Actus Primus.
Enter Bellamente, Clariana.
Cla.
YOu shanot goe, indeed you shanot
Bel.
Lady.
Cla.
Vnlesse the fault of your poore entertainment
Bel.
Nay now you trespasse, and dishonour me
With a suspition that I can be so
Vnjust, as not to acknowledge, you haue made
A free, and liberall welcome—but excuse
Cla.
Love shall supply, what else hath beene defective,
To expresse my thankes for your kind visit
Bel.
Tis
Businesse that now ravish me away
By this white hand, which but to kisse, would tempt me
To dwell an age here, I must waite vpon
The Duke
Cla.
Why so you may
Bel.
Tis now my time.
Cla.
You are not tied to such a strict obseruance
That halfe an houre can preiudice you, come
I know you may dispence with dutie so much.
Bel.
You may command;
Cla,
Not any thing that shall
Reflect iniurious to your selfe,
Bel.
I know
[Page] [...] haue more charity.
Cla
[...] there be other
[...] that concernes your honor, or your fortune,
[...] me, I would not by a minites stay
be guilty of your wrong, and yet me thinkes
If there were any thing you might tell me;
[...] thought, that I dare keepe from you,
Nough [...] you may know from whence it breakes,
I haue not had a teare, but you haue searchd
The very spring, come ist some other friend?
Bel.
O doe not so farre wound your servant Madam
To thinke my heart can allow any time
For the imagination of another
Woman, did all the goodnesse of the sexe
Conspire in one without you, I should loue
My first election, and be blest to write
All my devotion here; if by the title
Of friend, you vnderstand a man, there is
But one in the whole world I dare call friend,
And I am confident it would trouble me
As much to find a cause that would offend him
As to be guilty of the sinne.
Cla.
Hippolito.
Bel.
If he expected me a day, the crime
Were easily purg'd, I can presume on him
Cla.
This is but little of that Character
I haue heard your tongue deliuer, if his loue
Be what you often haue proclaimd, trust me
He is a treasure
Bel.
Such as both the Indies
Sha'not buy, from me,
Cla.
Whatthing's rare in him
'Bove other friends?
Bel.
His love his love Clariana;
Cla.
That may be found in many
Bel.
But not so rich of so exact a nature
All other is but drossie;
Cla.
He will venture
[Page]His life to aduance your cause
Bel.
He has don't often
But that is not the thing for which I bosome
Hippolite, I can returne full weight
Of blood for his, engage my selfe to dangers
As high and horrid as he can for me,
But every daring fellow in the street
Can draw a sword, and will for his gay honour
Which swaies him more then his religion,
I'th field maintaine a good or impious quarrell:
But he is such a one to me, the name
Of friend's too narrow for him, and I want
A word that carries more divinitly
To expresse his love.
Cla.
You are not nice to extoll him,
What has he done?
Bel.
An act above all friendship
That yet had story, bov'e all recompence
I am not capable of a cause, to quit
His vnexampled vertue;
Cla.
This is strange
Bel.
You will acknowledge when you heare it, and
It does concerne you somewhat.
Cla.
Me, pray let not
My ignorance make me so vnhappy, not
To give my thankes if he hath aym'd apat
Of curtesie to me, what ist?
Bel.
He dares not see thee
Cla.
Dares not see me why
Am I so terrible? does he feare I shall
Transforme him? sure Minerva never drest
My haires, he should imagine I present
Medusa to him, dares not see me? I
Shoot no infection, nor breath any mist
That shall corrupt him, whats his reason pray?
Bel.
Because I love thee, I ha courted him
As some would do their mistresse, but to be
Companion of one visit, and his love
Cla.
Not to see your friend.
Bel.
He loves me so well, that he dares not trust
His frailty with thy sight, whom I have so
Commended, least before our marriage
Some thing should share in his affection
Which he hath studied to preserue intire
For me, he will not trust his eyes with any
Beauty I loue, least they should stray with too much
Licence, and by degrees corrupt his faith
He knowes not what may theiue upon his seness
Or what temptation may rise from him.
To undoe us all
Cla.
A rare and noble friendship.
Bel.
Ist not Clariana?
Cla.
He need not feare I shall
Commit a rape upon his friendship, and
A love so just and perfect as his, cannot
With one sight of a woman, armd with more
Beauty then mine, be violated;
He dares not trust his frailty, he has faults
Belike though he be such a miracle
In friendship, pray enioy him, and by no meanes
Tempt his soft nature to a crime so great
As seeing me, it shall suffice my love's
To thee inviolable, and what opinion
For your sake, I may modestly allow
The man I never saw, because your friend
Be confident he has it.
Bel.
Thar't all sweetnesse
But I forget my attendance on the Duke
Now you allow my absence, vertuous thoughts
Streame in your bosome.
Cla.
Not one kisse at parting?
Bel.
Let one speake the devotion of your servant
That would but dares not stay, to print a thousand,
Cla.
Mil
Madam,
Cla.
[Page]Is Bellamente gone?
Mil.
Yes Madam
Cla.
I must see this strange friend, bid make ready
The Caroch, and do attend—
Mil.
I shall
Cla.
Dares not trust his frailty with a woman, a fine fellow
Enter Hippolito. Courtier.
Hip.
Eubella come to Court
Cour.
This morning Sir
And much grac'd by the Duke, Sebastian
Her father made a Knight
Hip.
A Knight? Wy much good doot him, hee's a gentleman may deserve it for his daughters sake. The Duke has the advantage, he is able to make great men, there is no bande to a round pension per annum, or the severe brow of authority, promotion will turne the stomack, we under-sinners o'the commonwealth, ha nothing but our good parts to procure for us, she is like to become game royall then.
Cour.
The Duke pretends she shall be in some place neere the Duchesse,
Hip.
In some neere place with the Duke, when the Duchesse is in another bed and never Dreames on't; she may in time be a gamster, in the meane time the Duke will play at Cards with her, and if he chance turne up a coate, the honor shall be hers, and a stock perhaps to set up the precious sinne withall, is she not yet Ladified?
Cour.
She is in the way to rise
Hip.
Thou art mistaken, she is in the way to fall, a hansome Gentle woman and new come to Court, in the high way to fall too, if any thing will doot, the Duke has taken a course to take in her Maiden towns.
Cour.
Did not you love her?
Hip.
No faith, I cannot properly say I did ever love her, she was too honest, if she have praid since, she has beene sorry for loving me so well,—she was too wise to be a whoore, and I was not so much a foole to marry, till my time were come,
Cour.
What time?
Hip.
Why the fall of the leafe, when my Summer is over, the Dog-days may do much wo me, marry before one and thirty? [Page] a solescisme, tis more honorable to be a peepe out, then stand at a single game, tis neither Courtly nor fashionable, and whats become of her wise brother?
Cour.
He cannot do amisse in the generall aduancement, if his father and sister rise—
Hip.
He must needs shew a high forehead, tis such a dog in a wheele, hee'le never become a doublet in fashion, he talkes as if he had read Poetry out of Almanacks, and makes a leg like a Farmer, I wonder who begot him?
Cour.
His father.
Hip.
What father? It had beene a question, had his mother beene a Courtier, and not liv'd and died honest in the Country, they that looke upon him, and his sister, would never think two, Pollux and Helena, twinnes, i'th same egge, yet she may be a good hen hereafter and lay, but and he be not addled, he is wiser then his nurse tooke him for
Cour.
Will you not see 'em in?
Hip.
Where are they?
Co.
I'th garden where the Duke hath beene this halfe houre in private discourse with her
Hip.
No Ile backe agen, I ha not eaten to day, and I dare not looke upon an honest woman fasting, tis ominous, and we have too many fishdayes already, if the Duke aske for me make some excuse,
Co.
I owe my preferment to you, and you may challenge my services,
Enter Bellamente.
Bel.
Friend whither in such hast
Hip.
If thou lov'st me interrupt me not, I dare not stay, there are new things at Court, and I ha not provided a complement yet Ile see thee anon.
Bel.
Farewell. Wild as the wind some crochet has possest him
And he is fixt to follow't he but wants
A litle pruning, and no Courtier
Could grow up more accomplisht, I could wish him
An ounce or two of snow to qualifie
Some fury in his blood, were there no women
He would be a brave man, but why do I
Trouble my selfe, that am secure? the Duke.
[Page] Enter Duke leading Eubella, Sebastian, Bovalda, Court. Du.
You are too modest
Eu
That was not wont to be a vice my Lord
Or if it be too homely for the Court
And out of fashion, with your highnes pardon
I shall be welcome with it, to the place
I came from.
Seb.
Hold that constant my Eubella ▪
Du.
Will you still be ignorant?
Bo.
Is not that your daughter?
Seb
She was
Bo.
Has she found another father?
Seb.
She has found a miserie
Bo.
Let them tell the markes that lost it and take it agen
By my consent
Du.
Bellamente
Bel.
My Lord
Du.
Is she not an excellent creature, wer't not pitty
That so much beautie should be cast away
Vpon a thanklesse woman?
Be.
How sir
Du.
That wonot use it to her best advantage?
I have beene courting this houre for
A smile.
Bel.
I like not this
Seb.
Nor I.
Bel.
I cannot but congratulate your good fortune
Seb.
Do not, do not
You ever have beene held an honest man.
Pray, do not mock me, it has pleas'd his grace
To give, me a new name; a riban in my forehead
Bo.
Sebastian's a forehorse-but would I were to be the Dukes taster,
Seb.
But there's a price too great set for the honor,
That is my daughter sir, and though I say't
She is yet a virgin, would you part with such
A child to buy a Kinghthood? bribe at such
Expence for a poore title?
Bel.
Tis darke language
[Page]I dare not understand you, but you may
Mistake the Duke
Seb.
I wod I did, the way
To be assurd is to aske the question sir
Du.
Sebastian you put us well in mind, we have forgot
You have too litle testemonie of our favour
You shall be Captaine of our Guard
Bo.
Howes that? the Duke does love her, I hope not Honestly, she was not borne to he a Dutchesse, I have it Heaven forgive us, the Duke meanes to make her owne father the Pander, tis so, he does not use to give such offices for nothing, well go thy wayes for a princely Ferret, she cannot hold out upon these termes
Seb.
I know not what to say, but do you thinke
She shall be safe here, is the Court a Sanctuary
For virgins?
Bo.
Tw'ere better you were both pickeld,
Seb.
It depends upon the Princes chastity
Whose example builds up vertue
Or makes iniquity a trade
Du.
Why should you
Be such an enemy to your selfe, come faire one
Thinke who it is that Courts you, he that may Command.
Eu.
My life but not my honor.
Du.
Your honor? why I offer in exchange
A thousand.
Eu.
But not all of value, to
Repurchase mine, when I have sold it to
Your wantonnesse, remember sir how much,
You may by one black deed, make forfeit of,
Your precious eternity
Du.
No doctrines
Eu.
Warrant not so much ill by your example
To those that live beneath you, if you suffer,
That sordid vice raigne in your blood, who shano't
Be afraid to live with vertue
Du.
Let a kisse correct this vnkind language
Bo.
[Page]I want patience to see any man kisse
A hansome Gentlewoman, and when my owne lips
Cannot use their owne priviledge, I prophesie what Will
Become on her, for all her modesty, but dare stay
No longer the sight of so much temptation.
Seb.
Why should any
Promotion charme my honest tongue? Ide rather
Plough my owne acres with my innocence
Then have my name advanc'd by poisoned honor,
He must not Whoore my daughter
Be.
I commend.
Your noble soule, but be advis'd how you
Expresse your trouble, griefe while it is dumb
Doth fret within, but when we give our thoughts
Articulate sound we must distinguish hearers,
Princes are dangerous and carry death
Vpon their tongue, I wish you well and speake
My friendly counsell—'las poore gentleman!
Du.
Come you must weare this Iewell, I ha don,
But you must live at Court
Eu.
You will be just
To your owne honor, and not give me cause
To curse your entertainement
Du.
Y'are too scrupulous.
Seb.
Great sir
Du.
Give order for his Patent to be drawne
We will create him Lord, no honor can
Reward your merit, and the title will
Become the father of this excellent maide
Co.
His mouth's stopd agen.
2.
Lord? What does the Duke meane?
1.3.
No harme to the Gentlewoman.
2 Co.
If these wonot purchase the old mans consent to leave his Daughter to his highnesse mercie, for he rises that she may be humbled, there are other courses to be thought on, Sebastian has beene a Souldier, there are quarrells now in the world and Christian warres he were a fit man for a Generall when hee's abroad, the siege at home wonot be so desperate.
1. Co.
[Page]She must be the Court Starre:
2. Co.
Do not you blaze it abroad neither, I do not
Thinke his grace will acquaint his counsell
With such a cause
3.
The old man for ought I see has no stomack to it:
Du.
Wheres Hippolito?
1. Co.
I see him this morning.
Du.
He is an active Courtier, practis'd in these amorous
Paths, weele try his skill to winne her to our
Close embrace, command him presently waite on vs
Bellamenti.
Seb.
We heare you are to be married.
Eu.
Ill tell you more hereafter
I do not like the Court, and yet I have
His royall word no force shall touch my chastity.
Seb.
Be resolute for thy honor, I weigh not
The titles he would heape, remember girle
Thy mothers vertue, since thy birth, though noble
Cannot expect his Courtship for thy selfe,
Scorne to be cald a Lady for his pleasure
Enter Bovaldo
Du.
Signior Boualdo, wheres your sonne?
Bo.
So please your highnesse hee's not ith Court
Vnlesse he be in some o'the lobbyes, I could
Not examine all: ha? tis come about, and the
Father Ile lay my life is laying the law to her,
Why was not I a Duke, I have as many titillations, though I be the elder huntsman.
Du.
You would not thanke us for
A law, that none about our Court should marry ere we
Choose a wife our selfe.
Be.
Your grace is pleasant
Du.
Tell me what hast heard of that Eubella?
Bel.
A very noble character.
Du.
What doe you call noble?
Bel.
Shee's chas [...] and v [...]rtuous
Du.
A vertuous folly but we let her coole
Too much; Eubella
Seb.
[Page]I know not, still I feare her innocence
Is not enough to guard her, if the Duke
Pursue her vitiously, what is a virgin
Against so many flattering temptations?
Du.
Come fairest.
Seb.
I would you would be pleasd my Lord
Du.
I am infinitely pleasd my Lord, with that rare modesty
Sets on this cheeke, and with thy selfe whom we
Have not yet grac'd sufficiently, our state
Doth want such able honest men, and we
Admit you to our high and secret counsels;
I prophesie the Dukedome shall owe much
To your care, and grave directions.
Exeunt all but Sebastian and Bovaldo.
Bo.
Hayda a Privy Counselor too.
We are like to have fine smock-age ont, virgins will be virgins
If the Duke hold this humour and at such price forestall the market;
A widow will be excellent meat againe; hee's Melancholy,
Seb.
Shall I be choakd with honors and not speake?
Where is my courage, shall a few gay titles
Corrupt a father? Bovaldo thou art reported a
Good fellow.
Bo.
Would you were as right for your owne sake:
Seb.
Is there no tricke to give a man a spirit?
I would be valiant; I dare not talke;
Bo.
If you have a mind to quarrell drinke.
Seb.
Well thought on, that shall arme me against all
His flattery shall's to a Tauerne?
Bo.
Ile beare you company
Seb.
It shall be so; the Courts too open,
You shall command Sebastian
Bo.
My Lord—
Seb.
No titles, Ile thither to forget em and drinke my selfe into a heate above his conjuration, if there be a spirit in wine Ile swallow it: How is man falne; that to preserue his name and defend innocence must fly to shame.
Bo.
Ile lead you sir.
Actus Secundus.
Enter Hippolito Fencer.
Hip.
Come on sir.
Fen.
Pretty well I protest la, keepe your guard, now sir
Hip.
What de'e thinke ont, I shall never hit your subtle body
Fen.
A very dextrous profer, bring it home, everwhile you live
Bring your weapon home,
Hip.
Agen sir
Fe.
But you do not hit me the neat Schoole-way,
I wont give a rush to be kild out of the Schoole-way, you must
Falsifie thus.
Hip.
How now man?
Fe.
Pretty well, let us breath
Enter Page and whispers to his Master.
Hi.
A Gentlewoman?
Pag.
That has woed me sir, if it were possible, to see you first
At some distance
Hi.
Is she hansome?
Pa.
I am no comeptent judge of beauty, but if you will have
My verdit, she is guilty of a good face.
Hi.
Ile trouble you no more, I thanke you for this exercise
Fe.
The tother bout
Pa.
Faces about good, Master Fencer, my Master has some businesse
You and I will trie a veine below
Fe.
I would have another thrust I protest
Pa.
Not downe staires, what if my master desire to try his skill
With some body else.
Exit.
Enter Clariana.
Hi.
What means the Gentlewoman? I am not to be bought Lady.
Cla.
If you were I have not wealth enough to purchase you.
Hi.
Do not over value me neither.
Cla.
I would I had not seene him
Hi.
Have you businesse with me Lady?
Expect me in the next roome.
Cla.
I came sir but to see you
Hi.
To see how I doe, why I thanke you, you are pretty, and I
[Page]Am'well, what and they were both put together
Cla.
You may accuse my modesty that thus rudely,—
Hi,
Nay Lady, you cannot offend me that way, I can be as
Rude as you—
Cla.
What shall I say? d'ee know me sir?
Hi.
No good faith not I, but I shall desire to know you any way
You please
Cla.
Did you never see me?
Hi.
See you? you have a beauty would challenge a remembrance
But sure I was not so happy till this minute
Cla.
You are a Courtier and can flatter.
Hi.
And such beauty was made to be flattered
Cla.
Tis a signe it carries not merit enough along to justifie it
But tis as it is, I cannot help it, yet I could paint if I list
Hi.
The more excellent, I do not love your artificiall faces▪ give
Me one that dates blush, and have but her owne colour for't
Her'es a cheeke hath both Creame and Strawberie s [...]'t a lip with
Cheeries that say come eate me.
Cla.
You are very bold
Hi.
Not so bold as you are welcome, you say you came to see me
And I would satisfie more then one of your sences. I do not
Know your name,
Cla.
What would you do with it, if I told you?
Hi.
Lay it up precious to memory, and open it as a relick for
Men to do it reverence, at my crowned table drinke a health
To the excellent owner, and call it my everlasting Valentine.
Cla.
You would not
Hi.
By this kisse but I would;
Cla.
No swearing
Hip.
I cannot take too deepe an oath in such briske claret,
Say shall I know it Lady?
Cla.
Excuse me sir
I would not have my name be the tost for every cup of Sack You drinke, you wild Gallants have no mercy upon Gentlewomen, when you are warme ithe Canaries
Hi.
Why conceale it, I am not in love with a name, and yet I have a Grudging, asuspition, that you ha paund or lost it
Cla.
What?
Hi.
[Page]Your good name, but let it go, I can tarry 'till you recover it, I have a bed with in Lady, and a Couch.
Cla.
What to do?
Hi.
Nothing but to laugh and ly downe:
Cla.
You are very merry sir. I do like him infinitly, I came for no such purpose, I am not so weary but I can walke
Hi.
There is a Gallery to walke after.
Cla.
I find it true, what you are reported;
Hi.
Leave this impertinency, and resolue me agen what you
Came hither for
Cla.
If you will have the truth, I heard you had a wit, and
A tall one, and I came hither
Hi.
To take it downe,
Cla.
To try the keenesse, I confesse it has a pretty edge ont, not altogether so sharpe as a rasor
Hi.
Very good, I shall love this periwinke.
Cla.
They say you love women too
Hi.
So they, say, but dare not ly with e'm
Cla.
I do not beleeve you can love any woman truly, that love so many
Hi.
Be like you hold some intelligence in my affaires, and have a
Catalogue of all my gennets, I thinke there be some women
In the world that wish me well, and shan't I
Love 'em againe?
The misery on't is, I have never a Mistresse
Cla.
Do you not confesse many?
Hi.
Women I grant, some moveables, trimmings for a chamber things that serve the turne, but never a mistresse one that I would love and honor above all, my Lady Paramount, and super-intendent Lindabrides and such an Empresse would thou wert.
Enter Page.
Pa.
Sir one from the Duke
Hi.
The Duke; Lady Ile waite upon you presently.
Cla.
I dare not name his friend nor who I am
All is not well within me.
Hi.
Say I attend his grace immediately, Lady pardon my former rude trespasses, how vnwelcome the cause is that must divorce me from your sweet company I can onely imagine, but if you dare [Page] be so gracious, having already so much honord me to entertaine the time of my absence in that gallery, where some Pictures may helpe away the time, you will oblige in the highest degree your servant, as I am a Gentleman I will returne instantly, and acknowledge the infinite favors:
Cla.
The worst is past already, and I am desperately engag'd
I have not yet exprest the businesse sir
That brought me hither, confident of your noblenesse
I will expect a while,
Pray send my servant to me
Good fortunes w'ee
Hi.
I must not loose her yet,
Lady with your pardon, you shall keepe possession a while,
This key will secure you till my returne.
I hope it will be a fashion shortly for Gentlewomen to come home and take their tribute, it will be some reliefe to our landresses.
Venus grant me a speedy returne,
And she scapes me very hard if she have not her come againe.
Exe.
Enter Duke, Bellamente, Eubella, Courtiers.
Du.
Yet Lady have you changd your resolution
May I now hope to be admitted?
Eu.
Whether?
Du.
To your embraces
Eu.
Sir I dare not tell you
What I would say, I would some other man
Might pleade your argument, I should be plaine
And bolder in my answer, in your person
There's something makes me fearefull to expresse
What is behind, another in your name
Would more encourage me to speake.
Du.
I'me glad,
I have provided for your modestie
I wonder hee's so tedious—
Eu.
Whither will these libidnous flames of men.
Pursue poore virgins? does a generall feaver
Possesse their blood? who shall protect the chast?
Enter Hip.
Hi.
When would you have me doot?
Du.
[Page]Now she is in presence.
Hi.
I am not so well
Fortified as I may be an houre hence
Du.
It must not be delaid, I will prepare her.
Hi.
I am undone, the poore Gentlewoman will be in Purgatory when she finds I ha lock'd her up, and how to release her I know not, no tricke, no device? Bellamento prethee friend go to my lodging, and with this key release a Gentlewoman, that expects my returne, the Duke has put a scuruy businesse upon me, kisse her hand for me, and excuse my stay, wot? tell her hereafter I hope we shall meet and not be distracted, my honor is in pawne,
Bel.
You dare trust me with your tame foule belike, for once
Because there is necessity, Ile take some compassion a your
Pigions, yet you refusd to see my Mistresse, d'ee remember?
Hi.
No quittance now.
Du.
This is the man Lady, d'ee start already? winne her to the Game —
Hi.
Ile do what I canne; I may have better luck for you then
For my selfe, give us opportuniy.
Eu.
Has the Duke pointed him to be his oratour
Hi.
Lady I bring you newes, which you must welcome,
And give me thanks for,
Eu.
If they be worthy.
Hi.
The Duke loves you.
Eu.
D'ee know sir what you say?
Hi.
I am not drunke, the Duke, I say does love you
Eu.
Oh do not use that modest name of love
To apparrell sinne, I know you meant to tell me
The Duke pursues me with hot lust.
Hip.
You are a foole,
You understand his meaning, will you be wise, and meet it? such favours are not offred to every body, I ha knowne as hansome a Lady as you, would ha given all the world, and her selfe too for a bribe to any man that would ha procured her but a kisse, nay as honest women no dispraise ha longd for't, and it was mercie in his highnesse to save the childs nose, you have the whole treasure presented to you, Jupiter in a golden shower falling into your lap intreats to be accepted, come [Page] You must receive him
Eu.
Whom?
Hip.
The Duke
Eu.
Withall the duty of a servant,
Hi.
Thats well said
Eu.
If he bring vertuous thoughts along with him
Hi.
Bring a Fiddlestick, come you do not know what it is to be a Dukes Mistresse, to enjoy the pleasures o'the Court to have all heads bare, the knees bow to you, every doore fly open as you tread, with your breath to raise this Gentleman, pull downe that Lord, and new mold the tother Lady, weare upon a tire the wealth of a province, have all the fashions brought first to you, all Courtiers sue to you, Tilts and Turnaments for you; to have the aire you live in, nay your very breath perfumd, the pavement you tread upon kisst, nay your Dog, or Munkey, not saluted without an officious leg, and some title of reverence. Are you Melancholy? a Maske is prepared, and Musicke to charme Orpheus himselfe into a stone, numbers presented to your eare that shall speake the soule of the immortall English Ionson, a scene to take your eye with wonder, now to see a forrest move, and the pride of summer brought into a walking wood, in the instant as if the sea had swallowed up the earth, to see waves capering about tall ships, Arion upon a rocke playing to the Dolphins, the Tritons calling up the sea-Nimphes to dance before you: in the height of this rapture a tempest so artificiall and suddaine in the clouds, with a generall darkenes and thunder so seeming made to threaten, that you would cry out with the Marriners in the worke, you cannot scape drowning, in the turning of an eye, these waters ravish into a heaven, glorious and angelicall shapes presented, the starres distinctly with their motion and musick so inchanting you, that you would wish to be drowned indeed, to dwell in such a happinesse
Eu.
Fine painted blessings!
Hip.
Will you feast, the water shall be summond to bring in her finny and shell inhabitants, the aire shall be unpeopled, and the birds come singing to their sacrifice, Banquets shall spread like wildernesses, and present more variety then men can possibly take in surfets. Are you sicke? all the Court shall take phisick for you, [Page] if but your finger ake, the Lords shall put on night-caps, and happiest that Courtier that can first betray how much he suffers with you. Doth not this Pallace please, the Court remoues to morrow: doth the Scituation distast, new places are built, and piramids to put downe the Egyptians: will you hunt to day? the game is provided and taught newes to delight you: will you take the pleasure of the River? the Barge attends, Musicke and the Marmaides go a long, Swannes dy a long the shores and sing their owne dirges: will you spend? the Exchequer is yours all honor and offices yours, and which is the crowne of all, the Duke himselfe is yours, whose ambition shall be to make those pleasures lasting, and every day create new ones to delight his Mistresse.
Eu.
And yet I thinke you would not give away
Your right hand for all these, much lesse present
A poniard to your heart and stab your selfe.
Hi.
I thinke I should not.
Eu.
And would you tempt me to do worse?
Hi.
Worse?
Eu.
To sell my honor basely for these vanities
Hi.
Vanities?
Eu.
Meere trifles.
Hi.
And you go to that Lady, that which you part withall for
All these pleasures, is but a trifle
Eu.
What?
Hi.
Your maidenhead? where is it? who ever saw it? Is it a thing in nature? what markes has it? many have beene lost you'ld say, who ever found em'? and could say and iustifie, this is such or such a womans maidenhead? a mere fiction, and yet you thinke you have such a iewell on't
Eu.
You cannot be so ignorant as you seeme
Hi.
I tell you what I thinke.
Eu.
Is chastity and innocence no treasure?
Are holy thoughts and virgin puritie
Of so small value? where is your religion?
Were we created men and women to
Have a command and empireore the creatures
And shall we loose our priviledge our charter
[Page]And wilfully degrad our selves of reason
And piety, to live like beasts, nay be such?
For what name else can we allow our selves?
Hath it been held in every age a vertue
Rather to suffer death then staine our honor?
Does every sinne stricke at the soule and wound it
And shall not this, so foule as modesty
Allowes no name, affright us? can the Duke
Whose wicked cause you plead, with justice punish
Those by his lawes that in this kind offend,
And can he thinke me Innocent, or himselfe
When he has plaid the foule adulterer?
Princes are gods on earth and as their virtues
Doe shine more exemplary to the world
So they stricke more immediately at heaven
When they offend.
Hi.
I did not trouble you with this divinity,
Eu.
I see you are a Gentleman he favours
Be worthy of his trust, and counsell him
To better wayes, his shame is your dishonor;
For every good man suffers with his prince:
Put him in the memory of the holy vow,
When he received his Septer
He promis'd then protection to the innocent;
Tell him the punishment in store for lust
This were an Angels office.
Hi.
But Ile not doo't for a hundred angells, thanke you as much
As though I did, that were the tricke of a wise Courtier, tell
The Prince of his faults
Eu.
If he have but the seeds of goodnesse in him
Hee'll take it well
Hi.
He shall doe when I take it upon me,
I am not weary o'my place, thou wodst make a very fine Court
Surgeon—well dee heare, you wo'not doe this feate for the
Duke then?
Eu.
I dare not.
Hi.
You wonot y'are resolv'd for his sake, why then prethee doo't for mine, you told me once you lov'd me, [Page] Ile take it as a courtesie;
Eu.
I never lov'd your vicious wayes;
Hi.
My wayes, they shanot trouble you, Ile take my owne
Course, meet him but to night for my sake and twine with him.
Eu.
Ile sooner meete with a disease, with death;
You are ignoble, do you urge it as
An argument of my respect to you
To sinne against my love?
Hi.
I shall do no good upon her—were I the Duke, you should
Find another usage.
Eu.
A tirant might do any thing
Enter Duke
Du.
How now is she moist and supple?
Will she stoope to the impression?
Hi.
I told you sir, I was not arm'd toth' purpose, you tooke me un provided, at the next bou't I may do somewhat, ith meane time let me Counsell you, to let her feed high, shee'le never fall low enough else, she must be dieted, if you let her pick her sallets, you may fast another Lent, and all our paines be not worth an egge at Easter.
Du.
Come cruell faire one; we may take the aire together.
Hi.
So so Im'e discharged, now to my guest.
Exeunt.
Enter Clariana and her maide.
Cla.
Not yet returnd? I shall expect too long
He is a hansome Gentleman and witty
I must not alwayes walke in clouds, his friend
Must bring us more acquainted, I do love him.
Not yet? his businesse has much force upon him▪
Mil.
Madam the doores are lock'd
Cla.
What should this meane? he knowes me not
I cannot feare betraying
Enter Bellamente.
Bel.
Now for this Ladybird ha
Mil.
Madam tis Bellamente
Cla.
Cupid defend wench, ha.
Bel.
Sure tis a dreame
Cla.
All is at stake, I must be confident, how does my servant?
Bel.
I am wondring
Cla.
To see me here I warrant
Bel.
Is not your name Clariana?
Cla.
[Page]Yes.
Bel.
Tis not sure
You are some other Lady without a name
Whom our friend made a prisoner to his Chamber,
And cause his businesse with the Duke detaines him
Sent me to kisse your hand and disingage you
Cla.
Will you not know me then?
Bel.
Yes now I looke better on you, y'are Claria a
To whom Bellamente hath devoted all
His loving honest service, she that gave me
Vowes in exchange of mine, if my eyes be not
Vnfaithfull and delude me.
Cla.
Come Ile take
Your wonder off
Bel.
Take it all off together, I ha not done
My admiration, have I not mistooke
My way and falne upon some other lodging?
Is this your dwelling Madam?
Cla.
No?
Bel.
His name, I pray you call the owner
Cla.
Tis
Bel.
Tis so and I am miserable, false Clariana
O whither is the faith of women fled!
Cla.
Youle heare me sir?
Bel.
Was't not Hippolito,
Whom I so often did entreate to see her
My friend Hippolito, he wod not go with me
To her, that were too publicke, he had plots
And private meetings, Lady he has seene you now
And knowes you too,
And how dee like him Lady, does he not careere handsomely
In the Divells sadle? my soules upon a torture
Cla.
Youle heare me sir?
Bel.
I must be mad come tell me, why do not I kill thee now,
Cla.
Tis in your power to be a murderer, but if you knew,
Bel.
I know too much but Ile begin with him.
Cla.
What dee meane?
Bel.
To write upon his hart he has abus'd me,
[Page]I like a tame foole must extoll his friendship
But never for his sake will I trust man
Nor woman, you have forfeited your soules
There's not a graine of faith nor honesty
In all your sexe, you have tongues like the Hyena
And onely speake us faire to ruine us
You carry springs within your eies and can
Out weepe the Crocadile, till our too much pitty
Betray us to your mercilesse devouring.
Cla.
When you are temperate enough to heare
The cause that brought me hither happily
You will repent this passion, in which
I must be bold to tell you sir, my honor
Suffers unkindly—and your friends
Bel.
Grow not from fraile to impudent,
Cla.
You are resolved
To be impatient? when you are collected
Bel.
Stay I will heare, indeed I will, say any thing
Cla.
First then you have no cause to accuse Hippolito
For breach of friendship, had he purpos'd any
Dishonor to your selfe through me, he could not
Be such a foole to send you to his chamber
Whoe's knowledge, it should last of all the world
Arrive at, if you soberly consider.
He knowes not so much of me, as my name;
Thinke then but with what justice, you have all
This while inveighed against him—for my selfe
I confesse freely sir I made a visit
But innocently and pure from any thought
To iniure you; I had a curiosity
To see the man you had so much commended
That was my fault, and I before you came
Accusd my selfe, and could without your furie.
Have chid my modesty enough. Yet sir
You tooke me in no action of dishonour
My maide was all my company.
Bel.
But you look'd for
One to returne, misfortune kept him from you
[Page]Tell me but this, if thou hast any truth
Could any woman Clariana, that
Would ha the world but thinke her virtuous
Suffer her selfe to be'lock'd up suspitiously
Within a strangers lodging,
Cla.
By all goodnesse
It was without my knowledge, I was weary
Expecting him, and meaning to depart;
Some minutes ere you came my servant told me
I was a prisoner, you have all the story
Which cannot, if but weighd with reason
Carry a crime like yours
Bel.
Like mine?
Cla.
I ha said it
Tis you have made a greater fault then I,
With so much violence to condemne before
You know the offence, and I must tell you sir
But that my love is grounded upon virtue,
This were enough to stagger my affection
Raile at your Mistresse but for going abroad
To see your friend? so just a one? I see
You will be jealous when we are married.
Bel.
Never, you have awakd my honour Lady
I dare beleeve and aske thy pardon, trust me
I will command my passions hereafter
And if thou but consent, give proofe, all jealousie
Is flowne away, wee'le marry instantly
Should he retaine a thought not square of her
This will correct all, he is here, no word
Of discontent, put all off merrily.
Hip.
How now, he wo'not serve me so?
Bel.
We are acquainted and now you have seene
My Mistresse, I shall hope, we may enioy
Your company hereafter,
Hi.
Ha, your Mistresse?
Bel.
mine. Clariana
Clar.
Tis my name
Bel.
Come sh'as told me all
[Page]Ile take her word nothing has past offensive,
Salute her now as mine, the character
I gave her, and thy resolution
Not to see her, engaged her to this travell
Hi.
May I be confident, you have forgiven
My wilde discourse, my studies shall hereafter
bend all to serve you nobly
Cla
There is cause that I should beg your pardon.
Bel.
Weele not part.
Now till the Priest hath made all perfect
Hi.
Ile assist the Clarke
Cla.
You have power to steere me
Bel.
Hymen light up thy Torches, woods of Pine
Should be cut up to make thy altars shine.
Exeunt.
Actus Tertius.
Enter Sebastian. Boualdo.
Seb.
WE might with more discretion sent for wine▪
To my owne lodgings.
Bo.
Ever while you live drinke wine at the fountaine
Seb.
Here I am not knowne, let no body interrupt us
Bo.
Let it be rich and sparckling, my precious varlet, and how
And how go things at Court?
Seb.
After a cup or two Ile tell thee.
Bo.
I would Hippolito were here, hee's a good fellow, and takes
After his father, the Duke makes much on him
Seb.
Her'es a good health to him
Bo.
Let it come, I am glad to see you sociable, come to the
City and leave purchasing, du [...]ty acres
Seb.
The same justice that mine had.
Bo.
And it were as deepe as an vsurers conscience,
My boy should ha't
Enter Fidler.
Fi.
Wilt please you Gentlemen to heare any musicke.
Bo.
Shall have any?
Seb.
[Page]By no meanes, it takes from our owne mirth
Bo.
Be gon then.
Fi.
A very good song, and please you
Bo.
Yet agen, will you have your occupation broke about
Your head?
Fi.
Ile make you laugh Gentlemen.
Bo.
Ile make you cry and tune your voyce to the lamentation
Of oh my fiddle, if you remove not presently.
Seb.
This is the tricke of Tavernes, when men desire to be private.
Bo.
Come whom shal we now remember? heres to your Mistresse
Seb.
A Mistresse at my yeeres?
Bo.
Till threescore y'are allowd, I never wore more favours at one and twenty, this Riband came from a Countesse, this locke I weare for a young Ladies sake, this touch was the fall of a Gentlewomans fanne that is new come to Court
Seb.
New come to Court? Ile pray for her, is she vertuous?
Bo.
And she be, there is hope the Courtiers may convert her, here's
To her first
Enter Iugler.
Iu.
Gentlemen will you see a Iackanapes?
Bo.
How many is there of you?
Seb.
Yet more o'these raskalls?
Iu.
I can shew you very fine tricks
Bo.
Prethee Hocus Pocus, keepe thy grannams huckle bone.
And leave us.
Seb.
Presto be gon, or ile teach you a tricke for your Iackanapes
Learning, they will be deceiued that choose a Tauerne for privacie
Bo.
Come our blood cooles; here's to your faire daughter
Seb.
Poore girle, I thanke you sir.
Bo.
I do not flatter you, but you may be proud, I say no more
Seb.
Of what?
Bo.
Your daughter, shee's a hansome Gentlewoman, the're be
Worse faces at Court;
Seb.
Her complexion is naturall, she has no tricke of art
A litle breeding she has had; and some precepts to guard her Honesty
Bo.
Honesty where is it?
Seb.
It should be every where
Bo.
Take heed what you say, least you be made to justifie it
Heres to you, come.
Seb.
I speake Bonaldo what I thinke, and it would be no
Dishonour to the greatest to be the first examples.
Bo.
If all were of your mind who should thrive in this world?
Pledge me
How shall Christians behave themselves in great offices?
Or under-clarkes purchase honesty? but one terme were enough to undoe the City, the Court were but in ill case if great men should stand upon't, for the Countrey, tis bought and sold every market day.
Seb.
Name it
Bo.
To the Duke.
Seb.
The Duke, he does not love me
Bo.
How?
Seb.
No Bovaldo he does not,
Bo.
He loves your daughter—
Seb.
Tis not Princely, Nay I shall dare to tell him so, but
To his health.
Bo.
Let it come, me thinkes he is a very fine Gentleman,
Seb.
I begin to be warme already.
Bo.
And one that loves a wench as well—
Seb.
As ill thou wodst say?
Bo.
As ill as I, let it be so, I were no good subiect to deny it
To his Highnesse.
Seb.
Thou knewest me a Gentleman
Bo.
Are you not so still?
Seb.
No I'me a Knight, a Lord I know not what,
I'me lost within a wildernesse of names
But I will be my selfe agen—the tother cup.
Bo.
Tis welcome, shall we double our files?
Seb.
This skirmish will doe well
Bo.
Charge me home then.
Seb.
Now I could talke me thinkes.
I will not prostitute Eubella for
The wealth of his whole Dukedome, ther'es no honor
To a noble conscience, he is the greatest coward.
Bo.
Right, if a man dares not be honest he is a Coward
But he that dares be dishonest,
Seb.
Dares cut his fathers throat
Bo.
A pretty fellow heres to you agen; shalls have a wench? now am I addicted to embrace any thing in the likenesse of a woman, oh for a Chamber-maide to wrestle withall; send for a brace of Basaliskes, thou hast no spirit no Masculine vertue, now could I o're runne the whole Countrey of the Amazons. Heres to a Penthesilia beare up my valiant Mirmidon and we will do such feates shall make the Troians wonder at our backes and bring Dame Hellen to us.
Seb.
I prethee leave this humor, tis not generous,
Bo.
How not generous take heed what you say
Seb.
I shanot eate my words
Bo.
Then drinke your drinke,
Now Troy burnesblew, wheras Hecuba?
Seb.
Thou art all for wenching,
Bo.
Vpon a condition I will drinke to thee
No, no, thou wot not doe so much, and a man should die for a lift a'the leg: the Duke has a great minde to thy daughter, he is but mortall flesh and bloud, there be subjects that have as sound bodies no dispraise to his Excelency.
Seb.
Dee not feare to talke thus?
Bo.
Feare? would any durst send to me such
A virgin Pinnace, rigd and gay with all flags.
Seb.
This is uncivilll, and I shall tell Bonaldo
Bo.
Nay nay, thou art so waspish, if a friend desired a curtesie, that is in fashion; because the Duke—
Seb.
Y'are too bold, and forget your selfe, I am
Ashamd of this converse; because the Duke?
Did his hand graspe the Scepters of the world
And would propound e'm all to buy the honor
Of my Eubella, I would scorne his salarie
And tell him he were poorer in his soule
Then he that feedes ith hospitall, I'me armd
And shall grow very angry with your humor
Which ere it nam'd my daughter carried wickednesse
[Page]Enough, but in her cause I am easily
Provok'd to teach that tongue repentance dares
Traduce her whitnesse, I allow a mirth
But do not love this madnesse, and if I
Might counsell you, there is a way to quench
These wild licencious flames, earnest of those
Our soules shall feele hereafter, we are both
In yeeres, and should looke out our winding sheet
Not women,
Bo.
Boy Ile pay the reckoning; Be honest and see what will
Come on't
Ile seeke out my sonne Hippolito.
Hee'e be ruld by me, here's a coile about a tassell Gentle
Seb.
Hee's drunke already
That which has raisd me but to noble anger
Is his distraction, theres for your wine
Now to the wanton Duke, heaven let him see
His shame and know, great men that practise lust
Both kill their body and corrupt their dust,
Let him fret do what he can,
The world shall call,
Sebastian honest man.
Exit.
Enter Hippolito.
Hi.
Had I but one thing that did touch on honor
My friendship, and is that disea [...]d already
And languishing? was it for this I would not
See her that I might trespasse with more guilt
When she was married? are not other women
As faire and tempting? or am I hurried
By violence of my fate to love her best
That should be most a stranger? and does she
Meet my modest flame? nay must the tapers
Sacred to Hymen light us to our sinnes?
Lust was too early up in both, oh man
Oh woman! that our fires had kissd like lightning
Which doth no sooner blaze but is extinct, shee's here.
Enter Clariana and Page.
Cla.
Where's your master?
Pag.
[Page]There he is Madam
Cla.
Why do you walke so melancholy sir?
Hi.
I was collecting my selfe about some businesse
Must be dispach'd this morning, sirra pray
The groome make ready my horse
Cla.
Not yet
You do not meane to leave me o'the suddaine?
I am alone, my husband is at Court,
Pray rob me not of all my company,
I shall not thinke upon his absence, with
So much sorrow if you make me happy
With your society.
Hi.
There's the Divell already, I cannot leave her
My boy may go howsoever.
Exit. Page
Cla.
Oh Hippolito
If you have usd no charmes but simple courtship,
Perhaps you may condemne me in your thoughts
That I so soone (not studying the wayes
Of cunning to disguise my love, which other
Women have practis'd, and would well become
The modesty of a wife) declare my selfe
At your dispose, but I suspect you have
Some command more then Naturall, I have heard
There have beene too much witchcraft exercis'd
To make poore women dote
Hi.
You are not serious
In what you say? I hope you do not take me
For such a juggler? if you thinke I practise
Cla.
That looke acquits you, then at my nativity
Some powerfull starre raignd, I have heard Astrologers
Talke much of Venus
Hi.
And of Mars when they are
in coniunction, they encline us mortalls
Strangly to love and ly with one another
Cla.
I am ignorant
What influence we have from them, but I
Am sure, something has strangely wrought on me
Hi.
As how Madam?
Cla.
[Page]Why to love, I know not home,
You know my meaning, but truth witnesse with me
When first I saw your person I gave up
My liberty, me thought I lov'd you strangely.
Hi.
I had desires too I could not justifie
But knowledge that you were my friends, for that time
All loose fires, but love that swaid you, then quenchd
And kept your thoughts longing, met with my heart
And scald it up for you, yet when I thinke on Bellemente.
Theres wrestlings in my blood.
Cla.
Iust when I thinke on him tis so with mine,
That love should be so equall, do'st not stirre you
Sometimes to thinke of former vowes? Nay I do dreame
Sometimes of being surprizd in thy deere armes
And then methinkes I weepe, and sigh and wake.
With my owne grones.
Hi.
I never dreame of that
Cla.
It is my foolish fancie, yet such feares
Should waking never trouble me, those lovers
That have not art to hide, and to secure
Their amorous thefts, deserve to be reveald:
Hi.
Sure there's no woman in the world but this
Could have such power against my friend, each sillable
Renewes her force upon me,
Cla.
I beseech you
Although a storme hath throwne me on your shore
Have not so litle charity to thinke
I should accept of safety on another,
It is not possible any but your selfe
Withall the Magicke of his tongue or fortunes
Could bribe me from Bellemente, if I fall
For too much loving you, your mercy may
Interpret fairely, by these teares
Enter Page and Groome.
Gro.
Sir your horse is ready
Hi.
I shanot go yet, Lady if you please
Wee'l walke a turneith Garden.
Eeunt.
Gro-
Harke you my small friend, without offence is not your
Pag.
What
Gro.
I would have another word for a whooremaster
Pa.
How my durty rubber of horse heeles
Gro.
Nay I do not say he is, I do but aske, whether he be or no, Be not angry demilance, there be as good gentlemen as he, that love a wench.
Pa.
Why is your Mistresse a wench?
Gro.
My Mistresse you didapper
Pa.
I do not say she is, I do but aske whether she be or no, there be as hansome creatures none dispraisd, that take mony for their warren, have I answerd you my bold Marchant of dung in a wheele barrow?
Gro.
How now Iackalent is shreeds of Satten, I shall swing you with a horse-rod, you whippet
Pa.
Go meddle with your masters Gelding, and cheate him in the provender to keepe you in perpetuall pots of Ale, when you entertaine the Kitchinmaide in the hayloft, talke of my Master?
Gro.
Meddle with my Mistresse?
Pa.
Yes Ile speake to her to allow you a lesse proportion of cleane straw to rubb bootes and ly in sirra, you thinke you are at rack and manger, when you devide beanes with the horses and helpe to foule the stable
Gro.
Sirra whelpe that has eaten knot-grasse, do not provoke me least I fetch a smith and curry your thin sids
Pa.
Mine you beane-shifter, would you durst no better ride booty at the horse match or cosen your Master ith next parcell of Oates, I feare you not my canvas serving-man with halfe a livery, groome othe stable once removd from the farrier.
Enter Hip. Clar.
Clar.
What at difference?
Both No not we Madam.
Hi.
Sirra come hither.
Entreat my father meet me at Court,
Pa.
I shall sir
Hi.
Theres no hast for my Nag yet.
Exit.
Cla.
About your businesse sira.
Gro.
My businesse is below staires, and with a Gelding, what he [Page] may prove I know not well, what I thinke I will keepe to my selfe, my Lady may be honest enough, but he that is borne to be a Cuckold shall never dy a bachelor.
Exit.
Enter Duke. Eubella.
A Song which done. Enter Sebastian and Courtiers.
Duke My Lord you are welcome
Seb.
Give me leave to tell
Your highnesse I suspect it.
Why should a Prince dissemble?
Du.
This dialect becomes you not
Seb.
Sir sir I must be honest
Eu.
Father
Seb.
Eubella expresse thy duty
To him thou calst a father, for thy owne
Sake leave this place, the Court's a fire
Du.
How sir
Seb.
Canst thou not see the flames that threaten thee?
Du.
Sebastian's wild
Seb.
But you would make her tame, looke looke Eubella
The Duke himselfe burnes, do not his eyes sparcke
With lust, his very breath will blast thee
Eu.
I feare this will be dangerous, good sir,
Seb.
If yet thou hast not lost thy innocence
I charge thee, by thy mothers memory
And colder ashes, keepe thy selfe unstaind
Let no temptation corrupt a thought
Th'art richer in thy chastity, then all
The Kings of earth can make thee, if thou fall
Thou kilst my heart
Du.
All this for thy sake we forbeare to punish,
But you should know my Lord
Seb.
Lord me no Lords
I grone under the burden of your honors
And here resigne all, give me but my daughter
Du.
Let not your passion strangle thus your reason
Seb.
Let not a sinne so blacke as lust degrade
A Prince and register thy dishonord name
With foule adulteries
Du.
[Page]Yare very bold
Seb.
I would preserve the name of our yet honest famil [...]
I feare she is ore come already, I do not like her silence.
Du.
To take off your feares
Although we neede not give you satisfaction,
By this white brow, she is as pure as when
She came to Court.
Seb.
Oh let Sebstian fall
Lower sir, I beseech you tread upon me
So you will still be honest to my child,
She is all my comfort
Du.
rise.
Seb.
But will you not
Hereafter study to betray her innocence?
Or give her licence to returne with me?
Ile aske no more assurance, grant but this
And when we are at home, it shall oblige us
Beside the duties we already owe
In heart to pray for you
Du.
We are not pleasd, she should depart.
Seb.
Then Ile vnthanke your Goodnesse
And dare thus boldy tell your highnesse, lawes
Are most unjust that punish petty theeves
And let the great ones scape,
Du.
We are yet patient.
Eu.
Deere sir
Seb.
Princes may take our children from us, not
To aduance but kill their names, corrupt their vertues;
When needy men, that steale to feed their lives
Are doo'md to the Gallouse.
Du.
Take the frantick hence.
Seb.
Take hence the ravisher
Cour.
Sebastian.
Seb.
Although he ravish not Eubella
From her selfe, yet he does ravish
A daughter from her father, and ile voice it
Through every streete, I am not bound to whisper
When griefes so loud within me.
Du.
[Page]Place him where his noise may make his owne headake not others,
This liberty of tongue shall be corrected
Seb.
It will but spread thy infamy, when men
Shall speake my cause, and thy lasciviousnes
Which I will tell so often to the stones
The vault shall be ashamd to eccho thee Eubella
Du.
Away with him
Seb.
Do bury me alive, be strong Eubella
And let not death by my example shake thee.
Du.
This may incline her, do not weepe Eubella
They are not worth a teare, yet tis within
Thy power to ransome their bold heads, were they
Humbled toth block, this Pitty shewes a child
But Princes loose their awe that are too mild.
Bellamente and Servant Exeunt.
Bel.
Where's your Lady?
Ser.
In her Chamber.
Bel.
Whoe's with her?
Ser.
None but the Gentleman you left here
Bel.
Hippolito? I wonot have so base a thought—Ilt to e'm,
Yet, you may go and say I am returnd and wish her presence.
Ha? there is something busie with my braine
Exit. Ser.
And in the shape of jealousie presents
A thousand feares, they have beene very loving
Since we were married; thou soules corrupter
Who sent thee to me? to distract my peace,
Be gon, be gon, and scatter thy foule seedes▪
Vpon a ground that will be fruitfull to thee.
The innocence I carry in my breast
Armes me against the thoughts of others treason,
My friend, my wife? the very names are sacred
And like the heads of Saints, and holy Martyrs
Invested with such glorious beames they strike
Conspiracy blind, how now, whats in thy face?
Enter Servant.
Ser.
Oh sir?
Bel.
Whats the matter?
Ser.
Would you could understand without my tongue
Bel.
How does thy Lady
Ser.
[Page]My Lady is—
Bel.
Ha▪ why dost pause vilaine? answer me
Ser.
Alas I know not with what words to tell you
Would I had never seene her, or you never
Married her.
Bel.
Ha? stay there, Shall I trust thee now fury? but speake, and
Be not tedious, what is my Lady doing upon thy life?
Ser.
Alas sir it will make you madde.
Bel.
Speake or never speake agen, I am prepard
Ser.
Pardon my unhappinesse to deliver then
A truth that will distract you, you have now
Nor friend nor wife
Bel.
Are they both dead?
Ser.
Yes dead to honor, finding her chamber lockt
I know not what did prompt me to make use
Of a small cranny, where I beheld em both,
I want modest language
To tell how they are falne, and yet too soone
I know you cannot choose but understand me.
Bel.
How long hast thou beene a Raven?
Ser.
Good sir collect your selfe,
Tis my misfortune and no fault to be
The sad reporter
Bel.
Do I live still?
Ser.
And shall I hope long
Bel.
Th'art most uncharitable, if thou hadst lou'd
Thy master thou wouldst wish him happinesse
Which all life denies, is my composition
So hard, a sorrow great and high like this
Cannot disolve it? wonot my heart breake
With this? then melt it some celestiall fire,
In pitty of my sufferings some cloud
Of raine, since my owne eyes refuse to drowne me,
Fall and orewhelme this miserable Iland
Ser.
Sir,
Bel.
Can this be possible? be sure they are Divells
Or I shall find such a new hell for thee—
Ser.
I would it were not true
Ser.
[Page]I would it were not true
Bel.
Some mercifull whirlewind snatch this burden up
And carry it into some wildernesse:
Leave not
If it were possible the mention
Of what I was behind, the wolues are honester
Then mankind is to man, I prethee kill me
I kneele to be destroyd, it is thy duty;
When thou shalt tell the world my wretched story
And what soule killing and devouring griefes
Thy good hand rid me of, it shall acquit thee
And call thy murder charity
Ser.
Good sir
Bel.
O whither shall I runne to find a friend
Will do the gentle office to despatch me
Without my owne hand?
Ser.
Rather live to take
Iustice upon their periuries.
Bel.
Good man.
My better Angel how had I forgot
My selfe? Coward to thinke of dying yet.
Who would put confidence in heaven hereafter.
If it should suffer me depart the world
Without revenge, and that my owne upon em.
Come draw, take my sword, I will be double arm'd▪
I charge thee by [...] duty, or thy life
If that be more, stay you at bottome of
The staires, while I ascend their sinfull chamber
And if my Pistoll misse his treacherous heart
He has no way to passe but on thy sword,
The place gives such advantage that with
Safety thou maist command his life.
Kill him with losse compunction then a witch
Fleas a dead Infant for his skin to perfect
A hellish incantation, thou wo't do't?
Ser.
Ile do my best he [...] scape
Bel.
Wife, friend,
You hang like vlcers on me, I am bound
[Page]To cut you from my heart to cure my wound.
Exeunt.
Actus Quartus.
Enter Hippolito and Clariana upon a bed.
Hip.
WHat pitty tis these pleasures are not lawfull.
Cla.
Lawfull? that would take much from the delight
And value, I have heard some Gentlemen,
That want no venison of their owne,
Sweare they had rather strike their neighbors deere
Then hunt in their owne parke, what we possesse
We keepe for our necessity, not game,
Or wearied with enjoying give't a way
To purchase thanks abroad.
Hi.
For all that Madam, there is danger in some purlies, and when the Keeper is none of the wisest, their bolts are sooner shot, I like the sport, but would not be taken at the deere stealing, yet for such a Doe as thou art, I would venter—
Cla.
Tis no glory to take a towne without some hazard, that victorie is sweetest which is got in the face of danger, when the very cannons are hoarse with clamor, then the bold souldier goes on and thinkes the noise loude musicke to him, give me the man that feares no colours, was there ever any thing worth the enioying that came easily and without trouble to us? what makes a maidenhead the richer purchase thinke you? but I am married and my husband is your friend
Hip.
Prethee no more o'that
Cla.
No more othat, in my conscience you are fearefull this is the ballad right. Courtier hey Courtier ho, wilt thou be my true love, no no no, fy upon't. I should name my husband often to arme and fortifie our selves▪ I confesse, I do not wish him here, perhaps he would do some mischiefe, and hinder another meeting, but if he were present now, and should see us kisse, for and he' were ten husbands, I would trust his eyes no further, what [Page] could he say? for he did but kisse her, for he did but kisse her, and so let her go: come for shame be more sprightly, I have as much reason to looke about, and play my game wisely, if my Cards were considerd.
Hi.
Yet you are very confident.
Cl.
He does use to keep his word, I know heele not returne this two houres, come we are secure, prethee lets talke o something els.
Enter Bellam.
Bel.
Of death.
Are ye vntwind?
Cla.
Are we betraid.
Bel.
You did not looke for me—your sword is of no use, dee see Pitty your owne damnations; and obey me, get into that closet no considering, it must be done: so you are fast, now Lady Lechery dresse you the bed a litle, and lay the pillowes hansomely bestirre you
Cla.
Vpon my knees—
Bel.
No petitioning, you can sing, quickly or—so so, you sirra at the bottome of the staires, come up. Be wise and do not kneele nor whimper.
Enter Servant.
Now sirra speake and tell me truly
Or ile search every corner of thy soule
Why didst thou play the vilaine, thus to mocke me
With expectation to find my wife
Playing the adulteresse with Hippolito?
Tell me?
Ser.
Hold sir I beseech you
Bël.
What Divell did instruct thee to disquiet
My heart, secure and confident of their honors
As conscious of my owne, no head but mine
To bruise with jealosie, where is he? shew me
Or take into thy bosome what my vowes
Had fixt for him and her
Ser.
If these be eyes I saw em'
Bel.
If these be eyes, is that your proofe, lay such
A cause upon the strength of a weake sence
That is a thousand wayes deceiv'd, your eyes!
O Clariana, this impudent slave
[Page]With such a cunning face, told me thou wert
Naught, lock'd in the lustfull armes of base
Hippolito, my friend, my honest friend.
One that commands not his owne life so much
As I, that wo'd not for a Monarchy
Do me the least disgrace, hast found him vilaine?
Ser.
Ile looke under the bed sir.
Bel.
And I beleevd him too, and had I found
But the least point of such a sinne, within
Thy Chamber, furies should appeare more tame
then Bellamente, hell should not have malice.
Enough to adde to my revenge, but pardon.
My easie credulous nature, I confesse
A fault, for had I lov'd thee nobly as
Became our holy vowes, our vowes Clariana
To which we cald the Angells, I should never
Have entertained one thought against thy chastity
But this slave shall repent it.
Ser.
Hold, I beseech you sir? by my life I thought
I saw em.
Bel.
Thought? is that excuse
Ser.
Good sir, Ile never trust my owne eyes after this
There was deceptio visus. Oh be mercifull
Bel.
None but her honor, and my friends to poison?
Had this report not first arrived at me
How had we all beene shamd—dost thou kneele too
Nay then I must forgive him, rise my honest
My deerest Clariana—but I shall heare
You will be prating of it, if one sillable
Come to my eare let fall by thee, that touches
But thy suspition, Ile ha thy tongue
And heart.
Ser.
Cut me into a thousand peeces. Madam your pardon
How was I cosend
Bel.
Be gon and thanke her goodnesse thou dost live
But do not dare to be so desperate
To come within my eye reach till I call thee
Ser.
Ile not come neere you, Ile bury my selfe in the Cellar.
Exit.
Bel.
[Page]So so▪ Now sir you may come forth agen
Nor do you my most excellent whoore, thinke
There is no storme to follow—keepe your distance
You have had a feast, a merry one, the shot
Is now to be discharg'd, what do you expect?
Hip.
Death, from that hand, I apprehend no mercie
Not have I so much innocenee to hope
You will delay your justice,, were I arm'd
With power to resist, I should adde more
Offences by defending of this life
That has so basely iniured you.
Bel.
Treacherous serpent
Hip.
With this I have sometime releeud your valour
And had no pitty of my blood, but then
I was a friend, in such a cause as this
I have no arme no weapon, not, if I
Were sure the bullet would dceline my heart.
It does beget a cowardise to thinke
How I am falne.
Cla.
O pardon
Bel.
Pardon with what conscience canst thou aske it?
Hip.
You shewed a charity above my hope
By giving a few minutes for my prayer,
Which shewes you had no meaning to destroy
The soule, twas Rare compassion, but if you
Could possibly forgive?
Bel.
How forgive
Hip.
I say if it were possible you could
Remitt so foule (in me the blakst) offence
Not for the love I have to number dayes
But by some noble service, to wash off
This shame, this leprosie upon my name
Bel.
Ha you found it now.
Hip.
I have but vainely interrupt your fury
You cannot must not pardon it, such mercie
Becomes not an Italian.
Bel.
Miserable woman.
Cla.
O sir, it was my first offence, what woman is
[Page]Without some staine? if all that in this kind
Have sinn'd, had met with present death you would
Not find some names, that now shine gloriously
Within the catalogue of Saints, my soule
Is full of shame and teares.
Bel.
Tel me Clariana ▪
Still I shall hit upon thy name, how couldst thou
Vse me so cruelly? did I want youth
And spring about me were my embraces cold
Frost in my blood? or in thy bed was I
Conueyd a snowball, rould up the children
Do to play with winter, did I not affect thee
Beyond all the comfort of the world?
Cla.
I know it.
Bel.
And thou whom best of all mankind I lov'd
Whose friendship tooke up my whole heart till she
Came in a wife, yet then thou hadst a seate
One small degree below her, when this shall be
The talke of Ferrara who shall trust his friend
For thy sake, or at the mention of thy name
For sweare ever to marry
Cla.
Noble sir.
It is within your power
Bel.
To kill you both
Hip.
I am prepared so well
As this short time will give me leave.
Cla.
Tis yet within your power to silence all,
What is already done should we turne fountaines
We heartily may grieve for, not repaire,
The world can have no knowledge of our trespasse
Nor your dishonor, If you call it so
Vnlesse you tell it, you have nobly sir
Secur'd all shame at home, which has won more
Repentance from me then my teares, go on
Increase that piety, and be not you
The trumpet of their infamy abroad
Whose lives hereafter may be spent with such
Religious sorrow for offending you
[Page]That you may not repent to have forgiven.
Bel.
Shall I be wonne with foolish pitty?
Cla.
Our death will gaine you nothing, but the feare
You shannot keepe your owne life
Hi.
Or if bloud
Must onely satisfie, let your sword here
Bath in revenge, the greatest sinner kill
If men were not, what woman could be ill.
Bel.
Your feares thus vanish, I delight not in
The bloody sacrifie, live both.
Hip.
A miracle
Cla.
But ile do more then kill you—tak my love off.
I do desire never to see you more,
Nor will I be a Courtier to occasion
Meeting hereafter, what is done is circled
Within our knowledge, pray, farwell, for you
I do desire never to bed thee more
Ile force some smiles to keepe suspition off
But feare I never shall love heartily
Agen, thou hast undone me here, Clariana
And yet I wonot wish thee dead for this
Repent and when I die aske for a kisse.
Exeunt.
Enter Bonaldo and a Courtier.
Bon.
Not at the Court? why he desired I should meet him here
Cour.
The Duke hath often asked for him
Bon.
He waites well in the meane time, who in the name of wantonnesse keepes him away, I know tis a wench, tis a parlous boy, my owne sonne to a haire, and he should not love a woman I would disinherit him, for I am of opinion an Athist sometime is better then an Eunnch, And yet cannot the Court find him game enough, but he must leape the pale and straggle so farre for Venison, that the Duke must hunt after him; and he were not my owne flesh and bloud, I would counsell him to marry, but they are dangerous, and a disease is more curable then a wife, for she indeed is a he [...]tick feauer although I buried mine seven yeere agoe, yet I feele a grudging of her still, and for a need could guesse at the change of weather by the knowledge her noise has infu [...]d into my bones.
Enter Duke, Courtiers.
Cour.
[Page]The Duke.
Du.
Some one looke out Hippolito
Bo.
If please your grace let it be my imployment
Du.
Signior Bonaldo?
Bo.
Your highnesse humble servant▪ I am sorry my sonne should be absent, when your grace has service for him, but Ile find him out, I am acquainted with two or three of his haunts I know a Taverne is next doore to a—
Du.
To a what?
Bo.
It has a course name
Du.
No matter:
Bo.
To a baudyhouse
Du.
Thats not impossible
Bo.
To find him there, I cannot helpe it?
Co.
He loves him the better for't
Bo.
Tis a tricke he learnd in France sir, where your nobility practise, he will leave it, when Capring and Kissing are out of fashion with Gentlemen
Du.
Oh he is young, I have heard you were as wild at his Yeeres,
Bo.
And wilder too I should be sorry else
Du.
How?
Bo.
I had ne're broke my wives heart else, with supping abroad and midnight revells▪ I should ha beene troubled with her till this time
Du.
She was a shrew it seemes? but you promise actively still?
Bo.
Not much for the crosse point,
But with your highnesse licence, Ile find out Hippolito
To attend your pleasure.
Du.
A blunt honest Gentleman.
Co.
He does not boast much honesty, with your pardon sir.
Du.
I like the freedome of his discourse, but see Hippolito
Enter Hippolito.
Hip.
I must not appeare melancholy
Co.
Signior the Duke expects you
Hip.
His graces humble creature
Co.
Now is he come from some vaulting schoole Ile lay my life,
[Page]He is a pretty Gentleman tis pitty that nothing can perswade him from the flesh.
2. C.
The Duke imployes him.
Co.
I leiger at home
Hip.
Both in prison
Du.
Both.
We all know Eubella, her father is committed to prison for being
To free on's tongne.
Hi.
Be confident I will prevaile, I have a new spell for her
Du.
Be speedy and be fortunate, she is in that chamber
Returne with her consent to love and be
What the Dukes power can make thee.
Hip.
You too much honor me
Du.
Come Gentleman.
Hippo. seemes to open a chamber doore and brings forth Eubel.
Hip.
Lady, I am sent to know your full and finall resolution touching the businesse the Duke propounded, though your father be shut up yet change of aire is fitter for your complexion, the Duke is a Gentleman that may command in these parts tis not for want of provision, the Duke has a mind to cut up your virginity.
Eu.
If this be your affaire sir, tell the Duke
Eubella is a rocke.
Hip.
Thats very hard
Eu.
His mermaids cannot winne me with their songs
Nor all his tempests shake me
Hip.
Stay a litle
There's something more in my commission
Eu.
Hippolito
I now have argument to thinke you were
Not borne a Gentleman, something, here is witnesse
I pittie thee, this is no noble office
Hip.
You meane a pander it ha's been a thriving way for some,
But I am imployed by his grace.
Eu.
Shall feare or flattery
Corrupt a generous soule? I am a woman
The weakest of a thousand yet I dare
Give man example, rather to be sacrificed.
Then betray vertues cause, we give our life
[Page]To grow agen, from our owne funerall pile
Like the Assyrian brid.
Hip
Thou hast so rich
A stocke of goodnesse, were all other women
Vitious, thou mightst impart enough to make
The whole sexe white agen, and leave thy selfe
One degree lesse then angell: canst thou pardon
That I have tempted thee so farre? thy hand
To give it a relligious kisse, when next
My tongue is orator in so foule a cause
The argument it selfe turne a disease
And eate it to the roote. I am chang'd Eubella
And more to trie thy strength then to orecome
I speake nowe for the Duke, keepe still thy thoughts
Deuout to honor, after I have studied
A yeares repentance for my wrongs to thee,
I will presume to say I love Eubella
Eu.
But hath Hippolito no other meaning?
I understand, and take some ioy to heare this language
Hip.
The first proofe of my conversion
Shall be to tell the Duke he has done ill
To court thee sinfully
Enter Duke.
Du.
Howes this?
b Eu.
Pray do not mocke, if you knew how much,
Delight heaven takes to heare you speake so well
To the distressed Eubella.
Hi.
By this lip
If my profane touch make thee not offended
There is no good I will not act, nor ill
I will not suffer to deserue thy love
But I am miserable and cannot merit
I have not beene at home these many yeeres
Yet I will call my conscience to account
For all, and throw my selfe upon heavens charity,
Why dost thou weepe?
Eu.
My ioy can weare no other livery
Then teares, and confident all this is truth
[Page]I cannot keepe it in, you shall dispose
Eubellas heart.
Hi.
Then here I take it in
To my possession
Du.
Vilaine Strumpet
Hi.
Sir, here are none such I can assure your highnesse
Du.
Is this your faith to me?
Hi.
I never did you.
True service till this minute, and I dare
Now tell you, though you cut my head off, tis
Not justice to pursue the ruine of
A harmelesse maid
Du.
Traytor
Hi.
Call me some Name, I understand my Lord
This virgin now is mine.
Du.
Your whoore
Hi.
This cannot make me yet forget your person
Eu.
Sir I beseech you.
Du.
By my Dukedome
Hi.
The more you vex the more we grow together
In honor and chast love
Du.
You speake as if
You were to be her husband,
Hi.
Tis a title a prince should be ambitious of.
Du.
Very fine
Do you consent too, to be cald his wife?
Eu.
If he dare make me such there is no second
My heart affects.
Du.
Ist come to this? then heare what I determine
Eu.
Sir consider
Du.
I have considered do not interrupt me
Too morrow if I live Ile see you both
Married, thou excellent maide forgive my passion,
Accept him freely, thou hast overcome
With chastity, and taught me to be a prince
Which character, my lust had neere defac'd
Release Sebastian.
Eu.
What dutie can poore Eubella pay?
Du.
[Page]No more, good deeds reward themselves, how have we slept.
Hi.
This exceeds all your favours▪
Du.
Cherish my gift Hippolito, she is a wife for the best prince, no honor can be enough to satisfie thy vertue.
Exit,
Co.
Heres a strange whirle, I do not like it, if the Duke continue this mind, we must all be honest.
2. Co.
Who can helpe it?
Enter Bellamente and Bonaldo at severall doores.
Bo.
Save you Signior is my sonne here?
Bel.
He wa's here very lately, too late
Bo.
You do not answer as you were wont,
I aske for Hippolito, your friend,
Bel.
And did not I answer you?
Cry you mercie Signior, indeed he is not here
Bo.
How is it with your beauteous Clariana?
Bel.
Shee's well
Bo.
Pray commend my service to her
Bel.
What said yee?
Bo.
Nothing but my service to your Lady
Bel.
Oh I thanke you, pray stay, and tell me how I looke.
Bo.
Looke?
Bel.
They will perswade me within I am not well
I must confesse there is some cause of melancholy
Within me.
Bo.
I guest so at first sight, may I presume to aske it?
Bel.
And yet does not concerne me in a higher nature then
My friend, a scuruy chance late hapn'ed to him
One that he lov'd most deerely, you will scarce
Beleeve, made him a Cuckold
Bo.
That all?
Bel.
That all. Dee understand what I have said?
Bo.
Yes a friend was made a Cuckold by a friend
He did his wife and him a curtesie.
Bel.
Go home and pray, y'are in a desperate state
This is enough to weigh thee downe to hell
Bo.
I am not of your mind, and I had don't my selfe, I should
Never had so much despaire as to hang my selfe, why tis as
[Page]Common as shifting a trencher
Bel.
But harke you sir, how ere you talkeou cannot in your judgement thinke so, are you married?
Bo.
What dee see in my forehead you should thinke me so miserable?
Bel.
Ile tell you then, what a wife is, or should be
Bo.
I can tell you, what they should be,
Bel.
What?
Bo.
They should be honest and love their husbands, and for their Sakes their bastards, which if they understand they are bound, to keepe, because their ill conditions drive us a broad to get 'em.
Bel.
No, heare me.
A wife is mans best peece, who till he marries
Wants making up, she is the shrine to which
Nature doth send us forth on Pilgrimage,
She was a syens taken from that tree
Into which if she have no second grafting
The world can have no fruit, she is mans
Arithemeticke which teaches him to number
And multiply himselfe in his owne children,
She is the good mans Paradise, and the bads
First step to heaven, a treasure which who wants
Cannot be trusted to posterity
Nor pay his owne debts, she is a golden sentence
Writ by our maker, which the Angells may
Discourse of, only men know how to use
And none but devills violate
Bo.
All this youle justifie a wife
Bel.
Now tell me Signior what punishment
That man deserves, that should deface or steale
This wealth away.
Bo.
How meane you in the way of lying with her?
I am of my first opinion, there is not much treason
In't, if she be hansome
Bel.
But is there no respect of friendship to be observ'd?
Bo.
Nor kindred much in such a case
Bel.
Would you not chide your sonne that should abuse his
Deere friends wife or Mistresse?
Bo.
[Page]Yes if he should abuse her, but if he did but ly with her I should commend him, make the case your owne would you deny a friend that wanted linnen the curtesie of your cleane shirt? a woman is a more necessary wearing, and yet never the worse for't
Bel.
Away thou wot infect my dwelling else,
To what a monster, is man growne
Bo.
Fare you well sir, I ha but answered to your questions
Bel.
Cynick Ile hold thy Lanthorne now, and goe with thee
Through Athens and the world to find one man
That's honest.
Enter Page.
Pa.
My Master remembers his humble service
Bel.
To me? Ide rather thanke him to forget it
Why does he trouble me with letters? yet Ile read em.
Ha? to be married to morrow—This is an honest
Sentence, my heart bleeds still for wronging you.
Enter Clariana.
Clariana Tis no secret
Cla.
Ha to Eubella, I shanot conceale my passion, he must not marry
Bel.
Give me the paper
Cla.
Inspire me love ile crosse it
Exit.
Bel.
Why does thy master boy, send me this letter?
Pa.
I know not sir; unlesse it be to certifie you of his marriage?
Bel.
He will marry now and live honest, heaven give him joy.
But its not so faire to disturbe my braine
That is not fully setled with his triumphes,
What ist to me? He cannot satisfie.
My jniurie if he should court his wife
And prevaile with her
To imbrace me too.
The Duke he writes, will honor his solemnity
His conscience dares not suffer him to invite
Me as his guest, why then must I be troubled
Cannot he laugh and h [...]m [...] and kisse his bride
But he must send me word, whose soule he has
Put miserably out of tune.
Enter Clariana.
Cla.
Conceale that letter from all eyes but your Masters.
Bel.
Sirra you shall returne, and say I will dy shortly.
Pag.
[Page]Heaven forbid sir
Bel.
That is a kind of prayer, who bad thee thee sayo?
Then if I must live, Ile find out a Hermit
That dwells within the earth or hollow tree.
A great way hence there I shall be secure
And learne to pray for I want charity—be gon boy
Cla.
Good sir talke not so strangely
Bel.
Fare you well too, Ile come agen to morrow, or I know
Not when, I have much businesse abroad
Cla,
Will you ride forth?
Bel.
Yes,
Cla.
Shall none attend you?
Bel.
No I shall be best alone, you know your chamber
Theres none so bold to rob me of my griefe
Yet he thats sad as I; beares his owne thiefe.
Actus Quintus.
Enter Hippolito and his Page.
Hi.
I Know not what to resolue, this letter has distracted me It is not wisedome to acquaint Eubella, let me perus't agen. Sir, though I have repented my love, which drew my dishonor, I have not lost my charitie, and therefore can take no pleasure in your ruine, meet me to morrow earely in the groue behind the Pallace, I will discover a plot against your life, I pitty your danger, and will secure more ioyes to your bride, be secret yet and trust her, that is no otherwise then nobly yours, Clariana.
Tis some thing Bellamente has designd.
For his revenge, did he speake strangely saist?
Pag.
Very strangely sir, he said he would dy shortly
Hi.
Thou didst mistake him, he meant I should dy, he wonot [...]ill me at the altar? perhaps I shall be poisoned at dinner, a thousand wayes there are to let out life
I must be certaine. Eubella and her father
[Page] Enter Eubella and Sebastian. Some truce with my affliction.
Seb.
More welcome then my liberty, Eubella
Has made my heart glad with your new character
And now my sonne Hippolito.
Hip.
That title
Will be aboue all honors the Duke can
Let fall upon me, that I have beene wild
I must with shame remember, but my study
Of after life to her and all the world
I hope shall purchase thee a better name.
Seb.
You will not leave us this morning?
Hip.
I shall returne, excuse me a few minutes.
Eu.
Do what you please▪ but if it be a businesse
You may dispence with
Hip.
It concernes my honor, but nothing shall
Detaine me long; all places are but darkenesse
Without thy eies, Ile visit em' agen
Eu.
How soone?
Hip.
You shall scarce thinke me absent
Seb.
We must expect you then.
Hi.
May the day shine bright upon thee
Eu.
And all the blessings of it waite on you
Enter Bonaldo.
Seb.
Signior you are most welcome, I entreat you
To call my girle your daughter
Bo.
My sonne has made this choise I heare, Ile
Call her any thing
Eu.
I shall expresse my duty sir, in all things
Bo.
But wheres Hippolito—a buxome thing.
Seb.
Sir please you retire, he is new departed
Bo.
Whither? a musical [...] lip.
Seb.
Nay we did not examine his affaire
But we expect his quicke returne
Eu.
Wilt please you sir.
Bo.
I should be pleasd with such another,—a light wench
And a yare, Ile attend you Lady.
Exit.
Cal.
Be just Milena to me, and endeere
My love for ever
Mi.
Madam you know my faith
Cla.
I promist to meet
Hippolito this morning in the groue
Behind the Pallace, to conferre about
Some businesse that concernes, thou shat presently
Excuse my travell and intreate him hither,
He and my husband lately had some difference
I know not why, in this convenient absence
Of Bellamente he securely may
Speake with me here, yet Ile not willingly
Have him come hither by the publick way,
The Garden doore shall be left open for him
And a cleare passage to this Chamber
Mi.
Madam I understand,
Cla.
Prevaile with him to come, tell him all's safe
Mi.
Ile sweare it Madam to do you service
Cla.
But use all hast.
Which way shall I beginne, I shall want art
I feare to winne upon him, oh for some
High, and prevailing oratory to
Expresse what my heart labours with [...]I could
Accuse my unkind desteny, declame
Against the power of love, raile at the charmes
Of language and proportion, that betray us
To hasty sorrow, and too late repentance,
But breath is this way lost, wounds that are made
Require a balsome, and not empty curses
To state our body, should the Marriner
When a storme meetes him, throw away his Card
Neglect himselfe and vessell; and ly downe
Cursing the winds and tempest? If he come
As but to doubt doth make me miserable
The genius of love assist my passion,
I must deliver something that doth make
My poore heart swell, and will if I conceale it
Like fire lockd up in a thick cloud destroy
[Page]The prison that containes: shee's returnd
What sayes Hippolito?
Mi.
Like an honest Gentleman, hee's at the graden gate.
I told him how things were at home, I met him
hard by, as if he meant without inviting
Having expected you so long, to come
Neerer, and waite some opportunitie
To speake with you.
Cla.
Th'art fortunate admit him, tis nor
Safe to expect there, but while we conferre
Vse thy best diligence round about to bring
If there be such misfortune, the first newes
Of Bellamente
Mi.
Ile be carefull Madam.
Exit.
Cla.
I m'e glad hees come
With what looke shall I first salute him?
Milena Hippolito.
Mi.
Pray excuse me sir!
Hi.
Twill purchase but a paire of Gloves
Mi.
I have him at my fingers ends, well I can but thinke
What serviceable creatures we Chambermaids are
Sometimes we are the best Cabinets for Ladies, and they
Trust their Iewells of honor with us, but I must looke
About me, I know my office.
Exit,
Cla.
Y'aue seene this face before, does it seeme strange?
Hi.
I have seene it, when it was lesse sad, but tis
The richer Iewell set in blacke, you never
Wore garments did so well become you Lady
Cla.
I shall not love em'worse because they please
Your Eye, they fit the habit of my mind.
Hip.
Your voice has better musicke too, it sounds
As some religious melancholy strooke.
Vpon your heart y'aue praid lately I distinguish
A teare upon your cheeke still tis well done
Cla.
If there be any signe of sorrow here
Tis for your sake
Hip.
I cannot blame thy eyes,
[Page]If every time, I ame presented to 'em
Th' unhadpy obiect thou dost weepe Clariana,
I have deserved to find the lowest place
Within thy charity, yet such is thy
Compassion, when my fate is cast
And my unworthy life markd for the sacrifice
Thou art willing to preserve Hippolito
And to that purpose sentst to speake with me
Cla.
You read my letter?
Hi.
Clariana, I
Shall not have time enough to thanke thee, when
Thou hast discovered what conspiracy
Threatens my head, unlesse you use some brevity
There is a worke this morning to be finished
Requires my personall attendance.
Cla.
I am.
Not ignorant what busnesse is designd
It was the reason of my zealous wishes
To change some words before
Hi.
I waite your purpose
Cla.
You are this morning to receive a wife
Hi.
And such blessing as the earth were poore
Without her,
Cla.
Tis Eubella I understand.
Hi.
That most vertuous faire one
Cla.
Ile not take from her
I have heard her much commended, but she is
No miracle
Hi.
How Clariana.
Cla.
Our sex were poore
If she alone had all the grace of woman.
Though she be faire, the Dukedome is not so
Barren but it may shew some parralell.
And let it not be thought a pride, if I
Affirme there have beene those, have said as much
Of me, all beavty is not circumscribd
In one.
Hi.
You point at that which takes the Eye
[Page]And is but halfe a hansomnesse at best
Vnlesse the mind be furnished with those vertues
Which write a woman faire, but Clariana
There is no time for this dispute, and I
Am somewhat sorry you have falne upont
When I but praisd Eubella modestly,
She is to me the best and fairest now
Of all the world, but turne to the occasion
That brought me hither, I would heare what practise
Is meant against my life, which I would now
Preserue for that deere virgin, more then love
To keepe it for my use, I did imagine
How ever Bellamente shewed a formall
And calme release, yet he would meditate
Revenge at such a time he most should wound me
And had not I a perfect confidence
Your thoughts meant simple pitty to my danger
I should not thus farre have engaged my self,
Then I beseech you tell me
Cla.
Any thing.
Hi.
Why dee delay me thus Clariana?
Cla.
Pardon o pardon me Hippolito
Indeed I will discover all the plot
Hi.
I am prepard,
Cla.
But there is no misfortune
Leveld at you, the danger is all mine
And I but use this policy, to take
My last farewell, for I must never see
You married
Hi.
You amaze me, what unhappinesse?
Will Bellamente be so cruell to thee
Having forgiven
Cla.
A hand more severe.
Is armd against me
Hi.
Is there no prevention
Cla.
It is within your mercy to do much
Hi.
Pronounce then as much safety as my strength can give thee against any enemy be
[Page]But
Bellamente, I have wounded him
Too much already, may I credit then
There is treachery ayming at my blood
Declare what man I must oppose in thy
Protection
Cla.
No man
Hi.
Y'are misticall
Cla.
A woman is my enemy
Hi.
There will be
No use of valour then
Cla.
But much of love
If you resolve to save bleeding Clariana
Thou must oppose Eubella.
Hi.
What was that?
Kill my Eubella?
Cla.
It stretches not so farre, onely I beg
You would not marry her, and I shall live.
Hi.
Not marry her, why theres no steele can bring
So certaine and so violent a death,
Forsake Eubella now, now when shee's drest
My glorious bride, the Nuptiall ceremonie
And Priest expecting us, I know you speake not
In hope I should beleeve, you may as well
Bid me'commit a murder on my life
For this will kill her and we both are one.
Who hath instructed you to this?
Cla.
My love
My love that will not suffer me to know
Thou must be given thus away for ever
I could endure thy absence for whole yeeres
And not complaine, repent my equall sorrow
We have so farre offended, while you keepe
Your present freedome, there were then some hope
A possiblility, at last to meet
In new affections to redeeme the old
But thus my expectation is destroyd,
You understand?
Hi.
Too much, be not deceived,
[Page]There is no love that is not vertuous
And thy consenting thus farre but in thought
Is sacriledge, and thou dost rob the Church [...]
Twice, first in violation of thy vowes
Which there were registred, and then mine expected
I dare not heare you talke thus
Cla.
Is this all?
All the reward for loosing of my selfe
For thy sake?
Hip.
Y'are not yet quite lost
Cla.
What curse
Made blacke the houre of my conception
Farewell Hippolito, when you heare me dead
Come to my grave, and drop one teare upon me
Hip.
What meanes
Clariana?
Enter Milena.
Mi.
Oh Madam looke behind me
I see my Master comming in, and he
Suspecting my hast this way, followes me
With his sword drawne
Enter Bellamente▪
Bel.
Are you so nimble? ha.
Hi.
Woman thou hast undone me.
Cla.
Oh my fortune againe betraid
Bel.
Nay then, Ile make sure worke
Exit.
Mi.
Alas what shall become of me, the doores are lockt.
Hip.
Cruell dessembler.
Cla.
Hippolito the sequell shall acquit
My thoughts, Ime circled with more certaine danger
And cannot hope life
Hi.
Tis not that I feare
To dy, thou knowst I am not guilty
Of any second shame, but my Eubella
That every minute lookes to be my bride
How the thought rends me.
Cla.
I can prevent his furie
Against thee
Hi.
There is no way
Cla.
Yes this.
Hi▪
Ha divell what hast done?
Mi.
[Page]Alas what ha you both done?
Cla.
I thanke thee
Thou hast spar'd my execution on my selfe
Ile tell thee now Hippolito, by this
This crimson in whose ebbe my life hasts from me
I did not looke for Bellamente, but
Surprisd I thought it honor to beg in
The tragedy, I know my fate was not
To be resisted, twas impossible.
To find a second mercy from him, and
I would secure no woman after me
Should boast the Conquest of Hippolito
Thy sword was gentle to me, search't againe
And thou shalt see.
How my embracing blood will keepe it warme
And kisse the kind destroyer
Enter Bellamente and Servants, Milena runns in.
Bel.
What are you humbled? must not serve your turne.
Cla.
We have deceivd your triumph.
Hi.
Bellamente.
Cla.
Heare me first, and know this bold hand sa [...]'d
Thy fury to Hippolito, whom with
My last breath I pronounce not in a thought
Guilty of new dishonor
Bel.
As soone perswade
It is not day
Hi.
This letter summond me
Cla.
I had no other meanes to speake with him
And my unruly love did prompt me to it
Hi.
I tremble not in my innocence to thinke
Of death but my Eubella, poore Eubella
Cla.
If she but lovd thee as I did, sheel'le follow
Furies will lend a torch to light her to
The shades we go to
Bel.
Is the wickednesse all thine?
Hi.
Except the wound my hasty sword
Gave as reward for this too neere my heart
I feare
Cla.
[Page]Dost feare?
Hi.
For poore Eubellas sake
Bel.
Now thou hast met a justice in thy blood
For thy first sinne, but I will have a Surgeon
Hi.
Send for Eubella rather
Oh let me breath my last upon her lips
It will concerne thee Bellamente somewhat
The world will think this murder was thine else
Bel.
Make hast:
O woman thou didst weepe once, when thy teares
Won my forgivenesse, where are all the drops,
The penitent showers, in which thy stained soule
Should bath it selfe, this minute lanching forth
To thy eternity.
Cla.
Th'are of another colour, oh forgive me
Good heaven, I have wrongd thee Bellamente
Oh wives hereafter, meane your hearts to them
You give your holy vowes, what mist weighs downe
My eyes already, oh tis death I see
In a long robe of darkenesse is preparing
To seale them up for ever, twere no death,
If we could loose our sinnes as we do breath
Bel.
Shees gone to a long silence, place her body
There and then gently raise Hippolito
To the other chaire
Hi.
Hast, hast my deare
Eubella. Enter Bonaldo
Bo.
How came this tragedy?
Hi.
Give me your last blessing
Ime going a long Pilgrimage, you gave
Too great a licence to my youth
Bo.
Howes this?
Hi.
My wanton bloud now payes fort, Clariana
And I have changd a wound, where is Eubella?
Bo.
She is too neere this griefe, this punishment
Should ha beene mine long since, I was his father
In sinne as well as yeeres, she is dead already
Thy glasse had many sands till it was broken
Then those few minutes that are left of mine,
[Page]Ile number with my prayers.
Enter Duke. Eub. Seb. Court.
Eu.
Hippolito.
Hip.
My wound hath had a happy patience. Farewell.
Seb.
Eubella
Bo.
He is departed
Du.
Bellamente who hath done all this?
Bel.
Ile do my best to tell you
Here's all thats left of them whom how I lov'd,
Heaven and my poore heart knowes,
Eu.
And is he slaine?
But once more let me kisse him.
Bel.
I did not kill em sir, they were too willing
To leave the world together, but their wrongs
All all the paiment for my honest love
awakd me to revenge, and had they beene
The very strings that tye my life together
It should ha falne to peeces, but their hands
Prevented mine.
Du.
The cause? you rather leade me
To thinke you were their murderer, we must
Be better satisfied or your blood must answer
For this effusion.
Bel.
The cause my Lord—tis growne since it came hither
Pray give me leave, because you shanot suffer
Ith expectation, you shall have it all
Together, this Hippolito and that Clariana
Harke there tis.
Enter Milena.
Seb.
His griefe has overchargd him
Du.
None to decipher these sad characters?
Mi.
With your pardon I can
Seb.
Be comforted Eubella, all thy teares
Will not recall his life
Eu.
Pray give me leave
Since he is dead to embalme him, had I di'ed
Before him, hee'd ha wept as much for me.
Du.
We have heard too much but moderate Eubella,
Thy sorrows, he surviues that will supply
A bridegroome, and thy vertue bids me tender
[Page]My selfe a recompence for thy sufferings
Eu.
I know you wod not lead me to forget
Hippolito so soone, I dare not thinke
Of being a Bride agen.
Seb.
Does your grace meane this honor?
Du.
By my Duke dome.
Seb.
After this shower is over, she will shine
Doubt not my Lord, and blesse her happy starres
Du.
Lead from this charvell house they shall be interrd
With all solemnity becomes there birth
And when their funerall rites and teares are done
New joyes shall rise with the next mornings Sunne.
Exit omnes.
FINIS.