{Scea. Prima. Enter Sebastian, & Fernando.} . {My} three yeeres spent in War, has now vndon my peace for ever. . Good; be patient, Sir . She is my Wife by Contract before Heaven, and all the Angells, Sir. . I doe beleeue you; but where#'s the remedie now? you see She#'s gon: an other has possession . ther#'s the torment. . This day, being the first of yor Returne vnluckely proves the first too of her fastning her Vncle (Sir) the {Gouernor} of {Rauenna} holding a good opinion of the {Bride-#groome} as he#'s faire-#spoken (Sir) and wondrous mild. . there goes the Devill, in a Sheepe-#skyn. . with all speed clap'd-#it vp sodainely: I cannot thinck, (sure) that the {Maid} over-#loves him: though being Married perhaps for her owne Creadit) now She intends performance of an honest duteous wife. (WIT:C:2:) ##{Seb}. Sir: I#'ue a world of Busynes; question nothing, Yow will but loose your Labour, 'tis not fitt for any (hardly mine owne secrecie) to know what I intend: I take my Leave (Sir) I find such strange Employments in myself that vnles Death pitty-#me, and lay me downe I shall not sleepe theis seaven-#yeeres: that#'s the least (Sir) === {Ext} . that Sorrow#'s dangerous can abide no Councell 'tis like a wound past Cure; Wrongs don to Loue strike the hart deepely: None can truely iudge #on#'t but the poore-#sencible-#Sufferer, whom it racks with vn-#beleived-#Paines, which Men in health, that enioy Love, not possibly can Act; (nay not so much as thinck:) in troth I pitty him; His Sighes drinck life-#Blood-#in, this time of Feasting; A Banquet towards too? Not yet hath Riott plaid-#out her last Sceane? At such Enterteynements still Heer#'s Marriage sweetely honourd, in gorg'd Stomachs, === .and over-#flowing Cupps. . Where is she (Sirha?) . not farr-#off. . pree-#thee where? goe fetch her hether: I#'ll ridd-#him away straight: The {King#'s} now rissen (Sir) (WIT:C:3:) I am a ioyfull Man to heare it (Sir) it seemes #h'as Drunck the lesse: though I thinck he that has the least, #h'as certenly enough. === . I haue obseru'd this Fellow, all the Feast-#time he hath not pledg'd one Cup, but lookd most wickedly vpon good {Malego}, flyes to the Black-#Iack still and sticks to small drinck like a Water-#Rat === . Oh; here She comes: alas the poore Whore weepes, 'tis not for Grace now, all the world must iudge: It is for Spleene, and madnes 'gainst this Marriage: I doe but thinck how she could beat the Vicar now, scratch the Man horribly, that gave the woman, the woman worst of all, if she durst doe it. Why how now ({Mistris}) this weeping needs not; for though my {Master} Marry for his Reputation, He meanes to keepe you too. . how Sir? . he do'th, indeed. he swore#'t to me, last Night: are yow so simple (and haue byn five yeeres traded?) as to thinck one Woman would serve him? fye; not an Empresse; why, Hee#'ll be sick o'th' wife within ten Nightes, or never trust my Iudgement. . will he, thinck'st thou? (WIT:C:4:) ##{Gas}. will he? . I find thee still so comfortable beshrew my hart, if I knew how to misse thee: they talk of Gentlemen, Perfumers, and such things; give me the kindnes of the {Master's}-#Man in my distresse, say I. . 'tis your great Love (forsooth) 'please You with-#draw yourself to yond privat Parlor, For Banquetting-#stuff (as Sucketts, Iellyes, Sirrups) I will bring in myself. . I#'ll take#'em kindly, Sir) === . Sh'as your grand-#Strumpetts Complement to a tittle: 'tis a faire Building: it had need; it has iust at this time some one, and twenty In-#mates: but half of#'em are yong {Merchants}; they#'ll depart shortly. (they take but Roomes for Som[m]er, and away they, when#'t growes fowle-#weather) mary then Come the Tearmers and comonly they#'re well booted for all seasons. === .But peace: noe more: the Guests are com[m]ing-#in . the {Fates} haue blessd me; haue I mett you privatly? . why Sir? why {Almachildes}? . not a kisse. . I#'ll call alowd, y'-#faith. . I#'ll stopp your mouth. (WIT:C:5:) ##{Am}. vpon my love to reputation I#'ll tell the {Duchesse} once more, . 'tis the way to make her laugh a litle. . She#'ll not thinck that yow dare vse a Maid of Honour thus. . {Amsterdam} swallow thee for a Puritaine and {Geneua} cast thee vp againe, like She that sunck at {Charing}-#crosse, and rose againe at Queene hith . #I theis are the holly fruites of the sweete Vine, Sir. === . Sweet Venery be with thee, and I at the taile of my wish: I am a litle head-#strong, and soe are most of the Company: I will to the {Witches}: they say they haue Charmes, & Tricks to Make === , {L[ord]. Gouernor, Antonio, & Isabella Francisca}.a wench fall backwards, nd lead a man herselfto a Cuntry-#house some Mile out of the Towne, like a Fire-#drake: there be such whorson kind Girles, and such bawdy {witches}, and I#'ll try conclusion's. could never boast of a day till now to spread his powre, and make his Glory knowne. . Sir: y'haue don nobely; though in modestie you keepe it from vs, know we vnderstand so much All this daies Cost, 'tis your great Love bestowes in honor of the {Bride}, your vertuous Neice. (WIT:C:6:) ##{Gou}. In love to Goodnes, and your presence (Madam) so vnderstood, 'tis rightly : now will I have a strange health after all theis . what#'s that (my Lord?) . a Health in a strange Cup; #and#'t shall goe round. . Your Grace need not doubt (Sir) having seene so many pledg'd already: this faire Company cannot shrinck now for one: so end there. . It shall: for all ends here: heere#'s a full period. . a Skull (my Lord?) . Call it a Souldiers-#Cup (man) fye how you fright the Women? I haue sworne it shall goe round, excepting onely you (Sir) for your late Sicknes, and the {Bride} herself, whose Health it is. . mary' I thanck heaven for that. . Our {Duchesse}, I know will pledge vs, though the {Cup} was once her {Fathers} head; which as a Trophee wee#'ll keepe till death, in memory of that Conquest: He was the greatest Foe, our Steele ere strook-#at, and he was bravely slayne; then tooke we thee into our bosomes-#Love: thou madest the Peace for all thy Cuntry: thou: that Beutie did we'are deerer then a {Father}?, are We not (WIT:C:7:) ##{Duch}. Yes (Sir) by much. . and we shall find that straight . that#'s an #ill {Bride}-#Cup, for a {Marriage}-#day I doe not like the Fate-#on#'t. . good my Lord the {Duchesse} lookes pale: Let her not pledge yow there. . pale? . Sir, not I. . Se how your Lordship Failes now; more comfortably pleasing - Sir, to you, the Lord of this Daies honor. . all first moving from your grace (Madam) and the {Dukes} great Fauor; Sister it must. . #this' the worst Fright that could come, to a conceald great Belly: I#'me with Child, and this will bring it out, Or make me Come some seaven weekes sooner then we Maidens reckon. . did ever cruell, barbarous Act, match this? twice hath his Surfeytes brought my Fathers Memory thus spightfully, and scornefully to mine Eies, and I#'ll endure#'t no more: 'tis in my hart since: I#'ll be reveng'd, as far as death can lead me. (WIT:C:8:) ##{Al}. Am I the last man then? I may deserve to be the first one daie. . Sir, it'has gon round now. . the round? an excellent way to trayne-#vp Soldiers. where#'s {Bride}, and {Bride-#groome}? . at your happie service. . a Boy to night at least: I charge yow looke to#'t or I#'ll renounce yow for industrious Subiects. . your Grace speakes like a worthie, and tryde Soldier. === {Ext}. . And you#'ll doe well, for one that nere tost-#Pike (Sir) === .) . {Titty, and Tiffin, Suckin} . Why {Hoppo}, and {Stadlin}, {Hellwin}, & {Prickle}. . here, sweating at the Vessell. . Boyle it well. . it gallops now. . Are the Flames blew enough or shall I vse a litle Seeton more? . the Nipps of {Fayries} vpon Maides white hipps are not more perfect Azure. (WIT:C:9:) ##{Hec}. Tend it carefully that I may fall to work vpon theis {Serpents}, and squeize#'em ready for the second howre. why then? . heere#'s {Stadlin}, and the Dish. . there take this vn-#baptized-#Brat: Boile it well: preserve the Fat, you know 'tis pretious to transfer our#'noynted Flesh into the Aire, in Moone-#light nights, or Steeple-#Topps;, and Pine-#trees, that like pricks, r Stopps,Mountaines, and Pine-#trees, that like pricks, or Stopps, seeme to our height: High Towres, and Roofes of Princes like wrinckles in the Earth: Whole {Prouinces} appe[e]re to our sight then, ev'n leeke a russet-#Moale, vpon some Ladies cheeke. When hundred Leagues in Aire, we feast, and sing, Daunce, kisse, and Coll, vse every thing: what yong-#man can we wish, to pleasure vs but we enioy him in an {Incubus}? thou know'st it {Stadlin}? . vsually that#'s don. . Last night thou got'st the {Maior} of {w[h]elplies Son} I knew him by his black Coat Cloake, lyn'd with yallow; I thinck thou'hast spoild the youth: hee#'s but seaventeene, I#'ll haue him the next Mounting: away-#in. (WIT:C:10:) goe feed the {Vessell} for the second howre. . where be the Magicall herbes? . they#'re downe his throate. his mouth cramb'd full; his Eares, and Nosthrills stufft: I thrust in {Eleoselinum} lately , and {Soote}, you may see that, he lookes so back i'th' mouth then {Sium, Acharum, Vulgaro} too , the Blood of a Flitter-#mowse . then ther#'s all {Heccat}? . Is the {Hart} of {wax} stuck full of Magique-#Needles? . 'tis don {Heccat}. . and is the {Farmers Picture}, and his Wives layd-#downe to th' fire yet? . they'are #a roasting, both, too then their Marrowes are #a melting subtelly, and three monethes Sicknes, sucks-#vp life in 'em. They denide me often Flowre, Barme, and Milke Goose-#greaze, and Tar, when I nere hurt their Charmings, their Brew-#locks, Nor. their Batches, nor fore-#spoake any of their Breedings. Now I#'ll be-#meete with#'em. seaven of their yong Piggs, I#'haue Be-#witchd already of the last Littor, nine ducklyngs, thirteene Goselings, & a Hog: (WIT:C:11:) fell lame last Sonday after Even-#song too. and mark how their Sheepe prosper; or what Soape each Milch-#Kine gives to th' Paile: I#'ll send those Snakes shall milk#'em all beforehand: the dew-d-#skirted Dayrie-#wenches shall stroak dry Duggs, for this, and goe home Curssing: I#'ll mar their Sillabubs, and froathie Feastings vnder Cowes-#Bellies, with the Parish-#youthes: wher#'s {Fire-#stone}? our Son {Firestone}? === . here am I (Mother) . Take-#in this Brazen-#Dish full of deere-#Ware, thou shalt haue all when I die; and that wilbe ev'n iust at twelue #a Clock at night, come three yeere . and may yow not haue one a-#Clock in toth' dozen (Mother?) . Noh. . Your {Spirits} are then more vnconscionable then Bakers; you#'ll haue liu'de then (Mother) six-#score yeare to the hundred: and me-#thincks after six-#score yeares, the Devill might give you a Cast: for he#'s a Fruiterer too, and has byn from the begin[n]ing; the first Apple that ere was eaten, came through his fingers: The {Costor-#mongers} then, I hold to be the auncientest-#Trade, though some would haue the {Tailor} prickd-#downe before him. . goe: and take heed yow shed not by the way: the howre must haue her Portion, 'tis deere Sirrop, each Charmed Drop is able to Confound (WIT:C:12:) a Famely consisting of nineteene; . Mar'y heere#'s Stuff indeed Deere Surrup call yow it? a litle thing would make me give you a Dram #on#'t, in a Possett and Cutt you three yeares shorter. . thou#'rt now about some Villany? . Not I (for-#sooth) truly the Devill#'s in her I thinck. how one Villaine smells out an other straight: ther#'s no knavery but is nosde like a Dog, and can smell-#out a Doggs-#meaning (Mother) I pray give me leave to ramble a-#broad to night, with the Night-#Mare; for I haue a great mind to over-#lay a fat-#Parsons Daughter. . and who shall lye with me then? . the great Cat, for one night (Mother) 'tis but a Night make shift with him for once. . you#'re a kind Son: but 'tis the nature of you all, I see that: you had rather hunt after strange Women still then lye with your owne Mothers: Gett thee gon; Sweatt thy six ounces out about the Vessell and thou shalt play at Mid-#night: the Night-#Mare shall call thee when it walkes. . thancks most sweet Mother. === === {Enter Sebastian}. (WIT:C:13:) ##{Hec}. Vrchins, Elves, Haggs, Satires, Pans, Fawnes, Silence. Kitt with the Candle stick; Tritons, Centaures, Dwarffes, Imps, the Spoorne, the Mare, the Man i'#th Oake: the Hell-#wayne, the {Fire-#Drake}, the . . Heaven knowes with what Vnwillingnes, and hate I enter this dambd-#place: But such extreemes of wrongs in love, fight 'gainst religious knowledge. that were I ledd by this disease, to deathes as nomberles as Creatures that must die I could not shun the way: I know what 'tis to pitty Mad-#men now, they#'re wretched things that ever were created, if they be of womans-#making, and her faithles Vowes: I feare they#'re now a-#kissing: what#'s #a Clock? and all new-#Married-#Copples, make short Suppers; What ere thou art; I haue no time to feare thee, my horrors are so strong, and great already. that thou seem'st nothing: Vp and laze not hadst thou my Busynes, thou couldst nere sit soe 'twould firck thee into Ayre, a thousand mile beyond thy Oynetments; I would I were read so-#much in thy black powre, and mine owne griefes (WIT:C:14:) I#'me in great need of help; #Wil't give me any. . thy Boldnes takes me bravely: We'are all sworne to sweatt for such a Spirit. See: I regard thee I rise, and bid thee wellcome; === What#'s thy wish now? . oh my hart swells with#'t. I must take breath first . Is#'t to Confound some Enemie on the Seas? it may be don to night. Stadlin#'s with-#in, She raises all your sodaine ruinous Stormes that Ship-#wrack {Barks}, and teares-#vp growing-#Oakes, flyes over Houses, and takes {Anno domini} out of a Rich-#mans Chymney, (a sweet place for#'t) he would be hangd, ere he would set his owne yeares there, they must be Chamberd, in a five-#pound Picture, a greene-#silke Curtaine drawne before the Eies #on#'t (his rotten-#diseasd {yeares}) Or dost thou Envy the fat-#prosperitie of any Neighbour? I#'ll call forth {Hoppo}, and her Incantation can straight destroy the yong of all his Cattell: blast Vine-#yards, Orchards, Meadowes; or in one night transport hid Doong, Hay, Corne, by Reekes, whole Stacks, into thine owne Ground. . this would come most richely now to many a Cuntry-#Grazier: But my Envy lies not so lowe, as Cattell, Corne, or Vines (WIT:C:15:) 'twill trouble your best powres to give me ease. . is yt to Starve-#vp Generation? to strike a Barrennes in Man, or Woman? . hah? . hah? did yow feele me there? I knew Your Greife . are theis the Skins of Serpents? theis of Snakes? . I see they are. . so sure into what House theis are Convaid, knitt with theis Charmed, and retentive Knotts, Neither the {Man} begetts, nor {Woman} Breeds; no, nor performes the least desires of wedlock, being then a mutuall dutie: I could give thee , Which I could sort to Villanous-#Barren Ends, but this leades the same way: More I could instance: as the same Needles thrust into their pillowes that soawes, and socks-#vp dead-#men in their Sheetes: a privy Grizzell of a Man that hangs, after Sun-#Sett: good, excellent: yet all#'s there (Sir) . You could not doe a Man that special kindnes to part#'em vtterly now? Could you doe that? (WIT:C:16:) ##{Hec}. No: Time must do#'t: We cannot dis-#ioyne {Wedlock}: 'tis of Heavens fastning: well may we raise Iarrs, Iealouzies, Striffes, and hart-#burning-#disagreements, like a thick Skurff ore life, as did our {Master} vpon that patient Miracle: but the Work it self our powre cannot dis-#ioynt. . I depart happy in what I haue then, being constraind to this: and graunt you (greater {Powres},) that dispose men, that I may neuer need this {Hag} agen. === . I know he loves Me not: nor there#'s no hope #on#'t, 'tis for the Love of Mischeif I doe this. and that we'are sworne to; the first oath we take. . oh {Mother, Mother}. . what#'s the Newes with thee now? . there#'s the bravest yong Gentleman within, and the fineliest Drunck; I thought he would haue falne into the Vessell; he stumbled at a Pipkin of Childes Greaze: reelde against {Stadlin}, over threw her, and in the tumbling-#Cast, struck-#vp old {Puckles} heeles - hoy-#day: . I was fayne to throw the Cat-#vpon her to save her honestie: and all litle enough: I cryde out still I pray be (WIT:C:17:) Coverd: See where he comes now (Mother.) === . Call you theis {Witches}? they be Tumblers me-#thincks, very flat Tumblers . 'tis {Almachildes}: fresh Blood stirrs in Me the man that I haue lusted to enioy I haue had him thrice in {Incubus} already . Is your name Gooddy-#{Hag}? . 'tis any thing: Call me the horridst, and vnhallowedst-#things that Liffe, and Nature trembles at, for Thee I#'ll be the same: Thou com'st for a Loue-#Charme now? . why thou#'rt a {Witch} I thinck. . thou shalt haue choice of twentie, wett, or drie. . nay let#'s haue drie-#ones. . yf thou wilt vse#'t by way of Cup, and Potion I#'ll give thee a {Remora} shall be-#witch her straight . a {Remora}? what#'s that? . a litle {Suck-#stone} some call it a Stalamprey, a small Fish. . and must'#be butterd? . the Bones of a greene Frog-#too; wondrous pretious, the Flesh consum'd by {Pize mires} (WIT:C:18:) ##{Al}. {Pize-#mires}? give me a Chamber-#pot. . you shall see him goe nighe to be so vnmannerly, hee#'ll make water before my Mother, anon. . #and now yow talke of Frogs, I haue somewhat here, I come not emptie pocketted from a Bancket. (I learn'd that of my {Haber-#dashers} Wife.) looke Gooddy {Witch}, there#'s a {Toad} in March-pane fore you. . oh Sir, y'haue fitted me. . and heer#'s a Spawne or two of the same {Paddock}-#Brood too, for yor Son. . I thanck your worship Sir: how comes yor handkercher so sweetely thus berayd, sure 'tis wett-#Sucket, Sir take all I pree-#thee. . this was kindly don Sir, and you shall sup with Me to-#night, for this . how? sup with thee? do'st thinck I#'ll eate fryde Ratts, and pickelld Spiders? . No: I can Com[m]aund Sir, the best Meate i'th whole {Prouince}, for my frends, and reverently seru'd-#in too. . how? (WIT:C:19:) ##{Hec}. in good fashion === {she Coniures: And} !{ENTER A Catt (playing} ) . let me but see that, and I'#ll sup wth yow The {Catt} and {Fidle}? an excellent {Ordinarie} You had a Devill once, in a Fox-#skin? . Oh; I haue him still: Come Walke with me Sir. === {Ext} how apt, and ready is a Drunckard now to Reele to the Devill? well. I#'ll even In, and see how he eates, and I#'ll be hangd if I be not the fatter of the twaine with laughing at him. === {Finis Actus prii}. . . . {Good} Sir, Whence springs this Sadnes? trust me Sir. Yow looke not like a Man was Married yesterdaie: there could come no #ill Tidings since last night to cause that discontent: I was wont to know all before you had a Wiffe (Sir) You nere found me without those parts of Manhood, (Trust, & Secrecie) . I will not tell #the this. . not your true {Seruant} (Sir?) . True? you#'ll all flowt according to yor Tallent (WIT:C:20:) the best a man can keepe of you: and a #hell 'tis for {Masters} to pay Wages, to be laughd at give order that two Cocks be boyld to Ielly. . how? two Cocks boyld to Ielly? . fetch half an Ounce of Pearle. === . this is a Cullysse, for a Consumption: and I hope one Night has not brought you to need the Cooke already, in fowre and twenty howres, and lesse time? 'pray heaven the {Surgeon}, and the {Pothecarie} keepe out, and then 'tis well. you'had better fortune (as far as I see) with your Strumpet-#{Soiourner} (your litle fowre-#Nobles a-#weeke: I nere knew you eate one {Ponado} all the time y'haue kept her, and is#'t in one night now, come-#vp to two-#Cock-#broth? I wonder at the alteration strangely. === . good-#morrow {Gasper}. . your hartie wishes {Mistris}, and your sweet Dreames come vpon Yow. . what#'s that Sir? . in a good {Husband}, that#'s my reall-#meaning . saw you my {Brother} lately . yes. (WIT:C:21:) ##{Fra}. I mett him now as sad (me-#thought) as Greif could make a man, know you the cause? . not I: I know nothing: but half an ounce of Pearle, and kitchin-#Busynes wch I will see perform'd with all fidelitie, I#'ll breake my trust in nothing: not in porredge, I === . I haue the hardest fortune I thinck of a-#hundred Gentlewomen; some can make merry with a Frend seaven yeere, and nothing seene; as perfect a Maid still (to the worlds knowledge) as she came from Rocking. but 'twas my luck, at the first howre (forsooth) to prove too fruitfull: sure I#'me neere my time. I#'me yet but a yong Scholler, I may faile in my Account; but certenly I doe not. Theis Bastards come vpon poore-#venturing Gentle women ten to one faster then your Legitimate Children. Yf I had byn married I#'ll be hangd, if I had ben wth Child so soone now: When they are once Husbands, they#'ll be whipd ere they take such paines, as a {Frend} will doe; To come by water to the Back-#dore at Midnight, there stay perhaps an howre in all weathers, with a paire of Chewitts, and Curran-#Custards, I may Cursse (WIT:C:22:) those Eg-#pies, they are meat that help forward too fast This hath byn vsuall with me, night by night (honestie forgive me) When my Brother has byn dreaming of no such Iuncketts, yet he hath farde the better for my sake, though he litle thinck for what, nor must he ever. My {Frend} promisd me to provide saffely for me, and devise a Meanes to save my Creadit here i'th' {house}. My {Brother} sure would kill me if he knew#'t; and powder-#vp my {Frend}, and all his kindred for an {East-#Indian} Voyage. === . . Alone {Sister}? . Noe: ther#'s an other with Me, though Yow see#'t not: 'Morrow (sweet {Sister}) how haue you slept to night? . more then I thought I should: I'haue had good rest. . I'am glad to heare#'t. . {Sister}, me-#thincks you are too long alone, and loose much good time, sociable, and honest; I'am for the Married-#life, I must praise that now. . I cannot blame yow (Sister) to com[m]end it Yow haue happend well (no doubt) on a kind {Husband}, and that#'s not every Womans fortune (Sister) You know if he were any but my {Brother} my praises should not leave him yet so soone. (WIT:C:23:) ##{Isa}. I must acknowledge ({Sister}) that my life is happely blessd with him, he is no Gamster, that ever I could find, or heare of yet; nor Mid-#night Surffeiter: he dos intend to leave Tobacco too. . why heere#'s a Husband; . he saw it did offend me, and swore freely hee#'ll'd nere take pleasure in a Toy agen that should Displease me: some {Knights}-#Wives in Towne will haue great hope, vpon his reformation to bring their Husbands breathes into th'#old fashion, and make#'em kisse like Christians, not like Pagans, to put-#downe all theis Pipers; 'tis great pitty there should not be a Statut against them, as against {Fidlers}. . theis good Offices, yf you'had a Husband, you might exercise to th' good o'th' Common-#wealth, and doe much proffit: beside it is a Comfort to a {Woman} t'haue {Children} (Sister) a great Blessing certenly. . they will come fast enough. . not so fast neither, as they#re still wellcom to an honest woman. (WIT:C:24:) ##{Fra}. how neere she comes to me? I protest she grates my very skin. . were I conceivd with Child beshrew my hart, I should be so prowd #on#'t: . that#'s naturall: Pride is a kind of Swelling: and yet I'haue small cause to be prowd of mine. . you are no good Companion for a Wiffe, get you a Husband; pre-#thee (Sister) doe, that I may ask your Councell now and then 'twill mend your discourse much: You Mayds know nothing Noe: we are Fooles: but com[m]only we prove quicker Mothers, then yow that haue Husbands, (I'am sure I shall els; I may speake for one) === . I will not looke vpon her: I#'ll passe-#by and make as though I see her not. . Why Sir, 'pray your opinion, by the way, with leave (Sir) I'am councelling your Sister here, to Marry. . to Marry? soft: the {Preist} is not at leysure yet: some five yeare hence: would you fayne Marry ({Sister}?) . I haue no such hunger to#'t (Sir) for I thinck I#'ue a good bitt, that well may stay my Stomach. as well as any that broke-#fast a Sinner. (WIT:C:25:) ##{An}. though she seeme tall of growth, she#'s short in yeares of some that seeme much lower: how old {Sister}? not seaven-teene, for a yeard of Lawne? . not yet Sir. . I told yow soe. I shall haue more need of them shortly: and yet a yeard of Lawne will serve for a Christning-#Cloth I haue vse for every thing, as my case stands. . I care not if I trye my Voice this Morning but I haue got a Cold Sir, by your meanes, . I#'ll strive to mend that fault. . I thanck you Sir. . , . , , . . there#'s thy reward. . I will not grumble (Sir) like some Musitian; if more come, 'tis wellcom. (WIT:C:26:) ##{Fra}. such Trickes has made me doe all that I'haue don, your kissing Married-#Folkes, spoiles all y Maides that ever live i'th' house with#'em: oh here he comes === with his Baggs, and Bottles, he was borne to lead poore water-#men, and I. . goe Fellowes into#'th'#Larder, let the {Bakemeates} be sorted by them selues. . why Sir? . looke the Canary-#Bottles, be well stopt, the three of Clarret shalbe droonck at dinner. . my good Sir; y'ar too plenteous of theis Curtesies indeed yow are; forebeare#'em, I beseech ye, I know no merrit in me, but poore Love and a true {Frends} well-#wishing, that can cause this kindnes in excesse: i'th'#State that I am I shall goe neere to kick this Fellow shortly and send him downe stayres, wth his Bag, & Baggage, Why comes he now I'am Married? there#'s the point. I pray forbeare theis things. . alas yow know Sir, theis idle Toyes, which you call Curtesies, they cost me nothing but my {Seruants} Travaile. (WIT:C:27:) You know the fashion: What, the Gentle-#woman your {Sister#'s} sad me-#thincks . I know no Cause she has . Nor shall you. by my good-#will. What doe you meane Sir, shall I stay here, to shame myself. and you? the Time may be to Night, for aught you know. . peace: there#'s meanes wrought, I tell thee. . #I Sir, when? === . . how-#now? what#'s he. . oh, this is the Man, Sir, I entertaind this Morning, for my Service, please you to give your liking . yes: he#'s wellcom, I like him not amisse: thou wouldst speake Busynes, Wouldst thou not? . yes; may it please you Sir, there is a Gentleman from the Northerne parts, hath brought a Letter, as it seemes in #hast. . from whom? . your bonney-#Lady-#Mother, Sir. . you'are kindly wellcom, Sir: how doth she? . I left her heale-#varray-#well Sir. Letter. {I praie send your Sister downe with all speed to me} (WIT:C:28:) {I hope it will proue much for her good, in the waie} {of her Preferment; Faile me not, I desire you (Son) . . Now? haue I thought vpon Yow? . peace, good Sir. you'are worthie of a kindnes an other time. . her #Will shalbe obeyd: {Sister}, prepare your self you must downe with all speed. I know downe I must; and good-#speed 'send me. . 'tis our {Mothers} pleasure. . good Sir wryte back againe, and certefie her I'am at my harts wish here; I'me with my {Frends} and can be but well, say: . Yow shall pardon me ({Sister}) I hold it no wise part, to Contradict her, nor would I councell you to#'t. living i'th' {Cuntrie}, now I'me vsde to'th Cittie that I shall ne'ur endure#'t. . perhaps forsooth 'tis not her meaning Yow shall live there long (WIT:C:29:) I doe not thinck but after a Moneth, or soe you#'ll be sent-#vp againe: that#'s my Conceit. how ever, let her haue her #Will. . #I (good Sir) great reason 'tis she should . I am sorry ({Sister}) 'tis our hard fortune, thus to part so soone. . the Sorrow wilbe mine. . 'please you walke-#in (Sir) wee#'ll haue one Health into those {Northerne-#Parts} though I be sick #at'#hart. . #I Sir, a deepe one, Which yow shall pledge too. === {Ext}. . you shall pardon me: I haue pledg'd one too deepe already Sir. . peace; all#'s provided for: thy Wine#'s laid in Sugar, and Spice: the Place not ten Mile hence What cause haue Maides now, to Complaine of Men, when a Farme-#house can make all whole agen? === {Ext} . It takes: ha's no Content: how well she beares it yet? hardly myself can find so much from her that am acquainted with the Cold Disease (WIT:C:30:) O honestie#'s a rare Wealth in a Woman, it knowes no want, at least will expresse none; (not in a Looke) yet I'me not throughly happy: his #Ill, dos me no good: well may it keepe me from open rage, and Madnes for a time, but I feele harts-#greif in the same place, still; What makes the greatest Torment 'mongst lost Soules? 'tis not so much the horror of their paines (though they be infinite) as the losse of Ioyes: It is that Deprivation, is the Mother of all the Groanes in #Hell: and here on Earth of all the redd-#sighes in the harts of Lovers; Still She#'s not mine, that can be no Mans else till I be nothing, yf Religion haue the same strength for Me, as#'t has for others === .holly Vowes witnes, that our Soules were married : Where are Yow (Sir,) Come 'pray give yor Attendance. heere#'s my Lord Gouernor Come. . where#'s our new Kindred? not Stirring yet I thinck? . yes, my good Lord: please you walk neere?, . Come Gentle men, wee#'ll Enter. . I'ha' don#'t vpon a Breach; #this#'a lesse Venture. (WIT:C:31:) {Scea. 2a. Enter Almachildes}. . What a mad toy, tooke me, to Sup with {Witches}? fye of all druncken humors, by this hand I could beat myself when I thinck #on#'t; and the {Raskalls} made me good Cheere too: and to my Vnderstanding then eate some of every dish, and spoiled the rest. but com[m]ing to my Lodging, I remember I was as hungry as a tyred-#Foote Post. What#'s this? Oh, 'tis the Charme her {Hagship} gave me, for my {Duchesse} obstinate Woman; woond-#about a three-#penny-#silk Ryban, of three Cullours, . : why ther#'s her {Name} indeed. - agen, two Bouts, . Nay if {Veneris} be one, I'm sure there#'s no dead flesh in#'t. Yf I should vndertake to Construe this now, I should make a fine peece of work of it for few yong Gallants are given to good Construction of any thing (hardly of their best frends wives Sisters, or Neices:) Let me see what I can doe now. of the {Tribe} of {Noddies} , that makes Turn'd Cullours, (WIT:C:32:) {Nodo et Veneris}, Goes to his Venery like a Noddy, , with {Dick} the Vintners Boy Here were a sweet {Charme} now, if this were the Meaning #on#'t and very likely to over-#come an honorable Gentlewoman. The whorson old Helcat, would haue given me the her make sawce with#'t with a vengeance: And a Litle Bone in the hethermost part of a Woollff's Taile I bad her pick her Teeth with#'t, with a pestlence; Nay this is some what Cleanely yet, and hansom, a Collourd Ryban? a fine gentle {Charme}, a Man may give#'t his Sister, his Brothers wiffe === . ordinarily: See; here she comes luckely. . Blessd {Powres}; What secreat syn haue I com[m]itted that still you send this punishment vpon me? . 'tis but a gentle punishment: so take it. why Sir, what meane you? will you ravish me,? . what in the Gallery? and the Sun peepe in? there#'s fitter time, and place: 'tis in her Bosom now. . goe: you#'re the rudest thing ere came at Court. . well: well: I hope you#'ll tell me an other tale ere yow be two howres older: a rude thing? I#'ll make yow eate your word; I#'ll make all split els. === (WIT:C:33:) ##{Am}. nay: now I thinck #on#'t better: I'am too blame too there#'s not a sweeter Gentleman in Court: Nobely descended too, and Daunces well beshrew my hart; I#'ll take him, when ther#'s time, he wilbe Catchd-#vp quickly: the {Duchess} saies sh'as some Employment for him, and has sworne me to vse my best #Art in#'t: life of my Ioyes, there were good stuff: I will not trust her wth him, I#'ll call him back againe: he must not keepe out of my sight so long; I shall grow mad then . He lives not now to see to morrow spent if this Meanes take effect, as ther#'s no hardnes in#'t. Last night he plaid his horrid Game agen, Came to my Bed-#side at the full of Midnight, and in his hand that fatall fearefull {Cup}; Wak'd me; and forc'd me pledge him, to my trembling, and my dead Father's scorne; that wounds my sight But either his Confusion, or mine ends it; oh {Amoretta}, hast thou Mett him, yet speake Wench, ha'st don that for me?, . what (good Madam?) . distruction of my hopes; do'st ask that now? (WIT:C:34:) didst thou not sweare to Me, out of thy hate to {Almachildes}, thou#'dst dissemble him a loving Enterteynement, and a Meeting, where I should work my #will? . good {Madam} pardon me: a loving Enterteinement I doe protest myself to give him, (with all speed I can too) but, as I'am yet a Maid (a perfect one) as the old time was wont to afford, when there was few Tricks, and litle Cun[n]ing stirring I can dissemble none that will serve your turne, he must haue ev'n a right one, and a plaine one. . thou makst me doubt thy health: speak, art thou well? . oh never better; if he would make #hast and come back quickly: he stayes now too long . I'me quight lost in this woman: What#'s that fell out of her Bosom now? some Love-#token. . nay, I#'ll say that for him: hee#'s the vn-#civillst Gentleman: and every way desertles. . who#'s that now? she discom[m]ends so fast? . I could not love him ({Madam}) of any man, in Court. (WIT:C:35:) ##{Duch}. What#'s he now. -pree-#thee? . who should it be, but {Almachildes}, ({Madam}?) I never hated man so deepely yet. . as {Almachildes}? . I am sick (good Madam) when I but heare him nam'd. . how is this possible? but how thou saidst thou lou'dst him; and didst raise him 'bove all the Court, in praises. . how great people may speake their pleasure, Madam; but surely I should thinck the worsse of my Tongue while I liu'd then. . No longer haue I patience to forbeare thee: He is a Gentleman deserues as much as ever {Fortune} yet, bestowd on Man: the Glory, and prime lustre of our Court; Nor can there any but our-#self, be worthie of him; and take you notice of that now from Me, say you haue Warning on#'t: yf yow did love him, you must not now. . Let your Grace never feare it (WIT:C:36:) ##{Duch}. thy name is {Amoretta}, as Ours is, 't has made me Love, and trust thee. . and my faithfullnes has appeerd well i'th' proofe still. #ha'st-#not (Madam?) . but if#'t faile now, 'tis nothing . then it shall not. I know he will not be long from fluttring about this place, now #h'as had a sight of me; and I#'ll performe In all that I vowd (Madam) faithfully. . then am I blessd, both in Revenge, and Love and thou shalt tast the Sweetnes === === {Enter} . What Your Aymes be I list not to enquire: All I desire is to preserve a Computent honestie both for mine owne, and his vse that shall haue me (whose luck so ere it be) oh He#'s return'd alredy I knew he would not faile. . it workes by this time or the Devill#'s in#'t: I thinck: I#'ll neu'r trust {Witch} els nor sup with 'em this Twelue moneth. . I must sooth him now: and 'tis great paine to do#'t against ones stomach. . now {Amoretta}? . Now y'ar well com Sir, (WIT:C:37:) yf you#'ll'd come alwaies thus. . oh, am I soe? is the case alterd since? . yf you#'ll'd be rude, and know your times, 'twer somewhat: a great Comfort: 'las: I could be as loving and as venturous as any Woman (wee#'re all flesh and blood- Man) Yf yow could play the Game out modestly and not be-tray your Hand: I must haue care Sir, Yow know I haue a Marriage-#time, to Come, but looke to the Main-#Chaunce, (that#'s Reputation,) and then doe what they list. . wil't heare my oath? By the sweet health of youth, I wilbe carefull, and never prate #on#'t: nor like a Cun[n]ing-#Snarer make thy Clip'd-#Name, the Bird, to Call in others . Well: yeilding then to such Conditions, as my poore Bashfullnes shall require from yow, I shall yeild shortly after. . I#'ll consent to#'em and may thy sweet Humilitie be a Patterne for all prowd-#women, living. . they#'re beholding to yow ===. {Ext}. (WIT:C:38:) {Scea. 3a. Enter Abberzanes; & an old woman}. . Soe, Soe: away with him: I love to get#'em, but not to keepe#'em. Dost thou know the House? . No matter for the House, I know the Porch. . there#'s six pence more For that: away: keep-#close: My {Tailor} told me he sent away a Maid {Seruant} well ballast of all sides, within theis Nine-#daies: his wiffe neu'r dream'd #on#'t: gave the Drab, ten pound, and she neu'r troubles Him: a Com[m]on fashion: He told me 'twas to ridd a-way a Scape, and I haue sent him this for#'t: I remember a frend of mine once seru'd a prating Trades-#man iust on this fashion (to a haire in-#troth) 'tis a good ease to a Man; you can swell a Maid vp and ridd her for ten pound: (ther#'s the pursse back agen what ere becomes of your Money, or your Maid) this Comes of Bragging now: It#'s well for the Boy too hee#'ll get an excellent Trade by#'t: and one Sondaies goe like a Gentleman that has pawnd his Rapier. He need not Care what Cuntry-#man his Father was nor what his Mother was, when he was gotten (WIT:C:39:) the Boy will doe well certen: 'give him grace, to haue a quick hand, and convey things cleanly, === . #ar't allmost furnish'd? ther#'s such a Toile alwaies to sett a Woman to horse: a mightie troble: The Letter came to Yor Brothers hands I know on {Thursdaie} last by Noone; Yow were expected there yesterday night. . it makes the better, Sir. . We must take heed we ride through all the Pudles 'twixt this, and that now; that your Saffe-#guard there may be most probably dabled. . alas, Sir, I neuer markd till now: I hate myself, how monstrous thyn I looke. . not monstrous neither: a litle sharp i'th' Nose, like a Cuntry Wood-#cock. . fy: fy: how pale I am? I shall be-tray myself I would you#'ll'd box-#me well, and handsomely to get me into Cullour. . not I: pardon me: that let a {Husband} doe, When he has married yow (WIT:C:40:) a Frend at Court will never offer that: Come: how much Spice, and Sugar have yow left now at this poore one-#Moneths Voiage? . sure not much Sir, I thinck some quarter of a pound of Sugar, and half an ounce of Spice. . heer#'s no sweet Charge; and there was thirty pound: good wayght, and true beside what my Man stole when 't was a-#waighing and that was three pound more; I#'ll speake with#'least. the {Rhenish-#wine} is#'t all run-#out in Cawdells too? . doe yow ask that (Sir) 'tis of a weekes departure. Yow see what 'tis now, to get Children, Sir. . your {Mares} are ready both, Sir. . Come; wee#'ll vp then: Youth: give my Sister a straight Wand: ther#'s two-#pence. . I#'ll give her a fine {Whip}, Sir. . No: No: No: though we haue both deseru'd it. . heer#'s a new-#one. . 'pre-#thee talk to vs of no Whips (good Boy) my hart akes when I see#'em: Lett#'s away. === {Ext}. . ({blindfold}) . {This'} Yow that was a Maid? how are yow borne to deceiue Men? I'had thought to haue married yow, I had byn finely handled, had I not? I#'ll say that man is wise ever hereafter that tries his wife before hand: 'tis no mervaile Yow should profes such Bashfullnes, to Blind-#one, as if you durst not looke a man i'th' face Your Modestie would blush soe: Why doe Yow not run, and tell the {Duchesse} now? goe; yow should tell all: Let her know this too: why heere#'s the plague now: 'tis hard at first to wyn#'em: When they#'re gotten ther#'s no way to be ridd #on#'em: they stick to a Man like Bird lyme: my Oathe#'s Out: will yow release me, I#'ll release myself els. . nay sure I#'ll bring yow to your Sight agen: say, thou must either dye, or kill the {Duke}: for one of them thou must doe. . how, (good Madam?) (WIT:C:42:) ##{Duch}. Thou hast thy Choice, and to that purpose, Sir I'haue given thee knowledge now of what thou hast, and what thou must doe, to be worthie #on#'t. You must not thinck to. Come by such a Fortune without Desert, that were vnreasonable. He that#'s not borne to honor, must not looke to haue it Come wth ease to him. he must wyn#'t: Take but into thine Actions, Wit, and Courage that#'s all we ask of thee: But if through weaknes of a poore Spirit, thou deniest me this thinck but how thou shalt dye (as I#'ll work meanes for#'t) no Murderer ever like thee; for I purpose to call this subtle sinfull Snare of mine an Act of force from thee: thou#'rt prowd, & youthfull I shalbe beleeu'd; besides thy Wantonnes is at this howre in question 'mongst our Women, Which will make #ill for thee. . I had hard Chaunce to light vpon this pleasure, that#'s so costly: and give him breath, but seekes to haue that too. . well: take thy choice. . I see no Choice in#'t (Madam) for 'tis all death me-#thincks (WIT:C:43:) ##{Duch}. thou'st an #ill sight then, of a yong-#man, 'tis death if thou refuse it and say my zeale has warn'd thee: But consenting 'twilbe new life, great Honor, and my Love, which in perpetuall Bands, I#'ll fasten to thee. . how Madam? . I#'ll do#'t religiously. make thee my Husband: may I loose all sence of pleasure in life els: and be more miserable then ever Creature was: for nothing lives but has a Ioy in some-#what. . then by all the hopefull fortunes of a yong mans Rising I will performe it (Madam) . there#'s a pledge then of a {Duchesse} Love for thee: and now trust me for thy most happy saffetie: I will choose that Time, shall never hurt thee: when a Man showes Resolution, and there#s worth in him I#'ll a Care of him: part now for this time but still be neere about vs, till thou canst be neerer, that#'s our-#self. . and that I#'ll venture hard for. . good speed to thee. === {Ext}. (WIT:C:44:) {Scea. 2a. Enter Gaspero, & Florida} . Pree-#thee be carefull of me, very carefull now, . I warrant yow: He that cannot be carefull of a Queane, can be carefull of no body: 'tis every mans humor that: I should neu'r looke to a Wife half so handsomely. . oh softly, (sweet Sir) should your {Mistris} meet me now in her owne House, I were vndon for ever. . never feare her; She#'s at her Prick-#song close, ther#'s all the ioy she has, or takes delight in Looke heer#'s the Garden key, my {Master} gaue#'t me, and will'd me to be carefull: doubt not you #on#'t. and do's a woman all the right that may be. === . how now? what#'s she? . a kind of doubtfull Creature; I#'ll tell thee more anon. . I know that face to be a Strumpetts; or mine eie is envious and would fayne wish it soe, where I would haue it. I faile, if the Condition of this Fellow weares not about it, a strong scent of Basenes, I saw her once before here, five daies since, 'tis (WIT:C:45:) and the same wary-#Pandarous dilligence was then bestow'd on her; She came alterd then, and more enclyning to the Citty-#tuck. Whom should this Peice of Transformation visit after the com[m]on curtesie of Frailetie in our House here? surely not any Servant they are not kept so lusty, She so lowe; I'am at a strange Stand, Loue, and Luck assist me. the Truth I shall wyn from him, by falce play === . he#'s now return'd: Well Sir, as yow were saying goe forward with your Tale. . what? I know nothing. . the Gentlewoman . She#'s gon out #at'#Back-#dore now. . then farewell She, and you, if that be all . Come: Come, thou shalt haue more: I haue no powre to lock myself vp from thee. . so me-#thincks. . yow shall not thinck; trust me Sir, yow shall not your eare: She#'s one o'th' Falling Famely a Queane, my {Master} keepes; she lyes at {Rutneys}. . is#'t possible: I thought I had seene her some-#where. . I tell you truth sinceerely: Sha's byn thrice here (WIT:C:46:) by stelth with in theis ten daies, and departed still with pleasure, and with thancks Sir, 'tis her luck, surely I thinck if ever there were man be-witchd in this world 'tis my {Master} (Sirha) . thinckst thou so {Gasper}? . this may prove happie: 'tis the likeliest meanes that {Fortune} yet ere showd me. === . you#'re both here now, and strangers newly lighted: wher#'s your Attendance? . I know what makes you waspish: a pox #on#'t shee#'ll every day be angrie now at nothing === {Ext} . I#'ll call her stranger ever in my hart, Sha's killd the name of {Sister}, through base lust and fled to shifts: oh, how a Brother's good thoughtes may be be-guild in woman: Heer#'s a Letter (found in her absence.) reports strangely of her and speakes her Impudence: sh'as vndon herself. I could not hold from weeping, when I read it; abusde her Brother's house, and his good confidence: 'twas don not like herself: I blame #here much: but if She can but keep it from his knowledge === (WIT:C:47:) I will not greive him first. it shall not Come by my meanes to his hart: Now Sir, the Newes? . You call'd 'em Strangers: 'tis my {Masters Sister} (Madam) . oh, is#'t soe: She#'s wellcome: Who#'s come wth her? . I see none but {Abberzanes}. . he#'s enough to bring a Woman to Confusion more then a wiser man, or a far greater. A letter came last weeke to her Brother's hands to make-#way for her Com[m]ing-#vp agen, after her shame was lightend; and she writt there the Gentleman her Mother wishd her to (taking a Violent Surfeyt, at a Wedding) dide ere she came to see him: What strange Cun[n]ing === {Abberzanes Sin helpes a woman to: here she comes now , you'ar wellcom home againe. . thancks (sweet {Sister}) . y'haue had good speed. . what saies she? I haue made all the best speed, I could. . I well beleeue You. . my Service ever (Madam) to a Gentlewoman, (WIT:C:48:) I tooke a bonney-#Mare I keep, and mett her some ten mile out of towne: aleaven, I thinck. 'twas at the Stump I mett you, I remember. at bottom of the Hill. . 'twas there about Sir. . full eleaven then, by the rod, if they were measur'd . you looke #ill (me thincks) haue yow byn sick of late? 'troth, very bleake, doth she not? how thinck yow Sir? . no: no: a litle sharp with riding, sh'as ridd sore. . I ever looke leane after a Iorney Sister one shall doe, that has travaild: travaild hard. . till Evening, I com[m]end yow to yourselves, Ladies === : and that#'s best trusting to, if yow were hangd. y'ar well acquainted with his hand, went-#out now? . his hand? . I speake of nothing els: I thinck 'tis there. please yow to looke vpon#'t: and when y'haue don yf you did weepe, it could not be amisse a signe yow could say Grace, after a full Meale. You had not need looke paler; Yet you doe: 'twas #ill don to abuse your self, and vs, to wrong so good a Brother, and the thoughtes that we both held of you: I did doubt you much (WIT:C:49:) before #or marriage-#day: but then my strangenes, and better-#hope still, kept me off, from speaking. yet may you find a kind, and peacefull Sister of me, if you desist here, and shake-#hands with Folly, which yow #ha' more cause to doe, then I to wish you; as truely as I beare a Love to Goodnes, your {Brother} knowes not yet #on#'t, nor shall ever for my part, so you leave his Company: but if I find you impudent, in syn[n]ing I will not keep#'t an howre; nay, prove your Enemie and yow know who will ayde me: as y'haue goodnes, Yow may make vse of this; I#'ll leave it with yow. === and a five {giue you ioy}: why where the Devill lay you to be found out? the sodaine hurrey of hastning to prevent shame, brought shame forth. that#'s still the Cursse of all lascivious Stuff Misdeedes could neuer yet be wary enough. Now must I stand in feare of every looke: nay tremble at a Whisper: She can keepe it secreat? that#'s very likely, and a Woman too? I'am sure I could not do#'t: and I am made as well as she can be for any purpose, 'twould neuer stay with me two daies; I'haue cast it (WIT:C:50:) the third would be a terrible sick-#day with me, not possible to beare it: should I then trust to her strength in#'t, that lyes every night whispering the daies newes in a Husbands eare? Noe: and I haue thought vpon the meanes: blessd Fortune; I must be quitt with her, in the same fashion, or els 'tis nothing; there#'s no way like it, To bring her Honestie into question cun[n]ingly: My {Brother} will beleeue small likelihoods, com[m]ing from Me #to; I lying now i'th' house, may work things to my #will, beyond Conceit too: Disgrace her first: her Tale will neu'r be heard, I learnd that Councell first of a sound Gard. I doe suspect {Gasper}, my {Brother's} Squire there had some hand in this mischeif, For he#'s Cun[n]ing and I perhaps may fitt him. === . Your Sister told me you were come: thou#'rt wellcome. . where is she? . who? my wiffe? . #I Sir. . within. . #not'#within hearing, 'thinck yow? (WIT:C:51:) ##{An}. Within hearing? What#'s thy conceit in that? why shak'st thy head soe? and look'st so pale, and poorely? . I'm a Foole indeed to take such greif for others: for your Fortune Sir, . my Fortune? worsse things yet? fare well life then. . who? in my Wife? speake low: Come hether, softly Sister. . I love her as a Woman You made choice of, but when she wrongs you, Naturall Love is touchd (Brother) and that will speake you know. . I trust it will. . I held a shrewd suspition of her Lightnes at first, when I went downe; Which made me haste the sooner but more, to make amends, at my Returne now I found apparant signes. . apparant sai'st thou? . #I , and of base Lust too; that makes th'#affliction . there has byn villany wrought vpon me then, 'tis too playne now. . happy are they, I say still that haue their Sisters living i'th' House with 'em, their Mothers, or some Kindred: a great Comfort, (WIT:C:52:) to all poore Married Men; it is not possible a yong Wife can abuse a Husband then, 'tis found streight. but sweare secrecie to this (Brother) . to this, and all thou wilt haue. === . . then this followes, Sir . I praise thy Councell well: I#'ll put#'t in vse straight See where she comes herself: Kind honest Lady, I must now borrow a whole forthnights leave of thee . how Sir? a forthnights? . It may be but ten daies; I know not Yet. 'tis Busynes for the State, and#'t must be don . I wish good speed to#'t then. . why that was well spoake, I#'ll take but a Foote-#Boy: I need no more. the rest I#'ll leave at home, to doe yow service. . vse your owne pleasure, Sir. . 'till my Returne you#'ll be good Company: My Sister, and yow . wee shall make shift Sir, . I'am glad now she#'s Come, and so the wishes of my love to both. === === {Enter} . and our good praires with you Sir. by your kind fauor (Madam) . with me, Sir? . the words shall not be many: but the faithfullnes and true respect, that is included in 'em, is worthie your Attention; and may put vpon Me the faire repute of a iust honest {Seruant}. . What#'s here to doe Sir, ther#'s such great preparation toward? . in breif, that Goodnes in you, is abusd, Madam; you haue the Married life, but 'tis a Strumpet that has the Ioy #on#'t, and the fruitfullnes, there goes away your Comfort. . how? a Strumpet? . of five yeeres cost, and vpwards: a deere mischeif (as they are all of#'em) his forthnights Iorney is to that Cuntry, if it be not rudenes to speake the truth, I haue found it all out (Madam) . thou'st found out thine owne Ruine: for to my knowledge thou do'st be-#lye him basely: I dare sweare he'#s a Gentleman, as free from that Folly as ever tooke religious life vpon him. . be not too confident to your owne Abuse (Madam) Since I haue begun the truth, neither your Frownes (WIT:C:54:) the onely Cursses that I haue on Earth (because my Meanes depends vpon your Service) Nor all the execration of Mans Fury shall putt me off: though I be poore, I'm honest, and too iust in this Busynes: I perceive now, too-#much Respect, and faithfullnes to Ladies may be a wrong to {Seruants}. . art thou yet so impudent to stand in#'t? . are yow yet so cold, (Madam,) in the beleif #on#'t? there my wonder#'s fixt, having such blessed health, and youth about you, Which makes the Iniury mightie . Why I tell thee it were too great a fortune for thy Lownes to find-#out such a thing: thou do'st not looke as if thou#'rt made for#'t: by the pretious Sweetes of Love and thinck 'twer bought too cheape: thou canst not ghesse thy Meanes; and happines, should I find this true. first, I#'ll'd prefer thee to the Lord, my Vncle, hee#'s {Gouernour} of {Rauenna}, all the Advauncements i'th' Kingdom, flowes from him: What need I boast that. which Com[m]on Fame can teach thee? (WIT:C:55:) ##{Seb}. then thus (Madam) since I presume now on your height of Spirit & yor regard to yor owne youth, and fruitfullnes (wch every Woman naturally loves and covetts) Accept but of my Labour, in directions, you shall both find your Wrongs (wch yow may right at your owne pleasure) yet not missd to night here in the house neither: None shall take notice of any absence in you, as I haue thought #on#'t. . doe this, and take my praise, and thancks for ever. . as I deserve, I wish#'em: and will serve you === {Ext}. . The Moone#'s a Gallant, see how brisk she rides . heer#'s a rich Evening, {Heccat}. . #I: is#'t not wenches, to take a Iorney of five thousand Mile . ours will be more to night . oh, 'twill be pretious: heard yow the Owle yet? . breifely in the Copps, as we came through now: . 'tis high time for vs then. There was a Bat hoong at my lipps three times (WIT:C:56:) as we came through the woods, and dranck her fill. old {Puckle} saw her. . you are fortunate still the Very Schreich-#Owle lights vpon Your shoulder and wooes you, like a Pidgeon: are yow furnishd? haue you your Oyntments? . all: . prepare to Flight then I#'ll over-#take you swiftly . hye-#thee {Heccat}: We shalbe vp betimes . I#'ll reach yow quickly they talke of Fowles i'#th Aire, that fly by day, I am sure they#'ll be a Company of Fowle Slutts there to night: yf we haue not Mortallitie after it, I#'ll be hang'd, for they are able to putryfie it; to Infect a whole Region: She spies me now. . what {Fire-#stone}, our sweet Son? . a litle sweeter then some of yow; or a Doonghill were too good for me. . how much ha'st here? . Nineteene, and all brave plump ones, besides six lizards, and three Serpentine Eggs. . deere, and sweet Boy; What herbes ha'st thou? (WIT:C:57:) ##{Fire} === I haue some {Mar Martin}, and {Mandragon}; . {Marmaritin}, and {Mandragora}, thou wouldst say. heer#'s {Pannax} too: I thanck thee - My Pan akes I am sure With kneeling-#downe to Cut#'em. . and {Selago}, too: how neere he goes my Cuttings? were they all cropt by Moone-#light? . every Blade of#'em. or I am a Moone-#Calff (Mother) . hye thee home with#'em Looke well to the House to night; I am for aloft. . Aloft (quoth you?) I would you would breake yor neck once, that I might haue all quickly: hark: hark Mother. they are aboue the Steeple alredy, flying over your head with a noyse of {Musitians} . they are they indeed: help: help me: I'm too late els. . . I come, I come, I come, I come}, , . ? . (WIT:C:58:) {wher#'s Puckle} , {in y aire} . {a kisse, a Coll, a Sip of Blood} {and why thou staist so long} . . . {oh art thou come} ? , : . {Now I am furnishd for the Flight}. : hark, hark, the Catt sings a braue {Treble} in her own language. . {going vp}. {Now I goe, I flie}, . (WIT:C:59:) {and sing, and daunce, and toy, and kiss}; , , , , . . . . Well Mother, I thanck your kindnes: You must be gambolling i'th' Aire; and leave me to walk here, like a Foole, and a Mortall. === . . . . . {Though} the {Fates} haue endude me with a pretty kind of Lightnes, that I can laugh at the world in a Corner #on#'t; and can make (WIT:C:60:) myself merry on Fasting-#Nightes to rub-#out a Supper (wch were a pretious Qualitie, in a yong formall Studient, yet let the world know, there is some difference betwixt my Ioviall Condition, out of my Witts: I know a Bawd, from an Aqua-vite-#shop, a Strumpet from Wild-#fire, and a Beadle from Brimestone. Now I shall try the honestie of a Great-#Woman soundly, She reckning the {Duke#'s} made away, I#'ll be hangd, if I be not the next now. Yf I trust her as She#'s a Woman, Let one of her long Haires wind about my hart, and be the end of me, (wch were a piteous Lamentable Tragedie, and might be entituled a faire Warning for all haire-#Braceletts) Already there#'s an Insurrection among the {People}, they are vp in Armes Not out of any reason, but their wills, (which are in them their Saints) sweatting, and swearing (out of their Zeale to {Rudenes}) that no Stranger (as they terme her) shall governe over them, they say they#'ll raise a {Duke} among them selues first (WIT:C:61:) ##{Duch}. Oh {Almachildes}, I perceive already === {Enter Duchess our Loves are borne to Crosses: We#'ar be-#sett, by Multitudes: and (which is worsse) I feare me Vnfreended too of any: my cheif Care is for thy sweet youthes saffetie . He that beleeues you not goes the right way to heauen, #o' my conscience . there is no trusting of 'em: they are all as barren in Pitty, as in Faith: he that putts confidence in them, dies openly to the sight of all men, not with his frends, and Neighbours, in peace privat but as his shame, so his cold farewell is, publique, and full of noyse. But keepe yow close, Sir, not seene of any, till I see the way plaine for your saffetie. I expect the Com[m]ing of the {Lord Gouernour}, Whom I will flatter with faire Entreaties, to appease their wildnes, and before him, take a great greif vpon Me for the {Dukes} death; his strange and sodaine losse and when a quiet comes, expect thy Ioyes . I doe expect now to be made away say I #haue#'byn carefull, and shund Spoone-#Meate === . This Fellow lives too long after the Deed, I'am weary of his sight: he must die quickly, or I'haue small hope of Saffetie: My great Ayme#s at the {Lord Gouernour's} love; he is a Spirit can sway, and Countenaunce: theis obey and Crowch. My Guiltynes had need of such a Master, that with a beck can suppresse Multitudes and dym Misse-#deedes, with radiance of his Glory. not to be seene with dazeled popular Eies. === and here behold him come. . Returne back to#'em, say we desire#'em to be frends of Peace till they heare farther from vs. . O my Lord. I fly vnto the pitty of your Noblenes, the greivedst Lady, that was ere be-#sett with stormes of Sorrowes, or wild rage of People. Never was Womans greif for losse of Lord deerer then Mine, to Me. . ther#'s no Right don (WIT:C:63:) to Him now (Madam) by Wrong don to Your self: your owne good wisedom may instruct you so far: and for the Peoples Tumult (which oft growes from Libertie, or Rancknes of long Peace) I#'ll labour to restraine, as I'ue begun (Madam) . My thancks, and Praires shall neu'r forget you (Sir) and, in time to Come, my Love. . your Love (sweet Madam) You make my Ioyes too happy: I did covett to be the fortunate man, that Blessing visitts Which I#'ll esteeme the Crowne, and full Reward of Service present, and Deserts to come, It is a happiness I#'ll be bold to sue for when I haue sett a Calme vpon theis Speritts that now are vp for Ruine . Sir, my wishes are so well mett in yours, so fairely answeard and nobely recompencd, it makes me suffer in those extreemes that few haue ever felt, to hold two Passions, in one hart at once (WIT:C:64:) ##{Gou}. then as the Ollyff is the meeke Ensigne of faire Fruitfull Peace, so is this Kisse, of yours. . Loves powre be with you, Sir. . how sh'as be-trayd her; may I breathe no longer then to doe Vertue service, and bring forth the fruites of Noble thoughtes, honest, and Loyall. this wilbe worth th#'observing; and I#'ll do#'t. === . What a sure happines confirmes Ioy to Me, now in the times of my most im[m]inent dangers?, I look'd for Ruyne; and encrease of Honor meetes me auspitiously. But my hopes are clogd now with an unworthie weight: ther#'s the misfortune, What course shall I take now with this young man, for he must be no hindraunce: I haue thought #on#'t. I#'ll take some {Witches} Councell, for his End, that wilbe sur'st. (Mischeif is Mischeiffes frend). === . Yf ever you knew force of Love. in life Sir, give to mine pitty . you doe #ill to doubt me. (WIT:C:65:) ##{Seb}. I could make bold with no frend seemelier then with yourself. because you were in presence at our Vow-#making . I'am a Witnes to#'t. . then you best vnderstand, of all men living this is no wrong I offer, no abuse either to faith, or frendship: for we'are registerd Husband, and wife in heaven, thought there wants that which often keepes licentious Man in awe from starting from their Wedlocks, the knot publique, 'tis in our Soules knit fast, and how more pretious the Soule is, then the Body, so much iudge the sacred, and celestiall Tye within vs, more then the outward Forme, which calls but Witnes here vpon earth, to what is don in heaven. though I must needes confes, the least is honorable (as an Embassador sent from a King dwells in the King that sent him; so in this) === . . I approve all you speake: and will appeere to You a faithfull pittying frend. . Looke, there is She, Sir, One good for nothing but to make vse of. (WIT:C:66:) and I'm constraind to employ her, to make all things plaine, easie, and probable; For when She Comes and findes one here that Claimes him, as I'haue taught both this to do#'t, and He, to Compound with Her, 'twill stirr beleif the more of such a Busynes. . I praise the Carriage well. . hark you (sweet {Mistris} I shall doe you a simple Turne in this: for She disgrac'd thus: you are vp in fauor for ever, with her Husband. . that#'s my hope Sir, I would not take the paines els: haue You the keyes of the Garden-#side, that I may get betimes in, closely, and take her Lodging? . yes, I haue thought vpon You, here be the keyes. . marry, and thancks (sweet Sir) sett me #a work so still. . your Ioyes are falce ones: you'ar like to lye alone; you#'ll be deceiud of the Bedfellow you looke for; els my purpose were in an #ill case: he#'s on his forthnightes Iorney you#'ll find cold comfort there: a Dreame wilbe (WIT:C:67:) even the best Market you can make to night: She#'ll not be long now; You may loose no time neither: yf She but take you at the dore 'tis enough. When a Suspect doth Catch once, it burnes maynely. there may you end your Busynes, and as cun[n]ingly as if you were i'th' Chamber; if you please, to vse but the same #Art. . What need you vrge that, Which comes so naturally I cannot misse #on#'th? What makes the Devill so greedy of a Soule but 'cause #ha's lost his owne; to all Ioyes lost: So 'tis our Trade to sett Snares for other Women . a sweet allusion: #Hell, and a Whore it seemes are Partners then, in one Ambition: yet thou#'rt here deceiu'd now thou canst sett none to hurt, or wrong her Honor it rather makes it perfect: Best of frends that ever Loves-#extremities were blessd with I feele mine Armes with thee; and call my peace the Of-#spring of thy frendship: I will thinck this night my wedding-#night: and with-#a-#Ioy as reverend, as Religion can make Mans I will embrace this Blessing: honest Actions (WIT:C:68:) are Lawes vnto themselues, and that good feare which is on others forcd, growes kindly there. . hark, hark: One knocks; away Sir: 'tis she certenly It sounds much like a womans iealious Larum, . by your leave Sir === . . you'ar wellcom Gentlewoman. . Our Ladiship, then stands vs in no stead now One word in privat Sir.=== . noe surely for-#sooth. there is no such here, y'haue mistooke the House. . Oh Sir, that haue I not: excuse me there I come not with such Ignoraunce: thinck not so Sir. 'twas told me at the entring of your House here by one that knowes him too well. . who should that be? . nay Sir, betraying is not my profession: but here, I know he is: and I presume He would giue me Admittance, if he knew #on#'t. as one o'n's neerest frends. . y'ar not his Wife for-#sooth? . yes, by my faith am I. (WIT:C:69:) ##{Fer}- Cry you mercy then Lady. . She goes here by the name on's Wife: good stuff But the bold Strumpet neuer told me that . We are so oft deceiud that Let out Lodgings we know not whom to trust: 'tis such a world, there are so many odd-#trickes now #a daies put vpon House-#keepers. . why? doe you thinck I#'ll'd wrong 'pray show me the way to him . hee#'s #a sleepe (Lady the Curtaines drawne about him. . well: well Sir, I#'ll haue that Care, I#'ll not disease him much. Tread you but lightly: oh, of what grosse falcehood is Mans hart made of? had my first Loue liu'd and return'd saffe, he would haue byn #a light to all Mens Actions, his faith shinde so bright === {Ext} === {Seb}- I cannot so deceive her 'twer too sinfull, there#'s more Religion in my Love, then soe: It is not treacherous Lust, that gives Content t'an honest mind: and this could prove no better, Were it in Me, a part of manly Iustice, (WIT:C:70:) that haue sought strange hard meanes to keep her Chast to her first vow; and I t'#abuse her first. Better I neuer knew what Comfort were in Womans love, then wickedly to know it. What could the falcehood of one Night availe him that must enioy for ever, or he#'s lost? 'tis the way rather to drawe hate vpon me: for (knowne) tis as impossible she should love me, as youth, in health, to doat vpon a greif, or one that#'s robd, and bound, t'#affect the Theif No, he that would Soules sacred Comfort wyn, must burne in pure love, like a Seraphin === . {Coelio}? . Sweet Madam. . thou'hast deluded me: there#'s no body. . how? I wonder he would misse (Madam) having appointed too, 'twer a strange Goodnes if heaven should turne his hart now, by the way. . Oh, never {Celio}. . yes, I'ha' knowne the like Man is not at his owne disposing (Madam) the blessd Powres haue prouided better for him, (WIT:C:71:) or he were miserable: he may come Yet 'tis earely (Madam) if you would be pleasd to embrace my Councell, you should see this Night over. since y'haue bestowd this paines . that Strumpet would be found, els she should goe I cursse the time now, I did eu'r make vse of such a plague: Sin knowes not what it do's. === {Ext} ) . 'Tis now my Brothers time: even much about it for though he dissembled a whole forthnights absence he comes againe to night: 'twas so agreed before he went: I must be-#stir my Wits now to Catch this Sister of mine, and bring her name to some disgrace first, to preserue mine owne: ther#'s proffit in that Cun[n]ing: She cast off my Company betimes to night, by Tricks, and sleightes, and I was well contented: I am resolu'd there#'s no hate lost betweene vs: for I know she do's not love me now, but painefully, like one that#'s forc'd to smile vpon a greif (WIT:C:72:) to bring some purpose forward: and I#'ll pay her in her owne Mettle. They'#re now all at rest, and {Gasper} there, and all: list: fast a-#sleepe he cries it hether: I must disease yow straight Sir: For the Maides-#Servants, and the Girles o'th' house I spic'd them lately with a drowsie Posset, they will not heare in #hast: My {Brother#'s} Come, oh, where#'s this key now for him? here 'tis happely: but I must wake him first: why {Gasper}: {Gasper}. === . . What a pox {gaspe} yow for? . Now I#'ll throw#'t downe. . who#'s that call'd me now? somebody call'd {Gasper}? . oh, vp, as thou#'rt an honest fellow {Gasper}. . I shall not rise to night then: what#'s the matter? Who#'s that? yong {Mistris}? . #I: vp: vp, Sweet {Gasper}. my {Sister} hath both knockd, and call'd this howre, and not a Maid will stirr. . they#'ll stirr enough sometimes . hark: hark agen: {Gasper}: oh. run: run. pre thee. . stand'st vpon Cloathing in an extremitie? hark: hark agen. (WIT:C:73:) She may be dead ere thou com'st: oh in quickly He#'s gon: he cannot choose, but be tooke now === or Met in his returne; that wilbe enough ? here take this Light. . my carefull {Sister}. . looke first in his owne Lodging, ere yow enter, : oh abusd Confidence: heere#'s nothing of him but what betrayes him more. . then 'tis too true, Brother . I#'ll make base Lust a terrible example, No Villany ere paied deerer. . help: hold Sir, . I'am deaff to all humanitie . List: list: a strange and sodaine silence after all, I trust #h'as spoild#'em both: too deere a happines. oh how I tremble betweene doubts, and Ioies . there perish both: downe to the house of Falcehood Where periurous Wedlock weepes: oh periurous woman sh'ad tooke the Inocence of sleepe vpon her at my approach, and would not see me come, as if sh'ad layne there, like a harmles soule and never dream'd of Mischeif. What#'s all this now? (WIT:C:74:) I feele no ease; the Burthen#s not yet off so long as th#'Abuse sticks in my knowledge, oh, 'tis a paine of #hell, to know ones shame, had it byn hid, & don, it'had ben don happy, for he that#'s Ignorant lives long, and merry. . I shall know all now: {Brother} . Come downe quickly: for I must kill thee too. . Me? stay not long yf thou desir'st to dye with litle paine Make haste I#'ll'd wish thee, and come willingly yf I be forcd to come, I shalbe cruell, aboue a Man to thee. . why Sir. my Brother?, . talk to thy soule, yf thou wilt talk at all. to Me thou#'rt lost for ever. beyond all reason (Brother,) would yow thus reward me for my Care and Truth showne to You? . a Cursse vpon#'em both: and Thee for Companie, 'tis that too dilligent thanckles Care of thine makes me a Murderer, and that Ruynes Truth (WIT:C:75:) that lightes me to the knowledge of my Shame. hadst thou byn secreat, then had I byn happy and had a hope (like Man) of Ioies to Come Now here I stand, a Stayne to my Creation: and, which is heavier then all Torments to me the vnderstanding of this base Adultery, and that, thou toldst me first, which thou deseru'st Death worthely for. . if that be the worst, hold Sir, hold Brother, I can ease your knowledge straight by my soules hopes I can: ther#'s no such thing . how? blesse me but with life, I#'ll tell yow all. Your Bed was never wrongd. . what? never wrongd? . I ask but mercy, as I deale with Truth now, 'twas onely my Deceipt, my Plot, and Cun[n]ing to bring disgrace vpon her, by that meanes to keepe mine owne hid, wch none knew but she: to speak troth' I'had a Child by {Aberzanes}, Sir . How? {Aberzanes}? . and my Mothers Letter (WIT:C:76:) Was counterfeyted, to get time, and Place for my deliuery. . Oh, my Wrath#'s redoubled, . At my Returne, she could speake all my Folly and blam'd me, with good Councell: I, for feare it should be made knowne, thus rewarded her, Wrought you into suspition without cause: And at your Com[m]ing, raisd-#vp {Gasper} sodainely, sent him but in before yow, by a falcehood, Which (to your kindled Ielouzie) I knew would add enough: what#'s now confessd is true . the more I heare, the worsse it fares with me. I ha' kill'd#'em now for nothing: yet the shame Looke you, My Sword goes vp: Call {Hermio} to me, Let the new Man alone: hee#'ll wake too soone to find his {Mistris} dead, and loose a Service; Allready the day breakes vpon my Guilt === I must be breif, and sodaine. {Hermio} . Sir . Run: knock-#vp {Aberzanes} speedely; say I desire his Company this Morning (WIT:C:77:) to yonder horse-#{Race}, tell him: That will fetch him, oh, heark yow, by the way===. . yes Sir. . Vse speed now: Or I will nere vse thee more: and perhaps I speake in a right howre: my greif ore-#flowes, I must in privat goe, and vent my Woes === {Ext} . . . {You} are Wellcom Sir, . I thinck I'am worthie #on#'t For looke you (Sir,) I come Vn-#trust. (in troth) . the more#'s the pitty: (honester Men goe to#'t) that Slaves should scape it: What Blade haue you got there? . Nay, I know not that (Sir) I am not acquainted greatly with the Blade; I am sure 'tis a good Scabbard, and that satisfies me, . 'tis long enough indeed, yf that be good. . I love to Weare a long-#Weapon: 'tis a thing com[m]endable (WIT:C:78:) ##{An}. I pray draw it, Sir . It is not to be drawne. . Not to be drawne? . I doe not Care to see#'t: to tell you troth Sir, 'tis onely a Hollyday thing, to weare by a mans side . draw it, or I#'ll rip thee downe from Neck to Navill though there#'s small glory in#'t. . are you in earnest, Sir? . I#'ll tell thee that anon. . why, what#'s the matter Sir? . What a base misery is this in life now. This Slave had so much daring Courage in him but hath not so much honest strength about him to draw a Sword, in way of Satisfaction, this showes thy great Guilt, that thou dare'st not fight . yes, I dare fight (Sir) in an honest Cause. . why come then (Slave) thou'st made my {Sister} a Whore. . prove that an honest Cause, and I#'ll be hangd. . so many starting-#holes? Can I light no way? goe-#too, yow shall haue your wish: all honest play. Come-#forth thou fruitfull Wickednes: thou seed (WIT:C:79:) of Shame, and Murder, Take to thee in Wedlock Basenes, and Cowardize: a fitt Match for thee. Come Sir, along with me . 'las: What to doe I am too yong to take a wiffe, in troth. . but old enough to take a Strumpet, though: you#'ll'd fayne get all Your Children before-#hand, and Marry, when y'haue don: that#'s a strange course Sir, This woman I bestow on thee: What do'st thou say. . I would I had such an other to bestow on You, Sir . Vncharitable Slave: Dog: Coward as thou art to wish a plague were so great as thine, to any. . to my frend Sir, where I thinck I may be bold . downe; and do#'t sollempnely: Contract yourselues. With truth, and zeale, or nere rise vp agen: I will not haue her die i'th' state of Strumpet though she tooke pride to live-#one: Hermio the Wine 'tis here Sir: 'troth, I wonder at some things, but I#'ll keepe honest. . Soe, hee'r#s to you both now. and to your Ioies, if#'t be your luck to find#'em, I tell yow, you must weep hard, if you doe: (WIT:C:80:) Devide it 'twixt you both: you shall not need a strong Bill of Divorcement after that yf you mislike your Bargaine. Goe, get-#in, now, Kneele, and pray hartely to get forgivenes of those two Soules, whose Bodies thou hast murderd. will dye, when I dye: ther#'s some comfort yet I doe but thinck how each mans punishment proves still a kind of Iustice to himself I was the Man, that told this Inocent Gentlewoman (whom I did falcely wedd, and falcely kill) That he that was her Husband first, by {Contract} was slayne i'th' feild; and he#'s knowne yet to live. So did I cruelly beguile her hart for which I'am well rewarded: so is {Gasper} who, to befrend my Love, swore fearefull othes, he saw the last Breath fly from him. I see now 'tis a thing dreadfull t'#abuse holy Vowes and falls most weightie . take Comfort Sir, #You'r guilty of no death: they#'re onely hurt, and that not mortally . thou breath'st vntruthes, === (WIT:C:81:) ##{Her}. Speake {Gasper}, for me then. . Your vniust Rage, Sir has hurt me, without cause. . 'tis changd to Greif #fo't. how fares my wiffe. . No doubt Sir, She fares well. for She neu'r felt your fury: The poore Sinner that hath this seaven yeere, kept herself sound for you 'tis your luck to bring her into th'#Surgeons hands now. . {Florida}. . She; I know no other, Sir, You were neu'r at charge yet, but with one Light-#horse . why wher#'s your Lady? wher#'s my wiffe to night then . nay ask not me, Sir; your struck-#Doa within tells a strange tale of her . this is vnsufferable Never had man such meanes to make him mad. Oh, that the {Poyson}, would but spare my life till I had found her out. . your wish is graunted Sir, vpon the faithfullnes of a pittying Servant I gaue you none at all; my hart was kinder, Let not Conceyt abuse you, #you'r as healthfull (for any drug,) as life yet-#ever found you. {Ent r} {L[ord]. Gouernor}.the benefit of ever-#pleasing Service blesse thy profession. Oh my worthie Lord I'haue an #ill Bargaine: Never man had worsse the Woman that (vnworthie) weares your Blood to countenance Syn in her: your Neice; she#'s falce, . falce? . Impudent-#adulterous. . #you'r too lowd, and grow too bold too, with her Vertuous Meekenes, === who dare accuse her. . heer#'s one dare and can: she lyes this night with {Celio}, her owne {Seruant}, the Place {Fernand'os} house. . thou do'st amaze vs. . why heere#'s but Lust translated from one Basenes into an other; heere I thought to haue caught#'em, , but lighted wrong, by falce Intelligence and made me hurt the Inocent: But now I#'ll make my Revenge dreadfuller then a Tempest, an Army should not stop me; or a Sea devide#'em from my Revenge. === . I#'ll not speake to haue her sparde, if she be base, and guilty. yf otherwies, heaven will not see her wrongd, (WIT:C:83:) I need not take care for her: Let that Woman be carefully lookd to, (both for health, and surenes,) it is not that mistaken wound, thou wearst shalbe thy priviledge . you cannot torture me worsse then the Surgeon dos: so long I care not. yf she be adulterous I will neuer trust Vertues in Women, #they'r but Veyles for lust. === . to what a lasting Ruine, mischeif Runs, I had thought I had well, and happely ended all in keeping back the poyson, and new rage now spreads a worsse venom; My poore Lady greives me, 'tis strange to me, that her sweet seeming Vertues should be so meanely over-#tooke, with {Celio}, a Seruant, 'tis not possible. === . good morrow Hermio . how? stirring forsooth: here has byn simple stirring: Are yow not hurt Madam: pray speake, we haue a Surgeon ready. . how a Surgeon? . hath byn at work theis five howres. . how he talkes. . did you not meete my {Master}. (WIT:C:84:) ##{Is}. how your {Master}? why came he home to night? . then know you nothing. Madam please you but walk in, yow shall heare strange busines . I'am much beholding to your Truth now, am I not? y'haue seru'd me faire: my creadit#'s staind for ever === {Ext} . this is the wickedst fortune, that ere blewe Wee#'re both vndon, for nothing: ther#'s no way flatters Recovery now; the Thing#'s so grosse her disgrace greives me more, then a liffes losse === . . What death is#'t yow desire for {Almachildes}? . a sodaine, and a subtle. . then I haue fitted yow, here lye the Guifts of both, sodaine, and subtle. his {Picture} made in wax, and gently molten by a blew fire, kindled with dead-#mens Eies will waste him by degrees. . in what time, 'pree-#thee? - perhaps in a Moones progresse, . what? a Moneth? out vpon pictures, if they be so tedious give me things with some life (WIT:C:85:) ##{Hec}. then seeke no farther. . this must be don with speed: dispatchd this night. if it may be possible . I haue it for yow her#'s that will do#'t: stay but perfections time, and that#'s not five howres hence. . Canst thou doe this . Can I? . I meane so closely. . so closely doe you meane too? - so artfully: so cun[n]ingly . worsse, and worsse; doubts, and Incredulities . Can you doubt me then daughter? That can make Mountaines tremble, Miles of woods walk Whole Earthes Foundation bellow, and the Spiritts (WIT:C:86:) of the entombd, to burst-#out from their Marbles; nay, draw yond Moone, to my envolu'd Designes I know as well as can be, when my Mother#'s mad and #or great Catt angrie; for one spitts French then, and th#other spitts Latten. . I did not doubt yow, Mother. . No? what did you My Powre#'s so firme, it is not to be questiond. . forgive what#'s past: and now I know th'#offensivenes that vexes #Art, I#'ll shun th'#occasion ever. . Leave all to me, and my five Sisters, Daughter. It shall be convaid in at Howlott-#time take yow no Care; My Spiritts know their Moments, Rauen, or Screich-#owle never fly by th' dore but they call-#in (I thanck#'em;) and they loose not by#'t I give 'em Barley, soakd in Infants-#Blood they shall haue {Semina}, cum {Sanguine} their gorge crambd full, if they come once to #or house. We are no Niggard. . they fare but too well when they come heather: they eate vp as much t#other night, as would haue made me a good conscionable Pudding (WIT:C:87:) ##{Hec}. give me some {Lizards}-#Braine: quickly Firestone wher#'s Grannam Stadlin, and all the rest o'th Sisters? . all at hand forsooth. . give me Mar maritin}: some {Beare-#breech}: when. . heer#'s {Beare-#breech}, and {Lizards} braine forsooth. . Into the Vessell; and fetch three ownces of the red-#haird-#Girle I killd last midnight. . whereabouts, sweet Mother? . Hip: Hip, or Flanck: where is the {Acopus}? . you shall haue {Acopus}. forsooth. . stir: stir about: whilst I begin the {Charme}. , . . . . . Put in that: oh put in that}. . {heer#'s Libbards Bane} (WIT:C:88:) ##{Hec}. {Put-#in againe} . . {Put in: ther#'s all. and rid the Stench}. . nay heere#s three ounces of the red-#haird wench}. . . so: soe enough: into the Vessell with it there 't'hath the true perfection: I am so light at any mischeif; ther#'s no Villany but is a Tune methinckes . A Tune: 'tis to the Tune of dampnation then: I warrant you: and that Song hath a villanous Burthen. . Come my sweet {Sisters}: let the Aire strike our Tune whilst we show Reverence to yond peeping Moone. === {here they} . , : . My Lord, I haue given you nothing but the truth of a most plaine, and Inocent intent, My wrongs being so apparant, in this Woman (a Crature that robbs Wedlock of all Comfort, (WIT:C:89:) Where ere she fastens) I could doe no lesse but seeke meanes privatly to shame his Folly: No farther reachd my Mallice, and it glads me that none but my base Iniurer is found to be my falce Accusor. this is strange that he should give the wrongs, yet seeke Revenge. first by your Lady, for a falce Intelligence that causd her Absence, which much hurts her Name, though her Intents were blameles: Next by this woman for an Adulterous designe, and Plott practisd betweene you to entrap her Honor, whilst she, for hire, should enioy her Husband. Your Answeare . part of this is truth (my Lord) to which I'am guilty, in a rash Intent, but cleere in Act; and She most cleere in both; not sanctitie more spotles. . oh my Lord . what newes breakes there? . of strange distruction: Here stands the Lady, that within this howre was made a Widow. how? (WIT:C:90:) Your {Neice}, (my Lord.) a fearefull vnexpected Accident brought death, to meet his fury: for my Lord entring {Fernando#'s} house, like a raisd Tempest (wch nothing heedes but its owne violent rage) blinded with Wrath, and Ielouzie, (Which scorne guides) from a falce Trap-#dore, fell into a Depth exceeds a Temples height: Which takes into it part of the doongeon, that falls threescore Faddom vnder the Castle. . oh you Seede of Lust Wrongs, and Revenges wrongfull, with what Terrors yow doe present yourselues to Wretched man, when his soule least expects you? . I forgive him all his wrongs now, and signe it with my pitty . oh my sweet Seruant. looke to yond light {Mistris} . she#'s in a Swowne (my Lord) . Convey her hence, It is a sight would greive a modest eie to see a Strumpetts-#soule sinck into Passion, for him that was the Husband of an other: yet all this cleeres not you? (WIT:C:91:) ##{Seb}. thancks to heaven that I am now of age to cleere myself then. . {Sebastian}? . the same, much wrongd: (Sir) . am I certaine . your service cannot alter me from knowledge. I am your Servant ever. . wellcom to life (Sir) , thou swor'st his death. . I did indeed (my Lord) and haue byn since well paid for#'t: one for-#sworne mouth hath gott me two, or three more here. . I was dead (Sir) both to my Ioies, and all mens vnderstanding till this my howre of life: for 'twas my fortune to make the first of my Returne to Vrbin a witnes to that Marriage: since which time I haue walkd beneath myself, and all my Comforts, like one on Earth, whose Ioyes are laid aboue. and though it had byn offence small in me to enioy my owne, I left her pure, and free. . the greater, and more sacred is thy Blessing, for where Heavens Bountie, holly ground-#work finds (WIT:C:92:) 'tis like a Sea, encompassing chast Minds === . {Hermio}. The {Duchess} Comes my Lord. . be yow then all Wittnesses of an Intent most horrid . one poore night ever {Almachildes} now: better his meaner fortunes wept then ors, that tooke the true height of a Princesse Spirit to Match vnto their Greatnes: such lifes as his were onely made to breake the force of Fate ere it came at vs, and receive the Venom. 'tis but a vsuall frendship for a {Mistris} to loose some forty yeares life, in hopefull time and hazard an eternall soule for ever. as yong as he has don, and more desert-full. . Madam. . my Lord. . this is the howre, that I'haue so long desird the Tumult#'s full appeazd: Now may we both exchange Embraces, with a fortunate Arme and practise to make love-#knotts, thus. . my Lord? === {Duke is} . thus lustfull Woman and bold Murdresse thus. Looke thee, thou shame of Greatnes: Stayne of Honor, behold thy work, and weep before thy death if thou bee'st blessd wth sorrow, and a Conscience (WIT:C:93:) Which is a Guift from heaven, and seldom knocks at any Murderers brest, with sounds of Comfort See, this thy Worthie, and vnequalled Peice a faire encouragement for an other Husband. . bestow me vpon death Sir, I am guilty and of a Cruelty aboue my Cause, his Iniury was too-#low, for my Revenge performes a Iustice, that may light all others to Noble Actions: life is hatefull to me, beholding my dead Lord; Make vs an one in death, whom Marriage made one, of two Living. till cursed fury parted vs; My Lord I covet to be like him. - No, my Sword shall neuer stayne the virgin-#brightnes #on#'t with blood of an Adultresse. . there my Lord, I dare my Accusor, and defy the world Death, shame, and Torment, Blood, I am guilty of but not Adultery: not the breach of Honor. . No: Come forth {Almachildes} === . {Almachildes}? hath Time brought him about to save himself by my distruction? I am iustly doombd . doe yow know this Woman? (WIT:C:94:) ##{Al}. I haue knowne her better Sir, then at this time . but she defies you there. . that#'s the com[m]on trick of them all. . Nay since I am touchd so neere: before my death then In right of Honors Inocence, I am bold to call heaven, and my Woman here to Witnes. My Lord, let her speake truth, or may she perish. === . Then Sir, by all the hopes of a Maids Comfort either in faithfull service, or blessd Marriage the Woman that his blinded folly knew was onely a hirde-#Strumpet: a Professor of Lust, and Impudence: Which here is ready . A com[m]on Strumpet? this Comes of Scarffes; I#'ll neuer more weare an Habberdashers shop before mine eies agen. . my Sword is prowd, thou art lightend of that syn, dye then a Murdresse onely: live a {Duchesse} better then ever loud; embraced, and honord. . my Lord? . Nay, since in honor thou canst iustly rise vanish all wrongs: thy former Practise dies I thanck thee {Almachildes} for my life this Lord, for Truth, and Heaven for such a Wife, Who, though her Intent synd, yet she makes amends (WIT:C:95:) With Greif, and Honor. (Vertues noblest Ends) What greiv'd you then, shall neuer more offend you, Your {Father#'s} Skull, with honor wee#'ll Inter and give the Peace, due to the Sepulcher; === . (WIT:C:TP:) {A Tragi-Coomodie, Called} {the Witch}; . . . The Persons: . {Sebastian Contracted to Isabella}. . {Antonio Husband to Isabella}. {Abberzanes a Gent. neither honest, wise, nor valiant}. {Almachildes a fantasticall Gentleman}. {Gaspero, & Hermio Seruants to Antonio} . The Persons. . . . . . (WIT:C:DED) {To the} Thomas Holmes {Esquier} . -{tion} ({though not without much difficultie) This} {y onely (I thinck) hath made her lie so-#long, in an im-prisond-#Obscuritie :{For yor sake alone, She hath} -{other} .