THE DUKE OF GUISE.
A TRAGEDY. ACTED BY THEIR Majesties Servants.
WRITTEN By Mr. DRYDEN, and Mr. LEE.
[...].
LONDON, Printed by T. H. for R. Bentley in Russel-street, near the Piazza in Covent-Garden, and J. Tonson at the Judge's Head in Chancery-lane. M.DC.LXXXIII.
To the Right Honourable LAWRENCE, EARL of ROCHESTER, &c.
THE Authors of this Poem, present it bumbly to your Lordships Patronage, if you shall think it worthy of that honour. It has already been a Confessor, and was almost made a Martyr for the Royal Cause. But having stood two Tryals from its Enemies, one before it was Acted, another in the Representation, and having been in both acquitted, 'tis now to stand the Publick Censure in the reading: Where since, of necessity, it must have the same Enemies, we hope it may also find the same Friends; and therein we are secure not only of the greater-Number, but of the more Honest and Loyal Party. We only expected bare Justice in the Permission to have it Acted; and that we had, after a severe and long Examination, from an Upright and knowing Judge, who having heard both sides, and examin'd the Merits of the Cause in a strict perusal of the Play, gave Sentence for us, that it was neither a Libel, nor a Parallel of particular Persons. In the Representation it self, it was persecuted with so notorious Malice by one side, that it procur'd us the Partiality of the other; so that the Favour more than recompenc'd the Prejudice: And 'tis happier to have been sav'd (if so we were) by the Indulgence of our good and faithful Fellow-Subjects, than by our own Deserts; because thereby the weakness of the Faction is discover'd, which in us, at that time, attack'd the Government; and stood combin'd, like the Members of the Rebellious League, against the Lawful Soveraign Authority. To what Topique will they have recourse, when they are manifestly beaten from their chief Post, which has [Page] always been Popularity, and Majority of Voices? They will tell us, That the Voices of a People are not to be gather'd in a Play-House; and yet even there, the Enemies as well as Friends have free Admission; but while our Argument was ferviceable to their Interests, they cou'd boast that the Theaters were True Protestant, and came insulting to the Plays, where their own Triumphs were represented. But let them now assure themselves, that they can make the major part of no Assembly, except it be a Meeting-House. Their Tyde of Popularity is spent, and the natural Current of Obedience is in spight of them, at last prevalent. In which, my Lord, after the merciful Providence of God, the unshaken Resolution, and prudent Carriage of the King, and the inviolable Duty, and manifest Innocence of his Royal Highness, the prudent Management of the Ministers is also most conspicuous. I am not particular in this Commendation, because I am unwilling to raise Envy to your Lordship, who are too just not to defire that Praise shou'd be communicated to others, which was the common Endeavor and Co-operation of all. 'Tis enough, my Lord, that your own Part was neither obscure in it, nor unhazardous. And if ever this excellent Government so well establish'd by the Wisdom of our Forefathers, and so much shaken by the Folly of this Age, shall recover its ancient Splendor, Posterity cannot be so ungrateful, as to forget those, who in the worst of Times, have stood undaunted by their King and Countrey, and for the Safeguard of both, have expos'd themselves to the malice of false Patriots, and the madness of an headstrong Rabble. But since this glorious Work is yet unfinish'd, and though we have reason to hope well of the success, yet the Event depends on the unsearchable Providence of Almighty God, 'tis no time to raise Trophees, while the Victory is in dispute: but every man by your examplē, to contribute what is in his power, to maintain so just a Cause, on which depends the future Settlement and [Page] Prosperity of Three Nations. The Pilot's Prayer to Neptune was not amiss, in the middle of the Storm: Thou may'st do with me, O Neptune, what thou pleasest, but I will be sure to hold fast the Rudder. We are to trust firmly in the Deity, but so as not to forget, that be commonly works by second Causes, and admits of our Endeavors with his concurrence. For our own parts, we are sensible as we ought, how little we can contribute with our weak assistance. The most we can boast of, is, that we are not so inconsiderable as to want Enemies, whom we have rais'd to our selves on no other account, than that we are not of their number: and since that's their Quarrel, they shall have daily occasion to hate us more. 'Tis not, my Lord, that any man delights to see himself pasquin'd and affronted by their inveterate Scriblers, but on the other side it ought to be our glory, that themselves believe not of us what they write. Reasonable men are well satisfi'd for whose sakes the venom of their Party is shed on us, because they see that at the same time, our Adversaries spare not those to whom they owe Allegiance and Veneration. Their Despair has push'd them to break those Bonds; and 'tis observable, that the lower they are driven, the more violently they write: As Lucifer and his Companions were only proud when Angels, but grew malicious when Devils. Let them rail, since 'tis the only solace of their miseries, and the only revenge, which we hope they now can take. The greatest and the best of men are above their reach, and for our meanness, though they assault us like Foot-padders in the dark, their Blows have done us little barm; we yet live, to justifie our selves in open day, to vindicate our Loyalty to the Government, and to assure your Lordship, with all Submission and Sincerity, that we are
PROLOGUE.
EPILOGUE.
Dramatis Personae.
- The King
- Mr. Kynaston.
- Duke of Guise
- Mr. Betterton.
- Duke of Mayenne
- Mr. Jevon.
- Grillon
- Mr. Smith.
- The Cardinal of Guise
- Mr. Wiltshyre.
- Archbishop of Lyons
- Mr. Perin.
- Alphonso Corso
- Mr. Monfert.
- Polin
- Mr. Bowman.
- Aumalo
- Mr. Carlile.
- Bussy
- Mr. Saunders.
- The Curate of St. Eustace
- Mr. Vnderhill.
- Malicorne
- Mr. Percival.
- Melanax, a Spirit
- Mr. Gillo.
- Two Sheriffs
- Bright and Samford.
- Citizens and Rabble, &c.
- Queen-Mother
- Lady Slingsby.
- Marmoutier
- Mrs. Barry.
SCENE, PARIS.
THE DUKE of GUISE.
ACT. I.
SCEN. I.
I have been taking godly pains, to satisfie some Scruples rais'd amongst weak Brothers of our Party, that were staggering in the Cause.
What cou'd they find t' Object?
They thought, to Arm against the King was Treason.
I hope you set 'em right?
That in case of Opposition from any person whatsoever╌
That's well, that's well; then the King is not excepted, if he oppose us╌
But how can he rebell?
I'll make it out: Rebellion is an Insurrection against the Government; but they that have the Power are actually the Government: Therefore if the People have the Power, the Rebellion is in the King.
A most convincing Argument for Faction.
Since we are prov'd to be above the King; I wou'd gladly understand whom we are to obey; or whether we are to be all Kings together?
An Officer that has betray'd his Trust; and therefore we have turn'd him out of Service.
Agreed, agreed.
I say Amen to that.
You are our Champion; Buckler of our Faith.
Why then my Choice is made.
And mine.
And all.
What say you, Curate?
I hope well, my Lord.
Or dispatch him: I love to make all sure.
What Counsel does the Fate of Guise require?
Have you not told her what we have in hand?
Why then, we're all undone.
Ah Guise, you are undone.
How, Madam?
Why do you leave the Court?
The Court leaves me.
Can I help this?
Ha, Madam! Why this Posture?
Come, 'tis but Counterfeit; you dare not go.
Go to your Government, and try.
I will.
Then I'll to Court, nay, to the King.
Possible!
Speak lower.
Contain your self; this Outrage will undo us.
No more.
The Council of Sixteen attend you.
ACT II.
SCENE I.
Call Colonel Grillon, the King would speak with him.
Was ever Age like this?
When is this Council to be held again?
Immediately upon the Duke's departure.
But wherefore seems the King so unresolv'd?
Yet after all, could we but fix him.
Alphonso Corso.
Sir.
I think thou lov'st me.
More than my Life.
The Provocation, Sir.
Tully was wise, but wanted Constancy.
Oh, Madam.
Sir.
You would Embark me in a Sea of Blood.
He comes to take his leave.
Why do you Sir? Death, let me tell the Traytor?
Shall I fight him?
I charge thee not.
Scene 2. The Louvre.
Woman!
Priest, Corso, Devils! how she carries it!
Death and the Devil!
Is this the Heavenly?
Sir, I have business for your Ear.
Retire.
Let me beseech you, Colonel, no more.
Thou a╌hot old Hair-brain'd Fool.
'Tis false.
Is't possible?
Grillon, submit your self, and ask his pardon.
Pardon me, I cannot do't.
Where are the Guards?
Excellent Loyalty, to lock you up!
Mark'd you his hollow accents at the parting?
Graves in his Smiles.
ACT III.
SCENE I.
Ruine to the City! marry, Heaven forbid!
Dead, Colonel!
Undone, undone!
Blooded, Colonel!
Why, Sir, mayn't Citizens be sav'd?
Colonel, you speak us plain.
For what, pray Colonel, if we may be so bold?
Good Colonel!
Mercy, good Colonel.
Collonel, a word.
I hold no speech with Villains.
But, Sir, it may concern your Fame and Safety.
Hate then the Traytor, but yet love the Treason.
Why, are not you a Villain?
'Tis confess'd.
Fore God I'le beat thee, if thou urge me farther.
Thou ly'st, damn'd Villain.
Hell-hound, avant.
Forgive my honest meaning.
By Heav'n, by all that's good╌
I do, and bless the Godlike Arm that sav'd me.
Forbid it Heaven!
And prostitute thy Honour to the King.
By Arms, by Honesty, I swear thou lov'st him.
You must not go.
O stay!
I wo'n not.
I discompose you, Sir.
Love me, my Lord?
O, Madam, rise.
Sound Wind, and Limb, fore God a gallant Girl.
O never, Sir.
You know, Sir, 'tis impossible, no more.
'Tis well, Sir, I have lost my aim, farewell.
Come back, O stay, my Life flows after you.
I will, but on your Royal word, no more.
Colonel, your Ear.
The bruises of his Loyalty have craz'd him.
Why, Malicorn?
Sir, do not see the King.
I will.
'Tis dangerous.
What, Marmoutiere!
She has seen the King.
I thought she might. A trick upon me, well.
Passion o'both sides.
His thou meanest.
And up again, no matter.
Now all in Tears, now smiling, sad at parting.
Away.
She's lodg'd at Court.
'Tis false, they do belye her.
But, Sir, I saw the Apartment.
What, at Court?
Peace, Brother.
Have you no temper?
Scene the Third.
What mean these Shouts?
My Lord, the Guise is come.
Is't possible! ha, Grillon, said'st thou, come?
Why droops the Royal Majesty? O Sir╌
Sir, the Guise waits.
He enters on his Fate.
You shall, I'le see him, and I'le spare him now.
What will you say?
Yet you'l relent when this hot fit is over.
ACT IV.
SCENE the Louvre.
I sent you word you should not come.
Sir, that I came╌
Sir, will you please with patience but to hear me?
To head the Factious Crowd.
To clear my Innocence.
Your Guards oppose'em.
Why not? a Multitude's a Bulky Coward.
So Galba thought.
But Galba was not Caesar.
I still maintain, 'twas wisely done to spare him.
Wou'd they / were here, and I were at their head.
Send Mareschal Byron to lead 'em up.
First seize the King, and after murder him.
Officious Fiend, thou com'st uncall'd to Night.
Always uncall'd, and still at hand for mischief.
What makes the Curate of St. Eustace here?
I said, First seize the King.
Not when depos'd?
My Master had a stronger.
Then tell me thy Surmises of the future.
To morrow then.
I am glad the King has introduc'd these Guards.
Your Reason.
Suppose the City should not rise.
You wou'd be left alone╌
I wou'd, Retire.
Is't possible I dare not trust my Eyes, You are not Marmoutier.
What am I then?
Find him, who wou'd be Master of a King.
I sent not for you, Madam.
I think my Lord the King sent not for you.
Do you not fear your Visit will be known?
Then they got Traytors.
Have I said I lov'd you?
But yet, it seems, you found a King more Charming.
Then was't not Henry's fear preserv'd my Life?
And so it were.
A Dutious Loyal Subject I was ever.
I'le put it short, my Lord, depart from Paris.
Stay, or╌O Heav'n! I'le force you: Stay╌
Hold, hold a little, Fellow Citizens, and you Gentlemen of the Rabble, a word of Godly Exhortation to strengthen your hands, ere you give the Onset.
Is this a time to make Sermons? I wou'd not hear the Devil now, thô he should come in God's Name, to preach Peace to us.
Look you, Gentlemen, Sermons are not to be despis'd, We have all profited by godly Sermons that promote Sedition, Let the precious man Hold-forth.
Let him Hold-forth, let him Hold-forth.
To promote Sedition is my business: It has been so before any of you were born, and will be so when you are all dead and damn'd; I have led on the Rabble in all Ages.
That's a Lye, and a loud one. He has led the Rabble both Old and Young, that's all Ages: A heavenly sweet Man, I warrant him, I have seen him somewhere in a Pulpit.
I sown Rebellion every where.
How every where That's ano her Lye: How far have you Travel'd Friend?
Over all the World.
Now that's a Rapper.
I say, No: For, look you Gentlemen, if he has been a Traveller, he certainly says true, for he may lye by Authority.
That's the first true Syllable he has utter'd: But as how, and whereby, and when may they depose him?
When ever they have more power to Depose, than he has to Oppose, and this they may do upon the least Occasion.
Sirra, you mince the Matter; you should say, we may do it upon no Occasion, for the less the better.
Here's a Rogue now will out-shoot the Devil in his own Bow.
Some Occasion, in my mind, were not amiss; For, look you Gentlemen, if we have no Occasion, then whereby we have no Occasion to depose him; and therefore either Religion or Liberty, I stick to those Occasions: for when they are gone, Goodnight to Godliness and Freedom.
When the most are of one side, as that's our case, we are always in the right; for they that are in power, will ever be the Judges: So that if we say White is Black, poor White must lose the Cause, and put on Mourning, for White is but a single Syllable, and we are a whole Sentence: Therefore go on boldly, and lay on resolutely for your Solemn League and Covenant, and if here be any squeamish Conscience who fears to fight against the King, tho I that have known you Citizens these thousand years, suspect not any, let such understand, That his Majesties Politick Capacity is to be distinguish'd from his Natural; and though you murder him in one, you may preserve him in the other, and so much for this time, because the Enemy is at hand.
How the Devil does he know this?
Therefore fight lustily for the Cause of Heaven, and to make even Tallies for your Sins, which that you may do with a better Conscience, I absolve you both, and all the rest of you: Now go on merrily, for those that escape shall avoid killing; and those who do not escape, I will provide for in another world.
Come on, Fellow-Soldiers, Commilitones, that's my word, as 'twas Julius Caesar's of Pagan memory; 'fore God I am no Speech-maker, but there are the Rogues, and here's Bilbo, that's a word and a blow; we must either cut their Throats, or they cut ours, that's pure necessity for your comfort. Now if any man can be so unkind to his own Body, for I meddle not with your Souls, as to stand still like a good Christian, and offer his Weeson to a Butcher's Whittle, I say no more but that he may be sav'd, and that's the best can come on him.
Hey for the Duke of Guise and Property, Up with Religion and the Cause, and down with those Arbitrary Rogues there: Stand to't you Associated Cuckolds.
O Rogues, O Cowards, Damn these Half-strain'd Shop-keepers, Got between Gentlemen and City-Wives, how Naturally they quake, and run away from their own Fathers, Twenty Souls a Penny were a dear Bargain of'em.
O spare me sweet Colonel, I am but a young Beginner, and new set up
Look you, Colonel, 'twas out of no ill meaning to the Government, all that I did, was pure Obedience to my Wife.
Tear him piece-meal, tear him piece-meal.
Carry me off quickly, you were best, and hang me decently, according to my first Sentence.
Look, you, Colonel, you are too bulky to be carried off all at once, a Leg or an Arm is one Man's Burden:
Look you, Colonel, for your saving me, I thank you heartily, whereby that Debt's paid; but for speaking Treason against my anointed Wife, that's a new Reck'ning between us.
Vive Guise.
Where have you learnt to spare inveterate Foes?
You know the Book,
Like those that hang their Noses o're a Potion and Qualm, and keck, and take it down by Sipps.
SCENE, The LOUVRE.
Dismist with such Contempt?
Yes, Faith, we past like beaten Romans underneath the Fork.
Give me my Arms.
For what?
I'le lead you on.
Troth I can't find'em much inclin'd to perishing.
Death, Had I wings, yet I would scorn to fly.
Forsake my Regal Town.
It must not, cannot be.
No, nor shall not Wench, as long as my Soul wears a Body.
ACT. V.
SCENE, The Castle of Bloise.
WElcome Colonel, welcome to Bloise.
Who lookt for an Assembly of the States?
When the King was escap'd from Paris, and got out of the Toyles, 'twas time for the Guise to take 'em down, and pitch others: That is, to treat for the Calling of a Parliament, where being sure of the major part, he might get by Law, what he had miss'd by Force.
But why should the King assemble the States, to satisfie the Guise after so many Affronts?
For the same reason that a Man in a Duel says, he has received satisfaction when he is first wounded, and afterwards difarm'd.
But why this Parliament at Blois, and not at Paris?
Because no Barricado's have been made at Blois: This Blois is a very little Town, and the King can draw it after him. But Paris is a damn'd, unweildy Bulk, and when the Preachers draw against the King, a Parson in a Pulpit is a devilish Fore-horse. Besides, I found in that Insurrection, what dangerous Beasts these Townsmen are; I tell you, Colonel, a Man had better deal with ten of their Wives, than with one zealous Citizen:
O your inspir'd Cuckold is most implacable.
Is there any seeming kindness between the King, and the Duke of Guise?
Yes, most wonderful: They are as dear to one another, as an old Usurer, and a rich young Heir upon a Mortgage. The King is very Loyal to the Guise, and the Guise is very gracious to the King: Then the Cardinal of Guise, and the Archbishop of Lyons, are the two Pendants, that are always hanging at the Royal Ear; They ease His Majesty of all the Spiritual business, and the Guise of all the Temporal, so that the King is certainly the happiest Prince in Christenaom, without any care upon him: so yielding up every thing to his Loyal Subjects that he's infallibly in the way of being the greatest, and most glorious King in all the world.
Yet I have heard, he made a sharp reflecting Speech upon their Party at the opening of the Parliament, admonish'd Men of their Duties, pardon'd what was past, but seem'd to threaten Vengeance, if they persisted for the future.
Yes, and then they all took the Sacrament together: He promising to unite himself to them, and they to obey him according to the Laws; yet the very next morning they went oh, [Page 57] in pursuance of their old Commonwealth designs, as violently as ever.
Now am I dull enough to think they have broken their Oath.
I but you are but one private Man, and they are the three States; And if they Vote that they have not broken their Oaths, Who is to be Judge?
There's One above.
I hope you mean in Heaven, or else you are a bolder Man than I am in Parliament-time; but here comes the Master and my Neece.
Heaven preserve him, if a Man may pray for him without Treason.
O Yes, You may pray for him, the Preachers of the Guises side, do that most formally: Nay, You may be suffer'd Civilly to drink his Health, be of the Court, and keep a place of Profit under him: For, in short, 'tis a judg'd Case of Conscience, to make your best of the King, and to side against him.
VVell, I dare trust my Neece, even tho'she comes of my own Family; but if she Cuckolds my good Opinion of her Honesty, there's a whole Sex fall'n under a General Rule without one Exception.
You bid my Uncle wait you.
Yes.
This hour.
I think it was.
Something of moment hangs upon this hour.
And you desire their meaning.
I dare not ask, and yet perhaps may ghess.
You hate the Guise.
True, I did hate him.
And you hate him still.
I am reconcil'd.
He has submitted.
In show, for in effect he still insults.
Well, Kings must bear sometimes.
What said you, ha! what mean you Marmoutier?
Nay, what mean you? That Start betray'd you, Sir.
'Tis an open Town.
What then!
Where you are strongest.
Well, what then?
No more, but you have Power, and are provok'd.
Can I unknow it?
No, but keep it secret.
If this be needful.
I did but yet╌
Can you doubt it?
What was't?
Succession.
Things necessary must sometimes be sudden.
No sudden danger threatens you, my Lord.
He stands suspected, Sir, of Heresie.
Has he been call'd to make his just defence?
That needs not, for 'tis known.
To whom?
The Commons.
We grant it has not, but╌
Then Heresy's entail'd upon the Throne.
Some say revengeful.
Sir, we have many Arguments to urge╌
'Tis just the pointed hour you bid me wait.
I hear the Guise will be Lieutenant-General.
And canst thou suffer it?
Nay, if you will suffer it, then well may I.
If Kings will be so civil to their Subjects, to give up all things tamely, they first turn Rebels to themselves, and that's a fair example for their Friends; 'Slife, Sir, 'tis a dangerous matter to be Loyal on the wrong side, to serve my Prince in spight of him; if you'l be a Royalist your self, there are Millions of honest Men will fight for you; but if you wo'n not, there are few will hang for you.
Yes, and a Point too; I'le challenge him:
╌I bid thee kill him.
╌So I mean to do.
╌Without thy hazard.
╌Dost thou not hate him?
╌Yes.
'Tis all confest, and yet I dare not do't.
Go, Thou art a Coward.
You are my King.
Thou say'st thou dar'st not kill him.
Yes, when a Man wou'd have kill'd me.
When I disclose it, think I am a Coward.
I wo'n not.
Hoh, hoh, hoh.
Well, and what of that?
Not full Nine Minutes.
Thou ly'st, look on thy Bond, and view the date.
Then wilt thou stand to that without Appeal?
I will so, help me Heav'n.
There's Equity in Heaven for this, a Cheat.
Then I am lost for ever.
Thou art.
O why was I not warn'd before?
Yes, to repent then thou hadst cheated me.
Then I have hope.
The Devil foretold it dying Malicorne.
I know not, I begin to taste his Reasons.
Do you not wonder at this Visit, Sir?
Keep your Obedience, by the Saints you live.
╌By Heaven then you'r for sworn, you've broke your Vows.
╌By you the Justice of the Earth I have not.
╌By you Dissembler of the world you have, I know the King.
╌I do believe you, Madam.
╌I have try'd you both.
╌Not me, the King you mean.
╌You must, you will, and smile upon my Murder.
╌Did I not tell you, Sir?
This Night, my Lord, I'm a Recluse for ever.
Why Madam, why?
And O let me return it with another.
My Lord, your Brother and the Archbishop wait you.
SCENE II.
Are your Guards doubl'd, Captain?
Sir, They are.
Well, Colonel, Are we Friends?
Faith, I think not.
Give me your Hand.
No, for that gives a Heart.
Yet we shall clasp in Heaven.
True Grillon still.
My Lord.
SCENE III.
I do not like my self to day.
╌A Qualm, he dares not.
╌That's one Man's thought, he dares, and that's anothers.
Ha! He's fall'n, chafe him: He comes agen.
I beg your Pardons, Vapours no more.
My Lord of Guise, the King would speak with you.
I say agen, that Henry dares not do't.
Murderers, Villains!
I hear your Brother's voice, run to the door.
Help, help, the Guise is murder'd.
Help, help.
We must obey, my Lord, for Heaven calls us
A little mended, Sir, what have you done?
ADVERTISEMENT.
THere was a Preface intended to this Play, in Vindication of it, against two scurrilous Libels lately printed: But it was judg'd, that a Defence of this nature wou'd require more room, than a Preface reasonably could allow: For this Cause, and for the Importunity of the Stationers, who hasten'd their Impression, 'tis deferr'd for some little time, and will be printed by it self. Most men are already of Opinion, that neither of the Pamphlets deserve an Answer, because they are stuff'd with open Falsities, and sometimes contradict each other; but, for once, they shall have a day or two thrown away upon them, though I break an old Custom for their sakes, which was to scorn them.