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Beaumont and Fletcher's Works. Volume 9
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Actus Tertii. Scæna Prima
Enter Dorialus, Agenor, NisusNisus.Is not this a fine marriage?Agenor. Yes, yes, let it alone.Dor. I, I, the King may marry whom's list, let's talk of other matters.Nis. Is the Prince coming home certainly?Dor. Yes, yes, he was sent post for yesterday, lets make haste we'll see how his new Mother-in-law will entertain him.Nis. Why well I warrant you: did you not mark how humbly she carried her self to us on her marriage day, acknowledging her own unworthiness, and that she would be our servant.Dor. But mark what's done.Nis. Regard not shew.Age. O God! I knew her when I have been off'red her to be brought to my bed for five [pound]: whether it could have been perform'd or no, I know not.Nis. Her Daughters a pretty Lady.Dor. Yes: and having had but mean bringing up, it talks the pretilest and innocentliest, the Queen will be so angry to hear her betray her breeding by her language: but I am perswaded she's well dispos'd. Agenor. I think better than her Mother.Nis. Come, we stay too long.[Exeunt.Enter Leucippus, and IsmenusIsme. How now man, strook dead with a tale?Leu. No, but with a truth.Isme. Stand [of] your self: can you endure blows, and shrink at words?Leu. Thou knowst I have told thee all.Isme. But that all's nothing to make you thus: your Sisters dead.Leu. That's much, but not the most.Isme. Why, for the other let her marry and hang, 'tis no purpos'd fault of yours: and if your Father will needs have your cast Whore, you shall shew the duty of a child better in being contented, and bidding much good doe his good old heart with her, than in repining thus at it; let her go: what, there are more wenches man, we'll have another.Leu. O thou art vain, thou knowst I doe not love her:What shall I doe? I would my tongue had led meTo any other thing, but blasphemy,So I had mist commending of this woman,Whom I must reverence now: she is my Mother,My sin Ismenus has wrought all this ill:And I beseech thee, to be warn'd by me,And doe not lye, if any man should aske theeBut How thou dost, or What a clock 'tis now.Be sure thou doe not lye, make no excuseFor him that is most near thee: never letThe most officious falsehood scape thy tongue,For they above (that are intirely truth)Will make that seed, which thou hast sownOf lyes, yield miseries a thousand foldUpon thine head, as they have done on mine.Enter TimantusTim. Sir, your Highness is welcome home, the Duke and Queen will presently come forth to you.Leu. I'll wait on them. Tima. Worthy Ismenus, I pray you, have you sped in your wars?Isme. This Rogue mocks me. Well Timantus, Pray how have you sped here at [home] at shovelboord?Tim. Faith reasonable. How many Towns have you taken in this Summer?Isme. How many Stags have you been at the death of this grass?Tima. A number: 'Pray how is the Province settled?Isme. Prethee how does the dun Nag?Tim. I think you mock me my Lord.Isme. Mock thee? Yes by my troth doe I: why what wouldst thou have me doe with thee? Art good for any thing else?Enter Leontius, Bacha, Dorialus, Agenor, Nisus, TelamonLeu. My good Ismenus, hold me by the wrist:And if thou see'st me fainting, wring me hard,For I shall swoon again else. —[Kneels.Leon. Welcome my son; rise, I did send for theeBack from the province, by thy Mothers counsell,Thy good Mother here, who loves thee well:She would not let me venture all my joyAmongst my enemies: I thank thee for her,And none but thee, I took her on thy word.Leucip. Pinch harder.Leon. And she shall bid thee welcome: I have nowSome near affairs, but I will drink a HealthTo thee anon: Come Telamon, [Ime] grownLustier, I thank thee for't, since I marryed;I can stand now alone, why Telamon,And never stagger.[Exit Leontius, Telamon.Bac. Welcome most noble Sir, whose fame is comeHither before you: out alas you scorn me,And teach me what to doe.Leu. No, you are my Mother.Bacha. Far unworthy of that name God knows:But trust me, here before these Lords,I am no more but Nurse unto the Duke;Nor will I breed a faction in the State,It is too much for me that I am rais'dUnto his bed, and will remain the servantOf you that did it.Leu. Madam I will serve youAs shall become me. O dissembling woman!Whom I must reverence though. Take from thyQuiver, sure-aim'd Apollo; one of thy swift darts,Headed with thy consuming golden beams,And let it melt this body into mist,That none may find it.Bac. Shall I beg my LordsThis Room in private for the Prince and me?[Exeunt all but Leu. and Bach.Leu. What will she say now?Bach. I must still enjoy him:Yet there is still left in me a spark of woman,That wishes he [w]ould move it, but he stands,As if he grew there with his eyes on earth,Sir, you and I when we were last togetherKept not this distance as we were afraidOf blasting by our selves.Leu. Madam 'tis true, Heaven pardon it.Bach. Amen Sir.You may think that I have done you wrong in this strange marriage.Leu. 'Tis past now.Bach. But it was no fault of mine:The world had call'd me mad, had I refus'dThe King: nor layd I any train to catch him,It was your own Oaths did it.Leu. 'Tis a truth: that takes my sleep away, butWould to Heaven, if it had so been pleas'd, you hadRefus'd him, though I had gratifi'd that courtesieWith having you my self: But since 'tis thus,I doe beseech you that you will be honestFrom henceforth; and not abuse his credulous Age,Which you may easily doe. As for my selfWhat I can say, you know alas too wellIs ty'd within me, here it will sit like lead,But shall offend no other, it will pluck meBack from my ent'rance into any mirth,As if a servant came, and whisper'd with meOf some friends death, but I will bear my self,To you, with all the due obedienceA son owes to a Mother: more than this,Is not in me, but I must leave the rest to theJust gods: who in their blessed time,When they have given me punishment enough,For my rash Sin, will mercifully findAs unexpected means to ease my griefAs they did now to bring it.Bac. Grown so godly? this must not be.And I will be to you, no other than a natural Mother ought;And for my honesty, so you will swearNever to urge me, I shall keep it safe from any other.Leu. Bless me I should urge you?Bacha. Nay but swear then that I may be at peace,For I doe feel a weakness in my self,That can denie you nothing, if you tempt me,I shall embrace Sin as it were a friend, and run to meet it.Leu. If you knew how farIt were from me, you would not urge an Oath.But for your satisfaction, when I tempt you.Bac. Swear not: I cannot move him, this sad talkOf things past help, does not become us well.Shall I send one for my Musicians, and we'll dance?Leu. Dance Madam?Bac. Yes, Alavalta.Leu. I cannot dance Madam.Bac. Then lets be merry.Leu. I am as my Fortunes bid me.Do not you see me sowr?Bac. Yes.And why think you I smile?Leu. I am so far from any joy my self,I cannot fancie a cause of mirth.Bac. I'll tell you, we are alone:Leu. Alone?Bac. Yes.Leu. 'Tis true: what then?Bac. What then? you make my smiling nowBreak into laughter: what think you is to be done then?Leu. We shou'd pray to Heaven for mercy.Bacha. Pray? that were a way indeedTo pass the time: but I will make you blush,To see a bashfull woman teach a manWhat we should doe alone: try againIf you can find it out.Leu. I dare not think I understand you.Bac. I must teach you then; Come, kiss me.Leu. Kiss you?Bac. Yes, be not asham'd:You did it not your self, I will forgive you.Leuc. Keep you displeas'd gods, the due respectI ought to bear unto this wicked woman,As she is now my Mother, Haste within me,Lest I add sins to sins, till no repentance will cure me.Bac. Leave these melancholly moods,That I may swear thee welcome on thy LippsA thousand times.Leuc. Pray leave this wicked talk,You doe not know to what my Fathers wrongMay urge me.Bac. I'm careless, and doe weighThe world, my life, and all my after hopesNothing without thy Love, mistake me not:Thy Love, as I have had it, free and openAs wedlock is, within it self, what say you?Leu. Nothing.Bac. Pitty me, behold a DuchessKneels for thy mercie, and I swear to youThough I should lye with you, it is no Lust,For it desires no change, I could with youContent my self; what answer will you give?Leuc. They that can answer must be less amaz'd,Than I am now: you see my tears deliverMy meaning to you.Bac. Shall I be contem'd? thou art a beast, worse than a savage beast,To let a Lady kneel, to beg that thingWhich a right man would offer.Leu. 'Tis your will Heaven: but let me bear me likeMy self, how ever she does.Bac. Were you made an Eunuch, since you went hence?Yet they have more desire than I can find in you:How fond was I to beg thy love! I'll force thee to my willDost thou not know that I can make the KingDote as my list? yield quickly, or by HeavenI'll have thee kept in prison for my purpose,Where I will make thee serve my turn, and have thee fedWith such meats as best shall fit my endsAnd not thy health, why dost not speak to me?And when thou dost displease me, and art grownLess able to perform; then I will have theeKill'd and forgotten: Are you striken dumb?Leu. All you have nam'd but making of me sinWith you, you may command, but never that;Say what you will, I'll hear you as becomes me,If you speak, I will not follow your counsell,Neither will I tell the world to your disgrace,But give you the just honorThat is due from me to my Father's wife.Bac. Lord how full of wise formality you [are] grownOf late: but you were telling meYou could have wisht that I had marry'd you,If you will swear so yet, I'll make away the King.Leuc. You are a strumpet.Bacha. Nay, I care notFor all your Railings: They will Batter wallsAnd take in Towns, as soon as trouble me:Tell him, I care not, I shall undoe you only, which is no matter.Leu. I appeal to you still, and for ever, that areAnd cannot be other, Madam, I see 'tis in your powerTo work your will on him: And I desire youTo lay what trains you will for my wish'd death,But suffer him to find his quiet graveIn peace; Alas he never did you wrong,And farther I beseech you pardon me,For the ill word I gave you, for how everYou may deserve, it became not meTo call you so, but passion urges meI know not whither: my heart break now, & ease me ever.Bacha. Pray you get you henceWith your goodly humor, I am weary of you extreamely:Leu. Trust me, so am I of my self too:Madam, I'll take my leave; gods set all right.Bacha. Amen, Sir, get you gon;Am I deny'd? it does not trouble meThat I have mov'd, but that I am refus'd:I have lost my patience: I will make him knowLust is not Love, for Lust will find a mateWhile there are men, and so will I: and more Enter TimantusThan one, or twenty: yonder is Timantus,A fellow void of any worth, to raise himself,And therefore like to catch at any evilThat will but pluck him up: him will I makeMine own: Timantus.Timantus. Madam?Bac. Thou know'st wellThou wert by chance, a means of this my raising:Brought the Duke to me, and though 'twere but chanceI must reward thee.Tim. I shall bend my service unto your Highness.Bacha. But do it then entirely, and in every thing,And tell me, couldst thou now think that thingThou wouldst not do for me?Timant. No by my soul Madam.Bacha. Then thou art right.Go to my Lodging, and I'll follow thee.[Exit Timantus.With my instruction I do see already,This Prince that did but now contemn me, dead:Yet will I never speak an evil wordUnto his Father of him, till I have wonA belief, I love him, but I'll makeHis virtues his undoing, and my praisesShall be so many swords against his breast,Which once perform'd, I'll make UraniaMy Daughter, the Kings heir, and plant my issueIn this large Throne: nor shall it be withstood,They that begin in Lust, must end in Blood.[Exit. Enter Dorialus, Agenor, NisusDoria. We live to know a fine time, Gentl.Nis. And a fine Duke, that through his doting ageSuffers him to be a child againUnder his Wives tuition.Agen. All the Land holds in that tenor too: in womansservice? sure we shall learn to spinn.Dor. No, that's too honest: we shall have otherLiberal Sciences taught us too soon;Lying, and flattering, those are the studies now:And Murther shortly I know, will be humanity, Gent.If we live here we must be knaves, believe it.Nisus. I cannot tell my Lord Dorialus, though myOwn nature hate it, if all determine to be knaves,I'll try what I can do upon my self: that's certain,I will not have my throat cut for my goodness,The virtue will not quit the pain.Age. But pray you tell me,Why is the Prince, now ripe and full experient,Not made a dore in the State?Nis. Because he is honest.Enter TimantusTim. Goodness attend your Honors.Dor. You must not be amongst us then.Tim. The Dutchess, whose humble servant I am proud to be, would speak with you.Age. Sir, we are pleas'd to wait: when is it?Tim. An hour hence my good Lords, and so I leave my service.Dor. This is one of her Ferrets that she bolts business out withall: this fellow, if he were well ript, has all the linings of a knave within him: how slye he looks!Nis. Have we nothing about our cloaths that he may catch at?Agenor. O my conscience, there's no treason in my dublet, if there be, my elbows will discover it, they are out.Dor. Faith, and all the harm that I can find in mine is, that they are not pay'd for; let him make what he can of that, so he discharge that. Come, let's go.[Exeunt.Enter Bach, Leontius, TellaBac. And you shall find Sir what [a] blessing heaven gave you in such a son.Le. Pray gods, I may, Let's walk & change our subject.Bac. O Sir, can any thing come sweeter to you, or strike a deeper joy into your heart than your son's virtue?Leon. I allow his virtues: but 'tis not handsome thus to feed my self with such moderate praises of mine own.Bac. The subject of our comendations is it self grown so infinite in goodness, that all the glory we can lay upon it, though we should open volumes of his praises, is a mere modesty in his expression, and shews him lame still, like an ill wrought peece wanting proportion.Leo. Yet still he is a man, and subject still to more inordinate vices, than our love can give him blessing.Bac. Else he were a god: yet so near as he is, he comes to heaven, that we may see so far as flesh can point us things only worthy them, and only these in all his actions.Leon. This is too much my Queen.Bach. Had the gods lov'd me; that my unworthy womb had bred this brave man.Leon. Still you run wrong.Bach. I would have liv'd upon the comfort of him; fed on his growing hopes.Leo. This touches me.Bach. I know no friends, nor Being, but his virtues.Le. You have laid out words enough upon a subject.Bach. But words cannot express him Sir: why what a shape Heaven has conceiv'd him in, oh Nature made him up!Leon. I wonder Dutchess.Bach. So you must: for less than admiration loses this godlike man.Leon. Have you done with him?Bach. Done with? O good gods what frailties thus pass by us without reverence!Leon. I see no such perfection.Bac. O dear Sir: you are a father, and those joysTo you, speak in your heart, not in your tongue.Leo. This leaves a tast behind it worse than physick.Bac[h]. Then for all his wisdome, valour,Good fortune, and all those friends of honor,They are in him as free and natural, as passionsIn a Woman.Leon. You make me blush at all these yearsTo see how blindly you have flung your praisesUpon a Boy, a very child, and worthless,Whilst I live, of these Honors.Bac. I would not have my love Sir, make my tongueShew me so much a woman: as to praiseOr dispraise, where my will is, without reason,Or generall allowance of the people.Leon. Allowance of the people, what allow they?Bac. All, I have sed for truth, and they must do it,And doat upon him: love him, and admire him.Leon. How's that?Bac. For in this youth and noble forwardnessAll things are bound together that are kingly,A fitness to bear rule:Leon. No more.Bac. And Sovereignty not made to know command.Leon. I have sed, no more.Bac. I have done Sir, though unwilling, and pardon me.Leon. I do, not a word more.Bac[h]. I have gi'n thee poysonOf more infection than the Dragons tooth,Or the gross Air o'er heated.Leon. Timantus when saw you the Prince?Tim. I left him now Sir.Leon. Tell me truely, out of your free opinion withoutcourting. How you like him.Tim. How I like him?Leon. Yes: for you in conversation may see moreThan a Father.Bac. It works.Timantus. Your Grace has chosen out an ill observer.Leon. Yes, I mean of his ill: you talk rightly.Tim. But you take me wrong: All I know by himI dare deliver boldly: He is the storehouseAnd head of virtue; your great self excepted,That feeds the Kingdome.Leon. These are flatteries: speak me his vices, there youdo a service worth a Fathers thanks.Tim. Sir, I cannot. If there be any, sure they are thetimes which I could wish less dangerous.But pardon me, I am too bold.Leon. [You] are not, forward and open what these dangers are.Timan. Nay, good Sir.Leon. Nay, fall not off again, I will have all.Timan. Alas Sir, what am I, you should believeMy eyes or ears, so subtle to observeFaults in a State: all my main businessIs service to your Grace, and necessariesFor my poor life.Leon. Do not displease me Sirrah,But that you know tell me, and presently.Timan. Since your Grace will have itI'll speak it freely: Alwayes my obedienceAnd love preserv'd unto the Prince.Leon. Prethee to the matter.Tim. For Sir, if you considerHow like a Sun in all his great employments,How full of heat.Leon. Make me understand what I desire.Tim. And then at his return.Leon. Do not anger me.Tim. Then thus Sir: All mislike ye,As they would do the gods, if they did dwell with 'em.Leon. What?Tim. Talke and prate, as their ignorant ragesLeads 'em without Alleageance or Religion.For Heavens sake have a care of your own person:I cannot tell, their wickedness may leadFarther than I dare think yet.Leo. O base people.Tim. Yet the Prince, for whom this is pretended mayPersuade 'em, and no doubt will: virtue is ever watchfull,But be you still secur'd and comforted.Leon. Heaven how have I offended, that this rodSo heavy and unnaturall, should fall upon meWhen I am old and helpless.Tim. Brave Gentl. that such a madding love should followthee, to rob thee of a Father:All the Court is full of dangerous whispers.Leon. I perceive it, and 'spight of all their strengthsWill make my safety: I'll cut him shorter.I'll cut him shorter first, then let him rule.Bach. What a foul Age is this, when Virtue is made asword to smite the virtuous! Alas, alas:Leon. I'll teach him to fly lower.Tim. By no means Sir, rather, make more your love,And hold your favor to him: for 'tis nowImpossible to yoke him, if his thoughts,As I must ne'er believe, run with their rages,He never was so innocent, but what reasonHis Grace has to withdraw his love from me,And other good men that are near your person,I cannot yet find out: I know my dutyHas ever been attending.Leon. 'Tis too plain: He means to play the villain,I'll prevent him, not a word more of this, be private.[Exit Leontius.Tim. Madam 'tis done.Bac. He cannot escape me. Have you spoken with the noble men?Tim. Yes Madam they are here: I wait a farther service.Bac. Till [you see] the Prince, you need no moreinstructions.Tim. No, I have it.[Exit Timantus.Enter Dorialus, Nisus, AgenorBac. That fool that willingly provoks a woman,Has made himself another evill Angell,And a new Hell, to which all other tormentsAre but mere pastime: Now my noble Lords,You must excuse me, that unmannerlyWe have broke your private business.Agen. Your good Grace may command us, and that.Bac. Faith my Lord Agenor: 'Tis so good a causeI am confident, you cannot loose by it.Dorialus. Which way does she fish now?The devill is but a fool to a right woman.Nisus. Madam, we must needs win in doing service tosuch a gracious Lady.Bac. I thank you, and will let you know the business:So I may have your helps, never be doubtfull,For 'tis so just a cause, and will to youUpon the knowledge seem so honorable,That I assure my self your willing heartsWill strait be for me in it.Age. If she should prove good now, what wer't like?Dorial. Thunder in Januarie, or a good woman,That's stranger than all Affrick.Bac. It shall not need your wonder, this it is:The Duke you know is old, and rather subjectTo ease and prayers now, than all those troubles,Cares, and continuall watchings, that attendA Kingdomes safety, therefore to preventThe fall of such a flourishing EstateAs this has [ever] been, and to put offThe murmure of the people that encreaseAgainst my government, which the gods knowsI onely feel the trouble of: I presentThe Prince unto your loves, a Gent.In whom all Excellencies are knit together,All peeces of a true man, let your prayersWin from the Duke half his Vexation,That he may undertake it, whose discretionI must confess, though it be from the Father,Yet now is stronger, and more apt to govern.'Tis not my own desire, but all the Lands,I know the weakeness of it.Nisus. Madam, this noble care and love has won usFor ever to your lives, we'll to the King,And since your Grace has put it in our mouths,We'll win him with the cunning'st words we can.Dorial. I was never cousen'd in a woman before.For commonly they are like Apples: If once they bruiseThey will grow rotten thorow, and serve for nothing but toasswage swellings.Bac. Good Lords delay no time, since 'tis your goodPleasures to think my counsell good, and by no meansLet the Prince know it, whose affectionsWill stir mainly against it: besides his FatherMay hold him dangerous, if it be not carriedSo that his forward will appear not in it,Go, and be happy.Dorial. Well, I would not be Chronicl'd as thouWilt be for a good woman, for all the world.Nisus. Madam, we kiss your hand, and so inspire.Nothing but happiness can crown our prayers.[Exeunt.Actus Quart[us]. Scæna Prima
Enter Leucippus, IsmenusLeu.And thus she has us'd me, is't not a good mother?Ismenus. Why kill'd you her not?Leu. The gods forbid it.Ismenus. S'light, if all the women i'th' world were barren, shee had dy'd.Leuc. But 'tis not reason directs thee thus.Ismen. Then have I none at all, for all I have in meDirects me: Your Father's in a pretty rage.Leucippus. Why?Ismenus. Nay, 'tis well, if he know himself, but some of the Nobility have deliver'd a petition to him: what's in't, I know not, but it has put him to his trumps: he has taken a months time to answer it, and chafes like himself.Enter Leontius, Bacha, and TellamonLeu. He's here Ismenus.Leon. Set me down Tellamon. Leucippus.Leu. Sir.Bach. Nay good Sir, be at peace, I dare swear he kn[ew] not of it.Leon. You are foolish: peace.Bach. All will go ill, deny it boldly Sir, trust me he cannot prove it by you.Leu. What?Bach. You'll make all worse too with your facing it.Leuc. What is the matter?Leon. Know'st thou that petition?Look on it well: wouldst thou be joyn'd with me(Unnaturall child to be weary of me)E'r Fate esteem me fit for other worlds.Bac. May be he knows not of it.Leu. Oh strange carriages!Sir, as I have hope that there is any thingTo reward doing well, my usagesWhich have been (but 'tis no matter what)Have put me so far from the thought of Greatness,That I should welcome it like a diseaseThat grew upon me, and I could not cure.They are my enemies that gave you this,And yet they call me friend, and are themselvesI fear abus'd. I am weary of my life,For Gods sake take it from me: it createsMore mischief in the State than it is worth,The usage I have had, I know would makeWisdom her self run frantick through the streets,And Patience quarrel with her shadow.Sir, this sword —Bac. Alas! help for the love of Heaven,Make way through me first, for he is your Father.Leon. What, would he kill me?Bac. No Sir, no.Leon. Thou always [mak'st] the best on't, but I fear —Leu. Why do you use me thus? who is't can thinkThat I would kill my Father, that can yetForbear to kill you? Here Sir, is my sword;I dare not touch it, lest she say againI would have kill'd you: let me not have mercyWhen I most need it, if I would not changePlace with my meanest servant. Let these faultsBe mended Madam: if you saw how illThey did become you, you would part with them.Bac. I told the Duke as much before.Leu. What? what did you tell him?Bac. That it was only an ambition,Nurst in you by your youth, provok'd you thus,Which age would take away.Leon. It was his doing then? come hither Love.Bac. No indeed, Sir.Leu. How am I made, that I can bear all this?If any one had us'd a friend of mine [nere] this,My hand had carried death about it.Leon. Lead me hence Tellamon: come my dearBacha, I shall find time for this.Ism. Madam, you know I dare not speak beforeThe King; but you know well, if not, I'll tell [it] you,You are the most wicked'st, and most murderousStrumpet, that ever was call'd Woman.Bac. My Lord, what can I do for him? he shall command me.Leon. I know thou art too kind; away I say.[Exit Leon. Bac. Tima. Telia.Isme. Sir, I am sure we dream, this cannot be.Leu. Oh that we did, my wickedness has broughtAll this to pass, else I should bear my self. Enter UraniaIsme. Look, doe you see who's there? your virtuous Mothers issue: kill her, yet take some little pidling revenge.Leu. Away, the whole Court calls her virtuous; for they say, she is unlike her Mother, and if so, she can have no vice.Ism. I'll trust none of 'em that come of such a breed.Leu. But I have foundA kind of love in her to me: alas,Think of her death! I dare be sworn for her,She is as free from any hate to meAs her bad Mother's full. She was brought upI'th' Countrey, as her tongue will let you know Enter UraniaIf you but talk with her, with a poor Uncle,Such as her Mother had.Ism. She's come again.Ura. I would fene speak to the good Marquess my brother, if I but thought he could abaid me. Leu. Sister, how do you?Ura. Very well I thank you.Ism. How does your good Mother?Leu. Fie, fie, Ismenus for shame, mock such an innocent soul as this.Ura. Feth a she be no good, [G]od may her so.Leu. I know you wish it with your heart dear Sister, but she is good I hope.Ism. Are you so simple, to make so much of this?Do you not know,That all her wicked Mother labours for, is but to raiseHer to your right, and leave her this Dukedom?Ura. I, but ne'r Sir be afred;For though she take th' ungain'st weas she can,I'll ne'er ha't fro' you.Leu. I should hate my self Ismenus;If I should think of her simplicity,Ought but extreamly well.Ism. Nay, as you will.Ura. And though she be my Mother,If she take any caurse to do you wrong,If I can see't, youst quickly hear on't Sir:And so I'll take my leave.Leu. Farewel good Sister, I thank you.[Exit Urania.Ism. You believe all this.Leu. Yes. Enter TimantusIsm. A good faith doth well, but methinksIt were no hard matter now, for her Mother to send her:Yonder's one you may trust if you will too.Leu. So I will, if he can shew me as apparent signsOf truth as she did; Does he weep Ismenus?Ism. Yes, I think so: some good's happen'd I warrant:Do you hear, you? What honest man has scap'd misery, that[you are] crying thus?Tim. Noble Ismenus, where's the Prince?Ism. Why there! hast wept thine eyes out?Tim. Sir, I beseech you hear me.Leu. Well, speak on.Ism. Why, will you hear him?Leu. Yes Ismenus, why?Ism. I would hear blasphemy as willingly.Leu. You are [to] blame.Tim. No Sir: he is not to blame:If I were as I was.Ism. Nor as thou art, yfaith awhit [to] blame.Leu. What's your business?Tim. Faith Sir, I am ashamed to speak before you,My conscience tells me I have injur'd you,And by the earnest instigationOf others, have not done you to the KingAlways the best and friendliest offices;Which pardon me, or I will never speak.Ism. Never pardon him and silence a knave.Leu. I pardon thee.Tim. Your Mother sure is naught.Leu. Why shouldst thou think so?Tim. Oh noble, Sir, your honest eyes perceive notThe dangers you are led to; shame upon her,And what fell miseries the gods can think onShower down upon her wicked head, she has plottedI know too well your death: would my poor lifeOr thousand[s] such as mine is, might be offer'dLike sacrifices up for your preserving,What free oblations would she have to glut her,But she is merciless, and bent to ruin;If heaven and good men step not to your rescue,And timely, very timely: Oh this Dukedom!I weep, I weep for the poor Orphans i'th' CountreyLeft with but Friends or Parents.Leu. Now Ismenus, what think you of this fellow?This was a lying knave, a flatterer,Does not this Love still shew him so.Ism. This Love? this Halter: if he prove not yetThe cunning'st rankest rogue that ever Canted,I'll never see man again: I know him to bring,And can interpret every new face he makes;Look how he wrings like a good stool for a tear:Take heed, Children and FoolsFirst feel the smart, Then weep.Leu. Away, away, such an unkind distrust,Is worse than a dissembling, if it be one,And sooner leads to mischief, I believe it,And him an honest man: he could not carryUnder an evil cause, so true a sorrow.Ism. Take heed, this is your Mothers scorpion,That carries stings even in his tears,Whose soul is a rank poison through: TouchNot at him, if you do, you are gone, if you had twentyLives: I knew him for a Roguish boy, whenHe would poison Dogs, and keep tame Toads,He lay with his Mother, and infected her, and nowShe begs i'th' Hospital, with a patch of Velvet,Where her Nose stood: like the Queen of Spades.And all her teeth in her purse, the Devil and thisFellow are so near, 'Tis not yet known which is the eviler Angel.Leu. Nay, then I see 'tis spite: Come hither friend.Hast thou not heard the cause yet that incens'd my Motherto my death, for I protest I feel none in my self?Tim. Her Will Sir, and Ambition, as I think,Are the provokers of it, as in Women,Those two are ever powerful to destruction,Beside a hate of your still growing virtues,She being only wicked.Leu. Heavens defend me as I am innocent,And ever have been from all immoderate thoughts andActions, that carry such rewards along w[i]th 'em.Tim. Sir, all I know, my duty must reveal,My Countrey and my Love command it from me,For whom I'll lay my life down: this night coming,A Counsel is appointed by the Duke,To sit about your apprehension:If you dare trust my faith: which by all good thingsShall ever watch about you: goe along,And to a place I'll guide you: where no wordShall scape without your hearing, nor no plotWithout discovering to you, which once known, you have youranswers and prevention. Ism. You are not so mad to goe; shift off this fellow, you shall be rul'd once by a wise man: Ratsbane get you gone, or —Leu. Peace, peace for shame, thy love is too suspitious, 'tis a way offer'd to preserve my life, and I will take it: be my Guide Timantus and do not mind this angry man, thou know'st him: I may live to requite thee.Tim. Sir, this service is done for virtues sake, not for reward, however he may hold me.Ism. The great pox on you: but thou hast that curse so much, 'twill grow a blessing in thee shortly. Sir, for wisdoms sake court not your death, I am your friend and subject, and I shall lose in both: if I lov'd you not, I would laugh at you, and see you run your neck into the noose, and cry a Woodcock.Leu. So much of man, and so much fearful; fie, prethee have peace within thee: I shall live yet many a golden day to hold thee here dearest and nearest to me: Go on Timantus, I charge you by your love no more, no more.[Exeunt Leu. Tim.Ism. Goe, and let your own rod whip you:I pity you. And dog, if he miscarry thou shalt pay for't,I'll study for thy punishment, and it shall lastLonger and sharper than a tedious Winter,Till thou blasphem'st, and then thou diest and damn'st.[Exit. Enter Leontius and TellamonLeon. I wonder the Dutchess comes not.Tel. She has heard, Sir, your Will to speak with her:But there is something leaden at her heart;(Pray God it be not mortal) that even keeps herFrom conversation with her self.Enter the DutchessB. Oh whither will you my cross affections pull me?Fortune, Fate, and you whose powers direct our actions,And dwell within us: you that are AngelsGuiding to virtue, wherefore have you givenSo strong a hand to evil? wherefore suffer'dA Temple of your own, you DeitiesWhere your fair selves dwelt only, and your goodnessThus to be soyl'd with sin?Leon. Heaven bless us all.From whence comes this distemper? speak my fair one.Bac. And have you none, Love and Obedience,You[r] ever faithful Servants to imployIn this strange story of impiety,But me a Mother; Must I be your strumpet?To lay black Treason upon, and in him,In whom all sweetness was: in whom my loveWas [proud] to have a Being, in whom Justice,And all the gods for our imaginationsCan work into a man, were more than virtues,Ambition down to hell, where thou wert foster'd,Thou hast poison'd the best soul, the purest, whitest,And meerest innocent'st it self that everMens greedy hopes gave life to.Leon. This is still stranger: lay this treasonOpen to my correction.Bac. Oh what a combat duty and affectionBreeds in my blood!Leon. If thou conceal'st him, may,Beside my death, the curses of the Countrey,Troubles of conscience, and a wretched end,Bring thee unto a poor forgotten grave.Bach. My Being: for another tongue to tell it,Cease, a Mother! some good man that daresSpeak for his King and Countrey: I am fullOf too much womans pity: yet oh Heaven,Since it concerns the safety of my Sovereign,Let it not be a cruelty in me,Nor draw a Mothers name in question,Amongst unborn people, to give up that manTo Law and Justice, that unrighteouslyHas sought his Fathers death: be deaf: be deaf Sir,Your Son is the offender: Now have you all,Would I might never speak again.Leon. My Son! Heaven help me.No more! I thought it, and sinceHis life is grown so dangerous: Let them thatGave him, take him: he shall dye,And with him all my fears.Bac. Oh use your mercy: you have a brave subjectTo bestow it on. I'll forgive him, Sir; and for hisWrong to me, I'll be before ye.Leon. Durst his villany extend to thee?Bac. Nothing but heats of youth, Sir.Leon. Upon my life he sought my bed.Bacha. I must confess he loved meSomewhat beyond a Son: and still pursu'd itWith such a Lust, I will not say Ambition:That clean forgetting all obedience,And only following his first heat unto me,He hotly sought your death, and me in Marriage.Leon. Oh Villain!Bac. But I forget all: and am half asham'dTo press a man so far. Enter TimantusTim. Where is the Duke? for Gods sake bring me to him:Leon. Here I am: each corner of the DukedomSends new affrights forth: what wouldst thou? speak.Tim. I cannot Sir, my fear ties up my tongue:Leon. Why, what's the matter? Take thy courageTo thee, and boldly speak, where are the Guard?In the gods name, out with it:Tim. Treason, treason.Leon. In whom?Bacha. Double the Guard.Tim. There is a fellow, Sir.Leon. Leave shaking man.Timan. 'Tis not for fear, but wonder.Leon. Well.Timan. There is a fellow, Sir, close i'th' Lobby:You o'the Guard, look to the door there.Leon. But let me know the business.Tima. Oh that the hearts of men should be so hard'nedAgainst so good a Duke, for Gods sake, Sir,Seek means to save your self; This wretched slaveHas his sword in his hand, I know his heart:Oh it hath almost kill'd me with the thought of it.Leon. Where is he?Enter the Guard, and bring him inTiman. I'th' Lobby Sir, close in a corner:Look to your selves for Heavens sake,Me thinks he is here already.Fellows of the Guard be valiant.Leon. Goe Sirs, and apprehend him; Treason shallNever dare me in mine own Gates.Tim. 'Tis done.[There they bring the Prince in.Bacha. And thou shalt find it to thy best content.Leon. Are these the comforts of my age?They're happy that end their daies contentedWith a little, and live aloof from dangers, to a KingEvery content doth a new peril bring.Oh let me live no longer, shame of Nature,Bastard to Honor: Traytor, Murderer,Devil in a humane shape. Away with him,He shall not breathe his hot [inf]ection here.Leu. Sir, hear me.Leon. Am I or he your Duke? away with himTo a close prison: your Highness now shall know,Such branches must be cropt before they grow.Leu. Whatever fortune comes, I bid it welcome,My innocency is my Armor: gods preserve you.[Exit.Bacha. Fare thee well, I shall never see so brave a Gent.Would I could weep out his offences.Tim. Or I could weep out mine eyes.Leon. Come Gentlemen, we'll determine presentlyAbout his death: we cannot be too forward in ourSafety: I am very sick, lead me unto my bed.[Exeunt.Enter Citizen and his BoyCit. Sirrah, goe fetch my Fox from the Cutlers: There's money for the scowring: Tell him I stop a groat since the last great Muster: he had in stone Pitch for the bruise: he took with the recoyling of his Gun.Boy. Yes Sir.Cit. And do you hear? when you come, Take down my Buckler, and sweep the Cobwebs off: and grind the pick o[n']t, and fetch a Nail or two: and tack on bracers: your Mistriss made a pot-lid ont't, I thank her, at her Ma[yd]s Wedding, and burnt off the Handle.Boy. I will Sir.[Exit.Cit. Who's within here, hoe Neighbor, not stirring yet?2 Cit. Oh, good morrow, good morrow: what news, what news?1 Cit. It holds, he dies this morning.2 Cit. Then happy man be his fortune, I am resolv'd.1 Cit. And so am I, and forty more good fellows, That will not give their heads for the washing, I take it.2 Cit. 'Sfoot man, who would not hang in such good company, and such a cause? A Fire, a Wife and Children; 'Tis such a jest that men should look behind 'em to the world: and let their honors, their honors neighbor, slip.1 Cit. I'll give thee a pint of Bastard and a Roll for that bare word.2 Cit. They say, that we Tailors, are things that lay oneanother, and our Geese hatch us: I'll make some of 'em feelthey are Geese o'th' game then.I'fack, take down my Bill, 'tis ten to one I use it. Take agood heart man, all the low ward is ours, with a wet finger.An[d] lay my cut-fing'red Gantlet ready for me,That, that I us'd to work in, when the Gentl. wereUp against us, and beaten out of Town, and almost out o'Debt too: for a plague on 'em they never paid well since:And take heed sirrah, your Mistriss hears not of thisBusiness, she's near her time: yet if she do,I care not, she may long for Rebellion,For she has a devilish spirit.1 Cit. Come, let's call up the new Iremonger, he's astough as steel, and has a fine wit in these resurrections;Are you stirring neighbor?3. Within. Oh, Good morrow neighbors, I'll come to you presently.2. Goe to, this is his Mothers doing; she's a Polecat.1. As any is in the world.2. Then say, I have hit it, and a vengeance on her, let her be what she will.1. Amen say I, she has brought things to a fine pass with her wisdom: do you mark it?2. One thing I am sure she has, the good old Duke, she gives him pap again they say, and dandles him, and hangs a corral and bells about his neck, and makes him believe his teeth will come agen; which if they did, and I he, I would worry her as never Curr was worried: I would neighbor, till my teeth met I know where, but that's counsel.Enter [third] Citizen3. Good morrow neighbors: hear you the sad news?1. Yes, would we knew as well how to prevent it.3. I cannot tell, methinks 'twere no great matter, if men were men: but —2. You do not twit me with my calling neighbor?3. No surely: for I know your spirit to be tall; pray be not vext.2. Pray forward with your counsel: I am what I am, and they that prove me shall find me to their cost: do you mark me neighbor, to their cost I say.1. Nay, look how soon you are angry!2. They shall neighbors: yes, I say they shall.3. I do believe they shall.1. I know they shall.2. Whether you do or no I care not two pence,I am no beast, I know mine own strength neighbors;God bless the King, your companies is fair.1. Nay neighbor, now ye erre, [I] tell you so, and ye [were] twenty Neighbors.3. You had best goe peach, doe, peach.2. Peach; I scorn the motion.3. Doe, and see what follows: I'll spend an hundred pound, and be two I care not: but I'll undoe thee.2. Peach, Oh disgrace! Peach in thy face, and doe the worst thou canst: I am a true-man, and a free-man: peach!1. Nay, look, you will spoil all.2. Peach!1. Whilst you two brawl together, the Prince will lose his life.3. Come, give me your hand, I love you well, are you for the action?2. Yes: but Peach provokes me, 'tis a cold fruit, I feel it cold in my stomach still.3. No more, I'll give you Cake to digest it.Enter the Fourth4. Shut up my shop, and be ready at a call boys, and one of you run over my old tuck with a few ashes, 'tis grown odious with tosting Cheese: and burn a little Juniper in my Murrin, the Maid made it her Chamber-pot: an hour hence I'll come again; and as you hear from me, send me a clean shirt.3. The Chandler by th[e] Wharf, and it be thy Will.2. Gossip, good morrow.4. Oh good morrow Gossip: good morrow all, I see ye of one mind you cleave so close together: come 'tis time, I have prepared [a] hundred if they stand.1. 'Tis well done: shall we sever, and about it?3. First, let's to the Tavern, and a pint a piece will make us Dragons.2. I will have no mercy, come what will of it.4. If my tuck hold, I'll spit the Guard like Larks with sage between 'em.2. I have a foolish Bill to reckon with 'em, will make some of their hearts ake, and I'll lay it on: now shall I fight, 'twill do you good to see me.3. Come, I'll do something for the Town to talk of when I am rotten: pray God there be enough to kill, that's all. [Exeunt. Enter Dorialus, Nisus, AgenorAge. How black the day begins!Dor. Can you blame it, and look upon such a deed as shall be done this morning?Nis. Does the Prince suffer to day?Dor. Within this hour they say.Agen. Well, they that are most wicked are most safe: 'twill be a strange justice, and a lamentable, gods keep us from the too soon feeling of it.Doria. I care not if my throat were next: for to live still, and live here, were but to grow [f]at for the Shambles. Nis. Yet we must do it, and thank 'em too, that our lives may be accepted.Age. Faith I'll go starve [my] self, or grow diseas'd to shame the hangman; for I am sure he shall be my Herald, and quarter me.Dor. I, a plague on him, he's too excellent at Arms.Nisus. Will you go see this sad sight, my Lord Agenor?Age. I'll make a mourner.Dor. If I could do him any good, I would goe,The bare sight else will but afflict my spirit,My prayers shall be as near him as your eyes:As you find him setled, remember my love and service to his Grace.Nis. We will weep for you, Sir: farewel.[Exeunt.Dor. Farewell to all our happiness, a long farewel.Thou angry power, whether of Heaven or Hell,Thou laist this sharp correction on our KingdomFor our offences, infinite and mighty!Oh hear me, and at length be pleas'd, be pleas'dWith pity to draw back thy vengeance,Too heavy for our weakness; and accept,(Since it is your discretion, heavenly Wisdoms,To have it so) this sacrifice for all,That now is flying to your happiness,Only for you most fit: let all our sins suffer in him.[A shout within.Gods, what's the matter? I hope 'tis joy;How now my Lords? Enter Agenor and NisusNis. I'll tell you with that little breath I have;More joy than you dare think, The Prince is safe from danger.Dor. How!Age. 'Tis true, and thus it was; his hour was comeTo lose his life, he ready for the stroke,Nobly, and full of Saint-like patience,Went with his Guard: which when the people saw,Compassion first went out, mingled with tears,That bred desires, and whispers to each other,To do some worthy kindness for the Prince,And e'r they understood well how to do,Fury stept in, and taught them what to do,Thrusting on every hand to rescue him,As a white innocent: then flew the roarThrough all the streets, of Save him, save him, save him:And as they cry'd, they did; for catching upSuch sudden weapons as their madness shew themIn short, they beat the Guard, and took him from 'em,And now march with him like a royal Army.Dor. Heaven, heaven I thank thee,What a slave was I to have my hand so far fromThis brave rescue, 't 'ad been a thing to brag onWhen I was old. Shall we run for a wager to theNext Temple, and give thanks?Nis. As fast as wishes. Enter Leucippus and Ismenus: the people within stopsLeu. Good friends goe home again, there's not a man shall goe with me.Isme. Will you not take revenge? I'll call them on.Leuc. All that love me, depart:I thank you, and will serve you for your loves:But I will thank you more to suffer meTo govern 'em: once more, I do beg ye,For my sake to your houses.All within. Gods preserve you.Ism. And what house will you goe to?Leu. Ismenus, I will take the wariest courses that I can think of to defend my self, but not offend.Isme. You may kill your Mother, and never offend your Father, an honest man.Leu. Thou know'st I can scape now, that's all I look for: I'll leave.Isme. Timantus, a pox take him, would I had him here, I would kill him at his own weapon single, sithes we have built enough on him: plague on't, I'm out of all patience: discharge such an Army as this, that would have followed you without paying, Oh gods!Leu. To what end should I keep 'em? I am free.Isme. Yes, free o'th' Traitors, for you are proclaim'd one.Leu. Should I therefore make my self one?Isme. This is one of your moral Philosophy, is it?Heaven bless me from subtilties to undoe my self with:But I know, if reason her self were here,She would not part with her own safety.Leu. Well, pardon Ismenus, for I knowMy courses are most just; nor will I stain 'emWith one bad action; for thy self thou know'st,That though I may command thee, I shall beA ready servant to thee if thou needst: and so I'll take myleave.Isme. Of whom?Leu. Of thee.Isme. Heart, you shall take no leave of me.Leu. Shall I not?Isme. No, by the gods shall you not: nay, if you have no more wit but to goe absolutely alone, I'll be in a little.Leu. Nay, prethee good Ismenus part with me.Isme. I wonnot i'faith, never move it any more; for by this good light I wonnot.Leu. This is an ill time to be thus unruly: Ismenus. You must leave me.Isme. Yes, if you can beat me away: else the gods refuse me if I will leave you till I see more reason; you sha'nt undoe your self.Leu. But why wilt not leave me?Isme. Why I'll tell you: Because when you are gone, then – life, if I have not forgot my reason – hell take me: you put me out of patience so: Oh! marry when you are gone, then will your Mother (a pox confound her) she never comes in my head, but she spoils my memory too: there are a hundred reasons.Leu. But shew me one.Isme. Shew you; what a stir here is; why I will shew you: Do you think; well, well, I know what I know, I pray come, come. 'Tis in vain: but I am sure. Devils take 'em; what do I meddle with 'em? You know your self. Soul, I think I am: is there any man i'th' world? as if you knew not this already better than I. Pish, pish, I'll give no reason.Leu. But I will tell thee one, why thou shouldst stay:I have not one friend in the Court but thou,On whom I may be bold to trust to send meAny intelligence: and if thou lov'st meThou wilt do this, thou needst not fear to stay,For there are new-come Proclamations out,Where all are pardon'd but my self.Isme. 'Tis true, and in the same Proclamation, your fine Sister Urania, whom you us'd so kindly, is proclaim'd Heir apparent to the Crown.Leu. What though, thou mayst stay at home without danger.Isme. Danger, hang danger, what tell you me of danger?Leu. Why if thou wilt not do't, I think thou dar'st not.Isme. I dare not: if you speak it in earnest, you are a Boy.Leu. Well Sir, if you dare, let me see you do't.Isme. Why so you shall, I will stay.Leu. Why God-a-mercy.Isme. You know I love you but too well.Leu. Now take these few directions: farewel, send to me by the wariest ways thou canst: I have a soul tells me we shall meet often. The gods protect thee.Isme. Pox o' my self for an ass, I'm crying now, God be with you, if I never see you again: why then pray get you gone, for grief and anger wonnot let me know what I say, I'll to the Court as fast as I can, and see the new Heir apparant.[Exeunt.
