The cruell brother A tragedy. As it was presented, at the priuate house, in the Blacke-Fryers: by His Maiesties Seruants.

The cruell brother A tragedy. As it was presented, at the priuate house, in the Blacke-Fryers: by His Maiesties Seruants.

Table of contents

Title page

TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE THE LORD WESTON, LORD HIGH TREASVRER OF ENGLAND.

The Scene, Italy.

THE CRVELL BROTHER.

Actus Primus. Scena Prima.

Actus Secundus. Scena Prima.

Actus Tertius. Scena Prima.

Actus Quartus. Scena Prima.

A Chayre at the Arras. Actus Quintus. Scena Prima.

Song.

§

§

[Page]

[Page]

THE CRVELL BROTHER▪ A Tragedy.

As it was presented, at the priuate House, in the Blacke-Fryers: By His Maiesties Seruants.

LONDON, Imprinted by A. M. for Iohn Waterson, and are to bee solde at the signe of the Crowne in Pauls Church-yard, 1630,

TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE THE LORD WESTON, LORD HIGH TREASVRER OF ENGLAND.

[Page]

[Page]

MY LORD,

I Should doe my inclination wrong, to call this, the first Testimony of my Zeale to your Lordshippe: For I did neuer [Page] thinke the wonder, or the prayse that I haue written, iust; vntill I found your Lordships Character in both: and yet the age is growne vnworthy to receiue such truths; therefore, some were purposely conceal'd; and this fit esteeme of your Lordship, is chiefly left to delight Posterity. I could vrge the dignitie of Drammatick-Poems, but that were vainly to direct, rather then wooe, an acceptation. Those errors, your Lordshippes leasure shall vouchsafe to reade in this Tragedy, are its originall Crimes, hauing receiu'd no examination since the Birth, and being aduised to correct it, by a suruay, I sayd; I had study'd your Lordship, [Page] and would not lessen, the noble office of your Mercy. This confidence (I hope) shall nothing preiudice

Your Lordships humble Seruant. WILLIAM D'AVENANT.

The Scene, Italy.

[Page]

The Persons of this Tragedy.

The DVKE. Of Sienna.

LVCIO. A Count.

FORESTE. Creature to Lucio.

CASTRVCHIO. A satyricall-Courtier.

COSIMO. A Courtier, and Cousen to Castruchio.

DORIDO. A Gentleman, Companion with both.

LOTHARIO. A frantique young-Gallant.

BORACHIO. A Rustick, Tennant, and Seruant to Lothario.

A MONKE. A Sutor.

A GENTLEMAN. A Sutor.

CORSA. Sister to Foreste, Wife to Lucio.

LVINNA. Wife to Foreste.

DVARTE. Woman to Corsa.

A BOY. Who Sings.

SERVANTS. &c.

THE CRVELL BROTHER.

[Page]

Actus Primus. Scena Prima.

Enter FORESTEE and LVCIO.

FOREST.

I must not be so rude as to beleeue

That you (my Lord) can your affections set;

Vpon a Mayde, so humble in her birth

As she you name, for regard of honour

Doe not mock the sister of your seruant.

Lucio.

This way to madnesse leads, teach not my heart

Such modern Heraldry. Let it dispose

Of charitable thoughts, with naturall eies,

Vnlimmited by customary forme,

Which gaine, and nicetie haue made an Art,

Virtue, not blood enobles vs, and ernes

Her atribute, without hereditary helpe

From ancestors. O my deere Foreste?

Thy sister with such noble wealth is fraught,

That to be couetous for her, appeares,

A holy sinne. But thou art cruell growne

Thy memory is sick. The old effects

That witnesse how I loue thy learned soule,

Are quite forgot.

Fores.

Young Lord, disclaime that thought!

[Page] Heare I Promulgate, you my Patron are;

You found me in estate so poore, so lowe,

That you were faine to stoope to lift me vp,

You are the Dukes Creature! who doates by Art,

Who in his loue, and kindnesse, Method keepes:

He holdeth thus his Armes, in fearefull care

Not to bruse you with his deere embracements,

And what is she whose Virgin blood disdaines

To quench your lawfull fire? or whom the Duk

Would not procure to climbe your Marriage be

Vpon her Knees? And shall I then

(Like to the treacherous Moone) striue to eclip

The Sunne that giues me light? Shall I consent

That she, that tumbled in a Wombe with me,

Shall giue your Issue birth? The royall Duke

Would thanke me for such charitie. My Lord

Though you are wise, you are but young.

Lucio.

Heart of Viper!

Sure Time hath lost his feathers from his Heeles,

Marke how slow he goes? Shall I neere be olde

That my designes may repute haue,

And credit in the World. I doe not aske

Thy Sister for my Whore; but for my Wife.

Fores.

Sir t'is already ioynd vnto my Creede▪

For I would eate your Heart, should it contriue

A way in thought, how to cheate my Sister

Of her pure Chastitie. I loue you so

That I with care suppose; She not deserues

To be your Wife, and so esteeme of her

That she is much too good, to be your Whore.

In this new Argument, I am too bolde,

You know my duty well. The Dukes abroad

Though but the birth of day. Goe Sir!

Enter Duke, Castruchio, Dorido, Cosimo, Page: and Followers.

Duke.

My glorious Boy, you are too vigilant:

The Sunne, and you, doe visite me at once.

This courtship is not safe. You must not meete

[Page] Your Louer, with a Riuall, glorious

As your selfe. Foreste! welcome from Genoa,

How fares our Brother Cardinall?

Fores.

In health, and ease. He badde me tell your Grace

It was a deed of charitie to thinke

Him worthy of this same great imployment.

And this letter he humbly recommends

To your perusall.

Duke reads the Letter to himselfe.

Cast.

How can it choose

But choke the very Soule, and bruse the Heart

To thinke that such a giddy Snipe: a Foole

(That meerely liues to disparage Nature)

Should creepe to this ambitious gouernment.

Still he rules the Ruler. The Duke is Ward

Vnto a Page; whose Eie-browes weare more Beard,

Then doth his Chinne: And there's his Instrument,

A darke fellow; that with d [...]sguised Lookes

Cou [...]d cheat an Hypocrite, older then Time.

Dorid.

I'ue heard a better Character of both,

Such, as to the young Count, Witt, and vallour giues:

Vnto Foreste, honest Spirits.

Cast.

R [...]port is then become a Bawde to Luck;

Whom Fortune do henrich, Fame doth flatter.

Duke.

Sure this tame Priest will make vs all Cowards.

We must a truce confirme with Genoa.

Well, be it so. Where now (my noble Boy)

Shall I occasion finde, to testifie

That you deserue my loue, by vertue of your owne?

In sickely times, when Warre and ciuill Spleene

Besiege the Heart, with treacherous designes,

A friend shall find a cause to make him knowne,

But now in faire weather: I neede not aske

What Houell's nere?

Lucio.

In this, I dare discredite Fate.

They are not so wealthy in affliction:

With sorrow so well stor'd; as could suffice

To trie my sufferance: in the behalfe

Of you my Prince, and still royall Master.

[Page]Duke.

Dar'st thou then die for me?

Heere—make thy selfe a sacrifice to Fame,

Profers him a naked Ponyard.

Take it: and I will be thy Chronicler.

Lucio.

It were (Sir) but ingratitude in me

To l [...]ssen thus, the number sanctifide

Of your true friends. Be you pleas'd to sheath it,

In that same part, which you doe most abhorre.

Duke.

O Lucio! thou art my Earew [...]g now,

Creep'st in my eare, to feast vpon my Braines.

When in my priuate graue I lye inclos'd,

More silent then my ruin'd Fame: no tongue

Shall pay his tribute to my memory

But thine: for thou art likely to suruiue.

Thy yeares are few, but full of gratitude.—

Come: hye we to the Parke: The sprightfull morne

Giues motion wings, and libertie to those

Whom lamenesse stakes vnto the ground.

Cast.

Royall dotard, like tinder, thou dost waste

Thy forced fire: to giue another light

Whose sawcy flame will darken thine. Monstrous!

Dorid.

Why dost thou spend thy gall in secret thus?

A pox vpon't: turne thoughts to action:

Heauen knowes, I had rather enrich my selfe,

Then enuy others wealth. Imploy thy brayne.

Get the Dukes fist to this; and thou shalt share

Fiue hundred Crownes.

Cast.

What is't?

Dorid.

The old businesse.

Cast.

And not yet sign'd: This t'is to be modest.

Had I had reputation in thy Creede

Enter Foreste.

It had beene done long since. There's my agent.

Hence and prouide me thanks. Saue you Signior.

Fores.

You may with charitie.

Cast.

Am I in your remembrance sir?

Fores.

Signior Castruchio, as I take you.

Cast.

The same. Because I neuer did desire

To gaine by being troublesome, I lost

[Page] The deere benifit of the practique part.

Custom's a sutors safe encourager.

I the Duke haue seru'd, since I was able

To serue my selfe. Yet neuer had the luck

To get by it: and as the times promise,

Neuer shall: Vnlesse I imitate the Crab,

And find my way (as he doth his) backwards.

That is. to make petition to the foote

That he will please t'instruct, and teach the head

When to comiserate my affaire.

Fores.

Signior. I neede a comment to your words.

Cast.

If you will mooue my Lord (the Count)

To get the Dukes faire hand, subscribed heere;

Then shall I feele my selfe well vnderstood.

Fores.

Sir my abillities are most pregnant

When I find I may be profitable

To any Courtiers iust, and modest sute.

I pray what sense carries the inscription?

Cast.

Only this Sir. There is an Engine made

Which spends its strength by force of nimble wheeles,

For they once screwed vp, in their returne

Will riue on Oake: but with such subtill force

That motion giues no leasure to impediment.

The large and ponderous Logge is soone consum'd,

To shauings more transparant then a Glasse.

Of these the skillull Boxes make, Scabbards,

Sheathes, Cheasts, and molds for childrens Cabinets.

Fores.

Trust me an Engine of importance great.

But now, what would the Enginere himselfe?

Cast.

Faith Signior, nought but a Monopoly

For all those wares, his Engine makes.

Fores.

Keepe it. Good sir keepe it. A monopoly

Why sir the common-wealth hath beene so crush'd,

With th'insulting Charter of such Parents,

That now the very word defiles the cause.

I had thought you Signior would haue ingag'd

My industry in such a sute as might

[Page] Noway disparedg though it did enrich;

How euer not abuse the publique weale.

Cast.

Very good Sir. My Lord the Count, your selfe

(His seruile Instrument) and some others,

Of this new faction that now, engrosse

All Offices, and send your Scoutes abroad

Intelligencers strict, that bring you home

The number, and the rate of what your selues,

Or others in the darke can put to sale.

Nature hath not altered yet: the first

And antick method to preserue our breaths.

We must eate bread if we intend to liue;

Which how to get (vnlesse this humble way

That you deride) In troth I cannot tell.

It makes me mad to thinke you should expose

Vs Men of Heart, to those fastidious helpes

That scape your owne acceptance. Your wide Threats,

That soone will swallow any thing which fills

Although it nourish not. A pox vpon you all!

Fores.

I did expect you would begin to rayle.

Good troubled Soule! I knew you well before.

You are the only Man, whose wealthy Muse

Doth furnish all the Fidlers in the State

With d [...]sp'rate Ballads, and inuectiue Songs.

Libells of such weake fa [...]cy and composure

That we doe all esteeme it greater wrong

T'haue our Names extant in such paltery Ryme

Then in the slanderous sence.

Cast.

Very well Sir!

Fores.

You, you must be a Satyrist forsooth,

Calumniate by instinct and inspiration.

As if iust Heauen would borrow Gall of you,

Wherewith to write our faults. (O strict account!)

Your Gall, which in the Pen so ouerflowes,

That still it blots, where in inscribs.

You imitate the propertie of Doggs,

Who barke and snarle most at him they know not

[Page] For else among all those you scandalize

Why nam'd you me? (almost a stranger to your Eye)

My Ancestors that built no Monument

For their fames to dwell in; You also bring

Into the knowledge of the criticke World.

Why I could neuer see thee yet but dru [...]ke:

Which makes thy Verses reele and stagger so.

Cast.

Come sir! We may exchange one thrust vnseene.

They draw fight, close, For stings down Cas & disarmes him.

Fores.

A prety Curr! dare it bite as well as barke!

How now sir, your Mathematicall thrusts!

Then haue at ye—Yeeld me thy Sword, or else thou dy'st.

I haue no ioy to set a [...] liberty

A Soule so vnprepar'd. And as thou art

My Enemy, I take a full reuenge,

By suffering thy corrupted blood to dwell.

Enter a Monke.

And taint within th [...] vaines. W'are discouered—

Take thy sword Now get thee home and rayle vpon't,

Because t'would fight no better.

Cast.

Yet we may meete i'th' darke. You haue a throat

And there are Kniues in Italy.

Exit Cast [...]uchio.

Forest.

A good day attend my ghostly Father!

Doth this your tariance heere discouer ought,

You would with me?

Monke.

Your leasure shall produce my vtterance.

O Sonne, your fame is of complexion cleere,

Such as ensnares the virtuous Eye, to loue

And adoration. Such as would procure

All the skilfull Angels sutors to her,

And such as serues for my encouragement

For I no letters haue from Noble friends,

Which a requitall from themselues inuite,

By Courtship bold, and troublesome to others,

Noram I with that wicked mettall stor'd,

That rules the mighty, and betrayes the minde

To toyle in a designe, which angers Heauen,

And makes the Deuill blush. But yet (deere Sonne)

I haue a suite to thee.

[Page]Fores.

Which I desire to know.

Monke,

In the ancient Covent of S. Austine

There is a holy brother lately dead,

Whose place if you will but confirme on me

By the Dukes letter to the brother-hood,

Then shall I better leasure haue to pray

For you my Patron.

Fores.

Alas my Father!

The times are more obseruant to your Tribe.

It is the method now that your deserts

Need not to vsher but succeed reward.

The Treatise (written lately) to confute,

The desperate sect in Mantua, calls it you

The Author?

Monks.

It knowes no other.

Fores.

There your preferment safely taketh roote.

Beleeue me (ghostly Father) I will choose

The fittest time to woke in your behalfe.

Monke.

Heauen prosper your designes.

Exit Monke.

Forest.

What throngs of great impediments besiege

The vertuous minde? so thick in multitude,

They iostle one another as they come.

Hath Vice a charter got, that none must rise

But such, who of the Deuils faction are?

The way to honour is not euermore

The way to Hell: a vertuous Man may climbe.

Let the flatterer sell his Lies, else where

It is vnthrifty merchandize to change

My gold for breath. Of all Antagonists

Most charitie I finde in enuious men.

For they doe sooner hurt themselues, then hurt

Or me, or him, that rays'd me vp.

An enuious man is made of thoughts.

To ruminate much doth melt the braine,

And make the heart grow leane. Such men as these:

That in opposing waste their proper strengths:

That sacrifice themselues in silly hope,

[Page] To butcher vs; saue Reuenge a labour,

And dye to make experiment of Wrath.

Let Fame discourse aloud vntill she want

An Antidote: I am not scar'd with noyse.

Heere I dismisse my feares. If I can swell

(Vnpoyson'd by those helpes, which Heauen forbids)

Fond loue of ease, shall neere my soule dehort:

Maugre all flattery, enuy, or report.

Exit Foreste.

Sutors within.

O good your Grace heare vs, heare the complaints

Of vs poore Men: O heare vs! we are all

Vndone! Good your Honour heare vs.

Enter Duke and Lucio.

Duke.

Death encounter 'em! Lucio shut the doore!

Tis the plague of greatnesse, the curse

Of pompe, that in our darkest priuacie, wee must

Euen publique be to euery Mans affaires.

How now! All these sawcy Troopes of brawling

Sutors, attend on you my glorious Boy.

Lucio

It is their humble skill not to arriue

Before your Grace, but by an Aduocate

A Mediatour blessed in your Eies.

Duke

How apt am I to loue! yet now obserue

Vnkindnesse in my care, and bitternesse

In Physicke. I study how to make thee lesse

That I may make thee more and more my owne.

Office and Dignity are Enemies

To health, and ease. Respect growes tedious

Obseruance troublesome, where ti's most due.

He that giues his Soule no more imployment

Then what's her owne: may sleepe within a Drumme.

While busie Hearts, that loue to vndertake

Beyond their reach of yeeres: are faine to vse

Drowsie potions: yet watch the Winter night

With more distinction then the Parish Clocke.

Could'st thou resigne thy titles and thy cares

To make me yet more capable of still

[Page] Enioying thee?

Lucio.

My zeale vnto my selfe forbids my speech.

Since if I make reply to this, I but

Disparedge duty, and consume my breath.

Where [...]ight is young, and cleere, there Spectacles

Are troublesome; and rather hide, then shew

The obiect. The most deuout obedience

Which I shall euer owe vnto your Grace

Becomes my heart, much better then my tongue.

Duke.

But yet obserue (my Lucio)

Th'vnkind tricks of Nature: how we are fool'd

By a religious constancy in Loue.

A Princes hate doth ruine where it falls:

But his affection warmeth where it shines

Vntill it kindle fire to scorch himselfe.

If we are subiect to the sinne of Heauen,

(Too much charitie) extreamity of loue:

Let there be mercy shewen in punishment.

Why is the corrupted vse of Royall loue

Imputed to our charge, to our Audit layd?

We that with all those Organs furnish'd are

All those faculties naturall in Men:

Yet limitted in vse of each: prescrib'd

Our conuersation, by a sawcy forme

Of State. How can we choose (by this restraint)

But struggle more for liberty? make choise

Of some one Eare; wherein to empty out our Soules,

When they are full of busie thoughts; of plotts

Abortiue, crude, and thinne. T'is cheape, and base

For Maiestie not to be singular

In all effects. O then, if I must giue my heart

To the command of one: send him (sweete Heauen!)

A modest appetite: teach him to know

The stomacke sooner surfeits with too much,

Then starues for lacke of that supply

Which couetous Ambition calleth want.

For when my Friend beggs, my bounty then

[Page] Concludes to make me poore before that he

Shall so vnthrifty be of breath to aske in vaine.

Distraction! tamenesse! O my Lucio.

How canst thou conster this. After I haue chid

I seeme to flatter thee.

Lucio.

My gracious Lord!—

Duke.

Peace—

I will no more imploy my memory

Thus to discourage thine. Where's Foreste!

T'is fit he know you are not vigilant

In his behalfe. Farelo de Sforza

(My old Secretary) is newly dead:

The place is his. I shall expect no thankes

From you, nor yet from him:

My bounty is requited in her choice.

Lucio.

Your Grace will bring vs both within the reach

Of publique enuy.

Duke.

Thou now would'st certifie,

His birth obscure and base discourageth

Such earnest helpe to his so great promotion.

Not a iot: Know my Boy! t'is the vulgar,

Not the Royall trade to patch vp things:

Or seeke to mend what was before of qualitie

Perfect enough it selfe. To make a Man

Of nothing: why this same creation

Enclines a little neere Diuinitie.

Neere the old performance; which from Chaos

Drew this multitude of subtill formes.

Lucio.

Since you (the royall maker) doe commend

The mettall, and your workemanshippe; it shewes

There's little skill in those which enuy him.

Foreste is your Creature. Many times

I doe acquaint him what the generall voyce

Doth vrge in his disgrace. He laughs it out

And sweares he would not loose that priuiledge

Which Nature gaue him by her kinde mistake

In his natiuitie, for the Seas worth.

[Page] As if from's Issue, he could ne're deserue.

A [...]nument, v [...]lesse himselfe doe hewe

The stones whereof t'is built: vnlesse he raise

His Monument on a Wart; his dignitie

On pouertie obscure and base.

Duke.

We doe aff [...]ct his thoughts Such industry

Proclaimes him fit for high designes: Some Men

Attend the talking Drumme, and riddle out

Their liues on Earth; with Madnesse Sophistry:

Calling their losse, their gaine, danger, delight.

Some men conuerse with Bookes, and melt the braine

In sull [...]n study how to vindicate

The liberall Arts. Those loose formalitie,

Then grow Methodicall; and dy i'th' darke.

Some practise rules of State, and suffer much

For Honors sake: nay tread vpon themselues

At first; to reach the higher. Some pursue

The Plough; and in their wholesome sweat doe swimme.

And some that furnish'd are with nimbler soules,

Imploy their times in wanton exercise;

Masques and Reuells: the complements of Loue,

And Loue I finde the easiest vanity.

Lucio.

O gentle Corsa! make it so with me,

Faine would I (if I durst) reueale to him

a noyse within

The heate of my affection, and where t'is fix'd.

Duke.

Hearke: sure the gallery doore is left vnlockt.

Are we debard all place of priuacie?

Nature in vs hath lost her vulgar right.

A loude, bawling sutor; doth not waken

Charitie, but deafen her.

A shame vpon 'em all? In Lucio.

Exeunt Duke & Lucio.

Enter Sutors at the other doore.

1. Heauen blesse his Grace!

2. Amen: and my Lord the Count's good Honor.

3. Friend▪ went the Duke this way?

2. Heere. This way.

3. Pray shew me him: they call Signior Lucio

[Page] 2. The Count. Come, I'le shew you him.

1. Follow, follow, follow.

Exeunt.

Enter Dorido and Cosimo.

Dor

Dost heere? Cosimo.

Cosi.

What sayst thou?

Dor.

I prethee stay, why slip but heere asid [...]

And thou shalt see the most resplendent Fopp,

That euer did discredit Nature. Sigmor.

Lothario; a Countrey Gentleman

But now the Court Baboone: who perswades himselfe,

(Out of a new kinde of madnesse) to be

enter Lothario, Borachio.

The Dukes fauorite. He comes. Th'other is

A bundle of Prouerbs: whom he seduc'd

From the Plough; to serue him for Preferment.

Lotha.

Borachio.

Bor.

My Lord?

Loth.

Suruay my garments round, and then declare If I haue hit it?

Bor.

You haue sir: but not the marke.

Loth.

What marke? thou bold Parishioner of Hell.

Bor.

Why Sir, the marke I aime at: Preferment.

After a storme, comes a calme: the harder

You blow, the sooner your Cheekes will ake: and he

That cares for your anger, may haue more of't

When he list, for my part, I know my Mother.

Loth.

The froward Sisters haue conspir'd Slaue! Dog

Wilt thou neuer leaue this immense folly?

Can nothing serue these dull Lippes but Prouerbs?

Bor.

Sir, I know none of your Prouerbs. First come,

First seru'd. These words that are neerest the tongue,

Haue opportunitie soonest to leaue

The mouth.

Loth.

Is it then decreed, I must grow mad?

Bor.

I'le be no more flow [...]ed, nor brus'd, not I

What need my Lord, be beholding to me

For's mirth; when he may laugh at's owne folly?

[Page] Besides though motion and exercise

Be good for grosse bodies; therefore, must they

Of the Guard, pitch me vp and downe like a barre?

Loth.

Sa, sa, sa, A mutinie in Heauen!

Bor.

If there be; You are not likely to come

Thither to appease it, first end this quarrell

Vpon earth, I haue seru'd you this sixe Moneths,

In hope of an Office; and am no more

An Officer then she that bore me.

Loth.

Alas poore foole!

I pitty thee. Thou wilt beleeue nothing

But that which may be seene or vnderstood.

I say thou art an Officer. Or if thou art not

Thou shalt be; which is better: for that same

Which we now enioy is in some danger

To be lost: but that which we neuer had

Cannot be lost before we haue it.

Bora.

O rare conclusion:

Loth.

Besides. Looke heere and then reioyce, Is the Count

(Whom they call my Riuall ith' Dukes fauour)

Is he (I say) accoutred like to me?

Why his sleeues sit like stockins on his Armes.

His Breeches are like two Clokebags, halfe sowde

Together in the Twist: and his other

Garments shew like Playsters on him. Follow.

And make thy fortune fat.

Bora.

Well. He that still expects, but tires his hope,

What One cannot, another can: t'is so

With dayes and houres too. And for my part

Exeunt Loth. Bor.

Let the Glasse runne out.

Dorid.

His Man's as full of Prouerbs

As a Constable: he coyns 'em himselfe.

Cos.

And such another Heade-peece fill'd with Whay

As is the Master heere, the Sunne nere saw.

Dorid.

He walkes like a Zealand-storke.

Cast.

But sure the Duke

Enables error in their fancy, by some

[Page] Behauiour equiualent to what

The Master, and the Man expect: for else

Folly cannot be so sickely-Eied; but time

Will giue it strength to know it selfe.

Dorid.

Why sir; this dignifies the Ieast. They scarce

Ere saw the Duke: and are lesse knowne

Vnto the world. His Grace well apprehends,

These voluntary mistakes of Nature,

In preseruation of their intellects,

Are fitter subiects for accidentall mirth,

Then a Comicall continuance. It is

A leuitie too humble in a Prince

To heede such trifles.

Cos.

Nay—Prethee lead the way▪

Exeunt omnes.

Actus Secundus. Scena Prima.

Enter FORESTS and LVINNA.

FORES.

I cannot tell, why thou (my Girle) should'st ioy

In my aduancement thus. Honour, and place

Bring sullen thoughts with them: businesse of such

A ragged qualitie, as takes away

The amorous garbe: those soft wanton touches,

Wherewith the youthfull flatterer betrayes

The weaker side to action: whose effects

More weakenesse brings. I shall no leasure haue

To comfort thee with smiles: when t'is assign'd

That I must venture for a Boy: t'will be

In haste. My businesse will not suffer me

To stay, and make a prologue to the acte,

To kisse, or simper inuitation.

Luin.

It is not fit I apprehend you now,

But I wish that you would know; My duty

Is so well preseru'd from all corruption:

[Page] Which either youth: or fowle example might

Produce: that it in plores for [...]fferance,

To certefie the world how strong it is.

Forest.

I was assur'd before. This is the time,

In which I shall oblige posteritie

Or fall (my wench) by flattering error.

Hast thou to my sister counsaile giuen?

Instructions safe! whereby her actions

May warrant her promotion well deseru'd.

Luin,

It was my tongues last imployment.

Fores

I would haue her weare her growing fortunes,

In a handsome fashion: Doe but obserue

The vnpollish'd garbe of Citty dames: of those

Whom [...]athers purse-strings hoyfe vp to honor.

How they doe sucke their Chinnes into their Neckes.

Simper with vnskilfull leuetie: and trip

On their wanton Toes; like Kibe [...]heel'd-Fayries.

The Deuils damme shewes like a vestall Nunne

To them: more powerfull in humilitie.

Instruct my Sister, gentle wife.—

Enter Lucio.

Lucio

I shall be earnest to my vtmost skill.

Fores.

My Lord is come, where's my Sister.

Lucin.

VVith the Horentine: who instructeth her▪ in musicke.

Exit.

Lucio.

Signior Foreste,

You see my loue is rude, and bolde. [...]am

The vsher to my owne entrance.

Fores.

My good Lord, The prouerbe will perswade you:

To be bold, with wha [...]s your owne.

Your title's strong, bo [...] to the house, and me.

Lucio.

I am in debt for both. wilt thou not childe.

To see my heart assume this libertie.

Musick.

Vpon my Tongue: before it rightly knowes!

Thy sisters heart:

The Duke consent, as yet vnasked too: h [...]arke?

Fores.

Cease that noyse, tis troublesome:

cease Muss.

Lucio.

How Forest? Hast thou eares? and wilt thou [...]

[...] such hopefull harmony, [...]

[Page] Thy thrist vnnaturall, wilt thou forbid

Thy friend to share in what is good, sweet tongue

And hand, persist in what your kindnesse profferd.

Fores.

Obey him, if the musick not deserue

Your strict attention: You must blame your selfe.

Song.

Lucio.

Shew me the way Foreste.

Fores.

Whither sir?

Lucio.

My heart is stolne out of my eare; let me

But know the thiefe, and Ile forgiue the robbery.

Speake; who ist that, with a voyce so amorous

And shrill, confounds the others hollow organ?

Still so reseru'd, and vnto me.

Enter Corsa.

Fores.

Why then looke there, the voyce was hers, goe sir

And take what else you would enforce from my possession.

Lucio.

Is this that child of Orpheus? how? kneele to me?

Fores.

Stay Sir—If she consent but to abuse

The propertie of motion in such kinde

As may exalt her person but on such

Aboue this height: I am her enemy

For euermore. Consider what you doe.

She brings no portion but humilitie,

If her first payment faile: who dares assure

The future debt? Pray looke into her lappe:

You'le finde she comes not from the East enrich'd

With Diamonds, bright wealth: whose wanton worth

Vnskilfull fancy prises not from vse

But from the idolatrous doting of the eie.

Her chaste obedience is all her dowrie.

O bitter speech! it cuts my very soule

To thinke that fortune should create vs two

Meere patterns of your charitie.

Lucio.

Dare you authorize this Idolatry?

Then I'le kneele too.

Forest.

And I,

Will ioyne to make th'offence seeme virtuous.

Now enterchange your soules. Where passion is

So fond, it cannot well be counterfeit.

[Page] Each vnbusied Angel, heare me speake!

O send, send downe vnto this youthfull paire

Celestiall heate. Such serious loue as makes

A businesse of delight; Instruct her soule

To practise duty in the humble straine.

And furnish him with an acceptance prompt.

Make her fruitfull as the Vine; which growes

Crooked with the weight of its owne encrease.

So blessed in their Issue, that when time

Shall thinke them fit to taste the priuiledge

Of Death: they shall not need a Monument

Yet dwell as chiefe i'th' memory of Fame.

Corsa.

Amen, Amen.

Lucio.

Such is my prayer too. O Foreste!

Excessiue ioy disturbs my vtterance.

My words are parted on any tongue. O speake!

Thou know'st my heart! Tell her, there may lie hope,

I shall deserue those Teares that shew like deaw

Vpon the Morning cheeke. Intreat her, that

My yeeres may not disgrace my loue. Though I

Am young, I cannot counterfeit,

I euer speake my thoughts. I am o'recome.

Corsa.

Alas sir, so am I, There needs no Art,

To helpe beliefe, where no suspition is.

Fores.

Now; I'le leaue you to your selues.

Exit Fores.

Corsa.

I'ue much to promise in my owne behalfe:

Of my future loue, and humble duty

To you my deerest Lord. Time layes his hand

On Pyramides of Brasse, and ruines quite

What all the fond Artificers did thinke

Immortall workemanship. He sends his wormes

To Bookes, to old Records: and they deuoure

Th inscription. He loues Ingratitude,

For he destro [...]d the memory of Man:

But I shall neere forget on what strange termes

You ta [...] me to your bed.

Lucio.

Excellent wretch! I am vndone with ioy

[Page] I will not blame the Coward to feare death,

Since the world containes such ioy as this.

Why doe you weepe Lady? can you suppose

Foreste would consent to what is done,

Vnlesse he knew there were no danger in't?

Sure his Mother was a Sibyll; he sees

With a prophetique aime; the end of his

Designes; before they come to action.

He is too wise to erre. Why weepe you then?

Corsa.

It is a folly in my Eies.

I know not why they weepe: vnlesse they weepe

Because they now haue lost their libertie;

Heeretofore each man, which chance presented,

Was to them a lawfull obiect: but now,

They are to looke on none but you.

Lucio.

Marke then the bondage I impose on mine,

My poore eies haue no obiect, but your face:

Of which I will depriue them thus—

Couers her face with her white Vaile.

Shroude thee in thy vestall ornaments.

Creepe, creepe, my glorious Sunne, behind a cloud.

For els my eies, will su [...]feit with delight.

I neuer felt true ioy till now. Me thinks

A briske alacritie, a nimble fire,

Con [...]ayes me strangely from my flesh.

Not the Cannons, Iron-entraile, when wrapp'd

Within a swarthy case of troubled Aire,

Could [...]quall me in emphasis of Motion.

Corsa.

Though Mo [...]est would suffer me to boast,

Yet t'were not in the power of breath, to make

My ioy so knowne, as i [...] is felt.

Lucio.

Come then (my deare Corsa) the Priest attends

Within; the world wants Men; and Hymen is

A nimble God. When all is past preuention

The Duke shall know my choice.

Exit.

Enter Dorido: and Cosimo:

Dorid.

This disgrace, makes thy Cousen boyle his heart

In his owne blood.

[Page]Cos.

He hath writ a most pestilent Libell

Which must be sung all about the city,

By one he calls his Daw; A tall, bigg, fellow.

Dor.

I know him. He sings like Phalaris Bull.

Cos.

I supposd at first, he would haue sent him

A Challenge.

Dor.

But that's contingent now: Foreste

Being made Secretary of State.

Cos.

I'haue heard o'th' new edict, which institutes

A misterious toy, [...]'th' H [...]tband, for those

Of the faction.

Dor.

Why about two dayes since: one of the sect

Sent me a Challenge. Because my sister

Drunke his Lords health, with her Quoife on. Each houre

These giddy Participles doe imbarque

Themselues for Duels. The one is a kinne

To my honorable Lady. Ih'other

To my very good Lord.

Enter Castruchio.

Cos.

There comes my Cousen, chawing his leane heart.

Dor.

Good morrow to the Court Satyrist.

Cast.

The world is altred Dorido, Foreste

Is stepp'd beyond my reach: we cannot meete

In Duell: The Heralds stand betweene.

But my sine Thrush, can sing you a new Lybell.

Dor.

We shall haue your Thrush, in a Cage shortly.

Remember, who you deale withall.

Cast,

Hang him, d [...]ll, open slaue, His thoughts may be

Discernd, through the shauing of a deale bo [...]d.

I'le sift and winnow him, in an old hat.

Dor.

Prethee (sweete Castruchio) leaue thy barkeing.

'Twill bet treason shortly for any man,

To carry eares, within three, miles of thy Tongue.

Cast.

Why Signior, what Faction are you of:

Dor.

Not of your faction (Sir) if none returne

Vnto the prison for your libelling.

You remember your Vices-strip'd, and whip'd.

Your trimme Eclogues, the fulsome Satyr too,

[Page] Written to his Grace. Wherein you flatter,

Whine, and damne your selfe to get a pardon

For what seemes there a resolute offence.

Satyrs, are more vsefull, now then euer.

Nor grieues it me to see the humour vs'd,

But thus abus'd. To see a Bard still reach

At ho [...] Bayes, Passion o'me! I'le tell thee.

Thy R [...]mes i [...]clude not so much Braines, as would

Suffice to fill a Cherry-stone.

Cast.

Yo'ld faine make me angry.

Dor.

I, with thy selfe.

Cos.

And then thou spend'st thy Gall, with more iustice,

Then when, thou rayl'st against Foreste.

Cast.

Cry you mercy (precious Cox) Hath Foreste,

So great a share in your tongue too? Sympathy

Is corupted. Behold society

Amongst the wicked: whilst a vertuous man,

Is left alone to resist his bad fate.

Let him chide the fulsome Age, raile against

The Times, aloude; though in a Vault: or'tweene

Two Hills. He shall find no zealous ecchoe,

To second his bold Language. When I dye,

I dye a Martyr to the Common-weale.

Enter Lothario and Borachio.

Loth.

Dull Caytife, leaue these abortiue Prouects,

And talke in the newest fashion. I'le haue

My very Dugge barke i'th' Courtly garbe.

Dor.

Steppe aside. They are as mad as thy Cousen.

Loth.

The excrements and meere defects of nature,

shall be reduc'd to Ornaments in me.

I'le feed vpon the tongues of Nightingales,

For so each fart I let, will be a Song—

Cast.

For the Peripateticks being Butchers

Heere in Sienna:—

Loth.

A Pallas hewne in an intire Carbuncle.

Encircled with a More that flowes with Lhasis—

[Page]Cast.

Derin'd their Angury from the warme Entrailes

Of a Calfe.

Bor.

Sir. These are some of those, that laugh'd at yee

In the presence.

Loth.

At me? thou lyest. They laugh'd at thee.

Bora.

Why then the Deuill, will ne're giue a Ma [...]

Leasure, to beleeue a trueth.

Cast.

Seignior Lothario, the great Minion

To our Duke: I greet your health, with all ioy.

Cos.

And I with all humility.

Dorid.

And I with all celerity.

Loth.

Hearke! thou dull Sinner. Is this reall? hah?

Bora.

Sir, let him, that hath a heart of his owne

Thinke what he list.

Loth.

Doe they adore, or floute me now?

Bora.

All is witc [...]craft. know when the Moone winks

There's something in' [...], besides an ecclips.

Loth.

Miscreant: What suspitious follys

Dost thou creat within that Wolden-skull?

And with what Heathen-phrase vtter'd? Know Dogg,

If I imploy my wrath—

Bora.

Allas sir l'ue more faults then misbeliefe.

Therefore giue me your bles [...]ing, and let me

Goe home in peace. T'is true, wh [...]n the skie falls

We shall haue Larkes. But let weaker stomachs,

Ex [...]ect such curious meate. I can eate

Oates, and Garlick, vnder my owne Roofe.

Dorid.

How? will Borachio leaue the Court?

Cast.

What accident of dire portent is fallne?

Loth.

G [...]ntlemen applaude my patience: Because,

He cannot furnish me with wholesome Sutes,

He doubts my power to get 'em granted.

Cast.

Why we, will furnish him with Sutes.

Bora.

But wont yee floute, and play the knaue with one?

Cast

How (Knaue!) was that the word?

Bora.

Interpret the word, as your selfe shall please.

I scorne to be your Dictionary.

[Page] Marry come vp: Are your eares so tender?

I hope I'm a Man, although a sinner.

Cast.

Vse no choller Amorous childe. But if

Thou wantest sutes, thy Lord being neere the Duke,

May furnish thee with—

Cos.

Or me thinks thou would'st become a knighthood

Get him to begg it for thee.

Bora.

No, no, Hot words make but warme aire, A figg

For a Knight-errant; that hath a stile, and nere a hedge.

Dorid.

Then get a Patent to suruay Brine-pits.

Or else for casting Ordinance in Lome.

Cast.

Or else search Saint Peters patrimony,

Lay Prebendrys are good, and Symony

Is an old Paradox.

Bora.

Holde, holde

Enough sufficeth all women but whores.

He that expects the Morning lengthens the Night

Therefore straitway let my Lord get the Duke

To signe these Patents: which done

I'le returne to the wife of my bowels,

And dye for ioy.

Cast.

Why this, is fit, and requisite.

Cos.

If Signior Lothario doe consent.

Loth.

It is decreed.

Bora.

Who would hasten Time, when we may be old

Too soone. Let me take downe a Cushion, and pray.

For I shall haue more dignitie then will suffice

To damne a Monke.

Cast.

Who could perish in a better cause?

Bora.

Why, can I helpe it? If a man be borne

To Offices. Or as my Master sayd,

Predestinate in the wombe of greatnesse.

Tis not our faults. Each man obayes his Starre,

In spight of his Teeth,

Dor.

All this is Alcaron.

Bora.

One thing grieues me. I'ue a badd memory

Already, and now t'will be made worse.

[Page]Cast.

How can preferment hurt thy memory?

Bora.

O Sir! preferment makes a man forget

His deerest friends; nay his kindred too.

Cos.

Looke, Thy Master's building more Castles, in the Aire.

Cast.

He has intelligence from Spaine, and fortefies,

To no purpose gainst the next Spring.

Loth.

All offices shall be sold i'th' darke—

Bora.

How! Grow not old in anothers garment,

Sell what's your owne, Some of those offices

Are mine by promise.

Loth.

Still, crosse to my designes. Ile stretch your Sinws [...]

Dor.

Hold! Signior Lothario, hold! Mercy

Becomes the powerfull,

Bora.

Let the Deuill take the Knighthood, and make

His Damme a Lady. I'le not be his Asse,

Exit Bor. Loth. running after him.

That seru'd for blowes, and Prouander.

Dor.

Lets relieue Borachio, or all our Comick Scenes

Are at an end.

Exeunt Omnes.

Chaire out.

Enter Duke and Foreste.

Duke.

Foreste

Fores.

My gracious Lord.

Duke.

Are yet our Letters to his Holinesse

Dispatch'd?

Fores.

They are so please your Grace.

Duke.

Did the French-Embassador make some shew

Of discontent at his departure hence?

Fores.

Both in his words and lookes: for when he heard

Th' English-Leiger had oppos'd his Treaty

Concerning trassique with the Florentine,

His anger straight dismissed the Argument,

And seiz'd vpon the Nation, nay rayl'd

Against the Leiger too, whose opposition,

Might be chidden as too nice a Virtue,

But could not be accused as a vice,

[Page] Tis knowne indeed the French doe take a prides,

In the emphasis of sudden anger,

As if alacritie in ill did make,

The fault looke handsomely, and dulnesse adde

Deformitie to sinne.

Duke.

Tis faithfully obseru'd.

Fores.

Swell'd with vncharitable pride: such as

Admits no stile of Neighbour; as if growne

Aboue the vse of friendshippe. They seeme to call

Those mighty Ilanders neerest their soyle,

Poore borderers to their Continent. Such,

Whose thinne numbers, haue in bloudy battaile,

Made their multitudes their impediments,

Worne their Ensignes, instead of gaudy Skarfes.

Duke.

The chance of war,

Admitteth many times of Miracles,

Euen such, as doe discredit History,

High-prouidence confers the conquest there,

Where probability conferd the losse.

And this is done, that we may attribute

The prayse to him that gaue the victory,

Not to them that got it. Obserue besides,

That when the weake doe ouercome: the strong,

Doe leaue that staine, for their Posteritie

To wipe away: which is already done;

The French, haue fiery ni [...]ble spirits.

Fores.

Your Grace deales iustly in your praise. They (haue

Spirits: but they all are vselesse made,

By forward and affectate violence.

He that spends his fury, and his strength

I'th' first charge, must not hope to make's retreate,

So nobly, as the modest Combarant,

Whose onset slowly mooues: as carefull not

T'outride his skill. Their vallour is t'attempt.

Not to performe. T'is a giddy Nation;

And neuer serious but in trifles.

Duke.

Thou doest mistake in naturall effects,

[Page] Where Fanc [...] is so rich, the incident

To s [...]me u [...]-expence. These [...]

Divulge the wealth o [...]h' Braine. [...]uite that is ripe

Is prone to fall, or to [...] selfe.

[...] to the [...]e of [...]archies:

Th [...]y now are full [...] ripe: they reach

The height, and [...] of mortall [...]aeuleies.

Nature [...] them doth stand vpon the verge

Of her [...] y [...]uth The English want

Three [...]u [...]dred y [...]eres of that perfection.

And as the Moo [...]e ner'e changes but i'th'full

Euen so the mighty Nations of the Earth,

Change in their greatest glory. First their strict

And rugged d [...]scipline, to vaine delights.

Their solemne Marches next to wanton [...]igs.

Their Battailes fierce to Duells spleenatiue,

enter Lucis. kneelet.

Or witty quarrels of the Penne.

Luc.

Heere may my knees take root: whilst I doe grow

A liuing Statue of true obedience,

Or let my royall Master grant his pardon.

Duke.

Sure we may trust, the iudgement of our eies,

Thou dost not looke as if thou could'st commit

A sinne so horrid, so vgly as can fright

Our mercy from vs. Rise, we pardon thee.

Now let vs know thy crime.

Lucio.

It is no crime

Vnlesse against that great prerogatiue

Youre eare hath ouerrune. Perhaps my Heart,

Hath made escape through these fonde Eies. And I

(I'th' rash discretion of my youthfull blood)

Confin'd my selfe in Matrimoniall bonds.

Duke.

Hah! maried? speake suddenly, to whom?

Fores.

Io my Sister. Sir pardon the permission,

Foreste kneeles.

Or frowne, and leaue your creature more obscure

Then when you own'd him first. Now is the time

To shew your charity Diuine. Preserue

What you haue made.

[Page]Duke.

Foreste this is ill.

What confederate with vngouern'd youth?

But [...], we pardon you. Where's the Lady?

Enter Cor [...]

Rare beauty!—

You haue our pardon, and our fauour too.

I thus inuite more knowledge of your worth.

Beleeue me Lady: you haue a feature

That [...]ould b [...]tray a more experienc'd Eie

Then Lucio's is. Excellent wretch! with a

Timerous modesty, she stifleth vp

Her v [...]terance. O such a pregnant Eye!

And yet [...] slow of speech; is a wonder

More d [...]ightfull, then any Nature makes.

Hast thou Lucio, so much vnh [...]ppy witt,

As to be [...]ealous yet? with thou suppose

Thy selfe s [...]c [...]re in our discou [...]se?

Lucio.

Heauen [...]orb [...]d, your Grace should er'e imploy

Your [...] as to discourse with her

'Till grew [...].

Duke.

Come hither Lady, come, confesse, how chance

Y [...]u haue b [...]witch'd my Boy with subtill smiles,

With wan [...]on hauiour of those pretty Eies?

Doth H [...]uen bestow such Noble ornaments,

To be abused in the vse: and now

He is your Prisoner too, in cheerefull bonds,

How can you haue the heart to make s [...]ch spoile,

And hauock of his beauty? hah! speake Lady!

Corsa.

I hope your Grace hath thoughts more me [...]cifull.

I know this match was made in Heauen; and not

Prouok'd by any sinfull art in me.

How I haue v [...]'d him in this little time

That he hath bin my Lord: let him declare.

My duty is so strict, I need not blush

To heare the story told.

Duke.

No! looke, looke there. His Eies for very shame

Their luster's lost are crep't into his head:

Encircled with the weakely cullor blew.

[Page] The Roses in his Cheekes are withered quite

His cleere and briske aspect is muddy now

And dull: His voyce (that was so shrill; and could

Euen Trumpet-like, outscolde the Ecchoe)

Is hollow growne, and horce. Haue you then vs'd him well?

Corsa.

Alas (most gracious sir) goe not about

To make my Lord suspect my Loyalty.

If Nature sickne in his faculties;

Which (heauen be thanked) I perceiued not yet,

It cannot prooue a guiltinesse in me.

Duke.

Beleeu't (young wife) I am no Proselyte,

I still auerr, you are that greedy Nimph,

That hath deuour'd the rich complexion of my Boy.

See how his feature's shrunke? his beauty stain'd?

The Scythian Dame (whose cruelty is such,

Whose lust so prodigall, that she doth striue

To kill the able Lecher in the act;

Making her wombe his Sepulchre) would yet

Haue spard that wanton handsomenesse; to shew

As patterne of her Lenitie.

Corsa.

I hope, your Grace will pardon Ignorance,

That so ill mannerd is, as not to know

Your meaning.

Duke.

No matter Lady.

My accusation shall withdraw it selfe.

Pretty innocence! Lucio, prepare.

Tis our will to make thy Wife a Courtier;

She shall be high in fauour; if she'll leaue

Her modesty; that's out of fashion now:

In Neighbour Courts, the Ladys so preuaile

With masculine behauiour: they grow

In factions able to depose their Husbands

From the charter of their Sex.

Fores.

T'is strange that his dislike is fled so soone.

Duke.

Your Mariage we wil solemnize with masques,

And Reuels. If Inuention [...]uer meane,

To get reward for subtiltie; tis now.

[Page] We take notice (Lucio) She is thy wife,

And thy sister our Foreste.

Fores. Lucio.

We your Graces humblest Creatures.

Fores.

Affection is become a Parasite;

Striues to please, whom it cannot benifit.

Exeunt omnes.

Actus Tertius. Scena Prima.

Enter, DORIDO, COSIMO, CASTRY CHIO.

DORIDO,

Knowne, by whom by Citty witts!

Cos.

Or my Ladys workemen.

Dor.

Who ne're saw verse, but what their Sutors writ,

Which they read like Prose too.

Cast.

I'le not discredit my patience, talke on.

Dor.

They say you are particular with a

Great Lady.

Cos.

Yes, and her Pensioner.

Dor.

Some loose thing (belike) yet will be at charge,

To secure her fame from noyse. For thou prayst

Against all lechery but thine owne.

Cos.

And she hath wish'd in witty-penitence,

Thou had'st beene single in the world,

Dor.

I, for then she had liu'd chaste. He growes angry,

His eies looke red.

Cast.

No Sir. They blush to see a Foole.

Dor.

T'were fit they would imploy their modesty

At home. For thou art a foole in print.

Cos.

Yet had he liu'd, when the old Sybill,

Presented her diuine Manuscripts, to

The dull Romane; he would haue scolded with her,

Vnlesse his Pamphlets had attain'd the first

Acceptance.

[Page]Dor.

True, for euery Poet thinks himselfe

The best Poet in the world.

Cos.

And that Satyr not the worst; wherin

He chides Women, for wearing their Halfe-Ruffes,

Which pinn'd behin'd trans sc [...]tuates the face,

Or makes'em looke, like Ianus with two faces.

Dorid.

A iust exception: for going hastily

To kisse his whore; he could not find her Mouth.

Cos.

Why sure her breath was strong enough

To direct him to it.

Cast.

Yet I haue heard nothing, but what deserues

More pitty, then anger.

Dorid.

Now when he hath prouided some high toy

For the Presse; he thinks on d [...]dic [...]tion,

Strait chooseth one of the faction; who must

Not Patronize, but buy what he makes vendable,

With praise in the Epistle.

Cos.

Can you deny this Cousen Satyrist?

Dorid

And nothing makes Learning so cheape; but that

Euery writer sells his works.

Exit Castruchio. they after him.

Cos.

Nay let's follow; and worry him to peeces.

Enter Lucio, and Foreste.

Lucio. Foreste.

Our ruine is contriu'd aboue.

If our Master p [...]ocue vnkin'd, the Planets

Gouerne ill: For our gratitude, and care,

Deserues more constancy.

Foreste

Lookes he so strangely on yee?

Lucio

As if the obiect were but new to him.

And his owne heart vnsetled in his b [...]ast.

Fores.

Is his violence so soone tir'd? suruay

The Register of your owne deeds. Speake Sir,

Haue you so engross'd his eares, as if their

Organ, were yours, not his. Confin'd 'em to

Your owne tongue: and so d [...]priu'd the sorrowfull,

The grieu'd in heart, of an easie audience?

[Page]Lucio.

[...]euer.

Forest.

Since you haue shar'd the Dukes prerogatiue,

And by his loue, held opposition.

At such great aduantage. did you e're slight

With cheape regard, those of high, and Noble birth?

Lucio.

My soule abhorrs such tyranny.

Fores.

Haue those who weare th'Eternalls Liuery

Bought their wages of ye? Or haue they found

Bold, and skilfull flattery, more helps

Adua [...]cement; then deepe and modest Learning?

Lucio.

Neuer, since my distinction was of power,

To helpe its choyce.

Forest.

In nice triall, or euidence of Law,

Hath Custome (which only giues vs hope

Of certainty in Iustice) bin traduc'd

By your obscure helpe?

Lucio.

Neuer.

Fores.

Hath the desolate Wid [...]ow scar'd mercy

From your eies, with her old ruin'd beauty,

(For griefe was neuer amorous) or hath

The torne Begger too soone dismissed your charitie

Because not giddy enough to delight

Wantonesse.

Lucio.

Neuer.

Fores.

Then if our great Master withdraw his loue;

The weight of sufferance cannot bruise ye;

For the whole world will share i'th burden.

Enter a young Gentleman with a Letter.

Lucio.

From whom is this sir?

Gent.

From my Lord Marquise de Loretta.

Lucio.

I humbly kisse his hand.

Gent.

Now luck flatter me but once, and I am made—

Tis short, pray heauen it be sweete, or I'le nere loue

The Prouerb.

Lucio.

Sir, haue you euer bin in seruice,

Vnder any eminent Commander?

Gent.

Neuer yet.

[Page]Lucio.

Reade these Foreste.

How Reputation lessens in esteme.

Courtesie growes so cheape, that deniall,

Seemes lesse troublesome then consent.

And performance is only Lazy.

The labor of subscription hinders more,

Then thought of that, to which it doth subscribe.

This Letter would faine make you a Captaine

In the new Troupes, sent to the Valtaline.

But sure your modesty will teach you baulke

The graunt, though I should beg ye to receau't.

Fores.

Sir. Shall the grey head, the old Souldier.

That tries misfortune by his constancy

In sufferance; [...]ffronts the winters rage;

Whilst his blood is frozen into Corrall,

His sinnes into Wyer: whole Vallor thinkes

To weare Chain'd shot, as bracelets on his Loynes.

Shall his preferment be intercepted?

Shall he now traile a Pike vnder a Boy,

Whose experience is younger then his face?

Lucio.

No, the frien [...]ship of the noble Marquisse

Shall neuer countenance vniust deeds.

Finde a Sute more capable of my grant,

And your acceptance, it is your owne.

Chaire at the Arras.

Gent.

Noble Signior, I'le put ye to the test.

Fores.

Princes letters are c [...]e [...]per far then those

Which Scriuen [...]rs put to sale. If such Pigmyes,

Apes in doublets, procure command oth' Campe,

Let the Cranes wage war agen. No opposition

Is too weake to ruinate.—Goe young Lord,

The Duke is ill accompany'd, if on [...]y

With his owne thoughts. Discouer more. Perhaps

His discontent concerns not you.

Lucio

I feare, yet my hopes would faine comfort me,

Farewell.

Exeunt omnes.

[Page]

Enter Luinna, and Duarte.

Luin.

I would not be vnmannerly, but if

She be at leasure, tell her, I am heere.

Dua.

Please your Ladyship to sit, Il'e tell her so.

enter Corsa.

She's come already.

Corsa.

I saw your entrance. How doe you Sister?

Luin.

I humbly thanke your honor, I am well,

Pray dismisse your woman: I would impart

A priuacy.

Corsa.

Watch my Lords comming from the Duke, and bring

Me word, before he is vncoach'd

Dua.

I shall.

Exit Duarte.

Luin.

O Madam Time is now growne old, and runnes

But slowly, I thought each Hower, a yeere,

Vntill I saw your Ladyship.

Cor.

Why what's the matter? I hope my brother's well

Luin.

Yes, I thanke heauen. But pray come hither.

Who doe you suppose was with me last night,

When my husband was at Court?

Corsa

How should I tell, without you instruct me.

Luin.

Why giue a guesse.

Corsa.

The Lady Benuolia, or the Lady

Vtruvia, who was it?

Luin.

Nay t'was a Man too.

Corsa.

That's fine i'faith, pray name him to me.

Luin.

What thinke you of the best man in Sienna?

Corsa.

How! was the Duke with ye?

Luin.

Yes, disguis'd too: he either came, (or else

Pretended so) to meete your husband there.

After some talke, (in which he did expresse

His loue to all our family) he gaue

An ample praise of you: and sayd he saw

Already so much worth in your faire breast

As will adde a knot to your Lords Heart,

And his owne: nay and make his constant loue

[Page] A patterne for euery royall Master.

Corsa.

Indeed, I dayly pray to haue it so.

Luin.

Then he gaue me this same Iewell; to you

He recommended the receipt of this.

Corsa

Trust me wench, they are both full of glory

Rarely cut, and set.

Luin.

Your's is the better of the twaine,

Corsa.

It is.

But truely I mislike the manner of

The gift. Dost thou thinke his thoughts are honorable?

I prethee tell me?

Luin.

Th'are such as I suspected at the first,

Such as made me to refuse these Iewels.

He swore I was a Traytor, if I thought.

He meant amisse Or if I did deny

To beare this same to you, I did but ill

Require his kind request vnto my husband.

Then in the close he vsd such Art, such subtill phrase,

To free his thoughts from the strict iealousie

Of mine; as reconcil'd me to obey his will.

You know besides how harsh it is to chide

With Maiestie, or slight Princes fauors.

Corsa.

I'le shew to my Lord.

Luin.

I had thought t'haue shewne my husband mine too

But since t'is capable of curious

Questioning, I meane to stay awhile.

Corsa.

Thou counsayl'st well. Wee'll weare 'em both at once.

Mine is the best, I e're was Mistresse of.

Enter Duarts.

Luin.

And mine is not ecclipsed much by yours.

Dua.

Madam, my Lord is neere at hand.

Corsa.

Come Sister, we shall heere the newes at Court.

Luin.

I'le waite vpon your Ladyship.

Exeunt omnes. Enter Castruchio, Lothario, Borachio.

Cast.

Sir Knight, beleeu't Foreste is the Man▪

That duls your reputation with the Duke.

[Page] And subbornes the Count against ye.

Loth.

Dares he controle my purposes?

Cast.

Aske honest Borachio else.

Bora.

Nay He'le not beleeue me: though I should sw [...]

You slout him behind his backe: and when a man

Sees things plainely; he neede not buy spectacles,

Till he grow old.

Loth.

I'le mince the Villaine into sand, to fill

My Howerglasse—

Cast.

In this Garden he walkes continually

After dinner. Heere stay, and expect him.

And Signior in this skin of parchment; marke

What paines I take, to perfect your reuenge.

I'th' shape of tree (which takes roote in Hell)

You shall discouer all his base discent.

On that branch appeares a Hangman. Then,

A Iakes-man, then, a Tynker. On's Mothers side

A Bawde profess'd. then, a Tybb. then a Trypewife.

A Synagogue of Welsh Rabbys; could not

Expresse more skill in Genealogies,

Then this includes. Sir, shew it him, and he

Insaniates strait.

Loth.

I'le make him weare it on his forehead.

Cast.

Excellent rage! but not a word of me.

I humbly take my leaue.

exit Castruchio.

Loth.

Not the foure winds (met in March) shall coole my spleene

Bora.

Sir, now we are priuat, tis a fit time

To be troublesome—

Loth.

I'le cram Cerberus, with sopps made of the slaues blood—

Bora.

Concerning those Offices. I'ue thought on'em.

And will haue 'em all in spight of Boltens teeth.

ent. For,

Fores.

Signior Lothario! Boracho too.

Thou art an honest fellow.

Bora.

I, your worship is wise, to speake no more,

Then what you may well stand too.

Loth.

Base stemme, deriu'd from I sope roote,

Our Ancestors were not so familliar.

[Page] Behold, & grow more mannerly.

shewes him a Parchment.

Fores.

Whats heere? My Pedigree? Some sawcy knaue

Hath counsell'd him, to this affront. What he,

Enter seruants.

I must know th'originall proiector.

Lay hold vpon those fooles.

Loth.

Lay hold on me?

Take off your hands; or I will tosse ye all

Into the cloudes, and kicke the Mountaines after ye.

Bora.

I pray bid the Gentleman take good heede;

For my Master, can doe all this, and more too

I haue seene him.

Ser.

Be you quiet. You that desire Offices.

Bora.

If I doe, what then? there be [...]hose desire

Worse things.

Loth.

Know ye not Rogues, that I can muzle vp

The testifie Vnicorne, in a Spinners threed?

Fores.

Lay all hold on him.

Bora.

He that cannot runne for his Liberty

Hath no courage in his Heeles. Let the Goute

Take him, that hath Leggs, and w'ont vse'em

he runs away,

Fores.

No matter, let him goe. Conuey that foole,

Vnto the Porters Lodge.

Loth.

A Chaos shall succeed this same.

Exeunt seruants with Lothario.

Enter Lucio.

Foreste.

Whither so fast (sweete Lord!)

Lucio.

Foreste, I haue tane my leaue o'th' Duke.

Fores.

Must ye away to night.

Lucio.

Now, presently. My followers attend

At doore. I onely came to kisse thy hands.

Fores.

The Sunne will faile yee, ere ye reach Lucca.

Lucio.

I must through. His grace will haue it so.

Why dost thou make thy head, to shake and reele,

Vpon thy shoulders thus. Is it o'recome

With thoughts, and such as must be hid from me?

Fores.

Take heede, suspition is the Fauorite

[Page] Of Time, and Nature, it takes a sudden grouth:

And gathers in the brest, like Balls of suow,

In snow; vntill the weight make it deny

To be remoou'd: then melts at leasure too.

Lucio.

He's too moderate, that will at my yeeres,

Be satisfied thus.

Fores.

Why then consider thus. You goe to Lucca,

There to congratulate the sate aproach

Of the Popes Legate; He hath bin there a weeke;

And why he was not visited ere this

Or why vpon such strict, and short summons.

Your selfe must now be sent; quite puzles me.

Actions rare, and sudden, doe commonly

Proceed from fierce necessitie: or else

From some oblique designe: which is asham'd,

To shew it selfe i'th' publique Rode.

Lucio.

Foreste is this all?

Forest.

Why me sweete Patron: this is enough

Of danger, since none is merited.

Lucio.

Yong thoughts encourage me to sufferance.

Each storme is vsher to a gentle calme:

Why toyles with speede, gets soonest home to rest.

The plodding Mule shall sleepe eternally.

Why should the stricken deare bem [...]ane his death:

His obsequies, were full of noble rites:

Acteons Quire, a iolly Requiem gaue:

And th' Arrow from the bow did sing his dirge.

Fores.

Thus thy yeeres doe riddle griefe away;

Making sorrow swift, because 'tis mortall.

Let me waite, on your Lordship to your horse,

And at your better leasure read this same.

I'le tell ye as we goe, who brought it me.

Exeunt Omnes.

Enter Duke.

Duke.

To wrong my boy, vnkinde, incestuous heate!

Why is Copulation legal; it giues

[Page] Authoritie to lust, for chastetie

Would soone conclude the World. O virtuous

Pre [...]dice, when error, preuents folly!

Fiendes, Deuils, that doe liue in liquid fire,

Haue constitutions not halfe so hot,

So riotous as mine. But why this?

The beautious Corsa is not yet defil'd.

He that repents e're he commits a fault,

Doth like a thirsty, sinner store his Soule

With mercy, to absolue that sinne himselfe;

Which he may afterwards, more securely

Fall into. Enough this soone Initiates.

Enter Castruchio.

The credulous Count her husband, I haue sent

To Lucca. And tomorrow he returnes.

My plots are limmited too short a time

To become Actions. Nor was it skill

To send the Iewell by her sister. Marke!

My Soule and braine, are perfect Courtiers growne;

In my declention, and my greatest want

They leaue me to instruct, and helpe my selfe.

Cast.

These fancies are not old: the whole Court

Obserues him strangely altered. But why

Am I sent for? that I must know, by safe,

And cautelous insinuation.

Duke.

How soone, I'ue profited in discipline

Of Hell I must through What I did meane

Adultery at first; will now I feare

Become a Rape.

Cast.

Hah! still vpon that string? I like it well,

T'is musicall.

Duke.

Castrucho! art thou come?

Thou hast bin a Courtier long; but whether

'Twas want of skill in me to choose a Man,

Or want of lucke in thee to be my choyce;

Suspence makes neutrall. But know; my loue

Was tardy, because still voyde of leasure;

[Page] To warrant passion well bestowed; by safe

(Though tedious) trials. Affection

That is slow, is sure: And now, I weare my heart

Not in m [...]ne owne breast, but thine.

Cast.

I haue but one life, it is some error

In your Grace, thus t'oblige me to the losse

Of more, in your deare seruice.

Duke.

I am not skil'd in words. But I affect

Thy fury. For thou art the bold Satyr,

That whips Foreste, and the wanton Count,

In thy tart Verse.

Cast.

My gracious Lord! I shall conceiue much griefe,

If my zeale mistake in accusation

Of those Men, which th'vncertaine Tongue of Fame

Deliuers to my charge.

Duke.

Nay, make not thy confession an excuse

Rather then a story: For there needs none.

I hate Foreste, and the Count, and would

Deuise succinct ways to my reuenge.

Cast.

Heauen forbid: I'de rather farre disgrace

The skill of my subiect; call accusation

Slander: then that the busie multitude

Should note inconstancy in you,

Duke.

This is a damn'd Hypocrite. Chamellons

Changes, are not so intricate to sense.

Castruchio! ease me with nimble apprehension.

I haue not leasure, to be modest now.

Speake; hast no acquaintance with any neere

Corsa's person; the Counts faire wife?

Cast.

I humbly beg, your Grace would not mistake

The conditions of my duty.

Duke.

I beg of thee not to mistake the sense

Of my designes. My words import my heart,

And both, no danger vnto thee.

Cast.

I hope my skill in seruitude, will not

Prouoke my Prince to tempt my honor.

[Page]Duke.

What prolixe loue is this; Dost thou indent

With my acceptance, make choyce of seruices!

Cast.

Your Grace will giue me leaue; since that I know

I not deserue to share in your high secrets,

To doubt my safety in knowing this.

Duke.

Death! and horror! thy suspitions are too thinne.

Consider why I sent the Count to Lucca?

Vpon my life thou art secure: therefore

Reply vnto my former question.

Cast.

My gracious Lord, I haue some interest

In her woman.

Duke.

In Corsa's woman knowne to thee?

Cast.

She is. Perhaps—

Duke.

Discharge thy tongue. May my eares blister

If they digest words to thy preiudice.

Cast.

Perhaps I knew her, beyond the modest straine.

Duke.

There's Gold. Castruchio, shew some pitty

flings him a Bag.

On rebellious blood. Be my Harbenger,

Billet me this night where she doth lye

And thou art made for euer.

Cast.

Must it be this night?

Duke.

Strict opportunitie will haue it so.

Her Lord returnes with the next Sunne.

Cast.

I cannot say her selfe shall porter be

Vnto your entrance; but her woman shall.

Duke.

Enough! here's more Gold. Smmon vp thy braine

Thy heart, thy soule, to meet in consulation,

And so contriue my peace, Farewell.

Cast.

I will instruct your Grace e're long: both when,

And how to make this armorous assault.

Duke.

My selfe and my Exchequer are thine owne.

There needs no Art to worke him into euill;

He is bad enough t'infect the Deuill.

Exeunt seuerall wayes.

[Page]

Actus Quartus. Scena Prima.

Enter DORIDO.

DORIDO,

Good! they haue left the Garden dore vnlocked

I'le venture in to helpe discouery.

Castruchio is grac'd with rare imployment:

The Duke and he doe heere consume the Night.

These are houres for Ghosts, Adulterers

And Theeues. The slaue is Haggard. At Supper

Being full of gold: his vaine Appetite

Fed at Nero's rate; I was discarded

With a frowne: shaken like a Burre from's sleeue.

As if my closure heeretofore had bin

Impertinent. Ambition lessens all

Beneath it selfe to nothing: the higher

Enter Castru.

We doe stand: so much lesse those men appeare

Duarte.

Whom we behold below—Hearke! Kinde Fortune

Lend me thy Eares—

Cast.

The night growes aged now. T'were fit the Duke

Would hasten his departure. In troth Wench,

Thy seruice to him exceeds requitall.

But what; she tooke it willingly!

Dua.

No, but she did not.

Cast.

Pox 'o these modest Lies! I say she did,

Duar.

In troth you doe abuse her then; I'm sure

Her shreeks did scare my heart vp to my lipps.

Cast.

Then thou couldst haue Kiss'd heartely.

Duar.

I wonder, it wakened not the whole house.

Cast.

Ist possible! what meanes did the Duke vse

To stifle vp this noyse?

Dua.

Nay, I know not. But since she was no more

Pliant; it doth repent me much, I'ere

Was instrument to his other actions.

[Page]Cast.

What, repent! I prethee sweete Duarte

Wrong not Diuinitie so much: waste not

A virtue, that would more profit others:

And to suppose that the Lady was rauish'd,

Is an heresie, which my Soule must nere

Be guilty of. Doe not I know Women

Are a kinde of soft waxe, that will receaue

Any impression?

Dua.

And doe not I know: there is difference

In workemen as in wax. Hard wax (when cold)

Accepts of no impression. By coldnesse

I in ferre chastitie: for chastitie

Is colde,

Cast.

But those workemen are harder farre

Then that hard waxe. And t'is hardest of all

To finde those workemen: vnlesse by Russia

Where the people freeze, till they spit snow. Come,

Kisse me Chuck. Agen, once more—

Dor.

A precious Satyrist! This surly Dog,

Inueyes 'gainst lechery in others, 'cause

He would engrosse all Women to himselfe.

Cast.

Your greatest Thieues, are commonly begot

When Parents doe their leachery by stealth.

Men get Cowards, when frighted in the Act.

And by such vulgar consequence: t'is now

A proper time to beget a Pander.

One, that may hereafter doe other men

The same office: which we doe the Duke now.

Come. Shall we, in and try?

Dua.

You presume much, on an easie nature;

And how extrauagant you are abroad;

I am not so vnkind to question.

Cast.

Faith Wench: I've some interest in euery Childe

That playsi'th' streete, The Dukes come down. Go, go,

ent. Duke.

Giue your Lady a Cawdle: and let me heare

How she likes her new Bedfellow. I'le meete

Exit Duar.

His Grace two houres hence: when he hath dismiss'd

[Page] Those thoughts, which still succeed vnlawfull lust.

Exit

Dor.

O damn'd villany: Is this th'imployment

Castr▪

That doth make ye proude? I will haunt ye still,

To strengthen my intelligence.

Exit Dor. after. Cast.

Duke.

O silly, weake euasion! being darke,

I creepe within my Cloke. T' is modesty

In sinne to practise euery disguise

To hide it from the World. But Creatures free from guilt

Affect the Sunne, and hate the darke; because

It hides their innocence. O traytour Lust.

That leades vs with encouragement to fight,

And when we haue discharg'd our Vaines for thee,

W'are besieg'd with thoughts, that more perplex vs

Then the former. For then we did complaine

Of strength; but now of weaknesse more.

Away, [...]way. T'is time that I were gone:

The modest Morne doth blush i'th' East, as if

Asham'd to see so fowle a Rauisher.

exit Duke.

Enter Castruchio, and Dorido.

Dorido.

So swift of foote! I must ouertake ye.

Cast.

How now! the World is wide enough: wherefore

Dost thou iostle me?

Dor.

Cry mercy Signior: the day's bleare Eie'd yet,

And my owne hast made me vnmannerly.

Cast.

Sig [...]ior Dorido is it you? Tis much

To see you appeare before the Sunne.

Dor.

Faith Signior; the Count being out o' Towne

I though [...] Foreste would haue more leasure

To peruse my new Sute. He's early vp;

Which caus'd my vigilance.

Cast.

Why Signior vse a meanes more absolute;

It is true, Foreste does all: but how?

As th'instrument gouern'd i'th' workemans hand.

Instruct me with conueniency of time,

[Page] And I will worke the Duke in thy behalfe.

Dor.

Then Signior, you will oblige my prayers.

Cast.

At supper, when you departed from me,

You gaue demonstrations of discontent:

Who knowes, but whilst the soul's imploy'd within;

The body might neglect some outward forme,

Which curiosity preferrs to custome.

Custome to abuse. It was my businesse

Not disrespect of you, that did depriue

My complement of vanity. I shall

Reioyce when I can shew you kindenesse.

Dorid.

I will be bold to thinke so.

Cast.

I'de haue thee build thy Mansion on a Rocke.

Fauorites are seru'd in with those Dishes

The Prince best loues. And meate we most affect

We soonest surfeit on. Instruct thy soule.

The Count is but a glorious trifle.

And to be factious without benefit—

Well, thinke vpon't. I know a way to get

The Dukes best Eare, without Foreste's helpe.

Farewell.

Exit Castruchio.

Dor.

The Profit of the day be yours. These tricks

Shall make me weare him in my Eies. The slaue

Doth vsher out his breath in state; as if

His honours had out growne his owne knowledge.

Yet but a tame Pande [...]. The beautious Corsa

Is rauish'd by the Duke. O blacke horror.

Arise my soule, inspire my industry

With noble purpose. Something I'le doe

That shall proclaime my Spirit.

Exit.

Enter Corsa, and Duarte.

Corsa.

Hence, hence, like Time; who swiftly flys away,

But euermore returnes. Goe cruell wench!

Thou hast betray'd thy Mistresse, euen to

[Page] Eternall losse. Th'Angels that liue aboue

Haue seene it all. They know thee well enough.

In the generall Session of the world;

It will not my adultery be call'd;

But a prodigious Rape deriu'd from thee.

Duarte.

Good Madam, your Conscience is too bold:

It troubles you too much. Dismise't: thinke,

That other Ladys haue offended more.

Corsa.

Out Deuill. Wilt thou betray my soule too?

Duarte hence! I am inspired with strength

To make reuenge prooue masculine.

Flye quickely hence. Why doest thou stay? There's Gold.

I prethee wench in all thy Pilgrimage

Disperse my faulte in charitable sence.

Vse me nobly with thy Tongue. So farewell.

Duarte.

Or let my sinne no mercy finde in Heauen,

No pitty heere on Earth.

Exit Duarte.

Corsa.

Now all the motiues of my Lords delight

Exterminate for euermore with me.

My silent Lute's interred in the Case.

My voyce now rather frights, then captiuates

The sence.

Enter Luinna.

O Sister, dare you visit me?

I am a strumpet growne. Hence, and secure

Your fame.

Luin.

Alack, what prodegie is this!

Corsa.

I will tell thee all. For I should disgrace

Iniquitie to be modest now. The Duke—

Luin.

Ay me! What in that name can priuiledge

Offence?

Corsa.

Heare my Luinna, heare. In midst of night,

By my pernicious womans helpe; He opes

My chamber doore: whose faithfull Hinges shreek'd,

To warne me of his dire approach. His Hand

Imployd a Torch, a Torch; whose fancy weake

Aged, and blacke, had ouergrowen the flame.

And shew'd (me thought) like vnto Tarquins Ghost;

[Page] Preaching in fire: as if it counsell'd him,

To preuent such pennance by forsaking

His attempt. This, I told him too. But he

(That came not to consider, but to act)

O're [...]u [...]'d my Hands with his: then made shipwrack

Of my Honor.

Luin.

O royall Villaine!

My ioynts and sinnews dissipated are,

And scatter'd in a trembling feare. But marke

More sorrowes yet. My Husband lookeing in

My Cabinet, did spy that Iewell there,

Which the Duke last gaue me. It was to him

A new, and vnknowne starre: and Commet like,

Imployd his thoughts with such Astrologie

As made an Optick of his iealousie;

Through which, he would discerne the cause, th' effect

Of its being there. I told him all the truth:

And Truth's oftner praysed, then rewarded

Heere on Earth: for he dismiss'd me streight

With fatall lookes.

Corsa.

My Brother is a noble Gentleman.

Goe, goe, and kneele to him. All iealousie

Must still be strangled in its birth: or Time

Will soone conspire to make it strong enough

To ouercome the truth. Shield vs sweete Heauen!

The Sybills daunce about my Heart. They lay

Their verges heere: infusing a prophetique feare:

Which whispers we shall neuer meete againe,

Lets take a solemne leaue—farewell for euer

they kisse.

Luin.

Farewell! the noblest Lady o'th' World.

Excunt seuerall Wayes.

Enter Cosimo, and Borach'o.

Cos.

I am glad to see thee well Borachio!

But where's thy Master? what, in durance still?

Bora

Alas Sir, I (Good Gentleman,) the Roome

Wherein they haue put him, is so litle

[Page] Hee fills it vp to the Roofe: and is faine

To leaue his Legges Sentinels without doore,

To watch the rest of his body. Tis no

Chamber, but a Court. Cubbord.

Cos.

But they make him amends in his diet.

Bora.

They cannot Sir, For he's a fainte eater,

If he would pray so often as he fasts;

He had bin at libertie long agoe.

He'le dine vpon a single Pea; and leaue Orts.

Cos.

Doe they no more regard his potent hopes?

Bora.

Alas Sir, when Fortune's Tippet stands vp,

Few men will lend a pin to tacke it downe,

I, and my linage haue sweete losse of him:

I'm sure o'that,

Cos.

Nay, that's too euident.

Bora.

O sir! I would not a'giuen this Rush;

T'haue bin assur'd all th'offices in's gift

But hang such Dukes (I say) that suffer thus

Their Fauorites to be imprisoned.

Cos.

How now Borachio! Dost thou speake treason?

Bora.

Sir, I haue sayd no more, then what I meane

To vnsay againe: which is but a kinde

Of loosing one' [...] labor. An [...] ' [...]is better,

To be ill imploy'd then to be idle.

enter Castruchio.

Cos.

How the slaue sowes his Prouerbs together.

Are you come? I haue stay'd vntill the Clocke

Gaue your promise the lye.

Cast.

My time was spent to more aduantage.

I haue declar'd my interest in your blood.

If you assist my plots; you needs must share

Successe, that hath already warranted

A large requitall.

Cos.

I am resolu'd: and wish my selfe more able.

Cast.

T'is well. But now you vndertake businesse:

You must be as serious as a Musle.

That is: weare your Beard, vpon your tongue: talke,

Brauely. But of all auoyd Dorido

[Page] As you would to drinke

A violent poyson.

Cos.

Enough, he is a stranger to my thoughts.

Cast.

There's fresh encouragement—

giues him Gold.

Cos.

A little more of this mettall would puzle

My Geography; Is this Italy

Or the Indies, There Borachio! Weepe no more

For thy Master.

Bora.

Allas I'm apt to weepe, though I but see

An Onyon stripp'd naked.

Cast.

I thought to meete thy Master heere. I'm sure

I saw the warrant sign'd for his release.

Bora.

The Deuill take your worship for me, why,

D'yee bring such good newes, on a work'y day?

Cast.

But thou pray'st ill, in praying the Deuill

To take me.

Bora.

Why could he euer come to lesse purpose

Then when he findes you doing well. Though he

Loose his labour once: I dare warrant ye,

He'le come againe on the same arrand.

Cast.

A bitter foole.

Bora.

Sir, let we friends be true to one another.

There are but few true friends extant. Let them

Be kindly vs'd and kept, if only for breed.

Cast.

With all my heart, translate thy meaning.

Bora.

Is my Master at liberty?

Cast.

I'le deferre an answere of this, vntill

Thy owne Eies be a little elder.

Bora.

Well, is he still in fauour with the Duke?

Cast.

Why he shall shortly gouerne all at Court,

And be a very Mote in the Duk's eye.

Bora.

Enough. T'is not wholesome to burst with [...]oy.

Cast.

But what then?

Bora.

I'ue thought with much care on these Offices:

And finde my selfe fitting to be in'em.

I will haue'em all; come Cut, and Long-taile.

For my Wife, will be such a glad woman.

Enter Lothario.

[Page]Cos.

Looke! who comes there?

Bora.

O Sir! giue me your blessing—

He kneeles.

Loth.

Weepe not Borachio! I haue prepard

Such bloody art in my reuenge; as makes

Mens wits, more famous then their cruelty,

Let horror propagate. All's too litle

For my vse. But you Sir had the honor,

To release me.

Cast.

Or else I had bin much dishonor'd.

Cos.

Sir, now he supposeth you in durance:

And is himselfe secure; happely drunke,

Or riding in the stewes; you may take some

Aduantage on his soule too. Loose no time.

Loth.

That's my intent.

For it were dull humanitie to aime

No farther then his life. I'le pursue him

Euen to Hell.

Cast.

And let me alone so to facilitate

The proiect, by search of fit time, and meanes:

As shall declare the act lesse troublesome,

Then thus to threaten it with words.

Bora.

You Signior Castruch [...]o! Signior Coxcombe!

Are you ti [...]'d with doing well? you haue scarce

Brought my poore Lord out of the Prison doores;

But you long to haue him in agen. Nay,

N'ere looke! For my Sword dwells within a Yard

Of my Tongue, and shall defend what I say

Cast.

What a p [...]rnicious Calfe is this?

Bora.

What harme haue my poore Wife, and Children done

To you, or yours; that seeing me within

A haires breadth, of a hundred offices,

You confound all, by leading my poore Lord

Into new broyles.

Loth.

Bold Miscreant! If I but stir—

Cos.

Nay Signior! let him alone. Borachio!

Steepe thy wrath in cold water: follow,

And be dumbe. All shall be well.

[Page]Bora.

Yes, perswade me to dry Ice in an Ouen!

But I'le follow your Heeles so close: as Ile

Goe neere to tread vpon your Kibes.

Exeunt omnes.

Enter Dorido, and Foreste.

Dorido.

Signior, I knew ye a braue Commander

Vnder the great Petruchio; and since

That time your constant virtues haue deseru'd

More recompence, then Fate will minister

By me. My kindenesse is no miracle:

Since gratitude is only sicke, not dead.

But pray beleeue what I haue sayd is truth.

Fores.

O Sir, t'is th'error of vnskilfull loue

To be too constant in her charitie

To all. But I haue grounds more relatiue

To make me iealouse of the truth: and I

Beleeue you with my heart: and yet t'is strange.

Doth this Castruchio thinke his haggard fate

Can triumph ouer mine? because in lust

The Deuill did instruct his industry:

Dares he attempt my life?

Dor.

I giue you reall grounds for my suspence.

Reward (sir) may make a Villaine bloody

Though it cannot make him valiant. The Duke

Will let him want no Gold.

Fores.

Nay t'is often seene.

Amongst the seuerall Creatures of a Prince,

Such instruments as these most profit reape.

Imployments noble doe requite themselues,

And honour payes, the great of heart: who loose

But Time in seruice which is the Bodies wealth.

Your friend stays. If you please t'appeare with him

From thence, at my summons: I shall discouer more.

Dor.

Noble Signior, I am yours,

exit Dorid.

Forest.

What hoa? Luinna! Wife!

Enter Luinna.

[Page]Luin.

My Lord!

Fores.

Come hither Loue. Signefie in secret

When was the royall Lecher heere disguis'd?

What did he send thee last? when must ye quench

The Cyprian fire: hah! you may tell me all,

For I'le not blabb. Alas, I'm more silent

Then my Grandsire in his Tombe. A subtill Pimpe, I,

A Pander learned in the art. Tell me Chucke?

Luin.

Alas my noble Lord! what doe ye meane?

Fores.

Why nothing, I: yet tis enough I feele

The wrong, If ignorant, I suffer twice.

And therefore let me know my Enemy.

The little worme, when trod vpon; will turne

His Head, to looke vpon his Murderer.

And hath my Spleene no Eies: Is the reuenge

Of Man lesse curious then a Wormes.—She weepes,

O Luinna, the sacred knot's vnti'd.

Thou hast defil'd and stayn'd the vestall Sheetes,

Thy Breast shall be no more my Pillow.

Luin.

O say not so. Let Thunder strike me dead,

If I'ere knew the 'Duke; with knowledge more

Dishonest, then what harbours in the Eies;

Only by sight.

Fores.

O new horror! such brazen impudence,

Would make a Negro blush. Come glo [...]ious who [...]e,

Acquaint me with your tricks. Who! when, where, how [...]

For besides the Iewell which he gaue thee:

I haue proofes, that will euen damme my sister;

And conuince thee too.

Luin.

My deere Lord? be not cruell in your Faith;

What I haue sayd is truth.

Fores.

Still constant in thy periurie. Mercy

Were tamen [...]sle then. Thou shalt dye

Like an heroyique Whore: a [...] Martyr

Enter Doride and his Friend in visards.

To thy concealed louer. Appeare ho!

Heere my she goate! These men are full and fresh;

[Page] But if they cannot tire ye out: I will

Procure ye some of larger Thighs; that feede

On th' vnctious Lhasis, and the Persian-Crab.

Or bring the riotous Horse, and the Towne Bull

To drownd ye in the act. Take her aside,

And agree who shall beginne.

Luin.

Stay, stay, O my Husband, my deerest Lord?

Will you permit such cruelty against

Your owne Wife. She, that hath so often slept

Within your Bosome. O speake? doe you want

The naturall touch [...] stay, stay, I will confes't.

Forest.

Stay, I'm of too easie, too soft a Soule.

My Heartstrings (sure) are made of silke: and 'tis

A subtill whore, she knowes it well enough.

But come, be briefe. Charme me not with storys

Of my former loue betweene vs.

I see thee as thou art, and thou appear'st

Like an intire, proportionable Boyle.

Why speak'st thou not?

Luin.

Sorrow was euer slow of v [...]terance,

And I doe tremble still. I knew the time,

My duty hath bin held in more regard

Then now it is. All former interest

Is quit forgot.

Fores.

Marke, did not I suspect, she would begin

Her Charmes agen. Away with her.

Luin.

O stay, now, now, I will reueale all.

Fores.

Be nimble then: and tell me punctuall truth,

For my reuenge is honest, and would not

Willingly mistake, when it shall strike.

Luin.

T'is true, your Sster's rauish'd by the Duke.

Which fatall truth, this morning I receau'd

From her owne mouth, But if I ere did breake

My Mariage vowes, or thinke vnlawfully;

Then may I loose my interest in Heauen.

My duty, and my loue remaine still yours,

And this constancy deserues some kindnesse.

[Page] Therefore, if t'is decreed that I must dye:

Let me dye a modest death. Expose not

Your poore vvife, vnto the cruelty

Of Rauishers.

Fores.

What thinke ye sir?

Dor.

My thoughts continue in the former sence:

I haue a chaste, and virtuous vvife; howeuer

You desir'd assurance from a triall

So vnkind as this.

Fores.

Still me thinks that Iewell which he gaue her,

Procur'd the same requitall that my Sister made.

But let it passe. I doe coniure ye both,

(As y'haue bin Souldiers) to keepe your Tongues,

A safe distance from your Eares, Let not words

Disperse what you haue heard. T'is externall

Reputation that keepes some Men from sinne.

Our faults once knowne, we doe neglect to mend:

Since Reputation suffers still: for that

Admits of helpe, but it is neuer cur'd.

And so the fatall iarrs tweene Man, and Wife,

If secret kept, dissension falls asleepe.

But if once knowne to Fame; Fame talks so loude

She waketh it agen. Your silence Signiors,

Shall challenge much from my requitall.

Dor.

Besides our obligations to your worth,

Euen both our honors would impose it

As a virtue, not a trouble. We are

Your humble seruants.

Exit Dorido with his Friend,

Fores.

I will deserue you for my friends. Rise—

You must be cleer'd by a stricter triall:

'Till when I doe neglect the large Charter

Of Husbands o're their Wiues: and command ye

As a Iudge th'offendor. Hence, and become

My Prisoner in your Closet. Take heede,

No curiosity in feare make you,

To pry in my designes.

[Page]Luin.

I doe obay ye cheerefully.

exit Luinna.

Forest.

O my heart! shall my industry, and hopes

Finde this period? My sufferance is tir'd.

It is an old inconstancy in Fate,

Soone to erect, and soone to ruinate.

Exit.

A Chayre at the Arras. Actus Quintus. Scena Prima.

Enter FORESTE Solus.

FORESTE, No, no, my Starres, it is too much to beare,

Though I were stomach'd like an Estridge,

Yet could I not digest such hard dealing.

My Wife defil'd, Corsa rauish'd. The Count

Abus'd where satisfaction is exempt

By Nature. My selfe proscrib'd to suffer

By the cheape vallour of obscure Villaines.

Would I had trode the humble path, and made

My industry lesse ambitious. The Shrub

Sccurelie growes. The tallest Tree, stands

Most in the winde. And thus we distinguish

The Noble from the base: the Noble finde

Their liues, and deaths still trouble some:

But humility doth sleepe, whilst the storme

Growes horce with scolding My Gall o'reflowes my heart:

And drownes propitious Thoughts. I will be iust

Yet cruell too. The darkenesse of the Night

Is thicke. I feele as I grope for way—

Stay—That sickly light from her chamber breaks.

Minion l [...]e beginne with you.

Exit.

[Page]

Enter Corsa and a Boy.

Corsa.

Sing gentle youth; who knowes if I shall liue

Timploy thy voyce agen.

Song.

Boy. Weepe no more for what is past

For Time in motion makes such hast

He hath no leasure to discry

Those errors which he passeth by.

If we consider Accident,

And how repugnant vnto sence,

It pays desert with bad euent:

We shall disparedge Prouidence.

Enter Foreste.

Forest.

This is your Dirge,

Corsa.

Hah! who is there?

Fores

Tis. I. Dismisse that trisle hence, and shut

The doore.

Corsa.

Farewell Youth! Get hee to bed.

exit Boy.

Fores.

But where's the rigled Hagg; th' incestuous lump

Of heate? where is she, speake?

Corsa.

Alas Sir, who doe you meane?

Fores.

Why she that Gossips with the Deuils Damme,

The subtill Bawde, your Woman. O Sister! Corsa kneeles.

I haue heard all.—Nay doe not worke distinction thus.

Kneele not to me; you are my Patrons wife.

But yet where obligation is indeer'd;

There Iniurie condemns it selfe. Can you

Surui [...]e a wrong so eminent: a wrong

Committed' gainst your Husband, and my Patron?

Corsa.

O Sir! I hope if you haue heard the trueth:

You will conclude it as a rape i'th' Duke;

[Page] And no adultery in me.

Fores.

How, a rape! o weake, and immodest shift,

Were Aretine aliue; or had I brought

A Crew of Midwiues heere: whose obscene art

Might warrant the distinction good;

Although the cause did blush, to owne th'effect;

Yet thy appeale might stand: but heere are none.

If compulsion doth insist, vntill

Enforcement breed delight, we cannot say,

The femall suffers. Acceptance at the last,

Disparageth the not consenting at the first:

Calls her d [...]niall, her vnskilfulnesse;

And not a virtuous frost i'th' blood.

Come, sit thee downe.—Or if ye meane to pray,

Kneele, and be nimble in deuotion.

That art to dye.

Corsa.

My Noble Brother!

Doe not fright my sufferance: vse me kindly

With your tongue, and lookes: I am already

Reconcil'd to Heauen; and would perhaps

Consent to your designe.

Fores.

Blessed speech! thou shalt prescribe my gesture

And my Phrase.

Corsa.

T'were not vnnaturall in me, to wish

For life [...] yet minding what constructions

The world may make of my sinister chance—

Fores.

I there's the point. The giddy multitude

Haue neither skill, nor leasure to c [...]nuince

Supposition, with Arguments of strength

And charitie. Their quicke censure, brings such

Eff [...]ct, as Spectacles, when vs'd in hast;

Which then [...]oe rather aggrauate the shape:

Then giu [...] distinction of the forme. Who, who,

Would liue to be an Argument for them?

Corsa.

Doe ye conclude then, that I must now dye?

Fores.

Why ist not apt, and pregnant to your sence,

It should be so?

[Page]Corsa.

Ere I take my last leaue of my kinde Lord.

Fores.

Ceremonious forme, doth oft, so long

Delay our iourney; till it prooue too late

To reach our home. T'is a long way to Heauen.

We must make hast. Nay, if your courage faile

Before it comes vnto the test: I shall

Prepare to be vnkind. Grimme, black fancy

Could you indure to see your Lord; defil'd,

Polluted as you are? That kinde Patron

To all our family; whose constant loue

Is warranted by Time; that best can iudge

Of constancy. Who tooke you to his bed;

Vpon conditions cheape, and dangerous

To his owne estate.

Corsa.

Sir, speake no more: but vse me as you please;

I will obay in all.

Fores.

Come, stretch downe your Arme: and permit this Scarfe

To fastne it to th' Chaire. Then vaile your Eies.

We must not trust a Woman's vallour so—

Corsa.

Oh, oh, oh.

Fores,

The torture's past. Thy wrist waynes are cut, Heere

In this Bason bleed: till drynesse make them curle

Like Lute-strings in the fire—

Corsa.

Commend me to my deerest Lord. I am

His humble sacrifice. Hee'le not be more

Vnwilling to grant attonement: then I

Haue beene to neede it. The Fates giue others

Expiation: which now they want themselues.

I speake too loude. For who dares chide with them

That may imploy Thunder.

Fores.

Her beauty'gins to wither. She distills

Like to a Rose. O could I separate

The blood defil'd from what is pure: I would

Shed that; then restraine the current, know!

(Vnskilfull Nature) If operation

Should long subsist in such grosse mixture: Men,

Would be Deuils 'ere they liu'd in Hell.

[Page]Corsa.

I come Celestiall Quire!—

She riseth vp.

Fores.

Extasie! through weakenes in expence of blood!

Deare sister! Disturbe not your last Minutes.

Corsa.

I must ascend—

Fores.

How! would you enter Heauen; with fetters on

Your Soule? clogg'd with these mortall Limbs. Sit downe,

Expire in peace.

Corsa.

O my Brother! whilst I am yet humane,

Let me feele some interest in your blood.

What fault of mine deserues impediments

In my last iourney? If my Lord were heere

He would haue seene me vs'd with mercy.

Fores.

Sweete Soule! these, are but mistakes of weakenesse.

Corsa.

Will not my Lord be mercifull; to me,

And to my memory.

riseth vp:

Fores.

Sit still. I bring no negatiue reply.

Thy worth shall shine in such a Character:

That being dead; he needs must wooe thy Ghost.

Corsa.

And will Posterity consent, that I

Abide in List; with those of modest fame?

Fores.

That Astrologer; who spys thee first

Within a Starre: must not finde thee billeted

Neere to Venus. Such error in his Act;

Would make me wreath his Body into Cords.

And with prolix strength draw the dull Caytiffe,

Through his slender Optick.

Corsa.

Oh, oh, oh—

Recorders: Sadly.

Fores.

A Convulsion in her Arteries!

Corsa.

Mercy Heauen!

She dies. still Musicke aboue.

Fores.

Hearke!

As she ascends, the Spheares doe welcome her,

With their owne Musicke.—Her Soule is gone!

Hah? whether is it gone? O vast suspence!

Madnesse succeeds inquirie. Fooles of Nature!

Cease Rec.

What Ancestor (that dyde long since) hath brought

Vs newes of his abode! or told vs how

They vse him in the other world? O this

[Page] Wilde mysterie so much concerneth Man:

That we would willingly dismisse suspence

With Eiesight not with consequence.

For he that sees through Faith, but flatters doubt.

Faith's a Perspectiue; through whose narrow lane;

Little things (far of) seeme so much too great,

Too neere: that what was first vnknowne is more

Estrang'd from knowledge, then it was before.

Yet by the rules of lawfull notion: It

Goes well with her: for she was euer giuen

To prayer: superstitious in humilitie:

And euen vnthrifty in her charitie.

She held her Virtues in such high extreames,

That her Diuinity was troublesome.

Grew from a Saint, a holy Cynick. Sleepe heere:

A sacri [...]ice to thy wrong'd Lord: Till I

(Thy Pries't) become an Executioner

To him; who was thy cruell Rauisher.

Exit Foreste.

Enter Duke, and Castruchio.

Duke.

Doth she insist in censure of the act

With such a sterne impatience, and dislike?

Cast.

Euen so (Sir) my intelligence imports.

For since her Woman, was dismissed: she sent

A Messenger vnto Lucca; to vrge,

Her Lords returne: whom (by a labor'd consequence)

I doe expect within this Hower. Hee'le choose

To trauaile in the Night for priuacie.

Duke.

And I haue sent to stay him there: vntill

A new Commission order his returne.

Cast.

Most royall Sir, you then may guesse what frights

Such opposition in these messages

Will nourish in his Heart. And being yong,

He cannot feede on doubts. Hee'le rather thinke

His interest in you his preuiledge to erre:

So, slight your Mandate, and come home,

[Page] To settle his suspence.

Duke

Remorse doth cherish danger! Let me be safe,

Sec [...]re me in thy wholesome Art. I would

Expresse my selfe without a Tongue—

Cast.

My gracious Lord; my apprehension lies

Not in my Eares but in my Braine. I can

Conceiue without the noyse of words. It shewes

Apparent to my intellect: the Count

Presuming on that free adresse, he still

Hath had vnto your person: will hither bring Corsa, and Foreste to shew the shape,

And quallity, of his new sufferance.

Be you within your bed, to free you from

The worlds suspition: whilst I doe place

Behind the Gallery doore (which leads vnto

Your Closset Chappell) such trusty spirits,

As shall dare to thrust their weapons home.

Duke.

O quintesence of Soule. I will deuote

My actions wholly to thy vse. Good night.

Exit

Cast.

May slumber ceaze vpon your toyall Eies

With gentle closure. Know, poore Foreste!

The bag that holds my Gall is so immense,

Enter Duke.

That when I steepe thee in it thou art drownd.

Duke.

Castruchio; I haue better thought vpon't.

Cast

My gracious Lord.

Duke.

I would not haue thee hurt my Boy: vse him

Kindly for my sake.

Cast.

Shall I not strike him heere; betweene the Ribbes?

Duke.

Not for the world. Thou dost not know his Soule.

He's of so soft, so sweete a propertie,

That he inchants where he is knowne. Besides,

I finde I am so powerfull o're his youth:

That I shall soone extirpate from his memory

The wrong I did his Wife, and him. As for

Foreste: his experience is of growth

Too stubborne, of practise stiffe; and will not

Be remoo'd from his reuenge, by strength of words.

[Page] Therefore, let him no mercy feele: but let;

My Boy be gently vs'd for my sake. Farewell—

Exit Duke.

Cast.

This is a silly kinde of loue!

But let me thinke—So to contriue this plot:

That Lothario may destroy Foreste,

And him to make his silence safe! humh—

Enter Duke.

Duke.

No; it must not be—

Cast.

My royall Lord!

Duke.

Lucio (my Boy) is not proscrib'd. Take heed

Castruchio! If thou dost extend thy hand:

In motion, boysterous, and rough to him;

Thou dost infect all thy other kindnesse:

And I shall see thee as a Cocatrice:

That will enforce my Optick-nerues to shrinke,

And pull my Eies into my skull. Looke to't.

Cast.

Most gracious Sir, were his person bulwark'd

With the Alpes: were he hidden in [...]s owne feare;

He could not be more safe, then you haue made him.

Duke.

Once more then good Night.

exit.

Cast.

A plague vpon this turdy loue. Such thoughts

When first your Blood did make your Vaines to swell

(Like Bridges'ore your flesh) had preuented

My imployment. Softely, softely.

Feare, and suspition euer walke on Egges.

Enter Foreste, and Seruants with a Light.

Fores.

Leaue heere the Light, and goe to Bed.

Exit Seruant. within cry

Breake ope the doore, breake ope the doore.

Fores.

Hah! who counsels so vnlawfully?

Enter Lucio and Seruants.

Lucio.

O Foreste! the fatall Houre is come

Ring out your Bells, vntill they wake the dead.

Let the Drumme murmure in a [...]able Bagge.

Reuerse your Muskets, and traile your stubborne Pikes

[Page] In slimy-Channels. Let Trumpets groane,

And the shrill Phiph be hoarce. The fatall Hower,

Is come.

Forest.

Why, what's the matter Sir?

Lucio.

O my wife! by this she did entreat me

he shewes a Letter.

Suddenly, (vpon some vrgent cause)

To haste from Lucca to her: Iust now;

I lighted from my Horse, enter'd her Chamber:

And found her newly murdered in her Chayre.

My Seruants say that my arriuall there,

Did iust succeed your departure from her.

Fores.

Dismisse your Seruants, and you shall know all.

Lucio.

Hence, and expect me strait at home.

Exeunt. sern.

Fores.

I pray come hither Sir.—Doe you dislike

That iustice which depriu'd your Wife of breath?

Lucio

Doest thou call it Iustice?

Fores.

Yes, in the noblest straine: she was defil'd.

The royall Goate (the Duke) hath rauish'd her:

And I (that neuer could admit excuse

In points of honor) (where euer suspition

Sufficeth to condemne) did summon vp

My memory: wherein the kinde effects,

Of your best loue to vs are registred.

And finding you betray'd in your owne Fort!

I slit her Wrist- [...]aynes, and gaue perpetuall

Liberty, to her polluted Blood.

Lucio.

O Villaine! more bloody then the Tyger;

Whose empty Entrailes noyse, doth (Trumpet like)

Encourage cruelty; Though thou didst flight her

As my poore Wife: yet she might well expect

Some mercy, as being thy owne sister.

Fores.

Had she included all propinquity

Of blood; which lawfull Mariage keepeth knowne,

Or promiscuous Copulation, maketh

Intricate: this bare word (Honor) had bin

Enough, t'haue diuorc'd her from my mercy.

Sweete Lord; doe not mistake your Seruant:

[Page] Whose kindenesse thinks his owne Sister (when defil'd)

Was to base for your vse.

Lucio.

A bloody kindnesse to distinguish so

She was no Adulteresse, but enforc'd. Her thoughts

Were pure: and such a noble sympathy

Indeerd her Soule to mine; that her owne Teares,

Might soone haue wash'd away her Bodys staine,

And she againe seeme cleane. Corsa!

O my Wife! my bosome Girle! where art thou?

Speake, no reply? Art thou so much busied

With thy new acquaintance now in Heauen:

That thy poore Lord, may not borrow one word

At parting? Draw, draw ingratefull Monster!

That hast preuented thus our Dialogue.

Fores.

Sir, coole your spleene! take breath awhile:

And heare me speake.

Lucio.

No false Syren! thou holy Hypocrite!

I know thy tricks too well! 'Cause I am yong,

Too soft of heart, and apt to melt

In euery flame of my owne triuiall loue;

Therefore thou thinkst to practise on me now

With subtill phrase. Draw, or else thou dy'st.

Fores.

Come—Let me dye (as she) a sacrifice

To thee my Patron.

offers his naked brest.

Lucio.

A sacrifice to me! O Foreste!

Why dost thou multiply thy skill

flings away his Sword.

To thy friends pr [...]iudice? It is not well,

In troth it is not. Imploy thy owne heart:

Thinke vpon't thy selfe. Tis not kindely done:

I should not haue vs'd you thus—

Fores.

O my deere Lord! where did I loose your heart?

I am o'recome at these expressions.

I cannot weepe much: yet my Eies are moyst.

O my vnskilfull gratitude! what dire

Mistake, confounds our properties! I kill'd

A Sister, to secure a Friend. T'was ill,

Twas not the right way. A true Romane now,

[Page] Would walke aside, and with his owne Sword

Dismisse his owne Soule: and not permit

Moysture in youthfull Eies, thus to disgrace

The strength of elder loue. I cannot weepe,

But our diuinity supplyes vs with

Discreeter wayes, to make affection knowne;

Enough. I will prefix but one short Houre,

To thinke vpon't. Heere sir. Sheath your good sword,

Till reuenge prooue ripe. And I coniure

By all my Sisters loue to follow me:

In whose behalfe, your instice may imploy

It selfe. Which done, you shall behold my Heart

Without a Perspectiue.

If it concerneth her; by whom thou dost

Coniure my seruice, I'm bound to follow thee.

Fores.

What hoa!

Enter Luinna.

Luin.

My Lord.

Fores.

Come Minion, come along with vs. You walke

Vnto the Barte. If triall find thee false;

Thou shalt be scattered into Attomes▪

Luin.

O my deuining Soule▪ Sure my Sister

Is not safe.

Exeunt omnes.

Enter Castruchio, Lothario, Cossimo, seuerall wayes.

Cast.

Signior Lothario!

Loth.

Heere! Signior Cossimo!

Cos.

I am heere. Speake low. Cosen Castruchio.

Cast.

I am heere too. Why are we scattered thus?

Cos.

T'is in search of Borachio; who fearing

Danger in this action, commits himselfe

Very tamely to his Heeles.

Cast.

Let him be damn'd vnthought of. Haue you heard,

Or seene a Passenger.

Cos.

No, yet Lothario giues me notice:

[Page] Of a noyse farre off: but you know the length

Of an Asses eare.

Loth.

Pastes there (say you) who is't?

Cos.

He ecchoes by mistake. No body: but

My Cousen says he'le lugge the Asses eare,

Speaking of your Man.

Loth.

The Butchers dog shall saue him a labor.

Cast.

Well Gentlemen, I haue intelligence

(By my Boy) that Foreste, and the Count,

Are comming hither. Looke to't. But let the Count

Be safe. You know his voyce Lothario?

Loth.

Very distinctly.

Cast.

Well, any Man (but he) that stirres his Tongue,

Enuites his owne ruine Giue me your Hands

I'le bring ye to a doore: through which, if they

Doe passe, it must be ouer vs.

Loth.

Leaue Foreste to my charge for I am

His impediment.

Cos.

Softely, softely.

Exeunt Omnes.

The Duke (on his Bed) is drawne forth. Enter Foreste, Lucio, Luinna.

Fores.

Now set the reflex at liberty:

He opens [...] darke Lanthorne.

Heere let me beg your tariance: 'till I

Resolue a doubt that most concernes my Heart.

Lucio.

You shall. But doe not execute reuenge,

Vpon the Duke; till my assent encourage thee.

Fores.

My actions are confin'd: Vpon, not in

The Bed? Guilt confounds all order, and makes,

Our rest vnnaturall. Mistresse, stand you there.

He leads Her to stand at the Beas feete.

Duke.

Hah! from whence that light! who waites within

Foreste,

is it you? what doe you meane

By this vnciuill visitation!

[Page]Fores.

I am not so vnthrifty of time

To ioyne replys, vnto demands, I must

Depriue you of your Soule.

Duke.

How? Is this Language lawfull, vnto me

Thy Soueraigne Prince. Did not high-prouidence,

Treble the assurance of my safety:

By Guards inuisible, when I was first

Predestinate to this supreame function?

And darst thou tempt the strength of Heauen?

Fores.

I know t' were a prophane curiosity

In me, to question the prerogatiues

Of a free Prince. For Ignorance, and a dull,

Easie faith; must flatter bondage still.

Or Libertie (th'eldest Child of Nature)

Confounds predominance, by suing for

Equalitie amongst the Sonnes of Men:

And so reuokes a Chaos.

Duke.

Which soone returnes: vnlesse distinction

Perswade thee fixe my Royalty, aboue

Thy reach: that art my naturall Subiect.

Fores.

Enough false Sir. Warme not the ayre with words.

Be still, or I conclude ye in a trice,

And now requite the Leasure, I permit

For prayer: by a true reply to what

I shall demand.

Duke.

I will.

Fores.

Looke on your opposite.

Did you euer make her an Adulteresse?

Speake truth, so come your Soule to Heauen.

Duke.

Neuer. So come my Soule to Heauen, as I

Speake truth.

Fores.

O Sir?

Take heede the Periurer hath little hope

On the last day, to hide himselfe i'th' Crowde.

He is a sinner much too eminent.

But what meant that Iewell which you gaue her;

And which she conceald; till its owne lusture

[Page] Did betray it?

Duke.

I gaue it to disguise the cause, for which

I sent the other vnto Corsa.

Lucio.

That name will prick my fury on: although

I striue to be propitious.

Fores.

I know Luinna, thou art mercifull:

Forgiue me gentle Girle. It was the first

Bargaine we did make i'th' Church, to Share

In sufferance.

Luin.

And 'tis my duty Sir, to be most prompt

In the obseruance.

Fores,

My Lord!

Lucio.

A rude summons, that calls me as a Iudge,

To censure on the errors of my Prince.

Duke.

What, Is he there too? O killing obiect!

Fores.

Behold (yong Lord) the cruell Rauisher.

Whom Time himselfe shall neuer parallell,

Though he suruay his old Records, and scratch

His reuerend Head to waken memory.

Lucio

O horror! furnish vs (sweet Heauen) with some

Instinct. Inspire remorse: or we accuse

Thy skilfulnesse to predestine vs a Prince:

Murdring, whom thou didst annoint our Soueraigne.

Fores.

My heart swells. I'm full of griefe, and danger.

Some Iron Hoopes to helpe my Ribbes, or I shall burst.

Duke.

The cause deserues great alteration.

More then mortallity can see, and yet

Be safe. I wonder Heauen takes so little

Notice of it. I am not sindg'd to death

With Lightning Like the Dorr: nor murdred through

The Eare with thunder; like a Batt. O Lucio!

Minde not my former loue: but strike, vntill

I groane my last.

Lucio.

Foreste sheath thy sword. It must not be.

He was our Royall Master once, and might

In modesty compare himselfe; with all

But Princes; whom Fame reserues as Paternes,

[Page] For my sake sheath your Sword.

Duke.

O I shall suruiue my Royall Charter!

My creature is more beautifull then I:

More wealthy in his loue.

Fores.

For my owne part, I will annihilate

My selfe: for should I liue, I should grow madde.

But I am bound to care for you (my Lord)

Take heede! I know the tricks of Maiestie.

They thinke they cannot be secure after

Doing ill; but by doing worse: that is,

By killing quite, whom erst they did but wound.

Lucio.

And that's the surgery, which I desire.

I will endure all. O my Lord, my Lord;

I will not bid Posterity tell tales: nor charge

Historians to insert in Annalls;

On such a Night a great Italian. Duke,

Rauish'd his Creature Lucio's Wife: Sister

To Foreste, his actiue Councellor.

Fores.

Lucio, compos'd of such an humble loue:

That to secure his Masters feete, would spread.

And scatter all his Limmes, for him to walke vpon.

Lucio.

And Foreste, whose industry, and care

Outwatch'd Leane-vigilance, 'till she grew mad.

But come, Let's leaue him to contriue our deaths.

My Heart so fills my mouth, I cannot speake.

Duke.

Lucio stay, Foreste stay awhile.

Leaue me not thus anatomiz'd with breath.

He riseth from the Bed.

Dissect me really with your good Swords.

Behold my Breast, take out my Heart: and if

You finde your figures there, then vse my Fame

With Mercy.

Lucio.

Foreste come away.

Fores.

Make hast Luinna.

Luin.

I am wak'd out of a strange amazement.

Exeunt Foreste, Lucio, Lu [...]nua.

Duke.

Hide me swelling Hills! rough, and scabbed Rocks,

Ye Quarrles cleaue, and sucke me in, then ioyne

[Page] Againe. Would it not make a Patriarke mad?

O who shall bribe the Sunne, that in the day

Of generall accompts: he may auouch

He neuer saw me heere. Hah! false Memory!

I forgot to tell 'em of Castruchio.

Tis best to o'retake 'em. I cannot guesse

Which way they went.

Exit the other way.

Enter Castruchio, Lothario, Cosimo.

Cast.

Hell, and the Pillary take such dull Eares.

It cannot be, but they haue pass'd the Cloysters,

And e're this, with helpe of priuate Keyes,

Entred the Dukes Bedchamber.

Loth.

Those were Authors of that noyse, I spoke of.

Cast.

The very same. A pox vpon demurres.

Cos.

Will you lead the way, that we may hearken

enter Duke,

If they be there, or no.

Duke.

If I should come too late?—

Loth.

That's none of the Counts voyce. Haue at ye sir;

Duke.

O, O, O, I am surpriz'd in my owne snare.

Cast.

It is Foreste sure. Let's make safe worke

Kill Lothario, lay him by him, and depart,

Cos.

A match.

Loth.

O Villaines, O, O, O.

Luthario dies,

Enter Foreste, Lucio, Luinna.

Fores.

What noyse is that?

Cast.

Another Foreste.

Lucio.

My Royall Master bleeding on the Ground:

O murderous Villaines:

Luin.

Murder, murder. Helpe! oh helpe?

Exit

Lucio fights with Cossimo, Foreste with Castruchio.

Fores.

The Duke my Soueraign [...] sla [...]e, and Lucio

Bleeding at his feete. Villaine take this thrust

[Page] At my owne preiudice.

Lucio.

I am foyld by a base hand.

Cast.

Flie Cosime, flie.

Exeunt Cast. and Cos.

Fores.

Some comfort yet remaines: in that I am,

Proscrib'd to share in thy fate, though it be bad.

I loose much blood. O triuiall fortitude,

False Sinnewes, doe you begin to shrinke?

He fals downe.

Duke.

Lucio, Let my Soule, cary your pardon

With her vnto Heauen; and yours Foreste.

This strangeme was mine, but the successe,

Was much against my will.

Lucio.

Sir, I forgiue you all.

Fores.

Nay let vs ioyne Hands.—We doe forgiue

Each other, and the World. The like mercy

May Heauen bestow on vs.

Duke.

Amen, Amen.

Lucio.

Amen, Amen.

they die.

Fores.

There his heartstrings broke. Lucio (my Patron)

Already Chapf [...]lne to: that sight deserues a Teare:

Though I should stabb my Eies to warrant it.

Enter Dorido, Luinna, Courtiers with Light: Castruchio: and Cosimo: led in.

Dor.

Bring the slaues in, their deeds will soone conuince

Their faint deniall, where did you leaue 'em Lady?

Luin.

Here, here, O my Lord, my Lord.

Fores.

I haue not breath enough to comfort thee.

With words, mercy Heauen.

dies.

Luin.

O my Lord? my Husband He's dead, he's dead.

Dor.

Hold the Lady there: O dire spectacle.

the Duke, Lucio, Foreste, and Lothario

Lye here breathlesse. I did suspect some blacke

Conspiracy. Which made me haunt them two

Vnto the Pallace, but I did loose 'em

By the Chappell staires; bloody dogs, what Deuill

Prompted thee to this action.

[Page]Cast.

I hope, I'ue not so much Blood left, as will preserue

Me for an answeere.

Cos.

I feele my end to neere.

Dor.

Take em away, and close their wounds, though there

Be some mercy shewne, by thus deferring

That reward which your blacke soules shall receaue

In Hell. Yet know the Law will heere on Earth

Prouide such tortures as shall make your deaths

Exemplary to all succeeding times.—

exeunt some with Cast. and Cos.

Gentlemen, your silence may be excus'd.

Where, theres so much cause of admiration.

Some helpe transfer the dead from hence, others

Call vp the Councellors of state.

So intricate is Heauens reuenge gainst lust.

The righteous suffer here, with the vniust.

Exeunt. omnes.

FINIS.

Information about this book

Title statement

The cruell brother A tragedy. As it was presented, at the priuate house, in the Blacke-Fryers: by His Maiesties Seruants.

D'Avenant, William, Sir, 1606-1668.

Edition statement

1630

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2005-12 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A19876

ID [STC]

STC 6302

ID [STC]

ESTC S109305

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

99844955

ID [PROQUEST]

99844955

ID [VID]

9814

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Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A19876)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 9814)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1170:08)

Source

— The cruell brother A tragedy. As it was presented, at the priuate house, in the Blacke-Fryers: by His Maiesties Seruants., D'Avenant, William, Sir, 1606-1668..

Extent

[80] p.

Imprinted by A[ugustine] M[athewes] for Iohn Waterson, and are to bee solde at the signe of the Crowne in Pauls Church-yard,. London :: 1630.. (Dedication signed: VVilliam D'avenant.) (Printer's name from STC.) (Signatures: A-K⁴.) (The first leaf is blank.) (Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery.)

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