:
Lord Alvarez, Vitelli, Gentlemen,
No Town in Spain, from our Metropolis
Unto the rudest hovel, but is great
With your assured valors daily proofs:
Oh will you then, for a superfluous fame,
A sound of honor, which in these times, all
Like hereticks profess (with obstinacy)
But most erroneously venture your souls,
'Tis a hard task, through a Sea of blood
To sail, and land at Heaven?
Vit. I hope not
If justice be my Pilot: but my Lord,
You know, if argument, or time, or love,
Could reconcile, long since we had shook hands;
I dare protest, your breath cools not a vein
In any one of us, but blows the fire
Which nought but blood reciprocal can quench.
If justice be my Pilot: but my Lord,
You know, if argument, or time, or love,
Could reconcile, long since we had shook hands;
I dare protest, your breath cools not a vein
In any one of us, but blows the fire
Which nought but blood reciprocal can quench.
Alv. Vitelli, thou sayst bravely, and sayst right,
And I will kill thee for't, I love thee so.
And I will kill thee for't, I love thee so.
Vit. Ha, ha, old man: upon thy death I'll build
A story (with this arm) for thy old wife
To tell thy daughter Clara seven years hence
As she sits weeping by a winters fire,
How such a time Vitelli slew her husband
With the same Sword his daughter favor'd him,
And lives, and wears it yet: Come Lamorall,
Redeem thy self.
A story (with this arm) for thy old wife
To tell thy daughter Clara seven years hence
As she sits weeping by a winters fire,
How such a time Vitelli slew her husband
With the same Sword his daughter favor'd him,
And lives, and wears it yet: Come Lamorall,
Redeem thy self.
Lam. Lucio, Genevora
Shall on this Sword receive thy bleeding heart,
For my presented hat, laid at her feet.
Shall on this Sword receive thy bleeding heart,
For my presented hat, laid at her feet.
Luc. Thou talk'st well Lamorall, but 'tis thy head
That I will carry to her to thy hat:
Fie Father, I do cool too much.
That I will carry to her to thy hat:
Fie Father, I do cool too much.
Alv. Oh boy:
Thy fathers true Son:
Beat Drums,—and so good morrow to your Lordship.
Thy fathers true Son:
Beat Drums,—and so good morrow to your Lordship.
Enter above Eugenia, Clara, Genevora.
Say. Brave resolutions.
Anast. Brave, and Spanish right.
Gen. Lucio.
Cla. Vitelli.
Eug. Alvarez.
Alv. How the devil
Got these Cats into th'gutter? my pusse too?
Got these Cats into th'gutter? my pusse too?
Eug. Hear us.
Gen. We must be heard.
Cla. We will be heard
Vitelli, look, see Clara on her knees
Imploring thy compassion: Heaven, how sternly
They dart their emulous eyes, as if each scorn'd
To be behind the other in a look!
Mother, death needs no Sword here: oh my Sister
(Fate fain would have it so) persuade, entreat,
A Ladies tears are silent Orators
(Or should be so at least) to move beyond
The honest tongu'd-Rhetorician:
Why will you fight? why do's an uncles death
Twenty year old, exceed your love to me
But twenty days? whose forc'd cause, and fair manner
You could not understand, only have heard.
Custom, that wrought so cunningly on nature
In me, that I forgot my sex, and knew not
Whether my body female were, or male,
You did unweave, and had the power to charm
A new creation in me, made me fear
To think on those deeds I did perpetrate,
How little power though you allow to me
That cannot with my sighs, my tears, my prayers
Move you from your own loss, if you should gain.
Vitelli, look, see Clara on her knees
Imploring thy compassion: Heaven, how sternly
They dart their emulous eyes, as if each scorn'd
To be behind the other in a look!
Mother, death needs no Sword here: oh my Sister
(Fate fain would have it so) persuade, entreat,
A Ladies tears are silent Orators
(Or should be so at least) to move beyond
The honest tongu'd-Rhetorician:
Why will you fight? why do's an uncles death
Twenty year old, exceed your love to me
But twenty days? whose forc'd cause, and fair manner
You could not understand, only have heard.
Custom, that wrought so cunningly on nature
In me, that I forgot my sex, and knew not
Whether my body female were, or male,
You did unweave, and had the power to charm
A new creation in me, made me fear
To think on those deeds I did perpetrate,
How little power though you allow to me
That cannot with my sighs, my tears, my prayers
Move you from your own loss, if you should gain.
Vit. I must forget you Clara, 'till I have
Redeem'd my unkles blood, that brands my face
Like a pestiferous Carbuncle: I am blind
To what you do: deaf to your cries: and Marble
To all impulsive exorations.
When [o]n this point, I have perch'd thy fathers soul,
I'll tender thee this bloody reeking hand
Drawn forth the bowels of that murtherer:
If thou canst love me then, I'll marry thee,
And for thy father lost, get thee a Son;
On no condition else.
Redeem'd my unkles blood, that brands my face
Like a pestiferous Carbuncle: I am blind
To what you do: deaf to your cries: and Marble
To all impulsive exorations.
When [o]n this point, I have perch'd thy fathers soul,
I'll tender thee this bloody reeking hand
Drawn forth the bowels of that murtherer:
If thou canst love me then, I'll marry thee,
And for thy father lost, get thee a Son;
On no condition else.
Assist. Most barbarous.
Say. Savage.
Anast. Irreligious.
Gen. Oh Lucio!
Be thou merciful: thou bear'st fewer years,
Art lately wean'd from soft eff[e]minacy,
A maidens manners, and a maidens heart
Are neighbors still to thee: be then more mild,
Proceed not to this combat; be'st thou desperate
Of thine own life? yet (dearest) pitty mine
Thy valour's not thine own, I gave it thee,
These eyes begot it, this tongue bred it up,
This breast would lodge it: do not use my gifts
To mine own ruine: I have made thee rich,
Be not so thankless, to undo me for't.
Be thou merciful: thou bear'st fewer years,
Art lately wean'd from soft eff[e]minacy,
A maidens manners, and a maidens heart
Are neighbors still to thee: be then more mild,
Proceed not to this combat; be'st thou desperate
Of thine own life? yet (dearest) pitty mine
Thy valour's not thine own, I gave it thee,
These eyes begot it, this tongue bred it up,
This breast would lodge it: do not use my gifts
To mine own ruine: I have made thee rich,
Be not so thankless, to undo me for't.
Luc. Mistriss, you know I do not wear a vein.
I would not rip for you, to do you service:
Life's but a word, a shadow, a melting dream,
Compar'd to essential, and eternal honor.
Why, would you have me value it beyond
Your b[r]other: if I first cast down my sword
May all my body here, be made one wound,
And yet my soul not find heaven thorough it.
I would not rip for you, to do you service:
Life's but a word, a shadow, a melting dream,
Compar'd to essential, and eternal honor.
Why, would you have me value it beyond
Your b[r]other: if I first cast down my sword
May all my body here, be made one wound,
And yet my soul not find heaven thorough it.
Alv. You would be catter-walling too, but peace,
Go, get you home, and provide dinner for
Your Son, and me: wee'll be exceeding merry:
Oh Lucio, I will have thee cock of all
The proud Vitellies that do live in Spain:
Fie, we shall take cold: hunch:——I am hoarse
Already.
Go, get you home, and provide dinner for
Your Son, and me: wee'll be exceeding merry:
Oh Lucio, I will have thee cock of all
The proud Vitellies that do live in Spain:
Fie, we shall take cold: hunch:——I am hoarse
Already.
Lam. How your Sister whets my spleen!
I could eat Lucio now:
I could eat Lucio now:
Gen. Vitelli, Brother,
Ev'n for your Fathers soul, your uncles blood,
As you do love my life: but last, and most
As you respect your own Honor, and Fame,
Throw down your sword; he is most valiant
That herein yields first.
Ev'n for your Fathers soul, your uncles blood,
As you do love my life: but last, and most
As you respect your own Honor, and Fame,
Throw down your sword; he is most valiant
That herein yields first.
Vit. Peace, you fool.
Cla. Why Lucio,
Do thou begin; 'tis no disparagement:
He's elder, and thy better, and thy valor
Is in his infancy.
Do thou begin; 'tis no disparagement:
He's elder, and thy better, and thy valor
Is in his infancy.
Gen. Or pay it me,
To whom thou ow'st it: Oh, that constant time
Would but go back a week, then Lucio
Thou would'st not dare to fight.
To whom thou ow'st it: Oh, that constant time
Would but go back a week, then Lucio
Thou would'st not dare to fight.
Alv. I'll throw his head down after then.
Gen. Lamorall.
You have often swore you'ld be commanded by me.
You have often swore you'ld be commanded by me.
Lam. Never to this: your spight, and scorn Genevora,
Has lost all power in me:
Has lost all power in me:
Gen. Your hearing for six words.
Ass. Say. An. Strange obstinacy!
Al. Vit. Lu. Lam. We'll stay no longer.
Cla. Then by thy oath Vitelli,
Thy dreadfu[l] oath, thou wouldst return that Sword
When I should ask it, give it to me, now,
This instant I require it.
Thy dreadfu[l] oath, thou wouldst return that Sword
When I should ask it, give it to me, now,
This instant I require it.
Gen. By thy vow,
As dreadful Lucio, to obey my will
In any one thing I would watch to challenge,
I charge thee not to strike a stroak: now he
Of our two brothers that loves perjury
Best, and dares first be damn'd, infringe his vow.
As dreadful Lucio, to obey my will
In any one thing I would watch to challenge,
I charge thee not to strike a stroak: now he
Of our two brothers that loves perjury
Best, and dares first be damn'd, infringe his vow.
Say. Excellent Ladies.
Vit. Pish, you tyrannize.
Luc. We did equivocate.
Alv. On.
Cla. Then Lucio,
So well I love my husband, for he is so,
(Wanting but ceremony) that I pray
His vengeful sword may fall upon thy head
Succesfully for false-hood to his Sister.
So well I love my husband, for he is so,
(Wanting but ceremony) that I pray
His vengeful sword may fall upon thy head
Succesfully for false-hood to his Sister.
Gen. I likewise pray (Vitelli) Lucio's sword
(Who equally is my husband as thou hers)
May find thy false heart, that durst gage thy faith,
And durst not keep it.
(Who equally is my husband as thou hers)
May find thy false heart, that durst gage thy faith,
And durst not keep it.
Assist. Are you men, or stone.
Alv. Men, and we'll prove it with our swords:
Eug. Your hearing for six words, and we have done,
Zancho come forth—we'll fight our challenge too:
Now speak your resolutions.
Zancho come forth—we'll fight our challenge too:
Now speak your resolutions.
[Enter Bob[a]dilla with two swords and a Pistol.
Gen. These they are,
The first blow given betwixt you, sheathes these swords
In one anothers bosomes.
The first blow given betwixt you, sheathes these swords
In one anothers bosomes.
Eug. And rogue, look
You at that instant do discharge that Pistol
Into my breast: if you start back, or quake,
I'll stick you like a Pig.
You at that instant do discharge that Pistol
Into my breast: if you start back, or quake,
I'll stick you like a Pig.
Alv. —Hold, you are mad.
Gen. This we said: and by our hope of bliss
This we will do: speak your intents.
This we will do: speak your intents.
Cla. Gen. Strike.
Eug. Shoot.
A[l]. Vit. L[u]. La. Hold, hold: all friends.
Assist. Come down.
Alv. These devilish women
Can make men friends and enemies when they list.
Can make men friends and enemies when they list.
Say. A gallant undertaking and a happy;
Why this is noble in you: and will be
A welcomer present to our Master Philip
Than the return from his Indies.
Why this is noble in you: and will be
A welcomer present to our Master Philip
Than the return from his Indies.
Enter Clara, Genevora, Eugenia, and Bobadilla.
Cla. Father, your blessing.
Alv. Take her: if ye bring not
Betwixt you, boys that will find out new worlds,
And win 'em too, I'm a false Prophet.
Betwixt you, boys that will find out new worlds,
And win 'em too, I'm a false Prophet.
Vit. Brother.
There is a Sister, long divided streams
Mix now at length, by fate.
There is a Sister, long divided streams
Mix now at length, by fate.
Bob. I am not regarded: I was the careful Steward that provided these Instruments of peace, I put the longest weapon in your Sisters hand, (my Lord) because she was the shortest Lady: For likely the shortest Ladies love the longest —— men: And for mine own part, I could have discharged it: my Pistol is no ordinary Pistol, it has two ramming bullets; but thought I, why should I shoot my two bullets into my old Lady? if they had gone, I would not have staid long after: I would ev'n have died too, bravely y'faith, like a Roman Steward: hung my self in mine own chain, and there had been a story of Bobadilla, Spindola, Zancho, for after ages to lament: hum: I perceive, I am not only not regarded, but also not rewarded.
Alv. Prethee peace: 'shalt have a new chain, next Saint Jaques day, or this new gilt:
Bob. I am satisfied: let virtue have her due: And yet I am melancholy upon this atonement: pray heaven the State rue it not: I would my Lord Vitellie's Steward, and I could meet: they should find it should cost 'em a little more to make us friends: well, I will forswear wine, and women for a year: and then I will be drunk to morrow, and run a whoring like a dog with a broken bottle at's tail; then will I repent next day, and forswear 'em again more vehemently: be forsworn next day again, and repent my repentance: for thus a melancholy Gentleman doth, and ought to live.
Assist. Nay, you s[h]all dine with me: and afterward
I'll with ye to the King: But first, I will
Dispatch the Castles business, that this day
May be compleat. Bring forth the malefactors.
I'll with ye to the King: But first, I will
Dispatch the Castles business, that this day
May be compleat. Bring forth the malefactors.
Enter Alguazier, Pachieco, Metaldi, Mendoza, Lazaril, Piorato, Malroda, and Guard.
You Alguazier, the Ringleader of these
Poor fellows, are degraded from your office,
You must return all stolen goods you receiv'd,
And watch a twelve month without any pay:
This, if you fail of, (all your goods confiscate)
You are to be whipt, and sent into the Gallies.
Poor fellows, are degraded from your office,
You must return all stolen goods you receiv'd,
And watch a twelve month without any pay:
This, if you fail of, (all your goods confiscate)
You are to be whipt, and sent into the Gallies.
Alg. I like all, but restoring that Catholique Doctrine.
I do dislike: Learn all ye officers
By this to live uprightly (if you can.) [Exit.
I do dislike: Learn all ye officers
By this to live uprightly (if you can.) [Exit.
Assist. You Cobler, to t[r]anslate your manners new,
Are doom'd to th' Cloisters of the Mendicants,
With this your brother, botcher, there for nothing
To cobble, and heel hose for the poor Friers,
Till they allow you pennance for sufficient,
And your amendment; then you shall be freed,
And may set up again.
Are doom'd to th' Cloisters of the Mendicants,
With this your brother, botcher, there for nothing
To cobble, and heel hose for the poor Friers,
Till they allow you pennance for sufficient,
And your amendment; then you shall be freed,
And may set up again.
Pach. Mendoza, come,
Our souls have trode awry in all mens sight,
We'll underlay 'em, till they go upright. [Exe. Pach. and Mend.
Our souls have trode awry in all mens sight,
We'll underlay 'em, till they go upright. [Exe. Pach. and Mend.
Met. I have shod your horse, my Lord. [Exit.
Assist. Away: for you, my hungry white-loaf'd face,
You must to th' Gallies, where you shall be sure
To have no more bits, than you shall have blows.
You must to th' Gallies, where you shall be sure
To have no more bits, than you shall have blows.
Laz. Well, though herrings want, I shall have rowes.
Assist. Signior, you have prevented us, and punish'd
Your selfe severelier than we would have done.
You have married a whore: may she prove honest.
Your selfe severelier than we would have done.
You have married a whore: may she prove honest.
Pio. 'Tis better, my Lord, than to marry an honest woman,
That may prove a whore.
That may prove a whore.
Vit. 'Tis a hansome wench: and thou canst keep her tame
I'll send you what I promis'd.
I'll send you what I promis'd.
Pio. Joy to your Lordships.
Alv. He[re] may all Ladies learn, to make of foes
The perfect'st friends: and not the perfect'st foes
Of dearest friends, as some do now a daies.
The perfect'st friends: and not the perfect'st foes
Of dearest friends, as some do now a daies.
Vit. Behold the power of love, to nature lost
By custome irrecoverably, past the hope
Of friends restoring, Love hath here retriv'd
To her own habit, made her blush to see
Her so long monstrous Metamorphoses,
May strange affairs never have worse success. [Exeunt.
By custome irrecoverably, past the hope
Of friends restoring, Love hath here retriv'd
To her own habit, made her blush to see
Her so long monstrous Metamorphoses,
May strange affairs never have worse success. [Exeunt.
EPILOGUE.
OUr Author fears there are some Rebel hearts,
Whose dulness doth oppose loves piercing darts;
Such will be apt to say there wanted wit,
The language low, very few Scænes are writ
With spirit and life; such odd things as these
He cares not for, nor ever means to please;
For if your selves a Mistriss or loves friends,
Are lik'd with this smooth Play he hath his ends.
Whose dulness doth oppose loves piercing darts;
Such will be apt to say there wanted wit,
The language low, very few Scænes are writ
With spirit and life; such odd things as these
He cares not for, nor ever means to please;
For if your selves a Mistriss or loves friends,
Are lik'd with this smooth Play he hath his ends.
FINIS.
WOMEN PLEAS'D
A
TRAGEDY-COMEDY.
The Persons Represented in the Play.
- Duke of Siena, Suitor to Belvidere.
- Silvio, A Gentleman of quality, servant to Belvidere.
- Claudio, Silvio's friend, brother to Isabella.
- Bartello, Captain of the Citadel, Uncle to Silvio.
- Lopez, A sordid Usurer, the jealous Husband of Isabella.
- Lords of Florence.
- Lords of Siena.
- Counsellors.
- Courtiers.
- Penurio, A hungry servant to Lopez.
- Soto, A merry servant to Claudio.
- A Farmer, Father to Soto.
- Captain.
- Soldiers of the Guard.
- A Clarke.
- Bomby, An enemy to Watches and May-poles.
- Morris-dancers.
- Masquers.
WOMEN.
- Dutchess of Florence.
- Belvidere, A virtuous Princess, daughter to the Dutchess in love with Silvio.
- Rodope, wife to Bartello.
- Isabella, Wife to Lopez, and Sister to Claudio.
- Jaquenet, servant to Isabella.
- Two Gentlewomen.
The Scene Florence.
The principal Actors were
- Joseph Taylor,
- John Underwood,
- Rob. Benfield,
- Rich. Sharpe,
- John Lowin,
- Will. Eglestone,
- Nicholas Toolie,
- Thomas Holcombe.
Actus Primus. Scæna Prima.
Enter Bartello and Silvio.
Sil. TIs true she is a right good Princess, and a just one,
And Florence when she sets, has lost a Planet.
And Florence when she sets, has lost a Planet.
Bar. My Mistriss? I tell thee gentle Nephew,
There is not such another friend to goodness,
To down-right dealing, to faith and true heart
Within the Christian confines: Before she blest us,
Justice was a Cheese-monger, a meer Cheese-monger,
Weigh'd nothing to the world but Mites and Maggots,
And a main stink: Law like a Horse-courser,
Her rules, and precepts hung with gawdes and ribbonds
And pamper'd up to cousen him that bought her,
When she her self was hackney, lame, and founder'd.
There is not such another friend to goodness,
To down-right dealing, to faith and true heart
Within the Christian confines: Before she blest us,
Justice was a Cheese-monger, a meer Cheese-monger,
Weigh'd nothing to the world but Mites and Maggots,
And a main stink: Law like a Horse-courser,
Her rules, and precepts hung with gawdes and ribbonds
And pamper'd up to cousen him that bought her,
When she her self was hackney, lame, and founder'd.
Sil. But the sweet Lady,
Belvidere the bright one—
Belvidere the bright one—
Bar. I, there's a face indeed: Oh my dear Nephew,
Could a young fellow of thy fiery mettle
Freeze, and that Lady in his Arms?
Could a young fellow of thy fiery mettle
Freeze, and that Lady in his Arms?
Sil. I think not.
Bar. Thou hast a parlous judgement; but let that pass,
She is as truly virtuous, fair, and noble,
As her great Mother's good: and that's not ordinary.
She is as truly virtuous, fair, and noble,
As her great Mother's good: and that's not ordinary.
Sil. But why (so many Princes, and so great ones
Being Suitors) should the Dutchess deny to match her?
Being Suitors) should the Dutchess deny to match her?
Bar. She is a Jewel man, hangs in her bosom,
Her only Child: with her eies she sees all things,
Discourses with her tongue, and pluck her from her
(So dotingly the old one loves her young one)
You pluck her heart out too: Besides, of late daies,
The Duke of Milan, who could never win her
By Love, nor Treaty, laid a close train for her
In her own private Walks: some forty Horse-men,
So to surprize her; which we found, and dealt with,
And sent 'em running home to the Duke their Master,
Like Dogs with bottles at their tails.
Her only Child: with her eies she sees all things,
Discourses with her tongue, and pluck her from her
(So dotingly the old one loves her young one)
You pluck her heart out too: Besides, of late daies,
The Duke of Milan, who could never win her
By Love, nor Treaty, laid a close train for her
In her own private Walks: some forty Horse-men,
So to surprize her; which we found, and dealt with,
And sent 'em running home to the Duke their Master,
Like Dogs with bottles at their tails.
Sil. Since that, I heard Sir,
She has sent her to your Cittadel to secure her,
My cosin Rodope, your wife attending her.
She has sent her to your Cittadel to secure her,
My cosin Rodope, your wife attending her.
Bar. You hear a truth, and all convenient pleasures
Are there proportion'd for her.
Are there proportion'd for her.
Sil. I would fain, Sir,
Like one that owes a dutious service to her
Sometimes so please you—
Like one that owes a dutious service to her
Sometimes so please you—
Bar. Gentle Cosin pardon me,
I must not, nor you must not dare to offer,
The last Edict lies on his life pursues it;
Your friend, Sir, to command, abroad to love you
To lend ye any thing I have, to wait upon ye,
But in the Cittadel where I stand charg'd,
Not a bit upon a march: no service, Sir,
No, good Sir by no means: I kiss your hands, Sir. [Exit.
I must not, nor you must not dare to offer,
The last Edict lies on his life pursues it;
Your friend, Sir, to command, abroad to love you
To lend ye any thing I have, to wait upon ye,
But in the Cittadel where I stand charg'd,
Not a bit upon a march: no service, Sir,
No, good Sir by no means: I kiss your hands, Sir. [Exit.
Sil. To your keeping only? none else to look upon her?
None but Bartello worthy her attendance?
No faith but his to serve her? Oh Belvidere,
Thou Saint to whom my youth is sacrific'd,
Thou point to which my life turns, and my fortune,
Art thou lock'd from me now? from all my comforts,
Art thou snatch'd violently? thou hear'st me not,
Nor canst thou see (fair soul) thy servants mournings,
Yet let thy gentle heart feel what his absence,
The great divorse of minds so truly loving,
So long, and nurs'd in one affection
Even from our infant eyes, suck'd in and nourish'd:
Oh let it feel but that, and there stand constant
And I am blest. My dear Aunt Rodope,
That is her Governess, did love me dearly,
There's one hope yet to see her: when he is absent
It may be ventur'd, and she may work it closely:
I know the Ladies will goe equal with me,
And so the danger of the Edict avoided;
Let me think more, for I must try all hazards.
None but Bartello worthy her attendance?
No faith but his to serve her? Oh Belvidere,
Thou Saint to whom my youth is sacrific'd,
Thou point to which my life turns, and my fortune,
Art thou lock'd from me now? from all my comforts,
Art thou snatch'd violently? thou hear'st me not,
Nor canst thou see (fair soul) thy servants mournings,
Yet let thy gentle heart feel what his absence,
The great divorse of minds so truly loving,
So long, and nurs'd in one affection
Even from our infant eyes, suck'd in and nourish'd:
Oh let it feel but that, and there stand constant
And I am blest. My dear Aunt Rodope,
That is her Governess, did love me dearly,
There's one hope yet to see her: when he is absent
It may be ventur'd, and she may work it closely:
I know the Ladies will goe equal with me,
And so the danger of the Edict avoided;
Let me think more, for I must try all hazards.
Enter Claudio and Soto.
Soto. Will ye go yonder, Sir?
Cla. Yes marry will I Sir.
Soto. And by this Ladder?
Soto. Have ye any more necks at home when this is broken,
For this will crack with the best friend he has Sir?
Or can you pitch of all four, like an Ape now?
Let me see you tumble.
For this will crack with the best friend he has Sir?
Or can you pitch of all four, like an Ape now?
Let me see you tumble.
Cla. You are very pleasant Sir.
Soto. No truly Sir, I should be loath to see ye
Come fluttering down like a young Rook, cry squab,
And take ye up with your brains beaten into your buttocks.
Come fluttering down like a young Rook, cry squab,
And take ye up with your brains beaten into your buttocks.
Cla. Hold your peace Asse: who's this stands musing here?
Sylvio?
Sylvio?
Sil. Who calls me?
Cla. One most glad to see you Sir.
Sil. My dearest Claudio? what make you thus private,
And with a preparation of this nature?
And with a preparation of this nature?
Soto. We have leave to play, and are going to climb Birds nests.
Sil. Prethee what is it friend? why start ye from me?
Is your old Mistriss grown so coy and cruel,
She must be scal'd? it seems you are loath to tell me,
Since twenty years continuance of our friendship
May not be worth the weight of such a secret,
'Twill be but rude to aske again: save ye.
Is your old Mistriss grown so coy and cruel,
She must be scal'd? it seems you are loath to tell me,
Since twenty years continuance of our friendship
May not be worth the weight of such a secret,
'Twill be but rude to aske again: save ye.
Cla. Nay stay, dear Silvio, if you love me take it:
For till you know it, never woman labour'd
As I do now.
For till you know it, never woman labour'd
As I do now.
Sil. I'll doe my best to ease it.
Cla. You have heard the Lady Belvidere—
Sil. What heard Sir?
Cla. Heard to the Cittadel, upon some fears
She is confin'd.
She is confin'd.
Sil. Why dreams he on this beauty?
'Tis true, I have heard it.
'Tis true, I have heard it.
Cla. And that no access,
No blessing from those eyes, but with much hazard,
Even hazard of a life.
No blessing from those eyes, but with much hazard,
Even hazard of a life.
Sil. He dares not love her;
I have heard that too: but whither points your purpose?
I have heard that too: but whither points your purpose?
Cla. Oh Silvio, let me speak that none may hear me,
None but thy truth: I have lov'd this Lady long,
Long given away my life to her devotion,
Long dwelt upon that beauty to my ruine.
None but thy truth: I have lov'd this Lady long,
Long given away my life to her devotion,
Long dwelt upon that beauty to my ruine.
Sil. Do's she know this?
Cla. No, there begins my misery,
Ixion-like, I have only yet clasp'd clouds,
And fed upon poor empty dreams that starve me.
Ixion-like, I have only yet clasp'd clouds,
And fed upon poor empty dreams that starve me.
Sil. And what do you mean to do now?
Cla. Though I dye for't.
Though all the tortures in the world hung on me,
Arm'd with imperious Love, I stand prepar'd now,
With this to reach her Chamber: there to see her,
And tell her boldly with what truth I love her.
Though all the tortures in the world hung on me,
Arm'd with imperious Love, I stand prepar'd now,
With this to reach her Chamber: there to see her,
And tell her boldly with what truth I love her.
Sil. 'Twill not be easily done Sir.
Cla. Oh my Silvio,
The hardest things are sweetest in possession.
The hardest things are sweetest in possession.
Sil. Nor will shew much discretion.
Cla. Love is blind man,
And he that looks for reason there far blinder.
And he that looks for reason there far blinder.
Sil. Have ye consider'd ripely?
Cla. All that may fall,
And arm'd against that all.
And arm'd against that all.
Sil. Her honor too?
What she may suffer in this rash adventure
The beauty of her name?
What she may suffer in this rash adventure
The beauty of her name?
Cla. I'll doe it closely,
And only at her window, with that caution—
And only at her window, with that caution—
Sil. Are there no Guards?
Cla. Corruption chokes their service.
Sil. Or do you hold her bred so light a woman
To hold commerce with strange tongues?
To hold commerce with strange tongues?
Cla. Why this service,
This only hazard of my life must tell her,
Though she were Vestas self, I must deserve her.
This only hazard of my life must tell her,
Though she were Vestas self, I must deserve her.
Sil. I would not have ye go: pray let it sink here,
And think a nobler way to raise your service,
A safer and a wiser.
And think a nobler way to raise your service,
A safer and a wiser.
Cla. 'Tis too late, Sir.
Sil. Then I must say, You shall not goe.
Cla. I shall not?
Sil. You shall not go: that part bred with ye, friendship
Bids me say boldly so, and you observe me.
Bids me say boldly so, and you observe me.
Sil. I'll stretch it farther:
The honor that I bear that spotless virtue
You fouly seek to taint, unnobly covet,
Bids me command ye stay: if not, thus force ye.
The honor that I bear that spotless virtue
You fouly seek to taint, unnobly covet,
Bids me command ye stay: if not, thus force ye.
Soto. This will be worse than climbing.
Cla. Why do ye draw Sir?
Sil. To kill thee, if thy base will be thy Master.
Cla. I ever was your friend.
Sil. Whilst thou wert honest,
And not a Night-thief of anothers honor;
I never call'd a fool my friend, a mad man,
That durst expose his fame to all opinions,
His life to unhonest dangers: I never lov'd him,
Durst know his name, that sought a Virgins ruine,
Nor ever took I pleasure in acquaintance
With men, that give as loose rains to their fancies
As the wild Ocean to his raging fluxes:
A noble soul I twin with, and my love
Followes his life, dares master his affections.
Will ye give off, or fight?
And not a Night-thief of anothers honor;
I never call'd a fool my friend, a mad man,
That durst expose his fame to all opinions,
His life to unhonest dangers: I never lov'd him,
Durst know his name, that sought a Virgins ruine,
Nor ever took I pleasure in acquaintance
With men, that give as loose rains to their fancies
As the wild Ocean to his raging fluxes:
A noble soul I twin with, and my love
Followes his life, dares master his affections.
Will ye give off, or fight?
Cla. I will not fight with ye:
The sacred name of friend ties up that anger,
Rather I'll study.
The sacred name of friend ties up that anger,
Rather I'll study.
Sil. Do, to be a friend still.
Cla. If this way, I shall never hold.
Sil. I'll watch ye:
And if I catch ye false: by heaven ye dye for't,
All love forgot.
And if I catch ye false: by heaven ye dye for't,
All love forgot.
Cla. When I fear that, I am fit for't. [Exeunt.
Scæna Secunda.
Enter Lopez at a Table with Jewels and Money upon it, an Egg roasting by a Candle.
Lop. Whilst prodigal young gaudy fools are banqueting,
And launching out their states to catch the giddy,
Thus do I study to preserve my fortune,
And hatch with care at home the wealth that Saints me.
Here's Rubies of Bengala, rich, rich, glorious;
These Diamonds of Ormus bought for little,
Here vented at the price of Princes Ransomes;
How bright they shine like constellations,
The South Seas treasure here, Pearl, fair and orient
Able to equal Cleopatra's Banquet:
Here chains of lesser stones for Ladies lusters,
Ingotts of Gold, Rings, Brooches, bars of Silver,
These are my studies to set off in sale well,
And not in sensual surfeits to consume 'em;
How rosts mine egg; he heats apace, I'll turn him:
Penurio, where you knave do you wait? Penurio,
You lazie knave.
And launching out their states to catch the giddy,
Thus do I study to preserve my fortune,
And hatch with care at home the wealth that Saints me.
Here's Rubies of Bengala, rich, rich, glorious;
These Diamonds of Ormus bought for little,
Here vented at the price of Princes Ransomes;
How bright they shine like constellations,
The South Seas treasure here, Pearl, fair and orient
Able to equal Cleopatra's Banquet:
Here chains of lesser stones for Ladies lusters,
Ingotts of Gold, Rings, Brooches, bars of Silver,
These are my studies to set off in sale well,
And not in sensual surfeits to consume 'em;
How rosts mine egg; he heats apace, I'll turn him:
Penurio, where you knave do you wait? Penurio,
You lazie knave.
Pen. Did you call Sir?
Lop. Where's your Mistriss?
What vanity holds her from her attendance?
What vanity holds her from her attendance?
Pen. The very sight of this egg has made him cockish,
What would a dozen butter'd do? She is within Sir.
What would a dozen butter'd do? She is within Sir.
Lop. Within Sir, at what thrif[t] ye knave? what getting?
Pen. Getting a good stomach Sir, and she knew where to get meat to it,
She is praying heartily upon her knees Sir,
That Heaven would send her a good bearing dinner.
She is praying heartily upon her knees Sir,
That Heaven would send her a good bearing dinner.
Lop. Nothing but gluttony and surfeit thought on,
Health flung behind: had she not yesternight sirrah
Two Sprats to supper, and the oil allowable?
Was she not sick with eating? Hadst not thou,
(Thou most ungrateful knave, that nothing satisfies)
The water that I boil'd my other egg in
To make thee hearty broth?
Health flung behind: had she not yesternight sirrah
Two Sprats to supper, and the oil allowable?
Was she not sick with eating? Hadst not thou,
(Thou most ungrateful knave, that nothing satisfies)
The water that I boil'd my other egg in
To make thee hearty broth?
Pen. 'Tis true, I had Sir;
But I might as soon make the Philosophers Stone on't,
You gave it me in water, and but for manners sake,
I could give it you again, in wind, it was so hearty
I shall turn pissing-Conduit shortly: my Mistriss comes, Sir.
But I might as soon make the Philosophers Stone on't,
You gave it me in water, and but for manners sake,
I could give it you again, in wind, it was so hearty
I shall turn pissing-Conduit shortly: my Mistriss comes, Sir.
Enter Isabella.
Lop. Welcome my Dove.
Isab. Pray ye keep your welcome to ye,
Unless it carries more than words to please me,
Is this the joy to be a Wife? to bring with me,
Besides the nobleness of blood I spring from,
A full and able portion to maintain me?
Is this the happiness of youth and beauty,
The great content of being made a Mistriss,
To live a Slave subject to wants and hungers,
To jealousies for every eye that wanders?
Unmanly jealousie.
Unless it carries more than words to please me,
Is this the joy to be a Wife? to bring with me,
Besides the nobleness of blood I spring from,
A full and able portion to maintain me?
Is this the happiness of youth and beauty,
The great content of being made a Mistriss,
To live a Slave subject to wants and hungers,
To jealousies for every eye that wanders?
Unmanly jealousie.
Lop. Good Isabella.
Isab. Too good for you: do you think to famish me,
Or keep me like an Alms-woman in such rayment,
Such poor unhandsome weeds? am I old, or ugly?
I never was bred thus: and if your misery
Will suffer wilful blindness to abuse me,
My patience shall be no Bawd to mine own ruine.
Or keep me like an Alms-woman in such rayment,
Such poor unhandsome weeds? am I old, or ugly?
I never was bred thus: and if your misery
Will suffer wilful blindness to abuse me,
My patience shall be no Bawd to mine own ruine.
Pen. Tickle him Mistris: to him.
Isab. Had ye love in ye,
Or any part of man—
Or any part of man—
Pen. Follow that Mistriss.
Isab. Or had humanity but ever known ye,
You would shame to use a woman of my way thus,
So poor, and basely; you are strangely jealous of me
If I should give ye cause.
You would shame to use a woman of my way thus,
So poor, and basely; you are strangely jealous of me
If I should give ye cause.
Lop. How Isabella?
Isab. As do not venture this way to provoke me.
Pen. Excellent well Mistriss.
Lop. How's this Isabella?
Isab. 'Twill stir a Saint, and I am but a woman,
And by that tenure may—
And by that tenure may—
Lop. By no means chicken,
You know I love ye: fie, take no example
By those young gadding Dames: (you are noted virtuous)
That stick their Husbands wealth in trifles on 'em
And point 'em but the way to their own miseries:
I am not jealous, kiss me, —— I am not:
And for your Diet, 'tis to keep you healthful,
Surfeits destroy more than the sword: that I am careful
Your meat should be both neat, and cleanly handled
See, Sweet, I am Cook my self, and mine own Cater.
You know I love ye: fie, take no example
By those young gadding Dames: (you are noted virtuous)
That stick their Husbands wealth in trifles on 'em
And point 'em but the way to their own miseries:
I am not jealous, kiss me, —— I am not:
And for your Diet, 'tis to keep you healthful,
Surfeits destroy more than the sword: that I am careful
Your meat should be both neat, and cleanly handled
See, Sweet, I am Cook my self, and mine own Cater.
Pen. A —— of that Cook cannot lick his fingers.
Lop. I'll add another dish: you shall have Milk to it,
'Tis nourishing and good.
'Tis nourishing and good.
Lop. This knave would breed a famine in a Kingdom:
And cloths that shall content ye: you must be wise then,
And live sequestred to your self and me,
Not wandring after every toy comes cross ye,
Nor struck with every spleen: what's the knave doing? Penurio.
And cloths that shall content ye: you must be wise then,
And live sequestred to your self and me,
Not wandring after every toy comes cross ye,
Nor struck with every spleen: what's the knave doing? Penurio.
Pen. Hunting Sir, for a second course of Flies here,
They are rare new Sallads.
They are rare new Sallads.
Lop. For certain Isabella
This ravening fellow has a Wolf in's [belly]:
Untemperate knave, will nothing quench thy appetite?
I saw him eat two Apples, which is monstrous.
This ravening fellow has a Wolf in's [belly]:
Untemperate knave, will nothing quench thy appetite?
I saw him eat two Apples, which is monstrous.
Pen. If you had given me those 't had been more monstrous.
Lop. 'Tis a main miracle to feed this villain,
Come Isabella, let us in to supper,
And think the Roman dainties at our Table,
'Tis all but thought. [Exeunt.
Come Isabella, let us in to supper,
And think the Roman dainties at our Table,
'Tis all but thought. [Exeunt.
Pen. Would all my thoughts would do it:
The Devil should think of purchasing that Egg-shell,
To victual out a Witch for the Burmoothes:
'Tis Treason to any good stomach living now
To hear a tedious Grace said, and no meat to't,
I have a Radish yet, but that's but transitory. [Exit.
The Devil should think of purchasing that Egg-shell,
To victual out a Witch for the Burmoothes:
'Tis Treason to any good stomach living now
To hear a tedious Grace said, and no meat to't,
I have a Radish yet, but that's but transitory. [Exit.
Scæna Tertia.
Enter Soto.