THE VNNATVRALL COMBAT.
A Tragedie.
The Scaene Marsellis.
Written BY PHILIP MASSINGER.
As it was presented by the Kings Majesties Servants at the GLOBE.
LONDON, Printed by E. G. for IOHN WATERSON, and are to be sold at his shop, at the signe of the Crowne, in S. Pauls Church-yard. 1639.
The persons presented.
- BEaufort senior, Governour of Marsellis.
- Beaufort junior, his sonne.
- Malefort senior, Admirall of Marsellis.
- Malefort junior, his sonne.
- Chamont
- Montagne
- Assistants to the Governour.
- Lanour
- Montrevile, a pretended friend to Malefort senior.
- Belgarde, a poore Captaine.
- Three Sea Captaines of the Navy of Malefort junior.
- Servants.
- Souldiers.
- Theocrine, daughter to Malefort senior.
- Two waiting women.
- Usher. Page.
- Bawde. Two Wenches.
To my much Honoured Friend, ANTHONY SENTLIGER, Of Oukham in Kent, Esquire.
Sir,
THat the Pa [...]ronage of trifles, in this kinde, hath long since rendred Dedications, and Inscriptions obsolete, and out of fashion, I perfectly understand, and cannot but ingenuously confesse, that I walking in the same path, may be truly argued by you of weaknesse, or wilfull errour: but the reasons and defences, for the tender of my service this way to you, are so just, that I cannot (in my thankefulnesse for so many favours received) but be ambitious to publish them. Your noble Father, Sir Warham Sentliger (whose remarkeable vertues must be ever remembred) being, while hee lived, a master, for his pleasure, in Poetry, feared not to hold converse with divers, whose necessitous fortunes made it their profession, among which, by the clemency of his judgement, I was not in the la [...]t place admitted. You (the Heire of his honour an [...]esta [...]e inherited his good inclinations to men of my poore quality, of [Page] which I cannot give any ampler testimony tha [...] y [...] [...]ee and glad profession of it to the world. Besides, (and [...] not the least encouragement to mee) many of eminence and the best of such, who disdained not to take notice of mee, have not thought themselves disparaged, I dare not say honoured, to be celebrated the Patrons of my humble studies. In the first file of which, I am confident, you shall have no cause to blush, to finde your Name written. I present you with this old Tragedie, without Prolog [...], or Epilogue, it being composed in a time (and that too, peradventure, as knowing as this) when such by ornaments, were not advanced above the fabricque of the whole worke. Accept it I beseech you, as it is, and co [...]tinue you favour to the Author.
Your [...] PHILIP MASSINGER.
THE VNNATVRALL COMBAT.
Actus primus,
Scaena prima.
Montrevile, Theocrine, Vsher, Page, wayting Women.
MONTREVILE.
NOW to bee modest Madam, when your are
A suitor for your father, would appeare,
Courser then bouldnesse you a while must part
with soft silence, and the blushings of a virgin,
Though I must grant (did not this cause cōmand
it) They are rich jewells you have ever worne
To all mens admiration, in this age,
If by our owne forc'd importunity,
Or other [...] purchasd intercession, or
Cor [...]upting bribes we can make our approches
To justice guarded, from us by sterne power,
We blesse the meanes, and industry.
Vsh.
Heres musicke
[Page]In this bagge shall wake her, though shee had drunke Opium,
Oraaten Mandrakes, let commanders talke
Of cannons to make breaches, give but fire
To this petarde, it shall blow open Madam
The iron doores of a judge, and make you entrance,
When they (let them doe what they can) with all
Their mines, their culverins, and Basiliscos
Shall coole their feete without, this being the pickelocke
That neverfailes.
Mon.
Tis true, gold can doe much,
But beauty more, were I the governour,
Though the Admirall your father stood convicted
Of what he's only doubted, halfe a dozen
Of sweet close kisses from these cherry lips,
With some short active conf [...]rence in private,
Should signe his generall pardon.
Theo.
These light words [...]ir
Doe ill become the weight of my sad fortune
And I much wonder you that doe professe
Your selfe to be my fathers bosome friend,
Can raise mirth from his misery.
Mon.
You mistake me,
I share in his calamity, and only
Deliver my thoughts freely, what I should doe
For such a rare petitioner, and if
Youle follow the directions, I prescribe
With my best judgement I'll marke out the way
For his inlargement.
Theo.
With all reall joy,
I shall put what you counsell into act,
Provided it be honest.
Mon.
Honesty
In a faire she client (trust to my experience)
Seldome or never prospers, the world's wi [...]ked.
Wee are men, not saints sweet Lady, you must practice
The manners of the time, if you intend
To have favour from it, do not deceive your selfe
[Page]By building too much on the false foundations
Of chastity and vertue, bid your wayters
Stand farther of, and i'll come neerer to you.
2. Wom.
Some wicked counsaile on my life.
2. Wom.
Nere doubt it,
If it proceed from him.
Page.
I wonder that
My Lord so much affects him.
Ush.
Thou art a child and dost not understand on what strong bases this frindship's raisd between this Mountrevile and our Lord Monsieur. Malefort, but ile teach thee from thy yeares they have been joynt purchasers, in furs, & water-works, and truckt together.
Page.
In fire and water works,
Vsh.
Commodities boy
Which you may know hereafter.
Page.
And deale in'em
When the trade has given you over, as appeares (by the increase of your high forehead.
Vsh.
Heare's a cracke,
I thinke they sucke this knowledge in their milke.
Page.
I had had an ignorant nurse else [...] I have tide sir
My Ladies garter, and can ghesse.
Ush.
Peace infant,
Theocrine falls off.
Tales out a schoole take heed you will be britchd else.
1. Wom.
My Ladies colour changes.
2. Wom.
She falls off too.
Theo.
You are a naughty man, indeed you are,
And I will sooner perish with my father
Then at this price redeeme him.
Mon.
Take your owne way,
Your modest legall way, tis not your vayle
Nor mourning habit, nor these creatures taught
To howle, and cry, when you beginne to whimper,
Nor following my Lords coach in the dirt,
Nor that with you relie upon, [...] bribe
Will doe it when there's something he likes better.
[Page]These courses in an old crone of three score,
That had seaven yeares together tirde the court
With tedious petitions and clamors,
For the recovery of a strangling husband,
To pay forsooth the duties of one to her,
But for a Lady of your tempting beauties,
Your youth and ravishing features to hope only
In such a suite as this is, to gaine favor
Without exchange of courtesie, you conceive me,
Enter Beaufort and Belgarde.
Were madnes at the height, heres brave yong Beaufort
The meteor of Marsellis, one that houlds
The governour his fathers will and power
In more awe then his owne, come, come advance,
Present your bag cramm'd with crowns of the sunne,
Doe you thinke he cares for money? he loves pleasure,
Burne your petition, burne it, he dotes on you,
Upon my knowledge, to his cabinet, doe
And hee will point you out a certaine course,
Be the cause right or wrong to have your father
Releasd with much facility.
Exit Mentrevile.
Theo.
Doe you heare?
Take a pander with you.
Iu. Beauf.
I tell thee there is neither
Imployment yet nor money.
Belg.
I have commanded
And spent my owne meanes in my countries service,
In hope to raise a fortune.
Iu. Beauf.
Many have hop'd so,
But hopes prove seldome certainties with souldiers.
Belg.
If no preferment, let me but receive
My pay that is behinde, to set me up
A taverne, or a vaulting house; while men love
Or drunkennesse, or lechery, they'l nere fayle me:
Shall I have that?
Iu. Beauf.
As our prises are brought in,
Till then you must be patient.
Belg.
In the meane time,
[Page]How shall doe for cloths?
Iu. Beauf.
As most captaines doe
Philosopher like, carry all you have about you.
Belg.
But how shall I do to satisfie C [...]lon Mounsieur,
There lies the doubt.
Iu. Beauf.
Thats easily decided,
My fathers tables free for any man
That hath borne armes.
Belg.
And theres good store of meat?
Iu. Beauf.
Never feare that.
Belg.
I'le seeke no other ordinarie then,
But be his daily ghest without invitement,
And if my stomacke hould, lle feed so heartily
As he shall pay me suddainely to be quit of me.
Iu. Beauf.
Tis shee.
Belg.
And further.
Iu. Beauf.
Away you are troublesome,
Designes of more weight.
Belg.
Ha faire Theocrine,
Nay if a velvet peticote move in the front
Buffe jerkins must to the rere, I know my manner [...]
This is indeed great businesse, [...] ne a gugawe
I may dance attendance, this must be dispatchd,
And suddainly, or all will goe to wracke.
Exit.
Charge her home in the flank my Lord, nay I am gone sir, Belgarde
Iu. Beauf.
Nay pray you Madam rise, or I'll kneele with you.
Page.
I would bring you on your knees, were I a woman.
Iu. Beauf.
What is it can deserve so poore a name,
As a suite to me? this more then mortall forme
Was fashioned to command and not intreate,
Your will but knowne is served.
Theo.
Great Sir, my father
My brave deserving father, but that sorrow
Forbids the use of speech.
Iu. Beauf.
I understand you,
Without the ayds of those interpreters
That fall from your faire eies, I know you labour,
[Page]the libertie of your father, at the least
an equall hearing to acquit himselfe:
and 'tis not to endeere my service to you,
though I must adde and pray you with patience heare it,
'tis hard to be effected, in respect
the State's incens'd against him: all presuming
the world of outrages his impious sonne,
turn'd worse than Pirat in his cruelties
expres'd to this poore Countrey, could not be
with such ease put in execution, if
your father (of late our great Admirall)
held not or correspondencie, or conniv'd
at his proceedings.
Theoc.
And must he then suffer,
his cause unheard?
Beauf. jun.
As yet it is resolv'd so,
in their determination. But suppose,
for I would nourish hope, not kill it in you,
I should divert the torrent of their purpose,
and render them that are implacable,
impartiall Judges, and not sway'd with spleene:
will you, I dare not say in recompence,
for that includes a debt you cannot owe me,
but in your liberall bountie, in my suit
to you be gracious?
Theoc.
You entreat of me, Sir,
what I should offer to you, with confession
that you much undervalue your owne worth,
should you receive me. Since there come with you
not lustfull fires, but faire and lawfull flames.
but I must be excus'd, ' [...]is now no time
for me to thinke of Hyme [...]ae [...]ll joyes.
Can he (and pray you, Sir, consider it)
that gave me life, and faculties to love,
be, as he is now ready to be devour'd
by ravenous wolves, and at that instant, I
but entertaine a thought of those delights.
[Page]in which perhaps my ardor meets with your?
dutie and pie [...]ie forbid it, Sir.
Beauf. jun.
But this effected, and your father free,
what is your answer?
Theoc.
Everie minute to me
will be a tedious age till our embraces
are warrantable to the world.
Beauf. jun.
I urge no more, confirme it with a kisse.
Theoc.
I doubly feale it.
Vsher.
This would doe better a bed, the businesse ended,
they are the lovingest Couple.
Enter Beaufort senior, the Governour M [...]ntaigne, Cham [...]nt, Lanour.
Beauf. jun.
Here comes my father
with the Councell of war, deliver your petition,
[...]nd leave the rest to me.
Beauf. sen.
I am sorrie, Lady,
your fathers guilt compels your innocence
[...] aske what I in justice must denie.
Beauf. jun.
For my sake, Sir, pray you receive, and read it.
Beauf. sen.
Thou foolish boy, I can deny thee nothing.
Beauf. jun.
Thus far we are happie. Madam quit the place,
[...]ou shall heare how we succeed.
Theoc.
Goodnesse reward you.
Exeunt Theocrius, Vsher, Page, Women.
Mont.
It is apparent, and we stay too long
[...]o censure Malefort as he deserves.
Cham.
There is no colour of reason that makes for him:
[...]ad he discharg'd the trust committed to him,
[...]ith that experience and fidelitie
he practis'd heretofore, it could not be
our Navie should be block'd up, and in our sight
our goods made prize, our Sailors sold for slaves,
[...]y his prodigious issue.
Lan.
I much grieve,
[...]fter so many brave and high atchievements,
he should in one ill forfeit all the good
he ever did his Countrey.
Beauf. sen.
[Page]Well, 'tis granted.
Beauf. jun.
I humbly thanke you, Sir.
Beauf sen.
He shall have hearing,
his irons too strucke off, bring him before us;
but seeke no further favour.
Beauf. jun.
Sir, I dare not.
Exit Beauf. jun.
Beauf. sen.
Monsieur Chamont, Montaigne, Lanour, assistants
by a Commission from the most Christian King
in punishing, or [...]reeing Malefort
our late great Admirall: though I know you need not
instructions from me, how to dispose of
your selves in this mans triall (that exacts
your cleerest judgements) give me leave with favour
to offer my opinion: we are to heare him,
a little looking backe on his faire actions,
loyall, and true demeanour, not as now
by the generall voyce, already he's condemn'd.
But if we finde (as most beleeve) he hath held
intelligence with his accursed sonne,
fal [...]e off from all allegeance, and turn'd
(but for what cause we know not) the most bloudy
and fatall enemie, this Countrey ever
repented to have brought forth, all compassion
of what he was, or may be, if now pardon'd,
we sit ingag'd to censure him with all
extremitie and rigour.
Ch [...].
Your Lordship shewes us
a path which we will tread in.
Lan.
He that leaves
to follow, as you lead, will lose himselfe.
Mont.
I'le not be singular.
Enter Beausort junior, Montreville, Malefort sen. Belgarde, Officers.
Beauf. sen.
He comes, but with
a strange distracted looke.
Mal. sen.
Live I once more
to see these hands and armes fre? these, that often
[Page]In the most dreadfull horror of a fight,
Have beene as sea-markes to teach such as were
Seconds in my attempts, to steere betweene
The rocks of too much dating, and pale feare,
To reach the Port of victory? When my sword,
Advancd thus, to my enemies appear'd
A hairy comet, threatenning death and ruine
To such as durst behold it. These the legs
That when our ship were grappl'd, carried me
With such swift motion from decke to decke,
As they that saw it, with amazment cri'd;
He does not runne, but flies.
Montte.
He still retaines
The greatnesse of his spirit.
Mal. sen.
Now crampt with irons,
Hunger, and could, they hardly doe support me.
[...]ut I forget my selfe. O my good Lords
That [...]it there as my judges to determine
The life and death of Malefort, where are now
Those shoutes, those chearefull lookes, those loud applauses
With which when I return'd loaden with spoile
You entertain'd your Admirall [...] all's forgotten,
And I stand here to give accompt for that
Of which I am a [...] free, and innocent
As he that never saw the eyes of him,
[...]or whom I stand suspected.
Beauf. sen.
Monsieur Malefort
[...]et not your passion so farre transport you
[...] to believe from any private malice,
[...]r envie to your person you are question'd,
[...]or doe the suppositions want waight,
That doe invite us to a strong assurance,
Your sonne.
Mal. sen.
My shame.
Beauf. sen.
Pray you heare with patience, ever
Without assistance, or sure aids from you,
Could with the pirates of Argers and Tun [...],
[Page]ev'n those that you had almost twice defeated,
acquire such credit, as with them to be
made absolute commander? (p [...]y you observe me)
if there had not some [...] pas [...]'d betweene you,
that when occasion [...]v'd you would [...] y [...] with 'em
to the ruine of Marcellis?
Mont.
More, what urg'd
your sonne to turne Aposta [...]?
Cham.
Had he from
the State, or Governour, the least n [...]glect
which envie could interpret for a wrong?
Lan.
Or if you slept not in your charge, how could
so many ships as doe infest our Coast
and have in our owne Harbor shut our Navie
come in unfought with?
Beauf. jun.
They put him hardly [...]o it.
Mal. sen.
My Lords, with as much brev [...]ie as I can,
I'll answer each particular objection
with which you charge me. The mai [...] ground, on which
you raise the[?] building of your accusition,
hath reference to my so [...]e should I now curse him,
or wish in th' agonie of my troubled soule,
lightning had found him in his mothers [...]
you'll say is from the purpose, and I therefore
betake him to the Devill, and so leaveth [...]
Did never loyall father but my selfe
beget a treacherous issue? was't in me
with as much ease to fashion up his minde,
as in his generation to forme,
the organs to his body? must it follow
because that he is impious, I am false?
I would not boast my actions, yet [...]is lawfull
to upbraid my benefits to unthankfull men.
Who suncke the Turkish gallies in the Scraights.
but Malefort? who rescu'd the French [...],
when they were boorded, and stowed under harches
by the Pirats of Argie [...]when everie [...]
[Page]they did expect to be chain'd to the oare,
but your now doubted Admirall? then you fill'd
the aire with shouts of joy, and did proclaime
when hope had left them, and gr [...]m, look'd Despaire
hover'd with saile-stretche wings over their heads,
to me, as to the Neptune of the Sea,
they ow'd the restitution of their goods,
their lives, their liberties. O can it then
be probable, my Lords, that he that never
became the master of a Pirat [...] ship,
but at the maine yard hung the Captaine up,
and caus'd the rest to be throwne over boord,
should after all these proofes of deadly ha [...]e,
so oft expres'd against'em, entertaine
a thought of quarter with'em, but much lesse
(to the perpetuall ruine of my glories)
to joyne with them to lift a wicked arme
against my mother Countrey, this Marsellis,
which with my prodigall expence of bloud
I have so oft protected.
Beauf. sen.
What you have done
is granted, and applauded, but yet know
this glorious relation of your actions
must not so blinde our judgements, as to suffer
this most unnaturall crime you stand accus'd of,
to passe unquestion'd.
Cham.
No, you must produce
reasons of more validitie, and weight,
to plead in your defence, or we shall hardly
conclude you innocent.
Mont.
The large volume of
your former worthy deeds, with your experience,
both what, and when to doe, but makes against you.
Lan.
For had your care and courage beene the same
as heretofore, the dangers we are plung'd in
had beene with ease prevented.
Mal. sen.
What have [...]
[Page]Omitted in the power of flesh, and bloud,
Even in the birth to strangle the designes
Of this hell-bred wolfe my sonne? alas my Lords,
I am no god, nor like him could foresee
His cruell thoughts, and cursed purposes,
Nor would the sun at my command forbeare
To make his progresse to the other world,
Affording to us one continued light.
Nor could my breath dispresse those foggie mists
Coverde with which, and darkenesse of the night,
Their navie undiscernd, without resistance
Beset our harbor? make not that my fault,
Which you in justice must ascribe to fortune.
But if that nor my former acts, nor what
I have deliverd, can prevaile with you
To make good my integritie and truth:
Rip up this bosome; and plucke out the heart
That hath beene ever loyall.
Beauf sen.
How! a trumpet!
Enquire the cause.
A trumpet within. Montrevle goes off.
Mal.
Thou searcher of mens hearts,
And sure defender of the innocent,
(My other crying sinnes, a while not lookd on)
If I in this am guiltie strike the dead,
Or by some unexpected meanes confirme,
I am accusd unjustly.
Enter Montrevile and a sea Captai [...]
Beauf. sen.
Speake the motives
That brings thee hither.
Capt.
From our Admirall thus,
He does salute you fairely, and desires
It may be understood no publike hate,
Hath brought him to Marse [...]lis, nor see [...] he
The ruine of his countrie, but aimes only
To wreake a private wrong; and if from you
He may have leave, and liber [...]y to decide it
In a single combate, he'll give up good pledges
[Page]If he fall in the triall of his right,
Wee shall waigh anchor and no more molest
This towne with hostile armes.
Beauf. sen.
Speake to the man,
(If in this presence he appeare to you)
To whom you bring this challenge.
Cap.
Tis to you;
Beauf. sen.
His father [...]
Montre.
Can it be!
Beauf. jun.
Strange and prodigious.
Mal. sen.
Thou feest I stand unmovd were thy voice thunder
It should not shake mee, say what would the viper?
Cap.
The reverence a fathers name may challenge,
And duty of a soone, no more remembred
He does defie thee to the death.
Mal. sen.
Goe on.
Cap.
And with his sword well prove it on thy head,
Thou art a murtherer, an Atheist
And that al attributes of men turnd furies
Cannot expresse thee, this he will make good
If thou darst give him meeting.
Mal. sen.
Dare I live,
Dare I when mountaines of my sins ore whelme me
At my last gaspe aske for mercie? how I blesse
Thy comming Captaine, never man to me
Arriv'd so opportunely; and thy message,
However it may seeme to threaten death,
Does yield to mee a second life in curing
My wounded honour, stand I yet suspected
As a confederate with this enemie,
VVhom of all men, against all ties of nature
He markes out for destruction? you are just
Immortall powers, and in this merciful,
And it takes from any sorrow, and my shame
For being the father to so bad a sonne,
In that you are pleasd to offer up the monster
To my correction. Blush and repent
[Page]As you are bound my honourable Lords
Your ill opinions of me, not great Brutus
The father of the Roman liberty
With more assured constancy beheld
His traytor sons, for labouring to call home
The banished Tarquins, scourgd with rods to death,
Then I will show when I take backe the life
This prodigie of mankinde receivd from me.
Beauf. sen.
We are sory Monsieur Malefort for our errour
And are much taken with your resolution
But the disparity of yeares, and strength
Between you, and your sonne, duely considerd
We would not so expose you
Mal. sen.
Then you kill me
Under pretence to save me. O my Lords
As you love honour, and a wrongd mans fame
Denie me not this faire, and noble meanes
To make me right againe to all the world.
Should any other but my selfe be chosen
To punish this Apostata with death,
You rob a wretched father of a justice
That to all after times will be recorded,
I wish his strength were [...]uple, his skill equall
To my experience, that in his fall
He may not shame my victory, I feele
The powers, and spirits of twenty strong men in me.
Were hee with wild fire circl'd, I undaunted
Would make way to him, as you doe affect Sir
My daughter Theocrin [...], as you are
My true and ancient friend, as thou art valiavt,
And as all love a souldier, second me
They all su [...] to the governour.
In this my just petition, in your lookes
I see a grant my Lord.
Beauf. sen.
You shall orebeare me,
And since you are so confident in your cause,
Prepare you for the combate.
Mal. sen.
With more joy
[Page]Then yet I ever tasted, by the next sunne,
The disobedient rebell shall heare from me
And so returne in safety, my good Lords,
To all my service, I will di [...] or purchase
Rest to Marsellis, nor can I make doubt,
But his impietie is a potent charme,
To edge my sword and adde strength to my anne.
Exeunt.
Actus secundi
Scaena prima.
Enter three Sea Captaines.
2. CAPTAINE.
HEE did accept the challenge then?
1. Cap.
Nay more,
Was over joyd in't; and as it had beene
A faire invitement to a solemne feast,
And not a comb [...] to conclude with death,
He chearefully imbrac'd it.
3. Cap.
Are the articles
Sign'd to on both parts?
1. Cap.
At the fathers suit,
With much unwillingnesse the governour
Consented to'em.
2. Cap.
You are inward with
Our Admirall; could you yet never learne
VVhat the nature of the quarrell is, that renders
The sonne, more then incensed, implacable
Against the father?
1. Cap.
Never; yet I have
As far as manners would give warrant to it,
VVith my best curiousnesse of care observ'd him,
I have sa [...]e with him in his cabin a day together,
[Page]Yet not a sillable exchang'd between us,
Sigh he did often, as if inward griefe,
And melancholy at that instant would
Choke up his vitall spirits, and now and then
A teare, or two, as in derision of
The toughnesse of his rugged temper would
Fall on his hallow cheekes, which but once felt,
A sudden flash of fury did dry up,
And laying then his hand upon his sword,
He would murmure, but yes so as I oft hard him,
We shall meete cruell father, yet we shall,
When i'll exact for every womanish drop
Of sorrow from these eies, a strict accompt
Of much more from thy heart.
2. Cap.
Tis wondrous strange.
3. Cap.
And past my apprehension.
1. Cap.
Yet what makes
The miracle greater, when from the maine top
A sayle's descride, all thoughts that doe concerne
Himselfe layd by, no Lyon pinchd with hunger,
Rowzes himselfe more fiercely from his den,
Then he comes on the decke, and there how wisely
He gives directions, and how stout he is
In his executions, we to admiration,
Have beene eye-witnesses, yet he never minds
The bootie when tis made ours, but as if
The danger, in the purchase of the prey
Delighted him much more then the rewarde,
His will made knowne he does retire himselfe
To his private contemplation, no joy
Express [...]d by him for victory,
Enter Malefort junior.
2. Cap.
Heare he comes
But with more chearefull lookes then ever yet
I saw him weare.
Mal. jun.
It was long since resolv'd on
Nor must I stagger now, may the cause
That forces mee to this unnaturall act,
[Page]Be buried in everlasting silence,
And I finde rest in death, or my revenge,
To either I stand equall. Pray you Gentlemen
Be charitable in your censures of me,
And doe not entertaine a false beleefe
That I am mad, for undertaking that
Which must be, when effected, still repented.
It addes to my calamitie that I have
Discourse and reason, and but too well know
I can nor live, nor end a wretched life,
But both wayes I am impious. Doe not therefore
Ascribe the perturbation of my soule
To a servile feare of death: I oft have view'd
All kindes of his inevitable darts,
Not are they terrible. Were I condemn'd to leape
From the cloud-covered browes of a steepe rocke
Into the deepe; or Curtius-like to fill up,
For my Countries safetie and an after name,
A bottomlesse A bysse, or charge through fire,
It could not so much shake me, as th' encounter
Of this dayes single enemie.
1. Cap.
If you please, Sir,
You may shunit, or defer it.
Mal. jun.
Not for the world:
Yet two things I entreat you, the first is,
You'll not enquire the difference betweene
My selfe and him, which as a father once
I honour'd, now my deadliest enemie,
The last is, if I fall, to beare my body
Far from this place, and where you please interre it.
I should say more, but by his sudden comming
I am cut off.
Enter Beaufort junior, and Montrevile leading in Malefort senior; Belgards following with others.
Beauf. jun.
Let me, Sir, have the honour
To be your second.
Montr.
[Page]With your pardon, Sir,
I must put in for that, since our tried friendship
Hath lasted from our infancie.
Belg.
I have serv'd
U [...]der your command, and you have seen me fight,
And handsomely, though I say it, and if now
At this downeright game, I may but hold your cards,
I'll not pull downe the side.
Mal. sen.
I rest much bound
To your so noble offers, and I hope
Shall finde your pardon, though I now refuse'em,
For which I'll yeeld strong reasons, but as briefly
As the time will give me leave. For me to borrow
(That am suppos'd the weaker) any aid
From the assistance of my Seconds sword,
Might write me downe in the blacke list of those,
That have nor fire, nor spirit of their owne;
But dare, and doe, as they derive their courage
From his example, on whose help and valour
They wholly doe depend. Let this suffice
In my excuse for that. Now if you please
On both parts to retire to yonder mount,
Where you, as in a Roman Theater,
May see the bloudy difference determin'd,
Your favours meet my wishes.
Mal. jun.
'Tis approv'd of
By me, and I command you lead the way,
And leave me to my fortune.
Beauf. jun.
I would gladly
Be a spectator (since I am deni'd
To be an Actor) of each blow, and thrust,
And punctually observe'em.
Mal. jun.
You shall have
All you desire; for in a word or two
I must mak [...] bold to entertaine the time,
If he give suffrage to it.
Mal. sen.
Yes, I will,
[Page]I'll heare thee, and then kill thee: nay farewell.
Mal. jun.
Embrace with love on both sides, and with [...]s
Leave deadly hate, and furie.
Mal. sen.
From this place
You nere shall see both living.
Belg.
What's past help, is
They embrace on both sides, and take leave severally of the father and sonne.
Beyond prevention.
Mal. sen.
Now we are alone, Sir,
And thou hast libertie to unlode the burthen
Which thou groan'st under. Speake thy griefes.
Mal. jun.
I shall, Sir;
But in a perplext forme and method, which
You onely can interpret; would you had not
A guiltie knowledge in your bosome of
The language which you force me to deliver,
So I were nothing. As you are my father
I bend my knee, and uncompell'd professe
My life, and all thats mine, to be your gift;
And that in a sonnes dutie I stand bound
To lay this head beneath your feet, and run
All desperate hazards for your ease and safetie.
But this confest on my part, I rise up,
And not as with a father, (all respect,
Love, feare, and reverence cast off,) but as
A wicked man I thus expostulate with you.
Why have you done that which I dare not speake,
And in the action chang'd the humble shape
Of my obedience, to rebellious rage
And insolent pride? and with shut eyes constrain'd me
To run my Barke of honour on a shelfe,
I must not see, nor if I saw it, shun it?
In my wrongs nature suffers, and lookes backward,
And mankinde trembles to see me pursue
What beasts would flie from. For when I advance
This sword, as I must doe against your head,
Pietie will weepe, and filiall dutie mourne,
To see their altars which you built up in me,
[Page]In a moment raz'd and ruin'd, that you could
(From my griev'd soule I wish it) but produce
To qualifie, not excuse your deed of horror,
Ou [...] seeming reason that I might fix here,
And move no father.
Mal. sen.
Have I so far lost
A fathers power, that I must give account
Of my actions to my sonne? or must I plead
As a fearefull prisoner at the bar, while he
That owes his being to me sirs a Judge
To censure that, which onely by my selfe
Ought to be question'd? mountaines sooner fall
Beneath their vallies, and the loftie Pine
Pay homage to the Bramble, or what else is
Preposterous in nature, ere my tongue
In one short fillable yeelds satisfaction
To any doubt of thine, nay though it were
A certaintie disdaining argument.
Since though my deeds wore Hel [...] blacke liverie,
To thee they should appeare triumphall robes,
Set off with glorious honour, thou being bound
To see with my eyes, and to hold that reason,
That takes or birth or fashion from my will.
Mal. jun.
This sword divides that slavish knot.
Mal. sen.
It cannot,
It cannot wretch, and if thou but remember
From whom thou hadst this spirit, thou dar'st not hope it.
Who train'd thee up in armes but I? Who taught thee
Men were men onely when they durst looke downe
With scorne on death and danger, and contemn'd
All opposition, till plum'd victorie
Had made her constant stand upon their helmets?
Under my shield thou hast fought as securely
As the young Eglet, covered with the wings
Of her fierce Dam, learnes how and where to prey.
All that is manly in thee, I call mine;
But what is weake and womanish, thine owne.
[Page]And what I gave, since thou art proud, ungratefull,
Presuming to contend with him, to whom
Submission is due, I will take from thee.
Looke therefore for extremities, and expect not
I will correct thee as a sonne, but kill thee
As a Serpent swolne with poyson, who surviving
A little longer, with infections breath,
Would render all things neere him, like it selfe
Contagious. Nay, now my anger's up,
Ten thousand virgins kneeling at my feet,
And with one generall crie howling for mercie,
Shall not redeeme thee.
Mal. jun.
Thou incensed Power,
A while forbeare thy thunder, let me have
No aid in my revenge, if from the grave
My mother.
Mal. sen.
Thou shalt never name her more.
Above Beauf. jun. Montr. Belg. the three Sea Capt.
Beauf.
They are at it.
2. Cap.
That thrust was put strongly home.
Montr.
But with more strength avoyded.
Belg.
Wellcome in,
He has drawne bloud of him yet, well done old Cocke.
1. Cap.
That was a strange misse.
Beauf. jun.
That a certaine hit.
Belg.
Hee's falne, the day is ours.
Young Malefort slaine.
2. Cap.
The Admiral's slaine.
Montr.
The father is victorious!
Belg.
Let us haste
To gratulate his conquest.
1. Wee to mourne
The fortune of the sonne.
Beauf. jun.
With utmost speed
Acquaint the Governour with the good successe,
That he may entertaine to his full merit,
The father of his Countries peace and safetie.
They descend.
Mal. sen.
Were a new life hid in each mangled limbe,
I would search, and finde it. And howere to some
[Page]I may seeme cruell, thus to tyrannize
Upon this senslesse flesh, I glorie in it.
That I have power to be unnaturall,
Is my securitie, die all my feares,
And waking jealousies, which have so long
Beene my tormentors, theres now no suspition;
A fact, which I alone am conscious of,
Can never be discover'd, or the cause
That call'd this Duell on. I being above
All perturbations, nor is it in
The power of Fate, againe to make me wretched.
Enter Beaufort jun. Montrevile. Belgarde, the three Sea Captaines.
Beauf. jun.
All honour to the Conquerour.
Who dares tax
My friend of treacherie now?
Belg.
I am verie glad, Sir,
You have sped so well. But I must tell you thus much,
To put you in minde that a low ebbe must follow
Your high swolne tide of happinesse, you have purchast this
[...]our at a high price.
Mal. sen.
'Tis Belgards,
Above all estimation, and a little
To be exalted with it cannot savour
Of arrogance: that to this arme and sword,
Mar [...]ellis owes the freedome of her feares,
Or that my loyaltie not long since eclips'd,
Shines now more bright than ever, are not things
to be lamented. Though indeed they may
Appeare too dearely bought, my falling glories
Being made up againe, and cemented
With a sonnes bloud. 'Tis true, he was my sonne
While he was worthy, but when he shooke off
His dutie to me, (which my fond indulgence
Upon submission might perhaps have pardon'd)
And grew his Counties enemie, I look'd on him
As a Stranger to my family, and a Traytor
[Page]Justly proscrib'd, and he to be rewarded
That could bring in his head. I know in this
That I am censur'd rugged and austere,
That will vouchsafe not one sad sigh or teare
Vpon his slaughter'd body. But I rest
Well satisfi'd in my selfe, being assur'd
That extraordinarie vertues, when they soare
Too high a pitch for common fights to judge of,
Losing their proper splendour, are condemn'd
For most remarkable vices.
Beauf.
Tis too true, Sir,
In the opinion of the multitude:
But for my selfe that would be held your friend,
And hope to know you by a nearer name,
They are as they deserve, receiv'd.
Mal.
My daughter
Shall thanke you for the favour.
Beauf. jun.
I can wish
No happinesse beyond it.
1. Cap.
Shall we have leave
To beare the corps of our dead Admirall,
As he enjoyn'd us from this Coast?
Mal.
Provided
The articles agreed on be observ'd,
And you depart hence with it, making oath
Never hereafter but as friends to touch
Vpon this shore.
1. Cap.
Wee'll faithfully performe it.
Mal.
Then as you please dispose of it. Tis an object
That I could wish remou'd. His sins die with him,
So far he has my charitie.
1. Cap.
He shall have
The Sea Captaines beare the body off with sad musicks.
A Souldiers funerall.
Mal.
Farewell.
Beauf. jun.
These rites
Paid to the dead, the Conquerour that survives
Must reape the harvest of his bloudy labour.
[Page]Sound all l [...]d instruments of joy and triumph,
And with all circumstance, and ceremonie
Wait on the Patron of our libertie,
Which he at all parts merits.
Mal.
I am honour'd.
Beyond my hopes.
Beauf. jun.
'Tis short of your deserts.
Lead on: Oh Sir you must: you are too modest.
Exeunt with loud musicke.
Actus secundi
Scaena secunda.
Theocrine, Page, Women.
Theoc.
Talke not of comfort, I am both wayes wretched,
And so distracted with my doubts and feares,
I know not where to fix my hopes. My losse
Is certaine in a father, or a brother,
Or both, such is the crueltie of my fate,
And not to be avoyded.
1. Wom.
You must beare it
With patience, Madam.
2. Wom.
And what's not in you
To be prevented, should not cause a sorrow
Which cannot help it.
Page,
Feare not my brave Lord
Your noble father; fighting is to him
Familiar as eating. He can teach
Our moderne Duellists how to cleave a button,
And in a new way, never yet found out
By old Caranza.
1. Wom.
May he be victorious,
And punish disobedience in his sonne,
Whose death in reason should at no part move you,
He being but halfe your brother, and the neernesse,
Which that might challenge from you, forfelted
By his impious purpose to kill him, from whom
He receiv'd life.
A shout within.
2. Wom.
[Page]A generall shout.
1. Wom.
Of joy.
Page.
Looke up deare Lady, sad newes never came
[...]sherd with loud applause.
Enter Vs [...]r.
Theo.
I stand prepard,
To indure the shocke of it.
Vsh.
I am out of breath
With running to deliver first.
Theo.
What?
Vsh.
Wee are all made,
My Lord has wont the day, your brother's slaine,
The pirats gone, and by the governour,
And states, and all the men of war he is
[...]ought home in triumph, nay no musing, pay me
For my good newes hereafter.
Theo.
Heaven is just!
Vsh.
Give thankes at leasure, make all hast to meete him
I coulde wish I were a horse that I might beare you
To him upon my backe.
Page.
Thou art an asse,
And this is a sweete burthen.
Vsh.
Peace you crackrope.
Exeunt.
Actus secundi
Scaena tertia.
Loud musicke, Montrevile, Belgarde, Beaufort junior, Beaufort senior, Malefort, followed by Montaigne, Chament Lanour.
Beauf. sen.
All honours we can give you and rewards
Though all that's rich, or precious in Marsellis
Were layd downe at your feet, can hold no waight
With your deservings, let me glory in
Your action as if it were mine owne,
And have the honour with the armes of love,
To emb [...]ce the great performer of a deed,
[Page]Transcending all this Countrey ere could boast of.
Mont.
Imagine, noble Sir, in what we may
Expresse our thankfulnesse, and rest assur'd
It shall be freely granted.
Cham.
Hee's an enemie
To goodnesse and to vertue, that dares thinke
There's any other thing within our power to give,
Which you in justice may not boldly challenge.
Lan.
And as your owne, for we will ever be
At your devotion.
Mal.
Much honour'd Sir,
And you my noble Lords, I can say onely,
The greatnesse of your favours overwhelme me,
And like too large a saile, for the small barke
Of my poore merits, sinks me. That I stand
Vpright in your opinions, is an honour
Exceeding my deserts, I having done
Nothing but what in dutie I stood bound to:
And to expect a recompence were base,
Good deeds being ever in themselves rewarded.
Yet since your liberall bounties tell me that
I may with your allowance be a Suitor,
To you my Lord I am an humble one,
And must aske that, which knowne, I feare you will
Censure me over. bold.
Beauf. sen.
It must be something
Of a strange nature, if it finde from me
Deniall or delay.
Mal.
Thus then my Lord,
Since you encourage me: You are happie in
A worthy sonne, and all the comfort that
Fortune has left me is one daughter; now
If it may not appeare too much presumption,
To seeke to match my lownesse with your height,
I should desire (and if I may obtaine it,
I write Nilultra to my largest hopes)
She may in your opinion be thought worthy
[Page]To be receiv'd into your family,
And married to your sonne: their yeares are equall,
And their desires I thinke too, she is not
[...] noble, not my state contemptible,
And if you thinke me worthy your alliance,
[...] is all I doe aspire to.
Beauf. jun.
You demand
That which with all the service of my life
I should have labour'd to obtaine from you.
O, Sir, why are you slow to meet fo faire
And noble an offer? Can France shew a virgin
That may be parallel'd with her? Is she not
The Phoenix of the time? the fairest star
In the bright sphere of women?
Beauf. sen.
Be not rap'd so:
Though I dislike not what is motion'd, yet
In what so neere concernes me, it is fit
I should proceed with judgement.
Enter Vsher, Theocrine, Page, Women.
Beauf. jun.
Here she comes,
Looke on her with impartiall eyes, and then
Let envie if it can, name one grac'd feature
In which she is defective.
Mal.
Welcome Girle:
My joy, my comfort, my delight, my all,
Why dost thou come to greet my victorie
[...] such a sable habit? this shew'd well
When thy father was a prisoner, and suspected;
[...]ut now his faith and loyaltie are admir'd,
Rather than doubted, in your outward garments
You are to expresse the joy you feele within;
Nor should you with more curiousnesse and care,
Pace to the Temple to be made a Bride,
Than now, when all mens eyes are fixt upon you,
You should appeare to entertaine the honour
From me descending to you, and in which
You have an equall share.
Theo.
[Page]Heaven has my thankes
With all humility payd for your faire fortune,
And so farre duty bindes me, yee a little
To mou [...]ne a brothers losse however wicked,
The tendernesse familiar to our sex
May if you please excuse
Mal.
Thou art deceiv'd,
Hee living was a blemish to thy beauties,
But in his death gives ornament, and lustre
To thy perfections, but that they are
So exquisitly rare, that they admit not
The least addition. H [...]a! here [...] yet a print
Of a sad teare on thy cheeke, how it takes from
Our present happinesse! with a fathers lips,
A loving fathers lips, i'll kisse it off
The cause no more remembred.
Theo.
You forget Sir
The presence we are in.
Mal.
Tis well considered,
And yet who is the owner of a treasure,
Above all valew, but without offence,
May glory in the glad possession of it.
Nor let it in you excellence beget wonder,
Or any here that looking on the daughter,
I feast my selfe in the imagination
Of those sweet pleasures, and allowd delights,
I tasted from the mother, who still lives
In this her perfit modell, for she had
Such smooth & high archd brows, such sparkling eies
Whose every glance stord Cupids emptied quiver;
Such ruby lips, and such a lovely browne,
Disdaining all adulterate ayds of art,
Kep'd a perpetuall spring upon her face,
As death himselfe lamented being forc'd
To blast it with his palenesse, and if now,
Her brightnes dimd with sorrow, take and please you,
Thinke think young Lord, when she appeares her selfe
[Page](This vayle remov'd) in her owne naturall purenesse
How farre she will transport you.
Beauf. jun.
Did she need it,
The praise which you (and well deservd) give to her
Must of necessity raise new desires
In one indebted more to yeares; to me
Your words are but as oyle powr'd on a fire,
That flames already at the height.
Mal.
No more;
I doe believe you, and let me from you
Finde so much credit, when I make her yours
I doe possesse you of a gift, which I
With much unwillingnesse part from. My good Lords
For beare your further trouble, give me leave, for on the suddaine I
am indisposd to retire to my owne house, and rest. Tomorrow
As you command me I will be your ghest,
And having deckt my daughter like her selfe,
You shall have farther conference.
Beauf. sen.
You are Master
Of your owne will but fayle not i'll expect you.
Mal.
Nay I will be excusd, I must part with you
My dearest Theocrine give me thy hand,
To young Beaufort and the rest.
I will support thee.
Theo.
You gripe it too hard Sir.
Mal.
Indeed I doe, but have no farther end in it,
But love and tendernesse such as I may challenge
And you must grant. Thou art a sweet one ye [...]
And to be cherished.
They goe off several w [...]y [...]
Theo.
May I still deserve it.
Actus tertii
Scaena prima.
Enter Beaufort senior, Servant.
Beaufort senior.
HAve you beene carefull?
Serv.
With my best endevours,
Let them bring stomacks, theres no want of meat Sir:
Portly and curious viands are prepar'd,
To please all kindes of appetites.
Beauf. sen.
Tis well.
I love a table furnishe with full plentie,
And store of friends to eat it, but with this caution,
I would not have my house a common Inne,
For some men that come rather to devoure me,
Than to present their service. At this time too
It being a serious and solemne meeting,
I must not haue my boord pester'd with shadowes,
That under other mens protection breake in
Without invitement.
Serv.
With your favour then,
You must double your gard, my Lord, for on my knowledge
There are some so sharp se [...], not to be kept out
By a file of Musket [...]e [...]s, And 'els lesse danger,
I'll undertake, to stand at push of pike
With an enemie in a breach, that undermin'd too,
And the Cannon playing on it, than to stop
One Harpie, your perpetuall ghest, from entrance,
When the dresser, the Cookes drum, thunders come on,
The service will be lost else.
Beauf. sen.
What is hee?
Serv.
As tall a trencher-man, that is most certaine,
As ere demolisht Pie-fortification
As soone as batter'd; and if the rim of his belly
[Page]Were not made up of a much tougher stuffe
Than his Buffe jerkin, there were no defence
Against the charge of his guts: you needs must know him,
He's eminent for his eating.
Beauf. sen.
O Belgarde!
Serv.
The same, one of the Admirals cast Captaines,
Who sweare, there being no war, nor hope of any,
The onely drilling is to eat devoutly,
And to beever drinking, (that's allow'd of)
But they know not where to get it, there's the spi [...]e on' [...].
Beauf. sen.
The more their miserie, yet if you can
For this day put him off.
Serv.
It is beyond th'invention of man.
Beauf. sen.
No: say this onely,
Whispers to him.
And as from me; you apprehend me?
Serv.
Yes Sir.
Beauf. sen.
But it must be done gravely.
Serv.
Never doubt me Sir.
Beauf. sen.
Wee'll dine in the great roome, but let the musick
And banquet be prepar'd here.
Exit Beauf. sen.
Serv.
This will make him
Lose his dinner at the least, and that will vex him.
As for the sweet meats, when they are trod under foot,
Let him take his share with the Pages and Lacqueyes,
Or scramble in the rushes.
Enter Belgarde.
Belg.
Tis neere twelve,
I keepe a watch within me never misses.
Save thee Master Steward.
Serv.
You are most welcome, Sir.
Belg.
Has thy Lord slept well to night? I come to enquire.
I had a foolish dreame, that against my will
Carried me from my lodging, to learne onely
How he's dispos'd.
Serv.
He's in most perfect health, Sir.
Belg.
Let me but see him feed heartily at dinner,
And I'll beleeve so too, for from that ever
[Page]I make a certaine iudgement.
Serv.
It holds surely
In your owne constitution.
Belg.
And in all mens
Tis the best symptome, let us loose no time,
Delay i [...] dangerous.
Serv.
Troth Sir if I might
Without offence deliver what my Lord has
Committed to my trust, I shall receive it
As a speciall favour.
Belg.
Weell fee't, and discourse
As the proverbe sayes for health sake after dinner,
Or rather after supper, willingly then
I'll walke a mile to here thee.
Serv.
Nay good Sir
I will be briefe and pi [...]hee.
Belg.
Prethee be so.
Serv.
Hee bid me say of all his ghests, that he
Stands most affected to you, for the freedome,
And plainnesse of your maners. He ne're observ'd you
To twirle a dish about, you did not like of
All being pleasing to you; or to take
A say of venison, or stale fowle by your nose,
(Which is a solecisme at anothers table)
But by strong ea [...]ing of 'em did confirme
They never were delitious to your palat,
But when they were mortifi'd, as the Hugonot sayes,
And so your part growes greater, nor doe you
Find fault with the sawce, keen hunger being the best,
Which ever to your much praise, you bring with you;
Nor will you with impertinent relations
Which is a master-peece, when meates before you
Forget your teeth to use your nimble tongue
But doe the fea [...]e you come for.
Belg.
Be advis'd
A [...]d end your jeering; for if you proceede
You'll feele, as I can eate I can be angrie,
[Page]And beating may insue.
Serv.
I'll take your counsell,
And roundly come to the point, my Lord much wonders [...]
That you, that are a courtier as a souldier,
In all things else, and every day can vary
Your actions and discourse, continue constant
To this one suite?
Belg.
To one? tis well I have one, Unpawnd, in these dayes, every cast commander is not ble [...] with the fortune, I assure you, but why this question? does this offend him?
Serv.
Not much: but he believes it is the reason,
You nere presume to fit above the salt,
And therefore this day (our great Admirall
With other states being invited ghests)
He does intreate you to appeare among'em,
In some fresh habit.
Belg.
This staffe shall not serve
To beat the dogge off, these are souldiers garments,
And so by consequence grow contemptible.
Serv.
It has stung him.
Belg.
I would I were aquainted with the players,
In charity they might furnish me, but there is
No faith in Brokers, and for believing Taylors
They are only to be read of, but not seene,
And sure they are confinde to their owne hells,
And there they live invisible, well I must not
Be fubd off thus, pray you report my service
To the Lord governour. I will obey him
And though my wardrop's poore, rather then loose
His company at this feast, I will put on
The richest s [...]i [...]e I have, and fill the chaire,
That makes me worthy of—
Exit Belgarde.
Serv.
We are shut of him, he will be seene no more here, how my fellowes
Will blesse me for his absence, he had starv'dem
Had he stayd a little longer, would be cood,
For his owne sake shift a shirt, and thats the utmost
[Page]Of his ambition, adew good Captains—
Exit:
Enter Beaufort Sen, and Beaufort jun.
Beauf. sen.
Tis a strange fondnesse.
Beauf. jun.
Tis beyond example,
His resolution to part with his estate,
To make her dower the waightier is nothing,
But to observe how curious he is
In his owne person to adde ornament
To his daughters ravishing features, is the wonder.
I sent a page of mine in the way of courtship,
This morning to her to present my service,
From whom I understand all: there he found him
Sollicitous in what shape she should appeare,
This gowne was rich, but the fashion stale, the other
Was quaint, and neate, but the stuffe not rich enough,
Then does he curse the Taylor, and in rage
Falls on her Shoomaker, for wanting art
To expresse in every circumstance, the forme
Of her most delicate foote, then s [...]s in counsell
With much deliberation to finde out
What tire would best adorne her; and one chosen
Varying in his opinion, he teares off,
And stamps it under foot, then tries a second
A third and fourth, and satisfied at length
With much a doe in that, he growes agen,
Perplexd and troubl'd where to place her Jewells
To be most mark'd, and whether she, should weare
This diamond on her forehead, or betweene
Her milke-white paps, disputing on it both wayes,
Then taking in this hand, a rope of pearle,
(The best of France) he seriously considers
Whither she should dispose it on her arme
Or on her necke, with 20 other tri [...]es, too redious to deliver.
Beauf. sen.
I have knowne him from his first youth, but never yet observ'd
In all the passages of his life, and fortunes,
Vertues so mix'd with vices, valiant the world speakes him,
But with that bloody; liberall in his gi [...]ts too.
[Page]But to maintaine his prodigall expence,
A fierce extortioner, an impotent lover
Of women for a flash, but his fires quench'd,
Hating as deadly, the truth is I am not
Ambitious of this match: nor will I crosse you in your affections.
Beauf. jun.
I have ever found you,
(And tis my happinesse) a loving father,
Loud musicke.
And carefull of my good:—by the loud musicke,
As you gave order for his entertainment,
He's come into the house two long houres since,
The Colonels, commissioners and captaines,
To pay him all the rites his worth can challenge,
Went to wayt on him hither.
Enter Malefort, Montaigus, Chamont, Lanour, Montrevile, Theocrine, Vsher, Page, Women.
Beauf. sen.
You are most welcome,
And what I speake to you, does from My heart
disperse it selfe to all.
Mal.
You meet my Lord your trouble.
Beauf. sen.
Rather Sir increase of honour,
When you are pleas'd to grace my house.
Beauf. jun.
The Favour [...] doubl'd on my part, most worthy Sir,
Since your faire daughter, my incomparable Mistresse,
Daines us her presence.
Mal.
View her well brave Beaufort,
But yet at distance, you hereafter may
Make your approaches neerer, when the priest
Hath made it lawfull, and were not shee mine,
I durst alowd proclaime it. Hymen never
Put on his s [...]on coloured robe to change
A barren virgin name with more good omen [...],
Then at her nup [...]ialls, looke on her againe,
Then tell me if she now appeare the [...]
That she was yesterday.
Beauf. sen.
Being her selfe
She cannot but be excellent, these rich
And curious dressing [...], which in others might
[Page]Cover deformities, from her take lustre
Nor can adde to her.
Mal.
You conceive her right,
And in your admiration of her sweetnesse,
You only can deserve her; blush not girle,
Thou art above his praise, or mine, nor can
Obsequiou [...] fl [...]ery though she should use
Her thousand oyldtongues to advance thy worth,
Give ought (for thats impossible) but take from
Thy more then humane graces, and even then
When shee hath spent her selfe with her best strength,
The wrong she has done thee shall be so apparent,
That loosing her owne servile shape and name,
She will be thought detraction, but I
Forget my selfe, and something whispers to me,
I have said too much.
Mont.
I know not what to thinke on't,
But there's some mystery in it, which I feare
Will be too soone discover'd.
Mal.
I much wrong
Your patience noble Sir, by too much hugging
My proper issue, and like the foolish crow
Believe my blacke brood sw [...].
Beauf. sen.
There needes not Sir
The least excuse for this, nay I must have
Your arme, you being the master of the feast,
And this the mistris.
Theo.
I am anything
That you shall please to make mee.
Beauf. jun.
Nay tis yours
Without more complement.
Loud musicke.
Exeunt Beaufort senior, Malefort, Theocrine, Beaufort jun Montaigne, Chamont Lanour, Montrevile.
Mont.
Your will's a law [...]ir.
Vsh.
Would I had beene borne a Lord [...]
1. Wom.
Or I a Lady.
Page.
It may be you [...] both be got in court,
[Page]Though bred up in the Citie, for your mothers,
As I have heard lov'd the lobbie, and there nightly
Are seen strange apparitions, and who knowes
But that some noble fawne, heated with wine,
And cloyde with partridge, had a kinde of longing
To trade in sprats? this needs no exposition,
But can you yeeld a reason for your wishes?
Vsh.
Why had I beene borne a Lord, I had beene no servant.
1. Wom.
And where as now necessity makes us wayters,
We had been attended on.
2. Wom.
And might have slept then,
As long as we pleas'd, and fed when we had stomackes,
And worne new cloths, nor liv'd as now in hope
Of a cast gowne, or petticote.
Page.
You are fooles,
And ignorant of your happinesse, ere I was
Sworne to the pantofle, I have heard my tutor
Prove it by logicke, that a servants life
Was better then his masters, and by that
I learne from him, if that my memory falle not,
I'll make it good.
Vsh.
Proceed my little wit
In decim [...] sex [...]e.
Page.
Thus then from the king
To the beggar, by gradation all are servants,
And you must grant the slavery is lesse
To studie to please one, then many.
Vsh.
True.
Page.
Well then, and first to you Sir, you complaine
You serve one Lord, but your Lord serves a thousand,
Besides his passions (that are his worst masters)
You must humor him, and he is bound to sooth
Every gri [...]me Sir above him, if he frowne,
For the least neglect you feare to loose your place,
But if, and with all slavish observation,
From the mignions selfe, to the groome of his close stoole,
He hourly seekes not favour, he is sure
[Page]To be eas' [...] of his office, though perhaps he bought it.
Nay more, that high disposer of all such
That are subordinate to him, serves, and feares
The fury of the many-headed monster,
The giddy multitude [...] And as a horse
Is still a horse, for all his golden trappings,
So your men of purchas'd titles, at their best are
But serving-men in rich liveries.
Vsh.
Most rare infant,
Where learnd'st thou this morality?
Page.
Why thou dull pate,
As I could thee, of my tutor.
2. Wom.
Now for us boy.
Page.
I am cut of the governour.
Enter Beaufort sen. Beaufort junior, Servants setting forth a banquet.
Beauf. sen.
Quicke, quicke [...]irs,
See all things perfit.
Serv.
Let the blame be ours else.
Beauf. sen.
And as I said when we are at the banquet,
And high in our cups, for tis no feast without it,
Especially among souldiers: Theocrine
Being retir'd, as that's no place for her,
Take you occasion to rise from the table,
And lose no opportunity.
Beauf. jun.
Tis my purpose,
And if I can winne her to give her heart,
I have a holy man in readinesse
To joyne our hands, for the Admirall her father repents him of his grant to me, and
So far transported with a strange opinion
of her faire features, that should we desire it,
I thinke ere long he will beleeve, and strongly,
The Daulphine is not worthy of her, I
Am much amazd with't.
Exeunt Beaufort sen.
Beauf. sen.
Nay dispatch there fellowes.
Beaufort junior.
Serv.
We are ready when you please, sweet formes your pardon,
It has beene such a busy time I could not
[Page]Tender that ceremonious respect
Which you deserve, but now the' great worke ended,
I will attend the lesse, and with all care
Observe, and serve you.
Page.
This is a pend speech,
And serves as a perpetuall preface to
A dinner made of fragments.
Vsh.
Wee wayt on you.
Loud Musicke.
Actus tertii,
Scaena tertia.
Beaufort senior, Malefort, Montaigne, Chamoni, Lanour, Beaufort, junior, Montrevile, Servants.
BEAVFORT SENIOR.
YOU are not merry Sir.
Mal.
Yes my good Lord,
You have given us ample meanes to drowne all cares,
And yet I nourish strange thoughts, which I would
Aside.
Most willingly destroy
Beauf. sen.
Pray you take your place,
Beauf. jun.
And drink a health, and let it be if you please
To the worthiest of Women, now observe him.
Mal.
Give mee the bowle, since you doe me the honour,
I will beginne it.
Cham.
May wee know her name Sir?
Mal.
You shall, I will not choose a forraigne Queenes,
Nor yet our owne, for that would relish of
Tame flattery; nor doe their height of title,
Or absolute power confirme their worth and goodnesse,
These being heavens gifts and frequently confer'd
On such as are beneath em; nor will I
Name the king Mistresse howsoever shee
In his esteeme may carry it, but if I [...]
As wine gives liberty, may [...]s [...] my freedome;
[Page]Not swayd this way, or that with confidence,
(And I will make it good on any equall)
If it must be to her, whose outward forme
Is better'd by the beauty of her minde,
She lives not that with justice can pretend
An interest to this so sacred health,
But my faire daughter. He that only doubts it,
I doe pronounce a villain, this to her then.
Drinkes. Loud musicke.
Mont.
What may we thinke of this?
Beauf. sen.
It matters not.
Lan.
For my part I will sooth him rather then
Draw on a quarrell, Chamont.
Mont.
Tis the safest course, and one I mean to follow.
Beauf. jun.
It has gone round Sir.
Exit Beaufort junior.
Mal.
Now you have done her right, if there be any
Worthy to second this, propose it bouldly,
I am your pledge.
Beauf. sen.
Lets pause here if you please,
And entertaine the time with something else,
Musicke there in some lofty straine, the song too
That I gave order for; the new one cald
The souldiers delight?
The song ended: enter Belgarde in armor a case of C [...]rbi [...]es by his side.
Belg.
Who stops mee now?
Or who dares only say that I appeare not
In the most rich and glorious habit that
Renders a man compleate? what court so set off
With state and ceremonious pompe, but thus
Accoutred I may enter? or what feast
Though all the elements at once were ransack'd,
To store it with varietie transcending
The curiousnesse, and cost, on Traians birth day,
(Where princes only, and confederat kings
Did sit as ghests, serv'd, and attended on
By the senators of Rome, sat with a souldier
In this his naturall, and proper shape
Might not and bouldly fill a seat, and by
[Page]His present make the great solemnity
More honour'd and remarkeable?
Beauf. sen.
Tis acknowledg'd,
And this a grace done to me unexpected.
Mont.
But why in armor?
Mal.
What's the mysterie?
Pray you reveale that.
Belg.
Souldiers out of action,
That very rare, but like unbidden ghests
Bring their stooles with [...]em, for their owne defence,
At court should feed in gauntle [...]s, they may have
Their fingers cut else; there your carpet knights,
That never charg'd beyond a mistresse lips,
Are still most keene, and valiant, but to you
Whom it does most concem, my Lord, I will
Addresse my speech, and with a souldiers freedome
In my reproofe returne the bitter scoffe,
You threw upon my poverty, you contemn'd
My courser outside, and from that concluded,
(As by your groome you made me understand)
I was unworthy to sit at your table,
Among these tissues, and imbroideries,
Unlesse I chang'd my habit, I have done it,
And show my selfe in that which I have worne
In the heate and servor of a bloudy fight,
And then it was in fashion, not as now
Ridiculous, and despis'd, this hath past through
A wood of pikes, and every one aim'd at it,
Yet scornd to take impression from their fury
Wi [...]h this, as still you see it fresh and new
I have charg'd through fire that would have sing'd your sables
Blacke fox, and ermins, and chang'd the proud colour
Of Skatlet though of the right Tirian die;
But now as if the trappings made the man, such only are
Admir'd that come adorn'd
With what's no part of them, this is mine owne
My richest suit, a suite I must not part from,
[Page]But not regarded now, and yet remember
Tis we that bring you in the meanes of feasts,
Banquets, and revels, which when you possesse,
With barbarous ingratitude you deny us
To be made sharers in the harvest, which
Our sweat and industrie reap'd, and sow'd for you.
The silks you weare, we with our bloud spin for you;
This massie plate, that with the ponderous waight
Does make your cupboods crack, we (unaffrighted
With tempests, or the long and tedious way,
Or dreadfull monsters of the deepe, that wait
With open jawes still ready to devoure us)
Fetch from the other world. Let it not then
In after ages to your shame be spoken,
That you wi [...]h no relenting eyes looke on
Our wants that feed your plentie; or consume
In prodigall, and wanton gifts on Drones
The Kingdomes treasure, yet d [...]raine from us.
The debt that with the hazard of our lives,
We have made you stand ingag'd for: or force us
Against all civill government in armour
To require that, which with all willingnesse
Should be tender'd, ere demanded.
Beauf. sen.
I commend
This wholsome sharpnesse in you, and prefer it
B [...]fore obsequious tamenesse, it shewes lovely:
No [...] shall the raine of your good counsell fall
Upon the barren sands, but spring [...]p fruit
Such as you long have wisht for. And the rest
Of your profession like you discontented
For want of meanes, shall in the [...]r present payment
Be b [...]und to pra [...]se your b [...]ldnesse: and hereafter
I will take order you sh [...]ll have no cause,
For want of change to put your armour on
But in the face of an enemie; not as now
Among your friends. To that which is due to you,
[Page]To furnish you like your selfe, of mine owne bountle
I'll adde five hundred crownes.
Cham.
I to my power
Will follow the example.
Mont.
Take this Captaine,
Tis [...]ll my present store, but when you please,
Command me further.
Lan.
I could wish it more.
Belg.
This is the luckiest jest ever came from me.
Let a Souldier use no other Scribe to draw
The forme of his petition. This will speed
When your thrice humble supplications,
With prayers for encrease of health and honours
To their grave Lordships shall as soone as read
Be pocketred up, the cause no more remembred.
When this dumb Rhetorique.—Well, I have a life,
Which I in thankfulnesse for your great favours,
My noble Lords, when you please to command it,
Must never thinke mine owne. Broker, be happie,
These golden birds flie to thee.
Exit Belgarde.
Beauf. sen.
You are dull, Sir,
And seeme not to be taken with the passage
You saw presented.
Mal.
Passage? I observ'd none,
My thoughts were elsewhere busied. Ha! she is
In danger to be lost, to be lost for ever,
If speedily I come not to her rescue,
For so my Genius tels me.
Montr.
What Chi [...]ra's
Worke on your phantasie?
Mal.
Phantasies? They are truth [...].
Where is my Theocrine? You have plotted
To rob me of my Daughter [...] bring me to her,
Or I'll call downe the Saints to witnesse for me:
You are inhospitable.
Beauf. sen.
You amaze me [...]
Your Daughter' [...] sake, and now exchanging [...]
[Page]With my sonne her servant, why doe you heare this
With such distracted lookes? since to that end
You brought her hither?
Mal.
Tis confess'd I did,
But now pray you pardon me, and if you please
Ere she deliver up her virgin fort,
I would observe what is the art he uses
In planting his artillery against it,
She is my only care, nor must she yield
But upon noble termes.
Beauf. sen.
Tis so determind.
Ma.
Yet I am jealous.
Mont.
Overmuch I feare.
What passions are these?
Beauf. sen.
Come I will bring you
Where you, with th [...]se if they so please, may see
The love-s [...]aene acted.
Montre.
There is something more
Then fatherly love in this.
Monta.
We wayt upon you.
Exeunt omnes.
Actus tertij
Scaena Vltima.
Beaufort jun. [...]heocrine.
Beauf. jun.
Since then you meet my flames with equall order
As you professe, it is your bo [...]ty mistresse,
Nor must I call it debt, yet tis your glory,
That your excesse supplies my want, and makes [...]
Strong in my weakenesse, which could never bee,
But in your good opinion.
Theo.
You teach me Sir,
What I should say, since from your san of favour,
I like dimme Phoebe, in her [...]elfe [...]
Borrow that light I have.
Beauf. jun.
Which you returne
With large increase (since that you will [...]recome [...]
And I dare [...] pleas'd
[Page]To make what's yet divided one.
Theo.
I have
Already in my wishes, modesty
Forbids me to speake more.
Beauf. jun.
but what assurance,
(But still without offence) may I demand
That may secure me that your heart tongue
Joyne to make up this harmonie?
Theo.
Choose any
Suiting your love distinguished from lust,
To aske and mine to grant.
Enter (as unseene) Beaufort senior, Malefort, Montrevile, and the rest.
Beauf. sen.
Yonder they are.
Mal.
At distance too, [...]is yet well.
Beauf. jun.
I may take then
This hand, and with a thousand burning kisses,
Sweare tis the anchor to my hopes?
Theo.
You may Sir.
Mal.
This is somewhat too much.
Beauf. iun.
And this done, view my selfe
In these true mirrors.
Theo.
Ever [...]rew to you Sir,
And may they loofe th' abilitie of fight,
When they seeke other object.
Mal.
This is more
Then I can give consent to.
Beauf. iun.
And a kisse,
Thus printed on your lips will not distast you?
Mal.
Her lips!
Montre.
Why where should he kisse? are you distracted?
Beauf. iun.
Then when this holy man hath made it lawfull.
brings in a Priest.
Mal.
A priest so ready too I must breake [...]n.
Beauf. iun.
And what's spoke here is registred above,
I must ingtosse those favours to my selfe
Which are not to be nam'd.
Theo.
All I can give,
[Page]But what they are I know not.
Beauf. jun.
I'll instruct you.
Mal.
O how my bloud boyles!
Montr.
Pray you containe your selfe,
Me thinkes his courtship's modest.
Beauf. jun.
Then being mine,
And wholly mine, the river of your love
To kinsmen and allies, nay to your father,
(Howere out of his tendernesse he admires you)
Must in the Ocea [...] of your affection
To me be swallow'd up, and want a name
Compar'd with what you owe me.
Theoc.
Tis most [...]i [...], Sir,
The stronger bond that bindes me to you, must
Dissolve the weaker.
Mal.
I am ruin'd if
I come not fairely off.
Beauf. sen.
Theres nothing wanting
But your consent.
Mal.
Some strange invention aid me.
Aside.
This! yes, it must be so.
Montr.
Why doe you stagger,
When what you seem'd so much to wish is offerd?
Beauf. jun.
Both parties being agreed to.
Beauf. sen.
I'll not court
A grant from you, nor doe I wrong your Daughter,
Though I say my sonne deserves her.
Mal.
Tis far from
My humble thoughts to undervalue him
I cannot prize too high. For howsoever
From my owne fond indulgence I have sung
Her praises with too prodigall a tongue,
That tendernesse laid by, I stand confirmd
All that I fancied excellent in her
B [...]llanc'd, with what is really his owne,
Holds waight in no proportion.
Montr.
New turnings!
Beauf. sen.
[Page]Whither tend [...] this?
Mal.
Had you observ'd, my Lord,
With what a sweet gradation he wood,
As I did punctually, you cannot blame her,
Though she did listen with a greedie eare
To his faire modest offers: but so great
A good as then flow'd to her, should have beene
With more deliberation entertaind,
And not with such haste swallowd, she shall first
Consider seriously what the blessing is,
And in what ample manner to give thanks for't,
And then receive it. And though I shall thinke
Short minutes yeeres till it be perfit [...]ed,
I will defer that which I most desire,
And so must she, till longing expectation,
That heightens pleasure, makes her truly know
Her happinesse, and with what out-strea [...]cht armes
She must embrace it.
Beauf jun.
This is curiousnesse
Beyond example.
Mal.
Let it then begin
From me, in whats mine owne I'll use my will,
And yeeld no further reason. I lay claime to
The libertie of a subject. Fall not off,
But be obedient, or by the haire
I'll drag thee home. Censure me as you please,
I'll take my owne way, O the inward fires
That wanting vent consume me!
Exit with Theocrine.
Montr.
Tis most certaine
H [...]s mad, or worse.
Beauf.
How, worse?
Montr.
Nay, there I leave you,
My thoughts are free.
Beauf. jun.
This I foresaw.
Beauf. sen.
Take comfort,
H shall walke in clouds, but I'll discover him:
And he shall finde, and feele, if he excuse not,
[Page]And with strong reasons this grosse injurie,
I can make use of my authoritie.
Exeunt omnes.
Actus quarti
Scena prima.
MALEFORT solus.
WHat flames are these my wild desires fan in me?
The torch that feeds them, was not lighted at
Thy altars, Cupid: vindicate thy selfe,
And doe not own it: and confirme it rather,
That this infernall brand that turnes me cyndars,
Was by the snake-hair'd Sisters throwne into
My guiltie bosome. O that I was ever
Accurs'd in having issue: my sonnes bloud,
(That like the poyson'd shirt of Hercules
Growes to each part about me) which my hate
Forc'd from him with much willingnesse, may admit
Some weake defence; but my most impious love
To my faire daughter Theocrine, none.
Since my affection (rather wicked lust)
That does pursue her, is a greater crime
Than any detestation, with which
I should afflict her innocence. With what cunning
I have betray'd my selfe, and did not feele
The scorching heat that now with furie rage [...]
Why was I tender of her? cover'd with
That fond disguise, this mischiefe stole upon me.
I [...]hought it no offence to kisse her often,
O [...] twine mine armes about her softer neck,
And by false shadowes of a fathers kindnesse
I long deceiv'd my selfe: but now the effect
Is too apparent. How I strove to be
In her opinion held the worthiest man
In courtship, forme, and feature, envying him
[Page]That was preferd before me, and yet then
My wishes to my selfe were not discover'd.
But still my fires increas'd, and with delight
I would call her mistresse, wilfully forgetting
The name of daughter choosing rather she
Should stile me servant, then with reverence father,
Yet mocking [...] I nere cherish'd obscene hopes,
But in my troubled slumbers often thought
Shee was too neere to me, and then sleeping blush'd
At my imagination which pass'd
My eyes being open, not condemning it,
I was ravish'd with the pleasure of the dreame,
Yet spight of these temptations I have reason
That pleades against'em, and commands me to
Extinguish these abhominable fires,
And I will doe it, I will send her backe
To him that loves her lawfully, Within there?
Enter Theocrine.
Theoc.
Sir did you call?
Malef.
I looke no sooner on her,
But all my boasted power of reason leaves me,
And passion againe usurpes her Empire, does none else wait me?
Theoc.
I am wretched sir, should any owe more duty.
Malef.
This is worse then disobedience, leave me.
Theoc.
On my knees sir, as I have ever squard my will by yours.
And lik'd, and loath'd with your eyes: I beseech you
To teach me what the nature of my fault is,
That hath incensd you, (sure [...]is one of weakenesse
And not of malice) which your gentler temper
On my submission I hope will pardon,
Which granted by your piety, if that I
Out of the least neglect of mine hereafter,
Make you remember it, may I sinke ever
Under your dread command.
Malef.
O my stars! who can but dote on this humility
That sweetens, lovely in her teares? the fetters
That seem'd to lessen in their waight; but now
[Page]By this grow heavier on me.
Theoc.
Deare sir:
Malef.
Peace, I must not heare thee.
Theoc.
Not looke on me.
Malef.
No, thy lookes and words are charmes.
Theoc.
May they have power then
To calme the tempest of your wrath, alas sir,
Did I but know in what I give offence
In my repentance I would shew my sorrow,
For what is past, and in my care hereafter
Kill the occasion or cease to be
Since life without your favour is to me a load I would cast off.
Malef.
O that my heart were rent in sunder, that I might expire,
The cause in my death buried: yet I know not
With such prevailing Oratory 'tis beg'd from me
That to deny thee would convince me to
Have suck'd the milke of Tigers, rise, and I
But in a perplexd, and misterious method.
Will make relation that which all the world
Admires and cries up in thee for perfections,
Are to unhappy me foule blemishes,
And mulcts in nature. If thou hadst beene borne
Deformd and crooked, in the features of
Thy body, as the manners of thy mind,
Moore lip'd, flat not'd, [...] ey'd, and beetle brow'd
With a dwarfes [...] to a gyant was [...]e,
Sower breath'd, with clawes for fingers on thy hands,
Splay footed, gouty leg'd, and over all
A loathsome leprosie had spread it selfe,
And made thee flaun'd of humane fellowships:
I had beene blest.
Theoc.
Why would you wi [...]h a monster
For such a one or worse you have describ'd,
To call your father.
Malef.
Rather then a [...] now,
Though I had drow [...]d thee for it in the sea
Appearing as thou do [...] a new Pando [...],
Aurora's blushing cheekes, Hebes fresh youth,
Venus soft paps, with Thetis silver feet.
Theoc.
Sir you have lik'd and lov'd them, and oft forc'd
(With your hyperboles of praise powrd on them)
My modesty to a defensive red,
Strowd ore that palenesse, which you then were pleasd
To stile the purest white.
Malef.
And in that cup I drank the poison I now feele dispersd
Through every vaine and artery, wherefore art thou
So cruell to me? This thy outward shape
Brought a fierce warre against me, not to be
By flesh and blood resisted: but to leave me
No hope of freedome from the Magazine
Of thy minds forces, treacherously thou drewst up
Auxiliary helpes to strengthen that
Which was already in it selfe too potent,
Thy beauty gave the first charge, but thy d [...]ty
Seconded with thy care, and watchfull studies
To please, and serve my will in all that might
Raise up content in me, like thunder brake through
All opposition, and my rankes of reason
Disbanded, my victorious passions fell
To bloody execution, and compeld me
With willing hands to tis on my owne chaines,
And with a kinde of flattering joy to glory in my captivity.
Theoc.
I, in this you speake, sir, am ignorance it selfe.
Male.
And so continue, for knowledge of the armes thou bearst against me
Would make thee curse thy selfe, but yield no [...]yds
For thee to helpe me, and 'twere cruelty
In me to wounde that spotlesse innocency
How ere it make me guilty, in a word
The pl [...]ifie of goodnesse is thy ill,
Thy vertues vices, and thy humble lownesse
Far worse than stubborne [...]ullennesse, and pride,
Thy lookes that ravish all beholders [...]lse
As killing a [...] the [...], their [...]
[Page]Expressd in sorrow for the much I suffer,
A glorious insultation, and no signe
Of pitty in thee, and to heare thee speake
In thy defence, though but in silent action,
Would make the hurt already deepely festerd
Incurable, and therefore as thou wouldst not
By thy presence raise fresh furies to torment me
I doe conjure thee by a fathers power,
(And tis my curse I dare not thinke it lawfull
To sue unto thee in a neerer name)
Without reply to leave me.
Theoc.
My obedience never learnd yet to question your commands,
But willingly to serve 'em, yet I must
Since that your will forbids the knowledge of
My fault, lament my fortune.
Exit.
Malf.
O that I have reason to discerne the better way
And yet pursue the worse, when I looke on her
I burne with heat, and in her absence freeze
With the cold blasts of jelousie, that another
Should ere taste those delights that are denide me,
And which of their afflictions bring lesse torture
I hardly can distinguish, is there then
No meane? no, so my understanding tels me,
And that by my crosse fates it is determind
That I am both waies wretched.
Enter Vsher, and Montrevile
Vsher.
Yonder he walkes sir,
In much vexation: he hath sent my Lady
His daughter weeping in, but what the cause is
Rests yet in supposition.
M [...]tr.
I guesse at it, but must be further satisfied, I will sift him
In private therefore, quit the roome.
Vsher.
I am gon, sir.
Exit.
Malef.
Hal who disturbes me? Montrevile? your pardon,
Montr.
Would you could grant one to your selfe. (I speake it
With the assurance of a friend) and yet
Before it be too late, make reparation
Of the grosse wrong, your indiscretion offered
[Page]To the governour and his sonne, nay to your selfe,
For there begins my sorrow.
Malef.
Would I had no greater cause to mourne
Then their displeasure, for I dare justifie.
Montr.
We must not doe all that we dare private friend
I observd your alterations with a stricter eye
Perhaps then others, and to loose no time
In repetition, your strange demeamour
To your sweet daughter.
Malef.
Would you could finde out some other theame to treat of.
Montr.
None but this; and this Ile dwell on, how ridiculous
And subject to construction?
Malef.
No more.
Montr.
You made your selfe, amazes me, and if
The frequent trials enterchanged betweene us
Of love and friendship, be to their desert
Esteem'd by you, as they hold waight with me,
No inward trouble should be of a shape
So horrid to your selfe, but that to me
You stand bound to discover it, and unlocke
Your secretst thoughts: though the most innocent were
Lowd crying sinnes.
Malef.
And so perhaps they are.
And therefore be not curious to learne that
Which knowne must make you hate me.
Montr.
Thinke not so, I am yours in right and wrong, not shall you finde
A verball friendship in me, but an active,
And here I vow, I shall no sooner know
What the disease is, but if you give leave
I will apply a remedy, is it madnesse?
I am familiarly acquainted with a deepe read man
That can with charmes aad hearbs
Restore you to your reason, or suppose
You are bewitch'd, he with more potent spels
And magicall rites shall cure you, is't heavens anger?
With penitence and sacrifice appease it,
Beyond this, there is nothing that I can
[Page]Imagine dreadfull, in your fame and fortunes
You are secure, your impious sonne removd to
That rendred you suspected to the state,
And your faire daughter.
Malef.
Oh presse me no farther.
Montr.
Are you wrung there? why what of her? hath [...]he
Made shipwracke of her honour, or conspird
Against your life? or seald a contract with
The divell of hell, for the recovery of her young Inamorato?
Malef.
None of these,
And yet what must increase the wonder in you
Being Innocent in her selfe, she hath wounded me,
But where enquire not. Yet I know not how
I am perswaded from my confidence
Of your vowd love to me, to trust you with
My dearest secret, pray you chide me for it,
But with a kind of pity, not insulting
On my calamity.
Montre.
Forward.
Malef.
This same daughter.
Montre.
What is her fault?
Malef.
She is too faire to me.
Montre.
[...]a! how is this?
Malef.
And I have lookd upon her
More than a father should, and languish to
Enjoy her as a husband.
Montre.
Heaven forbid it,
Malef.
And this is all the comfort you can give me,
Where are your promisd a [...]d [...], your charm [...], your herbs?
Your deepe read scholler, spels, and magicke rites?
Can all these disenchau [...] me? no, I must be
My owne Physitian, and upon my selfe
Practice a desperate cure.
Montr.
Doe not conte [...]me,
Injoyne me what you please with any hazzard,
Ile undertake it, what meanes have you practis [...]
To quench this hellish fire?
Malef.
[Page]All I could thinke on,
But to no purpose, and yet sometimes absence
Does yeeld a kinde of intermission to
The fury of the fit.
Montr.
See her no more then.
Malef.
Tis my last refuge, and twas my intent
And still tis, to desire your helpe.
Montr.
Command it.
Malef.
Thus then, you have a fort of which you are
The absolute Lord, whither I pray you beare her:
And that the sight of her may not againe
Nourish those flames, which I feele something lessend,
By all the ties of friendship I conjure you
And by a solemne oath you must confirme it,
That though my now calmd passions should rage higher
Then ever heretofore, and so compell me
Once more to wish to see her; though I use
Perswasions mixd with threatnings; nay adde to it
That I this fayling should with hands held up thus
Kneele at your feet, and bathe them with my te [...]te [...],
Prayers or curses, vowes or imprecations
Onely to looke upon her though at distance,
You still must be obdurate.
Montr.
If it be
Your pleasure sir that I shall be unmov'd, I will endeavour.
Malef.
You must sweare to be
Inexorable as you would prevent
The greatest mischiefe to your friend, that fate
Could throw upon him.
Montr.
Well, I will obey you.
But how the governour will be answer'd, yet
And tis materiall, is not considered.
Malef.
Leave that to me. [...] presently give order
How you shall surprize her, be not frighted with
Her exclamations.
Montr.
Be you constant [...]o
Your resolution I will noe faile
[Page]In what concernes my part.
Malef.
Be ever blessed for't.
Exeunt.
Actus quarti,
Scaena secunda.
Enter Beaufort jun. Chamont, Lanour.
Cham.
Not to be spoke with, say you?
Beauf. jun.
No.
Lan.
Nor you
Admitted to have conference with her?
Beauf. jun.
Neither.
His doores are fast lockd up, and solitude
Dwels round about em, no accesse allow'd
To friend or enemy, but—
Cham.
Nay be not mov'd sir,
Let his passion worke, and like a hot rein'd horse
'T will quickly tire it selfe.
Beauf. jun.
Or in his death
Which for her sake till now I have forborne
I will revenge the injury he hath done
To my true and lawfull love.
Lan.
How does your father
The Governour rellish it?
Beauf. jun.
Troth he never had
Affection to the match: yet in his pitty
To me, he's gone in person to his house,
Nor will he be denide, and if he finde not
Strong and faire reasons Malefort will heare from him
In a kinde he does not looke for.
Cham.
In the meane time
Pray you put on cheerefull lookes.
Enter Montaigne.
Beauf. jun.
Mine suite my fortune.
Lan.
O heer's Montaigne.
Mont.
I never could have met you
More opportunely. Ile not stale the jest
[Page]By my relation: but if you will looke on
The malecontent Belgard [...], newly rigde up
With the traine that followes him, 't will be an object
Worthy of your noting.
Beauf. jun.
Looke you the Comedy
Make good the Prologue, or the scorne will dw [...]ll
Upon your selfe.
Mont.
I'll hazard that, observe now;
Wenches.
Nay, Captaine, glorious Captaine:
Enter Belgarde in a gallant habit; stayes at the [...] with his sword drawne; severall voyces within.
Belg.
Fall backe Rascall [...],
Doe you make an Owle of me? this day I will
Receive no more Petitions,
Here are bills of all occasions, and all fi [...]!
If this be the pleasure of a rich suite, would I were
Againe in my buffe jerkin, or my armour,
Then I walk'd securely by my creditors noses,
And not a dog mark'd me, every officer sh [...]d me,
And not one lowzie prison would receive me;
But now, as the Ballade sayes, I am turnd gallant:
There does not live that thing I ow a sowse to,
But does torment me, a faithfull Cobler told me
With his awle in his hand, I was behind hand with hi [...]
For setting me upright, and bad me looke to my selfe.
A Sempstresse too, that traded but in socke [...],
Swore she would set a Se [...]jeant on my backe
For a borrowed shirt: my pay and the benevolence,
The Governour and the States bestow'd upon me,
The citie cormorants, my monie-mongers,
Have swallow'd downe already, they were summes,
I grant, but that I should be such a foole
Against my o [...]he, being a cashir'd Captaine,
To pay debts, though growne up to one and twenty,
Deserves more reprehension, in my judgement,
[Page]Then a shop-keeper, or a Lawyer that lends money,
In a long [...] vacation.
Mont.
How doe you like
His meditation?
Chamont.
Peace, let him proceed.
Belg.
I cannot now goe on the score for shame,
And where I shall begin to pawne, I marry,
That is consider'd timely, I paid for
This traine of yours Dame Estridge foureteen crowns,
And yet it is so light, ' [...]will hardly passe
For a Taverne reckoning, unlesse it be
To save the charge of paynting, naild on a post
For the signe of the feathers; p [...]x upon the fashion,
That a Captaine cannot thinke himselfe a Captaine,
If he weare not this like a fore-horse; yet it is not
Staple commodity; these are perfum'd too,
Of the Roman wash, and yet a stale red herring
Would fill the belly better, and hurt the head lesse:
And this is Venice gold, would I had it againe
In french crownes in my pocket. O you commanders
That like me have no dead pa [...]es, nor can couzen
The Commissary at a muster, let me stand
For an example to you, as you would
Injoy your priviledges: videlicet,
To pay your debts, and take your lechery gratis
To have you [...] issue warm'd by others fires,
To be often drunke, and sweare, yet pay no forfeit,
To the poore, but when you share with one another,
With all your other choyce immunities,
Onely of this I seriously advise you:
Let Courtiers trip like Courtiers,
And your Lords of dirt and dung hills mete
Their woods and acres, in velvets, s [...]ttins, tissues,
But keepe you constant to doth and [...],
Mont.
Have you hea [...]d of such a penite [...] homily,
Belg.
I am studying now
Where I shall hide my selfe till the rumor of
[Page]My wealth [...] and braverie vanish, let me see,
There is a kinde of a vaulting house not farre off,
Where I us'd to spend my afternoones, among
Suburb shee-gamesters; and yet now I thinke on't
I have crackd a ring or two there, which they made
Others to solder, no,
Inter a Bawd and two wenches, with two children.
1. Wench.
O, have we spide you.
Bawd.
Upon him without ceremonie, now [...] the time
While he is in the paying veine.
2. Wench.
Save you brave Captaine.
Beauf. jun.
S'light, how she stares, they are worse then she-wolves to him.
Belg.
Shame me not in the streets, I was comming to you.
1. Wen.
O Sir, you may in publique pay for the fidling
You had in private.
2. Wen.
We heare you are full of crownes, Sir.
1. Wen.
And therefore knowing you are open-handed,
Before all be destroyd, I'll put you in mind, Sir,
Of your young heire here.
2. Wen.
Here's a second, Sir,
That lookes for a childs portion.
Bawd.
There are reckonings
For Muskadine and Eg [...] too, must be thought on.
1. Wen.
We have not beene hasty, Sir.
Bawd.
But staid your leasure;
But now you are ripe, and loden with fruit.
2. VVen.
Tis fi [...] you should be puld; here's a boy, Sir,
Pray you kisse him, tis your owne, Sir,
1. Wench.
Nay, busse this first,
It hath just your eyes, and such a promising nose,
That if the signe deceive me not, in time
Twill prove a notable striker, like his father.
Belg.
And yet you laid it to another.
1. Wen.
True,
While you were poore, and it was pol [...]cy,
But she that has varietie of fathers,
And makes nor choyce of him that can maintaine [...]t,
Nere studied Aristotles Problemes.
Lan.
[Page]A smart queane.
Belg.
Why braches will you whurry me?
2. Wen.
No, but ease you
Of your golden burthen, the heavie carriage may
Bring you to a sweating sicknesse.
Belg.
Very likely,
I soame all ore alreadie.
1. Wen.
Will you come off, Sir?
Belg.
Would I had ne're come on: heare me with patience,
Or I will anger you. Goe to, you know me
And doe not vexe me further: by my sins
And your diseases, which are certaine truthes,
What ere you thinke, I am not master at
This instant, of a livre.
2. Wen.
What, and in
Such a glorious suite?
Belg.
The liker wretched things
To have no mony.
Bawd.
You may pawne your clothes, Sir,
1. Wen.
Will you see your issue starve?
2. Wen.
Or the mothers beg?
Belg.
Why, you unconscionable strumpets, would you have me
Transforme my hat to double elout [...] and biggins?
My corselet to a cradle? or my belt
To swaddlebands? or turne my cloke to blankets?
Or to sell my sword and spurs for sope and candles?
Have you no mercy? what a chargeable divell
We carry in our breeche [...]?
Bea [...]f. jun.
Now tis t [...]me.
To [...]etch him off.
Enter [...] sen [...]
Mont.
Your father does it for us.
Bawd.
The Governour!
Bea [...]f. sen.
What are these?
1. Wen.
And it like your Lordship,
Very poore sp [...]n [...]er [...].
[...].
I am his Nurse and [...],
Belg.
[Page]You have [...]'d and lander'd me, hell take you for it [...]
Vanish.
Cham.
Doe, doe, and talke with him hereafter.
1. Wen.
Tis our best course
2. Wen.
We'll find a time to fit him.
Exit Bawd and Whores.
Beauf. sen.
Why, In this heat, Belgarde
Belg.
You are the cause of 't.
Beauf. sen
Who, I?
Belg.
Yes, your pied liverie, and your gold
Draw these vexations on mee, pray you strip me
And let me be as I was: I will not lose
The pleasures and the fredome which I had
In my certaine povertie; for all the wealth
Faire France is proud of?
Beauf. sen.
Wee at better leasure
Will learne the cause of this.
Beauf. jun.
What answer, Sir,
From the Admirall?
Beauf. sen.
None, his daughter is remov'd
To the sort of Montrevile, and he himselfe
In person fled, but where is not discover'd,
I could tell you wonders, but the time denies mee
Fit libertie. In a word, let it suffice
The power of our great master is contemn'd,
The sacred lawes of God and man prophan'd,
And if I sit downe with this injury,
I am unworthy of my place, and thou
Of my acknowledgement: draw up all the troopes,
As I goe, I will instruct you to what purpose.
Such as have power to punish, and yet spare
From feare, or from co [...]nivence, others ill
Though not in act assist them in their w [...]ll
[...].
Actus quinti
Scena prima.
Montrevile, Theocrine, servants.
MONTREVILE.
BInde them, and gag their mouthes sure, I alone
Will be your convoy.
1. Wom.
Madam,
2. Wom.
Dearest Lady,
Pag.
Let me fight for my Mistresse.
Serv.
Tis in vaine,
Little Cockerell of the kinde.
Montr.
Away with them,
And doe as I command you,
Theocr.
Montrevile
Exeunt Servants, Page, Women.
You are my fathers friend, nay, more a souldier,
And if a right one, as I hope to find you,
Though in a lawfull war you had surpriz'd
A Citie, that bowd humbly to your pleasure,
In honour you stand bound to guard a virgin
From violence; but in a free estate
Of which you are a limb, to doe a wrong
Which noble enemies never consent to
Is such an insolence.
Montr.
How her heart beats!
Much like a Partridge in a Sparhawkes foot,
That with a panting silence does lament
The fate she cannot flie from! sweet, take comfort,
You are safe, and nothing is intended to you
But love and Service.
Theocr.
They came never cloth'd
In force, and outrage, upon what assurance
(Remembring only that my father lives)
Who will not tamely suffer the disgrace.
[Page]Have you presum'd to hurry mee from his house,
And as I were not worth the waiting on,
To snatch me from the duty, and [...]
Of my poore servants.
Montr.
Let not that afflict you,
You shall not want observance, I will be
Your Page, your Woman, Para [...]ite or Foole,
Or any other property, provided
You answer my affection.
Theocr.
In what kind?
Montr.
As you had done young Beauforts.
Theocr.
How?
Montr.
So Lady,
Or, if the name of wife appeare a yoke
Too heavie for your tender necke, so I
Enjoy you as a private friend, or mistresse,
Twill be sufficient.
Theocr.
Blessed Angels guard me
What frontlesse impudence is this? What d [...]vell
Hath to thy certaine ruine tempted thee
To offer me this motion? by my hopes
Of after joyes, submission, not repentance
Shall expiate this soule intent.
Montr.
Intent?
Tis more, I'll make it act
Theocr.
Ribald, thou darest not,
And if (and with a feaver to thy soule)
Thou but consider that I have a father
And such a father, as when this arrives at
His knowledge, as it shall, the terrour of
His vengeance, which as sure as sa [...]e must follow,
Will make thee curse the houre in which lust caught thee
To nourish these b [...]se hopes, and tis my wonder
Thou darest forget how tender he is of mee
And that each shadow of wrong done to me
Will raise in him a tempest not to be
But with thy heart-blood calm'd: this when I see him.
Montr.
[Page]A [...] thou shalt never.
Theocr.
Wilt thou murther me?
Montr.
No, no, ti [...] otherwise determin'd, foole,
The master which in passion kills his slave
That may be usefull to him, does himselfe
The injurie: Know thou most wretched creature,
That father thou presum'st upon, that father,
That when I sought thee in a noble way,
Deny'd thee to me, fancying in his hope
A higher match from his excesse of do [...]age,
Hath in his bowels kindled such a flame
Of impious most unnaturall lost,
That now he feares his furious desires,
May force him to doe that he shake [...] to thinke on.
Theocr.
O me most wretched.
Montr.
Never hope againe
To blast him with those eyes, their golden beam [...]
Are unto him arrowes of death and hell,
But unto me divine artillery.
And therefore since what I so long in vaine
Purfu'd, is offerd to me, and by him
Given up to my possession: doe not flatter
Thy selfe with an imaginary hope,
But that I'll take occasion by the forelock,
And make use of my fortune; as we walke
I'll tell the more.
Theocr.
I will not stirre.
Montr.
I'll force thee:
Theocr.
Helpe, helpe,
Montr.
In vaine,
Theocr.
In mee my brothers blood
I [...] punish'd at the height.
Montr.
The Coach there.
Theocr.
Deare Sir,
Montr.
Teares, curses, prayer [...], [...] alike to me,
I can, and must enjoy my present pleasure,
And shall take time to [...] for it at leasure.
Exit.
Actus quinti,
Scaena secunda.
Enter Malefort solus.
Malef.
I have playd the foole, the grosse foole, to believe
The bosome of a friend will hold a secret,
Mine owne could not containe, and my industry
In taking liberty from my innocent daughter,
Out of false hopes of freedome to my selfe,
Is in the little helpe it yeelds me, punish'd.
Shee's absent, but I have her figure here,
And every grace, and rarity about her,
Are by the pencill of my memory
In living colours paynted on my heart.
My fires too, a short interim closd up
Breake out with greater fury. Why was I
Since 'twas my fate, and not to be declin'd
In this so tender consciened? Say I had
Injoyd what I desir'd, what had it beene
But incest? and there's something here that tels me
I stand accomptable for greater sinnes,
I never checkd at: neither had the crime
Wanted a praesident. I have read in story
Those first great Heroes that for their brave deeds
Were in the worlds first infancie stil'd gods,
Freely enjoyd what I deny my selfe.
Old Saturne in the golden age embraced
His sister Ops and in the same degree
The thunderer Iuno, Neptune, Thetis, and
By their example after the first deluge
Deucalion Pirrhae. Universall nature
As every day tis evident allowes it
To creatures of all kinds. The gallant horse
Covers the Mare to which he was the fire,
The bird with fertile seed gives new encrease
[Page]To her that hatchd him. Why should envious man then
Brand that close act which adds proximity
To whats most neere him, with the abhorred title
Of incest? or our later lawes forbid
What by the first was granced? let old men
That are not capeable of these delight [...]
And solemne superstitions fooles prescribe
Rules to themselves, I will not curbe my freedome
But constantly go on, with this assurance,
I but walke in a path which greater men
Have trod before me, h [...] this is the fort,
Open the gate. Within there.
Enter two Souldiers with Muskets.
1 Sould.
With your pardon
We must forbid your entrance.
Mal.
Doe you know me?
2 Soul.
Perfectly my Lord.
Mal.
I am this Captaines friend.
1 Sould.
It may be so, but till we know his pleasure
You must excuse us.
2 Sould.
Wee'l acquaint him with
Your waiting here.
Mont.
Waiting slave, he was ever
By me commanded.
1 Sould.
As we are by him.
Montr.
So punctuall, pray you then in my name intreat
His presence.
2 Sould.
That we shall doe.
Exeunt Souldiers.
Mal.
I must use
Some strange perswasions to worke him to
Deliver her, and to forget her vowis,
And horrid oaths I in my madnesse made him.
Take to the contrary, and may I get those
Once more in my possession, I will beare her
Into some close cave, or desert, where wee'l end
Our lusts and lives together.
Enter Montre [...]ile and souldi [...]rs.
Montr.
Faile not, on
[Page]The forseit of your lives to execute
What I commanded.
Mal. Montrevile,
how [...] friend?
Mont.
I am glad to see you weare such chearefull lookes,
The worlds well altred.
Mal.
Yes I thanke my star [...]
But me thinks thou art troubled.
Mont.
Some light crosse,
But of no moment.
Mal.
So I hope, beware
Of sad and impious thoughts, you know how far
They wrought on me.
Mont.
No such come neere me sir.
I have like you no daughter, and much wish
You never had been curs'd with one.
Ma.
Who I?
Thou art deceiv'd, I am most happy in her.
Mont.
I am glad to heare it.
Mal.
My incestuous fires
Towards her are quite burnt out, I love her now
As a father, and no further.
Mont.
Fix there then
Your constant peace, and doe not try a second
Temptation from her.
Mal.
Yes friend though shee were
By millions of degrees more excellent
In her perfections, Nay though she could borrow
A forme Angel call to take my fraylty
It would not doe, and therefore Montrevile
(My chiefe delight next her) I come to tell thee
The governour and I are reconcil'd,
And I confirm'd, and with all possible speed
To make large satisfaction to young Beaufort
And her whom I have so much wrong'd, and fo [...]
thy trouble in her custody, of which
Ile now discharge thee, there is nothing in
My nerve [...] or [...], but shall ever be
[Page]At thy devotion.
Montr.
You promise faintly,
No [...] doubt I the performance, yet I would not
Hereafter be reported, to have beene
The principall occasion of your falling
Into a relaps, or but suppose out of
The easinesse of my nature, and assurance
You are firme, and can hold out, I could consent:
You needs must know there are so many lets
That make against it, that it is my wonder
You offer me the motion, having bound me
With oathes and imprecations on no termes,
Reasons, or argumen [...]s, you could propose,
I ever should admit you to her sight,
Muchlesse restore her to you.
Mal [...].
Are we souldiers, and stand on othes?
Montr.
Tis beyond my knowledge
In what we are more worthy, then in keeping
Our words, much more our vowes.
Malef.
Heaven pardon all,
How many thousands in our heate of wine,
Quarrels and play, and in our younger daies
(In private, I may say) betweene our selves
In points of love, have we to answer for,
Should we be scrupulous that way.
Montr.
You say well,
And very aptly call to memory
Two oathes against all ties and rites of friendship
Broken by you to me.
Malef.
No more of that.
Montr.
Yes tis materiall, and to the purpose
The first (and think upon't) was when I brought you
As a visitant to my mistresse then, the mother
Of this same daughter, whom with dreadfull words
Too hideous to remember, you swore deepely
For my sake never to attempt, yet then,
Then, when you had a sweet wife of your owne,
[Page]I know not with what arts, philtres, and charmes,
(Unlesse in wealth and fame you were above me)
You won her from me, and her grant obtain'd,
A marriage with the second wayted on,
The buriall of the first (that to the world
Brought your dead son) this I sate tamely down by,
Wanting indeed occasion and power
To be at the height revenged.
Malef.
Yet this you seem'd
Freely to pardon.
Montr.
As perhaps I did.
Your daughter Theocrine growing ripe,
(Her mother too deceas'd) and fit for marriage
I was a suitor for her, had your word
Upon your honour, and our friendship made
Authenticall, and ratified with an oath,
Shee should be mine, but vowes with you being like
To your religion, a nose of wax
To be turn'd every way, that very day
The governours sonne but making his approaches
Of Courtship to her, the winde of your ambition
For her advancement scatter'd the thin sand
In which you wrot your full consent to me,
And drew you to his party. What hath pas'd since
You beare a register in your owne bosome
That can at large informe you.
Malef.
Montrevile
I doe confesse all that you charge me with
To be strong truth, and that I bring a cause
Most miserably guilty, and acknowledge
That though your goodnesse made me mine owne judge [...]
I should not shew the least compassion,
Or mercy to my selfe. O let not yet
My foulenesse [...]int your pur [...]esse, or my falshood
Divert the torrent of your loyall faith.
My ills, if not return'd by you, will adde
Lustre to your much good, and to or [...]come
[Page]With noble sufferance will expresse your strength,
And triumph ore my weakenesse. If you please to
My blacke deeds being onely knowne to you,
And in surrendring up my daughter buried:
You not alone make me your [...]ve (for I
At no part doe deserve the name of friend)
But in your owne brest raise a monument
Of [...]ty to a wretch on whom with justice
You may expresse all cruelty.
Mont.
You much move me.
Mal.
O that I could but hope it, to revenge
An injurie is proper to the wishes
Of feeble women, that want strength to act it:
But to have power to punish, and yet pardon
Peculiar to Princes, see these knees,
That have beene ever [...]iffe to bend to heaven
To you are supple, Is there ought beyond this
That may speake my submission? or can pride
(Though I well know it is a stranger to you)
Desire a feast of more humility
To kill her growing appetit [...]?
Mont.
I requir'd not
To be sought to this poore way, yet tis so far
A kind of satisfaction that I will
Dispence a little with those serious o [...]ths
You made me take, your daughter shall come to you,
I will not say as you deliverd her,
But as she is you may d [...]pose of her
As you shall thinke most requisite.
Exit Montrevile.
Mal.
His last words are niddles to me.
Here the lyo [...] force
Would have prov'd uselesse and against my nature
Compeld me from the Crocodile to borrow
Her counterfeit [...], ther [...]
May I but quench these fires th [...] rage [...],
The [...]
And fall what can fall, I am [...] to [...] is,
2 So [...]ld.
You must be packing [...]
The [...].
[Page]Hath he [...]ob'd me of
Mine honour, and denies me now a roome
To hide my shame?
2 Sould.
My Lord the Admirall
Attends your Ladiship.
1 Sould.
Close the port, and leave [...].
Exeunt [...].
Mal.
Ha! who is this? how alter'd! how deform'd!
It cannot be. And yet this creature has
A kinde of a resemblance to my d [...]ghter,
My Theocrine! but as different
From that she was, as bodies dead are [...]
Their best perfections, from what they were
When they had life and motion.
Theo.
Tis most true fir,
I am dead indeed to all but misery.
O come not neere me sir, I am infectious,
To looke on me at distance is as dangerous
As from a pinacles cloud-kissing spire,
With giddy eyes to view the steepe descent
But to acknowledge me a certaine ruine.
O sir.
Mal.
Speake Theocrine, force me not
To farther question, my feares already
Have chok'd my vitall spirits.
Theo.
Pray you turne away
Your face and heare me, and with my last breath
Give me leave to accuse you. What offence
From my first infancie did I commit
That for a punishment you should give up
My Virgin chastity to the trecherous guard
Of Gotish Montrevile?
Mal [...]
What hath be done?
Theo.
Abus'd me fir by violence, and this told
I cannot live to speake more: may the cause
In you finde pardon, but the speeding curse
Of a ravish'd maid fall heavie, heavie on him,
Beaufort my lawfull love, farewell for ever.
She dies.
Malef.
[Page]Take not thy flight so soone immaculate spirit.
Tis fled already, how the innocent
As in a gentle slumber passe away,
But to cut off the knotty thred of life
In guilty men, must force sterne Atropos
To use her sharpe knife often. I would helpe
The edge of hers with the sharpe point of mine
But that I dare not die, till I have rent
This dogs heart peecemeale. O that I had wings
To scale these walls, or that my hands were Canons
To bore their flinty sides, that I might bring
The villaine in the reach of my good sword,
The Turkish Empire offer'd for his ransome
Should not redeeme his life. O that my voice
Were loud as thunder and with horrid sounds
Might force a dreadfull passage to his eares,
And through them reach his soule, libidinous monster
Foule ravisher, as thou du [...]st doe a deed
Which forc'd the Sun to hide his glorious face
Behinde a sable Masque of clouds appeare,
And as a man defend it, or like me
Shew some compunction for it.
Montrevile above the cur [...]in [...], suddenly drawn.
Montr.
Ha, ha, ha.
Malef.
Is this an object to raise mirth?
Montr.
Yes, yes.
Malef.
My daughter's dead.
Mont.
Thou hadst best follow her,
Or if thou art the thing thou art reported,
Thou shoulst have led the way. Doe teare thy haire
[...]ike a village nurse, and mourn while I laugh at thee.
Be but a just examiner of thy selfe
And in an equall ballance poise the nothing
Or little mischiefe I have done compard
With the ponderous weight of thine, and how canst thou
Accuse or argue with me? [...] was a rape
And she being in a kinde contracted to me,
[Page]The fact may challenge some qualification:
But thy i [...]nt made natures selfe run backward,
And done, had c [...]u [...]'d an earth-quake.
A so [...]ld [...] above.
1. Sold.
Captaine.
Montr.
Ha,
2. Sold.
Our outworkes are surpriz'd, the centinell slaine,
The corps du garde defeared too.
Montr.
By whom?
1. Sold.
The sudden storme and darknesse of the night
Forbid [...] the knowledge, make up speedily,
Or all is lost.
Montr.
In the dive is name, whence comes this!
They descend.
Mal.
Doe, doe, rage on, rend open AEolus
Thy brazen prison, and let loose at once
Thy stormy issue blustring Boreas,
A stor [...].
Aided with all the gales, the Pilot numbers
Upon his compasse, cannot raise a tempest
Through the vast region of the [...]yre, like that
I feele within me: for I am possess'd
With whirle-winds, and each guilty thought to me is
A dreadfull Hurricano; though this centre
Labour to bring forth earthquake, and bell open
Her wide stretch'd [...]awes, and let out all her furies,
They cannot adde an atome to the mountaine
Of feares and terrors that each minute threaten
To fall on my accursed head. Ha, is't fancie?
Enter the Ghost of young Male [...]or [...], [...]akd from the [...] full of wounds, [...] in the shadow of a Ladi [...], her face [...]pro [...].
Or hath hell heard me, and makes proofe if I
Dare stand the tryall? yes, I doe, and now
I view these apparitions I feele,
I once did know the [...] For what come you?
Are your [...]eriall [...]o [...]es depriv'd of language,
And so deni'd to tell me? that by [...]ignes
[Page]You bid me aske here of my selfe? tis so
The Ghosts use severall gestures.
And there is somthing here makes answer for you.
You come to launce my sear'd up conscience? Yes,
And to instruct me, that those thunderbol [...],
That hurl'd me headlong from the height of glory,
Wealth, honours, worldly happinesse, were forg'd
Upon the anvile of my impious wrongs
And cruelty to you? I doe confesse it;
And that my lust compelling me to make way
For a second wife, I poison'd thee, and that
The cause (which to the world is undiscover'd)
That forc'd thee to shake off thy filiall duty
To mee thy father, had it's spring and sourse
From thy impat [...]ence to know thy mother,
That with all duty, and obedience serv'd me
(For now with horror I acknowledge it)
Answer'd still by [...]gnes.
Remov'd unjustly: yet thou being my sonne,
Were't not a competent judge mark'd out by heaven
For her revenger, which thy falling by
My weaker hand confirm'd. Tis granted by thee.
Can any penance expiate my guilt?
Or can repentance save me? they are vanish'd.
Exeunt Ghosts.
What's left to doe then? I'll accuse my face
That did not fashion me for nobler uses [...]
Or if those starres crosse to me in my birth,
Had not deni'd their prosperous influence to it
With peace of conscience like to innocent men,
I might have ceas'd to be, and not as now,
To curse my cause of being.
He's kill'd with a flash of lightning.
E [...]e [...] Belg [...]rde wi [...]h soul [...]
Belg.
Here is a night
To season my silkes. Bu [...]e-jerkin, now I mi [...]e thee,
Thou hast endur'd many [...]oule nights, but never
One like to this; how fine my feather looks now!
Just like a Capons tail [...] stol [...] out of the pen
[Page]And hid in the sinke, and yet't had beene dishonour
To have charg'd me without it, wilt thou fever cease,
Is the petarde, as I gave directions, fasten'd
On the portcullis?
Another Sold.
It hath beene attempted
By divers, but in vaine.
Belg.
These are your gallants,
That at a feast take the first place, poore I,
Hardly allow'd to follow; marry in
These foolish businesses they are con [...]ent
That I shall have precedence, I much thanke
Their manne [...], or their feare; second me Souldier,
They have had no time to undermine, or if
They have, it is blowing up, and setching
A caper or two in the ayre, and I will doe it,
Rather then blow my nailes here.
Sold.
O brave Captaine!
Exeunt.
A [...] [...] noise and cryes within, a flourish.
Enter Beaufort senior: Beaufort junior: Montague: Chamont: Lanour: Belgarde: Montrevile: Souldiers.
Montr.
Rackes cannot force more from me then I have
Already told you. I expect no favour
I have cast up my acco [...]pt.
Beauf. sen.
Take you the charge
Of the fort [...] Belgarde, your dangers have deserv'd it.
Belg.
I thanke your excellence, this will keepe [...]e safe yet
From being pull'd by the sleeve, and bid remember
The thing I wot of.
Beau. jun.
All that have eyes to weepe,
Spare one teare with mee. Theocrin [...]'s dead,
Montr.
Her father too lies breathlesse here, I thinke,
Strucke dead with thunder.
C [...]am.
'Tis apparent: [...]ow
His carkase smell [...].
Lan.
[Page]His face is alter'd to
Another colour.
Beauf. jun.
But here's one retaine [...]
Her native innocence, that never ye [...]
Call'd downe heavens anger.
Beauf. sen.
Tis in vaine to mourne
For whats past helpe. We will refer bad ma [...]
Your sentence to the King: may we make use of
This great example, and learne from it, that
There cannot be a want of power above
To punish murther, and unlawfull love.
Exeunt [...].
FINIS.
Imprimatur.
T [...]O. WY`KES.
IAN. 21. 1638.