Landgartha.
A Tragie-Comedy, as it was presented in the new Theater in Dublin, with good applause, being an Ancient story,
VVritten by H. B.
HORAT.
Hunc socci cepere pedem, grandes (que) cothurni.
Printed at Dublin Anno 1641.
The persons of the Play.
- Frollo King of Sweland and conqueror of Norway.
- Hasmond and Gotar, two courtiers to Frollo.
- Landgartha, a Norwegian Lady.
- Scania, sister to Landgartha.
- Elsinora Aunt to both.
- Fatyma, cousin to Land. & Scan.
- Marfisa, an humorous gentlewoman, cousin to Fatyma.
- Fredericke and Wermond, two noble men of Norway.
- Reyner King of Denmarke.
- Valdemar, neer cousin to Reyner.
- Inguar, a Danish noble man.
- Hubba, an humorous merry Danish Captaine.
- Cowsell and Radgee, two foolish Coxcombes.
- Rolfo, a Drawer.
- Harrold, a competitor for Denmarke.
- Eric, his brother.
- Lothaire, a German noble man.
- Vraca, daughter to Frollo.
- Two posts, a Scout, & two Gentl,
- Phoebus, Pallas, Pryam, Hector.
- Achylles, and Satyres, in a maske: which may be Acted by the forenam'd persons.
THE EPISTLE Dedicatorie.
To all faire, indifferent faire, vertuous, that are not faire and magnanimous Ladies.
I Have here plac'd a patterne, yea, more then one (Ladies) for you to imitate Chastity and other vertues joyn'd to beauty, vertue single and manly fortitude in the female Sexe, doe here present themselves unto you. What you cannot reach one way take another: & know that the form & faculties of the minde, doe farre excell in worth those of the body. Yet, both joyn'd (as in Landgartha) is of all the most excellent: in regard that that externall beauty allures (nay commands) the minde of man (that affects visible objects) to the love of vertue, which it selfe do's possesse, and suffers (as most coveted) greater combats in the resisting of vice. Bodily force too in a woman (were it but to defend it's owne Fort) is a perfection; though it cannot be expected but from a few of you, it will be sufficient, that you never fall willingly, but in the way of honour. [Page] If I have not draw'n this faire visage, as a chiefe Arts man: I hope yet (you will say) that I have made it indifferent handsome, and that my good will to effect it after the best fashion for your sakes: will notwithstanding my weaknesse, purchase an excuse at least for my boldnesse, both in undertaking the worke and in offering of it (in part a poore braine borne Infant of mine, that covets to looke at the light) to be cherish'd by such hands as yours, to kneele at the feete of your pietie. Whatsoever it be, or whosoever got it: let it be yours, as is
The affectionate honourer of your perfections Henry Burnell.
Patri suo Charissimo operis Encomium.
MƲltiplici rations, sator, mea carmina (quamvis
Non limata) tuis jungo; nempe ipse petisti,
Cui teneor parere libens; formosa virago
Huc me vestra movet, virtutis dotibus exors,
In fraecte potius carnis qua compede solvi
Certa fuit, foedat a foret quam crimine; cujus
Iactatis Pyrrhae decus immortale resurgit
Nobilitus gestis; ad quod praecordia magna
Laetitia diffufa mihi, quando auribus hausi
Arrectis (genitor) te (per quem essentia, & à quo
Impetrata mihi, fruor & quibus, omnia) culte,
Consulto, graviter, cum suavitate, venuste,
Praegnantem causam peragisse. Sed indere amoris
Non probo delicias: quod te fecisse sequntum
Histori [...]normam; belle, scite (que) jocantem
Latificando alie [...], non te, mens certa revolvit.
Aliud.
Melpomena tua tela (parens) contexta Thalia et,
judicio quamvis non trutinanda meo est:
Me tua sed certam solers facundia, verax
expertorum hominum & fama diurna facit,
Te nullis potuisse tuis errare, decorum
omnimodo Scenis, sed tennisse triplex;
Nempe modum retinendo (docent ut scripta sagacit
Flacci) personae, temporis, at (que) loci.
Ad te à Invernis flexit victoria vatem.
partibus his cedunt Brutiginae (que) tibi.
Fama quidem tendet, quacun (que) auratus Apollo
se tua: tu vives dum vehet amnis aquas.
Tu pater Aenio deducens vertice musas,
gloria (non fallor) posteritatis eris.
Terra tuas certum est exhauriet extera laudes;
clarescet scriptis insula nostra tuis.
Eleonora Burnell.
To his worthy to be much honoured Cousin Henry Burnell Esq. on this his Tragie-Comedy, &c.
THough my prayse cannot adde ought here: Yet, give
Me leave (Cousin) to rayse my selfe, and live
Past time with thee; for, what thou writ'st is fine,
Pleasant, profound, chaste, morall, and divine;
Beyond the childish flashes of this age,
Affected non-sence, and Canarian rage;
Or Garagantuan soppery. Not one word
That's immateriall do'st thou affoord,
Vaine, or superfiuous. Thy phrase is good;
Nay, strong, and elegant, though understood
Not by light-headed ignorance that do's admire
Strange language only. Wave, vote, flames, and fire,
Tempests and whirlewinds, Scorpions, and Hags,
Are stuffe that take such, though indeed but rags,
Base rags that they patch on, and thou do'st scorne;
Or any dialect that is much worne,
Though by the best; thy words thou mak'st to fit
(Not contrary) th' Conceptions of thy wit.
And, though thou England never saw'st: Yet, this
(Let others boast of their owne faculties,
Or being Sonne to Iohnson) I dare say,
That thou art farre more like to Ben ▪ then they
That lay clayme as heires to him, wrongfully:
For he survives now only, but in thee
And his owne lines; the rest degenerate.
Nay, I can more affirme (and truly) that
In some things thou do'st passe him: being more sweet,
More modest, mylde, lesse tedious; Thy owne feer
Goe thou on stoutly then: if thou proceed,
Him (though 't be much) in all points thou'lt exceed.
Io. Bermingham.
Ad nobilissimum ingeniosissimum, dissertissimum (que) suum amicum Dominum Henricum Burnellum operis Elogium.
VEllera laturus signorum principis, anceps
Ausonides lecto milite cepit iter:
Mox longos tentare sinus, voto (que) potiri,
Aeolios cives, Ionium (que) domans.
Mascula, casta, decens, suavis (que), (Henrice) virago
Sola tibi invicta pubis ad instar adest.
Ergo procellosae Niseidis, at (que) Charibdis
Securus turbae, carbasa pande Notis.
Pande palam cedro tua digna volumina, Meci,
Multorum (que) prius pensa bilance virûm.
Pande nihil mancum: nil non laudabile: uil, quod
Sympathicum non est, symmetriae (que) tenor.
Currum Phoebus equis sic, sic robusta Bootes
Septem concordi plaustra Trione regit.
Magnes gnarorum: in rabiem Marpesia cautes,
Quorum Cerberea toxica fauce sluunt.
Carmine sublimi morum icon, stilus honesti,
Calcar virtuti es, criminibus (que) jugum.
Per [...]g Minervali tutus munimine: fiet
Nobilior studijs gens tua clara tuis.
Munera, vive, tibi fulvo mage grata metallo,
Aequora dum biberint proxima signa polo.
Philippus Patricius
Prologue delivered by an Amazon with a Battle-Axe in her hand.
THe best of English Poets for the Stage
(Such was the envie, nicenesse, and the rage
Of pettish weakelings, and detracting fooles,
That could prayse no man; and, I' th' muddie pooles
Of their owne vices, were o'rwhelm'd) was faine
An armed Prologue to produce, on paine
Of being tongue-strucke Therefore, marvell not
The present author (having not forgot
How in 's first Play, he met with too much spite)
Sho'd send an armed Amazon, t' invite
(If it be possible) all minds to affect
What of himselfe, he could not well expect
From his detractors: Or, to let those know,
He cares not each of them prove still a foe.
Yet, this his second (as that first) he made
To please you, not for Money; to invade
Your wills for your owne profit. For, if his minde
He had sought by it to content, you 'd finde
Another method in't; and not a word
Of any mirth or love wo'd he afford
To make you laugh or languish. All, rich stuffe
(Though not so pleasing) he'd expose, to cuffe
(And generally too) the monster vice;
Which he performes but gently, in this piece.
Yet, it's beleev'd 't will please the most and best,
In all the passages; and for the rest,
Let 'em (if they will needs) in pudles swim:
For, he sleights them more, then they can wrong him.
Landgartha.
The first Act.
Enter Fredericke and Wermond.
Fred.
IT's a noble, noble act!
Wer.
And cannot
But vex the bloudy usurper, let him put
Ever so good a face on't, though they were
But women only, that conspire against him.
Fred.
It stirs him not: for since his conquest made
On us, and murdring of our lawfull Prince,
Things have succeeded so to all his wishes,
That he's grow'n carelesse: nay blindly besotted
By security, and selfe-perswasion,
Lock'd by the tempest of his lust; so as
He feares no force of man; much lesse weake women,
As he is pleasd to tearme 'em; he minds nothing
But whom to kill, or foulely ravish: and
The conversation of his Bawds, and Spintries.
Wer.
Is't possible, hesho'd be so secure,
And passe away in such a dying slumber?
Fred.
He thinkes the gods doe slumber too, or winke
[Page]At what he do's, or rather snore supinely;
Or that there are no gods, and what's spoke of 'em
Is but a meere foolish fable; He'll beleeve
No mans intelligence, not his owne spyes,
That this fleet of Denmarke, now lanch'd forth, sho'd move
Against him hither.
Wer.
It's not all the power,
He for the present can command that will
Resist it, if it doe; joyn'd to the valiant
Landgartha, with her faire sock'd troope of Ladies:
Musicke of Recorders.
But, let's be silent; here the wretch himselfe comes.
Enter Frollo leading a weeping Lady, Hasmond and Gotar.
Fr.
Come my pretty sweet-heart, dry up those pleasing
Eyes; this liquor's too precious to be spilt
In such a cause, for a lost Maydenhead,
And to a King that will become thy slave for't,
And for more of that sport: who to please thee
In that, and whatsoever else thou canst conceive,
To rayse content to thee, and varri'd to thought,
Will ransacke Kingdomes.
Lady,
Leave me yet blacke Devill,
Breakes from him
Thy words sound farre worse than the voyce of Hell.
Fr.
Some kicke the Spyder out at the Court gates;
An angry scratching Cat. We wold not be
So vex'd another night with such a foole.
Exeunt Fred. and Wer. with the Lady.
Got.
She'll soone repent Sir, and turne backe, to offer
Her dainty body to your mylder usage.
Hasm.
I rather thinke, she [...]ll to the mad Langartha;
And there make one among her furious troope
Of Furies, that will yet endure no horsing,
Though they manage bravely.
Fr.
There's a Wench indeed,
What lucke had I, never to lay my hands
On her? They say she's very faire and handsome.
Hasm.
The clappers of mens tongues proclayme that; and
[Page]Speake strange things of her.
Fr.
We shall finde'em (the best
Is of it) altogether, to make a royall
Choyce. We meane to single forty at least,
Of the most buxome (of which she shall be
Chiefe generall, as now she is) for our
Owne private pallat.
Hasm.
I may hope (Sir) you'll grant
Me halfe the number, with her wise and modest
Aunt Elsinora, to precede: Or her fine
Valorous sister Scania, for I must
Imitate your manly vertue, Sir, as neere
As I can.
Fr.
Marke we'l what I say now: for thy
Good service as my honest smocke Atturney
(Though sometime, yet thou did'st begin to us, thou'lt say
For feare they'd beene diseas'd:) thou shalt not have
One woman (wert thou e'er so willing) more
Or lesse than thirty.
Hasm.
O Prodigious!
Ieeringly.
I doe beseech you, Sir, to heare me speake,
Like so many Basilisks (with angry shots
From their sharpe venom'd eyes) they'd strike me dead:
Or (as the Porcupyne) send fether'd arrowes
At me, for my slacknesse.
Fr.
You must have thirty,
Or none.
Hasm.
Nay, If I must, I shall: and that's
As bad.
Got.
You will not (Sir) be altogether
Solemnely.
Unmindefull of my good endeavours.
Fr.
By no meanes, good Sir, thou shalt possesse for thy
Share, twenty five; with the pretty smugge Fatyma,
To leade'em.
Gotar.
I humbly thanke your grace, though I
Sho'd not covet so many desperate femals:
Yet, with the assistance of my kindest friends,
I shall be strongly back'd.
Enter Wermond.
Wermond.
[Page]May it please you, Sir,
Here are arriv'd two posts at once, all full
Of sweat and durt; and bring bad newes, it's fear'd.
Fr.
Curse on thy feares, Goe, send 'em hither to us;
Exit.
It's but these women that affright fooles thus.
Enter first post.
What newes? be briefe.
Gotar.
He's full of durt, indeed!
1. Post.
Landgartha with a mighty troope of women,
Gatherd to her from all the parts of Norway,
Make havocke of your souldiers, sir; and killing
All the Swed [...] they light vpon, they likewise threaten,
They will grant you (ere long) no better quarter.
Fr.
My Sweds and I will make some, here in Norway,
Pay dearely for that vant. Come, doe thou croake too
Enter 2. post.
The worst tale thou canst.
2. Post.
You had neede, Sir, make quicke
Resistance, or shift for your selfe: for, the King
Of Denmarke, with a mighty fleete, has now
Put in at Mastrand; and begins to land
His forces, to joyne with Landgartha's: who
With maine speede, marches to meete him thither.
Fr.
Which he shall soone repent, and so shall that
Male-harted Traytresse, withall the curll'd knot
Of rebels that attend her; We are not
So unprovided, as they doe suppose yet,
Fly therefore Hasmomd, gather thou our troopes
Within and neere the Citie. Gotar, thou
Haste to the quarters further of; and with
All possible speed draw unto us. Away
When need compels, men must use no delay.
Exeunt omnes:
A march, then enter Landgartha, Scania, Elsinora, Fatyma, and one or two Ladies more, all attyr'd like Amazons, wtih Battle-axes in their hands and Swords on.
Land.
We now (sweet Ladies and deare sisters) march not
Against th'intemperate Frollo: but ascend
The milkie way, that leads to immortall fame,
[Page]Not to be rank'd among the starre-made harlots:
But stated in the high'st Empyrcall heaven,
To side the gods, where Pallas and chast Phoebe
(Arm'd chiefely with the weapons of their vertues)
Keepe all the Masculin deities in awe.
This our designe may well exalt us thither,
As their good deeds did them: that in defence
Of that all sho'd hold dearest, our honours, Ladies,
Doe now expose our selves to death, and what
A cruell, vicious, revengefull Tyrant
May inflict on us, if vanquish'd. Yet, this act
Of ours we must not vainely boast of: for,
The little birds will (with their beaks and wings)
Offend the ravishers of their young issue.
What then should we performe thinke you, that farre
Passe these? yeild up your bodies basely to
Foule rape and lust, and so to infamie
For ever? No, no: farre be this from us
Honour'd virgins, that have such armes to wield
These cutting weapons, being (too) to fight authoriz'd,
By the examples of the noblest women,
Semiramis, Zenobia, faire Cinana
Sister unto great Macedon, stout Alvilda,
Cumilla, and the Amazonian Queenes,
Great Mithridates Queene, and severall others,
Are patterns now for us to imitate;
O most brave patterns! Yet this we may say,
That our chast glories shall passe theirs, as farre
As th' worth of our intentions doth exceed
The cause they undertooke: nor ought you doubt it.
Let then the King of Denmarke fight where he list:
We will pursue no other than our worst
And strongest adversary in's owne squadron;
Where I, as first, will loose my life, or give
A suddaine end to his blacke purposes,
That fought a conquest on our chastities.
Elsinor.
Thy vertues and example, Neece: that are not
To be reach'd by any imitation
[Page](At least of our endeavours) doe farre more
Excite our courages, then Hermes could,
Were he now here, to play the Orator:
Lead on then; you shall find us no bad seconds.
Scania.
I have more than a womans longing to begin.
Land.
I know Fatyma, though she be not great,
Has not the least desire to fight among us.
Fatyma.
Stay till you see me knocke some great ones downe;
Untill when, I shall well remit your prayses.
Land.
Then follow me; and as you see me wooe
The Swedish King, to his doe you so too.
Exeunt. A march.
Enter Reyner, Valdemar, Inguar, Hubba, and one or two or more Souldiers with Axes.
Reyner.
It's my chiefe comfort, noble Cymbrians,
Subjects and friends, to be your guide to day,
Against a valiant, wicked adversary;
And for our right, th' inheritance of this kingdome,
To shew that vertue and the cause, doe more
Prevayle than any humane fortitude,
Or setl'd Councels, when they're joyn'd to vice;
And by injustice seeke to advance their states:
Which wisely our forefathers mask'd beneath
The fables of the Titans 'gainst the gods.
But it sho'd seeme the vertue of our foes
(Wisedome and valour) has forsooke'em, by
Their palliardise, by ease, and hourely ryot;
This kingdome being more fatall unto them,
Then Capua was to Hannibal: and therefore,
Not worth your meanest feares: I must not then
Inlarge my selfe in words too farre, because
You need 'em not; nor need you be beholding,
Unto the fames of your brave Ancestors,
Those valiant Cymbrians, that almost gave
An end to Rome, the Mistris of the world,
And not in her declyning dayes, when her
Owne vices had confounded her; as when
Did trample on her, being downe before.
She liv'd full man, when great King Beleus
Did (on the borders of rich Jtaly)
Vanquish three of her bravest Generals,
Sylanus, Coepio, and Manilius.
This (if you please) you may consider; and
That our foes are more famous for their whoredomes,
Than conquering of Norway. Reflect also
How for this cause, we are assisted by
An Angel troope, of chast and noble Ladies:
Whom neyther losse of life, or other evils
Can fright, from seeking to revenge the wrongs
Done to their Sex, their parents, and their friends.
Then, let's not shame our selves now in their presence,
Or to posteritie: by being out-gone
By women in a battle. Lastly, consider
The everlasting honour due to vertue;
Of which we now shall make a glorious purchase.
Hub.
I am affraid you will consider (sir,)
So long of these women; untill you forget
What you applaud so feelingly, your vertue.
Rey.
Thou 'rt alwayes merry, Hubba, honest withall;
And from my heart I wish, that each man here
Performe a Souldiers parts, no worse than thou;
We shall not then be beaten.
Vald.
Let's march on, sir:
And you shall quickly find the meanest of 'em,
Valiant and strong to purchase what's your birth-right.
Rey.
Then let us move; and prosper too, as we
Affect injustice, or impietie.
Exeunt. A march
Enter Frollo, Hasmond, Gotar, and two or three more with Axes.
Frollo.
We must not loose our confidence, brave Warriors,
Though we be taken somewhat tardy, by
A sort of raw fresh-water souldiers, weake
[Page]Unmartiall women fitter for night encounters,
And some poore fugitive Norwegian rebels,
Conquer'd and beaten oft by us before.
What then although our numbers be the lesse?
Yet not by much: the glory of the adventure,
Would not be worth the paines we under tooke else.
Besides, if we consider what our Ancestors
Have (by their never-equall'd vallors) oft
Perform'd against the noblest nations of
The world, this our designe is nothing: nothing
To what they did: What we have done our selves,
And meane to doe hereafter. Notwithstanding,
Let me commend unto your memories,
After a generall fashion (for now
The time exacts deeds more than words) what some
Of their large conquests were, not onely in
Europe, Which was all theirs a most: but in
Affricke, a third and richest part of th'world;
Which from the Ocean unto Nyle they won;
And from the Mid-land Sea, to the torrid Zone.
Great Rome her selfe (that wisedome boasted most,
And next her vallor) was by our fathers taken,
Pillag'd, and burnt foure times at least; and her
Large Empyre brought to nothing. She master'd all:
We master'd her;
And will not now degenerate first of ours.
What though men say, we are not religious?
Religion is but a toy, and first invented
By politicke States, to keepe fooles in awe;
And of all men observed least by themselves,
If she but thwart the least of their intendments.
They glorifie her much for their owne ends;
And that's even almost all: and so may we.
Yet, honour by warre, riches, and our pleasure,
Shall be the Altars, and the gods we'll bow to
In our free mindes; and what we gaine we'l keepe.
King Reyner therefore was not wise, in seeking
To dispossesse the bravest Nation breathing,
[Page]Of what they have atchiev'd by the right of conquest;
And shall (I hope) in snatching at our Crowne,
By your more pow'rfull armes, soone misse his own.
Ex. Allarums.
A good while after the allarums are begun, Enter Frolle and a gentleman.
Frol.
Furies and plagues: these wild, wild bloudy whores,
Fight like so many Tygers: without the least
Apprehension of feare, or any kind
Of mercy: the pursie Danes come nothing neere 'em.
Having cut off our vauntgard, and right wing,
They presse on our maine battle too; and force
It to give ground. Goe, fly thou: and charge Hasmond
To fetch the reare with speed up; that we may
Exit gentl.
(There being no other hope for safety left us)
Upon one desperat onslaught hazard all.
Enter Scania.
Scan.
I am glad I've met you, sir.
Frol.
A pretty fine peece,
aside.
I wo'd faine save this. I sho'd preferre
Thy beautie, unto ought that's ours; prove kind
And gentle unto thee, sweet-heart: if thou 'lt
But yeeld —
Scania.
To thy imbraces, that must 'a' had
My sister, me and forty more. We now
Shall see what you can doe 'gainst one. Come quickly
Then, vnto your guard sir: or I shall soone send forth
Your too hot bloud, to coole your lustfull heart.
Frol.
Plague on you for a company of spitefull,
Venomous tong'd bitches. Ye had rather lye
With the worst Hynde of your owne, than the best of us.
Scan.
Villaine, I'll answer thee another way.
Offers to fight on which Land. enters.
Land.
Hold sister. This must only be my mate:
Goe, seeke you out another somewhere else?
Exit Scania.
Frol.
Art thou Landgartha? or some supernall goddesse,
Descended in her fairer shape, to make
A conquest now on Frollo, that must yeeld
Himselfe thy captive?
[...]
[...]
[...]
[...]
[...]
[...]
Land.
[Page]Thou once call'dst me subject;
And I am come to tender my alleageance,
To your ungracious wickednesse, thus —
stricks at him.
Frol.
Hold, for heavens sake hold, and patiently
But take my faithfull vow. Doe thou withdraw
Thy troopes from our defeat: and by the Olympian
Gods, I shall no sooner
Have strucke King Reyner with his punie Danes,
But I'll make thee my Queene.
Land.
Thy Concubyne.
Frol.
All miseries light on me then for ever;
Or if I ever mixe with woman but
Thy selfe: for thou art worthy of a Mars.
A Hercules, or Iupiter.
Land.
And have
Fully resolv'd never to kisse any man,
But him that shall first master me in fight:
You are best therefore looke well to your selfe, sir;
Or I shall quickly marry your hearts bloud
To this weapon.
They fight & he's hurt.
Frol.
I bleed you see: let which
Serve as an offering, to appease thy wrath
Conceiv'd against a wretch, that now repents
Here Rey. Vald. Inguar. & Hubb. are discovered.
(Unfainedly) his former evill life.
May the gods chiefe attribute then (mercy)
Find roome for me (a Convertite) in thy
Noble and vertuous soule: and I shall still
Become thy pious imitator: be
Govern'd by thee in all thing, and thy husband,
By heaven and all, I will.
Land.
But I hope you shall not:
For I must try your manhood once againe.
They fight, and she strikes him downe.
Reyn.
O brave mayde!
Frol.
Faire Furie, thou hast kill'd me,
Hell take thee for 't my love is now cool'd indeed.
But I will be reveng'd. I cannot, cannot rise:
The losse of bloud, and paine, strike faint my pow'rs:
That I were now on high transform'd Atlas:
[Page]This being no fable, but a truth: that I
Might cut the axle-tree of heaven in two:
And tumble downe the gods, and breake their necks,
Proud gods, if such there be. Then, like Enceladus
(Loaden with flaming Etna) I sho'd turne,
And shake out all the starres: The sunne, and with
That fire, burne all to cinders. Thus I'd turne:
O divels, I cannot: but doe feele a pitchy
Cloud (darker than night) hang o'r my drowsie temples:
And must (there is no remedy) descend, to stalke
A long th'infernall waves, or wafted over,
Grapple with the damned Furies, receive my soule
You beastly Hags, then: that shall torment you more,
Than you can any.
Dyes.
Land.
The gods are now reveng'd
On thee, by me, libidinous Woolfe, foule Tyrant.
Rey.
And rid me (worthy Lady,) of a dangerous
Adversary.
Land.
I doe beseech, sir:
Kneels on one knee.
As my duty onely to receive that,
Vnto them and your grace, though a woman.
Rey.
This to me (Madame) is too great an honour.
Pray stand up. I should rather kneele to you,
Whose beauty and incomparable vertues,
Exact no slender adoration,
From all those that love goodnesse; or the image
Of heaven in your face. We must acknowledge,
Notwithstanding our right to the crowne of Norway,
What pow'r soe'r we have in't, gain'd and confirm'd
Chiefly by you, that are our strongest friend.
Land.
Your poore and humble vassall, that desires
No other recompence for her small service,
Than your Kingly licence, to remaine
(When your foes are wholly vanquish'd) from all
Imployment sever'd: to leade a solitary
Quiet life, being compell'd (in the defence
Of what I ever most esteemed) to match
Thus amongst men; which I did not covet, but
[Page]The contrary.
Rey.
You will not wrong the world
(The race of man, sweet Lady,) so to robb it
Of such lustre: nay of all light, by
Dedicating of what is onely good in't,
Your selfe, to solitude.
Land.
I must no be
Compell'd to any state of life, sir.
Rey.
You cannot
Madame, I see that; and (by your force my foes
Now put to flight) I shall continue alwayes,
Not onely a meere servant, but for ever
Your bondman; not to offend you i' th' least thought.
Enter Scania, Elsinora, & Fat.
Vald.
Here be other noble friends (sir) to whom you
Stand bound in no small summes.
Elsinor.
Of Princely favour
Onely.
Rey.
Rise faire Ladies, you shall command
Vs, being your creature. Hub. they're delicate fine wenches, pretty youths.
Land.
You are now, sir
To consider, how to use your victory.
Scania.
For us, we shall hereafter (we doubt not)
Partake the fruits of your most Royall bounty,
Which we shall begge more, for the generall
Good, than our particular interests, sir.
Rey.
You shall be the Law-makers, to your selves:
For those, by whom we raigne, shall be our guides:
In the meane time, thou Valdemar and Inguar,
Pursue the flying foe, but most with mercie,
Not of circumspection; yet, least th' Van
Turne by some accident, by us not thought on;
Save all that yeeld, whom we doe meane to send
Home ransomelesse; to see if that benefit
May worke a peace betwixt us. If it doe not,
We shall the next time be the more excus'd,
In our extending of severitie.
Come Ladies, we'll to counsell to conclude
Concerning what we have (by you) subdu'd.
The second Act.
Enter Valdemar, and Jnguar.
Vald.
It's a strange humor that has seaz'd upon him;
whatsoever the cause be.
Inguar.
When you are
Ignorant of it, all others must be so.
Vald.
He discovers nothing to me save onely
That he is full (and that he often sayes)
Of griefe and heavinesse; and sometimes sicke.
Ing.
His sicknesse may (in time) prove dangerous,
If some fit remedy be not apply'd.
Ʋald.
He'll heare of none; I urg'd his Physitians,
At which he storm'd, and bad me leave him to
Himselfe; and since I dare not come in sight.
Ingar.
It's a deadly malady, that will admit
Of no cure We are best put Captaine Hubba,
Or the wise Cowsell on him: for the wit
Of the one and th'others folly may remove
More of that griefe he speaks on, than good counsell.
Enter Rey.
Vald.
Here comes the man himselfe, in his usuall
Meditation: and therefore let's away.
Exeunt ambo,
Reyn.
She is divinely faire, and in her mind
The noblest vertues keepe their residence,
As in their loveli'st habitation,
Being all in love with her, I thinke, as I am,
From my sad heart warme teares (teares of affliction)
The fire of my affection doth send up
Into my eyes, that thence distill in streames,
Which yet to me, are torrents of sweet joyes,
Ioyes, that this is for her, my griefe proceeds
From a profound feare I shall never gaine her,
Injoy that unpeer'd modell of perfection.
There is no way but one to pull the fruit
[Page] Jove would turne Goose, taste: she's so reserv'd
To the least vicious acts; Wretch, that hope
Is not (yet) left thee: For, being nobly borne
(Though she no fit match be for us, in lieu
Of worldly substance, being in her selfe
An ample dowry for a richer Prince)
We sho'd (and gladly) sue to be her husband.
But a report goes, she will joyne with no man,
In such an obligation, which (that she
Will not at all have me) is that which striks
A blacke despaire into my soule, and will
(Vnlesse I meete some comfort) quickly kill me;
Being sicke in body, as in mind already.
Enter Hub & Cowsell.
Hub.
See, where he stalks. Doe you but put him out
Of his sad humor; and thou sha't have—
Cow.
O Captaine,
I am afraid, for he looks sowre upon't.
Hub.
No matter: feare you nothing, but proceed;
And care not what you say, so you say something;
It's your fooles fashion, and you now must seeme one.
Cow.
But hearke, you, Captaine. How sho'd I begin?
Hub.
Say that you come from the Ladies: so I leave you.
Exit Hub. & peeps.
Rey.
Sirra, what make you here?
Cow.
Come from the Ladies.
Rey.
Well sayd, speake that againe.
Cow.
Come from the Ladies.
Rey.
Very good, and what of them?
Cow.
Come from the Ladies.
Rey.
What, againe. Pray tell me, what did occasion
Your so kind friendly visit to the Ladies?
Cow.
I went thither (being some two myle of)
To be joviall with a new acquaintance
Of mine, my brother Radger.
Rey.
Some such wise man,
As thou art.
Cow.
He's a very honest man.
Rey.
And takes his cup soundly, I warrant.
Cowsell.
So
[Page]Doe many honest men beside him; and
Keepe wenches too, that's more.
Rey.
And yet are honest.
Cow.
's honest and faire-condition'd gentlemen,
As live, I know severall of 'em, my selfe.
Rey.
The Ladies are well. How did they use thee? tell.
Cow.
They're all exceeding well: and us'd me kindly
For your sake; gave me a banquet, strawberries
And creame; we drunke helter-skelter too; the Ladies
Tooke your health themselves, and ask'd me how you did;
Landgartha say'd, you were a good man, and that
She lov'd you with all her heart.
Rey.
Let me imbrace
Jmbraces him.
Thee from my heart for that good newes.
Hub.
Sweet King,
Have I found your malady?
Cow.
O kind Prince!
Aside.
Rey.
What sayest? are they not delicate fine creatures?
Cow.
Indifferent handsome, passable, and so forth —
Hub.
You 'll with a knocke be sent forth, I see that.
Rey.
I was not from thy want of wit, to expect
Any true censure. But yet, tell me truely:
Which of 'em all dost thou thinke is the fairest?
Cow.
The Lady Elsinora in my opinion,
Is th' rich Pearle amongst 'em; Landgartha to her
Is but a meere milkemayde.
Rey.
He makes me sicke,
A dunce to wrong the worlds chiefe ornament.
Kicks, & beats him.
Cow.
Oh, oh my bum! my bum!
Exit, and enter Hubba.
Hub.
I perceive I must
Venture a beating too.
Rey.
Thou mett'st a foole
Going out that way.
Hub.
And he complaines of something
Vnder favour.
Rey.
We gave some cause for 't, but
Doe now repent it. Prethee Hubba call him;
He sayd some at of the Ladies.
Hub.
[Page]I can tell
You more of 'em than he: for, I was lately too
Where they (like a companie of fine ducklings)
Wag together.
Rey.
Thy words are base.
Hub.
What wo'd
You have me say? they are all very valiant;
And made King Frollo pay for seeking (and
But in's good will) to domineere a little
Over 'em; he lost his life and kingdomes by 't.
Rey.
We therefore ought the better to love them.
Hub.
As your subjects onely, sir, but not to cast
Vnder you on a bed, couch, or cleane mat;
You know what fine Furies they are, if you vex 'em.
Rey.
We are not so unwise, as to consult
Of their dishonour.
Hub.
Nor so farre (I hope)
Mistaken to marry any of 'em.
Rey.
Why Hubba? are they not faire and vertuous,
Think'st thou?
Hub.
I doe admire, sir you sho'd talke
So much of vertue: a thing th'arrantest Asse
Will scorne, if Money be not joyn'd to it;
And then (although he hate it, and the possessor
Of it) he will prayse 't.
Rey.
Thou 'rt now in thy old humors.
Hub.
Besides, you thinke Landgartha faire: but I say,
Th' Emperors daughter's worth a thousand of her.
Rey.
I 'de loathly beat thee Hubba: yet, I tell thee;
Were Charlemaine (the Emperors father) now
Alive, and in his Pryme of youth and glory,
Landgartha (being his Paralell in vallor;
By vertue much more) were a wise enough good
For him; were she not neere so faire as she is.
But all, all being joyn'd Hubba; I suppose
He wo'd esteeme her his chiefe eat thy blessing.
I, I, and more, a Paradise on earth.
Hub.
Were she ten times better: you cannot have her.
Rey.
[Page]Thou shoot'st a suddaine feare (colder then death)
Into me; You were best give no bad reason,
For what you say.
Hub.
She has vow'd Chastity,
Unto the gods: which bond though you sho'd be
Content to forfeyt, it is sure she will not.
Rey.
The strongest poyson could not sincke me deader,
Then thy sad tongue has.
Exit.
Hub.
Flunge away in a rage:
Well; I was to blame to tell him, what I was not
Sure on: For now I truely doe conceive
There is no plaster but one, that can cure him;
And that the faire Landgartha must apply too;
No garden hearbs will doe it, any one
That has as much braine as a Wood-cocke, may now
Finde that, that knowes what his disease is. He's worse
Then horne-mad already; I 'll therefore after him,
And what betwixt lyes and true tales, I shall goe very neere
To fetch him to himselfe, and hope againe.
Exit.
Enter Inguar in the middle.
The King stretch'd on his Couch, strangely distemper'd,
And most unlike himselfe (his courage lost)
He pules and whynes most pitifully: Good heaven,
What strange disease sho'd render so devicted
Such a man? So valiant? So each way noble?
We see no outward cause, that sho'd distract him;
Sho'd it be love?
Enter Vald. to Inguar.
Vald.
Lord Inguar, I have newes
For you.
Ing.
I long to heare'em: For your count'nance
(Showing alacrity) speaks comfort to the King.
Vald.
Did you never heare of a little blind
Boy, that wounded many a proper man?
Ing.
Has Cupid shot his Highnesse?
Vald.
No mortall man,
Nor god so deepe, 't will be proclaym'd in open
[Page]Market shortly.
Inguar.
Who should the object be?
Vald.
Who but Volsca de gente Camilla?
Th'fairest and best of women, brave, Landgartha
Hubba is sent (on paine of his best joynt)
To fetch her hither: from whence ere she part,
Her duty and th'Kings gracious affection
Consider'd, she may be glad to yeeld to his
Commands; as I hope her sister will, to my
Intreaties to serve her.
Inguar.
I beleeve, you 'ill finde
Your selfe mistaken in thosse vertuous Ladies.
Enter the foure Ladies in womans apparell with Swords on, and Hubba.
Land.
The gods defend so good, and mercifull
A Prince; I know it's but a cold that troubles
His grace.
Hub.
Not so (Madame) I can assure you;
His disease proceeds rather of heate. He burnes
Extreamely; and its thought by some, that his
Physitians cannot cure him.
Land.
I hope
They are deceiv'd that thinke so.
Vald.
Welcome to Court,
Faire Ladies, Which, till now (that you lighten it
With the divine splendor of your beauties)
Was darker than a dungeon: and but a Hell
Compar'd unto the Paradise of the Campe,
Where in the fruition of your pleasing'st
Conversations, being rapt beyond our selves
With hope of future favours, we in you
Plac'd the whole summe of our felicities.
Land.
You are merrily dispos' itd seemes, sir,
Which (to be plaine) becomes you but most foulely,
The King being sicke, when all (and chiefly you)
Sho'd (and not for ceremony onely) put
[Page]A darke face of sorrow on; and contayne
Their slippery tongues, from talking over-idlely;
Some may conceive your mirth proceeds, from being
Next heire to him in bloud.
Vald.
It rather springs
(Sweet Lady) from your comming now to cure him
Land.
Which, with a joyfull heart, I sho'd performe
If I knew how: Pray you therefore, kind sir,
Be somewhat cleerer in what you conceive.
Vald.
'ts quickly learnt; nature will teach you Madame,
His grace will shew you too; you will not prove
Ieeringly.
Perverse.
Land.
Are you so blinde a Goate, to forget
Gives him a box, on which all draw, and Scania steps in.
Frollo so soone? to open your eyes take that.
Scan.
Pray sister hold. What doe you meane to quarell
On a surmise? I know the Lord Valdemars
Intents are noble, and much more the Kings.
Elsin.
Y' are to blame, Neece, to be so suddaine in such
A fond conceit.
Land.
Doe we come to be abus'd?
I'll backe agen. For your part sir, you shall
Exit, and the other three follow her.
Not fayle to meete me, when and where you list.
Hub.
His grace will now run mad indeed.
Vald.
Lord Inguar,
As you love me, follow that severe Lady;
And reduce her (if ever you did ought for
A friend) to mildnesse, and this way backe; or I
Am lost for ever to the King and people:
Exit Inguar
Captaine, goe thou too once more, for my sake.
Hub.
And as you meane to doe, forsweare my selfe
That you meant no hurt. I have already told her
A hundred lyes at least; and am now o' th' faith,
That double the number will scarce serve to quiet her;
It's such another untoward piece of flesh
Exit Hub.
Vald.
She is an excellent Mistris, and has taught
Ieeringly.
Me such a Lesson, I have cause to thanke her:
For she has given me patience, and wisedome;
Honesty too I thinke. The flat truth is
[Page]She has wrought strangely with me, very strangely,
The ravishing notes of a Cycilian Cyren,
Could not so have taken my Eare (and from thence
My heart) with a most alluring kinde of
Delight, as the smart-touch of her white hand has:
It strucke into me such a love,
To her sister I meane, that came so kindly
Betwixt us, as I doe now account my selfe,
A gainer by the blow; in hope to gaine
What I now love so much, and nobly too.
Well, they will come backe this way againe, I know;
And I must sing a very dolefull ditty,
A Palinode; or pray, where they may see me,
Being a thing I 've onely done but twice
These seven yeares: once, that I went to sea:
Secondly and lastly, before the last battle.
Exit.
Reyner is discover'd on a Couch, and a gentleman with him.
Rey.
Are th' Ladies come yet to Court?
Gent.
They are sir,
And will soone be here.
Enter Inguar & Hubb.
Rey.
Whose that?
Gent.
My Lord Inguar.
Rey.
Where have you left the Ladies?
Ing.
Comming after (Sir,)
Sad and much troubl'd for your want of health.
Enter the 4. Ladies.
Scan.
You'll be extreamely hated, if you use
So much exception, on so little cause.
Land.
If he accost me any more, with his
Base jeering countenance, and whorish language;
My sword shall (for such kindnesse) kisse his middrisse.
Fat.
Pray pacifie your minde, you need not stand
At so much distance.
Rey.
Are not they come yet?
Hub.
They now are here, by much adoe.
Rey.
Good Inguar,
[Page]Intreat 'em to approach.
Inguar.
Madame, the King
Desires you wo'd be pleas'd to draw neerer.
Rey.
You honour me, sweet Ladies, in this visit:
Which, beyond expression adds comfort
Vnto a wretched sickely man. Chayres there,
Pray you sit downe; y' are all exceeding welcome.
Land.
Our duty charg'd us (sir,) to obey your summons:
Yet, our affection to your grac's welfare,
And to that depends of it (the generall good
Of the republicke) were the chiefe motives
To our journey.
Scan.
And being able (sir,) to stead you
In loving wishes onely, we must expect
(With griefe to see his weaknesse, whose good health
We most desire) your highnesse royall pleasure.
Rey.
Thankes worthy Ladies. We must also pay
You in good wishes; being otherwise
Too indigent to cancell what we are
Ingag'd to you for many wayes.
We have beene still opprest since your departure
From us (whose vertuous presence, was all
The comfort we had) with a heavy sadnesse,
Nourish'd by griefe; nor doe we ever hope
To see the Sunne againe, but at a window.
Land.
The gods defend you (sir,) from giving way
To such despayre.
Enter Vald.
Vald.
I follow after (like
A Theefe) aloofe, to see what good successe
The King has in his love suite; and to venter
For my particular, as he makes his voyage.
Scan.
Your Majestie must never entertayne
Darke melancholy thoughts, but quite cashire 'em.
Vald.
Her voyce founds sweeter, then the celestiall spheres,
In their harmonious motion. I am more
Then ravish'd when I heare it; and thinke I shall
Fall sicke too, or runne franticke, ere 't belong.
Fat.
I heard no meane Physitian often say, Sir,
[Page]That Musicke and mirth were good for sickely men.
Rey.
Bid the Boy sing the Song we made of Love.
Song.
Love's farre more pow'rfull than a King,
And wiser then most Statesmen are:
For it commands him, and doth spring
In them strange thoughts; in both much care
(Beside th'affaires o' th' Common-wealth)
To crouch and to obey. Nay more;
It makes 'em loose all joy and health,
And not be the men they were before;
Vntill wise love, all pow'rfull love,
The gracious Physitian prove.
Land.
This is a very loving song,
Your grace made: but the contents of it, not
To be apply'd to you sir, that may command
(If pow'r and person can compell) the best
And fairest Lady i' th'world to be yours,
In a noble way; and otherwise your vertue forbids it.
Rey.
It does indeed forbid us what is vicious.
And seeing we doe not hope for life, we must
Crave your kinde pardon now, to heare us tell
Th'occasion of our sicknesse, briefly thus:
You are the onely cause on't.
Land.
How? I my liege?
My knowledge sayes not so.
Rey.
Your beautie, vallor,
And all the perfections (parted to others,
But) in you conjoyn'd, protest it: and I
For one can sweare it. But, being repell'd
By a severely-awing rigor from your brow
(Yet sweet withall, though killing) and being told
Of a sad purpose y' have, never to marry;
We now are fall'n thus low, beneath the Center
Of deepe despaire and sorrow: and desire,
You will say something, eyther to hasten our death,
[Page]Or to recall it by a loving sentence.
Land.
I must take sometime then to deliberate
Aside.
Rey.
Being yours, in that you may command us.
She goes aside & the Ladies with her.
Land.
We expected no such entertaynment.
Elsin.
My minde foretold me still of some disaster.
Scan.
Notwithstanding your resolution,
Not to marry: you have not vow'd against
Obedience to a man, in that friendly
Yoake of Wedlocke. The Kings sound affection
Is not then to be rejected, if you ever
Take any.
Land.
If I doe, he shall be the man.
Fatyma.
You must not study now long for some answer.
Elsin.
He's desperatly ill: and if you sho'd
Give him a flat deniall, we might be
All seazed on heere at Court, and some villanie
Committed on us; being to defend our selves,
Too few by many.
Scan.
They shall take our lives,
Ere we'll endure to be defil'd.
Fatyma.
And with
The losse of some of theirs.
Rey.
Have you consider'd
Yet, of the doome y' are to pronounce?
Elsinora.
All stand
Warily on their guard.
Land.
Your poore subjects (sir)
Must rather expect (in duty) your commands.
Rey.
Nay sweet Lady. Doe not increase my torment,
By adding affliction to misery,
With a complement: but something say, that
May appertaine to th' matter, to rid me
Quickely of my paine.
Land.
It's sure; I have not
(Although I ever meant it) bound my selfe,
Unto a single life.
Rey.
Then dearest Lady,
[Page]Consider who I am; and what I now am,
Lodg'd thus: for though I clayme you not as by desert,
Or dutie: Yet, being your Prince, you owe me
Some regard; and all, I e'r must glory in,
Shall be to make you Queene of what is ours.
Land.
May it please you, Sir.
Rey.
Pray you sit and speake;
Or I must rise, if weakenesse will permit.
She sits, and the rest stand.
Land.
Had I beene ambitious, when you were not
Crown'd King of Norway: I could then perchance
Have written Queene, unto your prejudice.
But, for that Frollo once intended foulely,
I (that could not affect vice) did refuse
What he with earnestnesse, and many Oathes
Sought to confirme; and was his bane at last,
Though I beleev'd that what he said, he meant.
Now therefore (Sir,) your affection (grounded
In way of honour, without taint of basenesse;
With such exterior signes too, of deepe love
To me, unworthy of so great a Prince:)
I cannot (nor will my heart permit it) but
In way of gratefulnesse, reciprocally
Requite with love againe, as dutie binds;
Nay, more then so. But yet, gracious Sir,
I (that am meane and poore to be your Consort;
And that things of this kinde are oft repented)
Doe now beseech you, to decline a while
The vehemencie of your fleete desires;
And take full time to thinke on what you doe:
Were 't but to take a neerer view of me,
And that in all points. For know sir, the honour
You now affoord me, compar'd to th'infamie
That would redound to both of us, and to others
(By whom you are to be advis'd) if ought
Sho'd chance amisse, when things were consumate,
Is nothing: would but heighten your disgrace.
Your wise demurre too, I shall take as full payment
For all my services; and rest devoted
[Page]More deepely yours: and evermore continue
Your loyall subject onely, sir.
Rey.
I was sure
(Noblest and best of Ladies:) That your words
(Being such as now they are) could not but worke
A cure upon me. See, I can stand up:
Nay, goe; I 'll throw my Cap off too. Some of you
Give me a Hat; I will walke with you forth
Into the Gallery, and tell you there,
I have consider'd so much what you are,
Though not to your full value this being
Impossible: that if you thinke me not
Unworthy (as indeed I am for you)
We shall soone be Man and Wife. To morrow
I 'll wayte on you further, into the Garden.
Hub.
And there (in one of the little bawdy houses)
Aside.
Seale the Covenant, if it be receiv'd,
Though he were sure to die in an houre after.
Elsin.
I see she does affect him in good earnest.
Aside.
But wisedome bids be silent; This poore kingdome
Being already torne too much, by tyrannie and troubles.
Things past our helpe, with patience must be borne,
Untill a fit time.
Rey.
Lady Elsinora,
Me thinkes you doe not signe our loving motion,
With a friendly countenance.
Elsin.
I hope, great Sir,
You will be pleas [...]d to entertayne farre better thoughts
Of your humblest hand-mayd.
Rey.
I hope we shall.
Land.
In licensing our departure, for some small time
(Dayes five or sixe, and for a private Cause:)
You will for ever bind us (sir) to your commands;
And to returne with all convenient speed,
To obey your Highnesse pleasure in all points.
Rey.
That ask'd agen, would throw me on my Couch;
Never to rise.
Vald.
Madame, I sho'd make bold
[Page]To stop your journey, though the King were pleas'd
To grant his licence: for you (I must say
Somewhat roughly) saluted my left eare
With your right hand, as these can witnesse for me.
Land.
For which, you are resolv'd to challenge me:
But not to be your wife; I gave you no
Such promise.
Vald.
I must have satisfaction.
Land.
You may declare what that is, when you list.
Vald.
Nay, you shall know it now; and thus it sounds:
That you perswade this Lady, to become
Takes Scan. by the hand.
My second. For, love has strucke me too, so sore
A cuffe (caus'd by her beautie, and what else
Is good in her, in my opinion
Superlatively:) that I shall ne'r be rid
O' th' paine on't; unlesse you that are like to be
My Cossen, advance me higher, to the honour
To be your brother. We shall then be kind friends.
Land.
She is not my warde; and may take whom she fancies;
I may my selfe repent, to be perswaded.
Rey.
Speake Ladie, doe you like the man? He is
As good a Gentleman as We are: Say,
Will you have him?
Scan.
You make me blush (sir,) to aske
Me such a question.
Vald.
Nay then, it's granted.
Scan.
I will not grant at first; nor shall you say
Hereafter I deceiv'd you.
Fat.
You deceive
Your selfe. Well Madame, I perceive we two
To Elsin.
Must matelesse home to prove the Vestals.
Ing.
Not, sweet Lady, if you'll daigne to grace me, with
The title husband.
Fat.
For your good will, sir,
I thanke you: but will heare of no more coupling.
Ing.
I yet must love you still.
Rey.
Then let's from hence,
To entertayne heavens happy influence.
Exeunt.
The third Act.
Enter Fredericke and a Servant at the dore.
Fred.
Let 'em not presse so fast in, to behold
A semi-maske; for now 't can be no more,
For want of fitting Actors here at Court;
The Warre and want of Money, is the cause on't.
Serv.
Stand further off, my masters, or I shall—
Fred.
Let fly amongst 'em.
Vald.
Pray you my Lord, have a care
Enter Vald. and Lady.
(For my sake) of this Lady; a kins-woman
Of my wives.
Fred.
(I know you are Vxorious.)
Land.
He shall not need: for I will have a care
Of my selfe.
Fred.
I sho'd gladly serve your Highnesse:
But can hardly yet from hence.
Vald.
Come Cousin,
I will be your Gentleman usher my selfe.
Exeunt ambo.
Cowsell within, make roome I say there, for me and my brother.
Fred.
What kinde Cossens are those?
Serv.
A payre of Coxcombes,
So individuall by the littlenesse
Of their understandings, they cannot be parted.
Enter Cow. & Rad.
Cow.
Come away brother Radgar, we'd need make haste,
To take our places.
Rad.
I shall be proud brother,
To be seated after you.
Cow.
And I fortunate
To sit next before you.
Rad.
It shall be my ambition brother, to
Be still (as now) your most humble servant,
Cow.
[Page]It must be all my study then, brother; To
Command things onely pleasing: for marke you
Deere brother. I must strive chiefly to precede,
But — in my affection.
Fred.
A pretty Antimasque:
I will sit downe, and heare what it concludes.
Rad.
But hearke you now, brother. Shall we have any
Drinke, Banquets, or so —
Cow.
Not a drop betwixt meales, brother,
That's but a simple Countrey fashion.
Fred.
Are they already fall'n from complement?
Rad.
Yet, me thinkes brother, 't were n't amisse to lay
The pots hard by; and let him drinke that wo'd.
Cow.
I sho'd a part keepe with you, in that Catch
brother, but now (with griefe enough) I say 't
(Wo'd I co'd not say 't:) I cannot now (being puff'd
Vp here for want of ayre) drinke nere as much,
As when I liv'd abroad i' th' Countrie; nor eate
The quarter quantitie.
Rad.
That must be beleev'd
Generally, as a Maxime infallible:
For to day brother, the stinke of your perfum'd
And stuffing meates, tooke my stomacke quite away
From me. Yet, we drunke pretty well you know.
Cow.
It's certaine (brother,) those that cannot eate,
Must drinke, and I can drinke indifferent well still
But, time there was I could 'a' payde it soundly.
Rad.
As, how much? Pray sweet brother.
Cow.
It is scarce
Credible, I now shall tell you: at one short
Sitting, I'd a drunke you of Wine sixe Flaggons,
And two dozen of Beere at least, all at eight draughts;
And never 'a' seene the colour of my face,
In a Chamber pot; or sought ease, by visiting
My kind friend Aiax.
Rad.
That's more by a little,
Then I ever could vent the right way. But yet,
I dare speake it brother, we are very neere
[Page]As good drinkers, as you be here i' th' Citie:
For you see, when we come to Towne, we doe
Nothing but runne from Taverne, to Taverne;
Oft to blind Ale-houses, to visit the fine
Wenches, of purpose there plac'd, to draw custome;
Now and then to see a Play, when we want
Other exercise; and once a weeke (upon
A holy day, when all doores are shut up)
To a godly exhortation, and sleepe out
(At least) three parts on't.
Cow.
Especially if you
Take your liquor before hand.
Rad.
Right brother, but
To morrow we will both from hence, to th' Countrey.
Cow.
Wo'd this night were over once.
Rad.
We've excellent Mayds with us,
And while my Ladies dance and feast it here,
Both night and day: We both will keepe Court there;
Throw out the house at th' windowes, and fetch in
All our Towne-fidlers, with all the young fellowes
In fifteene villages about us; is 't not good?
Fred.
O rare!
Fred.
I' th' meane time Sir, let me perswade you
To conduct your brother to a place: For I
Am weary of your company. Cow, 'thanke your Lordship.
Exeunt ambo.
Hubba within, give way there.
Fred.
What lusty Gentleman's that?
Serv.
Mad Captaine Hubba, and as lusty a
Virago with him.
Enter Hubba and Marfisa in an Irish Gowne tuck'd up to mid-legge, with a broad basket-hilt Sword on, hanging in a great Belt, Broags on her feet, her hayre dishevell'd, and a payre of long neck'd big-rowll'd Spurs on her heels.
Hub.
Come my brave Marfisa,
You are but just now come to Towne you say?
Mar.
[Page]That you may well perceive sir, by my spurs.
Fr.
Here's handsome Cheese and Butter, and a Sword.
Hub.
They're a payre of excellent ginglers, but pray
Tell me: Did you ride sideling, or like a man?
Mar.
Howsoever, there shall ne'r a Dane ride i' my Saddle.
Hub.
What? not i' the way of honesty? as you love me,
Say not so; I hope you'll be pleas'd to thinke of my service.
Mar.
I sho'd rejoyce to be well pleas'd i' th' way
Of honesty: Yet, your faire words shall not
Deceive me. As first try, then take on liking.
Hub.
But, with your favour I thinke 't were better try:
Least you sho'd chance repent too late hereafter.
Mar.
You will not put me sir, to use my Sword:
Puts hand to her sword.
If you doe, you must first begin at that.
Fr.
I thinke she meanes to make him marry her
Perforce; I shall have my part o' th' Maske here.
Hub.
Pray Lady, take patience along with you;
I am fairely yours.
Fr.
You had (on my knowledge)
But need to say so, if she be in earnest.
Mar.
Then leade me to some honest place, where I may
Unspurre, untucke my Gowue, wash, and so forth —
Hub.
Most willingly, my faire Marfisa, thou sha't
Have a looking-glasse too; I ever tooke
A strange liking to thee, since first I saw
Thee fight i' th' battle like a Lyonesse.
Y' are Coffen-german to th' Lady Fatyma?
Mar.
Her selfe dare not deny it, sir.
Hub.
I doe not
Goes about her.
Onely marke your sweet face, but all things else
About you. Y' have a fine legge. The fashion
Of this Gowne, likes me well too; I thinke you had
The patterne on't from us, as we from Ireland.
Mar.
That I know not, but am sure a handsome woman
Lookes as well in 't, as in any dresse, or habit
Whatsoever.
Hub.
So it seemes by thee, my
Beautifull Mistris: For by that name, I must
[Page]Stile you henceforth. Come, let your loving squire
Conduct you. Mar, on before, I'll follow.
Exeunt ambo.
Lowd Musicke.
Enter Reyner, Landgartha, Valdemar, Scania, Elsinora, Inguar, and Fatyma. The Ladies attir'd like women onely
Rey.
My Queene and I, Valdemar, are much bound
To thy free Genius, for this thy second Maske
After our nuptials; She more: but most
Of all, thy owne Lady. For, it's for her sake
Thou so affect'st both us.
Scan.
I could not wish
To 'a' met a kinder man.
Land.
His kindnesse makes
You oft asham'd, you say; nor wo'd I have
The King so over fond of me.
Vald.
You stand
Confirm'd, Madame, in the pow'r your merits
Hold, to charme his faculties to your obeysance.
Land.
You deliver that, sir, to picke a thanke from
My Sister; at whom you point in that language.
Scan.
I doe beleeve he does: which yet, must be
Conceiv'd onely to proceed, from his ill-plac'd
Affection; not my desert to answer
His; much lesse your perfections: being
But a poore Pigmie, compar'd to the greatnesse
Of the worth in you.
Rey.
This friendly Complement
We will passe over: and now Valdemar,
Heere they take their places, but the King and the Queene under a Canopie.
To apt our apprehensions the more
To the true understanding of your Maske:
You may tell us somewhat of your scope in 't.
Vald.
That is sufficiently inform'd i' the thing
It selfe; though lame it be. The matter (being
All propheticall) I found in an old
Worme-eaten Booke, in the Lady Elsinora's
Library. And I sho'd wrong your judgement;
[Page]And my owne labour, though of little value,
By staling of it before hand.
Fr.
It's a fine tale;
And cannot but please, unlesse it meet such minds,
As are not to be pleas'd.
Elsin.
There is no Fustian,
Non sense, Winde, or fopperie in't.
Rey.
It matters not
What some odd envious foole sayes; that grieves most
At th' goodnesse of what he disprayses: and wo'd
Be glad 't were worse. We despise affected stuffe;
Or a strayn'd kind of Eloquence; being the smoake
And fruits or a vaineglorious, and an empty braine,
No flattery dwels we know in this. Let it begin.
The Maske.
First enter six Satyrs and dance a short nimble anticke to no Musicke, or at most to a single Violine: at the end of which enter Phoebus with Bow and Arrowes.
Phoeb.
A way unmanner'd deities, though hope
Rayse you unto this mirth, for Troy: Your scope
In 't (form'd at the counsell of the higher gods)
Makes not the issue of their Periods,
So fortunate as you doe now suppose
(In your inferior knowledges) to dispose
For Hectors safetie: whom Aracides
(Madded for his lov'd Menetiades)
Flyes to destroy. Nor can the Fates divert,
But that fierce horrid man, will soone convert
All unto sad destruction; unlesse
We the pryme gods and demi-gods suppresse
His force, not otherwise to be resisted.
Get you away from hence then▪ and in stead
Of friskings, in these pleasant vales of Ide,
Expose your aydes (to th' utmost can be try'd)
For Pryam and his issue, ne'r till now
In danger of an utter overthrow.
[Page]And my owne labour, though of little value,
By staling of it before hand.
Fr.
It's a fine tale;
And cannot but please, unlesse it meet such minds,
As are not to be pleas'd.
Elsin.
There is no Fustian,
Non sense, Winde, or fopperie in't.
Rey.
It matters not
What some odd envious foole sayes; that grieves most
At th' goodnesse of what he disprayses: and wo'd
Be glad 't were worse. We despise affected st [...]ffe;
Or astrayn'd kind of Eloquence; being the smoake
And fruits of a vaineglorious, and an empty braine,
No flattery dwels we know in this. Let it begin.
The Maske. First enter six Satyrs and dance a short nimble anticke to no Musicke, or at most to a single Violine▪ at the end of which enter Phoebus with Bow and Arrowes.
Phoeb.
Away unmanner'd deities though hope
Rayse you unto this mirth, for Troy: Your scope
In 't (form'd at the counsell of the higher gods)
Makes not the issue of their Periods,
So fortunate as you doe now suppose
(In your inferior knowledges) to dispose
For Hectors safetie: whom Aracides
(Madded for his lov'd Menetiades)
Flyes to destroy. Nor can the Fates divert,
But that fierce horrid man, will soone convert
All unto sad destruction; unlesse
We the pryme gods and demi-gods suppresse
His force, not otherwise to be resisted.
Get you away from hence then. and instead
Of friskings, in these pleasant vales of Ide,
Expose your aydes (to th' utmost can be try'd)
For Pryam and his issue, ne'r till now
In danger of an utter overthrow.
Song.
Though Hector now be dead, his name
And memory shall last, while fame
Sounds her low'd Trumpet, lov'd, admir'd;
By his example shall be fir'd
To acts heroicke, future ages:
And Prophets (sacred in their rages)
Shall by his vertues be install'd;
And he by all a worthy call'd.
Hectors body is taken away about the middle of the Song: after the end of it, Enter Phoebus and Pryam.
Phoeb.
Much honour'd and deere old man, did'st not heare,
How the Jdalian deities forbeare
Not (sacred loving Nymphs, and griev'd like thee)
To chant a mirthfull pleasing melody?
Glad for the future glory of thy sonne,
Reason sho'd governe: and a faire fame wonne,
Is of mans humane life the chiefest part,
Chiefest in Hector, and shall not depart
From thy for-ever-most-fam'd house: For, know
Th' gods on thy line (of Dardunus) will bestow
The largest Empyres; which to thee I'll now
Show for thy comfort: that thou sho'dst not bow
(Too much dejected in thy minde) to what
They in their Counsels doe predestinat.
Pry.
Heavens brightest eye, I 'll doe what lyes in me,
To obey thy will, and my sowre destinie.
Phoeb.
My tale in two parts, I doe thus impart:
A Prince from Troy hereafter shall depart,
When Troy takes end (as all dominion.
Of mortals must:) whose chance will fetch him on
The Lybian shores, and upon Latium next.
Before which time and after, though oft vex'd
By the high-minded Juno, for her hates
Conceiv'd against the Troians: Yet, the Fates
Have destin'd him that throne of Latium,
[Page]Marrying the daughter of its King. From him
(The Royall seate first chang'd to Alba) shall
Descend two Princes, twins; for which, a fall
Their mother takes from Mars, a votresse she,
Compell'd unto that state. Impietie
In an ambitious kinsman, to be drown'd
Sends both the Infants: who (sav'd by chance) are found
Of a she-woolfe, and nourish'd with her Teats;
Till by a sheepheard found, and by brave feats
Made know'n to be themselves, they build a Towne
Which shall be call'd Rome; and shall weare the Crowne
Of the worlds Monarchy, hundreds of yeares.
This is the first part of my tale.
Pry.
My feares
And sorrow (which till now I did suppose
Could not be done) th' hast heal'd. Disclose
The other part (deare god) that's left untould.
Phoeb.
Which (in no obscure termes) I doe unfould:
A Prince call'd Brutus (of the Troian race)
Third to the first spoke of, being in the chace
Of wild beasts, by unlucky fate he kils
Sylvius his Father, with the shaft he drils
At other game: Which fact, so much doth bend
The Latines against Brutus, him they send
To sad exile. Who (after a time) arrives
At a brave spatious Iland (that derives
Her name from white rocks, being a little world)
With other Troians before met, and hurl'd
Too on misfortunes. A towne call'd new Troy
He builds here th' Land cals Brutaine: doth enjoy
The whole as King; and his posteritie
For many ages, shall raigne there, as he.
Sometimes (in pow'r and plentie) conquering
The neighbor Nations: sometimes these (for nothing
But 's subject unto change on earth) afflict
Againe Troy's Brutaines, in their owne district.
Of which a certaine people, and call'd Danes
(Cymbrians by some) will prove their worst of banes.
[Page]But shall be beaten backe; not without paine.
At length (in processe of much time) shall raigne
In this faire Ile, a Prince (one way descended
Of Troian race: I' th' other side extended
Vp by the Royall bloud of Danes, unto
A warlike King call'd Reyner, that shall wooe
And wed a Lady Amazonian,
Landgartha nam'd) which Prince shall be the man
(Having his subjects in their loves combyn'd;
Who shall to evils onely be confin'd
By their owne sad dissentions, being of all
Earths men, the properest and most martiall)
To exalt thy bloud. He shall (by 's right) enjoy
The Land of Danes; and in this place where Troy
Now stands, shall Conquer, and build it againe.
Will also Conquer Greece, and there restrayne
Th' impieties of wicked men. Thus, Fate
I have layd ope' to thee, to consolate
Thy selfe and sad Queene; Now I must away:
For, from the gods I've made too long a stay.
Exeunt amb [...].
Vald.
Your Majesties have now seene all; even as
I found recorded in the foresayd Booke:
How true heaven onely knowes. Yet, all may prove true
(Being not impossible) if men be wise.
Rey.
And not destroy themselves, as it's there spoke.
Our part on't has hit right; and so may that.
And now (Valdemar) to requite thy love,
All rise.
My Queene and I will make your Maske compleate,
By being your dancers.
Enter Hub. & Marf. without her sword, & her Gowne untuck'd.
Hub.
I must first beg your
Pardon, to leade the measure, sir, for I have
Brought a fine friendly dancer with me; and
We will so foot it —
Rey.
Hubba, thou alwayes comm'st in pudding time.
Land.
Let's stand; I long to see Marfisa dance.
Here Hubba and Marfisa Dance the whip of Donboyne merrily.
Rey.
This was excellent. We shall but shame ourselves,
In following of you; Come let us begin.
[Page] Here they dance the grand Dance in foure Couple, Reyner and Landgartha, Valdemar and Scania, Fredericke and Elsinora, Inguar and Fatyma.
Rey.
So Cousin, we have made you some amends,
For your part of the Maske: and now you shall
(Being so kinde a husband) conduct your Lady
Unto her Chamber; and there use her kindly
Too as she deserves. Our Aunt and Cousin may
(After all this noyse) also retyre; and say
(In solitude and silence) th' many prayers
They have omitted all the day. As for
The Queenes grace: she must give me leave,
To usher her to bed.
Land.
Must That, in such
A servant, were too peremptory. But
If you plead your title King; I'll answer
That I know how to fight: and have ere now
Stoop'd a too hasty Prince. Therefore, good sir,
You are best speake me faire; or I may put you
Beside your sweet hopes;
And give you some what of the sowre to taste.
Rey.
That, and to kill me, were all one: For which,
I now (and ever will) humbly intreat,
As a poore suppliant with you to treat.
Exeunt omnes.
The fourth Act.
Enter Reyner musing at one doore, and Hubba to him at the other.
Rey.
Is Jnguar yet return'd from th' Fleet?
Hub.
Not yet sir.
Rey.
Let him be quickly sent for then: be gone.
Exit Hubba.
A poore gentlewoman, an ordinary
[Page]Noble mans daughter, to have catch'd me thus;
Whom Cesar would rejoyce, to have made his sonne,
Some horrid plague confound her modesty,
And her for me, for now I care not for her;
Though I dissemble it: because I dare not
(She is so damn'd valiant) doe otherwise
Till I have got from hence: For she (being
So belov'd too of the Norwegians) might
Cut short my life and passage. But yet, Reyner,
Thinke how exceeding worthy she is of love;
And of a Prince: thinke of her vertue, doe:
Thinke of her beautie, myldnesse, vallor, and
What else: no, no, I will not; will not love her:
For I have tooke enough of what I most lov'd;
Which, I confesse could not but please my Palat
Enter Ʋald.
But here comes Valdemar, who like an Asse
Still dotes on his wife, I 'll not therefore trust him.
Vald.
Your resolution to be gone for Denmarke,
Men doe admire; and I must tell you, sir,
(Seeing you will needs be constant, in so bad
A purpose) some doe feare your projects are
Ignoble. I then (as one that lov'd you once;
And will doe still, unlesse you forfeyte your selfe)
Wo'd be your adviser, if you dare take advice.
Rey.
Y' are too sawcie; and what I have resolv'd on,
I will not alter. Must we be curb'd by you,
In tendering the welfare of our subjects?
Shall Denmarke be still forgotten?
Vald.
That colour
Dyes but very poorely; though you stalke with it.
The fall of your obstreperous passion, to
Your Queene (sir) people take notice of: though she,
Poore Lady, (a sliam'd to be deceiv'd or scorn'd)
Say nothing of it; restrayn'd too, by her love
To you. But, we that are your Countriemen
(Whom you mainely dishonour in't) can have
No such patience.
Rey.
Our affection to our
[Page]Lov'd faire Consort (though you be pleas'd to doubt it)
Will not be question'd, but by your slanderous tongue
Ʋald.
You cannot, sir. Nay shall not, maske your blacke
Intentions so from me; they doe appeare
Too many. And she whom you most wrong, is more
Then worthy of you; had you but the wisedome
And grace to thinke so still. But be assur'd
(When she is rid o' th' burthen she now carries)
She 'll be reveng'd at full for her dishonour;
And snatch the Crownes you weare from of your trech'rous Temples.
Rey.
You will not play the Traytor, in
Conspiring with her?
Vald.
Though I sho'd not, sir,
You need not doubt but Harrolld will; who thinkes
His right to Denmarke, as good as yours to Norway.
Rey.
That Christian dog-shead and yours too, had beene
chopt off ere this, had I not beene a foole.
Vald.
If you durst (you make me now beleeve) that had
Beene so. But I'll make shift to save one of 's;
Enter Ing. & Hubba.
And thinke you 'll hardly save your selfe from t' other.
Rey.
You may doe what you lift; and so will I,
Are all the Shipping ready?
Ing.
They are sir, but —
Rey.
Come, spare your breath; I know what you wo'd say.
Hub.
Wo'd all the Cables and Sayles were burnt:
You brought us hither with the hazard of our lives,
To gaine this kingdome for you; and now you have it,
You 'll wisely gi' 't away; and fetch 'em all
Upon our backes.
Rey.
Who made you a Counseller?
There's your reward.
strikes him.
Hub.
I shall take more then this
Ere long if I sticke to you.
Vald.
You doe well
To practise before hand.
Offers to draw, so does Vald. & Ing. steps in.
Rey.
Traytor, doe you upbrayd us?
Ing.
I beseech you sir, to suppresse your passion;
[Page]And not to rayse a tumult here: knowing
How truely-loyall the Prince Valdemar,
Has ever beene to you, sir, and now pleads
Strongly against himselfe; in seeking to
Detaine you, with your gracious noble Queene.
Vald.
He accounts his friends, his neerest enemies,
Rey.
We take heaven to witnesse, we are wrong'd.
Enter Land, with Childe and Scania not so.
But peace; here she comes.
Land.
Will you needs be gone, sir,
And leave me thus?
Rey.
It is but two houres sayling,
In a faire day; and we shall soone be backe.
Land.
I doe not use to weepe: But now I must;
Weeps.
My heavy minde fore-speakes some future evill.
Death (which shall be welcome) I know 's not farre from me.
Rey.
May the gods grant to hasten it.
Aside.
Scan.
The time was
When shee, sir, could with a nod a' forc'd your fancie,
In a farre greater matter, then your stay
For some small time.
Rey.
And shall againe sweet Sister,
But the meere necessitie of our departure,
Is such: that we must needs away, at this
Very instant.
Land.
Then give me leave (deare sir,)
To share the worst may happen in your voyage.
Rey.
So to indanger your life, we'd loose ours first,
You shall by no meanes stirre, my only soule, Come:
We will conduct you to your Chamber, and there
Leave you (with your friends and mine) to be guided
By your accustomed vertue, and strong heart.
Exeunt.
Enter Cowsell and Radger.
Cow.
O brother, brother, I know the very griefe on't,
Will kill me out right, as dead as a Herring.
Rad.
O deare, loving brother. I shall fare no better,
I'm sure o' that; wo'd I had never seene you.
Cow.
[Page]Besides brother, I tooke such an affection
To the women, fine, courteous, honest cre'tures.
Rad.
And we to you brother, and to all the Daues.
You came not to pray on's, but to deliver
Us from the Swedes.
Cow.
We ought to love each other,
Brother, being so neere neighbors, and friends.
Rad.
So we doe, deare brother, all those are good and honest.
Who wo'd 'a' thought his grace sho'd leave the Queene
So abruptly, i' the latter end of her time too?
Cow.
Hard against our wils: but sayes, he 'll soone be backe.
Rad.
I' th' meane time brother, and before we part,
We are best take t' other cup.
Cow.
I thought to 'a'
Made that now my motion brother, we shall
Remember you in Denmarke.
Rad.
And when we
Forget you brother, may the gods forget us.
Ho! drawer, Rolfo,
Within, Anon anon sir.
Enter Rolfo.
Rad.
Honest Rolfo, one flaggon more of that
You gave us last, the very same I charge thee,
Without tricks or mixture.
Rol.
By Love sir, you shall:
What? Doe you thinke I 'll use you like a stranger?
Cow.
Prithee kinde Rolfo, let not us be forc'd
To knocke agen.
Exit Rolfo.
Rad.
Captaine Hubba (as I
Conceive brother) goes not along with you;
I met him spurring to our house, as I came.
Cow.
The Princesse Scania, by much intreatie
Got leave of the Lord Inguar, his Coronell,
To stay onely two dayes; and he is gone
A visit to his Mistris.
Enter Rolfo.
Rad.
Welcome Rolfo.
Come, give it me: for we shall need no glasses.
They drinke at the Lines.
Here worthy brother, halfe to your good journey
Cow.
Let me see brother, * you have drunke the full halfe—
Rad.
O sweet brother, that you co'd stay all night,
I sho'd never be weary of your company.
Enter Rolfo.
Cow.
Nor I of yours brother, and now from the deepe
Bottome of my heart to th' wide mouth of my stomacke
I speake it dearest brother, here's a whole one,
To our next merry meeting —
Rad.
Quickely Rolfo,
Exit Rolfo.
Fetch it, and be honest. O sweet brother,
That I co'd imbrace you thus for ever, ever.
They imbrace.
Cow.
I must kisse at parting.
They kisse.
Rolf.
Y' are a couple of th' arrantest kind gentlemen.
Ent. Rolf.
Rad.
Give me the pot: I ne'r drunke i' my life
With more sorrow, and a better desire. —
Cow.
Here, take Money Rolfo, my brother payd last,
I must kisse thee too Rolfo,
Within, Rolfo. Rogue.
Rolfo.
Anon, anon, sir.
As they kisse.
Rad.
Nay Rolfo, for all
Your haste: I must (for my brothers sake) take
Off that kisse, from thy now sweet (though greasie) lips.
They kisse
Cow.
And now farewell, but not for ever, my dearest
And best of friends. Rad. we 'll part at t'other Taverne.
Cow.
Then arme in arme let 's march, most worthy brother.
Exeunt.
Enter Hubba and Marfisa.
Hub.
I could not otherwise chuse, Mistris (though
Your distrust of my unfayn'd affection,
Kept me thus long from injoying, what I
Most desir'd in a noble way) but come
(Vrg'd by that love, that ever shall remaine
With me, wheresoe'r I goe) to tender
The duty of a servant, in taking leave
Of you, before my suddaine departure.
Mar.
It 's indeed too suddaine: and I doe now
Repent the not imbracing, what I was not
Enough good to accept, your love. For, I confesse
[Page]Though somewhat late, I lov'd you more then you
Did me; and ever shall unlesse the fault
Be onely yours, in proving (which I doe
Not yet suspect) a changling. I shall for
My part, punish severely in my selfe,
Th' offence of not being yours, by a continu'd
Sadnesse and griefe, till once agen I see you.
Hub.
And though I have beene too much noted for
My mirth (which yet, was never sawe'd with spite,
Or other bad condition:) I promise
(Por my misfortune in thus missing of you)
Not to laugh once (unlesse against my will,
At some unlucky chance) till I possesse
The treasure I most covet.
Mar.
That (if you
Meane me) shall be yours when we meete next, and
Safely kept for you, untill then. I' th' meane time,
I shall charily preserve (though but a poore
Satisfaction for you) your image in
Th' interior of my minde.
Hub.
Which overpay's,
With much advantage, all my services.
Mar.
't was a strange resolution of the King,
To leave his Queene, she being so much against it;
And he so strangely fond of her at first:
Which she deserv'd, being a Lady the world
Cannot match.
Hub.
He is these thirtie houres in Denmarke:
Where if he prove unkinde to her, that cannot
(In true judgement) condemne others, that like not
Such proceeding.
Mar.
He had neede be circumspect
In what he do's; or he may soone repent it,
And perchance,
When matters prove past remedy to him,
Yet, while I find you sound: no alien faults
Shall make me hate, what once I so affected,
Hub.
Resting on that assurance, I must now
[Page]Crave the kind, favour of a parting kisse.
Mar.
That you shall have
they kisse
and halfe a dozen more,When you come to your Ship: For, so farre I
Will with you; and wo'd along to Denmarke, but to try
If I may build upon your constancie.
Exeunt.
Enter Harold and Eric.
Har.
It's now but need, we both looke to our selves:
Or we may pay the forfeyt of our slackenesse
(With the losse of both our heads) upon a Scaffold.
For, Reyner having cast the faire Landgartha
Off, (of whom he was not worthy:) and by
A dreadfull precipice, fall'n from much goodnesse:
He will not stop at his first fault. But (hurri'd
By the guiltinesse of his Conscience)
Runne headlong downe the hill, upon the rocke
Of dangerous mischiefe; to which he 's now ingag'd.
Eric.
She is a Lady of so stout a heart,
That when she finds him base (although she lov'd him
Exceedingly) shee cannot but be reveng'd
For her repudiation, and disgrace.
Har.
And may prove our strong friend to ruine him;
That has threatned (and that not privatly)
To rid himselfe on us.
Eric.
And will, if he can:
You may by his death then, that wo'd be yours,
Settle your selfe securely in his kingdomes,
By matching and partaking now with her.
Har.
Brother, the man whose deitie we adore
(And who to give us rest, still liv'd without it)
Can witnesse for me, could I but perswade
My minde by any probabilitie,
't were possible, for me to live in peace here,
And not have my throat cut: although my right
Unto the Crowne of Denmarke be apparant,
My title while I slept or wak'd, sho'd sleepe;
As when King Reyner liv'd a vertuous kind man.
[Page]For I delight not in th' expence of bloud;
Though I feare not to spend my owne in a
Iust cause. But seeing all rest is deni'd me:
As the strong law of nature binds, I must
Shift for my selfe, the best I may. Which shall not
Be effected by base trechery, or murder.
Nor doe I chiefly yet meane to rely
On th' brave Landgartha's assistance; whom the
Love of a wife, and hope of reconcilement,
May urge beyond all spirit of revenge.
Eric.
What is 't you meane to plot then for our safetie?
Har.
We'll to the pious Christian Emperor,
Lewis the Debonaire; who (as you know)
Do's oft solicite me to plead my right
To th' Crowne, by dent of sword; that being the best
(Nay onely) Patent, Reyner has to show for 't.
Though he from 's father got it: which doth lessen
Much his guilt.
Eric.
It's not his guilt that now most troubles him;
But by more sinne to guard it.
Har.
Twelve thousand.
Expert Souldiers (that lye neere here, o' th' borders
Of Germany) I may have when I list;
To adde (with all speed) to our owne sure friends.
And unto others that will fall in troopes,
From now dishonour'd Reyner, for his base
Adultery intended with Vraca,
To strengthen himselfe against his wife and me.
Eric.
Vnheard of madnesse, so vilely to betray
(And to 's owne ruine) a poore and vertuous Lady;
That but for him, and his damn'd shamelesse lyes,
Had never marry'd any. Being withall
(As 't is reported) most extreamely faire,
Farre, farre beyond the other,
Har.
Such are the follies
Of humane nature, when it is forsaken
Of him that made it: But we'll now make use on't.
Eric.
You sho'd be suddaine, least we be layd hold on;
[Page]And to take him unprepar'd.
Har.
When night ascends
Her sable charyot, we will both of us
(Mounted on our best horses) post away;
And be (I hope) cre we be miss'd, pass'd danger.
Come, let us therefore in, and loose no time:
Which, in necessitie 's a fatall crime.
Exeunt.
The fift Act.
Enter Valdomar and Jnguar.
Vald.
You are happy beyond expectation
In your Embassage: for all men did conceive
(And very probably) the Queene would ayde
With th' utmost of her pow'r, Harrold in his
Designe for Denmarke. But, she noble Lady,
(Although in outward show, she have not granted
What you demand) I know (such is her vertue
And loving nature) is comming in her minde,
Now to assist your most ungracious King.
Ing.
For which in chiefe he is to you beholding;
Though he deserv'd it not, at his departure.
But now, Contrition has wipt off his guilt,
Though not the punishment, before the gods.
Nor is there any hope left us on earth,
But what we now may gaine here by your meanes
Vald.
Had you but beene a witnesse of her griefes
(Able to rive a heart of steele) you had
Melted (as we almost did) into teares:
Especially when she heard of th' infamous
Marryage, with Swealands daughter (told her by
A whispering flatterer:) how then she tore
Her golden hayre, and us'd such cruelty
On her faire limmes, which had wellneere ended her
(Notwithstanding what we could doe to hinder 't:)
[Page]Cursing the time when she e'r saw a Dane;
Not for her husbands renogading most:
But the losse of her virginitie, and foule
Disgrace.
Ing.
We heard of all: Yet, were compell'd
By strong necessitie (perforce) to build
On her heroicke goodnesse, and your worth.
Vald.
't was well conceiv'd; and better put to tryall,
That compulsion may worke peace agen.
Ing.
Here the divine Lady comes (her selfe) unto us.
Enter Landgartha, Scania, Elsinora, Fatyma, & Marfisa in womans apparell with Swords on.
Land.
Although (Lord Inguar,) your soveraigne, and my
Unkind husband, were rather to expect
Sharpe warre and hate then any ayde from me
In his distresse: having (as farre as 't lay
In him) disgrac'd me by his flight; and as
I 'd us'd false play with others: yet, my love
To him (deepely engraven in my heart.)
Ioyn'd to my owne innocence and merit, has
(As all may see) got the upper-hand; and stopt
My once intended course of strict revenge;
Though he enjoy another wife, now the Mistris
Of what is mine by bond.
Ing.
Most gracious Queene,
I can say nothing, to excuse his guilt;
Or lessen it: but that your vertue shines
The brighter for his deepe ingratitude,
Which now 's the greatest Corrosive to himselfe,
And cause of all his evils, by the losse
Of in a manner all was his before:
And that his act, has render'd both of you
Famous to all the world, in different manners:
You as the glorious mirrour of all worth,
But him (with griefe I speake it) for 's offence.
Scan.
Which now (deare Madame) as it is repented,
Exacts your mercy more then punishment.
Elsin.
To prove a lasting Pyramid to all
Succeeding times, of such a noble act.
Vald.
It can yeeld you no benefit to ruine
[Page]Him and his poore subjects, being also yours;
And in their loves, they're yours.
Fat.
Much more then his
I doe beleeve.
Ing.
Madame. I can depose it.
To Fatyma.
And that they 've ever deem'd it their chiefe glory,
To have had her for their Queene; their hearts he lost,
When he lost her: nor is there ought can rayse
The minds o' th' few, that now sticke to him, but her
Strong assistance, and the try'd vallor of the
Norwegian Ladies, that before
Gave us the victory against the Swedes.
Land.
King Reyner and your selfe (Lord Inguar) have
Too many friends here, to be deni'd in what
Our pow'r may stead him, or you demand.
And I'm the more induc'd to pardon his fault,
That I acknowledge my selfe faultie too
(And which my heart has oft accus'd me for,
With no small griefe) in granting that to him
Vnder the flattering title of marryage, which I
Resolv'd ne'r to 'a' lost; and which he durst not
Seeke to have forc'd from me. But it 's now past helpe.
Scan.
There 's one way yet left (Madame) to helpe all.
Land.
He then transported, by his fierce desire,
Which slav'd him: by craft (I'll give it no worse
A name) did that wrong to my modestie,
Which I (being not so deepe in passion)
Might well have hinder'd; and by yeelding to it,
Have given scope for others to condemne me.
Ing.
Which none can justly doe: For, I'm assur'd,
Madame (though you have cause not to beleeve it)
That his intents to your grace, were sincere
At first, as now they are: and therefore (deare Queene,)
You are to meete his past ill, with your goodnesse.
Which, if you doe not speedily: there will be
No time, nor meanes hereafter, left for you
To exercise your vallor in this cause.
Land.
When we behold our neighbors house on fire,
[Page]The Proverbe sayes we ought looke to our owne:
This you conceive; and I suppose you are
Inform'd by these that love you, that we have
As many valiant men and women, in
A readinesse, as may, if heaven be pleas'd
(For we are pleas'd in 't) reinthrone your King;
And chase those rebels that now urge his flight.
Let then my brother (the Prince Valdemar)
And you, make all the haste you can before us;
With newes of our approach. And, one thing more
I must intreat you doe for me: which is
To deliver this Letter, unto him that
Caus'd my sorrow; and left me great with child.
Which fruit of his, he shall soone looke on, young Frideslaus.
Vald.
He sho'd 'a' stayd, to have got
Such another.
Scan.
In honesty, he could
Have done no lesse.
Ing.
Your graces Letter, I hope
Within these three houres, he shall reade at furthest.
Vald.
You 'll give me leave to goe before, to provide
A lodging for you?
Scan.
Yes: for I meane to be
Your bedfellow to morrow night.
Vald.
And I shall strayne my selfe, to bid you welcome.
Ing.
The King will doe as much too, for your Highnesse.
Land.
Fy, not so soone man, that were a shame indeed,
People wo'd then say, that I went to aske it.
smilingly
Nor does he neede me; having one (at least)
Already to keepe him warme.
Ing.
He thinkes of none,
But your Grace.
Vald.
We must be now abrupt in our
Leave taking?
Land.
Be gone Scania, fare you well. Inguar, may all
The gods be your guides.
Exeunt ambo.
Land.
And now Marfisa.
[Page]Silence declares with you, how gladly your heart
Consents, to goe for Denmarke.
Mar.
I meane to doe
Your Majestie some service there, now that
You measure my affection by your owne.
Scan.
But what, if you come to weare the Willow garland,
By the inconstancie of Captaine Hubba?
Mar.
Not (doe as the Queene did) forgive the offence.
Fat.
No lesse then 's life would satisfie your anger.
Mar.
Doe you make doubt on't?
Elsin.
I beleeve him honest.
Land.
What is your owne opinion? Marfisa.
Mar.
I still suppose the best.
Land.
Then wayte upon
My cousin Fatyma: and both of you make haste
To summon with all speede (on paine of death)
All our troops (both men and women) in Anstoy,
Saltsburge, and thereabouts. Our Sister and Aunt
Shall to the neerer quarters; whilst I prepare
Here all things requisite for our departure.
And as we once made no small haste to meete
King Reyner, when he brought us ayde against
Our foes: let's doe the same in gratitude
(And with more honour) now, in assisting of him.
Those which we leave, will keepe safe here. Away.
Fat.
The trust impos'd on us, we 'll not betray.
Exeunt omnes severally.
A march. Then enter Harrold, Eric, and Lothaire arm'd.
Har.
We must make haste, Lord Lothaire, (now that by
The helpe of heaven, for which we chiefly move:
And the assistance which you Lord and ours,
The noble Emperor Lewis, true inheritor
Of his great fathers vertues did afford us,
We are ascended to what is our right,
Being thereto lifted by your manly worth too)
To make all sure, by joyning our last issue
(Whom he once more thinkes to deceive:) For, where
Shee leads, all goes to wracke i' th' other side.
Loth.
It 's strange so stout a minde as hers, sho'd ever
Yeeld love or obedience to a man that has
So basely dealt to her.
Eric.
She squares all her
Actions by the rule of goodnesse, not
Of passion; and thinkes this deede of hers,
A very gratefull offering to her gods,
Yet, we doe hope to send (before she land here:
Her husbands rancke soule, to great Belzebub.
Har.
Then let's march on with speede; and trust our cause
To him, that only gives life by his lawes.
Exeunt a march.
After the march, Enter Reyner and Hubba.
Rey.
Heare you no newes from Inguar (Hubba) yet
Hub.
Not a word: But a ship is now on entring
In at the haven; and we hope it 's his.
Rey.
No, no. We are of all the world forsaken,
But most of heaven: For, we have deserv'd it,
And our repentance now comes too too late.
Hub.
I doe beseech you sir, not to yeeld to
Such weake, unmanly diffidence.
Rey.
We wrong'd
Thee (Hubba) too; and now thy loyaltie
And kindnesse wounds our soule deeper, then if thou hadst
Prov'd false, all turnes to my confusion.
Hub.
It was your passion and not you, strucke me, sir.
Rey.
Would I were quickly dead, or never borne,
To see the evils which I have occasion'd,
And must needs feele, if I but live a while.
Hub.
Your noble Queene Landgartha, will I doubt not
(If i' th' meane time sir, you doe what lyes in you,
With patience) soone rid you of those feares;
And State you as before; and in her love too.
Rey.
I ne'r shall see that Halcyon day againe,
[Page]To see her, Hubba, though you all suppose
The contrary; and caus'd me send to move
Her goodnesse. She is too magnanimous
Ever to looke at such a wretch as I am,
That deceiv'd her once so foulely.
Hub.
You'll finde
Your selfe deceiv'd, I hope sir, in that ere long.
Rey.
Had I but faithfull prov'd to her, as she
Deserv'd (thou know's it Hubba,) I might then
'a' playd at stoole-ball with young children, or
Have wasted time more idlely, if I'd listed;
And have my estate multiply'd to many
Kingdomes. Now, thou seest, we are not worth one
Province, Stricke me heaven.
Enter Valdemar and Inguar.
Vald.
Honest Captaine, I
Am glad to meete you alive.
Hub.
Your Highnesse poore servant.
Ing.
The King walkes strangely sad.
Hub.
He's not himselfe: and therefore, whatsoever
Newes you bring; y' had neede use your accustomed
Discretion in the relating of it.
Rey.
You are both as welcome hither, as my
Distraction will give me leave to bid you.
Vald.
I never knew you (sir) too much exalted
At flatt'ring Fortunes smiles, or when you Conquer'd:
And (now she frownes) you still ought to preserve
A valiant indifferencie.
Rey.
Healthy men
Know how t' afford good counsell unto others,
Whose forces being too weake, to beare the blowes
Of their diseases, yeeld and languish under
The waight that 's insupportable.
Jng.
The weaker
Their minds are, the more they yeeld; beyond
Necessitie: and thereby become chiefe Actors
In their owne Tragedies.
Rey.
I know you speake this,
To prepare my minde, for the bad newes you bring.
Ing.
[Page]Your vertue will now most consist, in not
Being over joy'd, when you read this Letter,
Written and sent by her, that sayes she loves you.
Rey.
Let me see 't. I know the hand, it's hers,
O let me, let me kisse it, kisse it still,
Kisses the Letter.
And not presume to looke what it contaynes,
To plague my guiltie conscience. Vald. reade and be rul'd.
Reyner opens and Reads.
If this my second duty, may prove as happy in the recovery of thy kingdomes, as my first was against a Tyrant; yet honouring thee with the victory; J shall account my travell well bestow'd. Make head bravely (as wisedome permits) against the enemie: for I am comming with all speed, to let him know, that Landgartha (being thy Queenne and only lawfull Wife) is a warrior: and will prove so to his prejudice, and thy advantage: having from her heart (notwithstanding thy unkindnesse) absolv'd thee of all the wrongs thou did'st her.
Landgartha,
Rey.
A gracious language! O you gods defend me,
From turning altogether foole at this. For, my
Frayle vessell is not able to contayne,
The forcible excesse of this sweet comfort.
My soule results so strangely, mounts, mounts up,
That I have much adoe, to keepe from dancing:
My nimble spirit elevats my body,
And my very life (I thinke) will now with joy
Forsake me, fly away.
Vald.
Be not in extreames,
So like a meere franticke Pray recall your wits,
Before she comes, you may loose all; your selfe, and us.
Rey.
Excuse me, worthy Cousin, you feele not
The force of my impulsion. Yet, I confesse
I'm (but as others are) a poore weake man;
Subject to many changes 'gainst my will.
Ing.
Collect your selfe, were 't but in obedience
Enter scout.
To your wise and noble Queene. What newes with you?
Scout.
That Harrold and his brother Eric, with
A mighty pow'r of Danes and Germans, march
[Page]Hither with speed, doubtlesse to force a battle.
Ing.
Which we must decline, till our best souldier
Come: and then we are for 'em.
Vald.
Lead us from hence,
To guard your works; and doe not now forget
(Your wish'd ayde being so neere you) your old vallor;
And judgement to command.
Ray.
I hope we shall not.
Exeunt.
A march. Enter Harrold, Eric, Lothaire, and one or two more with Battle-axes.
Har.
Our foes have fortifi'd themselves so strongly,
With Waggons, Carts, huge tymber, and deepe trenches:
As 'tis impossible almost to force 'em.
Eric.
Which if you doe not, you'll finde it a worse taske,
To quayle Landgartha; whose fleet's now at sea;
Nay hard on landing.
Loth.
Th' present attempt will not
Perchance, prove so dangerous, as to th' eye
It seemes; if we valiantly ingage
Our selves in th' onset.
Har.
Let us boldly on then;
And to conclude what hitherto, we have
So prosperously atchiev'd. I will beginne:
And die, rather then loose what I have wonne.
Exeunt.
Allarums, A while after which is begun, enter Reyner and Valdemar with Battle-axes.
Rey.
All 's lost beyond recoverie, they are broke
Vpon us in, and fight like hungry Lyons,
Tearing our men to peeces, that now leave,
In foule disorder.
Vald.
Doe you (whil'st I charge up,
To give some stop unto their furie) rally
And hearten yours, the best you may. For, if
We can hold out, but one full houre: the noble
[Page] Landgartha (that with speed incredible,
Has almost landed all her forces) will be
With us, to mend all agen.
Rey.
She shall never meet me flying.
Exeunt. allarums.
Enter Landgartha, Scania, Elsinora, Fatyma, and Marfisa: The foure Ladies, like Amazons. Marfisa with her Gowne tuck'd to th' midleg, spurs, &c. As in the first of the third Act; Battle-axes withall.
Land.
You heare this Musicke, Ladies, and perceive
What need our friends have of our swift assistance.
We are not therefore now, to insist upon
Here the Allarums sound as farre off.
A tedious consultation; or on words
By me deliver'd, to encourage those
Whose worths I know already. Doe you Aunt
(Assisted by Fatyma and Marfisa)
Lead halfe our Armie: and wheele round about
(With speed and silence) to charge strongly home,
Upon our enemies backes. My sister and I
Will to our Husbands, that are hardly prest;
Their men all routed, and a number slaine.
Farewell, I hope that we shall meete againe.
Exeunt sverally allarums.
Allarums. Then enter Reyner at one doore, and Harold at the other.
Rey.
Stand Traytor!
Har.
Thou usurper, I will stand;
And could afford you other glorious titles:
But that I meane not (having met you) to
Waste time in words, untill your foolish sweet-heart
(Whom you wo'd still deceive) come to your rescue.
But now, I hope you never shall enjoy her,
You know how.
Rey.
You shall know somewhat from me, howsoever.
[Page] Here they fight, and Harrold beats Reyner under him; on which Landgartha enters, beats in Harrold and returns.
Land.
Is it you? I were not beholding, to
Land. Exit.
Have done this for you now. Goe, look to your selfe & people.
Rey.
Deare heaven, where am I? or, is this a dream?
Reyner rises as she beats in Harrold.
It was Landgartha sure. O no, it was not,
That glory and great miracle of the world,
Could not afford such grace to me, the meere
Fall'n dregs of villanie. But yet, 't was she,
The figure of her heavenly face, was once
(And still is) so imprinted in my soule,
As 't is impossible I sho'd forget her,
Therefore you gods, heape all those mountaynes on me,
Which the impious Gyants lifted against you,
Or sincke me downe into the very Center,
That I may ne'r behold her any more,
That is so like you, both in shape and goodnesse.
For, both I have contemn'd, and my most base
Ingratitude, never appear'd at full;
Till now. O Iove, pownd pownd me with thy thunder,
For, my confusion is the worst of torments.
Enter Scania and Valdemar.
Scan.
The King 's in danger; and we had need make haste
To disingage him.
Vald.
That 's done (I hope) already.
Rey.
Welcome deare Sister, I am asham'd to looke
You in the face.
Scan.
We heard (sir) you were in danger.
Rey.
I was: But now may (when I list) goe take
A nap. Wo'd the infernall dogs would teare
My limbs to callops: or adde some worse torment
Unto my minds affliction.
Scan.
You neede not
Afflict your selfe so much, for ought we see:
For, now the wheele is turn'd to your advantage;
My Sister is friends with you too, sir.
Rey.
She say'd
[Page]My life, when I was downe; and ready to
Receive the last (and mortall) blow. But then,
Gave me so sad a looke, O loving Sister,
That life which is her gift, if I must keepe
In her displeasure, is much worse then death.
Scan.
Sir, if you will be rul'd by me, you must not
Expresse too much, those vehement affections:
For, she's acquainted but too well already,
With your sad passion, and the continuance of it.
Rey.
Seeing you (deare Lady,) in love and wisedome,
Esteeme that my best course: I shall be dumbe
As night, calme as the calm'st evening after
A stormy day. Scania, let's follow, where she went then.
Exeunt.
Enter Harrold and Eric.
Har.
After our losse and watching these two nights,
I cannot brother (the toyle of our journey,
Lying so heavy too, on my tyr'd body)
But sleepe a little, though it be dangerous.
Eric.
My neede's no lesse; a little sleepe will serve.
Har.
Let's take it here then, the place being solitary.
They sleepe, and a sweet solemne Musicke of Recorders is heard, then enter an Angel.
Ang.
Heaven has decreed, another day
Shall gaine what you have lost. Your way
Take both (as you were forc'd before)
Unto the pious Emperor.
One of you shall be King: whose seed
Shall be so too, untill 't all bleed.
Then (when that issue is extinct)
Norway and Denmarkes whole precinct
Shall be rul'd by Landgartha's line,
And Reyners. Her the pow'rs divine
Will (for her Morall vertues) turne
A Christian, ere she come to th' Urne:
[Page]Yeeld faith to this: For, without doubt,
What I have sayd shall come about.
Exit Ang. then Eric stirs and wakes Har.
Eric.
Sir, you sleepe exceeding soundly: Pray wake.
Har.
I now am fresh enough; Come let's be gone.
Eric.
Dream't you nothing, while you slept?
Har.
No, did you?
Eric.
Me thought I heard a most heavenly Musicke;
And that an Angel did appeare: and wish'd us,
Betake our selves againe to th' Emperor,
That what we lost, another day sho'd purchase;
And that the faire Landgartha (as the reward
Of her Morall vertues) would be made Christian,
Before she di'd.
Har.
Though we afford no credit
Vnto such dreames: Yet, we must steere our course
That way; there being (after so great a losse)
No comfort left, where our foes are so strong.
Eric.
Heaven will in time (I hope) revenge our wrong.
Exeunt
Enter Cowsell and Radgee.
Cow.
Come brother Radgee, it is now concluded,
We shall never part agen.
Rad.
O deare brother,
I never had a good day on't (much lesse
A good night) since (being barr'd the comfort of your
Sweet conversation) you parted from me.
Cow.
Nay brother, I can howle the same sad Madrigall
Too: For looke you brother, we were all so frighted
By those fat-foggy Germans (who men say
Are nothing but flesh and belly:) that we durst
Allow no time for mirth and drinking.
Rad.
Very
Strange that brother. For, they say themselves are
Exceeding good fellowes.
Cow.
Iust of that seize.
Rad.
I'll tell you more what I heard spoken of 'em,
Brother, they 're sowre: and never worth the trusting,
[Page]Or honest i' their bargaines, untill they
Be drunke, or at least halfe drunke.
Cow.
That's as true,
Brother, as that you and I drunke halfe a score
Flaggons yesternight a peece. The North winde
Is not so bitter in a morning, till he
Has tooke a buttrum, or his Wine.
Rad.
And then,
Makes as good Musicke, as a Bag-pipe when it's
Full blow'n. What doe you thinke of the Swedes? brother▪
Cow.
They are not (yet) altogether so good drinkers,
As th' Germans are: but well fall'n to 't of late.
Which makes me suppose, brother, they'll be beaten
Out too. For besides, the King will no more kisse
The Queene Vraca, as't is spoken: But sticke
To 's owne old Camrade, being indeed the fairer.
Rad.
Yet, in my opinion brother: his Grace
Being marry'd to both, sho'd doe exceeding well,
To keepe both still: Sleepe betwixt both 'a' nights.
And imbrace both by turnes. What say you brother?
Cow.
What? But to concurre with you? and for many
Good, and convincing reasons. 's for example:
The King being kept so warme on both sides, by
Two such delicate cre'tures, 't were impossible
He sho'd catch cold; I, or perchance be troubl'd
With Coughs, Scyaticas, or other bone-ach;
And to have Swealand and Norway at command,
Were a matter of no small importance,
You conceive me, brother.
Cow.
Few wise men better,
In part. But, stand aside: themselves are comming.
Florish.
Enter Reyner, Landgartha, Valdemar, Vraca, Scania, Inguar, Elsinora Fatyma, Hubba and Marfisa; the Norwegian Ladies in womans apparell, with Swords on; Marfisa with her Gown untuck'd and sword on.
Ing.
You will not (gracious Madame) thus deceive
[Page]The expectations of your poore, and loving
People: whose whole hopes, comfort, safetie (nay all
We can for the present, or hereafter call ours)
Are but benefits deriv'd from the fountaine
Of your warme bountie; at whose goodnesse yet,
We most rejoyce. Doe not then (deare Empresse,) strike
Sorrow to our lately bleeding hearts; that still
Pant (and not slowly) by our former feares;
And the sore stripes we tooke: Which, but for you,
For ever were incurable; and now
By your forsaking of us, will fester worse
Then before.
Land.
That you neede not feare, Lord Inguar.
For, I shall ne'r be wanting in my care,
And love unto this Nation. Leaving here
The best halfe of our Army, now behinde us;
To prevent all future mischiefes.
Jng.
Our dishonour
In your departure, we shall ne'r recover.
Rey.
My offence (which now 's my worst affliction,
With what it does occasion) all may see,
Tooke origen and issue, more of humane
Frayltie, and foolish pride: then want of love
To you; or of desert in you, to merit
A better and more pow'rfull man then I am;
Th' worlds onely Monarch, if there were but one,
For which, I (without your mercie to restore me
Once more unto your heart, as to my kingdomes)
Must spend my dayes (which shall not then be many)
Like to a sickely beast without a soule.
Land.
My heart shall still receive you: But, on my word,
Th' rest of my body you shall not enjoy, sir,
I now am gaunt you see,
All though you must not have a feeling of it;
And if I doe play false, my belly will show't
Questionlesse: For, I am fruitfull if
I sho'd be touch'd.
Vald.
Although but weakly, Madame.
[Page]On you, and this your kinde friend: but that I wav'd
Him for my husband, that despis'd me as
His honest Mate; and wo'd 'a' lov'd me for
By-blowes. Therefore, enjoy him still: for, I suppose
You are a Hen, that must be trod.
Vrac.
That 's more then you know; or I hope shall finde.
Rey.
She shall ne'r enjoy me; nor has not
Of a long time I'll sweare, if that will serve.
Land.
It shall not sir) beleeve it. Yet, ne'r feare
You shall be arm'd i' th' front by me; which is
A wrong this other Lady cannot doe you,
If she wo'd.
Vrac.
I'll leave that now for you, that have
The abler bodie.
Land.
And you the frayler minde.
But if you chop words with me thus, or insult:
I may (for a farwell) cracke your birds necke,
Before we part.
Vrac.
I must not stand so neere
You then.
She steps behinde Reyner, and holds him betwixt Langartha and her selfe.
Rey.
Nor I prove any safeguard for you.
Steps from betwixt them.
But sho'd take part with her, whom I love best;
And has best right unto me.
Ʋrac.
That you say
To flatter her, and for meere feare. But if
I had you in private, I know what you
Wo'd sing; and play too, if I sho'd but yeeld.
Land. runs at her, and Elsinora steps in.
Elsin.
What doe you meane?
Land.
That I will ne'r have him,
That is resolv'd.
Elsin.
Your resolution
(I must say) in that, is worse then madnesse.
Land.
I'll not quarrell with you, Aunt. Yet, doe admire
A Lady of your know'n modestie, should be
So farre mistaken, and in such a cause.
Elsin.
It's you that are mistaken: I confesse.
I was at first an opposit in your love
[Page]Vnto the King: but, seeing you would needs
Yeeld (then) your virgin Forte unto his Hignesse:
I now wo'd have you take what wives doe use;
And let me still live chaste, that doe professe it.
Scan.
My Aunt sayes more (to me I am sure she did:)
All ought to live according their vocation.
And not preposterously prove aliens to it.
Nor will it serve to say he tore the bond,
Now that he's sorry for't: For, still the generall good
Must be preferr'd to all particular
Merit; or that devotion that may
By foolish zeale, prove a too great offence.
Land.
I must heare more opinions, ere I part
From my strong purpose: therefore sir, adieu.
Be mercifull in chiefe, unto your subjects;
To allure their hearts, by love: that being the tye
That will hold strongest; never can be broken,
Vnlesse by fooles, or mad men. For, that partie
That sho'd tend any mischiefe, 'gainst a good Prince:
Were first to kill all his subjects, being the Kings friends;
Or perish himselfe, by his fatall and bad
Purpose. Be just and vertuous, and you neede not
Feare poyson, poynards, or conspiracie.
To end: Norway shall be preserv'd for your young sonne;
And as for me (though yours:) I'll end my life,
An honest widdow, or forsaken wife:
Exit with Elsinora, Fatyma, & Marfisa
Vald.
I must take leave too.
Rey.
Farewell, worthiest Cousin.
Scan.
You know the way to Norway, Sir, and if
I might advise so wise a King to follow
Us thither, and not slowly: that honourable
Obligation would so bind your Queene
(Being seconded by us your friends, and reason)
That I beleeve what now she does denie,
She wo'd then grant; especially, when she
Perceives you constant in your vow'd affection:
For this perchance she do's to tempt and try you.
Nay, I am sure she do's; and that she will be
[Page]Yours againe, if you persever in your love to her,
In the meane time, I shall not fayle to prove,
Your grace's faithfull, loving advocate.
Rey.
In you the anchor of my trust lyes only fix'd,
Deare sister. I must follow your advise.
kisses her.
Exit Scania & Valdemar.
Rad.
O brother, brother: must we part at last?
They imbrace. Exeunt Cow. & Radgee.
Cow.
No, no: get afore; I'll steale along with you.
Rey.
Inguar, Did'st thinke our hopes sho'd end in this?
Ing.
It may prove better; and I hope it will sit.
Rey.
Accursed Fate of man, of foolish man,
That cannot prize a Iewell while he has it,
Till it be lost, and then his griefe is vaine,
Vaine and unprofitable, when no hope
Is left to finde it, which I feare's my case;
Our miserie the mirror's made, by which
We onely see our faults, our dangerous wounds.
Which likely then can never be recur'd:
Being Gangreene filthy sores, that doe Corrode
So farre into the very soule of man,
That they hale to sad desperation.
To which point I'm almost arriv'd, the Gemme
I lost, being so rich, as all earths Potentates
A richer could not boast. Which if I finde not
(Strucke with my dyre misfortune) my owne hand
Shall send my spirit to the Stygian strand.
Exit with Ing. & Hub.
Vrac.
And seeing I've walk'd astray, I will from hence:
By future good to expiate my offence.
Exit in the middle.
FINIS.
EPILOGVE.
Scania (that spoke the Prologue) now delivers the Epilogue, apparelled as in the last Scene, with her Sword and Belt in her hand.
THough our Author cares not, how his Play may take:
Yet, cause he purposes not to forsake
In his affection, any Worthy here;
He hath sent me 'fore the Court breake up, to appeare
For him agen; to see how it hath pleas'd:
For, notwithstanding he meanes to be eas'd;
For ever of th' like taske: Yet, from his heart
He wishes, you and he sho'd fairely part.
And this he more (for him) desir'd me say:
Where others spend a yeare about a Play
(Picking a sentence here, a word from thence)
This Tragie-Comedy with the expence
Of lesse then two Moneths time he pen'd: For he
's not too ambitious of the dignitie
Of a prime Poet; which he needs must know,
The Muses chiefe (Apollo) doth bestow
But very rarely. Himselfe he knowes too
Better i' th' Art, then some that to be so
Thought worthy, maligne him. If this please you,
It's all he 'll aske of Hellicon: Adieu.
This Play was first Acted on S. Patricks day, 1639. with the allowance of the Master of Revels.